Sunday Ideas

In the month of July we had our "Sensational Sundaes" as our Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment theme. One of the mini-classes we had was on Sabbath Day Activities. The teacher of this class took such a unique approach to this topic that I thought I'd share with you the handout she gave to us. I will admit that I have changed the wording slightly, but for the most part this is exactly what I received. Bev, some of these ideas don't apply to you, but it the basics apply to everyone and the rest is easily adapted. :)

Make a Good Sunday!

Container (Cup or Cone?)

Start with the basics - what's going to hold your Sunday together? Your personal spiritual well being. Take some time with the Lord and your scriptures, assess where you are, and prayerfully decide how you are doing. If there's any necessary improvements, repent as needed and set some realistic goals.

Ice Cream

After self comes family. Much like ice cream, families come in many different flavors. This is a great day to assess the spiritual needs of your family. Talk about lessons heard in Church. Spend a little more time on a topic during family scripture study. Simply spending uninterrupted time together will strengthen the family unit. Here are some ideas. -Have family gospel instruction -Go on a walk with family members -Get better acquainted with family -Hold family council meetings -Visit relatives -Read with your children -Build husband-wife relationships -Develop appreciation for the cultural arts

Toppings

If you were to stop here you would still have a great Sunday. Everything else is just a topping! Some of the best Sunday toppings tend to be those things that you know you should be doing, but never seem to have the time for. But just like that hot fudge, forget the guilt and jump on in! -Write in your journal -Spend extra time in the scriptures -Do family history work -Prepare for your calling -Visit, write, or call a friend -Do missionary work among neighbors and friends -Serve others -Plan family home evening and other family activities -Compile a personal or family history -Visit the sick or lonely

For more ideas see Elder Tingey's article: "Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy", Ensign, February 2000 (Bev, you can find this on the lds.org website if you want to reference it.)

Enjoy,

- Karen

2 Months and Counting

It's been a while since I've written. As I mentioned before, we had Gabriel's blessing on July 3rd. We were privileged to have Sandy, Sheri, Karma, Dad, Lucynthia, Rachel, Taliya, and Aleric come into town to spend time with us that weekend. Rachel and her children drove back up to Phoenix Sunday morning, Sheri, Sandy, and Karma flew home Sunday afternoon, and Dad and Lucynthia stayed through Monday afternoon. Since then we've had Gabriel's two month check up. He's 24 inches in length and weighs in at 13 pounds (no wonder my arms feel like jelly by the end of the day). We also had his second round of vaccinations (which he didn't like in the least). Overall he is a very happy baby. He often smiles when he catches sight of Dan or I. He'll even laugh (at least we think he's laughing). With our support he'll also stand up pretty well, though we still have to watch his neck. He's said his first word (of sorts) which turned out to be "Hi." I'm not sure he knows what it means though. Today he actually stayed awake through my entire walk. He is usually asleep before the end of the first lap. In short, he's growing fast (Doc says he's bigger than approximately 90% of other 2 month olds).

Dan is still having problems with his headaches. The doctor we saw merely suggested trying a higher dose of muscle relaxers each night. I also give him frequent neck rubs (though they don't always seem to work).

I've included a couple of recent pictures so you can see his happy face.

Lots of love, - Karen

Update from Tucson

Just wanted to email you a quick note to let you know we're doing okay here. We've managed to take Gabriel to the doctor 4 times in as many weeks (first visit, follow up for jaundice, eye infection, diahrria) but so far nothing serious to worry about. His last visit put him at 10 lbs meaning he's gained 2 1/2 lbs in since birth. Needless to say he's eating well.

Dan's health has gone down somewhat. The medications he's been taking to help alleviate the migraines seem to have stopped working. He's back to a constant low-level headache with frequent intermitent migraines. He's also started having nose bleeds again which becomes a concern since he's taking the daily aspirin which thins his blood somewhat. We have an appointment set up with his neurologist, but it's not until July 7th.

I seem to have recovered pretty well in the last 4 weeks. The only real complaints I have are being tired (I sleep when I can) and a sore toe (it feels like it's jammed, but it isn't). I can't say much for my housekeeping skills since Gabriel doesn't seem to like to sleep unless he's in someone's arms, but I manage to get dishes and laundry done. I guess it will have to do until I grow an extra arm or find a reasonably priced carrier.

I wanted to also include some pictures of the nursery. It's not much, but it's cute. Enjoy.

Lots of love,

- Karen

Gabriel update

Just thought I'd email you so you know the latest about Gabriel. Sunday, the 22nd, two days after we were discharged, we took Gabriel in for a well-baby visit and to check his jaundice level. The biliruben test came back at 13.4 (not great but not bad either). That next Wednesday we took Gabriel to his first pediatrician visit where they gave him his first imunization and ordered another billiruben test. This one came back 13.5. The doctor said that we should try exposing him to indirect sunlight and make sure he continues to eat regularly. We were also to bring him back in a week. That appointment was this morning. The doctor says his color is normal now so it appears we are out of the woods. I just wanted you all to know so you wouldn't worry about it. I thought I'd also include a couple photos.

Lots of love,

- Karen

Gabriel

I have attached the pics we have of Gabriel. (Many more to follow in the coming weeks and months.) His birth stats were as follows:

Full name: Gabriel Ryan Gmyr

Time of birth: 18:55

Weight: 7lbs 8 ounces

Length: 19 inches

Love ya all,

Dan & Karen (and Gabriel too)

Expecting

I have to admit that we haven't been entirely honest with all of you. Last Tuesday at my OB appointment the doctor said I was about 70% effaced, and between 2 and 3 cm dilated. Then she asked if we'd like to induce. After Dan and I discussed it, we agreed and set up an appointment for Wednesday (18th) morning at 5:30. Yes, that means tomorrow morning we edge the process along if nothing happens tonight. The reason we haven't mentioned this to anyone until now is that we honestly didn't think we would get this far and didn't think that there would be a need to tell you. I, however, would like you to know so that your level of anticipation can be about as high as ours. We will let you all know the details when we know them, but for now expect that you'll be getting another family member sometime within the next 24-36 hours.

Lots of love,

- Karen

Pictures

Okay. I've gotten a couple requests for pictures of me pregnant so here you go. I'll warn you I'm probably not as big as you may expect. In fact, I've had a few people tell me that now that I'm almost 9 months along I finally look like I'm pregnant. There are other people in the ward who are due later and are bigger. I need to clarify that I am not arching my back or trying to stick out my tummy in any way. This is actually how I look. To get a reference, during the baby shower it was determined that I am approximately 10 1/2 toilet paper sheets around (no I don't know which brand of toilet paper). I also included a picture of the crib and dresser so you can see a little of the decorating we've done. We will be putting up some Pooh images and curtains to go with the Pooh light switch you can't see in any of the pictures. We also have a Pooh crib set (bumper, quilt, etc) that we'll put in when he gets a little older. There you are. Enjoy,- Karen