K2 took his first step yesterday afternoon because he was motivated to get a ball but has not done it since. He also started the swimming portion of the infant resource swim program. He was an excellent floater. He also had 3 teeth break through the gums this week. He loves rough housing with Underfoot. The rough housing is Underfoot coming and landing on top of K2 than grabbing K2 around the waist and rolling over, or Underfoot flattens K2 to the ground when he is
crawling lets K2 out to retreat and then does it again and again and again. Underfoot has become more gentle in the process, and K2 laughs until he is done being touched and then screams. K2 also loves to be outside and crawl to all parts of the backyard.
Underfoot has been very cuddly this week. He wants to be on my lap for most of the afternoon. He plays and plays in our backyard and then wants to sit on my lap. He reads himself books and continually talks about going camping soon like now if he could. He is doing sign language letters on his own and is enjoying riding in Giant (a.k.a. the new car). He wants to ride in the very back row and got to for this weekend.
We went to the Gila Valley LDS Temple open house with some neighbors. At an open house, the public is invited to tour the temple before the building is dedicated to God. The dedication will take place in one week. Underfoot recognized the pictures of Jesus throughout the temple. It was a nice trip to go and be together.
L4 is enjoying his job very much right now. He says, “Like my Uncle Ron, I’m excited to get up and go to work in the morning.” The work is challenging which L4 is always up for a challenge. I hope it continues for him. He was very motivated this week and went to a BSA training meeting, an HOA board meeting, and cleaned up our entire backyard. The clean up has happened on the pergola now all that is left is to paint it.
We have been enjoying raspberries from our very own stalks. We planted the stalks at the end of February and have been pleasantly surprised by the results we have. We hope they continue to propagate.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother’s Day! We have learned about the beginnings of Mother’s Day which occurred after the Civil War “to reunite families that had been divided during the Civil War” by Ann Jarvis. There were many attempts by various women to start the day until an 1914 law from the U. S. Congress recognized the day that was endorsed by Woodrow Wilson, who stated in a proclamation “as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war.” All the references are from Wikipedia on-line. We hope that you have enjoyed your families and know that you are appreciated and loved for all you do and the influence you give.
L4 and Underfoot went on the annual church father and sons camping trip this weekend. It was determined that K2 was still too little to go with the rest of the men in our home. They car-pooled to and from the campsite. Underfoot had a wonderful time climbing on rocks, being with friends, sleeping outside, and eating cookies for breakfast. I think L4 enjoyed himself except for the lack of sleep. L4 prefers his bed to the ground. Underfoot came into our room this morning and asked if we could go camping again. We said yes. He promptly asked us to get in the car to go camping now. When planning with a 3 year-old, it means right now or not at all.
While the boys went to the campout, K2 and I cleaned up the house and went to a community fair done by the local elementary school PTA. The fair was amazing to see how many different activities there were. We checked in on a neighbor who was running a booth and watched another neighbor do a dance. Underfoot got his first cavity filled on Monday. He was a trooper. His Mom was more nervous than he was. He didn’t know to be nervous. We are very diligent now about his dental hygiene.
K2 is standing up and walking with assistance. We think that any day he will have the confidence to step out on his own. He will stand up and dance to the music we are listening to by bouncing up and down.
When I was a missionary, I didn’t write very detailed letters. My parents knew I was alive by the brief encrypted messages I would sent home like “you never know how grateful you are for your health until you don’t have it. Love, Mama” Instead of writing that I was struggling with my companion who was self-medicating and not following the guidelines given us, stress, and being generally tired. My Mom called and asked what the letter meant from the office staff in the mission. They told her I went to the hospital but had returned to where I was working and was fine. I thought that I was being very clear, but unfortunately, I wasn’t. I still struggle with telling about myself because I don’t believe that people want to know about daily life that surrounds me just more about my boys. I understand that my boys are my life, and that is where it needs to be. I wash clothes, dishes, little boys, floors, again the little boys. I run errands, make meals, talk on the phone to friends and family about their lives. I don’t know that I see that I accomplish much or do much because it feels like it is the same every day without much change. There is still the washing, running, and never getting ahead. L4 makes most of the amazing changes to our yard and handyman projects to the interior of our home. I do accomplish little things but never feel that I have a house as clean as Auntie Ann or organization like Auntie Lyn or a calm presence like Auntie Kathy. I do feel that I try my best each day to be the best Mama I can be.
I am grateful for the Mama that raised my sweet husband. She helped foster the foundation that makes him who he is. She gave him determination and no fear to speak up when he believes something is wrong. L4 has a wondering mind and asks intelligent questions to learn. L4’s Mom is always asking questions to learn to broaden her knowledge.
I watched my Mom be the best Mama she could be even when she was happy or tired. She always supported each one of her children in EVERY activity she could. She taught a love of God, devotion to family through service, and a strong love of the nation that supported her beliefs. She supported and joined in ALL she could for my Dad so he knew that she was behind him 100%, and he likewise supports her in ALL that she chooses to do. I’m grateful for the everyday mundane that my Mom gave and hope she knows how much that mundane is appreciated and feels of the love we have for her. I hope that she knows we love her and appreciate her.
L4 and Underfoot went on the annual church father and sons camping trip this weekend. It was determined that K2 was still too little to go with the rest of the men in our home. They car-pooled to and from the campsite. Underfoot had a wonderful time climbing on rocks, being with friends, sleeping outside, and eating cookies for breakfast. I think L4 enjoyed himself except for the lack of sleep. L4 prefers his bed to the ground. Underfoot came into our room this morning and asked if we could go camping again. We said yes. He promptly asked us to get in the car to go camping now. When planning with a 3 year-old, it means right now or not at all.
While the boys went to the campout, K2 and I cleaned up the house and went to a community fair done by the local elementary school PTA. The fair was amazing to see how many different activities there were. We checked in on a neighbor who was running a booth and watched another neighbor do a dance. Underfoot got his first cavity filled on Monday. He was a trooper. His Mom was more nervous than he was. He didn’t know to be nervous. We are very diligent now about his dental hygiene.
K2 is standing up and walking with assistance. We think that any day he will have the confidence to step out on his own. He will stand up and dance to the music we are listening to by bouncing up and down.
When I was a missionary, I didn’t write very detailed letters. My parents knew I was alive by the brief encrypted messages I would sent home like “you never know how grateful you are for your health until you don’t have it. Love, Mama” Instead of writing that I was struggling with my companion who was self-medicating and not following the guidelines given us, stress, and being generally tired. My Mom called and asked what the letter meant from the office staff in the mission. They told her I went to the hospital but had returned to where I was working and was fine. I thought that I was being very clear, but unfortunately, I wasn’t. I still struggle with telling about myself because I don’t believe that people want to know about daily life that surrounds me just more about my boys. I understand that my boys are my life, and that is where it needs to be. I wash clothes, dishes, little boys, floors, again the little boys. I run errands, make meals, talk on the phone to friends and family about their lives. I don’t know that I see that I accomplish much or do much because it feels like it is the same every day without much change. There is still the washing, running, and never getting ahead. L4 makes most of the amazing changes to our yard and handyman projects to the interior of our home. I do accomplish little things but never feel that I have a house as clean as Auntie Ann or organization like Auntie Lyn or a calm presence like Auntie Kathy. I do feel that I try my best each day to be the best Mama I can be.
I am grateful for the Mama that raised my sweet husband. She helped foster the foundation that makes him who he is. She gave him determination and no fear to speak up when he believes something is wrong. L4 has a wondering mind and asks intelligent questions to learn. L4’s Mom is always asking questions to learn to broaden her knowledge.
I watched my Mom be the best Mama she could be even when she was happy or tired. She always supported each one of her children in EVERY activity she could. She taught a love of God, devotion to family through service, and a strong love of the nation that supported her beliefs. She supported and joined in ALL she could for my Dad so he knew that she was behind him 100%, and he likewise supports her in ALL that she chooses to do. I’m grateful for the everyday mundane that my Mom gave and hope she knows how much that mundane is appreciated and feels of the love we have for her. I hope that she knows we love her and appreciate her.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Almost the end of a few things
L4 made a lot of good progress on the pergola on Saturday. He has put up the stays, the copper, and cut off the last two vertical posts. He also added metal trellising for the three grape vines so they can climb up. One of the vine grabbed on and started climbing immediately. Eventually, we’ll remove the metal trellising. 
He needs to solder some of the copper joints and stain the wood then the pergola will be done! It sounds quicker written than it will take in actual time.On his way to work Wednesday, L4 was jolted awake by a friendly bump from another driver. If you were worried, the Scout suffered no damage. It is constructed like a tank and gets about the same gas mileage. The other car lost some plastic pieces from the front. L4 was a little sore and visited the chiropractor for an adjustment.
Underfoot finished swimming lessons this week. He swam with summer clothes and winter clothes. His shoe fell off his foot, and he was more concerned about his shoe than trying to swim. He did swim though. If you’d like to see some neat pictures, go to here. The password is our last name with capital at the first. Underfoot has been very helpful this week. He played with some friends on Saturday. He played so hard that he fell asleep in the car coming home by 6:30 p.m. (Underfoot normally is a night owl.)
He has named the new car “The Giant.” When you go from a small car to a large car and you are little, anything is considered a giant. He wore underwear to bed and did not have an accident! Yippee!K2 has taken to playing with any ball. He loves to pass them back and forth with Underfoot and Daddy.
K2 can stand up on his own. He likes to hold hands and walk. Today he pushed Underfoot around on a little plastic toy car. It was adorable to watch them play together. He has two teeth starting to push through on the top gum so he has wanted to be held a lot more this week.
I went to the doctor and got the results from the MRI and CAT scan. I have a lymphangioma which is made up of mixed venous vascular and/or hemangiomatous component. This means I have a mass in my neck that is not harmful. The doctor gave me three options: 1. Do nothing. 2. Surgically have it removed. The mass is surrounded by a lot of nerves, and my salivary gland is in the way. 3. Sclerotherapy which is injecting alcohol in the mass and having it scar and shrink. I think at this point we will choose option 1 and do nothing. The reason to remove it would be cosmetic.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
New Car
This morning K2 stood up all on his own to grab a ball. He is developing more personality each day. Lately he squeezes his lips together and says oooh. We find it adorable. Underfoot likes being a big brother. He especially likes it when K2 sleeps next to him at night. They tag-team laugh. Underfoot then K2 then Underfoot. They love to laugh together. We think Underfoot wants K2 close by because Underfoot says he is afraid of the dark.
The Scout has been christened by a friend the Exxon Valdez. One leak is fixed and another squirts out. When you are working with machinery that is almost 40 years old, leaks are bound to come up. I think this is the same with the human body. The older it gets the more it breaks down or wears out or hurts.
I worked on the Pergola this week. (Surprise - Week 6!) On Monday night I worked on it after Family Home Evening. I didn’t sleep well that night (because the Pergola still wasn’t finished.) I took Tuesday off to work on the Pergola. A retired friend helped me for a few hours during the day. With his help I made a lot of progress and got up all the rafters. I spent more time working on it on Saturday. All the vertical posts are now up, the girders and rafters are up too. All that is left now is to put on the stays and attach the decorative copper. Hopefully I’ll have it all finished next Saturday. Then Mama can do some detail touch up.
This week Mama and I did something we’ve never done before. On Saturday night we took our Honda Civic to a place called CarMax. We were there to look at a Honda Odyssey minivan (and hopefully trade in the Civic to get a new car.) The minivan looked great to me. It had all sorts of neat features and gadgets and only 68k miles. When Mama got in, her eyes began to itch. The previous owners had an animal they transported. We didn’t even take it for a test drive.
By that time the Civic was being appraised, so we decided to “walk” around the parking lot to see what other cars they had on the lot. We found a 2008 Honda Pilot. Mama liked it. We drove it. She liked it more. We took a break to get some supper across the street and to talk about the car away from the sales people. We decided over sandwiches that we would buy the car. They took the green Civic as a trade in. We now own a 2008 Pilot with 26k miles on it. This is a first for Mama and I. We’ve never owned a car with less than 56k miles.
In other news, Tucson experienced an unusual cold snap on Thursday and Friday. Highs were in the 50s and lows were around 40 degrees. The cold weather prevented the boys from having swimming lessons. It gave Mama a chance to catch up on some house keeping items.
The Scout has been christened by a friend the Exxon Valdez. One leak is fixed and another squirts out. When you are working with machinery that is almost 40 years old, leaks are bound to come up. I think this is the same with the human body. The older it gets the more it breaks down or wears out or hurts.
I worked on the Pergola this week. (Surprise - Week 6!) On Monday night I worked on it after Family Home Evening. I didn’t sleep well that night (because the Pergola still wasn’t finished.) I took Tuesday off to work on the Pergola. A retired friend helped me for a few hours during the day. With his help I made a lot of progress and got up all the rafters. I spent more time working on it on Saturday. All the vertical posts are now up, the girders and rafters are up too. All that is left now is to put on the stays and attach the decorative copper. Hopefully I’ll have it all finished next Saturday. Then Mama can do some detail touch up.
This week Mama and I did something we’ve never done before. On Saturday night we took our Honda Civic to a place called CarMax. We were there to look at a Honda Odyssey minivan (and hopefully trade in the Civic to get a new car.) The minivan looked great to me. It had all sorts of neat features and gadgets and only 68k miles. When Mama got in, her eyes began to itch. The previous owners had an animal they transported. We didn’t even take it for a test drive.
By that time the Civic was being appraised, so we decided to “walk” around the parking lot to see what other cars they had on the lot. We found a 2008 Honda Pilot. Mama liked it. We drove it. She liked it more. We took a break to get some supper across the street and to talk about the car away from the sales people. We decided over sandwiches that we would buy the car. They took the green Civic as a trade in. We now own a 2008 Pilot with 26k miles on it. This is a first for Mama and I. We’ve never owned a car with less than 56k miles.
In other news, Tucson experienced an unusual cold snap on Thursday and Friday. Highs were in the 50s and lows were around 40 degrees. The cold weather prevented the boys from having swimming lessons. It gave Mama a chance to catch up on some house keeping items.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Busy Bees
On Monday Mama had an MRI. On Friday we learned that she has a benign cyst. She will talk to the doctor in two weeks about treatment options. We got approval this week from our HOA to repaint the front door red and to move the mailbox. Mama repainted the front door on Wednesday and did some touch up on Friday. 
In addition, Mama primed and painted the chicken coop to match the shed. 
Mama planted the garden throughout the week. We made some changes to the irrigation system to improve efficiency.
Mama did baskets on Saturday morning. She has volunteered to be an area coordinator for Bountiful Baskets.
Underfoot found an action-figure man. His “man” goes everywhere with us. On Wednesday, he named the man J.. J. can go with us on errands unlike his diecast cars. J. is missing in action since last night. We hope he will be recovered soon.
Also as Mama and the boys drive to swimming lessons, they listen to songs. The other day Underfoot was singing a lot of the songs word for word BY HIMSELF. Mama was very impressed since the feedback for teaching children isn’t always immediate. One of the songs says “I know that my Savior loves me.” He sang, “I know that my Savior, Mama, Daddy, Baby K2, and President Monson love me.”
Baby K2 can stand on his own but once he realizes that he is standing he sits back down.
I attended a board meeting on Wednesday. On Saturday I got the main posts of the pergola up. I was blessed to receive help from several friends and neighbors throughout the day.
The Civic broke on Friday morning. We are weighing our options because repair costs could approach the value of the vehicle. We have worked our guts out this week.
In addition, Mama primed and painted the chicken coop to match the shed. 
Mama planted the garden throughout the week. We made some changes to the irrigation system to improve efficiency.
Mama did baskets on Saturday morning. She has volunteered to be an area coordinator for Bountiful Baskets.Underfoot found an action-figure man. His “man” goes everywhere with us. On Wednesday, he named the man J.. J. can go with us on errands unlike his diecast cars. J. is missing in action since last night. We hope he will be recovered soon.
Also as Mama and the boys drive to swimming lessons, they listen to songs. The other day Underfoot was singing a lot of the songs word for word BY HIMSELF. Mama was very impressed since the feedback for teaching children isn’t always immediate. One of the songs says “I know that my Savior loves me.” He sang, “I know that my Savior, Mama, Daddy, Baby K2, and President Monson love me.”
Baby K2 can stand on his own but once he realizes that he is standing he sits back down.
I attended a board meeting on Wednesday. On Saturday I got the main posts of the pergola up. I was blessed to receive help from several friends and neighbors throughout the day.
The Civic broke on Friday morning. We are weighing our options because repair costs could approach the value of the vehicle. We have worked our guts out this week.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Run Faster
We wonder especially lately what we can cut out. We have taken on a lot of projects and improvements. We worked our hearts out again this week. Our eventual goal is to recreate as a family and have a beautiful home to return to after our adventures. In our efforts to complete our goals, we aren’t taking as much joy in the journey as we could.
The boys completed their third week for swimming lessons. They are doing marvelous. K2 can float for quite a while by himself.
Underfoot is learning how to swim-float-swim. The swimming lessons are more of water survival. Eventually they will learn how to do strokes and hopefully feel confident in the water. There is a video clip on this website to show what they are learning. lL4 worked on the Scout to fix more of the oil leaks. A man from church volunteered to come help him fix it on Saturday. L4 said that without R’s help, he wouldn’t have accomplished what he did. He was very grateful.
Our ward held its annual Eggstravaganza (a pinewood derby car with an egg as a passenger). My part was to plan and carry out the meal for the evening. We served taco salad. L4 helped me get the meat cooked. We also pulled a lot our lettuce from the garden. I think we fed about 200 people.
On Thursday evening, we ate supper and played games at the A. home. The A. family gave us their chickens and coop (which we are very grateful for) because they were moving to Alabama. This was the last hurrah at their home. It was great fun to get together and to talk and play games.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Week
The week in review:
Sunday: We decided that for the week of Easter we would try to teach something from Jesus’ last week of mortal life. We walked around the block to commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Monday: We did a simple Seder (a passover supper). The boys did swimming lessons and Mama had a CT scan in the morning. The purpose of the CT scan is to determine what the neck mass is in her neck. The doctor was on vacation this week so we don’t yet know the results of the CT scan. We should find out early this coming week. We talked about Christ cleaning the temple and how our bodies are like temples. A friend helped me understand the weaknesses in my pergola plan. (The Fathers in my life expressed concern that the original concept would not work.)
Tuesday: Mama had two more doctor’s appointments. One was a normal checkup, the other was an annual eye exam. We stayed up late and cleaned the house to increase the amount of order in our home.
Wednesday: I worked late (because of the late night). We got an Easter puzzle and used it to teach Underfoot about Jesus. Mama taught piano lessons.
Thursday: I did a redesign on the pergola. This necessitated another trip to Lowe’s. After work I took the Scout and the trailer to Lowe’s. Over an hour later I left with a full load of lumber and hardware. The Scout grunted under the heavy load, but we (the Scout and I) got home safe. We were up late unloading lumber into the garage so it could dry out. We talked about Jesus having the Last Supper, washing the feet of His apostles, and the Garden of Gethsemane ending with the arrest of Jesus.
Friday: Mama had a party at our home with neighbors and friends. Mama and children went to a friend’s house for an Easter Egg hunt and lunch. K2 was able to float by himself for about 10 seconds which is a major milestone. Underfoot swam with Mama and showed off his skills. Later some friends came to play games after supper. We enjoyed a round of Ticket to Ride.
Saturday: We got up early and worked our guts out. Mama did baskets. We got two flats of strawberries (about 16 lbs worth). I made progress on the pergola. (The new design involves a lot of wood with some decorative copper tubing.) In the evening I went to Priesthood session of LDS General Conference with a friend. We made “tomb roles” and put up pictures of Jesus and the events of the last week.\
Sunday: We’ve enjoyed LDS General Conference from our living room. It is nice to be able to spend some time in our home.
We are grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and for his sacrifice which makes it possible for us to be resurrected also. We have enjoyed seeing our children develop this week. K2 has shown a lot of personality this week. He is very tender.
He lets us know when he is hungry by a scream/screech. He loves to laugh with his brother. 
Underfoot is having a learning curve about boundaries. He has done great job with toilet training. We even went one whole day on errands without any accidents. We are so glad that K2 and Underfoot are members of our family.
Sunday: We decided that for the week of Easter we would try to teach something from Jesus’ last week of mortal life. We walked around the block to commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Monday: We did a simple Seder (a passover supper). The boys did swimming lessons and Mama had a CT scan in the morning. The purpose of the CT scan is to determine what the neck mass is in her neck. The doctor was on vacation this week so we don’t yet know the results of the CT scan. We should find out early this coming week. We talked about Christ cleaning the temple and how our bodies are like temples. A friend helped me understand the weaknesses in my pergola plan. (The Fathers in my life expressed concern that the original concept would not work.)
Tuesday: Mama had two more doctor’s appointments. One was a normal checkup, the other was an annual eye exam. We stayed up late and cleaned the house to increase the amount of order in our home.
Wednesday: I worked late (because of the late night). We got an Easter puzzle and used it to teach Underfoot about Jesus. Mama taught piano lessons.
Thursday: I did a redesign on the pergola. This necessitated another trip to Lowe’s. After work I took the Scout and the trailer to Lowe’s. Over an hour later I left with a full load of lumber and hardware. The Scout grunted under the heavy load, but we (the Scout and I) got home safe. We were up late unloading lumber into the garage so it could dry out. We talked about Jesus having the Last Supper, washing the feet of His apostles, and the Garden of Gethsemane ending with the arrest of Jesus.
Friday: Mama had a party at our home with neighbors and friends. Mama and children went to a friend’s house for an Easter Egg hunt and lunch. K2 was able to float by himself for about 10 seconds which is a major milestone. Underfoot swam with Mama and showed off his skills. Later some friends came to play games after supper. We enjoyed a round of Ticket to Ride.
Saturday: We got up early and worked our guts out. Mama did baskets. We got two flats of strawberries (about 16 lbs worth). I made progress on the pergola. (The new design involves a lot of wood with some decorative copper tubing.) In the evening I went to Priesthood session of LDS General Conference with a friend. We made “tomb roles” and put up pictures of Jesus and the events of the last week.\
Sunday: We’ve enjoyed LDS General Conference from our living room. It is nice to be able to spend some time in our home.
We are grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and for his sacrifice which makes it possible for us to be resurrected also. We have enjoyed seeing our children develop this week. K2 has shown a lot of personality this week. He is very tender.
He lets us know when he is hungry by a scream/screech. He loves to laugh with his brother. 
Underfoot is having a learning curve about boundaries. He has done great job with toilet training. We even went one whole day on errands without any accidents. We are so glad that K2 and Underfoot are members of our family.
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