Shayna and Family

Did you know?

2012-01-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

I'm pregnant :) Did you know? We are having another girl, and we are so excited. Keegan was a little upset that he won't be having a brother, but Tony promised him he'd wrestle with him every day (Keegan: "EVERY day?") then it was ok :) She's getting big and moving around...getting comfortable. I just want to hold her in my arms and see her all new and beautiful.
Have I mentioned yet how huge my other three are getting?? Just tonight Zoe finished another chapter book that she got for Christmas. She's doing her own hair now--thank goodness--I could never get it just the way she wanted it. I cut bangs for her though and she is so cute and BIG. Lots of clips that coordinate with her outfits! On the school bus Friday the boys in her class sitting behind her were whispering about how they were going to get the girls, and Zoe turned around and said, "Boys, you are busted. I heard everything!" and they screamed! I love it.
Tony gave Keegan a whole bunch of Kindersurprise toys that he got on his mission and Keeg LOVES them. They of course come apart into at least three or four pieces and you can put them back together which is heaven for my little man.
He and Olivia are in bunk beds and it is hilarious to listen to them at bedtime. She can hold her own with him, but he is sneaky and really knows how to push her buttons. Their latest thing is singing "poopy Livvy" or "poopy Keegan". I think that it might have come from this book that they found in the library called "Peek-a-poo"--seriously, that 's the name of the book (it's a potty training book). We had to check it out of the library just so that the kids could read it to their Dad. Too funny.
Anyway, so that's been us lately. Pretty exciting I know :)
ps how on earth am I going to handle FOUR? ahh!

Zoe runs again!

2011-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

Zoe ran her second triathalon! She did such a great job :)

Wish I was home

2011-07-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

It is the wee hours of the morning and I just finished going over my mom's notes for the eulogy she will give later at my Grandma's funeral. As I was talking to my mom about how she died, she said, "Grandma got just what she wanted." She was not in pain, and it wasn't long and drawn out. She was ready and she was at peace. I spoke with her more in the last few weeks. Whenever I thought about her I'd give her a quick call. She told me she loved me and was proud and amazed at what Tony and I have accomplished in the few years that we have been married. She told me not to come, that she wouldn't want to put me out and that she knew how very much I loved her. She said she was grateful for the medication that kept the pain at bay. I told her I thought Grandpa was impatiently waiting for her and was probably bugging Heavenly Father to call her home to him. Every time she said she loved me I knew she meant it. When Grandpa was so sick I saw a moment between them that I will always remember. She bent down by his bed, holding his hand with one of hers and with the other tenderly stroking his head, murmuring softly, and him looking up at her, adoring. She kissed his forehead. Sixty four years together! One year apart was enough.
I am so honored to have known her and to--physically and spiritually--have part of her in me. Knowing that makes me believe that I can be a better person, that I can be like her in ways that I wish I was.
Dad and Val, I am so sorry that you lost your mom. I am sorry that I am not there, but I hope you can feel that I am there in spirit!
All my love,
Shayna

Out!

2011-02-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

2011-02-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

Here we are right before she went in for surgery. She was very brave and everything went well. She's so much happier that we're sure she's feeling tons better. It'll take a little while for the results of the biopsy to come back, but it looks like she'll be just fine...hurray! Thank you all for your happy thoughts and prayers!

Say a prayer...

2011-02-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

I'm concerned. Olivia is going to have minor surgery on Monday morning. There is a mass on her jaw/neck that has grown to about the size of a nickel and gotten redder and raw looking. And there is a second one starting. They think it is a bacterial infection in her lymph node, but antibiotics aren't making it better. I'm concerned about the mass itself, finding what exactly it is, and the actual surgery. There are some risks.

As all of this has been happening, I of course imagine the worst, and in my mind I jump in between her and God with my arms out and say,"YOU WILL NOT TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME." But just this week I have stopped and reminded myself that He is a just and loving God and my kind Father, so in my mind I hold her to Him and pray, "Bless my child!"

Would you also pray for her please?

Another of my Mom's wonderful recipies (for you Amy!)

2011-01-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Carrot Applesauce Muffins
3 c. flour
2 ½ t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
½ t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. cloves
½ t. nutmeg
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
1 c. apple sauce
3 c. grated carrot
3 eggs
1 c. raisins
Sift first 8 ingredients in large bowl. Add last 5 ingredients and stir until combined. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen. SO Yummy!

What Shall We Give?

2010-12-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

Lauren on Good Morning America!

2010-12-04T11:37:00.001-08:00

WHAT?! Oh, yes it's true. My little sister Lauren is going to be on Good Morning America this Tuesday to show off a holiday recipe of hers with Sandra Lee from the Food Network. Go Lo!! You rock!! Everybody tune in!

They're here!

2010-11-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Finally, the family pictures are here and they are cute!! My family is adorable and I have proof! Here are a couple for your viewing pleasure. More coming to you in a Christmas card soon :)

ps. please send me your address so I can send you a card!

Family Pictures...finally!

2010-11-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Matt (not my brother) takes great pictures and agreed to take our long overdue family portraits. He's touching them up now, but gave us one preview. I'll send them to you all with your Christmas cards :)

Speaking of Christmas...I CAN'T WAIT to come home to Canada!!! Will the canal be open by then? Anyone up for some skating?

ps Sorry about the not posting for months...my camera got sand in it and now the lens won't open. Does anyone know how to fix that? A post isn't a post without pictures. ...maybe I'll ask for a new one for Christmas...Mom :)

Oh Zoe!

2010-08-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

We didn't think it was possible to break a bone in our family. There are no broken bones at all in Tony's family or mine. But from the way Zoe fell yesterday, and the sound of her scream, and the look on her face as she lay there on the floor not moving, I knew right away that she broke something. Brave girl at the hospital, she didn't even cry. The nurse came in and said a grown man broke his arm in the room down the hall and was crying like a baby. Everyone was impressed. So her arm is broken, but not badly said the doctor. It wasn't swollen very much, so he put in in a splint for a few days then will put a cast on it. Will she have a cast on her arm for her birthday? for the first day of school? Zoe asked. Yes. But maybe it will be pink I said. Then it is ok Zoe decided. How I love that girl.

Oh, she's just so cute!

2010-07-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Want to win a cruise?

2010-07-07T19:51:00.001-07:00

Thought you might want to enter too. You're welcome!!

Zoe: "Grandma E, guess what I got?!"

2010-06-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

Look closely!

To my dear sister Samantha

2010-06-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sam above, and Zoe with Luke's quilt below :)

My mother-in-law has taught me that a new baby can not be born without making at least one quilt for him. SO, knowing that my wonderful mother isn't into that kind of thing, and with guidance from Stephanie, I took it upon myself to make baby Luke a quilt. Luke will be Sam's first baby and is therefor a very special little boy. We are so excited to see him in a few weeks :) I was going to mail the quilt, but then I thought I'd just bring it...so Sam, if you happen to read my blog before then...SURPRISE! I love you!

Father's Day

2010-06-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to you Tony! This picture is my favorite...waking Tony up from a Sunday afternoon nap with their gifts...and Keegan striking a pose :)

These next ones are a couple of my favorites that I've never posted:

Tony and our newest baby, Olivia, almost a year ago...I can't believe it

And Tony, at the airport to pick us back up, so happy to have us home, and us SO glad to be with him again.
My Dad, or Grandpa to my kids, who came with me to the wave pool only because he loves me.

Happy Father's Day to you too Dad!!

xoxo,

Shayna

How many good things can happen at the same time?

2010-06-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks Tony has been on a roll:
1. Today Tony ran his first-ever Half Marathon!!! He did it in 2 hrs and 4 min (WOW) totally beating my time!
2. He is going to teach an English class at BYU-Idaho next semester!!!
3. His "Nate and Tony at the Movies" which is in the local paper and online, is now a morning radio show! It will air every Friday morning in the 8 o'clock hour! (I'll post details as I get them)
4. He won first place in the Associated Press recognizing excellence awards, for graphic design

Well done Anthony Potter :)

Cute Little Livie

2010-06-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Keegan climbs and Olivia crawls...I'm in trouble!

2010-05-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

NO Taining Wheels!!

2010-05-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

She's a natural! We're so proud!

Wahoo!!!

2010-04-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

We did it!!! I ran the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon in 2 hours and 13 minutes! That's 10 minute 11 second miles which for me right now is the very best that I can do. WAHOO!! Thank you Tony who thinks of all the little things and does them, who takes the time when he has no time to spare, and who wants me to reach my goals as much as he wants to reach his own. And Lauren, oh Lauren, it is so much easier to run when you are running with me! I am going to miss that!

p.s. Did I look like I was ready to pass out? Because I was. And yes, I totally wore my medal all day :)

Cute!

2010-04-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

These are so cute! How fun is anthropologie.com? SO fun :) Ooo, and I need one of these too thanks!

Great Grandpa Ernhofer

2010-04-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Two Sundays ago I felt that I should call my dad and ask about Grandpa (miracle #1). He told me that my Grandpa was worse. I asked if we should come and he said he didn't know. I asked my mom and in reply she told me the story of when Grandpa was about to have his brain surgery and I called my Dad who was at the hospital and asked him to pass along the message to Grandpa that we (Lauren and I and our families) loved him very much and were thinking and praying for him. Mom told me that when my Dad told my Grandpa, Grandpa wept. She said, "If he has that reaction to hearing that you love him, imagine what it would mean to him to have you come all this way."

It just so happened that we had unexpectedly got a big check from our insurance (miracle #2)from when Liv was sick and in the hospital and I was feeling guilty about it--that we had financially benefited from her being so sick--and I thought "This is Livie's money. What would she want us to do with it?...Have us take her to meet her Great Grandpa."

So it was decided. Tony and I got out our calendar and saw that the only possible time it would work would be immediately, so he looked up plane tickets while I called Lauren. I told her that we were going and asked her if she'd like to come. They talked about it and figured that the only way they could afford it would be if Gordon got the internship he had applied to, which they wouldn't know until later. In Lo's words they "decided to take it on faith" and they decided Lauren and Brooke would come.

Then I called Sam. We had been trying for over two years to see Sam after she moved to Calgary, but something always seemed to come up. So I called her and found out that because of spring break she would be off work at the exact time that we were planning on going (miracle #3), and after a bit of encouragement from me, Shawn ("family comes first!") and my parents, she decided she would come to (miracle #4).

It was late when it was all worked out and official, and it was even later in Ottawa, so I waited until the next morning to call my Grandma. At first she didn't believe what I was saying, but I kept telling her, "It is done. The tickets are bought. We're coming! We're all coming." Only after a moment when the news had sunk in did she remember something that had happened the night before. She woke Grandpa up to get him ready for bed, and as he was waking up he said, "Is Shayna here? When is Shayna coming?" Grandma said, "No Frank, Shayna lives in the States, she's not coming." And to me she said, "What an amazing coincidence! How did he know you were coming? Just as you were working it out, he knew." (miracle #5)

All of Grandpa's grandchildren and all of his great grandchildren came for him. We bought tickets Sunday, and we were on the plane Wednesday. While we were gone, Gordon got word that he did get the internship (miracle #6). While we were there, there were countless little miracles involving each person in our family. It was amazing.

We just got home last night.

Mom called just a minute ago and said that Grandpa went back to the hospital today. They did more tests and the doctors say he has two weeks to maybe two months to live on this earth. My mom said that the last time he was very lucid was the last time I saw him, two days ago, when we came to say goodbye. He had fallen asleep after we spoke, so as I was leaving I pressed my cheek to his and whispered, "Goodbye Grandpa. I love you." and he said "I love you too."

I am so grateful this Easter weekend for a loving Heavenly Father who allowed me the opportunity to see my Grandpa and tell him how much he means to me, and for my Grandpa to see all of his family there with him and for him. I'm grateful for the prompting of the spirit that we all have that if followed, will allow us to be instruments in the hands of God. I am grateful to know that because of Jesus Christ, we will all rise again. That we will live with our families forever, and that death is a temporary parting.

President Benson (a prophet) once said, "Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us." I am so grateful that even though we can't see him here, we can feel His love every day.

Baby shower cake

2010-04-02T17:29:00.001-07:00

So we went to Canada (YA! I'll post about that later), to see my Grandpa and while we were there Lauren, my mom and I decided it would be a great time to have a surprise baby shower for our sister Sam and our new nephew-on-the-way! I didn't get the chance to make her wedding cake so I thought this was a great opportunity to show her how much we LOVE HER...with cake of course!

Speaking of new nephews...Congratulations Kim, Brian, Addie and Callen on your new baby! We were so happy to hear of the safe and healthy arrival of Cooper. We can't wait to meet him :)

It's official...

2010-03-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm running the half marathon in Salt Lake in less than a month!! Ahhh!! I'm excited of course, but nervous already. I've never been in a race before. It still surprises me that I can even follow my training program. I don't notice that I'm improving, but I must be. Yesterday I ran 10 MILES--the longest I have ever run. I pushed myself and beat my 9 mile time from last week (not that I'm that fast at all) but impressive to myself. REALLY. I'm still shocked at what my body can do.

I have never been a runner before, but after this last pregnancy when I was heavy and so out of shape I could hardly move without hurting, I decided that enough is enough! I would not take my body and my health for granted. I remember distinctily being amazed when I could run a whole MILE, when I ran two whole miles, shocked and proud when I ran five...and now I can run 10. What?! Really?! YES! It is proof: You (whoever 'you' are) can do it (whatever 'it' is) too!! Hurray for us!

Run, run...

2010-03-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

Lauren has become my running buddy--and thank goodness for her! It's amazing how much easier it is to keep going and help the time fly by when you have good company. How lucky am I to have a sister in the same little town as me, miles and miles away from where we grew up? SO LUCKY! Tomorrow we run EIGHT miles (which I've never done before)...hurray for us!

By the way, have any of you checked out my friend Stacey's blog (on my side bar)? She's a crazy awesome insane athlete. Inspirational :)

And do you know about this website that will calculate your miles for you? So cool.

I also found some half-marathon training ideas here which I hope will help me be faster.

ps. Mattie, do you want to come run with us?!

If I was rich...

2010-03-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'd love these!

Nate and Tony at the movies

2010-03-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

Does he get to see the movies before everyone else? Yes. And he gets paid for it. Would you join me in hating him?!...but then he goes and rents me movies he knows I'm going to like...so I love him again.
Follow him at www.uvsj.com/movies

Olympics

2010-03-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have LOVED watching the Olympics. There were so many amazing athletes with inspiring stories from all countries, and being from Canada and living in the States I felt like athletes from both countries were mine!

My house is magic--Brooke walks!!

2010-02-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

Caught on video! She's getting there! Four different times Brooke let go of what she was holding on to and just stood there for a while, looking at us like "what...?" and she even took a few steps toward Zoe and Keegan (great little cheerleaders).

Keegan reads!

2010-02-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Who knew? We caught him sounding out one of Zoe's little books, and we thought maybe we should try him out on Zoe's old flash cards. He knows all of his upper case letters, but we hadn't actively taught him lower case, so he gets d, b and p mixed up a little, and vowels are a tricky, but he did really well! And he's really excited about it, so we're going to be better about teaching him. Smart kid!!

Haircut

2010-02-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Yup. I am so cute :)

(Brooke's pretty cute too.)

Sweet Girl

2010-02-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

Winterfest and a 10K--a good day!

2010-01-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

This is us at Winterfest on the sleigh ride.

Lo and Brooke, Liv and me. Liv was pretty miserable :(

It was pretty cold, but a beautiful day. This is the tree right outside our door.

Tony--just ran the 10k!! Can you see the icicles on his stubble and hat?!

This is me just finished my run! Everyone got bundled up to come out and cheer me on!

Tony and I ran 10k Saturday! Hurray for us! Not an actual race, Tony looked up the 10k route that you can run at the Dam Marathon here in the summer and we followed that. Next step: train for a half marathon. Who knew it was possible?! I'm proud :)

Later in the day we all went to Winterfest here in town. Zoe and Keegan had lots of fun--especially winning prizes and treats, going on the horse drawn sleigh ride, painting snow, and playing snow bowling. (Zoe helped me write that part). Lauren and her family met us there. Olivia didn't like the cold weather, but she and Brooke looked cute in their matching snowsuits.

All in all, a great day :)

Little things that mean a lot...

2010-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hand made with love and handed down...so cute!

Great Grandma E made this hat, mitts and booties for Zoe, and now Liv wears them. This was taken when she was around 2 months old.

Evan used to wear this sweater! Great Grandma's sister made it for him years ago. Keegan loves it--the buttons are his favorite because they're shiny and he can do them up easily. Val, this picture is for you :) Sorry it took so long!

How do you beat the winter blues?

2010-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

More bouncy gym pics...

As much as we like to play in the snow, sometimes the weather is so bad that you can't go out and play. So the kids have been racing their tricycle and scooter down the hallway, we've gone to grandpa's elementary school and borrowed their gym on Saturday, and we've been back to the bouncy gym. We've been doing lots of art, and Zoe goes to her swim class every week which she loves (Keegan's not quite convinced that he wants to swim yet). They have lots of energy with just a little space. Any suggestions? I can't wait for Spring!

First Snowman of the season

2010-01-26T11:16:00.001-08:00

Julie came over on her day off from school and helped Zoe make the first snowman of the season. I love his button smile!
We try to get out and play in the snow every day but it usually ends up that Zoe and Keegan will play while I hold Olivia who will inevitably fall asleep :)

Choco loves to eat icicles and snow, and now that the snowbanks are pretty high, he loves chasing the squirrels even more because he can get that much closer to them.

We love the snow...but we'd rather it be summertime!

Already 5 months!

2010-01-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Olivia is already five months old! She's so big and cute! She loves her toys.

She drools a ton, but no teeth yet :)

She's an expert at sitting up, and when she's awake in bed, she'll push with her elbows and lift her head and shoulders off the mattress trying to get herself up and out!

The only times Liv gets really upset is in her carseat, and in the bath. She does NOT like it and she lets us all know!

Zoe is best at making her laugh, which she does a lot.

We're so happy that she is a part of our family!

She rolls!

2010-01-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

Lo and Gordon had us over last night and Olivia and Brooke got to know each other a little better. Brooke is curious about Liv, Liv tries to grab at anything that moves, and they're both just babies so it's funny to see them together. At the end of the night Liv was in her seat ready to go home with her binkie in her mouth, and Brooke crawled over, took the binkie and put it in her own mouth! We rinsed it off and gave it back to Liv, and Brooke took it again...and again :) Lo took a bunch of pictures and a video--you can check it out here. Liv was good natured about it, but Brooke will have to look out as soon as Liv is mobile!! Speaking of mobile: she rolled over on her own at home later that night! Yeay Olivia!!

What were you doing New Years Eve?

2010-01-01T16:44:00.001-08:00

Without Tony here we had to party by ourselves, but it was quite a party :) ...and we all were asleep by 7:45.

Another Blog to read...

2009-12-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite people *Erika* has started a blog--I'm so glad!! Every time I go home I try to see her and always come away determined to be ok with myself and to try again to unabashedly uncover my soul to the world. I started this blog to do just that, (hence "this is me"), but haven't really...at all. She, though, makes me brave. LOVE her!

www.herlifeispurepoetry.blogspot.com

"Truthfully, anyone who would rather see me in makeup than mud isn't really my type. "

--*Erika*

2009-12-13T18:41:00.001-08:00

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2009-12-13T18:30:00.001-08:00

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Merry Christmas to our families!!

2009-12-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

I had this idea of a gift we could make for the Grandparents (and really for myself also)--to have a picture of all the grandkids in a nativity scene even though we all won't be together for Christmas. Lauren, Kim, Liesel and I dressed up our kids and took pictures and I had Tony cut and paste them into the scene I wanted. We made the complete one for ourselves, and then we have one for each side of our family. Merry Christmas to everyone!!! Didn't they turn out cute?!

More Liv pics

2009-10-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

My long distance family has been requesting more pictures of Olivia, so here you go!! She's getting so big! Tony went to put her in her bed because she had fallen asleep, but she woke up and he fell asleep. I took a bunch of pictures but he never woke up :) I really need to take a good family picture, but this last one will do for now.

Keegan's Birthday

2009-10-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

After seeing Zoe have her birthday, Keegan knew exactly what he wanted for his birthday--a pinata, a party with friends, lots of presents and a cool cake. No Problem!

Big Sister and Big Brother!!

2009-10-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

People have been asking how the kids are with the new baby. They're great! They love holding and kissing her, and now that she's starting to smile they think she's even more fun to have around.

Zoe's Birthday

2009-10-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Zoe wanted a princess dress up birthday party this year so that's what she had! I asked her what her favorite part was and she said, "Um, EVERYTHING! And my pinata."

Garden

2009-10-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Our garden really grew this year! Every other day we'd pick about this much. We filled up bags up with tomatoes and cucumbers and wandered the neighborhood finding friends to share with. It was fun!

Baby baby!!

2009-09-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

Old news now, but Olivia has joined our family! It was the fastest labor yet (do we really want to discuss that here though?). It is true, for me at least, that the pregnancies get harder as you get older, but now I feel WONDERFUL. I look aweful, but darn it I feel great.

We were doing great, but then had a huge scare. When Olivia was 9 days old I brought her back to the hospital in the middle of the night with a high fever and crying every time I'd move her little body. She was immediately admitted. They did a ton of tests and found out that she had an infection...long story short, we were in the NICU for 3 days and 4 nights and then were sent home with more medicine. I took her back yesterday and got the final bill of health. They did ultrasounds and other tests to make sure she didn't need surgery and (thank heavens) she is perfect. My body made a perfect little body for our little girl. My mom had called everyone she knew and they were praying for us, so thank you if you were one of those people. And thank God (literally).

She has gained almost 2 pounds and has grown almost a 1/2" and is doing wonderfully. I'm still trying to figure out the 3-kid thing, but I'm just grateful that Olivia is here and that she gets to stay.

Birthdays...

2009-07-28T00:44:00.000-07:00

I have successfully managed to ignore my birthday. Not that I don't like the fact that I'm getting older, it's just that I don't feel like I can properly celebrate this momentous number without feeling completely like myself. I have decided that in 3 months and 0 days I shall have my life and my body to myself again and am planning on celebrating then. No arguements. I don't know what celebrating will entail exactly, but I have three months to figure that out :)

In related news, I was told by my midwife today that I'm 37 weeks now, which means that I should probably get some baby things together! Not that I think she'll come early...but she could! She also told me that I CAN have my allergy medicine (blessed day!) which I suddenly need again. (What is it this time of year in stupid Idaho that makes me want to claw my eyes out of my head? I'd like to know so that I can scowl and curse at it).

As far as the apartments go, the girls have moved out and we have almost 7 weeks of quiet. This weekend will be somewhat busy with Education Week (where we host guests, sigh), but then we'll really be free for a while.

A big chunk of the day was actually spent with my sisters. Chels got her hair done, and I quote, "Wow! It's like a little treat every time I see myself in the mirror!" The three of us (and baby Brooke) went out to the Olive Garden, our favorite, for a late lunch. I'll stick some pictures up here soon--my beautiful sisters and me looking swollen and tired--lovely.

CANADA!!!

2009-07-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful trip! Getting there was a lot more fun than coming home, but being there and seeing everyone was well worth the hours (and days and nights) of travel. We were never there all at once though so our famous group shots were always missing one or two people (Sam I mean you!). I will add pictures later on, but before I forget, here are a few things I want to always remember:

The kids, immediately comfortable, going on a walk with mom and Great Grandma and the dogs to the park after dinner that first night.
Val winning the kids over as only she can with persistent bubbly kindness...and new books!
Great Grandma delightedly watching Keegan eat more than his share of pineapple (juice running out of his mouth...with toothpicks of course which was new and made it all the more interesting for him) and them cutting him more.
Freezing our butts off at our windy Canadian picnic huddled together under blankets determined to have a good time, and the kids still wanting to run and play at the park with their shoes off...thank you Chels for going with them!
Meeting up with old old friends and still being friends (amazing). People I will always love for knowing me so well and still loving me. (Jen, Kelly, Britt)!
Kiaya (Britt's daughter) giving one of her dress-up dresses to Zoe and being immediate best friends.
Keegan in his new Algonquin hat climbing on the rocks outside the museum finding secret paths like I used to do all the time when I was little.
Zoe and Keegan helping my mom water the plants and the girls talking about how pink flowers were the best.
Making friends with the other 2 moms in Zoe's swimming class and cheering when our kids were brave.
Dallin dressing up at the children's museum and me going around with Keegan looking at everything knowing (and seeing every few minutes) that Matt Chels Mom and Dallin were all taking care of Zoe and that she was blissfully busy and happy.
Seeing Evan all grown up, driving around and about to start college and remembering visiting at the hospital when he was born! (Realizing that I'm old and being ok with it).
Looking over the river at the parliment buildings with my kids and telling them about this part of me that is part of them.
Zoe asking me to sing "Land of the Silver Birch" over and over and over until she could sing it all perfectly and then wanting to sing it more. And Keegan joining in on the "dip dip and swing" making the paddling actions.
Zoe and Keegan feeding the chipmunks at Algonquin Park and Zoe trying to trap them when one jumped right into the peanut bag. And Keegan yelling "Surprise" and scaring them away when they got too fiesty.
Dallin and Zoe playing Go Fish in the camper, just the two of them. Dallin (my teenaged brother with Downs) showing the card, "How about 2?". Zoe (almost 5, smart and independant) furrowed brow, a moments pause, "Go Fish".
Me carrying the canoe to the beach and paddling with Chelsea and the kids.
Me and my big belly barely fitting into my Dad's life jacket and Keegan determined to figure out all the buckles HIMSELF thank you very much.
Canada Day with my Dad, Dallin and my kids. Cotton Candy, rides, talking with my Dad while the three played together in the sand, and of course fireworks.
Keegan on the phone with Tony and telling him about everything he could think of so that he wouldn't have to say goodbye to his Dad.
Oma's thoughtful gifts and cards, and how much care Jon took with her.
My Dad reading Zoe the entire Fairy Tale book for a bedtime story.
Great Grandpa teaching Gordon how to take care of himself.
Seeing my Oma holding baby Brooke and how much that meant to her.
Popping in at Matt's work and seeing him busy and outgoing and oh so handsome :)
Late night converstaions where you don't need to say much, just revel in the company of people you love so much you'd rather sit there into the morning in their presence than go to bed.
Eating enought Tim Bits to last us until our next trip.
Teaching the kids about the different flags. Keegan "it has a leaf on it!" As as we came back to the US, Zoe being all proud for knowing the flag with the stars on it was the "Hue-nited States of Hamerica" flag.
Being so excited to see Tony again and listening to him love what he is learning.
"Just happening" to be able to meet up with Kim, her kids and Grandpa Potter on the way home, and having so much fun swimming together. And Zoe putting her WHOLE BODY underwater--hurray for her! And Keegan who has never liked the water asking Tony, "These my swimming lessons?" and swimming "super fast" arms and legs going full speed.
Sitting in church the morning we got back, Tony sleeping at home after driving us all night, and the kids each falling asleep, heads on my lap, Keegan sprawled out to my left and Zoe curled up on my right. Being able to listen to a missionary speak and then bear his beautiful testimony in sign language...and then being able to go right home and rest.

That's just the short list. We made it! The only things I regret are that Sam couldn't be there and that I didn't get to see Sharlene (a freind I love dearly). I am so lucky that I have Lauren and her family close by and that Chelsea will be here visiting for a good while.

Now we just have to finish up another semester here with the apartments, and get ready for our little one who will be arriving in 4 short weeks! We can totally do this :)

"Can we please go TODAY?!?!"

2009-06-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

is a daily quote from Zoe as she crosses off another day on our big calendar and counts the days until we leave for Canada. I wish is was today!! Just a little over a week until we pack ourselves into the car, say a big prayer ("let the car not die--please!") and head out for the long drive HOME! I'm just afraid that I won't want to come back.

Top 6 reasons Zoe is excited:
1. swimming lessons (thank you mom--Zoe will be learning to swim in the same pool that I did!)
2. we get to get doughnuts (Tim Horton's Tim Bits--the best things ever)
3. Grandma is going to buy her new clothes
4. to see everyone, everyone!
5. to eat Grandpa's camping pancakes that are bigger than your plate
6. to go camping and "to do those marshmallows in fire"

Tony is, of course, excited to see all his Master's friends and do another residency in Vermont. He will spend a few days with us in Canada before and after, so we're hoping that we'll all be so busy we won't miss each other too much. He's a quarter of the way through--yeay Tony!

Kim's Here!

2009-05-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Kim's friend got married yesterday so Kim came here all by herself for the long weekend. She's now Zoe's favorite ("Can we PLEASE go see Aunt Kim?!") and the only good thing about her leaving on monday is that Sohvi and Max are coming then (that makes it ok for Zoe)!
Kim asked me if I'd help her make the wedding cake for her friend and of course I said ok! Kim did all the baking (Chocolate with chocolate fudge, Carrot spice with white chocolate cream cheese and White with raspberry--yum!) and we decorated together. What fun :)
In a couple of days I'll put pictures up without flowers and with flowers (done by another friend of the bride).
We can't wait until Kim comes back and brings all her family with her!

Potty Boy

2009-05-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Keegan is very good at going potty when you put him on the potty. He's working on telling us before he has to go potty that he has to go. Although if we say, "If you go in the potty..." he'll readily say, "I'll get a CANDY!" and be all excited. We're working on it!!! But doesn't he look so cute in his undies?

Wedding Cake

2009-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

They sent us a picture! I didn't know the flowers they'd put on would be different colors. I think it looks really cute and colorful--I'm so glad it worked out! Congrats Brandon and Christine!

Wedding Cake

2009-04-28T15:12:00.001-07:00

I really enjoy making wedding cakes. Two Thursdays ago I made a wedding cake for Tony's cousin Brandon and his now wife Christine. They took it 4-5 hours away and froze it for a week and assembled it at the reception and added fresh flowers. I was nervous because I wasn't going to be there to put it together, and I'd never frozen cake for that long. By Monday I couldn't stand it anymore and called Aunt Pat (Brandon's Mom) and asked how the reception went. She said it was wonderful and just what Chrisine wanted (in a surprised-you-would-ask, of-course-it-was-great voice). Relief! She promised a picture, so I'll add that soon (hopefully)! (Ivory fondant purple ribbon and little purple polka-dots.)

He thinks it's a GIRL...he's pretty sure...but he's been wrong before...

2009-04-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

We went in for our 20 week ultrasound this morning and the baby looks healthy! The doctor was pretty sure we're having a girl (Zoe is very happy), but was very hesitant to sound 100%. So I've just decided to go with girl for now :) If she turns out to be a he, we will be just a s happy! Ideas for names anyone?

Jared!

2009-03-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Next on our weekend trip we went up to visit Jared in Pleasant Grove. We saw his place and lots of pictures of his beautiful fiance (congratulations)! Zoe played with Abbi and Isaac and was VERY impressed that Abbi can read! Keegan took a nap, but woke up when we all went for ice cream! Jared introduced us to a new place called Sub Zero where they take the cream, mix it with the flavor and additions that you want and spray liquid oxygen on it, stir it up, and give you the freshest, yummiest ice cream ever! It was great! (Just to give you an idea, and to make your mouth water, Tony had cake batter ice cream with pieces of cheese cake, Zoe had mint with brownie pieces and I had chocolate fudge with oreo pieces--yummy!) It was so nice to see them and to catch up!

Springville

2009-03-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had a great time visiting friends and family in Utah. Driving in we remembered how much we miss it! I guess you have to leave a thing to really appreciate it.

We started of visiting Michelle of course, and meeting her new kitty, and of course Buck and Goldie. We'll have to bring Choco next time--he'd love seeing his old friends too! Zoe and I had a quick dip in the hot tub, and then we all went with Jen and her kids to lunch. Next time we'll have to give them more than a days notice so that we can hang out with Greg too!!

Zoe was not happy without a little swim!

Hair Cuts!

2009-03-22T10:48:00.001-07:00

This is the before shot (notice the fist full of candies in Keegan's hand--bribery!)

...And the handsome after shot! Don't they look great? Keegan can't leave the house without those sunglasses (from Grandma Ernhofer).

This should really go in between the other two...but this is about as uncomfortable as he got! Usually he's screeming throughout. The candy in his hand made it ok I think! What a big boy! :)

Class Pictures!

2009-03-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Zoe had her first class picture this past Wednesday! Her Grandpa Potter (who is also her principal) told the photographer that she was his granddaughter and the photographer had Grandpa get in on a picture :) Pretty cute. Hopefully Zoe's smile will be a little bigger in her other picture! Zoe's comment, "I should have worn my pink shirt and pink clippies. That would have been much cuter." Funny girl. Side note: the clippies in the picture and the ones she mentioned were both made by Kim and SO cute!

Welcome Brooke Brennan!

2009-02-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

My little sister Lauren had her baby this past Sunday and she is THE cutest little baby I have ever seen! Congratulations to Lauren and Gordon, and welcome to Brooke!
Zoe got to hold Brooke today and was so excited! And of course my mom is coming in two short days to help with the new baby and, lucky us, we get to see her too. How exciting!

Hawaii

2009-02-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

Zoe and I decided that we are going to Hawaii. Enough cold already!

We are going to stay at the Grand Wailea in Maui because they have all kinds of water slides and waterfalls. We're going to see a sea horse farm and swim with sea turtles. Doesn't that sound perfect?!

Of course this won't really happen...at least not for a while...but we are sure having fun planning for it.

PREGNANT!

2009-02-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure most of you know I am pregnant! Baby #3 is on his/her way! I'm due around the middle of August (but don't worry all you Ottawa people, we're still coming at the end of June)! I'm still feeling pretty gross especially if I get up early. If I sleep in I feel better...but when is sleeping in ever a bad idea??!

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to do Chirstmas pictures for a while but with little success. Yesterday I decided that it was now or never, so we got everyone together and cute and bribed them with a sledding trip...and it worked! Expect a Christmas card in your mail right after Christmas (better late than never?)!

Goodbye cake

2008-11-16T18:50:00.001-08:00

So I made a cake for Tony's boss who was leaving for SLC and a new exciting job. It was my first pineapple upsidedown cake. Lots of inside jokes in this cake. The car is a real little toy car, but the guy driving it is fondant! He turned out cute! I made Tony remember what everyone said about it:

"That is the most amazing cake I have ever seen. I mean ever, in my entire life." That was Tony's boss.

"I can't even imagine how she made that. I think I will quit just so she will make me a cake." A coworker.

"Your wife is talented. I can believe she made that. That is seriously the coolest cake I have ever seen." Tony's boss again, five minutes later.

Hurray for me.

Halloween (spooooooooky!)

2008-11-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun! Chelsea heard that Zoe wanted to be a fairy so found and sent the cutest costume EVER! Zoe wore it every day for the 2 weeks prior to Halloween (Zoe would let Keegan wear the headband backwards on his head so that they could BOTH be beautiful)! Keegan was a pirate, but refused to wear half of his costume. I made the hat as a bit of a prototype, but he just LOVED it, and called it his "cool pirate hat, arrrr!" so I didn't bother making another (although I probably should have). Lucky for us, it was a pretty nice evening--no snow which I guess is unusual--so trick-or-treating was great.

...more pictures from the coast

2008-11-16T18:18:00.001-08:00

I had to add a few more pictures...I'm realizing now that we never got a big group shot (drats!).

Oregon Coast

2008-11-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

So the beach house was beautiful! We saw seals and even a few whales from the porch. Zoe loves shrimp and Tony and Zoe are crazy and went swimming (FREEZING!). We loved seeing Kim and Brian and their beautiful kids, and missed Aut and Liesel and their gang. A huge thank you to Mom and Dad Potter--what a fun time!!

Count down to the coast

2008-08-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

We are leaving Tuesday morning before the sun comes up and we CAN'T WAIT! Oregon coast here we come! We just bought a dvd player for the car (a necessity) and I'm trying to remember all the things I need to pack...swim suits, sand toys, video camera, beach towels, etc. etc. Now if only my house was not still full of boxes from moving...I have to find everything before I can pack everything (yikes!). I'm going to go get started!

ps. if Jen is reading this and is wondering if we have time to play with them while they are here this weekend, the answer is YES! TOTALLY! :)

Happy Birthday to all!

2008-07-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

The birthday craze has begun. Happy birthday to Jake, Chelsea, ME, Mom, Gordon, Tony and Austin. Let's PARTY!!

Attacked by a butterfly

2008-07-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

A retelling of Jake's adventure:

So Jake was on a high adventure biking on some crazy mountain terrain. He drove down an incredibly steep section, somehow lost control and came off his bike, tumbling and diving to the ground. Much to his surprise and delight the tumble left him unscathed. On the last stretch of the trail now, feeling fairly invincible, and riding with both hands outstretched to either side, his face was suddenly attacked by a seemingly harmless butterfly. Off he came again, tumbling to the earth, this time not so unscathed! Moral of the story....? Well, I don't really know.

Finally, a good movie!

2008-07-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tony and I have been disappointed by the last few movies we have rented and were getting quite discouraged until we came across Dan in Real Life. It was really cute and funny and sweet. Finally, a movie I'd recommend!

Any suggestions for more?

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

So everyone at Tony's office wanted the holiday off, so they thought, "I know, we'll just leave Tony in charge of the whole paper. He's been here for 4 months, he'll do fine!"

Ya--He was in charge of the whole newspaper and did the front page for the first time. Not only that, he did it in record time and was even able to watch the fireworks with us.

It turned out great!YEAY Tony!

Happy Canada Day!

2008-07-01T19:36:00.001-07:00

It's July 1st! Happy Canada Day! Tony had the day off (because he has to work the 4th of July) so we packed up the family and headed to Rigby lake! Keegan loved the sand and ventured briefly into the water to get a few prized rocks. Zoe, on the other hand, was brave and ran right in! Tony bought me some real maple syrup and as soon as it gets a little darker, we are going to go out and light our sparklers. We also got a Dora movie for the kids (which they are watching now) and Be Kind, Rewind with Jack Black for us later. The fun never ends!

Happy Canada Day all!

Fun and excitement

2008-06-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

It was another hot beautiful day, and we were driving to the store to pick up a few things for tomorrow's Sunday dinner, with the windows down. The kids were in the back, still slightly damp from being at the splash park and were drinking juice boxes. We were pulling into the parking lot when Zoe said, "My juice is gone! It's outside!" I turned around and realized that she had just dropped her juice box out the window! Tony consolingly said, "Don't worry, we'll park the car and go get it." (Thinking it was an accident). To which she replied, "It's ok Daddy, it was empty."
How does it occur to a three year old to first of all throw her drink out the window, and then think that that was a really smart and cool thing to do?
Tony explained about littering (to which she said "OH!!") as they walked to pick up and throw away the offending garbage.

Yesterday was a great day for Keegan. I was in the kitchen when I heard Tony tell him very forcefully, "NO Keegan, that is NEVER ok!" and I was thinking that nothing Keeg could have done could warrant that tone. I asked, "What did he do?" And Tony replied, "He had your keys and was trying to stick them in the electrical socket!"
Similarly, we sat down to eat lunch and while I was paying attention to Zoe, Keegan stood on his chair and got the lighter that I had hidden (right) in a melted-down candle in the middle of the table, and was doing the exact motions to light it. (!!!)

Is this a boy thing? All of a sudden, I have to watch him every second, although Tony thought the lighter thing was fine. "It's normal" he said, "Boys like to play with fire."

Goodness gracious!

Splash Park

2008-06-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aunt Julie, who was not afraid to get wet,

Zoe was soon right at home at the splash park

Why is it called the Splash Park you ask? See the huge bucket at the top of the structure? It totally fills with water, tips, and water splashes all over. It is awesome!

This is as much water as Keegan wanted...just a little on his toes :)

(cute!)

Keegan preferred running up a little hill right beside the splash park, and into Tony's arms.

Zoe joined him after a little while. She thought she could run into his arms as well...

But he said he still had to go back to work...and his clothes could not get soaking wet. She of course couldn't resist and gave him a big hug anyway.

Great News!

2008-06-27T21:14:00.001-07:00

My little sister is pregnant! My kids are going to have a cousin! We are all very excited.
In other also exciting news, Tony and I got the job to be apartment managers to a medium sized off-campus housing complex. We are excited to move and especially to be a half a block from Tony's parents and 2 blocks from Tony's work. Our goal is to never use our car!

2008-06-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is wondering why I am blogging in the middle of the night, it is only because Matt said I should add something to my blog and I listen to him. I hear you Matt! Your words matter enough to make a difference in my day even though I'm a whole continent away. You rock. And you're hot...so here's my hot little brother everyone...enjoy. And goodnight.

Happy blessing day baby Lucy!

2008-06-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

How much fun are cousins? We had a great weekend visiting Aut and Liesel and their family as they blessed their newest addition. As you can see, fun was had by all!

Missionary Cake

2008-06-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

This was an interesting one. The mom of a future missionary had me make him a missionary name tag cake for his farewell. Thanks to Lo for picking me up the black fondant at the last minute!

Good luck learning Mandarin Chinese Elder Mortensen!

Fresh from the Garden

2008-06-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

How wonderful is fresh produce? A salad made of lettuce and spinach you just picked--can't get much better than that! (Summer is finally here--thank goodness!)

p.s. Zoe was not nearly that impressed with the radishes when she bit into one :) "I need a drink! Hurry Mom, I need a drink!"

Can't we come in?

2008-06-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

The rule still stands that no pets are allowed in the house (not our rule of course). But how can you say no to these two?! They're just so cute!

The Farm has a new Kitten!

2008-06-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mittens the Kitten has arrived on the farm, and we couldn't be more delighted. She is the best natured cat I have ever met, and has no problem being "loved" by kids and licked by our dog! We've been told we could change her name if we come up with a better one...I guess Mittens isn't really that original...but either is Kitty-kitty which Zoe insists should be her name. Any suggestions anyone?

Lauren came over to see the new kitty without Gordon (who is the real cat lover). I suspect she did so not only to see us (of course!) but also to make him jealous and to give him another reason to wish he was not on a business trip (as if he needs another reason than missing Lo!). Cute picture though don't you think Gordon?? Wish you were here!

Happy Girl!

2008-06-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

This little video catches the spirit of who Zoe really is :)

My BACK!

2008-06-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

Friday night (or was it Saturday morning) one of my kids woke up and needed me, so I jumped out of bed and did a stupid little leap over something and suddenly felt as if my hips were no longer attached to my spine. My back had been aching a little, but goodness gracious, I had never experienced anything like that before...a day and a half and a chiropractic visit later, I am happy to say I feel better.

You don't appreciate a thing until it's taken away, they say, which in my case was true in this instance. I am currently doing back strengthening exercises and thought I'd share. http://www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/Head_Back/back_strengthening.htm

Good Health to you all!

Busting Out

2008-06-09T22:07:00.001-07:00

Zoe's teacher at church helped her plant a seed a few months ago. She brought it home and we've been faithfully watering it and taking care of it and it has grown! We've known for a while that we should re-pot it, but not until last week that I noticed that it was literally busting out of it's plastic cup! Good for you little seed! No barriers for you! Onward and upward!

(He/she is now happily in our front garden--hopefully spreading out and enjoying life in the fresh air!)

Zoe's first dance

2008-06-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have literally been trying (not actively, but still) for a year and a half to get this video off my camera, and I finally did it (completely by accident, but I'm still proud!). This is at a Christmas party where there was live music. Zoe and Charlie were barely 2 years old and they decided it was time to dance! They are undeniably adorable. Jen (aka Charlie's Mom)--this is for you!

The only way to eat spinach

2008-06-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

My family (myself included) will only eat spinach if it is in spinach quiche--then it is wonderful. This is my mom's recipe so you know it's good!

Even my 3 year old loves it.

Spinach Quiche

unbaked bottom pie crust
1 pkg. spinach, washed, steamed, drained & chopped
1 small onion chopped
1 clove garlic (garlic powder works fine)
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or about 1/3 of a pound)
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Saute onion and garlic in butter until softened. Add spinach and fry until much of the moisture is taken up. Add this mixture to a large bowl with the remaining ingredients. Blend and turn into 9" pie plate lined with an unbaked shell. Arrange tomato slices around outer edge. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes. Reduce to 350 and bake another 10 minutes. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over quiche and bake at 300 for a final 10 minutes.

Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Stinker butt!

2008-06-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

I forget what I asked her to do, I think it had something to do with putting on a sweater, or changing into pants from a skirt (heaven forbid!), but Zoe really didn't want to do what I was asking her. I finally said that it wasn't an option, and was leaving her room, when I heard her say under her breath, "stinker butt mommy!" It was the worst thing she could think of. It was all I could do to keep a straight face while she apologised.

Little Kitty

2008-05-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago we were given a tiny kitten to look after. Sadly, she was only with us a little over a week. She didn't look very well one evening and by morning she was gone.

It was the saddest thing to explain to Zoe that the kitty (who she had named Rock) had gone to live with Heavenly Father. She said (through sobbs) "Will Heavenly Father bring her right back after she feels better?" Rock was beautiful and sweet. We all loved her and will miss her.

Keegan's Bed Time

2008-05-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

So Keegan's bedtime has become interesting since he's discovered that he can swing from the bars on his bunk bed. It's actually cute, but we get tired of it long before he does! We didn't take this with a video camera so sorry no sound!

More Cake!

2008-05-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

Tony's dad had me make cakes to celebrate his elementary school reading over 48000 books this past year. All the kids walked from their school in Sugar City to Rexburg and had a big party at the park. The kids LOVED it!

2008-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I made cakes for a retirement party--one chocolate strawberry, and one citrus. Yum!

Welcome All!

2008-05-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd be a blogger...but then Lolo started one, Tony's said I should for my cakes, and Matt wanted to see pictures...so here I am :) Feel free to comment, and enjoy!