Longest photo post in history?

It all started with a rip in the pool liner last year and it was determined that a new one was needed this year. Well the pool company was going to charge 1500$ in labor to haul the old liner out, clean the pool, and reinstall the liner. Well being the industrious family that we are, we all decided we could save the money and do it ourselves. So we had to wait for a day that it reached over 60 degrees so the liner could heat up and so it was this past sunday. We were all ready as can be as it was going to take all 4 of us to do it( I was just planning on being an observer and help where needed - afterall what could I possibly do with a 1 year old to take care of??) Well as soon as Layne lifted the pool liner box his back went out...NOT kidding. So a four man job- we were down to 3. So I now had to be fully engaged in this project and our fearless leader was out of commission. And what a job for Jonathan. He was such a good sport and as we stretched and labored, while I ran back and forth between everyone running Elijiah to church( for heavens to betsy he miss a week!) and deal with a screaming Tristan, Mom lying flat as pancake holding the hundreds of pounds liner for hours at a time, while Jonathan painstakingly put the liner in inch by inch...it was done. We are all sore, blistered, sunburned and happy the job is done. Here are some photos of the newly completed job. See all those ripples? Gone. Mom and Layne had to get in and smooth them out, every inch is perfection. It looks lovely doesnt it? Its been a true labor of Love!!


Fun stuff I tell you!! Afterwards I got the boys outside in the beautiful sunshine and took some photos of them playing. What is it about boys and cardboard boxes? They were adorable!
That little cut out is Flat Adam. My sister Raegans sons has a project at school where we have to photograph him with us in various locations- SO we are attempting to do our best with taking Flat Adam with us....SEE Raegan? Were trying!!





Now Tristan saw that Elijiah was very mobile with his box and no longer was he content to just sit in his and pretend it was a car...oh no..he wanted to get out and push his......
So I relented. ( and for the record we dont normally dress Tristan in clothes that are unmatching and are too small- it was a work day!)
And off he goes.
I did turn him the other direction however- he was getting a little close to the empty pool for my liking.



Some brotherly love...or is that Elijiah taking his box away? You never can tell.
Now here comes the big boy. Now look at that belly. We called him the buddah belly when he was a baby. It didnt ever go away.
I said that to him as he passed by- and now hes sucking it in....
My sweet sweet child....

My Grandmother

Doreen Wynson (wells) Bennee born October 21, 1921 died March 18, 2009.

My grandmother was born in Durban South Africa and was the only child of Herbert Wells and Emily Sparks. Her parents( my great grandparents) had a fairy tale marriage, but it ended too soon. Great Grandpa died of a brain tumor when grandma was just 7 years old. It was devastating to both grandma and greatgrandma, as they loved and adored him, and it affected them for the rest of their lives.

Grandma always wanted to be a boy when she was young, and was allowed to dress like one- which was unheard of during those days. She loved to climb trees and play games such as cowboys and Indians. She loved animals and was always very kind to them. My mom said that even as an adult she couldn’t hurt a fly – literally. That if there was a bug in the house she would carry it outside rather than kill it. Grandma was always very tenderhearted.

Grandma and Grandpa met while in grade school- Grandpa would carry Grandmas books for her and help her climb trees….however Grandma and Greatgrandma had to move a lot- they didn’t have a lot of money after the death of Herbert. They moved to Cambridge for a while and then ended up in Johannesburg and lived there. Great grandmother had to work a lot to make ends meet and this meant that grandmother was alone while she was growing up. It was very difficult for her as she was shy and she had a hard time making friends. Her last year in high school she met up with Grandpa again and by now Grandpa was already in Medical School. Then they parted ways for a brief time, and met up again after grandma was in college and grandpa was finishing up medical school and was enlisting in the Army( he was 22- yes he was incredibly brilliant).They decided to get engaged as they didn’t know when Grandpa would be sent to war.

Ann was born while Grandpa was off at war and she was 2 before Grandpa got to meet her.(They had 5 children Ann, Rick, Robert, Peter and my Mom) After Rick and Robert were born, missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints came knocking on the door. Grandma always had an interest in God and religion, but never had been able to find a church that could answer her questions. She read the pamphlets, prayed and believed it was true. Grandpa took a bit longer. They were both baptized in a River( with Sharks) on May 1st 1948.

Grandma was called as the 1st Young Womens President in the South Africa Durban Branch. After a while Grandma and Grandpa decided that they wanted to move to Canada where the church was bigger and would offer their children the ability to be have a closer association with other members. Canada was a natural choice for Grandpa, as he would be able to transfer his medical training more easily to Canada then the States. So they packed up and moved from SA to Canada in January 1951. They were true pioneers for they left all their families behind. They settled in Cardston Alberta where Peter and my mother where born.

They later moved to Edmonton so Grandpa could return to school and specialize in psychiatry, then they moved to Tranquille, BC where Grandpa ran a mental hospital and then eventually moved and settled in Vernon, BC.

Grandma had many callings in the church…but spent years in the YW presidency. She had a knack and special talent with the youth.

Grandma and Grandpa divorced in 1971 and Grandma went on a mission in Florida in 1971. She remarried after her mission and then divorced 3 years later. She then met Rex Wiley. They married and were together 10 years until Rex died.

Grandpa had remarried himself and remained married until his second wife died. Both Grandma and Grandpa found themselves single again and both, with much discussion, felt they should remarry. They had both grown and changed throughout the years and still loved one another. Grandpa had the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and grandma knew that she would be care taking grandpa through much of his last years together. However before Grandpa got really sick they did have a good couple years and it was wonderful to see our grandparents together again.

Grandmother was unusual for her generation. She was incredibly open. You could talk to her about anything. She was my moms best friend. I think this is why my mother has wanted and succeeded in being my best friend. She continues the legacy of her own mom. Grandma always accepted you regardless of where you were in life. Loved you even with your struggles, understood that everyone has to choose their own path. She was stalwart in her testimony in the gospel-Grandma was always there for you to talk to, be with, support you – no matter what.
Grandma was faced with so many many heartaches and trials but never complained. She wanted and did live a Christ centered life. She aged with grace and enjoyed life to its fullest. We( all of us ) are so happy that she is with her loved ones on the other side. We love her and will miss her always.

A Great Read...

Im almost embarrassed to say that I just now started to read this book. Its been over ten years since this was published. However I finished my latest edition of a beach read( what I call fiction ) and I was getting annoyed at the lack of brain power it was taking to get through the books of late. My book club long since dissolved and with it, all decent books...I also havent had a lot of energy to read since Tristan was born. The lack of sleep was too much to even contemplate even picking something up at the end of the day- all I wanted once everything was done at the end of the night was to crawl into bed and get some shut eye. I have to admit even my church magazine subscription lapsed and I hardly noticed. Well my Mom has in the office several great church books and I got re-energized after this last conference session. I think I mentioned on the blog several posts ago that I need to refocus some energy on me again. And part of that, is to put some of that energy in my reading-- in more spiritual and uplifting materials. I loved President Hinckley..and I decided to learn more about the man that he was. This book has been so wonderful for me. Let me back track for just a moment. About a year or so ago- or perhaps a little over a year ago as I was still pregnant, my good friend Pati invited me to a stake relief society event where Sheri Dew was speaking. I gladly went. She talked that evening on many subjects..working at the church office building in her official capacity, her trials of being unmarried, childless, her testimony, callings in the church, but talked a bit about the undertaking of this book....the writing of it and its challenges, but also what it was like to work along side our Prophet at the time, and how it affected her, changed her. We laughed, we cried...I was filled with the spirit of the gospel. I dont know why I didnt go home right then and order the book and read it. I dont know why I picked it up now....but I do know one thing. I am learning many things from it that I need to know. I am finding strength from it, wishing it was my own copy so I could highlight many passages out of it as its filled with wisdom and great insights to work, and gospel principals. Having worked at the Church offices its funny to see how far things have come from when President Hinckley worked there-- till now..and how much he was responsible for what it is. I am enjoying the fact that what I am reading is lending itself to positive thoughts, feelings, and leaving me inspired. Im feeling better and grateful to the course Im getting back on. Why do we as mothers forget about ourselves? We loose oursevles in the love of our families and children..and even when its as little as reading a good book- its a great reminder to take a few minutes just for us. Just another reminder to self. I love a good book.

Music to my ears

There are a few things in life that make me happy. One of them is hearing Jonathan play the piano. In fact when we started dating I think it was one of the many reasons I fell in love with him. His musical talent. His ability to pick up the trumpet, guitar, or sit at the piano and play....
He will tell you that he isnt very good. And that may be true for someone that hasnt spent his life studying it. See he spent his childhood and young adulthood playing the trumpet(he dabbled with the piano here and there but the trumpet was his first love.... Its what he played during highschool and college. He didnt really PLAY the piano until college, but when he did he excelled at it.
He never has been able to afford a real piano and so he bought a very nice weighted keyboard which has a very nice sound to it. It was what - when we dated he played on. I remember during the first few weeks of our dating that he brought me back to his house, and I saw his keyboard and I asked him to play for me. He being the modest guy that he was, said that he wasnt very good but that he would indulge me. Now we only dated 6 weeks before we got engaged, and this was perhaps 2-3 weeks into our dating life, but once he started playing I think I fell head over heels in love. He wasnt just good. He was AMAZING. I have a love affair with musicians...there is something about someone who has a talent that I DONT possess..and hearing them run their fingers over ivory that is so beautiful that I cant even describe. Which is why Elijiah is taking piano lessons...because whether my children want to or not, they will learn to play!!! Oh sorry where was I....
Jonathan not only has the ability to read music (duh) but he has a great ear for it as well. Since this isnt his first instrument of choice, actually reading music is a bit harder for him on the piano...he tends to pick things up by ear and play things by memory and some of my most serene times is sitting next to him listening and watching him play.
I love the fact that we are living with my Mom and Layne right now...we get to enjoy this piano...Jonathan gets to enjoy playing on this everyday. Its made me realize how much we need to get Jonathan one. Even just an upright. We have a small home in Salt Lake, that we dont know if we will continue to rent out, or sell, but regardless we most likely will be returning to later on this year. Space is a huge issue and Im thinking that perhaps we can sell some of our living room furniture so we can make room for a piano.
Because truly there is nothing that makes me happier than to hear Jonathan play...hear Elijiah learn to play, and to have music in my home.

Focus of the blog

Its not my fault really its just the way it is...my blog has taken a natural turn...and I knew it would. Afterall I write whats going on in my life. First it was my outlet while I was pregnant and life was miserable. Sorry- it just was. I was sick. Very sick. Then I had a baby. This last year was all about my Tristan and Elijiah. I do believe I have what they call a "mommy" blog. Im okay with that. I dont know what else this blog would really be about. Im a working mom, perhaps I should write more about that. However in reality I enjoy recounting the most precious of events and those things center around our kids. Thats okay right? However lately Im a bit mind numb. Im frazzled. Exhausted. I had a slight breakdown last night which Jonathan had to talk me through. ( Thanks Honey!!) That being said I realize that perhaps I need to reach out more into my likes and perhaps start exploring all those things that make me- me again...
There is nothing worse than the routine becoming so routine that you get stuck in a rut. This winter has been long. I cant wait for spring and summer for us to get to the park more, go camping and hiking again, enjoy being outside. That being said Ill still continue to write about the kids, but perhaps add more of the things that make me happy- and share them on the blog. Because when I write those things down- its a reminder to me as well.

I love tulips...they are my favorite flower. When I worked at The Church office building, spring was my favorite time of year there - no not christmas - but spring. They would do the most brillant arrangement of tulips all over the temple square grounds. I could sit out there on my lunch break or walk around and just feel completely at peace. When Jonathan and I got married I asked him if we could go see the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point. It was so beautiful. I loved it. As soon as the weather is nice enough Im going to insist that we take the long trek down from Ogden with the kids and go again. With Tristan walking now Im sure he will have a ball. Yes spring is in the air and with it, Tulips will be a vision from heaven!

Year old stats

Tristan had his year old appointment yesterday...and I gave the duty to Jonathan....between the last few weeks its a wonder I have a job...funeral, sick days etc I dont think Ive put in a full week of work, and I had Elijiahs dentist appointment to deal with as well...Jonathan was a good sport but I could tell as I met him outside the doctors office for the swap out, that he was traumatized( Jonathan that is). 5 shots and poor Tristan wasnt doing so hot either. Jonathan remarked that the pediatrician let him know that they are recommending keeping kids rear facing in car seats until they are 2 now days....Im a little annoyed after all we have been just waiting, counting down the days until Bugs turned one so we could flip the dang thing around...but we are good parents doing what we are told. So poor child will continue to have his little legs all squished up --bent like in the car for another year. Sorry kid! Does make me wonder if he will eventually push himself loose....he does hate the carseat as it is, and when he gets mad...boy watch out- he can loosen that carseat up by pushing on the back of the seat mighty fierce!!
So the stats on the growing boy is that hes lost a bit of weight in comparison to his height but continues to get taller with each appointment..
Height: 33.2 Inches
Weight: 25.94 Pounds

Happy BIRTHDAY TRISTAN!!!

1 year old already!! We cant believe it! For our Bugs we decided to go all out! An ANIMALS on the FARM theme it was to be for you this year...to carry on the tradion of homemade cake and some sort of theme, we thought this would be perfect.

Jonathan and I worked till the wee hours decorating and wanted to make sure Tristan had his own cake so while the rest of us had the cupcakes- he got his very own BARN!!!

Jonathan did these very cute chicks....I think they are master pieces myself! Honey you really are amazing!!
I did the pigs...in comparison to the chicks they arent anything special...but they look cute right?!

Now here is where Jonathans pastry skills come into play...I had a pretty basic sheet cake barn in mind..but Jonathan had other plans. As you can see- the perfect size for Tristan.

All together and we have a nice FARM!! In the background we made a flower bed, and a sun. Fun fun!!!

Guests have arrived and the fun begins!

Elijiah was so excited that Syliah was over to play- I think he gets a little bored with just the adults around all the time.

Jonathan was starving...all that hard work on the cake!

Now Tristan got a little shy with all the attention on him when we started to sing happy birthday...

He didnt know what to do...the cake was approaching...

He gently puts his fingers into the green grass like frosting and takes a lick...YUMMY....

He never did go crazy but he did enjoy the mess!!!

He was a bit thirsty towards the end....afterall- it was a lot of frosting!!!

Two peas in a pod.....

Again what fun...we had a great time opening some gifts, hanging out, eating and celebrating Bugs first birthday! Thanks again everyone!