When Bored-Craft

Several months ago, my cousin Evelyn had this cute idea on her blog for making placemat totes. I loved the idea, and I've been slowly gathering the supplies needed to make Kayla, Allie, and myself one. Finally the week between weddings I got everything I needed. Since I can't do much of anything else, I decided to play.

Kayla's tote
Allie's tote

Mommy's tote

I probably should have saved them for Christmas presents or something, but I couldn't wait to show the girls what I'd made. They loved them! They were already planning what they could put inside.

Allie and Kayla holding their bags and mine. I don't have a sewing machine so I just used the fabric glue. I don't know if it will hold, but if not, I figure I can always sew them next time I'm in Idaho. I made my bag using two placemats instead of the normal one; so it is big enough to carry my lesson manual for primary. Now I can't wait for church next week to try it out.

I Don't Feel So Good

About two weeks ago or was it three, I've lost track, (right after Amy's reception) my stomach started hurting and I started throwing up. It lasted a few days and then I felt a little better. Then right after we got home from Jessica's wedding, I got sick again. It persisted all week. Since meeting Nate and then having a couple of hard pregnancies, I have a tendency to throw up quite easily. I kept thinking stomach bug, but the pain seemed higher than normal and more how do I describe it, more painful than just a stomach bug. I debated about going to the doctor, but really what was the point. Finally after a full week of being sick again, I gave in and made an appointment for Saturday morning. The doctor prescribed anti-nausea pills (that left me acting more than a little drunk), ran a blood test (which the lab messed up and rendered useless), and told me it was probably just a very persistent bug.

Monday I finally was feeling like I'd beat this bug, and I was able to enjoy getting Kayla off to her first day of school. We did pictures, and then Allie and I came home and cleaned the house like crazy. I did an insane amount of laundry and had the house looking better than it had in a couple of weeks when suddenly... I didn't feel so good. I was exhausted and sick to my stomach. I had an irritating ache in my back. I was getting ready to make dinner, and Nate told me to just lie down. They could have macaroni and cheese.

Everybody got off to bed early, even Nate. I couldn't sleep but just kept getting worse and worse. I couldn't sit, lay, stand, kneel without wanting to cry. Finally about 1:00am I woke Nate up and asked for a blessing. Then I sent him back to bed. At 2:45 I could stand the pain no longer and I woke him up.

I was admitted to the ER and they decided it was probably my gall bladder. They did an ultrasound and could see no stones, but they didn't want to send me home because of my pain level. After a hida-scan it was determined my gall bladder was completely non functional. It was swollen and would only get worse from that point forward. Thursday morning they finally removed my gall bladder. I'm hoping this is the end to a lot of stomach troubles.

Nate was definately my superman all week. He ran around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to do everything that needed done. He worked 6 days Mon-Sat with 7 hours being his shortest day. He managed to get the kids up, fed, lunches packed, and off to neighbors on time every morning. He cordinated everything, called whenever he could, and would bring the girls to visit in the evenings. I don't know what I would do without him. I love you Nate!

Thank you to everyone for all your help. We really appreciate everything.

Nate would bring the girls to see me every evening. They told me they were really sorry I was sick, but I think they secretly thought the hospital was pretty cool. They loved making the bed go up and down. It was especially intriguing that I could press a little red button and a nurse would bring me whatever I asked for.
They brought me flowers and balloons to surprise me. They brought these Tuesday night, and then Wednesday night Kayla and Allie wanted to know what else they could bring to surprise me with.
It's not fun to be in the hospital. Nate wanted me to pout, but it was hard to keep from laughing.

Grandma Darla and Terra drove down Wednesday to take the girls back to Pocatello after school on Thursday. Thank you for entertaining them and giving us a break. It was a very good thing, but I miss them terribly. I can't wait for Nate to get back with them so I can get some hugs.

Our neighbors were a huge help watching kids and shuttling Kayla to and from school. The relief society made sure we're doing okay, and a couple of sisters are bringing in meals. My mom is on stand-by if I need help next week, but I'm pretty sure we'll be okay as long as I don't have to do any driving. Thank you everybody!

1st Day of 1st Grade

Makayla started first grade today. She was a little nervous but mostly just excited. Last night she didn't think she'd be able to sleep, but fortunately the sandman paid an early visit that left her nice and refreshed this morning. Kayla was so happy to get to wear her new school dress. I made her a new hairbow to match it. It was a happy surprise for her this morning.

We've made a tradition of having a father's blessing the night before school. Daddy gave Kayla her blessing last night, and then Allie wanted one too. We were going to wait until next week before preschool started, but I think a week early is fine. Then we read A Pocket Full of Kisses. It's about a raccoon who's mom gives him a kissing hand so he'll never forget how much she loves him. In the morning I give Kayla a kiss on her hand and draw a set of lips so she won't forget. It's a fun tradition, and I'm anxious to get to start it with Allie this year too.

Kayla posing in her new dress.
All ready for school.

Good-bye!

We had a little rain this morning; so Kayla insisted on wearing her jacket. Allie was so sad she couldn't stay, but Kayla was thrilled to be back to school. Kayla's teacher, Mrs. Mower seems to be nice, and her mother-in-law has celiac disease. It's nice to have a teacher that is familiar at least somewhat with the disease. Mrs. Mower is also a lover of all things chocolate and told the class she'll be sharing chocolate quite frequently with them. Kayla LOVES her already. Unfortunately none of her good friends (girls) are in her class (there are 4 first grades), but her boyfriend from last year is... I may have to remind her about the no dating til she's 16 rule.

Jessica and BJ's Reception

BJ's aunt and uncle generously loaned their huge backyard for the reception. It was beautiful, but cold. Who'd have thought you'd be freezing at a reception in mid-August.

Darla and Katie made all the little girls beautiful purple dresses and little purses. Then Katie and I did their hair. They had so much fun running around being princesses for the evening. Here they are posing for a picture with Jessica for Amy.
I can't wait to see how this picture turns out. It was hilarious to watch. Then when the girls were told they could leave, they all took off for the swing at a run. Unfortunately Camryn forgot to let go of Jessica's veil first.

Darla decorated this beautiful cake for Jessica and BJ. Nicholas was deemed official cake baker, and together with Travis and Terra they got it all done just in time.

Visiting with family

All the siblings gathered to decorate the couple's car.

Even Jordy helped

Terra must really love her sister. She was willing to plaster lipstick kisses all over the windows-even when some were covered with bugs.

The last hour was supposed to be a dance. The line didn't stop for the dance, but most of the immediate family did find time to enjoy the music.

Josh and Jordyn

Kaden and Terra dancing

Kayla dancing with Daddy

The bride and groom enjoying their first dance together as husband and wife.

Jessica and her Daddy

Matt and Camryn

Darla and Bert

Little girls and their Daddies-Kayla and Nate, Chuck with Morgan and Jordyn

Makayla and Morgan with Grandpa

Kayla and Morgan trying to keep from freezing

Jessica and BJ's Wedding

Saturday August 15th, Jessica and BJ were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony. It was so nice to be there with all of the family, except VaLyn who was home with the newest member of the family. It was great to see family again, and Nathan and I enjoyed reminiscing as our 8th anniversary was only days away.
Everybody waiting for the bride and groom.

Mr. and Mrs. BJ Farnes

Heading down to get pictures taken with the big group. It was kind of fun having Amy as the photographer. She always does a great job, and the pictures I've seen so far are wonderful.

Congratulations! We're so happy for you two!!!

Aladdin and Jasmine

Since Nate and I had sisters getting married only a week apart, the girls and I decided to stay in Pocatello between weddings. While there Mom and I took the Kayla and Allie to see Aladdin at the Mystique. They loved it!

I thought it would be fun to let our princesses wear their beautiful dresses for our night out. Ariel, Aurora, and Grandma.
Mommy her two cuties.

Waiting for the show to begin.

After the show we got to meet the cast. The girls only cared about two people.

Aladdin.

And Jasmine.

As we walked out of the theatre the cast lined the doorway. The audience walked down the center so you could greet each cast member. It was a great idea in theory, but in our case not exactly how it worked. The cast LOVE, LOVE, LOVED seeing Kayla and Allie dressed up. It felt like we were the stars walking down the red carpet. Jafar grabbed Allie's hand and sang a little song to her telling her she was beautiful. All of the girls were oohing and aahing over our princesses. It was a little embarrassing to be getting so much attention-and to be totally backing up traffic. Kayla wasn't quite sure what to think. I tried hurrying to the end to take a picture of it, but Kayla wouldn't let me go. It was definitely a fun evening to spoil our little princesses.

Amy and Tyler Jussel's Reception

My parents have worked like crazy all summer getting everything perfect for a reception in their backyard. Amy hates receptions in church gyms and refused to have hers there. Unfortunately the weather refused to cooperate. We put things off as long as we could, but finally had to admit defeat and move the reception to the church.
Although not what was originally planned, everything turned out beautiful. The giant backdrop designed to hide the not so gorgeous shed was perfect for the church. The lanterns that were to be hung in the trees helped really finish the room. I think even the bride was happy in the end. Of course the bride and groom suffered food poisoning on their wedding night, but that's another story entirely.
Kayla and Tyler's oldest nephew watching the slide show.

My one and only picture of the bride and kids. Sorry Tyler-none of you.

Brother and Sister Jones and Carol working in the kitchen.

Norm working at the food table. Everything looked very nice, but we ended up with a ton of napkins leftover. I think with the dim lights and brown napkins on brown tablecloth people just didn't see them. I'm sure they were wondering why we didn't have napkins. Oops!

Nate's mom made the wedding cake, and it turned out absolutely gorgeous. It sounds like there was a lot of help involved, and I know Terra enjoyed learning to make the flowers. I'm sure Travis had never imagined his mom asking him to go buy Vodka, but I love how it added the sparkle.
The grooms cake. Perfect!

You know I love my husband very much, but sadly a photographer he is not. I knew I was going to be busy trying to help everywhere at the reception so I asked Nate to take pictures. I specifically asked him to make sure he got pictures of the kitchen help and the cake. I assumed he would take pictures of the girls, family, the bride and groom, etc. Silly me. So we've got lots of the helpers for my mom, but none of our little girls. Good thing Kristi (the photographer) liked using the girls as models. I just wonder how long it will be before we get to see those pictures.

Amy's Wedding

My sister Amy got married Friday in Brigham City, Utah to Tyler Jussel. It was a beautiful ceremony. The kids were so cute walking down the isle. We all kind of wished we could rewind and tell them to go again, the isle was too short. We are so happy to welcome Tyler to our family.

My mom has a picture like this with her Mom helping her get ready.
Amy and Mom They both look beautiful
The bride-Amy looking positively gorgeous
Jason so cute in his little suit.
The Groom-Tyler looking so handsome in his monkey suit.
Allie and Tyler getting ready to get married (yes Tyler thought he was marrying Allie).Tyler and Allie walking down the isle.
Kayla was so happy to be a flower girl. She asked me if she could hold Amy's flowers during the ceremony. I was talking to Amy and mentioned it. Amy said, I hadn't thought about it. So Kayla got to. She was thrilled.
Father and daughter
Exchanging rings.
Sealing it with a kiss.
"We're married!!!"
What a cutie!
Congratulating the bride.
Kayla, Tyler, Amy, Jason, Big Tyler, and Allie