Memorial Day!

We are going to Nauvoo this summer so for Memorial day break we went to This is the Place Park is SLC. I didn't realize there was so much to do! We had a great time. I hope the boys will learn to value the pioneer heritage they have. It puts into perspective what our ancestors went through when you see the tiny cabins they lived in or see the simply way of life and talk about the struggles of life on a new frontier. In July we will follow the Mormon Trail from the Salt Lake Valley through Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri and into Illinois. This weekend was a nice start. 5 minutes away from home we realized we were out of kleenex in the van. With allergies we HAVE to have kleenex, so quick stop at the store. Then we get to the park and realize we have 1 baby wipe left. Next stop- another store. It is always an adventure in itself to travel with little ones and this mini-trip was no different. We forgot several things and were able to make plans of what we need to bring for the big trip. I also plan to have a bag o'tricks for the longer trip. Road games, secret rewards, learning objectives etc for the boys. Nintendo DS is great for a little quiet time but I want them to get something more out of this summers vacations. Stay tuned for more summer fun.

1 year checkup!

Matthew had his 1yr check-up today. He is such a trooper. I am proud to say he screemed horribly when he got his shots but as soon as mom picked him up and squoze him tight he stopped crying and loved on mom; even though mom was holding him down for the shots. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have about the benefits of vaccines. There are a lot of people that don't protect their children for various reasons. Having worked with immunizations I know this is the best protection I can give my sweet baby boy.

That said, I cannot believe he is already a year old. He says 'momm' all the time. He also says Daddada, 'Osh, (Keegan is still too much but it is getting close), Ty without the 'T'. The boys are constantly telling me of something else he said. He has a very expressive face too. I love when he wrinkles his nose and tips his head back. He plays innocent very well! After a week+ of being very sick he is back to his ol' self again. He weighed in today at 22# 15 oz. He is down to the 50th percentile on wt, from over the 75th. For height he is now on the chart. He was over it for a while though he is still in the greater than 90th %. Tall and skinny! He is a very good baby and spoils me rotten. I love being a mom. His curly red hair- so much of dad- makes us smile too. Every mom will agree they change so quickly. I am trying to savor every minute of my last baby boy. Big brothers keep things interesting and between the 4 boys there is never a dull moment in our home!

LM Photograghy

I have a new fav Photogragher! LM Photograghy! Lennie is fabulous. I love that she is so relaxed and just captures the boys in such natural and relaxed ways. The last time we went Tyler was so wound up I didn't think she could possibly get a good picture. He wouldn't hold still for nothing. I was a bit uptight. I was so worried one of the boys or TYLER would knock over her equipment. Lennie kept telling me to relax and not to worry. I'm not sure it was fair for her to side with the boys. :-) Take a look and judge for yourself. Here are some of the personality pictures she got. I wish I could post them all. I think she is great. I plan on having our new family pictures taken by the temple or along the river. I can't wait to get them and show you. And hey, don't worry about the prices, you won't find a better deal anywhere in town! Only $65 for all 4 boys shots then I get the disc to make what copies I want! Gotta love it. It is great to have only what I need for family and be able to digitally scrap the rest. Thanks Lennie! You are awesome and Tyler loves you!

Due West

Found this post on PYP. I really like this song. My husband even liked it and it's country. I like to hear songs with good messages and clean words. Great job guys! Keep it up and I will be buying your albums! Check it out and let me know what you think.


http://duewest.com/

Piano makeover

I finally had my piano tuned. Jerry Clark did a great job. He took over 2 hrs. He was also able to give me some history about my piano which was made in 1927 by a short lived company from Milwaukee. I asked him about painting my piano because of all the scraps and scratches. He suggested trying Murphy's oil with stain first. Check out the before and after pictures and judge for yourself. I was thrilled! It was only about $4 for the oil and was much easier and less messy than painting would have been.
I started with the side that was the worst. It had been severely scratched. I wish I would have taken before pictures of that side to see the most dramatic difference but I didn't realize how much of a change would be taking place. I love the way it looks now. Some places still show through but I don't mind. Plus the oil put a beautiful shine to a dull finish. Thanks Jerry. I also learned a little about my piano which was fun. This instrument was saved from the trash- literally- given to me by my mom and now has my son plunking away as he learns to play. One man's trash is TRUELY another man's treasure!