Life in Perspective

The last two weeks we went without groceries because I didn't budget very well and had some unseen things come up. So we've had to live off of our food storage for a few days. I even broke out the 72 hour kits to discover that everything in them had gone bad (apparently you are supposed to rotate what you put in them and they don't just last forever. who knew?). It was so hard for me to listen to my kids cry about how hungry they were. Now granted we have plenty of food storage (not a year's worth, but definitely enough for two weeks). But of course, my children aren't used to eating oatmeal or beans and rice and complained bitterly. Which made me really reevaluate my food storage. It would break my heart to see my children so miserable without the knowledge that I will have the money to go grocery shopping tomorrow. It also gave me a very small taste of what some people go through every month. And it made me think. What can I do to prepare my family for the worst that will eventually come? I keep thinking back to the scripture that says if you are prepared you will have no fear (sorry, I'm not that great at remembering scriptures). So then I thought about all of the other things that we have to worry about besides filling our tummies. Like the spiritual things. What have I done to prepare my children for the things that they will have to deal with. Garrett will be turning 8 years old in November. Have I taught him enough? I've always had a testimony of prayer. In fact prayer was the only thing that got me through some really tough times growing up. But my children never see me pray. How will they know unless I teach them. I love the scriptures, but do my children ever see me read them? Have I ever told them how greatful I am for the gospel? Nope. I guess I have a lot to work on. But is it too late? Gosh, I hope not.

Update

Okay, so I'm a little behind on my blogging. I've been pretty busy. So, here are the updates....

August 28th was Natalie's very first day of Kindergarten! It took us an hour to do her hair and made her a little bit late, but she looked adorable. She was so good and went right in and found her spot at her table (a table with mostly boys). After she told me all about the new friends that she made and the two cute boys in her class. I'm sure she'll have a great year, if I can just get her to focus on the school work!

Our next major event was Sara getting her new big girl bed. She kept rolling out of her toddler bed onto the floor and then she would roll under her bed and get stuck. She hasn't fallen out of her new bed yet! She looks so tiny laying in that great big bed. She also got to move out of the nursery and into her very own bedroom! We're just putting the finishing touches on it and then we'll post some pictures.



Next in line of events...Natalie's stage! Natalie, being the rockstar diva that she is, decided that she just had to have a stage in her bedroom. So...my dad, being the pushover/wonderful grandpa that he is, built one for her. It took two big guys to carry it down the stairs into her room, but once there it was adorable. Now some of the girls in the neighborhood are asking for stages in their rooms. I know, I know. She's is SO spoiled. But...she's just so stinkin' cute it's hard to say no!

And next up...

Gary went to San Francisco for a couple of days for his first day of school. He wouldn't let me take any pictures of him. I tried to get him to stand by the door with his backpack, but he wouldn't go for it. He had a really good time while he was there. He said it's nice to be around so many smart people. What's that supposed to mean? I think he's trying to say that I'm not very smart...Oh well.

And last...

Last night I went out to dinner with some friends. While we were there, we got on the subject of Wii. Now, being the anti-videogame because they kill brain cells person that I am, I had never actually played one. So...after dinner we went over to my friend Lindsey's house and played Rockband. Okay, I have to admit, it was REALLY fun! I was pretty horrible at it, but I kind of got the hang of it. But that doesn't mean I'm going to go out and buy it now...

Or does it...

Hooray for School!

Today was Garrett's first day as a second grader! Part of me is sad that the summer is just about over, but the rest of me is definitely ready for the return to the routine that school brings. Natalie, Sara, Lily, and I all walked Garrett to his class and as soon as we walked through the door a bunch of kids yelled, "Hi Garrett!" so I'm thinking he'll have a great year. After school Garrett said that he found his friends from last year and they played at recess and ate lunch together. He seemed very happy and excited. Tomorrow is Natalie's kindergarten assessment to see if she's ready for school. Then she starts school next week. I am so excited for her! I know that she will LOVE being a kindergartner. Last year she said that she didn't like preschool because it was "soooo boooring" but I think she'll have so much fun learning new things and meeting new friends.

Happy Birthday, Gary!

Yesterday was Gary's 31st birthday! We went out to lunch with his parents. While we were there Cheryl asked me if I remembered the first time I noticed Gary. Of course! We were in band together but I didn't get my notoriously infamous crush on him until the summer before my sophomore year. We were in a summer jazz band clinic together. We both played the sax, he played alto, I played tenor. I was sitting there and looked over and there he was with his shiny new saxophone, his tan skin, gorgeous eyes. Maybe it was really the shiny new sax that I fell in love with...just kidding. It's really strange to think back because although I was EXTREMELY boy crazy, he wasn't really the type that I usually fell for. He was quiet and I liked them loud. And we were complete opposites. And he couldn't stand me (couldn't blame him really, I was very obnoxious). In spite of all of that, something inside of me just knew that I would marry him some day. And 9 1/2 years later, through the good and the bad, I am so glad that I did!

He's the one who keeps me grounded. He makes me laugh almost daily. He's a wonderful father. He works so hard to provide for his family. He's so stinkin' smart it scares me! He's always reminding me of what is really important in life. He inspires me. And he's so proud of me when I accomplish my goals. I love him soooo much!

When he got home from work we all went for a walk around the spanish fork reservoir, let the kids play in the sand, and just sat. That night after the kids went to bed, he had to finish up some work so I stayed up (with help from the 4 Dr. Peppers I had at lunch) and sewed while he typed. At about midnight we went out and looked for the meteor shower that was supposed to be going on and only saw a few. But I couldn't help thinking the whole time how nice it is to just be able to sit and not say anything and be perfectly content.

I am a dork

I think I may be the only female on the planet who has not read Breaking Dawn. I've heard that it is the best one in the series. And I probably should just go out and buy it. But once I start reading, I won't be able to stop. Which is a very bad thing because nothing gets done when I am on a non-stop reading binge. Maybe when my kids start school and aren't home destroying the house. On a side note, my sister called me a dork because I was talking to her on the phone and spontaneously re-wrote the lyrics to a popular, yet controversial song. It goes a little something like this (this one's for you Chan!): "I ate a pea and I liked it. The sweet, soft and gushy green-ness. I ate a pea just to try it. I know my mommy won't mind it. It felt so wrong it felt so right, I'm sure I'll throw it up tonight. I ate a pea and I liked it. I liked it." I was inspired by Lily's first attempt at trying "real" food. I know, I know. Don't quit my day job.