Look, a FIRE TRUCK!

Benjamin got to see REAL firefighters today! Melody's apartment complex invited the fire station to come and show the trucks to the children this morning. They let the kids go inside the ambulance, gave them each a fireman hat, and one of the firefighters even donned the big firesuit for the kids to see. Benjamin loved seeing the big red fire engine, and I was excited that he could get some exposure to the firetrucks because he is going to be a fireman for Halloween!

When the ambulance and fire engine left, Benny and I were waiting on the sidewalk to watch them drive away. The firemen all waved to Benjamin, and turned on their flashing lights and sirens just for him. They were very sweet to indulge him.

Autumn party at Fun Acres

Last night we went to a party sponsored by Jed's medical program. It was at 'Fun Acres', and it was really fun for all the kids. They let the children feed the goats and chickens. Benny loved that. There was also a hayride, corn maze, pizza party, and various games set out on the lawn. They had a canoe sitting on the grass that was full of dried corn kernels and plastic buckets. Boy, was that a HIT. We had to drag Benny away from it when it was time for pizza. I was wishing I had one in my backyard!

Apple Charlie's

We went to an apple orchard this morning with Anona, Abram & Grant, Melody & Eirik, and Christina & Garrett. The boys picked a few apples, but mostly they enjoyed standing under the trees and eating them. Benjamin picked a green apple and started munching on it before I could pick him a ripe one. When I saw how much he was enjoying it, I gave it a nibble and sure enough it tasted very green! But he didn't seem to mind.

Scarecrow Festival

Last week Benjamin and I went to the local 'Scarecrow Festival'. We went with Christina and her kids and Anona and her boys. There was a big monster truck that I thought Benjamin would be thrilled to see and touch. He got scared when I tried to sit him on the tall tire for a picture, so I held him instead...

He really enjoyed the ponies, though. He was very excited to get to ride one, and thought going around in circles on his pony was such an adventure! Here he is on Peanut, his brown pony:

I have to add that I ruefully paid $3 to let him ride the pony in circles for a few minutes. My parents own horses and take their grandkids out on rides often, so I could just imagine them shaking their heads at the absurdity of me paying money for him to go on a silly 4 minute ride in circles. Ah well, that's what I deserve for living so far away, right Mom and Dad? :)

My husband the chef

To my chagrin, I've discovered that Jed is a better cook than me. Let's get one thing straight - he doesn't cook. So you can imagine what a blow this is to me. He just has the THEORY of cooking - the innate sense. Two examples:

This morning I made aebleskivers. My in-laws have this fantastic tradition of making Danish aebleskivers for special breakfasts. This is a cast iron aebleskiver pan, and these are some aebleskivers that I made today:
Nate gave us a pan for Christmas last year, which I seasoned according to the manufacturer's instructions. But the first time I made them they all stuck to the pan and made an infuriating mess. I put it away for 9 months and then took it out last weekend and reseasoned it. I tried again this morning and this time I put about 1 1/2 tsp of oil in each hole. I know- that's a lot, but when I tried putting in less, they would stick in the holes and start to burn! After my third batch Jed said I should just spray the holes with Pam. I mocked at such a silly suggestion. If they are sticking with a pool of oil in them, they would absolutely make a burned mess if I tried to just spray the pan with a thin layer of Pam! Clearly he had no idea what he was talking about. But, he insisted that I try it, and I finally grudgingly gave it a shot. (Of course I first tried to make him promise that he would clean the pan!) It worked wonders. I couldn't believe that he was right! To top it off, he took charge of the next batch so I could eat some and he said he wasn't going to use any Pam at all. I was totally against it (thinking of the mess I had last time), but again it worked out perfectly. I shouldn't have been so shocked because this isn't the first time he's outwitted me in cooking....

Last weekend for General Conference I made my favorite Sour Cream Blueberry Pancakes. I had just put new pancakes on the griddle and Jed and Benny were sitting at the table waiting for their second helping. I was standing over the pancakes, waiting to see the tell-tale bubbles forming on top. Jed came over and said "Don't they need to be flipped?" He picked up the spatula and started to tease the edge of one. I said, "No, no! Don't touch it!" I am very protective of my pancakes. Guys just don't know what they are doing - watch and you'll notice they are always flattening pancakes by tapping or whacking them with the spatula while they finish cooking! Anyway, Jed managed to evade me from trying to get the spatula back, and he peeked under one of them and guess what! They were just about to start to burn! What in the world? I could blame it on the fact that I've never used an electric stove before and I'm trying to get used to it. Or I could say that these pancakes are very strange and just don't form bubbles on top. But I'm afraid I have to confess that the real reason is that my husband is a cooking genius and I have a lot to learn from him!

We caught a fish THIS BIG!

This morning we went 'fishing' on Lake Erie. As you can see, our fishing pole is highly capable of catching and reeling in an ENORMOUS fish, but since we didn't have any bait on it, or a hook for that matter, the fish weren't fooled.

Benjamin really liked seeing the bubble fall into the water below the bridge and then getting to reel it in again. Thanks Melody for taking us fishing, and thanks Eirik for letting us use your fishing rod!

They Roared Their Terrible Roars

This clip is of Benjamin reciting part of "Where the Wild Things Are." When we were reading it tonight I found out that he had memorized "they roared their terrible roars, and gnashed their terrible teeth, and rolled their terrible eyes, and showed their terrible claws!" I had to try to get it on video because I thought it was pretty funny.


I also have to document Benjamin’s very first prayer, given entirely by himself with no prompting. (The “Heavenly Father” sounds more like, “Heav’ly Fa’er.”)
September 20, 2007:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thankful Trains
Thankful for Family
Please Bless Sleep Good
Please Bless Our Family
Heavenly Father,
Thankful for Our Family
Please Bless Sleep Good
Jesus Christ, Amen

Raspberry Patch

We went Raspberry Picking! Last Monday Melody and I ventured out to a 'U-Pick' raspberry patch. For nearly an hour and a half we plucked the ripe raspberries and collected them in buckets around our necks. We got a total of 7 pints between the two of us (14 cups). So fun!

When I got home, Jed and I enjoyed bowls of fresh raspberries with milk and a little sugar. Yum! Later in the week I made some raspberry freezer jam.

Nursery Colors

After much deliberation, I've decided I might sew the new baby's bumper pad and dust ruffle myself (with considerable help from my mother-in-law!). I think I've settled on this palette:

I'm thinking I would like the dust ruffle to look something like this.

And this would be the bumper pad, with the edging and ties in pomegranate:

I'll make a window valance that is the same design as the dust ruffle.

I really love these fabrics. They are warm and inviting. And I really wanted to incorporate that robin-egg blue. But, I am still not sure this is a good idea.... I mean, this isn't going to be cheap, and it's going to be a lot of work since I'm a poor seamstress. If I could only find something that I really love that is premade and not completely out of my price range, then I could buy it and have it all done, but I just can't find anything that has these colors, or this look.

I'm converted.

I had a great weekend because I found lots of great deals at garage sales. I have never been a successful garage sale shopper, and I never understood how other people could find such great things at these 'junk' sales. But now I too can relate to the excitement of finding a treasure at a garage sale.

On Thursday morning I bought Benjamin two awesome helicopters for 25¢ each, and this great interactive toy & blocks builder (pictured). Among other things, I also got a darling little desk/sewing table that is painted pale blue that I'll keep in the nursery.

On Saturday morning I went to a Mom2Mom sale in the area and bought some great winter clothes for Ben for $1 each. I also made my first baby girl purchases.... a sweet little white cardigan with embroidered flowers, a cute pink newborn outfit, some tiny tights...

Then I went to my friend's garage sale and bought a huge firetruck that makes siren and horn sounds, for 50¢. It is the COOLEST toy!

On Saturday afternoon I went to the Library Book Sale, which I have been looking forward to ever since we moved here. And to top off my perfect purchases of the day, I found the book 1776! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!! I was super excited. Only 2 bucks. And I've been wanting that book for a long time.

Later on, we spent some quality family time at the park. Jed kept me entertained by shooting off a toy plane over and over. The plane actually got some impressive height and distance. Here's Benjamin showing off his tummy, just like Mommy.

Sneak Peak

Here's a picture of our baby girl....
I have to say, if an ultrasound picture could ever be considered sweet, then this one would be it. I love that you can see her mouth, nose, eyes and forehead, and her round little body. This picture makes her so much more real to me. I can almost imagine holding her in my arms. That makes me so excited! She was kicking and squirming a ton during the ultrasound. It was fun to SEE her squirming at the same time as FEELING her little kicks. What a cutie. I already love her!

Singing Primary Songs

Sometimes on Sunday mornings I put in a Primary Song CD for Benjamin to listen to while Jed and I get ready for church. He recognizes a lot of these songs because I sing him Primary songs before he takes naps and before bed, and during the day at times. Well, while I was in the bathroom putting on makeup I heard him singing along to "I am a Child of God." It was so cute, I had to take some video, and I was pleasantly surprised that he actually kept on singing while I videotaped him. He obviously knows the first verse better than the second, but he knows the chorus pretty well. And at the very end "to live with him some day", you'll notice he says "Amen" instead of the word "day." I don't know where that came from....

Wild Fowl Festival

Ben and I went to the Wild Fowl Festival on Lake Erie this morning.
There were lots of booths of people selling hunting stuff, including duck-call whistles, hunting-dog puppies, and tons and tons of duck decoys. We got to hold and pet the little puppies, and there were big dogs everywhere for Benjamin to admire. We wandered around and saw some clay pigeon shooting out on the lake and part of the dog distance jumping contest. That was fun - the owners would throw an orange buoy out in the water and the dog would jump off the dock to go after it. Benjamin's favorite part of the festival was throwing pebbles into the water and riding the trolley back to our parking lot. :) The trolley looked like a train on wheels, and it had a big bell on it that rang all the way. I guess it's good that he's easy to please.

Time for Cozy PJs

The weather has turned a little chilly. I guess Autumn is on its way. We discovered this week that Benjamin's bedroom gets really cold at night, much colder than the rest of the house. On Wednesday morning when I went in to get him, his bare little feet were like icecubes. He looked so cold standing there, waiting at the door. I gathered him up, picked up a few books, and brought him to my bedroom. I laid him down where I had just been laying, where the blankets were nice and warm. I opened our blinds so that the morning sun streamed in and made the room feel cozy. Then I snuggled in next to him under the blankets and we read books together. He rested his frozen little feet on my legs where they could get warm, and we just hung out in bed for awhile. It was so fun! I love his little voice saying, "One more book" while he holds up his little finger and looks at me expectantly. He thought he was in heaven, having me read him books first thing in the morning. I think it will be one of my fondest memories.

Later that day we went to the store and bought him a few pairs of cozy winter pajamas with feet. He loves his new PJs, and he looks so cute in them. Here he is this morning sporting his new winter wear. (He told me he was drawing a frog on his doodle pad. Isn't he a born artist?)

Oh Beautiful, for Patriot Dreams...

I finished reading a fantastic book, Celia Garth, by Gwen Bristow. This novel was set in Charleston, South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War. I love books, fiction and nonfiction, about American History. I love learning about the heroes during the Revolutionary War and Civil War, those that gave great sacrifices and led the people in the cause they believed in. In this particular novel, it goes into some detail about the rebel resistance in Charleston after the British captured the city, in about 1780. One of my favorite quotes from the book is about the people who were part of the resistance: “Celia wondered how many people there were who, like herself, led a secret life. People who seemed colorless, but who actually were walking hand in hand with glory.” (p. 294) That gave me a shiver when I read it. There were so many people during those wars that were courageous and patriotic, who didn’t do it for recognition or glory, but for the cause of freedom. This novel made me recognize and feel the terror of the war, when people’s homes were ransacked and the inhabitants murdered during raids by the invading army, when soldiers died in battle and skirmishes and left behind loved ones who mourned for them. But it also showed how the citizens rallied and fought back, how the patriot soldiers regrouped and continued to fight, hiding in the swamps to avoid being captured, and how they all hung on to that glimmer of hope that they would be able to ultimately win the war, and win their independence.
Today Benjamin and I went to the library and we happened to pick out a book about American History. As I looked at the portraits of John Adams, Thomas Paine, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, and so forth, I felt…. well, it’s hard to describe the emotion I felt, and I always feel about American History. I felt deep respect and gratitude, almost a lump in my throat; I felt thankful for our country and for the people who founded it and fought for it during those difficult times. I guess the best way of describing it is a feeling of patriotism. I love the United States; I hope I can teach my children how incredible the events were that surrounded the founding of this nation, and how blessed we are to live here.

'These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.'

The Crisis, by Thomas Paine
December 23, 1776

Moonraker's Bride

I just finished another fantastic book by Madeleine Brent. I've read it before and knew I loved it, but I couldn't remember it very well. I was excited when I found that our library here had Moonraker's Bride. It was awesome. I have never found a book that could hold a candle to my all-time favorite, Tregaron's Daughter, also by Madeleine Brent... But Moonraker's Bride came pretty close, so close that I actually considered that they might be a tie. (Yes, are you impressed Chrissy?!) If you are reading this, and like the older type (published in the 70's) of mystery romances, then go to your library and put it on hold right away! Unless you're in Kville, in which case you'll have to log on to Amazon. It's worth it.
I loved it, and read it within 24 hours. I actually stayed up until 2 am reading it. I know, that is verging on compulsive... okay, so it's completely compulsive. I can't help myself. I even reread the ending and various parts of the novel over and over, and over again. What can I say? I like to relish a good book.

We've got news...

IT'S A GIRL!

That's right, we went to the doctor this morning for an ultrasound and we found out that we'll be having a little girl in January. What was my initial reaction? Incredulous. Amazed. A girl? Crazy! I've only ever experienced a boy, so I can't imagine having a girl. Although I was totally surprised, I am super excited! I'm 21 1/2 weeks along now, so this pregnancy is moving right along. :) Now for a name.....

Will you meet with the Bishop before church?

Today Jed and I received a joint calling for our new ward...

NURSERY LEADERS!

We had a suspicion that we would be called to the Primary in some way... Positively thinking, I think it will be fun to teach the little toddlers about Jesus, and interact with them. Having my own son at that age makes it a more exciting calling, because I know how much they are learning and taking in. And they are all so cute!

Before I even knew of the calling, I was simulating a bit of nursery at home... On Saturday, Benjamin and I made crafts that would help him learn some Primary songs. We colored stars with yellow crayons, cut them out, and taped them to the ends of chopsticks and used them to sing "I am like a Star Shining Brightly." We also made a little sun out of a styrofoam plate and used it to sing "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam." Benjamin looked so adorable with his little sun around his face that I had to get out the camera. When I said, "Smile!" he gave me his classic scowling face:

What a little ray of sunshine! Hahaha! I promise he was actually having fun!

He really enjoys singing primary songs. Before he goes to sleep I always sing him some songs. He sometimes tries to sing along with some of them, and he is good at the actions for "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home." Lately he's been saying, "Jesus! Jesus!" to ask me to sing a song about Jesus. If I start a song that doesn't actually have the word 'Jesus' in it, he will interrupt me with "No, Jesus!" Recently, even if I start singing a song about Jesus, he will interrupt me with "No, Jesus baptized!" Yeah, for some reason his all-time favorite song is the one that goes, "Jesus came to John the Baptist in Judea long ago..." I'm not sure why he is so attached to that one, but whatever!

Now where's that umbrella?

Wow, it's rained almost every day this week. It doesn't necessarily rain all day, just for part of it. It even rained the morning of our Tigers game, but by the afternoon it was in the mid 80's.

A few days ago we had a massive storm. One moment it was a normal evening and the next moment, it went really dark and there was torrential rain, high winds, and thunder & lightening. It was awesome! Benjamin and I opened the front door to try to sit on our covered patio to watch the storm, but the rain was being driven under the awning.
My potted coleus was tipped over in the wind, and Benjamin was very concerned. He kept pointing to it and saying "uh-oh! Fell! uh-oh, Fell!" over and over. I had to tell him multiple times that it was okay, and that if I tried to go fix it, I would be soaked in a matter of milli-seconds. Still, I ended up having to drag my little boy back into the house so I could close the door, while he frantically repeated, "uh-oh! uh-oh! Fell! Fell!"

4 YEARS!

Yesterday marked our 4 year anniversary. Jed always plans some surprise for me on special days like our anniversary and my birthday. He is such a fun husband! This is how our day went:

We had crepes and smoothies for breakfast, and then Jed mysteriously told me that we were leaving at 11:15am. When we loaded up the car and headed out I had no idea where we were going. Our first stop was to the Dixon's home, where Jed dropped off Benjamin to be babysat for 'a few hours'. So, we were going to have the afternoon just to ourselves! We drove to downtown Detroit, where I haven't been yet. It was fun to see all the buildings and old churches, but the traffic and tiny roads were disconcerting - I don't ever want to have to maneuver a car in that place! We parked and started walking... Jed led us down the streets until we came in sight of the TIGERS STADIUM!! We were going to a Tiger's Game!

This was the first Major Leagues game I have ever been to. It was pretty fun to see the players in real life. We had fantastic 'club member' seats, in a balcony on the first row, so we could look down on the game with a perfect view. It was awesome!

Afterward Jed told me we had dinner reservations in a few hours, so I realized this was going to be a whole day out together! We drove a short distance to Belle Isle and looked around. I wanted to go inside the conservatory (pictured below), but it had barely closed. I got a glimpse of their gardens, though. WOW. We'll be going back for sure.

We went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Mexicantown in Detroit. We had walked through Greektown to get to the stadium, and now we were eating dinner in Mexicantown. I bet they have a little 'town' for every ethnicity. :)

On our way home Jed pulled into an A&W and ordered us a rootbeer float to share because I've been saying all week that I wanted to buy an A&W float. He is so cute!

We picked up Benjamin from the Dixon's at 7:30pm. They had had him ALL day! We totally owe them. It was so nice of them to take him for us. Jed had made all the arrangements for them to babysit him - it was so sweet.

As I came out of Benny's room after I put him to bed, I saw that Jed had set up the front room for a movie - the couch was pulled up closer to the TV and his laptop was set up with earphones so we could start a movie right away without keeping Benjamin up. We watched it on the TV and listened to it with sets of earphones! It was so fun!

From start to finish, Jed had planned every step of the day, and it was all a surprise. He had carefully planned every tiny detail: our tickets and reservations, maps of how to get to our destinations, babysitting, renting a movie... even to packing some treats for the Tigers game and packing the diaper bag for Benjamin with extra diapers, two sippy cups of milk, and a few snacks. He thought of everthing! I felt so loved! It was such a fun day, and I loved spending it with him. These past four years have been full of happiness, and I feel like we have been so blessed!