What's More Romantic?

Scenario 1: Saturday night my friend's daughter hosted a "babysitting night" to earn money for a school trip so I decided it was a good time to go out. Not to mention we had a 2 year old gift card from PF Chang's that was waiting to be used. We dropped Clara off at said friend's and arrived at the restaurant to discover an hour and forty five minute wait. I thought it was a joke. Wait TWO hours for PF Chang's (with a newborn)? Um, no. As we were walking out, which most likely would've landed us at Taco Bell, another skeptical customer mentioned take out. Ah! Brilliant. We ordered our food, ran to Wal Mart to buy a modem, went back to pick up our food, stopped at Circle K for drinks and went to Red Mountain Park to dine on the bird poop covered park bench under the low, dingy park lights. Truth be told, it was pretty fun. Hey, I said fun, not high class. At first, it was kind of romantic. The only problem is my little angel baby decided she'd pick that night to be not-so-angelic and started screaming about 10 minutes after we started eating. Nothing would make her happy. Our romantic evening ended in the car as I fed Hazel and tried to keep myself decent so the couple sitting in their car next to us in the parking lot wouldn't be exposed.

Scenario 2: I dressed Hazel in her Valentine's best on Monday. It's a cute little heart outfit that I'm certain was purchased for my niece and passed on to us. Funny thing is, my niece was born in October, two months before Hazel (well 7 years and 2 months before), but somehow they were about the same size in February (this is all just assumptions). Within 10 minutes of putting on the outfit, my little darling pooed all over it (that's what I get for trying to save money on diapers) and then when she spit up all over the same outfit, her spit up had blood in it (she's fine, don't worry).

Scenario 3: We met up with friends at the park to decorate sugar cookies. Clara accidentally dumped about 1/2 cup of sugar sprinkles on one cookie. Whoops.

Scenario 4: Dinner as a family, with a friend at Joe's BBQ. I was laughing listening to the twangy old western music thinking, This is definitely not a "romantic" place and included the following conversation:

A: I ordered your present, but it hasn't come yet.

J: That's not fair, you said we weren't spending money.

A: I said you couldn't spend money, but that didn't mean I couldn't. Besides, I tell you not to spend money every day and you never listen.

J: Well, I didn't get you a present.

A: Good, thanks.

...

A: If you guess what it is, I'll tell you.

J: A burner?
A: No.

{Game over}

Scenario 5: Jason came home Monday night with a yellow slip from the Mesa Police Department. He got pulled over and they even called back up because they thought he either a.) stole the car and/or b.) was drunk. This isn't the first time a cop has assumed he's either a.) stolen a car and/or b.) was drunk. Quite ironic considering he's never a.) stolen a car and/or b.) never had a drink. It was just a warning, thank goodness, for having his license plate light out. The cop was reasonable. Although he asked Jason if he lived in an apartment, Jason said no and the cop asked, "Are you sure?" Twice.

Scenario 6: After I got off the phone with my client at 10pm, we spent the rest of the evening discussing a rather stressful and nerve-racking decision. I know, here I go again, being all vague. I promise, I will expose details soon if I can. Kind of exciting, kind of scary. But hey, taking risks can be a good thing. Right? I just hate making important decisions.

All are super romantic. I know it's hard to choose.

Kidlet Update

Hazel had a rough evening, which means she'll probably sleep really good tonight. Which means I should probably take advantage of it and go to sleep so I can sleep really good tonight as well. First, a little update on my two little darlings.

Hazel is still a good baby. She makes the funniest faces (see proof below) and is really smiley. We may sound like fools trying to get her to smile, but totally worth it. She will "talk" to me and I love hearing her sweet little voice. We're still over protective of her but I just don't want to chance her getting sick. She has chubby cheeks and her eyes are much bluer than the normal newborn grayish blue. She stopped wearing her newborn clothes a few weeks ago and is almost too long for her 3 month stuff. I feed her around 10p and 11p and she sleeps anywhere from 5-6am. Occasionally she'll wake up before 5, but that is rare. She makes our little family feel complete.
Clara is still driving me crazy and cracking me up all day every day. Last week at the park she laid in a tree for probably 20 or 30 minutes. She said she just needed to rest. Saturday I got after her twice for asking "Why?" every time I tell her no and on the third time she said, "I wasn't asking 'why', I was saying the letter 'Y'". She loves Hazel and loves to "watch" her for me. She has been having a really hard time at night. When I ask her why she wakes up, she almost always says, "Because I loved you so much" or "Because I just missed you so much". It's always said with a smirk on her face and leaves me laughing. She should write a book on manipulation.

We have another busy week ahead but hopefully we play as much as we work... That's my kind of life balance.

A Very Merry Unbirthday

Earlier this week I was reading Alice in Wonderland to Clara and she asked me if we could have an unbirthday party. Sure, why not? I suffer when it comes to being "fun" mom so I figured now is a good time to turn over a new leaf.

I had visions of the perfect little Mad Hatter unbirthday tea party.

My vision
Invitations: Present-shaped brownies with a little note attached
Decorations: paper lanterns
Menu: a few baked goodies and lemonade
Activities: decorate cupcakes, make hats, play games and dress up
Take aways: flower clips


Reality
Invitations: texts/e-mails to the moms (the brownies stuck in the silicone)
Decorations: none (unless you count my dirty dishes still in the sink from the night before or my laundry waiting to be folded on the couch {thank goodness Jason was home to vacuum up the cheese under the table from the beginning of the week})
Menu: one of the cupcakes the girls decorated and some lemonade
Activities: decorate cupcakes, play, make birthday cards, play and play some more
Take aways: yeah right

I don't have a problem envisioning. My problem is following through. Especially when I'm busier than normal with work. The good thing is the girlies had lots of fun and that's all that matters. None of them knew what they were missing out on. Furthermore, all four girls wanted to stay longer and you should see the carnage in my house, both strong indicators of a successful party.

I want to do this more regularly. I'd like to do a different theme each time. However, I'm thinking we'll try less structure next time. The girls just wanted to play when I would try to get them to do other things. I don't like feeling like I'm forcing them to do something that I thought would be fun.

The previous owner left these butterflies by the pond. They have been loved by every little girl that goes back there. It's kind of fun finding little treasures that were left behind.

One of the girls hurt Clara's feelings and Lucy and Elsa got really defensive. When she started crying they ran over and hugged her. Then each of them grabbed one of her hands and were being very protective when they went to talk to the girl to work things out. It was really cute and made me smile. Clara crying in the grass under the tree - so sad.

Cousins to the rescue

The weather was practically perfect today. We may not have grass in our backyard, but at least we have enough grass in the front to play and run around in.

I really enjoy observing kids, both by themselves and as they interact with each other. Their imaginations are incredible. In addition to some great entertainment, I also learn a lot from them. Kids are so forgiving and get over things so quickly. I love how kids can meet each other and instantly play like old friends. They aren't concerned with what the other kids think about them, how they look, what they like, etc.

Fun times.

Just Because...

Just because not everyone appreciated my last picture, I thought it's time to update.

Just because my client hasn't e-mailed me the stuff I need to keep working, I might just take a nap.

Just because I was bombarded with work yesterday, Clara made her own craft with a plate, glue and scissors without any help at all. {I didn't even know she moved a chair so she could get the plate in the top cupboard. I am proud of her independence. Not so proud of my neglect.}

Just because I'm busy and sleep deprived, my 21 library books are late. Again.

Just because Clara is a girl, she changes at least 4 times a day.

Just because Hazel is so cute, I bite my bottom lip to avoid biting her chubby cheeks.

Just because this week has been busy and I've been a lame mom, we have some fun plans for tomorrow afternoon.

Just because I'm tired and Jason has my camera, I'm going to wait to add pictures to this post.

Hello, Mustard

Thank goodness for that little strip on the diaper that changes color when it gets wet. I wasn't quite sure if Hazel needed her diaper changed. By the way, why is it that blowouts on blessing days seem inevitable? I'm glad this happened without the dress on and after the blessing.

Weekend Events & Thoughts

What a weekend. I'm glad it's over. For the most part, I'm glad it happened.

Clara is still hilarious. The other day she was talking to Jason and said, "First of all... second of all... second of all... second of all..." as she pointed to her different fingers and rattled off several totally unrelated points. It becomes a problem when she talks back to us and we start laughing. Like when I told her to do something, she didn't do it and Jason asked, "Did you hear what Mom said?" She quickly responded, "Did you hear what I said?"I'm pretty sure Hazel's projectile spit up happens when I eat chocolate. Although I have difficulty with diet restrictions, I'd much rather chocolate be the culprit than dairy, which was my second theory. It's way easier for me not to each chocolate.

After almost every big get together I host, once everyone leaves, I realize I didn't get to spend time visiting with anyone as much as I would have liked. I think next time I'll try a smaller get together.

Why do people keep helping me? I feel like all I do lately is take, take, take, as everyone around me so graciously gives.

Working from home with a newborn has really stressed me out, mostly when I have conference calls. Clara is really good about playing, reading, coloring, etc. while I am on the phone. Hazel hasn't quite got to that point. Ha ha. Not to mention we've adopted a rather flexible schedule so it's not until I wake up that I know the approximate times I'll be feeding her throughout the day. I suppose I could adhere to a more rigid schedule, but that would mean rigidness every day and I am pretty sure that would stress me out even more.

Hazel was blessed Sunday.

I love hosting get togethers. I really do. That's one reason I wanted a bigger house; so I didn't have to host get togethers for special occasions elsewhere. But, I have noticed when I'm playing host, I rarely pick up my camera and no one seems to have my enthusiasm about taking pictures at family get togethers.

The dresser doesn't stink. Yay! I tried dryer sheets first, since I had those. They did a good job, but it seemed to kind of mask the smell instead of absorb it. The next technique was charcoal. I put bowls of briquettes in each drawer and wallah! The smell is gone!

We finished painting our family room. Okay, I didn't actually paint. I had too many other things to get ready for the blessing. Jason and a few very kind, considerate and selfless people did it. We have good friends. It's the first time I've picked a color all by myself. I'm happy to say that I absolutely LOVE the result. The room looks cleaner, bigger and newer. That green made the wall entertainment center look like something attached to the wall. Now, it blends right into the wall, which is perfect since I'm not a fan of it. The green just complicated the pain it caused. It's much more peaceful now. Ooooh, I love it. I just sit on my couch and look at it. I love how the arched windows look. I don't want to hang my curtains back up, so that's a problem. I am so happy that something relatively inexpensive (although I definitely won't say simple...) totally transformed this room. It was my least favorite room and now I love it. Yippeee!

I went to Bob's funeral Saturday. I really didn't have time, but it was important for me to go. I especially liked the military service they did after the Mass. It was short, but incredibly reverent.

We finally had our termite treatment. 3 men, 8 hours $2,600. Lots of drills, lots of holes and lots of chemicals. Is there a better way to spend a Friday?

Dear Termites,
I hate you. It cost me more to get rid of you than it did to bring my child into this world. And you were destroying my house and Hazel brings joy to our home. Good riddens.

Am I the only one that has to put "baths" on a to do list? For some reason, that one is so easy for me to forget.

We turned on our gas fireplace for the first time. It was warm. And cozy. Way better than a heater.

It froze Thursday night. I didn't get a picture, but it's the second time our pond has frozen. It's kind of a sight for us. Clara liked slipping on the little patch of ice on the sidewalk. Before you laugh at us for getting excited about a patch of ice, remember what city we live in.

Little Miss Hazel

Hazel was blessed today. We are now 2/2 on blessing our children on Super Bowl Sunday. Go us.

It was a special day and we enjoyed having so many friends and family around to celebrate her. However, Saturday was crazy. I had a seemingly endless to do list and had to start crossing off the absolutely unnecessary items. Clean the black mold off Clara's toilet? Not a priority. As you can see, I was getting desperate. So desperate that I called Karen and asked her to come help. I have a hard time accepting help, not to mention asking for it. But we needed it. Even then, I went to bed at 2am, Hazel woke up at 3am to eat (instead of 5am or later like normal) and I totally slept through my alarm. Luckily, Hazel woke up again at 7am. Otherwise, who knows what time we would have woken up!

I had to get prep the chicken and get it in the crockpot, get myself ready (shower, shave, etc., etc.), find something to wear that fits, find Clara's clothes (forgot to do that Saturday night), do Clara's hair, feed Hazel, get Hazel ready in her blessing attire and make it to church by 8:30am. Miraculously, we made it to Church on time. Even better, we had no meltdowns and no contention in the process. I couldn't find the shoes I wanted Clara to wear, I didn't do my make up and I didn't do my hair. But, being on time was more important. Walking in and seeing our family and friends smiling at us made me forget all of the stuff I didn't get done. I was surrounded by the people I loved most and they were there to support our family. I am blessed.

I did not plan on bearing my testimony. I still don't know many people and that makes it more awkward when my nervousness makes me cry and then that makes me shake. However, once at Church, I felt calm and peaceful and grateful and needing to share my testimony. Of course the words that I carefully planned out in my head became a jumbled mess and who knows how much sense I made. But at least people know I have a testimony and at least my Heavenly Father knows how grateful I am for all that I have. The Priesthood, the Gospel and especially my family.

Afterwards, we had a luncheon at our house. I love knowing people that show up at gatherings and help. I always make sure to invite a few of them. And I love knowing people that help clean up afterwards. I invite them too. Thanks, people. I forced Angela to take some pictures of our family and Hazel in her dress. Finding coordinating outfits for the pictures got nixed from my to do list, but I still think I have a cute family. Jason's mom made Hazel's dress. It was so nice not having to worry about finding the perfect dress and it fit perfectly. I guess now is a good time to forget trying to get four sets of eyes to look at the camera. We'll cut Hazel some slack this time around.

Happy blessing day, my sweet little Hazel. We love you and are so happy you came to our family.

Renters

If you have been around me much in the last three months, you've probably heard me mention our picture perfect renters. Seriously, I don't think we could have found better people to rent our house. They are the kind of people you meet and it takes a while to realize their incredible kindness and friendliness is genuine. For a while, I thought it was too good to be true. But no, it was true. When I met with them to sign the contract, we stayed and visited for an hour and they gave Clara cookies. Every month, they would call me to see if I wanted to pick up the rent check or if they should mail it. If they mailed it, there was always a sweet note accompanying it. They put in a security door, sun screens and a soft water system, all at their own expense.


On Monday, January 31st, I was expecting my phone call. Unfortunately, I got a phone call from the wife's daughter instead. She was calling to let me know Bob had passed away the day before and her mother was stressed about not getting the rent to us on time. Who worries about something like that the day after her husband passes away? Poor lady. I assured her whenever they were able to get things sorted out, that was soon enough.


I hung up the phone and cried. He was such a good man. When I was checking their references, I called his former neighbor of 16 years and didn't bother to call anyone else on the list. The neighbor said Bob was the best neighbor anyone could ask for and was always doing things for him (mowing his grass, handyman repairs, etc.), they took care of their house and were very kind people.

He was incredibly sweet to his wife. She is legally blind and not long ago, he took her all over the Country to see things she's always wanted to see before her eyesight gets worse. He was only in his early 60's and seemed in fairly good health, certainly not this close to death. It was unexpected and I wish there was some way I could console his sweet wife. I have thought about her often in the last few days. I wonder how she's doing, what she's feeling and how people function after something like this happens to them. I wonder if it took her a while to realize there was a problem since she doesn't see well, what went through her mind when she realized something was wrong and if that nightmare haunts her continually. I want to go to her house and give her a big hug. I know it will do little to comfort her, but perhaps it will comfort me and help me not think about this all day long.

See, I can't stay vague for long.

Tid Bits

The other night Jason was reading the 3 Little Pigs to Clara. He likes to interject while he reads so he referred to the oldest brother pig as the "one that went to college and didn't squander his money so he could build a nice, big house..." To that, Clara held her hand up in the air and with plenty of attitude said, "Okay, pigs do not go to college."It's going to take forever to paint our family room. It took Jason hours to tape everything off, doing all the arches was his favorite. I thought maybe it'd be worth it to rent a paint sprayer. I just called Home Depot. $87. Not worth it.

Hazel had another one of those days yesterday. Today, totally happy and normal. Weird. Also weird, the second I put her in this sling thing, she falls asleep.

I know I am not too overwhelmed when I have time to clean out my posts on Google Reader, but I don't have so much extra time that I am checking more often than people post.

I think I was justified in getting a bit upset when Clara accidentally peed her pants yesterday.

I don't like it when people are vague on their blogs. Kind of like I was on Monday. Sometimes I just don't know what to say, so I don't say much.

The dresser we bought smells like smoke. How cool is that? I have plans to get it out. Other smells are more likely to make me want to vomit, but cigarette smoke is the most irritating smell of all for me.

Looks like Clara is going to like math like me. She's already adding and subtracting.
addition: termites are "termamites", ideas are "ideals"
subtraction: surprises are "sprises", diseases are "seases", decided is "sided"

Last night our power went out. All the clocks were blinking this morning and I went to go get my cell phone to see what time it was. I found myself wondering, What did we do when the power went out and we didn't have cell phones? Then I remembered when our power would go out in Snowflake, before the cell phone era, and there was a number you could call to tell you the time. Technology changes so many little things.

I love this baby.

The world is full of good people and I know so many of them. Last Saturday I talked to my friend Brittany. We haven't talked in forever. I don't think we've talked since I saw her last, which was about 19 months ago. Yesterday my friend Carli called, we visited for an hour and then she brought me dinner. I haven't seen or talked to her since we ran into each other at the temple when she was 9 months pregnant. Her baby is now 15 months old. My friend was headed to Wal Mart and called to see if I need anything. Other friends are constantly entertaining Clara, offering their help and checking in on me. I need to try harder to be that kind of friend.

My goal today: sit on the couch in my pj's as long as possible. I'm sick and it's cold out, why not? I did take a shower and got dressed since I had spit up all over me. Right now I'm letting my little beeby sleep on me. And wishing my head didn't hurt so I could fall asleep too.

About the men in our backyard... There is a group of retirees from Canada that volunteer for the United Food Bank. They pick people's oranges (for free!) all over this area, then donate the produce to the Food Bank. It'd be tough to pick all the oranges ourselves (we have 35 citrus trees, 32 are navels) and even if we did, we'd never be able to get rid of all that citrus. It works out nicely for everyone involved. Speaking of our citrus, some of our lemons and oranges are GIANT. I held them up next to an average sized one, taken from the same tree even.

I am on a mission to get my house organized, every single room, before this Sunday. I am sick of having an anxiety attack thinking of someone looking into my room, let alone walking into it. {I wrote this before I got sick last night. Since it feels like someone stabs me in the ear with a knife every few minutes, I think I'll lower my expectations. Hopefully the laundry is put away before Sunday.}

Tuesday Morning

There are currently 20 retired Canadians I've never met and the coolest four-fingered man I know in my backyard. It's a little overwhelming.

What does your Tuesday morning look like?