Keri's Obsession

Okay, so I figure I'd better fess up! Most people wouldn't know this, but I'm pretty much addicted to doing family history...not always a good thing when you have two little ones. In mid-July, I came across a way to help with the LDS church's family history efforts. I have been doing the FamilySearch Indexing, where I am indexing records that are currently only on microfilm. In the future, all their records will be available online, which is AMAZING. Right now, I've been indexing the 1900 US Federal Census records for several states & Washington DC. (Last night, I indexed a census record from the "Government Hospital for the Insane"...really made me wonder about each person's story.) My goal is to index 50,000 names in one year. So far, I've done 2,550 names in about 2 weeks. So, if you're interested in seeing what my obsession is about or you, too, would like to help, check out the website. www.familysearchindexing.org

Sydney's 3rd Birthday

We celebrated Sydney's 3rd birthday this week. Sydney got a new swimming pool that she had been wanting for quite a while. Randy and I tried to sneak and set it up the night before, but Sydney got out of bed and somehow knew what we were doing. She was so excited! She watched Randy fill the pool up from her bedroom window, and Randy could see her clapping when it was filled.

Sydney enjoyed playing in her pool alone during the day, but it was so HOT that I just couldn't let her play in it all day...for my sake!

We did invite some neighborhood friends over for cake, ice cream & swimming in the evening. However, we had thunderstorms, so we didn't plan to do any swimming. Several of Sydney's friends had gotten sick, so her friend, Ellie, was the only one who came. After enjoying cake & rainbow sherbet, Sydney and Ellie played in the pool until we pulled the shivering girls out. What a simple, fun day!

Jenna's Rolling!

Jenna has mastered a new skill today--rolling from her back to her front. She started working on it last night, and by this morning she had it! Every time I put her down now, she immediately rolls. In fact, I forgot earlier and she rolled right off the couch and flopped onto her tummy on the floor below. No worries, though, she whimpered for a second and then was fine.

This is a picture of her in the process.

Success!!

And, of course, Sydney wanted to be included.

Tribute to Grandpa

The only grandpa I've ever known, Marion Farnsworth, passed away on Monday, July 9th in Las Cruces, NM. He had been very active and healthy until this past year, when he had an accident and started experiencing some health problems. In May, he nearly died and during that time was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, or cancer of the plasma. His cancer was, surprisingly, in almost total remission after only weeks of treatment, but he was sick from the treatments and some of the side effects. Although he had been in and out of the hospital, we didn't expect his passing at this time.

After my mom called me, I immediately went to tell Randy. I had an inital rush of emotion about his passing, but then I couldn't help but think of the AMAZING reunion he must have had. He leaves behing his wife of nearly 3 years, Grandma Lucille. However, I know he must have been greeted by his first wife, Grandma Gracie, as well as his second wife, Grandma (Elaine) Farnsworth, and my Uncle Alan, who was killed when he was 8. The list could go on, but I just know that although we may be sad here, and I feel deeply for Grandma Lucille and my dad, Grandpa must have such a wonderful reunion going on beyond the veil.

My grandpa was an incredible man. We attended his funeral last weekend in New Mexico, and it was a fitting tribute to him. (I don't know that I will ever attend a better funeral). He faced so much adversity, heartache, and disappointment in his life, but you would have never known. He lived such an honorable life. I know of no man who is better. Aside from my own dad, I look up to him most.

As Grandpa had his own reunion, we were able to see most of my dad's family. We had a wonderful time visiting with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We forgot our camera on this trip, but I've put in the picture of the last time I saw my Grandpa (far right), which was at my brother, Alan's wedding last December.

I hope and pray that I can remember my Grandpa's example of how he lived a Christ-centered life. I look forward to the day when I can see him again. Until then...I love you Grandpa!!

Messes & Laughing

My brother, Grant, came to stay with us overnight. I had planned to make cookies for him, so Sydney decided to help out. While I was visiting with him, she got the butter-flavored Crisco out of the cupboard, without me knowing. The next thing I knew, she was asking for me to get her a (baby) wipe. She had put both of her hands into the tub of Crisco!! She rarely makes messes like this, and it really wasn't that bad, so I just couldn't get mad at her. I ran and grabbed the camera to take pictures, then got her cleaned up. No matter what she does, she's still really adorable!

Now, for my other exciting event today... Jenna is nearly 4 months old now, and she finally laughed tonight! I was holding her and only halfway paying attention to her. She had tried out a new screeching noise earlier today, so she must have decided to get my attention this time by laughing...and it worked! It was so cute. I got her to laugh one more time before she decided that was enough. I can't wait for more!