Today I'm feeling especially grateful for the knowledge that I have that Families can live together eternally.



Of all of the things that I do have Faith in- that is one of the most comforting of all!

Because you all care. ...I know you do!

The thing that I love about "Blogging" is that I can type about my life, plans, kids and family and actually pretend that there is an audience of friends and family who actually CARE about what I'm writing about. Whether it is about my daughter`s second birthday, some home renovations or the status of my recent near death illness...ur cold - I have pictured in my mind a faithful group of people on the edge of their seats waiting...just waiting to see how things in our neck of the woods have ended up.

Well today's post just so happens to be an update on all the happenings in our oh- so- exciting life.

Here is Jessica blowing out the candles on her second Birthday Cake EVER! At least she tried to blow the candle out by puckering her lips together and puffing ever so cautiously, while remaining as FAR from the flame as possible!
Jordan and Luci were kind enough to let us have a family dinner at their house because our house had been overtaken with reno supplies, wood, and sawdust. Ew Ew and EW! I'm pretty sure that Luci slaved all day to get ready for the company, but she never let on. It was sure nice of them!
Jessica's Aunts and cousins know her well. Luci got her a doll and a stroller which she hasn't stopped pushing around. Jewel and her family got Jess a "Belle" dress and some jewellery. As you can see in the photo...it took about 45 seconds for her to open the gifts and put every single thing to good use!

Is this not the cutest Birthday Girl you`ve ever seen!! By the end of the day she`d gotten pretty accustomed to things being all about her. She played the role of DIVA oh so well!




As far as the renovations went. Yes you all were right John is AMAZING! This became especially apparent to me after I spent two days TRYING to mud and tape and sand the walls and get them ready for paint. I don`t think John and I have the same work ethic. ``Stupid, dumb boring Hate it!`` That`s all I have to say about renovations. John on the other hand actually enjoyed it.

We spent last Saturday painting together and aside from the door that we still need to install, things are done!


This is the empty space before the Reno began:


This is it After:

I love that we now have a hallway AND I love the little nook that John made for boots and shoes to go. That will help keep the entrance tidier.

The girls room is pink. Very girly. Jess has a real bed now too!



The tacky old style wood shelf that was once our entrance has made for a decent closet for the girls.


This was the kids room before Reno`s began. All three kids slept in here together. (What I mean is that ALL three kids would fall asleep in here, and then ALL three kids would wind up in our bed at some point in the night)
But this is where the would each fall asleep at least.


This is now Sam`s room now:
A nice MANLY blue, his own bed which he thinks is SOO cool, and toys fit for a boy. No more of those stupid princess dresses getting in his way. Nope he is a big boy now!





So there you have it. That is the first half of our home makeover. The second half will have to wait until Easter Break but it is going to be a goodie. It involves a new oven, a DISHWASHER, an Island and a little demolition just to make things FUN for John. He deserves to enjoy himself.

But like I said, you will have to wait to see that!

More and more we are feeling like this is a place we could stay for another year or so. We`ve been talking with the town about building on our property in 2010, but in the meantime we are pretty darn comfy where we are!

The best part is that LAST NIGHT not a single child left their bed.

I think it is a good sign!

We should have done this a long time ago!

Two years ago...

This little Ray of Sunshine was born! Her entry into the world was a little more dramatic then I would have preferred. I'd noticed the 15 Doctors and nurses enter the room, but I didn't really understand at the time the gravity of what was happening.    Though I could sense something was wrong,  it wasn't until I was leaving the hospital with her that the Doctor who delivered her let me know just how tense things had been.    She was basically "Flatline" before she was even born. No heartbeat...nothing.   There was no time for a C-section or any of that.      One Panic filled push was all the time we had to get her out!   When she was born I heard the worst thing imaginable.

Nothing.

Doctors worked on her. Nurses tried to reassure us.

And then...A CRY.

Finally a beautiful, loud, obnoxious Cry!

She hasn't stopped since. She's got a warm smile and DIMPLES that melt my heart.

She loves the outdoors.


She has a real flare for fashion. Shoes, purses and swimsuits are her favorite things!

Often when I look at Jess I'm reminded of the TRUTH of Eternal families.

Just a few days after Jessica's arrival - my Dad died very suddenly.    Months later John's mom also passed away.      Jessica reminds us of each of them in little ways.   She has Grandma Hardy's dimples, her easy disposition and her goodness.   Often though, when I look at Jessica I see my Dad's spunk and tenacity. His enthusiasm. His strength and determination.

Sometimes when I think about how close she came to NOT being here, I feel such gratitude to our Father in Heaven for the gift that she is to us.

A precious little bundle to remind us that even when life is hard...

it is also Sweet and full of Miracles!

She's a good kid this one.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

A complete Bust. ...or was it?

Looking back on my previous post, it appears I may have been a little bit too hasty in declaring valentines day the start of our "weekend of family togetherness and cleaning." I think everyone got the message loud and clear because we got not a single call or visit all weekend long. On all accounts, and according to MY carefully laid out plans we should have made some major progress. Why didn't we?

I got sick. Real sick. Probably the sickest I remember being in a long time. It was bad. I don't like complaining, and I don't like to go on and on with details that don't matter, but I was...sick.

soo...

Nothing got done ...by ME at least. John on the other hand, had other plans.

His plans included this awkward little living area just to the left of our entrance. And his plans required that little yellow tool box.



(Do you like our giraffe print lino?)



This is a better view of the wasted space in our home, that we've never quite been sure how to use. It's been a TV room, a playroom, but mostly just an annoyance. Perhaps the only advantage to this space was it served as a great stage for Aunt Rachel and Uncle Brent when they would come to visit.



They like to perform for us. They dance.

Oh how we will miss the dancing.

Because, just as the chills set in and my body started to ache...John got to work. What a stud! ....Um I mean first he moved IN the studs.



Then he built the frame. Jessica tried to help...but didn't. I know this because as I laid there in my bed writhing in pain, (did I mention I was sick?), I often heard John plead with the kids to stop walking all over things, and to give him back his tools, and to "stop swinging that thing around." That's just what I heard from the other room as I drifted in and out of a deep and laborious sleep because I was, you know so ill by this point.


This was day 2. Now here I had moved my pathetic ragged body to the living room where I spent a large chunk of time assisting from the couch. I was definitely burning a fever by this time....oh um I mean John had made tremendous progress getting the first wall up and secured.

I couldn't help but notice that Jessica is STILL in nothing but her diaper. I mean honestly John. tsk tsk. I realize you are putting up a little wall, rubbing my back when I need it, feeding the kids as well... but did you have to stop at dressing the baby?

Some people just can't multitask ever.

I think at this point I managed to make it BACK to my bed.


This next picture I took AFTER I got back from the emergency room. Ear infection, Sinus Infection, Strep throat AND bronchitis. Is it even possible to have that many things wrong with you at once? If it weren't for the fact that I felt like I had all those things wrong I wouldn't have believed it myself. But I'm not one to go on complaining about me.

This looks FANTASTIC!

Here he is stuffing it with insulation. I've been on antibiotics for about 8 hours. (does anyone still care about that fact?)

I thought this was worth documenting. Sam was actually helping and Jess is actually dressed. Life must be returning to normal. Wait a minute. Sam's vaccuuming. There's nothing normal about that!

This has nothing to do with construction but then again half of this post hasn't either. I took this picture yesterday morning and laughed ...and felt a little sick after too. (I do NOT recommend clicking on this image) I'm simply posting this to show you what congestion looks like.

She doesn't know congestion.

I know congestion.

But this isn't about me. It's not like me to go on and on about my suffering. In all honesty I'm just trying to ham it up and scrounge up all the sympathy I can. In truth, I realize I probably had it pretty easy. Mother Teresa incarnate (AKA my sister Jewel) left breakfast, lunch and movies on our doorstep. My sister in law Luci left movies and the most delicious and sinus clearing Salsa. My visiting teacher brought a hot meal at the most convenient time, and of course there was John.

John.

that amazing man.

Cook, father, substitute mom, Carpenter and "nurse...man" extraordinaire. Without John nothing good would have happened this weekend and it would have been a complete bust. In reality though Valentines day and Family day were spent learning something very important about our little family. The Dad in this home Rocks. He's the beam that keeps us all sturdy. The Insulation that keeps us warm. The Mud that...holds us all together.

I was trying to use puns because...John likes puns.

Really though, isn't that what makes a marriage great. You know, when one person is down the other rises up. Compensates. Keeps things going.

John did that this weekend.

And he built a new room too.

and I love him.

And tonight when I pray I am going to be very thankful that I have him.

I'll post finished pictures when the project is done in a day or two. My job is to mud and tape and prime and paint. I'm totally amateur when it comes to this stuff but I'm feeling better you know, so it's a amateur job I'm happy to do.

What? What's this?

Is that me? WORKING?

And the heavens burst forth into singing...

Yes folks. It's true. Finally I helped.

It's like...totally a miracle!

Valentine Clutter

It has been quite a week around here for us. Jessica and John have both been sick with different ailments. John was hit the hardest with a long bout of a cold/sinus infection/ strep that has left him pretty much wiped out! I honestly don't think I've ever seen him so exhausted. Not a single joke or pun was uttered from his lips for a good 5 days or so. I missed it! I broke down this week and in a moment of vanity (and panic) got a haircut. Abby has kept us busy with her endless desire to bake treats and make valentines for everybody, and I do mean EVERYBODY that she knows.

I never thought I'd see the day when Sam would require the least amount of effort and maintenance.
Considering all that has been going on for the rest of us, Sam has practically slipped through the cracks and at times gone completely unnoticed. Poor boy. Oh well, I'm sure that he'll make up for that in the middle of Sacrament meeting on Sunday.



Life is busy. I love my life. But it's busy. I feel like I can't really get on top of things, you know, like I'm always just barely keeping up with what needs to be done. For someone like me, that is not a good feeling. I don't like it, and I've come to the conclusion that it is because my house is full of clutter. Literally bursting at the seams with disorganization and junk. Take our main utility cupboard for example.
I actually cut myself the other day when I was looking for a battery. I found flashlights, static balls, knives (hence the cut), and every tool imaginable. ...no batteries.



I've decided that Tupperware containers such as these are the best for storing those odd things that I just can't get rid of, yet don't really like. So I just toss them in a bin and put a lid on it. I though that would work but these little bins all around my house are just screaming at me for attention. "Clean me. Clean me!" they say.
By the way that satiny white bunch of material thrown in there...that's actually my wedding dress.



Then there are more obvious places in our home like our fridge. For the past few days it has been taken over by pink icing, cookies and goodies all waiting to be given away. (Thanks to Abby!) I need to clean that baby out, ...and then I need to refill it.
Take note of the soy milk in the back! That's right-Soy! Every time I open our fridge door and see that carton of organic soy milk I feel proud that we are taking steps toward a healthy life consisting of soy. ...I've yet to be able to down a glass of that stuff, but every week I still buy it. You know, it just feels good to.



Much to Abby's delight she came home with a back pack AND a giant heart shaped envelope filled to the brim with Valentines and other gifts from her classmates. She's carried it off to her room and has hidden it away from Sam and Jess.
Even though it is out of sight I have a sneaky suspicion that somewhere, somewhere...deep in her room there awaits yet another mess for me to tackle.

So that is what this weekend is going to be about. We are going to spend it Resting, Getting back to health, back on track and back to a more organized way. That's right. We're NOT going to answer our door, we likely WON'T be answering the phone. We are going to shut the world out for ONE weekend and focus on what matters most. "Quality Family Time." Can I call it that?

Why this weekend? Because it's Valentines Day of course. And NOTHING brings warmth to my heart more then a clean home!

So while the rest of the world enjoys celebrating the joy of being together, we will be working (playing a little) and cleaning. De-cluttering.

...and celebrating the joy of being together.

One big happy ...ORGANIZED family!

You know that 7-11...?

It's been a long time since I've gone home. A long time. When I say home, I don't mean our charming little place where John and I live. I mean HOME. The place that I grew up. The place that holds some of my fondest memories. That perfect little town nestled halfway between Calgary and Cardston. Farmland to the East. Foothills to the west. Claresholm. I graduated from high school 11 years ago, moved to Edmonton, and have hardly ever gone back. Sure, I've returned to attend an occasional celebration of some sort, but those visits have always been brief, and I've never really been able to see those I enjoyed most. It is always such a strange feeling to drive right through Claresholm on the way to here or there and have no reason to stop. Many times I've wanted to, but never have.

This weekend I went back to attend a wedding reception. You know, nothing makes you feel old, like seeing the girl you used to babysit get married.

As soon as we drove into town, I was overcome with feelings of nostalgia. John patiently drove around (as per my instruction) and toured the town with me as I jabbered about "this spot"...and "that place"... and "oh yeah and this one time....!" Oh my it was a lot of fun. Don't you have spots like that in your hometown. Places that bring back all those great memories?

Take a tour of my town, why don't you:

This is the Claresholm water tower, where my high school sweetheart painted my name in bright green. I'm just kidding! (If you've never heard the old country song, "John Deere Green" you won't think that was funny. Even if you have heard that song, you might not think that was funny.) I assure you No graffiti was EVER done on account of me. In fact, I never even had a High School sweetheart, or ...a High school...date for that matter. (I think it was the whole tall, gangly, awkward with braces thing that I had going on. Maybe it was the perm?)

Side note: Imagine my joy this weekend when 5 people said that I hadn't changed AT ALL since they last saw me. FIVE people said that I "LOOKED EXACTLY THE SAME as I did 11 years ago!) Thanks a lot;)

Here is the famous 7-11. I dare anyone to say they have not stopped here for a little bit of chicken on a stick. Often when someone asks me where I grew up, I get a blank face when I try to explain Claresholm. As soon as I mention the 7-11 however, eyes light up and people know exactly what town I am talking about. This was the spot to hang out on a Friday night. I mean, if you were 16 it was. Pretty much anybody who was anybody would gather here and spend a few hours flirting and acting all cool and stuff. It was such fun. Well, I mean, I never personally actually got to hang out here on Friday nights. (braces and perm etc) But I sometimes drove by, so ...that was fun, I guess.


This little restaurant sells the best french fries with a sour cream and chive dip. No major memory connected with this place, except for that dip. I miss that dip.

This was where I got my first real job as a cashier. Back then it was called the garden market IGA and I loathed going to work there. Loathed it. I spent a lot of time trying to get out of shifts at this place. A lot of time. If I had a dollar for every hour I spent trying to get OUT of working...

It got too dark before I could take photos of some of my other favorite spots. The post office, the schools, my old home, the Cedar Gardens restaurant where my Dad used to take us for dinner every fast Sunday after church. All of those places were so fun to see, but nothing was more enjoyable then getting to see so many of the people that I loved. Former young women's leaders, teachers, parents of friends, and friends themselves ...an entire community who I felt truly cared about my siblings and I. Those were the people who made Claresholm home to me. I was glad to get to see so many of them.

In every way, it was a great evening. I came home (now I'm talking about that charming little place where John and I live), with a renewed determination to keep in better contact with old acquaintances.

And a haircut.
I think it is time for a haircut.

Riddle me this...

Every semester John studies this book with his grade 10 English class. I asked him to bring home a copy for me to read and I have been LOVING it so far. It's not too long, beautifully written, thought provoking and I feel kinda smart when I turn it's pages.

Last night after the kids went to bed, I snuggled up on our new couch (actually, it's not new ...in fact it's old, but new to me), and began to delve into the life of this Shepherd boy, Santiago. John interrupted me for a moment to share a particular phrase that is included in the beginning pages of the book. It's an old Japanese proverb and it reads:

The secret to life is to fall down 7 times but get up 8

What does that mean? How can you get up 8 times if you've fallen down only 7? It doesn't make sense. I laughed at this at first, and I have to admit, I figured it was perhaps a typo. (so much for being smart eh) Yet....I 'm beginning to think that maybe it wasn't a typo. Maybe I'm just missing something.

...something important.

....something BIG

....something that only smart people figure out.

It would be an understatement to say I haven't been thinking of this phrase all day. I think I've come up with some ideas of what exactly it means, yet nothing I could adequately convey. I'll have to finish the book first. Maybe it gives the answers at the end:)


What do you think it means?