Night Growl

It's 10:30 p.m. Cinderella is awake and doing homework. She stayed home from school sick on Friday. She was miserable. She's finally feeling quite a bit better, but I'm guessing that this late night will make it so that she feels worse in the morning. She worked on tonight's homework for about an hour and has been doing Fridays work for two hours. It's sort of looking like all six of her teachers expect her to put a full 45 minutes in since she missed class. Ridiculous! Isn't she too young for this? Most of it is busy work that will teach her almost nothing.

I'm too tired to pull an overnighter, even if she can. I can't just leave her working by herself, can I? I don't know how old she will be when I decide she can do this all by herself. Maybe now. I'm exhausted. I have no idea how to do her math anyway, so I'm basically just here for moral support. And, I think I'm just bothering her more than helping her. How many times have I asked her to hurry in the last hour? Maybe ten. Or more. Aaaaaah!

Since I'm up, though, I'd like to ask a question--Do you think homework helps kids better understand and grasp a subject, or is it just extra work that gets in the way of family time that could benefit a child more? Where do you stand on this issue?

Also, have you ever in your entire adult life used integers for any reason? I can't think of one time. I can't even explain to her why she needs this skill.

Making a Mockery of the Menu

How do you plan your menus when you go grocery shopping? I do it by month. I plan on making fifteen to twenty different things, and some of them we plan to eat twice. I wish I could say I write down fifteen things I feel like cooking. Really, though, I write down a list of things that I can stomach, and more than half of them I only put because at least two children will eat them without complaining. I have no desire to eat Tuna Casserole, but since the girls all like it, I would rather have them happy and eating than have them whine while I eat something I want. Do you do this too? I can't be the only mother that would rather have peace than a delicious dinner. (I do realize that there are those of you out there that always make delicious dinners that your children also love to eat, but you bought your children from Jupiter, so that doesn't really count.)

Today is my shopping and menu planning day. I realized I was off to a bad start when I had only six things on the list--three requests from the children:

• meatloaf
• grilled chicken
• Swedish meatballs

and three things that I felt like making:

• scrambled eggs
• waffles
• pancakes

And then I crossed the first three off because they take so long to make. But, then I felt bad so I put them back on the menu on days when King has said he will cook. And then I felt guilty, so I put them back on the days when I will cook. And now I know that I will buy the ingredients, intending to cook the first three meals, but by this time next month, they will be on the list again because I will have made the last three meals on my list in their places.

I know you are shocked at the way my mind and grocery list work. Don't pretend you aren't. I'd also just like to add that I do use whole wheat flour when I make waffles and pancakes, just in case there is anyone who questions my commitment to health reading this blog. And, also, I'd like to say that Swedish meatballs are tasty; I have nothing against the Swedish.

It's a Good Thing

Today was a good day at church. I gave the most boring Sharing Time that ever was. I know this because half of the Senior Primary lives at my house, and they told their dad about the Sharing Time on our drive home. Now, I didn't think it was that bad, but I'm not ten, so I don't really know a lot, apparently.
(It's a good thing during the Sacrament Meeting portion of our meetings I resolved to have more patience, isn't it?) ;)

Would You Like a Side of Fries With That?

I told you how fun it was to get my IV infusions before, but now I'd just like to say that the best part was that it costs so much money. Ridiculous amounts. As in, $700 each time I went. For a 15 minute infusion. I'm sure the water I drank from a styrofoam cup cost around $25. I wish I had felt well enough to enjoy it. And I'm really glad I never felt well enough to eat anything the nurses offered. We do have insurance(thank goodness!), but 20% of that is still more than I'd like to pay for feeling like being run over by a truck. The whole thing makes me think that health care reform may not be a bad idea after all. But, that is something I do not really want to think of, nor discuss. So, moving on...

While my headaches got quite a bit better throughout the five day course, ultimately it did not work to break the cycle. I thought that on Monday morning, when I woke with no headache at all, that it had done it's job. But, a mere five hours later, I was in bed, miserable. I figure relief at roughly $250 an hour isn't really worth it. What do you think?

So, I spoke with the doctor. He feels bad. He says we pray this new medication kicks in and gives me some relief while we wait on the insurance to approve a round of Botox. Admittedly, it has taken me a few days to scrape my dissappointed self off of the expensive proverbial hospital floor, but I've done it. I'm ready to move on and face the week. But, Botox?

Now, I don't know about you, but I honestly think that I would never, ever elect to have a Botox treatment for cosmetic purposes. I think I'd like to grow old gracefully. What's the point of enjoying three lovely daughters if I can't show off some wrinkles and gray hairs as my badges of honor? Millions of people survived old age before they figured out shooting botulism into your face made you look beautiful.

Yes, botulism. The thing that you get if you eat those green beans that have been sitting in Grandma's basement for 25 years. Or honey when you're a baby. That is what they are proposing I shoot into my head. Sounds yummy, huh? It boggles the mind that someone actually came up with this idea. What is wrong with those scientific folks anyway? Well, besides being uber smart and highly creative. Botulism? Really?

You know, they only use Botox for migraine relief now because of it unsuspectingly relieving the migraines of those who had done the procedure electively for cosmetic purposes. They have since completed other studies where they have injected it into more sights than just on the forehead, like the neck and around the temple. (You can read a little about some studies here.) The relief sounds promising, and temporary. Most people have to repeat the procedure every three to six months, but have excellent results. So, you never know.

I have some decisions to make. If my insurance won't cover it, do I pay the $2500 to try it out? Will it work? If it does, is it worth the money? If it doesn't, can I handle that? Do I really want botulism in my face anyway? Will I like looking permanently surprised? That might be better than looking permanently mad or confused, which is what I think I look like when I'm trying to think with a bad headache. What about side effects? Are they worth it? (For example--according to this site 11% of patients using Botox for medical conditions experienced headache as a side effect!) And, am I really ready to subject my mind and body to one more thing that might or might not help?

I do realize these are not life threatening decisions, but they are things I must think about in the next few weeks. For now, I am glad my body has a break from trying new things. It's worn out. This week has been high on the pain scale and some hours I can barely walk down the hall without feeling fatigued. It's time for a little break before I move on to the next course.

And, I'll leave today with my favorite scripture this week: Alma 58:11: "Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our ^adeliverance in him." Because, no matter what, that is really the only deliverance I truly need. And I get it for free!! :)

A Budgeting Tip

It is really not a good idea to go to the grocery store without a list when you are feeling just a teeny bit sorry for yourself and a lot bit tired and yucky.

Well, unless you like wasting money on cookies and ice cream and even frozen waffles for the kids when it costs about 50 cents to just make and freeze your own.

The really good news is we have lots of empty calories anyone can eat for breakfast now. Scrumptious. And now Snow White thinks I'm nice, so that's super good news. That really hardly ever happens. Saaa-weeet.

On the Auction Block

This Saturday, we're having a gathering of the ladies in our church for an "auction" of service and home made goods. No money will be exchanged, but there will probably be food and fun and a bit of inspired learning, too. I'm looking forward to it, but am still trying to come up with an item to auction. I was telling my girls about the activity, and asked them what they thought I should take. "What is something that I'm good at making that I could auction off?" I asked.

Sleeping Beauty jumped in with her suggestion right away. "How about Cinderella? You made her and did a pretty good job. Let's auction her off."

That's some pretty quick thinking there. And, she does have a point. Although, I was really hoping I could make me some money or something.

Obedience by the Letter

A couple of days ago, Cinderella had a hard time remembering to obey. So, she got homework. A three hundred word essay about obedience. And, this is what she wrote:

My Obedience Essay: (three hundred words)

Genesis 6: 19 - Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Genesis 22: 19 - And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Genesis 26: 5 - Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

Ex. 19: 5 - Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Ex. 24: 7 - And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.

Lev. 18: 26 – Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Lev. 26: 3 - If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Lev. 26: 21 - And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Deut. 5: 27 - Go thou near, and hear all that the Lord our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

Deut 6: 3 - Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

I learned that obedience is important from reading and copying these scriptures.

" I will go and do the things that the Lord hath commanded." 1 Nephi 3:7

Three hundred and twenty-four words. Not exactly what I was asking for, but you can hardly argue with God's Word. (Next time I must emphasize the personal aspect of an essay.)

Business Attire

King started back to his teaching this week. I think it will be sad to not have him around home as much, but now that he's started, it really does feel like a new school year. The routine is good for all of us.

King starts the year, though, as a newly promoted Associate Professor. Which in all practicality means nothing different except he does get a slightly bigger paycheck (and by slightly, I mean it may just cover inflation, but we're grateful because at least he did get something when we were told no one would get raises at all this year) and he gets invited to a dinner with all of the other promoted or tenured faculty. He gets to invite one guest to his promotion dinner, and I'm honored he chose me. Of course he had to choose me, the other people in our family are too young for the alcohol they serve, so it's illegal for them to go.

The problem with this grand invitation is the tiny script at the bottom of the invite. The part where it says, in a manner that suggests they hate to bring it up, (business attire). Does anyone really know what that means? Is that why they write it so tiny? So if everyone shows up in something too casual, we can all feign ignorance? 'What? I didn't see anything about the dress. What's wrong with my jeans?' Or do they make it so small because no one really knows what it means, and they hate to make something so ambiguous a bold part of the invitation?

Have you ever met any college professors? I've met a lot of them, and each of them have their own "business attire". For some, it's ties and dresses (this is where King falls in line--the ties part, not the dresses part, thank goodness) while for others it's shorts and tevas. For some, it's turtleneck sweaters and for others it's jeans and polos. Still others go for the lab uniform of white coats and pocket protectors. It's clear that no one really has the same idea.

And, where do you even start on the business attire of a stay-at-home mom? Well, what does a PTO mom wear anyway--jeans and capris? Skirts and smart sweatshirts with elementary school logos? Or, if they really want to get down to business, sweats and a paint shirt and shoes comfortable enough to make it through an entire field day of supervising gunny sack races.

In the end, I'll probably go with a skirt and shirt. Always my fall-back outfit, usually in black and white, just so I don't stand out. It's my staple attire for all kinds of business. Because, surely, there can be nothing nicer and more acceptable than looking like a nun, no matter where you are. (at least, that's what I'm hoping)
photo via

Better

On this, the third day of my infusions of medications, I am handling it much better. My friend took me to the hospital today since King had to work (thanks Wendy!) and I managed to actually have a coherent conversation with her all the way home. (At least I think it was coherent, I suppose I could have been out of it enough that it wasn't when I thought it was.) I feel lousy, but more like a VW Bug ran over me, rather than a freight truck, so that's good. I'm handling it better. I even didn't have a headache when I woke up this morning. Maybe it will work.

So, I forgot to mention something else about my appointment with the headache doctor this week. Besides the IV and the working to get the Botox approved by the insurance, should I need it, he thinks that I should change medications. Because, the one I am on now is not working. It's helping a lot, and is probably the only reason I was able to enjoy my summer vacation, I think, but he thinks if it were working, then I would only have an occasional headache, and not one every day. So, he's switching me to a different kind. Not an anti-depressant or anxiety med, not a beta blocker, and not a seizure med. It's a memory enhancing medication.

Which is why it is hilarious that I forgot to mention it in my last email. Hahahaha....I crack myself up every time I think about it.

Clearly I need to get out more.

Or stop drugging myself.

Or something.

Anyway, the drug is called Namenda, and has been shown to help migraine sufferers as well as Alzheimer patients. We'll see if it helps. I start on it next week. It will be a bonus if it helps me remember to buy milk when I stop at the store to get chocolate chips.

Ugh

So, the headache doctor ordered one more round of IV medications for the next five days. I feel sort of like a truck ran over me. I think my head still hurts, but I'm too sick to care. If I still have a headache after five days of this, I'm going scream. And then get Botox injections. If the insurance approves them. And if I still like my doctor after this, which seems unlikely. And if I feel like driving over an hour to get them, which just sounds too far right now. And expensive.

Bless my husband who is the kindest man on earth and, among other countless things, will drive me to the ends of the earth if I ask him to, but luckily he only has to go 45 minutes to get me my IVs.

Bless my girls who give me hugs and kisses and are incessantly patient with a mom who feels lousy.

Bless my friends who are willing to clean my house and make my family dinner and even drive me to the hospital when my husband is working.

Bless my sisters who talk to me and let me complain to them even though getting a divorce or being sick-as-a-dog pregnant while chasing three boys are much more miserable than having your arm stuck five times for an IV.

And mostly, bless my parents for teaching me that Jesus Christ knows me and loves me and is there whenever I need Him. Because sometimes that really is the only thing that gets me through the day.

Enough complaining. Now, back to bed...

Malicious Muffins

Sometimes I have to use the hour before the girls get home from school to "gear up" for the afternoon with the girls. This makes me feel incredibly guilty at times. I spend the whole day missing them, and then the few minutes before they actually come home dreading that moment. Mostly because I know when they walk in that door, hungry and tired, they can lose their facade of holding together the emotions that happen in a pre-teen body and just be themselves. I'm happy they feel safe at home and well loved enough to be comfortably surly, but it does take it's toll on me occasionally. Things are substantially better if I have a snack they want to eat ready when they hop off that bus. Which is why I made Banana Muffins yesterday.

Now, I must tell you that about a week ago I made banana bread and found that out of the blue, my two youngest daughters no longer like banana bread, and my oldest is "sick of it". But, I had mushy bananas and only a little time to pull something together. I added flax seed and wheat germ to the mix, and a little extra cinnamon. Wah-la! "Cinnamon Nutmeg Muffins" were born. Slightly different texture and taste, named after a different ingredient in the bread, but banana bread to be sure.

They loved them. "What are these called again?" asked Sleeping Beauty.

"Well," I hedged, "I call them Cinnamon Nutmeg Muffins."

"What is it that is sort of mushy in them? It's good," said Cinderella.

"Hmmm, well, I ran out of eggs so I used flax seed and instead of shortening, I used applesauce, and I did add a little sour cream to the mix, too. Who knows what makes them good? But, they are tasty."

"Yep," they all agreed.

Now, I am fully aware that any statement is a lie if it is intended to deceive, which is why I am asking you to avoid using this fine example of deceit in a Sunday School class that my children attend. I'd like to serve these muffins again, and am pretty sure since I haven't been struck with lightening yet that it's safe to assume that there was enough fiber and flax in those muffins for the health to outweigh the sin. That's what I'm going with, anyway.

And, just in case your kids hate banana muffins, too. Here is my new recipe for Cinnamon Nutmeg Muffins. Tasty.

Cream together:

½ cup applesauce

1 cup sugar

Add:

½ cup sour cream

1 cup mashed bananas

1 egg

1 TBSP milled flax seed and 3 TBSP water (or one more egg)

½ tsp. vanilla

Mix in:

1/3 cup wheat germ

2/3 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

½ tsp. nutmeg

½ tsp., plus a pinch cinnamon

1 tsp. soda

½ tsp. salt

Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 15-20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Makes 1 1/2 dozen.

Are You As Sick Of This As I Am?

Some of you are just plain sick of hearing about my headaches. I fall into this category. Definitely my husband does. But, there are others who have emailed asking me for an update, so here's a quick one---

Last week I went Monday through Friday to the hospital 45 minutes from my home to get some anti-seizure medicine by IV. Monday I was just exhausted, Tuesday I thought I would die, or at least throw up several times on the freeway, but then every day after that it got a little better. Mostly because I figured out that I needed to eat and drink a little during the IV meds and give myself a few minutes before jumping in the car to head home. Luckily King was able to take me each day, because I certainly was too tired and loopy to be driving.

As far as the headaches go, they did decrease in severity, but didn't go away like they were supposed to. And three days later they are back in full force. Tomorrow, I have another appointment with the headache specialist, and we'll see what the plan is from there. He mentioned before that if the hospital IVs didn't help that we may do that again with a stronger medicine, and then move on to Botox injections in the nerves that control migraine headaches. All I can say is I certainly hope those nerves are near my eyes, or on my forehead in certain areas. It would be nice to look good and feel good. Or, at least look good if I can't feel good.

So, that's the deal. I'll let you know more as I know more. Thanks for your prayers and support. They surely help!

For Sale

One child.
Female, between the ages of ten and twelve.
Toilet trained.
Knows how to do chores such as make bed, vacuum, clean bathroom, fold laundry, and mop, but occasionally fakes naivety.
Clever, cute, and clean.
Comes with mostly complete wardrobe, brand new school supplies, and overactive emotion chip.
Ballet, swimming, or piano supplies will be included depending on which model chosen.
Price negotiable, and based on my medical bills.
So don't think you'll be getting a good deal or anything.

The Power of the Unrelated

A few days ago, a friend of mine showed up at my house to drop something off just as I was leaving to go to my Physical Therapy appointment. I told her to head in and talk with my girls, and hurried on my way. About an hour later, as I was leaving my appointment, my cell phone rang. It was her, telling me she was leaving my house and taking my girls with her.

"Wait," I said, "if you are just leaving my house, you've been there an hour. Did you clean my house?"

"I didn't, but yeah, it's clean. That's why I'm taking your girls. They worked hard."

And, sure enough, I arrived home to a sparkly clean house, and it was delightful. But, the best part to me is the residual effect. The part where Snow White and Sleeping Beauty fold their pajamas every morning and put them away, and slide open their curtains, and make their bed. They do it because she told them that's what you do every morning. Never mind that I've told them the same thing two thousand times. If she said to do it, they'll do it. Amazing.

Now, our evenings would be a lot quieter if only I could have her come throw her power around a bit more and convince them that "shower" is not a dirty word and is not an unreasonable request to make on a nightly basis. It's amazing what one can accomplish when not related to the child's parents. I bet she could even get them to brush their teeth without complaining. Maybe. It takes a lot of effort, you know, to brush those pearly whites.

Things That Don't Really Matter Are Discussed

Today I went, for the fourth day in a row, to the hospital to get my transfusion of headache medicine. Not the hospital that is ten minutes from my house, that would be too easy. Since we just paid nearly $400 to the schools to register, $100 to WalMart for school supplies, $200 to the eye doctor for new glasses, and who knows what to the mall for jeans without holes, we feel like spending all of our extra money on gas to drive 45 minutes instead of ten. It's really great. And, I'm sure these transfusions that I am admitted to the ER for every day are going to be really cheap, too. Fantastic.

Today, at the hospital, nature called, so I found the ladies room. It was gigantic. I am not kidding. They could have fit at least four stalls in there, plus a nice sink, and possibly a massage table or counter with fancy perfumes. Probably even one of those guys that holds your towel for you and gives you breath mints. But, no, just one lone toilet in the corner about a mile away from the door.

I don't know about you, but I like some room in the public restroom--nothing like hitting your knees on the stall door as you do your business. Yuck. Not to mention standing in the toilet to open the door back up. But, a room large and empty enough to echo my every move was just a bit creepy. And freezing. And, frankly, a little excessive. I'm betting my hospital bill costs five dollars more just to pay the taxes on the piece of land the ladies room sits on. I really wanted to check out the men's room, too, but the nurse was waiting for me. It's my goal for tomorrow. Well, that and try really hard to not get sick after my transfusion and most definitely get rid of my headache so I don't have to do this again next week.

Oh, and there's a Cold Stone right by the hospital that King promised to take me to. We are going there for sure. It has a minuscule bathroom. Although, the treats at Cold Stone are so much better than at the hospital, I'd stand in their toilet any day. (Um, not really. Gross.)

What A Difference A Year Makes

First day of school, August 2008:

First day of school, August 2009:

They've grown up so much! They all had a good day. Snow White and Sleeping Beauty love their new teacher. He's funny, he loves giraffes, and his favorite color is orange.

Cinderella is sure that her Family and Consumer Science teacher doesn't like her because when she asked Cinderella what a syllabus is, Cinderella wasn't sure how to describe it. Cinderella was also severely disappointed that not one of her teachers noticed she was reading Jane Austen. She waited until yesterday to start reading Pride and Prejudice so that her teachers might think she's smart. Tomorrow, she is going to read it with the cover up higher, so people can read it. Classic.

Challenged

Last night we went to the school's "Welcome Back Challenge Students" meeting. (Don't you think "Challenge" is a strange name for a G/T class? Every time I say it, I feel like my kids have challenges, (which they do, by the way, but not in the learning department, mostly. Well, maybe they do.) My sister's school district calls it LIFT or something. But, I think it stands for "Learning is Fun Together", which is pretty lame,. So Challenge is fine. Whatever. Why am I off on this tangent anyway?) It's our fourth and last year going. Sometimes I wonder if we should go since we know all the information. But in the end, we always go. Maybe to support the school, but probably because the girls like to see their friends and love the hot dog dinner they are served. I like not making dinner, that's for sure. And, I guess I like supporting the school, too.

This year, we got to meet the girls' new teacher. He's nice. He's young. I feel old. It's his first year teaching in a classroom, I believe, which could bode well for us, or be not so good. You never know. It will be a good year, though. We're excited to get back to school. And by "we", I mean me. I like the routine, although I do miss the girls when they are at school (at least part of the day.)

I suppose the girls are a little excited. Snow White misses playing soccer at recess, and Sleeping Beauty misses chatting with her friends. Cinderella doesn't care one way or the other, which is how she feels about nearly anything I ask her opinion on. She can't be bothered.

The fee for fifth grade registration this year is $102.50. Each. Ouch. King was appalled, until I told him seventh grade was $150. "Yes," he said, making sure he was loud enough for the twins to hear, "but Cinderella's worth it."

SB and SW acted shocked and offended. Cinderella acted proud and superior. Although, I'm not really sure she was acting. She is nearly thirteen, you know, and knows just about everything. And, judging from the massive count down paper chain she made for her room, I think she's pretty sure her birthday is the most important thing happening this year. When she can be bothered enough to care, anyway. I think I need a Challenge class on how to live with a teenager. Yikes.

The Garbage Monster

You ever have one of those days where some unknown creature takes possession of your body and totally loses it with your kids? And, after it's all over, your throat hurts from screaming? And, you just sort of want to crawl into a hole and sleep for a few minutes, or hours, or days? Well, probably you never have, but I have. And I don't like those days, or at least those monstrous minutes of them.

Today started out fine. We went to church, (and had no wardrobe problems before church, which is great.) It was a nice meeting, and, despite my head feeling like it was going to explode, and the whole dizzy every time I closed my eyes thing, I was glad to be there. The kids in Primary were especially funny and charming today, and we had a quiet afternoon around here.

And then, something hit the fan. I'm not sure what it was, but all of the sudden, kids needed to be in bed, daddy wasn't here, and because of the short temper of one of my children, the kitchen garbage was tipped over and cascaded across the floor. The floor that I spent nearly all of my energy, a mere two days ago, mopping. Well, let's just say it wasn't pretty, and I'm not talking about the garbage. Nothing like screaming out of control to make a bad headache worse. And, I'm pretty sure the whole "you need to learn to control your temper" lecture seems pretty ridiculous coming from a red-faced monster.

The mess was cleaned up, the children were put in bed, Daddy came home, and I sat down and read. Lucky for me, what I chose to read was an article entitled Respect and Reverence, where I read these words:

"May I suggest that our ability and our credibility to exemplify reverence for God is strengthened as we show respect for each other. In today’s society, the standards of decorum, dignity, and courtesy are assailed on every side and in every form of media. As parents and leaders, our examples of respect for each other are critical for our youth and children because they are watching not only the media—they are watching us! Are we the examples we need to be?

Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? ..."

Gulp. And it continues, with more questions asked, and, sadly, more of my answers I didn't like much. Well, it's certain that I lost all credibility tonight, and I have some changing to do. But thankfully, these words were also in the talk, and I know they are true:

" 'While we may not see an immediate, miraculous transformation, as surely as the Lord lives, a quiet one will take place. The spiritual power in the lives of each member and in the Church will increase. The Lord will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused. We will find revealed answers to personal and family problems.' Ensign, Nov. 1991, 23"

So, I aim to be a better example of reverence for Deity by treating His children that are living in my home with more respect and reverence. Change will come, and I'm glad it'll be quiet. We had enough loud for tonight. And, just so you know, I am also not ever again asking my daughter to do something foolish like brush her teeth instead of watch TV when she is standing next to a full garbage that is just begging to be tipped over. Won't have to learn from that stinking mistake twice.

The Last of Our Vacation Telling

Okay, how about one last vacation post? I know, I'm a bit tired of them too, but let's just get over it all in one fell swoop.

One day, we met my sister-in-law and cute nephews at the Gateway Children's Museum. The girls had a great time, and it was so nice to catch up with Jenn and see the boys. Why is it that kids seem to grow twice as fast when you're not around? Here they are being news reporters:
Everyone concentrated very hard on having a great time. Their favorite was making a ramp for a ping pong ball to go down. They spent forever on it. Very cute.There was concentration all over the place. Lots of new things to learn and do.It was great to play with them. If only we could live a little closer.

Later that day we stopped in at the Clark Planetarium. It was pretty interesting. King read a bunch of information and the rest of us wandered around the gift shop and took some pictures. Then, we wandered over to Temple Square. It was lovely. We were hoping to run into our friends who are serving a church mission there, but they had already gone home after their shift.

Later that night, we headed to our friends' house. Monica and I went to college together, and now love to watch our girls get along so well. We had a great visit with them. Lots and lots of giggling and whispering. We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House with them; our second time. We loved it again. We also drove up to the Draper Temple that is minutes from their home. It was also lovely. From their house, we went to one of our Family Reunions. King and Cinderella flew home a few days later, and Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and I went to the Oakley Rodeo for the 4th of July with our fabulous friends, Rob, Kristy, and kids. Actually, it was their grandpa that got us tickets and generously let us tag along. We loved every minute. Well, maybe not every one, some of those bull riders nearly gave me a heart attack. Scary. But, the girls were in heaven, and every time I glanced over at Snow White, her face looked like this:She loved it. The next morning, we even walked down to meet the horses at the end of their driveway. It was so great to see our friends, even though it was a short visit. Yet another family we wish we lived closer to. And, I think we'll just wrap it up there. This concludes the pictures and telling of our summer vacation. (Finally.) Just barely in time, too. School starts in a mere four days. Aaaaaah!

Well, Burst My Bubble

This summer, we all participated in our library's summer reading program. The girls read through the required reading time pretty quickly, and were entered into drawings for several prizes as a result. A lot of the drawings were ongoing throughout the summer, but the big ones at the end were what our princesses really had their eyes on. MP3 players, $25 gift cards, personal CD players, and a laptop were the desired prizes--the big ones.

The program ended last week, and after giving the slowpokes a few days to turn in their completed forms, the library held their drawings. Cinderella got a call yesterday afternoon to inform her that her name had been drawn for a prize and she had until Tuesday to come pick it up.

"What prize did you win?" I asked.

"I don't know. I didn't ask. I wanted to be surprised! I hope it's the laptop, but probably not. If it's not the laptop, I hope it's the MP3 player. I can't wait!"

"Well, all those ending prizes are pretty great. How exciting!"

"Can we go get it tonight?" she wanted to know.

Well, of course we were getting it tonight. I had visions of using a laptop dancing in my head. At the very least visions of Cinderella listening to her MP3 player in the van instead of arguing with her sisters. After dinner, we all loaded up to make the 20 minute drive to the main library branch. Where, upon entering, Cinderella was presented with the coveted prize of....

...a movie theater size box of Starbursts!!! Wahoo!!!

To say this was a letdown is an understatement. Cinderella smiled and accepted her prize, promptly telling her sisters that there was no way they would be getting a piece of her lousy prize. King grumbled that buying Cinderella Starbursts would have been cheaper than using the gas to drive to the library. I, always the positive one, said, "Well, that's pretty fun! Aren't you glad you recorded all those hours of reading?"

"Uh-huh," she responded, with the enthusiasm of a slug. We can't wait to sign up next summer!

WW-At the Zoo

St. Louis, Missouri July 2009

Celebration Time

Today is my anniversary. Not my wedding anniversary or even some creepy kind of anniversary (I don't understand people who celebrate the anniversary of the conception of their child, for instance) but today marks six months since I last took any Excedrin. Big deal, you think, lots of people can say that. But, you have to take into account that of those 183 days, I wanted, and needed, to take Excedrin for at least 150 of them. And that's being generous. I'm pretty sure I had a headache for about 181 1/2 of those days.

So, why did I torture myself? Well, the thing is, I get bounceback headaches, or a worse headache, when the medicine wears off, and then I need more, and then I take more, and then I start doing crazy things like thinking I am going to pass out because my stomach hurts and my heart is pounding out of my chest. Oh, AND it hardly ever works more than a tiny bit and then I can't stop taking it and then I feel worse and then I feel guilty because I feel worse and I've drugged myself and I knew that I shouldn't and I start taking my frustration out on my kids and my husband and my neighbors dumb dogs that won't start barking, and even on the nice cashier at Target, and it is just. NOT. GOOD. (Phew.)

Not to mention that more than one doctor of mine and several other "experts" online say that it can stay in your system for a while and that all it really does is compound my every day headache problem. So, I wanted to get it out of my system for good. So that I could say that any headache I have now is not a result of Excedrin. And because it is just not really a good idea to eat Excedrin like it is candy. Imagine that.

I think I thought if I could go without Excedrin, eventually my headaches would get better, or even go away. No such luck. I will say they are better than they were six months ago, but it's not because of the Excedrin, it's because of the other drugs, probably.

I'm sure none of you really care about my Excedrin habits, nor my neighbors dumb dog, but I will tell you that today is a huge day in my book. I can't believe I made it, and I have to say there is no way I could have done it without prayer and support from my family and definitely strength from heaven.

So, what next? What I really want to do is have a party and serve Excedrin and Sprite cocktails. But people might think that was wierd. So, instead, I am going to do what my new headache specialist doctor suggests, and that is to get an infusion through IV of medication to turn the "switch" in my head that is stuck at "on" to the "off" position. He thinks anyone who has had a headache for longer than three days qualifies, so I am definitely qualified. You ever heard of people that have five PhDs but they sell hot dogs for a living? I am THAT over qualified. So, I get five days of infusions instead of two and I get to do them next week.

If it doesn't work, I'm going back to my old plan: Over Dose on Excedrin. Only, this time, I'll see if I can get it in IV form. I don't even need the Sprite.

You're Never Fully Dressed...

We were driving to church this morning, discussing the attitude of respect in our actions and dress when we go to church. I know God is no respecter of persons, and doesn't care if we're looking fabulous, or if we are dressed in rags, but going to church dressed in our best is an outward expression of our love and devotion to following Christ. It just helps us get in the right frame of mind sometimes when we do, or wear, something out of the ordinary.

So, we were talking about our shoes and our clothes and our clean, showered bodies, and Snow White said, "Mom, you should get your hair cut before next week."

"Yeah, I do need to get my hair cut soon, it's been too long."

"Yep," she explained, "it's just that all of us in the family now have cute, stylish haircuts. Except you. You need to get cuter hair."

Well, okay then. Add it to my to-do list. I can't be the only one without stylish hair, now, can I? Thanks for pointing that out.

Walking Where Lincoln Walked

On our way to St. Louis this week, we stopped off in Springfield, IL, the home of Abraham Lincoln. We saw a few of the historical sites, and had a delicious lunch--in the hospital cafeteria. Mostly because it was right next door to the museum, but also because we are lame. We didn't want to waste our energy walking all over to find food (which really was right down the street--we passed it later), and since we parked by the hospital, I figured they would have food inside. They did. And I had a really, truly delicious black bean and corn quesadilla. We joked and told the girls that we were going to write a book about hospital cafeteria food and that those were the only places we were going to eat on the whole trip. Cinderella said we were embarrassing. She does have some evidence of this. Look at this picture:I mean, what in the world is King doing in that picture? It is a little embarrassing, but minding our own business eating in a lovely (and cool, old, charming) cafeteria is totally normal.

So, anyway, Springfield and Lincoln. We liked it. We saw some cool things. I liked his house and learning about him renting his family pew at the church. The decor in their home was wild. Carpets and wallpapers and curtains all different, bold patterns that did not seem to match or blend. The pictures don't really do them justice. It would have driven me crazy, but that was the style then. There was one room I could have spent a few hours in without going crazy. That was the nanny/maid's room(appropriate, right?), plain and simple, but very tiny. We also visited the Lincoln Tomb. It was a nice monument.And, why is Lincoln's nose all shiny? Because all the hoodlums who come see the monument have to touch Lincoln's nose for good luck.Yes, those hoodlums belong to me. Talk about embarrassing. I mean, who would take pictures of that? And admit it? Yep, Cinderella should totally be concerned. She's doomed to live a teenagehood of embarrassment.