Blake's Blessing

Today Preston and I spent the entire day with Skye, Larkin and Blake. It was awesome. Preston loved it. Skye and Preston get along so well. When Preston woke up, Skye was at the store with her dad. He gave her a big hug as soon as she came in the door.

Skye & Preston

Not going to take his arm off of her.
Skye, Larkin & Preston with their pillowpets from my dad
It was cold in Arizona. Very windy.
Preston, Skye, Larkin

I was so excited to hold BLAKE! Skye and Larkin both told me that his nickname was Jimmer. He is such a sweet baby. So tiny and so big at the same time.

Stephanie & Blake

Skye, Blake, Dad
Preston, Skye & Blake

Christen's dad (a.k.a. Poppy) had all the kids mesmerized by his cell phone.

Skye, Poppy, Preston

Skye & Preston

The baby blessing was at Mike & Christen's house. I guess they will only let them bless the babies on Fast Sunday in their ward down here. Mike and Christen will be moving to New Mexico next week....well, Mike will. Christen and the kids don't have anywhere to go yet... The member of the bishopric was about a half hour late. I guess he was waiting for his wife to get home. No big deal except Blake was perfect while we were waiting. When it was time for the blessing he cried through the entire thing....and messed his pants. The blessing was really good though. Blake is so sweet and so loved already! You can tell in these pictures how much his sisters adore him.

Christen & Blake (and Preston's hand!)

Christen, Blake, Mike
Weston (Christen's soon-to-be brother in law),

Matthew (Christen's brother),

Poppy, Jimmer, Mike, Dad, Bishopric Dude

Larkin & Skye
Larkin ~ What an angel!
Blake & Larkin ~ First smile I think

Precious

She's in love!

Skye, Mike, Christen & Blake, Larkin

Mike, Christen & Blake

Blake Michael

Awesome.

Everything is Better with Bacon

Dad got doughnuts for the road. Picture a glazed doughnut with chocolate frosting topped with bacon. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. Porge would be jealous. Other flavors were cookies and cream, smores, and grasshoppers. I WILL take Jorja there one day and she WILL love it.

We are now here in Arizona! Baby Blake is asleep in the swing right now. The girls are asleep, but Preston is wide awake. He said, "I don't think Skye is in this house."

In the news back home, our carpet is not in. But, we do have carpet tacks. The carpet will be put in on Monday. I'm thinking it is a good idea that Preston is gone this weekend.

Mike took the kids rollerskating. I heard they loved it, although Mike was a little incoherent when I talked to him so I will have to get details tomorrow. Mike needs a good night sleep, he was up all night painting.

I know Maysen and Stockton will read this in the morning. I love you and miss you guys! Give Porge a hug from me!

On My Way....Soon

Stockton and I did tons of homeschool today. He won't have much to do tomorrow. That is good because I won't be here. I'll be spending the day driving on my way to see baby BLAKE! It will be a quick trip. Most of the time will be spent in the car, but I can't wait to see Blake, Skye & Larkin....and their mom and dad. My dad is coming with me. He can help me prepare for the talk I have to give next week. He sure is lucky. I would write more, but I need to get to bed so I won't be tired tomorrow. Driving to Arizona has to be easier than driving to Georgia....right?

Moving Bricks

Maysen, Stockton, Preston and I spent about an hour today moving the bricks from the wet bar we dismantled. Funny that it took as long to move the bricks outside as it did to take the entire thing apart! I really wanted to get it done today for two reasons.

1. It was suppose to snow. I thought it would be much easier to put the bricks on dry concrete then sloshing through the snow and trying to stack them.

2. We are getting carpet on FRIDAY! Yay! I will be heading out to Arizona, but when I come back hopefully there will be awesome carpet everywhere!

By the way, I hate it when University of Utah has basketball home games. They close the parking lot and only let the fancy people in. We have to trek a long ways to get to the swimming pool. Not bad going there, but freezing cold on the way out...at least for Stockton. Plus, it takes much longer. By the time I got home today, the Elders Quorum presidency was already there. It was fun to talk to them. Seth Bradley is the president, so basically we got to hang out with him. Weird to run into people from high school. Weird in a good way.

I had to tell Jorja to take off her roller skates to go to bed. I think she wishes her feet were wheels.

Lawn Plow

Last week when we were shoveling our driveway, Mike decided that he didn't want to do this everytime it snowed. So, today at welding class, Mike made a snowplow to hook on his riding lawnmower. It is suppose to snow on Thursday and Mike is excited to try it out. Wonder if it works? I also wonder if it will drive in the snow.....

Slide Dive

At diving today, one of the instructors was trying to teach this 7 year old boy how to do a dive. He didn't want to do it. No problem. The instructor folded up a gym mat and placed it at the end of the diving board. She had Preston (the 7 year old) lay on it like he was doing a dive. Then she lifted up the edge of the mat and he slid right in. When Preston popped his head up he was cheering so hard that he did it. It was so funny.

Fast-forward to free dive time for Stockton. The instructor sprayed the mat with the hose, so Stockton and Aiden would run and slide across the mat until they did a dive in the pool. Stockton even got to where he could do a flip off the edge. So funny to watch. I really should learn the other instructors name.

Jorja got roller skates at DI in Idaho. She loves them. She wore them the entire time she was a grandma's house. She didn't have school today so she wore them the entire time she was home today. Roller skates are loud. Too bad the basement was such a mess, that would have been fun for her. I think Mike got it mostly cleaned up while I was at diving, but she doesn't have tomorrow off. I had to finally tell her she needed to close the door....after all, Maysen and Stockton were trying to do their homeschool.

Jackson and Mina

Today we went to my cousin Jackson's mission farewell. There were a ton of people there. Jackson gave a really good talk. Really good. Jackson is my youngest cousin on my mom's side. I can't believe he is old enough to go on a mission. Jackson is going to Peru and it is easy to see he will be an excellent missionary.

We drove home from Idaho and were able to make it to Bishop Valentine's house for a get-together they were having for the new move-ins. Sister Valentine made the most delicious brownies. I'm so sick now, but it was totally worth it.

I was extremely excited today when I saw pictures of Mina! I can't believe the epidural machine ran out of batteries for Rachel. Seriously had never heard of that one before. Congratulations Brett & Rachel! We are so, so happy for you!

Rachel, Mina & Marie

Mina, Brett, Marie
Mina & Marie ~ Can Marie get any cuter?

I needed Preston to take a bath or shower today. He would have none of that. Mike was taking a shower, so I was hoping Preston would go in with him. Nope. I finally picked up Preston and stuck him in the shower...clothes and all. Now he is a sparkling clean little boy.

Markell's Shower

We drove up to Idaho today and I was able to go to my cousin Markell's baby shower. She is having a boy. Not only was it fun to be at a family event, it was so nice to be with my cousins. My cousin Brooke was my sister growing up. It was SO GOOD to see her!

Brooke, Grandma, Stephanie

Brooke & Grandma
I love my cousins!
Miranda, Brooke, Stephanie, Heather, Lily, Courtney

We stayed at my Grandma's house. Heather, Justin and their families came over for awhile. I loved being able to visit with them. Have I mentioned yet how glad I am to have moved back to Utah? I love watching my kids play with my cousin's kids. Jorja and Eric got along pretty well. They are both in 2nd grade, so it will be fun for them to get to know each other better.

Watching Haley

Stockton & Peggy

Stockton and I went and watched the University of Utah against University of Washington in gymnastics. I had a great time and loved being there with Stockton. We sat next to my dad's cousin, Peggy. Her daughter, Haley, is on the University of Washington team. We stayed at their castle house when Stockton was a baby. Haley and Amy were 9 I think. We talked to Amy after about diving. She just finished her diving career for a college in California, I can't remember which one. I am so glad Peggy gave us the tickets, it was a really nice night.

This afternoon I went to help at Jorja's Valentine/Chinese New Year party. I thought it was so funny when two kids got into an argument. They were mad! They were quarrelling in Chinese and it was hilarious! To me.

Sloan

I am a bit sad that Sloan has retired from coaching the Jazz. I miss the old Jazz with Stockton and Malone. Now Sloan's gone too.....sad day for basketball.

Welcome Mina!

We are so, so happy to find out that Mina Lucille has joined our family! Brett & Rachel had a baby girl today! She will be both a Japanese citizen and an American one. I think that is pretty cool. Can't wait to see pictures! Especially one of Mina and Marie together. Congratulations Brett & Rachel!

Cheap Labor

My dad has been helping us out a ton lately. He has done a lot of drywalling and sanding. When Dad wants a break, he comes upstairs and gets a Nesquik Chocolate Push-Pop. The second he is finished with it, he drinks Ruby Red (grapefruit juice) as fast as he can. GROSS! Dad says it wakes him up. I bet it does.

Marshmallows

Today was Jorja's first day riding the bus here. She was a little nervous, so I met her at the bus stop. She was so happy when she got off. She ran all the way home with William. William and Luke are both in her class, and they both pass our house on the way to/from the bus station. Tomorrow I'll walk with her to the stop and hope she gets on the right bus. They told me the wrong bus number in the office, but I'm pretty sure the one that dropped her off is the one that will pick her up. If not, hopefully William or Luke will be there too.

I took Stockton to diving in the middle of a snow storm. When we left our house it was just flurries, but by the time we got to the U it was a gigantic storm. We ran the entire way to the pool. Thank goodness last week one of the other mom's showed us a closer place to park!

After dinner we roasted marshmallows. We did this yesterday too. The marshmallows are practically liquid inside. YUMMY! Now we are safely home and the children are tucked in bed. It is so beautiful outside! Mike turned on the lights in the backyard . . . so cool!

Maysen, Jorja & Preston

You'll notice in the picture above there is no Stockton. After dinner he tucked himself in bed and was fast asleep. I hope he's feeling okay. Probably just exhausted from so many 5 am days.

Victory!

Mike has declared victory over the gas grill. The inspector couldn't get it to work. Mike couldn't get it to work. Mike was close to calling a repairman, but then genius struck and he was the victor. We celebrated last night by having the best hamburgers. Lots of yummy nights to look forward to.

We had dinner at my dad's house today. Scones and BBQ...and tapioca. I am so full, but at least I'm not in pain like Matt is. Matt wanted to watch the Super Bowl today. My kids gave him such a hard time about wanting to watch it. They don't get sports. Matt said, "70% of the country watched the Super Bowl." Stockton said, "I watched the Super Bowl." Matt then had to amend his statement to "70% of the country willingly watched the Super Bowl."

As we were getting ready to leave, Jorja couldn't find her ipod. We looked everywhere. Finally I sent Mike home with the kids while I stayed and looked. Matt and Cathy helped me. We searched everywhere. When my dad got back from taking Grandma home he joined in the search. He soon found it. It was in Cathy's purse. Don't know why I didn't think of looking there!

Matt gave me a ride home and we took him on a tour to show him what we have done to the house so far. I can't wait until the carpet is in, guest room ready, game table up. Then Matt can play games and sleep over! Not sure if he wants to, but I like that idea!

Thanks Ange!

Three months ago, when Jorja had her birthday, Lincoln & Ella gave Jorja this craft/bead thingy. Jorja has been wanting to play with it, but I wouldn't let her until we had moved. Well, Jorja could wait no longer. She spent all day long with those beads. Preston was watching her most of the time. She made some for her friends, and gave some to Stockton, Preston and Max. It was pretty sweet that in a house full of boring boxes she was able to have so much fun.

At Christmas, the kids all got JCPenney gift cards. I immediately thought, "What am I going to do with those?" Now I know the smart thing would be to buy them some clothes. The only problem is, I hate shopping. Another point in my life I probably could have handled it, but I don't think I'll get back there for several months. Anyway, I was reading Stacie's blog and she was raving about sleeping on a heated mattress pad. I knew all of our mattress pads were pretty much in shreds, so I went searching online to see if JCPenney carried them. They did! I ordered them last week and have been so excited to get them. I ordered one for us, and for the girls. I wanted to see how well I liked them before I got more. They came today and I was so excited. When we got home and put them on, every one worked like a dream, except for mine. Mike's side worked but mine just flashes FF. After calling customer service and following all their steps, I need to return it. I guess I'll do that Monday. Until then, I'm sleeping on Mike's side.

Once again, my dad is down in the basement sanding away. Max came with him and played with the kids. When it was time for bed, we pulled out a mattress and Max fell right asleep. My dad can barely see because he had to take his eyes out. Hope he will get home okay tonight, maybe he will want to sleep here too.

Brick Factory

One positive about our carpet being delayed is we keep thinking of projects to do before it comes in. For example: tear out this wet bar. Before, we figured there was no way we could do it and move in as soon as we wanted to. Mike liked the wet bar, but I didn't. It seemed like such a wasted space to me. Tonight, we decided to get rid of it. The clincher was when Mike realized that would be a perfect space for his video game cabinet he built with Stockton back in Georgia. Mike and I were able to dismantle this brick bar in about an hour. Wow. I wouldn't have thought that was possible. We were also able to save the bricks. Mike wants to make a barbecue pit out back....or something like that. Knowing him he will probably build a brick throwing battlebot instead.

Before

When Mike and Sherry were little, they use to play Brick Factory. They would get a brick and pound on it until it broke in pieces. Sounds like they were a little starved for entertainment to me.

Mike

This afternoon I took the kids to Classic Fun Center to go rollerskating. It was an outing sponsored by K12, so Maysen and Stockton got in free. The rest of us were only $2.50 a piece, so that was nice. I had Jorja and Preston use the helper skater pvc pipe thing. Since I was by myself I was so glad to see those! Right when we got on the rink, they started playing the number game. Preston, Maysen and I were on 5 and our number got picked! We made our way to the D.J. to get our tootsie roll. Preston and I then finally got back on the ring. The number game was still going. We stopped at 3, and won again! DRAT. I talked Preston out of our prize . . . too much effort.

The kids had a great time. I skated with Preston for the most part. I did trip and crash on top of him once. Good thing he had a helmet on. My knee is still killing me . . . .

Year of the Rabbit

Happy Chinese New Year! I'm pretty sure Jorja told me it was the Year of the Rabbit. Not sure what that means, but hopefully good things.

Stockton did a weaving for art in homeschool today. He was very proud of it. When Jorja came home, he showed it to her and she decided she wanted to make one too. Stockton taught her how. I tied it off for them and my fingers are still numb. Crafts.

We spent our first entire day here and it was awesome. The best part is when Mike is finished working downstairs at 1 in the morning, he doesn't have to drive home . . . he is already here. Too bad my dad has to leave. Hopefully he doesn't fall asleep on the way home. My dad is here again. He is putting the second coat of mud on the extra closet/wall we put up. Mike and I started mudding the door Mike added to the bathroom. I am so glad we have this extra time to add these few things. It will be much better!

Finally Married!

We are now finally married to our house! It wasn't an elaborate, well thought out wedding...more like a sudden elopement. Little fanfare, but we are IN! Mike Fronk, the carpet guy, called this morning with the news that our carpet was back ordered. Apparently January is the worse month to buy a ton of carpet. Mike knew we wanted to move in this weekend, so he sent someone over today to put in temporary carpet in the two upstairs rooms. We have the kids all sleeping in one room, and have started setting up their computers in the other. Mike and I got all the bed frames out of the storage unit last weekend. Too bad we can't find the bolts to hook them together. They are probably with the cords to the electric blankets. We are good like that.

First night. LOVE all the Grandma Parry blankets.

Stockton: asleep, Preston: wide awake

My dad has been helping Mike a TON! At least now we don't have to hurry so fast to get the 'extras' done. Dad says he wishes John were here. Mike said, "You could call Matt." Dad said, "No! Not Matt!" Haha!

My Dad

Mike

This house is going to LOVE us!

Chinese Celebration

Jorja and I went to a Chinese celebration put on by her school. They had some young men do a lion dance. My pictures aren't the best, but you can get the idea. The weird looking guy in the picture below would go before the lion/dragon thingy. They went right by us. Jorja buried her head in my chest as he walked by. He noticed and put his crazy looking head right next to Jorja. She pushed him away. It was pretty funny.

As the dragon/lion was making its way around the room, Jorja and I noticed there was a head of lettuce on the floor. When the dragon got back to the beginning - and to the lettuce, it started chomping on it. Soon lettuce bits were being thrown all over the audience.

Speaking of lettuce, they had Chinese food to eat before the program. I had a lettuce wrap for the first time and found it extremely delicious.

The first graders put on a program half in Chinese and half in English. It was really cute. After there was a question and answer period with a panel about the program. Only a handful of people stayed for that. I stayed hoping I would learn a little more about this program. One of the interesting things I learned was, in our district there are 3 Chinese Immersion schools, 2 French Immersion schools and 3 Spanish Immersion schools. Wow. Alta View, the school I went to when I was growing up is Spanish Immersion. Too bad they didn't have that when I went there. I'm horrible at languages, but who knows, maybe if I started in first grade it would be a different story. The panel said learning a new language is as natural to these kids as learning how to walk....but when I look at Jorja's Chinese homework I have my doubts.

Today was my mom and dad's wedding anniversary. I think it is 42 years. Wish she could be here to celebrate. My dad and Mike stayed up until 1:00 last night working on our house. They are building a wall in the boys room. Actually closing up an extra entrance to the room and turning it into a closet. They are also moving the door to the theater room. Mike slept over at the new house because it was snowing. He had the van and knew there would be no way to make it up his driveway. Right now, Mike and my dad are both working on those projects again. Mike has never drywalled before and my dad has. Thank you so much for the help Dad! And Happy Anniversary....what a way to spend it! Oh, and thank you Dad for watching Preston so I could go to the Chinese celebration with Jorja. He talked about the trains you guys made for quite awhile.