10 Good Things - Long Tuesday Edition

1. Got to sleep in until 8 am. Don't ask how it happened or I'll have to confess that I often stick Noah in his bouncy chair in the early morning in front of muted cartoons and it shuts him up for a good hour. I don't know what was happening in the house between 7 and 8, but Noah was pretty mad and poopy by the time I came to his rescue. Sorry kids.

2. Haircuts all around! Well, just for Sienna and me. Plus, hanging out with my cousin Liz! She's our hair cutter. What do you call them nowadays? Sienna has the cutest bob and I'm growing my out into a bob. Probably. Probobly. Heh.

3. Noah napped like a stud this afternoon, but Sienna did not. And somehow I was okay with it.

4. OH YEAH, I forgot about the ACTUAL best thing that happened this morning at 1:50 am ... my sister had a baby. It's a great story. She'll have to tell you about it. I won't spoil it here. In a nutshell, she was induced and was able to go natural despite it all. It's always a good thing when that can happen. Props to her. Birth is terrifying.

5. Had a long conversation with my cousin, Carrie, about how hard motherhood is. We now know, among a whole host of many other things, that it is futile to judge others. Harshly judging a mom who's trying to be a good mom is probably the greatest of all the sins of man. The second only being not opening the door for her when she's manning a big fat stroller and the store decided not to install automatic doors. Get a clue Old Navy! JoAnns! I could name more!!!

6. Having Sienna repeatedly come show me what she's dressed her magnetic "paper" doll in ... the favorite being an upside down mini-skirt across her chest, "Look Mom, her boob!" And then me teaching her the words "tube top" only to hear the words "boob tube top" repeated back in all sorts of jumbleness. Whatever. Boobs! 

7. A fresh assortment of snacks in the snack cupboard and milk in the fridge. Do you ever go on store trips JUST for snacks and milk? These are the staples of our world. I run out of those, and JUST KILL ME. That's about all we have stocked up at the moment ... but still...

8. Eating a Dick's Deluxe and a chocolate shake for dinner. Their burgers are always better at lunchtime, but I was in a pinch. And Dick's Drive-In always works in a pinch.

9. Pinterest.

10. Adam came home an hour early! Class ended early! I guess this was not a long Tuesday after all.

10 Good Things - Laugh Until Cry Edition

1. Sleeping in. It was a battle of wills this morning - who could will their body out of bed to answer a yelling Sienna at 6 am? NOT ME, said my body. I had just been up with Noah for way too long, so in the bed I stayed. Until a glorious 7:40 am.

2. Frost on our cars and sun in the sky. It was a beautiful morning!

3. Eating last night's Cheesecake Factory tuxedo cheesecake and Snickers cheesecake leftovers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those things are obscene.

4. Noah's 2nd tooth has broken through. (Is that why he was so cranky last night?)

5. The kids napped like angels.

6. I found out about 3 new pregnancies today and talked about 1 surprise home birth. These topics of pregnancy, child birth and child rearing are my life now. In case you haven't noticed.

7. Not cooking all day. I felt so much more rested eating leftovers (yeah, so what if it was mostly cheesecake?) and simple foods.

8. Thinking about seeing Elder Neil Andersen in person last week and remembering his testimony and witness about Jesus Christ. Seeing an apostle in person and listening to him testify of Christ is something I don't think I will ever forget.

9. Adam made me laugh so hard I cried. We were whistling "Praise to the Man" together and he was doing his own fancy harmony (as usual) and I couldn't take it. I think it scared Noah. And made Sienna mad (cuz she still gets kind of mad when I laugh too hard).

10. Finishing the evening by reading Elder Scott's talk from Confy, The Power of Scripture. I love how he refers to the scriptures as friends.

Some Odes

To iPod Touch - I thought people were a bit crazed when they waxed on and on about Steve Jobs after he died recently. Even Adam said, "You'd have thought the Pope died this week!" But then I washed you, my iPod Touch, in the washing machine. And I am lost. Lost I tell you! I am out of touch with the world, and I hate it. I am mad that I will have to spend several hundred dollars to replace you and all the gear that goes with you, but you know it's going to happen. Because I am addicted to you.

To Adam - You are THE BEST. The best in all caps, don't forget. When I hate our kids and my routine and my whole life, at least I have a loving, non-judgmental you. And that is all that matters.

To The City - Seattle, I like you a great deal. I like living here. Liking where I live has always been a thing with me, and I've lived plenty of places I haven't liked. When I think of all the places I've liked, there's one common theme: they are all cities. I'm glad we're here to stay, Seattle. You excite me.

To The Country - Roosevelt, there's still a place for you in my heart. I think of you often. I don't know when I'm coming back to you and that makes me sad. May it be sooner than next summer, though I fear it is not to be. Weep!

To Roasted Chicken - To think that you used to intimidate me so, you chicken! You continue to amaze and inspire us all with your juicy tenderness. I want everyone to make you for dinner soon, so I'm sharing my recipe for you here: Buy a whole chicken. Open it, rinse it, take out the junk inside, place it in a casserole dish with a little water in the bottom. Sprinkle kosher salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and basil all over the top. Pop it in a 350 oven for an hour. Take it out and cover with tin foil, put it back in the oven for another 30 minutes to an hour. Boom. Deliciousness. And it smells up your whole house with an aroma that can only be called: comfort. Sure, you'll eat turkey in a week, but you never need an excuse to bust out some roasted chicken.

To Running - I knew you were the only thing that would get my pregnancy weight off. You always are. It takes awhile, but I think you and I are back together again. Also, thanks for making me happy. When I wake up and want to murder everyone in the world, you and I sweat together and my mood is lifted. That gym pass is cheap compared to the alternative of paying for a lifetime of therapy for everyone who comes in contact me on days when I haven't been running.

To Juice - We never keep you around because you may as well be crack to Sienna, but you brought me good flavor when I was sick this week and nothing sounded good. Grapefruit and cranberry-raspberry, you're neat.

To TV - Sometimes you really are the perfect way to unwind from an obnoxiously long day.

To Bleach - Thank you for sanitizing my house this week after we all shared the 24 hour flu. You make me feel like we may in fact be disease free. At least for the moment.

To Pretzel Crisps - When Sienna and I get in a snacking rut, you bring us delight we did not remember was possible. Move over, fishy pwetzels!

To Holidays - Thank you for giving me something to look forward to.

10 Good Things - Bodily Secretions Edition

1. I was up until 3 am last night tending to a barfing Sienna. (Adam was sick, too, so I didn't ask him to help.) The night before it was Noah (but only for about an hour). Then I was up around 6:30 am with Noah to start the day this morning. And the good thing about all of that? I felt abnormally well rested all day. That is a Monday Miracle.

2. Thinking about all of that throwing up made me realize that pre-parenthood, the "up-all-night-with-barfing-kids" scenario really scared me. But now that I've been through it a few times, it's another one of those experiences where you come out on the other side feeling invincible. Like that time about a month ago when Sienna pooped in the bathtub. I could have asked Adam, who was in the next room doing homework, to come rescue me. But I summoned all the powers within me (and from on high) and cleaned it up (interspersed with several trips to the hallway to dry heave). Another invincible moment.

3. I just love describing every detail of poop and barf scenarios to Adam. Since they are images that are seared into my brain, I would like to allow him the same opportunity to share in these wonderful family memories.

4. The good thing about Noah is that he hardly ever emits any bodily secretions. Yes, he pees and slobbers, but that's about it. His burps are dry and he farts constantly but only poops about once a week. And I consider him a gentleman in that he has never, ever peed on me. Ever. I tell you, that's my Mr. Noah.

5. Mr. Noah is getting one tooth on the bottom gums. Adam noticed it first yesterday and when he showed me, I clapped with glee. Not sure why .... I think because it means he's growing up, and I like that.

6. I think I am done talking about bodies and the goop that I have the fine pleasure of dealing with on a regular basis.

7. We burned some time this morning returning some things to Ross and galavanting on the escalator at Barnes & Noble.

8. Since Noah did not take an afternoon nap (CURSES), I was ready to tear out my hair when Adam came home. He had no homework, so I was able to escape to the gym for an hour.

9. Still feeling fantastic about the long weekend we had. Some highlights included: 1) Both Friday and Saturday mornings I was able to steal away to Green Lake and run the 3 miles around it (in the blustery chilly windiness). And I finally felt good, like my old body just might make a come back after all. 2) A bus ride with all of us to The Ave to eat the most delectable California burger at EJ's. It brought tears to my eyes, it was that good. The tears were also me remembering that last time I was there, I was pregnant and hating it. To finally have taste buds back is a top notch blessing indeed. 3) Ward chili cookoff. I did not win anything in the cobbler contest, but I ate enough of my own cobbler to be glad that I bothered to bake it. 4) Neil L. Andersen came to our stake conference. An apostle has never been to our stake. Come on, Utah, share the wealth! 5) Friends for dinner last night.

10. Made pumpkin bread today ... it has wheat in it so it SEEMS like it's healthy. But it's really not. YUM.

Los Photos

Hi all! Some photos for you of the children...

I came into the room one day to find these two looking at a book together. Noah still idolizes Sienna, and she still badgers him most of the time. But then there are sweet moments like this that make me think Noah will somehow survive his sister after all.
Sometimes Noah falls asleep in the car and I'm able to get him up to his bed still asleep. Here's how he sleeps:
Here's a snuggly morning when Adam had late class.

One evening when I had to put both kids to bed alone (torture) while Adam was at a late class, I had just changed the kids out of their clothes, changed their diapers and stopped to look at them side by side. Sometimes it's rather moving to stop and look at your naked children. They are miracles.
These next two photos I'll probably blow up and print out ... they make me giggle. It looks like Noah is totally tickling Sienna.

Here's Mr. Noah just out of the tub.

And Mr. Noah with a grandpa hat ... (this is the type of hat I remember both of my grandpas wearing at some point)
And, what's this? A baby beret?!

It'll fit next year, but why not wear it anyway? That's my Mr. Noah for you!

10 Good Things - Fast Sundee Edition

1. Did you know I don't fast? Haven't for years. Two words: pregnancy and breastfeeding. A fabulous perk of two things I don't particularly love to death.

2. After a day and night of being mad, I woke up this morning feeling happy. And, no, it wasn't the time change. I was just ready to forgive and forget and move onward and upward.

3. Church was lovely even though I attended as a single mom (Adam had school stuff). Spirit felt, heart touched. That's all I can ask for, yeah?

4. I cooked and cleaned for a total of about 3 hours today. All in the name of feeding the masses. The masses being the 4 missionaries in our ward plus a meal for a family to be delivered tomorrow. If food is to be prepared with "singleness of heart," on the Sabbath, I guess I botched that commandment. But I chalk it up to service, so I think I'm good.

5. I made chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

6. I'm finally ready to get started on the someday. The "someday" meaning my master bedroom redesign that I've been putting off until "we have money." Read more here. I've also got some other projects brewing in the back of my brain and that makes me excited.

7. I finally paid some attention to my church calling tonight (fellowshipping committee chair). That felt good.

8. Kids were both in bed and nearly silent by 8 pm. That means Adam and I both worked hard tonight. And the stars aligned. That's how that happened.

9. I do believe I will read a conference talk (hooray for the new Ensign!) while...

10. Soaking in a hot, sudsy bath. Yurp.

Bus Fun

These photos are a couple months old, but I had to share them anyway. Adam and Sienna had a little tradition going at the end of summer. Every Saturday they'd go on a bus ride down to the Green Lake neighborhood and have ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Why? Three reasons: 1. Sienna is obsessed with buses. 2. Sienna is obsessed with ice cream. 3. Sienna is obsessed with her dad.

Here's to more daddy-daughter dates (with mom and Noah included sometimes) and switching to hot chocolate (good thing there's a Starbucks next door to Baskin Robbins).

10 Good Things - Cinnamon Loaf Edition

1. Noah took a morning nap at 7:45 am (yeah, we were up early) and Bird didn't wake up until 8:30 am. That meant 45 minutes of glorious morning quiet time for me! I spent some of it reading Walden wherein he was rejoicing in the beautiful wonder of mornings. It made me glad to be awake.

2. The stars aligned and I got to workout at the gym for one hour. Heaven.

3. After the gym, the smells from the bread bakery next door took hold of my better judgement and tossed it out the window. I bought a cinnamon bread loaf and then, since the owner of the bakery was there and knew me, he threw in a 7-grain loaf for free! Serendipitous.

4. I promptly went home and made cinnamon French toast for lunch.

5. The kids napped liked angels.

6. Sadly, I had to wake them to get Noah to a doctor appointment.

7. Mr. Noah is SO CUTE!

8. Sienna overcame her fear of "tiny vacuums" at the pediatrician's waiting/play room and played with one. That was pretty huge.

9. We gave Adam a ride home from school since we were on campus.

10. I made roasted cauliflower and beets for dinner for the first time. I love fall eating!

10 Good Things - Dumb Tuesday Edition

Did you know I hate Tuesdays worse than Mondays? At least on Mondays you're coming off the high of the weekend. Tuesdays are neither here nor there. They are just a filler day. To make matters worse, this quarter Adam has a class that ends at 9:30 pm on Tuesdays. At least he doesn't have to leave until 10 am. Which brings me to the positive parts of today!

1. I got to have a shower without children bothering me while Adam was home this morning.

2. I only had the TV on for about 15 minutes total today. For a bit of Today Show. That's pretty much always a good thing.

3. Sun was out all day.

4. Noah only woke up once last night and then slept in until 8 am. Sienna also slept until 8 am. Unprecedented sleep-in sesh for the three of us!

5. I met up with a friend at the park! Always nice to have someone to talk to at the park.

6. I made the hard decision of wearing skinny jeans instead of my usual cargo pants. I figured if I couldn't make it to the gym (boooo - because of all of us sleeping in and Noah not taking a morning nap), I could at least pretend that I had.

7. Spending a long afternoon at Target and McDonald's play place to kill time before bedtime.

8. Buying Noah THE CUTEST warm hat at Target. I can't wait to take pictures of him to show you. Think: old man to the max! I am serious when I say I KNOW my own grandpa had a hat much like this one. Hold on, I think BOTH of my grandpas had hats like this. Warm times ahead!

9. Being thoroughly inspired by the line, "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them." in 1 Nephi 17:50. Nephi builds a boat; I get up every night with a crying baby. Both VERY intimidating pursuits indeed.

10. Setting a timer to make myself to go to bed early. It just went off.

Happy Halloween!

Say hello to the Blues Brothers, BananaNoah and BumbleBird!

10 Good Things - Sundee Edition

1. Sienna hummed Praise to the Man all day.

2. The primary program.

3. I helped out in Sienna's nursery today and realized I need to STOP telling people I want to work in primary again.

4. Early church meant a nice chunk of afternoon to enjoy.

5. Instead of napping, I got to know my new visiting teacher.

6. We had dinner at a friend's house. I love when someone else does all the cooking. She asked me to bring chips and salsa. Okay!

7. Trunk or Treat at the church last night. Sienna doesn't remember that her pumpkin bucket with treats is still in the car. I will be sneaky and eat it all before she does!

8. Although Noah only had a 15 minute nap and a two hour nap today, he was really quite pleasant.

9. Papa Murphy's pizza last night. That was my first time. Um, yum.

10. Ending the day reading Walden.

You Will Be Dumber After Reading This

*Sometimes I check my People.com app first thing in the morning. Hey! I need some juice to replenish my juice ... the juice my son is always drinking. First thing in the morning.

*Speaking of first thing in the morning, this is what you'll see if you come to our house first thing in the morning. Blue bathrobe with white snowflakes! Make that ALL morning. It's comfy! Don't judge.

*I am in the bathroom typing this right now. The bathroom is the only room in the house that is not occupied by sleeping people. How nice am I? My other options are the garage or the car. Did you know I've considered banishing one of my children to the car while I soothed the other one to sleep?

*Brian Williams' eyebrows are at times compassionate and at other times condescending. I think they are the key to his success.

*Coldplay has a formula. It was pointed out to me by Adam which has kind of ruined the band for me. But he's right. "Feels like para para paradise" was in my head in no time flat. They need a new sound, so says Adam. He should become their new band manager.

*I have now moved to my bedroom to type. Noah woke up literally the minute after Sienna stopped making noise in her room. So now we are hanging out in my room. Me and my Mr. Noah. He is getting so cute. Did you know he's always been a tummy sleeper? He'll be crawling in no time because of it.

*Kim Kardashian ... just who is she? Well, when I get obsessed with a celebrity, I read their entire Wiki article. So now, unfortunately, I can tell you. She's a lot of everything but most of all she's just annoying. I saw her on Ellen recently and her husband seemed so nice that I felt sorry for him. She seems like a self-absorbed snot. He also looks like a dude my cousin used to date. And what about that height difference? How does THAT work?

*I made pumpkin cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting this morning. And then ate four for lunch. No regrets!

*Beyonce. She is something else. "Beyonce" really is synonymous with "super star." I've watched Love on Top and Best Thing I Never Had on YouTube about a million times each and I really am agog at her confidence and talent. Especially when that confidence is displayed in clothes that you are positive she is about to fall out of at any second. That wedding dress! Those boobs! She kept them in, though. How? you ask. Because she's Beyonce, that's how!

*Sometimes motherhood makes me just angry. And sometimes I don't want it to end. It is a sentiment I have expressed before but is summarized so perfectly in this blog post. Isn't that so perfect? Love the last line ... the culprit is the cure. Amazing and maddening stuff, this mothering business.

*Last week was our book club's first meeting. The book club that I started. Boom. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. Just ladies talking about books and all the answers to all the questions in the world. Girl power!

*Buying the right make up is impossible. How much money do cosmetic companies make just on the crap that ends up sitting in our drawers? And how many times do you buy some lip stick or eye shadow thinking THIS is the product I've been looking for ... the one that's going to change everything?! Like, turn you Beyonce pretty much. Well yesterday, it must be noted, I bought a bronzer and lip stain that I used today, and I actually like it! It's a miracle, I tell you.

*Can you believe the Feminist Mormon Housewives had a meet up recently in Seattle and I missed it? They even met at one of my favorite dessert shops evuh! I sure hope there is a next time!

May blog posts like this nevuh have a next time. Psych!

Mr. Noah and I will now go on a walk without the other two sleepy heads!

Bye.

10 5 Good Things - Applesauce Edition

{This is yesterday's post.}

1. Lazy morning with kids. Adam even made a few appearances between studying and exercising. Good thing because we won't see him until 10 tonight.

2. Folded all the laundry I washed yesterday and cleaned the grubby finger prints off the front windows all before 8:30 am. Did I mention it was an EARLY lazy morning (with a little bit of productivity thrown in)?

3. We went to the park. I love when we can spend a dry morning there.

4. Noah fell asleep on the way home and stayed asleep when I got him out of his car seat. I love having his tiny chubby cheek nestled in my neck while I carry him from the car to the house to his crib while he's knocked out like that. Sleeping babies! What is it about them?

5. Our neighbor gave us a huge bag of organic red delicious apples from his dad's farm in Lake Chelan. They are ah-ma-zing. Red delicious apples from the store are bad. Red delicious apples straight from a real life apple orchard, turns out, are GOOD. I turned about 10 of them into applesauce today. Deluge! (Delicious.)

***

That's it. The rest of the night was crap.

The end.