Glare

Our favorite thing to do with Rachael while she's sitting in her high chair. She won't do it unless everyone in the room is doing it with her. Glare and look down, then smile and look up. Pretty funny, if you ask us :)

I'd Pick More Daisies

I'm the 4th Sunday Relief Society teacher in my ward and this week the topic was on Temple work and Family History. I borrowed this huge binder my Grandma Hancock compiled with stories of my Great Grandparents and I found this little poem written by Robert Douglas Rechner read at my great-great-grandma Strate's funeral, and I just thought I'd share.

I'd Pick More Daisies

If I had my life to live over again, I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I know of very few things I would take seriously.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets.
I would do more walking and looking.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who live prophylactically* and sensibly, and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I've had my moments and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day.
I have been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin, and a parachute.
If I had to do over again, I would go places, do things and travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
I would play hookey more.
I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.
I'd pick more daisies.

*To sum up a definition, prophylactic means cautiously, more or less... so he is one who lives cautiously...

Have a good week and pick more daisies!!

High Chair Fun

I've been on the lookout for fun activities that last more than 10 minutes to prepare me for the winter. And if they keep her in her high chair, even better. So far I've found two. The first one is play dough. I made this recipe about a month ago and she never really wanted anything to do with it. Then the other day I plopped her in while I was making dinner and she literally stayed in there for nearly an hour. Sweet! Clean up isn't too bad, we just need to be careful to not step on any of it.
Second, water colors. Today we tried it because a bunch of businesses in Cedar are having a Halloween Coloring Contest, and since Rachael LOVES to color, I figured this was right up her alley. I wanted to make her drawings stand out a bit more, so we went for water color paints instead of the usual crayons. She loved it, and she's going to win some awesome prizes! Obviously, clean up was not so easy and she needed a tub to rid herself of her artwork... but I think this can be a weekly occurrence.

Next attempt (wish me luck), is a big bucket of rice. I think it will be a hit, but clean up will be not so fun... maybe I'll set her on a tarp and just brush the remnants back into the bucket. I'm waiting until we're literally trapped inside to do this one.

Go COUGS!!

Last week Nate's older sister, Melissa, called and asked us if we wanted to go to a BYU game against SDSU on Saturday. Well of COURSE we wanted to go! Our only issue was the kid. She would not be attending any sort of sporting event due to the fact that one of us wouldn't end up watching the game. My lovely parents came to the rescue (again!) and took her for the weekend. It was weird being in our apartment without her for two nights... We left early Saturday morning and I was SO happy I got to go to the baby shower of one of my oldest and best friends (Congrats, Kris!!) while Nate, Melissa, and her boyfriend Shaun (who is a Grad Assistant coach who has played for the NFL) went to the Locker Room, Trophy Room, weight room, practice field, and football offices. Nate thoroughly enjoyed that. BYU hasn't had the best season, in fact, this was the first game they won, and I'm totally taking all of the credit for it because we attended the game. You're welcome. After the game we were both pooped but had to drive home. Nate drove to Nephi and asked me to drive the next three hours. I told him I would but I had to have my music loud. And it was loud. And I was singing my guts out. But I didn't fall asleep and we didn't die :) Sunday was Stake Conference and it was nice to not have to chase Rachael around that too. Thanks SO much for the fun weekend, Melissa and Shaun! Also moms and pops for helping out!!

Favorite Word

She's two. Can you guess what the word is?

Try and notice her lips at the end. Lately she's been poking them out when she's mad (or fake mad) and I have to tell her, "Put your lips away." Its one of those things that is so annoying but I still have to hide my smile every time she does it.

This weekend : )

This weekend is going to be so much fun!! Nate's older sister, Melissa, got us some tickets to the BYU game and we're stoked to be going! I'm even more stoked because I get to go to a really good friend's baby shower! (And Michele, if you're reading this, this is my RSVP. And I'll also call you when I get home and find your number) Yes, it is gonna be a good day. The only problem? No babysitter. So I may not end up going to the game because if Rachael has to go it will be like I didn't even go at all because I'll just be chasing her the entire time. Being a parent sure can complicate things... Any volunteers in the Provo area?