Highly Recommend reading this new book by Dean Hughes

"I don't always think straight. I suspect that most of us don't. And yet, the way we think about life makes a huge difference in how things turn out for us. When we get confused about what we're trying to do...about life's purpose...we get ourselves into a terrible muddle" Dean Hughes

How to spend your IRS Stimulus Check

This was posted on Bonnie's blog and thought others might enjoy.....

As you know, the Bush Administration said that most of us will get a check to stimulate the economy.
1) If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
2) If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
3) If we purchase a computer it will go to India.
4) If we purchase fruits and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala.
5) If we purchase a good car it will go to Japan.
6) If we purchase useless junk it will go to Taiwan.
None of this will help the American economy.
We need to keep that money here in America!
The only way to do that is to spend it at yard sales, since those are the only businesses still in the US........................

Grandpa Visits Preschool

Annika's Preschool is a 'parent involvement' program. They start their day with all the children sitting on the floor with their parent/grandparent and read books.

Then the teachers come in for singing time after everyone has arrived. At the end of the day they also have another singing time with bells and dancing.Annika was very excited to have her grandpa spend her last preschool day with her.
This is one of Annika's very special friends playing with 'fisherprice people'.
This is her friends mommy and twin brothers born about the same time as our twins.Grandpa and Annika had a great time with shaving cream making roads, letters, designs and putting some on Grandpa's nose.
The children really enjoyed the colored water in their squirt bottels to make different designs.

The last hour we all went outside for a pot-luck picnic.

This is their play equipment and also had some big frizbies to throw around.

Goodby teachers and special friends..... Teachers gave each child their own sandpail, squirt bottel and book.

Later that afternoon Marylyn, Gavin and Annika took us to the airport for our trip home. Annika fell asleep and when she woke up she asked "where is grandma?" Marylyn explained that we had gone back home. Then she blinked her eyes and looked around, "where is grandpa?" Again Marylyn explained that we had gone home on an airplane. When they got home Marylyn started moving Annika's carseat up to the middle seat next to Gavin, "No mommie, that's grandma's seat". Marylyn then explained again that we had gone back home and now she was going to need to sit there to help take care of Gavin...she thought that was a great idea.

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.