Where Do I Begin?
Goodness, it's been so long since I've written anything, I don't even know where to start. Jake started kindergarten this year. That was exciting! I didn't even cry the first day (I cried the day he didn't need me to walk him to his classroom anymore). He's loving learning. Often when we ask him what the best part of his day is, he'll answer, "School." Yay!
We were fortunate to get him in a French Immersion program. It's been fun to hear French a little more from H.J. and to have Jake teach us the new words he's learned. He didn't believe that H.J. could speak French at first. One dinner conversation went like this:
Jake: "My teacher can speak French."
H.J.: "So can I."
Jake: "My teacher lived in France."
H.J.: "So did I."
Jake: "My teacher can speak French for an hour!"
H.J.: "I can, too."
Jake came around eventually (but not that night).
Not to be left out, Christian often tells us how to say things in "Penguish" (although it may be "Penglish"--I'm not sure).
Christian started preschool and has been enjoying it for the most part. We joined a quasi-Joy School group in WX and he didn't know any of the kids so that was hard for him at first. We've also started him on the violin. He is still working on some technique before he can actually start playing the violin, but we're getting closer! He's really chomping at the bit to get to play.
And Danny is trying his best to keep up with his brothers. His favorite thing is to play with them and he's often the roughest of the bunch! Last week was his first Sunday in nursery and thankfully, that transition went without a hitch. Yay!
H.J.'s a ward missionary and enjoying it. I was recently called as the "Teachings for Our Time" teacher in Relief Society. Love it!
Maybe the next post will sound less "Christmas letter-y" because, hopefully, it won't take me as long to get back to this. :)
We were fortunate to get him in a French Immersion program. It's been fun to hear French a little more from H.J. and to have Jake teach us the new words he's learned. He didn't believe that H.J. could speak French at first. One dinner conversation went like this:
Jake: "My teacher can speak French."
H.J.: "So can I."
Jake: "My teacher lived in France."
H.J.: "So did I."
Jake: "My teacher can speak French for an hour!"
H.J.: "I can, too."
Jake came around eventually (but not that night).
Not to be left out, Christian often tells us how to say things in "Penguish" (although it may be "Penglish"--I'm not sure).
Christian started preschool and has been enjoying it for the most part. We joined a quasi-Joy School group in WX and he didn't know any of the kids so that was hard for him at first. We've also started him on the violin. He is still working on some technique before he can actually start playing the violin, but we're getting closer! He's really chomping at the bit to get to play.
And Danny is trying his best to keep up with his brothers. His favorite thing is to play with them and he's often the roughest of the bunch! Last week was his first Sunday in nursery and thankfully, that transition went without a hitch. Yay!
H.J.'s a ward missionary and enjoying it. I was recently called as the "Teachings for Our Time" teacher in Relief Society. Love it!
Maybe the next post will sound less "Christmas letter-y" because, hopefully, it won't take me as long to get back to this. :)
I Tried
So if there is anyone still out there who has not given up on this blog, I tried to add some pictures today. It took so long I'm out of time to write much. I'll try to update later.
Field Trip
Last Wednesday I took the boys to the Museum of Church History and Art. Jake's Joy School class focused on the joys of creativity and imagination and suggested a trip to an art museum. We had a great time. The museum has a great children's exhibit about the Book of Mormon and Latin American culture. They boys fished from Nephi's boat, gathered "eggs" and "vegetables" for the missionaries, and just had a good time. They also enjoyed seeing the prophets' gallery and the history part of the museum. Two hours just flew by. We had to leave to move the car so we wouldn't get a ticket or we would've stayed longer.
As we walked to the car, the boys said they wanted to see where General Conference was broadcast. Danny was still happy (surprisingly, since it was past his nap time) so we moved the car and went to the Conference Center. They were very impressed and absolutely loved the roof. It's sad that security has to be such that people can't sit and enjoy the roof as it seemed to be intended. They wanted to stay longer, but I was starving and Danny really needed to get to bed. As we walked out of the Conference Center I noticed a group of guys, likely returned missionaries, that looked like they had just finished a session at the temple. I really hope my boys have a good group of friends that do stuff like that.
Speaking of General Conference, Jake and Christian really surprised us by being so excited for every single session of Conference. They listened to parts of it and even remembered some when we talked about it for Family Home Evening the following Monday.
As we walked to the car, the boys said they wanted to see where General Conference was broadcast. Danny was still happy (surprisingly, since it was past his nap time) so we moved the car and went to the Conference Center. They were very impressed and absolutely loved the roof. It's sad that security has to be such that people can't sit and enjoy the roof as it seemed to be intended. They wanted to stay longer, but I was starving and Danny really needed to get to bed. As we walked out of the Conference Center I noticed a group of guys, likely returned missionaries, that looked like they had just finished a session at the temple. I really hope my boys have a good group of friends that do stuff like that.
Speaking of General Conference, Jake and Christian really surprised us by being so excited for every single session of Conference. They listened to parts of it and even remembered some when we talked about it for Family Home Evening the following Monday.
I Will Update This . . .
. . . sometime! I'm still trying to figure out how to do life with three boys! It's good, crazy, stressful, delightful, noisy, funny, frustrating, heartwarming, sleep-depriving, patience-testing, learning, growing, and I could go on.
Danny is a happy, easy-going baby, thank heavens! His brothers love him and they are good helpers. Jake's enjoying Joy School again this year. Christian is as active as ever. H.J. is, as always, my rock, anchoring me and reassuring me that I'm not crazy . . . yet! :)
Danny is a happy, easy-going baby, thank heavens! His brothers love him and they are good helpers. Jake's enjoying Joy School again this year. Christian is as active as ever. H.J. is, as always, my rock, anchoring me and reassuring me that I'm not crazy . . . yet! :)
He's Finally Here!
Danny was born on April 23 at 1:38 am. He weighed 6 pounds and 14 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long with blue eyes and dark brown hair. Jake and Christian just adore him. We do, too.
He gave us a little bit of a scare when he spit up some green bile later that day. They whisked him off to Primary Children's Hospital to make sure his intestines or stomach wasn't twisted or kinked. Turns out it was just reflux, but once he got back to LDS they put him in Special Care to make sure other things weren't wrong. It took him a little while to get the nursing thing down (in my opinion because they kept poking him and doing other tests!), but once he had a little reflux medication in him, he got it down and we were able to bring him home Monday night. Yay!
Thank you to all who have helped and visited, especially both of his grandmas. You're wonderful!
For those of you who want details of the labor, read on.
After all of our major commitments were met (H.J. had a big presentation at work, I taught Joy School), I felt like my water had broken. I'd never had that happen before with Jake and Christian being induced. I was eating lunch and trying to decide if I was having some bladder control issues or if it was really amniotic fluid when H.J. called. I told him what was going on and he left work immediately. The bags were already packed so I washed the dishes and tried to get the boys to finish their lunch. Melissa had called during Joy School offering to watch the boys while I rested or finished final preparations so I called her back to ask if she was willing to watch them possibly through the night. Thanks Missy!
We headed toward the hospital and called our midwife to let her know. She had us go to her office where she checked me and, though the tests came back negative for fluid, she thought it would be a good idea to go on to the hospital and break my water just in case I was leaking up high.
She broke my water at about 2:30 pm and we walked around hoping for contractions to start on their own. They didn't so I had to go on Pitocin (ick) and at about 6:30 pm the contractions started in. I labored for a few of hours, but things were progressing slowly. After finally reaching only 5 centimeters, with the contractions getting really hard, I decided on an epidural. What a wonderful thing! We were all able to get some rest. Just after 1:00 am, I was able to start pushing. After about 10 pushes (which for me is not very many), Danny made his entrance! H.J. was a marvelous support. He seemed to know exactly what I needed. Thank you, H!
He gave us a little bit of a scare when he spit up some green bile later that day. They whisked him off to Primary Children's Hospital to make sure his intestines or stomach wasn't twisted or kinked. Turns out it was just reflux, but once he got back to LDS they put him in Special Care to make sure other things weren't wrong. It took him a little while to get the nursing thing down (in my opinion because they kept poking him and doing other tests!), but once he had a little reflux medication in him, he got it down and we were able to bring him home Monday night. Yay!
Thank you to all who have helped and visited, especially both of his grandmas. You're wonderful!
For those of you who want details of the labor, read on.
After all of our major commitments were met (H.J. had a big presentation at work, I taught Joy School), I felt like my water had broken. I'd never had that happen before with Jake and Christian being induced. I was eating lunch and trying to decide if I was having some bladder control issues or if it was really amniotic fluid when H.J. called. I told him what was going on and he left work immediately. The bags were already packed so I washed the dishes and tried to get the boys to finish their lunch. Melissa had called during Joy School offering to watch the boys while I rested or finished final preparations so I called her back to ask if she was willing to watch them possibly through the night. Thanks Missy!
We headed toward the hospital and called our midwife to let her know. She had us go to her office where she checked me and, though the tests came back negative for fluid, she thought it would be a good idea to go on to the hospital and break my water just in case I was leaking up high.
She broke my water at about 2:30 pm and we walked around hoping for contractions to start on their own. They didn't so I had to go on Pitocin (ick) and at about 6:30 pm the contractions started in. I labored for a few of hours, but things were progressing slowly. After finally reaching only 5 centimeters, with the contractions getting really hard, I decided on an epidural. What a wonderful thing! We were all able to get some rest. Just after 1:00 am, I was able to start pushing. After about 10 pushes (which for me is not very many), Danny made his entrance! H.J. was a marvelous support. He seemed to know exactly what I needed. Thank you, H!
Happy April!
We started our April with Fakin' and Eggs for breakfast on April Fool's Day, thanks to a great idea in the Family Fun magazine (http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/fakin-and-eggs-859971/). The boys loved candy for breakfast. That was the extent of our fooling, though I had planned on more. I considered sending a text to all family members that we were on our way to the hospital or calling H.J. at work telling him I was in labor, but I couldn't quite bring myself to do it. I can't stand feeling stupid when I fall for someone else's April Fool's joke. I thought about making something crazy for dinner, but ran out of energy too soon. Maybe next year.
Though it was actually in March, I took Jake to the Easter egg hunt at This Is the Place park (Christian was napping). It was free so the egg hunt and other activities were absolutely a joke--so crowded and disorganized. It's a good thing This Is the Place is so cool otherwise it would've been a total waste of time. Jake loved seeing all the animals. It was great to have happy time with Jake where I didn't feel like I was telling him no all the time. He could go where he wanted and see what he wanted. Since he really didn't know what an Easter egg hunt was, he didn't care that we didn't do it and the other stuff they had. He even got brave enough to pet a horse!
For Easter, we enjoyed an egg hunt on Saturday at Liz and Nate's. The boys thought that was great. They shared almost all of their pink candy with me (I say almost because anything that was chocolate they ate, no matter what color it was--they know what the best stuff is!).
We enjoyed General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. Wow, so much stuff learned and relearned.
Though it was actually in March, I took Jake to the Easter egg hunt at This Is the Place park (Christian was napping). It was free so the egg hunt and other activities were absolutely a joke--so crowded and disorganized. It's a good thing This Is the Place is so cool otherwise it would've been a total waste of time. Jake loved seeing all the animals. It was great to have happy time with Jake where I didn't feel like I was telling him no all the time. He could go where he wanted and see what he wanted. Since he really didn't know what an Easter egg hunt was, he didn't care that we didn't do it and the other stuff they had. He even got brave enough to pet a horse!
For Easter, we enjoyed an egg hunt on Saturday at Liz and Nate's. The boys thought that was great. They shared almost all of their pink candy with me (I say almost because anything that was chocolate they ate, no matter what color it was--they know what the best stuff is!).
We enjoyed General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. Wow, so much stuff learned and relearned.
Big Boy Beds!
In preparation for the new little one, we moved Jake and Christian into big boy beds. We found a great deal on KSL classifieds on exactly what we were looking for: a solid wood bunk bed that separated into two twin beds of different sizes so one would fit under the other like you see in the pictures. It actually came with mattresses all under $200! We really feel quite blessed. As you can see the boys are really into climbing (and jumping off things) so we didn't want to set it up as a bunk bed yet.
The boys are adjusting nicely. Yay! It's so great to hear them talking and laughing after we've said goodnight to them.
The boys are adjusting nicely. Yay! It's so great to hear them talking and laughing after we've said goodnight to them.
Happy Birthday, Christian!
Christian is two today! We're so glad you're a part of our family. You are such a happy kid, so willing to help out. We love hearing your little voice and watching you run around. We love you!
It's a Zoo Out There!
Free entrance to Hogle Zoo! It was Jake and Christian's first time. H.J. didn't go for two reasons. First, he was at work when we went. Second, he's very allergic to the animals and the hay they eat/play/sleep in. Jake's got a lot of his same allergies so we were cautious. He's also very scared of animals up close so I mentally prepared to leave soon after we arrived if he started to freak out. I didn't think he'd enjoy it, but figured Christian really would. It's a good thing it was free or I wouldn't have even tried. We packed the Benadryl just in case.
But it's a good thing I did try it! We had a great time. At first, I think we were all thinking it wasn't a good idea. Me because there didn't seem to be a lot of exhibits that were even open (elephants, rhinos). Jake and Christian because when we went into any enclosed space they would say, "Too scary."
We kept walking (or I did--they were in the stroller) and it got lots better. We all ended up enjoying it, Jake so much that he didn't want to leave. The carousel was open and since we didn't pay to get in, I figured we could afford that. Jake loved it. Christian, not so much. As soon as I put him on an animal he kept saying, "Don' like it!" (No, that's not a typo. He doesn't put the "t" on "don't" when he says it, so cute!) He rode Mom instead.
At about 11:00 we were all getting a bit hungry so we stopped at the Beastro (clever!) and bought a couple bags of animal cookies (you have to eat animal cookies at the zoo, right?). That got us (me) through until about 12:15. I was getting cold and worn out (so out of shape and they've got some pretty good hills at the zoo!). I told them we could go back to see one more animal and then we were leaving. Jake held up his fingers and said, "I want to see one, two, three, four more animals!" And we did and after that he still wasn't ready to go home.
We had a much better time than I anticipated. We'll probably go again in February when they've got another free day (the last Wednesday of the month, if you're interested).
But it's a good thing I did try it! We had a great time. At first, I think we were all thinking it wasn't a good idea. Me because there didn't seem to be a lot of exhibits that were even open (elephants, rhinos). Jake and Christian because when we went into any enclosed space they would say, "Too scary."
We kept walking (or I did--they were in the stroller) and it got lots better. We all ended up enjoying it, Jake so much that he didn't want to leave. The carousel was open and since we didn't pay to get in, I figured we could afford that. Jake loved it. Christian, not so much. As soon as I put him on an animal he kept saying, "Don' like it!" (No, that's not a typo. He doesn't put the "t" on "don't" when he says it, so cute!) He rode Mom instead.
At about 11:00 we were all getting a bit hungry so we stopped at the Beastro (clever!) and bought a couple bags of animal cookies (you have to eat animal cookies at the zoo, right?). That got us (me) through until about 12:15. I was getting cold and worn out (so out of shape and they've got some pretty good hills at the zoo!). I told them we could go back to see one more animal and then we were leaving. Jake held up his fingers and said, "I want to see one, two, three, four more animals!" And we did and after that he still wasn't ready to go home.
We had a much better time than I anticipated. We'll probably go again in February when they've got another free day (the last Wednesday of the month, if you're interested).
Nesting
Call it what you may--my nesting instinct is kicking in, it's a new year, Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket--but I ripped the floral wallpaper out of the bathroom. Aaaah. It was a great feeling. The bathroom is on it's way to becoming less feminine. Since we have two boys and another on the way, I think that's a good thing. Now we've got to paint. I think we'll do boring white because I have no idea what other color would go with that pink and gray tile and we already have white paint.
We'd like to install a shower head above the tub, but then we'd need tile or something to go farther up than the tile does now. That would ideally mean ripping out the old tile completely and replacing it all and I didn't get that much Christmas money!
The same day I bought the wallpaper stripper, I stopped at DI and found two rolls of wallpaper border with trucks on for $1 each! I snatched those and put them up in Jake's room (which will be Jake and Christian's room after the baby comes). Then with the nesting instinct still going strong, I went through all his toys and weeded out the ones that needed to go. It was a good couple of days. Just wish I could bottle up all that drive and use it on the days when I feel I don't have any at all.
We'd like to install a shower head above the tub, but then we'd need tile or something to go farther up than the tile does now. That would ideally mean ripping out the old tile completely and replacing it all and I didn't get that much Christmas money!
The same day I bought the wallpaper stripper, I stopped at DI and found two rolls of wallpaper border with trucks on for $1 each! I snatched those and put them up in Jake's room (which will be Jake and Christian's room after the baby comes). Then with the nesting instinct still going strong, I went through all his toys and weeded out the ones that needed to go. It was a good couple of days. Just wish I could bottle up all that drive and use it on the days when I feel I don't have any at all.
December
What a month! I'll warn you now that this will be long.
I attended the Logan Temple for the first time when Jami received her endowment on the 10th. Many thanks to H.J. and Mom R. for helping make this happen! It was nice to be able to be there.
We found out on the 11th that we're expecting another boy. We were so sure this one was a girl because this pregnancy has been different from the others, but the sonographer (I think that's what she's called) was sure. We're excited. Boys are fun. We know how to do boys and we won't have to buy much new stuff!
Then I spent the day doing the flowers for Jami's reception. The flowers I ordered from Costco were fabulous and it went much more quickly than I expected.
That evening we drove down to Mom and Dad's to do "Christmas Eve". Jodi and family were in town for Jami's wedding so we decided to do our gift exchange then with her. The next morning we received news that my grandma had passed away during the night. This was actually good news. She was not doing well so we were glad she was able to rejoin Grandpa C. and her other family members on the other side. Oh, I am so grateful for the knowledge the gospel gives us! Her passing allowed her to be to Jami's wedding on the 12th, which she wouldn't have been able to attend otherwise.
Jami's wedding was great. Welcome to the family, Lance! It was so good to be in the sealing room with H.J. in the same temple in which we were married. After the ceremony we picked up the boys and on the way back to the temple for pictures we told them that we would take them into the temple if they wanted. Of course, we could only go as far as the foyer. Jake thought we were going in all the way and was very upset when we didn't. I'm sure they can sense that the temple has great significance.
Her reception was beautiful. I was hoping to get a family picture for our Christmas card while we were all matchy-matchy, but it didn't happen. Oh well, I guess (that's one of the reasons none of you received a Christmas card from us). If anyone has any pictures of any of us from that day, I'd love to have copies! They had a little dance toward the end and H.J. and I got to dance to half a song before one of the boys needed us. Poor Christian was just exhausted.
Grandma's funeral was on the 21st. It was nice to learn some things I didn't know about her. No bias here, but I think, Dad, you did an excellent job on your talk. Thank you for your testimony. Her grandchildren sang "Silent Night" for the closing song. I got to accompany on the piano. I noticed (and I think Grandma did, too, and was proud) that they all did the rhythm of the last line correctly--as written in the hymn book.
Christmas Eve was spent with H.J.'s family. It's tradition for Grandma and Grandpa to give pajamas to the grandkids. They made sure they all had someone with matching pajamas. Jake's had to be a bit large for him to match, but I think he had a great time hanging out with his older cousin that matched.
The grandkids exchanged presents. Christian got his early on and Jake had to wait a little while. We could tell he was getting anxious, but he didn't cry or complain. I was proud of him. They both got shake-n-go cars from the movie Cars and they love them! It's great.
Christmas morning was wonderful. The boys are old enough to understand a bit of what's going on, but young enough that H.J. and I can still "run the show." We were able to sing a song, have a prayer, and talk about the Nativity and why we give gifts at Christmas. Jake has the Nativity story down and it's wonderful to hear him pipe up about what he knows.
Opening presents with them was so much fun! They were so excited about everything. I put some balls for Christian in an oatmeal can and when he unwrapped it, we joked, "Oatmeal!"
He echoed, "Oatmeal!" and was content. He wasn't even going to open the can.
While Jake was opening another present, Christian saw the box and exclaimed, "Box!" Oh, the innocence of children! It's no wonder we're told to be like them.
H.J. gave me some mixing bowls with lids. Yay! And he gave me a most perfect gift: a book of personal gift certificates so well-thought that it made me cry. I will treasure those long after they've been used.
I got H.J. "Settlers of Catan". It's one of the few games we both enjoy so if any of you feel like playing, come on over!
Well, I think I've rambled on long enough. On to the new year!
I attended the Logan Temple for the first time when Jami received her endowment on the 10th. Many thanks to H.J. and Mom R. for helping make this happen! It was nice to be able to be there.
We found out on the 11th that we're expecting another boy. We were so sure this one was a girl because this pregnancy has been different from the others, but the sonographer (I think that's what she's called) was sure. We're excited. Boys are fun. We know how to do boys and we won't have to buy much new stuff!
Then I spent the day doing the flowers for Jami's reception. The flowers I ordered from Costco were fabulous and it went much more quickly than I expected.
That evening we drove down to Mom and Dad's to do "Christmas Eve". Jodi and family were in town for Jami's wedding so we decided to do our gift exchange then with her. The next morning we received news that my grandma had passed away during the night. This was actually good news. She was not doing well so we were glad she was able to rejoin Grandpa C. and her other family members on the other side. Oh, I am so grateful for the knowledge the gospel gives us! Her passing allowed her to be to Jami's wedding on the 12th, which she wouldn't have been able to attend otherwise.
Jami's wedding was great. Welcome to the family, Lance! It was so good to be in the sealing room with H.J. in the same temple in which we were married. After the ceremony we picked up the boys and on the way back to the temple for pictures we told them that we would take them into the temple if they wanted. Of course, we could only go as far as the foyer. Jake thought we were going in all the way and was very upset when we didn't. I'm sure they can sense that the temple has great significance.
Her reception was beautiful. I was hoping to get a family picture for our Christmas card while we were all matchy-matchy, but it didn't happen. Oh well, I guess (that's one of the reasons none of you received a Christmas card from us). If anyone has any pictures of any of us from that day, I'd love to have copies! They had a little dance toward the end and H.J. and I got to dance to half a song before one of the boys needed us. Poor Christian was just exhausted.
Grandma's funeral was on the 21st. It was nice to learn some things I didn't know about her. No bias here, but I think, Dad, you did an excellent job on your talk. Thank you for your testimony. Her grandchildren sang "Silent Night" for the closing song. I got to accompany on the piano. I noticed (and I think Grandma did, too, and was proud) that they all did the rhythm of the last line correctly--as written in the hymn book.
Christmas Eve was spent with H.J.'s family. It's tradition for Grandma and Grandpa to give pajamas to the grandkids. They made sure they all had someone with matching pajamas. Jake's had to be a bit large for him to match, but I think he had a great time hanging out with his older cousin that matched.
The grandkids exchanged presents. Christian got his early on and Jake had to wait a little while. We could tell he was getting anxious, but he didn't cry or complain. I was proud of him. They both got shake-n-go cars from the movie Cars and they love them! It's great.
Christmas morning was wonderful. The boys are old enough to understand a bit of what's going on, but young enough that H.J. and I can still "run the show." We were able to sing a song, have a prayer, and talk about the Nativity and why we give gifts at Christmas. Jake has the Nativity story down and it's wonderful to hear him pipe up about what he knows.
Opening presents with them was so much fun! They were so excited about everything. I put some balls for Christian in an oatmeal can and when he unwrapped it, we joked, "Oatmeal!"
He echoed, "Oatmeal!" and was content. He wasn't even going to open the can.
While Jake was opening another present, Christian saw the box and exclaimed, "Box!" Oh, the innocence of children! It's no wonder we're told to be like them.
H.J. gave me some mixing bowls with lids. Yay! And he gave me a most perfect gift: a book of personal gift certificates so well-thought that it made me cry. I will treasure those long after they've been used.
I got H.J. "Settlers of Catan". It's one of the few games we both enjoy so if any of you feel like playing, come on over!
Well, I think I've rambled on long enough. On to the new year!
Merry Christmas!
This December has been crazy, but we still want to wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Our First Thanksgiving Playing the Grown-ups
So I can now say that I've cooked my very own turkey. And it was a success! I thought I would be fifty-something before I actually was in charge of the turkey for Thanksgiving since we spend it with one or the other family and either H.J.'s or my mom does the turkey.
This year it so happened that we had Thanksgiving dinner with some friends who don't have family nearby. We had a good time and had fun "playing grown-up" as H.J. put it. Thanks to my mom's hand-me-down Martha Stewart Living, I found a recipe for "spatchcocking" a turkey. You cut the backbone out, turn it over, and then flatten it. H.J. had to do the flatten part. Then the turkey cooks in 70 minutes (really!) and the white meat is still juicy when the dark meat is done.
It was a good thing I tried this spatchcocking thing because, since I was ignorant of most things turkey, I found the gizzards and removed them, but didn't know what to look for to take out the neck. After the backbone was gone, I could clearly see that I hadn't removed the neck. Even if I'd have know what I was looking for I probably couldn't have gotten it out because the turkey was still a little frozen on the inside (another good reason for the spatchcocking). The only thing that didn't work out was the gravy. It never thickened. I'll take that.
The other great thing about this turkey is that I got paid to buy it! Every year I save the turkey vouchers they give at our grocery store. I had a coupon for $1 off plus $9 in turkey vouchers to buy a $8.something turkey.
The next day, we had our second Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I tried a pumpkin meringue pie and was in charge of the mashed potatoes. The pumpkin pie took an additional 45 minutes to bake so the crust burned and the meringue didn't seal so it wept. Since we live about 45 minutes away, I planned on bringing the raw potatoes and whipping them up at my parents', but we were super duper late (a story for another day). I guess culinary success is not possible for two consecutive days. Thanks Jason and Tiff for making the mashed potatoes instead. We had a great time despite all of that, of course.
This year it so happened that we had Thanksgiving dinner with some friends who don't have family nearby. We had a good time and had fun "playing grown-up" as H.J. put it. Thanks to my mom's hand-me-down Martha Stewart Living, I found a recipe for "spatchcocking" a turkey. You cut the backbone out, turn it over, and then flatten it. H.J. had to do the flatten part. Then the turkey cooks in 70 minutes (really!) and the white meat is still juicy when the dark meat is done.
It was a good thing I tried this spatchcocking thing because, since I was ignorant of most things turkey, I found the gizzards and removed them, but didn't know what to look for to take out the neck. After the backbone was gone, I could clearly see that I hadn't removed the neck. Even if I'd have know what I was looking for I probably couldn't have gotten it out because the turkey was still a little frozen on the inside (another good reason for the spatchcocking). The only thing that didn't work out was the gravy. It never thickened. I'll take that.
The other great thing about this turkey is that I got paid to buy it! Every year I save the turkey vouchers they give at our grocery store. I had a coupon for $1 off plus $9 in turkey vouchers to buy a $8.something turkey.
The next day, we had our second Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I tried a pumpkin meringue pie and was in charge of the mashed potatoes. The pumpkin pie took an additional 45 minutes to bake so the crust burned and the meringue didn't seal so it wept. Since we live about 45 minutes away, I planned on bringing the raw potatoes and whipping them up at my parents', but we were super duper late (a story for another day). I guess culinary success is not possible for two consecutive days. Thanks Jason and Tiff for making the mashed potatoes instead. We had a great time despite all of that, of course.
False Start
Nevermind. We're not potty training Christian. I think that as much as he wants to be like Jake, he just doesn't get when to go, he's not quite tall enough to sit on the potty and wash his hands by himself, and his poor eczema skin was making it painful for him to wash his hands that often. We'll try again later. As much as I'd like to be done with diapers for a while, I'm not ready unless he can do it more on his own.
Oh, and we're expecting! So excited! What makes this fun is that Jake kind of gets what's going on and he's so excited. We're due on April 26.
Oh, and we're expecting! So excited! What makes this fun is that Jake kind of gets what's going on and he's so excited. We're due on April 26.
Potty Training, Round 2
Christian wants to be just like Jake. Jake uses the potty, so Christian thinks he should, too. We've officially started potty training him. (Sigh) This is a good thing (right?). It will save us $, but it's not fun to be consistent when he doesn't want to go or when he wets his pants. He knows all the steps to using the potty and does it well, but he still doesn't get when he should go (any suggestions?).
So far, we've done pretty well as long as I take him to the potty relatively frequently. Jake has been really good to help Christian want to use the potty. But in my book, he's not actually trained until I don't have to prompt him about it. Hopefully, a positive side effect will be that Jake will get even better.
Re the pictures above: Christian loves to draw and I got about 12 inches of my hair cut off (and love it, but I'm not very good at taking pictures with the camera facing me, sorry Jake!).
So far, we've done pretty well as long as I take him to the potty relatively frequently. Jake has been really good to help Christian want to use the potty. But in my book, he's not actually trained until I don't have to prompt him about it. Hopefully, a positive side effect will be that Jake will get even better.
Re the pictures above: Christian loves to draw and I got about 12 inches of my hair cut off (and love it, but I'm not very good at taking pictures with the camera facing me, sorry Jake!).
Halloween 2009
Halloween is so much more fun with kids! Jake and Christian were so excited to dress up as Tigger and Roo that they put on their costumes almost every day leading up to Halloween night (they still want to, actually).
The day before, we went to a pumpkin patch with our Joy School group. There was a hay maze that Jake loved running in and out of. They were fascinated by all the cool kinds of pumpkins and squash: blue, bumpy, multicolored, huge, and tiny! On our way home we stopped by H.J.'s office for some early trick-or-treating. They got a bigger haul there than they did that night!
On Halloween day, we carved our pumpkins. Jake really doesn't like cleaning out the insides of the pumpkin. You can see it on his face if you look closely at the picture of him doing that. He can't wait until he can be the one wielding the knife, however. Christian dug right in, flinging pumpkin insides all over.
H.J., dressed as Woody, took the boys trick-or-treating while I, dressed as Jessie, stayed home to hand out candy and run the video we project through our front window. H.J. had quite the time trying to keep the boys on the sidewalk. Jake wanted to join every group he knew.
When they got back home, we let them gorge themselves on the candy. Jake pulled out a Twix and I teasingly said, "Oh! That one's for me!"
"Here," Jake replied.
"No," I said, "I was just kidding. You eat it."
"No, you eat it," was his response. "I've got another one right here!"
For the rest of the night he shared his candy with H.J. and I saying, "This one matches your shirt!" or "This one's pink so it's yours." What a good sharer!
The day before, we went to a pumpkin patch with our Joy School group. There was a hay maze that Jake loved running in and out of. They were fascinated by all the cool kinds of pumpkins and squash: blue, bumpy, multicolored, huge, and tiny! On our way home we stopped by H.J.'s office for some early trick-or-treating. They got a bigger haul there than they did that night!
On Halloween day, we carved our pumpkins. Jake really doesn't like cleaning out the insides of the pumpkin. You can see it on his face if you look closely at the picture of him doing that. He can't wait until he can be the one wielding the knife, however. Christian dug right in, flinging pumpkin insides all over.
H.J., dressed as Woody, took the boys trick-or-treating while I, dressed as Jessie, stayed home to hand out candy and run the video we project through our front window. H.J. had quite the time trying to keep the boys on the sidewalk. Jake wanted to join every group he knew.
When they got back home, we let them gorge themselves on the candy. Jake pulled out a Twix and I teasingly said, "Oh! That one's for me!"
"Here," Jake replied.
"No," I said, "I was just kidding. You eat it."
"No, you eat it," was his response. "I've got another one right here!"
For the rest of the night he shared his candy with H.J. and I saying, "This one matches your shirt!" or "This one's pink so it's yours." What a good sharer!
Joy School Halloween Party
Our first school Halloween party! It was low key and simple, but great to see them have so much fun in their costumes. Christian's not in Joy School, but kind Jake wanted him to dress up, too. And since he had been to the class when they learned the songs, he knew them and was able to sing along (or do the actions, at least). The best part was that Dad got to come! Click here for the video and pictures.
A Beautiful Autumn Day
Jake, Christian, and I were just outside sitting on our wall throwing the helicopter seed things from our neighbor's tree. It's the perfect temperature and it felt so good to just hang out for a little while. We saw our neighborhood squirrel gathering something. He's got quite the freeway system using our power lines. I wish I could wax a little poetic, but it's just not coming. It's just a beautiful day!
Changes
Two of Jake's little friends, a brother and sister, moved away today. Thankfully, they're still in the same city and will still be doing Joy School with us, but they often all played together, just running across the street to each others' houses. I tried to explain to Jake today when he wanted to go over to their house and he understood a little, though I think I'm going to have to explain every day for the next two weeks.
It makes me sad because the brother was one of two boys about Jake's age in the ward and the only one within mom-approved walking distance for Jake. He's getting to the age when gender matters. The girls just don't want to play much with swords and other boy things. And Jake is so social he needs to play with other kids! This will be difficult, I'm afraid.
Wow, two depressing posts in a row. Sorry about that.
It makes me sad because the brother was one of two boys about Jake's age in the ward and the only one within mom-approved walking distance for Jake. He's getting to the age when gender matters. The girls just don't want to play much with swords and other boy things. And Jake is so social he needs to play with other kids! This will be difficult, I'm afraid.
Wow, two depressing posts in a row. Sorry about that.
Good Mom-2, Bad Mom-We're Losing Count
When am I going to get the hang of this motherhood thing? When will I be able to curb Cruella in time to see things as they really are? Sister Thompson in the General Relief Society Meeting talked about "minding the gap" of what we know we should be doing and what we're actually doing (great talk, by the way). Well, I feel like I've fallen in the gap and am being run over by the train.
I have two beautiful, fantastic, smart boys who are just acting the way any normal boys would their ages. Why can't I relax and be calm about things? When I see Jake freaking out about something, I know exactly where he got it from and boy, does that get me right there. I so very much wanted to be the kind of mom who only yelled when the kid was in danger, but there's that gap, among so many others.
So any of you mothers (and fathers, too) out there, this is my plea for help. What do you do to keep Cruella away?
I have two beautiful, fantastic, smart boys who are just acting the way any normal boys would their ages. Why can't I relax and be calm about things? When I see Jake freaking out about something, I know exactly where he got it from and boy, does that get me right there. I so very much wanted to be the kind of mom who only yelled when the kid was in danger, but there's that gap, among so many others.
So any of you mothers (and fathers, too) out there, this is my plea for help. What do you do to keep Cruella away?
Has It Really Been That Long?
Recently, I got together with a few former roommates from Ricks College. It was more than just coincidence that we ended up together. We quickly became great friends and try to keep in touch as much as possible.
Up in Rexburg without a car, we got pretty creative at times (usually it was rather cheesy). Putting the couch in the kitchen and watching our "fireplace" (candles in the oven). A pajama party for our roommate's bridal shower. Building a fort to sleep in just like we were kids (we all ended up in our beds shortly after midnight, I remember). Getting ice cream when someone got kissed. Texas sheet cake. Cinnamon rolls (I ate almost all of them by myself). Pumpkin roll (ditto). Sitting on the table, talking and eating cookie dough made with no eggs because we never planned on baking it. Apple pie. An FHE scavenger hunt for our FHE brothers that ended with "It's the End of the World" by REM and watching the edited "Independence Day" at the Manwaring Center.
Now we hardly ever see each other, but it feels like it's been no time at all when we get together. I love that about a good friend. It was great to see you and your families! Thanks, Meg, for making this happen!
Up in Rexburg without a car, we got pretty creative at times (usually it was rather cheesy). Putting the couch in the kitchen and watching our "fireplace" (candles in the oven). A pajama party for our roommate's bridal shower. Building a fort to sleep in just like we were kids (we all ended up in our beds shortly after midnight, I remember). Getting ice cream when someone got kissed. Texas sheet cake. Cinnamon rolls (I ate almost all of them by myself). Pumpkin roll (ditto). Sitting on the table, talking and eating cookie dough made with no eggs because we never planned on baking it. Apple pie. An FHE scavenger hunt for our FHE brothers that ended with "It's the End of the World" by REM and watching the edited "Independence Day" at the Manwaring Center.
Now we hardly ever see each other, but it feels like it's been no time at all when we get together. I love that about a good friend. It was great to see you and your families! Thanks, Meg, for making this happen!
Happy Anniversary, My Love
Five years ago today. Can you believe it? I'm so glad we found each other. You are perfect for me. I love you so much.
A Little R&R
Last Thursday and Friday H.J. had a conference down at BYU. A co-worker got an extra room at the Marriott and let us stay a night. We decided it would be our anniversary celebration. Rachel took the boys (thank you) and we went to dinner at the Brick Oven. Yummy. We had a relaxing sleep. Ahhhh. H.J had to wake up a little early to go to the conference, but I got to lay in bed and read the paper. After an unhurried and uninterrupted shower, I took the crossword puzzle up to a free hot breakfast that I didn't have to make or clean up after. It was great.
Oh Boy! I've Got Joy!
Jake has started Joy School! Yay! Our social butterfly loves it (except when it's at our house--he'd rather go somewhere else and, of course, it's not cool when his mom is the teacher). We're so excited for what he's learning and that we have some structure to our days.
He loves having his own markers, crayons, glue, and scissors, not to mention his very own backpack (made from the legs of Dad's old pants). We had a lot of fun going school shopping (I did, at least).
He loves having his own markers, crayons, glue, and scissors, not to mention his very own backpack (made from the legs of Dad's old pants). We had a lot of fun going school shopping (I did, at least).
Riding the Potty Train
We've begun the journey to a potty-trained Jake. Yay! I started to wonder if this day would ever come. Back in June, while we were shopping for a birthday present for one of Jake's friends, Jake spotted a Lightning McQueen puzzle that he really wanted. I bought it under the condition that he couldn't play with it until he used the potty.
He would see it every once in a while and ask to play with it, but when I'd remind him he had to use the potty he would immediately lose interest. Then one Monday early in August he saw it again, I reminded him again, and the next thing I heard was, "Mom! I peed in the potty!"
He did really well that day. Then came Tuesday. We went to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens and he wouldn't go to the potty, even though I brought his little potty with us. I should've known better. On our way home, we bought a potty watch to remind him to go because already he was sick of Mom reminding him. That did the trick that night, but the next day he was on the potty every half hour and still wetting his pants. By the end of the day, he told me, "I don't want to be a big boy. I want to wear diapers." Sigh.
The next week he wanted to try again. I started hesitantly and let him lead the way. So far, so good, relatively. He doesn't want to wear diapers any more (except at night--we're not that to that point yet).
Christian doesn't want to be left out so we brought out an older potty for him to sit on when one of us goes to the bathroom, which he does quite regularly. Who knows, maybe he'll potty train soon, too!
He would see it every once in a while and ask to play with it, but when I'd remind him he had to use the potty he would immediately lose interest. Then one Monday early in August he saw it again, I reminded him again, and the next thing I heard was, "Mom! I peed in the potty!"
He did really well that day. Then came Tuesday. We went to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens and he wouldn't go to the potty, even though I brought his little potty with us. I should've known better. On our way home, we bought a potty watch to remind him to go because already he was sick of Mom reminding him. That did the trick that night, but the next day he was on the potty every half hour and still wetting his pants. By the end of the day, he told me, "I don't want to be a big boy. I want to wear diapers." Sigh.
The next week he wanted to try again. I started hesitantly and let him lead the way. So far, so good, relatively. He doesn't want to wear diapers any more (except at night--we're not that to that point yet).
Christian doesn't want to be left out so we brought out an older potty for him to sit on when one of us goes to the bathroom, which he does quite regularly. Who knows, maybe he'll potty train soon, too!
Rumor Control
I understand that previous post caused some confusion. Here's what really happened. I uploaded the pictures of us at the Thanksgiving Point Gardens. I thought that the blue background we had didn't quite match the pictures and I found a pink background that was just about the same color as the water lilies.
H.J. noticed the pink background at work, wrote the post you see about pink, and changed the background to yellow. I guess when you've only got boys, pink is not allowed on the family web site! :)
So we're not trying to make any sort of announcement. Don't spread any rumors. It was simply all about color!
H.J. noticed the pink background at work, wrote the post you see about pink, and changed the background to yellow. I guess when you've only got boys, pink is not allowed on the family web site! :)
So we're not trying to make any sort of announcement. Don't spread any rumors. It was simply all about color!
HJ said Pink ???????
It's been a while . . .
I took the boys down to Highland for part of the Highland Fling. They've got a new little water park. Mom and I walked over pulling them in the old wagon. This was the first time they rode in a wagon. They thought it was pretty cool. It took them a little while to get warmed up to the spraying water, but loved it in the end.
The next day H.J. and I took Jake to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. Beautiful, but there were too many people there. Would've taken Christian, but he really didn't enjoy the Draper Temple open house so we left him home with a sitter.
The next day H.J. and I took Jake to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. Beautiful, but there were too many people there. Would've taken Christian, but he really didn't enjoy the Draper Temple open house so we left him home with a sitter.
Ninja!
We spent a few days camping with the Christiansens above Heber. Good times. Christian ate a lot of dirt and sucked on a lot of rocks. He was content just to play in the rocks all day. Jake ran around with his cousins and his cousins cousins. They got dirrrrrrrrrrty!
For Christmas in July Jake got a t-ball set from Maddie; Christian got a great, sturdy ball from Hannah (he got her a ball, too, it was great); H.J. got bug zappers that look like tennis rackets from Katie; I got a "JOY" wall-hanging from Alison (so cute!).
We left the rain fly off the tent the first night. It was great to fall asleep under the stars. The boys slept well both nights. Yay!
Tiff introduced us to a fun game called Ninja. You stand in a circle and at the call of, "Ninja!" assume a pose. Then each person has one move to hit the hand of either person next to him or her with your hand. You can't move except when it's your turn or to move defensively to avoid getting your hand hit. If you flinch when someone is not going after your hand, you're out. If you get your hand hit, you're out. It's pretty fun. We played it quite a few times. It's just as fun to watch as it is to play. That's what we're doing in the pictures, not trying to beat each other up.
Mostly it was relaxing to sit around camp and chat and play games and watch the boys play.
For Christmas in July Jake got a t-ball set from Maddie; Christian got a great, sturdy ball from Hannah (he got her a ball, too, it was great); H.J. got bug zappers that look like tennis rackets from Katie; I got a "JOY" wall-hanging from Alison (so cute!).
We left the rain fly off the tent the first night. It was great to fall asleep under the stars. The boys slept well both nights. Yay!
Tiff introduced us to a fun game called Ninja. You stand in a circle and at the call of, "Ninja!" assume a pose. Then each person has one move to hit the hand of either person next to him or her with your hand. You can't move except when it's your turn or to move defensively to avoid getting your hand hit. If you flinch when someone is not going after your hand, you're out. If you get your hand hit, you're out. It's pretty fun. We played it quite a few times. It's just as fun to watch as it is to play. That's what we're doing in the pictures, not trying to beat each other up.
Mostly it was relaxing to sit around camp and chat and play games and watch the boys play.
Bear Lake
We just got back from the family reunion at Bear Lake. It was a great time. Jake had tons of fun running around with William. They're only a month and a half apart in age and I wish they didn't live so far away. Christian absolutely loved the beach. The water was a little too cold for their liking, which was fine with me. I didn't have to worry too much about them drowning since they wouldn't even go wading in the lake. And they both loved going for rides in the bike trailer. Amazingly, they slept quite well in the unfamiliar condo.
H.J. forgot to put sunblock on his feet and they sunburned terribly. He really enjoys going out on the boat and wake boarding (is that one word or two?), but that curtailed his boat time a little since he burned on the first day we were there. It was nice to just sit on the beach and watch the boys play and talk with family.
Christian tried his first cob of corn Friday night. He really got the idea! I didn't think he would be able to handle it, but he attacked it with gusto and did quite well.
Some of us went to the Bear Lake golf course and hit a bucket or five of balls. I actually did really well this time (only compared to me). Maybe I'll try a round of golf sometime. Before I've done so terribly that I would not feel at all comfortable on a course. We had the boys there, too, which made it a little more complicated, but they had fun throwing the golf balls around.
Sacrament meeting was a flop. Almost from the beginning, Jake kept saying, "I want to go home!" He's used to going to nursery first and that's what he wanted to do. Once he found out he couldn't do that first, there was no appeasing him; and though the fruit loops helped a little, we didn't bring enough to keep him quiet for long. We lasted long enough to receive the sacrament and with Jake whining and Christian with a poopy diaper, we threw in the towel so those around us could enjoy the rest of the meeting.
The drive home was through Monte Cristo Canyon, which I don't think I'd ever been through before. It was beautiful and the boys slept most of the way home. A nice way to end our little vacation.
I now realized I really didn't take enough pictures. Sorry. But if there are any that you would like, you should be able to download them directly from our site--if not, let me know and I'll email them to you.
H.J. forgot to put sunblock on his feet and they sunburned terribly. He really enjoys going out on the boat and wake boarding (is that one word or two?), but that curtailed his boat time a little since he burned on the first day we were there. It was nice to just sit on the beach and watch the boys play and talk with family.
Christian tried his first cob of corn Friday night. He really got the idea! I didn't think he would be able to handle it, but he attacked it with gusto and did quite well.
Some of us went to the Bear Lake golf course and hit a bucket or five of balls. I actually did really well this time (only compared to me). Maybe I'll try a round of golf sometime. Before I've done so terribly that I would not feel at all comfortable on a course. We had the boys there, too, which made it a little more complicated, but they had fun throwing the golf balls around.
Sacrament meeting was a flop. Almost from the beginning, Jake kept saying, "I want to go home!" He's used to going to nursery first and that's what he wanted to do. Once he found out he couldn't do that first, there was no appeasing him; and though the fruit loops helped a little, we didn't bring enough to keep him quiet for long. We lasted long enough to receive the sacrament and with Jake whining and Christian with a poopy diaper, we threw in the towel so those around us could enjoy the rest of the meeting.
The drive home was through Monte Cristo Canyon, which I don't think I'd ever been through before. It was beautiful and the boys slept most of the way home. A nice way to end our little vacation.
I now realized I really didn't take enough pictures. Sorry. But if there are any that you would like, you should be able to download them directly from our site--if not, let me know and I'll email them to you.
Happy Birthday, Jake!
Jake is three! It's one of his favorite numbers. We've kind of been celebrating all month with family dinners on the first and third Sundays. And today we had a party with the neighborhood kids. It was our first birthday party that wasn't just family. I was a little nervous, but I think it went okay. We almost didn't do it, but Jake is so incredibly social that we knew he'd have a good time. Pretty low key--we mainly just played in the backyard--running through the sprinklers and in Jake's teeny, tiny wading pool.
Thanks to all of you who helped us celebrate all month!
P.S. to H.J.'s family: You helped get him a Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Camera (it's waterproof, too!). He kept playing with ours so we thought we'd get him his own. I had ordered it before our dinner together, but it didn't arrive until the day after. Thank you!
Oh, and he had his 36-month checkup this morning. He's in the 76% for height! Yay! Hopefully he got some tall genes somewhere. (43% for weight, if yawanna know.)
Thanks to all of you who helped us celebrate all month!
P.S. to H.J.'s family: You helped get him a Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Camera (it's waterproof, too!). He kept playing with ours so we thought we'd get him his own. I had ordered it before our dinner together, but it didn't arrive until the day after. Thank you!
Oh, and he had his 36-month checkup this morning. He's in the 76% for height! Yay! Hopefully he got some tall genes somewhere. (43% for weight, if yawanna know.)
A Car Show and an Art Show
We went to the city's annual car show on Friday night (and forgot the camera--my phone holds about 10 pics total). Jake got to climb all around a fire engine. The kid in me really wanted to climb all over it, too. There were so many cool cars there. I'm partial to the old trucks for some reason. That picture of Christian is reflected off an old Dodge truck.
Jake's shirt was a DI find from earlier in the day (Jake spotted it first). It was a little large, but we figured we could get away with it for the occasion.
It had to happen sometime. And it was likely to happen while I was in the shower.
Jake has some dry erase markers that I usually only let him draw with while I'm right there. Well, I really needed a shower and he wanted to draw. I thought I had made it clear what was okay to draw on, but when you're only almost three . . . He was really good to help me clean it up. Thank goodness for Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser!
But here's the stinker: now that part of the wall is really clean and the rest of the wall is not. :(
Jake's shirt was a DI find from earlier in the day (Jake spotted it first). It was a little large, but we figured we could get away with it for the occasion.
It had to happen sometime. And it was likely to happen while I was in the shower.
Jake has some dry erase markers that I usually only let him draw with while I'm right there. Well, I really needed a shower and he wanted to draw. I thought I had made it clear what was okay to draw on, but when you're only almost three . . . He was really good to help me clean it up. Thank goodness for Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser!
But here's the stinker: now that part of the wall is really clean and the rest of the wall is not. :(
Sleep Deprivation
That's what I think Christian's problem is: sleep deprivation (mine, too).
The reason I turned on the computer last night was to find out more about night terrors, not just to complain to anyone who may read our blog. Night terrors, if you'd like to know, are different from nightmares. You should not try to awaken someone who's having a night terror (my parents learned that, by the way), but just keep him or her safe until it passes.
Sleep deprivation can cause night wakings. So I think in our efforts to help Christian back to sleep, we were making it worse. After reading what I did last night, I just put Christian in his crib and let him cry. He cried for about a half hour, longer than I usually let him, but after that he slept until 8:30. Better than the two hours it took us to put him back to sleep. I made sure he got both naps today. Hope it helps.
And it is awoken. I checked.
The reason I turned on the computer last night was to find out more about night terrors, not just to complain to anyone who may read our blog. Night terrors, if you'd like to know, are different from nightmares. You should not try to awaken someone who's having a night terror (my parents learned that, by the way), but just keep him or her safe until it passes.
Sleep deprivation can cause night wakings. So I think in our efforts to help Christian back to sleep, we were making it worse. After reading what I did last night, I just put Christian in his crib and let him cry. He cried for about a half hour, longer than I usually let him, but after that he slept until 8:30. Better than the two hours it took us to put him back to sleep. I made sure he got both naps today. Hope it helps.
And it is awoken. I checked.
Nighttime Is Really Best for Sleeping
So it's 2:30 in the morning. Christian has awoken (awaken? who knows at this time of night) screaming for the third night in a row. Nothing we do seems to really calm him down. First night I think it's hunger and give him milk. Nope. Teething and give him teething tablets. Not that, either. His eczema's acting up. Try Benadryl--at least he might just fall asleep and forget his eczema. No go. By then H.J.'s up and tries a soak in the tub at 3 am. Works the first night.
Second night, try the bath. Worked for H. Nope. Maybe it's just Mom he doesn't want to be around--won't let me hold him, doesn't want me to put him down either. Nope. H.J. rocks and rocks and rocks him. Works until he tries to put him back to bed. We've been up with him at least an hour each every night. Yes, that's one hour for me, one hour for H.J. every night.
Night terrors, I think tonight, no, this morning. I used to have night terrors. I remember my parents telling me they tried everything to wake me from the screaming fits I'd throw in the middle of the night. But maybe not night terrors for Christian. He stopped crying as soon as I turned on the computer.
????
Second night, try the bath. Worked for H. Nope. Maybe it's just Mom he doesn't want to be around--won't let me hold him, doesn't want me to put him down either. Nope. H.J. rocks and rocks and rocks him. Works until he tries to put him back to bed. We've been up with him at least an hour each every night. Yes, that's one hour for me, one hour for H.J. every night.
Night terrors, I think tonight, no, this morning. I used to have night terrors. I remember my parents telling me they tried everything to wake me from the screaming fits I'd throw in the middle of the night. But maybe not night terrors for Christian. He stopped crying as soon as I turned on the computer.
????
Elders Quorum Camp-out
Last weekend we camped with other members of H.J.'s elders quorum at Granite Flats up American Fork Canyon. It was a good time. There were a bunch of other kids up there that Jake & Christian enjoyed running around with (literally). The boys even slept well!
Jake went to bed late saying, "I want to go home. I want to go home" and woke up saying, "I want to go home." But when we put him in the Bronco to go home, he said, "I don't want to go home!"
Check out the pictures. Jake took the first three! (IMG_2378, IMG_2382, & IMG_2391)
Jake went to bed late saying, "I want to go home. I want to go home" and woke up saying, "I want to go home." But when we put him in the Bronco to go home, he said, "I don't want to go home!"
Check out the pictures. Jake took the first three! (IMG_2378, IMG_2382, & IMG_2391)
Fieldtrip
Today I took the boys to see an F-15 fighter jet. As part of Air Force Week, they had it on display, along with several way cool vehicles. Jake thought the F-15 was neat (he pointed out the wheels--those were cool to him) until he saw the Air Force monster truck. We walked around it a number of times. It took some courage for him to stand in front of it. Monster trucks are scary trucks in his world. He also saw a "happy" truck (a regular pick-up truck).
Pen Pals & Fried Pickles
My pen pal, Irna from Indonesia, and I finally met in person! We wrote each other from 1989 to about 1995, then lost track of each other. Thank you Facebook! I really don't think it was a coincidence. She and I had both just recently joined Facebook. I looked her up soon after I joined and found out that she and her husband were planning to come to Utah. Wow.
I was nervous that she might not like me after meeting in person, but we hit it off wonderfully. It was so comfortable. As Anne Shirley would say, we're "kindred spirits" and probably "bosom friends". I'm glad. Now we can write again and keep up on each other's lives. I wish we lived closer to each other, but it makes a good excuse to travel to a distant land, as if I needed one. :)
And we all tried fried pickles. Yum! (H.J. didn't like 'em, but he doesn't like pickles to begin with.)
I was nervous that she might not like me after meeting in person, but we hit it off wonderfully. It was so comfortable. As Anne Shirley would say, we're "kindred spirits" and probably "bosom friends". I'm glad. Now we can write again and keep up on each other's lives. I wish we lived closer to each other, but it makes a good excuse to travel to a distant land, as if I needed one. :)
And we all tried fried pickles. Yum! (H.J. didn't like 'em, but he doesn't like pickles to begin with.)
Jakey Snake
Jake likes to hear stories about Jakey Snake, a snake who often does and likes the same things Jake does.
Tonight before Jake went to bed he wanted a Jakey Snake story. I usually struggle with creating very exciting stories on the spot, so Jakey Snake usually does pretty much was Jake did that day or is going to do (maybe Jakey Snake should use the potty!). Anyway, Jakey Snake was going about his day, etc., etc. and it was time for dinner. Mommy Snake made a delicious dinner and, thought I, I can say how much Jakey Snake loved it and he ate all of his dinner (Jake rarely eats much more than a few bites of dinner).
But before I could get to that thought, Jake interrupted: "And Jakey Snake didn't like any of it!"
Oh well.
Tonight before Jake went to bed he wanted a Jakey Snake story. I usually struggle with creating very exciting stories on the spot, so Jakey Snake usually does pretty much was Jake did that day or is going to do (maybe Jakey Snake should use the potty!). Anyway, Jakey Snake was going about his day, etc., etc. and it was time for dinner. Mommy Snake made a delicious dinner and, thought I, I can say how much Jakey Snake loved it and he ate all of his dinner (Jake rarely eats much more than a few bites of dinner).
But before I could get to that thought, Jake interrupted: "And Jakey Snake didn't like any of it!"
Oh well.
I Flunked
What a discouraging time we had potty training! I really don't think it's the method, even though I know some of you are skeptical that it works (my parents used it with me and said it worked great--and I think H.J.'ll vouch that I'm potty trained). I thought Jake was ready, but it was quite apparent that he wasn't.
Here's where we had the problem, I think. There are three readiness tests he needed to pass in order to start: bladder control, physical development, and instructional readiness. The first two are fine and I thought the last was, too, so I didn't really give him the instructional readiness test as the book recommends. In it, he should follow eight out of ten instructions from me. I figured that he's usually obedient so I didn't worry about it.
It became clear as we started that he probably would not have passed that test. He's just plain stubborn! Must take after his mom. In the book it says, "Until this general stubbornness is overcome, you should not attempt to toilet-train." That should've been my red light right there. He thought it was cool when we first started, but after the first half hour, he was done obeying. H.J., fantastic father and husband that he is, even came home from work to give it a try. No go, though he got farther than I did.
I also think it didn't help that before we started we took Christian to Grandma and Grandpa's and Jake couldn't stay but had to go home with Mom instead. That right there probably seemed like a punishment.
So, we'll wait until the bad memories fade (how long is that?) and try again. I really do believe that he can do it in less than a day. He knows the steps. He's halfway there.
Here's where we had the problem, I think. There are three readiness tests he needed to pass in order to start: bladder control, physical development, and instructional readiness. The first two are fine and I thought the last was, too, so I didn't really give him the instructional readiness test as the book recommends. In it, he should follow eight out of ten instructions from me. I figured that he's usually obedient so I didn't worry about it.
It became clear as we started that he probably would not have passed that test. He's just plain stubborn! Must take after his mom. In the book it says, "Until this general stubbornness is overcome, you should not attempt to toilet-train." That should've been my red light right there. He thought it was cool when we first started, but after the first half hour, he was done obeying. H.J., fantastic father and husband that he is, even came home from work to give it a try. No go, though he got farther than I did.
I also think it didn't help that before we started we took Christian to Grandma and Grandpa's and Jake couldn't stay but had to go home with Mom instead. That right there probably seemed like a punishment.
So, we'll wait until the bad memories fade (how long is that?) and try again. I really do believe that he can do it in less than a day. He knows the steps. He's halfway there.
Studying for My Potty Test
Monday's the day, if all goes as planned, for Jake to be potty trained. We found a book, Toilet Training in Less Than a Day. It seems to be a pretty good approach and less than a day works for me!
Right now, I'm basically trying to internalize what I've read. I kind of feel like I'm back in school and the final is on Monday. I've even taken notes. Monday morning will be pretty intense. It'll be Jake's day. We'll ship Christian off to Grandpa & Grandma's. Then we'll start the training. We'll let you know if Jake and I pass the test. All of us are ready for no more diapers for Jake!
So if you get a call from us on Monday, it's probably Jake letting you know he's a big boy! Be really excited. We'll be.
Right now, I'm basically trying to internalize what I've read. I kind of feel like I'm back in school and the final is on Monday. I've even taken notes. Monday morning will be pretty intense. It'll be Jake's day. We'll ship Christian off to Grandpa & Grandma's. Then we'll start the training. We'll let you know if Jake and I pass the test. All of us are ready for no more diapers for Jake!
So if you get a call from us on Monday, it's probably Jake letting you know he's a big boy! Be really excited. We'll be.
My Day Off
For my birthday, my fabulous husband gave me a day off! Wow! Sunday night he told me that tomorrow was my day off so I'd better figure out what I wanted to do. I could hardly sleep trying to figure out which of the thousands of things I could do was the most important!
I got to wake up when I wanted to (which still was relatively early so I could get going on all the things I wanted to do). He made breakfast and got the boys dressed. I did have to take Christian to his doctor's appointment (now in the 1% in weight, but growing at the rate he should so she's not worried), but H.J. stayed home from work in the morning and then got a sitter for the afternoon. I had the car washed inside and out, got a lunch at Cutler's bakery, then headed for the Family History Library to get some much-needed research done. After that I did some shopping and spent all my birthday money and got home in time to eat dinner (which I also didn't have to make) with my boys and my man. Oh, was it a nice break! It really was a day off. Thank you H. You did well. It was a great birthday present.
I also realized that I love what I do. At home raising my boys is where I belong. It was nice to cuddle with them at the end of the day.
I got to wake up when I wanted to (which still was relatively early so I could get going on all the things I wanted to do). He made breakfast and got the boys dressed. I did have to take Christian to his doctor's appointment (now in the 1% in weight, but growing at the rate he should so she's not worried), but H.J. stayed home from work in the morning and then got a sitter for the afternoon. I had the car washed inside and out, got a lunch at Cutler's bakery, then headed for the Family History Library to get some much-needed research done. After that I did some shopping and spent all my birthday money and got home in time to eat dinner (which I also didn't have to make) with my boys and my man. Oh, was it a nice break! It really was a day off. Thank you H. You did well. It was a great birthday present.
I also realized that I love what I do. At home raising my boys is where I belong. It was nice to cuddle with them at the end of the day.
Trip to St. George & Easter
We took a trip to St. George for Easter weekend. It was nice to get away, though I was reluctant at first to go. Sometimes it's just easier to stay home than to try to haul a couple of kids and all their stuff.
It took us a while to drive down. We stopped at Cove Fort to stretch our legs (not Jake, though, he was asleep). Then five or ten minutes after we started again, Jake threw up all over, poor kid. We spent at least a half hour at a gas station trying to clean everything up.
Jake got to try his hand at fishing with Dad and Grandpa R. He was scared of the fish he caught, but liked the ducks (as long as they didn't get too close).
Easter was nice, though I never feel like I really spend enough time thinking about what it's really about. I know that it's impossible for me to comprehend Christ's Atonement and what it means to me, but I need to try harder to remember Him more.
And I've been wondering how to make Easter centered on Christ for the boys, especially as they get older. So much is about the Easter Bunny, etc. I don't want to make it boring and something they roll their eyes at, but really start to appreciate that we have hope because of Him. Any ideas?
It took us a while to drive down. We stopped at Cove Fort to stretch our legs (not Jake, though, he was asleep). Then five or ten minutes after we started again, Jake threw up all over, poor kid. We spent at least a half hour at a gas station trying to clean everything up.
Jake got to try his hand at fishing with Dad and Grandpa R. He was scared of the fish he caught, but liked the ducks (as long as they didn't get too close).
Easter was nice, though I never feel like I really spend enough time thinking about what it's really about. I know that it's impossible for me to comprehend Christ's Atonement and what it means to me, but I need to try harder to remember Him more.
And I've been wondering how to make Easter centered on Christ for the boys, especially as they get older. So much is about the Easter Bunny, etc. I don't want to make it boring and something they roll their eyes at, but really start to appreciate that we have hope because of Him. Any ideas?
Priorities
It's taking me a long time to figure out this motherhood stuff. Though I'm not claiming to have figured it all out, I figured something out. There are two moms with kids around Jake's and Christian's ages who live across the street. They are great women. Often I've seen them outside with their kids and thought, "How do they have time to just sit there watching their kids play?"
Well, today I did it. And it felt great. True, my bathrooms are still dirty, but Jake and Christian had a fabulous time and when it was time to go home, Jake obeyed. He ate all of his lunch/snack and at nap time he actually came to me and said, "Mom, I'm going to bed." I almost fell over. He didn't even want to read 50 stories before his nap (okay, that's an exaggeration--but not even one!).
So what I figured out--that I knew in my brain but not in my heart--is that it's important enough to just sit there watching my kids play (and play with them). That's why I'm a stay-at-home mom. That's what I'm supposed to do. Yes, the cleaning has to get done (eventually), but that's not the most important thing. I'm sure I'm going to have to learn this one over and over again, but, today, I got it. It's not "I don't have the time to sit there watching kids," it's "I don't have time not to."
Well, today I did it. And it felt great. True, my bathrooms are still dirty, but Jake and Christian had a fabulous time and when it was time to go home, Jake obeyed. He ate all of his lunch/snack and at nap time he actually came to me and said, "Mom, I'm going to bed." I almost fell over. He didn't even want to read 50 stories before his nap (okay, that's an exaggeration--but not even one!).
So what I figured out--that I knew in my brain but not in my heart--is that it's important enough to just sit there watching my kids play (and play with them). That's why I'm a stay-at-home mom. That's what I'm supposed to do. Yes, the cleaning has to get done (eventually), but that's not the most important thing. I'm sure I'm going to have to learn this one over and over again, but, today, I got it. It's not "I don't have the time to sit there watching kids," it's "I don't have time not to."
Sick
HJ is sick of being sick. This is just out of hand. Blame it on the weather, the kids, what ever. I'm sick of this being sick.
Boss, I won't be coming in today. . .
So I've been wondering for a while what I'd do if I really needed to take a sick day. Who does the mom call to tell that she's not coming into work because she feels terrible? I ended up getting Christian's stomach bug and H.J.'s cold at the same time. Oh, joy! I said a little prayer that somehow I'd be able to handle what absolutely needed to get done and, wow, I think that helped.
Jake and Christian were well-behaved all day. Christian was still throwing up some and had diarrhea, but we managed. Jake was not in the mood for a nap, but miraculously went to sleep anyway so I could sleep, too. H.J. brought home dinner and we all went to bed early. We're not completely well yet, but doing so much better. H.J.'s been great through it all. He works so hard! Gotta love him!
Jake and Christian were well-behaved all day. Christian was still throwing up some and had diarrhea, but we managed. Jake was not in the mood for a nap, but miraculously went to sleep anyway so I could sleep, too. H.J. brought home dinner and we all went to bed early. We're not completely well yet, but doing so much better. H.J.'s been great through it all. He works so hard! Gotta love him!
It's Spring?
We've got at least a foot of snow here! It snowed yesterday and the weatherman says it's supposed to snow some more on Wednesday and Friday. It's a good thing Jake and Christian don't have spring fever. They both love to go outside no matter what the weather's like. After our trip to Costco today I let them play outside while I brought the goods in. They had a blast tromping through the snow on our back patio.
We did get some radishes planted while the weather was still good. And our green-thumb neighbor, Val, gave us some winter onions he had to thin. Yum. Now to keep Jake and the deer from destroying the plants. . .
Christian is struggling with some sort of stomach bug. Can't keep much of anything down right now. H.J.'s got something again, too, maybe the flu. Dunno--he just doesn't feel well. Yesterday H.J. stayed home from church with Jake and I had to rush Christian home after he threw up all over himself. What fun! I just hope I don't get sick. Who takes care of Mom?
We did get some radishes planted while the weather was still good. And our green-thumb neighbor, Val, gave us some winter onions he had to thin. Yum. Now to keep Jake and the deer from destroying the plants. . .
Christian is struggling with some sort of stomach bug. Can't keep much of anything down right now. H.J.'s got something again, too, maybe the flu. Dunno--he just doesn't feel well. Yesterday H.J. stayed home from church with Jake and I had to rush Christian home after he threw up all over himself. What fun! I just hope I don't get sick. Who takes care of Mom?
It's Spring!
It's such a beautiful day outside. I love it. The boys and I have spent some time outside and it is so invigorating! I even was inspired to wash some windows, which I thought I'd never get around to doing. All our windows are open and the smell of spring is wafting through our house. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Being outside is even sweeter since we were all sick last week. Going outside was not what I wanted to do then. Jake still did, but until it got super warm I wouldn't let him.
We've started working on our garden. Yum. Our parsley plant survived the winter! I guess the deer don't like it since it survived them, too. I'm looking forward to walking out back to snip some fresh herbs and eating some green tomato hash. And fresh corn on the cob . . . oh! But we'll start with peas, I think, and maybe some lettuce.
Being outside is even sweeter since we were all sick last week. Going outside was not what I wanted to do then. Jake still did, but until it got super warm I wouldn't let him.
We've started working on our garden. Yum. Our parsley plant survived the winter! I guess the deer don't like it since it survived them, too. I'm looking forward to walking out back to snip some fresh herbs and eating some green tomato hash. And fresh corn on the cob . . . oh! But we'll start with peas, I think, and maybe some lettuce.
Another Reason to Move to Hawaii
I've never liked Daylight Savings Time, and now that I'm a mom, I hate it. Little kids don't care what the clock says! We saw a story on the news how the days after the time change there are more car accidents, more heart attacks. Is the small amount of energy savings worth the physical suffering? In another story, a teacher reported that her students are too sleepy after daylight savings time begins and stay that way for the rest of the school year. Kids have to go to school in the dark now, too, especially since they've extended daylight savings time. But another story quotes a senator who says, "Daylight saving time brings a smile to everyone's face." ! I feel like sending him an angry email. By the way, Hawaii, doesn't observe daylight savings time. I know you Arizonians don't either, but . . . Hawaii!!
My Little Runaway & a Retreat
Yesterday while we were at the grocery store, Jake decided he'd had enough of staying with mom and took off. It took three people to find him. He just thought it was a game (no fear of strangers, not worried that I wasn't there, nothing). I was so upset!
The store where we shop has carts with a "car" attached with two steering wheels to entertain the kids (apparently not entertaining enough for Jake--and yes, I have tried to keep him strapped in). Jake had to spend the rest of the trip strapped in the "baby" seat closest to me while Christian got to drive.
Monday, we took a trip to the InstaCare because I thought Christian's fingers might have been broken when they were closed in a door. I got frustrated because while we were waiting for the results of the x-rays I realized that they probably weren't broken because he started using his hand again and I felt like we were kept waiting unnecessarily. When I poked my head out of the exam room, there was the doctor just chatting it up with the nurse. He saw me and immediately walked over to tell us Christian was okay. Argh! But I am glad he's okay.
In happier news, last Friday, H.J. had a business retreat that included dinner at The Roof and an overnight stay at a Hilton. I got to go to all of the fun stuff and none of the meetings. It was so nice to get away for a night and sleep in. Our room was huge! I was going to take a picture or two, but was too busy relaxing. (Thank you Rachel and Ashley for watching the boys.)
Earlier in the week, the boys visited Temple Square for the first time. Jake loved all of the fountains. It was nice to see you and your girls, Meg!
The store where we shop has carts with a "car" attached with two steering wheels to entertain the kids (apparently not entertaining enough for Jake--and yes, I have tried to keep him strapped in). Jake had to spend the rest of the trip strapped in the "baby" seat closest to me while Christian got to drive.
Monday, we took a trip to the InstaCare because I thought Christian's fingers might have been broken when they were closed in a door. I got frustrated because while we were waiting for the results of the x-rays I realized that they probably weren't broken because he started using his hand again and I felt like we were kept waiting unnecessarily. When I poked my head out of the exam room, there was the doctor just chatting it up with the nurse. He saw me and immediately walked over to tell us Christian was okay. Argh! But I am glad he's okay.
In happier news, last Friday, H.J. had a business retreat that included dinner at The Roof and an overnight stay at a Hilton. I got to go to all of the fun stuff and none of the meetings. It was so nice to get away for a night and sleep in. Our room was huge! I was going to take a picture or two, but was too busy relaxing. (Thank you Rachel and Ashley for watching the boys.)
Earlier in the week, the boys visited Temple Square for the first time. Jake loved all of the fountains. It was nice to see you and your girls, Meg!
Animal Sounds
Last night we were eating dinner and Jake wanted to play, "There's an Animal in the House!" The rules are that he makes an animal sound and I say, "There's a ____ in the house!"
Christian wanted to join in. He was a tiger. I didn't play by the "rules" because he surprised me by joining the game! Earlier in the day we were reading I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today, by Dr. Seuss, and when he saw the tigers, he roared like in the video. He hasn't done any other animal sounds (except the baby beebee bird--see earlier entry, Feb 12--but does that count?). When he started this, I grabbed my phone and started shooting! Click here to view it. Sorry that it's so loud. I don't know how to fix that.
Christian wanted to join in. He was a tiger. I didn't play by the "rules" because he surprised me by joining the game! Earlier in the day we were reading I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today, by Dr. Seuss, and when he saw the tigers, he roared like in the video. He hasn't done any other animal sounds (except the baby beebee bird--see earlier entry, Feb 12--but does that count?). When he started this, I grabbed my phone and started shooting! Click here to view it. Sorry that it's so loud. I don't know how to fix that.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I just love Valentine's Day. I am so blessed to have so many people around that I love and who love me. But there's nothing better than to hold my very own Valentine at the end of the day. H.J., I love you so much. You are exactly what I need in so many ways. Thank you.
Last night we went to a Valentine's dinner dance the stake put on. Man, we had a lot of fun. We don't get very many chances to dance, but we sure love to! They even played a couple of songs that we danced to at our wedding reception. It just reminded me of how glad I am to be married to H.J.--and it was great so dance so close and not have anyone tell us not to!
And Jake and Christian, you are my Valentines, too. Thanks for making me smile and laugh every day. I love my boys!
Last night we went to a Valentine's dinner dance the stake put on. Man, we had a lot of fun. We don't get very many chances to dance, but we sure love to! They even played a couple of songs that we danced to at our wedding reception. It just reminded me of how glad I am to be married to H.J.--and it was great so dance so close and not have anyone tell us not to!
And Jake and Christian, you are my Valentines, too. Thanks for making me smile and laugh every day. I love my boys!
Happy First Birthday, Christian!
We celebrated Christian's first birthday on the 7 and 8 of February (his actual birthday is the 11, but it was a Wednesday). He dug into his cupcake with no hesitation. He even wanted to eat the candle! Thank you to all who helped us celebrate. He got lots and lots of books, which is fabulous because he and Jake love books. Christian's favorite right now is The Baby Beebee Bird. It's the only one he'll sit through and he'll join in saying, "Beebeebobbibobbi!" with the bird.
He practices walking every day, but still prefers to crawl when he really needs to get somewhere. At his 12-month check up, we learned he's in the 2% in weight. The doctor isn't extremely concerned, but told us to "power pack" him. That means that we need to add fat to everything he eats. She told us to feed him ice cream, too. I think Christian isn't going to be the only one who gains weight!
On February 7, in the morning, we went with Andy and Kim and Campbell to the Draper Temple open house. Jake loves to talk about temples. We've had family home evening lessons about temples and that they are Jesus' house so when we visited the Draper Temple, he was fully expecting to see Him. He kept asking, "Where's Jesus?"
He practices walking every day, but still prefers to crawl when he really needs to get somewhere. At his 12-month check up, we learned he's in the 2% in weight. The doctor isn't extremely concerned, but told us to "power pack" him. That means that we need to add fat to everything he eats. She told us to feed him ice cream, too. I think Christian isn't going to be the only one who gains weight!
On February 7, in the morning, we went with Andy and Kim and Campbell to the Draper Temple open house. Jake loves to talk about temples. We've had family home evening lessons about temples and that they are Jesus' house so when we visited the Draper Temple, he was fully expecting to see Him. He kept asking, "Where's Jesus?"
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
So I think it's finally happened: Christian is sleeping through the night (cue "Hallelujah Chorus")! It only took 11 months. Whew! I'm a little worried that just because I write this, he'll decide that he was just trying it for a week and didn't like it.
In other news, H.J. had a party with his Primary class of 10- and 11-year-old boys. They met at Rocket Park to shoot marshmallow guns. Jake got to go for a little while and tried his hand at it. He understood that he needed to blow, but had a little trouble blowing while keeping his mouth on the gun. Oh well, he had fun hanging out with Dad (see above pics).
In other news, H.J. had a party with his Primary class of 10- and 11-year-old boys. They met at Rocket Park to shoot marshmallow guns. Jake got to go for a little while and tried his hand at it. He understood that he needed to blow, but had a little trouble blowing while keeping his mouth on the gun. Oh well, he had fun hanging out with Dad (see above pics).
Let the Blogging Begin!
So I've jumped on the blogging bandwagon. It took some begging from friends and family (this first entry is dedicated to William, Jake's closest-in-age cousin who lives far away) and some bribing from Shutterfly--if you set up a Share page on Shutterfly before Feb 2 they'll give you 30 free 4x6 prints. Free stuff is good.
Anyway, we'll see how this goes. Although I think it's gonna be fun, I've got to be careful not to spend too much time on it. I have a tendency to spend way too much time tweaking things that nobody will notice (a little OCD, H.J. would say). I may have to set some restrictions for myself.
I think this will be a great way to let everyone know what's going on with us and see pictures of our darling boys (no bias here!). But if you really want up-to-the-minute news, give H.J. or I a call. We'd be happy to talk to you! We really don't want you looking us up on this blog to replace actual human interaction.
Anyway, we'll see how this goes. Although I think it's gonna be fun, I've got to be careful not to spend too much time on it. I have a tendency to spend way too much time tweaking things that nobody will notice (a little OCD, H.J. would say). I may have to set some restrictions for myself.
I think this will be a great way to let everyone know what's going on with us and see pictures of our darling boys (no bias here!). But if you really want up-to-the-minute news, give H.J. or I a call. We'd be happy to talk to you! We really don't want you looking us up on this blog to replace actual human interaction.
