Monday, December 15, 2008

Second day of Christmas


On the second day of Christmas my postman gave to me: two credit cards, and a gas bill with a laaa--aaate fee.
Here is a video of Santa visiting the Hansen (Heidi's side) Christmas party. Some of the kids say the funniest things, like what Abby says. (She is the first one that you see that almost knocks Santa over.) Tyson and Kaleb are at the end. It is sort of long but listen to Santa sing and enjoy himself. Hope it works.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Hey this is Robert. It's been a while. Heidi keeps me posted. We love hearing from all you guys! Like Heidi said, my mouth is pretty sore. I think it's getting better but its taking longer than expected. What causes canker mouth sores? That's my main complaint now- more than the swelling and sore gums. So Karl, is it better to do root canals or tooth extractions for abscessed teeth? I took a day off after the extraction, but then I needed to get working again. It's not fun talking all day with a sore mouth- And that's all I do at work- non-stop-even while driving. (Dad caught me talking on my cell while driving.) I enjoy working, but dislike having to work after hours which I've done quite a bit. Today (Saturday), I just got called to be on call today and tonight. It's frustrating. Heidi said I shouldn't have to because of my mouth. I've had a hard time sleeping because of the pain which only goes away 2 hours with the prescriptive dose of IBU Profen. Hopfully I have a good liver, because I've had to take a lot around the clock to function at work as well as to help Heidi. Heidi has been incredible to support me. I keep thinking I'm a baby- but it hurts.
The good news is that amidst all that's going on, Heidi and I are excited for #3! No due date yet-but probably March/April. Heidi is so cute with her baby belly- I love it and she hates it. Tyson and Bub love feeling the 'round trampoline'. She's had more morning sickness with this pregnancy than the other two combined. (and increased mood swings). ha ha ha. She's great.

Heidi and I are wanting to put up the Christmas tree and lights and decorations this weekenend. It's hard to believe it's coming so quick. Thanksgiving's not over yet, but Christmas will be here before we know it. We've been having nice weather for this time of year though. It's wonderful.

It's good to hear that Quickyn is sleeping longer (sometimes). All I can say is don't buy earplugs! I agree with you Bri. Touch and affection are needed at this time of their life. It's hard to just let them cry. Always go with your heart/feelings. In my maternity class, we acually discussed this for a whole period and read several articles about it. The conclusion for most of them was that for most situations was to let them cry 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of non-stop crying, it's okay to settle them down and hug them, but then of course to put them back in their own bed. That way they get your affection but they still learn to sleep in their bed. The article discussed a study they did over 25 years or so that showed that those children that were given affection at night with cries turned out to be more caring, understanding and patient as an adult than those that were just left alone to cry. those kids ended up being more resilient, direct and stubborn.
Anyways that's just one of the studies. I really don't think any of that stuff matters. It's different for each child and each situation. With Tyson (now 2), He cries every time it's bedtime and we don't usually let him out- and eventually he cries himself to sleep. I have to admit though, I enjoy cuddling with my boys at night (and Heidi).
So good luck Bri and Hollie with those pretty girls. I guess I better stop and try accomplish something before my next phone call on call. (I just had to giveIV antibiotics to a 6 year old). I'm more used to stubborn old dying people than kids that are babies and getting better.( Not all old peple are stubborn and dying). I just remembered I need to prepare a lesson for tomorrow. There's always something to do. Gotta love it!. Go Utah Jazz! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Wahoooo! Congrats you two. We had a feeling you were pregnant. We didn't say anything because we thought you were going to surprise us all. We hope you have a girl too, but it would be reall cute to have all boys as well. Keep us updated.

Bill and Bri

Movin' on Up!

Hey everyone! I felt bad about leaving a sad note last time, so I thought I would update y'all with some good stuff.

Well, last night Quickyn woke up only 4 times which is a way big improvement from 8! YEEE HAAAWWW. She usually ends up in bed with me by midnight, but last night I didn't bring her into bed with me until 4:30 a.m. I did bring her in finally so I could get a little extra sleep. She was a really good napper today and I got a few things done. She wasn't taking naps as of the first of October but as of the end of October she takes 2-3 naps a day. We still have our bad nights, but I think if I keep helping her learn better sleep habits things will continue to get better.
And hardly any crying involved too!!!

We really like our pediatrician. He is very nice and he sees eye to eye with us on most things. The only thing we disagree with is how to get her to sleep at night. I was actually appalled by something he mentioned at our last visit. He said, "you can even let them cry all night. Earplugs can be a good investment." Oh my goodness! Yeah, he said that. I'm sorry, but the thought of that makes me cry. I like to let her know that I am there and if she cries I'll be there asap. I've actually found that the sooner I respond the better she sleeps and she's even on occasion gone back to sleep on her own just because I've come in to remind her that it is okay and I'm there.
Maybe the crying it out thing works for some babies. Don't infants naturally crave human contact and attention? Maybe I'm slamming the idea too hard, but I just don't feel right about it.

Thanks Holly for the tip I think it helped tremendously!

Gotta run, Bill's given the Q-bug a bath and she doesn't seem to be enjoying it.

Love, Bri

This is an old picture, but I feel the same way. I am wearing that shirt again.
You probably already know, but we are expecting again. We are do sometime in March or April. Don't know for sure what, but we both want a girl. In a way I feel like it is, but we want it to be a surprise. Tyson wants a sister. I guess we are following Karl and Megan.
Robert had a bad tooth problem with lots of infection. He had the tooth pulled on Tuesday and he is still hurting and swollen. It was swollen up around his eye. That worried the dentist because he had seen that before and the patient ended up blind. So if worse comes to worse they will do surgery and let the infection drain.
Well I better sign off and put Kaleb down for a nap and clean up the house.
Heidi

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Great Places for Educational Media

Below I have listed a couple of places where you can find media online.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/ (Corrected from last entry.)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/

http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/pompeii/interactive/interactive.html

Nasa has videos and interactives.

News videos: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/showdown/view/

http://pioneer.uen.org/ This one may require you to register.

Hulu.com = you can watch full lenght movies.

I hope this doesn't bother you that I put this on the blog. I won't put any more information about educational media.

Have fun!

Bill

P.S. Today my students had fun trying to get a paperclip to float on water.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Hey guys,

I called grandpa last night. I thanked him for the DVD that he sent out. I suppose you guys will receive yours soon. The DVD has pictures and videos. Kriss and Kim Hoffman are playing baseball and basketball. It has video on it that is from Haylee's baptism. That was a special experience and a nice evening.

Karen is doing better. She told Grandp Karl that she hadn't felt so good in a while. As a last resort the doctors decided to give her medicine by injecting it into her muscles. The medicine is then released over a time period of 4 weeks. Karen wasn't taking her medicine regularly, but this seems to work for her.

He said that when he redoes the roof to his house, he will do it with the tin roof like dad's. School is going great.

Oh, Meagan asked about lesson plans. I don't think my notes would be good for lessons. I will send you some fun demonstrations or things to watch. There is a lot of free educational media out on the internet that is pretty good. If you want to learn something, type the concept in with the word "applet," or "virtual." I think Karl and Meagan's kids would certainly enjoy mixing corn starch and water. Make a lot and cover your table and floor. The liquid is fun to play with. When you squeeze it, it becomes hard, but the minute you let it be, it becomes a liquid again. If you want the details on this, it is because it is a nonnewtonian fluid that is specifically a shear thickening fluid. Paint just happens to be shear thinning fluid because when you apply stress with your paint brush, it actually becomes more liquidy, or less viscous.

Monday Bri and I went to a retirement home and shared a scripture that went along with two science demos. It was fun. Bri really wants to do it again. I wouldn't mind either. It was fun. Some of those elderly ladies really couldn't believe that a balloon wouldn't pop when pushed against a bed of pins. I also dragged my fingers along to make an aluminum rod vibrate and resonate so that it sung one note. Oh, I had fun with the balloon and pins. I popped a balloon and then announced that it didn't work. We needed faith. I had a lady blow on it because she had so much faith. Then I pressed the balloon against a bed of over 300pins (or challenging fiery darts.) Bri made this demo for me before we were married. I love it.

Hey, if any of you guys do play with corn starch and water, you should watch a video on youtube that shows some spanish people running and jumping on 5ft deep pool of this stuff. It is in spanish, but it's the best demonstration of walking on liquid. If you type in corn starch into google or youtube it is one of the first ones to pop up. I have been a bit leary about using youtube, but I have found that it is great for showing science experiments that I cannot do at my school because of the restrictions. If you type in "water balloon in space" you will find videos demonstrating the intermolecular forces of water floating in the space shuttle with no gravity when the astronaut pops the balloon. It is a floating ball of water. You can see astronauts drop a hammer and a feather on the moon. You can watch a hydrogen filled balloon being exploded. If you type in "thermite" you will see a reaction that happens at about 3,000 degrees melting through things. Dry ice and vacuum bell jars are also great things to see.

Just off of the top of my head, look at Teachermedia.org. There are lots of videos. I think that is the location and homeschooling parents can access it. Well, I have got to go. We are trying to put Quickyn to bed.

Love Bill and Good Luck with Science

Sometimes You Feel Like Crying

We just got done reading Hollie and Luke's blog and I feel like crying. Enjoy the fact that Gracie is sleeping so well. We've been working with Quickyn on sleep and have had some progress, but it is going to take some time. I'm just not the type of person who can let a baby "cry it out". Some nights she's up more than most and I've been so exhausted from lack of sleep. We think that her sleep problems started when I got really sick in September. I was so weak that we brought her into bed with us so I could nurse her and sleep. I couldn't even hold her to feed her I was so weak. Anyway, now she sleeps in her crib until 10:30 or 11:30 at night and then she won't sleep unless I put her in bed next to me. And if I move away from her....yeah...she wakes up! She has it down to a science. But, I will prevail. Back at the start of October she wasn't napping unless I was nursing her and she was in my arms, now she is taking 2-3 naps a day of at least 30 min each. Today was a breakthrough. She went down for a nap at 1:20 and she slept all by herself in her crib (and even put herself back to sleep after startling awake) until 2:30!!! WOO HOO. This is major people! Now if only she would sleep longer stretches at night.

Anyway, not to say I'm angry with you Hollie, but I am frustrated that I can't be enjoying the sleepful bliss you get. I'm lucky to get 2 hours in a row without interruption. I do have to admit something though. I sure do enjoy cuddling with her in bed. Her warm little body next to mine and the cute way she nuzzles next to me when she's hungry is priceless. I will miss that once she starts sleeping on her own.

So, we're all curious what you're holding back. Bill thinks you're pregnant! I think you're moving closer. Are we warm yet?

Well, I have to go get Quickyn into bed.
Bye Bye
Bri

Monday, November 10, 2008

Christmas Choir

Yeah! Speaking of Christmas music and the the choir comment... We got roped into doing the choir this year. Luke was just leaving the room where choir practice was going to start and our friend in the branch came in and said to Luke "Oh good, Hollie is on her way in for choir practice. Just stay here." Luke obviously confused because we had not even heard or talked about it at this point guessed that I had just decided we were doing it. Then that same lady came and found me in the chapel and said "Hurry Hollie, Luke is waiting for you at choir practice for the christmas program." I was like, "What? I didn't know we were doing it but okay." When Luke and I found each other we were well you know how we felt...SILLY! Oh well. We did kind of want a break from being involved in everything, but it is fun to feel the wonderful spirit from the music.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Ha Ha!

:) :) :) :)
Okay that's enough ha ha's.
Wait one more...
ha ha!
JK, Nothing but love!
Robert got a new calling. He is the new Gospel Essentials teacher. He is nervous. He keeps telling me that he can't teach. It will be good for him, and it will be a missionary experience. I think I will go to his class and help him out and make him even more nervous. He starts on Sunday. He will be fine, that class is small anyways. He had a calling just like this one in the student ward.

What do you think of the election outcome? I don't know enough or haven't followed it to really say.

Robert thinks it is too early for Christmas music, but the radio is playing non-stop Christmas music now. I turn it on for fun and to see how Robert reacts. I guess he likes it because last night he put on Christmas movies. There is a month and a half until Christamas.

Tyson is in the process of being potty trained. Kaleb likes to nap all day. He is teething and he is emotional about it.

It sounds like everyone is pushing onward.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Mum

Hey we have some news but I can't tell you yet. Just a couple more weeks and I can tell you. Dang I really want to say but I can't.... mums the word.
Lisa glad you are back with Ben safe and happy. It would be hard to leave your kids but Dad said they are doing well. It won't be too long before you are back with them again. Tell Ben hi from us. I hope everyone is doing well. We love you guys.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Wow! I finally read everything I've missed in the last month. Everybody is so busy. Ben and I went to the Dallas temple, did one endowment, 5 or so marriage sealings, and I got to be a daughter in a sealing. I had never done sealings before. It was fun, happy and spiritual doing it all with Ben there. He is doing well, though we still need the computer out of the house. We are doing well and are happy, though miss the kids, but know we are doing all we can to get to Utah, and the kids are learning alot in a happy, good environment - with Grandma and Grandpa. Ben and I are happy just being together. That's all! I love all of you guys, Lisa!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Zacher's b-day present from Grandma and Grandpa





We waited until the other kids were in bed and gave it to him. He loved it and was actually able to play with it without 10 other hands grabbing at it.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Home-Made Mad Lib #1

Tonight for dinner we are having chicken. Zach looked very hard to prepare it for the bookmark. Please sit on your pig and be crazy. Use your transfromer and your nose to eat the lamb. When you are done dancing, put your dishes in the yawn.

Home-Made Mad Lib #2

Today we went to the moon. I jumped a pumpkin. My best person bought a WAL-MART. When she was finished, we brushed our table. At the end of the day we decided to rotate, so my friend went to KMART to get her ring, her Lydea, and her blue bird. When she got back, we hammered our bicycles home. And that's the end of my tree.

Home-Made Mad Lib #3

On Friday my big bog pot goose and I visited Cinderella. On our way, Belle had a problem. The tire chewed. We screamed and hung to hammer it, but there was nothing we could do, so we caught our birdies out of the mouth and ate them the rest of the way. When we finally got there, ball talked us big bog pot goose and Chuckie Cheeses. We hit a tow-truck. It harvested on over and danced the tire so we could murder Aurora.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Hard...

Hi all. Yes it is me. But only for one short little post. I don't have time to do this right now as there are a lot more things above it on the priority list but I just wanted to check it and see if there is anything new. I will write more and update you all soon as I get done doing the Primary Presentation for Sacrament and the Trunk or Treat /Ward Halloween Party. Can someone tell me why Primary just gets swamped in the Fall??? We are doing good though. Just have lots of things to get done for both and Luke is looking for a new job! Yes we will probably be moving soon. Will write more later. I hope all is well and that Karl is studying hard, Megan is momming hard, Lisa and Ben are loving and learning hard, Bill and Bri are living life happily and hard, Kevin is working hard, Robert and Heidi are laughing hard, Nancy is dating and attending college hard, and Tino, Anjelica, and Michael are going to school hard, and Mom is sleeping hard, and dad is striving hard to keep going through it all. "Hard" is a weird word. This was not "hard" to write either. Not as "hard" as carving out the faces on both sides of these plastic pumpkin pails for jack 0' lantern centerpieces. Yeah I am attempting to have our Halloween party outside for some cool ambience. Don't you think that will be fun. It is still hot like in the summer here. Enough ranting because otherwise it will be "hard" on your ears. Sounds like a scary hard trip Heidi. Good job Robert, the first week is always the "hardest". Love you all!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Update

We made it through our first big week of Robert working. It is a challenge for the both of us. Usually they start new nurses with about 4 patients, but he has 11 or 12. One will be discharged this week and he has one for the rest of the week. He thinks he will be getting a few more. This will be another big week, he has a couple of recerts to do.
The boys are growing. Tyson will turn 2 on Sunday and Kaleb will turn 1 on the 21st. Kaleb is learning how to walk and tries quite a bit.
I had some bad luck in WalMart Monday. I went B-day shopping for the boys with the boys while Rob was working. I was checking out and went to use my debit card and it wouldn't read. The cashier tried and tried and tried and it wouldn't read. His supervisor came and tried and she couldn't get it to work. That alone took 5 minutes and of course there was a line behind me. She suspended the order and went to another register and it still wouldn't work. She then tried one more time at a new register and rang up everything up a second time. This time it worked. That took at least 10 minutes. The boys were getting restless and wanted to go home. On the way to WalMart I had a scary guy follow me from our house. I would walk faster and he would speed up. So when I got to an intersection I turned and took a detour to WalMart, it took longer but the guy stopped following me. Then I saw that same guy in WalMart.
The boys love it when it rains, they love to jump and splash in the puddles. The bad part was that is rained so much in such a little time that the drains couldn't keep up and there was some flooding around our apartment complex.
Well I better sign off the boys are fighting, (it is cute and kind of funny).

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The sun on Mercury

So, I showed the kids the picture of Mercury.

Haylee said, "Mom, the sun is rising, not setting."

Megan, "Uncle Bill said that it is setting. What makes you think that it is rising?"

Haylee, "because it says mercury_sunrise." (if you click on the picture it enlarges it a bit and puts a caption in the title window at the bottom of the page.)

I don't know Billy, but I think that you may have been out smarted by a third grader!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

LRA Teacher




This is a picture of the sun setting on Mercury. The second picture is of my school. My classroom is to the left of the flag.
When Karl mentioned that a professor told a student they were right but forgot to rasise their hand, I thougth that is sometimes me to a tee. Now if I was a college professor I probably would not be doing this. At my school where the students cannot ask questions tactfully because they don't care about learning or respect the teacher, I will sometimes have to go so far as to say no talking for any reason unless you are called upon. Then they receive an infraction if they even whisper to their neighbor. I only resort to this when the class cannot behave. I am so glad that I have the capability to do this at Logan River Academy.


I will sometimes put a student on shutdown. This means they cannot talk or they will be removed from class and receive a class II. As a teacher it seems that I am teaching students how to behave socially, be responsible for their actions, and treat others sometimes more than I teach how condensation works or what makes up a molecule.


I am signing off now. I have just written some emails to students' parents. I want a break from the computer.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

My new church position


I got a calling. I get to help in nursery. Guess the Lord told the Bishop that I'm falling asleep in my classes and can hardly keep up. Carson keeps breaking our house, and all I have the time and money to do is tape it. Seriously. Right now we have a window in need of taping. The bathroom wall where the soap dish used to be has been taped already.

REGARDING THEME MEALS


Megan is offended that y'all can't tell when she's writing and I'm not. But that's OK. She'll forgive you. Just make sure you don't accidentally promise a $50 delicacy from New Zealand to your bright eyed children. Exotic cooking is fun, time consuming, and expensive.

Congrats Rob!


Yep. Meant for rambling. We don't get to hear enough of eachother's rambling, I don't think. Absolutely designed for rambling. Please ramble on.
By the way, all you've done is follow Nephi's counsel -- apply the words of Christ unto yourself for your profit and learning. They may have been directed to the Saints when they were given to Joseph Smith, but the other night they were directed to you.

Dad's Twin


Dad's twin is teaching my biochemistry class. The face, the hair, the gestures, the speaking skills, everything. I feel like I'm on shaky ground posting his picture, but I'm not saying anything about him -- just that he looks like dad.
Here's an excerpt from class: Dr. XXXXX recently asked a question and followed it with, "Raise your hand." Someone in the middle raised their hand and took a guess. They were wrong. "No!" Dr. XXXXXX said, "You obviously didn't read the book." Then a guy on the front row answered the question correctly. The response: "Yes. But YOU can't follow INSTRUCTIONS. I said RAISE YOUR HAND." Nice. Kindergarten dental school.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Good News

Hey everyone,

We have good news- Robert is now a RN. He passed his test. He studied and studied and studied. He went into the test feeling prepared and good about himself. He came out and felt stupid and kept telling me that he failed. I kept telling him that he didn't fail rather he passed. He now is a case manager and will take over the hospice patients. He doesn't feel real confident right now. It will take time. He will be great.

Hollie-
We put a comment under Gracie's blessing. If you haven't seen it- we plan on coming to the blessing, and could probably come to the brunch afterwards. We would need directions.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Hey!

Check out our new blog. I have spent way too much time when I should have been doing other things but it is fun and I wanted to share stuff with you all and Luke's family too. Hope you like it. Holl
P.S. I loved hearing your opinions too Karl. Don't apologize!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fattening Robert up!

Heidi,

I dont' know if you guys do the raw milk, but that would probablly help! But we were eating dinner tonight and had a thought. We have started a new tradition in our family that has been really quite fun. We pick one place in the world, anywhere and do a meal and kind of learn a little about the place. So far we have done: Madagascar, Australia, and tonight was Hawaii. Our little Hawaiian (Lydea) picked this week! Nearly everything is cooked with coconut milk. I think that stuff is pretty fattening. I don't know for sure, but a lot of those polonesians are pretty big! They stuff tastes so good too! Anyway just a little fun from our family that I thought we would share.

So Much Doings

Hello all. This is Bri. I think I'm logged in as Bill, so I thought I would clarify.
Wow, what a great novel! The Chandler Saga??? The Candle Makers Family?? I'm trying to come up with a "Best Seller" title.

Okay, first thing first. Hollie, Bill and I want to come to the blessing. We will already be in Salt Lake that weekend so Draper isn't too much farther. Please email us the directions. Secondly, Robert and Heidi, we only had Quickyn strictly on the lights for one day! We went to the doctor the next day and she only dropped 1/2 a point. So we took her out in the sun the entire next day and her points dropped into the safe zone. She was only one point from the NICU at the hospital. Thirdly, Karl, THANK YOU for sharing your political outburst. It is SOOOOO nice to know that you have similar feelings to mine. I won't even get started!

Well, in answer to Heidi's question about losing the pregnancy weight, I found a solution. How about one good intestinal virus? That's what I've got! Not that you really needed to know, but after child birth you lose all your dignity and some things just aren't so embarrassing anymore. I've lost 5 pounds in 24 hours! I can't eat, just drink. Luckily Quickyn and Bill are fine. I'm still able to breastfeed, but my supply is a little low. I'm assuming it is a virus, but it could have been something I ate too. If it isn't gone by Monday I guess I'd better visit the Holy Man.

Bill has been an absolute saint. He is watching Quickyn while I rest and brings her to me when she is hungry. He is also enjoying feeding her new things. She tried carrots for the first time today and loved them! Grandpa Bill you and Heidi sure did something right to raise such wonderful sons. I attribute his sainthood to your masterful parenting. He is even making a chicken stock so we can have good old fashioned homemade chicken and rice soup for Sunday.

Happy Belated Birthday to Grandpa and Michael. We are glad you enjoyed some sinful indulgence. It is fun to cross to the dark side every now and then, right? Obviously Heidi understand this principle since the cake is being saved for a later raid.

We loved hearing about Robert and Heidi's family. Quickyn has been such a joy in our lives. She loves to grab things now and immediately put them in her mouth. Unfortunately paper is one of her favorites and she has so much drool it turns in mush in 2 seconds. She loves to be outside. She will stare at the leaves blowing in the wind and she will wiggle her toes in the grass. Everything is so sensational to her! Watching her discover the world is inspiring and eye opening to me too! The grass really does feel good between your toes. Try it some time. We are having a little more luck with her sleep. Now we can get 3-4 hours sometimes. Apparently this isn't abnormal it is just her. I can't stand to let her cry either Megan. She gets more upset if I let her cry than if I catch her while she is just fussing. And I've found that the stretches get longer each night if I just feed her when she wakes and put her right back in her crib. Unless she is going through a growth spurt of course. Then she is up every 2 hours without fail. But that usually only lasts for a few days.

Congrats on selling your house Lisa and Ben. I'm so glad that things are working out for you. You are in our prayers. We hope Ben will be able to work in Utah. It would be wonderful to always have you so close. It is understandable when family has to leave, but it is great when they can come back. We miss Karl, Megan and their family and we miss Luke & Hollie and Gracie as well. It makes the visits so special. We love you all so much and we love having this blog. Thanks Karl and Megan.

Hopefully we can add some more pictures and video, but I don't have the energy right now to updload them. I think Bill wants to do it anyway. I better go chug some water and lay down again. Love Bri

Friday, September 19, 2008

Holy Mouth Man Novitiate


Don't forget to visit the shrine, but it's more important to floss! Do it at red lights for a laugh.


I was initiated today. Missed you guys. See our family's page for pictures (there's a link to Karl, Meg, and Kids in the right column). When I have a dental practice, I will be happy to see any of you for free (Heidi). I'm sure I can get my hands on whatever you want me to put in your teeth. Maybe not enriched uranium.


I'm not going to have my own practice for a long, long time. I will soon be at the mercy of Uncle Sam again. This time the Navy -- they offer a much better deal than the Air Force. We finally decided that we'd rather uphold the Constitution than pay outrageous amounts of interest, which ultimately goes to the Chinese anyway. My only beef with our choice is that I doubt the current adminstration has even read the Constitution. But school is so expensive! And working for the Navy will be something like a residency. A lot of young grads break out into the big bad world and realize that their loan payments are too big for their infant pratices. I can't afford to make a mistake like that. My kids will just be getting expensive right about that time. Besides, deep down, we like the military life. Can't you see my family growing up in Japan? Wouldn't that be good for the kids?

Glad everyone wrote. Heidi, I put my long cynical answer to your political question in 'comments' under your post. Not sure everyone wanted to be burdened with my reasoning or lack thereof.

I read most everything in the blog

I spent a lot of time reading everything you guys have been typing- now Tyler is casusing fights with April and Michael. I guess I'm done reading and typing - I'm excited to see Hollie - the day before I leave.
Dad typed most all of it for me - well, we sold our house! Yeah!!!!!!! We made a little, but not like we had hoped. That's all I can type write now, I am excited to go see Ben, but sad to leave my kids. Ben is really a NEW Ben! Sometimes I ask myself if this is the same person - I think I have a new person to get to know. Miracles happen! OH - Tyler, who is on my lap says, "Hi!" Now, he said, "You spelled my name Mom, you spelled my name!" - way to go Tyler - well, that's all I have time and strength for. I love everybody. Love, Lisa - and maybe Ben will type soon - from the library. I won't have a t.v., vcr, DVD player or computer in my apartment with Ben. what am I going to do? Read, cook, volunteer at places, date Ben and keep Ben company - and together - read and study books, scriptures, and go to counseling for marriage and parenting. We will learn alot and enjoy getting to know each other again, so we will be better prepared to take care of our children. Thanks for all of your prayers, love, support and understanding of ......everything. Love, Lisa

Gracie Joy's blessing

We can't wait to see all of you in Utah because we will be there 1 week from today. Gracie will be blessed in Luke's parents ward on Sept. 28 at 9 am. I wish it was later for people traveling but what can you do. It takes about 1 hr 1/2 to get to Draper from Logan. We would love to have all of you there if you can come. If not, there is a chance that we will make it up to Logan for a day or 2 while we are here so Gracie can meet you all. Luke is working/recruiting at a conference for 3 days so we will be in UT for the next week and go home after general conference on Oct. 6
I will call you and find out who can come because Lenna is planning a little brunch for afterwards, like fruit and muffins, etc. (More like I will call you and twist your arm-- just kidding.) We understand if you can't make it cause we will be up in Logan probably the next day.
If you are coming, I can email you directions. I really don't want to put personal info and identification stuff on the blog unless Karl makes it password protected. You know? Talk to you all soon. Hollie

I want the answers to the ellipses (...)

We loved hearing from you Robert, Heidi, Tyson, and Kaleb. Now you have to tell us the answers to all of the ellipses because you left us hanging. Glad to hear things are good. Congrats on getting the case manager position. You deserve it and will be good at it. Hopefully that includes a pay increase too??? For photos-Megan told us to click on the photo icon next to the spellcheck in the composing window. Videos are next to it. We want to see some photos.

Some pictures (from cell camera- not real clear.)

We went to Krispy Kreme's once and had a fun time. Maybe I should be a delivery boy?!
Swimming.



Rubbing Lotion!
Eating watermelon!
Smile
Playing poole!
Tired Boys!

Doing the Laundry!
Climbing in the fridge!
Driving the shopping cart!
Riding in the bike behind Dad!
Who's who? Tyson's favorite couch! And if you look really close: Mom on the big couch!

Watch out Robert- payback time

Comeback time! The only thing that I can think that irritates him is when I tease him about which girl he was with or flirted with AT WORK and things like that. He went out with two girls the other day. He was at his orientation for his new job and he said they dragged him to the car. I told him that they can't force but he goes on his own free-will. He always told me that when he went out with his classmates. But it is all fun and games now.

What he means when he said Kaleb was without his mommy last night is that he took the boys shopping while I took L-Tryptophan. I haven't slept that well for a long time.

Robert can be the biggest sore loser. He has to win or he gets upset. I have to lose on purpose just to make him happy. I think he loses on purpose sometimes just to make me feel sorry for him, to make me happy or just so he can pout. Smath is his type of game, so how he can lose is a mystery.

I don't really slap him. It is more of a pat on the cheek. I usually pat him in the cheek when he doens't shave. He tries to see how long he can go without shaving. When he does shave, he will shave everything but his chin. That makes him look like a tramp. I am glad he got a job, now he has to shave to look presentable. He likes blowing things out of proportion. He says things like that to bug me.

If by chance I get a video camera and get some hidden footage of Robert making a fool out of himself I will post it. examples would be walking around the house picking wedgies, flexing his muscles in the mirror, falling up the stairs then sown, running through screen doors and tripping and falling in parking lots. I could go on and on but won't.

Robert thinks he is so cool coming home in his scrubs, medical equip, name badge and talks about the "cool" things he does at work. He got upset the other day when his schedule changed. He was going to go to a meeting then go to a patient to put in a catheter. But he had to go to orientation instead. I thought that that was a good thing since he has never put in a catheter. That is kind of funny because of all of his clinicals he never got to. He did more complex skills like, IV's and NG tubes.

When he said that we were lucky to have Kaleb with us is in Feburary we had put Kaleb in his bed and he was screaming, and all of a sudden he stopped. Usually they cry less and less and eventually stop. A few minutes passed and Robert had a feeling to go and check on him. We tried feeding him but wasn't interested. Robert got him in the light and we realized he was pale and going limp his eyes even started to roll back. Robert tried patting him on the back-nothing. He finally put him under a pillow and performed the startle reflex and that broke up all of the saliva that was building in the back of his throat. After that he started screaming again and came to. That is the shortened version or what I can remember.

We had another experience like that a couple weeks ago. This time it happened to me.
Robert and I were in bed talking about his new job and the dumb things he does. (An example was tying his pubic hair into his swimming suit, then running and screaming for his life when I got the scissors. (he eventually let me cut him free.) But as you may know he was a baby. You should have heard him scream.) At that time I was drinking water. All of a sudden I start coughing. I run to the bathroom because I felt like I might throw up. Then I start gasping for air. Robert stand there and said keep swallowing. That wasn't doing anything- I had no air! I start turning blue and go numb. Finally Robert's brain kicks in and does the heimlich on me and I returned to normal. Robert said a few more seconds and I would've passed out. I think he was waiting for me to so he could do CPR.

I try and try to get Rob to study but he needs to want to. The worst part of the day is when he leaves and the best part is when he comes home. I do like to review his studies with him. He needs to learn to use common sense, and not to critical think everything like he has.

About those fears. Dogs, Driving, Dark and ..... ? Dogs- are still a major fear. I guess I had a bad experience as a young child. He wants a dog, I told him maybe when we get a house we can get an outside dog, but for now maybe a guinea pig.
Driving- I have never really enjoyed driving. I guess after you fail 3 times it takes your confidence away. Or it might be that someone ruined it for me. I also don't want to learn in a big city. I keep telling Robert(who just got dressed) if and when we move to a smaller town I would be willing to try.
Dark- I don't like being alone at night in a big city. Robert enjoys teasing be by saying scary things or unlocking the doors. He enjoys scaring me to the point that any shadow or noise makes me jump. We are always hearing sirens at night. They drive right passed our apartment.
??? - I don't know what Robert meant by that.

Robert talked a lot about the boys already but I will try to add some more info from a mom's view.
Tyson- He loves to say mom and when he does it just melts your heart. If I am not around he will say mom and look for me. He loves books, escpecially books with flaps or animals or trucks. If he reads animal books he will either make the sign for that animal or make the animal noise. He likes to experiment with measuring and pouring water from cup to cup. He likes to see how things work. He loves to shop and will put random things in the cart. We don't realize what he puts in until we get to the check-out stand. He loves to look at pictures of the family. He loves to tease Kaleb. He is getting into the terrible 2-year-old attitude. He loves to say No and gets upset if he doesn't get what he wants.
Kaleb- Is so cute but can be stubborn. (like his dad, who gets it from grandpa) He thows things when he gets mad, or will hit you hard on the face. It is a nuicence but also a joy when he comes up to me and pulls up my shirt to breastfeed. He also likes books. Most of the time he will start a fight with Tyson, so that we will separate them. He likes to immitate people. He finds the oddest footrests. It takes 2-3 people for a diaper change. I love him and I can tell he loves me by the way he hugs me so tight and the wettest kisses on my mouth.
Both boys love to swim. They will sit in the tubes and float. Tyson likes to float with help. He will move his arms and kick his feet. He will also blow bubbles in the water. He will jump into the water and have us catch him.
Robert hates it when the boys pull his armpit or leg hair.

Robert keeps telling me he wants me to be the provider and he be the mom. He doesn't know what is involved. As any mom knows give the dad a few hours and see how he does. He will only last a few hours before going crazy. You can have one mom for three kids, but you need three dads for one kid.

Our new ward is full of old people like grandma and grandpa and older. Our bishop is young and his counselors are old. He has three girls and the youngest is in nursery. They say Tyson is the cutest, quitest, most well-mannered, smallest and youngest. They say the transition to nursery is the hardest for the child. In our case it was the hardest for dad. Robert had a hard time becasue his playmate left. I guess Robert forgot that you learn in church and play at home.

There was a question on how to keep kids quiet at night. Any ideas on keeping them quiet during church, without using treats?

It is finally quiet around here. Kaleb is reading books by my feet and Tyson fell asleep on dad's lap.

Any ideas on how to fatten Robert up? I have tried for almost 3 years and nothing works. He just gets skinnier and skinnier. He eats and eats, but still thins out. Maybe he got that from his dad too. I wish I had that problem.

We loved to hear Quickyn laugh. Bill makes us laugh too. She is really cute. I don't think we will ever go visit if there are mice on the loose. Sounds like you guys followed orders well with regards to keeping Quickyn under the lights. We didn't because we couldn't it was to hard on us especially me and we didn't feel the need. We felt like sunlight was better and it did work better. We did that with both boys. These boys don't get regular check-ups or vaccinations from pediatric holy-men. Rather they get more reliable and loving check-ups from their dad and mom and grandparents.

Hey Satanic Holy mouth-man, do we get free check-ups? Will you be using mercury or the other fillings? (you know what I mean.) We enjoyed going to Haylee's baptism and seeing your family. Megan where do you get all of your patience?

Gracie is so cute. She looks like Luke. Does Luke have to wear a spacesuit to change diapers? Dad told us a little bit about your practicioner, sounds like one of a kind. Keep her while you can. Is Hollie going back to work or staying home or what. How is hurricane season? My brother who is in Florida on is mission in Ft. Lauderdale, who got transferred to Maimi said that all of the hurricanes missed him. One was by 20 miles. We can't wait to see you at the end of the month.

Good luck to Lisa and her family. We are praying for you and we know things will work out for the best.

We are always praying for mom and wishing we could help. The only thing that keeps April's class under control is grandpa's third leg and walrus face. ( I only said that because he brought it up and joked about it before.)

For all you politians, who should we vote for this November? An old man with a young lady vice, or a Black man who can't even say the pledge. This might sound mean but I don't think I want a president who can't even say the pledge!

Well I better stop and worry about my family.

Life at the Ogden Residence! Yes there is some!

Hey guys! It's about time we join the band-wagon don't you tink? We really don't know what we're doing. Sometime we'll have to play around with it some more. 0h. Happy Birthday Gandpa Bill! Right now my time is spent studying for my licensure examination to be a vestal maiden to wear a distinctive costume and headress (not the headress!). Along with inserting instruments, administering comfort potions, my focus will be assisting the Nacirema leave this dreadful world still feeling good about themselves at home rather than at the latipso. (Hospice!).

I take that test next Tuesday and if all goes well, I'll be taking over all the hospice patients immediately and be the case manager of all hospice in the company. Usually this position is given to someone with lots more experience than to a new graduate. They must have seen something good in me- I don't know. Maybe it was the interview. I felt like I had an over-the -top performance at the interview ---many thanks to Dad's continual teaching, advice and support through life. Thanks Dad. Although in the past all those hours spent practicing and redoing papers and resumes were dreaded, I sure appreciate them now! And hope to carry on that legacy Dad and Mom have started to my own children.

It's funny, but I remember tinking when I was younger how much fun it would be to have twins. We'll even though they're 1 year apart instead of 1 minute, they sure feel like twins! -And act like it from what I've heard that twins act like. I'm sure Karl and Megan could attest to that and Mom and Dad as Hollie and I were close too. Tyson must have inherited my short and quiet genes because he wears the same size diapers and clothes as Kaleb and sticks to about five short words. He turns two next month! He does communicate via sign language that we taught him starting at 9 months.

Tyson is very smart, manipulative, and knows how to get his way with his Mom. He loves mom's home-baked treats. He likes to play hide and seek, chase, and run through the house hitting everyting including us with the fly-swatter. He enjoys dancing to music - the wonderful Wiggles and Barney. He wants to be completely independent with everyting- from unlocking the doors, to getting dressed-to using the potty. For the most part, Tyson is considerate of others and makes sure everyting is equal. He always makes sure Kaleb is taken care of as well as us. If Tyson has granola, Kaleb has to have a bowl before he will eat. Tyson enjoys leading music, and makes us fold our arms, bow our heads and close our eyes before we eat anyting! He tries to say someting- at least his mouth is moving silently. He knows what Amen means. He's taking a liking to pictures of Jesus and has to have a tie on Sundays like his Dad. Tyson likes making faces on windows and banging his head on everything on purpose. he has the cutest smiles. He loves taking the garbage out to the dumpster -almost half a mile it seems like from our door. He carries a sack while I carry the big one. He likes to help with everyting, and actually does help quite a bit with cooking sweeping cleaning, and doing the laundry. He doesn't like putting his toys and books away- or the wipes he takes out. He brings us the wipes and two diapers whenever he is wet or messy. If one gets a change, they both get a change- Tysons orders.
(Isn't it funny how you can talk and talk about your kids?) Of course there's more . . . negative.

Kaleb is . . . . well . . KALEB! As Heidi just said "how can you describe Kaleb?" He had a hard night last night without his mom. The only good thing about that is that now he's sleeping. It's fun when the boys are together, but we're also noticing they seem to show more interest in learning and more growth when they're apart -when one's sleeping. When together, Jealosy hits in. -Mostly for Tyson. We've seen some pretty good, humorous cat-fights - Kaleb just wants to be part of tings, and be like his older brother. I'm sure our neighbors (apartement complex) get a kick out of their hair-raisng high pitched screaming contests!
Anyways, Kaleb is becoming the typical 1 year old. The focus now is him walking. He walks- runs with his walker well but won't take those steps on his own. He has taken three steps- that is with his right foot only! Kaleb hates when anyting is over his head -mouth. I wonder if part of that is because in his sub-conscious memory, he remembers the past emergency incident where I feel we were blessed to still have Kaleb with us. ( For those that don't know about that, ask. But in one word you'll know -SIDS. It's real folks.)

Kaleb has two bottom teeth and likes to give kisses. He loves to be outside! When the door opens, he's there. He army crawls so fast. Kaleb is a good eater- he loves sand, sticks, dirt, and garbage and bugs and lotion. Some how I'll have to post the picture of the boys rubbing lotion on each other. They see me do that for Mom and love to particiapate. Just like Harry Potter slept in a closet, Kaleb does too! Our walk in closet is quite large and houses all of Heidi's many outfits, my small supply, and Kalebs port-a-crib and clothes. (Tyson has his own room- that he loves to show people.) Kaleb loves to throw things and read books- and cry when he wakes up. (He just woke up- and Mom just gave a big sigh.) Kaleb is quite emotional at times. He's had to find ways to steal the attention from Tyson, and even get Tyson in trouble. Heidi and I are just starting to open our eyes to what parenting involves. It's a lot more than changing diapers and giving hugs and kisses.

Anyways, coming home to see Heidi and the two boys is always the hi-light of my day- even it means coming home to books, pans, papers, toys, wipes, and diapers all over the place and Heidi saying "I'm about ready to pull my hair out. Either they need a time out or I Do!" Heidi is so wonderful. She shows lots of interest in my studies and often her common sense gets the questions right while my highly educated head thinks too hard and gets it wrong. At times I wonder if she should be the one in nursing and me being the mother. There's just one ting that irritates me about her . . .
Heidi's wrist is doing better and hasn't had any problems since that surgery. It does look like she tried suicide since the scar looks like she slit her wrist (the right direction). She says the worst part of her day is when I leave, and the best part of the day is when I don't come back. I think her favorite part of the day is the time I give her a scratchy kiss! I guess I haven't changed much- girls are so fun to tease. She has quite the facial slap- beware Dad. She has her own subtle ways of letting you know what she tinks- if you know what I mean. She constantly asks me when we're going on a big vacation- and I told her we'd go when her hair touches her bottom. She also is wondering about moving again- some day- to Washington- to support me should I further my studies in Naturopathy. Just a thought that always lingers around us. Heidi still has a great fear of the four D's: Dogs, Driving, Dark and . . .

Well, youv'e heard enough for now I tink. I don't know how often we'll 'blog' so I wrote more than I should have since I should be reviewing my common sense and storing the false knowlege behind me. I can't seem to memorize the correct schedule of immunizations and which foods to avoid/take in certain conditions. I can't figure out why. Mom? Dad? (Wheatgrass and raw milk are never the answers and are actually taboo!) I love to read and critical think things- that is when I have/ make the time. I wish I could go back to the earlier years of my life when I refused to read, and use that time more wisely rather than playing trolls alone in my room. Any time I have that I have I like to be outside doing things with the boys or playing games or just being with Heidi. Have you heard of the game "Smath?" It's scrabble math- and Heidi whoops me- even to the point of tears.
Besides a lot of tears in this home because kids aren't getting what they want, and besides the messy house, and besides all the text books, and the cookies- there is some happiness here full of lots of love, patience, and understanding. We love hearing from all you guys, and love pictures. Someone give us some picture posting 101 lessons and we'll post some of our fun lives.
I was reminded by an elderly person what the purpose of life was: she said "Life is the place to make memories . . . for that's all we'll take with us when we leave." True? Thanks for giving us memories!
Just from us.
PS: Just a quick reminder of the law: DON'T DRIVE IN THE LEFT LANE IF YOU ARE NOT PASSING ANYONE! You might be just as surprised as I was when I received a warning for breaking that law on I-15 at rush hour- instead of speeding in a construction zone -which I was like everyone else.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Dad's Twin


Dad's twin is teaching my biochemistry lecture today. The face, the hair, the gestures, the speaking skills, everything. I feel like I'm on shaky ground posting his picture, but I'm not saying anything about him -- just that he looks like dad.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Progress or Sin ???

Lisa is sitting here resting in a chair by me while Tyler plays with his hot wheels. I read your blogs to Lisa and Mom. Then I invited Lisa to make an entry - - - can you believe it??? - she asked me to type it for her!!!

Mom said to tell you that Lisa and Tyler made a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting yesterday for Michael's birthday!!!

Now, I ask you: "Is that progress, or is it sin?"

I admit: I loved it even though it greatly increased the joint pain last night and still today. We all loved it. I wanted to snack on it this morning but exercised great self-control while moving slower because of last night's indulgence. As proof of Mom's love for me, she put the rest of it in the freezer for another time.

Lisa is dictating now:

Lisa and Ben are entertaining and making counter offers on the sale of their home in Shreveport. We are stressed and worried but happy to have a bite. It has been 2-3 months with little activity. The downturn in home sales has hit Shreveport real hard. Because we bought it as a fixer-upper, we should still make some profit, but not at all what we had hoped for when we bought it. Ben worked hard at the beginning and then again lately fixing it up for us and then for the sale.

Lisa said to tell you that Ben is a good person who has changed a lot and is doing really well. She is happy for him (and her). The network of the family, church and counselors is working really well because Ben has wanted to make the change. It appears to be real and not just surface.

Lisa said to tell you that she is excited to be returning to Shreveport on September 30 for an extended stay with Ben - open-ended. She will leave the children here with Mom and I. She is sad to barely miss the chance of seeing Hollie and Gracie . . . and , oh yeah, what's that guys name? . . . oh yeah - Luke.

Ben has not had any success in being transferred to Hill Air Force Base. So, he has applied for two openings as a recruiter! One is in Provo - especially a yuck. The other is in Layton. He does not know if it will work or not, but even though he does not like the idea of being a recruiter, but he is anxious to regroup their family close to home (for support and help as needed). He is not excited about returning to Utah, but he is more excited to put the family together again where others (family) can help them. We hope and pray it will all work out just right for them.

We continue with serious problems with Anjelica stealing many things including food, insulin and needles, and Nancy's glasses (we found Nancy's glasses in Anjelica's backpack the day after Nancy had picked up her new set of glasses!!) There are many other things missing that are most likely because of her. It is difficult but we will keep trying. She is becoming quite mean and insolent. Mom is an angel in her support of me as we handle the problems. I have to go to April's class now so I will tell you more at another time about the spiritual support we are feeling through this problem/ordeal.

Tino is doing really well with online home school, seminary and marching band at SkyView High School, and concert band at North Cache 8th-9th Center.

Gotta go. Love your blogs. Chau. Daddy Bones

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

THE FAN, MY TEST, and MY LUCK

Last night Megan put our fan in Haylee's room. I heard every squeak, every cough, every night noise. I could even hear the 'quiet music' from Zac's room -- which helps Becca sleep I think, but not me.

My test was miserable. I studied the wrong way for the wrong stuff. The first test in a course is always such a toss-up. And I have really bad luck. Did I ever tell you guys that? My luck is SO BAD. If you ever see me in line at a store, choose another line. I'm serious. If you don't, you will be behind me for 39 minutes. Even if I'm the only person in front of you.

Two weeks ago, 7AM Saturday morning, Lowe's hardware store: one person in front of me. 10 minutes. Seriously. The credit card machine didn't work. The cashier was hard of hearing and she couldn't see very well, so she had a very difficult time getting the poor guy's credit card number. You would think I wouldn't have an issue at 7AM. That's why I go at 7AM. Well, she was the only lane open, and I waited in line for 10 minutes for my eight 2x4's. If you see me in line, GO THE OTHER WAY.

How to get a baby to stay asleep at night...that is the question!

Well,I have very strong willed kids. You always hear the just let them cry themselves back to sleep. Or go in and pat them, but don't pick them up, or if you pick them up just rock them, but don't feed them. This does not work for me. It makes my babies SO MAD! I have a hard time letting them cry back to sleep because my crazy Carson. When he was 4 months he go so mad that he fliped himself over the side of the crib, onto the hard wood floor. He did this a couple times. He's a strong kid. I also have a hard time because I can't sleep if I hear them cry. I just lay in bed going crazy. I'd much rather just get up feed them and be able to get back to sleep.

My babies are all great sleepers when they are newborn and usually sleeping through the night at about 4-6 weeks. That is until they get to be about 4-6 months. Until recently Zac was waking up every 1-2 hours. Well, I like to have the fan blow on me in the night, but our ceiling fan here only works with the lights on, so we put a little noisy fan in our room and all of a sudden Zach was only waking up 1-2 times a night and ocasionally sleeping through the night (no, he does not sleep in our room). What I think is happening is that he wakes up, but unless he is really mad and screams loud I sleep through it because of the sound of the fan. Otherwise if he really doesn't need anything he fusses and goes back to sleep on his own. I think the fan may just help me sleep deeper, so I only hear him when I'm in a lighter sleep. Or a mix of the two. I don't know, but it is really nice to be getting a good amount of sleep again. Oh, by the way we don't use a baby monitor because they keep Karl awake, so he banned them after Lydea.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Happy Birthdays and Anniversary

Just wanted to wish Michael and Dad a Happy Birthday. I will draw attention to Dad's b-day one more time (like Karl) even though he doesn't like it. Also Happy Anniversary to Karl and Megan. WOW! 10 YEARS!!! AWESOME!

Karl??!!?!

Is Karl a cranky democrat on cocaine? Or just brain-fried from "tissue" cramming? Eeww... that sounds gross. Good luck on your test.

Consolation...

Bri, thanks for you consolation on the baby acne. It really has been a lot more than just little random white dots. Right now it is like tons of tiny red bumps all overlapping each other and you can barely make out the heads. It looks really sad but I am hoping that it will be gone or almost gone by the time we come out to see all of you guys in like 2 weeks. A couple of them have even burst and have like the orange caps on top. I am hoping that some of it is not from heat or something.
On the sleep thing Megan and Lisa and mom would probably have some actual experience, but I know there is a book out there, can't remember the title right now, but it helps you get the baby on a routine. Like 3-4 hours sleep followed by feeding, and then 1 hour of play time. Then back to sleep. I don't know from experience yet. But my friend says it works. Also the pediatrician said make sure you make night feedings really BORING. Don't turn the lights on, don't talk to her, etc. But feed all you can during the day and make those times really fun. That is what I've heard. I like your laughing video too. I can't wait to meet her!!!!

Wow even DAD...

Dad, you took a lot less time to get on than I thought you would. I guess the primary song is true: 1 year old and wiser too. And now Bill and Bri and looks like Nancy got a log in. I second Meg/Karl's WAHOO! But where is Lisa, Robert/Heidi, Kevin, Anjelica, Tino? Someone tell them to get going. The day when mom gets on and types will be one of the best days, cause that will mean she is feeling good enough to face the computer. I remember one day when dad was trying to show mom how to email. It was pretty funny to watch dad train mom and mom get confused about the computer stuff. They were still twitterpaited (SP?) through the whole thing. I can't imagine how all of our children will be so computer savvy. It will be amazing.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Why raw milk for freedom

It's better than raw milk for slavery. Or death. Or baby acne. Or the euro. Raw milk for the Euro! No. Raw milk and Immortality! Uh-uh. Nope.

Seriously, I tried several other things, and they were all taken. So I chose something very dear to me, raw milk, and something tasty and filling, freedom.

I suppose there were underpinnings of dad's miraculous recovery (freedom for the aged parent) based on illegeal raw milk from Utah county. I think it's unconstitutional that you guys drive from Logan to Provo for a food product. Of course some people feel that way about cocaine, but cocaine for freedom is not a family friendly blog name.

I also think, strange as it seems, that people should be able to smoke in bars and restaurants. I may choose not to frequent those restaurants, but they should certainly be able to choose emphysema if they like. I don't know if that makes me a democrat, a republican, or just cranky, but that's how I feel. I'll think you'll agree that raw milk for freedom is more trendy than nicotine for freedom, yes?

Time for bed.

Question???

Bill wants to know why you named the blog "raw milk for freedom"?

Adding a comment on baby acne

Quickyn got baby acne at 3 weeks old and it lasted until she was about 2 months old. Megan's advice of TRY is the best out there. I'll admit that after it started going away Quickyn had two little ones that would not disappear. She finally scratched one off and I shamefully got rid of the other one. It was driving me crazy. Luckily she has no mark from my impatience. Now she's getting breakouts on her chin and under her chin from all the endless drool!!! Try prying a 4 month old chin up during a bath. I'll probably break her jaw before she gives, so I guess I'll have to live with it.

Well it is my turn to hold the baby and try to get her to sleep. Any advice for how to get a baby to sleep longer stretches at night? Quickyn has decided to wake up every 2-3 hours now instead of every 4-6 hours. A binkie or music used to lull her to sleep when she'd wake up, but it appears that she has caught on to that trick. Now she just cries more when she gets a binkie or hears the music at night. We're waging a war and it doesn't look good for the parents. We did manage a four hour stretch between feedings last night, but one hour of it I had to hold her and another hour of it Bill got a turn. I'm surprised we're still functioning. HELP if you can!

Love Bri
Well, this is proof. I really, really did it. I participated in a "blog". I'll admit it. I read yours and enjoyed it. So, if I enjoyed it, I had better contribute.Eventually I will try to take the time to fiddle with photos, etc.We all stay busy and fine. Ever since reading the anthropology article, I have been avoiding entering the private family shrine for use of the holy water. I still have to though - albeit on a limited basis. I guess I'd better go shave my chin before it is time to go pick up Aprila and Anjelica at school.

Oh, that reminds me: I am a room mother!!! April 1st grade class needed a room mother, so Mom leaned on me and I bit. It will be fun with Mom's support and coaching. I am also reading to her school class for fifteen minutes on each Tuesday and Wednesday. I have loved it. The kids seem to like it, too. They call me Grandpa Bill. It is fun to see April's smile as she shares me with her class.

My goal will be to get mom and I together with enough dedicated time to show her your blog entries of photos and writings. She will love it.

Love to you all. Daddy Bones

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Two wheeled commuting

I bought a road bike because the mountain bike has started to hurt my wrists. Wrist pain is fine every once in a while, but not every day. Today was a bad day with the road bike. I should have known when the thunder clapped as I unlocked my speed machine, but I didn't. Pretty soon the rain was coming down so hard that it hurt, and I couldn't see a thing. That's a recipe for disaster, so I stopped and waited in the overhang of a building. I felt like a wimp. Ten minutes later the sun came out and everything was beautiful again. I should have studied fifteen more minutes and missed the downpour, but no, I had to be a MAN. AAAARGH. YAWP. ROAR.

At lunch I went to a medical appointment to discuss my records with a retired Navy physician before I go to Louisville. The Navy wants to see if I'm healthy enough for shark bait. Easy enough, the doctor was a retired Navy officer, nice man, director of Student Health Services for the University. When he hadn't asked anything about my health history halfway through my appointment, I realized that the meeting wasn't about my health at all. It was an interview. Fancy that. I went to a job interview in shorts and a polo shirt, brown clogs w/white socks, and carrying a backpack. Smooth. When I realized my mistake, I asked the nice admiral what the purpose of our meeting was, and then tried to explain. I hope he understood my misunderstanding.

Bri and Bill Chandler Enter The Blogosphere!

Bri and I are glad to participate in the blog. I would like to spend more time writing something interesting, but for now, you will just have to check out our blog at http://briandbill.blogspot.com/

We have put a few pictures and a short video on the site.

We'll get better at this as time goes.

Bill

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Holy Mouth Man Initiation Ceremony

You're invited to my white coat ceremony -- on Dad's birthday (may he forgive me for reminding everyone). I'm officially entering the system. I can now hide behind my white coat, refuse to answer questions, and say things like, 'Hmm, that's a very interesting situation,' when I really mean, 'Oh my, I really wish I could explain what's going on with that, but I have no idea.'

Today I had a second lab test -- built a central incisor out of wax. Bet you didn't think I could sculpt! I didn't think I could either. 'Course I'm the slowest in the class, but that's OK. I think I'll get faster. Started a study group too -- the over 30 crowd. We call ourselves 'Old School.' Everyone's invited, but the only people who come consistently have older families (kids 5+). We have to use every minute of our school time, because once we go home, we all know that we're done until bed time. So, we come in early -- nobody likes that -- and we go home on time (when everyone else stays). It's been working so far. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I AM IN THE SHED!!

Gracie's first photo on the web -2 wks old

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Hollie when you go to new post the little icon to the right of the ABC is the pictures and the one to the right of that one is the video clip. Karl is so excited you get on and post things. Hopefully everone will start to get on once in a while. Karl is totally adicted to it! It is his break from studying. Post some cute pics of your little Gracie Joy-we can't get enough of the little ones, they grow too fast!
Not insured! I heard you had a charity quota to meet. Put us down for that. Hey that gilr has wicked guitar skills! Also you could add Bill's blog on your list. It is www.briandbill.blogspot.com.
How do you post pics?
Thanks for the reply Megan. Your thoughts were pretty much exactly what I was thinking. I even chose not to go to church for one more week because I didn't want everyone poking and touching and commenting on her acne and telling me what I should do about it. I didn't want to feel defensive you know. Why is it that everyone thinks they have to touch your baby when they are looking at her. I want to get a sign like in some of the stores with "delicate" stuff and put "No touching" on her or "You touch it, you buy it." :)

Monday, September 8, 2008

Live waiting room music

Right now I have enough skill to poke your gingiva until it bleeds and teach you how to brush your teeth. When are you coming? I'll see if we have an opening. Are you insured?

Baby Acne

Hollie the only advise I have about baby acne is TRY really hard not to pick at it and it will go away soon. It's enough to drive a new mom crazy because you want your new little baby to be the cutest thing anyone has ever seen, but you can't see past the acne. Atleast that is how I always felt. Really though it doesn't last long even though it seems forever.

Megan

Recent latipso visit

Seeing as I have recently "paid" ($$) a visit to the temple/latipso, the writer's perceptions seemed to be very close to the truth. Since I have never really been to the temple in my life nor have I frequented the medicineman for anything to speak of, I found the immediate stripping of all my clothes and being made to sit on the throne even though the doctor wasn't going to be there for a good 2 hours very traumatizing. "Psychological shock did result from the fact that body secrecy is suddenly lost upon entry into the latipso." And everything about the female clients is... needless to say, very true. The article also reminded me that both Luke and I need to "pay" a visit to the holymouthman- something we haven't done for about 2 years, yeah it has been that long. Are you accepting patients yet Karl???
And a question for you moms: What do you do to treat baby acne? Gracie has a really bad case of it all across her forehead. I thought maybe it was from brushing up against our skin but books have said it is from hormones from my body trying to get out of hers. Any thoughts on treatment???
Well, wish me luck. Gracie and I are going to venture out on our own for the first time. And can you guess what location is so deserving of this special honor? Sadly... Walmart! Or as we like to call it... Sprawlmart. And it really is here, due to all of the tourists. This is the highest grossing Walmart in the US, BUT it is also the Sprawlmart with the highest rate of returns. Explanation: people buy and use stuff for the week vacation and return it at the end! :( Gotta run. Love the Blog Karl/Meg.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Chew on this!

Megan and I read Nancy's article tonight. Hmm. Megan thought that, bar some exaggeration for effect, it was a pretty accurate picture of American life. I think it's an anthropologist making fun of anthropoligists. Whether you agree with his picture of 21st century America or not, the author certainly did a good job discrediting a 'science' that basically spends its time making up stories to fit artifacts they find in the dirt. Like any discipline, some anthropology is disciplined and methodical, but some is outright guesswork. I think the man, besides poking fun, is reminding anthropologists not to take themselves too seriously -- reality is subjective. And why didn't he mention TV or video games? What a contradictory activity for a body worship culture!

The launch of raw milk for freedom

Intent of this blog is to help us talk to each other, wherever we are.