Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter!






Have not journaled in awhile. Let’s see

previous week Doug out of town in Canada.
Thursday March 13th – Open house at Heather’s school – Doug out of town in Colorado, so just the kids and I went. Put Autumn in a backpack, seemed to work pretty well. They had a little science fair set upin the cafeteria, and Heather’s work displayed in the classroom. Heather is no longer sitting with Jake – he is now at his own table with one other little boy. Heather’s work was very good – they all made astronauts by tracing their bodies on paper, and blowing up a picture of their face to put inside of a drawn helmet. They turned out really cute. There were sponge paintings, and other picture. Heather seems to be doing very well. We did some gardening, planted a bunch of ferns in the front. Some ferns were taking over that little patch anyways, so just filled it in a bit more.

March 14th Easter party at Heather’s school. Using the backpack, we all ventured to go again. They had an egg hunt out in the playground, then inside for crafts and snacks. I missed some of Heather’s other class parties because I did not think it would be good to take Autumn/James along and had no one to baby-sit. This one was ok because it was outside. Wish I was able to go to more stuff with Heather at school. A weekend without Doug, we got pizza and watched a movie as usual. Weather is nice, fixed the bike trailer, have been using the greenbelt again to get to/from school which is good.

March 17-21th
Heather’s Spring Break. Doug had to work because he had been out of the office for awhile, so no fancy trips, just relaxing at home. Poor Nammy, she was going to come out Tuesday morning but the flight was canceled – she drove back and forth to the airport, did not end up making it out until Tuesday night at midnight, but she still came! I told the kids not to wake her up, let her sleep. Heather asked – can we just go look at her? Dropped Doug off at the park-n-ride, and the kids snuck down – Heather stood next to Nammy breathing heavily until nammy woke up – I guess she would not get in trouble for just breathing right? We went to the zoo, a nice day out, then picked up Doug on the way home. Next day, walked to the park. James trying to ride his bike, Heather on her scooter, Autumn and stuff in the wagon, and Chaco. Quite a process to get everyone down the greenbelt – James needed a little push every now and then, Heather fell off the scooter twice, skinned up both her knees, little Autumn walked a bit of the way, but did not want to go the same direction as everyone else, so ended up having to strap her into the wagon for part of the trip, which she did not like very much. Made it to the park though. Heather had a couple of Easter eggs left over from the class party, which she insisted we all play Easter egg hunt over and over again. Stayed at the park for a while, then made it all the way back home. Went to taco bell for lunch, then drop mom back off at the airport. A quick visit, but nice too see her. Kids are already anticipating Nammy coming back for Heather’s birthday.

March 22nd
Nice outside, the pool is clear – so we went swimming – the water was cold, ended up putting on the heater. Ate dinner in the spa. James and Autumn may be getting sick, James up coughing all night last night…

March 23rd
Happy Easter! Got up, tried to get everyone ready for 8:30AM church while at the same time letting them go through Easter baskets. Were able to get dressed, and a few picts taken out in the front before leaving. A neighbor came over and helped us get pictures. I think it was the same neighbor who gave us the cross for our yard. Everyone on our could-e-sac has the white crosses up – this morning we all turned them around to say “He is risen”. Went to church, the kids – Heather and James this year too, went up to sing a little primary song. Autumn #2 week in nursery. They did not end up needing a sub after all, so I was able to go to class. Home again, kids went on Easter egg hunt, then colored Easter eggs, had fish and cuscus asparagus for dinner – plus grape juice, bread, some little appetizer things. Tried to make it a Mediterranean meal this year instead of the traditional ham. Just us for Easter this year – no extras, but it was nice.

Thursday, February 21, 2008





Heather's Reflections painting with 1st place ribbon!!! Way to go Heather! Heather's class picture.



Wednesday Feb 20th
Lazy day at home, Heena’s piano lesson went well, she is starting to like Jazz, she played her violin, and I played the piano with her. Starting to compose her own songs. Little Autumn is experimenting with walking backwards, still trying to potty train James, it seems to be a long process.

Thursday Feb 21st
Heather brought back her reflections picture today – she got 1st place! Everyone in her class crowding around to see her painting, and praise her. It is titled “Planting Flowers”. Reflections theme this year was I can make a difference by - – Heather’s painting was around making a difference by planting flowers in the sun where they can grow, showing others beautiful things – like the silver lining on clouds, and being a friend to everyone – represented by the daisy chain framing the picture. We will have to go celebrate her success!

Friday Feb 22nd
Doug woke up with a headache, let him take the van, then remembered I had visit teaching appointments. Biked Heather to school, then back home, then biked over to Karen R’s home – a nice ride, cloudy out so not too hot. Had a bit of a “Red Tent” discussion at Karen’s house. I have always been healthy, so have never had to pay much attention to what I eat, or balancing medications. I guess I should start paying more attention, at least to what Doug is taking. Biked back home, did some laundry. Called Janessa, Ed was working at the PB factory, so I talked Janessa into watching our kids rather than staying home alone – Doug was able to get home at 2:00 – just in time to pick Heather up from school. Susie was going to pick us up, pick Heather up, then take all of us to our next VT appointment – luckily Susie got a call that made her late – Doug drove up right as Susie did – so doug was able to get Heather and watched the kids while Susan and I went VT to Karen J’s. Nice to go VTing without kids. Came home, dropped kids off at Janessa’s and went to the temple. Rush hour traffic so we did not make the 5:00 session – got there at 5:00 without enough time to change – ended up doing sealings for an hour, then made the 6:00 session. A little bit different session… reminders that we now have a new president...

Saturday feb 23rd
Went to quilting class this morning with Heather, and learned how to make the block for the upcoming quilting bee. I have never had much patience for detail, one for practicality rather than looks. Susie talking yesterday about who the quilts went to though, they go to people who deserve something nice. Spent rest of day doing laundry, yard work, grocery shopping, while Doug worked on moving everything over to the new study. Slow process to get everything moved over, but it will be so nice for James to have his own room. We ordered pizza for dinner.

Sunday Feb 24th
We got a new bishop today – Brother Maranto – I know his wife from the book club, Daxon, their youngest, is a kindergartener with Heather, we have babysat him a few times. They are from Colorado too. He will make a good Bishop. Brother Davis was only our Bishop for 5 months before having to move to the middle east like so many others from our ward. Strange for him to be called, and then have to be released so soon – but there were reasons. Elizabeth just had surgery, so brother Maranto was needed at home for the last couple of months. Played piano in RS, then spent gospel doctrine walking around with Autumn, walking around outside of building, and inside. Back home, made pancakes and eggs for dinner on grany’s pig dishes. Our traditional Saturday morning pancakes have been moved to Sunday night pancakes lately.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008



Picts of room – and of Heather’s unicorn plates – Thanks RuthAnne!

Sunday Feb 10th
Doug was able to get to his meeting this morning. Taught Heather’s class again, lesson on families. They were a little better today. Doug came in for part of it and helped me get them settled. Brought in valentines candy to bribe them to sit down etc… Had a nice nap at home.

Monday Feb 11th
Doug home with a headache  Back to school, Pam called, tracked down missionaries in Oklahoma city to give grandson a blessing, turned out well, missionaries were able to talk with another family in the hospital. FHE.

Wednesday Feb 13th
Lots of roofers coming through – trying to figure out which company to use is a hard choice… Large range in pricess. Trying to figure out what color to use. In the long run, it does not really matter… should not spend so much time on such frivolities… Heena’s piano lesson – Ami adorned me with one of their forehead stickers.

Thursday Feb 14th
Happy Valentines’ Day! Doug got cards for all the kids, they had LOTS of candy – BIG marshmallow suckers from grandparents, candy from school, from Doug, from me – lots of candy. Heather’s party at school was pretty crazy – Mrs. Welch had to stay home, substitute unable to handle kids on too much sugar. Heather was happy though!

Friday Feb 15th
Mary’s B-Day at Bear Branch park. Little James very excited, got her a “King” racing car. Doug home sick – worked from home.

Saturday Feb 16th
Granny and Grampy’s 70 wedding anniversary! Welfare meeting wit Irene – 3 hours long, learned about lots of really great programs – good website provident living.org… Afterwards went to a music shop, Doug working on the room at home – it is never done – but I think done enough to start moving stuff in – it will be fun to get James his own room!


Sunday Feb 17th
The kids and Doug still a little sick, they stayed home and I was able to go to church all on my own. I missed having them there with me, but enjoyed being able to concentrate on the lessons/talks. Talk on faith, Max J gave a talk on patriarchal blessings, that they are our Liahona, and went through the blessings of Manasseh and Ephraim – also talked about the 12 tribes in gospel doctrine class… that Ephraim was told to have lots of children, same blessing as Abraham – and that we are literally them, we are decedents of Ephraim… Ephraim’s job to gather the lost tribes...

Came home, spent some time outside, kidsplaying in the sandbox, swinging Autumn, cleaning out the pool. We hung up a windchime on the porch (I got for grandparents, but did not get in the mail on time) it sounds really nice, but I don’t know that we get enough wind for it to ever go on its own… Finished reading “Christy” by Catherine Marshall – a really good book.

Monday Feb 18th
Stayed up late last night on forums, went to RS meeting this morning, but skipped out on the blogging class – I really felt bad driving away, I should have stayed… My excuse, the kids still a little sick, house a mess, etc… really I was just tired, went home and took a nap. I need to get myself on a schedule, and not skip out on things – there will always be an excuse not to go to things, and if I do not go, I will miss out on friendships… Nicole’s thought for this morning by Faust I think – something along the lines of every moment you are making choices for what to do, like drips of water each carving out a little piece of the grand canyon, one by one, drip by drip… sometimes you just look to big goals instead of the little choices that make us who we are… Doug came home sick with a headache, so we did not do FHE  Went grocery shopping, watched Daxton, Started reading Twilight. Stayed up pretty late reading / Doug up with headache…

Tuesday Feb 19th
Glitch in taxes – our homestead exemption was under previous owner’s name, so now they took away the exemption for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 – so we owe around $500 extra taxes… Seem to remember there being some questions about filling paperwork… we will see. I was really tired – Janessa and Pam came over for about 2 hours, hope they did not notice how tired I was. Doug took van to work, so we rode bikes to/from school. Cold out in the morning – Heather and I both had on flip-flops / sandals, so our toes were red and cold when we got to school. I at least found a pair of big floppy red gloves for Heather to wear on the way though.

Sunday, February 10, 2008



100's day at school - Heather's 100th day of kindergarten - everyone dresses up as a 100 year old person.



Autumn - so hungry she could eat a cow!



Wearing the PJ's nammy got us - Thanks Nammy!



Opening Christmas presents at home

Saturday Feb 2nd
President Hinckley’s funeral was today. We stayed home, Doug spent the day cleaning out the garage with the kids playing outside. I got on the internet a little early. They had the Mormon tabernacle choir singing. One of the songs ended, and the camera changed to show the funeral procession, cars of just the family and hearse pulling out and driving towards the conference center. There was no big parade, it was done with just the family, the same as any other funeral for any ordinary person. Something about how simple they had kept it struck me. We were all so used to seeing him in a formal suit speaking in general conference about church affairs… hard to get to see him outside of this setting sometimes. It was quiet – the only audio for about 20 minutes was just the sound of the cars driving, and a helicopter. I’m glad they kept it quiet without any commentary. Gave everyone who was watching time to just be quiet. They pulled into the parking lot at the conference center, and gradually their were sounds of others talking in the background, greeting each other, walking towards the building, sounds slowly bringing everyone out of their quiet reverie back into the world. They had a camera backstage, and took everyone through the whole thing with the family, unloading the coffin from the car, relatives arranging flowers on it, then walking with them into the lights of the conference center. Everyone in their usual places, the quorums of the 70, the apostles, with an empty chair where Hinckley used to sit. Brother Eyring and brother Monson sitting on either side of the empty chair, Brother Eyring had his down, clenching and unclenching his fingers trying to keep composed… Brother Monson still trying to come to grips with his new calling, calm collected, steady. Talks were given by family and general authorities, stories shared, reminiscing… one that stood out, they rode in little carts in an underground tunnel between meeting houses every day. President Hinckley would bundle himself up for the ride. From the overhead noise crossing under the street… when they passed under the temple, Hinckley would always reach up and remove his hat. Another story where he forgot his cufflinks and used paperclips on his shirtsleeves. There were accounts of how devastating the loss of his wife was to him. How he kept on getting up and going to work after being diagnosed with cancer. You got this picture of this simple little guy, living in his little apartment, unaware of all the publicity and attention he was getting. Perhaps he was aware of it, but in some distant way, not really publicity of him, but of the church where he went. A strange thought, for a 13+ million member church to be run by a 97 year old man. His mind was sharp to the last though.

Prophetic Passing

I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.

I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."

I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008

Short video
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7433508959787481703&pr=goog-sl

Sunday Feb 3rd
Fast Sunday, nice to have this after the funeral yesterday. Doug had a headache, I sort of made him go to church anyways… probably should not have. He seems to always get headaches on weekends, often on Sundays… I thought it would be a special meeting, and did not want him to miss out. I don’t have headaches, so I don’t know the extent of how much pain he is in. I ended up subbing for Heather’s class. There were 7 5-6 year olds. A very … enthusiastic class. I was happy to know that Heather is one of the well behaved ones. I am not very good at disciplining kids… it seemed a small room with too many people. Borther Wooters usual teaches the class, and has his wife in there with him. I think having two adults instead of just one really helps out. It was a lesson on free agency, making choices. Started lesson by letting them choose a rock – what did you just do? You just made a choice – it was in the lesson, the rest of the class everyone was sticking their rocks in their mouth, or trying to get more rocks out of the bowl. Heather remembered some of it when we got home though.

Monday Feb 4th
Frozen dinner meal exchange tomorrow, I had to get the turkey out of the freezer to make room, so turkey for dinner tonight! RS meeting at Nicole’s house with the kids running around get a little wild. Got on foru.ms, took a nap, talked with Dennise, bike ride to pick up Heather. New Presidency called. Brother Monson as everyone knew, with Henry B. Eyring as First Counselor and Dieter F. Uchtdorf as Second Counselor. It will be a good group. Brother Eyring is a scientist, tall skinny professor type. Uchtdorf was raised in Germany. Family Home evening. Little Autumn with much effort climbed down off her chair, and retirved Jame’s fallen sippie cup for him, she was smiling, and so excited to be able to help. The endeavor was much appreciated by James.


Tuesday Jan 5th
100’s day at Heather’s school. It is the 100th day that they have gone to school, and to celebrate the occasion, they are supposed to dress up like old people. I can’t believe that Heather has already been at school for 100 days! Doug had a dentist appointment this morning, so drove him in to work. Went by goodwill on the way home, spent the day going through cloths. Bagged up 7 bags, got in 3 new bags. Still feel like we are swimming in cloths that we don’t use… I need to be better at quality instead of quantity… Freezer dinner exchange tonight at Nicole’s I just made some sloppy Joe’s. Doug didn’t want left-over turkey, so we got Taco Bell. Super Tuesday – Hillary against Obama, then McCain, Romney, and Huckabee on the Republican side. We will see what this country turns into in Nov!

Wednesday Feb 6th
Visit teaching conference meeting at 1:00, Heena’s piano lesson. Grocery shopping, got some Valentines Day stuff. Romney pulls out of race to unify Republicans – an honorable move. Now the big race is between Clinton/Obama. I hope Clinton wins, Oboma sounds like a socialist.


Thursday Feb 7th
Book club at our house, so spent most of the day cleaning. Rearranged the couches so we could sit closer together… We had a fun group – Kristine, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Janessa, and Celeste. Lots of kids came, kids ate a lot of cookies! We will be reading the book “Twilight” for next month – not my first pick, but you never know until you read it. Got a bunch of cookies – a bunch of kids came, they had fun too – and ate a lot of cookies!

Friday Feb 8th
Watched Janessa’s kids today while she went and took her GRE. Catching up on RS stuff / emails. Tax returns came in, so researching roofing companies. Ordered pizza, started new book, “Christy” – very good. Ordered Twilight, The red Tent, Standing for something, and

Victor Franksl – Man’s search for meaning – 

The experiences of camp life show that a man does have a choice of action. There were enough examples, often of a heroic nature, which proved that apathy could be overcome, irritability suppressed. Man can preserve a vestige of spiritual freedom, of independence of mind, even in such terrible conditions of psychic and physical stress. We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken away from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity—even in the most difficult circumstances—to add a deeper meaning to life.
~ Viktor Frankl Quotes

Saturday Feb 9th
I get to teach Heather’s class again, so worked on lesson. Doug put in new shower heads, and put up new garage door opener. We all went out to Pei Wei’s for dinner, gave the kids baths. I’m reading a new book – Christy – by Catherine Marshall. It is historical fiction, in it Catherine writes her mother’s experiences living in the Smokies with the mountain people. It is very good.

Sunday Feb 10th
Doug was able to get to his meeting this morning. Taught Heather’s class again, lesson on families. They were a little better today. Doug came in for part of it and helped me get them settled. Brought in valentines candy to bribe them to sit down etc… Had a nice nap at home.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Daisy schedule

Tuesday, October 16 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House Troop 9486 Birthday Party
Tuesday, October 30 3:30-5:00 Juliette Gordon Low Birthday Party-Bear Branch Elementary
Tuesday, November 13 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, November 27 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, December 11 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, January 15 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, January 29 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, February 12 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, February26 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, March 11 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, March 25 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, April 8 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, April 22 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, May 6 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House
Tuesday, May 20 2:00-3:00 Bear Branch Pool House

Sunday, November 4, 2007






Sunday Nov 4th
I have not been journaling like I should. Today is fast Sunday. Everyone seemed a little more emotional than usual, I think because we are losing our bishop. President Fronk is out of town with family putting a stone on his father’s grave. Karren gave the lesson in RS today, said VTing was the biggest RS organizations for her.

Last week was Halloween, Autumn went as a ladybug, James a Thomas the Train, and Heather as a unicorn. James was most excited about it this year, and got many compliments on his outfit. He and Heather raced to the doors and fought over who got to ring the “ding bell” I think the “ding bell” got rang several times before the door was answered. RuthAnn and James were over. They taught us how to make Hawaiian Haystack for dinner – rice with chicken in a cream sauce and celerery, topped with pineapple, mushrooms, green onions, and pineapple. Pretty good! Institute on Wed – OT, the PT conference at school Mrs. Welch seems to really like Heather. Went to Mercer for a short time, Autumn became really fussy, got a fever, went home, she slept, then was ok. Thursday we went shopping, almost forgot Heather got out early, was late in picking her up – felt really bad. There were only a few kids still waiting on the front when we got there. Friday Heather was out early too, Doug took the van, rode bikes back and forth to school. Nice weather out. Heather got her report card, with really good grades. We went to Chucky Cheese to celebrate. Spent all day Saturday making Heather a poodle skirt for her 50’s day. Also worked on Christmas presents.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Halloween Picts

Picts from Heather’s field trip to old McDonalds’ farm – it rained, the kids got pretty muddy, James climbed into the hey after getting all muddy – he was quite a site! Heather’s class with Miss Welch, Heather with her friends Izzi and Kate. Lost James, then found him in with the rabbits. Getting pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, and all dressed up for the church Halloween festival.

Happy Halloween!