Sisters and Giggles

Christmas was so fun! We had the whole Mann familiy here. We spent all day opening presents and enjoying family. Todd and Jonathan both commented on how at their house, they were done unwrapping and on to playing by 10 am. We enjoyed getting some new games. And the Nef family all got new socks and sheets. The girls got their bunk beds (from Rodney's family). They are very excited about being in big girl beds. We made mom cry a couple of times. It was fun. My goal is to give Mom a great gift that makes her tear up. And we did. We gave her some fun stocking stuffers. But we also gave her an updated family picture. We got some cute ones. Hopefully we can figure out how to put it up here when we get it.
This Saturday, we got our big family picture. (I have an appointment to finally get the little Nef family pictures in January.) Then the boys went and shot skeet. Todd has been dyeing to take someone shooting. Us girls put the kids down for a nap and then played mom's favorite game, Dragonmaster. When the boys came home we sent them to the Smoovies shop where they played Guitar hero. Then they came home and relieved us girls. We went to the Mongolian Beef. We then came home and giggled, and laughed, and finished our game, and and snuck grandma's home made chocolates (they were mom's to give but we didn't tell the boys). And we laughed and giggled some more. It was fun.
We haven't done a whole lot but enjoyed each other and cleaned. But it has been fun having our family in town. I admit, since Garth got his wii, the boys have played a lot of wii. But life is good. We were talking about hope in Relief Society, and I was reminded of just how often the Lord has blessed us through the last two years. We have been richly blessed!!!!

2008

This is a time that we send out our Christmas letters, and it causes us to reflect on the last year or so. This has been a great year for us. This year's highlights lie in our pregnancy and expecting of a new baby, Karla doing lots of big girl things (potty training, sleeping in a big bed, and upgrading to the booster), Kylee is communicating much better as well as trying to keep up with big sister and yet maintaining her own stubborn sence of self. Todd and I are working hard within the primary setting atleast until January. And we enjoy it here. Life is good.
We are grateful for our Savior's love and sacrifice. Working with the younger generation both at home and at church, we are learning the basics again--and even Todd and I am learning. We are children of our Heavenly Father. He loves us. And we can say we're sorry thanks to Him.
Merry Christmas!! And we wish all of you a Happy New Year!!

Our Little Mother

Today at church, there was a little boy, about 18 months, who was wondering around a lot in sacrament meeting. He seemed to like our bench because Karla had a couple of puzzles. He figured our quickly that the horses went on top of the other horses picture. But like young kids couldn't quite make it fit in the slot. So Karla told him to "turn it." Sounding much like us adults do when we talk with young kids. You know that tone? And then she lined it up for him so that all he had to do was bump it into the hole. This is not the first time she has mothered, just the most recent. Kylee is not impressed with Karla's mothering, but I think she is cute.

Camp out and Doctor appointments

It seems like life has been on the run lately between playing with my sister, doctor appointments, and enrichment. Life will slow down a bit on Monday until the new year and then we start right back up. I have been feel really good, tired, but good. And today my baby looked like a baby in her ultrasound. We are excited. I am starting Metformin or Metphormin for my diabetes. But it is a pill and not a shot, so I am excited.
Karla decided she wanted to go camping. I told her it was to cold to go camping, but if she was good she could camp out in the living room. "We need to build a fire in the house." I agree that camping is not camping without a fire. But I told her we couldn't build a fire in our house. But we did put up their little tee-pee and the card table with a blanket over it, put their toddler bed mattresses under it, and let them camp out in the living room.
Life is good. I realized the other day that I am truely happy and don't remember when I wasn't.

Girls Tea Party

While the boys were out hanging up Christmas lights, the girls stayed home. So Natalie, Karla, and Kylee dressed up in Princesses dresses. Natalie being Cinderella; Karla was TinkerBell, and Kylee was Aurora. They ate their lunch on their little tea party set. And then they watched Cinderella, since no boys were around to object. It was cute to watch them be so totally girlish. I am glad Karla and Natalie are becoming friends. Her mom and I wondered since Karla is 3 and Natalie is 5, but they are becoming fast friends and have been practically inseperable the few times we have gotten together. The next girl cousin is almost a year old... and while right now, playing with boys is great, I am glad that Natalie and Karla are friends.

Rich's Plane

The day after Thanksgiving Day we went out to see Rich's plane. I wanted to see his plane, but it was more fun than I had expected. It was huge. There are some pictures on Emily's page. The kids had the most fun running in the plane cargo area or "flying" it (ie sitting in the flight seat and moving the stick around.)
We then put kids to bed. And the adults played wii for a while. As the boys were putting on some fast car game, the girls snuck out to the hot tub! I have not felt so good in a long time. It was wonderful. It was fun to play without the kids. Todd did eventually join us.
The girls went shopping the next morning while the boys helped put up Christmas lights. We then packed up and came home. It was so good to go out there though!!

My cute Kylee

Thanksgiving Pictures

Thanksgiving 2008

We went to Lorna's house for Thanksgiving. It has been so fun. Devin, Emily, and Caleb came from Idaho. We spent the morning catching up while cooking. We then ate a fairly traditional meal, with the traditional 1 pie per adult allotment.
We played with the kids for a while and then put them to bed. The boys networked their computers and played a war game. Todd says I was a widow many times over. But they had fun. The girls played the wii: it was a fast past game with lots of silly moves. We even made our own miis to look like us.
We then played an interesting game of Settlers--as couples. You could tell Devin and Emily hasn't been married as long as some of the rest of us. They will get there. In the end, Todd and I won, but it was a close game. We then stayed up until 2 in the morning telling stories. Todd was laughing so hard he was crying. And he wasn't the only one.
It has been so fun to just be with family: no drama, no uncomfortableness, just love and laughter, memories and fun. It has been one of the nicest family function we have been to recently and definitely has soothed our souls and prepared us to take on the world for a little while longer.

More Canning, ug!!

We are so grateful that Grandma Cook shared her pumkin with us. But I think there is a reason we can for one harvest season and then have 9 months off!!! We are so tired of canning. But we got the pumkin all cut up and cooked down last night. I finally went to bed at midnight. Todd went to bed at 10:00 since he is running a paper route right now, and we want him to be safe while driving. And right now, Todd is pressure cooking all the bottles. (I had to run Garth home and jump on the computer, oh darn.) We have 3 pressure cookers worth. 60-90 minutes a pressure cooker! But we are so grateful for the food storage. We love pumpkin pie cake and pumpkin muffins. And we have found that canned pumpkin makes good baby food.
After mom and dad (nef's) experience with Gerber, Todd won't feed his kids store bought baby food. So we have learned to make our own. It's not hard, and it's not expensive either. We have saved money this way. Anything canned can be ran through a food processor (our magic bullet) and then fed to a baby. Pumpkin and applesauce is already pre-squished. But we won't need that for a while longer. I know. But we are doing our best to be prepared. You should see our house. We have taken all my books off the shelf. The books will be fine in our outdoor storage unit, the canned food will not. So we have bookshelves of food storage. I have never canned so much as we have this year--even if you take all my canning before combined!! But Todd did can pears before we were married. I should have known what I was getting myself into!! But seriously, I am grateful for the knowledge and the food. We have been so blessed. And it is reassuring and peaceful to know we have done what we can to put up a years supply. We still have more work to get up to the year, but we have done all we can up to this point. Now it's time to stock up on the dry stuff like Oatmeal, Sugar, Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, ect....

Life moves on

Todd and I took a quick trip to Boise. We had the chance to visit with Todd's dad for a while. It was fun to get to catch up and play some games. While we were there, we were able to attend the Boise temple. Since the kids stayed home with Grandma Mann, we didn't hurry out. It was fun to be able to do an Endowment session and then do sealings. When we stopped to think about it--it is probably the first time Todd and I have done sealings together since we were sealed. Our sealer went to high school with Grandpa and Grandma Nef. It really is a small world.
Other than that, Karla is still asking to go to Halloween again but is starting to talk of Santa too. I look at my kids and can't believe how grown up they are getting!! They have been good helpers. Kylee has graduated to a booster seat by the sheer fact that she no longer fits in a car seat. She weighs as much as Karla.
And then the doctor appointments--which seem never ending. But things are progressing... okay. We knew this wouldn't be an easy pregnancy per say. But in saying that, I haven't been sick, tired, but not sick. My docotors and me are keeping a close eye on my sugars and my blood pressure and such. Alot like when I was pregnant with Kylee.
And Today, Todd is 26 and feeling old.

I believe in Christ

I remember reading through the words to the closing hymn of the adult meeting, Stake Confrence fall 2007, It was I believe in Christ. In the fourth verse it says "I believe in Christ so come what may." Bold words!! I wasn't sure I wanted to say come what may. We were going through more than I ever thought we'd be put through at the time.
It has been a long processes for me. And as in the poem, footsteps, he has walked with me and carried me many times. And as we sang I believe in Christ again during our most recent Stake Confrence, the verse says "ye shall obtain." And we have been so blessed; we have even seen many miracles. We have obtained his grace, his love, and so much more. He walks by us, and so I can with confidence "I believe in Christ so come what may."

Happy Halloween

This is the first holiday where Karla was counting down. "No Karla, you have to sleep 2 more times." She still wants to go Trick or Treating again. We picked Garth up after school, then headed to the mall. They offer safe trick or treating, plus it starts early. Then we met Dad at Costco and enjoyed pizza or hot dogs. It was on to the stake Trunk or Treat. We were able to hit a few houses for Trick or Treating and then it was time to go home and put some very tired kids to bed. It was a fun night. Karla kept giving Birthday wishes with her glow in the dark wand. And I think the most often used comment was "Garth wait for Kylee." We had fun though.
Sorry, we are having technical difficulties with my mom's camera, so Kylee went as Eyore, Karla went as a birthday present (and everyone thought she was so cute. She said "I know."), Garth went as Superman, and Todd and I went as thing 1 and thing 2, see Emily's page to see pictures of us making this wonderful costume.

Donkey Rides

After Emily's house, we stayed one night with Grandma K and Trevor. Mom and I stayed up talking until 2:30 in the morning. It was so nice to talk about everything it seemed. The next morning we got to see Grandma Nef and then it was on to Rodney and Julie's house. Karla and Kylee both enjoyed playing with their cousins. Kevin, Kyle, Karla, and Kylee looked as if they could have been quadroupletes. Thank heaven they weren't!!
I enjoyed chatting with the both Rodney and Julie, but I loved the night when Devin and Emily came down, and we all played games. We played settlers and although Rodney was close, Julie won. We also played a game of Carassan where Devin blatenly cheated through the entire duration.
The girls highlight was definately the donkey rides. While Kevin and Kyle were not to impressed. Karla and Kylee was petting the horses while waiting for their turn. Then they each took 3 turns riding Moses, the donkey. And when they weren't riding, they helped hold the rope and lead the donkey. Kylee didn't even flinch when Moses nipped at her.
The best of all was spending time with family though. We love our relatives. When we got close, I told the girls we were almost home. And Karla thought about it "No, I no go home. I got back to my cousins house!"

costumes

So, I got to spend Tueday and Wednesday with Emily Nef, Devin's wife. It was so fun to see their little shante. She has decorated it so cute. She let me take the girls and Caleb, their son, to the park while she was in class. She also took us out to McDonald's and let the kids play. She worked hard to come up with lots of special treats for the girls. We ran and jumped into leaves and carted her rock pile back all over the yard.
Emily and I made Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes. She and I had decided that is what we wanted to do, but I hadn't figured out how to do it just yet. Good for me, she had! So we painted thing 1 and thing 2 costumes. She also did a set for our twin nephews. I am excited!
If you click on her link, on the side, you can see pictures of our project.

Unexpected Trip

I got an email from Sandy, a lady in my Basin City Ward. She was going to Idaho Falls on Monday and was willing to take riders. Todd surprised me and said I could go. "No I can't. I have to help mom." But Mom said she didn't need me either. Although we were going to play, I debated right up until I had to make a decision. I really wanted to take the chance to see my in-laws who live in the Rexburg area. So Sunday night at 8 o'clock, I started packing. We left the next morning at 6 am. And here I am, two days later in Idaho. It has so fun to see everyone. I got to meet Caleb Nef, the newest Nef.
The girls were really well behaved for being in the car for 11 hours. They fussed for maybe 20 minutes. What good girls!! We had one incident. Karla found my gum. She is usually really good with gum, but this time it got in her hair. Since we didn't have peanut butter, and we were in someone elses car (I didn't want it to make a mess in Sandy's car), We simply cut it out. So she has a new hair cut. Todd was pretty disappointed. He usually doesn't care much about hair. But I guess he is on a long hair kick. So maybe I won't cut my hair... Here are some pictures at Aunt Emily's house and of Karla's new hair cut. They like her bird though.

Look Mom, Mountains.

Todd just reminded me, so although it is late, I am adding it now. When we were on our trip to Boise, We got up early so the girls would sleep half the trip. And it worked. Karla woke up in the pass. She looked around for a moment (waking up in the car is not unusual for her with paper routes). So she looked around for a moment. The first words she spoke "Look Mom, Mountains!"

Nef Renovations

Here at the Nef household, we are renovating. We have finally gotten a home phone. For security reasons, I am not posting it here. I wonder if that is silly, but I am going to error on the side of caution.
But that isn't the only change we are making. While out for Tiffany's graduation, I held Arianne and was so glad I wasn't having a baby. I felt overwhelmed with my two kids. But at the Nef reunion, when I held Arianne, I felt that it was time. The Lord I argued over this some. But in the end, He loved me into it. Todd, too, is worried but taking a leap of faith. Since execpting this and doing all we could to get pregnant, I am no longer overwhelmed. My house is even clean at least sometimes.
So we found out, yesterday, that we are pregnant. So we are due sometime in May. I know it is way to early to be announcing this, but so many of you already know because I have needed babysitters to watch my kids as I go to doctor's appointment after doctor's appointment. And many of you have prayed for us. Thank you. I think this baby is a girl. Todd is being more reserved, although he still doesn't want to find out before. We are getting excited, and we are trusting in the Lord to take care of His end of the details.

The end of the movie

Most people enjoy movies. My girls like the end of the movie. Garth is always saying "It's over." But the girls love the credits or the music that accompanies the credits. They get up and dance! It lifts my heart. Watching their carefree dancing is the meaning of motherhood, to me.

641 Bottles of Juice on the Wall

Lorna, Todd's sister, came down from Seattle. It was so fun to see some cousins. Karla and Natalie often disappeared and played all weekend long. Natalie is 5 while Karla is only 3 1/2 years old. I am so proud of them. They played a lot better than we thought they would. Now Kylee and Tyler (Tyler being 2 months older than her), but nonetheless, Kylee was saying "Baby buggin' me." Momma Nef decided to come out on Thurday morning and made it in at 2 am on Friday. We loved seeing her and Trevor. We all stayed out at Grandma Cook's house. Todd and I didn't get to bed before 2 am either night. It was nice to laugh and giggle and swap stories and learn more about Lorna's youth. She is more amazing than I ever knew!! How blessed I am to be apart of this family.
Thursday we left all the kids with Lisa Benites (an amazing woman and wonderful friend) and picked apples. We filled the truck and trailer so full the truck stop told us to stop (but we didn't have to because we weren't commercial). Then Friday morning we geared up and made apple juice. Grandpa Cook has a grinder and juicer. The hard part wasn't making the juice. It was canning the juice. I started with the job of putting the apples in the grinder. I then moved to switching the buckets out from under the grinder, pouring them in the juicer, and taking the juice buckets into the other room to be canned. I am very impressed with myself, but I am also very grateful because the Lord made it so my body didn't hurt like usual when I canned. As we finished making apple juice I moved in to help can it. Brent and his children showed up for a while to help as well as Lorna's sister-in-law and her friend. It was a whirlwind of a day!! But we had a lot of fun.
Then Friday morning, we woke up and decided to make grape juice. Grandpa needed to take care of his grapes before they froze, and I knew of a place we could buy some for 20 cents a pound.
I was left to babysit the kids while everyone went into town to get the grapes and other supplies we'd need. While they were gone the kids wanted a snack, and I let them eat the popsicles in Grandma's freezer. Then they wanted the icecream. I finally said the next one to open the freezer was getting spanked! I relayed this story to the adults as they got home. Grandpa said "I'm sure glad I wasn't the next one to open it." The funniest part was watching mom as tomato dribbled down her chin and she tried to breath, laugh, and swallow.
We didn't start canning until 2 pm, but we finished by 10. We then stayed up and had icecream and later on got into Grandma's caulflower. And we joked and laughed and swapped stories. We were tired the next morning though. Sunday we spent the rest of the afternoon sorting everything out!! It was crazy. And I still wonder if I got more than my share...
We were also able to get Wheat that weekend thanks to Bishop Mackey. It felt peaceful moving all this food storage into our little house. I am still trying to find space for it all.
The final numbers were as follows
Apple juice: 266 quarts, 111 2-quart bottles, 1 gallon bottle (along with a lot drunk fresh) for a total of 145 gallons canned.
Grape juice: 92 quarts for Grandpa and 171 quarts for the rest of us: for a total of 263 quarts of grape juice.
And when added all together, we canned 641 bottles of juice in two days!! It was fun.

Power of the Atonement

Okay, I just read Rich's testimony on prayer. I always debate how much to share here (outside the lighthearted, fun, or simply factual stories). But here we go--Todd came home from the Priesthood session of conference. And I asked the usual "anything you want to share with me?"
Usually he restricts his comments to about 5 words. But instead he told us of the First Presidency's talks. He said he thought the first half was wonderful and couldn't wait until he could come home and tell me about them, but then he heard the first presidency talks, and well... the rest pailed in compairson.
After my mom wondered off, he shared with me a few special moments and revelations he received.
For those of you who know Todd, you could see why part of me was saying "Who are you and what have you done with my husband?" But it is just one of many moments that I have shown me that Todd really has changed for the better this year. We have seen many miracles: and are noticing the Lord's hand in our lives weekly.
But I want to testify that I know that Christ can change all of us for the better through the atonement. I know because he has changed us. The atonement is real! I am so grateful for my wonderful husband!! He is better than ever, and I am so glad he is mine.

Sometimes, even still, I just need my mommy

I have suffered with headaches since early elementary school. It's not a migraine, but we learned early this year that it is muscle tension headaches. The doctor gave me a muscle relaxant and miracle of miracles, I don't have to live with headaches!! Well, something went wrong with my perscription and I was left suffering over the weekend. Usually, I grit my teeth and bare it, but I am not as good at doing it as I use to be (since I don't have to as much).
It got so bad that I literally wanted to throw-up. And when I found that there was nothing I could do about it until my doctors office opened up on Monday--I cried. My mom told me I needed to come to her house while Todd went to Preisthood. She took care of my kids and me. She made me her supped-up chicken noodle soup. Gave me a hot pad and put me to bed. I later found out that she wasn't feel well either, but she watched my kids all the same.
Between my mom's love, her hot pad, a lot of sleep, and Todd filled me with a ton of caffine, I got to the point that I could grit my teeth and bare it. I hope we are able to straighten it out and get my persciption back. I hate having to rely on a perscription, but I love not living with headaches!!!

Our little star

Between sessions of conference, we ate lunch--real original, huh. Todd worked on the latest Suduko while I was reading the articles in the paper that interested me. Karla came into the kitchen. She had her play microphone. She set up her stage and sang "Twinkle, Twinkle little star..." She made sure someone was giving her their full attention. She also sang "Rain came down, and the floods came up," and a few songs we didn't quite recognize. This went on for about an hour.

Tomatoes

I have canned now for about five years with my husband's family. Because of our busy schedule, I decided to can the tomatos while Todd was at work. We canned peaches earlier, and tomatos last year. I can do this. And I did. I did them just like peaches. Todd came home and told me they look great. Then he looked closer. "Did you put water in them?" "Yeah, I did them just like peaches except I put a tsp of salt instead of 1/3 cup of sugar." Now those who have canned can see my mistake. But Todd told me "tomatos are juicy enough you just stuff them in; you don't need to add water." Sigh. "It's okay. We'll just drain the water when we open them or have thinner sauce." He told me we all make mistakes, that's how we learn.

Big Helpers

I have not kept a clean house. This has been a weakness of mine for a long time. My mother would send my sister and I to our room until it was clean. I wonder about the logic now: me, my best friend, and all our toys... But I would read to my sister while she cleaned, since she couldn't read. She later realized that neither could I. She was "My cleaning fairy." I have missed her dearly.
But I am finally sick and tired of having a dirty house. It bugs me. And so I have tired and failed miserably at doing it on my own. It would seem the only way to get a clean house was to ignore my children, and I wasn't okay with that solution. So in desperation, I prayed: "Dear Lord, you have commanded me to keep a house of order and cleanliness. You have also commanded me to nurture these children. I know you give no commandment save you prepare a way to accomplish the things which you command. Help prepare a way." And then I went to work. And an amazing thing happened. My kids figured out how to pick up their toys. They don't often remember on their own, but they are good, big helpers. They are learning how to put away the silverware from the dishwasher. They love to sweep my pile, back all over the room. They are learning their cloths go in the dirty cloths after they have been worn. I did not teach them these things--I have tried. But I see how the Lord has helped them to learn. I don't understand completely how my house is clean now, ,mostly, and it wasn't before. The kids help has been the noticable change--that and my prayer. So I know it is the Lord that is helping this to be accomplished. And I am so grateful and so is Todd.

Baby curls, baby words

My baby is growing up! Yesterday, I cut off Kylee's baby curls. She looks great now and more grown up. All I did was cut off her longest layer to even out her hair (with the exception of the stuff to far back to be bangs but hasn't quite grown out yet.) But the last layer would curl out and has been so cute for so long. It was hard to throw away these beautiful curls. But like kids, hair grows.
She has also started to say Kar-ya instead of ya--for her sister's name. She is talking more and expressing herself in words better. She is a smart girl who trys to keep up with her sister in her own sassy way. We finally put her back in diapers and admitted that maybe she wasn't quite ready to potty train. She still has "accidents" in her diaper, but she goes in the potty two or three times a day. And although I miss the baby curls, I am so proud of her.

"I need to go to the Doctor."

Karla has come to me. "I hurt Momma, I need to go to the Doctors. He make me feel better." She is my girl who will take medicine without a fight. Kylee puts up more of a fight than Todd!! I didn't think it was possible until it happened. But I am trying to get them an appointment for shots. I'm not sure Karla is going to be so thrilled after that. But Kylee loved being the one on the table instead of Mommy being on the table. It seems like I have had so many doctor appoitments lately. My sugars were really bad there for a while. But just recently they have leveled off. The only number I have to worry about is my fasting glucose (first thing in the morning). My diabetes counslor would like to see me on Metforman, but it's my primary care physician who gets the final say, and she doesn't think I need to go on medication yet. I hate having to run between three doctors!! But all is well. I do have to be careful about what I eat and how much, and not skip meals. But C'est la Vie. Todd's ankle is healing. He worried about it for a while because it didn't seem to get better, but it is finally healing. He is not sure he wants to get the MRI, because then they would do surgery if they found anything. He's not sure he wants to do surgery. He is still Todd, isn't he? But we have been blessed! Kylee's arm is still soar if she falls or is pulled just right. But everyday she seems to be a little tougher and able to reach just a little higher. I am confident she will have a full recovery before long.

Just Like Dad

Well, we didn't go dancing. Kylee was swinging at Grandpa Cook's house, and she fell. No big deal until she woke up from her nap "Daddy, I hurt, I hurt." We watched her close all night long, and it looked like she broke her elbow or collar bone. So we took her in this morning for x-rays. She was still caddeling her arm in the waiting room. Once we were in the examination room, she was trying to crawl on the table and looked great! We took the x-ray anyway, but she was just bruised. I am glad it wasn't more, but darn child. This is the second time we have taken her in for x-rays. And both times it seems to be the examitation room that cures her.

This time 5 years ago

On my birthday, my mom tells me this time 27 years ago.... (Although the number of years keeps changing every year). It's a game we play now. This time five years ago, I was getting dressed and doing my hair. Todd was canning. Yes, canning!! I think they canned 68 cans of peaches. I have to double check my facts.
I wasn't sure of the time, so I told my mom we should be there early. Then my mom made sure we got there before that. The temple patrons started wondering if Todd would show up. He did, right on time. And we were married.
He remembers taking an afternoon nap on a couch in the gym (while we took care of a few last minute touches before the reception). We turned off the lights and locked the church up with Todd in there. He slept till we got back.
It was a nice reception. We still talk about our wedding bear cakes. We still love it!! Momma Nef says she hasn't seen anything like it yet.
The day would not be complete if I didn't mention the cottage cheese. We got home and had nothing in our new apartment except cottage cheese. So we ate cottage cheese by candle light. Cottage cheese hasn't been the same since. We still laugh about that one every now and then when we have cottage cheese.

My Big Helpers

We do lots of different things for papers. Lately, I have been trying to get up early and do my West Richland route. The goal is to get home so that Todd can go do his route just before going to work. This way the girls stay in their beds. But today, my papers were a little late and I had two new starts I had to find. So I didn't make it home in time. So we loaded the kids up, and we all went to do the Duportail route we are throwing right now. Karla was up and wide awake, so we put shoes on her (thankfully we had them in the car). And Karla delivered papers with me. Kylee slept in her car seat. But Karla walked the route with me and delivered about half the papers. She ran the whole way. I am not sure I can describe it: Her hair mussed from sleeping, in her nightgown and tennis shoes, she was running towards me just happy. It was one of those moments that I took a mental picture. I really do love her.
But the girls have been a big help lately. They are just starting to put their toys away. The blocks in the block box, the dress ups in the dress up box, the toy dishes in the toy dishes box. As a mom and maid, I am very excited about this. Yesterday, while waiting for Karla to finish her lunch, Kylee put away all my cups and silverware from the dishwasher. She needed some propting as to with slot to put the forks, spoons, and knives, but I am so proud of both my big helpers. Then Karla helped me pick up the living room because she wanted to be a big helper too.

Grandma's Work Picnic and Big Girls

My mom's work does a great picnic every September. This is our second year attending. They do a nice lunch and all you can eat icecream. Todd likes the all you can drink pop. We avoid the alcohol booth personally, but that is all you can drink too.
Mom goes for the prizes, although she didn't win this year or last. But the girls like the blow up bounce things. Kylee doesn't even get knocked down by bigger kids in the bounce house. Karla kept wanting to go through the obstacle course, so finally I said okay. "Garth go with Karla, and I will help Kylee through." So we go (racing each other). Garth gets stuck in the very first obstical. And Karla didn't wait for him. Both girls got out just fine, and it was Garth calling for help. The girls went through a second time by themselves. They sure are growing up.
With the school year starting, it's made me realize: Karla is 3 and has 2 years till school. Kylee is 2 and has 3 years till school. But Karla starts sunbeams this Jan and Kylee with start Sunbeams next Jan. My babies aren't babies and they are growing up. But unlike with puppies, I still think they are cute. And I love them dearly!!

Softball Sorrows

Todd went out for the Elder's Softball team. He faithfully attended every practice. It's the only time the boss could not keep him until midnight it seemed. Then Thursday night practice before the big tournament, he hurt his ankle. He didn't say anything to me. He even carried a dresser I asked him to. He then got up Friday and did papers. He went to work. About 10 o'clock I get a call, "Does our insurance cover x-rays?" "WHY?" His ankle was really bothering him. He even took 2 Tylenol at 10 and again at 3. (He didn't take any when he got shot in the hand with a nail gun, and only 2 when he tryed to cut his thumb off, just for reference). Thankfully, it did not break. And now, after a very quiet weekend, he is feeling much better. So probably only sprained. But he feels bad about missing Friday and Saturday's tournament.

Todd

Our fifth wedding anniversary is coming up. I have a babysitter, so we can attend the harvest ball. I am excited. We also took our trip to Boise (not quite white water rafting, but we made it into a fun vacation even though the kids were with us.) We really did enjoy ourselves.
Dad has told me (about five times now) about when Todd was younger. He got a candy bar at school (or church) for something. He brought it home and gave everyone a peice, but there wasn't any left for him. Todd said "that's okay. I'll get another one another day." Or something like that. You would think I'd have it down pat. But that is Todd.
I feel I should take a moment and talk about Todd. He is so amazing. Last night, while we were canning, he told me I was wonderful probably every 10 minutes or so. He knows I like to hear it. Usually he tells me about 2-3 times a day. He is more understanding than most. He is patient with me as I try to keep a clean house while nurturing and loving two toddlers. He encourages me for my improvements and thanks me for my efforts. He understands when I fall short. And only rarely will I hear that he'd like something done differnent or better. It is obvious that he loves me and our girls.
He is patient when I am not, and I when he isn't. We balance each other out well. I tend to dream, and he keeps me real: and I keep him dreaming. He is the sound of reason when I get excited or mad. And he forgives so readily--and when he forgives he usually forgets completly. (There are many advantages that come with not having a great memory.)
He often gets up early to help me with papers. And he doesn't complain as long as they aren't left to him completely (although he does them anyway.) And then he goes and works a long work day. He often comes home to help can, or do something the kids want him to, or to help me with a project. He is so good to us.
I wouldn't call him a romantic, but he is very sweet and very thoughtful. He is becoming just what I need. I hope he can say the same about me someday. I am so proud of him. I know there is greatness within him. I've always seen it. And he's starting to show it, although he'll tell you he doesn't know what I'm talking about. He is still gaining confidence. But I love him dearly. He is my husband, my lover, and my very best friend. I am better because of him.

Peaches

We decided our peaches were ready to can, and because of previous commentments, it looked like Wednesday night was the night to do it. So at 7 at night we started. Karla helped slip a few peaches, but she wanted to eat every one she slipped (Kylee as well.) But Karla wanted to be a big helper. So she handed me the bottles from the dish washer, she looked for more sugar, and she handed me the rings. She was a very big helper.
We got all 4 boxes in the bottles before 11, maybe 10:30. Unfortantly Todd didn't finish running them all through the canner and come to bed until 2 am. He still got up and helped me with papers (because it was to big to do all myself). And he still went to work. I am so impressed with him. We canned 49 bottles (but half are for Mom Nef).

Blackberries

Well, we were going to pick blackberries over Labor Day Weekend, but Todd felt he should visit his Dad instead. So we visited his dad, but when we came back it looked like we weren't the only ones who thought to take advantage of the blackberries. So we did what we could and went picking the next Saturday. The first bush we went to, we could pick all the hard to get to stuff. And we got 2 half buckets in 2 hours. So we moved. And Todd didn't find the next bush until just before we went picking. We feel strongly that the Lord showed him this bush and blessed us because we followed the prompting to go see Dad. But this bush was easier to pick from. And then the next bush down the road from the second bush--was even easier. We felt the Lord blessing us for our perseverance!! We ended up leaving berries on the last bush. And in 2 more hours we got 4 more buckets. We made some jam and canned the rest. Todd and I both made a different blackberry pie. It was so good. Todd told his brothers that "His wife tortered him and took him blackberry picking." He wasn't sure it was worth the blackberries for the all the thorns. But we will never look at the thorns on Christs head the same again. My fingers still have little pin pricks of purple that doesn't come clean. But we feel the Lord's hand in our lives. And Todd got up and said so during fast and testimony meeting. We are hoping to go back and get another batch of jam (or two).

Kylee and her babies

Kylee doesn't have many stories because she doesn't say much. She is just as cute as Karla. It's just harder to tell her stories--she gave me that look. You know?

Kylee has suddenly become attached to blankets. It happened when we put her in underware. But now she always wants to be wrapped up in her blanket: even in 100 degree whether! The funny thing is she isn't attached to one blanket. But she only wants certain ones. She likes the blanket Grandma K made her or Karla's Grandma K hug blanket. She likes Grandma Cook's bear blanket. She also likes Todd's baby blanket and a blue blanket Aunt Susan gave us for our wedding. And she likes her fairy blanket from Grandma Mann, and in a pinch she'll take winnie the pooh. They are not alike--some are crocheted, some are fuzzy, and others are 9 patch. So I am lucky in that it makes it easy to wash her blanket. But I am washing a blanket everyday it seems.
Kylee is also a very good mommy. I wonder if she'll grow up and have twins (or 8 kids). She is very concerned about her babies. "Shhhhh. Baby sleeping." And she always puts a blanket over her baby. Dad's socks works when she can't find something better. She puts a little pillow in the shopping cart Grandma K gave her. And it has become a stroller that her baby sleeps in. She also is always pushing her stroller she got for going potty in the toilet all day. Lately she is carring three or four babies at a time. And although she keeps dropping them, she has to carry all three everywhere we go. She doesn't want to forget any of her babies. It makes me grateful for our no toys in the store rule! "Toys stay in the car so we don't lose them." Although relucantly, she usually wants to come in bad enough to leave them in the car. I am surprised she isn't buckling them in yet. She will make a good mommy one day.
Kylee and Karla has started putting babies and balloons under their shirts. "See Mommy, I have a baby." Karla tells me. Kylee says more "Momma, Baby." And then pats her tummy. I understand Karla learned this while I was preganant with Kylee, but how Kylee picked up the concept . . . is still beyond me. They are telling me they want a baby sister (Usually sister). I am not sure what started this, but it is there.

I stay at Grandma's!

Last night we were at Grandma Mann's house. We put on the movie Duck Tales to help calm the kids down while Todd and I finished on the computer. When it was time to go home, Karla was very upset. "I want to stay at Grandma's. I not want to go home!" So we talked to Grandma, and Grandma said it was okay. (I was coming over the next morning to watch Garth so she could go to the temple anyway). So we put Karla to bed at Grandma's house. We asked Kylee what she wanted to do, and she wanted to come home with mommy. I think it's one of the first nights, if not the first, that the girls have spent the night apart. Both girls got a good night sleep.
Todd and I are going to leave the girls here with Grandma once Grandma gets back from the temple. And then, we are off to pick blackberries. We hope we can find enough to be worth it.

Classic Todd

The other day, Todd's boss (Scott) called him on their walkie talkie cell phones. "Did you forget something Todd?" Todd thought, "I don't think so. We double and triple checked my order." "I told you this morning to drive with your lights on for safty! Would you forget your lunch?" To this Todd said "It's been known to happen. My wife and my dad think I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached." Scott simply responded "Oh."

Our First Family Vacation

This weekend we took our first family vacation that wasn't spent visiting family (kind of) or camping. We went to Boise, but none of my relatives were home this weekend. So we left earily Saturday morning instead of late Friday. We took our stuff so we could camp. But we were able to find a discount on a hotel in a very convient place for us, so we stayed in a hotel. The girls loved it. We took the entertubes from the Nef Family Reunion. And the girls would put it under their arms and hang on. And then they could kick and "Swim" in the big pool like mom and dad. And they did swim from one end to the other. And they didn't slip out once (although we kept a close eye on them). Karla never got out of the pool without being persuaded.
And then we went to the Boise Zoo. Karla liked Pappa Bear because he looked like pappa bear off the Jungle Book. Kylee liked the Giaraff sized slide. They both enjoyed the penguines and the monkeys. They liked the snow leapord who was pouncing on the glass and the Tigers. And the carasel was an huge hit!
We were blessed though. We got a discount on the hotel. We found out after the fact that kids eat free at the Denny's we went to. The kids got into the zoo and the birds of prey for free. They stayed for free at the hotel too. Things just fell into place. And we really enjoyed ourselves.

BLAST OFF

Karla's current favorite show is Little Einsteins, although she calls it rocket. We have gone through stages this summer. Dora and Deigo was her favorite at first. Then it was Super Why! And now it is Rocket or Little Einsteins. She will stop her bike and pat her legs and get faster and then say "Blast Off" or "Super Fast." And then ride as fast as she can. The other day, we were sitting at a red light. Karla knows what a red light is because she is the youngest back seat driver I know. She would say "Go mommy, Go." So we taught her that red light means stop so we don't hit the car in front of us. She also knows that green light means go. Well, we were sitting at a red light. She started patting her legs. "Mommy pat with me. Pat, pat, pat." And when the light changed to green she said, "Blast off!" and put her hands over her head. Now she just needs to go "pat, pat, pat, super fast" for Mom while I am trying to clean up after her. :)

Canning 2008

We spent last weekend rearranging furniture. The weekend before Todd and I canned 80 jars of apricots for us and an additional 2 dozen for Lorna. We had piles of boxes with canned food in them all over the house. Boxes in our closest, under the table, in the corner of the kitchen, in the corner of the living room, and in any available closet space. Now they are all on a self, or almost. Todd feels a sence of accomplishment now that he can see all he has accomplished. And I had forgotten about the pumpkin smush. I guess we will have pumpkin muffins for breakfast soon. So we did not can last weekend, and we may not can this weekend either. But soon we will have peaches and blackberries to can. We are excited for the fruit, not necessarily the canning part. But we are grateful for the food storage--that we can, can!!

Myself

We cleaned out our small storage shed and filled every last bottle we had with apricots. And then I had to put everything back into the storage shed. While it was all out we added Todd's clay pigdeons and the girls strollers. My land lord is always amazed at all we stuff into that small shed. It occured to me, as we were packmaning everything in, that it is a small miracle all we save in there. I am trying not to save more than can fit in that storage, and yet, I don't want to get rid of more than I half to. (That frugal and sentimental part of me coming through). But I feel the Lord is helping us to save the things that will needed in the future by making more fit than I could alone. And then in church they reminded us of Elder Eyrings admonition to write down the things of God in our lives, so here it is. (For more personal experiences you will have to read my journals after I pass away...)
With this in mind, I have to report that I have seen a couple of doctors. And it is looking like I have moved into pre-diabetic and am possibly really and honestly diabetic. This is a sad moment for me. I have worked so hard to avoid this and yet it is here sooner than I expected. I am not diagnoised yet, but the numbers I have seen this week as I have tested don't look good.
It is possible that I have what they call Metabolic Syndrom which is more of a colaboration of things like high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or diabetes, cholestrol, ect. We are still waiting for all the labs to see how the numbers look.
Having said that I remind myself this is not cancer or the end of the world. And I can still fight this. We are well. And God can help us through even this. We have survived through worse.

Please dance with me

Karla came in yesterday with her princess high heels on. "Look mom my dancing shoes. Will you please put a song on?" So we dressed up in our princess dresses and danced to The King of Swing. It was cute to watch Karla and Kylee dance with each other. It was also fun for me to dance with each in turn.
Kylee woke from her nap first two days ago, and I was mopping the floor, on my hands and knees since we are out of swiffer mop pads. So Kylee jumped up and played horses while I finished mopping the living room. She then helped me mop the floor and dumped half my water. I appreciate that she wants to help.
Todd has started practicing with our ward's softball team. And he says he's not the worst but almost. Sports have never been his strong subject. But he is enjoying it nonetheless. We are excited for his first game.

Garden adventures

Both my girls love to pick fresh produce out of the gardens. They love this time of year. We worked really hard last year to teach them to pick red tomatoes with Grandpa Cook and not green ones. One time, Karla said "I not go to Grandma Mann's house I go to Grandma Tingey's house. She has strawberries." It was actually raspberries, but any berry is stawberry at this poitn. Well today, Karla came in and said "Yucky daddy. Get the yucky berry out of my mouth." "Where did you pick the yucky berry? Show daddy." So Karla took Daddy out to Grandma Mann's garden. And they asked Grandma "do you know what this is?" "Yeah, it's a thai chili pepper. Jalapenos are nothing to thai chili peppers." Karla I think will be a little more choosey about what she picks. Thank goodness, a little bit of milk, and she is feeling better.

Natalie Vance is 5 years old

This is my neice, Natalie Vance, at her fifth birthday party. I can't believe she is five and neither can her mother. She was born right before we were married though and sure enough we are coming up on our fifth anniversary. She is named Natalie Catherine. I don't think her mom knew my name was actually Catherine Colleen at the time, but I like to brag that she was named after me. We did name Kylee Jasel after Lorna Jasel--so we have swapped names.
And here is her brother Ryan. We love them both and wish we saw them more. Ryan is doing the kid tractor pull at the county fair. He pulled 175 lbs while Natalie got up to 100 lbs!!
(The pictures didn't transfere. I still need to learn how to do that. Sorry.)

Apricots

It is that time of year, and we are canning apricots. The girls love it because they eat and eat and eat. The other day, we were at Grandma Tingey's house. Karla was picking the apricots up off the ground. She did really well opening it and eating it. Then she would plant the seed in Grandma's flower garden. Grandma Tingey was the first to notice what she was doing and laughed. "If we have an apricot tree there next year, we will know that Karla planted it."
Well Karla finally grabbed one and just ate it. Then she screamed and dropped it. "Yuck mommy. BUG, BUG, BUG!" We laughed and gave her hugs. She dropped it before I could see if there was a whole bug that starlted her or if only a half a bug was left. After that she wanted me to come pick them off the tree for her. And she has been very careful to see that there are no holes before she eats them now. If there is a little bug hole, she won't eat it.
Kylee on the other hand has been taking a bite or two, putting them in my bowl, and picking up another one. Todd is very frusterated with this. But we love them both. And we are glad they like the fruit. We are grateful to God, Grandma Tingey, and Gordon for the fruit.
We are anxious for the blackberries to come on in OR... at the end of the month.

A moment of nasalga, a shout out to old friends

My mom has encouraged us to write down our personal histories, in our last FHE. So you can see some of the past interspersted with present posts. Please endulge me in this. It seems this is the best place to keep some of these stories too.

Todd and I will sit, late at night, and talk about our memories. Old friends show up in our dreams, sometimes in weird ways. We wonder how they are doing and hope things are going well for them. If you ever come across this, send us an email and let us know how you are doing. We love you all.

Todd wonders about Katie Marler, his high school girlfriend, and Matt and Mindy, his best friend from forever it seems, (JR high, high school). He misses their friendship and hoenstly wishes the best for them.

I have a little longer list as I have moved around.
JR High makes me think mostly of Becca, Stacy, and Jeremy. My best friends and Jeremy, my first love. Becca and I kept in touch till she graduated from collage and lost her collage email. I do still keep in touch with Holly and Eric Turnidge. Their mom was my mom's very best friends. But I love them for themselves as well as their mom. It has been fun to watch as their lives evolve and change. They always make me smile and want to be better.

High School
I think of Chris Walters and Joseph Harshberger where they each had my heart for a time. I sincerely wonder how they are and hope life is good to them. I also wonder about my laurel girls, Heidi especially but not exclusively. It's been fun to run into a few of them as I have moved home. I also wonder about my band buddies, my freshman little brothers: Thad Posipical and Mitchell Rawlins, and Christina, Brianna, ect.

Collage
My best friends were Amber Young, who I have thankfully kept in touch with and love still, Kirsten Larsen, Eric Jones, Adam Hyer and Sister Morgan. I would have married either Eric or Adam and still wish them well. Kirsten taught me much of things of the spirit. And I am so grateful she was my roommate. We would often stay up till midnight talking about things we found in our scripture study. And occassionally it would end in a pillow fight. I was sad that we did not room together longer. I am also sad that I lost her in her transfer from BYU to BYU-Idaho.

Anyway, to all those who have touched my life, I thank you. There are many more that I haven't mentioned I know. I got to see Bishop Shacklee and his wife a few weeks ago when they came through the Tri-Cities. And my life has been richly blessed by so many dear friends and loved ones, family and adopted family. I thank the Lord for you all. And Todd and I don't forget.

Independance Day of our own

Our mommy and me group had a pool day at Sister Hazel's house. Karla, Kylee, Garth and I had a lot of fun and stayed cool. Karla and Kylee used the small entertubes left over from the Nef family reunion. They put them around their waist while I encouraged kicking. We swam around with a death grip on each arm for a while, but as they got more confident they loved their new found freedom. And on their own, with mom close by in case, they kicked to the deepend of the pool and back a couple of times. We played ball. Garth liked the squirt gun and also preformed a few cannon balls for us. It took Kylee a long time to try the water slide while Karla didn't get up the guts till the next day. She had a hard time understanding that her chance was gone. "Go back to the pool mommy."
This month Kylee got the hang of petaling! So both girls ride their bikes while Mom and Dad walk. Soon we will need our own bikes to keep up. We are so proud of Kylee. Karla found a stick while on a walk and brought it home. Then she wanted to paint her stick. After she had asked politely three days in a row, we painted sticks. Karla painted her entire stick. And Kylee painted one of my wooden spoons they have been using as a shovel in our dirt pile. Karla has asked for ribbons, and soon we will have some amazing home made wands. Karla likes to be Princess Presto off Super Why. "I a princess mom." How true it is. We love our girls.

Blessing Baby Ben

Mom, Garth, and I ditched Todd and the girls and ran out for Cyntha's baby blessing. We had a rocky start and didn't leave Tri-Cities until 10 am Saturday morning instead of 3 pm Friday night. First we couldn't stay with Amy. Then Todd had to work until 8 pm. And then Mom didn't feel good on Saturday morning. But we made it. We listened to Tomarrow's Dream on the way out. Good book, I cried half the drive. We joked and teased and laughed a lot. A lot of the jokes I couldn't repeat here. But we enjoyed each other's company, and it was good to be together. Fran (Cyntha's other mother) left us talking and reading scriptures. It was fun to read with my family. It's been a long time. And then in the morning Fran came out to find us all still talking. Dot got up because she wasn't feeling well and caught Garth eating M&M's. He threw a fit and woke Mom and I up. Then I got up and went to the bathroom, since I was awake anyway. And Mom hit the floor. When I came back, Mom went to the bathroom and I hit the floor. We got giggling. When Garth got up to use the bathroom. Mom took Garth's spot, and Dot took Mom's spot. And then we were really giggling, as we teased Garth. Cyntha joined us to nurse baby Ben.
Sean blessed Benjamin Thomas Brady. Of note, He was told to love his mother. We had a chance to talk over serious issues and have a family counsil. It was very good for all of us.
On the way home I got to stop and have a good talk with Dad, short but good. It was nice to see him. And Mom and I listened to the book The Peacegiver. It's a book I think everyone should read. My goal is to give away a 100 copies. It was good to read it again. And hard, but good to share it with my mom.
As for the kids, Todd took good care of the kids, cleaned the livingroom, washed two loads of laundry, cleaned my bathtub, and fixed my vaccum. I am so impressed. But it didn't look like he'd done much when I got home. Momma Nef and I comiserated with him. Todd said he understood that this is what I delt with everyday, but it really hit home this weekend. It was a good trip.

9/11

Pearl Harbor day is December 7th. Most people, my age anyway, don't even realize the day has come and gone. But it is the day my little sister was born. So I also stop and give a few moments of quite reflection to Pearl Harbor and those who died there that day. I have never lived in a world without Pearl Harbor Day. But my grandparents can remember the day, and what they were doing when they heard the news.
I think much the same will be said of my kids. I don't know how significant 9/11 will be in their lives, but they have never known this world pre-9/11. They won't understand how the USA has suttly changed due to that horrifying experience. It will simply be a part of our history. I wonder if it will be much like Peral Harbor was to me growing up. Maybe not.
I was at Ricks/BYU-Idaho. I had an early French class. I got up and quietly got dress so as not to bother my fortuante roommates who were still sleeping. I got to class and my teacher asked if we'd like to spend a few minutes talking about it? Talking about what? I was horrified as my classmate finally leaned over and explained what happened. I worked at the Writing Center after class, and we didn't have anyone come in. We sat around a small radio and listened as things were unfolded.
I spent much of the evening watching the news and trying to get a hold of my mother. Not that she was in any remote danger of being near anything, nor did she need to worry about me in Idaho. But I wanted to talk to my mommy and hear her voice.
I believe Todd was working construction and heard on the radio on his way to work.?? I would have to double check that to be sure.
Anyway, I thank God that we know of the atonement. Death takes on a whole new light when we remember that those who died are truely in a better place. And we can see them again. And it renews my strength in keeping my convenants so that I am worthy. I pray we have no empty seats when we get there. God does heal us from death, sin, fear, and pain. And His peace is enough and worth striving for. I am learning the power in eternal families and just how important they truly are in His plan of happiness. I know His gospel has been restored and is here for us if we but seek it. I am so grateful for His gospel and His sacrafice that makes events like 9/11 bearable. I can't imagin my life without His light.

Kylee has a potty party!

Saturday we threw Kylee a potty party. She is in underwear now! We made some stationary by using stamps. We painted. We read stories in a pool full of balloons. I think Todd and I blew up 60-70 balloons. And Kylee and I popped most of them. We'd jump on them or jump in the pool. We read "No more diapers for ducky" and "The Prince and the Potty." We dressed up like movie stars and had a photo shoot. We lite leftover sparklers. Kylee enjoyed the treats and the drinks. But we didn't quite figure out how to get to the potty. It worked for Karla. But we haven't given up yet. Mom says that when the parents decide it will happen, it happens. And they use to potty train at two. I just think we will be better off if we persevere and finish this. I think she's ready. We are trying a new approach this afternoon. We will see how it goes.

Cook Family Reunion

The Cook family all met up at Lake Chelan. It was fun to see those who could make it. We had Grandma and Grandpa Cook. Terry and Anita. Their 3 kids couldn't make it, but they are expecting their first grandchild in October. Brent couldn't make it either because he has 8 dogs. But Marci and Christy came along with Dominique and Terry. Terry is married to LaRissa and they have two girls. While Dominique is married to Nicole and they have two boys. They are still very close and live in the Tri-cities. John brough his three kids: Corey, Courtney (Out from NC), and Kadell. Helena and Ben were out with their 6 Kids. Darren, I think is the oldest and he is short like Rodney was; Cassie, who loved saying my name; Beth, another boy, Jason, . . . As you can see, I didn't quite pass the name test. It was kind of nice not having the youngest kid. And Mom with Lorna and I.
Karla loved seeing her cousins. Whenever we'd go somewhere in the car, she'd make sure her cousins were in a car near by. And when we went to go back home, she said she wanted to go back to her cousins house. We stayed in a cute bed and breakfast. We rented all but two of the rooms. And it kind of felt like a huge house. It had a seafaring theme. We stayed in the Commander room.
The fun part was listening to the stories as "the brothers and sisters" told stories. They talked about how young they started driving. I think Helena was the youngest at 8, but I may be getting my stories mixed up. They talked about looking through the steering wheel to see. Farm accidents and not on the farm accidents. One insurance dropped grandma and grandpa for having 29 accidents in 5 years. Mom shared her memories of bringing each baby home. The one I remember best is Terry. They had a long drive way at that house. And all the way down the driveway, mom told him "This is your new home. And you are my little brother." She was so excited to have a new brother. But did you know, she wasn't as excited to get Brent. She wanted a sister. But she named Brent. She wanted to name him David. And on the way into pick him up, she was reading the friend about a Brent. So they named him Brent David.
Todd came after work, after all of us, and got stopped by a fire in Quincy. A 3 hour drive became 6 hours. He drove in just after 1 am. He then stayed Wednesday night, but had to be back to work by Thursday morning. So he left at 3 am and kissed Mom and Helena goodbye.
We spent Wednesday at the Beach. Catching kids who jumped off the side or pierre. Sand castles, or more accurately large motes and lakes in the sand. The older kids got a Jet ski and did other fun, older activities--I couldn't tell you what exactly. But we had fun in the sand and kitty end of the lake. A lot of the adults sat and watched and talked. Todd got our cell phone wet, and we were grateful that mom had told us about the rice trick just that morning. And it worked!! We also had a lot of splashing and teasing.
It seemed like I spent most of the vacation in the bathroom or running to since Karla is still getting potty training down. We also fed the ducks once a day while there. And just before bedtime we went for a walk in the park across the street.
We had one night where we honored Grandma and Grandpa Cook. What an honor to be part of their posterity. Thank you.
We then went to Levinsworth, out of the way but on the way home, and we all went our own ways. It was fun to just focus on my kids. We liked the hat shop, wood toys, wind chimes and water fountains, mood rings, and polished rocks. We found out that Nef means Nephew. Grandma K and Karla looked at the nut crackers and really enjoyed the Christmas village. It's surprising because Karla's Grandma Mann loves the villages, but Karla hasn't see Grandma's village yet. It was a fun day

Paper Boy

We deliver the newspapers again. I started delivering newspapers the summer after my dad left. And it just seems that I can't shake it--it's in my blood now or something. In Albuquerque Todd had 3 routes he did in the morning, and I delivered one route in the afternoon. Now we are only doing it part time. They don't pay what the big city pays. But it's an extra car payment. We are only subs. Which means that we don't have to collect. We don't deliver Sundays--they don't pay enough for Sundays. We leave and dont' have to find subs. And we move routes often. But it has been fun. Todd and I switch off when we have small enough routes that we can. This last week we did a bigger route. We would get the kids up and let them sleep in the back seat. When they do wake up they want to help throw. "I walk momma." But they are starting to sleep through it. And it is kind of fun to do it with Todd. I hate waking up, but once we are up. It is nice to have that time together. That was the way it was delivering with my sisters too. You say the funniest things that early in the morning. One morning, I hadn't slept well. And my sister said "if you couldn't sleep why didn't you just get up and do it so I could continue to sleep." I asked her "Why didn't you do it and leave me sleeping?" She didn't say anything. And she didn't say anything. "Yeah for the same reason." She then looked at me and said "Because I'm a snot!" We like papers because we are done by the time the kids wake up. It's better than Todd getting a second job after work. We really enjoy taking Sunday's off and getting to sleep in at least one day a week. It really does make a difference. The Lord knew what he was saying when he said to rest on the seventh day. It has made it okay.

Salt and Pepper

Growing up Cyntha, my sister, and I compared ourselves to salt and pepper. We were as different as can be but complemented each other so nicely. She was tall; I was short. She was dark; I was blond. She was skinny; I was . . . not. She was quite; I wasn't. I played clarinet; she played drums. It has been interesting to see this happening with Karla and Kylee. Most people ask if they are twins, or assume they are twins. Karla is small for her age. Kylee is a little tall for hers. Karla is morning person--and wakes up in two minutes. Kylee is my night owl and takes 10 minutes to a half an hour before she is ready to face the world. Karla is very vocal, whereas Kylee has nonverbal communication down. Kylee is my snuggle bug, and Karla had to learn to give hugs. It has been fun to watch their personalities develop. I love them both very much. And I hope that they are best friends through out their entire life.

Kylee turns two!!

Kylee turned two this week. We went and saw veggie tales at the big movie on her birthday with Uncle Garth (Garth and Karla liked the movie. Kylee enjoyed running around the theater). Then on Saturday we had a party at the park: rootbeer floats (with homemade rootbeer--with dry ice not yeast.) and a pinota. Then we played in the sprinklers at the water park. They were so excited about the water, Kylee got tired of presents very fast. But it was fun to be with friends and family. We had a good time.
The next day, Kylee woke up and decided she wanted to wear big girl panties to church. She made it all the way through church with dry panties, and went poop in the potty once. But this afternoon has been more interesting. It's time to throw Kylee a Big Girl Potty Party I think.
We are loving the fresh fruit. Every time we go to Grandma Tingey's house, the girls ask for several apricots. And they have found the raspberry patch too. My kids don't go hunry when their is a garden around!! We miss having a garden of our own, but maybe next year!!

Karla was watching Brother Bear. And then she ran to the bathroom. I walked past and heard her quoting the movie, to herself, "you shut up. No you shut up. No you shut up." And then she'd giggle. We talked about the fact that we don't say that to people, but in the movie it's kind of funny huh.
Now, we went camping for the fourth of July. And Karla has decided she likes squating instead of sitting on the Potty. So when we went to the postoffice today for a field trip. In the parking lot, she just pulled down her pants and squated. She was tickled pink but I was blushed red. But we had no accidents today!!
Did I talk about the fourth of July yet? We went up to Dayton. We'd heard the fishing was good. So we went. They had a firework show. And we got to sit in the hot tub for a while. Kylee found a cat. And her and this cat played hide-n-seek for 45 minutes. The cat would hide and then let Kylee find it. Kylee would drag this pour cat around for a while and then the cat would hide. It was as long as Kylee is tall. It was funny to watch. The really funny part was when I tried to rescue this poor cat. It was purring. I let it be. But Todd did catch two small fish. And we enjoyed being away with just our little family. Although we wish we could of been in Idaho with the rest of you. We love you lots.

BIG GIRL POTTY PARTY

Last Saturday Karla and I had a big girl potty party. We potty trained a doll and then she got a present of DORA underware. (She picks them over the plain colored and flowered ones every time). Anyway, by the end of the day I was discouraged. But plugged ahead with a lot of encouragment from my two wonderful and patient mothers. But Sunday, Karla surprised us and went to the potty half the time. And this continued Monday and Tuesday. This morning, she got up and went potty twice with out any encouragment and then came and got me to show me and get her "Sticker." Right now, she gets a temporary tattoo everytime she goes in the potty. You should see her tummy!! And, knock on wood, she had had no accidents today. We are meeting Daddy at McDonalds tonight to celebrate and give her her big girl car seat. We are so proud of her!!
She is proud of herself too. She keeps informing Kylee that Kylee is still a baby while Karla is a big girl. Kylee surprised us last night though and went potty in the toilet for the first time last night. Since you only get a sticker on your tummy if you sit on the potty. She has a fairy for going potty in the toilet. You also only get your toe nails painted if you sit on the potty. So we are working towards repeating the first feat!! It has been a fun week. And I am finding my nervousness about this feat as a parent starting to ebe finally. I do thank God for those cute girls.

Nef Family Reunion

We just returned from the Nef Family Reunion at Ensign Ranch this year. We missed many family members due to varied reasons--all good ones. But it was fun to see everyone else. My how the kids have grown. Last year, Kylee wasn't walking yet--almost but not yet. And Karla was just putting two and three word phrases together. Now Kylee keeps up with her sister and both are talking fairly well.
The highlights of the reunion: would have to be the water slide at the top of the list. The girls only went down a few times. But Todd and I went down lots while the kids played in the water. Todd enjoyed the rope swing along with mostly brothers. Todd also disappeared frequently to go fishing--he never did catch one though. He even missed the end family pictures because he had sneaked off to go fishing. We enjoyed talking around the fire. And Karla loved all her new cousin friends. She was always tagging along with someone to go anywhere. They enjoyed playing in the dirt, running, and bubbles!
It was nice and relaxing and just long enough. We miss all of you already. And love you very much.

Active imagination and a good memory

Two days ago, Karla was playing nicely while Kylee took her nap. She was talking about tieing up the monster. After a few minutes she came to me "mom, my (imaginary) friend is buggin' me." So the friend, that she imagins what they do, is buggin her. I am starting to wonder if she likes being bugged. But that is her big thing lately: Kylee is bugging me, Garth is bugging me, Mom, you bugging me. I am still laughing about her imaginary friend bugging her though.
We made the family ties game for the family reunion. I had it home a half an hour when Garth insisted I finish cutting it out so we could play it. So while cutting, Karla and Kylee was looking through the ties. "Where is me?" Karla asked several times. She got very excited about Trevor and Grandma K and Papa. She found Grandma Nef, but wasn't sure who the guy with her was (Grandpa Nef). It was a fun learning moment as we talked about resurrection. "This is my cousin?" was an often asked question too. The funniest was when she found Emily and Devin's tie. "Momma this is Em (Emily)." I asked her "who is with Emily?" She wasn't sure. So we talked about Devin and how they caught the frog. Karla remembered the frog. "Devin left me," was her response. "He left me. Then he gave me a ride. And the frog swim in the water." What happened was that Devin had taken Trevor for a four wheeler ride. She ran to ask if she could go, but didn't get their attention in time. She was devistated to be left behind. So when they came back, she asked for a ride. And Devin took both her and Kylee out. And they did catch a frog. I asked Karla, "did you hold the frog?" "No just Devin."

Potty Training War Story, size 16!

We are attempting to potty train. Karla has somedays she is really interesting and some she is not. The otherday she had gotten a reward for going potty. A little later on that day, she went in and got on the potty. Then she came and got me, "I went potty!!" bare bottomed. She then proceeded to get her own diaper and put it on--backwards. But she did it herself. Kylee still has only sat on the potty. Maybe soon she will follow with actually using the potty.
We also watched Corey Cook take his big walk. He did it and graduated!! Still no word on his game plans. "Work." Is all he has said on the topic.
I took Mom shopping for her birthday. We found a 50% off sale! So I picked up a couple of shirts for Todd since his are wearing out. And I found myself a pair of jeans that I look good in: just one. And the exciting part is that I got a size 16. I haven't been into size 16 since collage!! Now my weight is technically up 6 lbs. But I am in a size 16. So hopefully the weight is soon to follow.

everyday, normal, cute life

Tuesday, I was working in the back of the house. Karla had pushed play and my work out came on. So both Karla and Kylee grabbed a weight and started dancing around. Todd asked "what have you taught them?" "Atleast their active." But I think they are cute too. You should see Karla doing downward dog with me when I do yoga!!
Lately Karla's thing has been "I'm sick. I need icecream for breakfast. It make me feel better." "I sick. I go to the park. It make me feel better." Because Uncle Garth was sick, then mom was sick. Kylee has just started, "I sick." They do pick up fast!!
Other than that, it is life as normal. Todd is working. I'm trying to get the house clean. And the girls are trying to stay entertained. Life is good.

It's nice to be home

It was fun to see Grandma K. She took us to bear world. The girls petted the pregnant deer and saw the bears. Karla remembers that the pigmy "goat ate Trevor's shirt." We also got to see Grandma K's newest quilt she is making. Mom also took Grandma Cook and I to the Rexburg temple. I enjoyed seeing how grown up Trevor and Tiffany are getting to be. And to get to know Emily and see how much Devin loves her. I have been praying for a couple of years now that Devin's wife would like me. When I saw how cute she was it didn't surprise me, but it made me nervous and I prayed all the harder. And it was nice to find out that we do have more in common than I would of thought. I really enjoyed getting to know her, and I don't worry anymore.
Eventhough it was a good visit, it is nice to be home. Todd finished refinishing a bookcase for me. I am tickled pink with it. He says it's not quite Dad's quality. Now I can finish unpacking!!

Fun at Grandma's

Tiffany Graduates!

Karla, Kylee, Grandma Cook and I ditched our hubbies and came out to see TIffany take her big walk across the stage. Karla even went down and took one of the beach balls the kids had knocked behind their seats. It has been so fun to see everyone. Emily taught me how to do this blog thing, and it has been so fun to watch hers grow and see pictures: so here we are!!: The Todd Nef family!