Some other things that have happened in July that I want to remember but am not going to go into lengthy detail about are the following:
My 33rd birthday. Terry treats me great! We went swimming and had some family over for a barbecue.
10 year anniversary celebration. Really our anniversary was in June but we went to Park City last week and left our kids with releatives (who we were very grateful for). We spent two nights there and had fun running together and mountain biking and eating and shopping for our kids school clothes (how romantic). We were also able to go to the temple the first day in Provo. So it was nice, but I was glad to see our kids again on the last day.
Gee family reunion. I love my reunions with all my cousins. I have always had them growing up and I have thought I have such a fun family. It was fun to see everyone and everyone's kids. We went to Rigby Lake Friday and it was windy and rainy but the die-hards were there in the water. I was on the sand out of the water.
Nate and Dawn were also able to make it out for a week. They haven't been home to visit for about 2 or 3 years. So that was fun.
So those are the things we have been doing.
Just a random thought I had yesterday. I really hate mopping floors. So it is a good thing my kids spill so much on the floor because it forces me to wipe up the spilled on areas and keeps it a little bit cleaner than it might otherwise be if it had to wait for me to get the ambition to clean the entire floor.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Hail Storm
We got back from our camping trip on Friday night and on the 4th we took it easy in the morning and then drove up to Rexburg for lunch with my family. Suzette, David and Kelley, and Grandma and Grandpa Shirley were there. After that we drove back home and Terry got off work around 6:30. At about seven I noticed the sky was getting darker and I watched these clouds roll in. They were swirling and circling and I started thinking--is that going to turn into a tornado? Anyway, it started to rain and then to hail and it poured and poured for about 30-40 minutes and by the end, all our flours and shrubs and trees were hacked up.
The kids ran out and put on their winter boots because it looked like it had snowed. And we saw a rainbow come out over our house. Then we noticed neighbors out and about with buckets. They were going door to door because a lot of people were gone and they were bailing out the window wells. Ours were checked and what do you know? Our basement flooded. So Terry and some other neighbors got to work and ripped up the carpet and dry-vacced (sp?) all that water out. Then another neighbor who has a restoration business made sure that our carpet was cleaned and relayed in the next two days. So we were fine. Even though it was a bad thing, I felt like it was a holiday sort of because all the neighbors were out working together and there was so much community spirit.
They ended up cancelling part of church the next day and sent everyone home to make sure everyone in the neighborhood was okay and didn't need help. There were a number of roads close by that were closed because the water had backed up so bad and there were lakes here and there. Anyway, it was all a little exciting.
The kids ran out and put on their winter boots because it looked like it had snowed. And we saw a rainbow come out over our house. Then we noticed neighbors out and about with buckets. They were going door to door because a lot of people were gone and they were bailing out the window wells. Ours were checked and what do you know? Our basement flooded. So Terry and some other neighbors got to work and ripped up the carpet and dry-vacced (sp?) all that water out. Then another neighbor who has a restoration business made sure that our carpet was cleaned and relayed in the next two days. So we were fine. Even though it was a bad thing, I felt like it was a holiday sort of because all the neighbors were out working together and there was so much community spirit.
They ended up cancelling part of church the next day and sent everyone home to make sure everyone in the neighborhood was okay and didn't need help. There were a number of roads close by that were closed because the water had backed up so bad and there were lakes here and there. Anyway, it was all a little exciting.
Summer Vacation
So I guess it is time to blog about our summer outings. We have been gone quite a bit and it has been fun to have some family vacation time together. And I have really enjoyed being with my kids while vacationing which is amazing because I have really not liked traveling with them up to this point. But they have been fantastic.
A couple of weeks after we went to Oregon for Terry's triathalon, we went back up to Washington and stayed at Ensign Ranch for 4 nights. We went to this ranch a couple of years ago which is owned by the church and had a good time. So we decided to go back and enjoy a longer stay. We stayed in this family cabin which is pretty bare bones, but it has beds with mattresses (not too comfortable, but better than the floor) and a refrigerator and microwave and little counters and picnic like tables inside.
There are a lot of things to do and so we stayed busy each day. We took all of our bikes and I thought that was the funnest part--just riding around all their roads as a family.
The first day we got set up and then went into Cle Elum for some dinner (we were really roughing it).
The next day was Sunday and so we went to church and heard some really good talks by the missionaries serving at the ranch and they talked about American Independence. We went home and ate a roast dinner (because there was electricity in the cabin and so I cooked roast and potatoes and carrots in the crock pot all day long). We took it easy the rest of the day and just went for a little family bike ride. I think that night we had a fire and roasted marshmallows.
Ellie and Abby before church
All of the kids right before church
The next day we took the kids over to ride horses. They loved it a lot and I was surprised that Isaac even enjoyed himself. It was the cutest thing to see his litle chubby body up there on that big horse.
Later that evening Terry took the girls over to the slip and slide. It was only open during odd hours because there were girls camps that had priority. So I think we just hung around our cabin and rested and threw rocks in a creek that was about 100 feet away from our cabin. The girls loved this area.
That night we had a fire and roasted marshamallows again.
The next day we went to the lake and put our whole family into a canoe and paddled around the lake. We have never tried it with everyone, but all the kids did fine and we had a good time.
This is the outhouse that was our second home. I don't know why we have a picture of it.
After the canoeing we went over to the slip and slide and played for a couple of hours. We got everyone on three tubes and went down together. My kids really think I am a party pooper most of the time and so they were so delighted that I was participating in all these activities. But I have to say to defend myself that usually we have had a small baby or I have been pregnant. So . . .
I forgot to mention they had this swing that swung out over a lake. I had to show Terry how daring I could be so we went over there and I swung right into the lake.
During most of these mornings, Terry and I took turns running in the mornings and it was so nice to run around the ranch through all the trees and around the lakes. We both enjoyed it.
The last night we went back in to Cle Elum and ate pizza. We packed up the next morning and got ready to head over to Oak Harbor Washington for Terry's family reunion. But when we went to start the car, it wouldn't turn over. I guess the battery died. So we got someone to jump our car and then once it was running we discovered another problem. It kept quitting whenever it idled. So we said a prayer and drove off towards Seattle where we were going to pick up Terry's sister Cheryl. We made it okay, but Terry had to do some fancy footwork to keep the car running. We decided to cross (or I should say Terry decided) over to Oak Harbor on the ferry. I thought we shouldn't risk stalling where all those cars would be stuck behind us. But would he listen to me? Anyway, when we drove on to the ferry the ferry worker was waving us up one side to a second floor and our car stalled. So he said, never mind. Just drive straight ahead so that it would be easier to push us out. Anyway, we made it to Oak Harbor and got the car in a shop and it was fixed with a little cleaning of the fuel pump or something like that.
We stayed the next two nights and had a good time with Terry's family. The first night everyone just gathered together and visited. We stayed in this nice hotel with a pool and all the cousins had fun swimming together. The next day we had lunch at Terry's sister, Carol Ann's and then we headed over to the church where she had booked a DJ for a family dance. Ellie, Abby and their cousin Kayla thought it was the greatest thing in the world to stand up on the stage in front of everyone and sing the songs and dance for us all(I am sure they were pretending they were Hannah Montana). Sam was busting some pretty mean moves too. I wish I had a video of it because he is so uninhibited and totally throws his whole body into it.
After the dance we went back to the house and ate dinner and celebrated Ellie's, Kaylas, and Liberty's birthdays with cake, presents and a pinata. And the pinata was filled with some good candy. I had to fill up a back for Isaac (wink wink).
Anyway, the next morning we loaded up again and took off by 7 AM because we had to drive all the way back home so that Terry could get up and be to work by 6 AM the next morning.
So that was a summary of this vacation.
A couple of weeks after we went to Oregon for Terry's triathalon, we went back up to Washington and stayed at Ensign Ranch for 4 nights. We went to this ranch a couple of years ago which is owned by the church and had a good time. So we decided to go back and enjoy a longer stay. We stayed in this family cabin which is pretty bare bones, but it has beds with mattresses (not too comfortable, but better than the floor) and a refrigerator and microwave and little counters and picnic like tables inside.
There are a lot of things to do and so we stayed busy each day. We took all of our bikes and I thought that was the funnest part--just riding around all their roads as a family.
The first day we got set up and then went into Cle Elum for some dinner (we were really roughing it).
The next day was Sunday and so we went to church and heard some really good talks by the missionaries serving at the ranch and they talked about American Independence. We went home and ate a roast dinner (because there was electricity in the cabin and so I cooked roast and potatoes and carrots in the crock pot all day long). We took it easy the rest of the day and just went for a little family bike ride. I think that night we had a fire and roasted marshmallows.
Ellie and Abby before church
All of the kids right before church
The next day we took the kids over to ride horses. They loved it a lot and I was surprised that Isaac even enjoyed himself. It was the cutest thing to see his litle chubby body up there on that big horse.
Later that evening Terry took the girls over to the slip and slide. It was only open during odd hours because there were girls camps that had priority. So I think we just hung around our cabin and rested and threw rocks in a creek that was about 100 feet away from our cabin. The girls loved this area.
That night we had a fire and roasted marshamallows again.
The next day we went to the lake and put our whole family into a canoe and paddled around the lake. We have never tried it with everyone, but all the kids did fine and we had a good time.
This is the outhouse that was our second home. I don't know why we have a picture of it.
After the canoeing we went over to the slip and slide and played for a couple of hours. We got everyone on three tubes and went down together. My kids really think I am a party pooper most of the time and so they were so delighted that I was participating in all these activities. But I have to say to defend myself that usually we have had a small baby or I have been pregnant. So . . .
I forgot to mention they had this swing that swung out over a lake. I had to show Terry how daring I could be so we went over there and I swung right into the lake.
During most of these mornings, Terry and I took turns running in the mornings and it was so nice to run around the ranch through all the trees and around the lakes. We both enjoyed it.
The last night we went back in to Cle Elum and ate pizza. We packed up the next morning and got ready to head over to Oak Harbor Washington for Terry's family reunion. But when we went to start the car, it wouldn't turn over. I guess the battery died. So we got someone to jump our car and then once it was running we discovered another problem. It kept quitting whenever it idled. So we said a prayer and drove off towards Seattle where we were going to pick up Terry's sister Cheryl. We made it okay, but Terry had to do some fancy footwork to keep the car running. We decided to cross (or I should say Terry decided) over to Oak Harbor on the ferry. I thought we shouldn't risk stalling where all those cars would be stuck behind us. But would he listen to me? Anyway, when we drove on to the ferry the ferry worker was waving us up one side to a second floor and our car stalled. So he said, never mind. Just drive straight ahead so that it would be easier to push us out. Anyway, we made it to Oak Harbor and got the car in a shop and it was fixed with a little cleaning of the fuel pump or something like that.
We stayed the next two nights and had a good time with Terry's family. The first night everyone just gathered together and visited. We stayed in this nice hotel with a pool and all the cousins had fun swimming together. The next day we had lunch at Terry's sister, Carol Ann's and then we headed over to the church where she had booked a DJ for a family dance. Ellie, Abby and their cousin Kayla thought it was the greatest thing in the world to stand up on the stage in front of everyone and sing the songs and dance for us all(I am sure they were pretending they were Hannah Montana). Sam was busting some pretty mean moves too. I wish I had a video of it because he is so uninhibited and totally throws his whole body into it.
After the dance we went back to the house and ate dinner and celebrated Ellie's, Kaylas, and Liberty's birthdays with cake, presents and a pinata. And the pinata was filled with some good candy. I had to fill up a back for Isaac (wink wink).
Anyway, the next morning we loaded up again and took off by 7 AM because we had to drive all the way back home so that Terry could get up and be to work by 6 AM the next morning.
So that was a summary of this vacation.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Oregon Triathalon
Terry did a triathalon last week. His first. We went to Oregon and spent a night in Hermiston with his cousin and we visited some old friends. Then we travelled on to the Dalles where we stayed with our friends the Loughmillers. Unfortunately, Terry got the stomach flu and was sick all night. Loughmillers were kind and ended up giving us their bed (which was super comfortable) and Jenny slept on an air mattress in the living room and Russell slept in the yard in a tent with his two kids and my two oldest kids. We also took over their kids room. I tell you, they are great hosts!!! We felt really bad for staying at their house, especially since their two kids ended up getting sick a couple of days later.
After the night at the Loughmillers, we went on to the coast where we rented a house in Seaside. Loughmillers joined us that night. We had a great time and the boys stocked up on their carbs with a spaghetti dinner. Then early the next morning we all drove back to Portland where Russell and Terry raced. Here are some photos:
These pictures are ordered backwards, but I am too lazy to switch them. So here is the end of the race.
Terry starting off on the run.
Terry finishing biking
Terry finishing swimming in his groovy women's wetsuit.
Just before the race began. I thought this looked cool. I love the atmosphere at races. And this lake area was really pretty that they were swimming in.
After the race we drove back to the coast (I know it was a lot of driving) and stayed another two nights. Our friends the Westovers drove over from Eugene and stayed a night too. We had fun getting together with our old friends. And the kids were really entertained--especially because in the garage there was a big dog cage and they loved pretending they were animals and they were locked in the cage.
The Loughmillers and Westovers left Sunday afternoon and my family drove up to Astoria and over to Cape Disappointment. I like that area a lot because you drive over this really long bridge and it feels really daring to me. :) This area is where the Columbia dumps into the ocean and it is supposed to have some of the most dangerous waters in the world. We went on a little walk through the woods to get a view of Cape Disappointment and the kids liked that alot--not. Sam and Ainsley were at meltdown point because they were soooo tired. But they cheered up part way through. On the way back to the house we all sang along to The Music Man.
Monday we drove to Boise where we stopped in a hotel and swam (the Holidome--where I remember swimming as a kid and I think we even may have stayed in the same hotel room with the same sliding glass doors). Previous to this experience I have dreaded staying in hotels with my kids because they were so hard to get to sleep when they were all in one room. But the kids were all so tired that they all just laid down and went right to sleep. I didn't hear a peep all night.
Tuesday we drove the rest of the way and were happy to be home. That was our great vacation to Oregon. Our camera broke while we were gone so we didn't get a whole lot of pictures.
One last story. Terry and I had one little arguement while we were gone. It all started when we had to stop in downtown Portland so Terry could try and find a wet suit to rent. I hate driving in cities--really hate it. Especially in a big suburban with bicycles hanging of the back on very narrow streets. Terry parked our car in underground parking that was very crowded. I asked if we would be blocking traffic because we stuck out. He said, it might be tight but we were okay. He hopped out and left. So in comes a car and stops right behind us and I got out to go apologize and see if I could direct the person through. It was a lady who was not pleased with us. But she was able to barely get through.
I got back in the car and two more cars drove in and stopped when they saw us sticking out so far and then they backed up and left the garage. Maybe I am weird to get so stressed over this, but I was VERY STRESSED. And I was really mad at Terry for putting me in that situation. So I ended up leaving the garage and driving around in downtown Portland in my big huge car. The kids were all crying because I was so mad at Terry (I let them know I would get over it fast) and Terry ended up being mad at me because I was so mad at him. But once he got back in the car and we got on our way, it all blew over and we were happy again.
After the night at the Loughmillers, we went on to the coast where we rented a house in Seaside. Loughmillers joined us that night. We had a great time and the boys stocked up on their carbs with a spaghetti dinner. Then early the next morning we all drove back to Portland where Russell and Terry raced. Here are some photos:
These pictures are ordered backwards, but I am too lazy to switch them. So here is the end of the race.
Terry starting off on the run.
Terry finishing biking
Terry finishing swimming in his groovy women's wetsuit.
Just before the race began. I thought this looked cool. I love the atmosphere at races. And this lake area was really pretty that they were swimming in.
After the race we drove back to the coast (I know it was a lot of driving) and stayed another two nights. Our friends the Westovers drove over from Eugene and stayed a night too. We had fun getting together with our old friends. And the kids were really entertained--especially because in the garage there was a big dog cage and they loved pretending they were animals and they were locked in the cage.
The Loughmillers and Westovers left Sunday afternoon and my family drove up to Astoria and over to Cape Disappointment. I like that area a lot because you drive over this really long bridge and it feels really daring to me. :) This area is where the Columbia dumps into the ocean and it is supposed to have some of the most dangerous waters in the world. We went on a little walk through the woods to get a view of Cape Disappointment and the kids liked that alot--not. Sam and Ainsley were at meltdown point because they were soooo tired. But they cheered up part way through. On the way back to the house we all sang along to The Music Man.
Monday we drove to Boise where we stopped in a hotel and swam (the Holidome--where I remember swimming as a kid and I think we even may have stayed in the same hotel room with the same sliding glass doors). Previous to this experience I have dreaded staying in hotels with my kids because they were so hard to get to sleep when they were all in one room. But the kids were all so tired that they all just laid down and went right to sleep. I didn't hear a peep all night.
Tuesday we drove the rest of the way and were happy to be home. That was our great vacation to Oregon. Our camera broke while we were gone so we didn't get a whole lot of pictures.
One last story. Terry and I had one little arguement while we were gone. It all started when we had to stop in downtown Portland so Terry could try and find a wet suit to rent. I hate driving in cities--really hate it. Especially in a big suburban with bicycles hanging of the back on very narrow streets. Terry parked our car in underground parking that was very crowded. I asked if we would be blocking traffic because we stuck out. He said, it might be tight but we were okay. He hopped out and left. So in comes a car and stops right behind us and I got out to go apologize and see if I could direct the person through. It was a lady who was not pleased with us. But she was able to barely get through.
I got back in the car and two more cars drove in and stopped when they saw us sticking out so far and then they backed up and left the garage. Maybe I am weird to get so stressed over this, but I was VERY STRESSED. And I was really mad at Terry for putting me in that situation. So I ended up leaving the garage and driving around in downtown Portland in my big huge car. The kids were all crying because I was so mad at Terry (I let them know I would get over it fast) and Terry ended up being mad at me because I was so mad at him. But once he got back in the car and we got on our way, it all blew over and we were happy again.
Ainsleys Birthday
Ainsley had her 5th birthday the end of last month. I promised her a birthday part so we threw one together. It turned out to be quite fun. She wanted a swimming pool cake so she got one.
We had one boy we invited and he had no problem being the only boy. Didn't phase him a bit. The kids played pin the ponytail on the birthday girl, had hoola hoop contests, and water balloon tossing games. Ainsley got some fingernail polish and the girls wanted their nails painted. I said no, but Terry ended up giving them what they wanted. I think he painted all the kids toe nails. Then they had cake and ice cream. A fun time was had by all.
We had one boy we invited and he had no problem being the only boy. Didn't phase him a bit. The kids played pin the ponytail on the birthday girl, had hoola hoop contests, and water balloon tossing games. Ainsley got some fingernail polish and the girls wanted their nails painted. I said no, but Terry ended up giving them what they wanted. I think he painted all the kids toe nails. Then they had cake and ice cream. A fun time was had by all.
Dance Recital
Abby and Ainsley had a dance recital a few weeks ago. They both did great and it was fun to watch them on stage. Here are some pictures.
Abby with her teacher.
Ainsley with her teacher.
Sisters, Sisters, never were there such devoted sisters. . .
Taken when they did their class dance pictures. I wouldn't have bought any, but I knew the girl doing the pictures so she talked me into it. She got some cute ones of the two together.
Abby with her teacher.
Ainsley with her teacher.
Sisters, Sisters, never were there such devoted sisters. . .
Taken when they did their class dance pictures. I wouldn't have bought any, but I knew the girl doing the pictures so she talked me into it. She got some cute ones of the two together.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Ainsley's Spiritual Experience
Ainsley is a funny child. She is the child who is always laughing about toots and she says the naughty words (not really naughty, but she isn't supposed to say them). She has decided that sounding out part of the word is okay and it isn't supposed to get her in trouble. So if she were mad at me she might say, "I h-h-h-a-a-t-t-t-e . . . (although we don't say that in our house except my kids have told me they do say it in their minds sometimes. :)WHAT?!
Anyway, the other day I was sitting with Ainsley talking to her and she was saying something and started talking about that word we are supposed to only say when we are reverant and it is "G-G-o. . .and she finally said it very quietly, "God." And then she quickly said very seriously with her hands on her heart, "I am really feeling the spirit." That struck my funny bone so much I burst out laughing, but quickly told her I was glad she was feeling the spirit.
Samisms
There are some things I have been thinking about lately that Sam does that make me smile. I just wanted to write them down so I will remember.
He often rests his chin in his hands when he is talking to me. It is so cute.
He is our little ghostbuster and runs around the house killing ghosts with his light saber. He has even used Thomas the Train to "scratch" them. He finds ghost under his lumpy sheets all the time.
When we are ready to have family prayer he often will get up and leave the room and come running in and slide into our family circle--like he is sliding into home base. It is funny looking.
He is OBSESSED with animals. He plays with little animal figures all day long. He loves to look at National Geographic for his bedtime stories. He loves the informational books like Readers Digest Nature Guide and I love hearing his little 3-year-old pronunciations of those big animal names--and he is pretty good at identifying a lot of them.
When he isn't throwing big temper tantrums, he is really excited and bubbly. Every time he comes out of nursery after church he comes literally bouncing and bounding down the hall yelling "Mom I had a good nursery!!!!"
I love hearing his little sweet voice singing "I love to see the temple" while he is laying on his bed.
He gets really mad if I clean his room for him. I mean he will have a meltdown if he comes in and finds I have made his bed for him. So if I want it done I say, "Sam I am going to clean your room." And he starts screaming saying "No! I am going to do it." And he gets it really clean!
He absolutely will not allow his hair to be spiked in any way. It has to be laying down flat against his head.
Anyway, those are the only ones I can think of right now and even though I DREAD his tantrums, I love his little sparkling personality.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pinky Finger
A couple of Thursdays ago, I was in the kitchen starting dinner when I heard the door slam, followed by Isaac's cry. I ran downstairs to see what had happened, and saw him standing with his pinky finger shut in the hinge side of a door. Ouch!! I tried to open the door, but Abby had locked it on the other side. I started screaming in panic to open the door. She finally opened it and we got Isaacs little mangled finger out. It was so squished and deformed. I ran him upstairs and washed the oozing blood off. I couldn't think what to do because he was dripping blood everywhere and I couldn't set him down to get something to wrap his finger in. I guess I am not a good thinker under stress. I finally called Terry who was at work in the ER and told him what had happened. He said to bring him in. So I quickly asked a friend to watch all my kids and then put Isaac in the car and drove to the hospital. I hadn't been able to wrap his hand in anything because I didn't want to hurt him and a band aid wouldn't stick to his bloody finger. So I just let him drip blood all over himself on the way to the hospital.
On my drive there, I calmed down and started thinking he was probably fine and Terry would probably just put a band-aid on and I had totally overreacted. Isaac was happily sucking on his pacifier and didn't seem too bothered by his finger.
So I walked into the ER feeling a little sheepish. Terry came out and looked at Isaacs finger and said, "Yep, thats a good one." So to make a long story shorter, Terry had to cut off Isaacs fingernail (it had been completely pulled out of the nailbed) and sew up a deep cut underneath where his nail had been. He had five stitches in that tiny little finger. They strapped Isaac in a little papoose board and he was sooooo mad. He finally wore himself out and fell asleep.
I have to admit that part way through I started feeling very sick. I didn't want to say anything, but I thought if I didn't then I might pass out. So I mentioned I didn't feel well. Terry just said, "Lay down." So I laid down next to Isaac for a few minutes till my lightheadedness and nausea had passed.
Isaac woke up when it was all over and I thought he wouldn't like Terry for a while. But he immediately wanted him to hold him. Since his finger has been taken care of he has hardly acknowlged his finger hurts, unless it gets bumped. What a tough little boy.
On my drive there, I calmed down and started thinking he was probably fine and Terry would probably just put a band-aid on and I had totally overreacted. Isaac was happily sucking on his pacifier and didn't seem too bothered by his finger.
So I walked into the ER feeling a little sheepish. Terry came out and looked at Isaacs finger and said, "Yep, thats a good one." So to make a long story shorter, Terry had to cut off Isaacs fingernail (it had been completely pulled out of the nailbed) and sew up a deep cut underneath where his nail had been. He had five stitches in that tiny little finger. They strapped Isaac in a little papoose board and he was sooooo mad. He finally wore himself out and fell asleep.
I have to admit that part way through I started feeling very sick. I didn't want to say anything, but I thought if I didn't then I might pass out. So I mentioned I didn't feel well. Terry just said, "Lay down." So I laid down next to Isaac for a few minutes till my lightheadedness and nausea had passed.
Isaac woke up when it was all over and I thought he wouldn't like Terry for a while. But he immediately wanted him to hold him. Since his finger has been taken care of he has hardly acknowlged his finger hurts, unless it gets bumped. What a tough little boy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
It has been so nice having Terry home this past week. He had five days off of work and I loved having a second parent around. On Wednesday Terry let me have a day away so I went to Rexburg and got a haircut, had lunch with Suzette at Applebees and I spent some money on decorations at the Rod and Vinyl store which I really love. I loved the conference talk on learning how to live within your means and not always getting what you want. So that talk haunted me a little as I was buying these things we definately don't need, but I wanted. However I love the result. Here is a photo. I bought the frames on the wall and the shelf beneath the temple picture.
The picture doesn't show the ribbon that I have put up that connects the frames so they look like they are hanging from ribbon. But you get the gist of it all.
Friday was Terry's birthday. He spent most of the day looking for a new bike (he is training for a sprint triathalon and decided his mountain bike just doesn't quite cut it) and he went in to help in Abby's class. That evening we decided to do a family outing so we all went to Craigos for dinner. My controlling nature came out again and I was going crazy seeing my kids constantly getting up and down and going to the food. I wanted them stationary. But in spite of that they loved eating there.
After dinner we went over to the Holt Arena for the Dodge National Rodeo. We weren't sure how the kids would do, but they loved it. Abby decided she really wants to be "one of those girls who rides horses". Ainsley watched in shock and awe the whole time. She was totally sober while she watched with wide eyes, but she said she liked it. Sam ended up putting his head down on the concrete stairs and laying there for most of the time. The whole experience was fun although we were a little disappointed not a single bullrider stayed on long enough to get a score.
And here is our Easter photo.
The picture doesn't show the ribbon that I have put up that connects the frames so they look like they are hanging from ribbon. But you get the gist of it all.
Friday was Terry's birthday. He spent most of the day looking for a new bike (he is training for a sprint triathalon and decided his mountain bike just doesn't quite cut it) and he went in to help in Abby's class. That evening we decided to do a family outing so we all went to Craigos for dinner. My controlling nature came out again and I was going crazy seeing my kids constantly getting up and down and going to the food. I wanted them stationary. But in spite of that they loved eating there.
After dinner we went over to the Holt Arena for the Dodge National Rodeo. We weren't sure how the kids would do, but they loved it. Abby decided she really wants to be "one of those girls who rides horses". Ainsley watched in shock and awe the whole time. She was totally sober while she watched with wide eyes, but she said she liked it. Sam ended up putting his head down on the concrete stairs and laying there for most of the time. The whole experience was fun although we were a little disappointed not a single bullrider stayed on long enough to get a score.
And here is our Easter photo.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Made it!!!!
Terry went to Peru for twelve days on medical mission and I survived. I have basically been mothering alone for 3 weeks or more since he had to work a bunch before he left and wasn't home much and then since he came home he has been working again. WE haven't seen much of him but we are still glad he is back in the area. I was worried about how I would do while he was gone because I can start getting really irritable with the kids. But I prayed really hard that I could stay patient and calm with my kids and not feel I was ready to strangle them, and I ended up enduring well. :)
It helped that while Terry was gone we did some traveling of our own.
We took Terry to Salt Lake to catch his plane on Saturday and then on Monday--since my kids were out for spring break--we headed back down to Utah to visit my sister Jodi for a few days. The kids had fun playing with their cousins and I had fun visiting with Jodi. We had one outing where we went to BYU to the Bean Science Museum. I went there as a student and wasn't that impressed with it. But since I have spent hours and hours looking at animal books with Sam, I have developed a greater appreciation for wildlife. That museum was pretty cool and had tons of animals to look at. WE had 8 little kids 8 years and under with us and they were really well behaved. They all stuck together and they were so excited about what they were seeing.
After the museum we trekked across campus to the creamery for some ice cream. We all had a good time and Ellie was fascinated by all the college students going wherever they wanted to whenever they wanted to. She decided she would really like that. I love going back to BYU--although I hate the traffic.
After staying at Jodi's for a few days we came home for a night and then drove to Sugar City to stay with Sue for a night. Unfortunately Isaac got sick in the night and had a fever. I didn't have any medicine so I had to drive into Rexburg at 2 in the morning and look for a store that was open. I felt like a criminal being out at 2 in the morning because no one is out that late--except criminals :).
Anyway, after these travels we were ready to be back home and get back on schedule. Terry came home Wednesday and we were all so happy to see him. He had a good time in Peru, although he didn't get to help as many people as he had anticipated. Maybe next time.
Conference has been great the last two days. I have thought all the talks were good. I especially loved Elder Holland's. I hear a baby crying to that is all for now.
It helped that while Terry was gone we did some traveling of our own.
We took Terry to Salt Lake to catch his plane on Saturday and then on Monday--since my kids were out for spring break--we headed back down to Utah to visit my sister Jodi for a few days. The kids had fun playing with their cousins and I had fun visiting with Jodi. We had one outing where we went to BYU to the Bean Science Museum. I went there as a student and wasn't that impressed with it. But since I have spent hours and hours looking at animal books with Sam, I have developed a greater appreciation for wildlife. That museum was pretty cool and had tons of animals to look at. WE had 8 little kids 8 years and under with us and they were really well behaved. They all stuck together and they were so excited about what they were seeing.
After the museum we trekked across campus to the creamery for some ice cream. We all had a good time and Ellie was fascinated by all the college students going wherever they wanted to whenever they wanted to. She decided she would really like that. I love going back to BYU--although I hate the traffic.
After staying at Jodi's for a few days we came home for a night and then drove to Sugar City to stay with Sue for a night. Unfortunately Isaac got sick in the night and had a fever. I didn't have any medicine so I had to drive into Rexburg at 2 in the morning and look for a store that was open. I felt like a criminal being out at 2 in the morning because no one is out that late--except criminals :).
Anyway, after these travels we were ready to be back home and get back on schedule. Terry came home Wednesday and we were all so happy to see him. He had a good time in Peru, although he didn't get to help as many people as he had anticipated. Maybe next time.
Conference has been great the last two days. I have thought all the talks were good. I especially loved Elder Holland's. I hear a baby crying to that is all for now.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
New Sunday Clothes
Isaac got a new Sunday outfit in December. So this is it. He looks like a little man. A chubby one. It makes me laugh to see him in it.
Baking Soda
One day Ainsley said with urgency in her voice, "Mom you've got to see this." I looked and this is what I found.
Lost Teeth
Abby lost two teeth in February. She was really brave. She worked and worked on those teeth and then she let Terry just yank them out. Yuck.
Sams Birthday
Friday was Sam's birthday. Three-year-olds are easy to please on their birthdays. We started off with some letter pancakes which the kids really seem to think are neat. So we spelled SAM and everyone ate them.
We didn't do much during the day. Actually, I spent most of the day decorating his cake. I feel very proud of it, although it might not look like anything anyone should be proud of. But I am really not artsy at all and I came up with this cake all on my own. Sam loves Spiderman, so I made a Spiderman cake. Abby was playing at a friends house for most of the day while I was decorating. When I went to pick her up she asked me how the cake looked. She asked if it was as good as the ones at Wal-mart(the decorating). I said, no. But when she got home and looked at the cake she said, "You should work at Walmart cause that's good." So in my daughters eyes, I am good enough to be professional.
Terry had to work that day so we only had about 2 hours to celebrate with him. We opened presents first and Sam got a cool Spiderman dress up (good thing he won't need to dress up in the girls stuff any more). He also got a train set and a new Sunday shirt and dinosaur underwear.
After presents we went to Arctic Circle. We had to go where there were corn dogs. At the end of the day Sam asked me if it would be his birthday his birthday again tomorrow. I told him no. He sat there for a minute and said, "Tomorrow is a new day." It sounded really funny coming out of his little incoherant 3-year-old mouth.
We didn't do much during the day. Actually, I spent most of the day decorating his cake. I feel very proud of it, although it might not look like anything anyone should be proud of. But I am really not artsy at all and I came up with this cake all on my own. Sam loves Spiderman, so I made a Spiderman cake. Abby was playing at a friends house for most of the day while I was decorating. When I went to pick her up she asked me how the cake looked. She asked if it was as good as the ones at Wal-mart(the decorating). I said, no. But when she got home and looked at the cake she said, "You should work at Walmart cause that's good." So in my daughters eyes, I am good enough to be professional.
Terry had to work that day so we only had about 2 hours to celebrate with him. We opened presents first and Sam got a cool Spiderman dress up (good thing he won't need to dress up in the girls stuff any more). He also got a train set and a new Sunday shirt and dinosaur underwear.
After presents we went to Arctic Circle. We had to go where there were corn dogs. At the end of the day Sam asked me if it would be his birthday his birthday again tomorrow. I told him no. He sat there for a minute and said, "Tomorrow is a new day." It sounded really funny coming out of his little incoherant 3-year-old mouth.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Last Post
This is my last post for the night. I just found some funny pictures I wanted to post. Every time Ellie practices the violin the kids like to get out the violin that she has grown out of and try and play with her. So one day this is what they looked like. It is our own family band.
Terry likes to make this face a lot so I thought we should share it.
I made these little wall hangings for Sam's room. I was pretty proud of them. They cost less than $2 a piece. All I did was paint and stain the background and glue the animal on. That is about the level of my craftiness.
One day Suzette invited me to meet her in Idaho Falls for lunch and so while I was gone Terry made snowmen with the girls. The local radio station had invited people to build snowmen and send in pictures. Unfortunately our computer malfunctioned and we couldn't get the pictures in.
Terry likes to make this face a lot so I thought we should share it.
I made these little wall hangings for Sam's room. I was pretty proud of them. They cost less than $2 a piece. All I did was paint and stain the background and glue the animal on. That is about the level of my craftiness.
One day Suzette invited me to meet her in Idaho Falls for lunch and so while I was gone Terry made snowmen with the girls. The local radio station had invited people to build snowmen and send in pictures. Unfortunately our computer malfunctioned and we couldn't get the pictures in.
