Sunday, June 28, 2009

Wonderful Morning to Have a Family Bike Ride

Yesterday we took our family on a morning bike ride. We like to find paved trails to ride. We have been riding just one trail that is relatively close to our home. It curves around a small lake and is mostly shady. We have a great time there, usually packing a picnic and enjoying the outdoors.

I have been wanting to try new places and a guy at work told me about some new trails. I was very excited because it was at a bigger lake and there are different trails to pick from. This lake is an Army Corp of Engineers lake, so no one can build houses on it. The trails go right along the coastline. Sometimes you are in shade, but mostly are out in the open and able to enjoy the view.

Since this was the first time there, we didn't know the trails. And we didn't notice that there was a map of them at the entrance. The boys rode their bikes and Scott and I each had a girl on the back of ours. We were off. We instantly loved this new place. The trails were paved, curvy and not much hills. The mile markers were marked clearly and we were able to ride 4 miles before turning around to head back to the car.

We stopped near a shallow area and rested and got some water. The kids had fun throwing rocks into the lake and seeing if they could skip them. I just longed to be on a boat having fun skiing, tanning, or just zipping around. Maybe someday.

Carter became very tired on the way back. Scott and I noticed his bike was getting a little too small for him. He would have had an easier time on a bigger bike so hit little legs wouldn't have to go around so fast. But he kept up and we made it back.

I was shocked to see that we had been gone on this ride for an hour and a half! The boys did great. The weather was awesome too. It was high 70s at the time with a little breeze and very low humidity! What a perfect morning.

We ended it at McDonald's for lunch and let the kids play in the outdoor playplace. I hope to repeat this morning often.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Vanity

I'm not sure when my vanity began. I'm not proud of it, but it's still there. I want to teach/show my children that being vain is in no way a good thing. I know already that I am failing in this venture. My daughters especially, see me doing my hair and putting on make-up. They ask about it and now even want lip gloss for themselves. They are only 3 and 1 year of age.

I do think it is good to take pride in ones self, but there is a line. I do believe I have crossed the line. Do I plan to change my attitude towards it, probably not.

Earlier this year I had lasik eye surgery to get rid of my glasses. I did this because I have been forced into wearing glasses for the last 7 years. I have hated every minute of it. I was supposed to have received the surgery for a college graduation gift from my mother, but that fell through. I didn't mind wearing contacts, but then I developed an astigmatism and was unable to wear the contacts any longer. About that time I became pregnant with Logan and was either nursing my children or pregnant pretty much the whole 7 years. With that part of my life over, I had the surgery. I have never regretted my decision. It is wonderful to be able to see all of the time!

I have now decided that I would love to have a breast augmentation. I used to be happy with my breasts, but now, after nursing the 4 kiddos, I am extremely unhappy. I have tried to be fine with it, but deep down I am not. I would like the surgery sooner rather than later for me and my kids' sake. I would like them to not remember anything about it being done just for the fact that I don't want them to think their body is not good enough. I know this screams vainness, but I can't seem to shake it.

I am afraid that if I do go through with this new surgery that I could very well become addicted to plastic surgery and procedures that make you look better. Good thing for me is that we really don't have money to spend on these and I hate to spend money on things that I don't see as a necessity (unless it's a vacation, and that is necessary sometimes).

Boosting Self-Image

As a mostly stay-at-home mom/wife, I sometimes feel like a slob and not a vibrant woman. I don't keep a very good house and often wear work-out type clothes and don't do my hair. I usually save my nicer clothes and make-up for Wal-mart and Sam's trips. No kidding. Going anywhere is an occasion to dress nicely for me. I don't even have to dress up for work. I work at a hospital and wear scrubs, which are like scratchy pj's. Mind you that dressing nicely for me is wearing anything other than the work-out clothes. I don't mean dresses and skirts. No, just some nice shorts/jeans and a nice top.

When one acts like this it is often a downward slope into not feeling girly or sexy. So, when I realize that I haven't been flirted with or even looked at in years (other than by my husband), I feel out of touch with society. It makes a girl feel good to think she's still desirable to others. I know my husband sees me as sexy and hot, which is a great thing since we've been married for 9 years, but it really boosts the self image when a stranger confirms it.

Scott has been working out more and has now lost about 15 pounds. I am so proud of him. I'll even admit that he definitely looks hotter now! He has told me on a few occasions how girls are coming up to him at work and commenting on his loss. One has even told him that she has noticed him before but now he is looking much better and to keep up the great work.

Now I haven't gotten jealous about these comments because I know he is committed to me, and I also know that this makes him feel better about himself. It really does make one feel better about themselves when positive comments are made directly to you.

All this being said, I do not feel guilty but rather flattered that a random guy trying to sell pest control at my door last night flirted with me. I'm sure it was mostly to get me to buy his product, but it made me feel good. I stay at home and no one flirts with me anymore. I used to love to flirt. I was just a tease most of the time, but it was fun. Scott knows I'm committed to him and should not have been jealous, but he was.

It is kind of cute that he still gets jealous. I know he loves me and sometimes worries we'll get divorced because everyone in my family is divorced. But that is exactly why we won't. I love him and am committed to him and our relationship. I do not want for me, him, and our kids what I had growing up-a broken family.

But it is nice to feel desirable by others, even though they can't have me!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day '09

I felt a little bad about Father's Day this year. I didn't get my husband a gift from me or the kids. We have been trying to save money and I was really busy last week. Not really a good excuse.

That being said, I did try to make it a nice day for him. We had breakfast in bed for him followed by the card giving. I tried to pick out really nice cards that told him how we all feel about him. Then we all headed to a fancy pool.

This pool is awesome! It has 2 large slides, a lazy river, kid playground in the water and an Olympic sized pool where you can actually dive off the side. This pool also had low and high diving boards.

We got there right when it opened and got a great spot to put our stuff in the shade. We played for a good 2 hours and left to grab a bite to eat. We came back and spent another 3 hours playing.

Probably the best part, for me, was seeing my 2 little boys go off the diving board for the first time! I really didn't think they were ready for it, but Scott was comfortable, so we let them go. Logan did wonderful. He learned to open his eyes under water and could swim directly to the ladder. He even went off the high dive a couple of times! Carter also did well. He too learned to open his eyes and could swim to the side. Problem for him came when he wanted to go off the board one more time while Scott and Logan were at the high dive. I told him I would be there at the ladder for him, but he wanted me in the water. When he came up after his jump, I was on the side instead. He panicked. I had to jump in and coax him to the side. That was enough for him that day.

We all had a really good time. Unfortunately, we all got burned despite the 55+ sunblock I put on everyone (even reapplied). All were tired and took a short nap on the way home. I didn't buy a gift this year, but I hope the memories we had at the pool will always be with him (and me) to cherish and look back on.

Happy Father's Day Scott and to all!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

9th Anniversary

This year we celebrated our 9 year anniversary! One more year 'til the big 1-0.

Looking back it has gone by so fast. We started our life together in an apartment that we were planning on being in for at least a year. Then I got to thinking. Let's get a house. I don't remember why I wanted to move so quickly, but Scott indulged me and we looked and found our first home. We were lucky; it was brand new with money already put down from the guy that had it built. That meant we had some bargaining power and instant equity.

From there, we decided to get a dog. A golden retriever we named Ripley. He was a good dog, just a little high strung (I know he was a puppy, but we eventually moved and couldn't afford a fence. I also didn't like him scratching my hardwood floors. We found him a nice family in the country with lots of kids and running room).

We traveled to L.A. to celebrate our first anniversary since Scott worked for the airlines and we could fly for free. The second year we flew to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I was pregnant with Logan. The third year Aunt Christy came to stay the night with Logan while we went to a local theme-park hotel. I don't remember the rest sadly to say, but we added to our family a total of 4 kids. We also sold our first home, built a new home and moved into a nice neighborhood. Scott and I also changed jobs one time each.

This year though, I'm writing it down here.

Scott surprised me by getting Grace's birthstone placed in my mother's necklace. I hadn't worn it since she was born.

The kids and I went to the store to get items to have a picnic. I had wanted to surprise Scott, but events that were out of my control ruined that. Carter was hit by a bakery cart at Wal-mart and we had to fill out a report. This delayed my plans. We rushed home and made the sandwiches and things. I was going to go to Sonic for free floats, but found out they weren't available until 8pm. Good thing was I wanted to get Scott a rose and QT was close. Two birds with one stone: drinks and a flower. We met at a park and I did get to surprise him with his card and flower. He was happy and the kids were happy since they could play.

Scott got off early and we waited for his aunt and uncle to come over to watch the kids. (Thanks so much!) We went mini-golfing like we did on our first date, had some drinks and appetizers at a restaurant, and went to a movie (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past).

The weather was perfect and I really had a good time. It is nice to get out once in a while.

Anniversary Thoughts

I've been married to my wonderful husband for 9 years now. I still can't believe that much time has really gone by. It still seems like last week we were on our honeymoon (although sometimes I really wish we could go on a week long trip by ourselves and the kids would stay here with grandparents).

We went to Kauai, Hawaii. What an awesome place. It is a small island and there is not a lot of tourism there. We went snorkeling or scuba diving every day, I think. It was not a relaxing trip as we had something planned every day. There was a beach right next to the road and a parking lot that we went to often. How great to have parking right across from the beach! The inlet was near a small reef and was great for snorkeling. One of the things I remember about this place was that the drive to get there was somewhat rural at one spot and there was this awesome row of large trees that lined the road.

Back then I kept my eye on our 10 year anniversary. I knew it would be quite a milestone for me. Now it is only 1 year away!

I have been dreaming of a great vacation to celebrate. My mind keeps taking me to an all-inclusive resort. I know that they cost more, but I don't care. I want to spend the money up front and then enjoy my time there not worrying about the money. I want to be peaceful on a beach drinking fruity island drinks. I want to play in the water and do some water sports, maybe even some scuba diving. I want to sleep in and dance and party at night! I also want to be gone for a full week and not worry about the kids at home.

I have a feeling this trip might not happen just as I plan, on my anniversary, but not because of anything that we can control. And now I've decided it will be alright because my wonderful husband will be happier than he has been in a long time. He deserves this time and I know he will take me on my trip whenever it works for all involved. I love him so much and am just happy he still loves me. We will celebrate our love whenever we can, no matter where we are in a year.

Thank you Scott for 9 great years. I look forward to many, many more! I love you.

Malea's Dentist Pre-Visit

Today was our biannual visit to the dentist. I asked Scott to work from home this morning so he could watch Grace while the rest of us went to our visit. This is the first time Malea was able to go with us.


I start taking our kids to the dentist when they are 3. Malea's birthday is next week, so I thought she should start going with us. This first visit is just to watch and see what happens while we are there. The hygienist showed her all the things: the chair that moves, the bib they put around your neck, the bright light they shine in your mouth, the mirror and instruments, including "Mr. Thirsty" that drinks up the extra water in your mouth. She also had Malea smell the toothpaste and at the end, gave her a new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a toy!

Our office also has computer monitors that hang from the ceiling and move around. My hygienist usually will play a movie for the kids while they are waiting. Today they were allowed to watch "Finding Nemo". That was an extra treat that they all enjoy!

My little girl is a thumb sucker. This has bothered me for quite some time. I talked to the dentist about it today. Funny thing was that he knew she did just by talking to her. She does have a slight protrusion in her front teeth because of her sucking. I think I've decided to purchase a devise to help her stop sucking now rather than later. He confirmed that the earlier she stops, the better her mouth will be later. Also, her mouth should go back to the way it is supposed to be if she stops before her permanent teeth come in.

All in all, Malea enjoyed her visit. She doesn't seem too apprehensive about the office or the people. I do hope that 6 more months of maturity will also help when it comes to our next visit. She will be getting her own check-up then.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I'd Love a Personal Chef

Sometimes I really wish we had more money. I really don't think I'd live like a queen, but I would like a personal chef. I'm sure a maid wouldn't really help me since the kids would keep messing everything up. Besides, they need to learn how to pick up after themselves.

But a chef, that seems different. What do I get out of cooking for our family? Moans and groans about the food that they don't like that night, half eaten plates and a messy kitchen. I don't think I would miss some important lesson not doing the meal planning and cooking.

I would love to not have to plan meals, worry about what's for dinner or even decide what is for lunch. Breakfast seems easy for me with cereal being a big contributor to the meals. We also have pancakes, waffles, pop-tarts and breakfast burritos when Scott makes breakfast.

My kids would live on mac-n-cheese, pizza, tacos, or hot dogs if I let them. They don't like to try new things, which they get from their father, but I do. If I find something I like that is new, I don't usually make it again, since they either didn't like it or wouldn't try it the first time.

I often get stuck in a rut and feel like I'm always making the same dinner. No one helps me make a plan for the week and then they complain about the dinner I'm making. I've tried to get them to help me in the preparations, which they like to do, but then they still don't like what has been made.

I would love to have a person make healthy meals for my family with about a month's rotation to the menu. The best part would be that I wouldn't have to be taken away from the family to prepare and clean up the meals.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Logan's Story-Toddler Years

Logan started repeating everything he heard and developed a large vocabulary at about 19 months. It kept growing and growing and eventually all kinds of people were commenting on it. Family members, church members, neighbors and such all noticed. We were quite proud of him!

Scott and I built a new house and moved in about the time all this language was developing. We were one of the first finished houses on the block. Logan loved to watch the construction that was happening all around us. He would talk about the bulldozers, cement trucks and dump trucks. It was a good summer to learn about construction. We could see it before our very eyes.

This is the summer that we bought him his first baseball tee. Boy did that little guy have a great swing! I think he was just a natural born athlete. There is a lot of baseball in his genes. Scott played all his life and his first year in college and my grandfather was a pitcher in the early 1900s. We also worked on catching and throwing with him. He loved to play any sport and wanted to always be outside.

I also bought him the Leap Frog videos that teaches letters and their sounds as well as numbers. This kid learned all his letters and sounds from a song and would constantly sing it to all who would listen (stuffed animals included). His grandma couldn't believe he knew it already!

When it came time to potty train him, I think I started too early. I would sit him there before bath, which was fine, but then I tried plastic pants that didn't hold the wetness. I decided to wait for him. Then one night when I went to put him to sleep, he told me he had to go potty. I thought he was just trying to delay bedtime. I was wrong; he went! Three days later he was trained during the day and a week later trained at night. He had a few accidents, but he was done with diapers!

We were also expecting our second baby at this time, and found out Logan would be a big brother to a baby boy! When Carter was born, Logan was probably as proud as Scott and I were. He just beamed! He was very helpful trying to get things for me when I need it. He never had a problem with jealousy. He was just excited to be a big brother.

When he was 4, Malea was a part of our lives, and again he adjusted well. We decided to start him in recreational sports. Soccer would be the first followed by t-ball. Soccer was fine, but it was more like clinics and no real game. T-ball was a short practice then 1/2 hour game. He enjoyed them both, but we decided to focus on baseball.

The following summer we put him in a coach-pitch league and his skills really grew. The team was still young and many didn't know the game too well, but they all had a good time. That was good because that team didn't win one game.

Now my first-born was ready to start an all-day kindergarten class! What a change this was for the whole family. Grace was still a baby, and Carter and Malea would still be at home, but it felt so weird not having Logan there as well. It took me a good month to get used to him going to school. He was ready though. As you can read in my proud mama entry.

I know he will continue to surprise me in all that he learns and accomplishes through the years. I cannot wait to experience it all and watch it all unfold. But in my heart I do miss him being my little baby that was 3 1/2 weeks early and made me a Mommy.