Through a glass brightly

Check up!

2011-06-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

So Eliza had her four year old check up at the beginning of May. She did great and is a very healthy girl. We had to wait a while in the doctor's office, and she was CRACKING me up!!! Apparently the paper dress they had her wear was the most GORGEOUS thing Eliza had ever tried on! She told me to take her picture and also asked me to take a video-- all of the poses and performance are stuff that she came up with from her random little brain! SO funny!

However, four shots later, Eliza said she never wanted to come to the doctor again and showed her battle wounds... She was a trooper!

Enjoy:

New Blog

2010-11-25T18:37:00.001-08:00

I meant to say that you can leave a comment with your email address so that I can send you the new blog address. I will not publish any of the comments that have personal emails in them.

I've posted the new link to it on my facebook page now.

Hope you join me elsewhere on the web! :D

Moving to a new blog

2010-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

I started a new blog. I will be posting more consistently on this new blog because I wanted a blog that I felt more comfortable sharing things on.... if ya know what I mean!

If you'd like the link to it, please email me!

Don't worry if you lurk-- no judgment here. I'll just be flattered that you bother with reading my stuff!

If you're my facebook friend, I'll be posting a link to the new blog on there so you can get it that way.

I'll miss this blog. I started it when Eliza was just a few months old! But I will not miss the infiltration that's occurred on here...

Miriam shares some smiles

2010-11-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

Adorable Oma-Miriam time.

Watch out for poor Reuben at the end though...

Blessed to have Miriam Jane in the Family!

2010-11-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Family Picture on Miriam's Blessing Day

This was the best one we got, believe it or not!

We had a quick but very fun time visiting Miriam, Reuben, Katy, and Aaron (about a month ago. I know I'm slow, but the pics are worth sharing still!).

THE GIRLS!

Sisters!

I was trying to make Katy feel better about being so much shorter than me... so I slouched and made my neck do something super weird in this picture. I am SO selfless!

Miriam was really really thrilled to have me come visit. I know the love was there somewhere... deep down. Super deep. 'Cuz when I handed her off to her parents (that's what you do with a crying newborn), below is a picture of how she felt less than a minute later... She loves her dad!

There's pretty Miriam with her other grandmother, Aaron's mother. So cute!

There's Reuben taking advantage of no longer being the center of attention. See there is a benefit to having a younger sibling! It makes cookie theft much more feasible!

I loved getting LOTS of pictures of Miriam.

Observe:

And Eliza...

Eliza had the hook-up! She got her own laptop in the car, and I subjected her to the gore of the Last Unicorn on the car ride up and down. I sold the movie to her by telling her that it was her Uncle Robby's favorite! We turned it off before the end when things got super "scarey."

When I told Robby that she was watching it, he said, "You're letting her watch that?" with this really judgemental tone. Whatever! The movie is deceptively creepy! It starts out all butterflies and unicorns then BAM scary witches, birds with creepy human body parts, and a devil-bull killing all the innocent creatures....

But look! she's still smiling POST-The Last Unicorn exposure! Obviously not too scarred....

And without further ado..... COUSINS!!

The picture above is a really great (not) candid shot, No? Well, let me tell you the secret! It's a little bit tricky/conniving. These two cousins were pretty sick of pictures at this point so I knew they wouldn't volunteer to smile at the camera any time soon (soon as in the rest of the month, maybe year). SO while they were looking the other way I yelled, "Wow! Hey!" really loud and when they turned to look at their crazy Aunt Amy/Mama, I clicked a pic - just like Diego taught me (Nick Jr. anyone?).

Wish we lived closer!

USC Women's Soccer

2010-11-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Going to USC Women's soccer games this season has been one of the highlights of the last few months for me! And to my utter delight, Eliza has been loving it too! She is HILARIOUS when she "cheers." And by cheer I mean half scream in horror and half in joyous elation. I think what's really sold her on the whole thing though has very little to do with the soccer. Her loves are the boiled peanuts, bouncy house, Oma & Grandpa, and the presence of the Gamecock mascot "Cocky" who gives out hugs!

This is Halloween!

2010-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

When I asked Eliza what she wanted to be for Halloween, she said that she wanted to be Cinderella, then she said she wanted to be Princess Aurora, then the Little Mermaid (as pictured above).

BUT what was lucky was that she just wanted to wear her clothes from her dress-up box!

Sooo, Zero cost costume! Sweet!

I was nice and shared Eliza with Steve on Halloween weekend even though it was one of my designated weekends with her. She hadn't gotten as much time with him as usual since his job has weird hours sometimes. So my Saturday evening was not busy, and I spent most of it grocery shopping. But I like grocery shopping!

Robot Cow Dance

2010-10-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

My daughter rocks.

2010-10-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

October's held some significant events that I didn't really feel like making a big deal about. My divorce was finalized, the anniversary of Amber's death came and went.

Some fun times included the state fair, and also cross country season which has come to a close.

And here is our very own senior, veteran cross country runner worth recognizing!

So I got her some roses for senior recognition!
She's been a hard-core runner for six years now! Annnd she still went running today on her own, without any coach to tell her to do it! Impressive!

Way to go, Abby!

South Carolina State Fair 2010

2010-10-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of my friends and I got these cuties together to enjoy the kiddy version of the fair. Ya know, the rides with a 54'' maximum and the animal petting zoo fun! This picture was taken inside of the Dizzy Dragon... or in Lucas' case, the hippo!

The $5 Pony ride is also quite the hit! Eliza's been talking about it several times everyday.

I was surprised how THRILLED Eliza was with this ride, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she enjoys being in the driver's seat!!! She's my girl-!

After riding this fun caterpillar rollercoaster twice last year, I was super excited that I was able to convince Eliza and Sophia to ride it together and without adults!!!

Sophia reported that the ride was AWESOME!

Eliza told me very clearly that this ride was too scarey.

And then my child fell asleep!!! In the middle of the noisy, crowded FAIR!!! We were waiting in line for the ferris wheel. I guess it was all a bit too much for her?

When she finally woke up after about an HOUR, she cheered up pretty easily by chowing down on an Elephant Ear with powdered sugar on it! She devoured that thing with the help of Sophia, and I was lucky to nab a couple bites before the whole thing was gone! YUM!

And just for you, Katy, we tried to meet as many new friends at The Rocket as possible! :^)

Thanks for the good weekend

2010-09-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

My weekends where I don't have Eliza can be very lame. I try to fill them up as much as possible and keep myself busy. Other times in the past, I've spent them in a dark room watching reruns on Hulu and maybe going outside once? oh yeah, to go to church and then come right back inside.

But when Eliza is away, I don't stop being her mom. A part of my heart feels far away. I've found comfort in filling my prayers with specific desires I have for my girl and trying to explain my feelings to my Heavenly Father about this challenge.

I've been doing a little better with these weekends lately! I think I've found a good balance between barricading myself in the dark basement and frantically trying to fill every minute with busy tasks and frantic projects.

For example, I take naps on Sunday's and do some leisurely reading instead of attending two church services.

Also, I have been spending more time with family. I am so so so blessed to have my family with me, so patient and loving towards me.

I think I've mentioned before that my Oma (grandma, my mom's Mom), Rosalie, lives here now. She and I got some very fun bonding time this weekend.

Thursday we did a yummy home-cooked chicken dinner by Oma and movie night! I picked up the dvd of the newish movie, Valentine's Day, that I got from the library. It was cute in a cliche way.

A couple things that this movie stated about love were interesting to me.

One part had George Lopez's character carrying around a book of Rumi poetry. I hate when movies try to make their content deeper by having someone spout out stuff from some "life-changing" book. It feels like the screen play writer should just get an account on GoodReads or join a book club instead of trying to add references to it in a stupid way in their films.

So George Lopez's character says how Rumi's got it right about love (and the camera zooms to the book cover)-- and says something about how for love to be real, it has be messy and devastating and turn your world upside down.

I disagree. I think unhealthy relationships have that intense emotional upheaval to them, but healthy relationships can entail a gradual process of getting to know someone before you unleash all your emotional baggage and boundaries. I believe that love DOES involve some risk-taking and being willing to take a chance on someone by letting them truly and sincerely know you, even in a vulnerable way. However, it doesn't have to involve emotional vomiting.

The other thought about love that the film suggested was something that I liked and that I've heard at Al-Anon meetings that I've attended for work. It's the premise that truly loving someone involves loving the WHOLE person-- not just the parts that you like about them.

Friday night, I had gotten coupons for free Chik-fil-a from a co-worker, so I picked up dinner for Oma and myself! Waffle Fries- yummmmm! Later we went OUT to the movies and saw the movie "You Again." It was a funny comedy about facing the people who terrorized you in high school! Nice feel good ending too, so that's nice to have!

Saturday in Charleston. I drove out there with a friend and cheered for Abby at the Citadel Cross Country race. Then when did some time in downtown Charleston and got the most-wonderful and pleasurable Heiman's Seafood and River Street Sweets! The Shrimp and Grits were HEAVENLY!!!Charleston's such a beautiful area! I love the winding branches on trees that hang over the roads and the spanish moss that hangs down from those branches! The marshes are beautiful, especially below the sunny blue skies like we had yesterday!This picture reminds me of a Regina Spektor song:

"Come and open up your folding chair next to me...
Now i’ve been sitting on this abandoned beach for years
Waiting for the salty water to cover up my ears
But every time the tide come in to take me home
I get scared, and I’m sitting here alone
Dreaming of the dolphin song…

Maybe one day you will understand
I don’t want nothing from you but to sweetly hold your hand
Till that day just please don’t be so down
Don’t make frowns, you silly clown"

I made it back to Columbia in time to rendezvous with Mom and Oma for the Relief Society Broadcast at church. It was wonderful. Very spiritually nourishing.

Some of my favorite quotes from it:

"There is a worldwide hunger among good women to know their identity, value, and importance. Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our faithfulness and service are signs of our conversion and commitment to remember and follow Him." -Sister Julie B. Beck

"He (Christ) knows your hopes and sufferings. He hath bourne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah)... We demonstrate our love in Him by placing our faith in Him.... OUR BEST EFFORT IS ALL HE ASKS FROM US." -Sister Silvia H. Allred

"The Savior has asked us to do the things which He has done, to bear one another’s burdens, to comfort those who need comfort, to mourn with those who mourn, to feed the hungry, visit the sick, to succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down..."

I also really liked how she defined and described compassion as "to feel love and mercy towards others. Show kindness and sympathy." - Sister Barbara Thompson

"Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” I ask: Can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa—“No; we cannot.” -President Thomas S. Monson

Choppy quotes by Pres. Monson from my notes:

"True charity is love in action."

"To pity a man is human, to love is divine... that is... Accepting people for all that they are... Resisting to categorize others.... Recognizing that others are doing their best."

I miss Eliza, but thanks for the good weekend.

"I'm just really gonna focus on my career..."

2010-08-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind of a month for me and Eliza! Especially on the job front. I accepted a part time job working in a teen addiction recovery outpatient unit.

I trained and started on August 20th. I worked from 8:30am until 2pm at The Nurturing Center, then drove a half hour to the addiction recovery center and worked until 7 or 8pm. It was pretty crazy but kept things interesting! Actually, I don't know if I handled the stress very well, but I'm recovering now.

The hardest part, though, was that I only was getting to see Eliza for an hour or so in the evenings on Monday and Tuesday and had to rely on Steve and my mom to take care of Eliza while I worked in the evenings.

Eliza's also had a ton of trouble going to bed at my house, so most of the time I spent with her in the evenings involved (and still involve) me trying to beg/bargain/threaten/persuade her to stay in her bed and go to sleep! That was pretty painful.

Then, a week later, the executive director at The Nurturing Center told me that one of the case managers was taking a job elsewhere and asked if I was interested in doing the full-time job.

At first I said no because I felt like I needed to follow through with the new job I had just accepted and worked at for one week. However, I prayed/fasted/fretted and decided that although I would make less money over-all, having a schedule that involved a 8-4 sort of schedule would be the best for Eliza and myself, and I needed to do what was best for me and my family.

So as of tomorrow, I'll transition from doing invidividual and art group therapy with parents and play therapy with pre-schoolers to being a "Family Service Coordinator" for the parents at The Nurturing Center. I know I'll miss some aspects of doing therapy, especially working with the kids. But I'll get to do lots of parenting groups, one or two every day. I'll be coordinating lots of resources and referrals in the community, setting goals with the parents, and working with Department of Social Services with the parents who have open neglect and/or abuse cases. It should be a pretty hefty caseload and a lot of responsibility, so I hope I can keep up!!! Say a prayer for me.

I'm looking forward to having a "normal" schedule, though! I just realized that I have NEVER had a schedule where I worked full-time 8-4. I was always doing school or working a part-time, strange hours sort of thing. Should be interesting! or normal...? We'll see.

(Eliza in her zebra dress that Oma got for her. Zebra's are still her favorite animal, and she would wear this dress EVERY day if I let her!)

Eliza started back at pre-school on August 16th at a wonderful little Montessori school in Columbia (The same one she went to in May). She goes from about 8:30 until 2:30 Mon- Thurs and until noon on Friday's.

I think she's doing pretty well, but it's hard to know because when we ask her how school went or what she did at school that day, she almost always answers, "I don't want to talk about it." or "Nothing." I thought that response wouldn't come until the adolescent, "I'm too cool for my parents," phase. Oh well.

In other news, my divorce is STILL not finalized! Not because there's been any drama-- on the contrary, nothing at all has happened. Nothing. We're just sitting around waiting for our request for a court date to make it to the top of the stack in the county court house. We keep saying, maybe this week! and here we are two months later... still waiting!

So for now, "I'm just really gonna focus on my career!" (reference, How I Met Your Mother)

With this ring...

2010-08-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

So I found this ring one day like last year sometime in our house. I thought that it belonged to Abby, so I put it in her room. A few weeks later, it had found its way back into my jewelry box. I took it to Abby and asked her if it was hers because I knew it wasn't mine, and she told me that it was definitely not hers, nor was it my mom's.

I told that wonderful story to point out just how randomly and unintentionally I became the owner of this ring. It's lovely, though, and pearls are my birthstones!

I've never worn a lot of jewelry and when I do it's usually just a bracelet or earrings. I've only recently felt daring enough to start wearing necklaces.

The one ring I used to wear has been absent for almost a year now. But this simple little ring caught my eye the other day for some reason, and I decided to wear it on my right hand. I was feeling sort of down and just... very single? I don't like to preoccupy my brain with the blatant awareness of my singledom because, ya know, there's a lot cooler and more interesting (and necessary!) matters to occupy my mind!

Also, my friend shared this talk by Pres. Hinckley with me that had this gem in it:

"To you single women who wish to be married ... Do not give up hope. And do not give up trying. But do give up being obsessed with it. The chances are that if you forget about it and become anxiously engaged in other activities, the prospects will brighten immeasurably. …"

So this is not me saying that I want to be married or even dating or whatever right now! However! I would LOVE to be free from being obsessed with my marital (or lack thereof) status. I think a divorced status can be the elephant in a room full of young single adults, which is really not a big deal. However, I don't want to define myself by my singledom, even if others do!

So back to the ring. I was feeling down, and a definitive goal that I have for myself is that I celebrate my worth as an individual. I have for much of my life, attempted to live in a way that pleases those around me to the extent that I have put my identity in the back seat. No more!

Bottom Line:
When I put on my ring or glance at it during the day, I remember:

I don't have to have someone telling me that they love me
to know that I am lovable.

Upside Down

2010-07-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here's an action shot of us playing Eliza's favorite game these days! All the blood that rushes to her brain probably is making her super smart, uhh....

Remarkable Videos for the true Eliza fans!

2010-07-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know that some people don't care enough to read through the longer posts and especially not to watch 3 minute long, random videos of my child splashing in puddles and playing Wii games with their Oma. BUT if you are one of those TRUE BLUE Eliza devotees, then ENJOY...

Wii Fit with Oma!!

Rain Boots!

Family Home Evening: Let us see your smile!

Someday my ... Batman? ... will come!

2010-07-19T17:15:00.001-07:00

So for the past few months, Eliza and I have had the privilege of having lunch with my dear friend, Will, on Monday's! Will and I have been friends since we were like 17, and he was my boyfriend's best friend. It's been really great to spend time with Will again since I moved back here especially this Spring and Summer!

I've never really had a friend that I got to do something with consistently on a weekly basis since I had Eliza, and I've really enjoyed our lunches! Sometimes we have other ambiguous friends join us as well which is a great pleasure too! But it's been a great way to start the week! It can get lonely as a mom, as I'm sure many people know, and I wish our Monday lunches with Will had started a lot sooner! We usually go to a Chic-fil-a where Eliza can flit in and out of the kids' play place while we chat.

A few Monday's ago a WONDERFUL conversation ensued as a result of Eliza's interactions with a little friend she met on the play place.

Eliza came back to our booth and looked a little bummed, and I asked her if something was wrong. She was like, "Uhhh, no." But then she said that her new friend, a little boy named Ethan, didn't want to play with her. Awww. I asked Eliza what happened....

As many of you know, Eliza LOVES to play the game of pretend. Apparently she had been trying to convince Ethan to play the Princess genre of pretend, telling him that she was the Little Mermaid and he was to be Prince Eric.

Eliza told us that Ethan refused, however, and told her, "No. I want to be Batman!"And then, in frustration and confusion, they parted ways.

When Eliza came and told us the story, we couldn't help but laugh. We decided that this dilemma between the sexes is not a new one, nor does it necessarily dissipate with age!

Girls still want to be princesses. AND they want the boys they meet to become their princes.

Boys still want to be super heroes. And if a girl happens to come along, they'll probably agree to play with them (but only if it involves a fight! jk).

I find it interesting and a little bit sad, though, that most little girls grow up with these Disney princess stories that almost all seem to end with getting the guy, getting pretty dresses, and getting married in order for their happily ever after to come along.

(And it's disturbing for me, as a mom of a princess-crazed 3 yr old to happen upon her picking leaves off of a bush, saying, "He loves me! He loves me not. He loves me! He loves me not...")

Meanwhile, boys are learning about being tough, fighting evil, and using weapons.

I worry that this leaves girls codependent and boys emotionally stunted.

And then at some point in their adult lives, they're supposed to combine/shed these delusional media influences and find some sort of common ground.

However, I think this might mean that men and women still continue to play games, but not realizing that they're playing a different one than their counterparts.

So now I plan to hide all the barbies and let Eliza only watch violent cartoons featuring super heroes for the rest of her childhood leisure time. She'll thank me the next time she wants to have a conversation with a boy... or have to fight off some ninjas to save a wimpy boyfriend! Either way, she'll be ready!

Super Sweet Synopses

2010-07-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Paragraph 'o Excuses for lack of blogging: Our main computer on which I upload/edit/save photos on got displaced because of the remodeling. I've been using my netbook only. No pictures = boring blog in my mind. Hence, no posts. But we'll see what I can do!

Good news: I lost 10 freakin' pounds in the last 3 weeks! And as opposed to the last time I lost about that much weight, I don't have an ulcer or random undiagnosed infection like last January! I've been following the basic premise of weight watchers but not doing meetings or paying for anything. I just use their chart to factor in points (calories/fat/fiber). I've been exercising but not as much as I could.
Bad news: We have been living without a kitchen for over a week now because of remodeling! Ahhhhh! We have all been living off of microwavable meals and eating out. I don't know if I'll ever be able to eat a microwavable pasta meal again in MY LIFE! I'm really not trying to be whiny, seriously. Luckily, eating cereal 2 to 3 x's a day has not made me sick of cereal. It's made me AWESOME. Some fav's include Fruit Loops w/ Marshmellows, Lucky Charms, Kashi Berry Crunch, and Cracklin' Oat Bran! (I eat the sugar cereal w/ skim milk for a treat instead of ice cream these days!)

Yummy news: This Half NAked popcorn rocks my socks! I only like it for the name. Kidding, it's really healthy but yummy for the munchies! Good news: I now get to carry a card around in my wallet that says I am Licensed in the State of South Carolina to practice social work at the masters level! What, what!! A card carrying member ... AND my boss actually asked me for my license # the other day for medicaid stuff, and I got to be like, "Check this. Here's my card!"

Bad news: Eliza doesn't take naps.

Good news: No more pacifiers.

Music news: This song is a little old, but the video is awesome and it's TOTALLY MY LIFE! (totally an original thing to say)
Check it out:

Awesome news: Last Monday Abby helped me grilllllllll some of the best chicken you've EVER had in your LIFE on our bbq during a severe weather alert thunderstorm. Yeah, we're that cool. Later that night, we all roasted marshmallows and had s'mores for our Family Home Evening (FHE) treat.

Sad news: Eliza wouldn't even TRY to eat a s'more! Nor would she even try a bite of my oatmeal drop/no bake cookies for FHE the week before. That's like the epitome of the FHE treat experience. But no- not one bite. Normally, I'd be like, "Fine! More for me!" But since I'm watching my diet, I was like, "Crap! More for me!" Weird news: Why is marshmallow not spelled marshmellow. 'Cuz that's totally how everyone says it. But I guess a world that spelled all things phonetically, is not a world I would want to live in anyways.

Random news: Now I want to go eat at the Mellow Mushroom. Numm num num.

Movie news: I watched Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. It's plot had some "god" awful holes in it. I saw Eclipse, and it was some super giggly fun. Although, my friend and I weren't always giggling at the parts people were supposed to giggle at. And our giggling might be considered to be more like snickering... It reminded me of how stupid I was when I was 18 years old. Good thing I didn't let any vampire bite me back then, though.
GREATEST NEWS: Oma (my grandmother, Rosalie) now resides with us! Yeah, that's four generations under one roof, BABY! We're like one hippy away from becoming a commune... and LOVIN' it!

Doggy news: Oma's pooch, Cali, also resides with us! It's like the most exciting thing that's ever happened for these poodles here. Finnegan's stickin' to the basement. All bets are out for who learns to use the new doggy door first- Finnegan or Cali!

How-it-relates-to-Eliza news: Eliza's pretty ecstatic about Cali and "Oma Rosie" as well!! Hopefully Oma won't get too sick of Eliza's little knocks on her bedroom door.

Literary news: I am reading "Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules," which is edited and introduced by David Sedaris. It's sick, yo. In the good way. Car news: My car's in the shop. Lame-o.

Sports news: Dad and I have been rockin' out on the volleyball court! Indoor AND outdoor! That's right! We play with the BAPTISTS! aka our really sweet neighbor who also lets Eliza swim in their pool whenever we want. LOVELY!

Secret News: Did you actually think I'd write a secret on my blog? Come on! This is for public defamation only!

Mothering news: I put Eliza to sleep TWICE today by telling her two of my ridunculously awesome princess stories. Sleeping Beauty in the car on the way home from Columbia and Little Mermaid tonight at bedtime... my beautifully detailed accounts were just so gripping that she probably had just no choice but to pass out from excitement....hmm.

Family gossip news: Katy's baby is due this week, and she has a birthday as well! Robby just returned from a wedding with his GURL friend. Not their wedding. Her sister's. Abby spent the weekend in NYC with our great Aunt Julie.

Thoughtful news: Sometimes the people you grew up with turn out to be just like you thought they would. That's probably disappointing for them.

Cuisine news: I made some delectible lasagna for the Branch Brunch today. I didn't personally receive any compliments on it (besides Jean Marie but she doesn't count b/c she would say it tasted good even if you gave her something wretched like refried beans), but I thought it tasted like one of the best lasagnas I've ever made. And I RARELY ever fully like/approve the food I make. Oh, and the pan was empty, so I guess that could be a sort of compliment ... or a sign that single adults will eat pretty much any food as long as it's free. No, but REALLY it was delicious lasagna.

Verb Conjugation news: Eliza really likes to run races. Afterwards, she likes to announce, "I beated you!" I tried to correct her verb usage, telling her, "I beat you." And Eliza said, "I beated you!" Me: "No, say, I beat you." Eliza, growing frustrated: "No, mommy, I beated you!" Me: "Ohhh, yes, you did BEAT me." She's already competitive, but not in the race of the grammatically correct.

Oral Hygiene news: Eliza and I are going to the dentist on Tuesday! It's her first time!!! I hope it goes okay. She has some arching on her front teeth from the pacifier and possibly some weakened enamel in the front teeth too. :/ Scary news: My insurance benefits through USC end next month. This means that I either need to pick up another part time/full time job or get a full time job at The Nurturing Center. Big decision time coming up! Wish me luck. I've had a couple interviews. Let me know if they pay the social workers in your area big bucks! I heard they're paying like about $10/hr more in DC than here for some of the social work positions. Too bad I really, really like it here in SC (most of the time)!

What I'm doing right now...

2010-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

.... Is listening to a very sad and tired Eliza cry it out while rolling on the ground in her room. Poor girl.

See, it all started with a little newborn sucking on just one little pacifier.

Three years, 2 months, and ~5 days later, we took away all the pacifiers. She did pretty well the first two days at my house, besides a rough night of waking up every few hours and crying. But she was happily announcing to people, "No more ba-ba's!" (Babas were what she called her pacifiers).

Now she's just sad ... and GRUMPY! and does NOT want to take a nap. And has a hand or finger in her mouth constantly when she starts getting tired.

Baba Withdrawals is what we're experiencing here, folks!

So all those reassuring stories we heard along the way- puh! Oh how deceiving!

"I just told my daughter that the paci fairy came and took away all the pacifiers. She asked for it once and then never again!"

"I helped my child collect all the paci's and then we threw them away. They were fine after that!" or "There was a little crying here and there, but not anything big."

"We just cut a little bit off the pacifier every night until there was hardly anything left. Then he just stopped asking for it after a while!"

Well, good for you! Spread your fiction and picture perfect stories to other "suckers," why don't you! I, however, prefer honesty!

We'll add this experience as another chapter of the book, "Things they never tell you about parenting because otherwise you'd never have Kids!"

Anyways, I'm trying to dole out lots of validation and reassurance! Praying for patience and for the withdrawal stage to break! It'll come, right? I mean, people eventually overcome opium addictions, so SURELY this too shall pass as well right?

Oh, and yes, I packed up Eliza's baba's into a box, and she wants to ship them to her new baby girl cousin! ... AND she hasn't asked for it at all since the first day. She knows that pacifiers are for babies and not big girls and that it's hurting her teeth.

And yet, she's still rolling on the floor crying. I'd post a picture, but I think that someone would report me for cruelty to 3 yr olds.

Sorry, Eliza, no one but me can hear your screams from the basement...

p.s. Steve's on board with this whole plan too... in case you're concerned.

p.p.s. Please don't leave any comments about how cruel I am-- I already feel it enough on my own. I'd be happy to let Eliza have a pacifier until she's 41 yrs. old if it wouldn't mess up her mouth and reek havoc on any chance of her ever having a social life!

The District

2010-06-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Eliza and I spent last week in DC and Maryland with the handsome man above, Reuben, and Katy, Aaron, and Robby!

We had SUCH a blast! The best was the time we got to spend with family at...

1. The Park!

Eliza, Reuben, and I spent HOURS at the two parks that are both just blocks from Kate's house. Since Katy got put on a form of bed rest, the three of us tried to give her a break a couple times a day. I know it was really hard for Katy to stay at home while the action was elsewhere.

Reuben LOVES his walks. He periodically would point out the door to us, saying outside and knock on the door until we let him out. He would climb right into the stroller and say, "Go!"

Reuben knows how to say Eliza and my name now which is AWESOME and adorable!! The first day I was there, I heard Reuben saying my name over and over, and then he walked into the room I was in with one of my sandals. I found out quickly that it is very important to Reuben that everyone wear their shoes! You have to be ready for those walks at all times!

2. The Backyard!

Katy and Aaron's house is such a neat place! It's got lots of room, some great color, and a fantastic backyard with a deck too! The BALLER!

Katy said that this picture makes it look like Eliza lost a horrendous game of dodgeball. Haha! Instead, it's Eliza playing Sleeping Beauty.

3. Bookstore!

We got to go to the church bookstore, and here are some CD's that I wish I could have gotten...umm... but not really.

3. Georgetown!

On one of the evenings, Eliza and I took the train into the city to visit Robby! Eliza was SO excited to ride the train- excited enough that she actually SMILED for the pictures!!

Robby and his friend, Myra, walked with us into Georgetown and got some dinner and YUMMY cupcakes!

It was a really long line to the cupcake place, but soo worth it!

(Myra gave Eliza a ring pop which won Eliza's heart and tummy!)

4. The Zoo!

We did a congested version of the DC zoo. We tried to choose parts of the zoo that had places to sit down and not do a ton of walking... not our best idea for the whole bed rest thing, but Reuben managed to fit some rest in.Katy was "behaving" herself by sitting down at the aquarium for a while.

Eliza spotted this stuffed Cheetah and froze, asking me if it was real. I reassured her that it was not alive... I was not exactly sure how to explain that it was dead but stuffed? So I told her that it couldn't hurt her. She pointed it out for the camera.

There was the Amazon Rain Forest floor where there are these monkeys just out and about. Eliza was kinda freaked out by them. I asked her to take a picture with it in the back, but she did NOT want to turn her back on that thing!! haha. But she wanted a picture of it to show Oma.

5. Food!

I didn't get any pictures of myself stuffing my face, but boy did I ever! I got spoiled with Peruvian chicken, treats and shakes from the Brazilian market, Dim Sun yummy-ness with Kate, the cupcakes, a bday cake with amazing homemade frosting by Katy, Greek sandwiches, some of the best Indian food I've had, and homemade crepes almost every morning! It's a good thing I was burning some of those calories off by pushing Eliza and Reuben around in the double stroller!!

6. Family!

Eliza was THRILLED to see Uncle Robby! She was so sad when we dropped him off at the Metro on Friday morning. She kept telling me that she was sad that we said bye to Uncle Robby and kept asking me why he had to go to work.

I also LOVED getting to see Rob! I went to institute with him on Wednesday night too. He's the BEST brother EVER! He really made my birthday week the best one I can remember! He is such a generous, giving, and FUN person! I'm not always very good at being "fun," but Robby helps me out! It was also WONDERFUL to get to spend time with Kate this week! I know she was really bummed by the bed rest order. She still tried hard to make our DC week fun, but I LOVED just getting to hang out and talk with her. I've missed her SO much since she moved up to Maryland in April! She is such a hard worker and an incredible mom! I don't know how she does all that she does. Despite her and Aaron's busy-ness, they were amazingly kind to let Eliza and us invade their house and make our time special!! Thanks for having us!

Dog Children: Best Park Game EVER!

2010-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Eliza & Reuben Playing at the Park!

Cousins & Family @ the Beach!

2010-06-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple of my favorite pictures from the beach vacation we took a couple weeks ago. They are some scenes that I hope to repeat this week as Eliza and I join the DC crowd for the next week!!!! Yay for cousin time!

Perhaps my favorite family picture ever:

This is the end. This is the calm.

2010-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

I hopped on my bike yesterday and went for a really nice ride. The thermometer said it was 83 degrees outside, but the sun was hiding behind the clouds. There was a really nice breeze.

My ride was revitalizing and empowering. There's something wonderful about making my body push itself to it's limits-- feeling my heart pounding in my chest, my lungs reaching for air, and my muscles burning. I felt strong.

I like to have destinations for my bike rides, though, and this bike ride will probably have the most significant destination of all the others! I biked over to Main Street in Lexington, across from the county courthouse- my lawyer's office.

They had the papers waiting for me at the bottom floor office. I initialed 8 pages and signed the last. My heart was still beating hard from my pedaling, and I could hear my blood beating through my ears as I flipped from one page to the next. My initials, AMM, above the initials that were already there, SAM.

And it was done.

I picked up my bike helmet and left. I biked some more around Lexington without much thought put into where I was headed. I vaguely thought about how many of those roads were the same ones I biked on 10 years ago... 10 years ago when everything was so much less complicated. I'd never been on a date before, never had a boyfriend, never shared a kiss... Things were so much less complicated then, although, there is great irony in that statement because I would NEVER want to repeat being 14 years old.

Things were simpler but far more confusing than now.

I may now feel weighted down by more baggage at the age of 24- the pain of heart breaks, the stress of poverty, the loneliness of leaving home and trying to find independence, depression-- BUT the difference is... I am much less CONFUSED and LOST.

Somehow, through this divorce, I have found myself again. I don't think that's what usually happens to people when they get divorce. But for the first time in YEARS, I don't feel lost.

I have peace. I have a home. I have the atonement working in my life. I have hope and faith.

I'm working on having patience!

and I have Eliza...

... and I still have a friend in Steve. It's not the relationship we had hoped to have with each other, but we've made a decision. No longer husband and wife- now we'll have new titles. Exes, Co-parents, divorcees. To those titles we've signed our names.

But the title of friend is what I value most.

And I think I'll take another bike ride.

Your jibberish is sweet, honey

2010-05-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

A few things that have made me happy lately are...

Seeing Eliza's pony tail swing back and forth as she chased after Grandpa on a walk, playing tag.
Spotting Eliza and her Oma jogging in place while playing a Wii game together in the living room -- Hilarious!
Writing in my journal consistently again!
Watching the second season of Pushing Daisies on DVD, especially since our satellite is disconnected and Pushing Daisies is BRILLIANT. "Our love is heartier like two blind fish swimming in a volcano at the bottom of the ocean."
Listening to general conference talks on my IPOD during my commute!
Baking desserts!
Lying in Eliza's bed with her while reading her bedtime stories about getting to be a flower girl and getting Eliza's arm around my neck hugs!
Cuddling with Finnegan while I work on my laptop!
Eating extra sharp cheddar cheese with green apple slices. Yum!
Hearing Reuben say my NAME!!! and having him reach out for me to hold him! and watching him and Eliza playing and cracking up over the weekend!
Feeling the ocean waves crash and splash on me while Eliza squealed with exuberant glee in my arms.
Seeing family that I've missed SO much at NC outer banks over the weekend! (pics to come)

Musings on MOM

2010-05-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

I always knew that I wanted to be a mother. I was over-joyed when I found out that I was pregnant with Eliza. It felt like a gazillion Christmas mornings combined when I finally got to hold Eliza in my arms when she was my newborn babe. I have fallen madly in love with this little girl, Eliza Mae.

~~~

I'm not going to lie and say that I've loved every minute of being a mom- cuz seriously guys, if you just factor in the amount of POOP and other bodily fluids that you have to deal with as a mother and nothing else, you know there are moments that aren't pleasurable. There are also tears and frustration, stress and bewilderment.

BUT ... she's worth it!

I love my momma! She's my best friend and confidant! I value her wisdom, virtue, kindness, patience, and guidance-- I could go on and on. She's a beautiful woman who has faced many a challenge and hardship and persevered with such admirable strength and faith. My hero.

~~~

This mother's day was hard for me. Not just because Eliza refused to take a nap and had a tantrum during most of dinner. But it was hard. My mom and other dear friends and family helped me pull through it, though.

I want to be better at seeing all of the good things in my life, instead of the sad or bad ones that seem to overshadow me sometimes. I hope that the tone of this blog is a reflection of that effort!
~~~

My mom and I went to a store the Saturday before Mother's day. As I scoped out the little girls' dress section, Mom took Eliza to another part of the store and let her pick out a present for me! Hehe. Thanks, Mom!

Mom said that Eliza kept saying that she wanted to get me something funny, that would make me laugh. She came up with several colorful necklaces, a "silly" shirt, and a Purple (of course) gift bag that reads, "You look funny when you dance." LOVED IT!

I know this is tardy, but THANK YOU to all the moms out there and all the mother figures who have helped nurture and guide me! ESPECIALLY my mom, my Oma, my Grandma Ruth, my aunts- Aunt Joan, Aunt Barbara, and Aunt Mer, and many other strong women who have helped me in ways they may never know!

Okay, I'm done with the sappy sentiments! Sorry if this post was sort of a stream of consciousness!

First Day(s) of School!

2010-05-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

That's right, Eliza started pre-school on May 3rd! It may seem like really random timing since the school year gets out at the end of May. However, Steve started working full-time, so we needed a more full-time gig for Eliza! She started at this WONDERFUL montessori school that Abby actually went to about 13 years ago! So Eliza has the same teacher that Abby did! Isn't that cool? (Eliza always runs "laps" around the front lawn before she gets in the car in the morning! She's always rarrin' to go!)

2nd Day of School-- Tinker Bell lunch box included:

She looks sooo grown-up to me!! She's done really well transitioning to this new schedule and environment. Her teacher continues to reassure me that she is doing great and said that Eliza is a very loving child. Eliza cried several mornings during the first week but now walks into her classroom like a pro and gets to work!

It was funny today when we went to the library. We walked to the section that has puzzles in it, and there were puzzles left askew on the ground and shelves. Eliza saw the mess and said, "Somebody didn't clean up their work!" Yay for Montessori method! Already sinking in! I love how it teaches kids to be independent and take pride in the work they are capable of doing!

This summer Eliza will get to spend time in one of her montessori certified teacher's homes along with some fun-filled days with her Aunt Abby on the days that we're working!!

Steve and I really had to scramble to find child care for Eliza. It has taken quite some footwork, and I've been picking Eliza up at 2pm every afternoon and trying to do more of my work from home. I feel like we were very blessed to be able to start at the school that's so close to both Steve's and my job that has such an enriching and nurturing atmosphere, and that I finished school just DAYS before Steve started his full-time job. I appreciate that my hours are flexible, and that I get to be home all day with Eliza on Monday's and Friday's still!!

I know Heavenly Father is watching out for our family and helping us make things work! Recently in Relief Society, one of the discussions brought up the dilemma that faces many mothers who work but still want to be home to nurture their children. It reminded me of how grateful I am for personal revelation, and the opportunity that I have had to be a full-time mom and part-time worker since Eliza was ~5 months old. Financially, it might not be feasible for me to always work part-time, but I certainly cherish the time I do have with my girl!

It's OFFICIAL

2010-05-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

I Graduated!!

Dr. Arlene Andrews & I (+ Eliza who was totally DONE with the ceremony stuff)
(I was Dr. Andrews' graduate assistant this year. She is AMAZING-- one of the foremost authorities on child welfare policy and director of the Swk Ph.D. program! I learned a lot from her this year!!)

The Hooding took place on USC's historic horseshoe. It was a little hot but GORGEOUS! State Representative, Anton Gunn, was our keynote speaker. He was AWESOME-- alumnus of our program back in 2001.

'Cuz it's a Hood, right?!

Go Team Meldau!
Pictured above are my 3 top supporters/coaches/fans. I LOVE THEM SOoo Much and could NOT have made it through this last year w/o them!!!

Robby was reallllly, sweet and sent me this edible arrangement to congratulate me. I have ALWAYS wanted one of these- a bouquet made of edible fruit?? Best Idea EVER!

And we went out to EAT-- cuz that's how you celebrate in A-M-E-R-I-C-A!

So I am now an official, professional licensed, employed master of social work GRADUATE.

Hello, World!
-Amy Meldau, LMSW
*This post represents my official graduation announcement because I am poor and now have to begin to pay back my student loans*

Children can have mental illness too!

2010-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

The first full week of May (May 2-8, 2010) is designated as

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (Green Ribbon Week).

This week is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health and emphasizing the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement! The theme for 2010 National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Promoting Positive Mental Health from Birth to Adulthood.” Please join us sending out the following messages:

Mental health is essential to overall health and well being
Serious emotional and mental health disorders in children and youth are real and treatable
Children and youth with mental health challenges and their families deserve access to services and supports that are family driven, youth guided and culturally appropriate
Stigma associated with mental illness should no longer exist.

Below you will find links to a schedule of events for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and Week, a Children’s Mental Health fact sheet, a flyer to our 2nd Annual Photovoice Exhibit and directions to the exhibit (in that order).
http://sharedwork.org/8460/files/16520/9380/cmhw-events.pdf http://sharedwork.org/8460/files/16520/9381/CMHW%2BFacts%2B2010.pdf http://sharedwork.org/8460/files/8460/9380/cmhw-events.pdf http://sharedwork.org/8460/files/8460/9393/photovoice-Directions-2010.pdf

Pictured with some of the people I love...

2010-05-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Abby and I at Pine Island for Eliza's bday.
Mom and I after a session at the Columbia Temple last week!! Joyous!

Right before Robby drove off to DC (early in the morning, hence Abby and my pj's).

Abby and Me before she left for her high school PROM. She's GORGEOUS!

Mom ordered us to do a weird one, but I'm glad we did. Check out Abby's eyes- awesome!

Some of the people I wish I had pictures with from this last week:

Dad: He is often the one taking the pictures and isn't crazy about being in the pictures.
Katy, Reuben & Aaron: Felt their absence. Eliza started crying today saying she wanted to go to Reuben's house. Yesterday when we skyped with Katy, Aaron & Reuben, I had told her that we would visit them soon, and apparently "soon" meant TOMORROW. So when today rolled around... there were tears. Now I have to tell her that we're going to see them but not for a LONG time. "Long" = ~month for a 3 yr old (She's 3!?)!
Many more dear friends and family that live far away or I somehow was not able to STEAL a pic of!!

Exeunt.

THREE Years Old!!

2010-05-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

A Short History of Eliza Mae's Birthdays:

3 yrs. old!

2 Years Old!

One Year Old!

1 Day Old

Negative a few days!

___________________________________________________________________

We had Eliza's 3rd bday, a princess party, at our lovely Pine Island on Friday, April 30th.

The best day of the year!

Eliza was ready to jump in the lake within 5 minutes of her Arrival.

Oh, the beauty of Lake Murray. We love the beauty of the South!

Here's Eliza with her little friend, Sophia! They had a lot of fun together! Eliza was a lucky girl to have about 7 little friends and their parents come to party with her!

It got really windy at one point which made lighting the candles a challenge! We had a couple guys make a wall and managed to pull it off long enough for Eliza to blow all of her 3 candles out! She was sooo cute! I think we got a video of it on Dad's ipod, so maybe I can post that later.

These were some adorable Zebra cupcakes that Steve made for the party! Pretty impressive! He said that he went with purples stripes for the zebras per Eliza's request! Pretty sweet dad (literally, sweet, as in the sugar in the cupcakes, get it? ;)). My mom made a scrumptious and adorable princess cake, but I didn't get a good pic of it. :(

Here is Eliza on Saturday morning after opening up a birthday card from Aunt Joan and Uncle Dean that had some pretty awesome stickers in it. She's enjoying them with her whole body here!

Thank you everyone for you kindness and generosity on Eliza's birthday!
She was ecstatic about this birthday and was going around the house singing, "Happy Birthday to me!" hehe.

I sure am grateful for my spunky little girl! Her legs have gotten so long, and she is no longer the chunky little baby I used to carry around in my sling! She's totally a little girl now, although she occasionally informs us that she does not want to be a big girl or grow up when it comes to following some rule like pulling up her panties all by herself or not using her pacifier. Haha.
Where'd my baby go?
Here are three of my many favorite things about Eliza:

I love how much she loves to read books. Every night she cuddles into me as we dive into our books about her most recent fascination- bugs, bats, zebras, birthdays, death, Heavenly Father, the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon, families, school, fairies, etc. etc. etc. It's a special time for us!
I love how much of a "go-er" Eliza is. She LOVES to be on the go, exploring new places, being outside, and playing with people. She's no homebody! "I want to go somewhere" is a statement she makes often. She's so much fun these days, and lots of times our days together seem like a fun vacation-- the zoo, the children's museum, playgrounds, libraries, play dates, swimming, nap time (okay, that's my fun vacation item), and much more. I think that since Steve and I split up the week, it makes it so that we can get more of our executive or administrative responsibilities done on the days that Eliza is at the other parent's house-- which leaves us a lot more of a chance to focus our undivided attention on Eliza fun!
I love what a cuddle bug Eliza is with me. She's not really like this with many, but I love it. She LOVES to cuddle in the morning when she's waking me up at 6:30 am in the morning, or when I wake her up from a nap. She often just climbs into my lap to be rocked in a silly way or take a break. Even though she's getting big, she still knows how to be really sweet and cuddly. One of my favorites, though, is that when I pick Eliza up, she yells out, "Mommy!" and comes running to me to give me a GREAT.BIG.WARM.HUG. This kind of hug should have a different word to describe it because it's just that awesome.

I love this kid! Happy Birthday, my girl!

Bark in the Park

2010-04-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

My Saturday Buddies

Just Sayin'

2010-04-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

I love that I have ALL of my laundry done.

I hate that this will last for approximately 12 hours.

Eliza Accessorized!

2010-04-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

I got a gift certificate from Katy a while back for this cute little jewelry store we have here.
Eliza and I took a visit to see what we could find on Monday since we were already in the same shopping center.

I directed Eliza to the basket of kids' toys that they keep in the corner of the store while I tried to scope out the selection. I turned around at one point to find that Eliza had COVERED herself with necklaces and bracelets! (I had only looked away for about 43 seconds, I swear!) I was really worried she'd break something or the store workers would get mad at us (they were really nice, though).

However, I managed to get all the jewelry off of Eliza and convince her to help me put stuff back since it was time to go. By the time I put the jewelry away, though, I found Eliza like this:

Two bracelets, a ring, a purse, and a stylin' hat! Adorable.

I shared my gift certificate, and Eliza and I found a pretty little girls' bracelet just for her. She loves it and has worn it every day this week.

Thanks, Kate!

Just Can't Let Go...

2010-04-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

I took this picture because I thought it was really cute how Eliza wouldn't let go of this balloon and gripped it even after she had drifted off to sleep. I went in to check on her and found her this way. Funny Girl!

My parents and a good friend from our church ward who's an interior decorator, designed a whole new gorgeous room for Eliza! It's AMAZING and perfect for a little girl! And it was done very low-budget too. I am more than pleased with the results!

The main reason we made the new room, though, was so Eliza's room could be right next to mine, instead of upstairs. This has resulted in Eliza's new habit of climbing into bed with me almost every morning. I have to admit that I love having her cuddle up to me and drift off to sleep... even though we don't necessarily get the most restful sleep that way!!!

P.S. Yes, you might have noticed that we still haven't quit the pacifiers aka "Baba's." It might be more Steve and My issue than Eliza's, but since she's gone through so much lately, especially in learning to sleep in two different households, we've not completely weened her off of the paci yet.

She has two very specific pacifiers, and her favorite she refers to as, Big Blue. The other day, I was laying her down for a nap after she'd fallen asleep in the car. She was not quite awake but still managed to mumble, "Big Blue," as I handed it to her and she snuggled into her pillow and drifted back to sleep.

I've heard a lot of different tips on weaning from the pacifier. Some are pretty wacky and others seem down-right cruel! Steve and I talk about it a lot. We're thinking that maybe after Eliza turns 3, we'll make a big deal out of it, and have her help us ship off her pacifiers to Katy's "new baby girl" that's due in July. Eliza's been REALLY excited about having a new baby girl cousin (Katy, no need to feel obligated to actually use the ones we may send to you- haha)! We just have been trying to be very in-tune with Eliza's emotional state before taking away her main comforting source altogether.

I personally sucked my fingers wayyyy longer than most kids do, and I remember quitting that as being the hardest thing I had done up to that point in my life!!! My parents tried everything to convince me to stop too!

I know some people have really strong feelings about this, and I remember seeing older kids with pacifiers and thinking, "Man, my kid will never be like that!" Now I'm having nightmares of a 12 yr old Eliza still harboring Big Blue! hehe.

For now Eliza's only allowed to have her pacifiers in the car, stroller, or bed. For now... Wish us luck!

Cuisine for a 3 yr old!

2010-04-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

If it looks like this below....

... then Eliza won't eat it!

However, if I present the same meal like this...

... it's delicious!

Yay for autonomy, right?

Sunday at the Park!

2010-04-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

Mom, Abby, Eliza, the poodles, and I took a nice long stroll this evening to the elementary school's playground!
We had a blast!

Here's Eliza checkin' out her crazy fun Oma and Aunt Abby! Super Grandma! Eliza thinks Mom is the best thing since sliced bread or whatever the cliche is...

Here are some ACTION Shots!
Are these girls having a blast or what???

And here's a dinky little video showing Eliza's mad dance skills. It'll also give you a glimpse of just how much fun Aunt Abby is, how much Eliza likes to have everyone do as she says and how much she hates for me to use the camera! Oops :^(

After I put down the camera, Eliza had Mom, Abby, and I follow her in a big loop around the playground doing a "dance-run" as she LED THE WAY with her maracca-drum!
Fun times!

My 'Lil Fish!

2010-04-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Eliza had been begging me to go to the pool for a while, so we finally went last week!

Here's Eliza lounging pool-side! We were drying off after swimming, and I could tell Eliza was getting tired. I kept offering ideas for what we could do next- library, lunch, pet store.

Instead she climbed into my lap and said, "I want to stay here with mommy all day, FOREVER!" Sweet girl!

She fell asleep within minutes of getting in the car-- moments after the picture below was taken.

We're looking forward to swim season!!

Easter Special

2010-04-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our Easter was pretty special....

(Primary activity- this sweet little boy offered to share his blanket with Eliza who was cold.)

(Getting ready for the hunt- the dogs were more than willing to help Eliza out!!)

(Notice the chocolate already on Eliza's face. She only likes chocolate candy, but she loves to fill and empty the PEZ dispensers- hehe. She held this up to me and had me take a picture of her "new bunny toy!" )

Eliza sure makes holidays fun!

Grateful List Beware of Corniness

2010-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to put a post up about the things I'm grateful for, for a while now... and right NOW I am grateful to have a minute to sit down and write this post!!

Most of the time when I am sitting down at my computer it is because I have 5 assignments to complete. I do have more than 5 assignments to work on right now, BUT they're not due TOMORROW- hahaha. (There's a glimpse into my unfortunate procrastination).

Yeah, that's my life.

(This is the face I make when I'm stressed and say, "Eek!")

However, although I feel overwhelmed with my various commitments and responsibilities, I have MUCH to cherish and appreciate in my life...

I am so grateful for my dinky little 2000 Honda Civic that keeps chuggin' along! And I say chug because that's what it sounds like anytime it's turned on... it makes terrible noises, but just keeps getting me where I need to go! We spend way more time together than I would like with our commute, but I am grateful to have my own car. It's kind of my life my travelling office and locker too. Sometimes I wish I had a nicer car, but really I'm just lucky to have a car at all! (as we all are, but I was close to being car-less when Steve and I got seperated and found my little car just in time.)

I am so lucky to be living with my family right now. As you can imagine, being an adult can cause some tension when you are living with your parents. However, my parents have been very supportive and so generous to me and Eliza. And they are better than a husband when it comes to: DOING DISHES, GROCERY SHOPPING, ELIZA CLOTHES SHOPPPING, MAKING DINNERS, HAVING FAMILY HOME EVENING, BABYSITTING, and many, many other things. They're also great at encouraging me and helping me to believe in myself and my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the help they give me in the different parts of my life.

I am really grateful to have a job! I see and empathize with how stressful it is for many of my classmates, clients, and friends who are searching for employment. It's so scary. I have totally lucked out by getting hired, EVEN THOUGH my job is SOOOO Busy and pretty stressful at times. I don't get lunch breaks, and I'm always behind on my documentation trying to fit in a full-time work load in part-time hours, along with working another job, being a parent, and finishing up 15 credits of classes. Ahhhhh!

I'm grateful I passed my licensure exam. My classmates are asking me lots of questions about it, and I see the stress and sometimes panic in their eyes as they ask me about it! They and my professors have been very kind about congratulating me for passing, though! In one of my classes, everybody clapped for me when the professor announced that I had passed, which was REALLY sweet. I don't often get a round of applause in any of the jobs I do in my life! hehe. We all probably deserve more applause than we get!

I'm soooo grateful for the invention of books on CD. SERIOUSLY. I would probably have died from falling asleep at the wheel otherwise.

I am soo grateful that Eliza is the master of potty training. She has not had an accident since before I can remember, which is such a huge relief!!

Not that I wasn't grateful before, but since Katy has moved, I've been newly grateful for her and Reuben's company. Eliza and I miss them a lot. It's been sad to try to figure out what to do on our Monday's lately :( :( :( besides cry from loneliness... I'm kinda kidding?

I'm grateful that on the nights that I get home around 9 at night after a long, long day of work and school, I can go up to my mom's room, lie down at the foot of it, and just TALK. We tell each other stories about our days. Sometimes (often) I whine, sometimes we joke and laugh, sometimes I vent and cry, and sometimes I listen and sympathize/empathize with Mom's busy life and responsibilities. I always leave with a lighter load. I'm grateful for a mom who is kind, patient, and my friend.

I'm grateful for a cuddly, sweet kitty, even though he's been grumpy since his kitty friend, Battle, moved away with Katy. He is currently a light yellow kitty because he rolled in the pollen today that is outside covering everything.

I'm really grateful for my IPOD touch that Kate & Aaron gave me. One of the best presents EVA! I love having the Ensign podcast on it AND

I'm grateful for This American Life Podcast.

I am grateful for a couple TV shows that help add comic relief to my life. Especially Community and Modern Family. Hilarious stuff.

I am grateful for TUMS and Zantac. Last summer, TUMS worked well enough, but now I have to do the full on pills twice a day to keep myself from ridiculous heartburn and pain. I think I probably have an ulcer (so I should definitely follow-up with my gastroentorologist sometime because they keep calling me... but I don't have time.) Yes, I attribute this to stress.... but also to my pregnancy like permanently screwing up my digestive system.

I am grateful for hugs from the pre-schoolers in my life!! Obviously Eliza is number one in my mind. However, the little kids that I do play therapy with give me such amazing hugs too! Whenever I walk into the pre-school classroom, a little crowd of them run over to me hugging me and begging me to take them to the play therapy room or to hold them or play with them. This is what makes me LOVE MY JOB! These kids crave affection sooo much, and I'm glad to give them a little bit of love.

I am sooo grateful for SPRING!!! but it's already time to buy sunscreen for Eliza and my fair Swedish/Irish/German skin!

I am grateful for the HILARIOUS stuff that Eliza says. I was making my bed the other day, so I had my down comforter on the ground while I put on the sheets. I heard Eliza make this sound, and I thought she might have hurt herself and started sobbing. Nope, she was laughing- giddy with joy as she buried herself in the comforter. "Mommy this is my car! Come get in my car with me!" I finished the sheets and sat in the "car" with her. She had taken her socks off and placed them on the blanket. "Mom these are my sock cupholders." Oh, of course. Who wouldn't have sock cupholders in their car? "We're driving to Merry-land to see Katy and Reuben and Reuben's baby sith-ter!" Good times!

I am grateful for mornings when Eliza crawls into bed with me to cuddle me awake and asks me to tell her stories!!!!

I am newly grateful for healing that has come to me. I realized last week or so that I no longer feel the piercing ache of loneliness that I had previously felt for a very, very long time. I honestly LIKE and WANT to be single. I honestly never thought I would feel this way! Not that I don't crave interpersonal connections like everyone else-- I definitely do. BUT I don't feel the irrational yearning and dependence on having another person in my life to make it through my days. I cry myself to sleep MUCH less often than every before in my adult life! and that is WONDERFUL.

I am grateful for any of you who have read this and helped me through this last year! Gracias.

Lastly,

I am grateful that I am here on earth to grow. To learn about sacrifice, pain, peace, and joy... because of my Savior. I am grateful for reminders that help me realize that my life is not all of the drama that is happening, but that those are distractions from what is my real life that I am living...

One prince for seven princesses...

2010-03-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Eliza's been asking for a prince to join her prince into her princess figurine toy collection. So... we got one today, and the following video shows what ensued. It's not pretty...

I did not anticipate that Eliza understood the concept of human jealousy to this extent!

I want to talk about...

2010-03-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

Eliza and I had a fun week. We got to fit in some fun spring break activities despite my heavy study regiment.Here are some snapshots from our week:

Eliza was in rare form tonight during bath time.
She was not happy after I poured water on her head, and she started sniffing and saying, "Mommy, I can't smell!"
I said, "You mean, you can't see? Do you want a towel?"
Eliza: "No, I can't SMELL!" and she continued to sniff.
I chuckled and asked her what she couldn't smell.
Eliza: "I can't smell my cupcakes!"
Me: "Cupcakes? Where do you have cupcakes?"
Eliza: "On my head!"
Me: "Why do you have cupcakes on your head?"
Eliza: "Because people like them, and they like me too," she said as reached up to touch her head. I think that perhaps she got her compound words mixed up and was trying to say pigtails? If you think about it from a 2 yr old's perspective, having pigs' tails on your head might seem just as random as having cupcakes on your head!

Then a few minutes later, Eliza stood up in her bath so I could get her all soaped up, and she announced, "Mommy, you're my favorite person in the whole wide world!"
Me: "Eliza you're MY favorite person in the whole wide world!"
Then Eliza reached over and gave me a big, wet, soapy hug!
Totally worth the dampness!

I was telling Eliza about how we were going to go somewhere, and Eliza grasped her hands together and said, "Oh! That is WONDERFUL!"The other day, Eliza and I were by a fountain, and she wanted to throw in a penny and make a wish. I asked her what her wish was, and she said that she wished for her daddy, "with all my heart!" It's so funny to me that she picks up those phrases!
Eliza and I met friends at the zoo today and had a lot of fun, even though Eliza was a little grumpy. As Eliza and I drove home, I gave her some chips, and a couple minutes later she said, "Mommy, I want to send Sophia (her friend) a message."
Me: "Oh yeah? What type of message do you want to give her?"
Eliza: "I want to send her a chip message!"

I guess she was enjoying her chips so much she wanted to share it with her friend!(This was a statue of a baby gorilla at the zoo that Eliza and her friend were IN LOVE with. It took a lot of convincing to get them to say goodbye to it.)

Eliza is currently obsessed with bats and bugs! She's finally moved on a bit from asking WHY about EVERYTHING we say. Now she will tell me, "Mommy, I want to talk about ...." Insert topic. Like bugs that bite, or animal babies that are born in eggs vs. born alive, germs, strangers, heaven and Heavenly Father, what her friends are doing, what she was like when she was a baby, etc.

I love these little conversations we have together! She's really able to have substantial conversations these days, which is amazing to me! I've really wanted to take a video of her playing pretend, but she gets mad when I pull out the camera. :( So maybe someday.

My big news, though, is that I passed my social work, masters level Licensure Exam on Friday morning!! I spent this week studying like a madwoman, taking lots of lots of practice exams to prepare to take the 170 question test on Friday morning!

And I PASSED!!!

I am soo excited and relieved. This means that when I walk across the stage on May 8th, I won't just have my degree, but I will be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- an LMSW!!! Woohoo!

Now I just need to get through 5 weeks of classes, papers, and projects, and I'll be home free!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Beware: Marathon post!

2010-03-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

To all my (2?) devoted readers,

My posting continues to decrease in frequency and for that I apologize.

(Eliza took this picture! Impressive, right?)

I have thought on why I have failed to update this blog more and came up with a few excuses/reasons.

Obvious: I am in grad school. I write a lot EVERY DAY and usually stay up writing a lot EVERY NIGHT. I should be writing grad school stuff right now but the PsycInfo database was struggling to load, so I took a break. That's right, folks. I'm swamped.

But it's more than that. I unfortunately am a time waster and procrastinate by spending time on such curious sites like facebook, etc., so it's not like I don't have ANY time. So other things I realized that were keeping me from writing more on here are:

I'm different. I feel like I don't have people I can relate to or relate to me. I used to blog and blog-stock CONSTANTLY. Now my Google Reader always has about 100 unread posts in it. But before when I blogged, I was a full-time mom who worked part time. There were a lot of people on the blog-o-sphere who were in a similar enough situations to me that I felt like a part of things. Now I'm a single mom who lives with her parents, works as a therapist, is a grad student, has a 2 1/2 year old daughter, is getting divorced, and straddling this world of mommy-hood and single-dom. It's a really bizarre place. I'm not trying to say that I only want to read about people who are EXACTLY like me, though, b/c that would be boring, but... it's different.
I think in some ways my life is a LOT more stimulating than it was. Getting to be at work doing fascinating stuff with people who are in need and being challenged academically-- it's exhilarating and fulfilling for me in a way that being a mostly stay-at-home mom never was for me. I still am home with Eliza 3.5 days out of the week, but it's really different than when I only worked one or two evenings a week from 3:30pm to midnight. So the allure of fulfillment and stimulation that blogging seemed to offer before is not there as much anymore.
A lot of the work I do that I find fascinating is confidential and would be inappropriate to share about on a blog. I have a LOT of sad stories that are shared with me on an almost daily basis. And the stories that aren't sad/confidential usually seem like they would bore most people who I think read this blog.
A lot of my feelings about my family and my divorce would be inappropriate and much too personal to share on this venue too. And honestly, I am careful who I share stuff with. There seem to be so many people who are morbidly curious for details about my divorce! I feel like they want to ask me about it in the same way that they kreen their necks to get a glimpse of a bloody accident on the side of the road. And YES, I realize that it seems like a lot of 20-something's are getting divorced these days and so that seems statistically significant and interesting to you, but I DON'T CARE. If you want to talk about that, go talk about it with your spouse or married friends- haha. I am just myself and don't care to be used as a vignette in a sunday school lesson on marriages that didn't make it. ***NOTE: If you want to talk to me about the many happy and interesting things that are going on in my life, though, I would LOVE to chat/talk, though! I am not my divorce-- that is not my defining feature, and I don't want to be treated like it is. Then if that substantive conversation turns to us talking about other things, then that's great too! I'm actually a pretty open person.
That leads to my next reason- I worry that people will find my honest expressions or thoughts as angry or bitter. Anger and bitterness are easier emotions to deal with than sadness and fear, so many divorcees are angry and bitter. It's just part of the healing process, I think. But I get concerned about distressing others and being judged sometimes. We'll stick with Eliza pictures on those weeks! hehe.
Eliza is often VERY resistant to getting her picture taken! Less cute pictures of Eliza = not as cool of a blog here! I'm pretty sure that those are what keep people coming back to this site most of at all.

(She was happy before and after I had the camera-- I swear!)

I started this blog when I lived farther away from my parents and siblings. Now Robby's the only one in my immediate family that lives far away. I love knowing that my West Coast family can know some of what's going on here, though! :D
I want my posts to be "perfect" and ever-so-clever and gripping-- and usually I don't have much of that to divulge!

So anyways! I hope I didn't scare everyone away with that! Thanks a bunch to those of you who comment-- it cheers up my day!

Some updates that people might not be aware of:

I got a job!!!!!!! They asked me to stay on as a therapist at my internship at The Nurturing Center! I'll be working about 30 hours a week, and be able to do some of my work from home, so I'll still have lots of time with Eliza! I LOVE the work I get to do there even though it's pretty intense at times!
I'm pretty sure we're going to start Eliza at a Montessori preschool soon! I'll share more updates on that later.
Eliza has now moved into her new GORGEOUS big girl room! It took some adjustments, but it's great for her room to be right next mine, instead of up two flights of stairs! I'll try to take some pictures soon because Mom, Dad, and Tim Strickland did an AMAZING job on making it the perfect room for a little princess!

(Eliza told me to take this picture of her reading the BoM by herself)

Eliza has morbid curiousity with death. She likes to act out that she's my dead dog, Mika, and we'll say, "Mom, you be Heavenly Father, and I'll be Mika, who's dead." And then I have to say, "Oh, Mika, it's so good to see you. I missed you while you were on earth." And Eliza pretends to pant.

(This is Eliza's Mika doll- she likes to take him most places)

Other times she just has me act like Heavenly Father and asks me what he says, or Daniel and she's the lions in the den, or the hunter who almost stabs Snow White and she's Snow White. This girl LOVES to play pretend. We have some simpler ones like I'm Cinderella and she's the fairy god mother or vice-versa. Sometimes she likes to pretend to be Reuben and Aunt Katy too- FUNNY! Or when mom went out of town to help Robby with his knee surgery, Eliza had me pretend to be Robby with a hurt knee and hobble around while she was Oma who helped him feel better.

Eliza is newly obsessed with Bats, bugs that eat you, her tummy being sick (hypochondriasis?), sippy cups with dogs on them, jewelry, reading about the Lamanites who fight people in the Book of Mormon stories. She'll tell me, "I want to read the mean ones!" I worry about what the scriptures are REALLY teaching my child? Alma and Almulek seeing the children and women burned? Abinadi? King Noah? The crucifiction? Any story involving Moroni... haha.
Eliza loves playing with my camera and can actually take pictures some of the time. I think it was pointing the wrong way this time:

Princesses are still a huge part of our every day life!

(Did not want to be interupted from her movie to take a pic)

Take Care, Friends!

Valentine's Birthday Bash!

2010-02-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

Here's our family's favorite Valentine! (Eliza was a great "helper" with opening presents)
Happy Birthday, Momma!

Dad framed Mom's Masters of Science and Nursing Diploma from USC! VERY NICE. I want one of those!!

Here's how Reuben likes to party:

And Eliza celebrated by barfing everything up a few minutes before bed. And she insisted on cleaning up herself. :^( She still kind of sick and threw up again yesterday- poor girl!

Hope everybody had a great Valentine's Day!

Another more macabre part of my day... I took a bouquet of fuschia roses to Amber's grave. Valentine's Day reminds me of her growing up because I always bought her carnations so she would have one delivered to her in class in high school. It was good to remember Amber who was SO full of love on this, the official day of love.

Pedicure Reciprocated!

2010-02-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

So I promise that I change Eliza's clothes. She just requests her Cinderella dress most evenings!

This evening, in an effort to convince Eliza to let me trim her fingernails and toenails, I got out my nail polish (that I'd recently purchased after Aunt Mer recommended a pedicure to help me do something nice for myself. $1 nail polish from Wal-Mart probably wasn't what she had in mind, but I'd lost my nail polish in my last move anyways, so I thought I'd restock.)

Eliza loved the idea of getting her nails painted. I put a towel down on the ground and tried to paint her nails, even though they were a slightly moving target. She admired my work after I finished.

And then, she being the altruistic child that she is, wanted to return the favor!

"Mommy, now it's your turn! I do your nails!" Uhhh... and I forgot to say no. But at least I said toes only, right?? After all, I didn't want to crush her little creative spirit or something.

I think her results were pretty good for a two year old who kept painting even while turning her head away to watch the TV show! Haha.

I need to find the nail polish remover. At least it's not sandal season!!

Princess Rewards

2010-01-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

"I'm Cinderella!" Anounced Eliza as she ran into the dining room and did a twirl to show everyone her new dress.

We played with one of her friends who had princess dress-up dresses for the Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Cinderella. Eliza sobbed when it was time to take the Cinderella dress off and go home.

So, I started a behavior modification chart- aka sticker chart- last week for Eliza, and it's been working wonderfully! I had been having trouble motivating Eliza to brush her teeth, share with her cousin, clean up her toys, and get her hair done. So I made this chart while Eliza was drawing one night, and it's done wonders for her behavior!

(Legend- lips are for brushing teeth, 2nd row is cleaning up, heart is for sharing, and star is miscellaneous-- usually for not fighting when she gets her hair done or being nice to the pets. A few of her stickers have fall off.)

And when she gets seven stickers, she gets a toy! Hence, the cinderella dress.

This chart has made discipline around here a LOT more fun. I know some people are morally opposed to the reward system, but for now, it's working for us!

Grad School Snapshot

2010-01-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

Before I cleaned up, I thought I'd snap a picture of what my desk usually looks like during these grad school days!
It could and probably will be much worse as the semester load thickens! Yippee!

Looking forward

2010-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

I hope that 2010 will be a year of new beginnings for me. And not just because I'm the new Laurel Advisor (hehe, YW allusions are the funniest- not really).

I was just thinking about what I look forward to accomplishing this year, and it got me excited instead of filled with horrible anxiety and panic!

So I thought I'd savor that train of thought while I can by publishing it via the BLOG.

I am looking forward to Beginning New by...

Graduating! The biggest one, definitely! I cannot WAIT to walk across the stage on May 8th to be awarded with my Masters of Social Work degree. That will be FAN-freakin-tastic. It's still going to take a lot of work between now and May 8th to get to that point, but I know I can do it! (right?) Although, I am procrastinating writing my first paper right now by blogging...

Passing my Licensure Exam! I just mailed in my application to sit for my exam in February!! I, obviously, really hope that I can pass the first time I take it, but if not, I'll take it again in May and pass!!! Then I will be Amy Meldau, LMSW! SWE-EET!

Get my first job as an LMSW and my first FULL-Time job since having Eliza. I'm not excited about thinking of being gone from Eliza, but I am really excited about getting a job to be able to SUPPORT Eliza and myself!!! And getting a job in this economy will truly be something to celebrate.

Finalizing my Divorce. I'm not looking forward to that because I think divorce is a great thing or whatever, but more because getting through the big pile of legal crap will be quite the accomplishment... AND because it represents a huge new beginning for myself, and I am FINALLY in a place in my life where I can look forward to that. So anyone who is cynical/crazy enough to have a "you're offically divorced party!" with my in July-- here's your official invite. just kidding... Oh, and another part of this is getting to change my hyphenated name back to the original and glorious, Amy Meldau. (That is what I am already going by for anyone interested in calling me by my first and last name).

Eliza's 3rd birthday!! I can't believe that I'll have a THREE year old! Ahh! It's insane! I love Eliza to death and am so excited to start another year with MY GIRL! Plus, at age 3, Eliza will be able to start at the Montessori preschool!!! That will be awesome!

Generally, I am excited to be living life with the new zest, freedom, and peace of mind that I've been able to restore in my soul recently with the help of my Savior, my Heavenly Father, a great therapist, my family, and my routines from zenhabits.net!

So now, I'll leave these hopes and dreams here and in the future where they belong, and go back to living in the present and learning to ENJOY where I am right now, this minute, in my life!

Funny Eliza Quotables

2010-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

When we turned the lights out in the room, Eliza yelled, "I can't see my blue eyes!"

Some of you have already heard this one, but Eliza and I were talking about how there were germs in the toilet, and with great concern in her voice, Eliza said, "Mommy, you fell in the toilet when you were a little girl?" Apparently she was ready to comfort me for my past trauma!

Eliza: "I need something."

Me: "What do you need?"

Eliza: "Something PERFECT!"

When I tell Eliza it's time to go to bed, she says to me, "Mommy, I a little bit hungry! I need icecream."

Eliza still asks what everyone and everything is think or saying. Today she was asking me what the car was saying. So she said...

Eliza: "Mommy, you be the car."

Me: "Okay."

Eliza: "Hey car! I Eliza! You want to go to the library?"

We were playing a drawing game on the computer that had a bomb sticker that you can put on it. Eliza asked me what it was and I told her it was a bomb.

Eliza said, "It's a bum?"

Me: "A bomb, baahhhm."

Eliza: "A bum," as she pats herself in the bum.

Me: "No, a bomb. Bombs blow up when you set them on fire."

Eliza: "I want to play with fire."

Beautiful Oma

2010-01-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Photo Shoot: In front of the Christmas Tree

2010-01-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Adorable!

Still waking up!

All of The Four dedicated to Mom:

I said, "Let's do a crazy one!"
Apparently that equals violence for Kate and Robby...

Our Solemn Reuben Faces:

One place I'd shop at if I had any money!

2010-01-01T08:16:00.001-08:00

(Easel on the Eyes Dress)

Modcloth is an online shop with "Mod Retro Indie Clothing."

(Britannica Dress)

So I'm enjoying some window shopping! (Southwestern Spa Dress)

(Mission Street Dress)

(Beyond Every Grey-T Dress)

Sometimes just pressing the "Add to Bag" button is fulfilling enough to get a shopping fix! Plus they have really cute, fun names for each dress.

(Not that I would wear the dresses sleeveless, but there are ways around that--just to reassure you, Mom.)

How well do you know Eliza? Quiz

2009-12-28T08:51:00.001-08:00

Eliza has loved telling people what some of her favorite things are lately, ever since she was asked what her favorite animal was in gymnastics class in September!

Although, with some things, she has new favorites every day and loves to anounce, "That's my FAAAaaavorite!"

So I asked Eliza to report on some of her favorites. You can test your knowledge on how well you know Eliza or get to know her a little better from these clips!

1) What's her favorite animal?

2) What is her favorite color?

3) What is her favorite movie?

4) What is her favorite book?

5) Where is her favorite place to go?

6) What is her favorite TV show?

7) What is her favorite toy + Bonus Question: What's Reuben's favorite toy??

Answers: 1) Zebra 2) Purple and Pink 3) Disney new one- The Princess and the Frog 4)"The Lion One" I'm not sure what she's talking about. 5) The Zoo! 6) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! 7) Princesses Bonus: Balls, of course!!

Get any of them right???

Please, share!

For Eliza in Utah

2009-12-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a corny video I made for Eliza who is in Utah right now with her dad.

I'm posting it specifically for her, but if anyone else would like to watch they can (probably won't be very exciting).

I love my Eliza girl.

The many FACES of Eliza!

2009-12-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

(Click on picture to see a larger version)

Best Christmas EVER!

2009-12-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

(Well, at least she loved the panda!)

Contrary to what this picture seems to depict, this year seems to be turning out to be the best Christmas ever!!!

My criteria for that declaration relates to Eliza's comprehension and interest level in the magic of this holiday season!

She has manifest this through her obsession with presents, Santa ("What's Santa saying, Mom?"), UNCLE ROBBY (more about that later), hanging candy canes on the Christmas tree "all-by-m'self!, the Christmas tree, Christmas lights, baby Jesus, a plethura of Christmas books, and .... presents!

She is SO much fun and totally has made the angry mobs of Christmas shoppers and drivers more bearable! hehe.

And check this out:

Love her sooooo much!

I love YOUR little brain, Mommy!

2009-12-10T20:25:00.001-08:00

Eliza has moved on (somewhat) from asking Why? about everything. Now she has starting asking about what everybody and everything is thinking, but instead she asks, what are they saying.

What is Grandpa saying? What is the kitty saying?

She asks this a lot when we're not around the cat or dog or grandpa.

Lots of times I make up something. Usually if we're out running errands, and Eliza asks me what Zara (the dog) is saying, I tell her- "Zara's going [insert snore sound] because she's sleeping!" or "She's saying. I wish Eliza would come home! I want to play with her so so so so much!"

So a normal conversation while driving in the car:

Eliza: Mommy, what's Oma saying?
Me: Oma's saying, I better go help those sick kids!
Eliza: Why?
Me: 'Cuz that's what Oma does! She helps sick kids feel all better, just like the doctor! (pediatric nurse practitioner's hard to say)
Eliza: What's Grandpa sayin?
Me: Grandpa's saying, Man! I need to get this computer to work!
Eliza: Why?
Me: Because that's what grandpa does for work. He helps computers so they don't get broken.
Eliza: Mommy, whatch u sayin'?
Me: I'm saying, It's so fun to be with Eliza! She is such a fun girl to play with! Fun, fun, fun!
Eliza: What's Abby sayin? and on and on and on...

One of Eliza's favorite people to ask about is her cousin, Reuben.

I enjoy answering about Reuben because usually I can say, "I think Reuben's saying, I'm sleepy!"
Eliza: "Why?"
Me: "Because it's sleepy time. It's time for kids to go to bed."
or
Me: "I think Reuben's saying, I'm hungry! Let's eat lunch!" Eliza: "Why?" Me: "Because it's lunch time, and we need to eat our food all up before we go play!"

Steve told me that one morning Eliza asked him...
Eliza: "Daddy, what's the sun saying?"
Steve: "I don't know. What do you think the sun's saying?"
Eliza, using a deep, husky voice: "Where IS everybody?!"
Apparently the sun talks kind of like Ernie from Sesame Street.

After I heard this story, I was laughing really hard about it and said to Eliza
Me: "Oh, 'Liza, I love your little brain!"
Eliza immediately responded with: "I love YOUR little brain TOO, Mommy!"
I cracked up more and Eliza giggled and said: "We're talkin' bout funny stuff, huh, guys?"

Eliza's best quote of all is from Halloween night. We had dumped out all of her candy from her pumpkin pail and laid it out. She studied it and then suddenly began jumping up and down yelling, "Yippeeee! It's not DOG FODD!"

Here's a video of it:

We have NO idea where that came from. I swear I don't feed my daughter dog food...

Eliza's becoming a proper and bonafide Southern girl, as well, and seems to have mastered her "Yes ma'am's!" It's adorable... although she's still learning to use yes sirs instead of yes ma'ams with men... but that's adorable too, just in a different way.

I've also really enjoyed that Eliza has started saying, unsolicited, "I love you soooo much, Mommy!"

And sometimes when I say something to Eliza like, "Here you go, sweetheart."

Eliza will look up at me and say, "Mommy, I your sweetheart?"

Yes, Eliza, yes. You are my sweetheart.

SUPER STAR!

2009-12-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Holiday Wish List anyone?

2009-12-01T23:19:00.000-08:00

Todays Mama and Provo Craft are offering $3800 in prizes, including a Madsen bicycle, Amber Alert GPS, and goodies from Provo Craft! FUN!

All you need to do is:

Answer the following questions and send a link back to Today’s Mama and Provo Craft using this link. Then, tag 10 friends.

All instructions here.

AND I actually thought the questions were fun, sooo...

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

Black clogs that have thick rubber soles and can be comfortable but nice enough to wear to work. Something like this or maybe this or go for really fun, not as practical with this or this or this! or this ... OK, I'll just go make a shoe wish list on Amazon.
A new charger for my camera so I can finally use it again!
Music to work out to on my IPOD or clothes to work out in.
Next semester's textbooks paid for. (pretty boring, right?)
Target Gift Card (that's kind of a wish for more wishes stunt)

Can I add a dream list?

Iphone
A Job lined up for when I graduate in May?!! that I enjoy, has flexible hours, and benefits. Too much to ask?
Kindle
My own house
Furniture

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you ever received?

Probably Aunt Joan's origami money creations that I look forward to getting every year! In the past I've received a money picture frame, jewelry, mobile of cranes, and much much more awesome origami.

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?

Maybe to sew or embroider something for my mom or sisters. Last year I made them all purple beaded necklaces! Mom's the only one who wears hers, though.

4. What was the best Christmas gift you ever received as a child?

Hmm, hard to pick just one. The year that grandpa got us a trampoline was pretty exciting. The little boom box I got at age 11 pretty much rocked my world for years until someone broke into our house and stole it. But then insurance gave us money to replace it so I got an even bigger stereo that I still have/use today!

5. What items are top on your kids’ wish list this year?

Probably anything princess (suppressing gag).
Art supplies
A Dollhouse with little toy people or animals to play in it!

Eliza is SUCH a thankful child. Lots of times when I hand something to her, be it a sippy cup, her rain coat, a stuffed animal, or some food, she says so enthusiastically, "Mommy you got this for me? From the store? Oh, THANK YOU, MOMMY!" It's soo cute and sweet.

Then she goes around and tells everyone, "My mommy got me a new [raincoat]!" even though she's had it for months already. So maybe I'll wrap a beanie baby that we already own, and I bet she'll still be excited! (I'm on a tight budget, ok?)

Eliza also pretends to give people and her toys imaginary presents and has me act out that they unwrap them and are so excited to see that they got an imaginary flower, some fruit, a toy, a sticker, a toothbrush, or some other random object that Eliza has an affinity for.

6. What is your favorite holiday food?

Peppermint Ice Cream or Chic-fil-a's peppermint chocolate chip shake. YUM!
Mom's Christmas wreath cookies and gingerbread cookies.
Our shepherd's meal on Christmas eve where we eat what the shepherds might have eaten before they saw the star... homemade bread, cheese, dried fruit, grape juice, nuts, and some fresh fruit. We all sit down and eat it picnic style by the fireplace and read the nativity story.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

A new fabric quiet book for Eliza for church! We already have two that Mom and I made for Abby back in the day, and Eliza loves 'em! but they've lost some of their pieces.

I have some other things in the works, but mums the word!

8. Favorite holiday songs:

Winter Song by Sarah Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
Straight-up hymns
MoTab carols
Some classical music that I don't feel like talking about.

9. Favorite holiday pastime?

Sleeping
Eating
Playing games with my family!
Baking with my mom.
This year, studying for my MSW licensure exam that's in February!

Now tag 10 friends:

What if i don't have 10 friends, especially who have blogs? Umm, Katy, Abby, Mom, Aunt Barbara, Jennifer, Rebecca, Abigail, Kim, Sheridan Ladies!, Sarah H., Sarah A., your mother, and you if you're reading this!

BUT it won't hurt my feelings if you're not feeling it!

Picture with a 1000 words or less: New Moon

2009-11-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

New Moon

I have not yet seen it.

Mom, Abby, and Katy (not pictured) saw it opening night Friday morning at midnight...

I stayed home writing a paper.

Ahh, the life of a grad student. So Glamorous.

Dad was nice enough to keep me company. I know it broke his heart to stay away from that teenage love triangle and watch sports center instead.

Is there anyone out there that was planning on seeing it but has not seen it yet? Abby has been nice enough to volunteer to see it again with me ...if I make her. I'm sure it'll take a lot of convincing.

Hair cut: Before and After

2009-11-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

My best friend, Jennifer Tuttle Beebe, has been in town visiting her family for Thanksgiving, which has been SO fun!

She also happens to be an AMAZING hair stylist!

Behold!

Before:

(I think this pic is hilarious. I had just woken up from a nap and

was having trouble cutting my waffle. haha. Eliza looks adorable in this pic, tho!)

After:

Thanks, Jen! Totally wish you lived here! ;)

Larger than life...

2009-11-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

Today as Eliza and I played imaginary picnic or "Pig-nack" inside the McDonald's playplace, she told me, "Mommy, no! You sit there, and I'm going outside." I redirected to her and told her to say please and speak nicely, so she did.

As she climbed back in to the little space we'd been playing in, I switched sides so she could get in to the small rectangular space easier.

"No! That's MY chair!" I redirected her manners again, but cracked up that apparently her imagination was detailed enough to include chairs. I moved back to my "chair" and helped support her little body as she climbed over the rope divider.

As I put my hands on her to lift her up and over, I had a distinct impression of just how enormous this little person's spirit and personality was. I was awed at her power and intelligence... and I felt grateful to be a person in her life who could be there to "help" and assist her...

...even if all I was doing at the time was trying to not ruin her "pig-nack."

I love my little, larger-than-life, Eliza!

Fair Feathers Food Fun Family Home Evening

2009-10-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

We spent our Family Home Evening a few weeks ago at the SC State Fair. So Eliza, Abby and I met up with Mom & Dad and Katy, Aaron & Reuben.

We had a blast! But if I'm gonna keep this blog going during the rest of this semester, I'm going to have the pictures speak for themselves.

The Caterpillar Rollercoaster! This was the only ride Eliza rode. But she rode it three times! Once as soon as we got there with me. After eating during the middle of our time there with Oma. And then on our way out with Aunt Abby! She was just barely 36" -- just barely tall enough to ride the littliest, easiest kiddie rides. She was excited to ride them but did not want to ride them without me, so that left like 3 ride options.

Caterpillar it was!

If you look closely, you can see Eliza and me in the right corner.

The animal barns were the best part for Eliza, I think.

I had Eliza pose with the peacocks! If you have been around Eliza lately you know why!

For you out-of-towners, the peacock is Eliza's favorite animal to impersonate. Even though I have attempted several times to teach her what sound the peacock makes by showing her youtube videos, etc., she continues to say that the peacock makes this terrible loud, growling honk that sounds like a dying goat! Maybe I should try to get a video of it. She also has a peacock beanie baby that she would take EVERYWHERE if I let her.

She loves her some peacock!

Goats and Sheep. We ran into some friends, the Sheridan's who were riding the Elephants and Camels, and Br. Sheridan shared some sheep food with Eliza. Eliza was ecstatic.

Eliza loooooovvvvvvedddddd riding the pony! She was adorable.

These llama's were crazy smart! And really soft too! He was like eating out of the food machine before I had even turned the knob. Eliza really like them until I got some food and then she just wanted me to do it.

The fair food was a hit as always. Check out Kate's blog to hear more about it. Below, however, is a picture of me right after I took a bite of a "Pig Licker" or the chocolate and powder sugar covered bacon thing. BLAH!

I'll try everything once?

This last Friday, we also attended the annual little Halloween carnival at Pine Island put on by my dad's company. Eliza only wanted to keep her costume on for like 5 minutes. Oh well. At least she was nice enough to try to share her Nerd's with Reuben!

What are older cousins for but to expose you to hard, small, choking-hazardous sugar items...?

Abby and I hadn't gotten quiet enough out of the fair on Monday night, so we went back out on Friday night after Eliza and the old folks were in bed. (Well... Dad was actually still awake when we got back)

I think we ended up riding every single crazy, scary, adult ride plus some. I only got nauseous once, and that was right after finishing off a 10-inch gyro that I shared with Abby right before hopping on the ride that drops like 10 stories in 2 seconds.

Otherwise, it was a complete blast, and we stayed until the rides stopped running! Abby was the best fair date EVA! Thanks, Boo!

Spooky Spiders

2009-10-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

Eliza and I made spider hats for halloween!

We got a book from the library about spiders, got a $1 spider from Target that only has 6 legs, have been admiring all the spider halloween decorations, and have been running into spiderwebs all over the place in our walks in the woods.

So we made spider hats!

For anyone who's interested, I love getting weekly pre-school lesson theme plans from this blog on my blog reader. I've gotten some great craft ideas from there too, and the spider hats were one of them.

Reuben enjoyed the spider fun too.

He was very cute walking around with it on his head, but unfortunately it did not stay on him long.

No Einstein in Your Crib? Get a Refund.

2009-10-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

"Parent alert: the Walt Disney Company is now offering refunds for all those “Baby Einstein” videos that did not make children into geniuses.

"They may have been a great electronic baby sitter, but the unusual refunds appear to be a tacit admission that they did not increase infant intellect."

Check out the article here.

I still think Eliza is a genius (not because of Baby Einstein), AND I'm totally getting some money back.

A Child of God serenades a cockroach

2009-10-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

So we had the bug man come through and spray last week. So since then, some dead bugs have turned up in the basement.

Every time Eliza sees any bug (dead of alive), she says, "Ooo! Mommy, a BUG!"

But when it's a dead bug, for some reason, Eliza has developed a really strange but sweet(?) system for dealing with it.

She sings to it, of course! What else would you do?

And what song does she sing? Well, she starts out with the last line of I Am a Child of God, which goes, "Teach me all that I must do to live with him someday!" and then she goes on into the rest of the song from the beginning.

Then when she finishes the song, she looks up and smiles at me, and says, "Mommy, they're happy now!"

So not really how I had envisioned the song's usage when I taught her I Am A Child of God recently, but that's neat...?

After all, God cares about each little sparrow, so that applies to the lowly cockroaches too, right?

I guess I'm glad to see Eliza showing some compassion to the little creatures, however gross they are.

Turkey Trot: How to Train to Run a 5k Race in Four Weeks

2009-10-14T21:28:00.001-07:00

So in 5 weeks, some of my family and I are going to run in the SC Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Ninth Annual Dan Davis Memorial TURKEY TROT!

Race information can be found HERE.

I think the last time I ran in it was like in 2002. It was really fun. The course goes through downtown Columbia.

I've been working out consistently, but not hard core. But I like a challenge to work towards that's not related to weight loss or something like that. Honestly, I wish I could just be playing soccer, but I don't have time to belong to a team.

Anyways, so Cool Runnings website has these 4 steps to preparing for a 5k or How to Train to Run a 5k Race in Four Weeks eHow.com. I think I might start at Step #3, though.

I'm curious to see what I can get my time down to. Doubtful that I'll break 21 minutes like in high school, but perhaps I can keep up with Abby who's been training hard core during this cross country season. It'd be nice if I can average about 8 minute miles.

We'll see.... I can already feel my sides cramping.

Anyone want to join in?

A heart so big...

2009-10-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

I miss my dear friend, Amber. Today is a year since she passed away.

I believe that she would want to be remembered.

I am grateful for the warmth and joy she brought to my childhood and life. It's been really, really hard to cope with the loss of Amber. It's been a hard year...

I miss you, Amber, and you are loved.

Exciting News...

2009-10-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Eliza is POTTY TRAINED!!!!
(Eliza enjoying a potty treat)

Hip-Hip-Hooray!

I love that when I smell a poopy diaper, it belongs to somebody else's kid!!!

We used the Toilet Training in Less Than a Day
method if anyone's interested. Thankfully, Eliza was ready! She's been diaper free (except for night time) for a month now!!!.

Cousins Dancing!

2009-09-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a low quality video that is sideways!

But in person, it was ADORABLE!!

Weeee!

2009-09-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Eliza is ecstatic!

Oma and Grandpa put up a swing in the front yard!

Weeee!

(It's almost impossible to get her out!)

In case you didn't know...

2009-09-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

... This is Princess Eliza ...

...And this is what a princess dance looks like...

I've got it pretty good with a girl like her.

Who else has been lucky enough to get to dance with a princess before 8am on a Saturday?? :^)

Welcome... I'm worried that the exclusive, private stuff is too complicated...

2009-09-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad celebrated their 27th Anniversary on Aug. 26th. Yay! Katy made the cake (I made 7 layer dip for dinner), but as fabulous as that was, they still decided to take a mini-get-away trip to Charleston the weekend after their anniversary. They took their bikes and toured Charleston on wheels and tested out some delish restaurants too.

And it's very sad for all of us in SC, but Robby head back to BYU and started classes on Monday (Aug. 31st).

(Robby says he looks like an 80's aerobic instructor in this pic- haha)
Eliza doing something crazy on the kitchen floor, wearing all pink- her favorite color these days. Who's surprised?

We got a family pic on the last day Rob was here:

(Click on it to make it bigger)

My semester classes and internship are getting busy these days! Eliza and I are still having a blast and staying busy on my no-class days, though! Some of her favorite activities that maybe I can catch some pictures of soon are...

Swimming
Pet store
Library
Park- for swings and slides, but mostly to feed the fishies!
Play in the giant (collapsable) house thing that my parents have for her in the basement. It's "Eliza's house!"
Play computer games on PBSKids.org (sometimes inside Eliza's house on my netbook).
Play LEGOs; this requires that they all be dumped out in order for it to be entertaining, apparently.
"Play GAME!" She likes me to pull out board games that are for adults and pretend to play them. It's funny, and she's relentless with the game demands.
"Hide!" She's learning how to play Hide-n-Go-Seek. But mostly she just likes to play under the covers and get tickled.
Go on walks, although she doesn't really walk. She either RUNS! or rides in a stroller or gets piggie-back-rides. I'm getting more and more buff every day. Her favorite is to take the dogs with us and go into the wooded trails. She's hard core!
Singing and dancing to any music at any time!
Entertain people with her crazy monster voice. I'll have to get a video of that.

I just signed her up for a fall gymnastics-like class at The Little Gym, which I'm really excited about! And toddler time at the library starts next week too! Yahoo!

Beach Babe and Ender's Game

2009-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

We had a blast in Charleston once again last Monday!!
Eliza was a beach SUPERSTAR! or a Ponyo Fish or a Little Mermaid or just a big girl, depending on whichever struck her fancy from hour to hour!

AND Introducing.......................

Tiffany Enders! Robby's girlfriend of four months now. She's from Palos Verdes, California, outside of L.A., and she and Robby met in their BYU student ward. Hopefully she won't hate me for posting these pictures of her, but I think she looks great! She has her own blog, Life As I Know It.She made the trip out to see us and see SC last week, and we tried hard to impress her with some of our best Southern Wonders like Charleston with the beach and Hyman's Seafood, Shealy's BBQ, and Columbia Museums.

We all thought she was REALLY sweet and loved seeing how much fun Robby and she had together! Thanks for the visit, Tiffany!Here's a pic we took while waiting for Hyman's

I loved this pic of Mom with both her Grandkids!!

And here are some pics of us enjoying the Shealy's feast! YUM! Best Southern BBQ EVER!

Steve was too busy with work to come to Charleston with us, but was able to take a break to hit up Shealy's!

I love how busy Eliza's getting in this picture. That's because we had busted out the dessert! She's my girl!

Steve reported that he and Eliza had a blast at Davey and Bianca's wedding, and that Eliza was a dancing queen! Hopefully they'll have some fun pictures to share soon.

My Little Princess....???!?!?!

2009-08-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

Eliza and I went walking on the Lake Murray dam a few weeks ago in the hot, hot sun right before we went and jumped into the lake. Eliza was stylin' in her sunglasses.

It's funny because at the beginning of the summer, Eliza was afraid to even get in the pool, especially past the first step.

But she's made a total transformation! Now she wants to swim "by m'self!"well, with floaties, of course! She was even trying to do it by herself at the beach on Monday, which was really stressful for me! Now she's obsessed with being a "lil' mumaid!" and letting her hair flow behind her in the water.

She's also obsessed with being a princess, much to my chagrin, but I'm trying to flow with it. I'm trying to think of it as sort of like the parents that are worried about their little boys loving the color pink and baby dolls... I'm just hoping she'll kinda grow out of it. I'm trying to commission a princess drawing or book from Steve (during all of his free time that he doesn't have) that has a princess who's tough and plump and happy getting in the dirt or something.

My favorite princess book that I read to Eliza is The Paperbag Princess that I used to read when I was younger. The princess's name happens to be Elizabeth too, which was my middle name and, ya know, sounds like Eliza! Perfect!
When a dragon smashes her castle and burns all her clothes, and steals her fiancee, Elizabeth doesn't take it lying down. She pulls herself together and heads off to fix things.
She tricks up the dragon leaving him fireless and exhausted, which enables her to rescue Ronald (my dad's name-btw).

Ronald, it turns out, is no prize and in a truly ungrateful manner he insults her appearance and tells her to come back when she's dressed like a real princess. The last page of the book is the best...

"Ronald," said Elizabeth, "your clothes are really pretty and your hair is all neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum." They didn't get married after all.

Cool, right? I want my Eliza to be that kind of princess! But in the meantime, I'm humoring her with dress up shoes (that she immediately calls princess shoes), letting her wear pink dresses and watch Cinderella, and allowing her to explore this not-so-unique interest.

In my art therapy group with the parents at my internship on Wednesday morning, we made collages of images, phrases, and colors that reminded us of our children. I ended up making one too while I talked with the mom's at my table.

(The pic was too big for the scanner so I collaged the collage on the computer. You can click to make it bigger...)

Two phrases that I chose that made me think of Eliza the most were...

"Redefining Sweet" and "Finding great pleasure in the smallest moments."

I miss my sweet girl!

Goin' on a trip in my favorite rocket ship!

2009-08-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Steve and Eliza flew out to Utah/Idaho yesterday to go to Uncle Davey's wedding.

They will be gone for 11 days!!! EEk! That seems like such a LONG time. I've never been away from Eliza that long before!!!

But I hope they have a fabulous time at the wedding and have lots of fun stories and pictures to share when they get back!

... and a big congrats to Davey and Bianca on the impending nuptials!

My fall semester just started so hopefully that will help me stay busy. They also let me borrow play therapy session videos from my internship so that should be some interesting viewing! I don't know why Robby doesn't want to watch them with me...

I'm also taking a course called Family Dynamics and Substance Abuse, and one of the requirements is to attend 3 open group self-help sessions of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, or Codependents Anonymous. I've been before but not here so I think I'll try to get that done while Steve and Eliza are gone...

... and gonna try to find other stuff to do to keep myself busy and not miss them too much...

My mom and I got Eliza little presents before she left and wrapped them up to take on the trip. There's one for her to open each day she's gone. Some are dress up shoes, another is a rice krispe treat, another is a little tutu, another is a book, etc. But they're from "Mommy" in hopes that it'll help her remember and know that she has a Mommy that loves her very much even if she hasn't seen me that day-- or in 9 days. We'll see how it goes...! Yay, for Skype.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones...

2009-08-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

If you read this blog just for the cute Eliza pics, you might not want to read this post.

(little boy from the center)

Some thoughts after my first week at my field placement (internship) at the Nurturing Center:

Women should not have to decide whether they should keep a child that is a product of rape... they just shouldn't have to...
It's not funny to force a child to smoke marijuana or cocaine...
Abusive husbands should not step on their daughter's and wife's 3 week old kitten and kill it...
Winnie the Pooh hand puppets are a strange vehicle for disclosing sexual abuse... but apparently still effective...
I'm learning a lot about the pain that exists in our everyday neighbors.

And I'm grateful for this...

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed.

Permissions

2009-08-09T22:27:00.001-07:00

Over the next few weeks, Steve and I are going to make our blog restricted in access.

We still WANT and would LOVE for you to read it and comment and enjoy, etc., but I'll just need you to send me an email with your blogger username or gmail address so that I can enter you into the permissions. Please, DON'T BE SHY!

my e*mail address is ameldaumorrison at gmail dot com and Steve's is stevemorrisonillustration at gmail dot com, so just let one of us know if you'd like to keep on keeping up with our lives this way.

Thanks!

Carrots for Cousin!

2009-08-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

A Nice Southern Evening...

2009-08-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

It started out a little messy... but was still joyful!

Watch Reuben's focus...

Here's a clip of my busy girl...

And of course we finished up with a great round of Ring Around the Rosy!
Good times.

Ponyo

2009-08-08T11:48:00.001-07:00

Steve and I can't wait to take Eliza to see this movie-- it's the newest Miyazaki film coming out on August 14th!

Check out the trailer:

Blepharospasm

2009-08-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Blepharospasm is the technical term for involuntary eye twitching (eye spasms). Blepharospasm is more specifically defined as an abnormal involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids.

For most people eye twitching is not a serious condition and typically results from excessive fatigue or stress.

Yeah, I've got all that...

Loss

2009-07-24T00:41:00.000-07:00

My little buddy, Mika, passed away tonight. He had been struggling with a heart condition and bladder cancer. I hope he is happy where he is and no longer in pain.

I had Mika, my little papillon, since I was about 16. He's been quite the companion. He didn't have the easiest life... he started out in a puppy mill... and spent the last two years of his life being terrorized by a toddler... but he was a good dog to me, and I'm grateful that I could have such a loyal, attentive doggy.

I'll miss him a lot.

Even though he was old and has been sick for a while, it's still hard to think of him as being gone... So many times in the last few months, I would find Mika lying down and have to lean down close to him to make sure he was still breathing, and I would breathe a sigh of relief to feel his warm fur and see his head pop up to greet me.

But tonight he's cold, and I won't get anymore enthusiastic greetings from him.

We'll bury him tomorrow in my parent's backyard along with my two other dear pets, Feliz (our sweet Balinese Kitty) and Lucy (our spunky Schiperke dog).
Two other "life-long" friends, departed.

A Few Cute Eliza-isms

2009-07-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

(It doesn't get much better than fresh from the oven, still warm, Oma cookies with Milk before bed! Eliza loves the dipping!)

Eliza occasionally coughs on something, and since I'm CPR certified, I know that as long as they're coughing, it means there's still air coming through. Sooo, I always tell Eliza to keep coughing. Usually this means that she keeps fake coughing even after she needs to and does a great job covering her mouth too.

But I'm probably overly paranoid about the possibility of her choking or something, and so I try to make sure she's alright. The other day I was coughing for some reason while I was driving in the car. When I was done, I heard a quiet little voice from the back seat say, "You ok, Mom? You ok?" Then she took a turn "coughing" too.

Mom did the Family Home Evening Lesson last week on appreciating our talents and what we like about each other and making a list for each person. We each took a turn saying one thing about Eliza too. I said Eliza was great at singing songs, so she started singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Grandpa said that Eliza gives great hugs and cuddles, so Eliza went around and gave every one a great big hug and cuddle. Oma said that Eliza was great at drawing, so Eliza "helped" by drawing on her list. Her favorite part of FHE, though, is still the Ring Around the Rosy with everyone at the end. I love seeing how big her grin can get!

Eliza cuddling with Grandpa.

Another one of Eliza's favorite things to do these days is to try on other people's shoes. But the funny thing is that she always chooses my fanciest shoes (there aren't many) my zebra flats, my black heels, or my colorful other ones... not so much the tennis shoes or daddies shoes.

The other day, Eliza and I were playing with the Duplos and were putting the people on the train, and Eliza called out, "All Aboard!" I didn't even know she'd ever heard that before! Steve and I never taught her that. So funny!

Eliza sitting in Reuben's Bumbo playin' the harmonica!

Yesterday during sacrament meeting, Eliza was playing with her legos and had a boy and a girl lego person, and the interaction between them that Steve and I observed was the boy and girl giving each other hugs and then the legos said to eachother, "Daddy wanna draw?! Ok! Oh! So cute! Thanks, daddy!" Love it. Eliza later was chasing after a toy under one of the pews and looked up at Steve and signed "Shoes." She's funny.

Eliza's also one of the most strict enforcer of the rules for the dogs. She knows where they are and aren't allowed to be in the house and polices them closely and has learned how to say "Orah! Zara, Off the carpet!" and she knows Mika's name, but she pronounces it, "Beekah." It's funny. She also can say naughty, bad dog, good dog, and LOVES taking walks with them and holding their leashes.

For some reason, she's HORRIFIED of Kate's cat, Battle, and every time she's in the same room with him, she gets really still, opens her mouth into a big O and says, "Mommy, I scared!" and balls her fists up and shakes (Sign for scared). We're not really sure why she's so afraid of him because she LOVES our kitty, Finnegan. Also, almost every time I ask Eliza what she wants to do or where she wants to go, she says, "Et Or!" translation: "Pet Store!" So we go to the pet store and she has a party trying to bang on every single fish, bird, rodent, or cat cage/tank and watch the dogs get groomed. "Gentle" is an ongoing concept we're trying to teach on a daily basis.

Eliza was very taken with the musical, animated movie, Thumbelina. Yesterday, after she got down from her booster seat at dinner, she went to each person at the dinner table, called their name and sung/shouted out, "Thumbelinnnaaaa! That's me!" She went to Aunt Katy last and sung to her, and Katy said, "So you're Thumbelina, Eliza?" and Eliza quickly responded, "No, I'm a BIG girl!" Oh. Got it.

Fourth of July! Catch Up

2009-07-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to catch up on our blogging before I get too deep into my new semester of classes. Steve usually has the Mac where we load all the pictures because that's what he uses to do all his illustration work. I have one of those little Netbooks for school and stuff, which I've loved for its portability and convenience, but I've been falling behind in the blogging world! Maybe that's good, though, because I managed to bust out a 4.0 for last semester's classes. Yay!

We had a blast on the 4th of July, especially since Katy, Aaron and Reuben got to come down for the weekend too.

Eliza thought Reuben was a pretty cool couz! Reuben's still not sure what to think, though. Hehe.

Eliza and Grandpa! Play time!

We had fun watching fireworks, even though by the time we got to some of the big ones, Eliza said, "Mommy, I'm scared" and Reuben started to cry, so we saved the rest for after they went to bed.

Abby was quite handy with the lighter and great at exploding things!

The rest of us watched!

(Here's another example of Reuben's "Stare Glare.")

This is usually what happens when I try to take Eliza's picture...

Doesn't she look buff? She already has the makings of an awesome athlete!!

We also had some fun at our neighbor's pool party...

everyone's favorite part was Mom's DELICIOUS homemade Icecream... even Reuben!

On July 3rd, we all drove to Charleston and spent the day at Sullivan's Island at the beach. On the way up, Eliza was performing some great party tricks... chewing on toes??

Eliza lovvvvvved the water and the sand and waves and piggy back rides inside and out of the water!

Her cute suit was a bday gift from Aunt Joan! Eliza loves the bow on it.

Every hour or so, Eliza would get tired and take a "break" with her Ba-ba (pacifier). We're trying to slowly wean her off of her pacifier, so the rule is that she's only allowed to have it if she's lying down for a rest or in the car.

I was really proud of myself for being so (obsessively) vigilant about applying and reapplying sunscreen on Eliza so that she didn't get any sunburn. Steve and I were not so lucky. Steve forgot to put sunscreen on his back, but I managed to burn through all the layers of sunscreen I put on myself. Eliza has started to develop a little bit of a tan lately, which shows me that she must have Steve's coloring because I NEVER tan without burning first. I just burn and then freckle. Neat story, right? Oh, and I also got stung by a jelly fish... Robby, they said they've missed you.

Below are two cute videos of Eliza singing in the car on the way up to Charleston. Eliza sings like non-stop these days-- it's AWESOME. Her favorites? ABC's and Twinkle, Twinkle.

However, we have a CD we keep in the car for her to listen to, and we've been amazed to find that Eliza has all 15 songs MEMORIZED and sings along with them. It's hilarious and sometimes tediously monotonous because we have to listen to "Baby's Songs!" over and over and over. She usually dances to them too and sometimes accompanies the music with toots from her recorder or harmonica. Such a fun, musical girl!

I wish the sound was better on these movies. Eliza was obsessed with Mom's travel pillow and she was attempting to obstruct her mouth with anything possible. Despite all that, these are pretty cute videos. (at least if you're related to us)

Morrison Twins!

2009-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hyrum and Joshua Morrison were born on June 4th! We took a visit up to see them in NC, and while I went up to Viriginia to my friend's wedding, Steve and Eliza stayed with the twins, Grandma Morrison, Aunt Amanda, Uncle Matt, and Mr. T the dog. They had a great time getting to know the newest members of the Morrison family.

Joshua

Hyrum

Eliza loved her time there too and is still talking about the "baby BOYS! TWO baby BOYS!"

Reading with Grandma Morrison

Eliza and Hyrum (we think Hyrum looks a lot like the Morrison babies)

Amanda has her hands full (and is doing an amazing job)

Eliza also made some friends

We'll be headed back up to see them again at the end of this month for their blessing. I think that Matt & Amanda are considering putting up a blog soon, so hopefully we'll get to see some more cute pictures of the little guys soon.

Animus Opibusque Parati: Our month in review

2009-06-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

So, we packed Eliza up in a suitcase...

and quickly got busy going redneck style, letting our kid run naked in yards and get eaten up by mosquito bites (I covered them with band-aids, check out her legs)! She's loved it, though! At some point I'll have to post the pics of all of Eliza's adorable bathing suits!

We have LOVED playing at Oma, Grandpa and Abby's house. Oma has the best toys ever! Remember Duplos? Well, Eliza thinks they're the coolest thing since pacifiers! and legos.

And I had a birthday in between classes, swimming pools, SC bbq, and poodle play time!

I got to have a fancy dinner with this hunk:

We went out to the Motor Supply Co., which is this AWESOME restaurant in Columbia. For all of you SCers, it's one of the best places for fancy dinners in the VISTA. Robby used to take a bunch of his dates there to woo them with his high-roller, classy taste.

Steve said by the name he expected the place to be greasy and have hubcabs hung on the walls. Not quite. Our favorite dish was the fried green tomatoes-- the best EVER-- stacked in b/t the tomatoes was this delicious peach and napolean cheese souille. YUM!!

And then on Sunday night, my actual birthday, my mom made me her delicious Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner.

and some chocolate mousse and brownie icecream cake.

We've LOVED seeing these people on a daily basis this month!

So at the end of my birthday day, I headed back to our apartment to my new "study" that's inside of our walk-in closet. It's cozy and helps me focus w/o distractions. I had to finish up several papers, group research stuff, and do several chapters of reading that were due the next day for my classes. Fun, fun. "Guess that's Grad School!"

Also our big news for this week is that Eliza learned to swim!,

Eliza peed in her potty for the first time today!,

she painted for the first time today to decorate her Father's Day card!,

and learned to sing her ABC's!!
Woohoo!

And I'll leave you with a cute video of Eliza doing something random and hilarious from my birthday dinner: