Who's Who? #2

It's official. Trent's thighs are bigger than Ashlyn's. I figured that Trent would someday be bigger than his big sister, I just didn't think it would happen so soon. At this rate, his thighs will soon be bigger than mine! But don't worry, I won't be posting a picture of that ;0)

How Did They Do It?

I'll admit it, I am spoiled. But so are you. You do not fully appreciate your health until after you have been sick. You do not fully appreciate the modern miracle of an epidural until you are in labor. You do not fully appreciate the comfort of your own bed until after you have been away. You do not fully appreciate electricity until after the power has been out. And you do not fully appreciate running water until after your kitchen faucet breaks.

I have become very aware of how much I take running water for granted since Sunday when my kitchen faucet broke. A new faucet would likely cost us around $150. Luckily, it is under warranty. Unluckily, we are waiting for the parts.

We have had to resort to using our bathroom sink for many of our 'kitchen' needs. We have also pulled the hose inside a few times to fill the kitchen sink with water in order to rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher - exactly, I am spoiled. I have a dishwasher, so why am I complaining?

Because of these 'inconveniences', I have hardly cooked at all this week. I mean, I do still have running water in the house, but I have to go clear to the bathroom! The only meal I have made was on Tuesday night, and I only cooked because I was taking dinner to a friend who's son just had surgery.

My parents are on a pioneer trek this week in Martin's Cove. I tried to call them on their cell phones (yet another taken-for-granted modern day convenience) to make sure they were okay - both of their phones were turned off. Boy, are they roughing it! Prior to leaving on their trek, my mom and dad did a lot of research about the Martin Handcart Company and they shared many accounts with me. I could go on and on about how much the pioneers endured, their stories are amazing.

The fact that I am so paralyzed without my kitchen faucet, and the fact that my parents are on a pioneer trek right now, has left me to realize just how spoiled I am. It has also made me wonder just exactly how the pioneers did it? How did they sell ALL their possessions? How did they walk over 1000 miles to reach the Salt Lake valley? How did they keep going with out any rest stops in sight - just miles and miles of open plains in every direction? How did they cope with all the bugs, spiders, mosquitos, snakes, etc.? How did they survive on just 4 oz. flour per day? How did they watch loved ones die, bury them, and then keep on going? How did they handle -10 degree temperatures without even a tent for shelter? How did they stop for one day to give birth and then begin walking again the next? How did they not loose their faith?

How did they do it all without a kitchen faucet? Man, I'm spoiled.

No, I do not beat my children...

This was simply the result of me turning my back for a couple minutes and Ashlyn getting into my makeup. Oops. I gotta keep my 'eye' on this one at ALL times.

Smores Anyone?

As I mentioned, we have been busy having fun, but our summer hasn't been all play. We have been working hard too. Tonight we completed one project on our long to-do list - our new patio!

The back corner of our yard was an eye sore. It had three bushes, two of which had died, and it was full of nasty, ugly lava rock. If you don't think lava rock is nasty and ugly then you are not normal. So, we tore out the dead bushes, removed the lava rock, planted a tree, made everything nice and level and constructed a cobble stone patio.

I absolutely LOVE the way it all turned out. Isn't it wonderful when your "vision" turns out the way you envisioned it! And I am totally taking credit for the "vision". But I can't take credit for the whole thing. It was my idea and I did do a good chunk of work (I am not afraid to get down and dirty!), but Brian did the majority of the manual labor. I also must thank my dad for his advice, the use of his molds, and for getting us started off right. I can't wait to sit at my table during the day and sip lemonade or build a fire at night and roast a hot dog. Anyone is welcome to come on over and sit with me! I have all the fixins for smores!

The only bad part about this whole thing is that we aren't planning on living here forever. This spot will be really nice in about 10 years, when the tree gets big enough to provide more shade. Hopefully future residents will enjoy and appreciate the fruits of our labor!

Update

First off, some exciting news!! My dear, younger brother Jake has FINALLY started a blog! Go visit and see his adventures @ jakelifferth.blogspot.com

Even though summer days are longer, there still are not enough hours in them. I am slacking in more than one area of my life right now, one of which is blogging. I just don't seem to have any down time lately to spend on the computer. We are too busy having fun!

We had such a fun 4th of July weekend up in Malad, ID - hometown of my sweet sister-in-law Monica. We started off by going to their parade which Ashlyn loved because she got candy thrown at her! Although, she was not usually fast enough to compete with the older kids. Okay by me, because I think she got just enough to satisfy her sweet tooth - and mine ;)

This was Brian's favorite part of the parade. We were all a little bewildered as to what exactly this was? Oh well, it looked neat.

After the parade, we went to the park to join in the festivities going on there. Ashlyn tried cotton candy for the first time - loved it! Then the kids all participated in the races. When it was Ashlyn's age group's turn, I went up to the starting line with her. I took off her shoes and told her to look for daddy at the finish line. Brian waved, but there were so many people, she could not see him. When they yelled go, I told Ashlyn to run! She started off strong, running about 12 feet, before she got confused and scared because she couldn't see her dad, then turned around and ran back to me. Better luck next year!

While we were at the park, Brian discovered that Trent had gotten his FIRST tooth! His second tooth broke through the next day. My little guy is growing up.

Then we had a yummy BBQ at Monica's aunt and uncles home and let the kids play in the water. We finished off the day by watching fireworks - I know, big surprise. We camped that night at Monica's dad's ranch. The next day we packed up and headed into town to cook breakfast at Monica's dad's home. We sat around for awhile afterward and just relaxed - how wonderful!

All to soon, it was time to head home - there was work to do! Yuck! We did some work in the yard and then we went to the Bees game that night. It was a terrible game, they lost 6-0! However, there was a fireworks show after the game and it was incredible! Fireworks two nights in a row, you can't beat that.

One thing about the game. This was the fourth game we had gone to this season, courtesy of Brian's employer. We also went to multiple games last season. They have season tickets and so we sit in the same seats every game, right behind the Bees dugout. During the 3rd inning as we were enjoying our peanuts, a man came up to us and said that we were sitting in his seats. Brian very insistently stated that we had season tickets and always sat there. The man showed Brian his tickets and Brian got out our tickets to compare.

Sure enough, we were in the wrong seats! We had been sitting in the wrong seats all season! Plus, we sat in the wrong seat all of last season! We were suppose to be sitting one section over, which incidentally put us closer to home plate and were better seats. So, we moved. Brian was just a little embarrassed by the whole thing since he was so sure of himself ;) The thing we don't understand is why this was the first time in 1 1/2 seasons that anyone told us we were in the wrong seats?! Go figure.

Marital Bliss

For seven years! Brian and I celebrated another anniversary yesterday. But it wasn't really just another anniversary, it was our seventh - which means that we have past the test! You know, the seven-year itch! Brian had no idea what I was talking about when I told him this.

Anyway, it was a wonderful day. We usually try to take turns planning Valentines Day and our anniversary, but for some reason I ended up in charge of both days this year (that means I am off duty next year Bri, it is all you!). I decided that we were going to do something different, something that Brian would not normally do, something that he would have to do because it was our anniversary and I said so...



We got pedicures! It was so much fun - even Brian would say so. I could tell he was a little uncomfortable and out of his element when we walked in, but he was such a good sport about it. We got deluxe pedicures which included a leg massage, and Brian upgraded his to get a hot stone massage as well. It was so relaxing and Brian actually really enjoyed it. When we left he even said he would do it again - surprise, surprise!

After our pedicures we enjoyed a steak dinner - something very "manly" to balance out the night;) At dinner Brian surprised me with a beautiful turquoise ring. There is a story behind this ring and it holds a lot of sentimental value, but I am not divulging that info today. Lets just say that the whole thing made me cry, something I try hard not to do in public. It is one of the best presents I have ever received. Thank you Brian.

We also did some reminiscing by watching our wedding video. It is amazing what seven years will do! Everyone looked so young, especially Anna and Mary who were our flower girls. I loved our wedding. It was a perfect day.

And I love you Brian. I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with you.