The Dimond Family

January

2012-02-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

January has been a fun and busy month for us. Here are a few highlights.

Snow

Our winter has been really mild this year (Yes!!). It has only snowed a few of times, much to Luci's disappointment. A couple of weeks ago we had a bigger snowfall and my girls were so excited! We made it out there as a family to build snowmen and had a lot of fun.

The snow was really hard to roll into balls so we made piles of snow and carved the snowmen out of them. Kirk, Luci, and I each made our own and Clara roamed around trying to knock them down. Once Kirk's snowman was done, she stopped trying to knock it over and was really sweet to it. We even caught her giving him a kiss:)

Kirk's
Mine (inspiration from pinterest)

Luci's
Luci was determined to make her snowman without any help. A few times she broke down in tears because it wasn't working, but still refused to have any help. In the end she was very pleased with her snowman. I'm glad she's such a hard worker!

Foot Rub

The other day I got lotion out to rub Kirk's feet and the girls thought it looked fun so they took over. If I had known all we needed to do was get the lotion out and they'd drop everything to rub our feet, I would have been doing this a long time ago.

My girls

I love seeing my girls bond. I found Luci in bed with Clara again, so sweet!

Buying a Home

Our biggest news lately is that we are buying a house (half of a duplex really)! It was built in the 1940's after World War II, but fortunately has a lot of updated things in it. We are buying it through a first time home buyer program that helps make the cost more affordable by leasing us the land and selling us just the home. We won't close on our loan until the middle of March, but they started letting us have the key to clean it and prep for paint. Yesterday Kirk spent the whole day working on it. The girls and I stopped by for a little bit too, but found we were more of a burden than a help.

Buying a home is bittersweet for me. I'm so excited to have our own little place! We get to paint the walls and have a yard! It is also a sign that we are committed to living here longer. There are may things I like about our town, but I really miss family. I never thought that we would move across the country and stay here. But, here we are. Kirk has a job that he is really happy with and we have good friends, so we can't complain.

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to stick with only two New Year's Resolutions. In past years, I've made long lists of things I'm going to do better. In the first week (or maybe two) of the new year, I work on all of them consistently. Then, with each subsequent day, my new habits get scooted closer and closer to the back burner of my life. Eventually I dwindle back to my old self and completely forget what my resolutions even were. So that is why I'm keeping it simple.

Resolution #1

Do not get on the computer until I've read my scriptures

Someone in my ward mentioned that she started doing this and I thought I'd give it a try. The computer is an 'out' for me and, at times, an addiction. I spend way too much time on it. Time I should be using to do better things. So far this rule has worked great and I've been reading my scriptures earlier in the day rather then two minutes before I go to bed. If I can't get around to reading my scriptures until the afternoon, then I can't get on the computer until then. I'm hoping this resolution will hit two birds with one stone: improved spirituality, and less time wasted on the computer.

Resolution #2

Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier

I have a chronic problem of staying up late. Every night is New Year's Eve for me. After the girls go to bed I feel this sense of freedom that doesn't involve sleeping. I'm not usually productive. I pretty much just veg around, which is one reason why I need to change this habit. The other reason is that my girls get up early, no matter how late I go to bed:). As a result, I'm sleep deprived, super grouchy and a terrible mom! Wish me luck, this is going to be the harder habit to change.

What are your Resolutions?

Christmas

2011-12-31T08:37:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! It was a little strange not seeing family at all during the Holiday season. Fortunately Skype helped ease the distance.

Christmas Eve we continued our tradition of opening pajamas and eating a "breakfast" dinner in them. Everything turned out great thanks to Kirk's crepe making skills. This year we tried a new filling too, caramel bananas with Nutella and Whipped Cream. Yummy!

Luci is hot blooded and rarely uses all the warm pajamas she has. This year I bought her shorts and a t shirt for her pajamas figuring they'd get more use. Kirk wanted me to put a new drawstring in a pair of old shorts for his pajamas and Clara still got the classic comfy ones.
We heard that Santa would be coming down our street on a fire truck and we wanted to be ready to run out there when he came, hence the pants and shoes.

For our devotional, Luci cut out the Nativity puppets from the Friend magazine and taught us the story of Jesus' birth. We also told the story of his birth recorded in the Book of Mormon.

Midway through our devotional we heard the sirens and ran out to see Santa. Luci was scared to death and made me carry her. There was an ambulance and three fire trucks covered in Christmas lights all in a row. Santa was standing in the ladder basket of the very last one and threw Luci a stuffed pink bunny. She was so happy!!

Christmas morning Luci came running down the stairs at 7:45 claiming that Santa left a new playhouse. She was ready to run back upstairs, but we made her wait while we woke up Clara and brought her down. It was so fun seeing their excitement when we came back upstairs.

I'm so grateful for my family! I love my girlies and have the greatest husband! Just being with them made Christmas great. I'm also so grateful for our parents and extended family, they really spoil us. I really couldn't ask for better family.

Side note:

A couple of days before Christmas we were about to sit down for dinner when the doorbell buzzed. Kirk and Luci ran downstairs to answer it and found five buckets of foods storage and an anonymous note. Earlier in the week I had an impression that we should work on increasing our food storage. I wasn't sure how we would fit extra food into our budget, but really felt like we should try. When Kirk came up to tell me what they found, I was overcome with a peaceful feeling. I know that God looks out for us! I know whoever left the food was inspired. I pray that they will be blessed for their generosity.

Christmas Tree

2011-12-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

This year we went to a tree farm to cut down our tree. We've never done this before, so it was a new adventure. When we showed up they gave us a saw and a cart and sent us out to find the tree for us. It was a big farm with a variety of kinds of trees to choose from, but Kirk new what type we should get and it didn't take long before we found the perfect one.

Luci was determined to help saw the tree down. What a great helper! I love her hat in this picture :)

Here's a prego picture. Not the greatest angle, so I don't look as big as I really am.

It's a . . .

2011-11-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

Yep, we're having another sweet little girl! As soon as the ultrasound started, I saw the parts and recognized them! We're so excited! I'm a little nervous for the drama, but I'll hopefully survive:)
Before we found out Luci told me on several occasions that it was going to be a girl. I asked her once what she would think if it was a boy to which she firmly replied "It's not!".
It must be sisters intuition.

I know that ultrasound pictures are hard to decipher, but I had to post them anyway.

This is a picture of her chest and face with her arm across her face.

Throughout the whole ultrasound she kept her body rolled up in a ball. Every time the technician would start to get a good look at her organs, she would somersault over. This baby is going to be an active one!

And my favorite . . . her sweet little feet! I love little baby feet and hands. I can't wait to kiss them! It looks like she's got the same long skinny feet that Luci has :)

Halloween

2011-11-07T11:25:00.001-08:00

Trunk or Treat

Luci had two costumes this year that I got for 90% off after Halloween last year. She was a witch for our ward's trunk or treat, and spider girl on Halloween.

We didn't have face paint, so Kirk colored her face with a green washable marker.

I found Clara's costume at a yard sale for $0.25 a little while ago
This is her M&M face :). So serious!

Halloween Party

On Halloween we had our traditional Halloween themed dinner and made haunted houses.

Mini Mummy Face Pizzas

Carrot Witch Fingers

Skeleton Bones and Blood

and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with faces.

Kirk also made homemade root beer and called it his witches brew. I forgot to get a picture of that.

We had some friends over for the party.

After we ate, we created our haunted graham cracker houses. The kids were interested for a few minutes (mostly eating the candy) then ran off to play.

I guess this activity is more for adults.

Our haunted neighborhood

Kirk made a super creative one again! We gave him a hard time since it wasn't a house, but he argued that a coffin is a house . . .a house for a body.

Here's my lovely the creation. The worst of the group, but probably the most haunted :)

Florida

2011-11-07T11:14:00.001-08:00

In October we had the opportunity to fly down to Florida to attend Kirk's sister Janice's wedding. Kirk's parents, Grandpa, and sisters and their families all came. It was great seeing everyone again, and enjoying the warmer climate!

So much went on, so I thought I'd give a brief description of each day.

Day 1

We drove to Harrisburg then flew down to Orlando. It felt like going down the street since we usually drive to Baltimore and fly to Utah (more than double the drive and flight time). We got there around 2:00pm and the rest of Kirk's family didn't get in until late that night. Janice and her fiancée, Steve, drove up and met us at the Orlando Temple. They watched our girls while we went in together. It was so nice of them, especially considering all they had to do for their upcoming wedding. We are so grateful for them!

Day 2-Universal Studios

We spent most of the day in Suessland, where they had lots of rides for kids. There we met the Grinch and the Cat in the Hat. Clara was scared to death of them and wouldn't let us take her too close. When we went to see the Cat in the Hat, he bent down to give Luci a hug and his hat touched Clara. She let out the biggest scream! It was so funny!

Later we ventured into some of the other areas. Luci was tall enough for some of the bigger rides, so we decided to take her on the Jurassic Park river boat ride. I wasn't expecting it to be scary (I'm not sure why), but it was, and Luci was balling by the end of it.

We really enjoyed Universal Studios! I wasn't sure how it would work out with young kids, but there was plenty to do!

Day3-Sea World

When we were in one of the aquarium rooms, I asked Luci and Clara to make a fish face for the camera. Apparently they're part fish, because they did such a good job! I was laughing so hard. I still laugh whenever I see these pictures (not mockingly)!

I took this picture in honor of my family. The Great White Shark (said with a British accent)

Petting the Stingrays

Clara has never napped good at home. She prefers to cat nap in the car, stroller, or in our arms. It can be stressful at home, but it worked out well for our trip!

Kirk took Luci on this ride at first while Clara and I watched. She was so upset that she was not going on it with them, so later we went back with Grandma Dana and the cousins and I took her on it. She is really ten inches too short to ride, but the ride operator didn't seem to care (or notice). She was so happy! My little dare devil!

Grandma Dana took the older cousins on some kiddie rides. So nice of her!

At the very end we took the girls to the Shamu show. Stephanie and Tyson lent us their ponchos and we sat right in the soak zone. Luci was so excited to get wet! Clara was not happy to be wearing a poncho. Well, the show was almost over and the only soak zone not soaked was ours! Luci was in tears because she wasn't getting wet. So last minute I took her a few rows over and we were lucky enough to get the very last splash. Luci was happy, and I was relieved! I have to admit I was feeling a little disappointed too that we were so prepared to get wet and yet were not getting wet!

Day4-Travel to the Wedding

On this day we spent a lot of the day traveling to the beach where Janice and Steve live. We stayed in a house Kirk's parents rented that was just down the street from their's. In the afternoon, Kirk watched the girls while I went off with Kirk's Mom and Sisters to get manicures and pedicures. Such a fun wedding tradition that they have! Later we had a wedding rehearsal and dinner at a water front restaurant.

Day5-Wedding Day

The wedding wasn't until 5:00pm, so we spent the morning at the beach. It wasn't very warm, but we still had a great time!

I love this picture I took of Kirk and Clara. Right as I snapped it, a big wave came crashing into us!

My cute Luci! Sand and water to play in. What better combination? She was in heaven!

Wedding time! We got all ready then headed down the street to the beach. Aren't they good looking?!

Kirk walked his Mom down the aisle.

Damon and Kannon were ring barers.

Here comes the groom.

Clara, Luci and their cousin Kadence were flower girls. So precious!

Last, but not least, the beautiful Bride and her dad.

During the ceremony, the kids had fun playing in the sand. Luci was all business though and didn't participate.

After the ceremony they had dinner and dancing in their waterfront backyard.

Day 6-Church and Travel

We packed up everything, went to Sacrament Meeting, then headed back to Orlando. We dropped our rental car off at the airport and rode the Magic Express to the Disney World resort.

Day7-Disney World, The Magic Kingdom

I'm glad we went to this park. It had a lot of rides and shows that we could take both of the girls on. When we were at Universal Studios, I got chatting with a lady in a line about Disney World, and she gave me good advice for the Magic Kingdom. She said to arrive right when when it opens and head straight to Fantasy Land because by noon, the lines get huge. We took her advice and the longest line we had to wait in was about 35 minutes. We also found that most of the shows didn't have any wait time. We'd get fast passes for one ride then go to a show in the mean time.

At the Monters inc laugh floor, Clara was featured on the big screen. The announcer said, "and now I'm going to show you something that will make you go 'ahhh'", and then they showed my cute little Clara dozing off!

Grandma Dana took Luci on the Tea Cups twice. This was especially thoughtful, considering she was still recovering from the stomach flu!

Have to get the typical picture in front of the castle.

Nate and Danielle with their two kids.

At the very end we got fast passes for Luci to meet the princesses. We didn't get her an autograph book like most girls had (everything there cost way too much money!), but she made do by whipping a park map out of her pocket and having all of the princesses sign it. It was so funny!

Clara was sure excited to eat all the spaghetti off my plate at dinner time. We had meal passes while we were there, which were a life saver! They provided two meals and two snacks each day! It was plenty of food; we never had to buy anything else!

During this whole trip we had Clara and Luci share a bed. It was so cute seeing them cuddle up next to each other when they slept! One night Luci woke up scared and called for me. Before I could answer she discovered Clara next to her and said, "oh, Clara", in a relieved voice and went back to sleep. Sisterly love is priceless!

When you stay at a Disney Resort they have certain days where you can come back to the park after hours and we wanted to take advantage of that. Our room was right next to Kirk's parents with the joining doors inside. So, after getting our girls to bed, we opened the doors and headed back to the magic Kingdom with Stephanie and Tyson. It was a lot of fun going when it was less crowded, and without kids!

Day8-Stomach Flu and Hollywood Studios

Throughout this whole trip, the stomach flu went around Kirk's family. His Mom and Grandpa woke up with it on the day of the wedding. Luci and I woke up with it on this day. So, instead of joining everyone at Hollywood Studios, we stayed in bed watching TV with the garbage can right next to us. In the afternoon, Luci was feeling a lot better and wanted to get out. We headed down to get a light snack then sat by the pool with Grandpa Webster for a little while. After a little bit we headed back to our room. I didn't feel close to barfing, but as soon as we climbed on the elevator and the doors shut, it all came spilling out. Unfortunately they didn't have a garbage can outside of the elevator either, so I had no choice but to leave my markings on the path back to our room. Luci screamed every time, and was so upset that it splashed on her shoe. I guess I can't blame her.

Kirk and Clara had a good time at Hollywood Studios. Note, there are not pictures since I wasn't there :).

Day 9

We got up super early and started our journey back home. Clara barfed as we were leaving and I was so paranoid that we'd all be sick the whole flight back. Fortunately we made it all the way home without tossing any cookies (or airplane pretzels)! That was an answer to prayers!

What a great trip! Thanks to Kirk's parents and family for all the planning and providing they did for us!

Utah Trip

2011-10-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have not had the energy to blog lately. Partly because life has been so busy, and partly because I'm pregnant with number 3! Over the course of August and September we found out I was pregnant, moved, started a new job, visited Utah, started preschool, started teaching classes again, started a Let's Play music class, celebrated mine and Kirk's birthdays, and received a new calling. Maybe it's not a lot, but being exhausted and nauseous through all of it has sure made it feel that way. We are very excited for another addition to our family. I have to admit that it was more of a leap of faith than the other two were, but we're so excited and can't wait to meet this new baby!

Here are a few highlights from my trip to Utah:

Meeting our new niece/cousin Isabelle

Celebrating my Mom's 50th Birthday

Meeting our new nephew/cousin Oliver

Fancy Nancy/John Deere Party with the Dimond's

Touring the Up House

Welcoming Uncle Jason home from his mission

Going to the State Fair

A call to the Fire Department

We were about to celebrate my Dad's birthday when the carbon monoxide alarm went off. All 20 of us had to evacuate the house while the fire department came to check it out. It turns out the detector my parents had was over 10 years old and went bad.

Celebrating my Dad's 50th Birthday

That night my parents had all ten of their children under the same roof! Add to that 2 children in law, 6 grandchildren, and 2 cousins and we had a full house! The only person missing was Kirk.

Here's a picture of most of us (Blake, Nathan, Maelie, and Kirk missing)

It was a crazy adventure flying across the country and spending two weeks without Kirk! His companionship and assistance was greatly missed by me!

I loved spending time with both of our families. It felt as if we had never left. I sure miss living close to everyone! It was sad to say good-bye, but coming home to Kirk was a sweet reunion.

As soon as we returned, both of my girls came down with a virus. It seems like every time we come back from a big trip like this they do. I'm sure the constant influx of sugar and sleep deprivation played a big role in it :).

Graduation

2011-08-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Kirk graduated with his Master's of Science in Landscape Architecture on August 13th. We're so proud of him! He really worked hard and did a great job balancing school, work, family time and church callings.

I took the girls to the graduation ceremony by myself . . . such fun!

This is them sitting (not on seats) for the few minutes that they did. The rest of the two hours were spent climbing up and down the stairs, out in the halls running around, dancing, bathroom trips, and running around more. Luci even found another friend to play hide an seek with. Luckily we were there for the five seconds when they said Kirk's name and degree.

Great job Kirky!!

Keep reading the post below-it's new too :)