DENIM'S BAPTISM

On our way through Utah we stopped at Syringa's for a day.  Katana loves Baby Denali even though he's only like 6 months younger than her. I also took Syringa yard saleing.  She felt guilty at first making some deals--I told her it would pass.  Her big find of the day was a Cricket and bin full of craft paper. 

We arrived at Timbers a day early. They are renting a cute little house outside Fillmore, Ut in Flowell.   Preston, Blazen and Ike played with Nerf guns all day.  Katana of course found Kitties to be entertained by.  Later the guys set up a trampoline Timber found on KSL which was a hit.  Katana  thought Darlin was so cool and wanted to do everything she did.  It worked out well when getting ready for bed.  "If Darlin does your hair will you sit still?"  "look Darlin is going to bed, you better go ni-night too" 

The BIG DAY.  It was sunny and warm and perfect for a baptism.  I can't remember if I've ever been to an outdoor one before.  They held it at some hot pools in a guys pasture just outside Fillmore.   It was very special and the spirit was so strong.  All the cousins sang I am a Child of God.  Ace gave some advice in his talk about how we need to stay on the right path and not go wondering off in the weeds just to see what it's like.  And how Denim is starting to mature in the gospel and recognizes the spirit in her life.  Then Timber told how it was Denim's decision to make this first big step in her eternal progression and how proud she was as a mother to see her daughter living righteously.   Next Denim Sang When I Am Baptized accompanied  on guitars by Trujillo and Brenden.

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain / And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again. / I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. / I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away, / And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day. / I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. / I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Then Denim was taken into the water and baptized by her Father Ace. It was simply beautiful.  I was reminded of an EFY track by Mindy Gledhill "What Heaven Sees in You" 

Sent to this earth / You were saved through the ages for this day and time / Child of great worth / Child of promise, daughter of the Divine / Pure and holy in a little, white dress / You were held in a circle and you were blessed / And the Father looked down / And the angels surrounded that place / They knew the truth, all that you could do / And you will, too, if you have eyes to see / What heaven sees in you / Dressed in white once more / Making promises to follow in God’s way / So much lies in store / For the little girl who enters at the gate / Pure and holy in a little, white dress / You were led into the water and you were blessed / And the Father looked down / And the angels surrounded that place / They knew the truth, all that you could do / And you will, too, if you have eyes to see / What heaven sees in you / Do you understand who you are / Part of the Father lives in you / If you continue on this path / Every promise God has given will come true/ Heaven on earth / In the house of God, so much fills your heart and mind / Woman of great worth / Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine / Pure and holy in a long, white dress / You promise forever and you are blessed /And the Father looks down / And the angels surround that place / They know the truth, all that you can do / And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see / What heaven sees in you / Will you have eyes to see / What heaven sees in you

We had a BBQ and games and a softball match at the park after.   Then because all the little kids were upset Denim was the only one that got to go swimming - we went to a different hot pool to play. Then on the way out we stopped at a little pool that had millions of little fish in it.  Preston and Greg sat in the shallow end for a good 30 min trying to catch some.  By the time we were ready to go they had a little cup full. Syringa said to throw them back and I could see the little boy in Greg when he said "but I wanted to take them home."  I looked at Syringa like "he's your husband"  It was really funny.   What a wonderful day!

Hairy and Dairy Days

I hit my 6 month mark and if you think life is calming down any your mistaken. I live with 2 wonderduds that make my life interesting.  Their wild and crazy personalities are reflected in their morning hairdos and it gives me some idea of how the day will progress.   

SUCH AS: I decided to make jelly cuz I got like a dozen green peppers from bountiful baskets.  When I left to get more jars Katana decided to help some more and turned on the blender.   The lid popped off and Jalapeno infused sauce blew up.   Not only did it get all over the counter but on her too.  As it started to burn her eyes and newly acquired kitty scratches she freaked out--fell off her chair and I found her running around the living room screaming.  I didn't know what happened  or what to do for a min.  I shut off blender, catch blind child, run to bath, run cold water and rub baking soda on face (its a basic so I was hoping it would counter the acid.  I had thought to dump milk on her but wasn't sure it would work the same as when you eat something hot.)  lots of ice and aloe after.  Poor baby. 

OR:  Katana doesn't like to be dirty.  Oh she loves to get dirty just not stay that way.  So her new thing is to "wash".   Especially her feet.  And of course "me do" aka by herself.  Hasn't been a problem until she learned to plug the sink. So I was doing laundry so I hear water running and don't think--until it beeps that it's done and there is still water running.  Oh poop!  I run in and she smiles all proud "mama clean wash"  then Syringa's voice in my head saying "don't get mad - take a picture" then Preston later "at least your floors are really clean." I can't hardly be mad at her.  It's just one of those groan and sigh and clean it up mommy moments. 

AND THEN: She loves her kitties. I love her kitties-They are the best baby sitters ever.  As soon as breakfast is over and she's dressed it's outside.  She's in and out all day playing with them and then cry's when it's time for bed. Why they haven't ran away I don't know.  She's not incredibly gentle with them. But thank heavens they haven't.  A week of Pink Eye they gave her and Dad was worth the free time they gave me. 

AND lastly Dairy Days Harvest Celebration in Wendell.  A parade and booths at the park.  We sat kind of by ourselves but 2 little boys kept running up the road and stealing Katanas candy.  Part of the problem was their grandma who encouraged them to yell "throw us candy" and when people didn't she'd walk right up to the float and demand a handful.   Katana was so precious and just patently waved at all the floats.   Preston, people to our left and the people throwing candy to Katana were yelling at the boys to stay in their own area.  It's kind of funny now but I was all sorts of mamma-bear-gonna-eat-you-if-you-touch-my cubs-laffy-taffy. 

Graduation and Birthdays

For my Birthday I wanted:  #1 to sleep--so when Katana woke up early Preston took her to play in the other room.  #2 Yard Sales--that's kind of an every week deal in the summer but I still love it.  #3 They get to be my helpers in the yard and garden and house without complaining. 

Preston and Katana each nailed 2 of 3---i'll let you decide which ones.  

Cousin Liz Kelly graduated high school. We had a picnic in Pocatello to celebrate. It was fun to get together, especially since we don't make it over as often living in Jerome.  Katana loves her cousins.  Uncle Carson is fun too--he's so good to take whatever these monsters dish out.   And then there's the proverb that goes something like  "wherever Mormons gather there baby bumps be also"  Jen= July Boy  Sierra = August Boy  Malena= October Girl

And last but not least  --(as it got celebrated for 2 weeks ) Katana's 2nd Birthday.  Wow how time flys!  First Grandma Dixie and Grandpa Calvin came a few weeks early between rodeo runs for a quick visit.  We talked and played and kind of got to celebrate both our birthdays. Next Grandma Pam and Grandpa Marc came a few days before between cows and crops to party.   They brought 2 Kitties we ordered from the Ashton Girls.  Pat myself on the back for the BEST GIFT EVER.  And then on JUNE 18th her actual birthday we met Dad at work and went out for dinner--Katana style.  We had dessert first at McDonalds with 50 cent ice cream cones and an hour on the play-place.  Preston was great chasing Katana around even though I think the weight limit said 85 lbs.  Then a gourmet dinner of cheese sticks and chicken nuggets.   Of course we had lots of  PRESTENTS!!! Since she was born on his birthday Uncle Greg got her lip gloss and a donkey---- Not sure who enjoyed that combo more Katana or Preston.  Her first words "ohh pretty"  his included seemingly witty lines like  "ya think they want her to be a kiss ass"    

We waited until the next day to celebrate with CAKE and PRESENTS so Preston could be home and participate.  A $15 yard sale steal and a $20 20V battery Wala Katana got her first set of wheels.  She's a little young --can't steer and remember to push the peddle at the same time. She still loves to play in it.  She'll drive till she hits something then yell till we come set her straight again.  Among other things she got a new night light, jell-o mold, hair accessories, clothes and bath crayons.  We were rewarded with a Beautiful sunset at the end of a Beautiful day Celebrating the birth of our Beautiful daughter.  Katana bug we Love you.