A Lesson in Genetics

You'll have to humor me for this post, but I promise there is a point to it.

In High School one of my very favorite classes was Genetics. This was only a half semester class and my Junior or Senior Year was the first time it was ever offered. (After the year I took the class they turned it into a full year class....)

Anyway, I've always loved finding out about how things work and how genetic traits are passed down from generation to generation.

There is something you can do to find out the possibilities of certain traits being passed down. It is some sort of table and I have no idea what it is called...If anyone else does, feel free to let me know.

Anyway, so this kind of table looks something like this:

So one parent is kind of shy (Eric) and the other parent (me) is very shy. Thus Eric has a big s (dominant gene) and a small s (recessive gene), while I on the other hand have two big S (dominant genes). The other figures in the box represent what each kid could possibly end up with.

Now, assuming that the above is correct for all said purposes and that "shyness" is actually a hereditary trait, it goes to show that our kids with either be:

a: Extremely shy like their mother
b: Kind of shy like their father

So, guess which kid is just like his mother???

The winner? Tanis.

Tanis had a scout activity on Wednesday where they were going to be driving somewhere. I didn't go with him as I didn't feel like taking 3 extra kids to where they were headed. So I went to drop him off and watched him as they got ready to go.

At first and for most of the time before they left he just hung back and wasn't sure what to do. After the prayer was said and it was time to pack into the cars he followed a majority of the boys, but still was unsure what to do.

It turned out that 2 or 3 boys didn't have a ride with the current vehicles going, so luckily another leader drove his compact car with those boys. I watched as Tanis slowly walked to this new vehicle and get in.

I am not sure how he reacted during the trip and at the place, but I have a sinking feeling it was about the same.

I just walked home half chuckling/half heavy hearted realizing my boy was just like me. I can think of a couple songs to go with this, but I'll refrain.

My heart aches because I know the pain he will feel if he doesn't outgrow this. HELLO - I've been on my soapbox about my pity parties - and I really don't want the same life for him. He's already sensitive and I worry that already he doesn't feel as "important" as he should. He's got a small speech impediment that his sister constantly corrects - however, if I hear her I tell her to stop.

I forgot where I was going with this as I had to stop for 20 minutes or so to clean up after the dog, so I guess I am done...

What Happens Next...

Then & Now

So in all the excitement that was my High School Reunion, I forgot to post a couple snapshots taken of us. And of course in neither one did both of us look "good."

But, I thought I'd also share a picture of us from 10 years ago. It is our Wedding Announcement picture taken in October of 1998. (See it is almost exactly 10 years old)

What Happens Next...

Blast From the Past...

So, a family member of mine (Ashley) posted this on her blog and I decided to follow suit...

1952 - Totally thinking it resembles Carole Burnett...Not thinking I like it so much...

1956 - Just Okay...

1960 - Could totally be my mother's High School picture (even though she was only like 4 in this year...) I never thought I looked much like my mom, until now...

1966 - Liking the whole bouffant look...IF (and that's a big IF) I ever cut my hair short, I would probably do something similar to this style...

1968 - Another look I guess I could pull off, if I ever wanted to try it...

1978 - Look at me with a 'fro... Hahaha...This is something that would never happen...Even if I WANTED to pull this look off, I couldn't - my hair is too thin...

1994 - Too bad my hair wasn't this long back in those days...I could've rocked this style... But, no, in 9th grade I was sporting the style that was growing out from my 'boy bob' that I got in 6th grade...

1998 - Just have to laugh cause I have a very similar picture of me in that time period...Hmm, can I find it? (Looking through computer files...) And, voila!

What Happens Next...

And Just Like That, it's Over!

Hmmm...Where to begin???

So, I've been kind of sad about school starting up again and so unprepared for it. I felt so unprepared for it that I stayed home from a camping trip with my family last week. That wasn't the only reason, but it was a big one.

Wednesday I decided to get the kids new school clothes. First stop - Kohl's. I couldn't believe how crazy that place was, but thank goodness the kids were "mostly" well behaved and we got out fairly easily.

We then headed to Target to get a few "neccessities." While at Target I found a cute set of onesies for Nathaniel with "Dopey" from Snow White on them. We get home and I decide to wash all the new clothes in preparation for Monday. While folding the laundry I noticed that the cute little Dopey outfits said, "Bald is Beautiful" on them.

Okay, call me crazy - but I don't want my boy sporting around in them...So, if you would like them (They are 3 - 6 months and yellowish in color) let me know. I will gladly hand them over to you.


Thursday I get an email stating that the ladies in the ward were going to be playing Baskeball that night. Thursday nights are Eric's nights out and so I was without a babysitter, but I really wanted to go. So, I ask Eric if he can find a babysitter as I knew my family was up in the mountains somewhere. His parents end up babysitting - so I had to take a drive to Midvale to meet up with Eric so he could take the kids. Lex stayed with me so we could go find a birthday present for one of his friends.

Lex and I were home for an hour or so before we headed over to the church. I got a little worried because no one was there when I got there, so we drove around the neighborhood for a few minutes. After the drive someone was finally at the church, so we stopped.

In all 6 of us showed up to play and I had so much fun, even though I hadn't played in 10 or 11 years. Lex was so cute and behaved so well, he was even a little cheerleader.

Friday afternoon was spent with Eric's parents at the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. The kids love this place, but for me - when you've seen it once, you've seen it all. I did enjoy seeing the sets for the new claymation video the studio located in the museum made, but that's cause it was a Halloween movie. :D (I apologize for the off center pictures - Eric's mom has the better ones, but I haven't received them yet...)
The best part for the kids is the part where they get to play in wet sand and make their own "Dinosaur Land" with plastic dinos and trees. There was a kid there who was about 12 litterally hording all the plastic dinos and trees. He had his younger siblings play the "thiefs."

(THE STASH)

My mother-in-law and I kept wondering where a parent was because this was just not fair to all the "little" kids who came to actually play! Finally my mother-in-law kind of told the kid off. Then as we were leaving their mother finally came back into the area they were in and didn't even say a thing about his "stash", no, she was too busy talking on her phone.

Anyway, the kids had lots of fun and enjoyed this special day out with Grandma & Grandpa.

Friday night I was gonna take the kids to the pizza place for dinner, but in going to track them down I met some neighbors and got talking (yes, I went out of my comfort zone and met some new people) and before I knew it, it was 9:00. Oops.

Saturday afternoon found us at Costco getting some things for the kids' lunches. Both kids emphatically told me they wanted cold lunch this year (much to my dismay), so we bought some bulk items to keep their tummies fed.

After Costco I came home to straighten the house a bit before I headed to my mom's to go to dinner with my brother from Wyoming. It turned out that all but 2 of the siblings went to dinner. In the process I had forgotten a bottle at home, but figured it was okay because I left one at my mom's house just in case.

Well, in the meanwhile, she had thrown out the nipple to the bottle, so we were back at square one...No biggie, I decided I'd stop at ShopKo and buy a bottle on the way to dinner. I go to pay for the bottle and realize I've left my debit card AT HOME in the pants I wore on FRIDAY...Grr, thank goodness ShopKo took a check.

We went to Chili's for dinner and I was all prepared to make Nathaniel his bottle, when I discover that I left the formula on my mom's counter. Luckily, we had bought a big thing of formula at Costco and I hadn't gotten around to taking it in the house. Major crisis averted, but poor Nathaniel was starving!

After dinner we headed back to my mom's to play a game. I had a very fun night, but was very tired when I got home around 11.

Sunday night we headed back to my mom's to celebrate my Grandma's birthday. How my mom managed to take Grandma away from the rest of the family on a Sunday, I don't know. Anyway, we enjoyed visiting with Grandma and Nathaniel gave Great Grandma lots of smiles. We also spent time with the rest of the family and just had a great night.

Monday came around and I was kind of sad. I hate when the kids go back to school, even though they need it...Anyway, I woke up and got ready to head to school with them. We weren't sure where either classroom was, so I went with them and got them to the right rooms. Neither kid really even said Goodbye to me and just went on their merry way... They both said they like their teachers and Shaylyn enjoyed eating lunch in the cafeteria.

I like the quiet that the two older kids being gone, affords me. But I still miss them. Oh well.

So, that's the rundown...

Sorry for the length. I always have more I want to say, but can never get it right, then I end up babbling...

One more note - especially for Marisa, who laboriously searched for an eariler post - I am now 'tagging' all my entries to make it easier to find something, should you need it.

What Happens Next...

Torn Between Two Blogs...

Hahaha...Sorry about the title. There was a song my parents had on record (ya know the black, shiny, vinyl things that resemble a CD?) Anyway, this record they had was a "single" which meant the song they bought the record for was on one side and this other song called, "Torn Between Two Lovers" was on the other. (Note to self - track down song...)

Anyway, on the the real reason for this post. So the other day while waiting at the Pediatrician's office I was looking through my Creating Keepsakes magazine (points for me, I actually remembered to bring something to keep me occupied in the waiting room) and came across an ad for something called scrapblog.

Now of course this peaked my interest...It combined 2 of my favorite things to do - scrapbooking & blogging. While it isn't exactly what I thought it was, I am still pleased. Though it does have some kinks I am trying to figure out how to work around...

I know that Eric is "thrilled" that I found another thing to waste my time way to scrapbook.
Anyway take a look at my scrapblog and while you are there create your own and share. My scrapblog is at http://www.scrapblog.com/LethargicPoe

So, if I happen to be missing for awhile here, check my scrapblog.

In other news, I wasn't able to find afforementioned song, but did find the video. And no, there is no hidden meaning in it for me. I think the only reason this song stuck in my head was BECAUSE of the subject...Anyway, enjoy. The lyrics are posted below the vid.

TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS - Mary MacGregor

There are times when a woman has to say what's on her mind
Even though she knows how much it's gonna hurt
Before I say another word, let me tell you "I love you"
Let me hold you close, and say these words as gently as I can
"There's been another man that I've needed and I've loved,
But that doesn't mean I love you less,
And he knows he can't possess me, and he knows he never will,
There's just this empty place inside of me that only he can fill"

(chorus)
Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving both of you is breaking all the rules
Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving you both is breaking all the rules

You mustn't think you failed me just because there's someone else
You were the first real love I ever had,
And all the things I ever said
I swear they still are true
For no one else can have the part of me- the part I gave to you

Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving both of you is breaking all the rules
Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving you both is breaking all the rules

Couldn't really blame you if you turned and walked away
But with everything I feel inside, I'm asking you to stay

Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving both of you is breaking all the rules
Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving you both is breaking all the rules

Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving both of you is breaking all the rules
Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool
Loving you both is breaking all the rules

What Happens Next...

July Update

For those of you who I don't have an email address for - and who are interested...I updated our family website this past week.

The update includes "MOST" of our pictures from our vacation and also the individual pages of the Pick Me Up album. I know a few of you were interested in the quotes.

The link is www.hardyfamilyscrapbook.com

If you would like the username & password feel free to email me.

What Happens Next...

Crazy, Good Weekend

So perhaps you will remember in my last post that I mentioned how a lot was going on in my mind and in life???

Well, this past weekend was half the battle...I still have a bunch going on in my head, but as far as events in life, it pretty much ended this past weekend.

Friday found me crazily cleaning the house for a party on Sunday. I knew I wouldn't have time on Saturday for much, so I tried my best to get it all cleaned. I get stressed out trying to clean because I feel like I have to do so much and it is just so not me. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy a clean house and don't really mind getting it that way, but I am not a perfectionist as most of my family is. So, I get stressed out that things are not going to be to everyone's approval and yet I still try...

I figured I didn't want to sweep, mop & vaccum the floors until Saturday because let's face it - I have 3 mobile kids who don't know what "keep this clean" means.

Saturday morning we were up at the break of dawn (okay, 6:30) but that is still EXTREMELY early for me. This was the day of Tanis' baptism. His baptism was to start at 9:40, but Eric & Tanis had to be there about 20 minutes early and I figured I should practice the song I was singing with the pianist. (THANKS AGAIN, RHEANNA - YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER) So, in order to get 4 kids ready and get there on time and everything it meant I had to be up early.

We got to the church and Eric & Tanis did their thing and I practiced my song a few times before family started showing up. After family arrived and the bishop arrived, we began. My grandma said it was the nicest baptism she had ever been to. (Not sure if she was 100% honest or just trying to be nice) I did think it was nice. Both my mom and Eric's mom gave talks and some of my siblings were willing to do other things for us. It was a great day and Eric even had a cousin come out to see it.

After the baptism we all headed to Chili's for lunch. We had a great time and all enjoyed each other's company and the food.

After lunch we headed home and I had a house to straighten and floors to clean. My little sister and hubby were going to be "house sitting" for someone in Saratoga Springs, so she just hung out while her hubby went home to get their stuff.

After I straightened the house and got the floors cleaned we headed to the store to get some things for the party on Sunday. Then it was back home to make cookies and play some games with Cody & Kaeloni. We had a blast. They left around 10:30 and I was only up until 11:30 finishinng up the cookies. (That is a good thing, by the way)

Sunday was the day we decided to bless Nathaniel. We were hoping to do everything in one fell swoop, but it is preferred that babies are blessed on Sundays. So, our families drove out twice. THANKS FOR THAT SACRIFICE. It was a nice meeting and Nathaniel was the only baby blessed that day which made it twice as nice.

After Sacrament meeting we headed home to have Tanis' birthday party...Only 2 weeks late. ;) We started off the day with a small video I made of the past 8 years of Tanis' life (which of course, I had to post for you all) featuring family members with Tanis. (Heads up...it is about 15 min. long)

After the video we got lunch put together...We kept it easy and did deli type sandwiches. This went over really well and everyone seemed to enjoy it. After lunch we hung out and took care of presents - of course this was Tanis' favorite part of the day. After presents it was cake time. This is another thing Tanis really enjoys.

After that everyone decided to head home and do whatever with the rest of their Sunday. My little brother stayed with us as Eric was heading out of town on business on Monday. So, Eric, my little brother and I played games for awhile. Eric then got a text from his older brother saying that he was going to be coming over.

Greg came with one of his friends and the kids had lots of fun wrestling and messing around with uncle Greg. When the kids finally got bored/tired of it all they headed back downstairs to hang with uncle Logan. Then Eric and I visited with Greg and his friend. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed the night. We went to bed late, but it was worth it.

Monday rolled around and at 5:30 the alarm went off. Eric got up, got ready and left us for 3 days!!! His work sent him to D.C. to do some on site stuff. I have so many mixed feelings when Eric has business trips. He RARELY has to go on business trips so it is always hard for me when he goes. I miss him like crazy and the kids miss him too. It's hard to get used to him not being around when I am so used to just his presence. On the other hand, I am thankful he has his job and that he got some time to be a tourist. I am sure it was a nice little break for him. Plus, it isn't too bad because we keep in contact through messenger - I don't know how I would've survived living in any other era... Oh well, he is back tomorrow afternoon and I am excited.

Monday I took some time for myself (THANKS, KAMI) and got my hair done. I got a nice good trim (okay, so it feels like a lot got cut off, but that's probably just me) and some highlights. I love it! And it gave me a 2 hour break from the kids - my sister was nice enough to watch all 4 kids.

Part of why my brain was so crazy was because I have been pondering a lot on the last 8 years. I still can't believe my oldest is 8, though I handled it a lot better than I thought I would. It's been like a whirlwind.

Tanis is such a sweet kid. He is the one who will tell me "thank-you" for the most mundane and "expected" things. If I wash his favorite pj's or clothes I get a thank-you, if I buy him a favorite cereal or something I get a thank-you, cooking a favorite meal will elicite a "thank-you." This boy just lightens up my days and can always tell when I need a hug.

He is my sensitive child as well. We have learned that we have to be careful what we say to him and how we tease him as things can get misconstrued.

He loves to read and is always asking to go to the library. (I kept telling him no for a long time as we had late books that were supposed to be returned that week I was so sick and I was avoiding the payment...It came to $16 something, just so you know) He loves poetry books and Dr. Seuss.

I just love this boy and am so thankful to have him and that he was born perfectly fine even though he was a month early....If you would like to read the birth story click here. (THANKS CATEY FOR THE IDEA)

Okay, I guess I rambled enough for one post. My mind is still reeling with some other things though, so we'll see what happens when I post next...

What Happens Next...

August Header

I have lots to blog about, but I am feeling completely wiped out at the moment, so those posts will have to wait until later tonight or even tomorrow morning...
Anyhow, just a quick note about the new header...
In August we celebrate my Mother-in-Law's birthday, my Grandma's birthday, my nephew's birthday and my brother-in-law's birthday.
So from left to right...
My Maternal Grandmother - she'll be turning 89!
My Mother-in-Law - I will not post her age as she may turn around and kill me... ;)
My Nephew - He's going to be 2! (SHOCK)
My Nephew's Dad, My Brother in Law - I think it's his 20th Bday...
So there you have it - the explanation to the strangers on my blog.

What Happens Next...