Stabbing, Bridal Shower, and First Haircut

I have always been such a careful person. I've never broken a bone, or had a concussion. I've only had one horrible sunburn, despite my various tropical vacations. And up until about a week ago, I had never needed stitches. While I was trying to remove a thick piece of plastic from a new lamp, I managed to stab my hand between my thumb and pointer finger with a pair of my sharpest crafting scissors. They went in so deeply that the tip of my scissors pressed gently against my wrist bones. Aside from being completely stunned by what I had just done, I was totally calm. I didn't cry until I realized that my only option was to pull the scissors back out- and for some reason, that bothered me more than the initial puncture. Once I got the scissors out I ran up to the bathroom and realized this would require more than a band-aide. I got a hold of my dad and he rushed me to urgent care, where I was promptly taken to a room (I guess they don't want their patients bleeding all over the place...so take note...if you have to head to the ER, make sure you're bleeding.) Anyway- an hour later I was stitched, bandaged, and sore. But I will say this, the worst pain came days later when the tetanus shot made it's way through the muscles in my arm. Even though I had a nasty cut and a very sore hand, it was actually a nice time to catch up with my Dad. He told me the stories that go along with all his various scars, and reminded me that, compared to what I've already been through, this was just a scratch. I am so thankful to be near my family.

Speaking of family...I really felt the love last weekend. I was in too much pain to do much preparation for Autum's shower, so I made a few phone calls. Without any begging or bartering, my entire family showed up in my kitchen and helped slice, dice, mix, dip, spread, roll, and stir. By Friday night everything was prepared and ready to go for Autum's bridal shower. I've never been so relaxed the day of a party.

Would you believe my sexy husband constructed, iced, and decorated this cake? Who knew Trenton had this hidden talent? I do make him watch the Food Network a lot. Maybe some of that is sinking in. Either way, his help was so very appreciated. I love you Trenton!

My best friend is getting married this February 14th. I have known her for 20 years and we have been through some crazy stuff together. Living with her in England was probably the most therapeutic and hilarious time of my life. I am so happy she has found true love. And I'm even happier her true love is Matt. The other guys she had introduced me to throughout the years were a little scary. Some were very scary. I love you Otter!

Julie did such an awesome job with the games. I couldn't believe how much I still have to learn about Autum. I thought I knew everything!

The Groom and his future mom-in-law...

On to Vegas baby! I can hardly wait.

Trenton and I managed to avoid cutting Em's hair for 3 years, but the time finally came yesterday. Her hair is so fine and would tangle in the slightest wind, leaving me no other choice but to trim it. She was very nervous on the drive over but calmed down once she talked on the phone with her older cousin, Jessica. Jessica assured her that there is no pain, and that her hair would "grow back stronger, thicker, and longer like Rapunzel's hair did in the movie." Hearing mention of Rapunzel was all she needed to gain the confidence to go through with it.

And am I ever glad she did...Look how adorable she is!

She has been so excited about her new "do." And even more excited about her new banana detangling spray she got from the salon. They gave us a little keepsake card with her hair in a tiny baggy for her baby book, and of course, she got a lolli. Life is good in this little 3 year old's world.

Until Next Time,

Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Ben

Keeping Warm in January

I have mentioned in previous "January" posts just how much I loathe the stupid month. I'm usually depressed because the holidays are over, it's bitter cold outside, and my home suddenly becomes a cesspool of infection. The worst part is that Spring seems so far away. Who am I kidding? Spring IS so far away! This year's January has lived up to its name in most cases, but it hasn't been all bad. I hit up my two favorite sales of the year- Bath and Body Works' semi-annual, and Old Navy's "Extra Strength Cleanser"- 50% off already reduced items. I know that seems kind of trivial- but truly, these two sales clean, moisturize, and dress my whole family for the entire year. And I'm lucky enough to live in a town with several locations of both stores. I'm not sure Trenton views our proximity to my favorite stores as lucky, but he knows not to complain when this time of year rolls around. Other than shopping, we have been doing everything possible to try and stay warm and healthy. In addition to the two rounds of pink eye our family endured at the beginning at the month, I also caught an upper respiratory infection, which caused a sinus infection, bronchitis, and pneumonia. I am knocking wood with my non-typing hand as I say how thankful I am to be healthy again. Maybe I can actually get back to the gym. One of my kids' favorite ways to warm up from a chilly day at the park is to hop in the tub. Our water bill is up a bit from the recent 2 bath a day minimum, but sometimes that's the only way to thaw your bones during this freezing month.

I am so thankful that my kids love music as much as I do. I was recently called as my ward's choir director, and they fully enjoy dancing around to the music during the practices, and of course, listening to me as I teach piano and voice to my nieces and nephews.

I wasn't able to keep up with the teaching schedule I had last year, so I am especially grateful for Jessica, Stephen, Lindsay, and Emma. They are always patient with me, and I know they truly love learning music.

Speaking of Doug and Christy's kids...They built this fort while they were babysitting Emma and Ben. When we got home they were all cuddled up under it watching a movie. I just think it's crazy that it was only 8 or 9 years ago that I was babysitting Stephen and Jess and I was the one making forts for them. I am thankful Emma and Ben have so many cousins to play and grow up with. I never had that.

Trenton and I took Emma ice-skating for the first time a couple weeks ago. She was so excited! We let her watch the USA Olympic skaters as they trained in hopes that would get her even more excited.


But as soon as we got her on the ice she freaked out. The only way we could keep her on the ice was letting her walk in her shoes.

But then we got kicked off the ice for allowing her to wear her street shoes. I am so glad it was free!


I really can't blame her for being afraid. Up until now, she has done everything to maintain her balance and avoid slippery surfaces. There are so many inconsistencies in this world! But one thing that is always consistent- I LOVE THAT GIRL!

Until next time,

Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Ben

Goodbye 2010!

We woke up on New Year's eve to a beautiful snowstorm, which made me so happy! I love putting on my warmest sweaters and socks and snuggling up with my family. I just wish the storms weren't so short-lived here in Colorado.

Trenton spent a good part of the morning with Emma in the snow, and I think they were both more than happy to be snuggled in their cozy sweaters as well.

Heather had a New Year's eve celebration at her house.









We headed home before ringing in the new year because it appeared that, in the several short hours we were at the party, both our kids came down with pink eye! But I now know that it is possible to have a prescription filled at the only 24 hour Walgreen's open at 11:15 pm on New Year's Eve. Trenton and I celebrated the new year with two sleeping children, pizza, in our pajamas. What more could you ask for?

Baby Ian was blessed the following Sunday. I guess Shannon stayed up until 4 am the night before to finish sewing his blessing outfit...which was adorable. I felt for her though- it's so hard to carry on like you're fresh as a daisy when all you feel like doing is crawling back into bed. After the blessing we all headed back to the Foote's home for brunch.

I always find it funny that we (as in the crazy Mamas and Dadas) put so much effort into baby blessings. We fuss over the day and time, who will be invited, what they'll wear, and go to the trouble of making a beautiful meal after. And in every single "baby blessing" photo I've ever seen, including my own babies, this is what the center of all that fuss is doing...



2010 was pretty balanced on the misery/joy scale.

• Trenton started a new job in January and there hasn't been a day we haven't been thankful for that blessing.
• We endured broken pipes, which caused total damage in the kids' bathroom, and some damage to the living room wall, and garage. But that forced us to fully renovate our bathroom- which we love!
• We had a rotting deck, so Trenton had the opportunity to build a nicer, more foundationally sound deck with much better materials.
• 4th of July not only brought fireworks, but one of the worst hail storms on record for Colorado Springs- leading to severe damage to our roof. But from that misfortune, we not only got a new roof, but we were able to paint the exterior of our house a soothing sage color.
• In 2010 we had to replace our refrigerator, but I finally got my ice maker.
• We replaced our dishwasher- and now I don't have to scrub each individual dish before loading.
• We replaced our water heater which had corroded so badly that it leaked a half-inch of water in our crawl-space, but we got a bigger tank, and now I can take warmer baths. That mishap also forced us to drag all our storage out of the crawl space and I found things I had been looking for, for several years...including our wedding pictures, and my passport!
• I had a miscarriage. And from that I am growing to appreciate my blessings far more than I ever could have before. I don't take my two children for granted, and I gained compassion for anyone who has ever been through something so heartbreaking, and dark.
• I underwent laproscopic surgery, which taught me to have faith, and how much my friends and family love me. It also taught me that my body can handle anesthesia, which was a major concern of mine, and that I have more bravery than I thought.
• I had the pleasure of witnessing my nephew, Ian, being born. He is such a darling little boy.
• My best friend got engaged to a wonderful guy!
• I took up Yoga, and that truly changed my life.
• Emma turned 3.
• Ben turned 1.

I have been sick for a while, but the symptoms are getting worse. Part of the reason it's gotten this bad is because I haven' t taken my own health as seriously as I should, and I have taken my body's ability to heal it's self for granted. So, I guess that's my New Year's resolution- to get well.


Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Ben