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!"

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?????"

AAAAHHHH!!!

My kids are out of control and I don't know what to do. I think I'm going crazy.

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

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!

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.

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.

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...

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.