June: new mower, essential oils, and Crispy Cones

There's always room for play time at our house and that isn't limited to the Littles.

I pulled out both of our lawn mowers to start my summer mowing chores and ended up ready to throw a wrench, hammer and boulder at both of them! One of them wouldn't start or cut right; the other had such horrible steering that I would end up going over the lawn about three time just to cut all the grass, and it was held together with a bungee cord that kept falling off. In full frustration I snapped at LeRoy because he kept bringing home these junkers for me to do my work and had mentioned looking on Facebook for another used one, when he spends top dollar for the tools to do his work. Within an hour, I had my new tool and it worked better than I could have ever hoped! It only took me 10 years to speak up.

In honor of our favorite Europeans, we took a treat run to Crispy Cones. It was a temporary tent set up by a returned missionary that had served in the Czech Republic. He wanted to treat fellow Rexburgians to one of his favorite Czech desserts. I do believe it would taste much better and have better texture in Europe, with flours, jams, and creams that aren't so heavy and sweet.

As Levi and I talked essential oils and sniffed until we found our favorite blends, Hyrum joined in and made his very first blend. He named it Whisper and it soon became one of my favorites as well.

Max & Zane: Brownies, Baptism and Temple

The first thing the boys did together for the spring spectacular was to taste test mug brownies. We made two different brands and they did their reviews.

I honestly can't remember which one they liked best, but it was fun to have them give their reviews.

On Saturday morning, we went to Brock Orr's baptism since he is the fifth member of this little band of brothers. The boys each wrote a kind note for him and gave him a bag of mini Starbursts. Even with his cousins and family there, Brock seemed so pleased to have them there and made it a point to come and thank them.

Since we were all dressed up, we (the Mom's) decided to make a visit to the temple grounds.

I hope these four grow up to be good friends, always supporting each other in positive ways.

Watching them walk off together was a brief glimpse into their futures, walking confidently into their lives on the covenant path as individuals, but with the companionship of memories and as "brethren in the Lord". (Alma 17:2)

As we walked around the temple, Nathan paused to tell them about his Priesthood Tree. He explained how his first picture with the tree was taken the day he received the Priesthood and that it was just barely budding with new spring leaves. By the time he went to the temple to do baptisms a couple of weeks later it was blooming and becoming more full, and just like his tree, he will continue to grow toward the sun/Son as he progressed through the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood. 

He also stopped in front of the baptism doors and explained to them all the steps of doing baptisms, from having your recommend checked, changing clothes and taking a name of someone in our family line to do baptisms and confirmations for. I was impressed at their attention and his willingness to share it with them.

A few weeks later, I was cleaning a bunch of papers off of Nathan's desk and found this written out. He is a thoughtful and loving young man.

Max and Zane: Bear World and Mesa Falls

Our second annual trip to Bear World was just as fun as the first. It's the perfect place to enjoy a bit of nature and have some fun rides for a touch of excitement and adrenaline.

 

It's also a great way to see how our boys measure up from the year before. Though it doesn't look that drastic on Nathan's growth, he did grow almost five inches between pictures.

This year we took a curator tour and the boys got to feed the bears and see them up close. As we watched the cubs wander over and beg for food, it didn't seem so different as our own cute little cubs doing the same.

Also this year, the boys talked us into going on the Spinning Bears and roller coaster with them. They laughed and laughed as I tried to get them to stop spinning in mock panic and they tried so hard to make it spin faster. Kara was a great sport on the roller coaster; I will never ride it again and the boys think that is hilarious.

Another day that week, we took Kara, Max and Zane to our yearly mini-hike to Mesa Falls. A stranger walking toward the parking lot let us know that we could check out adventurer backpacks for the boys. The backpacks were full of bug catching nets, binoculars, rock and bug guides to keep their interest and something to spy around for.

Nature better watch out for this crew. After a good covering of bug spray, we headed onto the trail.

The bug nets and binoculars were a hit! We'll never take the trail without them again. They also had chisels to chip away at rocks, which had tree-hugging hikers glaring at us, but the park provided them so we let them go at it.

Our attempt at a selfie by the falls.

After our hike, we stopped at the lodge to take our best guesses at the animal pellets on display. We also found which animal fur was soft, rough, and prickly.

On our way home, we made an unscheduled stop at Frostop Cafe in Ashton.

They loved their root beer floats and the "old fashioned" cafe. It may need to become part of our tradition in the future.

Growing in the Gospel

Hryum stayed home from school one day with a headache and fever. He slept for most of the day but at one point mid-morning, I came out of my office to find him sitting on the floor with both my scriptures, and his.

He was using my scriptures as a guide and marking his own scriptures to match mine. He was so focused that when I walked over to the window to take a couple of pictures, he just thought I was looking out the window. Moments like this that give me hope and confidence in his spiritual future. Taking the time to connect with God through written word is so healing.

Nathan was asked to give his first talk in Sacrament Meeting. He initially tried to get out of it but after a little study on the topic (4th Article of Faith) he felt he could do it. We spent several conversations just discussing, looking up additional scriptures and quotes and breaking down the details. Then he wrote it on his own.

Just like he had done in primary, he practiced his talk out loud. I knew he was doing this and every once in a while he'd come and do it for me, mostly for encouragement. Little did I know that he was actually practicing with an audience.

He had set all his stuffed animals to face him in full attention and had built his own podium using his desk chair and clothes basket.

On the day that he gave his talk he asked if we could do an additional prayer together. He was glad that he was helping to pass the sacrament so that he didn't just have to sit through it getting more nervous. He did a wonderful job! He spoke clearly, shared scriptures and words from the prophets and shared his testimony.

Spring: Fire, Garden, and Swing

 Spring brought several fires only a few miles from us. One fire started on a Sunday afternoon and was so new and close that we wandered out for a drive. We stayed out of the way but were close enough to see the plane and helicopter dropping retardant and the trucks going back and forth with water tanks for the firefighters.

The wind and sun created amazing images which we could only celebrate with the fires staying in the dessert areas, away from homes. However, one dessert fire near St. Anthony did cause an evacuation as the winds blew it across the rivers and roads and took it far too close to town.

Spring brought such strong winds that we actually had a couple of tornado warnings. Along with small tornadoes came the hail.The hail was so strong and damaging that it tore through gardens, roofs, windshields and siding. Our own roof was damaged to a point that we will have in completely redone in spring 2019.

My &&&& neighbor volunteered to come plow my garden for spring planting. Initially I felt a bit guilty asking him to come and plow for us but after talking to another neighbor that he plows for, we found that he absolutely loves it. He showed up with his tractor and tilled the ground until it was almost fluffy. As I talked with him after, he was nearly giddy talking about garden stuff. For someone who is so quiet and soft spoken at church, he was animated and excited sharing garden tips. Thanks so much Brother &&&&&&

From winds of years past, my previous porch swing had to be junked. I searched around and found one that I felt could withstand the wind, would last for several years, and would be an outdoor haven for the summer months.

It took Derek and I nearly seven hours to put it together. I couldn't have done it without him! The cats think it's just a pedestal for them to spy on us.

 It is better than I had hoped and is the perfect reading spot for summer evenings . . . provided the mosquito candle is burning.

Every once in a while the boys will come up missing and I find them reading, sleeping or chatting on the swing. Part of Hyrum's morning routine was to eat breakfast and then go out to the swing to warm up in the sun.

Derek in Idaho and turning 22

We were thrilled to have Derek move back to the Rexburg area, even if only for a few weeks. In that time we took advantage of every day together, filling the time with building and fun.

It was quite impressive to see Derek manage a flip that appeared to be in slow motion as his 6'5" frame rotated through the sky.

Derek helped me build a few games for the YM/YW combined outdoor activity. We all then tried them out and spent a Sunday afternoon with our laughter echoing through the neighborhood.

Knowing that I had Derek to help me out, I picked up a porch swing kit. It took the two of us nearly 8 hours digging through instructions, screws, and bolts, but we finally had it setting all in place. I absolutely love my quiet place as well as the beautiful flowers that Levi and Daymia gave me for Mother's Day.

While Derek was staying in Idaho Falls with Daymia and Levi, he got to meet their eccentric neighbor, Ron. The two of them share similar hobbies of shield, weapons, and helmets.

Derek was also very impressed with Ron's complete Harry Potter wand collection. Part of what is so unique about the collections is that none of it has been ordered online. Every piece has come from a catalog mail-in or phone order with a check sent in the mail. Generations apart, they still had plenty to talk about.

Derek was only with us for a few weeks before he moved to South Carolina, but we sure enjoyed the time with him. He is so skilled and goal driven, which leads him on many adventures. I appreciated our long, in-person conversations and getting to know him better as an adult.  By the time his 22nd birthday rolled around, he had moved across the country and was well on his way to adulting in style.

Lilly Rae Hellbusch

Their last picture as a family of three.

♥ Welcome, Baby Girl ♥

As I drove from my appointment in Idaho Falls back to Taylorsville, I called Erika to check in. At Pocatello, she was heading over to the midwife, finally in labor. I made a quick call to Kara to see if she could go stay with Nathan, Hyrum and Kailee until I got there; Nathan would keep watch until she got there. By the time I got to Tremonton, I got a call back that she was already born! Kara hadn't even made it to the house yet (from her home in Tooele), so it was a very good thing that Nathan was there and they didn't need to wait. After waiting and waiting through false labor for over 2 weeks, I was so happy that Erika had a quick delivery. At Erika's request, I went right to the clinic to see them before heading over to the house to relieve Kara.

After a couple of hours, and a delicious omelet made by the midwife, Bret and Erika brought their new baby daughter home.

Kailee Jo was instantly in love and has been a loving and doting sister.

Lilly is such a calm, sweet baby. She only cries, and barely so, when she wants fed or needs a change. We each took turns cuddling with her and had a hard time passing her on to someone else.

Kara was such a blessing on this day and got to be the first extended relative to meet Lilly.

Though Lilly has her own looks, she also looks a bit like Kailee Jo.

Kailee on the left, Lilly on the right.

Newborn toes and soft newborn hair, along with floppy, foldy newborn snuggles are one of my favorite things!!

Grandpa Edwards couldn't wait to meet his new granddaughter, so when she was four days old he made a special trip to Utah.  Justin also met her that same day.

A new baby is such a joy and blessing to our family!

LeRoy with his girls... Erika (1993), Kailee (2016), Lilly (2018)

Waiting for Lilly

Facebook posts from Erika Jo:

April 26

Pregnancy and motherhood are not always beautiful and glamorous. I spend more days than not in sweats or leggings and my husband's t-shirts because nothing else is comfortable. My hair goes unwashed for too long because finding time to shower without Kailee's help is not an easy task. I'm grumpy and tired and get really frustrated when my sweet girl acts just like me and is stubborn beyond all reason. My house is a disaster. We eat a lot of corn dogs and mac n cheese because they're fast and easy. Some days I'm not sure I can do this, but then these moments happen and they make everything worth it.

Kailee has been extra clingy the past few weeks and mostly just wants her momma. I can't always take the time to just sit with her like this and sometimes it's frustrating to always have her wanting to be touching and climbing on me. But when I pause and just sit with her, my world is perfect. My pregnancy pains are dulled. My stresses don't seem to matter as much. My heart just melts and everything is perfect! I don't generally share pictures I feel I look horrible in, but regardless of looks, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world when I woke up with this angel snuggled up against me. She doesn't care how fat and frumpy I look or feel. She doesn't care if I don't think I'm good enough. All she cares about is that she has her momma. She loves me. She thinks I'm good enough. And that is truly all that matters.

April 29th
Exactly one month till our due date! We will hit 36 weeks on Tuesday. Can't wait for sweet Lilly to be here! I'm currently insanely grateful for swimming pools and how well the water lifts all of this extra weight off of me. It's the only time I'm not hurting. Thanks for taking this awesome picture Levi Edwards!

May 9th
37 weeks! Thanks to the exercises the chiropractor recommended, I'm in a lot less pain than I have been my entire pregnancy and am feeling pretty good! The entire house is finally ready for miss Lilly to join us (nesting is a very real thing, my friends) and we're getting more and more anxious and excited!

May 26th
Right after school was out on the 25th, Nathan, Hyrum and I headed to Erika's house to hang out until baby Lilly made her debut. Erika and I both had terribly dry feet and hers were so swollen that a pedicure was a must! They gave her cute little disposable flip flops to wear thinking she had "forgotten" her shoes.


May 29th
39 weeks and 2 days along and still no sign of Lilly 😭 in fact, she has now flipped and is in the wrong position! Little punk. Fingers crossed she decides to flip back and make her way into our family soon. We are so excited to meet her!

On the boys last day of school, I picked them up and we headed to Erika's house. We were going to stay there until Lilly was born, which we were expecting would be in the next couple of days. We ended up being there a full week....waiting. Bret, Nathan, Hyrum and Kailee went downtown for some adventures. When they got back, I quickly typed as they told us what they did and saw.

"We stopped at Fizz for mixed drinks and then went to the Salt Lake temple and were walking around and found a revolving door. We were so excited to go through the revolving door a few times. We went to the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building to see the temple from clear up high.

We looked for a train to go on because it would be free and fun. Somebody jumped up on a planter and had a button up shirt and yelled "Lucifer in the house". He was tumbling around, took his shirt off, almost got run over. An Irish man commented, "if he gets run over, he'll probably die and really meet lucifer.

Nathan did pull ups on the train. Once off the train we went to the Jazz stadium and we were posers in front of the Jazz note. It started to get hot so we went to the fountain and got wet. We went on a few escalators 'cause I love escalators. We wanted to get drinks but the wallet was in the car so we took a train to get back and actually took the wrong train.

We went to Macey's where the car was parked. We went to The Junction to eat and got pizza and Bret got a hamburger with an egg in it.

On the way back we saw some lady missionaries who had a lemonade stand and a sign that said, "free lemonade and a message about living water".

Bret: "We were almost home and these two raggedy people were walking down the street and Nathan says, "there are so many homos here". Those are "hobos", not homos!"


After they got home, Erika and I went out for our own adventures.

We went to the salon where they massaged our feet, put them in paraffin wax and grated our scaly dry skin off. It was so relaxing and felt great! They painted our toes with cute lilies on them for our little Lilly.

Then we went to Zupas for lunch and had berry salads and turkey bacon avocado sandwiches....so yummy! We stopped at Walmart to get milk and ended up sitting in the van with the AC on just talking. It doesn't take much to rejuvenate us worn out moms.

When we got home, we realized that we didn't have a house key. Bret had it. One of us had to climb through the back window to unlock the front door. The nine-month pregnant momma wasn't going through any window, so I got too.

Luckily(?), Erika took a picture.

Still no Lilly!

I had to make a quick trip back to Rexburg for an appointment with Miles. I first took a picture of Nathan's eye hoping that Miles could direct us what to take since the dermatologists suggestions didn't work.

A few weeks later, Nathan's eye looked so much better!! It wasn't a stye at all, it was an infected wart cluster and the herbs Miles suggested cleared it all up.

On my way back, I brought some porch chairs and a bench for Erika's yard, as well as the weed eater so that we could clear the area under their big shade tree.


Still waiting!

Kate and Mike invited us to their house for a barbeque. On the way there, Erika and I stopped to pick up a Batman car for Kailee that we found on Facebook Marketplace. It was also a surprise for Bret, who didn't know we were getting it.

They both loved it!!

After a morning on her feet, Erika zonked in a chair for a while.

Her swollen feet needed the break. Growing a baby is exhausting!