Kitty Love

The other night I was laying in bed and Lucy was laying on my windowsill, doing what cats do, and looking at the outside world.  I called her name.

There was a slight pause, and then the whole room was filled with purring.

I don't think there's any better way to know that a kitty loves you.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Well, really I'm not leaving until the day after tomorrow, but Thursday and Friday will be pretty hectic, so I thought I would post now. We are almost done packing, got rid of all the food in the house, and are trying to clean up the mess that we have made in the process. Brett was kind enough to let me hire a maid service to come and clean the apartment, so I don't have to do any of that. :)

Poor Kennedy has been so tired lately because we have not been so great about keeping her on a schedule. We have been running around trying to see a lot of people before we go. Yesterday she was taking a seriously long nap, so I looked in on her to see if she was still alive.

I have never seen her do anything like that before. Her face is completely down in the floor. I guess if she's tired enough she'll sleep anywhere. I don't know if she understands that we are moving, but I'm not that worried about her. She adapts very quickly. Lucy, on the other hand, I am very worried about. She is going to have to spend 2 nights at Brett's parent's house (which smells like a strange cat), be in the car all day, stay in a hotel, be in the car all day and end up in a completely different state in another house that smells like a strange cat. She is going to be traumatized. I hope she doesn't run away.

A Good Moment Amid the Madness

We have all been sick since New Year's. Kennedy gets a fever every evening, which I'm sure has not improved her mood (for more details, see the previous post). I have been a little less patient and poor Brett comes home to a grouchy wife and daughter when he is sick and tired himself. Needless to say, it hasn't been very much fun for the past week. But, amidst all of the stress and sickness, there was a cute moment.

Lucy loves this little couch we got for Kennedy almost as much as Kennedy does. She lays on it all the time. The other day Kennedy went over and sat by her and just pet her so nicely. It actually lasted for about 3 minutes, which is more than I can say for most of the Lucy/Kennedy encounters. It was really sweet and made me remember that there is good within the bad and that being sick doesn't last forever. Also, check out my cooking blog for some seriously yummy treats!

New Camera!

I finally got my new camera! I was not happy because I kept making food that I wanted to take pictures of and we had an early Christmas with Brett's parents that we couldn't take pictures of either. But now I'm a picture taking fiend! During that time Lucy decided to take over the biggest present we have.

It won't fit under our tree because it is between our couches, so it is sitting on top of our love seat. Lucy loves it and has chewed the tag off of it several times already.

We just kept taking random pictures last night because we were so excited to have a camera again.

And here's Kennedy telling me that she wants the camera. After the last accident, I don't think I'll be letting her hold the camera for a very long time. I'm so glad to be able to share pictures again! And be sure to check out my cooking blog because there's a new post there too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I probably will not be posting too much this weekend, so I thought I would go ahead and do my Thanksgiving post today. Here are the things I have been most grateful for lately.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ - I am so grateful that everyone has access to this incredible gift. I am so grateful for the influence it has had in my life and in the lives of those I love.

My Growing Little Family - I'm going to have to go through each of these separately.

• Lucy - Her little fuzzy face makes me happy. On days when Kennedy is being a pill I am always so thankful that Lucy can take care of herself and is so quiet. I love when she comes to lay with me and get a pet - it makes my day.
• Baby boy - I am so grateful that he is growing so well and is so healthy. And even though his kicks are really hard sometimes, I'm glad to feel him moving around. I'm so excited to meet him in March!
• Kennedy - She is so sweet and so happy. In general she is an easy kid to take care of and spoils me big time. She is so smart and I love hearing her pick up on new words and concepts almost daily. I love her more every day and am so glad that she is part of our family.
• Brett - I am of course grateful for Brett. But I am grateful for him everyday. He is everything and more I could ask for in a husband. He brings me so much joy. He is constantly striving to be a better man and a better husband and father. He is so concerned about me and I see his love for me everyday. I am so proud of him for being brave enough to change the path he thought his life was going to take and I am excited to start this adventure with him. I am thankful everyday that Heavenly Father lead me to him and that we were married in the temple for time and all eternity. I love you!

Let's Get the Ball Rolling

I rolled a ball in a triangle for a while this morning.  It went like this: I rolled a ball to Kennedy, since she can't roll it in quite a straight line yet Kennedy rolled the ball to Lucy, and Lucy rolled the ball back to me.  I'm not kidding.  We did it a few times in a row.  It was some good girl bonding time.  Speaking of which, tomorrow is the big day that Kennedy and I will be heading off on that airplane.  Kennedy has had a cold for the last little while and has been coughing/sneezing/randomly irritable.  So I think I may just break the "no bottles during the day" rule just for the plane ride.  I think I might go insane otherwise.  I will make sure to document the flight to the best of my ability, as well as the rest of our trip to Texas.  Look for pictures on Saturday!  I might do some posting between now and then, but we'll be pretty busy with crafting, the zoo, girl movies, and I'm sure a lot more. :)

How Did Lucy Get in There?

We did not unpack as soon as we got home from California - we hardly ever unpack as soon as we get home.  Our suitcase was standing upright by the couch and Brett had opened only the top part of the zipper.  I saw Lucy standing on top of it, and when I looked back a second later, she had disappeared.  Then the suitcase started mysteriously shaking.

She must have really had to squish to get in there!

And in the end I had to open the suitcase and help her out because she couldn't do it herself.  I don't know why cats feel like they need to squish themselves into the smallest place possible to sleep, but it is amusing.

Some of you with bigger computer monitors may have noticed the birthday background that I have given my blog.  That is because April celebrates many birthdays!  Mine, Brett's, the blog's, and Kennedy's!  We will be having many celebrations over the next few weeks, so I decked out my blog.  Our birthdays will be the next big events for the next little while, and we intend to have some fun!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you are all having a wonderful day!  I just wanted to take a second to focus on each of my valentines today.

First up: Lucy.  I know, I know, she's a cat, but she's such a big part of our family!  I love when she's spastic and runs around the house.  I love when she does her dog tricks and begs (says please) or fetches an aluminum foil ball.  I love when she cuddles with me while I sleep.  She is the best cat ever and I love her!

Next up: Kennedy.  She can be a pain sometimes, but all she has to do is smile, laugh or talk and I immediately forgive her for whatever headache she has given me.  Most of the time she is sweet and cute as can be.  I laugh out loud at how cute she is all the time during the day.  After she's gone to bed, or when she's with a babysitter, Brett and I will just sit and laugh at how cute she is and how much we lover her!

Last but not least: Brett.  I know that a couple of weeks ago I did a post on how much I love Brett, and of course it still holds true.  He is honest, loyal, hard working, loving, funny, and all around the best husband I could have ever asked for.  I love him with all of my heart and love that he has been my valentine for the past 4 Valentine's Days and that he will be there for many more to come!  I love you!

Lucy's Nemesis

A couple of days ago I told you about one of the toys that Kennedy loves.  It was a pen.  Another item that is not commonly used as a toy is a zip tie.  Lucy has been carrying this thing around the house for months, as you can see in the picture below.  (Sorry for the scary glowy eyes, there's nothing I can do about it.)

Lately though, Kennedy has discovered this toy and has been teasing Lucy with it.  She steals it from her and has been known to hit Lucy in the face with it, as if to show her who's boss.  Poor Lucy is looking helplessly at me while I snap pictures.

Lucy gave up since Kennedy is more than twice her size and weight.  Kennedy is smiling away because she won, as usual.

We're lucky that we picked Lucy when we got a cat - she is so awesome with kids.  Kennedy can all out maul her and Lucy will just walk away or play with her.  She's only hissed at her once, and has never bitten her.  She is so tolerant and willing to come back and play again!  She even gives up her toys for Kennedy.  What a good kitty.

Complete and Total Plagiarism of Ideas

My friend Noelle keeps up a fantastic blog that I look at everyday to see if there are updates.  She is so creative with her posts, and they are always interesting.  She sometimes does posts in which she writes letters to random people and things, and I am totally stealing her creativeness and doing this myself today.  So thank you to Noelle for her creative spark...I have stolen ideas from you before, and I'm sure I will do so again.

Dear Kennedy,

Please get better.  It breaks my heart to see you sick and sneezing, and to be honest, sucking snot out of your nose is not on my favorites list.  I wish so much that I could explain to you that sleep helps you get better.

Your Mommy

Dear American Visions book,

How I wish that I didn't have to open you yet again to write a paper on Edward Hopper.  At least you have pretty pictures.

A Disgruntled, Ungraduated Student

Dear Lucy,

When are you going to understand that in order for me to throw your foil ball you have to bring it all the way back?  Half way is not going to cut it.  Even if you say please.

Lazy Girl

Dear chocolate cheesecake,

You were so yummy, but now you are gone.  I really don't want to wash that pan.

Chef in the Kitchen

Dear Costco,

I am so excited to go shopping today!  There are some items that we desperately need, and once we buy them from you, it will feel like we will never run out again.  Hallelujah.

Bulk Buyer

Dear Thanksgiving,

I wish you would come sooner.  I want to eat yummy food, make a pumpkin pie, and have people who want to play with Kennedy all the time around.  I want to meet Wyatt and see my family.  Come fast!

Impatient Eater

Lucy and the Wasp

I was going to try a Wordless Wednesday post with this picture, but I decided not to.  Lucy has been doing some very naughty/funny things around here lately.  At this very moment she is standing on top of the refrigerator and knocking magnets off.  She does this often.  She has been making all kinds of noise at night by breaking our blinds, knocking dishes over, and meowing at us.  She has been crying non-stop to go outside, even after he 5-hour escapade that she came back from terrified.  And then there was this.

We had let her run around outside (on her leash of course) and in the process....sorry, I just had to get up and yell at her for being on the piano.  Anyway, while the door was open a wasp flew in the house.  It was staying on the window and she was chasing it, so we didn't get it right away.  Big mistake.  It proceeded to walk on the wall towards the door, which I thought was the smart thing to do - until it walked right into my purse.  Lucy, of course, followed and tried to get into my purse herself.  She never did find the wasp.  And thankfully we found it a little bit later in Kennedy's room and Brett took care of it.  Lucy is very naughty, but she can be helpful when there is a bug around!

Best of Friends

For the first couple of months of Kennedy's life, she did not even know that Lucy existed.  She didn't care much about the little black furry thing sniffing at her feet.  But as of late they have been getting a little bit more acquainted.  Kennedy watches Lucy's every move when she's anywhere near by, and Lucy has always been fascinated by Kennedy.  Lately though she has been coming and laying near her when she's on her blanket on the floor.  Here are some pictures that I took of the two of them.

Kennedy is figuring out how to pet Lucy and has been doing it every chance she gets.  Thankfully, Lucy is very tolerant with little kids.  She doesn't mind being hit in the face every once in a while or losing some of her fur to a little fist.  And Kennedy seems to love her already, as well as all of the other animals she comes in contact with.

And as promised, here is the link to President Eyring's talk on unity, titled Our Hearts Knit as One.  It is definitely worth reading.

Lucy Goosey

You must know by now how much I love my cat.  She is fantastic and always extremely entertaining.

Of course, being a cat, she loves to sleep.  She has many favorite spots: Kennedy's stroller, our bed, clean piles of laundry, the couch, stretched out under the covers with me, buried underneath things, and of course in her kitty bed.  But I guess that she gets uncomfortable just like us and has to change positions.

She usually starts out curled up like she's supposed to be, but most of the time she needs to stretch out in the middle of her nap.  Sometimes I come in the room and she is on her back half in and half out.  Other times just her paws come out like she's stretching.  It's awfully cute.

My Two Girls

Kennedy has found her tongue and has a new trick.  She constantly sticks it out at us, and we always oblige by sticking our tongues back out at her.

She has a lot of fun playing with daddy too.

So Kennedy has a new trick and Lucy has revived an old one.  When she was a kitten she would constantly play with the water in the washing machine when I was filling it up and would promptly jump into the dryer while I threw clothes in there.  She would often get buried under the clothes and I was always worried that I would start the dryer while she was still in it.  She hasn't done it in a while, but she did today.  I threw our bed sheets in the dryer and looked in and I saw no cat, but did hear a contented purr.

I went and got the camera and she poked her head out to see where I had gone.  Now I'm going to have to look out for her again!  We aren't bored around here with these two girls!

Then Comes Kitty in a Baby Carriage

Before Kennedy came along, Lucy had free reign of our apartment and attention.  Naturally, when we started moving in the baby stuff, Lucy assumed that they were new toys for her.  She was constantly jumping in the crib, sniffing the bouncer, and playing with the musical toys.  We had to start closing the door to Kennedy's room so that when she finally did arrive Lucy wouldn't think that it was ok to sleep with her.  We did break her of that habit, but she has developed a new one.  This is now her likely nap place.

She is constantly curled up in the stroller and it is now dripping with cat fur.  She sleeps in it whether it is open or folded up (like it is in these pictures).  She is acting just like the big sister that she is: anything that is for the baby was hers first, and she's going to use it.

Lucy's Impressions 4

This picture is from a while back, but I came across it looking through old pictures and thought that it would do nicely.  She loves to lay by her toy mouse in hopes that someone will want to come and play with her.  Or she does that when she gives up on saying please.  Unlike a normal cat, she usually sprawls completely out and lays that way.  But here she is sitting like a real cat, and although she did not oblige by sticking her paws out in front of her, here is her impression.

She most definitely looks like the Sphinx.  She is not as much of an enigma as the real Sphinx, or a normal cat for that matter, but she still looks like it.

Lucy's Impressions 3

It is time yet again for one of Lucy's great impressions!  This time around she is getting ready for football season a little bit early.

She's obviously hoping that she'll be able to show off her new found talent at all those BYU games.  Unfortunately for Brett, he probably won't be able to see her do that much during the Raiders games.  This impression was of a nicer nature than her previous ones.  We can't wait to see what she comes up with next.