To learn more about what I really do at work all day, other than surf the Internet and post these blog posts, check out this little video:
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I'm Ready for April Fool's
So each day, I come in to work and "direct" live educational videoconferences. It's not too exciting most days. Well, tomorrow is not most days. It just so happens to be April 1st, and I already have my slate ready to put up on the screen before class starts. I wonder how long it will take people to catch on to the fact that they are not in the wrong videoconference. And boy, wouldn't this videoconference be a real winner? I think I'll suggest adding it next semester.
To learn more about what I really do at work all day, other than surf the Internet and post these blog posts, check out this little video:
To learn more about what I really do at work all day, other than surf the Internet and post these blog posts, check out this little video:
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A Quiet Weekend
This weekend has been very quiet for me. For Rob, not so much. He had a reunion of sorts with a bunch of his adolescent friends. (I just wanted to use the word adolescent). I know he's had a great time. The kids went with them and spent the weekend with cousins and Grandma. I really appreciate Gail letting me stay home and get some work done. I know she must be exhausted by now.
Currently I'm still home alone, and just waiting for the kids to get back. I most likely have a few more hours to do. Today I'm mostly just relaxing.
I had the opportunity to read a book on Contentment. I'll actually be reviewing it on my Families blog. It really gave me a chance to sit back and think about how blessed I am to be a mom. And a weekend to reflect and enjoy the peace and quiet helped too. Really I have three of the most awesome kids in the entire world. They are all sweet, smart and fun--most of the time. I was sitting in Sacrament and throughout all of the church meetings today, and looking around at all the babies. And I realized that as cute as they were (and they were all cute) I wasn't baby hungry. Wow! Not that I've ever been a baby hungry type of person. But I just feel like right now is not the time for us to grow our family. That doesn't mean that it won't ever be, but for right now it's not.
So this is a pretty random post, I'll admit it. As I look back over the week, I'm just kind of wondering what happened. Jacob ran a fever for a few days, but seems to be fine now. He did miss speech this week because of it. That made me sad. Caleb and Jacob got water guns and spent a lot of time in the tub. They are both so happy in the water. It almost makes me want to buy a pool, but not really. Beth did well in school. She's going to bring home her big art project soon. She worked on it all last quarter and it is a sculpture of some sort.
Next week is conference, and I love General Conference. I hope that you all can take the time to listen to at least one session. The entire thing is just awesome!
Well that's about it, news wise. Rob may post more, he may not. He sounded worn out when I talked to him on the phone. He was out late both nights he was gone!
Currently I'm still home alone, and just waiting for the kids to get back. I most likely have a few more hours to do. Today I'm mostly just relaxing.
I had the opportunity to read a book on Contentment. I'll actually be reviewing it on my Families blog. It really gave me a chance to sit back and think about how blessed I am to be a mom. And a weekend to reflect and enjoy the peace and quiet helped too. Really I have three of the most awesome kids in the entire world. They are all sweet, smart and fun--most of the time. I was sitting in Sacrament and throughout all of the church meetings today, and looking around at all the babies. And I realized that as cute as they were (and they were all cute) I wasn't baby hungry. Wow! Not that I've ever been a baby hungry type of person. But I just feel like right now is not the time for us to grow our family. That doesn't mean that it won't ever be, but for right now it's not.
So this is a pretty random post, I'll admit it. As I look back over the week, I'm just kind of wondering what happened. Jacob ran a fever for a few days, but seems to be fine now. He did miss speech this week because of it. That made me sad. Caleb and Jacob got water guns and spent a lot of time in the tub. They are both so happy in the water. It almost makes me want to buy a pool, but not really. Beth did well in school. She's going to bring home her big art project soon. She worked on it all last quarter and it is a sculpture of some sort.
Next week is conference, and I love General Conference. I hope that you all can take the time to listen to at least one session. The entire thing is just awesome!
Well that's about it, news wise. Rob may post more, he may not. He sounded worn out when I talked to him on the phone. He was out late both nights he was gone!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Beth's Storybook
Here is Elisabeth's entry into the 2009 UNC-TV Young Writers and Illustrators contest. Hope you enjoy it. We had fun making the video.
To view the video in higher quality, visit our Smugmug site.
To view the video in higher quality, visit our Smugmug site.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
What a week! Actually nothing much has changed from last week to this week. It's been a quiet happy week, full of nothing exciting. But in a lot of ways those are the best weeks of all.
Well, excuse me but I do have a bit of news. I'm an aunt (again, but this time on my side of the family). My sister Sarah had her little boy, and he is a doll. He came a month, yes a month, early and he is doing well and home from the hospital. So happy thoughts and congratulations to Sarah. (And I won't mention the fact that I'm jealous that she didn't go late, like I did with EVERY SINGLE ONE of my pregnancies--the ninth month is hellish).
On to other news. Beth has once again entered The Young Writers and Illustrators contest that is put on by Reading Rainbow every year. She and Rob are currently working on a podcast so that she can share the wonderful story and illustrations with you all. It was something that we had talked about, but Beth would never sit down and do it, until three days before it was due. She had the idea in her head, but just didn't put it down on paper. I'm really proud of her yet again.
Caleb is experiencing a mild case of croup. Nothing too major. He's fine during the day, but man at night the cough is fierce. It wakes me up, but he seems fine. No fever though. He is a little more hoarse than normal though. He skipped church today since we didn't want to spread it around.
Jacob is really expanding his vocabulary, and fast. I really think that the second day of speech therapy is making a huge difference. Today unprompted he said bread, about the bread for Sacrament. He calls Caleb--Acob, and that is the name he also uses for himself. Jacob and Caleb have too many similar sounds, and it is difficult to go from the hard C sound into the slide after the vowel. So that is a current focus. But Jacob is great at signing, and picking those up super fast. He is also putting his words together. Yeah! He'll talk someday.
Things are going pretty well for me. I need to buckle down and get my second draft of the book done. I know what needs to happen, I just need to get back into the habit of writing. It has definitely helped that I have comfy black stretch pants that I wear when I write. Really, but I won't answer the door in them. So it's a difficult trade off. Not really though--I value comfort over fashion, and I always have.
Rob is having a big reunion with his Hickory church friends that he grew up with. It should be lots of fun for him. They are a bunch of good guys. I am so happy that he could have such good friends that were good influences for each other during those difficult teenage years!
Well, excuse me but I do have a bit of news. I'm an aunt (again, but this time on my side of the family). My sister Sarah had her little boy, and he is a doll. He came a month, yes a month, early and he is doing well and home from the hospital. So happy thoughts and congratulations to Sarah. (And I won't mention the fact that I'm jealous that she didn't go late, like I did with EVERY SINGLE ONE of my pregnancies--the ninth month is hellish).
On to other news. Beth has once again entered The Young Writers and Illustrators contest that is put on by Reading Rainbow every year. She and Rob are currently working on a podcast so that she can share the wonderful story and illustrations with you all. It was something that we had talked about, but Beth would never sit down and do it, until three days before it was due. She had the idea in her head, but just didn't put it down on paper. I'm really proud of her yet again.
Caleb is experiencing a mild case of croup. Nothing too major. He's fine during the day, but man at night the cough is fierce. It wakes me up, but he seems fine. No fever though. He is a little more hoarse than normal though. He skipped church today since we didn't want to spread it around.
Jacob is really expanding his vocabulary, and fast. I really think that the second day of speech therapy is making a huge difference. Today unprompted he said bread, about the bread for Sacrament. He calls Caleb--Acob, and that is the name he also uses for himself. Jacob and Caleb have too many similar sounds, and it is difficult to go from the hard C sound into the slide after the vowel. So that is a current focus. But Jacob is great at signing, and picking those up super fast. He is also putting his words together. Yeah! He'll talk someday.
Things are going pretty well for me. I need to buckle down and get my second draft of the book done. I know what needs to happen, I just need to get back into the habit of writing. It has definitely helped that I have comfy black stretch pants that I wear when I write. Really, but I won't answer the door in them. So it's a difficult trade off. Not really though--I value comfort over fashion, and I always have.
Rob is having a big reunion with his Hickory church friends that he grew up with. It should be lots of fun for him. They are a bunch of good guys. I am so happy that he could have such good friends that were good influences for each other during those difficult teenage years!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Caldwell Update
Currently the kids and Rob are playing their favorite game of talking to the computer--and having it talk back!
You should know that this done by having the automatic reader read the responses that Rob is typing in. This is one of Rob's favorite games. His grin is huge right now.
I think my favorite time this happened was when Rob took control of his computer with the laptop, and was downstairs. My mom was upstairs checking her email when she was visiting. Rob then proceeded to have the computer talk to her for several minutes. My mom was freaking out!
It was funny!
You should know that this done by having the automatic reader read the responses that Rob is typing in. This is one of Rob's favorite games. His grin is huge right now.
I think my favorite time this happened was when Rob took control of his computer with the laptop, and was downstairs. My mom was upstairs checking her email when she was visiting. Rob then proceeded to have the computer talk to her for several minutes. My mom was freaking out!
It was funny!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Caleb and the NCAA playoffs
Last night Rob and I had a slight disagreement about the NCAA playoffs. We got in an argument about how the bracket system worked. It was not about teams--neither of us know anything about teams. I entered a contest (not gambling no money involved) to see if I could possibly win a free query critique which involved me filling out some bracket thing. I've never done this before, but I get the whole concept of the rank etc. Anyway I totally digress--Rob and I were arguing because I out of nostalgia and other loyal instincts had BYU go to the Final Four. Realistically it may hurt my chances of winning, but again you never know--my brilliance may just land me that contest.
Point of sharing the argument is this: Caleb heard us talking about the basketball and immediately asked to watch. I told him it didn't start until tomorrow.
So this afternoon--on his own--he comes and asks to watch basketball. And there are games on.
So I turn it on, and he watches for more than an hour!
So where did we get this strange child who loves sports, playing and watching, when his dad doesn't?
Hmmm?
Point of sharing the argument is this: Caleb heard us talking about the basketball and immediately asked to watch. I told him it didn't start until tomorrow.
So this afternoon--on his own--he comes and asks to watch basketball. And there are games on.
So I turn it on, and he watches for more than an hour!
So where did we get this strange child who loves sports, playing and watching, when his dad doesn't?
Hmmm?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Awesome Kids
So I totally forgot to mention this in my post--Beth ordered me to stay upstairs for a bit today. So I did.
When she called me downstairs there were balloons all over the floor. (Balloons blown up by Caleb)
And Jacob was peeking out of a hiding spot. Then everyone yelled, "surprise!" Beth had planned an entire party just for me.
We bowled with a basketball and bottles of tomato juice as pins.
Decorated paper boats that Beth had folded for the craft.
Had cake.
Watched a talent show.
And then danced.
It was a wonderful party!
I'm so lucky to have such thoughtful kids who go to great lengths to make my day special all on their own!
When she called me downstairs there were balloons all over the floor. (Balloons blown up by Caleb)
And Jacob was peeking out of a hiding spot. Then everyone yelled, "surprise!" Beth had planned an entire party just for me.
We bowled with a basketball and bottles of tomato juice as pins.
Decorated paper boats that Beth had folded for the craft.
Had cake.
Watched a talent show.
And then danced.
It was a wonderful party!
I'm so lucky to have such thoughtful kids who go to great lengths to make my day special all on their own!
Rock on!
We recently went to a Rock Band party that Rich and Erika Henderson threw at their house, smoke machine, disco lights and all. It was a blast. Lots of nice little touches, like a leopard print bandanna tied to the microphone stand made the night really memorable. If you failed a song, you had a choice between "fuzzy pork" treats from the nearby Asian market, or some faux jello shots (aka gross little gelatin cups also from the Asian market). When I failed a song, my Jello cup tasted like warm, overripe Cantaloupe. Yum!
We had Matisyahu, the Jewish rapper, the lead-singer of Green Day, John Lennon and Yoko, and lots of other Rockers present. Check out the picks. Lots more on our Smugmug site.
We had Matisyahu, the Jewish rapper, the lead-singer of Green Day, John Lennon and Yoko, and lots of other Rockers present. Check out the picks. Lots more on our Smugmug site.
A Random Post
This is really going to be more of a random thoughts post than an actual update.
This week we had the opportunity to go to Xander's baptism, a boy in Beth's primary class. It was a good experience. Caleb really looks up to Xander and was super excited to be there. While we were there I thought back to my first calling, which was teaching Primary to the CTR 8s. What a class that was. They divided the class up and I had five rambunctious boys and my sister Mary. The boys tried to climb out of the window, jumped from chair to chair and basically did things I hadn't ever imagined--and my primary class growing up wasn't known for being the good one. The only lesson I know that they paid attention to was the one where I told them about the lepers and then described what leprosy was. But the one thing that stood out was that I attended each of their baptisms and gave them a journal. I think back, and it was really neat to see each of those boys--who were good kids--make the commitment to be baptized.
A different tangent -- the kids are doing better on the reverence factor. They are slowly getting better behaved. Sundays are becoming much more peaceful. As we got ready for church today we had something of a bubble that burst right before we went to church. Beth got down the nail polish and painted her nails. She also painted Jacob's a dark blue color. And Caleb painted his, and knocked over a bottle of nail polish--so when we were supposed to be leaving for church, I was cleaning the floor with nail polish remover. And cleaning the boys nails as well. Caleb was quite upset when he realized that boys don't wear nail polish--especially to church. He wouldn't go because trace amounts were left on his skin. We fixed that problem by telling him to put his hands in his pockets. Jacob was mad, and stayed mad until he got to nursery class and fell asleep.
Caleb's current way of enhancing a story is to wiggle his fingers at you. For example This is super scary (accompanied by finger wiggle) or The magic (finger wiggle) worked to save them. It is fun to watch.
Jacob has made leaps and bounds with his speech. The second day of speech therapy really is helping. He has said Jacob, and is now inserting random (and correct) words throughout the day. He loves to raise his hand and shout me! me! when I ask if anyone wants to do something.
Beth is busy, busy with school and friends. This week was tough, because of the time change. Each day got a little bit worse, and Friday was awful! She was up at 7:15, but just couldn't get dressed. She wasn't dressed and hadn't eaten at 8:15--the bus comes at 8:20. Luckily the bus was two minutes late, but it was a morning!
Today is my actual real live birthday. I can't say that 31 is a big deal for me. Feels a lot like last year. Same old stuff.
My 100 books update
26. Life of a Teenage Siren (okay)
27. Romance Hollywood Style (or something similar)
28. Sunshine--Robin McKinley's vampire book (I got this because I've been a huge fan of Robin McKinley since I was 12. My dad introduced her to me with Beauty and Sherwood Forest, and then Deerskin. I've read nearly everything she's written and hadn't checked up on her new releases lately--I didn't realize it was a vampire book until I had it and was already into the book. I would have read it anyway because I trust her as an author. I know she's not going to throw a lot of unnecessary vampire sex in there. (There is one surprising scene in the middle of the book that's a little graphic, but nothing else at all). And I have to say I liked the book, but it wasn't quite the same style. Still a good read and I'm glad I read her again. She brought back to the front what I love about reading. I love her style of story telling.)
29. Chalice--Robin McKinley (A really, really good fantasy book awesome!)
I must say I abandoned several books during the week. If there isn't something by the first fifty pages that doesn't draw me in, I just don't make myself keep reading. Some books the style grates on me or the voice and I just don't make myself finish. I'm not in school anymore so I don't feel compelled to do so. However out of respect for authors I won't be sharing those titles, since you may enjoy them, and I don't want to prejudice anyone. If I list an author's name it means you should read the book--at least in my humble opinion. Any book I finish is a good read, but the excellent ones I will list a name.
This week I'll be reading three writing books that Rob got me for my birthday.
Now do any of you have any advice on what I can do to dress professionally? Seriously, links, comments, photos, places to buy professional (and comfortable) clothes would be great. I need a makeover for a conference I'm going to. I haven't worked outside of the home in eight years. I am out of the loop. So what do I need to get? It will be summer, and in Utah. I need five outfits for less than $200.00. Help!
This week we had the opportunity to go to Xander's baptism, a boy in Beth's primary class. It was a good experience. Caleb really looks up to Xander and was super excited to be there. While we were there I thought back to my first calling, which was teaching Primary to the CTR 8s. What a class that was. They divided the class up and I had five rambunctious boys and my sister Mary. The boys tried to climb out of the window, jumped from chair to chair and basically did things I hadn't ever imagined--and my primary class growing up wasn't known for being the good one. The only lesson I know that they paid attention to was the one where I told them about the lepers and then described what leprosy was. But the one thing that stood out was that I attended each of their baptisms and gave them a journal. I think back, and it was really neat to see each of those boys--who were good kids--make the commitment to be baptized.
A different tangent -- the kids are doing better on the reverence factor. They are slowly getting better behaved. Sundays are becoming much more peaceful. As we got ready for church today we had something of a bubble that burst right before we went to church. Beth got down the nail polish and painted her nails. She also painted Jacob's a dark blue color. And Caleb painted his, and knocked over a bottle of nail polish--so when we were supposed to be leaving for church, I was cleaning the floor with nail polish remover. And cleaning the boys nails as well. Caleb was quite upset when he realized that boys don't wear nail polish--especially to church. He wouldn't go because trace amounts were left on his skin. We fixed that problem by telling him to put his hands in his pockets. Jacob was mad, and stayed mad until he got to nursery class and fell asleep.
Caleb's current way of enhancing a story is to wiggle his fingers at you. For example This is super scary (accompanied by finger wiggle) or The magic (finger wiggle) worked to save them. It is fun to watch.
Jacob has made leaps and bounds with his speech. The second day of speech therapy really is helping. He has said Jacob, and is now inserting random (and correct) words throughout the day. He loves to raise his hand and shout me! me! when I ask if anyone wants to do something.
Beth is busy, busy with school and friends. This week was tough, because of the time change. Each day got a little bit worse, and Friday was awful! She was up at 7:15, but just couldn't get dressed. She wasn't dressed and hadn't eaten at 8:15--the bus comes at 8:20. Luckily the bus was two minutes late, but it was a morning!
Today is my actual real live birthday. I can't say that 31 is a big deal for me. Feels a lot like last year. Same old stuff.
My 100 books update
26. Life of a Teenage Siren (okay)
27. Romance Hollywood Style (or something similar)
28. Sunshine--Robin McKinley's vampire book (I got this because I've been a huge fan of Robin McKinley since I was 12. My dad introduced her to me with Beauty and Sherwood Forest, and then Deerskin. I've read nearly everything she's written and hadn't checked up on her new releases lately--I didn't realize it was a vampire book until I had it and was already into the book. I would have read it anyway because I trust her as an author. I know she's not going to throw a lot of unnecessary vampire sex in there. (There is one surprising scene in the middle of the book that's a little graphic, but nothing else at all). And I have to say I liked the book, but it wasn't quite the same style. Still a good read and I'm glad I read her again. She brought back to the front what I love about reading. I love her style of story telling.)
29. Chalice--Robin McKinley (A really, really good fantasy book awesome!)
I must say I abandoned several books during the week. If there isn't something by the first fifty pages that doesn't draw me in, I just don't make myself keep reading. Some books the style grates on me or the voice and I just don't make myself finish. I'm not in school anymore so I don't feel compelled to do so. However out of respect for authors I won't be sharing those titles, since you may enjoy them, and I don't want to prejudice anyone. If I list an author's name it means you should read the book--at least in my humble opinion. Any book I finish is a good read, but the excellent ones I will list a name.
This week I'll be reading three writing books that Rob got me for my birthday.
Now do any of you have any advice on what I can do to dress professionally? Seriously, links, comments, photos, places to buy professional (and comfortable) clothes would be great. I need a makeover for a conference I'm going to. I haven't worked outside of the home in eight years. I am out of the loop. So what do I need to get? It will be summer, and in Utah. I need five outfits for less than $200.00. Help!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Quick Jacob Update!
Jacob is doing well, and is home. The dentist worked his magic, and so Jacob is now cavity free. Yeah. He is still sleepy and bleary eyed. Everyone at the hospital was amazed at how good he was the whole time. He didn't even cry waking up and everyone cries waking up. His lips are a little poofy, but other than that he is fine.
Thanks for your prayers!
Thanks for your prayers!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Prayers for Jacob Please!
Before I incite panic--just a note of explanation. Jacob goes in for surgery on Tuesday. It's nothing major, but he has like six (I know six--what does that say about me as a mom?) cavities. There are all minor, but he is so little that no dentists will work on him when he's awake. So he is having general anesthesia to get the work done. I'm a little worried about it, but he should be okay.
This last week was bit crazy weather wise. We did get the snow on Monday--so no school. Then it was in the seventies yesterday! Beautiful day. Rob took the kids hiking, and they had a lot of fun. Beth's Easter vacation has been reduced by two days to make up snow days. It really isn't a happy thing. But it will be okay.
Beth is growing up so fast. She has an answer for everything, and is always planning elaborate games for her and the boys to play. She is going to enter the Young Writers and Illustrators Contest again this year. I'm super excited for that.
Caleb has had a bloggable week. I've actually stopped myself from popping on to post some of the things that he said, because there were so many of them. After being the EYE of THE TIGER. He became a dragon that could fly and breathe fire out of his mouth. He promised that he wouldn't burn the house down. On the hike he insisted on packing his own bag. When he left the house he had his walkie talkies, binoculars and a Leapster in his bag. Somewhere along the way he collected ten big rocks, and some pine cones, that he made Rob carry for him.
Jacob's is his happy loving self. He always greets me with a happy hug. He is also a chocolate monster. If there is chocolate in the house, he knows where it is and will do everything in his power to get it. He is doing better with words. This week he mastered dog (correctly), duck (correctly) and is now signing drink and saying it at the same time. He also has approximated his name acob. No being sound, and the b isn't always a b, but it's a good sign.
That's the basic family news. I'm pretty much the same. Still plugging away, working hard. This week I've been listening to The Killers a lot. I really, really like that band. Honestly it's been a long time since I've liked a new band. The last band I fell in love with was Barenaked Ladies.
Here are a few photos from the hike Rob and the kids went on:
Here are a few photos from the hike Rob and the kids went on:
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I Am Eye of the Tiger
Caleb has taken on a new secret identity. He forgets it from time to time, but he asks me what his real name is, and I'm able to remind him.
Being the eye of the tiger means that Caleb has awesome moves. In a conversation with Beth he told her, "Don't worry I'll get her with my tiger moves."
In talent shows that are put on by Beth he nows runs around the room growling and snapping as the eye of tiger.
It's a secret identity full of super powers.
Thanks to Rob for introducing our son to the song Eye of the Tiger and allowing his wonderful skillz to surface at such a young age.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Nada, Nada, Nada
Well I almost didn't post tonight. There really isn't a lot to talk about. I'm glad that last week is over! Beth got sick. She ran a high fever of at least 102 for a day and a half. We took her to the doctor and the strep test came back negative. I haven't seen Beth so sick since she was a baby--she didn't have the energy to walk. She crawled and would take frequent breaks lying down and actually falling asleep on her way. I kept telling her to call me when she wanted to move, so I could carry her--but she didn't. She slept all day Thursday, and was feeling better Friday--though we kept her home. She's got a cough but is over the worst of it.
Caleb and Jacob have managed to avoid getting sick. Though they are both sleepier than normal. We will see what the next week brings. There is a whole lot of nasty going around. Friday was fort day. There was a big blanket fort in the front room. And the kids turned the bunk bed into a fort or tent. They had a lot of fun--Caleb backed a backpack and went on a hike through the house. He was very careful of the bears that live in the kitchen.
A wicked winter storm is threatening us here. We are on the edge of the storm, which means we may or may not get snow. It's been cold and rainy all weekend. So I'm more worried about a wintery mix, but the weather man doesn't seem to be. I'll trust him. School is on delay though! love sleeping in.
My book list challenge
22. Major Crush
23. How Not to Spend Your Senior Year
24. The Boys Next Door
25. Something Borrowed.
So these books are complete fluff. They all remind me of the Sweet Dream books that I devoured when I was in middle school. Major Crush was fun, because it was about band. That brought back high school memories. Fun stuff--of course these books all had happy endings.
Well that's it! Have a good week!