Kara's Baby Shower

We just finished a baby shower for my niece, Kara. She is expecting a boy - supposedly in six weeks, but I don't know ... that might be a little off! I tried to think of games, etc. that would give her some useful things. So, the banner was made of disposable diapers and bibs. We had our drink in baby bottles (without the nipples), and one of the games was who could match the baby socks the fastest.

But the highlight was probably the potty chair.

(It's lemon jello and a Snickers bar)

Lizzie

Kris and Sterling got a new addition to their family yesterday ... Lizzie (although I understand that she may be getting a new name - stay tuned). She is some kind of terrier and something else mix. It's hard to judge based on the first day, but she seems very laid back and calm, which is probably just what hyperactive Dora needs! They weren't best buds yet, but they were doing pretty well around each other yesterday. She's got such a cute face, and I finally figured out it was because her coloring is such that she looks like she has eyebrows! And she looks like she's grinning at you. Anyway ... she's a sweetheart.

UPDATE: I guess her new name is "Lilo"

(Almost) New Kitchen

Well, other than a drain and garbage disposal that no longer line up properly in the sink, I have an almost new kitchen! In addition to putting in wood floors, I got new appliances (it was about time, as most of them were over 25 years old!) and this week - granite countertops. The plus side of having a baby-sized kitchen is that improvements have a relatively (VERY relatively) baby-sized cost. I also am thankful for Sterling's help at every turn - even when projects turned out to be much different in scope than originally anticipated. He's definitely a keeper, Kris! Love ya, Ster.

One thing I did not replace were the cabinets. I just cleaned them up really well, oiled/polished them, and added hardware. Both of the girls thought I had replaced the cabinets! I guess they were more grungy than I realized.

Heber Valley Railroad

My mom, who has not been on a train since she was a little girl, had always wanted to take a ride on the "Heber Creeper" so that's what she and I did for an early Mother's Day yesterday. The day was perfect - sunny but still cool enough to be pleasant. The Heber Creeper is aptly named. I don't think it ever got above about 20 miles an hour. And we were disappointed to find out that because of a mud slide, we would not make it as far as the top of Deer Creek, let alone into Provo Canyon, and that the normally three hour jaunt was cut to two. But we had a good time, topped off by a visit to the old Hub Cafe.

Happy Mother's Day to all the "moms" in my life!

More favorites of Kaiya

Easter dress


Kaiya and Bear


Peek-a-boo!

Kaiya's baby


Helping Mom

Warsaw

I just returned from a trip to Warsaw, Poland. We arrived on Sunday, and had meetings all day on Monday, Tuesday and most of Wednesday. However, we did make it out and about for a few hours on Wednesday and saw a few sites.

We also had a chance to see NSP's new office in Warsaw ...

... and had some good meals. I'm not sure how much of it was authentically Polish, but it was sure good!

However! I have to say that the travel back was the WORST I've ever had. It started with missing my flight to Houston in Paris, in part thanks to a "package concern" that had the gate area blocked off for awhile. Then I nearly missed the SLC flight from Boston (where I ended up flying into) when it was discovered that my "reservation" was not actually booked AND I was tagged for an additional security check. Then when I finally made it home, my bag didn't make it with me. Keep in my mind that I had nothing to eat all day because of a medical procedure today. I think I had to run for every flight!

Aunt Kate's Visit

My Aunt Kate is in town for the next month for a long-overdue visit (she's been living in Washington for years). I am especially thankful to have the chance to visit with her because she's recently come through a cancer scare.

My Aunt Evelyn - my mom's oldest sister - is in front. Aunt Kate - the baby of the family - is on the left, and my mom on the right.