Happy Birthday!

Now that I have a camera that will record sound I was excited to share this fun little video, but over the past week it's not been working out for me to well, So I'm trying out the YouTube way:

Hope this works:

Happy Birthday & Anniversary!

Happy 34th Birthday John! With my traveling and the house in mayhem I wondered how we were going to make this a special day for John. My family helped a lot with the gifts (thanks for taking me shopping with you Mom so he would have stuff!) and the phone calls, text messages. It was fun to have him home for the day, we opened gifts first thing in the morning, and had birthday cake Late last night.

The girls actually broke into the cake a lil early...as I was out of the room at the time.

The middle of the day is kind of a blur, besides the doors that were being painted we decided to take a "quick" trip down to the Old Cannery, a furniture store a mile down the road. The last time we were there we didn't find anything of interest and so my expectations were quite low-but we actually found my square kitchen table with 8 chairs (might even be able to invite friends over to eat after all this-look for your invitation :D) and our black leather furniture-which is our 5 year anniversary gifts to one another.

With that said, today is my anniversary, 5 years. Is that a long time? I guess it depends on what your comparing it to-If we were miserable I think it might have been a long 5 years, but most of the time I think we are just trying to find time to spend with one another. Needless to say the time has flown and so much has happened. I was thinking last night as I was getting ready for bed how my life would be different if I John and I had never married. The obvious would be I wouldn't be in Washington, have my 2 beautiful girls or this lil boy that will be hopefully joining us soon, oh what a different life I would be living. I know I've been very blessed by this wonderful Man who shows me more Love than I could ever imagine from anyone. The 3-1/2 weeks while in Utah was actually so much harder to be away from him than I thought it was going to be, I just missed him so much. His smile, his laugh, his kisses...the way he plays with the girls and takes care of them and even watching him as he works and interacts with others. He teaches and uplifts me in so many ways and truly is wonderful. I really couldn't imagine being with anyone else, that there could be anyone more perfect for me than he is! Happy Anniversary John & I LOVE YOU!

2003

Rantings of a Mad Woman/McKenna Starts School

I should put a warning label on this post as it might be viewed at ranting and ravings of a mad woman, because that's how I felt yesterday. It started out like most everyday, girls slept in a little later than usual but they have both dropped a nap and have been pretty tired so it didn't seem too out of place. After they woke up and diapers were changed (someday that won't be plural anymore) I was taking the diapers out to the trash when I opened the door to the carport and as I looked down, something caught my eye. I was so unprepared for the reality of what sat before me as I don't have any pets that I know of...but there it was a mouse head. No body, just the head...I'll spare you the details as I'm trying to forget. I think I should've taken it as a sign for how the rest of the day would go.

How is this for the best bedhead ever? That's my Ragamuffin!
The shining light of my day was my friend Ady who called and wanted to come visit, bringing with her Hot Chocolate and a slice of pumpkin both from Starbucks. It was so good to see her, and although a nice chat between friends was what we were hoping to get out of the visit my kids had other plans. McKenna spent most of the morning in her room because she's struggling with the concept of sharing and then although given the option to leave she stayed screaming, crying, and throwing a tantrum (aka toys, shoes, blankets whatever she could get her hands on). We haven't been through this in over a month and I have to admit I haven't missed it.

AFter Ady left we had lunch and got McKenna ready for school and her first day on the bus. She actually started school on Monday-I dropped Tyler off at a friends and then I took her to Daffodil and met her teacher Christen Robinson. I was pleasantly surprised at McKenna's excitement to be going to school and it never disapated. Even when I told her I was leaving she gave me a hug and then waved good-bye and never gave it a 2nd thought. It was AWESOME! Anyway as we waited for the bus the time passed and at 10 minutes before class was to start I realized that the bus wasn't coming. Still in my pajamas I threw the kids in the car, grabbed my sunglasses because it's like a mask and no one will know who I am and we headed to school. Luckily one of the teachers assistants was outside to take McKenna in, never thought to ask why, was just happy we didn't have to walk through the school.



By the time John got home, which was really quite early my nerves and patience were shot. I feel bad for my family and Braden who had come over to help because "witch" is the only thing I can think of to describe my behavior. The only thing I can say is there's hope because "tomorrow is another day."

House Renovation update

The girls and I got home last night and found the house painted and the hardwood floors in and I have to tell you right off, it's beautiful. I was a little bit nervous not sure what I"d think as I walked into my house to find it wasn't my house at all. McKenna said it best as we walked in, she exclaimed very excitedly, "a new house! where's my scooter". The girl has priorities but both her and Tyler love it almost as much as I do. Not only did my kitchen have a beautiful floor and paint, but new appliances. They were almost as pretty as the rest of the house. I love the new arrangement of our floor plan as the main floor just feels roomier. n

Mike hard at work!

It's light and a little shaggy and is perfect!

First meal in the new kitchen as a family: Microwave Lasagna with elegant paperware. Lots of fun!

John Update

Quick update on John: He went to see the Hand Specialist today. He was there for quite a while, guess his thumb didn't look to good. His words being: "Like a hot dog that had exploded in the microwave." Nice huh? Anyway they cleaned and re-wrapped it and then he goes back on Thursday to get it checked. Won't know for 3 weeks if he'll need a pin or not, gotta give it time to heal on it's own. Progress continues as we have great friends who have all volunteered to keep things going so there is some space to live in when the girls and I get home on Saturday.

Home Renovation-Picture Progress

Grandpa in action

Sunset from kitchen window, what a view

New windows

Just missing my kitchen sink

Men at work

Kitchen with walls

Family room with walls

Farms, Saws and a Police Ride

What a day! Can't you pretty much say that about most days when you sit down and reflect upon everything that you did or happened?

Ever since I saw/read my cousin Kim's post about the Petting Farm down at Thanksgiving Point I've wanted to go there with the girls and since we're leaving next Saturday I decided today was the day. Early this morning we loaded up the cars and headed down; Grandma & Grandpa, Gregg and his 2 girls and then we met Ashley & Jordon there. It was a real party and the place lived up to all expectations, we had a great time!

Ashley!

Ew, Stinky

More P-L-E-A-S-E

New Babysitter

I got a phone call around 5 pm from John, he didn't sound too happy and when I asked why, well I can't say that I was really prepared for him to answer, "I'm in the ER." With a project this big I wondered about an accident and whether it was an if or a when...Luckily before anyone reading this panics it's not too bad. Later that night after going through a series of phone calls with shotty service I found out the following:

John had been having a wonderful day, the weather was perfect, the BYU game was playing on the radio and they were doing really quite well, and John was outside putting up the trim on the kitchen windows and it was looking pretty good. Things were going really well until as he was making a lil cut with the saw and ignoring the lil voice in his head suggesting he use a guide (we all ignore it everytime and again) and Wham! it happened he cut his the tip of his thumb. The voice in his head at this time said, "yep you knew it would happen and now it has, you cut your thumb." So he ran inside and washed the wound, grabbed a towel and wrapped it and then ran to the neighbors. (good thing he's a runner, it really came in handy today.) Our good neighbor Roger dropped everything and they jumped in the car and headed to Good Samaritan. Unfortunately the Puyallup Fair is going on which is on the way and means heavy traffic. 3 blocks from the hospital as they were in traffic that was crawling Roger called out to a Policewoman and asked for help with the situation. Against regulations she put John in the back of the cruiser (which he says is not too comfortable) and took him straight to the hospital to do as you do in the ER, to wait. As he was standing in line he started to get a lil woozy he decided to sit on the floor which finally got the attention of a nurse who took him immediately back to a dr. After an X-ray and a chuckle from a Dr after he found out John was a Physical Therapist the outcome is that John has Fractured his thumb-on his left hand.

They wrapped up his thumb with some mesh and surgical tape, no stitches and told him to go see a hand specialist in a few days. Not ideal for getting work done, but we truly are thankful it wasn't worse, like a bigger cut, his whole hand or some ligaments.

Other than that I got away for a girls night out with my Sister Shelly this evening, as we went and saw "The Women". New Movie with Meg Ryan and a bunch of other big names, funny enough there isn't one male in the whole movie. Not even in the background. Interesting movie...

Trying to remember what I had planned for tonights posting. John said the Drywall is up. Gustavo and his crew worked until 2 am and it was done. Ceiling, walls, closets, it's all done! Crazy, who really works that late? Reasoning was it's the life of a Mud & Tape guy-you work when you have work cuz there isn't always work. John says that the place is coming to life and it looks fantastic. He promises pictures to come soon!

Today was busy, mostly a lot of walking which is good for the body. Most bodies anyway...unless your almost 8 months pregnant and haven't done any exercising in about 2 months and then your body just hates you. Anyway I walked McKenna to the park during Tyler's naptime and then when we got home we had plans of going to this new place in Layton with Shelly called, "My Gym" which is a gym for kids with lots of fun classes and stuff. Unfortunately my Mom accidentally took our carseats to Bukoo's with her and since we had plans to join friends later that afternoon I sent my sister and her family on without us. (BTW-this My Gym is having a grand opening right now and is a new place-so it's free for everyone to go try out. My sister said it was a lot of fun and the kids loved it!) After eating lunch and not sure what to do next I packed the kids in the double stroller and decided to walk to Bukoo's and to find my Mom. It's only like a mile or 2 away so not too far and the weather was perfect warm with a breeze. We did spend way too much time & $$ at Bukoo's, but good times. It's amazing the stuff you can get there at such the cheap prices-nothing like finding merchandise at 90% off the price.

Giggly Girls

Real quick-there is always something to write about bedtime when it comes to my kids. Tonight the girls started something new. They were both pretty wired when I put them down, giggling and rolling around, but they were definitely ready to go down, or so I thought since they didn't even put up a fight or cry out. 10 minutes after I'd left the room I heard McKenna calling Tyler's name over and over. Wondering what she was up to I meandered back and looked in. McKenna was sitting up and looked over at me and then hit the sheets, I then heard Tyler giggle. I shut the door and had to quickly walk away as a giggle was errupting from my throat. McKenna called out to Tyler another time or two but then all way quiet. It's the 1st time the girls have really acknowledged each other after we've left the room. Usually Tyler is playing with her toys, singing to herself and McKenna is just laying in her bed trying to go to sleep. Fun to see some sisterly love/interaction instead of the usual pushing. :0

Zoo Fun

Popular things to do with your cousins are to play Dr, to which the Tyler & Keira have gotten really good at laying still while their cousins listen to their heart and check their blood pressure.

Also Tea Parties with Grandma never get old regardless on the time of day.

Yesterday we headed down to Utah's Hogle Zoo to meet with some old roommates and good friends of mine, Tiffany and her kids Faith & Matthew and Brooke and her daughter Abby.

The animals were out and about...in their cages but very active.

The Park and Train were a big hit, although Tyler started to fuss as we boarded the train until she saw I was staying with her.

House update: We did pass the electrical inspection on Monday which was a big relief! John has been living in an "open" house-since Saturday the big bay window has been out and he do I dare say finally got the 3 windows that replaced it installed last night. (I only say "finally" because that's kind of a long time & big space to leave open). He did find that the kitchen is a little darker than he thought it was going to be so we'll be ordering and adding another window. Funny enough I think he might've cut the space open for the window and will pry only be ordering it today. I think he likes the fresh air. The dry-wall, mud, tape & texture guys are coming on Thursday so John will be getting the house ready for them over the next few days by putting in insulation & fixing vents and other odds and ends.

I'm not one who deals with death very well and usually don't even speak much about it when it happens, but I can't help but write about some very sad news I was told yesterday. Sister Leslie Wainhouse passed away yesterday morning in her sleep. She is one of the sweetest sisters I know, so kind and genuine in all she did and said. I was honored to be Leslie's visiting teacher for the last year and came to love her as I got to know her. She taught me more than I could ever teach her and it was her sweet spirit that always made me feel so welcome in her home. She was not very old and I don't know what the cause was, it seemed like her health was getting better over the last couple of months and so her death has caught everyone by surprise. For those of you who knew her and know her family and close friends, I hope that you will keep them in your prayers.

Weekend Events-Peach Days

Quick update on the house-John has reached a point where pictures aren't really too much fun. He's doing the electrical at the moment-although he did install a new carport door and has received the new kitchen windows and will install them tomorrow. The took out the current big Bay window a few days ago, so you could say the house is a little bit drafty. :)

The boys actually worked all day and even pulled an all nighter on Thursday hoping to get the electrical done for the inspection Friday morning. Alas the kitchen lights were a hinderance and so the inspector will be coming back for a visit on Monday morning. John's sweet Dad left on Saturday and it was reported he worked until an hour before they left for the airport-so that he could shower and get ready. Such a trooper! We are so thankful for him for coming out for a week and a half to work with John, who has repeatedly told me he could never have gotten so much done without him. He also said that he's never spent so much time with his Dad, when I asked him what they talked about, he said they didn't actually talk all that much. :) Such boys, so much alike the 2 of them.

John was actually "forced" to take a break on Saturday to go to the BYU vs Washington-Huskies Game with the Young Men. He's actually been looking forward to it since he heard about it-months before tickets were even on sale. It was a much deserved break and from John's description quite an exciting and good game, down to the buzzer.

The girls and I headed to Brigham City with the Stephany Klan Saturday afternoon for the Peach Days Celebration. It was a good time had by all which included walking through the car show, the famous "surf burger", kettle korn and rides on the Merry-Go-Round and a lil circus train. Last time McKenna rode the Merry-go-Round was a year or 2 ago and she was a little uncertain and scared by it. This year she couldn't get on it soon enough. As soon as she saw it she started asking for a ride and would only calm down after I promised her at least one ride. After waiting so patiently in line we finally jumped on and found a couple of empty horses and McKenna couldn't have been happier. Tyler stayed on the horse for a few minutes but was off before the ride actually began. She was a little nervous being her 1st time and clung to me for dear life. As the ride went round and round she would point and get excited every time we passed...the food vendors (That's my girl!) As the ride ended Tyler couldn't get off fast enough, but with McKenna the waterworks began as she realized she had to get off. She was even more upset when she realized that her cousins were just getting on and she didn't get to go with them. At the last minute she did get lucky when Keira decided she didn't want to ride the merry-go-round and so we did a quick kid swap and all was well.

We had just enough tickets for Maddie and McKenna to go on one more ride and so we opted to let them ride a lil circus train. The girls were very excited as Uncle Gregg took them in and got them buckled up. Tyler who was outside the fence with me had been eyeing the train with excitement and as Uncle Gregg was coming back he spotted her and helped her become a Stow-away. He sat her next to Maddie, which would've remained empty anyhow and a minute later the ride began. McKenna was having a ball! Maddie was a little uncertain and Tyler was...bawling. I wish I'd had my camera because I couldn't help but laugh as the train passed and there was Tyler with her tears coming from her big brown eyes with the saddest face I'd ever seen. Sadly enough the crying was catching and by the end of the ride she had Maddie in tears as well.

The day ended happily as we were walking back the kids caught sight of a great lil park, so we stopped all was well and happy.

Up not Down: Day 8

And so it begins, the wall are going up instead of coming down which is really exciting to see as things start to come together. Enjoy:

The kitchen & dining room-see the boarded up window & door

Wall of kitchen cabinets, sm bathroom behind

Just a different view of kitchen

Who said it was just for hauling kids around?

What the picture doesn't show you is the 4 doors and other lumbar that's stacked in the back.

The guy at Lowe's said it hauled more than his truck.

John Couldn't be more proud!

Princess Party

We had a belated Princess Birthday Party for McKenna. I had big plans for a big party, but I think the plans got bigger than me and I kind of let them go (Blaming the pregnancy and my lack of energy these days-lame I know). ...so Shelly saved the day when her and Maddie surprised McKenna with gifts for the makings of a fabulous party. McKenna was so excited-there were Princess party hats, cups & Plates, Princess wands, Princess ring suckers, pads of paper & cute lil rulers and of course cake. Not just any cake but Pumpkin Spice individual cakes with chocolate chips and Sprinkles, which were a big hit!


While the cakes were cooking and cooling the girls all went down and played on the trampoline and then raced around on the sport court on the bikes. I tell you what Keira may be small but holy cow she's quick and precise on the lil racer bikes. It was a good time had by all. Thanks Shelly and Grandma for throwing a party today, we all had a good time!

enjoying what was left of the shade

a hitch-hiker