We didn't get to a cemetery today. In fact, I'm not positive I got out of my pajamas. Dave got some things done on his honey-do list and otherwise we didn't do much of anything besides read books. Eventually Dave went to the store and got something to throw on the grill because that is what you do on Memorial Day. Then Jeanne and I watched two more episodes of Alias and went to bed. It was a beautiful day to not do much of anything. :)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May 29, 2010 - The Day the Suns Set
After a great run - down to the final four - the Suns lost to the Lakers in six games. Now the boring Lakers and the boring Celtics move on to compete in the NBA Finals. Snore.
The victory for the Suns is that they got the monkey off their back and swept San Antonio. Score!
Hopefully this team will just continue to improve. They were an amazing team the second half of the season, and I think that they will do well next year and be a force to be reckoned with!
May 28, 2010 - Cousins
Before Jeanne had the baby, we decided we wanted to do a sleepover with Erin and Rachel. She had the baby early, so it was postponed until last night. Dave took the kids out of the house so that we could stay up as late as we wanted (thanks, Dave!) and the silliness began. Fortunately, our niece, Ellen, who is almost 18 and really closer to us than the kids in her generation, came into town with her dad at the last minute. We decided that we would allow her to join our crazy group.
After a dinner of Indian food (Chicken Coconut Kurma, Chicken Tikka, and Shrimp Curry), Ellen decided to try on Erin's wedding dress. Rachel took charge of the photo shoot and said things like, "Now look like Ellen just said something funny!" and "Now look at her fake ring!"
Ellen in Erin's wedding dress
Ellen saying something funny.
Ellen showing off her pretend engagement ring.
Blue dress - Junior Prom; Black dress - Senior Prom
The baby was not exactly happy being the only boy around!
Then Rachel broke out her caramel corn and put her hair up in a bow and the party really got started.
We played toss the dips. Yeah - like those ice cream dips.
After a dinner of Indian food (Chicken Coconut Kurma, Chicken Tikka, and Shrimp Curry), Ellen decided to try on Erin's wedding dress. Rachel took charge of the photo shoot and said things like, "Now look like Ellen just said something funny!" and "Now look at her fake ring!"
Ellen in Erin's wedding dress
Ellen saying something funny.
Ellen showing off her pretend engagement ring.Then we took it one step further and I got out my prom dresses for Erin and Ellen to try on. No way they could fit me! Erin was happy with the swishing sound that my really awesome taffeta midnight blue dress made. There was a lot of laughter going on.
Blue dress - Junior Prom; Black dress - Senior Prom
The baby was not exactly happy being the only boy around!
Then Rachel broke out her caramel corn and put her hair up in a bow and the party really got started.
We played toss the dips. Yeah - like those ice cream dips.Finally around midnight we settled in to watch "13 Going on 30" because we really hadn't been juvenile enough. After the movie we fell asleep and then woke up at 8:30 to go to Kneaders for breakfast.
There is something wonderful about your cousins also being your friends. It really is a blessing!
There is something wonderful about your cousins also being your friends. It really is a blessing!
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28, 2010 - A New Look
It looks like we are going to be okay now in terms of backyard flooding, so I want to name my blog something else. Please leave your suggestions in the comments and then I will pick the top three that I like and put it to a vote. Thanks!
May 28, 2010 - Paid in Full
A couple of weeks ago, Josh gave a presentation for his Kindergarten class on the giraffe. These presentations were a precursor to a major zoo trip that the Kindergarten took after they were finished. As part of the presentation, he had to know what a giraffe eats, how tall they are, how fast they go, what they do with their babies, and where they live. We spent many days going over it with him, but in the end, you just don't know what they will come up with.
Josh decided that he wanted to do a mobile so we got a hanger and printed off pictures of giraffes, Africa, the eucalyptus tree, and a few other things. Then the big day came. I arrived first out of the other parents of the kids on the schedule, so Josh got to go first. He mostly faced the mobile and read off of it until it came time for Q&A, and then he faced the class and answered the questions. I could tell he was nervous, but he remembered everything we had discussed and that's all I can ask for! He's got years before he needs to make major presentations at medical conferences. ;)
In other Josh news - yesterday he went to hang out with Amabuela for the day since he had an unused snow day and hasn't been to her house other than once or twice this year. He was playing with sidewalk chalk and on the driveway wrote:
"We love you. You're very nice. You take care of us and you love us in your own way. Love, Josh.
Accompanied by giant yellow and pink flower.
I asked him about it later and he said that they are told to do things "in our own way" at school. Love the creativity in this kid.
And finally - this morning he was cleaning up his bedroom and brought me a dime and 8 pennies and said, "Mom, this money is to thank you, for all you have done to raise me."
I will probably keep that dime and 8 pennies forever.
Josh decided that he wanted to do a mobile so we got a hanger and printed off pictures of giraffes, Africa, the eucalyptus tree, and a few other things. Then the big day came. I arrived first out of the other parents of the kids on the schedule, so Josh got to go first. He mostly faced the mobile and read off of it until it came time for Q&A, and then he faced the class and answered the questions. I could tell he was nervous, but he remembered everything we had discussed and that's all I can ask for! He's got years before he needs to make major presentations at medical conferences. ;)
In other Josh news - yesterday he went to hang out with Amabuela for the day since he had an unused snow day and hasn't been to her house other than once or twice this year. He was playing with sidewalk chalk and on the driveway wrote:"We love you. You're very nice. You take care of us and you love us in your own way. Love, Josh.
Accompanied by giant yellow and pink flower.
I asked him about it later and he said that they are told to do things "in our own way" at school. Love the creativity in this kid.
And finally - this morning he was cleaning up his bedroom and brought me a dime and 8 pennies and said, "Mom, this money is to thank you, for all you have done to raise me."
I will probably keep that dime and 8 pennies forever.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010 - Clara Date
Normally on Thursdays Clara goes over to my mom's house to play for the day. They have their own little routines that I am not allowed to interfere with, so I am happy to drop her off and have a few hours to get things done before Josh gets home from school. Today, since Josh was off for an unused snow day, he decided to go over and hang out instead, allowing me to take Clara on a date.
Purple Robe Locust at Gardner Village - I'm planting one of these in my front yard and backyard one of these days when I have energy.
Jeanne and the baby decided to join us (he had a lot of say in the matter) and we headed over to Gardner Village. It's a sunny, windy day. Perfect for wandering around shops, and they are having their 30th Anniversary sale so I wanted to see if I could find a couple of things for cheaper. I got a clock for $8 that is exactly what I have been looking for to add to my entertainment center downstairs. We had lunch at Archibald's - I had my favorite hamburger ever.
After shopping, Jeanne needed to feed the baby so she stayed in the car while Clara and I headed over to ride the ponies. We had never done that at Gardner Village, but she loves them at Thanksgiving Point. She is a HORSE FREAK and was really well behaved for the three hours we were there so I figured $1 an hour for good behavior was worth it.
Clara riding Sparky (which was the pony's name)
Purple Robe Locust at Gardner Village - I'm planting one of these in my front yard and backyard one of these days when I have energy.Jeanne and the baby decided to join us (he had a lot of say in the matter) and we headed over to Gardner Village. It's a sunny, windy day. Perfect for wandering around shops, and they are having their 30th Anniversary sale so I wanted to see if I could find a couple of things for cheaper. I got a clock for $8 that is exactly what I have been looking for to add to my entertainment center downstairs. We had lunch at Archibald's - I had my favorite hamburger ever.
After shopping, Jeanne needed to feed the baby so she stayed in the car while Clara and I headed over to ride the ponies. We had never done that at Gardner Village, but she loves them at Thanksgiving Point. She is a HORSE FREAK and was really well behaved for the three hours we were there so I figured $1 an hour for good behavior was worth it.
Clara riding Sparky (which was the pony's name)Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Crimes and Consequences
Date: 5/26/2010Time: Around 4pm
The Suspects: Clara, Aidan, Ava, Sabrina and Josh (otherwise known as "The Blur")
The Crime: Opening the entertainment center doors (a big no-no well established), climbing up on the entertainment center, jumping onto the lovesac
The Detective: Rachel
The Evidence: Indisputable
The Trial: Swift
The Verdict: Guilty
The Consequence: No pizza, no movie, and a 7pm bedtime
BUSTED.
May 25, 2010 - Close to the End of School
Summer is upon us, even though the weather indicates that it is early Spring. We've had the dance recital, school projects are being sent home, kids are getting antsy, I'M getting antsy.
Summer for me always meant Utah - so it's good that now I live here. Summer in my neighborhood means night after night after night of standing in the street talking to neighbors while bikes swarm around us. Endless otter pops and kids in swimsuits all day long. Creative ways to BBQ. Open windows and sunshine.
Summer means farmers' markets and splash parks and picnics. Fireworks and ice cream in the driveway. Staying up late watching movies and even a few trips to the drive-in.
This summer I have an almost-seven-year-old-who-reminds-me-daily-when-his-birthday-is and a four year old who is fearless. Kids who know to look both ways before crossing the street (even though sometimes they don't). They are even starting to sleep in past 5:00am.
I'm looking forward to Summer.
Summer for me always meant Utah - so it's good that now I live here. Summer in my neighborhood means night after night after night of standing in the street talking to neighbors while bikes swarm around us. Endless otter pops and kids in swimsuits all day long. Creative ways to BBQ. Open windows and sunshine.
Summer means farmers' markets and splash parks and picnics. Fireworks and ice cream in the driveway. Staying up late watching movies and even a few trips to the drive-in.
This summer I have an almost-seven-year-old-who-reminds-me-daily-when-his-birthday-is and a four year old who is fearless. Kids who know to look both ways before crossing the street (even though sometimes they don't). They are even starting to sleep in past 5:00am.
I'm looking forward to Summer.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010 - Backposts
Not that many people read my blog, but I just backdated a ton of posts - travel, weddings, births, holidays, etc. So if you are a die hard reader just because you love me, and you are bored out of your mind and need to see pictures, go look at older posts.
Monday, May 24, 2010
May 24, 2010 - Clara's Dance Recital
Tonight my favorite four year old in the whole world had her Spring dance recital. We arrived at the school and went to the music room to get her ready. She said very excitedly, "Mom, is THIS my dance recital?!" I told her it was and she said, "Look at all my friends!" I waited with her for a little while and then went to the auditorium to join Dave and Josh.
Clara waiting for her dance to start.
Clara and her friend, Eden.
Clara and her friend, Talya
Clara on stage!
Dancing to "Just Can't Wait to be King"
Clara and her teacher, Ms. Lisa.
Clara and me
Clara waiting for her dance to start.
Clara and her friend, Eden.
Clara and her friend, Talya
Clara on stage!
Dancing to "Just Can't Wait to be King"
Clara and her teacher, Ms. Lisa.
Clara and meMonday, May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010 - Capturing a Moment
When we moved here six years ago, we became friends with our neighbors across the street. Since then, we have watched each others' kids grow and progress and get even cuter. Last week their girls came over to play for the afternoon and we played tag in the front yard. I love these girls so much - they are my friends!
Gabi and Clara
Josh and Kate
Josh and Kate
These two are the best of friends and so funny together. I love listening to them talk to each other. Kate was Josh's first kiss when they were about a year old and barely walking. She dipped him back and planted a kiss on him.
Gabi, Josh, Kate, and Clara
Ring Around the Rosy
Silly, crazy, happy kids
Gabi and Clara
Josh and Kate
Josh and Kate
These two are the best of friends and so funny together. I love listening to them talk to each other. Kate was Josh's first kiss when they were about a year old and barely walking. She dipped him back and planted a kiss on him.
Gabi, Josh, Kate, and Clara
Ring Around the Rosy
Silly, crazy, happy kidsSunday, May 16, 2010
May 16, 2009 - Still Catching Up
I'm still stuck in January in my head. Interestingly the weather seems to be joining me. The past few months have been a blur. I don't remember April other than it involved a lot of driving. It seems impossible that we are halfway through May.
My cousins from Hawaii have been staying with us since March, because Jeanne was pregnant with her 5th baby, she has c-sections, and the medical care on the Big Island is a bit of a nightmare. She had decided to come home to have the baby and stay with her parents, but, due to some health issues that wasn't possible. So we made the decision that out of all of the other houses, we were most equipped to have her family stay with us. It has been a lot of fun, and also a lot of chaos as we have navigated taking care of so many kids. The baby was born two weeks early because Jeanne was measuring six weeks ahead, which made us adjust our schedule a bit. Shortly after the baby was born, he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, an infection in his lungs, a heart murmur, and a few other problems. Jeanne's husband was able to fly out last minute for the weekend when the birth date was switched, but, he had to fly back to Hawaii. The baby had to stay in the NICU for a week, and so Dave and I had Jeanne's boys during that time. Her oldest son is homeschooled so we worked to keep him on track, keep our kids on their schedule, and also drive back and forth to the hospital in Orem.
There have been amazing blessings that have come from this. Jeanne and I have grown even closer than we were (which is hard to believe), and I have developed a love for her children through spending this daily time for them that is far more motherly than I usually develop towards other children.
It has also been difficult and emotional and I have been sick on and off through the experience so my reaction to things has been heightened. A lot of other things have been pushed aside that are important to me, and I have dropped the ball in other areas because I have been trying to do the right thing and be there for Jeanne and her family. I also have had some serious edema issues in my leg and have been going to a lymph therapist to help. It's just been a roller coaster of emotions. I'm hoping that the second half of 2010 isn't quite so crazy.
My cousins from Hawaii have been staying with us since March, because Jeanne was pregnant with her 5th baby, she has c-sections, and the medical care on the Big Island is a bit of a nightmare. She had decided to come home to have the baby and stay with her parents, but, due to some health issues that wasn't possible. So we made the decision that out of all of the other houses, we were most equipped to have her family stay with us. It has been a lot of fun, and also a lot of chaos as we have navigated taking care of so many kids. The baby was born two weeks early because Jeanne was measuring six weeks ahead, which made us adjust our schedule a bit. Shortly after the baby was born, he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, an infection in his lungs, a heart murmur, and a few other problems. Jeanne's husband was able to fly out last minute for the weekend when the birth date was switched, but, he had to fly back to Hawaii. The baby had to stay in the NICU for a week, and so Dave and I had Jeanne's boys during that time. Her oldest son is homeschooled so we worked to keep him on track, keep our kids on their schedule, and also drive back and forth to the hospital in Orem.
There have been amazing blessings that have come from this. Jeanne and I have grown even closer than we were (which is hard to believe), and I have developed a love for her children through spending this daily time for them that is far more motherly than I usually develop towards other children.
It has also been difficult and emotional and I have been sick on and off through the experience so my reaction to things has been heightened. A lot of other things have been pushed aside that are important to me, and I have dropped the ball in other areas because I have been trying to do the right thing and be there for Jeanne and her family. I also have had some serious edema issues in my leg and have been going to a lymph therapist to help. It's just been a roller coaster of emotions. I'm hoping that the second half of 2010 isn't quite so crazy.
Friday, May 14, 2010
May 14, 2010 - Brian Somers Gets Married
After YEARS of waiting, our friend Brian Somers got married! We met his wife at the reception and she is lovely and gracious and we are excited to get to know her better.
Weddings are fun because you get to see old friends. Rob Curle, Cheryl Smith, Brian Somers, and I, spent a great deal of time together back in the late 90s as we navigated our way through our 20s in Northern Virginia. Cheryl and I were roommates and Rob and Brian were on the Institute Council with me. We spent hours and hours and hours at the Big House watching movies, discussing politics, and generally analyzing the world. Now we are older and realize we know nothing, but are much better at faking it.
Rob, Heidi, Cheryl, and Brian
Brian and Jennifer Somers
Weddings are fun because you get to see old friends. Rob Curle, Cheryl Smith, Brian Somers, and I, spent a great deal of time together back in the late 90s as we navigated our way through our 20s in Northern Virginia. Cheryl and I were roommates and Rob and Brian were on the Institute Council with me. We spent hours and hours and hours at the Big House watching movies, discussing politics, and generally analyzing the world. Now we are older and realize we know nothing, but are much better at faking it.
Rob, Heidi, Cheryl, and Brian
Brian and Jennifer SomersMonday, May 3, 2010
Women's Conference: 2010
I didn't go. I wish that I had gone, because I think it would have been cool, but Kacy didn't invite me to go until after it was over, and then she invited me for next year. So, now I have to wait an entire year to go. Do you think she invited me now, knowing how popular and overscheduled I am, so that I can get it on my calendar? Or, do you think that it was a guilt thing because on her blog post about Women's Conference in the comments section I wrote, "You never invite me to anything." I'm just sayin'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)