Dana & Jill hanging out at Utah Lake in 1992My sister Dana, left, turned 28 yesterday (March12th). Even though she had kind of a sucky weekend, we hope she feels our LOVE and GOOD WISHES over the 1500-miles to Texas! Dana, we love and miss you!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Happy Happy Birthday, Dana Dear!
Dana & Jill hanging out at Utah Lake in 1992My sister Dana, left, turned 28 yesterday (March12th). Even though she had kind of a sucky weekend, we hope she feels our LOVE and GOOD WISHES over the 1500-miles to Texas! Dana, we love and miss you!
Sam Post's Blessing Day
Baby Sam on 3/5
Post Family on Blessing Day: Jake, Matt, Sam & Amie
More Posties PS: doesn't Jake look like a ventriloquist's dummy in this photo (& Matt is the ventriloquist)?
Petersen Family on Blessing Day: Isabelle, Jill, Ben, Jack, Ally, & Drew
Petersen Family on Blessing Day: Isabelle, Jill, Ben, Jack, Ally, & DrewPapa Post was there, too, but I didn't get a picture of him on my camera (I hope Matt did). Amie made us a yummy baked potato bar lunch and the kids had so much fun playing. Poor Uncle Drew and Papa had to head back home after only 22 hours of visiting so they could work on Monday, but it was well worth the trip!
Cousin Fun @ Sam's Blessing
We arrived in Helena around 11am; Dad Post & the Petersens had arrived the night before from Utah. The kids were just sitting down to a yummy luncj made by Super-Amie--mini-PBJ sandwiches, apples, and goldfish. Here, Heidi, Jake, and Isabelle munch some goldfish and have FUN!
After church, Uncle Matt helped Rich wrangle the kids; here's Matt with Addie (I love this picture!)
Matt with Addie again...
Aunt Jill did Ally's and Addie's hair before church...don't they look adorable? Friday, March 10, 2006
Jewish Boyz
Perhaps you remember the SNL episode when Jerry Seinfeld was guest hosting and he did a Mary -Katherine Gallagher skit w/ Molly Shannon in which MK is all in love with him and he's the star of the Jewish High School Basketball team. In the very last line of the skit, MK does her trademark cheerleading lunge, throws her arms in the air and cheers, "Jewish Boys!" Well, I totally identify. I think I have mentioned before that I had a thing for certain polynesian men and really, really smart Jewish boys (For example, Ben Stein, the older conservative version, Jon Stewart, the younger and typically liberal version). I married a "white poly," but apparently the Jewish Boy thing lives on in my subconscience. I posted this comment to a friend earlier:
I have been meaning to blog this, but since I have to take a unisom every night when I am pregnant, I have been getting a lot of dream sleep. And since I have crazy hormones coursing thru my veins, the dreams are kooky. And since I watch The Daily Show on tivo almost every night before I sleep, I have been dating Jon Stewart in my dreams. But it's not "now me" and "now him," it's like 10-years-ago, post-college-pre-marriage us (cuz we are both obviously happily married with children now, duh). He is just in my dreams every single night and I think it's hilarious. My baby is going to be half Jewish.
PS: I have heard snide remarks from my conservative friends about my listening to NPR and watching The Daily Show, as if my political beliefs and values couldn't stand up to hearing another point of view. I'll try not to be insulted by the insinuation, but I think it is very healthy to listen to all kinds of ideas in order to form your own (Not to mention the insanely sharp wit on TDS and the very in-depth and people-based reporting on NPR shows like All Things Considered). It's kind of like being afraid to visit someone else's church because it would make me less of a Mormon. I have always been strengthened by opposition and it's nice to be well-informed and understand at least where other people are coming from. And if I couldn't be Mormon, I would be Jewish any day. Well, a Jew for Jesus maybe.
I have been meaning to blog this, but since I have to take a unisom every night when I am pregnant, I have been getting a lot of dream sleep. And since I have crazy hormones coursing thru my veins, the dreams are kooky. And since I watch The Daily Show on tivo almost every night before I sleep, I have been dating Jon Stewart in my dreams. But it's not "now me" and "now him," it's like 10-years-ago, post-college-pre-marriage us (cuz we are both obviously happily married with children now, duh). He is just in my dreams every single night and I think it's hilarious. My baby is going to be half Jewish.
PS: I have heard snide remarks from my conservative friends about my listening to NPR and watching The Daily Show, as if my political beliefs and values couldn't stand up to hearing another point of view. I'll try not to be insulted by the insinuation, but I think it is very healthy to listen to all kinds of ideas in order to form your own (Not to mention the insanely sharp wit on TDS and the very in-depth and people-based reporting on NPR shows like All Things Considered). It's kind of like being afraid to visit someone else's church because it would make me less of a Mormon. I have always been strengthened by opposition and it's nice to be well-informed and understand at least where other people are coming from. And if I couldn't be Mormon, I would be Jewish any day. Well, a Jew for Jesus maybe.
Where's Your Focus
Once a few years ago, I wrote about receiving a letter from my dad who never writes and talked about how much it meant to me. It ended up offending my mom and some other people that I talked about my dad on my blog, when all I was doing was expressing MY feelings on MY blog. Since then I have tried to avoid anything that wasn't sunshiney- positive about the family.
Until yesterday. I took a risk expressing feelings that I have had pretty often throughout my life, which boil down to this: I wish I meant as much to other people as they mean to me. I accepted a long time ago that that wouldn't happen very often in my life, but once in a while I let it get to me and say something and people take it the wrong way. I got two comments from people yesterday who took my post personally when it wasn't personal at all. It was a general observation of an ongoing situation which was just exacerbated by the events of the day. Everyone can justify their actions and decisions--or else they wouldn't make them--but I just think so often we don't think of the ripple effect of repercussions or the impressions our immediate choices make over time.
I was thinking about a couple of people who had asked me to marry them before I met Rich. I was thinking about how, when I decided the answer was no, it was mostly because the person did not have a vision of love and service that extended beyond us or our future children. They didn't want to live life with an outward focus, to live life as a mission. They wanted it to be all about us and our little problems instead of looking around to see how we could serve our children, our extended family, our neighbors, our church family, and in turn, find all our little problems resolved. When I finally met Rich and heard the love and concern with which he spoke about his extended family and his good friends, I knew I had met the man for me. He has taken my vision and taught me to expand it because he is the most selfless person I know. While I do sometimes get bogged down in worrying about our own family, he reminds me that when we think about and do for others, the problems get solved. What goes around comes around. While it hurts that a lot of the people I love most just don't ever see the world that way (that's why I was sad yesterday), I have to remind myself what an amazing blessing it is to be married to someone who does.
Until yesterday. I took a risk expressing feelings that I have had pretty often throughout my life, which boil down to this: I wish I meant as much to other people as they mean to me. I accepted a long time ago that that wouldn't happen very often in my life, but once in a while I let it get to me and say something and people take it the wrong way. I got two comments from people yesterday who took my post personally when it wasn't personal at all. It was a general observation of an ongoing situation which was just exacerbated by the events of the day. Everyone can justify their actions and decisions--or else they wouldn't make them--but I just think so often we don't think of the ripple effect of repercussions or the impressions our immediate choices make over time.
I was thinking about a couple of people who had asked me to marry them before I met Rich. I was thinking about how, when I decided the answer was no, it was mostly because the person did not have a vision of love and service that extended beyond us or our future children. They didn't want to live life with an outward focus, to live life as a mission. They wanted it to be all about us and our little problems instead of looking around to see how we could serve our children, our extended family, our neighbors, our church family, and in turn, find all our little problems resolved. When I finally met Rich and heard the love and concern with which he spoke about his extended family and his good friends, I knew I had met the man for me. He has taken my vision and taught me to expand it because he is the most selfless person I know. While I do sometimes get bogged down in worrying about our own family, he reminds me that when we think about and do for others, the problems get solved. What goes around comes around. While it hurts that a lot of the people I love most just don't ever see the world that way (that's why I was sad yesterday), I have to remind myself what an amazing blessing it is to be married to someone who does.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Grumpy
My girls are giggling and the sun is blazing outside, sending the snow that fell early this morning down into the soil to feed the little bulbs that are sprouting all around the yard (I am so excited for daffodils and tulips and aliums--we didn't have many in AZ!). In all of this delightfulness, I am feeling a little grumpy.
It's probably because of disappointment. See, I always thought my family of origin would be the kind of family that was like the postal service-- "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays" this family from supporting each other in vital moments or celebrating the special days together. Then, of course, we all ended up in our husbands' hometowns--eight sisters in seven states, some too far flung for much visiting. There's a core group of us close enough to be there for each other if we can make the effort and sacrifice. But it still doesn't happen as much as it should. Sometimes, it's just not a priority or it's not worth it.
I am so glad I married someone with the same philosophy as mine-- for either side of the family, we often forego our comfort, plans, security, etc., to show our support for our sibs and to foster the relationship between the cousins. I really appreciate that about my husband and my in-laws. I am still trying to swallow the bitter pill that my family of origin isn't that great at it anymore. *sigh* Maybe it's a phase...maybe when the kids grow up...
I think I will take my rowdy girls outside to play since it's sunny and warm (well, a little above freezing, I think). They always cheer me up.
It's probably because of disappointment. See, I always thought my family of origin would be the kind of family that was like the postal service-- "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays" this family from supporting each other in vital moments or celebrating the special days together. Then, of course, we all ended up in our husbands' hometowns--eight sisters in seven states, some too far flung for much visiting. There's a core group of us close enough to be there for each other if we can make the effort and sacrifice. But it still doesn't happen as much as it should. Sometimes, it's just not a priority or it's not worth it.
I am so glad I married someone with the same philosophy as mine-- for either side of the family, we often forego our comfort, plans, security, etc., to show our support for our sibs and to foster the relationship between the cousins. I really appreciate that about my husband and my in-laws. I am still trying to swallow the bitter pill that my family of origin isn't that great at it anymore. *sigh* Maybe it's a phase...maybe when the kids grow up...
I think I will take my rowdy girls outside to play since it's sunny and warm (well, a little above freezing, I think). They always cheer me up.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
P.S.:
Happy Birthday, Cousin Candace! I know she'll probably never read that, but I was thinking it today, anyway... I miss her.
Postie Weekend, #2 of 3
Jake & Heidi watching "Little Einsteins"
They are stuck in the Little Einstein tractor beam!
Sam is a lovely baby.
We spent last weekend in Helena with Matt & Amie, and this weekend, they came here! They got here Friday afternoon and we just let the kids play and hung out until Rich got off work, when we went out for pizza and went swimming at Chico. I stayed dry and took care of baby Sam, who's only 10 days old! The kids got nice and tired swimming, so when we got home at 9pm, they were all sound asleep. We watched "Be Cool" and went to bed.
Saturday morning, we ate pancakes, sausage, and blueberries with apple-raspberry juice and the boys, along with my bro-in-law/mason-extraordinaire, Mike, got busy finishing the tile in our bathroom. They worked all day while we entertained the kids and watched the new "Pride and Prejudice" during nap time. At dinner time (Matt & Amie treated us all to Subway--yum!), the boys were almost finished tiling, but ended up about 3 tiles short--shucks! The tile store doesn't open until Monday and Mike can't come back until later in the week, so we are at a stand-still again. It looks really great, though, and we can work on trimming and decorating until he comes back to grout.
Later Saturday night, Matt & Amie worked on Sam's birth announcements, my in-laws brought their friends, The Egelands, over to see our new house, and we (Matt, Amie, Rich, & I) watched "Whale Rider." Matt & Amie had to leave this morning to go to their church at 1pm in Helena, and we went to our church at 10am. I led my first choir practice today and it was pretty good. I am a terrible choir director--not authoritative AT ALL, EVER, but we had lots of people there and it sounded pretty good. Next Sunday we will be in Helena again for Sam's blessing. Jill & her family, Dad Post, and Willy's family will be there, too, and Jill gets to stay for the whole week!! I am so excited! That's all the news for now. Have a happy Monday!
Idol Thoughts
Just so I don't have to comment on every show, I wanted to air my American Idol opinions now. If I have to eat my words, I will.
I chose my Top 12 a long time ago, and things seem to be going my way. I'll tell you what, though, if that Melissa girl doesn't go away this week, I might have to stop watching! Okay, so here are my 6 girls and 6 boys, divided into top and bottom three (in no particular order).
Girls Top Three:
Katharine
Lisa
Paris
Girls Bottom Three:
Kellie
Ayla
Mandisa
Boys Top Three:
Taylor
Ace
Chris
Boys Bottom Three:
Elliott
Gideon
Bucky
So Kinnik, Melissa, Kevin, and Will should be voted off this week. And let me just say that I think all of the top 12 are really super talented, but I just think as far as being POP stars, it has to be one of the top three. I really don't know if #1 will be a girl or a guy--I guess it just depends in the consistency of the performances from now on. I am secretly hoping it will be Taylor Hicks, just to make Simon mad, but it will probably be Katharine, Chris or Ace.
PS: Bucky's hometown is a town where I spent NINE months--that's HALF--of my mission. Good ol' Rockin'ham NC!
End of totally pointless pop culture commentary. :)
I chose my Top 12 a long time ago, and things seem to be going my way. I'll tell you what, though, if that Melissa girl doesn't go away this week, I might have to stop watching! Okay, so here are my 6 girls and 6 boys, divided into top and bottom three (in no particular order).
Girls Top Three:
Katharine
Lisa
Paris
Girls Bottom Three:
Kellie
Ayla
Mandisa
Boys Top Three:
Taylor
Ace
Chris
Boys Bottom Three:
Elliott
Gideon
Bucky
So Kinnik, Melissa, Kevin, and Will should be voted off this week. And let me just say that I think all of the top 12 are really super talented, but I just think as far as being POP stars, it has to be one of the top three. I really don't know if #1 will be a girl or a guy--I guess it just depends in the consistency of the performances from now on. I am secretly hoping it will be Taylor Hicks, just to make Simon mad, but it will probably be Katharine, Chris or Ace.
PS: Bucky's hometown is a town where I spent NINE months--that's HALF--of my mission. Good ol' Rockin'ham NC!
End of totally pointless pop culture commentary. :)
Friday, March 03, 2006
I'm So Ashamed
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