Random Thoughts Thursday (Sunday Edition)

I had strep throat yesterday. This is the second time this winter. I got strep all the time as a child, I was one illness away from having my tonsils removed, and then it stopped. I don't remember it feeling quite this lousy.

At church we have a lip sync where the children, youth, and adults each get to do a variety of songs of their choosing. Thankfully I'm over the primary so I'm home free. Abbie chose to be a back up dancer to Life is a Highway from Cars.

This started as a Saturday edition, now it is a Sunday edition, hopefully it doesn't turn into a Monday edition.

Nathan burned his fingers on the flat iron this morning. Poor kid couldn't sleep for his nap because he was in so much pain. Made for a rough day all around.

Saturday (before the family chat) I went for my second bike ride of the year. So beautiful. Now if only my knee would work properly.

Abbie lost her second tooth today! The Grandma Toothfairy had to spot the Toothfairy some cash because the Toothfairy was fresh out and it happened at dinner time.

I am going to be thrilled when this semester is over.

Happy Birthday Nathan (Yesterday)

Yesterday was Nathan's birthday. (Although technically because he was born on March 1 of a leap-year he is really one-year-old today.) And he has grown from this,

to this.

Nathan is such a happy, easy going baby (except for when he isn't). He loves to laugh, and it is so fun to see that he already has a sense of humor. He currently loves to shake his head back and forth over and over again and just starts laughing whenever he does it. He is also a little explorer and gets into everything he has access to, including cupboards, shelves, toys, pots, pans, tupperware, garbage and the toilet bowl cleaner (which he now no longer has access to). This morning he got into Abbie's water colors and ate the turquoise paint. It got all over his mouth, hands shirt and hair. I really wanted to take a picture, but not as badly as I wanted to not get paint on the carpet and walls while I got the camera, so you'll have to just imagine. (Yes, I'm overloading on Nathan pictures, but I feel like I haven't taken enough of him so I wanted to make up for it....and he's just so darn cute!) We love Nate the Great!

Random Thoughts Thursday

Since the week before Christmas (eight weeks ago) we have had the following illnesses by one or more members of our household: 1- Bronchitis (all three children), 2 - stomach flu (parents and Savannah), 3 - two eardrum ruptures (both Nathan), 4 - random-two-day-fever (both girls), 5-  pink eye (everyone but Russ), 6 - strep throat (me), 7 - croop (Savannah), 8- sinus infection (Russ), cabin fever (all), whining (all), general irritability (all).

Last weekend we drove four hours south and spent the weekend hiking, running and generally feeling warm. (In between the instacare visit.)I started making all sorts of fun plans for summer. Then we returned to snowy weather. Blast it all.

A few weeks ago I was talking to my friend about her daughter and mentioned how great it was that her daughter was willing to wear different clothes every day. (At the moment Savannah has one dress she wears almost all the time, and two other outfits that she will deign to wear when the dress is being washed.) I didn't realize it at the time, but Savannah heard me and caught my frustration. This week she cried to me about it because it hurt her feelings. Sometimes I just stink at parenthood.


Russ however, makes up for where I lack. For example, I got the girls $3 snow globes for Valentine's Day. Russ drew the following for each of them.

It is a good thing we're a team. Because I need his points.

Not so Random Thoughts Thursday

Things are not very random around here. My kids got sick again this week. The weather here is very polluted  and cold. So rather than bore you with the same thoughts I've been having for the last few weeks I will give you a little insight into my teaching this semester.

The following is a transcript from an email I got from a student regarding a paper they wrote and their grade. (Name deleted to protect the guilty. Subject deleted to protect me from spam and internet wrath)

Dear Sister Gray,

Are you telling me that I am being penalized, through the grade you gave me on my paper, because I exercised my civil liberty of “freedom of speech,” which is protected by the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States, because I do not agree with the ... agenda of a church?

[Name]

(My response...)

No that is not what I am telling you. You are being penalized because you did not maintain the standard of an academic paper, as I said in my comment. A respectful tone is necessary in academic papers. I have given good grades to students regardless of their political opinion when they meet that standard. 

- Emily Gray

(And their response back..)

What do you mean by a “respectful tone?”   Where is the guideline for what defines a “respectful tone” in academic papers? Also,  what is the political opinion I expressed?  I just expressed a morale agency opinion?  I also stated that the church promoting the.... agenda had a right, protected by the first amendment, to voice their opinion.  Are you telling me that because I do not agree with the agenda that I did not have a “respectful tone” and I was penalized in my paper for that reason?   I need clarification.

[Name]

Sent from my iPhone

(My response)

Let me try to answer your questions.

First, a respectful tone is one that does not engage in emotional arguments or demeaning labels. That is the standard for academic papers. Emotional arguments are problematic for two reasons. First they make their proponent look too lazy to do actual research (even if this isn't the case). Second they make their proponents appear overly biased. This then weakens their credibility. Part of learning to write well is writing in a way that presents your position in as strong a way as possible. Strengthening your argument with facts and data rather than emotional arguments will add considerable strength to your papers. (Although for these one page papers you shouldn't need to do any research outside of what is in the news article, unless you want to do so.) I've re-reviewed your paper and tried to provide specific suggestions for help on future papers. 

Regarding your questions about political or moral agency opinions expressed, this assignment was not an opinion paper. The requirements for this paper are, " Write a brief  summary of the article, and how the current event is related to the content of the chapter.  Also include (where relevant) how both political parties approach the issue, including their logic for doing so."  Your opinions while not overtly expressed were very apparent in words like "so called" and "promotes itself as a Christian church". You have every right to believe these things but the place to express them is in an opinion paper, and then maintaining the standard I explained above. 

Once again, you were not penalized because you do not agree with the agenda. I hope by applying my suggestions you can be a strong proponent of your beliefs. I also hope this provides you some clarity.

- Emily


I, so, do not get paid enough.
I 

Random Thoughts Thursday

We have introduced Star Wars to the girls. Abbie likes it. Savannah tolerates it. But what has really turned the girls into fans is Russ's old Star Wars figurines. He has quite the collection. And they are only allowed to play with them when he plays with them. (To make a comparison, I have the same rule with my old American Girl doll. Star Wars figurines..American Girl doll...hmmmm) So now Russ comes home from work to cries of , "Can we play Star Wars My Little Pony?" It is pure awesomeness. 

I forgot what a pain in the neck teething is. Nathan wants to be held. all. the. time.

I suggested a book to my book club that I loved when I read it the first time. But on rereading it I'm just finding it depressing.

Has anyone else finished Downton Abbey Season 3? I need someone to talk to...Pul-lease?

I am getting sick of having nothing on my walls. I think it is because I have been trapped inside my house for the last month due to snow/smog/sick kids. 

Speaking of....my kids got sick again this week. That is the third major illness in six weeks. I am so so ready for this winter to be over. 

I was just offered the chance to overhaul the curriculum for the new course I am teaching. I am so excited! I was planning on doing it anyway because the textbook and set up were an embarrassment..but now I get paid for it! 

Random Thoughts Thursday

Today I went to the Sundance Film Festival and drove Jared Hess's (the direcor of Napoleon Dynomite) car while there. This is the closest to fame I will ever get.

The movie I saw was Austenland, which was a riot.

Nathan finally!! no longer needs to be nursed at night. He still wakes up but at least he goes back to sleep with just a binki. It is progress and I am thrilled. Thrilled!

We just had the first ice storm I've ever experienced in my hometown. I thought such monstrosities  were limited to the mid-West. Everything is covered in ice. It is awful.

I just borrowed the third season of Downton Abbey from my in-laws and watched the next episode (the one that will air Sunday)........AAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHH!

There.... I kind of feel better.

My nieces are selling Girl Scout Cookies....MMmmmm.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Siri might be helpful to some people. But around my house the pressing questions are, "What is the longest icicle?" and "Where do seahorses sleep?" Siri don't know nothing about the important things.

Spent the morning making homemade egg rolls with a friend. Can't wait for dinner tonight!

Nathan has been puttering around in his bed before he falls asleep lately. So yesterday during nap time I felt completely justified in ignoring his chatter and letting him crash. It took longer than normal but he finally was silent. A short half hour later he awoke and I discovered why it had taken him longer to fall asleep..... He had pooped. The diaper had leaked. His pants were off and the poop was everywhere. Everywhere.  Hands, feet, clothes, blankets, sheets. And yes, his hand were in his mouth. Ew. Ew. Ew.

I'm still recovering.

Savannah has mixed up the words "honest" and "modest". The other day she came up to me and asked, "Is this shirt honest?" I'm not really sure she understands either concept yet.

Abbie has been picking up books and reading them of her own accord! I couldn't be more excited. Thank heavens for Junie B. Jones!

Poor Edith!!

Nathan's eardrum ruptured this week. It explained his extreme fussiness, inability to sleep, and 103 temperatures. This is the third ear infection in as many months. I am so, SO, done with them.

You should never ask college freshman to write a commentary on a newspaper article for a political science class. Ever. Unless you want to be very depressed at the state of the nation and  the educational system in one fell swoop.

Random Thoughts Thursday

I love winter when the storm hits right at rush hour. NOT! (Remember that phrase?...Was it the 90s?...Sounds about right.) Russ has been driving for 40 minutes and is only a 1/3 of the way home on a drive that takes him 30 minutes normally.

On the up side the pollution has cleared out.

Today I made the most amazing Cream Scones with Craisens and Orange. The problem, I mistakenly put in one tablespoon of baking soda when I was supposed to put in a tablespoon of baking powder. They turned out awful!

Downton Abbey. Season Three. I am loving it.

I just started a new book club today (the club for which the scones had been made.) I'm so excited! The discussion was engaging and thought provoking.

Nathan stops moving when he sleeps. That is it. He is everywhere. Everywhere.

This week I got knocked off of center for a few days. Sometimes life just makes me sad. I am grateful though that I have a center to return to.

I introduced my daughters to Sound of Music today. (Only the Do a Deer song.) It makes something right with the world.

Random Thoughts Thursday (Friday Edition)

Missed me?

Last week we sat down with the girls to help them make some goals. Not New Year's resolutions but just things they wanted to do. Savannah's list?

1 - Grow a flower.
2 - Sew a blanket for Nathan
3 - Make gold. "Because I don't know how, and I really need to."


This has been a bad month for sickness at our house. Between bronchiolitis and the stomach flu I think we've paid our dues.

We took Abbie skiing last week. Physically she did amazing. Russ and I were both so excited with how well she did the first run down the bunny hill. So (yes, yes, we are idiots) we took her up the lift. About 1/4th the way down Abbie was DONE. The weeping, wailing and nashing of teeth will not be forgotten soon by any of us.

Both girls started sleeping through the night at around 9-10 months. That is what I'd been counting on with Nathan. So over Christmas break we decided to torture ourselves and our baby train him to sleep through the night. It was an epic fail. Epic. I am not happy. No...not happy at all.

When I sent Abbie out to the bus stop this morning it was six degrees. Six. One, two, three, four, five, six. Yup.....yup.

Not so Random Thoughts Thursday (Friday Edition)

I've debated about posting anything at all this week. My life obviously wasn't directly affected by last week's events, but my heart was. I have avoided the news much of this last week because I cry every time I listen. My prayers are with the families, first responders, and the community in Connecticut  My opinions, my civic duty and expectations of my elected representatives and my desires have been steeled in their resolve.

My blog is different. I conscientiously avoid posting my political or social opinions. It isn't that I don't have them or that I don't feel them strongly. But I want this blog to be for family and friends and a memoir to my children a peek into our life and the joy of our family. Not a place for debate or social commentary. There are plenty of venues for such discussions and I believe them to be important. This just isn't one of them. (Sorry, my house, my rules.)

However, this week I can't share flippant, random, or hilarious peeks into my life, for 27 families have lost the ability to have those moments. So consider this my (long and wordy but loving) moment of silence.

Random Thoughts Thursday

I actually sent out Christmas cards this year!! Most of you do this every year so it is no big accomplishment but I am pretty darn proud of myself. If you don't get one in the next few days it is because I don't have your address. Email me so I can send you one.

In the last week and a half I have paid for six doctor's visits, one chest x-ray, a myriad of prescriptions and finally....finally have no weazing children and only minimal coughs. But of course now Russ and I are sick. My voice switches between a man voice, a nine hundred number voice, and a squeaky mouse.

A husband of one of the random bloggers I follow was just diagnosed with cancer. I don't know this person at all. I found them by accident, and am still so incredibly saddened for him, her, and their family.

One of our Christmas traditions is to drive around and look at Christmas lights. A few years ago we started rating some houses to try to help the girls choose a favorite. But rather then helping them pick a favorite it has  devolved into them judging houses, and being concerned about how people will judge our house. "Mom! People will drive right by our house and give us a 0!" (We have no Christmas lights up at all.) Yes. Yes. Apparently I am not only teaching my children to judge others by their appearance, but also to be very sensitive to others' judgement. Because I am an awesome mom.

Don't worry,  I just keep racking up the mom points. While on the drive Abbie starts developing a scheme to sell her homemade crafts door to door. I try to turn the focus to cookies (which people will find value in) to no avail. After about a 15 minute discussion, Abbie sighs.."What I really want.....is money." Yup...I'm teaching materialism too.

That said I am getting pretty excited for Christmas. I hope, hope, hope, think I nailed this year!

Random Thoughts Thursday

I should probably stop being amazed at how fast my girls' room can go from being completely clean to total disaster but it still blows me away.

Last week a spider was floating down from the ceiling in the middle of the kitchen. I gently grabbed the thread and carried the spider over and put it in the garbage. Abbie lost it. "You killed it mom! You killed it!" Tears were streaming down her face. I haven't seen her that upset in a long, long time. When it comes to spiders in my house I am not humane...for Abbie, all life is precious.

We've had sick, sick, kids around our house this week. Fever, cough, and congestion. My only consolation is that maybe...maybe we wont be sick at Christmas. (fingers crossed)

Last night was our ward Christmas party. I have never seen someone go through so much decorating for an event that lasted an hour. To each their own I guess.

Sick croupy kids mean no sleep for me. I am SO very tired.

I at least ordered Christmas cards this year!  Maybe...maybe I can get them out!