Of course, I know the right answer. However, if I simply give it to you before your other family members have had a turn, it would stifle their initiative. So, after all others have responded, I'll tell you.
Love Dad
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dear Abby
I need some advice, and since Abby is dead, the rest of you will have to fill in. We're not too far into this parenting gig, so any thoughts you have are welcome from your various stages of life, from no children to grandchildren.
Ezra is absorbing behaviors like a sponge. He loves to put on a white shirt on Sunday "just like Daddy!" Sometimes, we don't really like the behaviors that he picks up. He has a fairly small Sunbeam class and the other boy in his class lives around the corner from us and his mother brings him to the weekly playgroup the women in the ward do.
This little boy has two very timid parents (from our very uninformed and distant view) and he has become quite strong willed and bossy. He's starting to manifest some bossy/pushy/bully behavior. After Ezra is around this boy, he starts to show those sorts of behaviors too.
Keryn said, "If this is the worst influence Ezra is ever around, we'll be amazingly blessed." Good point. But still you wonder... do you try to avoid the kid when you can, or do you try to deal with the fallout of Ezra mimicking the behavior?
Help me, Abby!
Ezra is absorbing behaviors like a sponge. He loves to put on a white shirt on Sunday "just like Daddy!" Sometimes, we don't really like the behaviors that he picks up. He has a fairly small Sunbeam class and the other boy in his class lives around the corner from us and his mother brings him to the weekly playgroup the women in the ward do.
This little boy has two very timid parents (from our very uninformed and distant view) and he has become quite strong willed and bossy. He's starting to manifest some bossy/pushy/bully behavior. After Ezra is around this boy, he starts to show those sorts of behaviors too.
Keryn said, "If this is the worst influence Ezra is ever around, we'll be amazingly blessed." Good point. But still you wonder... do you try to avoid the kid when you can, or do you try to deal with the fallout of Ezra mimicking the behavior?
Help me, Abby!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
BIG Ty
As all of you parents are realizing... time flies! It was so weird watching my little Ty on the high school football field playing like a big boy. All those kids seem so old, and I am certainly not old enough to have a child that "big". As Lauren and I wade through ACT registrations, college admission requirements, and scholarship possibilities, I am starting to think maybe I am old enough. I guess what I am saying is... enjoy every moment! Your kids will soon be BIG kids too!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Love You Mom!
I hope you have a terrific birthday today.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Prov. 4:7)
Monday, September 10, 2007
Boo! Hiss! Cheer!
Our stake is putting on a melodrama. The woman putting the whole thing together was apparently getting desperate to find a pianist after being turned down several times--so she called me.
I explained that I could play sheet music but that I'm not much of an improviser. Knowing that I was going to be at the home of a really great pianist in a couple of days (in our old Orem ward), I agreed to do it, or at least to find some music if I could.
I turned to the internet and, without too much trouble, found some old music originally composed for use by the piano players that accompanied silent movies. There was "sailor music" and "hurry music" and "funeral music" and "battle music." The pieces weren't very hard to play and I had a great time at the rehearsal bouncing through the pieces and the actors really enjoyed having some sound effects. So I guess I have the gig. We perform in about two weeks.
Wasn't it Dad's grandma that played the piano for the silent movies? Which one?
I explained that I could play sheet music but that I'm not much of an improviser. Knowing that I was going to be at the home of a really great pianist in a couple of days (in our old Orem ward), I agreed to do it, or at least to find some music if I could.
I turned to the internet and, without too much trouble, found some old music originally composed for use by the piano players that accompanied silent movies. There was "sailor music" and "hurry music" and "funeral music" and "battle music." The pieces weren't very hard to play and I had a great time at the rehearsal bouncing through the pieces and the actors really enjoyed having some sound effects. So I guess I have the gig. We perform in about two weeks.
Wasn't it Dad's grandma that played the piano for the silent movies? Which one?
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Happy Grandparents' Day!
According to my wall calendar, it's Grandparents' Day today. So, happy Grandparents' Day, George and Eva!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Shifting Views on Education?
I just read, in the online magazine Slate, a fascinating article about teachers and the slowly changing perception the public has about them:
High-pressured and punishing—of such macho qualities is social cachet often built in the world of work. Nowhere in Tyler Heights or Stuyvesant, in Perlstein's and Klein's portrayals, do you hear anyone touting the familiar (female- and family-friendly) perks of the profession: the long summer months off, the seasonal breaks, the 3 o'clock dismissals, the heartwarming kids. Teachers' unions never get mentioned, nor do bonuses. The scene is more reminiscent of, say, the Union army, beset by struggles and squabbles within the ranks, yet striving to make slow headway on divisive home ground.Read the whole thing--it's fascinating, and indicates that the exhausting, draining, but hopefully rewarding reality of teaching may actually start getting a little respect in the world.
It is precisely the draining rigors of the job that are intrinsic to teaching's appeal, helping it shed its schoolmarmish taint, suggests Fortune in an article about TFA's popularity. "The program has been likened to a domestic Peace Corps, with long work hours and much emotional demand, so it's not for the faint of heart."
Monday, August 27, 2007
Vball Girl
We are so PROUD of our little Lauren!
She has gone from being a little freshman who rode the bench to being Varsity Captain, and is the only starter on her team that plays all the way around. (Most players specialize and play only front or back row. They sub in and out throughout the rotation.) She is enjoying being the leader and is doing a great job. Her team is ranked #1 in their region. Here's a clip of the opening tournament.
She has gone from being a little freshman who rode the bench to being Varsity Captain, and is the only starter on her team that plays all the way around. (Most players specialize and play only front or back row. They sub in and out throughout the rotation.) She is enjoying being the leader and is doing a great job. Her team is ranked #1 in their region. Here's a clip of the opening tournament.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Quick Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Good Thing?
On my Google homepage, I have a "recipe of the day" from Betty Crocker. One from this week was "Quick Chocolate Chip Cookies." I haven't tried to make them yet, but you use Bisquick to cut down on the number of ingredients you have to measure out. This could be a very bad thing! :) Do you guys have any favorite treat recipes that are quick and easy?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Gid kid's tests
Gideon had some tests at the children's hospital today.
He passed with two A's and a B.
No, just kidding. Every time I say something about his "tests" that's what I think of, though.
But he did pass. His bladder study test was very satisfactory--he's not having bladder spasms or over-full high-pressure problems. This is good because it means there is much less chance for kidney infections and other high-risk problems. We don't have to go in for this test again for twelve months--yay!
His renal (kidney) ultrasound was also fine. Apparently his kidneys are a bit on the small size, but not anything to worry about. But everything is growing fine and healthy and looks just like it should. Another yay!
In a lot of ways, what I think of as his main disability--the potential that he won't walk--doesn't actually impact his quality of life. It's the "little" things--like kidney problems--that can cause much bigger problems. So I'm very very grateful that he is getting such a great start in life!
And now I'm exhausted, and must go to bed. It's an awfully long drive up to Primary's, and coming back during rush hour is no picnic, especially with tired, cranky kids in the back. (Thank you so much, Grandma and Grandpa Ross, for watching the older two for me! It sure made my day about 1000 times easier, and they sure had a lot more fun with you than they would have with me!)
He passed with two A's and a B.
No, just kidding. Every time I say something about his "tests" that's what I think of, though.
But he did pass. His bladder study test was very satisfactory--he's not having bladder spasms or over-full high-pressure problems. This is good because it means there is much less chance for kidney infections and other high-risk problems. We don't have to go in for this test again for twelve months--yay!
His renal (kidney) ultrasound was also fine. Apparently his kidneys are a bit on the small size, but not anything to worry about. But everything is growing fine and healthy and looks just like it should. Another yay!
In a lot of ways, what I think of as his main disability--the potential that he won't walk--doesn't actually impact his quality of life. It's the "little" things--like kidney problems--that can cause much bigger problems. So I'm very very grateful that he is getting such a great start in life!
And now I'm exhausted, and must go to bed. It's an awfully long drive up to Primary's, and coming back during rush hour is no picnic, especially with tired, cranky kids in the back. (Thank you so much, Grandma and Grandpa Ross, for watching the older two for me! It sure made my day about 1000 times easier, and they sure had a lot more fun with you than they would have with me!)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
An Invitation
I would like to formally invite all of you to Durango this October. As you may know, Elise will be turning 8 this year. Her birthday is on Oct. 19th and this year it falls on a Friday. In keeping with our tradition, we are going to baptize her on this day. She is very excited and hopes to see some if not all of her cousins there! :) I would like to have a musical number from the extended family...Picture with me if you will...Nic on piano, Kim on violin, Deb coming in on trumpet, softly at first, then building..no wait, I guess, just softly...cousins singing in a mini-vienna-boy-choir-style-thingy. Of course Lauren, Claire, and Mercy can sing too!! Hee Hee Let me know if any of you can make it!!
Also... We will be coming to SLC for Turkey Day!
Also... We will be coming to SLC for Turkey Day!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Happy Birthday, Debbie!
I hope you had a fabulous birthday yesterday. I think it is important to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected president of Germany on your birthday, but the world tried to balance that out by having both you and Gene Roddenberry born on the same day. (Well, not the same day, per se, but you get the idea.)
In design news, in anticipatory celebration of your birthday, Ford stopped production on the Model T on your birthday. I guess it just didn't come in enough colors.
In design news, in anticipatory celebration of your birthday, Ford stopped production on the Model T on your birthday. I guess it just didn't come in enough colors.
congratulations!
We received a call Sunday morning from a friend in Page. Our first reaction was that we were getting the scoop on who the new stake president was going to be. It was actually something more important. He told us that Nicole had given the best talk in the evening session of stake conference. Way to go Nicole!
Mom
Mom
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Milestone
Today I dropped off all four of our children at school for the first time! Drake is embarking on his final year of elementary school; Corbin is a confident third grader; Bowen is making his move up to first grade; and Rex is off to preschool at last! As we have been talking about school starting and looking forward to this momentous day for the Martin family, I was sure it would all feel like a wonderful world of possibilities and freedom. Now that the day has come and all of my little ones are off expanding their minds, I admit my emotions are mixed! Change can be hard sometimes. It is very quiet here today!
The choice to stay home with my kids was an easy one to make, though financially it has been a stretch at times. As all you moms know, there is no job more rewarding, or more difficult than wrangling your kids all day long while trying to manage a household at the same time! Now I am moving to the next phase I suppose, still the stay at home mom, just shifting her focus a bit. People keep asking me what I will do all day. My response, "Whatever I want!" (-; Of course that is with tongue in cheek as there is still laundry to do, errands to run, volunteering at school, and not to mention the continued effort working on my masters degree. I guess the overriding feeling I have today at this crossroads is one of gratitude. I am so lucky to have four wonderful sons, a fantastic husband that I love more than ever, the gospel of Jesus Christ, a beautiful home, a supportive extended family, opportunities galore, the list could go on and on. To all of you, my family, my loved ones, as I had a spare moment to reflect in the quiet here at my house today, I am thankful for all of you!
The choice to stay home with my kids was an easy one to make, though financially it has been a stretch at times. As all you moms know, there is no job more rewarding, or more difficult than wrangling your kids all day long while trying to manage a household at the same time! Now I am moving to the next phase I suppose, still the stay at home mom, just shifting her focus a bit. People keep asking me what I will do all day. My response, "Whatever I want!" (-; Of course that is with tongue in cheek as there is still laundry to do, errands to run, volunteering at school, and not to mention the continued effort working on my masters degree. I guess the overriding feeling I have today at this crossroads is one of gratitude. I am so lucky to have four wonderful sons, a fantastic husband that I love more than ever, the gospel of Jesus Christ, a beautiful home, a supportive extended family, opportunities galore, the list could go on and on. To all of you, my family, my loved ones, as I had a spare moment to reflect in the quiet here at my house today, I am thankful for all of you!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Still moving in! What we are learning
We have been in S. Jordan officially for 6 weeks and I am not completely unpacked. I have several good reasons, the first being that my closets and cupboards in the basement aren't finished yet, however, the shelves are almost complete then that excuse will be gone soon. Another good reason is that I don't have 6 extra bodies to organize and have somewhere or wanting to know where something is that they can't find to keep me moving. Next, my quilting machine is finally up and running and I don't have time to get to the boxes. We are so busy sitting around chatting that I just don't get things finished. With no deadlines, it takes me forever to finish a task. I have spent time wandering the streets in the area to locate good shopping places so that when visitors come, I will know the best places to take them for the items they want. My favorite store is still Material Girls, too bad they don't offer stock options. We are Home Depot's best customers. They see us at least once a day. Some of my time will be taken up with visiting teaching now that I have a partner (an ex RS pres) and 2 people to visit.
We are keeping the Hannays busy with laying tile, carrying things to the basement, hanging doors, doing moldings, etc., Kim is especially good at tiling and moldings, and I am willing to rent her out to those interested. We have learned not to attend the temple on ward temple night as the sessions are too crowded. We were the only ward member in the session because the rest of the ward was doing sealing! We have learned not to move into a ward where one of your children reside. The members know way too much about you.
We still have no living room furniture so guests have to sit on folding chairs while dad sits in his comfy recliner. By the 20th we will have a working toilet and the sinks hooked up in the bathroom, still no shower, that is our Sept project. Dad is getting most of his stuff into his workroom slowly but surely. He gets waylaid with tasks like painting, installing doors, putting in shelves, etc. We may be organized by Thanksgiving when all of you are invited to our house for dinner. It always helps to have a deadline to work toward to get something accomplished. Please RSVP.
Love,
Mom
We are keeping the Hannays busy with laying tile, carrying things to the basement, hanging doors, doing moldings, etc., Kim is especially good at tiling and moldings, and I am willing to rent her out to those interested. We have learned not to attend the temple on ward temple night as the sessions are too crowded. We were the only ward member in the session because the rest of the ward was doing sealing! We have learned not to move into a ward where one of your children reside. The members know way too much about you.
We still have no living room furniture so guests have to sit on folding chairs while dad sits in his comfy recliner. By the 20th we will have a working toilet and the sinks hooked up in the bathroom, still no shower, that is our Sept project. Dad is getting most of his stuff into his workroom slowly but surely. He gets waylaid with tasks like painting, installing doors, putting in shelves, etc. We may be organized by Thanksgiving when all of you are invited to our house for dinner. It always helps to have a deadline to work toward to get something accomplished. Please RSVP.
Love,
Mom
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Multitasking has it's risks
OK I just want you to know I do know the difference between the homonyms hole and whole. Unfortunately my mind cannot operate properly with three boys talking to me and one baby whining at me. Any tips on dealing with this problem would be greatly appreciated. Laurene
Big Whole
Sam said I missed this important picture, he dug ,and dug, and dug, and dug. It was up to his shoulders, to bad Theo could have used him to dig his foundation or maybe a job with John.
Laurene
Fun in the Sun
We had fun at the beach and visiting a light house. Skip had a close encounter with some dolphins. The boys played in the surf and the sand. I got to boggie board, sorry no pictures of my narly wipeouts. Claire is our bravest she was ready to run into the surf at anytime. we have to watch her like a hawk. Miss you all! Laurene
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Our summer is always jam packed with lots of birthdays and travel and fun. This July we had an extra special occasion in our family as Corbin turned 8 and was baptized! He has been looking forward to this birthday ever since Drake turned 8 two years ago. He was so ready to make this decision, and we are so proud of him! We are especially thankful to mom and dad and the Gilleland family for coming to Page to support Corbin! While they were here, Drake, Gabe, Seth, and Corbin participated in the Pioneer Day 5K. They did great! We also had a great time going to the lake on the Gillelands new boat! We are so blessed to have such an awesome family. Thanks so much for eveything!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Gideon
So we had spina bifida clinic a little over a week ago, and it was pretty boring. YAY! That's what I want--boring is really, really good. He's doing great on weight (19.4 lbs), gross and fine motor skills, neurology stuff great. His feet are really responding well to the brace...AND we get to take off the braces during the day starting on August 10th. (It's funny how excited and impatient I am for that. When I didn't know how long we'd have to wear them all the time, it was no big deal, but now I CAN'T WAIT to lose them.) Urology is the only unknown--not bad, just we have a test scheduled for mid-August and we won't know if he's still doing great until then--and if he ever has a fever of just about ANY kind, I'm supposed to take him to the doctor because it might be a kidney infection. Gah. He should start teething here and how am I supposed to know if it is a kidney infection or just teething? Oh, well. At least my doctor is just down the road.
Anyway, just thought I'd update y'all on my adorable, cute, sweet, wonderful baby!
Anyway, just thought I'd update y'all on my adorable, cute, sweet, wonderful baby!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Page is Everywhere
I noticed as a BYU student that everybody I ran into has some sort of connection with Page. They'd know somebody from Page, or their car had broken down in Page, or they'd eaten at the McDonald's in Page.
The trend continues.
I'm going to be moving into new office space in a couple of weeks (along with the rest of my department) and I've been eagerly checking up on the progress of the remodeling over the past month. I went down into the room that will be my office and I heard someone assembling the desk. I called ahead into the room, so as not to startle the worker, and then poked my head around the door. Imagine my surprise when Brother Thatcher looked back at me!
His son Ryan's company is a contractor for BYU to put together the furniture. It was fun to chat with him for a few minutes. He is serving as a bishop in a married student ward right now and loving it. He'll spend another two weeks or so toiling away on our furniture and then I'll get to enjoy the fruits of his labor!
The trend continues.
I'm going to be moving into new office space in a couple of weeks (along with the rest of my department) and I've been eagerly checking up on the progress of the remodeling over the past month. I went down into the room that will be my office and I heard someone assembling the desk. I called ahead into the room, so as not to startle the worker, and then poked my head around the door. Imagine my surprise when Brother Thatcher looked back at me!
His son Ryan's company is a contractor for BYU to put together the furniture. It was fun to chat with him for a few minutes. He is serving as a bishop in a married student ward right now and loving it. He'll spend another two weeks or so toiling away on our furniture and then I'll get to enjoy the fruits of his labor!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
GREAT REUION DVD
Thanks for the fabulous DVD of the reunion Nicole!
I know many hours must have gone into it. We sure had fun and appreciate your hard work and love.
I sure am excited to see the DVD from last year too BRADLEY!
He insists that we will enjoy it more as time has past.... I hope to find out if that is true very soon.
hee hee
I know many hours must have gone into it. We sure had fun and appreciate your hard work and love.
I sure am excited to see the DVD from last year too BRADLEY!
He insists that we will enjoy it more as time has past.... I hope to find out if that is true very soon.
hee hee
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Thanks for the reunion
I wanted to give a public thanks to Theo and Nicole for all their work on our recent Party in the Pines. Our family had a great time. Ezra and Mercy had fun getting to know their cousins and Keryn has warmed up well after her dip in the pond. We sure missed the East Coast Rosses and we hope you continue to keep us posted on what you're doing. I'm still waiting for more of Jack's Photoshop work!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 01, 2007
cross-country travels
The Martin family has just returned from a marathon cross-country journey as we drove out to Indiana to visit Theo's brother, Tim. We departed for our trip last week and took 2 days to make the trip. We crossed through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and then into Indiana. Tim and Anne have been in Corydon, Indiana for a year now which is about 40 minutes from Louisville, KY. While we were there, we got to go to the Louisville Zoo, Holiday World (an amusement and water park), and a science museum among other things. Tim and Anne live in a brand new house on a beautiful piece of land surrounded by trees and lots of wildlife. The kids had a blast hunting for frogs, turtles, salamanders, and other critters. On our way home, we went through Carthage, Illinois and then on to Nauvoo. Our drive home took us through, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah. Our trip ended with a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's new house in Salt Lake. We miss them already! We are now home just in time to regroup so we can gather with all of you Rosses for our reunion! We are so excited that it is finally here!
One last note, Happy Birthday Drake, Double Digits!!!
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