Plant smiles, Grow Giggles, Harvest Love

What would you do?

abruce — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:26:11 +0000

So, Carlee’s post about Target has prompted me to write about something that has been bothering me. About two weeks ago, I was in Macey’s (grocery store) parking lot with Dylan loading up some groceries. A man wearing a black shirt, levis and was holding an empty gas can approached me and asked for some money. He stated that his car had run out of gas about a 1/2 mile down the road and he needed to purchase some gas. I was suspicious of his story, so I politely told him I did not have any money and returned to what I was doing. A few moments later two older women approached their car which was by mine. As they started to open their car doors the same man came up to them and gave them the same story he had given me. I overheard one woman say, “I have one dollar you can have.” She gave the money to him and proceeded to get into her car. The other woman was also opening her wallet to give him money, but I did not overhear how much she had. Anyway, I was so irate that they gave him money that I wanted to turn around and tell them not to because I felt they were being scammed. I didn’t however mostly for fear of what the man might say or do. Then as I got into my car I watched the man walk two rows over, put his gas can in his trunk, get into his white Chevrolet car and drive away. By this time I am fuming mad because he lied and took advantage of these two women who were probably scared to death of what he might do if they didn’t give him something. I took down his license plate number, color, make and model of his car, wrote down what he was wearing and wanted to call the cops. However, after talking with Ryan about the situation he explained there probably wasn’t anything that the police could do. So, I decided not to report it. It has weighed on my mind so much since then and I just wish I would have been brave enough to say or do something to stop him. So, I’m just curious as to what you would have done in this situation. Is it worth maybe calling Macey’s and asking them to beef up security in their parking lot? Calling South Ogden City and telling them to patrol down there a bit more frequently? Or should I just give up and consider the man lucky to have met two very nice women who were willing to share what they had with him in a so called time of need? I’m curious as to what you think.

For Sale

abruce — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:14:09 +0000

For sale: 2 adorable children. One girl (3) and one boy (2). They love to eat, but only what they want and when they want (with the exception of treats; those are welcome anytime). They also love to sing, color, play ball, chase each other around the house, ride bikes and ocassionally (ok – all day every day) fight, throw temper tantrums, talk back and hit. They are sure to add the spark to your life that you may feel you’ve been missing. They give good hugs when they are in the mood. They are sure to help give your home the lived in look you might be looking for. They love to watch Dora and the Backyardagains and are happy to sit and watch them all day if you choose to let them. They are hardly any trouble and could be the perfect match for your home. If interested please call me. But be quick – they may not last long (at least at our house.)

Summer fun

abruce — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:05:40 +0000

This past week was full of fun times with the kids. After my last post I decided to try and get out more and do some fun things. Mostly because when we are home the kids just fight and I get frustrated. However, when we are out, we all have our minds on other things and can enjoy each other a bit more.

Wednesday was a trip to the Dinosaur park with Keri and Maelynn. The kids enjoy seeing all of the big dinosaurs and playing on the playground. Hannah and G especially love watching the dinosaur replica’s in the upstairs of the museum.

Thursday we headed up north for haircuts and decided to so for a swim at the North Ogden Aquatic Center with Keri, Maelynn and Grandma Bruce. Last week when we went neither one of the kids would get in the water without my assistance. This week however, they both took to the water like fish and had a grand old time. G even swallowed a gallon or two of water without any complaint. It was a much more enjoyable day.

Friday we ventured to Get Away Today for a free Sea World Adventure carnival. It included seeing some animals, playing games, a large blow up slide and free treats. The kids loved it and G won a splash ball and beach paddle ball game in the fish walk. Spencer was kind enough to win a blow up whale to play in the water with for Hannah. Thanks Spence. All in all everyone had a great time.

Last, Saturday Ryan and I headed down south to Provo to help Shell and Jeff move. I wasn’t much help in the whole move part of it, but it was nice to visit for a bit. The kids enjoyed seeing them and had fun playing at the park at their apartment building. Then we decided since we were down that way we would stop and check out Cabella’s and IKEA. They were both really cool stores, but could have been enjoyed a bit more without the kids. They were all troopers though and especially considering they had hardly any nap. All in all it was a fairly enjoyable day.

Anyhow, we’ve had some fun and look forward to more fun things over the summer. So, if anyone comes up with any wonderful ideas of things for three very small children to do, let me know. I’m always trying to find something to keep them occupied and me from pulling my hair out.

abruce — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 21:14:28 +0000

As many of you are aware I am not a very good blogger. It seems that I only get around to it about once every 6 months or so. Ryan tries to encourage me to do it more, but I find it hard to find the time. Today is no different, but I decided to put off the things I should be doing while the kids nap and sit down for a minute to write. The funny thing is I don’t have anything specific to write about, so I don’t know what inspired me to do this right now. Oh, well!

As the first day of summer quickly approaches I have been thinking about all of the fun things it brings. Picnics, parks, swimming, warm weather (sometimes a little too warm), camping, holidays, fireworks, vacations and much, much more. I get excited thinking about all of the things we can do. The hard part is just getting out and doing them. With three little kids running around most days it’s hard just getting out of the house before one and by then it’s too blasted hot to enjoy being outside. Not to mention, once one o’clock hits it’s nap time for all of them. Then if I wait until after naps to go out, it almost to late because I have to get dinner going then by the time we eat, and clean up it’s time for baths and then bedtime. The day is then pretty much over and we’ve accomplished nothing and gone nowhere! At least this is how it feels. However, I have high hopes for the next day and the next day and the next after that. And although they will probably turn out pretty much like the day before, it gives me something to shoot for.

Having three kids is a lot of work, but a lot of fun. They humble me every single day. I realize my imperfections and pray each night that tomorrow I will be better. It’s a good thing they are so forgiving and forgetful. I love being home with them (most days) and am truly thankful for the opportunity I have to spend each day with them. It has been a blessing to be a stay at home mom. We have had to make many sacrifices and Ryan has worked really hard to make it possible. I am truly thankful for his efforts.

Anyway, as the summer goes on and we hopefully embark on some exciting outings, I’ll try to be better about posting some blogs.

Blog Tag-5 things you don’t know about me

abruce — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:52:04 +0000

Well, here it goes. Ryan blog tagged me, so I guess I have to oblige. I am not much of a blogger. My last blog was in November sometime. I know I need to be better, so we will see if this jump starts me for the year.

I wish I was more adventurous-I have this strong desire in me to be more adventurous, but for some reason something inside of me holds me back. I want to try new things and learn new things, but I lack self confidence. I wish I could jump right into something new without even thinking about it. I wish I could do something wild and crazy at a moments notice without concerns about what other might think. Maybe someday I’ll go sky diving with Ryan. It’s something he has always wanted to do and it would definately be a step out there for me.

I can remember phone numbers and birthdays but not what I did yesterday-I have this ability to remember specific dates for events in my life like the first time I went to Disneyland I left on August 15 and came home August 20 or I can remember birthdays and phone numbers for those who have been important in my life, like friends from elementary school that I no longer have contact with. I however, cannot remember small things like what I needed to do today without writing it down.

I love to travel-I have never been one to love to be away from home. I didn’t like sleeping over at friends houses, I didn’t like going on vacation without my family, I didn’t even want to leave my parents when I got married. This however has changed and now I love going different places and seeing different things. I have had the opportunity to travel to Europe, New York, Washington D.C., and Canada. If I had the time and money I would like to go to Scotland, England, Australia and many more countries and states. I would even enjoy just getting away and seeing more of Utah and it’s neighboring states. I still love being home, but I’ve discovered that there is so much more out there I want to see that is outside of Utah or my house.

My favorite all time movie is Annie-I love a good musical. I have always been attracted to the movies with singing and dancing. Growing up I probably watched Annie a 1000 times or more. My parents will atest that I was a little obsessed. I have it memorized and I still don’t get tired of watching it.

I love to dance-I love going dancing. I don’t know how to dance and I know I make a fool of myself, but I think it is so much fun. I would like to take dancing classes with my husband and learn how to dance the Tango or something.

So, here are five fact about me that you may not know. In return I will tag my dad and Zac Williams. I don’t know of anyone else that hasn’t all ready been tagged that might have a blog.

Watch what you say…

abruce — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 14:50:56 +0000

Everyone says to be careful about what you say around a two year old and I’ve always known that advice to be true. But, now that I have my own I have a deeper understanding of what this advice really means. My dear Hannah has quite the personality. I hate to admit that a lot of it probably comes from me but, it’s probably true. She can be quite demanding at times and very hard of hearing. She only does what she wants when she wants and if you try to tell her otherwise she is quick to let you know that your conditions and terms are not the same as hers.

For example, this weekend my sister-in-law and brother-in-law were watching our kids overnight while Ryan and I got away for some needed rest and relaxation. Friday morning when the kids woke up and Carlee was making breakfast Hannah made it known that she would like some juice. Carlee in response to her request asked, “how about some water instead?” Hannah quite clearly replied ”why don’t you just do what I tell you too.” (something she has heard many times) In her head she didn’t understand why was it wrong for her to say it when she hears those same words come out of my mouth on a daily basis. Although shocking to Carlee it was pretty funny and somewhat of a wake up call to me.

In that same 24 hour period, Carlee and Kory had the kids in the car when Carlee stopped to talk to someone she new. Kory turned around and asked Hannah “Do you think Carlee talks to much?” Hannah replied, “Yeah, someone needs to look her in the face and tell her to shhh.” Now, I can’t exactly take responsiblity for this response but, it was pretty funny and worth sharing.

Last, a couple of weeks ago while my mother-in-law was watching my kids, they were outside raking up leaves in the yard. Hannah was helping and after a few minutes she suddenly stopped. My mother-in-law looked at her and asked “Hannah aren’t you going to help me rake the leaves?” Hannah replied “I’m to busy for this.” and ran off to play. Granted, she wasn’t too busy but, in her mind there were better things to do with her time.

Anyway, it is funny to hear the things she picks up on and the way she interprets things in her mind. Some of her responses are so grown up and matter of fact.

Does it get any better?

abruce — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 04:54:30 +0000

So, yesterday Hannah and I were sitting on the couch watching our ritual morning Dora when she put her arm around my back, cuddled right into me and said “I love you mom.” Then she leaned in and planted a big kiss on me. Talk about making my heart melt. Can I just ask, does it get any better than that? It is times like this that make realize no matter how strong willed she can be, she truly is the sweetest little girl ever.

I just want you to know Hannah, I love you too!

Why do I love you? Let me count the ways.

abruce — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 04:22:26 +0000

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this but, Ryan thinks it would be a good way for us to share all of the fun things our kids are doing with everyone. Having children is so much fun and so challenging at the same time. I often have to remind myself that they are only children and therefore will act like children. Hannah (2 1/2) is quite the independant little girl and very stubborn at times. G (17 months) is pretty laid back and easy going but, will put up a good fight if he’s in the right mood.

Some of my favorite things about our kids are small and simple. I love to watch them play together and hear them laugh. I love watching them at nighttime when we say prayers as they sit by us with their heads bowed and arms folded. I love reading stories with them and I love watching Ryan play with them on the floor at night when he gets home from work. I love the way their eyes light up when Ryan asks “who wants some ice cream?” I love hearing Hannah sing all of her favorite songs from her favorite movies over and over and Over again. I can’t get enough of hearing G say “ugh” to everything and everyone in sight. I love watching them run (or gallop in G’s case) to the door when Ryan gets home at the end of the day to give hugs. I love walking into their room at night after they are asleep to check on them and see how peaceful they are. I love how excited G gets over throwing or kicking a ball. I love it when Hannah plays the I love you more game with me and offers to give me hugs and kisses at will. I love so many things about my children and these are only but a few. They are a ray of sunshine when I’m having a bad day and I can’t explain just how much they mean to me. I may not be the best mom but, they teach me every day how to be a better mom and for that I am thankful. I love them both very much for each one is unique and I look forward to the days, months and years ahead that we have to be together.

Whatever, Ryan

abruce — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 16:47:25 +0000

Well, my dorky and persistent husband insisted that I join the blogosphere (whatever that is) so here I am. This may very well be my last entry, but we’ll see. The intent of this is to share adventures and encounters I have with my adorable children. Of those there are plenty, but my free time is scarce so trying to capture them all in this journal of sorts may prove to be more of a challenge than raising the little critters.

So, stay tuned for some fascinating details and stories. It’s always a wild ride around here.

Bye for now.