Last night Kasidee was telling Quentin that she and I were at the store one day and we went to the "girl aisle" to pick out a pretty shampoo. We smelled one and I said, "Ew, that smells like a man!" After Kasidee finished telling that story and laughing, Makenna's eyes got big and she said, "Really? What did it smell like?" (and then whispering), "Like poop?"
Kasidee loves the PBS show "Super Why," with Wyatt and the "Super Readers." One day Kasidee turned to me and said, "I know why they are Super Weirders - because they're weird!" (She mixed up the word weirders for readers!)
One night when I was going to put all 3 girls in the bathtub for a quick rinse-off, they were arguing about who got to be in front. I said, "Seriously? We already have magnets on our fridge to keep track of whose turn it is to pray and whose turn it is to have me sit by them during bedtime stories...do we have to argue about whose turn it is to be in the front of the tub too?" Kiera said, "Well, those things are worth fighting about!"
I love how Kasidee and most of her preschool friends use the words "Goed" and "Gotted" and "Haded" for past tense words. So cute!
The other day I asked Kasidee how she got to be so pretty and so sweet. She said, "Because I wanted to be that way!"
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Progressive Rocks!
Okay, so I'm sure we've all seen or heard the advertisements that it pays to shop around for auto insurance. And over the last couple of years I've read articles that the potential savings can be great if you just compare insurance quotes. I always thought, "Well, I think our insurance is pretty cheap and it just seems like a hassle to have to check with a dozen companies to save 20 bucks."
Well, I stand corrected. This weekend we spent about an hour - from the convenience of our computer - checking out insurance companies and getting free quotes. Actually, we only checked out 2 other companies before we realized that we were getting ripped off by our current insurance company. After just a few clicks, we switched insurance to Progressive and saved over 400 buck-a-roonies EACH year! Is that crazy or what? Of course, since we have really old cars and haven't had claims or accidents, we got basic insurance for cheap.
So...here's my little shout-out to doing a little research to save serious money! Yahoo!
Well, I stand corrected. This weekend we spent about an hour - from the convenience of our computer - checking out insurance companies and getting free quotes. Actually, we only checked out 2 other companies before we realized that we were getting ripped off by our current insurance company. After just a few clicks, we switched insurance to Progressive and saved over 400 buck-a-roonies EACH year! Is that crazy or what? Of course, since we have really old cars and haven't had claims or accidents, we got basic insurance for cheap.
So...here's my little shout-out to doing a little research to save serious money! Yahoo!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Book Blizzard
I am a sucker for children's picture books. They're simple and sweet, and they just make me feel so good inside. There are millions of titles in print, but (in my opinion) there are only a few hundred that are "treasures."
The fourth grade classes at Kiera's school have been working on a "Book Blizzard" presentation that they did today. Each student was to choose a favorite children's book and present it to the school and to parents. They needed to do a poster representing their book and have at least 2 props to support it. They also needed to "show off" their chosen book and tell about their favorite part.
When Kiera got the assignment, she came home from school so excited and got to work - she knew exactly which book she wanted to do and how she wanted to present it! "Homework" is easy when it's fun!
Going to the Book Blizzard this morning was fun. The kids put a lot of thought into their presentations, and it was nice having something that was just for fun. It was great seeing what the kids' favorite books are (I think 5 of them chose one of those "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" books) and there are some I've never heard of that I want to check out. What a fun thing to do in January!
The fourth grade classes at Kiera's school have been working on a "Book Blizzard" presentation that they did today. Each student was to choose a favorite children's book and present it to the school and to parents. They needed to do a poster representing their book and have at least 2 props to support it. They also needed to "show off" their chosen book and tell about their favorite part.
When Kiera got the assignment, she came home from school so excited and got to work - she knew exactly which book she wanted to do and how she wanted to present it! "Homework" is easy when it's fun!
Going to the Book Blizzard this morning was fun. The kids put a lot of thought into their presentations, and it was nice having something that was just for fun. It was great seeing what the kids' favorite books are (I think 5 of them chose one of those "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" books) and there are some I've never heard of that I want to check out. What a fun thing to do in January!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Outer Order / Inner Calm
I read an article in January's Good Housekeeping magazine this morning that spoke to me. Gretchen Rubin wrote, "One of the things that has surprised me most is the inverse relationship between clutter and happiness. In the context of a happy life, maintaining a roomy coat closet or a bare kitchen counter may seem like a trivial accomplishment, but somehow it can have a grand effect on your level of happiness. For most people...outer order contributes to inner calm. When I'm surrounded by a mess, I feel restless and unsettled, but clearing clutter gives me a surge of energy."
A-Men! I totally agree! Sometimes I wonder if I'm really OCD because I can't seem to foucs on ANYTHING unless my environment is in order. When I worked as an office administrator, I couldn't start my day until everything was just right on my desk and in my work area. And I noticed that when I was particulary stressed at work, for some reason I would be driven to make sure the Kleenex box was perfectly straight and the papers in my inbox looked neat.
I'm still the same way at home. I have a routine in the morning that includes going in each room and straightening it so it's just right. I know that me or my kids or their friends will mess it up throughout the day, but it gives me inner calmness to start out right. (However, most times I feel like I spend ALL morning getting it just right!)
Even so...I still have stuff. This winter I've been tackling some of my "clutter problem areas" and I feel like I've finally conquered just about every nook and cranny in my house - though it's always something to keep up on. I don't want ANYTHING in my house (or garage or shed or car) unless I need it or love it. Living with other people makes it a little tougher, but I need to respect their stuff and also realize that my girls will eventually outgrow some of their stuff (toys!) and then I (and they) will have fond memories with those things....
A-Men! I totally agree! Sometimes I wonder if I'm really OCD because I can't seem to foucs on ANYTHING unless my environment is in order. When I worked as an office administrator, I couldn't start my day until everything was just right on my desk and in my work area. And I noticed that when I was particulary stressed at work, for some reason I would be driven to make sure the Kleenex box was perfectly straight and the papers in my inbox looked neat.
I'm still the same way at home. I have a routine in the morning that includes going in each room and straightening it so it's just right. I know that me or my kids or their friends will mess it up throughout the day, but it gives me inner calmness to start out right. (However, most times I feel like I spend ALL morning getting it just right!)
Even so...I still have stuff. This winter I've been tackling some of my "clutter problem areas" and I feel like I've finally conquered just about every nook and cranny in my house - though it's always something to keep up on. I don't want ANYTHING in my house (or garage or shed or car) unless I need it or love it. Living with other people makes it a little tougher, but I need to respect their stuff and also realize that my girls will eventually outgrow some of their stuff (toys!) and then I (and they) will have fond memories with those things....
#@%& Pinterest!
Okay, so after months and months of hearing about Pinterest, a few weeks ago I finally checked it out. After initially feeling overwhelmed and confused, I got hooked. Big time. It is such a waste of time - but I feel drawn to it every spare moment I have. It's fun to get great ideas about everything under the sun, but it also makes me feel wishful and stressed that I can't do every single project right. this. second.
However, it has also helped inspire and motivate me. I love Januarys so I can focus on indoor projects, whether it's home improvement projects, trying new recipes, doing crafts. One thing I've noticed on Pinterest is that little things can make a big difference.
So...since is was a dreary and drizzly day today (my favorite kind!) and we had a free day stretched out in front of us, we decided to tackle some "forgotten projects" that were on our list. Not on Pinterest's list, but on the list of things we noticed when we moved in 5 years ago but hadn't thought much of since. We love, love, love our home and think everything about it is perfect and beautiful. But it's got weird electrical issues. One light switch has to be pushed all the way up to make the lights stay on, and lately it has gotten to the point where it won't stay on at all. The kitchen light switch used to work fine, but about a year ago we ended up having to flip the switch DOWN to turn the lights ON. And one of our recessed lights goes on or off depending on it's mood.
So...we went to Home Depot this afternoon to get stuff to fix these things, and I spotted some brushed nickel knobs and handles. When we first moved into our house, we noticed that 4 of the closet doors (that all looked the same) had 4 different types of '80's style knobs on them. I remember changing the knobs within the first month of moving in. But for some reason (money? time? lack of interest?) I found myself overlooking the ugly knobs in the laundry room. But when I saw the sleek, new, beautiful knobs at Home Depot I knew it was time.
Even though "honey wood" is not "the latest" thing, I love it's warmth and natural beauty. And adding pretty, classic knobs to my laundry cupboards and drawers brought them into the current century! I know it's a change that no one else may even notice, but to me it makes me happy inside. Just a little change can make a big difference in my little world that I see all day long. I knew you'd ask, so of course I took some before/after pics. Check it out:
BEFORE
AFTER
While I put the new knobs on, Quentin tackled the electrical issues and put new white switches and switchplates on. Little differences, I tell ya, make me smile. It makes our home seem newer and prettier!
Now...we just need another snowy, free day to finish changing our switch plates (half are cream and half are white) and our knobs (half are painted gold and half are brushed nickel) - I'm just a little OCD about stuff like that. Or...maybe I'll just keep it on the list!
However, it has also helped inspire and motivate me. I love Januarys so I can focus on indoor projects, whether it's home improvement projects, trying new recipes, doing crafts. One thing I've noticed on Pinterest is that little things can make a big difference.
So...since is was a dreary and drizzly day today (my favorite kind!) and we had a free day stretched out in front of us, we decided to tackle some "forgotten projects" that were on our list. Not on Pinterest's list, but on the list of things we noticed when we moved in 5 years ago but hadn't thought much of since. We love, love, love our home and think everything about it is perfect and beautiful. But it's got weird electrical issues. One light switch has to be pushed all the way up to make the lights stay on, and lately it has gotten to the point where it won't stay on at all. The kitchen light switch used to work fine, but about a year ago we ended up having to flip the switch DOWN to turn the lights ON. And one of our recessed lights goes on or off depending on it's mood.
So...we went to Home Depot this afternoon to get stuff to fix these things, and I spotted some brushed nickel knobs and handles. When we first moved into our house, we noticed that 4 of the closet doors (that all looked the same) had 4 different types of '80's style knobs on them. I remember changing the knobs within the first month of moving in. But for some reason (money? time? lack of interest?) I found myself overlooking the ugly knobs in the laundry room. But when I saw the sleek, new, beautiful knobs at Home Depot I knew it was time.
Even though "honey wood" is not "the latest" thing, I love it's warmth and natural beauty. And adding pretty, classic knobs to my laundry cupboards and drawers brought them into the current century! I know it's a change that no one else may even notice, but to me it makes me happy inside. Just a little change can make a big difference in my little world that I see all day long. I knew you'd ask, so of course I took some before/after pics. Check it out:
BEFORE
AFTER
While I put the new knobs on, Quentin tackled the electrical issues and put new white switches and switchplates on. Little differences, I tell ya, make me smile. It makes our home seem newer and prettier!
Now...we just need another snowy, free day to finish changing our switch plates (half are cream and half are white) and our knobs (half are painted gold and half are brushed nickel) - I'm just a little OCD about stuff like that. Or...maybe I'll just keep it on the list!
Shepherd's Pie
One of my New Year's goals is to try new recipes. (My goal was 2 new recipes each week, but I've slacked off a bit.) But the other night I made Shepherd's Pie. Traditionally, this is not a vegetarian dish, but there is a tasty vegan version in the frozen food section made by Amy's. But I've never made it myself, so I challenged myself to do it. It really wasn't that hard (it only took about 20 minutes to prepare - mostly chopping veggies - and 30 minutes to bake.) The results were de-LISH! This is definitely something I will be adding to our repertoire of recipes. And the best thing is, you can add any combination of veggies, beans, legumes, etc. and top it with mashed potatoes. Mmmm...simplicity and comfort in a bowl!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
2012
I know the new year has been going for 18 days now, so I don't know why I didn't think of this til now. (I get my greatest thoughts either in the shower or folding laundry, which is when this epiphany happened.) So...2012 should be an eventful year for us. Check it out:
* I will turn 35
* Kiera will turn 10
* Makenna will turn 8 and be baptized
* Kasidee will turn 5 and start kindergarten
* Grandma J will turn 90
* Grandpa J will have been gone for 20 years
* We will have been in our house for 5 years
* Q and I will celebrate our 15-year anniversary
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Funny
One of the things Quentin and I gave the girls for Christmas were "Gratitude Journals." They're really just planning calendars for the year, with a couple of lines to write stuff. Anyway, all 3 of them look forward to being able to write something they're thankful for that day. It took me a couple of days to realize that Kasidee says "Fankle" for "Thankful." How cute is that?!
As I was tucking Makenna into bed last night, she asked me to brush her hair to help relax her. I commented on how long her hair is getting, and told her that Daddy could trim her hair any time she wants. She said, "No, I want long hair like Rapunzel...so I can whack people with it." That's Makenna - my sweet princess with an attitude!
As I was tucking Makenna into bed last night, she asked me to brush her hair to help relax her. I commented on how long her hair is getting, and told her that Daddy could trim her hair any time she wants. She said, "No, I want long hair like Rapunzel...so I can whack people with it." That's Makenna - my sweet princess with an attitude!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Finally
I think everyone all along the Wasatch Front has wondered why we haven't gotten any snow so far. Okay, maybe a skiff here and there, but none that really sticks. But finally today (after the weatherman predicted 1/2 inch) we woke up to about 5 or 6 inches! The girls were so excited and raced outside to play. But silly me, I didn't think about the camera until Makenna was the only one left outside. She put on some old ski goggles, laid down in the snow, and put snowballs on the goggles. Silly girl!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Insight
It seems our sweet Kiera has always had issues with her ears. As a baby she had recurrent ear infections and when she was a toddler she had ear tubes put in. After a couple of years, those fell out and she continued to get more ear infections. Another set was put in when she was 5, and one of the tubes came out a couple of years later. However, the tube in her left ear never came out after over 4 years (they are supposed to fall out on their own after a year or two.) So...back to the doctor, who recommended they take it out and put a paper patch over the hole in her eardrum. All of that would only take about 15 minutes but she would have to be put to sleep and it would have to be done in the hospital.
So...we left after 6:00 this morning and went to Primary Children's Hospital. All is well and Kiera woke up with a big smile on her face. But today I had a moment of reflection. Driving to the hospital I kept thinking, "Why does Kiera have to keep going through issues with her ears? And why did Makenna and Kasidee have issues with their teeth when they were babies? I'm so tired of medical problems! Why do we have to go through all of this?" And then I was immediately humbled as we sat in the waiting room and saw babies with tubes all over their bodies; babies who have had dozens of surgeries; and a baby who had to have an operation every week for the last 8 weeks.
Woah. My eyes teared up as I realized how very lucky we are. These medical "problems" my girls have had are really no big deal. They're routine and affect lots of kids. They're easily treatable and don't affect their quality of life. I was trapped in my own bubble of seeing my kids suffer and didn't focus on how healthy and blessed they are. I will hold my girls close tonight as we pray for the sweet kids we saw in the waiting room, and all the others who have such big mountains to climb....
So...we left after 6:00 this morning and went to Primary Children's Hospital. All is well and Kiera woke up with a big smile on her face. But today I had a moment of reflection. Driving to the hospital I kept thinking, "Why does Kiera have to keep going through issues with her ears? And why did Makenna and Kasidee have issues with their teeth when they were babies? I'm so tired of medical problems! Why do we have to go through all of this?" And then I was immediately humbled as we sat in the waiting room and saw babies with tubes all over their bodies; babies who have had dozens of surgeries; and a baby who had to have an operation every week for the last 8 weeks.
Woah. My eyes teared up as I realized how very lucky we are. These medical "problems" my girls have had are really no big deal. They're routine and affect lots of kids. They're easily treatable and don't affect their quality of life. I was trapped in my own bubble of seeing my kids suffer and didn't focus on how healthy and blessed they are. I will hold my girls close tonight as we pray for the sweet kids we saw in the waiting room, and all the others who have such big mountains to climb....
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve
Last night Quentin stayed up a little late, playing the XBOX - and wrapping some presents (that's why I forgave him for playing the XBOX!) I let the girls crawl into bed with me, and Quentin ended up taking a picture of all his girls!
We asked Kasidee when she thinks Santa starts loading up his bag for the Christmas Eve delivery. She talked about it for awhile and then said, "I think he has 17 bags. Or maybe 2."
Kiera has been working for days on a nativity script for her bears and stuffed animals to put on. I overheard them practicing. She said that they were going to be taxed by Chester Augustus.
We asked Kasidee when she thinks Santa starts loading up his bag for the Christmas Eve delivery. She talked about it for awhile and then said, "I think he has 17 bags. Or maybe 2."
Kiera has been working for days on a nativity script for her bears and stuffed animals to put on. I overheard them practicing. She said that they were going to be taxed by Chester Augustus.
Waiting for Santa
Last Monday the girls were surprised to get a phone call from...S-A-N-T-A!! They each got on a phone (Quentin listened in too!) and Santa talked to all of them - and of course he knew each of them by name! That was such a fun surprise!
Then on Thursday the girls took their letters to Santa and put them in the special "Santa Mailbox" at the post office. We got them in on the very last day, and we were surprised that each of the girls received a letter from Santa in the mailbox the very next day!
Then on Thursday the girls took their letters to Santa and put them in the special "Santa Mailbox" at the post office. We got them in on the very last day, and we were surprised that each of the girls received a letter from Santa in the mailbox the very next day!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Busy-ness - 'Tis the Season!
Boy, it's been a busy week! I love that Christmas time is filled with lots of activities - things to do, places to go, people to see - but it sure can be busy! Throw a birthday in the mix, and it can be exhausting! But that's one of the things that makes this season so exciting and exhilirating - and another reason why the quietness of January is so welcome!
Here's a recap of our week last week (not including Quentin working fixing the roof, preschool, Young Womens, playing, shopping, cooking, wrapping, planning, etc. etc.):
Kiera had a piano recital. She had a Christmas solo and a Christmas duet (which I played with her.) For a month, she really struggled with these pieces - they were pretty tough! At one point she was in tears saying she just couldn't do it. Her teacher encouraged her to keep trying and to practice each piece as much as she could. Her teacher said if she couldn't get it a week before the recital, she had another easier piece Kiera could play. When Kiera told me this, my first reaction was relief. I thought, "Oh, let's just go with the easier piece because this other one is just creating too much stress!" But I am proud of Kiera - instead of taking the easier one, she felt more determined to "conquer" the harder piece. After lots and lots of practice - and a few more tears! - she did it. She was able to play both pieces perfectly! I could tell she was proud of herself and felt like she had accomplished something huge!
Friday night we met Corbin and Nikki and their kids at the Gingerbread House Festival at the Gateway. We had dinner at the food court, saw lots of gingerbread houses, visited Santa, rode Trax to Temple Square, checked out the Deseret Book window, and quickly looked at the lights on Temple Square (it was bitterly cold!) What a fun night!
On Saturday we went to the ward Christmas breakfast. I thought it was really well-done. Good food, good friends, and a great turn-out! After breakfast some of the Primary kids sang some songs - and in walked Santa! The look on the kids' faces was priceless! Then the kids got to visit with Santa, who gave them a small candy cane and a bag of "reindeer food."
Last night we went to Ben and Jen's for our annual Johnson Christmas party. LOTS of good food, nickel bingo (Makenna won over $7!), the cousin gift exchange, and the adult gift exchange. Ben and Jen really know how to host a great get-together! It's always so much fun, and Ben keeps us laughing!
Grandma with her 10 (soon to be 11!) "Greats!"
Here's a recap of our week last week (not including Quentin working fixing the roof, preschool, Young Womens, playing, shopping, cooking, wrapping, planning, etc. etc.):
Kiera had a piano recital. She had a Christmas solo and a Christmas duet (which I played with her.) For a month, she really struggled with these pieces - they were pretty tough! At one point she was in tears saying she just couldn't do it. Her teacher encouraged her to keep trying and to practice each piece as much as she could. Her teacher said if she couldn't get it a week before the recital, she had another easier piece Kiera could play. When Kiera told me this, my first reaction was relief. I thought, "Oh, let's just go with the easier piece because this other one is just creating too much stress!" But I am proud of Kiera - instead of taking the easier one, she felt more determined to "conquer" the harder piece. After lots and lots of practice - and a few more tears! - she did it. She was able to play both pieces perfectly! I could tell she was proud of herself and felt like she had accomplished something huge!
Friday night we met Corbin and Nikki and their kids at the Gingerbread House Festival at the Gateway. We had dinner at the food court, saw lots of gingerbread houses, visited Santa, rode Trax to Temple Square, checked out the Deseret Book window, and quickly looked at the lights on Temple Square (it was bitterly cold!) What a fun night!
On Saturday we went to the ward Christmas breakfast. I thought it was really well-done. Good food, good friends, and a great turn-out! After breakfast some of the Primary kids sang some songs - and in walked Santa! The look on the kids' faces was priceless! Then the kids got to visit with Santa, who gave them a small candy cane and a bag of "reindeer food."
Last night we went to Ben and Jen's for our annual Johnson Christmas party. LOTS of good food, nickel bingo (Makenna won over $7!), the cousin gift exchange, and the adult gift exchange. Ben and Jen really know how to host a great get-together! It's always so much fun, and Ben keeps us laughing!
Grandma with her 10 (soon to be 11!) "Greats!"
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Happy Birthday Quentin!
I know my last post was about how wonderful my Quentin is, but I just wanted to give another shout-out to this wonderful guy! Today's his 36th birthday! Quentin is so great to always get my birthday and the girls' birthdays and our anniversary off, but for the past 6 years he hasn't been able to get any vacation days scheduled in December. Which really stinks because he can't get any time off around Christmas, but I always feel bad because he always has to go to work on his birthday. Yeah, I know what some of you may be thinking - MOST people have to work on their birthday and it shouldn't be that big of a deal. But like I said, Quentin is sentimental and is always so sweet to make our birthdays special and a day-long celebration. Except that he has to work on his birthdays. Erg.
But I digress.... I was looking so forward to this year because his birthday would be on a Saturday - finally a birthday off! But after working on our roof for 9 hours last Saturday and 8 hours last Monday, he realized he needed a few more hours (like 5!) to finish up the roof job. So after our ward breakfast this morning, he got to work. He finished it (yipee!) but it was too late to do a family activity or even take him out to dinner. So we ended up ordering Cafe Rio and eating at home, and then my mom and his family came over for cake, ice cream and presents. We had thought about watching a Christmas movie later tonight as a family, but he and I have both been sooooo tired!
So even though Quentin had the day off, he still had to work! But I am just so thankful for him - he works so hard and I always feel safe and secure around him. I love how, from the day we met, I could always totally be myself - and he even loves me!
Happy birthday to the best husband and daddy ever!
But I digress.... I was looking so forward to this year because his birthday would be on a Saturday - finally a birthday off! But after working on our roof for 9 hours last Saturday and 8 hours last Monday, he realized he needed a few more hours (like 5!) to finish up the roof job. So after our ward breakfast this morning, he got to work. He finished it (yipee!) but it was too late to do a family activity or even take him out to dinner. So we ended up ordering Cafe Rio and eating at home, and then my mom and his family came over for cake, ice cream and presents. We had thought about watching a Christmas movie later tonight as a family, but he and I have both been sooooo tired!
So even though Quentin had the day off, he still had to work! But I am just so thankful for him - he works so hard and I always feel safe and secure around him. I love how, from the day we met, I could always totally be myself - and he even loves me!
Happy birthday to the best husband and daddy ever!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
I Love This Man!
(This pic isn't the greatest, since it's dark and I couldn't use the flash, and our Christmas lights are reflecting and look like tiny UFOs.)
But this is Quentin, fixing the shingles on our roof in the dark. Today was the first chance he had to work on it since the big windstorm. - we estimate about 150 shingles were blown off and/or damaged. This morning, he had to wait till the frost melted (thank goodness we didn't have any snow!) and got to work just after noon. After 8:00 this evening he was still at it. His cousin Brian offered to help for a few hours (thanks Brian!) but it's still not quite finished. Quentin quit for the night when he noticed frost forming on the rooftop.
Anyway, the point of this post (and some of you may gag at the cheesiness)... I just love this man! He loves to fix things - anything - and I'm constantly amazed that he can usually always figure something out, even if he's never done it before. He is such a hard worker and will work tirelessly until something is done. He doesn't give up.
I'm just so proud of him for being able and willing to repair our home so that we can feel safe and sound again this winter. The girls and I were talking tonight about how lucky we are to have a husband/daddy that will work so hard for us. I always feel safe around Quentin. If there is ever a problem, I know that he will take care of it - and us. And I just can't thank him - and my Heavenly Father - enough! :)
Monday, December 5, 2011
Clean Up
When I woke up yesterday (Sunday) morning, my first thought was how grateful I was that the Wednesday night/Thursday morning windstorm was over and the mini windstorm Friday night was over too. I was looking forward to a normal day and being able to focus on "normality."
But then Quentin came home from his early bishopric meeting and said this Sunday was going to be very different. The meteorologists predicted another huge windstorm coming in Sunday night. And a big concern was that all of the debris from the first storm would become airborne and cause greater damage. Yikes! So...we went to our sacrament meeting (where another ward joined us) and saw the entire Stake Presidency, our bishopric, the other ward's bishop, and a member of the Stake High Council. Our bishop announced that our services would be abbreviated so that we could get out and work when the meeting was adjourned. They suggested we go home, eat something so we could have strength (even though it was Fast Sunday) and then secure our own homes. After that, the Brethren should check with their home teaching families, and then report to the Bishop's house, where we could be directed to other families in our ward that need help - or even families outside our ward.
In our Church, we are asked to keep the Sabbath Day holy by refraining from "heavy labor" on Sundays. However, our Stake President quoted from the book of James where it says, "Pure religion...is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction." He said that in this time of emergency we are asked to practice what we preach by helping and supporting our neighbors and ward family.
So...after returning home around noon, we ate some lunch and got to work. We removed our 6 sections of wooden fencing that came down and put it on the curb. We re-bolted our coach lights that had rattled loose in the first storm, and our neighbors helped us cut down an aspen tree that was mostly dead and would be compromised in another big storm - we didn't want it falling on our house!
After taking care of our house, we checked on neighbors. I was floored by how quickly everything got done! Fallen trees were cut down; tarps were put on roofs that need repairs; hundreds of trucks and trailers had men picking up any debris that was left on curbs. We even saw someone helping that was from our old neighborhood in Farmington! What was most humbling was seeing everyone pitching in and helping - and I saw groups of men saying humble prayers before beginning their work.
Our governor called in the Utah National Guard to help facilitate debris drop-off sites. 3 of Centerville's parks became temporary "dumps" for green waste and other debris. I couldn't believe how much there was!
Anyway, as we braced for yet another storm last night, we were grateful to feel prepared. And you know what? We went to bed around 11:00 with a slight breeze blowing - and didn't wake up till our alarms went off! We had a restful night and the wind wasn't bad! I'm sure a lot of prayers were offered, and the area was protected. Ahhhhh.....
But then Quentin came home from his early bishopric meeting and said this Sunday was going to be very different. The meteorologists predicted another huge windstorm coming in Sunday night. And a big concern was that all of the debris from the first storm would become airborne and cause greater damage. Yikes! So...we went to our sacrament meeting (where another ward joined us) and saw the entire Stake Presidency, our bishopric, the other ward's bishop, and a member of the Stake High Council. Our bishop announced that our services would be abbreviated so that we could get out and work when the meeting was adjourned. They suggested we go home, eat something so we could have strength (even though it was Fast Sunday) and then secure our own homes. After that, the Brethren should check with their home teaching families, and then report to the Bishop's house, where we could be directed to other families in our ward that need help - or even families outside our ward.
In our Church, we are asked to keep the Sabbath Day holy by refraining from "heavy labor" on Sundays. However, our Stake President quoted from the book of James where it says, "Pure religion...is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction." He said that in this time of emergency we are asked to practice what we preach by helping and supporting our neighbors and ward family.
So...after returning home around noon, we ate some lunch and got to work. We removed our 6 sections of wooden fencing that came down and put it on the curb. We re-bolted our coach lights that had rattled loose in the first storm, and our neighbors helped us cut down an aspen tree that was mostly dead and would be compromised in another big storm - we didn't want it falling on our house!
After taking care of our house, we checked on neighbors. I was floored by how quickly everything got done! Fallen trees were cut down; tarps were put on roofs that need repairs; hundreds of trucks and trailers had men picking up any debris that was left on curbs. We even saw someone helping that was from our old neighborhood in Farmington! What was most humbling was seeing everyone pitching in and helping - and I saw groups of men saying humble prayers before beginning their work.
Our governor called in the Utah National Guard to help facilitate debris drop-off sites. 3 of Centerville's parks became temporary "dumps" for green waste and other debris. I couldn't believe how much there was!
Anyway, as we braced for yet another storm last night, we were grateful to feel prepared. And you know what? We went to bed around 11:00 with a slight breeze blowing - and didn't wake up till our alarms went off! We had a restful night and the wind wasn't bad! I'm sure a lot of prayers were offered, and the area was protected. Ahhhhh.....
Father Christmas AND Santa
Saturday was a busy and fun day. We met cousins at the Rock Loft/Secret Haven to visit Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus (or as Kasidee says, "The Mom Santa.") The Rock Loft is one of our favorite places, and it's perfect at Christmastime - especially when we get to see Father Christmas! It was so nice - festive decor, yummy scents, and no lines!!
From there, we headed up to the annual Stephens family Christmas party. We had a potluck dinner, watched Quentin's brother Mike's family's "Shadow Presentation" of the Savior's birth and life, the kids got to visit with Santa, and we played games. Best of all, it was nice to visit with family that we sometimes only get to see once a year!
Kiera and Marina hugging Santa/Uncle Mike (Kiera thinks it's pretty cool that her uncle Chris and uncle Mike get to be Santa's special helpers!)
Cute pic of Quentin's dad and grandma
From there, we headed up to the annual Stephens family Christmas party. We had a potluck dinner, watched Quentin's brother Mike's family's "Shadow Presentation" of the Savior's birth and life, the kids got to visit with Santa, and we played games. Best of all, it was nice to visit with family that we sometimes only get to see once a year!
Kiera and Marina hugging Santa/Uncle Mike (Kiera thinks it's pretty cool that her uncle Chris and uncle Mike get to be Santa's special helpers!)
Cute pic of Quentin's dad and grandma
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wicked Wind
Wow. I've never been in a hurricane or a tornado before, but what we endured Wednesday night into Thursday must be (I imagine) what it feels like. I have never seen anything like it. We were awakened just before 2:00 a.m. from scary, house-shaking winds. Normally, even during extremely windy or rainy times, we don't hear a thing. Our house is solid and sturdy and I feel so safe and protected in it. And as the winds were howling, I was so grateful to be in our home. But it was scary!
After the winds began around 2:00, each of the girls came traipsing into our bedroom, about 20 minutes apart. Quentin and I scooted over and let them into our bed - until all 3 of them were there, so I offered to let them stay with Quentin and I would sleep in Kiera's bed. But it was so noisy and my heart was pounding so I couldn't sleep.
After tossing and turning, I got up at 4:00 and watched the news. Pretty soon every one else was up and we watched it together. Then at 6:00 the power went out.
I thought the storm wouldn't seem so scary once the sun came up, but I almost think it was worse because we could see all the damage that was going on. We would go from the east side of the house to the south side to the west side and it seemed like every time we looked out the window we could see more damage to our neighbor's homes. Across the street, 3 huge trees that have been there for 30 years toppled over. Shingles were flying everywhere, and we could see them peeling and flying off our neighbor's roof. It was horrible. At one point, we were pretty sure all the rocking of one of our flowering pear trees would cause it to topple. Looking at the grass surrounding the tree, it looked like ocean waves. It was so weird, but our tree survived. In fact, we didn't lose any trees - thank goodness.
Needless to say, Quentin didn't go to work (he was afraid if we opened the door from the house into the garage it would change the air pressure and our garage door would be sucked in) and the girls stayed home from school - we later found out that all schools in Centerville were closed. I even cancelled my preschool class for the day.
So the storm started just before 2:00 a.m and the winds didn't die down till after 12:30 p.m. It was just constant, horrible wind - with gusts up to 102 (that's Category 2 wind for hurricanes!) I guess Centerville got hit the worst.
After the wind started to die down (finally), we ventured out to assess the damage to our home, walk around the block to see our neighbors' homes, and chat with neighbors.
We were pretty lucky and our home fared pretty well compared to most of our neighbors. 6 sections of our ugly wood fence came down, our downspout and a few pieces of fascia and soffit disappeared, lots of shingles came off (but luckily there is another layer underneath, so our roof is still protected until we can replace the shingles), something hit the side of our stucco and made a big hole in it, a power line came down in our backyard and wrapped around our peach tree, and perhaps the worst damage was that our garage door was bowed in about a foot. Check it out:
(SHINGLES ALL OVER OUR GRASS)
Our tent trailer, which weighs a beastly amount, was actually pushed about 3 feet to the edge of the retaining wall that it sits on. The thing we bought to hold the wheel tight scraped along the driveway as it blew.
As we checked out our block and neighboring streets, I thought it was weird how huge trees could be blown over like they were toothpicks, but small Christmas decorations (like plastic candy canes lining the driveway) were left untouched. It was just weird what the storm did and where it hit the hardest.
Here are some of our neighbors' homes:
And here's a few pics of homes on streets near our house:
This is my grandma's neighbor's house, a mobile home. It was unbelievable that Grandma's house was just fine, except for an awning that came off - but then right next to her was this:
It was a freaky storm! Our power was off beginning at 6:00 a.m. and we were told to be prepared to be without power for up to 48 hours. We have a gas fireplace and would have been fine to sleep in front of it, but my mom tempted us with a warm dinner at her house and offered to let us stay overnight. We had only slept about 3 hours the night before and I really didn't want another sleepless night in a cold home, so we went over to Mom's. Around 7:30 we talked to some of our neighbors and they let us know the power was back on. It would have made sense for us to go back home, but the girls were so excited to stay at Granny's house overnight, so we did. At least we had a soft place to land after such a crazy day!
Today (Friday) we spent the day picking up shingles and twigs and debris out of our yard, straightening our porch lights, and contacting our insurance company. I'm amazed how something like this can make us be so aware of things we take for granted (electricity, a warm home, a good night's sleep, etc.) and be grateful for safety and security!
Oh, and check out these cute little birds that were holding on for dear life during the storm. There was no break at all in the wind so they couldn't fly - they just had to stay where they were!
After the winds began around 2:00, each of the girls came traipsing into our bedroom, about 20 minutes apart. Quentin and I scooted over and let them into our bed - until all 3 of them were there, so I offered to let them stay with Quentin and I would sleep in Kiera's bed. But it was so noisy and my heart was pounding so I couldn't sleep.
After tossing and turning, I got up at 4:00 and watched the news. Pretty soon every one else was up and we watched it together. Then at 6:00 the power went out.
I thought the storm wouldn't seem so scary once the sun came up, but I almost think it was worse because we could see all the damage that was going on. We would go from the east side of the house to the south side to the west side and it seemed like every time we looked out the window we could see more damage to our neighbor's homes. Across the street, 3 huge trees that have been there for 30 years toppled over. Shingles were flying everywhere, and we could see them peeling and flying off our neighbor's roof. It was horrible. At one point, we were pretty sure all the rocking of one of our flowering pear trees would cause it to topple. Looking at the grass surrounding the tree, it looked like ocean waves. It was so weird, but our tree survived. In fact, we didn't lose any trees - thank goodness.
Needless to say, Quentin didn't go to work (he was afraid if we opened the door from the house into the garage it would change the air pressure and our garage door would be sucked in) and the girls stayed home from school - we later found out that all schools in Centerville were closed. I even cancelled my preschool class for the day.
So the storm started just before 2:00 a.m and the winds didn't die down till after 12:30 p.m. It was just constant, horrible wind - with gusts up to 102 (that's Category 2 wind for hurricanes!) I guess Centerville got hit the worst.
After the wind started to die down (finally), we ventured out to assess the damage to our home, walk around the block to see our neighbors' homes, and chat with neighbors.
We were pretty lucky and our home fared pretty well compared to most of our neighbors. 6 sections of our ugly wood fence came down, our downspout and a few pieces of fascia and soffit disappeared, lots of shingles came off (but luckily there is another layer underneath, so our roof is still protected until we can replace the shingles), something hit the side of our stucco and made a big hole in it, a power line came down in our backyard and wrapped around our peach tree, and perhaps the worst damage was that our garage door was bowed in about a foot. Check it out:
(SHINGLES ALL OVER OUR GRASS)
Our tent trailer, which weighs a beastly amount, was actually pushed about 3 feet to the edge of the retaining wall that it sits on. The thing we bought to hold the wheel tight scraped along the driveway as it blew.
As we checked out our block and neighboring streets, I thought it was weird how huge trees could be blown over like they were toothpicks, but small Christmas decorations (like plastic candy canes lining the driveway) were left untouched. It was just weird what the storm did and where it hit the hardest.
Here are some of our neighbors' homes:
And here's a few pics of homes on streets near our house:
This is my grandma's neighbor's house, a mobile home. It was unbelievable that Grandma's house was just fine, except for an awning that came off - but then right next to her was this:
It was a freaky storm! Our power was off beginning at 6:00 a.m. and we were told to be prepared to be without power for up to 48 hours. We have a gas fireplace and would have been fine to sleep in front of it, but my mom tempted us with a warm dinner at her house and offered to let us stay overnight. We had only slept about 3 hours the night before and I really didn't want another sleepless night in a cold home, so we went over to Mom's. Around 7:30 we talked to some of our neighbors and they let us know the power was back on. It would have made sense for us to go back home, but the girls were so excited to stay at Granny's house overnight, so we did. At least we had a soft place to land after such a crazy day!
Today (Friday) we spent the day picking up shingles and twigs and debris out of our yard, straightening our porch lights, and contacting our insurance company. I'm amazed how something like this can make us be so aware of things we take for granted (electricity, a warm home, a good night's sleep, etc.) and be grateful for safety and security!
Oh, and check out these cute little birds that were holding on for dear life during the storm. There was no break at all in the wind so they couldn't fly - they just had to stay where they were!
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