pfabulouspfun-der

The Cruise!!!!

2010-03-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to document our cruise. I think I am about half way through. I need to post these and I will try to do the rest later. It didn't post the way I wanted it to, and I don't know how to fix it. To read from the beginning, scroll down.

DAY 4 - PUERTO RICO

2010-03-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

After I missed out on the scavenger hunt, there was no way I was going to miss out on cricut bingo. WE all gathered in the Hudson Room just a few minutes before we pulled into Puerto Rico. My one goal on the trip was to see dolphins or whales. My friend had told me that on a recent trip, she saw dolphins close to Puerto Rico. Well, one of the guys in the Hudson Room looked out the window and said,"Hey, are those fins?" or something like that. I think I about knocked over tables trying to get to the windows. They were sailboats! Bingo was pretty fun, but I didn't win anything. We pulled into the bay while playing bingo. It was beautiful! There is a fort right on the edge of the bay. I wish we would have had our camera.
After bingo we ran up to the Lido deck (the buffet) and grabed some rolls and cheese to take with us and then hurried to meet at our excursion. We originally didn't sign up for an excursion, but decided that morning that we would pay the money and go on an ATV ride through the rain forest. Oh my goodness! I am so glad we did! There were quite a few from our group that were on the same excursion and it was super fun. First we took about an hour bus ride. I guess that I should have expected this, but it was very americanized. We saw a few Best Buys, Payless Shoes and even a Taco Maker.
We arrived at the little resort and got our helmets on and received instruction.

Brandon and I were a bit slow to snag our four-wheeler, so we ended up with a crappy one and in the back of the pack. But off we went into the rain forest.... about 300 yards later ours stalled. We finally got someone's attention and got it started back up. Brandon was so interested in the scenery that sometimes I don't think he was watching where he was driving.
We stopped at a river. One of the guides dove in. Two cricut people gave it a try a little later. They used rocks to make face paint and painted our faces.... well mine, Brandon was to chicken.
When we went to leave the river area, our ATV was done. The check engine light was on. It took one of the guides quite awhile to get it where it would run. Thank heavens it seemed to work ok after that. By the time we got back to the resort, there was another group ready to jump on the ATVs. I hope that our four wheeler was taken out of fleet. We hung out in a little restaurant and got a coke zero, aka heaven, we ended up getting some chips and salsa because we were starving. We thought that there was no time for a meal. I think, though, the restaurant waits until the group is back to feed the bus driver. We all sat and watched the bus drivers eat a full meal! On the way back, we talked to a guy who has been working in the cruise industry for 8 years. He told us about getting hit by a huricane with something like 50 foot waves. He said one second you would be laying down and the next you would be sittling up. He had alot of great stories, like people coming aboard the ship as passengers and leaving as cargo!
We wandered around Old San Juan for a little while and ate diner at a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant. It was ok, but the company was fun. There were five couples who worked for Provo Craft who had gone on the ATV tour. What a great group! they were so fun to be with. Here are some pics from Old San Juan.

Statue of Columbus

the restaurant we ate at

DAY 3 - GRAND TURK

2010-03-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Our first port was Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos. It is a tiny little island. The population practically doubled by our ship docking. The water is so blue! We walked around in the little shopping center for a little while and then it was time to go on our excursion. Brandon and I decided on power snokeling. I am not a huge fan of being in water with fish. By power snokeling, I figured if I needed to get somewhere fast, I was better off having something helping pull me through the water. On the way to the snorkle place, we were able to see some sights of the island. The coolest thing was the capsle that John Glen returned from space from. It landed about two miles out to sea from Grand Turk and is so tiny!!! I have no idea how he fit in it, talk about uncomfortable!!!

Once we got to the place we were snokleing at, I became very nervous. Brandon and I both thought that we were snorkleing from the beach. I was ok with that, but the thought of jumping into the ocean from a boat and in water deeper than can stand in, is a different story. I quickly noticed the boat, and Brandon asked if we were going out further in the boat. The instructor gave us the answer that I was dreading!

The instructor said that we would be going out to some orange bouys and jumping out of the boat in water that was about 18 feet deep. I freeked! I grabbed Brandon's hand and looked at him like "I can't do this!". The instructor kept saying it doesn't matter if it is 5 feet or 100 feet deep, we would be at the top. I disagreed! Then we were going to swim to where the water turns dark blue. It is called the wall and drops to 7,000 feet. I almost hyper-ventalated right there. Then he added "we will see berecudas. Just leave them alone." I nearly passed out and litterally almost backed out, but I was brave... well brave for me! Did I mention that Brandon and I were the youngest ones on the excursion... by alot! There was one other lady who was scared, and I didn't want to be more chicken than her!
Once we got out there, I did pretty good. In fact, I was one of the last ones back on the boat. Having the little torpedo thing to pull us through the water was fun. The guide showed Brandon and I a sting ray that was below us in the sand, which was way more than 18 feet by the way! It was pretty cool and I don't think we would have found it on our own. I stayed well to the side of the wall, even if I was supposed to follow. Once back on the boat, others commented on how well I did. I guess I didn't hide me fear well at all!
After we returned to the beach, one of the guides pulled the meat of one of the conches he grabbed off the ocean floor. He then started cutting slices off for people to try.... I passed, but Brandon gave it a go. He said it wasn't bad. Meanwhile, i grabbed a cup of fruit punch and started drinking. I turned to Brandon and mentioned that it was really good and wondered what kind of fruit it was. Guava, I thought. Brandon almost gasped and said "Juli, that's rum punch!" Apparently, on the boat ride back, I was so proud of myself and catching my breath that I missed the part where they said it was rum punch, but that if we didn't want the alcohol, they would get us just fruit punch. OOOPPPPS! I stopped drinking my rum punch and asked for the non-alcoholic version. Pretty funny!
On the way back, we drove around the island more and saw how hurricane Ike damaged the island. Grand turk reminded Brandon of Zimbabwe, alot, except instead of zebras and elephants wandering around , there were donkeys... strange.

It was my first time in another country. I wondered what the missionary efforts were like. Driving by the cemeteries made me think of family history and geneology. It was very cool, but I am glad to live where I do! However, I would definitely like to go back.... soon!
Brandon and I ate dinner at a shared table of about 8 people we didn't know. One was a little old lady that had moved to the US when she was fairly young. She still spoke with a heavy accent and spoke ALOT! It was kind of funny. She spends most of her time cruising. She figures that it is not much more expensive that what she would be doing anyway, and she gets to see the world. We left dinner quickly, to get to the cricut scavenger hunt. Well, the had changed the time and we didn't get the message. I was totally bummed. I really enjoy a little competition!
Overall, it was an amazing day!

DAY 2 - DAY AT SEA

2010-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday was our first full day at sea. We spent the day in and out of the Hudson Room, laying out on deck, and eating! We ordered our breakfast to be delivered to our room at 8 am. We figured that with the time change, we would be up. Well, we were in an inside room with no windows. When breakfast came at 8, we were sound asleep! Brandon got up and let the guy in, I don't think I even budged! The Hudson Room was the meeting room that belonged to Provo Craft for the week. On Sunday, we were given a bucket full of supplies and a tote with kits that had everything to make an album for the cruise. I had a ton of fun "cropping" and meeting all the nice people with the cricut group. I was really impressed by how many of the husbands joined in and helped their wives make their pages, or even made their own. Brandon didn't join in, however, he said he got enough craftin at work, and he was on vacation. poor. sport. He did hang out with us croppers, and talked to the winners about his job. Some of my favorite times were spent in the Hudson Room!
That night was formal night. We waited forever to get into dinner, but had a nice time with a couple from Michigan. Amy was a Micheal's cruise winner. A big group of the cricut cruisers then went to the piano bar. It was a lot of fun to sing along with the group.

LEAVING PORT

2010-02-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning, we had breakfast with the 21 Cricut Golden Ticket winners and their companions, 10 Micheal's employee winners and compainions, a couple from HSN, and about 10 Provo Craft employees and their chosen companion. Brandon and four other PC employees won the cruise, the others were lucky enough to HAVE to work the cruise either as a craft class teacher, photographer, planner or PC exec.. No matter why they were there, the PC people were soooo fun. It was great to get to know some of my husband's co-workers. We also had an amazing time getting to know the Cricut winners! What a fun group! We quickly made a name for our selves on the ship!
I was shocked that even right after we boarded the ship, there was FOOD! We were a little slow to figure out that the first day is one big sales pitch. We took the "very quick" tour of the spa that lasted at least 30 minutes. We were almost suckered in to buying a couples pass for the sauna and mineral pool after we laid down on the hot stone beds. They were awesome!! Every area we went to, they were "almost fully booked" or "just a few left". Thank goodness we weren't suckered in, we had no time to enjoy the spa, and they unexpectedly closed for quite a while (see day 6).
We made our final calls home before leaving port. Calls #2 and #3 consisted of informing my mom that our pediatrition's office was open and that 75% of our children were being put on antibiotics.... SUPER AWESOME!
After leaving Ft. Lauderdale into the vast ocean, our main event of the night was the cocktail hour and dinner. Part of the deal for the PC employee winners, was to take their turn dressing up as "Cricut", a big green bug costume. Brandon was lucky enough to go first and spent an hour discoing it up, dressed as a green bug, with the cricut cruisers group. He was so cute and did a great job... not to mention being pinched in the rear MANY times buy some of the winners! I don't think he was to thrilled about that. I took the green bug back to our room and when he took off the suit, he was dripping! Apparently that is why he signed up to go first! After dinner we were so tired that we just went to bed, but overall, way fun day!

Doesn't Brandon make such a cute cricut? My video of him is pretty crappy. I tried to steal one from our group page, but was unsuccessful!

ON OUR WAY!

2010-02-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

I usually don't travel well. The last few times I have traveled, I have ended up with a huge migraine the first night. Brandon was very sweet to make sure I ate and rested (what we think my previous issues have been due to.) We took a a decent nap from 2am to 4am before we got up to go to the airport. Checking in, security, eating breakfast, and buying replacements for the forgotten Tylenol took no time at all. I slept through a good deal of our flight to Atlanta, HARD. I think the fact that this was the third round-trip flight in seven months helped... oh and no kids and the Discovery Channel in the head rest in front of me. Cash Cab is a great show to nap to.:) Bogging about a flight may seem a bit overboard, but I am a very nervous flier, and I did really well! Yeah Me!
After arriving in Ft. Lauderdale and meeting a few Provo craft people and a Cricut Golden Ticket winner, we headed out to find me a place to get a pedi and another to eat dinner. I wore a cute pair of new pink sandals, that after my pedi and walking to dinner, the sandals had cut my feet to shreds. During dinner, we called home. The van wouldn't start for Jenna (my sis-in-law babysitting)... awesome! Not to worry, after some stress, she was rescued and the van received a new battery. (Note: call home #1) With my foot bleeding, it was time to walk the five or so blocks back to the hotel. Brandon was my hero, and lovingly helped me make it back to the hotel. He ROCKS! Worn out and in pain, we went to bed, getting ready to spend our first day on the ship!

I "HEART" VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-11T20:43:00.001-08:00

***********This post is over a month old, and I may or may not add pictures*******

So, it is almost 10 o'clock the night before the Valentine's Day parties at school. Brandon is down stairs printing stuff to adorne the shoe box that will become Bailey's in-box at tomorrow's party. I am taking a break from the crafting festivities. As I type, I am praying that the tin foil robot with hearts for eyes and also on the tips of his antanas, doesn't tip over and break into pieces. And that is just their Valentine boxes!!!
A few weeks ago, I saw a cute Valentine idea on a blog. They had printed a cute design on a little paper sack. The design was a free download, but what's the fun in just using someone else's design? Besides, each of my kids will want/need their very own custome Valentine goody bag to give out, right? RIGHT??? (I just informed Brandon that Reagan needs goody bags in addition to Bailey and Isaac.... pray for my safety :)!)
Interesting fact: No craft stores carry little paper bags without handles! How do I know this? Well, after putting Valentine's Day off until we returned from our cruise (I know, poor me) and then dealing with lack of motion sickness (again, boo hoo) and not having my van yesterday, today was the day to pull it all together. It went like this... Roberts Crafts(no red cardstock either), Gracie to the doctor (virus), Walmart, JoAnns, have Brandon check Creative Xpress website, call Micheals, call XPEDX, send Brandon to make purchase at XPEDX at lunch. (I heart XPEDX..... and Brandon)
With the bags purchased, it was time to find something to feel them with. After a pretty crappy nap by the sicko, we loaded into the van and headed to Target. It has been almost two full weeks since I have stepped into a Target. It was like coming home all over again. Yep, just like coming home, Gracie was grumpy and the other kids were only concerned with what they were going to get! (Actually, the three older kids were very sweet when we returned home from the Carribean.) Every single person at Target was in the Valentine's section. All the cool candy was gone! We still managed to fill our cart with goodies just as we saw the super fit P.E. teacher. Doesn't Isaac know not to say hi to the P.E. teacher when all we are buying is junk? Awesome! Oh well, it is a holiday and job security for her!

*******************************************************************************
It is days later, and I am going to finish this post. I made Isaac a pretty rockin' robot. Bailey, who said she was just fine with redecorating her box from last year, became a little bit jealous. Yes, she still has her last years box. Maybe this is an indication of why she can't get her room clean. She wanted to make a "Little Miss Valentine" based on the little miss/ little mr. books. SHE WANTED A BOX IN THE SHAPE OF A "LITTLE MISS". Much to her dissappointment, I informed her that at after 9pm the night before could we come up with that. She settled with her dad designing her idea and printing it. It turned out really cute! Brandon also took his design and branding skills to the max and branded our kids valentines. Bailey's had the Little Miss Valentine, Isaac's featured a robot and Reagan's had a cute little princess. No wonder they love him so much more than me!!! After all of that, our celebration of Valentines in our home was pretty much done. The kids received little gifts from both grandparents, which they loved. Maybe I will be more enthusiastic next year!

Now for the gushy part...
I am so in love with my Valentine! Brandon is everything to me! It was so much fun to spend EIGHT whole days with him, without kids! We need to do that again, soon!

I HEART CONAN!

2009-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

MY NEW POST

2009-10-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

So, I got up this morning and started checking my usual blogs. Some of them said that I had updated my blog. ... I haven't. My sweet husband stayed up late putting together a Halloween pod cast. When he posted it, he accidentally posted to my blog instead of his. He quickly changed it, so if you want some pretty spooky Halloween music, click his link!

Hope Kids

2009-09-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

This foundation has meant alot to some dear friends. (They are dear to many of you as well) They are putting together a team for the fundraising walk for HopeKids. If you would like to donate and you are able to, you can here.

HopeKids Overview from C. R. Oldham on Vimeo.

DODGE BALL

2009-08-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

This makes me laugh... hard!

What moms eat for lunch...

2009-08-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of school. Bailey is in fifth grade and Isaac is in second. Next year Reagan will be in Kindergarten and a four short years from now, my youngest will be starting school. I am ten and a half years into this whole motherhood thing. It's who I am. It's what I do. Four years away from having all my kids in school just doesn't seem like that long...cuz I'm old and the years go by in a flash!!! So, as I eat lunch with my two little ones, it has me thinking "What will I eat for lunch?" These days, as it has been for the last nine years or so, my lunch consists of the standard kid things... pb&js, chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, ramen noodles, hot dogs and hopefully I can sneak in some fruit and maybe some cottage cheese.. you know kid stuff. So now I'm just wondering what do moms eat for lunch that don't have kids home to feed? Will I figure out how to make enough dinner to have just enough for a left over lunch for my self? Will I figure out how to make dinner at all for that matter? Will I still eat kid stuff because it's easy and it's a habit? I sure hope not! Maybe I will have so much free time that I will be at the mall or the latest boutique that I will grab lunch on the run. Not likely, but that would be fun! maybe I'll work or go to school outside of the home. Right now, I kind of am anxious to have them all in school, but I know that when the time comes, I will miss them. Even right now, I am counting down the last hour until the bell rings. I hope they had a good day. I hope they ate their home lunch. I hope they know I love them... they are my life. Good thing I still have four more years until Gracie goes!!!

I THINK I MIGHT BE PSYCHOTIC

2009-08-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I was riding in a car with two friends. The conversation ranged from blood type to scouts. The friend in the back informed us that she thinks she is getting a canker sore. We discussed how yucky they are, my favorite canker medicine, her father-in-law's theory on cankers, how I haven't had one for quite a while and how one of us mostly got cankers from her braces. So, guess what! Yup, you guessed it, I feel like I am getting not one, but two cankers. And no, we didn't share a drink or anything else!!! I think I am just psychotic!!!!

Train Them Young

2009-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Brandon has been working four tens this week. When he works a normal schedule, most of us are up and about when he leaves. This morning I rolled out of bed at 9:15. Very unusual due to the fact that I have four kids with the youngest being 13 months. Well, I think I have found the answer to sleeping in!
Today I woke up hearing Reagan go into Gracie's room. This normally makes me furious, because she is normally waking up her baby sister. So I hear Reagan say, "What cha watching Gracie?"
Yes, we have tv in Gracie's room. I have always had a tv in my babies rooms to help keep me awake during those late night feedings. (and to entertain me all the other feedings and rocking to sleep) No, the tv was not left on after she went to bed last night. Gracie had taken the remote (which we commonly sit just between the slits of her crib, next to the rocker) and turned on the tv. I'm pretty sure she just pushed buttons until it turned on....I hope she doesn't already know which button to push!!!
"Ohhh, are you wachin a baby show?" Reagan delightfully squills.
At this point I quickly rolled over and grabbed the phone. I told Brandon the story and we both just started laughing... hard! I quickly ran to the bathroom, like I said I hadn't yet been out of bed, and then walked into Gracie's bedroom. Just like I had heard from the other room, the tv was on and it was on channel 7. A PBS kid show was on. Brandon is pretty sure he turned the tv off on channel 4 last night, so Gracie must have pushed buttons until she found something she liked. So now we are trying to figure out if we have trained her way to young and we have a huge problem on our hands, if she just completely lucked out (the most obvious choice), or if she is quite simply a genius baby. One thing is for sure, if it means I get to sleep in I don't think I mind!

oops! missed one

2009-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

So I had this on my list on the post below, but some how it didn't make it to the final copy! It is probably the highlight of our summer!
*DISNEYWORLD* Wonderful, amazing, magical, tiring trip with the entire Jensen clan! (8 adults and 9 kids) Deserves it's own post (or 3) but it's not even 9am and I do believe that I have reached my 2 posts every few months quota. Crap! Today is a new month... maybe later, or tomorrow!

SUMMER TIME

2009-07-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

With the first official school clothes bought and Brandon holding his first fall soccer practice for Isaac's team in the morning, I feel summer quickly coming to a close. What a summer it has been!!! We commonly refer to summer '08 as the summer we missed, summer '09 will be the summer of fun. Here are a bunch of highlights and maybe just a few low lights.

*NYC* Brandon and I kicked off summer (really late spring) with our first real trip with just the two of us since Bailey was born. Brandon had to do some work, but we still managed to see a show, shop and sightsee. (Did I mention shopping?!?) What a great time! Thanks to our parents for taking care of our kids!

*SWIMMING* My kids can swim!!! We have been taking semi-private lessons (the only way to go) for Bailey, Isaac and Reagan (along with her cousin Aaron). They have all loved it! Bailey really took to it and will probably be trying out for the swim team sometime next week! We have practically lived at the Legacy Center and finally bought a pass. We have had so much fun with family and friends at the Legacy Center. If we didn't go with friends, the kids were sure to either find one they already new or make a new one. It was in the pool that Gracie decided to walk! What a goof ball! In addition to the Legacy Center, we have loved going swimming with neighborhood friends on Weds. Thanks Lisa!! ( This also resulted in my worst sunburn in years)

*SNOW CONES* Bailey used her own money to buy a snow cone machine. She has almost paid for it by having a snow cone stand. So fun for her!

*GRACIE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY* Holy cow she's one! That is a good year to have behind us! She is so fun and we celebrated with an amazing cake that my good friend Jenn made!

*REAGAN RIDES A 2 WHEELER* no more training wheels (at least not on her little bike, the new one is still a bit big)

*4th of JULY* As always, foot races and fun at the Manti City park, Grandpa Bob, cousins, playing in the lake, golf, and this year, visiting with my 95 year old grandma.

*FAMILY GUESTS* It's always fun when Grandpa (and Grandma) comes to stay! It's especially fun when it's Grandpa & Grandma Pfunder plus the Kevin Pfunder Pfamily! We were even lucky enough to have Lauren and Morgan stay with us for a few extra days. What wonderful nieces!

*REAGAN'S 4TH BIRTHDAY* A fun friend party at Discovery Gateway, a fun day with our family, and a Hello Kitty bike from G&G Jensen... what more could a four year old want? (how about screen printed cupcakes?)

*YULIYA* Our next door neighbors brought home there beautiful 12 year old adopted daughter from the Ukraine. Bailey has loved getting to know her new friend!
lowlights
-my sunburn
-summer movies (Gracie and Reagan have been AWFUL!)
-kids (not mine) pooping in the Legacy Center pool
-coming home from vacation and having quarterly payroll taxes due the next week
-school starting on a Thursday!!!! What's up with that?!?!
-the Reynolds moving... so sad.

Just under three weeks until school starts. I am sure there will be many more fantastic (pruney finger) days to come

Pfamous???

2009-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

My in-laws were featured as yesterday's, May 27th, "Sexy People". If you haven't checked out "Sexy People", you should. It is hilarious !!!

Finding My Inner Stupid Human Trick

2009-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

About fifteen and a half years ago, I went to NYC with my family. We went mainly for the US Open, but we also saw a show and toured the city in about 5 hours Cathy Jensen style (trust me, it's intense). It also happened to be the week that David Letterman made the move to CBS. I really wanted to go, but I don't think I ever mentioned it to my parents and getting tickets would have been impossible. When Brandon and I decided that I would be going to NY with him, we submitted online to get tickets to David Letterman. Tonight Brandon's cell phone rang while next to me with a strange number. Always one to want to pry into my husband's secret life, I answered it.

me "Hello"

Strange man "Hello, Julianne?"

(It's for me?)

m "yes"

SM "This is John with the Late Show with David Letterman"

The strange man asked when we were going to be in NY and if we could come to a taping the Monday we are there. After I assured him that we are available and MUCH older than 18, the conversation became a little uncomfortable.

SM " do you watch the show regularly?"

m "Um... it's been a little while."

(We have four kids and a DVR. It's the only way we get to watch the shows we want to. So, no I haven't watched DL for quite some time. At that time were watching something we have recorded or TLC or Discovery Channel or maybe even Ghost Hunters. Sorry TMI.)

SM "Well you do need to answer a trivia question in order to win the tickets. No help and you can't look it up."

(crap)

Well, the trivia question was "What is the name of the place that Rupert G works at?"

I was so proud that I knew the right answer with out any hesitation.

WE'RE GOING TO THE LATE SHOW!!!

OK, I didn't tell him that we are rather disappointed that Conan is no longer in NY.(We are pretty big Conan fans) And we were kind of excited about maybe seeing Jimmy Fallon, but we would have been sad we weren't there for free Snuggie night.

But, now we have our first actual plans for NY! Can anyone think of any stupid human tricks we have? WAIT, don't answer that!

EASTER PFOTOS

2009-04-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!! We had a fabulous day! I will post about that later .... maybe June, but first Easter pictures!!!! I am posting these mostly for my mother-in-law (no offense mom). Here's my reasoning. Roxanne, my MIL, loves pictures. They are everywhere in her home in Idaho. She often asks for new pictures. Eight of her grandkids pictures are always current and abundant, four are outdated and sparse. Those four would be my kids. Obviously, she must be playing favorites. I'm afraid not. You see, Brandon has two great brothers who have even better wives. Jodi is amazingly talented. She makes soap and paper, sews, decorates and is an incredible photographer. You can look at her pics here . Go ahead, go browse her blog. I'll wait....... My MIL can see many pictures of the AZ Pfunder kids on a fairly regular basis. Marolyn, my other SIL, lives in St. George and is nearly perfect, if not totally perfect. Her house is always clean, remembers every one's birthday, and sends thank you cards frequently. She also gives our MIL access to pictures often. (Now that I think about that, it is probably Kevin who gets her the pics. How did this responsibility fall in my lap anyway? Maybe Brandon should send her pictures!:)) Roxanne has many darling pictures of Kevin and Marolyn's four perfectly groomed girls. After little success asking for pics of my kids in person, Roxanne has resorted to asking for pics in comments on my blog and on facebook. So as we took these pictures of the kids today, I was very excited to post them. Of course Brandon had to play with them on photoshop first, so there are more to come. Roxanne these are for you ..... whose the favorite daughter-in-law now?

The Gang

Children's Place ad?

Our sweet Gracie!!!

Roo was being so "cheesy" so we just played into it.

Ladies? Those teeth will come in one day, and after a few visits to the orthodontist.. stake your claim now, girls.

Bailey is growing up way too fast!

BTW, I had to use the Edit Html tab to move the pictures. Aren't you impressed... anyone? anyone?

SIGH OF RELIEF

2009-03-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

We received the results of Gracie's CT today. Although her front plates of her skull are fused, due to her age she is in the realm of "normal" and surgery does not seem necessary at this time. Upon hearing this a few things quickly came to mind :

Thank heavens! Literally, thank heavens!!!
What does it all mean for now and in the future?
Normal? They did see the last name Pfunder, didn't they?

The neuro-surgeon still wants to have her come in for an appointment. Hopefully we can get some more understanding of her condition then. For now, we are grateful for all of your prayers and well wishes. Thank you so much!!! YYYYYEEEEAAAAHHH!!!!!!

PRAYERS REQUESTED

2009-02-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

On March 5th, our sweet Gracie will have CT scan of her skull. She has some sort of malformation of the top front of her skull. As of now, surgery seems likely. We ask for your prayers and faith in her and our family's behalf. Thanks... we love you all!

LOSING A FRIEND

2009-02-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today Larry miller passed away. I don't remember life with out Larry's name being spoken of at the dinner table. Not that he and I had a real personal relation, but he was a dear friend of my parents. When my dad first went out on his own, starting his CPA firm, Larry was one of his first clients. I was able to get to know his sweet wife, Gail, a little bit better, and have always admired her. Other Miller family members lived by my parents for a few years and I got to know them a little too. But mostly I know how Larry has impacted my life. As a huge Jazz fan, I am grateful for his involvement in Utah sports. I have heard of a small portions of his giving to the community. I have heard stories that tell of his testimony of the restored Gospel. I can indeed say that I am thankful that "after all, I knew this guy". He will be missed. You can read the press release here.

Radom thoughts to my family

2009-02-16T21:59:00.000-08:00

Bailey - today it kind of freaked me out when you sat by me on the bench instead of playing with Reagan and Isaac in the play area at the mall. You are getting so big. I feel so bad that you spend energy being scared at night sometimes (just like I used to). I wish I could take it away!

Isaac - You can borrow my fingers anytime to do your math homework.

Reagan - I love how we determine how to do your hair by you telling me how many piggies you want. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

Gracie - I am mad you got so big overnight. But I love to feel that first tooth and sit you on the floor to play. You are so cute!!!

Brandon - you are amazing! Maybe one day I will be as good of wife as you are a husband.

Dad and Mom - I am sorry you are losing such a special friend. I am praying for you guys and his sweet family.

give oh give

2009-02-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

my wonderful sister-in-law Jodi, posted this on her blog the other day and I decided to participate -- (and yes I did copy her word for word (even this part, I just changed the name and relation), so if that is any indication of my extreme level of laziness, you won't be getting this homemade gift within the next fortnight)
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations: 1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! 2. What I create will be just for you. 3. It'll be done this year. 4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a song. It may be a self portrait or maybe even some creation I haven't yet dreamed up. I may draw. I may bake you something and mail it to you. It may not be big or impressive. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure! But lets be honest here. This is me and I will likely do something amazing. =) So come on, sign up! 5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

ORANGE YOU GLAD...

2009-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

My sister -in-law called yesterday to invite me to go shopping for Easter clothes for the kids. We planned on grabbing lunch at the mall today and then hitting the kid stores. Perfectly timed, my Children's Place ad and coupon came in the mail yesterday. I looked through it and then proceeded to go online. I wanted to be prepared. This is serious stuff and it is already mid-February. I showed Brandon some of the options we had, he definitely had his opinion. So after a fun lunch with my dad, brother,sister -in-law, two nephews, Reagan and Grace we made our way to Children's Place. The kids were crazy, but I managed to get the main components of my kids' Easter clothes.... in my husband's favorite color. Picture taken with my crappy phone camera.

Abundantly Blessed

2008-12-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

2008 has been quite the year for the Pfunder Pfamily. Many times we have asked ourselves just how possible would it be for things to get worse. We asked very quietly though, because we are keenly aware that things could be much worse. Now, as the year is coming to a close and we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, it is becoming more and more evident just how blessed we are!!! How grateful we are for health. My blood pressure is down and it doesn't seem that I should have any problems with it from here on out. Gracie, sweet Gracie, is perfect! In fact she is even starting to get a little chubby! Last night she even played in her crib quietly until she put herself to sleep. We thought the trial we went through to get Gracie her was plenty to realise the blessings of our family and friends...
I was wrong!!!
Now that we are starting to stand on our own again, we can feel the support we had over the last two months even more!!!
TO OUR FAMILY: We love you!! Your prayers have been felt. Your love and concern has meant the world to us. What comfort it is to know that we will always be cared for... mentally, physically, and spiritually. Whether near or far, you have kept us standing.
How grateful we are for friends who showed their concern, yet treated us no differently. We are so blessed to live in this country. Times are scary. The economy is rotten. Finding employment is not easy. However, food is readily available, we have health care, and we can worship as we please. I think of the people in Zimbabwe, where Brandon served his mission, who are fleeing their homes due to disease and hunger. We are sooo blessed.
I hope I will never again take for granted the opportunity to work. I will try not to complain about long hours, being under paid, or lousy Christmas gifts from work (as I did with the apron Brandon received last year). Instead, I will thank my Heavenly Father that we are blessed to have a paycheck!
We are so grateful to feel the love our Heavenly Father through out this year! Through all of our trials, we have felt Him strengthening us! We are Abundantly Blessed!

New Tradition?

2008-12-15T21:09:00.001-08:00

Tonight, my family joined my parents at Energy Solutions Arena (ESA) for a Christmas sing-a-long. My mom announced last night that we were all to attend the forced family fun event. My brother and sister's families were able to quickly come up with "prior" engagements. Due to our lack of PfunderPfamily close by, we were unable to do the same. Not to mention we feel hugely indebted to all of our family(both sides) this year. So after a quick bite to eat at Noodles & Co. (that made the deal a bit sweeter) we headed down to the good ol' ESA. Upon entering to the the free event, we were given vouchers for a free hot dog and soda (we passed on the hot dogs),Bee's tickets, Miller Motor Sports Park tickets, and a popcorn at the movies. Isaac didn't want to let go of his vouchers. There was a 30 piece Orchestra, Big Buhda emceed, the Jazz Bear, and Santa (who Isaac went up to and hugged). One section was reserved for military families. There was a live link to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan with the loved ones who are serving there. "I love you Daddy" signs were held up and there was crazy waving whenever the cameras were on either side. It was very moving. Almost every time I looked at my dad he was wiping tears from his eyes. I told him to stop it! After having a fairly emotional day myself, seeing my dad so touched, and thinking of these families... I cried too. I am extremely blessed! Especially to have my little family all together for the holidays! Did you see the news story on the family having to give back their adopted six month old? :( Back to happy. Bailey almost caught a T-shirt from the bear, my free soda was Coke Zero(what could be better), and Reagan was awesome. She sat up tall, held up her program with the words in it, and sang her little guts out! Who knew she could READ?!? GENIUS!!!

Santa might need to shop at the zoo

2008-12-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would let you all enjoy what has been stuck in my head for DAYS! This song has been sung in our home so much that Reagan has learned all of the actions and can find the album on iTunes...I can't do that! This is what the 1st grade will be performing at this years Jingle Jam. I don't know how I will keep Reagan off the stage. Hopefully by then, Isaac may develop some rhythm... maybe not. What he lacks in rhythm and tune, he makes up for in personality. Our favorite... the puffed out stomach for "hippo hero". Enjoy... or humor me at least.

GO....!!!!

2008-11-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

I can remember going to Utah football games for almost as long as I can remember. Mom and Dad sent the three kids to the South end zone on the bleachers. They sat in seats on the West side line. Carl and Jenn were always way more into it than I was. When Carl was pretty young, he wouldn't wear his blue coat during a very snowy BYU game. I wonder if the people around us ever questioned my parents? (Oh, they were probably to drunk and not really family people, being UTAH fans and all - heathens!!!)

In 6th grade, I became friends with Melinda, who also went to most of the games. For the next few years we would meet up and our main concerns were cute boys, tight ends (hee hee) and affixing pom poms to our heads. My main focus in life then became the Jazz and I remember very little football, other than hoping that my outcast family wouldn't be ridiculed at Thanksgiving due to a UTAH loss.

Then came what has become known as my great rebellion. I went to BYU. Unthinkable!!! My loving parents paid my tuition(with UofU checks) in hopes that I would one day return to the fold (they did ask who my family would be and where was I going to spend Christmas, though). They even let me buy a BYU sweatshirt when my sister was playing UTE tennis against BYU in Provo. I went to games, learned "Rise and Shout" and visited my Cougar fan grandparents during half-time. (who had been known to sneak in something a little extra in their thermos to keep them warm, if you know what I mean ....GASP!) I love them sooooo much!!! I ended up working for Blue and White Sports Network and spent many fall Saturdays on the sidelines or in the truck. I edited footage, ran cable, held mics, and wrote for a weekly sports recap show. I thought I was true blue.

But, true colors won out. I have returned to the fold. We changed to DirecTV so we can watch the Utes. I look forward to game watching parties at my sister's house. I check the latest polls on-line Sunday morning. And I am thinking about sending my kids to school in red everyday this week. I am not guaranteeing a victory because I know anything can happen, but I won't be wearing a blue coat even if it is snowing.

p.s. anyone want to babysit next Sat. evening for about five hours?:)

Doing my taggly duty!

2008-11-12T14:16:00.001-08:00

Where is your cell phone? abt. 1 foot away
Where is your significant other? the temple
Your hair color? yucky
Your mother? amazing
Your father? ditto
Your favorite thing? disneyland
Your dream last night? can't remember
Your dream/goal? disneyland or world
The room your in? kitchen
Your hobby?this
Your fear? the economy
Where to you want to be in 6 years? disneyland
Where were you last night? here
What you're not? organized
One of your wish-list items? disneyland tickets
Where you grew up? Sandy
The last thing you ate? left over chicken enchilada
What are you wearing? ugly clothes
Your TV? always on
Your pet? never
Your computer? mine dinosaur Brandon's pretty nice
Your mood? a little down, trying to keep my chin up
Missing someone? my hubby
Your car? has a new windshield now needs to be registered
Something your not wearing? socks
Favorite store? Target
Your summer? missed it, hospitalized, got Gracie though :)
Love someone? many
Your favorite color? purple
When was the last time you laughed? today, I think
Last time you cried? an hour or so ago

I tag Roxanne, Karin, Karen, Tracey and anyone else who's willing

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGDA!!!

2008-11-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

It may be a bit late (she's probably already in bed) but we just wanted to wish Magda a very Happy Birthday! Ten years ago today, Brandon and I became an uncle and aunt for the very first time. Now this cutie leads a group of twelve incredible grand kids. I hope her mom doesn't mind me stealing this AWESOME picture from her AMAZING blog. We love you guys and hope to see you soon!!!!

MY ETERNAL NEMISIS

2008-09-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Last week, in preparation of Gracie's blessing, I tried to climb the Mt. Everest of my life, laundry. I had been running loads quite frequently but had been unable to get them all folded. So, a week a go I sat down to fold and fold and fold. I remember well, the days as kids when my mom would load up several large black garbage bags full of laundry and head off to the laundry mat to catch up on the never ending task. I have also been known to make such trips to the quarter eating carnival. In fact, just days before we were married, I took all of Brandon's laundry and my own to the laundry mat. I ran out of cash and had to go get some more. A sweet lady that had made conversation with me loaned me ten bucks to keep my machines going while I ran to get cash. When I returned, I found a note stuck to one of the washers that said congratulations and that the ten dollars was a gift for us. What a sweet lady!!! I had just as sweet an experience this summer while I was sick. My mom had come to help out while I was on bed rest. She peeked in my room, AKA the laundry hamper, and demanded that Brandon give her some of our laundry. Brandon bundled up a few loads to get her off his back...so he thought. Every time we saw my parents over the next few weeks, they would bring back piles of clean clothes and take bags of dirty ones until we completely caught up. I am proud to say that I have stayed pretty on top of it since Gracie was born. The several loads that are pictured were the most behind I have gotten. My punishment... as I was caring the basket to put the clothes away, I slipped and fell...HARD. I laid on floor for a moment waiting to feel the throbbing pain of broken bones. Luckily it never came. However, I did ache and moan for several days. The laundry gods have spoken...lesson learned!!!

P.S. My slip covers for the couch and chairs were in the dryer!

Gracie's Blessing

2008-09-17T22:40:00.001-07:00

For any who are interested, Gracie's blessing will be this Sunday, Sept. 21st, at 11:00.

Not the best picture, but it's the best I have of her smiling.

CRAFTY

2008-09-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

My neck hurts

My head is pounding

It's past my bedtime

Grace hasn't been fed

My kitchen is a mess

I may sparkle for a week

But I think it turned out great (if I do say so myself) and It screams Reagan, LITERALLY!!

Hopefully it looks good on her walls!!!

Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing

2008-09-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's kind of weird for me to have Bailey in fourth grade. I really remember fourth grade. I remember Miss McCloud was my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Hirschi got married, and Mrs. Hansen taught Utah History. ( I can't remember the other two teacher's names. Any help from my fellow Silver Mesa Eagles?) Mrs. Hansen was the best teacher ever!!! I loved Utah history!!! We made salt dough maps, Indian fry bread, and weaved bags out of yarn. Almost every unit had some hands on project. Making the bag made such an impact on me, we used the same method to weave a bag out of rafia for Bailey's Native American report last year. Now my baby is learning Utah history and I am so excited. Last week she made a map at school from a cake and candy. We were instructed to cut then frost a cake in the shape of Utah and send it to school with candy. The frosting was in three colors marking the mountain region, the Great Basin, and the plateau region. We sent kisses for mountains, Reeces for plateaus, crushed up Oreos for the desert and blue frosting for lakes and rivers. It was really fun.

I also remember them reading a book about Santa Clause and finding out for sure that Santa wasn't real. I was bummed. I remember the student teacher (name anyone?) telling us to scoot in close so the first graders wouldn't hear. I didn't want to hear!!!! I remember doing times tables tests on transparencies and it taking me forever to pass them off. Bailey has hers shaped in a race track. She is working on her 4's and hopefully will pass them off tomorrow.

I remember feeling like I could read "Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing" because I was in fourth grade. Kind of like reading "Ramona Quimby: age 8" when I was eight. Now those books are on my daughter's bookshelf. We talk about authors like Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, and Roald Dahl. It is all going by so fast, and I am sure the nest few years will seem to go even faster. For now, I will just enjoy learning about Utah all over again.

LIVING WITH HOPE

2008-09-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night was a good night to be a Pfunder. Not that there is a time that is not, bet Wednesday was particularly special. For those of you who don't know, Brandon's younger brother, Kevin, was diagnosed with MS about four years ago. Although I do not really know the extent of his symptoms, I know that he suffers from occasional eye problems and is affected at times with his legs. I am sure there is much more, but he is not one to always be up front with his extended family about his disease. He jokes around about it alot, which personally I see as both good and bad. Good that he has a sense of humor and can still be happy - Bad that he doesn't always take it as seriously as I think he should, like by taking daily therapy medicines ---KEVIN!!!! Right from the first year of his diagnosis, Kevin jumped into the MS walk fundraising with both feet. He got his sixth grade students involved and last walk raised $26,000 for research. Amazing!!!! Well, the MS Society of Utah realized just how amazing he is and honored him at The Dinner of Champions. Kevin received the "Living With Hope" award. Kevin and his practically perfect wife, Marolyn, Neil & Roxanne (Brandon's parents), Verna (Brandon's Grandma), Brandon and I spent a very nice evening at Little America for the awards banquet. Several awards were given, but when it came time for Kevin's, there was a short video of fun pictures and interviews with Brandon and Kevin's friend. Then came the speech. Kevin was hysterical and moving. I was laughing so hard I was almost crying, yet he got a neat message across. After the awards ceremony, we were all inundated with people congratulating and saying that Kevin stole the show. It was incredible!!! I think I had an emotional hangover Thursday, but I'm back on track now.

CONGRATS KEVIN!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

The Evil Eye

2008-09-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I saw this on his cousin's blog. Needless to say, this will be the first trick we try to teach Gracie. Enjoy!!!

Look at me... I'm a regular Handy Manny!!

2008-09-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

Home projects continue...they may never stop!!! Today I put together one of these...

Then I stacked it ontop of an existing shelf. ( I only banged up the newly painted walls a tiny bit) To top it all off, I anchored it to the wall. I even found a stud to screw the anchor into. All by myself. O.K., the longest screw I could find may not have been long enough to reach the stud, I tried. I told Brandon he may have to replace the screw with a longer one, but that may be tricky due to the fact the screw I used may or may not be stripped.

With new storage intact, I now have the fun pleasure of cleaning out Reagan's old room and putting her stuff in her new room. I started with books. I really wish I had a sliver of my sister-in-law, Marolyn, or my neighbor, Kara, housekeeping and organization skills. I also wish I had an ounce of my other sister-in-law's easygoing outlook. But no, I am a high-strung mess!!! So, I started making piles of books trying to organize. Then came the trouble... do I separate by size, content, hard bound, soft cover. What do I do??? Should a hard bound Elmo book be put with "Giggle, Giggle, Quack" or the Sesame Street board books from the dollar section at Target? Totally perplexed, I did my best and left plenty of room for toys in the lower shelves. Wait, am I discouraging reading because the books are on a higher shelf. I may have to "re-organize" tomorrow. Tomorrow, I will try to tackle the insane amount of stuffed animals and toys. I figure the stuffed animals can go on the rarely used top bunk bed, cutely arranged of course. The webkinz will be placed in one of the empty cubes. Yes, my three year old has multiple webkinz. Yes, she does play with them on the computer.

Speaking of Roo and webkinz, I was playing with her on webkinz the other day (a job I normally give to Bailey) and realized that she has like 8000 webinz coins but no furniture for her pets. The other kids only have a couple hundred webkinz coins, but they have at least bought their pets each a bed. Brandon and I decided that we are going to play the webkins games to earn her more coins and deck out her webkinz "house". Then we will anxiously await Bay and Ike's reaction when they are forced to play with her. Anyway, enough rambling, I'm off to bed to prepare for tomorrow's attempt to organize Reagan's room. Hopefully now I won't have to hear Brandon make fun of me for my Twilight post.

TWILIGHT QUIZ

2008-09-03T15:01:00.001-07:00

"Twilight": who are you? (now w/ pics)
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Esme Cullen

You're Esme. The sweet, loving, mother figure of the Cullen clan. You're extremely happy that Edward has found Bella and are very careful not to scare her off.

Esme Cullen

88%

Charlie Swan

75%

Alice Cullen

75%

Bella Swan

75%

Emmett Cullen

63%

Edward Cullen

63%

Jasper Cullen

50%

Carlisle Cullen

50%

Rosalie Cullen

50%

James

38%

THINGS I LEARNED ON THE 3RD DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-08-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

The basement is pretty much done and the kids are in their new rooms. However, all their crap is still in the room that Bailey and Isaac shared. I have been spending what time I can trying to clean out their old room which is Reagan's new room. I spent a couple hours this morning working in there and this is what I've learned:

Although this will change when she is older, a nine year old girl can have too many purses.
In order to keep peace, all Happy Meal toys must be thrown away while the kids are not present.
My kids have out grown some really cute clothes.
Years ago, when re-doing Bailey's dresser, Brandon made a huge effort to line up the squares on the contact paper in the drawers. I wonder how much I nagged him to do that?
Although I am very proud of my talent to win stuffed toys out of the machines at stores, I must STOP!!!!
I am confident that the world will soon be taken over by LEGOS.
The Legos will be superseded by Match Box Cars.
Scholastic Books will not be earning money on me this year. (If I remain strong)
That take home library book, that I swore we didn't still have at the end of the school year-- so they didn't make me pay the ten dollar fine, will be returned to the take home library TOMORROW!!! (with my sincere apologies :) )
I can have the will power to not watch the US men's volleyball quarterfinal match to keep working.
Gracie is sweet enough to know when the tie breaking 5th set of the above mentioned match is to wake up and need to eat. This allowed her hard working mom to watch the US win the nail-biter. (thanks Gracie, you're my favorite)
Reagan is beginning to show signs of middle-child syndrome. (Reagan, you're just like me, you must be my favorite.)
I could simply hide Isaac's toys for a couple months and when I pulled them back out, he would be as happy as at Christmas. (Such sweet, very real emotions, Isaac is definitely my favorite.)
Bailey, do not bring picked grass in the house and hide it in a basket under paper flowers you so carefully made and stuff the basket in a shelf. (So creative... and yes my favorite.)

I'm still not even close to done!!! I wonder what I'll learn tomorrow!!

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A PFUNDER?

2008-08-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Most of you would quickly answer yes. Well, now is your opportunity to see. My Brother- in-law made up a computer quiz game to test his art students. It took me a few tries but I finally passed.:) Here's the link if you want to check it out. http://www.pfunderland.com/game/

WHERE DO I CLAIM MY PRIZE???

2008-08-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am a self-admitted game show junkie. One of my childhood dreams that I still cling onto is going to a taping of "The Price Is Right", Bob Barker or not. Well, the past day or so I have been watching way to much TV, due to my baby who is DEMANDING to be held ALOT. Anyway, I was watching "Wheel of Fortune" last night, and here is the bonus round.

Proper Noun RSTLN E CMP I

_ T _ _

_ _ _ _

Before the contestant even chose here extra letters, I turned to Brandon and gave him the correct answer. He was floored. So now I am wondering either where I sign up or where I claim my prize. Let's see how good any of you are. Any guesses???? Carl and Jenna, you are out of the running do to the fact that I already told Carl. Good Luck!!!

MORPHISM OF A NICKNAME

2008-07-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

So, with the birth of our sweet Gracie, I have been thinking alot about nicknames. I'll get to Grace's nicknames (yes plural) in a minute. Let's go oldest to youngest.

BRANDON: No nicknames that I am really aware of. Yes, there are pet names such as; Honey Sweetheart and Hey you, can you still hear me with the TV on. I know, gush-gush TMI. And yes, he is older than me, a whole thirty days older!!!

JULIANNE: OK there is the obvious, Juli, if you consider that a nickname. Then there is Jules. This is a nickname that many people call me. Mostly close friends, sometimes not so close. I have a sweet cousin that called or calls me Jules Vern. I am very sad to say that I was much older than I should have been when I realized that this was in reference to the author and not to this guy:

When I was young, my dad started calling me Ju-bear. I looooooved this. I remember once when he was my soccer coach and I told him to call me Ju-bear at practice. The only other person to ever call me Ju-bear is my sweet husband. Now don't any of you reading this dare call me Ju-bear. My husband, mostly, and others also call me an even shorter version of my given name- Ju. (pronounced just like you would think Jew) Now this really doesn't bother me, but to those who hear it and don't Know me may think it is somewhat, shall we say anti-Semitic. Can you just imagine being in a public place and hearing someone yell out "Hey, Ju!" If you do, don't judge, it may be a sweet nick-name.

BAILEY: Her nick-names are pretty standard girl nicknames: Bay (although I never thought I would call her that) Bailey-bug and a shortened version Bug. Although, when she was a newborn, I went to a lactation specialist who called her Punky. We continued to call her Punky for a while, but it died out. Kind of like the show.

ISAAC: Now here is the fun stuff and my current problem. When we told my grandmother that we were going to name our forthcoming child Isaac she said "But people will call him Ike!" We thought "...and the problem with that is????" Boy were we right! Isaac is definitely Ike. Almost everyone who knows him calls him Ike. It is starting to phase out a little as he gets older, but we also call him Ikey. Which I also adore. He is my Ikey. Funny thing, when he was around two, he referred to himself as MyIkey (one word). Ike and Ikey, at least for me, sometimes moph into Ikester. You know just adding a little extra to the one syllable nickname. This is were my problem begins--- I know long and drawn out post. Keep reading if you can, I need your opinion.

REAGAN: Pretty standard at first. Shortened name- Rea, with a little added Reagan Roo, nickname shortened just Roo. Now, just for me, a little added to the nickname and you get Rooster. What?!?! Rooster?!?! You can't call a towhead little girl Rooster, can you? The first time I heard myself say it out loud I just about died. Yet, I still do it, and often. Poor Rooster, I mean Reagan.

GRACE: Our sweet Gracie, which is what she will probably be known as. Due to how small she was at birth, she is our little peanut, just ask Rooster. Brandon, for reasons unknown, has started to call her Gracie Goo. Even Roo calls her Gracie Goo. We all tend to shorten it and call her Goo. Now, if you are still reading, you realize that I then tend to add to the shortened nick-name. So what does Goo become other than Goober. AT THREE WEEKS OLD! Goober for my sweet just over six lbs baby girl!

What am I going to do?? It has already slipped out a few times. I must come up with something else!!! Maybe I should find a place to buy one of these:

INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!

2008-07-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

So, today started off on an emotional low. At 6:15 a.m. Brandon called the hospital to check on Gracie. We were planning on bringing her home today, but she needed to have passed an oxygen level while in car seat test, keep her temp up above 98.0, eat well, and continue to gain weight over night. On the phone the nurse told Brandon that she had indeed passed her car seat test, but after her temp had dropped to 97.7 under arm and 97.9 rectal. She had also struggled with her 6 a.m. feeding. I was crushed and immediately started crying. It would be twice now that we were moments away from us all being home and Gracie had complications. Don't get me wrong, if Gracie needs to be in the hospital, I want her in the hospital. So, I tried to put on a brave face and get ready to go feed her at 9:00. I tried to prepare that kids that their baby sister may not be coming home today. Bailey was disappointed, but kept saying, "I knew I would jinx it!" Needless to say, they are as anxious as me to be a complete family at home. Shortly after 8, G&G Jensen came and picked up the kids to go to Manti for fun 4th activities. Shawn and Jodi Pfunder and kids had spent the night while passing through. The kids said their quick goodbyes to their cousins, and we followed out the door to the hospital.....again. I prepared myself to see sweet Gracie back in an isolette, but was glad to see that she was still in an open crib. The nurse said that her temp was again above 98 and we would need to wait for the doctor to evaluate her (She did not seem to think it was to promising) . Brandon and I hid behind the nursing screens in the NICU and tried to feed our baby. She was so sleepy and was not interested in nursing. Our disappointment grew --- Enter Doctor Lew. Dr. Lew began going over Gracie's chart and talking about what was going on. Brandon and I quietly, but intently eavesdropping. W heard the nurse say "that'll make them happy . " Brandon and I look at each other and grin hopefully. Sure enough, Dr. Lew came and told us that if she had a couple good feedings we could take her home. Wait a minute, she was currently giving us nothing to be excited about because Gracie couldn't stay awake for a minute while nursing. Brandon and I started begging Gracie to eat. She did OK - not great. When we gave her the supplement bottle though she scarfed it up. Yeah!!!! After grabbing some breakfast and a red, white, and blue outfit for Gracie, we went back to the hospital for her noon feeding. She ate great, so the Dr. gave us the go ahead. We still had to watch a video on CPR, get home health figured out and wait for the doctor to examine her, but by 3:00 p.m., the three of us were home. Hallelujah!!!! Driving out of the parking garage for the last time at the hospital was so liberating. We didn't let the big kids know that Gracie was home until they returned from Manti. The looks on their faces was priceless. They are so excited to have their little peanut home, maybe to excited. So on July 4th 2008 the Pfunders were given freedom. Although at times we were in three different places, being at home as a six family (as my kids would say) is incredible. Now we just have to figure out how to take care of a 5lb newborn--- please continue to pray for us!!:)

Gracie at home in her red, white, and blue. (& hospital accessories)

Big sister Bailey's helping hand.

The pfour Pfunders.

Reagan before her Fourth of July celebrations.

Gracie Pfunder

2008-06-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Guess what we've been up to? I'll keep you posted while Juli is away from a computer. Yeah, we've been taking care of Julianne and a little peanut. It's been a crazy road these past 3 weeks or so. Juli was admitted to the hospital twice with "stroke level" blood pressure. We did an amniocentesis on June 24 to check baby's lung development to see if we could get her delivered. She had to do the amnio twice because the baby didn't like having her space invaded. She actually rolled into the needle, blocking the suction with her bum....twice, until the nurse faked her out by poking on the other side of Juli's belly.

The amnio came back good, and baby was okay'd to come out. She of course was breech, so Juli set off to her first Cesarean birth on June 25. I got in some scrubs and walked to the operating room with the doctor, waiting for the spinal block. And then waited for the spinal block. And still waited for the spinal block. It took maybe 5 attempts and 2 doctors to finally get the spinal to work. I was worried, and heard Julianne scream a couple times as they tried to get the needle in the right place. You can ask her all about it if you have the stomach for it. Pain is something I have a hard time with if it's someone I know and love.

So finally, I'm given admittance, and I go see my Juli and watch. After seeing the true knot that baby made in the umbilical cord, and unwrapping it from around her neck, baby is ready to come out.

8:09pm, June 25, 2008, Grace Pfunder is born. 5 lbs. 1 oz. 18". She's our little peanut.

She's a tiny little thing, we're used to the 3 7lbs babies we've had. She was early though, and we are so blessed to have her now. We are also blessed that Juli is much better off as her blood pressure has dropped to normal. The doctor made a comment after surgery that "sometimes you think you make the right decision, but in this case, we definitely made the right decision".
Julianne was discharged on Sunday evening, but unfortunately, Grace was sent to the NICU. She was doing so great from Wednesday to Saturday, but her little body had a hard time keeping up. She dropped her temperature on Sunday, and couldn't keep it maintained. Her bilirubin went up as well. Better safe than sorry, so she's in an isolette in the NICU, keeping her nice and toasty. She puts on the mask and they shine the bilirubin lights on her. The doctors let her come out to nurse every three hours, so Juli is close by. We have a boarding room at the hospital, where Juli is now. We go save her, and let the kids see baby sister Gracie between feedings.

The kids love her to death and are anxious to have mom and Gracie home soon (as am I). Special thanks to our dear family and friends who have seen us through these past 3 weeks of bed rest, hospitalized bed rest, bed rest, more hospitalized bed rest, birth, recovery, and now waiting for Gracie. Juli's parents have been the champs....watching kids and Cathy commanding me to get her our laundry.

More pictures to come. I'm sure you don't want to see me in my scrubs.

To-Do List put to rest ---BED REST

2008-06-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

So yesterdayt I went to my 34week Dr appointment. I was worried about what the kids and I were going to do for three hours inbetween the Dr's and the dentist. Well, no worries there. I was sent to the hospital for testing and observation. After a few hours, I was released with the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, PIH, or toximia (take your pick, same thing-different names) So now I am on bed rest. My blood pressure sky rocketsas soon as I Get up. I have no idea what the plan is, but I am supposed to go get my blood pressure taken at the office tomorrow. I am so thankful for all of the help I have been given. We have already had a meal brought in, grocery store purchases, and my kids are having a picnic at the park right now. (Karen took them and it is her birthday!) Good friends are priceless and I am blessed with so many!!! Brandon has been fabulous, although I can tell he is overwhelmed. I am so grateful for his parents. They called this morning to say they will be here this afternoon to help out. I am getting tearytears eyed and blogging on an ipodiPod in bed is not easy. I will update soon.

Follow Up To-Do List

2008-06-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well, apparently even mentioning staying in bed all day made me body shut down. I have spent 95% of my time in bed since Wednesday. Yuck!!!! I called my doctor's office on Friday and have been on a Z-pack since then. Today I feel definite improvement, but I am still pretty mucusy. Unfortunately, my to-do list has grown instead of shrunk. We did manage to get paint for Bailey's room. Pretty cute --- but you will have to wait for pictures to find out what we did. Other than that Everything remains on the list. Now my time frame is smaller and my house is a DISASTER AREA!!!! Time to kick the kids in gear, which means much complaining and crying. However, I am grateful that my trials are so trivial. I can't help but think of the sweet sister in our ward who is in need of all our prayers. If you can, keep Crystal White in your prayers.

Todays to-do list

2008-06-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

A couple loads of wash - whites first!!!
Buy Kwal Applepeel paint for ceilings, trim and common areas. Our basement is getting so close!!!
Choose a color for Bay's room - Teal, seafoam, tangerine or pink?
Find fabric for Isaac's quilt. This is a must!!!! I have wanted to start it forever. I just finished the binding on the second of Bailey's quilts. It's just that finding awesome fabric for boys is just not that easy.
Work on quarterly Enrichment stuff. Next Tuesday is coming really, really quickly!!!
Try to find the motivation to do any of it. It's pretty gloomy outside and reading a book in bed sounds pretty nice --- any suggestions?

Graduation Day

2008-05-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

It's official... Isaac is no longer a Kindergartner. Today was his graduation, of which he was so proud. Complete with graduation cap made of a plastic bowl, construction paper and a yarn tassel. Don't forget the traditional graduation refreshments (reserved only for the graduates) of caps made from a Ding Dong topped with a chocolate graham cracker and a licorice tassel. Only once did we as parents have to correct his behavior from the audience. (He had the elastic from his cap under his lip instead of under his chin.) We have come such a long way this year. He had the most wonderful teacher I could have ever hoped for. Imagine walking into the classroom with 23 kids on the floor, each involved in a personal activity in complete silence. I can't do that with my own three kids!!! Not only did she have control of the kids but she was super sweet, fun and even managed to teach them quite a bit. After the pomp and circumstance we went to his classroom for refreshments. On his desk was a compilation of all his best work. He turned to us with a smile and said "Look, it holds all my memories!" At that point I lost it. Maybe because I remember how scared I was that he was not ready for kindergarten in August, seeing his progress, thinking of his great teacher, just being proud, or pregnancy hormones. Today was a great day to be the mom of Isaac Pfunder... 1st grader!!!!