The other day Brent said, "Mommy loves you and Daddy loves you and..."
"My BIRTHDAY loves me!" Jillian finished.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
my drug of choice
I decided yesterday that if they could encapsulate the hormone which causes nesting--that wonderfully productive urge to clean and organize your entire house 26 hours a day--I would take that pill. Indeed, I would.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
thoughts on my earlier post, blogging in general and the pitfall of narcissism
Last night when I wrote about my kids, I was pretty aware that I was gushing over them. Maybe a little too much. And I realize that I gush over Brent whenever I write about him (because he's awesome...).
This morning I reflected on a brief conversation that Brent and I had about narcissism. I had read an interview with Angelina Jolie and immediately thought, narcissist. I need to admit that's not a good habit, diagnosing people you're reading about in the paper or on a blog. But it got me thinking about how our look-at-me, read-about-me, watch-my-youtube culture seems like a petri dish for narcissism.
On one hand, I don't want to be guilty of showcasing only the positive side. On the other hand, I want to be cautious as I write about my family. I should say only positive things about my kids or my husband on a blog. If they want to be vulnerable about their weaknesses, I'll let them do that.
So, if you're reading along and find yourself thinking, "Wow! Jenna's kids are the most amazing kids ever," or "Dang, Jenna, you are a deluded child-worshipper," just keep in mind that I'm trying to be respectful of them by leaving out the bad stuff.
This morning I reflected on a brief conversation that Brent and I had about narcissism. I had read an interview with Angelina Jolie and immediately thought, narcissist. I need to admit that's not a good habit, diagnosing people you're reading about in the paper or on a blog. But it got me thinking about how our look-at-me, read-about-me, watch-my-youtube culture seems like a petri dish for narcissism.
On one hand, I don't want to be guilty of showcasing only the positive side. On the other hand, I want to be cautious as I write about my family. I should say only positive things about my kids or my husband on a blog. If they want to be vulnerable about their weaknesses, I'll let them do that.
So, if you're reading along and find yourself thinking, "Wow! Jenna's kids are the most amazing kids ever," or "Dang, Jenna, you are a deluded child-worshipper," just keep in mind that I'm trying to be respectful of them by leaving out the bad stuff.
Monday, July 12, 2010
it's really hard to write anymore
If I could write a brain dump, I'd tell you about...
1. How time-consuming and thought-consuming it is to have four kids home all the time. I do NOT know how homeschoolers do this. Or daycare providers. Or...anyone. It's been hard.
2. I'd tell you about how Phoebe changed in her seventh month of life. She was a quiet, immobile, toothless baby with dark, dark hair. Between seven and eight months old, she started crawling and sitting and grew two teeth. Her hair lightened up significantly. (We all knew that was going to happen, right? The blonde eyebrows at birth...) She says "da-da" and makes cute noises. And not so cute noises. Downright scary shrilling noises that make you freeze and drop your fork at dinner sometimes.
3. I'd tell you how Avery's playing little league for the first time this year. He's amazing. So coachable. So focused. When I watch my son play baseball, I'm watching a young man. And when I watch him play, I forget about mortgages and meal planning and failures. That's not why I love his games. It's just something I noticed. I don't want to miss him make a double play or a diving catch. I love watching him do things I can't. And I love watching him pat his fellow players on the back and cheer for them. I love seeing that he does indeed have a passion.
4. I'd tell you how Miles is hands-down the best soccer player I've ever seen. (I didn't watch the World Cup!) No. Really, it's amazing to watch him channel his seemingly endless supply of energy and use his usually annoying skill of weaving in and out of people to totally dominate the field. He isn't timid. He's focused and he charges the ball (and hogs it). He scores lots of goals (and he misses a lot). We encourage him to be a team player and pass, but since he doesn't read this blog, I can say he could pretty much take on the other team by himself.
5. I'd tell you a thousand things about Jillian, too, because her personality just tickles me so. I'm especially fascinated with her different relationships in the family. When she puts on a pretty dress, she announces, "I'm cute," and then immediately runs to Brent for approval. She and Miles play all the time. Avery reads her books and she loves to climb up to his bunk...and steal his gum, which really annoys him! She has about 25 nicknames for Phoebe. I love to hear her say, "Oh Phoeb!" or "Phoby" or "Phlubz".
6. I'd tell you about how I stopped using Twitter and deactivated my Facebook account so that I could think more clearly again. Too. much. information.
7. I'd tell you so many more things. But, in the meantime, I think I'll share pictures that I've just found on my camera. Until tonight, I hadn't uploaded pictures for months. It was interesting. "What I found on my camera" posts to follow...
1. How time-consuming and thought-consuming it is to have four kids home all the time. I do NOT know how homeschoolers do this. Or daycare providers. Or...anyone. It's been hard.
2. I'd tell you about how Phoebe changed in her seventh month of life. She was a quiet, immobile, toothless baby with dark, dark hair. Between seven and eight months old, she started crawling and sitting and grew two teeth. Her hair lightened up significantly. (We all knew that was going to happen, right? The blonde eyebrows at birth...) She says "da-da" and makes cute noises. And not so cute noises. Downright scary shrilling noises that make you freeze and drop your fork at dinner sometimes.
3. I'd tell you how Avery's playing little league for the first time this year. He's amazing. So coachable. So focused. When I watch my son play baseball, I'm watching a young man. And when I watch him play, I forget about mortgages and meal planning and failures. That's not why I love his games. It's just something I noticed. I don't want to miss him make a double play or a diving catch. I love watching him do things I can't. And I love watching him pat his fellow players on the back and cheer for them. I love seeing that he does indeed have a passion.
4. I'd tell you how Miles is hands-down the best soccer player I've ever seen. (I didn't watch the World Cup!) No. Really, it's amazing to watch him channel his seemingly endless supply of energy and use his usually annoying skill of weaving in and out of people to totally dominate the field. He isn't timid. He's focused and he charges the ball (and hogs it). He scores lots of goals (and he misses a lot). We encourage him to be a team player and pass, but since he doesn't read this blog, I can say he could pretty much take on the other team by himself.
5. I'd tell you a thousand things about Jillian, too, because her personality just tickles me so. I'm especially fascinated with her different relationships in the family. When she puts on a pretty dress, she announces, "I'm cute," and then immediately runs to Brent for approval. She and Miles play all the time. Avery reads her books and she loves to climb up to his bunk...and steal his gum, which really annoys him! She has about 25 nicknames for Phoebe. I love to hear her say, "Oh Phoeb!" or "Phoby" or "Phlubz".
6. I'd tell you about how I stopped using Twitter and deactivated my Facebook account so that I could think more clearly again. Too. much. information.
7. I'd tell you so many more things. But, in the meantime, I think I'll share pictures that I've just found on my camera. Until tonight, I hadn't uploaded pictures for months. It was interesting. "What I found on my camera" posts to follow...
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
we interrupt this silence to bring attention to a good friend
I don't know why, but all of the sudden I feel like writing a post about Jenny Wilson.
I think it's because I realized that today marks the fifty-billionth time I've blurted out to my husband, "I just love Jenny Wilson." I have to say Wilson, because I love Jenny Rigney oh-so-much, too, and that could get confusing for a husband.
So Brent asked, "What makes you say that...this time?" (And try to read that as inquisitive and not annoyed, even though the wording suggests annoyed. Definitely not annoyed.)
I attempted to explain. "She says stuff and I understand...She gets me...I don't feel self-conscious around her." I realize that's so vague. I could say that about all my friends. But, today I need to bring your attention to Jenny flippin' Wilson.
Here's some things I admire:
She has made the best carne asada, the best chocolate bread pudding and the best chicken pot pie I have ever had.
She does a lot of thrifting and always looks like a million bucks. I wish she (and Tiffany) would be my personal shoppers, but alas.
When she is in a situation where she could worry and hem and haw, she doesn't worry like the world. She preaches to herself and she waits. It's encouraging to my soul.
She taught me how to coupon, and is always there for my coupon-obsessed calls, texts and emails.
She is sympathetic.
She is self-aware in a way that has been so freeing to me. For example, years ago, she said, "I'm a phase girl. I've been crunchy, I've been into running, etc..." I can't remember all her examples, but her point was, I can get into something like organic foods and not feel like I'm locked in for life. She's committed to her family and most definitely to her relationship with Jesus and she has a healthy perspective on the rest. (I'm a phase girl, too! Like, for example...blogging?!)
She sets me straight. Like a few weeks ago, when I told her that I'd rather die a slow and painful death so I could make sure I'm right with God. And she said in a sing-songy voice, "Jenna...you know that justification comes by faith and not works, right?..." yee-ep.
She can throw a playdate or a meal together in two seconds flat. One time we walked to the park with a picnic lunch she made in no time and for drinks? We didn't have bottled water, so we carried a pitcher of water. I love that. Practical.
She's practical. Did I mention that?
She makes a fantastic latte.
She's honest about what's on her mind, what's in her heart. And, she isn't weirded out by me being too honest. For example, when her daughter got into the school I really wanted my kids to get into, I admitted, "I'm kind of jealous." And, then approximately seven minutes later, I was fine and could tell her that, too. (And then, my kids got into that school the next year. And, really, I was over it in seven minutes! don't judge me. Jenny didn't.)
She drives my kids home in the afternoons (and doesn't complain about them).
She's so stinkin' fun.
Okay. That's it. Jenny Wilson, you are the bomb diggety. And I'm glad that God would see fit to make you my neighbor, fellow carpooler, coupon mentor and friend.
I think it's because I realized that today marks the fifty-billionth time I've blurted out to my husband, "I just love Jenny Wilson." I have to say Wilson, because I love Jenny Rigney oh-so-much, too, and that could get confusing for a husband.
So Brent asked, "What makes you say that...this time?" (And try to read that as inquisitive and not annoyed, even though the wording suggests annoyed. Definitely not annoyed.)
I attempted to explain. "She says stuff and I understand...She gets me...I don't feel self-conscious around her." I realize that's so vague. I could say that about all my friends. But, today I need to bring your attention to Jenny flippin' Wilson.
Here's some things I admire:
She has made the best carne asada, the best chocolate bread pudding and the best chicken pot pie I have ever had.
She does a lot of thrifting and always looks like a million bucks. I wish she (and Tiffany) would be my personal shoppers, but alas.
When she is in a situation where she could worry and hem and haw, she doesn't worry like the world. She preaches to herself and she waits. It's encouraging to my soul.
She taught me how to coupon, and is always there for my coupon-obsessed calls, texts and emails.
She is sympathetic.
She is self-aware in a way that has been so freeing to me. For example, years ago, she said, "I'm a phase girl. I've been crunchy, I've been into running, etc..." I can't remember all her examples, but her point was, I can get into something like organic foods and not feel like I'm locked in for life. She's committed to her family and most definitely to her relationship with Jesus and she has a healthy perspective on the rest. (I'm a phase girl, too! Like, for example...blogging?!)
She sets me straight. Like a few weeks ago, when I told her that I'd rather die a slow and painful death so I could make sure I'm right with God. And she said in a sing-songy voice, "Jenna...you know that justification comes by faith and not works, right?..." yee-ep.
She can throw a playdate or a meal together in two seconds flat. One time we walked to the park with a picnic lunch she made in no time and for drinks? We didn't have bottled water, so we carried a pitcher of water. I love that. Practical.
She's practical. Did I mention that?
She makes a fantastic latte.
She's honest about what's on her mind, what's in her heart. And, she isn't weirded out by me being too honest. For example, when her daughter got into the school I really wanted my kids to get into, I admitted, "I'm kind of jealous." And, then approximately seven minutes later, I was fine and could tell her that, too. (And then, my kids got into that school the next year. And, really, I was over it in seven minutes! don't judge me. Jenny didn't.)
She drives my kids home in the afternoons (and doesn't complain about them).
She's so stinkin' fun.
Okay. That's it. Jenny Wilson, you are the bomb diggety. And I'm glad that God would see fit to make you my neighbor, fellow carpooler, coupon mentor and friend.
Monday, May 10, 2010
phoebe's dedication
"Together with your parents who love you dearly
And this people who care about the
outcome of your faith, I dedicate you to God,
Surrendering together with them all
worldly claim upon your life
In the hope that you will belong wholly to the Lord,
forever."
many thanks to jenny rigney for taking these pictures.
And this people who care about the
outcome of your faith, I dedicate you to God,
Surrendering together with them all
worldly claim upon your life
In the hope that you will belong wholly to the Lord,
forever."
many thanks to jenny rigney for taking these pictures.
Friday, April 23, 2010
tea for two (nostrils)
This morning, I used the neti pot for the first time in awhile. Jillian was fascinated and said in her typical sing-songy fashion, "You have a tea party in your nose, Mama?"
Jillian donning her swimsuit (aka "swimsoup") and froggy galoshes.
Jillian donning her swimsuit (aka "swimsoup") and froggy galoshes.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
conversation worth blogging (in my humble opinion)
The setting: Jillian had just used the facilities while I was welcoming the boys home from school. You read that right. The two-and-a-half-year-old is officially potty trained.
Jillian: I flush da toilet.
Me: Oh, good! Let's wash your hands.
Jillian: I washed my hands.
Me: Oh, really? In the bathroom sink?
Jillian: No. In da toilet.
Jillian: I flush da toilet.
Me: Oh, good! Let's wash your hands.
Jillian: I washed my hands.
Me: Oh, really? In the bathroom sink?
Jillian: No. In da toilet.
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