Saturday, December 18, 2010
Quotable
Preston continually keeps us on our toes and I never can predict what he will say next. He was chatting with Burke and I in the kitchen one day. He was telling us why he likes water. Then he said, " I also like water because it doesn't make you cough. Like Coffee is bad for you because it makes you cough." SO funny. Guess we have a bit more teaching to do?!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thanksgiving Fun!
We spent Thanksgiving with the Claridge Clan in Denver. Not a single photo was taken (at least by me). We must have been having too much fun!
A few mentionable highlights:
A few mentionable highlights:
- We didn't catch the turkey on fire --and --it was delicious!
- Mel's fabulous pie recipe finds.
- Jessica's fabulous Sweet Potato Souffle
- Burke and Ben constructing the projector screen and Watching How to Train Your Dragon in "stadium seating".
- Shopping with Mel. Hello most amazing bargain shopper of all time. Yes I will go with you anywhere ;)
- Temple Session
- Downtown Denver's outdoor Mall. Such a beautiful perfect day.
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Mmmmm. I have been craving Grandma's chocolates ever since being reminded of that fabulous candy shop smell.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Hallow-weekend
We had a Happy Halloween Weekend :) Here are a few pics of our activities. Pumpkin Carving, Costume making, Trunk or Treat, and My birthday :) Fun times!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Fantastic Fall :)
Fall ---I love love love it. It is my very most favorite time of year. The weather is so perfect and so the air has just a bit of a bite. The colors are so rich and restful. It is also the time I feel most nostalgic for "home." Lucky for me Burke's family made a quick trip down to see us over General Conference weekend. It was really good for me to see them. Here are just a few other ways we have been enjoying the fall:
We went to the pumpkin patch! This is such a fun tradition :) We went just before dusk on a beautiful evening. The kids hurriedly chose their pumpkins and then Preston declared his desire to go through the corn maze. It was quite comical. He kept asking to see the map (which was pretty useless to me, but Burke thought it worked) and Burke got them to navigate a loop so we didn't have to do the whole thing! (Good work!) It was fun to hear the kiddos laughing and running ahead clearly weighing their options each time they came to a fork in their path. "Hmmm. Which one?" It was so cute. Then they wanted to do the Hay Bale Maze. Also hilarious. Rebekah got "lost" a few times and just decided to crawl over the hay barriers. Too funny. All in all the kids were so thrilled they got to visit the pumpkin patch.
We also took a Saturday this month to go and see the fall colors. Burke suggested we take a drive over the Grand Mesa. It was so beautiful. It was like comfort food for my heart. There was snow on the very top, but none at the ski resort (not set to open for a few months anyway). It was a great relaxing drive (Even though Preston STILL hasn't figured out how to puke in a container when he is carsick. Oh well.)
We went to the pumpkin patch! This is such a fun tradition :) We went just before dusk on a beautiful evening. The kids hurriedly chose their pumpkins and then Preston declared his desire to go through the corn maze. It was quite comical. He kept asking to see the map (which was pretty useless to me, but Burke thought it worked) and Burke got them to navigate a loop so we didn't have to do the whole thing! (Good work!) It was fun to hear the kiddos laughing and running ahead clearly weighing their options each time they came to a fork in their path. "Hmmm. Which one?" It was so cute. Then they wanted to do the Hay Bale Maze. Also hilarious. Rebekah got "lost" a few times and just decided to crawl over the hay barriers. Too funny. All in all the kids were so thrilled they got to visit the pumpkin patch.
We also took a Saturday this month to go and see the fall colors. Burke suggested we take a drive over the Grand Mesa. It was so beautiful. It was like comfort food for my heart. There was snow on the very top, but none at the ski resort (not set to open for a few months anyway). It was a great relaxing drive (Even though Preston STILL hasn't figured out how to puke in a container when he is carsick. Oh well.)
Oreos for FHE
My ego is insisting that I ask you to ignore the fact that Rebekah totally looks like an orphan in these photos. It was right before bed the night before I went and had her hair cut.
We had home evening and I had (as usual) not made treats. I have been known to pass out marshmallows or chocolate chips in a pinch like this. I usually do have some type of treat on hand, but it does not always promise to be really cool. Luckily, I sent Burke on a milk run a few nights before this and he had picked up a package of Oreos. I like Oreos . . . sometimes . . . and only with a cold glass of milk. My sister Brittney taught us how to dip Oreos with a fork so the whole cookie gets equally saturated-- Burke LOVED this tip and it may be one of his favorite treats since he learned it. So anyway he decided to teach this to our kids. Usually when we have this treat (not all that often) the kids are already in bed so they hadn't ever seen it before.
Preston thought this was totally overrated. He opted (after losing his cookie in his milk) to take them apart and eat the "shortening" *gross* (I ate them this way as a kid)!
We had home evening and I had (as usual) not made treats. I have been known to pass out marshmallows or chocolate chips in a pinch like this. I usually do have some type of treat on hand, but it does not always promise to be really cool. Luckily, I sent Burke on a milk run a few nights before this and he had picked up a package of Oreos. I like Oreos . . . sometimes . . . and only with a cold glass of milk. My sister Brittney taught us how to dip Oreos with a fork so the whole cookie gets equally saturated-- Burke LOVED this tip and it may be one of his favorite treats since he learned it. So anyway he decided to teach this to our kids. Usually when we have this treat (not all that often) the kids are already in bed so they hadn't ever seen it before.
Preston thought this was totally overrated. He opted (after losing his cookie in his milk) to take them apart and eat the "shortening" *gross* (I ate them this way as a kid)!
Rebekah on the other hand, couldn't get enough of this. The next day she kept asking me for more "blue cookies on a fork".
Dad giving the demonstration :)
Friday, October 15, 2010
Things Happen for a Reason
At the risk of getting too personal, I have a miracle story to share. I have resisted writing this out here, but I can't shake the feeling that this is a place that I need to write this out. So here it is.
Just over 2 1/2 years ago I was very pregnant with our second child. We lived literally in the sticks-- a strong 90 minutes from the nearest hospital in rural Wyoming. It was winter, and I remember distinctly about 5 weeks before delivery we had an unbelievable storm and we were quite literally snowed in. Burke was out of town, and some girl friends and I were supposed to be having a girls night out. We couldn't even make it out of the "subdivision" where we lived. Snow drifts taller than my SUV and blizzard like conditions made it memorable indeed. When we were all home safe and sound that night, I remember laying awake in my bed for hours. Even though I was 5 weeks away from delivery, I felt panic knowing that if for some reason I had gone into labor that night, I would have been having an unattended at home birth-- not something I was planning for. That night I got serious about preparing for the birth of my daughter. I made more specific plans to go to Idaho (where my doctor was) the last 2 weeks of the pregnancy. Up until that point, I had sort of hoped to not have to do that. (The last few weeks of pregnancy are totally manic --not really the time you want to be a house guest!) We were very far from medical help in the event of a true emergency.
Fast forward a few short weeks, my dear Rebekah's birth unfolded in ways I could never have expected. After going in to labor and dilating 3 cm, my labor stalled and came to a standstill. Because I hadn't checked into the hospital, and I knew I wasn't in totally active labor yet and didn't want to go to the hospital yet, the midwife called in a sleeping pill for me and told me to go and get some rest and come in when my labor picked up again. When I woke up the next morning, my whole belly looked different. My baby had breeched herself. I remember being so dumbfounded. How does this happen?!? We scheduled a procedure to turn the baby the next day. No luck. Just a bruised up belly that felt like someone had used it for a punching bag-- and did I mention--I was still pregnant. I diligently kept to the "hammock pose" to natually encourage the baby to turn on her own, but she didn't budge. I remember feeling so confused. What should I even hope for, ask for? I knew that a cesarean birth was not the end of the world, yet it felt completely the opposite of what I wanted. I sought a priesthood blessing. I remember my Dad asking me what I wanted before he blessed me. I couldn't get very specific-- I had so much fear. I had a lot of questions like, 'Why did she turn over in the first place? Was there something wrong that we couldn't see? Some important piece of the puzzle that we didn't have yet? Did I NEED to have a c-section for everyone to be okay?' So that is what I told him. "I just want us to both be okay." I was filled with so much peace as the blessing was pronounced. I knew whatever happened we would be okay. I was counseled to have faith, and ask specifically for what I wanted. So I did. I got very specific. I continued to pray for our well being, and I prayed that my baby would turn. But she didn't turn. I was discouraged. How could it be possible that I didn't have enough faith? Why, despite my attempts to ask the Lord to make up the difference didn't I have have the blessing that I sought so specifically? We scheduled the cesarean birth and 6 very long days after she breeched my little Rebakah was born.
Fast forward 2 years later when I learned I had lupus. My symptoms actually began towards the end of the second trimester and really escalated in the few months after Rebakah's birth. My doctor and I had no idea I had lupus at that time. But looking back, I am certain that I did. The day my Rheumatologist and I discussed pregnancy and childbirth as pertaining to a mother with lupus I got my answer. A lupus mom is at increased risk for postpartum blood clots and needs to be treated specifically to prevent this. When I learned this, I remembered something that literally brought me to tears. After my baby's surgical birth every 12 hours the nurses woke me to give me a heparin shot (blood thinner). The second day, the nurse was just making conversation and told me that many doctors do not order this specific procedure anymore for c-section moms-- she said, "your doctor has been doing some reading and has decided it may have some benefit." I now understand that in a case such as mine there was quite probably "some benefit".
Can you imagine what could have gone wrong for me? What if we had had a normal uncomplicated delivery? I would have gone back to Wyoming within a few days of my baby's birth. And there far from medical help, without warning, I may have had a complication that could have maimed or killed me. Who knows? Maybe everything would have been fine. But I realize now, that the two things I was asking for so specifically-- 1) that she and I would be well and 2) My baby would turn over-- were possibly in direct conflict with each other. And I am grateful that my prayer was answered. And I know that even when it doesn't seem to make any sense at all, things happen for a reason.
Just over 2 1/2 years ago I was very pregnant with our second child. We lived literally in the sticks-- a strong 90 minutes from the nearest hospital in rural Wyoming. It was winter, and I remember distinctly about 5 weeks before delivery we had an unbelievable storm and we were quite literally snowed in. Burke was out of town, and some girl friends and I were supposed to be having a girls night out. We couldn't even make it out of the "subdivision" where we lived. Snow drifts taller than my SUV and blizzard like conditions made it memorable indeed. When we were all home safe and sound that night, I remember laying awake in my bed for hours. Even though I was 5 weeks away from delivery, I felt panic knowing that if for some reason I had gone into labor that night, I would have been having an unattended at home birth-- not something I was planning for. That night I got serious about preparing for the birth of my daughter. I made more specific plans to go to Idaho (where my doctor was) the last 2 weeks of the pregnancy. Up until that point, I had sort of hoped to not have to do that. (The last few weeks of pregnancy are totally manic --not really the time you want to be a house guest!) We were very far from medical help in the event of a true emergency.
Fast forward a few short weeks, my dear Rebekah's birth unfolded in ways I could never have expected. After going in to labor and dilating 3 cm, my labor stalled and came to a standstill. Because I hadn't checked into the hospital, and I knew I wasn't in totally active labor yet and didn't want to go to the hospital yet, the midwife called in a sleeping pill for me and told me to go and get some rest and come in when my labor picked up again. When I woke up the next morning, my whole belly looked different. My baby had breeched herself. I remember being so dumbfounded. How does this happen?!? We scheduled a procedure to turn the baby the next day. No luck. Just a bruised up belly that felt like someone had used it for a punching bag-- and did I mention--I was still pregnant. I diligently kept to the "hammock pose" to natually encourage the baby to turn on her own, but she didn't budge. I remember feeling so confused. What should I even hope for, ask for? I knew that a cesarean birth was not the end of the world, yet it felt completely the opposite of what I wanted. I sought a priesthood blessing. I remember my Dad asking me what I wanted before he blessed me. I couldn't get very specific-- I had so much fear. I had a lot of questions like, 'Why did she turn over in the first place? Was there something wrong that we couldn't see? Some important piece of the puzzle that we didn't have yet? Did I NEED to have a c-section for everyone to be okay?' So that is what I told him. "I just want us to both be okay." I was filled with so much peace as the blessing was pronounced. I knew whatever happened we would be okay. I was counseled to have faith, and ask specifically for what I wanted. So I did. I got very specific. I continued to pray for our well being, and I prayed that my baby would turn. But she didn't turn. I was discouraged. How could it be possible that I didn't have enough faith? Why, despite my attempts to ask the Lord to make up the difference didn't I have have the blessing that I sought so specifically? We scheduled the cesarean birth and 6 very long days after she breeched my little Rebakah was born.
Fast forward 2 years later when I learned I had lupus. My symptoms actually began towards the end of the second trimester and really escalated in the few months after Rebakah's birth. My doctor and I had no idea I had lupus at that time. But looking back, I am certain that I did. The day my Rheumatologist and I discussed pregnancy and childbirth as pertaining to a mother with lupus I got my answer. A lupus mom is at increased risk for postpartum blood clots and needs to be treated specifically to prevent this. When I learned this, I remembered something that literally brought me to tears. After my baby's surgical birth every 12 hours the nurses woke me to give me a heparin shot (blood thinner). The second day, the nurse was just making conversation and told me that many doctors do not order this specific procedure anymore for c-section moms-- she said, "your doctor has been doing some reading and has decided it may have some benefit." I now understand that in a case such as mine there was quite probably "some benefit".
Can you imagine what could have gone wrong for me? What if we had had a normal uncomplicated delivery? I would have gone back to Wyoming within a few days of my baby's birth. And there far from medical help, without warning, I may have had a complication that could have maimed or killed me. Who knows? Maybe everything would have been fine. But I realize now, that the two things I was asking for so specifically-- 1) that she and I would be well and 2) My baby would turn over-- were possibly in direct conflict with each other. And I am grateful that my prayer was answered. And I know that even when it doesn't seem to make any sense at all, things happen for a reason.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
R-E-B-E-K-A-H
So I have this darling girl. She is sweeter than anything in the world. I can't get enough of her darling-ness--see? I even stoop to making up nonsense words to describe her. I can't stop smiling when I think about her. Too adorable. Of late I have enjoyed a new phenomenon: One-on-one time with Rebekah. What a delight! With Preston gone 6 hours a week to preschool she and I have some automatic girl time and I have been loving every minute of it. It has renewed my committment to get a little one-on-one time with each of my family members every week-- it is just a great way to connect and lends itself to different communication than we have as a group. I learn things about each person that I didn't know every single time I do this.
It usually is nothing too special. We have had long chats about why girls have longer hair than boys. We have painted our toenails together. She lets me play with her hair in new ways and sits by me and puts on her "make up" while I do mine.
She has a fine eye for comfortable and cute and is becoming a world class shopper.
Sometimes we pretend she has school. We do our "homework" (usually coloring) and talk about whatever she is interested in.
Other times she helps me clean the house. That is always entertaining :)
Other times we have gone on walks and enjoyed the park across the street. I love to do this with my children, because they see so much of the world that I miss. Nothing escapes their interest or their eyes--and their questions are endless!
Rebekah's love for music continues. She is constantly singing her way through life. One song usually weaves into another and has a great deal of her own ideas threaded throughout as well. I love this. She sits at the piano and sings and plays everyday. A few of her current favs: Little Pioneer Children, Daddy's Homecoming, and "The Blue Blue Sky" (My Heavenly Father Loves Me)
Here she is eating a popsicle she scored for being cute in Old Navy one day. She likes to wear her sunglasses and sing along with the radio while we drive-- must be Mom's girl!
"Homework"
Running the Vacuum.
And finally one more cute story: We had the missionaries over to dinner last week. I made brownies for dessert. The kids both picked at their dinner and were not eligible for brownies yet. So Rebekah pulled out her super sad frown. The heartbreaker that I think all little girls have some version of--and said, "Mom, I think I need a brownie face" then she proceeded to sing, with her long face, "No one likes a brownie face . . ." We all got a pretty good kick out of that one. And Rebekah got a brownie face after all.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Labor Day Weekend :)
We had such a great Labor Day weekend! After a quick trip to SLC last week to go to the temple and to see some friends we didn't feel much like going too far to celebrate our three day weekend. So we enjoyed some close to home attractions and really had a great time as a family!
Dad is the champion reader-- since Preston started school he has been pretty insistent that we get his daily reading done-- and Dad has stepped up big time in getting this task handled! Here he and the kids were piled in Preston's bed reading a book called, "Those Amazing Ants" !On Saturday we went to Kidzplex. It was super fun-- Burke and I were worn out WAY before our children-- and I had swollen bruised up knees for a few days afterward from crawling through the mass of tunnels. We had lots of laughs and got super sweaty (gross)!
On Sunday we went to church (not much different there huh?) Preston was a little disappointed. "I thought we were having 3 family days in a row! Church is not a family Day!"
On Monday we went to Glenwood Springs and did this hike. It was beautiful-- and wAy above our children's skill level. I felt bad when I realized how overwhelming it might be to look up at a steep mountain of boulders strewn through a very narrow pathway that were all as high as your waist. I think I would have given up! They hung in there and we were all rewarded with the beautiful view at the top and satisfaction of having overcome in the end. Preston walked every step!
Getting ready to start up the trail :)
Back down to the bottom of the trailhead-- I think we were all pretty relieved when it was over!
Trail Stats: 2.4 miles round trip and 1000 foot elevation gain. Time spent on trail 3.5 hours. 2 potty breaks and one pair of peed pants (not mine!) We took one longish break for lunch about 3/4 of the way to the top.
Would I do this again? Yes with these changes: This would be a lot more fun for our children in a few years. A good portion of the trail is too dangerous to carry a child in your arms or even in a backpack (balance). We were really blessed that none of us were hurt. This trail was immensely popular on this holiday weekend--so before I sound like I don't like to share, I need to defend my position--the trail was really narrow and since up and back is the same trail the flow of traffic was really obnoxious. There were not places to "pull over" because of the steepness and rockiness of the terrain. Because we were slower hikers there was a lot of pressure from behind and ahead to move on or move out. I found that bothersome. If I did it again I would probably go on a weekday in the summer to hopefully improve that aspect of the trip.
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