I've been trying to get the blogger app on my phone to work for a while now, and I think I've finally got it. Phew! I'd like to be able to more easily post the random pictures or videos I catch with this handy device and I think I finally can a little bit . It's still hates me some. It still fails to post a lot. Gah!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Pixie Carnations
Today we went as a family to visit a local cemetery. We brought a bunch of flowers and placed a stem of flowers on as many of the infant graves as we could. All 5 of us went, and Grandma came too. I tried to take some nice pictures, but it was very cold and VERY wet. The temperature dropped 10 degrees while we were there and it was pouring rain and slush. By the time we left I couldn't feel the buttons on my camera any more. So these are the pictures we managed to take.
The girls took turns placing flowers. They were glad to do something here since their cousin's grave is across the country and today marks one year since her passing.
(Names blurred for privacy) We talked about the families of these children and hope that one of them may discover that someone else noticed their baby and cares that they are gone also.
It was a special activity for our family.
(This is the semi-protected part of my jeans! All that smudginess is due to moisture and fogging on the camera lens, which has thankfully dried out nicely.)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Celebration of Life
A year ago my niece was born. She was a miracle in every way. She was a fighter and managed to live for three supposedly impossible days. I know that her short life has and will continue to touch lives. I know that families are forever and that her family will be reunited after this life.
With love,
Aunt Janelle
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Before, During, After
This afternoon my fab-o colorist did my hair for me. Ya know -- my hubband! It was time for a little still-depressingly-early-in-winter pick-me-up and I'd tried out a free order from eSalon (super cool, btw) which came yesterday. The girls were fascinated.
Before: (back in December when I did my hair once :P )
During:
Before: (back in December when I did my hair once :P )
During:
(I have no idea how Kate managed to take a picture with TWO of Michael in it!)
(All that glare is from the stain-resist goop so the color didn't stain my skin. Promise.)
After:
(Taken with my webcam in the dark corner of the room, cause I'm lazy.)
Sometimes it's nice to do something kinda frivolously fun for yourself, ya know? :)
N (Edited to include "It's Great to be 8")
Victim
EDIT:
See, I got the Blogger app on my phone and recently wrote a quick post on there so I wouldnt' forget what Lizzie had said. But it refused to post. I tried over and over and no go. So finally today (a week later!) I thought I'd try again. So I just hit one key for the title (apparently "N") and wiggled my finger across the keys (which Swype translated into "victim"). And there you have it!
BACK TO THE SUBJECT:
Last week was Lizzie's "It's Great to Be 8" meeting at church. She enjoyed it and cannot wait for the new programs she can be a part of after her birthday in June. Detailed story short (since I forgot the details, and in an attempt to copy/paste I lost what I wrote before, even on my phone) she said this:
"Mom, I don't think I have a lot to say for a testimony."
"That's just fine Lizzie. A testimony is something that is always growing and changing. It just is the things that you feel are right and true."
"Well, I guess there are three things then: I know the Church is true. I know families are forever. I know Jesus lives."
'nuff said.
EDIT:
See, I got the Blogger app on my phone and recently wrote a quick post on there so I wouldnt' forget what Lizzie had said. But it refused to post. I tried over and over and no go. So finally today (a week later!) I thought I'd try again. So I just hit one key for the title (apparently "N") and wiggled my finger across the keys (which Swype translated into "victim"). And there you have it!
BACK TO THE SUBJECT:
Last week was Lizzie's "It's Great to Be 8" meeting at church. She enjoyed it and cannot wait for the new programs she can be a part of after her birthday in June. Detailed story short (since I forgot the details, and in an attempt to copy/paste I lost what I wrote before, even on my phone) she said this:
"Mom, I don't think I have a lot to say for a testimony."
"That's just fine Lizzie. A testimony is something that is always growing and changing. It just is the things that you feel are right and true."
"Well, I guess there are three things then: I know the Church is true. I know families are forever. I know Jesus lives."
'nuff said.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
December Overload
Here we go again. If my life was to flash before my eyes, I'm sure it would be in photo collages with snippets of text for each one.
First, a few single pictures:
A picture Kate drew after the girls watched The Princess Bride for probably the 4th time in a row. They're quite fond of it.
This bit of packaging (I don't even remember what it was from) was really too small to fit a cat, but it didn't stop Ginger from trying frequently to make herself fit in it. It really cant' have been comfy!
Kitties for Christmas!
This is at the nickelcade. I thought it was an interesting commentary on daddies bringing up the next generation of ladies ;)
And now for photo overload:
I was really sick for a couple of days at the beginning of the month thanks to medication issues. Sabrina made us a picnic this afternoon so I could eat something.
We treked out to the Shops at the Riverwoods to see the Christmas lights. It was amazing! Heaters on the sidewalks, lights everywhere, live music... and even Santa.
(In Santa's house during his break)
(Inside Blickenstaff's -- a crazy cool toy store)
(Back to see Santa)
(Then we discovered Provo Beach Resort! We checked it all out then played a few arcade games.)
We did our best to get a picture of our nursery kids from this last year and I made them a photo card to stick in their scrapbooks too. These kids are so fun!
One night the moon was just beautiful! I wanted to try to get a good picture of it, but by the time I found my tripod it was still pretty, but not as spectacular. Oh well. It was fun to mess with the settings on my camera anyway. Then I brought the setup inside to photograph the tree. Sierra and Ginger were most curious about the tripod and kept attacking it.
This wooden box had sunflowers in it during the summer, then I swapped them out for poinsettias. Then someone put the sunflowers back in the box too O.o Then Sierra climbed in the check it out!
I finally got a couple of pictures of our fish. See that tetra on the left? Its body actually IS that crooked. No idea why. We've had him for quite a while and he seems healthy enough -- just wonky. On the right you can see our new algae eater named Goldie II (the original Goldie was too happy and outgrew being friendly with the tetras so we took her back to the fish store and bought the smaller one.) Bottom right is the black fin shark guy. We named him Tim. Sadly he only lasted a couple of hyperactive weeks. Poor Tim.
On our way to Salt Lake to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert the clouds were blanketed most uniquely across these mountains. I don't know if it really gets across in the pictures, but I tried.
Michael and I loved the concert! This was the day before our 11th anniversary and it made a great date. We planned to go to dinner before-hand, but due to construction and such there was no option but a severely understaffed McDonalds. It took 30 minutes to get our food which we then had to bolt down as quickly as possible. Bummer. We made up for it later with good food the next day :)
I just like these moments with my girls. Lizzie had fallen and lightly skinned her knee. Kate was doing such a good job taking care of her I just stepped back and let them be. Kate supported her all the way upstairs where she washed the knee and applied a drop of lavender oiil.
One Friday night the girls got to have a sleepover at Grandma's house. In the morning they even made gingerbread cookies decorated with candy. See? Our whole family in gingerbread :)
During this Christmas vacation we went as a family on a unique sort of activity -- we hung out at the Nickelcade :) It was great fun! It was a fun variety from the usual activities.
Earlier this month (sorry, these get a bit out of order apparently) we stopped by DI (thrift store) mostly just for the heck of it. We happened across a really nice looking bike for me and a great one for Kate for $22 all together! Mine is really a couple of inches too small for me, but it works fine for now. I've had fun bicycling with the girls around the neighborhood! Oh, and do you like Lizzie's orange streak? It's just one of those clip in hair things, not dye ;)
My family gathered together the Sunday before Christmas, as usual. My brother and his family shared a family history project they'd put together for us from papers they'd been given by a relative. It's a fabulous set of stories, artwork, and life work! Then we sang a few Christmas carols (some with ukulele accompaniment) and ate lots of tasty goodies.
We made it to our drive-through trip to the Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork. The girls love the (very local) radio station that plays non-stop Christmas music for you to listen to while driving through. As usual, a great way to get into the Christmas mood.
Since we missed Christmas Day at the Southern home they came by and visited us just afterward to give us our presents and share what they wanted us to remember this year. The girls were delighted with new blankets and fun toys. We got some more family preparedness things which will be of good use to us!
Last tidbits: I finally was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of months ago. This is, in large part, why things kinda fell apart again. Finding out the whys and hows for some of the ways my body freaks out has been useful. Even better has been the fact that there are now medications available for this condition. After getting over the initial side effects of the medications I've found that they take care of probably 80% of the pain and complications due to fibromyalgia. Never before had I experienced such overwhelming pain. I've had severe pain, I've had widespread pain. But having both at once is utterly stupefying. Now that it is managed the flares come in fits and starts and are not as unbearable. I have also found some ways to manage the pain (heat, essential oils, rest, baths, lots of sleep, etc.) that have really helped. So in the end: it's good news.
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I think I managed to catch up the pictures and brief moments from our lives this year. It has been a wonderful year. Full of trials but overwhelmed with blessings and miracles. Overall 2011 was a great one for us. We look forward to continuing to grow together as a family through 2012.
First, a few single pictures:
A picture Kate drew after the girls watched The Princess Bride for probably the 4th time in a row. They're quite fond of it.
This bit of packaging (I don't even remember what it was from) was really too small to fit a cat, but it didn't stop Ginger from trying frequently to make herself fit in it. It really cant' have been comfy!
Kitties for Christmas!
This is at the nickelcade. I thought it was an interesting commentary on daddies bringing up the next generation of ladies ;)
And now for photo overload:
I was really sick for a couple of days at the beginning of the month thanks to medication issues. Sabrina made us a picnic this afternoon so I could eat something.
We treked out to the Shops at the Riverwoods to see the Christmas lights. It was amazing! Heaters on the sidewalks, lights everywhere, live music... and even Santa.
(In Santa's house during his break)
(Inside Blickenstaff's -- a crazy cool toy store)
We did our best to get a picture of our nursery kids from this last year and I made them a photo card to stick in their scrapbooks too. These kids are so fun!
One night the moon was just beautiful! I wanted to try to get a good picture of it, but by the time I found my tripod it was still pretty, but not as spectacular. Oh well. It was fun to mess with the settings on my camera anyway. Then I brought the setup inside to photograph the tree. Sierra and Ginger were most curious about the tripod and kept attacking it.
This wooden box had sunflowers in it during the summer, then I swapped them out for poinsettias. Then someone put the sunflowers back in the box too O.o Then Sierra climbed in the check it out!
I finally got a couple of pictures of our fish. See that tetra on the left? Its body actually IS that crooked. No idea why. We've had him for quite a while and he seems healthy enough -- just wonky. On the right you can see our new algae eater named Goldie II (the original Goldie was too happy and outgrew being friendly with the tetras so we took her back to the fish store and bought the smaller one.) Bottom right is the black fin shark guy. We named him Tim. Sadly he only lasted a couple of hyperactive weeks. Poor Tim.
On our way to Salt Lake to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert the clouds were blanketed most uniquely across these mountains. I don't know if it really gets across in the pictures, but I tried.
Michael and I loved the concert! This was the day before our 11th anniversary and it made a great date. We planned to go to dinner before-hand, but due to construction and such there was no option but a severely understaffed McDonalds. It took 30 minutes to get our food which we then had to bolt down as quickly as possible. Bummer. We made up for it later with good food the next day :)
I just like these moments with my girls. Lizzie had fallen and lightly skinned her knee. Kate was doing such a good job taking care of her I just stepped back and let them be. Kate supported her all the way upstairs where she washed the knee and applied a drop of lavender oiil.
One Friday night the girls got to have a sleepover at Grandma's house. In the morning they even made gingerbread cookies decorated with candy. See? Our whole family in gingerbread :)
During this Christmas vacation we went as a family on a unique sort of activity -- we hung out at the Nickelcade :) It was great fun! It was a fun variety from the usual activities.
Earlier this month (sorry, these get a bit out of order apparently) we stopped by DI (thrift store) mostly just for the heck of it. We happened across a really nice looking bike for me and a great one for Kate for $22 all together! Mine is really a couple of inches too small for me, but it works fine for now. I've had fun bicycling with the girls around the neighborhood! Oh, and do you like Lizzie's orange streak? It's just one of those clip in hair things, not dye ;)
My family gathered together the Sunday before Christmas, as usual. My brother and his family shared a family history project they'd put together for us from papers they'd been given by a relative. It's a fabulous set of stories, artwork, and life work! Then we sang a few Christmas carols (some with ukulele accompaniment) and ate lots of tasty goodies.
We made it to our drive-through trip to the Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork. The girls love the (very local) radio station that plays non-stop Christmas music for you to listen to while driving through. As usual, a great way to get into the Christmas mood.
Since we missed Christmas Day at the Southern home they came by and visited us just afterward to give us our presents and share what they wanted us to remember this year. The girls were delighted with new blankets and fun toys. We got some more family preparedness things which will be of good use to us!
Last tidbits: I finally was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of months ago. This is, in large part, why things kinda fell apart again. Finding out the whys and hows for some of the ways my body freaks out has been useful. Even better has been the fact that there are now medications available for this condition. After getting over the initial side effects of the medications I've found that they take care of probably 80% of the pain and complications due to fibromyalgia. Never before had I experienced such overwhelming pain. I've had severe pain, I've had widespread pain. But having both at once is utterly stupefying. Now that it is managed the flares come in fits and starts and are not as unbearable. I have also found some ways to manage the pain (heat, essential oils, rest, baths, lots of sleep, etc.) that have really helped. So in the end: it's good news.
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I think I managed to catch up the pictures and brief moments from our lives this year. It has been a wonderful year. Full of trials but overwhelmed with blessings and miracles. Overall 2011 was a great one for us. We look forward to continuing to grow together as a family through 2012.
November Revisited
Okay, I'm going to do my best to do this simply. The problem is, I should have done at least a half-dozen full posts out of all this! So go back to the standby of skim reading or looking at the photo collages here.
1- First Snow! The first day of November, after that beautiful Halloween night, we had our first snow fall. As of now we've had a tiny skiff a couple of times since then, but not enough to make a snow man. This snow was enough for Sabrina to play in while the other girls were at school in the morning, but gone by afternoon.
2. My Birthday. I had a great birthday. It fell on a Sunday this year. I got salmon and oven roasted potatoes for my special dinner. I also had a wonderfully gooey chocolatey decadent cake.
3. End of Ukulele Club. The first set of extracurricular activities came to an end and Ukulele club did their final "concert". Kate did a lovely job. Lizzie parked herself on my lap part of the time (thus the picture of my view: her ponytail). Sabrina enjoyed clapping along with some of the folk songs.
4. Cats. Did you think you'd get by without a batch of cat pictures? It's a good thing I'm married or I'd probably be on of those "Cat Ladies". Maybe I am anyway. hmmm. They're still funny. Ginny (on the right) enjoys chasing bouncy balls on the foyer floor. Sierra (upper left) tried to stow away in my suit case when we were getting ready to go to Denver.
5. Southern Family Birthday Party. Despite growing numbers of family members, I am still the only November birthday in Michaels' family! This year we'd missed Sabrina's October party (probably sick, I forget which one of us though) so she and I were birthday buddies this time.
6. Miscellaney. I've finished a portion of a painting project on the living room wall. I love it. I just am exhausted thinking of finishing the top half! Then there's a gorgeous bit of sunshine, and the girls playing with the new photo features on my cell phone.
7. Lost tooth! Lizzie finally lost her... 3rd(?) tooth. She worried that thing like crazy until I finally put dental floss on it and pulled the dang thing out. Yay!
8. Living Planet Aquarium. After the trip to Denver (which I DID manage to post) we took the girls to the aquarium in Salt Lake. We even donated a couple of bucks towards the new facility they're building. It was tons of fun! One of the funniest parts was to do with electric eels: there was a spot where you could touch two metal dots and feel how hard of a shock an electric eel could give. Lizzie really wanted to try it, but then decided she was too scared. After we finally gave up waiting for her she finally gave it a try... and kept doing it over and over. Typical >eye roll<
9. Thanksgiving! At the last minute we had to alter our Thanksgiving plans. Nothing new there. Kate was sick, so Michael took her to Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving dinner while I took the other girls to my sister Suzette's house. My sister and her family were in town from Nebraska and we didn't want to miss out on a chance to see them. Dinner was delicious and we had a lovely visit. (There's also a highly festive haircut in there too. A true turkey tail! It came colored orange during the next event, but I didn't get a good picture of that one.)
10. Gingerbread houses. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving we did our traditional gingerbread houses with my family at our place. Fortunately Kate was doing better. I think we had 30 people over! The mothers put together a quilt for a new baby (due any day. Come on "Jimmer"!!!) while the youngers did their gingerbread houses. The teens actually did an impressive job on their gingerbread houses too! I think it helped that they had their own place to hang out. Eventually we also had a football game being watched in the basement too. We had a great time with everyone!
11. Tricks! Ginger is a very playful kitty. Get out a cat wand and she is a crazy acrobat! I know you miss out on a lot of it in flat photos, but I try. Also -- as we were trying to put up the Christmas tree the cats simply took up residence in it! It wasn't until the tree was finally decorated that we could keep them out of their prickly perch!
1- First Snow! The first day of November, after that beautiful Halloween night, we had our first snow fall. As of now we've had a tiny skiff a couple of times since then, but not enough to make a snow man. This snow was enough for Sabrina to play in while the other girls were at school in the morning, but gone by afternoon.
2. My Birthday. I had a great birthday. It fell on a Sunday this year. I got salmon and oven roasted potatoes for my special dinner. I also had a wonderfully gooey chocolatey decadent cake.
3. End of Ukulele Club. The first set of extracurricular activities came to an end and Ukulele club did their final "concert". Kate did a lovely job. Lizzie parked herself on my lap part of the time (thus the picture of my view: her ponytail). Sabrina enjoyed clapping along with some of the folk songs.
4. Cats. Did you think you'd get by without a batch of cat pictures? It's a good thing I'm married or I'd probably be on of those "Cat Ladies". Maybe I am anyway. hmmm. They're still funny. Ginny (on the right) enjoys chasing bouncy balls on the foyer floor. Sierra (upper left) tried to stow away in my suit case when we were getting ready to go to Denver.
5. Southern Family Birthday Party. Despite growing numbers of family members, I am still the only November birthday in Michaels' family! This year we'd missed Sabrina's October party (probably sick, I forget which one of us though) so she and I were birthday buddies this time.
6. Miscellaney. I've finished a portion of a painting project on the living room wall. I love it. I just am exhausted thinking of finishing the top half! Then there's a gorgeous bit of sunshine, and the girls playing with the new photo features on my cell phone.
7. Lost tooth! Lizzie finally lost her... 3rd(?) tooth. She worried that thing like crazy until I finally put dental floss on it and pulled the dang thing out. Yay!
8. Living Planet Aquarium. After the trip to Denver (which I DID manage to post) we took the girls to the aquarium in Salt Lake. We even donated a couple of bucks towards the new facility they're building. It was tons of fun! One of the funniest parts was to do with electric eels: there was a spot where you could touch two metal dots and feel how hard of a shock an electric eel could give. Lizzie really wanted to try it, but then decided she was too scared. After we finally gave up waiting for her she finally gave it a try... and kept doing it over and over. Typical >eye roll<
9. Thanksgiving! At the last minute we had to alter our Thanksgiving plans. Nothing new there. Kate was sick, so Michael took her to Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving dinner while I took the other girls to my sister Suzette's house. My sister and her family were in town from Nebraska and we didn't want to miss out on a chance to see them. Dinner was delicious and we had a lovely visit. (There's also a highly festive haircut in there too. A true turkey tail! It came colored orange during the next event, but I didn't get a good picture of that one.)
10. Gingerbread houses. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving we did our traditional gingerbread houses with my family at our place. Fortunately Kate was doing better. I think we had 30 people over! The mothers put together a quilt for a new baby (due any day. Come on "Jimmer"!!!) while the youngers did their gingerbread houses. The teens actually did an impressive job on their gingerbread houses too! I think it helped that they had their own place to hang out. Eventually we also had a football game being watched in the basement too. We had a great time with everyone!
11. Tricks! Ginger is a very playful kitty. Get out a cat wand and she is a crazy acrobat! I know you miss out on a lot of it in flat photos, but I try. Also -- as we were trying to put up the Christmas tree the cats simply took up residence in it! It wasn't until the tree was finally decorated that we could keep them out of their prickly perch!
THUS ENDS November -- looks like it should have been closer to a dozen individual posts!
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