Okay, so I over heard Faith on the phone with a friend last night... telling her how cool it was that I play the Wii.... and that I'm pretty good at some of the games :) At first it was a little embarassing... but then I found myself smiling... something we can relate too... the Wii... she's at the age where we don't always see "eye to eye" and yet it's so true that we can sit down and tag team on Wii games and have a lot of goofy conversations and good times. As much as I really can hate video games... there is a good side to them, if they are played and monitored appropriately they can be a fun way to bond with your kids...
And honestly I guess I just assumed all parents my age play video games... dont' they???? Faith's friend said her parents have "never played" with them. Wow... I guess I'm still a bit of a kid at heart... or else maybe I'm one of the "younger" parents... you know since I had Faith when I was 20... and a lot of other parents with kids her age were more like 30 or 40 :)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Blogs are Evil ? :)
Seriously... I hate that I sit down to "check my e-mail" and a few family and friends blogs and end up on some blog... a complete stranger... not only reading the current post but back to day one when their blog started... I leave with a lot of information about someone I'll never meet and yet... the cycle repeats... what is this evil we call "BLOGGING". Not that I'm going to give it up, but come on, I honestly wonder how many countless hours are given to reading stranger lives?
For now, the blog word will just have to continue... it's just so odd to me.... I wouldn't invite a stranger into my home and spill my guts to them... yet millions do it every day through blogging... is there really no such thing as "privacy" or has the world changed enough that we all want everyone to know how we feel... hum... I guess I will re-classify blogging... not just EVIL..
More of the "Good-Evil" like when you eat something really horribly bad for you and you know you just shouldn't but it's so "evilly good" (is evilly even a word?) you keep going.... That is how I feel about blogs... I realize it may be evil.. in the following ways:
-It consumes my time, takes time away from my kids
-It's addicting... if you don't agree... you already have a problem.
-It's too much information sharing... less is more I say
-It's a place for the awful side of people to be seen, things we wouldn't say to someones face are much more easily typed and posted for everyone to read.
(many more to name, no time now, I'll add to this later)
Now for the "Evilly -good" part of it...
-It's informative... the cancer post for instance
-It allows me to say what I feel
-It gives me a bigger voice
-Being able to keep up on the lives of friends and family I haven't seen or spoken to in YEARS, maybe even a decade (no joke)
-It can be an escape from reality and the daily "blahs" of life
P.S. is there such thing as Blogger "jealousy" or "cheating" where do your allegiances lie when you are a blogger... hum... more to come.
For now, the blog word will just have to continue... it's just so odd to me.... I wouldn't invite a stranger into my home and spill my guts to them... yet millions do it every day through blogging... is there really no such thing as "privacy" or has the world changed enough that we all want everyone to know how we feel... hum... I guess I will re-classify blogging... not just EVIL..
More of the "Good-Evil" like when you eat something really horribly bad for you and you know you just shouldn't but it's so "evilly good" (is evilly even a word?) you keep going.... That is how I feel about blogs... I realize it may be evil.. in the following ways:
-It consumes my time, takes time away from my kids
-It's addicting... if you don't agree... you already have a problem.
-It's too much information sharing... less is more I say
-It's a place for the awful side of people to be seen, things we wouldn't say to someones face are much more easily typed and posted for everyone to read.
(many more to name, no time now, I'll add to this later)
Now for the "Evilly -good" part of it...
-It's informative... the cancer post for instance
-It allows me to say what I feel
-It gives me a bigger voice
-Being able to keep up on the lives of friends and family I haven't seen or spoken to in YEARS, maybe even a decade (no joke)
-It can be an escape from reality and the daily "blahs" of life
P.S. is there such thing as Blogger "jealousy" or "cheating" where do your allegiances lie when you are a blogger... hum... more to come.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Friends!!
Where to begin... I guess from the time I was a little girl I've always had "friends", I recall "going to play" with the neighbors.. No PLAY DATE was required, we just showed up at their door asking to play, what a wonderful memory (the play date thing some times really bugs me).
Okay.. Back to friends, so as I got older, say middle school age, it was harder for me to maintain "friendships", I think a lot of the silly "girl stuff"got in the way... Why are girls such jealous creatures?? I think that once I discovered "boys" that took any interest I had in keeping friendships with my "girl" friends alive. I have to admit, I was a total tom-boy, loved sports and hiking and anything where I was out numbered by the "boys" which wasn't hard since most of the girls my age were busy doing their hair and make-up and "going to the mall". I seemed to find myself being pushed to new levels by the "boys" in the neighborhood, for instance hiking nearly every day, one-on-one B-ball (I won at least 1/2 the time), trying to skate board (not a big fan), Long Bike rides, helping to build the "skating ramp" in a neighbors back yard, going to the "guys" baseball and football games, etc. Not to mention you can talk to boys, and it doesn't turn into a "oh he's so cute" kinda conversation if you catch my drift.
So I guess that is really where my thought begins... I jumped around from high school to high school, 3 in 3 years... and when you do that it's hard to keep friendships thriving. So needless to say when I got married, there was no "bridesmaid" not that I like that idea, I hate the wedding line... it has never been appealing to me, in fact the "formal wedding" is just so old fashioned, I hate high heels and dresses... need I say more? moving on... so after I got married and started working full time I think I finally realized that having female friends as an adult was nice.
I made one of my dearest friends while working, she comes to visit and spoils my kids like an aunt.. I've been able to connect with other women over the 13 years of my marriage, some dear friends in California and now here in New York... I have to say that yesterday I witnessed the true love of a dear friend of mine. I've been struggling with some pain in my arm for about 6 weeks, I've tried not to complain (except to Mike, that's what he's for, right?) but she caught me having an "off" moment and asked me what was wrong... I explained to her what was happening... within in an hour she was at my house, helping me with my kids (and the 2 I watch) doing my laundry, picking up toys and making me laugh... the pain in my arm was pretty bad most of the day and she totally saved me... just having a distraction made my day so much better... I guess that I just want to say how a "true friend" who serves you and loves you and takes care of you is worth so much. I hope that I can be friend like this to others, I've seen the true power of friendship and it's worth the effort. I think this entire situation came to a full head because Mike is on business in London this week and so feeling like a "single parent" for a moment I let my guard down the "super mom" cape was hung up and the human Wendy took over,... As my friend left to go home at 11 pm last night I just thought how wonderful it was to know that I have someone I can count on when my struggles get the best of me and I just need a little help... friendship is a gift from heaven and I am so thankful for those selfless people who see a need and fill in with their time and love.
Okay.. Back to friends, so as I got older, say middle school age, it was harder for me to maintain "friendships", I think a lot of the silly "girl stuff"got in the way... Why are girls such jealous creatures?? I think that once I discovered "boys" that took any interest I had in keeping friendships with my "girl" friends alive. I have to admit, I was a total tom-boy, loved sports and hiking and anything where I was out numbered by the "boys" which wasn't hard since most of the girls my age were busy doing their hair and make-up and "going to the mall". I seemed to find myself being pushed to new levels by the "boys" in the neighborhood, for instance hiking nearly every day, one-on-one B-ball (I won at least 1/2 the time), trying to skate board (not a big fan), Long Bike rides, helping to build the "skating ramp" in a neighbors back yard, going to the "guys" baseball and football games, etc. Not to mention you can talk to boys, and it doesn't turn into a "oh he's so cute" kinda conversation if you catch my drift.
So I guess that is really where my thought begins... I jumped around from high school to high school, 3 in 3 years... and when you do that it's hard to keep friendships thriving. So needless to say when I got married, there was no "bridesmaid" not that I like that idea, I hate the wedding line... it has never been appealing to me, in fact the "formal wedding" is just so old fashioned, I hate high heels and dresses... need I say more? moving on... so after I got married and started working full time I think I finally realized that having female friends as an adult was nice.
I made one of my dearest friends while working, she comes to visit and spoils my kids like an aunt.. I've been able to connect with other women over the 13 years of my marriage, some dear friends in California and now here in New York... I have to say that yesterday I witnessed the true love of a dear friend of mine. I've been struggling with some pain in my arm for about 6 weeks, I've tried not to complain (except to Mike, that's what he's for, right?) but she caught me having an "off" moment and asked me what was wrong... I explained to her what was happening... within in an hour she was at my house, helping me with my kids (and the 2 I watch) doing my laundry, picking up toys and making me laugh... the pain in my arm was pretty bad most of the day and she totally saved me... just having a distraction made my day so much better... I guess that I just want to say how a "true friend" who serves you and loves you and takes care of you is worth so much. I hope that I can be friend like this to others, I've seen the true power of friendship and it's worth the effort. I think this entire situation came to a full head because Mike is on business in London this week and so feeling like a "single parent" for a moment I let my guard down the "super mom" cape was hung up and the human Wendy took over,... As my friend left to go home at 11 pm last night I just thought how wonderful it was to know that I have someone I can count on when my struggles get the best of me and I just need a little help... friendship is a gift from heaven and I am so thankful for those selfless people who see a need and fill in with their time and love.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Snow Fort Fun!
A work of art! This has to be the best snow fort the Connors Family has been part of! The neighborhood really did a great job on this and it's still standing!Friday, February 22, 2008
SNOW!!!!
Ammon Napping while his siblings play in the fresh snow...
My idea of snow shoes... kinda drafty!
Noah and his pink cheeks really loving the snow and the fort!
Faith adding to the huge fort!
Hailey checking out the outside of the fort! Our Neighbors were over for some snow fun!So the weather man said 6-7 inches.... well that's what I shovelled at 7:30 this morning... and went down again around 1:00 pm this afternoon and took care of another 4-5... and it was still snowing when I came in... I poured lots of salt on the driveway and walk ways... hopefully that will do the trick!
I ask again... WHERE IS SPRING???????
Monday, February 18, 2008
Cancer
I found this link on my cousin's blog.... my aunt on the other side of the family was diagnosed just last week with breast cancer... I think every woman should read this... if you go to her blog be prepared to spend hours reading...
We hear a lot about breast cancer these days. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and there are millions living with it in the U.S. today alone. But did you know that there is more than one type of breast cancer?
I didn’t. I thought that breast cancer was all the same. I figured that if I did my monthly breast self-exams, and found no lump, I’d be fine.
Oops. It turns out that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Six weeks ago, I went to my OB/GYN because my breast felt funny. It was red, hot, inflamed, and the skin looked…funny. But there was no lump, so I wasn’t worried. I should have been. After a round of antibiotics didn’t clear up the inflammation, my doctor sent me to a breast specialist and did a skin punch biopsy. That test showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that can be deadly.
Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as mastitis because many doctors have never seen it before and consider it rare. “Rare” or not, there are over 100,000 women in the U.S. with this cancer right now; only half will survive five years. Please call your OB/GYN if you experience several of the following symptoms in your breast, or any unusual changes: redness, rapid increase in size of one breast, persistent itching of breast or nipple, thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, soreness, swelling under the arm, dimpling or ridging (for example, when you take your bra off, the bra marks stay – for a while), flattening or retracting of the nipple, or a texture that looks or feels like an orange (called peau d’orange). Ask if your GYN is familiar with inflammatory breast cancer, and tell her that you’re concerned and want to come in to rule it out.
There is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive form of breast cancer out there, and early detection is critical. It’s not usually detected by mammogram. It does not usually present with a lump. It may be overlooked with all of the changes that our breasts undergo during the years when we’re pregnant and/or nursing our little ones. It’s important not to miss this one.
Inflammatory breast cancer is detected by women and their doctors who notice a change in one of their breasts. If you notice a change, call your doctor today. Tell her about it. Tell her that you have a friend with this disease, and it’s trying to kill her. Now you know what I wish I had known before six weeks ago.
You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.
P.S. Feel free to steal this post too. I’d be happy for anyone in the blogosphere to take it and put it on their site, no questions asked. Dress it up, dress it down, let it run around the place barefoot. I don’t care. But I want the word to get out. I don’t want another young mom — or old man — or anyone in between — to have to stare at this thing on their chest and wonder, is it mastitis? Is it a rash? Am I overreacting? This cancer moves FAST, and early detection and treatment is critical for survival.
Thank you.
Here is the link to her blog... Every woman, nursing mother, should read this!
http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/2007/07/22/steal-this-post/
We hear a lot about breast cancer these days. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and there are millions living with it in the U.S. today alone. But did you know that there is more than one type of breast cancer?
I didn’t. I thought that breast cancer was all the same. I figured that if I did my monthly breast self-exams, and found no lump, I’d be fine.
Oops. It turns out that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Six weeks ago, I went to my OB/GYN because my breast felt funny. It was red, hot, inflamed, and the skin looked…funny. But there was no lump, so I wasn’t worried. I should have been. After a round of antibiotics didn’t clear up the inflammation, my doctor sent me to a breast specialist and did a skin punch biopsy. That test showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that can be deadly.
Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as mastitis because many doctors have never seen it before and consider it rare. “Rare” or not, there are over 100,000 women in the U.S. with this cancer right now; only half will survive five years. Please call your OB/GYN if you experience several of the following symptoms in your breast, or any unusual changes: redness, rapid increase in size of one breast, persistent itching of breast or nipple, thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, soreness, swelling under the arm, dimpling or ridging (for example, when you take your bra off, the bra marks stay – for a while), flattening or retracting of the nipple, or a texture that looks or feels like an orange (called peau d’orange). Ask if your GYN is familiar with inflammatory breast cancer, and tell her that you’re concerned and want to come in to rule it out.
There is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive form of breast cancer out there, and early detection is critical. It’s not usually detected by mammogram. It does not usually present with a lump. It may be overlooked with all of the changes that our breasts undergo during the years when we’re pregnant and/or nursing our little ones. It’s important not to miss this one.
Inflammatory breast cancer is detected by women and their doctors who notice a change in one of their breasts. If you notice a change, call your doctor today. Tell her about it. Tell her that you have a friend with this disease, and it’s trying to kill her. Now you know what I wish I had known before six weeks ago.
You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.
P.S. Feel free to steal this post too. I’d be happy for anyone in the blogosphere to take it and put it on their site, no questions asked. Dress it up, dress it down, let it run around the place barefoot. I don’t care. But I want the word to get out. I don’t want another young mom — or old man — or anyone in between — to have to stare at this thing on their chest and wonder, is it mastitis? Is it a rash? Am I overreacting? This cancer moves FAST, and early detection and treatment is critical for survival.
Thank you.
Here is the link to her blog... Every woman, nursing mother, should read this!
http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/2007/07/22/steal-this-post/
Friday, February 15, 2008
Valentines Day
My kids were so fun yesterday, we spent a few hours baking and decorating cookies to take to our neighbors... What ever happened to the old Valentines "ring and run" traditions? Well it continues in our home.. the kids love to leave the plates and ring the door bell and run... I think we may be the last family within miles to still do this! I remember being a kid and all of our neighbors did it as well.. it was a lot of fun and I have some great memories. So for my kids they enjoy the tradition as well. It was so nice, most of the neighbors called to say "thank you" it was sweet.
The schools here have a "no candy" rule, so the kids had to take cards only.. Hailey spent about 2 hours making the sweetest individual cards with unique poems for each of her classmates... it was really fun to watch her. Faith being in Middle school, came home with tons of candy... what the heck??? Noah enjoyed his Valentines party with his preschool co-op group, he came home with a "karate" gift certificate and home made crayons..... great alternatives to Candy.... but alas, I sent plastic hearts with Reese's pieces.... next year I'll try and be more creative :)
Mike was in Colorado so we didn't get to celebrate together... it's odd after being married for nearly 13 years you'd think we'd try a little harder for the romance... he e-mailed... that's how we communicate during the day (even when he's at home in NY in the office) he so romantically said.. "since we missed out on celebrating tonight, let's go to dinner on Saturday night, can you get a sitter?" How Romantic he is (HA HA HA). Don't get me wrong Mike can be so sweet and bring me flowers or chocolates or spa gift certificates, but I think he really doesn't get the "required romance" of Valentines day... hey, it's worked for this long so I'll just enjoy the moments he chooses to be sweet even more. I think it's partly my fault, for years he used to come home with a dozen long stemmed Red Roses every year on Valentine's day.. a few years ago when we were barely paying our bills out of school I made the mistake of telling him I felt guilty when he bought them because they are so expensive on V-day... well, I haven't had any since... Lesson learned... Good thing for Anniversaries!
The schools here have a "no candy" rule, so the kids had to take cards only.. Hailey spent about 2 hours making the sweetest individual cards with unique poems for each of her classmates... it was really fun to watch her. Faith being in Middle school, came home with tons of candy... what the heck??? Noah enjoyed his Valentines party with his preschool co-op group, he came home with a "karate" gift certificate and home made crayons..... great alternatives to Candy.... but alas, I sent plastic hearts with Reese's pieces.... next year I'll try and be more creative :)
Mike was in Colorado so we didn't get to celebrate together... it's odd after being married for nearly 13 years you'd think we'd try a little harder for the romance... he e-mailed... that's how we communicate during the day (even when he's at home in NY in the office) he so romantically said.. "since we missed out on celebrating tonight, let's go to dinner on Saturday night, can you get a sitter?" How Romantic he is (HA HA HA). Don't get me wrong Mike can be so sweet and bring me flowers or chocolates or spa gift certificates, but I think he really doesn't get the "required romance" of Valentines day... hey, it's worked for this long so I'll just enjoy the moments he chooses to be sweet even more. I think it's partly my fault, for years he used to come home with a dozen long stemmed Red Roses every year on Valentine's day.. a few years ago when we were barely paying our bills out of school I made the mistake of telling him I felt guilty when he bought them because they are so expensive on V-day... well, I haven't had any since... Lesson learned... Good thing for Anniversaries!
Easter Help
Yikes, I know Valentines day was just yesterday but I've been starting to look ahead to next month.. Easter is early this year, and I'm determined to do something besides CANDY this year... we've made it a tradition to put coins and a few $1 bills in the eggs instead of all candy but still I really want to come up with something unique and fun for our Egg hunt this year. If you have any suggestions please share!!! It's hard to balance holidays with family tradtions... religious meanings and feel like I've suceeded. We do our Egg hunt on Saturday because growing up my mother refused to mix the "fun" Easter celebrations with the "true" easter celebrations so even though the "easter bunny" visited all of our Mormon neighbors on Sunday, he always came to our home on Friday night... looking back what a wonderful lesson this has taught me, and now with my own family I've continued it as well. The world is so full of "stuff" that I feel the need to seperate the 2, the holiday from the true meaning of the season... we do the same thing if Christmas falls on Sunday, Santa visits Friday night that year. I think for me it's been important to teach my children the difference between what the world celebrates and what we are truly celebrating during this very special holidays.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Living Life
So Mike's brother Dave decided about 6 or 8 months ago to quit his job working as a "trainer of sorts" for HP, use the money from selling his Townhome and DRIVE to Argentina, SOLO... Okay now at first the idea just seems quite unreal... why would anyone in their right mind quit a great paying job, sell their "things" and head out in a truck filled with food, water, Coke and a roof top tent to travel on backroads all the way to the tip of Argentina??? To tell you the truth when I first got the e-mail from Mike's mom about Dave's Journey... I can honestly say it "didn't surprise me", Dave's single, never married, 33, he loves the outdoors and his Land Cruiser (and all of the off road adventures that come with it). But still, Mike and I wondered if he would actually do it... well here we are 4 months into his journey in "awe" of the adventure he is living. Man, to tell you the truth if I were single I would find my "Argentina", quit my job and head there tomorrow... I really envy him!
If you get the chance I totally recommend his blog.... it follows is adventure from the beginning (meaning preparing his truck for the "ride").
www.expeditionamericas.blogspot.com
If you get the chance I totally recommend his blog.... it follows is adventure from the beginning (meaning preparing his truck for the "ride").
www.expeditionamericas.blogspot.com
Spring where are you?
I don't know if it's just me or if EVERYONE I know is really sick... it is so crazy to me. There are so many different illness making the rounds I can't keep up... Throwing up... fevers, sore throats, coughing, aching, sneezing, barking, crying, whining... it's every where. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Connors family is going to stay healthy for a while now... I think a month of the ups and downs of such a variety of illness is more than enough for one family.
So I ask the question... SPRING where are you? Please Spring hurry and take away the mucky, yukcy, wet and cold weather that seems to be lingering longer than it should. PLEASE Spring, find us. Yes, I am fine with the fact that the day after the 1st day of Spring I will turn 32... at this rate with all of the sickness and germs the aging process seems pretty trivial... I'm wishing for you to come QUICKLY... please...
So I ask the question... SPRING where are you? Please Spring hurry and take away the mucky, yukcy, wet and cold weather that seems to be lingering longer than it should. PLEASE Spring, find us. Yes, I am fine with the fact that the day after the 1st day of Spring I will turn 32... at this rate with all of the sickness and germs the aging process seems pretty trivial... I'm wishing for you to come QUICKLY... please...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Mike's Uncle Kenneth
We received some sad news on Friday, Mike's Uncle Kenneth (his father's brother) passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60. It was really sad to think about how hard this must be for Mike's Grandmother... she told Mike on the phone that "one of her babies was gone", then she just sobbed. I guess it just goes to show that no matter how old you might be as a mother, your children are still your babies. I can't imagine burying one of my children, how heart breaking and difficult that must be at any age.
Mike's grandparents don't go to church of any kind, it really makes me sad that they don't have the knowledge of the life after this... that this is just one step in our progression, that they will see him again. I know that this is true... I'm not sure what they believe happens after we die... for me, the knowledge of a life after this is as real as life itself. What a blessing for those who choose to believe... what comfort you can receive knowing that it's not the end.
Uncle Kenneth was such a good family man, he supported all of the extended family for all of our get togethers. I didn't know him well mostly from our Christmas visits to Mike's Grandparents home where we would enjoy some family time. He had a very sweet smile, a quiet man who kept to himself. I didn't realize that he was such a decorated service-man until I read the obituary today, a war hero! He will surely be missed!
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Mike's family this week. I hope they can feel the peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide at a time like this. MayGod bless each of them is our prayer.
Here is a copy of his Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000103035745X
Mike's grandparents don't go to church of any kind, it really makes me sad that they don't have the knowledge of the life after this... that this is just one step in our progression, that they will see him again. I know that this is true... I'm not sure what they believe happens after we die... for me, the knowledge of a life after this is as real as life itself. What a blessing for those who choose to believe... what comfort you can receive knowing that it's not the end.
Uncle Kenneth was such a good family man, he supported all of the extended family for all of our get togethers. I didn't know him well mostly from our Christmas visits to Mike's Grandparents home where we would enjoy some family time. He had a very sweet smile, a quiet man who kept to himself. I didn't realize that he was such a decorated service-man until I read the obituary today, a war hero! He will surely be missed!
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Mike's family this week. I hope they can feel the peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide at a time like this. MayGod bless each of them is our prayer.
Here is a copy of his Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000103035745X
COOOLLLDDD!
It is so cold today here in New York that as I type at my PC inside my home my fingers are freezing... the den is directly over the porch and all of the cold seems to come through this area... seriously... it hurts to type. The space heater doesn't seem to be doing the trick today.. must have something to do with the -8 degrees we are feeling from the wind... it's odd, the sun is shining but it's so freaking cold. Hope that where ever you might be while reading this finds you much warmer than I am.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Our new Branch!!!
I am so excited to post about our new church division, this is from an e-mail I sent to my family:
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to share our first week at our new branch with all of you... Yesterday was our first day in our new branch, there were about 12 families taken from our ward and combined with the Yonkers NY branch... we've known about it for about a year... it was simply amazing... we feel like we are truly in the mission field with a purpose and a goal.. to spread the gospel. There are so many new converts in Yonkers and they are usually very poor and no transportation and have a hard time coming to church; especially after the "baptism excitement" has subsided, so we were asked to concentrate on a couple of families/new converts to help them learn the gospel and strengthen their testimonies so that they can become self-sufficient in the gospel and learn to make it a priority in their lives.
Our church building is in a business area, with doctors offices and a gym, and a dunkin donuts near by.. and as we passed each of these businesses, there taped to the window... a plaine piece of white paper that simple said.... THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS... Visitors Welcome... it seemed odd and out of place, but once we stepped inside you never would have known we were in the middle of a busy business district. It was awesome.
We were told that they have had roughly 30-50 in Sacrament and with new families we filled every chair in the very small chapel, nearly 80 of us. Only 2 men passing the sacrament, the missionaries blessing it. (Yes, only 2 men, no YM, something we aren't used to seeing, it's usually like 8 YM, very sweet) The spirit was so strong and it just made me want to share the gospel even more.
These wonderful Brothers and Sisters, a lot of whom are new to the church were so friendly and excited and it was truly a day we will remember for a very long time. They don't have enough YW so we still meet with the other ward for activity days and YW during the week. Right now we only go for 2 hours... kinda nice, hopefully that won't last too much longer... I missed Sunday school yesterday. We do Sacrament and RS. The primary has maybe 20 kids... so small yet such a sweet spirit. No nursery so Ammon just stayed with me.... I may volunteer to hang out with the other 2 or 3 so that at least some of the parents can get something from the lessons next week :)
We are just so excited and as I sat there yesterday I had such a warm feeling of "this is why we moved to NY" this is it, we are needed and we will I'm sure learn more from these sweet brothers and sisters than we could ever share with or teach them. Something to look forward to for our entire family. Even our small "ward" in Northern California was "huge" compared to this branch... it is amazing how inspired this was of our local leaders... there are so many people who are longing to find the gospel our missionaries are very busy... baptisms almost weekly... it is absolutely incredible, they just need those with strong testimonies to help strengthen and teach these new members so that they aren't lost.... I think you should all move to NY and be in our branch :) I wish :) I know you each have just has much responsibility and excitement where you are as well... that is why I love the gospel, no matter where we move too, it's the same, the hymns are the same, the sacrament, the lessons, it is so comforting to know that we have the truth.... what a responsibility we all have!
I also wanted to say how much I enjoyed Pres. Hinckley's funeral, what a simple and sweet man who was truly a Giant among men. A prophet of God, just as Noah, Adam, and those we read about in the Bible. As I have reflected on his life and the many conference address he has given, I think the thing that I will remember most about our beloved prophet was how much he loved his wife...
I recall the first time he spoke after she had passed away and how heart broken he was and how much he missed her. The heart felt sorrow you could see in his face at the graveside services... what a sweet man, If every marriage had that kind of love, the world would be a much better place. I will miss him and his sweetness, and I know that he is with his dear wife and how happy they must be preparing for "forever".
I love you all and we miss you all.
XOXO,
Wendy and family
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to share our first week at our new branch with all of you... Yesterday was our first day in our new branch, there were about 12 families taken from our ward and combined with the Yonkers NY branch... we've known about it for about a year... it was simply amazing... we feel like we are truly in the mission field with a purpose and a goal.. to spread the gospel. There are so many new converts in Yonkers and they are usually very poor and no transportation and have a hard time coming to church; especially after the "baptism excitement" has subsided, so we were asked to concentrate on a couple of families/new converts to help them learn the gospel and strengthen their testimonies so that they can become self-sufficient in the gospel and learn to make it a priority in their lives.
Our church building is in a business area, with doctors offices and a gym, and a dunkin donuts near by.. and as we passed each of these businesses, there taped to the window... a plaine piece of white paper that simple said.... THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS... Visitors Welcome... it seemed odd and out of place, but once we stepped inside you never would have known we were in the middle of a busy business district. It was awesome.
We were told that they have had roughly 30-50 in Sacrament and with new families we filled every chair in the very small chapel, nearly 80 of us. Only 2 men passing the sacrament, the missionaries blessing it. (Yes, only 2 men, no YM, something we aren't used to seeing, it's usually like 8 YM, very sweet) The spirit was so strong and it just made me want to share the gospel even more.
These wonderful Brothers and Sisters, a lot of whom are new to the church were so friendly and excited and it was truly a day we will remember for a very long time. They don't have enough YW so we still meet with the other ward for activity days and YW during the week. Right now we only go for 2 hours... kinda nice, hopefully that won't last too much longer... I missed Sunday school yesterday. We do Sacrament and RS. The primary has maybe 20 kids... so small yet such a sweet spirit. No nursery so Ammon just stayed with me.... I may volunteer to hang out with the other 2 or 3 so that at least some of the parents can get something from the lessons next week :)
We are just so excited and as I sat there yesterday I had such a warm feeling of "this is why we moved to NY" this is it, we are needed and we will I'm sure learn more from these sweet brothers and sisters than we could ever share with or teach them. Something to look forward to for our entire family. Even our small "ward" in Northern California was "huge" compared to this branch... it is amazing how inspired this was of our local leaders... there are so many people who are longing to find the gospel our missionaries are very busy... baptisms almost weekly... it is absolutely incredible, they just need those with strong testimonies to help strengthen and teach these new members so that they aren't lost.... I think you should all move to NY and be in our branch :) I wish :) I know you each have just has much responsibility and excitement where you are as well... that is why I love the gospel, no matter where we move too, it's the same, the hymns are the same, the sacrament, the lessons, it is so comforting to know that we have the truth.... what a responsibility we all have!
I also wanted to say how much I enjoyed Pres. Hinckley's funeral, what a simple and sweet man who was truly a Giant among men. A prophet of God, just as Noah, Adam, and those we read about in the Bible. As I have reflected on his life and the many conference address he has given, I think the thing that I will remember most about our beloved prophet was how much he loved his wife...
I recall the first time he spoke after she had passed away and how heart broken he was and how much he missed her. The heart felt sorrow you could see in his face at the graveside services... what a sweet man, If every marriage had that kind of love, the world would be a much better place. I will miss him and his sweetness, and I know that he is with his dear wife and how happy they must be preparing for "forever".
I love you all and we miss you all.
XOXO,
Wendy and family
Seriously...
Faith informed me that there is a Middle School Valentine's dance this weekend... ugh... is this really happening? Do I seriously have a Middle School student? How come it doesn't feel like that long ago that I was getting ready for an 8th grade dance (she's in 6th and it seems like it's a little early to start the "dance" thing) ... the girls seemed to stick together as did the "way too cool" guys who lined the gym (2 of whom are now married to my younger sisters!)... oh those days... You couldn't pay me enough to re-live those dreaded dances. So to Faith I wish her well in her "dance off" this weekend, some of the boys challenged some of the girls to a "dance war", I hate to repeat myself but... SERIOUSLY!
So my sweet Hailey has always been able to make friends where ever we have moved. The past 2 moves have found her becoming friends with boys more than girls... her dear friend Eli in California came out last year for a visit with his mother, it was great, they spent 4 or 5 days we saw the Staute of Liberty, Ellis Island and enjoyed chatting and letting Hailey and Eli hang out on a new coast together. Well this year it seems that her new "best buddy" is Zack, Hailey has been to his house a couple of times to play the Wii and hang out... she always comes home so happy and really enjoys time with him. In a few weeks he will come and see our very small house... apparently as Hailey has pointed out... Zack lives in a Mansion.. or as I would classify it "an Estate" YEP... so I'm sure it will be an eye opener for him to see all of our 1400 Sq ft that is shared living space for the 6 of us.... Hailey in describing where we live to him told him... "um, I think my entire house could fit in the school gym" to which his reply was "really???", I hate to disappoint her but I think the gym is bigger than our house :)
As Hailey also pointed out to me "It's not the space it's the happiness you have in your home that matters", And darn it we can fill all 1400 sq ft with LOVE at the Connors home :)
Noah has been so sick the past week, it started Sunday late afernoon, he just hasn't wanted to eat or even play the Wii (that is a sure sign he isn't feeling well). Finally yesterday he was showing signs of feeling at least a little better; this was apparent as he was chasing Ammon in circles and trying to tackle him for the remote. He is still whinning today but at least he ate some cereal for breakfast, he almost looks as if he might have "slap cheek, aka fifth disease", Hailey had it in California, thus, my medical knowledge... Sometimes (this is just between me and all of you reading this) I think a Physican's degree is way over rated... I mean come on, I Seriously have at least an 85% positive record in diagnosing my children, maybe even closer to 90%... Now I just need the pad to write the meds! I was thinking this past week of all the sickness or healt releated issues we've dealt with in the 11 years of parenting... here is my list from memory..
5th disease "slap cheek"
Hand, Foot and Mouth
Shingles (less common in kids but in the family of Chicken pox, in my opinion worse)
Reoccurring Strep Throat for Faith
Scarlet Fever (Faith and Hailey since coming to NY)
Ear infections (tubes put in, tubes removed)
Pneumonia (Faith, the first summer in NY)
Excezma (severe for Hailey)
Asthma (Hailey since moving to NY)
Bronchitis with Asthmatic symptoms... (Hailey since moving to NY)
Wart on Knee (can't say who... too embarassing for them)
Pink Eye(Conjunctivitis) in CA, We took this to Utah to share during Russ and John's weddings a few years ago.. nice gift huh!
So my sweet Hailey has always been able to make friends where ever we have moved. The past 2 moves have found her becoming friends with boys more than girls... her dear friend Eli in California came out last year for a visit with his mother, it was great, they spent 4 or 5 days we saw the Staute of Liberty, Ellis Island and enjoyed chatting and letting Hailey and Eli hang out on a new coast together. Well this year it seems that her new "best buddy" is Zack, Hailey has been to his house a couple of times to play the Wii and hang out... she always comes home so happy and really enjoys time with him. In a few weeks he will come and see our very small house... apparently as Hailey has pointed out... Zack lives in a Mansion.. or as I would classify it "an Estate" YEP... so I'm sure it will be an eye opener for him to see all of our 1400 Sq ft that is shared living space for the 6 of us.... Hailey in describing where we live to him told him... "um, I think my entire house could fit in the school gym" to which his reply was "really???", I hate to disappoint her but I think the gym is bigger than our house :)
As Hailey also pointed out to me "It's not the space it's the happiness you have in your home that matters", And darn it we can fill all 1400 sq ft with LOVE at the Connors home :)
Noah has been so sick the past week, it started Sunday late afernoon, he just hasn't wanted to eat or even play the Wii (that is a sure sign he isn't feeling well). Finally yesterday he was showing signs of feeling at least a little better; this was apparent as he was chasing Ammon in circles and trying to tackle him for the remote. He is still whinning today but at least he ate some cereal for breakfast, he almost looks as if he might have "slap cheek, aka fifth disease", Hailey had it in California, thus, my medical knowledge... Sometimes (this is just between me and all of you reading this) I think a Physican's degree is way over rated... I mean come on, I Seriously have at least an 85% positive record in diagnosing my children, maybe even closer to 90%... Now I just need the pad to write the meds! I was thinking this past week of all the sickness or healt releated issues we've dealt with in the 11 years of parenting... here is my list from memory..
5th disease "slap cheek"
Hand, Foot and Mouth
Shingles (less common in kids but in the family of Chicken pox, in my opinion worse)
Reoccurring Strep Throat for Faith
Scarlet Fever (Faith and Hailey since coming to NY)
Ear infections (tubes put in, tubes removed)
Pneumonia (Faith, the first summer in NY)
Excezma (severe for Hailey)
Asthma (Hailey since moving to NY)
Bronchitis with Asthmatic symptoms... (Hailey since moving to NY)
Wart on Knee (can't say who... too embarassing for them)
Pink Eye(Conjunctivitis) in CA, We took this to Utah to share during Russ and John's weddings a few years ago.. nice gift huh!
Migraines (Faith and Wendy)
Sinus surgery, cysts removed, daily headaches... Mike... yep, the surgery didn't do much!
Not to mention the fact that we seem to catch every illness that is going around church, school, the community... yep this is my trial in life!
I'm sure there are dozen's more that I have blocked from memory... too painful to recall and I've shoved them away to lessen the pain. HA HA HA... SERIOUSLY!
Now that that is out of my system... moving right along with the kid updates...
Ammon is a ball of fury... honestly he bounces off the walls... I'm not kidding, I've never in my life seen such a Happy and energetic child. He almost can't sit still... Unless it's his idea). Church is a mini-show for anyone sitting near the Connors family (note to self .. find the back row) last Sunday... our first Sunday in our new Very tiny branch.. no benches in the chapel just padded chairs... so Mike and I were the book ends... we've learned the art of extending our legs so he can't escape and run free... well it was more like watching a pinball game at the arcade, he would fun into (or bounce off of) my leg turn around and head for Mike's, if the girls were paying attention and could time it right they would extend a leg to stop him... usually ending up with him on his head laughing... not such a reverent activity during Sacrament meeting... I saw the family behind us snickering... I guess it was pretty funny to watch, I think my face was buring red by the end of the meeting... (2nd note to self... Triaminic may cause hyperactivity in Ammon, don't use before church again). He is so freaking funny to watch, he makes me laugh.. I love how he refers to himself as "Ammons (with the "s") or "mines". He also carries around his own personal "handy dandy" (note book like from blue's clue's) it is out of control, he can't do anything with out his "handy dandy", in fact I just had to take a typing break to as he so kindly asked "draw you hair mama" followed by "draw my toes" as he sat on top of the desk with his toes and a purple crayon in hand for me to trace them.... Oh he just makes me so happy.
Well... that's about it, sickness, messes all over the house from days of just holding kids and here I sit typing this post. So with that I'm off to do my domestic duties in our home... (sounds a lot better than house work, at least I feel like I'm doing something grand). Oh, just interupted by the Jehovah Witnesses that come by for a regular visit, I really do admire those who are passionate enough about something that they go out and freely give of their time to try and share it with others... I know that my kids (hopefully) will one day serve missions for our church, I try to extend the same kindness to others and allow them to share, I thank them and wish them well.
If you think about it there are a lot of things being preached to our children and to families all over the world in the news, media, on the internet that are very unworthy of our time, a some what uplifting message from the heart, even if we differ in our opinions is still a welcome beginning to my day. Hope is a great message to share... love and kindness as well.
Until next time... W
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
ME!
Chain letter (couldn't resist, had to post it)
Stuff with an x is something I've done....
(x) Stayed up all night
(x) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested
(x) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped School
( ) Watched someone die
(x ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Mexico
(x) Been on an airplane
(x) Been lost
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
( ) Swam in the ocean (but been up to my knees dozens of time in the pacific ocean)
( ) Gone scuba diving - (and never want too, I hate the water)
(x ) Felt like dying (yeah, mastitis twice with a newborn, laying in bed wanting to just pass on, seriously)
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Recently colored with crayons (weekly for me:)
( ) Sang karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with only coins (more than once :)
(x ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(x) Made a prank phone call
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage made you wet your pants
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) danced in the rain (wish I would more often)
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you cared about
(x ) Blown bubbles
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach (STILL ON MY LIST of "TO DO's" before I'm 40)
(? ) Crashed a party (maybe, not sure)
(x) Gone roller-skating
(x ) Gone ice-skating
(x) Seen the statue of liberty up close
(x) Been on the Golden Gate Bridge
( ) Seen Mount Rushmore in person
(x) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Been to Alaska
( ) Been to Hawaii
(x) Drove across the country
(x) Smoked a cigarette, not proud of it but tried it LESSON LEARNED!!
( ) Drank so much you pucked!
(x) Snuck out of your house
(x) Had a crush on someone 10 or more years older than you
(x) Shopped in your PJ's, not on the internet
(x) Danced with a stranger
1. Any nicknames? Wink, Wendy, Whopper in elementary school
2. Mothers name? Claudia
3. Favorite Drink? Diet Dr Pepper
4. Tattoos? HATE NEEDLES!!!
5. Body piercing? My ears
6. How much do you love your job? Dream Job... SAHM!
7. Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere can be my favorite!
8. Ever been to Africa ? NOPE
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Hasn't everyone? Better question, have you ever had a cookie for dinner? YES!
10. Ever been on TV? Why would anyone want to be on TV... NO!!!
11. Ever steal any traffic signs? No, but I believe I may have been in a car when one was taken but I had nothing to do with it, thanks Bro.
12. Ever been in a car accident? yes, but never driving, just as a passenger!
13 Do you like a 2 door or 4 door? Auto or Stick? 4 Door, Stick
14. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch (it's good on anything, bread, veggies, pretzels)
15. Favorite pie: Carmel Apple (sizzling hot with French Vanilla Ice Cream)
16. Favorite number? Why do you need a favorite number? I guess that's a NO
17. Favorite movie? ELF, laugh till you cry. For a good tear jerker... Last of the Mohicans, although I haven't seen it since High school
18. Favorite Holiday? Christmas
19. Favorite dessert? French Vanilla Ice cream with banana's and caramel sauce!
20. Favorite food? Nope, can't just name one... like too many :)
21. Favorite day of the week? Friday, always has been
22. Favorite brand of body soap? Bath and Body works, cucumber melon.. NO BARS!!
23. Favorite toothpaste? Most minty kinds are great with me
24. What do you do to relax? Take a bath, listen to a good CD (Josh Groban, Il Divo, etc.)
25. Do you have a message to your friends reading this? We all make mistakes, but they don't make us!
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully we can finally be in our own home (not renting) Enjoying kids sports games, laughing a lot, spending lots of time with family and friends still in NY with a summer home in UTAH (hey, didn't say it had to be totally realistic).
27. What do you do when you are bored? Clean, Organize my house, play on the internet (usually blog surfing and posting).
28. List the states you have lived in: UTAH, California, New York
29. Favorite actor/actress: Will Farrel (duh) and Halle Berry
30. If I had one day to live what would I do? I'd spend the day with my loved ones, telling each of them how much I loved and appreciated them. I'd scream at the top of my lungs, I'd cry and I would get Olive Garden breadsticks TO GO!!!!
Feel free to copy and paste for your own confessions! Why did I do this?
Stuff with an x is something I've done....
(x) Stayed up all night
(x) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested
(x) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped School
( ) Watched someone die
(x ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Mexico
(x) Been on an airplane
(x) Been lost
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
( ) Swam in the ocean (but been up to my knees dozens of time in the pacific ocean)
( ) Gone scuba diving - (and never want too, I hate the water)
(x ) Felt like dying (yeah, mastitis twice with a newborn, laying in bed wanting to just pass on, seriously)
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Recently colored with crayons (weekly for me:)
( ) Sang karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with only coins (more than once :)
(x ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(x) Made a prank phone call
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage made you wet your pants
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) danced in the rain (wish I would more often)
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you cared about
(x ) Blown bubbles
( ) Made a bonfire on the beach (STILL ON MY LIST of "TO DO's" before I'm 40)
(? ) Crashed a party (maybe, not sure)
(x) Gone roller-skating
(x ) Gone ice-skating
(x) Seen the statue of liberty up close
(x) Been on the Golden Gate Bridge
( ) Seen Mount Rushmore in person
(x) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Been to Alaska
( ) Been to Hawaii
(x) Drove across the country
(x) Smoked a cigarette, not proud of it but tried it LESSON LEARNED!!
( ) Drank so much you pucked!
(x) Snuck out of your house
(x) Had a crush on someone 10 or more years older than you
(x) Shopped in your PJ's, not on the internet
(x) Danced with a stranger
1. Any nicknames? Wink, Wendy, Whopper in elementary school
2. Mothers name? Claudia
3. Favorite Drink? Diet Dr Pepper
4. Tattoos? HATE NEEDLES!!!
5. Body piercing? My ears
6. How much do you love your job? Dream Job... SAHM!
7. Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere can be my favorite!
8. Ever been to Africa ? NOPE
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Hasn't everyone? Better question, have you ever had a cookie for dinner? YES!
10. Ever been on TV? Why would anyone want to be on TV... NO!!!
11. Ever steal any traffic signs? No, but I believe I may have been in a car when one was taken but I had nothing to do with it, thanks Bro.
12. Ever been in a car accident? yes, but never driving, just as a passenger!
13 Do you like a 2 door or 4 door? Auto or Stick? 4 Door, Stick
14. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch (it's good on anything, bread, veggies, pretzels)
15. Favorite pie: Carmel Apple (sizzling hot with French Vanilla Ice Cream)
16. Favorite number? Why do you need a favorite number? I guess that's a NO
17. Favorite movie? ELF, laugh till you cry. For a good tear jerker... Last of the Mohicans, although I haven't seen it since High school
18. Favorite Holiday? Christmas
19. Favorite dessert? French Vanilla Ice cream with banana's and caramel sauce!
20. Favorite food? Nope, can't just name one... like too many :)
21. Favorite day of the week? Friday, always has been
22. Favorite brand of body soap? Bath and Body works, cucumber melon.. NO BARS!!
23. Favorite toothpaste? Most minty kinds are great with me
24. What do you do to relax? Take a bath, listen to a good CD (Josh Groban, Il Divo, etc.)
25. Do you have a message to your friends reading this? We all make mistakes, but they don't make us!
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully we can finally be in our own home (not renting) Enjoying kids sports games, laughing a lot, spending lots of time with family and friends still in NY with a summer home in UTAH (hey, didn't say it had to be totally realistic).
27. What do you do when you are bored? Clean, Organize my house, play on the internet (usually blog surfing and posting).
28. List the states you have lived in: UTAH, California, New York
29. Favorite actor/actress: Will Farrel (duh) and Halle Berry
30. If I had one day to live what would I do? I'd spend the day with my loved ones, telling each of them how much I loved and appreciated them. I'd scream at the top of my lungs, I'd cry and I would get Olive Garden breadsticks TO GO!!!!
Feel free to copy and paste for your own confessions! Why did I do this?
My trip to Arizona SOLO!
Well I've done it... me the girl who hates to fly, the girl who hates to do things alone... for those of you who didn't know that about me, it's true I hate to do anything alone, including grocery shopping, I would much rather have a baby with me just to say I'm not alone.. a fear of being alone.. maybe. Anyway... so last month I decided that I needed a break from my every day "MOMMY" routine... let me just back track for a moment in an attempt to justify this need of mine. When Mike and I got married I went to work full time within the first month of our marriage, he worked part time and was going to school. Faith arrived 16 months after we were married and even then I kept working full time, even after Hailey was born 2 years later I was still working full time until she was about a year and half and then I worked part time and from home, in fact I've always seemed to be doing something to make money for the family, from helping at our friends ColdStone Creamery in No. California to childcare in my home for families we know.
Well I've been blessed to be a full time stay at home mom since before Noah was born so almost 5 years now... I've loved every minute of it... that being said, it doesn't change the fact that sometimes every MOM deserves a break. I haven't left my kids (just me) EVER, Mike and I have tried to spend one night away for our anniversary, I think we've been able to get away 7 of the 13 years we've been married... not to bad, that's a night off every 2 years! So that leads us into my request to leave and go to Arizona to visit my sister Jaqui and be there for her girls baptisms... So I called Mike at work one day and just said... "I'm thinking about going to Phoenix... alone... for a long weekend, what do you think?" To which he surprised me... "hey maybe I have enough Frequent flyer miles that you can get a free ticket" GULP... not only did he support me wanting to run away but he was willing to find a way so that I could go. So needless to say I booked the flight, the rental car and called my sister.
I've been back for 2 weeks and as I've relected on my visit I can't believe how much I needed it. It was the first time in my life since becoming a mother that I could step out of my "Mommy" role and just be "AUNT WENDY" it was so nice to be able to spend time with my nieces and nephews. The daily phone calls to my kids and hubby were great, I realized how much I loved them, and yet I also realized that me doing something for me was alright. I've been stuck in the feeling guilty phase for having had to work those first few years we were married and haven't allowed myself to take a break. Note to all mothers reading this with young kids.... you need and deserve a break from time to time.
I came home refreshed and more in love with my kids and my husband. It was wonderful. I loved being with my family just spending 3 days talking, staying up late, playing board games (Catan is a great family game :) and being there for Maddysen and McKeilla's special day was such a blessing for me. Just being able to fly alone, rent a car alone, drive an hour in a city that I had never driven alone in before was very impowering to me! I think that I'm going to try and do this once a year! (ha ha ha) Maybe every 2 or 3 years :)
Well I've been blessed to be a full time stay at home mom since before Noah was born so almost 5 years now... I've loved every minute of it... that being said, it doesn't change the fact that sometimes every MOM deserves a break. I haven't left my kids (just me) EVER, Mike and I have tried to spend one night away for our anniversary, I think we've been able to get away 7 of the 13 years we've been married... not to bad, that's a night off every 2 years! So that leads us into my request to leave and go to Arizona to visit my sister Jaqui and be there for her girls baptisms... So I called Mike at work one day and just said... "I'm thinking about going to Phoenix... alone... for a long weekend, what do you think?" To which he surprised me... "hey maybe I have enough Frequent flyer miles that you can get a free ticket" GULP... not only did he support me wanting to run away but he was willing to find a way so that I could go. So needless to say I booked the flight, the rental car and called my sister.
I've been back for 2 weeks and as I've relected on my visit I can't believe how much I needed it. It was the first time in my life since becoming a mother that I could step out of my "Mommy" role and just be "AUNT WENDY" it was so nice to be able to spend time with my nieces and nephews. The daily phone calls to my kids and hubby were great, I realized how much I loved them, and yet I also realized that me doing something for me was alright. I've been stuck in the feeling guilty phase for having had to work those first few years we were married and haven't allowed myself to take a break. Note to all mothers reading this with young kids.... you need and deserve a break from time to time.
I came home refreshed and more in love with my kids and my husband. It was wonderful. I loved being with my family just spending 3 days talking, staying up late, playing board games (Catan is a great family game :) and being there for Maddysen and McKeilla's special day was such a blessing for me. Just being able to fly alone, rent a car alone, drive an hour in a city that I had never driven alone in before was very impowering to me! I think that I'm going to try and do this once a year! (ha ha ha) Maybe every 2 or 3 years :)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Politics... who knew I could get into it???
Polictics... who knew I would actually love watching debates and take an interest in what is going on? Don't get me wrong it's not that I don't care, it just seems to be such CRAP... there is so much being said about each other that it's hard to know what the issues are they are debating...
I decided a few months ago that I was going to start taking more of an interest in what was being said and done in the world of politics.... something I haven't done before in my life. The first couple of debates seemed to be great to me, no bickering on the Republican side, pretty much stuck to the "building their own records and reputations" agenda, it's amazing how no matter what the question McCain could turn it into a "war issue" or Guiliani turned it back to 9-11 or how Romney seemed to always end up stating his record as Governor....
Ya, Ya, so we get it... but what about the important stuff... well the final 2 debates leading up to "super Tuesday seemed to be pretty on target (if you could see past the personal attacks that seem to be common place in these debates). I actually found myself glued to the TV, eagerly waiting to hear the answers. I was totally bugged that Mike Huckabee didn't get more "air time" in the California debate, that goes to show the Media has a huge role in these elections... although I think it might be difficult to get them to admit it... totally true.
So here I sit a little annoyed with "them" and when I say "them" I mean anyone who has been involved in a conversation with me who assumes that just because I am "Mormon" I'm voting for Mitt Romney. Isn't the beauty of our Country that we get to choose??? From the nice NY couple on the plane, he was from Romania and a total Giuliani Fan, she was from Russia (her words) and not sure if she will vote for Clinton or Giuliani... (odd to me that she was considering those 2 :) to the lady at the grocery store who saw my LDS sticker and must have known someone at some point who was LDS, to friends and neighbors who have crossed paths of conversation in politics recently.
I have to say that personally I have gone through each candidate... on both sides of the party... I was an Obama supporter for a time... until I realized that I couldn't in good conscious vote for the "opposite party" knowing that Abortion and taxes are high on my list. I also came to realize that our nations "energy independence" is key to keeping America strong and ahead of the rest of the world. In the end he just didn't meet my standards. He seems to be a good man, we will see how it plays out.
In all honesty I have really been impressed with Mike Huckabee... yes, Huckabee... can you believe that?? Well he seems to stand for a lot of what I feel we need in Washington... Huge Changes need to take place to get our Country back in line with WHO we are as a nation. In the end as I prepare to go to the polls.. I have to say that I am split between Huckabee and Romney... I don't know how it will play out in the booth!
That being said... AMERICA is amazing... we each get to choose... it's an individual choice not a choice that is made for us because we may share a religion with a candidate who happens to be running for the most imporatant office in our Country. If I choose Romney... he will be a worthy choice to receive my vote just as Mike Huckabee, they both stand for the Christian values that helped to define our nation... this nation that is quickly putting GOD aside for the rights of man, isn't that how destruction surly finds it's way??? When Man begins to act as if he know better than GOD, not just acts but begins to shy away from the very core of Christian values and "doesn't take a stand" we should all be worried about having a president who doesn't uphold the values of family and human life as the most important above everything else!
I hope that we all take the time to exercise our right to vote today... you never know what can happen when people choose to exercise their voices....
I decided a few months ago that I was going to start taking more of an interest in what was being said and done in the world of politics.... something I haven't done before in my life. The first couple of debates seemed to be great to me, no bickering on the Republican side, pretty much stuck to the "building their own records and reputations" agenda, it's amazing how no matter what the question McCain could turn it into a "war issue" or Guiliani turned it back to 9-11 or how Romney seemed to always end up stating his record as Governor....
Ya, Ya, so we get it... but what about the important stuff... well the final 2 debates leading up to "super Tuesday seemed to be pretty on target (if you could see past the personal attacks that seem to be common place in these debates). I actually found myself glued to the TV, eagerly waiting to hear the answers. I was totally bugged that Mike Huckabee didn't get more "air time" in the California debate, that goes to show the Media has a huge role in these elections... although I think it might be difficult to get them to admit it... totally true.
So here I sit a little annoyed with "them" and when I say "them" I mean anyone who has been involved in a conversation with me who assumes that just because I am "Mormon" I'm voting for Mitt Romney. Isn't the beauty of our Country that we get to choose??? From the nice NY couple on the plane, he was from Romania and a total Giuliani Fan, she was from Russia (her words) and not sure if she will vote for Clinton or Giuliani... (odd to me that she was considering those 2 :) to the lady at the grocery store who saw my LDS sticker and must have known someone at some point who was LDS, to friends and neighbors who have crossed paths of conversation in politics recently.
I have to say that personally I have gone through each candidate... on both sides of the party... I was an Obama supporter for a time... until I realized that I couldn't in good conscious vote for the "opposite party" knowing that Abortion and taxes are high on my list. I also came to realize that our nations "energy independence" is key to keeping America strong and ahead of the rest of the world. In the end he just didn't meet my standards. He seems to be a good man, we will see how it plays out.
In all honesty I have really been impressed with Mike Huckabee... yes, Huckabee... can you believe that?? Well he seems to stand for a lot of what I feel we need in Washington... Huge Changes need to take place to get our Country back in line with WHO we are as a nation. In the end as I prepare to go to the polls.. I have to say that I am split between Huckabee and Romney... I don't know how it will play out in the booth!
That being said... AMERICA is amazing... we each get to choose... it's an individual choice not a choice that is made for us because we may share a religion with a candidate who happens to be running for the most imporatant office in our Country. If I choose Romney... he will be a worthy choice to receive my vote just as Mike Huckabee, they both stand for the Christian values that helped to define our nation... this nation that is quickly putting GOD aside for the rights of man, isn't that how destruction surly finds it's way??? When Man begins to act as if he know better than GOD, not just acts but begins to shy away from the very core of Christian values and "doesn't take a stand" we should all be worried about having a president who doesn't uphold the values of family and human life as the most important above everything else!
I hope that we all take the time to exercise our right to vote today... you never know what can happen when people choose to exercise their voices....
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