S - N - A - C - K2

Visiting with Santa

2011-12-19T15:39:00.007-07:00

Here is Angela with Santa

Christopher looking good.

And Kirsten with her cheesy grin. What a ham.

Angela is going to public school

2011-12-05T15:24:00.006-07:00

This has been a rough and challenging year for Angela. With the birth of Elizabeth to one of Angela's close friends and neighbors moving to Aunt Shanna coming home from her mission. On the first day of November Angela tells me she wants to go back to public school. Mostly because she wants friends and I have on occasion forgoten to mark her lessons. It took awhile for there to be room for her as just until recently the 5th grade classes at Tendoy Elementary were all full. Finally I got a call from the secretary telling me that there is a open spot. Angela was so excited to go pick out a new back pack in preparation for school. I am also looking forward to spending more time with just Kirsten and Elizabeth.

So with this change coming, I ask myself do I regret home schooling my kids? At first I thought yes, but after thinking it through no I don't regret it at all. There are things and lessons that neither I or my kids wouldn't have learned. Since this blog entry is about Angela, I will say I would not have learned how gifted and talented in the area of learning she is. She excels at History, Reading, Science, and Math. She more then often finishes her school work in less then 3 hours. I must also remind myself that she may not have become so accomplished in these subjects had she not been at home doing her lessons with the Idaho Virtual Academy. SO that in and of itself made it all worth it for her during the last 2 1/2 years. There is also a time and place I believe for public school. Kids do need that interaction with other kids their age. Especially when they get into the 6th grade and beyond. I was going to put her back in public school in the 6th grade anyway. So when she came to me expressing interest in returning early I thought it's only a year earlier then planned. Not a big deal. I shall have to say I will miss Angela being here with me at home. Good Luck Angela. I love you more then you will ever know. Go make some friends.

A New Look

2011-12-01T15:54:00.008-07:00

Angie and I decided to donate our hair to locks of Love. Trina Rowe was good enough to cut our hair to do so. I had to talk myself into it because I was so used to it being long.

Here I am in my before picture.

Here is Angela's before picture.

Here we are in our after Picture. Ken thinks the shorter hair makes me look slimmer. I just know for Angie this will make it much easier for her to fix in the morning. Sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit don't ya think?

Elizabeth's blessing

2011-11-30T16:07:00.011-07:00

We blessed Elizabeth on the 20th of November. She looked so cute in her blessing dress.
Mommy holding her.
This pictures of Elizabeth is so cute. I love the expression on her face.
Grandma Tennant enjoyed holding her.
Of course Angela had to hold her little sister.
Grandpa Tennant holding Kirsten. They have a unbreakable bond. Can't you just see it in their faces?
Grandma Hubbard holding Elizabeth.
What a cutie. Love this baby of mine.
Samantha Melissa Griffin Grandma Hubbard Abby watching Sam's baby after the dinner wound down.

Halloween

2011-11-30T16:03:00.003-07:00

So it's time to do a little catch up on the ole blog. Here are pictures of the kids wearing their Halloween costumes.

AMAZING Time at the Swore Farm Corn Maze

2011-11-04T18:42:00.006-06:00

As part of a Idaho Virtual Academy activity Angela got to go to the Swore Farm and go through the corn Maze. Here they are at the entrance of the Maze.

Kirsten was so excited to go again. She helped us navigate our way through.
"Here all the pumpkins" Kirsten told us. She was thrilled to show us how big they all are.
My two cute girls in the John Deere Tractor. Grandpa Hubbard would be proud.
And how cute is a cow named Kirsten and a farmer named Angela? Love my girls.

We all love holding Elizabeth

2011-11-04T15:06:00.011-06:00

Ken is such the ever loving father. I love these pictures of him with Elizabeth.
A close up of our sweet baby. She is only 5 days old here.
And of course I had to get all four of them together. Aren't they cute?
Angie holding her sister
Christopher
And of course we have Kirsten with her baby sister.
And you just have to have Mommy holding her.
Kirsten loved siting with Grandpa Downey.
Here is Grandpa and Grandma Downey holding Elizabeth.
And let's not forget my mom. She stayed with us for a week. I almost forgot to take this picture. I love them all

Recent pictures of Elizabeth Jane

2011-10-09T11:41:00.002-06:00

This is a collage of the pictures that were taken of Elizabeth when she was only 5 days old. A friend in our ward Catherine Auger took the picture. We thought they were adorable.

Kirsten's Preschool Field Trip

2011-10-05T20:56:00.010-06:00

On October 5th, 2011, Kirsten had a field trip with her preschool class out to the Swore Farms located north of Chubbuck, Idaho. They had a corn maze filled with trivia questions used to direct people through the maze. After getting through the maze, the kids were allowed to go and choose pumpkins for themselves.

Kirsten had a great time as she would lead for a while through the maze. She did not know what the signs said, but she would look at the directions of the arrows on the trivia cards and choose a direction that way. Sometimes her method would work, but other times, Dad would have to intervene.

Entrance to the corn maze

Kirsten by a trivia sign

The sign should say it all.

These pumpkins where huge.

Kirsten choosing pumpkins

Announcing the Birth of Elizabeth Jane Tennant

2011-10-02T08:50:00.015-06:00

I went into labor at 4:00am in the morning on September 30, 2011. I knew it was the real thing when the contraction didn't let up and came every 5 minutes. An hour later I woke up Ken and we got dressed and went on a walk around the parking lot of the church near our house.

About 2 1/2 hours later we called our midwife Michelle Bartlett. The kids woke up shortly after that. We then wrote an email to Christopher's teacher letting her know he wouldn't be in school that day as he wanted to be there when his sibling was born.

Ken found it amusing at me as I put make up on while coping with the ever more serious contraction. Yes it took 3 times at long, but I wanted to look nice for the pictures that would be taken after our baby was born. He also found it amusing again as I fixed Kirsten's hair for the same reason. While I fixed Kirsten's hair she looked up at me once in a while wondering why I would pause during the time I curled her hair to breath the contractions. Valerie our midwife's assistant walked in while I was fixing Kirsten's hair and also thought it was a funny sight.

Later our friend, Robyn Allgood, came whom we asked to help out with the labor and to take pictures after the baby was born came. She cooked Ken and I breakfast to give us both some needed energy, especially since labor was becoming more difficult. Because of Ken's amusement and grinning over fixing Kirsten's hair and doing my hair, I would burst out in laughter too. This in turn made Robyn, Michelle and Valerie laugh as well. I'm sure they thought I was a little crazy. I mean come on who laughs during labor?

Well, a little while later, I labored more in my bedroom. It got to the point where I felt like laying down on the bed to relax as the contractions were getting quite intense. What took me completely by surprise was shortly after I laid on the bed my water broke. This caused both Ken and I to make a mad dash to the birthing tube that Ken had filled the previous night.

As soon as I got in the water, I started to laugh again. This again made everyone else laugh all over again. This went on for what seemed like a few minutes, but was really around 45 minutes. Finally Michelle asked me to get on my hands and knees and breathe through the contraction and let them do the work. I would know when I needed to push and she was right.

It wasn't long before I knew it was defiantly time to push. After about 5 minutes she was out and Ken handed her to me. I was very eager to find out the gender of the baby. The cord was between her legs so at first glance I thought she was a boy. After a closer look saw that she was in fact a girl. It was a very fun surprise. I felt nothing more then shear elation over the whole ordeal. The joy that only comes through giving birth. Elizabeth curled up on my chest like she knew I am her mom. It was a priceless moment. The other 3 kids watched the scene unfold and were pleased as can be to meet their new sister. Ken was just as surprised and happy as I was.

I stayed in the water until the cord was ready to be cut and I was able to breast feed Elizabeth. After which the Michelle and her assistant Valerie helped me dry off and get into bed with Elizabeth. Shortly after this, Valerie weighed and measured her. I guess that she would be 8 pounds 10 ounces. Michelle, Valerie, and Ken were all amazed to find that I was right. She was also 22 inches long with a head measurement of 14.25 inches.

Anyway the expercie was very joyful and here are some picutes of it. This was by far one of the best birthing experiences I have had. Truly to me one of God's miracles.

Kirsten's 1st week at Preschool

2011-09-08T15:01:00.003-06:00

Here is Kirsten being so excited to go to school. She was a little hesitant at first but she is ready now.
And of course she had to show off her new Princess back pack that she picked out herself. She is styling here.
Here she is on her second day posing with her teacher Miss Jen as the Kids call her. On Tuesday she learned about the letter A and the sound it makes and today she was read the story of Johnny apple seed. I think this will be a great year. Look at the excitement on her face. Yea for learning.

Kirsten's self inflicted hair cut

2011-07-23T19:32:00.005-06:00

Well Kirsten decided while no one was watching to cut her own hair. From the picture you can see the damage to her bangs. What the picture doesn't show is how short she cut the side of her hair. It was cut above her ear. Only one way to fix it unfortunately.
Yup we had to get it cut even. My friend Trina Rowe was nice enough to cut it. It's just too bad it had to be cut so short. When I asked Kirsten why she cut it all she said was"I wanted to look like a boy." I blame it on the fact that Ken gave himself and Christopher a hair cut. So Kirsten must have felt left out to the point that she wanted it cut that short too. Now I have the challenge of making her not look like a boy until it grows out again. Silly girl. Oh well Hair grows right? Too bad it grows at such a slow rate. Sigh.

Christopher's Baptism

2011-06-12T17:48:00.005-06:00

We were so proud of Christopher for making the decision to be baptized. Here he is with Ken and I. I love his smile.

The whole family came out to celebrate the occasion with us with a dinner following the baptism. All of my sibling except Alex and Eli came. Thank you for supporting us in this event. Family is the best.

Here is the five of us. Ken Me Christopher, Angela, and Kirsten.

Kirsten's Birthday

2011-06-01T11:27:00.009-06:00

We had so much fun celebrating Kirsten's 3rd Birthday. We invited Grandma and Grandpa Tennant, Grandma and Grandpa Hubbard, and Great-Grandma and Grandpa Downey. We grilled hamburgars and hot dogs and enjoyed yummy Rainbow Birthday Cake. Happy Birthday Kirsten. She sure had fun.

Here is Kirsten so excited to blow out the candles on her rainbow cake.
She knew exactly how to blow them out without being told. Such a smart kid.
Grandma Tennant Angela Christopher and Grandma Hubbard eating the birthday cake. So good.
She loved the farm book Great-Grandma Downey gave her.
Here favorite had to be the bear from Grandma Tennant. It is as Big as Kirsten. She loved it.

A picture of the Idaho Falls Temple the present from Grandma and Grandpa Hubbard.

Easter

2011-05-02T18:45:00.011-06:00

We had a lot of fun during the Easter season. The Friday before Easter the kids Ken and I colored Easter eggs. We all had so much fun. On Easter Sunday we invited Grandma and Grandpa Downey and Grandma and Grandpa Tennant(Ken's parents or course). We all had a nice time visiting and eating.

Christopher coloring his eggs.
Kirsten had so much fun coloring her egg red. She didn't want to take it out of the red. Silly girl.
And of course Ken. We had to get a picture of him the father of the house.
The kids and I in our group picture.
Here are the kids wrestling with their Grandpa Tennant. They love playing with him like this.
Kirsten climbed up in Grandpa Downey's lap all on her own. She is such a loving kid.

Here is a picture of Grandpa and Grandma Downey. They look so good here. They really enjoyed themselves.

Thoughts on What makes a home a home for me

2011-04-08T11:05:00.006-06:00

One of my favorite memories of my childhood is coming home from off the school bus to find the kitchen full of the smell of fresh homemade bread. Me and my siblings just loved a fresh piece of bread buttered and spread with jam or honey. This is one of the many things that made home a home to me. Fresh bread. I guess it spoke to me of how much our mother cared about us. She not only knew it was cheaper to make homemade bread she knew it created a special kind of love communicated only with cooking in this way. Perhaps this is one reason I cook and bake the way I do. To me it speaks of caring. It short it made our house a home. And when I make bread in my home I have created with my husband and kids several years later the same thing for my kids. The smell and taste of home cooking no matter the kind make a house a home.

Silly Pictures

2011-03-26T10:40:00.008-06:00

This one is of Kirsten. It's like she knew she was tired. So tired she didn't even make it all the way onto the couch. Funny girl. After taking this picture, I put her feet on the couch, and laid her favorite blanket on her. Poor tired girl. I guess she wore herself out playing all day. It's tough being a kid.

I thought this was funny too. This is of our dog Hachi. We thought he was quite silly, lazy, and cute to eat his food laying down. It's like he's thinking, "I'm no idiot, Standing is just a waste of energy when I'm hungry." We've never seen a dog eat this way so We had to take a picture of him. Silly puppy huh?

Meet Hachi

2011-03-14T16:49:00.006-06:00

Meet the newest member of our family. Last Saturday Ken took the kids to the Human Society pet adoption day. They saw lots of dogs needing good homes. The kids immediately liked this dog the best out of all the dogs they saw. At the persistents of the kids, and after talking to the current owner of Hachi they decided to adopt him. Hachi is a black Lab collie mix. I think he looks more like a black lab though. He is 4 1/2 months old. He came with the name Koa but none of us liked that name very well and he didn't answer to it any way. So we changed it to Hachi. We got the name from a movie we recently watched. We all think the name Hachi fits him better any way. So far he is a nice well behaved dog. We had to teach him how to go down stairs during the first day or so. I don't think he lived with stairs before. He started out being really shy but now he is acting like a normal dog. He likes to play with Riddick the dog we are watching for Shanna while she is on her mission. I think having Riddick around has also helped Hachi adjust to living here. After only being here a few days, we have all decided he will be a permanent resident here at the Tennant house hold.

A Poem in honor of our Buddy

2011-02-19T15:04:00.004-07:00

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

This poem was mailed to me in a card form by Community Animal Hospital. The vet where we took Buddy for his final check up. We also took him for his shoots there. Anyway this poem brought me to true tears. I realized after reading it just how much I miss my Buddy dog. Grief is universal.

Shani

Obituary of Buddy Tennant

2011-02-17T08:41:00.005-07:00

Buddy, born 10 and a half years ago with an exact date unknown. He came to us through a coworker or mine as a stray puppy picked out of a drainage ditch. From the first day that he came into the home to his last day this morning, he was loved.

As a pup, he started off as a mix with a coat of black, white, and brown. In his latter years, the black on his nose faded to gray and as that became more noticeable, we knew that his time was short.

We watched him grow from his small puppy size into a full grown, seventy pound dog and had many laughs, walks, plays, and many other memories. Some of those include catching him in the clothes basket before he grew to large to fit in it. Memories of us looking for Buddy all over the house only to find him many times comfortably laying under the kids bed, sometimes he would stay there all night as if on guard for one reason or another.

When others would come into our home, he was always anxious to meet them and would soon lick the person to death if they would let him. Many times we would have to do intervention to get him to not jump up on people in his excitement or keep him locked out of the rooms all together.

He came first in our family followed by the arrival of our oldest, Angela, nine months later. He was comfort for my wife during that time and has been a great protector of the kids during his time with us.

Now, like any of us or any dog, he still had his moments where he caused fear and anger as he often would take neighborhood jaunts most often without us knowing it. Many times, we thought that he would have been picked up the local dog catcher, but thankfully that only happened once. He always came back though happy from where ever he went and often would carry a stench that would leave much to be desired for any kind of affection. He hated getting cleaned up, but after the first few times, he learned to just take it until we felt that he was sufficiently clean.

He also put up a lot with kids as they would play with him. When the kids where younger, especially with our youngest, Kirsten, they would play with him, pretend to ride him like a horse, and chase him around with their toys in whatever imaginary game they had at the time.

Oh, how we loved our dog, Buddy. Thankfully, we have another dog, Riddick, my sisters dog, to fill in the gap, but even that may be short lived as Shanna will be getting back from her mission in October. Will we ever get another dog after Riddick leaves, probably. However, Buddy will always hold a special place in our heart as he is the first...

His death was quick. He died in my arms as I carried him out to the car. He started showing signs of problems yesterday as he fell over, thrashed on the floor, threw up, and whimpered in pain. We took him to the vet and after some diagnosis, sent us home with some pain medication to see if it would help. Extensive test and hospitalization would have been needed to determine a cause, but we felt that he would not survive that long. So, we brought him home, made up a bed, and there he stayed the rest of the evening on into this morning. I got up to deliver papers and found him in a different position on the floor, but still breathing and looking coherent. Angie and I got the papers delivered, swapped vehicles with my parents for my dad's ankle checkup, and came home to find a mess with Buddy. He was spasming, coughing up blood, and just not doing good. At that point, I picked up his body and took him back out to load him into the back of the car to rush him to the vets. Right after laying him down, his body went stiff, had one major spasm, then all things stopped. His heart...his breathing...his eyes going lifeless...and I cried. The kids cried...my wife cried...we all cried...even now I am tearing up because I miss my dog, Buddy.

I know that he is in a better place, but that does not take the pain away from missing him. I cannot wait to see him again some day just as much as I cannot wait to see my daughter some day. I know that at this point she now has him and awaits the time that we will all be together again. I did not think that I would feel this way about our dog, because he is just a dog...but he was and is my dog and I do miss him terribly already.

I do not know what the rest of the day will bring emotionally. Shani has some things going on this evening...I still need to figure out what to do with Buddy's body. Christopher went to school this morning, but I did talk to his teacher of the situation. The other two kids are here at home and I have taken the rest of the day off from work. Angie will probably not be doing school today as the emotions are running high with her too, but you really cannot blame her.

Buddy...a great family dog in life...we will miss him and hope that he is happy where he is at now...can't believe how fast his life has gone by...miss you bud and keep Naomi company until we can all get back together.

Buddy(Our Best Friend)

2011-02-16T19:35:00.006-07:00

Our best friend and Buddy in more ways then one has become quite sick today. It first started this afternoon as he came tripping up the stairs. He wouldn't walk on his back legs and finally just lay there on the floor as if he wanted to die. I called Ken who came home from work as soon as he could. I knew he needed to be taken to the vet but I knew I couldn't lift him as he is a 60 pound dog. After the vet looked him over and examined him she did some blood work and found his white blood cells were way too high. This meant he has an infection. She sent us home with some medicine that we needed to give him about every 12 hours or so. The hard thing is we can't get him to eat any food let alone the medicine. We have even tried hiding it in a dog snack and he still won't eat it. I'm afraid our Buddy has lost the will to go on living. Ken later did manage to get the medicine down his throat. We will just have to see how he is in the morning.

What is hard on me Ken and the kids is he has been our dog for the past 10 1/2 years. We got him just before I got pregnant with our first child Angela. Buddy is the reason I credit being able to get pregnant to begin with. He has been my walking buddy, my weight loss buddy my grief counselor, my play mate, my home greeter, and my over all best Buddy Ever. Ken is having a hard time as well for similar reasons. So I'm not sure what to pray, relief for the pain or relief from this life that for Buddy at this time brings unwanted pain. I will have to leave it in God's hands now.

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words...sometimes...you judge

2011-01-26T18:27:00.006-07:00

The following picture actually did not give us a thousand words....

In fact it left us speechless....

We knew it could happen....

We did not do anything to keep it from happening....

Normally my wife would be the one to make this entry, but with her hanging out with some friends tonight, she agreed to let me (Ken) make this post....

My wife called me at work to tell me about the picture below....

So, it has been a few hours since she told me....

I am still at a loss for words....

I am excited and anxious....

My wife feels the same way and expressed her feelings about it right before she left this evening....

We post this with the hopes of having to keep the repetitions of this news to a minimum....

I am sure by now you are wondering when I am going to get to the picture....

Don't worry....

It well be visible shortly....

Let us know what you think of this picture....

Again, pictures can be worth a thousand words....

What will be your words when you see the picture....

Are you ready....

Crocheted baby blanket

2011-01-24T14:21:00.003-07:00

I just finished this baby blanket this afternoon. It took me 14 days to crochet. This is one of my favorite hobbies next to scrap booking. I decided to make one a month to have on hand for my standard baby gift. I figured this was a good color to start with. I could give it to anyone either having a boy or girl. I'm excited to make another one next month.

This picture shows the ruffle I did around the whole blanket.
A close up of the pattern I used. My favorite pattern too.

New Years Resolution

2011-01-20T19:11:00.004-07:00

So it has taken me a few weeks to decide what my New Years Resolution should be. I thought it through and came up with a few. Let's hope for the best this year.

Clean the messes I make and teach my children to do the same. This is quite different from the be a better house cleaner. This basically means if I get some thing out I should put it away. Plain and simple.
Be kinder and more patient with my kids. I am not the best but that is why I put more patient. I will at least try and that's what counts.
Set reasonable expectations for myself. For example crocheting a baby blanket in a week is not a reasonable expectation for myself anymore. If I crochet one every month that is fine. I seem to be my own worst boss, or critic how ever you choose to look at it.
Read 3 1/2 pages of the scriptures every day. I read a blog that stated if I read 3 1/2 pages of the bible I could read it in one year. I could also read the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine of Covenants in one year. This interested me very much and I decided to make it a goal.
I also feel it is important to love my kids more. By more I mean tell them I love them, hug them every night, and take them out for special treats every once in a while. After all to a kid or any one for that matter, Love is spelled T-I-M-E. So this year I plan to spend more quality time with each of my kids.

Well that about rapes it up. I don't want to make to many or I won't keep them all. I'm going to try to make and effort to keep just these 5. Not too many, Not too few. Just Right.

Parable of the Rose (Self Worth)

2011-01-07T07:16:00.003-07:00

I first read this story in collage and had it in a thought book. I found it again on a friends face book wall and thought I'd share it here.

A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully and before it blossomed, he examined it. He saw the bud that would soon blossom, but noticed thorns upon the stem and he thought...

How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?

Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and before it was ready to bloom, it died.

So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose: The God-like qualities planted in us at birth growing amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects. We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies. We never realize our potential.

Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns and find the rose within others.

This is the characteristic of love.... To look at a person and know their true faults. Accepting that person into your life, while recognizing the nobility in their soul. Help them to realize that they can overcome their faults. If we show them the rose, they will conquer their thorns. Only then will they blossom many times over.

~ Anonymous

By: Tom Baker

New Years Eve

2011-01-05T19:13:00.008-07:00

For New Years Eve as a Family we decided to go to Lava Hot Springs. It was so much fun. The kids had a blast playing in the water. Afterwards we went out to dinner at the Thai Restaurant. It was a great way to ring in the New Year.

Angie getting warm in her towel for a while.
Ken Christopher and Kirsten loved the water.
Just me and Kirsten. It took her a while but she soon came to love playing in the water.
Ken just relaxing.
Soaking up the warmth of the pools. Just me and the kids.

Christmas

2010-12-27T18:39:00.013-07:00

So Christmas Eve was spent with Ken's parents. We ate Clam Chowder and Orange Rolls. We also watched A Christmas Carol, the new one with Jim Carry. We also talked to Shanna who is on a mission in Pohnpei. What Fun. They came over the next morning and opened presents with us. This is the Kids Christmas morning. They were so excited to wake up and see what Santa brought them. The looks on their faces just says it all.

Kirsten got PJs and a scarf and hat. She asked Santa for scarf and Angie heard her and that's was her present to Kirsten was. She was so excited to wear them.
Cheryl with her new Wii. She was so excited to get this from her dear husband Mike. She also got a Wii fit to go with it.
Christopher with his new Sunday shirt and tie. Just his size too.
Angela showing us her Christmas dress. I had so much fun picking these dresses out
Kirsten showing us her new Christmas dress. I am sure she will be just pretty wearing it to church.

Visiting Santa

2010-12-24T12:44:00.006-07:00

So these are a little late being posted as they were taken on the 10 of December. Oh well better late then never right? Kirsten was a little better about sitting on Santa's lap this year then she was the last. My three Kids. Don't they look cute?
"Oh all I want for Christmas in my two front teeth"
Angela with Santa
Kirsten was just thrilled to get the candy cane full of chocolates.

Believe

2010-12-20T17:31:00.003-07:00

No one can measure the effect of an unselfish act of kindness. By small simple things great things due indeed come to pass. Of course gifts given and gifts recived make Christmas speacial. For many children, Christmas eve is a very long night as they look forward with eager anticipation to the gifts Santa brings, which is why children love Santa Clause. Let me share what someone once said about Santa Clause. First of all, he's a joyous individual....Next Santa Clause is interested in making others happy. He increases the happy moments in the life of everyone he meets. He loves his work; he gets fun out of his job. He is childlike, simple, humble, sincere, and forgiving. Finally, he is a giver. His philosophy is to give himself away in service. He is a friend to everyone. He smiles. Perhaps you and I could attain greater happiness if we emulated Santa Clause a little more, for his way is the way of the infant Jesus.

President James E. Faust

First Presidency Christmas Devotional 1998

Santa and Sarah

2010-12-19T09:24:00.002-07:00

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa
at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding
a picture of a little girl. "Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling.

"Your friend?" Your sister?

"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he
said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her
dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!"
the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face,
asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.
When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the
child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.

"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ..." the
old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to
collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors.

"The girl in the photograph .. my granddaughter . well, you see ....
she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the
holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa
... any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's
asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave
information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see
what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon.
He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that
hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the
least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening,
he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was
staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's
Hospital.

"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier
that day. "C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa.
They found out which room Sarah was in.

A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and
saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be
her family; there was the Grandmother an d the girl's brother he had
met earlier that day.

A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood
by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead.

And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a
chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking
quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family,
and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and
forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty,
"Ho, ho, ho!"

"Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed
to run to him, IV tubes in tact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender
age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and
excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald
patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he
looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he
had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted
upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the
women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept
quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his
hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him
with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him
excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd
been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled,
Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for
permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the
entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked
intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.

"Oh , yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you, "he said.

Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed.

He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease.

He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he
finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly,

"Silent Night, Holy Night - all is calm, all is bright."

The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and
crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed
at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed
again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own.

"Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and
that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing
with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at
Mayfair Mall this time next year!" He knew it was risky proclaiming
that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to.

He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or
toys -- but the gift of HOPE.

"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed
between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and
grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's
side to thank him.

"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly.

"This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding
and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for
his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went
by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap.

"Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"

"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at
her.

After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each
child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment.

"You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped.

Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little
miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely
recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were
rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year
before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the
sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus.

He had witnessed --and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing
about -- this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed.
Cancer-free. Alive and well.

He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you,
Father. ' Tis a very, Merry Christmas!"

This was sent to me as an e-mail from a friend Heather Sanchez. I loved it so much I had to share it here on my blog. Thanks Heather.

The "W" in Christmas

2010-12-17T09:54:00.001-07:00

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher

She assured me there would be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.

Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room.

Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C.

Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "CHRISTMAS LOVE".

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"CHRISTWAS LOVE"

And, I believe, He still is.

By: LDS General Conference

I found this on a friends'(Elizabeth Burk) face book wall and thought I'd share it here.

Naomi's Heaven Day

2010-12-16T06:12:00.001-07:00

I have thought a lot about what I would post on this day. I know I need to post something since this can never again be a normal day to me anymore. This is after all the day my baby Naomi Ruth Tennant left this life and graduated into the eternities. I wonder what life would have been like if she had lived. I know I wouldn't know what I know now if she had, but I still wonder. Wondering this doesn't keep me from being happy now. I do know that I wouldn't be normal if I didn't wonder this. Some times I do wonder though, if those who have passed on miss those they have left behind. Does Naomi miss me, her siblings her daddy? Does she wonder about the life she didn't have here with us? Maybe, maybe not. I know she has an eternal view on these things way beyond my understanding here on earth. But it doesn't stop me from wondering just the same if she misses us here. I guess if she does, she can always come and visit. We just don't always know she's here. I like to think of her as our guardian Angel, always watching over us. She there, she's alway there.

I also think of this time of year, being the Christmas season and all. Without the birth of Christ, there would be no way for us to return to our Heavenly Father and in turn, no way to see our loved ones again like Naomi. I am extremely grateful for Christ's birth and atonement, making it possible to see Naomi again. This alone gives me reason to go on living and to be happy. One day I will have my time with her. To raise her and see her grow. Though it seems like a long time in some ways, I know in other ways, the time will go quickly. After all to God, time is very short. So what is years to us, is only minutes to God. So while I will miss Naomi for all time, I know I won't have to miss her for eternity. For in the eternity, I will be with her again.

Angela won 2nd place in the Ginger Bread Contest.

2010-12-13T15:07:00.005-07:00

I give you the winners of the the 2010 Idaho Virtual Academy Gingerbread wonderland contest. The 1st place winner in to the far left, Angela is our 2nd place winner here in the middle, and the 3rd place winner is to the far right. They all look pleased to have won, don't you think? I'm so proud of Angela.

Kirsten going Potty

2010-12-10T17:18:00.003-07:00

What more is there to say. I didn't plan to potty train her until she got closer to age 3. However Kirsten had other ideas. She came to me two days ago after her bath and insisted on going potty. I thought I would just humor her and let her sit on it anyway. Much to my surprise, she peed. I was thrilled beyond words. This kid keeps on growing up before my eyes. So for the last two day I have been gently suggeting that she sit on the potty. She was always so wiling to do so. Now she has had a few accidents, which is quite normal. The big deal I am happy about is she is doing it on her own. While we were watching a movie this afternoon, she out right told me "I got to go potty." I took her into the bathroom, she climbed onto the toilet and peed. I'll gladly take a few accidents if it means I will have more success like she has had today. And of course with time, accidents will gradually decrease. I am so happy that her diaper days are history. Yea for Kirsten.

Symbols of Christmas

2010-12-08T11:50:00.005-07:00

Just a week before Christmas, I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room, and to my surpriced, Santa Clause himself stepped out from behind the Christmas Tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.

"What are you doing..." I started to ask but the words choked in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone-gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement of "teach the children." I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy boy from behind the tree. "Teach them the old meaning of Christmas-the meanings that Christmas now has forgotten."

I started to say, "How can I..... " When Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant star.

"Teach the children the star was the heavenly sign of promise long ages ago. God promised a savior for the world and the star was a sign of the fullfillment of that promise. The countless shinning stars at night-one for each man-now showthe burning hope of all mankind." Santa gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth from the bag a glittering red Christmas tree ornament.

"Teach the children red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed his blood that every man might have God's gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intence, vevid- it is the greastest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God."

"Teach the children," he said as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantle and gently hung the red ornament on it. The deep green of the fir tree was a perfect background for the ornament. Here was the second color of Christmas.

"The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round," he said. "This depicts the everlasting hope of all mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful, abundant color of nature. All the needles point heavenward-symbols of Man's returning thoughts toward heaven. The great green tree has been man's best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him." Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound.

"Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for man to return to the fold-it means guidance and return, it further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord." As the soft sound of the bell faded into the night, Santa drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shapes in shadows slowly danced and weaved upon the walls.

"Teach the children," whispered, Santa, " That the candle shows man's thanks for the star of long ago. Its small light is the mirror of starlight. At first candles were placed on the trees- they were like many glowing stars shining against the dark green. The color lights have now taken over in remembrance."

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow and said, "A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow."

Santa slung his bag over his shoulder and began to reach for the candy cane placed high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.

"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the Shepard's crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas Time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keepers."

As Santa looked about the room a feeling of satisfaction shone on his face. He read wonderment in my eyes, and I am sure he sends my admiration for this night.

He reached into his bag and brought forth a large holly wreath. He placed it on the door and said. "Please teach the children the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous round of affection. The wreath does double duty. It is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of all the things of Christmas. Please teach the children."

I pondered and wondered and thrilled at all those symbols. To give, to help, to love and to serve. And Santa, he's the sign of giving, that jolly old elf, and yes, I shall teach the children.

Sherry Dillehey

A Legend

2010-12-07T19:35:00.005-07:00

When I was in Primary a long time ago, they put together a book of stories about 24 to count down the days until Christmas. I will share some of them in the coming weeks. My mom would read them to us every year starting the 1st of December. I am thrilled to continue this tradition with my family.

A Legend

There's a beautiful legend

that's never been told

It may been known

To the Wise Men of Old

How three little children

came early at dawn

With hearts that were sad,

To where Jesus was born

One could not see,

One was too lame to play

While the other, a mute

Not a word could he say.

Yet, led by His star,

They came there to peep

At the little Lord Jesus

With eyes closed in sleep.

But how could the Christ Child

So lovely and fair,

Not waken and smile

When He heard their glad prayer

Of hope at his coming,

Of faith in His birth,

Of the praise at His bringing

God's Peace to the earth?

And, then, as the light

Softly came through the door,

The lad that was lame

Stood upright once more.

The boy that was mute

Started sweetly to sing,

While the child that was blind,

Looked with joy on the king.

Author Unknown

Ginger Bread House Decorating

2010-12-02T15:29:00.009-07:00

So this afternoon Angela and Maridian( I babysit Maridian when she's not in Kindergarten) decided they wanted to decorate the Ginger Bread House. They had so much fun doing it. I put the base frosting on and they did the rest. I think they did and awesome job.

Our finished work of art. I love the green Ginger Bread men don't you?
Both girls were so pleased with their work of art. Now we just need to keep Kirsten from licking the frosting.

A New Look for Kirsten

2010-11-26T20:43:00.004-07:00

During the Thanksgiving day events I asked my mom if she would be willing to cut Kirsten's hair. It was three different lengths before, her shoulder, her chin and she had some uneven bangs. The different lengths made her hair look so thin and it made it such a challenge to fix. So I thought a change was in order. Above is Kirsten before her hair cut.
And here is the after picture. Doesn't she look cute? I think her hair will grow back thicker and be much easier to fix from now on. We curled her hair and she looked just adorable.

Fun in the Snow

2010-11-21T20:43:00.008-07:00

Our good friends Aaron and Angela Park invited us to play in the snow at their house this past Saturday. It was so much fun. Ken and Aaron helped the kids build a snow fort. Yes a snowball fight was sure to follow. Everyone had fun. We will being doing this again I'm sure.

Bundled up Kirsten. So cute. She was so excited to go play in the snow.
Angela and Christopher posing for a picture in the fort they helped build.
Aaron joined in the fun. He had a good aim. He even would catch his wife Angela's snowballs she threw at him and he would throw them back at her. He made her so mad when he did that.
Ken got so busy making snowballs, he got hot and took off his coat. Funny man.
The kids hard at work making snow balls. Make a lot. You'll need them.

Our Anniversary trip to Lava Hot springs

2010-11-21T20:02:00.005-07:00

We had planned for weeks to take a trip to Lava Hot Springs to celebrate our 11th weddinganniversary. We asked one of the young women from our ward to babysit, and left at 3:30. It was so relaxing to just soak in the steamy hot pools. Ken and I talked to a few people there. One of whom thought I was still in my early twenties. I'll gladly take that as a compliment thank you. Overall we had such a fun time there. After about a 1 1/2 soak we went to a local pizza place called the Royal for dinner. It was a great way to top off the evening.

Christopher He's a good kid

2010-11-16T16:17:00.008-07:00

I have come to realize after 1 1/2 years of schooling Christopher through the Idaho Virtual Academy that it just isn't working anymore. Not the school it's self, but me teaching Christopher. I gave it my all. I have no regrets. He has made great progress in reading and comprehension. There are just issues with the mother teacher relationship that I just can't fix while he's here at home. I have had a lot to work through as far as this issue goes. Most people in my position would have given up after only a few weeks. Let's face it I'm not a quitter. It has taken me weeks to realize that putting Christopher in a public school does not make me in any way a quitter. I have just come to realize that some kids are not good at being schooled by their parent. It's hard for me to come to this. I wanted so much to help him. I've also realized that I can still help him in a public school. Their is after all, homework. It's not like Christopher is a bad kid. Putting him in the public school in no way reflects that with me. It just means maybe for him he just needed a year of one on one help at home. He will most likely do just fine away from home in the public school. I guess in some ways I am feeling a little anxious about this whole ordeal. It's funny though. I picked up the papers to get him register in Tendoy and I felt completely calm. Quite unlike the feeling I got when I enrolled him in Kindergarten two years ago. So I have not failed. He has learned a lot at home. I just have to realize now that he can also learn a lot at Tendoy. So it's the end of Christopher being schooled by me. The beginning of his education at Tendoy. Good luck Christopher. I'm sure you'll do fine now. I have to admit, I'll miss you.

Reflection on Naomi's birthday

2010-11-07T06:59:00.006-07:00

This would have been Naomi Ruth Tennant's 4th birthday. As I reflect on the meaning of this day, I decided to write what I have learned from the experience of her life and Death.

Life is too short to take anything or anyone for granted. You never know how long they will be here.
One baby can touch so many lives in just 5 weeks time. There wasn't a family member or friend I know that wasn't touched in a positive way by her, both before and after she died. In that way to me, she was missed by all that knew her or should have known her.
Smiles are worth a thousand words. I learned through Naomi, smiles mean I love you.
The Atonement is real. It is not just for the sinner or the sinned against but for those that morn for any reason. In my case, it was for morning the lose of Naomi. I know if it wasn't for Christ's atonement their would be no resurrection and no eternal families. Because of Christ's atonement, I will have the chance to raise my baby. For this I am forever Grateful.
Through her life I learned what true love is. That love between a mother and child is very strong. I learned it is strong on the part of the baby as well as the mother.
I learned after her passing how many friends and family truly know what it means to morn with those that morn. Even now, I feel them wrap their arms around me in my time or sorrow and morning.
Grief doesn't just come and then go. It is more like an onion in which we are constantly peeling back the layers. It evolves with time.
I have also learned that time alone doesn't heal all wounds. To me it took Time, God and Love to heal this wound.
With both Naomi's life and Death, I learned that God is in control. She was born at the right time and place. Whether I want to admit it or not the same is true of her passing.
Children are still ours whether in this life in the here and now, or in the next life in the world to come. This has been my biggest comfort. She is forever mine. This means to me, I have 4 children.
All experiences are for our understanding and growth. Even if that means I still don't completely understand, someday I will. And not understanding all the reasons for the passing of Naomi is fine. Not understanding in some ways makes my faith grow stronger. I want to go on in faith knowing that someday all will be put right again.
I also learned to hug and kiss the children I still have here with me. You can never hug and kiss loved ones too much. Regret comes from not doing it enough. For me this would be the worst kind of regret.
There will never come a time until I die, that I won't miss her. I have finally come to realize that is OK. Like I said earlier, Grief never ends in this life.
Happiness can come again even in times of Grief. I learned that happiness was up to me. It was OK to be happy again, even with her gone. It is not the same kind of happiness as it was before her passing. It has evolved into something entirely different. Like a butterfly evolves from a Caterpillar. And yes I am happy now.
God never leaves us comfort less. I learned this before and after she died. One of the times I learned this is shortly after she was born Melissa Curtis offered to take my oldest kids for a while. I so enjoyed being alone with Naomi and rocking her to sleep. I also found comfort after her death from Naomi herself. I felt her near during my hardest times.
I feel each trial gives us empathy to help others. Through my experience, I was able to help other mothers in their time of grief. I helped form a Infant loss support group. I learned the real meaning behind the phase "A joy shared increases, a sorrow shared divides." Morning with those that morn is so needed in this world.

So to summarize, even though I miss my baby Naomi so much, and wish in some ways she had lived, I wouldn't trade the lessons I learned through her life and death for anything. It has truly edified me in ways nothing else could. I Still love my Angel Baby Naomi Ruth Tennant.

Kirsten the Mess Maker

2010-11-02T18:11:00.008-06:00

So every morning we eat breakfast and then Angie and Christopher do their History and science lesson while I clean the kitchen and fix my hair. Well when I walked into my bathroom this is who I saw standing on the counter pleased as can be. She took everything out of the shelves, and rubbed Vaseline all over the mirror and her hair. I had one of two choices. I could either cry or laugh. I chose to laugh and then took this picture.

And this is how she did it. I am frankly shocked that she thought this through enough to turn the garbage upside down in order to climb on top of the counter. This kid is a trouble maker that is for sure.

Ward Party

2010-10-31T16:56:00.007-06:00

They took picture at the ward Halloween party. Not too bad. Ken was a Geek from the Geek squad, Angela a princess, Christopher wolverine, Kirsten a little witch, and me as a ER nurse. Don't we look great?

My Kids. They looked so cute. You just gotta get a picture of them in costume.
We just had to capture this on picture. The kids each got a bag of candy. Kirsten just couldn't wait to eat it. Down she sat on the floor eating away at her candy. What a cutie.

Halloween Fun

2010-10-31T15:58:00.026-06:00

So our good friends Angela and Aaron Park invited us to their Halloween party at their home this year. They invited us and two other couples, Amber and Matt Grayson, and Lacey and Isaac Jensen and their kids. The kids played downstairs and watched a few cartoons. All the adults played Apples to Apples. We all had a blast.
What Party is complete without food. We had mini corn dogs, chili cheese dip with chips, zucchini bread pretzel sticks, and pop with dry ice in it to add the spooky affect.
Amber and Matt cheesing it up for a picture. We loved the chips and chili dip.
Ken showing us his love of the food. Now Ken we don't need to see the food once it's in your mouth.
And of course Angela's 2 month old baby had to be part of the party. She is so cute.
We had the kids eat a donut tied to a string without using their hand. Amber in the striped red and blue shirt wanted to be in on the fun with the kids.
And of course I had to wear my ER scrubs again. Angela didn't want me to be in the picture alone.
Angela and Aaron Park the hosts of the party sitting back and loving the game playing.

Lacy and her husband Isaac Jensen came later in the evening and enjoyed a few games with us.

The powers out in our House.

2010-10-24T22:06:00.006-06:00

At about 6:30 this evening the power went out in our neighborhood. Angela quickly went to the garage to get the 72 hour kits. We got out the flashlight so we could have some light as it was getting dark. So the question went through Ken's mind. What should we do with no power? Watch a movie on Mommy and Daddy's bed using the fully charged lab top. The kids chose Ghost Rider.

What happens when Kirsten doesn't get her nap

2010-10-21T09:10:00.004-06:00

Kirsten is at that in between stage where she is too young to go with out a nap, but if she has one, she is up until 10:00pm. So the only thing I have done is not give her a nap at all. Most of the time, she does just fine with out her nap. However when she has a long day playing this is what happens. She falls asleep where ever she is at. In this case in the living room chair in this position. It's amazing to me that she can even sleep at all hunched over like this. But I guess when she is tired enough, she will sleep any where in any position. It was so cute to see her asleep like this, I just had to get a picture of her. Funny kid. Fortunately this only happens when she plays for hours on end.

Fall Pictures

2010-10-17T15:58:00.007-06:00

These pictures were taken Conference weekend Oct 3 2010. We went on a walk in the hills.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I just love these walks in the hills. It is a walk down memory lane for me. Angie Christopher and Kirsten just loved going on a hike with their cousin Griffen, Laurelin and Nessa.

Christopher's 7th Birthday

2010-05-27T07:21:00.006-06:00

It has been a very long time since the last posting...not nearly as long as others that I know of, but still a long time for me and my family. Since the last post, we have had holidays, birthdays, family vacations, and other things take place that if I was to really talk about them all, I would be here all day and this posting would be huge.

So, in an attempt to get up to date, I will only talk about and post things related to the families latest event, mainly Christopher's birthday. It took place about two weeks ago and our daughters, Kirsten, will be happening in a few days. Since his party, he has had another exciting event in which he lost both of his top front teeth at the same time. Well, actually it took place over the space of a few days, but it still happened and now he has a cute smile showing the empty space.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures and that I will do better about doing posts more often than once every six months....

Kids Collage 2009

2009-12-30T08:02:00.001-07:00

This is a collage that I, Ken, created using Picasa 3. It was fun to do and neat to capture all of the different poses for each of the kids. We had a hard time trying to decide which picture to put on the wall, but we did make the selection. The rest are for fun and of course will end up in the kids scrap book at some time.

Our Christmas Day

2009-12-29T22:31:00.008-07:00

So, another Christmas has come and gone. Boy, they come and go faster every year! We stayed home Christmas morning to open our gifts and to enjoy the morning as a family. We left for the afternoon to spend it with Shani's family.

We did not get up until 8:30 AM that day and Shani found Angie curled up on the couch waiting for us to come out. Christopher was still in bed along with Kirsten. However, as soon as we came out, then all the kids got up.

I, Ken, playing Santa Clause passed out the gifts to everyone and we were done with opening gifts about 9:30. We then all headed to the kitchen to get breakfast going of waffles in our new waffle iron that we got from Bed, Bath, & Beyond. It cooks six regular waffles at a time and we have had our eye on getting it for the last six months because waffle irons, good quality ones, you cannot find without spending some money.

After getting the waffle iron broken in, we had a good breakfast and relaxing morning and a rushed afternoon and evening. From now on, we plan on staying home for Christmas Day...all day...no more going to family on either side. Our family is big enough that we will enjoy the holiday for ourselves as a family.
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Angela's Christmas Presents

Christopher's Christmas Gifts

Kirsten's Christmas Gifts

I just miss Naomi

2009-12-16T09:37:00.005-07:00

Like Ken, I too have to acknowledge how difficult this day is for me. When I think about this day three years ago, I just want to cry. No one thinks that they will ever lose their baby to SIDS(sudden infant death syndrome.) Though I feel peace at times knowing that I will see my baby again, on days like this I am reminded that knowing where she is, does not take away the pain of losing her.

I still get mad at God. Not as often but I still do from time to time. I still ask why did she die. I miss her more then life itself. And the worse thing is nothing in this life will make this kind of pain go away. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and wish that she had lived. Overall I am happy. However I still think I have a right to be sad or blue on such a day as this. I just plain miss my Angel Baby Naomi Ruth Tennant.

Ken's Thoughts on Naomi's Heaven Day!

2009-12-16T07:20:00.002-07:00

Three years ago today...my wife and I were in the hospital in a private room with my mom and sister, a nurse, and the unknown fear that we had just lost our five-and-a-half- week-old daughter. With tears streaming down our face, hugs that offered very little comfort, the gloom began to sink in on the loss of Naomi Ruth.

I would have thought that after three years, this memory would not be so painful, but for this year, this is not the case. It seemed that last year was not as bad, but this morning it feels different and I cannot help but think that this will NOT be the last time. Arrrrrrgh! Why? Why? Why? No earthly answer can be given...I just have to wait...that sucks!!!

A visit with Santa..

2009-12-15T20:48:00.009-07:00

Below are pictures with Santa and the kids taken at Ken's work, Farm Bureau, here in Pocatello. It took place a week ago and the kids had a good time. After visiting with Santa and getting candy canes, we enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate in the lunch room of the building.

Kirsten and Santa, but I do not think that Kirsten quite knows what to think of what was going on. She only wanted the candy cane full of M&M's and did not know what else she was suppose to do on Santa's lap.

Doesn't the look tell it all....

So, the other two kids tried to show her what she was to do, but as you can see, she still did not pick up on what was going on...perhaps next year we can get her to smile...maybe?

I guess it could have been worse because she definitely was not scared or crying.

Things To Be Thankful For...

2009-11-30T22:09:00.003-07:00

This is a little late, but as they say better late then never. I thought it would be nice to post my next blog on nothing but things I am thankful for.

1 I am so thankful that Ken has a job that give me the privilege of staying home with my sweet children.
2. I am thankful for Angela. She is so good at doing her school lessons while I am helping Christopher with his.
3 I am thankful for Christopher. He is a very slow learner, but slow still means he is still learning just the same.
4. I am thankful for my little 18 month old Kirsten. Even though she tells me nearly every morning that there is lights it is still so cute to hear her say it just the same. It is nice to be reminded of the simple things in life. Yes even lights that we take for granted.
5. I am always thankful for my little Angel Baby Naomi. She gave us so much to look forward to. (For more on that see my last blog entry.)
6. I am even thankful for Buddy our dog of nine years. He is half the reason I kept the weight off I lost this past year. Thank you Buddy for begging me to take you on your evening walks.
7. I am also thankful for our house that we recently moved into last June. It is so nice to finally have the room to store things. I also love that fact that the kids have there own room.
8. I am also thankful that my in-laws live here in Pocatello. They sure love spending time with there grand kids.
9. I am also thankful for my good health. It can be easily taken away. I am so glad to be healthy and strong.
10. I am also thank for the gospel. Without it I would have little hope for the future. I am so thankful for that knowledge that I will see my Naomi again.
11. I am thankful that I have the choice to be happy and I am glad to say that I am indeed happy.
12. I am thankful for friends as this and facebook has shown how many I truly have in this wonderful world!

A Letter to Naomi

2009-11-07T21:11:00.006-07:00

It has been 3 years since I gave birth to my Angel baby Naomi Ruth Tennant. I thought to commemorate the occasion I would write a letter to her in my journal. Here it goes.

Dear Naomi Ruth Tennant

It is hard for me to believe at times that it has actually been 3 years since you blessed us with your presence. I was so excited to find out I was pregnant with you on the 4th of March 2006. It had been such a long time since I had a baby. I had planned on naming you Naomi since your Grandma Robbins died a year prior to my getting pregnant with you. Naomi was your great Grandma Robbins' name. Naming you Naomi was my way of dealing with the loss of my Grandma. Just knowing I was finally pregnant with you brought so much happiness into my life. I couldn't wait to tell everyone I knew about your coming. Your due date was the 4th of November. It seemed the longest wait of my life. I knew you were a girl as soon as I knew I was pregnant with you. I found out on the 24th of June 2006. There wasn't a single person that I told about the news of your coming arrival that wasn't also happy for your coming. Later in the summer as your daddy and I prepared for your birth, we realized that we wanted to have a home birth. We took a Bradley Method class and we learned that this would be the best way to bring you into the world. We later, after much searching, found a midwife that fit our needs and expectations. I was so excited to give birth to you at home. We chose to have a water birth.

On November 6th 2006 I went into labor with you late that night. My labor with you was long and hard. With the help of your Daddy and my midwife, Michele Bartlett, I made it through. Finally at 2:28 pm on the 7th of November, you came into the world. I still remember when your daddy brought you out of the water. Your little tongue curled and your lips quivered. You were so cute. I was so excited to finally have you in my arms. I felt the most happy I had ever felt in my life. My recovery after giving birth to you was very relaxed. I enjoyed being in my own home. You were so cute. You weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces. Your daddy and I experienced the happiest five and a half weeks after your birth. It was so fun to see you grow during that time. I loved holding you in my arms while you fell asleep there. I wonder before you left us if life could possibly get any better. I was so happy.

Christmas and the excitement that went with it was added to the excitement of having you that following December. After you turned one month old you started to smile at me. I knew then that you loved me and you knew that I was taking good care of you as your mother. Your brother, Christopher, and sister, Angela, loved holding you. They adored you, their baby sister. Life seemed complete with you in our lives. You started to babble shortly after you turned one month old. You were such a sweet baby. I enjoyed soothing you when you were fussy. Your daddy so enjoyed rocking you to sleep at night. We didn’t complain much when you woke us up at night. We enjoyed our time with you, not knowing at the time it would be so short.

Then the awful day came when Heavenly Father called you home on the 16th of December 2006. It broke my heart to lose you. We found out that you had died of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). For months afterward it caused me much sorrow. I didn’t know how to go on with my life without you in it. My arms ached to hold you. With the passage of time and the arrival of your sister, Kirsten, nineteen months later, I have found reasons to be happy again, though; it is not the same kind of happiness as it was after your birth. I do love my life and your siblings, but you should know that not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. All the love I would have given you the (kisses and hugs) I now give to your siblings. When I see your baby sister, Kirsten, playing, laughing, and babbling, I think of all that I have missed with you, but I also look forward to someday having this time with you in the millennium to raise you there. In the mean time I will continue giving hugs and kisses to Angela, Christopher, and Kirsten; those same hugs that I would have given to you if you had lived. Please know that I love you so much.

Your mother, always.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T08:38:00.008-07:00

The kids carving pumpkins. Unfortunately, these pumpkins only lasted about four days before fuzz decided to start growing on the inside. Two days later, they collapsed as they looked more fuzzy than pumpkin...

Finished product, the left of a monster, Christopher's choice. Angie a message of Trick or Treat. Ken did all of the carving and not to bad after year three of attempting to carve pumpkins.

All the kids were excited this year. Christopher chose the fireman outfit and Kirsten loved to be in here cow outfit. She threw a fit when we took it from here while in the store to pay for it. Get this, though. She is barely seventeen months, but the outfit is for a two year old.

After getting everyone dressed for the evening, we went out to two trunk or treats and the kids had a blast. We went to the trunk or treat of our current ward and old ward. It was nice to be able to mingle with friends while Ken gave out the candy. The kids got what they wanted then headed back to the van when they had their fill.

Happy Halloween everybody and enjoy life!

Angela's Baptism

2009-08-02T12:15:00.004-06:00

Below, we have a few pictures to tell about Angie's baptism that took place yesterday. They had it on a stake level, meaning that they usually take the first Sunday of each month to have all of the kids baptized throughout the stake for the previous month. So, every child that turned eight during the month of July were baptized yesterday. They had a total of nine kids and we had a lot of family show up.

We had a lunch afterward for a few hours as we got a good visit with family and friends in our new home. It is nice to definitely have a home to host such an event and we look forward to doing it again for future events.

So, enjoy the pitures...

She walks!

2009-07-05T19:05:00.005-06:00

We have attached a video showing the greatest achievement to date for Kirsten...she can walk and guess when this happened!? Yesterday, the 4th of July!

Enjoy the video(s):

(Video 1)

(Video 2)

A Move! A Move! A Move!

2009-05-08T18:25:00.005-06:00

Yes! The title is correct. We are moving! Yea! Happy day! We are gone! We are moving up in the world! We sold our 1000 sq foot home and bought a 2400 sq foot home. Now that may not be unusual, but the unusual part is we did this in a week and a half. Of course, we still have to wait for the closing day at the end of this month, but by June 1st, we will be in the new home.

Below, is a video that we took as a quick tour of the house. We barely got all the way through before the battery died, which is why it does not contain the footage of the back yard. Still, you should see enough to get an idea of what we are moving too and we could not be any happier. We looked for a place NOT requiring fixing up for us to comfortably live. So, enjoy the video and perhaps one day you may get a chance to see it in person.

PS The house is right across from the church. Also, the video makes mention thinking about a purchase, well we did make an offer and settled on a price.

Some weekend pictures...

2009-04-12T20:26:00.008-06:00

OK, this picture had to be taken because Christopher really is asleep in this position on the couch. It really does not look comfortable, but amazingly he did sleep. Isn't it amazing how you could sleep anywhere as a kid, but as you get older that flexibility disappears!

Yes, the Easter Bunny did come, but this year the kids got a single basket containing a soccer ball since they like to kick their other balls around the house. Then we got some candy for the family to share. We never have really been big on Easter baskets, gifts, clothes, or anything of that nature.

As far as the rest of the Easter holiday went, we had Ken's parents along with his sister over for a ham dinner and a fun game of Yahtzee afterwards. It was a great day and would love to do it again later.

This picture was taken because Kirsten loves eating an apple. This is a picture of a ten-month-old biting into an apple that often takes place as Shani eats her daily apples. She does take actual bites, even though they are tiny, and chew them with the eight front teeth that she has in her mouth. Yes eight and she still nurses!

Shani wanted to get this picture in because of the hair style. Does it remind you of a particular cartoon character? It did for Shani and for now, it is the only style that she can do because, yes, most of the hair length exists on the top of her head. What do you think?

Christopher Losses His First Tooth!

2009-04-05T07:57:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, as a big event for Christopher, a tooth was lost. The first for him and when he came to tell us that it was loose, he thought he was in trouble. He had a sad composure with tears on the verge of rolling down his face. When we finally got him to tell us why the sad look, we laughed at first and then had to go into damage control in explaining that he did not do anything wrong. He really thought that he broke his tooth while eating an apple.

A few minutes later, Ken had it pulled and in a baggy for Christopher to stick under his pillow for the tooth fairy. Mommy and daddy forgot to tell the tooth fairy, though, and promised him this morning that they will be sure to tell her later tonight. In fact, Ken just got off of the phone (it was a fun conversation) and got the arrangements made for tonight.

So, this is the big news of this blog...what will be next.

Oh, enjoy the pictures...

Dress Up Day for Kirsten

2009-04-04T22:20:00.011-06:00

OK...so it has been toooooooooo long since the last entry and we feel it is time to get going again on this. Do not be surprised if in the next few days you get quit a few things posted of what has both been going on recently and in the last little while.

So the next couple of pictures were taken of Kirsten after Angie wanted to play dress up with her. What do you think...

The Kids Speech Festival...

2009-02-17T22:49:00.005-07:00

This is coming late tonight, but we wanted to get this in before we took of for our Washington State excursion this week. Last Friday, the kids had a Speech Festival for their school. On that day, all of the kids in all grades and classes had to stand in front of assigned groups with judges to present either a poem or writing either composed or written by someone else.

Well, Angie and Christopher both chose poems written by someone else and while standing in the front of a group of about twenty kids and the adults of some of those kids, they recited the poems. Below, you will see each kid delivering them.

As it turned out Angie was assigned on a competitive level and she ended up getting 3rd place out of her entire grade class. Christopher was not in any competition, but did a far superior job than what would have thought that he would have done.

Good job kids! Your parents are very, very proud of you. Keep up the good work!

(Here is Angie performing her poem - Planting)

(Here is Christopher performing his poem - The Robin)

Blog Site Update

2009-02-04T23:11:00.003-07:00

This is Ken, Shani's husband. After twisting of the arm and some investigation, I have added some new items to the site using some of the built in tools. Yes, blogs are still tools of Satan, but they are fun to play with anyway...ha! ha! ha!

Seriously, let us know what you think and what we could to do to better improve the site. As I get more acquainted with the other available tools, I will add more things on. So, keep an eye on this blog for future use and development!

My New Year's Resolution

2009-02-03T13:48:00.004-07:00

I wanted to wait to post my new Year's resolution until I knew I could keep it. I have decided to be more clean. To those of you that know me and have seen my house, you know how much of a slob I was or am. (When I say slob I mean stuff on the floor, dishes in the sink, floor not vacuumed, and the table stinky from last night's dinner.)

After hearing that my daughter will clean because I don't clean, that idea hit a strong cord of discontent in me. I thought to myself I want my daughter to clean because I am clean not because I am messy. So about three weeks ago I started to clean. I did little things like wiping off the table washing the dishes, folding the clothes before more were dry, that sort of thing. By that first Friday the entire house was clean. Yes even the bathroom. I have even kept it clean for the past 23 days. A first for even me.

I have noticed some side benefits to this cleaning thing. For one it brings with it a more grateful husband. Ken isn't as stressed when he comes home from work. I feel more comfortable with visitors just dropping in unannounced. Why even my kids have kept there room clean. I should have cleaned like this long ago. Better late then never. So the next time you come to visit me you will be reminded that yes even I can clean.

2009-01-25T22:01:00.007-07:00

It has been a very long time since our last entry. In fact, looking back we last created one last year right before the New Year. Since that entry, we have had a lot of time visiting with family. We even had Scott, my brother, and his family with David, my other brother, here for a week. We had a great time seeing them and the rest of the family that was around during that time.

The holidays are over and looking outside the window, just the cold long signs of winter cover the landscape. It is sad to have the holiday season over with because all of the colored lights and festivities did brighten up the streets for a little while. Now the outside is dark with only the street lamps and an occasional porch light to break up the dark of night. Oh well, just a few more months to go and things should start to brighten up once again.

Other things going on includes new callings for Shani and I. Starting next Sunday, we will be team teaching the 8 to 9 year-olds in primary.

The kids are back in school and as ever, my work load has gotten more busy with the implementation of a new software system for my place of employment at Farm Bureau. I have had three weeks of straight training (32 hours a week) with one more week to go.

Well, for now we will stop...enjoy some of the pictures below as they are a scattering of events during the last few weeks.

Christopher, our son, wanted to see what Kirsten, our youngest, would look like with his glasses on her.

The kids like to often get into our bed.

OK...so we got a good picture of our dog too!

2008-12-30T22:50:00.008-07:00

It has been a very enjoyable Christmas holiday. David came and surprised us all by driving all the way from Washington DC and showing up on the porch Christmas Eve night. If Cheryl had tackled him any harder, they would have fallen over onto the snow. We had a lot of fun though. Angie had a blast teasing her Uncle David while playing Uno attack.

We also got an accumulation of snow measuring at 7 inches with drifts going two to three times higher depending upon the location and wind. Basically, we stayed inside all Christmas day, but we had plenty of family to enjoy it.

We had a ham for lunch and turkey for dinner and lots of pie for desert. By Christmas evening, though, all were ready to head back home with gifts in tow and smiles in our hearts. This turned out to be one of the best Christmas's that we have enjoyed with Ken's family in a very, very long time.

New Years is now coming up and we have plans on spending it with Shani's side of the family. We will report on that at a later date...see ya!

Shani and Kirsten

Grandpa and Grandma Tennant with Kirsten

Uncle David, Angie, Christopher, Grandma Tennant, Grandpa Tennant

Ken - The Man of the House - Ha! Ha! Ha!

2008-12-14T09:24:00.007-07:00

This has been a fun Christmas weekend. We attended our first Christmas party of the season. It was a Robbins Christmas Party at the Williams Thatcher ward church building. We played games and ate good food. Later we also sang Christmas sang in the Relief Society room. The kids had a lot of fun playing with their Cousins. It was nice to catch up with my family.

While we were their we also decided to get a family picture taken of the 5 of us as a family, especially since their hasn't been a resent one taken in quite a while.

We are also posting some recent pictures of the kids.

Visit with Santa

2008-12-10T22:49:00.006-07:00

Ok so this is a late night post, but still worth writing about. The pictures below are of Angie and Christopher seeing Santa at where I work at Farm Bureau. He stopped by Monday night and despite a stomach bug running through the family that night, the kids still wanted to see the man. Isn't it fun to get to relieve childhood dreams and beliefs through your own kids?

Anyway, they got giant Candy Canes filled with M&M. After the pictures, we all enjoyed some cookies and hot chocolate. Not surprising, though, the kids asked for the usual Barbie Dolls and Transformers from Santa. It will be interesting to see if he can deliver on those items...ha! ha! ha!

2008-12-01T06:45:00.014-07:00

Wow! December 1st and time continues to march on in a way that often it has caught us unaware.

We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, but we are ready to go back to normal life if you can define really what normal is for anyone these days. We spent the actual day with Shani's family down in Grace, Idaho, which is about an hour south of Pocatello. Then through the weekend, Ken spent time with his brother, David, who had time off from the Marines. He lives and works out in Washington DC. So, it was a real treat to get to see him.

We also got the Christmas tree up this year as we pulled out the art tree from the shed. The kids had a blast in helping with setting it up and of course they are excited about the Christmas Holiday.

Well, as promised we have added some before and after pictures of the remodel of our home so that you can get a better idea what we have been up too for the last few months.

These are just a few of the pictures that centers around the kitchen area. We did not get to taking before and after pictures of the living room or bathroom, but we also did that work too. Most of it took two days and since then I have replaced all doors and gotten a lot of the little stuff done since then. If you are interested in seeing more, let me know and I have another photo site setup that contains more pictures.

2008-11-26T10:31:00.001-07:00

Any way, you can see from the short video just how cute our Kirsten is. As for the other kids, they keep me busy too. Angie is doing so well in school. She is reading at a 3rd grade level. Considering she is only in 2nd grade, this is great news. Christopher is just starting to learn how to read. His teacher just sent home some simple books for him to practice reading.

As for me I am just trying to be a good housekeeper, wife and mother. I do not profess to be very good at any of these things. There are a couple of things some people may not know about us which they might find surprising. One is a few months ago we switched to cloth diapers for Kirsten. I actually like them better then disposable diapers. We are also saving money by using cloth diapers because we are not buying diapers any more. YEAAAAA!!!!!

Any way the other thing that is new with us is we just finished remodeling out Kitchen, Living room, and Bathroom one month ago. It feels like we are living in a whole new house. It is great! We will post some before and after pictures within the next day or two.

2008-11-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

Life here and the Tennant residents is never boring. The kids keep growing faster then I want them to, especially Kirsten. She is so active. Lately she is entertained by Buddy. Last Sunday she thought Mike and Cheryl dog were so hilarious. She just laughed and laughed at them playing fetch with one of their bones.