Weekend Getaway

The first week of August we got to go on our first vacation since Jon was diagnosed with cancer. It was a much needed get away and we had a great time. Our bishop and his family have a cabin in Wisconsin, and they invited us to go and stay with them for a week. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay the entire week, we had to come home early for Jon's last chemo treatment. Also his mom and dad were coming to see us. We drove up Friday afternoon and came home Monday night. We had a wonderful time! It was so rejuvenating to get away and forget about cancer and chemo for a few days.

The cabin is right on the lake. We could walk out into the yard, down the stairs and be right on the dock. It was absolutely beautiful! Bishop Cragun has a boat, so he took us out on the boat several times. He took a few photos of Sophie all decked out and ready for boating. She looked so cute in her life jacket. I know it wasn't her favorite thing to wear, but she was such a sport about wearing it, she never cried or complained.
Jon wasn't quite feeling up to getting in the lake, so Sophie and I jumped in. This time, bishop stopped in the middle of the lake and we swam around. Sophie wasn't quite sure about being in the water with her life jacket on at first, but it didn't take her long to realize it was still fun just being int he water. I laid her on her back, so that she could float and she just giggled. Look at that cute smiley girl. She truly is my little fish. She loves to play in the water no matter where it is.

Enjoying a leisurely ride on the boat.

Jon felt pretty good over the weekend. He wasn't feeling up to getting in the water or to water ski, but he sure enjoyed riding in the boat, especially since it was over cast most of the time we were out. Jon doesn't like the sun too much, so he loved the cloudy days. Even though it was cloudy and cooler weather, the water temp was perfect. It only took about 3 seconds to acclimate to the temperature of the water and then it was all fun.

I am definitely not a water skiier, but I did actually get up. It took a few tries before I actually got up but I did get up. I've never gotten up and stayed up, so once I realized I wasn't going to fall, I got scared, because I've never gotten this far and I didn't know what to do or think, so I let the fear take over and I let go. I did get up again and again the same thing, more fear, so I didn't ski for much more than 20 seconds or so, but here is proof that I did actually get up. I would like to try again some other time to see if I can stay up and actually ski for a couple of minutes. The Craguns make it look so easy, and believe me, it isn't as easy at it looks. I was so sore that afternoon from skiing, I didn't try again the rest of the trip. I probably should have, but Jon kept reminding me that he had chemo coming up which meant me taking care of Sophie without his help and I wasn't too anxious to do that with sore muscles.

Our natural born boater. Sophie loved being on the boat. The first ride we went on, she was a little nervous when we'd turn, but otherwise she loved it. I think she loved feeling the wind on her face.

It's a little hard to tell from this picture that she was having a good time. I don't know why, but any time we had a camera around, she had this stone faced look. She actually looked like this most of the trip, but I know she had fun.

Yes, we did take her for a couple of rides on the waverunner. We didn't take any sharp turns although Jon did get up to 40 mph. I didn't go quite as fast when I drove, I only got up 32 mph. I must be a wimp, but it made me nervous having Sophie on the waverunner with us. Again, it was hard to tell if she was having fun, but she didn't cry so we assumed she was enjoying herself.

Monday, we took the tube out and Amy and Briana got quite a wild ride. Briana ended up falling off the tube. Bishop promised me that if I went with Sophie he wouldn't take us on quite as wild a ride. I couldn't tell if Sophie was having fun until the bishop sped up a little. Once he did that, Sophie wasn't too happy. She didn't cry but she began to wimper, so I signaled for him to slow down and once he did, Sophie started laughing. She seemed to really enjoy anything we did on the water. My arms got tired from holding myself up and keeping Sophie secure on the tube. I went for a bit of a quicker ride on my own once Sophie got off the tube. I didn't want to fall in, so we didn't take any crazy turns.

Playing in the lake close to the dock. Sophie had so much fun just splashing in the water. She splashed so hard she got both of us right in the face, but she thought it was funny. She's a brave girl, she doesn't let a little water in the face upset her. I've been amazed at how well she has done at the pool. She has fallen in the water a couple of times and it hasn't seemed to bother her. I've even dunked her a few times and she never gets water up her nose. I didn't dunk her in the lake, although she did try and stick her face in the lake. I didn't want lake water getting in her ears since she has ear tubes.

Bishop Cragun took this picture of Sophie and I just love it. This was the classic look for her the entire trip. I'm surprised he even got a picture of her looking at the camera. Lately if you try and take a picture of Sophie and she sees the camera she will look the other way and she won't look at you again until you put the camera away. Silly girl!

Relaxing in the hammock. We went to the little branch that was about 20 minutes away for church on Sunday. That afternoon we relaxed around the cabin and enjoyed the beauty around us. The weather was perfect and Sophie loved being outside. Later that evening we went for a walk and I think Jon was the only one who got mosquito bites. He said his only consolation is that he hopes the mosquitos will get his chemo blood and die. Maybe they are attracted to chemo blood, because Sophie and I didn't get any bites.

Swining in the hammock. I just love that little smile. Truly a picture perfect moment when you can catch your child experiencing true joy. She was having so much fun.

Sunday evening the sunset was so pretty and the sky was orange and pink. I just had to take some pictures, so I hurried and ran down to the dock and took a few pictures of the sunset over the lake. I didn't notice until I finished taking pictures, the bishop was sitting on one of the waverunners. He looked like he was busy looking at something, because he never even knew I was there. When he came in, we gave him a hard time about sitting on the waverunner on the Sabbath. He told us he was conducting church business. He was emailing the Relief Society president and his counselors.

Bishop Cragun also took these two pictures, but I loved them so much I had to share. The lodge pole pines reminded me of Island Park. It was so beautiful!

Just another picture of the lake.

Sibley Park

Rita and I took Sophie and Elsie to Sibley Park to see the animals. The day had been cloudy, but unfortunately by the time we went, the sun had come out and it was extremely hot and humid. Rita and I were sweating like crazy, but the girls had fun. Their favorite part were the swings. These two girls love to swing!
Elsie having fun swinging. I love these two girls and they look so cute with their hats and sunglasses.

We got to see all sorts of animals, but I only got a picture of the small horse and the ducks. We saw pot bellied pigs, goats, chickens, peacocks and cows. I would have gotten more pictures except that we were standing in the sun melting, while we viewed all the animals.

We didn't take any bread, so we couldn't feed the ducks. Maybe next time.

We brought sippy cups filled with water for each of the girls and Sophie was sharing her sippy with Elsie.

This was shaped like a silo, but I don't know what it really is. Anyway, Sophie had fun standing inside. Ada, Elsie's older sister was able to climb up to the top.

My beautiful girl! She sure had a fun time at the park. She loves going to the park and when it's not too hot I love taking her. It's fun to get out of the house and play.

Cute girl!

Sophie put Elsie's sunglasses on all by herself. I'm sure you can't tell, since they are upside down and they aren't over her ears. What a silly girl!

Ada and Sophie sitting onthe cow statues. They were really hot, but Ada didn't seem to mind.

Fun in the Sun

My bathing beauty! We have an outside pool here in Mankato and I've been taking Sophie a couple of times a week. She was a little nervous and scared the first time I took her, but now she loves going to the pool. She especially loves the kiddie pool. I think it's because she can stand up on her own.
Taking a break from the pool. She's working on her beautiful tan.

Our friends the Jeffreys were at the pool with us one day when we went and Kaylee had a blast playing with Sophie. I loved it too, because I actually did get to work on my tan.

Kaylee and Sophie playing in the middle of the kiddie pool.

My sweet baby girl! I keep saying baby, but she isn't a baby anymore, she's my cute little toddler.

This picture is a little foggy, because it was so humid. The dew point was so high, that it fogged the lens of the camera as soon as I turned the camera on. We had a heat wave for five days and the heat index for the five days was usually around 110 degrees with extreme humidity and high dew point. We were so grateful when the temperatures finally dropped. After living here for four years, I'm still not used to the humidity. I don't know that I ever will. I prefer dry heat, I miss the west somedays.

I sure love my California beauty! She looks like she could be a California girl, her blonde hair, blue eyes and beautiful tan skin.

We usually try to go to the pool when the Andersons are there, so Sophie and Elsie can play together.

These two are so cute together. Elsie is such a lover, she loves to give Sophie hugs and kisses, but Sophie doesn't quite appreciate them. Sophie isn't much of a lover, she is very independent and she doesn't like to be held or hugged. Lately she's been hitting a lot, especially Elsie. Whenever she gets near Elsie, she hits her. I feel so bad, and I'm trying to teach Sophie to be soft, but most of the time it seems as though she doesn't understand. Luckily Elsie is tough and she loves Sophie so much that she doesn't let it bother her. What a sweet girl! We love going to the pool, it's been such a life saver. Sophie gets bored at home and needs to get out, so it's fun to be able to go to the pool when it's too hot to go to the park, which is most of the time.

Happy 4th of July! (warning, long post)

We had a wonderful 4th. Jon got up with Sophie so that I could get my workout in before the Andersons came over for breakfast. I'm not supposed to be running and frankly I'm really not much of a runner, but I've been jogging a little when I take Sophie for walks (this is about my only form of exercise) and it's been kind of fun. Anyway, I set out Monday morning with the idea that I was going to jog a little and see how I do. I pushed myself, not to the point of injury but I pushed enough that I made my goal and later when I maped my run I found out that I ran over 3 miles without stopping. I was so proud of myself. I don't know the last time I ran 3 miles and especially since I haven't been training all that much. I do jog a bit when I have Sophie and jogging with a stroller that isn't a jogging stroller isn't the easiest thing, so maybe I just felt so light and free that my legs just carried me. I have friends who like to run and I've heard them and others say that you get into a rhythm, well I finally understood what they mean by that. I planned to jog from Monks to Pohl (streets near our home) but when I got to Pohl I was feeling good so I kept going. That is how I made it through my jog, I made a small goal to make it to the next street or intersection and eventually I made it all the way. I apologize for my ranting about my jog, but I was so excited that I was able to accomplish something that isn't very easy for me, not to mention something that my doctors have told me I probably shouldn't do since I have joint pain. My knees and SI (sacroiliac) joints have been doing just fine, which is why I continue jogging, but I need to be cautious so that I don't end up injurying myself or make matters worse.


When I got home Jon informed me that the Andersons would be at our house within a half an hour. Many years ago, my family started a tradition of having red, white and blue waffles for breakfast on the 4th of July. The waffles aren't actually red, white and blue, but the toppings we put on the waffles are. We usually have strawberries or raspberries, blueberries or blueberry syrup and whipped cream. Jon and I have kept the tradition going in our little family and we wanted to share our breakfast this year with friends, so we invited the Andersons. Lucky for me they came about 15 minutes later than they said, so I was able to sneak in a 5 minute shower before they arrived, but after getting the berries ready for breakfast. Breakfast was very tasty and a lot of fun. The Andersons stayed until noon playing the Wii and visiting. The kids had a great time playing Wii sports and of course Jon and Adam got in on the fun while Rita and I entertained the girls, Elsie and Sophie.


That afternoon, Jon and I took Sophie to the pool. Because of the holiday, the pool wasn't very busy which was to our advantage. We played in the big pool for a while and then Sophie wanted to get out and play in the kiddie pool. She loved the kiddie pool. I think she likes that it's just her size and the fact that she can walk makes a huge difference. She did go under, I set her in the pool and before I even stepped in, she leaned forward and went under. She was fine when I pulled her out, just a little coughing. I thought she might cry, but she didn't and she was ready to get back in. My brave little girl! Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of Sophie at the pool, I forgot my camera.

After the pool, we came home and Sophie took a nap while Jon and I took showers and got cleaned up for a BBQ with friends at the Stewart's home. Jon made homemade Butterfinger ice cream and I made homemade salsa, it just isn't summer without homemade salsa and homemade ice cream. We had a fun evening with our friends.

My cute patriotic girl!

Sophie loves climbing up and down stairs. She has just recently started going down the stairs on her own. She has been so good about not trying to go down by herself, she hasn't fallen down the stairs once and we don't have a gate at the top of our stairs. Usually she stands at the top of the steps and waits for Jon or I to pick her up and carry her down the stairs. She's a smart little girl!

Some of our friends Rita and Elsie Anderson, Kaylee Jeffrey, Mandy and Amelia Judson and in front Avery and Wren Stewart.

It was so nice of the Stewarts to host the party. We had six families; Judsons, Stewarts, Jeffreys, Andersons, Breuers and of course the Harpers. The kids had a great time playing in the backyard and Johanna was so good to come up with some relay games the kids could play. Sophie had a great time roaming around and playing on the stairs. Until last year, the city's firework show was always put on at the stadium, so we have the perfect yard for viewing the fireworks. Last year they were in the middle of replacing the turf on the football field so the fireworks were done at Riverfront Park. I assumed they would hold the firework show at the stadium again this year, but they didn't. I was bummed, but what can you do. Instead, we had our own firework show in the Stewarts backyard. The Jeffreys and Judsons bought some fireworks so we got a mini show and it was wonderful. It was fun and the kids got to do sparklers. Sophie was in bed for all of the firework excitement. I don't think she would have enjoyed them anyway. After the fireworks the kids ran around the yard catching fireflies. I caught a couple of fireflies. They don't fly very fast, so they are pretty easy to catch. It was so fun to watch them light up. Out west we don't have fireflies, so it's fun to see them. We didn't keep any of the fireflies, we let them all go. We had a wonderful day though we missed being with our families. We have been so blessed with such good friends, they have come to feel like family.

Avery and Wren Stewart

Elsie Anderson

Spa Day!

For my birthday, Jon gave me a gift certificate to Liv Aveda for a spa day. I was so excited! I called and scheduled my spa day for Friday July 1st. The week of was a really difficult week. I had some health issues that caused me quite a bit of pain. It was a really tough week for me, but luckily by the time Friday came, I was feeling better and I was definitely ready for a day of relaxation and pampering.

I arrived at the salon at 9:00 am and I was taken back to the spa area of the salon. There I was asked to fill out a sheet for the facial and then to fill out a sheet for what I wanted for lunch. Yes, lunch was included. Once I finished, I changed into a bathrobe, so that I'd be all ready for my one hour massage. Life's been busy and stressful lately and so my back has been very tense and I've been so tired, so I was definitely looking forward to a massage. It was wonderful!! I can't even explain it, except that it was perfect. The masseuse really worked on my neck and back. She was able to get rid of some of the knots in my back. She recommended that I get a back massage every four to six weeks. Sounds great to me! Once she finished, I was so relaxed. I could have gone home and taken a nap and been completely happy with just the massage. I was so relaxed after the massage, it was wonderful!

After the massage I had a one hour facial. I'd never had a facial before, so this was a new experience. It too was very calming and relaxing. She cleansed my face and then she applied an exfoliating mask. While the mask was drying, she turned on a steam machine, that blew steam over me. It was different, but it felt good. Also while the mask was drying, she gave me a foot massage. I love having my feet massaged and they got massaged three times that day, once during my full body massage, during the facial and again during my pedicure. To take the mask off, she placed a hot rag on my face and gently wiped the mask off. The hot towel felt so good. She applied another mask and while this one dried she massaged my hands and arms. Another hot rag and then some cream. The cream wasn't just for my face, she massaged my neck, my upper back and the base of my skull. At times the pressure was a little uncomfortable, but over all it felt good. Finally my back and neck were no longer tense. I don't remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After my facial I got to have lunch. They ordered lunch from Panera, so it was very yummy. I had a turkey sandwich, fruit and a roll. After lunch I had a pedicure and then a manicure. I used to paint my fingernails all the time, but the paint never lasts, so I don't paint them anymore, not that I have the time, but it was fun having my toenails and my fingernails painted and looking nice. After the manicure I had my hair washed and styled and then the stylist did my make-up. I got the whole works and boy did I feel pampered when I finished. My hair is at a length that you can't do a lot with it, so it didn't look too different from when I do my hair. For my make-up we tried some blues which I was a bit nervous about, but I really liked it. The colors were light which was fun, because I tend to use more browns which make my eyes darker.

My hair didn't look different, but my eye make-up is lighter and I really liked it.


My beautiful fingernails and toenails. I loved the color of the polish. It's called Peru B Ruby.

I felt pretty and relaxed when I left, and then I walked outside and instantly I began to sweat. Great!! It was 96 degrees and at least 88% humidity. It was miserable. Not only that, but my car had been sitting in the sun all day so it was blazing and I had the Honda which takes at least 10 minutes for the air to feel cool. I had a couple of stops to make before going home, so the air finally cooled in the care just before I got home. I felt like my make-up had melted off of my face. I also had a lot of creams and oils on me from the massages and so I felt really sticky. When I made the appointment, I purposely made it on a Friday, so Jon and I could go on a date. Well, that didn't happen. Sophie's friend Elsie turned one on Wednesday, June 29th. Rita had invited us over for Elsie's birthday party, but they were busy Wednesday and Thursday evening, so the party was Friday July 1st. Oh well, I got pampered and dolled up for a one year old birthday party. We had a fun time! Jon made homemade peach ice cream for Elsie's party. Rita actually turned the party into a birthday party/cancer free party for Jon. We found out that week that Jon's tumor is completely gone, which means the cancer is gone. Yay!!! Rita bought Jon a Cookie Monster cookie and the Bluray of The Adjustment Bureau. Thanks Rita for a fun party!

Jon's Cookie Monster cookie and his movie.

The Harpers with the cute birthday girl. She was eating her peas and carrots. I wish Sophie would eat peas and carrots.

The cute birthday girl enjoying her Grover cupcake. Sophie got a Big Bird cupcake, and yes the theme was Sesame Street.

Father's Day

This year was Jon's "first" Father's Day. Sophie was born on June 15th, the Tuesday before Father's Day, so we had Sophie with us for Father's Day but she wasn't officially and legally ours. We celebrated as much as we could staying in a hotel in another state. This year we really got to celebrate and I tried to make it a special day for Jon. He got to share his Father's Day with my dad, who was here visiting. I hope Jon didn't mind because I thought it was special that I got to celebrate with Jon and my dad. This year was a special year for me, because it turned out that I got to spend Mother's Day and Father's Day with each of my parents, because they were out here visiting.

I got up with Sophie and got her fed, then Jon came down and took over so that I could get the meatballs made and in the crock pot before church. Once the meatballs were made I made waffles for breakfast at my dad's request. Jon and my dad then watched Sophie for me while I got ready for church. I made Jon's favorite for dinner, meatballs and mashed potatoes, and we also had salad and for dessert we had the rest of my birthday cake. I offered to make dessert, but we still had half of my Cold Stone Oreo birthday cake, so we had that instead.

I didn't get a picture of Sophie with my dad on Father's Day, but I got these cute pictures of them the day my dad left. It was so much fun having him here with us. The week was a little crazy, but we sure had a great time and Sophie loved having Grandpa Reed here. She was constanly going up to him wanting to give him loves or wanting him to hold her, and of course Grandpa hated every minute of it. I gave my dad a Willow Tree statue of a father with his two girls and it's titled Daddy's Girls. I loved it and thought it would be perfect for my dad. He only has two girls, me and my sister Nicole. I have a brother, but they didn't have a statue of a dad with two girls and a boy.

Good -bye kisses from Grandpa Reed.

Sophie helped Dad unwrap his presents and then she got to play with the bows. Don't you just love the look on her face? I think she was getting ready to put that yummy looking orange bow in her mouth. So tasty!

I made a book about Sophie for Jon. Here Jon and Sophie are looking at all the cute pictures of Sophie from this past year.

We also gave him a Willow Tree statue titled First Dad. It's a dad holding a new baby. I know Sophie isn't much of a baby anymore, but I thought it was perfect. We also got him two new shirts, one at Jon's request a short sleeved white shirt for church. He had also requested some cheese corn from the Karmel Korn in the mall, but the Karmel Korn closed so he didn't get any cheese corn.