Our tramp may not make it to spring! LW is just the perfect age for Christmas. So much fun.
Tickets to Wicked!
Lip gloss in the stocking. A girl can never have too much lip gloss, right Moog?
For Christmas we got a Guitar Hero World Tour Box with a Little Worthy in it.
Morgan couldn't help but pose the little man with her bling. Peace Out.
There was no road in front of our house for a few hours!
Our Dad is a most awesome breakfast chef. He is wearing the cute apron Gramma Gail made for Kim. Isn't he so adorable?
Even Tom Cat had a good Christmas. Plenty of boxes to explore, and even a treat from Santa.
Kate spent the morning laying on the couch, but she perked up at about noon and and has been playing madly with her new toys ever since. We knew she didn't feel well because she asked us to open her presents.
Merry Christmas!!! We have to go now--Our band has been busy touring. You haven't seen anything, by the way, until you've seen Big Worthy on the microphone. He is SO MUCH better than Billy Idol. Rebel Yell never saw him coming.
My kids were sick last week. You can always tell when Little Worthy is sick, because you have to wake him up. Usually he starts his day by impatiently waiting (sometimes for an hour or more) for his lazy family to wake up. He is the only morning person in our family. Last week he just wanted to keep sleeping, so there was no question that he wasn't feeling well. Fast forward to this week, when he had his class Christmas program. Needless to say, he wasn't prepared after missing so much school. It was hilarious to watch him--he just sort of pouted his way through the program. I did get him to smile for the camera after it was over, though.
So just when I thought we were through with the yuck, Kate started complaining (last night) that her ear hurt. This was after we decided to check her out school earlier in the day. She had been being "non-compliant", which often indicates that she isn't feeling well. She screamed and screamed last night, until she finally gave in and let Daddy give her some tylenol. When she woke up this morning, she went straight to the couch, told me "Mom, my ear is broken," and hasn't moved since. It's almost 6:00 P.M., by the way. For my energetic little girl, something is definitely wrong. It turns out she was right, she had ruptured an eardrum and liquid was oozing out of her ear. Poor baby. She's been a trooper today, but I just hope she is well in time to enjoy Christmas.
Now the latest development is Morgan with a headache.
So, Santa. I'm not asking for much for Christmas. Just kids that are healthy enough to appreciate your visit.
Today was the last day of Morgan's play, The Toys Take Over Christmas. The little ones were so excited to see Morgan and Santa Claus. I think Morgan really enjoyed being part of this production--she's obviously a Glover. Big Worthy and I are proud of her and the way she strives to try new things and do her best, even when it's outside of her comfort zone.
This is the first time that Kate has EVER been chatty with Santa. It was really fun to see her be so brave. She said she wants a kitten for Christmas. Anyone surprised? At least she didn't say a cheetah or a tiger.
Worthy wouldn't sit on the big guy's lap, but he was brave enough to tell Santa he wants a fish for Christmas. Apparently my children think we are a farm of some sort.
Here is our lovely elf.
Worthy felt special after the show, chatting with the cast. He told two of them, "I like your voice."
Moog, I hope this is the first of many productions. Thanks Striped Happy Girly Goo!
The two little ones and I are home today. Little Worthy is feeling yucky, and Kate is feeling just yucky enough to be a potential behavior problem at school. So we're having a break. I feel very blessed to have a job that is flexible. My family takes priority and my boss is so good about that.
Last week something happened at our house that I have been wanting to blog about. Those of you who know about autism, or who have had interactions with Kate, know that perspective is a big deal. Kids on the spectrum usually have a really hard time understanding that other people have different perspectives. They have "mind blindness," which becomes apparent very early with autistic kids. As an example, you will not find a baby with autism who points to objects. They don't bring toys to you or show you objects, because they simply don't understand that it is necessary. They can't see that your point of view differs from theirs. As they grow older, this can lead to all sorts of trouble. With Kate, we are constantly reminding her that other kids have feelings, that she doesn't always get to go first, that she should share. She has an especially hard time with empathy. So, I know that was long, but...
Last week Worthy stole a jolly rancher from the grocery store (I know, this could be a post in itself). After he was caught, his Dad told him that he would have to return the jolly rancher to the store. We would not pay for the candy, so he would have to apologize to the people at the store and figure out a way to pay for it or make it right. Of course he cried. We thought he had moved on, when later...
Big Worthy walked into the living room to find Worthy sobbing uncontrollably. Kate had her arms around him, patting him on the back and assuring him, "It's okay, Worthy. I have a nickel and I will give it to you. And you don't have to worry, because they don't put kids in jail. I promise. It's okay."
So great. Empathy, for sure. She loves her little brother.
In honor of Richie, I decided to come up with a list of my favorite movies. This is an extremely difficult task, I've discovered. So after much soul searching, I have decided to narrow my picks down to several different categories. And now (drumroll, please), my favorite comedies of all time (note: the order has a tendency to change, depending on my mood at the moment. And another note: most of these are my favorites simply because they are so darned quotable).
1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. "This is my ninth sick day this semester. It's pretty tough coming up with new illnesses. If I go for ten, I'm probably going to have to barf up a lung, so I better make this one count."
2. Best In Show. "We met at Starbucks. Not at the same Starbucks but we saw each other at different Starbucks across the street from each other."
3. So I Married An Axe Murderer. "I'm not kidding, that boy's head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts! Now that was offside, wasn't it? He'll be crying himself to sleep tonight, on his huge pillow."
4. This Is Spinal Tap. "This goes to eleven".
5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. "I don't wanna talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! You mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
6. Better Off Dead. "I want my two dollars."
7. Napolean Dynamite. "Girls only want boyfriends who have good skills."
8. A Fish Called Wanda. "How very interesting. You're a true vulgarian, aren't you?"
9. Wayne's World. "I once thought I had mono for an entire year. Turns out I was just really bored." 10. Office Space. "Excuse me, I believe you have my stapler."
Happy Tuesday, Y'all. Here are some of the things that make me smile today:
1. My job. Sometimes it can be frustrating, especially when there are babies and families that need my help, but don't follow through with their end. I hate to see babies suffer when they could be making developmental gains. Yesterday, however, was such a great day. I had 3 separate, incredible home visits. Each one reminded me of why I love my job. My team does make a difference for kids and their families.
2. My home. This morning, as the wind was howling all around us, I felt warm and safe and cozy in my home with my family. The Christmas decorations make me happy and cozy, too.
3. My husband. Yesterday Worthy was "sick". Sick of the house, that is (shhh...don't tell his boss). When I came home from work he had cleaned the little kids' rooms--not as easy as one would think, unfortunately--and had dinner going. It filled me with peace. Thanks, Worth. I'm working on finding someone who will pay him to stay at home and be my house husband. Any takers?
4. My sis. For my birthday, Jen got me a jewelry making class. I'm going to Farmington this weekend for a sister visit, some Christmas shopping, and creativity. I'm really looking forward to it. I laugh when I'm with her.
5. Caffeine. I can't help it. I'm weak. I'm on my way to Bluff right now, and I'll stop off for gas and a diet coke. Aahh, the simple things. (This is dedicated to you, Nancy).
I just read The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. I don't remember being so caught up in the characters in a book in a long time. Have you ever read a book, and weeks after you're finished you still wonder what the characters are up to now? Or are you ever suddenly reminded of a vivid scene or character? I can't seem to let this one go. It was that good. I had read another of Wally Lamb's books, I Know This Much Is True, and I remember feeling the same way about it. Wally Lamb is a master of storytelling and of character. So my sister reminded me that I should read She's Come Undone, also by Wally Lamb (his debut novel). I absolutely could not put this book down. By the way, you can find a great list of her favorite books if you link to her blog. She's a bit of a book snob (in a good way, gosh). So I trust her list. Plus, she and I have this weird history of buying each other the same gifts, having the same thoughts, and saying the exact same thing at the same time. I think we're psychically connected.
*******DISCLAIMER!!!!!!!******* These books are not for the faint of heart. There is a fair amount of sex and language in all three books. In the dedication of The Hour I First Believed, Lamb says in his dedication to his mother, "Sorry about all those four-letter words, Ma. That's the characters speaking. Not me." I personally believe that characters, in order to be real, have to be unedited and harsh sometimes. It doesn't bother me, as long as it's not superfluous and it adds to the character and story. But I will probably go straight to Hades, so you may not want to join me there. If it will bother you, don't read it. I'm just sayin.'
Urine: –noun. yurin. The liquid-to-semisolid waste matter excreted by the kidneys, in humans being a yellowish, slightly acidic, watery fluid. Or, more accurately, a stinky, annoying liquid matter that seems to have it out for Kim. A smelly substance that still occupies Kim's nine-year-old daughter's "nighttime panties", or, sometimes, her mattress.
The stuff that sprays, uncontrolled, from Kim's seven-year-old son's firehose, often. Said firehose explodes, usually, at the most inopportune times (and places) possible. Said firehose is threatening to send Mrs. Johnson (and Kim) to the loony bin.
Said firehose is also threatening to cause said nine-year-old's fourteen-year-old sister to refuse to clean the bathroom, ever again.
Kim's aging cat also has a problem with urine control, and has taken to sharing presents with the Glovers in several favorite places. It must be a family thing.
I've had a pretty "glass half empty" kind of year. Quite a bit of feeling sorry for myself and being grumpy. For those of you who really know how it feels to battle depression, you know that sometimes no matter what you say to yourself, it's not just a matter of "snapping out of it." But I do know that when I'm carefully looking for positive things in my life it helps. For the last month or so I've been trying very hard to find little things that make me happy. I decided maybe I'd blog them sometimes to give me an extra incentive. It's amazing how many wonderful things there are in life when you just stop, breathe, and pay attention to the little things. So, here are some simple things that have made me happy this week:
1. Reading Christmas books with my family. We have a Christmas book tradition in our family. When Worthy and I were first married, I started buying a Christmas book at Thanksgiving time each year. We now have quite a collection! Some of them have been added at Thankgiving over the last 16 years, some of them have been gifts (Thanks Gramma Gail!), and some I just couldn't resist. It was so fun to get our Christmas decorations out on Saturday and watch the kids get enthralled in the books. They immediately sat down and started reading. "Remember this one?" I kept hearing. Each night in December they each choose a new book and we read it. Even Morgan gets into this--she's big into traditions and I think it makes her feel like a little kid again. This picture is of our Christmas reading ritual. That's me in the background (see the blonde hair?). The kids are looking intently at the book I'm reading, "The Little Match Girl."
2. Pandora radio on the internet. LOVE IT. Right now it's playing me Christmas music and it makes me happy.
3. My kids say the greatest things. Here is Kate last night, answering the question "What did you learn in school today?" You have to picture her serious, intent little face.
Kate: "I learned how to kill a monster if monsters were really real."
Mom: "How?"
Kate. "There are two steps. Step one: Run. Step two: Run faster."
4. Worthy. He is having a really hard time at work right now. The politics there are so ugly, and his team keeps quitting, one after the other. I know he hates it at work, and I know that he keeps hanging in there because of his love and devotion to me and to his kids. I love him and I can't help but think things can only get better. I hope.
5. Blogs. I've tried really hard to make sure I check in every day to see how you are all doing. I love you all and you make me smile! Thanks for your blogs and for keeping in touch.
Rachel and Little Worthy are both in Mrs. Johnson's first grade class this year. These pictures are from their fabulous Thanksgiving program this morning. We almost didn't make it because Worthy had an accident right before it started, but after running home and running back, we made it. This is another example of why I'm grateful to live 2 minutes away from my home, work, and children's schools.
First, my children need to thank aunt Kd for having strep throat. (We hope you're feeling better, Kd). Because she was sick, we got to have the Barton girls at our house for three days. Kate and Worthy were THRILLED, to say the least. Our little house has been bursting at the seams, and a little bit rowdy at times, but we've enjoyed having our cousins here. Worthy (the one in his thirties) commented that our kids are lucky to have cousins they like to spend time with. I hope our kids continue to be buddies throughout their lives. Last night the kids made their own individual pizza masterpieces, so I thought I'd post some pictures.
Just when I thought I was off the hook, I was tagged again. I'm going to have to learn to run faster.
Seven things I can do:
1. Make rolls 2. Write, but I don't do it enough 3. Curl my tongue 4. Kick butt at Tetris 5. Quilt, when my mom is sitting next to me 6. Blog (I'm working on doing this more regularly) 7. bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan and never ever let him forget he's a man
Seven things I can't do:
1. Ski 2. Say no! 3. Keep up with my laundry 4. Kick my caffeine habit 5. Math 6. Make friends easily 7. fry eggs to order
Things that attracted me to Worthy:
1. He was already my best friend 2. He stalked me in a non-serial-killer sort of way 3. He is kind 4. He is confident 5. He makes me laugh 6. I just really like to be with him 7. He's a hotty
Things I say often:
1. Holy freak show! 2. This is your warning. 3. Put your feet on the floor. 4. Use your inside voice. 5. I love you. 6. Early Intervention, this is Kim (on the phone) 7. Movie quotes. (He doesn't own a _____, let alone many _____s that would neccessitate a ____ rack). This is just one example of the stupid things I say on a regular basis.
7 people I admire:
1. My Mom 2. My sisters 3. My children's birthmothers 4. Michelle Obama 5. Lana Latham 6. Steve Duke 7. My Dad
7 favorite foods:
1. Cafe Rio 2. Clam Chowder 3. Barbeque 4. Salmon! Especially the 50 dollar salmon I had for breakfast in New Orleans. Tasty. 5. Cheesecake 6. Loaded baked potatoes 7. My mom's lasagna
People I tag:
1. My mom 2. Morgan 3. Jen 4. Linz 5. Kd 6. Eryka 7. Tyler
So I guess I've been tagged. Here are some random and/or weird facts about me:
1. It makes me happy to find a bargain at a yard sale or DI.
2. I love staying home and hanging out with my family. Little Worthy calls these "stay-home days", as in "Is it a stay-home day?" I was just thinking this weekend how lucky I am that I would rather be with my family than with anyone else in the world.
3. I have a dimple on my right (facial!) cheek that is really a scar from running into a cupboard door when I was pretty tiny.
4. When I was growing up I was a reader. I spent many happy hours with just myself and Nancy Drew. I became a non-reader when I had kids, and didn't pick up a book without pictures in it for about 10 years. Now I've become a reader again, to the detriment of the dishes in my sink.
5. I love really stupid movies like Best in Show, Office Space, and Spinal Tap. I also love really sappy ones. I just rented Return To Me from Netflix so I could watch it for the 1,651st time. And I own a copy, I just couldn't find it. LOVE THAT MOVIE!!!
6. I married my stalker.
7. When I was potty training I proudly pooped in the model toilet on display at a hardware store. My poor dad.
1. I collect frogs. (Yay Froggies!) 2. I love dressing up in random costumes w/ My buddy Mel. 3. My cat loves me more than anyone else in the family and freaks out when im away. 4. I love to take random pix with my friends. (See picture above) 5. My very most favorite book in the entire universe is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. 6. I am very upset about the movie coming out on the 21st. There is no way they will be able to do Twilight justice and its just sick and wrong of them to try. The dude they chose as Edward is not hot at all and insults Edwards name. Jacob (Taylor Lautner) on the other hand, is freakin gorgeous! 7. My Vollyball team went undefeated this season! Go Broncos!!!!
I Tag: 1. Mommy 2. Grandma Gail 3. Nan 4. Cole 5. Thomas 6. Eryka 7. Nancy
Here are some highlights from the last few months.
Worthy and I went on a cruise for our 15th anniversary to Ensanada and Cabo San Lucas. We sailed from San Diego. Worthy had fun hanging out outside of comic-con. We even met spiderman and his family.
I was able to go to New York with my Mom and sister Jen. We went to the U.S. Open and saw Wicked on Broadway. We also got to see Chrislynn, Richie and their two cuties and Eryka. That was fun! The picture on top is one I took of my tv screen! Lindsey Davenport is on the right, and the three hotties with the hats on the top left are my mom, me, and my sis.
The kids are doing great. Kate wakes up every day with a smile on her face on school days (this is a new one!) so we LOVE her teacher. Worthy has made tons of progress and is turning into a little reader. Morgan is busy, busy, busy but happy. She is on the drill team and the volleyball team, so she goes to school at 5:30 and we don't see her sometimes until after midnight. She seems to be holding it together okay with a bunch of make-up sleep on Saturday mornings!
We love you all and I wish I was more consistent with the blog thing--I just feel like I'm treading water for awhile right now! Trying not to drown. Thanks for loving me anyway!!!
I was looking through our photos for good pictures of Grandma Asay, and I discovered that every photo of grandma is a good one. She is always smiling on the outside and on the inside. We love her and miss her so much! What an example she is to our family of unconditional love and sincere warmth and happiness.
I have recently read 2 amazing books, so I've been thinking about my favorite books of all time. It's hard to remember everything but I think I have a pretty good start. These are not in any particular order. If anyone has a suggestion for a good book, let me know! I travel a lot at work, and listening to books on my i-pod is a good way to stay sane. Here's the list. (For those of you who are psycho about punctuation like Worthy and I are, I couldn't get the underlining to work!)
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak To Kill A Mockinbird by Harper Lee Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver ANYTHING BY BARBARA KINGSOLVER! The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L’Engle A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenedes I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Roll Of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor The Tales Of Alvin Maker by Orson Scott Card Mother Of Pearl
I know there are more, but it's a Monday. My brain is still waking up.
Our tramp may not make it to spring!
LW is just the perfect age for Christmas. So much fun. 
Tickets to Wicked! 
Lip gloss in the stocking. A girl can never have too much lip gloss, right Moog?
For Christmas we got a Guitar Hero World Tour Box with a Little Worthy in it. 
Morgan couldn't help but pose the little man with her bling. Peace Out. 
There was no road in front of our house for a few hours!
Our Dad is a most awesome breakfast chef. He is wearing the cute apron Gramma Gail made for Kim. Isn't he so adorable? 
Even Tom Cat had a good Christmas. Plenty of boxes to explore, and even a treat from Santa.
Kate spent the morning laying on the couch, but she perked up at about noon and and has been playing madly with her new toys ever since. We knew she didn't feel well because she asked us to open her presents. 
Merry Christmas!!! We have to go now--Our band has been busy touring. You haven't seen anything, by the way, until you've seen Big Worthy on the microphone. He is SO MUCH better than Billy Idol. Rebel Yell never saw him coming. 
cheese!
This is the first time that Kate has EVER been chatty with Santa. It was really fun to see her be so brave. She said she wants a kitten for Christmas. Anyone surprised? At least she didn't say a cheetah or a tiger. 
