30 Weeks and Christmas stuff...

Yes, this is the only picture I got of my belly @ 30 weeks.  It was sooooo cold the day we went to get our tree, that we decided to bundle up and go 5 minutes down the road and support the local boy scouts.  Our Christmas tree cutting adventure turned into picking out a tree from the Four Square Church parking lot ;)  We still had a blast and found it amusing when Luke didn't like the tree I picked out.  "No!  Not that ONE! It's too little!  We need a BIG ONE!"  So we ended up with a taller, imperfect, crooked tree that met Luke's requirement of what he thought a Christmas tree should look like.  It was still a great tree in my eyes.  As long as you didn't view from the side to see just how crooked it was - HA!

Thanksgiving 2010

So thankful for this awesome family...that has been entrusted to me!  What a tremendous blessing and priviledge to call them my own. 

And to know my Heavenly Father feels the same way...well, that's just incredible! 

A Great Wolf Birthday Blast

Since all four of us have birthdays in the fall, (September, October and November) my mom and step-dad took us to Great Wolf Lodge as our gift!  We had a blast, and what a great idea!  No cardboard or wrapping paper to clean up and no toys to pick up everyday for the next year (or more)!!!

Both my kiddos luv water and can play for hours...

 Our little family of four

He loved the yellow slide.

She loved floating around on her back.  Why swim or walk when you can just lay back and bob around?  Silly girl didn't have a care in the world which included knowing if she was floating right into people!

She also ended up being completely FEARLESS.  She wanted to, "go on the BIG, wello slide!"  And she did...again, and again, and again.  She also asked while we were in the wave pool to go on the "BIG slide," as she pointed to the ceiling.  Unfortunately, she was pointing at the heating/cooling tubes.  Ha, ha, ha!!! 

We had an awesome time and can't wait to go again sometime!

In A Nutshell

So, it's been a while since I've blogged.  AGAIN.  Go figure!  This last week was one of those weeks that stands alone when you look back over the course of the year.  Not because it was fun and we had such an awesome and incredible week.  Because the kids were SICK!  Both of them.  All week.  Not together.  They took turns!  And then throw a sick husband into the mix too.  Whoo hoo. 

Monday Luke woke up from his nap looking red.  Not like he got a little too much sun, more like BEET red including his ears.  Sure enough his temp was 102.6!!!  We didn't get to have pizza and go swim and play with his cousins that night.  Total bummer.  Later that night . . . Baker got a temp.  He stayed home from work the following day, and he only does that when he's horribly sick.  Half the time he goes to work sick.  So . . . . BLEH!  The two of them ended up being up half the night.  Luke couldn't sleep and was up from 4am on.  The boys finally went back to bed mid-morning and girlie and I got outta the house as fast as our car could take us.  We got lots of errands done, spent some time with my sister-in-law and nephews and did a little shopping.  A great break which turned out was going to be much needed. 

By Tuesday night around midnight Luke broke his fever.  Whoo hoo!  Still couldn't do much for 24 hrs include go to the gym.  I was so excited to go to my class at the gym Thursday morning because it has honestly been a month since I've attended that class . . . but, alas it wasn't meant to be.  Girlie woke up from her nap Wednesday afternoon with . . . you guessed it!  A 100+ fever. 

The difference between my two children at this point . . . communication skills.  Luke can lay on the couch, drink fluids and watch a movie.  Natalie whines.  And she cries.  And she wants to be held.  ALL.  DAY.  LONG.  By the end of Thursday I just wanted out of the house with a pair of earplugs.  My mother-in-law was so gracious in treating me to a very relaxing pedicure and a smoothie.  Yum! 

And if having sick kids wasn't fulfilling enough, I decided to follow through with my original plans of having a garage sale with my sister-in-law on Friday.  It actually turned out with the best case scenario ever.  Natalie allowed me to sleep for six hours straight on Thursday night- where as on Wednesday night I saw every hour except 5am . . . and maybe 4 (can't remember fo sho).  The weather was cool in the morning, not too hot, not too cold.  Natalie was feeling a little better and we sold most of our stuff and made almost $900.  Not bad for a days work.  Not bad at all.  However, I'm ready to hit the gym again.  I would like to sleep through the night.  And good grief.  I have laundry that's multiplying like rabbits.  Thank the Lord for a new day and a new week!

The Clash of the Titans . . . otherwise known as Buzz and Minnie!

There's a whole lotta Buzz Lightyear and Woody at our house.  A. WHOLE. LOT.  As in everyday, the Buzz and Woody interactive talking dolls get played with.  Well, almost every day.  You get the picture.  So, Toy Story 3 has been long marked on our calendar with much anticipation.  So for Father's Day, as a family with Papa and Nana we all went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D.  It was awesome! Except for the part where Natalie needed to go potty.  Then she was bored.  Then she needed to see Papa.  Then she needed more candy.  Then daddy took her out.  Then daddy brought her back.  Other than all that commotion it was great!

So, today in the car the kids and I were discussing what kind of party Natalie should have for her 2nd birthday.  And she pipes up from the very back of the car . . . "BUZZ!" 
So we discuss it some more. 
Luke suggested, "How about Ken and Barbie?" (Which incidently is his favorite characters from TS3)!
"Do you want a Barbie party, Nat?"  (crickets chirping).
"How about Minnie," I suggested? "MOUSE!" she replies.
"How about Tinkerbell?"  "YEAH!" As she throws her arms up and shakes her head.

I continued to mull it over seeing as how she had a Minnie Mouse birthday party last year and that would hardly be proper for my child to like the same character two years in a row.  GASP!  But, she doesn't really like Tinkerbell either.  And, let's face it.  My 21 month old girl does not know who Barbie is . . . yet.  What's a girl to do?

We were in the car yet again that evening when I asked her again, "Nat, do you want a Barbie, Minnie or Tinkerbell birthday?" 
Her response, (I kid you not) "BUZZ!"
To which Luke yells, "No!  Her can't have a Buzz Birthday!" 
And she smartly replies, "Woody" while pointing at Luke.  To say, Luke can have a Woody birthday and she will have a Buzz birthday!  (Because my daughter is that smart, and she knows just what to do/say to push her brother's buttons). 
"MOM! Buzz is for big boys not girls! Her can't have a Buzz birthday!"
"Luke?  You already had a Buzz birthday.  Could Natalie have a Buzz birthday too?  First you had one, now Nat can have one."
At which point he warmed up at the idea. 
Meanwhile daddy was admonishing mommy to not tease Luke.  (Who said I was teasing???)
"Just have a Minnie party again," says daddy.
To which I say, "BAH HUMBUG Daddy!"

Now . . . what kind of birthday party shall it be?  Details, details. 
 

Our Little Yankee

Baker is "assistant" coach for his nephews tee ball team. 
First day of practice, Baker arrives home early from work to change and run out the door.  At which point, Luke grabbed his yellow plastic bat and balls and was ready for practice. 
We arrive at the field, and daddy gets out to coach.  At which point I think it'll be easier to run an errand than hang out at a baseball field for 1-1/2 hours at dinner time with a 3 year old and a 19 month old.
We stay in the car, and prepare to leave. 
At this point Luke promptly states, "but mom!  I play baseball!  I gotta practice!"
Luke is three.  Tee ball starts at age five. 
We have a little ways to go. 
However, this poor boy is already counting down the years. 
He is R.E.A.D.Y. 
He is already holding up four fingers and asking, "my birfday I be dis many?" 
Yes, buddy. 
"When I'm dis many (five fingers spread open) I play baseball and golf." 
Okay.
Soon enough baby, soon enough.

Our nephew Maddox and Luke

(The boys on the team were asking, "who are you?"  as Luke was warming the bench.

Luke says, "I'm Yuke and dats my DAD (pointing proudly at Baker).

Vaca Recap

While on vacation, we stopped to pose with a poster of some very famous characters in our household.  Buzz and Woody are like, SO COOL and June 18th is a very big day this year.  HUGE!

And then we like ran into FAMOUS people characters.

We spent the day playing here.

I kinda tricked Baker into going on this ride with me and my bro-in-law.  He HATES heights.  And this drop is only like 84 feet.  But, he still talks to me so it's all good.

We ate.

And we ate some more.

Best of all . . . we just got to be together, in the sunshine - and without any babies needing us for 5 days!

Game Day

I'm behind in posting these, but I finally downloaded them off my camera. They were too fun not to post, even if they are late.

Could he be more proud? (You pick who you think I'm talking about - he, he).

My sister and her boyfriend joined us for the game. Good times. Good times.

Baker had multiple layers on, including ski pants over his jeans. No joke. It was a little chilly. I drank one coffee the first half, and another coffee the second half. Just to help me stay warm. Not because it was reasonably priced by any means.

This is my sister and I. I told her not to wear the purple furry headband, but she realizes she's an adult now and doesn't have to listen to her bossy older wiser sister. But, whatever. Still a good picture (because we were walking while taking it). Ignore the goober in the background.

TGIF

Last Friday Baker had the day off and we celebrated his birthday with a family dinner, arcade games and bowling. This Friday, I'm working with Baker at the family business and my babies are at home with Nana. Things sure change in one week don't they? Here's a couple pics of the fam. I went through all the pictures of the evening and there wasn't one picture of our little family. Uh oh. There were great shots of every.single.person. Except us. Oh well. Live and learn. So, wish me a happy Friday learning how to do paperwork again okay? 'Cause it's been a while. Let's hope this mommy brain can focus for 8 hours.

I Gotta Feeling

Photo: Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

It's a good night at my house. Go ahead. Sing the song. I know 'ya wanna. Tonight's gonna be a good night. Tonight's gonna be a good night. Tonight's gonna be a good, good niiiigght.

Football is Just Around the Corner!

We received our Oregon Duck Football Tickets for the 2009 season!!! Yipee! I'm so looking forward to attending a few games this year. Last year it just wasn't possible with a brand new baby at home. Fall is just around the corner. Can you feel it???

Football - Schedule/Results - GoDucks.com—The University of Oregon Official Athletics Web Site

While Dad's Away . . . Chaos Happens.

This weekend Baker was away spending time with his dad and brother and the kids and I had quite the adventures. During that time the following happened:

- I had plans to get together with my friend and her kids from Seattle. Nat had fever blisters and the plans were cancelled because she was contagious. Then, another friend who was going to help me make Baby Girl's birthday invites was sick and had to reschedule too. All was not lost, I still had a sitter and my sister and I went to a movie. While at the mall I ran into a childhood friend who I hadn't seen in ages. We exchanged numbers and want to get together soon.
SO FUN!

- Baby girl was fighting fever blisters and canker sores (in & surrounding her mouth) and slept horribly. Waking up every 2 hours throughout the night. Mommy slept from 1-2:45ish and again from 4:15am - 7:15am. (ICK).

- Prior to leaving for breakfast, Natalie fell down the stairs. Apparently, after very little sleep, I managed to not remember to latch the gate at the top of the stairs. She was so calm about the whole thing. I was shaking and trying so hard not to cry. After that, I told the kiddos that we needed to pray. We needed to thank Jesus for protecting Natalie from being hurt. Ya'll . . . there wasn't a bump or scratch on her. I decided right then and there that whatever else may happen that we were gonna praise and worship the Lord the rest of the day.

- We went to breakfast, Nana treated the kiddos to new toys with a trip to Toys 'R Us and Target and then we headed home for naps. Grandma Jean and Papa came to sit for an hour or so during nap time so I could head to the gym. THANK YOU!!! For dinner we went out with my sister. Upon walking into the restaurant Luke tripped and skinned up his arm. He doesn't usually cry. He had tears and sucked them up so fast. He was such the trooper.

- While at dinner my mom left a message on my phone. My Grandpa got admitted to the hospital. The consensus was dehydration and he is doing fine.

- Sunday was much less eventful, except I called poison control mid-morning because Luke decided to bite open a Disney plastic ice cube with a water like solution and drink it. I wasn't sure what it was, but decided to be safe rather than sorry. I got some classy advice from the nurse. "Give him extra fluids today. Not so much that he becomes bloated and vomits." Okay, seriously? WHO DOES THAT? Besides apparently, he is wanting more fluids. HA!

- All in all, Sunday was a good day and we got to meet up with my friend and her family before they went home to Seattle.

Honestly, I'm hoping for an uneventful week.

Weekend Recap

We had a eventful weekend. Baker had a softball tournament all day Saturday and I had a couple friends from high school over for brunch. We had a blast! The only problem is we forgot to take a picture. Guess we will have to get together again so I can get a picture. One of my friends stayed until almost 3 and we got to catch up chatting and just hanging together. Then my dad and step-mom stopped by. After that the kiddos and I went to see Baker's last softball game and grab some burgers. Grandma Jean joined us for a little while, then headed off to see my step-dad in the hospital with a double knee replacement - OUCH. The good news is that Baker's team won 2nd in their tournament! Yay! Sunday we went to church, went to an engagement/birthday party, took naps and went to my dad's for dinner. Whew! Now, I need a day to rest. Only thing is . . . it's Monday.

The first and second place softball teams!

Daddy (through the eyes of a 2-1/2 yr old)

Daddy and Nat (Luke takes pretty good pics, huh)?!

Luke ran the bases. Tah dah!

My dad and Natalie

(she just learned to drink from a straw, & is so proud)

DO OVER

Last year in February Baker and I took a Financial Peace University Class. They were offering the class at our church and we joined. One of the best $100 we ever spent. Seriously. Changed our life. Our kids lives. Our future. And who could have guessed a year ago where Oregon's economy and unemployment rate would be at this time? Nothing is for sure and this class helps with financial priorities. So . . . were back again this year. Why? Because it's free for the rest of our lives and all the small groups in our church are participating in this class. We wanted to join a small group again. So we get to brush up on the material. Learn some more and practice what we were taught last year. If you want to change anything in your life in regards to your finances . . . whatever that may be I highly recommend this class. Just try it.

21 Day Gut Flush

It sounds horrific, and some of it is. However, this 21 day plan is very interesting to me. My mom was diagnosed with celiac disease a couple years ago and since then has been off of wheat and gluten. When I started reading this book and recognizing all the benefits of being off of some of the foods that trigger food sensitivies, I knew I wanted to try it. Baker and I are off of sugar, sugar substitutes, wheat, gluten and almost all dairy. My fridge is stocked FULL of veggies. Seriously, it's hard to find room to put anything else in the fridge. AND there are veggies on the counter too. AND I'm eating veggies at EVERY meal as well as snack time. It's only day 3 and I feel really good. This plan is suppose to increase your energy, and minimize your cravings. For the first two weeks, fruit isn't even allowed. I miss fruit. However, I'm looking at this adventure as eating what is good and healthy for me instead of what I want to eat. There are so many food choices that confront us all day -everyday, and this plan is helping to eliminate those choices by deciding for me what is healthy and wholesome.

I'm definately not following this plan to the letter of the law due to:

1. The fact that the weekly shopping list given for the week was missing key items on the daily menus.






2. There are a lot of homemade items that require time and preparation in the kitchen.






3. I'm willing to try some veggies, however I will not be eating radishes anymore.






4. I do not even want to try sardines. 'Nuf said.






5. My family and I will not continue to live our life according to this diet. Therefore it's a temporary thing and needs to be modified to fit our needs.

Thought I would share our little venture. If anyone has good gluten free recipes send them my way . . . will 'ya?

7 Years

Happy Anniversary Baker! We got married seven years ago at 7 o'clock in the evening. It's been a wonderful ride. Good times, lots of laughs, a few tears and many hugs & kisses later oh yes! And the two babies (plus the one we'll meet in heaven). The most incredible, productive & happiest part of you and me. I can't imagine my life without you. You continue to amaze me. Thank you for loving every part of me. I love you. Here's to another fifty plus years!

Marley & Me or is that Summer & I ?

Marley & Me

On New Years day one of my brothers, sister, Baker and I all went to see a movie. We had all the intentions of seeing Jim Carrey's new movie Yesman however, when coordinating 6 people (my dad & stepmom too - they were the babysitters) and everyone is a little bit late, it adds up. Let's just say, the movie was in one of the smallest auditoriums and even the front row was occupied. No one was going to share their "saved" seats with us I might add. So, we exchanged our tickets and decided to see Marley & Me. It was good and wholesome, but better viewed as a rental in my opinion. Anyhow, getting to the point. OH yes. It was a story that reminded me of my life. And Baker I know was thinking the same thing. Probably right along the time Aniston has two small boys and is a stay at home mom. She puts the kids down for a nap and flops onto her own bed with the dog Marley. Marley hears the garbage truck and jumps up, starts barking and wakes up the sleeping babies and nap time is thus concluded. Enter Wilson, and Aniston loses it. "GET THAT DOG OUT OF HERE!" The kids haven't napped in two weeks and the dog needs a new home! Now, any of you who have read my blog would know that I could have made a fortune turning in a script of my life and having a movie named Summer and I made for the big screen. The real reason for this post. Baker and I were driving home from church today, and we were looking at all the snow still on the rooftops of some of the houses in one section of town, and I mentioned moving there so we could still have snow. He mentioned living in a more prominent (pricey) area. I chuckled,"right" I thought. I mentioned after seeing Marley and Me that we should move to a place with a big yard for our dogs and the kids. I told him, "after seeing that movie I was ready to move." He said, "me too!" But, we still have time he concluded. We can wait. The babies are small, and by the time they are ready to run and stretch their legs, maybe we will be too. Next house. Hopefully that doesn't mean there will be another dog too.

Christmas Eve - BAH HUMBUG!

Okay, I love Christmas. I love Christmastime. I love snow. So what the H E double hockeysticks is wrong with me today? My husband just asked me if I'm pregnant. GRRRRR. (For all you wondering if I am - NO)! Our garbage isn't being picked up for the second week in a row. And I just checked the status of Luke's "big gift" and it left Hermiston on Monday, arrived in Portland Tuesday morning, and arrived back in Hermiston today, CHRISTMAS EVE! UGH. So frustrating. And sad. He's only two, so I'm sure he won't care, but I'm frustrated and sad about it. He is completely die hard for Mickey Mouse these days, and will absolutely love his gift. Now if it could just get here. So, anyhow I gotta feed the babies breakfast and get this Christmas Eve show on the road. Gonna slide on down the road to my mom's today. What would normally take 10 minutes will probably take approximately 30 minutes or more. Especially since we have to drive through all the last minute Christmas mall goers. Oh, and we gotta borrow a rig or go get chains for our 4 wheel drive so we can get there. Details. Details. I gotta change this 'tude. We are healthy. We had a great day at the mall thanks to Baker's folks. The girls went to the nail salon, (I got a pretty red sparkly pedi) and the boys went to a movie. Plus a little more Christmas shopping. Totally fun and holidayish. Not to mention that we aren't stuck in an airport, stranded on a highway or not able to see our family for Christmas. Totally grateful for all that. So this bad attitude needs to go away and be kicked to the curb. With all my two weeks of garbage.

More?! Seriously?

I like snow. However, this is getting to be a bit much. Snow is pretty. Ice is horrible. It's impossible to drive on ice and Christmas will soon be here. Not to mention Baker & I REALLY want to hit the day after Christmas sales with his bro & SIL April. Okay, Baker probably isn't chomping at the bits to go shopping, but I am! So please God. Please don't send anymore freezing rain. And please. Could we go shopping the day after Christmas?