snow on snow on snow

Things that were yelled out the door to me while I shoveled the driveway this morning:

"Mom, help! I have a never-ending booger!"
"Mom, I accidentally tried to make myself a chocolate sandwich and it is the worst sandwich I ever did. I'm sorry, Mom."
"Mom, come inside and wipe my butt! Evan says it has brown on it!"
"Mom, hurry and come in and watch this part of the show."
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" (from Lily, when she managed to get the door part-way open and fell out into the snow.)
"I want to come HELP!"

So, yeah, a pretty quiet morning, all in all.

'bout time. 'bout time.

I took the kids on a crazy road trip this summer and the question I was most frequently asked by the family and friends I visited, besides "How are you not going crazy?", was "Are you ever going to start blogging again?". And because I promised people that I love that I would start blogging again, I'm reopening the story of my life. This time, because I know only seven people read this, I'm just going to use our real names. I'll include real stories from our really boring life. I will post pictures of my really adorable children. Here we go.

reasons to celebrate

Remember back when I had that one baby? This one?

Well, guess who just turned two?

Gulliver is the most enchanting baby, now toddler, that I can imagine. I can't believe how much "little boy" he is--his days are filled with climbing, throwing, chasing, riding, running, sliding, and pretty much non-stop action.

Gulliver loves books, puzzles, cars, and shape matching games. He is delighted with bubbles, balloons, and things that light up. His favorite shows are Kipper the Dog (oh, how he loves Kipper) and Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. I am planning on another summer outside at the park and the swimming pool because this kid hates staying inside.

I've learned to identify all the construction vehicles we see along the road so that I can point them out to him. Did you wonder whether that digger had a track hoe or a back hoe? Because I can tell you. He identifies all the animals you can think of and makes their sounds. He is very persistently verbal--he will repeat something over and over and over and over and over until I acknowledge what he is saying and either agree with him or correct him.

There are very few words he doesn't know or at least attempt to pronounce. I realize I am biased, but I think that he speaks very clearly. Some words that I love his mispronunciation of are Grandpa (PopPa), pacifier (vaver), strawberry (bob berry), elephant (eh-fan), toys (foys), vacuum (roger), and Easter (e-chair). Last night Somebody was holding Hiccup, and Hiccup was making typical baby noises (grunt grunt gurgle coo), and Somebody said to Gulliver, "What is Hiccup saying?" Gulliver responded by very accurately mimicking the exact baby noises, "Grunt grunt gurgle coo." He cracks us up.

I can't believe that two years have passed. I am just thrilled (and more than a little proud) of the funny, kind, and smart person that Gulliver is. Happy Birthday, Baby.

And then I went and had that other baby? This one?

We call him Hiccup. He is now five months old (five months!) and had his first solid food tonight.He seemed a little reluctant at first, but quickly decided that food was something he liked. No surprise there.

all that ends well

1. I am grateful for sleeping babies.

2. I am grateful for a firm knowledge of who I am, who I can become, and the steps I need to take to bridge that gap.

3. I am grateful for examples all around me of the best kind of people this world has to offer. Everyday I see people who do their best, make do with less so that they can give to others, reach out with friendship and goodwill, use their time wisely, showcase creativity and the power of creation, stand courageously in the face of a raging tempest, love without reciprocation, serve without acknowledgement, and diligently try to be a little better every day. I am inspired and awed. I am beyond blessed to be on the receiving end of so much goodness and I only hope that when the roles are reversed I can be and do and exemplify even a small part of what I have been given.

modern conveniences

1. I am grateful that Somebody stayed home from work today so that he could help me out while I'm still having trouble sitting, and because I could never have managed that pediatrician visit without him. Also, I'm not allowed to drive just yet so he was kind of vital in getting us out of the house.

2. I am grateful that my dad has a huge, deep, jetted tub at his house. Using it might have been the highlight of my afternoon. I envision many visits to his house in the next two weeks. Oh, wait, I already visit his house almost daily. I'm grateful he hasn't gotten sick of seeing me yet.

3. I am grateful for a washing machine and dryer to clean up the already growing pile of burp cloths and dirty baby clothes.

still thinking about that tomato bisque

1. I am grateful that the food at the hospital has been, on the whole, quite yummy.

2. I am grateful that the same nurse was working all three days I was in the hospital. Molly was the greatest. It was really nice to have someone who was there with me from the first time I got off the "have a baby here" bed all the way up until I checked out today.

3. I am grateful that I listened to a session of general conference today (because I had to do something churchy since I was missing church) and got to hear this great message about gratitude over again: The Divine Gift of Gratitude, by President Thomas S Monson. I especially love this part:

"Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings. This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways. We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude."

ask, and ye shall receive

1. I am grateful for my doctor. She wasn't on call this weekend but she knew that it mattered to me to have her there to deliver the baby. And so she came in. She has been nothing but supportive and encouraging and I hope we stay here long enough that she can deliver all the babies we choose to have.

2. I am grateful that Gulliver's first meeting with Baby this morning went really well. He was thrilled to see me again (of course!) but then was actually very excited to see Baby. One of the first things he did was offer to share his blanket, which, if you know how much Gulliver LOVES his blanket, is kind of a big deal and a very sweet gesture. Then he wanted to touch Baby's face and give kisses. I kind of expected him to start poking Baby's eyes out, but he was soft and gentle and seemed just fine with having a baby around.

3. I am grateful that so many family and friends took time to come and visit us in the hospital (or call, email, text, etc.) I felt very loved and taken care of.

my three boys

1. First, I am grateful for Somebody. I'm grateful he was willing to hold my hand and cheer me on and be immensely supportive. I could not have made it through this morning without without him. He was totally worth waiting for and every single day I am grateful that he is my husband. I love him.

2. Second, I am grateful for Gulliver. I can't imagine that someone could have a more delightful first child than I have. He is funny and smart and helpful and playful and makes me laugh a million times each day. I find him so cute that I sometimes can't stop staring at him. His hugs and kisses are always good parts of my day. I love him.

3. Third, I am grateful for Baby. He forced me to wait and wait to meet him, but then surprised me by rushing right into arriving as soon as he had made up his mind to come. I know everyone says that pregnancy is worth it because of the baby you get at the end, and I'm grateful that the statement is true--that all the unpleasantness of the past nine months just disappears the instant that screaming, goopy, slightly swollen baby gets laid on your chest. I hardly know him, and I love him already.

i think that was a real snort

Happy Thanksgiving!

1. I am grateful for a refrigerator full of Thanksgiving leftovers.

2. I am grateful that dinner tonight was walnut-crusted fish and sweet potato fries (and, fingers crossed, strawberry shakes) instead of Thanksgiving leftovers.

3. I am grateful that Charity taught us how to play "Tap Tap Oink" today and that we all could laugh and laugh and laugh while we played the game. It almost made up for the fact that I am still pregnant.

And a bonus gratitude quote for Thanksgiving:

There was a time when I was in a state of utter despair, immersed in guilt over promises made on which I had not delivered. I went to my vocal coach, Fred Wilkerson, weeping copiously. He asked what was the matter. I responded, "I'm going crazy, I am almost at the brink of suicide." He offered me a legal-size, lined yellow pad and a pen. He said, "Write down your blessings!" Furious that he didn't understand my condition, I shouted, "Don't talk nonsense, I'm telling you I am going crazy." He said, "Write down that you could hear me say 'write down' and think of the millions who can not hear the cries of their babies, or the sweet words of their beloveds, or the alarm that could help them seek safety. Write down that you can see this yellow pad and think of the millions on this planet who cannon see the smiles of their growing children or the delight in the faces of their beloveds, or the colors of the sunrise and the softness of the twilight. Write down that you know how to write. Write down that you know to read." Wilkie, as he was known, gave me that lesson in 1955. Fifty-five years later, I have written 31 books, essays, plays, and lyrics for songs--all on yellow pads. I remain in an attitude of gratitude.

-Maya Angelou

an early turkey day

1. I am grateful that family was able to gather for a yummy, fun, laid-back Thanksgiving dinner tonight, leaving all day tomorrow and Friday and Saturday for relaxing.

2. I am grateful for modern medicine and the ability my doctor has to "look" inside my body and tell me that the baby is still doing just fine.

3. I am grateful that Russell (and Charity) and Heidi made sacrifices to their schedules (and finances) and traveled long distances to be with us in Kansas for Thanksgiving this year. I am also grateful that Joe and my parents live nearby and we were able to find a time we could all be together and so we had an almost complete family gathering. I had a wonderful time visiting with them and laughing and telling stories.

seriously does not want a surprise party

1. I am grateful for Somebody. Today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Hunny! I love you! He doesn't want a surprise party. Or cake. Or really acknowledgement of any kind. But I am so thrilled that he was born that I have a hard time not wanting to celebrate. (Note to new baby: Dad said he would happily share his birthday with you. Come on out, now.)

2. I am grateful that Gulliver (and Somebody) have a natural body temperature noticeably higher than mine so that sitting next to either one of them on cold days is like sitting with a heating pad. Tis awesome. I don't love this so much in the summer, so it's a good thing this gratitude list happens when the weather is chilly.

3. I am grateful for my friend Janssen's suggestion to use the junk mail paper with blank back sides as junk printing paper for maps and coupons and other throw-away type things. I LOVE not wasting my good paper on things that I'm not going to keep.

look away. i'm hideous.

1. I am glad that Somebody and I were able to make very last-minute plans to rush out and see the Harry Potter movie. Other bonuses: my dad agreed to watch Gulliver, the huge theater had only 20 other people there so we had great seats, my pack-along and eat in the car meal of pizza twists worked great, I didn't have to leave the movie to go to the bathroom, AND I got to spend two and a half hours holding my husband's hand. It was a great night.

2. I am grateful that the new baby who doesn't want to be born yet is at least very healthy. And maybe if he wants to go even a few more days of not being born then I'll get to spend Thanksgiving with my family instead of in the hospital.

3. I am grateful for my home teacher, especially when he brings his lovely wife and children over to visit with him and we get to laugh, share a spiritual message, and get to know each other better. Love it.

i bribe my son with suckers

1. I am grateful for Baby Signing Time and how Gulliver has embraced communicating in sign language. It has made this period of time when he knows what he wants but doesn't have the vocal skills to tell me about it a much easier time. I love that he can sign to me what he wants.

2. I am grateful that our burning bushes are finally starting to turn red. We were worried that they were defective, but apparently they are just slow bloomers.

3. I am grateful for gift certificates that allow me to get, for little or no cost, things that I want but don't need and so would never make it to the top of my purchase list.

officially overdue

1. I am grateful for a laptop computer so I can sit on my comfortable couch and surf the internet.

2. I am grateful that I was actually able to fall asleep in the car today and get a much needed 20 minutes of rest. I'm also grateful that then, when we got home, Somebody was willing to remain on duty as the primary parent so I could sleep another hour.

3. I am grateful that next door to the optometrist office we went to today was a donut shop. What a happy discovery! So of course we went in and made a purchase. And they had this delicious orange glazed donut that just rocked my world. Oh yum, yum, yum, yum.

even caramel corn is not making me feel better

1. I am grateful for my mother. Today is her birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! I am grateful for her good example; her enthusiasm; her desire to plan ahead; and her mad, mad cleaning skills.

2. I am grateful for unexpected field trips that get us out of the house and allow Gulliver the opportunity to run around...with someone other than me willing to chase him.

3. I am grateful that my doctor is not forcing an induction and is letting me wait until I go into labor naturally. Perhaps I will be less grateful for this when I'm a week past my due date, but for now the waiting feels like the right thing to do and so I'm happy to have her complete support.

are they all yours?

1. I am grateful for friends who are willing to share their Costco membership benefits with me. And who will walk around the store with four little girls in the cart, attracting all kinds of lovely attention, just so I can pick up some garbage bags and diapers.

2. I am grateful for the smell of clean laundry. I don't mind doing laundry anyway, but the yummy, fresh, clean smell makes it an even easier chore.

3. I am grateful for Gulliver's curls. They often cause people to assume he is a girl (why? because only little girls have curly hair?) but I think they are just the cutest things and will be sad if/when he outgrows them.

just a spoonful of sugar

1. I am grateful for blankets for warmth and tissues for wiping and a not-so-small baby to snuggle while I wipe a gucky little nose and hold a tiny little hand and hope that no one else in this family catches his cold.

2. I am grateful that I get to be here to see the little developmental growths in Gulliver. For example, just now he was trying to fit two pieces of toy together that didn't match--he was trying to match a blue piece and a purple piece. Across the room were other pieces in a variety of colors and I pointed to them and said, "You need to get a blue piece. Go over there and get more. Get a blue piece." And he walked over and picked up a blue piece and brought it to me! Coincidence? I kind of think not. He is getting so good at understanding my directions and actually doing most of the things I ask (as long as they don't involve the words diaper, nap, no, and DON'T PUSH THAT BUTTON!). It is delightful to watch him grow and learn and discover new things.

3. I am grateful (at least I'm trying really, really hard to be) for each additional day I have without a new baby so that I can continue on with cleaning the house, finishing projects, cooking meals, watching movies with Somebody, playing and reading with Gulliver, and as much as possible trying not to focus on the fact that I can't control the moment when everything is going to change.

"you are not allowed to start any more projects"

1. I am grateful that so many friends and family members so willingly pass along the baby items that they are not using anymore. It has saved us hundreds of dollars and it is kind of fun knowing that Gulliver (and, soon, the new baby) is enjoying the toy/bed/clothes that the children of those I love have also enjoyed.

2. I am grateful that Somebody was very, very patient with me tonight as I worked hard to finish yet another project (sadly, it is not yet finished) even though I was neglecting everything around me. He didn't complain at all about having to cook dinner, wash dishes, put the baby to bed, fold laundry, and clean the living room while I furiously sewed and sewed and sewed some more.

3. I am grateful that a temple is being built in Kansas City and that this time next year we will only have a 35 minute drive to the temple. How wonderful!

brought to you by neighbors with sesame oil

1. I am grateful for the moment of relief when I actually do something that I have been dreading doing. It makes me wonder why I sometimes procrastinate things so long and live with the guilt of the unfinished assignment, because the relief of just getting it done is so sweet. I could have been guilt free for weeks! I could have moved on and put this thing behind me! But no, I dragged my feet and stalled and whined. I made excuses. I made myself busy with other "very important things." But tonight I just sat down and didn't let myself have even one more cookie until I did the things I had committed to TWO MONTHS ago. And it only took me an hour and a half. And a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Man, this is a good moment.

2. I am grateful that this afternoon was the perfect weather for a long walk around the neighborhood. I'm kind of dreading the next three months of cold temperatures and icy roads when the sun will not shine and it will be too cold to play and so we'll sit in the house all those cold, cold, wet days. I am grateful we had an unscheduled afternoon and were able to enjoy what might be our last hurrah of fall.

3. I am grateful for go-to recipes that the whole family will eat and that come together with less than 20 minutes of kitchen time. Are you looking for one for tomorrow? Here you go.

this is not a time-suck

1. I am grateful that when Gulliver turned off the power on the computer power strip last night, turning off the computer just as I was finishing my gratitude email, that gmail actually saved my writing at the last second and when I got on the computer today my list from the last two days was still there.

2. I am grateful that Gulliver is a very snugly boy who loves to sit in laps, give hugs, hold hands, and in all ways be physically connected to those he loves (especially when he has been recently bathed and smells delicious). I do also appreciate the time he prefers to play independently and run around on his own, but I love, love, love that in the end he always comes back for comfort.

3. I am grateful for lessons at church that touch on a subject/quality/area where I know I could be better and that actually motivate me to make changes in my life.