Thursday, October 29, 2009

The 4 Enemies of Integrity*

1. Self Interest: things we want
2. Self-deception: A refusal to see things clearly
3. Self-righteousness: an end justifies the means attitude
4. Self-preservation: by any means necessary.

*Must give credit, my friend Danae posted this on her facebook. She found it in the Anchorage Daily News. I thought it was good enough to repeat.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Grapes

Hailey and I recently went to Temple to visit my family and meet my new nephew Ben. While we were there, my parents had some red grapes in the house. Because they're SO easy and portable, I took grapes with me everywhere while we were there. As a result, I now have a grape addict on my hands. She calls them "bapes."

Since grapes are in season, we have now gone through two bags of them. We got back last Thursday. Tonight I was getting her dinner ready, and as usual, I got some grapes out. I did a poor job of picking the bag today because there are lots of small, shrivelly grapes. As I picked through the "bad" ones, it occurred to me that maybe we're like grapes. Maybe sometimes God thinks He might not have picked the best bag. I know sometimes I'm a shrivelly grape.

So I ate one. It wasn't the best grape I ever had. It was a little mushy, but the flavor was still good. I won't say I won't check the bag more carefully next time, or seek out the ones that are firmer, but I'll definitely keep this bag of grapes in mind the next time I feel the need to say something mean about a stranger. Or talk about a friend behind their back. Or even just go to sleep instead of saying "Thanks" to God for not throwing me out when I'm not the firmest grape in the bunch.

Monday, October 12, 2009

In honor of Ben...and new mommies everywhere

In honor of my nephew Ben, who will be born sometime this week, I have some tips for new mommies. I do not claim to be an expert, I'm only 20 months into this mommy thing. I do think that I have learned some things, though.

1. Dogs are just that. Dogs. They might be people now, but as soon as that little bundle of joy comes into your life, they become what they are. Dogs.

2. Disgust for poop is a learned behavior. As the parent of a toddler who plays in her poop, eats her poop, and smears her poop all over her bed, I know this to be true. Somehow you don't come out of the womb knowing that poop is gross. Take heart though-poop art doesn't happen to everyone.

3. On that note, it is a good idea to get crib sheets that are white. Clorox is your friend.

4. You don't know the meaning of high maintenance. Your child will teach you, though.

5. Potatoes are not the perfect food. My child will only eat them french fried. What kind of kid doesn't like mashed potatoes?

6. Being a stay at home mommy is hard. Much harder than I ever thought. And exhausting.

7. Sometimes when your child injures him/herself, you will laugh. And cry because it is so awful that you're laughing. (I don't mean big injuries, of course, just little ones like when they're throwing a fit and hit their head on the bed.)

8. Sidewalk chalk will not stain clothes. Those "washable" bathtub markers, however, will stain skin.

9. Petsmart. It's a free zoo.

10. I'd like to say something mushy and insightful for number 10, but my kid just woke up.

Good luck to the new mommies, and if I can figure out how to do it, I'll post pics of Ben when he gets here. (Friday at the latest for those who are wondering.)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Mmmm....poop

After all the excitement of Hailey learning to take her pj's off yesterday, and catching her eating her own poop (yeah, you read that right, it's not a typo) this morning, I have decided....it's time to give potty training a try again.

So. Any tips?

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Mommyhood

I just want to know, why didn't I listen when I was warned about toddlers??? And how come no one told me the terrible two's don't start at two?

That's all.....