Whitted Central

The kids have very small rooms with very little space. About two years ago, we started looking at loft beds–the kind with bed on top, a desk on the side, some shelves, and a place under the bed for playing. We found some we loved, but the price tag for two was jaw-dropping (because we COULDN’T buy for one of the kids and not the other…we’re even-steven like that. That and I don’t want the whining.) We’ve looked and talked and talked and looked for two years. We finally decided on beds that aren’t as nice as our favorites, but are still pretty nice and sturdy. They were delivered and set-up yesterday, and, as you can see, we have some very happy and excited kids!

Hope they like them! These are their beds FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. (with us, at least.)

Early phone calls are really never good news. When Neil called this morning before the sun came up, I knew that was probably the case. He told us that Great Grandpa Harry had passed away a while earlier—yes, a very sad piece of news. And though I had been ‘ready’, even expecting it, I found myself teary and choked up because yes, you can know it’s coming, but I don’t think you’re ever ‘ready’.

Harry and my Grandma have been married for 13 years. Grandpa Larsen died when I was 7, and I remember loving him and missing him–still do!! Grandma was alone for 20 years, and then met Harry serving in the Logan Temple. They had good years together. Harry was a very good man, and the only Great Grandpa my kids know. He was loving and fun and funny.

The thing I will remember most about Harry Ridge, after the fact that he loved my grandma, is how much he loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived it by serving others, and constantly set a good example for everyone he came in contact with. I am grateful to this loving man for his quiet goodness, loving my grandma, and loving the Lord.

How grateful I am for the knowledge that life doesn’t end with physical death! Though we will miss him, Harry will continue to live, serve, and teach the Gospel while awaiting the resurrection after the Second Coming of Christ. What a glorious day that will be!

We’ll miss you Grandpa Harry!

The problem with having a blog is that it reminds me that while I DO need to journal for our family, we REALLY don’t have a lot to write about most days. I mean, who wants to read what we ate for dinner, or how the shopping trip went, or what homework we accomplished? I’m boring MYSELF right now. But I know I need to write a little here and there.

So here’s today’s news: The kids brought home TERRIFIC report cards this quarter! I’m so proud of how hard they are working and how much they are learning. I know it’s a difficult thing as the material gets more challenging, but they’ve both stepped up and done really well! We LOVE their teachers–how lucky are we that they both have teachers that care about them and push them to do their best?? This school rocks!! Great job, Sam and Max! We’re proud of you!!

I knew they were being too quiet last night! When I got up to find out what Max and Sam were up to, I found them like this! They both had their library books out and were concentrating so hard they didn’t have time to fight! This was especially cool for Max because it was his first ‘Chapter Book’, and he came home with the idea that he had to finish it once he started. Obstinate boy that he is, he did just that! I love it that both of my kids are reading more lately, and sights like this are very welcome in our house! I’m so proud of you kids!! Love you both!

Tomorrow morning, I start P90X. Again. I did it last year from March through May. Starting a little earlier this year, but I’m excited about it. And dreading it. I’m going to be sore the next few days, but not as bad as last time. Mainly because I’ve been doing Plyometrics almost weekly since finishing the first round last year. I’ve keep up, to a lesser extent, on the weights/push-ups/etc., so I’ll be a little sore after tomorrow’s workout. And Wednesday’s.

I’m starting this round about where I left off first of June last year. I ended at 181 lbs and start this round at 179 lbs. My body fat was 19.4% then and 19.0% now. The downside is that around September, I was down to 173 lbs and 16.4% body fat. So I’ve slacked a bit the last few months. I’m not really sure where I want to end up after these three months. Probably in the 170 lb range and 14-15% body fat. But I’m not sure. More than anything, I want all my belly fat gone. I’ll post before/after pics when I’m done, like I did last time (much to my embarrassment).

So…wish me luck!

I have been driving since I was 15. I have been in some accidents–minor ones that were my fault, a major one that wasn’t. I consider myself a careful, safe driver, and prided myself in a very silly thing–that I have never been pulled over! Not ONCE!

Until last night. I was coming home from Chris’s house–girl’s night: ate, watched a movie. It was 10:30–not late, I know, but I’m usually ASLEEP by 10:30, so for me it was. I was trying to watch for deer in the neighborhood on the way home, but I guess I wasn’t doing so well at watching the speed limit, and I got stopped. Felt really stupid–how do I say “I was trying to be careful of the deer” when I was speeding? (Ok 35 in a 30…) I just didn’t say much. And I got the “watch my finger just to see if you’re sober” test…that was fun. But he was kind enough not to give me at ticket, so I feel lucky.

Stupid not paying attention. I really just wanted to get home and go to bed. Now my streak is broken. Guess now I’ll have to try to NEVER GET A TICKET!