Emily's rantings: 04.2009

4.30.2009

I hosted my book club last night for a discussion of To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. I first read this last Autumn and it is on the short list of books which, for me, have rocked my world. I am always nervous to invite scrutiny of things to which I respond first emotionally, and I would say that this book would be a challenging read for anyone. However, the smart, accomplished and diverse women in my group really added to my appreciation of this novel with their insights and personal responses.
This is why I love being in a great book group. I treasure the luxury I have to read and study and share. And, the food wasn't bad, either- amazing strawberries, black grapes, multi grain tortilla chips, fancy cheeses from IKEA-thanks, Coral, and coconut toasted cashews- thanks, Costco!

4.24.2009

The kids and I are very sad that the babies are going home tomorrow. Coral was sobbing as she packed for her trip to San Francisco last night, and India and I have been teary all day today. The boys have each asked me separately if we could keep at least one baby here.

4.18.2009

Kevin ran the Salt Lake City Marathon today. He has been training for months. He was a bit disappointed in his time, but gratified to have reached his goal. I was just worried that one, he might get hurt, or two, that he might find a reason to do this repeatedly. He assures me that he is no worse for the wear, other than a bit sore, tired and hungry, and does not plan to do it again. Good, I get my husband back! I am really proud and impressed, though.

After several days of rain, we woke up Thursday to this...

Alison ventured out to take a picture before the sun broke over the houses above us and melted this all away.

I don't remember Grandpa ever dealing with this in his peach orchard.

Beautiful! I don't think it was cold enough to do any real damage.

Sink Baths

Nadine

Joseph

Children....

Leith feeds Nadine

Niall feeds Nadine

The Easter bunny doing quality control

After the egg hunt

Easter clothes

The kids made monolithic snow balls on one of the many inclement days we have had lately.

A couple days later, Kevin referred to the remnants as 'Snow Henge'

A photo of the 'Medieval Game'

Coral is 18!!!

Coral turned 18 last Sat!! She was feeling a bit sad because she had found most of her presents ahead of time and we spent a good portion of the day having pictures taken of our family and the babies by Janea Greene. Janea took Coral's senior pictures earlier. I am really excited about the photos- we haven't had professional ones taken in years and Janea is very talented. Coral, however, felt like perhaps her birthday wasn't entirely focused on her. Welcome to adulthood! I think the rockin' new laptop helped, though.

She is still feeling a bit sad and lonely about Stevens absence, although she knows he is where he needs to be and fully supports him. But, she has found a new boyfriend in Joseph. She plays with him and holds him and even sleeps with him any time she is home.

Between the waiting for a letter from Steven and hanging out with Joseph, there is really no time for any of her other stalkers. I wish they would all just stop trying, really.

Update....

Nadine and Joseph dressed in finely sewn Jack & Janie garb for Easter- they ditched the hats early on, though!

Nadine outgrew most of her clothes within a week or so of arriving and Joseph is barely fitting in his. New clothes were procured.

My mom said I sound tired when she calls. I am very tired, but it would be weird if I weren't. I get about 5 hours of interupted sleep per night and only sometimes is it convenient to take a bit of a nap in the day. But, it is not an unpleasant fatigue. The babies are sweet and funny and snuggly. My children have all responded to them in charming and caring ways and are enjoying hanging out with Alison & Rose as well. Rose seems at times a bit overwhelmed by the constant company of two rowdy boys.

4.05.2009

General Conference Weekend

Joseph and Nadine in clothing sent to them by Clark's kids

I am fully in 'I was up in the night with the babies and am not getting dressed' mode

Niall feeds Nadine

India with Nadine and a sponge curler experiment

Leith and Kevin watching conference

Coral, don't bite Joseph!

Alison and Joseph

Dale and his brother Joe with Nadine

I love General Conference. Early highlights for me this time include talks by Elders Christofferson, Holland, Bednar and Sister Lifferth. The boys continued our tradition of building with Legos while they listen. Kevin ordered cinnamon roles to bake Sunday am, and Alison and I ordered take out Indian food while Kevin was at the Priesthood session. Dale's brother joined us on Sat before taking him to the airport. We all sat around watching and listening to the talks, taking care of the babies and snacking.

Happy 43rd Birthday to Kevin today! I managed to make him his traditional strawberry layered cake and a favorite dinner. Niall, Leith and Roselyn made him cards. Gifts and going out to celebrate will have to wait. Babies trump birthdays.