Blessing Little Gavin

Grandpa & Grandma, friends, Marylyn, Andy, Gavin, Grandma Arlee and Grandpa Andy, Grandpa and Grandma Great, Nekell & Erik, Uncle Ned and his wife, in front are Annika and Analiese.

Grandma Arlee made the little vest and matching tie
Sweet family and Andy's blessing was very tender. Below is a four generation picture of Andy, Gavin, grandpa great, and Andy Sr. Marylyn really knows how to put on a spread....and we had great help in the kitchen!
Cinderella, Snow White, & princess...aren't they just way cute?

The end of a very busy day....good night Annika

"Safety for Toddlers"

Monday I went with Annika to her preschool and was able to also attend the special class for mother instruction.  As I entered the room the teacher was discussing the importance of "window safety" and securing windows so children would not fall out.  She said to check www.safety4Toddlers.com or email: safety@nwlink.com.  Another source was "One Step Ahead", www.onestepahead.com or your local hardware store.  

Pool safety was also discussed and the importance of emptying little wadding pools and buckets everyday.  A child can drown in less than an inch of water.  When visiting rivers, lakes, oceans be sure to have children in lie jackets.  You can rent or buy from multicare for $12.00, May through September, 253-372-7729.  Also the importance of sun screen.  [One thing I learned from Marrianne when you are leaving areas with sand...sprinkle baby powder all over the body and sand will brush off].  Also never leave a toddler alone in a bathtub.  If you have a pond in your back yard, get one of those portable gates.  

Street Safety...suggestion was made to put a cantelope or watermellow in the street and show the child what happens to it when a car runs over it.  I shared the time when we were having trouble with children running in the street, we got a large box, put a face on it and ran over it with our car.  Most important was to be sure the child knows the meaning of the word 'street'.

Discipline is teaching and that learning will not happen when upset. Be sure to make expectations clear.  She suggested that 'time out' be in a specific area each time and a minute for each year of age.  If they start whining turn to them and say, "your whining is hurting my ears" then turn around and walk away.  Another suggestion the teacher gave was when you are going to be busy with something for a little while like nursing, phone call, etc.; get the child involved in something they want to do first...this is called 'structure your environment'.  

MOTHER'S DAY

Started the day with Andy's crepes...hmmmm good!  and then off to Church.  RS was dismissed 20 minutes early so that all the ward sisters could meet in the cultural hall where they were treated to cake and ice cream...then the priesthood gathered and sang to us. Later in the afternoon we all went to "Uncle Ned's" for dinner, dessert and program.  Uncle Ned had us all sitting in the living room and asked each of us to share a "mother's" experience, whether our own mother or someone else.  It was wonderful and a sweet spirit.  Grandma and Grandpa Great made triffle....delicious.  

Thanks for all the phone calls!  Dave and Matt prepared dinner for their family's over at Matt's and Heather's place.  Matt had a funny story to tell.  Heather came into the room the other day where he was and had one of the twins in her snuggly.  He asked where the other twin was and she turned around to see the other on her back in the Baby Bjorn.  Way to go Heather! Joe's Heather enjoyed the Sacrament Meeting with little Ben sitting on her lap singing the Mother's Day songs.  Several of their children stayed home since they were experiencing the 'throw up flu'.  They did end up having a nice dinner with Gerri's family.  Lisa's family went to the valley to attend church with the Clingers.  Ben prepared a nice dinner for Ruth and Ashley.  John's home was filled with love and laughter with the Norris'.  So sounds like everyone had a wonderful day!  

One thing that really impressed me was during Sacrament Meeting. A young man spoke on Mothers Day.  He first expressed his love for his biological mother who had given him birth allowing him to live, and then realizing that he could not care for him, gave him to a family through adoption.  He then told how much he loved his family and so appreciated all the many things his adopted mother had taught him.  He was especially grateful for the gospel and all the many things he has learned to prepare him for a lifetime.

Jumpin' Good Time

Can you imagine a huge warehouse filled with those blow up jumping toys you might reserve for a birthday party...slides, climbing, jumping...just way fun.

And as you can see, mom enjoyed it as much as Annika.
That was Thursday's adventure.  Then on Saturday we worked around the house and yard. Andy and Marv spent the morning painting a bathroom for future redecorating.  Annika, Marylyn and I spent some time in the garden getting it ready for planting.  Then this evening we all packed in their new van to attend a 'Tri Dance Festival' held at a school across the street from the temple. After church on Sunday we will enjoy a special Mother's Day dinner with the Bjorn's at Andy's uncle's home...traditional dinner prepared by the guys.   

Preschool Field Trip

  Marylyn, Gavin and I went with Annika to her preschool field trip to the Marina.  

This place was AMAZING!  Heath would have gone crazy with all the sea shells.  Where we are standing there are tiny fish swimming around our feet and little baby crabs.  
The teacher found this huge snail which the children watched roll up in its shell.  
After a very fun time at the Marina, we went to the grass area for a picnic.  Annika had so much fun just running around with her friends.  We then headed for the airport to pick up grandpa.
We later experienced 'bath time' with princess Annika.

Bedtime at their home starts with PJ's, brush teeth, wash face, read stories, read from the scriptures, singing, prayers, and sleep.

Other Family News

Ruth called yesterday to let us know our 25th grandchild to be born in August is a girl.  That will make 9 boys and 16 girls.  Received an e-mail from our nephew Jeremy and he passed his GED and looking forward to college.  Spencers baptism is scheduled for July this summer.  According to Lisa it has been in the 90's at home...wew.  We are enjoying the 60's with lots of sunshine. You'll have to check the other family blogs for updates.   Good night!

Enjoy playing grandma once again!

Annika is really enjoying her new little brother and excited when he wakes up so she can talk to him and sing him songs.

Gavin had his two week check up today and passed his birth weight plus added an inch to his height.  The doctor was very pleased, but ended up sending home masks when she found out Andy started showing signs of a cold...of course Annika had to have one too.
Marylyn is feeling better each day, enjoying her new little one and really likes the afternoon naps.  And I enjoy holding Gavin while she is able to give Annika some "mommie" time.  They have a similar night time routine as many of our other children:  get PJ's on, brush teeth, hop into bed for a bedtime story, read a page from the scriptures, sing a favorite song, have prayers, and lights out.  
Bath time is one of Annika's favorite times and she is very protective to see that Gavin is safe.  This is a picture of his sponge bath, but this morning he had his first tub bath and loved every minute of it.
Annika enjoys playing in their new toy room and especially when one of her friends comes over to play.   
When Annika wakes up in the morning we first open the curtains to see if the sun is shining.  Then we get dressed, play and wait until Gavin wakes up.  This is a picture of Annika talking to Gavin...the one on he pillow is her doll who also enjoys story and singing time.
Annika really likes the water.  Twice a week Andy takes her swimming at the local pool.  She dives, swims, floats, dunks under water to pick up toys the instructor throws in the middle of the pools...actually she is an amazing little mermaid and under the water more than she is on top.  
Since Marylyn is not able to drive for a few more days, I am enjoying their new van.  The other day we drove about 45 minutes away to pick up a new stroller for Gavin that the car seat fits on and Annika can stand up on the back...then we picked up Andy at work. They do live in a beautiful area with tall trees, hills, lakes...it was a nice outing.  Monday their preschool is meeting at the beach for the morning, then we will pick up Grandpa at the airport after lunch.  Annika is excited to show him her new baby brother.

Annika's Preschool

"Camping" was the theme Monday at Annika's Preschool.  She enjoyed cooking, boating, fishing, reading, singing, just lots of fun!

She loves finding bugs in the dirt and brought her camping chair over so she could just sit and enjoy.
Here she is making soup....ummmmm good!

They ended the day with 'playground activities' and then singing time and bells. 

Movin' on

Monday Marv and I returned to our home base and spent the week back with our temple service.  Then on Friday morning I left to help care for our 24th grand child that was born the week before.  So far, he is such a good baby just eating, sleeping, looking around, and back to sleep.  Little Annika loves being the big sister and has her own little doll called 'little Gavin' which she cares for while her mommy cares for her little brother.

We have had a quiet Sunday.  After church and lunch I took Annika up to her bed for nap time. We read one story and then she was to go to sleep.  I promised her when she woke up we would play in her pretty play room.  She said OK and I left to go down stairs.  A few minutes later I could hear "grandma....grandma....grandma Sherry...I'm awake and ready to play".  It is hard to stick to the rules without laughing.  She has finally gone to sleep, along with the rest of the gang here.  Guess I had better get off this couch and get dinner started so we can "play".  hahaha

Oh, and the weather here has been comfortable and sun shinning.  The sun goes down much later here, so last night Annika and I took a walk to the park about 7 pm to play on the swings, slide...she would sure like to have Chelsea or Jenna to come play with her.  Suppose to rain this week.  Marv will be flying here next week.

Family Fun in Colorado

Grandma sitting between her two oldest grandkids...they are so much fun! "they make me laugh!"Ben-jamin and Jenna loved having Great grandma read to them....she had only been in CO a few hours.

Aunt Dale loved holding these new little angels reminding her of when she use to hold their parents when they were babies...where has the time gone?
Sam and Becki are in their school choir. Thursday night before we left Sam's choir put on a great show. Here they are singing and doing sign language.Megan hits the road...can you believe we have a grand-daughter old enough to drive?
All 24 of us enjoyed breakfast at Country Buffet. As Nate was eating his breakfast he told me "grandma these are the best meatballs I have ever had". Meatballs for breakfast turned out to be do-nut holes.

Our last Friday night we had "picnic in the park" barbeque. Harrell's also joined us.
...celebrating Miranda's birthday

...and keeping those babies warm!

Ending our barbeque by enjoying a beautiful sunset...

Rec Center has a large whirl pool that everyone had fun in...around and around.At the end of the day little Steven stopped by this window watching those playing basketball.