Carter's

Grace's Birthday Surprise From Aunt Sandy

2012-02-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

Aunt Sandy sends us many wonderful packages.

Gracie was delighted and surprised upon opening an actual suitcase sent throught the mail by Aunt Sandy.

In it was a 55 year-old doll. It's been enjoyed by Aunt Sandy herself as a child and then me when I was about 6. Now it's Grace's turn to love her.

And from the lovely doll,

to the beautiful furniture,

to the clothes hand sewn and crocheted by Grandma Roonie and Great Grandma Heist,

She loves it all!

Somehow, Dad, in Trying to be Good, is Bad?

2011-10-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

It was such a great effort. We were all feeling drug out and unamused. Hot, tired, overwhelmed. John, being the super Dad that he is, announced, suddenly, that we were going to have the tramp with a sprinkler and wading pool with hot water from the water heater for Family Home Evening.
I was still too tired and planned to just eat and stare.
And then, "I need you to get your swimming suit on please." was stated rather matter-of-factually.

Poor Clara had been sick for a week with tummy flu and I was tired.
But,
because Family Home Evening is of such importance at our house,
I obliged, as soon as I was done eating.

Clara came in from swimming as I was getting dressed. She was feeling sick again. Just as I helped her out of her swimming suit and into pj's, Grace came charging into the house yelling that "Dad had an accident on the trampoline." I was pretty worried as I ran out...

...and then pretty amused.

Just minutes before I'd seen him, jumping very high in the air, body straight, a confident grin on his face. I had found myself wishing to myself, that I was in that kind of good physical shape, grinning, jumping, making the girls squeal with glee. I had noticed that the mat nearly touched the ground when he was on the downside of his jumps.

Now he just stood there, still looking surprised, that this could have happened. He hadn't moved from the spot where he'd landed right after he'd jumped down, right before the big rrrrrrrrrriiiiiippp, following which, his feet had gone neatly through the mat and landed him nicely on the grass. My favorite was how very unimpressed the girls wereI told them they should be grateful they weren't the ones on the tramp and very lucky they were that they weren't because they would have surely been hurt.
They were still disgusted. With John. Poor guy. They just don't know how unlikely they'd be to find many dads in their actual swimming trunks. In the back yard trampolining and filling a wading pool with hot water. And, swimming in the pool after being humbled by ripping right through the family trampoline. (Just to help you realize that John is pretty svelte right now, keep in mind that the tramp

is about 13 years old)

Well, the evening was salvaged as everyone warmed up in the hot tub wading pool. I was persuaded to get in, even, as I laughed at everyone, feeling a little better myself.

But not poor Clara. She found herself getting sick, once again, little sweetie. John was a good sport, I'm sure, as he cleaned up the blankets, couch, and carpet, bathed a little sick girl, parked her back on the couch and even came back out for one last swim with us before he put away the pool.

Grace and Emma ended with a big finale by shampooing their hair before they got out.
A little practicality in all the fun.

Who Is This Man...

2011-09-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

And What Have You Done With My Husband?!

When I married John, I was always rather surprised when we went out to dinner. He would order what he wanted and maybe even a soda or raspberry lemonade or a desert. Being a teen of the 80's I had learned to be pretty tight with money. Even on vacation, my family had usually packed meals. I loved eating out once in awhile, now that I could afford it but I had usually ordered less than more in an effort to save where I could. Though we were never big spenders, with John I learned to relax a little bit and enjoy a nice meal and worry less about the cost the whole time.

Imagine my surprise when suddenly, lately, this man with whom I've enjoyed a few meals out over the past 15 years suddenly turns on me. "I really hate eating out." he says with a disenchanted look all about him. " It's just so expensive and it'll kill you ya know." he'll tell me as I dream of eating a nice batch of chips and salsa and maybe an enchilada out, while I look moodily in the cupboards trying to dream up something as satisfying as all that.

Imagine again, my shock and amazement when lately, this same man drives up at 3 in the afternoon, asks me if I'd like to load everyone up and go to Boise with him. He has a service call. We can all go and then do something fun like go to the park. Oh, but of course, he's rebelling against eating out though, so we will need to bring some dinner. And, he needs to leave, now.

I remember my friend Kevera and also my sister Annie's words...."just throw in the peanut butter and grab a loaf of bread." So we did. I was even more amazed when my usually ever-so-proper husband chose the parking lot of TJ Max as the place to prepare dinner. Just picture it, people coming out with bags of bargain clothes, and my man making sandwiches right out of the back of the van! Hilarious! Sort of fun, even, him doing it!

"There." he says as we all buckle our seat belts while eating Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches and drinking our juice bags (isn't that the weirdest word? "juice bag"? I can hardly say it). "And we're already done, that fast." he states with great satisfaction. "You know it's just not worth taking kids out to dinner. They don't even eat anything," he tells me as we pull out of the parking lot on the way to the park.

And I think, he must be right.

Grace

Clara

and Emma at the Discovery center. After a nice meal in the car.

Ivy Lynn's Adorable Parents....

2011-06-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday Afternoon

Our Kindergarten Grad!

2011-05-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Emma's happy day of graduation was today!

We were quite delighted that Grandpa Rod could come!

Here's Emma's good friends,

Melissa, Emma, and Elizabeth

2011-05-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom.

You were the best because you were mine.

And, Happy Mother's Day to the other Mother's in my life.

Mom Gayle who's done a great job sort of being two Moms for about 10 years.

To Grandma who's been there for me since the beginning and esp. in the tough times with all her heart.

And of course, to our wonderful Aunt Sandra who's worked with her heart and soul to fill in all the empty or hard times with her love.

The Birthday Princess!

2011-03-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Miss Clara enjoyed turning 3!

Grandma and Grandpa brought Clara a tiara and feather boa to help her achieve the desired princess look....

We had a festive party with Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Cindy, Uncle Tim, Brittani, Brian, Isaiah, and Ivy and us!

When asked what kind of cake she wanted, Clara said, "Strawberry".

I think she really enjoyed everyone clapping for her.

The girls all enjoyed the "Package from Aunt Sandy" with all it's goodies!

And the Birthday Fairy came and left new pajamas on Clara's bed that night.

Why Go To The Theater?

2011-03-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

A Fun Little Visit

2011-02-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

I love watching Gracie hold a brand new baby. She just looks down the whole time, with a quiet peaceful, almost reverent, look. She just loves to hold them, even when they cry.

Ivy was a bit fussy until we handed her Grandpa Rod. Then she suddenly was very happy and looked around at all of us.

Clara was quite taken with her, sort of squeezing up with the joy of looking at such a tiny darling baby!

Breaking Down is So Much Fun!

2011-02-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely time breaking down on the way to visit Brittani in the hospital. From my dramatic screaming to pull off, to the obvious demise of the engine when John found smoke coming from the transmission dipstick, to the surreal lights of a big ol' tow truck zooming up and backing to load us,

to the absolute coolness of riding in the tow truck, and finally the relief of a quick rescue from Grandpa Rod, the Hero of the night! There really couldn't be a more breath taking night, I say.

It Takes the Sting Out!

2011-02-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

Brian is so delighted with his tiny cute bundle.

John meets little granddaughter Ivy

with a delighted smile!

I have to admit,

darling little Ivy,
takes the sting out of
"So wow, that makes you a grandma then, eh??"

And this is was I saw....

as we were leaving.

Ivy Lyn Cooper!

2011-02-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Brittani was so happy to reach a "10"

She worked her way to about an 8 and then got an epidural and was really rather relieved. I was so impressed with how strong Brittani was. She did an absolutely amazing job.

Brian had to be the cutest person I've ever seen in a delivery room. He was very pleasant and happy, sympathetic, and patient. I was so grateful.

Brittani's Mom, Tonya was very sweet also. I loved how happy and energetic she is and how she always includes me so completely, even though I am, in fact, the wicked stepmom! ;) I also loved how she grabbed my hand and held it all the way out the waiting room where we emerged to tell everyone the great news!

I love that moment of birth!

A brand new person who wasn't really there 5 minutes ago, now here, ready to make us love them, so much.

A new baby,

so vunerable, and so, so strong. So them.

My very, very favorite is...

the beautiful, knowing look that comes into the baby's dark, newborn eyes when it hears it's mother's voice and locks eyes with it's her, for the very first time.

I love love this picture of Brian and his amazement and the doctor in the back ground looking on with a thoughtful, amused expression.

Brittani, Brian, Isaiah, and a Little Mystery Girl?

2011-02-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

Their Big Day Finally Came!!!

Brian was awesome, Brittani amazing,

Isaiah super!!!

Although not completely sure what were were all so worked up about.

and John was pleased.

Being Needy

2010-11-22T22:34:00.000-08:00

I've felt a little needy lately. Not physically or emotionally really. Maybe it's spiritually. I need some reassurance sometimes, well, all the time I think. I read a wonderful speech and here is a little taste of reassurance, just in case... you need some too.

Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, he loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.

He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. he loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us. - President Uchtdorf

I testify that God our Heavenly Father loves each of you. He knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He hears your prayers and wants to bless you in every righteous desire through His son Jesus Christ. --Rollin H. Hotchkiss

If you want to read or hear the whole speech go here http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1876 and click on the first choice - pdf download for free

Left Behind

2010-11-18T21:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't yet written about my Mom's passing. I think it's a little too much right now.

However,

If Mom has to be gone,

I'm sure glad to have these people
with which to be left behind....

Sunshine

2010-11-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for a little sunshine!

Emma is often so happy-go-lucky. Bouncing off happy even when I'm a little grouchy. Isn't that nice?

Joy Riding!

2010-11-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

Grandma talked Grandpa into giving us a Joy Ride the other day!
This is a prize winning little number that Grandpa restored.

I never seen anything so shiney! (certainly never ridden in something this shiney)

It was definately a joy ride for the girls!

Halloween

2010-11-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

We had a great time this year carving pumpkins with Brittani, Brian, and Isaiah! We worked long and hard...

sometimes wondering what we were doing so much detail for...

My favorite part was when we all crowded into the bathroom to see the finally effects...

until John mentioned that it might be easier just to go outside where it was already dark.

Friday was fun as we got have Miss Sydney come with us to Trunk or Treat at the church.
This is a super, expedited trick or treating experience. We all go to the church, are served scones and hot chocolate outside, have a quick costume parade, and then everyone opens their trunks, decorated if desired. The kids make the rounds in the parking lot at least once, and we all go home. Very nice, pretty quickly done!!

Owyhee Beauty

2010-11-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

John was very firm about it. "We are going on a family trip to the Owyhee's on Saturday!" A little less firmly he asked me, "Do you want to go?" John did some of this.....

The girls did lots of this....

We did some of this... pretty Fun!...

I was shocked at the Rock formations in Leslie Gulch

and the beauty of the desert.

I would've been a lot more excited if I'd known it would be this beautiful.

And on the way home, Emma did this....

and of course, Clara did this.

I Love the Happy Moments

2010-11-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

"You have a frog on your plate, Dad.?" -Clara

(About the jalapeno on John's plate. Spoken in a matter-of-fact voice as if we have frogs on our plates around here all the time.)

Secrets whispered between sisters at the table, excluding parents.

"Quick! Look at the rainbow! Run out front!"

and the whole family runs because who knows how long a rainbow will last....

just like childhood.

Friends

2010-09-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

We have some friends

who have seen us at our best
and our worst.

We love them because they love us
when we're up
or down.
These friends often beg us
to come out and play.
So,
we usually do.
Throwing our cares over our shoulders,
we go

and they always make us smile.

Second Grade: STARRING GRACE!

2010-09-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

I was all worked up about which teacher Grace would get for second grade.

I was worried unnecessarily.
Everything seems to be going along swimmingly.
Grace says her teacher is funny.

(seems a good sort for her.)

Emma's First Day!

2010-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Emma's big day finally came! She's probably been ready for at least a year. Grace always made it look so easy.

She got Mrs. Allsberry, who Grace had for Kindergarten.So there was no worry involved.

It appears to have been a shinning success!

Home

2010-08-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

All my life, going to Livingston, Montana been a comfort to me. My grandparents have always been there. From the time I was born, I knew there were people there who loved me.

As we make there journey now from Idaho, we exclaim over the familiar breathtaking beauty of the mountains. It's like we haven't breathed as deeply since the last time we were there. The air is fresh and clean and crisp. And we miss mom, because she loved this journey home so much. I remember her as she gazed as we drove feeling the beauty of every mountain, rock, tree and flower as we drove. The beauty of the journey was only outdone by how glad she was to see her family, whom she loved so much.
I feel just the same. I won't breathe as deeply until I make it again.

Flowery Girls

2010-06-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

Grace, Emma, and Clara were the flower girls for Brittani's wedding. Clara decided to opt out at the last minute and fell down on the grass just before the girls reached the part where they were to start throwing flowers.

Grace and Emma had a nice strong finish as you can see by the pictures.

I had to grab Clara when she decided to go ahead with the flower performance right during the wedding speach. Of course this produced nice screams from Clara to add pizzaz to the talk.

Tell Me You've Seen a Happier Bride!

2010-06-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, we had a marvelous wedding last weekend!

I was touched to tears today as I looked through these pictures. Brittani has such fabulous expressions of happiness in her face in every picture. I wish I could post all of them (there's maybe 100 of just the ceremony), where she looks so beautifully happy. I'm so happy for Brittani, grateful for her joyful spirit, and so thankful for a son-in-law who obviously brings such joy!

Shower of the Bride

2010-06-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Brittani was showered the other day!

We had a nice little party with good snacks and pleasant presents.

I forgot what fun it was to be bride!

Grace's 1st Grade Program

2010-05-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Grace had her first grade program.

Being a bit reserved like me, Grace wasn't sure she wanted to stand out by dressing up like a lady bug or butterfly and elected instead to be a picnicker. She just had to sit up during one song and pretend to eat fake fruit.

She did say after watching the cute lady bug dance, that she wished she had done it too!

Such Fun Times!

2010-05-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

(How could you not smile at the Cheesecake Factory!)

After a snowy Minnesota winter of blowing

with longing for sisters and parents a growing,

A kind husband said "Go!" with an encouraging sound

and smiled while he gathered 4 children around.

Then, much to our absolute surprise and delight

Annie made a quick decision to take the next flight.

She came, swooping down with an agenda in mind

Laura picked her right up because she's so kind.

Every day she was here was planned out to the max

with eating, visits, and cleaning no time to relax.

First, a little chat at Lydia's place was so fun

until work time came up and she had to run.

Next, the nieces were all in a dither

to suddenly find Aunt Annie'd had really come hither.

They flocked to her lap to hear a "My Little Pony" book

and grabbed up the presents from her bag that she took.

The play house out back was a quite luxury suite

Annie, Laura, Lydia and Tux kept it so neat.

They snoozed and they snored and made not a peep

As they tossed on the air mattresses, getting some sleep.

We pressed forward at Dad's house attacking a room

going through great stuff and cleaning things too.

We paused for some fried lunch from the Greenleaf store

because our stomaches were empty and our muscles so sore.

One day after Annie and Lydia had some good runs

we traveled to Costa Vida and ate Mexican food, tons!

Costco was the next destination for us

with kids in our basket it felt like a bus.

The Cheesecake Factory was where we were found

for Saturday's lunch, our final fun round.

Eating our favorites gave strength to us all

to help Lydia work, and us to shop at the mall.

After pizza dinner with Dad

and goodbyes oh so sad

Dad drove Annie to the airport

to fly home and report.

Poor Scott can't help but wonder why

that when so kindly he let her just take off and fly

she comes home so wound up and wired

and really rather quite awfully tired.

Of course we all know it's because of the love

Annie has so she goes beyond and above

to show her care and concern from all year

that she saves up to spend on us when she gets to come here!

Sunday Afternoon Visit

2010-05-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

We had a fun little Sunday afternoon visit from:Auntie Laura and Miss Sydney

(plus a tiny, 2 month old, darling baby girl that Laura was watching for a friend).We ate tacos,

left the dishes,

went outside,

and relaxed

in the warm Sunday afternoon sun.

Frog Weather Has Arrived!

2010-05-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Emma, my little amphibian hunter, celebrated the beginning of summer

by finding the first baby frog of the season.

Look out all you little creeping, crawling things. Emma's looking forward to a great summer with you!

List of great finds so far:

Rolly Polly's
Worms
Centipedes ( which produced voluminous warning screams as Clara was about to step on it and Emma was sure she was going to be badly bitten)
Stink bugs
A strange, blue, so tiny we could hardly see it, terrible smelling, snail sticking out of it's shell. (weird)
Mr. Baby Frog

Yesterday

2010-05-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

As a little girl I used to just love the song "yesterday" . The emotion of missing something wonderful from your past was intriguing. When I was about 6, I would sit on the living room floor of our little stone house and listen to my mom's 55 mm record of "Yesterday" on my kids record player. My little inexperienced heart felt something of what they were singing about, the longing for something lost. I think I already missed being littler than I was. I knew that was a one time shot, that being a baby with no worries, only joy.

Our sweet Grandma Clark has been talking to me lately. She has trouble remembering who everyone is what we're doing from minute to minute. Once in awhile, she asks who my Dad (her son) is. He is the one who takes care of her everyday. Mostly she is happy. "What can you expect at 91?" she'll say looking for wood to knock on as she makes a funny face about it. She told me in a thoughtful, slightly embarrassed sort of voice that she enjoys watching TV and would like to live a little longer.

I took Clara in the bedroom and put this little white sweater on her. I'm pretty sure Grandma Clark made this for Annie when she was a baby, 30 years ago. I wanted to see if Grandma remembered it.

I told her I thought she made it and asked if she remembered it.

"Oh yes", she said in her quiety sort of remembering voice.

She continued, almost in a whisper, "I remember saying, 'oh, I must get that done'."

Don't you just love love the English Grandma expression in the picture where Clara is trying to do a hand stand. I'm afraid Clara worries her with her wild tricks.

It's wonderful that Grandma's:

1) watch you doing your tricks

2) care so sweetly that you may hurt yourself.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

2010-05-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

We had a yummy eating experience for Lydia's birthday!

We were lucky enough to have the use of this lovely and talented photographer. Miss Sydney. She was not shy and helped to keep the conversation light. A lovely shot of the beautiful Birthday Girl Lydia! Laura, sister of the Birthday Girl, mother of the photographer!
Sydney's view of the delicious food. (Milk for me thank you..)

Sydney actually spotted this very armadillo dancing a line dance which produced a giggle.

Father of the Birthday Girl, sponsor and grandfather of the blooming Photographer.

Strange older sister of the Birthday Girl, Aunt of the said photographer.

Birthday party members, photographed outside the eating establishment, fat, sassy, and happy.

Payment being made for the photography session. (Hugs are the best payment, yes?)

Waves of Audieu.

And the Cute Birthday Girl is off for a nap and then a date, i suspect...

Hope you had a nice birthday Lydia. We love you so much. Our family wouldn't be the same without you. I hope you know how much Mom has always loved you too!

Thanks so much Annie and Scott for Sponsoring this fun event. It was very sweet of you and we're all grateful!

Love you Lydia.

Should we all go to Hawaii for the next one?

My New Life

2010-05-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Want to watch an amazing video about one of my favorite people? This is it!

Service

2010-04-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

After a rousing discussion,

(I believe it was about how much water a subdivision needs)

This brave and generous Grandpa,

With these quick and athletic legs,

and this cute, sweet, and slightly nervous Great Grandma,

took over the care of and responsibility for...

these quite happy

and rather energetic children,

Much to their parents delight.
They (the parents) were amazed and filled with gratitude

to find,

upon their return:

Dishes rinsed and stacked

Children in bed (asleep? Really!)

House very tidy

Shocking! (Whispered in Great Grandma's English accent with wide eyes and a hand slightly over the mouth)

(Krispy Creme Donuts were passed in a round of congratulatory celebration!)

Coming Soon!:

How a certain Aunty Laura Saved the Date night with certain festivities and games and a much loved cousin person.

Good Time Sunshine!

2010-04-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

A Good Friend
+
78 Degrees
on
April 22
=
The Splits (the newest quest in first grade)

Mormon Ad - Homefront - Swashbuckler

2010-04-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

What a surprise! This is hilarious!

Post Script: I think I've watched this 27 times and I haven't tired of it! Emma actually found it by watching the video at the bottom of our blog. She put it on for me with a big smile. I think she felt the spirit of it and knew it would cheer me up. Then she wanted to find another one. She picked this one out! So funny. I think it's the best one I've ever seen and she has had to play it for us bunch!

Easter Exercise

2010-04-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

I always forget to make sure I am physically ready for Easter. And not just the eggs, the dye, the goodies, and a note to the Easter Bunny to make sure HE's prepared for goodness sake, (wink). But also in shape bodily so as to be able to hide Eggs and chase little girls.

This year found me ill prepared. John and I both had a terrible flu during the week leading up to the Easter weekend. We weren't sure we were going to be conscious for it so we hence forgot to give the Easter Bunny that heads up he needed.

Luckily John was able to drag himself to the store on Friday and buy eggs and dye and a few odds and ends that were going to be required.

Now, I know that when a man is sent to do this sort of shopping he requires, well actually desires and needs, explicit instructions. Mine wants his shopping list to be absolutely clear. No items are to be described like this: "Fruit- what ever looks good to you." And this is certainly unacceptable: "goodies for the kids????" It has taken me a good 15 years of being married to realize this. These sorts of lists and descriptions yield no results. Unless you take it yourself or give it to your sister. She knows what these descriptions mean and will bring back a pleasing array of just the perfect items found at fabulous prices or if they were expensive you will definitely feel that it was "oh, totally worth it! So perfect."

I hadn't realized for years that my lists of these sorts would find John in the produce section of Walmart wearing a confused expression. I can picture him now, surveying the piles of peaches, asparagus, bagged salad, and 5 kinds of lettuce, uncomfortable, trying to figure out what was needed and really having no idea. Finally, I imagine him grabbing a bunch of bananas and heading to the diaper section to begin the "Which of these diapers would be acceptable to my wife and affordable." No wonder the man has often come home after a grocery store experience with things he understands, like shaving cream and deodorant and the disappointing bunch of bananas when I was dreaming of a fruit salad.

This weekend, I claimed my weakened condition drained my thinking abilities and I gave John a rather scanty list. He actually did quite well in the produce and found bananas and cantaloupe and the ingredients to make what I call "Cheesecake dip" for our fruit. We had general conference to watch this week which is our church twice a year. We had talks to watch on Saturday and Sunday so this requires great feasts and snacks to keep us amply nourished as we try to listen whilst the kids run from hither to yon. We like to have healthy snacks and some rather wicked things like cinnamon rolls or Lucky Charms.

( I asked Clara what she wanted me write on her egg when I was helping her dye it. She said, "MINE", (my favorite word of hers). It seemed rather perfect for an egg dyed by a two-year-old....)

John also was able to buy enough eggs (like 36) and egg dye to satisfy the kids desire for dyeing and dipping. However, when running into the Easter bunny while in the dollar store, I am afraid John became bewildered, pointing out only what was on the list, Emma wants these flip flops and Gracie would like some fingernail polish. Oh, and maybe throw in some of that Easter Grass (Now of Course I would never put that on a list. I don't have the strength in my lower back to pick of strands of if every day for six months).

So Easter day was kind of funny. Plenty of Easter grass and yes E. B. remembered candy but not tons of little goodies. Grace found a little word work book in hers ("I wish the Easter Bunny had left me something a little funner than a workbook, Mom..") Emma had her flip flops which brought her some delight. Clara found a book that the Easter Bunny had found and saved for a few months for her. I know because I saw it laying around the house for awhile before Easter. Everyone was happy but a little surprised at the E. Bunny's choices this year. My favorite was the shoe lace. Grace and Emma each got a shoe lace in their baskets. I know that E. Bun thought that there were two sets of laces and so he split it but alas, no. Just one lace each is what was found when it was unwound. The girls were very positive. "Oh, my shoe lace!" they would say with a happy tone to their voices. Later Grace did express some confusion about it saying,., "I would think the E. Bunny would give you two laces!?" with an eyebrow wrinkle and an unamused look.

Over all it was a fun Easter anyway. We got to have our cousin Sydney here and she helped us to hide plastic Easter eggs with candy in them and find them in the yard. We took turns hiding and finding as the girls liked to hide as much as find. Grace made sure everyone waited until the end to divide and eat the candy so it was all very fair. We dyed all 36 hard boiled eggs and some of our raw ones. And we ate our delicious fruit dip with cantaloupe and bananas while we watched our conference talks, thus being filled soul and body with good stuff! John and I, trying to recover and rest while chasing these little Easter Girls around the house.

Sunday afternoon we had a grand finale at Dads with a turkey and mashed potatoes to round out our diet of weekend snacks.

This was one of mom's favorite times of year. Tiny baby animals like lambs and chicks. Easter baskets for her little girls, a promise of rebirth, spring flowers and sun and green outside to chase away the gray and dreary winter,

and most of all her testimony of Jesus Christ.

Which was strong.

A faith

that because of His sacrifice of death for our sins and sorrows and troubles, he knows us. He knows every sadness, every sin, because he experienced them and took them. So, if we will trust and turn them over to Him,

we can have hope of a perfect resurrection,

like He had.

I can picture her face,

her expression of firm belief, of faith, and hope as she listened at church or studied scriptures at home.

Her words of encouragement

that I should believe,

never giving in to discouragement.

That that was just Satan, wanting me to give up.

Even though every day she had troubles and was very, very aware of her problems and sins and trials, she knew that it could be wonderful if she just kept trying. Repenting.

Trying again the next day.

Relying on Jesus Christ for forgiveness and strength to overcome. And that perfect hope of a wonderful Resurrection if we never give up or give in.

I believe she is still doing her best.

Hoping.

And hoping we will too.

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

-2 Nephi 31:20

Things are looking up!

2010-04-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

We had an eventful day about a week ago. Lately Gracie has been rather mournful about learning to ride a bike. We've been hopeful for about 4 years but not very dutiful about teaching her. I bought a cool handle to hook on the back of the bike that enables an adult to help her balance without the very popular "run while bending over" stance. That was nice but didn't produce the magical learning to ride in 15 minutes that the box suggested.

We tried occasionally over the years without that sudden take-off that we'd hoped for. Finally, with tears of embarrassment from Grace we put on a new and sturdy set of training wheels. John told her to ride everyday for two weeks and she'd probably be ready. She did ride quite a bit for a couple days and then lost the motivation a little bit. Training wheels are really just not for 7-year-olds in this day and age so I was proud of her for being humble and just doing it.

Then one day, Gracies cute little neighbor friend who is also 7 came in the house to talk to me. "I'm going to teach Gracie to ride my two-wheeler", she said, in her intent, well enunciated grammar. I stared at her serious little freckled face framed by red hair, cut into a bob. This little friend enjoys talking to adults, like an adult - "I have to be home by 4 today because I have Marital Arts" she will tell me in a knowledgeable voice.

As I listened to her tell me that she was the master bike rider and she was going out to teach Gracie I thought "Good Luck" while I said, "Oh, ok!" in that sort of friendly friends mom's voice that we adopt so we don't scare off our kids friends.

About 30 seconds later Grace came in a told me to come watch, she had learned to ride her friends two-wheeler. I almost didn't go because of course it couldn't have happened that fast. Then I thought I'd better of it and decided I'd better go look out of respect and the slim chance that it had happened.

It was amazing. Grace's friend had held the bike, Grace had got on, and with a little push or something had ridden off. I watched, when I came out as Grace got on and rode down are bumpy, rocky driveway and off down the street. I stared and laughed right out loud and proclaimed my gratitude to Gracie's friend. This little professional cyclist stared a little, seeming to feel that perhaps Grace at learned a bit too quickly and that she, the teacher, wasn't really getting the attention and credit she should have enjoyed. "Now I'm going to give her the next lesson, because I'm a master at this" she told me and then proceeded to teach Grace to ride down a steep but short hill of dirt.

I do have to admit that I feel a little cheated though grateful. I guess you just have to be a master to teach.

Of course after about 20 minutes, Grace tried to show me how she could ride standing up which works if the bike isn't rather tiny for your long tall body. She crashed and scraped up her belly and bloodied two teeth which were, unfortunately, not the one that is loose and needs to come out. They all healed though and now Grace is working on her master's degree too!

My Favorite Hat

2010-04-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

John waited patiently

while I bought this hat in Seattle

at Pikes Open Market Place

from a girl

who said her mom and five other ladies crocheted them

making a few a day each.

Clara Meets Grandpa Keith

2010-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

We had a fun visit from Grandma Roonie and Grandpa Keith.
Clara has met Keith before but likely doesn't remember anything because she was a baby.

She wasn't too shy. Walked right in and gave him a box of Black Crow Candy that we had for him, though she was a little offended because she sort of wanted to keep it! Keith won her back over, however, with some little clapping and leg-slapping game he played with her.

Grace and Emma were really excited to see them too. They didn't really tone things down too much for them but luckily played outside a bunch so we actually had a very peaceful dinner on Monday. Grandma brought them an plastic Easter eggs with chick that popped up and said "I'm HIDing!, giggle giggle" They thought they were fun and Grandma laughed because she imagined how much fun we were going to have at home with all 3 of them making noise!

It's always a so fun to have a visit with our Grandparents. It's just too quiet when they leave.

My Little Five-Year-Old Sunshine

2010-04-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

Emma just defied my wish for her to stay 4 just a little longer.

Grace used to agree to try, with a silly grin. Emma just said "No. I'm going to turn five." No sympathy for the mother languishing in her darling baby girl era. No, I'm ready to be big, is her attitude.

She enjoyed her whole week. Opening her birthday package from Aunt Sandy and her birthday card with birthday money from Grandma Roonie and Grandpa Keith, on the spot, when she found they'd come in the mail. Clara shared a few moments because on her birthday the week before we'd been sick and less festive. So she opened her card and a few presents with Emma.

Much to my delight, Emma chose a Costco cheesecake for her birthday celebration. We dream of cheesecake. Emma was very very happy to find left-over cheesecake the next day and shared with Mom, Clara, and then gave Grace the last piece when she got home from school. A very selfless act in the opinion of me who would have hidden the last piece under my pillow and eaten it at midnight.

Emma is really really into dogs. If she's not being a dog she's playing with dogs. She chose to buy a cute stuffed dog and some little play dogs and some clever sunglasses with her money from Grandma

Emma is a ray of sunshine in our lives. She loves Gracie and works well with letting her be the big sister. She's been truly great with Clara esp. when Grace is at school. Leading her around and playing with her. If we are all out of sorts, often Emma seems to maintain a cheery attitude helping us to find our happy face again.
We love this little sweetie.

This is her after the party. She always falls asleep looking like Sleeping Beauty.

Whoa Baby!

2010-02-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

I'm always rather woebegone the night before my babies turn into big girls. The night before their second birthday finds me with a big a lump in my throat and a pain in my heart.

I remember Grace's last night as a one-year-old baby. She was tucked snugly into her crib and I went to bed. I was about 8 months pregnant. As I laid there, suddenly it dawned on me that I was about to lose my baby to "biggirldom". She was in the other room, innocently sleeping, sweetly, happily unaware that her baby self was slipping away into the night. She would awake a brave new two-year-old with strange, bigger, harder things to face. Never again to be a tiny, coddled baby. There was nothing I could do about it. I had tried pretty hard to let Grace enjoy her baby time, controlling things so her environment would be just so. But I couldn't control this. So I tossed and turned the night away, mourning the loss for both of us, unable to sleep with the weight of it. I still feel it as I think of her baby years. They were such joyful, carefree, innocent, years, free from the emotional roller coaster of the 4Th year and the intensity of the 5Th and 6Th years. No worries.

I felt it again with Emma and her blatant turning of 2, no warning. She was so sweet and easy. Quietly going about her life, eating, sleeping, playing, hugging and loving everyone. Then, BAM! Two.

Now it Clara's turn.

It's her last week as a baby.

(Monday Morning Smiles)

I'm watching her closely. Trying to record the last moments of her being a baby, in my heart.(Exuberant jumping on the trampoline. Solo time with someone watching! Wow!)

(Wednesday -Big sister time in a surprise spring snow.)

She cheated a little. There was a day about 5 months ago where she woke up one morning and was just a big girl. Baby the night before, big girl in the morning. So she at least gave me a warning. (Thursday night - watching the stunt skiing jumps in the Olympics. We suddenly noticed the Clara was practicing the ski jumps in the 2026 Olympics. She would stand like this and then fall flat onto the couch.)

(Saturday chores - Clara's job is to get toilet paper and refill the tp holder in the extra bathroom.)

But on Sunday comes the big one. It's so hard for me to give up those baby years. They are special and perfect. With all the work of a baby comes the whisper of heaven... "Here's a little piece of Me for you." And they carry that wonderful, sweet, spirit and that heavenly love around, holding it out for you to look at... all the time. Those first two years before they have to get down to the business of growing up are a cherished time.

(Sunday morning, first thing. John greets the big, new, 2-year-old)

(Sunday afternoon, right before and right after her birth time)

Oh, how I'm going to miss that!

And I remember

that my mom felt exactly the same way.

Big Fat Seven!

2010-02-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here's my seven year old miracle! After seven years of being unable to conceive, a lost of hope, and a decision to adopt, sneakly little Gracie surprised us all! I love the name Hope but Grace seemed to be the name for her. After having her around for just a little while the tears would come as I came to feel that she really did come to me through the Grace of Heavenly Father, truely a gift from Him. An actual miracle. For me. She came, slipping through the heavens to my eager, earthly arms. Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness

But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

Wordsworth ode to immortality

We enjoyed a lovely celebration.

Much eating, singing, opening of presents, and of course lots of yacking! Grace was so overcome with her presents, esp. her new art stuff, that she couldn't stop to have any of her birthday cake.
She didn't even ask for it until the next day!

Houston, We have Lift Off!!!!!!!

2010-02-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

We had an exciting surprise the other night!

There was a little something shiny,

some bling!

a Ring!

Made us sing! Congratulations Brittani and Brian!

Yaaaaaaaaaaay!

Happy 40th Birthday Dad!

2010-02-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

We had a marvelous party for Dad's 60th birthday. Those present were: Noel (a surprise visit from England), Lydia, Sydney, Laura, Jason, Mom, (us)- Jackie, John, Gracie, Emma, Clara, and various animals peering in at the windows. We ate a very nice, baked, white choclate cheesecake.Dad said that when I came around the corner carrying his cake with a 60 on it he was shocked. Even though he knew he was 60 he had, for some reason, expected to see a "40" on his cake.

Isn't that a nasty shock on your birthday?

I am, therefore, celebrating Dad's 40th.

He doesn't look a day over 40.

The grand kids tried to give him a 40-year-old workout.

Lydia gave him a nice pair of running shoes and socks and inserts for his shoes, which I assume will help him feel 40 again too!

Laura brought a nice jug of chocolate milk and a black balloon- Perfect for a 40-year-old!

Annie sent me 40 dollars to buy Dad some healthy treats, to keep him forty.

Grandma Roonie, Keith, Sandy and Jim sent me 40 +10 dollars to buy him a healthy fruit basket, or some such snack to keep him happy for the next 40 days.

Thanks Dad for 60 years of perfect service to all of us. You've lived such a life of absolute sacrifice for us. We love you as much as these grand kids appear to, actually more!

Good Compyany

2010-01-25T22:03:00.000-08:00

I've always been grateful for you.

You're such good company!

Love you guys!

(I'm grateful you are old enough to give me some fashion advice now. Goodness!)

Christmas is Not Over at Our House

2010-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

This week Emma said, "I'm sad that Christmas is going away. " or something like that.

Gracie is taking care of it though by playing "Jingle Bell Rock" by Amy Grant over and over. I'm not ready for Christmas to be gone either so I've been turning on the Christmas lights and the music too. Oh well, I do always seem to be last to arrive, and, according to John, the last to leave, everwhere we go. I'll get your Christmas cards out soon!

30's Big Band Inspiration

2010-01-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Last night, after dinner, we received a little inspiration....

I was slogging around in the kitchen, trying to clean up the dinner mess and not feeling very enthusiastic about it. John pulled up a music station on his little Blackberry cell phone and set it to play 30's to 50's Big Band style music. He set it in the kitchen window and started helping me with the dinner clean up. We laughed that we could brag that with 60 to 80 years of hard research we can now brag that we have just as wonderful sound quality (you know, small, tinny sounding) as they did back then.

However, even given the small sound, the music inspired us and we couldn't help but dance a bit while we cleaned up.

I love to picture the people singing the big band music;

microphones and sequined dresses,

romance,

swing dance,

waiting under the apple tree for a loved one to come home from the war.

I felt grateful to have a great husband, at home.

Grateful too that he even felt inspired so far as to do kitchen repaires!!! Yay!

Two Favorite Recipes

2010-01-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

We loved these new cookies made for us by a friend this Christmas. I'm not into using store bought mixes but these were so easy with the mix it was worth it!

Orange Cream Cookies

*1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz)
*3 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
*1 teaspoon orange extract
*1 teaspoon vanilla
*1 egg
*5 drops yellow food color
*2 drops red food color
*1 bag (12) white vanilla baking chip (2 cups)

1 Heat oven to 350 degree's. In large bowl, stir all ingredients except baking chips until soft dough forms. Stir in baking chips.

2 On un-greased cookie sheets, drop dough with 11/2 tablespoon cookie scoop or by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart.

3 Bake 9 to 10 minutes or just until dough is set (do not over bake) Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Annie's Recipe for Banana Muffins (Excellent)

1/2 C oil
1/2 C honey
1 1/2 C bananas (3 bananas work)
1/2 Cup yogurt
2 eggs
2 C Flour (I used all whole wheat and it was really yummy)
1 tsp. soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
nuts if you want them
Chocolate chips - As much as you like.

*I think you can use applesauce instead of the bananas

Mix it all up and bake at
350 for 40 minutes if you are making a loaf
275 for 18 minutes if you are making muffin cups

Happy New Year's Eve!

2010-01-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

We had a very lovely evening celebrating the last day of 2009.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2010-01-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

One happy Gracie Mary

One very reluctant Emma Angel

One Happy Emma Donkey

One strange Jackie Joseph

One Cute Clara Baby Jesus

One Clara Baby Jesus making a smooth and rapid escape!

Picture Day'(s)?

2009-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

Picture day one:

I call Kim the photographer. She says "I can do it tomorrow, Wednesday." I say, "Wow, great!" She calls back and says, "Whoops, I forgot. Dentist appointment tomorrow." I say, "oh well." We decide on next Monday at 4 p.m.

Next Monday Morning:
Picture Day Two:

There is a fair amount of weeping from a certain girl getting up, getting ready. We are all behind and it is only 8 a.m. Grace is finally dressed. I take a look at her and exclaim:

"Grace! What did you do to you EYE?!"

She replies, "Oh, just some of that crusty stuff got in there from the other eye."

I call Kim and ask her if she minds if we come with pink eye. She agrees. So I start calling trying to figure out how to treat the pink eye. (Do we have to go to a doc.? Can I use the medicine that's expired 4 years ago?)

Brittani calls and asks if we are still doing pictures. I start to tell her we are working on it, trying to decide.

Right about then: Emma cries and runs for the bathroom.

I call Kim. Cancel.

Then remember. I think I prayed last night... "If we should just not try to do pictures tomorrow, just make it so we can't."

Silly me... I'm glad .....I guess!

(Clara had a great day. Jumped on the tramp. Threw her clothes off and ran naked through the house a few times)

About a week later......

Picture Day Three:

Saturday. Picture time: 3:00

7 a.m John goes to work. Pretty stressed. Saying "well...I'll try to make it."

8 a..m. I take my shower. Dry my hair.

9 a.m. Emma and Clara have breakfast.

10:00 Emma and Clara get into one bath. Grace in the other.

10:20 Clara has a little accident in the tub. Emma flies out of the bath.

10:20 I call Laura who is coming over to help us get ready. Tell her not to rush. We are behind .. a little.

10:30 I empty the tub. Clean it. Bleach it.

10:45 Grace gets out of the other tub. Emma gets in and I wash her from head to toe.

11:15 Laura arrives, plugs in her hair straightener. Pulls out lots of nice clothes for everyone to wear. Fancy boots, great jeans, sweaters, etc.

11:30 Clara gets into the bath.

11:45 I call Brittani to see how she's doing getting her and Isaiah ready. She is shocked because the day before John told her we just couldn't do the pictures. She has made plans with other people all afternoon. Feels very frustrated. Doesn't even know what to wear.

12:00 I start to wash Clara. A favorite neighbor, who moved last year, stops by to wish us Merry Christmas and chat for a minute. Laura washes Clara's hair, gets her out, dries and puts a diaper on. She comes and clings and whines while I talk to the neighbor. I send Laura over to help Brittani.

12:25 I start to get Grace dressed. Clara runs around in just a diaper.

12:50 Brittani, Isaiah and Laura come back to get ready. Laura flies into action. Straightens Grace's, Emma's hair. Helps with my make-up while I argue that it's too dark. I get used to it but Grace says (in a very shocked voice) "MOM! You look so different!"

1:00 Isaiah falls asleep in the middle of the living room floor.

1:15 I put Clara down for a nap. She just plays and yells around.

1:30 Laura tries a few outfits on Emma, finds a cute one. Emma says, "Mom, I can't wear these pants. They are too big." I say, "Hurry, put on your boots and then you can play computer games."

1:45 Laura helps Brittani decide what to wear. It's a little tricky but gets figured out.

1:50 I fix a big plate of chicken nuggets. The kids eat them and play computer, giving us strange looks once in awhile.

1:55 Laura helps me figure out what to wear. I tell her, "I'm just not wearing skinny jeans. I HATE skinny jeans!" She says, "I just want you to try them." I try them. I really don't like them. I try my own. Laura says nope, too short. I put her skinny jeans back on. She has me put on boots. I like them a little. Laura reassures me that they are great. Brittani reassures me that they are great, and yes, modest. I try to get used them.

2:00 Kim calls. I say we're planning to make it by 3:00 but not sure we can. She says ok but no later than 4:00.

2:15 Laura works on my messy hair. Straightens it. Then parts it in a new place. I tell her I never part it over there. She works hard and then tells me it will go down a little before the picture. I am a tiny bit worried. Brittani looks doubtful and then impressed. I decide I actually like it and Brittani decides to have Laura do hers.

2:45 Laura Straightens and fixes Brittani's hair. I get up Clara up, dress her, wipe her up, start working on her hair. Laura is sweating.

3:00 It's snowing pretty hard. Wet snow. Laura starts ferrying people out the cars one by one, insisting that Brittani and I go one at a time with the umbrella and no kids or bags, to protect our hair. She brings everyone else out and all our bags.

3:15 We drive through really messy snow. Stop to get gas for Brittani. John beats us to Kim's.

Clara eats cheese and chicken nuggets. Gets cheese on her cream tights.

3:20 We arrive at Kim's. She gets her things together and rides with Laura. We go to the picture taking place. Everyone gets out shivering in the snow and posses. Laura flaps the umbrella wildly behind Kim and helps everyone stop crying and laugh for the pictures.

4:00 We all climb into our cars. I take off the skinny jeans and put on my own too short jeans. We all drive off in a cloud of relief and gratitude at having gotten the job done!

(Grace feels like throwing up and Emma's tummy hurts pretty badly- the flu has still been hovering around our house).

Thanks Laura! Thanks Kim! Thanks John, Brittani, Grace, Emma, Clara, Isaiah! Wow is that it? It seems like there were a lot more people involved that day! Oh, Yes, Thanks Kevera and Annie for spending a week trying to help me find something for everyone to wear in the pictures.

It's Easy to Please ...a Four-Year-Old!

2009-12-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

I made a scrumptious dinner tonight at 6:30 p.m.

1. Scrambled Eggs (with a little cheese because Annie says that helps).

2. Hot Cocoa ..because it's cold and slushy outside and we were just out at the library.

3. Toast, brown, with loads of butter (yikes).

4. Bacon. Half flubbery for John. Half CRISPY for me.

5. Grapefruit.

6. Oh, and applesauce because Clara couldn't wait for scrambled eggs.

Now, I didn't feel that luxurious about this meal, maybe I should have. I know it's not bad. It's nice food. Just not a classic dinner for my meat and potatoes man.

So Emma brought me joy when, upon examining the plate of microwaved bacon, exclaimed with a hungry, happy grin....

"Is The STEAK Done Yet?"

The Love Transfers

2009-11-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

WE had a little trauma this weekend. Poor little Clara put her finger into the hinge side of a bedroom door as it was being shut. The tip of her right, middle finder was nearly amputated. She was very brave. After a minute we had it wrapped in a towel and she stopped crying. We drove straight in to the ER and she talked about the lights and things on the way in. She did amazingly well in the ER too. They gave her a couple of tiny shots in the base of her finger to numb it so she cried when they did that but actually held it in mostly. After waiting quite awhile for x-rays they worked miracles and sewed that little finger back together. She didn't cry or struggle at all while they did it. They had her wrapped in her little quilt but she didn't even try to get up or anything. The nurses and doctors said she gets the golden pediatric award for the year because she behaved so wonderfully. They said they often have 3 or 4 people restraining toddlers when they have to do something like this.

First, when we arrived at the ER someone noticed us and waved us right back, no paperwork. I was very touched by the humane-ness of that.

I was feeling so very sad and sorry for Clara, thinking of the pain she was in. I was shaking and traumatized. The nurse got us into a room, checked her finger as I sat and held her. She said, "I have a blankie for her."

She then brought Clara this beautiful handmade blanket.

It had obviously taken quite a few hours to create, this blanket, a lovely patchwork. I was so surprised at the love that I felt from the sweet person who carefully labored to create something that might lend comfort in a stranger's moment of pain and need. A personal touch of kindness.

And it did just that.

We had something to wrap around my little hurting baby and my aching heart.

The love transferred.

I wish I had a way to let that hardworking, artistic, and kind person know.

I felt it.

These two blankies were at home waiting. One carefully handcrafted by Aunt Sandra just for us and the other purchased by Grandma Terri and sewn for us by Janis Forbes. The love transfered here too! All night long, cozy in her bed. Thanks for the love!

Halloween!

2009-11-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Grace started out the festivities a couple weeks before Halloween when she was invited to a Halloween birthday party. After working on the princess get-up idea for a week or two, she had a change of personality and decided to go with the witch experience. Brittani graciously came and painted her lips and nails black and gave her a good witchy hair-do. I was so grateful as I was plum out of black nail polish....

Grace had a fabulous time at her friend's party. I enjoyed hearing about how wonderful her friend's house was, how she had a tv and radio/cd player/ Hanna Montana player, bunk beds, etc. right in her very own, private room. I also thought it was amusing when I asked if she like the friend like the "My Little Pony" present we gave her and Grace said, "Yes, because she used to collect My Little Ponies but her mom got rid of them all when she was at school."

We had a fine time with John's power tool carving pumpkins.This was Grace's happy face pumpkin.

This is Emma's pumpkin -with help from Dad...

Brittani's cool scariness pumpkin -carved by the artist herself...
Clara's pumpkin carved by in her honor by Gracie....
and last, surely you know who's pumpkin this is. I drew this up thinking it was good and scary/crabby looking. Grace then took a look and said, "Mom, that's the face you do every year." Hmmm... I'm wondering if I've been a little stressed out the last few years. ;)

We found we had three busy dogs on our hands for Halloween this year!

and one quiet little cow! So cute.

They had great fun at our church "Trunk or Treat" on Friday and then went to a few houses to get a little more sugar on Saturday. I employed the "eat it as fast as you want" method and Grace and Emma had their candy gone by Sunday night. Thank goodness they didn't have that much!

It's Personal.

2009-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, John, my darling husband, decided it was time for some personal interviews.

I always had them as a teenager with my dad. It was just a few minutes alone with Dad to discuss life, unload any worries, and maybe plan something fun to do together later. They were a life-saver for me in those troublesome teenage years when I didn't feel like talking, let alone talking to a parent, about maybe something weird that was bothering me. It was nice though, just getting things off my mind and hearing Dad says something like, "I think that's very normal" and I would challenge you to....". Helped me through some tough times.

(My very first interview didn't go that well, actually. I was about 8 and was fussy and pouty. But, when I found that we were actually planning a bike ride together and that was it, well, I cheered up and started thinking of what I would ask to do with Dad next. Just a little encouragement encase you try it and the first time it's a disaster.)

Clara got her interview first. John took her into her room and I heard him talking to her and then he sang her a little song. Then, I think, they fell asleep in the rocking chair. Everyone seemed happy about that. I asked John what they talked about because I was so curious. He said, "Oh, we talked about what she does at home, with you, while Grace is at school. Stuff like that."

Emma was next, later, after dinner. She was so delighted to get to talk to Dad for a few minutes, to have him all to herself. They planned a Daddy-Daughter date for Tuesday night. Chinese food and a movie. (I was a little jealous)

Grace was last. I have no idea what they talked about but they planned a date for next week. She was a little unamused that Emma got to go first.

Later I was just tickled and asked John "WHAT did you talk about??" I was so interested in what they might have had on their minds.]

"Well, it's personal. I can't really tell you" was his reply.

I'm charmed to think that John kept their thoughts "confidential" even though I am pretty sure they consisted of pretty innocent things like, "what are you going to be for Halloween' or some such thing.

They seemed to be charmed too.

Tripping!

2009-09-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Did you know,

I got to go on vacation with this good-looking guy?!

and this little darlin'.... as well as this happy snacker....

this pretty sweet heart..... even, this beautiful young lady...

and this tiny cherub.

And The First Red Ripe Taste of Summer Goes to....

2009-09-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take a lovely photo of Clara holding the first fruit of summer.I handed it to her and as I prepared to take the picture, she got down to business.

She really was serious about it.

And,

after about 10 minutes of focused munching, since she was done...

she left the last bite for me.

It was pretty tasty!

1st Day of 1st Grade!

2009-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

8:00 A.M. Ticonderoga pencils.. Where's the sharpener! Out the door... Not too nervous.

I loved walking in the front door of the school and hearing Mr. Oldenkamp, Grace's Principal, (who used to be my principal when I taught in Parma), saying sweetly to some 1st graders who seemed to be wandering... "Come with me, I will show you right where you will line up when the bell rings. Who's your teacher? "

Grace seemed to be very comfortable with her friends, running into each other's arms, hugging as first grade girls do, discussing important matters as they waited in line.

This is Grace's teacher. She had about 35 kids in her line. Thankfully they weren't all hers. I thought the smile was a indication of a good sense of humor given the experience. Mr. O showed some good humor too! I did notice that the other 1st grade teachers seemed pretty happy with their short lines of about 10 students.

Grace and Katie laugh at Mom taking pictures from the hall as they sit down at their new desks!

Grace rode the bus home without telling me so when I went to pick her up she was already gone. Very funny.

When I drove up and found her walking home from the bus stop, she wasn't interested in riding with me.....

She's too big for that.

PRAY TELL!

2009-09-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

And WHAT, pray tell, is THIS?

I was fairly interested to see what the explanation for this was. I found Grace in the room with the door shut and this lovely sign posted. Emma wasn't ruffled, in fact, she seemed rather happy about it . Perhaps, I misunderstood it.

The Camping Trip .... But not for Long.

2009-08-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

We loaded up on a wed. Planning to drive into the Trenity Lakes and camp until Sat.Wed. was perfect. Very nice temp. Not too much wind.Tons of wild flowers.We had a great time setting up, eating, running around. John went fishing a little. Didn't catch anything but it was beautiful.

Wed. night we had some interesting thunderstorms but stayed pretty dry in the tent.

Thursday wasn't too bad but a little chilly. John took the girls on a lovely hike until the thunder brought them back to camp.

John and Grace did a little fishing... It rained off and on.... Finally we decided to make run for it and go home... about 5 p.m. I think.

John and I packed up in a downpour. John patiently loaded everything up while the rain dripped off his hat.

We were sad to abandon nature and go home.but we knew we had better find somewhere a little drier to sleep.

And the girls had a fabulous time waiting in the truck.

I hope we can do it again next year!

Day Two and a Name!

2009-08-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Baby Isaiah Diego!

Clara meets her nephew for the first time! She seemed to think it was pretty fun!

Brittani's Baby's Big Day!

2009-08-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

Soon after birth.. John and I having a grandparent moment.

I thought this painting in Brittani's room was cute. Notice all the little white kids and the cute little brown boy!

Grace and Emma meet there new nephew!

Brittani's mom!

20 Big Ones For Brittani!

2009-08-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Brittani's 20Th birthday.

It was simple and pleasant.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Salad with Olive Garden dressing

Rotisserie Chicken

AND.....Thick, delicious Strawberry Cheesecake from Costco!!!

She opened some lovely love messages, complete with some love funds.

And a bit later Koko celebrated by trying to find room on her receding lap for a love nap.

She looked around a little bit and then climbed right up on top of her belly and stood there like a tiny circus animal balancing on a ball.

Then she gave Brittani a little birthday snuggle.

Happy Birthday Brittani! You're a sweet -heart. We love you lots!

Cousin Festivities

2009-07-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

So Much Fun!
Parades Eating

Arrests

Friendship

Seriously Silly times!Grace and Kelli have been so funny to listen to. Everything is serious and very dramatic. The terribly dangerous dogs, Queens and princesses, cutting and gluing to make quilts and skirts for barbies, and of course, running from bad guys - sometimes this happens to be Emma, Derek, Becca, Clara and David. They are so funny because it's all SUCH a drama. Kelli sings a little vibrato when it's really dramatic. John said she sang a terrific opera during sacrament meeting while sitting with him. It was about a barbie bracelet. It's a good exercise in silliness for Grace. She gets worn out from the strain of being so dramatic. Maybe she'll get it out of system so we will have a peaceful school year.... hmmmm.

What a Feeling!

2009-07-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

We've been having a fabulous visit with Annie and her family! We had Sydney last week some too so we had 8 children 6 and under. It has been great fun.

One of my favorite moments was when Annie did everyone's hair and painted all the girls toe nails pink.

Another great moment was when we sent them to brush their teeth, all at the same time! So fun!
Just LOOK at Graces face. You must be able to imagine the excitement!

Sweating It!

2009-07-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

The roof''s going on!

We had a pretty hot weekend. High nineties I think.

I guess the hottest weather is supposed to be the best for roofing, right? Nothing like sweating off all our 4th of July feasts! Worked out great!

Isn't this man cute?! I found him on the roof!

I tried to lure him down with food but he'd already eaten.

We've been a little worried because we wanted to have the play house at least sleep able for Scott and Annie's family. They are coming on Tuesday.

Do you think we are going to make it??? We're not too sure!

Our great friends, Terry and Shannon have again offered assistance by volunteering their apt. which is vacant right now. They are so sweet!

Reinforcements

2009-07-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Reinforcements have arrived! Roger this: We are UN-stalled on our project and making cautious progress!

Thanks Dave and co. and Terry and co. for you help and just helping us be more amused with the work! You are great friends and we really appreciate you!

Wedding Weekend!

2009-06-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

We had a fun little get-away last weekend to Utah. John's nephew Michael was getting married. We left Thursday and drove to Salt Lake to check into our motel. The girls (including Brittani) were a little dissapointed that we weren't into checking out the swimming pool at 9:30 p.m. when we arrived. ;)

Friday I was up at 6:45 to get ready for the big wedding. Ceremony at 10 at Butte Gardens- Very Beautiful!

Quick tour of the Conference Center. This was inspiring because it's a wonderful building, tons of art - all originals, fountains, miraculous building facts, and a meadow on top of the building to show what the Salt Lake Valley looked like when the pioneers came to settle it. It was absolutely amazing! And then Grace absolutely had to find a bathroom so we ran back to find one! Luncheon at the Lion House -This was delightful and filling!

Gayle and John very kindly take little, tired Clara back to the motel for a rest. Grace, Emma and I take a few hours to tour Temple square and see the movie in the Legacy theature. They loved the Tabernacle because they got to take off their shoes and dance while someone practiced the big organ. The sisters missionaries were very sweet there and said, "They're not bothering anyone. Just let them do it."

Then a reception at the Bride's house. Very nice with cheesecake and boquet throwing and such.

Saturday included a breakfast at Dan's pad and then a nice long play at Liberty Park before getting on the road to come home. Liberty Park is great with a terrific playground, little amusement park (5 little old rides -very quaint), paddle boats, and great hill for rolling, and little streams for playing in the water. Unfortunately the water for the little streams was turned off.

Gayle spent the day with us and rode home. She was very helpful with everyone which was nice so I could have a little break now and then.

The drive home was fun but a little tiring. We arrived home about midnight.

Catherine's Etsy Shop

2009-06-10T14:47:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7369095

My niece Catherine has a new little Etsy Shop. She a fabulous artist. I've enjoyed watching her "create" everything from wonderful paintings to great furniture to unique jewlery. She has some great little things for sale at this site and if you had something special in mind she would even work with you to create it. She always been very sweet and helpful to us. Thought I would give her a little plug here! I've seen some of the jewlery and thought it quite attractive! I also love a couple of custom paintings she did of some pets of her sister's. They can be seen at this etsy shop -

http://www.catscranny.etsy.com/

Here's her blog address http://www.skidamarinkado.blogspot.com/

It Feels Like Summmmmmerrr

2009-06-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Clara's been enjoying some "hands on" summer. It's been fun to watch her enjoy being free, walking, running, and climbing. She's usually muddy, I just didn't seem to get many pictures of that sort of hands on!

Big Field Trip Day!

2009-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Grace's Field Trip Day!

Emma had a great time!

Clara had a great time!

Grace had the flu!

She threw up all morning.

Then after 7-up for lunch and a little food.......

She Perked up! We had a great time at the zoo.

Doesn't everyone want to stand between their kids on a merry-go-round with a hand on each back? I can't believe I have 3 kids to do this with! Such a good feeling.

How Could I Complain?

2009-06-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

How could I complain?

Sometimes

I forget

what a wonderful

Place

to be

this is!

Good Morning!

2009-05-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

Grace delighted me one

morning this week. She got up early and was bored. I suggested she unload the dishwasher. I was amazed when she said "ok" happily. (She can have 5 whole cents for doing this chore which is usually not enough to produce a happy response like this)

I then went to take a shower.

When I got out she had:

Unloaded the dishwasher

Loaded the dishwasher

Taken out the trash (there was a lot- a can full and some piled by the sink - Emma helped)

Put a new bag in the trash can

Run some plants out to the garden from the kitchen counter

Collected hangers and hung some clean shirts of John's and put them in his closet.

The kitchen looked quite clean when I came out and I was so happy to start the day a little ahead of the routine. I was also amused because I didn't know she was even able to do some of these things.

We celebrated by making pancakes and messing up the kitchen. :)

STANDING for something!

2009-05-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

I recently turned from the counter (right next to the table) and was amused to find this. I handn't even noticed and I was standing right there!

Same thing happened the other day as I was at the computer a few feet away from the couch.

This also seems to be a favorite activity (perhapse a preperation for rock climbing).

A couple months ago I was a bit worried by this!

Also, a few months ago, Clara surprised me by walking the dog!

"Coming soon: Jumping!"

Here's a sneak preview:

Project Stalled!

2009-05-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

We hit a big snag in the project!

but not before we accoplished this!

Four walls, four holes for widows, one door hole!

The snag happens to be a garden.

John informed me about a month ago that this would be "the " weekend for planting a garden. So, we've been weeding, rototilling, raking, digging, rototilling, tractoring, ..... not nailing or anything like that for about a week. But that's ok because after month or 2 or 3 of digging, weeding and watering, we'll have some tasty, lovely, homegrown tomatoes,some delicious strawberries, raspberries for the picking, peppers for the pickling (for Sunday tacos), squash for frying, watermelon for dripping, cucumbers for popping into salads, and cantaloupes for chomping! Grapes and Apples too with any luck.

I feel like I live in the Garden of Eden!

Yes, I am aware of the fact that "this" is NOT A STEP.

I explained that thoroughly to Emma right after I took a few pictures of her. We found her right here acting just as if she were merely standing on a curb looking down the street. She was looking for her hoola hoop which she had carefully thrown up onto the roof of the house! No fear of heights here!

Next week we'll get back to

nailing

and watching

our little plants

grow!

Spring!

2009-05-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love our Apple tree this year. It deserves to have it's name capitalized. We pruned it within inches of it's life. People stared and said things like "Wow, I think you are supposed to only prune out 1/3 of tree at most" and "You butchered it." John and I were so happy to have worked on it together one Saturday, much of the day and we loved it. It was one thing in our life that we felt was finally under control. Then spring thought about coming and it did this! I loved it even more!

It has been a crisp spring. Fresh. Cool. Delicate. Beautiful.

Emma celebrated her own way. The day was again crispy and springish but she thought it warm. I was sure she'd be back in right away. Instead I heard the water go on and went out to find expressions of spring joy.

While the Cat's Away, the Mice Will Work!

2009-05-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

One evening, last week, I was pleased and excited to leave the house completely unassisted by shortish people. The husband character that lives at my house with me agreeable amicably to keep all three short people who also reside in our home with him, in the yard, whilst he worked.
I was gone for a blissful 3 hours. I was quite amazed and delighted to find the said husband had managed to put up a wall while supervising short people of the ages of 1, 4, and 6.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

2009-05-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Lydia's birthday on Wed.

I had a heart swelling feeling of joy as we were making our way to Dad's for the gathering. Laura was coming from work from which she only had an hour or two break. Clara, Emma and I were coming from home bringing a cake crust, salad, and picking up the ice cream and pizza on the way. John was taking a break from work, picking up Grace from school and coming. Dad was coming home from working and walmarting. Lydia, the guest of celebration, was coming from Boise. Mom and Grandma Clark were holding down the fort, waiting. Annie was coming from Minnesota... in her heart, by email, and by phone.

Joining efforts with loved ones to celebrate someone you love... It's a sweet moment, an escape from everyday work to something fun and joyful.

After Laura left, Lydia found some running clothes and ran for an hour and 15 min. Grace, Emma, Jennie the Dog, and Tux the dog had to join in. Grace and Emma thought they were faster than Lydia, (even though they waited and hid and only ran for part of each lap). The cats were content to just watch, probably with disdain for the obviously ridiculous scampering about.

I think the run was the funnest part for the girls. Thanks Lydia!

Happy Birthday Lydia! You are so sweet. I am thankful for your efforts to help everyone. We appreciate the thoughtful things you do for us. The way you make each of us feel special on our days, always thinking about how people are feeling. You're an important part of the family...we just wouldn't be as happy without you.

I really wish we could see you every day.

We were pretty exhausted when we finally went home!

Feeling a Little Blue Lately....

2009-05-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

We've been feeling a little blue lately....Missing those cousins. Kelli, Derek, Becca, David, and Sydney. It's time for a reunion.

Koko's Mishap

2009-05-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

Koko had a tough lesson in life last week. After escaping from the back yard and taking a few excursions around the neighborhood, she got herself shot with a pellet gun. The pellet went 4 to 5 inches into her body. We thought we would lose her as it should have hit at the least one important organ in her little body.
Some how she cheated death and is now smiling again! No problems at all!

These are the get well cards Grace and Emma made for her! Graces above! Emma's below!

High Lights?

2009-04-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Grace tried to take some pictures to show Annie my new highlights. I haven't colored my hair since high school so I was a little nervous.

I guess since we couldn't seem to get them to show in the pictures, I shouldn't be worried that they are too dramatic eh?

Budding Basketball Player?

2009-04-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Grace surprised us the other day.

She's usually a little sensitive, not especially into rough things... but she enjoyed putting on a show for us. She set up the audience.
And Emma was a sweet, cooperating, admirer.

Dad's Right Hand Girl

2009-04-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Six

2009-04-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Grace turned six in January. She's been such a mature girl all her long life though. Grandma Roonie said she was born acting mature. I think she has always had some extra maturity and has always helped me out a lot with everything. It was so fun to have her come along after figuring I wouldn't. I remember thinking about how you don't have to be alone when you have a baby. It's been nice to have Grace's companionship these last six years.

Grace was looking forward to being six although I begged her to stay 4, then 5 at the very most. "I'm trying" she'd say when I would tell her very seriously to stop getting older. At Christmas she was decorating the tree and said, "I feel six ALready!" with a surprised tone of voice

We had a family birthday party for Grace this year and a friends play date after school one day, just for fun. We also had fun opening packages from Annie's family and Aunt Sandy!

I thought the picture of Grace at the sink showed out tall she is. Suddenly, she can reach the water! The one of her with all the things on her bed is her display of the all the Hello Kitty surprises Lydia gave her. She went to bed and laid them all out. The one in the bottom left is her opening her package from Aunt Sandy. She enjoyed her package from Grandma Roonie too, a cute jacket and some money which she is saving in her little bank to go see Kelli! Thanks to Grandma Carter and Tim and Cindy's family for coming, treating Grace and making the party so fun too!

Tractor Fun!

2009-04-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Not a bad toy all, a tractor!

Easter Bunny?

2009-04-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

WE TRIED to act out the customary Easter traditions this year!

We DYED the Easter eggs, talking about the symbolism of new life.

Performed the customary egg hunts in the yard. (Grace hid AND found the eggs this year so she fared very well.)

Enjoyed Easter Sunday church.

Grace appreciated the Easter flowers. ("look this tulUP is as big as my face").

How much longer do you think the Easter Bunny will get away with using left-over candy canes in Easter baskets? The Easter Bunny had to hop around finding many interesting items around the house because she was too tired to face Walmart at 11p.m.... Fine Easter baskets were produced, however lacking in chocolate bunnies and candy easter eggs.

Monday the actual Easter Bunny came.

She was wearing a Brittani costume.

She came bearing authentic chocolate Easter Bunnies!

and a strange, defiant-looking, Easter chicken -which squawked when squeezed.

2009-04-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

I loved this artwork by Grace. She's been drawing pictures of flowers and girls and cutesy things all year for her little friends at school who are girls. This one was for a boy so I guess she needed to draw something a little more gender appropriate.

Concrete Removal Moments

2009-04-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

We had to remove two concrete pads from under the old shed. This was great because it gave John the excuse to use his big fun toys!

John was trying to push this slab of concrete into the trailer. It was amusing to watch him pushing the slab, which pushed the trailer, which pushed the truck down the road a little bit each time... Kind of reminds me of playing the sand box with the same toys on a much smaller scale.

Clara helped out by taking John's tape measure out to him. She loves to take things to people right now. It makes her feel big.

Pretty good fun, for a man, I think!

Neat Easter Message!

2009-04-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

Here's a link to a neat Easter Message! I really enjoyed it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

General Conference Project!

2009-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Often, it seems, something around General Conference time,

INSPIRES

John to undertake some wild home improvement project.

Perhapes it's the spring weather, or maybe the spirit felt during general conference.

But, whatever it is,

I like it.

2009-03-28T22:05:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about one of my favorite scriptures lately. It has comforted me many times at low points of my life, when I don't feel like I'm doing very well.

Nephi is such an absolutely amazingly righteous guy and yet he still feels like us. Tempted, sinful, wanting to rejoice but feeling bad for his mistakes and sins.

15 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord; and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart ponderth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; neverthelss, I know in whom I have trusted.
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

And then he talks about how he nevertheless trusts in God.

Read the rest of this scripture by clicking on the link below. I really love the whole thing. It's called the Psalm of Nephi I believe. Starting at about verse 15. I find still find it really comforting and personal.

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/4

I also had a little talk with a friend lately about how we compare everyone and ourselves and sort of rate who's doing the best and worst. (Wow, she's doing wonderfully, I wish I was doing that well, but at least I think I'm doing better than that other person over there) When in fact, we are all miles below Christ who was our example of perfection. There is no way we be that perfect using our own strength and determination. Like Nephi we have to trust God. Daily repentance, believing that Christ really has atoned for those sins we repent of.

Sometimes I really need these little reminders of hope! I think we all get down about our weaknessess. I hope it helps you! ; D

(NOT) Missing it!

2009-03-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

I heard of a young mother who actually WORE OUT the knees of her jeans because she was always on the floor playing with her little children. I've noticed ever since that the knees in my jeans are

pretty stiff and new. Never worn.

I've often thought of the line from the movie Hook. Robin Williams the important businessman is on vacation with his children and wife. He can't stop taking his important phone calls so his wife grabs his cell phone and throws it out the window into the snow. She then says something about how their kids are growing up really fast and says "you are MISSING....IT!" The way she says it caught my attention about 20 yeasrs ago when I saw it and I have thought about it ever since. I really feel like I am MISSING ..IT lately.

I laugh because I lately have this feeling that I just don't get enough time with my kids but I am home with them most days 24 hours. You'd think that was enough time. But it's not if you forget to pay attention. It's not if you forget to look at them when they are telling you they love you, right after you were kind of lecturing them or feeling upset. It's not enough time if you spend too much of it on the details of life but not at least a minute or two hugging them and looking into their eyes to see how they are really feeling and what they are thinking. It's definitely not enough time if you spend it all on maintenance and none on fun. I think, lately, I've really haven't spent enough time with my kids.

Today I started to try to live in the moment a little more. I stopped and played with Emma for a little while after she asked me several times. "Mom you can be Thomas Train ok? Ok mom??"

"Mom they can't drive backwards." "You have to do it this way."

I stifled that claustrophobic feeling I always get when Clara keeps grabbing my leg and holding on while I make dinner. Instead I stopped moving and just savored the feeling of a snugly 1 year- old hugging my leg and ankle. I was surprised at how it actually relieved a little stress.

I even listened to Grace working her way through reading a hard Dr. Seuss book, while I was still in my pajamas, longing for a shower at about 11 a.m. I loved it. It was so fun to just watch her for a little while,

no multi-tasking.

focusing,

Not missing it!

I absolutely love this look. When you're playing with your kids and you do something a little shocking (like making the elephant trumpet really loud and run away), and they look like they have no idea how to handle this new situation. Mom trumpeting and an elephant turned naughty and running away?

What do you do?
How do you handle it???

Might be great for their parenting skills years in the future!

Faith

2009-03-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

John recently purchased the miraculous hair growing product pictured here. I thought it was worth a little try, after all, John has great hair. Why not persuade it to stay a little longer if all it takes is a few drops of wonder liquid a day.

After some discussion between John and I about the possible effects, we applied the product to the thinish spot on the back of John's head. ("don't get it on your fingers Jackie. Clara will grow hair in her mouth" and other such hilarious comments were made") Grace and Emma listened, wondering.

A few minutes later Emma took a break from what she was doing and just stood behind John, very, very still.. just watching that hair grow.

Pretty serious faith.

I've almost never seen her watch anything that quietly and seriously.

We finally told her it would take awhile.

A Few minutes later she stood joyfully in front of John and asked in a "I'm-so-glad-for-you" gleeful voice, "Are you growing some hair dad?" big smile! Full of faith and gladness. How could you doubt that it will surely work!

Be Four and FOUR

2009-03-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

Be Four

(which was only 3 years old)

at 3:59 p.m.

Four

years old

at 4:00 p.m

Now THIS is living!
.

She feels much better now, I think.

We had a really fun time! Packages from Aunt Sandy and Grandma Roonie. Hand made cards from Gracie. Party and presents with family. Emma was so please with a day made just for her. She is often quiet-ish, plays well by herself or with others but doesn't really need to be in the lime light. It was really fun to be focused on though, for a change!

Emma has been a joy to us since she was born. Very patient. A great sleeper (always went to sleep right away by herself), loving and sweet to everyone. She often gives loves and sweetness to me in return for my irritability or sternness. Emma plays and plays with Grace, usually patiently letting Grace run the show most of the time. She just loves to pretend to be a dog and really does is well. We love you Emma. Thanks for being such a sweet and special part of the family!

2009-03-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Annie, Remember when we thought this scene was so cute you had to buy a framed poster of someone else's baby doing it?

It's even more fun when it's your very own isn't it!

Digital Phone!

2009-03-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

My sister Lydia is starting a business involving these cool video phones. We tried them out and had a great time talking to Annie and her family. It made us a bit giddy to pick up the phone and see and been seen! The cousins really enjoyed talking, getting reacquainted with the "visual", talking about everything they could think of..things like: I have a lot of toys, we learned about this in FHE, I have black pants on. Such interesting topics! What makes me laugh is how they hang up. No apologizing or anything, just maybe, "I'm tired of talking to you. I'm going now." And no one's feelings are hurt or anything. So cute.

Anyway, Lydia is able to look for good deals for you if you are interested in cable TV, Internet serviced cell phone service, and of course the digital phone and service. I am hoping we can use her when we need to change stuff so we can help her get the business going. Here's her website!

http://www.lydiakc.acnrep.com/

Rainbows and Emma Sweetness.

2009-03-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

The other day it was raining a bit, suddenly. I had that feeling that a rainbow was coming. Sure enough in a about a minute this one came blinking into existence. Then it became a double. It was quite bright and beautiful.

After a few minutes we got cold and came inside to watch the rainbow scene out our front window. I was busy talking about what the rainbow means and how it appeared after the flood for Noah and his ark. I thought I would teach the girls a little spiritual lesson.

Suddenly Emma said, "And THERE'S Jesus RIGHT there!!!!!" I looked out and saw this....

I admired the cloud with her for awhile and then reminded her that Jesus actually has a real body just like ours and that was just a cloud. She listened nicely but responded, continuing to look out at the cloud, "but he really is out there right now. "

Here I thought I was the spiritual one. Nope, I think it's Emma!

Gracie's the one in the umbrella, out enjoying the rain and the bow.

a favorite quote from Nie Nie

2009-02-21T22:47:00.001-08:00

Starting today I am going to be better. I never had a basket-head mother, and I AM NOT GOING TO BE A BASKET-HEAD MOTHER! I am going to listen, love, communicate, cherish, enjoy, teach, preach and prepare my children. Time for everything else later.