The last month or so has found us discovering what areas in the house need to be baby proofed. Wesley can cruise now on all fours and he knows exactly where to go when I forget to close doors. He has a preference for the toilet, his wheeled high chair and anything he can get his hands on in his dad's office. So I chase him around all day which is just delightful! He loves to pull himself up on everything and is eager to walk.
Seminary is going well. There have been some observations that were discouraging but also encouraging. The best thing for me is hearing about the things Nick is learning in the scriptures as he prepares. I need to study the New Testament more! We had a couple opportunities to attend some meetings with the Seminary faculties while Grandma and Grandpa watched Wesley which was a very nice get away.
This weekend I was reminded about how fun service is. We had a breakfast on Saturday for our Sunday school class just to get to know the kids better and to try and reach out to members that don't come very often. It was a blast! We have about 20 in our class and about 14 come regularly. We had 10 kids in our tiny living room and we had to make 4 batches of crepes! They stayed for two hours playing music, eating and playing games. It was a lot of fun. Right after that, Nick went to help a faculty member who is building his own house, prepare for painting. Wesley and I went to visit Emma while he was gone and that was sure fun. So if you need some fun in your life, invite 10 youth over to your house or do some service. I need to do more of that!
Nick has an endearing tendency to mix up his words and he has some great stories you should ask him about. He has started to rub off on me (it couldn't possibly be that my brain doesn't function anymore because I don't sleep) and we get some good laughs between the two of us. So here are some of the things we've said lately. See if you can decipher what we are trying to say!
Nick: It takes a lot of uppy bodder strength.
Lauren: Welsey's tin is chicklish
Nick: Wesley just sits and bees held.
Lauren: Our pans are heavy doodle.
Nick: He's just slunched over.
Lauren: We'll stay tuckled in today.
It's a continuous list but hopefully it gives you some good laughs like it does for us!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Flake Fun
26 Feb 2017 - It was very nice to have Monday off for the holiday. We spent most of the day at our rental doing some yard clean up and it is starting to look better. We have had a couple of people that seem really interested so we are hoping to have it rented in the next couple of weeks, but we'll see.
The weather has been fairly nice these last couple of days but there has been a chilly wind much of the time, even when the sun is shining.
We planted potatoes in our greenhouse as an experiment so we might have some seed potatoes soon! We also planted tomatoes yesterday so the garden bug is starting to rear its head. Scott has the whole garden planned out and hopefully it will be a little more successful than last year's.
What else...that's about it I guess. Glad to hear that Emma is recovering nicely and that everyone there is taking good care of her. For Ruth's sake we Hope to hear good baby news from the Nilsson's this week. Love you all!
The weather has been fairly nice these last couple of days but there has been a chilly wind much of the time, even when the sun is shining.
We planted potatoes in our greenhouse as an experiment so we might have some seed potatoes soon! We also planted tomatoes yesterday so the garden bug is starting to rear its head. Scott has the whole garden planned out and hopefully it will be a little more successful than last year's.
What else...that's about it I guess. Glad to hear that Emma is recovering nicely and that everyone there is taking good care of her. For Ruth's sake we Hope to hear good baby news from the Nilsson's this week. Love you all!
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Birthday Week
Grant turned 5 last Thursday and we made his birthday cake tonight. We had his birthday pinata on Friday with the Harts which was a blast, and we opened his presents on his actual birthday. We like to draw it out as long as possible.
It was fun to have the Harts come for a minute this week. We learned about cold showers and I'm almost tempted to try it out.
We enjoyed a fun Valentines dinner adventure this week. We got a babysitter and decided to have a nice valentines dinner. After driving around for about an hour we realized that you really do need to make reservations for Valentines dinner. We finally found a place and only waited for 50 minutes before we got a seat. Then we realized that they had a special Valentines menu that cost 3 times the normal price. The dinner was good, but I don't know if it was that good.
I had a fun time helping at Grace's school this week. I was assigned to different classrooms throughout the day and got to help students with math and reading. I got to eat lunch in the cafeteria and play at recess. It was my very first time going to elementary school and it was a blast! The kids are smarter than I am which is a little discouraging, but I can kick a soccer ball farther than they can.
We got the battery in our car fixed so now we don't have to jump it every morning. We also got new windshield wipers for the first time. They actually make it so you can see when you're driving in the rain and snow!
The snow has melted and the kids think that means they can play out side all day without a coat. It's still quite cold but they have a hard time understanding that.
That's all for this week. Love you all!
Joe and Lori
It was fun to have the Harts come for a minute this week. We learned about cold showers and I'm almost tempted to try it out.
We enjoyed a fun Valentines dinner adventure this week. We got a babysitter and decided to have a nice valentines dinner. After driving around for about an hour we realized that you really do need to make reservations for Valentines dinner. We finally found a place and only waited for 50 minutes before we got a seat. Then we realized that they had a special Valentines menu that cost 3 times the normal price. The dinner was good, but I don't know if it was that good.
I had a fun time helping at Grace's school this week. I was assigned to different classrooms throughout the day and got to help students with math and reading. I got to eat lunch in the cafeteria and play at recess. It was my very first time going to elementary school and it was a blast! The kids are smarter than I am which is a little discouraging, but I can kick a soccer ball farther than they can.
We got the battery in our car fixed so now we don't have to jump it every morning. We also got new windshield wipers for the first time. They actually make it so you can see when you're driving in the rain and snow!
The snow has melted and the kids think that means they can play out side all day without a coat. It's still quite cold but they have a hard time understanding that.
That's all for this week. Love you all!
Joe and Lori
Nilsson News
I apologize for not posting last week. It was a sad week for our family and I wasn't much in the mood for writing. Our little donkey, Pixy lost her foal and it was quite the sad thing. We were all looking forward to it and were fairly confident that all would go well. We think it may have been stillborn. We are hoping that the other two will have better outcomes.
Anyway, this week was very much productive. We are working like crazy to finish off the basement project. We got all the painting done. Our neighbor came to help us with the shower tile and we grouted it all yesterday. We got our vanity and bathroom lights up. Garrett got the whole bathroom floor installed yesterday and is now in need of new knees. Our carpet will be installed on Friday and then after that it is just finish work (pictures to come soon). Woo hoo!
We enjoyed a visit from Grandma and Lauren and Wesley over Valentines Day. The kids had a fun party while Elise, Lauren, Wesley and I went to some fun stores. It was a good time!
We are now counting down to the arrival of the baby. I'm about ready to go into hibernation. Lately, most of the people I've had conversations are telling me of all of their babies that were two weeks past due. I hope it isn't a sign as to things to come. I think I would honestly lose my sanity and so would my family.
The weather is finally warming up and most of our snow is gone. It is icky, soggy and mushy outside but it is making the kids and I excited for spring and sunshine. We hope you are all doing well and we can't wait see you!
Anyway, this week was very much productive. We are working like crazy to finish off the basement project. We got all the painting done. Our neighbor came to help us with the shower tile and we grouted it all yesterday. We got our vanity and bathroom lights up. Garrett got the whole bathroom floor installed yesterday and is now in need of new knees. Our carpet will be installed on Friday and then after that it is just finish work (pictures to come soon). Woo hoo!
We enjoyed a visit from Grandma and Lauren and Wesley over Valentines Day. The kids had a fun party while Elise, Lauren, Wesley and I went to some fun stores. It was a good time!
We are now counting down to the arrival of the baby. I'm about ready to go into hibernation. Lately, most of the people I've had conversations are telling me of all of their babies that were two weeks past due. I hope it isn't a sign as to things to come. I think I would honestly lose my sanity and so would my family.
The weather is finally warming up and most of our snow is gone. It is icky, soggy and mushy outside but it is making the kids and I excited for spring and sunshine. We hope you are all doing well and we can't wait see you!
Flake Fun
19 Feb 2017 - Well "Travel" was the word of the week for us. I left on Tuesday for 2 back-to-back conferences and returned on Thursday. Scott left for a conference on Wednesday and got back on Friday. The highlight of the conferences was that I was able to see Becca for an hour or so on my way from Tucson to Glendale.
And that is about it for this week! 3 day conferences don't leave a whole lot of extra time! If I think of something else, I'll check back in!
And that is about it for this week! 3 day conferences don't leave a whole lot of extra time! If I think of something else, I'll check back in!
Monday, February 13, 2017
Flake Fun
13 February 2017 - First off, happy belated birthday to Alex and Happy Birthday to Grant. I think that is everyone for this week! Sorry that it has been a couple of weeks since we checked in. Things here are fairly normal. This past weekend we were able to run wire to the shed at our Lovelake property so now there is power out there which makes it a very nice little workshop. Still no renters though.
We attended a family home evening with the extended Bailey (Dona's) family which was fun.
We started a new compost pile in the garden over our future potato location so hopefully that will help infuse the ground with stuff that potatoes like. We also are trying our hand at green house potatoes to see if we can get enough to grow so we can use them for our potato seeds/starts...we'll see.
The weather this past weekend was LOVELY! Sunny and in the 60's I would guess. But yesterday was overcast and rainy. But we need the moisture so we'll take it.
I can't think of much more to report. Hope that the snow is melting slowly for all of you so that flooding doesn't happen. Glad that our family didn't stop at Elise or Joe. Family is so important and I never realized it to the extent that I do now. I haven't been the best at keeping in contact and sharing my life with all of you but I am going to do better this year. We love you and hope to see everyone soon.
We attended a family home evening with the extended Bailey (Dona's) family which was fun.
We started a new compost pile in the garden over our future potato location so hopefully that will help infuse the ground with stuff that potatoes like. We also are trying our hand at green house potatoes to see if we can get enough to grow so we can use them for our potato seeds/starts...we'll see.
The weather this past weekend was LOVELY! Sunny and in the 60's I would guess. But yesterday was overcast and rainy. But we need the moisture so we'll take it.
I can't think of much more to report. Hope that the snow is melting slowly for all of you so that flooding doesn't happen. Glad that our family didn't stop at Elise or Joe. Family is so important and I never realized it to the extent that I do now. I haven't been the best at keeping in contact and sharing my life with all of you but I am going to do better this year. We love you and hope to see everyone soon.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Springville News
Hi everyone!
Lori had a great idea a few weeks ago that she and I should participate in the stake choir. That was a great idea and all, but we haven't been to stake conference together for the past 2 years because one of us always goes to the adult session and the other goes to the regular session with Grace and Grant. So this year we sent the kids with her parents and were able to attend the adult session together and sing in the choir today. Elder Roney of the seventy came and it was so nice to be uplifted and feel spiritually rejuvenated.
I was able to attend the BYU devotional with Elder Cook this past week (I think is was this week), and that was a treat. If you haven't seen it I would highly recommend it. At one point he talked about the "demographic winter" that many countries are experiencing right now. Meaning that they are not having enough kids to keep the population up. He asked everyone who was the oldest in their families to stand up. They did and then he said that the current situation in many countries suggests that the rest of us would have never been born. Then he had everyone who was the 3rd child or later stand up (that was my group). In our country everyone who stood up would not have been born at the current birth rate. Anyway, I thought it was a good talk and would recommend it if you have a spare 25 minutes.
The other day Joy was being particularly good and cute, so I told her that she could have anything she wanted. It wasn't three seconds later that she asked, "dad, can I have yo money?" It was quite funny and made me a little more cautious of what I promise my children.
Two quotes from Lori this week that she never thought she would say: "Jake, take your big toes out of your nose! That's not where they belong!" "Jake, stop eating the furniture!" I just laughed.
Tonight we were at Lori's parents house and her dad mentioned that one of their friends they go to Nauvoo with is a great something grandson of Hyrum Smith. Well, apparently he has death masks of Joseph and Hyrum made of plaster. Well, Dave asked if he could borrow them and he would cast them in Bronze and give the guy a pair. He showed us the death masks which was really neat! Apparently when Joseph fell from the Jail he fell on his head and then someone hit him in the face with a gun which broke his jaw. So this probably isn't exactly what he looked like most of his life, but it's still pretty good.
We hope you are all doing well and can't wait to see you!! Alex, I'm sorry we missed Super Bowl Monday. It sounded like a ton of fun. Pencil us in for next year!
Lori had a great idea a few weeks ago that she and I should participate in the stake choir. That was a great idea and all, but we haven't been to stake conference together for the past 2 years because one of us always goes to the adult session and the other goes to the regular session with Grace and Grant. So this year we sent the kids with her parents and were able to attend the adult session together and sing in the choir today. Elder Roney of the seventy came and it was so nice to be uplifted and feel spiritually rejuvenated.
I was able to attend the BYU devotional with Elder Cook this past week (I think is was this week), and that was a treat. If you haven't seen it I would highly recommend it. At one point he talked about the "demographic winter" that many countries are experiencing right now. Meaning that they are not having enough kids to keep the population up. He asked everyone who was the oldest in their families to stand up. They did and then he said that the current situation in many countries suggests that the rest of us would have never been born. Then he had everyone who was the 3rd child or later stand up (that was my group). In our country everyone who stood up would not have been born at the current birth rate. Anyway, I thought it was a good talk and would recommend it if you have a spare 25 minutes.
The other day Joy was being particularly good and cute, so I told her that she could have anything she wanted. It wasn't three seconds later that she asked, "dad, can I have yo money?" It was quite funny and made me a little more cautious of what I promise my children.
Two quotes from Lori this week that she never thought she would say: "Jake, take your big toes out of your nose! That's not where they belong!" "Jake, stop eating the furniture!" I just laughed.
Tonight we were at Lori's parents house and her dad mentioned that one of their friends they go to Nauvoo with is a great something grandson of Hyrum Smith. Well, apparently he has death masks of Joseph and Hyrum made of plaster. Well, Dave asked if he could borrow them and he would cast them in Bronze and give the guy a pair. He showed us the death masks which was really neat! Apparently when Joseph fell from the Jail he fell on his head and then someone hit him in the face with a gun which broke his jaw. So this probably isn't exactly what he looked like most of his life, but it's still pretty good.
We hope you are all doing well and can't wait to see you!! Alex, I'm sorry we missed Super Bowl Monday. It sounded like a ton of fun. Pencil us in for next year!
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Nilsson News
I'm glad to know that we aren't adding to the insanity at the Hart's. Eliza asks every day if she can go and play at the Harts because there is always entertainment to be had. She was delighted to spend her birthday afternoon at their house. She keeps forgetting that she is four now and she has a little giggle whenever she corrects herself. We have also been enjoying the warmer weather. Alex had Emerson and Eliza convinced that there was going to be a massive flood and we needed to go a build ourselves a raft or buy a canoe. Apparently, all the snow was going to rush from the mountains and fill up Idaho Falls and there would be lakes everywhere. Thanks Alex for your enthusiasm. We do have some miniature lakes in our barn with our miniature animals. It is quite a soggy mess but I guess you that is what you get in order to enjoy the sunshine. One week and our first donkey foal is due! We may have some fun pictures next week (I hope)!
So, I've been thinking that maybe I should have moved to Texas. Isn't their theme "Go big or go home"? I don't think the people here have ever seen a truly pregnant person. I had so many comments today in church about my size. "Are you sure there is only one in there?" "Are you still lugging that thing around?" "You have got to be tired of being pregnant." "You still have four weeks to go?!" It's a good thing I'm not easily offended. To answer all your questions, YES!
Garrett's dad was here all week helping us with the basement. We are now pretty much done with all the drywall. The tape and texture guy is coming tomorrow to give us a bid and our neighbor that does tile is also coming to look at the shower. After those items are complete we will have paint and flooring and then it's move in time! We actually might reach our goal of getting things finished before our baby arrives.
Amen to Elise's recipe suggestions. I have been exploring the little spice jar website this week and there are some dandy recipes on there. Until next week, ta-ta!
So, I've been thinking that maybe I should have moved to Texas. Isn't their theme "Go big or go home"? I don't think the people here have ever seen a truly pregnant person. I had so many comments today in church about my size. "Are you sure there is only one in there?" "Are you still lugging that thing around?" "You have got to be tired of being pregnant." "You still have four weeks to go?!" It's a good thing I'm not easily offended. To answer all your questions, YES!
Garrett's dad was here all week helping us with the basement. We are now pretty much done with all the drywall. The tape and texture guy is coming tomorrow to give us a bid and our neighbor that does tile is also coming to look at the shower. After those items are complete we will have paint and flooring and then it's move in time! We actually might reach our goal of getting things finished before our baby arrives.
Amen to Elise's recipe suggestions. I have been exploring the little spice jar website this week and there are some dandy recipes on there. Until next week, ta-ta!
Hart Happenings
Hello there beloved ones!
All is well up here in Idaho. We are currently undergoing a late January thaw and feel like we have a new lease on life. Things were getting pretty grim with the subzero temperatures and dark skies for weeks and weeks. I have never been so glad to hear a steady drip, drip, drip.
We have tried to stay busy with different activities and projects to keep our minds off the winter. The boys had a good time at iJump with their homeschool group, science class at the library, lots of play time with cousins (Ruth truly saved our sanity), celebrating Eliza's birthday, and making some good progress on our playroom/library. I'll post pictures soon hopefully. I think you'll all be a little surprised. It's a pretty bold and dramatic departure from my go-to neutral, soothing palette, but I LOVE it!
We are getting more acquainted with people in our ward. They are all sooooo nice, but it's just a totally different dynamic.
Alex has been super wrapped up in work recently, trying to negotiate with the city on behalf of short-term vacation rentals. It's been quite the on-going conversation. We have had a lot of support and we sure appreciate you guys filling out surveys and such. It has been a great thing for our family and we hope that we can find a way to keep it going here in Idaho Falls.
Alex and I have been trying to be more intentional as parents these days and sometimes it provides some serious entertainment. Peter is especially funny. This morning he called me in to snuggle with him because he wasn't quite ready to get out of bed yet and spent the next 10 minutes trying to convince me to let him skip Sacrament Meeting and just go straight to Primary, because Sacrament "is sooo long." He has unfortunately also taken to subterfuge to get what he wants. He was supposed to finish his salad before he had any frozen mangoes and he told me he had so he got the mangoes, but then I found his unfinished bowl of salad tucked away in a cupboard a couple of days later we realized we had been duped! Alex about went through the roof and asked him why he had lied and Peter said it was because he wanted the mangoes. I was talking to Peter about it the next morning and explaining how important it was so make good choices and his face lit up with a revelation and he said, "Mom! I totally forgot about Choose the Right! I am going to remember to do what Jesus wants me to." He still forgets sometimes but is pretty good about catching himself and correcting it now. Such a funny boy.
The boys and Alex had an epic snowball fight yesterday. There was a lot of yelling and falling in the snow. I'm not sure how many snowballs actually hit their targets, but much fun was had.
The high priests in the ward have started these dinner groups where 4-5 couples meet for dinner and get to know each other. We attended our first one last night. It was great, but Alex and I walked out commenting how all of those people had lived two of our lifetimes. You wouldn't believe some of the stories they could tell, and they just kept coming...... Super fun though!
The boys are doing well. I think they've mostly settled in, although Peter keeps asking when we will be going back to our house with the upstairs.
Well, I'm going to sign off now. Hope all is well with you.
Lauren, we've been doing some really yummy pitas these day. I like to throw everything in a big bowl, chop it all up add some dressing and stuff the pitas. Some favorite combos include:
- bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheddar (no sauce on this one, just spread mayo and mustard on the pita, then stuff)
- vegetarian: lettuce, peppers, avocado, shredded carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, favorite dressing or just lime juice with salt and pepper then spread hummus on the pita and stuff
- teriyaki chicken: lettuce, shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, teriyaki sauce
The possibilities are endless!
We also had some delicious fajitas the other day from littlespicejar.com. Seriously, sooo good!
Elise
All is well up here in Idaho. We are currently undergoing a late January thaw and feel like we have a new lease on life. Things were getting pretty grim with the subzero temperatures and dark skies for weeks and weeks. I have never been so glad to hear a steady drip, drip, drip.
We have tried to stay busy with different activities and projects to keep our minds off the winter. The boys had a good time at iJump with their homeschool group, science class at the library, lots of play time with cousins (Ruth truly saved our sanity), celebrating Eliza's birthday, and making some good progress on our playroom/library. I'll post pictures soon hopefully. I think you'll all be a little surprised. It's a pretty bold and dramatic departure from my go-to neutral, soothing palette, but I LOVE it!
We are getting more acquainted with people in our ward. They are all sooooo nice, but it's just a totally different dynamic.
Alex has been super wrapped up in work recently, trying to negotiate with the city on behalf of short-term vacation rentals. It's been quite the on-going conversation. We have had a lot of support and we sure appreciate you guys filling out surveys and such. It has been a great thing for our family and we hope that we can find a way to keep it going here in Idaho Falls.
Alex and I have been trying to be more intentional as parents these days and sometimes it provides some serious entertainment. Peter is especially funny. This morning he called me in to snuggle with him because he wasn't quite ready to get out of bed yet and spent the next 10 minutes trying to convince me to let him skip Sacrament Meeting and just go straight to Primary, because Sacrament "is sooo long." He has unfortunately also taken to subterfuge to get what he wants. He was supposed to finish his salad before he had any frozen mangoes and he told me he had so he got the mangoes, but then I found his unfinished bowl of salad tucked away in a cupboard a couple of days later we realized we had been duped! Alex about went through the roof and asked him why he had lied and Peter said it was because he wanted the mangoes. I was talking to Peter about it the next morning and explaining how important it was so make good choices and his face lit up with a revelation and he said, "Mom! I totally forgot about Choose the Right! I am going to remember to do what Jesus wants me to." He still forgets sometimes but is pretty good about catching himself and correcting it now. Such a funny boy.
The boys and Alex had an epic snowball fight yesterday. There was a lot of yelling and falling in the snow. I'm not sure how many snowballs actually hit their targets, but much fun was had.
The high priests in the ward have started these dinner groups where 4-5 couples meet for dinner and get to know each other. We attended our first one last night. It was great, but Alex and I walked out commenting how all of those people had lived two of our lifetimes. You wouldn't believe some of the stories they could tell, and they just kept coming...... Super fun though!
The boys are doing well. I think they've mostly settled in, although Peter keeps asking when we will be going back to our house with the upstairs.
Well, I'm going to sign off now. Hope all is well with you.
Lauren, we've been doing some really yummy pitas these day. I like to throw everything in a big bowl, chop it all up add some dressing and stuff the pitas. Some favorite combos include:
- bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheddar (no sauce on this one, just spread mayo and mustard on the pita, then stuff)
- vegetarian: lettuce, peppers, avocado, shredded carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, favorite dressing or just lime juice with salt and pepper then spread hummus on the pita and stuff
- teriyaki chicken: lettuce, shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, teriyaki sauce
The possibilities are endless!
We also had some delicious fajitas the other day from littlespicejar.com. Seriously, sooo good!
Elise
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