Shout out to my bro Derek

This post is dedicated to Derek, as he has been faithfully checking my blog to see these pictures of Mark's fishing trip on the Clearwater in Northern Idaho. He was fishing for steelhead and apparently he was successful as I now have 2 GIANT fish in my freezer. Anyone know how to cook steelhead? We're ready for our fish fry! I wasn't there so I really can't give any fun facts about the trip, so i thought I would give my own interpretation of the pictures. Too bad Mark isn't here to intercept this post and put the real descriptions on the pictures!

I thought Mark was on vacay!?!?! He looks the same to me as when he is working, same coveralls, same sweatshirt. At least he didn't catch a case of homesickness as the weather obviously was reminding him of his chilly Arco home!

Doesn't this picture look like a picture that could belong in a Walker child's scrapbook? When we were young kids fishing at Warm River Dad would always have to hold our fish for our picture because they were so nasty for us to hold!


Okay, Mark really can hold his own fish. I had to post this pic to prove it. That last picture just brought back memories of our childhood so I had to write it!

Mark really did have fun and he caught his limit every day! He enjoyed having a guide to show him exactly where to through his line. He also thought it was pretty sweet to not have to fix his own snags.... the guide would just hand him a new pole! You can only keep the fish that have notches in the fins, the native fish have to be released. (the notched fins = hatchery fish). I can't see the notch in the pictures, so I will have to ask Mark to point that out to me.

Sicily's Birth Announcement

Here she is! These pictures were taken by my sister-in-law Jenna. She seems to be quite the photographer! We just love how the pictures turned out. Our little Sis is growing so much every day. She is 7 weeks now! She can find her fist, respond with a smile, play with her tongue, follow with her eyes, and find me (when I talk) in a room. She recognizes her dad, and loves to be snuggled (I love this because I know not all babies like that). She is pretty predictable, I think she has gotten into somewhat of a schedule. She only wakes up one time in the night, usually between 3:30 and 4:00; and she goes right back to sleep after being fed. We just love our easy going smiley baby! These pictures were taken when she was 2 weeks old. She can now hold up her own head. Mark thinks it will be funny to bless a baby that can hold up her own head, look around, make eye contact, and smile. Oh well! She was too little too take to church in September! Even though she is really growing and changing, she is still quite a petite little baby. She still wears newborn size clothes. She is especially skinny from the waist down. Thank goodness for diapers or the pants would never stay on! Those feet though, now there's another story! She has got some long feet! Oh how glad I am that those cute long feet are not inside me anymore!

A Dummys Guide on How To Tick Off The Primary Chorister

Today was supposed to be our Primary Program. I've been stressing out about getting the songs taught and having the children ready before I took the month of August off with the baby. This whole month we've been practicing hard and getting the kids ready for today. Before I went to bed last night I had the diaper bag packed, church clothes set out, alarms set, and the Primary Song Book ready to go. A half hour before we needed to leave we get a phone call saying that the power is off and so church is canceled. REALLY?!?! I could have kept my small newborn baby home from church a few extra weeks if I would have only known that our program wouldn't be until October!! Yes- I think it's safe to say that I'm ticked. Someone forgot to tell the power company that you don't mess with the Primary Chorister on the day of the Primary Program. It's just not a good idea. Since I don't personally know anyone at the power company, my dear husband and his brother Jared had the pleasure of listening to all my ranting and raving about the situation. Don't worry, Sicily slept "like a baby" through my whole explanation of why I was so annoyed.

It's That Time!!

I had to change my background for something appropriate for the season! We are attempting to start potato harvest tomorrow! Pretty exciting. It's funny how the first couple weeks are exciting and the last 2 weeks are torture! As the weather turns colder, so does my heart for harvest.

Sicily had her first parts run experience. Poor girl is going to have quite the life of going across the desert in search of parts. I thought it would be nice to get out and told Mark we'd ride with him to Idaho Falls in search of a part for the combine. We got to the JD store and found out they had the wrong part for us. Rexburg didn't have it, Blackfoot had 1 piece we needed. We drove to Blackfoot to get that part, on the way to Blackfoot we got a call back saying Tremonton had the part. They are the only JD store to carry the part for STATES around. I guess driving to Tremonton is faster than waiting for a part to come in the mail on a holiday weekend. So, long story short, Sicily had her first trip to Utah also! (Thanks Uncle Frank for your help getting phone numbers!)

Anyway, better to learn right off how "chasing" parts really is. Even if you have the part or better yet the husband in need of the part; you can't just walk into the first store and get the right thing. It just doesn't happen that way. And if it does happen that way for you, please call me and tell me what I'm doing wrong!!! I'll most likely need any "parts chasing advice" starting tomorrow with harvest starting. Yay for potatoes! (Okay that last sentence really was serious, not sarcastic like it could be interpreted. Really, who doesn't like potatoes?!)

Stay tuned for a post about our experience today with the Arco Fire Station. Who knew being a "stay at home mom" would be so adventerous???

Remember This???

If someone asked me what the happiest day of my life so far was, it would be on this day, 4 years ago! I was so lucky to marry the love of my life, and just like everyone told me, my love for him grows more each and every day! But, especially today when he came home for lunch and didn't even think about eating until he held baby "Sis" (that's what we've been calling her) and gave her kisses. Wow, happy anniversary to me. I'll cherish that picture for the rest of my life. Happy day! Sicily slept all through the night minus getting up to eat 1 time. She eats every 3 hours on the dot, making it easy to plan my day! She's pretty fun!

Sicily Telford

Well, finally an update! We had our baby, Sicily, on Aug. 17, so she is 1 week old today! And that week flew by! I started having contractions Sunday night about 10:00, and we went to the hospital Monday morning around 7:30. I was waiting all night for those contractions to get 5 minutes apart, and it just never happened. Finally we went to the hospital and I was already to a 7. Sicily was born at 1:26 pm, weighed 7 lbs even, and was 19 inches long. She has already brought us so much joy, and we are glad to be back into somewhat of a normal routine as I am living in Arco again! I could not figure out why I had so much mail and bills piled up when I got home, but then I realized I was gone for 15 days! A lot can happen in 15 days! I really appreciated having my mom and Kimaree take such good care of me while I was in Rexburg. They helped to distract me, and then nursed me back to health. Sicily and I were spoiled rotten! Here are a few pictures we have taken so far!

One happy dad!

(Mark hurt his arm motorbiking, so that is what is going on with the brace. Really! It wasn't because I was squeezing his hand that hard.)

10 fingers and 10 toes

We have been really entertained by how LONG Sicily's fingers and feet are! We are guessing she will be really tall like my sisters! She is always stretching out those fingers and she curves all 10 fingers up (like the backwards double-jointed up). It's really funny. She looks like she is always trying to show off her manicure or something dainty like that.

Tanning

We were worried one morning that Sicily was looking a little yellow, so Kimaree took her out and showed her the ways of the sun bathing world. It must have worked because the Dr. says no signs of jaundice are present! Yay! (Do those arms and legs look long or is it just me?)

Looking like a Walker?

Well, we don't know for sure, but we think Sicily looks just like my dad with a Telford nose. We'll have to see how she grows and changes, but so far we think Walker traits are what she's got! She was born without any major scratches or bumps other than her chin, which is almost cleared up! She's looking different every day!

40 Weeks!

M'Lisa just called me today and informed me that my baby countdown says it is Go Time! I was just wondering how you get that message to the baby?!?! Any tips? All in all I'm doing good, and considering the fact that I've now been pregnant for 40 weeks which is actually 10 months, not 9, I think I still have a pretty positive attitude! I do know that this can't last forever, so keep checking the blog and we'll post pictures WHEN baby girl does decide to come. We're pretty excited! Thanks everyone for your encouraging calls and texts! We have a pretty big support system!

Shout Out to Hall Girl Cousins

I know I haven't posted to my blog for a really long time, but we are doing good and having a great summer. I would have so much to update to my blog that I think I will just forget about an update and try to just be better at posting more frequently.

But, for my shout out: I am really enjoying working on my Grandma Zelma project for the cousin party! Is anyone else having a good time with it? I don't think I will say what I am doing, because then I won't have anything to say at the cabin; but I will say that it's been fun for me and I'm glad we are doing it. Has anyone else gotten a kick out of this? Or am I just a crazy pregnant lady that's easy to amuse?

7 Posts for the Price of One!

Puzzle Project

When Mark went to Texas this winter he bought me a puzzle of the Alamo. I worked hard on it on Sunday afternoons and finished it a couple months ago. I was so proud of myself! (It was HARD!) Anyway, this is proof that I actually did the puzzle. I've never been a puzzle girl, but there's a first for everything!

Telford Brothers Transystem

Mark and Ryan bought another semi. My idea was to get Mijken to order vinyl lettering for the side that said Telford Brothers Transystem. For some reason that idea never caught on. Oh well! (For those of you who don't know why that would be a good name, the trucks that haul beets are bright green like this and they are called Transystem. See?!?)

Jared & Christine Woods

Christine got married! She was a pretty bride and the day went very smoothly! Now we have to get used to calling her Christine Woods! (No relation to Tiger that I'm aware of.)

Campfire and Cobbler

The Walker Family LOVES to have campfires, with or without an overnight camping stay. The night before Dallin's farewell we went to Beaver Dick Park and had a fire. We roasted hot dogs, marshmallows, and had Dallin's famous peach cobbler. The best part was just enjoying each other's company. We were all there, Mark even made it before we were done! We will miss Dallin, and the fun he adds to family outings; but we know he'll be a great missionary and will serve the Spanish speaking people in Fresno, CA very well. I'm sure they will love him just as much as we love him!

Dallin's cobbler ready for the coals.

M'Lisa and Lance Denning

Derek, Angelie, and Brooklyn Walker

Elder Dallin Walker

We took Dallin to the MTC on April 29th. Lance and M'Lisa were finishing up finals, so they couldn't be there. We had an enjoyable ride down to Provo. We all fit in mom's van (aka the beast). It was hard to say goodbye!

Mark's 26th Birthday

Mark turned 26 on May 1st! He requested homemade pizza and his Mom's recipe for strawberry cheesecake. Very Yummy! He had to work of course, he's been very busy! But at least we can have his favorite dinner!

Baby Telford's Name

At the request of my mom, we have decided to name our baby Beatrice Marilyn. So there you have it! One decision down, many to go. Our next big decision is trying to decide whether we can live with this decision.

Blue or Pink???

Well, we are tickled PINK to announce we are having a baby girl!!! Mark even wore his PINK Sunday shirt from Jared and Jenna's wedding yesterday to church (he said it was because it was Easter, and PINK is an Easter color, but I know the real reason for the PINK shirt). Needless to say we are soooo excited!

The Past Two Weeks

Where do I begin? Mark and I have been busy. Mark has begun cutting and shipping seed from Arco, and I've just been driving around in my car... what I do best! You never know where I'll be each day!

Two weeks ago today our dog Rebel was hit by the neighbor. Mark believes he slipped on the ice and fell too close to the tire, but however it happened, it was quite traumatic for us. (Mostly me). Rebel has been my first pet, so I have become to love him and treat him as a good preparation for kids. Just ask anyone who knows me, this dog is PAMPERED, and I enjoy every minute I pamper him. I already know things will change when the baby comes, but in the meantime I want to worry about him all day every day. He makes a good traveling companion when I'm going place to place in my car every day. Anyway, I was rushing him to the vet in Terreton when I found out he was in Utah, so I just kept driving to Rexburg. That was the longest drive of my life! Looking back, I now realize that Rebel was dying and that was the reason for his behavior in the car. Luckily, we got him to the vet in time to get his pain under control and get him out of shock. On Tuesday the vet called me and told me Rebel had lived through the night, and so he would be able to perform surgery on his broken leg. I was one happy girl! (Let's just say I didn't get much sleep wondering what the vet would tell me the next morning.) The vet called on Wednesday morning after the surgery and told me to come get Rebel because he was growling and barking at anyone who tried to get close, so they couldn't give him the medicine. When I got there he was happy to be carried to my car and go home. I had to wake up every 2 hours and take him to the bathroom (carry him outside basically) and all that fun stuff. But it is worth it! He is eating and drinking now, and acting like the old Rebel. He has to be in his cage or a small room for the next 2 months, and we are getting his staples removed on Wednesday. This has been good in a way, because we are not letting Rebel into our house anymore, so we can keep him more confined, and also prepare for the baby.

Luckily he only had to wear this one night, since then he has left his leg alone!

This was 2 weeks ago, now the bruising is almost gone and the swelling is almost gone. His hair is starting to grow back!

Now for the fun stuff! Last weekend we were in Rexburg for Kimaree's Jr. Miss. She did so awesome and was BEAUTIFUL! The theme was Fabulous, and they danced to High School Musical Songs. The stage decorations were so great! She didn't win, but I have to keep reminding myself that, because in our eyes she won before she ever stepped foot on the stage. Some of the other participants were a little rude to Kimaree (to say the least), but she just turned the other cheek and was her same sweet self. She worked 24/7 on all the routines and her talent, and it showed on stage. The theme of Jr. Miss is "Be Your Best Self", and it's nice to know that Kimaree really is her best self inside and out. Hopefully the other mean girls will learn from her example! We love her a lot and couldn't be more proud. (Plus it has helped to have half the crowd come up to us afterwards and tell us they thought she should have won! I don't know why, but that always makes me feel more validated!)

Aren't those decorations cute!?!

Kimaree's suit for interview.

That's the genuine smile we love! Good Job Kimaree! We love You!

While I was in Rexburg I had another Dr's appt. I made my next appointment for April 10th. Mark and I have decided to find out what we are having, so on April 10th we will find out! I have been feeling much better the last few weeks, and we haven't had to have any emergency PULL OVER moments for a while. So we are making progress! And, I got my hair cut and colored last Thursday. Not just a trim and hi lights either, it's like a new hairdo! I'll have to post pictures of the new do soon!

Life is Great Because of.....

My butter crock! I got my butter crock almost a year ago. My mom, M'Lisa, and I were staying at Debbie and Kevin's house when she whipped out this handy little thing. Needless to say, before we left Utah we all bought one! So in case you don't know about these (I had never seen them before our Utah trip) I will tell you. Butter left open on the counter top quickly goes rancid, and when refrigerated it tears holes in your bread. Happily, there's a third way — the butter crock. What butter requires to stay fresh isn't cold temperature, but protection from the oxygen in air. Butter crocks keep your butter soft and fresh, right on the counter, for up to a month! Just put about an inch of cool water in the base, pack the bell with butter, and invert it in the base. The water seals out air, keeping your butter soft, sweet & fresh for up to 30 days. The only maintenance required is to change the water every third day.
So, if you come to my house and I serve hot rolls, (ha ha ha) you're going to think this little tool is just about the coolest thing ever invented. Who doesn't LOVE real butter that is soft the instant you need it? And, what made me post about this? A conversation I had with Mark the other morning over pancakes. He asked me how much the crock cost. ($5.00). He then asked me why everyone doesn't use them, because, "That fake butter is so nasty. It ruins everything it touches. Sure it's always soft, but don't people care about taste? And this thing keeps butter soft. Besides, that fake butter is bad for the Dairy industry." So now you have it. If you don't go out and buy one of these crocks, you're ruining the Dairy industry one tub of fake butter at a time. Hope you can sleep at night!

Exciting News!

Mark and I have been so excited about the day we would finally tell everyone we were having a baby! We decided last weekend that Mark would tell his family while he was with them, and I would tell mine. Well, Mark didn't get the job done. (Probably too busy having FUN... sounds like I missed out!) But... he finally told his mom the other night, and so now more people are becoming aware. So, to those of you trying to beat the news out of me (Ryan Telford) it's true! And we couldn't be more excited. The due date is August 14th. I have been feeling ________ (fill in the blank). You name it I've been down that road and felt like that. BUT, to focus on the positive, I feel like I am back to my "new normal" self and the only difference is I don't EVER skip a meal and Mark says my tummy is starting to poke out. Those of you who enjoy those "belly shots" sorry! You will never see me post a picture on purpose like that. I'm too private or something. But honestly, I can still do up my pants so it's not like there's much to see anyway. Thanks for being excited with us!! Also, If you haven't heard Dallin got his mission call to Fresno California, Spanish speaking. We are totally excited for him. He leaves April 29th. Kimaree is working super hard on Jr. Miss and is going to blow everyone away with her talent on March 13th and 14th. So we are just looking forward to a ton of exciting things around our house! Being busy has helped us to not have the winter blues!

Book Club

I joined my Ward's Book Club in November and have been loving it!! I have really enjoyed the books we've read, and the ones I've read on my own. It is always nice to read something highly recommended by people you trust! Here is a list of the books I have read so far: (Mom, prepare to be amazed. I am not the same girl who took 9 months to finish Les Miserable my Senior Year in High School. I can actually read faster now!!)

The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch

The Christmas Sweater, Glenn Beck

When the Heart Cries; Sisters of the Quilt Series (3 books), Cindy Woodsmall

The Bishop's Mantle, Agnes Sligh Turnbull

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

And I'm finishing up The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter for book club on Thursday. I would highly recommend any of these books to someone looking for a good book to read. Just a warning.... Do Not begin the Sisters of the Quilt Series unless you have all 3 books in your possession. Your husband can not handle listening to you guess what the outcome will be, and he really doesn't want to know about each of the Amish characters in the book!

It has been really fun and thought provoking for me to read these books rather than watch every reality show or news commentary as an alternative. However, please do not bug us during the show True Beauty, we love this show and are rooting for Julia. (Please do not tell Mark you heard that from me. I think he wants that 1 indulgence kept secret).