Nathan & Fiona, Kaisa & Everett – Family Blog

I’ve tried not to complain much about the economy.

Nathan was laid off yesterday (along with almost 40 others at his company) and I feel like I now have a license to complain.

Nathan and I have tried to be smart with our money.  We bought a modest home when we were first married and while we both worked, we saved as much as we could.  We paid for our first car in cash.  We have paid off all of our debt besides our home and one interest-free loan for our water softener.  We pay off our credit card every month.  If we want something and don’t have the money in savings, we simply don’t buy it.  We pay our tithing.

Meanwhile, stupid people took out loans to buy houses they couldn’t afford.  Stupid companies loaned too much money to people who couldn’t pay it back.  Stupid people used their credit cards to pay for things they wanted but couldn’t afford.  The housing market tanked, as did the economy.  Nathan’s company was forced to make cuts, and even though he’s been a stellar employee since the start, they let him go.  If we had to sell our house now, we would lose thousands of dollars.

There are a few things I just can’t take, and one of them is being punished for other people’s mistakes.  I’ve had enough!  America, let’s start being smart with our money.  Don’t buy things you can’t afford!!!!!

Ok, I’m done now.  If anyone knows of any good internet marketing or product management positions in Utah or Salt Lake County, let us know.

Kaisa’s birthday was on April 11th.  She turned 2!  Can you believe it?  Time flies.  We were in Arizona on her actual birthday, and since we had an easter egg hunt planned at my grandma Stapley’s home, we brought along a cake and she got sung to by a bunch of my cousins who she never sees.  Hence, the nervous face in the first picture.

Getting sung to by people she doesn't know

There's a smile!

When we returned to Utah, we had a fun Tinker Bell party with some of her friends in the neighborhood.  My mom recently graduated from ASU with a degree in Music Therapy, and she has been teaching children music with a program called “Music Together.”  She did 45 minutes of music games & activities, and the kids LOVED it!  Then, we went outside to eat cupcakes, open presents, & play.  Kaisa got lots of fun things & had a great time!  Thanks to all who came & helped!

Tinker Bell Birthday Cupcakes

Don't ask me why she's scowling at her cupcake.

Opening presents!

More present opening. It was funny to watch the other kids try to help her. She finally let them, but the whole time kept saying "my present" to make sure they knew. :)

Kaisa's present from mom & dad...a trike! Now she has one to match everyone else in the neighborhood! LOL!

Happy Birthday, Kaisa!  We love you!

I have so much to post right now…Easter, our AZ trip, Kaisa’s birthday…but I’ll start with the most recent event in our household.  Plus, I want to write about this while I still remember some of what was said.  :)

Dear Everett,

On Sunday, April 19th, your father gave you a blessing and a name.  We named you Everett David Judd.  We chose “Everett” because it was unique and strong.  It means “brave one.”  We hope you will always be brave, as you will be tested and tried much in this life.  We chose “David” as your middle name after your grandpa Judd.  He is a good man and a wonderful example to follow.  We also want you to read about the Davids in the scriptures who served the Lord and follow their examples.

Your father gave you a beautiful blessing.  Some of the things he blessed you with were a strong body, a testimony of the Gospel, and the ability to learn from the experiences you will have in this life so you can return to live with your Father in Heaven.  He blessed you that you would serve a mission faithfully & be married in the temple to a virtuous woman of your choosing.  He also blessed you with a respect for women, including your mother (you’d better!).  I really liked that.  I know that these blessings and many more will be yours if you do what is right in this life.  We love you, Everett, as does your Heavenly Father, and we want to be with you forever!

Love, Mom & Dad

Everett wore the same blessing gown Nathan wore when he was blessed. It is 170 years old and has been passed down through his mom's side.

A special day for father and son!

Proud mama!

The Stapleys & Porters who came (Fiona's family).

The kids and I arrived in Arizona safe and sound, but unfortunately not healthy. Kaisa got car sick and threw up 7 times in the car, and another 3 yesterday. Luckily, she hasn’t yet today so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the worst is over.

Anyway, I cleaned her car seat very thoroughly and it still REEKS of barf. Anyone have a proven way to get the barf smell out of a car seat? I would love your suggestions!

This morning, Nathan and I got up early and braved the cold and snow to run our first 5K.  I had never run any kind of race before (except junior high track and field) and was a bit apprehensive about it.  But once we got down to the starting line, I was really excited and pumped!  I didn’t know where to put my timer so I stuck it on my arm, and I guess that’s not the right place because my time didn’t register.  I did check the clock and I think I ran it in about 35 to 40 minutes.  I ran the first half straight, and then alternated walking and running the rest.  It hurt like crazy at some parts, but I pushed myself and it felt to good to finish!  Nathan finished a couple of minutes before me, but I was pretty proud of myself for keeping up with him most of the way.  I think I will definitely do this again!  I am starting my boot camp on Monday morning, so we’ll see how fast I can get by the end of the summer!

Unfortunately, Kaisa broke our camera so I have no pictures of the event.  I will keep checking the professional photos they took, but I doubt there will be one of us on there.  It looks like they focused mostly on the half-marathoners.  Oh well!  We’ll just have to do it again.  :)