Tribute

Though I did not know her for very many years, I know that Jack's grandma, Marian Stringham, was an amazing woman. She was an incredible violinist, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. No matter what was going on in her life, she always looked beautiful, had a smile on her face, a positive comment, and a sincere compliment to share with whomever she was speaking to. She also raised four exceptionally kind children. I know she is now rejoicing to see her son and her parents again and though her family will miss her, especially her husband, they will be able to be together again.



Marian Lois Smith Stringham 5/14/1925 ~ 2/25/2010 Marian Lois Smith Stringham peacefully passed from this life on February 25, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 14, 1925 in Ogden, Utah to Edwin E. and Lois D. Smith. She graduated from Ogden High school and the University of Utah in Business and Music and was a member of Chi Omega. She was married in the Salt Lake Temple to her sweetheart, Jack Dunyon Stringham M.D., in 1949. Having been together for 61 years, their love for each other was always present and felt by us all. They were an example of true love, devotion and unselfishness. Her life was centered on her family whom she cherished dearly, always putting her family first in encouraging, supporting and promoting her children's and grandchildren's talents and desires. From her early childhood, music was very important to Marian. She continued to develop her musical talents throughout her life. She was a member of the Utah Symphony until moving with her husband to San Diego and Seattle while he served in the Navy. Later, she played her violin with the Salt Lake Symphony for over 25 years. Marian was known for her beautiful flower gardens. Each summer she and Jack carefully and meticulously planted flowers, creating a haven of beauty for gatherings of family and friends. She loved family traditions, Sunday dinners and get-togethers, especially those shared at Bear Lake, Lake Powell, Jackson, Wyoming and Aspen, Colorado. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints and served in many capacities, her favorite being serving in the Primary with the young children and as a hostess at the Church Office Building. She brought the spirit into many meetings with her lovely violin music and also found joy in sharing her talents creating floral arrangements each week for Sacrament and Relief Society meetings and for many special events both church and civic. Later, Marian found great happiness as she and her husband served in the California, San Diego, Mission. Marian loved people and throughout the years enjoyed association with many wonderful friends who were very dear to her. Marian radiated beauty, grace and refinement and brought joy into the lives of everyone she knew. Though she had many challenges in life, she met them with strength, dignity and a positive attitude, always focusing on the needs of others. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Jack, and four of their five children, John E. (Jan), Anne (David Jerman), Paul B. (Kim), and Susie (Kent Compton), her brother Ray (Colleen) Smith, 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren with #27 on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents and son Stephen. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Monument Park 17th Ward building, 2795 Crestview Drive in Salt Lake City, Family and friends may call Monday, March 1st, 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 South, and at the church Tuesday, 10:00-10:45 a.m. preceding the funeral service. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North "N" Street. www.larkinmortuary.com

Almost Here, Almost Ready

My due date is less than three weeks away, so technically this little guy could come any day now. My doctor thinks he will come earlier than his due date, but we'll see.

(my 37.5 week belly)

Hannah and I have been working hard to prepare for his arrival. While I have been working on cleaning and organizing the house, Hannah has been pretending to be a baby. She found an old bottle (she never even used a bottle as an infant) and wants me to fill it up with water so she can drink from it. She also wants to get in the crib and infant car seat and bouncer. She thinks that talking in a higher whiny voice makes her sound like a baby too.

Today we organized the baby's room, pulled out all of the tiny onesies and hung up the little boy clothes that generous friends have given us. I raised the crib mattress up high again and put on new sheets and a bumper pad. Hannah and I also put together a bouncer chair. I never had one for Hannah but always wanted one so when I found an inexpensive one I bought it.

(Hannah in the bouncer, she still has a screwdriver in her hand from "helping" me put it together)

I still have a few things to do to get ready for his arrival. My checklist still includes: organizing closets and cupboards, scrubbing the bathroom, packing a hospital bag for me and a bag for Hannah to stay at grandma's, setting up the bassinet, and making some freezer meals. My mom is almost done with a crib quilt for him so he doesn't have to have a purple one and my grandpa is coming tomorrow to paint his bedroom. I am excited to see it all come together.

(Hannah pretending to be a baby in the crib)

I already bought a double stroller but am still debating if it is the right one for us. I don't know why this decision has been so hard for me, I have wasted way too many hours online reading stroller reviews!

But probably the MOST IMPORTANT thing left to do is to find a name for him.

His name is all I can think about lately! Jack really wants to name him Jackson - for obvious reasons. I think it will be too confusing to have a Jack and a Jackson in the same house. Hannah really wants Bruno, but I know she is just as happy to call him "brother". The problem is I don't know what I want. Nothing really stands out to me yet.

I have been really tired throughout this pregnancy because I have anemia, something I did not struggle with while pregnant with Hannah. I am still waiting for those nesting instincts to kick in so I can have the energy to get everything done that I need to. In any case, I am excited for this little guy to make his entrance into the world and into our family. He may not have a name yet, but he is already loved.

Soul Sister

Every night I read Hannah 3 books and sing her 3 songs. That is her routine. Sometimes Daddy can read the books, but he is not allowed to sing the songs. If he tries she has a meltdown. The problem is that Jack does not know the lyrics to the songs she likes. She usually requests "Jesus Song" (Away in a Manger), "Bows her head" (Love is Spoken Here), and "One more Jesus Song" (I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus).

Tonight I guess she felt like switching things up a bit. After asking first for "Jesus Song", she asked for "Radio, Stereo" song. That's right, she wanted me to sing Train's "Soul Sister". Now I was the one stuck without lyrics. I did my best and mumbled through most of it, but she was happy and went right to sleep.

I guess her tastes are maturing (ha). Here she is showing off her "grown up" outfit of skinny jeans and boots:

suasday tongii gomnout (happy birthday!)

Today he is 27!

He makes fun of me for being older than he is, but it seems he is getting pretty old himself.

Lately he spends most of his time (15+ hours most days) studying for his step I board exam coming up in June. I really miss having him around, but am proud of his hard work and his achievements so far. Hannah and I appreciate the fact that he spends his rare spare moments with us. He adores his daughter more than you can imagine and she adores him back.

I know he'd rather be hitting the slopes than spending each Saturday studying microbiology. I admire his determination, there is no way I could do what he does. I love him and am grateful for him for so many reasons.

We started the day by waking up early so we could make and eat breakfast with him (french toast, his favorite) before he left to study. Hannah kept saying, "Happy birthday swimsuit!", she is a little confused about a birthday suit joke Jack made earlier.

Hopefully he'll take a break today and do something fun! He deserves it!
Un besillo, mi amor, con la barba y todo...