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Before we left we had to jump in the leaves! What memories this brought back for me!!!
We missed Em and Ren this year, but check out the Thanksgiving dinner she made all by herself! She's a big girl now.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thankful
Before we left we had to jump in the leaves! What memories this brought back for me!!!
We missed Em and Ren this year, but check out the Thanksgiving dinner she made all by herself! She's a big girl now.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Heart
I have a happy heart today. We are packing and cleaning and cooking to get ready to go over the river and through the woods to my grandma's house for Thanksgiving.
My greatest source of happiness is my family. I taught Activity Days this week (for 9 year old girls) about forever families and I did a lot of reading in family histories that literally turned my heart toward my fathers. I shared this story with the girls that really touched me:
My Mom's father died when he was 29 years old. He had a congenital heart condition his whole life, but the fall of that year he decided to have a surgery done to improve it by heart surgeon Dr. Russell M. Nelson. He had many blessings, including one from Dr. Nelson and his bishop. In a letter to his sister he wrote, "Dr. Nelson is a religious man and he attributes much of his success to prayers and contact with the Lord. He and his bishop came around to my room a few days after the operation and gave me a blessing. I asked his bishop to do it so he could also bless Dr. Nelson. I'm ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby during a truly wonderful blessing. I apologized afterwards but Dr. Nelson said to have no regrets because they were tears of gratitude and they are the best kind at a time like that. He is truly a wonderful man and the best surgeon there is in my estimation. I'm sure he will help many more people in the future and will become one of the great surgeons to remember. God bless him. I hope he does. He told me that my operation was a great success and is even amazed, himself, at my rapid recovery."
The surgery went well, but a few months later he was diagnosed with a ravaging bacterial infection that caused a hemorrhage in his heart, unrelated to the surgical procedure previously done. He died on December 11, 1961, leaving a young wife and 3 children behind. My mom was only 4 years old. Dr. Nelson wrote my grandma a tender and thoughtful letter giving her more details of the cause of death and expressing sorrow and sympathy.
My grandma had been at her husband's bedside for weeks, and then had to deal with funeral and burial arrangements. Needless to say, she was not prepared to provide a Christmas for the kids that year. She made plans to go to Cedar City to her parents' house for the holiday, and before she left town she visited Low Cost Drug in Logan to buy some gifts. Grandma loaded her cart but when she got to the checkout the salesperson insisted she not pay, but just have items. The owner had known my grandpa in civic affairs (he was the president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Logan), and knew of the difficult plight of the family. My mom still remembers that was the year she got her beloved Chatty Cathy doll.
This Christ-like story is tender, but is even more so for me this year as I recognize that I am 29, the same age as my Grandpa Jack was when he was called Home and left his family behind. I also have a 4 year old, my Maddie, and I can imagine how much my mom would have felt the loss of her daddy. Even further, I have 3 kids like my grandma did, and can't imagine facing the holidays, let alone the future, without my sweetheart. This story has renewed my admiration for her strength in moving forward and raising their family on her own. More than anything, I am grateful for the knowledge of forever families, and that we can all be with my Grandpa again in the hereafter.
Whew. On a more lighthearted note, I can't post without pictures of my kids.
Love this double-chinned jolly little elf!
Sweet story time.
Silly sister time.
Fancy flapper time!
And for your entertainment:
Happy Thanksgiving!
My greatest source of happiness is my family. I taught Activity Days this week (for 9 year old girls) about forever families and I did a lot of reading in family histories that literally turned my heart toward my fathers. I shared this story with the girls that really touched me:
My Mom's father died when he was 29 years old. He had a congenital heart condition his whole life, but the fall of that year he decided to have a surgery done to improve it by heart surgeon Dr. Russell M. Nelson. He had many blessings, including one from Dr. Nelson and his bishop. In a letter to his sister he wrote, "Dr. Nelson is a religious man and he attributes much of his success to prayers and contact with the Lord. He and his bishop came around to my room a few days after the operation and gave me a blessing. I asked his bishop to do it so he could also bless Dr. Nelson. I'm ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby during a truly wonderful blessing. I apologized afterwards but Dr. Nelson said to have no regrets because they were tears of gratitude and they are the best kind at a time like that. He is truly a wonderful man and the best surgeon there is in my estimation. I'm sure he will help many more people in the future and will become one of the great surgeons to remember. God bless him. I hope he does. He told me that my operation was a great success and is even amazed, himself, at my rapid recovery."
The surgery went well, but a few months later he was diagnosed with a ravaging bacterial infection that caused a hemorrhage in his heart, unrelated to the surgical procedure previously done. He died on December 11, 1961, leaving a young wife and 3 children behind. My mom was only 4 years old. Dr. Nelson wrote my grandma a tender and thoughtful letter giving her more details of the cause of death and expressing sorrow and sympathy.
My grandma had been at her husband's bedside for weeks, and then had to deal with funeral and burial arrangements. Needless to say, she was not prepared to provide a Christmas for the kids that year. She made plans to go to Cedar City to her parents' house for the holiday, and before she left town she visited Low Cost Drug in Logan to buy some gifts. Grandma loaded her cart but when she got to the checkout the salesperson insisted she not pay, but just have items. The owner had known my grandpa in civic affairs (he was the president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Logan), and knew of the difficult plight of the family. My mom still remembers that was the year she got her beloved Chatty Cathy doll.
This Christ-like story is tender, but is even more so for me this year as I recognize that I am 29, the same age as my Grandpa Jack was when he was called Home and left his family behind. I also have a 4 year old, my Maddie, and I can imagine how much my mom would have felt the loss of her daddy. Even further, I have 3 kids like my grandma did, and can't imagine facing the holidays, let alone the future, without my sweetheart. This story has renewed my admiration for her strength in moving forward and raising their family on her own. More than anything, I am grateful for the knowledge of forever families, and that we can all be with my Grandpa again in the hereafter.
Whew. On a more lighthearted note, I can't post without pictures of my kids.
Love this double-chinned jolly little elf!
Sweet story time.
Silly sister time.
Fancy flapper time!
And for your entertainment:Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Growing Girls
Sometimes I just have to write about my girls to document their progress. They are growing and changing so fast. While their theatrics make me want to pull my hair out on occasion, most the time they are really fun.
Ella had a blast at preschool this week learning about Thanksgiving. The first day she came home as a pilgrim with a hand print turkey, singing a gobble song.
The second time she came home as an Indian with an apple turkey (she ate all the marshmallows and gumdrops as soon as we got in the car).
Ella loves practicing writing her name. I thought it would be fun to reinforce with a craft. Now she and Maddie have their names on their doors, just in case we ever get confused whose room is whose.
Ella's imagination has gone wild this week. She pretended to be a baby (above), Blue the bird from Rio, a bunny, a frog, and is currently Simba from Lion King. For the majority of two days we had to call her June from the Little Einstein bingo game she has, and I was Annie, Maddie was Quincy, and Ty was Leo.
One last thing about Ella... she has entered the "why stage." I remember telling Maddie she was in a why stage around 3 years old and she replied, "Why am I in a why stage?" It's about that bad. When I read Ella a book I can't even get through one sentence without explaining all the why's away.
Well, now onto Maddie. This picture cracks me up. Emily and Ren were visiting and they always love to do singing shows together. The funny thing is, the night before Maddie watched the CMA awards with me and got out her microphone to sing like they did. Add to that the trendy curls Auntie Em put in her hair, and she looks like the next up-and-coming Taylor Swift. The best part is her songs are all about the temple and the church because that's all we listen to in the car! Maybe she'll be a seminary video star... hahaha...
Now hear this!!!! Maddie read her first book cover to cover! She has been reading words for awhile, but this was her first real book. What a proud moment.
One last thing about Maddie... I love to see her little expressions of faith. She has exclaimed a few times, "My prayer worked!" When I ask what prayer, she says she prayed for this or that to happen in her head (for Ella to be nice, or for her to be able to sleep without her thumb, etc.) and it's working! What a cutie.
Ella had a blast at preschool this week learning about Thanksgiving. The first day she came home as a pilgrim with a hand print turkey, singing a gobble song.
The second time she came home as an Indian with an apple turkey (she ate all the marshmallows and gumdrops as soon as we got in the car).
Ella loves practicing writing her name. I thought it would be fun to reinforce with a craft. Now she and Maddie have their names on their doors, just in case we ever get confused whose room is whose.
Ella's imagination has gone wild this week. She pretended to be a baby (above), Blue the bird from Rio, a bunny, a frog, and is currently Simba from Lion King. For the majority of two days we had to call her June from the Little Einstein bingo game she has, and I was Annie, Maddie was Quincy, and Ty was Leo.One last thing about Ella... she has entered the "why stage." I remember telling Maddie she was in a why stage around 3 years old and she replied, "Why am I in a why stage?" It's about that bad. When I read Ella a book I can't even get through one sentence without explaining all the why's away.
Well, now onto Maddie. This picture cracks me up. Emily and Ren were visiting and they always love to do singing shows together. The funny thing is, the night before Maddie watched the CMA awards with me and got out her microphone to sing like they did. Add to that the trendy curls Auntie Em put in her hair, and she looks like the next up-and-coming Taylor Swift. The best part is her songs are all about the temple and the church because that's all we listen to in the car! Maybe she'll be a seminary video star... hahaha...
Now hear this!!!! Maddie read her first book cover to cover! She has been reading words for awhile, but this was her first real book. What a proud moment.
One last thing about Maddie... I love to see her little expressions of faith. She has exclaimed a few times, "My prayer worked!" When I ask what prayer, she says she prayed for this or that to happen in her head (for Ella to be nice, or for her to be able to sleep without her thumb, etc.) and it's working! What a cutie.Doubles
Last weekend we were supposed to attend a double baby blessing for my twin niece and nephew.
Supposed to... because two days before it we discovered Ella had a double ear infection, and Ty had one too. We didn't want to give the twins double ear infections too (while I realize the infections were not contagious, the pediatrician assured me the viral colds still were).
In the end, we couldn't keep away and decided upon a compromise. We stayed in a hotel Saturday night and only attended the blessing and brunch after we were on the mend. We were sad to not have more time with the family, but it was still sweet.
The girls LOVE LOVE LOVED the hotel. They swam in the pool, took baths, and slept in a big bed. Even carting the luggage was a huge adventure.
The little twins were soooooo precious on their big day. Their little silk blessing outfits were darling. My mom made Ava's gown--you have to see it here.
It was fun to have all four babies born this summer together for the first time. This is also when I realized that Bodie is catching up to Tyler! Though they are two months apart, Bodie is almost the same length! My guy is just short and stout I guess. Before long, Noelle's Ty will out grow them all with his long lean build!
Maddie officially bossed all the cousins around. An oldest cousin's duty right? I went to check on them and she was being the Primary President and had them all lined up reverently, singing and folding their arms for the prayers. Hilarious.
Thanks Noelle for the group shot! It was a beautiful event and we love those sweet babies.
Supposed to... because two days before it we discovered Ella had a double ear infection, and Ty had one too. We didn't want to give the twins double ear infections too (while I realize the infections were not contagious, the pediatrician assured me the viral colds still were).
In the end, we couldn't keep away and decided upon a compromise. We stayed in a hotel Saturday night and only attended the blessing and brunch after we were on the mend. We were sad to not have more time with the family, but it was still sweet.
The girls LOVE LOVE LOVED the hotel. They swam in the pool, took baths, and slept in a big bed. Even carting the luggage was a huge adventure.
The little twins were soooooo precious on their big day. Their little silk blessing outfits were darling. My mom made Ava's gown--you have to see it here.
It was fun to have all four babies born this summer together for the first time. This is also when I realized that Bodie is catching up to Tyler! Though they are two months apart, Bodie is almost the same length! My guy is just short and stout I guess. Before long, Noelle's Ty will out grow them all with his long lean build!
Maddie officially bossed all the cousins around. An oldest cousin's duty right? I went to check on them and she was being the Primary President and had them all lined up reverently, singing and folding their arms for the prayers. Hilarious.
Thanks Noelle for the group shot! It was a beautiful event and we love those sweet babies.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Ty's First Food!
This little guy is getting curious about food. He watches everything that goes into my mouth and opens his mouth like he wants a taste. He often drinks from my water glass and the other day I gave him a little apple slice to gnaw on, and he cried when I took it away.
We figured it was time to try the baby food. He loved it immediately and ate everything I made!
What a cute little messy monster. Here's the beginning of many more food messes.
We figured it was time to try the baby food. He loved it immediately and ate everything I made!
What a cute little messy monster. Here's the beginning of many more food messes.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A Day in the Life
My days feel busy, but I don't have much to show for it besides healthy, happy kids. That is unless they aren't healthy or happy, which is sometimes... often... the case, but hey, I'm tryin'.
We do manage to have some fun. I spy two sleeping beauties, one little prince, and lots of buddies that just took an exhilarating ride down the banister.
Reading books with the kiddos is so fun. I love when they have new books from the library and they can hardly wait to open them. Ty is sitting up well and likes to reach and touch everything with us.
Also gotta love the classics... Ella has been sleeping with Todd and Copper this week.
Love my blue-eyed girls.
An afternoon snack... we snazzed up our berry parfaits with whipped cream on the top. Whipped cream makes everything better.
Ella discovered the baby jumparoo in the basement and wants to "be a ballerina" in it all the time. Hilarious!
We do manage to have some fun. I spy two sleeping beauties, one little prince, and lots of buddies that just took an exhilarating ride down the banister.
Reading books with the kiddos is so fun. I love when they have new books from the library and they can hardly wait to open them. Ty is sitting up well and likes to reach and touch everything with us.
Also gotta love the classics... Ella has been sleeping with Todd and Copper this week.
Love my blue-eyed girls.
An afternoon snack... we snazzed up our berry parfaits with whipped cream on the top. Whipped cream makes everything better.
Ella discovered the baby jumparoo in the basement and wants to "be a ballerina" in it all the time. Hilarious!Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween Haul
Halloween has become such a big event! I heard on the news that some people spend thousands of dollars on Halloween, and the average is $72 a person. We didn't spend that much, but it's funny how much time, effort, money goes toward the tricks and treats!
Now that the kids are involved in more activities, the dressing up becomes a week-long ordeal.
Ella started if off with her preschool party. She wasn't quite sure what to think of posing, but she made a darling little butterfly fairy. Wow, I didn't realize how short she was compared to the other kids! She is the youngest by a few months and the shortest by a mile!
Maddie had one of her preschool parties that afternoon too. She adores Ms. Tina! Her other preschool had an awesome party too but I forgot to take a pic.
When we came to pick them up they were doing a costume parade. So cute!
The next day Maddie got to wear her costume to dance.
This was the first time they did barre work like real ballerinas! Ms. Lisa challenges them a lot more than last year, and Maddie is also getting good at grande jetes, port de bras (arms), and other floor work.
Friday night we carved pumpkins (from our garden!!) and watched the Cougars (lose).
I am always the pumpkin cleaner and Mike is the carver.
Mike saw the carnivore idea online and free handed it... I love it! Maddie wanted the happy one, although she also wanted to carry it outside herself and dropped it. Luckily toothpicks pieced it back together.
Ty-ty wanted in on the dressing up! I caught him red handed a few times. :)
Whaddya think, guys? Looks good on me huh?
For the real events he made a sweet little pea! It made him look extra chubby and delicious.
Saturday night Dana invited us to a neighborhood party and they gave the kids hay rides with a 4-wheeler. Daxton made a cute little tiger (the front one).
Of course, on the way home from the party Ella was playing with the camera (bad mom!!!) and I heard a strange clicking sound... and the lens gears are broken, just in time for Halloween Day.
We managed to get this shot with Mike's iphone at the ward trunk or treat, and good thing because that was the only time Mike would wear his Peter Pan costume! Maddie's pixie dust powers of persuasion were the only thing that would work, but not for long! He changed for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.
It's crazy that it's November now, but I guess it's a good thing we're headed toward the holidays... I need to ask Santa for a camera!
Now that the kids are involved in more activities, the dressing up becomes a week-long ordeal.
Ella started if off with her preschool party. She wasn't quite sure what to think of posing, but she made a darling little butterfly fairy. Wow, I didn't realize how short she was compared to the other kids! She is the youngest by a few months and the shortest by a mile!
Maddie had one of her preschool parties that afternoon too. She adores Ms. Tina! Her other preschool had an awesome party too but I forgot to take a pic.
When we came to pick them up they were doing a costume parade. So cute!
The next day Maddie got to wear her costume to dance.
This was the first time they did barre work like real ballerinas! Ms. Lisa challenges them a lot more than last year, and Maddie is also getting good at grande jetes, port de bras (arms), and other floor work.
Friday night we carved pumpkins (from our garden!!) and watched the Cougars (lose).
I am always the pumpkin cleaner and Mike is the carver.
Mike saw the carnivore idea online and free handed it... I love it! Maddie wanted the happy one, although she also wanted to carry it outside herself and dropped it. Luckily toothpicks pieced it back together.
Ty-ty wanted in on the dressing up! I caught him red handed a few times. :)
Whaddya think, guys? Looks good on me huh?
For the real events he made a sweet little pea! It made him look extra chubby and delicious.
Saturday night Dana invited us to a neighborhood party and they gave the kids hay rides with a 4-wheeler. Daxton made a cute little tiger (the front one).Of course, on the way home from the party Ella was playing with the camera (bad mom!!!) and I heard a strange clicking sound... and the lens gears are broken, just in time for Halloween Day.
We managed to get this shot with Mike's iphone at the ward trunk or treat, and good thing because that was the only time Mike would wear his Peter Pan costume! Maddie's pixie dust powers of persuasion were the only thing that would work, but not for long! He changed for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.It's crazy that it's November now, but I guess it's a good thing we're headed toward the holidays... I need to ask Santa for a camera!
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