The Many Looks of Miko

Little Miko has the funniest little doggy face I've seen in a while. Bless her little heart, I can't always tell if she's cute or ugly, or if she's adorable or scraggly. Her fur is long and hairlike, and her muzzle is short and boxlike. She has a little under-bite that makes her bottom teeth stick out and her mouth never closes all the way. We like to make fun of her sometimes. When her hair is long and wild, she looks an awfully lot like an Ewok. If we dressed her up in a little cape, I'm sure she would look as if she just stepped out of a George Lucas film. With her fur clipped down and her face shaved, she looks very similar to Falcor, the luck dragon, from the Neverending Story. She has the perfect body for Falcor, too, despite the fact that she's black, not white. She has a very long body and very short stubby legs.

Despite her odd looks, we love little Miko and we're becoming quite attached to her. She has a great little personality, and loves to be cuddled and loved. Lizzy calls her "Mokee," and the nickname has caught on fast for the rest of us. We call her Mokee just as much as we call her Miko. Miko is a people loving dog all the way. She loves everybody she meets. She's also calm and relaxed most of the time, and only becomes hyper when she's roughhousing the cat. She's a fun little pup and we like having her in our home.

The Highlight of My Day: April 2011

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in April:

Fri 4/1/11: Today was a perfect spring day! Lizzy and I had a great time playing outside this morning. In the evening, we went with Papa to Harmons then had a picnic at the park. Lizzy loved sliding on the slide with her papa. It was LOVELY!

Sat 4/2/11: Brad and I watched two sessions of General Conference today. Lizzy was completely convinced that President Uchtdorf was Grandpa North. She had fun saying "Amen" during all of the talks, and she loved conducting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Sun 4/3/11: We got about 5 to 6 inches of snow last night, and it kept snowing throughout the day. It was perfect for General Conference weekend. I loved Elder Richard G. Scott's talk in the afternoon session. He spoke about marriage and made a special tribute to his wife. I cried the whole time.

Mon 4/4/11: We talked about Easter and the resurrection tonight for FHE. Then we watched "The Easter Dream."

Tue 4/5/11: Lizzy and I enjoyed watching Gilmore Girls together. I loved it when it was commercial time and Lizzy would say, "Where girls?" After the commercials were over, she would say, "There is!" She's so cute!

Wed 4/6/11: I made Shepherds Pie tonight and it was a big hit! Everyone liked it.

Thu 4/7/11: Brad and I visited YSAs tonight. Then we got to go shopping together. Lizzy was so happy when I came home. She loves her mama. "Mama come home!"

Fri 4/8/11: Dinner at IHOP and then off to visit Marian! Brad and I had fun playing Nerts with Marian tonight, and Lizzy had fun trying to participate. We love Aunt Marian!

Sat 4/9/11: I enjoyed watching movies with Brad today, and not having to cook. Brad did about 5 loads of laundry for me, which I haven't been able to keep up with lately. He is wonderful! I love my husband!

Sun 4/10/11: My baby in my arms at church was definitely, hands down, the highlight of my day. I love my Lizzy. She is such a sweetie! I wish she would do better in nursery, though. She screamed and cried the entire time until they got me. Poor baby. But she was sooooo happy to see me, and that was nice.

Mon 4/11/11: Brad and I made some time after the kids went to bed to watch a movie together. I love cuddling on the couch with my hubby.

Tue 4/12/11: Lizzy and I played bubbles outside this evening, and Brad and Emma joined us. I was pleased that Lizzy got to go on a walk with her dad and big sister.

Wed 4/13/11: Brad... is .... lovely! Tonight he made me feel like the most wonderful wife in the world. I love spending time with him.

Thu 4/14/11: Peter Jackson posted a short clip of "The Hobbit: Start of Production" on Facebook. I was thrilled beyond thrilled!

Fri 4/15/11: I heard my baby's heartbeat on the Doppler today. It was lovely! In the evening, Brad and I had dinner at Virg's, then we headed over to the park with Lizzy. Lizzy LOVES going down the slides by herself now. It's her new favorite thing to do.

Sat 4/16/11: Today's weather was perfect beyond perfect! Brad and I enjoyed playing with Lizzy in our front yard. We played with chalk and then did bubbles.

Sun 4/17/11: We attended Stake Conference today. Lizzy was so cute and well behaved! She loved sitting next to Grandpa North. In the evening we did some more chalk and bubbles in the front yard.

Mon 4/18/11: Dinner at Wendy's, then a fun night playing Nerts at Aunt Marian's house!

Tue 4/19/11: Lizzy went on her first Easter egg hunt! She liked watching the other children gather eggs, but also managed to find 8 eggs by herself. Hooray for Lizzy!

Wed 4/20/11: I shaved down Miko today. She looks so cute now! In the evening, Brad, Lizzy, and I enjoyed having strawberries with cream at Marilyn's house.

Thu 4/21/11: Brad made my birthday absolutely wonderful! One surprise after the other... I was totally not expecting that. I loved that he showed up from work a half day earlier bearing gifts and treats. We had a relaxing afternoon and a fun evening. I love my husband!

Fri 4/22/11: I enjoyed going to Brad's volleyball game tonight! Lizzy had fun playing ball with Brother Mullen. It was cute watching her play. She's so athletic!

Sat 4/23/11: We had a yummy BBQ dinner at Marilyn's house with the Bruce-Clan, minus Bruce and Michael, and Scott and Emma. My macaroni salad turned out nicely, and I loved Loralee's potato salad.

Sun 4/24/11: Lizzy stayed for the whole second half of Nursery by herself! I'm so proud of her! It was nice going to Relief Society.

Mon 4/25/11: We had an Easter celebration and my birthday celebration for FHE tonight. We had a blast dying hardboiled eggs and going on a Easter egg hunt. Scott baked me a cake for my birthday, and Emma made me a card. I loved it! My kids are great!

Tue 4/26/11: Picked up the van from the mechanic today! I loved having wheels again.

Wed 4/27/11: Brad and I have been having a fun time watching Royal Wedding specials on TV over the last week. We are trying to get in the mood to watch the big televised event on Friday!

Thu 4/28/11: Time with my honey is a lovely, lovely thing! Scott and Emma went to visit their mom tonight, so Brad and I went out to eat with Lizzy. I liked spending time with Bradley. We had a nice evening together.

Fri 4/29/11: Brad and I got up at 3:30 in the morning to watch the Royal Wedding. Prince William and Princess Catherine had a beautiful wedding. I loved the music, the traditional ceremony, Kate's dress, all the unusual and pretty hats, Westminster Abbey, and all the fancy horses and carriages. I'm very happy for the bride and groom and for all the royal family.

Sat 4/30/11: I loved having Scott and Emma home this weekend. I could tell they liked it, too. Both had time to play with their neighborhood friends, and in the evening we went to visit the cousins, which they also loved.

Perfect Spring Days

It's that time of year again! The warmer weather has made outdoor activities more enjoyable, and we've been taking advantage of it. We took Lizzy to the park on Friday after dinner, and Lizzy went up and down the slide for the first time by herself. She was so proud and excited!

Lizzy had to bring her puppy to the park this time. "Puppy" had fun going down the slide, too.

Grandma North's tulips and daffodils have bloomed in our front yard. Lizzy says, "Hi flowers," to them every day. She treats them as if they are people. It's so cute to watch her.

Lizzy had a wonderful time playing with chalk on Saturday and Sunday. She also enjoyed playing with bubbles. She is obsessed with bubbles! She asks for them all day every day.

Welcome Spring!
We are so glad you paid us a visit!

April Weather

The first day of April brought us beautiful spring weather. It was absolutely perfect, but perfect spring days in April never last long in Utah. Here is what it looked like two days later:



I personally like the occasional snow storm in April. I love the way the bright sun shines on the white glistening snow, making sparkles appear, and making the whole world outside seem like a bright fairyland. I love seeing bits of green and color poking through the snow. I especially love it when the trees are in full bloom and it snows. We still have a couple of more weeks before that happens.

So, I'm not complaining. Spring snow is my favorite snow.

The Highlight of My Day: March 2011

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in March:

Tue 3/1/11: Lizzy and I had fun playing with our new puppy, Miko, outside in the front yard. Lizzy loves it when Miko chases her. So cute to watch!

Wed 3/2/11: I watched a movie today starring Gregory Peck. It was called "The Man with the Gray Flannel Suit." I thought it was a good movie, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

Thu 3/3/11: I helped Emma practice her spelling words tonight. She has improved so much! I'm so proud of her!

Fri 3/4/11: Brad and I had "Five Guys Burgers" for dinner, and watched the third Twilight movie, "Eclipse."

Sat 3/5/11: Lizzy and Miko had a fun time at Wheeler Farm today. Lizzy liked seeing all the animals and climbing up in the tree house.

Sun 3/6/11: I had a lovely weekend with Brad! He is the handsomest, sexist, loveliest, awesomest husband EVER! I love being his wife.

Mon 3/7/11: We watched "Shrek Forever After" tonight. Everyone enjoyed it, including Lizzy, who loved Puss-in-Boots, the baby dragon mutants, and the music.

Tue 3/8/11: I had a great time making Lizzy laugh to the "Open, Shut Them" song. She thought it was hilarious!

Wed 3/9/11: I went to my ward's Relief Society activity night at church. The theme was on the book "100 Dresses," by Eleanor Estes. I enjoyed getting some time away from home.

Thu 3/10/11: I have been reading "The Magician's and Mrs. Quent" for the second time. I remembered why I liked it so much! It's a good book.

Fri 3/11/11: Brad and I watched "The Karate Kid" starring Jackie Chan. It was a good movie!

Sat 3/12/11: I went to my stake Women's Conference today. I loved hearing Sister Colleen Terry speak on being of good cheer. I learned some good tips from the "dinner in a flash" workshop class, and I loved Emily Hill's presentation on dating your spouse. Have some great ideas!

Sun 3/13/11: Lizzy stayed for part of Nursery all by herself today! Yay Lizzy!

Mon 3/14/11: We cleaned up the living room for Family Home Evening tonight. It goes so much faster when every pitches in. Thanks to my family for helping me out!

Tue 3/15/11: I enjoyed getting out of the house tonight and spending time with ladies in my ward.

Wed 3/16/11: Candles and love songs... Brad is WONDERFUL!

Thu 3/17/11: No puppy accidents today or yesterday! That definitely made me happy.

Fri 3/18/11: I saw my little unborn baby for the first time today! I loved seeing his/her little heart fluttering on the ultrasound screen, and seeing little limbs moving. So sweet and precious! I'm excited to be a mom again!

Sat 3/19/11: All of us picked up my mom at the airport today and headed over to Murry for lunch at Woody's and a short visit to Wheeler Farm. We made a brief stop at Target where my mom bought a dress and doll stroller for Lizzy. In the evening we had dinner at Souper Salad and then we went to visit Aunt Marian's new foster puppies.

Sun 3/20/11: I loved having my mom come to church with me today! Lizzy looked so cute in her new pink dress.

Mon 3/21/11: We talked about fun activities we could do as a family for FHE. I liked hearing the kids ideas and their enthusiasm for spending more time as a family. After all, a family who plays together stays together!

Tue 3/22/11: I bought airline tickets for Brad, Lizzy, and I to go to Long Beach! I'll get to be with my mother on Mother's Day! So thrilled!

Wed 3/23/11: Lizzy loves to talk to her grandma on the phone. Every day she asks if she can call, "gramma." She's a cutie.

Thu 3/24/11: Emma had a sleepover with her girl cousins tonight, and for part of the fun we went over to Aunt Marian's house and played with her new foster puppies. Petunia is my favorite puppy, and so is Pepper. They are soooo cute!

Fri 3/25/11: Brad took off work today while the kids stayed home from school. It was as if we had a whole extra Saturday. FUN!

Sat 3/26/11: I did not feel well today, so I spent most of the day lying in bed reading The House on Durrow Street. It's the sequel to The Magicans and Mrs. Quent, which is one of my favorite books.

Sun 3/27/11: Lizzy and I stayed home from church. Brad came home feeling sick. I was relieved to hear that my symptoms were not pregnancy related, and instead I have a
virus, which means there's an end in the near future.

Mon 3/28/11: Lizzy took it upon herself to sort through my dirty laundry today. She had a lot to say about it, too: "Eww... gross!" "Oh man!" "Uck!" "Oh my goodness!" She made me laugh so much! Another highlight: We played Clue for FHE tonight, and Scott won!

Tue 3/29/11: Finished reading The House on Durrow Street. I loved it! Can't wait for the third book to come out.

Wed 3/30/11: Finally felt more like myself today! I was able to take Lizzy to the doctor and shop at Walmart without feeling too sick and tired. I bought a yummy three-cheese lasagna for dinner tonight and a chocolate cream pie on sale, which everybody loved!

Thu 3/31/11: I loved talking to my little sister and mama on the phone today. Most of our conversations included topics on pregnancy, food, marriage, babies, and Lizzy--- all my favorite subjects.

Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers

My sisters and I watched Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure numerous times while we were young children. My grandparents made a recording of it on a VHS tape, and my sisters and I probably wore that tape down watching it so many times. Nothing stuck to me more from that movie than the song Raggedy Ann and Andy sang together as a duet while they were scared, alone in the forest: "Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers." Even as a child, I recognized the song as a beautiful song about love, loyalty, and friendship.

I appreciated the song as a child, but I think the song means more to me now as an adult than it ever did back then. It has probably become one of my favoritest songs for one big reason: I associate the song with motherhood. I sang it once for Emma while she was a little girl. She loves it, and asks me to sing it almost every night. Lizzy loves me singing it, too, and will often calm down listening to it, especially when she was a small infant. It has become her special lullaby song.

"Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers" holds a special place in my heart. I have gotten teary-eyed while singing it and listening to it over the last few weeks with my crazy pregnancy hormones raging. It's a special song to me, and I hope it will always be special to my girls as well.

Times when you're real down and low,
Every lonely place I go,
There's a way I always know
We're always together.

Paper daisies to explain
Sunshine always follows rain,
And a heart that's sweet and true
will help us weather the weather.
That's what keeps us together.

Candy hearts and paper flowers,
Sunshine days and skies of blue,
Lines and songs we sing for hours,
Words to say I love you true.

Times get bad and then I worry
How I'll ever see it through,
But candy hearts and paper flowers
Will always keep me close to you.
Will always keep me close to you.

If the night is gloomy and I'd like to hide.
Or a chill goes through me, 'cause I'm scared inside.
That's when I remember all the things you've done.
Little things that warm me like the morning sun.

And I feel so happy, don't you see?
'Cause I start to thinking just how much you mean to me.
So, let the night get gloomy any place I go,
I've got you beside me, that's a fact you should know.
It's because I love you so.

Two Little Blue Lines = BABY!

February 9th, 2011

When I first saw the pregnancy test, I thought it was negative. I was looking for a plus sign, not two blue lines side by side. I threw it away before it dawned on me to double check the instructions on the box, just in case I read it wrong. I felt so silly when I realized I had bought a different brand this time around, and two blue lines meant it was positive. Half in disbelief, and half in excitement, I fished the test out of the garbage and took a second look. A little smile crept on my face when I saw that I was indeed pregnant. Another baby! YAY!

March 18, 2011

This morning was my first doctor appointment. I was thrilled and relieved during the ultrasound when I saw my little "gummy bear" moving around for the first time. Little heart fluttering, little limbs moving-- a healthy little active baby about the size of a grape. My heart was so happy! Another little baby will be joining our family in October!

Introducing Our New Puppy, Miko!

We have another little baby in our home! We couldn't stand not having a dog after Rosie left (mainly me), so we found an adorable black and white maltese and poodle mix, about 11 weeks old. Miko is cute and sweet, easy-going and playful. She acts like a cat half the time, pouncing on things and chasing the laser light, and a "foo-foo" dog during the other half. She loves being cuddled and held like a baby.

Run Miko, run!

We love having her around! The kids are thrilled to have her. Emma loves holding her like a cat, and Lizzy loves running with her and picking her up. Scott loves playing with her and cuddling with her, and I love her sleeping on my shoulder. She is such a darling! I think she's going to make a wonderful addition to our family.

The Highlight of My Day: February 2011

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in February:

Tue 2/1/11: I had wonderful mommy moments with Lizzy today. We read books together, and she made me laugh out loud with her cute voice, naming animals (most she called doggies), and saying hippos were "uck." She also covered me with kisses while we were lying in bed. She's never done that before, and it was SO cute and funny.

Wed 2/2/11: I showed Scott how to make banana cream pie (the easy way) and it turned out fantastic! Everyone loved it!

Thu 2/3/11: I'm getting better at creating my own soup recipes for dinner. Tonight I made fish soup, and it turned out really, really good! Almost everyone had seconds. Even Lizzy!

Fri 2/4/11: Had a fun night with Marian and the puppies again! Those little guys are growing up fast! Lizzy had fun drinking soda and going on horsey rides with Papa. She liked hugging Woody, too.

Sat 2/5/11: We bought Lizzy a front-facing carseat today! She's getting too big for her infant seat. And we also bought her a Singamajig, which she LOVES!

Sun 2/6/11: I helped Scott make a cell model for his extra credit, using jello, canned fruit, and candy.

Mon 2/7/11: Scott came home with good news. His extra credit ended up being the best in his class! YAY!

Tue 2/8/11: I finished the newsletter today! I need to mail it off ASAP.

Wed 2/9/11: Positive results!!! More later on that topic. Side highlight: We had our annual date night with the kids for Valentine's Day! Brad took the girls out to Iceberg and I had fun with Scott playing video games and drinking Jamba Juice.

Thu 2/10/11: Emma won first place in the Science Fair!!! I'm so proud of my wonderful girl!!! I guess all that hard work paid off. Another highlight: Lizzy used the potty for the first time today! Hooray for Lizzy!

Fri 2/11/11: We went to visit Marian and the puppies tonight. Marian is wonderful! I enjoyed talking to her while Brad watered her plants.

Sat 2/12/11: Marilyn and James invited us to join them on a trip to The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. Lizzy LOVED looking at the fish.

Sun 2/13/11: The kids and I watched "Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga'Hoole."

Mon 2/14/11: We all had a very happy Valentine's Day today! Our FHE lesson tonight was on love. The kids had fun making strawberry cupcakes.

Tue 2/15/11: Three of Aunt Marian's foster puppies got adopted out to good homes, which is both a good thing and a sad thing. The others will be leaving tomorrow, so we stopped by tonight to play with them and say our last goodbyes.

Wed 2/16/11: Had an unexpected guest show up at our house this morning. Things are looking a little brighter! I hope good things will soon come to pass.

Thu 2/17/11: The kids and I had dentist appointments today. I loved all the positive feedback. The dentist called me Ms. Perfect Teeth. Made me want to smile all day!

Fri 2/18/11: The kids didn't have school today, and Brad stayed home from work! I liked the extra company.

Sat 2/19/11: Dinner with Tricky and David at Texas Roadhouse.

Sun 2/20/11: Falling asleep in Brad's lap was nice, especially when he rubbed my neck and shoulders. He's lovely.

Mon 2/21/11: It was nice having another "Saturday". I love four day weekends! We went to the store and bought some goodies, then we went to the park and ate Burger King. In the evening we had dinner with the Bruce Clan.

Tue 2/22/11: Went on a walk with Lizzy today. It was cold and our hands were freezing, but the sun was lovely and warm. We had fun playing with the neighbors' black cat when we returned home. Lizzy loves kitties. She calls them "keeee!"

Wed 2/23/11: Sold three hats today! YAY! And I enjoyed attending our ward's Chili/Soup Cookoff. I tried Sister Heather Jenkins' exceptionally delicious tomato bisque soup. It was soooooo good!

Thu 2/24/11: Lizzy's hair is growing so long and wavy and beautiful! I cut her bangs today, because they were getting in her eyes. My daughter is absolutely GORGEOUS!

Fri 2/25/11: Friday night with my hubby and baby= LOVELY! We had dinner at Panda Express, went shopping at Walmart, and then cuddled on the couch before bed.

Sat 2/26/11: Had a fun morning shopping at Sam's Club and Lowes, buying Emma a new dress and baby dolls for Lizzy at the DI, and eating at "Five Guys Burgers," which was reeeeeally yummy! In the afternoon we got a brand new puppy from a KSL ad online. We're so excited to have her! She's a little black and white maltepoo.

Sun 2/27/11: We went to visit Aunt Marian and Uncle Gordon this afternoon, and brought our new puppy with us. We talked, played Nerts with Marian, and then we had a very tasty dinner: ICE CREAM SUNDAES. Scott and Emma were very pleased!

Mon 2/28/11: I had a fun day with our new puppy. I think her name is "Miko." She looks like a Miko. Lizzy and I had fun playing with Miko outside and taking her for a walk. Miko reminds me of a cat sometimes. She pounces on things the way a cat would, and she likes string and the laser pointer.

Bye-Bye Rosie

On Sunday, February 20th, we said goodbye to our family dog, Rosie. Rosie went to live with her favorite person, Brad's brother Tricky, in sunny California. We were very sad to see her go, but we know she'll be happy with Tricky.

We spent three and a half wonderful years with Rosie, watching her grow-up from a little awkward, goofy pup, to a big, beautiful, graceful (still goofy) dog. We loved having her as part of our family. We'll miss her tremendously.

Good luck, Rosie! We love you!