This week has been very busy. On Monday night for our family night we placed signs all over town announcing the community yard sale that Mama organized. We put the signs on boxes and then put rocks in the boxes to make sure they didn’t blow away. One nice thing about Arizona is that there is always a plentiful supply of rocks just about everywhere.
Speaking of rocks. . . we’ve found that they multiply like rabbits in our back yard. I have spent about 7 hours roto-tilling three measly strips in the back yard. (Mama wants to plant corn and sunflowers.) I’ve discovered that we have more rocks than sandy dirt. The tiller I borrowed went crazy on Tuesday night. All the vibration caused by the rocks unloosened the screw which holds the choke butterfly valve in place. The screw became lodged in the carburetor in such a way that the engine began to accelerate uncontrollably. After I shut down the engine it took me a few minutes to figure out what happened. Fortunately, nothing was permanently damaged and I was able to get the tiller back together with just a bit of effort.
On Wednesday Mama and I taught the youth in our congregation how to do the Virgina Reel, a type of folk dance. We had about 65 youth present that night. It was a lot of fun. Underfoot loved to ‘dance’ in his own way. At one point, he picked up the microphone. It happened to be quiet right at that moment. With a big grin he said, “Chick-en”, which drew a huge laugh from everyone in the hall. It was a wonderfully funny moment.
Mama is now about 32 weeks pregnant, so she had to catch her breath after teaching the dance for a few minutes. She is a trooper when it comes to working. Sometimes I think she forgets that she is building body parts and must work at all times. That must be a maternal trait. Speaking of those maternalisms, Lucas has picked up one from his Mama. When asked if he is sick, Underfoot replies, “I fine”. . . that sounds like Mama. . .
Underfoot still seems to be at bit under the weather. We think he might have allergies because the mesquite trees are blossoming right now and sometimes during the day he is lethargic. At other times during the day he jumps and plays like normal.
On Thursday we had a horrible wind which ravished our tomato plants. On Friday we had a ward dinner party and eggstravaganza. The ‘eggstravaganza’ consisted of people making cars to carry eggs down a track and across a finish line. I got to be a line judge. It was interesting to see the various designs. It is kind of like a pine wood derby with eggs. The family that won the competition has done so for the last few years. The winning car had two electric fans on it.
Saturday morning was the community yard sale. We got up early, made a bunch of arrow signs, and ran around town to put them out. We discovered that some poor soul ran over one of our signs during the week. The person must have felt guilty because they managed to put the sign back together, albeit with road some added road-rash.
We were able to check out the sweet treasures that others were selling because we’d gotten up so early. I found two sets of armor (in honor of Sir Aaron), 3 Tonka trucks for the sand box, and a pedal powered go-cart for Underfoot. He can’t quite reach the pedals yet, but he’ll grow into it. We also got a few other treasures. We sold two items, make a total profit of $1.50. (We only had two items to sell.) We consider ourselves very blessed.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Poem
Here is a poem made by Louisa Mauss Christensen during Franklin D. Roosevelt's time as president. History doesn't start anew it just circles around to confuse us. Louisa Mauss Christensen was my Great Great Grandma. My auntie sent this through an email.
The Government is my Shepard.
I need not work.
It alloweth me to lie down on good jobs.
It leadeth me beside still factories.
It destroys my initiative;
Yes, tho I walk thru the valley of laziness and deficity spending,
I will fear no evil, for the Government is with me.
Its doles and its vote-getters, they comfort me.
It prepareth a Utopia for me by appropriating the earnings of my children.
It filleth my head with bologna,
My inefficiency runneth over.
Surely the Government shall care for me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in a fool's paradise forever.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Speed
L4 finished filling the garden boxes!!! We have planted 5 of 6 boxes, and things are beginning to sprout. I enjoy going outside to water and get a daily update on the growth progress. I also transplanted pumpkins and cantaloupe we started 4 weeks ago in family home evening. We also planted watermelon, muskmelon, cucumbers, and lavender. Underfoot helps water almost everyday and gets the stickers from the ground in his socks. He calls them “owies.”
To our surprise, the Thompson grape vine we planted has started to grow leaves. We have had it in the ground for about 3 weeks and thought it was dead. We were very excited. L4 has borrowed a rototiller to till up our backyard. He started and has found more rocks than dirt in the ground. It may take us a few weeks to get the ground ready to plant more things. As I was working outside the other day, I thought of Isaiah’s saying about the desert blossoming as the rose. (Isaiah 35) We are excited to see what will happen over the course of the summer.
When we left to go to the Locey family reunion in February, I ran a red light that takes pictures. This red light infraction cost only $300 or a mere $194 to take a 5 hour class so the ticket could get dismissed. Yesterday, I attended traffic school to learn what the law is in Arizona. I learned that
Underfoot caught a cold at the family reunion in February. He was almost better when he started to get his last set of molars in and got sick all over again. He then shared his cold with his Daddy and then his Mama. The cold hit L4 pretty hard last weekend. It is my turn this week.
We went to dinner at L4’s coworker’s home. They have chickens, and Underfoot wasn’t sure what to think of them. We hope to eventually get some laying hens.
To our surprise, the Thompson grape vine we planted has started to grow leaves. We have had it in the ground for about 3 weeks and thought it was dead. We were very excited. L4 has borrowed a rototiller to till up our backyard. He started and has found more rocks than dirt in the ground. It may take us a few weeks to get the ground ready to plant more things. As I was working outside the other day, I thought of Isaiah’s saying about the desert blossoming as the rose. (Isaiah 35) We are excited to see what will happen over the course of the summer.
When we left to go to the Locey family reunion in February, I ran a red light that takes pictures. This red light infraction cost only $300 or a mere $194 to take a 5 hour class so the ticket could get dismissed. Yesterday, I attended traffic school to learn what the law is in Arizona. I learned that
- A 5-point harness is to be used until a child is 5 years old.
- Running a red light occurs when the front bumper is over the curb line.
- A chevron sign helps you turn a corner.
- A medical emergency is not a reason to speed.
- A fire engine and ambulance have no authority to direct traffic.
- There is a stretch of freeway in Arizona that is 85 mph.
Underfoot caught a cold at the family reunion in February. He was almost better when he started to get his last set of molars in and got sick all over again. He then shared his cold with his Daddy and then his Mama. The cold hit L4 pretty hard last weekend. It is my turn this week.
We went to dinner at L4’s coworker’s home. They have chickens, and Underfoot wasn’t sure what to think of them. We hope to eventually get some laying hens.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
More Dirt
This week we are especially grateful for family. Today is Ford’s birthday (L4’s older brother.) We hope he has a great day and a wonderful year. Yesterday was Aaron’s birthday (my brother). We hope the same for him.
With daylight savings, the state of Arizona does not change their clocks forward or backward. The entire state changes times zones. We are now in the Pacific time zone. As everyone is adjusting their sleep, we are adjusting to remember what time it is for everyone else to know if we are calling too early or too late.
We have had a great week. L4 worked from home on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Thursday we received a delivery of 10 tons of top soil for our garden boxes. L4 has worked hard to move the soil into the boxes. Much to L4’s chagrin, I helped dig holes, move rocks, and fill the boxes with dirt. Underfoot also helped move the dirt. He does really well as long as the whole family is working together. So far we have 5 of the 6 boxes filled. On Friday we planted peppers and tomatoes in the two recently filled garden boxes. It looks like some of the little plants aren’t going to make it which is sad.
Underfoot had his well baby check on Monday and has grown almost 2 inches since November 2008 and gained about 2 pounds. He is getting his 2 year old molars and has something of a cold. We thought it was just because he was getting teeth, but his cruddy nose has developed into a nasty cough. He doesn’t have a fever, but his nose runs continually. He protests every time we try to wipe it.
Underfoot also got his haircut because people kept calling him a girl. His hair is now shaped like a little boy but with a lot of curls still. He doesn’t like to sit in his high chair anymore either unless we are all at the table. His language is improving every day.
With daylight savings, the state of Arizona does not change their clocks forward or backward. The entire state changes times zones. We are now in the Pacific time zone. As everyone is adjusting their sleep, we are adjusting to remember what time it is for everyone else to know if we are calling too early or too late.
We have had a great week. L4 worked from home on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Thursday we received a delivery of 10 tons of top soil for our garden boxes. L4 has worked hard to move the soil into the boxes. Much to L4’s chagrin, I helped dig holes, move rocks, and fill the boxes with dirt. Underfoot also helped move the dirt. He does really well as long as the whole family is working together. So far we have 5 of the 6 boxes filled. On Friday we planted peppers and tomatoes in the two recently filled garden boxes. It looks like some of the little plants aren’t going to make it which is sad.
Underfoot had his well baby check on Monday and has grown almost 2 inches since November 2008 and gained about 2 pounds. He is getting his 2 year old molars and has something of a cold. We thought it was just because he was getting teeth, but his cruddy nose has developed into a nasty cough. He doesn’t have a fever, but his nose runs continually. He protests every time we try to wipe it.
Underfoot also got his haircut because people kept calling him a girl. His hair is now shaped like a little boy but with a lot of curls still. He doesn’t like to sit in his high chair anymore either unless we are all at the table. His language is improving every day.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Weekly Update
Underfoot is now a real 2 year old. His birthday was yesterday. He was surprised with presents from his Grandparents, Mama & Daddy, and one on the way from his Uncle A. The celebration included a cake, singing, and presents. I found that morning at a yard sale a wooden train track, trains, and road signs. He played with it all morning long. L4 was very proud of the Mater cake that I made for Underfoot. Lucas liked the candy on the cake. The day ended with our gift to him: a bubble machine. We feel very blessed and cherish the experience of having him in our home.
While we sang “Happy Birthday” to Underfoot, Grandpa called. Underfoot shares his birthday with his twin cousins. L4 and I sang “Happy Birthday” to the twins, S and S. Underfoot started with a big happy smile and frowned when we didn’t say his name while singing. He was darling.
The midwife this week said that the baby is growing well and on track. I feel pretty well. Some days I have more energy than other days.
L4 accomplished a lot yesterday working on the house. He rearranged the garage and shed, put in an attic fan, and put up a storage shelf in the garage. He felt very happy with all that he did. L4 also worked a full week splitting his time between the office and working at home.
Underfoot and I went to the Botanical Gardens to see their butterfly exhibit for our adventure day. The exhibit is from November to March each year. They have butterflies from all around the world. We went with some friends and were babysitting too. I think the children liked digging in the sandbox at the children’s garden more than the butterflies.
Hope is an interesting concept. Today during church, the speaker talked about hope being a surety of belief. Sometime hope is used in a sentence with a question of doubt- this isn’t the real meaning of the term. L4 and I have talked about hope in the context of the current economic situation.
While we sang “Happy Birthday” to Underfoot, Grandpa called. Underfoot shares his birthday with his twin cousins. L4 and I sang “Happy Birthday” to the twins, S and S. Underfoot started with a big happy smile and frowned when we didn’t say his name while singing. He was darling.
The midwife this week said that the baby is growing well and on track. I feel pretty well. Some days I have more energy than other days.
L4 accomplished a lot yesterday working on the house. He rearranged the garage and shed, put in an attic fan, and put up a storage shelf in the garage. He felt very happy with all that he did. L4 also worked a full week splitting his time between the office and working at home.
Underfoot and I went to the Botanical Gardens to see their butterfly exhibit for our adventure day. The exhibit is from November to March each year. They have butterflies from all around the world. We went with some friends and were babysitting too. I think the children liked digging in the sandbox at the children’s garden more than the butterflies.
Hope is an interesting concept. Today during church, the speaker talked about hope being a surety of belief. Sometime hope is used in a sentence with a question of doubt- this isn’t the real meaning of the term. L4 and I have talked about hope in the context of the current economic situation.
Mater Cake
Underfoot really likes Cars. So for his birthday, we made a cake. 
Here are some pictures of the cake for Underfoot's birthday cake.
Here are some pictures of the cake for Underfoot's birthday cake.
Butterflies
Underfoot and I went to see the tropical butterflies at the local botanical gardens. The butterflies were all different. We saw butterflies from the American tropics.
From their website, "all of the butterflies in the Gardens' exhibit are hatched from eggs and live as caterpillars in butterfly farms in tropical parts of the world. When the caterpillars change into the pupa or resting stage, they are carefully counted, labeled, and packed. In the pupa stage of the butterfly life cycle, no food is required so they can survive the two or three day trip. "
Can you find the butterfly in this picture?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Create
I like this video. My cousin sent it to me in an email, and I want to share it with everyone who will watch it. The Boy's response was "Wow!" So is mine.
God does watch us. God does exist and wants us to remember that we have untapped potential in all things. Our gifts or talents might not be stage-worthy. They are incredible.
The greatest gift is the gift of life. Life is amazing! The creation of a new body for a child of Heavenly Father is creation in the most inspiring way.
God does watch us. God does exist and wants us to remember that we have untapped potential in all things. Our gifts or talents might not be stage-worthy. They are incredible.
The greatest gift is the gift of life. Life is amazing! The creation of a new body for a child of Heavenly Father is creation in the most inspiring way.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Plants
After our travels from last week, L4 returned back to work for the week. We were all a little tired because we got up early, played hard all day, and stayed up too late while we were gone. We tried to make the best of being with our siblings and parents. The Boy came home with a cold that he has been nursing all this week. He has a cough and a snotty nose. He is taking 3-4 hour naps each day and sleeping at least 10-11 hours a night. This is a lot for a boy who normally takes an hour nap and sleeps about 8 hours a night.
On Monday night for Family Home Evening, L4 decided that we needed to plant our garden. He taught how faith is like a seed, and when planted it can grow and can produce something wonderful. L4 helped us plant pumpkins, cantaloupe, and muskmelons (all seeds that we got at Monticello when we moved across the country). The Boy liked patting the soil down. L4 and I also planted seeds in little peat moss starters: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, sunflowers, strawberries, sweet basil, and red onions. The seeds are indoors inside a plastic tub. It is neat to see the little seedlings come to life!
Over the course of the week, we have also planted a number of vegetables outside, including broccoli, romaine lettuce, grapes, poppies, more sunflowers, cilantro, and zucchini (green and yellow). The heat comes next month so our watering will go up some next month.
L4 also got to work from home on Thursday. He is now a tele-commuter. It is nice to have him home during the day. It allows me to run quick errands (like go to the post office) when The Boy is taking a nap. He likes his new assignment. He is working on an automatic target recognition system.
On Saturday night, L4 took me on a date to see a melodrama. It was a lot of fun to go and be together. It is one of our first dates without The Boy since The Boy was born. It was a lot of fun. After the performance, they did a shortened version of “The Grand Ole Opry.”
On Monday night for Family Home Evening, L4 decided that we needed to plant our garden. He taught how faith is like a seed, and when planted it can grow and can produce something wonderful. L4 helped us plant pumpkins, cantaloupe, and muskmelons (all seeds that we got at Monticello when we moved across the country). The Boy liked patting the soil down. L4 and I also planted seeds in little peat moss starters: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, sunflowers, strawberries, sweet basil, and red onions. The seeds are indoors inside a plastic tub. It is neat to see the little seedlings come to life!
Over the course of the week, we have also planted a number of vegetables outside, including broccoli, romaine lettuce, grapes, poppies, more sunflowers, cilantro, and zucchini (green and yellow). The heat comes next month so our watering will go up some next month.
L4 also got to work from home on Thursday. He is now a tele-commuter. It is nice to have him home during the day. It allows me to run quick errands (like go to the post office) when The Boy is taking a nap. He likes his new assignment. He is working on an automatic target recognition system.
On Saturday night, L4 took me on a date to see a melodrama. It was a lot of fun to go and be together. It is one of our first dates without The Boy since The Boy was born. It was a lot of fun. After the performance, they did a shortened version of “The Grand Ole Opry.”
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