Things I am learning

I was thinking the other day of how much life changes now with two kids and how much I have to relearn. For example, I forgot since fifth grade the opossum starts with an 'O'. Not having much occasion to read or spell the word this has never bothered me until now. When I am reading Bambi and almost mispronounce the word. Sadly, that is not the only word I have forgotten how to spell. Since I hardly ever write anything now I misspell all sorts of easy words. I guess it is true that you 'use it or lose it' and I have now officially lost my mind. Sadly, I find great comfort in knowing that I am not the only mom to experience this strange phenomenon.
However, I am also learning other important things. Like run everywhere you are going, but don't be afraid to suddenly stop mid-stride and change direction or to forget just where it was you were headed. Eat all the berries you can find, you just may find a sweet one among all those tart ones. Exercise your vocal cords at least once a day.
Okay, that last one makes me cringe. Heidi has started yelling when she doesn't get her own way, not yelling long shrieks where we can ignore it (thereby not giving her the attention she wants), just short little out bursts that beg to be disciplined and then disappear. We tried time out, sending her outside (a good place to yell) and even sadly a swat. Nothing worked! Then I heard that Sister Hinckley said that she always tried to say "yes" if she could. Now Heidi gets cookies and doesn't scream. Lest you think that now I am raising a spoiled brat, she is actually more reasonable and will wait until after lunch. It actually worked really well and we are much happier. Because she knows that it will come later she is more willing to wait for it.

For those who would like an update on their grandchildren, niece/nephew, etc... Heidi and Mason are both doing well. Heidi is getting ready for her second birthday. She loves playing outside and begs to go to the ocean. Once there she "goes swimming" which luckily is just wading since the water can't be much above freezing. The salmon berry and blueberry bushes are well picked from our house to the mailbox. She loves them and it is an important part of checking the mail. She loves stories like 'The Three Little Pigs,' 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff,' and 'Goldilocks.' She also loves Mason's toys and treating her ted bar (teddy bear) like Mason complete with diaper changing and nursing.
Mason is doing well also. His big achievements these last few weeks include lifting his head, smiling and cooing. He is one of those happy babies you dream about having. I love it. Since he was born my laundry load has tripled. I have to wash all of my clothes that he burps up on. Jared says I should just use a little burping rag, but these burps go way beyond those. Cups of milk come out!
Jared and I are also doing well. Jared is happy because of all the rain we have had. I am happy because we have finally had a few days where the clouds parted briefly and we saw the sun. Now that Mason is a little older we can take more walks on the drier days which is always nice. Not that I am bitter or anything, but if anyone calls to tell me how hot it is down there or how they just went swimming I can not be held responsible for my actions. We spent a few days 'camping' at another apartment while our living room floor was torn apart and the tile reattached to the cement. The best part was being super close to a dock where fishermen come in and being able to see the sea lions try to get a little of the day's catch.
Alright, enough rambling. Mason woke up and is hungry. Again.