A Challenge for Vern

Last night at dinner Elena said she needed a box to make her valentines from school. We pondered her different options. Well Vern said, "I will make you a box." In which Elena responded, "But I need it by Thursday." Knowing that dad takes his time with wood projects. Well that was enough for Vern. After dinner he headed out to the garage and during our beloved show, Biggest Loser, he spent the time in the garage. Elena went to bed not knowing what her dad was doing.

This morning, Elena woke up in amazement at her Valentine box made so quickly by her father.

All she has to do is paint it today. So if it is not ready I quess it is her problem.

Props to Vern for making a fabulous Valentine Box like none other in such a short time.

First Friday Nights

Friday night Vern and I had a fabulous date, and it was free! In Phoenix, on the first Friday night, many of the museums and other places are open to the public for free. We chose to go to the Phoenix Art Museum. It was great! Definately, a different crowd than what I see around my house, but very fun. We saw great artwork and some interesting modern art. One of our favorites was a room that was all dark, with mirrored walls...it had hanging lights all around the room. IT was awesome. You get all turned around in there. Very cool. There was also a hanging display of charred firewood in the shape of a box. Amazing. I can't very well describe it. So if you have a first friday free, go on a free date to the Art Museum. I think we are headed to the Science Center next month!

A Pull Up!

I did a pull up today! Okay it was an assisted one at a machine at the gym, but it sure felt great pulling myself higher than thebar. I have always cursed my arm strength because I never got the Presidential Fitness Award in school because of the stinking arm hang/pull up(starting inJr.High). It was embarrassing to 100% in the other areas and -% in the arm strength area. Now I feel good about myself. I do one day want to be able to do a real pull up, but I have a lot to lose before I can do that.

One goal done

Last week I finished one of my New Years Resolutions!!!!!!!! I made my 3 month food supply plan. It actually turned into a 4 month plan and I am so excited! I know what is for dinner until May. It takes a load off of my mind at 4pm. I am also about half way through purchasing the needed food items. It feels good to be doing what we have been counseled to do by our church leaders. They truly are inspired. Now I just have to keep up with the program!!!

7 Stitches!

Natalie's foot all bandaged up!

Last night Natalie ran to get her scriptures off of her top bunk. While in the process she slid down her ladder and tore open her skin at the base of her second toe. I had to call Grandpa Nurse Wolfley over and he confirmed that she had to go get stitches. Vern came home from his meeting early and took her to Good Night Pediatrics. After only 2 hours they were home and Natalie had 7 stitches in her toe!

She is doing better this morning. We kept her home from school because of walking on her foot was painful. She is getting better each hour. She has to be better by tomorrow because it is Show and Tell at school. What could she show?

Silly Mountain Hike

On Saturday afternoon, 1/17, we hiked Silly Mountain near the Superstition Mts. It was a good hike. The kids were troopers! Even little Vern made it half way up before his little legs couldn't climb the rocks. He then became a permenant figure on dad's head. We hiked with the Rockwoods, Rapiers, and Scotts. It was a fun Family time.

We want to try to hike a different spot in the Valley each month this year, when the weather permits of course.

Look Who is Rolling!

He just rolled over and is so proud of himself!

Benjamin at the old age of 4 3/4 months has decided to begin moving. He his rolling over more and more. Unfortunately he wakes himself up when he does it sometimes. Benjamin hasn't spent much time on the ground because of very loving children always around. So I am glad to see that he is still learning those gross motor skills.

He is a great boy. Very different from my others. He only takes one nap a day from 10:30am-1:30ish pm. It is crazy. All of my others were on a great routine by now, but with him it is still hit or miss. Maybe because I am doing more things, i.e. leaving the house to go to the YMCA, getting Natalie after school. I am sure he will grow up just fine.

He is at the fun stage where he smiles and laughs for me. He playys with small toys and sucks the life out of his burp cloth(better than his thumb, I can't have another). I love my little Benjamin!