I absolutely love the library! We go to both the city library and the county library. I have learned some cool things about what the library offers, I even learned one today!
Here are some highlights about the library:
* Audio Books - Not only can you get books but you can get so much more! I love to get audio books and Salem also gets audio books that he can read along with the book & CD.
* DVDs - The city library lets you check them out for 2 weeks, even new releases!
* VHS - The county library now treats these like books and lets you check them out for 3 weeks.
* Holds - You can put up to 25 items on hold. I reserve the new releases (DVDs, audiobooks, books) and get them within a reasonable amount of time. Last time the latest Harry Potter book came out I reserved both the book and audio book and I got them within a week of the release.
* Magazines - You can check out past issues of your favorite magazines.
* Downloads - You can download eBooks or audiobooks from their website.
* Community Info & Events - The particular county library that I usually go to always has flyers about community events and info. We've gone to some fun activities because of this.
* Free events - The library is always having events. For example, I took my sons to a "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" animated book reading. They had a fun time. Look for event info here for the city or or here for the county or you can sign up to receive event info via email.
* Story time - Not only is it story time but often times they do other activities too. We got free big pumpkins in October and decorated them. They sometimes have a bubble machine for the kids, and other arts & crafts.
* Free Visits to Cultural Places - Today I learned about the Salt Lake City Library's Community Exploration Card. I "checked out" the CEC using my library card and received a one-month voucher to go (for FREE up to 4 people) to Discovery Gateway, Utah Museum of Natural History, Red Butte Garden, and Utah Museum of Fine Arts. (To provide equitable access to everyone, cards are limited to one per household in a six-month period.) I'll go this month and then try again in June. Apparently this program has been around for 3+ years and I just found out about it! It's not advertised very heavily since each city library branch only gets about 4 vouchers per month. I found out about it on a pamphlet where a bunch of other pamphlets are. I inquired with the librarian and was lucky enough to get the last one today.
* Performing Arts - They also have a similar program called the Performing Arts Experience voucher. This will admit two people (for FREE) to events listed on the voucher for the month. It could include Ballet West, The Grand Theatre, Plan-B Theatre Company, Pygmalion Productions Theatre Company, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, and the Utah Symphony & Opera. I hope to try to get this in February for our anniversary, or in April for my birthday.
I know that I didn't cover everything that the library has to offer. These are things that I have been utilizing. Now it's your turn, what do you do at the library?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas 2008
Here are some pictures from our Christmas 2008. We spent the 24th & 25th with our family. From Santa Oaklen got a Bob the Builder set and Salem got his "Spiderman set" that he wanted. :) Grandma Elaine made the pajamas and Grandma Josephson made them red hats. What a great Christmas.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
2008 Blessings
Last night for FHE we listed some of the blessings that we received in 2008. I'll share some with you:
2008 Blessings (in no particular order)
* Heather became pregnant with boy #3
* Darrell received a new job position at his employer
* Salem started Kindergarten
* We received new windows and paint for free
* Darrell and I were able to go on a vacation to DC for our anniversary
* Salem & Oaklen were able to have a fun time with their grandparents while Mom & Dad were on vacation.
* Salem played tee ball in the spring
* Heather established a cleaning routine in the home, and it's working
* Darrell was not badly hurt in his bike/car accident
* Salem & Oaklen got to have free lunch at the park almost every day this summer
* Salem learned how to read
* We received free clothes, toys, food, and other things throughout the year
* Heather has been perfecting her bread making skills
* We were able to sell our car and buy a mini van
* The family got to go on vacation to Delta, UT
* Salem learned how to tie his shoes
* Oaklen learned how to ride a tricycle
* Salem learned how to roller skate
* Salem was able to take swimming lessons
* Heather was called as Primary President
* The family has been healthy all year with only a few bruises
* Darrell has been able to go running almost every morning
* Salem made more friends
* Darrell and Heather received no traffic or speeding tickets
* Heather continues to save money at the grocery store with coupons & sales
* Darrell installed a fence so now we can more safely play in our back yard
* Oaklen received an orange garbage truck for Christmas (We asked him what he was blessed with and that's what he told us.)
2008 Blessings (in no particular order)
* Heather became pregnant with boy #3
* Darrell received a new job position at his employer
* Salem started Kindergarten
* We received new windows and paint for free
* Darrell and I were able to go on a vacation to DC for our anniversary
* Salem & Oaklen were able to have a fun time with their grandparents while Mom & Dad were on vacation.
* Salem played tee ball in the spring
* Heather established a cleaning routine in the home, and it's working
* Darrell was not badly hurt in his bike/car accident
* Salem & Oaklen got to have free lunch at the park almost every day this summer
* Salem learned how to read
* We received free clothes, toys, food, and other things throughout the year
* Heather has been perfecting her bread making skills
* We were able to sell our car and buy a mini van
* The family got to go on vacation to Delta, UT
* Salem learned how to tie his shoes
* Oaklen learned how to ride a tricycle
* Salem learned how to roller skate
* Salem was able to take swimming lessons
* Heather was called as Primary President
* The family has been healthy all year with only a few bruises
* Darrell has been able to go running almost every morning
* Salem made more friends
* Darrell and Heather received no traffic or speeding tickets
* Heather continues to save money at the grocery store with coupons & sales
* Darrell installed a fence so now we can more safely play in our back yard
* Oaklen received an orange garbage truck for Christmas (We asked him what he was blessed with and that's what he told us.)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sweater Brothers
Today was the last Sunday before Christmas and I always like to dress up for the occasion so my boys wore some "Christmas sweaters" to church. They looked nice except I couldn't convince Oaklen to wear black shoes with his black pants & socks, he insisted on his brown shoes that he wears everyday. They're still cute.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tigger Bump
We have something at our house called a "Tigger bump." It's an gel cold pack shaped like Tigger the character. I got it at the dollar store and it has been a great thing to have. I've seen similar items at other stores for $2-3, so I'm glad that I found it for only $1.
Whenever Oaklen gets hurt, I rush to the freezer to get "Tigger bump." Within seconds of putting it on his wound, he is better. It even works better than "mommy's kiss better."
A few days ago, Oaklen was running on the slippery floor with his socks on and slipped and bumped his head. He got a goose egg for the first time in months. I got Tigger bump from the freezer and gave it him. He put it on his head for 1 second then said "But Tigger loves me!" What a cute kid...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday Frugal Tip - Vinegar
I'm sure many of you know of the great benefits of vinegar. I use this in my house everyday. You can get a big bottle of white vinegar for $2-3 and there are so many possibilities. I also like it since it's environmentally friendly, non-toxic and edible so I don't have to worry about my kids getting into it, in fact they use it all the time too! Here is a small list of ways I use it:
1. Dishwasher - I use my regular dish detergent in the soap compartment that closes, but I use vinegar for the other soap compartment used for pre-wash. It extends my expensive dish detergent and my dishes and glasses come out clear and shiny!
2. Vegetable & Fruit wash - I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen and use that to wash my fruits & vegetables.
3. All purpose cleaner - Again, I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen, and bathrooms and use it to wash everything. Sinks, toilets, tubs, floors, mirrors, walls, etc.
4. Remove odor - I spray my vinegar solution on things to freshen the smell. (It smells like vinegar for a minute but then neutralizes the odor.)
5. Relieve sunburn - I remember many times putting vinegar on my brother's neck to help his sunburn.
6. Disinfectant - Once in a while I spray vinegar on my toothbrush to disinfect it. Since vinegar is edible I don't have to worry about being poisoned. :)
7. Meat tenderizer - I don't cook a lot with meat, but I've noticed the few times that I've sprayed chicken breasts with vinegar, they're more tender. Then I always spray the cutting board and tools I used to cut the raw meat with vinegar to disinfect before putting in the dishwasher.
8. Buttermilk substitute - When we need 1 cup buttermilk for a recipe, we always use about a tablespoon of vinegar and then fill the rest up with milk. (You can do many substitutes with vinegar for things sour like lemon juice, sour cream, etc.)
9. Hard water deposit remover - I soak my shower heads in vinegar to remove hard water deposits.
There a ton of ways to use vinegar, above is just a sample. I've only brushed the surface. To dive in further just google uses for vinegar, you'll find a lot of info.
1. Dishwasher - I use my regular dish detergent in the soap compartment that closes, but I use vinegar for the other soap compartment used for pre-wash. It extends my expensive dish detergent and my dishes and glasses come out clear and shiny!
2. Vegetable & Fruit wash - I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen and use that to wash my fruits & vegetables.
3. All purpose cleaner - Again, I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen, and bathrooms and use it to wash everything. Sinks, toilets, tubs, floors, mirrors, walls, etc.
4. Remove odor - I spray my vinegar solution on things to freshen the smell. (It smells like vinegar for a minute but then neutralizes the odor.)
5. Relieve sunburn - I remember many times putting vinegar on my brother's neck to help his sunburn.
6. Disinfectant - Once in a while I spray vinegar on my toothbrush to disinfect it. Since vinegar is edible I don't have to worry about being poisoned. :)
7. Meat tenderizer - I don't cook a lot with meat, but I've noticed the few times that I've sprayed chicken breasts with vinegar, they're more tender. Then I always spray the cutting board and tools I used to cut the raw meat with vinegar to disinfect before putting in the dishwasher.
8. Buttermilk substitute - When we need 1 cup buttermilk for a recipe, we always use about a tablespoon of vinegar and then fill the rest up with milk. (You can do many substitutes with vinegar for things sour like lemon juice, sour cream, etc.)
9. Hard water deposit remover - I soak my shower heads in vinegar to remove hard water deposits.
There a ton of ways to use vinegar, above is just a sample. I've only brushed the surface. To dive in further just google uses for vinegar, you'll find a lot of info.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday Frugal Tip - Saving Money On Gasoline
Here are a few ways that I try to save money on gasoline.
1. Grocery Stores - Most of the time I buy my gas at Albertson's since it's close to my house. If I enter my preferred savings number then I get $.03 off per gallon. I never carry my preferred card around so I registered my phone number. (In fact, I think the card is hidden in a wall in my house. Salem played with my wallet once when he was a toddler and I haven't seen the card since.) I learned a trick once from one of the Albertson's employees. Since the pump machine won't let you type in just your phone number, all you have to do is type "4253" then your phone number. It works everytime! Smith's also give you a discount if you spend a certain amount at the store. I try to go there when I visit my mom since there's a Smith's with a pump nearby.
2. Gas cards - You can get a gas credit card that will give you a rebate or discount. I have one that gives me 5% cashback. I can use the card at most gas pumps as well as on any kind of purchase, but I usually only use it at the pump. I always pay the balance off every month and it's nice to see how much I'm spending on gasoline.
3. Warehouse Clubs - Most warehouse clubs usually have cheaper gas than other places. If you're already there shopping, you might as well fill up your tank.
4. Ferox - My friend introduced me to Ferox. These are little tablets that you stick in your tank as you fill up and it helps you get better gas mileage as well as help keep your engine & oil clean. She gave me some free samples a while back and I used them. Unfortunately I haven't done the analysis to see if it's worth the cost of buying the tablets for the savings I'd receive on gasoline. She gave me her analysis, and I believe her when she says that she is saving money. I've just been too lazy to do the analysis myself. So, you might want to check it out then let me know how it goes! :)
5. Gas price websites - There are websites out there that track gas prices. I honestly don't use them because I usually just fill up where it's convenient for me. It might be worth checking out if you're going on vacation and need to fill up the car, truck, or boat. I have noticed that certain parts of the valley have cheaper gas than other parts of the Salt Lake Valley. If you're out visiting dear Aunt Ida, you might want to check the gas prices out there compared to your region.
1. Grocery Stores - Most of the time I buy my gas at Albertson's since it's close to my house. If I enter my preferred savings number then I get $.03 off per gallon. I never carry my preferred card around so I registered my phone number. (In fact, I think the card is hidden in a wall in my house. Salem played with my wallet once when he was a toddler and I haven't seen the card since.) I learned a trick once from one of the Albertson's employees. Since the pump machine won't let you type in just your phone number, all you have to do is type "4253" then your phone number. It works everytime! Smith's also give you a discount if you spend a certain amount at the store. I try to go there when I visit my mom since there's a Smith's with a pump nearby.
2. Gas cards - You can get a gas credit card that will give you a rebate or discount. I have one that gives me 5% cashback. I can use the card at most gas pumps as well as on any kind of purchase, but I usually only use it at the pump. I always pay the balance off every month and it's nice to see how much I'm spending on gasoline.
3. Warehouse Clubs - Most warehouse clubs usually have cheaper gas than other places. If you're already there shopping, you might as well fill up your tank.
4. Ferox - My friend introduced me to Ferox. These are little tablets that you stick in your tank as you fill up and it helps you get better gas mileage as well as help keep your engine & oil clean. She gave me some free samples a while back and I used them. Unfortunately I haven't done the analysis to see if it's worth the cost of buying the tablets for the savings I'd receive on gasoline. She gave me her analysis, and I believe her when she says that she is saving money. I've just been too lazy to do the analysis myself. So, you might want to check it out then let me know how it goes! :)
5. Gas price websites - There are websites out there that track gas prices. I honestly don't use them because I usually just fill up where it's convenient for me. It might be worth checking out if you're going on vacation and need to fill up the car, truck, or boat. I have noticed that certain parts of the valley have cheaper gas than other parts of the Salt Lake Valley. If you're out visiting dear Aunt Ida, you might want to check the gas prices out there compared to your region.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Happy Haircut?
Among my many talents, I also cut hair! (Please sense the sarcasm in that sentence.) When Darrell and I were engaged, he told me that he always dreamed/thought of his wife cutting his hair. I just laughed thinking that I'd never do that.
Well, he gave me enough courage (and the realization that we'd be saving money) that I started cutting his hair. Years ago I went to the salon and watched the lady cut his hair and then the next time around, I tried it. I've gotten better over the years and it looks pretty good, but I'm sure a good hair stylist would be able to spot the "home job" from a mile away. :)
I use scissors, clippers and have even tried using a flowbee that my former neighbor gave me.
This has now lead me into cutting my boys' hair. We usually use clippers with longer attachments for them so it's actually pretty easy...if they held still. When Salem was a toddler I put him on my lap and let him play a sesame street game on the computer while I cut his little hair. I stopped that after two times since I didn't want the hair mess on the computer. Now we do it in the kitchen or outside if it's warm weather.
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Oaklen's first haircut May 2007
Last night I cut Salem and Oaklen's hair. I had been meaning to do it for a week or two but I realized that I HAD to cut Salem's hair last night when I found a huge bald spot on the crown of his head! He has a habit of twirling his hair and he twirls it so much that his hair falls out. That's the reason we've kept it relatively short, but I always try to let it grow a little more each time to see if he'll stop the habit.
Salem's first haircut September 2004
While I was cutting Salem's hair last night, I discovered not only one bald spot but four! I felt so bad for him but it's his own fault. I'm sure others look at his hair with the bald spots and think "Geez, that kid got a really bad hair cut!" So, the next time you see Salem, remember that it's not a bad hair cut, I cut it as evenly as possible.
Well, he gave me enough courage (and the realization that we'd be saving money) that I started cutting his hair. Years ago I went to the salon and watched the lady cut his hair and then the next time around, I tried it. I've gotten better over the years and it looks pretty good, but I'm sure a good hair stylist would be able to spot the "home job" from a mile away. :)
I use scissors, clippers and have even tried using a flowbee that my former neighbor gave me.
This has now lead me into cutting my boys' hair. We usually use clippers with longer attachments for them so it's actually pretty easy...if they held still. When Salem was a toddler I put him on my lap and let him play a sesame street game on the computer while I cut his little hair. I stopped that after two times since I didn't want the hair mess on the computer. Now we do it in the kitchen or outside if it's warm weather.
Oaklen absolutely hates hair cuts, regardless if I use the clippers or the scissors. He screams bloody murder. A few months ago we cut it really short so we wouldn't have to cut it again for a while.
.JPG)
Oaklen's first haircut May 2007Last night I cut Salem and Oaklen's hair. I had been meaning to do it for a week or two but I realized that I HAD to cut Salem's hair last night when I found a huge bald spot on the crown of his head! He has a habit of twirling his hair and he twirls it so much that his hair falls out. That's the reason we've kept it relatively short, but I always try to let it grow a little more each time to see if he'll stop the habit.
Salem's first haircut September 2004While I was cutting Salem's hair last night, I discovered not only one bald spot but four! I felt so bad for him but it's his own fault. I'm sure others look at his hair with the bald spots and think "Geez, that kid got a really bad hair cut!" So, the next time you see Salem, remember that it's not a bad hair cut, I cut it as evenly as possible.
Friday, December 5, 2008
First Baby Friendly Hospital in Utah
Yeah! We finally have a baby friendly hospital in Utah. Congrats to the University Hospital for achieving this breastfeeding-friendly status.
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=56&sid=4980132
The initiative recognizes hospitals and birth centers that have policies and practices in place to enable parents to make informed choices about how they feed and care for their babies.
University Hospital made a commitment to this initiative about four and a half years ago because we believe breastfeeding is the best for both baby and mom. The pediatricians, family practice physicians, and nurses in labor and delivery and the nursery are behind the program.
University Hospital received designation this month, making us the first hospital in the state and the 71st in the country to be recognized as a baby friendly facility.
Why Choose a Baby Friendly Hospital?
• A baby friendly hospital has taken special steps to create the best possible environment for successful breastfeeding.
• Nurses in the well baby postpartum floors, Newborn ICU, and Labor and Delivery have spent the necessary time and energy to become experts in breastfeeding.
• University Hospital wants moms to know we are here to support them when they decide to breastfeed and to make it a successful experience.
Why is breastfeeding important?
• There is quite a bit of evidence that the sooner mom and baby start breastfeeding, the longer mom will maintain it after leaving the hospital.
• We know breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and fewer problems with food allergies (especially babies with a family history of allergies). Breastfeeding also promotes better brain development.
How does a hospital implement successful breastfeeding? The Baby Friendly Initiative recommends 10 steps to successful breastfeeding.
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health-care staff.
2. Train all health-care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. Breastfeeding champions and lactation experts with the Women's and Children's Services have worked with nurse managers to get all staff trained.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth. This helps concentrate on a very strong mother-baby emphasis. Depending on the health of the baby, this can be accomplished in most cases.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation when separated from their baby.
6. Give newborn infants only breast milk, unless medically indicated. The hospital no longer accepts free formula from formula companies. However, we do ask a mother's preference for breastfeeding or a bottle.
7. Practice "rooming in" by allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. University Hospital's standard of care is to have a healthy term baby in the room and never separated from his or her mother longer than one hour during a 24 hour period. University Hospital has maternal-child nurses, which means mom and baby have the same nurse.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial nipples, pacifiers, dummies, or soothers to breastfeeding babies.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital.
University Hospital's success with Baby Friendly Initiative
• The initiation rate for breastfeeding has always been pretty high—91 to 94 percent—even before we started the journey of becoming a baby friendly hospital.
• What University Hospital hopes is to affect the longevity of mother's who breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
• From data the State of Utah tracks, we know that 62 percent of babies delivered at University Hospital are still breastfed at 2-4 months, up from 50 percent in 2001.
• The Hospital hopes the education, well-trained staff, and support moms receive during their stay at University Hospital will help them be more confident and able to maintain breastfeeding after leaving the hospital.
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=56&sid=4980132
The initiative recognizes hospitals and birth centers that have policies and practices in place to enable parents to make informed choices about how they feed and care for their babies.
University Hospital made a commitment to this initiative about four and a half years ago because we believe breastfeeding is the best for both baby and mom. The pediatricians, family practice physicians, and nurses in labor and delivery and the nursery are behind the program.
University Hospital received designation this month, making us the first hospital in the state and the 71st in the country to be recognized as a baby friendly facility.
Why Choose a Baby Friendly Hospital?
• A baby friendly hospital has taken special steps to create the best possible environment for successful breastfeeding.
• Nurses in the well baby postpartum floors, Newborn ICU, and Labor and Delivery have spent the necessary time and energy to become experts in breastfeeding.
• University Hospital wants moms to know we are here to support them when they decide to breastfeed and to make it a successful experience.
Why is breastfeeding important?
• There is quite a bit of evidence that the sooner mom and baby start breastfeeding, the longer mom will maintain it after leaving the hospital.
• We know breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and fewer problems with food allergies (especially babies with a family history of allergies). Breastfeeding also promotes better brain development.
How does a hospital implement successful breastfeeding? The Baby Friendly Initiative recommends 10 steps to successful breastfeeding.
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health-care staff.
2. Train all health-care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. Breastfeeding champions and lactation experts with the Women's and Children's Services have worked with nurse managers to get all staff trained.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth. This helps concentrate on a very strong mother-baby emphasis. Depending on the health of the baby, this can be accomplished in most cases.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation when separated from their baby.
6. Give newborn infants only breast milk, unless medically indicated. The hospital no longer accepts free formula from formula companies. However, we do ask a mother's preference for breastfeeding or a bottle.
7. Practice "rooming in" by allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. University Hospital's standard of care is to have a healthy term baby in the room and never separated from his or her mother longer than one hour during a 24 hour period. University Hospital has maternal-child nurses, which means mom and baby have the same nurse.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial nipples, pacifiers, dummies, or soothers to breastfeeding babies.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital.
University Hospital's success with Baby Friendly Initiative
• The initiation rate for breastfeeding has always been pretty high—91 to 94 percent—even before we started the journey of becoming a baby friendly hospital.
• What University Hospital hopes is to affect the longevity of mother's who breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
• From data the State of Utah tracks, we know that 62 percent of babies delivered at University Hospital are still breastfed at 2-4 months, up from 50 percent in 2001.
• The Hospital hopes the education, well-trained staff, and support moms receive during their stay at University Hospital will help them be more confident and able to maintain breastfeeding after leaving the hospital.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving Weekend Highlights
We had a fun, relaxing weekend.
1. On Thanksgiving we feasted with Darrell's extended family. We watched old family slides/pictures and saw some cool things. When we drove home I asked my family what they were thankful for. Salem said "eggs" and Oaklen said "Um...orange" with a big grin. :) Darrell was thankful for our family and I was thankful that we have a healthy family.
2. On Friday we spent the morning putting up our Christmas tree and decorations. The boys were quite excited and loved putting ornaments on the tree and putting up their Fisher-price manger scene.
3. Saturday we were able to see Santa arrive at the Sugarhouse Santa Shack in style riding in a fire truck. (There were 2-3 news cameras but I haven't been able to find anything online about it.) The boys had a great time. Salem said he wanted a "spiderman set" and Oaklen didn't say anything at first but nodded when Santa asked him "Do you want toys for Christmas?"
Here are some pics...(click to view a larger image.)
1. On Thanksgiving we feasted with Darrell's extended family. We watched old family slides/pictures and saw some cool things. When we drove home I asked my family what they were thankful for. Salem said "eggs" and Oaklen said "Um...orange" with a big grin. :) Darrell was thankful for our family and I was thankful that we have a healthy family.
2. On Friday we spent the morning putting up our Christmas tree and decorations. The boys were quite excited and loved putting ornaments on the tree and putting up their Fisher-price manger scene.
3. Saturday we were able to see Santa arrive at the Sugarhouse Santa Shack in style riding in a fire truck. (There were 2-3 news cameras but I haven't been able to find anything online about it.) The boys had a great time. Salem said he wanted a "spiderman set" and Oaklen didn't say anything at first but nodded when Santa asked him "Do you want toys for Christmas?"
Here are some pics...(click to view a larger image.)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happiness Part IX
Happiness is...
* Being able to change my email inbox to a pink background.
* Finding matches to all the socks in the load of laundry.
* A hot shower
* Finding a tv converter box for free.
* Saving a bunch of money on my car insurance by calling around (no not Geico.)
* Getting new windows for free.
* Receiving the phone call from Salem's teacher saying they will most likely do all-day kindergarten starting in January.
* Looking at pictures of my babies and falling in love with them all over again.
* Listening to Christmas music, any time of the year.
* Darrell thanking me for the little every-day things I do.
* Seeing my houseplant thrive.
* Salem reading books to Oaklen.
* Being more than half-way done with this pregnancy.
* Communicating through email.
* Getting together with family for good times.
* Darrell never complaining about all the work he does, at home, at work, at church.
* Crunching the leaves as I take an Autumn stroll outside.
* Watching my boys get so excited to play together as a family.
* My boys saying "sheep" as I sing them their goodnight song. (It's the last word of the song.)
* Oaklen repeating everything I say then saying "Mommy?" at the end of the sentence.
My boys...I love 'em.
* Being able to change my email inbox to a pink background.
* Finding matches to all the socks in the load of laundry.
* A hot shower
* Finding a tv converter box for free.
* Saving a bunch of money on my car insurance by calling around (no not Geico.)
* Getting new windows for free.
* Receiving the phone call from Salem's teacher saying they will most likely do all-day kindergarten starting in January.
* Looking at pictures of my babies and falling in love with them all over again.
* Listening to Christmas music, any time of the year.
* Darrell thanking me for the little every-day things I do.
* Seeing my houseplant thrive.
* Salem reading books to Oaklen.
* Being more than half-way done with this pregnancy.
* Communicating through email.
* Getting together with family for good times.
* Darrell never complaining about all the work he does, at home, at work, at church.
* Crunching the leaves as I take an Autumn stroll outside.
* Watching my boys get so excited to play together as a family.
* My boys saying "sheep" as I sing them their goodnight song. (It's the last word of the song.)
* Oaklen repeating everything I say then saying "Mommy?" at the end of the sentence.
My boys...I love 'em.Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Transparent blessings
We have been blessed recently by receiving free windows and a few other things. Yes you read it right, free windows!
Our family and old home were candidates for the Salt Lake County Lead Safe Housing Program. They came and painted our lead-hazardous paint and gave us free windows on the main floor and basement. We applied for this grant/program back in June and they finally finished the work today.
Here are a few before and after shots:
We had to be relocated last week for about 24 hours so they could install the windows. They said they'd either provide a hotel or let you stay with family. I was tempted to go with the hotel since that was going to be free too, but the hotel's pool was outdoor and too cold so we decided that Grandma's house would be more comfortable. Thanks mom for letting us come crash for the night. My boys, of course, loved the vacation to Grandma's and the night wouldn't have been complete without a nice soak in a bubble bath.
They were having so much fun that they wouldn't even pose for a picture.
We arrived home the next day and the windows were installed and the white on the porch was painted. Now we'd love to tackle the rest of the porch next spring. We'll see...
Our family and old home were candidates for the Salt Lake County Lead Safe Housing Program. They came and painted our lead-hazardous paint and gave us free windows on the main floor and basement. We applied for this grant/program back in June and they finally finished the work today.
Here are a few before and after shots:
We had to be relocated last week for about 24 hours so they could install the windows. They said they'd either provide a hotel or let you stay with family. I was tempted to go with the hotel since that was going to be free too, but the hotel's pool was outdoor and too cold so we decided that Grandma's house would be more comfortable. Thanks mom for letting us come crash for the night. My boys, of course, loved the vacation to Grandma's and the night wouldn't have been complete without a nice soak in a bubble bath.
They were having so much fun that they wouldn't even pose for a picture.We arrived home the next day and the windows were installed and the white on the porch was painted. Now we'd love to tackle the rest of the porch next spring. We'll see...
Cracker of choice
Crackers are delicious but many are filled with hydrogenated oils, white flour, artificial colors and/or MSG. I have looked at labels on a lot of the grocery store crackers and have been surprised to find what's in them. Even the expensive "whole wheat" crackers aren't all that great. They usually aren't 100% whole wheat, the first ingredient is usually "white flour" or disguised as "wheat flour" but if it doesn't say "whole wheat" then it's white flour. Once in a while I'll eat some of these crackers at parties, but you most likely won't find them in my pantry.
Do you want to know my cracker of choice? Triscuits! They're the classic cracker that have been around since the 1900's. They're 100% whole wheat, and they're pretty affordable. Triscuits are on sale this week at most grocery stores because of the Thanksgiving holiday and you can get a coupon here. (I'd stick with the original or reduced fat varieties, most of the others triscuit varieties have MSG or colors in the ingredients.)
Do you want to know my cracker of choice? Triscuits! They're the classic cracker that have been around since the 1900's. They're 100% whole wheat, and they're pretty affordable. Triscuits are on sale this week at most grocery stores because of the Thanksgiving holiday and you can get a coupon here. (I'd stick with the original or reduced fat varieties, most of the others triscuit varieties have MSG or colors in the ingredients.)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Dance like everybody is watching
A few days ago I found myself in my kitchen dancing to the jams on the CD I got from the library. There were no blinds or curtains on the windows (I'll tell you later in another post the reason for the naked windows) and it was dark outside so anyone could plainly see me dancing. I was entertaining my two boys, as well as the neighbors. I'm sure it was hilarious to watch some pregnant lady shake some bootie.
I thought about the saying "Dance like nobody is watching" and decided that I prefer the saying "Dance like everybody is watching." I like to entertain and the more people watching me, the merrier! :) In high school I got "The Entertainer" award at our year-end cheerleading retreat. In Crimson Line, at the U, I also got a couple other awards that followed that same suit. (I'll refrain from giving you detail about the awards in fear of some random person reading this blog to think weird thoughts.)
This was the photo featured on the front page of the Daily Utah Chronicle during my freshman year of college. My glory days of dancing...and using a flag. :)
Here I am (wearing a wig) backstage while performing in Singin' in the Rain at Hale Centre Theatre in 2004. (I wasn't the one who popped out of the cake, but it was fun to pose for the picture.)
I thought about the saying "Dance like nobody is watching" and decided that I prefer the saying "Dance like everybody is watching." I like to entertain and the more people watching me, the merrier! :) In high school I got "The Entertainer" award at our year-end cheerleading retreat. In Crimson Line, at the U, I also got a couple other awards that followed that same suit. (I'll refrain from giving you detail about the awards in fear of some random person reading this blog to think weird thoughts.)
This was the photo featured on the front page of the Daily Utah Chronicle during my freshman year of college. My glory days of dancing...and using a flag. :)
Here I am (wearing a wig) backstage while performing in Singin' in the Rain at Hale Centre Theatre in 2004. (I wasn't the one who popped out of the cake, but it was fun to pose for the picture.)Thursday, November 20, 2008
Ode to Oaklen
I have a binder for each of my kids to hold various paper keepsakes like doctor's notes, artwork, certificates, birthday cards, etc. I have written a couple different "Odes to Oaklen" in his book and now I figure that these "odes" should transfer to this blog. Typing is always so much easier for me than writing. It's so cumbersome for me to write, although I do feel that I should preserve my handwriting for historical purposes once in a while. :)
Anyway, here is an Ode to Oaklen.
I'm still two mom - Randomly he'll come up to me and say "I'm still two mom!" Thanks Oaklen for reminding me that you're only two and it doesn't last forever. ;)
I can't see the creatures coming - Oaklen loves the word "creature." If you put two fingers near him and try to "walk" the fingers up to him, he thinks they're creatures. He also sees things and says that they are creatures. When I turn off the lights as we go from the bathroom to his bedroom for the night, we walk in the dark and he says "I can't see the creatures coming." It's funny that he says that and it's even funnier if you think of it in a different way. Most kids are scared of the dark and say things like "I'm afraid of the monster." But Oaklen has a different way of thinking about it and says "I can't see the creatures coming." He acknowledges that there are creatures but the dark bothers him only because he can't see them coming. :)
I'm scary - When he hears a noise outside that seems scary to him he says "I'm scary" instead of "I'm scared." He keeps repeating it until we acknowledge that he said it.
Walking up the stairs - He is now old/big enough to take one step for each stair. He no longer has to stop on each step like a smaller children do. :( My baby is growing up!
His sighs - He must have remembered me doing yoga with him when he was in the womb because he always uses his deep breaths to relax him. A lot of times when he's crying he'll calm himself down by doing a big sigh. Often, he'll even say "I'm sorry Mom...forgive me." That just melts my heart! He also sighs when he needs to relax to go to bed, or he's ready to settle down to read a book on the couch. When I cry he comes up to me and says "breathe in...breathe out."
Hair pulling - He has a love for hair and especially Mom's hair. I'll be reading him a book and he has to look up at me and stroke his fingers through my hair just to make sure I'm still there. When we have co-slept, he'll almost always have some of my hair in his hand as a comfort. Sometimes it gets quite challenging and frustrating that he wants to hold or pull my hair. I draw the line when he starts to pull Salem's hair while sitting in the grocery cart. Salem is a good sport about it and knows that Oaklen is a turkey. :) I really hope he'll grow out of this hair pulling phase.
Little munchie - I've called him my little munchie because he is always wanting to eat. He usually wakes me up in the morning by holding my hair and saying "Let's go have food, mom!" When we finally do have breakfast, he's looking around for something to eat less than an hour later. (Don't think that he must not have eaten that much for breakfast because he usually has a banana, a big bowl of oatmeal/cereal/rice/millet, plus something else like applesauce.) Even now as I type this blog post I have had to get up twice to give him a snack. Also, his favorite part about nursery on Sunday is the snack.
Orange - There is no question that his favorite color is Orange. He wears this orange sweatshirt (pictured below) at least once a week. He wakes up from his nap and tells me everyday that he dreamed about "orange garbage trucks."
His perch - Speaking of orange garbage trucks, he loves to sit on the back of the couch and look outside. I've tried numerous times to get him to sit on a chair at another window but he likes to be up a little higher on the back of the couch in front of the biggest window. Thursdays are the favorite day of the week since that's when the garbage trucks come by. It was a real treat a few weeks ago for both Salem and Oaklen to watch the various work trucks cut down the tree across the street.
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Anyway, here is an Ode to Oaklen.
I'm still two mom - Randomly he'll come up to me and say "I'm still two mom!" Thanks Oaklen for reminding me that you're only two and it doesn't last forever. ;)
I can't see the creatures coming - Oaklen loves the word "creature." If you put two fingers near him and try to "walk" the fingers up to him, he thinks they're creatures. He also sees things and says that they are creatures. When I turn off the lights as we go from the bathroom to his bedroom for the night, we walk in the dark and he says "I can't see the creatures coming." It's funny that he says that and it's even funnier if you think of it in a different way. Most kids are scared of the dark and say things like "I'm afraid of the monster." But Oaklen has a different way of thinking about it and says "I can't see the creatures coming." He acknowledges that there are creatures but the dark bothers him only because he can't see them coming. :)
I'm scary - When he hears a noise outside that seems scary to him he says "I'm scary" instead of "I'm scared." He keeps repeating it until we acknowledge that he said it.
Walking up the stairs - He is now old/big enough to take one step for each stair. He no longer has to stop on each step like a smaller children do. :( My baby is growing up!
His sighs - He must have remembered me doing yoga with him when he was in the womb because he always uses his deep breaths to relax him. A lot of times when he's crying he'll calm himself down by doing a big sigh. Often, he'll even say "I'm sorry Mom...forgive me." That just melts my heart! He also sighs when he needs to relax to go to bed, or he's ready to settle down to read a book on the couch. When I cry he comes up to me and says "breathe in...breathe out."
Hair pulling - He has a love for hair and especially Mom's hair. I'll be reading him a book and he has to look up at me and stroke his fingers through my hair just to make sure I'm still there. When we have co-slept, he'll almost always have some of my hair in his hand as a comfort. Sometimes it gets quite challenging and frustrating that he wants to hold or pull my hair. I draw the line when he starts to pull Salem's hair while sitting in the grocery cart. Salem is a good sport about it and knows that Oaklen is a turkey. :) I really hope he'll grow out of this hair pulling phase.
Little munchie - I've called him my little munchie because he is always wanting to eat. He usually wakes me up in the morning by holding my hair and saying "Let's go have food, mom!" When we finally do have breakfast, he's looking around for something to eat less than an hour later. (Don't think that he must not have eaten that much for breakfast because he usually has a banana, a big bowl of oatmeal/cereal/rice/millet, plus something else like applesauce.) Even now as I type this blog post I have had to get up twice to give him a snack. Also, his favorite part about nursery on Sunday is the snack.
Orange - There is no question that his favorite color is Orange. He wears this orange sweatshirt (pictured below) at least once a week. He wakes up from his nap and tells me everyday that he dreamed about "orange garbage trucks."
His perch - Speaking of orange garbage trucks, he loves to sit on the back of the couch and look outside. I've tried numerous times to get him to sit on a chair at another window but he likes to be up a little higher on the back of the couch in front of the biggest window. Thursdays are the favorite day of the week since that's when the garbage trucks come by. It was a real treat a few weeks ago for both Salem and Oaklen to watch the various work trucks cut down the tree across the street.
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Monday, November 10, 2008
A Halloween to remember
I'm catching up and am finally doing a post about Halloween 2008.
This Halloween will be one to remember...
1. Salem was a lion. We had talked about him being other things throughout the year, like a pirate, darth vader, or batman, but when he saw this lion costume that I had, he really wanted to be a lion.
2. This was my first school Halloween parade to attend, the first of many I'm sure. It was interesting to see all the costumes that the kids wore, and it was weird that I was the adult watching the kids. I always felt silly walking in the Halloween parades at school, so I felt for those awkward kids.
3. Oaklen was an aligator/crocodile/dinosaur (I couldn't quite tell what it really was.) He only wore his costume halfway through the time we spent being at Salem's parade then he took it off. He refused to wear it the rest of the day.
4. Oaklen got sick! (No it wasn't from too much candy.) We went to visit my friend Candace and he puked on her carpet! He had no symptoms of anything, and afterward was as jolly as a lark, so I'm not really sure what happened to him. I spent some time cleaning up the mess, and I doubt Candace was able to eat the soup I brought due to the likeness of the stuff I was cleaning up. Sorry Ace!
5. We visited Darrell's employer. They always go all out for Halloween and the kids get to go down aisles of decorated cubicles.
6. Darrell was an old man for his costume. His team did different demographic segments and he was "gray power" older people who live in quiet comfort.
6. We came home and watched a movie since we all were pretty tired. Afterward, we went outside for a little trick or treating. The boys enjoyed the blow-up Tigger across the street and I snagged a picture of Oaklen next to it.
This Halloween will be one to remember...
1. Salem was a lion. We had talked about him being other things throughout the year, like a pirate, darth vader, or batman, but when he saw this lion costume that I had, he really wanted to be a lion.
2. This was my first school Halloween parade to attend, the first of many I'm sure. It was interesting to see all the costumes that the kids wore, and it was weird that I was the adult watching the kids. I always felt silly walking in the Halloween parades at school, so I felt for those awkward kids.
3. Oaklen was an aligator/crocodile/dinosaur (I couldn't quite tell what it really was.) He only wore his costume halfway through the time we spent being at Salem's parade then he took it off. He refused to wear it the rest of the day.
4. Oaklen got sick! (No it wasn't from too much candy.) We went to visit my friend Candace and he puked on her carpet! He had no symptoms of anything, and afterward was as jolly as a lark, so I'm not really sure what happened to him. I spent some time cleaning up the mess, and I doubt Candace was able to eat the soup I brought due to the likeness of the stuff I was cleaning up. Sorry Ace!
5. We visited Darrell's employer. They always go all out for Halloween and the kids get to go down aisles of decorated cubicles.
6. Darrell was an old man for his costume. His team did different demographic segments and he was "gray power" older people who live in quiet comfort.
6. We came home and watched a movie since we all were pretty tired. Afterward, we went outside for a little trick or treating. The boys enjoyed the blow-up Tigger across the street and I snagged a picture of Oaklen next to it.
Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion
Today I got emotional...that's not an uncommon thing for me right now due to the pregnancy, but today I wanted to share the reason I got emotional.
We were doing our usual family home evening and Salem updated the FHE chart to assign himself to do the lesson and the scripture.
1. He read one verse of scripture; just like he usually does for his bedtime routine. He's getting better and better at reading the hard words every day.
2. For the lesson he got the children's Book of Mormon Stories and read to us the chapter about Nephi building the ship. I was a hesitant at first about him reading it since I figured I'd have to help him a lot and he'd get frustrated. I ended up only helping him with only 2 or 3 words and he read the rest himself! After the first few picture captions I just broke out in hysterical tears which quickly turned into a chuckling laugh because I pictured how ridiculous I must have been, yet I was laughing from being overjoyed.
Geez pregnancy does a lot of crazy stuff to you...but I am very proud of Salem for learning to read so well, good work!
We were doing our usual family home evening and Salem updated the FHE chart to assign himself to do the lesson and the scripture.
1. He read one verse of scripture; just like he usually does for his bedtime routine. He's getting better and better at reading the hard words every day.
2. For the lesson he got the children's Book of Mormon Stories and read to us the chapter about Nephi building the ship. I was a hesitant at first about him reading it since I figured I'd have to help him a lot and he'd get frustrated. I ended up only helping him with only 2 or 3 words and he read the rest himself! After the first few picture captions I just broke out in hysterical tears which quickly turned into a chuckling laugh because I pictured how ridiculous I must have been, yet I was laughing from being overjoyed.
Geez pregnancy does a lot of crazy stuff to you...but I am very proud of Salem for learning to read so well, good work!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Oaklen's ABC's & Salem's backpack trot
Here are two videos to make you smile...
Oaklen has been learning his ABC song, he sings it everywhere we go and we were able to catch it on camera. His little 2-yr-old voice is so adorable.
From the second day of school, I have been meaning to take my camera to capture Salem's backpack trot. It's so cute to see the cute little kids with their backpacks almost the size of them, running off to school. I finally remembered my camera, but he now has to wear a coat and the backpack doesn't bounce as much as it would if he wasn't wearing a coat. Enjoy!
Oaklen has been learning his ABC song, he sings it everywhere we go and we were able to catch it on camera. His little 2-yr-old voice is so adorable.
From the second day of school, I have been meaning to take my camera to capture Salem's backpack trot. It's so cute to see the cute little kids with their backpacks almost the size of them, running off to school. I finally remembered my camera, but he now has to wear a coat and the backpack doesn't bounce as much as it would if he wasn't wearing a coat. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
There's no fun like snow fun
We went outside today to play in the snow and I was happy to find the consistency of the snow to be perfect snowman snow. It's been ages since I have built a snowman, Darrell has done it with the kids the past few years. It was quite a workout for my pregnant self, and challenging to get the body section on top of the bottom section!
(Oaklen was, of course, a turkey and refused to wear his snow boots and his gloves. Half way through our snow fun, after falling in the snow a couple times, he decided to put on his gloves.)
Here are some pics to enjoy! (Click to enlarge.)
(Oaklen was, of course, a turkey and refused to wear his snow boots and his gloves. Half way through our snow fun, after falling in the snow a couple times, he decided to put on his gloves.)
Here are some pics to enjoy! (Click to enlarge.)
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