Sleeping Beauty vs. Cinderella

Celie's job after a meal is to wipe the table and sweep the floor. She does a good job. Lately she has been telling me how she can wipe the table like Sleeping Beauty so I sing "I wonder" song while I put clean dishes away, every morning. I decided to actually watch her while she wipes the table yesterday and noticed that she does clean like Sleeping Beauty! You know that scene where they are showing Rose in the wood cutters cottage for the first time; on her sixteenth birthday? Don't be so surprised that I know this. She flings her little rag back and forth supposedly dusting right? All Celie has been doing is flinging her rag, sweeping the crumbs off the table while she sits on the table I might add. Anyway, I told her that the table isn't getting clean that way. (SB doesn't know how to clean, she had three fairies that raised her and don't tell me they didn't use magic those sixteen years; clue: they didn't know how to make a dress or a cake on her birthday; ya.) So I told my sweet Celie to clean like Cinderella instead! She actually knows how to clean a house. Think of the time when Cinderella is singing and scrubbing the entry floor. Yep, clean like that. She understood immediately and now scrubs all stickiness off, just like Cinderella. Before my favorite Disney princess was SB, but now I am reconsidering.

Paid in Full

Tonight is very special! I have just paid off the last of our student loans!!!!! I am so excited you have no idea. It means so much to Marty and I to be out of debt in this aspect. House is next :(

Marty and I believe that living within our means is essential to security, peacefulness in the home, self reliance, and overall happiness in life and marriage. I can't tell you how much of a comfort it has been knowing that my spouse and I agree on how to live financially. This bring us together and I can honestly say that I never worried about us getting into trouble financially because we never got into unnecessary debt. Even when we were making less than $10 K a year we lived within our means and were happy. Here is a link if you want to know more about the principles we strive to live by: provident living. Also, here is a link to a small, easy to read booklet that we have loved: One for the money.

Yea for us! I think we will have to celebrate. Don't mean to sound boastful, I'm just so happy and relieved.

Gardening in July and much more

I spent about 3 hours in the garden and yard today. The weeds were so huge they were almost as big as the vegetable plants. Our tomatoes are growing nicely and there hasn't been much fungus, pest, or bird trouble yet. Our family just had our first "Marvin & Joes" (bread, cheese, tomato, salt & pepper toasted) and Celie announced she had a new favorite food. I was surprised she changed from her consistent favorite of Mac & Cheese with hot dogs.

The two oldest played outside the whole time I was out working. They love being outside. They can play with rocks and water for so long. I am glad they found something they could love playing with and it doesn't even cost a lot of money!

I think about my Mother a lot. Usually I would be talking to her and telling her all of these things instead of writing them on my blog. I miss her. She was so funny.

Celie has been trying to imitate rolling of the eyes. She is having a hard time understanding what it is even though she does it all of the time. She keeps asking me, "Mom, am I rolling my eyes?". She would be staring straight and still. Nope, that's not it.

Jack told me with his grumpiest tone and face that he wanted to go bye bye. I asked where and he replied with Jesus . . . and Nana. "bye, bye now!" He would say. How sweet they are at this age. I have discovered a funny thing about Jack. I believe his reflexes are a bit slow, or non-existent. When ever there is an accidental self inflicted pain such as closing the play cell phone on his finger holding it pinched with the other or standing in an ant pile or like the other day holding his wet finger on a dry ice cube he simply sits there crying and yelling ow over and over. I would think that you would shake your hand or jump around, anything to stop the pain. But he just sits there with his finger on the ice cube waiting for me to pull his finger off. Silly boy.

Jett is about 20 pounds now and is all height. He has a fast arm and can hit and scratch with the best of them. Even at the age of 11 1/2 months he has no interest in walking yet, but he is a fast crawler. He loves dancing (or I should call moving to music). If there is anything with so much as a rhythm he starts shaking and rolling his torso. Sweet Jett is still a great sleeper and he loves his sister and brother. He broke his first two bottom teeth about a month ago and now his is breaking five more on top. A molar and the four in front. These were all emerging while I was in Utah which made it a little bit difficult. I love my kids!

Fun pic of Jett

G&G's house

Tractor and Jack

big boy Jack

Learned to ride a trike at G&G's house.

Fun pic on the farm

fun pic by the tractor wheel

Fun pic on the farm

Daddy getting ready to shoot the gun on the clay farm.

Too loud.

Jack having fun on the water feature at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Celie swinging at G&G's house.

Sister and Brother!

Jack in the rock on our hike in Logan canyon.

Ballet recital day in May '09

Preschool Graduation day in May '09. Kindergarten coming up!

Preschool Graduation Day.

Funeral

Here are some pictures of the Funeral.

Casket Spray. We ordered her tropical, bright colored flowers to represent her personality and love for the beach.

Picture of Laura and her sister as cartoon characters.

memorabilia

She was a dancer, performer and peach queen.

She was a USU Aggiet

Pictures

Wedding dress

poem on wreath

Hat Wreath

Mother

What an emotional roller coaster. These past four weeks have been beyond anything I ever imagined myself doing. As I look back, I know I was lifted and was given the capabilities to do what needed to be done. My sweet Mother was so patient with me as I struggled to care for her. Even though she was in so much pain she was grateful for our time together. I couldn't have done it with out my husband and his family. I had full time babysitters and didn't have to worry about how my kids were doing. The two weeks I cared for her were some of the most special days I have experienced. I feel humbled to have had the opportunity to serve her remembering all of the service she has given me as her daughter. I can not adequately express what it was like to be with someone when they pass away. It was a hard thing to do. Among all the feelings of helplessness were feelings of peace and gratitude for her release from pain in this mortal life.

My heart is full as I read sweet emails and cards of sympathy. How memorable it was to see old friends and family come and support my family at this hard time. I will never forget your kindness and prayers. I have literally felt the prayers lift me up and sustain me through this trial. Thank you.

Wake Up Jett

Jett has been a joy to raise. He sleeps in, he loves to play with toys by himself and he takes long naps! My favorite part of our day together is when he gets up in the morning. I usually hear him talking on and off for a while and then I go get him (he likes his wake up/alone time - so do I). He always greets me with such excitement and smiles. Yes, yes, my most favorite part of the day.

Look at that smile

Toad

The kids have been enjoying the tramp, wading pool, rocks and creatures this spring. They love being outside. Celie found a friend in the back yard. She loves toads. She treats those toads like they are her special buddies. Unfortunately she isn't very careful with them.

Camping with friends

A few families went camping and had a great time. It was perfect weather. Some kids didn't sleep, but ours for the most part slept great! I am glad we went before it got too hot and humid!