tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32548119009072177072024-03-18T22:03:23.430-07:00The HoStoriesNefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-79287098261021863942016-09-05T11:38:00.000-07:002016-09-05T11:38:40.994-07:00Milestones<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the last couple of months, we've reached a few milestones with our kids. The first being that Kayla turned 5 in August. I can't believe it! We had a party at the Scera pool in Orem. It was a lot of fun, and it looked like everyone had a good time. Kayla wanted a heart shaped cake with strawberries, so that's what she got. It turned out pretty good I thought!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon after her birthday bash, she started Kindergarten. Here's the first day of school:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1283548958"></span><span id="goog_1283548959"></span>It was a rough first week. It's something new, and sometimes she has a hard time adjusting. But I think once she gets used to it, she'll learn to love it. And then there were a couple days that I wasn't at the school right when she got out (I was late maybe a minute), and she was crying when I got there. I understand it's a little frightening not seeing mommy, and for some reason she feels like I'm abandoning her if I'm not there. I talked with her about it and reassured her that even if I wasn't right there when she got out, that I WOULD BE THERE. She felt a little better and promised to try and wait a minute before starting to freak out. Such a brave girl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since Grayson is about 17 months now, I decided to make a list of all the things he can do now. First, the words he can say relatively well (some better than others):</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bubble</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Uh-oh</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dada</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bye-bye (also the same word for night-night)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bock-bock</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm really sad that despite all the time I spend with him, and the work I put into raising him, he still has yet to call me Mama or any other variation of that word. I think he thinks that to get my attention, all he has to do is scream at an eardrum throbbing volume. Unfortunately, his method works. But I'm still working on that. I keep hearing from everyone that he will grow out of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now for the list of all the funny things he does at this age. I feel like I need to make this list so I'm reminded that he can be very very cute when he's not being a tiny monster (tiny as in his actual size, not the ability of this guy to make a disaster happen in a short span of time, hence, MONSTER is the perfect word to describe him). So at 17 months Grayson likes:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Putting on shoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Climbing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Playing in water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Light switches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Making car sounds with his toy cars</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pushing chairs/strollers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mimicking Kayla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pointing at things for us to say the word for them (especially a wall art piece that Grandma gave us from Hawaii)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shoving his whole hand into daddy's stomach through his mouth (only a slight exaggeration) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Helping mommy cook (or just take the spoon to try and stir the pot of food himself)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cuddling stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets (especially the fuzzy kind)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hugging babies and small animals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jumping and running</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being outside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Making the biggest mess he can with his food</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other news, Brandon is almost done filming his web series, Unsung Heroes. Yay! We're expecting to have his first episode out on Oct 10. So be on the lookout for these two goofballs. It's been really fun watching them put it all together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-55163944124701469842016-07-18T20:34:00.000-07:002016-07-18T20:52:15.774-07:00And I Thought Last Year Was Crazy<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ever since I quit my job in an accounting department for a small business and became a full-time, stay-at-home mom, I have not found the time to write on here. It's been over a year, and I'm still trying to work out a good schedule so I can have Kayla time, Grayson time, Brandon time, cooking time, cleaning time, finance time, gardening time, and finally me time. But I'm here now, and I'm determined to finish this post. Since there's too much for me to try to catch up on, I'll just talk about our most recent adventures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't think life will ever stop being crazy. And when you own a home, that craziness likes to stop by and visit a lot more often just to make sure you remember it exists. It decided to stay and get really comfy during Memorial Day weekend for us. We had my brother and his family (which included a 3 month old baby) stay with us that weekend when our main sewer line began backing up in the basement. Where were our guests staying? The basement, of course. For 3 days it wouldn't completely drain, and everyone except for the two girls had to sleep upstairs. Needless to say it got a bit crowded and pretty stressful, but they were great sports about it and helped out as much as they could. That's what family does, and I love them for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We called in a plumber and they couldn't drain it with their auger. They said that it was a break in the line and would cost about $6,000 to fix. We got another plumber's opinion and it was a good thing we did. He found the blockage (tree roots) and was able to clear it out for $200. I liked that number a whole lot better. We called our home insurance and got an approved claim to clean and restore our basement. Everything downstairs except for the guest bedroom was affected. We had been planning on redoing the basement at some point, we just weren't expecting it this early. And through this disaster, we were blessed with having insurance pay for most of the renovations. So enough words. Here are the pictures. Warning, some home-owners may cringe when seeing a gutted basement, but please hold out until the end; you will be rewarded. We did not take any pictures of the gross tile or carpet that became infected by all the sewage. I do not want to remember that ever again. *shiver*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So a company called Complete Restoration came in and took out all the grossness and set up fans and dehumidifiers to dry everything out. They also sprayed everything down to kill any bacteria down there. Very comforting. Fun fact: if left alone, water can wick up your drywall up to 18 inches. That's why everything was cut out 2 feet up from the floor. </span><br />
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlh067MdbcCR8ZDxsQZek1k_H8oKgUKuqUWV4oRusE_ebF8QPTkP3rtqz8G0UHpoKh6A_1_va7iqRU3nQdwkyBjiHerMT6QMwHSwRF6upiBR_62qWcdlNODN1bDKEgVdqL4-eyYljsE0R/s400/IMG_7494.JPG" width="300" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUEacTdK5KyaC-pxFAdqySwI3vxgLa8jc7Ue-nAVkHZ-dwf6P4mb-FQzj8E60jRRA2-_gDSpjZ5cCdt-6AS3P8BTykS9L5V0Cr9bH8X4ukBF8oZHVkovFIzHMoziXW8uQzFqDUT1958Zo/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUEacTdK5KyaC-pxFAdqySwI3vxgLa8jc7Ue-nAVkHZ-dwf6P4mb-FQzj8E60jRRA2-_gDSpjZ5cCdt-6AS3P8BTykS9L5V0Cr9bH8X4ukBF8oZHVkovFIzHMoziXW8uQzFqDUT1958Zo/s400/IMG_7493.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6uCczzIp_GStEvya1EKB7iUDlLGL0E15e-i53kAPqULRxzuOSCa_BdoFmgAkodpTe4CRtzpVKlfI4uD8RSbV_UgKGAQogwrBkxnoht1CgkwRG-lovyi-WDc5247bzomSVObW6ds7Mrz7/s1600/IMG_7491.JPG" 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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After that delightful time only having half a house to live in, the real fun began. We wanted the whole basement to get re-carpeted, but insurance would only cover the space that was contaminated, so to cut on personal costs, we decided to paint the walls ourselves. We also decided to get a bigger vanity in the bathroom because the one in there was too small. So here's the finished product! It's all done. It took 6 weeks, but now we have a basement to enjoy for the rest of the summer. We also decided to switch the kids rooms and the guest room. I think it's all worked out for the best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, I think everything turned out really well. Our house finally feels like our home. And this wouldn't have been possible without the help of all our friends and family who gave their time, talents, and money. You guys are amazing! You have truly blessed our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Partway through this renovation, I took the kids on a two week vacation to South Carolina to visit Grandma and Grandpa Mike. We bought the tickets before the sewer backed up, so I wasn't about to waste the money and not go. So I tried to get as much stuff done before we left. The walls and the carpet were done, so all that was left was the furniture, the bathroom, and laundry room. Brandon said he'd take care of everything, so off I went with the kids. This was Grayson's first time on a plane, so it was a new adventure for him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We left SLC airport early Tuesday morning. Grayson was very fascinated by the view in the plane</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...until the plane took off, and he was not a very happy flyer. The boy sitting next to us was a good sport, but I'm sure no one liked having a crying baby next to them the whole time. Poor thing. While I was occupied with Grayson, Kayla had my phone and took a bunch of pictures. I was impressed by some of them. Here's one I really liked.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE3BVuWNWmNUitGCiAxUMCk4uwCxZCVMNf6Qj0yzrpty9fPD_-TvPhOFjFhEZzsfmUQ1WJeHBWO4Q9RpyodheXP4escH1R7Yv2SEzFno46wmIpFqDkVMj4KHPrRAaK7inHyFxT9xl1zWE/s1600/IMG_7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE3BVuWNWmNUitGCiAxUMCk4uwCxZCVMNf6Qj0yzrpty9fPD_-TvPhOFjFhEZzsfmUQ1WJeHBWO4Q9RpyodheXP4escH1R7Yv2SEzFno46wmIpFqDkVMj4KHPrRAaK7inHyFxT9xl1zWE/s400/IMG_7779.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily we stopped in Dallas for a connecting flight, so it was only for 2 hours instead of 4 that we were miserable...he calmed down once we landed. We had a good long layover so that gave us time to eat lunch and get all the wiggles out and look at the planes taking off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOHRFcU1Gd-49x4MnRaykSWMnU6a9tSwg3QInr3P-nDWQaPlt0r6LjVTRmD1fB7h-wmPEgPaqqSbEQCztPFvOWdS1YVRZEAMoKzvIbfJt9sDzJ3zklJB_3mf_flztm1OdhmWqVz6kmO74/s1600/IMG_7817.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOHRFcU1Gd-49x4MnRaykSWMnU6a9tSwg3QInr3P-nDWQaPlt0r6LjVTRmD1fB7h-wmPEgPaqqSbEQCztPFvOWdS1YVRZEAMoKzvIbfJt9sDzJ3zklJB_3mf_flztm1OdhmWqVz6kmO74/s320/IMG_7817.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd_nYn5co7dFDCRxifBFYz6mpY8VbMWTLbVL5hKvG1wYkf0z0fT9SsgDc3LfTnhc-RiIb4fYmoPLlZZffWVAmt9e58v1w2jzQzNJdqbU4HwAe9QTLCv7MYIafY3Zi6GhxSW7d8nGkrPDm/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd_nYn5co7dFDCRxifBFYz6mpY8VbMWTLbVL5hKvG1wYkf0z0fT9SsgDc3LfTnhc-RiIb4fYmoPLlZZffWVAmt9e58v1w2jzQzNJdqbU4HwAe9QTLCv7MYIafY3Zi6GhxSW7d8nGkrPDm/s320/IMG_7815.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The plane was delayed taking off, so we had to sit in a hot, confined space for longer than I would have liked. But during that time, I was able to get Grayson to sleep, and he slept all during take off and a good portion of the flight. When he woke up he was his normal, happy self.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_wSB98AA_J-WxYYk2gv9lAj7bs13-25OUvpkgGrHqK-yqRMUo9IBZ6vDPfLFyWEOjgWQl3lZaGEE0zB6Fzz_6tuL1lsn99OMjdkYUBEIiyM_SR2HIS_km1oeMD5jRj9IO7zCTIgTiVmr/s1600/IMG_7846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_wSB98AA_J-WxYYk2gv9lAj7bs13-25OUvpkgGrHqK-yqRMUo9IBZ6vDPfLFyWEOjgWQl3lZaGEE0zB6Fzz_6tuL1lsn99OMjdkYUBEIiyM_SR2HIS_km1oeMD5jRj9IO7zCTIgTiVmr/s400/IMG_7846.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then finally we got to the humid South! Mom picked us up and for two weeks we had a blast! Here are some fun random pictures.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eHdQCmAI7gx-UlRbbqAp22aBTZmR9gt7nz9wBaDjcs48VLRjVZA3fbwoeVWmxEleg3bsMed1JoRvsZW0PnMQvOqTdOR1dlM7zU-3JVg_fHcct7RQNPiqOH84MnpwILfQ_jhvPicPpLsU/s1600/IMG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eHdQCmAI7gx-UlRbbqAp22aBTZmR9gt7nz9wBaDjcs48VLRjVZA3fbwoeVWmxEleg3bsMed1JoRvsZW0PnMQvOqTdOR1dlM7zU-3JVg_fHcct7RQNPiqOH84MnpwILfQ_jhvPicPpLsU/s400/IMG_7908.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wore this dress for my Kindergarten graduation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8tADVT7DXqMDMYVlQJs4cjymBvoAtSJD1VXeOf3EIhbXqYc_laSFnUzOxq1ESvgfyhZ8T5v3uRNKr_Qahwy87mn6kF8ovdjH2AaFB7MvLUSgjqENBk0t1zGMiQuuudhS8Eu54no5wDxS/s1600/IMG_7906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8tADVT7DXqMDMYVlQJs4cjymBvoAtSJD1VXeOf3EIhbXqYc_laSFnUzOxq1ESvgfyhZ8T5v3uRNKr_Qahwy87mn6kF8ovdjH2AaFB7MvLUSgjqENBk0t1zGMiQuuudhS8Eu54no5wDxS/s400/IMG_7906.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids were curios about Mom's sewing machine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU49R9STmM2rnSrgHTd1Cy3JIkAxfAJmJLX0BH7IMsgJHU5-ailXtAiKHzUnrlvz-EUIKDnQcKwNEa4kF_hGbSp55Jpb0YplfToRtper-QPCsRiQ6n-yyo9CY0A7mMECnVEYjQeokRDFv/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU49R9STmM2rnSrgHTd1Cy3JIkAxfAJmJLX0BH7IMsgJHU5-ailXtAiKHzUnrlvz-EUIKDnQcKwNEa4kF_hGbSp55Jpb0YplfToRtper-QPCsRiQ6n-yyo9CY0A7mMECnVEYjQeokRDFv/s400/IMG_7891.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future drummers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlFFUZmeH5JqcTIXgOeWo1LF_XryJKPv25GzndRikJLJbhjvZmvqrkrKHGROakyxN_Jqu27luWrcdhjIsHhj-2IYJPbUwbJ911iFiFDth420NcyHsHdhVUj7tP9SMER3vjUBKyP0sVZEw/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlFFUZmeH5JqcTIXgOeWo1LF_XryJKPv25GzndRikJLJbhjvZmvqrkrKHGROakyxN_Jqu27luWrcdhjIsHhj-2IYJPbUwbJ911iFiFDth420NcyHsHdhVUj7tP9SMER3vjUBKyP0sVZEw/s400/IMG_7890.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two are definitely siblings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiA4tRg2gi4JhLg3TN3ebntHOBwjYS-IUFtLkCnalo86Z3T2MjGEDYlylv2l0ySUHjvvsIciNh4AF0WIyxcfhZWMMurc9cPVb75-9_eFWkgmgsKbPy8R_q9jj6lo_5PgqQ2woZrEz293x/s1600/IMG_7930.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiA4tRg2gi4JhLg3TN3ebntHOBwjYS-IUFtLkCnalo86Z3T2MjGEDYlylv2l0ySUHjvvsIciNh4AF0WIyxcfhZWMMurc9cPVb75-9_eFWkgmgsKbPy8R_q9jj6lo_5PgqQ2woZrEz293x/s400/IMG_7930.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOIoziii45BVBbaDNVnZeWqhHC2_Z7EW2Z66j_l3PVJw9j5EGJoFDloKqzTzuH65DJGSSJQaghOjKEfDzykwsId_GPlUt0dB66x7qntY5WdskJwos3kajr8cU2PHtNrsK_EBgesJ2Xb4q/s1600/IMG_7901.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOIoziii45BVBbaDNVnZeWqhHC2_Z7EW2Z66j_l3PVJw9j5EGJoFDloKqzTzuH65DJGSSJQaghOjKEfDzykwsId_GPlUt0dB66x7qntY5WdskJwos3kajr8cU2PHtNrsK_EBgesJ2Xb4q/s320/IMG_7901.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsY34L3vTFN6hIo4q_jDmXu_9ReQZVoaKUVLHlBbfy80AySZUBh5bCO-1bZSRGx36K0UW2vVz9Xgn_hnzuZaVj0UQLneVepo2hDHpaTBUQYsCAtyIO6-_E2IPJ0QtmCb6Db7OmqG3d61K/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsY34L3vTFN6hIo4q_jDmXu_9ReQZVoaKUVLHlBbfy80AySZUBh5bCO-1bZSRGx36K0UW2vVz9Xgn_hnzuZaVj0UQLneVepo2hDHpaTBUQYsCAtyIO6-_E2IPJ0QtmCb6Db7OmqG3d61K/s400/IMG_8188.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNyA_o_XQ8phZDT10Zi03DINar45vxILE31FzhljmrU-I7RiAg9hK2Kgc6y4FGjfA4Pe8jPl7dAxJlrmJa5Srslpe6Le-ESYHm5ixyy75ADVlHq-FfN67Mg1NWZMriKRzhrBkDA9iY1lK/s1600/IMG_8198.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNyA_o_XQ8phZDT10Zi03DINar45vxILE31FzhljmrU-I7RiAg9hK2Kgc6y4FGjfA4Pe8jPl7dAxJlrmJa5Srslpe6Le-ESYHm5ixyy75ADVlHq-FfN67Mg1NWZMriKRzhrBkDA9iY1lK/s400/IMG_8198.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kayla swam in the pool practically every day (except for Sunday) and became more confident in the pool. Still not really swimming yet, but I think with some good lessons (not from me because I've learned that she doesn't listen to me) she'll be a pro before we know it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hZRXRJ7fTRmXVSna2mstxU2JZLImDfab5VF9Snpu6_vpehEDNJgBfQFtKBxxlaNvQAnin5ObmMOQPQaionepI-oSabwur2Y_1fkEq80M6codvEIAT2FUyuZnUc9hwvrtX5F9r1yZ5js3/s1600/IMG_7911.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hZRXRJ7fTRmXVSna2mstxU2JZLImDfab5VF9Snpu6_vpehEDNJgBfQFtKBxxlaNvQAnin5ObmMOQPQaionepI-oSabwur2Y_1fkEq80M6codvEIAT2FUyuZnUc9hwvrtX5F9r1yZ5js3/s320/IMG_7911.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwBDpgIr5fkndl3t9V4QNxj0nlF3vJrlVZrmKLZWoH1AnI-7VY39TmI1koEjGrGQVa2p-Bq1rBI5HKDzOJczDrcBDWlzZKGd0AzdJ9ZfFE7Z3zyfpnOq2zdQnHmZQC4OHVL74_cvDyTiH/s1600/IMG_7895.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwBDpgIr5fkndl3t9V4QNxj0nlF3vJrlVZrmKLZWoH1AnI-7VY39TmI1koEjGrGQVa2p-Bq1rBI5HKDzOJczDrcBDWlzZKGd0AzdJ9ZfFE7Z3zyfpnOq2zdQnHmZQC4OHVL74_cvDyTiH/s400/IMG_7895.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn4rMyTHINZe1cICYuHkZ_dJgM4r-KD3das8Lag-j0YTsmbzbRdvHXasezO8Qg3tELz8Kfj4ibf3bxXhzESKVgGr7aB9pPcIDJ20XKQjw_sV5nZsNJ3z2fr3H-mOHVTklFfCtmDtBIkb_/s1600/IMG_7861.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn4rMyTHINZe1cICYuHkZ_dJgM4r-KD3das8Lag-j0YTsmbzbRdvHXasezO8Qg3tELz8Kfj4ibf3bxXhzESKVgGr7aB9pPcIDJ20XKQjw_sV5nZsNJ3z2fr3H-mOHVTklFfCtmDtBIkb_/s400/IMG_7861.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV30PBaE_ZKyBnFHPRUKGncvZ4To-YSo_Kj-nH8MPw6c_-9D3Z_BgxslTgaohhLQlBz_Vyn35y8tvthfG0w8AtWnu4piYy4DnwABrmE6V_FaX5tBElbATXpqQ2iyzMWCArB66_E_UAHX9I/s1600/IMG_8416.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV30PBaE_ZKyBnFHPRUKGncvZ4To-YSo_Kj-nH8MPw6c_-9D3Z_BgxslTgaohhLQlBz_Vyn35y8tvthfG0w8AtWnu4piYy4DnwABrmE6V_FaX5tBElbATXpqQ2iyzMWCArB66_E_UAHX9I/s400/IMG_8416.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We picked blackberries and made cobbler with them. So yummy! The girls all got pedicures. It was Kayla's first time and she had a blast! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaptrI9jL7hM3jVvvkYndwe_EAwCioiCyesTpt_fGfmthSr7BVgVDNQrzcqAH2-NtXo2LBfEW2xIOfDpk-UJJUFLzAf6VOH8qCphVObjf0G0oww6NwGp-7CEgU9L51wdWEp_RrT7TblqPb/s1600/IMG_7887.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaptrI9jL7hM3jVvvkYndwe_EAwCioiCyesTpt_fGfmthSr7BVgVDNQrzcqAH2-NtXo2LBfEW2xIOfDpk-UJJUFLzAf6VOH8qCphVObjf0G0oww6NwGp-7CEgU9L51wdWEp_RrT7TblqPb/s400/IMG_7887.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCF4gCRQWH9rneyhSpuzfwgC8_szK328iAchci96BKSBNtVdgYSRdePZDPaLwNZXparY58Oyu5m_tpvSMRfYTNg8t5Giv1DcPp-wL-T30pkfMzWD8qvB7BlesFJSTmZL2odaHwp4RlaeV/s1600/IMG_7878.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCF4gCRQWH9rneyhSpuzfwgC8_szK328iAchci96BKSBNtVdgYSRdePZDPaLwNZXparY58Oyu5m_tpvSMRfYTNg8t5Giv1DcPp-wL-T30pkfMzWD8qvB7BlesFJSTmZL2odaHwp4RlaeV/s400/IMG_7878.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We saw lots of new things happening in Aiken but saw a lot of things that were still the same. It brought back many memories. I went to lunch with my old friend, Toni, and got to catch up with her. Going to church and seeing people I grew up with was really fun. I was surprised with how many people I recognized. We went to the movies and saw Finding Dory. Kayla and I had already seen it, but it was fun to watch it again with Grandma. The theater looked exactly the same as it did 12 years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grayson got his first haircut, so now he looks like the cutest little man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETo8terbieS9DMZFVE2TyVzw5wuclCr1Cpwk0Y5sVuquszw0RkttndpiLQHDJp4H64hJjvv5AjCmaapke7ScU_kFCCS8S0N9qZ29Yna1QjyAlxrviNuZV6b2OrV04p51OqBSLzQ-OpDKD/s1600/IMG_7949.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETo8terbieS9DMZFVE2TyVzw5wuclCr1Cpwk0Y5sVuquszw0RkttndpiLQHDJp4H64hJjvv5AjCmaapke7ScU_kFCCS8S0N9qZ29Yna1QjyAlxrviNuZV6b2OrV04p51OqBSLzQ-OpDKD/s400/IMG_7949.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VWBzbS1HEYfiGGLs5P1XcQulyQaSQ8H7WaT0gtOHOAyZztnutZ8ssrEY8r7t95Nt2KwVHiqeb0sYviQitBfmzeWFBewL7bPbckHeis_beauW8YIApN753u5UIrc5s1Pp2NXT6XmwtxXb/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VWBzbS1HEYfiGGLs5P1XcQulyQaSQ8H7WaT0gtOHOAyZztnutZ8ssrEY8r7t95Nt2KwVHiqeb0sYviQitBfmzeWFBewL7bPbckHeis_beauW8YIApN753u5UIrc5s1Pp2NXT6XmwtxXb/s400/IMG_7953.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went to Hunting Island Beach where the kids got to experience the Atlantic ocean for the first time. At first Grayson was afraid of the waves, but soon we were having to drag him out because it was time to go and he still wanted to play. Kayla learned how to jump over the waves and hunt for sea shells. I caught my first sand dollar. Vanessa didn't get stung by any jellyfish, and no one got sunburned. I'd say that was a successful trip. Then we went to Gilligan's in Beaufort for dinner. I got fresh-off-the-boat shrimp. You can't get that in Utah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On our way back we stopped at a really old church ruin and I got to take a lot of fun pictures</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebaaXiapINpV5Up64CsRfgm5MeBhfQh9hB9mmcPNG8jvPmsFPoSC6XBGftNZVY6N_lmdGTrPOC_M8WMeRjNGNj8ZsauuSqJfSyMsdWZK8XNjHWZdXqSvyFlzZ1PGLF9WZBneFLKbfPH0S/s1600/IMG_8055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebaaXiapINpV5Up64CsRfgm5MeBhfQh9hB9mmcPNG8jvPmsFPoSC6XBGftNZVY6N_lmdGTrPOC_M8WMeRjNGNj8ZsauuSqJfSyMsdWZK8XNjHWZdXqSvyFlzZ1PGLF9WZBneFLKbfPH0S/s400/IMG_8055.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1yhdkYH2U-Mkj-cjtZ3Ok-LDdEKiI33j8CcjXA85yvNV2h6UsbTDbciUREMh2mH3ivJHm0lyFE2JrqUDqQGQLGndvRTA-rlgLq12qJEhMkKqrKGO4_pLm1oUTGjjtOJdHg70mJNMFq_P/s1600/IMG_8059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhjvZnqSTQQCdUt53iBJZ0T_YQiEpvryfWPemuHjAJ-jThELbM6PW4x92fCxhLeO_P5ZpprsQw_T1gbNkGF-_14UFRnDgmd5-zmcQLXxbZY2Al3HAzS2jbcpiyRP2cqHzIrpGMAWTycSH/s1600/IMG_8080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhjvZnqSTQQCdUt53iBJZ0T_YQiEpvryfWPemuHjAJ-jThELbM6PW4x92fCxhLeO_P5ZpprsQw_T1gbNkGF-_14UFRnDgmd5-zmcQLXxbZY2Al3HAzS2jbcpiyRP2cqHzIrpGMAWTycSH/s320/IMG_8080.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcreh3b4kIlsOzlGlPmm0gedXux56XqEnfbwWBkyjNn6CUbNtxWIzr5nsJ2Uz6ibPgrvRHZIGBun8kcZfxnAretxfoPCszxjv5WMabGN_wbfGDlS7_W5f8G0phyDaVU2Tb5is1Y9HyzUrN/s1600/IMG_8087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcreh3b4kIlsOzlGlPmm0gedXux56XqEnfbwWBkyjNn6CUbNtxWIzr5nsJ2Uz6ibPgrvRHZIGBun8kcZfxnAretxfoPCszxjv5WMabGN_wbfGDlS7_W5f8G0phyDaVU2Tb5is1Y9HyzUrN/s400/IMG_8087.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SZ-2KeSIrJozkKNJvD8EaU_moazV8_9lEM9744GcAJCzsqJBwYTCieow_eeyxk_U2o4h7gpKekhy8h-Vyx0yyYQ0mz4RSOEJuHi5PGupkne_D28lJYTr5bVouJxyZmVCaR8z2-bLatnI/s1600/IMG_8090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SZ-2KeSIrJozkKNJvD8EaU_moazV8_9lEM9744GcAJCzsqJBwYTCieow_eeyxk_U2o4h7gpKekhy8h-Vyx0yyYQ0mz4RSOEJuHi5PGupkne_D28lJYTr5bVouJxyZmVCaR8z2-bLatnI/s400/IMG_8090.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went to the Aiken library for story time and read a few fun books to the kids. Then later we went to the cemetery to visit my dad's grave. It was really hot, so the kids were kind of miserable, but I'm still glad we went. Kayla's so smart and wants to learn about everything. I'm grateful to be able to teach her about what happens to a person after they die. She never met my dad in this life, but she told us several times that she missed him and couldn't wait to see him again. I know that families are forever, and that brings so much peace and joy in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvlc1H3qfKfn-x6ryniPl2CqQTr6jb9ujqSX7kjMW8mJCYlmSLbEWJiBVTg7ms5oFouf8G9gKsRkmthLtg9mmzdOs4clshyW3WSSvRhYUb8b6kXZ0YvFvPiYRhYH-CijQDmQhPIFtvCM/s1600/IMG_8119.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvlc1H3qfKfn-x6ryniPl2CqQTr6jb9ujqSX7kjMW8mJCYlmSLbEWJiBVTg7ms5oFouf8G9gKsRkmthLtg9mmzdOs4clshyW3WSSvRhYUb8b6kXZ0YvFvPiYRhYH-CijQDmQhPIFtvCM/s400/IMG_8119.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the way home, Kayla used my phone to take some more pictures. I think she's getting better!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDtVnhX4TyDZ8qPluwEowjKZC-cGFWRcF38XgPFx4Kc4r-PVf1tjp5KMA6uOp5V0ApEnz6xfgUcVHcogSVavU5KOTuBF-dOPo7mIjixsi7OQbOn6BRWyX6B-9RA20HpujBaJwa1zscOLk/s1600/IMG_8157.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDtVnhX4TyDZ8qPluwEowjKZC-cGFWRcF38XgPFx4Kc4r-PVf1tjp5KMA6uOp5V0ApEnz6xfgUcVHcogSVavU5KOTuBF-dOPo7mIjixsi7OQbOn6BRWyX6B-9RA20HpujBaJwa1zscOLk/s400/IMG_8157.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKD77jAwwcLzGiQn1eKC1p2HSfmGXCSIGgoo9EWnHvsWfnEl1BgCskc9VsTrD1sDAa5BlXLNLu2q8NtuwrY9ZfN-6AUcijwBbf8EIQnKdt0JKrxIF_uVhMmdiotADiyKLm52DVS8Gf5dT/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKD77jAwwcLzGiQn1eKC1p2HSfmGXCSIGgoo9EWnHvsWfnEl1BgCskc9VsTrD1sDAa5BlXLNLu2q8NtuwrY9ZfN-6AUcijwBbf8EIQnKdt0JKrxIF_uVhMmdiotADiyKLm52DVS8Gf5dT/s400/IMG_8155.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We got to hear the Parris Island Marine Band perform for the Hopelands Summer Concert Series. Fortunately, they decided to change the venue from outside in the heat to inside the big, airconditioned Millbrook Baptist Church. Grayson was fascinated for the first third of the performance which was surprising. As we got to the end though, he became more of his restless self. After one of the songs and before they started the next one, Grayson gave out this very loud exclamation. EVERYONE heard it. Even the conductor. They all laughed at his cuteness. He did it again after another song. Silly boy, but at least he had good manners to wait to do that until after the song was over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsEsqxPcJUWsVVFSXm3txCeztVmBGfqiV75-3ZPZQNnFlh_1nZ_8v3qiaIeiYjQhEi53l5zZqEG-oL0E7s19fCeCSePqRyMuT116AL8OhZYyI-DTKLk5Cye3zZZmcmO0g9fsdiLaCMIsd/s1600/IMG_8256.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsEsqxPcJUWsVVFSXm3txCeztVmBGfqiV75-3ZPZQNnFlh_1nZ_8v3qiaIeiYjQhEi53l5zZqEG-oL0E7s19fCeCSePqRyMuT116AL8OhZYyI-DTKLk5Cye3zZZmcmO0g9fsdiLaCMIsd/s400/IMG_8256.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmGNRJ9MvVH_QAF49euU1DLs5gm7YBUxlDDnPkqqskQGIZ6K8Bb6ArTXJTwFATSTaTeU0DdLPhU4RnaRwuo1qQq3UUqJBd7Ai0vDGnWTvrDI42196eSwdieO7wKEVfiHzrcxC5okA_2M4/s1600/IMG_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmGNRJ9MvVH_QAF49euU1DLs5gm7YBUxlDDnPkqqskQGIZ6K8Bb6ArTXJTwFATSTaTeU0DdLPhU4RnaRwuo1qQq3UUqJBd7Ai0vDGnWTvrDI42196eSwdieO7wKEVfiHzrcxC5okA_2M4/s320/IMG_8258.JPG" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also visited Hopeland Gardens. A beautiful place that I highly recommend everyone to see if they're in the area. It's also where Brandon proposed to me almost 10 years ago. Right by the pond in the gazebo. That brought back many happy memories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaGp5r9jUzvUR8DJqYBWw-givIeRkySeekEcW4X3IP1yvISZis6Z_h8bQNI7tsoD5osb0PP9POWkUWhcpg6WEKfWe3nJcn6zjtYQCDyb38YqgqeVgZe94FmRYXULZYoSsmfVePeAnZvjU/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaGp5r9jUzvUR8DJqYBWw-givIeRkySeekEcW4X3IP1yvISZis6Z_h8bQNI7tsoD5osb0PP9POWkUWhcpg6WEKfWe3nJcn6zjtYQCDyb38YqgqeVgZe94FmRYXULZYoSsmfVePeAnZvjU/s400/IMG_8279.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGj2qoOJRjPkv_RDb-J6qfPVGAc9J_EOS-TeCM3EuoN1T9fQYI9YqxiQmSzSYcMhdf2-rqJkuR50k7HyhT6nQEzL9cLZ2rP60qENIPRn_C6sMdAqpsPxUHVn8yu8qGnohNXz1EXPR5Mek/s1600/IMG_8278.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" 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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MpSCY5P3SBN_Bgf9AID39T03A1H7U5HRrv3Iqu6uj796ENNXRPsPydq6n3df8ex_irdGDyZRDq3ZOdlc32ZMhW3jjyejdAzZkvxxJI8OyD0F9Ng4oaBMdg-5VPaJXGWwICDyMSN5gJa8/s400/IMG_8403.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5R0upjWzSO-RsLtLe8ug76SEa-mBRDidFSN-dWq6iyUK5G5p7HHyYDLvq0KUDKZGTQqOzgQ1HY2b1LoyFE5Qj9o3DjV8Gm0wqdnOW8CB5_IR6D4z4VBXKMSuN7OPZgxlfOy7vWeuwpzR/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5R0upjWzSO-RsLtLe8ug76SEa-mBRDidFSN-dWq6iyUK5G5p7HHyYDLvq0KUDKZGTQqOzgQ1HY2b1LoyFE5Qj9o3DjV8Gm0wqdnOW8CB5_IR6D4z4VBXKMSuN7OPZgxlfOy7vWeuwpzR/s400/IMG_8405.JPG" width="300" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We scheduled a time for Vanessa to watch the kids while Mike, Mom, and I went to the Columbia Temple. I had only been there as a youth, so it was fun to go back as an adult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was also fun to see Kayla make new friends with some of my friend's children. Here's one with Kayla and Bella.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the things I missed most about the South are the thunderstorms, so I'm glad I got to see one while we were there.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9-78ocvGMVI7hMXSQYHRwaHEcCDfTSR8EWa_hT_9WP3Jufm67LShEM-MGtBlhAlbHEwqnbn-0Y1k4p4WnaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As great as this vacation was, there was something very important missing. Brandon had to stay home to work, and though we knew it was necessary, it doesn't mean I had to like it. I couldn't wait to see him again. I don't think I'll be able to go two weeks without him again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The flight home was mostly uneventful. We had some traffic and construction to deal with on the way to Atlanta, but we made it just in time to board the plane. It was a direct flight and I think I kept Grayson occupied most of the time. And finally, we made it home. Brandon showed off all the stuff he put in the basement and the bathroom and then we put the kids to bed in their new room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now it's back to our normal routine and finding new things to do for the summer. It's almost over and I'm getting excited about getting Kayla ready for Kindergarten. My kids are growing up so fast!</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-84888211641147977122015-02-07T09:09:00.001-08:002015-02-07T09:09:30.128-08:00Prego Moment<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I've been lapse on updating events since November, but I'm working on it. I just had to write down my silly experience I had the other day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't feel like I really have a lot of prego moments. Brandon may disagree. His memories of my previous pregnancy and mine seem to vary, but I feel like my functionality and capabilities, although limited due to my growing belly size, aren't completely gone. I still go into work and can do my job. I cook and clean the house when I can. And though I don't have the energy my daughter wants me to have, I still get down on the floor and play with her. Yesterday tested my belief in my cognitive reasoning. (And now I'm compensating by using a lot of big words in this blog.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had some ripe bananas that I wanted to make into banana bread. I found a good, simple recipe and decided to make it before picking up Brandon up from work. It called for 1/2 cup of butter. Now I know that one stick of butter is 1/2 cup. I've been cooking a long time and I love to bake. I use butter a lot. Butter is a staple in the baking world, so I know nothing has changed when I see a stick of butter, it will always be 1/2 cup. Well I looked at that stick, just to make sure my knowledge was correct, and saw 1/4 cup on the wrapping. My mind instantly did the calculations. I quickly came to the conclusion that to get my 1/2 cup of needed butter, I'll have to grab another stick to cream with my sugar. So that's what I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I put the two sticks of butter on the counter to soften them. I pulled out a bowl and put all the dry ingredients in. In a small bowl, I mashed the bananas into a baby-food like consistency. The butter wasn't completely soft yet, but I have a Kitchenaid now; it can cream that butter nice and easy. I put the butter and sugar in the bowl and creamed it up. I put the requisite number of eggs in and watched it all blend together. As I was about to put in the 1 cup mashed bananas, I was looking at the consistency and my baker's subconscious finally worked it's way to my active brain. That's when I FINALLY realized that I had put in too much butter. I remembered the long-standing unit of measurement: 1 stick was 1/2 cup butter. I had just doubled the butter without doubling anything else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had no more bananas to mash to make another cup. Doubling everything else wouldn't be a problem, but I needed the bananas. I called a friend to see if she had any. No answer. I quickly did a search to find mashed banana substitutes. I read that applesauce was a good substitute, but it's sweeter than banana puree so add less sugar. Great. But I didn't have a cup of applesauce. I had one of those single serve cups I give to Kayla for a snack. There's 1/2 cup in there, maybe. More searching. Another site says that Greek yogurt was another good substitute, but it's not as sweet as bananas so I'd have to add some sugar. Serendipity! Brandon went grocery shopping and got Greek yogurt. Had I gone to the store I wouldn't have touched the stuff. Problem: I only had flavored yogurt and in the single serving sizes. Kayla had half eaten a cherry flavored one. Cherry is a mild enough flavor. I measured what was left and there was about 1/2 cup. Great! I'll just use 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and they balance the sweetness out so I won't add or subtract any sugar which is good because I already added all the sugar I needed. So in went the yogurt, applesauce and more eggs. Consistency looked normal-ish. Added the extra dry ingredients to the bowl I had set aside earlier. Mixed and added to the banana (mostly) mixture. It looked like banana bread dough! Crisis averted. Hallelujah! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I added some chocolate chips just in case because who doesn't love chocolate in banana bread?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, I should have been done with the whole process and picking up Brandon. It still needed to bake for 50 minutes. So I saran wrapped the bowl and stuck it in the fridge, got Kayla in the car, and went to pick up Brandon from work. The bread could wait until I got back. With the way my luck was going, if I had put the bread in the oven while I left, we'd have nothing but a pile of ashes to come home to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I had twice as much banana bread dough than I was planning on making. The good thing about making more than necessary for your family is that you can share it with others...assuming it still tastes good. I ended up making 2 loaves and 12 muffins. I couldn't taste the cherry yogurt or the applesauce. The banana taste was a little more subtle than in normal banana bread but it didn't taste awful like I feared. The muffins were gone by the next day. Brandon and Kayla loved them! And we dropped off the extra loaf at a friend's house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So everything turned out alright, but really, the crisis could have been avoided if my prego brain would stop making the rest of my brain so muddled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-60073737978629235452014-11-16T10:00:00.002-08:002014-11-16T10:00:32.412-08:00Surprises, Travel, and Princesses<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the month of October was full of fun and adventure for this little family of mine. Let me tell you about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We start out the month splendidly with my birthday! I turned 28, and I was expecting the day to be pretty normal. I hadn't heard any big plans for the day, so I figured it would be another work day with some extra phone calls from family and going out to eat for dinner since I didn't want to cook anything. I got that but so much more, too! Brandon planned a small surprise party for me when I got home. It was just a few close friends with their kids, and I loved it! Brandon knows me so well. He mentioned that he thought about making a bigger thing but then realized it was for me. I prefer small, intimate groups to the big and loud parties. We had yummy ice cream cake from Cold Stone then pizza (in that order) for lunch. Then after the party, a friend watched Kayla while Brandon and I went to the movies and saw <i>How to Train Your Dragon 2</i>. It was a fun movie. Favorite character: Toothless! We had a bit of time so we quickly went shopping for maternity pants. It's true that's not a typical birthday present or anything that exciting, but I want to be comfortable for the next 6 months. That day turned out to be a really good day. And I love Brandon all the more because he made it that way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then so soon after such a fantastic day, Brandon has to go and leave me for two weeks for a film shoot. He was in New York for a week then went to Los Angeles for the second week. He sent me these from New York:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The view from his hotel room, NY</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Beach, LA</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmYXC3FT1JAodHDt5AEVIYbNXCCXJ5R5oCixXGWJXVmlM5vVC-p6d_8CpqNgh3hVa4Ikxm8MBfM50xN1fdpMtcPc88J91ShgzIWD46kle-O3vTayxAgpuqeXQXqfMJ9PGtnJLJgIVOwGP/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmYXC3FT1JAodHDt5AEVIYbNXCCXJ5R5oCixXGWJXVmlM5vVC-p6d_8CpqNgh3hVa4Ikxm8MBfM50xN1fdpMtcPc88J91ShgzIWD46kle-O3vTayxAgpuqeXQXqfMJ9PGtnJLJgIVOwGP/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An LDS chapel, LA</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was there doing interviews for the Church. I don't know how much I can say about it, but it seems really exciting for potential missionaries. We were hoping he'd get the job to edit the piece, too, but unfortunately that didn't happen. But while he was there he made some good contacts and hopefully something really awesome will come from it. This job was an answer to a prayer that I feel like I should explain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back at the beginning of the year, we were starting to think about adding a new member to the family. The biggest concern we had at the time (and still kinda do) was how we were going to afford a new baby and how were we going to work out our jobs so that we could take care of our family. Currently, both of us are working part time (with no benefits) and we switch off watching Kayla. Brandon gets her in the morning then after lunch, he heads into work. I feel like that arrangement wouldn't work and I should be at home full time with two kids. The problem was that we weren't seeing any good job opportunities at the time for Brandon to work in film full time. He still has Cinema Book Trailers, but it's an up and coming business and still working out all the kinks. So for now, that wouldn't work. The LDS Motion Picture Studio wasn't looking very promising either. Anyway, we just couldn't see a good way to bring another child to the world and support the family. We've been trying to go to the temple monthly (should be more, but at least we're going) and those thoughts were on our mind a lot at the time. At one visit, we didn't have time for a full session, so we decided to do some Sealings (a special ordinance in the temple that links families together). I was so happy we went. It was there that we both got the impression, very strongly, that it was time for another child. After the initial feelings of joy and love for my family and from our Heavenly Father, my silly mind kicked in and I started freaking out again over the problems I've already stated. But I knew it was the right thing to do. And it was still on my mind the next time we went to the temple a couple weeks later. Then we both got the feeling that we needed to put our trust in the Lord. Everything will work out. If we stay obedient and do what He asked, everything will work itself out. Not our favorite answer since we would have liked something more concrete, but it was very clear to both of us to move forward in faith. Needless to say, we were obedient, and here's a pic of me at 15 weeks to prove it:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now, the blessings are starting to come in. We believe Brandon being offered the job for NY and LA was one of those blessings. Because of that trip, we've been able to put into savings the amount we need for the medical expenses next year. And he's starting to get better rates at his work and more exciting jobs there, too. Before, he was just doing what no one else wanted to do, a lot of grunt work. So I see the loving hand of the Lord in my life. And though I don't always remember that, it's still there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those two weeks, it was just me and Kayla at home. By the end I was a little stir crazy, so I was super excited to hear that the aquarium in Draper had a free admission day. Perfect plan for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had a lot of fun exhibits and Kayla loved seeing everything there. She called it the "fish zoo." They had a section from South America that was very warm and humid. Kayla's favorite part from this exhibit was the rope bridge and the ducks, go figure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The aquarium had us exit through the gift shop and I felt that since we got in for free, I could splurge a bit and donate by buying their merchandise. Something for each of us. Kayla goes to bed every night with her sea horse. She named it Sea Flower and absolutely loves it. Best purchase ever! And it was hard to pass up that fluffy penguin pillow for Brandon (though Kayla thinks it's hers). Kayla helped me pick out the necklace. She thinks it's so cute and I think so, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla loves Halloween. Earlier in the month we got out the decorations, and I had to get some candy for Primary, so we've had candy in the house all month long. She loved the spiders and the black cat decorations we have. Every day she asked if it was Halloween Day yet. Finally it came! We went for a Cinderella-type theme. Kayla was the princess (of course), I was the fairy godmother (best dress I could find at home with my tummy), and Brandon was Gus Gus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dress is from my high school senior prom that my mother made for me in 2004. I was kind surprised it still fit me 10 years later! Yay for empire waist dresses to hide the prego belly! Comparing pictures, I actually think it fits better now than it did back then.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2wr-mcvUuHT6t3wHb3ZLnPdbvxfmCYd8KUgY6BEvSOBLMLAwe9ubtv_UZHEv9zzUIYkBixfzGI_OMtFPTk0NxqkrBivbLyLmhqZfZ08Vs8IzF1FownYa_7acWJUtLorFYCK5kqjMpLes/s1600/Jennifer+and+Aaron+last+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2wr-mcvUuHT6t3wHb3ZLnPdbvxfmCYd8KUgY6BEvSOBLMLAwe9ubtv_UZHEv9zzUIYkBixfzGI_OMtFPTk0NxqkrBivbLyLmhqZfZ08Vs8IzF1FownYa_7acWJUtLorFYCK5kqjMpLes/s1600/Jennifer+and+Aaron+last+concert.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best pic I could find. Not from prom, but it was my senior year.</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October was really perfect, aside from the traveling husband. The weather was perfect, my birthday was perfect, and though I think Kayla would have liked to go trick-or-treating some more, Halloween was great. We even drove up to Idaho to see family, so that was perfect, too. I just hope the rest of the year is just as perfect.</span></div>
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Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-51600704131412696872014-10-03T13:08:00.001-07:002014-10-03T13:09:15.144-07:00Family Togetherness<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot has happened since the last post--no surprises there. Lots of good and some sad. So I'll just jump right in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though I was able to write something on Kayla's birthday, I didn't get a chance to talk about how we celebrated it and the events surrounding her awesome birthday. My mom and Mike came into town that week to be with us and another grandson of theirs. It was really fun having them here to celebrate with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So her BIG DAY came and we made sure to keep her super happy all day. So she wore her favorite dress.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to add this one because I love her face in this pic!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And went to the park to play with her friends.We made these cakecicles and the kidos got to decorate and eat them. Unfortunately</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I completely spaced the picture taking until after all the cake eating was done. Oh well. Just imagine lots of kids with chocolate on their faces and sprinkles everywhere. It was awesome.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They all wanted to be on the swing so we engineered a 2 for 1 seat!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love these girls! So sweet!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grandpa Mike helping the girls out!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we got home, and Kayla opened her presents. She loved them all. They were perfect for her! She's been having so much fun with all of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a lot of fun having a 3-yr old. She's talking more and better. I'm pretty sure she understands everything I tell her, she just chooses not to listen. That's the real joy of this age...She has the funnest laugh and does everything she can to get one out of us, too. She's a monster She's a princess. It just depends on the day which she chooses to be. Regardless, I love all of her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of her birthday present, we got Kayla a haircut. She never likes it when I try to put up her hair. And the few times she lets me, it's out within 5 minutes. So here's what it looks like now! I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I think we've gone to the zoo more times this year than I have in my lifetime. The great thing about kids this age is that they love doing the same things over and over again. I've enjoyed it because every time we've gone, it's been with different people and we've seen different areas of the zoo at different times. So it's like a different experience every time. It's been great! But a few things stay the same. Like these:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Giraffe Family Picture Place</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Splash Pad </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a lot of fun spending this zoo trip with grandparents and other members of my family. I wouldn't be surprised if we found our way there again next year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla can't have a successful birthday without the traditional HoBo birthday party for the "twins." This year, we went for a Princess theme. I think everyone enjoyed it. There was lots of food, lots of balloons, and lots of family to talk and play with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was really special about this birthday was all the family that we had around us to celebrate. This was my mom's first time in town during Kayla's birthday (huzzah for being retired), and that was a lot of fun. We got to see all the Bobo's that are living in the Utah. That's always super fun, too. Sometimes I miss our Bobo-Graham get togethers. Growing up, I could always count on spending 4th of July and Thanksgiving with them. Good times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a less happy note, one of the other occasions for family gatherings is for funerals. Brandon's Grandpa Talabock passed away in August. I haven't been in the family long, but I know I'm going to miss him. He was such a character. Gruff on the outside, but a teddy bear on the inside. He had a hard life, but I believe he found a lot of joy there, too. Brandon and I were able to give him one of his first great-grandchildren, and I could tell how much he loved her. I was looking at some baby blessing pictures of Kayla and found this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The funeral service was very beautiful. Brandon contributed by putting together a video and picture slideshow. Everyone who watched it loved it. Then we went to the Veteran's Memorial where his remains were buried. They had an honor guard there who presented the flag and did taps. I always tear up when the trumpet plays that tune. They played it at my own grandfather's and father's funeral. I think it will always touch my heart. In a few simple notes, it shows so much respect and honor for the soldiers who pass on from this life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though it wasn't for the best occasion, it was still really nice to see Brandon's parents while they were out here. It was only for a weekend, but it's always good to see them. Kayla loves and misses them a lot. Both of her grandparents. She talks about going to their house and talks to them on her phone. I'd love to put up a video, but Google just told me the file was too big. I'll just have to send it to them personally. Needless to say, it's super cute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next fun thing that happened with our little family was the Salt Lake City ComicCon. Brandon was a panelist, so was able to get us all in for free. Best way to go, in my opinion. Brandon was there representing Cinema Book Trailers with this business partners and showed their newest book trailer, The Golden Cord. I think it was well received. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was one section of ComicCon that was just for kids. I loved that. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla got to dress up and enjoy a nice tea party with Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother at one of the booths. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then she got to meet some of her favorite characters. People here love to dress up, and I saw a lot of costumes that I recognized. I don't know if that's a good thing or not...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then Brandon found the perfect gift for Kayla there, too. It's not just a Totoro. It's a Totoro purse. Kayla loves stuffing things in it and carrying it around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then next fun event that happened in September was our 7-year anniversary. We've been working on redoing our bedroom (more news on that later) as our present to ourselves. It's not done yet, but will be...soonish...I hope. So I wasn't planning on doing anything else, but then Brandon goes and buys me a beautiful arrangement of flowers. He got them at our friend's shop called Foxglove Flowers & Gifts down in Provo on Center Street. They recently bought the business and are making it awesome. Anyone who needs flowers should go down there. They create awesome stuff like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon told me that Kayla helped pick out the different flowers and then Courtney made it all work together. She's got a gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then another amazing friend offered to take Kayla for a while so we can go out to dinner. We went to Thai Drift in Orem and had massaman chicken in the first time in forever. We used to go to this place called Thai Mango, but they moved to West Jordan and I was having massaman withdrawals. We heard about this place and decided to check it out. Best idea ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Close to our anniversary was the Logan Film Festival. Brandon's film, <i>Missed Connections</i>, was playing there so we decided, as another gift to ourselves, to go for the weekend. Kayla stayed at my sister's house (where she played until she dropped!) while we went up to Logan. It was nice being there and was pretty relaxing. We ate good food, slept in a nice hotel, and saw his film on the big screen again. We also got rained on (a lot) and watched independent films. It wasn't my favorite festival but I'll appreciate it for the excuse it gave us to get out of the house. I also got to see the Logan Temple as I was driving around to find a church building so I could attend the Women's Broadcast. That was an adventure. I found one just in time and enjoyed the conference. I think my favorite part was watching a group of young Korean girls all dressed in their traditional garb and singing "I Love to See the Temple." It was very beautiful and really touched my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest news that we've had for the last 12 weeks or so is that we are adding a new little Ho to our Ho family. Coming to you sometime early April 2015:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are all very excited. Even Kayla. She's convinced that she's going to have a sister. At our first doctor's appointment she asked me if it was a boy or a girl and I told her that we don't know yet. She then said, "It's a girl. I know." Can't argue with that! But we'll really find out around Thanksgiving time if she's right or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla's been really good and understanding when I tell her when I'm feeling sick or tired. She's a real trooper. I think she'll be the best big sister this little baby could have. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-12875112001253933402014-08-13T09:08:00.001-07:002014-08-13T09:08:51.125-07:00Happy Happy Birthday<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Kayla, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is your birthday! I can't believe it's been 3 years that you have blessed our lives. I still clearly remember the day you came into the world. It was the last day of your Daddy's first feature film production. I woke up knowing something wasn't right. I ran into the bathroom and that's when my water broke. A week early from your due date, and you were ready to come into the world, whether your Mommy was ready or not. Waking up Daddy and then scrambling to get everything together, we finally made it to the hospital. Eight hours later you came into the world, as cute as can be. They let me hold you before taking you into the nursery. You opened your eyes and looked at me. I still couldn't believe you were here, but my heart expanded, and you slipped in like you've always been there. It took my breath away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mother's love for her child can't really be explained in words. A lot of times, it's in the things we do and sacrifices we make for you. But my heart is so full whenever I look at you, and the sacrifice is worth it. I'm sorry if I make mistakes. You're my first, so I'm still trying to figure out how to be a good mommy while you're learning everything about the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You've grown up so big and strong. Ever fearless. If you trip and fall, you get back up again and try until you've done it right. My little monkey. You keep surprising me with all the new skills you've accomplished. Sometimes I feel like you're growing up too fast for me. But that's just the way things go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have so many hopes and dreams for you, but most of all, I hope that you are happy. I hope we are teaching you everything you should and want to know. I hope you are happy being with our family. Everyone loves you so much. I hope you are able to feel that love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thankful to our Heavenly Father, that He entrusted us with your special spirit. Your endless energy, smiles, and giggles have blessed our home. You are a constant joy in our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, my sweet sweet Little Miss. Mommy loves you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-6333762683019457192014-07-23T08:35:00.002-07:002014-07-23T08:35:12.788-07:00Fun in the Sun<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer is in full swing and we are trying to make the most of it. With an active 2-year old, I've found that I'm going out and doing things that I wouldn't normally. But before I get into that, I want to put in an update of Brandon. He's in a partnership with a couple guys with a company called Cinema Book Trailers. As the name suggests, they make book trailers that are so awesome that they look like legit movie trailers. Yep, they're that good. At least, that's what they're trying to do. They've done a few things so far, and hopefully they'll continue to pick up speed and projects. Recently, they finished production on a fantasy book called "The Golden Cord" by Paul Genesse. When it's done, I'll post a link to where you can find it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orem has a SummerFest and we went with some friends. This ended up being a blast for Kayla even though we were only there for a couple hours. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had a lot of fun rides for the kiddos to ride on. (Kayla's friend is actually laughing)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT71wF5dwmVrQI8C6V8AZAF_V-gvL9DCWZMbT7lTGvwplJDdwke-LROToo4enaxIgLIDNRSg1nRqFhuH42RSYWCQpWNCfuvkbW2nn_vAw-tq4e2c4dI2lPJ7tz8DIfsmFGHV5qYXgqjL-/s1600/SummerFest+June+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT71wF5dwmVrQI8C6V8AZAF_V-gvL9DCWZMbT7lTGvwplJDdwke-LROToo4enaxIgLIDNRSg1nRqFhuH42RSYWCQpWNCfuvkbW2nn_vAw-tq4e2c4dI2lPJ7tz8DIfsmFGHV5qYXgqjL-/s1600/SummerFest+June+14.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves the carousel!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlID56ZfyMi5AGTTwVKLuNfbcACc6O5uMHtUiNFLRswBos0E4EsQxT-uIOMPhYmEGcdTGfA4WzZJddTcnBdTD0F2iMAiEqbRdDWXS3KwggPuXoK486ulxoRbT9JKNucFW0qm61ZQBMLMDQ/s1600/SummerFest+June+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlID56ZfyMi5AGTTwVKLuNfbcACc6O5uMHtUiNFLRswBos0E4EsQxT-uIOMPhYmEGcdTGfA4WzZJddTcnBdTD0F2iMAiEqbRdDWXS3KwggPuXoK486ulxoRbT9JKNucFW0qm61ZQBMLMDQ/s1600/SummerFest+June+25.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You better watch out for these two drivers!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple weeks later Kayla and I went to the zoo (again!) with some friends and their kids. It was so much fun! We went during the week and first thing in the morning. I think that was the best thing to do because a lot of the animals were pretty active. We had so much fun! But I'll let the pictures say it all. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpD6974BYDa2DPKkpnLS4zXbUGYQ0rK_aTRla-n0VdAR8v09Q-luULCS7cdgI8LrTD6rQw5H6kAKKY_t-IiV9Pjw4DMPiq2LOYzTT3QRW3mz1OmZOu980G0Q_JQjYhu8ZC54sCmixhQsF/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpD6974BYDa2DPKkpnLS4zXbUGYQ0rK_aTRla-n0VdAR8v09Q-luULCS7cdgI8LrTD6rQw5H6kAKKY_t-IiV9Pjw4DMPiq2LOYzTT3QRW3mz1OmZOu980G0Q_JQjYhu8ZC54sCmixhQsF/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty proud of that framing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XBjUhMyRnRndUiN0s13NbL9bvcruUj9aeIkLiQGBthfbxnkN3eFd6kabSAeUyc90TWorwFixzvMVCibv_byZzpLyNgNtPELNKrW2kC_44sSKukAiVhwN9x6S7tpuJ_lX4X4-SybW9ogM/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XBjUhMyRnRndUiN0s13NbL9bvcruUj9aeIkLiQGBthfbxnkN3eFd6kabSAeUyc90TWorwFixzvMVCibv_byZzpLyNgNtPELNKrW2kC_44sSKukAiVhwN9x6S7tpuJ_lX4X4-SybW9ogM/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the ostriches in Hogle Zoo's new Safari exhibit </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJiIG7Bv4YVtyqITcPWHCNRFppi49_tMVqitteQKeLzOz8BCTihZv1JTv4kMOtoFATQHuneszfBjGsXorec9XTLL472Gh5H8qsc6OMda_xGHzcqo6o82N8YleUUZfge1HWbrFlggX7o8f/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJiIG7Bv4YVtyqITcPWHCNRFppi49_tMVqitteQKeLzOz8BCTihZv1JTv4kMOtoFATQHuneszfBjGsXorec9XTLL472Gh5H8qsc6OMda_xGHzcqo6o82N8YleUUZfge1HWbrFlggX7o8f/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's looking at you kid!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw4gnKhC3rPV2AZqgYZBNsa768688DKQRnANU8HBMjF4nneElYTrZEQ_HGYFqKevUSfRwbywe4lGRwEqjUFuZ9A6eQ1xdkezPtOSiyLd3MLtjY-n2LgSQGTzLCRCyT0PKGMnhxmzCyNX2/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw4gnKhC3rPV2AZqgYZBNsa768688DKQRnANU8HBMjF4nneElYTrZEQ_HGYFqKevUSfRwbywe4lGRwEqjUFuZ9A6eQ1xdkezPtOSiyLd3MLtjY-n2LgSQGTzLCRCyT0PKGMnhxmzCyNX2/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla's favorite part of the whole zoo adventure</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi824xxIJRFocDUbClY1h-w8TDBDaAIrFjmPt3mPca7I_gAkOrnzjdiF2kdFCwynvXmyZptsmVPK9bFWmmJh4lla06r1CPaHrBf_tsNAnZbDRCid2DinHJA_VpAauvSqXP0qip6KBXEaC1e/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi824xxIJRFocDUbClY1h-w8TDBDaAIrFjmPt3mPca7I_gAkOrnzjdiF2kdFCwynvXmyZptsmVPK9bFWmmJh4lla06r1CPaHrBf_tsNAnZbDRCid2DinHJA_VpAauvSqXP0qip6KBXEaC1e/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was finally able to get the kiddos to smile at me all at the same time!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxkkCDP4EjOM_a3eZUavIT4TVIdMuL99VnI_S7TItM1BmjZdSnDd9Oqb4yv8SS9eWdxYl0jnbM-HKDs49zOLT0mQh539gdj5VjCtWRyYJDNXx-3nbn9TJmiHVh7BCPToclEtpGH0NU6rJ/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxkkCDP4EjOM_a3eZUavIT4TVIdMuL99VnI_S7TItM1BmjZdSnDd9Oqb4yv8SS9eWdxYl0jnbM-HKDs49zOLT0mQh539gdj5VjCtWRyYJDNXx-3nbn9TJmiHVh7BCPToclEtpGH0NU6rJ/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to prove I was there, too.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdMb7sjJYt0FQ55XALtIxg7NwGttQQL-1ujvZbbuN3FNCbMj07hFqbIg_1v7_03atnt7h7gNOBI62IEu2KPJp7HboXHvnX-rh93MnVzGvDFsorwfAwYp5jq6pHNdMJXra3CXz3GAxhqYe/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdMb7sjJYt0FQ55XALtIxg7NwGttQQL-1ujvZbbuN3FNCbMj07hFqbIg_1v7_03atnt7h7gNOBI62IEu2KPJp7HboXHvnX-rh93MnVzGvDFsorwfAwYp5jq6pHNdMJXra3CXz3GAxhqYe/s1600/IMG_1615.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved it so much we had to go one last time before we left.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm grateful we went the the zoo when we did because the next morning, I sprained my ankle going down the stairs. Nothing broken, but highly inconvenient. Brandon and I were a pretty silly sight going into the doctor's office: me on crutches and Brandon in his boot. both left feet messed up. I guess we have to do everything together, literally. I'm grateful that Brandon was far enough in his healing process that he could take care of Kayla while I was out of commission. I'm doing a lot better now. Hardly any pain. So now we can have more fun during the summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with all the fun adventures we're having around Utah, we also have an adventure in our back yard. Even though we weren't able to do as much as we wanted to due to injuries, we still got a really good yield in our garden. Here's what it looks like:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2EktvHM4y8xjZmgNTIWcQ5AWhbT-1fCNVamil1sBpd6-4STNPHwcyf6RXGNmGrDSb3LrNVebgyVArM_fC_H2_xMeB9tu78UtFuwnEJ18g9-U6L95fKAh-8eP584KLvYU37PQkHIVZSoA/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2EktvHM4y8xjZmgNTIWcQ5AWhbT-1fCNVamil1sBpd6-4STNPHwcyf6RXGNmGrDSb3LrNVebgyVArM_fC_H2_xMeB9tu78UtFuwnEJ18g9-U6L95fKAh-8eP584KLvYU37PQkHIVZSoA/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Hill (Kayla won't stop eating them)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkmpWkSda5HWW7oI5v_helFSpsA9w0pkn9VehP3gutj1PYJ_VT_oVpySw2LK1WqaFgOY4-vbD5V9hBdxf4EjlCAOQfbTQlLuDNHTQgq9oCy62UcLqHxZcZQSN-dGI7fK5LSPbYnFW3Yuh/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkmpWkSda5HWW7oI5v_helFSpsA9w0pkn9VehP3gutj1PYJ_VT_oVpySw2LK1WqaFgOY4-vbD5V9hBdxf4EjlCAOQfbTQlLuDNHTQgq9oCy62UcLqHxZcZQSN-dGI7fK5LSPbYnFW3Yuh/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: strawberry hill, lettuce, tomatoes (behind my bum sorry), onions, <br />
carrots, peas, cucumbers, more peas, pumpkin patch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now we're into July where there's nothing but sun, sun, sun. We went to Colorado to spend 4th of July with Brandon's family. We had so much fun! Kayla got her Grandpa Time in and practically everything she asked for from Grandma. I was too busy relaxing to do much picture taking, but here are some things we were able to get.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhWFBe21nTdNsBEUszoSVp1e6XSnOhUTlwCtHKfoz6hWkel6KQI2Wvkahyphenhyphenlzt8OnVYq1XVuWXbJW_KcET3Yvp5ZntTBXNbw0XWujW1jnPAt0FSszv8yYmXRKvqK7owsS5HDecTLnkNLsG/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhWFBe21nTdNsBEUszoSVp1e6XSnOhUTlwCtHKfoz6hWkel6KQI2Wvkahyphenhyphenlzt8OnVYq1XVuWXbJW_KcET3Yvp5ZntTBXNbw0XWujW1jnPAt0FSszv8yYmXRKvqK7owsS5HDecTLnkNLsG/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loved Grandma's yoga mat and found a lot of interesting ways of playing with it.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4VFWZjPCwzcAmmRxH2HaUDS_RCaCEDDboU2hDksIW3rPNWE9O1JZ3RrQFXP4jMTX05vC1SPiMkClZygzL4PnoGf_ngwl56gkALWvOtQDBVPVrjvG9-oC9AXerwrNXVUgjCzjuCbsuJgZ/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4VFWZjPCwzcAmmRxH2HaUDS_RCaCEDDboU2hDksIW3rPNWE9O1JZ3RrQFXP4jMTX05vC1SPiMkClZygzL4PnoGf_ngwl56gkALWvOtQDBVPVrjvG9-oC9AXerwrNXVUgjCzjuCbsuJgZ/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves her grandma</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnYeZ6pc11L9rzUYNbnXK6OXPh3p3tPrdI7v3d5qHW4TxHv-yhAAt1c_Et3rq2UbiqGHxLQ_QSjEs2wqZYGFhfkK_PSVi1P8ofU3V0MzVqI2CTQscb46Loe9tpkmwuv27bFDTIBiG2yEO/s1600/IMG_2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnYeZ6pc11L9rzUYNbnXK6OXPh3p3tPrdI7v3d5qHW4TxHv-yhAAt1c_Et3rq2UbiqGHxLQ_QSjEs2wqZYGFhfkK_PSVi1P8ofU3V0MzVqI2CTQscb46Loe9tpkmwuv27bFDTIBiG2yEO/s1600/IMG_2512.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She let Grandma do her hair!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did get a video of Grandma and Kayla dancing together, but Grandma didn't know she was being filmed, so we'll just keep that to ourselves. Needless to say it was extremely adorable and hilarious. Things you do for that face up there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then, as if our extended weekend couldn't get any better, we went to a community pool, and Kayla LOVED it. It was a struggle to get her out when it was the adult-only time to swim. All of us ended up getting out, too because if she saw one of us in, she was going in as well. I love that she loves the water so much. My mom would tell stories of how I was a fish as a small girl. It's fun seeing little bits of my personality and preferences coming out in her. Mostly, I think she's more like Brandon. But we'll see how her own personality develops as she gets older.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxUnpg_9W_-qZwnnSvWe8ULv4nDP-XRc3IRKQHt9sDAhc5YS5bd1JrYuyXC2nydcgw6TQ_KQJUJYzhEx2r2Ww' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you notice in the video, she started going for the diving board. She eyed it several times and once went over and stood in line to jump off it! Luckily, Brandon got her away from there and safely jumping into Grandma's arms from the side of the pool. I don't think she realized what really happened if she jumped off it (her head would go all the way under) and we know she doesn't like it. Silly goose. Besides that, I'm super impressed by her swimming skills. Hopefully I can teach her all I know and she'll be a fantastic swimmer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I think thus far our summer has stayed pretty busy. And I know we have more fun adventures coming our way! I love my family so much!</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-32495233173125761442014-06-12T07:21:00.001-07:002014-06-12T07:21:23.966-07:00Blessings in Disguise<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit that May this year has not been my favorite month. It might actually be one of the worst months I've had, but I think as I reflect back on it, I'll find that a lot of good came out of this month, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon ruptured his Achilles tendon in April. There was a partial tear at the beginning of the month and just as we thought he was getting better, it finished tearing a few weeks later. So after a week of checking with doctors and verifying that yes his foot does not move and bend the way it should, we scheduled the surgery for May 2. Most of the hassle was finding the right medical facility that accepted our insurance. I'm just grateful we got the insurance when we did so that we don't have to stress as much on the financial side of surgery. Don't get me wrong, there's still stress in that area, it's just lessened some. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surgery day came and I'd like to think I didn't look as freaked out and worried as I was. But I had something happy to look out at while I waited. I think it helped some. All hospitals should have happy flowers for friends and family of patients to look at.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was Brandon's first major surgery. The only other thing he's had even remotely like this was getting his wisdom teeth out. He has a very strange reaction to the drugs they give people about to have surgery (he did this with the wisdom teeth too): he talked incessantly. Now I know that doesn't sound much different from how he is normally but believe me, there was a difference. There's a filter in your brain between the things you're thinking and the things you say. His filter was gone. Afterward, he remembers thinking about a story but didn't realize he told the nurses the story while they were trying to get him ready. I remember him trying to talk with the nurse and anesthesiologist while they were giving him the nerve block in his leg. It was pretty funny listening to him. The nurses thought he was very entertaining. His mom told me the story of when he got his wisdom teeth out, the same thing happened there, too. The only problem is that it's kinda hard to talk (and you really shouldn't) after doing surgery IN YOUR MOUTH. Did that stop him? Nope. Not one bit. I think it's cute...and just a little silly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the surgery went well and he came home drugged up and in a cast. We had some really great friends watching Kayla for us while we were at the hospital and they dropped her off when we were done. She was really sweet with Brandon. I think she understood that he had a hurt foot and was really tired. So she came up on bed with him and just sat there with him and played on her Kindle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes Kayla really surprises me with her intuitiveness and empathetic nature. This wasn't the first time she's done something like this. I've noticed that when we're out, she likes to tell us the emotional state of all the kids (and sometimes adults) that she notices. I love that about her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Brandon had to be in the cast, using crutches to get around, but mostly keeping it elevated for 2 weeks. He couldn't watch Kayla during this time since it was so hard for him to get around, so I had to find friends who could watch her. And did my friends rally! I saw such an outpouring of love and generosity from them, I'm still feeling touched weeks later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were so many moments of service and love, I can't possibly go into detail of all of them, but I'll relate a couple experiences that really stood out to me. The first was the Sunday right after the surgery. That night, our friend (who happens to be the Bishop in our Ward) came over to visit with us and see how everything went with the surgery. Before he left, he asked if we would like to take the Sacrament, a very special ordinance we weren't able to get that day because we stayed home from church. I was truly touched; I hadn't expected that offer from him. We were at church the week before and took the Sacrament, so he didn't offer because we hadn't had it in a while. But it was something we missed and I'm grateful he took the time to give us that ordinance at home. Sometimes we take advantage of the things we do every week or everyday. Sometimes the repetition makes us lose sight of the significance or importance of the action. </span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm grateful to get a reminder now and again that the daily or weekly rituals are important and essential for my well-being. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other amazing thing that happened during this time was a service project at our house. Specifically, our back yard. At the beginning of the year, we decided to put a garden in our backyard. We made a list of things we wanted to plant and what we needed to get the soil ready. In the spring, it was tilled and plans were made for where specific plants would grow best. But after the injury we knew we'd have to cut back on those plans, but we still wanted a garden. Everything was set up, we just needed to decide which plants to get. We kept it simple. We've got green peas, carrots, onions, and lettuce. What really helped was a neighbor who doesn't have a yard wanted a garden so we're sharing our large space with him, too. The amazing thing was that after the surgery, a bunch of our friends and neighbors came over and weeded our garden and the jungle that has become the back fence area. They also created what Brandon has lovingly called "Strawberry Hill." It's pretty awesome. One of our friends bought strawberries for us and planted them on our hill. She also gave us starts for cucumbers and a pumpkin. We have the best friends ever! It's so much easier to work outside when there are friends to help and other kids to play with your kid so you aren't constantly needing to watch them. We had so much fun that night! And Brandon was there supervising everything. I know it made him so happy and grateful to everyone that took time out of their busy lives to come help us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this video as I was trying to find a picture of the garden (couldn't find one so that'll be on another post). Kayla loves her princess dress that Brandon's aunt gave her for Christmas. At the time, it was too long for her to walk in. So I decided to try it on her again to see how it fit. As you can see, it fits and she's been calling herself a princess. I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So those first two weeks were kind of stressful, and I'm very happy that they're over. But looking back, a lot of good things have happened during that time, too. I'm glad I'm thinking back and writing this blog. It helps me forget all the stressful things that happened and helps me remember the good things in life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things got a lot better at home once Brandon got his boot on. He still has a hard time getting around but he doesn't have to go around on crutches anymore. It doesn't take him several trips just to get a plate of food and a drink. Yay!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just because I can, I'm throwing in a video that I think is very pertinent to what I've been talking about in this post: the ability (or lack) of walking and getting around the house. Kayla came up with this all on her own and the whole time she was doing this I imagined C.S.Lewis watching his kids play and maybe that's how he came up with some of his fantastical creatures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This video also makes me realize how big my feet are...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since we couldn't go up to Idaho to visit family, they decided to come down to visit us for Memorial weekend. We had a lot of fun together (per the norm) and we tried to cram as much fun in as we could in 3 days. Saturday Lonnie and I got mani-pedies (a much needed relaxing activity) at a place really close to home for a reasonable price. Always a nice discovery. Though I don't think I'll ever get a manicure again unless it's for a very special event. The paint started chipping within hours of getting it done. At first I was upset with the nail place, but then I realized that it was going to happen regardless. I have a very active kid. I have a home that is in constant need of cleaning. I also have a family that needs feeding. It's really impractical to go around NOT doing anything with your hands just because there's some paint on it. The nice thing that came out of it was that Kayla saw my painted nails and wanted hers done, too. She's such a girly girl and I love it! Now I need to go out and buy more nail polish...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the amazing paint job I did on Kayla's fingers, you can also see here the awesome goatee Brandon's been growing since he first got the injury in April. Very impressive, Brandon! I've also been surprised at how much it doesn't bother me. I honestly thought it would, but once it got to the soft stage (after the prickly stage which was thankfully short), I haven't had much of a problem with it. Learning something new all the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, Brandon has found a website about cooking and grilling that he has become fascinated with. It goes into the detailed science of the particular thing the guy is cooking. Brandon's learned a lot of interesting things, and we've experimented on some of his findings. Like boiled eggs. We now know exactly what to do if we want a hard boiled egg to come off the shell easy and without the giant hole at the base. We also know how to make steak pinwheels. A really yummy one with scallions, ginger, and teriyaki sauce. We tried it out for the first time during Memorial weekend, and I think it will become a new grilling favorite during the summer.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there you have it! So yummy! That extra piece on the side wasn't big enough to roll up so they cooked it flat...and it wasn't as juicy and tender as the pinwheel...a very interesting discovery. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As these two cuties are getting older, they're having more fun together. It also requires a little less monitoring on the mommy's part each time they play together. We don't have to worry as much about hair pulling and tackles. They're having conversations with each other, "cooking" together, and generally being the two most adorable playmates ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most exciting part about Memorial weekend was Memorial Day. We met up with Lonnie's sister and went to Hogle Zoo together. It was hot, and Brandon was having a harder time getting around (thank you Hogle Zoo for having so many places to sit down at almost every exhibit), but we sure had fun. There were new things to see and Kayla wanted to see it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had a new lion exhibit and I loved that they placed the observation glass in a place that all of us (including the lions) could be out of the sun. She loved the elephants and the seals. She had a lot of fun in the splash pad. But I think her absolute favorite place was the carousel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have friends that have a zoo pass and we've already scheduled a time to go back. We can't wait. We have lots of fun plans for this summer. Hopefully Brandon will keep getting better so he can keep up with Kayla!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting back on this last month or so, I've seen the Divine Hand in my life blessing my family. I have seen Him work through others to bless my family. I am humbled when I accept help from others. And I am humbled when I have to ask for help. I hate doing it all the time, and this period has really taxed me in that area. I hope I can someday repay the kindness that was shown to me and my family. Lately I keep coming back to a scripture I read when I was pregnant with Kayla and was worried about how to be a good mother and raising this child that God has entrusted me with. It's in the Book of Mormon, Alma 34:3 </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you </span><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">what</span><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience—</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faith and Patience. Those have been the two things I've felt like I really need to learn. And just when I think I've got it figured out, something happens and I have to start again the learning process. This has been really good for me. I know I've become a better person since that day 3 years ago. I've come to put my trust in the Lord, and I know He will take care of me. If I keep doing the things He would want me to do, everything I've been worrying about will work themselves out. It scares me, but I can have the faith that's needed to get through the trials in my life. And I don't have to go through it alone. I have my amazing husband who is the best spouse anyone could ask for. I have my sweet little girl who is sometimes the cause of my trials but is such a blessing to me. I have close friends and family. I have seen and felt their love. And I have my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Father in Heaven. I have felt Their love. I am never alone, and that brings me the greatest joy. I am truly blessed.</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-32318734178391139262014-04-29T21:01:00.001-07:002014-04-29T21:01:58.197-07:00Spring is Here! I think...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of exciting and not-so-exciting things have happened over the last couple months, and I am determined to write them down. There will be lots of random moments in this jumble that is our life in the Ho House.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first one is about Brandon. Love of my life. Back in March, Kayla and I decided to go to the park because it was a BEAUTIFUL day. We were having a really good time until a crazy little idea popped into Kayla's head. Our park is right next to an elementary school, and this school has their own small playground. Kayla saw it and wanted to go over to play there. The whole time I was trying to explain to her that we can't play there. Being a 2 year old, she doesn't listen to anything you have to say unless it's something she wants. We get to the small playground and I finally pick her up and try to start walking back to the playground she CAN play on. Being a 2 year old, she's kicking and screaming, making it very difficult for her mommy to carry her anywhere without a lot of effort. When I put her down I noticed that in the thrashing and crying, she had broken my necklace. It was a simple necklace: a silver chain with a tiny CTR ring looped on it; the CTR letters were actually a Chinese character. The ring was one of the first gifts, maybe even the first gift, that Brandon gave me when we were dating. I</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t had fallen off when the necklace broke, and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't realize how much it meant to me until it was gone. We went home and Kayla told Daddy why Mommy was sad and said that he could fix it. Brandon put the chain back together, and that made Kayla happy. She said "Daddy fix it!" He comforted me and I was resigned to the ring being lost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day was Sunday. Brandon was busy with church meetings, so I didn't see him much until the evening. When he got home and into more comfy clothes he got a text message and told me he needed to go back out again. There was nothing surprising in that, so he changed, left, and I finished making dinner. He came home soon after that with my tiny CTR ring. Then he went on to tell me how earlier that afternoon he went out looking for it but couldn't find it either. He asked a couple people he met at the park and asked them to keep their eye out for it and to contact him if they found it. Someone did! I couldn't believe it! Brandon was so sweet to go and do something like that for me. It's those simple things that he does that means so much. I'm really lucky to have him.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt like I needed a picture break before I moved on to the next fun event in my life. This is a picture of a few of my tulips that came up this year in my garden. They all turned out so beautiful! I love my tulips!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the biggest events in March, for me, was Brandon's birthday. I've been planning it since the beginning of the year, so I was very excited for it to finally come. Brandon turned 29 this year, so I wanted to make it a memorable one. It's his last year in his 20's; we needed to celebrate! So I surprised him by taking him to Nickle City in Orem. He knew we were having a party, but didn't know where exactly. We got a group of friends together (and their families) and had a really fun time. Brandon was surprised and very very happy. We had pizza, cake, and ice cream. Unfortunately, I was an idiot and didn't take pictures of my beautiful cake that I made! It was a two-tier cake with yummy cream cheese icing (dyed blue) and surrounded by twix bars. I had balloons for the kids (including Brandon), and I still have some left over on the ceiling of my house weeks later! The best part about having a party at Nickle City was that I didn't have to worry about the entertainment. They could just go and play games! I loved it! Brandon loved it; and Kayla really loved it! We'll have to go there with her again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day, we went to the Filmed in Utah Awards. Brandon's feature film, <i>Missed Connections, </i>was nominated for 9 different awards. Unfortunately, we didn't win anything, but it was fun to get all dressed up and go to the awards ceremony.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now we enter into the month of April. It's been a pretty interesting month. Some good. Some not so good. So here we go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first weekend of April is always one of my favorites. It's General Conference weekend: two days of spiritual enlightenment from the leaders of our Church. One of the traditions we now have in connection with that weekend is visiting my brother, Clark, and his family. Either they come down to us or we go up to Idaho to visit them. This time around, we went up to them. They have a little girl about 9 months younger than Kayla, and they have so much fun together!!! Sometimes it's so much fun, the mommies don't get much out of a talk or two...but these cousins sure do love each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things I like about April, beside my beautiful tulips, is the warm weather after a long winter. Having a very active child cooped up inside for that long just makes us all go a little crazy. So on any warmish day, you can find us at the park. Hopefully with some of our friends, too. Parks make everyone so happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is Kayla with her friend/cousin Amy. They love playing together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this is Kayla with Cami playing "Ring Around the Rosie" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other fun things that come with warm weather (though I guess it's not really necessary, just nice) are BBQs and S'more nights at our fire-pit. I had given Brandon a s'more box for his birthday, so we could keep all his yummy s'more making goodness all together. Best present ever! A friend of ours had a birthday the same day Brandon planned a S'more party so Brandon asked me to make a s'more cake. This time I took a picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the recipe on Pinterest, and it's super yummy! It's a graham cracker cookie with a brownie mix and marshmallow cream in the middle. I think I'm going to tweak it a little more to get the sizing right. Right now, it's a little on the thick side (I think at least 6" tall). Needless to say, Brandon will appreciate any "testing" I do on this yummy thing. Now all I need is a kitchen torch...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next best thing about April (most years anyway) is Easter. It's a time to celebrate and remember the sacrifice of our beloved Savior and His resurrection. Our Father in Heaven loved us so much that He sent His Son to suffer for our sins and die for us. Our Savior loved us so much that He experienced the atonement so that we might one day live with Him and our Heavenly Father again. What ultimate examples of love. And if we love them even a little bit, then we must do our best so that the Atonement wasn't made for us in vain. I've been thinking a lot about this and families in particular. Christ atoned for us so that we can be forever families. He was resurrected so that we can one day be resurrected with our families, too. It all boils down to families. Everything. The gospel, the purpose of the Church, our purpose here on earth, and the ordinances we do for ourselves and those that are dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my family, all of them. They enrich and bring joy to my life. Raising my daughter has really challenged me and helped me become a better person. I have such hopes for her, but ultimately I hope that she continues to be the happy, sweet girl I know she is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easter morning, when I dressed Kayla up in her pretty dress (thanks Mom!), she wouldn't stay still long enough for me to get a decent picture, so I had to get a video instead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That afternoon, we did a small Easter egg hunt for Kayla (loved it), and then had the Bobo's over for Easter dinner. I really liked the idea of making dinner extra special for that day. We had ham, slow cooked scalloped potatoes, rolls, salad, and deviled eggs. Everything was so delicious! I feel a tradition coming on...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that brings us up to date to this week. And though it's only been three days this week, they have been pretty full, kinda stressful, and pretty much overshadow all the good things that happened this month. At the beginning of April, Brandon went to play basketball with the Elder's quorum. He stretched, warmed up, and then started to play a game of 21. He shot the ball, then seeing that it wasn't going to go in the basket, went to go after it. He took one step, heard a pop, and went down. It wasn't a loud pop in his ankle, and he didn't feel a whole lot of pain, so he came home where we elevated it and put ice on it even though he didn't get much swelling. We later got a brace, and he went on crutches for a while until he felt good enough to limp along without one. He continued to get better, but was still having trouble putting pressure on the front part of his left foot. On Sunday (the 27th) as we were coming home from church, Brandon decided to try his foot out a little bit. He didn't put a lot of pressure on it, but it didn't take much for the rest of his Achilles heel to tear. That same day, we went to a friend who's a physical therapist and he did a reflex test and told us that it had completely torn. We then speculated that it had partially torn at the beginning of the month and then finally finished tearing the rest of the way that day. Monday, we make a lot of phone calls to various doctor's offices, and finally found one that accepted our health insurance (I didn't realize that would be the hardest part of the process, but that's another rant for another day). We went in today and they verified via a sonogram that it had indeed torn all the way. Brandon will have surgery. He's going in tomorrow to consult with the surgeon and will then schedule a time to go get that done sometime within the next week or two. It should be a one day hospital visit. No overnight. Just the surgery and then a boot for however long it takes to recover. Hopefully everything will go that easy, so I will be praying that happens. Through this whole thing, Kayla's been really sweet and understanding that her Daddy can't always pick her up and run with her like he used to. She's confident that the doctors will fix Daddy's foot. I love her for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So with all of April's ups and downs, I'm really glad it's over. May, here we come, whether I want it to or not...I'll just be happy if it's warmer that what we've gotten so far this week (rain, snow, and lots of chilly wind). May it be filled with warm park days for Kayla and safe recovery days for Brandon. </span></div>
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Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-3577804111608105642014-02-19T08:35:00.001-08:002014-02-19T08:35:53.875-08:00Loving Gifts<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February is the time of love. And for some reason, that translates to be a lot of Chik Flicks watched during this time for me. It's the time to show those you love how much you care. Some go extravagant, others more simple, depending on taste and budgetary constraints. This year we decided to keep it on the simple side. Starting Feb 1, I put a cut-out heart on the entertainment center in the family room, where Brandon could see it clearly, and added another heart each day until Valentine's Day. On each heart, I wrote down one thing I loved about him. I also attached his favorite candy bar so he could have a yummy treat, too. I thought it turned out really great. It was fun sneaking the hearts on there so he wouldn't see me doing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next thing I did was make a cake. This was my first try making a layered cake and decorating it (mostly figuring out if I have enough icing). The recipe was one of our wedding cake flavors and supper yummy. The real reason I made one was to practice making a cake for Brandon's birthday. So when I was telling my mom about making a cake for Valentine's Day she told me how to make a heart-shaped cake really easily: use a square pan for the main body and a round pan where the diameter is roughly the same length as one of the sides of the square. After the cake cools, set the square diagonally (to make the point of the heart). Cut the round cake in half and set each half on two adjacent corners. Ice it up and you get something like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a Twix bar for the "I" and M&Ms for the other letters and decorating. It was actually Kayla that decided it needed more M&Ms, so she helped me put them on. It was a lot of fun and she got to eat her favorite food: chocolate. I was planning on doing regular white icing, but she also convinced me that it needed to be pink. Very pink. My girl loves pink...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Valentine's Day this year was on a Friday, I decided that I did NOT want to go out for dinner. It would be too crowded and too long of a wait. So we went out for lunch (the Pretzel-maker) and I made dinner. Brandon went out with Kayla to get some things I needed to make dinner, and came back with this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who picked out the pink mini-roses, do you ask? Why Kayla of course! And I love them. They smell wonderful. Brandon was really sweet to get them. He doesn't like getting cut flowers because they don't last as long as potted ones. If you ask me, I think it's a risk on those potted ones, too. I'm no green thumb. We'll see how long these last...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since there haven't been any pictures of Kayla this entire post (crazy I know!) I figured I can show a recent video of a Kayla and Daddy Play Time session. Warning: there is squealing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-47848427629893712062014-02-14T07:55:00.001-08:002014-02-14T07:55:47.124-08:00December Celebrations and the New Year<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to come to terms with the fact that my life will always be busy, and if I want to keep up this blog that I will have to take time out of the month and write. Writing isn't that hard. Remembering stories about my family really isn't that hard either. And I've always got photos or videos to share. So I just need to get my butt in gear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we go with the recap of the last couple months:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December was full of fun and holiday spirit. We weren't home for Christmas, so we didn't get a Christmas tree. But I have a small plastic one that we used to decorate with some of our ornaments. I was really happy I did this because Kayla loved the tree and kept taking off and putting the ornaments back on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to make this year's ornaments. I wanted sea-themed ones, and I knew I wouldn't find any I liked at the store. So I found patterns and made one for each of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you look back at our Halloween costumes, you'll understand why I chose a fish, jellyfish, and turtle for each of us. I thought they turned out really well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also stayed busy going to Christmas parties for work and our neighborhood. Brandon and I were able to go on a DATE and see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. That was really fun. A week or so before we saw it, we watched some behind the scenes of creating the dwarves, highlighting their different personalities and trying to show that through their costuming and appearance. It was really interesting and I paid a lot more attention to the different dwarves while watching the movie than I did in the first movie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also had Clark and Lonnie come visit before Christmas. Clark helped Brandon put together the play kitchen we got Kayla (because we weren't about to haul it to Colorado) while Lonnie and I went shopping for last minute gifts. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And speaking of gifts, it was Clark's birthday while he was visiting, so I made him a little something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. :) Oh, and he liked it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sunday before Christmas we left for Colorado. It was one of the worst driving experiences of my life. Luckily I wasn't driving or it would have been worse. We got there safely, but I think I may have had a number of heart attacks along the way. It snowed the whole time, some places worse than others, and after 9 hours of driving we made it to Brandon's parents' house. Thinking back on it, I believe the worst part wasn't the snow that was so thick on the roads, we couldn't see the lines, but the crazy drivers around us. We didn't have many, but those few were too many. None knew how to drive safely and they gave me the most panic attacks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vacation in Colorado is always full of fun and, most importantly, relaxation. Kayla had fun Christmas morning with her presents (thanks everyone!!!), but I think she had the most fun helping her Grandma pass out the presents to everyone. I hope that sort of attitude stays with her as she grows. I think it will, and it's a joy to see how much she loves everyone without reservation. She also likes to wear out Brandon without reservation. Here's proof:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and after that dancing session she wanted to do this until </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon almost collapsed from exhaustion :</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She also enjoyed dancing with her Grandpa, but I don't have a video of that to post up, unfortunately. She had so much energy that week, it took all 4 adults to keep her entertained. Now imagine that same energy and only 1, sometimes 2, adults keeping her entertained when we're home. No wonder we're so exhausted. And as life goes, we had to leave Colorado (the drive was MUCH safer) and come back home to work and more work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">January</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On New Year's Eve, we had some friends come over and play games while we ate yummy snack foods. I'm thinking that will become tradition in our home. That was lots of fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Near the end of January, Brandon filmed his teaser trailer he's doing for Brandon Sanderson's Alloy of Law. This was a picture he sent me that night (and there's other pictures on Facebook):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just looking at that picture gives me the tingles. So excited! So a lot of good things are happening in that area, and when we get something more definite, then I'll make a post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So overall, I'd say that 2014 is looking very promising. I think as long as we're going good things, good things will continue to come our way. One can hope anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-12663829145793055732013-12-18T08:21:00.002-08:002013-12-18T08:21:42.591-08:00November Travels<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking back on November, we did A LOT of driving. That meant a lot of stuff was going on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My nephew decided to be baptized, so we were able to attend that which was really special. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom and Mike were still visiting and going between my house and Jessica's, so we tried to spend as much time with them as we could.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had so much fun with this bundle of joy.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were here on Veteran's Day, so we went to Olive Garden to celebrate. This is what they ended up doing at the end of dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's what you can do with a little piece of bread and a grandma to entertain a 2 year old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That next weekend, my sister and I with our two kids (her youngest) went down to St. George for our Grandpa Ab's birthday party. It was good to see all the family there. A couple of my uncles surprised Grandpa by coming to the party. It was also very interesting trying to get the two kids to bed in the hotel room. Kayla wouldn't stop talking to her cousin even though it was way past both of their bed times. Silly girl. Jessica and I ended up playing games in the hallway outside our door, listening to them and waiting for them to fall asleep. Overall the trip was a lot of fun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCljpgObAgtJhGdUnr0qHNiEXD3aBDcLT3zx6aj1uRzvo_N2ZgAzdnQ9wjhPVSNV4DzetgEbzdhF-5vOcnDaFleRqII8Kr2Z2lFYRJgAJ6CazGpXl5tUXOwBmeSKdOXzg9O8u5HO85yRAo/s1600/Ab+and+Jennifer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCljpgObAgtJhGdUnr0qHNiEXD3aBDcLT3zx6aj1uRzvo_N2ZgAzdnQ9wjhPVSNV4DzetgEbzdhF-5vOcnDaFleRqII8Kr2Z2lFYRJgAJ6CazGpXl5tUXOwBmeSKdOXzg9O8u5HO85yRAo/s400/Ab+and+Jennifer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I was down in St. George, Brandon was in Bakersfield, CA going to a film festival there. His romantic comedy movie that he directed got in to that film festival and won an award! Yay! Hopefully this will mean we get more recognition and maybe even distribution! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP68NKp0cxr8C3B3DzspzynEdk_3vEdyfZx6vPs_46aYhPWY7Sy6WNaZXJpuhGnSskNuGUwwEhiBdZ4YxydIvJFmI2YFkVLokWaq-gPuYNadflcUBMOKOaRVAcIhH-Guioa_B9GxJW1QaX/s1600/Bakersfield+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP68NKp0cxr8C3B3DzspzynEdk_3vEdyfZx6vPs_46aYhPWY7Sy6WNaZXJpuhGnSskNuGUwwEhiBdZ4YxydIvJFmI2YFkVLokWaq-gPuYNadflcUBMOKOaRVAcIhH-Guioa_B9GxJW1QaX/s400/Bakersfield+Award.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then as November winds down, we're off to Colorado for Thanksgiving! Brandon considered that vacation a success because he was able to spend an entire day in his pajamas. So I guess I shouldn't wonder why Kayla likes to wear pajamas all day too... Anyway, we had yummy food and great company. I'm so thankful for such a great and loving family for Kayla to grow up in. Kayla had fun playing with her grandparents, and we had fun relaxing. We didn't get to stay as long as we wanted (we kept trying to find excuses to stay), but it was a comfort to know we'd be there in three weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just want to list a few things I'm thankful for: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my husband for being the most amazing spouse ever! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla for being the sweetest daughter, she just makes my heart melt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all my family and friends for being so loving and fun</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my warm and comfy home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my testimony and the knowledge that I will see my Daddy again</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my Savior for all He did and still continues to do for me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my Heavenly Father, who knows me and loves me despite that knowledge</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving. It's good to remember what you're thankful for, especially during this time of year.</span></div>
Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-18785935665376537712013-12-09T21:48:00.000-08:002013-12-09T21:48:32.089-08:00October Projects<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow. I didn't realize that I haven't posted since September. So much has been going on, but I should have been updating here. My apologies. Let's see if I can give an update for the last 3 months, starting with October.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I turned 27. Just saying that makes me feel old, but not that old. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to Idaho to visit Clark, Lonnie, and MaKenna for General Conference weekend. We heard a lot of good things from the leaders of the Church, and, like any family gathering, had lots of fun, ate good food, and the girls loved playing together. Now that they're getting older, they're having a lot more fun together. This also means not as much supervision (keeping them from accidentally killing each other), but still keeping an eye on them so they don't destroy the house together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this is what they did instead. If you can't see what they're holding, it's our Kindle Fire HD. It has become Kayla's Toy. We recently put a case on it so it can handle a toddler and survive. I love it (both the case and the Kindle). There's a special app for kids where the parents can select which apps they can access. She can't make purchases or surf the web without the parental password. She knows that's her app, and she goes right to it when she wants to play. They're also coming out with a lot of good apps for kids. She's learning and it's easy to clean up afterwards! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girl's other favorite past-time together was to play with the Daddys. Here's one example.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love getting together so we can have moments like this. Can't wait until we see them again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last time Mom and Mike came to our house to visit, they offered to buy us a new toilet in the upstairs bathroom as their Christmas present to us. So we decided to redo the entire thing since we have to take out the toilet anyway. This took up a couple weekends, but it was so worth it! So here are some before pictures:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQX5rmrRy7EaRP46M2uQN5Z6UBaf1CxI6VY1syabQlNStkxSOdkGBqlzcsScwvMIixzYbzpqf6OvzbuhuFDp4nTly7ZrHbUh0Uqhs0h3KjtC_FDmHsO4xg2bPWZ7Bqo93YK4aOF1gFJcS/s1600/2013-09-21+11.22.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQX5rmrRy7EaRP46M2uQN5Z6UBaf1CxI6VY1syabQlNStkxSOdkGBqlzcsScwvMIixzYbzpqf6OvzbuhuFDp4nTly7ZrHbUh0Uqhs0h3KjtC_FDmHsO4xg2bPWZ7Bqo93YK4aOF1gFJcS/s320/2013-09-21+11.22.05.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, the people who painted the poo-brown color couldn't take the time to remove their towel hook thing and paint the whole wall...they painted around it. It took Brandon 10 seconds to remove it and a good half hour of sanding to try to get the pain levels even before we started painting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the after pictures:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNepIIEsaP-J4av4xqAtuvBXdYl1kSKb2qozfaZGQHWv0bMhCI_O7ZL3TiMUw8TXpvlqxg0yN8jhXuSmBaQlDYczFQoJjVulyHLBZQ48hdzE3J0Gzvu4vziOz-4C44ZE1pQHPZ4lwJTINs/s1600/DSC05009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNepIIEsaP-J4av4xqAtuvBXdYl1kSKb2qozfaZGQHWv0bMhCI_O7ZL3TiMUw8TXpvlqxg0yN8jhXuSmBaQlDYczFQoJjVulyHLBZQ48hdzE3J0Gzvu4vziOz-4C44ZE1pQHPZ4lwJTINs/s320/DSC05009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think this is the only room in the house that really feels like us. One room at a time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also took family pictures. We love taking pictures in the fall with all the variety of colors. We went to the park behind Walmart in Orem. It was a great location! We were only there an hour and we got so many good shots! One of our friends in our neighborhood took them. She was great! Here are just a few of my favorites (it was REALLY hard to narrow it down):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the month doesn't end here! There's still Halloween! I decided to make our costumes this year, and with the help of my mom, they looked amazing! Since Kayla has been into fish this year and we did a fish-themes birthday party, we decided to extend the fish theme to our costumes. I became a jellyfish, Brandon a sea turtle, and Kayla a little rainbow fish. I crocheted Brandon's and Kayla's hat, and it took me 3 tries to get her hat size right! We also decided to have a Halloween party this year. So here are some pictures of our party and costumes.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a lot of fun making all these yummy treats!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom was a bunch of grapes,</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think this was the best picture of the fish hat.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thinking back on this month, October was REALLY busy, but we got a lot done. I love spending time with family and we were able to do that a lot. And the next two months are just as crazy but fun! Stay tuned for more HoStories.</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-71254650714958043272013-09-26T08:33:00.001-07:002013-09-26T08:33:54.787-07:00Kayla Kuteness <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month has been a bit on the insane side, so I want to post some of the fun, cute things that have also happened this month. And of course this all about Kayla because she is what makes life so cute and fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, we got Kayla a new bed. It's a bit on the princess side, but since she's my little princess, I love it for her. The best part is that she seems to love it, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a blue comforter for the bed that works great! It's actually one I already own but flipped over. We put all of her stuffed animals at the end of the bed (since she only takes up about 1/3 of the space), but they've slowly gravitated towards her side. She now sleeps with them all around her, and I think she is perfectly happy that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the best part of this bed is that it's so versatile. It's supposed to be a princess carriage, but since it's metal, you can interpret it to be just a bunch of swirls. We're planning on making this room an under-the-sea theme, hence the blue tulle (from my wedding!) and the blue comforter. We'll eventually bring Amanda over and she'll help us put fish on the walls. We'll see how long it'll take us for that to happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Little Miss is turning into an independent little toddler. She likes to do things <i>herself</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like drive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And wash her own hands and feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes she'll let me do her hair but most of the time when I ask, she says no. And because of this, her hair kept getting in her face. So I had to cut the bangs. This was my first time, and I think I did a pretty good job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every once and a while it'll look like this: (nice and even)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But most of the time, she's running around and messing with her hair, so it'll look like this: (less nice and even). But it's still the same cut!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when she's super nice (and mostly distracted) she'll let me put it up. She's watching one of her favorite movies, Monsters Inc., on the computer and playing with the other hair clips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's my sweet girl, and I'm so happy I have her in my life. She certainly makes it interesting! She's been so cute saying "please" and "thank you" without my prompting her to, and she's a big advocate of sharing (when she wants to anyway.) If she has something, she feels like you have to have it too and visa verse. Most of the time, it's super cute. I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She helps me get my exercise by wanting to go to the park almost every day. Her favorite thing there are the swings, so I get more exercise pushing her. This last trip she decided to play with them a little differently. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxaR_Gb01VWgzzsp3KsBzXqJkJD4ekTDAWue84scLj-dwXvohkcgaHP2AJriNOqmMHfScYZJzmXDGfzwQer2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's trying to do the underdog trick I do when she's in the swing. That's why she goes back and forth with it, counts, and then runs away from the swing to run back to it. I love how she gets distracted by every little thing, but when she remembers, she gets right back to the fun she was having before. It's amazing watching her development.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love her so much. She's such a blessing in our lives. She loves her friends and family. She loves talking to her grandmas on the phone and Skyping with both sets of grandparents. I love that Brandon has the opportunity to stay home with her in the mornings so she can get to know him (she's totally a Daddy's girl). I love that we get to be a forever family.</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-5574448894970491962013-09-03T08:35:00.002-07:002013-09-03T08:35:46.784-07:00End of Summer, But the Fun Doesn't Stop<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The end of August was a whirlwind of activity, I'm not quite sure if we got a chance to breathe or not. Besides all the craziness Brandon usually does for film, he also wanted to host a neighborhood BBQ on the 31st. He didn't just want to do a lunch or dinner BBQ, oh no, he wanted to do BOTH! A friend from the ward provided the meat for dinner and we did hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch. It turned into an all-day event. The turn-out was good and we had a lot of fun times. But the craziness didn't stop there. Brandon had the crazy idea to set up Rock Band in the back yard so we could play when the sun went down. We had a surprising number of people stay so they could do that. I'm glad it turned out, but I'm sorry for all the neighbors who wanted sleep that night...</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had fun, but I'm glad it's over (until next time).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On top of all that planning for the BBQ, I was planning with Katherine for our annual HoBo birthday party for the twins (Kayla and Amy) the next day (Sept 1). We decided to do lasagna and french bread and have family bring side dishes. I think it turned out really yummy. I was so full I almost didn't have room for the amazing cake Katherine and I made! It was Katherine's idea to do a flower, and we both thought doing cupcakes would work really well. I think it turned out fantastic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katherine bought the dresses so they could match. So cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to see more super cute pictures, Katherine put some up on Facebook. I just love these girls so much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was Labor Day, so Brandon and I were both off work. We decided to go to his grandparent's place and swim in their pool. Once she got used to the water, she had a lot of fun playing in it. Eventually I'm going to teach her how to swim; then she'll be our little fish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grandma and Grandpa had some friends over, and they brought their new puppy. She was so friendly! She came right up to us and started sniffing and licking us. (The licking may be due to the salt water from the pool). Kayla instantly fell in love with her.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6q05h1DywMk2OzWhI_qXPpoRDsuk5gKrwoqNfPwUhhO0ZQZ5ShZ8zk2vD8rzk8ZUOlJuKTjIJaU7Tghckm0wORiIkxjwtp3-K3nTctrbeDubRXTLEBPLn1DGSbstir4aNfHoXBvlvpLQ/s1600/LaborDayDog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6q05h1DywMk2OzWhI_qXPpoRDsuk5gKrwoqNfPwUhhO0ZQZ5ShZ8zk2vD8rzk8ZUOlJuKTjIJaU7Tghckm0wORiIkxjwtp3-K3nTctrbeDubRXTLEBPLn1DGSbstir4aNfHoXBvlvpLQ/s400/LaborDayDog.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to this crazy, fun weekend, Brandon got a new calling in our Ward. He's the new Elder's Quorum President. It's the same calling that gave Brandon's dad his peppery hair. I think it's a very selfless calling. Brandon will be fantastic. I think it's going to give us a lot of opportunities to serve and love our neighbors more. Brandon's charitable nature has already blessed our family, and I think this will open up the windows of Heaven and bless our lives even more. </span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-73586641798293606182013-08-19T08:02:00.000-07:002013-08-19T08:02:14.492-07:00Birthday Girl<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we did last year, we decided to go out to Brandon's parents in Colorado to celebrate Kayla's birthday (I feel a tradition coming on) that was last Tuesday (the 13th). We left Friday afternoon and got there early Saturday morning. Mom was super awesome and let us sleep while she woke up with Kayla every morning. Saturday we went shopping at Macey's where Mom works while Grandpa played with Kayla. They had so much fun together! She's finally old enough to really have fun with her grandparents. I don't think she missed us at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday we had a bunch of family over to have a birthday party for Kayla. Here's a picture of the decorations Mom set up (she's so awesome!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's the cake she made and I helped decorate. It was so much fun to do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla kinda freaked out when we started singing "Happy Birthday" to her but calmed down when we started opening the presents She got a bunch of cute stuff. Thanks everyone! And thanks to Aubri who took a bunch of super cute pictures for us. We were Skyping with Amanda, so we couldn't use Brandon's phone to take pics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got her the tricycle. I think she's going to have a lot of fun with it, whether she's riding it or pushing it down the street! She got Grandpa to "ride" it while she pushed it. It was really silly and cute to watch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also got her a picnic table that we found at Kid-to-Kid (awesome place to find kid stuff), but we left that at home to play with. We can have it outside or inside, and there's plenty of room to have her friends sit with her and play (or eat).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had so much fun, we just didn't want to leave. Kayla loves her grandparents so much! We can't wait to see them again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After we got home we got invited to go with some friends to Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City on Saturday. We loved it, and Kayla had so much fun watching the animals. Half the park was closed due to construction, but the parts we did see were awesome. We saw the polar bear swim and play in the water and then get a nice back scratch when he got out. I think Kayla especially liked the seals. She called them fish, but they were going so fast in the water, I don't blame her! When she gets a little older (and the park's done with construction) I think we'll go again. We had so much fun!</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-51970965585313415152013-07-30T22:31:00.001-07:002013-07-30T22:32:35.028-07:00Summer Fun<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's been so much going on that it's been hard to sit down and write about it, but I'll do my best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June was a pretty crazy month. Brandon and I got asked to be leaders for our Stake's Youth Conference. We got a little "family" that we were in charge of. I didn't realize how much <b>work</b> we had to do before the actual Youth Conference even started. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Luckily, our Stake is only about an 8 block radius so we didn't have to travel too far to contact our kids.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we organized a little party for our "family" so they could get to know us and us them. It turned out to be a lot of fun. After all the meetings, paper organizing, packing lists and permission forms distributed, it was finally time for us to pack and go to Youth Conference! (We couldn't take Kayla with us, but luckily my mom was available to watch her while we were gone.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It started out at the Stake Center with a Carnival of Life activity. There were a lot of misgivings about how the kids would take it (for those who've done it would know what I'm talking about), but I think they were just fine. The Stake leaders handled it very well so that the kids got the point of the activity: it was centered around Christ's Atonement and its power to save us. After lunch we got on the buses and headed down to Manti. We were set up in tents and then went down to the Manti Pagent after dinner. That was a really cool experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we drove up to the church's Heber Valley campsite. It was up in the mountains, so it was much cooler than down in the valley. We were put in cabins: Brandon with all the other male leaders in one cabin next to the boys, and I was in the cabin with my girls. We went on a sunrise hike (luckily we didn't have to be there for the sunrise, otherwise we would've had to wake up at 5am), did some service, and generally had a fun and spiritual experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's our family:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Youth Conference we did a little mini-family reunion. These are really awesome kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we were off having fun with older kids, my mom and some friends of ours were having fun with Kayla. Mom watched her for a couple days until she had to go down to St. George to visit with her dad. So Adam and Ashley played with Kayla for a day. They went to the aquarium in Sandy. Kayla loves fish, so she had a lot of fun there. We'll have to take her ourselves sometime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right after Youth Conference was the 4th of July. We hosted a BBQ at our house for my whole family. My mom and Mike were in town visiting everyone out west, and we wanted to make a centralized location for everyone to come visit her. (One of her brothers came all the way down from Washington to see her.) So we found out that we can host a party of 50 in our back yard. We also learned that we get absolutely NO shade at 4pm in July. Things got a lot cooler by 6, though, so it wasn't too bad (I hope!) for everyone. The food was good; the company was fabulous, and I know my mom had a lot of fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before everyone left, Brandon got some fireworks and set them off on our driveway. We learned that Kayla does not like fireworks. She huddled in my arms the whole time. And these were the fountain fireworks! Not even the really loud ones! My poor little girl. The kinda funny thing is that Brandon recorded it on his iPhone, and Kayla keeps watching it and says "fireworks!" so I think she'll get over the loud noise and enjoy them when she's older. Our neighborhood also shot off a lot of fireworks that night, so we got to see them all over the place. It was a good night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple weeks later, Brandon and I were able to go on a date! Yay! A wonderful family in our neighborhood loves to watch Kayla, so they took her for an evening while we went up with another couple to Salt Lake City to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform at the Conference Center. It was the Pioneer Day Celebration, and they had Lindsey Sterling and Nathan Pacheco perform with them. It was really awesome. Nathan Pacheco has a beautiful voice, join that with MOTAB and it was AMAZING.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of July there was a wedding! Emily Bobo is a Bobo no longer! So, my family had to get together again to celebrate this awesome day. My brother, Clark, and his family stayed at our house while my mom flew out here again and stayed at my sister, Jessica's. The morning of the wedding, we were invited to a wedding breakfast up in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. We dropped off Kayla at Jessica's house where the babysitter was and headed up to Salt Lake City. The breakfast was awesome and we got to see what kind of man Emily was hitching herself to. He seems like a really awesome guy; they're going to have so much fun together. Then we walked around Temple Square until the sealing that afternoon. It was my first time at that temple, and the little that I saw was beautiful. It was a beautiful ceremony.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that night was the reception at the Capital Building. They set it up in the rotunda. It's a beautiful building with marble everywhere. We got some nice family pictures from it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since most of my family was in town we decided to get together for a BBQ at our house on the weekend. It was a perfect day for a BBQ: cloudy and cool for July. Unfortunately before we were able to cook the hamburgers we had a bit of a scare. Kayla scratched her eye and we had to go to the doctors. So we left my family at our house to eat food while we went to help Kayla. They checked her out and found a nice big scratch right on her pupil. They gave us a prescription gel to put in her eye that would numb the pain. The worst part was holding her down while we did it. We then had to go to the doctors the next day to see if it's healing. We went in and it was completely healed. Eyes heal fast! It hadn't been 24 hours and the scratch was all gone. I'm so grateful that she healed so fast. It's the worst thing in the world to see your baby in pain, and there isn't much you can do to help but hold her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides that little adventure we had a lot of fun with Clark, Lonnie, and little Makenna. Kayla loves her cousin. They had so much fun together. Kayla was asking for her all the time. So cute! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that was our fun-filled June and July. On to August where the fun doesn't end!!!</span></div>
Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-89505996023371867052013-06-02T21:30:00.001-07:002013-06-02T21:30:08.983-07:00Our New Home<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over Memorial Weekend we got new siding done on our house. So here are the before and after pictures.</span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4THuI3YI3T5pJ4nRNKgCYBWTSGGnhoOS_hozgBm3ti6CBha2hpFUM3qOlOQJ2BnSxSMTdwGx9oyX60EtR3SGHRUpuKSXQOKtYgwzVoiAx1FsOIPLfEDsF2QE0jcbWOkFfSyVRtK6cc8rM/s1600/DSC04940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4THuI3YI3T5pJ4nRNKgCYBWTSGGnhoOS_hozgBm3ti6CBha2hpFUM3qOlOQJ2BnSxSMTdwGx9oyX60EtR3SGHRUpuKSXQOKtYgwzVoiAx1FsOIPLfEDsF2QE0jcbWOkFfSyVRtK6cc8rM/s400/DSC04940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it's a vast improvement to what we had before. Hopefully we'll have more updates by the end of summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also went to see Clark, Lonnie, and MaKenna at their new apartment. It's so much bigger than their last place, and a park right in their back yard. I see many fun times at their new place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the Daddys playing with the girls. It gave the Mommys time to make dinner. So of course they talked about video games. It's a good thing those girls loved to swing. We love our boys! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Clark's family. So cute!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ojx4_xGCmq66gvP-qsjYip1GCc1BNGRTAv_YYY-T9BRG0aiyXQZXsWsTX10s9PVa2bxYjbkEy2dJZdqPc3QfmpC7fAbSU2BolbLgV5_WukRQ8AzRrVqCbs0trDacMRC4n8l-Vn47-p0U/s1600/DSC04928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ojx4_xGCmq66gvP-qsjYip1GCc1BNGRTAv_YYY-T9BRG0aiyXQZXsWsTX10s9PVa2bxYjbkEy2dJZdqPc3QfmpC7fAbSU2BolbLgV5_WukRQ8AzRrVqCbs0trDacMRC4n8l-Vn47-p0U/s640/DSC04928.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite picture of my cute family!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have MaKenna...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Kayla...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDWpiI8JExokrjOROwuWieEiMDBqAglmpeqvYHW44irh5EWHpLG3z7pKHQo0O_Lfcu39rp-v5vIXMjJ0zlAbZCy1hiLP0i9rHNJ6B-HxGluG95a0bMMq5z1CHS3puqydFJN_nQWj6gMdB/s1600/DSC04933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDWpiI8JExokrjOROwuWieEiMDBqAglmpeqvYHW44irh5EWHpLG3z7pKHQo0O_Lfcu39rp-v5vIXMjJ0zlAbZCy1hiLP0i9rHNJ6B-HxGluG95a0bMMq5z1CHS3puqydFJN_nQWj6gMdB/s400/DSC04933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">watching their favorite videos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that was our vacation. We loved it. We need more like it.</span></div>
Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-72514740021441313632013-05-02T22:30:00.001-07:002013-05-02T22:30:35.925-07:00Home Update and Other Cuteness<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've made a lot of changes to the outside of our house since the weather's been so nice, so I'd like to show some pics of our progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tree Before:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ABKEdGEU_265Um2BZZ2IepGVQuLMSypdgt7nwvNFRnIiH3mUQ-bhIzK7L9lFLh4xOyu8DaDcI6iDVbEiJxHcSJf2h1qE6OPFd9XkeOr2vkDYETDSN4FMoqiOY-Bg42DtmVaZQyXhuHkK/s1600/DSC04742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ABKEdGEU_265Um2BZZ2IepGVQuLMSypdgt7nwvNFRnIiH3mUQ-bhIzK7L9lFLh4xOyu8DaDcI6iDVbEiJxHcSJf2h1qE6OPFd9XkeOr2vkDYETDSN4FMoqiOY-Bg42DtmVaZQyXhuHkK/s400/DSC04742.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tree After:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR58fWKgA9WGcD5jtrWzCq9ww-9pSONNKWoavrgHZBZVnoqkorofK_1nqh1zc710Lmhp27V-YW5PR1phgZeXTjw460whN7PEJySUGdvxyzkLvOQ_XzmywsJlwCDOkcG89-IQU7efDGB3lu/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR58fWKgA9WGcD5jtrWzCq9ww-9pSONNKWoavrgHZBZVnoqkorofK_1nqh1zc710Lmhp27V-YW5PR1phgZeXTjw460whN7PEJySUGdvxyzkLvOQ_XzmywsJlwCDOkcG89-IQU7efDGB3lu/s400/IMG_1234.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's kind of hard to see, but that's a peach tree. We actually got two of them, but this is where the old tree was. I'm super excited to have fresh peaches in a few years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2p5CBIVD8VIwHdxbgCfzIPvpLtiixIEbuQwvXNxs7busNAFrHC-MKk-GTkqKOoG6uH9UzgJjtSOo1zrZHnvkM-Ug_C7NGtqyHO0NhXOwjhcynn4IeTJyGFHFQAP4sb1M2JDcg9YcxP0d/s1600/DSC04739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2p5CBIVD8VIwHdxbgCfzIPvpLtiixIEbuQwvXNxs7busNAFrHC-MKk-GTkqKOoG6uH9UzgJjtSOo1zrZHnvkM-Ug_C7NGtqyHO0NhXOwjhcynn4IeTJyGFHFQAP4sb1M2JDcg9YcxP0d/s400/DSC04739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLFUUAvCqZKy46uxmCBiubAgTm7_-upPyBflRTMaRBnjPPMR6rL2sp5KU3FHn8D5D45l8qnKTjVAusjQQqLHVnKRXdU5J8zChKebMbtThRY_1Bt5Qj4hrgAEOBvVR0IFlZapfJZ8RZgZn/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLFUUAvCqZKy46uxmCBiubAgTm7_-upPyBflRTMaRBnjPPMR6rL2sp5KU3FHn8D5D45l8qnKTjVAusjQQqLHVnKRXdU5J8zChKebMbtThRY_1Bt5Qj4hrgAEOBvVR0IFlZapfJZ8RZgZn/s400/IMG_1279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still can't believe the difference between those two pictures. Brandon and everyone that helped him were amazing!!! Thanks! It turned out great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon's been really busy making our backyard look amazing! Hopefully we'll get everything set up nice for a big BBQ we're planning on having this summer. Brandon's wanting to start a garden in the back yard, and he's super excited about it. It'll be fun eating food of our own making. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, Kayla's been really fun coming up with games to play. Lately she's been using her old car seat as a sort of rocking chair in the house. I've come to realize that we should probably get her a child-size seat. I think she'd like that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLD9AJzoM9deiCePGThdEBRydeirdIRIU1DleM-CjHrIUET08Cbzo4ipqRpAKzByg4XcmwN-4QaXHdQasVwl2F09NDr2_7CNMtbCAxG7StR0zGICOcQk32O7ThjKol3fzOnRit7CfWw0k/s1600/DSC04848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLD9AJzoM9deiCePGThdEBRydeirdIRIU1DleM-CjHrIUET08Cbzo4ipqRpAKzByg4XcmwN-4QaXHdQasVwl2F09NDr2_7CNMtbCAxG7StR0zGICOcQk32O7ThjKol3fzOnRit7CfWw0k/s640/DSC04848.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's eating olives in this picture. It's become one of her favorite foods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla has always loved dancing to the music on this keyboard (for more details, see today's Facebook post). Now that we've put the keyboard up on the stand, she's been doing as the picture illustrates above. So cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She just loves her daddy. I loved her scrunchie face!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's also been having fun playing in an empty bin we have. She pushes it around, gets in and has us push her around. She hides in it...you get the idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for the grand finale, I saw this video we took a few weeks ago and thought it fitting for this post. Enjoy. Love y'all!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzh5-CGNw9Xq26WHJePxIuzioIoarbUrXxiNcQs74JJxyjf-vTHxTpk46BvlhVVtGMfQipx0lNOEB_8RphM3w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-76965510255563763722013-03-31T22:51:00.000-07:002013-04-01T07:22:59.310-07:00Puppy Love and Easter Fun<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to see Brandon's grandparents last weekend and got to visit with his cousin and new fiance. We're super excited to see her part of our family. And while we were there some friends brought over their 6 month old puppy named Toby. He's the cutest ball of white fluff we've ever seen, and Kayla absolutely adored him. In my mind she viewed him as a moving stuffed animal, and so she treated him like one. The best way to illustrate this is with a video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week has been pretty crazy but lots of fun. It was Brandon's birthday on Tuesday. We had some friends offer to babysit Kayla so we could go out which was really nice of them. So we went to PF Changs (yum) and I gave Brandon a fedora to go with his tux he'll be wearing next Friday. Then we came back to have bread pudding and play games with our friends. It was nice and relaxing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon's grandma went into the hospital for a knee replacement and Brandon's mom and uncle made a surprise visit to see her and help out during the week. That meant that we made every opportunity to go up and see them. Grandma's surgery went pretty well and will be in recovery for the next 8 weeks. Kayla and I went up Thursday and Friday to the hospital and had as much fun as you can at a hospital, but it was good to see all the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday Mom and Uncle Damon came down to visit us and Brandon's friend Adam Collet with his wife, Ashley, came down, too and had a BBQ. And of course with most gatherings at our house, it ends with Rock Band.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And today is Easter. We didn't do too much to celebrate but it's been a good Easter. The choir sang a couple songs in Sacrament meeting and the Primary Presidency each spoke and then gave a musical number. It was a lot of fun. I then gave the sharing time lesson and the kids were really good as they listened to the Easter story. I was grateful for that. It's a good and important story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom gave Kayla a dress at Christmas and we thought it would be a good dress for Easter, and I found a cute hat to put her in. Surprisingly, she liked the hat and kept in on most of the day. Let me illustrate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We gave her a small Easter egg hunt in the afternoon, and I think she had a lot of fun hunting for them. Hopefully we'll be able to do more of that next year. I'm grateful for this holiday we have to remember all that Christ did for us. I'm also grateful that the weather in Utah fit the season for once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Easter!</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-22765364729379142872013-03-20T07:33:00.000-07:002013-03-20T07:34:30.051-07:00March Madness<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I could blame a lot of things for why I haven't posted a blog yet this year: my mom's wedding, work moving locations, Kayla, Brandon's busy movie making, work changing cell phone carriers which I was in charge of, Kayla, a new calling in the Ward, reading the Wheel of Time, Kayla...etc. All those things happened, but they're really just excuses for my laziness. So I feel like I need to apologize for my neglect. I love posting pictures of Kayla and giving everyone updates on the Ho family life. So, I will try to be better. Here we go...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the beginning of March, it rained one weekend. That one event created what I am going to call Spring Fever and it spread to the Ho household. I believed that since it rained, winter was over. It's time for change and warmth. So, the logical people we are, Brandon and I started working on the front and back yards. I started weeding my tulip garden in the front. It took me three days during Kayla's nap time to get my one section done. Brandon started working on the garden/patio in the back. It's a lot more work than both of us anticipated. Brandon's gotten a lot of help pulling out a tree stump and redoing the patio/fire-pit area. It's morphed into a Ward service project/BBQ scheduled for this Saturday unbeknownst to us until it was announced in Elder's quorum. I thought that was pretty funny, and we love having a party. The more the merrier. Hopefully when it's all done, I'll show before and after pics. I think it's going to turn out well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kayla's been growing and learning so much. She hit the 18 month mark in February and she was looking really good and on track developmentally when we had the doctor checkup. She's become Miss Independent. She'll spend 15 minutes trying to get her shoes and socks on herself because she won't let us touch them. It's really cute except when we're trying to go somewhere and need to leave soon... :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">She also believes that the Kindle Fire is HERS. We've got a few games on there she likes to play, and she's getting really good at them. Her favorite game is My Little Pony. She also likes to play Angry Birds but shoots the birds the wrong way. It's pretty funny to watch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kayla's also getting her ABCs down really well. She can repeat most of the letters back to us, and she's recognizing letters in the books she "reads" and other various places you see letters. I've been really impressed with how quickly she's learning. It's been a really fun experience watching her grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of the three of us, I think Brandon's been the busiest. Besides working at the LDS Motion Picture studio, he's got several independent projects going. I'll list a few: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Working with his cousin, Steve James, on some music videos for children </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finishing the post-production on his short film, <i>Steamed Dumplings</i> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Starting up a company called Cinema Book Trailer with a couple other guys. As part of an effort to get their names out there, he's doing a book trailer for <i>Alloy of Law</i> by Brandon Sanderson. Here's a link to a book trailer one of the other guys did: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v325lMtHgEI">The Maze Runner</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finishing the post-production on his feature film, <i>Missed Connections</i>. We'll go to the Premier showing on April 5th, so everything's gotta be done by then.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's not everything but just the major ones, I think. He's doing some script work on other projects he has in mind. He's just crazy busy. But what I think the most amazing thing about all this is that he gets of work early so I can go to my meetings for my Ward calling, he's a Webelos leader for the Cub Scouts, and </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">he takes the time to watch Kayla while I work in the mornings. I know Kayla appreciates the time he spends with her. She's a Daddy's Girl and I love that. I'm a Daddy's Girl, too. Daddies are so very important to their little girls; it's a special relationship that everyone should have in their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now for what everyone's been waiting for: the pictures. I took this one yesterday while Kayla and I were playing in the back yard. It was her idea. Not mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The stump came up to my chest and the fence came to somewhere by my head, so that might give you a reference for how far up she is. Silly girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's one where I got her to look at me and smile. I was impressed that I was able to get the shot. I used my phone (which has a weird delay), and the sun was pretty bright. If that's not adorable, I don't know what is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More pictures and videos to come, hopefully, soon. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy Spring.</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-83926744897985152272012-11-24T21:18:00.001-08:002012-11-24T21:18:52.326-08:00Give Thanks<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, it's a couple days past Thanksgiving and people are probably already have all the Fall stuff down and the Christmas decorations up (I did that today), but I can still post a blog about my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all started with my childhood. Every year, without fail, Thanksgiving was spent with our family friends, the Bobo's. One year we'd go to their house (wherever in the country that happened to be) and the next they'd come to ours (always in Aiken, SC). We'd have our Graham-Bobo family line up which started in age, oldest to youngest, and then as we got older we added a line based on height. Phil, the youngest in the Bobo family, ended up the tallest boy, and I, the youngest in the Graham family, ended up as the tallest girl. Funny how that happened. Anyway, when we were pretty young, we also used to do a pyramid. Description for those who don't know: biggest kids on their hands and knees on the ground with smaller kids on top of them in the same position in the shape of a triangle till we got one kid at the top which was usually me. We have many photo albums of these lines and pyramids throughout the years and it's fun to see how much we've all changed and grown. On Thanksgiving day we'd have a ton of yummy yummy food. The next day we'd have leftovers, go to a movie, and eat pizza. When the family who was visiting had to leave to drive back home, one of us would try to stow away in their car (which never worked! observant parents!) and the rest would run after the van as they drove away. That's pretty much how it happened every year. The oldest kids would drop out of the line as they left for school, went on missions, or got married, but we would still get together with them until practically all of us were out of the house. Those were really fun times. Sometimes I feel like I know the Bobo's better than my actual blood-family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, as we all have our own families we still try to find ways to get together with the Bobo's. A lot of us ended up in Utah so that makes it a lot easier to get together. My best friend growing up, Katherine, ended up marrying Phil, so that made it even easier to get together. This year we had Thanksgiving with the Bobo's again. We went to Katherine and Phil's house; another Bobo sibling was there along with two of my siblings. We had excellent food and wonderful company. It was like old times. We even thought one of the young boys had stowed away in another family's van, which ended up not being true, but it brought back good memories anyway. Phil made a comment about how he thinks our kids won't find out that none of us are actually related until they're like 14 which I thought was funny and really true. We act like family even though we aren't blood related. And I guess that's the point I'm trying to make with all of my rambling. You can treat anyone like family, especially on Thanksgiving. It's the time to come together to remember all that we're thankful for, eat good food, and enjoy the company.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason why Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays is that this was the holiday 6 years ago that gave me the excuse to visit Brandon in Colorado while I was going to BYU. We had met that previous August and I wanted to see him again. Somehow it worked out that I would go out there along with one of Brandon's old missionary companions, and we'd stay for the weekend. I'd really never done anything like that before, but I'm so grateful I did. I'm also extremely grateful for Brandon's mom and dad who were willing to open their home to two almost complete strangers and feed them. They're amazing. That year, I also heard that they extended an invitation to all the single adults in their Ward who didn't have a place to go to their home for Thanksgiving dinner. How wonderful is that! I think that's a perfect example of their charity. Brandon definitely learned how to serve with love from his parents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thankful for this holiday so I can think of all that I'm thankful for. So I want to give a big "Thanks!" to the following people:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone who've watched Kayla for us while we had to work or go on a date</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Craig Peterson and Phil Burnett for helping us get this wonderful home we now live in</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom who helped cover our tickets for going out to SC for her wedding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Graddy who is making my mother so happy and a lot less lonely</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon's mom and dad for being so patient as they wait for opportunities to see their only grandchild (and for helping us improve our new home, you've done so much already)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katherine for hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla for being so adorable even when she's sad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon for being the most amazing husband </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could go on and on, but this blog post is getting long enough. But I do have to add one more to the list: my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ, for creating this beautiful world that we live in; for giving us a Plan so we can live with Them and our loved ones again; for loving us even when we don't feel like we deserve it. I Thank Them with all my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So enough of my ranting and on to the pictures. Clark, Lonnie, and MaKena stayed at our house for a few days, and I promised Mom pictures of the kids together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon wanted to show Clark our backyard, so they bundled up the kids and went out. Can you see the family resemblance? :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They look so different in sizes right now, but they're only 8 months apart. As they get older I'm sure they'll become the best of friends (if we stay close enough to visit).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That face is so classically Graham. She looks so much like Clark with those adorable ears! And Kayla looks a lot like me. I'm thinking the Graham genes are pretty dominant! More kids will tell! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think this is the closest we were able to get the kids together. That's a good thing right now because they'll just hurt themselves otherwise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so much fun having them at our home to relax and play games. We will be planning more of these as much as we can. I love our family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Make sure to give thanks to those you're thankful for!</span></div>
Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-38254864177436914702012-11-12T20:01:00.001-08:002012-11-12T20:01:14.199-08:00Service and Fun<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things I admire about Brandon is his selfless love for others. This usually translates into doing a lot of service for others, even random strangers. He'll help someone move their broken down car to the side of the road, wake up early on a Saturday morning to help a family move, or even chase down some dogs that ran loose from their master. This last bit of service introduced us to our neighbor, Anna. Brandon got to talking to her, and we found out that she's from Brazil (Rio to be specific), she's waiting for her green card to come in while her husband works in California to keep the steady income they need for that whole process. Later we find out that their landlord here was kicking them out earlier than they expected and they hadn't found an apartment yet to move to. Practically without hesitation, Brandon offered our back yard to her two dogs, our garage as a storage unit for her stuff, and our spare bedroom to Anna while she looks for a dog-friendly place to live (and that's a hard thing to find in this area!). They were really grateful and eventually accepted his offer.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So last week Anna stayed with us. We weren't sure how long she'd be here; she said a month at the most, but it only ended up being about a week. She used to work in California and Seattle as an au pair with two different sets of twins, so she knows babies, and she fell in love with Kayla. No surprise there! Kayla makes it really easy to love her. She told us the day after she moved in that Brandon and I should go on a date and she's watch Kayla for us. So we took her up on her offer and went on the first date in a <i>very</i> long time without Kayla. We went to lunch and then the movie "Wreck it Ralph" which was a lot of fun (the date and the movie).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the week, she took Kayla to the park while Brandon and I were at work. They both loved it. Anna took her camera and took some amazing pictures. Here's a sample of a few of my favorites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see a little in that middle picture Kayla's top front two teeth coming in. so cute! Anna's an amazing photographer! It was so much fun having her here and telling me of her experiences of taking care of twins. She's an amazing woman. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She found an apartment in Provo at the foothills of the mountain. It's got an amazing view, but quite a steep hill to drive up! We moved her in on Saturday with the help of some fabulous men in our Ward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So thank you men for helping a total stranger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Anna for being so amazing with Kayla and a friend to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And thank you Brandon for being so charitable to bring someone into our lives that ended up benefiting everyone. I love you.</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-26364212700009794682012-10-21T21:37:00.000-07:002012-10-21T21:38:00.192-07:00Halloween Parties<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend we went to our Ward's Fall Festival. There was chili, games, trunk-or-treating, and costumes. We saw a bunch of cool ones: an Alice and Wonderland family, Batmans, ninjas, Indiana Jones, Hugh Jackman dressing as Wolverine, and the traditional witches, ghosts, zombies, and princesses. It was all great fun. First we ate so we could get our costumes all dirty just in time for the games and trunk-or-treating. We signed up for giving out treats in our trunk. So, I grabbed practically all of my Halloween decorations around the house and arranged them in my trunk. It was kind of depressing see how much space I still had in my trunk after all my stuff was in it...it looks like I need to get more for next year. But I was well stocked with candy. Who cares about the decorations when there's chocolate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the most exciting thing about the party was dressing up for it. Brandon had this wild scheme for our family's costumes. I had my doubts. I couldn't possibly see how I could make it work. But as luck would have it, I found a way. Needless to say, he was very very happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any guesses? Yes! I'm Luigi, Kayla's Baby Mario, and Brandon's Yoshi! Nintendo Family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't figure out how to do Yoshi's head. I was browsing Amazon and found that hat. You can't see it really well in the picture, so here's a better view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I saw it, I knew I had to have it and make Brandon's dream of being Yoshi for Baby Mario Kayla come true. The tummy, seat, and tail to finish off Yoshi was pretty simple. Thank you Hobby Lobby. The tummy is a large foam pad cut-out. I used elastic string over the shoulder to attach to the seat. I used smaller white and red foam pads for the seat. These smaller ones were sticky on one side so it was easy to attach together. For the tail I cut two pieces of cardboard, stuck two green foam pads on the outside, but some cardboard between them on the wider side, then glues the tips together. I did it this way so that it wouldn't flop around and stay pretty secure on his back. Sadly, it ended up not being wide enough, so I had to safety pin it to his shirt (also found at Hobby Lobby). I also found the red and white hats at Hobby Lobby. They also had some iron-on letters. One was already in red, so that was easy for Mario, but they didn't have a green "L"s so I bought a green fabric marker and colored it myself. I think it all worked out pretty well! I am very proud of my crafty ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the rest of the clothes, I was able to find most of them pretty easy. We already had an overall dress and a red shirt for Kayla, so all I needed was some red pants for her. I found green pants for Brandon, and they're so comfortable he wears them all the time now. As for my overalls, it took a bit of time to find. I think they were the hardest, to be honest. I finally found them at DI. Even though it was a little big, it wasn't hard to adjust them. You can't tell in the picture, but it's actually an overall dress. So Kayla and I match! And because it was a dress going to my knees, I needed some green tights to complete the ensemble. I think everything worked out very nicely. The only bad thing was that I forgot the mustache I bought! So I'm glad Halloween's not over yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the Fall Festival, we went over to a friend's apartment for their party. They had a lot of really cool Halloween treats, and people were carving pumpkins. It was a lot of fun. Kim took pictures of us and posted them on Facebook, so you can go there to check it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, I'd say it was a very fun weekend. I can't wait till Halloween!</span>Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254811900907217707.post-80824108789984023222012-10-10T07:48:00.001-07:002012-10-10T07:48:30.774-07:00Family Visits, Conference, and Hair<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been an eventful month. I had my 26th birthday. Not much happened, but I'm totally okay with that. Brandon took me out to lunch and dinner and gave me tulip bulbs to plant. The other half of my present was to watch Kayla while I planted. I was able to get it done last weekend. Yay! I'm excited to see how it will turn out next Spring. I'll be interested to see what else pops up in our garden come Spring...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clark, Lonnie, and MaKena came to visit us for Conference Weekend. It was a lot of fun. We found out that two babies cannot sleep on the same floor level. No one gets any sleep that way. So we switched up the sleeping arrangements on the second night and it was much better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the actual Conference, I thought it was fantastic. By the end, I feel like there's a general theme</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that most of the speakers talk about either in depth or briefly. I felt like a major theme this Conference was family and keeping the family values strong in the home. Very good stuff! It was also so exciting to hear about young men being able to leave for their missions as early as 18 and 19 for women. I love seeing the Church grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some other exciting news is that I found out that Kayla's hair is long enough to pull back and do something with! I tried it out yesterday, and here's the result:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cutest pig-tails ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found out that Kayla gets stir crazy, and if she doesn't get to play outside, no one's happy. So I took her to the park yesterday. There's one by 1200 N and 200 W in Orem that I really like because I can get on the playground without too much difficulty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla found this tunnel and went most of the way in. This was one area I let her explore alone. There was no way I was getting my butt stuck in there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such a happy baby! You can't tell from here, but she finally got her third tooth (the top one) in. The other top one should be coming soon, but it's such a relief that they're finally coming in. Those first two came in at about 10 months. She's about 14 now, so it took a while...She'll be able to bite and chew a bit better now. It's going to open up more food possibilities. She's been pretty picky lately, but she has no problem communicating that she doesn't want to eat something: she throws it on the floor. Floor means, "No, Mom, I don't want that anymore. Give me something else to try before I decorate your floor again!" Hopefully one day she'll be able to communicate with words; it's usually less messy that way.</span><br />
Nefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07254525825894717255noreply@blogger.com0