Conversation Board

I'm excited about this conversation board that I made for Persephone's "room." My mother-in-law bought me the board and I painted it black, sanding down the edges to give it a distressed look. For the magnets I hot glued some painted knobs and some antique buttons onto magnetic disks. We've hung the board about Persy's changing table and I plan on using it to talk about different items in the collage and also to sign about the items. (I've been doing sign language with Persy for a couple of weeks and even though she can't sign back, she does focus on my hands.) The pictures are a mix of family photos, gospel pictures, and random items, (like a postcard of an elephant standing on his head.) I'll change them every couple of weeks so we have something new to look at and talk about.

Sickies

I think every mom can relate to the trial of trying to care for a sick family when you are feeling sick yourself. If motherhood was a sorority, then this would be its twisted hazing activity. I am being initiated this week as I simultaneously sneeze along with my daughter and spouse. Gabe and I are lucky enough to be on antibiotics now, but poor Persy just has to wait it out. She has been such a trooper too. Amidst coughs, itchy eyes and mucus extractions she will still look up at me and give me a beaming smile. Who does that? Clearly we have an "old soul" in our home who will be a spiritual guide for her parents. I love this child and wish that she did not have to suffer.

A Gift from the White House

Yesterday, I went to pick up a package and was a little puzzled to see that Persephone had received a package from the White House. Hmmm. . . what is this girl up to while we sleep? Inside was a letter from Mr. Bush himself. Here is what it said:

Dear Persephone:

Welcome to your new home! Your arrival has brought great joy to your proud family.

As you grow, I encourage you to help your neighbors, set high standards, and follow your dreams. Your kindness to others and commitment to excellence can strengthen your community and our Nation.

Mrs. Bush and I send our best wishes to you and your parents. May the coming years be filled with happiness, health and much love.

Sincerely,
George W. Bush

(We got this letter as a gift from a friend who works as a speech writer for the Bush administration. He used his connections. I think we're going to hang it in Persy's "room" as a reminder of her importance! :)

What I love about Fall

1. The crunch of leaves under my feet
2. Sipping hot chocolate with loads of whipped cream from any of the local cafes
3. Rainy Fall days
4. Driving through the canyon
5. Visiting my parents and the smell of grape juice being bottled
6. Crisp mornings and sunnny afternoons
7. The season return of my favorite show, "The Office"
8. Planning my Christmas gift giving
9. My birthday
10. Baking more cookies, bread and soup
11. The start of a new Symphony season
12. Watching children walking to and from school
13. Putting away summer clothes in favor of snuggly warm sweaters
14. Sales on school supplies
14. October LDS General Conference
15. How cute Persy looks in PJs and a beanie cap!

A Day on the Farm

Persy and I had a very fun day yesterday meeting up with friends at Wheeler Farms. Wheeler Farms is a free historic park with farm animals, and large grounds for running and having a picnic. We also took a little tractor ride around the grounds. Persephone was a bit fussy without a nap, but I'm glad I discovered this fun place so I can take her when she is older. This picture shows two of my close high school friends Rebecca and Megan. It is just wild that we're "all grown-up" with children of our own now!

Back to Work

I started back at work this week. I am fortunate enough to work at the library with people I love and in a very happy environment. I am also lucky to be going back just part-time so I can keep up my important job as full-time mom to Miss Persy Pie. I hope the situation goes well. Here's a couple of cute pics from this week.

One Last Visit

Warning: Whiny content ahead . . .

I have spent the morning preparing for one final home visit from our case worker. We have been assigned a new case worker, so I've felt pressured to get the house white glove ready again for fear that any errant crumbs could incriminate me. I have enjoyed most aspects of our adoption but the very idea that we are still under surveillance irritates me. I found the whole approval process for the adoption a little invasive. In addition to the endless paperwork, we had doctor's appointments, background checks, and interviews where we were asked everything from how we were disciplined as children to questions about our sex lives. Um. . . excuse me? I could not be happier with our child, but I'm ready for the state to stop treating us like trial parents.

When Wasps Attack!

On Friday, Gabe and I saw the musical "Big River" at the Tuacahn Theater in St. George. The theater is outdoors and we found ourselves being pestered by a particularly aggressive wasp. It wasn't long before I got stung. By the end of the show the sting on my finger had swelled to the size of a Polish Sausage. Making matters worse, was the fact that I had been stung on my ring finger. My wedding band began to act as a sort of Tournecut, cutting off circulation. I spent Saturday and Sunday examining the juicy apendage and grimly imagining my finger being amputated. Without a ring finger I would never be able to learn how to fiddle, (a secret ambition,) which means I would never travel the world in a bluegrass band! Luckily for me, the swelling has subsided today and all is well. Lesson learned: If you get stung on the finger by a wasp, quickly remove all your rings!

Side Note: "Big River" was fabulous! I just loved the music and thought it was a fun adaptation of Mark Twain's novel. Because the production was outside, they were able to flood the stage and make a real river!

Family Reunion on Labor Day

Happy Hike

On Saturday, we spent a couple of hours up the canyon with some dear friends. The weather was perfect!