Felton...Life under construction

My future is in Sugar

2009-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

My latest obsession

2009-01-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

Canvas! Thanks to my highly crafty and incredibly talented friend Ashleigh, I was introduced to the limitless world of canvas art! 1 down, 4 to go (at least that's where my ambitions are right now...).

2008-11-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Kimball Elizabeth Felton
November 8-11, 2001

This time of year, most of us find ourselves in the throws of necessary traditions. Whether it's over eating, over spending (black Friday of course), or over traveling, our obsession for customary memory making runs deep.
For us, November isn't just about a good meal, good company, and great times. Our traditions include a little more than our American feast. We celebrate the life of our 3rd baby girl, Kimball Elizabeth. We write her a message and put them inside a helium balloon, then send them to heaven. The girls always say the sweetest things, like I miss your little fingers, and do you think about me? We finish our night with dinner out, as a family.
There is nothing I am more grateful for than the atonement. I often envision the day we are all home together again. The words most often recalled, "till we meet..."

Del Osso Farms

2008-11-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a very warm and sunny visit to the farm this year. We are accustomed to bleak (meaning dead) scenery and chilly weather. This was definitely a turn for the better. The farm offered a ginormous corn maze, pumpkin picking, a haunted house, and many "carny" like rides. We passed on the latter. The maze took an hour and a half and the haunted house was all together another story. Kennedy was nervous, but buckled down and did it in true teenager style, Reagan was scared to death, Abby went multiple times and didn't miss a single thing - turned around a couple times because she thought she missed a corner or two.

Yes, Olivia's hair does resemble Lemony Snicketts.

Abby and her friend Jenna discussing the route we should take.

Halloween Night

2008-11-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

This was the year of recycled costumes. After 11 years of costume hunting, sewing, buying, and reconditioning I decided it was time to be more resourceful. We told the girls they could be anything they wanted, just as long as we had what they wanted...And what a might fine job they did! Kennedy combined her everyday with costume bid "finds" and made a far too pretty crazy witch. Reagan donned the good old dead bride bit, then thoroughly enjoyed doing her own make-up. Abby wore Belle again (same as last year), and I say again because it has been worn to the grocery store, gym, preschool, park, and yes to bed - but only on one occasion. Livy - not pictured due to melt down in the driveway at the moment, was a blue ice princess, the only thing she would agree to wear.

What a trick-or-treating bunch! we got together with three of our friends to hit the streets. We ate pizza together then began the assualt. After three hours and only 5 kids remaining, it started to sprinkle, so the moms called it a night. Of course the bags were bulging and sick bellies followed so the night was considered a success!

Annual Halloween Festivities...

2008-11-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

I know some of you were worried we might not hold the annual Halloween party, but have no fear, the night went off without a hitch. Being the "newbees" and all, I must admit, I was a little nervous about it myself. However, I dawned my super girl costume and went to work. Our invites went way of Ms. Martha herself - the baked clay fingers on a bed of moss, placed in a sleek black box, embossed with "Dont forget" in silver. With help from my ever faithful mom and dad, they here hand-(enjoy the pun) delivered to every home. The guests arrived on time and fully dressed (no party pooper this year!) in creatively clad costumes! We must say, some of the best attire yet! Below you will find (without names by request) some of the best:

Joe the Plumber and his preggers nurse

Richard Simmons (who maintained the integrity of his character through frequent lunges and jumping jacks) and the eagle poaching wife

Miss LD Bug and Batman (who never removed his mask, you have to enjoy the commitment)

The 80's couple

Wilma and Fred Flinstone

My personal favorite: The Joker

Usher and his biggest fan (inside joke far too complicated to share, just know it took courage and creativity to pull it off)

Have you every seen a more diverse bishopric?

The Giant Sequoia's

2008-11-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

NO - we have not recently shrunk in stature, they are truly living (and once living) trees. This trunk was carved out in the early 40's in order to drive a car through (money-making scheme).
Grandma and Papa came to visit so Jon and I could spend the weekend in Napa Valley. Of course it was much too short and we all had grandparent withdrawls for days, but the time we did have together was priceless. The weekend before they left we spent the afternoon in the Redwood Forest. It was unbelievable. The temperature was perfect, and the walk not too long. They collected pinecones, and oohed and aaahhed over every tree. You would think they should all look the same, but each one was a little different and had something worth commenting about. Some had merged together eventually forming one tree from 2-3, some were de-barked (for commercialism in the '40's), and some had grown into shapes that formed an object. The girls' fav was the one large enough to hide in between the twists of the trunk.

Abby's 5th Birthday

2008-11-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

As a tradition, we only have friend birthdays on the even year. To encourage some new friendship we bent the rules and let Abby have a party this year. She wanted a Halloween party so we waited until the second Saturday in October to enjoy the festivities. She described a scary cake (much better in her mind) and I did my best to create it. Her favorite part was "her scary name and ginormous chocolate haunted house."

She invited 5 friends from school and 3 from her primary class. This is one of her "bester friends", Connor R.

Jenna and Abby

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

This is her bestest friend that's a boy (if you couldn't tell). His name is Collin and she says all the time, "I just love his cute little eyes." His mom and I had a good laugh because he got Abby exactly what she wanted (a Belle Barbie and a necklace), we figure they must have talked about it before hand.

We had dinner - mummy dogs, grapes, and cheetos, then made spiders. We did a scavenger hunt in the back yard to find several different things the troll would need before they could cross the bridge (bones, skin, etc..) then we did pin the nose on the pumpkin, pinata, presents, then cake. Ffeewww, glad it's done.

The spider pinata.

We gave Abby a Barbie bike for her birthday. The Dora bike had seen its last days. She was very excited and rides it almost everyday.

What we love about Abby
Her raspy voice
Her long curly hair
Her bubble butt
Her excitement and passion
Her "no fear" attitude (so far...)
How much she misses and loves her relatives
Her snuggles

What Abby loves
Bike riding
Chocolate
Playing outside until dark
The park
Kindergarten - "I wish it was always a school day"
Everything "girly"
Watching TV in the bathtub
Sponge Bob
Sleepovers
Bubble Gum
Talking on the phone (you regulars know who you are)
Dress ups, make-up, and shiny lip gloss
Moms high heels
Running, running, running
Alone time with mom

Soccer Mania

2008-11-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Teddy Bear Picnic

2008-11-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

Every year the Kindergarten classes put on a teddy bear picnic for the parents. They spend all day preparing for the event. They get to bring their favorite teddy bear, give them a name badge (Furbert), and have a picnic in the play yard.

The kids got a paper lunch box full of healthy snacks. We all ate together and took a few pics. Abby's favorite part was getting to bring a toy to school and taking pictures with Dad.

"It's a work hike, a bonding thing..."

2008-11-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

Left to right, Dr. Altman (BTW, my OB, aaawwkward...), Eric, hospital VP, James, CEO, Jon, soon to rule the world
Recently Jon had the pleasure of completing an all night hike with a couple other hospital execs and Docs from his hospital. It was in Yosemite National Park, (about 1.5 hours from us), on a mountain called Half-Dome. They started around 8:00pm and hiked all night long. They made it to the top in time for the sun rise, then hiked back down. Before the actual event, he was excited and called it a "work" event. After he got home, he called the hardest thing he has ever done. Several people die each year, in an attempt to make it to the top (becuase of dumb mistakes they say...)

This is the most dangerous slope, where you have to climb up/down holding on to cables.

Hello to warm sand, blue skies, and tall palms

2008-09-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hello to our new house

2008-09-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pics of the new house and yard. It's in a circle behind the park and schools. Jons office is only a 5 minute drive (his favorite part). The house is a 5, 3, with formal living and dining. The girls enjoy the backyard, and cemented side of the house, where they ride bikes and play tether-ball. I enjoy my bathroom!

Hello to daily walks to the park

2008-09-03T22:06:00.001-07:00

This is what the kids call "our park." We live across the street and spend a lot of time here. The water is the main attraction along with creatively discovering many ways to go down a slide.
The girls were so excited to have Gabe and Ellie to play with. It seemed to make the "have to make new friends now" not seem so overwhelming. Family always makes it better.

Hello to lazy summer days...

2008-09-03T22:05:00.001-07:00

Kennedy and Reagan enjoying a warm afternoon in the backyard. It has been so fun to watch them become closer this summer. Maybe it's been the move, maybe they are just growing up. Either way, we'll take it.

We spent Stephs last day here at the park making jeweled handprints out of cement. They looked great, didn't cost much, and occupied a couple of hours. Unfortunately, they didn't last very long.

Little Livy cooling down with a cold nectarine.

Jon found "a great deal" on fireworks at Big Lots. After a good half an hour of trying to light them, he realized he just got a good deal on pull string confetti. Good thing firework stands stay open late!

Sleepovers and creative baking - that's what summer is all about.
Kennedy and her new friend Maddie.

Reagan and her new friend Hannah.

“Everything grows in CA”

2008-09-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

One thing we have heard several times is, "everything grows in CA." We are amused by the variety of veggies and fruits that are grown locally. We have spent several Saturday mornings at our local farmers market, sampling things like fresh olive oil, flavored pecans, and strange fruit hybrids.

We had an escapee after the bath. We found her enjoying the fruits of someone elses labor...

We are fortunate to have several different kinds of fruit in our backyard: 3 different grapes, persimmon, pear, lemon, and fig. All, I must add, are much better tasting when first picked.

For Mom and Dad.

Hello to San Francisco

2008-09-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

A drive down Lombard Street, in San Francisco, is considered the steepest street in the US. We had to switchback down the hill in order to avoid a roll over. We visited a few other local sites with Grandma and Papa before the airport drop off. Mostly, we enjoyed the break in hot weather - Modesto 95, San Fran 65. Alcatraz can be seen off to the left.

Olivias 2nd Birthday

2008-09-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Olivia's 2nd Birthday with Grandma and Papa. We surprised her by filling the living room with pink and white helium baloons tied down with suckers. She was so excited she didn't know what to do. She yelled and batted at them with her hands, she tried to kick and bite them. She hugged them and kissed them, and jumped up and down yelling "boons, boons!" Then, she went for the suckers. I think she carried some in her hands all day.

What Livy loves...
hot dogs (no bun), fries and chicken, waffles (morning, afternoon, and night), grapes, strawberry shortcake (bewwy owtcake) everything, Yo Gabba Gabba, pet shops, playing outside, keeping up with her sisters.
What we love about Livy...
her morning snuggles (we race to get her), her love of "scawy" things, how she yells "NO" whenever another toddler looks at her, how she protects her "turf" (a future career in secret service is likely), her instant repeat button (yes, Jon has to watch what he says), her crazy hair - finally long enough for pig tails!

Livy took her time opening her gifts. She wasn't quite sure what to do, especially with eager hands waiting for the right moment to jump in. She got her own pet shops and carrying case, some bathtub toys, and new clothes. She looked over each gift one at a time before moving on to the next.

This year I made candy cupcakes in place of a cake. Livy loves sugary candy and isn't a big cake eater, so I opted for a new take on the birthday cake. Reagan and Abby helped me stack sticks full of gummy candy and place them on top of pink cupcakes. I think they enjoyed "helping" a bit too much.

I wonder what she wished for...

Kennedy's first day of school

2008-09-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

Kennedy started middle school this year. The grades are from 6th to 8th. She is in what is called a segragated year. Basically, the 6th graders operate on their own schedule, away from the 7th and 8th grade students. This gives them the opportunity to experience juggling classes (only 2 rotating teachers) and classrooms, larger class size, electives (sports and music), as well as an open cafeteria. Their start and end time is different than 7th and 8th, as well as their "break" times (not cool to call it recess mom).
So far, she is loving it! She has several girls from the ward in her class, and she is involved in volleyball, soccer, and has started playing the flute.

Reagans first day of 4th Grade

2008-09-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's official, she's our oldest in Elementary. We tell her She's the big cheese, the top tomato, the big gun, and she is all about it! In order to fulfill her "oldest duties" she picks up Abby after school and brings her to our meeting place, and makes certain everyone is nice to Abby.

Reagan has adjusted very well. We held our breath, remembering the set backs in St. Louis, but she defied us and has taken off. She is very social and very well liked. She started playing the violin and shows off her talents over the phone (if any of you are interested). She is still trying to "grow my hair as long as it can make it" and she hopes all her teeth come in before Christmas.
Reagan is quite a jokester and keeps us on our feet. She has mastered imitations of "crusty the clown and spongebob," and is presently working on Squidword.

Reagans teacher, Ms. Hamilton, is a member of the church and is in our stake. She instantly bonded with her and loves that she has such a "special teacher-friend." Rags quotes her often by saying, "we are in the fourth grade now, jump on the bullet train and get your work done!"

Rags smashed her finger in the garage door - we had to open it to get it out. She is very proud of her battle wound and asked me to put it on my "blogging thing."

Abigails first day of School

2008-09-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

The official First Day pose - before we left.
Abby started Kindergarten this year at Freedom Elementary. Her teacher is Ms. Scoggins and she attends the afternoon class. My brave little Abby (against my will) was happy to say good-bye and start her day. She was very excited and felt "bery much smart" that she could write her name when many other children could not.

Drop off is different than St. Louis, we actually have to get out of our cars and walk the kids to the kindergarten building (no hallways in CA schools). The kids sign in, exchange their reading books, and then they can play until the whistle is blown. Then they line up and head into to class while singing "Good morning kindergarten day..."
At first I was sad the Abby didn't even shed a tear (unlike her mom) but after seeing and hearing the cries of other kids, I was happy she was so brave.

Olivia kept herself busy by playing "doggy" the entire time we dropped of Abby. She crawled around, barked, and tugged at peoples legs.

Abby and Dad.

Good-bye and the Drive...

2008-09-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

Kennedy just relaxing before we jumped back into the car and on the road again. This was our favorite hotel along the way (wyoming). The girls enjoyed the jacuzi tub and having their own room.

This is what I saw most of the trip.

Packed to the hilt!

A few hours out of Utah Jon saw an accident. We pulled over and he did his "thing" while we waited in the car. After a while life flight landed right next to our car. The girls thought that was the coolest part of our road trip.

Hailey, Abby, and Paige

Reagan and McKenna

Gracie and Abby

Girls and O'Loughins

Girls and Livelys

Last days of "swimming at Grandma Lous pool."

A Day That Never Happened...The Missouri Botanical Garden

2008-05-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

In true "Day that never happened" style, we all enjoyed a welcomed day of sunshine and family. We spent the day at The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Jon and I enjoyed taking pictures while the girls enjoyed lots of walking/running and sunshine.

Livy and the Cherry Blossom tree.

Olivia wasn't sure what to think about the flowers. She would smell them, then touch them, then try to lick them or hit them. All together I would say it was a successful sensory experience.

The Japanese Garden is my favorite. There's a large lake with a couple of bridges and several look outs that are perfect photo ops. They have extremely large coy that happily come to the food (for sale in small vending machines), fortunately we avoided a close call involving Abby and the lake.

Can you find Livy?

The sculptures offered climbing, relaxing, and shade. Each was certainly unique. It was undoubtedly hard to look away from some of them. I'm not sure if it was because they were so different is style, or as Reagan said, "all that shiny stuff."

The Skull. Fun to climb, a pleasure to leave.

The Childrens Garden was by far their favorite. It has a huge tree fort with bridges, slides, and climbing walls. They have a mini interactive city with a school house, jail, and grocery store. The playground includes a small water park with jumping water towers and lots of things to climb on. We ate our lunch near the childrens grocery store, then relaxed while the girls ran wild.

Abby and Dad running across the bridge.

2008-05-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Liv and Dad rested while the other girls ran wild in the tree fort.

The childrens garden had several "larger than life" things for the kids to enjoy.

The girls had a great time cooling off in the fountains. Jon joined in the jumping and Livy just watched and laughed.

Abby and Mom.

Reagan enhanced her pony tails - they were flowers that had already fallen for those of you who wondered.

Nikki was the main attraction at the Gardens. Several sculptures were placed throughout the gardens in honor of the french artist. The girls relaxed in the shade of the lizard and enjoyed a brief moment of quiet.

Reagan loves to have her picture taken. She comes up with her own ideas of how she should pose for the camera.

Kennedy's Choir Concert

2008-05-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Kennedy joined the school choir this year. She went to school one hour early twice a week to learn the fundamentals of performing in public. She learned a lot about music and developed an appreciation for singing.

Kennedy was awarded a speaking part in their choir performance. It was a couple of paragraphs long and she did it all from memory! We are soooo proud of you DD!!

Table Saw Meets Thumb

2008-05-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

This if for all of our family and friends who dont't have the pleasure of looking at this daily. If it makes your stomache turn, just know you are not alone.
For those of you who don't know the details here you go...
Jon was helping a friend with a "cut" (enjoy the irony here) and his thumb slipped forward and hit the blade of a table saw in an upward motion. After a few minutes, he went into shock, recovered, then drove himself to the ER. He didn't start feeling the pain until the drive there. Up until registration (I should say it was an extremely sssllooowww process)he kept his cool. The final straw was when she asked him if Washington Univ. Medical School would be in the phone book (for insurance info) that he officially lost it. To make the remainder of the story short, he ended up with 24 internal and external stitches. They were finally removed yesterday, but it still looks a bit "frankensteinish". So what was the lesson learned you ask? Never remove the safety shield.

Britts Birthday...21 Again!!

2008-05-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

My birthday was a lot of fun this year. Jon took me to dinner at a local restaurant called J. Bucks. Mr. Bucks is a famous sports announcer, and quite a celebrity around these parts. We also celebrated with the girls at home - true Sunday dinner style. Jon made my favorite, chicken cordon bleu and we all enjoyed too much of the 7 lb. cake from Costco.

The girls have been very in to gift giving this year. They wrap up their special toys and treasures, as well as what they think are our special things, then give them away with pleasure. Perhaps they are starting to get the true meaning of a gift???
I was lucky enough to receive:

A handmade hippo by Reagan

Most of their beloved pet shops

A hand massager (a gift from my parents at Christmas)

My favorite Christmas hand towel

Kennedy made necklaces and gave me some of her favorite books

Old VHS TAPES!!

Jon took the girls to pick out two summer dresses for me (more commonly known as my uniform). Abby was so excited to give me so many things she had a hard time containing herself.

One of my favorite gifts...Livy's kisses!

Spring Break in Georgia

2008-05-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Reagan and Kennedy had a blast with their cousin Madison. Their favorite part of the trip was creating and hanging out in their backyard fort. They added their own art work (including the yellow surveyer ribbons from the yard), stick and bamboo accessories, homemade microphones, and streamers. On occasion they were lucky enough to get Austen to take them into the forest and play along the river.

Kennedy enjoyed lounging in the sunroom. We often found her relaxing and reading a book.

Eggs, eggs, and more eggs...

2008-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

2008-05-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

American Girl Boutique

2008-05-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

2008-05-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

2008-05-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Snowy Days

2008-03-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

St. Louis hasn't seen snow like this in several years - 8 inches! The girls enjoyed bundling up and playing in "real" snow for 2 days. After that it became a solid layer of ice, then melted quickly.

Reagan enjoyed the snow so much! It brings back great memories of Utah for her. She just couldn't get enough of it.

Livy lasted about 15 minutes (much longer than we expected) before she couldn't take the layers any longer.

"Mom, the snowman is all about the head."

BIRTHDAY GIRL

2008-03-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Reagan celebrated her 9th birthday on February 15th. Reagan's favorites things about her birthday this year were swimming at the RecPlex and visiting with her cousins Madison and Campbell. They drove up from Atlanta and stayed with us for 3 days.

Reagan chose an unconventional birthday cake - Flat Eclairs (a Siddoway classic). She wasted no time eating one serving after another, then repeating that ritual first thing in the morning.

Reagans favorite gift is her roller blades. We often find her (hear her) cruising around the kitchen.

Reagan's Favorite Things...
Color - Lime green, bright orange
Food - Chicken enchiladas
Treat - Reese's peanut butter cups
To do - Swim and ice skate
School subject - Writing
To wear - T-shirts and comfy pants
Movie - Enchanted
Song - How Does She Know...
To go - City Museum and our house

Our Favorite Things About Reagan...
Dad - "Her smile, her laugh, her sense of humor
Mom - "She's usually happy, always passionate, and never dull!"
Kennedy - "She does funny things and makes me laugh."
Abby - "She slides down the stairs and be's my best friend."
Livy - We are all convinced it's the large amount of freely shared junk food.

Christmas Morning Surprises

2008-03-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Favorite Christmas gifts...

The girls on Christmas Eve with their new pjs. I managed
to dig out the sewing maching and make matching night-
gowns for their American Girls.

2008-03-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Christmas proved to be as memorable as always, however it just wouldn't be right if I failed to mention the admiration of Jons Christmas lasagna. Nick and Britt gave Jon a gift cert. to Macaroni Grill, (his all time favorite rest.) so he picked up take-out (no, we don't take our camera to restaurants)after school one night. We both enjoyed the largest lasagna known to man. The pictures don't do it justice, just know there were left overs and stomache pains.

2008-03-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

This year, our favorite Santa was at the Botanical Gardens.
There wasn't a long line so the girls got to chat with him for
a while. They were very interested in his special cookie
request (white chocolate macadamia nut with chocolate milk)
and remembered it up until the very last minute of Christ-
mas eve. He also recommended a healthy snack for the
reindeer - carrot sticks. Reagan asked if they would enjoy
some ranch too.

This year we made several new christmas goodies: peanut butter cups, 3 kinds of fudge (peanut butter was the fav.), english toffee, gingerbread cookies and houses, chocolate covered pretzels, and pecan balls. Kennedy joined in and discovered a new candy making skill and loved every minute of it.

Jon and Abby had a great time decorating their Gingerbread

house. Livy just enjoyed all the decorations from the cookies.