Jake's Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Jacob's 3rd birthday with lots of family and friends. He had a great time. We're so glad all his grandma's & grandpa's could be here.

*******

And, exciting news today... Georgie walked 7 steps across the living room all by herself just before we left for Jake's party.

Family History Friday

{my great grandparents}
Alice Janet Foster & Homer Fair were married on 15 November 1927 in Long Beach, Los Angeles, California. They had three sons: Homer Joseph, Bruce Richard {my grandpa}, and John.

10.

10 months

Can you even believe it?
Where has the time gone?

Stay tuned for her latest stats on Thursday, February 5th. That's when we see the doc.

D-Day

This morning started with a bright and early trip to the dentist for Jakey Boy. It was time for his semi-annual visit. I was worried how he'd do. Last time as soon as we walked through the front door of the office he was whining to turn around and go home. This time he did great; I signed him in and he went over to play arcade games.

When it was his turn to go into the back room he was ready and willing to go... and as soon as we walked through the door another kid was back there screaming his head off and Jake got a really concerned look on his face. I did my best to distract him and keep him excited about getting his teeth cleaned. Sarah, the dental assistant & my cousin, sat him in a seat clear across the office from the screaming kid and right in front of the t.v. showing Kung-Fu Panda {I'm fairly positive she was hoping to distract him as well!} He seemed pretty comfortable and ok with where we were.

Once Sarah tipped his chair back he tightened up and wanted to go home. She was able to quickly clean half of his top teeth, but once she came out to re-load the toothbrush that was it. Jake was finished. We talked about how great Jake was doing and how the toothbrush just tickles his teeth, but he was having none of it. Sarah & I agreed that he needed to have the work finished so she asked a co-worker to come over and hold Jake while she continued to speed clean his teeth.

It was sad seeing my baby being held down and whimpering, but he never really cried and Sarah was really quick. As soon as she finished he was all smiles and showing off his clean teeth. Let's hope next time goes a little more smoothly.

My plan for the rest of the day was to come home and clean, clean, clean my house and work on some projects that I need to finish. Instead I thew caution to the wind, totally shirked my responsibilities, gave into temptation and headed to Disneyland with Heather & Kyle.

I really wanted to go one last time before we have to start paying for him!

But I had decided I just couldn't do it. I had too many things to get done before this weekend. And when Heather called to see if I wanted to go... I said I couldn't the first time. And the second. And, possibly, the third. But eventually I gave in {because I really did want to go!}.

We were only there for a few hours and it was pretty much dark the entire time, but we had a great time!

And now we have to start paying for Jake.

booooo.

Mom's at the Park

{Scott, Jake, Mia, & Ian}

It's been awhile since we've attended a Mom's at the Park day, but since it was absolutely beautiful and the kids were cooperating this morning, today was the day! Jake had a lot of fun playing with his friends, I enjoyed having my friends to chat with, and Georgie was just happy to be outside!

Play-doh! with Norah

A little while after storytime at the library Norah & Meme came over to visit. We haven't seen them in awhile and had a great time with them. Jake and Norah just play and play, they get along so well. Little Georgie does her best to keep up with them, soon enough I'm sure. Today Jake introduced Norah to the joys of play-doh. She seemed to like rolling it out and using the 'cookie cutters' to make all kinds of shapes and animals.

Georgie supervised.
Her turn's a comin...

Lil' Stinker

Georgie's being a little stinker.

She still wants to nurse but only for a minute or two at a time. Then she rolls over and heads off in another direction, usually following Jake somewhere.

And instead of it being every 3 -5 hours it's all. day. long. It's like having a newborn all over again! That girl, I tell you...

I *think* I remember Jake going through a phase like this too -- {it wasn't that long ago, how quickly we forget!!} but it is sooooo bugging me!!

{It's really important to me that she nurse at least for the first year. With Jake we made it to 13 months and we were both done. We'll see what happens with Georgia. I know she doesn't want to stop she's constantly pulling on me, she's just too distracted.}

she sure is cute though

Teaching Blogging

Today I taught about incorporating family history into blogs. I liked that the class was really involved and had suggestions and questions, it made it a lot more fun and interesting. I sure hope everyone else thought so too. :) While I spent my day at the church learning about different facets of family history John and the kids spent the day together at home. {I sure love that he loves spending the day with them... and that he takes such good care of them!!}

Here are some of the ideas I came up with {and a few that were suggested by class members}:

• “Family History Friday”- each Friday highlight one member of your family, living or deceased. You can tell personal stories, give statistical information, or interview someone. {example: http://inthewakeofjake.blogspot.com/, you're here already!}
• Incorporate family stories throughout your blog randomly {example: http://highlights-from-hildreth-hall.blogspot.com/ a fun blog from Mandy's mom}
• Register several members or each member of your family as a contributor to the blog, that way everyone can post. {example: http://barrybennettfamily.blogspot.com/ - John's aunt & cousins family blog}
• Have a blog dedicated to your family history where you make continuous posts specifically about your family including genealogical information. {example: http://doolittledoings.blogspot.com/ I started this one specifically for the class, but plan to continue with it. I really like the idea... and I have lots of them!!}
• Create a recipe blog using family recipes include pictures and/or family stories.
• Let your children start their own blogs {who keeps a journal anymore?!! :)}
• Have one of your children author the family blog. {example: http://morris8.blogspot.com/ - a blog authored by the oldest child in a family-a teenager- giving their perspective of family life}
• Spotlight a family member... include grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, cousins, kids... everyone.
• At the end of each year, print out the blog as a permanent record. There are several companies on-line that you can use to publish your blog into a book. I use Blurb.com.

These all sounded like great ideas to me! Maybe you can start including a little family history in your blog too.
Happy Blogging.

Family History Friday

George Kenneth Meldrum and Ruth Cluff were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 12 September 1928

From her own journal, Ruth records these memories of that sacred day, "Kenneth and I were married on the 12th of September 1928, in the Salt Lake Temple. Elder James E. Talmage performed the ceremony. Aunt Edna had a lovely dinner prepared for us when we left the temple. Mama was there, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Edna, Kenneth and myself. After the lovely dinner we took Mama home and Kenneth and I left immediately for Richfield and Fishlake for a honeymoon. We returned on the 14th of September 1928, for a reception held in our honor at the Pleasant View Ward Cultural Hall. Our reception was the second one held in the new ward building. George Muhlstein and Ella Clark's was the first one."

They made their first home on West Center Street in a basement apartment in Provo. "We began married life in a very modest way. Kenneth had $20 after the first month's rent was paid. I didn't have any money, and Kenneth was out of work."

Ruth describes their engagement, "Our boy friends, Albert N. Muhlstein, George Muhlstein, and G. Kenneth Meldrum, who we all later married, were working in the mines in Park City. We corresponded and every two weeks they came down to see us. I went steady with Kenneth a year before he kissed me. We were both very bashful and I still wonder how he ever got the courage to propose marriage to me; but he did, and on the 24th of December 1927, he gave me my diamond ring which he had worn around his neck for twelve months on a buckskin string while he paid for it, before he gave it to me."

(Two From Pleasant View- Elmo & Mary Cluff, compiled by Virginia Meldrum Clark, 2001)

They were married for nearly 50 years in this life, but sealed together as husband and wife for time and all eternity...

Our Triangle Trip

We woke up Saturday morning in Phoenix and went to bed Saturday night in Las Vegas. The drive between was longer than we thought and the kids didn't do as well as we hoped. But we're all happy to be with Dan, Megan & Hadley and looking forward to a few days of fun and relaxation together.

On the long lonely road between Phoenix & Vegas we drove across the Hoover Dam, which is quite impressive in itself, but John and I were absolutely amazed and impressed by the feat engineers are currently attempting there. They are building a bridge across the canyon that detours the Dam for people that aren't interested in seeing it... again.

It was awesome.

Our stay in Vegas was perfect, well perfect if you can ignore two independent and opinionated two year olds struggling to share, but we all had a great time in spite of the tantrums. We spent some time on The Strip: saw the lions habitat at MGM, toured the M&M and Coke-a-Cola factories {which inspired us to tour the Ethel M Factory, and its cactus garden, the following day},

Hadley, Jake & Georgie cooperating as only toddlers can

Much better... and such cute cousins!

saw the fountains of Belliago {my absolute favorite thing about Vegas},

{That just might be my most favorite picture of John and Jake ever}

and did what every tourist should do... took our picture in front of the original "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign.

Us, Vegas, 1/17- 20/2009

Dan, Megan & Hadley

We really did have a great weekend with Dan & Megan. {Thanks so much for the invitation!} Jake already misses Hadley, as do we. It's so fun getting together with cousins.

Early this morning we drove home and completed the triangle.
We listened to President Obama's inauguration on the radio. I was impressed by the transition of power. We really do live in the greatest country on earth. We are so blessed to have this great democratic process. How blessed we are. Here's hoping, as President Obama encouraged, as citizens of this great country, we realize its worth and work toward a better future for all.

Family History Friday

Mesa, Arizona.

John's aunt & uncle, Tom and Virginia Clark, are currently serving as President and Matron of the Mesa Arizona Temple. Virginia tells me it's something they never expected to be called to, but when we received news of their new assignment in October 2006, we weren't one bit surprised. Their three year term is quickly coming to an end so when we found out my cousin was getting married in the Mesa Temple we were looking forward to attending and seeing Tom & Virginia as well.

Today my cousin Justin Robert Coffman married Mallory Standifird for time and all eternity. It was a very special sealing as Mallory's grandfather married them. His sweet words and love for this young couple were quite evident and not many eyes were left dry. As I looked around the room and saw so many of Mallory's family I couldn't help but feel a little sad that I was the only member of Justin's family {along with his mom, Cathi} in attendance. I know that we each have our own beliefs and faith, but honestly, of all the times and places I wish my family were members of the church it's when I am in the temple and especially in the sealing room. You know, the ceremony is really so short and simple, but the spirit there is incredible. I know that families are united for all eternity in that sacred room. Knowing my family {and my aunts especially} the way I do, I could just see them there loving every minute of it and understanding the importance of that sacred ceremony.

It really was a beautiful sealing.

And Justin was so handsome and Mallory was a gorgeous bride.

After the ceremony we spent a little time as a family walking around the temple grounds. Jacob loves to see the temple and I was in such awe of the Mesa Temple. I had no idea it was so pretty.

Later in the afternoon we made our way to Tom & Virginia's to spend a few hours with them. It was a really nice visit. They are so welcoming and generous. We arrived at their home just after they had returned from a long morning in the temple. {They're there about 10 hours a day.} I'm sure all they really wanted to do was have a little lunch and then nap, but instead Virginia opened the toy closet and played with Jacob while we all chatted.

Virginia is really into family history and has even written a few books about John's family. I love hearing the stories she has discovered and about her experiences with family history. {I hope to some day have time to devote myself to it in the way she has.} She shared with us a few stories that she and Tom had recently discovered through old newspapers she found on the internet. We discussed the new family search and how it's being implemented at their temple and ours and throughout the church. We talked about John's parents and brothers, the Clark family, our little family of four, and Tom & Virginia's experiences as they serve in the temple. Their daughter Allison stopped by for a few minutes along with her daughter Haley and then we headed to the front yard to pick oranges and grapefruit from their trees. We had such a nice visit them.

It was a really special day for us in Mesa. We loved being in the temple for Justin's wedding and visiting with his family as well Tom and Virginia.

Open Road

Georgie's appointment with the doctor took about 5 minutes this morning. He checked her breathing - seems to be much better, told to do the treatments through today and then we're done- and her ears - still have some infection but much better than last week, just have to finish up the amoxicillin. And the girl should be healed, hooray!

Now it's time to pack for our big triangle trip this weekend.
I love road trips.

Honestly.
I do.
I can't wait to get out on the open road.
Only a few more hours...

A Beautiful Day

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the temperature was perfect. The kids and I decided to go for a walk through the neighborhood and make a stop at the park. Jake was so happy to get out and play. Georgie is feeling so much better and really seemed to enjoy being outside as well. They loved being on the swings at the same time.

After our walk we came home, had lunch and then headed to the Post Office to mail out Jake's birthday party invitations**. He's very excited that his birthday is 'coming up next' and was such a great little helper getting the invitations addressed and ready to go. And he loved putting them in the mail all by himself.

Then we went into Target to get a wedding gift for my cousin and a bunch of other stuff we didn't really need. {FYI- they have a LOT of really cute girl clothes right now, it was hard restraining myself!!} And then we went to spend the afternoon with Gramma.

It's been a great day! I am so happy that Georgia is finally feeling well enough that we can get out and get things accomplished.

**My friend Mandy made Jake's party invitations for us. I think they are adorable! She's so talented {and she's for hire}.

Coming Back to Life

It's almost been a week and I finally got out of the house for something fun! Today was the first day of library storytime for the winter "semester" and Jake was so excited to go see Kyle, Norah, Henry, Ian & Scott. And I loved seeing Heather, Melanie, Kiersten, & Kerrie-- I've been cooped up in the house for too long.

Georgie is doing much better. She's keeping the amoxicillin down and it's making a difference in our sweet baby girl. She's still really congested and coughing like crazy, but it's not causing her to vomit anymore and she no longer has a fever. Thank goodness! She still isn't sleeping all that well, but she is sleeping so that's an improvement. We head back to the doctor on Thursday for a check-up on her ears and to see if the albuterol is making a difference in her breathing. If it's not I have no idea what that means or where that takes us next. Her doctor thinks she may have asthma... so, we shall see.

We're loving our weather the past few days. The windows and doors are wide open, the sun is shining and it's wonderful. Nothing like 80 degrees in the middle of winter. Gotta love Southern California!

Double Whamey

So Georgie's had a fever the last 3 days. It's been averaging about 101 and today, along with all the coughing she's been doing, she started throwing up. I've been watching her very closely, hoping to work through this all without going to the doctor, but once the vomiting started I knew I was in a losing battle. I called and talked to the nurse and she got me in right away.

Turns out my baby girl has an ear infection in both ears and possibly asthma. Dr. Kim gave us a prescription for amoxicillin and albuterol. Hopefully these will help her feel better.

But, there's a problem... she can't keep anything down! She has so much congestion breaking up it makes her tummy yucky and she vomits. I think the albuterol is adding to the problem because it makes her nose runny, telling me the congestion is breaking up, causing her to vomit. It's turning into a cycle. And I know it will all be for her benefit only if she can keep the amoxicillin down. It's all a little frustrating for me & Georgie. Hopefully we can get her feeling well enough with the little bit that stays in so she'll start being able to tolerate the rest of it.

Poor baby girl!!

And poor Jakey boy, he's been feeling so neglected since John's been working long and late hours and I've been so consumed with Georgie. Today Heather called and invited us to the park, but I couldn't take George so she offered to take Jake. It was such a life-saver! {Thank you Heather. I owe you.} Jake loved playing at the park with Kyle and he was in a much better mood once he was back home with us. Heather's so good, she even took pictures while they played. Those two boys are so stinkin' cute together!

{can you tell I've been a little pre-occupied? Jake's hair hasn't even been brushed!}

Family History Friday

{My grandpa on my mom's side}

Bruce Richard Fair was born on 4 May 1930 in Long Beach, California. He was the second child {and second boy} born to Homer and Alice Janet Foster Fair.

Bruce, Alice, & Homer Joe
{1930}

Bruce & Homer Joe

{1930's}

Elerta & Bruce on their wedding day
{At this point, I cannot find anything that tells me the date of their wedding. I'm still looking and I may come across it someday. But I love how happy and joyful they look in this picture. I love how Grandpa seems to be showing her off, his new bride. I wish that had always been the case. They divorced in 1975, the year I was born, so I've never known them together as Grandma & Grandpa.}

Bruce married Elerta Neoam Palmer and together they had two children, daughters, Linda Alice and my mom, Kathi Ann. They lived all over the San Fernando Valley and in the early 1960's they moved to a new community north of Los Angeles, Newhall. {And my mom actually lives in the house they bought all those years ago.}

{late 1950's}
Homer, Bruce, Elerta {G'G'ma}, Kathi {my mom}, & Linda

I have very fond memories of my Grandpa, although I often hear that he was not the same man as a grandpa as he was as a father. As a grandpa he was fun and kind and interesting. I will always remember my Grandpa as a man who liked doing his own thing. I never understood it but he lived out in the middle of nowhere, seriously. You think Mojave is desolate today you should have seen it when he moved there in the 1980's, even more wide open spaces. But he and "Grandma Ann" built their lives there and really seemed to enjoy the peace and quiet life they created for themselves. As a child -- and a teenager -- it wasn't my favorite place to go visit, but I enjoyed being with Grandpa & Grandma Ann when we made the trek. {It wasn't that far from our home, but it felt like we were going to the end of the earth!!}

Whenever I see NASCAR on tv, or a western, my thoughts immediately turn to him. Even when I see fruit trees or a beautiful garden I think of Grandpa-- and maybe those things were Ann's doing, but they will forever remind me of their home out in the middle of the Mojave desert.

My grandpa lived a really hard life, mostly by his own doing, but he had a tender heart for my brother & me and I always knew that he loved us. I think Grandma Ann had something to do with the softening of his heart, or maybe it was grandchildren, I'm not sure. Once she died Grandpa's health went downhill quickly and he stopped finding a reason to live which is really too bad because he had a lot of life ahead of him.

On 23 April 1998 Bruce Richard Fair left this earth. He died of complications caused by diabetes. For the few years before his death my mom drove out to see him everyday after work to make sure he was taking his medications and eating right. He wasn't. He was stubborn and lonely and ornery, but my mom continued to look after her dad. It was really hard on her, but she did it anyway. She was a wonderful daughter to him and I am sure he appreciated all she did for him.

I loved my Grandpa very much and he loved me. He was a hard worker and made lots of really beautiful things with his hands. He was creative and individual and determined.

{Writing these Family History Friday's is hard, especially when they're about people I know. I get all emotional and personal.}

Site Under Construction

stay tuned... cuteness to come!

Georgie Girls Adorable Room

I spent this afternoon getting the kids closets cleaned out and arranging Georgie's side of the room. It feels good to have it finished... and I think it looks adorable!

Thanks Carrie for the paintings, we love them!!

A few months ago Carrie mentioned that she was on a painting kick and so I asked if she was interested in doing two paintings for Georgie's room. She was and so I sent her a couple of pictures of Georgie's crib bumper. They turned out perfect! Now I need to decide what to do with them: leave them as they are or frame them. Any suggestions??

Happy Birthday Papa M.

George & Georgia

Happy Birthday Papa!

We love you and hope you have a wonderful day and year ahead.