Hayley did really well and enjoyed getting out and playing in the water with her friend. It was a fun, long day.
As we were driving home, Hayley asked when we would get to go again, so I guess the trip was a success.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Canoeing the Rappahannock
This is Ryan. Hayley and I went canoeing a week ago. We canoed for 11 miles down the Rappahannock river. We went with one of Hayley's good friends and her Dad (who is also a good friend of mine). We had a lot of fun.
Hayley did really well and enjoyed getting out and playing in the water with her friend. It was a fun, long day.
As we were driving home, Hayley asked when we would get to go again, so I guess the trip was a success.
Hayley did really well and enjoyed getting out and playing in the water with her friend. It was a fun, long day.
As we were driving home, Hayley asked when we would get to go again, so I guess the trip was a success.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Bootie Heaven
I helped throw a shower for my sister Nancy in Utah this past week. It was suppose to happen several weeks ago but Nancy surprised us all and had Abigail almost 4 weeks early. Check out her blog for the full details...it's pretty funny.
Anyways, the baby shower was postponed and has finally happened so now I can post the details of the fun favor Nancy helped me make while she was visiting in April. It was so easy to make and even better, it was very inexpensive. So girls...if you're throwing a baby shower anytime soon listen up...you too could be in bootie heaven!
Supplies:Hot glue gun
2 nut cups (I found them at Michaels)
A Kleenex
3 cotton balls
Cute ribbon (about 2")
A button
1. Place 3 cotton balls and the nut cup on the kleenex as in picture above.
2. Fold the corner of the kleenex over the cotton balls and into the nut cup.
3. Tuck all the edges and corners of the kleenex into the nut cup.
4. Place the second nut cup inside the first to hold the kleenex in.
5. Wahlah!
6. Glue a piece of cute ribbon to the top of the bootie.
7. Glue the button on top of the ribbon.
8. TaDa! A cute bootie.
9. Now mass produce!
10. Fill the cup part with nuts, mints, M&Ms, gummie bears or whatever else you can think of.
We had so many booties that I kept some and used them when we blessed Alice. They were sitting around the house and between church and dinner being ready they acted as nice appetizer holders.
Spacing in blogs
Does anyone else have challenges with spacing in posts. Sometimes the blog spaces things out more than I want and no adjusting will fix it and other times it won't leave lines between things even though I hit enter several times. Sometimes I can get it to look right in the "posting--create page," but then when I "publish post" it changes. Drives me crazy! (see post below...I couldn't get rid of the double spacing on the captions under pictures no matter what I tried)
Any tips or solutions you've found would be appreciated!
Any tips or solutions you've found would be appreciated!
All Babies on Earth
The latest batch of cousins for our kids have all arrived on earth!
3 of my siblings and 3 of Ryan's siblings (plus us) have had babies during the past 7 months. 6 girls and 1 boy. What a miracle and blessing that so many have arrived safely...and all so very cute! Here's the report:
3 of my siblings and 3 of Ryan's siblings (plus us) have had babies during the past 7 months. 6 girls and 1 boy. What a miracle and blessing that so many have arrived safely...and all so very cute! Here's the report:
Avery Jane
December
Ryan's sister, Gina
Chloe Jean
January
JaNae's brother, Dean
Alice Eliza
February
Ours!
Katherine Jane
March
JaNae's sister, Diana
Ruby Gayle
March
Ryan's sister, Rhonda
Abigail Mary
May
JaNae's sister, Nancy
Collin Tyler
June
Ryan's brother, Tyson
(I'm sure collin has much cuter pics coming but he was just born so this is all we've got! We love your little puffy face Collin!)
Monday, June 2, 2008
"I'm Home!"
What makes you say "I'm home!"?
We came home from Texas last week. Whenever we're out of town, even if it's just for a night, I'm always so excited to sink into my own bed on my own comfy pillow (no matter how faboulously comfortable the accomodations were). At the end of a long day of travelling I usually think happily with a sigh "I'm home!" (By the way...that picture isn't my real bed...but it looked so inviting!)
Let me explain....
Yes, I took a toothbrush with me on our trip. Yes, I even brushed my teeth regularly while we were gone. but it wasn't my favorite toothbrush!
Last summer, Ryan and I got new fancy electric toothbrushes...you know, the kind that cost close to $100 that I thought people were crazy to buy. I have lots of problems when I'm pregnant with my teeth and gums (due to all those fun hormones--info you'd rather not know!). After dentists telling me for 3 pregnacies that I needed an expensive version of the electric toothbrushes I finally listened and coughed up the money. I was surprised that it was worth every penny! Those toothbrushes really do clean better than anything else. I have to say it took a week or two of giggling every time I brushed my teeth (it felt so wierd) and learning how to brush without drooling. But now it feels like I just got my teeth professionally cleaned every time I brush. There's a 2 minute timer on the toothbrush--but I'm sure mine is really 4 minutes. I guess I never really brushed for that whole 2 minutes before!
I thougth about taking the toothbrush with me on my next trip (which will probably be camping) but I can't bear the thought of something happening to it! It must be like owning expensive jewelry when you travel...which I don't!
We came home from Texas last week. Whenever we're out of town, even if it's just for a night, I'm always so excited to sink into my own bed on my own comfy pillow (no matter how faboulously comfortable the accomodations were). At the end of a long day of travelling I usually think happily with a sigh "I'm home!" (By the way...that picture isn't my real bed...but it looked so inviting!)
This time when we returned home I felt the same way about something else for the first time:
My toothbrush
Let me explain....
Yes, I took a toothbrush with me on our trip. Yes, I even brushed my teeth regularly while we were gone. but it wasn't my favorite toothbrush!
Last summer, Ryan and I got new fancy electric toothbrushes...you know, the kind that cost close to $100 that I thought people were crazy to buy. I have lots of problems when I'm pregnant with my teeth and gums (due to all those fun hormones--info you'd rather not know!). After dentists telling me for 3 pregnacies that I needed an expensive version of the electric toothbrushes I finally listened and coughed up the money. I was surprised that it was worth every penny! Those toothbrushes really do clean better than anything else. I have to say it took a week or two of giggling every time I brushed my teeth (it felt so wierd) and learning how to brush without drooling. But now it feels like I just got my teeth professionally cleaned every time I brush. There's a 2 minute timer on the toothbrush--but I'm sure mine is really 4 minutes. I guess I never really brushed for that whole 2 minutes before!
I thougth about taking the toothbrush with me on my next trip (which will probably be camping) but I can't bear the thought of something happening to it! It must be like owning expensive jewelry when you travel...which I don't!
So, last week I came home, brushed my teeth, sunk into bed and thought with a happy sigh "I'm home!"
What do trips help you appreciate? beds? toothbrushes?
What do trips help you appreciate? beds? toothbrushes?
Texas Trip
After the funeral we still had several days with everyone there so we had some fun and made some memories...
All four of us that are married have had (or are having) babies this year. Avery (Gina's) is 5 months, then Alice (ours) is 3 1/2 months, Ruby (Rhonda's) is 2 months. Tyson and Natalie are having a baby today...and we expect it to be a boy...so he missed out on photo shoots with all these pretty girls. It was cute to see them all together and fun to all be at the same stage with newborns.
We went to Chuck E. Cheese one day just to get the kids out of the house (it's too humid to play outside unless you're in the water!) I think we were all surprised that the adults ended up having as much fun as the kids when we discovered "Dance, Dance, Revolution." It was so fun...my new preferred way to work out.
And just for the record...I got a higher score than Ryan even though he looked cooler than me doing his moves! I've always been a dork dancing but I can follow the arrows!
Hayley, Hayden and Ashton were inseperable! They had so much fun playing together...and we loved that they needed so little supervision. They spent many hours playing "Webkinz" (a computer game their all into). They boys taught Hayley lots of fun stuff. We're so sad that Hayden and Ashton will be moving to Singapore this summer now that they're finally old enough to play together.
On our last night together we threw a surprise graduation party for Tammy. She graduated from BYU in Anthropology in April but with all that has been happening she's been a little neglected. So...we had a party with balloons, a pinata and lots of cute kids willing to collect the loot! Good job Tammy--we're proud of you!
All four of us that are married have had (or are having) babies this year. Avery (Gina's) is 5 months, then Alice (ours) is 3 1/2 months, Ruby (Rhonda's) is 2 months. Tyson and Natalie are having a baby today...and we expect it to be a boy...so he missed out on photo shoots with all these pretty girls. It was cute to see them all together and fun to all be at the same stage with newborns.
We went to Chuck E. Cheese one day just to get the kids out of the house (it's too humid to play outside unless you're in the water!) I think we were all surprised that the adults ended up having as much fun as the kids when we discovered "Dance, Dance, Revolution." It was so fun...my new preferred way to work out.
And just for the record...I got a higher score than Ryan even though he looked cooler than me doing his moves! I've always been a dork dancing but I can follow the arrows!
Hayley, Hayden and Ashton were inseperable! They had so much fun playing together...and we loved that they needed so little supervision. They spent many hours playing "Webkinz" (a computer game their all into). They boys taught Hayley lots of fun stuff. We're so sad that Hayden and Ashton will be moving to Singapore this summer now that they're finally old enough to play together.
On our last night together we threw a surprise graduation party for Tammy. She graduated from BYU in Anthropology in April but with all that has been happening she's been a little neglected. So...we had a party with balloons, a pinata and lots of cute kids willing to collect the loot! Good job Tammy--we're proud of you!
Veldon's Funeral
Ryan's Dad, Veldon, passed away on Sunday, May 18th at about 8am. He was diagnosed with cancer in March 2004 (a little over 4 years ago). We are so sad to have lost such a wonderful part of our family but so grateful for the great example he was and the legacy of love that he left for us.
Ryan spent many of his Dad's last days by his side. He was on his way home to help the girls and I return to Texas when his dad passed away peacefully. Most of the children, spouses and grandchildren arrived the Tuesday after he died. It was a bitter-sweet reunion. So much love and so many fun times together but so sad that Veldon would not be a part of our reunions anymore.
Veldon filled a special place in my heart. I couldn't have asked for better parents-in-law! As I listened to and read the many messages, cards and things that others said about Veldon I realized that I'm not alone in the way I feel. Veldon had an amazing gift to love people unconditionally and to help each individual feel special and important. In this world of selfishness and hurry he had a gift of truly listening. His example inspires me to be better!
Here's pictures, narrative and stories of what we did:
We all arrived at almost the same time on Tuesday. What a blessing that we could gather so quickly and be a strength to each other at this time!
Wednesday morning we all went to the cemetary that Veldon would be buiried in. It's a very historic but small and friendly cemetary. It was good to be able to go see it before the funeral.
The viewing was at the morturary on Wednesday night. We took most of the grandkids over a little before it started. What an awesome time to teach kids about the difference between our spirit and our body and talk about what happens when we die. We talked about it before we went in and explained that this was just Grandpa's body. His spirit was in heaven now. We told them that he would look like he was sleeping. They didn't seem scared. It all seemed so natural to them. When Maya saw the camera she told me she wanted a picture next to Grandpa. As we were standing there I said "do you want to tell Grandpa 'I love you'?" She said very sweetly, "No, he's not talking anymore." These little ones understand so much and have such simple faith!
Ryan spent many of his Dad's last days by his side. He was on his way home to help the girls and I return to Texas when his dad passed away peacefully. Most of the children, spouses and grandchildren arrived the Tuesday after he died. It was a bitter-sweet reunion. So much love and so many fun times together but so sad that Veldon would not be a part of our reunions anymore.
Veldon filled a special place in my heart. I couldn't have asked for better parents-in-law! As I listened to and read the many messages, cards and things that others said about Veldon I realized that I'm not alone in the way I feel. Veldon had an amazing gift to love people unconditionally and to help each individual feel special and important. In this world of selfishness and hurry he had a gift of truly listening. His example inspires me to be better!
Here's pictures, narrative and stories of what we did:
We all arrived at almost the same time on Tuesday. What a blessing that we could gather so quickly and be a strength to each other at this time!
Wednesday morning we all went to the cemetary that Veldon would be buiried in. It's a very historic but small and friendly cemetary. It was good to be able to go see it before the funeral.
The viewing was at the morturary on Wednesday night. We took most of the grandkids over a little before it started. What an awesome time to teach kids about the difference between our spirit and our body and talk about what happens when we die. We talked about it before we went in and explained that this was just Grandpa's body. His spirit was in heaven now. We told them that he would look like he was sleeping. They didn't seem scared. It all seemed so natural to them. When Maya saw the camera she told me she wanted a picture next to Grandpa. As we were standing there I said "do you want to tell Grandpa 'I love you'?" She said very sweetly, "No, he's not talking anymore." These little ones understand so much and have such simple faith!
It surprised me how much Maya understood. In the week after he passed away I often heard her saying quietly and sadly "G'pa died, G'pa died, I miss him."
I ran Hayley and Maya home before people started arriving at the viewing (kids can only hold still for so long!) and left them with some friends that offered to babysit. As we got in the car I wanted to make sure they were both okay after seeing Grandpa's body. So I asked, "How was the viewing?" Hayley (who likes to use big words...even if she's not sure how they should be used!) thought really hard for a minute then responded "Ummm...He was....stylish!" (said very reverently) I had a hard time not laughing. "You mean Grandpa looked nice?" "Yeah" Grandpa can rest in peace knowing that his Grandaughter said he was "stylish" at his funeral!
We laughed and cried at the funeral. So many wonderful stories and heartfelt emotions were shared. I was so proud of all Veldon & Joyce's kids as they stood and shared thoughts and stories and their love for their Dad. After the funeral we drove to the cemetary for the graveside prayer. The grandkids all put flowers on the casket. After that friends had prepared a big lunch for us back at the church so we headed back there.
We rested and played back at the house during the afternoon. Then at 7pm all of the extended family that had come into town (Veldon's 4 brothers and 1 sister and many nephews and neices) came over to the house for dessert. It was fun to see everyone and visit. Veldon's Mom even made the long trip from Utah. It was good to see her too!
We all enjoyed so many beautiful flower arrangements all week and even better all the cards and notes that came with messages of support and love! The house looked gorgeous! Here's just a few:
I ran Hayley and Maya home before people started arriving at the viewing (kids can only hold still for so long!) and left them with some friends that offered to babysit. As we got in the car I wanted to make sure they were both okay after seeing Grandpa's body. So I asked, "How was the viewing?" Hayley (who likes to use big words...even if she's not sure how they should be used!) thought really hard for a minute then responded "Ummm...He was....stylish!" (said very reverently) I had a hard time not laughing. "You mean Grandpa looked nice?" "Yeah" Grandpa can rest in peace knowing that his Grandaughter said he was "stylish" at his funeral!We laughed and cried at the funeral. So many wonderful stories and heartfelt emotions were shared. I was so proud of all Veldon & Joyce's kids as they stood and shared thoughts and stories and their love for their Dad. After the funeral we drove to the cemetary for the graveside prayer. The grandkids all put flowers on the casket. After that friends had prepared a big lunch for us back at the church so we headed back there.
We rested and played back at the house during the afternoon. Then at 7pm all of the extended family that had come into town (Veldon's 4 brothers and 1 sister and many nephews and neices) came over to the house for dessert. It was fun to see everyone and visit. Veldon's Mom even made the long trip from Utah. It was good to see her too!
We all enjoyed so many beautiful flower arrangements all week and even better all the cards and notes that came with messages of support and love! The house looked gorgeous! Here's just a few:
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