I'm not good at establishing routines. I've never been good at it, and sometimes I don't like the thought of them. It makes me feel like I get in a rut if I'm too routine oriented. But with a 5 month old I've finally learned that I need at least something that kind of resembles a routine.
The first couple weeks in California were crazy busy full of trying to get this place to look and feel livable. The next couple weeks were full of (somewhat annoying) stuff. DirecTV finally (kind of) getting it right on the 3rd time. A brand new washing machine that ran twice and broke. We've had 2 repairmen and now we've been told to call Home Depot and replace it. Some electrical problems. I could go on... but I'll just leave it at that. There were A LOT of people in and out of this place/on the roof, and they all seemed to hammer, drill and pound during nap time.
I finally felt like I was starting to feel settled, and then the visits began. I've absolutely loved every minute of it, but it does make meal/nap/exercise/laundry/cleaning time difficult to stick to. I looked at a calendar and realized that over a 25 day period we've either had/have visitors or will be visiting for 20 of those days.
The past 5 days my brother and his wife have been here and we've been going pretty much all day everyday. My little G man has done great, but yesterday I felt like he was tired of going. So today is our down day while the others are out playing.
All things considered, I've done pretty well, and so has G, at the routine process. I have a laundry day now, just once a week. For about the first month of Garrett's life I felt like I was doing laundry everyday and it kind of made me crazy. Now I do it all on Mondays and it works really well. I have a cleaning day, we have a chiropractor day, a farmers market day. We go for a walk everyday. I'm working on finding a good grocery shopping day, and we usually have a 'new adventure' day. That's where I look something up online and program an address in the GPS and G and I head out to see something new. All the rest of the time we play, nap, watch movies, read stories, etc. He has his alone time and I do too and it's working well. My goal is to keep Saturday and Sunday cleaning/laundry/work free so we can spend quality time together as a family on the weekends.
I wish I was one of those wives and moms who's house is always clean, kids clothes are perfect and new looking, a well balanced dinner is on the table every night at 5PM, beds are made, there's nothing rotten in the fridge, toys aren't strewn through every room in the house, and I want it all to look effortless. But until then, I'll continue to celebrate these small accomplishments.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
When there's too much to cach up on, I number things.
1. I failed the CA drivers test. I missed questions about transferring titles, fines for fleeing the scene of an accident, and rules for smoking while driving. All things that I don't feel I need to know anyway. I should have just put N/A on all of those ones, maybe I woulda passed then. I came home and took the online practice test and got 49 outta 50. I guess I should have practiced before. Anyway, I went back the next day and passed just fine, but not before having a nightmare that the state installed scales in all the DMVs and we all suddenly had to start telling the truth about our weight.
2. Our good friends Kate and Jordon came to visit for the weekend. It was good to have them out. The boys went golfing. The girls went to lunch and shopping, Kate bought me 2 pairs of shoes for my birthday at a super cute shoe store that we discovered right by my house! We went to dinner. We went to the La Brea tar pits and saw fossils from like 40,000 years ago, pretty fascinating, Went to the LA art museum. Went to lunch. Did more shopping. Went to dinner. (I think there was only one meal all weekend that we didn't eat out.) Went to the beach. Went on walks. Had a BBQ at the in-laws for my birthday. It was a good weekend. We miss these two a lot! (Click on collage to make it bigger.)
3. We bought a Beaba Babycook to make baby food. I still haven't opened it because I'm deciding if I can do it myself with a pan, the stove and our Magic Bullet. The thing I love about the Babycook is that its all in one. It steams and purees and it also thaws and reheats. (Yes, like a microwave does too.) It was $150.00 at Babies R Us online, but I found one location in the area that had one in their store. I had a 20% off coupon from we got in the mail with a gift my aunt had shipped to us that was in-store use only. I didn't think they'd let me use it because it rang up as an online item, but they did an override and took 20% off (I love it when that happens), we had also received a $20.00 R Us gift card from a family in Utah that Paul did a funeral for, so with that we only paid $100.00. Still a lot, and I'm still deciding...
4. And about that $20.00 gift card, that was the 5th family that Paul had done a funeral for who gave us a gift. We've received clothes, toys, books, gift cards, and even a hand-made sweater and blanket. And the same day the gift card arrived, a family who Paul's dad had served here in California dropped off 3 outfits and a big stuffed Mickey Mouse at the funeral home for Garrett. None of these people have ever met Garrett or myself. I dunno, I just find it interesting...I don't know that I would be so thoughtful. Maybe it helps people who are grieving a loss to celebrate a new life?? Anyway, its very sweet and appreciated!
5. Garrett has started sitting up on his own! He did it for the first time yesterday. I was sitting at a table and I had him sitting on the table leaning against me. He suddenly just leaned forward and was sitting up on his own. As he'd slowly start to tip to one side he'd use his little baby core muscles and straighten himself back up! It was pretty cute to watch. The most he stayed up was about 20 seconds, and hes definitely not at the point where I'd put him down and expect him to stay sitting for too long, but its a fun milestone for mamas!
6. Mara sent me a fun birthday package in the mail, and a book and onesie for Garrett. Its a keepsake book, a really old children's book that has been bound and extra blank pages added for coloring/writing. Really cute, and me and Mara love us some dinos!
7. I pulled these flowers out of the garbage, they were thrown away after a funeral. Is that weird??
8. I want an aquarium. I had one a few years ago and I really liked it. Garrett was so fascinated by the fishies, it made me want to get one. Probably not soon, maybe for his 1st birthday.
Now I'm off to wash bedsheets and clean house the the next visitors who get here Thursday morning!
2. Our good friends Kate and Jordon came to visit for the weekend. It was good to have them out. The boys went golfing. The girls went to lunch and shopping, Kate bought me 2 pairs of shoes for my birthday at a super cute shoe store that we discovered right by my house! We went to dinner. We went to the La Brea tar pits and saw fossils from like 40,000 years ago, pretty fascinating, Went to the LA art museum. Went to lunch. Did more shopping. Went to dinner. (I think there was only one meal all weekend that we didn't eat out.) Went to the beach. Went on walks. Had a BBQ at the in-laws for my birthday. It was a good weekend. We miss these two a lot! (Click on collage to make it bigger.)
3. We bought a Beaba Babycook to make baby food. I still haven't opened it because I'm deciding if I can do it myself with a pan, the stove and our Magic Bullet. The thing I love about the Babycook is that its all in one. It steams and purees and it also thaws and reheats. (Yes, like a microwave does too.) It was $150.00 at Babies R Us online, but I found one location in the area that had one in their store. I had a 20% off coupon from we got in the mail with a gift my aunt had shipped to us that was in-store use only. I didn't think they'd let me use it because it rang up as an online item, but they did an override and took 20% off (I love it when that happens), we had also received a $20.00 R Us gift card from a family in Utah that Paul did a funeral for, so with that we only paid $100.00. Still a lot, and I'm still deciding...
4. And about that $20.00 gift card, that was the 5th family that Paul had done a funeral for who gave us a gift. We've received clothes, toys, books, gift cards, and even a hand-made sweater and blanket. And the same day the gift card arrived, a family who Paul's dad had served here in California dropped off 3 outfits and a big stuffed Mickey Mouse at the funeral home for Garrett. None of these people have ever met Garrett or myself. I dunno, I just find it interesting...I don't know that I would be so thoughtful. Maybe it helps people who are grieving a loss to celebrate a new life?? Anyway, its very sweet and appreciated!
5. Garrett has started sitting up on his own! He did it for the first time yesterday. I was sitting at a table and I had him sitting on the table leaning against me. He suddenly just leaned forward and was sitting up on his own. As he'd slowly start to tip to one side he'd use his little baby core muscles and straighten himself back up! It was pretty cute to watch. The most he stayed up was about 20 seconds, and hes definitely not at the point where I'd put him down and expect him to stay sitting for too long, but its a fun milestone for mamas!
6. Mara sent me a fun birthday package in the mail, and a book and onesie for Garrett. Its a keepsake book, a really old children's book that has been bound and extra blank pages added for coloring/writing. Really cute, and me and Mara love us some dinos!
7. I pulled these flowers out of the garbage, they were thrown away after a funeral. Is that weird??
8. I want an aquarium. I had one a few years ago and I really liked it. Garrett was so fascinated by the fishies, it made me want to get one. Probably not soon, maybe for his 1st birthday.
Now I'm off to wash bedsheets and clean house the the next visitors who get here Thursday morning!Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"It's cuz of love."
Paul and I used to say that to each other a lot. It started a couple years ago, and I don't know why. But if we did something nice or said something nice, it was often accompanied with, "It's cuz of love." We even sometimes said it when we were in a fight, or just giving each other a hard time. It has kind of faded out, but every once in a while one of us will say it.
Here's some happy things that are 'cuz of love'.
My parents surprised me by showing up at our door Thursday night and they stayed until yesterday. Paul arranged it all and I had no idea. It was a wonderful weekend. Playing games, eating out, going on walks, finishing my 1000 piece smallest puzzle in the world, laughing, talking, planting flowers, and staying up way too late every night. Knowing my parents can come once in a while at the last minute makes Utah and family seem not so far away.
My parents babysat on Saturday night so Paul and I could go on a romantic date. He'd made reservations at a fancy shmancy italian place in long beach. At the last minute we decided to go play at the beach and go to In n Out. It was one of the best dates we've been on.
Paul and I met 3 years ago tomorrow. If you would have told me 3 years ago that I was about to meet the man I'd marry, I would first have said, "No I'm not. I'm not done traveling the world and being irresponsible." And after I met him if you'da told me we were going to get married I would have said, "No we're not. He's way too young for me."
And now, 3 years later, we're married, living in California and we're the parents of the best little 5 month old in the world. I started to learn after meeting Paul that I need to stop planning so much of my life, and I keep learning it more and more.
I love Paul. I love that he was fine with an I love you balloon with a monkey on it from the dollar store for valentines day. I love that he let me and my mom buy dirt, pots and flowers to turn our boring porch into a little gardeny heaven. (even though he doesn't care about that kind of stuff so much) I love that he wants me to stay home and be a full time mom. I didn't think I'd want to not work at all, and I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it works for us and I love it and I'm thankful for it.
We've had our ups and downs. And this California transition hasn't been the easiest thing we've done. But at this time of year when there is something like a bajillion dollars worth of little yucky candy hearts sold just to say 'I love you' ...and 'Text Me' and 'You Rock' and (the ones in our candy jar) 'Amor' and Mi Novio' and 'Hola'... Anyway, I just want Paul to know I love him. It's been a wonderful 3 years and I'm excited for many, many more.
In other news...
Garrett started solid food. (I'll post more about that soon on his blog.)
We got annual passes to Disneyland. It's strange for this Utah girl who's family went one time growing up, to suddenly be able to drive 20 minutes and go everyday if I want to. But I think it'll be fun for our little family.
And, I'm getting a much overdue massage in a couple hours!
Here's some happy things that are 'cuz of love'.
My parents surprised me by showing up at our door Thursday night and they stayed until yesterday. Paul arranged it all and I had no idea. It was a wonderful weekend. Playing games, eating out, going on walks, finishing my 1000 piece smallest puzzle in the world, laughing, talking, planting flowers, and staying up way too late every night. Knowing my parents can come once in a while at the last minute makes Utah and family seem not so far away.
My parents babysat on Saturday night so Paul and I could go on a romantic date. He'd made reservations at a fancy shmancy italian place in long beach. At the last minute we decided to go play at the beach and go to In n Out. It was one of the best dates we've been on.Paul and I met 3 years ago tomorrow. If you would have told me 3 years ago that I was about to meet the man I'd marry, I would first have said, "No I'm not. I'm not done traveling the world and being irresponsible." And after I met him if you'da told me we were going to get married I would have said, "No we're not. He's way too young for me."
And now, 3 years later, we're married, living in California and we're the parents of the best little 5 month old in the world. I started to learn after meeting Paul that I need to stop planning so much of my life, and I keep learning it more and more.
I love Paul. I love that he was fine with an I love you balloon with a monkey on it from the dollar store for valentines day. I love that he let me and my mom buy dirt, pots and flowers to turn our boring porch into a little gardeny heaven. (even though he doesn't care about that kind of stuff so much) I love that he wants me to stay home and be a full time mom. I didn't think I'd want to not work at all, and I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it works for us and I love it and I'm thankful for it.
We've had our ups and downs. And this California transition hasn't been the easiest thing we've done. But at this time of year when there is something like a bajillion dollars worth of little yucky candy hearts sold just to say 'I love you' ...and 'Text Me' and 'You Rock' and (the ones in our candy jar) 'Amor' and Mi Novio' and 'Hola'... Anyway, I just want Paul to know I love him. It's been a wonderful 3 years and I'm excited for many, many more.In other news...
Garrett started solid food. (I'll post more about that soon on his blog.)
We got annual passes to Disneyland. It's strange for this Utah girl who's family went one time growing up, to suddenly be able to drive 20 minutes and go everyday if I want to. But I think it'll be fun for our little family.
And, I'm getting a much overdue massage in a couple hours!Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Superbowl
The Superbowl is a big deal in the White family. Especially is the Packers are playing. So Sunday I was a Packers fan, the other 364? Seahawks . I'm accepting that Garrett doesn't stand a chance when it comes to choosing a I love Superbowl Sunday. I love all the details of a good party, especially if a
I was in charge of the healthy stuff (green salads, fruit bowls, vegi trays), appetizers (spinach artichoke dip and 7 layer bean dip), and dessert (cupcakes, sugar cookies, muddy buddies, caramel popcorn) and my mother-in-law made the sheet cookie with the G on it. My father-in-law did the sides and the meat. Cole slaw, baked beans, potatoes, garlic bread, corn on the cob, crackers and cheese, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked wild turkey, elk steaks, chicken wings,tri -tip steak, and salmon... I think I remembered everything. One person described it like a Brazilian restaurant. A buffet of endless sides, and meat that just kept coming, and coming, and coming... I think I overheard that there was over 50 lbs. of meat cooked for the occasion.
We watched the game at the funeral home. It was perfect. A chapel with a 50 something inch flat screen and a reception room with a buffet table and round tables to eat at as well as a projector with the game on in there too. Speakers through out the building, tons to eat and drink and 40+ people coming in and out. Oh, and a win for the Packers. Success!!!
On a separate but related note, Paul's grandma passed away a month ago. She was in Colorado and didn't want a funeral, she wanted a party. So yesterday was he perfect day because she was also a hug football/Packers fan. An hour before the game Phil did a toast to his mom. He explained everything in the picture below. The donuts because of her huge love of donuts. The toilet paper and butter because she only agreed to marry her husband if he promised that no matter how poor they were, they'd always have soft toilet paper and real butter, and the Packers gnome and her remains. It was short and sweet. We all raised a glass (mug), had a drink and went out back and shattered the mugs. Then we watched the best Superbowl ever, ate a lot and had a great time.
GO PACKERS!!!
We watched the game at the funeral home. It was perfect. A chapel with a 50 something inch flat screen and a reception room with a buffet table and round tables to eat at as well as a projector with the game on in there too. Speakers through out the building, tons to eat and drink and 40+ people coming in and out. Oh, and a win for the Packers. Success!!!
On a separate but related note, Paul's grandma passed away a month ago. She was in Colorado and didn't want a funeral, she wanted a party. So yesterday was he perfect day because she was also a hug football/Packers fan. An hour before the game Phil did a toast to his mom. He explained everything in the picture below. The donuts because of her huge love of donuts. The toilet paper and butter because she only agreed to marry her husband if he promised that no matter how poor they were, they'd always have soft toilet paper and real butter, and the Packers gnome and her remains. It was short and sweet. We all raised a glass (mug), had a drink and went out back and shattered the mugs. Then we watched the best Superbowl ever, ate a lot and had a great time.
GO PACKERS!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
To: Grandma and Grandpa Greenhalgh - Love, Garrett
This may bore you. It's just a little G-man fun for his Utah family who is missing him. The first is me making sounds and him humoring me. The second is him cheering for Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers ) on ESPN. Paul was on a work call and didn't realize Garrett was watching or that I was recording so he comes up and pauses the TV. It's funny the G stops cheering and looks up at his dad a couple times. Then he quickly looks at me like, "What just happened?" And lastly, Garrett was talking to himself so I started recording, when he sees me, he decides to show off a little.
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