The Dearest Place: November 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

S's story

Last night S was telling me a story and it went something like this.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, called Restaurant there was a great big, teeny, tiny castle [she held up her fists closed and together]. There was a thief that stole all the jewels in the the castle and the whole world. He left one diamond and it opened up into a note.

Then some of the jewels turned into princesses. The most beautiful of all was Princess M, and then there were [she turns to M and asks, "Who are your friends, mom? I don't know their names." To which I replied Kelly, Kristin, Kathy, Vickie, Lindsay . . . I said about 20 or 30 of you fabulous folks. She continued] There was Princess Kelly, Princess Kristin, Princess Kathy, Princess Vickie. . . [It took awhile to get through all the princesses]. They gathered together and took all the jewels back and saved the day.

It was really a much longer and drawn out story but I started to fall asleep and then got really hungry so we had to take a story break so I could eat some food. . . I condensed it at the last part. Sorry.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Private Blog

We are going to make this blog private. I love to have all of you reading. If you'd still like to read, please leave your email address and I'll add you to the happy-to-have-you-read list.

I really appreciate your comments. :) Thanks!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Halloween

Halloween is a special time of the year. The kids look forward to it all year long (they literally ask me about it almost every day). This year the anticipation was at an all time high. S was Belle. T was Winnie the Pooh. R was the black hole (as you can see in the family photo). He was so clever to think of being a black hole. Oddly enough we got a few confused looks.

At this juncture I have no pictures of the kids in their Halloween outfits except what you have seen. I think W has some on his phone so I'll see what I can do about adding more later.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Fancy Nancy

A goal of mine has been to spend individual time with each of my kids. I took R out for lunch from school and I took S out for pizza and to a Fancy Nancy book signing. We both dressed up. We looked sooooo glamorous. Turns out I was about the only mom there dressed up. Oh well, at least I looked fabulous. See--I have a flower in my hair--it's proof.

Note to self: Do not take 4-year-old to book signing when it is freezing outside.
Take more snacks/water. Bring a camera with flash. Bring a friend.

S was freezing for the 2 hours we waited to get in to see the people. About 1/3 of the time outside I was holding her in my arms, sticking her legs in my coat and wrapping her in my shawl (I had a jacket and a coat on as well). The ladies were nice and complimentary. The owner of the shop was upset I had only bought one book and then brought my own books. Pretty much it was a learning experience. Oh yeah, I've got a few signed "Fancy Nancy" books too.

Halloween Play by 2 First grade classes.

R is on the back row, third one from the left.

Ahoy Matey! Avast ye! Arrrr!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Fall is beautiful. It is no wonder that poems galore are written about the fall. Poetry seems to speak to our souls as we contemplate the cycles of the earth and wonder in awe.

R and S found an awesome place for performing plays. We did several renditions and variations on "Jack and the Beanstalk." Who knew they could come up with so many ideas. We were there for nearly a half hour (very long in little kid time).

It was interesting to see T. Somehow to a 21-month-old the world is seen as a giant jungle gym. Rocks to be climbed; mothers to hide from; ants to inspect; water to test; etc. Life is a mystery waiting to be solved. We chased T a couple of times and in my heart I heard "AHHHHHH, where is my baby?!?" Of course after that there were several hundred second-long-prayers praying for the safety of my cutie pie.

S still believes that when she opens her mouth she must be smiling. We had a fabulous time having leaf wars. I love that!

Irish Drinking Movie

First off, I want all to read this to know I do not in any shape or form support the drinking of alcoholic beverages. It smells rank and makes people lose their ability to think rationally. That said I still like taking pictures of movie-making going on in my neighborhood.

The guy on the right in the photo above kept calling me his biggest fan because I was taking pictures. The lady above is the star of the show. I actually didn't ask names, but they said it was okay I put their pictures on my blog. Thanks folks! I could watch for hours.

Look at them. I think they are thinking, "Someday I am going to be a big, famous person and this picture you are randomly taking will be worth millions and millions of dollars." I would think that too.

S was really hungry and sleepy when I took this picture.

These ladies look so friendly. I love making people feel important by taking their picture while filming. They just beam because they are so happy to have a picture taken of them by me. :) I am super humble if you haven't noticed.

Look at that contraption. The guy around it said it was a bouncer because it catches sunlight and bounces into the windows creating more light in the room. Ingenious.

Look at this!!! Awesome car! Can you imagine picking up your prom date in this?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Kelly and Sisterhood

Last night I met with a bunch of my favorite people, my dear church sisters. We were mourning the departure (she's moving) of our dear friend, Kelly. What better way to commiserate than to eat ice cream, together!

Aren't we beautiful!?! I love us.

Kelly, we'll miss you so much! You are such a dear friend and sister. Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being a wonderful example! Your children are so sweet and we are glad to have you!

M

P.S. Thanks Lindsay for the photo. The order is: Martha M., Emily J., Kelly R., June L., Ashley J., Lindsay A., and me.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

And there was much rejoicing.

Right now, outside our house is a chorus of pan banging, horns honking, cheering, screams of happiness, fireworks, etc. and why?!?

The Yankees won the world series.
Modell's will be open until 1 a.m. because they won. Which I kinda don't get. But that's okay. Maybe they expect something like this to happen, "Hey, honey. The Yankees won!! Whoo Hoo! Modell's is open. To celebrate I am going to go buy a new basketball.

Yeah, we're not too into baseball. But it is fun to hear such happiness in their success. They will rest well tonight--whenever they rest. We'll have a bit more difficulty with their tumultuous noises.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Grandma and Grandpas

In Grandma Ott.'s house she has two plaques that read:

I like to walk with Grandpa,
his steps are short like mine.
He never says "now hurry up"
he always takes his time.
Other people always rush,
they never stop to see.
I'm glad that God made Grandpa
unrushed and "young" like me.
XOXOX

Grandma, hold me a little longer-
rock me a little more.
Tell me another story,
(you've only told me four!)
Let me sleep upon your shoulder-
I love your happy smile.
I'll always love you Grandma,
so stay a little while.
XOXOX

We love and miss you wonderful Grandparents. :) You are an inspiration!

Endearments

19 Oct 2012 S (age 7): Mom, what does c-l-i-m-b spell? Mom! Are you listening to me?! T (age 4): It spells "darn it!" Me: It doesn't spell anything until you can use your kind, calm voice.
2 Aug Sometimes my kids assume that anything in an aerosol can is air freshener--which I don't even use that often. Sunscreen. Cooking spray. Hairspray. Perfume. . . my house has stunk like it on several occasions.
2 Aug 2012 At the park T (age 4) asked me about something I ran into the store to buy, which he had previously not noticed and asked suspiciously, "Did you go get this without a grown-up?"
16 June 2012 T asked me this morning, "Mom, do phones get juice from the chargers?" I said, "Yes. Yes they do."
16 June 2012 T was holding the doll and he dropped it and picked it up. I asked if it was okay and he said, "She's not dead. She keeps her eyes open so she won't be interrupted." I leaned down and kissed his sweet short-haired head and he grinned at me then he leaned down and kissed his baby on the head.
15 May 2012 T just asked R while they are playing their Nintendo DS's together, "What's a nerbous breakdown?"
11 May 2012 My 4-yr-old made me smile today when he told me, "Mom, you da-prized me." Then after his brother told him that he had guts for jumping off one of the rungs at the school play-yard, "I do? What's guts?" Then again a moment ago when he sweetly offered my husband his Thomas the Tank Engine backpack (size 8 1/2 by 11 inches) for W to take to work. What a sweetie!
31 Dec 2011 S asked me today, "Mom, could you please find me a time machine so I can go back in time and see Baby Jesus?" How do you respond to that? I wish I had a time machine too.
27 Dec 2011 T was hopping around at bedtime and bumped something over. He ran over, "I'm so sorry, Mom. I am so sorry I messed up that mess."
29 Oct 2011 S was singing a song T was listening to in a snide way and T called out, "S, don't be an alien."
10/23/2011 There was a nursery emergency today. T ran to me from the doorway and hollered, "A grape fell into my tummy!"
3 Sept 2011 We were in the car driving home from a ward party when T called out, "Am I four yet?" "Not yet" we replied. With a few moments thought he then asked, "How long until I grow up?"
23 Aug 2011 I try not to let it bother me when my youngest runs from a forkful of dinner to the other room while yelling "YUCK!" Really, how gross can spaghetti from a can be?! Turns out that after a month of non-spaghetti dinners he forgot that he likes it. Then after S forced him to eat it he ran in and hollered, "I like it!" Whew! What a relief.
27 Apr 2011 We were going to pick the kids up from school and T wanted to ride his scooter. He said, "Mom, I want to ride my scooter and be fast like a band-aid." I did not know band-aids were, um, fast.
27 Apr 2011 T came out of his room with a huge smile on his face and then said, "Mom, I am so grouchy." Then he smiled again. I'll take more of that grouchy, anytime.
13 Mar 2011 S is a determined missionary. She has talked to a few kids in her class and her teacher about Jesus. She gets so excited when they say they go to church. Then when she doesn't see them she says, "Oh, they went to church when they were little."
13 Mar 2011 S and T were having a heart to heart talk about something they were eating. It went like this. T: It tastes like dinosaur. S: Yes. It does!
13 Mar 2011 Immediately after a girl from the primary had been baptized in our ward T gleefully cried out, "Me next!"
13 Mar 2011 T is definitely the younger brother of my daughter (an unofficial princess) because he he loves to dance all over the house because he asked, "Mom, pick you up (me up) and dance like a princess.
13 Mar 2011 T loves to tell me that he cannot put on his shoes because he is going to get a "bleestard." Then he begged me to find his mustard jacket (it has a dinosaur on it--there is no yellow whatsoever).
6 Feb 2011 T asked me to get him a cup of hot chocolate. Upon hearing the word "chocolate" S rushed into the room and cried, "ME TOO." I said, "We don't have hot chocolate, but you can have some chocolate milk." They agreed. I said, "Let's report to the kitchen." "Yes," said T, "Let's repo the chicken."
3 Jan 2011 T was trying to feed me his PB&J and I was resisting. Finally I said, "No, I will not eat the sandwich. But, I will eat your arm." I immediately began pretending to eat his arm with the accompanying ar, ar, ar sound. "MOM," he squealed, "THAT'S GROSS."
11 Oct 2010 T was up when W was leaving for work this morning. T followed W all around the house holding onto his scrubs and saying over and over, "Daddy no go work." Then, "I nee my had-dy daddy no-book." (I need my handy-dandy notebook--thank you "Blues Clues."
27 Aug 2010 T was walking with the other kids and I when he suddenly stopped and pointed at all the people around us and in amazement said, "Look, mom. Humans!"
22 Aug 2010 The other day R was trying to help T recognize that what he was doing was not entirely helpful to the mood of the day. It went something like this, "Don't do that T, it's too ignoring." I think he meant annoying. :)
13 Aug 2010 I just got the kids to bed. T rushed out and sat back up on my lap. Then he turned to me and cheerfully said, "I caked up. S caked up. R caked up. Daddy caked up." Thank you T for the family update. I am glad to know we all have cake and are awake.
3 June 2010 S came to me tonight with a cut on her hand. She did the pity-me-please cry and then she said, "Mom maybe you should do for me what Daddy does for you when you don't feel good." I smiled and said, "What is that?" She said, "He gets you goodies when you're sick." Thanks W! :D
31 May 2010 R ran into the kitchen, "Mom, my tooth is bleeding!! See, look at my shirt."
31 May 2010 T loves to copy W. It gets really exciting right around bedtime. W gives me a kiss. T gives me a kiss. W tells the children, "Go to sleep." T tells the kids, "Go oo sweep."
28 April 2010 Yesterday the kids were playing with their friend, Pierson. I am not sure exactly what they were playing, but I heard S say to Pierson, "You can marry me, if you want to." There was no answer.
13 Jan 2010 R asked me today, "Mom, when I am 17 or 18 will you let me stay up until 9 or 9:13? "
4 January 2010 T was sitting on my lap while I was reading a blog. It was so funny I started laughing heartily and T joined in. I told W, "It's so funny." T added a few more giggles to the mix and said, "It's so funny." Then laughed some more, which made me laugh more, which made him laugh more. Laughing is delightful!
Dec 25 Lately S has gotten a bit grouchy about the fact she has chores and forcefully told me, "Mom YOU are NOT the boss Heavenly Father is!!!"
Dec 15 T loves to talk. He loves to have an "I love you!" sound off with me. It goes like this. M: I love you. T: I la oo. M: I love you. T: I LA oo. M: I love you. T: I LA OO. It gets louder every time. Oh, sweetness.
Dec 15 T has started talking non-stop. Today when we were preparing to eat dinner S was asked to pray. Before she had time to start T began and finished before S had a chance to lift an eyelash. He finished with a grand "AMEN." I love him so dearly.
Oct 14 This morning R rushed into the room W and I were in and shouted, "T has learned a new word! He can say 'Ikea!'" W and I took a moment to absorb what he was saying and then we burst out laughing. R understood this as disbelief and went to T and sweetly asked several times, "Say 'Ikea.'" Apparently "Ikea" to T was a one time thing.
Oct 7 I was lying on my bed for a minute. T brought his special blanket and came to lie by me. He sat right next to my head, carefully tucked my head into his blanket, and lay down. I love how sweet he is!
Oct 6 T has gotten rather chatty as of late and sometimes will playfully go into a yes/no war with me. Like this, "Tommy do you . . .? " Tommy says, "Yes." I say, "No." He says, "Yes." You get the idea.
Oct 6 S and I were walking together and talking about weather. She said something like this, "Mom, It tastes like music."
Sept 28 S came up to me after watching a Sesame Street good food and exercise movie and eating an assortment of good-for-you snacks and proudly announced, "Mom, I feel so healthy." Now when I do my exercises she insists on doing her Seasame Street ones.
Sept 2 R had run into a piece of furniture while wearing goggles and hurt himself. S lovingly came while I was consoling him with 3 or 4 blankets. Finally she came in with a Christmas hat--you know the kind that is red with a ball on the end. She sweetly put on his head and said, "Now you'll get all better." What a dearie!
July 27 We went and saw Tiffany V in her play "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." So taken by the person who played Joseph, S immediately went in search of him after the show was over. To no avail she left the theater screaming/sobbing, "WHERE IS JOSEPH? I WANT JOSEPH!!!" Did I mention that it was probably 11 pm or 12 am EST (which she was still on, relatively).
July 13 On the jet waiting to fly to UT/ID S eagerly asked, "When are we going to blast off?" Then, pointing to the engines, "Are those lazers?"
June 27 R has recently been making comments about the meals I have been fixing. "Mom, you are the best cooker in the world." It makes me smile really big and think or say, "Thank you dear. Have another cookie."
June 27 The road to speaking can be a long and arduous one. T's new word for the week is OW! It's rathe endearing and exasperating at the same time. For example he's getting a tickle and at the end of the tickles he gleefully declares, "OW." I give him a glass of water, to which he replies politely, "OW," etc. "Hot" is a close second.
June 11 R said, "I'd like to be a bug. . . They are so small they probably won't get hit by asteroids or comets." Where did THAT come from? :D
June 10 "If we had a billion dollars then could we go to Grandma's house, Mommy?" "I want to see Jenna one last time." --S
May 26 Our friends gave us some hand-me-downs yesterday (I love hand-me-downs--thank you Maetani's) and S was thrilled beyond measure. She dressed in every outfit today and kept telling me, "Mom, dreams DO come true!"
May 20 Tonight as the kids were taking their baths R suddenly came crying to me, "I lost my toy FOREVER down the drain." I thought he said he lost his toe down the drain, so I checked to make sure all 10 toes were in tact. Then he told me that we would have to call the guy that does the water or else the WHOLE CITY would be plugged. All this from a 10 cent toy.
May 13 Today S and I painted our nails. Directly after getting it done she fell and bumped her face. :( She ran to me and cried for 10 seconds then she anxiously asked, "Are my nails ruined?"
May 10ish The other day I overheard R explaining pointedly, "S, you never see me doing things that are my fault do you?"
April 26 In our primary there is a reward system in place where if the child brings his/her scriptures 6 weeks in a row then she/he gets a treat of sorts (non-edible). Today S felt totally indignant that she did not earn a treat and in tears begged the primary president for a treat. The primary president smiled and after a brief consolation filled conversation said to S, "I don't get a treat either." S, unabated, wailed, "That's because your OLD!" She really isn't old, but I guess anyone over 4 is old to S. :D
March 27 T was playing trains with R and I told R told me that T likes things with wheels. I told him, "Just like you." He smirked, "I don't have wheels!"
March 25 On the train home the other day we were reading the book on Disney princesses. R noted that the princesses were all alike. Beauty got the Beast, Cinderella got the slipper, Snow White woke up, and the Little Mermaid got modest.
March 17 At dinner one night we were having what everyone gave a 10 (a rarity). S left the room for a moment. When she was out of sight R went over to her plate and began to pick up the fork to take a bite. From the next room we heard, "DON'T EAT MY FOOD!" Turns out she was in the bathroom with the door cracked open one inch which afforded a view of the table and the unforgiveable act in motion.
March 16 One day when W got home T looked up at him and sort of bounced up and down excitedly and said, "Hello."
March 16 The other day while cooking in the kitchen S came in excitedly and told me, "Mommy, I am so nice." Yes S, yes, you are. . . when you choose to be.
March 16 S gave me a hug and said, "Mommy, you're warm and gentle." Then she looked up at me smiling and finished, "Just like Snow White."
March 4 S today told me, "Mommy, I want to be a grown-up. I like grown-ups. They can blow bubbles."
Feb 21 In primary today the chorister told the kids that were left handed to sing by themselves. Her daughter delightedly shouted out, "Yes! That's me! I have a left hand!"
Feb 21 When R was praying the other night he was thankful for all of God's curators (creatures or creations).
Feb 21 A couple of Sundays ago we were late for church. W told them that being late to church made him feel frustrated. S soothingly said, "Don't worry Dad. We know you are frustrating."
Jan 1 S has a double stroller, for dollies. However today she wanted to be a dolly. It took us 20 minutes to figure out how to get her out. Parents, beware of innocent looking double dolly strollers.
Jan 1 R got a lot of games for Christmas. Some of them were card games. Just now I asked him what he was doing. He said, "Shoveling cards."
Dec 27 R went outside and said to literally every one passing by saying, "Happy Holidays. Happy Holidays. Happy Holidays." S not wanting to miss out on the merriment shouted at the top of her lungs, "HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERY ONE!!!"
Dec 20 T loves to say Da Da Da when he's very happy. He says Mumumum when he feels sad. Shouldn't it be the other way around? :D
Dec 18 T loves to play pat-a-cake. He'll do it over and over. He loves to follow W or M all around the house-literally--all around the house.
Dec 19 Today there was snow ALL day and S every five minutes hollered, "Okay, Mom. Let's go play in the snow." We had a snowball fight all the way home from picking R up from school.

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