Cricket...

Can you please put Leko as a contributer? Her info is in the comments of "Hello Out There!" She has asked a couple times, but we can't put her on! Thanks!

Pampered Chef Reps

Hi out there! Is there anyone who is sells Pampered Chef items? I'd like to purchase something from you... please call me asap because this is for a birthday present. The birthday is on the 26th and I'd like it a few days before then. 435-668-8774 Thanks!!!

Love, Sunbeam

And I thought I was against blog stalking....

I am so glad that Flipper is a blog stalker! It is so much fun to "see" you all again! I'm sure some of you already know what Kenneth and I are up to from our blog - but for those of you who don't - here is a little update. (This is Sparks, by the way....)

The Last time I saw most of you was at my mission farewell.. (I can't believe it's been that long!) The mission was great. Venezuela is crazy. Kenneth waited for me while I was gone and we were married within 2 1/2 months of me coming home (kids, don't try that at home). It has now been almost 5 years and we are happy and healthy and living in Boston :)

Kenneth is currently getting his PhD at Boston University. We have been here for 2 years and we will probably be here for at least another 3. After that who knows. Kenneth wants to be a professor so, we're open to going wherever he finds a good program. We hope to eventually end up somewhere in the West. We love Boston, but flight prices are killing us. It would be nice to live somewhere within driving distance of our families. 

I am working as a nanny for 2 totally cute, but very dramatic and energetic girls. I have also been working on my certification to be a Doula and Childbirth Educator and at some point would like to stop being a nanny and start doing that full time. It is a hard transition to make - living in Boston can get pretty expensive. Our plan is for me to make the switch sometime next year. I am already attending a few births here and there and I teach private hypnobirthing and natural childbirth classes. Here is a picture of the first family whose birth I attended:

We don't have kids yet, but that is also something we are going to look into next year. Of course I have been saying that for 4 years now, but I think 2009 is our year :) Be prepared for a baby shower invitation sometime next fall.

Boston is amazing by the way, and we are always looking for friends to visit us! So, feel free to start planning your trip to the east coast now. We'll be here for 3 more years and our apartment is open to all! 

Here is a picture of our apartment:

And some picture of Boston - Are you convinced that you should come visit?

I hope you are all doing well!!! I can't wait to hear more from all of you:)

Hello out there

I think that whoever has accepted an invitation to the blog but hasn't posted something yet should get with it! I want to hear what everyone is doing! I love you all tons!

PARTY!!!

So, who's coming this Friday night?

Can't wait to see y'all!!!

TReated differently?

Hi ladies so I have a question. Do you ever feel like your chidlren' grandparents treat them each differently? The reason I ask this is. Today we were eating lunch at my inlaws house and my sister in law and her family are down. Lily and her son are the same age (3), which to me is a hard age especially for sharing. The two of them were playing with toys in the other room, which means that no really saw who was in the wrong. Anyways the BOY cam out say lily took the truck (mind you lily does take things but so does the boy she just doesn't always come and tell). Anyways my father in law went out there and was so short with her about this truck and then he started to get angry, at this point I said they should try and work it out on there own.

Anyways he became angry and left. I feel like he always is on lily's case and never on the boys. I feel like the only reason we are staying here is so our children can be around grandparents but they never want to be around us. My mother in law is keeping the boy for a few day Lily has only stayed at their house one time. Lee and I haven't had a date in almost 3 months and even then we had to bring the baby. I am jsut feeling like nobody cares that we are here making no money so our kids can be by family that doesn't even want them around. Any advice?

Sunbeams Baby Open House

Hi Everyone, this is Sunbeams mom. We are having an open house in Salt Lake for all her friends up here. It's actually in Herriman. You can also RSVP by email, or just come!! my email is emily@mvandyke.org

Sparks

SO I think I found sparks blog but I am not sure go to it and tell me what you think it looks just like her, and in a tag it says she has been the Venezuala (that is where she served her mission right?). Anyways it is kennethandemily.blogspot.com if it isn't her than i will be shocked.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!!!

So, the question of the week is this:
Have you had an experience that has made you grateful to be a citizen of the United States?

I will start with my answer.
I think the biggest thing recently has been the fact that my brother is now a member of the United States Army. He graduates from Basic tomorrow morning. To get to hear what these men and women go through, just to get through Basic training is such a great reminder of the willingness of our troops to defend the rights of our country. We live in a great place, and I am so thankful for the troops. You may or may not agree with the war, but the dedication of these brave soldiers is very moving!
Another experience I have had is actually a bunch of combined experiences. Living back in our Nation's Capitol, and seeing places where George Washington lived, and Jefferson, and seeing places in Philadelphia, Boston, etc was very touching. These men sacrificed more than I ever realized to free us from England's grasp! They were considered rebels, but I think they were men of God, who knew that the only way they could believe the way they wanted to, was to be that way. Rebelling from England's control. (Now, I love England, and want to go there badly. I'm just talking about England then!) We are a country founded on religious freedom, for which I am eternally grateful!

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July! I can't wait to see pictures of everyone's celebrations!

Did y'all know that there is a free myfamily.com site? I know some of you were totally set on keeping the my family site, so this could be an option! Just letting you know.