Catchin' up

What we've been up to? Enjoying the home life. We spent the last 2 weekends home (like a record) and it's been great to get caught up on stuff, have time to actually do service, and spend time just with the 4 of us. The week kinda stunk... Tianna got strep then I had it last Monday and Tuesday. Felt better Wednesday and got a migraine headache (first ever) that lasted until Saturday. I was in so much pain I felt like I needed an epidural! I couldn't move an single muscle without feeling like I was being hit in the head with a sledge hammer and needed to throw up. Glad that's over with and wouldn't mind living the rest of my life without another one!

Luke has been busy busy with school and work as usual. Things are so up in the air right now as to what we'll be doing with school. He retook the GRE test to get into Grad School and while waiting for the results he found out he was 1 credit short to graduate with his bachelor's this semester... and he missed out on taking a major pre-requisite class for all his Master's classes he intended on taking in the spring if his scores on the GRE were high enough to get into the program. So.. we were at the point of deciding just to take one class next semester to finish his BS and move on with life and no Grad School. Then he got his scores back and they weren't where they needed to be. So yesterday, that was that.

Today he talked to a counselor and several options opened up to him. And apparaently BOTH his GRE scores were high enough for some reason. Stupid. So now we're back to having options and just trying to choose the best one. It's so stressful!! He may even try getting into the U... which would offer more classes he needs if he wants to work at the power plants (which he does) but that would mean starting over with finding jobs, housing... bleh bleh bleh.
I took some pictures of our house with our full grown flowers so that if we end up moving soon we'll have some pics of our house. I'll share!

We've enjoyed our garden this summer and are sad it's suppose to freeze this week. We're not quite done with it! We had lots and lots of zucchini, cucumbers, onions, carrots, 3 beans :) 4 pumpkins, 3 ears of corn :) and some weeds. hahah We aren't ven going to bother with corn next year.

I've been working on Christmas presents already and it's been pretty fun! I've also taken up the routine of going on a 2 mile run 3 times a week. I have never been one to enjoy running... but I'm starting to become a fan! I feel so good when I've ran and I would really like to lose my baby weight........ but for some reasons it's just not budging.
Let's see....... Ran 2 miles this morning-check. Breakfast: oatmeal with skim milk-- check.
Lunch: cherry cobbler-- check.... oh wait! that might be why. Hmmmmmmmm.

The other day I watched an old favorite, "Never Been Kissed" and then a couple days later Tianna dressed herself up and I just couldn't help but laugh at the comparision of Drew Barrymore spinning around in her 80's prom dress.

I also finally got around to getting some better pictures of Adelia in her blessing dress. My friend Chandra hooked me up! Those were the pictures of the gorgeous baby up above! :D

3 years...........1 month

Tianna turned 3 years old yesterday! Oh my! She's so grown up, it just boggles my mind! She is VERY full of life and quite the character! She's sassy and bossy and we love her!
She had quite the eventful birthday. We had a picnic lunch with daddy between his classes. We drove up to first dam and ate sandwiches, dodged bird doo-doo, and fed ducks.

After lunch she had her two favorite nursery buddies from church come over. Kendra and Cecily. They played with her dress up clothes and watched Hercules. I enjoyed it because I got to chit chat with their mommies. We finished up with some yummy ice-cream cones. It was so cute watching the girls dress up and dance around the house with their wands. They are all super girlie-girls!

Later we went to the park and Tianna made new friends. (she does that everywhere we go) We were killing time until Luke could finish his homework.... then we could go eat dinner!

Since I ditched him on his birthday, we had a birthday dinner for Luke and Tianna at the new Beehive Grill in Logan. It was pretty good food. The best part was finishing up a great birthday with our great little family.

bhahaha.. she's so smiley but it's REALLY hard to catch it on the camera. It's too distracting.

Finally! Too bad it's fuzzy!

Sadly today though, Miss T is NOT a very happy little girl. She woke up fine, then about the time we got to her gymnastics class she started acting weird. She was clingy and didn't want to participate... VERY UNLIKE HER. As class wore on she kept running over to me to say she had an owie on her ear. I concluded an ear ache. Her doctors was booked up so I called my mom. By this time we were driving home from gymnastics and she is SCREAMING at the top of her lungs. My mom suggested going somewhere else. We were close to the Insta Care so I headed that direction. She threw up from crying so hard. Adelia was screaming because she likes to do that in the car... .and she was hungry.
I walk in frazzled as both kids are screaming at the top of their lungs...
Conclusion-- no ear infection, ears look pretty good. So why the insane screaming about her ears hurting? Strep throat. Apparently tubes connected to ears from throat can get clogged and causes pressure.. which explains why gymnastics brought on so much pain. It got worse with every summer sault. So now here we are........... ah. Yesterday was such a nice day.

Although-- i do have to say, my heart was quite sad all day by what yesterday meant for my family.. It was the one month mark since Vittoria passed away. We miss her terribly and can't even fathom how difficult it is for her sweet parents. I think they need your prayers now as much as ever as they try to adjust to life without their little princess.

At Summers End

Fall is coming, that's for sure. It's been an "interesting summer" and although I'm not looking forward to winter yet, I'm welcoming a new season. Luke's back in school, Tianna started gymnastics, and now that this family yard sale is behind us.... life should slow down a LITTLE or at least give us a bit more structure.

We spent Labor Day with Luke's fam. We really needed to get down and spend some time with his dad while he's laid up. We had a bunch of fun as always. Here are some highlights--

Sat morning- I went jogging with Luke's mom. I about died.. and vowed that was would have to be my annual jog, but have since changed my mind and want to pick it up as a more regular activity. I went again this morning-- we'll see how long I stick with it! :D
We also took a stroll down to the Museum of the San Rafel to show Tianna the dinosaurs and the Native American stuff. Luke's grandpa found a lot of the artifacts showcased.

Sunday, Tianna looked so stinkin' cute I had to do a mini-photo shoot. They were taken a week and a half before her 3rd b-day so I think it will end up being her 3 yr pictures.

She is such a poser! Today she did something cute with Adelia and said "mom, tell me say cheese." Meaning-- go get the camera and take my picture cause I know I'm cute!

Monday was Labor Day and Luke's "virtual birthday." He had to go back to work and school on Tuesday, his actual birthday and I stayed in Price for the week. (yeah, I'm a bad wife) So I made the excecutive decision to change his birthday to the 7th this year! I pretended it was his birthday all day!
We went out to see the Rochester Panel. It's amazing how such neat things are just right by their house!

Later we had cake to celebrate the birthday boy! He's 27!!! I can't believe it! Happy belated birthday, Sweet heart! I love you 8!!!!

The thing about birthdays after you have kids-- you may never get to blow out your own candles again! hahah

Like I said, we stayed down in Price the rest of the week. We had much to do before the big yard sale. We worked out tails off getting everything organized, sorted, labeled, packed, priced... etc. It was hectic, but we had fun being with the family. The girlies liked playing with their cousins!

double diaper change! (no that is not urine on Jocelyn) she dumped her cup on herself. :D

Saturday was the big day-- we started putting out tables by 6 am and people started showing up around 7:30. It didn't actually start until 8 and we barely made it. It ended at 3 and we finished cleaning up and left around 6 pm. What a day!!! I wish I had the pictures-- i took them with my mom's camera. There were MOUNTAINS of items. For awhile more was coming in than going out as people brought stuff to donate. So many people were so generous and we were overwhelmed by the kindness of people to help us and to donate. And we want to thank everyone! We made about $5,700 to give to James and Val and so I would call that a SUCCESS!

That night, as exhausted as we all were, we still had one more item of business to attend to. A certain little girl was having a cake party for her 3rd birthday. It wasn't very convenient for my family who was all so tired... nor for Luke's family who waited for 2 hours while we cleaned up from the yard sale, so we really really appreciate everyone for being there for her. And thanks for the wonderful presents. She loved them all!!!

She got a Sleeping Beauty dress from each Grandma- at least they are two different kinds and sizes. Now Adelia and her can both be Aurora some day.

And now, as if this post weren't long enough, I have Sunday to write about! First off-- Adelia turned 3 months old! (Holy Cows!) And the poor thing had a fever... don't know why because she doesn't have any other symptoms... but she seems to be better today.
We also had our little niece, Pyper's (born 2 days after Adelia) baby blessing. She's such a sweet heart and I can't wait for those two to grow up as best friends!

All the men in the circle (wish I had thought to take a picture like that!)

Thank you Peacock's and Frandsen's for a wonderful week! We love being with all of you and look forward to seeing you at the Deer Hunt in October. Until then...we HAVE TO stay in Logan and actually act like we live here.

YARD SALE

We are having a HUGE benefit yard sale for my brother and his family who recently lost their precious daughter, Vittoria. All proceeds go towards the medical expenses she incurred during her month long battle in the ICU at Primary Childrens Medical Center.

Saturday, Sept 12th. 8am-3pm
Bryner Photography parking lot (3rd east and Main Street)

Tons and tons of stuff---- plus a bake sale, lemonade stand, and lunch package.
COME CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you have any yard sale or bake sale items you wish to donate, contact me at
435-820-8707

In Need of a Happy Post

For your viewing pleasure, I want to post some more positive things than all the sad business we've had going on lately. I have been in a pity kind of mood today so I want to get out of it by posting stuff about my sweet little girlies.

First off-- I FINALLY have Adelia's newborn pictures to show off. I kept forgetting to bring back the CD from my sister's house to be able to post them. It's been so long and she's growing up so fast I figure I better do this before she starts crawling --- which I don't think will be long for her! She's just waaaaaaay to strong for her little body!

Speaking of little body- I took her to her 2 month... more like 2 1/2 month check up and she's
9.6 lbs (10th percentile) 22 1/2 in. (40th %) and head size... i don't recall but it was about the 25%. So basically, she's just a wittle one! But we still love her! :D

She LOOOOOVES:
being held
sucking on her fists (thankfully hasn't gotten the thumb there yet)
being held
smiling and cooing
sleeping on her side or stomach
being held
being propped up so she can see EVERYTHING
diaper changes
being in the Snuggly (like a baby bjorn) or her sling
and did I mention, being held?

She HAAAAAAAAAATES:
her carseat
being put down
getting her nose sucked out (who could blame her)
being put down
often hates her swing, bouncy seat, bumbo.....
and well anything that requires her being left alone for any amount of time.

Tianna is such a great big sister. She likes to smother Adelia in love... but I'd much rather that than the alternative.
She's learning so much! She knows all her colors, shapes, every animal possible, and can count to 11 really well. She talks constantly, loves watching movies and TV, especially Dora and Princess stuff and get's so exciting about life. Tianna is up for anything with anyone-- She's a very happy, energetic, and EXTREMELY strong willed little thing! She loves to argue and HAS TO, and I mean HAS TO (even if she whispers it) have the last word. She'll make a great lawyer or something some day.
She turns 3 on the 16th of September and we just enrolled her in gymnastics. She starts tomorrow!!! She is growing up so quickly and is just one fun girl to have around. *most of the time*

Tianna's favorites:
milk
orange blanket (poor shabby thing)
her Ariel jammies
wearing dresses or skirts
mommy
chicken nuggets, rice, burritos, frosted mini-eats (wheats), Life cereal, bananas, plain chocolate, and all salty snacks.
and a new fav-- FROSTY'S
water
dress u
LOVES LOVES going to grandma and grandpa's houses
and playing with her cousins and friends

She's silly and we just love her to pieces!

Coming soon- camping pictures from the Lake Reunion

A Princess, Honored

This weekend we were blessed to celebrate sweet Vittoria's life.
The girls and I went down Thursday evening to Salt Lake and Luke came down Friday night after work.
Friday we helped with preparations for the viewing and funeral. That afternoon I had a special privilege of going with the women and James to the mortuary to help dress Vittoria and fix her hair. What an wonderful experience! One that I am so grateful to have been a part of. She was dressed in a beautiful, white, princess-like baptism dress. We curled her hair into soft ringlets, just like her hair naturally did. She looked so pretty and was just like a princess... well, actually, just like an angel.

That night was her viewing. That ended up being a lot harder than I expected. I felt like I had dried up my tear source, but boy was I wrong! This whole experience hasn't felt real... almost like a bad dream we could would eventually wake up from. Walking into the viewing that night, with her pictures and drawings, and favorite possessions displayed, and the photo-slideshow playing in the background brought it all into reality. The video was so hard to watch, but I just couldn't stop looking at it either. She was so bright and joyful in every picture. My mind was flooded with memories.... my heart ached for the memories that will be made without her.

Saturday was the funeral. It was perfect in every way. Every word brought peace and comfort to the pain, the questions, and the sadness we have all been feeling. I now feel at peace with her passing. The testimonies born by those who spoke and sang were incredible. I am now much more determined to live my life worthy of returning to the place where she now is.

Her dad-- Luke's official new hero-- wrote her a letter along with her mom, and read it himself. (I was originally suppose to read it, along with letters from her cousins, but thankfully James was wise enough to know I couldn't have done it.. i barely made it through the cousin letters) but amazingly he was able to read it himself. It was so perfect and beautiful.
Another really special thing was a song that their friend had written the night of Vittoria's passing. He wrote the lyrics and composed the music for it in one night. He performed it during the funeral and it was simply amazing. As soon as I get a copy I will post it.
Every speaker, every prayer, every song... everything was just perfect! It truly was a service fit for such a special young lady!

Following the service we had a delicious meal. On the tables were little framed pictures of Vittoria with the caption "Our little princess returns home to a heavenly kingdom." How true!
After the meal we traveled to Price where she was laid to rest next to my dad's brother and parents. She had a beautiful graveside ceremony. We then went to another meal at the church in Price then went back to cemetery.

Sunday-- Vittoria's 8th birthday, was a special day for her family. (More food) We had a delicious brunch in my parent's backyard. We spent the day visiting and relaxing before we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication. Vittoria had drawn a picture of that temple after going to the open house. It was such a good likeness of it! Above the picture was the heading, "The temple, first and always." She was so wise beyond her years.

By the time the dedication was over it was nearing time to return back to the cemetery. She was born at 5:46 pm and passed away at the same minute the week before her birthday. We went to the cemetery and released 30 balloons at 5:46 pm to send them to the heavens. We watched solemnly as the balloons floated through the sky and it was amazing how long they stayed in view and how they stayed together in a clump instead of spreading all across the sky. It was a moment I will never forget. I just barely discovered something extra special about this event-- Apparently Vittoria had begged her parents to let her have a water birthday party where the kids could run in the sprinklers and sit in her wading pool. Well, she got her wish! Just as her balloons were disappearing completely, the sprinklers came on and got us all wet. What a neat thing for her parents!

Her brother and cousins on her birthday

There is no doubt that this little girl was loved by everyone she came in contact with. She was a very special girl and we are honored to be her aunt and uncle. We will sorely miss you, Vittoria, but we know that you had proven yourself in this life and are now at peace and rest in Heavenly Father's arms.

2001-2009

SOUTH JORDAN - Vittoria Giulia Frandsen, born Aug. 23, 2001 at 5:46 p.m., peacefully returned into our Heavenly Father's arms Aug. 16, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. just one week shy of her 8th birthday.

Vittoria was born with neonatal marfan syndrome. She courageously faced every trial placed in her path.

On July 21, Vittoria went in for scheduled heart surgery. After fighting long and hard for almost four weeks, she succumbed to complications.

Vittoria was born in Price to James Lee and Valeria Balbo Frandsen. She attended the Montessori at Riverton school.

Vittoria enjoyed all subjects in school. She loved her friends and teachers there.

Vittoria was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was preparing to be baptized. Vittoria loved going to Primary and singing the primary songs and hymns.

Vittoria adored her little brother, Jacomo, and loved to play and take care of him. She loved to be surrounded by family and friends. She enjoyed playing with cousins at the family cabin.

Vittoria always had a hug and loving words for everyone.

Vittoria was a very talented and imaginative artist. She loved to read and watch movies with her dad. She was very sensitive and aware of the feelings of others.

Vittoria loved swimming, riding horses, snowmobiles and four-wheelers. She loved to fish with her dad at Scofield Reservoir. She loved to dance and listen to music. Her favorite pastime was to crawl up on the couch and cuddle with her mom, dad and brother.

She was always happy; even through her many trials and surgeries.

Vittoria is survived by her parents, James and Valeria; brother, Jacomo; grandparents, Neil and Bonnie Frandsen of Price; and Giulio and Anna Maria Balbo and great-grandma Idelma Balbo of Rome, Italy. She is also survived by many cousins, aunts and uncles and special friends. Preceded in death by great-grandparents, Garth and Theressa Frandsen, James and Della Potter, Andrea Balbo and Gino and Vera Cera.

In recent weeks, this beautiful young lady has touched the lives of so many people throughout the world. We will miss her more that words can say.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m., at the South Jordan Utah Parkway LDS Stake Center, 9894 South 2700 West. A viewing will be Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, and one hour prior to the funeral at the stake center. Dedication of the grave will be at Price City Cemetery at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com.