13 years ago
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Play House
I saw a felt playhouse on a blog. http://www.etsy.com/shop/missprettypretty sells them for $120 +. I thought, "I can do it cheaper than that." So, just to prove my point I created this:
Side of the house with a watering can that has velcro on so the girls can water the flowers.
Inside the house is a fridge and oven. There are fruits and veggies in the fridge and the pots are open on top.
What a fun door. Took me forever! The mailbox opens to mail.
This side has a fence that is a tic tac toe board and the strawberries and flowers are the Xs and Os. This project took me a long time. I made my own patterns which took me awhile. I can't just eyeball things. The girls are loving it though so it was worth it.
Haircuts
Dr. Suess
Thank you Dr. Suess for the wonderful books you have written. Green Eggs and Ham was the first book I used to teach Kendra to read. I would read everything but "I am Sam" and Kendra would read those words. She loves all Dr. Suess books and can read the majority on her own. My favorite is, "Oh the Places You'll Go." Here is how we celebrated his birthday:
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Pictures That Make Me Happy
On one of our trips home we went to Emmett Idaho's fair. It was apple days or something. My family was sitting enjoying snow cones when a guy in the background kept checking out my sister. He's the epitome of what small town hicks are like. My sister took a picture of my brother and sister when in reality it was this guy. Makes me laugh everytime I see it. So facebook worthy.

I love that Megan is crying when sissy is giving her kisses.

I thought I was so funny when I fed Mark a huge piece of cake.
I love that Megan is crying when sissy is giving her kisses.

I thought I was so funny when I fed Mark a huge piece of cake.
Friday, February 17, 2012
10 Years and Counting
The things you do for love:
Sadly this is how Mark typically dressed during his years of computer science at BYU. :)
When I first met Mark I thought he was the most boring guy. It wasn't his fault. He had just returned from his mission and was still in mission boy mode. That and he was afraid of females.
Then he made me laugh. I was shocked that he was funny. Later that semester he'd meet me at my car at 6 in the morning to hitch a ride to the MTC where we both were custodians. On one of those mornings he asked what I was looking for in a guy. Yikes, I so did not go to BYU to get married. I told him I wanted a guy that was 6' 2" and 180 lbs. He was devastated. The next day he asked if I wanted to be set up with his friend that was 6' 2".
And thus this date was born. Funny enough it was on this date that I realized I'd rather hangout with Mark.
We were so young when we got married and looking back I was so naive. Mark was my only (except for a two week fling at Ricks) boyfriend. Looking back over the last 10 years I really lucked out. I married a man that is kind and loving. He's a good father and works hard to provide for his family so I can stay home. I'm so grateful that he loves his Father in Heaven and strives to treat people as Christ would. I was naive, but I got a good man. Here's to 10 years!
Sadly this is how Mark typically dressed during his years of computer science at BYU. :)When I first met Mark I thought he was the most boring guy. It wasn't his fault. He had just returned from his mission and was still in mission boy mode. That and he was afraid of females.
Then he made me laugh. I was shocked that he was funny. Later that semester he'd meet me at my car at 6 in the morning to hitch a ride to the MTC where we both were custodians. On one of those mornings he asked what I was looking for in a guy. Yikes, I so did not go to BYU to get married. I told him I wanted a guy that was 6' 2" and 180 lbs. He was devastated. The next day he asked if I wanted to be set up with his friend that was 6' 2".
And thus this date was born. Funny enough it was on this date that I realized I'd rather hangout with Mark.
We were so young when we got married and looking back I was so naive. Mark was my only (except for a two week fling at Ricks) boyfriend. Looking back over the last 10 years I really lucked out. I married a man that is kind and loving. He's a good father and works hard to provide for his family so I can stay home. I'm so grateful that he loves his Father in Heaven and strives to treat people as Christ would. I was naive, but I got a good man. Here's to 10 years!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Hearts
The Mia Maids decorated my door and brought me cookies a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately the decorations have to come down. :( They initially put that purple heart on the peephole and I ended up opening the door to some Jehovah Witnesses. We talked for a bit and they were shocked that I wasn't terrified about Armageddon, but disappointed that I'm happy with the religion I'm in.

Here is a sample of Kendra's writing. She did this all by herself at school. Not bad for a Kindergartner.
It says, " I love my dad and my mom and my sister that's two and she likes to play with Elias."
Here is a sample of Kendra's writing. She did this all by herself at school. Not bad for a Kindergartner.
It says, " I love my dad and my mom and my sister that's two and she likes to play with Elias."
Sunday, February 5, 2012
So Purdy
I love looking at craft blogs. I'm amazed at how talented people are. I try to be, I'm just not. But I still like to try.
Here was my latest project. I don't know why blogger put the picture this way - and I can't seem to fix it. I got this beauty at Goodwill for $40. I have used Mark's old computer desk as a craft/sewing desk. It sits in our bedroom and is an eyesore. I wanted something pretty but didn't want to pay a fortune for it. Thank you crafty people for inspiring me. Curse my untalentedness!
It was really banged up so I had to use wood putty. I sanded and sanded - by hand - next time I'll buy a sander; primed it and painted. And then re-painted. Why? Because I thought I could glaze it so the distressed areas would look black and pretty like the top, but no. It just smeared the white gray. It looked awful so I chose to re-paint it. I wanted it white.
Here is the finished product. Not exactly what I wanted but still soooo pretty. You can see how the black glaze would've looked pretty on the distressed areas but oh well. I saw the tulip vase at a thrift store for $8.00. A little pricey but I knew it would look gorgeous on top of that dresser.
Up close pic of the distressed areas. I may sand it a little more. I spray painted the hardware black.
It was really banged up so I had to use wood putty. I sanded and sanded - by hand - next time I'll buy a sander; primed it and painted. And then re-painted. Why? Because I thought I could glaze it so the distressed areas would look black and pretty like the top, but no. It just smeared the white gray. It looked awful so I chose to re-paint it. I wanted it white.
Koo dos to me for trying and somewhat succeeding!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Every Goodbye is Another Hello
For the past 3 1/2 years I served in my ward as the Mia Maid advisor. I was just released on Sunday and asked to be with CTR 7.
Reflecting on my time in Young Womens:
I had a lot of good times, difficult times, and growth. I will miss the small things that seem insignificant to most people. For example, one of my Mia Maids will be getting her provisional license next month. I won't be there to ask her to see it and make a big deal about it. Those are the moments I'll miss. Or how the girls chatted about "Bobs." A word for super hot guys. I will miss the stories about school and families and what is happening in their lives.
We had some fun experiences. Like the time we turkey attacked the camp leader after she received a stake calling. The Mia Maids had written notes on turkeys, with their names on them, and then taped them on her door. While they were in the process of putting them on someone opened the door! They ran off screaming, laughing, and hiding. We laughed because their names were on the turkeys! The door closed and they continued on. Then they knocked and ran. We had to drive by to make sure their camp director had found them. Loads of fun.
Or the time we went on our backpacking trip. One by one our Mia Maids were unable to go. We ended up with four only to hear that one had broken her wrist (I think) the night before!! She was a trooper and came anyway. Then we heard about the creatures in the forest (thanks to our bishopric member telling a ghost story) but didn't believe him until the next morning when my counselor and I saw an incredible, intricate, hieroglyphic about two persons high on the tree!
Good times. I don't think anyone knew how difficult it was for me and how hard I pushed myself. The first few months of the calling were great. Then I got pregnant with Megan and was told I would have a miscarriage. Yikes, emotional wreck for a week and a half. Then I was sicker than sick until about the 5th or 6th month. Then Megan was sideways and splitting my hips open so walking was terribly painful. After she was born I was up every two hours until she became sick at 8 months. I didn't sleep for months while she coughed and puked each night. Megan still doesn't sleep through the night but she's not sick like that anymore so although I'm tired I'm functional. Mutual nights made me stay awake until 8:30 which was far beyond my ability during that difficult time with Megan. But somehow I managed. And got through.
And now to my new calling. I was deeply sad to hear primary. It felt like a death sentence. Solitary confinement. I had no idea how socially isolated primary would be. So if the bishopric wanted to encourage me to attend enrichment by putting me in this calling...mission accomplished. If they wanted me to look at all other callings and think that any other calling would be better than where I am...mission accomplished.
Although Sunday was hard, and I knew it would be, I have a good co-teacher and good kids (yeah!) I will be however, giving those lessons some ZIP! It's hard for me to be reverent for 3 hours so I can't imagine how hard it is for them. (Yes, I HAVE to be reverent - especially during sharing time...kill me...kill me now!) So at least my lessons will be fun. I am glad I get to be with those kids and I know most of them.
I made deep friendships while in young womens and I'll miss my friends. That was probably the best part about serving in there. I have good friends...and people like me.
Reflecting on my time in Young Womens:
I had a lot of good times, difficult times, and growth. I will miss the small things that seem insignificant to most people. For example, one of my Mia Maids will be getting her provisional license next month. I won't be there to ask her to see it and make a big deal about it. Those are the moments I'll miss. Or how the girls chatted about "Bobs." A word for super hot guys. I will miss the stories about school and families and what is happening in their lives.
We had some fun experiences. Like the time we turkey attacked the camp leader after she received a stake calling. The Mia Maids had written notes on turkeys, with their names on them, and then taped them on her door. While they were in the process of putting them on someone opened the door! They ran off screaming, laughing, and hiding. We laughed because their names were on the turkeys! The door closed and they continued on. Then they knocked and ran. We had to drive by to make sure their camp director had found them. Loads of fun.
Or the time we went on our backpacking trip. One by one our Mia Maids were unable to go. We ended up with four only to hear that one had broken her wrist (I think) the night before!! She was a trooper and came anyway. Then we heard about the creatures in the forest (thanks to our bishopric member telling a ghost story) but didn't believe him until the next morning when my counselor and I saw an incredible, intricate, hieroglyphic about two persons high on the tree!
Good times. I don't think anyone knew how difficult it was for me and how hard I pushed myself. The first few months of the calling were great. Then I got pregnant with Megan and was told I would have a miscarriage. Yikes, emotional wreck for a week and a half. Then I was sicker than sick until about the 5th or 6th month. Then Megan was sideways and splitting my hips open so walking was terribly painful. After she was born I was up every two hours until she became sick at 8 months. I didn't sleep for months while she coughed and puked each night. Megan still doesn't sleep through the night but she's not sick like that anymore so although I'm tired I'm functional. Mutual nights made me stay awake until 8:30 which was far beyond my ability during that difficult time with Megan. But somehow I managed. And got through.
And now to my new calling. I was deeply sad to hear primary. It felt like a death sentence. Solitary confinement. I had no idea how socially isolated primary would be. So if the bishopric wanted to encourage me to attend enrichment by putting me in this calling...mission accomplished. If they wanted me to look at all other callings and think that any other calling would be better than where I am...mission accomplished.
Although Sunday was hard, and I knew it would be, I have a good co-teacher and good kids (yeah!) I will be however, giving those lessons some ZIP! It's hard for me to be reverent for 3 hours so I can't imagine how hard it is for them. (Yes, I HAVE to be reverent - especially during sharing time...kill me...kill me now!) So at least my lessons will be fun. I am glad I get to be with those kids and I know most of them.
I made deep friendships while in young womens and I'll miss my friends. That was probably the best part about serving in there. I have good friends...and people like me.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas Letter
Reflecting on 2011
January: Kendra's last semester in pre-school; Mark and Kendra sang at church
February: 9 year anniversary, Yeah!
March: Kristi attended 3 baby showers for sisters in our ward; and she discovered a kidney stone; we built a grow-box, but the garden was a total failure :-(
April: Pics with the Easter bunny; Kristi's Easter feast with our neighbors
May: Disneyland; Mark's birthday
June: Kendra turned 5; Megan turned 2; Mark flew to CA for a buddy's wedding; Kristi went backpacking with the MiaMaids from church; Mark goes camping with Kendra (not over-night)
July: Mark's family reunion, Kristi's family reunion (same trip!)
August: Galloping Grace (free horse riding) for the girls; Kendra began Kindergarten (we love her teacher, Mrs. Clink!)
September: Megan began attending a music class; Mark had a great idea of having bees in our backyard...until he was stung
October: School carnival; Halloween
November: Kristi's birthday; Thanksgiving with Mark's parents in St. George, UT
December: Christmas with Kristi's parents in Oregon
January: Kendra's last semester in pre-school; Mark and Kendra sang at church
February: 9 year anniversary, Yeah!
March: Kristi attended 3 baby showers for sisters in our ward; and she discovered a kidney stone; we built a grow-box, but the garden was a total failure :-(
April: Pics with the Easter bunny; Kristi's Easter feast with our neighbors
May: Disneyland; Mark's birthday
June: Kendra turned 5; Megan turned 2; Mark flew to CA for a buddy's wedding; Kristi went backpacking with the MiaMaids from church; Mark goes camping with Kendra (not over-night)
July: Mark's family reunion, Kristi's family reunion (same trip!)
August: Galloping Grace (free horse riding) for the girls; Kendra began Kindergarten (we love her teacher, Mrs. Clink!)
September: Megan began attending a music class; Mark had a great idea of having bees in our backyard...until he was stung
October: School carnival; Halloween
November: Kristi's birthday; Thanksgiving with Mark's parents in St. George, UT
December: Christmas with Kristi's parents in Oregon
We have so much to be thankful for. It's nice to reflect on the year and remember the experiences. It's especially nice to reflect on the times with friends from this and years past. We are thankful for our family, both immediate and extended. We are especially grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Gingerbread Houses
Mark's family has a tradition of doing graham cracker houses at Christmas time. We invited our neighbors over to do it with us.
She made a train.
Letter To Santa
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Sandia Sunset
Our mountains are beautiful in the evenings. We took this picture from our backyard.



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