Gone

A Quick Rundown of the weekend:

Grandpa Harris came in Friday and since McKenna had school that morning John picked him up and then met us at the clinic. McKenna was so excited she ran across the parking lot screaming, like none other than a little girl. :) John worked on Dad a lil who'd had a lil Run in at the Stake March Madness Game. McKenna thought it looked like fun and sported a pair of 1 pound weights joining in the "fun".

Saturday despite waking up to Snow (Yes even in the NW we are still getting snow...which snow in Washington is a pretty big deal, but in April it's unheard of) John and I were able to get out and do a lil run together. I was thinking I had improved and might have gotten faster until we were headed home and I unleashed him giving permission to go at his own pace. It wasn't even 2 minutes later he was a block ahead of me. That was a little humbling.
Afterwards we decided to head over the the Puyallup Spring Fair where we visited pig racing, lots of goats and sheep, a few ponies, a petty farm, We almost met Barbie, but got a lil shy and so we headed to the Reptiles instead, where we saw snakes, lizards and a few tortoise, not a bad trade-off. They also had crafts where McKenna made a shaker, and planted a pumpkin seed (which now that I think of it is still in the back of my van in a plastic bag) and Lego's which McKenna has found a new passion for, although I don't think she quite knows what to do with them, she just thinks they are really cool. We wrapped it up nicely with a lil Horse dancing which the girls thought was fun to watch.

Here are a few pictures of the day:

So the Grandparents have come and gone and well although I thought it was going to be a smooth transition, McKenna has once again proved me wrong. She woke up yesterday morning calling for her Grandpa which quickly turned to screaming and well it went down hill from there-flying toys to say the least. It's times like this I wonder WHY I live so far away from family. McKenna thrives on visits to and from friends and family. I've decided there aren't many things worse than watching a child try to deal with their trials and the emotions and feelings that are a reflection of what they are dealing with. It's hard to not focus just on the behavior but to try and find some way to show them it's ok to be sad. I think I finally struck a chord last night as we were putting the girls to bed and McKenna once again started asking for her grandparents, as the volume continued to rise I decided to pipe in and do the same thing, soon we were both yelling for Grandma & Grandpa and telling them how much we missed & loved them. When we were done I told her that I thought they must have heard us and that we should go to bed...to which she did calmly. Not to say she didn't wake up calling out for them again this morning and she's been having a hard time sleeping lately. It's breaking my heart, but what do you do? (Suggestions are always welcome!)

A song actually comes to mind with the whole situation of McKenna any my parents leaving:

"Gone for the day? gone for the night? Gone for the Rest of my Dog-gone life?"
Can you name the song and its artist?

Tulip Festival 2008

Today we actually made it to Skaggit Valley/Mt Vernon, Washington for the annual Tulip Festival.

Teandra mentioned something about one in Utah...where at? I'm proud to inform that Mt Vernon is the worlds leading distributor of Tulip bulbs, although this year John and I were commenting on the lack of Tulip fields that had been replaced by Daffodil Fields? It was crazy, but the trip was fun! We expected it to be cold and rainy and it was a lil breezy when we first arrived, but after about 20 minutes the Sun decided to come out and grace our presence, to which we great appreciated it! One of the things I love almost as much as looking at the flowers is taking pictures of the flowers and my family in the flowers. The inevitable happened...no my battery wasn't dead, I left my memory card in the computer at home. Luckily my mom had her camera and took some great pictures. She was nice enough to let me give it a go every once in a while, plus she has a better camera than I did.

After visiting the tulips and taking out pictures we headed to La

Connor for Lunch. We ate at the Market out on the pier where we tried their sweet potato Fries and Fried Green Beans...and of course Ice Cream...soo Yummy!

Life with Grandma (aka Life Saver!)

I love The world of blogging and all of you who continue to post about you and your family. It's an outlet for me really and I've beeng accused of in a joking kind of way having an affair with your sites. But without it I wouldn't know what is going on in so many of my friends and families lives and it's a way for me to feel connected and to stay in touch. Thank you, all of you for taking the time to write.

A quick update on my life and family: My Mom is here until Saturday evening, and my Dad gets here on Friday for a quick visit. Those who live far away from home...well even those who don't I'm sure you all love and appreciate your Moms and the time they spend with your kids. My Mom has been great! She's such a trooper as she's been recovering from the Influenze type A, a very brutal type of flu that put her down for about 5 weeks. We have a great routine going as we all get up at 7 am, eat our Hot cereal (or if your McKenna Drink your Hot Carnation) play all morning (which includes bubbles,dancing,puppet shows, blocks, and new toys),

have lunch and then we all sleep for a few hours and start all over again until bedtime. Mom being the seamstress that she is has fixed me up a couple of new skirts and a shirt, she's been teaching me a new way of cooking as she's not really a meat eater. Yesterday she baked bread and made Orange Rolls. As mentioned earlier she also taught Tyler to walk! She's amazing I know.

McKenna has decided to be the big sister...Tyler doesn't always have an appreciation for it, but kind of funny.

Tomorrow we're headed to the Tulip Festival. We were hoping to wait til Dad got here and do a big day on Saturday, but the weather just isn't cooperating like we were hoping. Someday Spring will get here.

Milestone Number...

We've hit another milestone, Tyler has taken her 1st steps. Actually her 1st 5 or 6 and she's sooo excited. Still a lil hesitant but I can see her confidence growing with each step. McKenna is a lil jealous of the attention and has been walking from one adult to the other, kind of funny in an annoying kind of way. Mom is really good at trying to divert the jealousy and I'm learning new skills all the time.



One last thing, I swear Tyler is talking...well she's saying a lot of words. Like puppy, bubbles, Daddy, Mimi, Mommy, Wow, mo please...

Crazy how fast it all happens.

April 9th

This will be short as I don't know that I have much to say...

My Mom is coming tomorrow for a nice 9 day stay, WE are so excited. One of the benefits of living far away is if you're gonna visit make it a long one. Plus who wouldn't want Grandma all to yourself? McKenna is beside herself with excitement and each morning wakes up and asks "airplane?" which means is it time to either go to the airport to leave or is someone coming in? I admit I'm struggling with being so far away from Family. My kids love their (on both sides) Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and I think the attention in general. My Dad will be coming in on the 18th and will be staying for a day. We'll take him whenever and however long we can.

Looking at the date I just realized today is a birthday of sorts, a spiritual birthday. Today 25 years ago I was baptised & confirmed a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Wow that's a long time ago. Funny enough I remember the night or week before...I remember my dad sitting with me in the living room and talking to me about getting baptised and trying to explain to me what it meant and then asking me if this was something I wanted to do. I know that at 8 years old you may or may not really understand. I know I didn't have a testimony at the time but I had watched my parents and I knew that they knew the gospel was true, I watched my older sister get baptised and it just seemed like the right thing to do. I was actually really nervous and as we sat in the chapel the day of I didn't dare look at anyone and I was glad that they didn't make me go sing with my primary class. My Mom made me a dress (which I wish I had a picture of but my Mom told me they had forgotten the camera that day) that I think might have been polyester because when I got in the water the skirt floated up and we had a hard time getting it to stay down in the water. I remember my Dad holding my hand and saying the prayer and then lowering me in the water and then slowly lifting me up. We (my dad and I) both looked up at the witnesses who were trying to decipher if all had been under the water, the dress being an issue. I honestly can't remember if we had to do it a 2nd time...it kind of sounds familiar but at some point they did give us the all clear. Then I went with my Mom where I got dressed and tried to get dry and ready for the confirmation. When it was my turn I was called to the front of the room where I sat in the chair with my Father's Hands, along with the bishopric, and my grandfather's on my head. They felt so heavy to me and I wondered what it would be like when the prayer was said and I was given the "gift of the Holy Ghost" and if it really would help me to be better and nicer. I don't remember a magical transformation but I did remember feeling more confident about who I was and the importance of being good as I didn't want to be "dirty" with sins. :) Something I still think about and wonder if I had some Magical glasses on that could see all my sins what I might look like...

Last month's issue of the Ensign was on Jesus Christ. I'm not always very good at reading the Ensign but I made it a goal to read this one because I don't feel like I know My Savior the way I want to or need to. He did so much for us and I know that my knowledge is so small that sometimes I'm just skirtin by in life. Anyway it's been a wonderful issue that has been reminding or maybe even teaching me why my baptism is such a big event in my life.

Apparently I'm not really a short winded kind of girl.

Conference Report April 2008

Being conference weekend we tried to involve the girls but how do you explain that for 2 hrs you need to play quietly and listen to some adults speak to a 3 yr old? Luckily the afternoon sessions fell during their naptime. I've been told you need to teach your kids how to sit quietly while they are young but honestly I haven't been able to master that one. Sunday afternoon M. Russell Ballard the 2nd to last Speak spoke about and directly to mothers with young children. He told a story about his wife and how while he was in the bishopric for 10 years they had like 6 of their 7 children or something like that. He said after he was released she was put in as the music leader and he found himself in the audience trying to entertain his young kids during sacrament meeting. He said he had 2 puppets on both hands but they didn't seem to be distracting the kids like they should, the coloring books weren't helping like they should and at one point the Cheerios went flying, that was embarrassing. I was laughing as the scene was all too familiar. You can probably guess this was one of my favorite talks. He told us to ask ourselves 4 questions.

1.What can you do to reduce pressure on you and your homes? He said don't be in such a hurry, and remember that Joy comes in moments. Don't overschedule you or your families and emphasized the importance of unstructured time (although I pry take too much of that). He also said to take time for yourself and to cultivate your gift. Last but not least make sure you Pray(especially over your families and for guidance as a mom), Study & teach the Gospel.

2.What can your husband do? John is actually pretty good at this one. Elder Ballard suggested husbands need to validate their wives, you need to have a day away from your home every once in a while, husbands make sure you talk about your children and to take an active roll with in your family.

3.what can your young children do to help? It was cute how he directly talked to the children on this one asking them to pick up their toys, make their beds and as they get older do the dishes or your chores-without being asked to. Make sure you thank your parents for all they do.

4.What can the church do? This was one of my favorites-he told the bishops to mindful of time taking parents of small children away from the home. Sometimes I think I need to be more supportive of my husband and be a stronger girl as I know that there are a lot of meetings in the church and that's ok. I think of my cousin Mandolin, she is my age with 3 young children and her husband is in the bishopric already. I am amazed and wonder how she does it...

Another favorite was David A. Bednar who spoke about prayer, not just a checklist but making it a prayer of action. He pointed out the story of Joseph Smith who prayed not only to know which church was right but which one to choose and if none of them were right then what should he do. He compared this to praying for the others such as the sick and the missionaries and pointing out that we should be praying to find those who are sick or who need us and to know how to help them. Something I want to work on because I know I can do better and I want to be there for others they way they are for me.

Last but not least was Jeffrey R. Holland who spoke of the importance of the Bible and the Book of Mormon together. I thought it was a very powerful talk that has made me think about my own knowledge of the Bible compared to the Book of Mormon.

These are just a few talks that stick out in my mind. I think they were all the Sundy Afternoon session which might have struck a chord with me because I didn't have kids distracting me or because they were things my spirit was especially touched by.

What were your some of your favorites?

Weekend Fallies

Saturday morning always start with a good run...well at least with a run. I admit I don't run nearly as often or as well as I'd like, but I'm happy to report I did meet the girls, Lisa, Jana & Carla early Saturday morning and had a great run. Either Carla was nice enough to wait for me, or we have the same running pace and although it took us nearly 2 hrs we ran just over 8 miles which I was thrilled. I honestly questioned my ability when the number came up in the plan, but as we came upon the bridge we looked forward and realized the trailhead was only 1/2 a mile a head and we labored on. Then like manna from heaven as we approached the sun came out shining in all it's brilliance and glory and we had hope for a beautiful Spring Day. (Every April Conference Weekend should be the official oncoming of Spring.) The day actually turned out quite wet, cloudy and rainy but it was a fabulous 15 minutes.

McKenna is funny, she's really into playing Dr and when she's the patient, she's sooo serious. Nothing can crack a smile on that girl. She just lays there like she's dying. She roped her Dad into playing with her so I couldn't help but to snap a few pictures.

Sunday was Taco Night at the Payne's. I was most surprised when Tyler started asking for my Taco. I thought when I gave it to her that she'd just tear it apart but she ate it like we were. She cracks me up! I love that she loves to eat what we are eating!



Last but not least Tyler woke up a few hours after we put her down. She didn't have a fever and I couldn't figure out what the problem was. She had trouble sleeping during her afternoon nap as well, but other than that she was her usual playful self. I ended up sleeping with her most of the night in the spare bedroom, something I NEVER do, but Tyler just isn't one to snuggle. In fact she usually prefers her own bed. After she finally settled down and fell asleep next to me it was not a peaceful night...at least not for me. She was ALL OVER THAT BED, rolling and almost bouncing from one side to the other. I finally got her into the Pack'n Play around 2:30 when I woke up to go to the bathroom and when I came back she was sleeping in my spot. Go figure...

Again?

I start this entry with much reserve, not because I intend to publish it anytime soon, but because of that reason. With my luck somehow this would become published and the news would be "out". So until I'm ready to actually post my feelings this will have to be my "Baby Chronicles" the journey towards Baby #3.

I am 6 weeks pregnant. Something we did not plan for at this time, but something we are now excited about.

I admit my hesitance is due to personal, selfish reasons. 22 months really isn't that unheard of between children and is only moving the arrival of this child by about 6 months. I have come to the conclusion that this child is ready to come down now, and not later and that understanding sometimes comes with time. Time of which I seem to have plenty of...


I found a thing called a ticker on Teandra's website and as a personal joke between John and I, posted one. It had 2 purposes Thanksgiving which is when we were supposed to go to Texas, something we have been looking forward to since last Thanksgiving. When we found out our Baby was due on Thanksgiving day (like I mentioned what timing) I thought how fun. Well I have a couple of readers that were observant to say the least. Only another girl who is newly pregnant would know that a pregnancy is 240 days long...although I didn't even pick up on that myself. The news has been quite a shocker to say the least and since we hadn't even spoken to our parents and was dealing with the information, for the 1st time in YEARS I found myself lying...or rather bending the truth. I hope that Kelsey and Silvia will forgive me when the news comes out.


4.24.08
A few weeks have passed and I'm sick. It came upon me slowly about 2 weeks ago. I am now 9 weeks pregnant so shortly after my last writing. I HATE being pregnant. I can't seem to remember the reasons why I didn't mind it but I'm sure they'll turn up somewhere in my 2nd trimester. For now the smells, especially anything with garlic in it make me gag-I even struggle with pizza, drinking water makes me start convulsing, and only oranges and bananas seem to make me happy. Actually I'm doing ok with salad which is different from my last pregnancy. I still love Taco Bell's 7-Layer Burritos, probably because they are pretty bland but it seems to get me enough protein to suffice my stomach for a while. I'm still not loving chocolate and I actually find myself sick if I eat sweets, with the exception of Strawberries over Vanilla Ice cream right before bed. We are in the phase of quick meals...preferably without any smells. My favorite being quesedillas, mac n cheese and any kind of pancake or breakfast food. I know could this writing be anymore about food?


I feel bad for the girls as I'm just not myself. I don't have the energy and find myself gagging during storytime with McKenna and in the bathroom when she's doing her "duty" which I think is putting a real damper on potty training. I think McKenna can sense the change or maybe she really does understand when we told our parents in front of her that I'm pregnant. She's again reverting back to "baby" which is driving both John and I crazy.


I had John give me a blessing last Saturday, the 19th. I meant to get it sooner but it easily slips your mind in the middles of tantrums and bedtime routines. It was a good blessing, although I was hoping for a promise that the sickness would go away. I was promised that I would be given strength to play with the kids and to run...although with my sick belly I've lost the desire to run and almost to even pretend that I'm not pregnant.


John's in a mad dash to get the garage fixed up so that he can attend to fixing up the rest of the house. I have found myself restless in this house I love. With an upcoming child and limited play and storage space for the toys and stuff that comes with each age the walls seem to be closing in on me. I wish we could just start looking for another house because it seems like I'm always cold, there is clutter everywhere (Which doesn't even have to do with the house but my bad habits). I want to just start throwing stuff away, who knows maybe I should and will...


I know it's early but I've actually been thinking of names. John has X'ed Laney, which I thought was cute. I love the name Paige and actually hope I win on this one but John's not loving it. I keep thinking it's a boy, but the logical girl in me knows that chances are slim with surprises. Although Tiffany did point out that there are a lot of boys who are adopted that she knows were not planned. :)


One last thing: Silvia, my Sister-in-Law is pregnant. Actually due about a week after I am...well guestimating. Kind of ironic with the whole drama...Funny enough they still hope to make it to Texas for Thanksgiving. She's a Brave girl! Or else I'm just overly cautious...I think we'll be making it to Texas ourselves the 1st week of October. At least we're still going which I'm excited for...once we make it through the plane rides.


5.7.08
So I went to my1st Dr's appointment last Thursday-May 1st, except it was just the ultrasound and blood work, but it has definitely made everything a little more "real." As I sat there looking at the screen I saw the lil bean immediately pop up and a heart beat appear, my jaw dropped and shockingly I heard myself say, "Little Terd, that's what's been making me so sick." Honestly I was a little shocked at the angry edge in my voice. After the pictures were printed out (to which I can't even find now) and the tech had left the room I burst into tears wondering what we were going to do. For some reason there is an empty feeling, a hollowness of not knowing that engulfs me everytime I think of the future. It was this moment I chose to "break" the news to my sister Shelly. She went through this at the same time I got pregnant with Tyler. She joked about May day and April Fools not being interchange-able but she was very empathetic...


While I was at the Dr's I guess McKenna started asking John for "Mommy". It was then he decided to explain to her that I was at the Dr's and that I had a baby growing in my tummy. McKenna always surprises me in one way or another. I wonder if she really understands what's going on but John said she seemed to understand and accepted it. On days that are really bad she asks me if I'm sick...which I wonder if it's a trick question because she seems to take on my pains whether it is sickness or injury.


The nurse last week had told me it was ok to not take my prenatal since I'd been so sick, and the blood tech commented on how pale and awful I looked. That's always nice to hear. I did get a perscription for Zofran-the generic but it's been quite helpful and I haven't waited as long as I was to take it since the convulsions are getting stronger and stronger if I don't. Unfortunately yesterday I received a letter in the mail from my OB's office saying that I am Anemic and I need to start taking Iron pills. That will go over well with my stomach I'm sure. I've been trying to double up on my intake of "iron" foods and drinking more juice when I do to help absorption but honestly I can't stress my hate for food and the bad reaction my stomach has towards even thinking of foods, let alone the faintest of a foul smell. If my stomach isn't churning to vomit, then my bowels seem to be turning upset for some reason or another. I LOVE being pregnant...

Thoughts & Moments

I thoroughly love days where I'm able to enjoy being a mom instead of stressing over it. I fully expected it to be a Stress Mom day. I had planned an "outting" with the girls in the morning and new Tyler would be missing her morning nap so there was no telling how the day was going to fare. The girls and I got up quite happily at 7 am milk and hot chocolate were passed out and I traded in my shower for a clean bathroom, apparently I was feeling ambitious. We got dressed and were only a scant 5 minutes late as we pulled out of the driveway. We picked up our sweet friend Leslie and her sister Lexi and son Tanner and we headed to Tacoma to The Children's Museum.
It's not a big place but the kids loved it and had a good time. We were only there for a lil over an hour but it was perfect and since the sun was out we decided to stop by a fountain and have snacks. We pry should've responded to Leslie's apprehension, as we were wrapping things up Lexi decided to go swimming. I think it was all by accident but Leslie and I turned to look at her just as she went head first into the water. At 50 degrees it wasn't nearly warm enough but Leslie who should be a boyscout quickly pulled Lexi out (who is only 22 lbs dry) stripped her down and then surprised me with a whole new outfit. She wasn't kidding when she said she believed in being prepared.
Tyler did fall asleep on the home for about 20 minute, but after a quick lunch and McKenna's begging for a story and nap, so Tyler was back down pry only 45 minutes later. Sweet, sweet Tyler sat and played in the Pack'n Play for 45 minutes before falling asleep never uttering a word of complaint. I was even able to get a good hr nap and some good reading in until 4 pm when the girls woke up.
We proceeded outdoors since the sun was still out and I almost can't put into words how enjoyable it was to be "hanging out" with my girls. Tyler crawling through the grass even surprised me by standing up in the middle of the yard as she tried to find McKenna and I (who had found a caterpillar and were checking him out) and then took 2 steps before sitting back down. It was monumental to say the least.
The evening has continued on in the same rhythm. John took McKenna to mutual with him, and so I was able to spend some time with just Tyler. She's such a joyful child, and rambunctious. I turned my back on her twice and when I turned around the first time she had her hands caked in Moisturizing cream (finding an open container helped). She laughs at almost anything and loves to give kisses.
I think we as parents are blessed with days like this to remind us that this really is the plan of happiness and life isn't just to be lived but to be enjoyed. I don't have any pictures to document the day but the memories will hopefully last forever...or at least a month or 2.

April Fool Who?

This is another fun holiday that brings back memories of Clocks being set forward a few hours only to find that it wasn't really 7 am and school didn't start for another 4 hours. Or Dad coming down to tell us that we were late for school, sending us in a panic to get ready for at least 10-15 minutes before he let us know that it was really only 6 am. Thanks Dad! Also there have been jokes of pregnancy, one I played on my Mom a few years ago, which kind of backfired. I was surprised as how excited she was and felt bad when I had to break the news it was an April fools Joke. Those are the ones that stick out the most in my mind although I'm sure there were many others. My mind just isn't what it used to be.

April Fool's Day History

The brief synopsis is that the calendar year changed and New Years was changed to Jan in stead of the end of March. With communication being so slow it took a while before everyone knew. Those who rebelled and continued to celebrate in April were the object of practical jokes. Somehow it became quite lighthearted and this tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.

In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.
In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.
In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."
In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.
The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.

So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

3-Year Old Prodigy

Dr. Kenna and her patient "baby"

McKenna got a hold of the camera and apparently has figured out how to take a picture, not too bad for a 3 yr old.

ok, so I may have helped with the 1st picture, but not too shabby.

The other night when we were tucking McKenna in, we looked in the crib and found Tyler in this pose, dead asleep. It cracked us up...check out the feet...hanging through the rails. We did fix that before leaving.

A VERY Good Man

John is a man of many talents, more than I think either of us knew about when we married. It has been argued whether those talents come from his constant desire to learn or maybe his way with money (or lack of wanting to spend it). Since moving to our home in Edgewood a few years back he has found that he has a knack for working with wood. It started with a Router he got for Christmas, and well I now am the proud owner of several pieces of Furniture which he claims as his learning projects but to which I am very proud. For my birthday he decided to make me a bookcase. Our neighbors had an Aspen(?) tree fall in their yard last November and being a fairly Large tree he was excited when theygave him the wood if he'd get the tree out of their yard, to which he took to the mill and had it dried and cut (sounds like the lil Red Hen doesn't it). He was very excited when he finally got the wood back a month ago and the quality of it, especially with the price of wood these days.

I have to tell you that this is his finest project thus far, I was actually quite surprised at how pretty it is. It actually makes my house a little prettier just to have it in the room. As the proud wife that I am here are the pictures of his journey and fine craftsmanship. :)

McKenna helped load the shelves :)

THANK YOU JOHN!!!