Mason: "When President Smith turned 81 he died for his birthday." (Speaking of George Albert Smith)
Stephen, on his excitement to get new socks for Christmas, and his subsequent excitement that I would no longer say "I'll darn those holy socks some day...": "These socks aren't going to be darned - they are going to be damned!" (And into the trash can they went)
Mom, talking about a fantastic National Geographic baby book we checked out from the library: "Mason, what experiments are you going to do with the baby?"
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Today with a new baby
Little Lincoln has a very red face, red hair and dark blue eyes (it will be fun to discover their real color soon!).
This morning Mason asked if all baby's eyes are blue when they are born. I told him that most white babies are born with blue eyes. He paused a moment and then asked, "What about red babies?"
Here are all 4 kids this morning:
And here are Lincoln and I. We opted out of church and slept all morning. :o)
All these updates are brought to you compliments of my mom and dad, who are taking care of everything while I rest. :o)
This morning Mason asked if all baby's eyes are blue when they are born. I told him that most white babies are born with blue eyes. He paused a moment and then asked, "What about red babies?"
Here are all 4 kids this morning:
And here are Lincoln and I. We opted out of church and slept all morning. :o)
All these updates are brought to you compliments of my mom and dad, who are taking care of everything while I rest. :o)
Birthing story - long and probably a little TMI for the normal crowd...
A little over a year ago I had the distinct impression that there was a little girl waiting to come to our family. I thought, "okay, that will be great!" Then I had the thought, "And she is going to be born naturally." Alright, good with that, too. And then, "It doesn't need to be immediately, just be thinking about it." Okay. And finally, "You should go and tell Stephen." Oh yeah. :o)
So I did, and then discovered Bella Natal, a midwife-run birthing center just up the road. Just what I was looking for! Next was Hypnobabies, and then I got pregnant. I have been so excited about this birth - even on child #4 I've learned so much about my amazing body and what it is capable of. I was so excited to have a medication-free delivery in a home-like setting. I'm also so glad to know that it was inspiration to have Lincoln the way I did - it wasn't a walk in the park! But I'm jumping ahead...
My guess date was Dec. 11th, but I wasn't expecting him to come then - all of the others have been late. With Elise my water broke and she was born 7 days after her guess date. With both Mason and Sammy I was induced 2 and 3 days after their guess dates. So I was going into this not having any idea what my body would experience. Also, all 3 kids were born in hospitals with epidurals and pitocin. Not exactly naturally! Another reason I wasn't expecting him near the 11th was because Stephen would be finished with finals/project on the 15th, so all along I'd been planning on the 15th or 16th.
Well, the 11th came and went and my body was doing nothing. The 15th came and went and I still wasn't having any consistent birthing waves (hypnobaby term for contractions). The 16th...nada...the 17th...where are you, baby?...the 18th...a little something - I wasn't in complete despair of him never coming!
At 1am on the 19th I was awakened by pressure waves that I could no longer sleep through, although I kept trying for a little while. Then I realized that I needed to really focus on my hypnosis technics that I'd learned - these waves were getting pretty intense! I woke Stephen up around 3am to have him time the waves, which we did for about 45 minutes. They were consistent and strong. Hooray! About 4am I let him go back to sleep and focused on my hypnosis. At 6am I woke him up again and we both showered and got ready to go in to Bella Natal. However, I still wasn't feeling like I needed to be there, so we stayed at home until 8:30am, when we met my midwife, Brigette, at the center.
My hypnosis was going fantastic - both Stephen and I were expecting a fast, easy birthing time (hypnobabies for labor & delivery). Brigette showed Stephen some fantastic pressure points for during a birthing wave, and I got in the tub and relaxed. I was pretty sure that I was about ready to push, only to discover that I was only dilated to 6cm. I think it was at that point that I realized it wasn't going to be quite as easy as I had thought.
That said, I was still totally and completely relaxed between waves - even during them I was able to breathe (and make funny guttural noises) through them. I was getting tired, so moved to the bed so I could lie down for awhile. I have no concept of how the timing of all of this went. I was completely focused inside of myself - in fact, I don't think I opened my eyes the entire birthing time, unless they were walking me to the toilet.
Once on the bed things really started picking up. I don't know where my mind was, it certainly wasn't paying any attention to anything going on around me! One thing that helped me through the incredibly intense waves was my breathing with funny noises, turning my head back and forth, and counting backwards from 30. It kept me focused on something - although I'm sure I skipped a few numbers now and then! Another wonderful thing was the pressure points that Brigette, her assistant, Sarah, and Stephen used. When a wave would come on I would murmur, "Push", and they would all take two positions - my knee & hip, my feet, and two points on my back.
Brigette checked me again and I was at 8-9cm. My bag of waters still hadn't broken, and she offered to break it, since doing so would put the baby's head directly on my cervix, thus helping it fully dilate. She said I was progressing great on my own, but this would speed up dilation and intensify the pressure waves, making the whole process speed up. I was still in the zone, and honestly, in some pretty good pain (the whole "I can't do this!" and "Help me, God!" kind), but I was also tired.
I had her break my water. BAM! About 4 waves later I started pushing. Oh my. I kind of lost my hypnosis at that point, tho I was still able to relax between pushes (since there is so much time, you know). I think I screamed once, and I know my guttural noises increased in volume! As he was crowning, Brigette had me pant and slowly push him out (it is so weird to type that so calmly) so that I wouldn't tear. I got tingly all over from hyperventilating - that was a very, very strange feeling.
I was pushing for 17 minutes (again, I had no concept of time, but that's what I was told), and then, whoosh! He was out and they put him on my chest and I didn't hurt, but got to love him and cuddle him and talk to him and hear his little newborn cry. That was at 2:40pm. I pushed out the placenta, had my uterus kneaded a bit, but he was there! I honestly didn't feel any pain after he came out - and I could move and wiggle my toes and I felt like me - not like a drugged up woman who couldn't do anything.
We kept him attached to the placenta for an hour or so - he was wide awake and nursed wonderfully and was so calm and quiet and alert. After an hour we clipped his cord, weighed & measured him (8 lb, 12 oz, 21" long) and then checked out the placenta. I have to say, it is pretty darn cool. We brought it home and showed the kids how it works. :o)
I had the tiniest of tears - Brigette used super glue on it so I wouldn't have to be poked, and I just have to lay low for the next couple of days so that it will heal correctly. I couldn't believe that I didn't really tear - I did with all of the others! I guess not feeling anything (with an epidural), I had no idea what I was doing to myself! I was able to get up and use the bathroom - on my own - which is also something I was never able to do for quite awhile after having the other babies.
Back to the baby...he was so calm and alert through all the weighing and such, and then he slept. Then we needed to decide on a name! The names we took with us to the center were Allen Xavier, Lincoln Xavier, and Trevor David. Allen is Stephen's dad's dad, Xavier is my grandma's dad (and a super-cool name!), and Trevor and David are Stephen's and my oldest brothers. My brother Trevor's middle name is Dean, so he went by TD a lot of his life. Lincoln is a name we have loved since before we found out Elise was a girl. We tossed it around with both Mason and Sammy, but it just hasn't fit any of the kids until now!
We nursed again before coming home at about 8pm. The kids and Mom had decorated the door to welcome him home, and they were all SOSOSOSOSO excited to see him and hold him and give him kisses! I couldn't believe that he wasn't even 6 hours old and we were already home and I was feeling so great. We were to the birthing center and home again in less than 12 hours.
I must say that going naturally sure has its advantages! I loved how awake and alert Lincoln was - not drugged up like my other babies have been. I loved how awake and alert I was! Able to move and be happy and completely with it. And I LOVE having my baby to hold and love and cuddle. I am amazed and humbled that Stephen and I have been given another perfect little spirit to raise.
p.s. He has red fuzz and at least one dimple!!!
p.p.s. We're probably going to have 8 more boys before I get my girl...:o)
So I did, and then discovered Bella Natal, a midwife-run birthing center just up the road. Just what I was looking for! Next was Hypnobabies, and then I got pregnant. I have been so excited about this birth - even on child #4 I've learned so much about my amazing body and what it is capable of. I was so excited to have a medication-free delivery in a home-like setting. I'm also so glad to know that it was inspiration to have Lincoln the way I did - it wasn't a walk in the park! But I'm jumping ahead...
My guess date was Dec. 11th, but I wasn't expecting him to come then - all of the others have been late. With Elise my water broke and she was born 7 days after her guess date. With both Mason and Sammy I was induced 2 and 3 days after their guess dates. So I was going into this not having any idea what my body would experience. Also, all 3 kids were born in hospitals with epidurals and pitocin. Not exactly naturally! Another reason I wasn't expecting him near the 11th was because Stephen would be finished with finals/project on the 15th, so all along I'd been planning on the 15th or 16th.
Well, the 11th came and went and my body was doing nothing. The 15th came and went and I still wasn't having any consistent birthing waves (hypnobaby term for contractions). The 16th...nada...the 17th...where are you, baby?...the 18th...a little something - I wasn't in complete despair of him never coming!
At 1am on the 19th I was awakened by pressure waves that I could no longer sleep through, although I kept trying for a little while. Then I realized that I needed to really focus on my hypnosis technics that I'd learned - these waves were getting pretty intense! I woke Stephen up around 3am to have him time the waves, which we did for about 45 minutes. They were consistent and strong. Hooray! About 4am I let him go back to sleep and focused on my hypnosis. At 6am I woke him up again and we both showered and got ready to go in to Bella Natal. However, I still wasn't feeling like I needed to be there, so we stayed at home until 8:30am, when we met my midwife, Brigette, at the center.
My hypnosis was going fantastic - both Stephen and I were expecting a fast, easy birthing time (hypnobabies for labor & delivery). Brigette showed Stephen some fantastic pressure points for during a birthing wave, and I got in the tub and relaxed. I was pretty sure that I was about ready to push, only to discover that I was only dilated to 6cm. I think it was at that point that I realized it wasn't going to be quite as easy as I had thought.
That said, I was still totally and completely relaxed between waves - even during them I was able to breathe (and make funny guttural noises) through them. I was getting tired, so moved to the bed so I could lie down for awhile. I have no concept of how the timing of all of this went. I was completely focused inside of myself - in fact, I don't think I opened my eyes the entire birthing time, unless they were walking me to the toilet.
Once on the bed things really started picking up. I don't know where my mind was, it certainly wasn't paying any attention to anything going on around me! One thing that helped me through the incredibly intense waves was my breathing with funny noises, turning my head back and forth, and counting backwards from 30. It kept me focused on something - although I'm sure I skipped a few numbers now and then! Another wonderful thing was the pressure points that Brigette, her assistant, Sarah, and Stephen used. When a wave would come on I would murmur, "Push", and they would all take two positions - my knee & hip, my feet, and two points on my back.
Brigette checked me again and I was at 8-9cm. My bag of waters still hadn't broken, and she offered to break it, since doing so would put the baby's head directly on my cervix, thus helping it fully dilate. She said I was progressing great on my own, but this would speed up dilation and intensify the pressure waves, making the whole process speed up. I was still in the zone, and honestly, in some pretty good pain (the whole "I can't do this!" and "Help me, God!" kind), but I was also tired.
I had her break my water. BAM! About 4 waves later I started pushing. Oh my. I kind of lost my hypnosis at that point, tho I was still able to relax between pushes (since there is so much time, you know). I think I screamed once, and I know my guttural noises increased in volume! As he was crowning, Brigette had me pant and slowly push him out (it is so weird to type that so calmly) so that I wouldn't tear. I got tingly all over from hyperventilating - that was a very, very strange feeling.
I was pushing for 17 minutes (again, I had no concept of time, but that's what I was told), and then, whoosh! He was out and they put him on my chest and I didn't hurt, but got to love him and cuddle him and talk to him and hear his little newborn cry. That was at 2:40pm. I pushed out the placenta, had my uterus kneaded a bit, but he was there! I honestly didn't feel any pain after he came out - and I could move and wiggle my toes and I felt like me - not like a drugged up woman who couldn't do anything.
We kept him attached to the placenta for an hour or so - he was wide awake and nursed wonderfully and was so calm and quiet and alert. After an hour we clipped his cord, weighed & measured him (8 lb, 12 oz, 21" long) and then checked out the placenta. I have to say, it is pretty darn cool. We brought it home and showed the kids how it works. :o)
I had the tiniest of tears - Brigette used super glue on it so I wouldn't have to be poked, and I just have to lay low for the next couple of days so that it will heal correctly. I couldn't believe that I didn't really tear - I did with all of the others! I guess not feeling anything (with an epidural), I had no idea what I was doing to myself! I was able to get up and use the bathroom - on my own - which is also something I was never able to do for quite awhile after having the other babies.
Back to the baby...he was so calm and alert through all the weighing and such, and then he slept. Then we needed to decide on a name! The names we took with us to the center were Allen Xavier, Lincoln Xavier, and Trevor David. Allen is Stephen's dad's dad, Xavier is my grandma's dad (and a super-cool name!), and Trevor and David are Stephen's and my oldest brothers. My brother Trevor's middle name is Dean, so he went by TD a lot of his life. Lincoln is a name we have loved since before we found out Elise was a girl. We tossed it around with both Mason and Sammy, but it just hasn't fit any of the kids until now!
We nursed again before coming home at about 8pm. The kids and Mom had decorated the door to welcome him home, and they were all SOSOSOSOSO excited to see him and hold him and give him kisses! I couldn't believe that he wasn't even 6 hours old and we were already home and I was feeling so great. We were to the birthing center and home again in less than 12 hours.
I must say that going naturally sure has its advantages! I loved how awake and alert Lincoln was - not drugged up like my other babies have been. I loved how awake and alert I was! Able to move and be happy and completely with it. And I LOVE having my baby to hold and love and cuddle. I am amazed and humbled that Stephen and I have been given another perfect little spirit to raise.
p.s. He has red fuzz and at least one dimple!!!
p.p.s. We're probably going to have 8 more boys before I get my girl...:o)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Lincoln Xavier Jones
Lincoln Xavier Jones was born December 19 at 2:40pm. He weighs 8lbs 12oz and is 21" long. Claire and Lincoln are doing great.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Still waiting...
Just a quick update...
My mom got into town last Friday (for Elise's ballet recital), and Stephen finished up his finals and projects yesterday. Little Twinkie still hasn't decided to make his appearance, so while Mom reads to and plays with my kids, does my grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning, I do all sorts of things I wouldn't otherwise have energy to do - like blogging and wrapping Christmas presents (done, by the way)! :o) If the little guy isn't here by tomorrow night (oh, please be here!!!), I think Mom will change her flight home so she can stay a little longer...I'll need her more after the baby is born!
I go see my midwife this afternoon, so maybe we'll be able to speed things up a bit. I'm going all natural with this baby (first time!), so I won't be induced or use any drugs. Just my hypnobabies and a water birth. :o)
This was me 3 weeks ago - I'm even bigger now! :o) :o)
My mom got into town last Friday (for Elise's ballet recital), and Stephen finished up his finals and projects yesterday. Little Twinkie still hasn't decided to make his appearance, so while Mom reads to and plays with my kids, does my grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning, I do all sorts of things I wouldn't otherwise have energy to do - like blogging and wrapping Christmas presents (done, by the way)! :o) If the little guy isn't here by tomorrow night (oh, please be here!!!), I think Mom will change her flight home so she can stay a little longer...I'll need her more after the baby is born!
I go see my midwife this afternoon, so maybe we'll be able to speed things up a bit. I'm going all natural with this baby (first time!), so I won't be induced or use any drugs. Just my hypnobabies and a water birth. :o)
This was me 3 weeks ago - I'm even bigger now! :o) :o)
Thanksgiving
Since it's been several weeks since Thanksgiving (and since my baby still isn't here...) I wanted to write about our super-fun Thanksgiving weekend!
Thursday morning we went to Stephen's brother, Paul's, house for the main event. We did some fun thumbprint and leaf art - Stephen and Paul really got into it! They were at the table long after all children departed. :o)
Followed by a scrumptious feast and swimming in the hot tub for the kids and games for the adults. I really like "Ticket to Ride"! It is so wonderful to be close to family - especially such fun family!
Friday we went to Gunnison to hang out with my Aunt Ann and her family. They live on a farm and help at their family's dairy, so needless to say, my boys were in HEAVEN. They got to ride in a real tractor and do some plowing (thanks, Uncle Wayne!!), milk a cow at the dairy, have calves suck their fingers and collect and wash eggs (and then bring them home!). Elise and Josie (one of my cousins) went to a movie, Stephen went skeet shooting, and I had a wonderful time just talking. Being in Gunnison is the next best thing to being home in Oregon.
Can you see Mason's grin? He literally bounced into the house every time he came in. His little body couldn't contain his excitement at all the fantastic things he got to do!
While Sammy was wandering around the house he found Bryce's room, and was so excited to tell about a mounted deer head and some feathers that Bryce had in there. Bryce gave him a pheasant feather, and Sammy couldn't get over how exciting it was to have a "deer feather". No amount of explaining could convince him that deer don't actually have feathers. My little city boy!
We are so thankful for family!!!
Thursday morning we went to Stephen's brother, Paul's, house for the main event. We did some fun thumbprint and leaf art - Stephen and Paul really got into it! They were at the table long after all children departed. :o)
Followed by a scrumptious feast and swimming in the hot tub for the kids and games for the adults. I really like "Ticket to Ride"! It is so wonderful to be close to family - especially such fun family!
Friday we went to Gunnison to hang out with my Aunt Ann and her family. They live on a farm and help at their family's dairy, so needless to say, my boys were in HEAVEN. They got to ride in a real tractor and do some plowing (thanks, Uncle Wayne!!), milk a cow at the dairy, have calves suck their fingers and collect and wash eggs (and then bring them home!). Elise and Josie (one of my cousins) went to a movie, Stephen went skeet shooting, and I had a wonderful time just talking. Being in Gunnison is the next best thing to being home in Oregon.
While Sammy was wandering around the house he found Bryce's room, and was so excited to tell about a mounted deer head and some feathers that Bryce had in there. Bryce gave him a pheasant feather, and Sammy couldn't get over how exciting it was to have a "deer feather". No amount of explaining could convince him that deer don't actually have feathers. My little city boy!
We are so thankful for family!!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Frosty the Snowman
Here is the group number that Elise did with her Ballet class. Elise is third from the right.
Santa Claus Looks Like My Daddy
Elise performed her ballet Christmas concert last night. Here's the video of her solo.
Jingle Bells
We had Stephen and Alainna Beus over for dinner the other night. Mason, Elise, Alainna, and Stephen treated us with a wonderful rendition of Jingle Bells!
Monday, December 7, 2009
No news yet...
Yup, still waiting. :o) And sometime last week (probably when I was deep cleaning the van) I strained my sacroiliac ligament (pop quiz! Where is that?), so my pain comes and goes as I stand up or move around. Rolling over at night is the worst. Fun times. Anyhow, my mom gets here on Friday (in time to go to Elise's ballet recital! She has a 90-second solo!), and if Twinkie decides to show up before then, my sister-in-law Candace will be getting a fun call!
My sweet husband has a fair amount on his plate this week - I can't (or at least, shouldn't) do very much. In fact, Stephen came near to scolding me for doing too much last week! He said, "Claire, let me do the hard stuff. You need to take care of yourself." Pretty strong words coming from Stephen! I meekly agreed. But it is easier to agree with words than actions! Stephen is so busy - I can deal with a little pain, right?
The list of "don't dos" involves things like no bending, twisting or squatting, don't sit too long, don't stand too long, don't lift heavy things, don't exercise, avoid stairs, avoid sofas and chairs that are too low or too soft, and my favorite, "move within the limits of the pain." Gee, thanks. I guess it could be summed up with "don't try to raise 3 children until you've had your baby." The good news is that the pain should subside once I have this little guy.
Anyhow, I was talking about Stephen! He has (as his g-chat status says):
Complete: 1 final, 0 projects
To go: 3 finals, 7 projects
Days 'til Jones #4: estimate 1 to 12
And then he has to take care of household things - and me - on top of that! We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of my mom!!!
The kids have been pretty good about helping around the house. Thank goodness for Elise! She can actually clean up, loves to make lunch, and keeps me hydrated throughout the day. :o) I can't wait for the day when Mason arrives at the "able to clean up" point. He has reached the "cover the family room floor in an hour or less" point, now we are working on the "clean up the family room in an hour or less" step. :o) Without me "bending, twisting or squatting". Is it Friday yet?
Now, I hope you are laughing instead of thinking I'm a big complainer. I hope I'm telling entertaining stories instead of complaining. :o) We are really doing well. No one is sick - or has been! I have family and friends I could call if I get truly desperate, and relief is in sight!
I will keep you posted!
My sweet husband has a fair amount on his plate this week - I can't (or at least, shouldn't) do very much. In fact, Stephen came near to scolding me for doing too much last week! He said, "Claire, let me do the hard stuff. You need to take care of yourself." Pretty strong words coming from Stephen! I meekly agreed. But it is easier to agree with words than actions! Stephen is so busy - I can deal with a little pain, right?
The list of "don't dos" involves things like no bending, twisting or squatting, don't sit too long, don't stand too long, don't lift heavy things, don't exercise, avoid stairs, avoid sofas and chairs that are too low or too soft, and my favorite, "move within the limits of the pain." Gee, thanks. I guess it could be summed up with "don't try to raise 3 children until you've had your baby." The good news is that the pain should subside once I have this little guy.
Anyhow, I was talking about Stephen! He has (as his g-chat status says):
Complete: 1 final, 0 projects
To go: 3 finals, 7 projects
Days 'til Jones #4: estimate 1 to 12
And then he has to take care of household things - and me - on top of that! We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of my mom!!!
The kids have been pretty good about helping around the house. Thank goodness for Elise! She can actually clean up, loves to make lunch, and keeps me hydrated throughout the day. :o) I can't wait for the day when Mason arrives at the "able to clean up" point. He has reached the "cover the family room floor in an hour or less" point, now we are working on the "clean up the family room in an hour or less" step. :o) Without me "bending, twisting or squatting". Is it Friday yet?
Now, I hope you are laughing instead of thinking I'm a big complainer. I hope I'm telling entertaining stories instead of complaining. :o) We are really doing well. No one is sick - or has been! I have family and friends I could call if I get truly desperate, and relief is in sight!
I will keep you posted!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
They call him "The Streak"
Tonight we had 2 couples and a neighbor over for dinner - we love to have people over! After dinner and dessert we were sitting around talking in the family room. It was getting late, so I had the kids get on their pjs. Mason's room is off of the family room, so he went in there and closed the door to change. A few minutes later his door opens, and out runs my naked - except for socks - boy. Through the group and up the stairs he runs!
Oh my.
Oh my.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tape...and glue
My children have a love affair with tape. Especially Mason. He uses tape for EVERYTHING. My grandma supplies them with it, which I am so grateful for, because it is expensive!!! About a month ago she sent the Costco 6-pack of tape with my mom when she came to visit. My question is: where has it all gone? I know I've picked lots of it off of walls, windows and the carpet, but have they really gone through that much?
I think there is some MIA, but they think they don't have any left. That is where this picture comes in:
That googly eye is GLUED to the wall.
I think there is some MIA, but they think they don't have any left. That is where this picture comes in:
That googly eye is GLUED to the wall.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Church today
Me: Sammy, what did you do in nursery today?
Sammy, cocking his head to one side: Cried.
Me: Oh.
Sammy: Well, I just cried for the first part.
We're hoping Sunbeams goes a little better.
Sammy, cocking his head to one side: Cried.
Me: Oh.
Sammy: Well, I just cried for the first part.
We're hoping Sunbeams goes a little better.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Oh my
I just looked at my little baby ticker on the side bar. 35 weeks, 6 days??? 29 days to go??? But I still have so much to do! Am I ready for #4? Is one ever ready?
This little guy is still posterior - has been as long as my midwife has been able to feel him. C'mon Twinkie - turn around!! (Since our boy doesn't yet have a name, the kids and I have taken to calling him "Twinkie"...we decided it's better than "Baby X")
I am really excited to use my Hypnobabies techniques I've been practicing. And also to deliver naturally at BellaNatal. I'm down to once-a-week appointments now, too, which makes this birth seem really close.
I sleep a lot. I've finally decided that it is okay for me to sleep in until 7:30am. And to take a nap almost every afternoon. I'm glad I have such fantastic kids! Now I must go herd those wonderful children back to their beds...good night!
This little guy is still posterior - has been as long as my midwife has been able to feel him. C'mon Twinkie - turn around!! (Since our boy doesn't yet have a name, the kids and I have taken to calling him "Twinkie"...we decided it's better than "Baby X")
I am really excited to use my Hypnobabies techniques I've been practicing. And also to deliver naturally at BellaNatal. I'm down to once-a-week appointments now, too, which makes this birth seem really close.
I sleep a lot. I've finally decided that it is okay for me to sleep in until 7:30am. And to take a nap almost every afternoon. I'm glad I have such fantastic kids! Now I must go herd those wonderful children back to their beds...good night!
Twin Falls Temple
On our way home from Stephen's Grandma's funeral a few weeks ago, we stopped by the Twin Falls, Idaho, temple.
My side project
My big project (aside from homeschooling - but really it fits in with what we are doing) is a children's clothing charity called the Gifts of the Heart Exchange. I organize donation pick ups from a local children's clothing resale store (Kid to Kid in Lehi) three times a week. The volunteers then sort all the clothing, and twice a semester we put it all out and invite people to come and take what they need. It is pretty darn cool, if I do say so myself.
We just held an exchange on the 5-7 of November. The actual exchange just takes place on Saturday morning, but we have volunteers on the Thursday night/Friday before to set out all the donations.
Here are a few of us - we had over 50 people volunteer!
We have two different sessions - one for MBA Spouse Association members and Law Partners (wives of Law students), and one for the general BYU public. Here's a before-anyone-was-in-the-room picture, and a 150-people-were-lined-up-outside-the-building-at-11am picture:
We just held an exchange on the 5-7 of November. The actual exchange just takes place on Saturday morning, but we have volunteers on the Thursday night/Friday before to set out all the donations.
Here are a few of us - we had over 50 people volunteer!
We have two different sessions - one for MBA Spouse Association members and Law Partners (wives of Law students), and one for the general BYU public. Here's a before-anyone-was-in-the-room picture, and a 150-people-were-lined-up-outside-the-building-at-11am picture:
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fuel
Today Mason discovered the fascination that can come from watching the blue flame in the furnace. He also discovered how to make the furnace turn on, and was so proud of himself, "I leave all the doors open!"
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wise child
Sometimes when I get really frustrated with Mason (after being really patient for a really long time), I say something like "why do you wait until I get mad before you do something???"
Tonight after dinner Sammy wanted to go downstairs to get some candy for Scotty, but the light was off, so he wouldn't go. He was getting really upset, so Scotty reached over and flipped on the light. As Sammy went downstairs he said, in the perfect exasperated voice, "Argrrrrrrrrr...why do I have to get so mad at people?????"
Tonight after dinner Sammy wanted to go downstairs to get some candy for Scotty, but the light was off, so he wouldn't go. He was getting really upset, so Scotty reached over and flipped on the light. As Sammy went downstairs he said, in the perfect exasperated voice, "Argrrrrrrrrr...why do I have to get so mad at people?????"
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Rexburg!
This last weekend we made a quick trip to Rexburg for my newest niece's blessing. My mom and little brother came along, too!
Idaho Falls Temple
Rexburg, Idaho Temple
Mason & sweet baby Liza
Scotty & Sammy
Idaho Falls Temple
Rexburg, Idaho Temple
Mason & sweet baby Liza
Scotty & Sammy
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Honesty & Faith
HONESTY: The other evening on the way home from dropping Elise off at ballet, Mason was trying to convince Sammy that Sammy really did like the music we were listening to. Sammy vehemently denied it, and, as he has been doing lately (due to lack of naps...bad mommy), burst into tears and started yelling. When the tirade slowed down Mason tried again, which sent Sambo into another round of tears. Then Mason asked, "Why are you so sad, Sammy?" To which Sammy replied, "I DON'T KNOW!!!" and continued crying.
FAITH: Last night Elise's left ear was killing her. She didn't get much sleep...neither did I. The ibuprofen wore off very quickly (poor thing!), the garlic drops and heat pad weren't working...she moaned and cried out until about 4am, when my sweet girl came in and asked Stephen to give her a priesthood blessing. Of course he agreed, and after putting on some church clothes he gave her a blessing. She was finally able to sleep, and Stephen let both of us sleep in until 9am or so. She woke up happy and refreshed and pain-free. And now she's on antibiotics, so should be well to dance on Friday!
FAITH: Last night Elise's left ear was killing her. She didn't get much sleep...neither did I. The ibuprofen wore off very quickly (poor thing!), the garlic drops and heat pad weren't working...she moaned and cried out until about 4am, when my sweet girl came in and asked Stephen to give her a priesthood blessing. Of course he agreed, and after putting on some church clothes he gave her a blessing. She was finally able to sleep, and Stephen let both of us sleep in until 9am or so. She woke up happy and refreshed and pain-free. And now she's on antibiotics, so should be well to dance on Friday!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Do you ever feel so blessed?
Okay, Elise is how old? 7 1/2. That means she was born 7 1/2 years ago, right? Right. Guess what I got in the mail today? A reimbursement check from my health insurance from 7 1/2 years ago!
Here's another thing. Stephen and I have been keeping very strictly in our budget (it's kind of easy when there is no money :o), but had an unexpected brake-replacement cost today. I should have remembered that they needed to be replaced...but didn't, hence the unexpected part.
And here is where those things come together.
Reimbursement check: $231.32
Brake replacement cost: $228.98
Coincidence? I think not. Tender mercy? Yeah, pretty sure about that one.
Here's another thing. Stephen and I have been keeping very strictly in our budget (it's kind of easy when there is no money :o), but had an unexpected brake-replacement cost today. I should have remembered that they needed to be replaced...but didn't, hence the unexpected part.
And here is where those things come together.
Reimbursement check: $231.32
Brake replacement cost: $228.98
Coincidence? I think not. Tender mercy? Yeah, pretty sure about that one.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The surprise!
A waffle maker! Check it out here. Pretty cool, huh! I think we'll have waffles for Sunday dinners from now on! :o)
A man from Whirlpool came to speak to the Supply Chain Club (of which Stephen is the president) and gave two of these away...well, it turns out that three of them were mailed, so he gave the last one to Stephen. Very cool.
A man from Whirlpool came to speak to the Supply Chain Club (of which Stephen is the president) and gave two of these away...well, it turns out that three of them were mailed, so he gave the last one to Stephen. Very cool.
Stephen and I were made for each other!
This is an email conversation we had today:
Stephen: I have a surprise gift for you when you pick me up.
Me: Ooh! Is it diamonds? Because if it were I would sell them and buy apples for applesauce. :o) I have a surprise for you, too - we get a new toilet next week! :o) Can you top that? :o) :o) :o)
Stephen: I have something better than diamonds—you’re going to love it! I don’t know if it tops the toilet though...
Stephen: I have a surprise gift for you when you pick me up.
Me: Ooh! Is it diamonds? Because if it were I would sell them and buy apples for applesauce. :o) I have a surprise for you, too - we get a new toilet next week! :o) Can you top that? :o) :o) :o)
Stephen: I have something better than diamonds—you’re going to love it! I don’t know if it tops the toilet though...
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Squaw Peak Hike
Elise and Stephen hiked to the top of Squaw Peak Saturday morning. The peak is just under 8,000 feet and it looks out over Utah Valley.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Quote of the day
I've had a cold the last week or so, and today was coughing up some gunk. The kids were intrigued by this, so Stephen explained about mucus. Sammy pipes up and says,
"Like in applesauce - there is gunk in there!"
Not quite sure where that one came from...
And now for something completely different...Mason has been writing "music" books for the last several quiet times. "MMPPW" stands for "Magic magic power power wings". You'll have to ask Mason for an explanation of that one - I don't really get it. :o)
"Like in applesauce - there is gunk in there!"
Not quite sure where that one came from...
And now for something completely different...Mason has been writing "music" books for the last several quiet times. "MMPPW" stands for "Magic magic power power wings". You'll have to ask Mason for an explanation of that one - I don't really get it. :o)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"I'm going to bed now"
That little phrase can mean so many things. It is a little different for Stephen and I. This is what happens when I say it:
Brush teeth while going around locking doors and closing windows. Lock the car. Turn off all lights. Wash my face.
Check on all 3 kids, cover them up, clear paths through their toys to the door, turn off lights, move fans, fill humidifier
Take Sammy potty...smell the "boy-who-missed-the-toilet" smell. Go get the cleaner in the kitchen...notice that I forgot to do the dinner dishes
Do the dinner dishes, fill my water bottle, start the dishwasher...remember that I need to rotate the laundry
Attempt to rotate the laundry, but the basement door is open and the light is on. Go turn off the light, back to the laundry room, clear a path to the washer, rotate laundry...back to the bathroom to clean up the mess
Make sure the bed is made on the floor by my bed (because it is inevitable that at least one child will be making a midnight visit). Have 2 pillows ready for a 2-child night
Say my prayer - remember that I need to send a quick email to a friend who is having a hard time. Make a list of the things I need to do in the morning. Update my calendar. Check email one last time
Fold clothes on my bed. Put them away
Go downstairs to make sure I locked the car
Crawl into bed
Stephen: "I'm going to bed now"
Brush teeth
Wash face
Say prayer
Go to sleep.
Brush teeth while going around locking doors and closing windows. Lock the car. Turn off all lights. Wash my face.
Check on all 3 kids, cover them up, clear paths through their toys to the door, turn off lights, move fans, fill humidifier
Take Sammy potty...smell the "boy-who-missed-the-toilet" smell. Go get the cleaner in the kitchen...notice that I forgot to do the dinner dishes
Do the dinner dishes, fill my water bottle, start the dishwasher...remember that I need to rotate the laundry
Attempt to rotate the laundry, but the basement door is open and the light is on. Go turn off the light, back to the laundry room, clear a path to the washer, rotate laundry...back to the bathroom to clean up the mess
Make sure the bed is made on the floor by my bed (because it is inevitable that at least one child will be making a midnight visit). Have 2 pillows ready for a 2-child night
Say my prayer - remember that I need to send a quick email to a friend who is having a hard time. Make a list of the things I need to do in the morning. Update my calendar. Check email one last time
Fold clothes on my bed. Put them away
Go downstairs to make sure I locked the car
Crawl into bed
Stephen: "I'm going to bed now"
Brush teeth
Wash face
Say prayer
Go to sleep.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Charades
Today in school we played charades based on our Scripture Pictures. Sammy chose the Creation of the animals picture and Mason chose a Temple Baptismal font (and then pulled out the rest of the temple pictures). Elise and Sammy chose animals to act out...not my Mason! First he was the golden handrail on the stairs of the baptismal font.
#2: Angel Moroni
#3: the "golden light"
#2: Angel Moroni
#3: the "golden light"
Temple trips
All summer long I've been hatching a plan to go and visit as many temples in the Salt Lake Valley as we can. When else will I be in a place that I can visit 10 temples within the same amount of time that I could drive to the Portland Temple from Corvallis?
Our first temple was the Provo Temple, dedicated in 1972. The grounds are quite beautiful!
The kids loved being there and were so reverent. They are excited for our next temple: Mt. Timpanogos.
Our first temple was the Provo Temple, dedicated in 1972. The grounds are quite beautiful!
The kids loved being there and were so reverent. They are excited for our next temple: Mt. Timpanogos.
Gifts of the Heart Exchange
I am in charge of a children's clothing charity, and we are having our big exchange this Saturday. Hooray for having my garage back! Anyhow, here is a write up the BYU paper (the Daily Universe) did today. Note: I am NOT the MBASA club president. Oops.
Gifts of the heart clothing exchange swap will aid students and families
By Courtney Smith
- Wed, 09/09/2009 - 15:45
There are a lot of costs associated with being a student. There are also a lot of costs associated with having your own family. Try doing both at once.
This Saturday, BYU’s Master of Business Administration Spouse Association will put on its third Gifts of the Heart Exchange, which is a large swap meet. It is free to attend and all items are free. The swap meet will be held from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at a church building at 965 N. Locust Lane in Provo. Items will include mainly women and children’s clothing, as well as shoes, toys and other baby gear.
“The Gifts of the Heart Exchange is to help all the students who are trying to have families while going through school make it financially, to help bear each others’ burdens,” said Kendra Johnston, 26, committee member for the event.
Anyone is encouraged to donate items in good condition that they no longer need, but it is not required to attend the event. Participants can bring donations to the event or on Friday at the event location in the cultural hall between 6-8 p.m.
“We probably have over 10,000 items of clothing already,” said Claire Jones, 29, MBASA president.
Kid to Kid, a consignment store based in Utah, has donated much of the clothing for the swap meet. Kid to Kid buys gently used children’s clothing for their stores. Any clothing they cannot use or that they have a surplus of they donate to MBASA. MBASA picks up clothing from Kid to Kid locations three times a week in preparation for the event.
“We have such an abundance and we want to give them to people who need them,” Jones said.
BYU MBSA would like donors to sort and label clothes by sex and into the following sizes: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T, 6-7, 8-10, 12-14, men’s/womens S, M, L, XL, and place in bags.
Those who wish to donate a large item should bring a picture, description and their contact information, rather than bringing the item.
After Saturday, the next Gifts of the Heart Exchange will be Nov. 7.
For more information, contact Claire Jones at giftsothe@gmail.com.
Gifts of the heart clothing exchange swap will aid students and families
By Courtney Smith
- Wed, 09/09/2009 - 15:45
There are a lot of costs associated with being a student. There are also a lot of costs associated with having your own family. Try doing both at once.
This Saturday, BYU’s Master of Business Administration Spouse Association will put on its third Gifts of the Heart Exchange, which is a large swap meet. It is free to attend and all items are free. The swap meet will be held from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at a church building at 965 N. Locust Lane in Provo. Items will include mainly women and children’s clothing, as well as shoes, toys and other baby gear.
“The Gifts of the Heart Exchange is to help all the students who are trying to have families while going through school make it financially, to help bear each others’ burdens,” said Kendra Johnston, 26, committee member for the event.
Anyone is encouraged to donate items in good condition that they no longer need, but it is not required to attend the event. Participants can bring donations to the event or on Friday at the event location in the cultural hall between 6-8 p.m.
“We probably have over 10,000 items of clothing already,” said Claire Jones, 29, MBASA president.
Kid to Kid, a consignment store based in Utah, has donated much of the clothing for the swap meet. Kid to Kid buys gently used children’s clothing for their stores. Any clothing they cannot use or that they have a surplus of they donate to MBASA. MBASA picks up clothing from Kid to Kid locations three times a week in preparation for the event.
“We have such an abundance and we want to give them to people who need them,” Jones said.
BYU MBSA would like donors to sort and label clothes by sex and into the following sizes: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T, 6-7, 8-10, 12-14, men’s/womens S, M, L, XL, and place in bags.
Those who wish to donate a large item should bring a picture, description and their contact information, rather than bringing the item.
After Saturday, the next Gifts of the Heart Exchange will be Nov. 7.
For more information, contact Claire Jones at giftsothe@gmail.com.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Today was fun!
Elise wanted to learn about sewing, so we started on a pillow case:
Mason & Sammy kept busy outside:
That would be a tiny tricycle pulling a full bike trailer! Elise got in on that fun, too:
Mason & Sammy kept busy outside:
That would be a tiny tricycle pulling a full bike trailer! Elise got in on that fun, too:
Monday, August 31, 2009
This is my farm!!!
For all of you who hear me talk (and talk, and talk) about my Grandpa's farm, now you, too, can see how awesome and wonderful it really is!
Read about my grandpa!
Read about my grandpa!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Pregnancy
First of all, we had our ultrasound and this little baby is a BOY!!! I was so surprised! But, I know there is a little girl waiting to come to our family...I just wonder how many more boys we'll have before we get her! :o)
I thought I'd list some pros and cons about being pregnant. Ready?
Con: Feeling this little guy stretch and kick and squirm...at 3am
Pro: The same thing - it's kind of magical. And so funny to watch my belly jump! The kids love to feel him move!
Con: Waking up every time I have to move...
Pro: Sleeping for two. Sleeping in and daily naps are par for the course! And my older 3 are so good to play by themselves and stay out of mischief (knock on wood) when I'm exhausted.
Con: Not being able to bend down so easily. Where did my toes go?
Pro: Getting Stephen to do all the heavy stuff (unless I don't feel like waiting for him and do it anyhow - like hanging curtain rods/curtains today :o). At least I have an excuse for being lazy sometimes!
Con: Sitting at church is extremely uncomfortable.
Pro: Nobody blames me for being fidgety and snacking!
Con: I am starting to waddle when I get up. Sigh. Quack!
Pro: At least I can function normally! I still do pretty much everything I did before getting pregnant. Except exercise...which I really miss...but once school starts I'll have time again! This 1+ hour commute each way kills both Stephen and I.
I thought I'd list some pros and cons about being pregnant. Ready?
Con: Feeling this little guy stretch and kick and squirm...at 3am
Pro: The same thing - it's kind of magical. And so funny to watch my belly jump! The kids love to feel him move!
Con: Waking up every time I have to move...
Pro: Sleeping for two. Sleeping in and daily naps are par for the course! And my older 3 are so good to play by themselves and stay out of mischief (knock on wood) when I'm exhausted.
Con: Not being able to bend down so easily. Where did my toes go?
Pro: Getting Stephen to do all the heavy stuff (unless I don't feel like waiting for him and do it anyhow - like hanging curtain rods/curtains today :o). At least I have an excuse for being lazy sometimes!
Con: Sitting at church is extremely uncomfortable.
Pro: Nobody blames me for being fidgety and snacking!
Con: I am starting to waddle when I get up. Sigh. Quack!
Pro: At least I can function normally! I still do pretty much everything I did before getting pregnant. Except exercise...which I really miss...but once school starts I'll have time again! This 1+ hour commute each way kills both Stephen and I.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I always wondered how to tell...
This morning Sammy came and climbed in bed with me and asked to feel the baby kick, because, as he says, "I love babies."
I asked him if he thought the baby was a boy or a girl and he said, "A boy. But we don't know until it comes out. If it has pink pajamas it is a girl. If it has blue pajamas it is a boy."
I asked him if he thought the baby was a boy or a girl and he said, "A boy. But we don't know until it comes out. If it has pink pajamas it is a girl. If it has blue pajamas it is a boy."
Monday, August 3, 2009
"The Noisy King"
I forgot about a fun experience in Kuching! The King of Malaysia got into town the day before us, and be and his entourage were staying at the same hotel! They had red carpet rolled out and the building was crawling with police. Any time any of the group would go anywhere they had a police escort with sirens blaring - and the front policeman yelling at people to get out of the way. It was kind of funny. Elise calls things as they really are, and now calls the king of Malaysia "the noisy king".
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day Six (Sunday 2 August): Sibu
Elise woke up a little crazy today. I wasn’t sure if she was happy or upset all morning – it kept changing. It was kind of nice to only have her to get ready for church. I decided that patience isn’t like charity – pure love. A little charity is given to me for each of my children; I don’t have to split it up to share between my children. Not so with patience. I only have a finite amount of it and it has to be shared around. So when I only have Elise, she gets all of my patience. :o) Anyhow, she woke up tired again, and was moody all morning, which was unfortunate, because we had to leave the house at 8am and attend 2 branches. Everyone here loves my sweet Elise – she is so different than anybody they have ever seen with her soft, golden hair and fair skin. Everyone touches her hair and strokes her cheeks and says “cantik”. The kids line the halls and just stare at her. She looked like a little princess today – Ann had a blessing dress made for Deanna’s new baby…but the woman who made it must have missed the “newborn” dress part, and the dress fits Elise. :o) It is white and sparkly, and combined with her new fancy shoes, she makes quite the picture!
I played the piano in Sacrament meeting today for both branches, because they normally just use CDs. It was fun, except I don’t know Malay numbers (with the exception of tuju), or any Malay, so I just guessed when I was supposed to play, and looked for others to help me with the numbers. :o) It worked! Oh yeah, I almost passed out just before the 1st branch began. I had been playing prelude for about 15 minutes, when 10 minutes before the meeting was to begin my pulse started racing, I started sweating and then felt all tingly and started seeing spots. With 5 minutes until the meeting began I decided it would be better to get up and walk to the back of the chapel (where Stephen was) than pass out on the piano bench in front of everyone. I made it back there, and apparently was rather pale, had a couple apples and water and sat with my head down for a minute. I was able to go back and play for the meeting. Sheesh. Dumb piano bench cut off my circulation! I was kind of glad that I had passed out before (in the temple, go figure) so that I knew what was coming and could prevent it. :o)
With new branches they only meet for 2 hours, so we went to Sacrament meeting and then I went to Primary with Elise and Ann. Ann taught the CTR class (3-8 year olds) and spoke in Malay! She is amazing with her Malay – she was translating the testimonies for us during testimony meeting, and is, of course, fantastic with the kids. It is so fun to see her in action, and not just teaching, but speaking another language! She even texts in Malay!
Everyone wanted to meet us, I think especially Elise. I know another word: chu-chu means grandchild. What wonderful, welcoming people! It was fun to recognize some of them from our previous visits. Stephen talked with one young man who got his email so that he could write to him. Sister Daong gave me a beautiful beaded necklace. She said that she didn’t make it because she didn’t have enough time and she was leaving town today. So kind.
After the 1st Branch meeting Elise and I sat in the library and had a little snack. She was very tired and a little pouty, and didn’t want to talk to anyone. We had a little chat where I told her how excited everyone was to meet us – especially her – and how sometimes we have to put aside out weariness and grumpiness to make others happy. Sometimes you just have to smile and forget about yourself. A pretty heavy lesson for adults, let alone a 7-year-old, I know, but she did it, and I was so proud of her! She came out of hiding and shook hands with everyone who came by, let them touch her hair, and smiled while she did it. Many adults haven’t learned that lesson – I really am proud of her. She has been amazing this entire trip.
This afternoon was spent relaxing. Stephen, Elise and I came home after 2nd Branch’s Sacrament meeting (Ann went back when she saw that Stephen was going to stay home with me – she didn’t want to leave me alone after my exhausting morning). We all took naps and when I woke up Stephen had biscuits and gravy all made up. Yum! We spent the evening at home, mostly being entertained by Elise, who was soaking up all the attention. We went on a little walk and I saw coconut, dragon fruit, mango and eyeball (that isn’t the name, but I can’t remember the real one right now, and that it what the fruit looks like when it is peeled) trees.
We just finished talking to my boys!!! I’ve been missing them terribly every morning – it gets better as the day goes on. They are happy and don’t miss us at all, which really is a good thing. They have been having so much fun with Grammy and Papa – making boats, selling lemonade, playing with cousins…it was so good to hear their little voices. I’m so glad Elise is here with us – I only have 2 to miss instead of all of them!
I played the piano in Sacrament meeting today for both branches, because they normally just use CDs. It was fun, except I don’t know Malay numbers (with the exception of tuju), or any Malay, so I just guessed when I was supposed to play, and looked for others to help me with the numbers. :o) It worked! Oh yeah, I almost passed out just before the 1st branch began. I had been playing prelude for about 15 minutes, when 10 minutes before the meeting was to begin my pulse started racing, I started sweating and then felt all tingly and started seeing spots. With 5 minutes until the meeting began I decided it would be better to get up and walk to the back of the chapel (where Stephen was) than pass out on the piano bench in front of everyone. I made it back there, and apparently was rather pale, had a couple apples and water and sat with my head down for a minute. I was able to go back and play for the meeting. Sheesh. Dumb piano bench cut off my circulation! I was kind of glad that I had passed out before (in the temple, go figure) so that I knew what was coming and could prevent it. :o)
With new branches they only meet for 2 hours, so we went to Sacrament meeting and then I went to Primary with Elise and Ann. Ann taught the CTR class (3-8 year olds) and spoke in Malay! She is amazing with her Malay – she was translating the testimonies for us during testimony meeting, and is, of course, fantastic with the kids. It is so fun to see her in action, and not just teaching, but speaking another language! She even texts in Malay!
Everyone wanted to meet us, I think especially Elise. I know another word: chu-chu means grandchild. What wonderful, welcoming people! It was fun to recognize some of them from our previous visits. Stephen talked with one young man who got his email so that he could write to him. Sister Daong gave me a beautiful beaded necklace. She said that she didn’t make it because she didn’t have enough time and she was leaving town today. So kind.
After the 1st Branch meeting Elise and I sat in the library and had a little snack. She was very tired and a little pouty, and didn’t want to talk to anyone. We had a little chat where I told her how excited everyone was to meet us – especially her – and how sometimes we have to put aside out weariness and grumpiness to make others happy. Sometimes you just have to smile and forget about yourself. A pretty heavy lesson for adults, let alone a 7-year-old, I know, but she did it, and I was so proud of her! She came out of hiding and shook hands with everyone who came by, let them touch her hair, and smiled while she did it. Many adults haven’t learned that lesson – I really am proud of her. She has been amazing this entire trip.
This afternoon was spent relaxing. Stephen, Elise and I came home after 2nd Branch’s Sacrament meeting (Ann went back when she saw that Stephen was going to stay home with me – she didn’t want to leave me alone after my exhausting morning). We all took naps and when I woke up Stephen had biscuits and gravy all made up. Yum! We spent the evening at home, mostly being entertained by Elise, who was soaking up all the attention. We went on a little walk and I saw coconut, dragon fruit, mango and eyeball (that isn’t the name, but I can’t remember the real one right now, and that it what the fruit looks like when it is peeled) trees.
We just finished talking to my boys!!! I’ve been missing them terribly every morning – it gets better as the day goes on. They are happy and don’t miss us at all, which really is a good thing. They have been having so much fun with Grammy and Papa – making boats, selling lemonade, playing with cousins…it was so good to hear their little voices. I’m so glad Elise is here with us – I only have 2 to miss instead of all of them!
Day Five (Saturday 1 August): Sibu
I didn’t feel so hot today. My legs ache terribly, and I get winded just walking up the stairs. My legs hurt so bad today that I wanted to cry. I did cry this morning – I’m really missing my boys, and I think the jet lag is catching up to me. I gave myself permission to cry this morning, and just get it all out so that I could have a good rest of the day. I remembered what President Hinckley’s dad told him: forget yourself and get to work. Once I am out of the house and meeting the people I am fine, but, oh, how I miss my boys!!! My achy body wasn’t helping matters either. After a little shopping in the morning (where I had to make myself move – I sat down every chance I got), we came home and I slept for 3½ hours. I felt better after that, with the exception that my knees hurt worse than before. I think I am pretty spoiled with my pillow-top mattress at home. :o) However, I also think that I figured out my knee problem – I am walking around flat-footed all the time. I should have brought my tennis shoes with my arch-support inserts. Wearing Gene’s tennis shoes seems to be helping, and I must say, I look good in a skirt and tennis shoes! :o)
Tonight Sister Lina was baptized. A short aside – here the saints go by their first name – Sister Ani, President Tony, etc. – because their last name is their father’s name. For example, I would be Claire anuk (child) Duane, and Elise would be Elise anuk Stephen, so I am Sister Claire. I like it. Anyhow, the baptism began about 40 minutes late, because the man baptizing Lina thought it was at 8pm (I think, but I guess that baptisms frequently begin pretty late). It was a beautiful baptism – it was done completely by the people who live here. There was no white skin involved, except as onlookers. It was wonderful to see the newly-called (2 weeks ago) branch president help Brother Richmond know how to baptize, and beautiful to see the Priesthood brethren perform the ordinance.
Afterwards (by this point Elise was incredibly tired – poor kid woke up tired!) we went to the newly-called 1st Branch president’s home. President Tony and his wife, Ani, were having a little party for the elders and Elder & Sister Jones, to celebrate Tony’s birthday. Tony is 34, and he and Ani have three kids – Andrew is 4, Eli Ani is 2, and Aaron John (named by Gene) is 7 months. I was afraid that Elise wasn’t going to make it through the rest of the evening (it was nearly 8:30pm when we got there), but she took right to Eli and Aaron and was perfectly happy. CUTE kids!! I got some cute pictures! They have gospel art picture kit pictures up all over their walls in all of their rooms (3), and had church music playing in the background. They are a wonderful family; I’m so glad we could meet them. Elise fell asleep on the way home, and was completely out when I got her ready for bed.
One of the elders had brought a Durian fruit from Kuching as a gift for Tony. Have you ever seen “the king of fruits”? As Elder Campbell said, “It smells like garbage and tastes like gasoline.” I can attest to the smell part, but I didn’t try it!
Tonight Sister Lina was baptized. A short aside – here the saints go by their first name – Sister Ani, President Tony, etc. – because their last name is their father’s name. For example, I would be Claire anuk (child) Duane, and Elise would be Elise anuk Stephen, so I am Sister Claire. I like it. Anyhow, the baptism began about 40 minutes late, because the man baptizing Lina thought it was at 8pm (I think, but I guess that baptisms frequently begin pretty late). It was a beautiful baptism – it was done completely by the people who live here. There was no white skin involved, except as onlookers. It was wonderful to see the newly-called (2 weeks ago) branch president help Brother Richmond know how to baptize, and beautiful to see the Priesthood brethren perform the ordinance.
Afterwards (by this point Elise was incredibly tired – poor kid woke up tired!) we went to the newly-called 1st Branch president’s home. President Tony and his wife, Ani, were having a little party for the elders and Elder & Sister Jones, to celebrate Tony’s birthday. Tony is 34, and he and Ani have three kids – Andrew is 4, Eli Ani is 2, and Aaron John (named by Gene) is 7 months. I was afraid that Elise wasn’t going to make it through the rest of the evening (it was nearly 8:30pm when we got there), but she took right to Eli and Aaron and was perfectly happy. CUTE kids!! I got some cute pictures! They have gospel art picture kit pictures up all over their walls in all of their rooms (3), and had church music playing in the background. They are a wonderful family; I’m so glad we could meet them. Elise fell asleep on the way home, and was completely out when I got her ready for bed.
One of the elders had brought a Durian fruit from Kuching as a gift for Tony. Have you ever seen “the king of fruits”? As Elder Campbell said, “It smells like garbage and tastes like gasoline.” I can attest to the smell part, but I didn’t try it!
Day Four (Friday 31 July): Sibu
We did a little more shopping today – I bought an abacus for Mason, made from real jungle wood. :o) He is going to LOVE it!!
The flight into Sibu was pretty rocky. I felt bad that Gene and Ann have to fly like that all the time, but even they said it was a pretty bad flight. Ann said that she thinks the beginning pilots are given the Kuching-Sibu route. I was practicing my deep breathing and holding my belly on some of those bumps! President Clement picked us up at the airport – I guess he picks up all the missionaries when they get in. He lives in Sibu-Jayu and drives a taxi there.
Gene and Ann’s home is beautiful. They say it is pretty big for just them, and they are welcoming all the noise Elise brings. :o) There are 3 bathrooms, and they are pretty cool, because there is no separate shower area; the whole thing is tile and you just shower in it. I love it! After making visits tonight I took a cool shower – didn’t turn on the hot water at all, but the water was hot by the time it reached my toes! It is so hot and humid here!
At 5pm we went to a neighborhood called Sentosa (pronunciation here is very similar to Spanish) because Gene and Ann do a mini-seminary lesson with a 14- and 17-year-old sister and brother. Their parents (Igal & Tara) don't speak a lick of English, similar to my Malay, but they smile a lot and were very kind. They fed us chicken curry, rice, corn and watermelon (and don't tell the health department lady, but I ate some watermelon), as well as juice (which I really can't drink - they don't use filtered water) and hot Milo (like hot chocolate, but not so sweet). I've never had chicken curry before, and it was GOOD! Elise loved the rice and corn. At the end of the dinner Ann invited 5 kids who were playing outside to come in and play Book of Mormon Bingo. It was fun – the kids are so cute! It’s nice that smiles go across language barriers, because my Malay is limited to only a few words: tarimi kasi (thank you), cantik (beautiful), bagus (good), anuk (child), tuju (seven) and selemat pagi (good morning).
During the lesson there were a bunch of kids playing outside in the front, and soon Elise slipped out to the porch to watch them. She also wanted to see the rooster and chickens. After a little while she came in and quietly told me, "I feel a little embarrassed because they all have black hair and I have blonde hair." I told her that I understand completely how she feels - how many people did she see with spots all over them like me? But then I reminded her of the color of her eyes and told her to look at the other children's eyes - they were all brown, just like hers. She brightened up and ran outside again. This experience is something I'm so glad we can share with Elise. She is soaking everything up and not being very shy at all - even when the people touch and exclaim over her hair. :o)
After visiting with Raymona and Alexander we went to visit the newly called primary president, Umban. She is probably younger than me, and she and her husband have a 7-year-old boy. They lived in a house similar to Gene and Ann's, the exception being that they lived in one room. Other families rented out the other rooms, and they share the kitchen and bathroom. All their belongings were in that one room, and most of the space was clear. A bed (a mat on box springs) for them, a mat for their son, a tv, a small refrigerator and some shelves for clothes. That is it. Sister Umban also brought us snacks, and fortunately we had an Iban elder with us to translate, so he could explain why Elise and I couldn't have the juice (doctor's orders, you know).
These people are amazing. So happy and willing to give us all they have. I was so done being a tourist in Singapore and Kuching – so glad to be home in Sibu!
The flight into Sibu was pretty rocky. I felt bad that Gene and Ann have to fly like that all the time, but even they said it was a pretty bad flight. Ann said that she thinks the beginning pilots are given the Kuching-Sibu route. I was practicing my deep breathing and holding my belly on some of those bumps! President Clement picked us up at the airport – I guess he picks up all the missionaries when they get in. He lives in Sibu-Jayu and drives a taxi there.
Gene and Ann’s home is beautiful. They say it is pretty big for just them, and they are welcoming all the noise Elise brings. :o) There are 3 bathrooms, and they are pretty cool, because there is no separate shower area; the whole thing is tile and you just shower in it. I love it! After making visits tonight I took a cool shower – didn’t turn on the hot water at all, but the water was hot by the time it reached my toes! It is so hot and humid here!
At 5pm we went to a neighborhood called Sentosa (pronunciation here is very similar to Spanish) because Gene and Ann do a mini-seminary lesson with a 14- and 17-year-old sister and brother. Their parents (Igal & Tara) don't speak a lick of English, similar to my Malay, but they smile a lot and were very kind. They fed us chicken curry, rice, corn and watermelon (and don't tell the health department lady, but I ate some watermelon), as well as juice (which I really can't drink - they don't use filtered water) and hot Milo (like hot chocolate, but not so sweet). I've never had chicken curry before, and it was GOOD! Elise loved the rice and corn. At the end of the dinner Ann invited 5 kids who were playing outside to come in and play Book of Mormon Bingo. It was fun – the kids are so cute! It’s nice that smiles go across language barriers, because my Malay is limited to only a few words: tarimi kasi (thank you), cantik (beautiful), bagus (good), anuk (child), tuju (seven) and selemat pagi (good morning).
During the lesson there were a bunch of kids playing outside in the front, and soon Elise slipped out to the porch to watch them. She also wanted to see the rooster and chickens. After a little while she came in and quietly told me, "I feel a little embarrassed because they all have black hair and I have blonde hair." I told her that I understand completely how she feels - how many people did she see with spots all over them like me? But then I reminded her of the color of her eyes and told her to look at the other children's eyes - they were all brown, just like hers. She brightened up and ran outside again. This experience is something I'm so glad we can share with Elise. She is soaking everything up and not being very shy at all - even when the people touch and exclaim over her hair. :o)
After visiting with Raymona and Alexander we went to visit the newly called primary president, Umban. She is probably younger than me, and she and her husband have a 7-year-old boy. They lived in a house similar to Gene and Ann's, the exception being that they lived in one room. Other families rented out the other rooms, and they share the kitchen and bathroom. All their belongings were in that one room, and most of the space was clear. A bed (a mat on box springs) for them, a mat for their son, a tv, a small refrigerator and some shelves for clothes. That is it. Sister Umban also brought us snacks, and fortunately we had an Iban elder with us to translate, so he could explain why Elise and I couldn't have the juice (doctor's orders, you know).
These people are amazing. So happy and willing to give us all they have. I was so done being a tourist in Singapore and Kuching – so glad to be home in Sibu!
Day Three (Thursday 30 July): Kuching
Stephen and I were both worried about adjusting to the time change (we are 15 hours ahead of Corvallis here), but it has been very smooth. None of us have had any problems. We are exhausted by 8:30pm and up at 5:30am, but it sure works! It’s nice that Gene and Ann are on a similar schedule.
This morning we went to the Sarawak Cultural Village, about 45 minutes outside of Kuching. It was amazing. There were 9 or 10 different native houses to tour through. Everything from a Chinese farm house to an upper-class Malay house to a tall house (built 40 feet of the ground) to an Iban longhouse. Multiple (20-30) families lived in all the houses except the Chinese and Malay. The natives are very communal. I use the present tense because many people still live in longhouses. Many saints live in longhouses, so we’ll get to visit some real ones. I took lots of pictures at the Village, because I’m not so sure about taking pictures where people actually live. I don’t want to offend anyone. This is a tall house:
All the beds we have stayed in have been VERY firm. Where we are now (the Grande Margherita Hotel) we have adjoining rooms with Gene and Ann, with 2 full beds in each. Elise has slept in Gene and Ann’s room, so I get my own bed…with 4 pillows! Fantastic. I’ve slept pretty well here. :o) Our hotel looks over the Sarawak River, and at night there are big boats with lights that float up and down. It is really pretty. Friday night there are boat races, but we’ll be busy in Sibu.
Here is the building the Kind was in town to dedicate:
This morning we went to the Sarawak Cultural Village, about 45 minutes outside of Kuching. It was amazing. There were 9 or 10 different native houses to tour through. Everything from a Chinese farm house to an upper-class Malay house to a tall house (built 40 feet of the ground) to an Iban longhouse. Multiple (20-30) families lived in all the houses except the Chinese and Malay. The natives are very communal. I use the present tense because many people still live in longhouses. Many saints live in longhouses, so we’ll get to visit some real ones. I took lots of pictures at the Village, because I’m not so sure about taking pictures where people actually live. I don’t want to offend anyone. This is a tall house:
All the beds we have stayed in have been VERY firm. Where we are now (the Grande Margherita Hotel) we have adjoining rooms with Gene and Ann, with 2 full beds in each. Elise has slept in Gene and Ann’s room, so I get my own bed…with 4 pillows! Fantastic. I’ve slept pretty well here. :o) Our hotel looks over the Sarawak River, and at night there are big boats with lights that float up and down. It is really pretty. Friday night there are boat races, but we’ll be busy in Sibu.
Here is the building the Kind was in town to dedicate:
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