Thoughts

It's Monday night and the kids are in bed (finally). Although it doesn't sound at all like there will be sleep anytime soon.

- Steve told me that Friday was the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger explosion. I barely remember it, but what I do remember is watching the news reports in school (first grade) and seeing the school's flag lowered. I guess this is, in some ways, how some kids will relate to 9/11.
- Had a little recital for my three oboe students on Saturday. I was proud of the efforts that were made. I had one girl that was so nervous! I also "performed" a movement of a Saint-Saens oboe Sonata that I performed in college. Gosh it's been a long time since then. Given the fact that my lungs are smooshed by baby, I consider it a miracle at all that I could even play. It wasn't wonderful, but it had some good moments. There were pictures taken, none of which I will post since I am super puffy looking.
- It seems like a lifetime ago that oboe everything was my life. Before my mission I spent half my waking hours everyday doing something directly oboe related: practice, ensemble rehearsals, lessons, teaching lessons, making reeds, etc. Oboe-ing brought me good things in life either directly or indirectly. I was kindof sad when I changed my major and thus my focus. I am glad to be teaching lessons and keeping that talent alive, but I am glad also for the balance that I have now.
- I wish I could effectively capture the hilarity of Isaac and Kate telling eachother knock-knock jokes. Neither of them has any grasp of what makes a good joke. They both think they are so funny.
- The creatures spotted during our drives through the canyon and nearby now include: moose, deer, a bald eagle, a fox (we nearly hit it), a white rabbit (without a poketwatch :)), more deer, and lots of unidentifiable creatures from a distance.
- January has seemed like a very long month to me. Bring on February!

You might be a redneck if...

So, I was just looking out the back window to make sure Isaac wasn't getting into trouble with the neighbors' dogs, when....



Ever get the feeling you're being watched?

Quick Thoughts

- How do you keep from going stir crazy without leaving the house? I have a feeling that this winter is going to need some new ideas to keep kiddos occupied while cooped up. We just don't go many places because of many things, but weather, lack of energy, trying to stay well, and distance are at the top of the list. Today's attempts include working on snuggle quilts for the kids and making some playdoh.
- The TV and I are at odds. Sortof. I guess it's a love/hate relationship. With the yard not fenced and it being so cold, going outside isn't a great option. I'm also really clumsy, er... clumsier than normal at this point, so I try to avoid the snow and ice. Long story short, I'm sick of TV, but it is saving us right now.
- Speaking of clumsy... have any of you ever spilled the sacrament tray of water on your child's head? Just wondering.
- Yesterday during oboe lessons Isaac stuck a macaroni noodle (dry) up his nose. Then he couldn't get it out so he started screaming like a banshee. Meanwhile Kate was sick and just wanted to be held. It was a good thing Steve was around and able to rehearse with my students for our little recital. It was one of those times when I think I should be paying them for their time.
- Why do kids stick things up their noses? My sister stuck tic-tacs up her nose when she was little. I may have stuck bar-soap up my nose, or maybe it was Sarah. All evidence points to the fact that all kids do it. Why?
- Isaac has he funniest ways of saying things. Yesterday he told me a CD he was holding was making a path of sunshine (reflecting) on his seat. This morning he told me it would "make me very pleased" if he could do something.
- Kate is singing "Bicycyle Built for Two" at the top of her lungs right now. The beginning, Daisy...Daisy..., is all she can really sing.

Thoughts

- Our new year is off to a good start. I didn't really want to set any resolutions this year since I figure I'll have my hands full keeping up with things I am already doing. The past couple years I have kindof kept a specific word in mind as a resolution of sorts. This year my word or goal is to be "consistent." I feel like I have a lot of semi-habits that are pretty good, but need my focus on being more consistent. More consistent quality scripture study, more consistent exercise, more consistent quality mommy time with my kids, etc.
- As I drove to a Dr. appointment with Kate in the back seat I was so happy to hear how much of a vocabulary Kate is developing. For a while we were concerned of her lack of expressive language and had her tested to see if there were any issues that needed to be addressed. They said she was behind, but nothing that needed to be addressed. Since that time it has amazed me how she has gone from 10 words at 20 months old to over 5o words and phrases at just over 2 years old. I hear her say new things every day. She still is pretty tight-lipped around other people, but she can be quite the chatterbox around us. Today she sat and sang along with the disney songs I had playing for her in the car. It was a great thing to hear.
- About the singing. I love to hear both my kids playing together in their room and singing little songs as they play. Isaac puts on quite the little performances for Kate. It is so pleasant to hear the little songs in their hearts come out.
- Not that they are always singing. They have their unpleasant moments, too.
- We are finally in possession of the dining set and bar stools that we purchased before Thanksgiving. So happy to have something of our own.
- This baby boy is quite the kicker. The nurse today was impressed with the kicks she could see while we visited. He actually made me jump at one point this morning.