Underfoot says this week: I played with trains this week. I built the train track with my dad. We got a new train set to add to our collection. I got a surprise at the library this week. I got a book that I can keep about Abraham Lincoln. I saw the dentist. I had friends come over on Friday night.
We’ve been getting over sickness this week. Mama had pink eye (She probably picked it up from Hurricane.) Both boys completed their summer reading program and received an adventure pass from the Library. Early in the week Mama started teaching piano again. The local schools are back in session, so people are done with family vacations and such.
On Friday we went to The Gila Valley Temple in Central, Arizona. Afterward we came home and hosted a get together with some friends.
On Saturday we took it easy and didn’t do a whole lot. Mama took a nap (a very rare event indeed!) and I installed some new software on one of the computers. I also assembled an automatic temperature controller for a fan we have in our garage. I’ve had the parts for about a year, I just never took the time to sit down
and put it all together. That evening around supper time we got a quick, brief, but very powerful thunder and lightning show that lasted about 20 minutes. It was so loud that it woke Mama up from her nap- which is another rare event in and of itself.
It has rained so much the last few weeks that we have volunteer green grass in our backyard. We aren’t hopeful that it will last. It is probably just weeds.
Be Well.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
July 24
Underfoot says this week: I got my jobs done. All week long. I love to see the temple. I did the scripture in Primary today. It talked about returning to Heavenly Father. I read lots of books this week. I got a world balloon from the library reading program.
Hurricane provided a few firsts for us. He came home last Sunday with weepy eyes that developed into goopy eyes. On Monday morning we made an appointment with the doctor. At the doctor’s office, we (Hurricane, Underfoot, and I) learned that Hurricane had an ear infection that had gone into his eyes causing an infection. The doctor said that it wasn’t pink eye. He prescribed an antibiotic and saying that the infection in his eyes might be viral and not bacterial. So I waffled on getting the antibiotic. Later that evening, Underfoot and Hurricane were launching projectiles at each other before supper. (I was learning how to cook and use rice noodles for the first time.) A projectile hit Hurricane in the eye and cut open the top and bottom lids and under the eye. Since Hurricane had an infection and was bleeding from the eye, we decided to go to the emergency room. There are 4 hospitals here. We went to the one with a pediatric emergency room. We were seen quickly. The doctor was great. Hurricane got his eye cleaned thoroughly inside and out. He got to have drops put in the eye to make sure the cornea wasn’t cut. We were told that he had pink eye and to start the antibiotic so an infection wouldn’t come from the cuts. So our firsts were pink eye and the emergency room. Pretty amazing if you ask me that we haven’t visited before now.
We laid low this week. No social engagements. No going to random stores. We did go to the library briefly to change out books. We have been tackling the 100 books of summer suggested by a friend. I think we have made it through about 30 or so. We started about 2 1/2 weeks ago so I feel like that is good progress. Joy School starts for Underfoot in 1 week. We will continue the book reading until we finish.
For L4 and I, summer caught up with us, and we developed sore throats and a cough. We are too stingy to go the doctor. We saw what happened to Hurricane this week for going to the doctor and didn’t want to end up in the emergency room ourselves.
Underfoot helped me pit cherries. He did a great job and earned extra points for his daily jobs.
Hurricane provided a few firsts for us. He came home last Sunday with weepy eyes that developed into goopy eyes. On Monday morning we made an appointment with the doctor. At the doctor’s office, we (Hurricane, Underfoot, and I) learned that Hurricane had an ear infection that had gone into his eyes causing an infection. The doctor said that it wasn’t pink eye. He prescribed an antibiotic and saying that the infection in his eyes might be viral and not bacterial. So I waffled on getting the antibiotic. Later that evening, Underfoot and Hurricane were launching projectiles at each other before supper. (I was learning how to cook and use rice noodles for the first time.) A projectile hit Hurricane in the eye and cut open the top and bottom lids and under the eye. Since Hurricane had an infection and was bleeding from the eye, we decided to go to the emergency room. There are 4 hospitals here. We went to the one with a pediatric emergency room. We were seen quickly. The doctor was great. Hurricane got his eye cleaned thoroughly inside and out. He got to have drops put in the eye to make sure the cornea wasn’t cut. We were told that he had pink eye and to start the antibiotic so an infection wouldn’t come from the cuts. So our firsts were pink eye and the emergency room. Pretty amazing if you ask me that we haven’t visited before now.
For L4 and I, summer caught up with us, and we developed sore throats and a cough. We are too stingy to go the doctor. We saw what happened to Hurricane this week for going to the doctor and didn’t want to end up in the emergency room ourselves.
Underfoot helped me pit cherries. He did a great job and earned extra points for his daily jobs.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 17
The heat is on and our brains have turned to mush. Here is a quick update.
Monday- Underfoot was so tired he fell asleep at the dinner table.
Tuesday- Mama cleaned the Maud Room and the boys painted.
Wednesday- Scouts was canceled but no one told L4. L4 had a long board meeting. Mama finished cleaning the Maud Room. She started reading a book that night and didn’t go to bed until 4 a.m.
Thursday- Mama invited some friends for an indoor picnic because it was too hot to be outside.
Friday- L4 went in to work to make up some hours. Mama finished the book. L4 worked on Fred while Mama did Bountiful Baskets paperwork in the evening.
Saturday- We cleaned the front yard of dead plant and tree remnants. We did Baskets in the morning. L4 finished replacing the water pump and timing belt on Fred. L4 made some adjustments to the irrigation system. Everyone but L4 took naps. We did a lot of shopping and errands after the naps.
Sunday- In church today a number of people commented on Hurricane’s new found personality and language. He seems to have lost his shyness. He is a chatter box and tells everyone that he fixed Fred Ignatowski (the car.) We had some friends over for supper and Mama made some delicious salmon.
Monday- Underfoot was so tired he fell asleep at the dinner table.
Tuesday- Mama cleaned the Maud Room and the boys painted.
Wednesday- Scouts was canceled but no one told L4. L4 had a long board meeting. Mama finished cleaning the Maud Room. She started reading a book that night and didn’t go to bed until 4 a.m.
Thursday- Mama invited some friends for an indoor picnic because it was too hot to be outside.
Friday- L4 went in to work to make up some hours. Mama finished the book. L4 worked on Fred while Mama did Bountiful Baskets paperwork in the evening.
Saturday- We cleaned the front yard of dead plant and tree remnants. We did Baskets in the morning. L4 finished replacing the water pump and timing belt on Fred. L4 made some adjustments to the irrigation system. Everyone but L4 took naps. We did a lot of shopping and errands after the naps.
Sunday- In church today a number of people commented on Hurricane’s new found personality and language. He seems to have lost his shyness. He is a chatter box and tells everyone that he fixed Fred Ignatowski (the car.) We had some friends over for supper and Mama made some delicious salmon.
July 10
After almost 19 days away from home, we have returned. In that time we failed to write a letter for last week and will make it up this week as I have finally downloaded the 925 pictures from our trip. I will tell stories with them hopefully over the next few weeks about what we have learned and are growing to become.
The 4th of July was a great day spent with my maternal side. We came together to honor my Grandpa H. for his birthday which he refers to as “Groundhog Day.” The best part was to be together and how well the planning and food came. We did a tribute book for my Grandpa. Each was very excited to see it and read their part. We played (swam at a Cottonwood Heights, had a campfire at Millcreek Canyon, participated in the last 30 miles of the Mormon Trail, went to Temple Square, lit fireworks, and flew a kite), worked (did a clean up at one of the chapel’s in the SLC area), and attended church with my Grandpa. We had to leave before the kite was up. It was a huge American flag kite. We drove into Page, AZ for the last 10 minutes of their fireworks show before bedding down for the night.
We arrived home on Tuesday and cleaned up suitcases and the car before collapsing into bed. The one miracle of the day was that we were not taken out by a tow truck on the freeway in a monsoon downpour. The driver nearly clipped the front passenger side of our car as we were literally 15 minutes from home. L4 worked the rest of the week. I cleaned up the loose ends of keeping house. The boys played. Our neighbor who is 13 gave Underfoot 4 light sabers. Earlier that day, he had asked me if for Christmas he could be given a real light saber. He said he would even buy one for him and Hurricane so they could play together. We have all enjoyed a few light saber wars.
Saturday was our traditional work-like-mad. We volunteered at our HOA community service day by painting. Underfoot is still sporting orange colored paint in his hair. L4 started to take Fred apart to repair him. Remember Fred is a car. I started to dejunk a closet. Each boy helped us respectively. In the evening we harvested grapes at a friend’s home and shared them with neighbors.
The 4th of July was a great day spent with my maternal side. We came together to honor my Grandpa H. for his birthday which he refers to as “Groundhog Day.” The best part was to be together and how well the planning and food came. We did a tribute book for my Grandpa. Each was very excited to see it and read their part. We played (swam at a Cottonwood Heights, had a campfire at Millcreek Canyon, participated in the last 30 miles of the Mormon Trail, went to Temple Square, lit fireworks, and flew a kite), worked (did a clean up at one of the chapel’s in the SLC area), and attended church with my Grandpa. We had to leave before the kite was up. It was a huge American flag kite. We drove into Page, AZ for the last 10 minutes of their fireworks show before bedding down for the night.
We arrived home on Tuesday and cleaned up suitcases and the car before collapsing into bed. The one miracle of the day was that we were not taken out by a tow truck on the freeway in a monsoon downpour. The driver nearly clipped the front passenger side of our car as we were literally 15 minutes from home. L4 worked the rest of the week. I cleaned up the loose ends of keeping house. The boys played. Our neighbor who is 13 gave Underfoot 4 light sabers. Earlier that day, he had asked me if for Christmas he could be given a real light saber. He said he would even buy one for him and Hurricane so they could play together. We have all enjoyed a few light saber wars.
Saturday was our traditional work-like-mad. We volunteered at our HOA community service day by painting. Underfoot is still sporting orange colored paint in his hair. L4 started to take Fred apart to repair him. Remember Fred is a car. I started to dejunk a closet. Each boy helped us respectively. In the evening we harvested grapes at a friend’s home and shared them with neighbors.
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 26
Greetings from Pocatello, Idaho. This week we spent in Garden City, Utah attending
the annual Locey Family Reunion.
Before heading to the reunion, we spent time with Mama's Grandpa in Salt Lake. We went to stake conference with him and celebrated Father's Day with Mama's Dad and Grandpa. Later that evening we had a dinner with the Locey family to celebrate Father's Day there. It was a great way to begin the reunion and get a few housekeeping items taken care of before beginning the reunion.
On Monday we decided to go to This Is The Place Heritage Park. The boys enjoyed riding horses, eating lunhch, and going on a train ride. They also made a bunny craft. After the park we drove to Bear Lake.
We played games, rode quads, built a swing set play area, and rode water toys on a boat. It was great to spend time with my family. We are grateful that we were able to have such a great time. We attended a play on the last night of “Who Shot Juanito Bandito?” We laughed and had a great time together. The food and
company were great!
On Friday we headed north to Pocatello to see A, Mama’s brother, get off the plane from his mission in Washington, D.C Spanish speaking. It was great to see him. He left on his Mission shortly after Hurricane was born. He reported on this Sunday. The point he made was that we are all winners in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each has their degree in which they are involved. The bright news is that the Father and the Son will love us regardless and rejoice when we choose to follow, and they will help with our success.
On Saturday we went to Island Park, Idaho to see Cedar Badge graduation for Mama's nephew was graduating from the week long leadership training program. Cedar Badge is a Boy Scout National Leadership training program that teaches Boys Scouts, Varsity, and Venturing Scouting. Mama’s family has been involve for the past 18 years.
After the graduation we went to Mesa Falls for a picnic lunch. We all enjoyed the cool mist of the falls and spending time together. We also stopped to see some property that Mama’s parents own in Blackfoot, Idaho.
the annual Locey Family Reunion.
Before heading to the reunion, we spent time with Mama's Grandpa in Salt Lake. We went to stake conference with him and celebrated Father's Day with Mama's Dad and Grandpa. Later that evening we had a dinner with the Locey family to celebrate Father's Day there. It was a great way to begin the reunion and get a few housekeeping items taken care of before beginning the reunion.
On Monday we decided to go to This Is The Place Heritage Park. The boys enjoyed riding horses, eating lunhch, and going on a train ride. They also made a bunny craft. After the park we drove to Bear Lake.
We played games, rode quads, built a swing set play area, and rode water toys on a boat. It was great to spend time with my family. We are grateful that we were able to have such a great time. We attended a play on the last night of “Who Shot Juanito Bandito?” We laughed and had a great time together. The food and
company were great!
On Friday we headed north to Pocatello to see A, Mama’s brother, get off the plane from his mission in Washington, D.C Spanish speaking. It was great to see him. He left on his Mission shortly after Hurricane was born. He reported on this Sunday. The point he made was that we are all winners in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each has their degree in which they are involved. The bright news is that the Father and the Son will love us regardless and rejoice when we choose to follow, and they will help with our success.
On Saturday we went to Island Park, Idaho to see Cedar Badge graduation for Mama's nephew was graduating from the week long leadership training program. Cedar Badge is a Boy Scout National Leadership training program that teaches Boys Scouts, Varsity, and Venturing Scouting. Mama’s family has been involve for the past 18 years.
After the graduation we went to Mesa Falls for a picnic lunch. We all enjoyed the cool mist of the falls and spending time together. We also stopped to see some property that Mama’s parents own in Blackfoot, Idaho.
June 19
We have begun our “winter” vacation. I mean summer vacation. We’re in Salt Lake and the rain is pouring steadily. It is beautiful especially for us who don’t see a lot of rain. There is a 50 degree difference between SLC and Tucson so we are a little cold but refuse to pull out our winter coats.
For our family home evening activity, we planted our garden. By the time web were done, it was dark. The boys helped build up the mounds for the melons and squashes. They were very tired from the day but were good sports. Underfoot named each of the mounds as a different mountain.
We got ready to come during the week by doing laundry, packing, cleaning up, having the bug guy come to exterminate bugs, and dropping library books off at the library.
Hurricane, Mama, and Underfoot participated in Vacation Bible School at a neighbor’s house. Prayer, different miracles of Jesus, and loving one another were some of the themes. We colored, created, and ate yummy snacks. I think the boys enjoyed playing with friends a lot. It was a great time and strengthened friendships. We left on Thursday and drove to Flagstaff that evening. The boys enjoyed jumping on beds. They loved it.
We arrived in Salt Lake City on Friday night. On our way, we stopped in Provo at BYU for some ice cream on the lawn. Mama, Hurricane, and Underfoot rolled down the hill on the grass. It was fun to hear them laugh. We spent the night with L4’s brother and family.
On Saturday we went to a train museum in Ogden, Utah. We took S and B, L4’s niece and nephew. Everyone had a great time looking at trains. Underfoot especially liked climbing on the full size trains. Hurricane was fascinated by the model trains. He wanted to watch them and chase them. It must be part of his genes.
For our family home evening activity, we planted our garden. By the time web were done, it was dark. The boys helped build up the mounds for the melons and squashes. They were very tired from the day but were good sports. Underfoot named each of the mounds as a different mountain.
We got ready to come during the week by doing laundry, packing, cleaning up, having the bug guy come to exterminate bugs, and dropping library books off at the library.
Hurricane, Mama, and Underfoot participated in Vacation Bible School at a neighbor’s house. Prayer, different miracles of Jesus, and loving one another were some of the themes. We colored, created, and ate yummy snacks. I think the boys enjoyed playing with friends a lot. It was a great time and strengthened friendships. We left on Thursday and drove to Flagstaff that evening. The boys enjoyed jumping on beds. They loved it.
We arrived in Salt Lake City on Friday night. On our way, we stopped in Provo at BYU for some ice cream on the lawn. Mama, Hurricane, and Underfoot rolled down the hill on the grass. It was fun to hear them laugh. We spent the night with L4’s brother and family.
On Saturday we went to a train museum in Ogden, Utah. We took S and B, L4’s niece and nephew. Everyone had a great time looking at trains. Underfoot especially liked climbing on the full size trains. Hurricane was fascinated by the model trains. He wanted to watch them and chase them. It must be part of his genes.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 12
We’ve had a few exciting things happen this week.
We harvested 4 bunches of grapes. On three occasions I’ve harvested a handful of berries from our blackberry bushes. Our garden is mostly fallow but we have harvested a few onions and some basil. We hope to get the garden planted this week.
Mama got me a book at the library about being a bee keeper. It is very interesting. I would very much like to have a hive of bees, if for no other reason than to boost the production of the garden.
We got out the GeoTrax trains this week. Hurricane and Underfoot have spent many hours playing with them. Their affinity for trains must be in their blood. Underfoot says that two of the trains are broken.
We got home from church today and found a puddle of antifreeze underneath Fred Ignatowzki. My initial diagnosis is that the water pump is leaking.
Mama has been busy this week with travel preparations and attending baby showers. It seems that everyone is having a baby except us. We hope to have another child soon. Mama is done with physical therapy.
We had a family over for supper tonight. It was interesting to learn about their family and the experiences they have had. The husband is a principal at a Jewish K-8 school. The wife also teaches at the school. We learned a bit about the differences between public and private education.
Hurricane’s personality continues to flourish. His language amazes us every day. He is very vocal when he wants something.
Underfoot is very patient with his brother. He loves to play. Underfoot says, “Please help the cho-choos to get better.” He wants me to fix the remote controlled trains.
We harvested 4 bunches of grapes. On three occasions I’ve harvested a handful of berries from our blackberry bushes. Our garden is mostly fallow but we have harvested a few onions and some basil. We hope to get the garden planted this week.
Mama got me a book at the library about being a bee keeper. It is very interesting. I would very much like to have a hive of bees, if for no other reason than to boost the production of the garden.
We got out the GeoTrax trains this week. Hurricane and Underfoot have spent many hours playing with them. Their affinity for trains must be in their blood. Underfoot says that two of the trains are broken.
We got home from church today and found a puddle of antifreeze underneath Fred Ignatowzki. My initial diagnosis is that the water pump is leaking.
Mama has been busy this week with travel preparations and attending baby showers. It seems that everyone is having a baby except us. We hope to have another child soon. Mama is done with physical therapy.
We had a family over for supper tonight. It was interesting to learn about their family and the experiences they have had. The husband is a principal at a Jewish K-8 school. The wife also teaches at the school. We learned a bit about the differences between public and private education.
Hurricane’s personality continues to flourish. His language amazes us every day. He is very vocal when he wants something.
Underfoot is very patient with his brother. He loves to play. Underfoot says, “Please help the cho-choos to get better.” He wants me to fix the remote controlled trains.
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