Merritt, Merritt

He can't resist a photo shoot.

He growls with the best of us.

softly:  uh-huh

CARS

CLIMBING

can't stand to wear pants

running races

Making Mommy Chase

NNNNOOOO!

sweet, sweet temperament

Can't believe he is about to be 2

Last Week's Halloween

Had a great time last weekend.

Erik as a doctor.

Sheila as Sally.

Everett thought all the face make-up was a riot.  Merritt didn't recognize me.  He wasn't scared; he just kept flirting with me and running away.  Cracked me up.

Science Museum and Hot Air Balloons

Several weeks ago, Everett and Erik spent the day at the Dallas Science and Nature Museum and at the Plano Hot Air Balloon festival.  (Sheila was at home with sick Merritt.)

At the museum, booths shared information about conservation.  One booth had one of Everett's favorite things:  chickens. And, another booth had Evy's daily quest subject:  worms.

Evy played with his cousins at the festival and lit up the night with his own very special LIGHT SWORD! 

And, an action spot:

Arboretum in August

At the very end of August, we went for Dallas Arboretum's Dollar Days.  The Arboretum is just so peaceful and relaxing.

And the most amazing sight:  a squirrel carrying around a hedgeapple by his teeth.  Hedgeapples are HEAVY!

Whimsy Wall: The Beginning

I've begun.  You can't see the sketch of the background images 'cause it is in pencil.

The colors in competition.  It will mostly be monochromatic. 

Can't you see it now?

Brothers

In their favorite hiding corner with their new flashlights.  (trying to convince Dad that he will fit, too)

Need to be close, most of the time.

They are under there.

They are hiding because they were running away from me after they were both very Naughty!

Early Morning Curious George

Pumpkins

I've recently wanted to learn how to use pumpkin puree from scratch instead of a can.  We had a great time getting the pumpkins ready.

(sitting on pumpkins like eggs, you know, like on Happy Feet)

Merritt's Reading Preference

A couple of weeks ago, Merritt and I were at the library while Evy was at school.  We did our usual routine of the Children's section first.  Merritt was *not* interested in any of the books there.

So, we went to the fiction section so that I could find a book.  Merritt took off around the corner and across the room, climbed onto the step stool, reached really high, found himself The Book (it was as if he knew exactly where to get his book and no others would do), and would not let go of it until we got home.  I had to have the librarian check the book out while he was still holding it.

He was so proud, holding that book.

Today Went Okay Because of Erik

It is 9:30 pm and Erik is cleaning up the kitchen.  I am out of commission, unexpectedly--hopefully for a short time.  And, though he did a lion's share of the work this evening, like almost everything from 4:00 on, he still listens to me complain.  And, reminds me to take my medicine.

There was a point during today where I was truly in a panic.  I mean, I didn't go yelling crazy and waving my arms around, but I was going to have to make a really hard decision and accomplish something humanly impossible, logistically, and couldn't get Erik on the phone.

I, Panic Sheila, drove to his work and was able to find him with the help of the security staff there (you just don't walk into his building and jaunt through the offices).  As I waited in the lobby for someone to find him, I started to calm down because I knew that at some point they would find him and he would help me.

And, he did.

Thanks, Erik, for helping me, um, again.

You are a sanity and lifesaver.  And, thanks for wiping down Merritt's spaghetti covered chair.

True love.

Chills and Thrills

The answer is Yes.

To the questions of:

• Will they have more than one post for October?
• Has life been crazy for the Sjolseths?
• Is Sheila taller than Erik?
• Will they have their annual "Ugliest UT Sweater Competition" even though UT is hurt-in this season'?
• Do they have the cutest boys ever?

Holy Crayola!  It has been something else.  September was a kick in the gut, and October was a couple of punches in the kidneys.  Fo' sure, people.  I hope that the holiday months are blessedly boring, boring.

This week we are trying to get back to normal.  Fun plans for the weekend with dinosaurs and fossils.

Everett turned four last week, awesome pictures will be posted at some point.  His request for his birthday was chocolate.  "Chocolate cake with candles and fire," said while frantically moving his hands to simulate fire.  So, we had a Chocolate Birthday Party which went really well.  Today, I started teaching him how to play dominos.  He is a crack-up!

Perpetual Motion Merritt is as cute as ever.  I have to learn how to repair and replace our window screens before the number of ones he has damaged gets to the double digits.  (glass has been safe so far)  He now says "I love you"--it sounds like "ouu."  He is the best hugger and loves to run into our neighbor's garage while fleeing any kind of request like,"Merritt, come here .  .  . Merritt, time to get in the car . . .  Merritt, here's a cookie!"  Can't be bribed away from that garage.

Erik and I dressed up for a fun Halloween party on Saturday.  If I were more energized I would put the pictures right here:               !  You'll have to just wait until I do the huge download.

I started sketching the whimsy mural.  I need to get paint.  Some day I'll remember to buy it.  I have the next adventure the Magic Schoolbus people should put together.  More on that later.

Gorgeous weather!  Lots of playing outside, races, making compost, digging for worms, burying toys, eating dirt, premature picking of peppers (eager youngest gardener), and Everett's growing green bean plants.  Finding the reddest leaf, because Mommy likes red.

Erik has held down the fort.  Seriously. 

Friends, friends, friends, and family have been a super support.  Don't know what I would have done without them, aside from crawling into a fetal position in the back of my closet while whimpering to myself.  (instantly reminded of the short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper")

I am looking forward to November.

Blessed

I've got quite a bit going on here at the Sjolseth House.  The upside is that I should, very soon, have time to work on the mural.  Just gotta remember to get some paint.

I am blessed.

I am blessed with two bright, fun loving boys.

I am blessed with a husband who loves me and isn't shy about agreeing or disagreeing with me.  (I actually learn a lot from him when I listen.)

I am blessed to have a happy home.

I am blessed to have a backyard.

I am blessed to have family that love me.

I am blessed to have friends, no matter how far they are from me, who listen and care.

I am blessed to have 8, yes-eight, bell peppers growing out of the plants that were killed.

I am blessed.

For Our Own Good?

In our faith, the LDS church, we have standards that we live by . . . and time and time again, I have seen the benefits of living those standards.  Many people think that they are too restrictive.  I've had some people tell me that I must enjoy being told what to do in order to abide by a set of standards.  In all, I know that living by these standards are for my own good.  I am happier, healthier, and more productive by following these guidelines.

On my mind right now:  I've been witness to how destructive a tool technology can be.  Technology in itself isn't the issue; it is the way it used and by what person, for what purpose.  I've seen how harmful it is for those who never "turn off" the technology.  They get no peace, they are up at night answering text messages when they should be sleeping.  And, the need to be careful with technology goes the same for adults and children.

I often think of how I will respond to technology when my kids are older--what are the right guidelines, how to best enforce limits and encourage appropriate use.  A long time ago, the raging battle in my mind was "Video games vs No video games."  Things are different now; the blessing of technology is in many, many more forms.  The lines of what the world and sometimes even the neighbors view as appropriate vs inappropriate are blurry at best.  I admire parents who are already navigating the waters and teaching their children how to reasonably use technology and safeguard themselves from the problems that can arise with thoughtless use.

Right now, the most my kids know is that mom checks her email on the computer and that there are "shows" (movies, tv shows).   Ah, to be 3 and 1.  I love those little boys.

Big Dreams

Erik and I really don't have the same taste in movies.  TV shows we've found middle ground on, but movies, not so much.

Erik loves natural disaster shows.

At dinner, he mostly talked about "Hunt for the Supertwister"----Rated it a cool 5 stars

He really would like to be a tornado chaser, and he can go be that, after the children are all grown up.  In his spare time, for now, he tries to be content by being a meteorologist.

Tonight, he mowed the lawn in under an hour and a half.  That is a new record.

Chills and Thrills

I am totally pooped.  The week was busy and Merritt was up all Saturday night (like ALL night) and I had meetings all Sunday.  You should have seen my inarticulateness during my YW lesson.  You would have either laughed or cried at my misery.  I was able to get to bed early last night, and then I woke up at 5:30 . . . on the only morning that my boys slept past 7:00.  I did get some quiet time and a distraction free shower this morning, though.

The Career Events were splendid!  We are so grateful on the part of the expert presenters who gave up an evening to come and talk to our youth about their jobs!

The week was really busy but little by little we are shifting the house back to normal mode.  At least I think so.

It was party weekend for Everett.  It was sicko weekend for Merritt.  On Saturday morning Evy went to the Dallas science museum with his dad and had a terrific time with dinosasurs and other cool stuff (I'm sure).  They then had a great time playing with his cousins and seeing the Hot Air Balloon stuff in Plano on Saturday night.  He and Erik always have a good time hanging out with family.  (I stayed home with my high fever Merritt and ransacked the kitchen for sugar.  As we didn't have anything really sugary to eat, it further added to the depressing situation of NOT seeing my sisters and their kids.  I know, boo-hoo, poor me.  I'll see them in a couple weeks, for sure.)

Today I was trying to tell Everett about what we were doing and he didn't quite get what I was saying (flashback from my interactions with everyone yesterday).  Finally, he said,"So, do I know Aaron?  Are we going to his house?"

"Aaron?  No, I didn't say anything about Aaron, we don't know an Aaron."

"But Mom, you said we were going to see Aaron at the store."

"oh.  We are going to do some ERRANDS like little jobs like going to the store."

He still didn't understand what the heck I was saying and I don't blame him.

Merritt is better--no fever now, still a Crankerpants, but better.

It is time to once again tackle the 72 hr emergency kits.  Evy is ready to put Halloween stuff out now.  (I'm kind of tired of the month of September so I am seriously considering putting it out this week.)  Flu shots are scheduled and I have to decide how few or many of the like bajillion sweaters I acquired from living in cold places so often.  Texas doesn't warrant my sweater wardrobe.

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so I won't forget:
Merritt LOVES popcorn and french fries.  Like totally loves them.  If we go out, we have to make sure he doesn't see ANY french fries before he eats, uh, something more nutritional because once he sees those grease sticks, there is no coming back.

I've Been Thinking

In my personal studies, I came across this and I've been pondering the extent of the truthfulness in it all week:

“It is no easy task to be good. For in everything it is no easy task to find the middle. … Anyone can get angry—that is easy—or give or spend money; but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time, with the right motive, and in the right way, that is not for everyone, nor is it easy; wherefore goodness is both rare and laudable and noble. (“Man and Man: The Social Philosophers,” The World’s Great Thinkers, vol. II, ed. Saxe Cummins and Robert N. Linscott, New York: Random House, 1947, p. 352a.)

A Wish

Mom is in the front passenger seat, Evy is right behind her.

Evy:  (wistfully)  I wish I could fly
Mom:  That would be cool.  Where would you go if you could fly?
Evy:  I'd go visit Jesus.

big tease

storytime at the library included Merritt showing off to the group how efficient, and speedy, he can take of his clothes.

the only thing that slowed him down was when he paused to dance to the music.

did I mention he can run really fast?

Chills and Thrills

I've got some catching up to do.  Today, though, I am trying to revel in the "completeness" of Day One of our Career Quest.

It went well.  Day Two is Tuesday Night.

Should be amazing.

I'm pooped.

Boys are well.  Aunt Debbie and Uncle Apple played with them last night while we were at the Fireside.

Erik is tired, but he is doing well.

Later.

Things They Say

Evy talks nonstop.  Always has a question and always keeps us in line.  "That is not a nice word."  (currently, "but" is not a nice word)

Yesterday it went like this:
Evy:  Mom, can I ask you a quesshhtion?
Mom:  Yes.
Evy: You know a long time ago, a long, long, long time ago . . . were there dinosaurs?
Mom:  Yes.
Evy:  Where was I?

One of his favorite lines of conversation centers on Jesus.
Where does Jesus live?
Can Jesus see me?  Can Jesus hear me?
When can I see Jesus?


Today at dinner we had the usual conversation about how the food we eat helps us.  "Mom, is this (points to yucky corn) good for me?"  Erik later during dinner made some comment about how eating something will help you "bulk up" your muscles and then it became hysterical.

Evy:  (excitedly)  LOOK!  (pointing to his arm)
Dad:  What?
Evy:  I'm bucking up!  (pumping his bicep muscle)  SEE!  (moves his thumb)  It is helping me move my THUMB!

And, right before our very eyes we saw his muscles transform into a size that even Hercules would have admired.  Better than steroids.
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Merritt currently has four uses of the syllable "baa"--book, bottle, ball, and bite

And, yes, only Mom can tell the difference.

mo=more
MA=Mom
DA=Dad
pfffsh=fish
roff=dog
eese=please/cheese
da=yes
no=no and yes
ookies=cookies (priorities, people)
ick=chicken
od-od=hot dog
wawa=water
ooo=moo
ROAR=ROAR

These days, we lovingly refer to him as "Our Perpetual Motion" and we always follow Mad-Eye Moody's advice of Constance Vigilance.  Today, he scaled the babygate.

Another First Conquered

Today was Everett's first day of preschool.  He now goes once a week for two hours at a local natural history and nature preserve.

Since last week, I've been explaining to him that he has to make sure ALL his clothes are on before he leaves the bathroom at school. We talked about staying with the group when they go hiking on the trails.  We talked about how it was only going to be Evy going to school.  Mom, Merritt, and Dad were going to be other places.  We talked about sharing and what to do if you wanted to play some more with a toy and someone else wants to play with it. 

Once, Everett suggested that Merritt go with him.  Then, he said that,"Merritt would just mess stuff up."  So, it was probably best it was only him.

It was RAINING today.  We put on the "easy" to pull-up long pants, sprayed him with bug spray (per teacher's orders), grabbed his water bottle, put a "treat" in his bag for afterschool, and were off.

When we walked into the Opossum Room, the teacher checked something with me . . . to which Everett very calmly explained to her that, "Mom has to leave.  This School isn't for Mom."  And, that was it.  He didn't look back.  He was off to explore the tarantula exoskeleton and turtle carapace.

He gave me huge hug and squeal when we picked him up.  Then he promptly requested his cookie.  The first day was pretty okay by his standards (though some kids "have problems sharing" he reported).  This kid cracks me up!

"We played playdough, read books, learned about animals--you know ones that climb trees and eat bugs, and there was a spider in the school.  I don't like that.  Can we tell the teacher I don't like that?  Why is there a spider in there?  We saw turtles and they eat bugs.  We had a snack.  I don't know what it was."

(Merritt, though, had a hard time being separated from his buddy.  Mostly we ran around in the rain outside the library.)