Self Expression

Ivy has decided mommy isn't an expert in fashion anymore.  I can no longer convince, cajole, or sweet-talk her into any outfits of my choice.  I've decided to give her more freedom to choose what she wants to wear (unless it's inappropriate for the weather).  Some days she is looks perfectly put-together. Other days I wish I could glue a sign on her forehead citing: I DRESSED MYSELF TODAY!  If I force her to wear what I want or constantly critique her appearance I figure I'll just inhibit her confidence, independence, and creativity.  So bring on the clashing colors and patterns-  I'm raising a strong woman here!  Who's to say I know anything about style anyway...

She chose to accessorize with stickers today

Humble Beginnings

Tents in the desert, tiny log cabins, covered wagons crossing the plains, and how can I not include a manger in a humble stable.  Some of the most important, respected, and inspiring people I know spent much of their babyhood and childhood in not-so-luxurious accommodations.

This is Delia's "bedroom":

Delia's very own baby cave

Yep, right next to the shower and sink.  We don't have an actual room for her in our tiny house, so we had to be creative.  Luckily we have a good size, mostly unused guest bathroom.

 She doesn't have cute little decorations on the wall or beautiful, plush bed coverings like she deserves.  I have a feeling spending the first year of her life in a bathroom won't damage her future prospects, just like many of my heroes who didn't have much.

The Culprit

I just can't be mad at him...

With test after test, cranky professors, VERY little sleep, and rotations every other week taking him out of town for days and days of slave labor- I can't blame him for forgetting to tell me he took the camera to school.

Bryan's Oral Pathology Mentors at VCU

Oral Pathologists study diseases of the mouth through microscopes. 

These last few months of dental school have been stressful to the MAX.  Bryan is living off of adrenalin and Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi- I don't know how he's still standing, but he's excelling as always.  I'm so proud of him, but I wish me and the kids could spend more time with our favorite man!

Blogging Crisis

 I love to write in this online journal of mine.  I love expressing what's on my mind, funny things the kids say and do, and small, every day miracles and gifts.  I love including sweet little pictures and videos so we can see exactly what the kids look like in that moment.  Another reason I love it so much is if I don't record it, I forget it.  As a mother it surprises me how easily such perfect, priceless, and precious memories just get lost in the every day chaos of life. 

I haven't been able to post anything lately because I LOST MY CAMERA.  To some of you this statement might seem trivial, but many will understand my tragic loss- I might as well be saying:  I LOST MY RIGHT ARM (okay, maybe that's a little dramatic).  My camera is my constant companion, capturing moments that my brain forgets and I can't write a post without any pictures!

This is becoming a common problem at my house.  I'm the kind of person who can't survive with clutter.  I can't even think straight if the house is too messy.  I like to have a place for everything so everyone knows where to find it.  Well... with the accumulation of baby stuff, Hyrum's school papers and crafts, Ivy's elaborate girly toys and all the other junk we keep because we just can't get ourselves to throw it away, comes the problem of nowhere to put everything.  So I tend to just stick stuff wherever there's room.  I ALWAYS assume I'll remember and I ALWAYS forget where I hid the silly thing.  

So now my poor camera is stuck in some drawer or shelf or maybe even the freezer just waiting to be discovered and used again.  I'm so disappointed because I had such fun little posts coming up... one about Ivy refusing my help with fashion.... another about the surprising place Delia sleeps... and another just about our every day lives.  

So, I must say adieu to my blog until the camera is found, and off I go to look in more random hiding places in the house...

Books, Books, Books

In our home we love, love, love books.  Whether it's too cold, too rainy, or too hot to play outside, it's so nice to spend the day reading and laughing together. 

Here's only a few of our favorites:

(I've only included the books I don't mind reading again, and again, and again...)

In a world where quality is being replaced by quick, cheap, and cut-rate, it's such fun to be blown away at the beautiful, heartfelt, insightful, witty, and just plain delightful creations these artists invent for children.

Blooms

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment.

My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams.

The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful.

~Abram L. Urban

I love to garden- I don't know why.  All the dirt and compost and seeds that my parents and grandparents toiled over must have made it into my genes.  I actually complain to Bryan frequently that it's too small and it's not enough work- yep, the words "not enough work" actually escaped my lips.  Gardening just doesn't feel like work.

Here's our beautiful little crochus blooms waiting to delight us as we go about our busy day: 

It's amazing how a tiny thing like a flower can lift my spirits so high.

Updates

Delia's appetite has returned with vigor, so hopefully her cold is on the mend.  She still isn't crawling, but she can sit up now (for about 10 seconds).



curls, curls, curls



Ivy decided she's NOT a princess anymore.  She insists we call her "ballaweena" Ivy now.  She often declares sweet things like, "Dad you're so cool.  I just have to tell you- you're the coolest man."

Hyrum is hardly ever spotted without either a nerf gun, light saber, book, Legos, or a Wii remote in his hands.  Needless to say he's a very busy boy.

Change in Perspective

Bottle feeding is more labor intensive than breastfeeding.   It's been quite a shock to a formula feeding novice like myself how much more work is involved.  With all the cleaning, scrubbing, soaking, and sanitizing I found myself annoyed every time I found another dirty bottle sitting beside the sink (as if it magically appeared there).  That is- until a few days ago when the bottles disappeared off the counter all together. 

Poor little Delia has been suffering from a nasty bug and has subsequently gone on a hunger strike (I believe it might have to do with the fact that she can't breathe through her nose... possibly).  It's scary and heartbreaking to have a sick baby and I couldn't be more ashamed of my attitude BEFORE she caught this illness.

Here's Delia in all her crusty bogies and bed- headed glory.



YES, stay-at-home-motherhood is exhausting and sometimes tedious, but I CHOSE this as my profession, career, and calling in life.  YES, my daily list of chores in never ending and boring, but how many mothers would love to stay at home and spend more time with their children?  I have been blessed with so, so, so many things in my life- it is time to stop wallowing and start celebrating!

Because this is an on-going difficulty for me I decided to do a little research on the subject and came across this amazing, beautiful, and inspired article (written before I was even born, but still written for ME):

Carol B. Olsen, "A Sense of Perspective", Ensign, June 1982, 69

I HIGHLY recommend this article be read through thoroughly, but one of my favorite quotes is:

"There is beauty to be appreciated everywhere, creative experiences to be savored, learning and thinking and growing to be enjoyed. To the degree that we understand the possibilities we gain an eternal perspective."

I'm starting my own "perspective" journal.  I'm going to fill it with articles like this, inspiring scriptures, stories, and other "beauty to be appreciated" so when my prospects seem narrow I can find strength through others' faith.



Poor, sick Hyrum



Ivy's finally feeling better!



I WISH I could say I'm not like so many of the proud, ungrateful examples I read about in the scriptures.  I WISH it didn't take a WORSE situation to realize how comfortable and blessed my life is.  I can only pray I listen to my own advice as I instruct the kids about the uselessness of whining and the peace a grateful point of view brings.



Lets all chant together:  BRING ON THE BOTTLES!!!

Confessions

I give my kids too much dessert knowing they won't finish.  I usually only get a few bites, but they taste all the more delicious because of the scandal.

I pretend I'm a Broadway super star when I do the dishes at night- singing at the top of my voice, imagining the captivated crowd, and dripping dirty water all over the floor during the most intense songs.

My celebrity crush is Chuck Bartowski.  I've never been able to resist a funny, nerdy, and athletic guy :)

When the kids are entertained I love to take Delia to a quiet room in the house, just me and her.  We play peek-a-boo, snuggle, sing songs, and talk about our day.  She's normally either on my hip or sleeping while the rest of us are busily bustling around, almost like she's not even here.  So when I get a chance to stop and give her undivided attention it's so precious.

I fall asleep after reading just a few paragraphs of whatever's in my tired fingers.  Whether it's the scriptures, a parenting book, or the latest must-read novel.  I LOVE to read and have really missed it.  So, to fill my reading void, Bry and I have been watching fun TV series with Netflix.  I like this option so much more than flipping channels because we can control what we watch so much easier and no commercials is always a bonus.  We're currently enjoying Merlin right now (We tend to like what BBC has to offer much more than many American Broadcasting companies).

I obsessively research newly discovered health news. I can't get enough information about what we should be eating, the most effective exercises, and beauty gadgets and creams.  But, I hardly ever implement anything into my own life.  We still eat the same old stuff we have for years, I still exercise the same way, and my beauty regimen hasn't changed in forever.  I guess it's hard for me to change my habits and routines- even if I know it's not the best choice for me and my family's health.

I do a little dance every time Delia and Ivy are asleep at the same time.  It's very rare and I can't help but giggle at the possibilities- I can do anything, ANYTHING I want!  When this rare opportunity presents itself I usually spend the time with my new hobby:



Jewelry Making



I CONSTANTLY hear babies crying- like a weird ring in my ears that never goes away.  I hear it when I'm trying to sleep, taking a shower, and even when I'm holding Delia.  Yep, I'm going crazy.  I think it's my brain's way of dealing with the constant fear that I'm going to forget one of my children.

Mommy Uniform

I'm the maid, nurse, doctor, coach, janitor, chef (if PB&Js count), cosmetologist, personal trainer, laundress, and teacher to my little family.  What do all these professions have in common?  They wear comfy, frumpy, easy to clean clothes and uniforms while at their job.  MY job is 24/7, 52 weeks per year. 

This is my mommy uniform:

(Masterfully taken by Hyrum)

It's not stylish or flattering.
 
Maybe when Ivy can actually put her food in her mouth and when Delia stops spitting up her entire stomach contents I'll consider changing out of my pjs every day... maybe.