Memories...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, if we’ve actually met in person or not, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. I can't wait to see what people remember.

Granny Go-Go Needs Glasses

I LOVE when my parents visit us. Not only do they help TONS with yard work but they always seem to give us something to laugh about. This morning before I gave BM a shower, I sat out a towel, diaper, lotion, and diaper cream. When BM was squeaky clean, I hollered for my mom to retrieve her wet grandchild so I could finish my shower. BM was loving his massage and having a great time with Granny Go-Go. Just as I was about to turn the water off, my mom came holding up a tube of Desitin Cream and asked, "Is this the lotion?" BM was covered from head to toe in bum cream before she realized it wasn't lotion. BM got a second shower and another massage, this time with lotion.

Fireworks

After publishing my last entry, I walked outside to see how HeRoos was faring with the yard work and I smelled fireworks. I love that smell. We decided to check out the fireworks celebrating Pioneer Day. We walked across the street, to the park, with baby monitor in hand. HeRoos wanted a better view so we walked back to our house, climbed out the window and onto the roof. Scary! It was a great reminder that I really do value my life.

We could see fireworks from all over the valley. We couldn't capture the fireworks with our camera but they were all around us.

Yes, I'm barefoot and a little wary of heights.

I thought HeRoos was comfortable on top of the roof until I asked him and he admitted that he didn't feel the safest as he kept sliding in his slick shorts. It's funny how being a parent can change your fear factor.

We moved down lower, near the window that we climbed out of. We peaked at BM through his window and he was sleeping away. The fireworks didn't seem to phase him.

As we were admiring the explosions surrounding us tonight, I did a little reminiscing. On Pioneer Day in 2006, HeRoos and I had our first real conversation. We were sharing the same blanket at a firework display in Liberty Park. As I walked back to the vehicle with my friends, I remember telling them, "I like that Rick guy and want to get to know him better."

A year later, I was sharing a blanket with "that Rick guy" watching fireworks. I remember that 4th of July night well (as much as possible considering all the pain medication I was on). I was recovering from an accident and was disappointed that we would be missing all the fun. At the last minute, we decided to walk across the street to the park. With much assistance from HeRoos we finally made it. After admiring the fireworks for a while, we realized why we were the only people enjoying the great view. The sprinklers turned on! HeRoos started running and then remembered that his gimp wife could not move without his assistance. He ran back and helped me wobble to safety. It was one of my favorite 4th of July's ever! We couldn't get the camera just right. Aren't you glad. :)

Blah

Blah. That sums up how I'm feeling. I thought some "SheRoos" time would be nice so I excitedly left BM with his daddy and headed out to do a little shopping. I quickly remembered that I don't like to shop and was anxious to return home. Upon returning home to a screaming baby, I quickly remembered why I went shopping.

I know I should be outside helping HeRoos in the yard while BM naps but it is so HOT out there. I have a million things I could be doing in the air conditioned house but I'm lacking one important thing-motivation.

The further I get away from my career, the more I get four-wall-itis. I really need to find something in my life that provides an outlet and gets me out of the house. I sure miss my work out partner (V, why did you have to move to Connecticut?), I miss my SLC friends and my family. With gas prices sky high, my trips to Salt Lake & Syracuse are diminishing.

I've been trying to think of things to do for me so you don't have to visit me in the funny farm. My ideas include: take a cooking class, find a job that I can go to once a week at night, take an oil painting class, take a photography class, take a water aerobics class, take a zumba dance class (even if I'm horrible at dancing), join a gym (not very practical since we have workout equipment in the basement), volunteer somewhere. All of these ideas sound great but remember how I'm missing one key thing? Who can lend me a bottle of motivation?

I was reading in a book, Baby 411, about "high maintenace" babies and I finally felt validated. It reads, "High-maintenance babies require more physical and emotional strength from their parents. These babies get walked around, rocked, and soothed more than their low maintenance friends. Parents of these babies are exhausted and frequently at wits ends. They have irrational thoughts about giving their baby up for adoption. Don't worry-you are not alone."

One positive thing I can add to this otherwise dreary post is...my calendar is full of shiny stars! Yes, my friends, I have been holding strong to my commitment and working out. The downside-I have since gained two pounds. Before you try to offer comfort by telling me muscle weighs more than fat, save yourself the keystrokes. I'm afraid the marshmallow covering my six pack is inflating.

Paternity Vote

By HeRoos,

My mother has never been a pack rat but she does occasionally keep stuff around for sentimental sake. Back when I was 4 months old she had a picture taken of me and she decided to keep the outfit in order to give it to me when I had my first boy. So when BM hit the 4-month mark last week we decided to have a picture shoot in my old outfit. This way we could compare the two of us at the same age (ok at least trying to do a photo shoot with two not so great photographers). You see, everyone in the whole wide world have commented that BM looks just like me, his dad. That is, everyone one except the two women who know me the best, my mother and SheRoos. They don’t think he looks anything like me. So we need your help to settle this debate. Please leave a comment and vote on whether BM looks like his dad or not. The loser between HeRoos and SheRoos gets diaper duty for a whole week.

The first picture is of HeRoos in 1978 and the second is of BM in 2008 with the same, but slightly faded outfit.





Here are some outtakes of BM.

Gateway Fun

Last week some of my friends from college were passing through on their way to a family reunion. We met up at California Pizza Kitchen for lunch (which is one of my all time favorite restaurants). Their girls are so cute! They have a blond, brunette, and red-head. Compared to the Arizona heat, they thought the weather was great.

Four Month Appointment

BM had his four month appointment today. He got a clean bill of health! He's still a little guy-he weighs 11 pounds 14 ounces and is 23 inches long. This put him in the 5% for both height and weight.

Doctor A asked if we had any concerns and I told him that BM is very fussy. During the exam BM was very compliant and even seemed to be enjoying himself. It wasn't until seconds after that the doctor witnessed first hand what I meant by fussy.

Then to make matters worse, our regular nurse came in with another nurse who is in training. The nurse in training pulled out the needles for his immunizations. In my mind I realized that everyone starts out new and needs experience but in my heart I didn't want my baby to be poked by a rookie. Fortunately, the nurse did just fine and BM survived.

Exercise Commitment

I know, I know, I've blogged like a crazy woman today but I have ONE more. If I put it off until tomorrow, I will probably chicken out of what I'm about to do. I am going to make a commitment to all who read this blog (including my husband and myself). I, SheRoos, promise to exercise for at least twenty minutes, 5 days a week until January 1, 2009. Whew, I did it. Now I'm committed. For every day that I exercise, I will put a shiny star on my calendar. Are there any of you out there willing to join me for a challenge? Misery enjoys company.

Utah Sunset

As we were driving home from dinner at a friend's home near Tooele, we pulled over to enjoy the amazing sunset.

The peace came to an abrupt halt as soon as we buckled him in. For the entire car ride home, BM screamed at the top of his lungs. We were worried that something was wrong with him so I jumped in the back seat. I couldn't figure out what the problem was. The second we drove up to our house, the crying stopped. He is such a homebody!

Patriotism

It was a great weekend. I love celebrating the 4th of July. We enjoyed a barbecue at my brother's house and then went to a parking lot to watch the fireworks.






At church Sunday, the talks were on Patriotism. One of the speakers said something that really made me think. He mentioned that hundreds of people attend parades to celebrate the 4th of July and when they leave, trash is filling the streets. I started pondering about ways that I show or should show patriotism for my country. What are your thoughts? How do you show patriotism?

Tender

BM came out of the womb grabbing his hair (no joke) and still grabs it. He recently discovered his fingers and loves to chew on them.


I absolutely love these pictures! Our morning routine consists of BM waking up around 6:45, HeRoos getting him out of his crib, handing him to me while I'm still in bed (mostly asleep), and nursing him while HeRoos falls back asleep, then I get up and play with him and then turn him over for the dreaded "tummy time." On this particular morning, BM fell asleep. I think it was his excuse to delay tummy time. I love my boys!

SUU Alumni Night at the Bee's Game

I absolutely loved college. Attending Southern Utah University in Cedar City was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The campus was beautiful, the professors were great, and most importantly I met some of my closest friends there. Every year some of the alumni get together for a barbecue and Salt Lake Bee's Baseball game. BM got to show off his SUU shirt and cheer for the Bee's.

Our Baby Boy

While BM was cooking in the "mama oven", HeRoos was excited and bought a newborn outfit for him. When I saw the sleeper, I thought it was absolutely adorable and was anxious for our new baby to wear it home from the hospital. I quickly learned that BM would only fit in preemie clothes for the first couple months. The newborn outfit was HUGE on him so he didn't wear it for a while. Now when he wears it, he looks like he is sporting "shants" and a smurf hat.



People are constantly telling us that time flies and before you know it our baby will be a big kid. HeRoos and I were talking tonight about how we feel time is in slow motion and it seems like BM has been around for longer than four months. It seems like years ago that I was pregnant (thank goodness). Time plays crazy games with our heads.

Minutes before BM experienced his first car ride.

Four months later with miles under his belt (or carseat).

Shopping Cart Dilemma

One of my pet peeves is when people leave their shopping carts all over the parking lot. Can't they walk their lazy bum a few more yards and put it in the correct place?

A few weeks ago I had a moment of shopping cart dilemma as I was leaving the store. Keep in mind that I'm a weakling and it's hard to carry the baby in his car seat for too long. I already started the car to cool it down and strapped the baby in. How do I get the cart back in the corral? Do I leave the baby and rush the cart back or do I become like all those other people and leave the cart by my car? After contemplating for a few seconds, I looked over at a guy parked next to me. He pushed a cart to his car, unloaded the case of beer, jumped in his car and drove away (with probably not a second thought as to the cart he just left in the WRONG place). I felt like reprimanding a total stranger so I finally made a decision. Pushing as fast as I could, I left my car running and the baby in the car. The cart was returned to the CORRECT place.

I would like to say that I've come up with a plan to prevent future shopping cart dilemmas but I'm still unsure as how to do it the right way. Do I leave the baby in the car unattended or leave the cart in the parking lot? Maybe, I just need to start working out so I can carry the heavy car seat from the shopping cart corral to the car. OR even better...maybe I won't go grocery shopping anymore.

False Alarm

Our smoke detector has gone off twice tonight. Fortunately, they were false alarms. HeRoos is working with a saw in the garage and we think that is what is causing the problem. BM was dream feeding and slept through the high pitched alarm. When I carried him downstairs to scope out the situation he woke up and calmly looked around, then fell right back asleep. The second time it went off, he was asleep in his crib and didn't flinch. We were worried that maybe he was deaf from the alarm so HeRoos and I started making noises to see if he could hear. Thankfully, he can! He opened his eyes, looked at us like we were crazy and went right back to sleep. He must be having some sweet dreams.

Reunion Taco Salad

My good friend (NY Manzanita on my friend list) gave us a CHOMP book for our wedding. She tried, compiled, typed and printed all the recipes herself. We love this book and use it all the time. This recipe is one of our favorites. It's super fast and easy to make.

1 bottle Kraft low fat Catalina dressing (we only use half)
1 can of ranch beans, drained (we've tried it with all sorts of beans and really like kidney beans)
2 T. Salsa
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 C. cheddar cheese, grated (we use whatever is in the fridge, usually Colby jack)
Large green salad
Corn chips

Mix salad dressing, beans, and salsa together and set aside. Cook ground beef and drain fat. Make large green salad and toss together with ground beef and dressing mixture. Top with cheese and some corn chips just before serving.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

This is another great recipe from Kathie. HeRoos liked it so much he asked for seconds and thirds...shocker! This is another recipe without measurements so good luck guessing. Wait, I just found a similar recipe in my CHOMP book so I added the measurements:

Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic
1/3 C. Olive Oil
1 package Fresh basil
1/3 C. Pine nuts
Chicken
1/2 C. Parmesan cheese (the real stuff grated)

Directions:
- Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts & Parmesan in blender/food processor. Continue blending and pour in olive oil. Thin with 2 T. hot water if needed.
- Cook pasta (we used Barilla spaghetti noodles in the yellow box)
- Grill chicken and cut in slices
- Add artichokes, pine nuts, & Parmesan
- Mix everything together

Spiders Are Our Friends

See these adorable clovers? Around St. Patrick's day I bought a little pot that came with seeds from the dollar section at Target. The seeds in the little pot didn't survive so I used the remaining seeds in a bigger pot and they flourished. They require a lot of water so I kept it by the kitchen sink. I was admiring it until I noticed it was moving. It is covered in hundreds of itty bitty spiders! I quickly took it outside and remembered what my little nephew told me a couple weeks ago, "Aunt J, spiders are our friends." I'm thinking of saving the plant and giving it to him as a present. :)

Congratulations UVU

Monday night, HeRoos and I met up with KT & Matt for some Happy Valley celebrations. Collin Raye, Josh Gracin & Joe Nichols preformed to celebrate Utah Valley School College making the transition to Utah Valley University. Quite the crowd showed up and the baseball field was swarmimg with people.




We thought we scored with our lawn seats until we sat down and realized there was a HUGE pole right in front of us. We weren't bothered enough to find a new place. Who watches the performers anyway when there is people watching to be done and card playing? By the way KT & Matt, I'm still going to beat you at UNO (my game wasn't on that night).


As we were making the long trek back to our cars, there was a steep hill calling out our names. KT and I got in position and rolled down the hill. We both have bumps and bruises to prove it. Then the "boys" tried drenching us with the sprinklers as we climbed the wet, slippery hills. I felt like a free 12 year old again!



We eventually picked up our sleeping baby. Thanks Brittney and Tiffany for letting us get away for the evening. BM had a great time and wants to visit again soon (crying & screaming was his way of trying to tell you that).

Good-bye Teaching

I promised some of the students that when BM got a little bigger, I would bring him to school. He's not a whole lot bigger but since the last day of school was quickly approaching I decided I better make a trip. The kids were so cute with him. They did just as I feared-patted his head, kissed him, grabbed his little hands, and wanted to hold him. BM didn't seem to mind as much as I did (for the most part).


Notice the sign above BM's head. I threatened him if he was not a good little baby, he would be sent to the Principal's office. He didn't listen so I had to follow through. :)


The school building that I taught at is undergoing some badly needed remodeling. It's a very old school and the ceiling was literally falling down. The teachers and students had to pack EVERYTHING up. They are spending the last three weeks of the school year and the first couple weeks of next school year at a different building (it is used for a traditional school versus year round). They are troopers! I know it will be worth it for them when they return to the newly remodeled school but it has been such an inconvenience for them. I must admit that I'm glad that my last official day was before the big move. These quotes were on the wall at the school they are temporarily using.



I have such mixed emotions about not working anymore. When I was in college, I accepted the idea that I would be average at many things in my life (dancing, sports, looks, brains, etc. etc.) so I decided there were four areas that I would not settle for mediocrity: being a full time missionary for the LDS church, being a school teacher, being a wife, and being a mom.

The first two of those experiences have come and gone. I have never worked so hard as I did as a full time missionary for the LDS church in Tempe, Arizona. I gave it everything I had and then some. It was humbling. I was forced to grow in ways that at the time was painful. Now I see that it gave me stronger character and more appreciation for things.

As for being a teacher... I learned to love all my students even those that would otherwise be considered unlovable. I tried to make learning fun and appealing. There was never an end in sight or a solid way to measure if I was being successful. What worked for some students, didn't work for others. The pressure of trying to make everyone happy (students, other teachers, administrators, parents, grandparents, myself) was at times overwhelming. Teaching is challenging and at times a thankless profession. There were numerous situations, that I felt a guiding hand as I taught. I said things and handled situations in a way that I knew I was getting help from Above. Teaching is probably one of the few things in my life that has felt very natural. It seemed to tap into a deep place within me and retrieve talents that I didn't know I possessed but when they came out, I felt so alive and at peace.

So that's why I have such mixed emotions. I'm glad to say good bye to grading papers, lesson plans, report cards but I'm sad to say good bye to the people I work with, the excitement of never knowing what to expect from the students, and work that at times didn't seem like "work" but more of a calling designed with just me in mind.