this and that

Geof. was out of town this weekend and I had 2 soccer games a half hour apart-and 2 different leagues. I opted to have Cole go with a friend on his team since Dayne's a bit young to go on her own (and we don't know anyone yet from her team). We got there early for pics (Dayne has no interest in posing, but doesn't she look cute with that hair cut?) and then had her game. Half way through, the coach called her out and I took her home. What was I thinking signing Dayne up for soccer? As if she needed it! Really, the girl's so happy at home coloring, reading stories (still...in unknown languages!), andplaying dress up. There was no need to sign her up for something she had NEVER shown interest in. I sat there watching her stand around on the field as the ball rolled past her and in front of her numerous times and thought, "Oh, this is pointless". I'm sure as we walked away with her crying (no end-of-game treat), I was taken as a mean mom. And, it's true. I am. I'm also tired of my Saturdays being taken up, especially when the child herself isn't even happy.

Oh well. We're done the end of Oct. We'll keep Cole in, though because he LOVES it and is getting really good! He's become quite the offensive player, getting 5 goals for his team on Sat. If only he could be outdoors all day....he'd love his life. And so would we. (:

June's completely content lounging around, being read to, and watching Disney princess movies (as stated in my last post). She's pretty easy if she has those things at her disposal. I did take her for a walk the other day because I'm feeling like she's not moving enough and therefore, doesn't go to sleep easily (and doesn't STAY asleep).

Geof. came home happy and tired. Said he had one of the most spiritual weekends of his life. Very good men to be around and full of wisdom-both secular and spiritual. Glad he could go.

I, on the other hand, think I've developed a gluten intolerance. Every thing I read points to it, and darn it, I'm not happy about it. Most mornings I have severe cramping and flu like symptoms. And we don't even have to talk about the fatigue or depression that I also experience. I don't want to deal with it. I'm lazy. No, I'm tired. So many other things to think about. Especially when I'm a pretty healthy person (or so I thought)..why this..now? hm..lots of prayers. I need answers.

I started directing our Stake Youth Choir again a few Sundays back. We'll be singing for Stake Conference in Nov. I love these youth! They're so sweet and good. I feel lucky to be around them and even though the anxiety comes on every Sunday around 5 (practice is at 630), the rehearsal always turns out fine. Just have to build up my confidence; even with the knowledge that there are many, MANY people who could do a better job.

we are here

Got the camera today. The kids and I took some pics in the Target parking lot after buying a memory card (camera's don't come with memory cards?). I look like I have a googly eye and an ever increasing/enlarging (word?) nose in this2nd pic. Why didn't anyone ever tell me I had a googly eye? And the nose? It's hopeless, right? Your nose and ears never stop growing. Oh.., I'm in for it. (; But the camera quality's pretty dang good for a camera so small I can slide it in my back pocket. Perfect.

Geof. is here this weekend enjoying a rafting trip with some boys..er, men. I'm home with the three crazies shown in the back seat of Geof.'s car (the van's getting a new timing belt). So far, so good. But this is where I want to be come January. That, or Mexico..or Costa Rica. Either of those is fine. (!!)

Had to put my playlist back on. Need some new music, but I just love that playlist! Any suggestions..?

..and, you don't have to read this one.

I miss my camera. So much in fact, that I've resorted to finding old favorite pics to put on my blog. I like recording things. And I miss my old camera's feature of b & w with color accents option.

Geof. bought me a camera last night. Very similar to the one I had before. I can't wait for it to get here.

Fall is upon us. The weather has been very pleasant. Almost too pleasant. No, it is NOT jean weather. I had to ride my bike to and from school today to take a test and Richmond's a very lame bike city (no sidewalks), so most of the ride was on grass or gravel. When I got to class, my back and shoulders were soaked from where my back pack was. No, it's not fall temperatures. Not quite yet.

And the kids, might you ask.? I love them. Yesterday was a crazy, busy day and my house was (and still is) a mess. I had a hard time pulling things together and feeling happy about motherhood/the day-to-day grind . After my kids were asleep (and isn't this how it always is?), the feeling and thought came to me that this time with my kids at home is so short. There WILL be a time that my days will slow down and I'll miss the noise and busyness of raising a household. Of course, this isn't the first time these feelings/thoughts have come, but last night was strong. So strong that I couldn't keep from crying and blubbering about it. Geof. still doesn't know. (; I tried to enjoy and love on my babies more today; talk to them, ask them questions..., and LISTEN. Dayne says the funniest things. I got on my laptop one day after school and she says, "Mom, now here I've been gone ALL day long at school and I come home and you get on your computer and don't even talk to me!". Now, if that isn't a kick in the stomach!! She makes her feelings known very clearly. With Cole it's not as easy. I suspect that the more aggressive and angry he gets, the more he needs mom time. Okay, enough of this "I suspect" crap. I KNOW that's what he needs. Just some talking and listening time with mom. He's almost eight (in December) and I'm sure in the not very far future, it'll be hard to get anything out of him. NOW is the time to talk to Cole. Junie is still trying to figure out her place without Cole and Dayne around. Whenever we go to playgroups, she follows me around closely and is not very comfortable talking or playing with anyone. She asks frequently, "Is it bedtime?" and, "When are we going to pick up Cole and Dayne?". Sad, right? She's very content being at home with mommy and sitting in Dad's office watching Disney movies (that's the only place her VHS videos can be watched since Geof. got the HUGE tv), however. Oh, and we can't forget her constant singing. Vibrado and everything. It's HYSTERICAL.

hm...what other interesting (or not?) things to tell? Geof's running his 1st half marathon in 2 weeks up and over in West VA. He's not even training. And I'm sure his time will be fantastic. I hate him. (;

Oh, and the random pic of Santa and Mrs. Claus? I bought them (they're S & P shakers in case you didn't...) at an antique shop a while back in the clearance/we're throwing these away if you don't take them section next to the bathrooms. I was so excited! My mom has this same set and I loved seeing them out on the table during the holidays. Now, if only I can get the American Indian/Pilgrim set for Thanksgiving. The other pics are of our trip (without kids!) to DC with our good friends the Averetts (come again, Averetts??), sweet little Dayne sleepy from a cold night of camping last March, Cole's most excellent light sabor moves, and no we can't forget a random street view of some WONDERFUL Richmond city homes. We sure love Richmond-still!! We don't get to play in it as much as before, but hey, we do what we can with 2 kids in school, a mom in school, a dad that works like a mad-man, 2 kids in soccer (did I mention that putting Dayne in soccer her 1ST year of school was a BIG mistake), Dad coaching soccer..oh, just typing it all out is making me tired. And it's midnight. Yuck! Nite..

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

We checked out this CD at the library months ago and my kids couldn't get enough of this song. After listening to it a gazillion times, Geof. and I realized how much we enjoyed it, too. Such great lyrics, good feelings..! Oh, Raffi, we love you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7dRuXEKZrc&feature=related

...and they're gone.

A helpful big brother, a happy Kindergartner (and tired!)..and their little 3 year old sister left behind (so sad!).


p.s. I didn't realize how fun it'd be getting a girl ready for school! The clothes.., oh the CLOTHES (no judging!)!