Though summer is ending, it does and doesn't feel like it here. It doesn't because the temperatures still threaten to go into the 3 digits and sometimes succeeds. It does because Franklin is now in Preschool and he LOVES it. Lisette is always sad to see him go. She calls him "Wahwah" and though I'm not sure why because she can say words (not all of them understandable) it is very endearing. I've had to talk to Franklin about her name for him and that he needs to respond because she gets desperate for his attention.
Franklin absolutely loves school. He's learning so much and every time I pick him up he always says, "I'm having fun today!" He makes friends so easily and he's just such a happy kid. He wishes he had school everyday, but alas, he only has school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon - 2:00. I also wish he had school more often. It's amazing the transformation Lisette goes through when Franklin isn't around. Don't get me wrong; she absolutely adores him, but she becomes a very calm and happy girl when she's without him.
Stephen's work has been up and down, over and over for the last few weeks. We had a few, very late, monsoon rains and it got very cool. But then some people noticed they had leaks and so he'd have more work. Then the rains were gone and the temperatures were still pleasant for a few days and no one called. Low and behold, the temperatures have risen again and the few that thought they could just wait it out realized that summer just won't end.
I've been very busy staying ahead with my church calling to have music ready, keeping up with my shop, trying to stay on top of gardening and the lawn, trying even harder to keep up with the messes the kids make and trying to find time to unwind when I can. Lisette is still prone to her fits and we've been working very hard with her to control her dramatic tendencies. Franklin has definitely been showing a more emotional side to him; but it could be that he's napping less because of the time he has school.
We did get to have a very fun camping trip the weekend after Labor Day with the Lewis family (my sister Heidi, her hubby Sam and their 2 kids that are the same ages as mine). We had pouring rain that Friday night and we had not been prepared for how cold it would get. It didn't help that I forgot anything long-sleeved for the kids. Franklin was happy to wear daddy's flannel shirt that had to be rolled, tied and finagled to fit him, but Lisette refused to wear my sweater. She only agreed to wear a spare coat her cousin Tanyth had because she had been wearing one too. The next morning was clear, beautiful and warm. We all had fun hanging out, watching the kids play and just being together.
Now for the big announcement! We are moving... a mile away. Last September up until this last February we had been keeping our eyes open for another place to live; an upgrade from the home (trailer) we are currently living in but still within our budget and we were very picky about where to look since we wanted to stay in Thatcher 4th ward. Nothing came up, so we signed another lease and convinced ourselves that we wouldn't look again for another year or more.
However, a woman from 2nd ward visited my mother-in-law and told her that she wanted Stephen and our family to live in her home. For a few weeks she had asked her what we thought of it, but we hadn't heard. Life got busy for everyone and just last Monday, while we were picking up the kids from grandma's, this woman calls Sheila to ask a few details about our current rental. We went to see their home and though it is very beautiful we decided no; it wasn't in our budget and it wasn't in 4th ward, so saying no was easy. All the while, the homeowner was telling us that she's known for weeks now that we are supposed to be the ones to live in her home.
Stephen had forgotten to call them to let them know and on Wednesday, while we got to have a very special lunch out with daddy (which hardly ever happens) we get a call that they will come down in rent to an amount we could accept. I still said no; it wasn't in 4th ward. So we agreed to pray about it and because I had been feeling sick I had asked for a plain and simple answer that I wouldn't confuse with how I had been feeling at the time. Of course the answer was yes and I cannot refuse for fear I might get struck by lightening because I did get a clear answer.
We will begin moving to the new home on Stadium Avenue in the second week of October. We have begun packing up things that don't need to be out for a while so we can start cleaning the home we are in now. We want this place to be able to have someone move in the day after we move out. The home is literally 1 house away from still being in 4th ward, so naturally I'm pleading that they'll let us stay; I've already begun working on the Christmas program and I will finish it for 4th ward even if they kick us out.
I have loved my calling as ward choir director and this year I have made so many friends and don't like the thought of not seeing most of them anymore just because I live one house away. I have no animosity towards 2nd ward, I just don't want to start as the new family again and it doesn't help me be convinced to switch when I know that part of the street had once been in 4th ward years ago. There is another plus though: plants can actually grow with a little less effort at the other home so I am letting my gardens die and hopefully the bugs that have been destroying my flowers will not follow us.
We are also trying to sell my wonderful car. There is nothing wrong with it and I'm a little sad to be giving it up, but we've been talking about being a one car family and should get something that's between my SUV and the truck. We are also very excited to go on the work retreat that Stephen's boss has arranged for everyone in the company this weekend. Last years was so fun and sure helped us feel like we did have somewhat of a summer vacation since it's the busiest season and it's hard to get time off.
Sorry, I know this was long so thank you for staying tuned. I cannot promise that I will update more regularly but I will try so long entries can be avoided.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Summer is over?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Half a year sum up.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The 2010 year Newsletter
We've been desperate to get newer, up-to-date pictures on the wall. So as I was uploading pictures I got to review 2010 in photographs, looking back on the year.
2010 was a time for change and lots of growth. The year began for us in Lehi, Utah. It was cold and white; just how winter should be (not without the white part). We knew our time in Utah was coming to an end and we didn't even need to pray about where our lives should go next. Instead, Lisl fought, argued and cried for 2 weeks, the end of January into February, about how she didn't want to move back to Thatcher, Arizona. Half way through Feb. we made a visit to Arizona to find a place to live in Thatcher. Our search was only 3 days but felt very long, tiring and we were afraid we'd end up in the wrong home.
On our last day of searching we gave one of the homes on our list a second glance. With the promise of a few improvements before moving in, we signed a lease. We hurried back to Utah with just a few days to pack up everything including the two kids and two cats and began our journey to our new home. Just as March began we settled into a new home, a familiar ward (it was Stephen's home ward growing up and Lisl knew a few from college) and Stephen began a great new job.
April was full of family and friends, between Easter (including a horrific sunburn from being out in the hills and forgetting that Lisl actually burns in Arizona: she still has a tan line from that burn - at least we were concerned enough for Lisette since she inherited her mother's fair skin and kept her shaded) and the Gila Valley Temple Open House. We also began to do a LOT of work around here.
There was zero landscaping on our propery. We had a few early rains to get an idea of what was in store for us for monsoon season with all the mud. 2 different gardens were planted; flowers and vegetables, rocks were laid for a place to park our vehicles and to walk to the door, and we tried our best to make a back lawn with lots of grass. We then discovered the gopher problem as well. (We know exactly what to do about all the many obstacles for this coming Spring, that's for sure)
The Open House ran on through half of May so we managed to visit twice. All the landscaping and growing various things continued into May. At the start of the month we celebrated Stephen's birthday and at the end of the month, our little girl turned 1!
In June we celebrated our 6th anniversary and got in a short get away before the busy season with Stephen's job took over for the rest of the summer. July was hectic and crazy with work for Stephen. August became even more so, but we still managed to celebrate Franklin's 3rd birthday! We began the potty training process with him 2 weeks before his birthday. There were many awful accidents over the next few months and lots of back and forth with progress.
In September, Stephen's employer sent everyone on a weekend getaway to the Arizona Grand Resort and fun at the Oasis park. It was lots of fun and very much needed since we hadn't been able to do much as a family for a few months. Lisl had been called as the ward choir director over the summer but didn't begin practices till Sept. At first it seemed too overwhelming and seemed as if she was in over her head, but the first performance in October went very well.
October was still incredibly hot during the day, but the nights were just right. We decorated our home for the season and Lisl began listening to Christmas music, for her calling (She discovered at that point that she was in charge of the entire program for the Sunday before Christmas). Stephen was gone for half of the month, on and off. He had testing, classes, all for work, then at the end of the month he went on a hunting trip with all of the men from the Quinn family; Stephens dad and all 4 of his brothers (first and maybe even the last time that will happen, so we are all so glad he got to go). Halloween was a bit last minute for Lisl and the kids. We were so happy that "Mom's mom" (that is what Franklin calls Grandma Reed) got to come and spend it with us.
November was surprisingly (and truth be told a bit disappointingly) hot. Lisl had been asked to sing for the Jazz clinics performing for some of the World of Music classes at the college. It was so much fun and it brought back lots of memories; almost as if we never left. The next week was Lisl's birthday followed by Thanksgiving in Sierra Vista with Heidi Lewis (Lisl's sister) and her family. We seriously enjoy doing things with family since that didn't happen much while we lived in Utah.
As December began the pressure was on for Lisl to complete the Christmas program. We decorated our house and tried very hard to make it feel like Christmas since the weather was still too warm for us. It was also during this time that Franklin seemed to fully and completely grasp the concept of, and the necessity of potty training. We haven't rewarded him for going #1 in a while but we began giving fun size candy bars for #2.
The weekend before Christmas was very busy and went very fast. That Saturday Lisl sang with a Jazz Combo at her cousins wedding reception. That was definitely a treat for all and an amazing opportunity for Lisl. The very next day was Lisl's Christmas program which went very well. She had already began ideas for next years program.
Christmas was exciting. The Fellers (Lisl's sister Inga and her family) came over from San Diego and Stephen got a last-second day off for Christmas Eve. We headed to Sierra Vista a day earlier than planned and really enjoyed all that time with family, especially for all the little cousins. On Christmas day we traveled back to Thatcher to spend the afternoon with everyone on the Quinn side. It was so much fun to spend the holiday with so much family! That was what made it a wonderful Christmas for us.
Happy New Year everyone! We know that this year will be even more exciting and hopefully we will see more family, more often.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
End of Summer fling
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bittersweet
One thing I have learned from the movies "Julie & Julia" and "Motherhood" is that a blog doesn't have to be long, not even more than a paragraph, to make an entry. Now having said that I will tell you that this blog won't be just one paragraph, but I'll try to shorten it. Besides, shorter blogs might mean more entries.
Franklin will be turning 3 on Saturday! I can't believe the time has gone by that quickly. I remember, after pushing for 2 hours, the first thing he did was pee on my doctor. When they handed him to me I was so tired, and so frustrated that it took so long that I didn't want to hold him; not till I had a breather. Last Saturday we had a small party going bowling with Papa Reed, Heidi, Sam, Reyn and Tanyth. Franklin LOVED bowling. He caught on pretty quick that we all had a turn, and he was pretty good at waiting for his; most of the time. He did not want to leave the bowling alley, but at least after 2 hours of being there, and with Grandpa Reed, he was able to leave with less crying than the day before when I went to reserve.
He's definitely becoming more his age. Lots more English comes out of his mouth. Just this morning, after putting Lisette down for a nap, he picks up a cat toy. "Kitty's turn! Kitty, where are you? Where'd that kitty go? Come here kitty!" Of course Rizzo is the cat he's looking for, and his favorite place to nap is under Lisette's crib. He's also potty training. We are on official day 2 and he has told me 3 times now, before he has wet himself, that he needs to go. I'm so thrilled, and I know that this isn't just a coincidence. However, I'm not sure he's (aka: I'm) ready to tackle this when we're out and about.
You say: How can she know that he's got it? Simple, Franklin has some obsessive compulsive behavior and has a particular way about things. Doing routines with him is so easy and this would be one of them. We've gone through several isolated mornings over the past 3 months that I tried and gave up. I always had an excuse; running errands was the most common.
Monsoons are over, pretty much. I'm very sad about that. I love rain and seems I can never have enough. However, now that things are drying up, and the rain is no longer coming down, the "lakes" out front are drying up. That mean no more screaming frogs! I've had 3 nights of silence, and it has been bliss. I realize that I took silence for granted. I should say silence at night, when the kids are already sleeping. I haven't taken silence for granted overall. I'm a mom; lets be realistic.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Howling Dogs and Screaming Frogs
6 days a week our neighbor has a friend that drops off their dog. When this first began we weren't sure what breed it was, not that it mattered, but it looked like a large Jack Russel Terrier. Now that it has been a few months we now realize that it is a mix with a greyhound. As if I needed one more reason to feel better about my cats never going outside again. That dog can jump the fence like it was laughing at it. It runs all over the place, and across the road (and its a very well traveled road).
We both used to be very impressed with that dog. It wouldn't get too close. It has zero aggression. It never barks. I was impressed.
This dog now howls; all the time. From almost the minute it is left for the day, till someone arrives back at that house in the afternoon, that dog will howl. At first I was unsettled, thinking maybe one of its friends died; after all its not the only dog next door, and those chihuahua's I once mentioned I have not seen in a very long time.
I was afraid of what I might see if I went to check on that dog. It did run in the road a lot; maybe it was hurt. I have a horror story of a cat I came upon that had been hit by a car. Stephen and I were living here in Thatcher, when we were first married. The cat was alive, and I was so horrified that I ran off to pull Stephen out of class. I couldn't just do nothing, but I also didn't want to pick it up.
Anyway, back to my story.
That dog was just howling out of loneliness. Nothing was dead, no one injured. So I scolded it, and every few minutes went back out there to tell it to shut up. I have kids sleeping and I'll be danged if some stupid dog will wake them up. This still continues, but a few days ago I heard it whining as if it really was hurt. "What now!!?" I had to laugh. My neighbors either got sick of nearly running over it, or someone heard me, but they now keep that dog tied to a rope in the back yard. I've watched it longing at the fence, dying to jump over. Sucker!
The monsoons have been awesome. We've had some amazing lightening storms, and so much rain. I'm so glad that my parents have given us the leftover rock from one of their projects; such a life-saver; no more trekking through inches deep mud to get to/from our vehicles. For any of you that know where we are located, or have been to our home (thanks for visiting, we love having visitors!) we have water treatment ponds nearby. True, a northern wind doesn't smell pretty, but we do have lots of wildlife, also thanks to the river less than 1/2 a mile away.
We were watching a movie the other night, and I about had a heart attack. I heard screaming! I instinctively wanted to dial 911 but thought I'd make sure I wasn't the only one hearing it. We paused the movie, and then I realized I was hearing a lot of screaming, not just one voice. Stephen laughs and tells me its the bull frogs outside. Stupid frogs! Ugh!! They aren't all that loud, but I thought it might have been a murder going on, or maybe one of my kids cries was being muffled by a pillow. Stupid amphibians! Just like those stupid peacocks that sound like they are crying "Help!".
hmmmm...
I've got an idea for a cruel joke. Get a peacock, and at least 3 bull frogs and put them in someones back yard in the middle of the night. I can just picture it now...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
War of the Sunflowers
Ever since I planted sunflowers, back in April, I have been battling forces to let them grow and keep them alive. Our home is surrounded by fields, and because we live in farm country we have gophers. Not just one, or two. Stephen has been able to catch and kill 6. The first one Stephen get it stranded by filling its tunnels with water, and it was either drown or face instant, painless death by Stephens hands. Does that keep them away, or diminish their numbers? Never!
My first sunflower to survive through the first sprout fell prey to those pests. It was over 2 feet tall and I believed it was going to make it. Nope. One gopher ate right through the main root. We even tried transplanting it into a bucket, but that was a wasted effort. Out of complete frustration as more sprouts were shriveling up from heat and lack of water and we saw more and more dirt mounds piling up (a sign of more gophers) I bought more seeds. I planted the seed every 6 inches in hopes that with more sprouts there would be more that could survive all at once.
A week later I lost another 2 feet tall stalk to a different gopher, a smaller one that I don't believe we have been able to catch. Because I saw several new sprouts I wanted them to have a chance, as well as all of my existing plants that were still living, I went to war. We first purchased this funky stake thing that you put in a fuse, light it, and toss it in a gopher hole. Essentially it gasses them out, or kills them. We lit one, and for a day or two we didn't see any new mounds. That supposed victory was short lived. We tossed in 2 stakes in 2 holes that were 20 feet away from the other.
It was like that gopher that took down the second stalk was mocking us. 4 hours after lighting up a stake there was movement around it. It returned for the remaining roots and water. I was so angry! I was losing this battle, and at this rate I would never have a single bloom; not if the gophers kept eating through any stalk that was big enough to produce one.
So I got 2 of these babies.
And guess what!...
Of course seeing that many blooms on one stalk made me realize that planting seeds 6 inches apart from the next was far TOO close for these gigantic plants. However, now that I've purchased a 3rd gopher repelling device I'm going to extend my line of flowers all the way to the back fence, and maybe even around the corner a little.
I do have to report that though I've won the battle against the gophers, the war isn't over. The previous tenants were so kind as to dump oil in random places throughout the property. The biggest dumps sites are along the fence line. One reason why no weeds have been growing there, and another reason why my sprouts keep dying.
If you look in the picture of my bloomed flower, the stalk in the foreground is the one suffering from the oil. The rest of the sprouts (and seeds that never sprouted) have died. So on Saturday Stephen dug out 10 (5 gallon) buckets full of oil-tainted dirt from that spot, leaving the sad looking sprout. Today it is already perking up, and its newest leaves look stronger and fuller.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
When did that happen?!
(WARNING: since it’s been a month since my last post, this one is going to be long. Now you can’t say I didn’t warn you.)
We’ve had so much fun this last month, and there was so much going on! Stephen has definitely been busier than ever. We’ve been experiencing 100 degree heat and higher and summer has only just begun. On top of that his company is now down to 2 technicians instead of 4. One guy has a bad back, and too many injuries have caused him to finally stop doing this line of work. The other guy was let go suddenly, so that day was very interesting for Stephen and the other remaining employee who has only just begun taking calls on his own 3 months ago. So they’ve got Stephen and a newbie. All I can say is over-time, and it makes me believe I can learn to be more patient about his job.
One of my old roommates got married at the start of this month and we were invited to the sealing!! It was so great to be there, and my mom overnight babysat for us which made it all worry-free, kid-free for us. It also made me realize I need to do that more often, having overnight sitters. Natalie is so beautiful, and her dress!! You just have to see the pictures, she’s just so stunning, words can’t describe! I ran into her mom after, while she was waiting for Natalie to come back to the bride’s room. She thanked me for coming and I told her that I owe Natalie; after all she was my only roommate who was cheering me on from the start to go for Stephen.
I also have reached 100 sales with my on-line store, and it’s only been picking up faster since. I’ve recently added more styles to my inventory, and in celebration of reaching 100 sales I am giving away a “Bright Blue Tie” that I personally love. The way to win it is fan me on my facebook fan page and comment on my picture of the tie. On Friday at midnight I won’t be taking anymore entries and will announce a winner on Saturday (this is for any of you who may read this and haven’t been on my facebook page and want to enter). We’ve also changed things around a little at home to make my work station more organized and easier to see what I have made and ready to go.
Franklin has been so funny. Just on Monday I heard him say “Oh Man” and I couldn’t help but giggle. He’s definitely been paying attention to things we say, though he hasn’t been repeating it; yet. I’ve begun the whole “if you’re a good boy, and obedient, then you get a treat”. An almost sound like I’m training a dog, but since I started it there has been far less whining, and that was my goal. I have to keep snacks with me at all times now so I can stop the whining before it gets out of hand. Trips to the store, getting into his seat, opening his scriptures, putting a game or toy away, etc. has been far more pleasant. Threats just weren’t working anymore, and now I know that I can make a positive situation work with rewards.
Lisette is miss attitude already. What am I going to do when she reaches the phase that Franklin is at?! (Rhetorical question) At least she’s been letting us put her to bed when Franklin goes to bed, no more of this 10 p.m. or later nonsense. She definitely loves her brother to the point that she’s annoying him already. Because of that annoyance he’s been having episodes of not being very nice to her. She’s also very quick. Sometimes I just can’t keep up with her. I get distracted by Franklin or the cats doing something they shouldn’t and all of a sudden she’s practically falling into the bath tub (empty of course) reaching for the knobs, under a bed, in a closet, or if I left the gate down, on her way to the cat box.
She still stares down people she doesn’t know but she can sure smile, laugh, and play it all up around people she’s close and comfortable with. She’s a ham too, she knows when people are watching her, thinking she’s cute, and plays it up; little miss center of attention, what kind of monster are we creating?!
Lisette also LOVES the water. It’s another one of those bravery things. I’ve got to start her on swimming lessons as soon as humanly possible for her. Franklin I need to because he’s afraid of not having something under his feet, so he sat on the steps the whole time, but still in the water. Lisette was too funny, I’ll need to keep the camera close by next time, but she was leaning back in her floater thing, and kicking her feet so she started to travel. She thought it was so great! That’s my girl! She doesn’t like the feel of grass on her knees though, changing subjects.
My baby is 1!! However, unlike most parents, I was ready for her to be 1, and move to the next stage; walking! She's a brave little girl, oh my goodness. She loves to jump, and almost achieves air. Mostly she jumps on her bed while holding onto the rail, or similar situations. She still has yet to completely let go of things to stand on her own, but you can tell that she wants it very much. She's also starting to cut teeth again. Finally!! Back to her big day…
To tell the truth we had to big days if that makes sense. We had a party with the Reed’s in Sierra Vista the weekend before her birthday, and one the day before her birthday with the Quinn’s. Sierra Vista was busy, but so much fun. That Saturday morning we went to a little ranch with Heidi, Sam and their kids, of someone Sam works with. They have alpacas, goats, horses, chickens, dogs, and donkeys. Franklin really enjoyed himself there!! Oh boy did he throw a fit when it was time to go. That night we had a little picnic on my parents’ porch since it was too windy to go to the park. Lisette got a wagon for her birthday, and because Reyn (7 months older than Franklin) and Tanyth (6 weeks older than Lisette), Heidi and Sam’s kids, have one too, we all went for a walk after the party to take the kids for a ride. They loved it!! Franklin and Reyn rode in the green one while Tanyth and Lisette rode in her red one.
Then for the Quinn party we went to the local park to do a joint birthday party for Lisette and Bridger (Travis and Jamie’s little boy that is 2 days older than her). So much fun! I was allowed to make the cakes and I tell you it was an ALL day event. I used 8 cake mix boxes!! What was I thinking?! Well, it was worth it when I saw some people’s reactions to my fancier cakes. After all I do like to entertain and cook/bake. We stayed till it was getting a little too dark to stay any longer, but it was so much fun. Stephen could only be there for an hour and a half before he had to get back to work (on-call that week) but some friends came to our place afterward and we had an after party, I guess, till Stephen got home.
Whoa, this is a novel so I better end my stories here. Just know that it’s been an exciting month, and we’ve been so busy, and very happy. Enjoy the slide show!!!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Lots of stuff in just a little time
We absolutely loved having everyone here that was able to come. My parents came on July 31st in the morning, so I went with the kids to pick them up. Franklin was so thrilled to see them, and talked the whole way. Lisette stayed pleased as long as she was eating; I love bottle feeding. We stopped at Wal-mart before we went home, and while there Lisette got upset. My mom picked her up, and to our horror, she had overfilled her diaper. Took some time in the family bathroom to clean up the mess, but after it all, she was very happy.
Stephens’ parents arrived August 1st after my nephews’, Boston, baptism. That night we had a little birthday bash for Franklin. My little boy is 2! We had Grandma and Grandpa Quinn, Grandma and Grandpa Reed, and Heidi, Sam, Reyn and Tanith. Tanith is 6 ½ weeks older than Lisette, and Reyn is 7 months older than Franklin. Franklin really liked having his cousins around.
Its so amazing to know Boston is already 8 years old. I remember the day he was born. I was 18 and had just graduated from high school. It’s so hard to believe he is 8 years old, the first born Reed grandchild, and has been baptized. It was beautiful! And I have to give a little shout out to his younger brother, Miles. He turns 7 on the 24th, and he sang at his brother’s baptism. It was a beautiful number by Miles!
Sunday went beautifully. Lisette is a very beautiful little girl, and was gorgeous in her white dress. It was a beautiful blessing. We met at my sister, Greta’s for lunch afterward. Thanks to all that came, and making it memorable for all there. Franklin loves riding around on his new tricycle, and we have definitely found the resolution for Lisette. She is back on her original formula, but with purified water. Our kids are wonderful, and lovable. We are grateful for them both, and love them very much.
I got seriously behind on blogging because I got sick immediately following having company over. I get bronchitis every year so it must have been that time again. This time, however, I also got a sinus infection with it. It was fun for others to listen to my voice; it was very deep and sultry. I went to the doctors’ and Franklin came in the exam room with me. He kept getting into the cupboard, and though I had been whispering all day so that I wouldn’t have to use my deep voice I finally had to get after him to stop. Well, he stopped, turned around, looked at me and started laughing. He liked mommy’s voice, thought it was really funny.
I still have my cough, and unfortunately my kids did get a little bit of a runny nose, but at least that was all they got. Lisette has been an incredible eater, we’re trying to keep up with her appetite, and Franklin has been a great eater lately too. Not always, but he’ll eat almost everything on his plate. I am finally putting my foot down for when he won’t eat it all, or at all, then he doesn’t get anything else to eat. I refuse to let my kid be a junk food/snack eater and not eating his meals. So far so good, I’m winning.
Sheila (my mother-in-law) gave me a box of apples along with all her wonderful goodies, and things that she gets through her amazing coupon skills. We can’t keep up with Fruit in this house, before it goes bad (due to my food allergy, and Franklin’s picky eating) so I peeled a whole bunch to make into pies and crisps to give to some neighbors, and my sister. Franklin had one of those nights he decided not to eat his dinner, so I wasn’t going to give in. He did however pick up a peeled apple and ate the whole thing himself. I was so impressed! And he didn’t have to go to bed without dinner that night, and I was happy about that. I was sure I was going to give in before bed and let him have something, but he made it easier.
Lisette is having nights that she can sleep about 5 or 6 hours straight, its great!! She’s still picky about wanting to be held, but its getting better. She might grow up loving or hating the oboe. Right now it’s the only classical music we own on cd, so we play that in her room at night, and she sleeps to it every night. I don’t mind if she wants to play oboe when she’s older, that would make me very happy!
We’re getting to know a few more people in our ward. Last Sunday we got a new bishop, and this Sunday they split the ward boundaries. Apparently we had over 300 people in our ward. There is a new building that’s almost completely and is in our neighborhood, apart from the chapel we already meet in. We have 2 growing developments in the area. We’re also getting to know our neighbors a little more. Turns out the ones that live across the hall were from Tucson, so he knew about Thatcher and Sierra Vista. His dad owns most of the Peter Piper Pizza’s in Arizona.
I promise to get a slide show up soon of this month, events and visitors. Franklin is up from his nap, and that means Lisette will be soon too. Hope you are all doing well, and sorry this was a long blog. I didn’t feel like writing a whole bunch of blogs in sequence or some stuff might get missed. And to all you Reed’s out there, the reunion is on. I’ll write a blog on the family site really soon.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
One Crazy Month
Sorry about the last post, the program I was using wasn't allowing me to correct pictures, or put captions, so I deleted it and went with Picasa. Yes, you may click on the title of this blog to access the album if you like to see the pictures better. Enjoy!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Adding up the math
I have been taking some pictures but as I'm sitting here typing I know this blog will not be written at this time if I have to spend more time trying to upload pictures. I'm sorry, but my patience is thin, and time has been shorter than I ever could have imagine.
So Lisette, poor thing, has been having the worst time. If some of you are wondering, allow me to set the record straight; Lisette is formula fed, and I will openly admit that nursing has emotionally taken its toll on me, and it is most likely due to post-partum. Never had it before, but I suddenly feel the need to be very open about how things are for us in all ways. Since we moved here Lisette has been getting worse. All babies tend to have gas/fussyness problems, at least as far as I knew, but this was unbarable for all in this home. We all were experiencing something that was making us all sluggish, and not feeling well; aside from lack of sleep. My brother's son, Ian, had many problems due to colic so Christian had lots of advice for me. I know I didn't need to plead to get his advice, but I did anyway. I suppose pleading is a form of letting others see your desperation.
We haven't tried everything he has suggested (just because you have to play the elimination game) and my sister-in-law, Jamie also recommended a different formula. I had recently been given a sample of a pre-made formula, so we decided to try that, along with one of my brother's suggestions; keeping her verticle for 30 minutes after feeding. Things aren't 100%, but compared to how they were, we are very happy with these results. The thing that I had been trying on my own, and I will keep giving it to her, is prune juice. Its not much, and I'm sure many of you are thinking she's too young, but unfortunately for Lisette, she has inherited her mothers digestive system, or so it seems. Poor thing is having way too much trouble, so 1 - 2 tsp. of Prune juice, daily is helping in just the smallest way so far. We can't miss a day or we have to start over.
We also bought a case of water, and since we all began drinking it, we have noticed a small change. Stephen's theory is that our water is abnormally hard. I think I'll have it tested at Sears (literally, that thought just occurred to me, and yes, its free, I used to do it for others when I worked there). We have an on-sink filter, but we don't think its working as well here as it did in Springville. We are thinking about getting those huge jugs that you take into walmart and fill it from one of those water stations.
Today we attended our own ward, and so far we love it. I had the craziest 3 hours of non-stop de ja vou. I honestly kept thinking I must of know someone from somewhere, then as Relief Society was ending I realized I had way too many people I thought I knew in one room, at the same time for it not to be de ja vou (I hope I'm spelling that right). Franklin has been having the craziest runny nose, without other cold symptoms, so apart from getting allergy medicine this morning, he spent church with Stephen. Obviously Lisette was with me. Afterward both kids were ready to crash, and I'm wishing so much that we did too. I don't believe a person can ever "catch up"on sleep but it sure never hurts to get more when you haven't had enough. That's how Stephen and I have been. Little sleep = loss of patience + loss of time.
I know this heat is taking its toll. Its been dancing around 100 degrees all week. We are roasting, and very grateful to have a/c in our new place. With my own hot flashes even the fans need to be running. For those of you who doubt that anything north of the desert can be just as hot as the desert, come visit us, right now! We actually saw a commercial about our local aquarium, and how its known as the aquarium in the desert. Though I fail to see the desert, I certainly feel its heat. Things are of course picking up for Stephen because of this heat. This next week he will be on-call, so I believe we won't see much of him thoughout.
Because I feared that walking away to take care of some parental duties would prevent me from finishing this blog, I am finding myself at its end so that I can get Franklin in a nice cool shower. I may put on my swimmie and join him. He finds that more fun anyway. This week I will upload the pictures and hopefully next weekend I will post them. Please have patience with me, and if you can, share some of it with me; I could use a little. I do promise you though, things are getting better.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rearranging the Moon
Our move is over, and the house is almost in order. I am 2 weeks behind on blogging, and I had thought to add pictures, but, as usual, they will have to come on a later post.
Things went smoothly, enough, for our move. Some women from our Springville ward assisted us by holding Lisette while we packed. Our home teacher helped us pack and load. At night, after all the cleaning was done, my brother-in-law, Adam, and two of his brothers whose families were visiting helped us unload. One of our neighbors assisted us until re-enforcements came. Jodi, one of the brothers, told me I needed to take a picture of when we are done putting things away, just to show that all our stuff fit. I'm almost done getting things where they need to be and its amazing how well if all fit, and how much room we still have.
We have met a few neighbors, and on Sunday we ended up attending the wrong ward. The complex is split, by buildings, into the 4different wards for this neighborhood. We did meet with someone from our wards' bishopric before we walked home to request our records. Of the few people we met that we know are in our ward we really like already. We are very happy here so far!
On July 4th we moved a little into the apartment, and brought the cats with us. They irritated us with their whining, and meowing for 3 days, but they are obsessed with being able to see out the windows at the world. Franklin has enjoyed living here very much. The complex playground is right outside our door, and Franklin is thrilled with that! We have been stunned every morning with how much light comes in, as our place faces east.
Lisette is having problems with constipation, and is also near impossible to burp after feedings. Franklin had these problems too when he was an infant, but no where near as bad. These problems have robbed us of sleep and sanity. That's where the title of my blog comes in. I've been so sleepy all the time that aparently I'm talking in my sleep. Sunday morning I told Stephen that I had been up all night rearranging the moon.
All the anti-gas meds only make it worse, we've tried them all! We are trying something else, and will let you know if its working. Lisette is also a very demanding, spoiled little girl. She wants to be held; ALL the time!! Last night, and the night before have been a little better, but I don't want to say more so I don't speak ahead of myself.
We love our new location, and it has been easier on Stephen with work, and traveling. I do miss Springville, a little, but the benefits of being here far out weigh the things I miss. There are tons of children Franklins age here, and many babies as well. Our stake is full of younger families, so we know we will finally make some friends.
We are still on for Lisette's blessing on August 2nd. We are looking forward to seeing all who will be able to make it, and excited for you to meet our daughter.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
5 years and counting
Along with these pictures (you can click on the blog title to go to the album) don't forget to check out the new videos at the bottom of our page. Franklin has been having a lot of fun lately.
For our anniversary we decided to do some family activites. The night before Greta baby sat for us so we could have our own private dinner. I had a doctors appointment in the morning, and thankfully all my tests came back negative; no more infections. After Franklin's nap we headed up to Salt Lake and wen to the Hogle Zoo. It was very warm with some cloud cover, and a few sprinkles occassionally. Franklin completely enjoyed himself. We bought him a hat first thing since we didn't think about it before we left. He loved his hat (never took it off, a first) and kept changing his mind between riding on the stroller and walking.
The monkeys were his absolute favorite. He would have stayed there all day, every day if we let him. He was interested in the giraffe's; they had a really cool way for you to get up close to them with this tall building/corral. I should have took a picture, but I was mesmorised by one of them. We stayed at the zoo till they were hearding everyone out.
After we left we headed to The Gateway (super cool mall) for dinner. There's this fountain in the plaza of the mall, so after dinner at Thaifoon, aisan cuisine that was very good, we let Franklin have his fun. Just make sure you watch the video, Franklin had a crowd going!
Lisette is definitely rounding out, and she is so adorable. She's been getting better with sleeping longer, just need to make it happen at night instead of the evening when we want to be awake because Franklin is in bed. Franklin is still very facinated with her, and wants to help. He also gets very animated when she cries, wanting to help even more.
Just a reminder, we are going to have a joint blessing Lisette/birthday bash for Franklin on the very first weekend of August. We'd like to have a head count of who will come, mostly cause we've been thinking of having it catered; less for me to do, especially with a new born. Email me at lisl_music@hotmail.com or just comment on the blog.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Fun things do happen here
On Tuesday I saw my doctor. It was the first time the pains happened during a check up, and he definitely saw the pain in my body language. What a change! This whole time I haven't been happy with my doctor, but this one visit he was compassionate, and listened to us. He also said that if I go into labor at any point now, they won't stop me (even though I'm not yet 36 week). Overall the pains have been letting up, but because I'm in the clear, so to speak, I'm not staying on strict bed rest anymore, and therefore aggravating the pains. I no longer feel the need to remain helpless, and have done some cleaning, cooking and I actually went to my sisters and visited for a little bit. Also, Stephen and I took some adventures this week. Now for the fun stuff.
We've been contemplating on getting a more family friendly vehicle for a very long time. We've discussed our options over and over for months. Every time we found something that excited us, we got the feeling to hold off and wait. We thought of ways that maybe we could get out of our truck loan to take away the hesitation. But we love our truck. Its just the back seat isn't comfortable and two car seats don't really work. Now with baby #2 almost here, we've been trying to make up our minds. So these last 2 weeks Stephen has really stepped up the car search. I started to humor him by looking online. There was something I liked, and he agreed to go look at it for me. When he went to that dealership, that exact car was on a truck to be hauled to another location, so he went to the dealership across the street and instantly found something he loved.
He agreed to look at other places too, but we weren't happy with our search results. I agreed with Stephen to travel up to Sandy to look at this car he loved so much (taking the chance to really get out of the house). The dealer had this car at a tent sale, hoping for one last effort to sell it before they resorted to auction. Stephen said I would love it, and I did. We made them a deal for well under its value. We drove home in two separate vehicles that night, getting home at 11:00 p.m. Poor Franklin, but Stephen said that he was singing most of the way home.
He loved getting in and out of other cars, and was a great sport the whole time. He really enjoys our new-to-us car. Its a 2006 Mercury Mariner Premium 4WD V6. It has low miles, and whole lot of luxury features. Franklin enjoys climbing in (with a tiny bit of help) and gets in his car seat all by himself; HUGE help for mommy!! And we still have our truck!! We'll post some pictures soon.
We've also been doing a lot of research on car seats. We got rid of Franklin's old one because we ended up hating it. It was very frustrating to use, and he out grew it fast. We've been trying to be very choosy, and thought we found something we liked. I didn't even bother reading reviews till we were about to purchase. There are so many problems other people had that we decided we needed to look up what had the highest praise. We also want to make sure it wasn't gender biased (we don't want to have to get a new car seat for every infant). It made it even better when I found a code online to take to the store and get 15% off. Stephen's very enthusiastic about this seat too, and now our little girl can come any time now. We are definitely ready for her. With the excitement in the air I couldn't resist asking Stephen to let me get a "Welcome Home" dress.
And to top it off, all 4 of Franklin's canines are definitely cut through! He has gone back to sleeping in his own room all the time, and sleeping through the night, and taking naps that are long enough. He's also showing signs of tanning, more than me, and has one freckle on his right arm. And I have to add that the weather is great, and Franklin can't get enough. I think he's really catching on that something big is about to happen. Oh, and he's completely obsessed with the Muppet's. We finally ordered 2 other movies because I'm so sick of watching Muppet's from Space all the time, but he is so fun to watch when he gets into it. I think its all the soul music they play on it that he likes so much.
Just so that a date is out there, we are hoping that on August 2nd we can have our little girl blessed, as well as have a little birthday party for Franklin. He'll be 2 this August, my how time flies! We are inviting friends and family to join in the fun. Let us know if you'd like to be counted in!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Having fun in August!
If you click on the title it'll send you to our Picasa album link, and you'll get to see the pictures of what we've been up to this month.
Last week we had our Primary Class Party, and it was fun. We got started a little late, and so it ended late as well. We held it the night before school started, and I was thrilled that no parents objected to it. There is only one girl in our class, and she was SOAKED within the first 2 minutes. Of course the other 4 boys ganged up on her, and so it was a very uneven water war, but hey, it was all fun for each of them. I can also tell that 2 of the boys in our class really like her. But they are at that age where girls are gross, and boys are stupid (10 - 11). I hear it every Sunday.
They broke up into groups of two, and we all made Ice Cream, and it was fun! They loved their ice cream, and everyone got so sticky, and gross. We also played a game, and then we had to end it earlier than I had planned because it was getting late and they were starting school the next morning.
On Thursday Whitney asked me to accompany her to Salt Lake while she completed some paper work for her new job. She got a teaching position at the Salt Lake Community College, South Jordan campus. She graduated with her master's degree the week previous!! Yay Whitney!! She was going to start teaching that evening, and she was told a little late that there were more signatures needed, and other things. So we, Whitney, Franklin and myself were jotting around campus. It made me miss the college life a little but not enough to go back, at least not for now.
Things started to run a little late, so her hubby, Blain came up to So. Jordan to bring her a few things she needed for the night, and came and got Franklin and I, and took us home. It was fun, hot, and long day. It was so great to get out of the house! Even Franklin had fun!
Saturday we went over to Greta's and they had rented a huge slide for Miles' birthday party. We missed the party because of Franklin's nap, but we had fun with just the family. I can't believe that Miles' is 6! And even more so that Boston is 7!! It was so hot, that's what was getting me first, but the 25' slide was a lot of fun! Chloe went on the slide more than anyone else, she was so fun to watch. Oh, to be 3 and have her energy. She did have super red cheeks from the heat when she was done. Lucky her she doesn't sunburn! Thanks Whites for having us over!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Arizona here we come!
So things have been busy and crazy. Jess and Jon Rutherford and their twin boys came to visit. They are a month and a half younger than Franklin but really got into each other's faces. They were so funny to watch that I forgot to pull out the camera. Well, we may be able to see them on the 9th, and I'll have the camera ready this time!
Franklin is into everything, and doing his best to keep walking (I'm trying to make him do it without my help). We got him some soft shoes to get familiar with shoes, and walk with them on. He still has only 2 teeth, but has proven that he can chew on many different things anyway. He is a sprint crawler, laughs often, and is quite the chatter box. We keep trying to get him to repeat what we say, but he loves to repeat what the cats say more. He also loves to immitate mommy's hiccups. What a goof!
Not only do we have a future commedian, he is also going to be a percussionist. We decided that we'll have to accept whatever type of musicain he wants to be. We are thrilled that he is showing signs of being a musician. He LOVES music, especially jazz and swing. He can keep a constant beat for a little bit, and loves to make different sounds on the things he bangs. So we got him something to encourage him for his birthday. 
We also had our cats declawed. It's best for Franklin, our hands, and our furniture. Plus they are both pretty clumsy with their claws. I was surprised Osgood didn't get mad at me for taking him to the vet. He used to take everything personal with me, and held a grudge for a while. Stephen was the only person he liked. He has really changed, and not only did he heal quickly, and did well, but he is social with others, and not just people he knows already. Rizzo didn't do so great. He kept his over-active energy, and kept wanting to get into/out-of things, and have everyone's attention. He took 3 weeks to heal, and is still healing. Some of his toes are bald (the vet said that the surgical glue can sometimes do that) and he is finally out of his cone collar. He wore it for the past 3 weeks, and then some. Poor thing.
We are traveling down next week to spend Franklin's birthday in Arizona. We'll spend two days in Thatcher, with the Quinn's and two days in Sierra Vista with the Reed's. I'm so excited, and even more so, I'm excited about Franklin's birthday. I can't believe its almost been a year since he took his first breath of air. I've also realized that birthday's are for mommies. I think it's more of a celebration of what our moms have done for us, and continue to do. I know that I haven't forgotten what I went through a year ago for Franklin, and everything since that day.
It'll be a quick trip, but we're going to try and make the most of it. We are super excited to go, and can't wait to get going!!! So Arizona here we come!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Time is flying!
I was going to post pictures with this entry but I realized there were too many pictures that were taken in the last month to allow me to add. So I'll sum up what has happened with us in the last month.
After Grandma and Grandpa Reed visited Utah, Stephen, Franklin and I went to Saint George for Aunt Joans' wedding. Grandma Quinn had already been in Saint George visiting her family, and Grandpa Quinn came up for the wedding as well. So Franklin got to see both sets of Grandparents a week apart from each other. While there Stephen was able to do some work for his childhood friend who had passed away over a decade ago. Brent had prepared all the paperwork for this even to happen. Afterwards there was a reception held at Grandma Jacksons' chapel.
The following week was "Art City Days", it was like a Founders' Day type of thing. Springville is also called Art City. So we went to the little fair where Franklin rode on the Carousel for the first time. He loved it! All the lights, shiny brass, and music. Father's Day was quiet except Stephen was on-call and worked a 10 hour day on Sunday. I called up the Lewis' and talked to Jerry and he made it so Stephen wouldn't have to go out on anymore calls, and invited us over for dinner with the family. We laughed and had a great time.
That next week we had our 4th anniversary. It's amazing that 4 years have gone by since we were married. We didn't do anything on the actual day but we made plans to go to Salt Lake that Friday and celebrate. Just before we were about to leave we got a call from Spencer. They were in the area so we met up with them at a pond (a very popular pond) to see each other, and we finally met Kaylee. She and Franklin hit it right off. They are about 3 months apart in age, and luckily Franklin isn't a hitter to others, just the cats. They were too cute together!
The next week I finally went in to a dentist about my two top wisdom teeth. They've been killing me for a few months and I finally reached my breaking point. My first experience, getting the bottom ones removed in 2005 was so awful that I've been too nervous to mess with the others. I got to see why they are causing me so much pain, and at the end of July I meet with the oral surgeon (I'm working up my nerves again). A few days later Whitney came with Stephen and I to see a local production of Hello Dolly! and it was very cute, and done "in the round". A little strange to do it that way for a musical, but oh well, the cast was very small. Franklin kept getting attention, and at one point made a loud thud when he missed sitting down, and fell over instead. He was fine, just already mad from being tired, and it scared him.
The following weekend, Independence Day weekend, we had a blast! Whitney, Brittney (Whit's sister), Jeff (Brit's hubby) and we went to the parade. It was a lot of fun. After we went to a sidewalk carnival/swap meet thing. There was a lot of great things to see, but Franklin was over tired, and my feet were sore. So we went back to Whitney's place, and there was a pool. Franklin hated it at first, but as long as he wasn't splashed he was fine. We've taken him swimming a couple times before and he loves it. We don't want him to be afraid of the water.
After that we went home for Franklin to take a much needed nap, and that evening we met up with everyone again for a BBQ. After our picnic we went back home, Franklin needed to go to bed, so we missed the fireworks, but we got back together again at our place, and Brittney and Jeff provided us with a wonderful little fireworks show. Luckily our neighbors were gone so we did it in front of their place. Franklin slept for 14 hours that night, poor thing was so sleepy. He woke up very happy, and then went down for another nap, for 4 hours. He went to bed at his usual time.
Now our big news is that we are going down to Arizona for Franklin's first birthday. We'll fly down August 5th, and be in Thatcher till the 7th, then we'll be in Sierra Vista till the 9th, and we come back home. I cannot believe that he'll be a year old in less than a month. The time has seriously flown by!
