The John Posterity

We were able to have a Gary John Reunion June 27, 2009, at Shoshone Falls. My sister, Leanda, was able to come from Indiana, so all of the sibblings and grandchildren (minus the twins and the baby I'm expecting) were there. Here is a picture of my parents with all the living grandkids--26 so far. My parents are preparing to leave on an LDS church mission to Russia in August, so it was good to get together before they leave.

On the Bright Side

One good thing about not having the baby early is that we've been able to do some fun things together. Steve was able to take the boys on an overnighter campout, since our ward didn't do a father and sons outing. They had a great time!

We were also able to spend an evening at Harris Pond in Burley canoeing, paddle boating, swimming, and getting eaten by mosquitoes. We all had fun!

The highlight of the summer so far was the ward party at Steadman's water slide in Raft River. The kids had great fun going down the slide, doing the zip line, and scrounging for candy from the candy cannon. Maybe I should have tried the water slide or zip line...it might have put me into labor!

...and still waiting!!!

I cannot believe I have not had this baby yet. I know Heavenly Father is trying to teach me patience, but I wish He'd hurry up and get on with the lesson! I was sitting in sacrament meeting on Sunday as Garrett is romping over my lap and whining incessantly, and the impression came to me that the baby is probably afraid to come! It's much safer inside! I know it eventually has to end. I tried the castor oil thing today. I think it worked when I tried it with Ethan. It didn't work this time. I don't have to worry about being regular for a while, but I am completely wiped out! It really took a lot out of me (none of these comments are pun-intended!). I really do feel yucky tonight. I'll just keep praying for patience and know this little guy will come when he's ready.

Waiting and waiting....

I'm officially classified as to term now--37 weeks and counting. I made it past the 35 1/2 week mark when Garrett was born and am now very impatient. I've had my share of Braxton Hick's contractions--hard enough to wake me up at night, but all they seem to accomplish is making me more tired. Oh, it's so hard to endure this last part! We all want the baby to come!

Never-ending Projects

The latest project has been our front yard. We cut down a rather large cottonwood tree last fall and recently dug out the stump witha backhoe, creating quite a mess of the yard. We fixed the mess by planting two locust trees and sodding the yard. We still have a lot of work to do (more landscaping, curbing,etc.) but it's certainly an improvement!

Erik Turns Four!

Erik turned four on May 10th. I remember when Garrett was born, and I was so overwhelmed with two boys 15 months apart. I thought, it will be so much better the year they turn 3 and 4. That year is here! I can't believe it! I won't say it's easier, but it is different than having two babies at a time. Four is my favorite year for a child! They are potty trained, past the fit throwing stage (usually) and say the funniest things! Erik has taken on the roll of being Garrett's linguist tutor. He keeps trying to get him to pronounce words correctly; the funny thing is, Garrett learned how to talk from Erik, so he says things just like Erik (Erik: "NO, Garrett, not "lellow", "LELLOW!") (for yellow). Anyway, time really has passed quickly, and I'm grateful for my little family! I hope to enjoy them more!

If I could quit my day job...

...I would spend my life doing floral design! This is the first wedding bouquet I have made solo since graduating from college 16 years ago. My neighbor's daughter is getting married and I volunteered to help with the flowers. I love doing this! She picked out the pink Gerberra daisies and I put the rest together. Too fun!