Oh so much better!

This is how I am feeling. I lost 4 lbs. the other day! I hate being sick. I despise it! Luckily for me, my husband came home and took care of my babies so I could take care of myself! And, now, I am better!
Ok, as promised.... 30 things about me for my 30 years!

1. I was born February 11, 1977 at 11:38 pm.
2. I stay up until my birth minute every year and wish myself happy birthday.
3. Since I have become a Mother myself, I have called and thanked my Mother on my birthday.
4. I have 3 children
5. 2 are living...it's the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
6. I grew up in Omaha, NE; Coffeyville, KS; and Kaysville, UT. However, when I tell people where I'm from, I always say Kansas.
7. I could never sleep in as a child. I wished I could...it was terrible being the first one awake at a sleep over at someone else's house.
8. I would eat chocolate everyday if I could.
9. I am learning that chocolate doesn't cure everything though.
10. I have been pregnant or nursing (or both) for the last 5 years (in March)
11. I bit my toenails when I was a kid (gross, I know)
12. I have been 5 foot 6 inches since 6th grade. That was the year that I grew 6 inches!
13. I had my first kiss when I was 13. I felt so old then, but now that I have 13 year old nieces, it is SO YOUNG!
14. I am the 4th of 5 children.
15. Between the 5 children in my family, there are 20 grandchildren!
16. I love to read
17. Therefore, I love audiobooks!
18. I wish I could knit and listen to books all day long.
19. I would never do that, because I love reading to my kids and playing legos with Seth!
20. I love Barry Manilow and the Carpenter's. I thank my sister and my Mother for that.
21. I always wanted a car mat like my brother's had, when I was little.
22. My feet are always cold.
23. I wish I could knit socks faster...because my feet are always cold ;)
24. I have the best in-laws in the world, seriously.
25. I was a Sign Language interpreter for 2.5 years.
26. I have been signing for 24 years now.
27. Someday, I hope to go back and finish my degree in Deaf Education at Utah State University.
28. I made a cd when I was in college. Don't ask to hear it, I won't let you.
29. I play the piano and guitar...neither of them well, but I can.
30. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have such a fantastic family. I mean, who couldn't love these people?!?! Oh, and fyi, the last picture is Emma. I know, she looks just like Amelia!

Sick

Oh man, it sucks when Mom is sick. I've got what Seth had, but I get to take care of 2 little ones, change diapers, make food and try to be a nice Mom while doing it. Ugh.

Potty Training

Yeah, not so much. We've tried, he just isn't ready I guess. Seth told me yesterday that if he had an Elmo potty seat, he'd go on the big potty all the time. After 3 pairs of underwear, a poop incident and a couple pee incidents, he told me he really just likes diapers. So, it's back to diapers. I've had a child in diapers for the last 4 years. I'm kind of tired of diapers. However, I know that it is not ending any time soon, so I will suck it up and be happy :)

On a brighter note...my birthday is on Sunday. My dear sweet husband is giving me a party on the 17th. It will be fun. I haven't had a birthday party (a real one) since I turned 16. Yipee!!!! :D

Silent Poetry Day

t's Blogger (Silent) Poetry Reading day! I heard about it from Cara and she heard about it from this blog. So, here is an original Kim.

Emma

I lay her down, she laughs, she cries
she knows what is coming
I lie down and offer my breast
she grabs it and smiles.
Here comes the milk,
drink up my baby!
I look at her face
so sweet, so innocent.
Rosy cheeks, tousled hair,
little bit of me,
and a lot of Jer.
She is my world,
she is my joy,
I can't believe I wanted a boy!
I love her dearly
and pray
she will be happy, hopeful and
know she is loved, everyday.
Goodnight my Angel
Sleep tight my love
I'll be here all night
So if you wake up, and get scared
or hungry,
roll over, I'll be here for you
always.
Goodnight my Angel
Mommy loves you.

Written August 3, 2003, 20 days before Emma died. I find that so ironic, it was not long at all before she left me. This just gives you a glimpse of my feelings for her. I've been thinking of this poem a lot lately, as Amelia is doing much the same things Emma was when she died. She is crawling, playing with toys, and playing with me just like Emma did. It is hard for me, daily, not to call her Emma. I catch myself everyday.

Seth is sick. It came on very suddenly. His friend, Aurora, has been over all day. They left and he wanted a snack. I gave him some pudding and he didn't want it. That should have been a clue, but it wasn't. Then he wanted spaghetti. I gave him that and he barely touched it. Again, this should have given me some inkling that something was wrong. It wasn't until he was sitting with me, asleep, that he threw up everywhere. That was my clue. Sometimes we need to be smacked in the face (or puked on) to realize when something isn't right. Ugh. I hate when he doesn't feel good. It is the worst. My poor little bub.

The Z Hotel

Jeremy got home last night around midnight. He has been in Warsaw, Indiana for an interview with Zimmer. So, now we are waiting to hear from Medicine Lodge in Logan, UT and Zimmer in Warsaw. He said the interview went well, really well. They have 4 positions available in the hip team. So, we'll see.
The very interesting part of this is the hotel where he stayed. Zimmer is a pretty big deal in this small town. About 10% of the town works there and they have various buildings scattered throughout town. So, the fact that they have their own hotel isn't too odd. The art work in the hotel...well, that is another story completely.
Now, you all know that Zimmer does implants. They are an orthopaedic company, hips, knees, spine...that's their thing. So, what happens when implants meet leaves? Art in the bathroom. Yes, in the bathroom of Jer's hotel room was a picture of a knee implant among leaves. (I'm still laughing about this one). Oh how I wish he had a camera phone and he could have taken pictures. There was another piece of art involving a hip implant, but I don't remember the details.
This has inspired me. If they can do it, why can't I?? My sister-in-law, Tawnya, has a knee plate that was recently removed (and cleaned) from her leg. I am going to take it and place it in beautiful yarn. Maybe I can get it shown in the hotel even! I am excited about that! ;)

14 days!

14 days until my birthday. The big 3-0. I am pretty excited about my birthday this year. Heck, I always love my birthday. No diapers to change, no children to really take care of (all I have to do is nurse A). I really enjoy my birthday.
So, in the spirit of my birthday (and to give some hints to my sweet husband) here are some things that I hope I get this year!
1. Addi Turbo needles, size 0 and 1, 40 inch cable. I love doing socks in the magic loop, but I don't have these sizes of needles yet! You can only knit so much on 2's and 3's! :)
2. This yarn. Those who know me shouldn't be surprised, my two favorite colors!
3. Any of this yarn
4. And, any of this yarn - this is especially yummy stuff! I've blogged about it before.
5. Of course, I always love gift certificates to my lys (Local Yarn Store, Jer) my two favorites are Black Sheep Wool and/or Soul Spun Yarn. This way I could take a class or two :)
6. This is something I have been wanting for a while now. Of course, my husband (the engineer) thinks he can make me one that is electric...we'll see!
7. And, how could I have number 6 without this?!?!
8. I also adore this sock yarn. My sister in law, Stephanie got some from Santa, it is just heavenly! Sadly, it is usually sold out since she hand dyes and spins it!
9. I would love a gift certificate to this store
10. Or this one

So, I originally started this list with 5 things, I have since added on 5 more :) It is my top ten wishlist, but in no particular order. Even if I don't get any of those things, it is fun to look for them and think of what I would want :)

And, as promised, 30 things about me will be coming soon. I have to think of 30 things first! heehee!

Logan Interview

It went really well!! Jeremy felt really good about the interview. He met with 8 different people and when he called me, he sounded so upbeat and happy. There are about 10 people they are interviewing and he was the first on site interview. However, his main contact, Dan, told him that half of the people that interviewed him today were first interviews themselves :) This is somewhere Jeremy would really like to work. They will be hiring someone in February, so it shouldn't take too long :D
Since he was in Logan, Jeremy went to see his Grandparents after his interviews. It was nice for him to go see them and see his cousin, Matt, who just returned from an LDS mission to the Philippines in November.
Now the next interview is on Tuesday/Wednesday in Warsaw, IN.

While Jeremy was gone today, my friend Nicole came over. Here is a picture of our kiddos - Seth, Aurora and Eve. They were having fun with their babies.














Seth and Aurora are so funny together. They are just such great friends and crack Nicole and I up on a daily basis. Last night we went over there for dinner and Seth and Aurora got married. After they got married, Seth gave Aurora a Lightning McQueen car. She looked at Seth and very seriously said, "Oh Seth, I only like beautiful cars". Nicole and I cracked up! They are just such nutty kiddos. It is a good thing that they get along so well, it gives Nicole and I the much needed sanity/knitting breaks that we need!

The Fine Print

So, Jeremy got his interview schedule yesterday for tomorrow in Logan. He needs to be there from 8:30 until 4:30, which means he needs to leave here by 6:30 am. Not a biggie, he usually leave the house around that time. Here is the fine print though...he needs to have a 30 to 45 minute power point presentation about his interests and past projects. He's freaking out a little bit. Eek!

He's Leaving

Jeremy is going to Indiana next Tuesday! He will get into Fort Wayne around 6 pm and have interviews on Wednesday until 2. Then, they will have a realtor show him around town. I was pretty excited about that, thinking that they would be offering him a job, but after talking to my Dad, it makes more sense that they want him to know the town so that he can make a good educated decision when/if they offer him a job. Wow. Hows that for a run on sentence?
So, there is that. But wait, there's more!
He is going to Logan on Friday for interviews with the company up there!!! Man, I am so excited. I love Logan. It is where I went to school, I adore that town. However, I would LOVE to leave Utah. I have never been a huge fan of this state. But, I have so many fabulous friends here and my family and of course Emma is buried here. Also, the job would be really great for Jeremy's career, he'd get lots of experience in different areas, whereas with Zimmer, he'd just do hips. oh it is just going to be a difficult decision for sure. We will have to pray about it lots.

My Mom was so excited and saying that she is just sure that he will have a job within the next couple of weeks. My sweet Mom...she has been saying this since June! She is forever the optimist. However, we've been here before. Multiple companies wanting to meet him and having him out for interviews, and then no job. So, we are cautiously optimistic. My Dad likes this term, I do too.

So, now to the kids. Amelia is sitting up and sitting herself up now! She crawls (kind of) and gets where she wants to go. She turned 7 months yesterday. I can't believe it's been 7 months! Only 1 month and 1 week until she is the same age Emma was. This is hard. This is a very hard time for me. It was with Seth too, but more so with Amelia. Probably because she is a girl and looks SO much like Emma, and she sounds like her too when she talks. *sigh* Sometimes it is just so hard.

Oh Seth

He is just so silly. Here was his prayer tonight, "Heavenly Father, thank you for blessings, thank you for Emma and Santa". He is a NUT! I love having this silly 2 year old in my house (most the time). He truly makes Jeremy and I laugh...which is a VERY good thing otherwise he may not be here any longer ;)

Houston, we have INTERVIEWS!

So, last Thursday, Jeremy had an interview with Zimmer, a company in Indiana. For those who remember, he interviewed with them in September, they liked him and wanted to bring him out, but the job was canceled due to budget issues. Well, they interviewed him for a different position last week. They called today and want to bring him out for an interview!! YIPEE!!

Then, on Friday a company in Logan, UT called. They did a phone interview with him on Friday. The gentleman he spoke with said that they originally wanted someone with more experience, but if the right person came along, they'd work with them. He has a phone interview with the rest of the team tomorrow at 4. Man, it would be awesome if he got offered both jobs and we could PICK where we lived!

Both places have perks, so we'll have to pray about it and decide where we really need to be right now. Keep us in your prayers please!

As for us...I'm sick, the kids are sick...man I hate colds! I don't like wiping runny noses. My babies don't like it either. :(

I'm trying to get some knitting done and quick! I am making some beautifully sweet booties for my friend Sarah's little baby girl, Zoey. I am hoping to get them out this week and she can have them before she turns 4 weeks on Saturday! :) Then, I have a purse to make, a headband, a scarf and a shawl. All before my birthday on February 11.

Speaking of my birthday...I'm going to be 30 this year. Kind of a big one. I am excited to be 30. I have always loved my birthday. It is a great time for me. A time of reflection and goal setting. Watch for an upcoming post...30 things about me, just in time for my birthday!

6 Things About Me

I was tagged by Heather

"According to the rules... Each player of this game starts with the "6 Weird Things about You". People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says 'you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog!"

1. I hate wet socks. If my socks get wet, it will drive me BATTY! I must have dry socks at all times...I'm weird I know. But wait, there's more!

2. I am FREAKISHLY anal about my windshield being clean. I can.not.stand. a dirty windshield! I won't drive if there is anything on it, leaves, bugs, what have you...freakishly anal people.

3. Some of my best friends, I've never met in person. I've been on a discussion board since I got pregnant with Emma (April 2002) and we were all due at the same time. We have been friends for almost 5 years and most of us have never met!

4. I can't sleep if I haven't knitted at all that day. Seriously, I am addicted! If I haven't had a chance to knit during the day, I will stay up until midnight knitting, then I can fall asleep :)

5. Now, this may be weird to some of you, but it's not to me - I can never have enough yarn. nuff said.

6. II love tomatoes, but I hate chunks of tomatoes in things. Salsa, spaghetti sauce...yuck! But, I will eat a tomato right out of the garden any day! :)

Ok, now I am sending this along to Lori, Nicole, Michelle, Stephanie, and Jenn.

Yeah, I know, I didn't tag 6 people...that's me, living by my own rules! haha!

I just want my Dad!

My sweet boy is sick. He has a bad cough and a fever. I hate when he is sick. Last night at about 11:30, he woke up coughing. I was still awake, so I went in to take care of him. I got him some water and laid down with him. Well, he just got very upset with me. Here is the conversation we had;
S: No!
M: What's wrong baby? Mommy's here, it's ok.
S: I want my Dad. I don't want you. I just want my Dad!
M: Oh, ok sweetie. Just a minute, I"ll go get him for you.

So, with broken heart, I went and got my husband. My heart wasn't broken for too long since Jer had to be the one awake with him all night and not me. I guess this is what happens when Daddy takes over nighttime parenting. This is what we did when he night weaned, I am SO glad! It really is sweet that he loves his Daddy so much. Sometimes I wish that I could comfort him still. Oh well...hopefully he will get better fast. I hate sickness.

Somebody Lied

I'm not sure who it was, but someone lied to me. It must have been when I was a very young girl. I remember singing a song..."When I grow up, I want to be a Mother". It must have started then. Someone lied to me when they said this Mothering thing was fun and rewarding. Today, it's not. I have a feeling that my Mother knew that. She just didn't tell me. See, here's my theory. Mom's have a code of conduct. They can not tell their daughters (future mothers) how difficult it is to be a Mother. They can't tell them because then what would happen to our world? Women would realize that they don't get paid to do the work of many, and that it would be hard! If they realized this, they wouldn't do it. Then where would we be? Yep, that's got to be it.

If I have to rescue Amelia from Seth one more time, change another sat-in for hours poopy diaper, tell Seth to stop laying on his sister, listen to her whine, etc.,etc.,etc. one more time...I just might blow.

Have I told you all how clingy my daughter is? She loves me. I am glad. But seriously, she doesn't need to be ON me 24/7! I promise! She will scream if I leave her sight...it can get really tiring.

Oh...but I guess it isn't all bad. I do love the spontaneous kisses, watching them laugh together, and snuggling with them while they sleep. I love listening to them playing in Seth's tent right now with his cars. I love these moments of peace. I guess that is what this is all about. Watching them play together, learn together and grow together.

So, Somebody did lie. While I never knew how hard this would be, I never knew how much I could love either. No one ever told me that I would give anything to protect my child, that I would love them so fiercely that it could actually hurt. No one ever told me just how much I would really love being a Mom. That while there are days and moments when you want to pull your hair out, you wouldn't trade it for anything.

For my babies...I love you more than you will ever know. I will try to tell you all of these things, but, just as I didn't understand, you won't either until you have your own babies. Until you see your child, hold your child, nurse and love your child, you just won't get it. So, I'll do my best. I'll do my best so that I fool you and you want to do this also. So that someday, I can watch you parent and I can have the really fun, rewarding part...Grandparenting!

Sweetest Thing

It really is the sweetest thing when I have my baby girl sleeping on my chest in the sling. She was just so tired and didn't want to nurse. I put her in the sling and now she is peacefully asleep. She really is my easiest baby yet. I guess maybe it gets easier with practice :)

Jeremy got a phone call today from Zimmer. If you remember, they gave him a phone interview in September, then the position was canceled. Well, they are considering him for a different, better job now. He has his phone interview next Thursday. Please cross your fingers and toes and say lots of prayers for us! He also has applied for a position with a company in Logan, UT. I would love it there, it is where his folks are from and where I went to college. There is another job he is being considered for in Salt Lake also. So, hopefully something will come from those. Our birthday's are next month, it would be a great gift for both of us if he got a job.

Now it's time to go back to being a Mom...I have to make dinner.

My sweet boy...

Tonight Seth wanted to say his prayers all by himself, so Jeremy left the room. However, he stood outside the door, and this is what Seth said,
"Heavenly Father, thank you for blessings. Help Daddy to find a job. Name of Jesus Christ, Amen".
He is just such a sweet boy. Doesn't even really know the struggles we are having, but he hears us pray for it, and probably talk about it. What a sweet tender prayer.

And the winner is.....

Celeste!!! Celeste has one the bag for $10! All proceeds will be sent to Doctor's Without Borders. Thank you so much for your generosity and kind heartedness this season Celeste!!!

Super Seth

Here he is...Super Seth to the Rescue!

Looooong Time

Yes, it's been a long time since I last wrote. We had a pretty good Christmas, just stayed at home on Christmas eve. It was nice. I sang in the choir at Church, then we came home and had dinner. We watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and had cheesecake. We also acted out the Bible story of Christ's birth. It was really nice, and fun. Seth was SO excited to see Santa when he came to our house. He was pretty sad when I told him that he had to be asleep for Santa to come! He wouldn't fall asleep, so I finally told him that his Meemaw (my Mom) called and that Santa was at his Uncle Chip and Aunt Nanny's house, so he better go to sleep now!!! He fell asleep FAST! :D

Christmas day was a lot of fun. We woke up and had birthday cake and ice cream (for Jesus of course!). Then, we opened gifts, got ready and went to see my family for Christmas day. It was a day of fun and family...what more could you ask for??

Amelia is moving all over the place now. I don't love having a mobile child! She is into everything she shouldn't be and gets frustrated that she can't move fast enough! She scoots a lot and does lots of army crawling. She is blowing raspberries, squealing and talking non-stop! Oh, and she also is signing milk!!! She is my earliest signing baby, it is so fun!!!

Seth is a superhero these days. He usually has on a cape and is "Super Seth"! He likes for us to fly with him. The way our apartment is set up, he can run in circles, and we join him...we get pretty dizzy though! :) He is such a good big brother and has so much fun with his sister.ok,

Ok, time to go be Mom now...here's some pictures.

Eek

I am afraid that my last post came across harsher than I meant it. I just want to give another week to see if anyone else wants this. I am grateful for whatever bids I get, and if it goes for $10, then that is fine. Sorry if I sounded harsh, I really didn't mean it.