DIY Daniel (Coming to a TV near you)

Hello, and welcome to our new show, DIY Daniel. I the up-coming episodes, we're going to teach you the steps you need to take to accomplish a few basic fixes around the house. (Please consider, while watching each "lesson" that Daniel comes up with this stuff all on his own. I just photograph.)

Lesson 1- Minor Construction

Step 1: Make sure you have all necessary supplies.

Step 2: Start with a strong foundation, and build from there.

Step 3: Stand back and show off your handy work

(PS, If your first tower crashes, try again with something less complicated)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, Feb 7th, I was still stuck at home with sick kids. Daryl decided he would take my car (the HHR) to The Carwasher and get it washed. He was gone 45 minutes when I heard the doorbell ring. I hurried to get it, and glanced out the front window at the car that was parked in the driveway, a white suburban. Before I could think too much about it, I opened the door to see my husband standing there. Then it dawned on me. This was supposed to be MY suburban. (Please keep in mind that we have been talking about and kind of looking at bigger cars since before Heidi was born.) I ran outside to get a better look at the vehicle. It's a 2004 with leather second-row captain chairs and too many bells and whistles to name. It took me a good week to figure out what all of the different buttons do. (I'm still a little overwhelmed.) He planned on hurrying back to the dealership to put some money down and reserve it. Then would pick it up the following Monday. (That was his week on-call and he already had a few jobs waiting for him.) I told I wanted it to stay. He ended up taking the full time and signing all the papers so I could have it that day. I thought he was just washing the car. (It's amazing what a good carwash can do these days. JK)

The sad part was, there was no where for me to go, unless I found a way to leave my kids at home. They were feeling a lot better, but not completely well. I finally got my chance to try it out a few days later, when they were better. I've only had for not quite two weeks now, and I absolutely love it. (I loved my HHR too, but I knew we would eventually replace it, so I'm happy now to have this one.) Thank You, Honey for the fabulous gift, and for taking the extra time so I could have it sooner. I will always remember this.

XLIII, FHE and RSV (a full helping of alphabet soup)

Sunday we had a a few people over for the Super Bowl. My in-laws came. Karolann and Mikey, and Cheryl and Robert (her California boyfriend) were also there. Mindi called me the day before to see if I was okay if they brought Cameron and Eben. (Cameron had been running a slight fever Friday night and part of Saturday.) I told her as long as his fever stayed down by Sunday that that would be fine. So they came too. Cheryl and Karolann planned everything well. I made Lipton Onion Potatoes, and some of the deviled eggs, and also contributed chips and condiments. We also had hamburgers, hot dogs, and a few other things. We had a fun time cheering on our team (even if they DID lose).

Monday evening I put together our first ever Family Home Evening! I know it's something we should have been doing for a while, but it just hasn't happened until now. I'm determined to bring more of the spirit into our home this year. The lesson was I'm a Child of God. I told a story about a little girl who made crown with her Sunday school class because they were children of a king. Then we decorated golden crowns that I cut out of card stock earlier in the day. At first Daniel didn't want to wear his. Then he realized that Daddy takes pictures when he does. He wore it the rest of the evening. What a good start to a great week... or so I thought.

The next morning BOTH of my kids woke up with crazy runny noses and slight coughs. We went to the bank and picked a few items for Activity Day (my calling for church with the 8-11 year old girls in the ward). The later the day got the worst my kids felt. We ended up in the doctor's office by 3pm. After checking them both out, he made his diagnosis. RSV. Now Daniel takes yucky cough syrup every 6 hours and they both get breathing treatments 3 times a day. Heidi doesn't even flinch for hers. Daniel screams like he's in excruciating pain. Then we have the lovely booger sucking episodes where they both scream. In between "treatments" Daniel seems to be handling it pretty well. Heidi, on the other hand, is absolutely miserable. Needless to say I will not be helping with Activity Day this evening. Stay tuned for more RSV fun, if I'm able to make it to the computer.

PS- It turns out, after talking with Mindi, that Eben was already being treated for RSV except her doctor called it bronchiolitis (which i guess, is the same thing). I had no idea that Eben was even sick.

Heidi's Baby Blessing

We blessed Heidi on January 4, 2009 in our ward at 9am. We were honored to have so many family members attend. There are few occasions that bring as much joy. The blessing was so beautiful. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband who is a righteous priesthood holder.

After Sacrament Meeting we invited everyone who attended to come over to our house for a get-to-gether. Daryl's sister and her family were in town from Lindon. Iris came with Mark and Marily, and their boys. Grandma Lamoreaux, and Grandma and Grandpa Burgess were also there. Grandma Skousen was at the blessing, but wasn't able make it to our house afterwards. If I failed to mention your presence, forgive me. Just know you are loved and we appreciate your love and support.

Heidi loved playing with my mom, and gave her lots of cute smiles.

My Grandma and Grandpa Christensen (Grams and Gramps) were also there.

Daddy's Little Companion

Two weeks ago (when we still had 1:30 church) Daryl made appointments to go home teaching. When Daniel say him getting ready to go, he decided he should get dressed too. He ran into his room, moved the step in front of his bed and opened the drawer behind it. He pulled out 2 pairs of slacks and a vest. (I had been storing them there until he grew into them) He put on one of the pairs of pants over his pajamas, and went to show Daddy.

He also put on his vest, but decided he would hang it up instead.

He even tried on Daddy's Shoes.

Someday, son, you and Daddy will make great companions.