As many of you know, raising Charlie has just proved to be significantly different than raising my other two kids. He has just not developed the same way your "typical" child does. Josh and I still are not sure what this means, but we're working on figuring it out. One of the hardest things for me is that he does not express affection like my other two have and I have sometimes wondered if he even feels a connection to me at all.
Lately, Charlie has been making some strides, however. Tonight, he did something he has never, ever done before and it brought me a great amount of joy.
On my way into our house after work, Charlie stopped what he was doing, looked up at me, got a big old grin on his face, ran toward me with arms wide open and jumped into my arms. Words cannot express how happy it made me.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Not Really Rethinking the Name
In reference to my second post on January 28. I was just teasing. I thought the article was . . . uh, funny in that I think it overlooked much more obvious reasons why certain names might be more connected with crime than other names. I won't go into all those reasons here.
I know some people hate the baby's name. Some people have flat out told me that and others have told me they hate it by not saying anything about the name. I wish I could say it doesn't bother me, but it does. But I'm trying to take a page from Josh's book and not care, because the baby's name is what it is. I won't go into a long story about it here, but I just feel like this is what we are supposed to name the baby. And if 25 years from now, he's a homeless drifter or standing on top of a bell tower with an automatic rifle, hopefully no one will lay the blame on his name.
I know some people hate the baby's name. Some people have flat out told me that and others have told me they hate it by not saying anything about the name. I wish I could say it doesn't bother me, but it does. But I'm trying to take a page from Josh's book and not care, because the baby's name is what it is. I won't go into a long story about it here, but I just feel like this is what we are supposed to name the baby. And if 25 years from now, he's a homeless drifter or standing on top of a bell tower with an automatic rifle, hopefully no one will lay the blame on his name.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
A Good Sunday
I had a good day today. I woke up feeling 100% better and knowing my illness was gone, gone, gone. Church was wonderful -- uplifting testimonies during Sacrament meeting, a good Gospel Doctrine lesson, a good YW lesson (the girls were really listening!), and I just felt the Spirit a lot.
While the little ones and Josh napped after church, Alek and I played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and read a little bit of the second Fablehaven book. It was so nice to spend time with him by myself and just have fun. We haven't done that for a while. One of my personal goals is to carve out more time for Alek. He really needs it.
It was pretty quiet around the house today and there was a good spirit in our home. Our townhouse complex stopped offering free cable and no TV stations come in at all anymore. So far, I don't miss TV. We've been debating whether or not to get cable on our own. I think we'll do without for a while longer at least. Most of the TV shows we follow we can watch online and then we can avoid the terrible commercials (for the most part). So the only TV watching today was when I put in a Winnie the Pooh movie for the kids while I, get this, cleaned the kitchen and made dinner. Yes, I did! I was actually the mom today and I gave Josh a rest. It felt good. Katie helped me make the pancake batter (I never said I made a fancy dinner).
We read scriptures together as a family and said prayers and then Alek and I had a talk about his future (he wants to live on a farm; I'm sure he has not been at all influenced by his visit to the Peatross family last summer or the fact that they've been learning about agriculture in school this year) and how to prepare and the importance of spiritual preparation. Alek went to bed and we let the wee ones run around some more while Josh talked to his brother, Aaron, and I planned the menu for the next two weeks (yes, I did!) and came up with a list of about 50 main dishes for future menu planning.
As soon as Josh is finished talking to his bro, we're going to read some of the Doctrine and Covenants, which is what we're reading together this year.
So, all in all, a good day. A nice, calm, happy Sunday, which is all too rare. And I feel like I accomplished things today and made good choices and was a good mom. That's rare, too, feeling that way. Hope you all had a good Sunday, too.
While the little ones and Josh napped after church, Alek and I played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and read a little bit of the second Fablehaven book. It was so nice to spend time with him by myself and just have fun. We haven't done that for a while. One of my personal goals is to carve out more time for Alek. He really needs it.
It was pretty quiet around the house today and there was a good spirit in our home. Our townhouse complex stopped offering free cable and no TV stations come in at all anymore. So far, I don't miss TV. We've been debating whether or not to get cable on our own. I think we'll do without for a while longer at least. Most of the TV shows we follow we can watch online and then we can avoid the terrible commercials (for the most part). So the only TV watching today was when I put in a Winnie the Pooh movie for the kids while I, get this, cleaned the kitchen and made dinner. Yes, I did! I was actually the mom today and I gave Josh a rest. It felt good. Katie helped me make the pancake batter (I never said I made a fancy dinner).
We read scriptures together as a family and said prayers and then Alek and I had a talk about his future (he wants to live on a farm; I'm sure he has not been at all influenced by his visit to the Peatross family last summer or the fact that they've been learning about agriculture in school this year) and how to prepare and the importance of spiritual preparation. Alek went to bed and we let the wee ones run around some more while Josh talked to his brother, Aaron, and I planned the menu for the next two weeks (yes, I did!) and came up with a list of about 50 main dishes for future menu planning.
As soon as Josh is finished talking to his bro, we're going to read some of the Doctrine and Covenants, which is what we're reading together this year.
So, all in all, a good day. A nice, calm, happy Sunday, which is all too rare. And I feel like I accomplished things today and made good choices and was a good mom. That's rare, too, feeling that way. Hope you all had a good Sunday, too.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I'm Way Behind on Blogging
So I'm going to post a bunch of pictures from ages ago. Enjoy.
The kids on Halloween 2008. Alek is Merlin, Katie is a medieval princess (but she wouldn't wear a crown) and Charlie is a bumblebee (but he wouldn't wear the hood).
Katie loved wearing Alek's wizard hat. This picture just cracks me up.
Alek in all his Merlin glory. His dad's friend made this costume and I think it turned out awesome. Alek was super excited about it.
In November, I had to leave my family for four days, so I could go work really hard in Beverly Hills. Hard work included eating out with friends, seeing Kevin from the Backstreet Boys, and going to a rock and roll themed party where the people I work with dressed up and acted like weirdos. Doesn't that sound like hard work? Actually, they were four long days and it was a lot of work, but who wants to see pictures of or hear about any of that stuff? Boring.
The Farm at Beverly Hills. If you're ever in Beverly Hills, I highly recommend it. The food was so good and not nearly as expensive as the swanky places in town. Plus, they have awesome sweet potato fries. This is the second night in a row I ate there -- this time with Michelle, Farrah and Ayme.
At the rock and roll party. The man on the left is the big boss where I work. Doesn't he look like a serious executive? He was pulling the funniest faces in every picture. He was cracking me up.
Me with Elvis, aka Dr. Campbell, the Speaker of the House. I know I look enormous, but I'm pregnant, so let's keep that in mind.
Last, but not least, we have the pictures from the holiday party we had at work back in December. This was the official holiday party, not to be confused with our ugly sweater party, which I posted about earlier. Helping with this party was my last official act as a member of the Events Planning Committee, since I decided to resign after just one year. I loved being on the committee, but I have too much on my plate and it was an easy thing to stop doing, compared to say, being a mom of several small children.
Anyway, the holiday party's theme was "Black and White at Midnight." We celebrated New Year's this year since Christmas is off limits and coming up with generic winter themes every year can be difficult. We asked everyone to wear all black and white and like 97% of the people actually did it. It was awesome. We had a countdown and black and white party favors and a lunch of heavy appetizers and mocktinis. It was a lot of fun. We put black plastic over all the windows and then cut little holes out of it so it looked like a starry night in the room. The members of the Events Planning Committee all wore at least a little bit of red so we would stand out in case anyone had any questions. The room turned out looking awesome and so elegant, I thought. Judge for yourself.
Main entrance to the party
The Events Planning Committee
One of the tall boy tables where people could stand and eat.
One of our two lounge areas. The faux brick is covering an enormous awards case. We decided that the nightclub in NYC where our party was taking place would definitely have exposed brick on one inside wall. :)
A second room where people could get away from some of the noise was just decorated with round tables like this. Farrah had the idea to make the table look like the face of a clock. I think it turned out really cool.
The kids on Halloween 2008. Alek is Merlin, Katie is a medieval princess (but she wouldn't wear a crown) and Charlie is a bumblebee (but he wouldn't wear the hood).
Katie loved wearing Alek's wizard hat. This picture just cracks me up.
Alek in all his Merlin glory. His dad's friend made this costume and I think it turned out awesome. Alek was super excited about it.In November, I had to leave my family for four days, so I could go work really hard in Beverly Hills. Hard work included eating out with friends, seeing Kevin from the Backstreet Boys, and going to a rock and roll themed party where the people I work with dressed up and acted like weirdos. Doesn't that sound like hard work? Actually, they were four long days and it was a lot of work, but who wants to see pictures of or hear about any of that stuff? Boring.
The Farm at Beverly Hills. If you're ever in Beverly Hills, I highly recommend it. The food was so good and not nearly as expensive as the swanky places in town. Plus, they have awesome sweet potato fries. This is the second night in a row I ate there -- this time with Michelle, Farrah and Ayme.
At the rock and roll party. The man on the left is the big boss where I work. Doesn't he look like a serious executive? He was pulling the funniest faces in every picture. He was cracking me up.
Me with Elvis, aka Dr. Campbell, the Speaker of the House. I know I look enormous, but I'm pregnant, so let's keep that in mind.Last, but not least, we have the pictures from the holiday party we had at work back in December. This was the official holiday party, not to be confused with our ugly sweater party, which I posted about earlier. Helping with this party was my last official act as a member of the Events Planning Committee, since I decided to resign after just one year. I loved being on the committee, but I have too much on my plate and it was an easy thing to stop doing, compared to say, being a mom of several small children.
Anyway, the holiday party's theme was "Black and White at Midnight." We celebrated New Year's this year since Christmas is off limits and coming up with generic winter themes every year can be difficult. We asked everyone to wear all black and white and like 97% of the people actually did it. It was awesome. We had a countdown and black and white party favors and a lunch of heavy appetizers and mocktinis. It was a lot of fun. We put black plastic over all the windows and then cut little holes out of it so it looked like a starry night in the room. The members of the Events Planning Committee all wore at least a little bit of red so we would stand out in case anyone had any questions. The room turned out looking awesome and so elegant, I thought. Judge for yourself.
Main entrance to the party
The Events Planning Committee
One of the tall boy tables where people could stand and eat.
One of our two lounge areas. The faux brick is covering an enormous awards case. We decided that the nightclub in NYC where our party was taking place would definitely have exposed brick on one inside wall. :)
A second room where people could get away from some of the noise was just decorated with round tables like this. Farrah had the idea to make the table look like the face of a clock. I think it turned out really cool.
Some of our partygoers all decked out in their black and white.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Happy Birthday, Dad
I'll join my sisters in their walks down memory lane about my sweet Daddy, who would have been 67 today. They took most of the funny memories, so mine will mostly be sappy. And I don't have any pictures of Dad on this computer. Sorry.
My memories of Dad:
Spring 1993 -- He had just told us about how he had to get his heart looked at and that if it was as bad as the doctor suspected he would be put on a transplant list. Amy was supposed to be going into the MTC in the very near future. He came into my room and told me "no matter what happens, I want you to make sure that Amy goes on her mission." To this day, I have no idea why he chose to tell me that, of all people. But I'm glad he did.
1991 0r 1992 -- Dad was supposed to take Heather and I to some Stake Daddy/Daughter activity. I don't remember exactly what happened, but we didn't end up going to the activity, although we all still went out together. Dad's teasing was getting on my nerves and I told him to kiss my butt. His reply? "Mark off a spot, 'cause you're all butt to me." Zing. He was pretty quick. And I totally deserved it. I can't believe I used to talk to my parents that way.
Fall 1992 -- I didn't make the school play. I was furious. My anger spilled over onto my dad unnecessarily. Then I took a nap. I woke up to discover my dad making my favorite meal and a note and a carnation from my dad on my dresser.
1981? -- Dad took me along when he chaperoned a school trip to Disneyland. I loved every minute of it, but I especially appreciate him making me go on Space Mountain.
All the times when I stayed home "sick" from school and Dad would take me to work with him. He even took me on a work trip when I was like 21 years old. He found ways to spend individual time with us, even though there were so many of us.
1996, 97 or 98 -- Sitting around talking with Mom and Dad on a Sunday and him saying, "Doesn't your mom have great legs? She's always had the greatest legs." Mom was so embarrassed. And I've probably embarrassed her all over again. Sorry, Mom. :)
Early 90's -- All of us kids skipping through the mall with Dad while he held mom's purse.
1994 -- Talking to my family after they had come to see me in "Our Town" and my dad saying that he would do whatever it took to make sure I could be an actress, if that's what I wanted. He really thought I was talented. I always knew Dad was proud of me. When I would meet people he knew, they would tell me how he bragged about my talents.
June 1991 -- My birthday was on a Sunday. Dad made me a little birthday card at church. I put it in my scrapbook and I've had it ever since.
1998 -- Dad telling Jared the story of the day I was born and how he promised the Lord that if Mom and I were spared that he would do everything in his power to make sure I got married in the temple.
2000 -- Coming home to find my dad hugging my soon-to-be ex-husband in the driveway in front of our house. He wanted so badly to help him and I know that's because he loved me so much.
2000 -- Right after Rachel's sealing, when Dad gave me a big hug and told me he had the strong impression that there would be another day for me in the temple. And then a little over three years later, knowing Dad was there to see it, even though I couldn't see him.
How Dad always used to buy us gifts we hadn't asked for, but he thought we would love. I cherish the beautifully illustrated copy of Peter Pan he bought me. And my Star Wars pictures, of course.
Eileen and Peg jokes
Looking for the man who shot my "paw"
Dad splitting up the Rolos when we'd go to the movies as a family.
Dad's Oscar night contest for FHE that one year. I won, of course. My prizes were Fiddle Faddle and a big handheld mirror with a strip of paper he'd printed on the computer that said, "I'm the best."
Dad kissing Mom in the kitchen and all of us being grossed out. This happened a lot.
Watching "Jeopardy" with Dad.
Going to the temple with Dad when he took his mom's name through for baptism and confirmation (1993, I think) and being there when his parents were sealed and he was sealed to them (1998?). And our testimony meeting afterward.
Dad's smile. It was awesome. And just so goofy.
Dad always letting me beat him at arm wrestling.
Dad getting all bundled up to get rid of the hornets nest outside Amy and Jen's bedroom window. Do you guys remember that? Remember he wore the big welding gloves?
The way Dad always addressed waiters and waitresses by name and was so nice to them.
I don't remember this, but the Heebie Jeebies story has always been one of my favorites.
There are so many things. We Geers really do have lives chock full of fantastic moments.
I came down with the stomach flu today and had to leave work early. When I haven't been sleeping, I have spent some time reading 1776 (which I started a while ago, so I'm not copying you, Jen). Being sick and reading a history book is so like my dad. I feel close to him today.
This is poorly written, but I'm lacking the proper nutrition to write clearly.
I love you, Daddy. Thanks for being you.
My memories of Dad:
Spring 1993 -- He had just told us about how he had to get his heart looked at and that if it was as bad as the doctor suspected he would be put on a transplant list. Amy was supposed to be going into the MTC in the very near future. He came into my room and told me "no matter what happens, I want you to make sure that Amy goes on her mission." To this day, I have no idea why he chose to tell me that, of all people. But I'm glad he did.
1991 0r 1992 -- Dad was supposed to take Heather and I to some Stake Daddy/Daughter activity. I don't remember exactly what happened, but we didn't end up going to the activity, although we all still went out together. Dad's teasing was getting on my nerves and I told him to kiss my butt. His reply? "Mark off a spot, 'cause you're all butt to me." Zing. He was pretty quick. And I totally deserved it. I can't believe I used to talk to my parents that way.
Fall 1992 -- I didn't make the school play. I was furious. My anger spilled over onto my dad unnecessarily. Then I took a nap. I woke up to discover my dad making my favorite meal and a note and a carnation from my dad on my dresser.
1981? -- Dad took me along when he chaperoned a school trip to Disneyland. I loved every minute of it, but I especially appreciate him making me go on Space Mountain.
All the times when I stayed home "sick" from school and Dad would take me to work with him. He even took me on a work trip when I was like 21 years old. He found ways to spend individual time with us, even though there were so many of us.
1996, 97 or 98 -- Sitting around talking with Mom and Dad on a Sunday and him saying, "Doesn't your mom have great legs? She's always had the greatest legs." Mom was so embarrassed. And I've probably embarrassed her all over again. Sorry, Mom. :)
Early 90's -- All of us kids skipping through the mall with Dad while he held mom's purse.
1994 -- Talking to my family after they had come to see me in "Our Town" and my dad saying that he would do whatever it took to make sure I could be an actress, if that's what I wanted. He really thought I was talented. I always knew Dad was proud of me. When I would meet people he knew, they would tell me how he bragged about my talents.
June 1991 -- My birthday was on a Sunday. Dad made me a little birthday card at church. I put it in my scrapbook and I've had it ever since.
1998 -- Dad telling Jared the story of the day I was born and how he promised the Lord that if Mom and I were spared that he would do everything in his power to make sure I got married in the temple.
2000 -- Coming home to find my dad hugging my soon-to-be ex-husband in the driveway in front of our house. He wanted so badly to help him and I know that's because he loved me so much.
2000 -- Right after Rachel's sealing, when Dad gave me a big hug and told me he had the strong impression that there would be another day for me in the temple. And then a little over three years later, knowing Dad was there to see it, even though I couldn't see him.
How Dad always used to buy us gifts we hadn't asked for, but he thought we would love. I cherish the beautifully illustrated copy of Peter Pan he bought me. And my Star Wars pictures, of course.
Eileen and Peg jokes
Looking for the man who shot my "paw"
Dad splitting up the Rolos when we'd go to the movies as a family.
Dad's Oscar night contest for FHE that one year. I won, of course. My prizes were Fiddle Faddle and a big handheld mirror with a strip of paper he'd printed on the computer that said, "I'm the best."
Dad kissing Mom in the kitchen and all of us being grossed out. This happened a lot.
Watching "Jeopardy" with Dad.
Going to the temple with Dad when he took his mom's name through for baptism and confirmation (1993, I think) and being there when his parents were sealed and he was sealed to them (1998?). And our testimony meeting afterward.
Dad's smile. It was awesome. And just so goofy.
Dad always letting me beat him at arm wrestling.
Dad getting all bundled up to get rid of the hornets nest outside Amy and Jen's bedroom window. Do you guys remember that? Remember he wore the big welding gloves?
The way Dad always addressed waiters and waitresses by name and was so nice to them.
I don't remember this, but the Heebie Jeebies story has always been one of my favorites.
There are so many things. We Geers really do have lives chock full of fantastic moments.
I came down with the stomach flu today and had to leave work early. When I haven't been sleeping, I have spent some time reading 1776 (which I started a while ago, so I'm not copying you, Jen). Being sick and reading a history book is so like my dad. I feel close to him today.
This is poorly written, but I'm lacking the proper nutrition to write clearly.
I love you, Daddy. Thanks for being you.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Stimulus My Foot
I've been reading a lot about this stimulus bill that just passed and boy howdy does it stink to high heaven. Several good articles out there I could point you to, but I really like this one.
Major takeaway for me?
" 'Our standard of living needs to come down to the point where it can be supported by organic output,” says Schiff. “It’s brutal, but it’s called capitalism, and it works. The alternative is called socialism, and it doesn’t work.' "
This article kinda says what I've been saying all along -- government stay away. Free markets are self-correcting. Let capitalism do it's job. Government intereference is a lot of how we got into this mess. Plus, on the whole, Americans overconsume. Maybe it's time we learned some hard lessons about industry and thrift. I know it's high time for me.
Major takeaway for me?
" 'Our standard of living needs to come down to the point where it can be supported by organic output,” says Schiff. “It’s brutal, but it’s called capitalism, and it works. The alternative is called socialism, and it doesn’t work.' "
This article kinda says what I've been saying all along -- government stay away. Free markets are self-correcting. Let capitalism do it's job. Government intereference is a lot of how we got into this mess. Plus, on the whole, Americans overconsume. Maybe it's time we learned some hard lessons about industry and thrift. I know it's high time for me.
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