Sod in the Backyard

My parents' backyard has been dirt for more than 10 years. Every summer they have talked about getting grass planted. Usually they talk about getting started when the weeds are 3 or 4 feet high. I hate chopping weeds. This year we got started earlier. The weeds were only 2 feet high. Dad and I chopped weeds and got everything cleared.

The rototiller came next, in order to soften up the ground. Then with rakes and shovels we leveled the yard.

Next we picked up rocks and smoothed the ground a few last times.

We loaded both our trucks to their max. 60 rolls of sod in each truck filled them to their limit. 2 loads a piece did the job. The most back braking part was getting the sod out of the trucks and into the wheel barrow. Try lifting 20 lbs on your knees 180 times or so.

Hauling the sod into the backyard with the wheel barrow was good. Dad got 9 rolls in each load. I had to up him and did 11. Most loads I did 9 rolls, since 11 wanted to tip over on me. It went down quickly and made an instant difference in the feel of the backyard.

Now all that is left is to water it and enjoy. Dad has been watering it twice a day. It should do great. I am glad that I will never have to chop weeds in this backyard ever again.

New Vinyl for Gma Higham

Grandma and Grandpa Higham have lived in their house for near 26 years and have had the same vinyl in their kitchen. It wore very well, except right on the seam. It was time for some new vinyl.

Since I work in a flooring store, I got them a great deal on vinyl. My dad and I left his house at 7 a.m. and headed for Clearfield. Just over 2 hours later we arrived and it was a lovely day. Grandma Higham was at work until noon, so that gave us a few hours to complete the job before she got home.

We headed inside to inspect the floor and double check a few measurements. Usually the worst part of a vinyl job is removing the old vinyl. In this case, we were very lucky because Grandpa Higham, Zack and Andrew removed it a few days earlier. I cannot say enough thanks for doing the worst job for us.

They did a great job removing the old vinyl. However, Grandpa Jenson still got down on his hands and knees and inspected every inch of the floor to removed any staples or nails that got missed. He found a few and then was satisfied.

Then we laid out the vinyl on the front lawn to rough cut it. We cut it to the dimensions of the kitchen, leaving it about two inches long on the sides. We also cut a slit so the vinyl fit around the cabinets. This part was nice, since the grass was soft on the knees.

Next we took the vinyl inside. We cut it to get it to lay mostly flat. Then we lifted it up, folding it back halfway and applied glue in sections. Be careful not to trowel yourself into a corner.

Then we carefully cut along the edges, making them lay down perfectly. You must be very careful with this step. If you cut too much off, there is no going back.

The next step was the roller. By starting in the center and working toward the edges in a fan shape, bubbles are worked out and complete contact with the floor is achieved.

As a reward for all our hard work, we received lemon fritters. Apple fritters are superior, but lemon ones were still appreciated.

Here is the finished product. It looked very nice.

We left at 12:30 and Grandma Higham was not home yet. She called me later and said that when she got home the fridge, the stove, the dishwasher and the kitchen table were all back in their places. The only thing different was the floor. She loved it.

Seth's Scriptures

As the same as most two year olds, Seth wants to do everything himself and be independent. When we read in the Book of Mormon, he wants his turn too. He got his own book and Grandpa Jenson wrote Seth's name in the front. He always makes sure that he has the right book and is quick to show me his name each time. He thinks it says "Seth Thomas the train Jenson." Since he can't read, he has been allowing Jennifer to help him. She will read two words and he will repeat them. He does pretty well. We sometimes have a good chuckle at the big words that he is saying and at the way that his little mouth messes up sometimes. Last night when it was his turn, he did not want Jennifer to help him read. We told him to go ahead. He got the book in front of him and said, "Behold." Then he looked at Jennifer like, "Was that right?" That is not what the verse said, but he knew that many verses start this way and it would

be a good guess.

When we ask Seth who's turn it is to pray, he always says that it is his turn. He does well and at least prays how he has heard us pray. If we try to help him, he says, "Not you, Me!" We keep trying and he takes our directions, reluctantly. We may have to start saying two prayers,

so he can get his turn too.

Crazy weather

 I cannot believe how unpredictable the weather is. One day it will be warm and sunny in the 70 and the next day there is rain, thunder, lighting, and hail.

Thomas and Ray worked out in the yard one evening and then to relax we went down to the park for some friendly games of horseshoes.

 Seth had a great time with his own plastic horses.

He was so excited to be playing with Daddy and Grandpa.

No jackets needed except on the little guy.

 Carter just watched from the side and kept tabs on the water bottle.

Then yesterday this is what we found on the ground.

When will it warm up and stay warm?