Stroke of genius

A couple months ago Justin put new tires on our bikes. We had the tires for over a year, sitting in the garage, but we found new motivation to ride them since Emma learned. I got a bike trailer so we could take Bash and all go for a ride. Justin couldn't hook the trailer on his bike Saturday so he came up with an ingenious solution--which will come in handy on many future occasions if you ask me:



Apparently Emma drove the little girls around for two hours doing loops around the buildings in our complex. They took turns, and had a ball. After that she came in and said, "I'm exhausted!" Well who wouldn't be? Even the little fat one weighs at least 35 lbs. So we went out again tonight and let her do some more. Nothing like tired kids. I think I like this game!

This is Camille telling Justin a secret. She told me not to tell anyone or I'd tell you what it was.

Bash lately has two obsessions, Barbie Nutcracker and Shrek. She watches Barbie Nutcracker 2-3 times a day, makes me bring it in the car, asks for it after dinner when she has already watched it several times...you get the picture. Shrek she watches on our portable TV in her room while she naps. It is a pretty good bribing tool. She has watched it every naptime for at least a week, today I had to put it on twice. She said to me while we were outside tonight, "Mom you know what Shrek said? Jelly from your eyes!" I just about burst my belly laughing.
Justin made a funny bunny too. He lobbed a hackey sack into the trailer as the girls passed and was very proud. He said if we were hunter gatherers I would have married a good one, if he could kill things with lobs. Sounds like a Jack Handy card to me.

The loft

This is one of my favorite places in the whole house, but it's hard to get a picture of because the stairs are in the way and there are windows along one whole wall...Anyway, here's a view from two separate walls. You get the idea...The armoir is along the wall you can't see in either picture. Anyway, it is much cooler up here during the day because of the way the sun hits, so this is where we do our homework (I say we meaning I do my homework up here and so do the kids...). It is a great room!

This weekend...

Well Tams, we weren't as busy as you, but we did get the swingset up. How does it look? As we were watching the UCLA game last night, the kids were outside playing and I was thinking, man, this is BEAUTIFUL! My personal favorite is all the dirt surrounding the swingset...something real nice.

The nicest human beings on the planet.

So, we closed on our house last fridee and since we wanted paint the whole durned thing, we decided we'd start last saturdee (details to follow on that) and go all week until we moved in yesterdee. Here is a photo of the outside. I'll post the before and after pics when I dig up my camera/ computer wire out of the morass of boxes in the garage but at least for the moment, here is a sneak peek.

Anyway, we got all ready on Saturday morning, drove out here and realized we had no idea how to get a ladder we had to buy to our house b/c (go figure) it wouldn't fit atop my tough guy of a civic. So we decided we'd call Dale and Steph and ask if they could cruise on over and let us use their SUV to bring it over to our house. They said yes and they'd be over when the girls got up from their naps. Then, less than a half an hour later, I get a call from Steph saying that the girls aren't going to take their nap and so they were going to head over right away...

And head over they did, with all three of their kids and showed up in their painting clothes. They stayed all day with us, made countless Home Depot runs, helped us pick out colors and then taped, primered, and painted untill the wee hours of the morning. But there's more. Steph and/or Dale came up every night that week after work (which is kind of a hike, especially after commuting to and from work) to help us paint until the itty bitty tiniest hours of the morning, despite having real lives and stuff they needed to do all the next dee.

And just when you thought they'd be translated, Steph spent two entire days during the week, both times with all her kiddies to paint our house one day and the other, to SIT IN THE GARAGE (b/c the carpet glue fumes were so bad) and keep an eye on the rather sketchy gentlemen who laid our new carpet.

But wait, there's more. On Saturdee morning, Dale came and helped us haul all of our furniture up and down 3 flights of stairs and then trekked it all the way over to our new place to help us unload it. And all the while he was marking up and making changes to a merger agreement. In fact, at one point, he was sitting on our carpet, cell phone in hand and pen in the other, actually marking up the document in the middle of the move.

Honestly, we had planned to have to do this all ourselves and we can not express how profoundly blessed and humbled we feel to be the recipients of act after act of truly selfless service. And without ever having to be asked, Daleums and Stephdiggity just showed up and asked to be put to work...day after day. Steph, I couldn't have loved painting the blue room anymore than I did. Thanks for your music selections. It made the job so much fun. And Daleums, were it not for your hurculean strength, I would still be stuck at the top of the stairs with the world's largest rubbermaid crate. We love you guys and feel blessed to live close by. When are you guys bringing the kiddos over? Chloe and Zoe miss them!

Have you ever heard a black girl sing country?

I HAVE! Yup, as I type this I am listening to my roommate belting Rascall Flatts instead of her usual R&B and the only thing I can compare it to is The Oakridge Brothers singing rap - it just ain't right. I just had to share that with you all because I'm in my 7th hour of studying for the day with hours more to look forward to and as if I wasn't already tempted enough to bang my head against the wall, I now have black country as an additional incentive.

So cute...

I walked upstairs tonight to the loft after I noticed that it was past the kids' bedtime. Rick and the girls were gone but it was offly quiet around my house. I found Jake and Carter sitting on the couch watching t.v. The cute part is that even though it is a three cushion couch, the boys were sitting next to each other on the same cushion. They were leaning on each other, just relaxing, watching the Disney channel. Anyway, I just thought it was cute that they were sitting so close. They definitely did not get my personal space issues...

Our first visitors...

Yeah! Somebody came to see us from Valencia in our new house! Who? Judy, of course...and with her, her new fabulous digital camera. Here is a link to the pictures. There's some really really cute ones. We had so much fun just hanging out like the "old days." Anyway, it was really fun. We love visitors. I think what I love the most is that the adults and kids can be in the house in separate places! I could vaguely hear what was going on, but yet have a real adult conversation (which normally I only have by phone)...thanks for coming Judy...and for the rest of you reading this blog...this is your official invitation. Come see us!

Here goes nothin'

I can't believe I'm actually posting this, right after the pictures of tiny Lisa and Marilyn. As if I needed help feeling huge. Enjoy--it's probably the last time you'll see me like this! P.S. I got an official date today, October 12th at 6:30 am, I'll be a very happy girl.

Hap diddley appy birthday!

What? What's that you say? Oh, it's Kraly's birthday? Well, here's Marilyn to sing you a little happy birthdee song...you know what I'm talking about. We love your guts out! Hope you party like it's 1999. We'll make sure to celebrate for you too. Hugs and kisses.

Here we go again...

Folks, good news. I have another essay to write for my poly sci class. So far I have 28 words. Could that be classified as an essay?

Return to Normalcy

It seems kind of funny to post this blog after the last one because Katie and I are having such different experiences, but I set out to post something today and if I walk away now I might never do it. (Sorry, Katie, for the throw up night; I think that is one of the worst things to deal with.) As of yesterday, the doctor told me I am DONE with bedrest, done with medicine and done with "restrictions." I kind of expected it to come, but it was still SO GOOD to hear it and have it actually happen (unlike some of my other pregnancy expectations). This morning I cleaned my kitchen all by myself, and I plan on getting to make dinner all by myself as well. As for the rest of the day, I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT (except, apparently, scrub the bathrooms and mop the floor, which I would REALLY like to do).

I am so glad to have another month or so to feel like a normal person again and be able to do the things I've dreamed of doing for the last four months. I am so happy to have this baby stay in so that I can at least enjoy being pregnant and be able to have some time to accomplish things before she comes. (Katie - I'm sure it's different with 3 kids already; I can't imagine.)

Thank you so much for making this miracle possible! I kept asking the doctor(s) all sorts of questions and yesterday it was quite apparent that there are no great answers to how this all ocurred, but we can all just be grateful for it. To show my gratitude, I'll post my very first pregnancy picture. This was from last Sunday (35 weeks), when I got to go to church; it's hard to see the exact belly dimensions with the dress, but trust me, it is SPECTACULAR.....

Babies

It happens at least once a day, and last night it was at 11pm when Ashley started throwing up. I have to ask my self, what was I thinking? I'm having ANOTHER kid, and I am a horrible parent to the three I already have! Bash and I stayed up pretty much all night together, good times. After trying to remake the bed once, only to have to throw all those sheets in the wash too, and making her a bed on the floor downstairs only to have her follow me up to where I was cleaning and throw up on the stairs...have I mentioned how much I detest cleaning carpets? Especially at 2 am? Even I am a grumpy Lisonbee cleaning carpet at 2 am.

At least I had a chance for a good nap today. I still wonder why I did this.

The good news is that my doctor is scheduling my induction for Oct. 12th, so I have two weeks and three days left of hauling this bowling ball around. Nothing like the countdown. If I did not feel so hideously ugly I might post a picture of my gigantic belly for you all.

Bella AGAIN...

Tonight as I was putting Bella to bed, she started crying and said, "Mom, I really miss Tammy. I just never get to see her. Do you miss your big sister Tammy too?" A la la la la la..."big sister!" la la la la la...

I did think it was really sweet though. She asked me a few minutes later, "Mom, what if Tammy is sad without me too?" It's funny the way their little brains think. As I was about to close the door she said, "Good night mom, I'll just be in here crying all day."

Drama queen.

"Brain dystrophy"

Here's a question for all you Lisonbee/Edwardson Stay-at-home-mom's... do you ever feel like your brain cells are slowly diminishing? Is there a connection between being a SAHM and the loss of precious brain cells? Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to be anything but a SAHM, but at the same time I'm wondering if being around kids 99% of my time has done something to my brain. :) Just wondering if anyone else feels the same way. :)

Definitely part Lisonbee

Malia has a routine when she wakes up from her nap. She walks out, tells me she's happy now and then walks into my room, climbs up on the bed and insists I put "Aristocats" on for her. She cannot tolerate being spoken to, played with or loved for quite some time after she gets up. Hmmmm...where does she get that waking up grumpy business from?

Family Vacation

Okay,
Start getting excited Griswolds--the Griswold summer vacation has taken the next step to being fully planned. I faxed in the request this week and already got a phone call from the world's oddest guy. He called to ask the total number of people in our party, he thought I had misread the application. So I clarified for him and he said he might be able to find us a big house to share. It would be more expensive than a condo obviously, but if we end up with 4-5 condos at $500 per week it might be a good option. Then about 20 min. later he called right back to apoligize that he made a mistake and I had filled out the form right, and he was going to make another cup of coffee and get back to work. So I said, Thanks, and hung up. Psycho!

You asked for it...

Okay all political science freaks...(aka Dale and Tammy)...you want posts, you got it. I am taking a political science class and my professor posted the following question for us this week: Philosophically, do you believe that you and I develop opinions as independent individuals, deliberating about issues using values and principles that we explicitly understand? Or, do you and I go along with the group and develop opinions in a more collective fashion, perhaps absorbing and expressing opinions in a much more passive manner.

What do you think: are we lone wolves or bees in the beehive?

The thing is...I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THIS STUFF! I'm wondering if any of you have an opinion so I can answer the question and pretend like I care.

I don't know, I just don't care. I have my opinions about stuff and I don't really care about where it came from or if I'm a bee or a lone wolf. I don't think that's the answer he's looking for...so you're all invited to help me out! Good luck and I look forward to your responses. (Everybody...not just Dale and Tammy...come on, help me out here)

Hook a brother up already!

OK you posting slackers ... what is up with the total radio silence for the last day or so. I mean what do you think I do here all day at work? Bill hours? Get serious! If somebody doesn't start posting some good reading material, I'm going to go nuts. No wisecracks about already being there. The hair may be gone, but the brain is still there (as evidenced by Stephanie's post). So, come on, what's new?

For starters, as the senior member of the siblings, let me just say that while I'm still quite a few years off approaching senior citizenry is not fun. I started working out a few days ago. I alternate between the bike and lifting/incline crunches the other day. OK, so I did my normal 3 sets of 10 crunches on the incline bench on the first day for that rotation. Then, about 3 days later I went to do it again and screamed mercilessly as I tried to do the first one (and several that followed that one). My stars that hurt. I mean seriously. What happened to the days when I could do 50 without even thinking twice. So, I thought, maybe I just need a few days to recover. So, today I tried again. Let's just say that apparently I'm still in recovery. It may be indefinite. So, for all y'all that are still in your 20s, enjoy it because mid-30s are not as fun. I can't wait until mid-40s, mid-50s, etc. Mom ... Dad ... how do you guys survive? Do they give permanent prescriptions for valium when you hit a certain age? If so, what age is that? I need something to look forward to. A light at the end of the tunnel. Preferably one that is not an oncoming train.

YIPPEEEE!

Hey everyone! Guess what! I'm typing this message to you all from where, you may ask??? From our very own home sweet home!!! Yippeeeee! We have a computer now and Dale, the genius that he is, hooked it all up tonight. So, you'll be hearing a lot more from me now, like it or not. :)

Steph

stake conference

The potty training is going pretty well, I can't complain. Bash hasn't had accidents because she errs on the side of caution. We spend a good portion of every day either sitting in the bathroom, or racing there. I went to Target Friday and in an hour's time visited the bathroom four times. I suppose that's better than the other way around, and dealing with a puddle in your shopping cart.

This morning we went to Stake Conference and I missed about half of it running back and forth to the tiny nursery potty. I did catch the first talk however, which a counselor in our stake Presidency started by telling a story about having three small girls and a wife who played the organ. In the first minutes of the meeting he had to go change the smallest one's diaper. His wife was on the stand so he told the 5 and 3 year olds to stay put and slipped out. He proceeded down the hall and soon heard them following him. He told them to stay in the foyer, and went to the mens room to change the baby. He was in the middle of doing that when they came in the mens restroom and the three year old discovered the unique facilities and started playing in them. He finished changing and rinsing the cloth diaper, scrubbed the three year old's hands, scrubbed his own hands, went out to the car and drove up the street to the Cheyenne Zoo. Justin and I laughed so hard. He said it was all worth it (taking care of the little ones), I hope he's right.

More of Bella's one liners...

We went to this ghetto, ghetto clinic (long story, won't bother with details) for Carter's school physical. After noticing the 35 people in the waiting room who were all of some ethnic origin other than white, I was told the wait (with an appointment) was 1-2 hours. I laughed and walked out, changing Carter's provider with the insurance as we were walking to the car. Anyway, we get almost to the car and Bella says, "Mom, do you have any sanitizer?"

Perceptive kid huh?

Who's with me?

In the beautiful Lisonbee tradition, Rick spent all day today rodotilling (sp?) the yard which is (in Lisonbee tradition also) BEDROCK. It was a HUGE PAIN. WE all know how I feel about being in the hot sun (AKA avoid it at all costs). So while he was doing that, I spent some time on the computer and finally decided on my fabric for my family room curtains and Bella's room. So, here's the one I'm using a solid color green background with this red fabric as a panel...wait for pictures, it's gonna be good. And, for Bella's room, this is my accent fabric. Is it cute or what? She has a pink gingham quilt with a white eyelit bedskirt so it needs some spicing up. This fabric will do the trick nicely. It's going to be for some pillows here and there...

So, while Rick's slaving away outside, and the boys are out there "just because" I picked some fabulous fabrics that I've been working on for a couple weeks. Good news...being the bargain shopper that I am, the shipping for all the fabric I ordered cost me $2.95. You bet. See, I was just as productive as Rick. Oh, and for Dale and Matty...our garage is now unloaded and we can park cars in it! We win!!!!

P.S. For all you potty trainers out there, I surrender. Malia is just not ready yet!

Out in the SLC

Is it possible to take a bad picture of the SLC temple? I think not. Anyway, this is a shot I snapped with my little digital cam while we were in SLC on our recruiting trip a couple of weekends ago. I love the sunlight peeking through at the top. It was a beautiful dee.
And here's me and Adam with my old roommate, mission comp, bridesmaid Suzi and our friend Adam from Dallas. If you look directly behind us, you can see the temple peeking up on either side. We did a conference center tour and the view from up top was so cool. It's amazing the way the church thinks of everything, like to plant genetically engineered synthetic soil so that the gardens up top won't dig roots so deep they'll hit the granite beneath and then begin dying of thirst. Or that there are no beams supporting those two massive balconies in the conference center. Such a cool place. We also got to tour Brigham Young's house and see how that place worked back in the day. Let's just say Tams was NEVER meant to be a pioneer. I'll take my a/c and running water any dee. For sure the best part of the trip though was the hilarity that came when Adam had his first exposure to a BYU singles' ward for kids over 25. Oh the hilarity of the meat market. Poor kid was not prepared for the freak show/ get your flirt on. Talk about things you miss from college...you ex-cougars out there feel me, don't you? Of course, if you're Coachney and getting asked out every 10 or 15 seconds, it can't be too rough on you, but for us mere mortals, it was a bit more of an effort. Coach, focus on being a black widow spider...Focus.

Patience...

Okay kids, the new school year has brought all kinds of craziness to our home. I've always worried about Jake's reading because I wasn't sure it was up to par. (Not to mention, I've always wondered if because he never crawled at all, he would have trouble with reading, as the old saying goes...) I made Carter and Jake read all summer long. Torture, I know. Carter hated every minute of it...but for bribes would do almost anything.

Anyhow, I took Bella in for speech therapy and she qualifies this year. She is very smart, according to the teacher, but delayed in speech development. Then there's Carter. He's been put in a reading intervention program to improve his reading. He didn't do very well on the testing they gave him and requires additional help. Jake, who I worried about, is just fine! This new school district requires a lot more from them than our previous district which puts my kiddies somewhat behind. Thankfully they're young and should catch up soon. I'm glad we moved now, not later.

Anyway, the whole point is, I never thought I would deal with school issues as a parent because school always came easy for me. I just took it for granted that it would come easy to my kids. I am learning a severe amount of patience right now. Have any of you ever listed to "Hop on Pop" read by a first grader that took 45 minutes? It is SHEER TORTURE! Since apparently patience is one thing I need to work on, I decided to join in on the potty training torture and see how that goes. Malia isn't acting ready, but neither did Bella, so we'll see how it goes. I HATE PATIENCE! It's a virtue and I GOT SKIPPED WHEN IT CAME MY WAY. So here's to learning the hard way!

Can't sleep

Just wanted you all to be a part of my misery. Your Welcome.

Request immediate backup

Basher is potty training. I'd appreciate it if you all kept us in your prayers. Thanks for your support.

me = noodle

Yesterday the doctor told me that I am a noodle and that I should try getting up and walking every now and then when I hit 34 weeks (which will be this weekend). (Last time I checked, "noodle" is just another word for "brain," so of course I was very flattered.) I was VERY excited because I didn't expect this to happen for another week or so, but apparently we are getting out of the worry stage. Sarah looks to be about a week or so ahead of her development and about 5 pounds. She stuck her tongue out at us during most of the ultrasound.

The only thing that drives me crazy is knowing just how much sitting/walking I get to do. He said I should go out to dinner and walk through the parking lot, etc., but that I shouldn't spend 4 hours shopping at Nordstrom. So I'm trying to figure out if that means I can spend 2 hours at Nordstrom....? : ) I think Matt's vote is dinner.

L

Conversation with Bella...

Me (with Malia following me): Where are the wipes?
Bella: No idea. But the syrup's right here.

Ever wonder what planet you're on? I do. Because on what planet are syrup and wipes interchangeable?

Missing College Anyone?

For those of you who have forgotten how glorious the days of being in college and having roommates were, I have included below my own personal top ten list of my favorite things about having roommates.

10. Living in a Pseudo-dorm where I (the 19 year old) am the eldest of the apartment.

9. Having the only decor in my apartment be fruit dishes and various nick knacks, all with a theme of floral print curtains consumed once and regurgitated.

8. Having an Air Hockey table smack dab in the middle of my already itty bitty living room. For those of you of the male gender reading this and thinking this should be the highlight of my living situation, remember...I'M A GIRL...IN A GIRLS APARTMENT!

7. Living in the room beside shaniqua who belts the same two lines of some R&B song I've never heard like she's Beyonce.

6. Going in the refrigerator and finding my yogurt missing.

5. Having my roommates try and tell me that because they are illegally sharing the master bedroom, they get the parking space I am paying for.

4. Listening to Celine Dion blasted from the room next to me every hour of every day except Sunday's when its that gospel rock you hear late at night on those christian infomercials. "God is good, ya he's great..."

3. Finding eleventy-billion ways to politely ask my roommates to do their own dishes and still finding myself responsible for doing all of them.

2. Paying for the gas bill when my one roommate invites her ten closest dorm buddies over every week to use our washer and dryer to do their laundry

1. Having the privilege EVERY DAY of cleaning up enough hair to make a full-body wig for a kitten. (Seriously though, that is not exaggeration. I have share the bathroom with a black girl that has extensions and she sheds more than a golden retriever in the heat of summer.)

Really though, my living situation could be so much worse, I really did luck out. It's just good to vent once in a while and let out those little pet peeves. In actuallity, this is one of those times in my life when things are going so well I'm kind of just waiting for something to go wrong. I love school and feel so priveleged that I can not only go to BYU but have my education paid for me. I love my classes so far, which means I probably made a good decision in my major. As those of you who went to BYU know, in every class you have gospel principles related to whatever subject is being taught which for me means that I have sunday school 3 times a week instead of once and that has helped so much already in strengthening my testimony. I have a good apartment with good roommates (seriously). I have a car THANKS TO JUSTIN AND KATIE and it functions great as long as I pay my tithing (or so I'm told). I have really good friends (shut up guys, I really do have friends) and I've actually started to enjoy dating. Do you see now why I am fearing what challenge lies ahead? Anyway, just thought I'd give you all an update on the start of my junior year :)

Jake's baptism

Jake got baptized on Saturday. He was very nervous, but very excited about it. After he was done, he said, "Mom, I want to be baptized again." I still feel like he's so young, but even as I've watched him grow this summer I have noticed how much he understands. Anyway, it was a nice service. We didn't know anybody speaking or doing the musical numbers, but it was nice anyway. Jake got his first set of scriptures and Mark and Carrie and Kristin gave him all the stickers that go in them so we've been working on those. He loves it. He carried around his scriptures all day on Saturday and Sunday. I wish more of you guys could've been there. It's weird to think I have an 8-year-old that's baptized!

Can you feel the flashback?

For those of you what have ever had to move in or out of a college apartment, and have ever had that blow softened by Mom and her infinite patience, you'll appreciate this photo. Mama and Coachney here are unpacking the last of Coach's shoe collection. (and may I say those are some amazing red pumps...make me feel like breaking into song...fortunately for all of you, this mode of electronic communciation will spare you having to hear such torture, but I digress).ANYWAY, below is Mommies and Braun putting up THE WORLD'S MOST BELLIGERENT book case known to man kind. At length, we (meaning Braun and Coachney, primarily...and me holding a nail or two) defeated that little monster. We then gave it a BOO YEAH to seal the deal. We had a great time getting to run in to Mom and the Lady Coach in Provo and reliving the Provo glory days. Isn't it nice when timing works in your favor? Good luck at school, Coach. You'll do great. Here's hoping you knock BYU on it's backside, just like UCLA did this weekend. Congrats again on your scholarship. We all recognize you're the coolest of us all.

Let's hear it for the BRUINS!!!!!

Folks, Merry Christmas. Thanks to all who 8-clapped in various parts of the U.S. for UCLA this weekend. It was a fun game to watch (with the exception of the third quarter, that is). So Cougars...EAT MY SHORTS and get over Ben Olsen already!

Our First Home!

Hey folks! I was going to wait to publish this news until we had some better pictures but we have come to terms on a house and are now in the option period...so that means we've put down earnest money and have our inspection Saturday but we'll close some time the end of this month. It's not much, but we call it home. Three hundred grandiose square feet of home sweet home and everyone's invited to come and visit. Feast your eyes on me and Braun on our front porch. It's a beaut, ain't it Clark? This is actually a pioneer house just west of Temple Square. It was teeny but so cool to see. Amazing when you think about the conditions under which those pioneers survived.

So seriously, we'll circulate pictures soon after we get some good shots of our house. It's a cute brick house north of Dallas and we're in love with it. We both knew it when we walked in that we'd found the place we'd spend our next few years. We're nervous, excited and baffled that we actually did it. I'll be happy to hear decorating tips as soon as we get in. Yay new house!

A brilliant write up of Ben Olsen and the Bruins.

My mouth is watering. I can't wait. Let's hear it for the Bruins! Click on the link and revel in the bragging!
http://www.sltrib.com/byucougars/ci_6807878

Help a sista out....

I would love some handy chart with everybody's addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and birthdays, etc. Does anyone keep something like that or should I start one? (I have some extra time...). If someone has something, speak up. If not, can I get everyone to send an email to me with all that information? I'll make something REALLY spectacular (I mean, what piece of paper containing Courtney's phone number WOULDN'T be spectacular?).

Question...

How many days does it take to lose ALL THE KEYS TO YOUR NEW MAILBOX? Answer: if you are the Edwardsons, the answer is 8. Exactly 8 days after moving in to our house, we lost all the mail keys. You see, me, being the genius I am, left all three keys on the same key ring. We all went out to get the mail on Saturday and we haven't seen them since. Nice.

In other news, it is a beautiful day in Fresno today. It is cool enough to have the windows open! I am loving the fresh air. I am continuing with the projects around my house which are indefinite...but my room is mostly finished. Here's what it looks like. Katie's mom made the curtains and the toss pillows. I am going to use the extra fabric to make more pillow cases and another toss pillow, but for now it's good. I just need a fabulous picture to put on the wall...any suggestions?

We are looking forward to going to Valencia this weekend for Jake's baptism. As a side note, we are all going to be watching the BYU UCLA game. That means good food and good company! And, as a bonus, it's Mackenzie's birthday so we'll get to be there for that. That's the update for Fresno...

Little Kid Withdrawl

SO...I think I am officially going through niece/nephew withdrawl. I am in some serious need of some wrestling around with some nieces and nephews. So as soon as Baby Sarah decides to come out and is up to it, we are going to have to find time to see some nieces and nephews. Because of their proximity, Michelle I think you are going to have to put up with Lisa and I for a little while when we come to play with your kids. We will have to make a day trip down there and play for a little while. Anyways, thats all...just wanted to give you a fair warning.

Oh, PS Dale and Michelle...I think you might both beat us. We moved in in Febtober and we are still not done...I think unpacking is so overrated. And with 4 classes, working online, and a wife on bed rest...well..I dont think Im getting to the room of boxes anytime soon...if you know what I mean.

Park City

The Colorado Lisonbee's just completed our last vacation of the summer. We went to Park City with Katie's family and friends and had a great time. Most of the vacation revolved around the boat, but there was still plenty of time for shopping at the outlets, playing the new Nintendo Wii (purchased especially for this trip), watching a few movies, playing with our month-old nephew, playing Hearts, and a couple of massages for the adults. Here are some highlights:

Tubing with Deb and uncle Joe:

In the words of Napolean, "I got like 3 feet of air on that one."

And my personal favorite, the rope swing hidden in the deepest cove of the lake. It took us the whole week to find it but it was worth it. It was so enticing in fact that even the pregnant lady couldn't turn down the 12-15 foot drop to the water.

Not to be shown up by anyone, Emma got in on the action too...4 times!
We had a great vacation but we are glad to be home. Next time we'll plan our massages for later in the week though. Too many of these can add up to a whole lot of Advil. If you look closely you'll see that my board is in the air which unfortunately for me meant that something else absorbed the impact.

A Great Mom

I hope the sap police doesn't bust me for this one...

After seeing yet another example of an amazingly selfless mother who literally lives her entire life with the goal of providing the best lives possible for her kids, I wanted to just quickly publicly mention what a marvelous example of selflessness Momma Lisonbee is. Much like the examples in the scriptures of servants "taking no thought" of themselves or their own situations upon setting out on missions of service, without fail Dee gives all time, talents, energy, means, and whatever other support she can offer anytime she becomes aware of a new need within her family without ever worrying about herself. I was so touched yesterday when I heard that she was making the 10 hour drive back to California (from Utah) today all by herself, then getting up tomorrow morning for yet another draining week of work. That, after driving up to Utah to help one of her children get settled for school just days before (after another unrelenting week of work, no doubt). Yes, there is no rest for the weary in this case, and yet she never gives up. What a great example to us all.

Because all you Lisonbee siblings already do such a great job of showing her your gratitude, I just wanted to take a second to add my gratitude to yours. Thank you, Dee, for showing me just how I want to be when I have kids of my own. Thank you for going through each day living as close as you can to how the Savior lives. And a special thank you for being so kind to me from the very first day you met me. I have always felt your warmth and care. I hope that someday I can live as selflessly as you so often demonstrate with all of your hard work and unyielding love.

Your husband is a very lucky man. But he already knows that...he talks about it all the time!

Adam

--Bro. Lisonbee is equally impressive in his selflessness, too. Gosh, what a great legacy of faith and love they are building for their kids. And it seems almost far-fetched and unbelievable what kind of lives they have created for their kids when you think about the circumstances they both came from. You Lisonbees sure are awesome...the whole lot of ya!