Vander Linden Musings

Happy Birthday Jakob Parker!!!

OK- so since Gerritt was about 3 years old we have been battling to keep the Christmas myth going. When he was three he noticed the wrapping paper was the same. Every year since then, there has been something we have had to cover up. This year- he started to remark in front of his brother that the myth is not true. I figured it was time to tell him, so that he wouldn’t ruin it for the other two. I took him into BJ’s office, and we told him together. Gerritt sat there with this funny grin like- “Ha, I knew it.” Then I asked him how he felt about it (someone recently told me I should ask my children how they feel about things when a big event happens), and he started crying.

Now, BJ and I were stumped. I sat on the floor and held Gerritt and asked him what was wrong. He cried, “I didn’t want to know!”

Guess we screwed up! Later he told me not to tell his brothers as early as we told him. He also said, “Since I know, can I help you with the shopping next year?” As guilty as I felt- I STILL said no way! He laughed.

I didn’t want to tell my kids the myth- felt it was just a big lie- but we decided to anyway- and now we’ve screwed up our son!!! Oh the joys of parenting!

I got to be in 5 states in two days this week. I went on a road trip. Road trips are my favorite. The person that was with me thinks I went to help her out. Nope- it was ALL selfish! Kidding- but I really did have fun!

Barbra, someone I have known since age 4, came out to Utah to buy a car. She thought it was smart to drive home alone. I on the other hand was jealous of the road trip, and a little worried she may need someone to go to the pharmacy for her in the morning, so I volunteered to go. BJ didn’t bat an eye. My amazing hubby got online to find me a flight home. So Sunday we left.

There were some funny moments. Moments in which we laughed like we haven’t laughed in a LONG time (she kept asking “How old are you???”), and moments in which I was the only one laughing, she was in too much pain to laugh. And if you know her- you’ll have to ask her what the pain was from. I’m keeping that info tucked away until I need to blackmail her!

I missed the boys, worried about whether or not they would get to school on time, worried about whether they would get their homework done, and worried that BJ would never let me leave again. But BJ did a great job. They got to school on time, their homework was done, and they knew their spelling words when I got back. All was well.

So, I guess what I am saying is- thanks for the trip Barb! I had a TON of fun!!!

The boys’ school did their Halloween celebration today… don’t ask me why. Jake woke up at 5 am excited to get dressed- I sent him back to bed only to find that I couldn’t get back to sleep. At 5:30 I got up and woke Gerritt and Jake (not that they had gone back to sleep either) and started getting them ready. They were SO excited! Once I was done with them- I woke my child that received a “Needs Improvement” on his report card in the “listening to directions” portion. I still had problems- he couldn’t get past the needing to eat first- he wanted to dress first. AAAH! Well- we got through the morning. We did it, and I am so proud of us! Here’s my crew…

I want to keep everyone updated with what’s going on with us- but there is NOTHING new!  The boys are seeming to enjoy school- but Gerritt doesn’t like his homework load- cuts into his video game time- guess that’s a good thing!  Jake and Josh have just gotten over what sounded like croup- hopefully Gerritt doesn’t get it.

BJ hasn’t been traveling much.  Though he does leave next week for California.  He’s completed two of his masters classes.  Got an A in the first one.  Not sure about the second yet.  His next class is an accounting class.  He’s nervous about that one- a lot more work.  Like Gerritt, his homework will be cutting into his XBOX time.

Me?  Well, I get to make cookies for Young Women’s tonight.  And then I get to clean the kitchen- yuck.  We’re sharing our favorite recipes at Young Women’s tonight- so excited to overeat tonight.  Not really.  I’ve been overeating a lot lately- growing right out of my pants.  I remember when I used to be able to eat like a pig and not really have to worry about it.  Now I exercise pretty much constantly and I still gain weight when I overeat.  Oh well.  Guess thems the breaks of getting old.   See all you people that laughed at me when I was a cranky mess when I turned 20, can now see why I was- I didn’t want to get OLD!

We’ve decided we’re going back to NY next summer.  Grandma and Grandpa Badding will be having their 60th anniversary!  We want to be there to give them hugs and kisses!  We also want to hit a Yankees and Red Sox game.  Hopefully that will work out!  If I had my way- we would be driving out there.  But the hubby would rather fly- he doesn’t like the idea of driving across country with our three “angels”!   Maybe I’ll figure out how much it is to rent an RV.  I’ve read you can stay the night for free in WalMart parking lots if you’re in an RV. Then I would be able to shop at my very favorite store every night before bed time!  Fun stuff!

Well- seriously nothing new here- sorry to bore you with my pointless ramblings!!!

Gerritt was baptized today.  First he and Jake had a flag football game to win, then we quickly got ready for the baptism.  Ethan, Gerritt’s cousin, was also baptized today.  Gerritt loved to share this day with his cousin.

Here’s a few pictures from our day…

Well- we were going to go to California this year…but BJ started his Master’s program with Utah State so we had to shorten our trip. We went to Bear Lake instead. It was nice and relaxing- until the last day… Josh tore his hand open while falling at the pool, and had to get stitches. He’s been enjoying showing them off to people. Hopefully our insurance will cover the clinic that was up in poedunk, Utah.

Here’s just a few pictures of us on our much needed vacation…

We have half day kindergarten…

Why am I blogging this answer?  Because I wanted to complain.

It’s 10:20 now… just got finished cleaning the upstairs, and doing some laundry.  Do I have time to go to the mall and get some lotion and use my coupon to get some free stuff?  No.  If Josh were in full day kindergarten- I would have plenty of time to do that!

If I can’t get much done- I don’t suspect they’re getting much done at school.

Just another of my pet peeves.  Of course- they are trying full day kindergarten in some schools.  So by the time I will no longer have children in kindergarten- full day kindergarten will have FINALLY been implemented in the Utah schools.  Blah blah.  Ok- done complaining!

I just dropped Josh off at school.  He seemed very excited.  He saw the girl in his church primary class in line and a huge smile came over his face (I think he’s got a crush).  He’ll be sitting at the same table as her.  Now I get to clean the kitchen without interruption.  I almost feel lonely- even though BJ is downstairs.  I think I’ll blast my Debbie Gibson music and start cleaning.

Seriously what in the world am I going to do with myself???

Gerritt and Jakob are back in school today.  They both were really excited to be going.  After I exercised this morning, I went into their room to get a picture of them sleeping.  What I found was two very excited boys half way dressed already- it was 20 to 7.  Little stinkers!  Josh had his kindergarten open house today.  He wants to be in school now- doesn’t want to wait a week.

Here’s some pics from this morning…