I know this sounds dumb, but I am going to have to list all the things that I have been thinking about lately. If I had more time I would probably have done a separate entry for each, but lately it seems that I can't get anything done and as it is I have two loads of laundry still to fold tonight and a floor that desperately needs to be mopped.
1. I have been thinking all week about President Hinckley and his passing. It is hard to imagine going on without him as our Prophet, but for some reason I am extremely happy for him. I remember when Sister Hinckley died and how emotional I was. I loved her dearly, but the sadness that you could feel from President Hinckley made my heart ache. They are such a wonderful couple and I have made it a goal to read everything I can about their lives and legacies this coming year. I know that I can learn so much from them and their lives. I wish that I could have been in Utah (or even had BYU TV for that matter) this past week so that I could have participated in all the events. I remember my mom taking our family to the viewing of President Benson and President Hunter. I will never forget what an amazing experience that was and I hope that someday I will be able to take my kids to participate in similar events. How blessed I am to be a member of the church.
2. No more binkies!!! Brooke has never been a binkie fan, but Dallin hasn't been able to get enough of them. He calls them his "binks" and will take them in any shape, size, or color. I snipped them off 2 weeks ago and he actually did really well with the whole thing. In fact he only tried once to get Doug to fix them and then he didn't seem to bothered. I told him that sometimes they just get old and we have to throw them away. The only problem that we have faced since is a bed full of random toys. The other night he wouldn't go to sleep unless he had his: blanket, frog, dog, big bear, small bear, prince, Brooke's princess, and a car. I don't know quite what to do about the whole thing, but I'm just glad that we can now give his teeth a fighting chance!
3. I can't stand dental school! I know that I shouldn't be the one complaining...seeing that I am not even the one in dental school. However, this past week has reminded me once again why I can't wait to be done. Doug has a Pharmacy test tomorrow and I don't recall seeing him much this past week at all. He was in class or at the library all week and then on Saturday we dropped him off at 10am, picked him up at 6pm for dinner and then he was back to the books! Poor Doug! He has been studying so late, falling asleep on the couch, and then rushing off to school , just to start the cycle all over the next day. Dallin woke up yesterday and asked, "Mommy, Daddy at school or on couch?" Then after lunch he informed me that he would be taking his nap on the couch like daddy. I hope that these next three months go by fast or I'm afraid all four of us will have nervous breakdowns.
4. Brooke is now walking pretty well. She still prefers crawling when speed is needed, but she has done a great job at keeping up with Dallin around the house. She also skinned her knee pretty bad last week at the park and I think that has kept her on her feet.
5. Brooke's hair is still red. We passed a little girl at the store the other day and she told her mom that she had never seen a girl with orange hair before! Everyone comments on her "red" hair, but the little girl was right. It is actually ORANGE!
6. Dallin loves family night! I am so glad because I know that it won't always be that way, but he is excited every week and is great at participating. In fact, he usually retains the lesson for an entire day afterward!
7. It has been an entire year since Brooke was born and I finally feel like I am back to my normal self. I had moments towards the end of last year, but this time I really think that I am back. I have had an entire month with no depression or terrible anxiety. I know that this is an odd thing to be recording on my blog, but I want to remember the next time I have a baby that sometimes it can take an entire year to get back on your feet. This past year has been a struggle with so many hard days, but I am so grateful to have experienced all of them. I can truely say that now the highs are higher than they have ever been.
I know that I have had a million other things that I wanted to have recorded, but if I don't get the laundry done now it may not happen. I am truly thankful for all that I have and feel very blessed to be here in Florida with Doug and the kids.
Dallin came into my room and said, "Mom, Dad's eating a nasty, nasty, nasty bird!" I was a little shocked and started into the kitchen to find out what he was talking about. And yes, I was a bit nervous because it's Doug we're talking about...You never know! I saw Doug and just cracked up. He was standing over the stove roasting a peep! I agree with Dallin...Nasty Birds!
Dallin loves the ladies!
Brooke loved looking for eggs. The poor girl was sweating like crazy
Dallin's favorite part of the day was the Bounce House.
The other day Dallin was sent to his room for coloring on the wall...Later, he was sent to his room for pushing Brooke...Once again he went to time out for not obeying, and a final time for dumping water on Brooke. It doesn't matter how many times he goes to time out or for what reason, Brooke always cries and bangs on his door until it is time for him to come out. She gets so upset when he gets in trouble!
January 29th was our Presidential Preference Primary voting day here in Florida. I have never been a very political person until I met Doug. He is very into politics and this year we both got very involved in the debates and candidates. Doug woke up very excited to go cast his vote and was able to beat the crowds and go before school. Since the kids weren't awake I had to wait until after he got home later that night. Luckily our precinct was right across the street and we buckled the kids in the stroller and headed over after dinner. I stood in line and voted while Doug pushed the kids around the parking lot, but things got a little interesting as we were getting ready to leave. When I came out of the door Dallin was screaming while shaking his fist at Doug (in front of the entire line of voters) yelling "I said I wanted to Vote!!" He kept yelling it over and over again until we finally got out of the parking lot. I gave him my sticker for voting and told him that he did a great job. Unfortunately he was still very upset that he couldn't go in and vote, but when Doug asked him who he was going to vote for he thought for a moment and said, "Mommy." I guess Doug's political gene made it through to Dallin!
This is the Turtle cake that Julie made Parker for his birthday. Dallin talked about this cake for days before we even arrived at their house. Everyday the topic of conversation between the boys somehow involved this cake. Julie did a great job and it was really all Parker wanted for his birthday. Dallin now is telling everyone down in Ft. Lauderdale about it and has informed me that for his birthday he wants a Lion cake!!
