Mothers to do List

To Do List:

1. Clean House

2. Organize Craft room and Kitchen

3. Clean Floor

What I really did list:

1. Played hair shop with Sarah

2. Gave Michael hair cut and bath

3. Taught Sarah how to play Go Fish

4. Danced with Michael

5. Cleaned turtle tank after Sarah discovered "Turtles don't like soap Mommy."

6. Broke Toe

7. Made meatballs for lunch with Sarah's help

8. Watched stray dog beg outside door when he smelled the meatballs

9. Gave stray dog meatball

10. Read stories with both kiddos on my lap

11. Watched "How to Train You Dragon" hugged kiddos during 'scary' part

12. Rocked Michael to sleep

13. Showed Sarah pictures from her sealing day and Michael's 1st birthday

14. Scrubbed crayons off the wall

15. Baked cookies

Kiddo Translation

Ever love the unusual things your kiddos say?

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Sarah: "Mommy, I love eggnog. Can we buy eggnog when Daddy goes to the store. Eggnog is so yummy. I love it."

Mommy: "What is eggnog Sarah?"

*pause* "I have no idea what eggnog is." -Sarah

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"Sarah, how old are you?" G'ma H

"18."

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While Rew was reading bedtime stories:

Rew: ""I want to go home to Geppetto," said Pinocchio"

"No daddy, my turn to read." ""Oh No! You are not going home," said Stromboli. "you belong to me now." forever and ever and ever. and we'll be sealed in the temple."

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"Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh will come and comb your hair!!!!"

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"Mommy and Daddy bought me from the grocery store."

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"Mom I ordered another sister and another brother, have fun." o.O

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"I need to bust my brother. Where's my cellphone?" (Too much Phineus and Ferb)

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Michael has started babbling! Woo Hoo! Here's some of his sentences.

"Ma-ma, baba ese." Mommy bottle please.

"Da-da, dae-da, unh" Daddy, dolly now. (Likes to play with his sisters dollies)

"Ceese! ese!" cheese please.

"Uhh-huh." yes

"He-hae, grl" Tickle me

"Wah" Sarah

"Na-na" no

Kiddos

I'm amazed by how quickly kiddos grow.

Michael started babbling this week!!! Big accomplishment for a little one who started out with hearing struggles!

Sarah is very friendly and talkative. She is fascinated by letters and likes to "read" stories to you or with you.

Andrew only has 4 weeks left of college for his bachelors in MFG. He is busy starting a company in his entrepreneurship class. And enjoying being a stay at home daddy.

Amy is busy, teaching, Science Olympiad, ZAP Committee but first being a mommy.

Teaching

oh joy, I am back in Junior High.

I speak with my hands a lot-while teaching. and about a week ago I was talking about Convection, I became so excited that I said, "This is your convection dance." When I figure out how to post video then I'll show you my students jiving to "Convection, Ridge, Slab Pull, Subduction, Earthquakes, Plumes/Plutons, Volcanoes" It's hilarious!

I shared this fun Convection Dance with the dance teacher and geography teacher... they are now using it in their classrooms.

Guess you never know when a weird habit will become a school wide event.

Hey, do you know how to load video???

Adventures in July

I should dig through my photos... right now too tired.

July this year has been surprisingly cool. Even today the sky is overcast, slight breeze and thunderstorms are threatening again. (Only a Science teacher would start out talking about the weather...)

Michael: We have been working with PEIP on M's developmental delays in speech. He is picking up more on sign language and last week stopped talking entirely. I was concerned at first but he started this week with babbling at things to tell you all about them and using simple phrases "Num-num, Mama." (I'm hungry, feed me Mom.) Or when somehow opening the sunscreen or pulling out an entire box of wipes, "Na-No" and naming things Blanket = Eh-ba-kah

Sarah can climb anything literally. No matter how tall. She loves feeding the neighbors doggie, Milo. Watching my classroom pet Galaxy (turtle) for hours watching movies, playing games. I decided to start teaching her how to use the mouse on the computer--Rew and I were both shocked when she figured out how to play "Plants vs. Zombies" She had a tonsillectomy today, and I was told by the nurse "I've never seen a child so perky after surgery. Would you like to go home now?" She was literally dancing in the post op room with the IV in... Umm... I tried to keep her calm. We're home now. She keeps waking up for about 5 mins, wanting to blow bubbles, color, etc and then zonks out

I'm pleased

The wondrous adventures of Summer- June.

Sarah is growing like a weed the pants I bought her for Christmas (that were way past her toes) now hit her mid-calf. but luckily she's still skinny enough so they make good capris. She has been talking up a storm and telling us stories about everything. She is overprotective of her little brother and headstrong. She loves reading story books. Hey, we finally figured out the waking up at night thing. Sarah usually goes to sleep at 8pm. Which means that it's still light outside a little bit. But as soon as it's dark outside she's up and turning on all the lights. We added a night light. She hasn't been getting out of bed anymore and turning on lights.

Sarah calls this the "Crazy Elephant".

Michael is babbling! Huge jump for a kid that was once diagnosed as mostly deaf. I have been getting him to repeat noises and actions. His two most current noises: Ooo--ah-ah (monkey) & blowing kisses. We have been going to the Zoo and he loves to point at the animals and babble at them

.

Andrew finished Spring term and now only has 2 classes left for August graduation! Woo Hoo! Go Rew! He interned at BYU, he has been working everyday (save Sunday) on this race car. This car was a collaborative effort involving schools from around the world. The Korean team flew in last week and we met them at a barbecue--Sarah had 4 Korean guys 'flirting' with her at the barbecue--Andrew teasing told them to back off, she's too young.

This is Andrew's team- Diffuser team, carbon fiber layout.

purr....

BYU team. Frame, Airflows, Suspension etc.

Growl...

Me? I am quite pleased with summer. It's difficult getting used to the change of being home vs. at school. I purchased a year pass to the Zoo-if we go to the Zoo 3 times it's cheaper and we've already been twice. The baby animals are so cute! and thanks to my friend Kait, Sarah now loves Giraffes. Michael loves the carousel at the Zoo and was fascinated by the bird show. We've been playing outside, dancing to music, dumping cereal and milk all over mommy's couch... :) Ah the joy's of kiddos! I usually take a nap with the kids! But if not, I've been writing curriculum for this coming school year, reading and sewing a quilt for Sarah's bed. Here's the 1st square woo hoo! (Pattern is called Orion's Star).

Michael's Sealing

Michael Rigel Rosenvall was sealed to our family on June 9th, 2010 in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

Children have a different spirit when they enter a temple.

Sarah was bouncing before we entered and the second we passed the front doors, she was quiet, spoke in whispers and was very gentle in her behavior.

The sealer spoke to our family about ordinances, and how although they are very short, they are also immensely important. Apparently Michael was the first live child to be sealed to parents in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

Michael doesn't like high places, so he almost cried while at the altar, but Rew and I smiled at him and that seemed to calm him down. Sarah was very quiet.

My Father and Andrew's Father were the witnesses, Dale (Michael biological grandfather) assisted Michael at the altar.

After everyone has left the room we took Sarah over to the mirror, I told her, "Sarah, we are inside the temple, do you remember 'I love to see the Temple." (We have been teaching her I love to see the Temple, but with different lyrics.) She smiled really big and very softly sang her version of "I love to see the Temple."

"I love to see the Temple, I'll go inside again. To be sealed to my brother and know that Heavenly Father is near. For the Temple is a Holy place where we are sealed together. As I child of God, I know this truth. My family is Forever."

Sealing of Michael Rigel Rosenvall

June 9th, 2010, 7 p.m.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Michael's Court Adoption

Today was our little boy's adoption hearing. Here we are getting ready to go...

Sarah Ruby

Michael Rigel

Judge signing the adoption decree papers! It's almost official. At the final adoption hearing the judge will present the newly adopted child with a stuffed animal. Our judge presented both Sarah and Michael with a stuffed animal! (You can see Sarah holding them, they are "Fox in Socks" and "Hop on Pop" stuffed animals from Dr. Seuss books.)

Judge M had Michael strike the gavel for his own adoption. Then Sarah wanted to try too. I love Sarah's face in this one... hee hee hee.

It's a BOY!

Welcome....Michael Rigel Rosenvall

Sealing soon to follow!

18 Things

1. I despise chain mail. I will not send it back to you, nor will I pass it on. Sorry, it's not appreciated unless it's something funny/odd or relates to Science.

2. I love my husband Andrew. I am constantly amazed at what life has already decided to throw at us in the first 5 years, which makes me apprehensive, because in my experience the Lord only give you harder and harder things so you'll continue to grow.

3. My biggest pet peeve is seeing people using cell phones at inappropriate times: i.e. in movie theatres, in the middle of a regular conversation, while at dinner in a restaurant, at school during class, while in the bathroom, during a play, at church(usually playing games), COME ON PEOPLE! Use some cell phone etiquette.

4. I've always wanted a large family, since having kids, a small family would be wonderful! I greatly respect those of you with large families.

5. Being the youngest of 8 is quite possibly the best family placement ever.

6. I love dancing! Lindy Hop, Swing and West Coast Swing are my favorites.

7. Staying up late and sleeping in until 10 a.m. every morning makes me happy. That way I get to see the stars at night, and wake up to lunch. I am not a breakfast person.

8. My favorite foods? Unagi sushi, Raspberry cream dark chocolate truffles, Boysenberry Pie, Avocados, Sirlioin tip steak, chicken hearts, green olives, snap peas...

9. I would love to learn how to do my hair and what I should wear. I have no fashion sense whatsoever and struggle shopping for clothes--unless it's for someone else, husband, daughter, son.

10. Winter is by far my favorite season but also my least favorite time to drive.

11. If I could travel anywhere on Earth I would pick New Zealand, Tibet(Himalayas), Antartica, Brazil(Amazon), Iceland. I've already been to the other place: Yellowstone.

12. I'm still in shock that the Lord decided I should adopt children. I love them both dearly but still miss that I wasn't able to be there when they were born-I have 2 kids and still have no clue what a woman goes through when she delivers.

13. I read comics. Sherman's Lagoon, PH.D Comics, The Order of the Stick, Buckles, B.C., Far Side, Calvin & Hobbes, Dilbert are my favorites.

14. Bubble baths, sitting outside on the grass on an autumn day, reading a beloved book, back rubs, eating dark chocolate raspberry creams, hiking, oil painting, cross-stitching, playing piano = best relaxation ever.

15. I've always thought that 'R' would be the prettiest letter for my last name, something about Amy R. -- Perfect! Needless to say I was ecstatic when I figured out Andrew's last name.

16. I'm competitive and stubborn. But not competitive nasty and not so stubborn that I won't listen to your side.

17. I have been addicted to TV, but never to computer games.

18. My own creativity has gotten me into trouble more times than I'd like to admit.

Sleeping toddlers?

Okay experienced mothers, I need your help.

My daughter Sarah has always gone to bed easily. Even as a bouncy 18 month old (when she first came to us). You could lay her down and she would go right to sleep, hardly even crying--except when she was sick.

Okay...here's our bedtime routine: She goes to sleep at 8 p.m.

Andrew and I go to sleep at 10 p.m.

I usually say, "Time for bed, Sarie, let's put on pjs." (she generally comes happily and puts them on- no problem).

Then I help put her in pjs,

she uses the potty,

I help her brush her teeth.

Then we go to her room with the lamp on low,

read stories

sing a few gentle songs,

say prayers,

give her a drink of water, we lay her down, say "Goodnight Sarah, I love you." give her a kiss. She says, "Goodnight mommy, love you too.)

I turn out the lamp, close her door partially. Sarah goes to sleep.

It has always been this order...

Recently:

Same routine. EXCEPT: lay her down....

"Leave the door OPEN!" she screams. or says, "I need to go potty." etc...

If you try any of these requests, Ex: "I want a drink of water." You give her water, she will throw it at you. Ex: let her use the potty. She won't go, and will request to use it again minutes later with the same result.

We've tried:

Sitting outside her door--worked for a few weeks.

Sitting in her room--worked for a little bit, but now she just throws everything in sight at you.

Closing her door--throws a fit, bangs on the door, wakes up her brother.

Nightlight-- she plays with it.

Putting her to bed earlier or later depending on if she took a nap.

Time out--calms her down, but doesn't change much.

Not giving in to any requests--tantrum, screams/pouts/works herself into a frenzy and doesn't go to sleep.

Ignore her--gets out of bed, run upstairs, plays with toys--even though she's tired.

Possibilities(what I've heard from others):

Nightmares

Separation Anxiety

Growth Pains

She's three

I know my daughter, yes, she is only three, has terrible threes, probably has growth pains, nightmares and definitely separation anxiety.

BUT HOW DO I HELP HER PEOPLE?!?!?!?

I don't want my child to be screaming until 11pm at night! I don't want to find her in the middle of stairs asleep with all the lights on in the house! I don't want to hear her trying to open the back door in the middle of the night! I don't want her to go knocking down Little Mikey's door at 3 a.m. and waking him up! What I've tried is not helping...

Top Spots

My friend Kaitlin found a website that calculates your "top spots" to live. It looked interesting, so here are my top spots.

http://www.findyourspot.com

Sheridan, WY

Helena, MT

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Dillon, MT

Springville, UT

Ogden, UT

Great Falls, MT

Salt Lake City, UT

Livingston, MT

Provo-Orem, UT

Moscow, ID

Fort Collins, CO

Kalispell, MT

Bozeman, MT

Grand Junction, CO

Leadville, CO

Cheyenne, WY

Tooele-Grandsville, UT

Durango, CO

Missoula, MT

Billings, MT

Divide, CO

Roanoke, VA

Cedar City, UT

Interesting how it kept me more towards the rockies.

Here's Rew's top 20:

Roanoke, VA

Lynchburg, VA

Spokane, WA

Billings, MT

Great Falls, MT

Olympia, WA

Norfolk, VA

Tacoma, WA

Salt Lake City, UT

Kent, WA

Ogden, UT

Hampton, VA

Seattle, WA

Provo-Orem, UT

Denver, CO

Loveland, CO

St. George, UT

Charlotte, NC

Chattanooga, TN

Asheville, NC

Ancorage, AL

Cheyenne, WY

Bellingham, WA

Boise, ID

Here are the areas we overlapped!

Provo-Orem, UT

Salt Lake City, UT

Ogden, UT

Roanoke, VA

Billings, MT

Great Falls, MT

Cheyenne, WY