Things I think about when I can't sleep

So I couldn't sleep last night because I took too long of a nap- I remember when I could take a long nap and still sleep at night- what happened? Anyway as I was laying in bed I remembered something that made me laugh out loud that I haven't thought about in years. When we lived in Korea when we were first married we slept on a blow up mattress. This blow up mattress had a small leak in it so we had to blow it up every night. Now keep in mind that our heat came from the floor so the mattress would be heated up at least at night- which I'm sure can't be good for a plastic blow up mattress. Now we were trying to save up money for a regular bed but Ken was making next to nothing so we had this blow up thing for a few months. Well, back in those days we did enjoy- how shall I say this- overindulgence in adult beverages so when we would come home after a night out we would both be somewhat intoxicated and it would be a big argument over whose turn it was to blow up the bed. There was many a morning when we would wake up with our bums on the floor from not blowing up the mattress properly. I was laughing about this but also about how stupid we were that we didn't have enough money for a bed but we sure did have money to go out drinking!! It also reminded me how much different our lives may have turned out had we not got ourselves together and what a blessing the gospel has brought to the life of our whole family. Oh, and I did get a bit of a reminder of why Ryker is the way he is!!

Bones and Things

The girls have been having the best time with this neat little block of hard sand that had "dinosaur bones" hidden in it. It took some patience but once they made their first discovery they were hooked. I've been finding dinosaurs and bones all over the house. I would just like to say that I think it is so sad that I have to talk to a 5 and 4 year old about modest dressing. There are such hoochy girl clothes out there for little girls it is so sad. I've been trying to praise them whenever they come up with modest outfits because sometimes they like to sneak in not so modest outfits because that's how "princesses" dress- UGH. Jack had his first ear infection and then a reaction to the amoxocillin which gave him a rash all over his body- poor little guy. This had been the weirdest summer- not very sunny and kind of cold. We've just been taking it easy and I've been trying to get on some kind of good schedule. I've been going to step and kickboxing classes on base- it's been fun and I feel like I'm getting into better shape. The girls' school books came today and they seemed a bit excited. I'm planning on starting school with them while Hayden is in Chicago having a wonderful time!! I've been able to help a few of my friends pick out paint colors for their houses. It's so fun to put up a new coat of paint and I've discovered that most people know what they like- they are just a little hesitant to try new things. Oh, and I'm also reading Les Miserables which is 1500 pages. It was my friend Jill's idea and I got the unabridged version and her version was much shorter so she is finished and I'm on page 500!! Only 1000 more to go!! I almost forgot the most exciting thing- Ken has not smoked for over a month and I'm so proud of him. The medicine he is taking to help with the cravings makes him feel pretty bad and he has still endured and stayed on the quitting path which is no small task after 26 years of smoking. He was always so good about his smoking- I mean none of the children have ever seen him smoke and our oldest is 16 so that was not a small feat. I am so happy for him that he has been able to accomplish his goal!!

Cavity Free!!

Hayden, Autumn, and Marah all had dentist appointments today (Marah's first). I'm so happy to report that everyone was cavity free. Ken took time off of work so he could take all three kids. Now, he is not the most romantic man or the most affectionate man but I so appreciate that he is always more that willing to take any of the kids to appointments and run errands- two things which I really don't like to do. I will take that over candy and flowers anyday!! My poor little Jack is getting his big teeth in the back and today he has a fever and runny nose. He just sat on my lap most of the day looking sad. When I was telling Ken that Jack was getting his big boy teeth in Ken's reply was that his old man belly is coming in- another reason why I love him he is a funny man! We've been talking lately about where we will live when Ken retires in 5 years. I know that may seem like a long time but I think it will go by fast. Anyway, to my surprise Ken would like to move and get a job somewhere in Illinios. We were talking about the Champain, Urbana area as they have a University with lots of computer positions. We even looked at houses online last night. I realize plans change but it is exciting to think we may live somewhat near our family before we are in nursing homes!! I was going to say old and grey but I have the grey and Ken has the old!!

Week-end Happenings

We had a celebration of Marah's birthday which was Sunday and Autumn's Gotcha day that was May 30th. The girls love to celebrate their things on the same day so Marah thinks on Autumn's birthday she needs presents too. Hayden went camping with Paul and Laura this week-end. He loves the outdoors and everything that goes with it- fishing, camping, bike riding etc. Thankfully, he has Paul and some great scout leaders since Ken is not very excited about any of those things. I have a good friend whose neighbor is changing his house into a duplex and called for Ryker to come on over and work. Ryker was busy with friends so Hayden went over and did some work (mostly grunt work) and got paid $8 per hour. Not bad for a 12year old and what made it even better was the life lesson for Ryker that if your not willing to work someone is always waiting to take your place!! I love natural consequences- it makes my life so much easier! I'm reading this great book "The Potentially Sane Mother's Guide to Raising Young Children" it has been perfect timing for me as I read this quote "Saying yes to others means saying no to your children". The young women that I serve with at church are going to camp this week and I've been feeling a little guilty that I can't go- although I know they are in great hands. This quote just reminded me that right now I need to say yes to my family and no to lots of other things that I would like to do. I know this is just a season in my life so I'm going to choose to live it happily and as guilt free as possible!!