2011. It's gonna be a good one.

Usually I don't post my goals for the year, but I figured if I broadcast them here, then I have to do them right? Plus then maybe I'll remember them.

1- Serve someone weekly. Kids don't count. I mean not that serving your family isn't important but I think most moms pretty much have that down. It is so much harder to make time for other people around you that need your help. I'm home all day, I am totally capable of making a neighbor dinner or babysitting someone's kids. If random treats show up on your doorstep it's probably because I had no one to serve this week. Embrace it.

2- Develop my talents. This year has been so crazy! I haven't blogged because I don't have any time. Two kids is so much more work than one, but Riley is almost 1 and Chase will be going to preschool in the Fall. I think this is a good opportunity to get back to "me". To focus on developing my own skills. I forsee a lot of baking, experimenting, and crafts gone awry. Stay tuned.

3- Go to the temple at least every other month. I know that's a pathetic goal, but we are lucky to get a date even once a month lately. So let's be realistic.
(Random tangent- a few weeks ago at Timpanogos we overheard a temple worker all of a flutter because someone had left their dentures on the bench in the endowment room. I was cracking up. What the heck were they doing taking their teeth out? It totally made my day).

4- Play with my kids more. I'm realizing just how often I think I'm "too busy" doing laundry or dishes or making dinner to really spend some quality time playing with them. When was the last time I sat down for an hour and asked what they wanted to do? With no interruptions. No running off to check the oven, or clean something I just realized was dirty, or answer a phone call. I have so many good intentions of spending time with them but it's really not "quality time" if you keep running off. They will only be little for so long, and someday I will wish I had a cuddle buddy to read a story to.
(Yes- I just ended a sentence with a preposition. Deal with it.)

For the Record

I know a post from us is going to be a big shocker, but for the record- we are still alive. I got called to the YW presidency in our ward about a year ago and ever since then things have been a whirlwind. Did I mention we had our baby?

This little guy joined our family March 3, 2010.

Riley James Hemingway-

His birth day was an absolute dream (my epidural worked this time). Everything went perfectly and for that we are so grateful. We love him to pieces. He is such a little joy and a great big piece of sunshine in our home.

He is now crawling and looks absolutely nothing like this sweet little lump. Chase loves him to bits.



(And also for the record- Blogger has changed everything in my absence and I have no idea how to do anything... maybe I'll post again next year. )

He can't be mine

I tried to give him apple crisp (with ice cream) for breakfast last Sunday. He took one bite and wanted Cheerios.

He can't be mine.

He chows down on dad's tuna fish, shrimp, and salmon, and thinks frozen peas are the best lunch ever.

He can't be mine.

He runs into Nursery every week without a glance back, or a thought that someone might push him down, make a mean face, or leave him out.

He can't be mine.

He refuses to wear socks to bed but is happy to wear pajamas that don't match.

He can't be mine.

But look at those smiley eyes, as Tim calls them,

He might be mine

Some of our family members feel like this:

Feline family members that is.

"An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.

He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks. Curious I pinned a note to his collar: "I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with 6 children -- 2 under the age of 3 -- he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

Things I'm craving

-rocks
-damp cement
-chalk
-Comet (the delicious smelling bathtub cleaner)
-the drafty fiberglass smell of our attic
-clean towels
-hospitals linens

Unfortunately I can't cook *any* of these things for dinner.

BOOO

The Terrible Two's?

I am not a fan.

Spotlight

Remember these things from primary? Here is one for Chase because he is changing and growing so fast.

-He's almost 2 years old, 27 pounds, and 33 inches tall

-He speaks mostly in 2, 3, and 4 word sentences. ("Bye Bye Uncle", "No! Other cheese!", "Ohhh Mama, look at that!", etc) Unless you spend a lot of time around him, I think he is pretty hard to understand.

-He knows most of his colors, and some of his letters and shapes. He's so incredibly observant and needs to show you EVERYTHING. You must acknowledge that what he's saying or showing you is correct or he'll shout it over and over.
EX: "momo-cycle, momocycle, MOMOCYCLE!!!... "YES, that IS a motorcycle!" (followed by silence and contentment on his part. I think he likes to be right).

-His favorite book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear", but it has to be read IN CONJUNCTION with "10 Little Animal Sleepyheads". It's insane. Once I tried to read "Polar Bear, Polar Bear" instead... and he got seriously mad.

-His favorite activities are brushing his teeth, washing his hands, and taking baths. He's a very hygienic little kid.

-When we say "I love you", he says "I know".

-The only thing that makes him cry is when I growl. I do this unconsciously when I'm frustrated, and I guess he knows it, because he bursts into tears every time. It makes me feel terrible.

-He folds his arms and bows his head for prayers, and says "amen". He recognizes Jesus in most pictures. His favorite part of FHE is the treat. His favorite prophet is "Ho-Hi" (Lehi).

-He really is a smart, sweet-tempered little boy who wants to please you all the time. We love him to bits.