Christina Franklin, DG

I come from a long pedigree of domestically-advanced women, one that would put even Martha to shame. My great grandmother cooked for ranch hands, no small feet when you think that she cooked 3 big meals a day on a wood-burning stove while she had small children! My grandmother ironed bed sheets (before irons were even electric. My own mother was a wonder: I remember her canning all sorts of stuff, baking, sewing our clothes, making jams, fruit leather... shoot, she even sewed my doll clothes. Phew, I'm tired just thinking about it.

Think of the pressure of being related to all of those Domestic Goddesses! So I naturally rebelled. In fact, I despised anything domestic. Instead of sewing doll clothes, I glue gunned. I didn't bake. I didn't scrapbook. I didn't iron. When I made something in young women's, I gave it to someone else. On our 2nd date, I turned to Rob and said, "Just so you know, I hate to cook. I can cook, but I don't like to. I just want you to know that from the beginning." An old friend just reminded me of a time when we both were making a list of goals. I actually made fun of her for putting "canning peaches" on her list. Very ironic.

Well, you've heard once Satan gets his toe in the door, he weazles his whole body in. The same for domesticity. Slowly, little by little, I have given in and have become more domestic, even embracing it. I make jam, I can, I try new recipes all the time, I make fruit leather, grape juice, and I've even done a little sewing. I have joined the ranks of my mother, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and can put that sacred "DG" behind my name... Domestic Goddess. And I am proud!


But just for the record, I still never iron and I don't bake... I've never actually made cookies from scratch. Kind of proud of that, too.

Friends, Fruit, Family

I love summer time! Friends are home. Fruit is in season. Family visits. It's great.

I have a dear friend, well actually several dear friends, but one in particular. Charity Smith. She lives 2 doors down and both she and her daughter (Berlynn, who is Bekah's age) are home during the summer. So every day, my kids wake up and ask to go to Berlynn's house, and Berlynn wakes up and begs to come to ours. The kids just run back and forth from one house to another. Dress ups, swimming, trains, babies. It's the perfect neighbor! If I have to run somewhere, Charity urges me to leave the kids with her, and vice versa. Plus, the two of us get along really well. We are both a lot like each other's husbands, so we are obviously very compatible :) This morning she called to see if my kids could come and play because hers was a little ornery and needed friendly diversions. This was great, because I had already sent my kids back to bed for time out and it was only 8 am. (They had been up way to late singing & talking in their room last night). While they played very nicely together, I watched the kids while Charity did some stuff & then I got to run errands. We had lunch together and Charity and I did Yoga while Kyle napped and the girls played. We are even visiting teaching companions. We have gone to dinner together when both of our husbands are gone, gone to movies (with kids dressed up), gone hiking, swimming, biking. My favorite time was when we went to the Mayan a couple years ago. Her daughter used to undress whenever she got in water, and in the few seconds that it took for me to look away from the kids and wave to Charity as she pulled up with the car, I turned to find her daughter completely naked, trying to climb into the water fountain in front of the restaurant. Ahh! You can't beat memories like those! She is the best neighbor. We've had wonderful spiritual discussions, frustrations, and lots of laughs. It's sad that she will start teaching school in a couple weeks and tragic that they are trying to sell their house and move up north. Don't be surprised if I sound really depressed this winter.

With fruit in season, I have started domestically mooching. One friend let me come and pick raspberries, and so I made freezer jam. Another lady in our ward let me come and pick apricots. I made fruit leather with them. Never done that, and I find that I always have a big learning curve domestically. I put it on tinfoil. Big mistake. It took about 10 min. to make, about 2 hours to pull all the tinfoil of the fruit leather. I also picked cherries from a neighbor, but because they had worms, I always had to cut the cherries and pull out the worms before we ate. I still can't believe that I did that (Charity did it too, bless her, and even made us cherry pie. I think both our husbands were slightly grossed out), but the cherries were really good.

It has been WONDERFUL having so much family come visit. We have had a chance to see Rob's extended family again this week, Aunt Liz & kids, Sid & Steph, almost all of Bruce and Jeannies family are here for the summer, Brett, Wendy & family (my kids LOVE the cousins Rosey, Max, Chelsea, and Ashley), Grandma Bassett, Jannene & Kevin at their magic show last week... And of course I'm so excited for next week when all of my family arrives for the wedding. We love hanging out with family. Rob enjoyed golfing this Saturday with his uncles while I attended a bridal shower. I have to admit, it makes me really nervous to think about the possibility of moving in the future.

So for now, I will just enjoy this marvelous wonderful summer!

hopeless cause

There is nothing I can do. Except have her wear very long shirts. There is either a wedgy or a crack. It doesn't matter what she wears. One way or the other. Sigh.

A parent's dilema

Should I be more firm and strict? Should I relax? I should probably be more patient. As Bekah is getting older, her character is developing more. She is having a hard time with impulse control... you know the 3 yr. old thing... collapsing when she doesn't get her way or just grabbing what she wants. But it concerns me how I can best help her, help mold her and give her the tools and skills she needs. How? This is every parents' quandary.

Answers have come to me from two sources: one is my mother. I just spent the last hour talking with her. With experience in raising 5 kids (plus other kids who lived with us), she's good. But I really appreciate her teaching experience, working with a lot of different kids. She LOVES to teach and is always full of ideas. It is her passion and since it is definitely not mine, I get to just benefit from it. If anyone out there wants help trying to teach your child... call my mother.

My second source: even more all-knowing. I have heard about how God blesses mothers with inspiration, and I have felt it. We went to the temple this week (I love the temple!), and I felt that quiet whisper. Guidance. I may not be confident that I am doing everything right, but I at least know where to find the answers. If anyone out there wants help with pretty much anything ... pray.

p.s. Mom, if you are reading this, I give you my permission to leave a comment about ...I don't know... maybe how great a daughter I am or something :)

Just floating by

After living here for 3 years, we finally did it! And I guess it was fitting that it was on Pioneer day. We floated in the Great Salt Lake. And it is true... you float! We enjoyed a lovely ride on my dad's boat (I feel like I should wear my "cardi" and casually mention "the yacht") and then we all jumped in for a swim. Even the kids warmed up to it. A lovely holiday. Isn't life lovely.



We also went to the rodeo and had a good time. I happened to win the tickets, and you know we love free. Swimming in the Great Salt Lake, going to a rodeo... so western/pioneery isn't it? Now if I just say "moun-un" and "impor-un" and "Lay-un" I will be a true Utah-un.

Favorite Parenting Ideas

After I realized that we had gone a couple weeks without my kids brushing their teeth, I decided to do something. I made this chore chart to hang on their door handle, and it has worked SO well. One side is for the morning, and one for night. All I have to say is, "Look at the chore chart". So, per Valerie's request, here it is:


You just laminate it with both hard and soft lamination. The part about put away clothes also means put away toys. However, the very last job on the night time says, "Close eyes." It never works.

Idea #2: My daughter spills everything. She can have one small bite and there will be a stain down her shirt. UUGGHH! I can't get upset with her, since she inherited it; I can remember the first time I ever ate spaghetti without spilling on myself. I was in high school. So no cute little bib will cut it. My friend had this idea, and I love it. We just use old t-shirts or onesies that are already stained. Sometimes I'll cut off the sleaves or put a cut around the collar to make it easier to get on & off over clothes. They are nice and big! Now, if she can just stop dripping on her shorts...

Our comings and goings

Busy week! Sunday, we had dinner with all the Bassett family at Grandma's house. It was fun to see so many of the little cousins! It seems that all the relatives 4 and under are much more mellow children. On both sides of the family. My kids are always the ones running, marching, or dancing around while others sit cuddling on their parents laps. So "THANKS!" to all of those cousins, aunts and uncles who spend so much time running around with my kids. It warms my heart to see your love and energy. Plus it means that I don't have to run around the whole time.

Rob has enjoyed spending some time with his family this week. Monday night while I worked, Rob went out to eat with his dad, Jannene & Kevin, and Richie, Carolyn & family. Then Tuesday he was up early to go fishing with his dad and brother. Although they didn't catch much, I hear that they went to a beautiful spot. And it sound like they had some good talks together... quality guy talk: oil prices, techno stuff, and fishing. My bet is that they didn't talk about feelings or relationships once.

That night, I went to the American Idol concert with my mom & her neighbors. My parents are big fans, and after buying tickets, they were pretty bummed when my dad had to be out of town that night. So I got to go instead. Fun! And yes, David Archiletto was a cutie! Thanks Dad.

A lot of my time has been spent organizing the Woods Cross Summer Literacy Program. I think it is important to volunteer and give back to the community, but you can't always do that with little kids. Well, it's been busy but really fun. This week, we had a group come and do a Chinese dragon dance, which the kids loved. Plus, articles about the program have been in 2 local papers, so we have gotten a bunch of books donated. That means that we have been able to give kids both new and used books to take home. We have only one more week, and I have to confess, as fun as it has been, it will be nice to have a break. I have a list of projects that I want to do when it is done, plus we will start preparing for next years program.

I've got that stomach bug going around. Luckily, my kids have been playing WONDERFULLY together all morning, so I think I'm going back to bed.

Camping

I love camping. I love being up in the mountains, the stillness, the clean air, the crackle of the evening fire. One can sit by the warmth of the fire and just stare into the embers. I love being able to see the stars at night and hearing the wind rustle in the trees.

Camping with children is different. Packing takes a lot more effort. There is the porta-a-crib, blankies, diapers, blow-up Dora bed, toy fishing poles, fishies and bucket, extra clothes, bigger tent to fit us all, and heaven-forbid-you-forget-the-pacifier. You have to pick a site next to the latrine, which you visit at least twice in the first 20 minutes with your 3 yr old. Kids do not go to bed easily in a tent. Not at all. But they are sure up bright and early. Plus, the sleeping bag you planned to use is now being used by your daughter, so you spend most of the night awake and freezing, as well as awake, checking to make sure your children are not freezing.


We went camping on Friday night. Even though it wasn't much like pre-kid camping, we came back totally exhausted, very dirty, and with our car's bumper hanging in place with a zip-tie, I think it was a success. We roasted marshmallows, sang songs, and told stories. We went on a little hike where we spotted bees, different colored flowers, butterflies, and even got to climb over a big log. It was nice to be together.


One more thing that we did Sat. afternoon (after a recovery nap), we headed up to This is the Place Park, and enjoyed an afternoon of pioneer stuff. The kids did crafts, rode horses, played games, rode the train, and we all had lots of fun. That night, we washed the car, washed the kids, and thankfully collapsed into our own bed. Ahh...

Our guardian angel

Today during Primary, the lesson was about the light of Christ. Apparently, Bekah raised her hand and when called upon, announced, "Grandpa Bassett died." A couple of the adults came up to me later and offered their condolences. Thanks, but Grandpa Bassett died almost 7 years ago, long before Bekah was born.

Now I know this gets into super cheesy, but I have always felt like after his death, Grandpa Bassett was up in heaven preparing my kids. Once, when Rebekah was young, I showed her pictures of everyone from the Bassett reunion, trying to teach her everyone's name. Without prompting, she pointed out and named, "Grandpa Bassett." So her comment is probably just some random comment from a slightly ADHD child, but if not....

A child's prayer

Bekah spent last night with Gamma & Gamps (which she LOVED). Gamma and Bekah then met us at the park for the Literacy Program (which went well, amazingly, since several youth volunteers didn't show up). Afterwards, we had lunch at McD's, before heading home.

So tonight, this was Kyle's prayer: "Thankful for Bekah home safe. Thankful for Gamma and Bekah to go to McDonnals. Thankful Gamma come with us to McDonnals. Thankful Gamma and Bekah play at McDonnals...."

So thanks, Mom.

Percussions, Bangs, and Repercussions

There is not much that gets me more nostalgic than a hometown parade. Standing and cheering the veterans, swaying to the music of marching bands, or watching the children scramble for candy, we are all united in the celebration of the country we love. And the July 4th Kaysville Parade seems to me the epitome of that. Families gathered together, parades with nothing but home-grown: high school drill teams, Fruit Heights queen, local companies. Kids creep out almost to the middle of the road to catch the salt water taffies thrown, and everyone gears up for the huge water fight at the end. I almost got teary as the local high school band marched by, bouncing to the drum beat... it's like watching something from another era, an era when everyone is your neighbor and we all look out for each other. Plus, who doesn't like getting free stuff? We ended up with a ball, 2 stuffed animals, a t-shirt, a box of toothpick flags, 2 kids necklaces, ice pops (I accidentally pushed my own mother out of the way for those), and lots of candy. Never mind we'll probably throw most of the stuff away... it was FREE!

We spent the parade with the Gamma, Gamps, Jared, Tonya, Grandma & Grandpa Franklin, and Lorie (who just came in town). Wow! All that family just added to my sentimentality. That evening, we went to Uncle Bruce's to light fire works. The kids LOVED it! Between rounds, they would jump up and down excitedly yelling, "Bang!" and telling me all about the fireworks. The kids had so much fun, they were up until almost 11 pm. I think heaven will be like July 4th.

I'll tell you what will be like July 5th... maybe I won't. You all know what a very late bedtime does to a 2 yr old.

One more not-so-nice event was that I got in an accident. A couple of weeks ago, my mom dented in one side of my bumper driving to the Literacy Program. This week, after picking up books for the Literacy Program, I didn't notice the light changing, and banged up the other side of the bumper. As soon as it happened, I burst into tears, overcome with what could have happened to my children if another car hadn't managed to stop. Luckily, no one was hurt, there was little damage, and Rob was right there and took care of everything. Unluckily, it happened right in front of a cop so I also got my first ticket.

The lady who hit me asked Rob if it was his daughter driving. I'm not sure if I should be flattered.