Sum, Sum, Summer Time

I work every other day and every day I go in redder and redder! We just can't get enough of outside time. My kids love bikes and swimming in our dinky little pools and walks and... well, anything to do outside! They have become a lot more independent as well. Except for when the baby bull snake decided to come to our house for a little visit. They pretty much freaked out but that's okay because so did I. I had to get a neighbor to come over and take it to the field.

I've been spending alot of time with my folks lately. My dad bought my kids a fishing pole each on the Saturday before Father's Day. We bought them at Smith and Edwards on the way up to Logan. There is a kids only pond close to my brother's house and my dad, my brother, my nephew and my kids and I all went fishing. It was so cute. My dad has so much more patience with my kids than I do sometimes. It was really cute they way they tried so hard. The worms grossed them out and I can't blame them, they grossed me out too. (See snake story above!)

Anyway, my dad was really tired when we got back to Salt Lake but he took my kids out back and tied a plastic thing to their lines and taught them how to practice casting. I just wanted to hug him! It was so fun to see someone devote so much time to me children.

Daniel is really good at it. He kept getting in the trees and out at our place he can really get 'er to fly. Lillian's just sort of drops from her pole then she swings. Maybe she should fish off bridges for now!

I really don't know what I'd do if they caught anything, I only like lake fish smoked and I don't have a smoker. We'd have to eat 'em cuz they'd be really proud. Or maybe uncle Tim could teach them how to catch and release.

well, it's been a really long day. We played hard and it's back to work for me tomorrow. I feel sorry for my babysitter. I can't even keep up with my kids.

Finally Riding

Daddy finally taught Little D how to ride a bike and boy is he proud. He actually could have done it a year ago but we had bike troubles that Dad fixed. Thank goodness. The kid needed a boost and summer officially starts tomorrow for my kids.

Daydreaming

I was just reading blogs and thought - Gee, mine is kind of depressing. so I was dreaming up ways to make it better - anyway, I'm not at home right now but I'm looking at cute ideas.

One thing I have to share. Our primary is doing a scripture treasure hunt and the first clue for 1st Nephi was sacrifice. So we've been talking about what it means to sacrifice. The other day my son came running in the house with his cousin chasing him because they both wanted to same gun to play with. In the end, the fightings stopped and Danny came in the living room and told Grandma, "I let Cooper play with the gun. I sacrificed." He was so pleased with himself for remembering to sacrifice. Both kids were happy and went back outside to play. Funny how sometimes your kids just surprise you when you don't think they are listening.

I'm learning to let my kids do for themselves and solve their own problems (with guidance). My friends all say their kids are independent because they are lazy but I say it's good parenting!

Anxiety

Just so you know what I've been doing to manage my anxiety. Maybe it will help someone you know or maybe you know of something else that works.

* I've been taking Buspar, an anti-anxiety drug. It helps my anxiety but it also makes me feel tired and hungry - a great combination for gaining weight.
* Exercise. Although I keep thinking of excuses not to do this because I'm always tired.
* Taking 4 grams of Omega 3 fatty acid daily. This seemed to help within a few days.
*Reading Byron Katie's book, "Loving What is." Analyzing my anxiety ridden thoughts that I can't change and getting rid of them.
*Journal writing. Both getting out and "rid of" what is bothering me and also writing down what God has given me - discovering an attitude of gratitude.

You'd think doing all these things I would be better but EVERY time someone mentions high gas prices or rising food prices I freak out all over again.

I work at it little by little and it is getting better. Thank goodness! Anxiety is so frightening that I hate it when I get attacks. But I have to say this GOD does bless me in my trials. He has given me so much and for that I am grateful.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my friends and family out there.
Mostly Happy Mother's Day to my mom. She has been helping me through my post partum depression and anxiety for the past few weeks (months). She is truely amazing to be able to step in and help ease my fears and anxieties. She had post partum herself but no one was there to understand what it was. I am so grateful to her because it is so hard and I know what it is. I wish I could be one of those moms that didn't get depression but I am and I'm happy that I have help.

Thanks Mom! I love you.

Blog Help

OKay, I need some tips on how to make this more interesting. I want to add my friends blogs and I haven't figured out how to do it. Any help will be appreciated.

My husband and I are spring cleaning this weekend. We want to get the yard and house in shape. My hubby must be serious becase he even rented a small dumpster. I can't imagine filling it up but whatever will get him to help.

New Job

There wasn't much happening so I haven't been blogging but I intend to do better so keep checking. Anyway, I got a new job that I really wanted. It is in a new school district and is .71, not quite full time. It is a really good situtation for me and my family. I love teaching and I love my kids and this will allow me to be close to home and still teach. I will be teaching computers to grade K - 6. I am totally excited and have great ideas already.

So that's all that is new. Oh, yea. We are also doing a really cool treasure hunt in primary where we have to read the scriptures. I'll describe more next time - my baby is crying.

P.S. thanks for all the prayers sent my way.