Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Flexible Savings Silliness
It's Open Enrollment time at our health insurance company, which means it's time to complain about one of the more ridiculous parts of health insurance! (Nobody ever talks about the good parts of health insurance. Suffice it to say, while I think there are HUGE problems with health insurance, our particular brand is probably as good as it gets. And the people who work there are amazing and awesome.)
Flexible Savings Accounts: The principle is sound--pre-tax dollars, taken from your paycheck, placed into an account be used for health-related purchases only. This is a great idea, except for one small, terribly important detail: the money must be used during that calendar year. Anything not used simply disappears.
For example, let's say I chose to put $1800 into my FSA for the calendar year 2009. This means that every month, $150 is taken from my paycheck, pre-taxes. Any time during 2009, I can use some or all of this money to pay for doctor's visits, medicines, dentists, or medical equipment. But let's say that I end up having an extremely healthy year--I don't break an arm, end up in the hospital, or need four root canals. (Don't laugh. It can happen, at least in my mouth.) Come December, I've only used $400 of my FSA money. If I don't find a medical use for that money by March 15 of 2010 (the government has graciously given us a three-month grace period), it disappears. It doesn't roll over, it doesn't sit there waiting for the day that I have a horrible car accident and end up in the hospital for two months recovering, it is gone (to the federal government).
This creates two problems: 1) I am more likely to under estimate my FSA next year, which reduces the effectiveness of this program, and 2) I am going to scramble to find ways to spend that money. Maybe I'll get my teeth bleached, or buy 3 years worth of contact lenses, or convince the doctor that Gee really needs the next size up in crutches (even if he doesn't), just so I don't lose that money. That is a really monumentally stupid way to approach your health spending habits.
FSAs need to be tossed out in favor of Health Savings Accounts--that money is pre-tax, can only be used for medical expenses, but it doesn't ever expire. That extra money sits in there, waiting for when you need it. Doesn't that seem a heck of a lot more logical?
Of course, logic isn't really the defining characteristic of regulated health care.
I don't like the current reform bill before the House or the Senate. I actually hope it fails. But it is clear to me that some changes have to be made. Bradley wrote some posts on our political blog with some ideas on where to start--what do you think?
Flexible Savings Accounts: The principle is sound--pre-tax dollars, taken from your paycheck, placed into an account be used for health-related purchases only. This is a great idea, except for one small, terribly important detail: the money must be used during that calendar year. Anything not used simply disappears.
For example, let's say I chose to put $1800 into my FSA for the calendar year 2009. This means that every month, $150 is taken from my paycheck, pre-taxes. Any time during 2009, I can use some or all of this money to pay for doctor's visits, medicines, dentists, or medical equipment. But let's say that I end up having an extremely healthy year--I don't break an arm, end up in the hospital, or need four root canals. (Don't laugh. It can happen, at least in my mouth.) Come December, I've only used $400 of my FSA money. If I don't find a medical use for that money by March 15 of 2010 (the government has graciously given us a three-month grace period), it disappears. It doesn't roll over, it doesn't sit there waiting for the day that I have a horrible car accident and end up in the hospital for two months recovering, it is gone (to the federal government).
This creates two problems: 1) I am more likely to under estimate my FSA next year, which reduces the effectiveness of this program, and 2) I am going to scramble to find ways to spend that money. Maybe I'll get my teeth bleached, or buy 3 years worth of contact lenses, or convince the doctor that Gee really needs the next size up in crutches (even if he doesn't), just so I don't lose that money. That is a really monumentally stupid way to approach your health spending habits.
FSAs need to be tossed out in favor of Health Savings Accounts--that money is pre-tax, can only be used for medical expenses, but it doesn't ever expire. That extra money sits in there, waiting for when you need it. Doesn't that seem a heck of a lot more logical?
Of course, logic isn't really the defining characteristic of regulated health care.
I don't like the current reform bill before the House or the Senate. I actually hope it fails. But it is clear to me that some changes have to be made. Bradley wrote some posts on our political blog with some ideas on where to start--what do you think?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Evening Post Has Arrived
Dear Best Beloveds,
I feel impelled to confess that I almost neglected you today. Indeed, I actually made the decision to, as the kids these days say, "blow you off" and not write a post today. But I have repented of that hasty (and, I need hardly add, cruel) choice, and so I put my pen to paper (figuratively) this late even.
The small heirs to all I own have been on a tear this week. Their little bodies have conquered the evil humor that possessed them this last fortnight, and their spirits have risen accordingly. My eldest son and daughter have indeed been in raging good spirits which have only been thwarted by the inclement weather. These developments have allowed our dear manor to sound alarmingly like a menagerie at times.
Many inauspicious developments have intruded upon my consciousness this day. Fear not, Gentle Reader, for, while unpleasant, these developments are of such a trifling nature as to be barely worth considering on the morrow. I am sure I will be able to reflect upon them and laugh merrily, to think they caused me any unease. And yet, as for now, they do crowd upon my mind and make discussion impossible.
And so, dearest friends, I will close my epistle to you, promising to return to entertain and amuse tomorrow. I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Keryn
I feel impelled to confess that I almost neglected you today. Indeed, I actually made the decision to, as the kids these days say, "blow you off" and not write a post today. But I have repented of that hasty (and, I need hardly add, cruel) choice, and so I put my pen to paper (figuratively) this late even.
The small heirs to all I own have been on a tear this week. Their little bodies have conquered the evil humor that possessed them this last fortnight, and their spirits have risen accordingly. My eldest son and daughter have indeed been in raging good spirits which have only been thwarted by the inclement weather. These developments have allowed our dear manor to sound alarmingly like a menagerie at times.
Many inauspicious developments have intruded upon my consciousness this day. Fear not, Gentle Reader, for, while unpleasant, these developments are of such a trifling nature as to be barely worth considering on the morrow. I am sure I will be able to reflect upon them and laugh merrily, to think they caused me any unease. And yet, as for now, they do crowd upon my mind and make discussion impossible.
And so, dearest friends, I will close my epistle to you, promising to return to entertain and amuse tomorrow. I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Keryn
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Six years old
Zee is my October baby. He was born on a blindingly beautiful autumn day some six years ago.
The day before his birthday this year, he went to bed excited. "What's tomorrow, Zee?" "My birthday, Mom! I'll be six years old! That's pretty big, isn't it, Mom?"
Yes, my dear, it is.
The morning of his birthday, I was sitting in my bedroom, taking care of the baby. All of a sudden, a herd (at least) of elephants pounded down the stairs and into Zee's bedroom. I could hear the elephants say, "I gotta get dressed I gotta get dressed Igottagetdressed..."
"Zee?" I called. "What's going on? What's the hurry?"
"I gotta get dressed, Mom. I just remembered: It's my birthday!"
(I'm not sure why those two facts were related. It's not like he needed to leave the house right away on account of his birthday.)
At the store and at school that day, he made it a point to tell everyone about this special day of all special days. There is nothing quite as sweet as a six-year-old, gap-toothed boy, telling you all about his birthday.
That night we had Zee's special birthday meal: Penne Rigata (aka "Pasta") and spaghetti sauce (aka "dipping sauce") and garlic-butter rolls (aka "Red Lobster" rolls). And then we adjourned to the living room for presents.
First Zee opened the books Grandma Tobler sent:
Em and Gee were only moderately interested in this part. They had helped me wrap the other presents, and they were SO excited for Zee to open the toys.
But Zee's attention, instead of being fixed on the pile of presents yet unopened, was caught by this amazing book. This book with words in it. Words he could...read!
And so he opened this book ("The Fire Cat" by Esther Averill), and began to read aloud.
Bradley and I looked at each other, amazed and amused. You see, Zee has been able to read small words and short little books ("Mat sat. Sam sat. Mat and Sam sat."), but hasn't show us that he can really read--or that he is particularly interested in doing so. But just a few days before his birthday, as he was preparing for the Primary Program, he took the paper with his part written on it and READ IT. We thought it was awesome, but we had been practicing for a week, so it seemed it was half-read and half-memorized.
But this! This was for-real, one hundred percent reading. A brand-new book, never before seen or read to him. A pile of alluring presents, on the table in front of him. And all he wanted to do was read.
And so he did, while we all listened, thrilled. He needed some help with some words ("Pickles" "Chief"), and sometimes he did skip certain words, putting the sentence together the way he thought it should be. (For example, instead of "Pickles would chase all the other cats up the tree" he would read "Pickles chased all the cats up the tree.") But still!
He read and we listened.
We listened and he read.
Eventually Gee decided to take matters--and presents--into his own hands. We took them away, hushed the bored Em and Gee, and kept listening.
After 25 minutes and 56 pages, I tactfully asked Zee if he maybe wanted to read the rest of book later. He looked up, startled, and then agreed that maybe it was time to open some more presents.
Ten minutes later, after opening letter and number magnets, a Zula Patrol DVD, and several Bakugan toys, the book was almost forgotten. And then of course there was cake--except Zee vastly prefers donuts, so we had those instead.
(I thought we had birthday candles, but I couldn't find them anywhere. But tea lights work in a pinch, and Zee didn't care; the only thing that mattered to him was the blowing-out-part.)
Before going to bed that night, Zee told us, "Birthdays are so much fun!"
So are six-year-old boys, Zee. I love you!
The day before his birthday this year, he went to bed excited. "What's tomorrow, Zee?" "My birthday, Mom! I'll be six years old! That's pretty big, isn't it, Mom?"
Yes, my dear, it is.
The morning of his birthday, I was sitting in my bedroom, taking care of the baby. All of a sudden, a herd (at least) of elephants pounded down the stairs and into Zee's bedroom. I could hear the elephants say, "I gotta get dressed I gotta get dressed Igottagetdressed..."
"Zee?" I called. "What's going on? What's the hurry?"
"I gotta get dressed, Mom. I just remembered: It's my birthday!"
(I'm not sure why those two facts were related. It's not like he needed to leave the house right away on account of his birthday.)
At the store and at school that day, he made it a point to tell everyone about this special day of all special days. There is nothing quite as sweet as a six-year-old, gap-toothed boy, telling you all about his birthday.
That night we had Zee's special birthday meal: Penne Rigata (aka "Pasta") and spaghetti sauce (aka "dipping sauce") and garlic-butter rolls (aka "Red Lobster" rolls). And then we adjourned to the living room for presents.
First Zee opened the books Grandma Tobler sent:
Em and Gee were only moderately interested in this part. They had helped me wrap the other presents, and they were SO excited for Zee to open the toys.But Zee's attention, instead of being fixed on the pile of presents yet unopened, was caught by this amazing book. This book with words in it. Words he could...read!
And so he opened this book ("The Fire Cat" by Esther Averill), and began to read aloud.
Bradley and I looked at each other, amazed and amused. You see, Zee has been able to read small words and short little books ("Mat sat. Sam sat. Mat and Sam sat."), but hasn't show us that he can really read--or that he is particularly interested in doing so. But just a few days before his birthday, as he was preparing for the Primary Program, he took the paper with his part written on it and READ IT. We thought it was awesome, but we had been practicing for a week, so it seemed it was half-read and half-memorized.
But this! This was for-real, one hundred percent reading. A brand-new book, never before seen or read to him. A pile of alluring presents, on the table in front of him. And all he wanted to do was read.
And so he did, while we all listened, thrilled. He needed some help with some words ("Pickles" "Chief"), and sometimes he did skip certain words, putting the sentence together the way he thought it should be. (For example, instead of "Pickles would chase all the other cats up the tree" he would read "Pickles chased all the cats up the tree.") But still!
He read and we listened.
We listened and he read.
Eventually Gee decided to take matters--and presents--into his own hands. We took them away, hushed the bored Em and Gee, and kept listening.
After 25 minutes and 56 pages, I tactfully asked Zee if he maybe wanted to read the rest of book later. He looked up, startled, and then agreed that maybe it was time to open some more presents.Ten minutes later, after opening letter and number magnets, a Zula Patrol DVD, and several Bakugan toys, the book was almost forgotten. And then of course there was cake--except Zee vastly prefers donuts, so we had those instead.
(I thought we had birthday candles, but I couldn't find them anywhere. But tea lights work in a pinch, and Zee didn't care; the only thing that mattered to him was the blowing-out-part.)Before going to bed that night, Zee told us, "Birthdays are so much fun!"
So are six-year-old boys, Zee. I love you!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Snow Snow Snow!!!!
We had our first real official snow of the season today. The kids were totally bummed that it didn't stick, but we have another chance tomorrow. (Although it isn't likely.) The weather system is even cooperating with Halloween, with warmish weather on Saturday.
I was contemplating a longer post tonight, but I have erased and/or fixed at least ten spelling mistakes just this far. Time to call it a night.
(From January 2006)
I was contemplating a longer post tonight, but I have erased and/or fixed at least ten spelling mistakes just this far. Time to call it a night.
(From January 2006)Monday, October 26, 2009
Very small, very close
Face of a southern yellowjacket queen
Pictures of very little things, very close up--they have always fascinated me.
Zooplankton in a drop of water, with a needle head
Why? Who knows. Maybe it's because you imagine this kind of stuff exists, but the fact that we can actually see it is just amazing.
Pyroxene (maybe some olivine) in basalt, cross-polarized
Wow. I miss my hours (days and days of hours) at the microscope. No. Honestly, I do.
Velcro
How amazing is our world?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Pioneers Got Talent!
(These pictures are mostly from our dress rehearsal several nights before the actual performance. Thanks to the beautiful and intelligent Jamie S. for taking the pictures for me, as I was either on-stage or behind the sound table.)
-LY
(We are coming up on day 12 of having at least one, but usually more, seriously sick person in our house. The end must be in sight, if only I knew where to look. So, I leave you with something to cheer us all up.)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Which book?
Although I am a big reader, that only tells half the story. I am, more properly, a big re-reader. I love to read books multiple times over the years. This perplexes some, who don't understand the pleasure of reading a familiar book. There are so many new books in the world, they say, why waste your time on something you've already read?
Which is sort of like asking why you'd have the same meal more than once. Because you liked it! Or because it's hard to find another meal that satisfied you quite the same way. Or because, the first time you ate it, you didn't get a chance to savor it because it was so yummy you wanted to bolt it down. Or (this analogy is breaking down rapidly) you don't remember everything from the meal the first time you ate it. (Okay, that didn't make any sense. Oh, well.)
So, anyway, another question that is hard to answer is commonly asked: What is your favorite book? This question rates up there with queries about your favorite movie, or food, or song. How in the world does someone answer that question?
Having said all that, however, now I'm going to ask a (related) question: What would be your choice of a book to carry around with you?
Let me explain. I have a beautiful iPod Touch (as we've already discussed). Kindle, Amazon's digital reader, has an application that can be used on the iPod Touch. I've tried it, and it's actually quite nice. I carry my iPod with me everywhere, and it is heavenly to go to the park, the drive-thru pharmacy, or a meeting, and be able to have a book right at my fingertips, without any forethought on my part. (Forethought being my not-so-strong-suit.)
Most Kindle books are not free, although many of the classics are free. Which is why I have Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin already on there. My problem is, once I've started reading a book, I usually want to finish it. In the case of P&P, I started reading it on my iPod, then moved right along to my paper copy once I got sufficiently engrossed. This is fine, except now I am done reading P&P again. Good thing I still have Little Women and Ben Franklin.
I'd love to put a few more books on my iPod, so that if I'm not in the mood for history or Alcott, I can still have something to read. Without worrying about cost or availability of a Kindle version, what book would you put on your iPod?
(Scriptures don't count. I already have the complete standard works on my iPod.)
I'm leaning toward the Lord of the Rings series. What about you?
(P.S. Tonight is the roadshow. I'm totally bummed because: a) I'm sick as a dog, and therefore won't be able to enjoy myself, what with the hand sanitizer and handkerchief and being Typhoid Mary and all; and b) my three youngest are still sick enough to not be out in public yet. So Bradley doesn't get to come see the show. Not fair.)
Which is sort of like asking why you'd have the same meal more than once. Because you liked it! Or because it's hard to find another meal that satisfied you quite the same way. Or because, the first time you ate it, you didn't get a chance to savor it because it was so yummy you wanted to bolt it down. Or (this analogy is breaking down rapidly) you don't remember everything from the meal the first time you ate it. (Okay, that didn't make any sense. Oh, well.)
So, anyway, another question that is hard to answer is commonly asked: What is your favorite book? This question rates up there with queries about your favorite movie, or food, or song. How in the world does someone answer that question?
Having said all that, however, now I'm going to ask a (related) question: What would be your choice of a book to carry around with you?
Let me explain. I have a beautiful iPod Touch (as we've already discussed). Kindle, Amazon's digital reader, has an application that can be used on the iPod Touch. I've tried it, and it's actually quite nice. I carry my iPod with me everywhere, and it is heavenly to go to the park, the drive-thru pharmacy, or a meeting, and be able to have a book right at my fingertips, without any forethought on my part. (Forethought being my not-so-strong-suit.)
Most Kindle books are not free, although many of the classics are free. Which is why I have Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin already on there. My problem is, once I've started reading a book, I usually want to finish it. In the case of P&P, I started reading it on my iPod, then moved right along to my paper copy once I got sufficiently engrossed. This is fine, except now I am done reading P&P again. Good thing I still have Little Women and Ben Franklin.
I'd love to put a few more books on my iPod, so that if I'm not in the mood for history or Alcott, I can still have something to read. Without worrying about cost or availability of a Kindle version, what book would you put on your iPod?
(Scriptures don't count. I already have the complete standard works on my iPod.)
I'm leaning toward the Lord of the Rings series. What about you?
(P.S. Tonight is the roadshow. I'm totally bummed because: a) I'm sick as a dog, and therefore won't be able to enjoy myself, what with the hand sanitizer and handkerchief and being Typhoid Mary and all; and b) my three youngest are still sick enough to not be out in public yet. So Bradley doesn't get to come see the show. Not fair.)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ready, set...
Today as I was putting Hebs down for a nap, I said "Ready, set..." Usually I wait a moment and then say "Go!" as I swing him into the crib.
I didn't get a chance to finish the phrase today, because Hebs did it for me. "Goh!" he said, looking at me with that adorable glint in his eyes. See how big I am, Momma?
Surprised and excited, I said again, "Ready, set..."
"Goh!"
We played the game several times before he tired of it, and indicated his readiness for a nap by sucking his thumb.
Tonight I told Em to go say "Ready, set" to her baby brother. Obligingly, she trotted to the other room and did so. When Hebs said "Goh!", Em turned to me with the biggest smile.
"Mommy! He said a word!"
He really is growing up. He'll be one in just a few short weeks, which is mind-boggling. Today, Gee and Hebs were upstairs playing. And by playing, I don't mean sitting in the same room doing their own things. No, they were actually playing together, peek-a-boo and tickling and who knows what else. When I peeked in on them, Gee said, "Momma! I playing Hebs!" And Hebs had the most thrilled, enchanted expression on his face. You could almost read his mind: Look at my amazing big brother! He is playing with me!
********
Flu update: Zee went back to school (he missed it so much!). Em, Gee, and Hebs are all still running moderate fevers and have hacking coughs. Bradley is all better, but took the afternoon off because...
...I have fever and chills, cough, headache, and body ache. It's super lovely.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Coming up for air
Soooooooo...
Today was the first day that Bradley was able to make it back to work. It's been a full week since he came home from work with fever, chills, sore throat, and a cough. Despite my near-obsessive sanitizing, all four children have gotten sick as well.
We took the kids to the doctor yesterday, and he confirmed that Bradley had almost certainly gotten the H1N1 virus, and it was more than likely that Em and Gee had it as well. Hebs, of course, was just starting to get sick with fever and congestion, so the doctor guessed he was probably coming down with the flu as well. The doctor was less certain about Zee, because Zee's illness was so different (what with the vomiting and all). (Sorry about the details, but this is a mommy blog. What did you expect?)
You'll notice I said "almost" "more than likely" and "probably". This is because many doctors' offices, ours included, are not testing for the H1N1. If you have all the flu-like symptoms, then you probably have H1N1. Dr. P said that, while they have an in-office test for the flu, it isn't as accurate, and the big full-on test (only administered at the hospital) costs $200 for each person.
"But most insurances will pay for it" he said. To which Bradley and I looked at each other and said, "But do we need it?". The answer, of course, is no.) The upshot is: who cares if it is the seasonal influenza (which apparently isn't active in Utah County right now), the swine flu, or some exotic disease like Hong Kong Flu? As long as we don't end up in the hospital, who cares?
(Okay, so I care at least a little bit, because it sounds so much cooler to say you have swine flu than to say you have the regular old flu. Plus, does this mean we don't have to get H1N1 shots when they finally arrive?)
All that aside, the last seven days have been a bear. Bradley was really sick for almost four days, and at least two of those days overlapped with the children starting to get sick. My husband rarely gets sick, so it's been hard for both him (doesn't like not being able to help) and me (not used to him not being able to help). Even while sick, though, he was trying to help in anyway he could--moving the wash around, putting on movies for the kids, letting me nap while the youngest two were also napping.
We've had long nights, cranky days (hyper days, because I won't let the kids play outside with their friends), and lots and lots of runs to the store. (For saltine crackers. For children's motrin. For tissue. For milk. For prescriptions. So much for our carefully lean budget this month.)
But there is hope. The doctor wasn't worried about the kids, he thinks we might all be better (except Hebs, who is still in the beginning stages) by the weekend, Zee might get to go back to school tomorrow, and I seem (knock wood, cross-your-fingers, spit into the wind) to have caught a mild cold instead of H1N1. It appears, then, that we will survive.
Today was the first day that Bradley was able to make it back to work. It's been a full week since he came home from work with fever, chills, sore throat, and a cough. Despite my near-obsessive sanitizing, all four children have gotten sick as well.
We took the kids to the doctor yesterday, and he confirmed that Bradley had almost certainly gotten the H1N1 virus, and it was more than likely that Em and Gee had it as well. Hebs, of course, was just starting to get sick with fever and congestion, so the doctor guessed he was probably coming down with the flu as well. The doctor was less certain about Zee, because Zee's illness was so different (what with the vomiting and all). (Sorry about the details, but this is a mommy blog. What did you expect?)
You'll notice I said "almost" "more than likely" and "probably". This is because many doctors' offices, ours included, are not testing for the H1N1. If you have all the flu-like symptoms, then you probably have H1N1. Dr. P said that, while they have an in-office test for the flu, it isn't as accurate, and the big full-on test (only administered at the hospital) costs $200 for each person.
"But most insurances will pay for it" he said. To which Bradley and I looked at each other and said, "But do we need it?". The answer, of course, is no.) The upshot is: who cares if it is the seasonal influenza (which apparently isn't active in Utah County right now), the swine flu, or some exotic disease like Hong Kong Flu? As long as we don't end up in the hospital, who cares?
(Okay, so I care at least a little bit, because it sounds so much cooler to say you have swine flu than to say you have the regular old flu. Plus, does this mean we don't have to get H1N1 shots when they finally arrive?)
All that aside, the last seven days have been a bear. Bradley was really sick for almost four days, and at least two of those days overlapped with the children starting to get sick. My husband rarely gets sick, so it's been hard for both him (doesn't like not being able to help) and me (not used to him not being able to help). Even while sick, though, he was trying to help in anyway he could--moving the wash around, putting on movies for the kids, letting me nap while the youngest two were also napping.
We've had long nights, cranky days (hyper days, because I won't let the kids play outside with their friends), and lots and lots of runs to the store. (For saltine crackers. For children's motrin. For tissue. For milk. For prescriptions. So much for our carefully lean budget this month.)
But there is hope. The doctor wasn't worried about the kids, he thinks we might all be better (except Hebs, who is still in the beginning stages) by the weekend, Zee might get to go back to school tomorrow, and I seem (knock wood, cross-your-fingers, spit into the wind) to have caught a mild cold instead of H1N1. It appears, then, that we will survive.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Illness update II
Sunday morning:
Zee--bad stomach ache, little cough, vomiting, clingy and grumpy and sleepy
Em--fever, little cough, grumpy, sad
Gee--fever, little cough, slightly clingy and grumpy
Hebs--just plugging along
Bradley--headachey, coughs, sore throat, vastly improved though
Keryn--a little headache, slight slight sore throat, lots of energy
Sunday night:
Everyone the same except
Hebs--slight fever
No churching happened today. I've done a lot of laundry today, despite it being Sunday. I've picked up toys, drinks, kleenex, and goldfish crackers. I've run from child to child to the tones of "MOMMA!" I did get a nap, today, though! Yay for lovely Sunday afternoon naps, and husbands who are feeling a bit better and take care sick kids for a couple of hours.
Zee--bad stomach ache, little cough, vomiting, clingy and grumpy and sleepy
Em--fever, little cough, grumpy, sad
Gee--fever, little cough, slightly clingy and grumpy
Hebs--just plugging along
Bradley--headachey, coughs, sore throat, vastly improved though
Keryn--a little headache, slight slight sore throat, lots of energy
Sunday night:
Everyone the same except
Hebs--slight fever
No churching happened today. I've done a lot of laundry today, despite it being Sunday. I've picked up toys, drinks, kleenex, and goldfish crackers. I've run from child to child to the tones of "MOMMA!" I did get a nap, today, though! Yay for lovely Sunday afternoon naps, and husbands who are feeling a bit better and take care sick kids for a couple of hours.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Flu update
Saturday morning:
Bradley is still quite sick.
Zee, Em, and Gee have a cough when laying down.
Gee has a moderately high fever.
Momma seems to have a very mild cold.
Hebs is perfectly happy.
Bradley is still quite sick.
Zee, Em, and Gee have a cough when laying down.
Gee has a moderately high fever.
Momma seems to have a very mild cold.
Hebs is perfectly happy.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Compulsive Cleaning
So Bradley has an "influenza-like illness". We don't know if it is H1N1, the regular influenza A, or something else entirely. There doesn't seem to be much of a point of going to the doctor, most doctor's offices aren't testing unless someone needs to be hospitalized.
He came home sick on Wednesday night, and has spent the last two nights as sick as I have ever seen him. One of his co-workers has a diagnosed case of swine flu, and at least one other is out sick as well. According to various websites, including BYU, until the fever has been gone for 24 hours, Bradley isn't supposed to go to work or church or anything. (To be sure, he definitely hasn't felt like going out anyway.)
So tonight after everyone went to bed, I spent an hour compulsively scrubbing down my entire house with Clorox wipes. Doorknobs, walls, handles, faucets, counters, lightswitches, toys, keyboards, mice, chairs...everything including the kitchen sink (especially the kitchen sink). We have been frequently sanitizing and washing our hands.
Will it work? Will the rest of us escape the dreaded flu?
I'll let you know in a couple of days.
He came home sick on Wednesday night, and has spent the last two nights as sick as I have ever seen him. One of his co-workers has a diagnosed case of swine flu, and at least one other is out sick as well. According to various websites, including BYU, until the fever has been gone for 24 hours, Bradley isn't supposed to go to work or church or anything. (To be sure, he definitely hasn't felt like going out anyway.)
So tonight after everyone went to bed, I spent an hour compulsively scrubbing down my entire house with Clorox wipes. Doorknobs, walls, handles, faucets, counters, lightswitches, toys, keyboards, mice, chairs...everything including the kitchen sink (especially the kitchen sink). We have been frequently sanitizing and washing our hands.
Will it work? Will the rest of us escape the dreaded flu?
I'll let you know in a couple of days.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Christmas is Coming...
It's the middle of October, and that means one thing: I only have one month to get all my Christmas shopping done.
I love getting ready for Christmas! I love thinking and planning and conniving and revising and making and crafting and everything that has to do with giving Christmas gifts. It is SO fun! But I hate doing it during Christmastime, because I would rather be decorating and caroling and cooking and wrapping and everything else.
So today I packed up my three youngest kids (Zee elected to stay home to take care of a very sick Daddy) and went to the two nearest Deseret Industries (D.I.) stores. (For those not in the know, D.I. is a Goodwill-type thrift store commonly found along the Mormon Corridor.)
We were wildly successful. And since my children don't read my blog, I can tell you what they are all getting (heh heh heh). (And part of this stuff is for birthdays, because all three of my boys have birthdays between now and Christmas.)
I figure I've still got about half the shopping to do, which means more deal-searching and thrift-store scouring. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun!
The other half is their faces on Christmas morning.
I love getting ready for Christmas! I love thinking and planning and conniving and revising and making and crafting and everything that has to do with giving Christmas gifts. It is SO fun! But I hate doing it during Christmastime, because I would rather be decorating and caroling and cooking and wrapping and everything else.
So today I packed up my three youngest kids (Zee elected to stay home to take care of a very sick Daddy) and went to the two nearest Deseret Industries (D.I.) stores. (For those not in the know, D.I. is a Goodwill-type thrift store commonly found along the Mormon Corridor.)
We were wildly successful. And since my children don't read my blog, I can tell you what they are all getting (heh heh heh). (And part of this stuff is for birthdays, because all three of my boys have birthdays between now and Christmas.)
- play vacuum (Gee, $1.00)
- Thomas the Tank Engine Train ($0.75)
- play telephone (Hebs, $1.00)
- stacking blocks (Hebs, $1.50)
- baby cradle (Em, $4.00) (It's not actually a cradle, but a sort of wooden basket thingie. With a little work and a homemade mattress, it will be perfect.)
- old school Fisher-Price doctor kit (Em, $0.75)
I figure I've still got about half the shopping to do, which means more deal-searching and thrift-store scouring. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun!
The other half is their faces on Christmas morning.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Typical Therapy
As I've mentioned before, Gee has physical therapy twice a month. Our therapist, Kim, comes to our house, and proceeds to cajole, persuade, bribe, and occasionally force Gee to practice various things such as walking, throwing, and kicking. Because Gee is two, this is the normal result:
(In case you are wondering, those are pictures of Gee doing anything but what Kim wants him to do.)
Sometimes, however, Kim's requests and Gee's moods coincide. And then you get something like this:
(In case you are wondering, those are pictures of Gee doing anything but what Kim wants him to do.)Sometimes, however, Kim's requests and Gee's moods coincide. And then you get something like this:
It may not look like much, but we are pleased as punch that Gee can do this. We are so grateful for Kim, Mary, and all the other people at Kids Who Count. They have given us so much service and support, it's hard to imagine where we'd be without them. They are truly amazing.
Monday, October 12, 2009
It's the Little Things
We have hard, hard, HARD water here in Spanish Fork. I was raised on hard water (Las Vegas also has really mineral-rich water), and so I actually like the taste. What I don't like is the white film that hard water leaves all over my dishes.
Lately this has been bothering me more and more--whenever I empty the dishwasher, the water glasses look disgusting, the plastic plates look dirty, the glass mixing bowls are cloudy, and everything feels grimy because of the buildup of minerals. Yuck! I'm embarrassed to offer a guest a glass of water--to the point I've been using paper cups whenever we have casual guests. And whenever we have a more formal situation, I've had to soak the glasses in hot water and LimeAway, and then scrub and scrub.
I hate hand washing dishes.
But a new product has entered my life. I don't want to exaggerate, but when I unload the dishwasher now, the sun begins shining, bluebirds chirp sweetly on my shoulders, warring tribes in Outer Mongolia stop fighting, and my children don't whine.
All because of LemiShine.
Okay, the whole warring-tribes thing was a bit much, but, when a product can do this, in just one wash...
...seriously, what can't it do?
So, if you are suffering from yucky-frosted-disgusting-hard-water-stained dishes, run (don't walk) to your nearest Wal-Mart (at least that is where I found it) and pick some up. I am a MUCH happier person when I empty the dishwasher or set the table now.
(Mandatory stupid Big Brother disclaimer: I was not paid for this endorsement. I was not reimbursed for my purchases. I don't know anyone at LemiShine, and nobody at LemiShine knows me. But if anyone AT LemiShine wants to send me a lifetime supply, I'll gladly accept. Or if they want to hire a housekeeper for me, that would be fine as well.)
Lately this has been bothering me more and more--whenever I empty the dishwasher, the water glasses look disgusting, the plastic plates look dirty, the glass mixing bowls are cloudy, and everything feels grimy because of the buildup of minerals. Yuck! I'm embarrassed to offer a guest a glass of water--to the point I've been using paper cups whenever we have casual guests. And whenever we have a more formal situation, I've had to soak the glasses in hot water and LimeAway, and then scrub and scrub.
I hate hand washing dishes.
But a new product has entered my life. I don't want to exaggerate, but when I unload the dishwasher now, the sun begins shining, bluebirds chirp sweetly on my shoulders, warring tribes in Outer Mongolia stop fighting, and my children don't whine.
All because of LemiShine.
Okay, the whole warring-tribes thing was a bit much, but, when a product can do this, in just one wash...
...seriously, what can't it do?So, if you are suffering from yucky-frosted-disgusting-hard-water-stained dishes, run (don't walk) to your nearest Wal-Mart (at least that is where I found it) and pick some up. I am a MUCH happier person when I empty the dishwasher or set the table now.
(Mandatory stupid Big Brother disclaimer: I was not paid for this endorsement. I was not reimbursed for my purchases. I don't know anyone at LemiShine, and nobody at LemiShine knows me. But if anyone AT LemiShine wants to send me a lifetime supply, I'll gladly accept. Or if they want to hire a housekeeper for me, that would be fine as well.)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
My New Favorite Cooking Show
(Zee named the show himself. He requested that I film him making cookies.)First step: Make the cookie dough. This is a boring, hard part, so, if possible, get your mother to do it.
Second step: Stir the cinnamon and sugar together. Stir as quickly as possibly so as to maximize spillage.
Third step:
Roll the dough into a small ball.It should look like this:
Fourth step: Hand the dough ball to your little sister and brother to roll in the cinnamon sugar. Watch carefully to prevent said little brother from taking a bite of the raw cookie dough.
Fifth Step: Wait impatiently for the cookies to bake and then cool.
Sixth Step: Take a bite of your labors. Make a face and declare that it is "too sugary" and that you don't like snickerdoodles after all.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Vivian Park
When we got to Vivian Park (up Provo Canyon) yesterday, the sun was hiding behind clouds and the wind was blowing fiercely. It was very cold, dim, and unappealing. Had the children not seen the playground, Telima and I probably would have turned right around and gone back down the canyon. But, alas, the playground was spied and before we could form an opinion about staying, the decision was made.
My niece Kay, determinedly enjoying the jungle gym
Fortunately for all, the sun came out and the wind died down. The day became achingly beautiful.
Hebs, exploring the grass
My sister Telima and her adorable children
The children played for forty minutes before Telima had to go. Kay, in particular, was heartbroken to have to leave before the rest of us. It's tough when you're three.
Then Zee wanted to go for a little walk/ride. We packed the younger three into the stroller and headed down the Provo River/Bonneville Shoreline Trail. We had a marvelous time, exploring leaves and sticks and rocks. Zee even insisted on loading up his bike with "special" rocks. (I made sure to put a slickensided rock in there, too.)
Em was a little cold and cranky, but fortunately the two younger boys' cheerfulness more than made up for that.
Zee on the trail
Zee and his mighty (small) bike
I love my stroller. All three younger kids, warm and shielded from the wind, cosy as can be.
My niece Kay, determinedly enjoying the jungle gymFortunately for all, the sun came out and the wind died down. The day became achingly beautiful.
Hebs, exploring the grass
My sister Telima and her adorable childrenThe children played for forty minutes before Telima had to go. Kay, in particular, was heartbroken to have to leave before the rest of us. It's tough when you're three.
Then Zee wanted to go for a little walk/ride. We packed the younger three into the stroller and headed down the Provo River/Bonneville Shoreline Trail. We had a marvelous time, exploring leaves and sticks and rocks. Zee even insisted on loading up his bike with "special" rocks. (I made sure to put a slickensided rock in there, too.)
Em was a little cold and cranky, but fortunately the two younger boys' cheerfulness more than made up for that.
Zee on the trail
Zee and his mighty (small) bike
I love my stroller. All three younger kids, warm and shielded from the wind, cosy as can be.I know I've said this a thousand times, but I love autumn!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Suburban Paradise
This afternoon I felt like I was living in an episode of Leave It To Beaver or The Brady Bunch.
We try to walk to and from school everyday; it's only 0.6 miles each way, and we need the exercise. Today, after fetching Zee and his friend J. from school, we walked home (picking up J.'s little sister T. on the way), and started making cookies. (Correction: I started making cookies, the kids all started watching She-Ra on Hulu.com.) After an episode of good-old-eighties-animation, the kids went outside to play. When checking on them about ten minutes later, I discovered their numbers had grown--considerably.
There were now at least eight boys and three girls, all running around with light sabers and (empty) squirt guns.
Eventually the girls separated off into their own group, playing little girl games like pet shop and house.
And when I was done baking cookies, I took a plate out and offered them around. (Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! All arranged on a pretty plate! All I needed was a ruffled apron. I was practically a domestic diva!) By now, almost every child from the five closest houses on our block was outside. Mothers were lingering in doorways and mediating spats. I actually finally met the family that moved into the downstairs apartment next door, and the family that lives in the white house on the corner, and I had a chance to exchange more than "hello" and "good-bye" with my neighbor who lives in the upstairs apartment next door.
And in between dashing inside to listen for my napping babies, and moving batches of cookies from the oven to the cooling racks, I counted. There are thirteen boys and four girls on our street. The oldest boy is nine, but the majority of the boys are between seven and four. The little girls are all Em's age or younger. There are three baby boys.
What a fun neighborhood to play in! All of the kids seem to be really sweet and respectful. (At least so far!) And all the moms seem to be wonderful and watchful. It was all very suburban and almost-too-perfect. (But in a good way!)
All-in-all, I'm pleased. My kids are having a marvelous time (and wearing themselves out!), and I am learning to let them play out-of-my-sight (sometimes).
We try to walk to and from school everyday; it's only 0.6 miles each way, and we need the exercise. Today, after fetching Zee and his friend J. from school, we walked home (picking up J.'s little sister T. on the way), and started making cookies. (Correction: I started making cookies, the kids all started watching She-Ra on Hulu.com.) After an episode of good-old-eighties-animation, the kids went outside to play. When checking on them about ten minutes later, I discovered their numbers had grown--considerably.
There were now at least eight boys and three girls, all running around with light sabers and (empty) squirt guns.
Eventually the girls separated off into their own group, playing little girl games like pet shop and house.
And when I was done baking cookies, I took a plate out and offered them around. (Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! All arranged on a pretty plate! All I needed was a ruffled apron. I was practically a domestic diva!) By now, almost every child from the five closest houses on our block was outside. Mothers were lingering in doorways and mediating spats. I actually finally met the family that moved into the downstairs apartment next door, and the family that lives in the white house on the corner, and I had a chance to exchange more than "hello" and "good-bye" with my neighbor who lives in the upstairs apartment next door.And in between dashing inside to listen for my napping babies, and moving batches of cookies from the oven to the cooling racks, I counted. There are thirteen boys and four girls on our street. The oldest boy is nine, but the majority of the boys are between seven and four. The little girls are all Em's age or younger. There are three baby boys.
What a fun neighborhood to play in! All of the kids seem to be really sweet and respectful. (At least so far!) And all the moms seem to be wonderful and watchful. It was all very suburban and almost-too-perfect. (But in a good way!)
All-in-all, I'm pleased. My kids are having a marvelous time (and wearing themselves out!), and I am learning to let them play out-of-my-sight (sometimes).
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
If I could touch the sky...
...I would catch nine clouds for my water. (Zee)
...I would get some stars and put them in my bedroom. (Em)
...okay! The sky! (Gee)
...I would catch a handful of stars and thread them into a necklace. (Momma)
...I would get some stars and put them in my bedroom. (Em)
...okay! The sky! (Gee)
...I would catch a handful of stars and thread them into a necklace. (Momma)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Amazing!
For the first time, the video of the Priesthood Session is available for everyone and anyone to watch. (Before, you could eventually watch the ASL version of it.) But now it is right there with the other sessions--already posted, they don't waste time.
I'm so pumped it is not even funny. Yay yay yay!!
I'm so pumped it is not even funny. Yay yay yay!!
Our Day In Bullet Form
- Sleep in.
- Wrestle children to watch one hour of conference, plus President Monson.
- Get everyone dressed.
- Drive up to Grandma and Grandpa's house.
- Work on family history (those pesky Knechts!)
- Watch afternoon conference.
- Wrestle various children throughout conference.
- Have dinner (thanks Grandma!)
- Show Grandma how to work Picasa.
- Drive back home through driving rain.
- Make cookies.
- Put crying children to bed.
- Give crying children a cookie.
- (Yes, in that order. I'm a bad bad person.)
- Write this blog post.
- Go to bed?
Saturday, October 3, 2009
General Conference (with a side of Hebs news)
It's the 179th semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Make sure you read the previous sentence in a properly Lloyd Newell-ish voice.) I love General Conference time! So far I've identified three themes (that have jumped out to me): feeling and recognizing the Holy Spirit, Godly love, and work (Elder Uchtdorf: "Retirement is not part of the Lord's Plan of Happiness").
I listened to the first session on my new iPod Touch, using the application that lets me listen to KSL radio, while making a double batch of seven-layer bean dip. After the first session was over, we piled into the van and drove up to Grandma and Grandpa's house. They fed us some delicious ribs and baked potatoes (Thanks, George and Eva!), and then we (attempted to) watch the Saturday afternoon session. I missed large chunks of it, tending to the myriad needs of my children. But what I heard was wonderful, and I think the audio files will be posted by next Thursday.
After the session ended, George and Eva and my little family ran over to Bradley's sister Kim's house to have a family meeting. Grandma and Grandpa both spoke a little about the blessings that the temple brings, and of their gratitude for their family. It was a wonderful moment, with almost every children and grandchild present. (We certainly missed Skip, Laurene, and kids, and Debbie, and Lauren and Devin.)
Following that, John and Michelle's family headed back home (10 hour drive), Steve and Theo took their older boys to the priesthood session in the Conference Center, and Nicole and Kim fetched pizza for everyone else. Grandma and Grandpa went home, because George has picked up a cold somewhere, and Bradley was getting ready to find a stake center somewhere to watch the priesthood session.
Instead, George called. While on their mission, they were given a website to stream the priesthood session over the internet. Trying it on a whim, they discovered the code still worked. Did Bradley want to come over to watch the session at their house?
Yes, Bradley did. So did Keryn. So we packed up the youngest three kids (leaving Zee to play with cousins), and headed over to Grandpa and Grandma's house.
For the first time in my 32 years in the church, I am watching the priesthood session! (Insert evil cackle here.) It's really good. I can see why some call it the best session of conference.
Some Hebs-news: He popped another tooth! (Top left front) Finally--he's been working on that tooth as well as two others for the last nine days, and it hasn't been pretty. And, he said his first (kinda, sorta, almost) word!! We spent some time at Bradley's sister Kim's house today, and Kim has a beautiful chocolate labrador. Hebs was fascinated by Cocoa, and would twist and turn to keep the dog in his sight. Bradley, holding Hebs, said, "That's a dog, Hebs. Dogs say 'ruff, ruff.'" Hebs opened his mouth and said, "Ruff, ruff! Ruff, ruff!" And then he would repeat it every time he could see the dog.
(I can see that I am outnumbered in the matter of a dog. Zee and I are indifferent, Em and Gee and Bradley are enthusiastically in favor, and it looks like Hebs is going to join that group. Sigh. Still, not going to happen anytime soon. Not while I'm still raising babies, that's my ultimatum.)
(And, oh Laurene don't hate me, but I clean forgot my camera at home. I know, I know! Eva took some pictures and she promised to post them. So so sorry!)
I listened to the first session on my new iPod Touch, using the application that lets me listen to KSL radio, while making a double batch of seven-layer bean dip. After the first session was over, we piled into the van and drove up to Grandma and Grandpa's house. They fed us some delicious ribs and baked potatoes (Thanks, George and Eva!), and then we (attempted to) watch the Saturday afternoon session. I missed large chunks of it, tending to the myriad needs of my children. But what I heard was wonderful, and I think the audio files will be posted by next Thursday.
After the session ended, George and Eva and my little family ran over to Bradley's sister Kim's house to have a family meeting. Grandma and Grandpa both spoke a little about the blessings that the temple brings, and of their gratitude for their family. It was a wonderful moment, with almost every children and grandchild present. (We certainly missed Skip, Laurene, and kids, and Debbie, and Lauren and Devin.)
Following that, John and Michelle's family headed back home (10 hour drive), Steve and Theo took their older boys to the priesthood session in the Conference Center, and Nicole and Kim fetched pizza for everyone else. Grandma and Grandpa went home, because George has picked up a cold somewhere, and Bradley was getting ready to find a stake center somewhere to watch the priesthood session.
Instead, George called. While on their mission, they were given a website to stream the priesthood session over the internet. Trying it on a whim, they discovered the code still worked. Did Bradley want to come over to watch the session at their house?
Yes, Bradley did. So did Keryn. So we packed up the youngest three kids (leaving Zee to play with cousins), and headed over to Grandpa and Grandma's house.
For the first time in my 32 years in the church, I am watching the priesthood session! (Insert evil cackle here.) It's really good. I can see why some call it the best session of conference.
Some Hebs-news: He popped another tooth! (Top left front) Finally--he's been working on that tooth as well as two others for the last nine days, and it hasn't been pretty. And, he said his first (kinda, sorta, almost) word!! We spent some time at Bradley's sister Kim's house today, and Kim has a beautiful chocolate labrador. Hebs was fascinated by Cocoa, and would twist and turn to keep the dog in his sight. Bradley, holding Hebs, said, "That's a dog, Hebs. Dogs say 'ruff, ruff.'" Hebs opened his mouth and said, "Ruff, ruff! Ruff, ruff!" And then he would repeat it every time he could see the dog.
(I can see that I am outnumbered in the matter of a dog. Zee and I are indifferent, Em and Gee and Bradley are enthusiastically in favor, and it looks like Hebs is going to join that group. Sigh. Still, not going to happen anytime soon. Not while I'm still raising babies, that's my ultimatum.)
(And, oh Laurene don't hate me, but I clean forgot my camera at home. I know, I know! Eva took some pictures and she promised to post them. So so sorry!)
Friday, October 2, 2009
Three Things About Raspberries
The other night, at a dinner party with friends, I was served the most divine raspberry jam on the most divine rolls. (So delicious, Suzanne!) Seriously, this stuff was so yummy that, even as I munched on my third roll, I was plotting how to wrestle the recipe from my friend. Imagine my surprise when she told me it was an easy freezer jam recipe. Ah-HA! I thought. I can DO freezer jam!And so I did--buying the raspberries from Costco, getting the pectin and jars from Wal-Mart. And lo, it was easy, and soon I was luxuriating in my own divine raspberry jam. (The divine rolls, however, are a different story. I made do with some acceptable baking powder biscuits.)
That was a week ago. Tonight my sister Telima, her friend Ginny, and I made a double batch of raspberry freezer jam, using the last raspberries of the season. (Seriously, I had to go to two stores to find enough, and we had to pick over the berries pretty extensively to find enough to use.) So now I have enough raspberry freezer jam to enjoy myself AND give as Christmas gifts--if you're nice to me!
2. Remember Strawberry Shortcake and Friends? They were big in the 1980s when I was growing up. My sisters and I had a doll each--my oldest sister was Strawberry Shortcake, my next oldest sister was
3. Bradley and I have decided that this week we are going to a nursery to buy some raspberry canes to plant in our garden. He loves raspberries, too.
(And, yay, Rio! My father served his mission in Brazil and I did my seventh grade research paper on Brazil. So I've always had a soft spot in my heart for that country.)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Welcome Home!
My wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva and George Ross, returned home last night from serving in the West Indies Mission of the Church. We have missed them so much this last 17 months, but we have been so happy and proud that they were serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
This afternoon we drove up to South Jordan (about forty minutes away) to spend the evening with George and Eva. All of Bradley's sisters came up with their families, so it was crazy fun cousin time for the kids. Most of my nieces and nephews on Bradley's side of the family are older than my children, so there are lots of sweet, wonderful boys (and two girls) to watch over, play with, and make a fuss about my kids. Zee, Em, and especially Gee just eat up the attention.
We'll be spending a lot more time with everyone this weekend, and maybe I can remember to get out my camera. (Instead of leaving it in the car.)
Welcome home, Grandma and Grandpa. We love you so much!
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