Frankly right now, things in life are rocky. Some things are uncertain and Kurtis and I are doing our best to focus on our family and take care of what the good Lord has given us. With that being said, I was thinking as I was driving tonight, what is one word I would use for each of my kids? What would I use to sum up what they mean to me....so here it is:
To Sam: "NEW" Everything with Sam was new, the first, a great way to experience everything for the first time, like I was a kid all over again.
To Isabel: "DIFFERENT" Everything with Izzy was different, whether it was a boy/girl thing, a first child/second child thing, or just plain watch you be different from your brother thing.
To Kalen: "FUNNY" Everything with Kal is funny, even when it's a serious thing. Kal does everything his own way, with no fear, watching his older siblings and figuring out how to do it himself even if he is 2-4 years younger.
To Zeke: "BITTERSWEET" Everything with Zeke is sweet; he's just a doll, lights up my day with a simple smile and chubby cheeks. But it is bitter b/c he's the youngest. As Zekey grows from a baby into a little boy, I miss the experiences of fresh, new little spirits in my home. I miss that newborn feeling.
Zeke is the reason I thought of this tonight. Things are on the fritz, money is tight, the future is uncertain and I look back in the van and see this little chubby-cheeked, only a few teeth smile, wondering wide eyes taking everything in and I'm so thankful for my children. SO THANKFUL for my life and the little people entrusted into my care. This is my note to my children. You make everything worth it....really, everything. It sounds like a cliche and it is BUT it is also true!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Valentine's Day with my little Ebers
I tend not to make a big deal about Valentine's Day. Holidays and gift-giving aren't Kurtis' forte and it tends to just bog me down if he doesn't celebrate it as I hope he would. But this year, the kids seemed to get into the spirit of things. Isabel and Daddy went to the pharmacy the other night to pick a prescription and before I knew it, they had gotten something for everyone for Valentine's Day.
So while, Kal and I were out the other day, we picked up V-Day straw cups for all the kids and little stuffed animals holding candy. Last night before bed, I lined up everyone's little Valentine's things and this morning the kids were SO excited to see their goodies. It made my day to have something that made them smile. Then I was able to send them on to school looking forward to their classroom parties and such. What a fun way to focus on today without being down about what Kurtis might or might not have done to celebrate. Tonight, as requested by Sam, we will order a Papa John's Pizza in a heart-shape and then we will sit on the couch as a family and watch a movie. What a wonderful way to focus on my blessed life.
I will throw in the cute things the kids have said lately. The other day, while driving home from the bus stop, Sam says "Mom, when you die, I will not be mad at you. I'll know that you didn't mean to leave me but you just got old and died". Isabel replied "SAM! You are not supposed to call a person old. It's rude!" It was very funny how upset she was that I was called old but no one seemed bothered by my impending death.
Isabel also informed me yesterday that her teacher, Mrs. Worman, has 3 sons and therefore "she has no one who loves shopping!" So Isabel suggested that we go out and buy her some clothes so she can look cute at school. She has really bonded with her teacher and really thinks the world of Mrs. Worman!
So while, Kal and I were out the other day, we picked up V-Day straw cups for all the kids and little stuffed animals holding candy. Last night before bed, I lined up everyone's little Valentine's things and this morning the kids were SO excited to see their goodies. It made my day to have something that made them smile. Then I was able to send them on to school looking forward to their classroom parties and such. What a fun way to focus on today without being down about what Kurtis might or might not have done to celebrate. Tonight, as requested by Sam, we will order a Papa John's Pizza in a heart-shape and then we will sit on the couch as a family and watch a movie. What a wonderful way to focus on my blessed life.
I will throw in the cute things the kids have said lately. The other day, while driving home from the bus stop, Sam says "Mom, when you die, I will not be mad at you. I'll know that you didn't mean to leave me but you just got old and died". Isabel replied "SAM! You are not supposed to call a person old. It's rude!" It was very funny how upset she was that I was called old but no one seemed bothered by my impending death.
Isabel also informed me yesterday that her teacher, Mrs. Worman, has 3 sons and therefore "she has no one who loves shopping!" So Isabel suggested that we go out and buy her some clothes so she can look cute at school. She has really bonded with her teacher and really thinks the world of Mrs. Worman!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
when kids say the cutest things....
So while driving to the bus stop this morning, we were listening to Anne Murray singing "Nobody loves me like you do...."
Sammy from the back says "Mom, nobody loves me like you love me"
Isabel "This song is the truth. She is right. Nobody loves us like Mom loves us!"
I was smiling so big!
Sammy from the back says "Mom, nobody loves me like you love me"
Isabel "This song is the truth. She is right. Nobody loves us like Mom loves us!"
I was smiling so big!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Happy Valentine's Day from Zeke
Our tenth wedding anniversary was Jan. 31st. Kurtis is not so great at planning or thoughtful gift giving so date night was up to me! We actually went to the temple with some church friends (Jeremy and Michele Lutz and Pete and Kelly Cindric) the week prior. That was fun.
The night after our anniversary we decided to go roller skating. I had seen a great deal online for a discount so we went for it, even though it had been years since either one of us had gone skating. I have to admit I was rusty and Kurtis was WAY better at skating than me but we had a good time. My legs were killing me by the time we went home and Kurtis had blisters on his feet but hey, it made us feel younger! The skating rink closed earlier than we expected so Kurtis surprised me by taking me jewelry shopping. We had been joking about getting me a bigger diamond for our 10th! While I didn't get a bigger diamond (in way of carots), I still got a pretty ring that was actually a different shape and was just what I was hoping for.
In addition, this past Sunday I dressed Zeke in his Valentine's onesie....I love Doctor Love! He's so cute and getting sweeter by the day. He now says "hi" "yeah" and "Pa-Pa" and he waves bye-bye.
The night after our anniversary we decided to go roller skating. I had seen a great deal online for a discount so we went for it, even though it had been years since either one of us had gone skating. I have to admit I was rusty and Kurtis was WAY better at skating than me but we had a good time. My legs were killing me by the time we went home and Kurtis had blisters on his feet but hey, it made us feel younger! The skating rink closed earlier than we expected so Kurtis surprised me by taking me jewelry shopping. We had been joking about getting me a bigger diamond for our 10th! While I didn't get a bigger diamond (in way of carots), I still got a pretty ring that was actually a different shape and was just what I was hoping for.
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| Greta and Kurtis Dec. 2013 |
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| Greta and Kurtis Jan. 2004 |
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| my 10th anniversary diamond |
In addition, this past Sunday I dressed Zeke in his Valentine's onesie....I love Doctor Love! He's so cute and getting sweeter by the day. He now says "hi" "yeah" and "Pa-Pa" and he waves bye-bye.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
deep insight by Sam
Sam: "Guess what?!? Cousins are just brothers and sisters that live in a different house."
Monday, January 27, 2014
should I be committed? (I know where your mind just went with that)
Lately, I've been pondering how commited I get to a task. I tend to do something/anything with 110% of myself. While most might think that is a great thing...it has its downside. For instance, I tend to drive myself crazy with the details, I get easily overwhelmed by something that should be simple, and sometimes I find myself volunteering for a monumental project when I could've just cruised through it. I give you two examples:
One, Kurtis is on the Home Owners Association Board. It came along as an opportunity for him to use his recently acquired M.B.A. I thought it would give him a taste of management and business side of things while still keeping him in touch with our community. I didn't count on his procrastination working against me nor some of our neighbors essentially campaigning to have the board disbanded. What resulted was 5 of the 7 committee members resigning for one reason or another, leaving Kurtis to act as Pres, Vice-Pres, and Treasurer for a short time. Now we are up to 5 committee members but Kurtis is still treasurer. He is responsible for sending out monthly bills and such. Last year, we made a great switch to use coupon books (with coupons for each month) resulting in us needing to simply deposit the checks each month. I stepped up to help my husband who is always so busy with family, church, and work. Then Kurtis decided this year that it would be easier if WE made the coupon books ourselves....simple, right? Yeah, except for my husband is a procrastinator. I blame myself. I knew this when I married him and thought it would be okay. Until I find myself spending an entire weekend making 30 coupon books and trying to make sure that they get out in the mail the next day b/c the bills are due at the end of the week! Add that to the woman is acting secretary. She's a single gal, kids are grown up and out of the house, and she is supposed to type up the minutes, send out ballots each year, etc. Except she doesn't. Supposedly she doesn't have a printer at home. She only types up the minutes every 3 months and she can't possibly send out newsletters and ballots b/c she doesn't have a printer. She actually came into my home, with my 4 little kids running around in jammies and eating donuts while I'm making 30 coupon books, to complain that the responsibility was too much and she needed to resign! I later complained to Kurtis that I feel her integrity is faltering. If you decide to do something, be commited to it! Don't give me excuses that it's hard or that you don't know how to do it. Yeah, it's hard! Yeah, it takes time! Yeah, you often do not see the rewards but your name is on the line! Your reputation, your dependability, your integrity is on the line! Are you going to MAN UP and do what is asked or are you going to give me every reason in the book why you can't do simple tasks...and yeah, sometime the hard tasks too.
Second example comes from my most recent calling. A calling is something that us Mormon people do. Our church has no paid leaders. Every thing is volunteer, including our Bishop (which the equivalent of a minister). So I was "called" to be Cubmaster. Now, my mother has asked me repeatedly, even once today, if I could say NO to the calling. The answer is yes, I could've said no but why? Was I not willing to put the effort in? My integrity was on the line. Am I a woman of my word? When the Lord says "Greta, I'd like you to do this. It is a lot of work. It will be hard and at times, you will not like it. But will you do it for me? Will you put in the effort b/c I, your Heavenly Father has asked this of you? I will even promise you blessings if you say yes. Not to mention, how your sons will benefit from your efforts. And how you will be an example to others to do the hard, not fun, sometimes stinky jobs." So I said yes and have found myself in a constant state of worry, busy-ness, and need to do things. And sure I could only put in the required work but why do that? If I'm going to do this, I want it to be done with all of my being, all of my heart, all of my sweat. So I find myself cutting and sewing 20 mother's lanyards for the Blue Gold Banquet in Feb. Could I have said "that's too much work?" Yeah, but when I'm done making these dag-gone things, I will be proud of myself. I will know I did my best, my all, my heart. And that will mean something to someone, even if they don't say it to my face.
So as I sit here, and grumble and gripe and ask myself "why are you trying so hard?", I'm reminded that this is who I am. I'm not one to do something half-hearted or with a minimum of work. I'm all in, feet first, yelling YAHOO! at the top of my lungs. And I hope that someone, somewhere notices that I AM committed.
One, Kurtis is on the Home Owners Association Board. It came along as an opportunity for him to use his recently acquired M.B.A. I thought it would give him a taste of management and business side of things while still keeping him in touch with our community. I didn't count on his procrastination working against me nor some of our neighbors essentially campaigning to have the board disbanded. What resulted was 5 of the 7 committee members resigning for one reason or another, leaving Kurtis to act as Pres, Vice-Pres, and Treasurer for a short time. Now we are up to 5 committee members but Kurtis is still treasurer. He is responsible for sending out monthly bills and such. Last year, we made a great switch to use coupon books (with coupons for each month) resulting in us needing to simply deposit the checks each month. I stepped up to help my husband who is always so busy with family, church, and work. Then Kurtis decided this year that it would be easier if WE made the coupon books ourselves....simple, right? Yeah, except for my husband is a procrastinator. I blame myself. I knew this when I married him and thought it would be okay. Until I find myself spending an entire weekend making 30 coupon books and trying to make sure that they get out in the mail the next day b/c the bills are due at the end of the week! Add that to the woman is acting secretary. She's a single gal, kids are grown up and out of the house, and she is supposed to type up the minutes, send out ballots each year, etc. Except she doesn't. Supposedly she doesn't have a printer at home. She only types up the minutes every 3 months and she can't possibly send out newsletters and ballots b/c she doesn't have a printer. She actually came into my home, with my 4 little kids running around in jammies and eating donuts while I'm making 30 coupon books, to complain that the responsibility was too much and she needed to resign! I later complained to Kurtis that I feel her integrity is faltering. If you decide to do something, be commited to it! Don't give me excuses that it's hard or that you don't know how to do it. Yeah, it's hard! Yeah, it takes time! Yeah, you often do not see the rewards but your name is on the line! Your reputation, your dependability, your integrity is on the line! Are you going to MAN UP and do what is asked or are you going to give me every reason in the book why you can't do simple tasks...and yeah, sometime the hard tasks too.
Second example comes from my most recent calling. A calling is something that us Mormon people do. Our church has no paid leaders. Every thing is volunteer, including our Bishop (which the equivalent of a minister). So I was "called" to be Cubmaster. Now, my mother has asked me repeatedly, even once today, if I could say NO to the calling. The answer is yes, I could've said no but why? Was I not willing to put the effort in? My integrity was on the line. Am I a woman of my word? When the Lord says "Greta, I'd like you to do this. It is a lot of work. It will be hard and at times, you will not like it. But will you do it for me? Will you put in the effort b/c I, your Heavenly Father has asked this of you? I will even promise you blessings if you say yes. Not to mention, how your sons will benefit from your efforts. And how you will be an example to others to do the hard, not fun, sometimes stinky jobs." So I said yes and have found myself in a constant state of worry, busy-ness, and need to do things. And sure I could only put in the required work but why do that? If I'm going to do this, I want it to be done with all of my being, all of my heart, all of my sweat. So I find myself cutting and sewing 20 mother's lanyards for the Blue Gold Banquet in Feb. Could I have said "that's too much work?" Yeah, but when I'm done making these dag-gone things, I will be proud of myself. I will know I did my best, my all, my heart. And that will mean something to someone, even if they don't say it to my face.
So as I sit here, and grumble and gripe and ask myself "why are you trying so hard?", I'm reminded that this is who I am. I'm not one to do something half-hearted or with a minimum of work. I'm all in, feet first, yelling YAHOO! at the top of my lungs. And I hope that someone, somewhere notices that I AM committed.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Greta the Elf, too Big for a Shelf Dec. 2013
Some shots of my "Elfies" from 2013.
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