The slow poke

Well, I guess we win the award for being the slowest at getting a post up.  We are still trying to fight off this nasty flu that is going around.  Addy and Emerson had the stomach flu for a couple days and Eliza and I are still trying to fight off this respiratory gunk.  Garrett is healthy and well and we hope it stays that way!  We had our carpets cleaned and went up to Hyde Park to hang out while they dried.  We ended up getting snowed in and spending the night, which was not really part of the plan but it was fun.  We are trying to get the house cleaned and organized before the new little addition decides to arrive.  I hope that next time we can be a little more prompt on writing, but Sundays are about the busiest day of the week for us.

Flake Fun

12 January 2015 -  Not much happened of note this week because both of us were under the weather.  On Saturday we installed our new wood burning stove which is really cute.  About 6-8 weeks ago our little pellet stove decided that it was tired and didn't want to function.  Do not fear, we have not been freezing because Scott hardwired it but that meant that it only worked on "high".  So now I am learning about building fires that will last all night...never a dull moment! 

For those of you who have heard the crazy carpet fiasco story from the beginning of December, we finally got that put to rest.  We were able to return the "leftover" carpet and pad and get quite a good refund on it so we were pleased.  On Saturday we went "Sunset Shopping" (our new house is located on Sunset Circle) and bought a new laminate wood floor, a tub surround for the spare bath, closet doors, baseboard, light fixtures, new hardware for the kitchen and other misc. stuff.  Now that we have the supplies, we're hoping to see progress. 

Scott was released as a primary teacher so he is now back in the Elders quorum.  They have started church basketball up.  There was a game last week against the single's branch...brutal game.  Scott is the youngest person on the team I think.  The single branch was dunking and running circles around the old guys (who had to stop to adjust their ankle braces and knee braces...just kidding....kind of).  They fought hard but ended up losing, but the bright side is that no one had a heart attack or some other catastrophe!

Well I think that is about it for this week!  I love the idea of weekly postings! Can't wait to hear about the adventures you are all having!!!

Hart Happenings: January 5-11, 2015

Well, this week was packed with good times.  I spent a lot of time organizing cupboards, the office, the boys/ room, and taming the laundry room.  It seems to have a mind of its own.  We were home all this week except a quick day trip down and back to Salt Lake to pick up Alex's backpack with computer, iPad, and various, assorted necessities.  At which time we visited Ikea and got some containers for Project Organization.  Peter became very attached to some potties that we saw in the children's section and wouldn't let go of one, so we also came away with that as well.  Ian is convinced Ikea is the very best place to "Heely".
Back at home, the boys spent a lot of time playing with their Legos.  They make some pretty great stuff.  It's fun to watch them all go at it together.
The boys and I visited the local Humanitarian Center and were blown away by the amount of stuff going on there.  We went on a tour of the facility and can't wait to go back and actually do something!
Ian liked seeing the newborn kits they assembled and Jack thought the crocheted toys were really cute.  Peter was excited to touch everything!
On Friday, Alex went skiing at Big Sky in Montana, which is the largest ski resort in the United States.  Our good family friend invited him but by the end I was afraid they weren't going to be friends any longer.  Being the adventurous soul he is, Alex suggested that they ride the lift up to a certain part of the mountain and ski from there.  Christopher had his doubts, but Alex can be convincing so up they went.  In the retelling, Alex told me when they got to the top he looked down and was "terrified".  So they just sat there not knowing what to do.  Eventually, Christopher took off.  Alex watched and saw his friend fall and keep falling.  When he didn't stop falling Alex finally took off in pursuit.  Christopher fell between 300-500 yards and the two of them spent about and hour locating gear and trying to fix stuff that had gotten messed up.  Come to find out, the hill that Alex had selected was a Black Diamond which is about as difficult as they come.  Just straight down.  Glad I wasn't there to see it!  I stayed blissfully unaware through the whole thing.  I don't know if Alex will ever be invited again.  Maybe it's for the best!
Alex and I enjoyed a lovely hike up the Cress Creek trail on Saturday.  Ian took part in a photo shoot for the Idaho Falls magazine who is publishing an article about his gardening group. And Jack beat Alex at checkers.
Anyway, we're off to a good start this year.  Lots of things to look forward to, many goals we're going to accomplish, and just a good feeling in the air.  Don't you think?

Happy New Year from Springville!

Nothing particularly out of the ordinary around the Belliston household lately.  Jake is rolling around a lot and both he and Joy got a couple teeth and enjoy using them!  Grace and Grant went tubing for the first time and loved it.  We are hoping for more snow this week.

Here is a link to an arrangement of "Nearer my God to Thee" by vocal point and the BYU Mens Chorus.  It gave us chills when we watched it.  Another win by BYU in my opinion, and one more reason for Thomas to come down south and audition :)  Make sure to turn it up!

Quotes of the week:  "Kisses make me sick" Grant
                                  "I'm so full of dance!"  Grace

New Year Thoughts

Well, they say the best way to accomplish something is to begin. So...
Elise suggested the challenge of posting to our family blog each Sunday. I don't know how long the challenge is for, but thought I should start!

Thanks for the fun Christmas time, everyone! We had a blast with all of you here. Favorite memories include: playing Telestrations, snow for Christmas!, children singing and playing together, an hilarious Nativity rendition by Scott and the children with Eliza stealing baby Jesus, holding babies who smile at us, visiting and eating and playing together! It never seems long enough, but we will take what we can get. Thanks for making it so wonderful!

I'm sorry to report that all of the families in our family have had sickness since returning home. I really hope you didn't get sick because you came here! Please find something/someone else to blame for it! We have been trying to help Lauren and Thomas feel better this weekend. Hopefully they will be up and well before long.

Other events of this first week of the new year include two births of baby boys. That's eight baby boys in a row for me! Only boys at the births I attended in November and December! Dad took all of the photos for Allison Fife's wedding. He was stressed about it, but did a wonderful job. He's also been photographing wildlife in our backyard.Thomas went to St. George and Las Vegas with Victoria's family for a few days. Lauren played the piano at Bro. Jessop's house for the fine arts faculty. Emma went to some movies and ice skating, and gave Chester a bath! We took down our Christmas stuff and are trying to get back to a "normal" schedule.

I have waited a week to post this, but even with all the talk of photo taking, I couldn't find anyone to help me attach a photo to this post, so you'll just have to imagine the lovely photos Dad took! :) Maybe next time I can get someone to put a photo in for me...

Finally!

22 December 2014

Since a picture is worth 1,000 words....

We are now home owners!

 

 

Since some of you have asked for updated pictures, here they are. 

 

 

 

The master bath has a new vanity, including sink, and a new floor.

 

The master bedroom has a new paint job.

 

 

 

 

 

The converted garage.

 

As you can see, there is still a lot to be done but we'll get it done and send more pictures as we do!



Surgery

3 Dec 2014

Well the surgery went well.  It took about 90 minutes but Dr. Connelly said that things went smoothly. I was in the hospital less than 2 hours after surgery so I am home and recuperating fine.   I'm sore but Scott is taking really good care of me and I know that I'll be up and around soon (but not too soon, I promise.)
Just wanted to give everyone the update.  Love you all.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I know that they worked, as did the blessing that Scott gave me last night.  Isn't it wonderful to have the priesthood in our lives?  Don't ever forget how great a blessing that truly is.