Okay, so I am a nerd with my play on words huh? We have had a rough week. It started with Richard leaving town for a couple of days for work. His first day gone Matthew tells me he has a heaviness in his chest and was coughing. He had no fever, but I kept him home from school. By Wednesday he had a fever of 102.. so I took him to the dr. The diagnosis... H1N1... Swine flu!! Yikes. I was pretty surprised.. I called piano students and said to stay far from our infectious home. By Wednesday night, Rich came home and Nick started running a temperature too. By Thursday night his fever hit over 105!!!! We took him to the E.R... and the diagnosis.. surprise, surprise.. H1N1. He was so sick. They said he was dehydrated. Before we left for the hospital Richard gave him a Priesthood Blessing that his fever would come down quickly. By the time we got to the Hospital.. it was already down to 103. After we returned home from the E.R. that night (after midnight) his fever was 100.. and for the rest of his illness NEVER was above that temperature again. I always marvel at the power of the Priesthood. Nicholas had faith in his blessing and so did we.. I am so thankful for the knowledge my family has in the Gospel!!
So our boys were wearing little masks the rest of the week to prevent anymore of us from getting sick. They were so sad to be stuck behind those things for so long. At this moment.. no fever Matthew now for 72 hours.. and Nick for 24 hours. We made it!! So far no one else is sick. I hope that stays. Richard has a cold.. but we don't think it is the Swine Flu.
So, we are hopeful that it stays calm over here!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
First Day of School Pictures
Holly wishes she was big enough to go too!
First Day of School 2009Shelley sporting a new hairdo! I know I am biased.. but these are some cute kids!
Matthew is in 7th grade, Shelley is in 5th grade and Nick is in 1st grade!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Slogger... Blog slacker
I stole this word from a friend of mine... it totally fit me to a tee.
Let's bring you up to speed.....
It has been a busy month around here. School is going well for the kids. I think we are finally establishing a routine. I am getting my piano schedule organized and things feel like they are going well there. Holly is sick again, but that is nothing too unusual. The Doctor thinks her tonsils swell up partly because of allergies. So we are going to try singulair and see if that helps any. I had a fabulous August and got to spend time with an old dear friend.. Jamie. She flew to see me with her 2 kids. It was so wonderful. It totally reminded me that true and good friendships never go away and they stand the test of time!
I turned 32 last month... I am now officially double the age necessary to drive and date. That makes me feel pretty old. However, I do have a 12 year old.. I suppose to be any younger would be quite scandelous :)
KIDS NEWS....
Holly says the funniest things lately. The other day I was painting my toe nails, she came up and asked if I would paint her "ponytails" too. I then asked if she meant toenails, she replied " silly me, ponytails go on my head." She is so cute and funny.
Nick is really enjoying the first grade and loves to read. Getting better everyday. Shelley is in a Pom class this year and Holly is taking a dance class too. It is so sweet.
Nick plans to play Basketball soon and Matthew is busy with Jr. High.. (can you believe he is in Jr. High?) and plans to play basketball this year too. We have very busy and good kids!
Football fun....
This is a fun time of year. We are involved with Fantasy football, and currently we are not doing so hot.. but it is fun to do it none the less. We love watching all the Football games and especially cheering on the Huskers!!! I look forward to the leaves changing and to the temperatures cooling a bit.. not a lot, just a little. Pumpkin cookies and Apple Cider... I love Fall!!!
Lofty goals....
I am the organist in our ward and I have decided that despite the scariness of playing it, I am going to be the best one I can be.
I have decided that I am going to be a skinny girl again.. My mind is made up.. but, my body is like "whatever" ;). So, I will keep working out until I am sorda skinny again!
Cute hubby..
Richard is in the Elders Quorum Presidency as the 2nd Counselor. It has been a good change for him. He is really enjoying it. I am always amazed how he raises his hand whenever service is needed anywhere. He is always so willing to go the extra mile.. such a good example to me. He is a good husband and I am so thankful he is my husband and the father of my children.
Addicted to Politics..
I have really been upset by the current situation in Washington. I am a total Conservative and do not like Big Government. I have found it very challenging to stay positive about the direction our Country is headed. I know that there are many wonderful citizens who are standing up for what they belive in. (Like my parents going to Tea parties and such :) I am absolutely against a Public Option in Healthcare.. I am absolutely against anything where the Government's voice becomes louder then the peoples. But, I won't spend too much time on this issue.. this could be a whole post on it's own. Richard worries I get too obsessed. I am just concerned. Through all of this I have pondered a lot about my Great Grandfather John Hart who signed the Declaration of Independence. I try to support an agenda that would support what those founding fathers envisioned when they risked everything by signing the Declaration! Ultimately, I am so grateful to be a citizen of this great Country.
Conclusion...
I will try to be a more consistent blogger.. I know so many of you wait with bated breath for my next post. hee, hee.
We are so blessed. We are happy and life is Good!!!!
Pictures to come soon.. in Katy style, they will be a bunch all at once... cause that's how I roll.
Let's bring you up to speed.....
It has been a busy month around here. School is going well for the kids. I think we are finally establishing a routine. I am getting my piano schedule organized and things feel like they are going well there. Holly is sick again, but that is nothing too unusual. The Doctor thinks her tonsils swell up partly because of allergies. So we are going to try singulair and see if that helps any. I had a fabulous August and got to spend time with an old dear friend.. Jamie. She flew to see me with her 2 kids. It was so wonderful. It totally reminded me that true and good friendships never go away and they stand the test of time!
I turned 32 last month... I am now officially double the age necessary to drive and date. That makes me feel pretty old. However, I do have a 12 year old.. I suppose to be any younger would be quite scandelous :)
KIDS NEWS....
Holly says the funniest things lately. The other day I was painting my toe nails, she came up and asked if I would paint her "ponytails" too. I then asked if she meant toenails, she replied " silly me, ponytails go on my head." She is so cute and funny.
Nick is really enjoying the first grade and loves to read. Getting better everyday. Shelley is in a Pom class this year and Holly is taking a dance class too. It is so sweet.
Nick plans to play Basketball soon and Matthew is busy with Jr. High.. (can you believe he is in Jr. High?) and plans to play basketball this year too. We have very busy and good kids!
Football fun....
This is a fun time of year. We are involved with Fantasy football, and currently we are not doing so hot.. but it is fun to do it none the less. We love watching all the Football games and especially cheering on the Huskers!!! I look forward to the leaves changing and to the temperatures cooling a bit.. not a lot, just a little. Pumpkin cookies and Apple Cider... I love Fall!!!
Lofty goals....
I am the organist in our ward and I have decided that despite the scariness of playing it, I am going to be the best one I can be.
I have decided that I am going to be a skinny girl again.. My mind is made up.. but, my body is like "whatever" ;). So, I will keep working out until I am sorda skinny again!
Cute hubby..
Richard is in the Elders Quorum Presidency as the 2nd Counselor. It has been a good change for him. He is really enjoying it. I am always amazed how he raises his hand whenever service is needed anywhere. He is always so willing to go the extra mile.. such a good example to me. He is a good husband and I am so thankful he is my husband and the father of my children.
Addicted to Politics..
I have really been upset by the current situation in Washington. I am a total Conservative and do not like Big Government. I have found it very challenging to stay positive about the direction our Country is headed. I know that there are many wonderful citizens who are standing up for what they belive in. (Like my parents going to Tea parties and such :) I am absolutely against a Public Option in Healthcare.. I am absolutely against anything where the Government's voice becomes louder then the peoples. But, I won't spend too much time on this issue.. this could be a whole post on it's own. Richard worries I get too obsessed. I am just concerned. Through all of this I have pondered a lot about my Great Grandfather John Hart who signed the Declaration of Independence. I try to support an agenda that would support what those founding fathers envisioned when they risked everything by signing the Declaration! Ultimately, I am so grateful to be a citizen of this great Country.
Conclusion...
I will try to be a more consistent blogger.. I know so many of you wait with bated breath for my next post. hee, hee.
We are so blessed. We are happy and life is Good!!!!
Pictures to come soon.. in Katy style, they will be a bunch all at once... cause that's how I roll.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The video below is of a song that I wrote for a man named Lynn "Doc" Cleland. He is pulling a handcart in honor of his Great Grandmother who was one of the first pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley. We met him here in Omaha while he was on the trail. I saw him on the news and then saw him our ward that Sunday. He asked me to write a piece of music to go with a Documentary he will be making after he completes his trek.
He asked me to compose something that was low in the beginning and had the melody of "Come, Come Ye Saints" The melody is definitely inspired by this hymn and also has a variation of that hymn through out the piece. One melody came to me when we were driving one evening to find Doc to walk with him. There is a part of the song where it changes keys.. it goes into a lower almost sad melody. While I was sitting at the piano I tried to imagine what it might have been like to be Sarah Goode Marshall. I tried to imagine the hardship she must have had being a widowed woman with 5 children. I am sure there were very dark moments during the trek, but her faith always sustained her through those moments. The melody then goes back to the original theme of "Come, Come ye Saints." I thought it should end as if she were entering the valley and the conclusion of the song should end with the "All is Well" part of the Hymn.
I know this is a very choppy explanation of the song, but it gives Doc an idea of what I have been working on. It still needs a lot of work and needs to be obviously notated and fine tuned.
It has been a neat opportunity to do this and work on this piece. I don't think I am a composer by any means, but it has been thrilling to hear my thoughts come out into music onto the piano. His website is www.faithgreaterthanpain.com You can read about his journey there!
He asked me to compose something that was low in the beginning and had the melody of "Come, Come Ye Saints" The melody is definitely inspired by this hymn and also has a variation of that hymn through out the piece. One melody came to me when we were driving one evening to find Doc to walk with him. There is a part of the song where it changes keys.. it goes into a lower almost sad melody. While I was sitting at the piano I tried to imagine what it might have been like to be Sarah Goode Marshall. I tried to imagine the hardship she must have had being a widowed woman with 5 children. I am sure there were very dark moments during the trek, but her faith always sustained her through those moments. The melody then goes back to the original theme of "Come, Come ye Saints." I thought it should end as if she were entering the valley and the conclusion of the song should end with the "All is Well" part of the Hymn.
I know this is a very choppy explanation of the song, but it gives Doc an idea of what I have been working on. It still needs a lot of work and needs to be obviously notated and fine tuned.
It has been a neat opportunity to do this and work on this piece. I don't think I am a composer by any means, but it has been thrilling to hear my thoughts come out into music onto the piano. His website is www.faithgreaterthanpain.com You can read about his journey there!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Way too Long
It has definitely been a crazy spring. Last week I spent a wonderful week with my parents enjoying a very relaxing time with them and the kids. The Spring Piano Recital was last Saturday and it was very large. I had to have it in two different groups. I had 34 performances. I have a hard time believing that I have that many students too :)
We are looking forward Summer and really enjoying the time off from School. I am still teaching some of my students for the summer though.
We are excited to go to the Wiedrich Family Reunion in a couple of weeks and are planning a trip to Wyoming sometime this Summer as well. Should be a lot of fun.
Update on each of the kiddos since it has been a while.
Matthew:
He won several musicianship awards at his Awards Day at School and also one for one of his pictures in Art Class. Matthew is excelling in Band and really does well in Singing and Piano. He is such a great help at home, and honestly can't believe I am so blessed to have a built in babysitter. He just received the Aaronic Priesthood last month and is Passing the Sacrament in Church. I am so proud of him!
Shelley:
She won a Spelling Award in her Awards Assembly. She did a fabulous job at her dance recital and clogged to "Calling Baton Rouge" by Garth Brooks... very catchy! She is super super tall. ... almost 5'3". She is loving Summertime and is so helpful to everyone too. Her hair is getting longer and she is such a pretty girl.
Nick:
He won the award for Physical Education at his Awards Assembly. Whenever he walks past me he always kisses whatever part of me is closest without even paying attention. He often kisses my arm or elbow, or if I am kneeling down my shoulder or head. It is pretty funny. He is very affectionate. He would live outside if I let him, and loves to ride his bike. He does all sorts of very dangerous and foolish tricks that usually get him yelled at. "Do you want to take a trip to the ER tonight?" Afterwhich, he laughs and shrugs his shoulders. He loved being at Nana and papas last week, I think he would live there if I let him. :)
Holly:
She is a very fun little 3 year old now. She is really into Dora still and loves to do the Hippity Hop Dance that she learned watching Max and Ruby. She talks a mile a minute and goes potty like a champ. She counts in Spanish (Dora is very educational :), and her new thing is to use kid scissors and cut up paper. Her motor skills are fabulous. She can be very stubborn and can throw a fit with the best of em.
Pictures to come soon.
Well, I know I have so many avid readers of my blog and I feel bad leaving you all hanging the last 2 months...LOL!!! I will definitely try to be more consistent and also to post pictures soon. Beware of the bulk photo collages. That is how I do business when I am behind on the whole blogging thing. Yay for Summertime!!! It is finally here and I loving it...
By the way, if you haven't read my mothers book... YOU REALLY Should. Check out her blog on my list. Click on Meredith Kennon. So, so great. I am proud of you mom!!!
We are looking forward Summer and really enjoying the time off from School. I am still teaching some of my students for the summer though.
We are excited to go to the Wiedrich Family Reunion in a couple of weeks and are planning a trip to Wyoming sometime this Summer as well. Should be a lot of fun.
Update on each of the kiddos since it has been a while.
Matthew:
He won several musicianship awards at his Awards Day at School and also one for one of his pictures in Art Class. Matthew is excelling in Band and really does well in Singing and Piano. He is such a great help at home, and honestly can't believe I am so blessed to have a built in babysitter. He just received the Aaronic Priesthood last month and is Passing the Sacrament in Church. I am so proud of him!
Shelley:
She won a Spelling Award in her Awards Assembly. She did a fabulous job at her dance recital and clogged to "Calling Baton Rouge" by Garth Brooks... very catchy! She is super super tall. ... almost 5'3". She is loving Summertime and is so helpful to everyone too. Her hair is getting longer and she is such a pretty girl.
Nick:
He won the award for Physical Education at his Awards Assembly. Whenever he walks past me he always kisses whatever part of me is closest without even paying attention. He often kisses my arm or elbow, or if I am kneeling down my shoulder or head. It is pretty funny. He is very affectionate. He would live outside if I let him, and loves to ride his bike. He does all sorts of very dangerous and foolish tricks that usually get him yelled at. "Do you want to take a trip to the ER tonight?" Afterwhich, he laughs and shrugs his shoulders. He loved being at Nana and papas last week, I think he would live there if I let him. :)
Holly:
She is a very fun little 3 year old now. She is really into Dora still and loves to do the Hippity Hop Dance that she learned watching Max and Ruby. She talks a mile a minute and goes potty like a champ. She counts in Spanish (Dora is very educational :), and her new thing is to use kid scissors and cut up paper. Her motor skills are fabulous. She can be very stubborn and can throw a fit with the best of em.
Pictures to come soon.
Well, I know I have so many avid readers of my blog and I feel bad leaving you all hanging the last 2 months...LOL!!! I will definitely try to be more consistent and also to post pictures soon. Beware of the bulk photo collages. That is how I do business when I am behind on the whole blogging thing. Yay for Summertime!!! It is finally here and I loving it...
By the way, if you haven't read my mothers book... YOU REALLY Should. Check out her blog on my list. Click on Meredith Kennon. So, so great. I am proud of you mom!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Birthday week!
Richard will be another year older this week. His Birthday is this Thursday the 26th. Last night we had several of our good friends over for a birthday get together for him. We ate munchies and just relaxed. It was really fun. The weekends go too fast. The kids have been enjoying the nice weather.. literally they have been outside almost all day. I have had to set limits on when they have to be in for a time, I am constantly trying to keep track of them and it is a little stressful.
Holly wants to be out there with them constantly, and that can't happen. Matthew and Shelley are wonderful about letting her come play with them for a bit and keeping an eye on her for me. I have felt so lucky to have older helper kids that make surviving toddler years so much easier. They are fabulous kids.
We had a nice day at church today. We are so lucky to have such a great ward and to love our church and the gospel so much! I am constantly reminded of the great blessing that being a member of the church is.
I am really ready for Summer! Really ready, I look forward to summer days with my kids. I can't believe that Matthew will be in Junior High next year. He turns twelve and receives the Priesthood this spring as well. My little boy is becoming a young man. I say this all the time, but where has the time gone? It doesn't seem twelve years with him, just a moment if you ask me. My children are my world, and I want to enjoy and relish each day I have with them, because I know that one day my little ones will be all grown up and I will miss them terribly. I will remind myself this every morning when I am struggling to get everyone ready for school on time ;).
Holly did really well in nursery today. Didn't cry and was happy! YAY!! I am thankful for little blessings these days. I am learning so much these day. Learning from mistakes, trying to be a better person and looking to the future instead of looking back. Each day is a gift. I am grateful for today and for all my blessings.
Holly wants to be out there with them constantly, and that can't happen. Matthew and Shelley are wonderful about letting her come play with them for a bit and keeping an eye on her for me. I have felt so lucky to have older helper kids that make surviving toddler years so much easier. They are fabulous kids.
We had a nice day at church today. We are so lucky to have such a great ward and to love our church and the gospel so much! I am constantly reminded of the great blessing that being a member of the church is.
I am really ready for Summer! Really ready, I look forward to summer days with my kids. I can't believe that Matthew will be in Junior High next year. He turns twelve and receives the Priesthood this spring as well. My little boy is becoming a young man. I say this all the time, but where has the time gone? It doesn't seem twelve years with him, just a moment if you ask me. My children are my world, and I want to enjoy and relish each day I have with them, because I know that one day my little ones will be all grown up and I will miss them terribly. I will remind myself this every morning when I am struggling to get everyone ready for school on time ;).
Holly did really well in nursery today. Didn't cry and was happy! YAY!! I am thankful for little blessings these days. I am learning so much these day. Learning from mistakes, trying to be a better person and looking to the future instead of looking back. Each day is a gift. I am grateful for today and for all my blessings.
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