I feel as though I have a lot to catch up on, but one piece of news has finally moved from surreal to reality around here and while I've been postponing the sharing, it's high time you be let in on our little secret.
You may recall that little Seneca was added to our family about 7 weeks ago when she was two weeks old. The numbers don't mean much to anyone but me, I'm sure, but it sure puts the news into perspective. It appears that our newly developed family of four is not going to stay four for very long. Seneca was already on her way to becoming a big sister before she was even born, a big sister who will be 8 months old when her younger sibling enters the world the beginning of February. You see, when we brought her home, I was 6 weeks pregnant. Once she hit her eight-week mark in the world, I cleared my first trimester. Having any trouble wrapping your head around that one? Yeah, me too.
I've had a million thoughts go through my head and heart about this current situation, but the ones that are the strongest and keep returning testify very strongly to me two things. First, that for some reason, Seneca is supposed to be in our family. I never doubted this before, but it had become even more apparent that she has a special and unique place in our home and I am excited to witness the amazing person she is to become. The second thing I have become very aware of is that this life does not unfold according to our own timeline. Not mine, anyway. Let me give a little history for those of you who are wondering just why this news rocked our world so much.
After being married for about a year, Denten and I ditched the birth control in hopes of starting a family. Didn't happen, went through the "just keep trying" talk from the dr. Once we moved to New York in 2002 we became more proactive about finding out what the problem was and how to solve it. After being there a year, a laperoscopy confirmed severe endometriosis in my abdomen. It was stated very clearly to us by several medical professionals that conceiving a child on our own was never going to happen. Trying certain assisted reproductive methods would be a waste of time and if we were serious, In vitro fertilization was be our only option. We took their word for it, and we saw pictures ourselves- the conventional method of getting pregnant simply wasn't possible. A bit hard to hear at the time, but really we were both so glad to finally have answers and know what to pursue. So we did.
We worked with, in our opinion, the very best reproductive clinic in the country. We learned all we could about the process and endured daily shots and hormone imbalances and agreed it was completely worth it if this was how Heavenly Father was going to deliver our children to us. We were very blessed to have a successful first round producing Cooper B. Jumping forward a year, now in Phoenix, cycle number two, unsuccessful. Six months later, cycle number three in Utah, unsuccessful. Six months again, back in New York, cycle number four, surprisingly unsuccessful. Numbers two and three could be explained away in our minds- we could find where the problem most likely occurred. The last one in NY was perfect. Everything was medically perfect. My body responded just as it should have, without sharing unwanted details, the egg, sperm, embryos were textbook- there was no reason that it didn't work. None. Except that it wasn't supposed to. Except that if I would have gotten pregnant then, we would not have pursued adoption and little Seneca would not be sleeping right here right now.
You see, we've been doing our thing for more than seven years with no contraception and haven't conceived. We paid pretty good money three times for significant medical assistance and nothing. And yet, now, now when I have an infant in my arms, do I find out that Heavenly Father has decided now is the time to answer those prayers. Now. He is so in charge. This couldn't have happened any of the last 6 years? This couldn't have waited a year while Seneca finds her place here? Nope, now. Mostly to leave our parents speechless, and our friends completely amused as they picture me with two babies and an incredibly active three-year-old. I've got to say, I've had my moments of being completely overwhelmed, but I don't understand those who "feel sorry" for me. This, to me, is amazing. Medically impossible, yet a reality. I think it's fairly common to hear of someone who has recently adopted a child now able to get pregnant, but in this case, I was pregnant before we even got a phone call informing us about Seneca. I think Heavenly Father said, "well, now she's on her way to you, I'll go ahead and answer those other prayers you've been sending up here."
So that's our news. Explains a bit of the exhaustion and constant hunger that has taken over my body. All in all I've been quite blessed to be able to take care of my little family through the bouts of mild nausea. There could always be more hours in the night, but to be honest, I felt that way a year ago. So, again, I believe that miracles happen to everyday people like me and I believe that Heavenly Father knows me and has a plan for me. It would be nice to have a little foresight into that plan once in a while, but hey, I'll take what I can get. Enjoy your Sunday!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Finally!
As you may recall, it was months ago that I asked an opinion on fabrics for my kitchen and family room area. We have been enjoying completed drapes for a while now and finally, finally have a finished valance above the family room windows!
Agonizing decision-making, ordering, cutting, sewing, endless measuring, building and finally hanging, it is up and isn't coming down! Huge thanks to Shellie for the help in design and the building know-how- I vow to never again embark upon a project I am not somewhat able to complete on my own! Denten and Nick also get huge props for hanging it for me. It's not heavy, but it's big and of course we thought of a much easier way to mount it to the wall after the fact... knowledge we'll save for next time, ha!
I hoped to get a photo straight on of the whole thing, but either the incredibly rare cloudy day outside or simply poor lighting in the family room has prohibitted a good shot. But I hope you get the idea- now onto the next project...don't worry, it will surely be months before you see results!
Agonizing decision-making, ordering, cutting, sewing, endless measuring, building and finally hanging, it is up and isn't coming down! Huge thanks to Shellie for the help in design and the building know-how- I vow to never again embark upon a project I am not somewhat able to complete on my own! Denten and Nick also get huge props for hanging it for me. It's not heavy, but it's big and of course we thought of a much easier way to mount it to the wall after the fact... knowledge we'll save for next time, ha!
I hoped to get a photo straight on of the whole thing, but either the incredibly rare cloudy day outside or simply poor lighting in the family room has prohibitted a good shot. But I hope you get the idea- now onto the next project...don't worry, it will surely be months before you see results!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
SPT.. A day late
I've been absent from SPT for a while, but have missed both the reflection and the interaction they bring, so I'm working my way back in! The challenge this week was to embrace my inner geek and describe how I'm geeky. The trouble is, I don't really think I'm a geek! And so I don't sound incredibly conceited, the lovely man I married had all the right answers when I asked for some help:
A: Babe, am I a geek?
D: No. (the very safe, right answer)
A: Is anything about me geeky?
D: No.
A: If something about me had to be geeky, what would it be?
This continued on, me trying to convince him that I needed something, anything and him not quite understanding why... anyway, he was no help at all. I'm pretty sure my sisters could have found something, but due to time and self-respect, I didn't ask.
I'm not techy enough to be geeky that way, so my pretty lame conclusion was that I'm geeky because I love to read, although it really is a stretch right now considering how little I've been reading lately, aside from children's books. Which leads me to my SPT focus.
Recently while putting Cooper to bed- we had long passed bedtime and had rushed a little through the routine- I was laying with him on his bed in the dark, not willing to get up, turn the lights back on for another story, yet he was not quite satisfied with my quick attempt to get him to bed. I offered another story on the condition that I could just lay there and tell it to him. He was intrigued, so out came my first motherly attempt at The Three Little Pigs. To be quite honest, the delivery was much less than stellar, but must have impressed because the request has followed each night since...thus prompting my need to research and refresh my fairy-tale knowledge.
I know this is long, stay with me. I discovered, through my quality time with google, that I was quite deceived as a child. These stories are much more disturbing than I remember! I confronted my mother on this issue and apparently she was deceived as well as she does not recall so much morbidity either. I am referring to the fact that in every version of the Three Little Pigs I came across, book or online, the first two little pigs die! The wolf gobbles them up after he huffs and puffs and blows their house down! This did not happen when I was little. When the straw house was being blown to bits, the first little piggy ran as fast as he could to the house made of sticks, then the two of them high-tailed it to the brick house, where they lived safely, happily ever after... apparently not the case?? Quite a disappointment I must say. That version is much better than what I found recently.
To make matters worse, I was shocked to find out that Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother were both eaten by the wolf?! WHAT?? The wolf arrives at grandma's house, eats her, assumes her identity, eats little red and then a hunter comes by, shoots the wolf, cuts him open and out pop granny and little red riding hood. Not right. I mean, that's the story, but I don't appreciate telling my little boy that the wolf gets blown away and then sliced open- I much prefer the version of my childhood where granny gets locked in a closet and the hunter comes by to save them just before the wolf devours Little Red- is this not what you grew up with? I was relieved to find that at least Goldilocks escapes- after all this I kind of wondered if she got gobbled up to.
So, after having these new stories requested multiple times a day for the last few weeks, we took a trip to Barnes and Noble to find Cooper his own books so he can read them whenever he wants to, and mom can participate occasionally. We found the stories, the demented versions, but I can alter them as I tell- heaven help us when he learns to read and is exposed to the awful truth of it all. Perhaps these stories are simply meant to "tell" rather than to "read," and therefore giving parents license to have them be as gruesome as we like, or don't.
My geeky-ness can only be exhibited in this photo of Cooper and I after finding his three little piggy treasure.
At least my offspring enjoyed the book store, perhaps we have another geek in the making!
A: Babe, am I a geek?
D: No. (the very safe, right answer)
A: Is anything about me geeky?
D: No.
A: If something about me had to be geeky, what would it be?
This continued on, me trying to convince him that I needed something, anything and him not quite understanding why... anyway, he was no help at all. I'm pretty sure my sisters could have found something, but due to time and self-respect, I didn't ask.
I'm not techy enough to be geeky that way, so my pretty lame conclusion was that I'm geeky because I love to read, although it really is a stretch right now considering how little I've been reading lately, aside from children's books. Which leads me to my SPT focus.
Recently while putting Cooper to bed- we had long passed bedtime and had rushed a little through the routine- I was laying with him on his bed in the dark, not willing to get up, turn the lights back on for another story, yet he was not quite satisfied with my quick attempt to get him to bed. I offered another story on the condition that I could just lay there and tell it to him. He was intrigued, so out came my first motherly attempt at The Three Little Pigs. To be quite honest, the delivery was much less than stellar, but must have impressed because the request has followed each night since...thus prompting my need to research and refresh my fairy-tale knowledge.
I know this is long, stay with me. I discovered, through my quality time with google, that I was quite deceived as a child. These stories are much more disturbing than I remember! I confronted my mother on this issue and apparently she was deceived as well as she does not recall so much morbidity either. I am referring to the fact that in every version of the Three Little Pigs I came across, book or online, the first two little pigs die! The wolf gobbles them up after he huffs and puffs and blows their house down! This did not happen when I was little. When the straw house was being blown to bits, the first little piggy ran as fast as he could to the house made of sticks, then the two of them high-tailed it to the brick house, where they lived safely, happily ever after... apparently not the case?? Quite a disappointment I must say. That version is much better than what I found recently.
To make matters worse, I was shocked to find out that Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother were both eaten by the wolf?! WHAT?? The wolf arrives at grandma's house, eats her, assumes her identity, eats little red and then a hunter comes by, shoots the wolf, cuts him open and out pop granny and little red riding hood. Not right. I mean, that's the story, but I don't appreciate telling my little boy that the wolf gets blown away and then sliced open- I much prefer the version of my childhood where granny gets locked in a closet and the hunter comes by to save them just before the wolf devours Little Red- is this not what you grew up with? I was relieved to find that at least Goldilocks escapes- after all this I kind of wondered if she got gobbled up to.
So, after having these new stories requested multiple times a day for the last few weeks, we took a trip to Barnes and Noble to find Cooper his own books so he can read them whenever he wants to, and mom can participate occasionally. We found the stories, the demented versions, but I can alter them as I tell- heaven help us when he learns to read and is exposed to the awful truth of it all. Perhaps these stories are simply meant to "tell" rather than to "read," and therefore giving parents license to have them be as gruesome as we like, or don't.
My geeky-ness can only be exhibited in this photo of Cooper and I after finding his three little piggy treasure.
At least my offspring enjoyed the book store, perhaps we have another geek in the making!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Thank You Uncle Ben!
A present came today... a present for Cooper from his Uncle Ben who is in Oregon on a ranch for the summer. Inside were lots of little pieces, each one carefully wrapped up in a tissue for Cooper to open individually.
There were more than a dozen little pieces of farm equipment, tractors, trailers, haulers, trucks, animals... and a work shed. Cooper was thrilled. Although he isn't quite as discriminatory as his uncle is about his tractors being John Deere, he surely recognizes the green and yellow features.
My favorite part was the letter that accompanied the gift outlining what each piece of machinery was and what it's purpose is.
And I quote:
I must admit, it was quite the education for one like me who thinks a tractor is a tractor and if it has a trailer, then super- I don't think the type of trailer has ever crossed my mind!
The gift was incredibly thoughtful- first that he thought to buy it for Coop in the first place and then that he took the time to wrap them and write about each piece. Ben's handwriting is still horendous, but it is also a treasure. He is finishing his time on the ranch and is disappointed to be heading home. He has grown strong over the summer and enjoyed his time in a beautiful, peaceful, simple part of the world. He was completely in his element and I can't wait to hear more about it. Thank you bonj, I love you and am so glad that you are my brother and that you are Coop's uncle.
There were more than a dozen little pieces of farm equipment, tractors, trailers, haulers, trucks, animals... and a work shed. Cooper was thrilled. Although he isn't quite as discriminatory as his uncle is about his tractors being John Deere, he surely recognizes the green and yellow features.
My favorite part was the letter that accompanied the gift outlining what each piece of machinery was and what it's purpose is.
And I quote:
Dear Cooper,
I saw this in a store called grain growers, where you can buy real tractors, and thought I wish I had one of these when I was little. And I'm thinking about going back and getting me a set.
You get a big 9000 series tractor, 2 8000 series tractors, and 6000 series tractor and an old model 40 tractor.
The trailer with the yellow top is a feed trailer, The brown trailer is the horse trailer, make sure and pull it slow, so the horses stay calm.
The big white trailer is for spraying weeds in the fields, don't let the animals get to close to it. then the two all green trailers are just utility trailers, anything from poop to corn can go in there.
The black flat bed trailer is for broken equipment or hauling your antique model 40 to the county fair.
The black and green thing is called a disk horrow and a plow, it grinds up the ground and makes it into rows so you can put seeds in. Make sure you pull it with your big tractor the little ones probably won't do it.
Then you have the dump truck for your heavy puling and hauling. There's two pickups there- a dodge and a ford, no chevys, I looked for one but they didn't have any, so don't pull anything too big.
There are 4 holstein cows there, they are pretty nice cows as long as they get feed, kind of like your aunt lindsay. You have two Bay quarter horses, and two buckskins. The buchskins are my favorite. Make sure your studs stay away from your mares.
Have fun pal. I love you. See you in a month. Love, Uncle Boogs
P.S. Don't put that stuff in your mouth, it makes your breath funny.
I must admit, it was quite the education for one like me who thinks a tractor is a tractor and if it has a trailer, then super- I don't think the type of trailer has ever crossed my mind!
The gift was incredibly thoughtful- first that he thought to buy it for Coop in the first place and then that he took the time to wrap them and write about each piece. Ben's handwriting is still horendous, but it is also a treasure. He is finishing his time on the ranch and is disappointed to be heading home. He has grown strong over the summer and enjoyed his time in a beautiful, peaceful, simple part of the world. He was completely in his element and I can't wait to hear more about it. Thank you bonj, I love you and am so glad that you are my brother and that you are Coop's uncle.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Grandparent's Week
Our trip to Utah a few weeks ago included Cooper's first ever Grandparent's Week...A whole week with Grandma and Grandpa Robinson as well as Uncle Drew and his cousins Cheyanne, Jace and Landon... no parents allowed!
The Living Aquarium
Snack Time
The Heber Valley Railroad
Lehi Roundup Rodeo
The Alpine Slide
Fun with Cousins!
Whew! Do you think they packed enough fun-filled activities into one week?! Drew mentioned the word "exhausing," I can't imagine why! It was a wonderful week that produced lots of lasting memories. Cooper reminds me often about the boys who fell off of the horses at the rodeo and the very big slide he rode with Grandpa. He had a great time getting to know his cousins and being spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa- thank you very much!
The Living Aquarium
Snack Time
The Heber Valley Railroad
Lehi Roundup Rodeo
The Alpine Slide
Fun with Cousins!
Whew! Do you think they packed enough fun-filled activities into one week?! Drew mentioned the word "exhausing," I can't imagine why! It was a wonderful week that produced lots of lasting memories. Cooper reminds me often about the boys who fell off of the horses at the rodeo and the very big slide he rode with Grandpa. He had a great time getting to know his cousins and being spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa- thank you very much!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Dear Seneca
To my sweet girl, I realize that I have not recorded my feelings and observations about you in the last while and as you approach 7 weeks on this earth, you continue to captivate us all with your pleasant nature and perfectly kissable parts.
I have observed that you are a calm and content little baby who easily rolls with whatever is going on around you. You are able to sleep in the midst of a brother still learning how to be quiet and while your pacifier has been a means to help comfort and relax you, you also respond well to your swing, to the vibration of the bouncy chair, or mom or dad holding you close. Your dad believes you enjoy being flat on your back and able to stretch out as opposed to hanging out in any of the multiple baby seating devices that now adorn our family room. You have had a tendency from the beginning to look to your right when laying down. It takes a great deal of action and pursuation to get you to look to the left, although you are becoming more aware of the world around you.
When you get excited or impatient, you flap your little arms up and down at remarkable speed and look like a tiny bird trying to take off. You also are kicking your legs much more lately and make it quite difficult to keep a blanket on you, although we still wrap you up like a little burrito at night and it helps you sleep peacefully. You have been waking up once a night since you came to live with us and I just can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Your dad will feed you, wrap you up and put you to bed, I'll spend about 20 minutes with you 4 hours later and then we'll both sleep for another good while before beginning our day.
My favorite look of yours lately is when you are awake, holding your head up and we can see that you actually have a little square chin under there. Your eyes are wide taking in the world around you. You have a small dimple on your left cheek and beautiful skin that asks to be kissed. Your dark hair is thick and is very much a part of your image right now.
Seneca, we can tell you are growing up a bit as you are more alert and stay awake with us for longer periods of time. You have starting making such wonderful babbling sounds and we like to think you're talking to us. Your brother especially enjoys this interaction he thinks he has with you, commenting to me, "mom, what my sister saying to me?" or "my sister talking to me!"
Speaking of your brother, I'd like to thank you for making this transition so smooth for him. He has been the one and only for more than two years and you joining our family happened seamlessly without any upset or disturbance. Thank you for being content to let him have the spotlight so often. He loves you and is very sweet and soft with you. He won't let me leave the house without reminding me to bring his sister. He kisses you very gently and knows to be careful around you. He will be a wonderful example to you and I know the two of you will be close friends. He loves to teach you all the things he's learning, he recently informed you that he is a boy and you are a girl. He annunciates your name very clearly and tells people you are his baby.
You have brought an incredible amount of peace and joy to our home during a time that could very well be over-the-top stressful for your mom. Your perfect little legs, feet and demeanor are supposed to be with us right now and I can't imagine our family without you. You are a wise soul in there and have a deep spirit that I know I will benefit from as you grow. I know the time will come, probably shortly, that I will have influence over the person you will become, but for now, being straight from our Father in Heaven, you have had much more influence on my life. Thank you for making me smile, inside and out, each day. I love you baby girl.
I have observed that you are a calm and content little baby who easily rolls with whatever is going on around you. You are able to sleep in the midst of a brother still learning how to be quiet and while your pacifier has been a means to help comfort and relax you, you also respond well to your swing, to the vibration of the bouncy chair, or mom or dad holding you close. Your dad believes you enjoy being flat on your back and able to stretch out as opposed to hanging out in any of the multiple baby seating devices that now adorn our family room. You have had a tendency from the beginning to look to your right when laying down. It takes a great deal of action and pursuation to get you to look to the left, although you are becoming more aware of the world around you.
When you get excited or impatient, you flap your little arms up and down at remarkable speed and look like a tiny bird trying to take off. You also are kicking your legs much more lately and make it quite difficult to keep a blanket on you, although we still wrap you up like a little burrito at night and it helps you sleep peacefully. You have been waking up once a night since you came to live with us and I just can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Your dad will feed you, wrap you up and put you to bed, I'll spend about 20 minutes with you 4 hours later and then we'll both sleep for another good while before beginning our day.
My favorite look of yours lately is when you are awake, holding your head up and we can see that you actually have a little square chin under there. Your eyes are wide taking in the world around you. You have a small dimple on your left cheek and beautiful skin that asks to be kissed. Your dark hair is thick and is very much a part of your image right now.
Seneca, we can tell you are growing up a bit as you are more alert and stay awake with us for longer periods of time. You have starting making such wonderful babbling sounds and we like to think you're talking to us. Your brother especially enjoys this interaction he thinks he has with you, commenting to me, "mom, what my sister saying to me?" or "my sister talking to me!"
Speaking of your brother, I'd like to thank you for making this transition so smooth for him. He has been the one and only for more than two years and you joining our family happened seamlessly without any upset or disturbance. Thank you for being content to let him have the spotlight so often. He loves you and is very sweet and soft with you. He won't let me leave the house without reminding me to bring his sister. He kisses you very gently and knows to be careful around you. He will be a wonderful example to you and I know the two of you will be close friends. He loves to teach you all the things he's learning, he recently informed you that he is a boy and you are a girl. He annunciates your name very clearly and tells people you are his baby.
You have brought an incredible amount of peace and joy to our home during a time that could very well be over-the-top stressful for your mom. Your perfect little legs, feet and demeanor are supposed to be with us right now and I can't imagine our family without you. You are a wise soul in there and have a deep spirit that I know I will benefit from as you grow. I know the time will come, probably shortly, that I will have influence over the person you will become, but for now, being straight from our Father in Heaven, you have had much more influence on my life. Thank you for making me smile, inside and out, each day. I love you baby girl.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Independence Day brought a wonderfully-planned ward breakfast complete with trivia, music and games. Normally we would have skipped out on the games all together seeing as we haven't had children old enough to enjoy those kinds of festivities, but this year, Coop was in the middle of all the action. The favorite was filling a bottle with holes in the bottom with water and racing down the yard to a pitcher, retaining as much water as possible. If I only could have captured the look of determination as Cooper kept getting splashed in the face as he ran as fast as he could toward his friends. Seeing him excited with all his little friends reminds me how quickly he's growing up. We finished off the day with friends joining us for a swim and grill. We have fantastic friends who are ready for an impromptu party anytime, which I very much appreciate.
The infamous 07/07/07 brought lots of housework, yardwork and... Seneca's swim debut!
Cooper reasuured her that it would be great fun. He also thought she looked fantastic in her first little swimming suit.
My squishy bathing beauty
She actually quite enjoyed herself, despite what Cooper calls her "grumpy face." She's really not grumpy, just a little heavy in the cheeks... She fell asleep in my arms after floating around for a few minutes.
Our attempt at a self-imposed family pool photo
And here are my littles today after church. Cooper is warming up for Hawaii in his new shirt from Grandma and Seneca is being a good sport as her big brother gets the hang of holding her.
Today I love being home, I love my ward, my friends and my wonderful little family.
The infamous 07/07/07 brought lots of housework, yardwork and... Seneca's swim debut!
Cooper reasuured her that it would be great fun. He also thought she looked fantastic in her first little swimming suit.
My squishy bathing beauty
She actually quite enjoyed herself, despite what Cooper calls her "grumpy face." She's really not grumpy, just a little heavy in the cheeks... She fell asleep in my arms after floating around for a few minutes.
Our attempt at a self-imposed family pool photo
And here are my littles today after church. Cooper is warming up for Hawaii in his new shirt from Grandma and Seneca is being a good sport as her big brother gets the hang of holding her.
Today I love being home, I love my ward, my friends and my wonderful little family.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
And a bit about me
I have posted three posts previous to this one today, so scroll down for the kiddos.
Our trip to Utah was originally intended to help welcome Uncle Drew home from the Philippines. He looks great and had a fantastic mission experience. I am so grateful for him, his grounded testimony and the fun uncle and good example he is to my children.
It was wonderful to see so much of our family in our travels. A stop in Paragonah always takes me away from my normal life- things are just simple there. It's ok to just sit and visit, breathe the fresh (dusty) air and catch up with Grandparents. I was able to visit with much of my Banks and Callister family at an impromtu baby shower for Seneca. Everyone was so kind and generous and for those of you who thought it was hot there in my mom's backyard- we're nearing 115 today. What we had that evening was nothing but pleasant!
Denten returned home to Phoenix to work for the week while Cooper stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Robinson's house for Grandparents week... they had four grandchildren for five days, no parents allowed, just G&G and uncle Drew. A ride on the Heber Creeper railroad, a trip down the Alpine Slide, a visit to the new aquarium... the list goes on and the fun was had. Cooper thoroughly enjoyed his time with his cousins and grandparents. I spent a quiet few days with my parents and my baby, assuming her schedule- eating every few hours, sleeping in between with some great conversation thrown in. Denten rejoined us Friday night just in time for another round of golf and to accompany me to my 10th High School Reunion. Yes, you read that correctly, I'm that old. I met girlfriends for lunch and then had a nice dinner Saturday evening up at Snowbird and caught up with friends I haven't seen in a long time. It was so fun to see what everyone has been up to the past few years. I was a little apprehensive about going, but I'm really glad I did, it was very well done and nice to reconnect.
We had a long but pleasant road trip back to Phoenix Sunday, arriving just in time to collapse into bed. Lucky for me, I only had two days this week to be on my own with two children before a holiday arrived and Dent is back with us. To be honest, I think I'll be ok with the adjustment from one to two- it's the business side of my life that I'd like to have disappear. For those of you who are keeping up on that part of my life, we are in the process of selling this little thing and while it's been managable, it's not where my head or priorities are right now. There are a lot of things in my life involving my home and my children that have been put off that I'm ready to have back to feel a little more balance. It will come slowly, but soon enough I hope.
Today being Independence Day, I will mention that I'm grateful to be sitting in a safe, cool home with a beautiful family and endless opportunites. I'm grateful to everyone who has fought for the freedoms I enjoy every day. I'm grateful to worship where, how and whom I choose, and to teach my children the things I believe to be pertinent to their salvation. While I very much appreciate what other countries have to offer, and while this county may often be run by less than stellar administrators, it's still a pretty great spot to be and I'm thankful to be right here today.
Our trip to Utah was originally intended to help welcome Uncle Drew home from the Philippines. He looks great and had a fantastic mission experience. I am so grateful for him, his grounded testimony and the fun uncle and good example he is to my children.
It was wonderful to see so much of our family in our travels. A stop in Paragonah always takes me away from my normal life- things are just simple there. It's ok to just sit and visit, breathe the fresh (dusty) air and catch up with Grandparents. I was able to visit with much of my Banks and Callister family at an impromtu baby shower for Seneca. Everyone was so kind and generous and for those of you who thought it was hot there in my mom's backyard- we're nearing 115 today. What we had that evening was nothing but pleasant!
Denten returned home to Phoenix to work for the week while Cooper stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Robinson's house for Grandparents week... they had four grandchildren for five days, no parents allowed, just G&G and uncle Drew. A ride on the Heber Creeper railroad, a trip down the Alpine Slide, a visit to the new aquarium... the list goes on and the fun was had. Cooper thoroughly enjoyed his time with his cousins and grandparents. I spent a quiet few days with my parents and my baby, assuming her schedule- eating every few hours, sleeping in between with some great conversation thrown in. Denten rejoined us Friday night just in time for another round of golf and to accompany me to my 10th High School Reunion. Yes, you read that correctly, I'm that old. I met girlfriends for lunch and then had a nice dinner Saturday evening up at Snowbird and caught up with friends I haven't seen in a long time. It was so fun to see what everyone has been up to the past few years. I was a little apprehensive about going, but I'm really glad I did, it was very well done and nice to reconnect.
We had a long but pleasant road trip back to Phoenix Sunday, arriving just in time to collapse into bed. Lucky for me, I only had two days this week to be on my own with two children before a holiday arrived and Dent is back with us. To be honest, I think I'll be ok with the adjustment from one to two- it's the business side of my life that I'd like to have disappear. For those of you who are keeping up on that part of my life, we are in the process of selling this little thing and while it's been managable, it's not where my head or priorities are right now. There are a lot of things in my life involving my home and my children that have been put off that I'm ready to have back to feel a little more balance. It will come slowly, but soon enough I hope.
Today being Independence Day, I will mention that I'm grateful to be sitting in a safe, cool home with a beautiful family and endless opportunites. I'm grateful to everyone who has fought for the freedoms I enjoy every day. I'm grateful to worship where, how and whom I choose, and to teach my children the things I believe to be pertinent to their salvation. While I very much appreciate what other countries have to offer, and while this county may often be run by less than stellar administrators, it's still a pretty great spot to be and I'm thankful to be right here today.
Meeting Seneca
Uncle Jules and Aunt Virna
Auntie Grandma Jo
Grandpa Dale
Grandma Delores
Cousin Emily
and Emily's darling children, Marky, Emma and Henry
Grandma Dianna and cousin Cheyanne-if only she were closer, her baby-sitting skills would be well-used!
Auntie Grandma Jo
Grandpa Dale
Grandma Delores
Cousin Emily
and Emily's darling children, Marky, Emma and Henry
Grandma Dianna and cousin Cheyanne-if only she were closer, her baby-sitting skills would be well-used!
Cooper June 2007
This is Cooper...
Such a proud little boy after lining up all the matches in the new domino game from Aunt Katelyn. Thank you- Imagine, him having fun and getting smart all at the same time!
The new life jacket...
Equals confidence and independence in the water!
Denten pulled out the clippers to do his own hair and Cooper pulled a stool right over, climbed up and said, "my turn!"
He found Grandpa Robinson's old horse in Grandma Delores's treasures- he wasn't leaving Paragonah without taking it for a gallup!
Grilled cheese sandwhiches are delicious! Thank you Grandma Dianna!
"My couthin Landon!"
Cooper and Grandpa Ben at Hogel Zoo. The animals were a bit disppointing for grandpa, but Coop loved the corndog!
We stopped in Jacob's Lake on our way home from Utah for Cooper to get out and run around a bit, as you can see the Dramamine works like a charm- he slept right through the diaper change and for the next three hours!
Such a proud little boy after lining up all the matches in the new domino game from Aunt Katelyn. Thank you- Imagine, him having fun and getting smart all at the same time!
The new life jacket...
Equals confidence and independence in the water!
Denten pulled out the clippers to do his own hair and Cooper pulled a stool right over, climbed up and said, "my turn!"
He found Grandpa Robinson's old horse in Grandma Delores's treasures- he wasn't leaving Paragonah without taking it for a gallup!
Grilled cheese sandwhiches are delicious! Thank you Grandma Dianna!
"My couthin Landon!"
Cooper and Grandpa Ben at Hogel Zoo. The animals were a bit disppointing for grandpa, but Coop loved the corndog!
We stopped in Jacob's Lake on our way home from Utah for Cooper to get out and run around a bit, as you can see the Dramamine works like a charm- he slept right through the diaper change and for the next three hours!
Seneca
Here are a few catch-up photos of our latest. She is five weeks old. She eats wonderfully, sleeps great and is still a very pleasant baby. And she's not hard to look at either!
At her first party...
A little break from the car.. in Jacob's Lake, Arizona
Her first bath in her own bathtub after returning from Utah. So much more pleasant than her brother's first experience... I think she liked her little hot tub!
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