Saturday, September 13, 2008
Provo Temple
Last Sunday, after church, I just wanted to relax, think, read, write, etc. But, Jason wanted to watch football, so I decided to take the kids to the Provo temple grounds. I didn't get much reading and writing in, but I did get to relax, think, and enjoy the beautiful day. It was fun seeing all the missionaries and other people enjoying the atmosphere and spirit around the temple. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fashion Diss by a Four Year Old
Haley (as she touches my hair) : I wish I had hair the same color as you.
Me: Well, you probably will when you grow up because my hair was the same color as yours when I was little.
Haley (excitedly) : So, then we'll have the same color hair!
Me: Yeah, we'll be twins.
Haley (looking at my clothes) : But, I don't want to dress like you.
Me: Well, you probably will when you grow up because my hair was the same color as yours when I was little.
Haley (excitedly) : So, then we'll have the same color hair!
Me: Yeah, we'll be twins.
Haley (looking at my clothes) : But, I don't want to dress like you.
My Days
I get to spend all day everyday with my favorite girl. Life is good.
Yesterday we met two of my sisters and my sister-in-law at Ikea for lunch and shopping. On the way driving up there, Haley and I were having a blast. We were both in exceptionally good moods. She was reciting poems that we have been learning for preschool. I was trying to teach her some songs. "There are ants, ants, ants, ants trying on the pants in the store, in the store..." and she was just laughing hysterically. It didn't bother me, I just sang louder and louder. Then she would try to make up "jokes" like, "What if you had popcorn mixed with cotton candy?" and then she would laugh and laugh and laugh. Those 20 minutes in the car with her were priceless.
Yesterday we met two of my sisters and my sister-in-law at Ikea for lunch and shopping. On the way driving up there, Haley and I were having a blast. We were both in exceptionally good moods. She was reciting poems that we have been learning for preschool. I was trying to teach her some songs. "There are ants, ants, ants, ants trying on the pants in the store, in the store..." and she was just laughing hysterically. It didn't bother me, I just sang louder and louder. Then she would try to make up "jokes" like, "What if you had popcorn mixed with cotton candy?" and then she would laugh and laugh and laugh. Those 20 minutes in the car with her were priceless.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Alphabet Vacation
Before I start telling this story, I have to explain that Haley can't say her "S's". She was tongue-tied until age 3 when Dr. Nate discovered it while working on her teeth. Anyway, she learned to talk without moving her tongue, so there are certain sounds she still has trouble with. So, her "S's" sound like "F's".
Yesterday I volunteered in Britton's class and they learned a really cute song called, "Alphabet Vacation". It goes through the whole alphabet and tells where each letter went on vacation, for example, A went to the aquarium, B went to the beach, and so on.
After school, Britton and I were trying to sing it for Haley and Jason. We couldn't remember all of it and when we got to "F" we got stuck. We knew it said "F flew to the ___________" but we couldn't remember what. So, Jason started guessing things. "Farm", "Fire Station", "Fun house", etc. Then, Haley piped in, "Fimming pool" (Swimming pool). It was hilarious and we all got a good laugh.
Yesterday I volunteered in Britton's class and they learned a really cute song called, "Alphabet Vacation". It goes through the whole alphabet and tells where each letter went on vacation, for example, A went to the aquarium, B went to the beach, and so on.
After school, Britton and I were trying to sing it for Haley and Jason. We couldn't remember all of it and when we got to "F" we got stuck. We knew it said "F flew to the ___________" but we couldn't remember what. So, Jason started guessing things. "Farm", "Fire Station", "Fun house", etc. Then, Haley piped in, "Fimming pool" (Swimming pool). It was hilarious and we all got a good laugh.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
New Look
I just changed the look of my blog. It's been forever since I played around with it and it was really fun. I like all the pictures of my family on it now. So, if you are using google reader or some other reader, take a look at my actual blog to see the changes!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Living My Dream
The other day, I was driving home from shopping with Anna and she turned to me and said, "What is your big dream in life?"
I immediately just said, "Umm, I don't know." And then I started thinking. I remember how in college it seemed like I always had such big dreams and plans for myself. And now, there isn't one big dream that I have. But it wasn't a disconcerting thought, it was actually reassuring because I realized that my big dream for life is what I am already doing. So I said, "I guess I'm living my dream." Being married to my best friend and raising our children IS my big dream in life. But, it's an on-going process, something that I will be working on for the rest of my life.
That doesn't mean that I don't have other things I want to accomplish though. I have a huge list of things I want to do or achieve in life. But, the big thing, the most important dream is already being realized. And that's a good feeling.
I immediately just said, "Umm, I don't know." And then I started thinking. I remember how in college it seemed like I always had such big dreams and plans for myself. And now, there isn't one big dream that I have. But it wasn't a disconcerting thought, it was actually reassuring because I realized that my big dream for life is what I am already doing. So I said, "I guess I'm living my dream." Being married to my best friend and raising our children IS my big dream in life. But, it's an on-going process, something that I will be working on for the rest of my life.
That doesn't mean that I don't have other things I want to accomplish though. I have a huge list of things I want to do or achieve in life. But, the big thing, the most important dream is already being realized. And that's a good feeling.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Sunday Afternoons
Sunday afternoon we were all outside. Haley was the princess, Britton was the king, and Jason was some sort of troll or something with a water noodle trying to capture them. Each time Jason caught one, the other one would come to the rescue. And I just sat there watching, completely entertained.
When Jason would catch them with the water noodle, he would pick them up and swing them around. We were all having so much fun. I love Sundays.
When Jason would catch them with the water noodle, he would pick them up and swing them around. We were all having so much fun. I love Sundays.
It's raining, it's pouring...
On Sunday, Haley felt one rain drop and immediately ran inside and came back out looking like this:
Britton followed suit and got his raincoat on. It didn't even really start raining for a few more hours and by then, we were done playing outside.
They sure do miss the big storms from Guangzhou.
Britton followed suit and got his raincoat on. It didn't even really start raining for a few more hours and by then, we were done playing outside.
They sure do miss the big storms from Guangzhou.
Anna Li
On Friday, Anna arrived at our house. She is a girl that we met in China about a month before we came home. She is going to be staying with us for a while until she can find housing closer to BYU. It's been so much fun having her here with us. She and Haley are already the best of friends.
Rise and Shout!
Jason and I were more than ready for football season to start this year. We missed it so much last year when we were in China. Even though we followed last season and tried to watch as many games as possible, it's just not the same when you are waking up at 3:00 in the morning to watch a football game on a computer screen. We were so happy to be back in Lavell Edwards Stadium! And I'm so excited for this season. I sure hope that they can live up to all the hype there is this year because I would love to travel to a BCS bowl game.
Doctor Aunt Mary
A few weekends ago, Patricia and some of her kids slept over at my house. Anna had some pretty big mosquitoes bites that had swollen up quite big. I had just the remedy. :)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
First Day of School
Yesterday was Britton's first day of First Grade. He did great! I could tell how nervous he was, so it made me even more proud that he did so well. There are a couple of kids from his Primary class in his class, so that is good.
When I picked Britton up after school, he wasn't much for chatting about the day, but he did say it was good and that his teacher is nice. Then he told me that he couldn't find his lunch in his backpack, so he "bought" lunch, but he only ate the cookie. So, he asked me if he could have a picnic on the grass right then to eat his lunch. I felt so bad. His lunch was the only thing in his backpack, but there are 3 different sections and he only checked 2 of them. I did tell him where it was, but I didn't make him practice getting it out or anything. Of course, he is too shy to ask his teacher for help. Poor kid. Then after eating a bit, he started dancing around. I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom and he said yes. Then I found out that he didn't go all day at school. Or drink any water. So, hopefully today he'll be a bit more at ease. At least enough to drink and go to the bathroom. Jon and Mijoung brought him over a new backpack last night with an attachable lunch box, so he'll be able to find his lunch today. :)
After school, I told him he could decide what he wanted to do to celebrate his special day. He decided he wanted to go buy a Bionicle and a new dress for Haley. I thought it was so cute that he wanted Haley to get something to to celebrate. What a nice brother.
When I picked Britton up after school, he wasn't much for chatting about the day, but he did say it was good and that his teacher is nice. Then he told me that he couldn't find his lunch in his backpack, so he "bought" lunch, but he only ate the cookie. So, he asked me if he could have a picnic on the grass right then to eat his lunch. I felt so bad. His lunch was the only thing in his backpack, but there are 3 different sections and he only checked 2 of them. I did tell him where it was, but I didn't make him practice getting it out or anything. Of course, he is too shy to ask his teacher for help. Poor kid. Then after eating a bit, he started dancing around. I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom and he said yes. Then I found out that he didn't go all day at school. Or drink any water. So, hopefully today he'll be a bit more at ease. At least enough to drink and go to the bathroom. Jon and Mijoung brought him over a new backpack last night with an attachable lunch box, so he'll be able to find his lunch today. :)
After school, I told him he could decide what he wanted to do to celebrate his special day. He decided he wanted to go buy a Bionicle and a new dress for Haley. I thought it was so cute that he wanted Haley to get something to to celebrate. What a nice brother.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy
I still am amazed by how much busier we are here than we ever were in China. And I worked full-time in China! It's just crazy how when you have family and friends nearby, there is always something to do--every second of the day. It's a good busy though.
So, here's a bit of what we have been up to this week.
Sunday--The Tanner's came with us to the cabin. It was so pretty up there and so much cooler than the valley. I love the mountains. And I love the Tanners. I'm trying to pretend that it wasn't the last time I will be hanging out with them for a while, but really, it was. (They leave on Monday to go back to China and part of me is having a really hard time that we are not going with them.)
Monday--We brought Jonas home with us from the cabin so that he could sleepover. He and Britton played all day long. Patricia and her kids came down to stay at my mom's for a few days, so we brought Hyrum over to sleepover too. The three boys really enjoyed each other and I "let" them stay up way too late.
Tuesday--We met up with Melanie at Thanksgiving point for "$2 dollar Tuesday" and quickly realized that the rest of the western U.S. was also there. It was CRAZY! There were moms and kids everywhere. The lines were outside, wrapping around the buildings at every attraction. We passed on the Dinosaur Museum and the Farm, but decided to brave the crowds at the gardens. We didn't last long, probably only an hour. It's just not worth it when there are people EVERYWHERE!
Wednesday--We went to Chuck E. Cheese with the Kammerman's and Mijoung and Chloie. It wasn't crowded at all and we stayed for quite a while. The kids had a blast. After that, I went to the Young Women's swimming party. Then, we went to the Olive Garden for Mckenna's 9th birthday then over to their house for cake and puppy-playing. (They have I think 6 puppies that are so cute!)
Thursday--that's today. We haven't gone anywhere not even the store or the park. It's been great. I need days like these every once in a while. (I won't mention that we've been watching a lot of TV and eating a lot of cookies all day because that just sounds bad.)
In other news...
*We've been Tivo-ing all the Olympics and LOVE watching them.
*Our business is almost official--Kemp Construction will be up and running in no time.
*I've managed to get an infection in my left eye now. I don't know if my eyes will ever be normal again.
*I finally got frames for the artwork I bought in China and I can't wait to get it hung on the wall. My house is almost complete!
*We are going to be having a Chinese girl live with us for a bit while she goes to BYU. I'm excited.
Well, I better get back to watching TV and eating cookies. :)
So, here's a bit of what we have been up to this week.
Sunday--The Tanner's came with us to the cabin. It was so pretty up there and so much cooler than the valley. I love the mountains. And I love the Tanners. I'm trying to pretend that it wasn't the last time I will be hanging out with them for a while, but really, it was. (They leave on Monday to go back to China and part of me is having a really hard time that we are not going with them.)
Monday--We brought Jonas home with us from the cabin so that he could sleepover. He and Britton played all day long. Patricia and her kids came down to stay at my mom's for a few days, so we brought Hyrum over to sleepover too. The three boys really enjoyed each other and I "let" them stay up way too late.
Tuesday--We met up with Melanie at Thanksgiving point for "$2 dollar Tuesday" and quickly realized that the rest of the western U.S. was also there. It was CRAZY! There were moms and kids everywhere. The lines were outside, wrapping around the buildings at every attraction. We passed on the Dinosaur Museum and the Farm, but decided to brave the crowds at the gardens. We didn't last long, probably only an hour. It's just not worth it when there are people EVERYWHERE!
Wednesday--We went to Chuck E. Cheese with the Kammerman's and Mijoung and Chloie. It wasn't crowded at all and we stayed for quite a while. The kids had a blast. After that, I went to the Young Women's swimming party. Then, we went to the Olive Garden for Mckenna's 9th birthday then over to their house for cake and puppy-playing. (They have I think 6 puppies that are so cute!)
Thursday--that's today. We haven't gone anywhere not even the store or the park. It's been great. I need days like these every once in a while. (I won't mention that we've been watching a lot of TV and eating a lot of cookies all day because that just sounds bad.)
In other news...
*We've been Tivo-ing all the Olympics and LOVE watching them.
*Our business is almost official--Kemp Construction will be up and running in no time.
*I've managed to get an infection in my left eye now. I don't know if my eyes will ever be normal again.
*I finally got frames for the artwork I bought in China and I can't wait to get it hung on the wall. My house is almost complete!
*We are going to be having a Chinese girl live with us for a bit while she goes to BYU. I'm excited.
Well, I better get back to watching TV and eating cookies. :)
Wish Me Luck
Tomorrow night I'm playing in my first ever volleyball tournament with Jason. It's a coed doubles tournament that goes all night long. I'm so excited. I think it will be tons of fun, even if we lose every game :)
Friday, August 08, 2008
Olympics
The Olympics are starting and it reminded me that I never did post my pictures from our Beijing trip. Wow, that was a while ago. So, here are a few from the the Olympic Village that was still under construction at the time. I'm sure everyone will get many views of these amazing buildings while watching the Olympics in the next few weeks. The architecture really is incredible.
Wanted: An 8 or 9 Year Old Girl
I wish I could adopt an 8 or 9 year old girl.
My mother-in-law (who lives in our basement) is watching my niece Mckenna and my nephew Joshua for the next few days. Yesterday Mckenna played with and entertained my kids all day long. I got so much done. It was great! And they were all completely happy and content. And I didn't have to run check on them every 5 minutes or so while they were playing outside. (I'm a bit of a paranoid mom.) They didn't watch TV or play video games at all either. Plus Britton was acting way more mature than usual. So many benefits.
So, if anyone knows of a little girl for sale or loan, let me know. :)
My mother-in-law (who lives in our basement) is watching my niece Mckenna and my nephew Joshua for the next few days. Yesterday Mckenna played with and entertained my kids all day long. I got so much done. It was great! And they were all completely happy and content. And I didn't have to run check on them every 5 minutes or so while they were playing outside. (I'm a bit of a paranoid mom.) They didn't watch TV or play video games at all either. Plus Britton was acting way more mature than usual. So many benefits.
So, if anyone knows of a little girl for sale or loan, let me know. :)
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Britton's Prize
Britton finally finished his first reading chart so he earned $10. So, we went to the store today so he could pick out a prize.
And what would Britton pick out? The Extreme Bug Vac, of course!
He has had so much fun with it today finding bugs. He'll definitely be able to slurp up some great creatures with it. He and his cousin Mckenna already found a green shield bug and a baby earwig. Every time they find something they run in all excited and then we look it up on the internet. It's been a really fun day.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
On My Mind
There are a number of things that are consuming my thoughts as of late.
First, I can't stop thinking about Britton starting first grade. I hardly even thought much at all about him starting kindergarten because we had so many other things going on that it just kind of snuck up on us. Today I registered him for school and it starts in less than 2 weeks. I keep wondering if he is nervous, if he is ready, how he's going to do, if he'll make friends, if he'll be good for his teacher, and all the other things a mom can think up to worry about. Even though he went to school last year, it was so different in China, so it feels like he is just barely starting--that I'm just barely sending him out into the world on his own. And I really don't know if I've prepared him well enough. I'm not so worried about academics as behavior. He has never been super good with people telling him what to do. So, it will be interesting to see. He seems to be struggling a bit at home lately and I wonder if he's anxious or nervous about school. He's been having major breakdowns and tantrums over what seems to me to be minor things. His reactions to things are what make me worried about him. Maybe it's just a phase. Or maybe he is stressed about all the changes in his life. Maybe he just needs more attention or love. Probably it's a mixture of all of it. I'm sure more attention and love can't hurt no matter what the underlying problem is. I just hope I can give him what he needs. Sometimes it seems that I do things that are so wrong for his personality.
And maybe I'm worrying over nothing. He'll probably adjust to school just fine. He hasn't expressed any concerns at all about it. In fact, he's only shown excitement. So, I should probably stop worrying or I might put fears into him that aren't already there.
On a funny side note, the other day I was reading something about fears so I asked Britton if there was anything that he was afraid of. He thought for a minute and then said yes. So, I asked him what it was and he said talking trees. I just about laughed out loud. I totally wasn't expecting that one. But, then he said he knew that there weren't really talking trees so he wasn't really afraid of them, but maybe he would be afraid of wolves and foxes. It was really cute.
Okay I ended up writing way more about Britton than I intended, so maybe that's about the only thing consuming my thoughts lately. So, we'll leave it at that.
First, I can't stop thinking about Britton starting first grade. I hardly even thought much at all about him starting kindergarten because we had so many other things going on that it just kind of snuck up on us. Today I registered him for school and it starts in less than 2 weeks. I keep wondering if he is nervous, if he is ready, how he's going to do, if he'll make friends, if he'll be good for his teacher, and all the other things a mom can think up to worry about. Even though he went to school last year, it was so different in China, so it feels like he is just barely starting--that I'm just barely sending him out into the world on his own. And I really don't know if I've prepared him well enough. I'm not so worried about academics as behavior. He has never been super good with people telling him what to do. So, it will be interesting to see. He seems to be struggling a bit at home lately and I wonder if he's anxious or nervous about school. He's been having major breakdowns and tantrums over what seems to me to be minor things. His reactions to things are what make me worried about him. Maybe it's just a phase. Or maybe he is stressed about all the changes in his life. Maybe he just needs more attention or love. Probably it's a mixture of all of it. I'm sure more attention and love can't hurt no matter what the underlying problem is. I just hope I can give him what he needs. Sometimes it seems that I do things that are so wrong for his personality.
And maybe I'm worrying over nothing. He'll probably adjust to school just fine. He hasn't expressed any concerns at all about it. In fact, he's only shown excitement. So, I should probably stop worrying or I might put fears into him that aren't already there.
On a funny side note, the other day I was reading something about fears so I asked Britton if there was anything that he was afraid of. He thought for a minute and then said yes. So, I asked him what it was and he said talking trees. I just about laughed out loud. I totally wasn't expecting that one. But, then he said he knew that there weren't really talking trees so he wasn't really afraid of them, but maybe he would be afraid of wolves and foxes. It was really cute.
Okay I ended up writing way more about Britton than I intended, so maybe that's about the only thing consuming my thoughts lately. So, we'll leave it at that.
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