Sunday, July 28, 2013
Cleaning with Dad
It is an interesting phenomenon that our children will participate in work when accompanied by a parent, most especially their dad. Chris came home from a week of work and, after seeing the condition of our vehicles, deemed Saturday a "clean the car" day. The girls weren't terribly thrilled at the prospect but once they got into the cleaning mode, they were happy to work with their dad.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
All Squished Out
I was playing with Kristen the other evening. She was my doctor, and apparently I had a broken leg that necessitated a four-week hospital stay. She then switched to being my nurse who was going to rub my feet. She had a container of lotion in her right hand and towel and supplies in the other hand. As she tried to climb up on my bed, she tripped and fell against my pillow with her right hand squishing the lotion all over my shirt sleeve and pillow. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It was an accident!"
Even with my "broken" leg, I climbed out of bed and helped to clean up the lotion. I'm just sad that I missed out on a foot rub.
Even with my "broken" leg, I climbed out of bed and helped to clean up the lotion. I'm just sad that I missed out on a foot rub.
Friday, July 19, 2013
God Is In The Details
Christopher and I have had so many experiences of late reaffirming that "God is in the details" of our lives. It is sometimes hard to imagine that our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ would even care about the choices we are making, but we have a strong testimony of this and know that even in where we live, Their purposes are being fulfilled.
I will be honest and say that there are times when we wonder, "Is this really the right choice?" Those times are usually the result of hurdles that are in our way. The pathway to following Christ is not, nor was it ever promised to be, burden and hurdle-free. I need to repeat that: The pathway to following Christ is not, nor was it ever promised to be, burden and hurdle-free. Chris and I can attest to that being true as well. BUT there is never a moment when He shelves us and offers a trite, "I'll get back to you later." It may feel like it. It sometimes does feel like it. Always, though, His purposes take time to accomplish.
I came across a quote yesterday morning that was a great reminder:
"If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now."
Jeffrey R. Holland
The whole of Elder Holland's talk was amazing. I recommend it. I needed it.
"Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence"
In a speech given by Elder David A Bednar, he offers:
Stonewall Jackson was a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Many military historians consider General Jackson to be one of the most gifted tactical commanders in U.S. history. As a young man he fought in the Mexican American war, and during the Civil War he served with General Robert E. Lee and commanded confederate troops in a number of key battles with Union forces.
Once as General Jackson was discussing strategic options with his associates, a commander began his recommendation with the statement, “I fear we will not find our wagons tonight.”
Stonewall responded to the words, “I fear,” in his colleague’s observation with a penetrating truth that ultimately became the general’s trademark: “Never take counsel from your fears” (Mary Anna Jackson, Memoirs of “Stonewall” Jackson, 1895, 264). That is the simple principle I want to discuss with you today: never taking counsel from your fears.
We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and chaotic, ever more evil and dark. President Boyd K. Packer observed,
“The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace. I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.
“I know of nothing in the history of the Church or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now they are spread across the world, and they are among us” (Boyd K. Packer, "The One Pure Defense," Address to CES Religious Educators, 6 February 2004, Salt Lake Tabernacle).
As we consider so many of the things that are occurring all around us today, we could perhaps find ample reasons to be afraid, to hesitate, and to wonder if things in our lives can indeed turn out the way we have long hoped they would turn out.
...some of you may question or lack confidence in your own ability to succeed temporally and spiritually. Or perhaps you wonder if the Lord’s promises of support and guidance—which you readily recognize and acknowledge in the lives of so many other people—will likewise be evident in your life. You may be uncertain about pursuing an opportunity because you cannot foresee all of the details about how things will work out, and thus you are reticent to start and take the first steps on that path. Or you may be so concerned about making a mistake that you fail to act in faith and press forward, and you thereby increase the likelihood of the very failure you fear.
To not take counsel from our fears simply means that we do not permit fear and uncertainty to determine our course in life, to affect negatively our attitudes and behavior, to influence improperly our important decisions, or to divert or distract us from all in this world that is virtuous, lovely, or of good report. To not take counsel from our fears means that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ overrules our fears and that we press forward with a steadfastness in Him. To not take counsel from our fears means that we trust in God’s guidance, assurance, and timing in our lives. I promise each of us can and will be blessed with direction, protection, and lasting joy as we learn to not take counsel from our fears.
As we exercise faith in Christ and trust in His promises, we can walk into the dark with the absolute assurance that our pathway will be illuminated—at least far enough to take the next step—and then the next step—and the next step. "Fear Not, I Am With Thee" December 15, 2012
I will be honest and say that there are times when we wonder, "Is this really the right choice?" Those times are usually the result of hurdles that are in our way. The pathway to following Christ is not, nor was it ever promised to be, burden and hurdle-free. I need to repeat that: The pathway to following Christ is not, nor was it ever promised to be, burden and hurdle-free. Chris and I can attest to that being true as well. BUT there is never a moment when He shelves us and offers a trite, "I'll get back to you later." It may feel like it. It sometimes does feel like it. Always, though, His purposes take time to accomplish.
I came across a quote yesterday morning that was a great reminder:
"If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now."
Jeffrey R. Holland
The whole of Elder Holland's talk was amazing. I recommend it. I needed it.
"Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence"
In a speech given by Elder David A Bednar, he offers:
Stonewall Jackson was a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Many military historians consider General Jackson to be one of the most gifted tactical commanders in U.S. history. As a young man he fought in the Mexican American war, and during the Civil War he served with General Robert E. Lee and commanded confederate troops in a number of key battles with Union forces.
Once as General Jackson was discussing strategic options with his associates, a commander began his recommendation with the statement, “I fear we will not find our wagons tonight.”
Stonewall responded to the words, “I fear,” in his colleague’s observation with a penetrating truth that ultimately became the general’s trademark: “Never take counsel from your fears” (Mary Anna Jackson, Memoirs of “Stonewall” Jackson, 1895, 264). That is the simple principle I want to discuss with you today: never taking counsel from your fears.
We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and chaotic, ever more evil and dark. President Boyd K. Packer observed,
“The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace. I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.
“I know of nothing in the history of the Church or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now they are spread across the world, and they are among us” (Boyd K. Packer, "The One Pure Defense," Address to CES Religious Educators, 6 February 2004, Salt Lake Tabernacle).
As we consider so many of the things that are occurring all around us today, we could perhaps find ample reasons to be afraid, to hesitate, and to wonder if things in our lives can indeed turn out the way we have long hoped they would turn out.
...some of you may question or lack confidence in your own ability to succeed temporally and spiritually. Or perhaps you wonder if the Lord’s promises of support and guidance—which you readily recognize and acknowledge in the lives of so many other people—will likewise be evident in your life. You may be uncertain about pursuing an opportunity because you cannot foresee all of the details about how things will work out, and thus you are reticent to start and take the first steps on that path. Or you may be so concerned about making a mistake that you fail to act in faith and press forward, and you thereby increase the likelihood of the very failure you fear.
To not take counsel from our fears simply means that we do not permit fear and uncertainty to determine our course in life, to affect negatively our attitudes and behavior, to influence improperly our important decisions, or to divert or distract us from all in this world that is virtuous, lovely, or of good report. To not take counsel from our fears means that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ overrules our fears and that we press forward with a steadfastness in Him. To not take counsel from our fears means that we trust in God’s guidance, assurance, and timing in our lives. I promise each of us can and will be blessed with direction, protection, and lasting joy as we learn to not take counsel from our fears.
As we exercise faith in Christ and trust in His promises, we can walk into the dark with the absolute assurance that our pathway will be illuminated—at least far enough to take the next step—and then the next step—and the next step. "Fear Not, I Am With Thee" December 15, 2012
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Kristen's Birthday Party
You might be wondering, "Aren't you a little late? Wasn't her birthday in April?" Yes and yes. But her birthday happened to fall right in the middle of moving and there was just no way I could handle everything. We told her we would have it later in the summer. I'm pretty sure she wasn't that happy about having to postpone, but since she only gets a party every four years, she wasn't ready to postpone until next summer as I suggested.
We found some Living Social coupons for the Loveland Laser Tag center and promptly bought enough for a party for Kristen and then recruited some friends to buy coupons for a party for Misha. We sent out the invites and Kristen excitedly waited for Saturday, July 13th. As her friends began to arrive, I had them hide their gifts for Kristen throughout the house.
The party progressed with smashing a pinata and then heading up to Loveland. It took longer than we had originally planned at the Laser Tag Center, so Chris began texting parents that we would be an hour later.
The girls had fun playing laser tag, playing the arcade games, climbing through the laser maze, and some had fun on the climbing wall. The afternoon also included lunch at their cafe and cashing in tickets from the arcade games for their prizes.
We hurried back home for cake, nerd glasses, and final birthday wishes.
We found some Living Social coupons for the Loveland Laser Tag center and promptly bought enough for a party for Kristen and then recruited some friends to buy coupons for a party for Misha. We sent out the invites and Kristen excitedly waited for Saturday, July 13th. As her friends began to arrive, I had them hide their gifts for Kristen throughout the house.
The party progressed with smashing a pinata and then heading up to Loveland. It took longer than we had originally planned at the Laser Tag Center, so Chris began texting parents that we would be an hour later.
The girls had fun playing laser tag, playing the arcade games, climbing through the laser maze, and some had fun on the climbing wall. The afternoon also included lunch at their cafe and cashing in tickets from the arcade games for their prizes.
We hurried back home for cake, nerd glasses, and final birthday wishes.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Crashing by the Fire Station
Amy, Misha, and Kristen hopped on their bikes to ride to the grocery store to pick up some powdered sugar. They were gone for awhile, and I was mentally keeping track of when they should be back. I heard the back door slam and went down to check on the girls, when I saw Chris and Misha backing out of the garage in the Pilot, I asked. "Where are you going?"
"Kristen crashed on her bike." Misha had ridden her bike home to get us.
I hopped in to the car without any shoes on, and we drove the 1/2 mile to the ball park. We looked around for Amy and Kristen's bike and finally spied them next to the ball fields in front of the Fire Station. Chris went in first with Misha but since I didn't have shoes, I waited in the car. I didn't have the patience for that and wanted to make sure Kristen was ok. I hopped across the hot pavement to the sidewalk. Ouch. I rang the front doorbell without realizing that the garage bays were opened. The firemen looked at me kind of weird-like standing there in my bare feet. I said, "I'm with the other people," and they directed me to the bays.
Kristen was all patched up by this time, there were no more tears, and she was getting her very own plastic fireman's hat. Lucky! If you were going to pick a place to crash, next to the Fire Station was ideal. We loaded Kristen in to the car. Misha wasn't too thrilled that she had to ride Kristen's small bike home, but I was grateful for two sisters who took exceptional care of their younger sister.
"Kristen crashed on her bike." Misha had ridden her bike home to get us.
I hopped in to the car without any shoes on, and we drove the 1/2 mile to the ball park. We looked around for Amy and Kristen's bike and finally spied them next to the ball fields in front of the Fire Station. Chris went in first with Misha but since I didn't have shoes, I waited in the car. I didn't have the patience for that and wanted to make sure Kristen was ok. I hopped across the hot pavement to the sidewalk. Ouch. I rang the front doorbell without realizing that the garage bays were opened. The firemen looked at me kind of weird-like standing there in my bare feet. I said, "I'm with the other people," and they directed me to the bays.
Kristen was all patched up by this time, there were no more tears, and she was getting her very own plastic fireman's hat. Lucky! If you were going to pick a place to crash, next to the Fire Station was ideal. We loaded Kristen in to the car. Misha wasn't too thrilled that she had to ride Kristen's small bike home, but I was grateful for two sisters who took exceptional care of their younger sister.
Misha's 12!
Misha turned 12. And the major milestone? No more P..R..I..M..A..R..Y..!!!!! She was beyond thrilled to move on to Young Women's.
I had taken Misha to Ulta the day before to pick out a few makeup items. She picked out three things--mascara, eyeliner, and blush--just enough for her. I also gave her makeup remover, some brushes and a zippered case. I doubt that she'll wear the makeup all that often, but just so she had the option.
We celebrated her birthday early in the day with presents--always a good thing. She had hoped for a kayak, but there's little room for a kayak in the rental. She'll have to make do with a bike. We had been looking for a bike for a couple of weeks but hadn't found one that was tall enough for her legs while still being good quality.
Chris found a bike on Craigslist that fit the bill in most areas except for the color. Not red, nor green, nor black. It was white with non-Misha like swirls. We could probably take care of the swirls, but we needed the height and quality of the bike to be the most important. Chris drove to Superior to check out the bike on Tuesday afternoon with Misha and his parents. They hurried home for dinner so that Amy and Misha could then make it to Young Womens on time. Happy Birthday sweet girl!
Amy's cake for Misha was an epic fail. (In her words). The cake was cut in to the shape of a "W" for Wicked (Misha is still obsessed with the musical. She wears the black t-shirt [above] every night as a pj shirt and HANGS it up every morning--she doesn't ever willingly hang anything else up!) But the cake just fell apart as Amy tried to frost it. We lit candles, sang "Happy Birthday", and ate it anyway; Grandma promised to make Misha another one while the girls were visiting in Vancouver, WA.
I had taken Misha to Ulta the day before to pick out a few makeup items. She picked out three things--mascara, eyeliner, and blush--just enough for her. I also gave her makeup remover, some brushes and a zippered case. I doubt that she'll wear the makeup all that often, but just so she had the option.
We celebrated her birthday early in the day with presents--always a good thing. She had hoped for a kayak, but there's little room for a kayak in the rental. She'll have to make do with a bike. We had been looking for a bike for a couple of weeks but hadn't found one that was tall enough for her legs while still being good quality.
Chris found a bike on Craigslist that fit the bill in most areas except for the color. Not red, nor green, nor black. It was white with non-Misha like swirls. We could probably take care of the swirls, but we needed the height and quality of the bike to be the most important. Chris drove to Superior to check out the bike on Tuesday afternoon with Misha and his parents. They hurried home for dinner so that Amy and Misha could then make it to Young Womens on time. Happy Birthday sweet girl!
Amy's cake for Misha was an epic fail. (In her words). The cake was cut in to the shape of a "W" for Wicked (Misha is still obsessed with the musical. She wears the black t-shirt [above] every night as a pj shirt and HANGS it up every morning--she doesn't ever willingly hang anything else up!) But the cake just fell apart as Amy tried to frost it. We lit candles, sang "Happy Birthday", and ate it anyway; Grandma promised to make Misha another one while the girls were visiting in Vancouver, WA.
Grandma and Grandpa
Grandma and Grandpa dropped in for a short visit on their way home from Grandma's NEA convention in Atlanta. I say short because our tiny little rental got even tinier really fast. Misha kindly gave up her room and slept on Amy's floor.
We, of course, spent a couple of hours at the pool each day so that Kristen could continue with her swimming lessons. And frankly, there is very little to do at our rental, so it was nice to get out of the house.
We went shopping at Kohls one afternoon. Here's Grandma sporting some six-inch heels.
It was handy that Chris planned a work trip on Wednesday morning (July 10th). Amy and Misha were going to fly with Grandma and Grandpa to Portland to spend a week. They loaded up the Pilot with all of their luggage and were out of here by 9:30 am.
And what did Kristen and I do? We headed to the pool for a little time with Bridger and Estee B.
We, of course, spent a couple of hours at the pool each day so that Kristen could continue with her swimming lessons. And frankly, there is very little to do at our rental, so it was nice to get out of the house.
We went shopping at Kohls one afternoon. Here's Grandma sporting some six-inch heels.
It was handy that Chris planned a work trip on Wednesday morning (July 10th). Amy and Misha were going to fly with Grandma and Grandpa to Portland to spend a week. They loaded up the Pilot with all of their luggage and were out of here by 9:30 am.
And what did Kristen and I do? We headed to the pool for a little time with Bridger and Estee B.
Swimming Lessons
Amy started swimming lessons with Kristen at the beginning of July. It has been a good opportunity for Amy to learn how to teach and for Kristen to improve upon her skills; if we are going to be living on a lake, I want my kids to be totally comfortable with the water.
Teaching your sister is a bit of an experience. Being taught by your sister is a similar experience. Amy has had to learn the progression of a lesson. For example, you don't just jump right to diving the first day. You work up to it. For Kristen, it has been a lesson in letting your sister tell you what to do and respecting her authority. There have been a few power struggles but overall, I think it has been a good refresher course.
I hope that Amy will continue her study of being a lifeguard. I would feel a lot more comfortable knowing she had those skills.
Teaching your sister is a bit of an experience. Being taught by your sister is a similar experience. Amy has had to learn the progression of a lesson. For example, you don't just jump right to diving the first day. You work up to it. For Kristen, it has been a lesson in letting your sister tell you what to do and respecting her authority. There have been a few power struggles but overall, I think it has been a good refresher course.
I hope that Amy will continue her study of being a lifeguard. I would feel a lot more comfortable knowing she had those skills.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Bowling
For a fun family-night activity, we decided to take the girls bowling. We aren't usually this bad.
4th of July
We still try to figure out an Independence Day tradition, but I think our tradition is simply that we spend the day together as a family in some kind of activity that celebrates this beautiful country. This year, we decided to spend the day in Rocky Mountain National Park with our friends the John family.
After Chris had everything cleaned up from the Ward breakfast, we packed a picnic lunch. The John family similarly headed home to pack stuff for their family, and we met at the Walmart on Highway 66. The road to Estes was busy and slow; Chris took advantage of the passing lanes every chance he got.
Our first destination was the Endovalley picnic area in RMNP. From past years, we knew that it could get pretty packed, but we lucked out in finding an area with two tables and room to spread out. The kids ate a little bit of food and then wanted to be off "climbing mountains." Amy and Misha as the oldest, were good to lead the excursions. It gave the adults time to chat and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and relax.
We left Endovalley and drove up to Bear Lake, opting to take our chances on getting a parking spot instead of taking the bus up. No worries, there were plenty of parking spots available. Jamie stayed with her baby while the rest of hiked down to Alberta Falls. Johns have small kids, so we slowed to accommodate their pace but eventually made it to the Falls where all of the kids had fun climbing on the rocks.
The hike back up to Bear Lake was a bit more challenging, but we made it with some kids riding on shoulders. We were just kind of playing the day by ear, knowing that the young kids would tire. We stopped at the slides in Estes, and after a few runs decided to head home.
Chris was planning to be up really early on Friday morning for a hike, so he stayed home to get ready for it and then headed to bed. The girls and I drove over to the library parking lot to watch fireworks. It was ok. There were a lot of trees in the way, but the girls were happy to climb up through the sunroof to sit on the roof of the car.
After Chris had everything cleaned up from the Ward breakfast, we packed a picnic lunch. The John family similarly headed home to pack stuff for their family, and we met at the Walmart on Highway 66. The road to Estes was busy and slow; Chris took advantage of the passing lanes every chance he got.
Our first destination was the Endovalley picnic area in RMNP. From past years, we knew that it could get pretty packed, but we lucked out in finding an area with two tables and room to spread out. The kids ate a little bit of food and then wanted to be off "climbing mountains." Amy and Misha as the oldest, were good to lead the excursions. It gave the adults time to chat and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and relax.
We left Endovalley and drove up to Bear Lake, opting to take our chances on getting a parking spot instead of taking the bus up. No worries, there were plenty of parking spots available. Jamie stayed with her baby while the rest of hiked down to Alberta Falls. Johns have small kids, so we slowed to accommodate their pace but eventually made it to the Falls where all of the kids had fun climbing on the rocks.
The hike back up to Bear Lake was a bit more challenging, but we made it with some kids riding on shoulders. We were just kind of playing the day by ear, knowing that the young kids would tire. We stopped at the slides in Estes, and after a few runs decided to head home.
Chris was planning to be up really early on Friday morning for a hike, so he stayed home to get ready for it and then headed to bed. The girls and I drove over to the library parking lot to watch fireworks. It was ok. There were a lot of trees in the way, but the girls were happy to climb up through the sunroof to sit on the roof of the car.
Amy's Pool Party
Amy invited a bunch of friends for a pool party at our property. She was pretty excited to have a get-together of her own. As we watched dark clouds gather, she and I were a little concerned that a downpour was on its way. We figured we could always end up at our house if we had to, though it wouldn't be nearly as much fun.
We stopped at King Sooper's for some plates, cups, and napkins and then at Domino's for pizza. We arrived to find a couple of girls already waiting. Ali P. was kind enough to pick up Misha and Kristen and take them to her house for a late-over with her girls. As we were getting set up, I noticed that the gates closed, so Amy and some her friends ran to the entrance to meet up with the girls as they were dropped off.
Thus commenced a lot of laughter, shouts, eating, splashing, and having fun. I noticed at the beginning that there was a division between her church friends and school friends, but by the end of the night, they were mixing together and having a lot of fun. One of their favorite things to do was to scrunch all eleven girls on to the slide, take some pictures, and then suddenly go crashing in to the water.
The weather calmed after 6 pm. The girls went from the pool to swimming in the lake--some even swam over to an island. Teen girls can be quite silly as I heard, "Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!" yelled across the water.
I hung around for the party. I felt a bit weird sitting in the Pilot for three hours, but I also didn't feel that it was appropriate to leave them without parental supervision either. My iPad wasn't fully charged and ran out of battery after two hours, so I had to resort to playing games on my phone. The favorite, profound quote that I overheard was: "I'm not a third wheel anymore. I'm my own bicycle." (Hmmm, sounds like it could be incorporated in to a great talk.)
Chris arrived home from a day of hiking just before 9 pm when the party was to end. He was able to help me get things tidied up and to put things in order. Amy was pretty pleased with the success of the party. I'm sure it will be the beginning of many more.
We stopped at King Sooper's for some plates, cups, and napkins and then at Domino's for pizza. We arrived to find a couple of girls already waiting. Ali P. was kind enough to pick up Misha and Kristen and take them to her house for a late-over with her girls. As we were getting set up, I noticed that the gates closed, so Amy and some her friends ran to the entrance to meet up with the girls as they were dropped off.
Thus commenced a lot of laughter, shouts, eating, splashing, and having fun. I noticed at the beginning that there was a division between her church friends and school friends, but by the end of the night, they were mixing together and having a lot of fun. One of their favorite things to do was to scrunch all eleven girls on to the slide, take some pictures, and then suddenly go crashing in to the water.
The weather calmed after 6 pm. The girls went from the pool to swimming in the lake--some even swam over to an island. Teen girls can be quite silly as I heard, "Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!" yelled across the water.
I hung around for the party. I felt a bit weird sitting in the Pilot for three hours, but I also didn't feel that it was appropriate to leave them without parental supervision either. My iPad wasn't fully charged and ran out of battery after two hours, so I had to resort to playing games on my phone. The favorite, profound quote that I overheard was: "I'm not a third wheel anymore. I'm my own bicycle." (Hmmm, sounds like it could be incorporated in to a great talk.)
Chris arrived home from a day of hiking just before 9 pm when the party was to end. He was able to help me get things tidied up and to put things in order. Amy was pretty pleased with the success of the party. I'm sure it will be the beginning of many more.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Chris and the 14er
Chris and his friend Nolan hiked a 14er on July 5th. Apparently it was a rather grueling hike; Chris already had sore legs when he called from the top of the peak and could barely waddle, I mean walk, when I saw him slide out of Nolan's truck at 9 pm.
4th of July Ward Breakfast
Chris is now in the leadership of the Ward's High Priests group. He got to help with the 4th of July breakfast and was out of the house before 7 am. I had to wake the girls up and told them if they weren't ready to go by 7:45 am, they would have to ride their bikes to the park. That was good motivation for Amy who hates getting up early when she doesn't have to.
We had thought that perhaps we would need to give a hand, but the men had everything under control. This was a healthier version of a pancake breakfast with "fake" eggs and turkey bacon. No one seemed to complain, except for maybe Amy whose teeth were hurting and not allowing her to eat much.
So, instead of needing to help, I grabbed my "grown up" camera (as someone called it) and took pictures. ALL of the missionaries for the area were out in full force for a free breakfast.
We had thought that perhaps we would need to give a hand, but the men had everything under control. This was a healthier version of a pancake breakfast with "fake" eggs and turkey bacon. No one seemed to complain, except for maybe Amy whose teeth were hurting and not allowing her to eat much.
So, instead of needing to help, I grabbed my "grown up" camera (as someone called it) and took pictures. ALL of the missionaries for the area were out in full force for a free breakfast.
Swimming and Sore Toes
The girls are loving the pool at our new property. We are fortunate that we are able to use it for the summer even though our house is still at the permit stage. We spend a couple of hours swimming most days. My children, even though they apply sunscreen, have browned up quite quickly. The one drawback has been the sore toes. The surface of the pool is still a bit rough being brand new. Most days the girls leave the pool with bloody big toes and their skin has been rubbed off.
They like to bandage things up and usually walk around for the rest of the day with big wads of stuffing surrounding their toes.
They like to bandage things up and usually walk around for the rest of the day with big wads of stuffing surrounding their toes.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
More Braces
When Amy had her first round of braces, she was pretty pleased to lose the space between her front teeth. The orthodontist had applied a small bracket to the back of her teeth to hold them in place and then later removed it only to have her teeth spread out again.
Our dentist now does braces and was happy to apply more brackets to Amy's teeth in order to bring the spacing under control again. We hope that it will progress as quickly as last time. She has braces on eight teeth on the top row. Her first couple of days were pretty painful as the braces began to loosen things up.
Our dentist now does braces and was happy to apply more brackets to Amy's teeth in order to bring the spacing under control again. We hope that it will progress as quickly as last time. She has braces on eight teeth on the top row. Her first couple of days were pretty painful as the braces began to loosen things up.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A Fine Tooth Comb
That phrase has taken on new meaning. One afternoon, a couple of weeks after moving in to the rental, Amy was bored. We all were, which was likely why Misha agreed to the beauty treatment. Amy decided that her sisters needed deep conditioning treatments for their hair. She had researched on Pinterest and found the perfect concoction for Kristen's hair needs and an entirely different remedy for Misha's needs.
I should have stopped her then, but like I said, we were bored. Kristen was the first guinea pig, I mean, beauty customer. Amy applied the treatment of coconut oil and other ingredients to Kristen's "dry" hair and stated that it needed to stay on Kristen's hair for 35 minutes, and then she could shower. Fine.
They it was Misha's turn who reluctantly allowed Amy to apply this coconut oil and smashed up, banana paste to her hair. Kristen got in the shower at her allotted time and took a little time to rinse out the oil. Hard to know if the treatment really worked since her hair was rather oily for a few days afterward. But hey, it wasn't dry.
Next Misha got in the shower. She was in there a long time. "Mom, the banana isn't coming out." Indeed it wasn't as I peeked in to check on her. I encouraged, "Try washing it again." Another ten minutes and Misha finally emerged from the bathroom. She had her hair wrapped up in a towel as per her usual routine. Finally, as per "our" usual routine, I recommended that Misha should get her hair combed out. That's when I got a good look at her hair. Banana. chunks. everywhere. I tried to use one of my large-tooth combs. It got out some of the big chunks. Frustrated, I had Misha lean over my sink as I tried to wash her hair again. Still, the chunks weren't coming out.
I applied leave-in conditioner and that helped a little. I finally had to have Misha go find her black, fine-tooth comb, and for the next thirty minutes or so, I combed her hair out strand by strand. Uggh. I completely understand what it means when you say "with a fine tooth comb."
New house rules: Bananas are not allowed in hair around here, and Amy only gets to put hair potions on her own hair.
I should have stopped her then, but like I said, we were bored. Kristen was the first guinea pig, I mean, beauty customer. Amy applied the treatment of coconut oil and other ingredients to Kristen's "dry" hair and stated that it needed to stay on Kristen's hair for 35 minutes, and then she could shower. Fine.
They it was Misha's turn who reluctantly allowed Amy to apply this coconut oil and smashed up, banana paste to her hair. Kristen got in the shower at her allotted time and took a little time to rinse out the oil. Hard to know if the treatment really worked since her hair was rather oily for a few days afterward. But hey, it wasn't dry.
Next Misha got in the shower. She was in there a long time. "Mom, the banana isn't coming out." Indeed it wasn't as I peeked in to check on her. I encouraged, "Try washing it again." Another ten minutes and Misha finally emerged from the bathroom. She had her hair wrapped up in a towel as per her usual routine. Finally, as per "our" usual routine, I recommended that Misha should get her hair combed out. That's when I got a good look at her hair. Banana. chunks. everywhere. I tried to use one of my large-tooth combs. It got out some of the big chunks. Frustrated, I had Misha lean over my sink as I tried to wash her hair again. Still, the chunks weren't coming out.
I applied leave-in conditioner and that helped a little. I finally had to have Misha go find her black, fine-tooth comb, and for the next thirty minutes or so, I combed her hair out strand by strand. Uggh. I completely understand what it means when you say "with a fine tooth comb."
New house rules: Bananas are not allowed in hair around here, and Amy only gets to put hair potions on her own hair.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Where We Live
This post is mostly for family who might want a better picture of where we are living right now. We finally have AC installed, so life in the rental has improved ten fold.
Front Door
Powder Bath
Kitchen
Laundry
Kitchen and Living Room
Living Room (from front door)
Stairs (front door to left)
Down Stairs View (my desk in the Living Room)
Master
Master Bath
Kristen's Room and Girls' Desk
Amy's Room
Misha's Room
Girls' Bathroom
Front Door
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