tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26120510319720498932024-03-19T02:41:22.555-07:00Busy Mommy of FourAnna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-53549836870858087182012-11-25T15:34:00.001-08:002012-11-25T15:36:04.372-08:00First Duncan Family Christmas Tree Hunt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi595L_L31RSSv4ZBrsYYPiEBrJ_qhypGHlOQ_yC5t7IVhLw360i9QyJeIeHxVl6lzx-tkK94Ncu0n3zS2lN_Mkz-hn0QJuJ6wOzwOhislxDGNwgvnQGiQqdnvRv5fJqTuCci8n8n-tPr0/s1600/christmastree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi595L_L31RSSv4ZBrsYYPiEBrJ_qhypGHlOQ_yC5t7IVhLw360i9QyJeIeHxVl6lzx-tkK94Ncu0n3zS2lN_Mkz-hn0QJuJ6wOzwOhislxDGNwgvnQGiQqdnvRv5fJqTuCci8n8n-tPr0/s320/christmastree3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Black Friday November 23 2012, we woke up to the excited voices of our kids. Why? Because we were going up to the mountains to find a Christmas tree. Johnathan and I decided instead of standing in shopping lines we wanted to go do something as a family so we picked up a tag for a Christmas tree and told the kids we were going to the mountains. Jenna was particularly excited because she loves to ride in daddy's truck when it bounces on the dirt roads. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI0HIbpfR7odW3QVS30fNwAYPDC2IJnt4gEZgUJ3B_o2lKcVFv8ASGWjHCIku0_uknpbbG47vUEGHXe8l43lRxYDGwCygE8Tx0YNpkb_U-_PKQxkfoHg-Z75LrLXSo4yp8ti0JAdcrMs/s1600/christmastree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI0HIbpfR7odW3QVS30fNwAYPDC2IJnt4gEZgUJ3B_o2lKcVFv8ASGWjHCIku0_uknpbbG47vUEGHXe8l43lRxYDGwCygE8Tx0YNpkb_U-_PKQxkfoHg-Z75LrLXSo4yp8ti0JAdcrMs/s320/christmastree1.jpg" width="320" /></a>We got up and had some breakfast then packed up some food, warm clothes, chainsaw and tape measure and headed up above Kelly Canyon to find the perfect tree. We are big fans of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation so we were excited to freeze our toes, legs, thighs, etc to find the tree for our family. It didn't take long and we were marching around in the snow looking at everything from tiny four branchers to the big fifteen footers. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5QYSY8sfASTDbaGe-fByLeE50uiJ8gDCwDAfWVDeOU_1i4wRqPm0vydNWJrPINjLvyR4qmofhCOE4VksNTsBz5jl-q2Ta0BFNQWQ05pS-bJ_2-PXrfCIGu9c804EIQmmLMlL_XJ3NjI/s1600/christmastree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5QYSY8sfASTDbaGe-fByLeE50uiJ8gDCwDAfWVDeOU_1i4wRqPm0vydNWJrPINjLvyR4qmofhCOE4VksNTsBz5jl-q2Ta0BFNQWQ05pS-bJ_2-PXrfCIGu9c804EIQmmLMlL_XJ3NjI/s320/christmastree4.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
We looked in one place then headed to another and after a few minutes we spotted it, the perfect tree! The kids agreed we had found the one we wanted, and Jenna sat down and took a rest, that is a lot of walking for a four year old. <br />
<br />
It didn't take long to get it loaded up in the truck. We got all settled in when Andie asked if we could stop on our way home and get some Egg Nog! We forked out a pretty penny for Egg Nog at the Ririe gas station and listened to Christmas Music all the way home. We were headed home at about 10:30 a.m. and we passed ten or twelve trucks headed up to do the same thing. <br />
<br />
I think finding a Christmas Tree might be the new Black Friday activity for our family. I was pleased that we found something so nice in such a short period of time and I can see this being a great tradition for the Duncan Family!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y3uEFSe7yAw88g8Gb0942XUfcTrM_xAkRY0xyKIT41seXekmH7GBsCnHNwGosmlxcuw3q1SaWfu7Ciz-b1iviL43KF6gLOqWnC3VpV_SrnHna0XQF5Y18PDSBSb3avIgc0OzkvXEXU0/s1600/christmastree5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y3uEFSe7yAw88g8Gb0942XUfcTrM_xAkRY0xyKIT41seXekmH7GBsCnHNwGosmlxcuw3q1SaWfu7Ciz-b1iviL43KF6gLOqWnC3VpV_SrnHna0XQF5Y18PDSBSb3avIgc0OzkvXEXU0/s320/christmastree5.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-38053099327044637362012-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:002012-11-25T14:52:16.366-08:00Christmas CraftI enjoy working on crafts, especially during the holidays and I decided to make the girls their names in wood for Christmas. I loved the way they turned out, even though I forgot to get a picture of Jenna's finished product (I will post them after she opens it.)
So first I decided what font I wanted and then traced it onto the wood and cut it out with my scroll saw, then I sanded each letter lightly around the edges and drilled a hole in the back so we could hang them on the wall.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfuokGpmE5cDpoq7XP57xzi9DA-DIJAkNTMfVu3w-6ACM2WsqprTJFZCuLRMu7p-1JQbdJ1y-RIgItgHqyaUiUMrOtcsrIebNiLikWphq5DKqQAbmLNNCev_5JgsB9dK3WrmfPmEo1o4/s1600/craft1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfuokGpmE5cDpoq7XP57xzi9DA-DIJAkNTMfVu3w-6ACM2WsqprTJFZCuLRMu7p-1JQbdJ1y-RIgItgHqyaUiUMrOtcsrIebNiLikWphq5DKqQAbmLNNCev_5JgsB9dK3WrmfPmEo1o4/s200/craft1.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>
Then I decided where I wanted the paper. I used two different kinds of paper the top paper covers the first 6 inches of the top of the letters. I measured each letter and drew a line so I knew where to glue the paper. Next I painted the sides and around the top edges of each letter. Andie's are black and Jenna's are pink. Then I traced the paper so I knew where to cut. I turned the letters over and drew on the back of the paper so I wouldn't have trace marks.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8kMY2Z2bOeU7FJkyJ0sOPIyQMqQVPp8ubPASdU4McnGRyxr1qk-3i5ybfzITPOWyVGoREufgI9M9eDx9h1rQpVqMoit_2vqikMzcBnqxXE7Em0qyN3uq_V1D3d7dkEtL46sExYmF1qc/s1600/craft3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8kMY2Z2bOeU7FJkyJ0sOPIyQMqQVPp8ubPASdU4McnGRyxr1qk-3i5ybfzITPOWyVGoREufgI9M9eDx9h1rQpVqMoit_2vqikMzcBnqxXE7Em0qyN3uq_V1D3d7dkEtL46sExYmF1qc/s200/craft3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I used a strong adhesive called E-6000 and glued the paper to the wood. Once I got the paper on I cut some glittery scrap booking ribbon and covered the spots where the paper met, then I decorated with scrap booking flowers. (Jenna's are dragonflies, so cute!)
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I0SrgJF6zdjtaLQU10QjWnLW62HXBYxlJA5T9NsUfEXi8l-vyx2MQCmq2a3GMtcoP608UkxecAjY6Kf99WDW6O4vJw6cYIL-GrQxOUWmFOPZhF94qQn05ib8KifBkKsmdow1DASUDPI/s1600/craft4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I0SrgJF6zdjtaLQU10QjWnLW62HXBYxlJA5T9NsUfEXi8l-vyx2MQCmq2a3GMtcoP608UkxecAjY6Kf99WDW6O4vJw6cYIL-GrQxOUWmFOPZhF94qQn05ib8KifBkKsmdow1DASUDPI/s200/craft4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I was really pleased with the outcome. I had the wood in my garage so I spent maybe $10 bucks on paper and embellishments, not too bad for two Christmas Presents. Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-66578165993248133762011-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:50:58.669-08:00Amazing Family!!!Janalyn and Jake<br />html4strict<br /><a href="http://jjowensadopt.blogspot.com" > <img src="http://cotterell.com/images/300.jpg" width="220" height="220" border="0" alt="Jacob, Janalyn and Paige are Hoping to Adopt" /> </a><br /><br />This is my dear friend Janalyn. We were roommates in Collage what seems like a hundred years ago, but she was the first true friend I had when I moved away from home. We were fast friends and spent countless nights laying awake and talk about anything and everything. We both had a great desire to be a wives and mothers. One night we got into a silly mood and went down to the piano room and sang together into the wee hours of the morning, then went back to our apartment and made bread. It turned out horribly but we ate it anyway and laughed about it. <br /><br />The first thing that struck me so much about Jana was that she was incredibly beautiful. She was tall, about six inches taller than me, and she just oozed grace and elegance. But it didn't take me long to realized that she was beautiful on the inside also. She was sweet and generous, fun and full of energy, and had a love for life, art, beautiful things, good food, music, and Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, also my favorite Disney Princess. We could talk about anything, and we did. I knew that anyone who was fortunate enought to have Janalyn in their live, was a very lucky person. <br /><br />When Jana introduced me to Jake I knew there could be no more perfect couple in the world. Jake adored Jana and they matched so perfectly in looks, kindness, generosity, and love. It would be no mystery that their children would be equal in all of these things. For years I hoped for them to have a baby. I hurt when she did, and wanted so much for them to find the happiness that came from being parents. They were so righteous and loving to everyone it seemed natural that they would receive that gift anytime. But the years went on. I can only imagine that pain they suffered with, and the questions that they must have had for our Heavenly Father, but through it all they endured, and continued to trust in Him. <br /><br />The day I read her blog, and saw the picture of her looking so beautiful with that little tummy of hers I cried. Jana was going to be a mommy!!! I couldn't help but think about all those times we had talked, laughed and cried together, and I felt a great overwhelming joy for her and her wonderful husband. <br /><br />The day Paige was born I gathered my kids around and showed them Aunt Jana's new little angle. It was a happy day for my family, but I can only imagine what feeling and emotions Jake and Jana must be feeling. I was so happy for them that they had gotten a perfect little angel from Heaven. <br /><br />A few months ago Jana let me know that they were seeking to adopt. This is a special thing for me because I was adopted at birth. I know something of the patients that comes from Adoption, and what kind of love it takes to be ready for such an amazing gift, I knew that Jake and Jana had that special love. I know that, without a doubt, when their next blessing comes into this world, that they will welcome him or her with open arms. This amazing family has so much capacity to love and they will make any child feel that love. Paige, I know, has the same love her parents do. I know that she will make a great big sister and that there is someone out there who can give her that opportunity. I am so grateful that my friend has asked me to help her with this wonderful new adventure. Please, if any one you know can help this family with their next little blessing, listen to your heart and contact me, or them. I can't think of a more deserving little family!!Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-65802281227916695072011-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:18:02.317-08:00So Very Long AgoIt has been forever since I updated this blog. We have moved into a wonderful little neighborhood and the kids enjoy having friends so close they can play with. Our ward is very nice and Johnathan and I have both excepted callings in the scouting program, we are both very busy but it is fun. <br /><br />Sweetwater is still out with Avalon, I have not heard anything but hope something will come about in the next couple of months, it is very hard to wait though. I am still writing and enjoy spending time with my writing group on Wednesday evenings at the library. It is inspirational to go and listen to them and work on our writing together. I did Nanowrimo again this year and have fallen in love with my story. I might put a descritption of it on here some time. <br /><br />The children are getting big. Andie and Tyson enjoy school and are both working very hard. Casey is still home with me, he will go to Kindergarten next year, I am a little sad about that because he is my buddy and we enjoy Casey Mommy time while Jenna naps. He told me it would be ok when he went to school though because he wouldn't miss me. I am glad for that. Jenna is full of personality. She made the great step onto toddlerhood when she was potty trained over November and December. She is doing great and I can't believe she is such a big girl. I will try to get some new pictures up of them all. <br /><br />Christmas was wonderful. Santa did a great job this year and everyone was happy. We enjoyed time with family also. My brother and his wife came up from Colorado and we got to spend time with them. Also Mom and Dad Duncan came up for a visit between missions, it was sure fun to have them and learn about Guam and what they did there. We will miss them when they leave again but it is such a blessing to have them serve so willingly. <br /><br />Well that is a brief catch up. Hopefully this year I can do a better job keeping this up to date. Welcome 2011!!Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-51222923748636397162010-05-14T19:24:00.000-07:002010-05-14T19:33:17.575-07:00Packing, Garage Sale, MovingAlways something at our house. Like I mentioned before Johnathan was offered a very nice job with Walsh Engineering and we accepted it. Because of that we decided that we should move to Idaho Falls. After about two days of looking we stumbled across a nice sized home on the west side for rent and a few days later we found out that we could have it. Now we are planning a move. The kids are done with school on the 27th of this month and we are headed out on the 28th. It will be nice to be moved and out of the boxes and mess that we have made in he house. <br /><br />Tomorrow we are having a garage sale in hopes that we can get rid of a few things so we don't have to haul it off to the new house. The kids are kind of excited about being able to sale a few of their things to help with the Disneyland fund for next summer. It is going to be a wonderful warm day tomorrow and so we are going to enjoy the sun. <br /><br />The best part about the move is that for two years Johnathan has been traveling from Rexburg to Idaho Falls everyday about 28 miles one way to an 8 minute drive one way. It will be very good for time and money of travel. Over all we are excited about this next adventure in our lives.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-78890822405774105792010-04-16T09:03:00.000-07:002010-04-16T09:27:51.299-07:00Lots has happend!So much has happened in the past little while I thought I would update. We had two birthdays, Andie and Jenna, that weekend Ben came home on leave and we had a good time with him while he was here. I went to girls weekend with my sister-in-law's and we had a blast!!!<br /><br />Jenna's Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJl5Yk_rskk-2SqwR5e1HX03VZDaucyTbbgxu-kxS57NbMbpYj9W0exLR6Q4u4HC7d-LkFAdKrwaJWszUKeflObjZyIjt_MCMPlXZ_2v2JTXeHA8sGV1sqfD8xy8yG_KbI50eA1hjUH4/s1600/Jennas+Birthday+Cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJl5Yk_rskk-2SqwR5e1HX03VZDaucyTbbgxu-kxS57NbMbpYj9W0exLR6Q4u4HC7d-LkFAdKrwaJWszUKeflObjZyIjt_MCMPlXZ_2v2JTXeHA8sGV1sqfD8xy8yG_KbI50eA1hjUH4/s200/Jennas+Birthday+Cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460768719768275090" /></a><br /><br />Andie's Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlFLMshAH5939fCM4mpY33KQ7dg-UjJ2hQKrhYV9ZIMubrSB_dbSKYt3uZMqhyphenhyphenZlTX2pzG8f0bxwEFkyimRUasMV-c30LTeRwL9-zIbkXlo7acjR4WGnG9gOgyaSaeEbyXBMlU5kP-Xk/s1600/Andies+Bday+Cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlFLMshAH5939fCM4mpY33KQ7dg-UjJ2hQKrhYV9ZIMubrSB_dbSKYt3uZMqhyphenhyphenZlTX2pzG8f0bxwEFkyimRUasMV-c30LTeRwL9-zIbkXlo7acjR4WGnG9gOgyaSaeEbyXBMlU5kP-Xk/s200/Andies+Bday+Cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460769844671682898" /></a><br /><br />Last week Johnathan graduated from BYU-Idaho with his Bachelors Degree. It was a busy weekend and we had family up for a BBQ Saturday. I am so proud of him sticking it out and going to school full time and working as much as possible, I got myself a great man!!<br /><br />Graduate!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVyKZgAOSL4VDJJPnZRxQDV8R99ohXy9zAgmWvaC0-NKq-S6pVWo_vnOQ0BivdD3o4dEWHOZVISl2MQIoKQSr8CmfyvHNNN03eOeDCLaQFdqn1vLme1n2OLccxLD4pbfSojAESYhrjpY/s1600/With_My_Cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVyKZgAOSL4VDJJPnZRxQDV8R99ohXy9zAgmWvaC0-NKq-S6pVWo_vnOQ0BivdD3o4dEWHOZVISl2MQIoKQSr8CmfyvHNNN03eOeDCLaQFdqn1vLme1n2OLccxLD4pbfSojAESYhrjpY/s200/With_My_Cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460770597140241362" /></a><br /><br />Last Friday I received an email from the Editors at Avalon and they requested a full manuscript of Sweetwater Springs. Needless to say I was thrilled and today the beautiful package went in the mail. I know that it is going to take a lot of waiting but I have been doing that for two years so I think this will be ok. <br /><br />Sweetwater Springs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpRoYlhkDBDvXqiJhmzchkE_r1bvaxLVpzbHDR9Rzxakj-k6coe5ehLZRRC8a73TNyjZsOUdjA9XmTc9qJiQUhsiXjuKlca-jaBrdtKYSBtV3fdnaFxNMCcDYHjHnqJedTukayHnezbU/s1600/HPIM4525.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpRoYlhkDBDvXqiJhmzchkE_r1bvaxLVpzbHDR9Rzxakj-k6coe5ehLZRRC8a73TNyjZsOUdjA9XmTc9qJiQUhsiXjuKlca-jaBrdtKYSBtV3fdnaFxNMCcDYHjHnqJedTukayHnezbU/s200/HPIM4525.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460772649260027378" /></a><br /><br /><br />Other than that, Johnathan received a very good offer from Walsh Engineering in Idaho Falls so we will be moving there in June as soon as the kids are done with school. We are very much looking forward to staying close to family and working so we can buy a house sometime next year. So all in all lots of GOOD things have happened to us and I am very thankful for all the blessings we have in our lives.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-1984646992368979162010-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:002010-01-10T09:43:58.779-08:00Having a Boy Moment!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmDnlWj_auP-KtGqIILSrhMNH5Oz37pVjB6n5nYP3288keSbWbQvoiFoJ-j-kYIVs9Mo93IJz8F-Y0y2ehFGByp-qB2pQwBhd0Krftrx2P89OrtaVVSauz7aPRKAY9JC9cePJsSp23Kg/s1600-h/Just+Finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmDnlWj_auP-KtGqIILSrhMNH5Oz37pVjB6n5nYP3288keSbWbQvoiFoJ-j-kYIVs9Mo93IJz8F-Y0y2ehFGByp-qB2pQwBhd0Krftrx2P89OrtaVVSauz7aPRKAY9JC9cePJsSp23Kg/s200/Just+Finished.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425168015075035810" /></a><br />Casey had a boy moment yesterday when he had a run in with the bunk beds and had to go for stitches. When we heard him crying we didn't think much of it because it was a normal bump cry, not a "I cut my head open," cry so when he came out with blood running down his face we were surprised. <br /><br />After cleaning him up a bit I hauled him over to Community Care and the Doctor told us he would need stitches. The nurse put a little numbing gel on it and we hung out for a few minutes until it was was numb. The Doctor came in and asked Casey to lay down, then he draped the wound and put three stitches in, Casey never cried or anything. When the Doctor was done all Casey said was "Thank you Doctor." Pleased as punch he hopped down and went for his toy. I was so proud of him for being so brave, all he asked was that I hold his hand. <br /><br />So there we go, Casey's first set of stitches. I am pretty sure that they won't be his last, but if every time goes as smoothly as these ones did maybe we will all survive. Every boy needs a right of passage I guess. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWRVxJa2H183vfX92hquiLOt_057f6cWcgxvUw6QPr7SZg4LWFtyg9XoOqHJXs5sCqp5xOXs_pTFqjlbCT2nAN1HgID9A-VSj0CyS9D-0ZhOQAeDJLrFe9MW6n_4y1kN5So4McT4wQdM/s1600-h/Casey+After.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWRVxJa2H183vfX92hquiLOt_057f6cWcgxvUw6QPr7SZg4LWFtyg9XoOqHJXs5sCqp5xOXs_pTFqjlbCT2nAN1HgID9A-VSj0CyS9D-0ZhOQAeDJLrFe9MW6n_4y1kN5So4McT4wQdM/s200/Casey+After.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425168123507344130" /></a>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-37527414366231098862009-12-18T17:04:00.000-08:002009-12-18T17:26:52.938-08:00Christmas Time!My Brother-in-Law posted something on the family website that has got me thinking. The question was "Who in your house is most excited about Christmas?" My first though must be the kids. They have anticipated the gifts under the tree, the Advent House and all the yummy treats and goodies. And just like every other kid in the world they can't wait to open those gifts. I would give them a 9 on the excited scale. <br /><br />But I would have to say that I am closer to a 11 on that same scale. Why, you might ask? Well I will tell you. <br /><br />Money is tight, it almost always is, and some years that has gotten me down because we can't give our kids the same things as other kids. No ipods or computer games, no Wii or bikes, we simply can't afford those things. But instead of letting that get us down we turned to the drawing board, no really... The boys love to play with cars so we designed and have made a HUGE car mat for them to play on. Johnathan and I have worked hours on it and we are very close to being finished, but every time I see the little corner of is poking out behind the couch I get excited. <br /><br />Andie loves clothes, she is a typical girl. She also loves jewelry. I have a friend we several older girls and she was going though their clothes and she gave two huge bags to us. I went though and picked out some wonderful sweaters and other really nice things and every time I see that box under the tree I know she is going to freak out when she opens them. Along with that I got a few necklaces that were hand me downs and I cut them and removed the beads and with them I have made two beautiful necklaces that Andie is going to love, along with some really inventive friendship bracelets. <br /><br />Jenna is getting a baby doll and I know she is going to love it. I made the baby a blanket and she found it before I could wrap it. She drug it around the house all day before I could sneak it away ofter she went to bed. We also got her a little stroller and I think she is going to have a great time racing that baby around. <br /><br />Some other things we did were make the boys shirts with dinosaurs on them, a blanket for Tyson, and handmade pillow cases from Santa. Johnathan is working hard on handmade Tithing, savings, spending boxes that are an exact replica of the ones his father made for him and his siblings. They are going to be really beautiful. <br /><br />The one thing I am most excited about though are the ornaments. Years ago Johnathan's grandmother made crochet Christmas ornaments for him and his siblings. Johnathan has three of them on the tree and he loves them. This year I got his cousin to send me the patterns and I am making each of the kids their own ornament just like Great Grandma Duncan made. They may not understand it this year but in years to come I hope they will be treasured just like Johnathan's are. <br /><br />So what does this all mean? Well I just wanted to tell you that one: Christmas isn't just for kids, and two: you are only as joyful as you choose to be. I have to say I think this is going to be the best Christmas ever, not because of the amount of money we spent, but because of the amount of love that went into every gift. Merry Christmas to all of those we love and care about, and I hope that Holiday cheer comes in the shape of a heart this year for you too.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-78435713292830854372009-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:002009-10-21T16:06:06.380-07:00Jenna, Miss Tude!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlct-nRR0a1vbUo4jRTgfNZOev_w0AMzc7r_jY94YogFEEsNx22l8iQfL1S_eFMsxwHndQ02vmWqku4BtDzIzXHlZhYH6Ms6f-I1jj6SkR5SvYXg4OuV3DSN0v7euTSgIIdLRwqF-uJI/s1600-h/Jenna1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlct-nRR0a1vbUo4jRTgfNZOev_w0AMzc7r_jY94YogFEEsNx22l8iQfL1S_eFMsxwHndQ02vmWqku4BtDzIzXHlZhYH6Ms6f-I1jj6SkR5SvYXg4OuV3DSN0v7euTSgIIdLRwqF-uJI/s200/Jenna1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395192199994915938" /></a><br />Though I would do an update on Jenna. She has turned into Little Miss Personality. She is really just a ray of sunshine in our lives. I don't remember any one of the other kids being so anxious to have fun and be happy. There are those times when she isn't happy, but they are few and far between. It doesn't seem to matter where we are she can command and audience. When she is angry at her brother she will clench her little fists together then raspberry all over. When she is happy she laughs and waves and dances around. Sometimes she gets herself all dizzy and falls over. She has one fun attitude and attention, but what girl doesn't?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8ArJXuh6qx9qPMcqs-0B5SJ-g2rhk7_gYCkCPz8JT2i8o6N10K8osPKt8uXPzqLj4ECw9fA5XIcjXTo8VoRJg64DG5kPbe1w26Chmt5sR3DeCY0v6-Yxwuvo_VDUUnzRoJCftnKABRQ/s1600-h/Jenna2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8ArJXuh6qx9qPMcqs-0B5SJ-g2rhk7_gYCkCPz8JT2i8o6N10K8osPKt8uXPzqLj4ECw9fA5XIcjXTo8VoRJg64DG5kPbe1w26Chmt5sR3DeCY0v6-Yxwuvo_VDUUnzRoJCftnKABRQ/s200/Jenna2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395192323461223058" /></a><br />She has several things she really likes to do, one is read her favorite book, others include playing outside, swinging on anything, and playing in boxes. She also likes to do anything that big kids, or mom and dad do, such as play on the computer, pound on the piano and jump on the trampoline. We have been pleased how healthy she has been, only one ear infection which is really a wonderful thing compared to the other children. It has been a wonderful 20 months with her and we look forward to Christmas to see if she catches on to the idea this year. We love her very much. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGvCMuSal8yILP55is5W1Phezpa1PJ8mQlE45jFrUModZ5s4nU5XJdZaTelDPFwIJh3td7WB6IBh7Hx-5kO0wvaMi7tC8CRTsmsmEdFhP7gqEOkdy0BxbIufdvQ6xZTWf6D5MFNkL8lU/s1600-h/Jenna3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGvCMuSal8yILP55is5W1Phezpa1PJ8mQlE45jFrUModZ5s4nU5XJdZaTelDPFwIJh3td7WB6IBh7Hx-5kO0wvaMi7tC8CRTsmsmEdFhP7gqEOkdy0BxbIufdvQ6xZTWf6D5MFNkL8lU/s200/Jenna3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395192558855659650" /></a>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-40067774462599082102009-10-21T15:33:00.000-07:002009-10-21T15:38:00.385-07:00Washing Your Brain!The other night Johnathan and I were watching TV when this horrendous commercial came on. I don't remember exactly what it was about, but it was disturbing. We just looked at each other for a moment and he commented on how he would never be the same after that. I looked at him and told him that I needed to go and wash my brain to get the picture out of my head. <br /><br />Last night I saw yet another commercial, this one was for Tabasco sauce, there were peperoni and then they grew heads and started to sing. Again I felt the need to wash that picture from my brain. How many of you need to wash your brains?Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-10166674244267926352009-09-06T16:35:00.000-07:002009-09-06T17:18:07.872-07:00Downata Hotsprings!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrCSfmYIRalJ5g979_pQiR5aMaUwebXqH2-gxam21zTQuLpFAdMgrmAiCnXqAOzgGJ45IPNmK-YyZh8SRcf57VXxpe33_EGJArLcwZb7ZQ0gX9KDee3aoapVM1fak2A6pvEdOW_9B_lA/s1600-h/Ready+to+Swim.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrCSfmYIRalJ5g979_pQiR5aMaUwebXqH2-gxam21zTQuLpFAdMgrmAiCnXqAOzgGJ45IPNmK-YyZh8SRcf57VXxpe33_EGJArLcwZb7ZQ0gX9KDee3aoapVM1fak2A6pvEdOW_9B_lA/s200/Ready+to+Swim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378509897347630066" /></a><br />We had a whole lot of fun. We left Friday after school and got there in time to have some hot dogs and potato salad for dinner. We hung out and played on the playground and checked out the pool then got in our jammies. Jenna cried for just a few minutes and then fell asleep. Andie and Tyson slept in my parents trailer and Casey stayed with us. Everyone slept really well until about 3:00 a.m when 3 trains came by blowing their horns one right after another. The guy next to us brought his dogs and so they started to bark, both Jenna and Casey woke up. After about 30 min and a bottle everyone settled back down and fell back asleep. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGjh0Yb5LHMPrEfnB6Annh4akQU6aTwL5Y4QgR3Gv29qiVSxac8fF7Zai6m99j2NVCDuAovw-3Jkle4bPdBcvcGu04UX0i_6Fd9aJ0-UeKG-29Tizpixf9PETxgd24xasIhLK_HOdp7Y/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGjh0Yb5LHMPrEfnB6Annh4akQU6aTwL5Y4QgR3Gv29qiVSxac8fF7Zai6m99j2NVCDuAovw-3Jkle4bPdBcvcGu04UX0i_6Fd9aJ0-UeKG-29Tizpixf9PETxgd24xasIhLK_HOdp7Y/s200/breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378512654110572690" /></a><br />We were up by 7:30, but the pool didn't open until 11:00 so we had breakfast and then Jenna went down for a nap while the kids played in the sand. Finally it was time to swim and we all headed out. The pool was very warm and then kids had a blast. There were 3 water slides that whet into the main pool and Andie and Tyson had a so much fun shooting out of them. Casey was content to play in the little area and Mom and Dad had Jenna most of the time. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOavZCJgSAkKpjAVnFwAhiHbAkbo2uMzxRx_aL4ENXZ2a5joyJSucAKa0Wk7QmCBoIWuLwfVrDFRj_LU0tbojkIXFxRWE7-OaRWOyYGAnfCbCV6o_xAvyBlGFx8pvLdjMCLEr6zVykgk/s1600-h/Jennas+Slide.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOavZCJgSAkKpjAVnFwAhiHbAkbo2uMzxRx_aL4ENXZ2a5joyJSucAKa0Wk7QmCBoIWuLwfVrDFRj_LU0tbojkIXFxRWE7-OaRWOyYGAnfCbCV6o_xAvyBlGFx8pvLdjMCLEr6zVykgk/s200/Jennas+Slide.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378510402066221442" /></a><br />Jonathan, Andie and I went over to the big slides for a while, "The Black Hole," and "The Dragon." The Black Hole drops about 100 feet into the ground the shoots you around a corner and spits out out 15 seconds later. Johnathan's face was priceless the first time he went down. I screamed like a little girl! The Dragon is more than twice as long as the slide in Thermop and goes around in a couple of circles, it is a really big tube and you can go down it on a mat. Andie and Tyson went on that one. Finally the kids were hungry and tired so we headed back to camp.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnNuZmYt5LZLJ2bfzouGBn68lhMCZLUHwvHEhjDxSMgVtD68D2KcKokKR4OKZE2EvoTuxTyGO5ny6Q48KNeaMubyVVllNJQuk6GV2H0pNdPrWWSEGJUyq-TrPDrWhbMtygBuUOUKlJjM/s1600-h/Nap+Time.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnNuZmYt5LZLJ2bfzouGBn68lhMCZLUHwvHEhjDxSMgVtD68D2KcKokKR4OKZE2EvoTuxTyGO5ny6Q48KNeaMubyVVllNJQuk6GV2H0pNdPrWWSEGJUyq-TrPDrWhbMtygBuUOUKlJjM/s200/Nap+Time.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378511297986158562" /></a><br />After a BIG lunch we all settled down for naps. Two hours later we geared back up and headed back to the pool. The kids had fun again on the slides and then finally Andie said she wanted to go to the Black Hole. Johnathan and I headed over there with her and she boldly walked up there and headed down. She was SOOO excited when she got done and she went on it two more times. I don't know how many times Johnathan went down, but I stuck to the Dragon. Dad was content to play with Jenna in the pool. Finally it was time for dinner so we drug the tired wet kids back to camp. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIZo5Yj8XnZL3eZRALs9wjJjvEg2-TTP0MRhl4EArgV5p91l0xhL6sbeIx01vvSH3FnIrSdIAkRv6qOWlw2bPBYNOLBCeTmvHV794khBlZjAeUCpWgFlZSYnEazNRqpHz_SPNbw4i-uE/s1600-h/Have+some+Cheese.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIZo5Yj8XnZL3eZRALs9wjJjvEg2-TTP0MRhl4EArgV5p91l0xhL6sbeIx01vvSH3FnIrSdIAkRv6qOWlw2bPBYNOLBCeTmvHV794khBlZjAeUCpWgFlZSYnEazNRqpHz_SPNbw4i-uE/s200/Have+some+Cheese.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378512309612113010" /></a><br />Dinner was a tin foil dinner in the crock pot. It was really yummy and then we had ice cream for dessert. We tried a chocolate cake in the dutch oven but it seemed to cook forever and we finally just put the kids to bed and went to bed ourselves. Same sleeping arrangements and everyone slept really good until 6:15 when another train came though. We were up and going, had breakfast then went on our pioneer hike enjoying nature. Then we packed up and came home. Camping trip a success!!! We had a lot of fun and the kids were great. It was a nice end of summer camping trip. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjdtiaQIOGZ2uFIo155yeQaE2ojvPZF3pWNcKmeRsSpOhSGqZCsO52GoWluSeB9lAEDlNr9lOVvwYShboVL-jz8PRj-uYquwJIdde6o12ETVC4s96B_W0pfbvGcY4ymArucWNoP_HVy8/s1600-h/hiking+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjdtiaQIOGZ2uFIo155yeQaE2ojvPZF3pWNcKmeRsSpOhSGqZCsO52GoWluSeB9lAEDlNr9lOVvwYShboVL-jz8PRj-uYquwJIdde6o12ETVC4s96B_W0pfbvGcY4ymArucWNoP_HVy8/s200/hiking+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378511906021296530" /></a>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-73910290475384651952009-08-26T12:49:00.000-07:002009-08-26T13:06:17.521-07:001st Day of School!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtRSd9uogIGkI0AdKXG1ujCxqz-Rc5LRuT3HIaXCn2j3yUHLT4jmcFS4OMs2MZzVsCMcR18d0DybjFhvHcho1b8I1GmTMELMAQ6ZdhZ5uEUR_0WORbF2Q3mQ-jexgDLHvvUtpx8x07tU/s1600-h/Andie+and+Tyson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtRSd9uogIGkI0AdKXG1ujCxqz-Rc5LRuT3HIaXCn2j3yUHLT4jmcFS4OMs2MZzVsCMcR18d0DybjFhvHcho1b8I1GmTMELMAQ6ZdhZ5uEUR_0WORbF2Q3mQ-jexgDLHvvUtpx8x07tU/s200/Andie+and+Tyson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374363962765732306" /></a><br />Andie and Tyson headed out for the first day back to school, but no only was it the first day for everyone, but it really was Tyson's FIRST day! He was so excited this morning that when my mom called to wish him luck he told her "She talked to much." He was waiting for the bus and she was taking much longer talking to him than he wanted. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSkhibW5QSr5bPt-0GltUUybnxIHS9EebKB8U_gfmitsLezkXH70yWq7efQMFYShHYMIoBZXAsgDMir6v1hyphenhyphenFyPOroOmR8nr1J3W3Rrkpe1MqMeJGtUv5_x9tpsN8JbNrhVbGgTP6cuE/s1600-h/Waiting+for+the+bus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSkhibW5QSr5bPt-0GltUUybnxIHS9EebKB8U_gfmitsLezkXH70yWq7efQMFYShHYMIoBZXAsgDMir6v1hyphenhyphenFyPOroOmR8nr1J3W3Rrkpe1MqMeJGtUv5_x9tpsN8JbNrhVbGgTP6cuE/s200/Waiting+for+the+bus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374364396317977922" /></a><br />We all went out and waited together for the bus and when it finally arrived, Tyson jumped on like it was going to leave without him. He was so excited that he ran to the very back of the bus. When he realized Andie had stopped he went back and sat with her. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsPcgjqYg3_AAzKPPkEWB_fKSmWMGJfzreqJePxDUr4xfmMKT7E1aR8wBXDdWjsxfOIRsVJ65dIc3_rh2DZ2KAga-A6N5fIi05x1hdRz01lTjx6lN-hSaX1H5Oc5hvpl12VolxvL6zDY/s1600-h/This+was+it.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsPcgjqYg3_AAzKPPkEWB_fKSmWMGJfzreqJePxDUr4xfmMKT7E1aR8wBXDdWjsxfOIRsVJ65dIc3_rh2DZ2KAga-A6N5fIi05x1hdRz01lTjx6lN-hSaX1H5Oc5hvpl12VolxvL6zDY/s200/This+was+it.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374364679001528002" /></a><br />The rest of us decided to meet them at the school and get a few pictures. Tyson hit the ground running and it was like pulling teeth to get a picture of him at his classroom. Then he ran down the hall and was done with us. We stopped in at Andie's classroom and she was ready to learn. I think she is going to have a good year and I am excited to talk to her when she gets home.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ydwgmuiYlCADfNacsbiAfR3jzQ-xoSvjXBQ8lMo3DZLwvsM_ReqRNYcTDRBvd5tp5n9BZfNZGHzXJ58uhu37ofZoQ7kALK8BtMIjiuOsDONBN8ybrnmXMNrTku1EwfEExvIjU1fgpo8/s1600-h/Andie+at+Classroom.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ydwgmuiYlCADfNacsbiAfR3jzQ-xoSvjXBQ8lMo3DZLwvsM_ReqRNYcTDRBvd5tp5n9BZfNZGHzXJ58uhu37ofZoQ7kALK8BtMIjiuOsDONBN8ybrnmXMNrTku1EwfEExvIjU1fgpo8/s200/Andie+at+Classroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374365019530011970" /></a><br />I met Tyson at the bus this afternoon and I asked him. "What was the first thing you did!" Instantly he said, "I had to sit down!" HAHAHA What a crack up! He did talk and talk and talk about the rest of the day and he is ready and excited to go again tomorrow. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hnCI5zQ8MRPw-RvJkR960Zi4xRL-miKQZqmN3uUVSrosJ4KAW4geqVLrZZj6a_-D6iX6PGD1c092OdykgMJurwZJuByNy56S1mHkT6VR5-aaAiqd-cYZrnLF5i2PGHLXbhH0j91u4Fg/s1600-h/Tyson+at+Classroom.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hnCI5zQ8MRPw-RvJkR960Zi4xRL-miKQZqmN3uUVSrosJ4KAW4geqVLrZZj6a_-D6iX6PGD1c092OdykgMJurwZJuByNy56S1mHkT6VR5-aaAiqd-cYZrnLF5i2PGHLXbhH0j91u4Fg/s200/Tyson+at+Classroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374365723814016370" /></a><br />Casey and I worked on the alphabet song and then hung out while Jenna napped, on top of that I got the kitchen clean and the living rooms picked up. We also went to the store and played outside for a bit. Overall it was a painless first day and I hope Andie has lots of good things to report when she gets home!Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-88134914398609552602009-07-13T21:58:00.000-07:002009-07-13T22:01:05.239-07:00Handy Manny!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGau3mq0lElX9Evahf4WS00nrLpXW9iKqo3eR-3b-gb22tgJfhiv8RiKTb74IJ4_qHeHc7DaTULYaPcb-JSc8Khyphenhyphen-xWw8dWMGBgvDPsKEyxGsjegaCe0oj2yHiYjlUvcLM0kOeLDe_WM/s1600-h/manny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGau3mq0lElX9Evahf4WS00nrLpXW9iKqo3eR-3b-gb22tgJfhiv8RiKTb74IJ4_qHeHc7DaTULYaPcb-JSc8Khyphenhyphen-xWw8dWMGBgvDPsKEyxGsjegaCe0oj2yHiYjlUvcLM0kOeLDe_WM/s200/manny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358176357799257618" /></a><br />For those of you who are not aware of this guy, he is a cartoon character on Disney Channel and the boys love to watch him. He is a fixet man who goes to people's homes and places of work and fixes whatever their problem is. He has a set of animated tools who helps him and they all work together to get the job done. <br /><br />Well today we had a man come to the house to fix Johnathans computer. When he got out of the car Casey's eyes went REALLY wide and he just stared at the guy for a long time. Finally he went and got Tyson and took him into the kitchen, where the man was working, and he wispered. "Its Handy Manny!!!" <br /><br />Granted the guy did look a lot like the cartoon. He was about the same hight as you would imagin him to be and he had on a blue hat. Casey was stunned and he just kept saying that it was Manny! I didn't try to correct him on the matter, it was just too cute to watch him belive it was Manny. Casey was to shy to talk to him, but who would'nt be a little star struck if one of your cartoon heros were standing right in your kitchen!Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-78974585994577958052009-07-08T12:18:00.000-07:002009-07-08T12:33:41.278-07:00Happy Birthday Tyson!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEGTP5SItcs0pa9EetEdJS8aCt2-zNEXvDtbJbo7gP7A95I2ywfwNhyphenhyphenvG4acLpD77_1Jwd11NxHF5Jpgsq9Vh1MaZxoFD4sq0VDcPKgPwKlkUvlrr-3CnZceFkg5WYpSFgLZrvnC_LTE/s1600-h/cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEGTP5SItcs0pa9EetEdJS8aCt2-zNEXvDtbJbo7gP7A95I2ywfwNhyphenhyphenvG4acLpD77_1Jwd11NxHF5Jpgsq9Vh1MaZxoFD4sq0VDcPKgPwKlkUvlrr-3CnZceFkg5WYpSFgLZrvnC_LTE/s200/cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356174480304185090" /></a><br />Can't believe it but Tyson is Six today!!! It seems like just the other day we were bringing our boy home from the hospital, and now he is getting ready to go off to Kindergarten. We have a fun day planned. He has two of his friends coming over tonight for a little party and we are having a scavenger hunt for his birthday presents. I made a volcano cake for him, it isn't my best work, but he LOVES it. This is the first time that Tyson will have a real birthday party and he is so excited! <br /><br />My mom came and picked him up and took him to lunch, then they were going to go and look for some school clothes, he was happy as a clam when they left the house. His is such a big boy. We love you Tyson and Happy Birthday!Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-41343752488054959262009-06-07T19:42:00.000-07:002009-06-07T19:52:26.117-07:00Kid UpdateI just thought I would post some updated pics of the kids and a little info on them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK-BJdC7Lu25naS5YYU0jrnJpzhG-XsEPU-gFEVq3bOldIaGIenrCeAzRNGExwJIm-ep5s31y_u5v6lhy0PLa0DZsG8eSMuMbUN2PRqRTvp_UAqb1DgtFfFxN3ThRFKk4cSM7_o0Lmqk/s1600-h/Andie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK-BJdC7Lu25naS5YYU0jrnJpzhG-XsEPU-gFEVq3bOldIaGIenrCeAzRNGExwJIm-ep5s31y_u5v6lhy0PLa0DZsG8eSMuMbUN2PRqRTvp_UAqb1DgtFfFxN3ThRFKk4cSM7_o0Lmqk/s200/Andie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344781942249064722" /></a><br />Andie is done with 2nd grade, she was kinda sad about school getting over, but she is looking forward to 3rd grade. There are lots of things she is excited about this summer and when she feels like it she is a great helper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTBUlBOjeF_A1rfLpEaQQwRr4oge6CWqErHrP2bYUD5Y-XANEuEIW5-EaQ3uv8tLrPfp-iZk3jbjZNxW4qbfn_SlekejMCZkiqIuRYGz5XJ7AqZHDYnTvOyTVrc9bTVuz02Wi-T9zThk/s1600-h/Tyson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTBUlBOjeF_A1rfLpEaQQwRr4oge6CWqErHrP2bYUD5Y-XANEuEIW5-EaQ3uv8tLrPfp-iZk3jbjZNxW4qbfn_SlekejMCZkiqIuRYGz5XJ7AqZHDYnTvOyTVrc9bTVuz02Wi-T9zThk/s200/Tyson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344782406746720242" /></a><br />Tyson is enjoying Gymnastics a whole lot! He is so strong and it is fun for him to work on the different apparatuses. He likes it when Andie is home and they are spending a lot of time outside. I think he is looking forward to Kindergarten in the fall, and riding the same bus as Andie. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyED0TXZREw4hxsG9C6jNvlXSz3JOwoj-6b5PhM-IOHW1N-LDFx01ljgoSokkmVlLpgf4tOiGS7ibZebeRVsD9kdCDMsF3-Ej22OAHuywbqbW5lveRwxTUTNEh9oqSICyWIhNRECaTZU/s1600-h/Casey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyED0TXZREw4hxsG9C6jNvlXSz3JOwoj-6b5PhM-IOHW1N-LDFx01ljgoSokkmVlLpgf4tOiGS7ibZebeRVsD9kdCDMsF3-Ej22OAHuywbqbW5lveRwxTUTNEh9oqSICyWIhNRECaTZU/s200/Casey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344782912885216450" /></a><br />Casey is starting to talk and talk and talk. He is super cute and likes to tell us stories. He also is big into telling me how much he loves me, I really like that. He too is enjoying having Andie home and riding his bike in the nice weather. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4zWGWm6E9fRvdVaBpR2_CpRSjfni1ab1cTGCfxXHdff7IPfWrwOkkoKWsPvcPCf9bMt7gzsgntcAdVC-8Au-UW1A8oZ-70PvyIhLFVIbap4f56n6gXWmMAd15Ws8gxF7ym0DUKTMzF8/s1600-h/Pretty+Girl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4zWGWm6E9fRvdVaBpR2_CpRSjfni1ab1cTGCfxXHdff7IPfWrwOkkoKWsPvcPCf9bMt7gzsgntcAdVC-8Au-UW1A8oZ-70PvyIhLFVIbap4f56n6gXWmMAd15Ws8gxF7ym0DUKTMzF8/s200/Pretty+Girl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344783389171474594" /></a><br />Jenna got her first haircut the other day, and now she looks all grown up. She is exploring her facial expressions and has learned to climb up on chairs, couches and even beds, she is going to keep me hopping I am sure! We are hoping to fend off the crib climbing and are currently enjoying her sleeping though the night, but who knows how long that will last.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-66398070926526400212009-06-03T07:17:00.000-07:002009-06-03T07:36:06.844-07:00Sending off a Soldier<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycGfUXdd2OOmTjfk8O0LxYnOBHVk7xQlvIRk5SIMdTtZzhRYxwCT33mnGwQI5tITAIwftvWPsjKzB55SLsLfGd4TJSbh1Z6BFH_i5hHbhywr36lPSIIE6HaKfve3FxoTRePFiHlVKpqo/s1600-h/flag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycGfUXdd2OOmTjfk8O0LxYnOBHVk7xQlvIRk5SIMdTtZzhRYxwCT33mnGwQI5tITAIwftvWPsjKzB55SLsLfGd4TJSbh1Z6BFH_i5hHbhywr36lPSIIE6HaKfve3FxoTRePFiHlVKpqo/s200/flag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343110084222772386" /></a><br />This last weekend my parents and brother and I went to Colorado Springs to send my brother Ben off to War. It was a wonderful weekend, and we spent a lot of time together just enjoying each others company. We went to the aquarium and then walked down by the river, attended Church with him at his ward and laughed together talking about old times and what we remember of him growing up. I was 11 years old when he was born and so there were a lot of things to talk about. Sunday night was the hardest. We enjoyed some dinner together then quietly discusses his funeral arrangements. These are things that had to be talked about, but no one ever wants to know what there 19 year old brother wants on the day he is buried. It was hard not to focus on the fact that we may never see him alive on this earth again. <br /><br />Even with the idea of a last reunion playing in the back of our minds we were able to really have a good time. Ben showed us all the places he likes to eat and then we hiked up to 7 falls and went though some old tunnels up on the mountain. It was so beautiful there even though it rained most of the time. The lightning was amazing to watch and it stayed cool for our hiking and other activities. <br /><br />Ben will be flying out on Friday to serve the country he loves. He feels so strongly about this and it is truly what he wants to do. Please pray for our Soldiers, they are out fighting a cause that is worthy and great. The next time you see an American flag think about all those families who quietly discussed the funerals of their sons and daughters, and then think about all of those families who have fulfilled those wishes so that we can have what we have today, tomorrow, and forever.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-25790688892636524962009-05-11T08:09:00.001-07:002009-05-11T08:15:01.447-07:00Denver, here I come!I am going to Denver in two weeks with my Mom, Dad, and brother to see Benjamin off to Afghanistan. We are taking a quick trip so we can see him one last time before his tour with the National Guard. It is going to be really hard to say goodbye to him, but this is really what he want to do and I am so proud of him for going. I know it is going to be scary to think of him over there getting shot at, but I also know that my Heavenly Father loves him, and he loves us, his family. We have no control over Ben's future, but He does and He is going to do what is right for all of us. I am so thankful for my Faith, that allows me to see things though a different set of glasses, and know that we are in the life to learn and grow, and our Loving Heavenly Father will only give us what we can handle. <br /><br />So when I go to see Ben, I plan on giving him a great big hug and telling him all the things a big sister should, but when we leave he will be in the hands of our Father, and I need to let my faith take over. We can be strong as a family and keep him in our prayers and hopefully in a year or so we can welcome him home back into the arms of our family.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-91065805395139411472009-04-30T09:44:00.000-07:002009-04-30T09:46:23.777-07:00I ROCK!!!Today I ran 3 miles in 45 min. running the entire last mile. For the past 2 or so months I have been running on the treadmill, I went from one mile to two a month ago, and today I decided to take it up another notch. It feels good to be done, and I did a lot of stretching so hopefully I won't be to sore, but yeah for me, 3 miles!!!Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-69745643140436195352009-04-29T07:29:00.001-07:002009-04-29T07:37:59.603-07:00Happy Anniversary!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqgABPTV8JZ7URmmZ_pArWIDIYNyo2qIKq_hOMNVyXr_dFrUP4xAdTjSS5r_s7cyocfWE4mT7p2ERlh3T_LAZd-2QhjuGinaMhZmwuMQ3GGap8AV1pUX8R5DpB6heMTwdlXfkwSTWR_0/s1600-h/room+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqgABPTV8JZ7URmmZ_pArWIDIYNyo2qIKq_hOMNVyXr_dFrUP4xAdTjSS5r_s7cyocfWE4mT7p2ERlh3T_LAZd-2QhjuGinaMhZmwuMQ3GGap8AV1pUX8R5DpB6heMTwdlXfkwSTWR_0/s200/room+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330122327736093346" /></a><br />Yesterday was Johnathan and mine 9 year wedding anniversary. A good friend of mine took the kids last night so we could have a quiet dinner at home. We had steak and corn, Texas toast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and sparkling apple cider. I decorated the house and put a sign on the door "Night of a thousand stars." It was such a nice evening and we talked about how we couldn't belive that it was 9 years already. I know that we don't have a lot, but we have eachother and that is really all that matters. <br /><br />Today is our 10 year anniversary of the day we met. So I have known my husband longer than I have known any other person besides my family. It is great to know that we are still the best of friends and that it will be no suprise when we have made it another ten years and are going strong. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBi7KYTwh626MRQwm3WCqzpFWxPexuS1SMlGiNkVIcS5wpNC_6lapfGeNEjlTnTQAe034Xw4lnFos4w8vKLihJ4dvyMuu9NpiAj7dBRolg9x8Q8I2sl6lmAKt77O5S7q74FNrOOjy3ic/s1600-h/room+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBi7KYTwh626MRQwm3WCqzpFWxPexuS1SMlGiNkVIcS5wpNC_6lapfGeNEjlTnTQAe034Xw4lnFos4w8vKLihJ4dvyMuu9NpiAj7dBRolg9x8Q8I2sl6lmAKt77O5S7q74FNrOOjy3ic/s200/room+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330122521049417410" /></a>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-45310837683843926202009-04-25T10:03:00.000-07:002009-04-25T10:18:45.921-07:00Our Headboard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J29z7cyXwbGBizZG0_LuHxXc9oQ6b-7YsnKgMxsDwS4V1jvK7X2YSaHMZixQdx75RV9frN7xCkEm_V9jwgioRJSHZMk1f8BDcPmP9E4X2eUT_Enj6L7C06LtvIPC789aIyr3Jexpd70/s1600-h/before.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J29z7cyXwbGBizZG0_LuHxXc9oQ6b-7YsnKgMxsDwS4V1jvK7X2YSaHMZixQdx75RV9frN7xCkEm_V9jwgioRJSHZMk1f8BDcPmP9E4X2eUT_Enj6L7C06LtvIPC789aIyr3Jexpd70/s200/before.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328678678380254018" /></a><br />We got this headboard about 7 years ago at a garage sale. It wasn't my favorite thing, but I really liked the shape of it. I thought maybe one day I would redo it to something I liked more, but never got around to it. Well the other day I decided "what the heck" so I pulled it out and sanded a bit here and there. I didn't really have a plan, but 4 hours later it was sanded down to the wood and I liked the color. Next, I wanted to replace the mesh with fabric so I got the wood finished like I wanted then went to work gluing on padding. The plan didn't work how I wanted it and after much debate I realized I need to pull the mesh off from the back. It was hard work but I finally got it off and removed from its stabilizing boards, not with out incident, but I have only made myself bleed three times. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uQktYGy7jh55Rm-8nxNnP069cKszmullHVx77gvyZUHavFF6Emz2e9pugKL8DEM5R2QiqgFyDSeV7bCoxopnk-qxd4NLLHqK4RsgOoTU9O2bGC2Mn3FaMcB1yLrs0w8J2NnHbX5Jjik/s1600-h/sanded.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uQktYGy7jh55Rm-8nxNnP069cKszmullHVx77gvyZUHavFF6Emz2e9pugKL8DEM5R2QiqgFyDSeV7bCoxopnk-qxd4NLLHqK4RsgOoTU9O2bGC2Mn3FaMcB1yLrs0w8J2NnHbX5Jjik/s200/sanded.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328678995764945618" /></a><br />When I realized I couldn't use the fabric the way I wanted to I needed a plan B. Andie suggested I paint part of it the color of the fabric I was using, so we loaded everyone up in the car and went to Walmart and Porters and that is where I found the lettering. Liking the brewing idea I got home, but Jenna to bed and went back to work. I was on day two of the project so I just let the big kids play outside while I sanded and started painting. <br /><br />There was still no defiant plan but things were coming together. I though maybe some antique gold leaf would look nice, so I spend an hour putting it on, and three hours taking it back off when I didn't like it. At 1:00 a.m. I fell into bed. 7:00 a.m. back at it. I finished painting and the put the fabric over the removed mesh and stapled it back into place. After a few coats of sealer I had a final product. After all the work I can truly say I like it. Johnathan hasn't seen it because he has been with the scouts, but I don't plan on changing it, so he better like it. :) Over all, I am glad I did it, now I have a head board that I love, and...I will never have to do that again!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyYF5mZC7gDPcGCCNQD8qd_V1efIukUjxMiFfjGR0x8ZXE2B_QmebqKoO1-xZUND7TkVeDF1KNj6-bklr4Jpow4800tX67UgSqhog6COia6m2WwTcxLSOzo2an5pEi4XhpL2pxnLHJwQ/s1600-h/after.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyYF5mZC7gDPcGCCNQD8qd_V1efIukUjxMiFfjGR0x8ZXE2B_QmebqKoO1-xZUND7TkVeDF1KNj6-bklr4Jpow4800tX67UgSqhog6COia6m2WwTcxLSOzo2an5pEi4XhpL2pxnLHJwQ/s200/after.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328679366167550530" /></a>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-33181904910823802672009-04-16T10:13:00.001-07:002009-04-16T10:35:54.773-07:00$1 ProjectYesterday I was catting around DI and found this transfer in the craft section. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzJ2wpA0WA97mV-IVwUXS7QcOLtzX8PDg1Z-xZztmInaxQBN5pP_dvHebnMRvi_aRsIUc3B6kjGvzWxknYoPXHTngfRmZGnuH-Dro27TCKTWS1xccrATj3B_uyrjVl3Y0IKTRX5JsOoI/s1600-h/project+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzJ2wpA0WA97mV-IVwUXS7QcOLtzX8PDg1Z-xZztmInaxQBN5pP_dvHebnMRvi_aRsIUc3B6kjGvzWxknYoPXHTngfRmZGnuH-Dro27TCKTWS1xccrATj3B_uyrjVl3Y0IKTRX5JsOoI/s200/project+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325342197427459650" /></a><br />"Hum, wonder what this is. Ah, a wall transfer! Well we rent so it won't really work on the wall, *thinking* but if I put it on a board then I can just hang it where I want to. And it is only $1.00, can't beat that!"<br /><br />So I got it and brought it home. It was rather large so I went to look in the garage for some wood to put it on. In a deep dark corner under the stairs I found an old shelf with the brackets still on it. Digging deep into my Home Improvement Personality I got the drill and removed the brackets and took a good look. It was about 5 inches to long so I cut it down with the chop saw and laid it out on the table.Perfect! Now it was time to paint.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkFlbQEX0CKlXY8fh6acChAuK2_VCRJ_2_7lAGJMGK2YhSNl1il558VtKWLME3hHLIRH4_ZB-Mo5a9YiZ7sct42T0-kMhaKRemxhKJb6z8Wrc9a7xM-nhb1zJx_MhWpPjH7QjNRzxCXQ/s1600-h/project+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkFlbQEX0CKlXY8fh6acChAuK2_VCRJ_2_7lAGJMGK2YhSNl1il558VtKWLME3hHLIRH4_ZB-Mo5a9YiZ7sct42T0-kMhaKRemxhKJb6z8Wrc9a7xM-nhb1zJx_MhWpPjH7QjNRzxCXQ/s200/project+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325343088527621906" /></a><br />I wanted it to go in the bedroom so I mixed some paint I already had to make the color I wanted and went to town. When it dried I carefully sanded it then applied the lettering, and viola, the finished product! I am deciding if I want to hand paint the date we got married on it, or maybe some hearts, but I think for a buck it turned out alright!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzR8YbU54DoT5f9WnLVMPpSHGOu2NQvO0yKckyOOJqcj4VDjxMnE-BUuXVpi9YiPOSmwMaUiO3iCY2UZqZ41tdEpNARwr-IcdEbka3w8MaQXvatHlR5wK9O_9OPS0wjNowXj4EbPQWtQU/s1600-h/project+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 54px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzR8YbU54DoT5f9WnLVMPpSHGOu2NQvO0yKckyOOJqcj4VDjxMnE-BUuXVpi9YiPOSmwMaUiO3iCY2UZqZ41tdEpNARwr-IcdEbka3w8MaQXvatHlR5wK9O_9OPS0wjNowXj4EbPQWtQU/s200/project+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325343277795683762" /></a>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-1767831601310445692009-04-09T06:57:00.000-07:002009-04-09T07:17:36.221-07:00Getting Big!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5Gd0Fi6v8up8XWMH3H33GluS91UdLfLPKSTcNlsqVGAlM-RpaGSXEOEhiWQ3rKDOO_j2HDzaIb4nWTJfxCo_3-T2oW5ZWCKXNNwzDFu7TCQrGxb0n2CMSxJjZ1xlW_Re3ioaD_5gqIo/s1600-h/In+the+stove.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5Gd0Fi6v8up8XWMH3H33GluS91UdLfLPKSTcNlsqVGAlM-RpaGSXEOEhiWQ3rKDOO_j2HDzaIb4nWTJfxCo_3-T2oW5ZWCKXNNwzDFu7TCQrGxb0n2CMSxJjZ1xlW_Re3ioaD_5gqIo/s200/In+the+stove.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322694232988434898" /></a>Jenna is getting big and she has become very mobile. Because she can go just about anywhere now and she is walking fairly well she has decided that she needs to work on a few more things, namely, climbing and getting into things. When I do the dishes she instantly climbs up onto the dishwasher door and that goes for both loading and unloading. We have taken to doing the dishes when she is a sleep because the moment she hears that door open she hurries to the kitchen and there is not time to get it done before she gets there. One problem is when she gets up on some things she cant get down so she just stands there and yells for help. Yesterday I even tried putting the step stool under the table so she would stop climbing on it, but instead she got up anyway and not only was stuck on the stool, but under the table as well!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P5ZZXnfXuRDX9RaejyF5oTFguT9eTMbNJPEMRaMLiTCxZhUI_4W7Dw1t6AY6_Hf66t9BL-hpP6HyQZKFuPBeL0jKIzEoeNjrPnl5z17LcazEqeggMsw4MCYFNxmNxFVn8wnh_AqywUw/s1600-h/BIG+helper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0P5ZZXnfXuRDX9RaejyF5oTFguT9eTMbNJPEMRaMLiTCxZhUI_4W7Dw1t6AY6_Hf66t9BL-hpP6HyQZKFuPBeL0jKIzEoeNjrPnl5z17LcazEqeggMsw4MCYFNxmNxFVn8wnh_AqywUw/s200/BIG+helper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322695255644303106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oKgOmE65TVdE3XVcuCealW0t2lqM5yceBwhDAYe-Doc-hShhIAlqM-3s-U_H7l8qVmuBwrwwn4RH5FSO-JiyfjMNhgFUMp3QKstKIrtqZsqB1JP1rmO-oRZqvZ8pCmTL2JuloqRV3Ls/s1600-h/stuck.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oKgOmE65TVdE3XVcuCealW0t2lqM5yceBwhDAYe-Doc-hShhIAlqM-3s-U_H7l8qVmuBwrwwn4RH5FSO-JiyfjMNhgFUMp3QKstKIrtqZsqB1JP1rmO-oRZqvZ8pCmTL2JuloqRV3Ls/s200/stuck.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322694002496431634" /></a>Next she likes to climb into things, any things. Boxes, bowls, shoes, drawers and yes, even games. I found her stuck in this "Break the Ice" game the other day, when I finally got her out of it she climbed right back in. When I was working on our food storage yesterday she found and empty box that was far to little to hold her, but she managed to get in it. Because she likes to be wherever I am I have pulled her out from under the sink in the bathroom, and out of the draw under the stove. She has also figured out how to open the draws at the desk and she unloads all the envelopes and rolls of tape. Needless to say she have a bright one on our hands and I can only imagine the places she will goAnna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-1646491262085277542009-03-28T19:04:00.000-07:002009-03-28T19:29:53.582-07:00Andies Special Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz4iosDMlN9uhvTOLux1o3E2HW5W4r9MS-q1__9W7rGtPTsUbQcK7Fe-7mtOK_nst6pf2wBVlq5ZW_ANDCVK_ILwQHglI5JnF5AcL0EePy8sLqx-rCsIYgdwMeO7vQJRZuWOXYgIZH2I/s1600-h/Andie+and+Johnathan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz4iosDMlN9uhvTOLux1o3E2HW5W4r9MS-q1__9W7rGtPTsUbQcK7Fe-7mtOK_nst6pf2wBVlq5ZW_ANDCVK_ILwQHglI5JnF5AcL0EePy8sLqx-rCsIYgdwMeO7vQJRZuWOXYgIZH2I/s200/Andie+and+Johnathan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318429010142775938" /></a> Andie was baptised this morning by her father and it was a beautiful experience. Both Johnathan and Andie did a wonderful job and it was so sweet to see them together in the font. He also confirmed her a member of the church and gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost, along with a beautiful blessing. It was need to have the boys watch her and she did a wonderful job even though she was worried about her ears. After that we came home and the family stayed for a yummy lunch and the we let the kids play for a while. Overall it was a nice day and we are so proud of Andie's decision to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Congratulations Andie!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfHced4r2GclOs4DJcwS9tT2eALRtTXnfkmYSOoXCJ5JS-Fplg9sBFuxY10PL0CxKRdAdX7Gz_pHQDhW7143V5mtbDA5ZCSOm9V0V_1WpxQDJuju-Hkijfofm5oBr45vgpEzS_Rog7Yo/s1600-h/Duncan+Family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfHced4r2GclOs4DJcwS9tT2eALRtTXnfkmYSOoXCJ5JS-Fplg9sBFuxY10PL0CxKRdAdX7Gz_pHQDhW7143V5mtbDA5ZCSOm9V0V_1WpxQDJuju-Hkijfofm5oBr45vgpEzS_Rog7Yo/s200/Duncan+Family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318429799793827586" /></a> <center>The Duncan Family</center><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9e1jYQrQ_wzFOPqz3MQZJiMo6sVmmPuMPK83QoVtUNHXKg-N1dsCrgBKDeZLEm3610HlVwQUaGq_XptqEuAvN7HJf_dxEyujR9pE1WuRSUnKumEas1N5AcqzBZWTLYZeUyZCbSwIXQA/s1600-h/Andies+Baptism+picture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 159px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9e1jYQrQ_wzFOPqz3MQZJiMo6sVmmPuMPK83QoVtUNHXKg-N1dsCrgBKDeZLEm3610HlVwQUaGq_XptqEuAvN7HJf_dxEyujR9pE1WuRSUnKumEas1N5AcqzBZWTLYZeUyZCbSwIXQA/s200/Andies+Baptism+picture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318430048952602418" /></a> <center>This is her portrait. The Plaque says<br><b> "I will keep my Baptismal Covenants"<br> Andie V. Duncan<br> March 2009</center></b>Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-32760980774498739552009-03-26T09:13:00.000-07:002009-03-26T09:15:28.030-07:002 MILES!!!Today I ran an entire 2 miles. For the past week I have ran 1 mile and then walked and speraticly ran the next mile doing 2 miles in 35 min. Today I kept talking myself into going just a little farther and I ran the entire 2 miles in 32 min. This is a huge accomplishment for me. I am now in better shape than I have been after having any of my children. My goal is still to see the number of my dreams on the scale on my 30th birthday and I am headed that direction, it is really exciting for me. Anyway just wanted to share.Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612051031972049893.post-3037764645035656402009-03-23T09:13:00.001-07:002009-03-23T09:23:20.888-07:00NO MORE SNOW!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSUhi_wUJu3PkvAEC0cSfaoOQVuTk-XqjmNUtzcaO5MmSBfPISTxrVljDYsC5wSvs0AyVWCj56NeO6IAnz8h9FGiFoaEfQMBarliNy-BxChDaZSeXjRbZtfKQYSuH6g2RDlXwpPujiJQ/s1600-h/flour.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSUhi_wUJu3PkvAEC0cSfaoOQVuTk-XqjmNUtzcaO5MmSBfPISTxrVljDYsC5wSvs0AyVWCj56NeO6IAnz8h9FGiFoaEfQMBarliNy-BxChDaZSeXjRbZtfKQYSuH6g2RDlXwpPujiJQ/s200/flour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316419581105562994" /></a><br />We woke up to a thin carpet of snow this morning and hopes of an early summer drifted away. Now don't get me wrong, we live in Rexburg ID and if I thought we would see any sign of summer before August first I would be joking myself, but it was nice to dream! I really enjoy winter around Christmas and when the holiday spirit is in abundance but I also really enjoy the sun and everything that comes along with it. <br /><br />Spring is a time a re-birth. It makes you feel a bit like a flower peaking its head out of the moist spring earth just searching for the tiny ray of warm sunlight. Then when you feel it you want to spring open and brighten the world with your own uniqueness. I always feel like I want to clean, and de-junk. Put away the winter clothes and the boots, gloves, hats and scarves. Buy new sandals for the kids and most of all plan summer play!<br /><br />We would like to go out camping and visit Yellowstone Park. Fishing and hiking with the kids is also on the list, and planting a garden. What I think I love most about summer is being out of the house. In Rexburg you can spend as many as 7 months stuck in the house because of bad weather, so the few precious months of sunshine are a beautiful thing to me. <br /><br />But is seems that I need to reign in my anxiousness for summer and stick it out for a few more weeks. Johnathan likes to remind me that mid August I will be wishing it would cool off for just a few days. Will we ever be happy?Anna-Liisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08264801331942122622noreply@blogger.com0