Nutcracker with Emily

As an update, our house has been much more loving. :-) I think my kids understood what I was saying, and I have been more aware. It also helps that we are out having fun, enjoying Christmas break. Trying not to be inside the house too much. :-)

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is Nutcracker with Emily. This year she had a chance to see a performance with her friend in it, but it would have meant I couldn't go with her. She started crying and said she only wanted to go with me. :-) It was so sweet! So, we got a great Groupon deal and went just the 2 of us. I was a little bummed to not have friends with us, but enjoyed the time with her. When we got there, we ran into our great friends and they ended up sitting by us. The show was fabulous! I love watching Emily's face as she is mesmerized by the dancers. 

Anyone else have a tradition they love?

To yell or not to yell...

We have a lot of expectations of ourselves as parents- before we actually become one and reality hits! It is hard work! It is so rewarding, but it takes patience, diligence, a good sense of humor, and an ability to calm down. If that last one doesn't happen, then some of us react by yelling. I had promised myself that I would not be a "yeller". I am uncomfortable around raised voices. I feel like for around the first 8 years of motherhood, maybe even 9, I was able to keep this promise. I had slipped up a couple of times, but it was definitely not the norm. Well, enter Bryce and his ability to bug everyone. My kids, who had not really argued and/or fought, suddenly became very short and annoyed easily with each other. I have a noise sensitivity and when it comes to whining and fighting- it is like nails on a chalkboard and brings out the worse in me. Slowly, I have turned into the "yeller." I do not like it one bit!! So, I have decided to own up to it, put it out in the universe, and hope that makes me more aware. I actually had a conversation with my kids about it yesterday. How can each of us add more kindness and softness in our home (and in the car especially)? I told them I will be taking "Mommy time outs" when I can feel my blood boiling! I also told them that I will give them one chance to go upstairs and do their arguing up there, or I start charging them by taking away screen time. We will see how it goes.

Anyone have suggestions for what works for them? What about in the car? I need something immediate! Ranell and I will chatting about this on gmail and Sarah said she has a link she is going to send me (hint, hint!). I would love more ideas and to know that I am not alone. :-) I want to enjoy parenting again!

Conquering Fears

Today was my very first piano recital. I always wanted to take piano as a kid, but we were too busy playing sports. :-) I taught myself the right hand and then when I went to BYU, I took one semester of piano. That was 12 years ago! So, now that Bryce is in preschool, I feel I am at a good stage to learn. I have really enjoyed it, but I forgot that I would have to perform in front of people. I am not good under pressure. My first marathon was horrible- remember? I start to panic and it is tough for me to recover. That being said, I am also a finisher. I do not quit. So, today was the day. I have been practicing and practicing, but I was very nervous. Right before I went up, I felt like I was going to throw up. My teacher said if I really didn't want to do it that I could pass at the last minute. But again, I am not a quitter!

It was a beautfiul Christmas concert, with many ranges in talent. It was fun watching the kids and even some of my adult friends play. We were almost at the end, which added to my anxiety. So, I followed Dallin, who of course, played beautifully! Then it was my turn. It started out alright, and then all of a sudden, the music didn't come as naturally. I had a hard time keeping track of where I was. I did get through it, but not as well as I would have liked. I am a little bummed about that, but I am not dwelling on it.  I am proud of myself for trying and for not giving up. Hopefully, it will get easier!

34 Reasons why Ranell is awesome

Ranell and I became friends in 2005 when I was teaching Connie (her oldest who was 3) in a Kids Gym class at the Y. We always seemed to chat for hours when we would run into each other. Over the years, our friendship has grown as we have become a support for one another. I am so grateful to have her as a friend. Here are some things about Ranell:

1. She is a fantastic mother.

2. She finds joy in the little moments.

3. She works very hard to talk kindly and calmly to her children. (I have even heard her when she doesn't know I am listening when she "butt dials" me!)

4. She is always striving to learn. We definitely share in our "self-help" obsession.

5. She is extremely organized. I have learned a lot from her.

6. She is willing to watch kids for anyone and everyone.

7. She is not "tit for tat." We have know idea who "owes" who when it comes to services or cash. :-)

8. She is willing to trade for time alone with our husbands.

9. She gave me the second best gift I have ever received (the first was my surprise weekend to CA to see Wicked from Jeff!)- she made me dinner every night for a week. That is heaven to me!

10. She accomplishes what she sets her mind to do. One year it was running a marathon, another year it was getting her Group Fitness Instructor certification.

11. She is completely loyal.

12. She forgives quickly.

13. She recognizes her mistakes and is willing to apologize.

14. She is fun to be around and makes me laugh.

15. She supports me in my goals and believes in my ability to achieve them.

16. She doesn't judge others.

17. She is patient.

18. She is one of the most thoughtful people I know and she follows through with it.

19. She is willing to do last minute crazy plans!

20. She doesn't bad mouth others.

21. She doesn't flaunt her money. :-)

22. She is a great friend, and I know she would do anything for me.

23. She is a great listener.

24. She is a fun mom who likes to do crafts with her kids and encourages them to do what they love, even if it makes a mess.

25. She is a great decorator.

26. She keeps a very clean house. I am very impressed by this skill! She will sometimes stay up all night to do it.

27. She is a hard worker.

28. She doesn't make excuses. 

29. She accepts me for who I am.

30. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and is willing to share it.

31. She has a love for books that she has passed on to Connie.

32. She loves her husband!

33. She likes to try new things.

34. She is awesome!!

Happy Birthday Ranell! I hope you had a fantastic day! You are the best!

I

Good news, bad news...drumroll...

...the good news is I am in a better place- mentally, spiritually and physically. I did not lose as much weight as I would like- probably about 5 lbs. :-) ( I would have liked to have lost 15!)  BUT, I have found my love of running and realized that I am happiest when training for a marathon. My body seems to need intense exercise and consistent mileage. So, that is what is next for me. My tentative plan is to run Newport in May. Originally, I didn't want to train for a marathon if I was trying to get pregnant, but I have decided that I can't put everything on hold. So, that leads us to the bad news...

...I was really hoping when I took the test this morning that it would be positive, but it wasn't. :-( The toughest part for me is hearing my kids' prayers for another sibling. I really want their prayers answered as well as mine. I am extremely happy and feel blessed to have my 3 kids and my awesome, supportive, cute husband! Hopefully at some point you will be hearing an announcement from me, but as for now, just know I am enjoying the blessings I have and I am ready to become a marathoner again!!

Who is with me? :-)

A Little Bit of Catch Up

November and December have been a little bit of a blur for me. I wanted to make sure I don't miss too much on here- both good and bad! :-)

Here are some pics to hold you over! (My 3 readers!)

Merry Christmas!

 Preschool Bowling Field Trip

 Grandma Nise in Town

 Bryce is silly, but can be a stinker!

 More Grandma Nise- yeah!

Our family pic- before Dallin's haircut. :-)

My son, the klepto (need advice)

Jeff has always teased me for being a klepto because we end up with hymn books or people's sweaters at my house. BUT, my stealing is always unintentional. :-) Jeff texted me yesterday to ask if I had borrowed cash from his wallet. I told him no and when he looked again, he realized he all that was left was half of a dollar bill, so he knew this was a small kid's doing. Well, come to find out, it was Bryce in the middle of the night. He is obsessed with getting money and buying his own Ipod Touch. (He's 4 1/2, remember?!) So, Jeff decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. He took every dollar bill and coin out of his piggy bank. When Bryce discovered it was empty, he cried and cried. Jeff said, "Isn't that so sad that someone came and stole all your money? How does that make you feel?" Jeff thought he had gotten the point across, but then an hour later we see Bryce's piggy bank has new change in it. He had taken Dallin's money. Ugh!!! Has anyone had experience with this? What should we do?

In good kid news, we taught them all how to play Settlers of Catan. I played a game with them last night, and it was surprisingly fun. Bryce actually won, and I realized he is just too smart for his own good- and mine!