Month: November 2005 (Page 2 of 3)

I swear it’s an ear infection. He’s got a fever, up in the night, one ear is red, he’s flushed, he’s grumpy and clingy as ever–what else could it be? So, we had it checked by the expert (the Doctor, of course) and he says the ears are clear. Well, what am I supposed to do with him? Cater to his every whim, holding him on my lap and letting him grab my hair all day? What about my day? What about dinner? What about the errands? And what about Mommy when she catches whatever it is?

Oh, sometimes shopping is so much fun! Like when you can get things on clearance ($7 for a blouse or a pair of Ked–two pairs of Keds at that price, actually), and then use your 30 percent off coupon for the entire purchase! I won’t tell you how much I spent, but I will tell you I got about $50 off by using my coupon. And I got TONS of Christmas presents! I can’t wait to wrap them.

John came with me, and he was a good boy, so we went to Arby’s for lunch. Don’t tell me people don’t spoil their youngest. They get to take the youngest out shopping and to lunch when all the other yahoos are school. I guess that’s the reward of being the youngest and keeping mom company. What will I do when they all go to school? I don’t want to think about it, because I think I would be lonely.

Yesterday was the funeral for Tennille. It was nice. But let me backtrack a little bit.

On Monday, after I found out and was pretty much in shock and crying all day, Maranda, one of my friends from Bells, called and said that the Utah Valley Handbell Choir had been asked to play for the funeral, but needed a few people to sub, and would I be willing to play. Of course, I said, Anything I can do.

On Tuesday, I didn’t cry so much, and felt much more peaceful and calm from the Holy Ghost.

On Wednesday, I was dreading going to Bell Choir and not having her standing next to me laughing with me. But Brother Waldron and Brother Willmore said some very nice words, we all cried for a few minutes and then we got on with our rehearsal. It went better than I thought it would go, but was still rough. I brought a card for everyone to sign and took up a collection for flowers.

On Thursday, I ordered the flowers. I ordered a nice basket of plants and flowering plants for their home, and a nice colorful standing arrangement for the funeral and gravesite. Then Thursday night, I met at the 7th day adventist Church, where the Utah Valley Handbell choir practice, and was thrown into a totally new part, and we ran through about 5 or 6 songs. There are only two speakers, she told us, and we’re doing the rest. EEk! I’m not even used to reading the bass cleff, and wasn’t getting all the notes. I came home with a prayer in my heart that Heavenly Father would help me play to the best of my ability even though I’d not had time to practice, so that the spirit could be felt through our music.

So, that brings us to Friday. Ryan “worked” from home (although he told me he didn’t get much done) and watched John and Jenna so I could leave at 11:30. We got up to Kaysville early enough to run through two songs and go to the viewing. Then the funeral started, and although I hadn’t cried earlier that day, I was crying when her brother spoke. I had Kleenex, though, and I was ok. So, we got up and played two songs (I couldn’t even tell you what they were called!) and I did ok. I messed up a couple of times, and forgot a few notes, but overall did ok. Then we sat down and there was another speaker, then we got up and played three more songs (one was how great thou art). I made it through the songs, and then when I sat down I felt I could cry, so I did. It was a very nice service, and there were over 40 flower arrangements there. There was a big one from the Tab choir, and the two from the Bell choir, and a whole bunch of others. There was hardly room to put them all up. She was a very special person and I feel blessed to have had her as a friend.

So, now I need to switch gears and get ready for a baby shower that we’re hosting tomorrow (at someone else’s house—I’m doing food and a game). After that I’ll be taking some kids to the Gingerbread House Festival at Thanksgiving point.

So, I made it through the week. Thanks again for all the love and support.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – George Carlin

Thank you all for your kind words. We made it through rehearsal last night, but not without a lot of crying. But I’m feeling quite a bit better today. That is, until I pay my American Express Bill. Let’s see, it’s got all the Disneyland passes, hotel, food, etc from our vacation, plus lots of other charges (to the tune of about 5K–ugh). Add to that the fact that our van is currently in the shop and won’t be out until we pay over a (cough) thousand dollars for some stupid head gasket repair (excuse me while I pick myself u off the floor). Why does this stuff hit us right before Christmas?

I had a dear friend die enexpectedly this week, and so the week has been full of sadness, flower buying and other arrangements. But mostly I’m just sad.

-So if I saw you in the grocery store and avoided your gaze and didn’t say hi, it’s not becuase I’m a snob, it’s because I’m sad.
-When I was short tempered with my kids, it wasn’t because they were doing anything really wronge, it’s because I’m sad.
-If I don’t clean my house, but instead mope around and do nothing, it’s not becuase I’m lazy, it’s because I’m sad.
-If I skip the PTA meeting, it’s not because I’m a flake, it’s becuase I’m sad.
-If I totally forget piano lessons or dance class, it’s not because I’m losing my mind, it’s because I’m sad.
-When I eat all the brownies and the kids’ Halloween candy, it’s not just that I’m being a big pig, it’s also because I’m sad.

I don’t know how long I’m going to be sad, but I do know that I need to go and buy some waterproof mascara, because the urge to break into tears has not left me, and I’m sure I’m going to need it for the funeral.

I will miss you, Tennille, you were a dear friend. Click here for the obituary

Here are the kids at Halloween. It’s so much fun to dress up! For more pictures, click on the picture:

Which country produces the most apples?

A-China
B-The United States
C-Norway
D-Mexico

For knowing the correct answer (thanks, google) and being the correct caller, I just won
–a four pack of apple beer,
–a four pack of root beer,
–and a gift certificate to the Old Spaghetti Factory.

So, if I give it to you for Christmas, you’ll know that I didn’t pay for it.

Well, I wrapped my first set of Christmas presents on Tuesday night (while watching the Amazing Race). Melinda pointed out Organized Christmas site to me, and I looked it up and decided I’d better get myself going and get organized. I had already bought a few presents, so I might as well write down what it was and who it’s for, and get it wrapped. So, I now have 4 whole presents wrapped! Hooray for me!

Today I’m looking through the Kraft Food and Family Magazine to figure out what kind of baking I want to do, and let me tell you, everything in that magazine looks Wonderful!

We’re getting busy with Bells. Christmas music tends to be played so darn fast. It’s quite a challenge, and we don’t have that many rehearsals until performance time. Every Thursday I tend to have a “Bell Hangover” because I’m up late, and then when I come home I’m often too exhausted to fall asleep. Does that ever happen to you? At least I don’t have the songs going through my head over and over every night like I did in the beginning–that was a nightmare.

Well, I’d better go cook or wrap something!

Ok, yes, I’m known for telling jokes (or at least I used to be), but it came as a surprise when my two year old told me a joke today. So, without further chatter,
here’s his joke:

him: Knock Knock
me: Who’s there?
him: More snacks now?

He knows there’s lots more Halloween candy to eat, I guess.

He’s so darn cute it’s almost a crime. What fun we have together!