Merry Christmas

Today was the big day: Christmas! All the girls slept well, and at about 7 AM, Eliza came in and said soooo very excitedly, "Mom! Santa's been here. He drank all the milk!" Then later she said, "He ate some of the cookie, Rudolph ate the apple and Santa at the mint I left him." She was so genuinely excited; it was very cute. We couldn't keep her from taking a peek at the tree where she exclaimed, "See I told you came!" Then she proceeded to look more and read whose name was on which presents. She found some for her and about one said, "I think my first present is an American Girl!" "And I think Ellie got a chair." (We had taken that out of the box and put it under a blanket.0 But that little smartie pants! Next year we are going to have to be way more sneaky about how we wrap. I did not think she would guess so easily. Libby got up a little bit later and they both had to look under the tree again. We waited until about 8 AM for my parents to come over, then we ate cinnamon rolls, juice and hot chocolate. After a quick breakfast and feeding Ellie right after she woke up, we began opening presents. It started nice and slow and organized, then somehow snowballed into a crazy, quick explosion of presents! It was fun though and the girls seemed to really like everything they got. Before we started, Libby saw a big box for her and said, "It's a Jeep!!!" I was a little worried since we decided against getting those for the girls, but she was thrilled to get the doll house along with several of the rooms. In fact, neither of them has mentioned anything about not getting a Jeep. Eliza LOVED the American Doll and the clothes. She also got some Sunday clothes, books, a volleyball, and lip gloss. Along with the doll house and rooms, Libby got a soccer ball, a dress, lip gloss and bracelets. And Ellie got a little Weebles tree house and her rocking chair, which she loved and hung out in for a while. My parents gave them a bucket full of art supplies (sidewalk chalk, watercolor pencils, crayons, markers, doodle pads, sketch pads, etc). They love that and Eliza has already created her first watercolor masterpiece. They also gave them each a dress, CD, hair stuff and a puzzle. Eliza also got a bike helmet, a Ken doll and some clothes, beaded bracelets that my mom made, and a make-up bag full of little girls' make up. Libby got bracelets, too, ar remote control car, Ellie got a cute plastic purse with plastic make up, keys, coin purse, etc., some plastic balls and a little fire truck to put them on, and some soft, blocks to stack. They were in heaven. After the Christmas tornado hit, Brian's parents stopped by to check things out. They brought Eliza and Libby a Lennon Sister doll and a book and paper dolls. Ellie got a nursery rhyme musical toy and a book. Brian and I each got some socks and in January we will be getting some meat from the cow to use throughout the year. We need to get our outlet fixed now so the freezer will work correctly.

Brian got some great things, too: shirts, CD case, books, GPS/navigation thing he's been wanting, a camping stove and walkie talkies. My parents gave him a pair of pants for work and a nice ladder. Now he can get in the attic! Santa was kind to me, as well. I got the lens I've been wanting: a 25-75mm, f/2.8. I am excited to try it out and take lots of pictures. I also got perfume, gift cards to buy shoes, a soft robe, Photoshop Elements and my watch fixed. My parents got me a light disc I've been wanting (now I really need to take some pictures--any volunteers for me to practice on???), a darling little notebook from Anthropologie, VERY cute Mary Jane type shoes, hair clips and ponytails, and a new photography book that should be here soon! We also got the Book of Mormon for LDS families--one we've been wanting for a long while! I know I am missing some things, but I am so grateful for everything we received and the generosity shown. It is much appreciated.

It was fun to have my parents over to join us. We got my dad some jeans, dress pants, socks, a tie and some tennis shoes. And for my mom we got her a gift certificate to take a class from Big Picture Scrapbooking.

After the festivities at home, we went to Brian's parents' house where we had a ham lunch and the kids played with each other. Eliza watched Hanna Montana with Sara and Libby helped pick up pecans that had fallen from the tree and she did some swinging, too. I played a game of croquet and did terrible! But it was fun anyway.

Overall it was a great day. I think the girls have overload because when we got home, they were not getting along or sharing, so that was frustrating. I sure hope they get some rest and do better tomorrow.

But now that Christmas is over, the next couple of weeks will be filled with getting decorations taken down, make some baby shower invitations for a friend's shower, finishing up some writing deadlines, YW stuff and planning for the new year, make a project for 7gypsies and thinking about Eliza's birthday. But I am ready for it all!

Christmas Eve

Today was a nice Christmas Eve. I didn't have any meetings before church, so that was nice. I got to sleep in a little bit later than normal. This morning was spent getting things and us ready for church. The girls all wore some sort of red plaid--they looked darling. And I got to curl Eliza and Libby's hair which turned out so cute. I love it when they let me do that. Church was nice. In Sacrament meeting the choir sang, there were some narrations and the congregation sang, too. Sunday school was normal and I taught in young women's. I think everyone enjoyed it. I had each leader read a part, then we sang a song. Each person read a little blurb about each person/thing in the nativity and what his or her thoughts might have been during that miraculous event. It was neat.

After church we went to Brian's parents' house where we ate dinner, then the kids put on the nativity scene, we sang some songs, watched a video of the nativity and had ice cream sundaes. Yum. In the nativity scene, Eliza was a shepherd and Libby was an angel. After we got home, the girls wanted to go right to bed (wow!) so Santa will come. They are excited. Now we are ready to set out presents and get to bed ourselves.

Almost Christmas!

I can't believe it is Christmas Eve tomorrow! It is exciting. Tonight will be spent wrapping and wrapping until it is done. Yesterday was my "3-hour" glucose test--I went into the doctor's office at 7:30 where they immediately drew blood. Then I had to drink an extra-concentrated drink. I hung out in one of the rooms until 8:30, then they drew blood again. That continued at 9:30 and 10:30. Then I was done. Now it's just a waiting game to get the results sometime next week.

The afternoon was better than the morning as my friend and I got pedicures and relax a little bit. And when Brian came home, he brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and we went on our date night. We ate dinner at Babbos (again). I did get something different though--surprise, surprise. I tried the Chicken Chipotle Pasta and it was delicious. Great flavor. Then we went to Brian's sister's house for game night. We played Hear Me Out, Spoons and Scum.

Today it was nice not to have much that we HAD to do. We cleaned up a bit this morning and went to the grocery store this afternoon.

Here's to a great Holiday weekend!

Spoke Too Soon

I'll get to my title in a minute, but I started early this morning at the funeral for the son-in-law of a lady I served with recently in the Relief Society presidency. He was 27 years old, had just gotten married earlier this year and had a little boy. He had just graduated from ASU, and he and his wife and a friend were heading to Mexico to celebrate when an RV blew a tire, came over in their lane and hit them. He died instantly in the accident and his wife and the friend walked away with bruises. But I went to the funeral this morning. What a tragic loss especially at this time of year. And come to find out, he is the brother to my friend's husband I twirled baton with all growing up. Small world.

So that was not a happy way to start the day. Then I get a call from my doctor's office and I failed my glucose test. So I spoke too soon. I go in tomorrow morning at 7:30 for a "3-Hour Test". I get to drink that stuff again and have my blood drawn a few times. I just really hope this was a false positive and does not turn into gestational diabetes. I have never had this before, so it's a little scary to me. I had a hard hour or so after I found out, and Brian surprised me and came home early. He also surprised me by having all my charms put on my charm bracelet. I've wanted it done for about 3 years but just never got to it. That was a nice surprise he put on my wrist when he got home.

This afternoon since Brian was home, I got to go get supplies for to make baby shower invitations for a friend and go to Target. I think I only have 3 things left to get. Nothing like last minute, huh? Tonight after dinner we delivered some gifts to our neighbors; the girls had fun taking turns handing the gift to whoever answered the door.

Well, here is to a good glucose test. Say a prayer for me!

Party

Wow--two posts in one day! The class party went well tonight and I think all the girls enjoyed themselves. The Laurel advisor, Meg, and I set a "candlelit" dinner and served soup in bread bowls and strawberry/poppyseed salad. Then we played some metal pipes to make Christmas songs. That was a lot of fun. We also had our gift exchange followed by hot cocoa, fudge and peppermint bites. I think the girls felt special and appreciated. I am glad--that is what I was hoping. Before they left we each gave them a little Christmas gift. We might have to make this a tradition for as long as we are serving in this calling.

Musings on a Wednesday Afternoon

This post is going to be all random things I've been thinking about or doing lately.

I am 29.2 weeks along and I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. It was very depressing to see the results on the scale. So annoying and frustrating. Makes me want to stop eating...that is until something chocolate crosses my path. :) But really 7 pounds in ONE month. I am good at this. But I do remember about my 7th month with Ellie that I had a big month, then it tapered off from there. I hope that is the case. Otherwise, you might hear a scream in January when I step on the scale again. I also had my glucose test yesterday. That is a lot of "stuff" to drink. It doesn't taste too bad, but it's way more than I usually drink of anything in 5 minutes. Glad that is over.

The other day I made a doctor's appointment and her first available was in late March, so I took the appointment. After a while getting off the phone, it dawned on me. Hello! I will have just had a baby. How will I get me, a new baby and three other girls to the appointment?!? Mooooooooooommmmmmm! I think she'll rescue me that day. But that is something I feel funny about--asking for help when we have this baby. I know it is going to be hard with two so close along with two others, but I don't want to ask for help because I feel like people will think it was our fault for getting in this position, etc. I am just funny about things like that. But that is just me.

Tonight is our laurel class Christmas party. It is a little crazy to host a party so close to Christmas, but the good part is that it makes me have a clean house before Christmas. I love that.

My Christmas shopping isn't quite done yet, but it's winding down. I think I just have a couple things left to get. Then the wrapping begins. That won't be a very fun occasion because I haven't wrapped anything yet. I ordered a few things on-line this year and I am happy to report that they all have arrived. I was getting nervous for Eliza's "big" present, but it's here.

Eliza and Libby are "enjoying" an afternoon inside playing together. They got their bikes taken away today and can't play out front with friends. Last night they were being disobedient and unkind, so this is their consequence. I think it's more punishment for me, but I guess that is how it goes.

I think that is enough thinking for one day. Happy Wednesday.

Made It Through the Week

Well I made it through the busy week. Let's see...on Friday, I had another family photo shoot. They had three little girls who are similar in age to my girls. They were spunky but very cute. Look at those eyes!!

That night we went to our ward Christmas party. Eliza went up on stage to sing with the rest of the primary kids without any problem. Libby thought she should join them, too, so she went up with Eliza. They both sang and did a good job. Eliza sat on Santa's lap, but when we were in the room with him, Libby didn't really want to; she was content to watch. Brian put Ellie on his lap for a picture, and well, you can see from the picture what she thought of him. :0


On Saturday morning we went to my friend Amber's wedding. It was lovely and she looked great. I did another photo shoot that afternoon for Brian's sister and her family.

That night was her reception and I ended up going by myself because Eliza had gotten a fever and wasn't feeling well. So everyone else stayed home. After the reception I was able to get some Christmas shopping done. The mall was open late and some of the bigger stores were open even later, although I decided that it's still mostly weirdos who stay out that late. I guess that must make me one, too, but I didn't feel nearly as strange and dysfunctional as some of the people I saw.

Today was church and my brother was put in as the young men's president in our ward. I think it's funny that we will be working side by side in our callings. He has some great leaders to help him out, too, so that will be nice. Eliza didn't have a fever today, but Brian still stayed home with her just so she didn't push it too much.

After church I took pictures of Brian's brother's family, so I think I am done with shoots for a little while. ...at least until I get a new lens (maybe Santa will read this!). Tonight we had my family's Christmas dinner. We had a "candlelight" dinner at my parents complete with darling dishes and centerpieces, ham, mashed potatoes, salad and pie. Yum. The kids really enjoyed the candles and everyone seemed to have a great time being together. I know I did.




One more week until Christmas. That blows me away. I will be sad to put down our Christmas tree. I love having it lit up in the front room.

The Week of the Photo Shoots

Today started my string of photos shoots. I had one today, have one Friday, one Saturday and one for family on Sunday. Woosh. Today was Trina and family. I've included a few favorites. Such a cute family.

Last night was our big hayride/caroling mutual activity. Everyone seemed to have a good time, although the boys didn't seem to add much to our singing. And lots of straw was thrown (by the boys), etc--get my drift?!!? And I thought for sure someone would get hurt on one of the two trailers that was hooked together. But no one did. It was a good time and luckily wasn't too cold at all.



This weekend has some busyness in store. Tomorrow night is our ward party, Saturday mroning and evening I have wedding stuff for my friend Amber, then we have a family dinner on Sunday. This is a busy time of year!

The Polar Express

We just got back this afternoon from our adventure in Williams to the Polar Express. We had a fun time. We left yesterday afternoon and drove to Williams. The drive was less than desirable and not one I would want to repeat. The girls were not cooperating; it was a relief when Libby finally fell asleep. Once we got there, however, the girls did great and were very well-behaved. We checked into the Grand Canyon Railway hotel and layered up with thermals and jackets. Then we ate dinner at Max & Thelma's. It was a buffet dinner, but I think we all only had one full plate. The best part for Eliza and Libby was watching the toy train that circled throughout the restaurant. After dinner, we checked out the gift shops, then got ready to board The Polar Express. We got on the train and left soon after for the North Pole. On the way, we enojyed hot (warm) cocoa, chocolate chip cookies and listening to the story as we followed along in our book. We slowly passed the North Pole and waved at Santa and one of his elves who were there. Then we stopped and went the opposite way back to the train depot. We sang Christmas carols and had a visit from Santa Claus who came on our car and gave each kid a HUGE bell from his sleigh--like the book. After returning to the depot, we got off the train and decided to take a short carriage ride on Main Street to see the shops and some Christmas lights. The girls had a great time. I was glad that Libby wasn't scared at all (after our adventure in DisneyWorld this summer). We got back to the room and had a little trouble getting Libby to bed, but we survived and slept! This morning after getting ready, we returned to Max & Thelma's for breakfast and the girls picked out these cute dangling monkey stuffed animals from the gift shop.

Then we started for home and traveled on the 89A through Sedona, Cottonwood, Prescott, then home. It was a very beautiful drive through Sedona, although I had to watch the road so I didn't end up getting sick. :) The ride home was 100% better and the girls were great, thank goodness! We went straight to Brian's parents' house to pick up Ellie who enjoyed a fun sleepover over there. She did great and seemed to miss Brian the most. What a daddy's girl! Now it's back to the grind and trying to get caught up on the Christmas shopping I am so far behind on.

Week In Review and an Ooh La La

Picture from the office party (it was so cute to see all his older clients get all dressed up and come to the party at 3 PM. They like to get out early so they can get home early!)

I made it through the week! Thursday night was our Christmas Enrichment Night. It was held in someone's home and we had a nice dinner, visited a lot, heard a nice talk and song and that was it! It was a fun time. Friday was a crazy day. Eliza had preschool, then I took them to my sister-in-law's house, then I dropped Ellie off with a babysitter and headed to Brian's work party. It went well...he had over 120 clients come and I think they all had a great time. Eliza and Libby had a "grandkids'" sleepover at my parents' house. They had a great time making gingerbread houses, wooden nativities, icicle ornaments, etc. They were spoiled! My parents didn't get much sleep (neither did Libby), but they survived and Libby made up for it with a nice nap today.

This morning before we picked the girls up, we went to the Slippery Pig and Brian picked up his bike, and I also checked out Photomark and looked for the lens I want to add to my Christmas list. I still can't decide, but I might be closer. We got the girls and then it was on to the bridal shower I was hosting for my friend. We had a great turnout and had a good time. Eliza really wanted to stay for the shower, so she did, but I didn't think about Amber opening up those "prized" gifts that you get at a bridal shower. Well, after she opened and held up the first one, Eliza looked at me and did the thumbs down sign. It was so funny. Then after another one, she said, "She could wear that under her clothes or wear a shirt underneath." Then after yet another one, she put her hand to her forehead as if to say, "Not another one!!!" I just had to laugh.

Finally, tonight we had a Christmas party hosted by our good friends in the ward. It was nice to go and not be in charge!

Whooosh! Now on to the next thing: a full day of church and such, then Monday we are off on the Polar Express.

Getting Through

I finished writing and all the boxes are sealed up and ready for the Fed Ex man to come get them tomorrow. Yay! It feels good to have that off my back.

Another big project is almost done, too...My Christmas cards are about ready to go out! When Eliza and Libby go out front to play every afternoon, I take my chair and stool and assemble. I just have to tie some ribbon on part of it and mail them off. That will feel great to put those babies in the mail.

Tonight was mutual and we spotlighted one of our girls. So our class played Apples to Apples, ate cookies and watched a video montage of photos of her. It was fun, but I did feel old--the girls hadn't heard of Waco, Texas (they pronounced it Wacko), they'd never heard of Schindler's List, and they didn't know who Demi Moore was. Am I really that old?!?!

Now if I can just get through Friday and the weekend. I'll be relieved when next Monday comes!

Moving Along

Not a picture of our tree but rather of boxes that I have to write up before tomorrow night!

Boxes waiting for me when I got home from our trip


Brian has Eliza and Libby at his parents to watch the Suns' game so I can get some writing done. So I've been busy, but I need a break so I decided to journal.

I got in to see Dr. McWhorter and he said the way the baby is sitting is causing a pelvic tilt (is that like what Elvis does?!!), making my right leg a hair shorter than the left. So after some popping, painful massage with his "massager" and some great massage and pressure, he said he got a "release" and it should be better. It has been better today so I hope I'm healed! :)

Today we headed to the mall to get my friend's bridal shower gift for Saturday, so I am glad that is done. I think I am mostly ready for that on Saturday, too. If I can just finish my writing deadline by tomorrow night so I can ship off the projects on Thursday, I'll be good!

All right--I'd better get back to work as I enjoy the tree lights, sugar cookie candle and Christmas music.

Busy Week Ahead

I don't know how much updating I'll be doing this week--it's going to be crazy busy. Tomorrow I have a couple of errands to do along with try to get into the chiropractor to see if he'll walk on my back. Not really, but something for a little relief. Tuesday I will be shopping for a bridal shower gift for my friend Amber and the night is packed, too. Wednesday is mutual, Thursday is Enrichment night, Friday is Brian's party at work he hosts for all his clients and Eliza and Libby have a sleepover at my parents, and Saturday is the bridal shower I am giving for my friend and a Christmas party to go to at night. Whoosh!!! But I can make it through!

This weekend went well. Brian did his "bell ringing" service on Saturday morning and he said it went well although he said he about froze to death in the shade. Brian and I went out that night and did some Christmas shopping, but I am a terrible Christmas shopper. Every place we went I thought, "Oh, let's wait; it might go on sale, etc." So we didn't get a whole lot bought and I'm sure I drove Brian crazy with my tactics. We did get to eat at Babbo's, so that was tasty.

And church went well today. Libby was so cute this morning before church. Eliza had gotten her scriptures in a little purse to take and so Libby wanted to do the same. A few minutes later she came in with some in a little purse and said, "Now I can do 'Scripture Power'!" She was so excited, but they didn't end up singing that song today in Sharing Time. After church we had dinner at my parents' house and it was delicious. We also watched the Christmas Devotional. I always love the music, although I'll have to go back and read the talks since watching it with kids around makes it hard to concentrate. I did like President Hinckley's outfit though--he looked like a preppy college student--so cute!

OK--gotta go. Here's to a full week!

Home

We are finally home and it feels so good! Yesterday morning we got all packed up and in the car ready to leave and the car wouldn't start. Nice. Luckily we found a nice man in the parking garage who had some cables and got us going again. So we got a little later start, but it was a start nonetheless. The girls did okay. They had some very rough stretches where I was ready to fly or walk home, but we made it. I drove for a while, too, so that was a nice break from having to entertain the troops in the back. We ended up going through Vegas and it was a different drive. It was pretty in St. George (where we got to see the temple) and through the gorge, but in Vegas we hit some traffic. I would have no desire to live or visit there--not because of that but because of the atmostphere. It went fairly quickly from Kingman to home and we finally pulled in around 11. We all slept well and are glad to be home.

Today I've been trying to get caught up and back into a routine. Eliza had preschool, so that helped get us back into the groove. I was also greeted this afternoon with a mound of boxes that I need to write up next week for another book. The bad thing is that my lower back has been hurting like nothing else. It hurts to walk and sit down. I've called my chiropractor, but he doesn't work on Fridays. So I am hoping he'll call back to suggest some relief until then. I feel like an old lady, but it doesn't feel good. :(

I can't believe it's Friday though. Feels like a Monday, but it's nice that it's Friday and the weekend already!
(I can't post all the photos I want, so I will do that in another post.)

Baby It's Cold Outside

Today was such a chilly day. Frigidly cold. It was in the single digits. But the good part is that it didn't snow and the roads were clear enough for us to do some things. The girls spent some time at the Clubhouse and Brian and I got to go to some fun places in Salt Lake and surrounding areas. The girls had a great time playing and having fun toys to play with instead of being cooped up in the room or out in the freezing cold. They did lots of art, made a necklace, played, danced, etc. Brian and I didn't get to do everything we hoped, but we went to Tai Pan Trading, Gardner's Mill, Quilted Bear and Distribution Center. We had a fun time.

This evening we all went to Wal-Mart looking for VHS tapes for the TV in the car, but wouldn't you know they only sell DVDs. And so do the grocery stores. We found a Blockbuster and they had a few. So on the way home the girls will be watching Eloise, The RM and Santa Clause 2.

Now it's bedtime and we come home tomorrow. Did I mention how cold it is here?!?!?! It is fun to visit, but we definitely couldn't live here. Brian and I were talking about why or how people enjoy living where it snows in the winter. I'm sure people wonder how we could live somewhere so hot, but we decided that you don't need anything extra for the heat. Just a good AC and you're set. But dealing with the snow, you need special clothes, tires, scraper to get ice off the car, driving skills, etc. Not to mention it takes so long to get everyone bundled up and it's hard to carry things (diaper bag, children, bags, etc) when you are all bundled up And to do it everyday would get so tiring. So when I am complaining of the heat, I'll just be glad I don't live in cold country. I love to visit, but that is good for me!

I didn't take any pictures today, so here are some random ones from the week. Happy Wednesday.

Snow Day #2

Today was a lot like yesterday. It wasn't snowing this morning, so we got ready and drove to the outlets here in Park City. We got to go to several stores, but while we were in the Nike Outlet, it started snowing pretty good, so we decided to head back. Brian did great driving in the snow, but it is always a little nerve-wracking. I couldn't live here and do that all the time. We made it back safely and Ellie got a long nap. The girls played in the snow this evening and we heated up a frozen pizza that we had bought. We aren't getting to do all the stuff we were hoping to, but it has been fairly relaxing. We are hopeful we can make it down to Salt Lake tomorrow if it doesn't snow any more.

Snowed-In (Kind of)

This morning we woke up and it was snowing. And it has snowed all day long. But to start at the beginning, Ellie woke up in the night and threw up a few more times, so we were up pretty late. She finally got to sleep for good at about 1 or so and slept until 9. She has been pretty well all day, just a little weak and hasn't eaten a ton. This morning we still couldn't get our hot water working (it has been an issue from the beginning), so they moved us to another room. That took a while, but we are glad for hot water and warm rooms. After we got into the new room, we got ready and Brian stayed with Ellie while she napped and I braved the cold with the girls and walked in the snow up Main Street. We dressed warm, so it wasn't very cold but the snow falling on our faces was cold. They had a great time though. They made and threw several snow balls, did snow angels and played a lot in the snow as we walked up the street. We only bought a treat at a candy shop and I was shocked when he told me the total. Eliza got a dipped pretzel, Libby got a chocolate/caramel turtle and I got two individually wrapped caramels. It was $7.50! It was good though. Luckily they have a trolley and we caught a ride back to our hotel.

This evening we ventured out hoping to go to the outlets, but we made it about a 1/2 mile and turned around and came back. It was just too wet, snowy and slippery. Maybe tomorrow. So now we are waiting for dinner to be delivered to our room from La Casita. Can't wait for Mexican food!

Pictures from Today

Here are pictures from today.

Trip Update Day 3

**It's not letting me upload photos, so that will be in another post. Ugh.

Today was a good day in theory. We drove to Salt Lake and decided to do the whole Temple Square thing. But before we even got out of the car, the girls were not behaving very well. After some stern talkings-to, we went first to the visitor's center, then took a brief tour of the Conference Center. Neither of us had been there, so it was fun to see and go on the roof. The artwork in there is sure amazing. Then we drove around a bit and drooled over the houses up on the mountain. Then we did a tour of the Brigham Young house. The girls seemed to enjoy seeing all the pioneer stuff and eating a lemon drop at the end. They used to give "horehound" candy, but they said that they would find them all over the place--like under couches, etc--because most people don't care for the taste. Finally we went to the church history museum and that was fun for a little bit, but there is only so much museum and "looking" that a 3 and 4 year old can handle. Brian and I are already wondering when we can go back just the two of us. We think it will be soon--or at least we would like it to be.

From downtown Salt Lake, we drove to Draper and killed some time looking around at houses. Oh my. There are some amazing ones up on the mountain. I included a picture that we hurried and took of one gigantic home. It took two camera frames--it didn't fit into one. Then we went to American Fork and visited my friend Margie that I met about 14 years ago at EFY. We have stayed in touch through letters and now e-mail ever since. We were at each others' weddings and have visited a couple other times, but it is mostly through e-mail. So it was great to see her, her husband and two boys. They had a family dinner with her siblings and families along with home evening. We watched a neat short film called Money or Mission. John Lyde who Margie was friends with growing up wrote and directed the film. It was a great movie with a good message. It was also fun to see/meet her brother-in-law, Sam Payne, who is a great folk singer. It was a fun time at her house.

On the way home, Ellie didn't seem to be feeling well and she threw up in her seat. Yuck. I am not sure if it is upset stomach or car sick (we came home through Provo Canyon). She threw up once more in the room (after we got her all bathed, of course), and she seems to be feeling better. I hope that is the end of it.

I guess that is all from today. I think tomorrow we'll spend in Park City so we can see how Ellie is feeling and so she can get some regular naps.