Dissection of the Specimen

I taught our preschool co-op last week. We studied the letter p, the number 6, and pumpkins. This included cutting into a pumpkin and pulling out the gooey goodness inside. Everybody stuck their hand in at least once, but two of them were more willing than the others to get messy. Sophie, as a happy participant, still washed her hands several times. I'm not sure why I decided this was an activity we needed to do since I don't like carving pumpkins with my own kids. Maybe because there was only one pumpkin to deal with? Maybe because we weren't carving it into a jack-o-lantern? Maybe because it was in the name of science? Whatever possessed me, it went well and was a successful diversion.

On Fasting

At General Conference a few weeks ago, President Nelson challenged all the women (since the talk was delivered during the women's session) to fast from social media for ten days. I started that night and deleted Facebook from my phone. I don't have other social media accounts (with the exception of Pinterest, which I don't use as social media), so Facebook was the only one I had to worry about. My fast ended up lasting eleven days instead of ten and I finally logged back on late Wednesday night.

I fast from social media about once a month on a regular basis, but only for a day at a time. I know that there's a feeling of peace that comes with it. And I felt that this time as well. I'm more focused, more present, a better listener, and more patient when I'm not thinking about what I read on Facebook. That held true for this extended fast.

Another thing that I realized: I'm pretty isolated as a stay-at-home-mom. Add to that the facts that I'm an extrovert and that my husband was out of town for half the fast. I was lonely. I didn't have time (when my hands were free) to write emails or the quiet needed to call people, so I was even more aware of it.

I was pleased to discover that I use my time pretty well on a regular basis. I thought I'd discover more time since I wasn't staring at Facebook, but I didn't. It turns out I only look at Facebook when I'm feeding Topher or holding him while he's asleep or while doing other waiting types of activities. I had setup social media rules for myself long ago that I still follow. The rules include staying off my phone or computer while my kids are awake and making sure my scripture study is done before scrolling through updates.

At the end of the fast I wasn't sure that I wanted to log back on to Facebook. In reality, I needed to check it because all three of our schools use it to communicate with parents, but I was concerned that I'd get sucked in. Because of the fast I think it's easier to check what I need to check and put the phone down again without feeling the need to read every update.

I'll continue to fast Facebook on the first Sunday of each month. It's a good mental reset.

Candid

Cooper swiped my camera yesterday for about five minutes. I discovered lots of blurry images of my less-than-tidy house, a few crisp clear ones showing the same disorder, and some cool outdoor shots. My favorite, though, is this one. I'm sure you can tell why.

Delighted

As I walked Sophie to a friend's house today, we looked for pictures in the clouds. Sophie saw a dragon and I saw an island.

Sophie: Is it by my dragon?

Me: (looking at the clouds, trying to decide which one could be the dragon) You know, it might be your dragon.

Sophie: I'm going to name her Maunschun Sophie. (pause) What does Maunschun mean?

Me: I think you just made it up, so I don't think it means anything.

Sophie: It means beautiful and delighted and funny. And fun. I'm definitely all of those things. I'm always delighted.

Smile for the Camera

Sophie, Topher, and I went with some friends to a local pumpkin patch yesterday. The kids played in what can best be described as a sandbox, but instead of sand there were dried kernels of corn. We also wandered a kid-sized corn maze. The highlight, other than visiting with friends, was that one of the other moms had her fancy camera to practice her photography skills. She took these and shared them with the rest of us. I watched Sophie pose for the camera, so I am extra impressed that my friend was able to get so many natural looking pictures of our girl.

Me and Them

Bryan was in Utah from early Thursday morning until late last night. That was my first time on my own with five kids.

I'm glad he's home.

And I really need a nap.

The Perfect Name

A few weeks ago a large spider decided to make her home right outside our sliding glass door. As we watched her weave her web, Sophie was fascinated by our eight-legged visitor.

Sophie: Can I name it?
Me: Sure.
Sophie: I will call her...Night. No...Black. No...Widow. No...Black Widow. No. Michelle.

And throughout the day she would ask how "Shelley" was doing on her web.

Sup?

Tired and Grumpy

Sophie had a particularly difficult day on Tuesday. There were several meltdowns and fits and proclamations that I wasn't her mom anymore. My great offences included asking her to get dressed so we could walk the kids to the bus, requesting that she brush her hair before preschool, and announcing that it was quiet time when we finished lunch. It wasn't too surprising that this was the sight that met me when I opened my door at the end of quiet time.

She was a very tired girl.

Make 'Em Laugh