True Emotions

New Blog

2008-01-01T22:52:00.000-05:00

Ok I've finally done it. I've transfered all my post from blogger to my new blog. Why am I changing? Well I'm using a program called Wordpress and it's a little more customizable than blogger and I own the computer (ok Jared owns the computer) that's acting as my server so I can back it up etc a little easier (tell jared back up my blog). Also I really want to be able to print my blog once a year since this is my journal and blogger doesn't make that easy. So in short (I know to late) here is my new blog address jessblog.nether.net

It's still a work in progress but at least it's up and running.

Spotted Ethan

2007-12-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

So last week we had a bit of a nasty surprise, a spotted Ethan. It started one Thursday afternoon. At first I thought it was nothing just a simple skin rash to something he had been around no big deal. We have had tons of those. So I threw him in the bathtub and waiting to see if it just went away. That's usually all it takes with him. By Friday morning this is how he looked. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures but we are talking head to toe spots. Even the bottoms of his feet were covered. Thankfully they didn't seem to be bothering him yet. I called the Dr and luck would have it they could see him in an hour and they wanted me to bring him in the isolation door. I love this feature of our Dr office. If your kid has a rash that could be contagious they have a special room with an outside door so you go strait in without having to go threw the waiting room just in case. Well it turns out Ethan is allergic to amoxicillin! Ugh. It can take up to a week for them to show a reaction and Ethan had just passed a week on it for his sinus infection. So they took him off that and gave him a new antibiotic since well he had an ear infection as well which I knew nothing about. We also got some pretty hefty allergy meds for him. By the time we made it home from the Dr office the spots had started to itch but one dose of the new allergy med cleared that up. The spot well they took almost three days to completely disappear. Did I mention I hate allergies?

All I want for Christmas...

2007-12-25T07:17:00.000-05:00

This week I sat down with Ethan and had him dictate to me his letter to Santa so here you all go...

Dear Santa,

Bring me presents, please. I would like a red house and a car. Please bring a rattle for Danny. Mommy would like a race cars that go really fast. Please bring Daddy a new big table. I would like more games to play with mommy and daddy. I would like a new train that says chooo choo and a rock tunnel that's really cool. Danny would also like some chips. Oh and I would like paper and scissors so I can cut lots of things.

Thank you,

Ethan

Yesterday morning Ethan hurried down stairs and ran up to me to ask a very important question. "Mommy has Santa come yet?" I told him no that he would come tomorrow so after he went to sleep again and got up. Ethan responded with utter discusses "but I just did that!"

Sledding with Friends

2007-12-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

A few days ago some great friends invited us to go sledding with them. So much fun!! So here are few photos to remember the day.

For some reason I can't insert text under these first three pictures or put them in the right spot. Blogger doesn't like me right now anyhow the first is Caleb so cute in his winter garb. The second is of Danny enjoying his first gingerbread man and the second is Ethan showing us his first gingerbread man. Ethan decided he would rather just eat the frosting so that's what he did, silly kid. After sledding we decorated gingerbread men and had hot chocolate it was the best.

Danny sitting in the snow because he couldn't move in his winder gear...poor guy.
Ethan with the runny nose we just can't seem to get rid of

"Charley Factory" one of Ethans best buds
The Bman going down full speed.

Trip to the dentist

2007-12-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

Today was Ethan's first trip to the dentist. I expected crying maybe a little hysterics and all together an unpleasant event. What I got was a pleasantly surprise. Ethan was excited about seeing the dentist. He thought the cool glasses he got to wear while they looked at his teeth were great. He did everything they asked him to with excitement and a smile. The dentist told him how beautiful his teeth were and he just beamed with happiness. It was great! At the end he even got a sugar free sucker. The dentist said he was the most patient 3 year old they had ever seen. Some days I'm glad I have such an unusual son.

In other news we finally got all our christmas cards in the mail today. Every year our christmas card list grows this year we toped 75. However next year I swear I'll be more organized and get them out way earlier. Ok so it's a good theory at least.

Snow Day pictures

2007-12-16T22:28:00.000-05:00

Snow Day

2007-12-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

So I've learned one thing today be careful what you wish for. Ok I wanted a little snow. Can we say overkill? So last night Ethan prayed for snow and I should have known right then that we were in for trouble. I don't know what it is but when the boy prays for something it just happens and in spades to boot. So this morning we woke to 6 inches or more on the front lawn. He was so happy. Once we found out church was canceled since it was still coming down we decided to take some extra time and enjoy a special family breakfast. Jared made pancakes and I made home made strawberry syrup while we listened to Christmas carols. The kids ran around like little crazy men and we had a wonderful morning. When we put Danny down for his nap the rest of us trekked outside into the snow. Ethan really loved it and thought it was great that because of the drifts we have spots that are deeper than he is (umm it had kept snowing not sure how much we got grand total but I'm going to guess a foot with really high drifts). We had a family snow ball fight which I think I might have lost and help daddy shovel the driveway. After our outdoor adventure we came inside and warmed up with hot chocolate. Then Ethan drew me some awesome pictures for the fridge while I did dishes. After that we decorated a little foam tree that I got for Ethan, also a big hit.

This evening we had some great people over for dinner, the Dunns. They are awesome!!! So they have five crazy kids who get along great with our two crazy kids. He does computer stuff so has stuff to talk to Jared about. She is big into photography and scrapbooking! As a matter of fact she is doing the exact same thing as me with the photography thing and is working on setting up her own website and all that. Have to admit though she is a little better than me. Her sister is a big photographer in London and charges like $300 for a sitting fee. Needless to say we kinda hit it off and best of all I get to visit teach this person. So we've decided we are going to get together to talk about photography stuff once a month and call that visiting teaching...ok and I'll bring a message as well. So my goal of making a new friend this week I think is accomplished. Jared is trying to talk her husband into Friday night game night with the kids so me and his wife can go scrapbooking together. That would be really awesome but we'll see if it pans out.

Let it snow

2007-12-15T22:29:00.000-05:00

Tonight it's coming down in big fat flakes as I sit here and all I have to say is let it snow! Christmas is almost here and I'm ready for my snow. I want to get up in the morning to enough snow to make a snow man with Ethan. He's been asking to do that every time we get a few flurries and I feel bad when I have to tell him that there just isn't enough snow. So tonight I hope we get all the snow they predict and tomorrow will be filled with snow men, snow balls and hot chocolate.

Twice upon a Christmas

2007-12-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

So today has been just as insane as the rest of my week. Just to keep people up to date Ethan has a sinus infection and Dan has pink eye so we are just not happy campers right now. Thank goodness for drugs right now I don't know where I would be today with out eye drops, and . Anyhow tonight Ethan was going crazy since hes tired of being cooped up and beating on his brother. Danny was objecting strongly and as for me I wanted to pull my hair out. So I thought well I'll put on something for Ethan to watch and give Dan a bath. Well it sounded great at the time anyhow but turns out Danny wanted none of it. Once his hair was washed he wanted out in a bad way, so he climbed out with less than spectacular results. So I wrapped him in a towel and we tried to be in the same room as Ethan again but neither boy was having any of that. Then I tried putting Danny to bed (at this point he had been pretty much nonstop cranky/crying for about 2 hours) but he just objected even louder. So my solution? Mickeys twice upon a Christmas. I went downstairs and made popcorn. Then put in the DVD and got Ethan all situated. Then I grabbed a hysterical Danny from his crib and settled down on the sofa. Ethan holding our popcorn Danny leaning contently on my chest and a bowl of popcorn wedged in between the two of them. We turned off the lights and just cuddled on the sofa with our movie. After about 15 mins Danny was asleep and Ethan was burrowing in closer. I have to say I love moments like those.

Christmas comes early

2007-12-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

I must have been good this year because I got my first Christmas present today from my loving husband. What you might ask? A brand new IMac!!! It's really pretty. Silver with a supper thin keyboard. I love macs they are soo cool and now I have one all of my own. I'm looking forward to Jared being here so I can actually play on it. Right now all I can say is it looks very pretty and I can't wait to try out all my new programs.

In a small life update I took the boys to the Dr today and found out Ethan has a sinus infection so he's on med for the next 14 days. Should be fun since to get the first dose down him I had to sit on him and pry his mouth open...twice a day for 14 days this should be fun. He's going to love me after it's all over I'm sure. Danny has a minor eye infection that should clear up on it's own but if it's still there in two days I have a prescription for him as well. I'm glad I'm done with Dr visits this week...the boys teepeed the room with that roll of paper that they use on the examination table. Ethan's pediatrician think Jared owes me something expensive and shiny for all I went threw with them today. That made me laugh. It's nice to know that other people understand at least a little.

Dr Visit gone wrong

2007-12-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

So this afternoon after several really bad coughing fits and a lecture from one of my sisters I decided to call my Dr's office. Luck would have it that they could see me today in less than an hour from when I called. So I packed up the kids and off we went. Danny ended up falling asleep right before I got there so I figured my hopes for a peaceful wait were pretty much out the window. I managed to get inside without waking him up but receptionist asked me a few questions and the sound of my voice talking woke him up. Now it probably wouldn't have been to bad if I had been called back when I was suppose to but we ended up spending almost an hour waiting in the waiting room. This is not a Dr office equipped to handle kids mind you...no toys just magazines and a very pretty Christmas tree with glass ornaments. Ethan was very taken with the Christmas tree and had to go look at it. Danny followed and tried to take ornaments off the tree. I retrieved my children and tried to distract them with the cars we had brought along. This did no work at all. I tired to read the a story we brought with us. This also did not work. Ethan discovered the older gentleman sitting with his wife in the corner and proceeded to ask me all kinds of questions about said man. The one that sticks in my memory is "Mom is that my grandpa?" To which I told him no but it was probably someones grandpa. Ethan then wanted to go see the older man who just smiled and laughed. Thank goodness for people who enjoy crazy kids. Danny then discovered the radio in the waiting room and all its wondrous buttons. I then tackled the task of removing Danny from said radio which involved a whole of screaming and crying. I'm pretty sure half the waiting room suddenly started to shift away from us at this point and I can't say I blame them. Next came the water cooler. Ethan got him self a drink which was fine but then Danny had to explore. Several drinks of water for both boys latter I was ready to hog tie them. Ethan seeing my temper rising decided this would be a great time to start playing with the tree again resulting in the rearrangement of several items while I delt with Danny. After getting Ethan under control again Danny decided to crawl under the chairs. Fishing one kid out from under the chairs the other decided to take advantage of my distraction to run around the whole room giggling hysterical. At this point I was pretty sure going to the Dr was a bad idea no matter how sick you are. Ethan then made a tunnel out of the chairs and had Danny chance him threw and around it. I merely tried to catch the two of them and looked totally ridiculous. Danny then decided to push chairs around the waiting room. After fixing the chairs I was on the verge of saying you know I just can't deal with this and I'm going home to my bed and my Pajamas and cartoons when they finally called me back. The nurse who called me back was great and had it not been for her I'm pretty sure I would not have made it threw the visit. She was very understanding of the fact I had two boys who did not want to be there and were bored out of there minds. So Ethan got to take my temperature, and blood pressure. Which shockly was elevated and my heart rate was up as well. She then had Ethan help her with a few other little things she had to do. Ethan got to go get stickers for being such a good helper and he was so proud of himself. After the nurse left and we had to wait in this little room for the Dr the insanity returned. Danny tried to get in the drawer with all the needle stuff in it. Ethan pulled the stirrups out of the table. Gold Fish crackers were spread over all the floor etc. When the Nurse practitioner came in (in hopes of getting me out of there sooner) she had a look of complete horror on her face. She tried to talk to me about other health issues while I was wresting with the kids until I said look can we make this as quick as we can we need to get out of here. Ends up I have bronchitis. I have never been so happy to leave a Dr office in my life. I never want to have to take my kids to the Dr with me again!!! I can't wait until Jared gets home from Japan.

Let's play ball

2007-12-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

Tonight I was pleasantly entertained when the boys decided to play baseball in the house. I probably should have put a stop to it but it was just so dang cute that I couldn't. Ethan had found a small plastic baseball bat and a tiny ball that matched. They both went to other toys but kids will be inventive when they want to do something. Ethan taught Danny how to throw the ball to him. So Danny would pitch and Ethan would hit the ball, then they would both chase it. Then they started switching batters so Ethan would pitch for Danny etc. This went on for about 45 mins. It made me glad I have boys. Not sure if this whole playing baseball inside thing though will work in another few years. I see lots of broken windows in my future.

O Christmas Tree

2007-12-08T22:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I finally decided there was never going to be a great time to put up our Christmas tree, I just had to pick a time and do it. So the middle of the day with both boys running crazy I drag our 7 ft tree (it might be 8 ft not sure) out of the basement. With Ethan asking five million questions and Danny trying to climb my leg I somehow managed to get the thing together. I have to admit though I was rather sweaty and more than a little irritated at this point. I trecked back downstairs and managed to find one of the boxes labeled Christmas in the jumbled heap we call a basement and hulled it up stairs. Much to my surprise it contained a few ornaments and lots of lights. On the tree went the lights. Danny thought this was the coolest thing and tried to pull them off again. Bright shiny things that blink who wouldn't want to play with them? Ethan on the other hand couldn't wait for me to stop playing with the lights so he could hang something. Thoughts of duck tape started running threw my head but I somehow managed to suppress them. Ethan started hanging ornaments and Danny started taking off ornaments which lead to a lecture from Ethan about how we are suppose to treat ornaments. This part was rather amusing. I discovered the ornaments that I really wanted to put on the tree...the ones I had made when Ethan was Danny's age, weren't there so I went down stairs to find them. At this point our tree has been but together for all of five mins keep that in mind. By the time I return for the bowls of our basement box in hand total chaos had descended. Danny had knocked over the Christmas tree and broken an ornament (separate events). Ethan started screaming that Danny has broken his Christmas tree. I want to go hide in the basement. Deciding I just couldn't take this I carried one crying child in each arm upstairs and we had some chill out time. After tempers has settled a little we returned downstairs and fixed all the damage. Our Christmas tree doesn't seem any worse from the whole ordeal thank goodness. We now have nothing but kid friendly ornaments on the tree and the boys love it. Ethan has proclaimed our tree beautiful and that's all the matters tonight. Hopefully it will be the only time this Christmas season our tree falls over but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Oh Christmas Tree How Lovely Are Thy Branches...

Good Friends

2007-12-06T20:30:00.001-05:00

Jared is back from DC and I have two sleeping boys AND it's only 8:30. I think I'm in heaven. :)

Right now I am grateful for great friends. There are some friends you don't see every day. People you may go a month or more between conversations with but when you do find the time to talk it's like that gap was never there. There are very few people I can put in this category of friends so I'm grateful for those I have. Other friends come and go but these few will always be there I know. I think you know who you are so thank you.

Tonight a friend called and we got five whole mins to talk just the two of us about life and it was so great. You think five mins isn't much but with her kids and my kids trust me it is. She the one person who I can truly swap insane kid stories with because her kids do a lot of the same type of things. In the end we both just end up laughing and enjoying each other. Pam your the best.

Crazy funny facts:

Jared took my keys and his to DC with him this week....perhaps a small part of why I'm so happy he's home.

Ethan is scared of his own snow pants and will cry when he has to put them on

Daniel is learning more and more words after telling him I would pick him up in a min he shook his head no and said quite clearly NOW

Kitchen Amusement

2007-12-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

So as of late my boys have been rather obsessed with our kitchen. I'm really not sure why but they always seem to be playing in the pantry these days and finding new and interesting things to do. So here are a few things my sons have done in my kitchen over the last few weeks:

Daniel discovered onions. At first he was rather puzzled by them. He tried rolling them across the kitchen but they don't roll as well as balls. So they can't be for rolling. He then tried to bounce the onion but that didn't turn out that well either. Peeling off the outer layers turned out to be somewhat amusing. He must have decided that since nothing else seem to be working it must be for eating so he chomped right in. He turned to me with the saddest face in complete shock before breaking down in heart wrenching sobs. I don't think he'll be biting into any more onions anytime soon.

Ethan discovered paper towel rolls. At first he decided to see how tall he could stack them but every time he got up to 5 they would fall over. Which was rather amusing so he would laugh like a loon. Then he discovered an even better game, human bowling. He lined all the paper towels up in a row and used himself as a human bowling ball and knocked them all over.

We've also learned that potatoes are not just for eating. The boys discovered the potatoes the other night and after taking every last one out of the 10 pound bag they were in they loaded them in there little dump trucks and hauled them all over our house. I'm still trying to find them all.

The boys also decided to make me breakfast the other morning. It was really a sweet thought and I love them for that. They beat me downstairs the other morning so they decided they would just make breakfast. They pulled out my biggest pan, two huge spoons and a box of cereal. By the time I made it down stairs they had emptied the box of cereal into the pan and where about to add the milk. I am very grateful I made it downstairs before that happened.

So there are just a few of our kitchen amusements.

Goals

2007-12-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

So I've decided to that there is no point in waiting around for the new year to set a few goal. I also figure if I have them in writing I won't forget about them (or pretend to) and maybe it will give me motivation to actually get them done so here are my life goals right now:

1.) Try to help someone every day...this actually has been a goal sense stake conference and it's worked out pretty well so far.

2.) Read my scriptures every day...ok I'm a looser on this one so I have lots of room for improvement

3.) Loose 30 pounds...ok so that's my big one but I've decided for each 10 pounds I loose I get something special but I haven't figured out exactly what that will be yet so if anyone has suggestions send them my way. I am considering a night away at a spa if I make it to 30 though.

4.) Get to bed by 11...ok this is actually on Dr orders and I've been bad about it again so I'm going to try to get back in the habit.

5.) Eat better...ugh I'm suppose to be on a low sodium low fat diet also Dr orders but the last few months it has flown out the window.

6.) Get one date with my husband a month.

7.) Get to the temple before the end of the year. I haven't been well in almost a year ugh I need to make this a bigger priority!

8.) Remember to enjoy my children they won't be young forever

9.) Make one new friend every week

10.) post on my blog every day. I've noticed when I take the time to record something about my day I feel better about life in general which is always a good thing.

I think 10 is a good number so we'll start there and if I manage to get threw those I'll have a whole new list come the new year.

Tooth Drama

2007-12-01T00:23:00.000-05:00

So a few weeks ago Danny hit me in the mouth with a 5 pound dumbbell. I was talking and turned around and he handed it to me, right in the face. Teach me to pay better attention to my own child. At the time I didn't think it did any damage but it sure hurt a lot. Then about a week and a half ago he nailed me good with a headbutt in the mouth. The result well a whole lot of pain but again I thought it was fine. However the next night I went to bite into a roll and got a shooting pain all the way up my tooth. All I could think is this is not good. Well to make a long story short the next day I went to the dentist. A few X-rays latter it was confirmed that indeed Danny had managed to chip not one of my teeth as I had thought but three of them. Right now there is a little bit of a question about me being able to keep one of the teeth (my front tooth!) but for now things are looking good. With this type of trauma it can take up to a month to know the whole extent of the damage they say so it's a wait and watch thing. So now I have a grand total of 4 chipped teeth in my life. Sucky! I think I need to invest in a face mask.

Daniel appreciation

2007-11-30T23:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight I realized I never take the time to appreciate my youngest son. Ethan doesn't let me not pay attention to him so there are time in the day that I feel Danny gets left out. I don't mean it to happen but it seems to be the reality of having a three year old and a one year old. My only hope is that tomorrow I will be better at juggling those things than I am today. So tonight I would like to take some time just to appreciate the person I have in my life who often gets taken for granite.

The Things I love about Danny in no particular order:

1.) Dimples, need I say more
2.) His shinning personality--When your around him you just can't help but smile
3.) The way he flirts with all the girls---yup he's my heart breaker
4.) The way he loves to stack everything--even if I get annoyed when he stacks all the cans in the pantry
5.) The way he tries to be just like his big brother
6.) The fact that he will cry if he thinks he has displeased you--last night at dinner he threw a fork at me thinking he was playing luckily it missed but when I shook my head and frowned at him his little smile turned to tears and I wanted to cry with him.
7.) The way he makes little car noises when playing with Ethan's cars
8.) The way he will just lay in his crib singing to himself until I come to get him
9.) The fact that he is a constant stream of almost unintelligible language--even if some days I pray for five mins of quite
10.) The way he loves stuffed animals--he carries them around everywhere. We were even at a friends house last week and he had to rock his teddy and give him hugs and kisses it was so cute.
11.) The way he loves me without reservations
12.) The way he giggles
13.) How smart he can be--yes every kid is smart and we as parents are allowed to say our kids are smart--there all equally smart just in different ways
14.) His love for our cat---he runs around after Pinky trying to give the cat hugs and kisses. Luckily Pinky has grown use to such behavior and usually just looks at me pitifully and takes the abuse. I do try to help him I swear but I'm usually across the room and he's already been assaulted by the time I get there.

That's just to name a few. So tomorrow when he's throwing his food at me or chipping another one of my teeth I'll try to keep these things in mind and maybe life will be a little better.

Halloween Photos

2007-11-27T04:12:00.001-05:00

Leaving from Aunt Bonnies to go trick or treating...yes the sword Ethan has in his hand HAD to go trick or treating with him don't ask my why

The wonder of suckers.

My Boys at the Ann Arbor Halloween Party

My boys at our Ward Halloween Party having a good time

I should be in bed

2007-11-27T03:50:00.000-05:00

It's almost 4 in the morning and I should be in bed but it just seems a little like a useless effort. Ethan is sick with a very very bad cold so every time I get to sleep he wakes up and needs a little comfort. Morning and the Dr office can't come soon enough for me. So I think to save my self some frustration I'm going to attempt to update here.

First of all thank you all for such kind words on my talk. I never know quite what to say when people have such nice things to say. It always amazes me the reaction my conversion gets from people. Because it's me I tend to think it's normal and everyone has a conversion just like that. I'm beginning to see that my life may not be normal after all but I think I'll keep up the illusion for the time being.

I never did get around to posting about Halloween so heres the short version of things. We ended up going to our new Wards Halloween party on Friday before Halloween, though I have to admit after Ann Arbor I was a little disappointed. It just wasn't built for young kids at least not 3 and under. When the kids get older I think they will enjoy it but this year was a little big of a bust. It was a little weird standing around with very few people to talk to and we ended up leaving as soon as the tricker teating was done since I just couldn't take any more. This made me miss Ann Arbor horrible so we decided to drop in on there Halloween party which was on a Tuesday night I think. Ethan didn't seem very into things but was happy to be with his friends again. On the way home from said Halloween party Ethan came down with the flu! Lucky for us it didn't last very long and when he asked to go out trick or treating the next night we gave in. It was outside and he hadn't been sick in almost 20 hours so we took a chance. Ethan made it down about 4 little streets when he decided he was done and just wanted to go lay down. Danny on the other hand loved Halloween but didn't understand why we need to wait to eat our candy until we get back to the house. He sat down right in front of one of the houses and just dug into his little goody bag. He was very upset with me when I made him stop but forgave me once I pulled a sucker out of my pocket for him.

Since Halloween we have been plagued with colds so we haven't been out much. Hopefully this coming month will be better. So that's pretty much all that has happened in the last month besides Thanksgiving which I should get around to posting about by next month.

Ohh and all of you out there wondering if I ever got around to making apple sauce the answer is no. I didn't want to make it while I was sick with a nasty cold at least not in a big enough batch to can so I just made small batches and baked apples and apple pie to use up our apples. Maybe next year I'll get around to canning something. It was a good thought though.

Why I Believe

2007-11-11T22:20:00.001-05:00

Today I gave my first real talk in Sacrament meeting. It was a truly wonderful experience though I don't think I've ever been more nervous. I was given the topic Why I Believe. In preparing this talk I did tons of Google searches and scripture searches etc but it was all for nothing really. No one else can tell me why I believe so in the end I sat down and wrote about why I joined the church. Yesterday I debated about the rightness of my chosen subject but since I couldn't come up with a better illustration of my why I believe decided to run with it. When I walked into sacrament meeting and saw I got to speak with Shawn Quinn I knew I had picked the right subject and that my prayer for peace and calm for my talk was answered. You see Shawn has this amazing effect on me, he really makes me feel calm I can't explain it really. So knowing that Jared was sitting out there cheering me on and that I got to talk with Shawn just really put my mind at ease. It also happens that Shawn's first Sunday as a member of the bishopric was my first Sunday at church. So thanks Shawn for being there and giving such a wonderful talk.

My talk:

Why I Believe

I believe in this church. To believe is to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, without absolute proof that one is right in doing so. Why do I believe? To answer that question I have to give you a little history of how I came to be here before you today.

When I was young the only religious people I knew were my grandparents. My earliest memories are of going to church with my grandmother. Of sitting under the pews playing while she stood up and talked every Sunday. I remember the feeling of love and peace I felt every time I went to church with her even if I didn’t always understand what she was talking about. When I was six I lost my grandmother to cancer. After that I didn’t go to church any more but I never forgot how it felt to go to church with her.

It wasn’t until Middle school that I really started to feel like something was missing in my life. I wanted to feel the same way I did when I went to church with my grandmother again. I wanted that sense of rightness in my life again. So I started going to church with friends finding out about all the different religions, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopalian even a non denominational Church but none of them ever felt right to me. In the bottom of my heart I felt I would know the moment I found the right church and none of these were it. After a while I gave up trying to find the right church I didn’t think it was out their to be honest, but the lord is funny he doesn’t let people give up so easily.

It was about that time that I meet my husband Jared. He was a less active member but always believe strongly in this church. He never said much about his religion not wanting to impose his beliefs on me and I never really brought up the subject with him. From time to time I would be around when his home teacher would stop by and share a message with us, or the missionary’s would come by with cider and cookies just to see if there was anything we needed. Gradually I started to grow more interested in his church but wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge figuring I would just be disappointed when I did go. Right about then was when we decided to get married. I had always wanted to get married in a church but since I didn’t have one I felt strongly about and Jared did I decided we should just get married in his church knowing nothing about that whole temple thing. Anyhow we started meeting with Bishop Ward and planning our wedding. It was in one of these meetings that we began to talk about children and how we wanted to raise any we may be blessed with. We both agreed that our children should be raised in a religion and I felt that since Jared’s meant so much to him that it was only logical to raise them Mormon, but I wanted to find out more about it first. So threw the Bishop we set up a meeting with the missionaries. Everything was really low pressure and just seemed to click. So I decided to learn more and on Easter Sunday we came to church for the first time. All I could think was this is right, everything just felt the way a church should.

I do just about everything on gut instated for lack of a better term. I would like to say I read the whole book of Mormon before I got baptized but I didn’t. I didn’t want to wait that long. On June 14 2003 I was baptized. That day I felt just like the Grinch on Christmas morning, my heart grew 3 sizes. There was so much love and joy that I felt like I couldn’t contain it all.

So why do I believe? I believe because the spirit tells me it is true. It’s the sense of welcome I get from entering the chapel. It's the feeling of love I feel each time I kneel in prayer. The sweetness evoked by a hymn and the rightness I feel in studying the scriptures. It’s the peace of mind I get from hearing the profit speak and the joy I feel when I entering the temple.

I Believe in this Church. I know that Heavenly Father loves us all as individuals. I know that the book of Mormon is true. I know that he sent a profit to guide us. That the apostoles were hand picked and prepared by heavenly father to lead us.

So in ending today was my best week of church yet in the new ward. I'm starting to make friends and after giving my talk a lot more people were willing to talk to me. It's not home yet but I no longer feel like a complete outsider. It will take time but this is the ward we are meant to be in I know that. Each week will be a new challenge but as long as I don't give up it will be ok. If I can make one new friend every other week that's a start.

Amusing Kids

2007-11-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

It's always a good thing when your kids make you laugh so I thought I would share a few things that my kids did this week to make me laugh.

Yesterday morning I put a cartoon in for the kids while I took a shower. It's usually a pretty good way to keep them occupied while I get my 5 min shower. Anyhow I turned on the water (it always takes a few mins for the hot water to get there) and then realized I had forgotten to close the door to the boys bathroom. This sounds like a very minor thing but if the door is not closed Danny will play in the toilet and usually end up drinking the toilet water. Don't ask me why I have yet to figure it out. Anyhow I hurried across the hall and sure enough Danny was in the toilet. So I escorted him out of the bathroom and did a quick clean up. While I was doing this Danny hearing the shower running decided to go investigate. I found him happy as can be fully clothed sitting in the shower splashing away.

Danny has an unhealthy obsession with phones and I can't seem to keep the cordless phone away from him. Every time he see it he goes nuts and if for any reason, like say your talking on said device, he can not have it he completely looses it. Anyhow earlier this week I set the phone down and walked away to take care of something. The next thing I know I hear Danny in the other room: "Hello opps hello booo hello...." I peak around the corner to see him holding the phone to his ear and pretending to talk on it. It was so cute that I just couldn't take the phone away and I just figured I would pick it up latter. Little did I know he had other plans for it. I have spent the last 3 days looking all over for the phone. I even went threw the garbage when I couldn't find it inside thinking he must have thrown it away. Not something I want to repeat in this lifetime. Image my surprise yesterday when I pulled out a pan to make dinner and there sitting in the bottom was our phone and two cars as well as 3 baby spoons. I wonder why I didn't think to look in all my pans sooner, next time I will.

Graditude

2007-11-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

So I read this great article today in a local paper about gratitude and how we should use the holiday season to jump start our own gratitude in life. After reading all the many things in this short article I came to realize lately I just haven't taken the time to appreciate the great things I have. I feel like hanging my head in shame for focusing so much on the less than spectacular parts of my life (probably the reason I haven't been posting as much). So tonight I decided to sit down and make a short list of things I'm grateful for just to remind my self that life is not always as hard as it sometimes feels.

1.) Great friends who make you chicken soup just because you have a cold.
2.) Little boys who give you hugs and bring you tissues when your not feeling your best.
3.) Husbands that call home just to say I love you
4.) 3 year olds who offer you the other half of there chewed on chocolate chip cookie
5.) Friends who are always willing to listen when I just need someone to talk to so I know I'm not alone in the world.
6.) The support of a husband who thinks you can do anything even if it's sometimes a little overwhelming.
7.) Sloppy kisses from a one year old
8.) Big beds you can lay in with your kids and watch cartoons when your not feeling very well
9.) That someone up there watches out for me. Today while on the way to pick Ethan up from preschool a traffic light fell down in the middle of an intersection I was about to go threw.
10.) Families even if we complain about them driving us insane.

This list could go on for a while but I have a 3 year old begging me to watch myth busters (his current favorite show) with him and I think tonight I'll give in and watch an episode I know I've seen at least a dozen times.

Jared's Meetings

2007-10-28T00:23:00.000-04:00

Ok so Jared showed this to me the other day and really made me laugh the true sign I spend way to much time around his work...it's rubbing off. Ok so I couldn't do the things he does but I actually got some of the inside jokes which in a way I'm kinda proud of. I feel like I deserve some sort of geeks badge or something. Anyhow if you want to see what really happens at these so called meetings he goes to check out this link.

http://www.secret-wg.org/

Ok so he wasn't at this meeting it was in Europe but they are all pretty much the same thing no matter where they are as far as I can tell.

Apple Picking

2007-10-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

This morning we went apple picking for the first time. It was a lot of fun though next time I think it would be better if it wasn't so wet. We picked apples between rain storms so it was wet and of corce Ethan found mud puddles to play in and go supper wet. His shoes are still dripping wet so I think I'll have to figure out how to dry them in the drier.

Anyhow it was fun for the boys and over all a little stressful but not to bad. We picked 1/2 bushel of granny smiths and 1/2 a bushel of Ida reds. I never knew picking apples was so fun. The boys ran around while I picked apples. Danny was in heaven picking apples and eating them right there. His favorite fruit besides bananas are apples. Ethan climbed trees and was in general a wild man but that was ok. We got to spend time with friends and do something outside what more could you ask for?

Now I have all these apples and I need to figure out what I'm going to do with them. You would think I would have thought of that before I picked them all wouldn't you. Nope not me. I just thought it would be fun to pick apples and I figured I could come up with something to do with them. So I think I'm going to make some apple sauce and pie filling and attempt canning it. I'll keep you posted on how that goes but I have high hopes...umm after I get the stuff to try out canning. Small investment in the grand scheme of things exspecially if I start canning other things like Jam which I really want to try out one of these years.

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-24T14:39:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch by our house. It was great the boys just loved it. Ethan loved picking out pumpkins so much we ended up with 5. Since pictures say so much more than words ever will here are a few pictures that capture our experience.

What I've been up to

2007-10-22T21:27:00.000-04:00

Life has been hectic so sorry I haven't posted in a while. So what has been going on to make life so insane. Well Jared was gone for a week which was crazy and we missed him horribly. I've started doing a little more with this whole Christmas workshop thing. A little more work than I thought it would be but it's all coming together. So for the Christmas workshop they wanted a cookbook put together as kind of our gift to the sisters. I wasn't doing anything so I said sure I can do that. Thinking it was umm 10 recipes nothing big umm I probably should have asked more questions oops. Anyhow turns out it was a little bigger of a project. The book will have somewhere around 35 or 36 pages I'm getting it bound by a friend a cost luckily and it's going to be great but ugh a little more time consuming than I thought it would be. Still trying to work out the details of how to stay mostly on budget for the food portion (budget being $30 and feed about 33 people) that has actually been the problem taking up most of my time. I think we will be able to work that out though or at least cross your fingers and hope it will turn out ok. I've also been doing a few photo shoots here and there ...I'm actually about two shoots behind on pictures and should be working on those right now but I won't think to much about that. I also had the privilege of hearing Elder Bednar talk in person. What a experience that was!! I'm so happy I got to go even though Jared was gone. My only regret was that Jared couldn't be there in person...he had to settle for me talking to him about it pretty much nonstop for almost a week. Every time he would say something it would remind me of something Elder Bednar said which would lead to a 10 min story about something that night. On the other side if he would have been there all those thoughts would have just been running through my mind and I wouldn't have had a single person to tell them to. On other news I got a calling this last Sunday and I have to say I think it a great one. I get to go to camp again!!!! They called me as Ward Camp director which is going to be so fun. A lot of work it sounds like but hey I don't mind a little work. I also found out that our church building will be undergoing construction sometime in the next few months to make it bigger and here's the really great thing in my mind WE ARE GETTING PEWS!! I wanted to jump up and down when I got that little bit of news. Oh did I mention that Chelsea has decided to let me go ahead and form my photography group after all so I sent out sigh-up sheets this last Sunday. Things are going much better in the new Ward by the way. People have really started to warm up to me the last two weeks. People have started talking to me in the hall and smiling at me. I think I know at least 4 peoples names which is a real bonus for me. We have now made it threw two sacrament meetings without any major issues like umm Ethan pushing an entire row of chairs onto the legs of the family behind us (I think that was three weeks ago) I've started to notice it's not just my kids that have a hard time in sacrament meetings which makes me feel at least a little better. Of coerce I think we were the only family that bowed there heads for the sacrament prayer and looked up to see one boy running up one side of the church while the other runs up the opposite side. Ugh! So things are not perfect but they are getting better. On a funnier note our Primary program was this last Sunday and they let the nursery kids come up to sing a song at the end. So when they called all the kids up Ethan who had wanted to go up on the stage from the start ran to the front of the chapel past all the other nursery kids right to the microphone and with the biggest grin ever on his face leaned in...luckily it was right then that one of the primary teachers reached him. Thank you. He did a really great job and sang the whole song just not right into the microphone. As for Danny well his world is ending this week as he getting two eye teeth but hopefully we'll both make it through.

Blessing from Above

2007-10-06T14:29:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those weeks that you just know someone up there is looking out for you? Bad things happen but without skipping a beat something nice happens to balance it all out and in the end your left feeling better than you were before. So here are my two little blessings this week...
(ok it might be a week and a half)

Last Thursday when Jared went into town to pick up Ethan from school he stopped at a gas station to get gas. Once he was done filling the tank he went to start the car but nothing happened. So after a few more attempts with the same result he decided to leave the car walk the two or three blocks to Ethan's school to pick him up and then come back to deal with the car. He called our friend Sara since he didn't know what was wrong with the car and being stuck at a gas station with a toddler is just a recipe for disaster. They walk back and get there about the same time as Sara who loves Ethan and volunteered to watch him while Jared and the Gas station guy looked at the car. Turns out the Battery just up and died on us. Luck would have it that there was an auto parts place right next door so Jared was able to walk next door and buy the battery without issue. The guy from the auto parts place came out with tools and helped him put the new battery in the car. Within half an hour they were on there way home. It really made me glad we live in such a small town where people are really willing to help out one another like that.

My second story is about our garage door. So last night I was up here looking at pictures when I hear this really weird sound kinda like a branch off a tree hitting the house...ok I thought Jared had fallen down the stairs but it turns out that it was the spring to our garage door breaking. Having never had a garage before now I didn't even know this was possible (umm or that there was a spring to be honest). Anyhow we realized pretty quick that without the spring 1.) it very very difficult to open the garage...we managed it with a jack and a lot of arm power and 2.) the garage wont stay open without it so Jared had to hold the garage open so I could quickly back the car out. So we called a guy this morning to come and fix it which was great but the bill was not so great at $169. So we were trying to figure stuff out for this month since Jared is traveling a lot which even though work pays for we have to pay for first etc. Anyhow in the mail today came a check we weren't expecting for just a little over what we payed to get the garage fixed. It means we don't have to dip into savings we are trying not to touch.

There is one last thing I am grateful for and that's the fact that both of these things happened before Jared left town. I'm sure I could have dealt with this but I'm so glad I didn't have to.

All I can say is thank you.

Crazy Morning

2007-10-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

The kids have been sick with icky colds so we've been stuck at home for days. It seems like an eternity when I look at my house. Ashes all over my kitchen because the kids decided to make me ash soup before my brain was fully functional and able to make them breakfast this morning. Pans all over the kitchen because they decided to make me french toast again (They did this last week as well) while I was making them breakfast. Stuff animals all over the kids rooms because we had a stuff animal fight last night. Pop corn all over the entertainment room because all Ethan would eat yesterday was popcorn and I decided it was better than not eating at all. I've decided once the kids are feeling better then I'll worry about getting my house clean again so for now we have a disaster area but the kids like it.

Anyhow today I thought we would get out just for a quick trip since I'm pretty sure both my kids have gone crazy cooped up in our house for umm let see 3 days so after feeding them breakfast...oat meal for Ethan which had to be the peach kind since we didn't have strawberry and Cheerios for Dan who was thoughtful enough to share them with the cat who strange enough likes Cheerios...we headed off to the store to buy Ethan's Halloween costume. Ethan has decided he is going to be a dragon because Daniel Cook was a dragon (Daniel Cook is a Disney TV show with a kid who looks just like Ethan). In the car after 5 mins of whining from Ethan I pulled over turned around and informed him that we were going to get his Halloween Costume, he was going to like it and he was going to be happy the rest of the trip. I hate loosing my temper with the kids and honestly that should have been my sign to turn the car around and head back to our insane house but no I decided not to listen to logic and just forged ahead. Danny of coerce fell asleep in the car on the way to the mall but we were there so we might as well go in right? Surprising enough Ethan followed my orders and was happy and cheerful after our little road stop. He said he wanted to help and after I got him out ran around the car to get Danny out. When he saw Danny was sleeping he said "Look mom Danny's sleeping I'll wake him up." He leaned over and gave Danny a big kiss and said "I love you Danny. It's time to wake up." That made the winning in the car not seem so bad. I was sure that going past the play area at the mall was going to delay our little outing but I was ok with that however much to my surprise even though some of Ethan's friends were there he wanted to go get his costume first. Off to Children's place I went Ethan pushing the stroller with a groggy Danny and me hoping they wouldn't hit anything along the way as I tried to keep up. We found our Dragon costume at children's place and Ethan was thrilled. While I was looking for the right size Ethan took the head off the little girl manneken next to the rack. I looked up from dozens of little tags to Ethan saying "Look mom" and holding a head like a ball he was about the throw. I told him as calmly as I could that he needed to put the head back. He at least followed those instructions. He then hid in a rack of cloths because he wanted to play hide and seek. After some pleaded on my part mainly for my sanity he reluctantly came out. While I was paying he took apart one of the display that holds the socks and was drumming with the pieces on another display. At this point I was reminded why I never I repeat never take my children shopping with me. It's really for there safety and ok a little for my sanity. So at last Ethan, Danny, the Dragon costume, and I leave the store much to the sales woman's relief. The kids are playing on those little kids rides that cost $0.50 so Ethan decided he wants to join and I decide he hasn't seen anyone in days it's ok. Danny tired of being in the stroller wants out so I let him sit on a the roller coaster ride while Ethan playing with some friends. Things were going great until I looked over and Ethan was taking apart part of the little train. there is a bell on the front that he had completely taken off...much to my shame I could not get it back together the way it was before. At this point I moved both kids to the play area and all was fine for 5 mins. Then Danny decided the play area was not the place to be and just ran off. After retrieving him 5 times I told Ethan Danny really wanted to go for a walk so lets walk to the water fountain since I wanted to poke in Gymboree anyhow. Well we made it there without issues and the boys had a great time playing on this play mat outside of Gap...really cute. The problem was when Ethan wanted to stand on the edge of the fountain for some reason I didn't think that was a good idea silly mom. After a few debates on the safety of said issue I decided let go see what's on the TV in Gymboree and I can look at cloths for you guys. Ethan didn't like the show so we only stayed long enough to see yes there jeans are on clearance but I need to go back to see how much on clearance. After this I decided I didn't want to fight my way to the car because if we did I was pretty sure not all of us would make it home...mainly me. So we got cookies with the agreement that we would eat them on the way home. Ethan was so excited about his cookie that he pushed the stroller all the way to the car as fast as he could. Luckily no Danny's were harmed in this endeavor. Not my most shinning mom moment but one I think I'll remember for at least a while.

The good points of my day after all this happened. After lunch Danny fell asleep and slept for almost 3 1/2 hours. While Danny was sleeping I decided to watch cartoons with Ethan because I just didn't have the energy to figure out something else. Somewhere in the middle of an episode of Tom and Jerry me and Ethan fell asleep together. We all really needed naps I think. Ethan said our prayer for dinner "Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day, Thank you for our food, Jesus Christ Amen." Tonight after taking the boys for a car ride to get them to sleep...With the colds the boys have a hard time falling asleep so it's just easier sitting up...I put Ethan in his bed and he turned to me and said mom we need to say goodnight to Heavenly Father. Even though the morning was a little crazy I am so glad to have my boys.

Photography group Blog

2007-10-01T23:12:00.001-04:00

Tonight I finally found some time and put this together. Point of View I tried an in person thing but it just didn't work so here is my second attempt at a photography group. Anyone wanting to join let me know and I will add you to the authors list.

Twins what a joy

2007-09-30T23:59:00.000-04:00

So this weekend I got a chance to photography wonderful little twins. It was interesting to see just how alike and how different twins can be at the same time.

Church update

2007-09-25T22:32:00.000-04:00

So our third week in our new ward was horrible for me. I ended up loosing it in Sacrament meeting because I just could no matter how hard I tried get my kids to behave. The very sweet RS pres came up and gave me a hug and talked with me. She really is so sweet and I know I was being way over emotional crying because my kids wouldn't stop running in the hall. She told me that it was ok that my kids were crazy they had all been there and presided to tell me about the person giving the talk who has a bunch of kids and how crazy they were. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one with insane children.

This last week at church they officially recognized us as being in their ward. I think this really helped because suddenly people were talking to me. The boys were just as unruly but it didn't bother me as much this week. After church one of Ethan's nursery leaders came up to me to talk to me and offer babysitting. I don't remember her name but she told me how they use to live in Mamie and didn't go to the ward they were suppose to so it was thought they were inactive. It was really embarrassing the day the missionaries showed up at there door to talk to them about the church she said. I can't tell you how much better this made me feel.
I've also been asked to help with the Christmas Workshop in November...I think I'm assistant something or other I have a meeting Thursday night I guess I'll learn more then.

So after almost a month in our new ward I think I can count at least one friend and maybe the potential for another. It's silly what a difference a friendly face can make.

Toledo Zoo

2007-09-25T22:08:00.000-04:00

Ethans favorite part of the zoo...the jellies! We had to go threw the aquarium 3 times.

Ethan riding the Elephant
Danny in all his happiness

On Friday I took the boys to the Toledo Zoo since some friends of ours were going and I thought the boys would really love it. I had hesitated to take the boys on my own all summer fearing the worse but at last I decided there were friends there if I got in over my head I would have someone to help me out. So we got up packed our lunches and hit the road. Daniel slept all the way there and Ethan enjoy, yes enjoyed, the car ride. I was really surprised it went so well. We had a minor insistent when we got to the zoo and Ethan realized Daniel got to ride in the stroller and not him but it was over once he realized we were at the zoo. I looked for the friends I knew would be there but couldn't find them so I decided to go it alone. I was totally shocked it was so much easier going with just me and the boys than it has been in a group! The boys were great. When they got tired we stopped for a drink. Dan wanted out of the stroller so it was off to the play area no big deal. I also have learned that it is ok if we don't see all of the zoo, there will be other trips. It is much better to see half the zoo and have a wonderful time than to see all of the zoo with two cranky kids and wind up frustrated in the end. Ethan was so taken by the baby polar bear that he wanted to take one home with him of the stuffed variety. He picked out the $60 one at first but I talked him down to a smaller $7 version and felt rather pleased with my self. He also insisted that if he got something so did Danny...so he picked out a little giraffe (I'm pretty sure that's because we saw an 8 month old giraffe which was almost as cool as the polar bears). In the end it was the best trip to the zoo I've ever had and now I'm a little less hesitant to take the boys out on my own.

Frog Hunting

2007-09-16T21:49:00.000-04:00

Ok I'm a little behind in posting this but this is Ethan and some of his buddies on the street frog hunting. Our neighbor dug out there pond this year and the boys have decided it's a great place to catch frogs. Ethan decided to go into the water to catch the frogs so he just peeled off his cloths and went strait in. He had a blast but as you can see he really needed a bath afterward. Good thing kids come washable.

A Year With Danny

2007-09-14T21:33:00.001-04:00

Tonight I've been sitting here thinking about how grateful I am to have Danny and what a blessing he is with all his smiles and infectious laughter. He gets so much joy out of life you can't help buy be happy around him. So here is my tribute to my little man and how much he's grown over the last year.

Danny holding my finger two hours after birth.

Danny one month old dressed up as a frog for Halloween.

Danny two months old in his little snow suit to keep warm outside.

Three months old sleeping in his carseat after church.

A 7 month old Danny sitting up...his new trick at the time.

His favorite thing to do at 8 months was play peek a boo with his brother.

Danny 9 months his first ride in the swing.

10 months playing in the sand and doing his little Indian call (I don't know what else to call it)

11 months he discovered sports golf still seems to be his favorite

1 Year! His imagination has really started to come out this last month. The first picture he was making all kinds of noises when he put it to his mouth so funny...taken a few days ago. The last two pictures show more of his playful side. We were in the middle of a diaper change and he just rolled away and started playing so I grabbed the camera.

Daniel's 1st Birthday

2007-09-12T23:11:00.001-04:00

Daniel turned 1 on Sunday so we had a few friends and some family over to celebrate. We laugh talked and had cake what a great end to the day. Here are a few pictures in memory of the occasion.

Second Week in our New Ward

2007-09-12T22:27:00.000-04:00

Well this week went much better than last week, I know I know not saying much. In fact, Ethan made it threw most of Sacrament meeting. He was playing quietly next to me and would even turn every so often and comment on something the speaker had said. I was totally amazed and really proud of him. Daniel had a rough time of it because he was tired and couldn't sleep but it all worked out. Jared ended up in the hall talking to the RS presidents husband (who's name I don't think I ever got). The man really enjoyed Daniel and offered/told me he was taking him to priesthood. It was really quite cute. I've never really thought I need help at church with my kids but in this new ward people have started well helping without me even asking and it's made church at lot easier for me. I get so much more out of being there when I don't have to fight with two kids the whole time. I don't feel bad about letting them help because they genuinely enjoy my children which is not something I'm used to. I think over all this new ward will be good for our family. I know it's going to be great for Ethan. He is getting so much more out of Nursery it just amazes me. This week he came up to me proudly holding the picture they colored in Nursery and told me all about how the dog was helping the man to see and how we can help other people. I still don't have any friends yet unless you count the RS president who I've talked to a few times. Hopefully that will change soon.

Photoblog

2007-09-07T14:33:00.000-04:00

Ok I've been working in my spare time trying to building a photo blog. It still needs lots of work and since the kids are both napping thought I would do some stuff to it. Anyhow I was looking around at some sights and found out my sight with two whole pictures on it evidently got on some hall of fame type list and rated really well so a ton of the users of the sight have bookmarked me. Kinda cool. Anyone who wants to check out my current work in progress feel free.

Through my Lens

Ethan's First Day of School

2007-09-06T20:14:00.000-04:00

This is us dropping Ethan off at his first day of school on Tuesday. He was so excited he wanted to go to school at 7 in the morning. Finally when we did get to go to school I made him stand out front for a picture. You can see how trilled he was with that idea exspecially since there were kids looking out the window at us. He just couldn't wait to play. They sent the week just getting use to using the potty there and being there in general. I got my first piece of true refrigerator art today...Ethan painted me a picture he said was the water and the beach....so it's kinda a blue and yellow blob but we proudly hung it on the refrigerator where everyone could see. He was so proud of it and I was proud of him. I'm glad he is enjoying his school though he said he got in trouble today so I may have to talk to him more about that. Next week he has to bring in a baby picture and a picture of his family which sounds like fun. They are also starting to go over the alphabet which Ethan already knows but I'm sure it will be fun for him. They are getting snacks that correspond with the letters with the alphabet which is kinda cool...each day gets it's own letter this month so next Tuesday is B so they get Bananas at snack time so cute!

On different news I want to thank everyone for the kind words about the ward switch. Thanks for understanding. I think once I meet some people my own age things will be better...that will hopefully be tomorrow at my first Chelsea playgroup. I think my biggest problem was not really being mentally prepared for it to be different so now that I am this Sunday should go much better. I've already e-mail the RS presidency about starting a photography group since I wasn't very interested in the groups already going. I am going to make this work. I figure most of the responsibly of making this new ward be a great place lays on me so wish me luck here goes nothing.

First Sunday in a new Ward

2007-09-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

So when Sunday morning rolled around I was actually a little excited to go on this grand adventure as I had started to think of it. I had high hopes for our new ward but I forgot to prepare for the fact that well they just were not Ann Arbor. Our new church doesn't have pews which shouldn't be an issue I mean going to church is not about the material things but I panicked thinking how am I going to keep my kids contained! Behind us sat a very nice family who I never did get the name of with two boys and a little girl. When Ethan started getting a little routy the boys started to play with him and we made it threw another 15 mins. They even gave Daniel a little stuffed zebra which he clutched like it was the best thing on the face of the planet. The problem came when it was discovered that the boys had not asked there little sister who's zebra it happened to be if they could share it so she was crying and when I took it away from Daniel to give to the little girl he completely lost it. Note to self take stuffed animal with us next week. So I went in the hall with Daniel...bad side the speakers are not as good as Ann Arbor and there just isn't as much space since it's a small building. There were a group of little girls playing out there who enjoyed paying attention to Daniel so all went well for at least 5 mins until Ethan joined. It was at this point that I wanted to hide in the car. So there is no closet just a bunch of coat hangers against one wall well Ethan loves hangers don't ask me why the kid is STRANGE. Anyhow he throws a fit because the hangers won't come off the bar and I'm thinking good you can't run off with them. He then proceeds to use the hanger to glide the length of the bar like a zip line. After this little treat he decides to hide under the entryway rug. When I pull said kid out from under rug he starts to scream bloody murder and I wanted to die on the spot. Thankfully that's when Sacrament meeting ended and we cheerfully went to nursery. Now here is a really great part of the day Ethan loved his new nursery! He was so excited to play and to be honest I think without all his close buds he got a lot more out of the lesson. He was so excited to show me the picture he colored and tell me about nursery after church! It was great. Usually all I can get out of him is I played with the bubbles. Sunday school went ok with the exception of well it was Daniels nap time so he was a little hard to deal with. I also learned that Ann Arbor spoiled me with Sunday school lessons I now need to actually read the lesson before Sunday to get as much out of it. Probably not a bad thing to motivate me. RS was well different. This is the part that made me homesick for my old ward. It was nothing like my old ward and I guess it's not really fair to compare the two but I really miss the ann arbor RS. Next week will be better though. My kids will not go crazy. I will be better prepared to deal with them. I will actually get something out of the lessons. Ok well that's my goal at least. Overall the people I meet are really nice but it doesn't feel like home yet. I guess that will take a while. It still feels like this is the right thing to do it's just going to take me a while to get used to all the change.

These are the moments I love

2007-08-30T23:36:00.000-04:00

This is Ethan riding his bike today at our friend Andreas. So today was a battle of wills with Ethan...I think he actually won most of the battle but their is still hope for my side I think. Anyhow he made my day today by telling me in the car "Your my wonderful mom and I love you". I live for moments like that.

Sunsets in Michigan

2007-08-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

Lately we've taken to going for car rides in the evening in a vain attempt to get the kids to go to sleep. I've taken to bringing the camera along so well be driving along and suddenly I'll yell stop to Jared jump out of the car like the lunatic I am and take a picture then run back to the car and get in and off we go. It's really quite fun for a crazy person and I've gotten some cool sunsets I don't think I would have capture otherwise so here they are.

Grocery Shopping

2007-08-28T20:46:00.000-04:00

Today I decided to be adventurous and went Grocery shopping with Daniel and I decided I had to write down what happened because well it was just so funny. We got there and decided to get one of those shopping cart that looks like a car but doesn't steer really well. This was my first mistake, I thought it would be fun for Daniel and maybe shopping would go better and for the first 5 mins it was great, then Daniel realized I was putting food in the cart and he couldn't get to it. So he was sitting in the car part when I put in a watermelon and the next thing I know he's slipped out of the seat belt and is standing up on the seat his little fingers stretching to reach the watermelon. Of coerce by the time I got around the cart to get him back on the seat in a sitting position he had fallen backward and hit his head on the steering wheel, poor little guy. After settling down after that I seat belt him back in and decide to bravely carry on with my shopping perhaps my second mistake but hey who's counting. So we go on getting everything we need and we actually made it threw the produce when Daniel decided he had enough of the car and simply started to climb out the side. After stopping and putting him back in a few times I put him in the top seat instead. Now for the next few mins things where great I was able to get spaghetti and bread and some meat without to much issues then he saw the grocery list. I don't know what it is about paper but for some reason every time Daniel sees it he HAS to have it. So we started the endless battle of no mommy's paper honey. I compromised and tore the portion I no longer needed off and handed it to him but it just wasn't good enough. So as quickly as I could I gather up our milk and cheese and ran for the checkout. Luck was with me and the line was short so we started to unload the cart. Evidently Daniel was very hungry even though I feed him right before we left for the store and it had only been 30 mins so when he saw bananas he went nuts quite literally. The boy must be part monkey I swear he will do anything for a banana. He has even tried to climb over pews at church to get another kids banana. Anyhow he tried to launch himself out of the cart and onto the counter to get to the bananas. Thank goodness for understanding crashers because she simply scanner our bananas and handed him one...he bit right threw the peel in his efforts to get threw the banana. I quickly peeled it for him and he ate the whole thing before they had finished ringing up our grocery. The cashier was really impressed. He left the store really happy and clinging to his little balloon that said cashier gave him.

On other Daniel news he has learned two new words this week...ball and NO. It's really funny he will point to pictures of balls and just go baalll over and over. Daniel is also part demon this week with at least 1 new molar making it's way threw possible up to three. I feel bad for the little guy but ugh I wish he would sleep so he could be happy.

Last Sunday

2007-08-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

Today was our last Sunday in the Ann Arbor Second Ward starting next week we will be attending church in Chelsea. We've thought about this for a long time now and it still feels like the right thing to do but I will miss the things about our ward that make it so special. I'll ex specially miss some of the people but I know I will make new friends. I can't think of much more to say on the topic that won't make me cry so we'll leave it at that and I'll let everyone know how next Sunday goes.

On other fronts Ethan may at last be getting close to being done with potty training. I decided at the start of this week that we just had to put him in underpants and deal with the messes so that's what we did. The first two days were horrible with tons of accidents but he only had one accident yesterday and none today. He seems excited about using the potty and I'm excited not to have to change so many diapers a day.

In Daniel news there's not to much to report. He's getting a new tooth I think so is cranky and is running a fever...poor guy. He's walking really well these days and can't stand it if you make him stay in one spot. In sacrament meeting today he was taking snacks from me to give to daddy it was really cute. He thinks it's so fun to share, I hope that doesn't change.

In general news I switched the boys and my office on Saturday, well mostly. I still have to sort threw a ton of stuff and hopefully get rid of a ton of stuff. The boys now have the bigger room which seems to be working out well. On the photography front I'm working on organizing a photography group that will meet once a month (if anyone is interested or knows someone who is let me know) and I'm setting up a photo blog just for picture stuff. The photo blog I'm building kinda from scratch so I'll let you know when that's put together maybe a few more days. I'm still planning on keeping this blog the other one will be just for picture stuff more of a working portfolio for lack of a better word.

Twins on the Way Photoshoot

2007-08-23T22:39:00.001-04:00

New Toy

2007-08-23T22:24:00.001-04:00

I feel like I'm 5 years old again telling everyone one look I got a new toy isn't it cool but well it is cool. This week we upgraded our camera from the original Canon Digital Rebel to the Canon Digital Rebel XTI! I now have 10.2 mega pixels at my disposal! It's a lot of fun but also a little bit of an adjustment. I've spent the last few days just trying to get the auto focusing stuff halfway under control..it's weird going from 5 auto sensors to umm I think this one has like 9. I'm pretty sure it will be great once I get it all figured out. My only complaint with the camera is actually it kinda noisy so it's a little harder to get those shots when no one is paying attention but I can be stealthy so I don't think it will be to big of an issue. I also got to do my first pregnancy photo shoot which was so fun, a little nerve racking ex specially since the new camera came only umm 5 hours before the shoot but I think it all turned out well. I'll post a few pictures from that after this.

In crazy kid news Ethan is considering his possible future as an arsonist which has me checking the smoke detectors and the fire extinguisher. We all know it's in the blood with Jared's obsession with fire and well there was that time I caught my parents bathroom curtains on fire but still I wasn't really ready for this gene to appear so soon. This week I was feeding Daniel and noticed Ethan was being really quite, never a good sign, so I called out "Ethan what are you doing" and got the response "Trying to start a fire mom". Umm NO! I found Ethan sitting in the front closet with Jared's soldering torch (it's a little soldering iron that looks like a torch and works like a lighter) sure enough trying to start a fire. Maybe I should put more fire extinguishers on my Christmas list this year.

A Girls Weekend

2007-08-16T22:02:00.001-04:00

Friday night on the way home from picking Jared up from the Airport he handed me a plane ticket. I was totally shocked and honestly didn't believe at first that it was a real ticket. He told me when we got home I need to pack and get to bed since we need to be back at the airport early. I thought he was joking but he wasn't! My head just about exploded. I really do few things spur of the moment, everything is very thought out exspecially trips with every detail planned etc. so to have him just hand me a ticket and say I'm leaving in the morning was well a little hard for me, exciting but hard. I know this is rather pathetic but when packing I make a list and place everything on the list next to the suitcase then put it all in it's a rather drawn out proses really but it always makes me feel better. I was told no list ugh I ran around the house once we got home trying to figure out how to pack. Jared simply sat on the bed and laughed at me of coerce sweet man. By the way at this point all I knew is that my flight left for St Louis at 8:45 the next morning. I didn't even know who I was going there to see (Both my sister Susan and good friend Jen live in that area) it was exciting and wonderful and kind of annoying all rolled into one. The next morning Jared and the boys loaded me in the car and took me to the airport. Getting threw security was such a breeze without the kids and since Jared got me first class tickets I just breezed threw and walked strait to my gate. It was so nice to be able to sit down and read while I was waiting to board the plane thought it wasn't a long wait. Once on the plane I carefully removed the envelope Jared had prepared the night before from my bag and tore it open. I had instructions not to open it until I was on the plane so the suspense was killing me. Enclosed were was a little note letting me know my sister would be picking me up from the airport which of coerce lead to the did I tell her I cut my hair thought and do I remember what her car looks etc. The next page had our hotel room information with a little notation at the bottom that I should be at the spa in the hotel at 3:45. He had even included traveling cash. It's times like this that I really love the man I married. The flight there was wonderful! I sat back and read my book which was called Austenland by the way another gift from my husband which I fully recommend if you liked pride and prejudice. At any rate my sister knew exactly were to stand so that I would be able to find her as soon as I passed security and our adventure was off. We got breakfast then headed for the mall. After the mall we checked into our hotel and just sat around the room reading for a while...we tried to take naps but umm that didn't really happen. After lunch in one of the hotel's restaurants I headed to the spa. Jared had scheduled an hour long full body massage for me. So sweet! Afterward it was off to six flags because lets face it I'm a roller coaster junky. We ended up not getting there until 6 at night but all the tours and stuff were just leaving so we were able to one miss the heat of the day and two just walk right up to the rides and get on it was awesome! We road every roller coaster in the park I think. We even watch the fireworks from one of them it was the best time! Around 10 though we called it good and headed back to the hotel. Sunday we didn't do much I went for a pedicure after breakfast then we were off to the hill to meet Jen for a little hang out time and lunch. We tried to eat at one of those really cool restaurants but umm nothing was open so we settled for noddles and company and a book store. Then off to the airport to come home to my boys. To be honest by this time I was quite homesick....silly but I really missed my boys exspecially when I found out they all had the flu!

It was a wonderful weekend all in all and one I hope to repeat again maybe next year in ohh Ohio so we can go to cedar point maybe:) I am so glad Jared thought to give me such a wonderful surprise. It was the perfect girls weekend!

Maine pictures 2

2007-08-11T06:20:00.001-04:00

Ethan and Amy taking pictures at the top of our hike

our family at the top of the hike up clubhouse bluff

view from clubhouse bluff.

Ethan being well Ethan.

So even though this cabin is out in the middle of no where it has a tennis court...made of clay. Anyhow Ethan thought it was the coolest thing ever and for a while we were playing pretend tenis then he found a tennis ball so we could "play real tennis". I'm really glad he loves sports so much.

Maine Photos part 1

2007-08-08T19:53:00.001-04:00

This is our Cabin in Maine

We went swimming every day at the small beach by the cabin so here are a few photos from that.

Meet the Fetch and Carry IV...Fetch for short. This is the only motor boat on the lake so this is the boat you take when you come into the lake to get to your cabin with all your stuff. For us we park our car then take the Fetch about a mile up lake to our cabin.

This is one of the views off the dock. Ethan was looking for Frogs which we found a few...they like to hide under the dock.

Here is a picture of Ethan and Dad on top of the rock outside the cabin. Ethan just had to climb it every day. He said it was the biggest rock in the whole world. We even asked him to name it because he liked it so much so it's "rock really big rock". I said that maybe Bob would be a better name but was informed that No that's silly.

This is Daniel exploring around the cabin.
Ethan making sure Daniel doesn't fall while walking around the cabin.

Ethan and Dad kayaking out and back to whale rock...so named because it looks like a whale but Ethan says it's a dolphin.

Ethan learning to fish. Every morning we found ourselves on the end of the dock with a chunk of ham which we used for bait (great bait btw) catching fish. He hasn't quite figured out you only need to put the line in the water not the whole pole but he caught a bunch of fish so I guess it doesn't matter much.
So we went out to town one day to get cake and ice cream for our neighbors birthday and brought it back with dry ice. Jared of coerce had to play with the dry ice so this is what it looks like when you put it in a pop can. We also used a golf club to chip some into the pond...side note it just shatters because it's not that tough. We put some in balloons and watched them blow-up and then put a lot in balloons and watched them explode. And since we all know Jared loves to blow things up we put some in pop bottles sealed them and watched them explode. It was a lot louder and more destructive than we thought it would be
The the sunsets on the lake are really great here are two different ones I got a chance to catch on film.
Another view of the lake. This is at the club house during the annual picnic...it's one of the only chances you have to see other people while up at the cabin.
Ethan skinny dipping at the picnic with another 2 1/2 year old we meet up there....they are both very high energy kids and decided they were going swimming so just pealed off the clothes and in they went.

Maine

2007-08-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

Well we made it back from Maine. What an adventure! Ethan got home sick so for the first 5 days we were gone he would cry every night for his house and his car...and yes his friends. Besides that fact it was really a pretty good vacation. Daniel learned about donuts and all there greatness. It's a tradition to get donuts for breakfast while in Maine so no one has to cook at 5 in the morning when the sun comes up. Anyhow you could not let Daniel see you with said object without him running to you and demanding his share. It was really quite amusing and I started referring to him as Homer. Hmm I am a little concerned that he seems to be going threw all the Simpson characters...first Meggy with the pacifier now Homer I can only hope Bart is not next. Daniel also learned to walk really well while were in Maine so now he is cruising right along...he's even started running a little though that usually results in falling. As for Ethan outside of the home sickness part he had a great time. He got to go swimming everyday with his "surfboard" which was really a kick board but we could never convince him of that. Dad also taught him how to fish which he really loved and would spend hours on the dock fishing away. I lost count of how many fish he caught but lets just say it was well over 25. We didn't feel like cooking fish so we just released all he caught but I've never seen him so happy. There was a huge rock outside the cabin that had to be climbed at least 4 times a day. And of coerce Ethan feel madly in love with my friend Amy. It was so sweet at night to see the two of the curled up together reading Curious George. I really enjoyed spending time with Amy and wished she lived a lot closer!! but I guess I can always go visit. We only went on one hike this year up club house bluff but I think that's good for this year all things considered. Well that's our vaction in a nut shell...I'll post pictures soon...I have to sort threw the 600+ pictures to decided on a few.

Apple Store Opening

2007-07-21T12:24:00.000-04:00

So this morning because we are totally and completely crazy we got up went to breakfast with friends then stood in line for an hour with kids just to be one of the first people in the new apple store here in Ann Arbor. No more having to drive 45 mins to go to the apple store! Anyhow we stood there with Ethan running circles around us quite literally and Daniel screaming at the top of his lungs for a good 15 mins and I had this thought that I had truly lost my mind. But at last we made it to the front of the line and got into the store...and got our free T-shirts. Jared is always up for a free T-shirt. Here's a funny little Jared fact so he LOVES t-shirts but will only wear ones he got for free. If you actually dare I say it buy him a t-shirt it just sits in his closet because you had to pay for it. Don't ask I truly don't understand the logic in this but as long as there are free t-shirts to be had he wont go naked so all is right in the world. On a side note we knew at least two other people standing in line with there kids...and probably a dozen others who were friends I'm not sure what this says about us and our friends maybe that we all need some kind of help. No I'll sit at home and stalk my mail man as he delivers my Harry Potter....it was torcher to walk past borders and a whole display of them this morning and no just grab one up but it will be here soon or so Jared keeps telling me.

Old Friends

2007-07-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yet again all the men in my life are peacefully sleeping away the night while I sit here typing. Someday I'm going to be peacefully sleeping while they are awake I swear. What goes around comes around right? Anyhow tonight I went scrapbook and instead of working on the boys books like I usually do I decided to do a little work in my own. I did a two page spread on my senior prom. Something about looking at old photos always makes me just a bit sentimental. My favorite is a photo of Me, Jared, Amy and Steve. Amy was my best friend from high school and Steve is this great guy who I've known since umm either kindergarten or 1st grade I can't remember which. It's really funny to think that me and Jared are married and so are Amy and Steve now though I'm not so sure I would have thought that the night we got the picture. BTW Amy if you don't have this picture I can send you the spar copy I have (somehow I ended up with two). It's funny when you start looking at old pictures how certain memories pop up... studying at Amy's house for biology test, hanging out in the library every morning before school started (ok so maybe I was a little bit of a geek), Amy asking if she should go out with Steve, Amy gushing over Steve on the phone after there first date which if memory serves was prom but that might have been there second date hmm, anyhow I think I can honestly say Amy was the one friend who never got tired of me in high school and was always there for me. In a little over a week I get to kidnappe her for 5 days and take her to Maine with me. Hmm I wonder if it's kidnapping if the person drives them selves... At any rate I'm so excited to get to have her for five days and if Steve gets the time off that would be twice as fun. Although I hear he has some rather incriminating pictures from Elementary school or something that I may have to talk to him about:P I feel like a kid who has been told they are getting everything they want for Christmas. Thanks Amy your the best.

Life getting back to normal

2007-07-19T22:58:00.000-04:00

Last night we decided to have a special night for our boys after realizing that with life being so crazy they were kind of getting the short end of the stick. So we took them outside to play on the trampoline. Then because it was hot we turned on the hose and let Ethan play with it a little. After a while he came over held it out and asked if I wanted a drink. When I came closer he tried to get me with the hose so of coerce I had to snatch it away and soak the kid it's only fair right. So we all giggled and chased each other around the yard with the hose. It was the best night I've had in a while and I think we all really needed it. After the hose we played with the neighbors which is always tons of fun. The boys all ganged up on Jared and had a squirt gun fight. Ethan even got to drive our neighbors gator around which was ohh so cool. Daniel just loved sitting in this little Hummer they have as well and following the bigger boys around. I might even have convinced my neighbor to go scrapbook with me tomorrow which is really exciting for me.

This morning we took the boys up to see Grandpa in the hospital. On the way there Ethan kept asking if they were going to look at his owe too. We told him we didn't know but we would ask. His owe is a week old skinned knee from falling off his scooter. Anyhow we got there just after he was taken for a test so we had to walk around the hospital for a little while which the boys found very interesting. Then back to grandpa's room for a visit. Ethan was very gentle with Grandpa and gave him the sweetest hug. Then he asked grandpa's nurse to look at his owe which smiling she did. It was very sweet. Ethan was totally fascinated with Grandpa's bed and kept adjusting it while we were there thankfully grandpa was not in it at the time. Anyhow Jared's dad is doing great and hopefully will get to go home tomorrow but were still unsure of that. His biggest complaints are his incision itches like crazy and they keep waking him up at night. So life is starting to head back to normal or at least what passes for normal around here.

Dads Surgery

2007-07-18T07:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Jared's dad had open heart surgery. All went well and they ended up clearing two of the blockages. They will go in at a latter time with a different procedure to clear the third. I think Jared's mom said it was angioplasty or something like that. They were going to keep him sedated for about 6 hours so he should be waking up sometimes this morning. He is doing as well as can be expected and is in an ICU unit right now but should hopefully be moved to a private room by tomorrow if all is going well. Jared's mom said I could go back and see him after his surgery but I don't think I could have handled seeing him like that right now so I'm going to wait until he's feeling just a little bit better. Thanks for all the wonderful things you all have done and the kind words and prayers.

Dad update

2007-07-16T21:19:00.000-04:00

So just wanted to pop in quick to update everyone. So this morning they ran more test on Jared's dad and discovered he has three blockages in his heart. One of the blockages is fairly easy to fix the others need a little more finesse clear. So tomorrow afternoon he will be undergoing open heart surgery. There was some damage to the heart but haven't heard much on that since the surgery is kind of taken over all our minds. He's going to be laid up for the next three months but should be returned to us almost as good as new I think. I think he's going to go a little nuts not being able to go into work for three month.

On a side note we have canceled our trip to Kentucky for the weekend to spend time with family.

Jared's Dad

2007-07-15T22:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I am so grateful for small things. Saturday evening after my family had left for there own homes and we had just finished bathing the kids after a spaghetti dinner Jared's mom called us. She was calling to tell us that Jared's dad had some kind of spell and she had called the ambulance would Jared meet her at the hospital. So we there diapers on the kids and put them in the car minus cloths and were off. To amuse everyone Jared's parents live less than 5 mins from the hospital we live 20 mins from the hospital and we beet the ambulance there. I won't tell you how fast we drove because it would frighten most people. At any rate Jared's dad suffered a series of 4 cardiac events which means he had 4 really small heart attacks. He is doing as good as can be expected, and board out of his mind at the hospital. He made a joke about walking home but he doesn't have any shoes since the ambulance came and got him. The concerning thing right now is that he has a protein level that keeps rising this meanings either there is some reasonable damage to the heart or we are in for another heart attack in the near future. Tomorrow they will run a bunch of test and let us know which of those is the case. If all goes well Jared's dad could get to come home on Tuesday.

So tonight I am grateful to have such a wonderful grandfather to my children still alive. I'm grateful for Jared's mom in recognizing so quick that he needed help. I'm grateful for the medical technology we have in this day and age. I'm grateful that Jared was home and could be there for his dad. I'm grateful for the time this has allowed Jared to spend with his dad. I'm grateful for children who make me laugh even when I'm crying. I'm grateful for the promise of eternal families which meaning never having to say goodbye.

Going to the Zoo

2007-07-15T21:45:00.000-04:00

On Saturday my family, my parents, sisters Tammy and Shannon as well as three of Shannon's kids went to the zoo together. The last time we did something like this Ethan was only a few months old so it was nice to go do something as a family. So we got the zoo around 10:20 had planned to be there at 10 but with so many kids we were a little behind schedule anyhow we get there get threw the gates and hit the penguin house first and got to see them feeding the penguins which was kinda cool. Ethan liked the way the swim in the water. Next up we came across a rather large fountain which I remember from my childhood...there is somewhere in the piles of pictures at my parents house a picture of me with all my sisters in front of said fountain so I thought it would be funny to get one of the boys in front of the fountain. However Daniel was having none of that since he really wanted to walk not ride in a stroller and well Ethan managed to get his head caught in the railing around the fountain. I did end up snapping a picture of Daniel screaming with his cousins and Ethan if you look is about to get his head caught and start screaming. After this amusing event we ran from one exhibit to the next with kids pointing out things and owing and awing over them. I really like the fact that they use natural barriers on most of the animals so it's really easy to see them and get pretty close. The polar bear exhibit which actually is one of the best in the world was really cool to see. http://www.detroitzoo.org/Attractions/ARL/Arctic_Ring_of_Life/
This tells you all about it. After the bears we debated letting the kids feed the giraffes but decided they were getting to tired to wait for the next feeding time. We did this a binderpark zoo last year and Ethan thought it was so fun. So it was on to walk with the Kangaroos. This also is very cool you actually walk in the Kangaroo exhibit and it's very possible they will hop on the path with you...I didn't have that happen since they were all napping or just chilling in the shade but the kids thought it was great. Ethan kept telling me we were in the jungle. After seeing the usual Rhinos, Lions, Tigers, Bears, Bison, Moneys, etc. we heading off for the reptile house. Ethan loved tyring to find the snakes and turtles in all the cages. His cousin Gavin and him would race to see who could spot stuff first then run to the next tank. Very cute. At the end of the day Gavin who is good buds with Ethan asked to come play with us again sometime. This made me realize that I really do need to make more time for Ethan to play with his cousins there only an hour away and they have tons of fun together. Maybe well let Gavin come spend the night once we get back from Maine the boys would be over the moon about it.

Detriot Zoo Pictures

2007-07-15T21:25:00.001-04:00

Bee Sting

2007-07-15T21:08:00.000-04:00

On Thursday evening yet again Ethan had the talent of find and disturbing a yellow jacket nest. He did this last year and ending up with 17 stings. This year was much better but about as traumatic. He was over incidental at the same neighbors house playing in there sand box when I heard him start to scream. There was a nest inside one of the outdoor trucks they had for the sand box and when he started pushing it around they got a wee bit upset. He got stung 3 times on the top portion of his ear. For most kids this would not be a huge deal but with Ethan it turns out it a little bit of a problem. When ever he gets stung he has what they call a local allergy reaction to the wasp venom. This causes what ever area is stung to swell quite noticeably. After two days of the insane swelling and some advice form a doctor in the ward we took him to the doctor just to make sure he wasn't getting an infection. For anyone out there who doesn't know evidently bee and wasp sting can get infected and if they do it can be quite serious. Now as far as the allergy reaction thing goes it's most likely going to get worse each time he is stung. My sister has a similar problem and got stung on the neck resulting in some time spent in the hospital so that they could help her breath since her neck swelled up. So we'll just have to be a little more careful from now on and hope we don't get stung anywhere that swelling will be an issue.

Tricycle Love

2007-07-12T18:10:00.000-04:00

Last week Tara came over to watch the boys while I did some house cleaning and when I looked out the window what did I see but Daniel on Ethan's Tricycle oh so happy as Tara pushed him up and down the street with Ethan "racing" them on his scooter. It was so cute I had to snap a picture or two. Now every time we go threw the garage to go outside Daniel tries to climb up on the beloved red tricycle...I think it's true love.

4th of July

2007-07-11T21:31:00.000-04:00

So we had a fabulous 4th! Festivities started on the 3rd when we got to go see Fireworks at Hudson Mills which was great by the way. Daniel also took his first step on the third trying to get closer to fireworks silly boy. He is now taking about three steps at a time and today somehow even managed to jump though I think that was a complete accident and will never happen again at least not for a month or two. He's so good natured about learning to walk. When he falls he just laughs and gets right back up, Ethan always cried if it didn't go the way he wanted it to so it's a nice change of pace.

On the 4th we spent the morning painting our hall...though I still need to find time to do touch-ups. I've also bought my pictures frames that I'm going to hang to display some of my pictures but umm ya haven't figured out what pictures I want to put in the frames yet. After all that we headed to the Quinns for a fabulous BBQ. The boys had so much fun and it was so nice just to sit back with friends and have a great time. I learned a new yard game that I can't remember the name of but was so fun. It was amusing to watch the boys play croquet and then puzzle over how to get a ball with a string attached across the small pond behind the Quinns. They probably spent over an hour doing different things...throwing it, trying to hit it with a baseball bat, even using golf. It was so funny! What you may be wondering was all this for well the idea was to get a rope across this pond that they could attach a small raft to with fireworks. In the end they just pushed the raft about a foot or so off shore which worked great.

A Day in pictures

2007-07-02T22:49:00.001-04:00

Photography addition

2007-07-02T22:27:00.000-04:00

Ok it's official I have a photography addition. I realized this as I'm importing my photos from today all 450 of them! What sane person takes 450 pictures in one day? Ok well about 150 or more where photos for the Huber's but still that's a lot of photos and I know tomorrow will be worse because we are going to go see fireworks and play at the park. If I don't take any picture for a day I feel like something is missing it's so pathetic. And now with this whole photography business thing it's just feeding the addiction. So far I have figure I need to be in AA for paper since with my scrapbooking habit I have a thing for paper and now I need to be in counseling for my photography obsession. I'm just a mess. :)

As for the boys update. Daniel is driving me a little insane this week. He's into everything and he so darn fast! Saturday while making dinner he was playing on the floor and I figure he couldn't really hurt anything so wasn't paying to much attention. Big mistake! I'm in the middle of cutting up cucumbers when I hear this glass shattering sound followed by crying. Daniel had somehow managed to break the doors on the front of our fireplace. I thought my heart would stop but he was just fine scared and confused but fine. He must have his fathers luck because he
didn't even have a scratch on him! As for Ethan he has decided that Daniel is pretty cool and can't go anywhere without him. He refuses to take a bath unless Daniel can come. We can't go for a car ride unless Daniel can come. Tonight we were watching peter pan while Daniel was sleeping and Ethan came over to ask if we could wake up Daniel because he wanted to play with him. I said no but Daniel woke up on his own a few mins latter. When Ethan heard Daniel crying he started to jump up and down and ran to there room to get him. I love the fact that they love each other at least for today.

My website

2007-06-28T18:57:00.000-04:00

ok 30 second post while Jared has the kiddos. I finally got around to updating my website...added some pictures took some off etc. Also added pricing info we'll see where that goes. I realized that price wise I will never be able to compete with sears or JcPenny but I'm not sure I would want to. Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Photography by Jess

Count your Blessing

2007-06-19T02:03:00.000-04:00

Today I called in the self pity squad. Some people have a pity party but I like to go a step further just for good measure. So anyhow I'm sitting on the floor thinking how horrible things are and how much a miss people who are gone and wondering who's next and feeling bad that I never get to see my husband etc etc. when I start hearing this song in my head "Count your many blessing name them one by one" and suddenly I didn't feel quite so bad or quite so alone. Now I can't get the song out of my head it's like theres a record in my head that's been put on constant repeat. It should be driving me insane but it's not. So I figure maybe now would be a good time to count 10 thing I'm really grateful for.

Top 10 things I'm grateful for tonight:

10.)TV. Pathetic as that is I really grateful for cartoons right now because without them even though it's almost 11 at night I would be fighting a loosing battle with my son. Right now we both just need a break from each other and cartoons work. He took his nap way late today like at 5 so he's just not tired yet ugh.
9.) Job security. Jared may be gone all the time but at least I know he's well liked at his company and his job isn't going anywhere and even if it were he has lots of other options.
8.) Our house. I love being out in the country even if it means giving up some of the contact with other people I would have in the city. You can't have a yard like ours in the city and Ethan needs space.
7.)Good Friends. It's always nice to know that friends are only a phone call away when I need someone to talk to
6.) Little boys who sweetly come and say mommy I love you will you cuddle with me. Those are the moments that make my heart just melt.
5.) Tender smiles and giggles from a sweet little nine month old who is just so happy I will talk to him.
4.) Brother who are best buds. Today Ethan got a $2.50 remote control car from Target and spent the rest of the day driving it around so Daniel would chase it. They both would laugh at one another and all I could think is I wouldn't give up moments like this for the world.
3.)A wonderful husband who impulsively buys his wife a book by one of her favorite authors and her favorite pop at the store then sends her off to take a bath because he's leaving the next day.
2.) My scriptures. They give me hope that tomorrow will always be better than today and that I can become a better person.
1.)Music. It always makes me feel better for some strange reason. I couldn't envision a life without it.

My boys

2007-06-17T22:31:00.001-04:00

The first three photos were taken this morning before we went to church and the other this last week at a park right before bedtime.

Calling in Sick

2007-06-17T10:35:00.001-04:00

On Friday for the first time since I had Ethan I called in sick to my job as a mom. Jared has been out of town more than he's been home the last few weeks and he leaves again today so when I woke up Friday with a horrible cold I decided to call in sick. It was the best thing that I've done in a long time. I stayed in bed all day and read a book between naps. I'm still suffering a little with my cold but I really think taking one day to let my body rest helped so much. So I highly recommend calling in sick now and then.

To amuse you all while Jared was watching the kids on Friday I kept hearing Ethan laughing and running around the kitchen. After a while of this I decided to investigate and find out what was so funny. So I go down stairs and find Jared talking to someone on his computer and the kids are still giggling in the kitchen. (Daniel was laughing just as much as Ethan) So I'm thinking it's great they are getting along so well maybe they are playing cars right? Umm not so much. I turn the corner and all I see is white. So let me paint you a picture in front of me is Daniel on the floor covered from head to foot in Bisquick he's leaving behind trails of Bisquick as he crawls after Ethan who is running around the kitchen picking up fist fulls of Bisquick and throwing it in the air and running threw it or throwing it at Daniel. The counters are covered in Bisquick. The floor is covered in Bisquick..there was even some on the ceiling fan if you can imagine that. When asked what he was doing Ethan responded "making pancakes". Me I simply sighed told Jared he had to clean it up and went back to my bed.

Now for the kids update. Ethan has a new word that he loves. Investigate. At least 5 times in the last 2 days he has turned to me about something or another and said "mom lets go investigate" it's really cute. Ethan for some reason or another is also on a health kick much to my amusement and bewilderment. He won't eat anything but my special K breakfast cereal, all he wants is cherry tomatoes and cucumbers...ok and some crackers to. We even took him for ice cream on Saturday and he didn't eat it...so weird. As for Daniel he has gotten two more teeth since last I wrote in here and has started on the road to walking. He will pull himself up on something and take one step to get to something else usually my leg if I happen to be standing close enough.

Thacker phots

2007-06-05T22:43:00.001-04:00

Potty Day

2007-06-05T22:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was potty day. We got up in the morning and put on real underpants and tried to use the potty all day. This was my first attempt at potty training and by the end of the day all I could think is I must be doing something wrong. We only made it to the potty once all day which was a little frustrating but I figure it's going to happen. We are going to have accidents and in all honestly I think it was as much my fault as Ethan's. I should have said we are going to use the potty now every 20 mins instead of just asking do you have to go. Well it was a learning experience next time will be better. Ethan did ask to wear his underwear again today which I think is a step in the right direction and he told me when he had to go "stinky" and we almost made it in time to the potty at grandma's house today. Maybe we will try again tomorrow if I'm up to it.

So Daniel has his own potty day story...Yesterday I was helping Ethan clean up a mess (when he has an accident it's not a big deal but he has to help clean it up) anyhow I wasn't keeping track of Daniel while we were doing this so after it was all done I went to find him. He was in the bathroom pulling toilet paper off the roll and dunking it in the toilet then pulling it back out to look at it again. By the time I found him he was soaked from head to foot in TOILET WATER! The bathroom looked like it had been tped it was really grouse but really funny at the same time.

To bring you up to date on a few other Daniel notes of interest he got his 7th tooth today and he stood on his own for almost two mins yesterday for the first time. He's discovered if he puts his arms out it helps him balance...really cute.

As for me I had yet another funeral to go to this last weekend. I've just about had it with people dieing so if anyone else out there is thinking about you better stop right now. This funeral was for a special teacher of my sisters and a friend from high schools mom. She was a truly wonderful person and I'm really sad she's gone. I would write more on her but I can't right now...she was a truly special and wonderful person and it's sad to think of a world without her in it.

Feeding the Birds

2007-05-29T13:34:00.001-04:00

Yesterday morning right after breakfast Ethan insisted we feed the birds. I was a little confused by this because what birds were we going to feed. Well Ethan had seen a morning dove on the deck and really wanted to feed it. He thought it would be just like feeding the ducks I think which we have done a few times much to his delight. Anyhow we looked around in the kitchen and came up with a roll left over from dinner the night before so we broke it into little pieces and put it on a little plate (Ethan's idea) and he took it out on the deck. He then proceeded to yell at the top of his lungs "BIRDS BIRDS!!" then after a few mins of that he thought for a few mins then started to yell "BIRDS DINNER" Much to his disappointment they didn't come running. We then put the plate on the deck and he stood inside waiting for them to come and eat his offering. This went on for about an hour...every so often he would run to the door open it and yell at the birds, it was so cute.

In other Ethan news I have decided that it might be a good idea to start caring a dictionary with me. He ask questions constantly and sometimes he really stumps me. A few examples "What's a fact mom?" this one was asked at the dinner table and me and Jared just looked at each other with looks of how do we explain this and busted up laughing. We did end up explaining it and then spent the whole rest of dinner pointing out facts to him. Another example "What's a circle?" This one was asked as he drew a circle in the sand he just wanted more of a definition and I was totally stumped. I know what a circle is but I don't know it's definition. He would not let it drop until I promised we would look it up when we got home. The boy defiantly makes me think some days.

Take me out to the Ball Game

2007-05-26T23:07:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I went to a Tigers game for my sister Tammy's Birthday. It was so much fun! If you have the time and want to do something fun this summer I highly recommend it. We go to at least one game a year and I really think it's one of the best things about summer. This year since she has a lot of Friday nights off we are going to try and make more games...I'm really excited! I don't know all the ins and outs of baseball and your lucky if I remember the players name but there is just something about being there. The smell of roasted peanuts and hot dogs, the roar of the crowd as someone hits a home run it's just the perfect summer evening. Though while I was watching the game I got to thinking about the players last night and the amount of pressure they must be under. One wrong move and everyone starts criticizing them, it's on ESPN the next day...that can not be good for your self image. It just gave me a new respect for the players and a understanding for the reasons they do some of the things they do that I don't approve of. It's not an excuses but an understanding.

Game Pix

2007-05-26T23:05:00.000-04:00

Five Questions

2007-05-22T21:30:00.000-04:00

Ok here are my five questions courtesy of Andrea.

1.) If you had to choose another country to live in for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why?

This one is pretty easy, Ireland. It's fairy tales and history and breath taking views all wrapped up in one little country with the best accent ever. The way people speak over there just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I don't know why I just really love to just listen to people with Irish accents. They are such a passionate people and I just love that. The old stone walls and green pastures the historical ruins and sea swept cliffs. I could sit all day and just look at that. Who knows maybe it's the red hair being called home to the mother ship but Ireland is where I would want to be with England a close second.

2) If you had to get rid of every object (not person or animal) in your house but five, which five would you choose to keep and why?

First I have to say this is one of the hardest questions, I really had to think. So here are my five:
1.) My camera! I really think I would feel incomplete without it. It really is my way of understanding my children and my creative outlet, everyone needs at least one.
2.) My computer. I have to have a way to view my pictures and play with them hello. Ok and I would be a very sad person without my e-mail and word is very helpful if I have to actually type something. I love spell check.
3.)My Radio. What's life without music? Whenever I'm having a really horrible day I turn on the radio so Ethan and I can dance around the house, silly as it is it always makes me feel better. I'm also pretty sure I would never get any house cleaning done without it...that whole whistle while you work or in my case sing off key really helps things go faster.
4.) My Bed. I absolutely love it! It's huge and soft and one of my great indulgent. Actually it was a stipulation to us buying our house...I had to still be able to get my bed and we need to be able to afford our wedding if we could make that happen I told Jared we could buy it..so we did. I love the memory of that and I love the fact that it's big enough that if Ethan has a bad dream and wants to cuddle I'm not kicked out of bed. I also love to curl up on it in the middle of the day if both boys are sleeping and just read with a big cup of hot chocolate.
5.) My scriptures. Ok so I'm not always the best at reading them day to day but I know when life gets ruff there kind of like my security blanket. For some reason if I can just make time to read them things don't seem so bad and no matter what it is I know that it will get better. It also gives me a little perspective of this may be bad at the moment but there really is a reason for it.

3) If you could have lunch with one famous person, who would you choose and why?

Ok this was a hard one for me as well. I actually sat down and went uhh famous people we have those? I had the hardest time coming up with famous people isn't that pathetic. But after much consideration I think I would like to spend an after noon with a man named Neil Miller. Now most of you are going uhh who...this is suppose to be famous people right? Well he's actually one of the most influential scientist of all times. If you've taken a psychology class I'm sure you've heard of him. He also happens to be Jared's grandfather. The truth of the matter is this is a man I have meet but he was in his 90's and had alzheimer's. I would love to sit down with him when he was much younger teaching at Yale and learn more about his experiments. I've heard so many stories about him that I would really love to sit down with him and just get to know him.

4) If Jared got abducted by aliens and you had to support your family single-handedly, what would you do for a living?

This one is pretty easy. I would try to make a go of it as a photographer. I'm not sure if it would work but that's were I would go first I think.

5) You are in a meditation class, and you have to think of a place that soothes you. Which place do you think of?

The first place I would think of is our cabin in Maine. There's a spot out front where you can lay in the hammock and listen to the waves genitally hitting the rocks. It's usually warm but not really hot with a nice cool breeze. Tall pine trees and birds. No electricity, no phones, no motor boats, and very few people. It's the most wonderful place I know of.

Now, if you want me to ask you five questions, which you will post on your blog, here is what you need to do:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "I too am an autobiographer."
2. I'll respond by asking you up to five questions. You will answer them, because you like talking about yourself.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Lessons Learned

2007-05-16T23:00:00.000-04:00

Some pictures from this week. The first is of Cora and the second of Grant when they came over on Saturday to play. The last is of River a new arrival in the Holman family also taken on Saturday.

A few things my children have taught me since last I wrote:

1.) Don't turn your back on the child in the tub. This is for two reasons the first of which is Daniel has learned to crawl out of the tub and will do so if I stop paying attention. The second reason for this is Ethan has decided to soak me if I stop paying attention to him in order to get my attention.

2.) Sometimes it's ok to give in. On Mother's Day Ethan melted down because he didn't want to wear ANY cloths and he wanted to eat outside. It was only 65 and we didn't want him to get cold but after half an hour of hearing him sob his little heart out we decided to just give in on this one. We did make him put on a diaper but he was allowed to come outside and eat with us. You would think he would get cold and go back in learning his lesson but no he sat there shivering and eating. Once he was done he carried his plate inside and didn't ask to go outside again that night.

3.) Enjoy your siblings. Ethan and Daniel have learned to play together. Ethan will push Daniel around the house in his walker and both boys will crack up laughing. Ethan will also push cars just out of Daniel reach so that Daniel will chase him.

4.) Bask in the ability to stand for not everyone can. Daniel is pulling up on everything, and I do mean everything! He has started doing things like pulling up on the fridge then will look over at me with the biggest smile as if to say look mom I did it aren't you proud.

5.) Knowledge can be a scary thing. I discovered this week that Ethan has a real knack for memorizing things and it's really scary for me as a parent. This week we went to the library and got some new books came home and read them. An hour latter Ethan picked up one of the books and read it to me word for word. It was a simple book but still I was pretty impressed. I worry that I won't know what to do to challenge him. I also really worry that the boy is to smart for his own good. The people I know who are the most unhappy with life happen to be the smartest people I know so this worries me a little.

Webpage

2007-05-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

Just spent the last two hours putting this together...it was my mothers day present. Anyhow I want to add more stuff to it and work on it some more but thought I would pass it along and get input.

Photography by Jess

I have some funny stories to relate about today but they will have to wait until tomorrow so that I can go watch a show with my husband another mothers day treat.

Well Seasoned Panio

2007-05-11T01:11:00.000-04:00

I can now officially say we have a well seasoned piano though probably not the way some people may. This morning Ethan became board while I was feeding Daniel his breakfast. Solid food may me more of an obstacle than I thought simply because it allows Ethan to get into so much trouble. Anyhow this morning I was listening to Ethan play while I was feeding Daniel. He's playing with piano no big deal, so he makes a lot of noise, so what. He can't hurt the piano right and if I can hear him he must be not into trouble? Umm in these types of situations it's always best to check I've discovered but I always try to convince my self that he's being good. Ethan had obtained an all purpose spice from the counter where I had left it from the night before (Note to self reason number 48 to clean up after dinner) and for some reason had decided to season the piano. No I don't mean just a shake or two but the whole bottle sprinkled along the keys. My house now smells just like all purpose seasoning for some odd reason and now every time I look at the piano I start to laugh.

Club Boy

2007-05-10T01:06:00.000-04:00

This week for FHE the boys went outside to jump on the trampoline while I quick whipped up a lesson. After about 20 mins I went outside to join them and play catch with Ethan. The plan was to play outside for another half hour then go inside and have our lesson. Why is it things never go as planned in my house? A few mins latter I see this group of boys coming up the street. All the kids on our street with the exception of one eight year old girl are boys. Anyhow all the boys were out catching bugs and decided to drop by to see if we had any bugs in our yard. Ethan was all over that. I think I must have had a look of total dismay as I saw my neatly laid out plans for the night slipping away. Jared came over and put his arm around me and whispering in my ear "Welcome to Club boy." I know he's so right. All I could think of was all the bug hunts in my future soon to be followed by snake hunts I'm sure and frog hunts and anything else they can think of. After an eventful quest the boys decided to jump on the trampoline then it was off to play at a neighbors yard. I couldn't bring my self to ruin there fun and hall Ethan inside. Maybe next week we will have a family bug hunt and talk about how god created everything even little bugs.

Today was a day of complete and total frustration for Daniel. The boy wants to walk so bad and can't stand the fact that he can't. He's started taking steps but gets really angry when he falls. In some ways I can't wait until he walks because it means we will not have a total day of crying. Pray for my sanity until then.

In other news I learned something new today. I had yet another Dr appointment and while talking we got on the subject of my sleep issues. Did you know that if you are sleep deprived you are more likely to be over weight and your more likely to develop diabetes. Umm ya so if you have a family history of diabetes and have sleep issues that's like bad. If your wondering the reason evidently when your over tired your body starts producing more incline to try and keep you awake. This in turn can cause you to gain weight and for lack of a better term burn out your bodies own ability to regulate sugar. I found this interesting. I love my Dr she always teaches me something new when I go see her and she is always so helpful. So she has set the goal that I need to be in bed by 11...I'm going to try and hopefully it will work. She's also sending me to a dietician to help me create a healthy weight loss plan and learn to eat better so if possible I can avoid that whole diabetes thing.

Ok I'm going to stand on my soap box for just a min and plead with everyone to remember to wear sun screen and especially remember to put it on your kids. My parents were horrible about that and as a result I got burned quite badly quite often. Now I'm 26 and have to take a picture of a mole on my foot because well it could be skin cancer. I have to take a picture of it ever month or so to make sure it's not growing for how long I don't know until we're sure it's not growing I guess. Sucky

Small Victory

2007-05-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

I really really hate potty training. In part because I never know if I'm doing the right thing and because you need to be so consistent and life just isn't. Anyhow tonight I told Ethan that we needed to spend an hour practicing using the potty because soon mommy was going to take away his diapers and he was going to have to use the potty all the time. He said ok and we took off the diaper. He immediately went to the potty and used it. I was so surprised you could have knocked me over. Maybe all the frustration is starting to pay off. Our goal this week is to try and have a one hour practice time every day hopefully they will all go this well. Ethan has been very hard to get to this stage so its so gratifying to see that all that work is starting to pay off. Maybe he will be potty trained before he's 12.

As for the Daniel update. The boy is driving me insane again! Ugh they really do take turns driving me nuts. Daniel is really into standing these days so he is always climbing on my leg or something and if he can't he gets really grumpy. This is how Ethan was and why we bought the walker but it's still driving me a little crazy. He's started pulling up on thing and either tyring to walk along them or letting go and trying to stand. The standing thing really isn't work that well for him the longest he's up is maybe a second. I see two walking whirlwinds in my near future and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that. Part of me is happy because maybe they can play together...or at least chase each other around the house but still he's not suppose to walk yet right?

On a side note Ethan gave Daniel a roll of paper towels today without me knowing it until a few mins latter. Dinner time is always mischief time. At any rate Daniel had a ball at least and it really was funny to find him wrapped in paper towels. I should have taken pictures of it but I felt it was wrong to leave him there while I searched for the camera.

Trampoline

2007-05-06T22:00:00.001-04:00

I have been so occupied with my family that I almost forgot to tell people. We got a trampoline! Yes Jenny your probably right one of my kids, probably Jared, will break a leg or something but I figure it's going to happen no matter what. Jared's parents got it for all three of my boys for a combined birthday present. They came over while Jared was out of town this last week and we all went to get it then Jared's dad took some time off work to help put it together. It was really sweet they wanted to have it all put together before Jared got home that night so that he could just go play on it if he wanted to. I have to say it's the best stress relief ever. How can you be upset when your jumping on a 15 foot trampoline. I think it would be really fun to have a sleep out on the trampoline or at the very least do some star gazing. I have decided on hard days this summer it will make the perfect place to take a nap while the boys are napping, or read a book. Ethan is totally in love with the trampoline and tells me every morning about it. It's also helping with his sleeping 30 mins on it and he's ready for a nap or bed which is great! I think it's just what we needed! Once life settles down a little bit we are going to have a wii/trampoline/bbq party. So far there is only one rule for the trampoline, only one person at a time. Jared has of coerce violated this rule already but Ethan is quite admit about no one jumping with him. I hope it stays that way. I do have to find out how to clean it though cause umm the birds have already found it, no surprise.

Photos of the Day

2007-05-06T02:50:00.000-04:00

Memories

2007-05-05T23:45:00.001-04:00

I just got back out of bed after spending half an hour laying there with my eyes closed thinking I could sleep if I just tried hard enough. It almost worked then my brain started thinking about the this that and the other thing and that was that. I started thinking about my grandmother and you know the little things you remember and how important those things are. Like I was telling someone today about this button box my grandmother had. It's really such a simple thing but it's my most memorable thing about her. Every time she got an outfit the extra button went in the box, every time she threw away a shirt the buttons went in the box, buttons off her army uniform went in that silly little box. I remember spending hours playing with grandam buttons. We would count them when I was learning to count, and sort them by colors when I was learning my colors. When I got older some of the more special buttons had stories to them. I think I'm going to start my own button box for my kids. It's such a silly little thing but it always meant a lot to me. At first I thought I had so few memories of my grandmother but the more I think of it the more and more little things keep coming back. Like helping her plant trees in her yard one year and having my sister chase me with the hose. Or the year we painted the patio furniture and painted our shoes to match. Grandma said they looked great but mom didn't think so...they were umm rather stiff afterward. I remember always getting candy when we went to grandmas house, that was something really special because it wasn't allowed at home. I remember the summer she would come and pick me up every single day and take me to her house to teach me how to take care of her flowers. Every Halloween we would trek into grandma's house for a big family get together and trick or treating. We would lay on the floor at the end of the night with our candy and grandma would sneak a piece of two and laugh at us. I know I wasn't there for her like she was for me but loosing her has taught me how important it is to know your grandparents. I guess it's true you don't really appreciate things until they are gone.

Grandma

2007-05-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

Today was the funeral. That was hard though not as hard as I thought it would be I have to say. Overall it turned into a celebration of family. Some of the stories that have come out over the last few days have really made me look at her in a new light and appreciate her a little more. I wish I could have appreciated her more while she was here. I have to share one of the stories because it just made me laugh so hard. So my grandparents one year decided to raise chickens and so they got them self some bantam hens. Well bantam hens are great for laying eggs but not much good for anything else. Well after the hens had grown to a reasonable size they umm ya know killed them (they were farmers sorry guys) anyhow and they decided to roast these hens over the fire ridged up a spicet and everything. Well here's the part they didn't know bantam hens aren't the type you really eat. So I guess you would take a bite of the hen and it would kind bounce back...you literaly couldn't eat the stuff...so they had a little burial service for the hens instead of dinner that night. I was asked to put together a slide show of pictures of grandma threw out her life here are just a few I wanted to share. You can really tell she loved to ham it up.

Paying customer

2007-05-02T07:21:00.000-04:00

I officially have my first paying customer! I'm both excited and terrified. What if I totally mess it up and they hate the pictures? Ok so I told them not to pay me if they don't like the pictures. It's a money back guarantee I guess. At the same time I've already done pictures for them so they know what to expect and they are willing to pay me for my time. We went back and forth a little bit because we both didn't want to take advantage of the other but we finally agreed they would pay me whatever they feel is appropriate and to be honest I'm just trilled that they think that much of my photos. I have to say it a real self esteem boost to have someone call you up and say they are willing to pay you for something you enjoy doing.

This made me sit down and go ok what do I charge people? I figure I probably needed a little push to figure this out. So last night I sat down and spent a few hours looking up different photography sites and different products how much does it cost to do x. I had been putting it off but actually it was kind of fun to figure out well if I'm going to x what are the cost I need to take into account. Everyone who I have already talk to about doing pictures please don't think you have to pay me. At some point I guess I will take to just say I'm charging people but I'm not sure I'm ready for that. I mean if I do that means I'm really really doing this. Ok so the fact that I order $200 worth of equipment might already mean that but that's beside the point. Maybe by fall I'll feel confident enough to say I'm ready to charge but right now I'm so worried people will pay me then hate the pictures. It's that whole I've never taken a class thing. Jared says it's silly that I have this little hang up...I suppose that's because he never took a college computer class and look at where he is. He does have a point that I can learn as I go and just not charge very much right now and as I learn more and get more experience I can up my rates.

I guess the next step is figuring out how to make the website I want...ohh and writing that photography essay everyone seems to have on there website about there philosophy or how they got started. I know exactly how I want things to look now it's just a matter of figuring out how to make that work.

Saying goodbye

2007-05-02T06:48:00.000-04:00

So I can't sleep again. I really hate the fact that I seem to lack the ability to sleep even when I'm really really tired. I'm glad my child en didn't fully inherit this gene. I won't say they didn't inherit it because we all know what wonderful sleepers my children are. At any rate tomorrow I head to my parents for the day to help with funeral plans. We are going to get together as a family tomorrow night and just talk about my grandmother and go threw pictures. We tend to do this whenever someone passes away and I always appreciate it. We eat, we cry, we laugh, we remember. Those stories that everyone laugh always end up coming out or that one story that only so and so knows the full extent of. It really is great. Thursday I'll be back home to finish getting things here ready then back across the state Thursday night. Friday is the big party. It's interesting that in my family after ever funeral there is a Party. Yes I mean party with a capital P. For my grandfather several years ago I think it lasted close to 12 hours with everyone laughing and joking and remembering all the really funny things about him. I have to say that when I go I hope someone has a party in my honor.

Insanity

2007-04-30T00:35:00.000-04:00

Ok it's official my oldest child is going to drive me crazy. I realize that it's not a long drive but still it's the point of the whole thing. Today has been another one of those days where half the day I was ready to strangle him and the other half I was like aww isn't he cute. I really do think cuteness is a survival thing. Anyhow I'm not going recount all of my day I'm just going to share with you one thing I learned today. Child safety locks are on cars for a reason and they work better if engaged. Had thought about this a the fact that I have a insane two year old prior to tonight I might not have thought I was going to die. Let me explain... Tonight we had to take Jared to the airport and on the way back I stopped paying attention to Ethan and he got very board, this is never a good thing. I was talking on the phone when I hear "what I do" and all the sudden there is a gust of wind from behind me. For those of you who haven't guessed it Ethan opened his door. Now normally this may not have been to big of an issue but going down the highway at 70 in the middle lane of a three lane highway it was a major issue. I thought I was going to have a heart attack and if my some miracle I survived that I was sure someone was going to hit us. Someone was really watching over us is all I can say because when I switched lanes as calmly as I could the door gently shut. It didn't latch just hung there almost closed until I could get off at the exit luckily only a few feet ahead. I was able to get out a close the door on the exit ramp. So in case any of you have not done this engaging the child safety lock is a good idea, I just never really thought about it. I really wasn't kidding my kids will drive me insane but I hear that can be fun some days.

Death stream of Consciousness

2007-04-26T22:52:00.001-04:00

Life is funny sometimes, not haha funny just really strange. For instants my family always dies in sets of three usually with a month of each other. I don't know why that is. I don't know if we all pick the time we will leave this earth before we come but that's just the way it seems to work in my family. A few weeks ago I lost my great aunt and my aunt within 24 hours of each other. Today my grandmother died and right now it all just doesn't seem real. I was planning on going over to see her on Saturday to say good bye. I wanted to let her meet Daniel but I messed up and waited to long. I knew it was bad but I thought I had a little more time. I think deep down I thought she was to angry to die but I guess not. My grandmother and I have never seen eye to eye on things. I would like to say I have found memories of her from my childhood but I just don't. I wanted to make my peace with that when I said goodbye but now its to late in a sense. I'll have to find a way to deal with that but not tonight. Ok is it really sick that right now the song that keeps playing threw my head is Another One Bits the Dust by Queen: "and another one gone and another one gone, another one bites the dust..." Going off in a completely other direction lately I've been thinking a lot about what happens when we die. Not the are there really big pearly gates and someone standing at the front with a book to see if your name is wrote down like in the movies but the finer details. The promise of a perfect body and how really great that is. I guess I never really thought about it before but after seeing the suffering that my aunt went threw before she died. I don't know how to explain how great it must feel to get that body to be able to run or do a million things you may not have been able to do here on earth. I think we go threw some of the things we do so we can appreciate that body when we get it and don't just take it for granite. I've also grown to appreciate my church a lot more of late. We believe family's can be together forever. That is such a precious gift that I can't even begin to explain. I'm not very good at putting spiritual thoughts down on paper but right now I'm really appreciating my church and the strength it lends me. I would write more but I think I'm just burned out now and need to sleep to try and get some kind of grip on this crazy world.

God must have a sense of humor!

2007-04-25T18:50:00.000-04:00

I really think God has the best sense of humor or else there would not be days like today. Our day started off with the kids sleeping in the 6:30 hurray!! However the cat woke me up at 6 with an upset stomach, hows that for annoying. Afterward Jared decided he wanted to go out for breakfast to spend time with us. Great, I don't have to cook...or more accurately put together cereal and milk. There was one little glitch however shoes. You see Ethan only really has one pair since its really hard to find any that fit him and last night he "took care" of his shoes all by himself. So this morning when I went to put his shoes on I could only find one. Jared and I looked everywhere but still no shoes and after 45 mins we were getting pretty hungry and cranky. So we put him in flip flops and out the door we went. Ethan decided he really didn't want to wear shoes so when we got to coney he took them off and put them on the table. Since the boy has tons and tons of energy he proceeded to run around the table in a game of catch me if you can while everyone in the restaurant looked at us like whats wrong with your child. Thank goodness for understanding waitress who just laugh and distract him. After breakfast we took Jared home and started another round of lets looked for Ethan's shoes without any luck. Feeling utterly defeated I decided to go to the library for story time and to return the movies we rented last week. In order to go to the library we had to go back to the friends house were I had left my purse the night before. On our way from there to the library Ethan and Daniel fell asleep so it was home again home again gigity gig. The boys did sleep for almost 2 hours which really was a blessing since I needed a break and was able to get some work done on photos. I really didn't want to look for shoes that at that point I was thinking Ethan had thrown away for us. After naps the boys were up to full speed again...Ethan took bright pink kite sting and wrapped the living room kitchen and dinning room up for me so that it look like something out of the parent trap. Then he tried to play football with his little brother with real tackles. You all can imagine how that turned out. After getting that all sorted out we tried to make dinner with Ethan going is it done yet every 5 mins. I was ready to scream after the first 50 times but managed not to. After dinner it was off to the library to try and get there before they closed but of coerce I forgot they were doing construction on the Baker Rd bridge so we went a round about way and just made it before they closed. Ethan picked out a new movie which I'm sure we will be using tomorrow to distract if tomorrow is anything like today. At any rate back home to do some more searching for that shoe with the decision made that if I couldn't find it in the next 30 mins I was going to the store and buying him another pair. After a few mins of cleaning/searching I can't seem to get Ethan's plane out of my mind. Ok I decide I'm going to go look at his little plane its one of these ride on toys that has a compartment under the seat for whatever reason. If you haven't guessed it the shoe was right there inside his plane all day...whenever I had been looking for the shoe he had been playing with his plane so maybe that's why it didn't occur to me earlier but at least we found it. At this point Jared volunteered to take him outside for a while, thank goodness. After a few moments I hear our door bell go nuts...Ethan is repeatedly ringing so much so that the cover fell off the ringing part of the doorbell inside. I was kinda funny. He then brought me in a toad from the garden so that I could see him. He named him hoppity. We convinced him that hoppity could live in the garden and we would visit with him latter. I'm really not looking forward to the first snake he finds I know he's going to want to show it to me. At 8:30 I decided he was to tired so off we went for a family car ride. Now the boys are peacefully sleeping. I really love it when they are sleeping...there are so few things they can get into when they are sleeping.

Photography update

2007-04-23T18:07:00.000-04:00

Photography stuff seems to be picking up. I'm taking more and more pictures which is great. I'm learning more and more of what works and what doesn't. Jared is pressuring me a little to start charging people so I guess I better come up with a price list. It should be pretty easy right? Well I'm going to at least calculate how much everything will cost to do and we'll go from there. I am going to try and order a portable backdrop off of e-bay I think. I think that will make things more professional looking along with a few solid backdrops. I have a friend who is willing to buy one of the backdrops as payment for doing family pictures for her. Its a really sweet offer. I'm also going to see about getting some reflectors since I want to work with natural light and they really aren't to expensive. The up side of this is being totally portable so if I wanted to stuff at someone else's house I could as long as there is enough space. I need to find some time to work on the website as well. I think I've settle on True Emotions as the name for the photography business but need to double check that its not already in use.

The little things

2007-04-20T01:06:00.000-04:00

I don't know how many of you even know who Three Dog Night are but I have to quote them tonight because it just seems right. "Mama said there would be days like this". Its so true, of coerce its usually followed by laughter and just wait until they do such and such and lots of sighing on my part. Anyhow today was just one of those days were nothing went quite as planned and the kids were just driving me up a wall. But sometimes the little things make it all worth it.

This evening I tried to run and errand. I have these jeans I bought Ethan that I thought would fit but are way way way to big so I need to return them. I have been trying my hardest to return them all week but something always pops up. So tonight determined to make that work I loaded to screaming children in the car and off we went. Our car ride was less than peaceful. At first Ethan screamed that Mommy needed to drive since Jared was driving. Then after 5 mins of that we pulled over chines fire drilled it and got to listen to the exact opposite for another 10 mins until we stopped at a friend’s house to drop something off. While dropping the item off my husband volunteered to take both Ethan and her little boy for a walk. It was so nice to just sit down and talk for half an hour while the boys played outside. I didn't know how much I needed it until just then. I had forgotten to get the chicken we were suppose to have for dinner out of the freezer so after this we got in the car and I wondered what we would do with Ethan hungry. Jared to the rescue, we went out to dinner at my favorite burger joint. Then home for bath time, which had a slight incident, which will require the cleaning of the bath toys. After all this I decided we need a peaceful evening so I popped Herby in and made some popcorn. It was such a simple thing and at the time I felt like I was giving up a little but it really was the right thing tonight. Ethan cuddled on my one side Daniel climbed on my other. Side note Daniel pulled himself up to a full standing position tonight. I’m not sure if I should be happy about this or terrified. Anyhow it was just nice to sit there with my kids. Not yelling at them to stop doing something or trying to keep the newly mobile one out of something. We enjoyed our movie and then the boys went to bed without winning or crying or coming out of their room 5 million times. Some times those little things make everything just right so tonight I’m thankful for movies and caring husbands.

Ethan

2007-04-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

Today Ethan had to "fly" up the street to go see the fish in our neighbors pond. I think he really just wants to go throw rocks in the water but he always says he wants to see the fish. I also learned today that you can go fishing in a mud puddle with a stick. The things you catch may look like leaves but really they are fish or so Ethan tells me.

We interviewed a preschool today for Ethan and I think we are going to stick with it. I think they will be able to handle him there and he really liked all the different things they had to do. We talked with the person who will be teaching his class and he seemed to like her. They have lots of trips and special things they do with the kids like they take them to a pumpkin patch in the fall and have special puppet shows that kind of thing so I think Ethan will really enjoy it and it will give me a little bit of a break.

Life

2007-04-16T21:38:00.000-04:00

Pictures of the day. I took these while I was waiting for Ethan to wake up from his nap. I thought turned out pretty cute so I would share. Daniel said Mama for the first time today. He's been saying Ma for a while but its the first time he's said Mama and was looking strait at me when he did it to so I'm counting it. He also said baba and grabbed a bottle so I think that counts too. He seems to have been a little traumatized by the whole falling down the stairs thing. He won't let me leave the room without crying right now and I'm not really sure why that is unless he's cutting teeth again. Hopefully its just a temporary thing. For those of you who don't know Daniel fell down seven stairs on Friday night and we spent the night at the ER. He's fine but got some pretty good bruses out it and a pretty banged up nose. It really is a good thing babies heal fast and I hope I never have to go threw head x-rays with an infant ever again.

Just for your amusement on Saturday I was making our grocery list. We tend to sit around the table as a family and do this and Ethan decided he wanted to help. When I read off the list and asked what else we needed Ethan informed me we needed an alligator...so I wrote it down because he kept repeating it until I did. Then he informed us we needed to get the alligator food and a house so he could play in and out. It was really cute. Maybe for his birthday this year I'll get him a little stuffed alligator.

On a not so happy front I just got another call from my mom about my grandmother. She is really not doing well and they called in hospics today. She has stopped eating again. This last month she has lost 30 pounds. I know shes in a lot of pain I just wish there was something I could do. She misses my grandfather so much that I don't think she can stand living anymore without him. He died when I was still in middle school but she's never been the same since. I think she's just done. I hope she finds peace soon.

Photography

2007-04-15T22:09:00.000-04:00

Photography is fast becoming something more than just a hobby for me. Eventually I would like to do it as a business provided I'm good enough but I'm not sure now is the right time. Sometimes I sit here and think oh my goodness what am I doing. It's kind of like the feeling you get right before you get sucked under the water and can't breath for a few mins. Then your head breaks the surface you gasp for air and life is ok after all. I had to give up the photography class that I was going to take this summer because Jared is going to be traveling a lot and it just wouldn't work out. Overall I'm fine with this but it makes me wonder if we can't make a class work will we be able to make a photography thing work? I guess time will tell. I really love photography and it’s become my outlet in a way. Whenever Jared leaves town I just follow the boys around and document there day, sometimes I take over 150 in a day, which is a little insane. Whenever the boys are driving me nuts out comes the camera and suddenly I don't care if they are destroying the house or if they are into everything because when I look threw the lens I'm not a mom. It's hard to explain but I've found that taking pictures of my children makes me appreciate the people they are, something I'm not always good at. With Ethan my oldest especially its hard because everyone is always telling me what a handful he is which is true but it makes me think there is something wrong with him if he's so much worse than other kids. But when I follow him around and see what he's seeing I mean really see it’s amazing. I love the way he gets so excite and all the expressions. At any rate right now I am taking pictures of friends kids and families and really really enjoying it. I'll post my favorite pictures so far and if anyone wants pictures taken let me know I can always use the experience. Right now I'm thinking of maybe starting to charge in the fall but we'll see how that goes. I still need to come up with a price for everything, which seems to be the hardest part of this whole your own business thing. You don't want your prices to low that you don't make a profit but to high and no one is interested. Well I have faith it will all work out the way it's suppose to I'm just not sure it will be complementary to what I want. If you want to see more pictures my page in progress...which i need to make time to work on now that I have a better idea of what I want is http://puck.nether.net/~smiles/photography1/

and here is a recent photo shoot I did for a friend

http://puck.nether.net/~smiles/Elders/

Insomnia

2007-04-12T08:22:00.000-04:00

I should be sleeping right now but I just can't seem to find the ability to do so. All the men in my house are peacefully snoring away but no not I. I'm here staring at a computer screen since I can't turn my brain off. You know if anyone ever invents an off switch for the brain I think I might be first in line. It's not like I'm thinking of anything that can't wait until tomorrow when the boys are awake and I have to be anyhow. No right now I'm sitting here thinking were almost out of milk I've got to remember to get that tomorrow or the next day we won't have milk for cereal. And did I remember to bring in the trashcan or is it still out next to the road. Sometimes I just need a mute button cause if I could just get my brain to shut up for 5 seconds I could go to sleep. If you haven't guessed I suffer (hmm maybe suffer isn't quite the right word but I'm not sure what the right word is plagued maybe) by insomnia. I don't think there can be anything more annoying than insomnia well except maybe a bad haircut. So what do they tell you to do about insomnia get out of bed so you don't get so frustrated with the fact that you can't sleep and compound the problem. Only problem with that is I tend to do really weird things at night when I can't sleep...mop my floor at 3 in the morning with the stereo going until my husband comes down stairs and say "honey are you ok" because I'm singing along to veggie tales...ok so it was left in the stereo from my kids and I was to lazy to change it. Besides if you've ever been up at 3 and doing some simple task it’s always good to have background noise otherwise you start talking to you self or the wall. So anyhow this bog is hopefully a more sane way for me to deal with my sleep issues and maybe if I write about my life I'll see a little more humor in some of the things my two year old does.

Two year olds are the most wonderful and exasperating creatures on the earth. I love my son with all my heart but there are moments when I really wish he were someone else’s child. To give you an example of this my son has an obsession with our fireplace. He has always love fire a trait he gets from his father but it's been taken to a new level this week as he has turned into cinderfella. No that's nothing like the movie. Let me explain while I was changing my 7 month olds diaper the 2 year old decided that it would be great fun to play in the fireplace. At first it was just a finger that edged its way in just to test the area and see if it was safe. Then a large gust of air flew in and as he discovered that the ashes would move around quite readily. I will not bore you with the details of that clean up but as I was trying to get this mess under control he found the baking powder that I had left on the counter from an earlier project. He proceeded to dump large amounts of said substance on the floor so that he could run threw it and make footprints on the rest of the floor. Then he discovered you can slide threw it and its really fun...it was at this point that I turned around and stopped his fun. He was sentence to time out again. A short time latter while feeding the seven month old I hear giggling coming from the kitchen area which is were our fire place is but decide he's not hurting him self I'll let it go and maybe its not bad right. To make a long story short he was in the fireplace again and had dumped a large amount on the floor. Figuring he would get in trouble for this he had gotten the broom and dust pan out and tried to clean things up resulting in the opposite effect. We have also had ashes sifted in a flour sifter as he ran threw our house this week.... in case anyone is wondering the fire place is now I hope cleared of all forms of ash. In retro speck it really is quite amusing and I suppose if I had cleaned out the fireplace instead of waiting for my husband to do it we wouldn't have had so many incidents but as they say hindsight is 20/20