9 years ago
September 21, 2011
September 19, 2011
Jonny's Man-Cation
There is a tradition in my family that started back with my Grandpa Fuddy and his sons going to Yellowstone every year. That tradition continued with sons-in-laws (my Dad), and grandsons once they were 8 years old. My Dad and brother Tyler have continued that tradition with my brothers and his brothers-in-law as well. This was the first year in a long time that my Dad's health kept him from backpacking in, so he and my Mom provided the transportation across the lake and then stayed in a cabin.
Backpacking, camping, fishing, and staying away from bears are pretty much the activities of choice
There is always the annual fishing competition with the trash talk starting long before the trip. My little brother Alex took top dog this year.
September 14, 2011
First Day of Kindergarten
I struggled with the dilemma of what to do with Addy and school all summer. She turns 5 on the 25th of September, so she missed the classic deadline to start Kindergarten despite being a good head taller than her peers or already knowing all the pre-K requirements. I just couldn't justify paying private school tuition for Kindergarten. So, I chose a good preschool, Montessori, that would work with her individually so she wouldn't be bored and would continue to learn. Montessori also had a Kindergarten program, but again, it was more than we wanted to be paying, so we just went with the preschool 4 days a week.
About 3 weeks into preschool I had to pick up Addy early. The director came and talked to me and asked me if I would be okay with them putting Addy in the Kindergarten class. She said she could just go 4-days a week so the tuition would stay the same, but she thought she would do much better in the Kindergarten class. I was really happy to hear this from someone else not related to me because it made me feel like my motherly instincts were right all along...unfortunately, the financial ones couldn't quite aid in the process. So luckily, we found the best of both worlds. As to what this means come next year? We'll see...but in the meantime, I didn't want to miss getting pictures of her first day of Kindergarten.
Her poses make me laugh and remind me of Elaine from Seinfeld.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Grandma Sans got us all tickets to see Joseph at the Hale Centre Theatre. We were highly entertained! Addy didn't want to have her picture with any of the male actors, but the cute dancers...she jumped at the chance! Thanks Grandma Sans!
September Cousins' Birthday Party
Addy (5), Claire (7), Graham (4), and Will (3) all have birthdays in September. We had one big birthday party at Grandma's house to celebrate them all!
Having a heart to heart
Addy wanted a ballerina cake, so Grandma came through with flying colors
She also made the other 3 kiddos' cake requests as well
Love this picture
September 13, 2011
The Best Cake Ever
So, first a little background...
My nephew Graham has struggled the past year with going #2 in the potty. He does great with #1, but would ask for a diaper or a pull-up to relieve himself of #2. (I totally get this since we're having issues with this and London currently) Graham is a smart kid. His mom told him that when he turned 4-years-old that there wouldn't be anymore diapers or pull-ups and he was going to have to start going in the potty. He accepted that and was gearing up for it.
My Mom makes all the grandkids the cake of their choice for their birthday. Over the years, there have been quite a lot of interesting selections...My Little Pony Trains, Haunted Houses, Dora & Boots, and may other great ones. Well, one day, Graham came up with a great idea. He told his Mom that he wanted to have a "Poo Poo in the Potty Cake" for his birthday. You'd think that since this idea happened a good month before his birthday he would have changed his mind or been talked out of such a cake. Nope. Instead, Graham shared every detail of what he wanted with this cake. He told my Mom that there needed to be a white toilet with poo poo in it and then a bum. So, my Mom being the amazing Grandma that she is, created Graham's dream cake.
It makes me laugh out loud every time I look at it. For some reason, it just wasn't too appetizing...probably because it was a bit too realistic for my pregnant self.
And the best news, he now goes poop in the potty! Happy 4th Birthday Graham! We love you to pieces!
September 4, 2011
10 Years Ago Today...
Today in Primary, I got to do sharing time which was all about missionary work. I went downstairs in our basement and pulled out a bunch of souvinirs I brought home and displayed them for the kids. I also realized that today was a special day.
Ten years ago today, Sato Hisako was baptized in Toyonaka, Japan. I love this woman with all of my heart. I met her in early August of 2001 after I transferred to a new area and new part of our newly combined mission...Mino. I was nervous to be going "senior" companion over my first Japanese companion and knowing absolutely nothing about the area.
Takasaki Shimai (my companion) was a dream. While she didn't speak, nor wanted to learn how to speak, a lick of English, we got along like bread and butter or sticky rice and chopsticks. We didn't have any active investigators in our teaching pool, so we decided to go and knock on Mrs. Sato's door. She had listened to one lesson from my previous companion, but then started dodging phone calls and saying she was too busy to meet again.
When Mrs. Sato opened the door, I was greeted by a darling, super petite 75-year-old grandma with piercing eyes. She was surprised to see me and even more surprised when I introduced myself and started speaking Japanese. When I told her I was from Salt Lake City, Utah her eyes lit up and she told me that her late husband had done an internship for the Deseret News some 40 years prior. Coincidence? I think not. She quickly invited us in.
Over the next few weeks, I had the absolute priviledge of teaching this kind, humble soul the gospel of Jesus Christ. Most older Japanese folk are so stuck in their ways and in the traditions of Buddhism, it's almost impossible to crack them open. Mrs. Sato had an open heart and an open mind and she accepted everything we taught. We set her baptism date for September 4, 2001. With her acceptance of the gospel came some sad news...her two grown and married sons decided to disown their 75 year old mother.
The ward rallied around her and in a matter of two short weeks, she had more friends than she had ever had before in her life. Her baptism was a beautiful day. As with all baptisms, the Spirit was so strong. Almost the entire ward came to see her baptized. She sat inbetween my companion and I and tears streamed out of her eyes as we sang "The Spirit of God."
I was blessed to stay in this same area for the rest of my mission. Sister Sato became our little missionary buddy. We would take her with us when we'd teach lessons to other women. It was so fun to have her share her sweet experience and testimony with other investigators.
I came home from my mission in January of 2002. I got a phone call from Sister Sato on my birthday in July that same year. She was calling to wish me a Happy Birthday, but also to let me know that she was going to go to the Tokyo Temple in October, just a little after a year from her baptism. I wasn't going to miss it for the world.
I flew to Tokyo in October, met my companion Takasaki Shimai (who had since finished her mission too) at the airport. We met up with Sister Sato and some other ward members the next day at the Tokyo Temple. She took out her endowments and was also sealed to her late husband. It was one of the best days of my life.
Since 2002, Sister Sato continued to keep in touch with me. She would call me on my birthday and email me via other ward members. We exchanged Christmas cards and New Year's cards every year. She even went on a tour of Nauvoo with some fellow Japanese ward members. She was a solid member of the church.
Late last year I got an email from another ward member in Japan letting me know that Sister Sato had cancer and just a few short weeks later another email came through saying she had passed away. I sat at my computer and tears streamed out of my eyes. I was sad to think that I wouldn't get another card or another phone call from her again. I was also happy as I imagined the reunion she had in heaven with her husband who had passed away so many years before her, now sealed for eternity. I thought of the scripture in Doctrine & Convenants 18:10 that talks about the worth of souls is great in the sight of God and "how great shall be your joy" if you bring but one soul unto "me." I felt that joy with Sister Sato and she truly touched my life.
For Primary today, I pulled out the kimono she made for me. That was her job, even at 75-years-old she hand-sewed kimonos for various people for various occasions. I was the proud recipient of a gorgeous kimono custom-made just for me. It brought tears to my eyes yet again as I remembered her and her legacy.
I am reminded of the quote that says, "Some people come into your lives, leave footprints on your heart, and you are never the same." Sato Shimai...thank you...i love you.
(Pictures coming...need the scanner to be fixed since my mission was during the time of actual film)
Ten years ago today, Sato Hisako was baptized in Toyonaka, Japan. I love this woman with all of my heart. I met her in early August of 2001 after I transferred to a new area and new part of our newly combined mission...Mino. I was nervous to be going "senior" companion over my first Japanese companion and knowing absolutely nothing about the area.
Takasaki Shimai (my companion) was a dream. While she didn't speak, nor wanted to learn how to speak, a lick of English, we got along like bread and butter or sticky rice and chopsticks. We didn't have any active investigators in our teaching pool, so we decided to go and knock on Mrs. Sato's door. She had listened to one lesson from my previous companion, but then started dodging phone calls and saying she was too busy to meet again.
When Mrs. Sato opened the door, I was greeted by a darling, super petite 75-year-old grandma with piercing eyes. She was surprised to see me and even more surprised when I introduced myself and started speaking Japanese. When I told her I was from Salt Lake City, Utah her eyes lit up and she told me that her late husband had done an internship for the Deseret News some 40 years prior. Coincidence? I think not. She quickly invited us in.
Over the next few weeks, I had the absolute priviledge of teaching this kind, humble soul the gospel of Jesus Christ. Most older Japanese folk are so stuck in their ways and in the traditions of Buddhism, it's almost impossible to crack them open. Mrs. Sato had an open heart and an open mind and she accepted everything we taught. We set her baptism date for September 4, 2001. With her acceptance of the gospel came some sad news...her two grown and married sons decided to disown their 75 year old mother.
The ward rallied around her and in a matter of two short weeks, she had more friends than she had ever had before in her life. Her baptism was a beautiful day. As with all baptisms, the Spirit was so strong. Almost the entire ward came to see her baptized. She sat inbetween my companion and I and tears streamed out of her eyes as we sang "The Spirit of God."
I was blessed to stay in this same area for the rest of my mission. Sister Sato became our little missionary buddy. We would take her with us when we'd teach lessons to other women. It was so fun to have her share her sweet experience and testimony with other investigators.
I came home from my mission in January of 2002. I got a phone call from Sister Sato on my birthday in July that same year. She was calling to wish me a Happy Birthday, but also to let me know that she was going to go to the Tokyo Temple in October, just a little after a year from her baptism. I wasn't going to miss it for the world.
I flew to Tokyo in October, met my companion Takasaki Shimai (who had since finished her mission too) at the airport. We met up with Sister Sato and some other ward members the next day at the Tokyo Temple. She took out her endowments and was also sealed to her late husband. It was one of the best days of my life.
Since 2002, Sister Sato continued to keep in touch with me. She would call me on my birthday and email me via other ward members. We exchanged Christmas cards and New Year's cards every year. She even went on a tour of Nauvoo with some fellow Japanese ward members. She was a solid member of the church.
Late last year I got an email from another ward member in Japan letting me know that Sister Sato had cancer and just a few short weeks later another email came through saying she had passed away. I sat at my computer and tears streamed out of my eyes. I was sad to think that I wouldn't get another card or another phone call from her again. I was also happy as I imagined the reunion she had in heaven with her husband who had passed away so many years before her, now sealed for eternity. I thought of the scripture in Doctrine & Convenants 18:10 that talks about the worth of souls is great in the sight of God and "how great shall be your joy" if you bring but one soul unto "me." I felt that joy with Sister Sato and she truly touched my life.
For Primary today, I pulled out the kimono she made for me. That was her job, even at 75-years-old she hand-sewed kimonos for various people for various occasions. I was the proud recipient of a gorgeous kimono custom-made just for me. It brought tears to my eyes yet again as I remembered her and her legacy.
I am reminded of the quote that says, "Some people come into your lives, leave footprints on your heart, and you are never the same." Sato Shimai...thank you...i love you.
(Pictures coming...need the scanner to be fixed since my mission was during the time of actual film)
September 2, 2011
It's a Boy!
I was really starting to feel the pressure that this baby needed to be a boy or...or...or...I guess I would just feel bad for Jonathan. We already have 3 demanding girls in this family (me included) and I just wanted the poor guy to get a break from all the drama and estrogen. I also didn't want to "try for a fourth" in hopes it was a boy, especially because I can barely handle the two I've got. The thought of doubling 2 to 4 kiddos brings on blind staggers.
(Dear Grandma Ber: I know you don't consider a family to be a "real family" until they have at least five kids...looks like the Eberhardts will just be faking the family thing. Love, Miki)
We went into the doctor's office and we were both nervous. The ultrasound tech knew we had 2 girls and that yes, we wanted to find out. She had just barely put that high-tech thing on my belly, turned on the big screen above us both so we could see, and exclaimed, "It's a boy!" Jonathan jumped up to get a closer look and questioned the tech and her abilities, making sure she wasn't just seeing cord. After detailed pictures and explanations of the male anatomy that the tech was seeing, we both had big smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes. We just didn't think we could make those boy parts. The baby seems to be growing and developing just perfectly. And turns out my keeping track of my cycles was accurate with this baby measuring exactly on for the original estimated due date of January 19th.
We hadn't even made it out of the doctor's office before Jonathan was talking about painting the nursery and asking if we could get new bedding for this baby boy. Um...while I think the pink and green would be lovely...yes dear, we'll be getting new bedding and a whole bunch of other new stuff. While it would be incredibly easy to have another girl (I've got about 7 big storage bins of girl clothes in my basement), I'm excited to venture over to those parts of the children's clothing stores I've never been before.
I think the best reaction was when we picked up Addy from preschool on our way home. I told Addy that she was going to have a little brother and she closed her eyes, clenched her fists, and excitedly said, "YES!"
So, to say we are excited is an understatement. Now, as for naming this little buddy...good thing we've got time.
(Dear Grandma Ber: I know you don't consider a family to be a "real family" until they have at least five kids...looks like the Eberhardts will just be faking the family thing. Love, Miki)
We went into the doctor's office and we were both nervous. The ultrasound tech knew we had 2 girls and that yes, we wanted to find out. She had just barely put that high-tech thing on my belly, turned on the big screen above us both so we could see, and exclaimed, "It's a boy!" Jonathan jumped up to get a closer look and questioned the tech and her abilities, making sure she wasn't just seeing cord. After detailed pictures and explanations of the male anatomy that the tech was seeing, we both had big smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes. We just didn't think we could make those boy parts. The baby seems to be growing and developing just perfectly. And turns out my keeping track of my cycles was accurate with this baby measuring exactly on for the original estimated due date of January 19th.
We hadn't even made it out of the doctor's office before Jonathan was talking about painting the nursery and asking if we could get new bedding for this baby boy. Um...while I think the pink and green would be lovely...yes dear, we'll be getting new bedding and a whole bunch of other new stuff. While it would be incredibly easy to have another girl (I've got about 7 big storage bins of girl clothes in my basement), I'm excited to venture over to those parts of the children's clothing stores I've never been before.
I think the best reaction was when we picked up Addy from preschool on our way home. I told Addy that she was going to have a little brother and she closed her eyes, clenched her fists, and excitedly said, "YES!"
So, to say we are excited is an understatement. Now, as for naming this little buddy...good thing we've got time.
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