Ethical?

Isn't it unethical or at least inappropriate for our landlord to not contact us at all regarding our $650 deposit that we are expecting at least most of it back? We have been moved out of our apartment since May 3rd. We cleaned the apartment for 2 1/2 days! Top to bottom, I seriously scrubbed all of the walls up and down. I emailed him about 4 days ago and have heard nothing back. I'm getting upset!

The day of the Blog

I can't stop blogging today! So much to say!

Brian made me the above wooden sign. He did it on a whim so its on nice moldy wood. This is what he does at work. Cuts things. He had been asking me often if I wanted a sign or saying or giant letter cut out of wood or metal for mother's day. I kept telling him that I didn't like little knick knacks that don't serve any purpose. But when he had the thought to do this he just did it. He knew I would love it. And though I feel as though I maybe shouldn't have it displayed in my house - I can't seem to get rid of it! Isn't it just cool!!

It keeps hitting me that we are only here for one more year! Its quite amazing to think! It has made me much more relaxed to see an end in sight to Brian's schooling. And also an actual date for which we will be leaving UT. 

Naomi update:

Naomi is on the verge of getting whatever sickness Gwen has. One of my favorite things that she does ever is when she wakes up and has sleepy eyes or when she is sick because her eyes are always runny when she is sick - she says my eyes are raining! I love it!

Gwen update: 

Gwen is standing without holding on to anything this week. She doesn't enjoy the act of walking at all so she just stands there.

Books to read

The only magazine I read through cover to cover is Real Simple. I love all of it. I even read about wines that go with food and it means nothing to me - I've never tasted wine! But its in my Real Simple magazine - It might have some relevance to my life. So this month there was an article, more so a list, from various authors recommending books to read. I love to read, but find myself not reading as much as I would Love to. Kids and hubby keep me occupied and I hate being interrupted while reading so sometimes I will just not. Anyway, I want to start really reading again. Naomi and I are working our way through the Chronicles of Narnia right now. But I always feel a little lost when I go to the library and try to select a book to read. I'm very nervous that I won't like it at all! So in the spirit of Real Simple articles - please suggest to me anything that you think I should absolutely read. Assume that I haven't read anything - what are the best books I should read? 

Mommyhood

So... it took me forever to get to this - but here it is Jen!

How long have I been a mom?
3 1/2 years

How old was I when I became a mom?
23 years old - I think.

What is my favorite kid show?
Word World! I'm also quite fond of Signing Time

Least favorite?
I loathe Yo Gabba Gabba, we also never ever watch Barney  - BLECK!

Favorite chore
I have pondered this one forever...I really don't know. I like organizing things - putting everything in its place. And everything does have a place in our house.Brian just can't EVER remember where they are!

Favorite meal to cook?
Brian and I go through stages. Sometimes he will cook for weeks and then I'll take over. I think its my turn right now (we are in the process of switching over)(its not a spoken or planned thing, it just happens). This one is hard too. I personally really enjoy pasta with parmesan cheese and some basil. Brian hates it! But its so easy! I also really like making a big ol' homestyle meal - like meatloaf or pot roast.

What is the meal cooked most often?
Definitely pasta of various kinds (we are poor!), we are trying to branch out more and do stir frys because they are so good and pretty easy.

What's my kids' favorite meal?
At the moment Naomi only wants bread and butter. But she usually Loves tortellini soup.

What is my favorite thing Andy does with the kids?
I think smoosh face. He smooshes their faces all up and we laugh! They have chubby cheeks! Also when he just cuddles them. He likes to cuddle them more than they like to cuddle him though - which is sad.

What are 5 things that make me smile about being a mom?
1. How stinkin' cute they are! I have quite a big head about how cute my kids are!
2. When they play with each other - this is new for us, but I love to watch!
3. When Naomi plays with other kids and will do stuff to show me that she listens to what I say and does actually learn things.
4. After Primary when I'm the best most exciting person to see
5. Telling them they are the loves of my life - and Naomi shaking her head yes and agreeing that they are the loves of my life! haha

Where do I want to take my kids someday?

Jen, oh my gosh, go to Disney World! Its the best ever! 

Brian and I want to travel everywhere and expose our kids to all kinds of cultures and lifestyles. We want to do the touristy stuff too, but we really want to get them into the real country of places - even different places and cities within the US!

When was the last time Andy and I went out without the kids?
Oh goodness - I don't remember! Does it count when we left them with our neighbors to clean our apartment for hours on end. Its going to have to.

What's something you said you'd never do as a mom?
Get mad AT them, but alas they are so stubborn!

Favorite pasttime with my kids?
Reading - We are reading Prince Caspian right now in preparation for the movie. 

Advice for new moms?
Let your spouse parent.  - Jen wrote this - I think I agree! I didn't let Brian do much and now that I am trying to put him in charge of things, he has a problem with almost assuming kid work is always my work. He will pick up something I am working on so I can go over and handle the kids. Not good!

What is a scary or heartbreaking moment you have had as a mom?
We have been extremely lucky in this aspect of life. I don't know that I have had any real scary or heartbreaking moments yet. But my anxiety makes it seem like we certainly have!

When was the last time your kids said "I love you?"
Yesterday when I let Naomi build a tent under the computer desk and watch Bug's Life over and over since it was a rainy day!

Word World

I love the kids TV Show Word World. They make everything out of the words. They build things out of words and it becomes an object with the letters in it. I don't know how to explain it, but its freakin' cool! I'm always so excited to see how they are going to make the object look out of the letters. Like the main duck on the show is yellow and consists of the letters DUCK to make himself look like a duck. Its such a neat thing they that do. In the background a rock with say ROCK. I love it! I wish everything was made that way!

Naomi - so hard to please...

yet so easy!! Today's conversation went as such:

Naomi: I'm Hungry!

Carrie: Would you like some bread and butter? (Her new favorite treat)

Naomi: No

Carrie: Toast?

Naomi: Yeah!

Such a broad range in taste!

Brian's Blog

Just so you know - Brian added to his blog for those of you who may be interested but don't check his often because he doesn't write often. Thanks!