Happy Weekends With My Kids

So I missed a few days. This weekend was a little crazy, but nothing new there. My kids usually spend the first three weekends of the month (during the school year) with their dad. But we swapped weekends for Halloween, so they were with me this past weekend. Anyway, we had a fun time.
PJ's old school out in Caldwell was having a Christmas bazaar, so we headed out there. It was so nice to run into friends of mine that still live there. We saw some fun stuff, had pictures with Santa, and found some cute hair flowers for Miss Magoo. I was just nice to spend sometime with both of them without all the craziness of school and homework and everything else we do.
Sunday we went to church together. While sometimes it is nice to be able to sit through Sacrament meeting without being mauled by my kids. Or having them get up to use the bathroom, blow their nose, get a drink every five seconds. And I do enjoy getting to actually listen to the speakers. I've found that most Sundays when they aren't with me, I miss them, A LOT!! It's just not the same sitting in church by myself without one of them snuggled up to me while we sing a hymn, or reminding them to fold their arms for a prayer. So this past weekend it was lovely having them sit with me. And the best part, they were so good!! (I should probably whisper that last part with my fingers crossed)
So today (any really yesterday and Sunday too ) I'm grateful that I had my kids with me and we got to enjoy some time together.

The Internet

Today I am so very thankful for the internet. There are so many reasons really. Bu today, I'll just list a few that have come to mind in the last few hours.
I can submit my homework on line. So when the professor says it due by 11:59 pm, no problem.
I can get help with my math homework almost instantly, no matter the time of day or night in some cases.
I allows me to keep in touch with my family and friends.
It helps me look up speech topics.
It lets me keep track/pay of my bills.

So that's it for today folks. The internet is (really has been for a while) my new best friend.

The "Y"

Today I am grateful for the YMCA, or I guess as they are now calling themselves the "Y". This past spring the kids and I joined the Y. The first few months I'll admit that we didn't use the membership much, didn't take advantage of it like we should have. But that has changed in the last few months. In July I started the kids in swim lessons at the Y. The swim instructors there are great. They are patient and caring. When Miss Magoo started her lessons there she wouldn't even put her head under water. Monday night she jumped in the water, granted in was jumping to her swim teacher, still she jumped in the water!! That is a huge improvement for her. She still has a ways to go with her swimming, but she's getting it, and loving it. PJ loves swimming there too. But he has recently discovered the racquetball courts, and it having a lot of fun there too. Every couple of weeks we make it in to the rock wall room. They kids have a ball climbing the walls, and I don't have to tell them to get off the walls, it's a win win situation. But the main reason that I'm in love with the Y lately is their water aerobics classes. I started taking water aerobics back in August. But I wasn't serious about it. Most weeks I'd go once or twice, I liked, I got a good workout. But I wasn't pushing myself in the classes. But about eight weeks ago I decided that I needed to really start moving in the classes. I'm now going 4 days a week doing an hour class at a time. I love it. I get so much more out of the work-outs than before. And I'm seeing a difference in me too. I have found that not only is it great exercise, it's also a great stress reliever. I love going, it's something I look forward to. I have finally found exercise that I like to do, yea me!

My Bed

Sorry, that's all I've got today. Last night it was late when I got to bed, and I got up earlier than normal today. Today just seemed like it was abnormally long. So now here it is 10:00 pm and I'm tard sharn. So for today I'm so very grateful for my lovely, comfy, big bed. (though the sleeping in a big bed solo is not so fun, but that's a whole other post). And here's hoping for a good night sleep without dreams about math and accounting homework.

Today I am Thankful for...

I remember doing this a couple of years ago*, or maybe I'm just remembering that I wanted to do this. Whatever, anyway since it is November (really how did it get to be November already??) and seeing as we will be celebrating Thanks Giving in s few short weeks, I wanted to get my thankfulness wheels going.
So I'm going to try and post something everyday that I am thankful for. Don't hold me to the everyday post, as things are getting crazy busy with school right now. But I am going to try.
So today, Nov. 1, 2010 I am thankful for Pell Grants and Student Loans. Yes I realize that is a odd thing to be thankful for. But I am getting ready to register for my classes for next semester (tomorrow in fact, keep your fingers crossed that I get the classes I want/need). But today I found out that the student loan I applied for came through. I am taking an intersession class this Christmas break. It's a session between the two regular semesters. The session is 3 wks long, that is they cram 15 wks of class down into 3 wks of class, now won't that be fun!
So today I am grateful that I am able to get not only Pell Grants (cause who doesn't like free money to pay for school!!!) but also for student loans to make up the difference.

* Erika, I'm pretty sure I got this idea from you a few years back, so THANKS!

More of My Gratitude List

Last month I had started a list of things that I am thankful for. But I got a little sidetracked with life. I had already talked about a few of them: Mr. Man, my sisters, chocolate, socks, primary, etc. Wait that was the list, I guess I didn’t get very far. Anyway there were a few other things that I had planned to write about so here they are. (In no particular order)

My Kids- I won’t tell you how I have the very cutest, smartest, bestest ever kids. (Even though it may be true). And while it is true that they can be little snots when they put their minds to it, and can drive me insane at a moment’s notice, they are mine and I love them. There is nothing sweeter than when one of them gives me a hug for no reason. Miss Magoo can’t let me leave the room without telling me that she loves me. PJ draws me the best pictures of robots and dinosaurs. And those special moments right before bed when they say their prayers, and give loves and kisses, what sweet children they can be. They both have such special spirits.

My Parents- I truly am blessed to have the parents I do. They are such great examples to me and my children. They make me want to be a better person. They have both taught me so much. I will never forget the time we were driving around Tahoe on vacation and my dad started talking about Christ. I can still hear his voice as he talked about Christ’s crucifixion, and what it must have been like for him as he went through that ordeal. That is one of my first memories of really hearing and understanding my father’s testimony of Christ and the gospel. My parents are going back to Russia to serve their 4th mission (this is their 2nd time in Russia). What a great example they are to my children. PJ and Miss Magoo know where grandma and grandpa are and what they are doing there.

Books- I really love to read. There is no better way to escape a rough day than to sit down in a comfy spot with a snuggly blanket and a good book.

Modern Conveniences- What can I say they make my life so much easier. I love my cell phone, microwave, dvr& vcr& dvd players, my garage door opener (thanks honey), ice maker, blow dryer, computer, internet, etc. I could go on and on life is so much easier because of all these inventions. I love that these things are there for me to use or not use, it’s up to me. But when I want them they can make life sweet.

Scriptures- They bring the word of God into our home, they help me teach my children the gospel, and they bring me peace, and give me strength. They show me God’s love for me and they give me hope.

My In-laws I have the best mother-in-law that any wife could ask for. She gives advice when asked, tries very hard not to judge, and loves my children almost as much as I do. And the best part she told Mr. Man when we got married that it was his job to always take my side even if I was wrong (which of course I never am). Mr. Man’s siblings love my kids, spoil them and are always excited to see them (no really they are).

I’m sure that I could keep going but these were the top few things on my list. Making this list has really helped me to be more appreciative of the things I have, and to try and be happy with what I have. The Lord really has blessed me and my family and for that I am grateful.

Socks

I love socks. No really I love them. I love to wear them all the time. I hate, hate, hate to have cold feet, and there is nothing better to keep my toes toasty and warm that a comfy cozy pair of socks. And if I ever win the lottery I’m going to buy a new pair to wear everyday.

Sisters

Today I am most thankful that I have 4 sisters. I still live somewhat close to 3 of them (yes a 6 ½ hr drive is close), and someday hope to have the 4th a lot closer. They have all taught me many things that have changed me for the better. They have all taught me something important: to never give up, to try and look for the positive in life, that I’m important, and to have faith and trust in Heavenly Father. They are great examples to me. I look at them and hope that I can be like them, a better wife, mother, and person. They are there to listen when I complain, and there to tell me to shut-up and get over it too. When we were younger we didn’t always see things the same way, but as we’ve grown up, married, and had children we have grown closer. It is so lovely to have someone to call when my kids are on my last nerve who understands. To be able to talk to someone who shares my background, my memories of our growing up, of our family. So today I’m grateful for my sisters and the times that we’ve had to spend together, to laugh and cry together, to love each other.

Chocolate

What can I say, I think that I only know one person who's not fond of chocolate. Though I do believe that every now and then even she'll eat the stuff. Chocolate, or the thought of chocolate has gotten me through some very hairy stuff. When my kids are falling apart, fighting with each other or with me, when Mr. Man is really late getting home from work Chocolate is what gets me through it. Sometimes I don't even have to eat it, just knowing that I can eat it and it'll comfort me is enough to get me through those few minutes ( maybe even a hour or 2). So today I'm grateful for chocolate.

Primary

About a year ago I was called to teach in Primary, something I knew was coming. I’ve taught in about 5 or 6 different primaries during my 13yrs of marriage. Currently I’m teaching 1 of the 3 Sunbeam classes in our ward. I have 8 very busy very cute little kids in my class, 2 girls 6 boys. This year of teaching has been a little more challenging for me. I have one of the larger classes in our primary and all of my kids attend regularly (which I’m not complaining about, that’s great, the kids need to come every week it’s important). But because of the largeness and craziness of my class I’ve been in contact with on the counselors in the presidency more than any other time when I’ve taught primary. And I’ve also paid a little more attention to the primary presidency in our ward. I’ve noticed that our current president, Sister B. is struggling a little in her calling. There have been a lot of vacancies in the teaching spots, lots of classes that have to have a sub found at the very last moment. Lots of very busy kids, several of whom have special needs that require a lot of attention. But in all the chaos of our primary I’ve noticed that our president truly loves the kids in our primary. Now like I said I’ve been in several other primaries and I’ve never doubted that the previous presidents that I’ve worked under cared for our kids. In fact the last ward we attended had 3 different presidents during the time I was in the primary. And I know that each one of them cared for our kids, and 2 have a very special spot in their heart for my son in particular. Those 2 presidents made my son who was having a little difficulty adjusting to a new ward feel welcomed and loved. But in our current ward I have come to have a better appreciation for our primary presidency. I’ve been a lot more aware of what they are working with, and struggling with. A couple months ago Sister B walked into sharing time with a very troubled look on her face. It was pretty obvious that she was have quite the day. She started to do her planned sharing time lesson and then changed her mind. She explained to the kids that she was having a rough day and was going to try something different. She told the kids that she was going to walk around the room and address each child by name and then that child had the option of giving her a high-5, shake her hand , or give her a hug, but it was each child’s choice. As she walked around our primary room she knew each child by name, and we have a huge primary. As she approached each child she said their name and then asked what they had chosen to do. I was amazed how many children choose to give her a hug. You could see in their faces that they loved her, and they knew that they were loved by her. And as a parent that meant the world to me. I am so thankful that my children have a Primary President that makes them feel special and loved and knows them by name.

My Other Half

When it comes to my blessings the one I always count first is my husband.
Mr. Man and I met my last semester at the school formerly known as Ricks (sfkar). He was in my ward and we met for the first time at ward prayer. My first thought was wow, he's cute, next thought was I bet he'd be a great friend. At the time I wasn't looking for more than that. So that night I made a point of talking to him, though he doesn't remember any of it, obviously I made a great first impression. A couple of weeks later it was morp (prom spelled backwards, girls ask guys) and we had out first date, I asked him out, and it was a blast. That was Jan 25ish, 1995. After that we spent a lot of time together, ALOT. We both started feeling like there was really something there pretty quick. And on March 11, 1995 at the train depot in Boise ID he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We went to Cali for a quick confrence weekend trip so he could ask my dad for permission to marry me. During that trip we also had our engagement photos taken, picked out our cake, colors, and wedding invitations. (wow that was a busy 2 1/2 days). We were married June 15th 1995 (one year to the day the he got home from his mission) in the California Oakland Temple. It was such a special day most of my family was there. Mr. Man's mom & sister and her family was there. It was such a special feeling having our family there in the celestral room as we were married for time & eternity.
So that's the background of our relationship. We have now been married for almost 13 1/2 yrs. We have 2 kids PJ (7 1/2) and Miss Magoo (4 1/2), and they are a special part of our family. But the love of my life is my Mr. Man. He truly is my best friend, I can tell him anything and probably a lot of things he wishes I wouldn't. He is the one that is there for me when I can't sleep because I'm stressed about something that doesn't really matter, but instead of pointing it out he tries to listen. He is the one to tell me "you can do it" when I get frustrated with life. He always tells me that I'm a great mom and that no our kids won't be in therapy for forever when they get older, just for a few years. He works so hard to support our family. His work ethic always amazes me, that he takes such pride in doing something and doing it right. He is honorable, hardworking, loving, kind and sensitive (though he would deny that one).
We have had to move several times for his job, something I told him I would do if he's the one bringing home the bacon. Everytime we have to start over in a new area I know that I can do it because he is there by my side. He brings out the best in me, he makes me a better person. He is an awesome father to our children. They love to just be with him, even if it's just sitting in a chair in his "office" watching him do his school work. He recently went back to school to get his MBA. It is hard to watch him struggle with his classes, to see his frustration when his papers don't come out just right. But I love when he gets so excited that is paper or his presentation went good, to see the pride in him as he does well in his classes. I love that he is a great example to those around him, but especially to me and our children. I am so very thankful for my Mr. Man.

The Time Where I Totally Steal an Idea From Erika

I’m totally stealing this idea from Erika’s blog (Erika hope you don’t mind, it is just a great idea). This month she is writing about things that she is thankful for and I thought, I need to do that, I need to be more thankful. So in an attempt to be more aware of my blessings I’m going to try and list them.