Saturday at Hardware Ranch

On Saturday afternoon we drove up Blacksmith Fork Canyon to see the elk at Hardware Ranch. The elk were enjoying the free food as usual.

The Clydesdale horses are always impressive to see. The ones in the picture are taller than that lady, and I don't think she was short. Autumn has a new sound she makes for what horses say. It's got a bit of a laugh to it. "Nay-hay-hay-hay!"

What are Autumn and the mountain lion looking at? Let us know what you think.

Autumn wasn't afraid of the taxidermied animals, including the elk.

It was nice to get out of the inversion and go see some nature.

Crib Time and Other Updates

Our sweet little Autumn has just learned how to nurture her stuffed animals. She gives them kisses, carries them around with her, and even lets them suck on her binkie. Autumn now says over 100 different words. Her verbs are "sit", "wash" as in "wash my hands or binkie", "fix" as in "fix my twisted jammie footsie", "read it", and "coming" as in "I'm coming for a ride down the stairs."

Today Autumn got to visit Dr. Visick about her IBS symptoms. He thinks everything will be ok. He said she doesn't need to be on any milk (soy, almond, etc.) for a long time. He also gave us a stool sample kit just in case it's something else.

People have been wondering about our trip to Monticello. We are planning to spend Sunday night in Orem and drive the rest of the way on Monday morning. The funeral is at noon. We'll stay in Moab that night and finish the trip home on Tuesday.

Emotional Day

Today is turning out to be pretty emotional. Grandpa B. passed away this morning. I am so grateful that I could get to know him. What a good man he was to his family. We took a special trip to Monticello a month after Autumn was born so he and Grandma could meet their newest great-granddaughter. I'm so glad we did that. We've seen them several more times since then. Grandpa B. seemed to always have a great sense of humor, even after getting life flighted to UofU the first time. We met up with him there in the parking lot when he was discharged. He was so kind and friendly to Autumn. That never changed. We love you, Grandpa Burtenshaw.

I'm getting ready for New Beginnings this evening. I hope I can keep my emotions in check during my talk. Today I decided that Autumn has IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) so I'm reading up on it. I'm not getting very far because I keep crying when what I read matches her symptoms and IBS doesn't sound very fun. I'm grateful to find a new diet to try for her. We are definitely not winning with the current diet. Sorry whole wheat. You gotta go.

I'm hoping that tomorrow is a little less emotional and that I will see things with more of an eternal perspective.

Pictures of Scott and Bethany's Move

One of the things we did on our trip to see Grandpa Burtenshaw this weekend was help my sister and her family unload their U-haul. Scott got a job in Salt Lake and they found an apartment 5 minutes away from where he will be working. Welcome to Utah! We know it's not Idaho, but it's close.


Jackson was in charge of security. You just never know who might be lurking in the bushes waiting to steal your mattress frame.

The Crenshaws have a nice balcony, and they will have a nice view of the mountains. It was stormy on Saturday so you can't see them in the picture.

I got out of unloading the truck entirely by offering to tend the kids. Autumn and Jackson got to play together for a while and then Celeste joined them when she came back from her lunch date with Mandy.

After unloading we had a nice pizza dinner. We said good bye and headed back to Logan. Good luck Crenshaws!

Hidden Talents

Jonathan has been working on my Birthday/Christmas present for three months. He finally finished my totally amazing homemade cedar chest this week.

This master carpenter finished almost on time and completely within budget ($40)!

Jonathan's faithful assistant was on hand to share her feelings about the project. "I can honestly say that I am no longer afraid of drills or sanders. Isn't this ball pretty!"

Many thanks to my sweetheart. I will treasure it forever!

Autumn's latest saying

Today, as I carried Autumn passed the picture of Chirst in our living room, she called out "Jesus! Beam!" It took me a second to realize she was refering to the song "Jesus Wants Me For a Sun Beam." She made the connection although I've only sung the song two or three times with her and never by the picture.

Picture of the day

Some pictures speak a thousand words. Other pictures need a thousand word explanation, or at least the phrase on Jon's t-shirt!

We had a wonderful family retreat in our tent last night. Autumn played with the lantern and we came up with the most fabulous family goals ever.