The Douglas Family

Farewell Appendix

2012-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

Apparently my body likes to get rid of body parts after having a baby. After Breanna I had my gallbladder removed. After Ethan I had a root canal (ok....doesn't really count, but was not fun). After Luke I had my appendix removed.

About 9 days postpartum my afterbirth pains were almost gone and very tolerable (they were really painful for quite awhile with the 3rd baby, yuck!) But, I started getting "episodes" of pain. I would feel like I was having a contraction start and then it would feel like it wouldn't end for an hour and a half. And....it wasn't pretty. It was so painful I couldn't walk/talk/move. I had painkillers at home b/c of having the baby so I would take one and it pretty much would do nothing....I just had to wait it out.

Believe me, an hour and a half is a long time when you don't know what's wrong. I had one wake me up at 2am. I had another one the next day at 8am. Then one more another time that I can't remember. The rest of the time I felt fine. Tender down in the lower abdominal area but no extreme pain. I thought I might have an infection in my uterus or something so I got an appt. for Mon. morning and went to the OB/GYN.

They checked and there was no infection. Dr. said that he wanted me to get a CT scan just in case to check everything out.

The CT imaging place said they would get me in the next afternoon b/c I needed to fast for 4 hours before the scan and it was too late in the day to do it Monday. So....Tues. 3pm was my appt. Fasting for 4 hours is not fun when you are nursing (especially cuz you can't have anything, including water)!! They were running behind and didn't get me in til 4pm. Scan went quickly and I went home.

We had a BIG dinner cuz I was starving. Right before dinner I got a phone call (about 5:20PM) from the on-call OBGYN. She said she wanted me to come back to the ER and get checked out. My appendix looked a little sketchy and they wanted to check that and also I guess the uterus looked like there was maybe leftover stuff from the birth and so I needed an ultrasound to check that out.

I cried and Rob decided to stay with the kids and send me and we would see what happened....if it was nothing I would come back home and if it was something then he would figure out something to do with the kids.

My mom was in California (she had left that morning) to help my sister Michelle move. She and my dad decided to send him down to the ER for moral support. I'm so glad he came!!

It was the craziest experience ever. I have never been waited for at the ER. The nurse and Dr. both checked me out, I was given an ultrasound, had a urine and blood test and the surgeon came to see me all within an hour. Seriously!?!?

Withing 2 1/2 hours I was being brought to surgery for my appendix. The surgeon said it looked borderline. My white blood cell count was borderline and the only thing that made him for sure want to take it out was the physical exam. He said there was a 10-15% chance that it was healthy but he would remove it anyways. As he was forcing the paper to me to sign consent for surgery my Dad was trying to slow him down, ask questions and make sure that it wasn't the leftover in the uterus that might be causing pain. The Dr. said that the radiologist said anyone 13 days postpartum would have remaining stuff after giving birth so they ruled that out.

My dad was wondering why he was rushing so much, thought maybe the guy just wanted to get home....but apparently not (my dad saw him there hours later). Just wanted to cut me open I guess!

They rushed so much that thankfully my dad was able to coordinate with Rob and come up with a plan for the kids. Rob's parents were amazing and immediately left and started driving to our house to take care of our kids (including the newborn). He was able to get to the hospital, but everything went so quick that it wasn't til I was in recovery after surgery that he made it.

I was a bit in shock as I was up in pre-op as they hurried me along.

Random side note #1: The nurse who was taking care of me in pre-op is actually lives in our basement apartment! We have become kind of friends and it was so nice to have a friendly face beforehand. She also offered to help watch the kids if we couldn't find any one to do it...so nice!

Random side note #2: The anesthesiologist was the same guy that did my epidural less then 2 weeks before. I think they could all tell I was scared and so he put something in my IV before they even rolled my bed down the hallway. All I can remember is he said, "You were such a good patient last time, you get something special this time." And then I was out.

When I woke up all I could think was that appendix better have been infected b/c I hurt! Yes, I had appendicitis and it needed to be removed, the surgeon told me this after the surgery.

I was out of the hospital the next evening by 5pm. Rob's parents stayed til 7pm and were wonderful. My mom came at 9pm and helped me through the night for the next few nights b/c I could barely move, plus I had a newborn to take care of. She took care of him all night for several nights, just waking me up to feed him.

My sister in law came up on Friday and helped take care of us all day! My sister took the kids for about 4 hours on Saturday for us. The next week our ward helped out by volunteers taking my kids (just the 2 older ones) for a couple of hours every morning. Rob would take them to the daycare in the gym in the afternoon and then take care of them the rest of the evening when he was done with work. We also had meals provided for us about 5 nights of the week.

I am feeling good now, 2 weeks after surgery and 4 weeks after having a baby. All I can say is I am SOOOO grateful for all the help that we got. Also, I don't want to go back to the hospital for a LONG time!

The birth

2012-01-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Luke's birth was way different then our other 2 children. I was scheduled to check in at the Parker Hospital at 9pm on Dec. 27th. It was so wierd knowing that I would be having a baby soon, yet not being in labor yet. The whole day was long b/c I knew I needed to accomplish as much as possible before leaving for the hospital. I cleaned, did laundry, played with the kids and cleaned some more. My sister Michelle came over in the afternoon and cleaned my whole fridge (inside and out) and vacuumed the whole house for me!

We left at 6:30 to bring the kids to my parents house. We put them to bed around 7:30ish and then hung out with my mom and dad, Michelle and Todd. We ate lots of Christmas leftovers and goodies. At 8pm I called the hospital to see if we were still being induced and they said yes, come at 9. We hung out and then I was given a blessing before we left the house.

We drove to the hospital and talked and laughed as we drove. We walked into the hospital with smiles on our faces....signed papers with ease and then were shown to our luxurious room. It was huge!!! I was told to change into the gown and then I was monitored and baby was monitored for an hour. After that I was hooked up to an IV and started getting antibiotics (I had tested positive for strep B). This was the plan for the WHOLE night, so she said she wasn't even going to check me....just for us to relax and sleep if I could and pitocin would be started at 5am. I was given an ambien to sleep and then actually slept for about 4 hours (i've never slept before birth b/c I've been up all night with contractions.)

Rob actually had a full pull out bed, we each had our own pillows and slept semi comfortably til 4 or so...that's when nurses started coming in and out of the room. I wasn't started on pitocin until 5:45am. Then I was checked and I was.....drumroll.....dialated 2 cm. What? Are you kidding me? I had been contracting all week and so I was for sure it would have been a 3. Disappointment set in. Baby's head was also stationed at a -3, so that's as high as they measure I believe, so that also was not great news.

The nurse slowly increased the pitocin every 1/2 hour. The contractions were where she wanted them to be, strong and 2 minutes apart, an hour and a 1/2 later. She told me that if I wanted an epidural I could do it at any time. She also warned me my Dr. would come in around 7ish and break my water. So, I opted to have her call the anesthesiologist and get the epidural before my water was broken. The epidural went ok but only numbed 1/2 of my body the right 1/2 could feel pretty much everything. So....when the Dr. came in he thankfully said he would come back soon to break my water after the epidural was properly working. The anesthesiologist readjusted the epidural, but hours later I was still completely numb on one side and the other side just semi numb. It was quite an odd experience.

My Dr. ended up not coming back for 4 hours. He had a c-section that ended up transferring to the OR, which I think means it was not good. He also was happy at 7am and grim at 11am. From 7am to 11am the nurse checked me a couple times. I dozed in and out of sleep (so obviously I was only semi feeling anything) and Rob went and had breakfast in the cafeteria.

At 10ish I was a 3, maybe a 4 but the nurse felt something funny and wasn't sure it was the baby's head so she freaked us out and had another nurse check and she said everything was fine, and I was a 4 during contractions. Head still at a -3.

Dr. came and broke my water at 11:30am. I was then told that I was a 6. He would be back to check in awhile. The nurse had me sit up so gravity could help move baby's head down. I told Rob to go get lunch so that he would be ready. Called my mom (who was watching the kiddos) and told her it might be a good time to get down to the hospital. She got there 40 min. later.

While Rob was gone I started feeling a lot of pain and by the time he got back I was freaking out telling him get the nurse my epidural is broken. Nurse had just changed something on the epidural so I thought she didn't do it right. She came 10 min. later. Just as she came my Mom had just arrived. I was crying and holding the bed in extreme pain wondering what was going on. Nurse said well let me check your epidural, make sure it's not pinched....they had to turn me a tiny sideways and WHAM I felt a huge pain/pressure down there.

Okay, let me check you the nurse said as I was hyperventilating.....okay, it's not your epidural, you're having this baby. Let's get you set up to push. She also called anesthesia...they put something in my epidural to help out which would take 10 min. to kick in. I started pushing (which felt way better then just sitting there). After 10 min. I felt so much better, still pushing but had relief from pain. Then the nurse said let's try a different pushing position b/c baby was having a hard time getting around the pelvic bone.

2 pushes later she said, "STOP Brooke, STOP". Luckily my Dr. walked in the room put on gown and gloves and then they let me finish pushing the baby out. He almost missed the birth and I would not have been able to wait any more then I had to.

I was incredibly lucky and did not tear or have an episiotomy. I went from a 6 to a 10 in an hour or so and from -3 to +2 in that same time. It was insanely quick once the water was broken. The whole process took from 5:45 till 1:04pm. Realistically the contractions weren't close til 7AM, so 7 til 1pm. Shortest and easiest (even though labor and birth is not easy) process yet!

He's Perfect

2012-01-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Luke Alexander Douglas
Born 12/28/11
1:04PM
8lbs.
21 inches long

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

2011-12-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

My sister Michelle took these photos and I'm so glad that she did. Getting them to smile was accomplished with bribery.......told them they would get treats if they smiled. Getting natural smiles was hard, Ethan has a scared deer look in most the pics, but we got a few great ones!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas Eve!

Dance Party

2011-12-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is dedicated to Auntie Shell and her dance parties with my kiddos the past 2 days :) My shy daughter REALLY got into this!

Progress

2011-12-21T12:56:00.001-08:00

Now dialated 2 cm!! Progress which is awesome, especially considering I have had pretty much just Braxton Hicks contractions this past week, a huge change, so no pain....yet progress!

The reason I'm the happiest is I am now scheduled to be induced Dec. 27th (check in at 9PM) if I don't go into labor before then :)

So........most likely will have a baby Dec. 28th!

Ethan's birth story

2011-12-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

I had to write this down before I have another baby and start to get details mixed up between the birth stories.

Ethan's Birth Story:

On July 2nd we had my 39 week Dr. check up. We went to the appointment about 11am. This was Rob's 1st day off from work, he had scheduled 2 weeks off for the new baby and we had lots of things on our list to get done. When walking into the Dr. office I was already having light contractions....or maybe just Braxton Hicks. I got checked at the Dr. and was dialated 3 cm.

We left the Dr.'s office and went by the grocery store. We saw 2 families at the store who had volunteered as "back ups" to watch Breanna if we needed them to when we went into labor and to the hospital. Both families were at the store getting their last minute items before they took off for a long holiday weekend. Each family was going camping and were getting smores items or hot dogs, etc. After we saw them I called Pam Gideon to make sure she was going to be around for the weekend b/c she was who we were counting on to watch Breanna and I freaked out a bit knowing that our 2 back ups were now leaving out of town (and probably cell phone range).

We went home and put Breanna down for a nap. Rob went to work on some things around the house that needed to get done. I was having some noticeable contractions and so I decided to rest in bed to see if they would lighten or go away. An hour later I was still having them about 15 minutes apart and I went to the bathroom and saw some pinkish "bloody" show. I then told Rob, okay this might be the real start to things. He said, "Do you think you can wait a day or two so that we can get all of our things done?" I said, "well we better start doing them now just in case."

So along with our errands we packed Breanna a bag and Rob some things for the hospital. I don't really remember the rest of the evening except that we hung out together and I continued to have contractions, but never closer then 10 minutes apart.

I tried to go to bed with Rob at 11ish and the contractions hurt too much to sleep, but I rested for about an hour and a half then got up b/c I hurt too much. I think I took a shower then and shaved my legs just in case :) I paced the downstairs of our apartment for a couple more hours, called labor and delivery asked some questions and then just endured the contractions. I was still 10 minutes apart but crying b/c they hurt and I was exhausted by this point (probably 3:30am). I felt pain but thought they're never going to get any closer!

Around 4am Rob woke up and came down to see if I was okay, which of course I was a basket case by then. He convinced me to call Pam to come and stay with Breanna and we would go to the hospital to get me checked. Pam got there around 4:30 and we got to the hospital and checked in by 5am.

The nurse checked me and we were just praying that I was dialated to a 4, so that I would have progressed since my appt. and so I could get an epidural. Well, nurse checked me and said, wow, you're at a 7! Rob and I high fived and then I asked for the epidural :) She said she would get the paper work started...but first I had to get in a different room, get an IV, had my blood drawn, etc. So, everything got done as quickly as they could, but apparently nothing goes quickly from 6am to 8amish b/c there is the 7am change of shift, so EVERYTHING was slow or backed up. The nurse said, you're doing so well, are you doing this naturally, um, no.....could we hurry the epidural up?

Apparently my contractions were NOT 10 minutes apart, but I was having double contractions every 10 minutes and so the in between contractions did not even phase me b/c the ones at 10 min. were so strong. That is a sign that the baby's head might be the wrong direction, but thankfully that was not the case. So, luckily I didn't wait at home much longer, waiting for my contractions to get closer.

The anesthesiologist that got off the clock at 7am said no to my epidural b/c he was going home. Then the next anesthesiologist had to help 1 C-section and then another C-section right after that. Needless to say I experienced the most amount of pain in my life for 2 1/2 hours waiting for the epidural. I believe I went through "transition" at that time b/c I was throwing up a lot and actually groaning/yelling. I NEVER did this with Breanna, but I never experienced that point of labor. I am not a yeller, I am a crier and so this surprised me and probably Rob, but I started yelling at him. I said, "I don't care if you have to drag the Dr., pay the Dr, wrestle the Dr.....get me my epidural!" I was really scared b/c I hurt so much and didn't know if I was going to get an epidural in time.

My nurse was great and had my Dr. wait til I got my epidural to check me again. I got the epidural and then the anesthesiologist went and did another C-section. Well my belly was numb, but below that was NOT numb and neither were my legs. So, I waited another horrible 1/2 hour til he came back and tried again.

My Dr. then waited 10 minutes for me to "get numb" checked me and said, okay well it's time to push this baby out. I said, "could we just wait, I finally feel good." They couldn't wait b/c they had a c-section to attend to and said that if they left then the baby would be out before they could get back. So, I pushed Ethan out in around 15 minutes and it seemed SUPER easy compared to the pushing of Breanna (2 1/2 hours). Plus, Ethan was basically just waiting to come out....b/c I had been waiting for pain relief :)

On July 3rd Ethan Jeffrey Douglas was born 8 lbs. 1 oz and I believe 19 1/2 inches long (I'll have to check). It was about 4 hours after we arrived. He was very quiet and didn't cry when he first came out, which made me really nervous, but he was fine. He had dark black hair and was kinda chubby.

I didn't have any tearing or stitches and that made it SOOO nice. I was also numb for quite awhile after b/c the epidural had just kicked in right at the end.

The delivery was so quiet and relaxing once it was time to push. I had a Dr. and a resident there, who delivered Ethan. They were both so quiet, soft spoken and positive. That part of the delivery was amazing. They helped me be calm and relaxed with their behaviors, which was different then with Breanna, but in a great way.

Debbie Downer

2011-12-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today I had my Dr. check up. I walked out of the appt. a bit disappointed. I am dialated 1 cm right now. At least I wasn't a zero, but I was hoping for more considering I have been having a lot of contractions. Once I knew I was at at 1, I knew I wouldn't be having a baby today :) Wishful thinking!!

Anyways, besides that Debbie downer statement, baby is healthy, I am healthy and now my body just gets to keep "warming up" and working on progressing more before real labor starts.

Train Ride/Museum (Warning lots of pics)

2011-12-11T21:06:00.001-08:00

I bought a Groupon for a Christmas train ride and visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum. It only goes 4 Saturdays in December and we went the 3rd out of 4th Saturday. It was quite crowded and they bussed us in from a parking lot (the kids loved it).

Waiting in line to get our tickets.....lucked out with a beautiful, pleasant day! Especially b/c almost everything is outside (which I didn't know!)

Short line for Santa when we got there, so we raced to get a moment with him....

One of the cool old trains....

This is the train we got to ride....and old steam engine.

We got to sit in the cool passenger cars, which were refurbished but represented what they looked like when used in the late 1800's early 1900's.

Figured out how to open the window during a stop at the water tower!

Ethan found a cute railroad doggy, I think "Spike" to hug and high five.

Awesome miniature train village.

Very fascinated.....

Grampy and Ethan in front of an old train.

Daddy helped each one pull the rope to ring the bell.....Breanna was using her whole body to pull on the rope.

Snow plow train! We saw crazy pics of a 30 foot snow pack up in the mountains back in the 1900's.

Checking out the view from inside......

A caboose

Grampy pushing them on the old luggage carts.

It was really fun! Even better was the fact that Rob and Grampy would lift each of the kiddos at the MANY different locations that needed lifting to see throughout the museum. My pregnant body could not have done it without them! A fun and different adventure!

Baby Update

2011-12-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

We went to the dr. today and had an ultrasound. The baby's measuring in the 98th percentile....and the weight guesstimate right now is 7 lbs. 3 oz and I still have a ways to go...yikes! His head is huge and so is his belly. They could see hair on his head on the ultrasound, so i'm guessing he has quite a bit of hair! He is already turned head down and ready to go. It was very fun to have a late ultrasound, we've never had one before. It was great too b/c Rob was there, the kids and my mom was there (I've never had her come to an ultrasound before b/c we've always lived in another state :)

I could have been very happy without the information that he has a big head. That, my friends, terrifies me for the birth coming soon. I didn't have this information with Ethan or Breanna so their heads could have been just as big, but ignorance is bliss in this sort of scenario :)

They also checked my amniotic fluid level and it was a 12 something, which is good apparently. The only measurement that was small was his leg bone. The ultrasound tech said, well baby apparently wants to use all of his energy on his belly and head. Dr. didn't think it was an issue, thought maybe it was the way he was positioned or something. They will start checking me next week at "full term" (37 weeks) to see if I am dialating/progressing at all.

Here's a picture of me at just over 36 weeks and 2 days (I believe)....kinda blurry pic, but you get the idea!

Putting up the Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T21:03:00.001-08:00

Folks.....we did this a month ago, couldn't wait for Christmas!!!

*Yes, this is another day that Breanna decided to draw all over herself :)

Markers

2011-12-01T10:12:00.001-08:00

Anyone else have kids who have decided to draw on themselves?

This is the 3rd time. We have been lucky that it wasn't furniture or walls. As of now markers are banned. You should have seen the rest of their bodies......bellies, arms, legs, feet....all a variety of colors.

The count down is on!

2011-11-20T21:51:00.001-08:00

41 days til my due date :) Wahoo!

3rd Trimester:
-Going pretty well
-Getting pretty big
-Can only eat small meals and feel really full
-Strained or pulled a muscle in the top of my stomach....making it painful to do anything like lifting groceries, twisting, picking up kids....etc.
-Last week my Dr. scheduled the rest of my Dr. appointments! That makes it feel really close.
-Sitting is painful for my back.
-The best position is laying down, but if I sit, then stand, then lay, and repeat throughout the day I feel good! Any one position makes me really uncomfortable.
-Baby is moving a lot.
-Dr. said baby is already head down.
-When he moves my entire stomach moves now.....he is getting quite big in there and it's getting quite squished I'm sure!

Exercise:
-Pretty bad lately, can't do much b/c of the muscle on top of my stomach. Even walking hurts. I try to walk for 10 minutes at a time on the treadmill b/c then I don't hurt too much.
-Feeling lazy, wanting to do more exercise, I can work out my legs, but even doing my arms uses some of my stomach muscles, so I have to not do them or do a tiny bit.
-When I am lazy and relax my stomach feels better, but the rest of me is anxious for exercise.
-Dr. said the muscle will not heal til after I have the baby, with all the stretching there's no way it can relax to heal yet.

Food:
-Loving ALL food
-Craving all sorts of sweets...yikes!
-Love drinking a glass of milk (don't enjoy this too much when I'm not preggo).

Feeling pretty ready to have this baby. Not looking forward to labor and recovery. Excited to hold this new one in my arms. Whenever I feel over it, I think it's so much easier to take care of the baby in your belly then outside your belly!

I will try to add more positives, today this is how I'm feeling though!

Sometimes even I need a translator for my 2 year old!!

2011-11-17T07:22:00.001-08:00

Ethan has decided he needs a light on to sleep at night. Breanna likes it pitch black. Ethan keeps turning on their light at bed time and that encourages them to stay up an extra hour playing (since they can see :)

So.....I told them we would get a new light bulb for them so that Ethan could have a night light right by his bed, and it's not too bright for Breanna.

Yesterday after I told them about the bulb the night before Ethan was quite upset when we didn't make it to the store before the Dr. appt. I had scheduled. I told him, no worries that we would go to the store in the afternoon.

He continued to be upset and I asked him why.

"We need get new boob," he said.

"Boob?"

"New boob."

Well friends, it took me a long talk with him and some patience to figure out what he was talking about. It clicked when I told him to show me what the "boob" was and he ran to the night light.....OH YEAH! He meant light bulb :)

Pretty cute. Everything is fixed now b/c I bought a light bulb and figured out what my 2 year old was trying to say :)

Black Friday

2011-11-14T13:34:00.001-08:00

I've never been a fan. I don't like getting up early and I don't like shopping with huge crowds. My hubby on the other fan has gotten up several years and gotten in lines for good deals. I like Cyber Monday where I can buy deals online, usually with free shipping. But, am I missing out on amazing deals?

So, here's my question........are you a fan of Black Friday? What is the most amazing deal you've gotten?

What do you think about stores opening on Thursday evening like they're doing this year?

Target Clearance!!!

2011-11-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

I am very excited. I went to Target last night and went through the Halloween clearance section....

Actually I went to 2 Targets and 1 Walmart, but only got anything from Target. This is what I got:

3 costumes.....

2 t-shirts, 1 baby outfit, long-sleeve onesie, bib:

Repeat:

One cloth tablecloth, one vinyl tablecloth, cupcake liners:

One wand, funny glasses and girls tights for dress-up:

One Halloween wreath!

Okay so retail on all of this would have been.............$136.80

I got it for..........drum roll please................$16.37

Lots of Costumes

2011-11-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

On Halloween the kids were not feeling great so we couldn't go anywhere during the day......we went to trunk or treat at night, but we decided to play dress up during the day. We had a cute tigger and a pretty bumblebee.

On the Friday before Halloween there was a trunk or treat at my parents ward and we went. It was lots of fun, they have chili beforehand and a "carnival" inside for the kiddos. My dad was there, our fam, and Rick, Corina and baby Bradley (my brother and sister in law w/baby).

I borrowed Corina's costume from last year, Skeleton with baby inside...fun and SUPER comfy. Now Rick painted that on for her last year, this is no store bought costume, very talented folks :)

For the this Breanna was batgirl, which she also was for her preschool party. Here's a top shot of the costume :) Ethan was a "football guy" for the trunk or treat. I am now looking for a clearance football costume for the child, he LOVES football and would love to dress up in it all year long.

These next pics are for our ward's trunk or treat. Mom and Dad came, Dad was a rasta man....mom was an electric socket, or someone who stuck something in an electric socket, with all the spikey hair :) Very creative.

Breanna was a bumblebee (mind you this is a 24 month size costume, but whatever floats your boat!) She was very excited b/c I put makeup on her for the evening. She has asked for makeup every day since then :) (wow! actually interested in something girly!) Ethan we changed to a hobo, he was a little under the weather and the costume was PERFECT. We dressed him nice and warm and he's always dirty anyways. I got this idea from my sister's friend who had done it and she was right, it's the warmest and best costume for a toddler...they can get super dirty and it adds to the costume! His face in this pic shows how happy he was (and that's how he acted all day). Ethan's costume was quite the hit at trunk or treat. Random people were taking pics of him b/c they thought it was hilarious. We had fun with the kids and trunk or treat is perfect for their age. We trick or treated at about 10 houses afterwards and Ethan was in the stroller, didn't care about candy and Breanna said she was done at the 10th house, so we went home! Rob is Robin hood. He had an actual bow and arrow too for the costume.

We really did have a cute bag for Ethan, just thought this one went with the costume best :)

Breanna, done and done!

Bet you're jealous

2011-11-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

Bet you're jealous................. that you don't have your own personal lap table.

(Quite an unflattering picture, but had to post it b/c I thought it was awesome, and the bowl just sits there, no wiggling, no falling, nice and close to my face :)

Breanna Interview

2011-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I copied this idea from my friend Ashley. I thought it was very cute and a great way to capture the thoughts my 4 year old has at the moment, b/c soon enough she'll be so much older!! Pretty fun.

What is your favorite book: My Diego book

What is your favorite animal and why? I like cheetahs b/c they can run really fast.

What is your favorite thing to eat? Waffle and cream and noodles and Parmesan cheese (separate of course!)

What is your favorite movie: Tangled

What is your favorite season and why? Fall - b/c you can jump in the leaves....and winter b/c of snow and you can make lots of things.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Outer space b/c you can see planets.

Tell me a favorite birthday memory: Uh, to have presents and to have cake.

Where would you like to go on vacation? Africa

What is your favorite thing about summer? Going to the splash park or to a pool.

What is your favorite sport? Basketball b/c you can throw your ball.

What is your pet peeve / something that bothers you? Bees.

What do you like best about your home? Stuffed animals.

What makes you sad? When people laugh at me.

Tell me a joke: Knock, knock. Who's there? Banana. Banana who? Snowflakes you'll never see me again!!! (Tons of laughing from her :)

Who is your best friend? Ethan and Mikey

What is your favorite color? Blue and pink and all the colors.

What did you do that was good today? Vacuumed.

What is your favorite hobby? Playing at the park and eating donuts.

What is your favorite song? Book of Mormon Stories.

What is your favorite thing about church: Singing songs.

What is something good about you? Cleaning up.

Hehe :)

2011-10-29T18:23:00.001-07:00

One Day

2011-10-26T21:24:00.001-07:00

What a difference one day makes in Colorado!!! Yesterday (above) Today (below)!!!!

Preschool Costume Parade

2011-10-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

My little girl fit in with all the boy superheroes! Can you tell that she doesn't like her picture taken?

Heavy Sleeper

2011-10-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Question for anyone out there.....

Is your child potty trained? If so, are they potty trained through the night? If so.....at what age were they able to wake up out of their sleep and go to the bathroom and back to bed on their own?

Breanna will be 5 in January. She is pretty much accident free at night (hallelujah), but this is only b/c I nightly wake her up and bring her to the bathroom and back. She does NOT wake up if I do not get her up. She will just wet the bed and sleep through it.

Also, when I wake her up she doesn't really wake up. She tries to go back to sleep on the floor, she'll run into doors/walls if I do not direct her to the bathroom and help her through the process. If I pull down her bottoms, she pulls them back up and tries to leave the bathroom. She tries to get in her brother's bed. She goes the wrong direction, goes to the wrong room, etc.....

It's actually quite hilarious and cute, but just wondering if anyone has experience with this and what they did to help teach their child to wake up and SAFELY walk to the bathroom and back on their own. (And at what age!)

Fun times :)

Halloween Craft

2011-10-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

We were going to go to a tiny hay maze today after exercise with a friend, but the weather was rainy and windy so we decided to postpone it. This did not appease Breanna, who bawled 1/2 the way home in the car. I came up with the brilliant idea to do a halloween craft and she was back to a happy girl :)

We looked online and got an idea that required toilet paper rolls (the inside part). Luckily I didn't take all the trash out like I should have (today is trash day) and we found 5 toilet paper rolls and one paper towel roll!

We created little creatures with construction paper, markers and tape (all 3 glue sticks were dried out.......hmmmm....guess the kids used those on another project????). Breanna spent an hour and 15 or an hour and a half on her bat. She worked really hard and is really proud of it. Ethan spent a good 1/2 hour on his paper. He colored on a paper, front and back, and would sigh about every 2 minutes and say, "I working really hard mom."

I let Breanna put them wherever she wanted, she loved it b/c she keeps telling me we need to buy more halloween decorations. She doesn't realize how cheap her mommy is and how I'm waiting for AFTER halloween to buy the clearance decorations for next year :) (I really do have decorations, just apparently not enough in a 4 year old's mind!)

Leaves

2011-10-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm loving fall and the beautiful tree outside my window. Raked some leaves into a pile, but the kids want a bigger pile to jump into. I think I'll have enough leaves pretty soon for them to bury themselves in!!!!! I love the cool mornings, but it also turns into warm days. Everything feels crisp. I went and bought the ingredients to make caramel apple cider today. I also got stuff to make Apple Cider Floats (http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/09/apple-cider-floats/)....have you ever had them? I haven't, but they sound awesome.

Mr. Froggy

2011-10-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago Auntie Monica helped Breanna catch a toad at Brendan's football game. She brought it home in a plastic cup....holding a lid on over it as it tried to jump out on the way home.

Her new "pet" got hours devoted to making a home for it in a lovely box. She decorated the box with a "slide" (stick), playground (all the rocks), swimming pool (bowl with water) and of course leaves, and grass. The toad loved to hide and spent lots of time getting in and out of the "swimming pool".

We tried feeding it flies, a spider, fruit and then resorted to buying tiny crickets from the pet store (that is what they told us he would eat).

Breanna spent hours on our front porch with "Mr.Froggy". She would hold him, check on him, watch him and loved him.

Unfortunately he died from not eating ANYTHING....but, she did take great care of him (for a 4 year old). And yes.......I made her wash her hands after EVERY time she touched him.....I was paranoid of what might be brought in the house from touching him. Until we find another pet toad she has been collecting worms and rolly polly's again :)

What kind of music do you listen to?

2011-10-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Breanna has a new friend. The next door neighbor Kristin (who is 10 almost 11 years old). They first started talking over the fence to one another. Then playing over the fence....throwing a ball back and forth. Then collecting berries/bugs and showing them over the fence.

Each night Breanna wants to "call to Kristen" out her window after I have them go to bed. Then they proceed to talk til Kristin goes inside usually when it's dark out.

Yesterday and today they have played with eachother in our back yard for the first actual times.

I was outside with them yesterday and listening as they talked.

Kristin asked, " What type of music do you listen to."

Breanna said, "The land before time song" (they had watched that movie and heard a song she liked on it.

Kristin, "No, I don't mean what movie do you like, what music do you listen to?"

Breanna thinks for a minute about it...."Diego".

Kristin, "No, not what show, what music?"

Breanna "I like the Diego songs"

Kristin, "Oh, ok."

I just felt so happy inside that my daughter is so sheltered with her music "selection" right now. I have heard quite the awful selection at our little neighbors house next door. It was so cute to hear this conversation :O)

We're Knights!

2011-09-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Kids are loving their new Knight costumes we got from Toys R US/Target/Dollar Store. We have found pieces at each place. They want to play with Rob every day when he gets home from work :) Notice they are also into football and are excited whenever one wears a shirt with a football, they both NEED one.

Rob is the "Dragon". We had a family talent show last week and this is the mask that he and the kids created....except it had 2 yellow horns, but those broke off. He is a great sport with them.

The day we got the helmet she wore it wherever we went....super cute :)

Practicing

2011-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we babysat for a friend and she has 2 kiddos. The 3 year old and my kids had a fantastic time playing together. When her 2 month old woke up from his nap my children were quite ready to practice for their own future brother. Breanna was soft and gentle holding him while Ethan needed a lot of instruction on how to GENTLY put the bottle in his mouth. They both need work on being softer around a younger one. Made me quite excited/nervous to see how much they will love our future addition.

Puppies

2011-09-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

The kids love pretending they are puppies. In this scene Grammie is their owner. The belts are their leashes. The puzzle boxes are their food and water. What entertainment!

Blood Draw

2011-09-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

We had to take poor ethan man to get a blood-draw today. I fortunately had Rob go with me. It was no fun. Not only did he freak out when the needle went in but then tensed his arm and muscle too much that they only got half a tube of blood when they needed 3!!! The blood stopped coming b/c he was too tensed and so we had the choice to try again in the other arm (where the nurse couldn't find a vein) or come back another day.

So....we're supposed to go again. Oh joy. I called the Dr. office though to see if we can hold off on the blood draw until we get results from other tests they are running on his stool (i know, too much info). They said yes, wait....so hooray, we don't have to go back til we get results, but when and if we do Rob wants to see if what we can numb him with or knock him out with. It was so sad too have this done to a little guy who doesn't understand why it's happening to him.

The reason we are getting tests done is because Ethan has had chronic diarrhea and we are trying to see what is causing it so that he can eat normally without having stomach problems. He is such a good eater but EVERYTHING besides the sick diet (bananas, rice, bread, noodles, etc.) goes straight through him. Fun times.

2 little bugs

2011-09-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

I love how they look so similar and like bugs all curled up after bath time, it makes me smile!

Les Miserables

2011-09-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

Had an amazing date day! Went to Les Miserables in Denver with Rob. It was awesome and we had great seats really close (well, way closer then we normally would get - needing binoculars). Ate at Tokyo Joe's afterwards and had cinnamon rolls when we got home :)

Went to the Wednesday show at 2PM. I got each ticket for $15 a piece and then add in all the other fees it was $45 for an amazing musical. Not only that, we had Orchestra seating! This means that we were on the first level rather then the 3rd level of seating in the "nose-bleed" section (as my Dad likes to call it!

I bought these tickets at least 2 months ago and it was so fun to have a different date then the norm. Everything worked out great.....Rob had a VERY busy day at work so he got up extra early and I met him at 1pm at his warehouse. He got there only 5 minutes late and changed and then we headed to Downtown Denver. We lucked out after driving around the Buell Theater a few times and got on street parking (just as we decided we did not want to look anymore b/c we didn't want to be late). That saved us at least $10 rather then parking in the parking garage and we only had to walk one block (thank goodness b/c it was raining and we brought no umbrella....come on it's Colorado, not Washington :)

The play was amazing. Rob and I loved it. I have seen it at least 3 times and he hasn't seen it, but has read the book. It was so fun to go with him and have his excitement, plus mine.

The picture of the play is from online, but it was the actual castmembers that we saw here in Denver. The long-curly hairded guy is hard to miss. Also, something very interesting was the character Epinine (sp?) She was caucasian in the play as a little girl and then african-american as a young adult!!!! Now, don't get me wrong, cuz she was AWESOME, she had an amazing voice.....but honestly....why not have it the same, b/c that's pretty impossible in real life people!

Great date. Rob and I want to see it again. We will just wait though, b/c Wicked will be here in April!

1st day of preschool!

2011-09-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Breanna had her first day of preschool today. She was so excited, we went last night to get her "school supplies" from Walmart, which was a big event for FHE :)

This morning she took a bath, got dressed, packed her backpack and carried it around all day. She practiced and practiced til she learned how to put on her backpack herself. She was ready for preschool by 9AM although she goes from 12:30-3pm.....so we went to story time at the library, had lunch at home, let her and Ethan watch an episode of Blue's Clues, then it was time to go.

Ethan kept talking all day about going to preschool too. We kept telling him that it was just for Breanna and he could go when he's 4, but he didn't get to go today. That didn't stop him from bringing his backpack around all day, to the library also, and in the car to preschool. He kept saying Ethan go school too. I knew it was going to be hard, so I packed a sucker in my purse to bribe him when he started bawling that he couldn't stay with sister. He wanted his backpack out of the car too and tried to run into preschool (although Breanna didn't want to leave my hip) and definitely started screaming and crying when he didn't get to go.....the sucker worked wonders :)

Breanna froze when preschool time arrived and we got there. Her teacher, Miss Jenn, was taking individual pics of the kids out front. Breanna said she didn't want a picture and then would not leave my hip. She hid from the kids and the teacher. Eventually I scooted her inside and let go of her hand without going in so that Ethan wouldn't go in too. Miss Jenn came out after 2 minutes and said Breanna was fine, and it looks like we were good to go.

The post preschool report was that Breanna did wondeful. Miss Jenn said that Breanna participated, behaved great and talked. She reported that Breanna told her she did not want a picture when she offered to take it after school, so we concluded besides nerves, the picture was what really upset her.

It was so cute, when she saw me and we started talking and leaving Breanna jumped up and down and said, "Mom, I'm not shy anymore!"

She loved her time at preschool!
Showing us that she can zip her backpack.... Put the backpack on all by herself!!
Putting on the backpack (look at the pure concentration)....
Ethan dragging his backpack to the car when we were going to storytime!
She had all of her supplies laid out after her bath, ready to pack them up....she even packed an extra headband in case hers broke at preschool (this was very important to her)

Showing dad her snack from preschool... Ethan showing his daddy his backpack

23 weeks

2011-09-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

Sticking out even more :)

Rockin out at the Bowling Alley

2011-09-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

This was back in May when we visited Michelle in Sacramento. She had a sweet Groupon where we got to go bowling, have pizza and play in the Arcade afterwards. We all had a blast bowling, but I just started cracking up at Ethan when the music was going and he went crazy having fun! I took this video for Rob b/c I knew he would appreciate it!

Sunbeams

2011-08-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago at church Breanna started bawling when Rob and I came to get her from Sunbeams. She has never reacted like this and I was wondering if something was really wrong. She's usually excited to see us and show us her coloring and tell us something about Sunbeams.

Well, we didn't see inside the classroom, but the kiddos were having turns standing in front of the class holding a Sunbeam while they all sang the song. Apparently Rob and I got there too early and she hadn't had a chance to be up there.

(of course she doesn't tell us this, just sobs.)

Her teacher quickly reacted by asking Breanna if she wanted to take the Sunbeam home for the week so that she could do it for our FHE. The sobs ended and she smiled.

Breanna and Ethan took MANY turns all week long to proudly stand in front of the family and sing sunbeam with us. And, we successfully returned it without losing it!

I'm so greatful for an amazing Sunbeam teacher who not only understands my daughter, but loves her and shows her this weekly. I have seen her take Breanna and give her hugs, have her sit on her lap (after Breanna got her foot stomped on by another little one and was crying), has great lessons and is so wonderful to her. I can really feel like she loves Breanna. I know from teaching in primary that it isn't the easiest thing to love everyone else's children (at least not for me), it's so easy for me to love my own, but to truly love others takes special teacher!

Babies

2011-08-22T21:04:00.001-07:00

Here are the kids pretending to be babies...they thought they were hilarious!

2011-08-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Getting Tall

2011-08-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today Ethan had his 2 year check up at the Dr.

Rob told him if he was good that he would get a treat when he got home from work. I have never seen the child behave so well at a Dr. appt. He had to get his toe poked and blood squeezed to check for anemia, they did a fluoride treatment on his teeth and he got a shot. This of course is in addition to all the normal stuff that he normally screams and freaks out about. Apparently bribery worked, which would have never worked before when he was too little....now he understands it. NOt only did Rob give him oreos, he also took the kids to get a toy from the dollar store and they each got this ball shooting gun, which thrilled Ethan and Breanna.

For my records:
Weight : 26.4 lbs - 40th percentile
Height : 34 inches - 70th percentile (whoop, whoop, he was 25th percentile a year ago!!)
Head: 19 1/2 cm - 75th percentile
BMI : 16.2 - 40th percentile (chubby?!?!)

Great job Ethan!

20 Weeks

2011-08-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the proof that I'm pregnant..... (Please excuse the crazy messy hair and awkward smile, but actually remembered to have Rob take a prego pic last night and I did not preview myself in the mirror before :) Don't know when I'll remember another one, so here it is).

I'm sticking out way sooner then with the other 2!

We get to have our ultrasound on Wednesday. Any one wanna guess if it's a boy or girl?

Pregnancy update:

1st Trimester:
-Sick, barely threw up, but constantly nauseous
-Felt exhausted
-Had to eat every 2 hours or else I would throw up
-Not easy, but easier then any other pregnancy so far.
-13 weeks along heard baby's heartbeat for the first time at dr. office.
-Survived til about 13 weeks when I started feeling better.
Exercise - walking, not fast

2nd Trimester:
-Feeling GREAT!!
-For about 2 weeks or so was barely hungry, eating almost like a normal person, then the past 2 weeks I have felt STARVING, baby must be growing.
-I felt the baby move (flutter) for the first time about 17 weeks...only laying on my back, flat.
-Can feel the flutter movements daily now...so tiny though, I love this point, no aches, pains or sickness
-Have had some pretty yucky headaches, I think due to heat, even though I'm eating and drinking enough
-Feel enegergetic
-Feel HOT, feel like my body is 10-15 degrees hotter then normal (I'm usually a cold person)
-Food is tasting pretty darn good right now :)
Exercise - Mainly walking on treadmill, run one minute, walk one minute, off and on to keep aerobic up....doing a little bit of weight to help my back (if I stop then I start getting major back aches and pains, daily).
-I actually have felt a tiny braxton hicks contraction the other morning when I woke up, not painful, but it was all tight and contracted...weird, but I guess b/c I know what they are, I now can notice them (compared to Breanna where I didn't think I had them until 37 weeks or so when someone told me what was going on!)

Granby Lake

2011-08-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

During the family reunion my parents rented a pontoon boat for the day and we went out on Granby Lake. It was gorgeous! It reminded me of Washington with the water, green trees and it was cold when we started! We went around exploring, had the kids try to fish, had a relaxing 4 hours on the lake. I loved it.

Happy Girl

2011-08-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Pure determination trying to hike down a hill.... Very intrigued by the worms we were fishing with....wanted to keep them as pets.
Loving the chance to horseback ride!
Wow! A smile on camera!

I love when Breanna's smiling at me....because lately it's not all the time :) She does lots of frowns when the camera is around.

Just for memory's sake:
-Loves bugs
-Fights with me about her hair....will ONLY wear it down daily, unless I force it into a braid. Ponytails are NOT allowed.
-Loves being the leader of games and activities when Ethan is the player
-Will not talk to other children who are trying to play with her at the playground
-Does not want to be laughed at....will cry if people are laughing and she thinks it's at her
-Will give me a great big cheesy smile if I smile at her
-Rolled her eyes at me last week......heaven help me.
-Just figured out how to strap the seatbelt for herself in the car, very exciting!
-Loves puzzles
-Likes drawing lately, especially our family, sunshine, rain and rainbows

Love/Hate Relationship

2011-08-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes they love eachother.....

Lots of times they hate eachother....

Regardless of what they're feeling, it's so fun for my sister and I to have kids 3 months apart in age! They are a blast to have around eachother (except for the beating eachother up :)

Cousins

2011-08-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Look what a good big sister Breanna is going to be:

We were at my in-laws and Breanna was loving holding baby Bradley on the swing so he could swing too. (Mind you she was using all her strength to hold him...but never let him go!)

Now Ethan.....he cried most the time Bradley was in the swing b/c he was mad that I wasn't pushing them high and fast. So....he has a learning curve that we are going to have to work on!

Face Painting

2011-07-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the congrats :)

When we were in Winter Park the kids got to have their faces painted. Seriously I think it's the best face painter we've encountered. I think we waited for over an hour though to get through like 6 kids in front of ours. They LOVED it though!

Ethan got Thomas the Train and, yes, he sat there still without moving so she could paint it, wow!
Breanna got a shark and loved that she could "bite" like the sharks do :) Fun times!

New Year's Plans

2011-07-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Rob and I decided to make some New Year's Plans this year. We don't normally do much on this holiday.

Last year the kids and I watched fireworks on youtube and made noise makers and crowns.

This year we will be staying here in a suite:

"Rooms are large and comfortable with private baths, mountain views and a pull out sleeper for the new father."

Eating a divine menu from an executive chef.... "When you order room service, you can expect delivery within 45 minutes."

And while we are there they will deliver this to our room:

Sounds like a great vacay right?!?!?!?! See if you can top that!

Just thought I'd share our exciting news that we are expecting a baby on New Year's!!!

Pie

2011-07-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

My husband wins the best husband award.

Yesterday he got me a pie I have been wanting since I had one piece of it and wanted more at our family reunion. It is a Marie Calendar's Chocolate Silk Pie (freezer section at the grocery store). It is to die for. It was not on sale and quite expensive. If it was me I would have continued to want it and not buy it b/c it was too expensive.

He bought it for me.

He also said that it was MINE...just for me. I could do whatever I wanted and eat it however fast or slow I wanted to. I thought, "awesome!" But, I also thought, "I wonder how long that will really last." (that's me being a skeptic).

Either way I was thrilled.

He lasted 24 hours before asking for a piece. I told him he could have one today, but the rest is mine.

I'll let you know how many pieces get eaten by me versus him in the end.

(Side note - whenever we have a great dessert, I want to savor it, make it last as long as possible. Cut small pieces and eat it whenever I want, making it last a REALLY long time. He likes to eat it fast and furiously....if it's great, why not have 3 pieces in one night. So that's why I was so happy when it was given to me, so that I would not feel like I had to eat it fast to make sure I got my fair share :) Anyways, it was VERY nice of him, and we'll see what happens! Until then, I will slowly devour my pie!!)

Chillaxin

2011-07-25T10:24:00.001-07:00

What a stud :)

Snoy Family Reunion 2011

2011-07-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a family reunion up at Winter Park.

It was a blast. We had 3 condos FULL of people, all right next to each other so the kids would run back and forth enjoying their freedom in all 3 places (when we were not involved in like 1000 other activities :)

Althought Rob is not in this picture, he was there. We were able to hire someone to do the route on the weekend, so Rob was able to be up there the 1st weekend, go home and work during the week and then be back up for the 2nd weekend.

Tons of activities that I will put pics of on different posts including:
-Hiking - a wheel chair access hike, so we were able to bring strollers, but all the kids hiked, except Michelle's baby of course.
-Biking - easy rides, kid rides, HARD rides, our kids enjoyed the new 2 seater bike trailer we got right before the reunion, so Rob, myself and both kids could all go together!
-Free concerts
-Playing at the park
-Dinners by each family
-Chick flick movie night
-Adventure pass all day at Winter Park - Alpine sliding, putt-putt golf, bounce house, Chairlift to the top of the mountain,
-Boating on a beautiful lake, fishing, no one fell overboard :)
-Horse back riding
-Rodeo, even in the pouring rain
-More free concerts
-Kid puppet making
-Face-painting
-Shopping
-Great-grandkids playing with their Great-Grandparents
-Swimming
-

I'm sure I'm missing some, but this is just to let you know, we were busy and we had FUN! Thanks Dad and Mom for putting this on and making it so much fun!

Pink Beauty

2011-07-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Pink, pink, pink :)

Never eat in the dark

2011-07-19T21:40:00.001-07:00

Tonight I sat in the dark watching The Bachelorette and eating some chocolate ice cream.

Sounds amazing right?

Well it was, then I saw a dark spot on my hand, I assumed it was a bit of chocolate that I had spilled on my hand, or gotten there when scooping the ice cream.....so I decided to lick it.......

And then the spot BUZZED away!

Yuck, I almost ate a bug! Next time, I'll turn on the light :)

This should make you smile

2011-07-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ethan in all his glory.........

I love my little man :)

2

2011-07-04T18:38:00.003-07:00

Ethan's birthday was yesterday! What a big boy! His main concern all day long was that he wanted birthday cake :)
-He got a bloody nose that day, falling off a chair, or jumping off it....that's why they band-aid is on his nose.
-Awesome turnout, Thanks family! Especially b/c we decided on Fri. that we wanted to do a party for him on Sunday.
-He got TONS of toys
-He got a swim diaper put on his head during present unwrapping, so focused on opening the gifts that he didn't even notice or care it was on.
-Rob made him the awesome train cake.....Breanna helped fill it with lots of figures...if it were up to her the cake would have no frosting showing, she would have put every toy she owns on it.
-Yummy food
-Happy boy!

Whitewater Rafting

2011-06-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

On Friday we were able to use a Christmas present that Rob had gotten me off of Groupon. We went rafting in Idaho Springs.

My parents watched the kids so that we could go. They met us at the Clear Creek Rafting Company and had the kids watch us get ready, brought them to watch us get in the river, see us at different points in the river, and convinced the bus driver to let the kids ride back with us. (That was the kids favorite part).

(Look at our awesome stylish wetsuits :)
It was fun! The river is high right now, we took the beginner course which I thought was perfect. Only thing I recommend is paying the $3 for water booties for your feet. They provide wetsuits and everything, but not the booties. Well, me being the cheapskate that I am, told Rob that we would wear our tennis shoes in the water and then our flip flops afterwards.

It was a 90 degree day. Perfect, but having your feet soaked and sitting in 38 degree water for the whole trip makes them ache, cramp and then slightly go numb!

The river was gorgeous. We went through a canyon and the mountains were beautiful to look at. At multiple bridges that we went under we actually had to duck in half to not hit our heads on the bridge, this is how high the water was!

The white water waves that we did were scary and fun. Rob had a blast. He looked excited and fearless in all the pics. I looked scared and half excited. I really did have fun though :)

It was a great experience and an awesome christmas present to celebrate in June :) I like those type of presents, and it makes me wonder what our next adventure will be...

Our latest renovation project

2011-06-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

We decided to rip up our sidewalk and redo it, all on our own!!!!!

JUST KIDDING! The city workers are ripping up sidewalks all over our neighborhood, and guess whose turn it is today.....ding, ding, ding, we're the lucky winners. Lots of LOUD work all morning (I'm sure for the next few days, all day). Plenty of entertainment for the kids. Who knows if nap time will happen though.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, to my amazing Dad! He is thoughtful, kind and always willing to help. He is a great example of what a Dad should be. I'm so greatful he's my dad!

Happy Father's Day, to my awesome Husband! He plays with the kids, endures daily wrestling matches with them and is very patient with them. I'm so greatful that he's my kids' dad!

Before and Afters

2011-06-13T12:03:00.001-07:00

We have been redoing our basement. We are going to be renting out the basement of our house as a apartment to some lucky single, couple, family. It is 2 bedrooms 1 bath and is like 1100 or 1200 sq. ft. We have worked ALOT on this. Rob and his dad/mom, my dad/mom have put in lots and lots of hours on this thing.......

It's almost ready, we're doing final touches, but thought I'd share.

What do you think?
PS- We didn't know how to ANYTHING prior to starting this. We have learned alot from our parents, watched youtube alot and read about how to do things online. Including, flooring, grouting, cabinets, changing light fixtures, door nobs, towel rack, mirror, etc...Wow!

Kitchen BEFORE:

Kitchen AFTER:

Bathroom BEFORE:

Bathroom AFTER:

My Hobby

2011-06-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have a secret desire to become a coupon lady. But, alas, I have neither the energy, the talent or the time at this point to do it. I think of starting small and maybe I will. But, right now, one trip to the grocery store is plenty....and honestly I don't want to spend my "free" time going there after the kiddos are asleep.

So....those are my excuses.

But....this is my hobby that I thoroughly enjoy, garage saleing! I love Saturday mornings for this reasona and my kiddos are finally learning that if they're good and not fussing and throwing fits about it, that I will buy them something. I almost NEVER buy them anything at the store (b/c they ask for things at every trip) so this is a real treat for them.

Afterwards I feel elated at my amazing deals I get. Rob was the best husband ever and yesterday gave me $20 in cash he had in his wallet so I could go garage saleing (I never have cash on hand, which is an issue....and a hassle when you just want to go to a sale, not to the store or atm first). Then, he grabbed me $20 more when we got some pizza from Sam's, "just in case I found a big item) Wow! I was so greatful for him encouraging me :)

Here are my treasures from today:
1. Boy clothes for Ethan - 25 pieces 2. Girl clothes for Breanna - 13 pieces3. Awesome 3T winter coat/Snowsuit for next winter, Winter boots for Ethan, and Bike Helmet for Ethan (so he doesn't have to wear one that's pink with flowers all over it!)

4. Trike with handle pusher (he wants to "learn" so after bending over and walking up and down the sidewalk....I'm over it, I needed a handle!) ABC tracing book for Breanna.

5. Not pictured- Small soccer ball, Dora sandals for Breanna, Pair of sketchers for Ethan (to grow into), Buzz lightyear toy.

Grand Total : What would you guess??????????

$16 and yes, I'm pretty proud of myself!

Swimming

2011-06-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Our awesome neighbors gave us this pool that their youngest daughter (now 10) has grown out of. Our kids LOVE it!!!

Little Monkey Business

2011-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever been here? I went with my kids, sister, her kids, cousin Mikey and my mom last week.

I was raving about it afterwards to Rob, the kids loved every second of it and ran around like madmen for 2 hours....they would have gone longer, but I had us leave for bedtime. There is a family night on Tuesday nights where it's cheaper to get in and $1/slice pizza, so everything is pretty cool. Tons of bounce houses, slides, playground, jungle swinging things, etc....

Now, I don't think I'll ever go back.

The day after we went my sister's child started throwing up all over, then her baby started doing the same thing. Paxton (Michelle's child) was sick the whole week. He was weak, not eating, grumpy, the works. The next day my mom got it too....her's lasted 24 hours. The next morning Ethan started throwing up (never seen the little guy sick like this). He threw up a ton for the whole day and had a high fever. The next 2 days he threw up one time per day. The illness wiped him out for an ENTIRE week. He threw up on Thursday last week and just today started acting normal (not lying around on the floor all day, or needing held the rest of the day). 3 days after Ethan got it, Breanna got it, but only threw up once and then laid on the couch the whole day. The next day their cousin Mikey got it, recovered in less then a day.

I swear it's from Little Monkey Business, b/c NO ONE was sick before and we didn't go anywhere else. Also, my mom talked to a nurse at her work who had just taken her kids there and they got the same illness afterwards, which wiped them out too.

Coincidence....I think not.

Sorry, but that's my last trip there, even though it was amazing fun for the kids.....but talk about a long week of work helping my little ones recover.

Monster Weeds

2011-05-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have pulled weeds for LOTS of hours in our backyard. Then, they grew back.

So I spent many more hours pulling them again.

Then.......they grew back.

Rob bought me a weed sprayer thing that kills weeds, not grass.....so I went at it today and I hope that those suckers die in the backyard. They're EVERYWHERE. And they have prickers all over them and hurt the kids :(

Anyways, I was worried that it might also kill the grass too on accident, but as I sprayed weed after weed after weed I realized that it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if that happened b/c there are so many weeds and so little grass at this point, it might be best to start over.

We'll see what happens....until then, it gave me a satisfying feeling as I sprayed those monster weeds :)

Bottle Habit

2011-05-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Exciting News!

So I just stopped worrying about when to break Ethan of the bottle a long time ago and just figured, who cares, I'll eventually do it.

The little man drinks a full bottle before I put him down for nap and then another full one before bed time.

Yesterday he was REALLY sick, throwing up constantly, so there was no option for a bottle at nap or bedtime. Milk would have really hurt his tummy, and he fell to sleep just fine, both times without it........

Today I thought, should I just get rid of it then? Nap time and bedtime occurred with no bottle beforehand today!!! No crying, no asking for it, nothing. Obviously his tummy is still not 100% b/c I'm assuming he'll start asking for it soon, but for now, wahoo!

Mom 1, Bottle 0!!!!

Hooray!

Can I just tell you how nice it is to have this happen so smoothly, easily, without tears, tantrums or fits?!?! I am so greatful, b/c I have endured the above SO MANY TIMES with other milestones :)

A few pics from our photo shoot!

2011-05-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

My sister Michelle took some awesome pics today of our family. Here are a few that she sent me tonight. I love them!

Can you tell a difference?

2011-05-13T13:25:00.001-07:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

On closing day we signed billions of papers for the house. The only paper that freaked us out was one from our HOA stating that we needed to have the trash picked up, yard weeded and in a "growing state" by May 15th.

We closed on April 20th and didn't even move in until April 23rd, so that would mean they were giving us about 3 weeks to improve something that another family took years to ruin. We have friendly neighbors, but they are extra friendly every time they see me weeding, watering, fertilizing, raking, seeding, cutting bushes, etc. Apparently the old owners had done nothing for years on the front or back yard, except let their dog use it as a toilet.

So, I know it has a LONG way to go, but I have a before and after pic of the yard, as of today, May 13th. I hope they see that I have done A LOT of work, even though it looks quite scraggly still!

Hopefully this is proof enough that we will pass with flying colors to the HOA....we'll see!?!?! What do you think? Also, any tips on getting those patches of brown? Any ideas would be wonderful!

Explorer

2011-05-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

The other morning while I was at work Rob said Ethan was quiet for awhile. He found him in our bathroom putting on my makeup. Here is the evidence....

I think he put purple lip gloss on his eye, b/c I don't own purple eye shadow :)

Lil All Stars Soccer

2011-05-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Blossom

2011-05-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love 4 year olds. Today Breanna picked a purple flower out of the grass, held it until we got home (1/2 an hour later), then asked for a cup of water. She placed the flower in it to keep it wet. She named the flower "Blossom". She checked on it throughout the day. In the afternoon she brought it to the backyard with us while the kids played. She randomly kept checking on "Blossom" (still in the water cup) and made sure Ethan didn't get it.

So fun what they come up with on their own. While in the backyard she found a catepillar and then some random black bug. She wanted water cups for those also so they would be "safe". I objected for the bugs so they wouldn't die, but thought what a kind hearted girl she is to care about these living things and want to care for them, in her own funny way :)

Church today

2011-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

Church today was great. We are in our new ward which is exciting and makes me nervous too. We met more people which is great! The kids did pretty well in Sacrament meeting, Breanna actually did great. Ethan was interested in the baby behind him and talked to the lady next to us. He is not shy at all, talking with her, sharing his book, touching her shoes, etc...luckily she didn't mind. The only big issue was when he kicked his toy car across the florr, and it went far! Had to take him out for that offense :)

But, I've been really impressed at how well they've done with the new ward. The nursery leader said that whatever ward we came from obviously knew what they were doing and they want to learn what they're doing, b/c apparently Ethan was awesome. They said he shared, talked, sang, and didn't fight! (seriously!?!?!) But big props to Parker ward and Erika Saunders (Nursery Leader) for all they did for our kiddos there!

Breanna is doing great in Sunbeams. She told me today that she was a good example. She said she was quiet while they went to the bathroom and that she folded her arms when they were walking in the hall :) That just made my heart melt for my little grown up girl! She was excited that they played "Going on a Bear Hunt" and sang "5 little ducks" at the end. She also said the teacher gave them a surprise, a snack :) She loved that.

I'm greatful for my kids behaving today, not perfectly for Sacrament, believe me it was work, but they did great overall. I'm greatful that they are learning to behave at church and be good in their classes. I'm also greatful that I got to sit by Rob in Sunday School and listen to the lesson there and in Relief Society uninterrupted, with no children. Actually just sitting there was fantastic! After having each child I have been given a calling right before they get to nursery (around 16 months old) where I am busy for both hours, usually a primary calling (secretary, 1st counselor, then teacher), so I haven't been able to just listen to the lesson. It feels like it's been years, b/c it's really been since Breanna was born, after her came all the taking care of someone else at church and not being able to pay attention, real attention.

I'm enjoying this stage b/c I know they'll get me for a calling pretty soon I'm sure!

(No.......this is not us at church :) It's a pic of us at the St. Patty's Day parade in Denver, but I thought it was cute....and have no recent pics b/c I can't find my camera cord!)

Busy Busy Busy

2011-04-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

-Moved into new house
-Attended our new ward
-Learning to do things like install blinds (go Rob!)
-Working on our poor yard....quite dead at the moment....I have picked up trash, weeded, fertilized, seeded and am watering 2 times a day....that's the front yard.
-Back yard, still working on weeding - ouch!, trimmed trees, raked, got a picnic table (Rob stained it yesterday and it's very nice!) neighbors gave us a kiddie pool and little play thing with slide yesterday yeah!!
-Ethan picked up over 100 broken waterballoons they had left in the back yard....he didn't know that he was being VERY helpful! (he just noticed the bright colors)
-Breanna was given the job to pick dandelions....unfortunately she hasn't found any :) (they're all over the yard). She also helped Rob stain the picnic table and was very careful. Ethan also washed the fence.
-Many trips to Home Depot, thank goodness it's close.
-Trying to get our home all set up....all the necessaries are unpacked, now on to the random things that honestly I don't know why we have them...haven't used them in over 8 months or longer.....I see a yard sale/craigslist in our future.

Pics to come, once I unpack our camera :)

Steamboat Springs

2011-04-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

I am still catching up with these pics. We went on a "springs" tour and walked to a few different sulphur springs while we were there!

They stunk really bad like rotten eggs, Breanna was not a fan, but they were very cool! There was a black one, blue one, lake with tiny bubbling ones, all different and unique. I was surprised that they all weren't hot. There were some that were 68 degrees, pretty cool if you ask me.

We all felt them to test their different temperatures (the signs told us, but the kids wanted to check).

We found out that Breanna is allergic to sulphur b/c she rubbed her face after touching the springs and ended up with a rash and her face started swelling. Luckily my Mom, Dad and I did not tell her, so she had no idea anything was wrong. We even took her swimming after (b/c that's what we had promised). I got her washed off really well to make sure there was no sulphur left, but it kept slowly getting a tiny bit worse, so my mom and I secretly cut the swimming short and she ran to the store for benedryl and some cream for her face while I showered the kids and got them fed. It stopped getting worse and we had a great rest of the evening! She has never been allergic to anything so far, so this was quite interesting.

The springs were fun!

I am not trying to drop him in here.....just trying to get his little arms to touch the water!

Hard to see, but super cute pic of Ethan and Grampy waving to the camera...

Breanna went skiing

2011-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the nice comments, it's nice to know the support that I have :) Now onto something more fun....
My dad took Breanna skiing for the first time.

She loved:
*Her rented skis and boots
*Riding the gondola
*Saying "weeeeeeee" when Grampy would ski with her in front of him (doing all the work)
*Showing us the mountain
*Riding the bus

She loathed:
*Wearing her gloves
*Wearing her goggles
*Listening to her Grampy
*Hands and face freezing b/c it was a snowstorm and she wouldn't wear her gloves
*Walking down the stairs with boots on (Scary for her)
*Any time Grampy would let go of her and try to have her actually ski

Long story short........Grampy did lots of carrying, pulling, pushing, working, sweating to take this little one skiing.

At the end she told him, "I'm never going skiing again."

A few hours later (when she was warm and rested) we asked her, jokingly, if she wanted to go skiing right now with Grampy again. "Yes!" she said....so it must not have been too bad!

7 1/2 weeks ago

2011-04-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

7 1/2 weeks ago I had a miscarriage. I am finally wanting to write about it, even though I don't know everything I want to say.

I was between 11 and 12 weeks along and started cramping on Saturday night, after I put the kids down for bed I rested and laid down the rest of the evening. I work on Friday and Sunday mornings checking the stores on our tortilla route so that Rob has 2 days off per week. On Sunday morning I was still cramping, but went and did the route anyways.

By the time I was done with the first store (which takes about an hour) I was bleeding. I pretty much knew what was happening and was really upset, but figured I would get the route done and go home as quick as possible. I lasted 4 more stores until the 5th store I was cramping so horribly it felt like really bad contractions (so bad that I had to stop walking at each contraction and was being short of breath.) This scared me a lot so I got in the car and drove 1/2 an hour home. That 30 minutes was horrible, I was in excruciating pain and what made it worse was I knew that I was not in pain for a good reason, no, I was in pain and losing a baby.

When I got home I was pretty hysterical and my mom and Rob helped me get down to bed and got me to relax as much as possible. I had the miscarriage at home and pretty much was worthless the whole day. Luckily Rob taught my primary class and took the kids to church so I could stay and rest.

The next day I went to the OBGYN, mind you I had not gone for the first pregnancy check-up yet. But, I felt I should make sure everything was okay with me after what had happened the day before. The ultrasound tech didn't know I had miscarried and excitedly told me that she could fit me in b/c someone hadn't shown up for their appt. I started crying when I told her, well I'm sure we'll see nothing, b/c I had a miscarriage yesterday.

Well, everything hadn't come out on it's own, so the Dr. recommended a D&C so that I wouldn't get infected or have heavy blood loss or anything. I had the D&C the next day, Tuesday, and I was thrilled that they actually put me under for the process, I didn't want to feel, know or remember anything about it. The recovery was easy, I was out of it the rest of the day, but luckily had my awesome parents watching the kids and Rob got home early enough from work that he picked me up from the hospital to take me home. The next few days I was physically just getting back to normal.

Every Sunday since then has made me sad. It reminds me of losing the baby. This last Sunday made me sad b/c I realized I would have been 18 weeks along and that is so close to finding out the gender of the baby. I also was frustrated b/c I was almost 12 weeks along and almost out of the nauseous phase. I was feeling better and had made it out of the hard part of my pregnancy.

A few things:
1. I am really greatful for my family and Rob. I am so glad they were there for me through this.

2. We have an awesome ward with caring people. I received a dinner, flowers, cards, dove chocolates (my favorite), a inspirational book, more candy, a few phone calls, body wash and fuzzy(warm) socks.

3. Losing this baby makes me want to have another baby even more.

4. I at least understand ladies who have had miscarriages now. I empathize with you and know what you feel like. I can't imagine having another miscarriage, or another or another like many women have. I cannot fathom losing a baby at birth, soon after, or delivering early and end up losing the baby. My heart hurts losing this one and I only feel an ounce of what these women have felt. My heart hurts for those women who cannot get pregnant and wish so much to be a mother.

5. I feel so greatful to have my 2 children. I'm so greatful to be a mom and have been given the blessing that I have been able to have 2 healthy amazing children.

Just an FYI:

Right now if you're pregnant, don't be offended if I:
A. Stare at your belly
B. Try hard not to give you dirty looks
C. Avoid you
D. Am jealous of you
E. Don't want to hear how hard it is to be pregnant (even though i totally understand and feel that way too when i'm sick, achy, tired, etc. when pregnant)
F. Don't want to hear all your exciting news about pregnancy
G. Flinch when I think of why I am not pregnant right now and you are

Well, that pretty much sums it up for not. I am feeling SO much better then in the beginning, but still have tender feelings.

Fun Store

2011-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

While driving the 3 1/2 hours to Steamboat there were yellow signs along the road reminding you every 30 miles or so that there was a store, F.M. Light or something, that you should visit.

We did that on our last day there and it had the cutest cowboy/girl clothes, toys, hats, etc.

They had a cool horse and pig to sit on and get pics...the kids really liked that.

The saleslady gave them sheriff pins and the kids liked that, Breanna especially b/c I told her that sheriff's are in charge, so she got a kick out of that.

Unfortunately the hats were $40 and the cowboy boots were $45/pair, so we just took pics :)

Christmas in April

2011-04-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

I rented the "Glee Christmas CD" 2 weeks ago and so we've been listening to that tons lately. Breanna has memorized TONS of the words.

Here she is singing "We need a Little Christmas, right this very minute....."

She would put her hands out and it was super cute! :)

Steamboat Springs

2011-04-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

My parents got a condo for a week in Steamboat Springs and invited any of us to come up if we wanted, so Breanna, Ethan and I took them up on the offer. It was a 3 1/2 hour drive, which I was quite nervous about, but the kids did fantastic!

We are going to be here for 2 1/2 days and have had a great first day. Today we rode the bus to the ski mountain and watched Grampy go down a hill and ride the chairlift....also saw kids riding down the baby hill, which Breanna is going to do her first skiing ever tomorrow with Grampy! He rented her skis and boots tonight and she is really excited and proud of herself to be going with him tomorrow. She stomped around the condo in her boots and skis tonight "practicing".

We went swimming and hot tubbing with the kiddos while Grampy finished skiing. Then we went on a hike to a waterfall which was beautiful and terrifying for me :) Since it's April and Steamboat has gotten over 400 inches of snow this season you are hiking on top of the snow. If you stay right on the trail it's slick, but doable even with kids, cuz it's only a 1/4 mile to the falls. Grampy carried Ethan and Grammy and I traded off holding Breanna's hand. It has quite a drop off in certain areas which made me nervous b/c of the kids. At the end is a bridge which all I could imagine was my kids slipping off of it, even with an adult holding onto them the entire time. I know I sound paranoid, but just the other day (when it was over 75 degrees) we went to the creek and Ethan just fell in b/c he wasn't paying attention to the ground, but looking at everything else in the world that is exciting and interesting. Now, this was a tiny fall and he got soaked and cold, but it was 75 degrees and no big deal. This would have been a different story in the mountains with freezing cold water. That is why I was scared. I know it has happened and the kid runs into things, falls off things, walks over things, that are RIGHT THERE IN FRONT of HIS FACE EVERYDAY, and he doesn't notice!!!!

Anywho, it was a great hike, I'd like to do it again, when there's no snow and you can actually can hike on the trail!

The House

2011-04-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Everything is going well with the house....we're still scheduled for an April 20th close date. We have had a couple stressful days this week negotiating terms after the home inspection was completed. At one point we were ready to walk away, but were able to get everything resolved! Now all we're doing is sending lots of paperwork for the loan and also hoping the appraisal goes well! Lots of praying too! This is how well behaved the kids were during the inspection: (less then perfect, lots of flailing around and fussing - after playing for an hour of it).

My soon to be backyard!!!!!! Fully fenced so the munchkins can run wild!

Two pics of the front of the house! We want to put shutters around the windows and eventually a new color paint job to spruce it up outside.....lots of projects on the inside we'll be doing, but first we just need to close!

Bathroom Remodel

2011-03-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

My Dad is renovating the bathrooms in their house right now. There is one bathtub in the upstairs bathroom, which is the 1st project he's working on. He has completely gutted it and is now starting to put in tile, got the sink and vanity the other day.....etc.....

So, the tub is still useable, but the tile is very delicate b/c of the renovation. He had a few tiles to put in still and so a week ago he asked us to be very careful while I gave the kids a bath. (Mind you some of the flooring is showing (wood) too, so splashing is NOT an option. So, the bath I gave the kids was SUPER quick and kind of stressed me out.

Then, he went to the mountains and I needed to give them their next bath. I thought it would be awful if I (or the kids) cracked a tile or got water on the floor while he was gone, and I figure that the chances were pretty high of that happening while he was gone and he would come home to a NOT nice surprise, so I came up with a solution........

Sink bath for both kids :)

(Breanna stayed in for over 20 minutes, in this cramped position and cried when I told her it was time to be done. She also found out that sitting like that for 20 minutes makes your legs sore!!)

Happy Birthday Rob!

2011-03-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

32 years old on March 14th! He worked hard all day and then came home and we signed papers for an offer on a house that had been accepted that day, what an awesome birthday present!

Then we went on a date without the kiddos, kind of a wierd date: Doctor appointment that I forgot I had, next we hurried to the bank to get a cashier's check for the earnest money due the next day for the house, then the fun......

We went to Texas Roadhouse for his birthday dinner and had a fabulous dinner and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly while we ate and talked with no little ones bugging us for attention, eating our food, making disasters or scenes in the restaurant. Going out to eat without children is the only way to truly enjoy your meal your paying a lot of money for!!

Then we went to a couple of stores looking for new work pants for Rob, his keep getting ripped, and then found him some new earphones for his Ipod b/c 2 pairs broke last week, and he uses that thing all day doing the route!!

Came home, had an awesome cake for him that Breanna and I made during Ethan's nap time and Grammy and Breanna decorated while we were on our date. Hooray for our kids being in their jammies and fully bathed and smelling so clean when we got home from our date! (Shout out to the awesome grammy and grampy who are so kind to babysit our kids so we can regularly go on dates - even if they are house hunting or watching the kids while we sign papers, or dinner and a movie!!! we love it!!)

What a busy and awesome day. Can't wait for more exciting things to happen this next year for us!

By the way, we are doing the home inspection tomorrow and if everything goes as planned will be closing on April 20th!!! Very excited for our busy and awesome adventures ahead of us.

Wildlife Experience

2011-03-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

So if you are a member of the Douglas County Libraries then you can take part in a few cool activities for free. We tried out The Wildlife Experience a week ago and it was quite fun. I definitely recommend it, especially on a cold day, what a fun activity!

There were pretty fish to look at:
Fun Grammy to hang out with:
Tons of animals that looked very real ( a couple were too real for the kids that they cried or ran to us, but the majority they LOVED - I mean look at the height of the polar bear compared to Ethan, I would be scared too if I were him!)

It actually "snowed" from the ceiling in this one part, the kids loved it!
And Rob was done early enough to come with us, which made it even better! Thanks mom for bringing the camera :) There were tons of animals we didn't take pictures of anything but us really, and I definitely am looking forward to going again in March for our next free day!

(Oh I forgot, Breanna got a cool "scavenger hunt" paper where she was supposed to find all the animals on the page. It was like a Dora or Diego "adventure" for her to find all the different animals while we went through the experience and she would say, "check" every time she found one :) She was thrilled!

Mary and the Young Shepherd Boy

2011-02-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

Breanna is really getting into imaginary play lately. Here is a recent game she likes to play. She is Mary, or sometimes Joseph, I am whatever she is not and Ethan is always the Young Shepherd Boy.

It's really cute and fun :)

Trip to Utah

2011-02-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago Breanna got to go on her first trip all by herself (no parents!!!).

Grammy and Grampy took her to Utah with them to visit her Great Grandma and Grandpa. It was 4 whole days, including a flight each way! She did such a great job and got tons of attention from 4 adults spoiling her for 4 days!

Great Grandma even got on the floor to do puzzles with Breanna, which is not an easy thing at her age, but Breanna told me all about her on the floor, and there are pictures to prove it!

They did LOTS of puzzles, cooked, colored, played, watched Shrek 3, skyped and called me and other things.

I was nervous letting her go with them, not knowing how she would do, but she did great. It was also a weird 4 days for Ethan and me all alone without Breanna! For the first few days he kept asking for "Diego" and looking for her, but he had lots of special one on one time with me. I didn't realize that he DOESN'T get that from us, b/c whenever he's awake, so is Breanna. But, Breanna will get alone time during part of his nap. So, it was a good wake up call, but I actually need to work on getting him some one on one time for just Ethan and me!

I think she was well enough behaved that my parents will take her on another trip sometime in her lifetime :)

Artist

2011-02-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

I am biased, but I think Breanna has some amazing drawing skills! This is a picture of our whole family :)

Child of God

2011-02-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ethan is doing really well in nursery. He has a really hard time at the end of class when parents come in to get their kids and he's not getting picked up by his parents. I am teaching a primary class and get there after all my kids have been picked up by their parents, so it takes awhile. Meanwhile, Rob rushes out to the car and hands out all our extra tortillas to anyone who wants them. So, we're working on a plan to fix this!!

Besides that, Ethan LOVES nursery!

Sumo Wrestling!

2011-02-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

The picture explains itself :)

Washington Park

2011-02-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago we met Rob after work at Washington Park in Denver. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day (for January). We loved it! There is a pond, tons of geese, sidewalks, bike paths, a great playground, tons of people exercising...just a fun environment.

The kids fed the geese. Ethan was terrified at first b/c they are as big as him, but then he watched Breanna and learned it was fun. Pretty soon he was running after them and pretending to throw food, he threw sticks and some goose poo (i know, gross!) and leaves. He didn't understand that they only wanted food!

Notice in the pic with Ethan's push car, we fed the geese with tortillas. Yes....that is how many tortillas we have at our house these days, we just randomly feed them to geese rather then stale bread. And they're the fancy multigrain ones...not cheap :) Just to say the least, we have TONS of tortillas b/c of Rob's route, so if you ever need some, PLEASE ask :) We will be happy to provide.

We actually give them away at the end of church every week, but still have leftovers!

Anywho, back to the park....

We walked around the pond for awhile after feeding the ducks. Then let the kids play at the park. They pouted and cried after we made them leave the geese, but got over it after we got to the park!

What a fun day! Today was beautiful too. It was so nice to feel some warmth when walking in and out of church....we didn't even wear coats today! We didn't get to go play outside b/c church is 1-4pm, but I highly enjoyed the day and the weather.

What Ethan would look like as a girl....

2011-02-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help it. I decided to cut Ethan's hair, b/c it was getting really long, but the night before I did, I had to experiment a little bit......

(Don't worry Ethan, I will NOT show these to your future wife :)

And by the way, he hated getting his hair done!!

4th Birthday!

2011-01-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

Happy 4th Birthday Breanna! You are such an awesome daughter, sister and friend! We love you and are so happy you're in our family.

At 4 years old Breanna:

-Can write her name
-Is working on her numbers and ABC's
-Likes basketball, soccer, football, playing tag, chase, riding her bike (with training wheels on).
-Likes Diego, Dora, Backyardigans
-Likes dinosaurs a lot lately
-Loves to paint, work on preschool worksheets, doesn't really like coloring unless someone else is doing it with her.
-Likes to trace
-Started volunteering to say prayers at meal times, family prayer and even in Sunbeams at church!
-Loves listening to the radio in the car
-Very important to know that she's big and getting bigger all the time, when she eats healthy food.
-Loves her brother SOOOO much. Always touching him, she wants to hold his hand, touch his hair, push him in the right direction, get on his nerves, etc.
-Wants to be in charge
-Always wants to win the race, be first, etc.
-Sings bedtime songs with me at night and tries to rub Ethan's hair or tickle him, like I do for her during songs.
-Sometimes closes her eyes during prayers, sometimes rolls around the room or hops around while praying.
-Loves getting notes from her Grammy on the dry erase board
-Tries to come up with silly names, Grammy says, "See you later alligator", breanna says, "bye crayon" to Grammy.
-Doesn't like to talk to many people, pretty shy unless she knows you and wants to talk to you.
-I persuade her to say hello, goodbye, or just anything polite, doesn't work all the time.

I'm really tired and need to go to bed, this is what I can think of now, but I'll have to post more later for our journal :)

Stickers

2011-01-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Every morning Breanna and Ethan play with each other for on average 20-30 minutes before they start screaming MOMMY, DADDY, MOMMY, MOMMY, DADDY, to let us know they're awake.

This is what they did the other morning...

Happy New Year

2011-01-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Our New Year's Eve consisted of going to bed VERY early, but.....

The kids and I made New Year's Eve crowns and shakers during the day. Before we put the kids to bed we watched pretty awesome fireworks in London on YouTube, did the countdown and yelled, "Happy New Year's" while they shook the noisemakers.

They thought it was a pretty awesome party....I'm so glad young kids have NO expectations yet, they think anything you do is pretty cool :)

PS- Breanna has lately been doing this cheesy smile literally when we take a pic they say cheese and her real smile turns really cheesey! It'll make you smile :)

Western Stock Show - "Super Dogs"

2011-01-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to go to "Super Dogs" show at the Western Stock Show with Grammy and Grampy. She found everything that she could to look like a Cowgirl :)

Ethan wanted to be like big sister and dress up too! What a cute cowboy!

Cool Cat

2011-01-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

Ethan and Breanna were babysat by my sister Monica a couple weeks ago. Uncle Jeremias gave Ethan a "present" that he and Breanna fought over the rest of the day....a Bandana.

Ethan looked so hilarious and cute with it on. He didn't want it off either...he would pat his head and cry if it was off.

Great Idea - Got this from another persons blog.....

2011-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

ROB DON'T READ THIS!!!!!!!!!

I'm excited to try this out!!! Rob and my first date was on Valentines Day in 2004....WOW!! So, that's 7 years ago on this V-day!! Since, we both FORGOT our own WEDDING anniversary this year, maybe I can take the lead and shower him with love and fun for our other anniversary! So, the rest of the post is copied from other blogs with this idea, but if you haven't heard of this (I hadn't), then I thought I'd share it with anyone else interested! If you're going to try it let me know and tell me how it goes! I will let you know how it goes for us!

14 days of valentine’s....... (GOT THIS FROM http://www.onelovelylife.com)

"If you’ve never heard of it before, the 14 Days of Valentine’s is.... Basically, from February 1st through the 14th, you come up with a small act of service, small present, or token of love to give to the person you love. The goal is completely selfless giving with NO expectation of reciprocation. So often, you can completely surprise the other person who isn’t expecting 14 Days’ worth of love and presents. You want nothing more than to make the other person feel loved, cared about, and appreciated. None of it needs to be expensive or over-the-top, though you can take it as modestly or as extravagantly as your budget and desire dictate.

WHAT THE 14 DAYS OF VALENTINES ARE NOT:

1. This is not a vehicle for you to dump guilt on your Mr. Wonderful if he is not the romantic type. If you are a guilt-dumper, change your ways or your are not allowed to play.

2. This is not a contest. There is no competition to see who comes up with the best ideas. All ideas are free for the taking. In fact, I encourage the sharing and taking of ideas. Your only prize will be a deliriously happy Mr. Wonderful (or Mrs./Miss....you get the idea).

3. This is not a build up for gifts. Do not expect a gift. This is for you to completely shower your Love with pure love. Completely selfless. You do not automatically deserve jewelry for doing this.

For starters, about half the people I know that do this try to incorporate the number of the day into the gift (i.e. TEN fingers to give you a massage, Dinner for the TWO of us, SIX ways to say ‘I love you,’ etc.) I’ll leave the clever wording up to you, but here are some ideas to get you started…

Love notes and tokens:

A handmade, old-fashioned valentine *bonus points for using doilies
A small container of “things I love about you”
A handwitten note or poem
A small booklet made with some of your favorite memories together
Hearts decorated with “I love you” in different languages posted all over
Homemade Valentine’s crossword puzzle (make your own here)
A valentine’s playlist for their iPod (you could match the number of songs to the date)
Gifts or Presents:

Everything for a movie night in or out (popcorn, a DVD, tickets, movie treats)
A date to get their favorite treat out (gelato, bakery treats, etc.)
Hot chocolate (you can even include heart-shaped marshmallows)
Bubble bath or Massage lotion
A favorite Valentine’s candy
Framed picture of you or your family for their desk
A book or photo album
Homemade coupon for something they need or want (Let’s go pick up ____ )
Acts of Service:

Shoulder rub or foot massage
Making the bed
Packing a special lunch (bonus points for heart-shaped things)
Cleaning up a bedroom, closet, or rooms around the house
Taking care of a nagging errand/task the other person has been meaning to (or needing to) get to
Polish their shoes
Changing a habit (I know one friend who promised to turn the lights off when she left the room for a week–her husband was so grateful)
Homemade Food and Treats (I could go on forever here):

Brownies, cookies, or other treat cut into heart shapes
Molten lava cakes
A cherry (or other) pie decorated for the occasion
Heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast
A favorite or indulgent food you don’t eat often, served for dinner
A special Valentine’s dinner (always my day 14 present) *bonus points if you include candles and something nice to drink

Here is a link for more ideas: http://scarehaircare.blogspot.com/2009/01/14-days-of-valentines.html#links

(THESE ARE IDEAS FROM THE ABOVE BLOG:
Feb 1 - You Have My One Heart - heart shaped chocolates (Dove) in cute red/pink/white takeout box. Heart decoration over his mirror. Box and decoration for $1 each at Target.

Feb 2- For just the Two of Us - invitation in calligraphy on nice card stock to my homemade valentine dinner. Include menu and two candles, and bottle of sparkly.

Feb 3 - The Three necessities for our next date night - 2 movie tix and a box of Red Vines.

Feb 4 - Four Beautiful Children (and one cute wife)- head shots of the kids and me taped to the inside of his windshield. I might even write with lipstick on his windshield

Feb 5 - Five (x2) fingers - massage lotion from Bath & Bodyworks

Feb 6 - Six candy bars in a candy gram - things like Big Hunk, Twix, Sugar Daddy etc. No, I am NOT telling you what I am writing!

Feb 7 - Seven freshly made orange or cinnamon rolls. Hide the rest for later.

Feb 8 - I'll love you for Eternity (Eight on its side). This will be a home made Valentine card.

Feb 9 - Nine Items for Breakfast in Bed - 3 egg omelet with spinach, mushrooms and feta (that makes 6), sourdough toast (7), orange juice (8), broiled fresh pineapple (9)

Feb 10 - 10 - Ten Things I Love About You written on beautiful card stock and propped on his pillow to find when he gets home

Feb 11 - Eleven Reasons we are grateful for our dad and husband Family Home Evening. The kids will be involved with this one. I'll let them run with their imaginations and each come up with something.

Feb 12 - Twelve Hugs and Twelve Kisses. Hershey's Hugs and Kisses (12 each!) in another cute little takeout container. DH shares all chocolates with the kids. As long as it isn't dark chocolate, I have no problem abstaining.

Feb 13 - Thirteen Ways To Say I Love You on Post-It Notes. Start researching languages now. Make sure you write down what language it is. If your DH speaks a foreign language, be sure to include that one in the thirteen languages. Be silly and go for pig latin. Be creative with drawings of ASL signs. Write it Korean/Chinese/Japanese if you know the calligraphy.

Feb 14 - A letter expressing how much I love him and a note to remind him to meet me for dinner at a certain time.

Thinking of Having Kids? Do this 11 step program first...

2011-01-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.

2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home.

4. Pick up the paper.

5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2 - Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...

1. Methods of discipline.

2. Lack of patience.

3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.

4. Allowing their children to run wild.

5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.

Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3 - A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...

1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)

2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.

4. Set the alarm for 3AM.

5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.

6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.

7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.

8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.

9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4 - Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...

1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.

4. Then rub them on the clean walls.

5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.

6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5 -Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6 -Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.

Leave it there.

2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.

3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.

4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.

2. Make a small hole in the side.

3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

PS- I love my kids.....but thought this was HILARIOUS!!

Dec. 25th!

2010-12-25T19:06:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas Letter - To friends and family :)

2010-12-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

2010 has been a great year for our family. We have had a lot happen and have been very busy! We moved from Lacey, WA to Parker, CO the beginning of September and have enjoyed being in the sunshine! We loved the friends we met and the places we explored in Washington over the past 3 years but are so excited to be near family.

Rob has been very busy this year. He sold homes for Quadrant Homes in Washington and we owned a vending business on the side. We sold that when we moved to Colorado. Our new adventure has Rob the proud owner of a Mission Tortilla Distribution route in Denver, CO. We have barely seen Rob since he started this one month ago, but he is doing a great job, working very hard. We are excited to see where this leads us next.

Brooke has enjoyed being with the kids this year which keeps her quite busy also. Weekly she and the kids attend exercise class, story time, visit parks and she is teaching Breanna preschool. She accomplished sewing a dress for Breanna (with her sister’s great teaching skills) as a crafty project, which is inspiring her to try that out as a hobby. She loves exercising and being outside in the sunshine. She LOVED the time she had with Rob before he started the business and cherished his time with the family.

Breanna will turn 4 in January. She is a wonderful big sister always looking out for her brother. She is excited to help out around the house and “earn” money for extra chores she completes. She loves learning and is excited about learning the numbers, letters, and trying to learn how to write. She has participated in “Lil All Stars” sports; soccer and basketball and is so happy to go and play each time. She loves being a winner, being first, being fast, but don’t call her pretty! She likes trains, cars, computer games, books, legos, anything to do with Christmas and drawing. She loves having a “job” to do, getting tickles and singing songs. We love the little girl she is turning into.

Ethan will be 18 months old in January and is a fireball of energy. He loves his sister and tries to do everything that she can do. He likes being chased, wrestling, running, climbing, exploring, dancing and has just learned to jump. He is a happy guy, keep your eyes on him or else he’s gone in a split second. He loves eating everything. He keeps Brooke going from the moment he gets up until bed time. He is such a great addition to our family; we love his hugs, high fives and excitement for life.

We are living as “basement dwellers” in Brooke’s parents’ house and have had 3 great months here. We appreciate all the amazing amount of memories that we have been able to create with family since we moved to Colorado and look forward to many more!

This year we were able to explore Mount Rainier, Ocean Shores, Seattle, Victoria BC, Port Townsend, Astoria, Canon Beach, Portland, Sacramento (Brooke and kids), Hawaii (Rob), Winter Park and Denver. We are so blessed to have the adventuring spirit and the ability to visit these wonderful places.

We have such a great family and friends and are so grateful for all they do and share with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Rob, Brooke, Breanna and Ethan

Christmas Party/Santa

2010-12-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010
Ethan wants nothing to do with Santa.....don't put me on a strangers lap mom!

Nervous yet SOOOO excited!

Santa at story time.....

(Letters to Santa on top of their heads!)Rob's parents Christmas Party

Grandpa was missing the WHOLE time that Santa was talking to the kids........hmmmmmm....and then showed up right after Santa was done!!

Breanna has gotten to sit on Santa's lap 3 times this year! WOW!!! And she's been really excited each time and has loved it. Ethan on the other hand has despised it and will NOT sit on his lap :) He clings on to me for dear life and screams, so I haven't had the heart to put him on his lap.

Breanna has gotten to sit on Santa's lap:

1. At a special library "Santa Story time"

2. At our ward's Breakfast with Santa

3. At Rob's parent's ward Christmas party

She and Ethan have gotten "goody" bags at 2 of the events, which has made it amazing to Breanna and I swear she's gotten 100 candy canes so far this Christmas.

Rob's Parents party was special b/c they were in charge of the whole thing. Also,

Grandpa was Santa!!!! (SHHHH....don't tell!!!)

Christmas Pics of the kids

2010-12-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

I'll put some more up later....I'm outta here right now!

Thanksgiving with the Douglas Family

2010-12-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

It was so fun! Food, Fun, Family! We had EVERYONE there, I think it was 11 adults and 11 kids. We played pin the feather on the turkey, tag, hide and go seek and musical chairs for the kids. Later we played round after round of Werewolves and Villagers (or something like that) which was REALLY fun! We had a blast!

PS- look how happy Ethan was to be handed over for a picture with the grandparents, hilarious, i didn't know what to do, but they all said it's better to have a pic with him in it screaming then without him!

Hurry take a pic!

2010-12-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

I don't remember if Ethan had fallen down or if he was being told to stop doing something, but either way, instead of worrying about it I yelled to Michelle, "Hurry, take a picture!"

We are always trying to get cute pics of the kids smiling and such, but honestly when do we document the thing that they spend A LOT of their time doing? Crying!

No, my kids don't cry all the time, but yes, sometimes it feels like it! This is a classic picture and is great for memories!