Kirkham Family

Boo the Buzzy Bee.

2011-11-07T23:08:00.000-06:00

Parent Teacher conference is this week. I can't believe Boo has been in school for 3 months now! I thought I would post some of her highlights so far.

Boo was picked by her teacher for the "Buzzy Bee Award" for her class in September. The award is given to 2 students in each class who are respectful, responsible, and safe. She was so proud.

October held fall fun! Her school held a fall festival at the convention center. Papa Mark, Grandma Paula, Dad, Mom, Aunt Jackie, and Aunt Jessie came too as her entourage. We ended up holding all her ~~junk~~ treasures while she went from game to game.

(Dad is loving him some cotton candy.)

And last week we celebrated Halloween! She carved her little pumpkin from the festival.

She was the "White Queen" from Alice in Wonderland at her class party and trick or treating in mid-town. 1,000,000 points to Grandma Janice for making another incredible costume! She is the Queen of Halloween!

At home Boo is a good big sister. It can be quite exhausting work being 5.

White Sands National Monument

2011-10-14T14:29:00.000-05:00

This may sound rude. In fact, it is rude. The majority of what I have seen of New Mexico, it is an ~~UGLY~~ aesthetically challenged state. But there are pockets of beauty that we have discovered. We live in a beautiful town in the mountains. We also discovered the beauty of White Sands National Monument. Seriously, after driving through an hour's worth of blah desert, we were shocked to see the pure white gypsum dunes. We had a blast! Boo asks to go back every weekend.

Changes.

2011-09-23T23:48:00.000-05:00

It amazes me the changes that happen in a month. Baby is one month old! (Nickname is still pending, though we are considering "Beaker".)

Here is a picture of Baby at one week old.

Here are a couple of pictures taken today.

Casey was getting some great smiles out of baby, but my camera would only catch them at the end. Isn't she a sweet thing!

"When I grow down..."

2011-09-23T23:42:00.000-05:00

Bug has had a little baby jealousy. Well, it is more of baby swing jealousy. I've caught her sitting in it a couple of times. Her bum was just an inch from the ground! After explaining that she was too big for it, I thought she had let the issue go.

Bug came back a few minutes later and declared, "When I grow down to a 'yittle' baby, I will sit in the swing!"

"I look hot!"

2011-09-23T23:33:00.000-05:00

Boo had won the "Busy Bee" award in her class last week. She picked a pair of shades as her prize. In typical Boo fashion, the minute she stepped off the school bus she exclaimed, "I look hot!" Casey and I have never used that term to describe Boo. We've told her she is pretty, beautiful, lovely, looks good and so on.

Curious, I asked, "What does hot mean?"

"You know, it means I look cool."

What do you do with a "hot" (or is that "cool?") five-year-old? You take pictures of course!

Boo Teaches Human Anatomy 101

2011-09-09T21:22:00.001-05:00

I'm very proud Casey devoted three years of his life to grad school to learn his profession. Yet sometimes, I wonder if it was a little over kill. Boo pulled out one of Cak's anatomy book and proceeded to teach Bug. Maybe Casey only needed a year, and Boo to be a physical therapist.

See what I I'm saying? Grad school is way over-rated!

The first week home.

2011-09-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

I once tried to explain to Boo that Grandma was my mommy. "No, she is my grandma!" was her answer. I decided to drop it.

Thank goodness I have a mommy though! There are times in life when Mommy needs her mommy. Bringing home a new baby is one of them. Bringing home a new baby after having a c-section, and there are two other kids to take care of, and hubby doesn't have anymore paid time off.... yup. Mommy.

My folks flew in and drove down Wednesday evening. Papa Mark's main job was to be Papa, and run multiple times to the store. Bug and Boo just love hanging out with Papa.

Grandma Paula played with the girls, and took care of baby and Mommy. She gave baby her first bath.

Isn't my mom beautiful? Baby is too!

On Papa and Grandma's last night here, Bug and Boo got to stay up late and play out side with glow sticks. Grandma and Papa came up with a game of "hot and cold" in the dark. The girls had to use their glow sticks to find Daddy's hidden hat. It is a really fun version that I think any age would like. (I liked it and I'm 28 years old!)

Isn't family great!

Baby is Here!

2011-09-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

Baby was born August 22nd at 7:55 in the morning. She was 19 inches long and weighed 7 lbs. She has been such a good baby. We are so glad she is here!

Boo and Bug love her. (Sometimes a little too much!) But they are helpful, and will take any chance to hold her.

Casey was told he is a D.O.D.O. by a member of our church. Dad Of Daughters Only. I guess it is an actual club.

Cute girls. And a good looking dad too.

First Day of School!

2011-08-21T18:03:00.000-05:00

Thursday, August 18, 2011. A day that made me proud and sad as a mom. Boo is a kindergartner! When I woke Boo up that morning she jumped out of bed, and said, "Today is the first day of school!" (This is the child who will sleep in as long as possible.) She had picked out her outfit the night before.

Boo loved school. She said her favorite thing was to play out side, "four times!" Bug and I missed her, but I'm glad she had a good day. Many big changes are happening to our cute little fam!

We have a doctor (of physical therapy) in the house!

2011-08-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

Yes, it has been forever! Certain life changes have kept us busy! But I am going to try to post on a more regular basis.

Casey achieved a major milestone this May. He graduated from Creighton University with a doctorate of Physical Therapy! His parents and sister came out to celebrate with us.

Friday was the hooding ceremony. Bug and Boo had a hard time sitting through it. Actually one slept through it... The other kept trying to go sit with Daddy and succeeded for a moment after he had been hooded.

Saturday was the commencement ceremony. Bug and Boo stayed home with Aunt Jackie. I'm so proud of all that Casey has achieved in the last three years! Grad school with a family isn't easy.

Casey passed his boards in June and is now a licensed and practicing P.T. It was worth it!

Boo's Dance Class

2010-04-13T18:20:00.008-05:00

Boo has been in dance this year taught by wonderful Miss Hannah. We will miss the dance recital this year. So I recorded her last dance class. Here is her warm up, ballet dance, tap dance, and leaping line.

Silly Bug.

2010-03-01T20:49:00.004-06:00

"I'm upside down!" That is what she kept telling me. She was so proud to do this little trick.

Boo and her party!

2010-02-28T23:19:00.004-06:00

We sure had fun when Boo turned 4.

It was a small party, but fun! What a cute girl I have.
She told me she wanted a blue and yellow Cinderella Cake.
This is what I came up with.

Again, she is so cute.

Highlights of the Kirkham Family year.

2010-01-10T17:50:00.013-06:00

It has flown by, and little have I posted. If pictures are worth a thousand words, maybe I can catch up to everyone! Ha!! It has been a good year though.

Sunday Chocolate Cake

2009-10-29T15:34:00.003-05:00

I can't even remember why we made this cake. Maybe it was just Sunday! And Boo wanted a cake with pink sprinkles...

The girls loved helping. If only I could get them both to smile at the camera at the same time!

The Pumpkin Farm!

2009-10-21T14:12:00.000-05:00

We went to Vala's Pumpkin Patch, on the one warm day of October. Boo calls it the "Pumpkin Farm!" We didn't plan of spending 4 hours there...but we did. We loved it.

A day of winter.

2009-10-21T14:09:00.007-05:00

We had a day of winter, when normaly it is in the 70's this month! It was warm when we went trick-or-treating last year! Welcome to Nebraska!!!!

Trip to Utah and Disneyland

2009-10-21T13:17:00.009-05:00

Casey had two weeks off at the end of summer. We decided to spend those two weeks in Utah, and a little side trip for Casey and I in California. Wow! What a great time we had. We spent time at my home, and even had a day to spend at Meme's house with Meme and "Aunt Sabina". Then we went to the Kirkhams. The next day we left the girls with Grandma Janice, and Casey and I jetted off to Disneyland. It was our birthday presents to each other this year!

I think every couple needs to take one trip to Disneyland with out their kids. It was like we were dating again! Don't get me wrong, we look forward to taking our girls there. I think we will have just as much fun, in a different sort of way.

We spent a night at my cousin's house. Her little family is so cute! I wish we had more time to spend with them, but it was a short trip. Then we spent a couple of nights at my Great Aunt and Uncle's place. I haven't seen them since my wedding, and I love them to death. I wish there was more time there as well. I admire them so much.

We made it back to Utah, where our girls were having a blast with Grandma Janice and Papa Todd. We walked in the door and Boo was wearing her Cinderella dress Grandma had made her for Halloween! So cute!!!

The girls got to ride a horse named Smarty. Bug was a little rodeo queen, waving every time they came past. And Boo was getting very good at going all by herself!

Then we had some time at our family cabins before we took off home. I know that is a nutshell of our time, but maybe some pics can fill you in!

How to feel good.

2009-10-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

I just have to say I live in a wonderful place! I went walking last night with three gals, and I felt so good when I came home. I wondered why and my first thought was, exercise=endorphins=feel good. But I felt even better than that. I realized it was girl talk+exercise=really feel good! And it is not just those three gals that I love here in the V.G. I love every body's unique talents, and personalities. All my neighbors are awesome. This is something I'm really grateful for today!

the non-tea party

2009-08-13T17:13:00.006-05:00

Our neighbor had a sweet non-tea party. All the girls dressed up, and the boys wore costumes, I didn't get a picture of bat-man, but our cowboy was all for pics. Boo stole his hat to add to her decor. Everyone had fun. Great idea Mandy!!!

I didn't have many pictures with both Bug and Boo... When I tried to set them up, it was hard to get a clean shot. One was always trying to go. This was a lucky one. Or I can give them sticky Popsicles and then they'd sit still...for a minute.

Bug likes to get the camera. She doesn't like Mommy to keep it our of reach.

Sweet girls. We love all our friends at V.G.

2009-07-31T15:51:00.005-05:00

Boo fell, and had to get three stiches. She'll tell you all about if you mention "owie".

Bug loves her cupcakes!

We love to go for walks in the gardens.

We see wild turkeys all the time in our neighborhood!

Bug likes to pull her hair bands out. This is what she looks like at the end of the day.

Playing in the sprinklers.

What is Bug doing?

Just getting a drink.

Do you think we have enough sunscreen on?

We love summer!

2009-07-31T15:41:00.005-05:00

I know...it has been too long since I've posted anything. I'm impressed if you are even still checking our blog! I wont even begin trying to do a full catch up. Here are the highlights of our summer!

Casey survived his summer classes, and just finished his finals. He starts his first clinical rotation on Monday.
Heather spent six days at stake girls camp, had a blast, and realized how much sleep she really needs. Her favorite Mom-in-law flew out to watch the girls so she could go.
Heather had a great trip with her Meme, parents, and cousins seeing church history sites, and Niagara falls.
Boo and Bug have kept Mom busy, and play outside as much as possible. Here are some things they like to do!

Happy Birthday Papa Todd

2009-04-19T19:44:00.002-05:00

We love you!

Spring Cake!

2009-03-26T20:38:00.003-05:00

Saturday, Boo saw a cake one young woman made for our dessert auction. It was so cute, it had peeps on it swimming in a blue river. Boo kept asking me if we could make a "Ducky cake." So here is my own version. Redden was over, so he helped too. They loved putting the "grass" on.

Amazing Grace.

2009-03-23T11:06:00.005-05:00

Boo as she pulls the bills off the table. "Mom, I got to take my e-mail." Mom, "What?" "I got to take my e-mail, and take a e-mail to Grandma Janice and Grandma Paula." "Oh, you got to check your e-mail, and write a e-mail to Grandma Janice and Grandma Paula." "Yes, I got to take my e-mail." Daddy is grating some cheese. Boo, "Dad, you're scrubbing the cheese! Can I have some scrubby cheese?" Mom, "What did you learn in Nursery today?" Boo, "I had a penguin on my head." Mom knew the nursery leaders Dan and Rebekah Nelson sing a song about animals and have the kids hold pictures of the animals over their heads. She tries to tie it back into what Grace might have learned at church. Mom, "Did Jesus make the penguins?" Boo, "No, Brother Nelson did."

We need a little help here.

2009-02-17T22:23:00.003-06:00

We have been teaching Bug to put herself to sleep. And she can! Well, almost. We started Friday by moving her into Boo's room. She cried for 45 minutes, and laid down, and fell asleep. She slept well that night. We've kept the same routine every night, and nap time since. And I'll lay her down in bed, she'll fuss anywhere from 1 second to 45 minutes, lay down and go to sleep. Our biggest problem is when she wakes up again. She wont go back to sleep. And we have to go through the whole darn thing again! Any tips, suggestions, success stories would be helpful. Sometimes it upsets Boo to hear Bug cry, and sometimes she sleeps through it. I'd love to hear what everyone has to say. We are almost, almost, almost there! Thanks. Heather

My three year old!

2009-02-08T23:05:00.009-06:00

Casey was told by a classmate that his is officially old now. He has a three year old. They didn't say anything about me, so I'm not old yet. Boo turned three on Thursday, and was sick. She has been sick for the last two weeks, and despite all the hoping and praying, and the nice warm weather outside, she was still coughing. So Mom decided not to have friends over for a party. (I didn't think their parents would appreciate me sending their kids home with a runny nose and fever as party favors.)And to top it off, her sister was sick too, so it was a really quiet day. Casey did take her to get a pizza for dinner, while I picked up some decorations for her cake and rented "Tinkerbell" for her to watch. The Lyms came over and brought Boo a present. Redden had been sick too, and they were both ready to play with each other! And Casey's classmate, Joel stopped by. Boo and Redden love Joel. As you can see in the second video. In the end she had a good day. I love you Boo!

Christmas part 2

2009-02-01T18:22:00.006-06:00

I know, I know...I don't post forever, then put up a mass of pictures. This is mostly for family I guess. I did some of these are repeats, just different editing tech. Some aren't edited at all. Well, there up! So just enjoy them. We enjoyed making these memories. Coming soon...Drew's wedding.

Christmas at the Forbes part 1

2009-01-20T18:26:00.010-06:00

Here comes Santa Clause

2008-12-09T21:04:00.005-06:00

Tis the season that I can listen to my favorite story "A Christmas Carol" on CD and not get weired looks from Casey. One part struck me deep this year. May I share it with you?

While Scrooge is haunted by his ghost of Christmas past, he visits his apprenticeship. As he watches his old master, Fezziwig, and the Christmas party he threw, Scrooge learns a deep lesson I never noticed before. The following passage is from Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"

During the whole of this time, Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and soul were in the scene, and with his former self... ..."A small matter," said the Ghost, "to make these silly folks so full of gratitude." "Small!" Echoed Scrooge. The Spirit signed to him to listen to the two apprentices, who were pouring out their hearts in praise of Fezziwig: and when he had done so, said, "Why! Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: Three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?"
(Pay attention this was the part that struck me.) "It isn't that," said Scrooge, heated by the remark, and speaking unconsciously like his former, not his latter, self. "It isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count 'em up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune."

Wow! I want my children to be happy. And that power lies in my "words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count 'em up." I saw how a little thing just made Boo's week. We had our ward Christmas Party Saturday. Dinner was fantastic, we socialized, and a special guest came. Yup, Santa made an appearance. When Boo saw him walk through the door she screamed, "Look! There he is! THERE IS SANTA!" She could hardly contain her joy!

Bug has become incredibly mobile. She crawls all over the place, and pulls herself up on the furniture. The problem now is she can't get down on her own, and screams until mom comes to help...or Boo "helps" which usually results in more screaming. I can also put her hair in a "ponytail".

Well, sort of.

In conclusion, if I was to be visited from my ghost of Chritmas past, I think I would have a very pleasent time due to the Fezziwigs in my life, mainly my parents, family, husband and now my two girls.

Merry Christmas!

From the Kirkhams.

Casey asked Boo what she asked Santa to bring her for Christmas. She said, "I want Santa to bring me a present." Santa gave her a candy cane. Every day she tells me how Santa gave her a candy cane! What a cheep, inexpensive thing, yet priceless. She was a little shy on Santa's lap. She wouldn't look him in the face, but talked with him. I think she was a little star struck. Over all, I think she has been a very good girl this year. She did tell me yesterday, "Mom I don't want coal!" It was just out of the blue! I had not told her she would be getting any. Hmmm...we have no clue who told her that.

Thanksgiving Fun

2008-11-29T11:16:00.004-06:00

We had a small, quiet, and fun Thanksgiving. The day before it was warm, so we took the girls on a walk. I don't think they walked much...but Casey and I did. That night, Casey made the rolls, and I made the brine for the turkey. Thanksgiving day Casey played with the girls while I made a feast. It tasted good. I'm going to brag here, my first turkey was near perfect. Okay done bragging. Boo knew something was going on, but couldn't quite figure it out. She asked me, "Mama, get my costume? Go trick-0-tweat?" I said, "No it is Thanksgiving, we don't wear costumes on Thanksgiving. We eat turkey!" Boo, "Oh, okay. Lets go Thanksgiving trick-o-tweat!" She still had fun. Casey set our table up in the front room , and put all the leaves in. He wanted enough room to spread all the food out. We ate our feast and Bug had strained squash. yum. After dinner we went to our friends for pie. We hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Just thought you should know.

2008-11-22T00:11:00.003-06:00

Omaha feels more and more like home. I only got lost once this week! How was I supposed to know that UNO is right in the middle of the road from the doctors office to the grocery store. Our ward has really helped us feel at home. But, there is no place like THE PLACE where many memories are tied with the people you love. Yup, due to the fast proposal, and even faster engagement of my "Little" brother, we have been summoned home for a wedding. And said wedding is close enough to Christmas, that we are coming home for the holidays. This is a whole year sooner than we planned. We are planning to spend time in both northern and southern Utah! We are excited to see everyone. I would be the last sibling to discourage anyone from taking my parents advice on anything. But since he didn't wait until Thanksgiving to propose we will be home for Christmas. Thanks Drew for not listening to Mom and Dad. And thanks Sabrina for saying yes. Can't wait to meet you!

Sweet Bug

2008-11-16T21:58:00.005-06:00

I love this picture of my sweet girl. She fell asleep on the way home from Mutual. See her little hand on her pink bunny? As soon as I handed it to her, she fell asleep.

Bug had cereal for the first time yesterday! She loved it so much she grabbed the spoon from me! She eat everything, and we only had a little mess.

Yum Yum!

Things two year olds do.

2008-11-16T21:17:00.006-06:00

Here Boo is playing peak a boo with Bug. Bug thought this game was great. Boo is a good girl, and a good big sister.Boo is also a two year old. And that keeps mom busy.
This week was a cold wet one. This is how Boo entertained herself when mom couldn't.
Monday she went upstairs to the "bathloom", a perfect place to find interesting stuff that two-year-olds can't touch while mom is there. She unrolled a new roll of toilet paper. Completely. I came upstairs as she just pulled the last square off the tube. She looked at me with guilt in her face and said, "I neededed a wipe a nose." Uh- hu. Right.
Tuesday she pulled all the sheets and blankets off her bed. But that was okay. They needed to be washed.
Wednesday she decided our front room need a color make over. Yup, the TV stand and floor got craola-ed. Thank goodness for Mr. Clean magic erasers.
Thursday she gave herself a makeover with mommy's makeup.
Friday we had the Lym family over for dinner and games. There boy, Redden, is a few months younger than Boo. While they were watching Chip and Dale, Boo climbed onto a chair and pulled my markers out. Well, here is her art work. He just sat there and let her do it. I think he has at least four colors on his face. She colored his hair too!
So for all the Moms who ever raised a two year old, I tip my hat, or I would except it is in Boo's dress up box.

Our Happy Halloween.

2008-11-09T20:49:00.007-06:00

Our Halloween was a little different this year. Casey's Mimi passed away the Sunday before. He was out in Utah for her funeral while I attempted to do Halloween on my own. I had awesome neighbors to help me. So a shout out to the Sarah and Amron, Mandy and Cal, and Abby and James. I don't think it would have been very happy with out them. Luckily we carved our pumpkins the night before Casey left. It took me all Friday morning to make Boo's costume, and we finished it just in time for the party at the gardens. We then had trick or treating at Village Green, and then the ward party. By the end of the day Boo and I both had a blast. Bug just went along with the ride. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the pictures. Carving with Dad. That is a pen sticking out of the pumpkin. Mom tried to push the eye out with it, and it stuck. Boo has pizza in one hand, and her little carving tool in the other. Why is sis kissing the pumpkin? Yup, it is One Eyed Willy and Little Miss Muffet. At the gardens trick or treating. Trick or treating with our neighbor, Scarlet, who was "Little Scarlet ridding-hood."

Cute girls!

Trip to Nauvoo

2008-11-09T18:52:00.011-06:00

During Casey's fall break, we took our first family trip, that wasn't to go see family. Um, did that make sense?....anyways... We went to Nauvoo, Illinois! Casey and I both had ancestors who lived there. It was beautiful, it was spiritual, and it was cold. So the girls are wearing hats, or have hat hair in most of the pictures. We found the plots of land our families owned. We saw how life was lived in the 1800's. I loved to hear the testimonies of the senior missionaries serving there. They were so kind to us, and our girls. I can't wait to go back when it is warm!

Boo at the statue of Christ in the visitor center. I thought this was so cute!

Starring Bug

2008-10-01T18:19:00.005-05:00

I've nick-named Bug "Shriek n Squall". When she is happy, she shrieks. When she is mad she squalls. I guess any way, she is just trying to be heard over her sister. Here is a video of her shrieking-um I mean laughing.

Boo Overheard

2008-09-21T23:06:00.005-05:00

"Mom! A fly! Go hit that fly!" "Aya, don't touch me!" Boo was lying on top of Bug. And my favorite. We started potty training. I told Boo to try to go in her potty, so she could get a prize. She sat there for a few minutes and said, "Nope mom, its not working." What do you say to that? Bug is just cute. She grabs her toes, rolls over, and makes cute baby noises. That is about it. She wants to sit up so bad, but it only lasts about 3 seconds. Casey's test seemed to go well last week. But guess what, he has another one this week! He is starting to establish a good balance, has wonderful study groups, professors, and department that is helping him. Thank you to them, because that helps me. He is the president for his class. I asked if that made me first lady. He said sure, but I have no power. I pointed out I had power over his dinner. Then he said I had the ultimate power. Bwahahaha! Wait...what am I going to make for dinner this week? Truly, I need ideas!!!

When Daddy is Home

2008-09-17T18:37:00.005-05:00

We don't get to see much of Casey during the school week. Maybe 3 hours a day. But he spends time with his girls on the weekend. He made cookies with Boo last Sunday. Count how many times she dips those little fingers into the bowl. (don't worry, we didn't give this batch out to anyone)

Boo Overheard.

2008-09-15T20:38:00.004-05:00

Here are some cute things Boo has said today. "I'm a big girl. Mommy is a big girl. Baby Bug is a big girl. Daddy is a BIG BOY!" At lunch, "Yum, this is tastic!" (fantastic) "Look Mom! Dori!" We went to the aquarium at the zoo today. Every other fish was Dori. Playing with some kids, "Everybody, calm down okay!" (I wonder where she got that from?)

Promised Pics!

2008-09-07T22:56:00.006-05:00

Finally, the pictures were done on Thursday. With all the tears Boo shed, the photographer happened to get some cute shots. She really didn't want to hold still. Elmo helped a bit. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

I'm back to blogging!

2008-09-01T22:06:00.006-05:00

Moving day, we're all going crazy!

Entertaining myself while everyone unpacks.

I know the whole point of our family blog page is to keep you all posted on the happenings of our family. I'm sorry, but it has been a little crazy settling in. So here are some quick updates and pictures to admire.

*July 5, 2008 we blessed Bug.

*July 15-30 Various family members suffer strep, pink eye and ear infections. Bug was spared. *July 23rd we celebrated Casey's birthday. He celebrated with strep. *August 4 Casey went hiking down the Subway with his brothers, sister, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and a few friends. Special thanks to Chris and Jerry for arranging that amazing hike. *August 5 we packed as much as we could into a truck, trailer, and two sedans. *August 6 we drove and drove and drove and drove and drove and drove and drove........ *August 7 Bug cried as we drove and drove and drove some more. At 2:00 p.m. central time we made it to Omaha NE 68108! Our new home. Thanks to all our family who helped us get to this exciting time in our lives! We've been settling in nicely. Our townhouses are referred to, by the missionaries, as "Little Provo." Most of the folks are students going to school, and they are Mormon. I've met a few who aren't, but they are so nice and welcoming! We miss our friends, but like the song I used to sing as a brownie, "Make new friends, and keep the old. One is silver, the other gold." We live right next to the Omaha Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens. Naturally we bought a family pass to the zoo, and I've taken the girls there once a week. There are many little kids here and Boo is in heaven. One thing we really love out here, is the price of gas. We filled up last week with it being 3.31! And the upgrade is cheaper than the regular. We love our ward. We have heard some amazing conversion stories, and look forward to getting to know these people even more. Casey is a home teacher, but no other callings...yet. We did speak in church two Sundays ago. I took the girls to get their pictures taken at JC Pennies so tune in this weekend for a posting. Casey will be taking his oaths this Friday for his profession. I'll post pics from that too. He has been doing quite well in his classes, but I have become what is referred to around here as a "Study Widow." He studies more hours than he spends in class, but he thinks his first class went very well. Well there is a crash and smash of the last two months for us. We love you, and thank you for all the support! BUG'S BLESSING DAY

Janice made the dress.

At the pool in Kensington Apartments

Thoughts from a young mother.

2008-06-07T12:04:00.006-05:00

These last four weeks have flown by and felt like eternity all at once. Our world changed when

Bug joined our family. When Casey and I were married someone (I can't remember who) told us, "You don't experience marriage until you have a kid. You don't experience parenthood until you have two kids." I don't completely agree with that, but two kids is a very different style of parenthood. Sometimes I feel as if my whole existence is to feed babies and change diapers. And to sleep in three hour spurts. (Just a fact, we've changed over 320 diapers in the last four weeks.) But then sweet tender moments happen, and I know what true joy is. Consider these two scriptures.

2 Nephi 2:23-25 "And they [Adam and Eve] would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

Moses 5:11 "And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."

I find it interesting that Eve listed having children first. The joy mankind is meant to have is eternal life with our families. I am so grateful to experience the joy my two daughters bring to my life. Here are some of those sweet moments of the last four weeks.

First home for a few hours.

Boo's post modern expressionism of "newly sisterhoodness."

(Okay she is just seeing what she can get away with.)

Daddy and his girls. Bug isn't quite a week old.

Two weeks old in both pictures.

Mom loves to kiss these little feet.

Four weeks old! Hi world! Boo loves to touch, kiss, hug, smash her "baby Aya".

Princess # 2 a.k.a. Bug

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Here she is! Bug was born Friday, May 9, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs 3 oz, and was 18 1/2 inches long. She has light red hair like Boo did. You can tell they are sisters! Casey and Heather are doing great! Boo is clueless, playing at Papa Todd's house. She will say, "I have a baby sister!" but has no clue what it means. She will find out real soon. Bug has been a great sleeper, and is happy to be cuddled. We have two beautiful girls.

Comencement: Yup we are moving on.

2008-05-07T19:50:00.004-05:00

This last Saturday Casey and Heather graduated from Southern Utah University! Casey earned his degree in exercise science, while Heather earned a degree in music performance. They graduated with Heather's Aunt Sharon, and Uncle Bruce who earned their Masters. Sharon and Bruce had walked together 22 years ago when they had earned their bachelors.

Gracie was as helpful as ever. She even made her Grandpa take a nap.We had lots of fun with our family! Thanks everyone for all your support.

Next step, get this baby here! Only a few more weeks.

Then grad school in Omaha.

Family Vacation in Snow Canyon State Park

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Wow! I, Heather, am sure slow at getting these pictures up. We had a lot of fun in Snow Canyon with my parents. Boo ran around the brush looking for rabbits, and quail. We went on a couple of hikes, and then to the sand dunes. It was fun to camp for a night, and the scenery was beautiful.

Big Changes for All!

2008-04-03T17:37:00.006-05:00

It is finally starting to feel like spring! And as the weather changes, so has our little family. Boo is getting smarter every day. But her increasing intelligence means increasing work for Mommy.

She found an unopened jar of all spice. Boo found out how to unscrew the lid, and pull off the protective seal. You can see Mickey and all her other toys were well seasoned. She also figured out where Mommy kept the stickers. I hope this isn't a sign of future body piercings....

Boo has learned to go down the slide all by herself. She is also sleeping in a big girl bed! All by herself. All through the night. Casey and Heather now are getting more sleep. (For the moment)

Heather and future baby girl are doing fine. Less than eight weeks until our new arrival. She's not counting down or anything. Heather hopes that baby girl doesn't come too soon. She wishes to walk at graduation on May 3rd. Yes, we have a name picked out, and everyone will just have to wait until she comes.

Casey is finally done with all his interviews and applications for Grad school. He was accepted to Samuel Merritt in Oakland, and Creighton University in Nebraska. Creighton was impressed with Casey, and Casey impressed with Creighton. So, we've decided to move to Nebraska. We haven't figured out how yet... Our plans are to first, graduate; second, have a baby; and then we'll work out how to get across the country. At least we don't have to do it in hand carts like our ancestors!

We'll leave you with a video of Boo dancing with her beloved Mickey while watching "Dancing with the Stars." We love our little star!

hint of coming spring

2008-02-11T13:17:00.002-06:00

We've been longing for warmer weather. February seams to bring a bring a hint of spring. Boo has been enjoying spending time outside. She is learning how to climb up the playset all by herself.

Boo's first pictures

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Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Birthday pictures

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Video of Boo's Big Day

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Blowing out the candles!

Happy Birthday Boo!

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"You never know what a girl is worth,

You'll have to wait and see;

But every woman in a noble place,

A girl once used to be."

~Jack M. Lyon

Today is Boo's 2nd birthday! I can't believe how fast the last two years have flown by. I can't imagine how fast the years will come. Some days I just want to hold Boo and say, never grow up! But with each thing she learns, and with every new discovery there is a thrill that would be missed if I had my wish.

On Saturday we had a little early party for her with Casey's family and my cousin Natalie. As usual the little princess was spoiled. Oh to be the grandparent! Enjoy the pictures and video.