Typo?
I am sitting here with Maddie going through her schedule, she showed me where her classes are for “a” day and then as she was showing me her “b” day she pointed out that she would start her day in Sign Language which is in room 225 ~ but she pointed to room 228 and told me that it was a typo. (I picked up her schedule and looked at her classes) Nope it is not a typo if you look at her schedule she is actually in room 205 and English (which is an “a” day class) is in room 225 (something we discussed only minutes before). I laughed (and I am still laughing). She is so silly. I love when she is in a good mood; I just wish that it would last a little bit longer.
I never would have thought…..
Before family vacationing I spend at least two days cleaning, organizing, and preparing. Today I left the house without vacuuming, mopping the floor, or cleaning two of my three bathrooms (however, my laundry is caught up). I am here in Cedar City without my personal shampoo, conditioner, or body wash (poor planning ~ not on purpose). I will admit that there is a part of me that is struggling with leaving my worries of home at home and to just be in the moment but this will be a good experience for me. I need to be able to let things go and realize that I can not control/do everything.
(This post is mostly for my benefit)
Does this ever happen to you?
I woke up this morning at 5 and I have been busy ALL DAY! I love crossing things off my list and today was the day to catch up. Around 8:45 this evening my phone started ringing – it was the sound it makes that reminds me of some appointment. I quickly went to find it hoping that I did not miss something or for that matter have a church responsibility. I picked up my phone and read my appointment ~ Spend time with your husband and be nice! 9:00 p.m.
Oops I guess I forgot that Saturday is his one day off and maybe I should have included time with just him. (Johnny would rather have my undivided attention. I on the other hand think that time together means ANY time spent together (making jam, grocery shopping, filling the car with gas, etc)
What does a half bushel of apricots cost?
3 hours of cooking
4 loads of dishes (water, dish soap, and vinegar)
2 hours of prep (I used to be worth $13.00/hour but now I am only worth $9.00)
2 trips to your mother’s house (gas is $3.50/gallon)
$12.50 for pectin
1 1/2 cup lemon juice
$3.00 for seals
40 cups of sugar …. 25 lbs of sugar is currently $15.00 @ Sam’s Club
$2.00 for a half bushel of apricots that were mostly past the point of ripe.
Patience – although it is free it is necessary because you NEED to work with your spouse.
I spent two hours last night cleaning and prepping. Almost every apricot was mushy so I cut off what was brown or not appealing, removed the pit and saved the rest. Johnny put 24 cups of apricots into two ziploc bag with 1 cup lemon juice and placed them in the freezer over night. Today at 3:00 we started bottling jam; we finished at 6:00. I miss my mom – this is her job. She has provided jam for the last thirty seven years. Every time the mess is in her kitchen and I am at home oblivious to all of her hard work. Wow I am spoiled. Thanks mom….sorry that I did not realize this before.
Patience….
Motherhood has taught me many things but I am positive that Heavenly Father sent me my beautiful daughter to teach me patience. For example….
Now Madeline has been taught that these measuring cups will fit nicely in the cupboard if they are nested together. However she still puts them away her way. In the grand scheme of things it does not really matter but today it is bothering me….
What’s Happening….
Here are a few photos to show the progress of the Ogden Temple & the Tablernacle…..
What Would You Do?
Johnny came inside yesterday carrying two bags, dropped them on the kitchen floor and stated “cookie from the neighbors” This is not the first time the neighbors have given Johnny cookies but I did not think that it was going to become a habit. Inside were the following items:
Do not be sad and think that you would want any of these items. The oatmeal cookies fall into the overcooked category (they are brown not golden), the coconut rings include asian translation on the package, and as for the waffles I am not even sure where they originated from (they are wrapped in plastic bags without a label). What does one do? Johnny suggested that we take them to the mission, I want to throw them away.
So far this week….
Sunday we had a fairly low-key afternoon: I studied (due to procrastination), Johnny watched television, and Madeline took a long nap and read. Around 6:00 that evening my sister called and asked me four questions: Do you have wood? (no) Do you have marshmallows? (yes) Do you have Nutella? (yes) Do you have graham crackers? (yes) Then we discussed options of where we could meet, financially Plain City was the best option! I did not document the event (I was still working on homework), but we enjoyed each other’s company and wrapped everything up around nine. (Do not worry Dad, we cleaned up before we left.)
Johnny spent yesterday cleaning the back deck. It looks good enough for a BBQ (I should invite Gretchen she loves a good barbieque (her pronunciation). Maddie mowed the lawn and I went to the gym and cleaned the kitchen. That afternoon we went to see Seventeen Miracles. It covers the many miracles of the Willy Handcart Company. It was amazing; the reality of their trials and tribulations on a wide screen were emotionally heart wrenching. I hope that one day my testimony is a deep and committed as theirs.
This morning we are off to violin lessons, register at Fremont, and pick up mail at Alyson’s. Maddie is babysitting for Bridget this afternoon so I hope that I can finish up some of my school work.
Kayaking..
We have been kayaking several times but today we decided to try river kayaks. From what I understand river kayaks are easy to roll and more lightweight. In my mind I thought that if we used them in a large body of water we would to get a feel for how to use them and then we could take a class.
These boats were fairly lightweight. You sit in them and then ‘seal’ yourself in with a neoprene skirt. We had been out for about five minutes and were not far from shore when maddie tipped over. All I could was take a picture and laugh. I was helpless. Any little movement and I would have been in the same position.
(actual date 07/20/2011)
Dear mother,
Madeline was assigned to mow the lawn. This usually requires some input (help) from either Johnny or I. A few examples of the questions that were asked today:
Dad, where is the lawn mower? (Because apparently she was too lazy to really look for it. It is a lawn mower not a set of keys) (Note: Johnny is at work and I am in the house – why would she think to call him)
Mom, what do I do with this flag? (Duh, either mow around it or move it.) I did not use the Duh in my reply but I did think about it. I asked if she needed help and she said no. Minutes later I see her outside with a screw driver in one hand (the flag in the other) trying to pound the stake into the ground. I put on my shoes, walked out side and handed her a hammer.
A few more minutes pass and the mower stopped unexpectedly. I mentioned that it might be out of gas. I put on my shoes and started out the door. She replied w/”I can do it I am not retarded!” (sassy and loud demeanor). I retreated back inside. Seconds later she comes and asks “What gas do I use?” (I am laughing). I come outside to help and decide that the gas right inside the garage will work. I attempt to help her pour it into the gas tank – but according to her I ALWAYS spill it. I decided that once again my helping her is not worth my time and I went back inside.
Seconds later I receive this text.
Dear mother, I apologize for being sassy & rude independent goat. I love you, Thanks for your help. I am a little retarded.
KeepItSimple