Having a conversation with Misha about the status of her clothing and laundry basket. She commented that she had some clothes that she had probably outgrown and needed to go through her closet.
I commented, "And yet, somehow they still manage to show up in your laundry basket."
She replied in typical Misha fashion "I know. Magic!"
Shaking my head, I responded, "It's not magic. It's lazy!"
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Packing for College
Amy has spent the past couple of days packing for college. We leave Thursday afternoon and will all fly to Idaho Falls for a quick weekend to drop her of at BYU-Idaho. Misha and Kristen wanted to come as well so they could see Rexburg, check out Amy's new apartment and roommates, and say goodbye. Amy's a lot nervous, somewhat excited, and ready to move on with life. We will miss this girl.
Monday, January 1, 2018
New BBQ
We have been looking for a new natural gas BBQ since this last summer when Chris had a natural gas line stubbed out on to the deck. Chris found some Weber brands that he really loved but couldn't justify spending so much money on them.
I had periodically checked Craigslist since then to see if any of the styles he wanted were posted. The few times I found a BBQ that Chris would like, the BBQ had already been sold. I happened to look on New Year's Day and found one that met Chris' criteria AND was a great price--at least 2/3 less than if he were to buy new.
The guy who was selling the BBQ was moving to North Carolina and just wanted to start downsizing. We drove all the way down to Parker to pick up the BBQ on New Year's Day. Misha had a friend over when we got back home, and we happily enlisted her and her friend to help us lift the BBQ out of the back of the Pilot, up the steps to the front door, and out to the deck.
I had periodically checked Craigslist since then to see if any of the styles he wanted were posted. The few times I found a BBQ that Chris would like, the BBQ had already been sold. I happened to look on New Year's Day and found one that met Chris' criteria AND was a great price--at least 2/3 less than if he were to buy new.
The guy who was selling the BBQ was moving to North Carolina and just wanted to start downsizing. We drove all the way down to Parker to pick up the BBQ on New Year's Day. Misha had a friend over when we got back home, and we happily enlisted her and her friend to help us lift the BBQ out of the back of the Pilot, up the steps to the front door, and out to the deck.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Kristen's New Dress
I suppose we won't hear the complaints of having nothing to wear for a little while, Santa was definitely good to Kristen and her closet. Here's a new dress that she took for a test drive on Sunday. Doesn't she look so grown up?
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Helping to Adult
Amy leaves for college in a few short days. Chris spent time on Saturday helping Amy to get set with all of her banking and health care as well as learning how to keep her information safe. I think Amy is cautiously excited. She is quite aware that life is going to change a lot for her...and well, that she is going to have to make all of her own meals.
We have spent the past 18 years doing our best to prepare Amy for this moment. We are sure that as we nudge her out of the nest, she'll find the joy in soaring.
We have spent the past 18 years doing our best to prepare Amy for this moment. We are sure that as we nudge her out of the nest, she'll find the joy in soaring.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Scheel's
We have this new store about 20 minutes away that is a Cabela's on steroids. And Cabela's is huge. Scheel's has an indoor ferris wheel and Kristen was anxious to try it after we finished seeing the new Star Wars movie.
She was excited about the ferris wheel as we waited in line for 30 minutes and then the three of us squished on to a seat together. She was excited until we had gone around about five or so times and then she was done. Our ride was supposed to last about 20 minutes, but I signaled to the operator that she was ready to get off.
She was excited about the ferris wheel as we waited in line for 30 minutes and then the three of us squished on to a seat together. She was excited until we had gone around about five or so times and then she was done. Our ride was supposed to last about 20 minutes, but I signaled to the operator that she was ready to get off.
Last Day of Work
Amy was just a little bit excited to have her last day lifeguarding, but maybe a little bit fearful that she would be tossed in to the pool as a going away moment.
PS She lucked out in not being thrown in the pool but they tried to scare her with an imaginary mouse in the trashcan.
PS She lucked out in not being thrown in the pool but they tried to scare her with an imaginary mouse in the trashcan.
Rascally Rabbit
We arrived home from our Christmas Eve Eve family dinner to find a rabbit sneaking in to the garage as we opened it. And then we proceeded to try and get it out of the garage over the next couple of days.
We were unsuccessful for many days and through the wall between the garage and my office, we could hear that stupid rabbit rummaging around in the garage...until, of course, we went out to try and find it. We were worried that the rabbit would cause damage to the wiring of the cars. Chris was not impressed with all of the rabbit footprints all over his Audi. Not impressed.
We haven't heard any noise in the garage lately, and hopefully the rabbit left on his own accord in one of those moments when the garage door was left open. If not, we will smell him come Spring. Chris may or may not have left out a little antifreeze...
We were unsuccessful for many days and through the wall between the garage and my office, we could hear that stupid rabbit rummaging around in the garage...until, of course, we went out to try and find it. We were worried that the rabbit would cause damage to the wiring of the cars. Chris was not impressed with all of the rabbit footprints all over his Audi. Not impressed.
We haven't heard any noise in the garage lately, and hopefully the rabbit left on his own accord in one of those moments when the garage door was left open. If not, we will smell him come Spring. Chris may or may not have left out a little antifreeze...
Misha Hibernates
Most days Misha can be found hibernating in her bed reading, checking out social media, and trying to stay warm.
Amy Sleeping
She doesn't have too many napping moments left in this bed as she leaves for college the first week of January. I am certain she will break in her new bed in fine napping fashion.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Too Many Days
Kristen put together a Christmas countdown calendar before Christmas and enjoyed changing the blocks each day as Christmas approached.
As I arrived home from the temple on the Wednesday after Christmas, I noticed this sticky note attached.
As I arrived home from the temple on the Wednesday after Christmas, I noticed this sticky note attached.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Deseret Bookshelf
Kristen has been really enjoying my subscription to Deseret Bookshelf. She has read a lot of books in this past month and listens to lots of books.
I asked her to vacuum sweep the hardwood on the main floor and she came up with this solution so that she could continue listening to her book and still vacuum. (She didn't want to take the time to charge her iPhone and so was listening on her iPad).
I asked her to vacuum sweep the hardwood on the main floor and she came up with this solution so that she could continue listening to her book and still vacuum. (She didn't want to take the time to charge her iPhone and so was listening on her iPad).
Monday, December 25, 2017
Girl Power
I found these awesome bracelets for my girls and myself. They are sterling silver and have "FAITH" stamped on the band. I love that it was a gift that we could all enjoy and that it binds us together.
Christmas Day
I LOVE Christmas. So it is especially wonderful to wake up early Christmas morning and enjoy the quiet and anticipate the joy. I am grateful for my family who have become avid Christmas fans and "tradition" followers over the years. It will be fun to see which traditions they carry on in their future families.
The girls were all happy and ready to come downstairs at 7 am. And still they closed their eyes while I led them down the stairs. So much fun. They checked out their Santa gifts: an Italian leather purse for Amy, an artist desk for Misha, and a bean bag for Kristen.
Amy queried,"Why do we get up at 7 am if we don't start opening presents until 8 am?" Checking our stockings and eating breakfast does not take that long. She would love to sleep in longer.
We had a wonderful morning opening presents and enjoying Christmas as a family. The rest of the day was spent rather lazily. We had leftovers for Christmas dinner and the girls played on their new Xbox One.
The girls were all happy and ready to come downstairs at 7 am. And still they closed their eyes while I led them down the stairs. So much fun. They checked out their Santa gifts: an Italian leather purse for Amy, an artist desk for Misha, and a bean bag for Kristen.
Amy queried,"Why do we get up at 7 am if we don't start opening presents until 8 am?" Checking our stockings and eating breakfast does not take that long. She would love to sleep in longer.
We had a wonderful morning opening presents and enjoying Christmas as a family. The rest of the day was spent rather lazily. We had leftovers for Christmas dinner and the girls played on their new Xbox One.
Beauty Advent Calendar
For Christmas, Kristen gifted Amy twelve days of beauty with gifts including a nail file, silk infusion hair conditioner, nail polish, lip gloss, eye shadow, a pumice rock, etc. Amy looked forward to the new gift every day and Kristen had fun in the planning and creating.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Letter to Santa
Kristen wrote the sweetest letter to Santa this year (and left carrots out for Rudolph). I love that even in her "knowing" she still believes in the magic of Santa.
Dear Santa,
Welcome to the Klines, and thanks for stopping by! How are your reindeer? I do hope Mrs. Claus is well. Well, as you aren’t done for the night, I’ll let you get on your way, and please, take some goodies with you on the road. I’ve been waiting for tonight for a very long time, and would like to let you know, despite the few mishaps this year, I have been the best I ever have. I’m a new girl who has made some great new choices this year. My family has been good to me as well and they deserve the best! We would love to wish you a very Merry Christmas! And if you wouldn’t mind, a potato beater is now wanted by my sweet mother (who, of course, deserves it!) Once again, Merry Christmas! Stay warm and thanks for all you’ve given us over the years!
With love,
Kristen Kline and family
Santa replied:
Kristen,
You are adorable and I love you! You are doing all the right things and making great choices.
Keep practicing the piano. You can be magnificent.
Love,
Santa
Dear Santa,
Welcome to the Klines, and thanks for stopping by! How are your reindeer? I do hope Mrs. Claus is well. Well, as you aren’t done for the night, I’ll let you get on your way, and please, take some goodies with you on the road. I’ve been waiting for tonight for a very long time, and would like to let you know, despite the few mishaps this year, I have been the best I ever have. I’m a new girl who has made some great new choices this year. My family has been good to me as well and they deserve the best! We would love to wish you a very Merry Christmas! And if you wouldn’t mind, a potato beater is now wanted by my sweet mother (who, of course, deserves it!) Once again, Merry Christmas! Stay warm and thanks for all you’ve given us over the years!
With love,
Kristen Kline and family
Santa replied:
Kristen,
You are adorable and I love you! You are doing all the right things and making great choices.
Keep practicing the piano. You can be magnificent.
Love,
Santa
Christmas Eve with Friends
When we found out that our friends the Burnhams would be smaller in numbers this Christmas, we decided to get together and have an Italian feast on Christmas Eve. We ate gnocchi, homemade pasta, bolognese sauce, meatballs, lasagna, salad...delicious. Followed up with a rousing game of Apples to Apples.
After the Burnham family left, we continued on with our Christmas Eve traditions of exchanging gifts. It has been fun as the girls have gotten older to see the thought they put in to their gift giving. I like that a tradition that started with my siblings and parents has carried on to my little family as well as contining on with my siblings each year.
After our gift exchange, we watched Mormon Messages about the nativity. I remember when I was a little girl listening to the Christmas Story on a record. Most years, somebody groaned, "Do we have to listen to it?"
The fun part of the evening for my girls was carrying the presents up from the basement to place under the Christmas tree. Ahhh, traditions--old and new. Merry Christmas.
After the Burnham family left, we continued on with our Christmas Eve traditions of exchanging gifts. It has been fun as the girls have gotten older to see the thought they put in to their gift giving. I like that a tradition that started with my siblings and parents has carried on to my little family as well as contining on with my siblings each year.
After our gift exchange, we watched Mormon Messages about the nativity. I remember when I was a little girl listening to the Christmas Story on a record. Most years, somebody groaned, "Do we have to listen to it?"
The fun part of the evening for my girls was carrying the presents up from the basement to place under the Christmas tree. Ahhh, traditions--old and new. Merry Christmas.
Making Pasta
Kristen, Misha and I had some fun on Christmas Eve day (after our one-hour Sacrament Meeting) making pasta with my pasta maker and drying racks (those things have moved from house to house house in the last twenty years and finally were used). We also tried our hand at home-made gnocchi and I've got say, they turned out awesome. You can buy packaged gnocchi in the store and it is meh--rather dry and not so tasty. I had gnocchi a couple of times in Italy and Spain, and I think the gnocchi we made was every bit as good.
And I think the girls had enough fun that we will do it again next Christmas Eve.
And I think the girls had enough fun that we will do it again next Christmas Eve.
Closer to Christ - Day 12
From March 6, 2012
Yesterday afternoon, I received a text from Amy that someone had stolen her backpack. Crap. I tried to text her back, but my text wouldn't send, so I called the school instead and asked to speak to her. There are times as a mother when I wish that I could just reach to wherever my children are and enfold them in my arms. As Amy got on the line, I asked what happened, and she just started crying. Seriously, my heart was breaking for her. I began to ask questions such as, "Where was your backpack? Have you looked around to see if it was left somewhere? Was there anything important in it? Did you tell someone?" She was pretty devastated and just wanted to come home. I encouraged her to stick out the rest of the day and find a paper and pencil to take notes. I explained that we could replace the notebooks. She wasn't carrying around anything of much importance in her pack. I stayed on the line with Amy until she regained some composure and felt as though she could go back to class. I told her that the only thing we could do was pray. I hung up...
Less than a minute later, the phone rang and the caller ID indicated a call from the school. I thought maybe someone from the staff was calling me. Amy was on the line again, "Mom, they found my backpack." Really? I was so thrilled. She was still feeling a bit invaded, but I sent her on her way with my love and encouragement.
When Amy arrived home, she explained that her pack was found in one of the boys' bathroom. Someone had obviously gone through her bag and had taken all of her.....gum. So grateful that was all that it was.
This morning as we were reading scriptures before school, we came upon a verse that I had never really considered before:
Mosiah 25:10 And again, when they thought upon the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.
The word immediate impressed me as my mind remembered the backpack and the quick second phone call. I, too, gave thanks. The immediate goodness of God, miracles, tender mercies...call it what you will, He hears and answers prayers.
Immediate Goodness
Yesterday afternoon, I received a text from Amy that someone had stolen her backpack. Crap. I tried to text her back, but my text wouldn't send, so I called the school instead and asked to speak to her. There are times as a mother when I wish that I could just reach to wherever my children are and enfold them in my arms. As Amy got on the line, I asked what happened, and she just started crying. Seriously, my heart was breaking for her. I began to ask questions such as, "Where was your backpack? Have you looked around to see if it was left somewhere? Was there anything important in it? Did you tell someone?" She was pretty devastated and just wanted to come home. I encouraged her to stick out the rest of the day and find a paper and pencil to take notes. I explained that we could replace the notebooks. She wasn't carrying around anything of much importance in her pack. I stayed on the line with Amy until she regained some composure and felt as though she could go back to class. I told her that the only thing we could do was pray. I hung up...
Less than a minute later, the phone rang and the caller ID indicated a call from the school. I thought maybe someone from the staff was calling me. Amy was on the line again, "Mom, they found my backpack." Really? I was so thrilled. She was still feeling a bit invaded, but I sent her on her way with my love and encouragement.
When Amy arrived home, she explained that her pack was found in one of the boys' bathroom. Someone had obviously gone through her bag and had taken all of her.....gum. So grateful that was all that it was.
This morning as we were reading scriptures before school, we came upon a verse that I had never really considered before:
Mosiah 25:10 And again, when they thought upon the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.
The word immediate impressed me as my mind remembered the backpack and the quick second phone call. I, too, gave thanks. The immediate goodness of God, miracles, tender mercies...call it what you will, He hears and answers prayers.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
The OUR Center
Chris coordinated an amazing opportunity for our ward to help out at the local homeless outreach center. On Friday and Saturday, a group of prepared food, cooked food, served food, and cleaned up afterward. All of the food was generously donated by members of our ward.
It was a humbling opportunity and helped to put the Christmas season in perspective.
And our ward members were just awesome in helping as well. As we came to the end of the first day and posted on Facebook that we needed more items for Saturday, the request was answered immediately.
Urgent: we need 6-8 dozen sugar cookies for tomorrow, 15 pounds of ground beef and a big bag/carton of mixed greens for the lunch meal at the OUR Center. Drop off to Heather Boushele. Thank you!!
It was a humbling opportunity and helped to put the Christmas season in perspective.
And our ward members were just awesome in helping as well. As we came to the end of the first day and posted on Facebook that we needed more items for Saturday, the request was answered immediately.
Urgent: we need 6-8 dozen sugar cookies for tomorrow, 15 pounds of ground beef and a big bag/carton of mixed greens for the lunch meal at the OUR Center. Drop off to Heather Boushele. Thank you!!
New Website
I have been searching for awhile to find a site where I could showcase some of my photos for family and friends, and myportfolio.com showed up as an option when I renewed my Lightroom and Photoshop subscription. It is a work in progress, but hopefully will work great.
https://jolaynekline.myportfolio.com/
Let me know what you think. There is also a link on the right of my blog.
https://jolaynekline.myportfolio.com/
Let me know what you think. There is also a link on the right of my blog.
Closer to Christ - Day 11
It is not what we receive that enriches our lives,
it is what we give.
George Albert Smith
Friday, December 22, 2017
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