So I ordered a new camera via an upgrade program with Canon, only they said it would take 1-2 weeks. It's still not here, and this morning was a perfect picture opportunity.
Lily loves to color with markers. They are the washable Crayola ones, so I usually am pretty lax in sitting right by her to make sure the colors stay where they're supposed to. AFter breakfast she was in the kitchen coloring and I was on the living room floor playing with Zoe. AFter several moments Lily comes wandering out. It looked like she had tried to apply 'lipstick' to her lips--her color of choice being black. She actually did a pretty good job considering she didnt' have a mirror. Her teeth were greyish and her tongue black as well. I tried to keep a stern face because 'we don't color on anything but paper', but it took a lot of self control to not laugh. I have to admit I wasn't that surprised. Lily loves to watch me put on my makeup and is always begging, I wear mateup too?' We'll walk past the makeup aisle at the grocery store, and she'll run to the closest display within reach and grab whatever it is. "i dit mateup?!" Luckily it did come off relatively easy--a good toothbrushing does wonders.
It could have been worse--she could have done her eyes, too....I guess she was going for a semi-gothic look. But how I wish I'd had a camera. Hopefully by the end of the week....
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
President Hinckley
I just want to take this moment in time to say how much I have grown since Pres. Hinckley became prophet. I am saddened at his passing but know that he was welcomed by multitudes of angels as well as his sweet wife whom I know he was sorely missing. I had the feeling that the last general conference could be his last. He talked somewhat differently, but I know he is now so happy. I know he was a prophet of God. I saw him in person and felt the undeniable fire that accompanies the spirit testifying of his prophethood. How grateful I am for his sweet spirit and testimony. He was truly beloved by all. Thank you President Hinckley for leaving such a legacy and example.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
RANDOM
I find it fascinating to observe the little quirks and personality traits that make us who we are. I am like anyone else in that I have my fair share of randomness. So here's some little-known facts about me.
1. I have an extremely predictable and monotonous palate. As Andrew says, 'you could eat the same thing everyday and not get sick of it', and it's true. I have peanut butter on bread almost every day for lunch, and my cottage cheese and pretzels are one of my favorite snacks. It's not that I don't like variety, but when you find something you like why not stick with what works?
2. I like the grannies, castaways or otherwise known as the broken bits of food in the bottom of the bag. I will actually dig to the bottom of a bag of chips or box of crackers to find the little broken ones and eat those first. I guess I feel bad for them in a way--everyone else just tosses them aside, but yet they're so satisfying because you can eat a lot of them and still only eat the equivalent of a few whole ones. (they're usually more salty too!) double prizes!
3. I talk really SLOW. (and I wasn't raised to be sarcastic either) I guess it comes from circuit overload. I consider my brain to think like a popcorn popper. Once things get going it's hard to grab hold of one kernal, so things tend to spill out in efforts to stay caught up. I mean I wouldn't want to forget something I intended to say, or something like that. I also tend to repeat things or say the same thing in a plethora of ways. I just want to make sure that whomever I'm speaking with understands....
4. I'm a coupon/sale freak. My favorite day is SUnday because that's when the ads and coupons come with the Sunday paper. It's like a mini sanctuary for me to sit down with my ads and coupons. And there's nothing quite like getting a wicked deal and having a coupon on top of it. My most favorite place to shop is the commissary at HAFB because they always have deals and I always have coupons. Such a rush!
5. I've lived in Utah practically my entire life, and I still hate winter. I hate being cold and driving in the snow. I'd take wakeboarding over skiing any day. Less is definitely more.
6. I love using tweezers. I find it incredibly satisfying to pull something out using such a fine tool. My favorite thing to find is a hair that needs tweezing.
7. My favorite chore is vacuuming. I find it therapeutic in a way. On the flipside I hate doing laundry--such a menial and endless chore. why do we need clothes anyway?
8. I love to dead head roses-- meaning I love to take my pruning shears and cut off all the deadened and shriveled rose heads. Again, quite satisfying.
9. I love being pregnant, and I actually looked forward to being in labor. I found it such an exciting, enpowering, proud and awesome experience and am still so amazed at what the human body can do (and yes, some may say I'm crazy to do it without any drugs, and to those people I say, you don't know what you're missing...don't knock it till you've done it)
10. I've slept with a student, carpet cleaner, cashier, soldier, 2nd lieutenant, 1st lieutenant, body builder, school counselor, Sunday School president, cop, Lily and Zoe's daddy, my best friend and husband, Andrew.
So there's 10 random things for now. There will always be more which I'll try to post as I think of them. You learn something new everyday.....
1. I have an extremely predictable and monotonous palate. As Andrew says, 'you could eat the same thing everyday and not get sick of it', and it's true. I have peanut butter on bread almost every day for lunch, and my cottage cheese and pretzels are one of my favorite snacks. It's not that I don't like variety, but when you find something you like why not stick with what works?
2. I like the grannies, castaways or otherwise known as the broken bits of food in the bottom of the bag. I will actually dig to the bottom of a bag of chips or box of crackers to find the little broken ones and eat those first. I guess I feel bad for them in a way--everyone else just tosses them aside, but yet they're so satisfying because you can eat a lot of them and still only eat the equivalent of a few whole ones. (they're usually more salty too!) double prizes!
3. I talk really SLOW. (and I wasn't raised to be sarcastic either) I guess it comes from circuit overload. I consider my brain to think like a popcorn popper. Once things get going it's hard to grab hold of one kernal, so things tend to spill out in efforts to stay caught up. I mean I wouldn't want to forget something I intended to say, or something like that. I also tend to repeat things or say the same thing in a plethora of ways. I just want to make sure that whomever I'm speaking with understands....
4. I'm a coupon/sale freak. My favorite day is SUnday because that's when the ads and coupons come with the Sunday paper. It's like a mini sanctuary for me to sit down with my ads and coupons. And there's nothing quite like getting a wicked deal and having a coupon on top of it. My most favorite place to shop is the commissary at HAFB because they always have deals and I always have coupons. Such a rush!
5. I've lived in Utah practically my entire life, and I still hate winter. I hate being cold and driving in the snow. I'd take wakeboarding over skiing any day. Less is definitely more.
6. I love using tweezers. I find it incredibly satisfying to pull something out using such a fine tool. My favorite thing to find is a hair that needs tweezing.
7. My favorite chore is vacuuming. I find it therapeutic in a way. On the flipside I hate doing laundry--such a menial and endless chore. why do we need clothes anyway?
8. I love to dead head roses-- meaning I love to take my pruning shears and cut off all the deadened and shriveled rose heads. Again, quite satisfying.
9. I love being pregnant, and I actually looked forward to being in labor. I found it such an exciting, enpowering, proud and awesome experience and am still so amazed at what the human body can do (and yes, some may say I'm crazy to do it without any drugs, and to those people I say, you don't know what you're missing...don't knock it till you've done it)
10. I've slept with a student, carpet cleaner, cashier, soldier, 2nd lieutenant, 1st lieutenant, body builder, school counselor, Sunday School president, cop, Lily and Zoe's daddy, my best friend and husband, Andrew.
So there's 10 random things for now. There will always be more which I'll try to post as I think of them. You learn something new everyday.....
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Curses!
So I was all prepared and excited for my next post--Lily's first haircut. I made an appointment at the salon, took before pictures, remembered to bring the camera to the salon, took pictures while at the salon, during the haircut and the finished product. Hey, I even remembered to snag a snippet of the hair that was cut off for scrapbook memorabilia. I was so set!
Then, in a mad dash to the car, trying not to freeze our eyelashes off (yes, that is possible), I hurriedly stuffed my camera on the top of everything in my purse. I quickly buckled Lily in while Andrew did the same for Zoe, and we retreated to the safety of the car. As Andrew's backing out he says, 'hey, isn't that our camera?', and sure enough, lying there in the snow, in the spot where our car had just been, is our camera. Could it have fallen out, away from the path of the tires? Nnnoooo, it had to fall right under the tire where Andrew proceeded to back over it. Needless to say, the camera is busted. The memory card looks fine, so I'm praying all the pictures I took will be salvagable. But, no pictures for a couple more weeks until we can get a new one. curses!
Oh, and by the way, Lily looks SO cute with her new haircut. She looks very grown-up, which is sad and happy at the same time. Her hair is so fine and rather thin that the length was just not doing much for her, but with this new bob it looks so cute. Can't wait to download the pix if I can get them off the memory card...
Then, in a mad dash to the car, trying not to freeze our eyelashes off (yes, that is possible), I hurriedly stuffed my camera on the top of everything in my purse. I quickly buckled Lily in while Andrew did the same for Zoe, and we retreated to the safety of the car. As Andrew's backing out he says, 'hey, isn't that our camera?', and sure enough, lying there in the snow, in the spot where our car had just been, is our camera. Could it have fallen out, away from the path of the tires? Nnnoooo, it had to fall right under the tire where Andrew proceeded to back over it. Needless to say, the camera is busted. The memory card looks fine, so I'm praying all the pictures I took will be salvagable. But, no pictures for a couple more weeks until we can get a new one. curses!
Oh, and by the way, Lily looks SO cute with her new haircut. She looks very grown-up, which is sad and happy at the same time. Her hair is so fine and rather thin that the length was just not doing much for her, but with this new bob it looks so cute. Can't wait to download the pix if I can get them off the memory card...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
God's toddlers
The thought occurred to me as I was contemplating some recent and difficult events happening in the lives of my family that we are so much like God's little toddlers.
As I try my best to parent a 2 1/2 year-old in the midst of toddlerhood, I am constantly confronted with not only my own frustration but with the valid frustrations of this little human being who only mortally understands so much. I can only imagine what it would be like to have a larger, parental figure always telling me what to do and not understanding why. Can you imagine the frustration at not being able to express yourself fully because your cognitive language skills are still so primitive? So what better way to release some tension and emotion than by exhibiting a full-blown tantrum?
So we as God's children, godlings here on earth, have only a limited capacity to understand the workings of a greater plan and will . It seems frustrating and confusing if not downright unfair because we lack the knowledge and experience of that Being who has been there before us and understands how things will work together for our good. Trials are encountered, that metaphorical cookie is denied, and we throw a tantrum. Why God, why can't I enjoy that sweet and delicious morsel NOW!? Perhaps we don't yet understand the wonderful, nutritious and more fulfilling dinner which has been lovingly prepared and which will benefit us to a much great degree than that cookie. But we see the now and only comprehend the dimension of time and space as defined by this mortal world and the limits of our physical bodies. Just as a toddler knows the immediate gratification of a sweet treat, we understand when we are temporarily satisfied. But it's in the waiting for that delectable meal which is soon to come that we learn patience, faith and trust that the food which is coming will be ultimately better for our entire being, nourishing us so much more than that cookie ever could.
So I remind myself, God's darling, that He loves me and would never deny or let me encounter something which would be to my ultimate demise or misery. The great thing is that God doesn't expect me to act older or understand those things which I cannot grasp. He loves me as His toddler, his little being who has so much yet to experience and learn before full wisdom and understanding is attained.
I don't understand the reasoning because I have not yet risen to that level on which He sees, nor should I berate myself because I am still mortal, a godly toddler. All things are done in the wisdom of Him who knows EVERYTHING, and I must be patient with myself, letting myself mature at a rate which is natural and most conducive to learning and growth. On the flipside, I must be patient as a mortal parent and allow my little ones to grow at the rate which will benefit them to the fullest. I must do this out of the Love which emanates from my being for these precious spirits which have been entrusted to me. But, I, unlike God, only get to experience an extremely finite fragment of the infinite Love which I know He has for me and for all his children. What a wonderful and patient Father who gently guides and caresses me despite my stubborn tantrums, my inability to see beyond my limited mortal perceptions. He loves me and doesn't grow frustrated as I often do with my children in their moments of frustration. He is always there to lend comfort, safety and encouragement if I am willing to come to Him and trust Him fully as a toddler does her parent.
And when I ask why, why now, why to these great and wonderful people? I have to accept that I don't know and cannot comprehend His experience and wisdom, but I can have faith that He wouldn't let things happen unless it was for a greater purpose. He is preparing that great and fulfilling meal and knows all that it will offer if we will but wait a little longer, be a little more patient. As long as I am striving to work harder, become better, serve more and ultimately love more, I know I am working towards attaining those same characteristics which I hope to possess in the life hereafter. And that's what happiness is really about....the journey, not the destination. I must embrace it all--the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, the frustration and the joy. It will only make me better if I but weather it well.
As I try my best to parent a 2 1/2 year-old in the midst of toddlerhood, I am constantly confronted with not only my own frustration but with the valid frustrations of this little human being who only mortally understands so much. I can only imagine what it would be like to have a larger, parental figure always telling me what to do and not understanding why. Can you imagine the frustration at not being able to express yourself fully because your cognitive language skills are still so primitive? So what better way to release some tension and emotion than by exhibiting a full-blown tantrum?
So we as God's children, godlings here on earth, have only a limited capacity to understand the workings of a greater plan and will . It seems frustrating and confusing if not downright unfair because we lack the knowledge and experience of that Being who has been there before us and understands how things will work together for our good. Trials are encountered, that metaphorical cookie is denied, and we throw a tantrum. Why God, why can't I enjoy that sweet and delicious morsel NOW!? Perhaps we don't yet understand the wonderful, nutritious and more fulfilling dinner which has been lovingly prepared and which will benefit us to a much great degree than that cookie. But we see the now and only comprehend the dimension of time and space as defined by this mortal world and the limits of our physical bodies. Just as a toddler knows the immediate gratification of a sweet treat, we understand when we are temporarily satisfied. But it's in the waiting for that delectable meal which is soon to come that we learn patience, faith and trust that the food which is coming will be ultimately better for our entire being, nourishing us so much more than that cookie ever could.
So I remind myself, God's darling, that He loves me and would never deny or let me encounter something which would be to my ultimate demise or misery. The great thing is that God doesn't expect me to act older or understand those things which I cannot grasp. He loves me as His toddler, his little being who has so much yet to experience and learn before full wisdom and understanding is attained.
I don't understand the reasoning because I have not yet risen to that level on which He sees, nor should I berate myself because I am still mortal, a godly toddler. All things are done in the wisdom of Him who knows EVERYTHING, and I must be patient with myself, letting myself mature at a rate which is natural and most conducive to learning and growth. On the flipside, I must be patient as a mortal parent and allow my little ones to grow at the rate which will benefit them to the fullest. I must do this out of the Love which emanates from my being for these precious spirits which have been entrusted to me. But, I, unlike God, only get to experience an extremely finite fragment of the infinite Love which I know He has for me and for all his children. What a wonderful and patient Father who gently guides and caresses me despite my stubborn tantrums, my inability to see beyond my limited mortal perceptions. He loves me and doesn't grow frustrated as I often do with my children in their moments of frustration. He is always there to lend comfort, safety and encouragement if I am willing to come to Him and trust Him fully as a toddler does her parent.
And when I ask why, why now, why to these great and wonderful people? I have to accept that I don't know and cannot comprehend His experience and wisdom, but I can have faith that He wouldn't let things happen unless it was for a greater purpose. He is preparing that great and fulfilling meal and knows all that it will offer if we will but wait a little longer, be a little more patient. As long as I am striving to work harder, become better, serve more and ultimately love more, I know I am working towards attaining those same characteristics which I hope to possess in the life hereafter. And that's what happiness is really about....the journey, not the destination. I must embrace it all--the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, the frustration and the joy. It will only make me better if I but weather it well.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A winter thought...
"In the depth of Winter I finally learned that within my lay an invincible Summer." --Albert Camus
Saturday, January 12, 2008
new teeth and new tricks
January is underway, and I have to say that I'm glad I can't remember what it felt like to grow teeth. Little Zoe has gotten 5 teeth in the last 2 1/2 weeks, four of them in the last week alone. That brings her total to seven already. craziness! Lily had a lone 2 at a year, so Zoe's trying to up her in the teeth department by working overtime. She's also pulling up on EVERYTHING and loves to stand there and grin, so proud of her accomplishment. She's a cutie to have around and has her very own distinct personality.
playing peek-a-boo with her cuppie
new dress from Grandma and Grandpa Fedor
And here's a picture of 'Papa Fedor' and our two little sparks
A cheesy grin from Lily
Refusing to nap, but falling asleep anyway while watching a Disney movie
Here's the Pedersen girls--a rare event to actually have Mom in the picture, but after promptings and requests from Grandpa Fedor, I asked Andrew to actually snap a photo
A cheesy grin from Lily
Refusing to nap, but falling asleep anyway while watching a Disney movie
Here's the Pedersen girls--a rare event to actually have Mom in the picture, but after promptings and requests from Grandpa Fedor, I asked Andrew to actually snap a photoHere's the girls and Andrew enjoying a book, one of their fave pasttimes
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Lily-isms
Some of my fave Lily quotes as of late:
Upon seeing a picture of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdelene after His resurrection, Lily said, "There's Jesus and Maid Marian!"
Lily is the drama queen, and can put on the waterworks at a pin drop. After one particular episode I said to her, "that's kind of fake, " to which she dramatically and deeply replied, "it's NOT fake!" So I then said, "oh, it's not fake? then what is it?" She poutily answered, "it's SAD!"
Andrew was playing with Lily and after stopping to take a break he said, "should we let Zoe play, too?" Ever the monitor, Lily looked at him and said, "she's too little. she eats baby food."
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Aftermath...
And, dun, dun, dun...January is upon us--creeping up swiftly and amidst the aftermath of another Holiday season laid to rest. As always we are adjusting from our annual bout of holiday hiccups. After the croup, new teeth, much traveling, many parties, late nights and interrupted nap schedules, we are almost back on track--thank goodness! For awhile there I was afraid Lily was done with naps altogether--a toddler's mother's bad dream. After refusing to nap until extremely late in the day, I decided that maybe I could skip the nap and put her down MUCH earlier for bed. Sounds brilliant, right? WRONG! Not only did she not take a nap but she decided that bedtime wasn't for her either. I guess that extra adrenalin pumping in her veins as a result of trying to keep herself awake from lack of a nap was to blame. (or something like that). I've decided that regular schedules are such a blessing....sanity is such a nice thing.
We did have a nice Christmas, birthday and New Year. Lily really started to catch on to the holiday excitement, and we had a tough time convincing her to go to sleep on Christmas Eve.
Andrew: "It's time to go to sleep, Lily..."
Lily: "Santa's coming...he's bringing presents..."
Andrew: "he can't come if you're awake, so shut your eyes."
(Lily shuts her eyes while trying to appear as if she's going to sleep, but it still takes another hour or so before she truly falls asleep.) Oh the joys of being young and innocent and believing! It reinvents the Christmas spirit for us as parents. So fun!
(Lily shuts her eyes while trying to appear as if she's going to sleep, but it still takes another hour or so before she truly falls asleep.) Oh the joys of being young and innocent and believing! It reinvents the Christmas spirit for us as parents. So fun!
The next morning Lily was quick to dump out all our stockings. The chocolate was a hit and was immediately opened and consumed--so much for a wholesome breakfast... and every time she opened another pair of socks ( I wrapped up 6 pairs individually--hey, it's the unwrapping part that's the most fun, right?), she acted as if it was the best thing in the world. 
New DVDs! "I watch a DVD, Mom?"
Zoe wasn't left out of the fun either, although Lily was far too impatient for Zoe to open ALL her presents by herself. She was a good 'helper'.
we enjoyed visits to Grandma and Grandpa Allred's and Great-Grandma Austin's houses for more presents and good food and family. Then, after a couple of flight delays, we got to pick up 'Papa Fedor' from the airport. He stayed with us for our birthday, which we celebrated with all my siblings who came over for a belated Christmas get-together with my dad. It was nice. We are very spoiled. He stayed with my sister down in Herriman for a few days until my little brother Carter's Eagle court of honor on the 30th. Then we got him all to ourselves until he had to leave to go back to Kansas City on the 3rd. We love you so much, Dad/Papa!
Here's the happy family celebrating another year older and wiser...or something like that.
Oh, and as a side note, we finally finished the basement (or atleast all the major stuff). THere's still some painting and finishing work to do, but it's useable and is such a relief to have done.
Here's to an optimistic 2008!
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