Ridin' on the Train

So I need to update my blog. Mostly so it's not so depressing.

We have had a very busy summer. And it hasn't stopped yet. Maybe when we retire. But I'm not counting on it.

Anyway, after we went to California, we had a bunch of activities that we've enjoyed as a family. We went ice skating at the Olympic Ice Sheet in July,

we went to a couple of parades that month also.

Also in July, the youth in our stake (along with 29 others) performed at Weber State for parents and others. It was amazing. The youth can really do great things if we let them. The spirit that they brought was so strong. It was so great to hear (and see) their testimonies. Awesome.

In September I ran a 5k at the University of Utah with my sisters (time 44 min. Not my best but since it's the first time I ran in over a year, and it was on hills, I'm proud of myself), over Labor Day we went up to Promontory Point and watched the re-enactment of the driving of the Golden Spike.

We rode Front Runner down to Salt lake about a week ago. Joseph loved riding on the "big train" and the "little train" (trax). Here a just a few pics from that fun day.

Here he is so excited to be on the train.

Sitting with Daddy looking out the window. (not at the camera)

Standing on the moon at the Planetarium (all the good exhibits were closed but he enjoyed climbing over all the "moon" rocks)

On Mars. He's trying to get used to the difference in atmosphere. You know how it is on Mars.

Playing with a fun ball he found at the gift shop. It looks like this until you pick it up and then...

It looks like this. He thought that was so cool. (and so did his Daddy)

On the way home. He fell asleep right after Farmington, but he didn't want to be held. He was a big boy on a big train, and he was BIG tired.

But he had big fun.

Anyway, both Josh and I are in school this semester. Josh is just a few weeks away from graduation (yea!!) and I'm still a few semesters away from a Bachelor's. I'm going full time this semester, but it's not going to stay that way. I'm struggling to get everything done. So we're cutting back next semester. Maybe before I'm 40 I'll have a degree. We'll see.

Random Ramblings

I know I haven't posted for a long time. I apologize to all my faithful fans. I know there are so many of you. We spent a month without a computer then I had girl's camp and then school started (for both Josh and myself) and it's all I can do to keep my house mildly organized. I'll wait until you stop laughing (if there is anyone reading this at all).

Oddly, I didn't even start this post to get caught up with my life. I just needed to get somethings out that could have the possibility of feedback without worrying of what grade I will receive.

These last few (read: since February) months have been an emotional roller coaster. I cried on and off all through girl's camp (even during non-emotional experiences). I cry my eyes out at least once a month. I have felt less than sane quite a few times.

Slight recap: I lost a baby in February. Since then, it's been interesting. I've had over 15 friends (some of them sister or sisters-in-law) have their own baby. I'm so excited for them. It is a wonderful thing to have a child. But it's also be extremely hard to see the fruition of their dreams and desires while dealing with my own loss.

Last month (September 7) was the due date of this little lost child. I spent the whole week feeling really down. I thought I would be feeling much better by this time, but not so. I dread that time of the month when, once again, I am shown to be without child. My heart aches every time Joseph tells me he wants to have a baby at our house. I want to see him as a big brother, and yet, I don't know what else to do to make that happen.

I'm tired of people telling me stupid things like "well, the baby probably wouldn't have survived anyway" or "it's Heavenly Father's way of making things better". Would you like to hear that after your child died? I don't think so. I want people to tell me they love me and they feel my heartbreak. I want to know that others know how I feel and felt the same way themselves. I don't like putting on a smiling face, when at times I just want to hide in my room and cry.

Granted, I don't always feel this way. Normally I feel fine and happy and enjoy what is going on around me. But when I hear about children being abused or killed by those who should be taking care of and loving them, or when someone who is NOT in a committed relationship is having children, it's really hard for me to understand the purpose of all of this. Yes, I know, Heavenly Father has a plan for me. And it's different than the plan He has for anyone else. And I know that those who do evil things to children will be punished. But it doesn't make my heart ache any less.

A couple weeks ago I was thinking about the accident I had on my mission. I was hit by a motorcycle and spent two weeks in the hospital in Uruguay and then came home for 5 months to recover. I had a broken leg, a skull fracture, and pulmonary problems. I think in some ways that was to prepare me for this experience. Of course, it didn't bring much heart ache with it, but I did have a complete life changing experience. And I learned we never know what the Lord has in store for us.

Thank you for reading all of my ranting and raving. If you have any suggestions or words of comfort, I would love to hear them. I long for the day when I can see that child again and hold it in my arms. I pray that someday Joseph WILL be a big brother and some lucky child will be able to benefit from his sweet, kind, loving ways.

I know Heavenly Father, my wonderful husband, and my sweet son love me and they all show me in so many ways. I really am a lucky woman.

Trip to Cali part 2

Our vacation started Wednesday with a long drive to Northern California. Luckily it was overcast most of the way. It made driving so much nicer and the day so much cooler. But once we hit Donner's Pass, it got a lot cooler.



We stopped in Truckee for gas and the temperature was 36 degrees. We got to drive in a bit of a snowstorm as we came down the pass. But it really was pretty (and mind blowing to see snow the end of May).

We got there Wednesday night and spent the evening relaxing and unpacking the car. Thursday was a pretty lazy day. I went shopping with Merna, April and the little boys at the outlet mall. It started raining (hard) so we went home and spent the afternoon talking and playing. Friday we went to San Francisco and this was the first thing we saw.


It was really cool to go to San Francisco. As we drove through the streets I had many thoughts. First, I was amazed at how many streets, buildings, etc. reminded me of Uruguay.


Another thought was how much I wanted to be watching "What's Up, Doc?" with Barbara Streisand and Ryan O'Neal. Then we went down Lombard Street.


I know it's not a good picture, but I really felt like I was part of that movie. So cool. Maybe no one else will think it that cool. But I felt like I was in a car chase and was going to end up driving into the bay ("they drove in", "into the country?" "no, into the bay").


This is Joseph playing with the birds ("touch, bird" "Joejoe, touch bird") We could have only done that and he would have been perfectly happy.


Here are my two beautiful boys with the bay in the background. Alcatraz is to their right just out of the picture.


This is the closest we got to Alcatraz. Maybe without little kids it would be fun to go on a tour. But not really interested with the kids.

Following are some of the pictures of the pier. We really didn't take that many. But we did have fun. We went to the aquarium they have there. Pretty cool. It's small, but you get to walk under the aquarium and the fish are swimming over your head. So cool.


Joseph looking at the pier.

Joseph and I posing in front of the anchovies tank. The boys (Joseph and his cousin Jace) loved watching the fish go round and round.


Josh and Joseph watching the fish (and the sharks) swimming overhead.


More fish swimming round and round.


Joseph being a shark.


I don't even need to tell you what this is.


All the sea lions basking in the sun. I couldn't believe how many there were. Pretty cool.

After this we drove over to Ghirardelli Square. We didn't spend much time there (about 10 minutes) but we did get some chocolate. So yummy. I wish I would have bought more than just a little square.


Joseph enjoying his chocolate.


Lamps.


Here are Joseph and Jace enjoying blueberries together. Notice the blue stains on their mouths. These two had so much fun playing together (as long as the one wasn't taking a toy from the other). They shadowed each other almost everywhere. So cute to watch them having fun.


Jumping on the trampoline. Their favorite "downtime" activity.

Saturday the boys (meaning Jake and Josh) went white water rafting, while Merna and I took the kids to the Folsom zoo. Unfortunately I forgot my camera and I'm still waiting for copies. But they had a lot of fun. There is a little train that goes around the zoo that the little boys just loved. Then we went to the park right there and let the kids play.

They also had a car show going on at the time so Joseph had to touch every car there. I wish I had some pictures of that.

Sunday after church we went for a walk down to the lake about a mile from their house. It was just enough of a walk that we worked up a sweat by the time we got there.

The water was cold. But it felt good on our tired feet. Jace and Joseph had fun throwing rocks in the water. I think they were having a contest to see who could throw in the largest rock. For little guys, they sure threw some big rocks.

Here is a big part of the crew. Merna, Kallie, April and Jake.


Here are my boys enjoying the sun.


After we'd been there a few minutes, Jake said he'd give anyone who went all the way in $10. I need to reiterate that the water was quite cold. No one wanted to take him up on his offer. Shortly before we left I thought I might try it. I was wet from the waist down because of Joseph, so I figured it wouldn't be too bad to go the rest of the way in.


Here I am getting into deeper water.


When I hit that water I almost gasped. As I came up I was trying to get out of the water but I couldn't breath it was so cold. Great big adrenaline rush.


It probably took me 5 minutes to get out of the water I kept slipping and sliding on the rocks. I still have bruises on my legs. But it was so fun. And so worth it.

Then on Monday we went to the Jelly Belly factory. Again, I didn't take many pictures. But we had fun and the Jelly Bellies are so yummy. Fun fact: I found out Jelly Belly makes candy corn. That's about my favorite candy. And theirs is so much better than any other candy corn I've ever had.


After Jelly Belly we went back into the car. Joseph was doing such a good job in the car. He's never been in his car seat for more than an hour and a half. And almost every day he was in the car for two or more hours. What a little trouper.


He knows the routine now.


Getting ready for another trip.

We drove to the Sacramento temple to look around and take pictures. Joseph fell asleep in the car and wasn't too excited when he got woken up to take pictures.


Crying cuz Daddy got his hair wet with the water fountain.


Mesmerized by the water fountain.


Kallie mesmerized by the fountain.


Temples are pretty every where. I love the flowers and plants around every temple.


Joseph going for a walk with Daddy around the fountain.


Standing in front of the temple.


Pointing out Moroni. He knows what that thing is in Moroni's mouth and loves to make trumpet sounds when he points to him.


Merna, April and Kallie.


Okay, Mom, take another picture.

After the temple we went back and packed up the car. Then we went out to dinner at the best Mexican restaurant in the world. Dos Coyotes. If I lived in Cali I would eat there every...well, week at least. Maybe just once a month. But dang, it is good.

After dinner we came home. It was a LONG trip home. Joseph didn't sleep the whole way and most of the time he was awake, he was screaming.

We got home about 6:30 Tuesday morning. Then we slept for the rest of the morning.

We had such a fun trip. Totally thanks to Jake and Merna for turning their house over to us. Thanks to April for coming with us and taking care of Joseph in the car. We can't wait until the next vacation.


Joseph is perpetually on vacay with his Jelly Belly hat. Such a little cutie. He keeps asking about Jace and always asks "where's April?"

Trip to Cali part 1

So over Memorial Day weekend we went to visit Josh's brother and sister-in-law in California. They live in the Sacramento area with their two kids. We had a blast. We did so many fun things. San Francisco Bay, Ghirardelli Square, Jelly Belly Factory, Sacramento Temple, the zoo, and aquarium, and a train ride. Plus Josh went white water rafting with his brother and I went Outlet mall shopping with Merna (Josh's sister-in-law).
Joseph got to play with a little cousin (eight months younger than him) and it was an all around relaxing and enjoyable visit. I have pictures to put up (not as many as I would like, kept forgetting the camera) and I hope to do that tomorrow. It's always nice to spend time with family and go new places.

I also need to put up pics of my garden. It's thriving (in spite of the weeds that are trying to make a comeback). Hopefully I'll get everything up tomorrow. In the meantime enjoy this (or enjoy not being in this).

New at Our House

So this really isn't about a whole lot of new stuff. But sometimes I can't think of a title that covers everything.

You know the old saying "it never rains, but it pours"? Well, I've felt a lot of that lately.

We paid of some debt with our tax return and then put some aside to use on Joseph's bedroom. Then about 3,000,000 things broke or came up unexpectedly so we now have less than half of that amount to work with on Joseph's room.

One of the things was our fridge. We've been lucky with that though. This was the third fridge that we'd either been given by someone getting rid of theirs, or bought for a very good deal (I think we'd paid $200 in fridges up to this point).

But finally, this most recent demise came about when our fridge decided that it was tired of keeping food cold. And slowly we noticed our food getting warmer and warmer. At first, we just noticed that our milk wasn't ice cold. It was still cold, but just didn't have that edge you want on milk (especially with warm cookies). Then it got to the point that we needed to get the food cold or risk it going bad. That was the last week of April. We called around to people in our ward to see if we could drop off our food for a couple days until we could get a fridge. All the "deals" that we could find were on fridges half the size of the one we were losing. Not an option.

Finally, we decided to buy a new one. But where, and could we really afford it? I went to RC Willey (yes, we are starting to like that place) and looked in their scratch and dent department (call ahead to find out what stores have a better selection in that department. They don't spread it around to all stores) We ended up with a $900 dollar fridge for $500. All because of a little scratch on the door (it took me a week to find it)

So here is our new fridge (pretty huh?)




I would never have picked out stainless steel, but hey, I'll pick low prices any day.

Last week, I was in the bathroom and Joseph was going through the hanging clothes he can reach. So mainly, my dresses. He saw my temple bag (it hangs on my dress) and asked what it was. I explained that's where my temple clothes are. Then he saw the bag with my wedding dress in it and asked about it. So I took my dress out and explained that's the dress I wore on the day I married Daddy. He kept telling me the dress was "nice" and "cute" (two new words he loves). I modeled it for him. Well, sort of. It doesn't fit. I can't even fit my arms all the way through the sleeves. He loved it anyway. And I had him model my headpiece. He loved that too.


Sometimes I think my son is a girly girl. But then he reminds me just how much boy he really is. I guess he's just secure in his own masculinity.

Last Sunday I came home from visiting teaching after church (church is at one and this was about 6:20). Joseph had told Josh he was going to "bed". This means he takes a pillow and a blanket and lays on the couch. It usually lasts about 30 seconds before he's up and at it again. But he zonked out this time. It's nice to know he can "self nap" now.


And finally, here are a couple more of the projects I've been working on. This is a baby blanket (you can see the yarn where I'm still finishing it.)


And here is a bag that I did. I didn't have enough of either color but I think it worked out just fine.

Josh told me I should open an etsy shop. I'm still thinking (and researching) about that one. I love to crochet, but I don't know if I could "crochet on demand". We'll see. I'll let you know if that happens.

Happy Mother's Day all!