Dis & Dat

I guess it's been just over a month since my last posting - my apologies go out to the 4 families that follow us. Grandma Kamstra passed away last month. I'm very sad, and it was difficult to say goodbye, though we've all been saying goodbye for years as she tried to fight through dimentia. It was particularly hard to watch such a strong, beautiful, and capable woman wither away and lose her memories. As an accomplished nurse, it must have been terrifiying for her, as she knew exactly what was coming. Of course, the juxtaposition of her oh-so-frail body & mind, somehow makes my joy all the sweeter today knowing that Jesus has redeemed her and made her new.  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  I miss you Grandma, but we'll see you again real soon.

Life has been busy in the last month. Just before Grandma died, Katie and I volunteered through our church on "Serve West Bountiful". Through the course of a week, over 500 volunteers worked to restore 22 homes in our community - mostly landscaping & paint, but also some new roofs, porches, siding, etc. It was pretty fun, and you can see some pictures here though the video is pretty long.


Serve West Bountiful from The Heights Community on Vimeo.

Tommy continues to grow up at an alarming rate. He's mastered a couple of key words in addition to mama and dada - No, Yeah, Dis & Dat, all of which are accompanied by hand/head movements. No is paired with an exaggerated head shake. Yeah (yes), usually includes an excited shaking/wiggling of his bum and is almost always seen in the morning when you ask if he wants pancakes (just like his dad, yum!). The rest of the day he employs his pointer finger liberally, asking dis? or dat? As in, what's this and what's that. The pointer finger also means, bring said item to me, or carry my body over there. Most mornings when he gets up, he points excitedly at his (real) puppy standing in the doorway and makes his "woof-woof" noise which sounds more like a puppy whining softly than barking. Tom is one cute boy.

Dat?

Dis?

Dis?

Pool time's over.

Katie and I also did a quick bathroom remodel, which I describe as a soft remodel: moving an outlet, adding a light, repairing the fan, new lights, wall repair & paint, new floor, new vanity/counter. Any time I don't have to move plumbing or install a shower/tub it's a good thing. I regret not taking a few more before pictures, but didn't want to feel obligated to post on my blog before now. I guess I needed a few weeks away from here mentally.
Enjoy the few photos we did manage to take recently.