I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas! Ben rebuilt a used computer to be a newer faster computer for me than my old one. It's so nice to push a button and get an immediate response!
The kids are having a great time. Buster got a T-ball set, which he loves to no end. He is having a blast hitting the balls over and over! Kandy got a nice jewelry box to corral her trinkets. Missy got a lamp to clip to her headboard so she can read better on her bottom bunk. Sunny got a new quilt for the twin bed we are going to get for her soon.
Anyway, we will get some pictures up soon. I just had to do something on my new computer!
Merry Christmas!!!
House
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Quotable Quotes XXIII
1. After church, Ben was having a hard time buckling a wiggly Buster into his car seat.
"Buster," he said, "you're a nut!"
"N-n-nut!" yelled Buster.
2. Ben substitute taught in Sunbeams today. He asked the children to name some prophets. The list was fairly typical: Moses, Joseph Smith, and so on. Then one child piped up, "Barack Obama!"
Ben replied, "Um, no. That's a president, not a prophet."
3. This isn't a quote but another silly story. The other day, we had the doors to the van open while loading up at my parents house. It was dark, and it took quite a while to get all the kids out of Bama's house and into the Kendrick Bus. We finally got everyone in, closed the doors, and started off. After driving several blocks, Ben all of a sudden said, "What in the world?" and started grabbing at his feet.
"What?" I asked.
He took a minute before responding. "I think there's a cat in the car."
"What?"
"I just felt something bump into my leg. I reached down, and it was furry!" (He really hoped it was a cat, not a giant rodent.)
We pulled over, got the flashlight, and shone it around the car. Sure enough, one of my parents' neighbors' cats had gotten in the van! We're really glad we discovered it before getting home to Salt Lake! We turned around and returned the cat. Then we laughed all the way home! I've had OUR cat do that, but a neighbor cat? Seriously?
"Buster," he said, "you're a nut!"
"N-n-nut!" yelled Buster.
2. Ben substitute taught in Sunbeams today. He asked the children to name some prophets. The list was fairly typical: Moses, Joseph Smith, and so on. Then one child piped up, "Barack Obama!"
Ben replied, "Um, no. That's a president, not a prophet."
3. This isn't a quote but another silly story. The other day, we had the doors to the van open while loading up at my parents house. It was dark, and it took quite a while to get all the kids out of Bama's house and into the Kendrick Bus. We finally got everyone in, closed the doors, and started off. After driving several blocks, Ben all of a sudden said, "What in the world?" and started grabbing at his feet.
"What?" I asked.
He took a minute before responding. "I think there's a cat in the car."
"What?"
"I just felt something bump into my leg. I reached down, and it was furry!" (He really hoped it was a cat, not a giant rodent.)
We pulled over, got the flashlight, and shone it around the car. Sure enough, one of my parents' neighbors' cats had gotten in the van! We're really glad we discovered it before getting home to Salt Lake! We turned around and returned the cat. Then we laughed all the way home! I've had OUR cat do that, but a neighbor cat? Seriously?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Quotable Quotes XXII
I was talking to Sunny about what she wants for Christmas. She started listing several large toys she would like to receive, and I responded, "What if Daddy and I tell Santa that you already have too many toys?"
"If you do that, they will stop making toys for everyone, so no parents should tell Santa that!"
"If you do that, they will stop making toys for everyone, so no parents should tell Santa that!"
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Internet
How did people live without the Internet? I know how I lived without it as a kid, but the proliferation of the Internet coincided neatly with my entry into adulthood as a college student. I love the Internet!
For one thing, it helps me feel socially connected as a SAHM through blogging (mine and others) and facebook. It is also amazing for doing research! I can research everything from cribs and high chairs to which actors were in which movies from the comfort of my office chair. When doing price and product comparisons, it's easy to pause to help kids, and I don't have to haul 3, 4, or 5 kids to a store just to look at something. I recently went shopping with my mom for clothes, and browsing was such a weird experience for me. If I get to the store (other than the grocery store), I am on a mission! I almost always walk in, get what I need and leave as quickly as possible because I either have kids with me or feel like I need to get home to them as soon as I can.
This year I am particularly grateful because getting out to do holiday errands is very tricky with a brand new baby. First of all, we want to keep him away from germs as much as possible. In fact, the nurses at the pediatrician's office recommend keeping him away from public gatherings if at all possible until he is 4 months old! Second, finding time between feedings and the other kids' schedules is tough. Today, though, I finished shopping for one family on my list. Yay! It's even going to be shipped straight to them, saving me a trip to the post office.
I am so thankful for the Internet!
For one thing, it helps me feel socially connected as a SAHM through blogging (mine and others) and facebook. It is also amazing for doing research! I can research everything from cribs and high chairs to which actors were in which movies from the comfort of my office chair. When doing price and product comparisons, it's easy to pause to help kids, and I don't have to haul 3, 4, or 5 kids to a store just to look at something. I recently went shopping with my mom for clothes, and browsing was such a weird experience for me. If I get to the store (other than the grocery store), I am on a mission! I almost always walk in, get what I need and leave as quickly as possible because I either have kids with me or feel like I need to get home to them as soon as I can.
This year I am particularly grateful because getting out to do holiday errands is very tricky with a brand new baby. First of all, we want to keep him away from germs as much as possible. In fact, the nurses at the pediatrician's office recommend keeping him away from public gatherings if at all possible until he is 4 months old! Second, finding time between feedings and the other kids' schedules is tough. Today, though, I finished shopping for one family on my list. Yay! It's even going to be shipped straight to them, saving me a trip to the post office.
I am so thankful for the Internet!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Global warming? I think not...
I received a link from my grandfather that I would love to share with everybody! The idea that global warming is human-caused is a conspiracy. I have seen tons of excellent evidence that this is just part of the natural cycle. I do think we need to be wise stewards of our planet and not harm it unnecessarily. I recycle when possible and try to use more energy efficient things when it fits in my budget. As for global warming, you don't have to take my word for it:
Hurricane Expert Rips Climate Fears
What do you think of this issue?
Hurricane Expert Rips Climate Fears
What do you think of this issue?
Friday, December 4, 2009
2 Week Doctor Visit
Abel went to the doctor today. He is 8 pounds! She is pleased with his weight gain, and so are we! He is healthy in every other way, too.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Running to Stand Still
Yes, it's long and musing. There is a point at the end, though, I promise!
"Abel" did not gain very much weight before his 2-day visit, so the doctor decreed that he should eat every 2 hours. Abel is also a lazy nurser. He generally likes to eat about 20 minutes per side. This means that out of every 2 hours, I have been spending roughly 50 minutes in the process of feeding, burping, and changing him. Luckily, with the Thanksgiving break, Ben and the older girls have been around much of the time to help. My mom has also been amazing. I have sometimes lamented the fact that she doesn't just come to stay for a whole week after the birth of a baby, but I think it's better this way. She didn't come for an entire week, but she can still come when I need her past the first week.
Anyway, I think Abel is putting on weight nicely now. I don't have a scale, but his cheeks sure seem chubbier to me! The past couple of days I have sometimes let him stretch 2 1/2 to 3 hours between feedings. This morning, he ate around 9am. Then he actually stayed awake after, which is unusual for him. (He mostly likes to be awake from 11pm to 1am and not much else.) I then tried to put him down for a nap. I laid down with him, and naturally, we both fell asleep. Buster came in when the TV came to a break, which is good because it woke me up. I realized I should make some lunch for Sunny and Buster. I was hoping Abel would continue to sleep for a while, but as I chivvied Buster and Sunny downstairs so they wouldn't be underfoot while cooking, Abel started crying.
I must confess that I often use the television to keep the kids out from underfoot. Sometimes it goes beyond use to abuse, unfortunately. Such was the case this morning. The TV had been on for most of the time from 7am until 11am, except for breakfast. Neither Sunny nor Buster was there the WHOLE time, but they had each watched about 3 hours. So here I am, trying to make lunch. Buster started opening all the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen, and Sunny was whining. After they went downstairs, Sunny was pouting (she wanted me to play with her) and Buster was amusing himself by hitting her and pulling her hair. Abel was crying in his bed. I decided that he could keep crying for a few minutes while I got lunch started.
I served lunch and fed the baby. After lunch, Sunny said she was tired and went downstairs. Buster finished, and I put him down for a nap. Abel, exhausted after his crying spell and waiting for his lunch, zonked out while eating and remained so after I put him in bed.
At about 12:15, I looked around the house. An hour before, three kids had been adamant about needing something! Crying, whining, misbehaving... Now, peace and quiet. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. Now I have had a delightful hour and a half. I put dinner in the Crock-Pot (yay!), did some dishes, and still had time for a peaceful lunch and leisure time in front of the computer. It's about time to get Abel up and feed him again, but now I'm recharged and ready.
I have learned that in parenting, it's often not so much bad days as bad hours. Sometimes it's just a very bad 10 minutes. And sometimes, yes, there are so many bad periods that the whole day seems bad. If I can take a minute to regroup and tell myself it can't last much longer, I somehow survive. Today it was a quick prayer as Abel started crying, and I knew that to cope, he would just have to wait a minute. I'm grateful for the inspiration I receive in this challenging job. And it is crazy to go from insanity to near-boredom in 10 minutes flat. Oh, and now I hear Abel.
Have a great day!
"Abel" did not gain very much weight before his 2-day visit, so the doctor decreed that he should eat every 2 hours. Abel is also a lazy nurser. He generally likes to eat about 20 minutes per side. This means that out of every 2 hours, I have been spending roughly 50 minutes in the process of feeding, burping, and changing him. Luckily, with the Thanksgiving break, Ben and the older girls have been around much of the time to help. My mom has also been amazing. I have sometimes lamented the fact that she doesn't just come to stay for a whole week after the birth of a baby, but I think it's better this way. She didn't come for an entire week, but she can still come when I need her past the first week.
Anyway, I think Abel is putting on weight nicely now. I don't have a scale, but his cheeks sure seem chubbier to me! The past couple of days I have sometimes let him stretch 2 1/2 to 3 hours between feedings. This morning, he ate around 9am. Then he actually stayed awake after, which is unusual for him. (He mostly likes to be awake from 11pm to 1am and not much else.) I then tried to put him down for a nap. I laid down with him, and naturally, we both fell asleep. Buster came in when the TV came to a break, which is good because it woke me up. I realized I should make some lunch for Sunny and Buster. I was hoping Abel would continue to sleep for a while, but as I chivvied Buster and Sunny downstairs so they wouldn't be underfoot while cooking, Abel started crying.
I must confess that I often use the television to keep the kids out from underfoot. Sometimes it goes beyond use to abuse, unfortunately. Such was the case this morning. The TV had been on for most of the time from 7am until 11am, except for breakfast. Neither Sunny nor Buster was there the WHOLE time, but they had each watched about 3 hours. So here I am, trying to make lunch. Buster started opening all the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen, and Sunny was whining. After they went downstairs, Sunny was pouting (she wanted me to play with her) and Buster was amusing himself by hitting her and pulling her hair. Abel was crying in his bed. I decided that he could keep crying for a few minutes while I got lunch started.
I served lunch and fed the baby. After lunch, Sunny said she was tired and went downstairs. Buster finished, and I put him down for a nap. Abel, exhausted after his crying spell and waiting for his lunch, zonked out while eating and remained so after I put him in bed.
At about 12:15, I looked around the house. An hour before, three kids had been adamant about needing something! Crying, whining, misbehaving... Now, peace and quiet. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. Now I have had a delightful hour and a half. I put dinner in the Crock-Pot (yay!), did some dishes, and still had time for a peaceful lunch and leisure time in front of the computer. It's about time to get Abel up and feed him again, but now I'm recharged and ready.
I have learned that in parenting, it's often not so much bad days as bad hours. Sometimes it's just a very bad 10 minutes. And sometimes, yes, there are so many bad periods that the whole day seems bad. If I can take a minute to regroup and tell myself it can't last much longer, I somehow survive. Today it was a quick prayer as Abel started crying, and I knew that to cope, he would just have to wait a minute. I'm grateful for the inspiration I receive in this challenging job. And it is crazy to go from insanity to near-boredom in 10 minutes flat. Oh, and now I hear Abel.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A's Early Days
November 19, 2009 marked the birth of our fifth child. His web-name is under consideration, but it starts with an "A!" He was born at 7:17am. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. Labor stalled for a little until a very helpful nurse suggested I change position. He didn't wait long after that!!!
I was going to put some pictures, but there were so many! Click on the link below to see the whole web album of his early days.
 |
| A's early days |
We stayed in the hospital for about 36 hours. I wanted to sleep in my own bed the second night, and there was also snow forecast for Saturday morning. He had bilirubin levels that caused some concern. I had to take him back for blood tests on Saturday and Sunday. At home, I found our bed was a sunny place to nap, so he has been taking morning naps stripped to his diaper on our bed. He is doing just fine now!
The older girls are thrilled to have a new baby. Buster doesn't quite get it yet. He has learned that when I'm nursing he can't shove the baby off my lap. This is progress! I'm still trying to catch up from missing so much sleep while in labor. My mom has been a great help, and Ben's first day of work back was today.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Deliver me!
Tomorrow marks the official day of being 40 weeks pregnant, i.e., the magic "due date." I keep telling myself babies can't read calendars and that I need to be patient. Half the time when I call people, the first thing they ask is if there is a baby yet. "No," I sigh. Or they call me. Don't get me wrong--I appreciate the concern these calls exhibit. It just reminds me how frustrated I am.
I was spoiled the last two times with the baby coming at least a little early. My greatest "joy" lately is sciatica. The pain is one thing, but it really worries me when I set down my right leg and it collapses beneath me. Luckily, Ben was able to come with me to my doctor appointment this morning and let me lean on him as we walked, thereby enabling me to limp instead of shuffle.
I have had tons of minor contractions. I'm already dilated to a 3.5! No wonder my official labor goes so fast. In the past, when I have had a day of Braxton-Hicks contractions every 10-15 minutes, we go somewhere like the zoo to try and walk a lot. It usually works to trigger labor. Not an option today, though.
I am grateful, though, for the general ease of my pregnancies and deliveries. I was reading a blog by my niece today about all her pregnancy issues past and present, and it was a good exercise in perspective. I am so impressed that she chose to be pregnant again given the complications of her first time around. I have several of my other friends who can bless modern medicine for their lives and the lives of their babies. Really, I shouldn't complain about a few weeks of pain.
As Ben says: "There's a reason it's called delivery." The mother is not just delivered of the baby--she is delivered of all the pain and problems of pregnancy. (Of course, the nursing body can be almost as weird, but that's for another day.)
I was spoiled the last two times with the baby coming at least a little early. My greatest "joy" lately is sciatica. The pain is one thing, but it really worries me when I set down my right leg and it collapses beneath me. Luckily, Ben was able to come with me to my doctor appointment this morning and let me lean on him as we walked, thereby enabling me to limp instead of shuffle.
I have had tons of minor contractions. I'm already dilated to a 3.5! No wonder my official labor goes so fast. In the past, when I have had a day of Braxton-Hicks contractions every 10-15 minutes, we go somewhere like the zoo to try and walk a lot. It usually works to trigger labor. Not an option today, though.
I am grateful, though, for the general ease of my pregnancies and deliveries. I was reading a blog by my niece today about all her pregnancy issues past and present, and it was a good exercise in perspective. I am so impressed that she chose to be pregnant again given the complications of her first time around. I have several of my other friends who can bless modern medicine for their lives and the lives of their babies. Really, I shouldn't complain about a few weeks of pain.
As Ben says: "There's a reason it's called delivery." The mother is not just delivered of the baby--she is delivered of all the pain and problems of pregnancy. (Of course, the nursing body can be almost as weird, but that's for another day.)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Patience and Pictures and a Belated Halloween
I just realized today how long it has been since I posted on the blog. Part of the reason is that the days drag by as I wait to post the exciting news that our baby is born. Obviously, it has not happened yet. Of course, it doesn't help that I misplaced the necessary cord for offloading my camera since Halloween.
So, as I learn once again to be patient, here are some pictures of Halloween and other fun things this month so far.
On Halloween, we went to Little Haunts at This Is The Place Heritage Park. The girls all got their faces painted:
Missy
Kandy
The hay ride, quite possibly Buster's favorite part!
Or was it the choo-choo?
Ben, Buster, Kandy, Missy, Sunny
Ready for trick-or-treating!
Ben, Buster (Winnie-the-Pooh), Missy (Jasmine), Kandy (Japanese girl), Sunny (Cinderella)
Buster loved his jacket and wanted to wear it every time he managed to find it until I packed it away.
Buster comes running every time he hears the vacuum.
Hopefully, my next post will have the details of our newest arrival. My due date is November 18, which is approaching. We are all anxious to to meet this little person and to find out if it's a girl or a boy! And if I don't get back to this soon, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
So, as I learn once again to be patient, here are some pictures of Halloween and other fun things this month so far.
On Halloween, we went to Little Haunts at This Is The Place Heritage Park. The girls all got their faces painted:
Sunny
Missy
Kandy
The hay ride, quite possibly Buster's favorite part!
Or was it the choo-choo?
Ben, Buster, Kandy, Missy, Sunny
Ready for trick-or-treating!
Ben, Buster (Winnie-the-Pooh), Missy (Jasmine), Kandy (Japanese girl), Sunny (Cinderella)
Buster loved his jacket and wanted to wear it every time he managed to find it until I packed it away.
Buster comes running every time he hears the vacuum.
Hopefully, my next post will have the details of our newest arrival. My due date is November 18, which is approaching. We are all anxious to to meet this little person and to find out if it's a girl or a boy! And if I don't get back to this soon, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
"The Juice Joint"
The Kendrick adults had a murder mystery dinner for Halloween. It was set in a speak easy in the 1920's. We had a great time! Coming up with a costume for me was a bit tricky given my large tummy, but we managed. Doing my short hair flapper-style was a lot of fun!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Kendrick Kid Halloween Party
It's October! Last Saturday, the Kendricks had a Halloween party just for the under-12 set. It was great! They had hot dogs, decorated cupcakes, colored on pumpkins, and of course, had a piñata. This year, Kandy is a Japanese girl, Missy is Jasmine, Sunny is Cinderella, and Buster is Winnie the Pooh. Unfortunately, I took off his jacket so it wouldn't get messy for the food, so he's not wearing it in the pictures. Oh, well.
Kandy's turn!
Missy takes a whack.
Sunny's turn 
At some point the bat was being re-taped, and Buster decided to use the chopsticks Kandy had taken out of her hair to go after the piñata. His 7-year-old cousin was very worried, but I told him Buster had no chance of breaking it with chopsticks!
That thing did not want to break! After falling off the rope a second time (all the kids had 2 turns), we dumped the candy out of the hole in the top.
Buster gets a swing at the piñata (the swinging tombstone).
He took less coaching than some of our kids.
He took less coaching than some of our kids.
Kandy's turn!
Missy takes a whack.
Sunny's turn 
At some point the bat was being re-taped, and Buster decided to use the chopsticks Kandy had taken out of her hair to go after the piñata. His 7-year-old cousin was very worried, but I told him Buster had no chance of breaking it with chopsticks!
That thing did not want to break! After falling off the rope a second time (all the kids had 2 turns), we dumped the candy out of the hole in the top.
Buster, wanting to do it all over again!
California
We had a fabulous trip to California! Ben's grandma is turning 90 this year, so all Ben and all of his six natural siblings gathered to celebrate. We spent a lot of great time with family!
At Gramma's open house:
(Clockwise) Ben, Kandy, Gramma, X, L, Buster
We were staying at Ben's aunt's house along with his brother and his family. Seven little girls and two little boys, total. I spent the first evening holding six-week-old "X" as he slept, thinking how grateful I am to be having another baby. As he cried through the night, though, I had my doubts. ;) He did better the next night!
Friday evening, we went to dinner with Ben's nephew (who is only 6 months younger than he is) and his family. We haven't seen them outside of the occasional family party, so it was nice to have good time with them again.
On Saturday, we spent the day at Aaron's, another of Ben's brothers. They have a beautiful swimming pool. I enjoyed the water so much that I stayed in long enough to get a beauty of a sunburn. Oops. That evening, we left all the cousins together, and the adults headed out for dinner at Macaroni Grill. After we got back to Aaron's house, we gathered to listen to Ben's dad and siblings share their memories of Gramma.
Sunday was the open house for all of Gramma's other family and friends to wish her a happy birthday. We started back home Sunday night.
It was a bit of a whirlwind trip, but it was great to see so much family.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Quotable Quotes XXI
Buster was dropping his sippy cup so Kandy could pick it up. After several times, she said, "Is this a game?"
"Game!" Buster replied, dropping it again.
He is really starting to talk a lot. It's not always clear, but it is so fun to see his vocabulary expand. He even said the prayer at dinner last night.
"Game!" Buster replied, dropping it again.
He is really starting to talk a lot. It's not always clear, but it is so fun to see his vocabulary expand. He even said the prayer at dinner last night.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Kendrick Sick House
It has been a while since I posted because there hasn't been anything fun going on. Kandy started a fever last Saturday morning. We attempted to keep the illness limited to her by quarantining her in her bedroom, but Missy joined her there after school on Monday with her own fever. By Tuesday, Kandy's fever was gone, but we kept her home from school because she was still contagious. I think she and Missy had a fun day together. Kandy went to school Wednesday, and Missy stayed home.
On Friday, we finally ventured out of the house together, assuming everyone was well. It was nice to get out after being cooped up all week. As the day wore on, I realized there was more than one runny nose in the family, although no one seemed alarmingly ill. Friday night, though, Missy had a fever again. I didn't take it today, but this evening she was listless and tired. Her temperature was up, but it did come down with medicine.
It has been a very long and trying week. I hope the rest of you are feeling better than we are here!
In happier news, we really enjoyed General Conference today. I used to get stressed out about the kids' behavior, but we have since decided they each need to watch just one session out of the four general sessions. I am thrilled to report, though, that even we don't ask them to watch every one, they still tend to gravitate toward us and/or the television. They watched more than one session today, which makes me happy.
On Friday, we finally ventured out of the house together, assuming everyone was well. It was nice to get out after being cooped up all week. As the day wore on, I realized there was more than one runny nose in the family, although no one seemed alarmingly ill. Friday night, though, Missy had a fever again. I didn't take it today, but this evening she was listless and tired. Her temperature was up, but it did come down with medicine.
It has been a very long and trying week. I hope the rest of you are feeling better than we are here!
In happier news, we really enjoyed General Conference today. I used to get stressed out about the kids' behavior, but we have since decided they each need to watch just one session out of the four general sessions. I am thrilled to report, though, that even we don't ask them to watch every one, they still tend to gravitate toward us and/or the television. They watched more than one session today, which makes me happy.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Quotable Quotes XX
Today I told Sunny we were going to see her friend, AJ. "I'm going to marry AJ because he is sneaky and I'm sneaky." She proceeded to tell me how she found out they were both sneaky, but I couldn't begin to quote it. For one thing, it was too long, and for another, it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Quotable Quotes XIX
(This is Ben.)
Tonight Kandy went to a friend's house to watch a movie. She REALLY gets into movies. Intense parts make her want to get up and leave because she is so emotionally invested in what is going on in the movie. I am sometimes like that too.
On the way home, she told me that one of the younger people in the group did not have to get up and leave like she did during one of the scary parts. I said that she was like me and got involved in movies more than some other people.
She remarked, "I have the Kendrick movie pants."
"Movie Pants?" I asked. I thought for a moment, stumped. "Oh," I said, "Do you mean movie genes?"
"Yeah, Movie Jeans."
Tonight Kandy went to a friend's house to watch a movie. She REALLY gets into movies. Intense parts make her want to get up and leave because she is so emotionally invested in what is going on in the movie. I am sometimes like that too.
On the way home, she told me that one of the younger people in the group did not have to get up and leave like she did during one of the scary parts. I said that she was like me and got involved in movies more than some other people.
She remarked, "I have the Kendrick movie pants."
"Movie Pants?" I asked. I thought for a moment, stumped. "Oh," I said, "Do you mean movie genes?"
"Yeah, Movie Jeans."
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Civil War Days
Yesterday was a lot of fun! We went to the Civil War Days at This is the Place Heritage State Park with the Nowlings. It was great! We got to do normal stuff and watch two battle re-enactments.
Here is the Union Army assembling for an attack on the cornfield.
Buster, Kandy, and Missy watching them spread out,ready to march!
After some good fighting in the cornfield (which we could hear but not see), the Confederate cavalry sneaked up on the back of the Union soldiers.
The Confederate cavalry charged the Union cavalry and there was a small sword duel. It's hard to see in this picture, unfortunately.
Here is the Confederate infantry firing on the back of the retreating Union soldiers.
The Confederates won this battle. The Union won the morning battle, which was a trench battle. We enjoyed it, but we were too far away for good pictures. A lot of this one happened right in front of us. We plan on going next year even if we don't have a membership! We also watched a comedy troupe and visited a store with vintage clothing and other items.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Better than sleep
In the mornings, if I want a little more sleep, I turn on a movie for the little ones and crash on the couch in the family room. This morning I tried that, but Buster and Sunny kept coming for cuddles. I didn't get much of a nap, but nothing beats cuddling cute little people--especially if they had baths the night before! It was one of those wonderful mommy pay-off moments.
Monday, September 7, 2009
New Roof and Murphy's Law
or It's So Not Funny That It's Funny.
As many of you will remember, our house had a roof leak that caused an electrical fire before we even closed on the thing. We told them it needed a new roof, and a roofing contractor agreed with us. HUD, though, wanted to do a patch job. We knew it was the right house so we went ahead with the sale anyway. We assumed that the patch would last us at least 6 months. The day we closed, it was raining. And the roof was leaking. So all summer, we have known we needed to replace the roof. Ben wanted a 3-day weekend, so we chose this weekend, Labor Day weekend.
Friday night, Ben's brother called to let us know that he had been in an accident. He was fine, but the dump trailer we were planning to use for all the old shingles was broken. We dumped stuff onto tarps and onto the ground to clean up later.
The sky was threatening, but we decided we should go for it anyway after looking at weather.
Saturday morning, Ben's dad's truck broke down. This made him late, which did not help because we were counting on his professional expertise for purchasing materials and getting the construction work started.
Saturday afternoon, someone started ripping off the front roof, which we weren't going to do until the back was all done. Oops.
We were blessed Sunday. No rain!!! No rain, so no work done. What a lovely day of rest.
Sunday night, the babysitter I had lined up for Monday had sick kids. Monday morning, I had to call around to find someone to help. Thank goodness for good friends!
Monday morning was pretty smooth, except that without a dump trailer, it took over an hour to empty the borrowed trailer at the dump.
My personal favorite, though, is Monday afternoon. I went down to turn the main line on to the swamp cooler to discover that the main water line was leaking. I came up to tell Ben: "I really wish I didn't have to tell you, but..." We turned off water at the street. Now we have no water to the house. Luckily, we have very kind neighbors who are willing to let our helpers use their bathroom! I came upstairs chuckling and shaking my head. "It's so not funny that it's funny!"
Yes, Virginia, Murphy is alive and well.
Thanks so much to all of our friends, family, and neighbors who helped SO MUCH with the roof. Thanks to the lovely ladies who watched my kids and helped with food, too!!!
As many of you will remember, our house had a roof leak that caused an electrical fire before we even closed on the thing. We told them it needed a new roof, and a roofing contractor agreed with us. HUD, though, wanted to do a patch job. We knew it was the right house so we went ahead with the sale anyway. We assumed that the patch would last us at least 6 months. The day we closed, it was raining. And the roof was leaking. So all summer, we have known we needed to replace the roof. Ben wanted a 3-day weekend, so we chose this weekend, Labor Day weekend.
Friday night, Ben's brother called to let us know that he had been in an accident. He was fine, but the dump trailer we were planning to use for all the old shingles was broken. We dumped stuff onto tarps and onto the ground to clean up later.
The sky was threatening, but we decided we should go for it anyway after looking at weather.
Saturday morning, Ben's dad's truck broke down. This made him late, which did not help because we were counting on his professional expertise for purchasing materials and getting the construction work started.
Saturday afternoon, someone started ripping off the front roof, which we weren't going to do until the back was all done. Oops.
We were blessed Sunday. No rain!!! No rain, so no work done. What a lovely day of rest.
Sunday night, the babysitter I had lined up for Monday had sick kids. Monday morning, I had to call around to find someone to help. Thank goodness for good friends!
Monday morning was pretty smooth, except that without a dump trailer, it took over an hour to empty the borrowed trailer at the dump.
My personal favorite, though, is Monday afternoon. I went down to turn the main line on to the swamp cooler to discover that the main water line was leaking. I came up to tell Ben: "I really wish I didn't have to tell you, but..." We turned off water at the street. Now we have no water to the house. Luckily, we have very kind neighbors who are willing to let our helpers use their bathroom! I came upstairs chuckling and shaking my head. "It's so not funny that it's funny!"
Yes, Virginia, Murphy is alive and well.
Thanks so much to all of our friends, family, and neighbors who helped SO MUCH with the roof. Thanks to the lovely ladies who watched my kids and helped with food, too!!!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Pregnancy and Pickles
It's not that I dislike pickles, nor do I really love them. I haven't really craved them during this pregnancy, but oddly, though, every time I have been to a party with pickles lately, I can't leave them alone! Today at the grocery store I bought a jar of tiny dills. Yum! And I keep going back for more. Weird.
When I was expecting Sunny, I LOVED oatmeal. Loved it. Couldn't eat enough. I have a strong aversion to oatmeal as a general rule. I hoped I would still like it after she was born (it's cheap, healthy, and filling), but unfortunately, I like it even less now.
Have any of you enjoyed or craved foods during pregnancy that you usually don't eat?
When I was expecting Sunny, I LOVED oatmeal. Loved it. Couldn't eat enough. I have a strong aversion to oatmeal as a general rule. I hoped I would still like it after she was born (it's cheap, healthy, and filling), but unfortunately, I like it even less now.
Have any of you enjoyed or craved foods during pregnancy that you usually don't eat?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Quotable Quotes XVIII
In one car ride home, Sunny said two funny things.
1 - She said a phrase, then asked, "How many siblings does that have?" (She meant syllables.)
2 - We passed a church. "I know why they call it a church. It's because you have to be quiet there. Church. Sh, ch, sh..."
She is also just very silly on purpose. We were doing animal sounds, and she would ask things like, "What sound does a house make?" and "What sound does a fence make?" She cracks me up!
1 - She said a phrase, then asked, "How many siblings does that have?" (She meant syllables.)
2 - We passed a church. "I know why they call it a church. It's because you have to be quiet there. Church. Sh, ch, sh..."
She is also just very silly on purpose. We were doing animal sounds, and she would ask things like, "What sound does a house make?" and "What sound does a fence make?" She cracks me up!
Buster is 18 months old!
Buster in Kandy's bike helmetHe is very active and keeps me on my toes. He is a joy to have around, and it is fun to watch him learn so much every day.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Worth it?
Today I decided that I really needed some exercise. I tried to go walking with friends last night, but after a block and a half, my sideache/ligament pain was so bad that I was lucky to get home. I needed to go swimming!
Indecision made me dawdle this morning. I finally got out the door a little before 10. We got to the gym around 10:15. It was so crowded that we had to park far away, and I had to carry Buster both ways because he didn't want to go where I wanted him to. We also had to wait until some parents picked up their kids before there was room for my children in the on-site care.
Finally, I changed and got in the water. Bliss!!! I love the water, and it is especially wonderful when pregnant. The weight just disappears, and I can move! After only 30 minutes in the water, it was time to get out so I could get my kids in time.
It was late enough when we got out that I realized Buster would fall asleep in the car on the way home, so we went to Wendy's for a quick and cheap lunch. We finally got home about 12:20, almost 2 1/2 hours after we left for 1/2 hour in the water.
I just wonder sometimes if all the hassle and travel time is really worth it. You know, though, as I think about it, I am happier now, I feel better, and I have just a little more patience with my kids. The stress almost immediately settled back in my muscles, but I do feel better. Yes, it was worth it.
Indecision made me dawdle this morning. I finally got out the door a little before 10. We got to the gym around 10:15. It was so crowded that we had to park far away, and I had to carry Buster both ways because he didn't want to go where I wanted him to. We also had to wait until some parents picked up their kids before there was room for my children in the on-site care.
Finally, I changed and got in the water. Bliss!!! I love the water, and it is especially wonderful when pregnant. The weight just disappears, and I can move! After only 30 minutes in the water, it was time to get out so I could get my kids in time.
It was late enough when we got out that I realized Buster would fall asleep in the car on the way home, so we went to Wendy's for a quick and cheap lunch. We finally got home about 12:20, almost 2 1/2 hours after we left for 1/2 hour in the water.
I just wonder sometimes if all the hassle and travel time is really worth it. You know, though, as I think about it, I am happier now, I feel better, and I have just a little more patience with my kids. The stress almost immediately settled back in my muscles, but I do feel better. Yes, it was worth it.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Two Very Funny Links
I have found 2 things that are just too funny not to share! First of all, my friend posted a link on his blog to this great tech support sheet.
Second, I absolutely love the comic, Baby Blues. I can't reference the particular comic directly, but go to BabyBlues.com and click on the box to select the comic for August 12, 2009.
I hope you enjoy the laughs!
Second, I absolutely love the comic, Baby Blues. I can't reference the particular comic directly, but go to BabyBlues.com and click on the box to select the comic for August 12, 2009.
I hope you enjoy the laughs!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Quotable Quotes XVII
Sometimes Ben and I converse in Spanish. Sometimes we do it to conceal things from the children, but sometime, we just do it for practice.
This evening I asked him: "¿Quién va a bañar los menores? (Who's going to bathe the younger kids?)"
"Yo lo haré. (I'll do it.)"
Sunny overheard and asked, "What did Daddy say?"
So I repeated it in Spanish.
"No, what did the real words say?"
This evening I asked him: "¿Quién va a bañar los menores? (Who's going to bathe the younger kids?)"
"Yo lo haré. (I'll do it.)"
Sunny overheard and asked, "What did Daddy say?"
So I repeated it in Spanish.
"No, what did the real words say?"
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Quotable Quotes XVI
Sunny was on the swingset glider with a friend. I heard Buster crying, and I went out to investigate.
"Did you hit Buster?" I asked.
"No," they answered, "we just bumped into him with this."
"Did you hit Buster?" I asked.
"No," they answered, "we just bumped into him with this."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Nursery!
Buster went to nursery at church for the first time on Sunday. Two days later, he has a runny nose, cough, and watery eyes. Coincidence? I don't think so. Well, at least he enjoyed it, and hopefully, he will be well enough by Sunday to go back.
It was nice to not have to worry about him. It was a couple of weeks early, but with our callings, Ben and I just can't keep him with us. I teach Sunday School and play the piano in Relief Society, and Ben was just called as the executive secretary, which oftentimes keeps him out of classes.
It was nice to not have to worry about him. It was a couple of weeks early, but with our callings, Ben and I just can't keep him with us. I teach Sunday School and play the piano in Relief Society, and Ben was just called as the executive secretary, which oftentimes keeps him out of classes.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
New Van!
We did it! We found a new vehicle for our family. 
Short story:
It's a 1996 Ford E-350 12-passenger with just a few miles on it. A little more than we need, but lots of people and/or cargo space. Well maintained, and in great shape for its age.
Long story:
We had decided that if we had to get a new vehicle anyway, it would be nice if it would hold our whole family (7 as of this coming November) plus at least one more in case we needed to take a friend with us. It's amazing how many 8 passenger vehicles there are not. Lots of them are Toyotas and Hondas, which, while wonderfully reliable, are out of our price range--way out! (Sorry, Cripple Chicken.) Anyway, after lots of looking, we realized we were to big vans or SUVs. Ben has very fond memories of the Ford van they had growing up. We also realized that most Ford vans available are conversion vans--with the oh-so-coveted captains chairs that reduce seating from 8 to 7! I'd rather have another Dodge Caravan. We also found a lot of 15-passenger vans, which would be just a little much. We found an awesome Diesel 15-passenger Ford van for only $4,000--not including the minimum $1,000 required to bring the interior to a state in which we would feel like we could put our children in it. We decided 12-passenger would be ideal--plenty of room for people, and we could even remove the back seat for tons of cargo space if necessary and still have room for our family. They also tow just about anything.
We found this van a week ago, and after much contemplating and prayer decided it was right for us. It's not new--it's 1996! The interior, exterior, and working parts are all in fabulous condition for its age and mileage. Is it perfect? No. Would I rather have a newer car? Sure--but I don't want the payments. We plan to fix up (if we can cheap) the Chrysler and the Vanagon. We will save up, and hopefully by the time the Green Beast dies, we will be able to afford something a little newer and nicer the next time around.
I love the power the engine has, and the kids love the space. They can practically each have their own bench at this point! I also love the color. So, thanks to the great family who sold it to us (my dad has heard stories about piling everyone into this thing for football games--he went to high school with the original owner). Here's hoping we get a lot more miles out of this baby!
Short story:
It's a 1996 Ford E-350 12-passenger with just a few miles on it. A little more than we need, but lots of people and/or cargo space. Well maintained, and in great shape for its age.
Long story:
We had decided that if we had to get a new vehicle anyway, it would be nice if it would hold our whole family (7 as of this coming November) plus at least one more in case we needed to take a friend with us. It's amazing how many 8 passenger vehicles there are not. Lots of them are Toyotas and Hondas, which, while wonderfully reliable, are out of our price range--way out! (Sorry, Cripple Chicken.) Anyway, after lots of looking, we realized we were to big vans or SUVs. Ben has very fond memories of the Ford van they had growing up. We also realized that most Ford vans available are conversion vans--with the oh-so-coveted captains chairs that reduce seating from 8 to 7! I'd rather have another Dodge Caravan. We also found a lot of 15-passenger vans, which would be just a little much. We found an awesome Diesel 15-passenger Ford van for only $4,000--not including the minimum $1,000 required to bring the interior to a state in which we would feel like we could put our children in it. We decided 12-passenger would be ideal--plenty of room for people, and we could even remove the back seat for tons of cargo space if necessary and still have room for our family. They also tow just about anything.
We found this van a week ago, and after much contemplating and prayer decided it was right for us. It's not new--it's 1996! The interior, exterior, and working parts are all in fabulous condition for its age and mileage. Is it perfect? No. Would I rather have a newer car? Sure--but I don't want the payments. We plan to fix up (if we can cheap) the Chrysler and the Vanagon. We will save up, and hopefully by the time the Green Beast dies, we will be able to afford something a little newer and nicer the next time around.
I love the power the engine has, and the kids love the space. They can practically each have their own bench at this point! I also love the color. So, thanks to the great family who sold it to us (my dad has heard stories about piling everyone into this thing for football games--he went to high school with the original owner). Here's hoping we get a lot more miles out of this baby!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Quotable Quotes XV
Ben got a haircut. At dinner the next day, Sunny said, "Daddy, why did you have to get a haircut? Now you look weird!"
Monday, August 3, 2009
First Day of School
It's that time of year again for our girls--the first day of school! Kandy is starting 3rd grade, and Missy is in 1st grade! It sneaked up on us a bit this year between the vacation last week and no car to go run traditional school preparation errands. Luckily, they both have plenty of uniforms that still fit. I like uniforms for lots of things. I do miss the excitement of picking out the outfit for the first day. "Hmmm, which red shirt should I wear today?"
Here they are, ready for school:
Here they are, ready for school:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Smith Reunion
We left last Wednesday morning for the Smith Family Reunion in Oregon and Washington. We had a lot of fun!
We spent 2 nights at cabins at Emigrant Springs in Oregon. They were very basic, but they were clean and comfortable. The cousins had a lovely time running around in the woods and picking as many huckleberries as they could eat!
On Friday, we drove a little more to stay 2 nights at my brother's house in Kennewick, Washington. We spent one afternoon at an aquatic center and the next at a small lake/pond that's part of the Columbia River.
Kandy and Buster at the pond
Missy
Sunny found tons of tiny shells!
Because of our car troubles, we rented a minivan for the trip. It was nice to have automatic sliding doors and stowing space! I'm amazed how much stuff we fit into that van. Upon arriving home, we unloaded the van as fast as possible to return it to the rental location. Ben turned on our blue van to follow me there. The starter did start, but it kept going! It burned up (the motor--not the van). We were planning on getting rid of it anyway. It was kind of annoying, but more of an "oh, well" experience. The most annoying part is that rather than having a less-than-perfect car for a couple of weeks while finding a new car, we have no family car while looking.
We spent 2 nights at cabins at Emigrant Springs in Oregon. They were very basic, but they were clean and comfortable. The cousins had a lovely time running around in the woods and picking as many huckleberries as they could eat!
Buster "playing tennis" with his uncles
On Friday, we drove a little more to stay 2 nights at my brother's house in Kennewick, Washington. We spent one afternoon at an aquatic center and the next at a small lake/pond that's part of the Columbia River.
Ben and Buster at the Hermiston Aquatic Center
Kandy and Buster at the pond
Missy
Sunny found tons of tiny shells!
Because of our car troubles, we rented a minivan for the trip. It was nice to have automatic sliding doors and stowing space! I'm amazed how much stuff we fit into that van. Upon arriving home, we unloaded the van as fast as possible to return it to the rental location. Ben turned on our blue van to follow me there. The starter did start, but it kept going! It burned up (the motor--not the van). We were planning on getting rid of it anyway. It was kind of annoying, but more of an "oh, well" experience. The most annoying part is that rather than having a less-than-perfect car for a couple of weeks while finding a new car, we have no family car while looking.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fathers and Sons
Friday was the Fathers and Sons outing. Ben was thrilled to have his own son to take this year, as he has often taken boys who otherwise wouldn't go with their own fathers. He and Buster had a lot of fun.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Quotable Quotes XIV
In the car:
Sunny: Kandy, I just saw a mosquito, and it was a girl one!
Kandy: How do you know?
Sunny: Because I saw eyelashes!
Sunny: Kandy, I just saw a mosquito, and it was a girl one!
Kandy: How do you know?
Sunny: Because I saw eyelashes!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Car Trouble
Just how do you know when to give up on a car? An eternal question that we will never have a solid answer to, of course. Our van is a 2001, and it has over 100,000 miles on it. It ran great for 2 years. In April, we had it in the shop twice. Both repairs totalled to over $1,000--while we were remodeling our house, no less!
Lately, the van has been stalling when we hit a bump while turning left with a foot off the accelerator. Talk about weird! The check engine light comes on sometimes, and then it goes off again. It was diagnosed with a misfire last time we had it fixed, and it still has that hesitation. It hesitates over bumps quite often, but it stalls completely only when going left.
Today we took it to our usual mechanic. They pulled the codes from the computer, which made no sense whatsoever. The temperatures varied wildly, but the weirdest was -198 degrees Fahrenheit in the engine!!! Our mechanic said we had to take it to the dealer. On the bright side, they didn't charge us since they couldn't fix it.
During Ben's lunch, a neighbor came to stay with the kids while we dashed to our mechanic and took the van to the dealership. The first thing they said? "So, can you be without a car for a couple of days?" Do we have a choice? Well, we could go on driving as we have been, but we do have plans for some trips later this month. It has to be fixed (or given up on) sometime. Might as well be now.
Ah, the joys of cars. So every day since this has been getting worse we keep asking ourselves if it's worth shelling out money every month or two to fix this car or if we just give up and decide to have a car payment instead. Aaaargh!
Lately, the van has been stalling when we hit a bump while turning left with a foot off the accelerator. Talk about weird! The check engine light comes on sometimes, and then it goes off again. It was diagnosed with a misfire last time we had it fixed, and it still has that hesitation. It hesitates over bumps quite often, but it stalls completely only when going left.
Today we took it to our usual mechanic. They pulled the codes from the computer, which made no sense whatsoever. The temperatures varied wildly, but the weirdest was -198 degrees Fahrenheit in the engine!!! Our mechanic said we had to take it to the dealer. On the bright side, they didn't charge us since they couldn't fix it.
During Ben's lunch, a neighbor came to stay with the kids while we dashed to our mechanic and took the van to the dealership. The first thing they said? "So, can you be without a car for a couple of days?" Do we have a choice? Well, we could go on driving as we have been, but we do have plans for some trips later this month. It has to be fixed (or given up on) sometime. Might as well be now.
Ah, the joys of cars. So every day since this has been getting worse we keep asking ourselves if it's worth shelling out money every month or two to fix this car or if we just give up and decide to have a car payment instead. Aaaargh!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ultrasound
Today was my ultrasound. Until the last minute, I was vacillating about whether to find out the gender or not. The children were a split vote, and Ben was rather ambivalent. Unfortunately, he had to teach today, so I was all alone. When they asked if I wanted to find out, I put off answering by saying how unsure I was. The technician continued the ultrasound. I finally requested one of the options Ben and I had discussed: I asked them to find out without telling me and write it in my file. That way, if I ever changed my mind before delivery, I could ask. The technician finished and gave me my DVD, saying the doctor would come in just a minute. He would do a couple last-minute things, including determine the gender.
The doctor came in and sat down. In a very business-like manner, he began using the machine. After just a minute or two, he told me that the baby was being uncooperative. So after all that worry, stress, anxiety, and so forth, it ended up being a moot point--the decision was made for me. So, boy or girl? It's anybody's guess. I don't have any feelings on the subject!
I'm happy with the outcome of the day, though. Now I didn't find out, but it's not that I didn't try. I couldn't have planned it better.
The doctor came in and sat down. In a very business-like manner, he began using the machine. After just a minute or two, he told me that the baby was being uncooperative. So after all that worry, stress, anxiety, and so forth, it ended up being a moot point--the decision was made for me. So, boy or girl? It's anybody's guess. I don't have any feelings on the subject!
I'm happy with the outcome of the day, though. Now I didn't find out, but it's not that I didn't try. I couldn't have planned it better.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wild Family Weekend!
Phew! For once, I think I'm glad it's Monday. Not that the weekend wasn't fun, but I need some time to recover!
For starters, both Ben and I each had an out-of-town sibling arrive toward the end of last week. We spent Thursday evening at my parents' house visiting and playing with my brother's family. We got home a little late, but not too bad because I knew the next day was crazy.
Friday was a total blast! We went to This is The Place State Park with Ben's sister and her daughters. Her oldest daughter works there, so she showed us around in the morning. She also has a teenage daughter who was tons of help. The three younger girls and our three girls had lots of fun together. They are almost the same ages! Buster even managed to get a short nap in his stroller, but not enough for a boy who usually naps for 3-5 hours a day in 2 naps.
Saturday was a Kendrick Family Reunion. We went to a stake center with a great pavilion. They had rented blow-up bouncy things for the kids, including a traditional bouncy castle, a velcro jumping wall, and a bungee-running sort of thing. There was also a blow-up water slide, which our kids enjoyed immensely. It was fun to see family. Unfortunately, we were plagued with little injuries all day. It's a good thing we had refilled our diaper bag first aid kit!!! I think we used at least 5 adhesive bandages that day. Luckily nothing was serious, but it was kind of stressful.
Yesterday was Sunday. I got to teach the 12 and 13 year old class for the first time (my new calling). Their behavior was not worse than expected, but I got through my material way too fast and had to kill time for at least 30 minutes. Oops. Well, now I know. After church, we had a quiet afternoon, although Ben had a bad headache and spent most of it sleeping. We went to my parents' house for dinner. One of my nieces was there. After my parents went to a fireside, we took my niece to her other grandparents' house. We spent a while talking to my brother in the driveway until another niece invited the kids to come play. We all trooped inside and crashed their family gathering. They were very gracious, and we had a nice time visiting. I hadn't seen some of them in about 7 years.
Following 3 days of one nap each, Buster's sleep patterns were so disturbed that he thought he should get out of bed at 3am today. Rather than fight with him, I turned on a movie and dozed on the couch for an hour, then put him back to bed.
So it was a fun, wild, crazy, family-filled weekend. Today I am back to the domestic joys of dishes and laundry and trying to recover from all the fun. And it's not even a holiday weekend! I wonder how I'm going to hold up over the 4th of July???
For starters, both Ben and I each had an out-of-town sibling arrive toward the end of last week. We spent Thursday evening at my parents' house visiting and playing with my brother's family. We got home a little late, but not too bad because I knew the next day was crazy.
Friday was a total blast! We went to This is The Place State Park with Ben's sister and her daughters. Her oldest daughter works there, so she showed us around in the morning. She also has a teenage daughter who was tons of help. The three younger girls and our three girls had lots of fun together. They are almost the same ages! Buster even managed to get a short nap in his stroller, but not enough for a boy who usually naps for 3-5 hours a day in 2 naps.
Saturday was a Kendrick Family Reunion. We went to a stake center with a great pavilion. They had rented blow-up bouncy things for the kids, including a traditional bouncy castle, a velcro jumping wall, and a bungee-running sort of thing. There was also a blow-up water slide, which our kids enjoyed immensely. It was fun to see family. Unfortunately, we were plagued with little injuries all day. It's a good thing we had refilled our diaper bag first aid kit!!! I think we used at least 5 adhesive bandages that day. Luckily nothing was serious, but it was kind of stressful.
Yesterday was Sunday. I got to teach the 12 and 13 year old class for the first time (my new calling). Their behavior was not worse than expected, but I got through my material way too fast and had to kill time for at least 30 minutes. Oops. Well, now I know. After church, we had a quiet afternoon, although Ben had a bad headache and spent most of it sleeping. We went to my parents' house for dinner. One of my nieces was there. After my parents went to a fireside, we took my niece to her other grandparents' house. We spent a while talking to my brother in the driveway until another niece invited the kids to come play. We all trooped inside and crashed their family gathering. They were very gracious, and we had a nice time visiting. I hadn't seen some of them in about 7 years.
Following 3 days of one nap each, Buster's sleep patterns were so disturbed that he thought he should get out of bed at 3am today. Rather than fight with him, I turned on a movie and dozed on the couch for an hour, then put him back to bed.
So it was a fun, wild, crazy, family-filled weekend. Today I am back to the domestic joys of dishes and laundry and trying to recover from all the fun. And it's not even a holiday weekend! I wonder how I'm going to hold up over the 4th of July???
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Quotable Quotes XIII
Kandy just came up to me and said, "Mom, you know what it feels like?"
"What?"
"It feels like I'm being tortured by tomatoes...I mean mosquitoes!"
"What?"
"It feels like I'm being tortured by tomatoes...I mean mosquitoes!"
Monday, June 8, 2009
When to Be Surprised
We are approaching my mid-pregnancy ultrasound, and we are now faced with the big dilemma: Do we try and find out the gender or not? I know people who always do, people who never do, people who sometimes do, and people who don't get to whether they wanted to or not. My own philosophy was to find out until I had at least one boy and girl, at which point I wanted to be surprised. This is, therefore, the first time it has really been a big decision as to whether we find out. The problem is that I'm not sure I want to wait to find out even though we do have at least one of each gender.
So, pros and cons? Well, part of my problem is that aside from just waiting longer for the surprised, there isn't much benefit in waiting. Although I do have a friend who just had a baby that didn't cooperate on the ultrasound. She says that people seemed a lot more interested in her pregnancy because she didn't know the gender. She has two boys, and now she has a beautiful baby girl. Luckily, she has a sister with plenty of hand-me-downs, so getting her clothed hasn't been a problem.
The biggest advantage of finding out is planning. We will know which gender of baby clothes to keep slightly more accessible as we plan our storage. We will know how best to replace Sunny's toddler bed so Buster can use it. And although it wouldn't immediately impact bedroom arrangements, it would in the long run. It will also help with names. I think Ben kind of likes not discussing names all the time, though. Names are one of my passions, so he gets kind of sick of talking about them!
Of course, it could all be a moot point. As I said, my friend's baby didn't cooperate. Kandy was uncooperative, as well. The perinatologist took a look and said, "Well, I think that looks like a girl's bottom, but don't go painting the nursery pink." Our gut said she was a girl, so we told people 70% chance girl. We got lots of pink and some neutral, but no blue. Luckily, it worked out.
I'm not sure which I really want. I suppose that since I'm looking harder to justify finding out, maybe that is what I want most. I'm just not sure, though. Well, we still have about 3 weeks to decide.
How about you? Did you find out the gender of your babies ahead of time? Why or why not? Would you do it again?
So, pros and cons? Well, part of my problem is that aside from just waiting longer for the surprised, there isn't much benefit in waiting. Although I do have a friend who just had a baby that didn't cooperate on the ultrasound. She says that people seemed a lot more interested in her pregnancy because she didn't know the gender. She has two boys, and now she has a beautiful baby girl. Luckily, she has a sister with plenty of hand-me-downs, so getting her clothed hasn't been a problem.
The biggest advantage of finding out is planning. We will know which gender of baby clothes to keep slightly more accessible as we plan our storage. We will know how best to replace Sunny's toddler bed so Buster can use it. And although it wouldn't immediately impact bedroom arrangements, it would in the long run. It will also help with names. I think Ben kind of likes not discussing names all the time, though. Names are one of my passions, so he gets kind of sick of talking about them!
Of course, it could all be a moot point. As I said, my friend's baby didn't cooperate. Kandy was uncooperative, as well. The perinatologist took a look and said, "Well, I think that looks like a girl's bottom, but don't go painting the nursery pink." Our gut said she was a girl, so we told people 70% chance girl. We got lots of pink and some neutral, but no blue. Luckily, it worked out.
I'm not sure which I really want. I suppose that since I'm looking harder to justify finding out, maybe that is what I want most. I'm just not sure, though. Well, we still have about 3 weeks to decide.
How about you? Did you find out the gender of your babies ahead of time? Why or why not? Would you do it again?
Quotable Quotes XI
Sunny came in from outside and asked me for a snack.
"I want something drippy so I can eat it outside," she continued.
"A popsicle?"
"Yeah!!!"
"I want something drippy so I can eat it outside," she continued.
"A popsicle?"
"Yeah!!!"
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Dentist, Anyone?
Well, once again I'm trying to find a good dentist for Ben and me. Our last venture didn't turn out so well. He and his staff were very nice, but the more time goes by, the less impressed I am with the work he did on my teeth. I LOVE the work from my dentist uncle, but 5 hours is a bit of a drive with small kids for a dental appointment--especially with gas prices going the way they are.
Anyone have any recommendations for a great dentist in the Bountiful or downtown Salt Lake areas?
Anyone have any recommendations for a great dentist in the Bountiful or downtown Salt Lake areas?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thpeech Impediment
Ben was getting some applesauce for Buster, and he called it "applethauthe." Sunny, who has a lisp, tried to correct him. The following conversation was rather entertaining, as it went something like this:
Ben: Do you want some applethauthe?
Sunny: No, Daddy, it'th not applethauthe, it'th apple-THAUTHE.
Ben: That's what I said, applethauthe.
Sunny: (trying very hard) No, it'th apple-THAUTHE!
Ben: Oh, you mean applesauce.
Sunny: Yeth, that'th what I thaid, applethauthe.
Ben: Do you want some applethauthe?
Sunny: No, Daddy, it'th not applethauthe, it'th apple-THAUTHE.
Ben: That's what I said, applethauthe.
Sunny: (trying very hard) No, it'th apple-THAUTHE!
Ben: Oh, you mean applesauce.
Sunny: Yeth, that'th what I thaid, applethauthe.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Quotable Quotes X
1. Tonight at dinner with my parents, Missy said to her grandmother: "You look like almost like you did when you were a real mom."
2. Recently, Sunny was getting in trouble for hitting her sister.
"What happens when you hit your sisters?" Ben asked her.
"They say ow?" Sunny replied.
"Uh, no. After that."
"I go in time out," she pouted.
2. Recently, Sunny was getting in trouble for hitting her sister.
"What happens when you hit your sisters?" Ben asked her.
"They say ow?" Sunny replied.
"Uh, no. After that."
"I go in time out," she pouted.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Quotable Quotes IX
Today after a fairy tale, I asked Missy and Sunny if living happily ever after was automatic after marriage. Sunny said, "Yes," and Missy said, "No."
"Why?" I asked her.
"Because then you have to have kids."
"Why?" I asked her.
"Because then you have to have kids."
Inspired Insanity
We have big news! We are expecting baby #5 in November. I was talking to a friend at church about it after a particularly wild sacrament meeting. I told him that sometimes I think I must be crazy to be having a fifth child. When you really feel it's the right thing to do, though, you do it anyway. "It's inspired insanity," I said.
So yes, with all the remodeling and moving, I have been pregnant. I feel very blessed that I have had less morning sickness with this baby than with the last several. Until now, I have felt progressively worse with each pregnancy. Maybe I have just been too busy this time to notice!
So yes, with all the remodeling and moving, I have been pregnant. I feel very blessed that I have had less morning sickness with this baby than with the last several. Until now, I have felt progressively worse with each pregnancy. Maybe I have just been too busy this time to notice!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
Well, it's that time of year again--Mother's Day. It's a day that many women dread, and I must admit, I approached it with a little trepidation myself. Due to some odd coincidence, Ben is often sick on Mother's Day, so I often end up with less help on Mother's Day than on ordinary days. He did wake with a headache today, but he pulled it together and helped a ton with getting the kids ready! It also helped that they canceled the ward leadership meetings.
My family has been great today. The kids have done tons of cute things. I have received multiple bouquets of wildflowers from our yard, and of course they each made a cute thing for me at church. Ben got all the kids in the car after church while I had a few minutes to talk to my friends.
I enjoyed one talk in particular at church today. It was given by a young mother who is also our Primary President. She mentioned two particular lies that Satan likes to feed mothers: the temptation to compare ourselves to other mothers and that we shouldn't take time for ourselves. She had two great quotes about comparison. The first was "The mother in church with the quiet children is probably as surprised as you are." The second was "When we compare, we are often comparing our worst moments to someone else's best moments." On the second point, if we don't take time to refuel ourselves, we have nothing left to give. Well, nothing positive. It seems there is always more criticism and yelling to give, unfortunately. She mentioned that it's also important to ask for help from people and not just God when we are really struggling.
My tangible gift from Ben today was a Kitchen Aid mixer!!! This is something I have been wanting ever since I got married almost 10 years ago. A week or so ago, Ben asked me what I wanted. Although I knew what I wanted, I was silent.
"You want something you think is too expensive, don't you?" asked my perceptive husband.
"Yes," I responded.
"What is it?" he pressed. I told him, but I didn't really expect him to get it for me. I was so pleased. Now I can't wait to find all my kitchen stuff so I can bake!!! (Most of our furniture is in, but our boxes are in the garage.)
Finally, I could not write an entry on Mother's Day without expressing gratitude and admiration for the wonderful women who have influenced my life. My own mother, of course, comes to mind first. I am so grateful for all her hard work and effort over the years. Being a young mother is very hard work, and she did it so well. My mother possesses a gift for loving and enjoying little children, and she is so good at making them feel special. Although I don't have many memories of early childhood, almost all of my memories are of my mother and her kindness towards me. She showed me such an example that I hope that I can cherish each of my little ones as much as she cherished her own and her grandchildren. My mother also did a marvelous job of teaching us the gospel through her words and actions. Again, I hope I can follow her example.
I love to spend time with my mom even more now that I am grown. I am so grateful for all the help and support she gives me. We lived with her for over a little over a month between houses, and while I'm glad to be in my own house again, I miss seeing her so often.
I am also grateful to all of Ben's mothers. Barbara and Kay both influenced him so much and taught him so well. Our children love their Grandma Terry very much, and I enjoy my time with her, as well. She has been giving us excellent decorating advice on our new home, which I appreciate. Her home is so beautiful!
My grandmothers also come to mind. I could wax rhapsodic, but I think I've gone on long enough. Suffice it to say that I am grateful for them and the time they have spent with me and the things they have taught me. I'm also glad they did a good job raising their children so they could raise me!
I hope that all you mothers have a very Happy Mother's Day. May you each remember, no matter how you may feel about this day, that you are special, and that even if you are not doing a perfect job as a mother, you are the perfect mother for your children.
My family has been great today. The kids have done tons of cute things. I have received multiple bouquets of wildflowers from our yard, and of course they each made a cute thing for me at church. Ben got all the kids in the car after church while I had a few minutes to talk to my friends.
I enjoyed one talk in particular at church today. It was given by a young mother who is also our Primary President. She mentioned two particular lies that Satan likes to feed mothers: the temptation to compare ourselves to other mothers and that we shouldn't take time for ourselves. She had two great quotes about comparison. The first was "The mother in church with the quiet children is probably as surprised as you are." The second was "When we compare, we are often comparing our worst moments to someone else's best moments." On the second point, if we don't take time to refuel ourselves, we have nothing left to give. Well, nothing positive. It seems there is always more criticism and yelling to give, unfortunately. She mentioned that it's also important to ask for help from people and not just God when we are really struggling.
My tangible gift from Ben today was a Kitchen Aid mixer!!! This is something I have been wanting ever since I got married almost 10 years ago. A week or so ago, Ben asked me what I wanted. Although I knew what I wanted, I was silent.
"You want something you think is too expensive, don't you?" asked my perceptive husband.
"Yes," I responded.
"What is it?" he pressed. I told him, but I didn't really expect him to get it for me. I was so pleased. Now I can't wait to find all my kitchen stuff so I can bake!!! (Most of our furniture is in, but our boxes are in the garage.)
Finally, I could not write an entry on Mother's Day without expressing gratitude and admiration for the wonderful women who have influenced my life. My own mother, of course, comes to mind first. I am so grateful for all her hard work and effort over the years. Being a young mother is very hard work, and she did it so well. My mother possesses a gift for loving and enjoying little children, and she is so good at making them feel special. Although I don't have many memories of early childhood, almost all of my memories are of my mother and her kindness towards me. She showed me such an example that I hope that I can cherish each of my little ones as much as she cherished her own and her grandchildren. My mother also did a marvelous job of teaching us the gospel through her words and actions. Again, I hope I can follow her example.
I love to spend time with my mom even more now that I am grown. I am so grateful for all the help and support she gives me. We lived with her for over a little over a month between houses, and while I'm glad to be in my own house again, I miss seeing her so often.
I am also grateful to all of Ben's mothers. Barbara and Kay both influenced him so much and taught him so well. Our children love their Grandma Terry very much, and I enjoy my time with her, as well. She has been giving us excellent decorating advice on our new home, which I appreciate. Her home is so beautiful!
My grandmothers also come to mind. I could wax rhapsodic, but I think I've gone on long enough. Suffice it to say that I am grateful for them and the time they have spent with me and the things they have taught me. I'm also glad they did a good job raising their children so they could raise me!
I hope that all you mothers have a very Happy Mother's Day. May you each remember, no matter how you may feel about this day, that you are special, and that even if you are not doing a perfect job as a mother, you are the perfect mother for your children.
Monday, April 20, 2009
HALLELUJAH!!!
Things have been really crazy this week! We did close on Tuesday, and we jumped in with both feet on the remodeling. The house is already quite unrecognizable on the inside. The paneling is off, and it's amazing how much lighter and brighter it is. We are basically finished with all the demolition, so now begins the slow process of cleaning and putting things back together! I'm really excited about the new paint and carpet, and I can't wait to see things really take shape. With any luck (and lots of help), we will be able to move in 2 weeks.
We are so very grateful to the family and friends who have been helping with the remodeling work and childcare. My parents, especially, have been wonderful. They have watched the children more than I expected, and they are so gracious about having 6 extra people messing up their house!
We are so very grateful to the family and friends who have been helping with the remodeling work and childcare. My parents, especially, have been wonderful. They have watched the children more than I expected, and they are so gracious about having 6 extra people messing up their house!
Monday, April 13, 2009
The end is in sight!
We finally do have a closing date set on our new house! If all goes as planned, we will sit down to sign papers at 8:30 am on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. One nice thing about buying a HUD home is that we won't have to wait 72 hours--we can go right over and take possession! We are very excited.
There is still a substantial amount of work that needs to be done before it will be habitable, but the end is truly in sight. We need to rip out paneling, then paint, and install baseboards and flooring in several of the rooms. A bathroom vanity would also be quite helpful. Despite the work remaining, I do feel truly blessed for the work that has been done. The new "heart" of our electrical system certainly does bring peace of mind. The basement and back family room are also ready to move into, as is the master bedroom. Buster's room needs the most, including a door and a light fixture!
We are still staying with my parents, which the kids think is lots of fun. I'm glad they have been out of school! Kandy and Missy do return to school on Tuesday, but from now on, if I'm not at the bus stop waiting, they will just walk to the new house since I will be there working. I am so looking forward to not needing to wake up kids to get them from the bus stop every day!
There is still a substantial amount of work that needs to be done before it will be habitable, but the end is truly in sight. We need to rip out paneling, then paint, and install baseboards and flooring in several of the rooms. A bathroom vanity would also be quite helpful. Despite the work remaining, I do feel truly blessed for the work that has been done. The new "heart" of our electrical system certainly does bring peace of mind. The basement and back family room are also ready to move into, as is the master bedroom. Buster's room needs the most, including a door and a light fixture!
We are still staying with my parents, which the kids think is lots of fun. I'm glad they have been out of school! Kandy and Missy do return to school on Tuesday, but from now on, if I'm not at the bus stop waiting, they will just walk to the new house since I will be there working. I am so looking forward to not needing to wake up kids to get them from the bus stop every day!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Quotable Quotes VIII
Just as we were about to send the kids to bed, Sunny piped up: "I'm so tired! I want some breakfast."
Sunny came up as her brother started fussing after his nap. "I didn't wake him up! He woke up himself when I went in to jump on the bed."
Sunny came up as her brother started fussing after his nap. "I didn't wake him up! He woke up himself when I went in to jump on the bed."
Friday, March 27, 2009
Crazy Saturday!
Well, we didn't close on the new house. It still doesn't have power! We are still having Kandy's baptism and brunch on Saturday. In the afternoon, we will move all our stuff into a storage unit and camp out with my parents until we close. We are praying that it will be soon.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Check-ups!
Kandy, Missy, and Buster all had their check-ups today. Missy broke the 40 lb mark. Buster is 21 lbs. Kandy's chart says she is 50th percentile in height and weight; Missy and Buster are both 70th in height and 50th in weight. Everyone is healthy, but Missy may need glasses...
We have drywall!
Yay! They put the new drywall in our new house today! Phew, what a relief. We should be able to close next week (fingers crossed).
So on Saturday, March 28, we will have Kandy's baptism in the morning, followed by the brunch and her Powder Puff Derby. That afternoon, we would appreciate any help in moving.
I have been packing all week. I hope you are all well!
So on Saturday, March 28, we will have Kandy's baptism in the morning, followed by the brunch and her Powder Puff Derby. That afternoon, we would appreciate any help in moving.
I have been packing all week. I hope you are all well!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Q & A with Kandy (8) Missy (6) and Sunny (3)
My sister-in-law posted this, and I just had to do it, too!
If you have a kid old enough to answer, do this...it was really worth it for the laughs!!
Cut and paste these questions and ask your kids their answers....
These are all direct quotes (except changing things from “you” to “she/her,” etc). Some of them make sense, some of them I have no idea where they came from!
1. What is something mom always says to you?
K: Do your homework.
M: I love you, Missy.
S: Get my shoes and coat on.
2. What makes mom happy?
K: When I help with my brother.
M: Doing good things for her.
S: Getting shoes and coat on by myself
3. What makes mom sad?
K: When I don’t obey her.
M: Not obeying her.
S: When I get hurt.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
K: Say silly things
M: Tickling me
S: By doing silly faces
5. What was your mom like as a child?
K: Very curious.
M: Cute.
S: Not jumping on her bed.
6. How old is your mom?
K: 32
M: 31
S: I don’t know.
7. How tall is your mom?
K: 6 feet 7 inches
M: Like, I don’t know. About a quarter and a half.
S: Like ...this tall. (Pointing to my head)
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
K: Play on Facebook.
M: Play with me.
S: Go places with Buster.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
K: Play the computer.
M: Work.
S: Do mommy boring stuff
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
K: Being a babysitter
M: Money.
S: Mad
11. What is your mom really good at?
K: Having fun with her kids.
M: Washing the dishes.
S: Winning. “You’re good at winning and losing, huh?”
12. What is your mom not very good at?
K: Being neat.
M: Dancing.
S: Playing games on her computer. (I’m not sure she understood the question...)
13. What does your mom do for a job?
K: Do real estate.
M: Play on the computer.
S: Do stuff that we do happy things.
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
K: Healthy choice meals.
M: Healthy choice meals. (I do eat those for lunch a lot. I prefer hot lunches to sandwiches.)
S: Chicken
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
K: She makes really good spaghetti.
M: Having her as a mommy.
S: Playing games with me.
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
K: Ariel
M: Larry
S: Ostrich
17. What do you and your mom do together?
K: Go shopping
M: play games
S: Play games with each other.
18. How are you and your mom the same?
K: We both have dry hands and get weather cracks
M: We both have one hand that doesn’t have any cracks.
S: Like, we grow. (Thanks, Sid the Science Kid.)
19. How are you and your mom different?
K: She plays on the computer a lot, and I do my homework.
M: She has glasses and I don’t.
S: Of doing the things Momma doesn’t know. We know how to build a fort on the couch, and she doesn’t know that.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
K: Give me kisses and hugs.
M: By smiling at me.
S: Of doing the things Momma says I have to do.
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
K: He’s handsome.
M: He goes to work.
S: You love him because he’s your very bestest daddy of mine.
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
K: Anywhere with her kids.
M: To the store.
S: Visiting teaching.
If you have a kid old enough to answer, do this...it was really worth it for the laughs!!
Cut and paste these questions and ask your kids their answers....
These are all direct quotes (except changing things from “you” to “she/her,” etc). Some of them make sense, some of them I have no idea where they came from!
1. What is something mom always says to you?
K: Do your homework.
M: I love you, Missy.
S: Get my shoes and coat on.
2. What makes mom happy?
K: When I help with my brother.
M: Doing good things for her.
S: Getting shoes and coat on by myself
3. What makes mom sad?
K: When I don’t obey her.
M: Not obeying her.
S: When I get hurt.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
K: Say silly things
M: Tickling me
S: By doing silly faces
5. What was your mom like as a child?
K: Very curious.
M: Cute.
S: Not jumping on her bed.
6. How old is your mom?
K: 32
M: 31
S: I don’t know.
7. How tall is your mom?
K: 6 feet 7 inches
M: Like, I don’t know. About a quarter and a half.
S: Like ...this tall. (Pointing to my head)
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
K: Play on Facebook.
M: Play with me.
S: Go places with Buster.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
K: Play the computer.
M: Work.
S: Do mommy boring stuff
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
K: Being a babysitter
M: Money.
S: Mad
11. What is your mom really good at?
K: Having fun with her kids.
M: Washing the dishes.
S: Winning. “You’re good at winning and losing, huh?”
12. What is your mom not very good at?
K: Being neat.
M: Dancing.
S: Playing games on her computer. (I’m not sure she understood the question...)
13. What does your mom do for a job?
K: Do real estate.
M: Play on the computer.
S: Do stuff that we do happy things.
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
K: Healthy choice meals.
M: Healthy choice meals. (I do eat those for lunch a lot. I prefer hot lunches to sandwiches.)
S: Chicken
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
K: She makes really good spaghetti.
M: Having her as a mommy.
S: Playing games with me.
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
K: Ariel
M: Larry
S: Ostrich
17. What do you and your mom do together?
K: Go shopping
M: play games
S: Play games with each other.
18. How are you and your mom the same?
K: We both have dry hands and get weather cracks
M: We both have one hand that doesn’t have any cracks.
S: Like, we grow. (Thanks, Sid the Science Kid.)
19. How are you and your mom different?
K: She plays on the computer a lot, and I do my homework.
M: She has glasses and I don’t.
S: Of doing the things Momma doesn’t know. We know how to build a fort on the couch, and she doesn’t know that.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
K: Give me kisses and hugs.
M: By smiling at me.
S: Of doing the things Momma says I have to do.
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
K: He’s handsome.
M: He goes to work.
S: You love him because he’s your very bestest daddy of mine.
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
K: Anywhere with her kids.
M: To the store.
S: Visiting teaching.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Kandy's Baptism Plans
Kandy is 8 years old today! For those of you who would like to come to her baptism, it will be on Saturday, March28 at 9:00am. Early, I know, but our stake is having the Powder Puff Pinewood Derby that day, and it's the first year she gets to participate!
Our stake center is located at 1401 West 700 South in Salt Lake City. We will be having a brunch following the baptism, and it will be at our church, which is on the corner of 500 South and Emery Street (1170 West). Please let us know if you are planning on coming!
Our stake center is located at 1401 West 700 South in Salt Lake City. We will be having a brunch following the baptism, and it will be at our church, which is on the corner of 500 South and Emery Street (1170 West). Please let us know if you are planning on coming!
Monday, March 9, 2009
House Update
I know, I'm behind on blogging. I need to write about Missy and Buster's birthdays, but I wanted to write this first today!
We are overwhelmed with gratitude, excitement, and joy as we ponder the latest news on our new house. Due to the fire damage, the electrical panel needed to be replaced. Therefore, at no cost to us, we are getting a brand new electrical panel that will be safer and able to handle a higher load than the old one. We will also have a breaker on the external box, which simple feature would have prevented the fire in the first place. The city is also running new lines from the pole to the house. When I spoke with the electrician, he said those lines were in such pitiful shape that he was surprised they hadn't already had problems! The city will come and inspect the electrical work.
We need new drywall in the stairwell and on the kitchen ceiling. The firefighters knocked one hole to fight the blaze, and the electrician had to make another small hole for wiring.
The most recent news is, to me, the most amazing. This is an older home, so naturally, there is lead-based paint on the premises. We had originally agreed to buy the home as-is, but for some reason, they now need to remove the lead dust in the property. They have removed all the upstairs carpet, exposing hardwood in most of the upstairs! They are going to put down a new coat of polyurethane. They are trying to rush so we can be moved in by April 1, when the new renters' lease agreement starts here.
This fire has truly been a blessing in disguise. We will still need to put on a new roof and do some other remodeling, but we are very happy with what they will have done.
We are overwhelmed with gratitude, excitement, and joy as we ponder the latest news on our new house. Due to the fire damage, the electrical panel needed to be replaced. Therefore, at no cost to us, we are getting a brand new electrical panel that will be safer and able to handle a higher load than the old one. We will also have a breaker on the external box, which simple feature would have prevented the fire in the first place. The city is also running new lines from the pole to the house. When I spoke with the electrician, he said those lines were in such pitiful shape that he was surprised they hadn't already had problems! The city will come and inspect the electrical work.
We need new drywall in the stairwell and on the kitchen ceiling. The firefighters knocked one hole to fight the blaze, and the electrician had to make another small hole for wiring.
The most recent news is, to me, the most amazing. This is an older home, so naturally, there is lead-based paint on the premises. We had originally agreed to buy the home as-is, but for some reason, they now need to remove the lead dust in the property. They have removed all the upstairs carpet, exposing hardwood in most of the upstairs! They are going to put down a new coat of polyurethane. They are trying to rush so we can be moved in by April 1, when the new renters' lease agreement starts here.
This fire has truly been a blessing in disguise. We will still need to put on a new roof and do some other remodeling, but we are very happy with what they will have done.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Birthday Memories
I'm a little pensive today. Some of it has to do with the fact that it is Missy's birthday. She is 6 years old! Every time one of my kids has a birthday, I naturally think of the day they entered this world. Missy was born in the morning. We went to the hospital at 2am. Ben had to leave shortly after her birth because they had just been attacked by a computer virus at work, and he had to try and clean up the mess. Missy was named after my very talkative grandmother, Gani. We made her come to the hospital before we would tell her the name, and when she heard it, she just opened and closed her mouth a few times before she could even speak.Gani with Missy
My grandmother passed away when Missy was about 11 months old. I'm glad she lived long enough to witness her namesake since I had always planned on naming my second daughter after her. So I think of my Gani today, too.Missy, moments after her arrival.
Missy, 2 weeks old
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