The Loveridge Loop

Eva Starr Loveridge

2009-04-02T23:18:00.001-06:00

I just wanted you to know I posted a little bit about Grandma on my blog. I don't have any pics of the funeral, so if any of you have them, it would be awesome if you could post them so I can steal them! hehe The sooner the better!

Elayna's Baby Blessing

2009-01-09T13:11:00.004-07:00

Anderton Baby Blessing

2009-01-09T13:05:00.003-07:00

I LOVE this picture... I'm so glad we have it!

Bertie Botts Beans

2009-01-09T12:57:00.003-07:00

Natalie, Andrew, Ashley, Matthew Bytheway Bertie Bott's Beans...

Elayna 1 day old/ Aaron and Andrew Basketball

2009-01-09T12:03:00.005-07:00

Elayna-- I day old, our visit at the hospital

Aaron and Andrew- basketball season...

I tried to fix Andrew's eyes, but maybe you'll have better luck.

Archives...

2009-01-09T11:27:00.007-07:00

I have HUNDREDS of pictures of my ENTIRE family that I would love to share with all of you. So, I will be making posts with the pics (in no particular order) and you guys can upload the pics to your computer if you want them!

Love you,
Amy

This is Matthew Bytheway's 1st Birthday (featuring Carrie's wedding roses hanging in the background! :D)

Sweet Saturday

2008-10-19T17:56:00.007-06:00

Special thanks to Tim and Tiffany for hosting last night's family get-together! Tiffany started us off by filling us with her AMAZING breadsticks and homemade "Zupa Toscana" soup, better than Olive Garden's. SO YUMMY! Then we basically spent HOURS creating our haunted masterpieces. Enjoy the pics! We missed you, Michael, Natalie, Ashton, Josh, Amy, and Marshall and Ava and Lauren! Enjoy the pics!

Jennifer lending a hand with Bethany

John (I thought the neighbor boy "overlooking" the fun in the tree behind was cute)

The Baby containment center

Look at all that CANDY!!!

Finished versions:

up closer

me and mine

Jeff and Madelyn and Elayna and their masterpieces

The Bytheways' houses

Jenn, Aaron and Abby and their houses

AARRRGGGHHHHHH! I just realized that the pictures that I took of Carrie and Holden must have been on HER camera, as well as the pics of the Johnsons. I'm a dummy..so look for THEIR follow-up posts with THEIR pictures! Sorry!

And thanks again, Johnsons!

Reader alert

2008-10-14T16:58:00.001-06:00

I'm just posting for all you google readers to check the calendar on the Loveridge loop for updates. Thanks! --Kim

it's that time of year. . .

2008-10-14T13:16:00.003-06:00

That's right, it's this Saturday at Tim and Tiffany's house. That means you should hire your architect right now, Jeff! 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served.

Don't make 'em like they used to

2008-09-13T08:40:00.006-06:00

I don't want to use this blog as a place to "vent", but maybe some of you mothers out there can relate to this.

Ahhh...I remember the good ol' days of babysitting. I was a combination cook, maid, and nanny all at the same time at the outrageous rate of $1 per hour. There were even days when I had worked all week long, and when it was time to get paid, I felt so completely guilty taking a whole $20 bill from the people I tended for, that sometimes I would turn it down.

I remember showing up to homes where both parents worked so hard that sometimes their homes took a hit...that is, the washer hadn't been used for weeks; the dishes in the sink had a scent all their own, and the children's rooms were littered with shoes, socks, underwear and clothes from the last 15 days.

But my mom raised me right. I began in the kitchen...wiping, sweeping, mopping. I picked up clutter, took out trash, did laundry, made beds, and got the children I was babysitting to pitch in and help. And yep, that $1 an hour seemed so worth it to me. I think most people my age were babysitters like that.

Fast forward. Madison Smith is a genius. When we moved here, she was a babysitting dream come true. She showed up with toys, games, and activities for our kids. They RAN to greet her when she came. In fact, our kids would ASK us to go on dates so that Madison could come over. We returned home to kids BATHED, put in pajamas, and snuggled in their beds. Our kitchen was spotless...she had MADE dinner and cleaned up, and sung them to sleep. She hung the evening's artwork on our fridge for us to see when we got home. We paid her $10 an hour (for 5 kids), and never batted an eye doing it. She was WORTH IT.

Then she moved. And now I've joined the ranks of so many women who stand around at book club and Enrichment lamenting the babysitting woes of "teenagers these days." You see, they just don't "make 'em like they used to." We don't have many Young Women in our area, and babysitters are hard to come by...good ones are simply impossible to find.

Last night, I spot-cleaned my house. I wiped the kitchen cabinets down. Things were set. I popped a couple of pizzas in the oven for the kids when the babysitter arrived. My instructions to this brand-new babysitter were simple. "Keep my kids alive, and don't go crazy in the process, and make sure they clean up after themselves." Maybe I need to rethink these instructions. Because, yes, my kids were alive when I got home, and yes, the sitter was mentally intact, but well, I think I'M the one going crazy. NOBODY picked up after themselves.

We had decided before we got home how much we would pay our sitter. I like to do this because I don't want to discuss it in front of her. We pay generously. This was a new sitter, and I wanted her to get the impression that we will pay well, so that she will come willingly when we need her. BIG MISTAKE. I walked in...and she went to get her shoes, and meet John in the car to take her home. As she left, she said, "Timothy wouldn't eat pizza, but he ate some fruit snacks for dinner." I merely laughed, thinking "typical Timothy" as I wished her goodnight.

Then I walked in my kitchen. The milk was still sitting out, lid off, and was warm, probably from 2 hours previous when the pizzas were "eaten". The pizzas...partially eaten were still sitting out on the counter, crusts strewn everywhere except on plates. Dishes were still all around the table, and the Sam's Club-sized box of fruit snacks sitting out. There were toys, blankets, shoes, socks all dotting my previously clean family room. The chocolate syrup was out, dripping all over the counter.

Then I started counting fruit snack wrappers.

There were 14 to be exact. So basically, my babysitter had allowed Timothy to just sit and open pack after pack of snacks to his heart's content. Of course, around midnight, Timothy started crying, and had thrown them all up in his bed. We stripped his jammies, pillowcase and pillow, and all sheets on his AND Ashley and Natalie's bed (right next to his, caught in the cross-fire)..and I decided at midnight, that something's got to change.

How in the world do you find a competent sitter? I've talked with many mothers who say their babysitters watch tv and text-message all night, or chat on their cell phones. I don't think my story is unique.

Everyone says that you have to pay $2 per child, per hour. That means our 20-something year-old waiter at the restaurant didn't get NEARLY as much as our babysitter, and our waiter DID clear off the table.

So, I don't mean to use a blog to "vent", but perhaps, somewhere out there, is a competent babysitter who thinks that $12 an hour is worth it to watch kids, and just keep my house basically the way they found it when they arrived. Heaven knows I don't get paid that much!

Posting to post

2008-09-10T14:53:00.002-06:00

I'm just posting. There's no point to this post, except to say...hi. I'm going to go over to Mom's house later and get some pictures of her MOSTLY finished kitchen for those of you who haven't seen it yet. I'll have to dig up some "before" shots from ALMOST A YEAR AGO...who would have thought it would take this long? Well, I did. Just kidding. I also updated the Calendar for September for those who want to check it out!

christian

2008-08-20T03:17:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to tell Christian congratulations on earning his Eagle Scout award! I think you'll start to realize just how cool this is as the years go by. Way to go!

kate's blessing

2008-07-15T12:52:00.005-06:00

Thanks for helping to make Kate's blessing such a lovely day. We love you all! Stop by my blog for a few more pictures. Love, Tiffany

Josh's Graduation!

2008-04-29T13:26:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone! I posted some info and pics from Josh's Graduation! I'm too lazy to blog here as well-so you can go to my blog and check it out! Thanks again to everyone for an amazing weekend! You guys are de best!

Rise and Shout...

2008-04-26T11:01:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to be the FIRST to post a big Congrats to Josh who graduated from the "Y" yesterday! YAY! With his B.S. in Nutritional Science, we'll have to be a little more careful what we eat around him, and sneak those cookies when he's not watching...hee hee! We love you...and are hoping Carrie will post pictures soon enough!

"BLASTOFF!"

2008-04-21T17:09:00.005-06:00

Or "DELIVERY" as the case may be! Here SHE is!!! We are happy to welcome little Katherine or "Kate" (no middle name yet) Johnson into the world! She was born at 12:26 this afternoon, weighing in at 7.3 lbs, and stretching out to a whopping 21 1/2 inches long! She is ADORABLE!!!! YUM YUM!!! Congratulations Tim and Tiffany! She's PERFECT!

(I might add...They did not know what gender the baby was, and were so pleasantly surprised to have a girl! Incidentally, the delivery was so quick, and Tiffany such a great pusher, after the baby was born, Tiffany said, "wow, that seems too easy!) Enjoy the pictures!

Anxiously anticipating progression...

Grandma Loveridge doing her part!

Tiffany's best friend...the anesthesiologist!

Here she is! 12:26...Katherine

The proud parents

Four Generations

The FAVORITE AUNT!

3...2...1...

2008-04-19T21:01:00.002-06:00

OK! So, with just two days left (actually, that's 32 hours) left before Tiffany gets induced, we HAD to post pics of her CUTE CUTE BELLY!!! Here she is! Get a good look, folks, because it may be the last time we see our little Tiff with a bun in her oven ;)

Incidentally, for those of you who didn't know, we will postpone FHE for one more week so that we can all be there to support Tim and Tiffany at the hospital! Best wishes!

there's a light at the end of the tunnel (hee hee)

2008-04-16T14:42:00.003-06:00

Just an update about baby for you all . . .I saw the doctor last week and he told me I was 2 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced. I saw him again today and he told me no change. Boy, did that take the wind out of my sails!

Tim and I were thiiiiiis close (imagine my thumb and pointer finger almost touching) to going to the hospital last week when I thought this baby was really coming. This week, everything has stopped. No contractions, no twinges, nothin'! Heck, I'm even sleeping at night now....what?!? At least I have Monday the 21st to look forward to for my induction! I'd love to extend an invitation to all the girls to be in the room when the baby comes...what the heck-the guys are welcome too if you don't mind be ushered into the hall when I say!

Love you all! Wish us luck on coming up with a boys' name we can agree on!

Hi, there!

2008-04-15T22:23:00.002-06:00

I just hopped on our family blog and realized it's almost been two weeks since the last post. I guess you guys are all too busy to blog because you're working on Mom and Dad's kitchen, eh??? Anyway, I just wanted to tell you all how excited we are to be with you in THREE WEEKS! Hopefully we've given you enough time to recover from our last invasion. So, since there's been a bit of inaction on the ol' family blog, I'll subject you to a favorite corny lawyer joke of mine...

###

A lawyer died and arrived at the pearly gates. To his dismay, there were thousands of people ahead of him in line to see St. Peter. But, to his surprise, St. Peter left his desk at the gate and came down the long line to where the lawyer was standing. St. Peter greeted him warmly. Then St. Peter and one of his assistants took the lawyer by the hands and guided him up to the front of the line into a comfortable chair by his desk.

The lawyer said, 'I don't mind all this attention, but what makes me so special?'

St. Peter replied, 'Well, I've added up all the hours for which you billed your clients, and by my calculation you must be about 150 years old!'

###

Like I said... corny!

Lost Carebear

2008-04-04T19:31:00.005-06:00

Hey family. Our baby carebear ran away while we were in Salt Lake, and we wondered if it found a home with any of you! Ava misses her lots and so I figured I would see if I could track it down... If by some chance it is with any of you, would you mind keeping it safe until we get to Utah?? Thanks a million! -- Amy

One Year Older and Wiser, Too

2008-04-02T10:25:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT SUSAN!!! I just thought we could wish Aunt Susan a happy birthday! I think this is "Sensational at Sixty" right? I was thinking of a fun memory of her, and the first memory that popped into my head was driving in the car listening to "Rosanna"...blasting away, and all singing along! Of course her fabulous cookies and chocolate cake frosting come to mind in a hurry! When I was dating Adam Zimmerman, he used to love to go to her house on our dates because she was always so welcoming and charming! She is the best hostess ever, and can throw a buffet together faster than anyone I know. She's the ring-pop, popcorn, burrito queen! She's a care-taker, always helping others, even small animals. My whole life she had pets around. What a woman! We love you, Aunt Sue!!! Have a GREAT DAY!!!!

Just a note...

2008-04-01T16:08:00.003-06:00

Everyone, I just wanted to say thanks for making Bethany's blessing day so special. It was really amazing to look out during the meeting and see the faces of (almost) all of my siblings, nieces and nephews, and my parents. It was really hard to express in the moment how grateful I am for our family, but I guess a blog is always just as good! I just hope you all know how lucky we are to have such a close family. I hear other friends talk about their extended family like you would an irritating pet...and it makes me so grateful that we have each other. So, I'm making a list of one thing I love about each of you.
Dad: You're the life of the party. What an amazing sense of humor you have. Thanks for always making us laugh. (not that you come to this blog, though!)
Mom: You're the center of the party...every even revolves around you and Dad and actually, all those events happen because of the closeness you have instilled in each of us to each other
Michael: You're endlessly serving, as simple as that. If you're not at work, you're at someone else's home helping them do something they can't do alone, never expecting anything in return. You're amazing.
Jenn: You're the extra-miler. When it seems like all the work is done, you pitch in and find something ELSE to do to help...dishes and clean-up at EVERY family gathering. You're everyone's best friend.
Jeff: You're the gentle giant who works unbelievably hard, and diligently until you're done. You absolutely LIVE what you are teaching those seminary kids each day. A stalwart and amazing example.
Natalie: A silent sufferer. I've never seen anyone go through what you go through and yet endure so patiently and quietly. You're optimistic and loving, and an excellent mom!
Tim: You're amazingly personable. You always have a minute to talk to ANYONE about ANYTHING. You're unwaivering in your values and principles. You also seem to make more out of your free time than anyone else I know, accomplishing much.
Tiffany: You're the gracious hostess. You are always looking for the simple touches to make the family events elegant and memorable. You're a great listener, and always trying to be a better person (and frankly, accomplishing it!)
Josh: You're a very loving and devoted father, and talented in so many areas from dance to home repair...you name it! You're brilliant and a very hard-working student with a great future ahead!
Carrie: You're (sorry, folks) the favorite aunt, always playing with the kids and teaching them new and fun games that we used to play when we were kids. You're also the most competitive game-player :) and most elaborate decorator with an amazing flair for table settings!
Marshall: You're the well-rounded friend to everyone. Betos with Dad, Golf with John, Hiking with Tim, Blackhawk Down with Jeff, debates with me; everyone has a special interest in you and you take a special interest in them.
Amy: You're the artist. From flannel boards to quiet books, teepees to hand-knitted quilts, you have the touch to turn something shabby into something fabulous. You're also the baby sister who has grown into an example of for us of parenting and friendshipping.
Christian: You're just the coolest little brother anyone could have. You're in that great stage of life when you share your music, your dreams, and your dating life with those who have the patience to work it out of you! You're a hard-working guy with great grades, and a GREAT personality.

I love you all! We're so lucky to have each other with our many varied and different talents, that woven together make one amazing tapestry.

(or is that "blended together make one amazing smoothie"

or "mixed together make one amazing cookie")?

Oh well, whichever one it is, I think we make a great family team.
Have a good day, and thanks for making mine.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T17:59:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. I just posted a big post on my own blog, so I'll not say much except I'm grateful for everyone in our family (all the way to great-grandmas and aunts and cousins) and am especially grateful that we are eternall bound through the gospel! We re so blessed. Love to you all!

Hendricksons Head Home

2008-03-17T15:57:00.002-06:00

Amy and Marshall, we just want to thank you for spending your Spring Break with us. It was fun while it lasted! See you this summer!

family pictures

2008-03-13T16:28:00.003-06:00

Guys, here's a little thing while I'm thinking about it....we really need to do an updated family picture this summer while Amy & Marshall are here. Carrie, I know this means that you'd be very pregnant in the photos, but I think it's better to have that than to not get one with the Hendricksons at all. What are everyone's suggestions for a date, location, photographer, etc.? I was just thinking it would be nice if everyone could plan ahead a little to be able to pay-in for this.

And then one opinion right off the bat: unlike our last photo shoot with Hailey, I don't think it's a good idea to have the large family pic and then all the individual family pictures on the same day. We're just too big for that now. Let's keep this simple and stick to one big portrait and then some cute cousin pictures. I think we're all to the point now where our individual family pictures should happen on our own. Let me know what you think!

SURPRISE!!!

2008-03-08T15:10:00.003-07:00

Well, Amy and Marshall have planned a surprise for a while, now, and last night was the "final reveal."

They told me to gather everyone at Leatherby's ice-cream parlor under the guise of a birthday celebration, and they would be waiting there!

They drove all day Thursday and slept in Logan at Marshall's Mom's home, then drove to Salt Lake on Friday evening. I spent WAY too much time at Tiffany's house to get to Leatherby's on time, so I missed seeing Mom, Dad, and Grandma Loveridge getting surprised, but it was fun to see my kids, Tiff and her kids, and Carrie and Josh get surprised! Welcome home! (For a week, anyway!) We LOVE having you here!

Happy Birthday, Kim!

2008-03-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish Kimbie a very happy birthday! We love you and hope your day is great!

Update on Daniel

2008-03-03T22:06:00.003-07:00

Hey, I just thought I'd give a little update on Jenn's baby, Daniel. He is still in the NICU...looking so cute! He is so gorgeous and has these long dark hair, and long arms and legs as well! I think he gets that from daddy! Jennifer was able to nurse him...he has a good latch, but she has to use some sort of "shield" because he is still too little to nurse well. She is nursing around the clock, going to the hospital every three hours, staying for three, to keep him fed. He's getting supplements as well, but hasn't gained weight. He's lost about 10 oz. since birth and hasn't gained anything. Jenn amazes me. I got there around 8:30 p.m. and she will be staying until 11:00 p.m. and will go home. Then she will go back at 5:00 a.m. Whoa. Anyway, we're anxiously awaiting his arrival home. Anyone want to sign up for a dinner rotation? She's able to make it home for dinner... I'd LOVE to go clean her house as well...it would mean so much to her, because it meant so much to ME when Tiff, Amy, and Mom cleaned my house with Bethany...(but of COURSE we have to go without her knowing because she is SO independent!!!) So that's that! Please remember them in your prayers!

SLAM DUNK--Andrew gets baptized!

2008-03-03T08:31:00.003-07:00

Well, and so it goes, I have another perfect child...for a moment at least. Andrew got Baptized on Saturday. What a sweetheart. Amidst the usual "boy" moments, Andrew is a love and a cutie. He bore his testimony in church yesterday, so innocent, and told the congregation that at first he was nervous to get baptized and go under the water (I learned of his underwater fears after years of swimming lessons watching him do ANYTHING to keep his head above water)...but that he was also excited to get his "sins washed away." He then said he felt a warm feeling when he went under and was grateful to follow Jesus' example. When he was baptized, we were a little worried that John's back would give out...I told the witnesses to jump in and save him in case he started drowning (!) but all went well. I almost laughed when both of Andrew's feet left the ground and almost floated out of the water...I guess he was just hangin' out there and wanted Dad to do all the work!

Anyway, thanks to all who came. He and I talked that night, and he was so grateful to have such good family support...he was trying to name off everyone who came. Also, thanks for all of the FOOD! It was so yummy and nice for a spring day. I love you all...and love you, Andrew!

what's going on in march

2008-02-29T13:43:00.004-07:00

MARCH
1st: 10:00 Andrew's Baptism
2nd: Ashton's blessing CANCELLED due to illness
5th: Kim's B-day
14th: Andrew's Party 4:00-6:00
17th: FHE @ Johnson's
19th: Madelyn's b-day
22nd: Tim & Tiffany anniversary
24th: Dad's b-day
26th: Carrie & Josh anniversary
28th: Natalie Love's b-day
30th: Bethany's blessing (2:50 pm)

Here He Is!

2008-02-25T12:05:00.002-07:00

Last night Jennifer's water broke...5 weeks early, and at 9:15 this morning, Daniel Marlin Dustin was born! He was 6 1/2 lbs. (I think) and 19 inches long. He's adorable, but in the NICU for a brief little time (24 hours or so) while they stabilize his lungs. Tiffany was the first visitor, and brought us back these pictures. Thanks, Tiff! Enjoy! More to come probably when it's a little safer to visit and take pictures.

Holden turns one!

2008-02-23T16:30:00.003-07:00

So, this afternoon, we all made a trek to the "hundred acre wood" to celebrate one year for Holden Mercer! What an adorable party Carrie put together. When we arrived, the children all made "Winnie the Pooh" character hats including tigger, eyore, Kanga, and Piglet. Holden the birthday boy got a special "pooh" hat.

We played "toss the bag into pooh's belly" and "pin the tail on eyore." It was so fun! Carrie got pizza for everyone, coupled with drinks and salad with the help of Jenn and Tiff. We opened gifts, and the little muncher got some fun fun toys!

To top the celebration off, Carrie brought out an AMAZING and HUGE cake that she and friends spent 13 hours baking and decorating! The thing must've weighed 10 lbs! It was HUGE!

Holden was excited to see his beautiful cake...here he is blowing out the candles!

So, make sure you look at the amazing detail on the cake! It made mom CRY! I guess after 13 hours of baking, it's a reaction you may expect, but I didn't...so I had to look again at the detail, and suddently, we were ALL crying!
Way to go Carrie!

2008-02-16T09:49:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone. It's been a great February so far, so I had to share the kids! With two birthdays, it's been a month full of LOVE! Quickly, for Andrew's birthday, I asked him what he wanted, and he said, "Harvey Unga's autograph." I laughed! (for those of you who may not know, he is a half-back for the BYU football team.) Well, John made a call or two, and before I knew it, I was standing in the BYU athletic building receiving a coach's hat, a little elastic wristband, a poster, and a little mini football helmet from the Athletic director with about 10 autographs from the BYU football team on it. It said "Happy Birthday Andrew from your friends at BYU." Max Hall, quarterback, and many other players also signed it. It was a fun surprise for him! of course we had to supplement with the jacket, garbage can, backpack and checkers game. He's one big FAN!!!

Thank You!

2008-02-15T15:32:00.005-07:00

This is our Super-Shout-Out Thank You for the darling birthday gifts from our cute cute cute family! We just got the package today and Ava was way excited about everything - you all really spoiled her!

She wanted to open all of her presents and kept saying matter-of-factly,
"Mama, I need a knife" to which I replied
"Oh, really?"
"Yes."
"Mhmm."

(Thank you Kim for sending them, along with all of the other stuff we left in Utah! You're awesome to do that!)

Thank you again! We love you all!!!

"Fraidy"

2008-02-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

I got this email from Kim this morning, and had a good laugh! Ashley has a good memory, huh!? I guess she can always tease me for being afraid of anything that moves! (Furthermore, Adam, I'm still trying to think how I am going to get you back for chasing me with that snake in Rochester!)Maybe instead of competing for the "Favorite Aunt" spot, I should just take my "Fraidy Cat Aunt" award and run! It's good to know we are missed!

"Hey Aimers,
I think the kids are really excited to see you this summer! I found this picture in my room this morning and got a good chuckle. Hopefully you will, too! See you soon! Love your "fraidy" guts! --Kim"

A little off-season banter...

2008-02-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Bronco Mendenhall, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around when they came to a modest little house with a faded Cougars flag in the window."This house is yours for eternity," said God. "This is very special, not everyone gets a house up here."The coach felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion that had a 50 foot tall flagpole with an enormous UTES flag, and in every window was the UTE logo.The coach looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was a good coach. I went to bowl games, sent a bunch of my players on to the pros, and I turned around the entire BYU football program."God said, "So, what's your question?""Well," said the coach, "Why does Kyle Whittingham get a better house than me?"God responded, "Oh that's not Whittingham's house, that's mine".

Ava's 2nd Birthday

2008-02-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated Ava's 2nd birthday on Jan 23rd! She is such a fun and energetic girl and keeps us on our toes! Here is a picture with her enjoying her birthday cake... Note the teary eyes - I told her that she needed to stop picking the hearts off the cake until after I was done taking pics - she had a major melt down but miraculously recovered once I was done with pics and gave in!

For more of her birthday festivities, click HERE.

Saying Goodbye

2008-01-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

I've had a few days to let things sink in, and although the news of President Hinckley's death was a surprise, at first it didn't make me sad. I remember John told me that at the moment his dad passed away, his sister Sally simply looked toward heaven with tears in her eyes and said, "Good Job, Dad." It was a simple statement of triumph for a life well-lived.

When I think of the amazing impact President Hinckley has had on the world, I am amazed. I'm grateful to the many people who have compiled tributes for him that highlight things of his life that have reminded me, and in some cases, taught me, about the unmatched contributions he made to the world on behalf of the Church.

Over the last few days, as I've celebrated his life through watching these memoirs on tv and internet, I've been so grateful for his life. Only now, however, has the sadness hit me. I love this man, and will greatly miss him at General Conference, cracking jokes, talking so optimistically about the future, and laughing at himself. I'll miss his smile, watching him wave his cane, and I'll miss just seeing him on the stand.

John and I were fortunate enough to be in his presence a few times...perhaps a half-dozen or so for different intimate occasions, and yet, never had the chance to shake his hand. (once, however, I came through a back doorway, and practically ran into him, literally, as he was coming out the other side!) But, for anyone who has been in his presence, whether in the Marriott Center, Conference Center, or a few feet away, you know that you don't have to shake his hand to feel the power and spirit that he radiates. What a mantle! He truly is a prophet of God.

He will be greatly missed. --Kim

Here's a post from my blog. Enjoy!

2008-01-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

First, I just have to say Google is amazing. I’ve been very happy with their email application for over two years now and it seems as though they really make internet use easy. You wouldn’t know it from my lengthy and frequent blog posts, but I really am quite a busy person. Whenever I get a chance, I spend a lot of time, going from blog to blog, trying to see what’s new in the worlds of my friends and family. Well, Google has come through for me again. I recently read a magazine article about Google Reader – a free application which allows you to go to one site which compiles all of the most recent additions to your favorite blogs and websites.

Let’s be honest, when one of our favorite blogs doesn’t post for a while, we stop going. It isn’t to be mean or anything. There just isn’t enough time to keep going. However, with Google Reader, all you have to do is add the site to your list and Google will let you know when there’s a new post. Not only will it let you know, but you can actually read the whole post on Google Reader and see any pictures they have as well. For me the benefit is not only the time I save, but also the simplicity. It’s amazing! (We’re actually naming out next born “Reader,” because it’s so wonderful!)

Click here to check it out!

bethany's big day

2008-01-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

belly watching

I love this picture of her

favorite aunt. . .where should I turn in my application?

FHE Kitchen Demolition

2008-01-22T15:47:00.001-07:00

So, following are many pics of the kitchen work...and a few gems...Jeff found an old pirate toy he hadn't seen in 20+ years, and a red cup (remember those?) Christian was carrying the old green sewing machine when the latch broke and dropped the 50 lb. thing on Mom's leg, resulting in stitches and a swollen ankle...but a quick trip to InstaCare and she's on the couch with orders to stay put for 3-4 days (oh SURE...make US do all the work... :)

Anyway, wish you were here (to help of course.) Just kidding. Enjoy the pics! --Kim

lots of pics from Kim

2008-01-12T10:20:00.001-07:00

Here in a little Preemie outfit Auntie Amy gave her...I forgot hot TINY they are when they are born!

a few more pictures of my baby!

My GIRLS!!!

And below...everyone's going the extra mile to help out around the house...

Of course we are so blessed to have so many others to help us out with the birth! Tiff, Amy, and Mom came and cleaned my house the day before I was induced, Jenn brought us some pizza the night before, Amy, Dad and Tiff brought KUDOS (a box of 50 that only lasted 24 hours!) to the hospital, Marshall stayed home and tended ALL the grandkids (almost) at one point, Mom brought PIZZA HUT to the hospital after the birth, Jenn went and picked up the kids from school, both at Carden AND in Sandy!,....it was just a cooperative effort on the part of so many to make things run smoothly. We are so grateful to have such supportive family!!! Thanks to EVERYONE who visited, who still visits, for the meals but especially the LOVE! We are so blessed!

Bethany

2008-01-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

So here she is...the hat was made by one of Ashley's little school friends who gave it to us the day after she was born! It looks a little fluffy on her, but Ashley was so proud she had a gift for her new little sister. She is 6 lbs, 11 oz., 21 inches long, and has little or no hair. She is an ANGEL. At night when she fusses (not cries), the moment I pick her up, she stops crying and patiently waits for me to get ready to feed her. Her breath smells like peaches, and her skin is like silk. I love her cute little guts! The kids are so excited to have her. Yesterday I told Matthew I was going to feed her, and he said, "Beffanee doesn't have any teeth. Should we find some for her?" Whenever I'm nursing, Timothy comes up and says, "Don't bite, baby!" Anyway, fun all around. I'll post more pics later. --Kim

Bethany Anne Bytheway!

2008-01-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe no one has posted this yet. But for all of those not in the Loveridge clan, John and Kim had their 6th child. Bethany Anne was born Jan 3rd in the afternoon- 5 or 6? She weighed...I don't know if it's exactly right, but around 6 lbs 12 oz...or somethin' like that! She is absolutely beautiful- following suit to the rest of their kids. The other kids are so excited to have a little sister although Andrew was disappointed about having to postpone plans for making a football team! Anyway, congrats to them and best wishes for the new little one!

12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-14T13:26:00.001-07:00

I'm doing 12 days of Christmas for Josh this year! Thought I'd share for fun! Also, we finally got our family pics taken from a friend in the ward! Nice! So here are a couple pics from that!

ELF YOURSELF!

2007-12-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Click here for some holiday cheer... brought to you from up North...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1314545037

Love,
Christian and Amy

and if it wouldn't be too much, a little somethin' for you, Clark

2007-12-04T09:15:00.001-07:00

Ok, so have you guys looked at the poll lately? Who are the big cheaters here? We don't even have that many people in our family! At any rate, I'll take a second to encourage you to make your trips to DI or Savers for your Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Let me open it up a little. I don't care what it is; sweaters, sweatshirts, jumpsuits, vests, pajamas, dresses, a black dickie...whatever makes you feel festive! And don't forget the little kiddies..use your imagination a little. I laid out all of our outfits last night and could not stop laughing!

Prizes will be awarded, including one for the best overall family participation. There will also be bonus points if it came from your own closet! -Tiffany

The Spirit of The Festival of Trees

2007-12-02T10:42:00.001-07:00

I hope you all made it to the Festival of Trees....Andrew had a favorite Gingerbread house...although MANY were SO impressive, he begged me to take a picture of this one....Sorry Marsh, Michael, Tim, and Jeff! (and various of your offspring!)

Though perhaps not your favorite place on earth, I thought the creativity behind this was fun. They even included the Ute section and the scoreboard if you look closely....

The Press boxes are there, and the stadium lights were made of pretzels and lemonheads. Mom said that I missed capturing the other video board that had a picture of football players on it. Note the small cougar above in the bottom left-hand corner. Fun.

2007-11-28T01:14:00.000-07:00

Happy 12th Wedding Anniversary, Kim and John!
(I don't have a current picture of you two... can somebody put one on???)

Example

2007-11-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

I just have to pass this story along to all of you. I got a call from a good friend today who is currently jumping through the flaming hoops of law school applications. After he asked me a number of questions about my school and also for advice about applying to law school, we eventually got to talking about what we are each up to and the new things in our lives.

He started telling me about this job he's had for a few months as a runner for a law firm in downtown Salt Lake City and how difficult it can be at times. According to my friend, one of the most difficult things as a runner at a law firm is the bottom-of-the-totem-pole #1 peon status. Consequently, many people at his office were less than cordial to him when he started. He did say, however, one person in particular made all the difference. This person was always so kind and helpful and, in his words, was "amazing." At one point he said "Jennifer [was] one of the nicest people [he's] ever known."

Putting two-and-two together, I asked him which law firm he was working at and, sure enough, it was Fabian and Clendenin. This nice person named Jennifer who made such a difference to my friend was none other than my sister-in-law, Jennifer Dustin! It was an absolute honor to tell him I was related to her and how wonderful she really was.

I was grateful for this experience. Not only did it remind me of how lucky I am to know and be related to someone as awesome as Jennifer, it made me think how important it is for all of us to follow her example. You just never know who is watching you at any given time. Thanks for being such a great example, Jennifer. You've reminded me how important it is to treat everyone with respect and kindness. What a great lesson!

Black Friday, followed by Black Saturday

2007-11-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well, after kicking everyone out of my house from Thanksgiving night pie at 1 a.m., I went to bed giving John strict instructions to wake me up at 4 a.m. Why? Black Friday, of course! I haven't shopped for a few years, but this year dawned amazing deals that were too good to pass up. Needless to say, when I arrived a full half-hour early at Shopko, there were already a good hundred or more people already in line. By the time the doors opened, I bet there were EASILY 500 eager and FREEZING shoppers ready to bust through those doors and get spending!

I kept phone contact with Tiffany...who had her own great time at Target with an equally large crowd...however, they opened an hour LATER, so the girl should have gotten an hour more beauty sleep, but alas...black Friday is aptly named. She woke up nauseated and threw up before she got dressed and headed out....armed with a zip-lock bag in case anything else should strike....and, waiting there in front of throngs of people as well, had to use said baggie in front of everyone (knowing full-well she was sick, but making "pregnancy" excuses :0 so as not to alarm the other customers.) Once inside she darted for the $20 1000 thread-count sheets (all gone) and some other treasures. Not 30 minutes later, and a cart full of goodies, again, in the check out line, it hit her again. Kindly saying to the other customers "could you please watch my stuff" she bolted past them all, grabbed one of the checkers' plastic Target bags and barely made it to the front of the store (more onlookers) to deposit more of last night's dinner in her "target toy" bag. What a trooper!!!

John, on the way to work later that morning almost threw up as well in his car, on the freeway with no shoulder....came home a few hours later and retired to bed...Nauseated, but not throwing up.

The next day...BYU vs. Utah, the most anticipated ball game for most Utah residents. With 5 tickets in hand, I woke up....and threw up. Twice. I wasn't sure what to do. I wasn't going to miss the game...so I grabbed 2 ziplocs (based on Tiffany's story) and headed down south. Before half-time, I could tell something was amiss, and with strict instructions to Andrew not to go anywhere, I started running down the stadium stairs, unwrapping my baggy as I went...and before I hit the bottom, it came....I quickly rounded the corner and it just kept coming and coming....and suddenly I was VERY aware that my baggie was clear...and everyone could see EXACTLY what I had eaten the day before. I finally made it to the restroom, threw myself on the (hopefully clean) floor, and continued to be sick for about 15-20 minutes.

I got home to Matthew who Jennifer reported threw up all afternoon, and through the night, Ashley who wasn't as fortunate as everyone else to make it to the restroom....let me just say that "fruit gushers" all over the carpet and sheet did NOT make for a holy sabbath day.

I stayed home with Ash and Matthew and Timothy...I'm praying that somehow the other kids don't get it. I've had my fill of carpet cleaning and laundry for the weekend.

The good news? BYU 17, Utes 10.Good Weekend after all.

how we gave thanks this year

2007-11-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Annual Thanksgiving Pie Pig-Out! Sorry. . .this was the best picture I had.

One of Jeff's girls threw up on him just as he was arriving, so we sent him home with a bunch of food. I think he made out like a bandit!

Waiting in line and freezing outside of Chuckarama (39 degrees). Optimistic Kim and Jennifer thought we'd get in quickly and didn't bring coats! It was cold. Not pictured: Mama Love, Grandma Love, Jeff, Jennifer, Michael, and some grandkids who were running around.

They actually seated everyone together (22 of us), with one long table and two adjacent booths. It was noisy, crowded, and fun! Not the homey Thanksgiving we all prefer, but it was fun to try just this once! Besides, has anyone EVER brought slushies and soft-serve to Thanksgiving? The kids loved it.

I myself ate heartily, loading up on mashed potatoes, turkey, and hot scones with honey butter! Despite the nutritious meal I placed before her, Elizabeth's Thanksgiving meal consisted entirely of rootbeer.

-Tiffany

fhe fun

2007-11-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

We had a family home evening lesson on weather and seasons, and then had fun making artificial snow! -Tiffany

the ghost of Christmas Past

2007-11-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

So, LAST year a desperate attempt to buy John something he actually DIDN'T know about ended in a purchase of a remote control airplane. I don't know why my unrealistic expectations allowed me to believe he would actually USE the thing. After all, just last week, he put on clothes and ripped the TAGS off, that were purchased last Christmas as well. However, with 20 minutes of daylight left, and one day before a sharp downward spiral in temperature is predicted for Utah, he put the thing together, took us all out in the twilight, and FLEW the thing. Today will now be celebrated as "Second Solo". Here's a pic.

sisters

2007-11-17T16:07:00.001-07:00

I just got pictures of Ava and Lauren... I thought they turned out great and I wanted to share them! --- Amy

What are YOU doing Christmas Eve?

2007-11-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

The preliminary Holiday schedule is out, but it looks like things are still in the planning stages... Because we have so many fun family Christmas Eve traditions, it's seeming like we won't be able to do it all that night!

So, I thought that maybe if we took this poll and had everyone vote for their TOP 4 favorite things (yes, you've gotta choose! and yes it's on your word of honor that you only vote for 4), then it would give us a better idea of what the majority wants... And if we have additional time, we can add more to the agenda...

Anyway, just thought this would help in the decision making! And, maybe if we can't fit it all into Christmas Eve, we could do some of these things at the Christmas FHE! Let us know what you think! --- Amy

holiday plans 2007

2007-11-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Mark your calendars and

please feel free to add additional items you'd like everyone to know about.

Wednesday, November 21: Annual Loveridge Pie Pig-Out!

6:30 p.m. Hosted by Tim and Tiffany. Please bring your favorite pie and a simple hors d'oeuvre to share.

Thanksgiving Day:

8:00 Guys Golfing

9:30 Stake Thanksgiving Devotional (Mom is for sure planning to go if anyone wants to join her)

2:00 Thanksgiving Dinner at Chuck-a-Rama. Tiffany will go at 1:00 to wait in line.

4:00 Pie/movies/hanging out at Kim and John's that afternoon and evening!

Day After Thanksgiving:
Fun with the girls (brunch or some movie marathon-Pride & Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables)

Misc. December:

Sunday, December 2: First Presidency Christmas Devotional 6:00 p.m.
Monday, December 17: Family Home Evening, hosted by Kim and John. Don't forget about Santa!
Monday/Tuesday, December 17-18: Jeff's Octappella Concert. Tickets will be available through Arttix...if it's reserved seating, let's buy our tickets all together.
Saturday, December 22: Lollipops concert at Abravanel Hall, 12:30 p.m. If you want to ride Trax downtown, here is the link: http://www.rideuta.com/ . Family pass is $10/round-trip.

Christmas Eve:

9:00 Breakfast...Bowling? (optional...whoever wants to go)

4:00-7:00 Loveridge Festivities!

Christmas Day!
Open arrival: if you'd like, come to Mom and Dad's any time of day. Adult/grandchildren gifts will be exchanged as each family arrives, instead of all at once. This means adults and their kids exchanging gifts to/from Mom and Dad Loveridge only. This is NOT cousins giving to each other. Take gifts to cars.
4:00 Everyone try to arrive by this time to get ready for dinner (have your dish already prepared).
5:00 Dinner: Mom will determine menu later.
No agenda: adult siblings will exchange gifts to each other at some point (ie. the family/couple exchange) and we'll just hang out and have fun! If this doesn't work out with your Christmas Day plans, feel free to come to the Loveridge house any time you can make it.

Post-Christmas:
December 27th: Carrie and Natalie B.'s Birthdays
End of December: Somewhere around here, Kim's baby is due!
Monday, December 31: New Year's Eve

Looking ahead:
January 2. 2008: Thomas' 5th Birthday (FYI: Tim's parents come home from their mission at 11:00 p.m)!
January 4, 2008: Joshua's 7th Birthday
January 6, 2008: Roger & Carol's homecoming in Logan

-Tiffany

elizabeth's 3rd birthday

2007-11-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post Elizabeth's birthday cake because, let's just face it-cake decorating is not my forte and this was something to be proud of! Didn't it turn out cute? Personally, I like how the candy strategically disguises the messy purple sludge attempting to pass as frosting. And if you were wondering, the six of us finished off the cake in two days.

Do you hear what I hear? No? Good.

2007-11-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

If I have to choose Harry or Ashton, the baby wins hands down...so, as per Marshall's advice (yes, we listen, we're just slow) I took the slide show off, but rather than republish without music, I chose to just post my two favorites of him. Thanks for helping me through this Marshall...! --Kim

Here is Ashton, up close and personal, minus the "slide show." I think we all got a chance to watch it before anyway. I deleted it, and figured these pictures are just as good, right?

Isn't he just the yummiest little chubba! Look at those "Matt Monson" cheeks!

I'm back!

2007-11-07T13:49:00.001-07:00

Friends and family, after a month-long hiatus from blogging, I'm back in the saddle! Feel free to stop by for a look. If you've forgotten, the address is www.hendricksonhaven.blogspot.com. THANKS!

Marshall

Music

2007-11-04T18:51:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I can only access certain songs- the ones that are offered through the slide show website. So, I'll just take the first song off and leave Harry Connick on.
Carrie

Check out my slide show

2007-11-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

He's Finally Here...on the blog!

2007-11-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!! Here he is! I know you've all been dying to see Jeff and Natalie's new little addition. We went there Fri. night for a visit and we were blown away at how small he is! With Holden being the "baby" in our family, we have forgotten how tiny newborns are! I just snapped a bunch of photos. He doesn't really pose yet, so sorry if there isn't a huge difference in most of the pics, but I though especially Amy and Marshall would appreciate seeing any glimpses we can give them since they are so far away. So, here again, is Ashton Jeffrey Loveridge!

More Halloween Fun

2007-11-03T21:42:00.000-06:00

Okay, I thought I would add to the Halloween fun by posting some pics of Holden's First Halloween. Earlier in the day on Halloween, we went to Center Street in Provo where all of the shops give out candy and they have little carnival games along the streets. It was actually quite fun. We got his first "Trick or Treat" on film! You can also see the outfit I made in all of it's glory! Good thing I made it big enough to last a few years! lol I also made a little spider bag to go along with his outfit to put all of "his" candy in.

As we went trick or treating that night, people kept asking what he would like...I told them EXACTLY what "he" would like and what "his" favorite candies were! lol On another note, he was a little fussy ( I don't know why! Not being able to breath in that outfit might have had something to do with it! lol ) so I thought I was smart by giving him a little crunch bar(still in the wrapper mind you) to slobber on while we went from house to house. Well, he was being sooo good and it made me so proud, until I looked up and realized why he was so content. He had broken through the crunch wrapper and had eaten HALF of the candy bar. He had chocolate all over his hands face and ...yes...the spider costume! :) We laughed so hard- so much for not having chocolate until he is at least 1. Well, all said and done, he is okay, but for some reason, I can't get him to eat his plain rice cereal anymore! jk But we really had so much fun with him on his first Halloween!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-03T21:40:00.001-06:00

Snips 'n Snails...

2007-11-03T15:41:00.000-06:00

For those of you who haven't heard, Jeff and Natalie welcomed their son, Ashton Jeffrey Loveridge on October 30, 2007. I believe that he was 7lbs 12oz. and 19 inches long. He has a slight shadow of dark hair and rumor has it, he looks like Jeff. I'm not sure other details, but I know that we all would love to hear them, Jeff!!!

I'm DYING to see pictures of Ashton!!! Someone PLEASE put some on the blog!!!

It will be so great to see the family at Christmas time! By then, Kim will be welcoming her new baby to the brood! This is so much fun to have all these new kiddies in the family! Two down... three to go!

Privacy is Privacy

2007-11-01T14:53:00.001-06:00

If you think Halloween is scary, read below. So, I found this little story that Ashley wrote a few weeks ago, and laughed out loud as I read it. I'll type her version, then I'll tell you my version below:

"Privacy is Privacy" by Ashley Bytheway
It all started on a Saturday evening when a baby-sitter came to tend us when Mom and Dad went on a date. Right when Amandee (babysitter) walked in the door, she sent us upstairs to get ready for bed. We marched upstairs like a bunch of elephants.

When we got up there, she said, "I will let you stay up if you can get ready fast enough." I was the first upstairs. I raced into my room. Andrew snuck in and saw a pair of Natalie's underwear. he picked it up and started to laugh as he said, "la la la la la la, Natalie's underwear." I joined in. I shouldn't have.

I started to laugh and Natalie ran to Amandee and yelped, "Amandee, Andrew and Ashley are teasing my underwear!" I went on until Amandee walked in and said, "Natalie says you guys are making fun of her underwear." Then she walked away because Timothy needed something. I resumed teasing the underwear. I wondered if Natalie would blurt it out to Mom, but I stopped worrying when Amandee put on "Cars," a Disney movie.

When Mom got home, I had forgotten all about it. Nothing happened...Natalie said nothing...until morning. I go tup as Mom woke me after a nice dream. She got me into the tub and washed my feet. On my left foot, Natlie walked in and said, "Mom, last night, Andrew and Ashley were teasing my underwear." Mom glared at me. My heart was at my throat. I wondered what my punishment was. Mom said, "I'll have you wear your underwear on the outside..." she paused and said, "in fact, that's a good idea." She got me out of the tub. I walked to my room. I thought, "she'll forget."

I walked into my room ready to put a nice dress on, hoping she'd forget her "great idea." Just then, she walke into the room, giggling and said, "remember, underwear on the outside of your clothes!" I was furious that she remembered. Then I grinned. I thought I was SO clever. I peeked into my drawers. There was a pair of black pants that only I approved of the Sabbath. They were nice. I wondered what a skirt would look like with underwear on the outside. (horrible.)

So I chose the pants. I put the underwear on the outside of the pants. I was still mad. I saw an extra long shirt. It was pink, but I managed to cover most of the underwear. I grinned. I wondered what Andrew looked like. I snuck into his room. It was the funniest thing I ever saw! He was wearing SUPERMAN underwear! It was great to know I was not alone. Natalie came in. She almost died with laughter. I asked her to tell Mom that she forgave us. She said nothing. She ran away giggling. I frowned. I was never going to forget this day.

I made a plan that I would leave the shirt up when I was going in to the church, then I would pull the shirt down when I got to the primary room so nobody would stare. Suddenly Mom called "come downstairs." I ran down the stairs. "Into the car" she said, pointing to the garage. I went to the car, forgetting my scriptures. Dad started the car, and we went only two football fields (200 yards) to church.

When we got there I could not stand it. I pulled down my shirt. Mom was laughing behind me when I walked in the door. We got to the nursery, and I pretended not to care, skipping like a happy dog.

Suddenly Mom whispered, "Sister Pyper wants to see you." I walked outside. Sister Pyper whispered, "I think your bottoms are inside out." "I know," I said, skipping away happily. Mom then pulled me into the corner. She told us how disappointed she was, and told me and Andrew to put on some new pants for Andrew and a black skirt for me. I acted disappointed. Mom stammered, "Oh, you WANT to wear underwear?" I shook my head. After, I walked to primary. It was a good lesson because we talked about modesty. I felt horrible. THE END

Mom's note:
When I got home and Natalie told me about Ashley and Andrew's disrespect, they were totally unrepentent. I tried to get them to realize that some things are sacred and personal, but they wouldn't stop giggling. (this lasted all Sunday morning long.) Truthfully, I wasn't REALLY going to let them wear underwear outside to church, but they were kind-of giggling a bit all morning, and weren't acting like it was a punishment at all. Boy, when we got in the car for church, you should have seen Andrew....FURIOUS and so upset. I knew the lesson was learned. I think they thought right up until the last minute that I would relent.

Truthfully, I hadn't planned on anyone seeing them like that....we arrived at church a full 15 minutes early to avoid other people, but alas, Ashley's teacher was early as well. I pulled them into the empty nursery and told them that even though THEY had made a mockery of private things, I wasn't going to further the mockery by making a mockery of the church and having them wear underwear outside in the Lord's house. They were both grateful, even though Ashley was trying to be so "tough" about it, acting like she didn't care either way. I know it seems extremely harsh, but for us, it was a great lesson for two giggly and unrepentant kids to understand the point. (and to realize Mom is serious when she makes seemingly unreasonable threats.)

Now, I know I'm really putting myself up to a lot of criticism by posting this, but in reading Ashley's story about it (complete with illustrations), I realize we can all laugh about it now, and that we look back on it as a lesson learned. (Incidentally, she read the story to me, sentence by sentence as she wrote it. We laughed together the whole time.) --Kim

Carden Carnival

2007-10-26T16:20:00.000-06:00

Hey...I know my kids weren't the only ones there, but the only ones I have pictures of...and I've got Jenn's camera, so I'm sure she'll post some later! Thanks for looking! --Kim

Lauren's Pics

2007-10-20T15:16:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay. I have finally updated my blog www.hendricksonfamily.blogspot.com with Lauren's birth story and her 1 week birthday pictures! Thanks for the emails and phone calls to kick me into gear! Love, Amy

october calendar

2007-10-17T11:18:00.000-06:00

The family calendar is short this month, though I think we're all busy with lots of other stuff in each of our lives! Here's what's coming up for the remainder of the month:

October 26th Ashley's Halloween Party
October 27th 10:00 Breakfast with the Old Black Witch, hosted by the Dustins. Please call or email Jen to see if there's anything she needs help with.
October 29th (NOTE THE DATE CHANGE) Loveridge Family FHE, hosted by Tiffany and Tim. Remember that pumpkin theme I mentioned? Forget it. . .I'm a little pumpkin'd out. I'll serve yummy soup and bread and we'll just have some fun that night. Celebrating John's B-day.
October 29th-30th NO SCHOOL! At least for the majority of us... let's do something fun. Does anyone want to take the kids to Ratatouille at the Dollar Movies (if it's still playing then)?
Just added: October 29th (Monday) 10:00 Visit Engh Gardens (by Tiffany's house) cute Halloween displays to look at, play on, buy pumpkins, etc. Bring/buy a lunch to eat before the movie.
Later that day (Oct. 29th) 12:20 show for Ratatouille at dollar movies also by Tiff's house
Tuesday, October 30th 10:00 a.m. Halloween Magician at library by Tiff's house.
If you want to go to any of this stuff, please call/email for more details.

October 31 Halloween! Have fun, wherever you are!

And somewhere in between all that, Jeff and Natalie's baby!

-Tiffany

More Witch Pics!

2007-10-14T23:28:00.001-06:00

Some of these are of me and Holden, but I also got some more witches and some grandkids too!

Carrie

witches at gardner village

2007-10-13T15:37:00.000-06:00

Carrie, Jennifer, Tiffany, Kim

(thanks for organizing this, Jennifer!)

l-r: Andrew, Aaron, Thomas, Natalie, Holden, Abby,

Carrie, Matthew, Kim, Ashley, Adam, Mom Love

The kids had a great time running around the village;

the moms wished they could have shopped a little bit without them!

Joshua, Thomas, Adam

-posted by Tiffany, 10.13.2007

Natalie's Shower Pics

2007-10-12T12:49:00.001-06:00

Sorry it took me so long to get these up but, here are more pics from the shower for Amy's benefit especially! What a blast! And sorry about all the pics of the dresses- Amy wanted to see 'em!

Carrie

Natalie's Shower Pics!

2007-10-12T12:48:00.001-06:00

More pictures on our family blog!!!

2007-10-11T11:04:00.001-06:00

Come on over to our blog to see some more pictures! We love you all!

-Marshall

Lauren Blythe (I think that's right!)

2007-10-11T02:10:00.000-06:00

YEAH!!!!! As you all know, or may not know, Amy and Marshall welcomed Lauren into their family today (Wed. Oct 10) at around 3:30 pm. She weighed 7 lbs 15 ounces. Amy, Marshall and Ava are all doing well and are excited...Ava more about the pacifier! :) I didn't want to spoil Amy's announcement, but I thought I'd post a picture that Marshall sent to my phone. Marshall will be posting more soon. She is adorable and we are so happy for them!

Carrie and Josh

My Last Pregnancy Update!

2007-10-08T14:58:00.000-06:00

Well... here's a quick update... The dr. told me that I am 38 weeks, 5cm and 90% effaced... still no contractions... So, it looks like my baby will hold out for my induction which is coming up here soon... We'll be sure to post lots of pictures and let you all know how it went! --Amy

natalie's shower

2007-10-06T19:58:00.001-06:00

A few pics from Natalie's shower on Thursday. I had a bad night with my camera, so I didn't get any good pictures of everyone there...sorry. It was a great turnout and we enjoyed good good food......Debbie's pasta salad, Kim's chicken pillows and pumpkin soup, Tiffany D.'s fruit salad, Mom's fruit tarts and eclairs, and my monstrosity of a lime slush (ok, are you happy? I made my first slush....against my will)! Carrie had fun games/prizes and made the darling diaper cake centerpiece, Jennifer brought adorable hand-made favors and paper products. We had a great time and thanks to everyone who helped out! And thanks for having a baby, Natalie! -Tiffany

The family that poops together....well.....

2007-10-06T12:16:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone. I am sorry to post these things but I know that my success is everyone's success when it comes to smelling Matthew's diapers...and thus, I'm sharing a success. Knowing that Tiffany is having success potty-training Elizabeth (who, by the way is 7 months younger than Matthew) I figured I had better give this another go before it gets too close to the baby being born.

I woke up and figured since i would be glued to the couch most of the day listening to and watching conference that it might be a good day for potty-training: part II. Little did I know that the Oreos would make all the difference. I pulled them out, and since Matthew was the one to choose them at the grocery store, it was all the incentive he needed. He must have gone "potty" 8 times in the first hour.

However....Three tiny almond-sized poop accidents in the underwear later, I realized I needed new incentive. I pulled out the "lightning McQueen" costume I had been saving until Halloween. (Desperate times call for desperate measures.) Then I sat him down, and told him he couldn't get off the toilet until he pooped in it...and that he could have the costume afterward. I went off to do some laundry, and not 15 minutes later, he called me in yelling, "Mommy, I pooped in the toilet!" I expected to come in and see a little "almond" as per past performance, but there was honest-to-goodness real-sized poop in there!!! I was so excited. ALL of the other kids I think were even more excited than I was! They grabbed him, cheered him on, started a parade with him.....great peer support!

He is currently prancing around in his costume. I started him again on the kid laxative (as per doctor's instructions for those of you who don't know that he struggles with constipation), so I don't know how long the pooping success will last. The last dosages of laxative were too strong and produced diarrhea. I'm not looking forward to that!!!! But for the most part, I think he's got it down. -Kim

Tagged!!

2007-10-05T23:16:00.000-06:00

Man, I thought I would just catch up on my lack of blogging and post a ton tonight! hehe I just keep forgetting things I wanted to say! I'm so full of it! lol

So, I had no idea what this "tagged" thing was... but now I see! So, here's mine :

JOBS THAT I’VE HAD- Babysitting - first and foremost! Then I think it was on to Michael R. Loveridge- Attorney at Law- filing away and emptying garbage cans...if I was lucky...vacuuming too! lol, Viva Veronas, Shoe store, Tuxedo Junction, Just Country, Lifestyles 2000, Choreographer, Zions Bank, Telemarketing (who hasn't !??), Boston Research Group, PF Changs, Market Street Broiler, Signature Creations!- I think that's it :)

PLACES I’VE LIVED- Loveridge home, 3900 south and Kate Cahoon Way!, Turnberry Apt., MTC, 6 different places in Madrid, Spain, Provo, Provo, and last but not least-Provo- My current residence!

PLACES I’D RATHER BE-Visiting Spain again! Anywhere in Europe 'cause I love it soooo much! Costa Rica with Josh- he says it's beautiful, and on my new love sac that I won at my 10 year reunion, watching a movie with Josh and Holden, eating popcorn- - it STILL hasn't come. errrrr

FAVORITE MOVIES- Life is Beautiful, Little Mermaid, Sound of Music, Second Hand Lions, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Princess Bride and Indiana Jones.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS- Divine Design- That woman (Candice) is sooo talented! Design on a dime, Mythbusters, Law and Order and hello..... THE CLOSER with KYRA SEDGEWICK LOL
Also, Monk, Psych and House are quite good.

UNHEALTHY FOODS I LOVE- Cold Stone- Chocolate Ice cream add almonds, brownies, marshmallows, fudge and Reeses- Man...it's AMAZING! I don't feel one bit of regret or guilt after downing one of those!

WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY- Yahoo, (just a sec- gotta check my history to see where I go!) okay, design sites, craft sites, baby sites, I also check facebook, then I go to abc.com to see if there is any show I want to watch online!

PEOPLE I TAG- Gonna tag some of the Monsons...we'll see what happens! -Carrie

Natalie's Shower

2007-10-05T23:15:00.001-06:00

I already posted this on my blog but for those of you who don't wander far from THIS blog, I'll post it here as well.

Well, Natalie's shower was a complete success! We had so much fun at Kim's house with relatives and friends. The food was absolutely amazing! We gorged ourselves on pumpkin soup, eclairs, tarts, fruit salad, pasta salad and more treats at home with the party favors! We played Baby Bingo as Natalie opened presents and we all pinned little dresses to our shirts that had baby bumps! We even got a look at the boys' more feminine sides as they joined in the fun and wore the little dresses as well. Don't worry Bryan, we won't spread this secret to all of the girls back in Boston! (For a small price of course)

It was so fun gathering together as we begin the festivities surrounding all the new little ones we will be expecting within the next year. This is only the beginning of the baby fun. We are so excited as we wait to welcome the Loveridge Family's first (of the five) ...or is it 16th baby in just a short time. Amy and Marshall couldn't be with us, but we are sure they are having their fun getting ready for their new arrival. While Natalie, Kim, Jennifer and Tiffany wait in the wings, they know their time will come very shortly! WOW....talk about a baby boom!

Thanks to everyone for a beautiful evening! I love our family and soooo enjoy activities like this. I will post pictures as soon as I figure out my camera! So, check back to see pics from the shower! Luvs! -Carrie

AMERS!

2007-10-05T23:07:00.000-06:00

So, I was just thinking. You shouldn't be scared when you have your first baby away from the family. The doctors and nurses might actually get to see what they're delivering this time! hehe! :) We'll miss being there with you, but we'll definitely be there in spirit! I was thinkin you guys should set up one of those web cams! hehe just teasin... wouldn't that be hilarous? okay okay... I just miss you and marshall and can't wait for you to have your little girl! I also miss Ava and her little smiles. Every time I'm with Grandma Loveridge, she always brings up how smart and how cute Ava is. It will be so fun to have another little Hendrickson girl runnin' around! Love you!

We're almost there!

2007-10-03T21:35:00.000-06:00

So... I went to the dr. yesterday for my 37 week appt. and he told me that I was 4cm and 85% effaced. He has scheduled me to be induced next week, but he told me that he doesn't think I'll last that long! He said that everything is progressing and that I'm VERY ready to go... He even told me that my water could break because I'm so far dilated... uh oh... Marshall has a mid-term paper to write this weekend, so we're hoping that I can hold out for my induction. It's super scary for me to think that it's finally here... but we are so excited! Wish us luck over this next week! -- Amy

Pie is not that easy.

2007-09-30T20:36:00.000-06:00

So, I tried my apple pie. First mistake: making it on Fast Sunday so I couldn't "taste as you go." It was WAY too sour. Fortunately, only Jenn and Michael and fam had the guts to show up and try it anyway. My own husband didn't even try any. I think we left 7/8 of the pie at Mom's. Dad seemed to like the tartness. Hopefully it will become his midnight snack in the weeks to come.

I did make a successful chocolate mousse for Tiffany's sake...and they didn't show. Mom made stuffed pork chops, so we didn't quite make it to the mousse, so if you want some Monday, feel free. It's untouched in the garage fridge at Mom's. Just save me a slice. --Kim

Tagged...

2007-09-29T09:45:00.000-06:00

Here I go... - - Amy

JOBS THAT I’VE HAD
Zuka Juice, Papa Murphy’s, Souper Salad, Covergys Telemarketing, NWL Architects, Temp Agency, and the UofU Neurosurgery Clinic.
PLACES I’VE LIVED
Grand Central Station @ Arnett Circle, Liberty Square and Riviera, UofU Student Housing, Twinbrook Street and Spokane, WA
PLACES I’D RATHER BE
In the hospital having my baby, at home in Utah with our families, pool-side with a virgin strawberry pina colada, or inside a brand new 2007 Subaru Outback, leather interior.
FAVORITE MOVIES
Much Ado About Nothing, Private Eyes, Mel Gibson’s Hamlet, Disney’s Hercules/Aladdin/Little Mermaid/Beauty and the Beast.
FAVORITE TV SHOWS
Hanna Montana, Everybody Loves Raymond, American Idol, Amazing Race
UNHEALTHY FOODS I LOVE
Chinese (noodles, Beef and Broccoli, Sweet’N’Sour chicken), Lasagna with LOTS of noodles, Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream, Albertson’s Hot French Bread @ 4pm
WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY
msn.com, drudgereport.com, family/friend blogs, desnews.com
PEOPLE I TAG
Anyone in the family who has yet to post on this family blog :)

Tagged. Ok. I'll respond first.

2007-09-28T17:57:00.000-06:00

JOBS THAT I’VE HAD--remember all those free turtles from Morrow's Nut house? I remember once Kathy grabbed about 3 lbs. of chocolate for me at school, then accidentally left it in the back window of her car. Chocolate soup. After it hardened, we both chewed on it for weeks.Oh, and the Daycare center. Neediest kids of the richest people I've ever seen. Was forced to watch Barney the dinosaur when that REALLY obnoxious girl was on (I've tried to block out her name.)

PLACES I’VE LIVED--Provo and Salt Lake. Ooh la la

PLACES I’D RATHER BE--getting a massage. In Spokane. :)

FAVORITE MOVIES--musicals and mysteries

FAVORITE TV SHOWS--survivor, amazing race, 24, law and order, but who really has time for television anyway?

UNHEALTHY FOODS I LOVE--all of them. Sucker for those Dunford Chocolate donuts and, well, anything chocolate.

WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY--Google? just family blogs, really

PEOPLE I TAG--Just John, but this isn't the place to discuss it.
--Kim

You're Tagged!

2007-09-28T12:40:00.000-06:00

I've been tagged and I posted this info on my blog, so I'm passing on a little fun! -- Amy

PEOPLE I TAG:
TIFFANY, CARRIE, DAD, MARSHALL, CHRISTIAN and KIM... and how about everyone else in the fam wanting to do it! (This means that you have to fill out this questionnaire and post it on the family blog or your own blog!)

JOBS THAT I’VE HAD
PLACES I’VE LIVED
PLACES I’D RATHER BE
FAVORITE MOVIES
FAVORITE TV SHOWS
UNHEALTHY FOODS I LOVE
WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY
PEOPLE I TAG

Hope to hear from you soon!

Easy as pie

2007-09-28T08:42:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!

Last night for Enrichment we had a pie recipe sharing and tasting. I have not been a pie lover before, but I have to admit, (and maybe this had something to do with the fact that I skipped dinner) they were some of the best pies I've ever had. I confess I was a bit disappointed to see so many fruit pies, but after a quick sampling, knew that heaven would have pies like this. Marie Calendar, eat your heart out!

Honestly, when Paula walked in with her apple pie, it looked like she got it straight from a Martha Stewart catalogue. GORGEOUS. I called Paula this morning to ask her recipe for her apple pie, a flavor that I have NEVER really liked, because for the first time in my life, I knew I could win over the "Dad's favorite child" spot from Marshall (just kidding) if I worked on the sweeter side of his stomach, and not through buffets.

Her recipe was so darn simple, that you're all invited over on Sunday for a sampling...at Mom's house of course....and if you're lucky, I'll bring the fresh peach pie I got to try as well. UNBAKED PEACHES....tasted like I was eating them straight from the orchard. I can't wait to share. This is a new horizon for me...pie baking, that is, so I'll be going by the nickname "Betty" for a while. "Martha" will be fine as well. --Kim

Baby update!

2007-09-26T21:11:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to give you an update on my baby girl! I went to the dr yesterday and it looks like things are going great... I'm 36 1/2 weeks, 3cm, and 80% effaced. I'm lucky to have a dr with the philosophy about inducing labor: "do you pick an apple off the tree when it's ripe or do you wait until it's fallen to the ground to rot!"

How thrilled am I about that?! He said that he is going to induce me in less than two weeks from now, if she doesn't try to come any sooner. We are still trying to work out a date - with Marshall's midterms and our dr leaving town... we'll keep you updated and let you know when it's gonna be.

We are doing great. We're just trying to get everything organized and settled for her arrival. We had to face (and kill) the black widow spiders we found on our garage door when we went to get the storage bins of baby girl clothes... Scary! Good thing Marshall had his 3-Iron, and that the dents are on the INSIDE of the garage door! It's been a little tricky trying to squeeze our two girls' things in their tiny bedroom, but I'm sure we'll be able to pull it together when the time comes.

We are cherishing every moment we have with Ava, because we fear (and know) that she won't be getting the same attention once her sister is here. Hopefully we'll have a smooth transition... I know Ava LOVES babies! We love you all and are anxious to hear more updates from the fam! Love you all, Amy

last night's fun

2007-09-25T11:41:00.001-06:00

Just a couple of pictures from the Loveridge FHE last night.
Thanks for planning a fun evening, Jeff and Nat! -Tiffany

Little Orphan Annie

2007-09-24T11:48:00.000-06:00

I came across this poem and remembered

all the times Mom used to say this to us...- Amy

LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE

JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Little Orphan Annie's come

to my house to stay.

To wash the cups and saucers up

and brush the crumbs away.

To shoo the chickens from the porch

and dust the hearth and sweep,

and make the fire and bake the bread

to earn her board and keep.

While all us other children,

when the supper things is done,

we sit around the kitchen fire

and has the mostest fun,

a listening to the witch tales

that Annie tells about

and the goblins will get ya

if ya don't watch out!

Once there was a little boy

who wouldn't say his prayers,

and when he went to bed at night

away up stairs,

his mammy heard him holler

and his daddy heard him bawl,

and when they turned the covers down,

he wasn't there at all!

They searched him in the attic room

and cubby hole and press

and even up the chimney flu

and every wheres, I guess,

but all they ever found of him

was just his pants and round-abouts

and the goblins will get ya

if ya don't watch out!!

Once there was a little girl

who always laughed and grinned

and made fun of everyone,

of all her blood and kin,

and once when there was company

and old folks was there,

she mocked them and she shocked them

and said, she didn't care.

And just as she turned on her heels

and to go and run and hide,

there was two great big black things

a standing by her side.

They snatched her through the ceiling

fore she knew what shes about,

and the goblins will get ya

if ya don't watch out!!

When the night is dark and scary,

and the moon is full

and creatures are a flying

and the wind goes Whoooooooooo,

you better mind your parents

and your teachers fond and dear,

and cherish them that loves ya,

and dry the orphans tears

and help the poor and needy ones

that cluster all about,

or the goblins will get ya

if ya don't watch out!!!

Our Trip to Boise in Aug

2007-09-21T14:49:00.001-06:00

It was our first trip to Boise, Id since we had Holden. He was a dream on the car ride. He slept the entire way there and back- even in the middle of the day. What a blessing. I definitely think we'll have another kid! LOL Anyway! It was so much fun to visit Josh's Grandma (here from Panama) and his aunt. We only speak Spanish in the house with them, so Holden HAS to learn it or he is gonna feel left out! But it was great practice for me. We also went to this little dinner and show to this little ranch there. Don't we look absolutely BEAUTIFUL!? What a great lookin' family. It was this little mini town they had constructed on this ranch. We had dinner and then a show afterwards.
The whole trip was so fun, and as I told Josh- usually it's good to be back home after a trip, but this time I was actually soooo sad to leave. Josh's mom had so much fun with Holden, she was sad when we left. We can't wait to get back there again! PS....Do my thighs and hips look big?

Also, news here- Holden is crawling and eating solids! yeah! He's such a cutie....except for right now, he's crying cause he's hungry! Just teasin- he's always cute- but I'd better go shovel some food into his mouth! Laters!

Mom and Abby- Aug 2007

2007-09-21T14:40:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd add this. It's from August FHE- This pic is Mom with Abby and her pretty new coat! We had so much fun going to the Nickelcade with all of the kids! It was fun to have everyone over to our house.

I never said it would be easy...

2007-09-20T08:39:00.000-06:00

OK...John and I have this little joke about that phrase that so many people have in their home...and before I offend anyone who has this posted, please note that for years it hung in Mom's kitchen because I had made one for her as well. It's that phrase that usually sits underneath a picture of the Savior that says, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." Well, after a vigorous masters course at BYU, John started getting more concerned with people who mis-quote things and "put words in peoples' mouths." So, I took a marker to the one in my mom's kitchen and wrote "I never said...'I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.'" ..because, hey, he never really said that (at least with scriptural documentation!)

So, why am I bringing this up? Because I don't think that ANYTHING that is "worth it" comes very easy these days. I bring this up after washing 17 pairs of training underwear. Whose? No, not mine, although without mentioning specifics, pregnancy can be such a pain sometimes.... Actually, they were Matthew's. Mom clued me in years ago to the one-day potty training method where you spend the whole day in the bathroom with treats...

Matthew is strange. I knew this was going to be an uphill trek before we started, but I had no idea. My neighbor lent me "potty power," Matthew's favorite movie by his own admission, and we've been watching it for weeks....time after time (and if I get that silly song "whaddya like to do when you're sittin' on the potty" stuck in my mind for one more day in a row I'm gonna die!!!) So I thought he was ready.

After his first time sitting there, I used a little warm water poured down his back to encourage the process...and it worked. He was so excited, quickly wiped his bottom (though he didn't really need to, but did it with such precision I allowed him to continue) and washed his hands...all while singing the corresponding songs from the video. I then told him that he gets a "chocolate treat" every time he goes, and would he like one? "No thanks" was his reply. WHAT????? If I was offered a chocolate treat for climbing Mt. Everest and back, I'd certainly accept! So what do you do for incentive when your kid doesn't want treats?

Throughout the day, and after a few "mishaps" I was reminded that it takes a few tries before the underwear actually stays dry.... but by 8 p.m. I was discouraged. Not one success. Not one pair of dry underwear. Not one "I have to go" or anything like that. We put a pull-up on him just so I could see if those little stars would disappear off the front by morning...and they did....so we began again (this time with "cars" underwear that I had to create myself with a sharpie because Matthew was not happy with the flowered stuff...and I was suspicious that this was why he wet so much...so he could get new undies.)

Well, needless to say, by bedtime, and many loads of laundry later, we succumbed and put a diaper on. In the morning, I didn't even bother with the underwear. Certainly after TWO DAYS I should have seen a little progress....

Oh well. I never said it would be easy. I just hope that someday it's worth it.

Tips for a happy marriage...

2007-09-17T08:29:00.000-06:00

Hey, y'all.... John and I had a very marriage-enriching weekend. We drove to Logan to host "Time out for Couples" for Deseret book to a full auditorium at Utah State University. Not only did we have the joy of listening to wonderful speakers about enriching your marriage, but we got to speak as well. Then on Sunday I got to teach the lesson in Relief Society about how to have a happy marriage.

Here are a few highlights with take home value (things you can do RIGHT NOW) to enrich your marriage.

1) Don't let the kids stay up in the primary family area past 9:30 p.m. (I personally say 8:30). Tell your kids that a la Cinderella, when the hour strikes, you no longer are a mom, but a wife. Illustrate with passionate kissing if the kids refuse to comply, and soon there will be no problems.

2) Date at least 3 times a month. Merilee Boyack says that your husband will feel second place to the kids if you don't take time out for him! She said some mothers are so nervous about leaving their kids with babysitters that they won't date their husbands. Simply put....your children will not die if left with someone while you and your hubby grab a burger, but your marriage just might. You need the time alone.

3) Go over night alone with your spouse at least once a year.

4) When was the last time you got a little "treat" for your kids at the store? (uh, yesterday?) When was the last time you got a little "treat" for your spouse? Simply grab that Almond joy or little bunch of flowers at the checkout for major bonus points.

5)Invest in sticky notes! In 10 seconds flat you can make her/his day by leaving a little sticky note on the windshield of the car, in the shower, on the fridge. It doesn't have to say more than "you're a hottie" and will keep them smiling all day.

6) Don't start to demand what you really should appreciate. When your husband/wife does the dishes, ALWAYS say thank you....even if it IS their "job." Do they empty the trash? Do they fill up your car with gas? Mow the lawn? All things should be "gushed" over....let them feel appreciated. This is especially important for stay-at-home moms who may get overlooked by poopy kids who don't really know how to show appreciation. Diaper-changing especially should be gushed over.

7) Don't forget the 5-minute rule. The last five minutes of your morning has to sustain your spouse throughout the day. Don't leave without kissing!!!! The first five minutes home has to be the same. If your spouse can expect a warm 5-minute respite from their day with a hug, kiss, and rest on the couch, they will be more willing to respond to that "honey-do" list if it isn't shoved in their face when they first walk in the door. (This is especially important for wives to note: Don't "throw" the kids at your hubby and say "I'm done" the second they come in the door. They've been working all day as well, and want a little rest.)

8) Be content. Tim Barney once told me that he couldn't tell his wife "no" because "she never asks for anything. She is so content." That changed my life. I know that breadwinners stress over where the next dollar will come from for all those little mouths to feed, and probably don't need to add the burden of the latest fashionable boots and the newest decorator's color palate. Look around you, and learn to love what you have without needing more.

9) Focus on the positive. I remember John cleaning his OWN bathroom sink once, leaving the toothpaste and make-up stains in mine. The immediate reaction? "Why the heck couldn't he just do mine as well?" MISSED THE POINT. I forgot the simple fact that by cleaning his own sink, not only was he trying to help me, but he really was doing MY job. I have many more short-comings than he does. I'm glad he tells me "thanks" for being with the kids all day when he comes home to a messy sink full of dishes. He definitely knows how to focus on my good points rather than my bad ones.

10) Keep your spouse's name "safe". This applies both to the golf course as well as to girls' night out. Ask yourself if you would say what you're saying if your spouse was standing right there...and basically if they would be happy with what you're saying! On our cruise, one woman remarked over and over, NOT how fun it was to see Europe, but rather how much fun it was to BE WITH HER HUSBAND. It was very noticable how much she adored him, and consequently, he treated her like a QUEEN. A great example for me.

One sister in my lessson remarked after her husband had been deployed to Iraq for 15 months, they went through a 'honeymoon" period when he returned. But after a few months, she really started to notice how much both of them had changed while they had been apart. She told of how emotional that time was as they were learning, really, to get to know each other again and of adjusting to their "new" spouse. It wasn't fun for her. Then a friend told her that she kept a "husband gratitude journal." Every night, she listed five things she was grateful for about her spouse. Sometimes, on bad nights, it was "he has nice hair." But it forced her to focus on all of the things she loved about him, and helped her forget the things that needed overlooking.

So....enough! I just thought these were some important tips for keeping our marriages happy that we can start to apply immediately! So....kiss kiss... Keep the love alive. --Kim

A Friendly Reminder!

2007-09-13T13:58:00.000-06:00

I feel like I am at the window, anxiously waiting for the mailman to come everyday... I want to hear from ALL of my family! You all know who you are, but just in case, I'll single you out:

Christian, Carrie and Josh, Kim and John, Jeff and Nat, Jen and Michael, and Mom and Dad (and any grand-kiddies who can type!)...

I know you all have exciting things going on! You need to write on our blog... we would love to hear all about it (besides... to read about the family is one of my favorite pass-times as I lazily hang out at home - don't take away my social life :)!!!! ) I'll be on the lookout... - Love, Amy

And the answer is...

2007-09-13T10:14:00.000-06:00

For those of you who wanted to know which U.S. President was a Michigan Football star, look no further than President Gerald Ford. Here's a picture to prove it! Now I'll take $1 from each of you.

fun at the orchard

2007-09-13T10:03:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to put up this cute picture of Ava, taken when we went to a peach orchard with Amy and Marshall in Spokane. All the kids had fun playing and getting buried in this "sandbox" filled with dried peas. I didn't know why Ava was crying until I looked at this picture closely; she's upset about the peas stuck between her toes! Click on the photo to see a larger version. -Tiffany

One really random post...

2007-09-11T00:12:00.000-06:00

Ah, sports. In particular - Ah, football. I love the fall! There's nothing like getting up early in the morning, hurredly doing homework, fixing Ava's breakfast and sitting down to several hours of my favorite sport. Sure, I have to endure the occasional objection from the natives, but it's worth it. Oh, is it worth it!

This week, I'm headed to one of the most hallowed halls of American tradition - The Big House. Home of the Michigan Wolverines, the stadium seats over 107 thousand fans and has played host to Heisman winners, pro-bowlers, hall-of-famers and even one President of the United States. (1$ for whoever can say which one and what his position was!) One of my dreams as a Notre Dame fan will become a reality soon that I could have previously only imagined. While its true I am going at the risk of missing my daughter's birth, this will be - for lack of a better word - AWESOME. (Just kidding about missing the birth. The doc said it's not happening for another 2-3 weeks!)

See, I've been thinking about sports a lot lately. This is partly due to the fact that my life as a law student leaves very little else to get excited about. Don't get me wrong, I love determining whether a patient's transfer from Northcrest valley hospital violated EMTALA as much as the next nerd, but I love the sound of helmets crashing just a tad more. Football gives me something to look forward to every weekend. This has taught me a very valuable lesson: life is incomplete without both wins and losses. You really can't win them all, but it doesn't mean you can't still be happy. While I yell Mormon curse words at the tv screen as much as the next fan, I've come to a point in my life where I can walk away regardless of the outcome and say, "that was really fun." I've found this ability has empowered me to enjoy life at a level I never thought possible.

In sum, life is good. I love my family and I am so grateful for the blessings we have. I've come to the realize hobbies are fun and recreation is good, but when it gets in the way of what the real purpose of it all is, we're really just wasting time. Now go hug your kids, kiss your spouse, and "why don't you go outside or something - nerd!"

All this truly dizzying intelect and more from yours truly, Marshall

We should've asked Dr. Tim!

2007-09-08T13:34:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official. Marshall is allergic to plums! He had a reaction last year and we thought that it was pesticides and thought nothing of it... but as of last night, it's definitely the juicy plums! Last night when his eyes and throat started to swell shut, he ran in and took some medicine... A few minutes later I asked him what he took, and he accidentally took 2 NyQuil sleeping pills thinking they were Benadryl... don't ask me how you could mistake green gel tablets with hot pink pills, but he did it... We called the hospital to ask them if it was okay that he took Benadryl on top of the NyQuil and they said it was fine. So that's what he did... and he is still my sleeping beauty... Right now it's after 12:30pm and he is still totally zonked out on the couch - all drugged up... And I know he is totally out of it because Ava has been constantly crawling all over him and he hasn't budged an inch...