At this point in time:..

So, not a lot has been happening 'round here. This is good, really. (Possibly not for you readers, however....as is obvious in my last few posts). I now have ten weeks exactly until Sydney gets here, but I'm assuming it will actually be eleven weeks, as my babies don't come unless they're made to. People keep telling me that this is the time where "everything flies". However, I've had two previous children, and that wasn't my experience then, so I am resigned to think that this won't be my experience now. The end for me, is a lot like the beginning: uncomfortable, nausea-inducing, and severe sleep deprivation.
The good thing, though, is I'm more ready for this baby than I was for the other two. I know that I don't have to work, and this is a true relief. Then there's the fact that Jeff's job gives him Mondays and Fridays off, so I don't have that "I'm going to be alone all week long" fear. Also, the season will be perfect for having a new baby...the kids will soon have Christmas vacation, and that will be two weeks where I won't have to worry about getting them to school and getting them home. Little things, these, however, I remember wondering if there would ever be a time when I could just pee or shower without having to worry about disrupting the baby. So when I think of having to make three trips daily to and from Riley and Cole's school, it's pretty intimidating.
Everything is suddenly harder: Putting my shoes on, wearing clothes, showering, I'm sure you get the point. However, I also have these spurts of, "Get off your butt, Fatty!" Moments when I need to do something. Last Friday I mowed the lawn and about killed myself--I'd been too lazy. Then on Sunday I put my Halloween decorations up, and between climbing ladders and the cleanup, had to take a four hour nap today. Seriously. I've always prided myself on my being physically capable of doing stuff--not that I've been good at it, mind you, but I could do it. So I guess at this point in time, I wonder if this is normal. Aside from the continuous crying, (check), and the swollen ankles, (check), My memory from six years ago is completely gone, and I don't remember how I dealt with being pregnant with Cole. Am I just being a big, fat, baby? Or is feeling like this fairly normal? I can't tell you.
Jeff is steadily getting more and more to do at work. This is good, as he was concerned that he'd eventually die of boredom, and he worried that he wouldn't get the chance to show his stuff. But things have started to pick up, and he's busy. Jeff used to be the guy where the less he had to do, the better, but you know, with great power comes great responsibility and yada, yada, yada. Somehow the man I married turned into the business type. Sometimes it's just odd to be an adult, I guess.
Riley is enjoying school, however, she is beginning her times tables and I'm an idiot. So this mixture spells disaster for both of us. I know my multiplication, however, explaining it to my eight year old is another matter. Explaining it without ensuring frustration on both sides is even more difficult. So if anyone has any good suggestions of an easier way to help her out with this, let me know. On a lighter note, she's also going through this phase of realizing that boys do weird things. She'll ask me questions about why boys will hit you, or pinch you, and then get their feelings hurt when you call them, "jerks" or "mean". I've told her it's because they like her and they want her attention. She asked me why they just can't say nice things or tell her that they like her and they want to be her friend. Why indeed? It's still a mystery.
Cole loves school. I'm so thankful for this. From all the drama we'd endured beforehand, I really thought we'd have quite a few problems. But other than the fact that Cole really doesn't believe that penmanship is in anyway important, things are going really well. He loves sounding letters out, and he's learning to read sight words. He sings songs all day--with lyrics ranging from Rainbows to brushing his teeth. This morning Riley said she was too sick to go to school, because of a cough. I told her she could go back to sleep for a while, and we'd see how she felt later. Cole, coughing as well, and worried that this meant I would sleep forever, came in to my room as I lay back down and told me that under no circumstances was he going to stay home. I assured him that I'd take him when the time came, and, feeling better about that, he went back to sleep for a while.
After I woke up, I noticed that Riley was feeling better. She was ticked when I told her to go put her clothes on because she was going to get a couple hours of school in, at least. Cole was already dressed....in an outfit that would have worked as pajamas, but not for school. I told him to go put some different clothes on that I'd picked out for him, and Riley helped him find a belt...only to notice that Cole had neglected to put underwear on. This is a new thing for him. For some reason, he just doesn't think that they're important. I differ on that opinion, so he and I sometimes go the rounds. But is this just a boy thing? Or is this a Cole thing? I've asked Jeff, and he just laughs, and doesn't know what to tell me. Anyway, my son never fails to surprise and confuse me.
So that's all there is for now. A lot of information, yeah, but I'm extra chatty this evening, and Jeff is working, so the end result is this. Besides, I always enjoy reading what other's lives are like-- a big reason why I'm a blog-stalker in general.

Rock, Flag, and Eagle.

Warning: This is one of my rants...and I'm working solely from my opinion.

I've been trying to download youtube videos this morning. And because I'm grossly un-intelligent, it hasn't worked. Not once. But I've been thinking about what "America means to me", lately. I'm pretty sure it's just all the election crap, and so on and so forth....I've already told you how I feel about that. And I really think that Charlie's "America Song" from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, about sums it up. (I recommend you go to youtube and watch it, if it's not something you've seen. It's not too long by any means, and it was all improv, so even that much more impressive). Not that I don't appreciate my freedoms, my opportunities, my chances that I have as a member of this great country. I just get tired of the those people that that TELL me I have to appreciate it, love it, wear it on my shirt, etc. You know? I feel like I can be grateful for all the stuff I'm grateful for, and not have to advertise it each and everyday.
This does not mean that I'm out there, burning flags, spitting on American soldiers, or people that have come to this country for a better life, or trying to invest money to buy my own compound one day--one where I make my OWN laws and such. I mean, I'm not adverse to everything, I'm just not on the bandwagon, either.
Also, and here's where I get on my soapbox, I feel like most that are "Highly Patriotic" are usually also highly trashy. Eww...I'm gonna feel a blast of heat on that one, aren't I? But I do. I often think back to the movie, Borat. The Rodeo part. Does anyone remember that scene? I still think about how sick I felt in my stomach to see an angry mob form so quickly...with nothing more to egg them on than someone spouting nonsense. And really all he had to do to get everyone worked up was starting out with some rendition of : "God Bless the USA." Or how about the forwarded emails that I always get from questionable acquaintances? Some of them are downright terrible...racist and supremest and completely questionable, yet you put some sparkly red white and blue in the background, tell people they'll be poor if they don't send it to ten others, and you're bound to see it at least twice. (Let me just say that although some of you that read this blog have sent forwards, I'm not talking about any of you).
I do want to say that I have my brother-in-law, and he's very patriotic...but not in the previously described way. In the way that I wish most were...willing to look up facts, and read about policies, and honestly find the true details of "what's up". (Another aspect of his enjoyment of Law). Personally, I'm not that invested, so I guess I can be filed under the crappy American category. But I'm okay here. Just know that I am grateful for the advantages that I have, and that my children have. I feel like it's not a perfect system by any means, but when I look at what others deal with, I know that I am truly lucky and privileged. And I have tons of chances and possibilities, and that, in itself, is enough for me to have gratitude towards people that really do take matters into their hands for the bettering of our lives. So there. That's my take on it. It's wishy-washy, yeah....but I think there's too much corruption one way or the other to fully convert myself. Anyhoo, let me know what you think. And if it differs from me, that's more than okay. You never bring Religion or Politics to the table, as they say, and I went there, so I expect some drastic differences.

For the sake of changes...

I'm done looking at my last post and the explanations therein. However, I don't really have anything that is worth talking about lately. This past week was a good one. I am now at seven and a half months of pregnancy. This makes me happy, though I'm continually uncomfortable. Time has seemed to speed up with the end of summer and that's much appreciated.
My sister, Muffy took pictures of me on Saturday, because she is a fabulous photographer, and convinced me that it would be a good idea to document this pregnancy, as it's my last. I will say that what she showed me was really impressive. I was pleased with her lenses, her angles, the way she had me pose...but it's always hard for me to be non-judgemental when it comes to photos of myself. I mean, yes, I will post pictures of me, however, there are always a million flaws that I can point out to you, in each one. Not that I think Muff's picture taking skills have any flaws--I don't, at all. It's just looking at myself, I always have these thoughts like, "I wish I didn't have....or when I turn my face that way I didn't know I had that many wrinkles....or, are my eyes and ears really that uneven?" I believe it's just a case of me being my biggest critic...but it's always been hard to say, "Wow. I am HOT". This time, though, as I try to get past all my insecurities, I have to admit she did an excellent job. So, I'm excited to see the other pictures she has for me. She's already posted one, it's on her blog. (You can find it in my links section). I wanted to do some shameless advertising, because I think she's really talented, and should anyone need any type of family, children's, or special occasion photography, she's the girl to do it. To all the five people that read this blog, tell your friends. (Oh, and for more proof of her professional skills, her website is desistodigitals.com ).
Anyway, I think that's all for tonight. I'll most likely come up with something later, but I'm getting tired. I'm constantly amazed at the talents that others have, so I feel like they need to be shared. If anyone has questions, let me know. Also, when I do have Sydney, Muff will be the one that does most of my early documentation. So be sure to come back and view my little sister's abundance of talent. Goodnight all.

Adjustment to my "stuff I'm thinking about" post.

So I have to make a couple changes to number #5 on my previous post. This saddens me. You all know that I'm pretty opinionated about what I will and wont watch, and I have been waiting SO long for True Blood to come out. However, I think I seriously underestimated the graphic nature of an HBO show.
Jeff and I watched the first episode last night, and I was soooo devastated. Let me repeat that I have read all of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels, and loved each and every one. (Actually, the beginning ones were better, the later ones are products of an increasingly busy author that currently writes about six different series, getting one novel out each year, of each said series. So the last, say, two....seemed a bit rushed). Anyhoo, they are mainly mystery, with comedy and romance,VAMPIRES and other creepies, and sex....and the sex never bothered me. I guess I'm too easily disturbed visually, because reading about it, doesn't give me the heebie-jeebies...it's not as....distasteful. My idea of a sex scene in a movie that's actually attractive, as an example, is the scene in Reality Bites where Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke FINALLY get together...and all the jiggly, hairy, and questionable parts are covered. Not so for the first episode of True Blood. There are a few scenes in which as I saw them I was thinking....I gotta cover all my bases and say on my next post that I DON'T RECOMMEND this show to anyone. And that was just a couple scenes, as the other ones were still questionable, but not as disturbing. I want to save myself the embarrassment of having crowed about something that I had serious high hopes for...and was left uncomfortably mortified. So, anyway, there you are. I TAKE IT BAAAAACK. This is one of those times that I'm banking on my ridiculous fetish for vampires being something that normal, well adjusted people just don't share.
Now, that being said, I'll probably continue to watch this series, because like I said, I am neither normal, nor overly well-adjusted, but I will do so with the fast forward button in grip the entire time. Sadly, it will not be part of Jeff and my beautiful collection of TV on DVD...because even though I'm going to be honest and say that I will probably watch it, I won't advertise it or endorse it, as people will then know I'm a dirty pervert. Which I'm really not, I don't think, but I can't pull everyone aside and explain that, "I just fast forward through the baaad parts." I'm still hoping that as with a lot of shows, it has to push the envelope and raise the shock value the first couple of episodes, just to get ratings and a following. If not, I'm thinking the being disturbed part far outweighs my love for Ms. Sookie Stackhouse, as an inherently good person in an ever increasingly shady world. (Stuff like this is fascinating to me). So, I'll keep you informed, as I'm sure that you're all, Oh-so-interested. But at the very least, I just had to warn you. That is all.

Overheard:

Jeff Picks the kids up after school on Mondays and Fridays. Today this was the backseat conversation. He shared it with me, when they got home.


Cole: "So, Riley. What's the problem with the boy in the white shirt?"

Riley: Pause. "It's because he's in love with me."

Cole: "I don't get it."

Stuff I've been thinking about.

Okay, so I'm not a really deep person by any means. But a few things have been crossing my mind, lately. I'm thinking that they are completely useless to you, the reader, but as a blog addict, I would rather read about a lot of useless stuff, than nothing at all. So, here it goes:

1. When I am having a food craving,I MUST eat that particular food. No matter what. Otherwise I will sit and obsess and nothing will taste good or satisfy me, until I've eaten what I've been craving. (This never happens unless I'm pregnant...it's something Jeff never believes, until I show him how serious I am by throwing the ultimate fit).

2. The cooler the weather gets, the happier I become. These past few days have been pure bliss...and I have never been so ready for summer to be over. I've actually gone outside, and enjoyed it for the first time since April.

3. My children are smart and funny. They are content to be themselves, and are fully OK with who they are. This makes me beyond happy, as it's taken me up till now to be kind of okay with who I am.

4. It is mostly due to Jeff that my kids and I are as well adjusted and content with ourselves as we are. He's encouraged us to try and do whatever we like, and are interested in. I am easily affected by other's judgements, and criticisms, but Jeff isn't at all, and he's always there to encourage our creativity and differences; what's best for us as individuals. He lets us know that we're always loved, even if we aren't understood. Though he's quiet and chooses to remain in the background, he's the strength of our family.

5. The show, True Blood is going to be my new Buffy and Angel. (Not a replacement, mind you, as I still have mad devotion to Joss Whedon, I'm just saying it's going to be a new show that will rock the genre). I've read all the books, seen the trailers, and am convinced, CONVINCED that it's going to be freaking awesome.

6. Sydney is going to be just as different from Riley and Cole as they are from each other. But that she's lucky...because they want her to get here so much. Also, that she's lucky to have them for siblings. She will be a very spoiled, very catered-to, little girl.

7. Diet Code Red Mountain Dew could just be my new favorite beverage. If I could drink it all day long, and not feel guilty about pickling Sydney's brain more than I have....I would.

8. Angelina Jolie is looking haggard to me. It goes to show that no matter how much money you have, six kids will take the youth out of anyone. Also, I don't understand why everyone says she's such a fabulous mom. I think anyone could do a great job if they had round the clock nannies that could help keep the kids in check. Whenever she's in public, she only has one or two kids with her. Call me, or show me pictures when Angelina has to run to the grocery store, and take care of all the children at the same time. That would convince me she's a pro. Until then, I'm unconvinced.

9. I am accepting of the white-trashiness in my nature. I will be the first to admit that I'm not overly intelligent, or experienced...however, I'm real. And I'm really opinionated on stuff I usually know nothing about. Ask Jeff.

10. I have a lot of anger issues. A lot. I'm trying to deal with them, and overcome them, but it's taking a ton of time and energy. I've finally decided to take a stand, and make choices that will alleviate my anger, and avoid situations that I know will aggravate it even more. This is working for me, a little. I still have my days where I backslide, or I'm not as careful about my avoidance technique, but for the most part, things are looking up.

11. I'm so sick of political BS that I want to gouge out my eyes and personally pop my own eardrums. I love Jon Stewart, in that he's the only one that hasn't thrown up his hands at all the flip-flopping, but instead works harder to go through what I'm sure are very painful political volleys from candidates, reporters, supporters, etc., and prove that no one has a valid point, ever. If they do, they'll change it four or five times down the road. This is the way I do politics, and it disgusts me. I take a stand on something and then get so tired of all the crap that is involved in taking a stand that I give up a short while later. THIS IS WHY I AM NOT A POLITICAL PERSON. I understand this way is wrong. Apparently though, it's not wrong enough, because every political campaign seems to have tons of people willing to do this over and over, and ruin their possible established credibility.

12. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW, SEPT.6, TO MORIAH LOVE. I've been thinking about this all week, sending you good vibes, and hoping that you'll be having a good one. Also, I will try to call you tomorrow, but if you're too busy partying the way you fabulous, fancy, island dwellers do, I'll totally understand.

13. I keep having this dream where my teeth are literally rotting out of my head. I don't know what this means. Yes, I brush my teeth, so I'm not too concerned it will actually happen, however, why does this happen over and over?

14. I'm FINALLY getting to the point of liking my hair. The mullet-ness is growing out, and it's a color I can live with--less red and green and more dark brown. I'm not completely happy, but I don't feel the literal tears when I look at myself anymore, so, that's a bonus.

15. My sisters Muff and Kelli and I are going to the After Thanksgiving Day Sales, together. (I take these VERY seriously, and it's one of my most favorite days of the year). I realize that this is a long ways away, but I daydream about what TV on DVDs I will be on the prowl for. And I wonder if I will be able to drive those electronic old/fat people carts at each store, as that day will be my REAL due date, and I have to keep Sydney where she's at until December first, for insurance reasons.

16. Speaking of TV on DVD, next Tuesday It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, season three, will be released. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be an affordable price. (UNLIKE the fourth season of The Office that's only half a season, yet that didn't cut it's retail cost in any way...this is something that really pisses me off). Anyway, this season has my most favorite, most hilarious, and most terrible episode on it: Dee dates a Retarded Person. It's completely un-PC and I will go to Hell by loving it so much. But it will be worth it. (Perhaps I think about TV way too frequently).

17. I have a severe crush on Shia Lebouf. Does that make me a creepy old lady? Probably. Would he be interested in me, a middle-aged pregnant woman? Probably not. (I don't think about him all the time, mind you, it's just that he's been in all these movies I've watched lately).

18. I'm worried that I won't fit into any of my clothes after I have Sydney. Could this be the baby that does irreparable damage to my body? I know, this is probably my most embarrassing thought, because it's so shallow and self-absorbed. But, it's a big one. Pretty soon the stretch marks will begin inching their way up my belly and other places....and then....well, then it's just a lot of hard work and keeping my fingers crossed.

So there they are. It's not a lot of overly important stuff, but it's what my mind has been touching on as of late. So feel free to let me know what you think about...perhaps I'll be embarrassed at how simple my range of thought really is...or more embarrassed, anyway.

Labor Day Weekend

I have to post a lot of pictures. This last one was Cole playing with my phone, and it wasn't blurred...and when he was done, said, "You look GREAAAAT mom!" like it was unbelievable, so I had to put it up. This past weekend was nice because it started out on Friday. Jeff didn't work, as is the new work schedule, and so while he slept, I got up and walked with my friend Liz. Which was quite early. (I might add that because of his new job, I now can't walk in the mornings. Yet, Jeff's Wednesday night racquetball dates are still on...interesting, isn't it? So now, walking is limited to the days of the week that Jeff has off. And let me say, it's obvious in my butt and legs that I'm just not putting in the miles anymore. So, when I'm tipping the scales at 800lbs., and Jeff wants to leave me because I'm demanding he make me more bacon as I lay solo on our king-size bed because it's now the place I stay permanently, please remember and remind him, this is all his fault). Anyway, after our walk, I came home and didn't have to wake the kids for another hour...but they were already up--as it was the Friday that they got their allowance toys. So they played for a while and I made breakfast, and then I took Riley to school. Friday went by quite well...Jeff had a problem when he went to pick up the kids--Cole was missing again, as his teacher had taken him to the office. (I'm hoping this doesn't become a thing that he does).
Saturday came along and all was good. I got a call from Kelli, telling me my Carebear that she was knitting me was done. I had to go get it and drop off a couple seasons of LOST, as she and my nieces were having a marathon this weekend. Now, originally I asked Kelli to make me a grumpy bear. She timidly asked Jeff if I would be offended if instead she made me a "Bi-polar" bear. She didn't want me to be offended as it was an obviously play on my mental instability. I, of course, have stepped up to this personal snafu, so, I was on board. And might I say, isn't it completely fabulous? She came up with the idea, the colors, all by herself. Not to mention the knitting. I love, love, LOVE it. Riley and Cole fully expected that I would share with them, because that's what mom's do. However, they were a little thrown when I told them that this particular toy is just for me, and I didn't want their sticky, stinky fingers on it. I said it a bit nicer than that, but the point was put across. Jeff started to work on our living room. He's been putting up shelves for our ever-increasing media. He continued that through Sunday, and now though our house is still in disarray, he's really succeeded in making our home look more like a home rather than a dorm room. And by that I mean, he's done a great job and I'm really liking what he's done.
So Monday, we were invited to a BBQ at my in-laws house. Not only would there be fine food, but my brothers-in-law and their band would be performing, so you know, we had to be there. Unfortunately, I've got a cold, so I was contemplating the possibility of staying home while Jeff and the kids went. But then I knew I'd be missing out on a lot if I didn't go, so I dragged my ginormous butt out, and I'm really glad I did. I'm sure there will be blogs all over that will have the same pictures as I've taken, but you'll have to bear with me.
Big thanks to Bob and Maida for great burgers and hot dogs and providing the gathering place. And the rest of the Andersons, Coplens, Hiatts, Stevensons, Miles's and Murrays for side dishes and great company. Afterwards it was time to go watch the musical entertainment and we watched my nieces and nephew perform first, as they've put together a band this year. Quite impressive. Jessica was lead vocals, Brittany and Tiffany were on guitar and Austin was on drums. (Sorry Tiff, I couldn't get a picture of you, that dang tree umbrella was in the way). I meant to tell them all great job, but I had crying issues between Cole and Maggie that were ongoing. I think they just found out that they are the same age, and that being in Kindergarten at the same time was a bonding experience for them. So they really enjoyed playing together, but both are a bit sensitive and kept hurting each others feelings, and then having to make up.
Then next up were the brothers -in -law and nephew. Kyle-singing and on bass, Kory was lead guitar and back-up vocals, and Brandon on the drums made up the main Labor Day event. They didn't disappoint with about six songs plus an encore. There was even a complete bonus when my nephew Andy got up and started to dance, simply because he was feeling it. I love it when kids dance, because there is no self conciousness invovled...the music moves them, and they are but slaves to the rhythm. To me, it tells you that the music is good. One of the highest compliments imaginable. (I could have miss-counted songs because of the previous mentioned problems with Cole and Maggie, so if that's the case, my apologies). I'm always amazed at all this hidden talent. I shouldn't be, because Jeff amazes me all the time with what he can do. I have like, two things that I'm really good at, and from there, my expertise is very limited. So when I see all these quiet, shy-seeming people whip out the big guns, I can't help but be so impressed. So, great job, guys. I'm already anticipating the next show--perhaps next Labor Day? Or possibly the Halloween Party? I'm encouraging you all to shake things up, schedule-wise--just for my personal entertainment, if nothing else. After the encore, we all kind of sat around and visited. I looked around the family there, and noticed that there are quite a few new babies, and expected ones. This is kind of odd to me, because it's like an entirely new generation of family is cropping up, and this time I feel so old. I know a lot of people my age aren't even having children yet, or they are just starting, but this is Utah, and Jeff and I are starting over...it's just weird. Sydney will have all these cousins in her age group, and it doesn't seem like it should be that way. I'm not complaining, mind you, just a bit of a reflection, I guess. However, this DOES lead me to another fabulous thing that happened simply because of my talented sisters-in-law. Kassie made me some blocks for our little Sydney Joy...and I love them. (Yet another thing I refused to share with Riley and Cole, and I'm considered an awful mother because of it). I first saw her post pictures of some that she made for her little girl that's due just about the same time as Sydney. I told her how much I loved them, and she just offered to make me some. How could I refuse? I mean, seriously. They look so great in Sydney's room, too. Yet another expample of things these people can do, and do greatly. It makes me jealous, however, it also makes me content to be lazy....because they're so great to let me enjoy the benefits of their hard work, too. That being said, I really like this system, and am content to keep the status quo, so no one needs to get the idea to try to teach me how to do stuff, or make me figure it out myself. Because that's just not as rewarding to me, just for your information.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for the food, the entertainment, and the gifts. It made my weekend very satisfying and memorable. I really wouldn't mind this turning into tradition...weekly tradition. Seriously, I'm up for it.