The Smarts

Photo Comparisons

2011-12-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hank's 7.5 month old photo shoot. He's never been much of a rolly polly. He's always wanted to stand and walk. He grabs on to anything that holds still long enough for him to get his fit underneath him.

Robert was a rolly polly. He rolled and scooted and was content sitting until about 11 months old when he realized he could put his feet on the ground and get places faster than on his belly. One day at about 13 months old, he decided to walk.

I love these two pics because 1) they are of my boys, 2) the same photographer took both of them so they are both her style, which is my style, and 3) it's a darn cute photo shoot!

Babies

2011-06-29T10:09:00.003-06:00

I have a new baby. I wrap him up, feed him, change his diaper, talk to him, make him giggle, etc. I've wondered when Robert would have a baby, too. Well, now he has one, actually several.

Thooook is the brown gorilla, Fluffy is the large sheep, Fluffy Nini is the small sheep, Fluffy Kingking is the elk. There are more babies not pictured: Fluffy Thoop is a horse and Fluffy Egg is a bear. He wraps them up, talks to them, makes them giggle, etc. He told me the other day when he was playing with his babies, "I'm a good Momma."

Poky Parks

2011-06-07T17:51:00.002-06:00

I've decided to take the boys to as many parks in Pocatello as we can this summer. We have a few parks that we frequent quite readily. They are close to our house so we can load up the stroller and walk there in just a few minutes. This is Ammon Park.

It's pretty fun. There's just one portion of the playground that Robert felt comfortable climbing and playing on. Everything else was too big--monkey bars, a zip line thing.

We didn't need anything else though. He had fun, I had fun, Hank slept and Ricki Bobbi childded under the bench (on a leash of course).

Smiley Baby

2011-06-06T09:36:00.002-06:00

One of the best parts of motherhood is seeing those first smiles.

Knowing that despite the tears (his and mine) we can gaze into each other's eyes and giggle together.

When all is said and done, those smiles shed beams of sunshine into my day.

2011-06-03T21:52:00.002-06:00

Robert loves his hat. No one else get to wear his hat. It is his hat. The bond of brothers was established when Robert on his own accord decided to let Hank wear his hat.

I'm sure Hank is smiling under the hat too.

When the cupboard gives you spaghetti...

2011-06-01T17:01:00.002-06:00

Today we went grocery shopping early, but came back without the baby shower gift I meant to include in the trip. So we fed Hank and loaded up again--the baby shower is tomorrow so it's today or never. Our cousins came over for lunch and playing outside which was way fun. Robert loves playing with his cousins. After they left I decided to make more granola bars. I opened the cupboard to grab the nuts and the spaghetti noodles were laying on their side tipped slightly toward the floor and out they came! There were noodles on the counter, the floor, the stove. I must of picked up 3 or 4 servings. I thought to myself as I was picking them up, I could really let this get to me. OR I could laugh and put them away in an upright jar so it doesn't happen again. I put them in the jar.

Grab 'n Go Bars

2011-05-20T14:22:00.001-06:00

I cam across this recipe for granola bars. I made it "by the book" but next time I think I'll make a few changes. Here it is:
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup reduced fat peanut butter
3 cups Post Shredded Wheat Cereal, crushed
3/4 cup raisins

Mix sugar, honey, and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Add cereal and raisins. Mix well. Press into 8x8inch grased pan. Cool and cut into bars. Store in airtight containter.

So I think I'll add 1/2 the brown sugar (1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup) and find a substitute for the peanut butter. I like peanut butter but maybe not in every granola bar. Variety is the spice of life, ya know? Maybe I'll cut out the peanut butter and put in a little more honey--maybe molasses, but that taste is so strong it would just have to be a little bit. Instead of the cereal I'm thinking I could use oatmeal. My only hang-up with that is they aren't cooked and even quick-rolled-oats need to be cooked for a short amount of time, right? Then you could add whatever else you want: nuts, different dried fruits, sunflower seeds, etc.

So, anyway, Robert and I really like these.

Lessons learned

2011-05-19T08:59:00.003-06:00

I find it interesting that I am still trying to master the lessons I'm trying to teach Robert: obedience, kindness, patience, saying nice things, and last but certainly not least, don't pee-pee on Mama's couch.

Memories

2011-05-16T11:09:00.002-06:00

I am amazed by Robert's memory. Right after he turned 1 year old and I went to work for the school year, his babysitter's name was Liz Misner. I sent him with a green booster chair that originally had a tray that attached to it, but was broken at Liz's house.

Then the year he turned 2 years old and I went to work for the school year, his babysitter was Grandma Janet and she had her own set-up for eating so I put the booster chair away for a while. We haven't seen Liz this past year except for casual passings in the church a couple times.

Well, the other day I got out the green booster chair for Robert to sit on. I got it out and he said, "Hey, that's Liz's chair. Remember Mom, that table thing on it broke off." How in the world does he remember that?? I wonder if he'll retain that memory 3 years from now? I know my first memory is from between 3 and 4 years old. Definately not 18 months.

Here's another one...I like to put a little squeeze of lemon juice with water in my hospital water mug. Today Robert wanted to try some of the lemon juice. He didn't want it in his tractor cup--that's for milk. I dug out a cup I bought at the beginning of last summer when I babysat a little boy in our ward named Jimmy. It was the designated "Jimmy cup." I got it out and filled it with water and put a little squeeze of lemon in it and handed it to Robert. As we sat eating our lunch, he took bites of his food and drank from the cup for a few minutes. Then he looked at me and said, "Remember Jimmy, Momma?"

"Yes, I remember Jimmy, Robert."

"Is this Jimmy's cup, Momma? Remember Jimmy's Mom branged the food to our house?"

"Yes Jimmy used that cup. His momma, Lisa, brought us food when Hank came home from the hospital didn't she?"

What a memory! Maybe it's because he's my first and so I don't realize that all kids have this kind of memory at this age, but I think it's pretty incredible.

Blessing Day

2011-05-14T18:20:00.002-06:00

Henry William Smart was blessed May 1st in our ward. Grandpa Bob took a peak during the blessing and said it looked like Henry was taking a glimpse at where he'd come from just 1 month ago.

If only little babies could share what they are thinking.

Easter from a 2 year old

2011-04-29T11:46:00.003-06:00

Robert is approaching 3 years old this year--August. Anyway, Easter was this month and he helped me put out our Easter decorations. He loved looking in our enchanted Easter eggs and putting out all of our eggs and flowers, etc. We dyed eggs and had an Easter Egg Hunt which he loved.

Then comes the real meaning behind Easter. It's never too early to start teaching about Jesus. I've been telling him about Easter and the eggs and "we celebrate Jesus." Well, Easter was getting closer and closer. I started thinking that in nursery they might elaborate a little more than "we celebrate Jesus." So I started suggesting to Robert that Easter is about "Jesus was resurected." (2 "s"s?, 2 "r"s?)I have picture cards of Jesus that Robert looks at during Sacrament meeting and a couple of them have Resurection pictures. I got those out and showed Robert, "See Jesus was resurected. He has a body. He's living. He's not dead."

Well, as new things and ideas go with Robert, he put up a fight. "No Jesus was not resurected. He's not have a body. He is dead." I tried to explain that Easter is because Jesus got a new body. Jesus was resurected "No, Mom it's not time for resurected." Well, that part he has right I guess. We'll have to work on it through out the year so next year we can have Easter for real. Maybe by then I can at least get, "Yes Jesus has a new body."

2011-04-24T15:01:00.005-06:00

Parenting really is a joy. Sometimes there are those rough spots, but overall the joys make it all worth it. Some parents might not agree I suppose. I haven't had to watch my kids suffer (thinking of my friend Mauri and her new baby Tanzi and my brother Jason and his son Connor).

Everyone asks if Hank is a good baby. I ask the same question to other new mothers. He has his good days and bad days just like the rest of us. I've been thinking, what baby isn't a "good baby." Some babies cry more than others or have a hard time sleeping, but does that make them bad? I think not.

Babies are such angels, so close to heaven, they are all good I like to think.

Robert is so funny. He's starting to answer questions with real answers instead of imagined answers--He's 2 and a half. We are really trying to teach him to be obedient and mind and he's catching on quickly. Just like the rest of us, he also has some days better than others. When he's not minding I call his attention to it and ask him to tell me what I asked him to do. Then I ask if he's minding me. Sometimes he says, "Yes, I am, " even if he's not so I point out what he IS doing and say, "you're not minding me. I asked you to . . ."

So yesterday I was in the front yard trimming our roses and he was outside playing. He climbed into the bed of our pickup truck (by himself--he's getting so big). He played there for a bit and then swung his leg over the tail-gate to climb down. His foot dangled about 2 inches above the bumper. I told him if he reached his foot a little bit more he could stand on the bumper and climb down. It was a little scary so he climbed back into the bed of the truck. I walked over to give him some moral support and told him again how close he was and encouraged him to try again. He asked if I would put "this" (the tale-gate) down. I encouraged him again to swing his leg back over and reach for the bumper.

Then with a stern look on his face he looked at me squarely and said, "Mama, you're not minding me. Please put this down." While he still has a lesson to learn that Mamas and Papas don't do the minding of their children, but children are to mind their parents, I saw that this was a situation that I needed to "mind." So, I put the tale-gate down and told him we could try reaching for the bumper next time. He promptly climbed down and moved on to the next thing.

brothers

2011-04-08T20:31:00.003-06:00

Robert is so cute with his brother. He loves on him and wants to hold him--that's the scary part. But he loves to help and will run get me the burp rag or Hank's bib or the phone if it's ringing while I'm feeding Hank. Before Hank was born I had some big brother, little brother shirts made. Robert doesn't want to wear his of course. He doesn't really go for new things too well--although he loves his new brothers. Anyway, I thought I take some pictues of the boys in their shirts. Well, not IN their shirts, but WITH their shirts.

"I want to give him loves, Mom"

Could this be any more perfect?

Henry William

2011-04-03T20:07:00.005-06:00

The birth weight pic. A must have for any baby book.

"Momma and me" face to face at last. Another must have for the baby book.

Hank's first day home.

"Happy Birthday Mom!" Hank on my birthday--4 days after his. The best present ever!

Henry William Smart. He's here and he's a biggin'. That's right 9 lbs. 11 oz. 22 in. long. We are very happy with how things (labor and delivery) progressed. I labored for 10 hours--7:40 a.m.-5:40 p.m. There were a few hang-ups. He was posterior for a time which kind of slowed things down because he wasn't dropping into my pelvis--aside form being big. I was changing position a lot to get him to flip over; however, I couldn't stay on my left side too long or his heart beat would drop. After delivery we found that his cord was in a loose (THANKGOODNESS) double-overhand knot which was probably the cause of the "no left-side laying." The cord must have been in a precarious position when I was on my left side. The "no left-side laying" also meant that my epidural, which was primarily on the right side due to my screwy anatomy, couldn't "float" to the left side.

See, what happens when an epidural is primarily on one side more than the other is the patient lays on the side that the ep. is not affecting as much. Gravity kicks in and allows the epidural to affect both sides. So I went in to delivery with half an epidural, expecting a full epidural. But, hey women deliver with out epidurals all the time, right. I wouldn't choose it, but turns out 1/2 and epidural isn't too bad.

Now, if you asked Andrew he'll give you the honest truth about the situation. Truthfully about an hour before delivery I was emotionally exhausted, in tears, and wondering what we were thinking going through this again. Of course I am extremely grateful and don't doubt our decision one bit, it was just exhaustion talking. Once the show started rolling and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, spirits quickly turned. Funny how when our guard is down we become so....movable depending on the situation.

Hank is such a joy. Robert is a loving big brother. Sometimes a little too loving, but helpful none the less. We are so glad to have our family.

2011-03-25T09:55:00.002-06:00

Alameda Park is our newest, most fun place to go. It has a "TaiLung Bridge" Ya know Kung Fu Panda and when the furious 5 try to head-off TaiLung the snow leopard at the bridge? Well, our playground has a `bridge and as you can imagine, the imagination begins reeling.

It's a lot of fun to watch.

He's mastered every ladder and slide there is.

Living with Wild Animals

2011-03-25T09:39:00.002-06:00

Most mornings instead of walking into Robert's room and being greeted with an eye-rub or yawn, lately I walk in and he's some kind of growling animal. We are immediately stalking some kind of animal from "good morning" to "good night". His favorite characters to take on are lions, tigers, bears, gorillas, we've recently added coyote (he saw some Loony Toons--Wiley Coyote). I hear the growl and the guessing game begins 1)what animal is he? 2)am I prey or predator? 3)how much longer until our characters change unknowingly?

With my prego belly getting.....quite large, I'm the slower moving animal in the pack. The other day we were running from the family room to his bedroom (opposite ends of the house), to get some more animals to add to our pack. He darted off pretty quick and I lugged behind. He turned and looked at me and said, "Is your belly too big, Mom? You can't run fast." Alas, kids are so smart.

sucker and a haircut

2011-01-15T13:55:00.005-07:00

A few months ago Andy started going to a barber on Oak St. You'd think he found a key into heaven or something! He loves the barber--enough with those places that do women's hair. The barber is where it's at. Don't get me wrong here. I'm glad he's found the barber. He definately gets a better haircut than the last place he went. It's just so cute how much he loves the barber.

So Robert's hair was getting long. Up until now, Andy has always cut Robert's hair with the clippers in the bathroom, but now that we've discovered the barber..... The barber says that the earlier you start taking little kids to get their haircut, the easier they accept it and will sit still. Not to mention, we're also PAYING THE SOURCE OF THIS INFO FOR THE SERVICE HE'S SUGGESTING :) haha, We're such saps! We took Robert to the barber. I'm sure it'll be the best haircut in nursery. He sure looks handsome! AND he got a sucker out of the deal, so what's not to love?

Twigh-Light Zone

2011-01-13T16:34:00.001-07:00

Woooooohhhhhh.... Is there someone there?

It's December!

2010-12-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is priceless, right? "I've been good this year, I promise." He loves his Santa hat. Some days it even replaces his camo cap that is usually glued to his head.

Here's my Dec. 1st belly. I've been having Andy take my profile the first of each month just for fun I guess. See how big I get from one month to the next.

Boys' Afternoon

2010-12-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Lacey went to go see the Nutcracker this afternoon, so the Boy and I went for a drive to find some deer on the winter range. We ended up seeing about 50 or so, and we'll call it time very well spent away from the ballet.

Robert loved it. He just needs to figure out that you need to turn the binoculars around to make things appear closer.

Another shot of the Boy with his 'noculars.

This one had some horns. Of the 50 or so we saw, this is the only one that had a noticeable rack.

Same one with the antlers.

Romans

2010-10-30T15:57:00.002-06:00

Sometimes my agenda gets in the way of life. I should be reading a story with Robert instead of...whatever. There's a great scripture in Romans 8:28 you should read next time you think you have too much to do or not enough time in the day. The fact of the matter is most things on my agenda aren't that important but often trump the things that are:
1) Love God
2) CTR
and good things will happen.

pregnant vs. pregnant

2010-10-13T15:44:00.003-06:00

As you can see with the count down, I'm roughly 4 months along for pregnancy #2.
Here's a picture from our recent Yellowstone trip. I love the "who's kid is this?" look on my face.

Let me just say that people who say each pregnancy is different ARE COMPLETELY CORRECT, at least in my case anyway. To let you know what I mean here are a few comparisons:

FOOD
Prego #1
1 week of Arby's Beef and Cheddar cravings and then goodbye to food cravings all together.
Prego #2
From the beginning I have craved FOOD. Someone mentions a particular food and it triggers the "must have" switch in my brain: Chinese (I made fried rice for the first time MmmMmmgood), caramel popcorn, smoothies, bacon/egg/cream cheese bagel sandwich (a particular favorite, but then agina, aren't they all), pickles, grapefuit (this is an everyday craving or anything sour will do), chocolate (I hand dipped chocolates the other day on this one after talking about turtles at work--ya know with pecans and caramel and chocolate? It sounded so good and I just happened to have all the stuff), sticky fingers at Winger's, cereal (usually satisfies my 8:00pm craving), soup in a bread bowl (I haven't actually made this one yet, but I can feel it coming soon). These are all foods that have come up in a conversation during the day that when I get home I break down and make because I just can't fight the urge any longer. The great thing is once I make it, the craving doesn't go away.

CRYING
Prego #1
I shed a few small tears at the DNCFR during the mutten bustin' but other than that never really cried--more than usual.
Prego #2
Anything and everything can set me off. I never know when and, although I try, can't seem to turn the faucet off--it's water works until the well is dry. Whether I'm laughing or anxious or sad or mad or sentimental or "normal"--drop of a hat and here comes the rain so get a box of tissues and an umbrella.

ANXIETY
Prego #1
I never knew what anxiety (sp?) felt like. I mean, sure I had been anxious now and then in my life and occasionally during pregnancy, who hasn't?
Prego #2
EVERYTHING is a worry. This is strongly related to the tears all the time. I cry driving home from work because I might get in a wreck and won't make it home, and what if no one can find Andrew and I die and, and, and, and, What if? Constantly. What if?

NERVES
Prego #1
I enjoyed people and social gatherings, chit chat at work, church, a jaunt to the store, etc.
Prego#2
I'll say it simple. Keep me home. Just, keep me home. Sorry to say, but it's best I only go out when absolutely necessary. Enough said.

PREPAREDNESS
Prego #1
I arrived on time for appointments, work, etc. Never had problems getting ready to be somewhere. I could plan for things and not stress out.
Prego #2
I am a WRECK, a nut-job, even sycko--and I don't even know how to spell it. I don't know who I am sometimes. I was so capable before and I just don't know what happened--I do know what happened no one needs to explain where babies come from haha--I just don't know why? (raise arms and eyes to the heavens) WHY must I be a complete space-case?! :) It's all I can do to shower, get dressed, read scriptures, and eat breakfast in the morning. Anything added on to that and it's like the world stops and I think to myself, "who is this person? and when will she get out of the way so I can go back to being myself again?" (SIGH!!) It's all good though.

AMONG IT ALL I HAVE KEPT THAT TREASURED GIFT: THE ABILITY TO LAUGH AT MYSELF. I think that is the thread keeping me out of the mental institution. So next time you see me and ask, "How's it going?" and I say, "I'm hanging in there." or "Same old same old." Just know that's code for "At least Andy hasn't comitted me yet." or "I'm trying to save the water-works for something valid."

Cheers!

Sawmill Camping Trip

2010-09-15T19:52:00.002-06:00

Pioneer Day weekend was our last camping trip as a family for the summer. We thought we would make it back out in August, but for some reason it just didn't happen. Oh well, there's always next year.

Mom and Dad had some pretty severe tire issues. After some discussion we thought Salmon was the best closest chance for a tire repair place. Turns out Salmon was a heck of a lot farther away than we thought it was. Oh well, it was a pretty drive none the less.

The critters were abundant and easy to find as usual:

Momma was wary of us with her two little fawns.

Don't see a lot of whitetails 'round these parts.

I love the buckskin phase.

This is probably my favorite picture from the trip: A near full moon over the Bell summit.

Another great trip. . .Can't wait for next year.

Oh, on the way home the Blue Angels were performing in Idaho Falls, so we thought we'd stop and have a look. Robert thought this was the best thing ever even though he was a little scared of the noise when they flew over.

Pray for the Right Things

2010-09-14T14:37:00.000-06:00

We've been having an awful time with our CR-V the last few weeks. The air conditioning in the car has never really worked right since we've owned it, and for the better part of the last month we've been trying to get it fixed. At first we just filled it up with coolant and hoped that would fix it. Then it turned out that there was a leak in the system and we got a new evaporator core. Then shortly after that the compressor failed (compressor failure is VERY common in CR-V's and Honda needs to issue a recall but that's another discussion). When the compressor failed it shot tiny shards of metal throughout the system which means we have to replace the whole a/c system.

I tell you that story so I can tell you this story. Every night before the Boy goes to bed Lacey and/or I help him say his prayers. He's getting pretty good at it, and we really only have to help him wrap it up or he'd go on forever. We can only understand about half of what he prays for, but there are a few things that he prays for with regularity; Mama and Papa, going to Nursery, and for Papa's truck. And wouldn't you know it my truck is over 16 years old and still runs as though it were brand new. Lacey's car on the other hand is only 6 years old and we've now sunk over $2,000 into it. Coincidence? Maybe, but now that we've got the car back we need to be sure to prompt Robert to start praying for Mama's car.

Karma

2010-08-11T11:39:00.002-06:00

A bit long so here's the outline:
1. Roto Rooter and window installers working on opposite ends of the house at the same time.
2. I couldn't find my Mom (she was at the grocery store) so we left town an hour later than planned.
3. The GPS took us to downtownn SLC where Mormon Handicraft used to be, but wher they are currently under construction.
4. Emma's plane was delayed a little over an hour.
5. After standing in 3 lines (2 of which were in the wrong terminal) 20 people long we finally got a pass to go to her gate (she's a minor).
6. I misunderstood security and threw away my Nalgene bottle only for them to clarify that what they meant was dump out the water--which I did after fishing out my bottle.
7. I unconciously tried to pass through the security archway with a metal ring on my driver's license pouch and my cell phone in my pocket.
8. Security vultures were circling to pounce on the blundering idot incogneeto (sp?) bomb threat.
9. I lost my cell phone in the bathroom after dinner, but found it after searching everywhere BUT there eventhough that is where I had JUST come from.
10. We laughed all day long at all the mishaps.

Read on for the full story, or just browse.
I should've known when we had to call Roto Rooter and 8:00 in the morning that my day was not going to be a "normal" day. Last Saturday we had scheduled some new windows be installed. Hooray! A plug for our new windows...American Exteriors has fabulous windows and we got a trmendous deal!

The installers were scheduled for 8:30 so I woke up and showered. As I'm blow drying my hair I start to hear the tub and sink and toilet "Glub, glub, glub..." Sure enough the tub and sink and filling with water and who knows what from who knows where. I'm pretty sure I didn't wash any of that down the tub in my shower. So Andy strolls in and started plunging to no avail. Well, it was a Saturday mind you so finding a plumber that is open and willing to come and unclog our system was a bit perplexing. Of course we chose our favorite plumbers first (what? don't you have a favorite plumber, too?) but they were closed. Which led us to Roto Rooter, open 24 hours a day for all your plumbing needs.

Meanwhile, the window guys show up and start ripping our windows out on the north end of the house whilst Roto Rooter begins work on the south end of the house and the bathroom. Andy and I kind of tag teamed the whole thing with Robert in the middle. Normally we don't watch any t.v. or movies before books, lunch, and playing outside, but considering the circumstance Lightning McQueen was just the thing we needed. Turns out a root had grown into our pipes out behind the house. For now, our plumbing is free flowing and our windows installed. Hooray!

So time comes around that I'm ready to make the trek with my Mom to Salt Lake City International Airport to pick up my niece Emma. We had planned on leaving around 10:30 even though Emma's flight wasn't coming in until 6:30 so we could do a little SLC shopping. When I called my Mom she wasn't home. Instead my other niece Sara (staying in town for a ballet camp) answered the phone and let me know my Mom had just run to the store to grab a gallon of milk. I should've known right then something was going to happen because I know how hard it is for most of us, especially my Mom, to go to the store to get "just a gallon of milk." Long story short, as I drove to my inlaws to borrow their GPS I passed the grocery store and there sat my Mother's car. As though a cloud of inspiration had opened before me I knew 2 things. 1) My Mom realized we would be getting home too late to go to the store (around 9:30ish) and 2) she also realized that she needed a few more things for Sunday dinner--okay maybe a lot more. Regardless, we left town headed for SLC at 11:45. There was my next clue it would continue to be one of those days.

Niether of us had been to Mormon Handicraft for A LONG TIME so we decided that's where we'd go first. Punch it in to the GPS and head for down town SLC. WELL, Mormon Handicraft apparantly is in a construction zone, building with no walls across from Temple Square. The sweet ladies at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building pointed us in the right direction. IT MOVED! Fort Union Shopping Center off the 215. On our way we got side tracked to Garnder's Mill instead. I could spend ALL DAY there. Didn't buy anything, but got tons of ideas and fun. 5:30 rolled around pretty quickly, time to head to the airport so we can get our boarding passes to go to the gate and meet Emma. As we're driving away, Jill--Emma's Mom--calls and evidently the flight was delayed--now by this time I'm thinking, CURSE YOU ROTO ROOTER!

She was supposed to board at 5:00, but we got the "boarding call" from Jill at 6:15 as the door was closing. Just more time to figure out where we're supposed to go in the airport, right? Niether of us had ever met a minor at the airport, especially since heightened security. So we asked "the guy in the red shirt and hat" he looked official, where we needed to get a boarding pass.
"Check in with Delta," he tells us.
We stood in line staring at the "Delta AirFrance" sign with suspicion. We were waiting near the Kiosks. We got to the front and the guy told us to stand in the "other" line--later we found out "other" is airport talk for "problem" line.

Well after waiting in that line for 20 minutes I stepped up with Emma's itinerary ready to hand it to the lady. She looked at me with disgust and said, "flight number." "6086," I said calmly.

According to this woman's computer the flight logged their take off at 5:50, and as we know computers are never wrong. I tried to explain that there had to be some kind of mistake because Jill called us at 6:15 and the plane was still very much on the ground. Turns out, ready for this, WE'RE IN THE WRONG TERMINAL! We need to check in with United!

CURSE YOU ROTO ROOTER AND CURSE THE MAN IN THE RED SHIRT AND HAT!

SO, we left that building and walked down to Terminal 1. Things were looking up, the woman behind the desk knew about the flight delay and gave us both boarding passes without any problems.

On to security (Darth Vador theme song). I'm pregnant, right? So I carry water around with me to sip on so I don't get sick. This time my water bottle, WHICH I WAS NOT TRYING TO HIDE, was a 32 oz Nalgene bottle about 3/4 full. As I approach security with driver's lisence and Nalgene in hand the man says to me, "You can drink that here, or throw it away."
"Uhhh, okay." I respond.
"Sorry, Lace," my Mom pipes in.

I saw a garbage can near the conveyor belt so I put my purse in a bucket with my shoes as another security guard comes up to me, right in my face, and says, "Ma'am you're going to need to throw that away."
"I'm planning on it," I assure him as I motion toward the garbage can.
"Not THAT one. Use the big one out THERE." He fires back motioning to the large garbage can just outside of security. The garbage cans inside security are apparantly too good for Nalgene bottles.
"Okay," I calmy reply not wanting to attract any more attention. So, barefoot, I walk over and throw my Nalgene bottle into the garbage can, the security guard following me every step of the way. As I turn around to go back to the conveyor belt where my things have already gone through, he says to me, "If I'd known you were going to do THAT, you could have used the other garbage can." I'm thinking to myself--what do you mean "do THAT" isn't "THAT" what you told me to do. Instead of voicing these thoughts I looked at him quizzically. "You could have just dumped the water out," he says.
"Oh! Well, in that case," I fished my Nalgene bottle from the tops of the empty water bottles and dumped the water out. Why didn't the first guy say, "You need to drink that here or dump it out?" OH THAT ROTO ROOTER really should have clued me in.

Well, I still had my driver's license out because you have to show it to EVERYONE in the airport, (as a side note my driver's license is in a little pouch that clips into my wallet) Then as I'm walking through the security arch way I realize and sheepishly voice to the new security guard on the other side, "Oh, this pouch has a metal ring on it."
"Yeah, go put that in a dish and come back through." Then with a vindictive tone he added, "and your cell phone too."
I never carry my cell with me, but while traveling I did AND it was in my pocket, bulging through for all to see. With all the water bottle goings-on I had completely forgotten to unload my pockets. I could feel the vultures circling, "is this a blundering idot or a bomb threat waiting to go off?" Alas, I passed secutity, phew!

Emma's plane landed and we got to the car (parked in the other terminal) and we were off. She was starving so we decided to sit down at The Olive Garden before heading home even though it was nearly 8:30. While waiting to be seated I suddenly got the thought, "Where's my cell phone?" sigh, it was still in my pocket. Dinner was great and afterward Emma and I visited the restroom before the drive home. As I left the restroom I realized I didn't feel my cell phone in my pocket anymore. OH NO! I thought maybe it fell out at the table--went back and checked--nope! Maybe someone turned it in? nope. Maybe it's in the car? (but I remembered I'd felt it while waiting for the table) nope it wasn't in the car. Back in the restaraunt. Maybe it's in the bathroom? I'm sure the lady I followed into the bathroom thought I was crazy as I congratulated myself on finding the phone sitting one th floor near the toilet and then cursing as it slipped through my fingers and ALMOST landed in the toilet but instead, jump for joy, it landed behind the toilet!

It would seem the day was graciously coming to a close. We got home aroung 1:00 in the morning. Oh, what a day! What did I learn? LAUGH! We laughed throughout the day at all the unfortunate "opperator error" mishaps around us, yes, some self-inflicted. And at the end of the day.....I LOVE our new windows!

Water

2010-07-28T10:43:00.003-06:00

this is our makeshift swimming pool. It works great for home use and Robert doesn't know the difference right now so why spend the extra money, right?

It was sosooo hot. Nothing like a refreshing drink from the nasty garden hose.

Ah, the fire truck. Robert has taken to carrying "fire truck" around with him wherever we go. It's an improvement from the corner-sucked-on-ratty blanky he was dragging around. That blankey has stink in the fibers at this point. Nothing I do gets the stink out. It's the stink like the bed when you don't change the sheets--slobber, sleep, sweat, more slobber, ya know? Now in the mornings when he wakes up we "save it" in his crib until nap time.

Hiking to Mill Creek Lake

2010-07-19T16:52:00.004-06:00

Crossing the bridge on the way to the lake. 2 miles in 2 miles out.

Gotta throw in a rock or two--naked of course.

OoooEee! That's cold! But we don't care. Well would'ja look at that. Like father like son.

Panoram of Mill Creek Lake.

Camping at Sawmill

2010-07-19T16:38:00.003-06:00

WE LOVE CAMPING! This was really Robert's first year camping, although he did go with us last year. He was just a baby then and this time was big enough to run and play and get wet.

This was one of Robert's favorite places to sit and chill. Grandma and Grandpa's trailer.

He also thought it was fun to plop down in the daisies which I think is just adorable.

Has anyone seen the chips? Oh? Robert ran off with them?

I love a good tin foil dinner!

Where Have We Been?

2010-07-19T16:04:00.005-06:00

So here's my attempt, finally, to catch up on some blogging.

First part of June we went to Hogle Zoo on our way to Moab. It'll be a fabulous day for Robert when his legs are long enough to reach the peddles on a bike.

This little baby elephant was ADORABLE! No the Mama's trunk is NOT made of cream piping. There were quite a few people gawking and so this is our "spot."

Robert was in no way interested in posing by me and this large, forboding, gorilla statue.

But, he loved looking in the gorilla cage!

New Leaf

2010-07-12T11:08:00.003-06:00

This morning I was sitting at my sewing machine sewing, fancy that what else is a sewing machine good for? I was sewing 3 1/2 inch squares-cut-diagonally-in-half onto the corners of a 13 3/4 inch block.

On a side note I think it's funny that the 3 1/2 inch squares-cut-diagonaly-in-half can't just be called triangles. This summer I'm taking quilting lessons from an. . . older woman in my ward. I'm learning how to sew all kinds of quilt blocks and thoroughly enjoying my new hobby. One thing I've learned though is that sometimes you use triangles (constructed by placing 2 rectangles right sides together and then sewing 1 seam directly down the center from top to bottom or acorss the width. Then sew 2 parallel seams about 1/2 inch apart from the top left corner to the center of the bottm side and then from there to the top right corner. Then you just cut between the parallel seams and 1/4 inch out from the seam across the width and wal-la you have a 4 squares each made from two triangles.) HOWEVER, when you have a perfect square and you cut it diagonally in half, it is NOT called a triangle. During the first few lessons you can imagine my confusion when I kept referring to BOTH as triangles.

Anyway, this morning I was sewing some quilt blocks and started thinking about the wonders of the universe and what makes the world go 'round. In my deep state of consenstration I've decided to TURN OVER A NEW LEAF. You see ever since my parents' divorce, my brothers and sisters have really been on edge. Last weekend we had a family reunion with my Mom's brothers and sisters and IT WAS FANTASTIC, but there were some issues that arose among my brothers and sisters. These "issues" are nothing new, but after going to church for 8 hours yesterday I've decided that there is NOTHING TO PROFIT FROM FUELING THE ISSUES' FIRE so-to-speak. You see, we've gotten on this kick of really criticizing each other, "We never get invited," "so and so's political views are blinded," "so and so is a bad parent," "they are self-righteous," "if they would just. . ." Sheesh!!! it's exhausting!!

Here's the thing that kicks me in the butt each time I turn over a new leaf (actually I think it's the same leaf I keep turning it over and over and over and over). The thing is when I turn over the leaf it says the same thing on both sides. It reads, WHO AM I TO CRITICIZE ANYONE? I'm not perfect. I don't think God really cares what political views we adhere to. That's right, I DON'T THINK GOD HAS A POLITICAL PARTY. He created each of us individually, not to be the same as each other. Embrace our differences family, c'mon. He is the only perfect parent so we can't go around calling each other BAD PARENTS if we are all TRYING OUR BEST. After all, aren't we here to learn and practice loving God and loving each other? "Judge not," Lacey, people, everyone, right? Instead let's laugh together, build each other up, focus on positives, serve each other.

I stopped sewing to come and blog this, so now that it's blogged I best be getting back to my squares-cut-diagonally-in-half sewn onto the corners of my blocks.

Sheep Rock

2010-06-17T16:08:00.004-06:00

Arches National Park was MAGNIFICENT! The rocks are so BIG. The pictures don't even really do it justice because in order to get really see the scale a person needs to be in the picture, but the person ends up being ant sized in the picture.

So this is Sheep Rock in Arches National Park. It was too far away for a person to stand next to it for scale, although we could've just stood in front of it in the picture. Too bad I just thought of that. We stopped for a photo shoot and to stretch our legs.

Robert found a perfect rock to perch on and eat his fruit snacks. I trying to get him to smile by saying, "smile Robert, show me your teeth." As most people--kids anyway--do, he only heard the last thing out of my mouth so this is what I got and I'm so glad because it's perfect!

Somehow whenever we go on a trip with Bob and Sheryl we get home and never have a picture of Bob. Somehow he always escapes the snap in the snapshots! I snuck this one at the beginning of the trip just in case it would end up to be the only one of him from the whole trip. (We snuck in a few more though hehehe).

4 years!

2010-06-17T15:51:00.003-06:00

We're almost not newly weds!!!! Our anniversary was actually last month, but (sigh) it's seems like it was just yesterday. Then I look at the calendar and realize a whole month has gone by and I haven't updated hardly anything. It was a Thursday so Andy and I both had to work, but we went to dinner that night.....I think to the "Lahbsta" aka Red Lobster. Andy, ahhh, brought home flowers. Gerber Daisies, my favorite--4 for 4 years, ahhhhh, so sweet (with a head tilt). We celebrated by taking a vacation down to Moab but not until the following week (more on that in later posts). So the next day I was doing the dishes and Andy came in with the camera to take my picture with the flowers I'm sure to always hold in our hearts the bliss 4 years can be (sappy sap sap).

As I am NOT camera shy, of course I posed.

However when I went to return the favor, this is all I could snap. hahaha

Yummy Everything

2010-06-07T18:53:00.003-06:00

Before I tell my story I must preface with a picture and some background.

This is the horse at my Mom's house on Memorial Day. He's saying, "Yee Haw!"

Here's the background.
1)Robert uses great manners. Most of the time he remembers a please or a no, thank you. It's actually quite comical when I ask him, "Are you ready for jamas?" and he says with a cute head shake, "No thank you jamas. I don't want it." His tone is the thing that gets me the most. He doesn't yell or scream it (don't get me wrong he yells and screams plenty, but it's not so comical) he just says it matter of factly. "No thank you sit down. I don't want it."

2)I've encouraged Robert to be a good eater, I guess (quizical look), by offering him "yummy (fill in the blank)" Whether it be broccoli or ice cream I usually tell him it's yummy. So now that he's talking intelligibly when he wants something to eat he asks for a "yummy (fill in the blank)" Most days it's "yummy white cheese please Momma," although you may know it as cottage cheese. Sometimes it's "yummy chocolate please Momma," (a fact I whole heartidly agree upon) and other times it's "yummy carrots please Momma and yummy syrup." Syrup is anything that you squeeze out of a bottle until you remind him that condiments have different names in this case, with the carrots, he's asking for Ranch.

Anyway so here's my story....
Tonight just before dinner Andy got out an almost empty bag of Doritoes and so it began, "yummy chips please Papa," "yummy chips please Momma." Well, I was heating up dinner (leftovers from the Olive Garden, Mmmmm we had a piece of grilled chicken with broccoli, some spaghetti, chicken alfredo, and a breadstick) and I said to him, "Robert we're going to have some yummy dinner, noodles and chicken." He looked at me like I was born yesterday and said, "No thank you Momma, I don't want icky dinner. Yummy chips please."

I guess I should've seen that coming. It was hilarious. Just so you know how the story ends, Robert climbed up in his chair and ate his yummy noodles with yummy sprinkle cheese (Parmesean) and yummy yogurt to top it off.

What's Your Name?

2010-05-07T12:36:00.003-06:00

A while ago someone asked Robert what his name is. He looked confused. Andy and I both realized hadn't been teaching him his name. Last Sunday we were at my Mom's for dinner.....let me back up a little. Robert thinks his Uncle Jason is so funny cuz Jason will come in the room and say in a funny low voice, "Hi Bob." Robert has started calling Jason, Bob. When Jason walks in Robert will yell out, "Baaaahb" (I was going to type a lot of "o's" to emphasize the word, but it didn't look right so it's Bob, but making the "o" part longer, ANYWAY).

So, last Sunday we were at my Mom's for dinner and started pointing to people and asking, "Who's this?" He's such a social child, my son. "Mama," "Papa," "Jaycee," "Jesse," "Maya," "G'ma," "Annie," "Bad" (that's Brad), and the last one "BOB." This is Jason I told him trying not to laugh. So Jason started pointing back and forth to Robert and saying, "Bob" and then to himself and saying, "My name's Jason." By the end of the night Jason was still named Bob. He got everyone else right though! That's awesome, right?

Every once in a while Robert has attempted his name. During the week I was working with him on his name and I point to me and say Mama and point to him and say Robert. He tries to say his name after me, "Ro oot" Then I'd ask, what's my name? and point to myself...."Mama" he says. Then I pointed to him and say, "what's your name?" He giggles and points to himself and says, "Naaaame! Ah-my name."

He's such a hoot! Ah, what a laugh. We need to catch in on camera, it's sooo cute!

Squealer

2010-04-23T18:31:00.004-06:00

My boy is a squealer. I know that could mean a couple of things, and actually both would apply to Robert. Probably since he's been able to recognize things he's squealed with delight when he sees something he likes. These days the things that are most likely to get him all excited are balloons, trucks, and dogs.

The Boy has also started to develop a habit of tattling on me, his own dad. He's not really squealing on something bad that I did, but he does it when he gets in trouble with me for something he did. A typical scenario would run something like this: I find Robert playing with the phone that he knows he shouldn't be playing with, and I tell him "no" and take it away from him. Then he gets all upset and goes running off in tears to find Lacey. When he finds her he says, "Momma, papa (incoherent baby talk) buttons!" Depending on what the situation was will determine what the final word of his sentence is, but other than that he pretty much says the same thing every time.

I think it's kind of funny for a few reasons. The first of which is that Lacey doesn't ever show him any sympathy, and more often than not she scolds him too. Robert also never squeals on his mother. I wonder if it's because he figures she's the ultimate authority figure and there's no one higher up to tattle on, or if it's for some other reason. At any rate we both think it's pretty funny.

Notice the lip and the "real" tears. It's quite a production

Life's Too Short

2010-04-09T10:53:00.002-06:00

This week hasn't been the best of weeks for my attitude. I know, I know (sigh) I'm the only one who can change it. The week hasn't been awful and I've taken each day in stride. I've stayed pleasant and in good spirits and even kept a genuine smile on my face and a chuckle in my conversation. But do you ever feel like you're on the verge.....? That's why I'm blogging about it because I'm reminding myself Life's Too Short!

Life's Too Short to:
complain all the time. I'm not saying you can't vent every now and then, but life's filled with too many blessings to focus on the negative. When I feel like venting ALL THE TIME I know it's time to remember Life's Too Short to complain all the time.

have every minute of my day packed with something to do. I'm not saying you shouldn't stay busy--idleness is no treat either (see my next point)--but I hate when I, yes I, pack my own schedule so full I don't even have time to think straight. When I leave the house at 8:00 a.m. and don't come home until 9:30 p.m. I know it's time to remember Life's Too Short to have every minute of my day packed with something to do.

have nothing to do. I enjoy a nice afternoon of leisure, let's face it. We all need down time, but when the down time never stops remember the dishes and laundry and stories and blocks and vacuuming and dirty toilets and grocery shopping and exercising and playing with cars and preparing dinner, etc. never stop either. It's time to remember Life's Too Short to have nothing to do.

hold a grudge. Yeah, I get angry, I struggle to let go of a grudge. Who doesn't? I tell ya who doesn't....Jesus. When I want to have my feelings hurt, yeah you read it right, (I'm the one who decides to let my feelings get hurt or to turn the other cheek) and I invite myself to a pity-party I know it's time to remember Life's Too Short to hold a grudge.

Afterall, the Primary songs are "I'm trying to be like Jesus, I'm following in His ways...." "Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too" (even if you don't think they deserve your kindness).

So go out and have a great day! Smile!
Anyone have anything to add to my Life's Too Short list?

Spring Break

2010-04-06T16:57:00.001-06:00

Big Boy Undies! During Spring Break I decided I'd introduce Robert to the potty. He loves cars so we bought a potty with Lightning McQueen on the back rest. He loves to look at it and talk about it. He shakes his fist like he's signing "potty" (the sign is the letter "t"--hand in a fist, your thumb inbetween your index finger and middle finger then shake it side to side for those who want to know) and most of the time he tells me "poopy mommy. a potty" but he only went in the potty a couple times. Pretty good for 1 week I think. We're still working on it. More blogging on that to come.

We also got new carpet over Spring Break, hence the plywood floors in the picutres. Robert held on to the pliers to "help" me pull out the staples left behind from the old carpet. He is a great helper.

We Don't Drink

2010-04-04T20:51:00.007-06:00

"If You See a Kitten" is a FABULOUS book...great picutres, simple text, holds attention.

LOVE IT!

Imagine you had a balloon so big it came up to your waist. That's right, a balloon that's half your size. Pretty awesome, right? Robert thinks so. He'll hold on to the rubberband and fling it around then finally let go and watch it float to the ceiling. "'loon, a 'loon" he says pointing one stubby finger. But as he's looking straight up he starts to get disoriented and starts weaving around the room like he's drunk, but I'm pretty sure he's not though cause....we don't drink alcohol.

Easter

2010-04-04T20:41:00.000-06:00

a> a>

As you can see, we died Easter eggs this weekend. Once Robert figured out that the egg changed color, he put it in one color and then the next and then the next and then next and then would say, "All done Mama. Mo' eggs" And he'd do it all over again. Even two at a time, although Uncle Jason wanted to give him a whole dozen at once. "Mama" wasn't up for that clean up. And yes, the bath water had a bluish greenish tint to it.

New Format

2010-04-01T17:56:00.003-06:00

So I'm trying a few things out.....changing our format a little.....bare with me......

Birthdays

2010-04-01T11:02:00.004-06:00

How can you not just love that face? Robert loves his "setti"

I love my birthdays! And here comes the big 3-0. People ask me is I'm sad, depressed, ready for a breakdown, etc. Although I've changed my party plans several times and that may translate to some has a midlife crisis, I am excited to be 30. My Mom always says, "you either die young or get old" I prefer the later.

Like Father Like Son

2010-02-26T09:47:00.003-07:00

It's true. Robert looks a lot like his Dad. He must be a good mix though because people that don't know Andy comment Robert looks just like me. I hope he grows up just like his Papa, maybe a little less argumentative though (smile). Just having fun Andy-I love you and your arguments!

So here are some great photo comparisons to show just how much Robert is his Papa's son.....

Andy at ~15 months (plaid on of course, he started at an early age)

Andy at 28 years old (still in plaid) and Robert following suit at ~10 months. This was a camping trip to the Little Lost June 2009.

When they aren't in plaid, they wear camo. Robert's ~13 months old here. This is a hunting trip in September of 2009.

If they don't wear plaid and we're not on a hunting trip (camo), then they at least sport the colors of camo. Afterall, green is the primary outdoors' color and if you can't blend in with a tree you might as well dress the approporiate color, just in case. This is our annual Yellowstone trip October 2009. Robert is ~14 months old.

Andrew at ~18 months old sporting the sunglasses.

Andy with his Top Gun sunglasses and Robert following along with Uncle Brent's Mission Impossible sunglasses.

They both even LOVE cleaning up. Well, maybe they don't love it, but everything has a place and should be there when not in use. Robert will already sing the clean-up song to me, without any prompting, when he sees a mess or before it's time to leave the house or time for bed. Everything must be put away, it's so cute. When we're eating dinner his cup has to sit in the little circle cutout on his tray--just like his Papa!

Each Moment

2010-02-20T10:59:00.003-07:00

Now don't get me wrong in this post. I love my life, love my family. I have so much happiness around me, but I've been reflecting on what makes happiness tick. So, here goes.

Robert is growing so fast. I was thinking the other day about that quote something about Life isn't about Breath-taking Moments, but about the Moments that Take Your Breath Away. We start filling our schedules with STUFF that should be important and self-fullfilling and then wonder why our "happiness meter" is low. The things that get my happiness meter going are the small things that don't actually make it on the OFFICIAL schedule like

playing cars with Robert
sitting and reading books until Robert is bored
putting on music and dancing around the house
running around the house with Robert in the backpack carrier
baking cookies for Andy
going on walks jsut because I want to not because I want to exercise

My favorite quote of all time is "Happiness is wanting what you have." I've given that quote to at least a dozen people on a plaque of some sort--I don't have one for myself yet though. It puts into perspective our accountability in regards to our attitude. I could have all the THINGS in the world, but if I didn't want them I'd be miserable. No one can change our attitude for us. If the happiness meter is struggling to launch, then I need to make an attitude adjustment and SCHEDULE in some time to be happy.

Robert loves the backpack. I was running from the front door, through the living room and kitchen, down into the family, and then turning back to do it again. He thought it was the best! Luckily Andy snapped this picture to capture his face (and my lovely hair in my eyes).

There are a couple things Robert LOVES--more than a couple, but a few illustrated in this photo are 1) being "nakee" 2) shoes and 3) hats. I believe he was telling me he wanted to go "bye bye" and was trying to persuade me to put some shoes on him so he could leave. Little did he know it was bath time and then bed time, not time to go "bye bye."

On the list of things he loves is definately the bath. He figured out a couple weeks ago how to really start splashing and bath time has now accelerated to a whole new level. I know, what a mess, right? Well, I tell myself "it's just water." It soaks up in a towel really well. If little boys can't have some fun splashing in the tub every now and then, what has this world come to?

Silly Family Pics

2010-01-20T17:03:00.003-07:00

Cost for the new boots--$$$

Cost for the hat and coat--$$

Cost for the sled--$

Expression on the sleigh ride--priceless

I just like this picture because I think my legs look skinny.

Andy kept saying he didn't know what to do with his hands. I don't know if I should laugh or be worried that his expression is so complacent with his hands around my neck.

The Boy needed a little tickling "encouragement" to get his smile going.

I guess Andy thought I needed some "encouragement" also.

Family Pics

2010-01-20T16:52:00.004-07:00

These are a few of my favorites, Andy may have different picks. Honestly they are all so good it's hard to pick. I have so many. Looking through all of them I have an overwhelming love for my family. I am SO blessed. So many people are suffering and experiencing devastating trials, but I am calmed knowing that we are healthy, have a roof over our heads, and a way to provide for ourselves. We are so blessed! There is no way God is oblivious to our situation or isn't there at all. God is there--here. Everything around me increases my realization that He loves me and knows me and blesses me.

Thanks Britt these pics are great!

Robert and Cutter

2010-01-14T18:48:00.003-07:00

We had our friends Jake and Brittany over for dinner the other night. The boys were down playing and when we peaked in on them they were sitting side by side on the cars pushing buttons and both in their own little world. Of course as soon as I got the camera Robert got up and didn't want to sit still. But it was so cute they were both so intent on their buttons and lights and music.

Olive Fingers

2010-01-14T18:38:00.004-07:00

Robert loved having the olives on his fingers. He loved eating them off of his fingers. He loved spitting them back out before swallowing any of it. He was frustrated trying put the olives back on his fingers. And it was all so much fun to watch. We took them off, put them back on, took them off, put them back on. One of the things I loved about my Grandma Stinger was she always had olives-only we had to eat them. She wouldn't let us waste any. Since this was his first time we'll let it slide this time.

Cute little Stinker

2009-12-20T14:27:00.003-07:00

Today after church, Andrew was ready to change Robert's cl0thes so he wouldn't get his Christmas outfit dirty, "Wait, we need a picture!" I say from the other room. This was the best one of a long line of photo shots with our timer. Today in Relief Society, Robert was drawing on some paper sitting on the floor. There was about 10 minutes left and he decided it was time to go. He started putting his cars, books, paper, etc. into his diaper bag. When it was all packed he handed me the strap and whined a little for me to put it on. There was only a few minutes left, we can wait another 5 minutes, right? I put the strap on my shoulder to appease him, but that wasn't enough. He took my hand and headed for the door. I'd love to hear his thoughts sometimes. I can just imagine him saying, "Mom, I'm tired, ready for lunch, Church is over, let's go." We went to the lobby and waited for Andy's primary class to get out. It was so cute.

We had spaghetti the other night for dinner. He loves feeding himself. He tries to use a fork or spoon, and is successful for the first few bites and then just can't get the rest in fast enough. Then comes the handfuls of food aimed at the general area of the mouth. Mmmm Mmmm Good!

I just love this because they're both bundled and ready to go. Robert usually needs a few minutes to warmup to his hat and coat, but eventurally he does smile while wearing them. The pouty picutres are just so stinking cute.

It's Almost Christmas!

2009-12-18T20:30:00.004-07:00

This year I feel is complete BEFORE Christmas instead of right up to the deadline. WE've made our Gingerbread House, although the roof is a little funky. I forgot to cut out the front and back with an "eve." But nonetheless, we have a gingerbread house.

We drove to Knox Canyon and cut down our Christmas tree.

Well, actually Andy cut down the tree, I was getting the video camera out but was not fast enough to get the cutting so we got the pics!

It's almost here!!!!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T18:16:00.001-07:00

November got cold just before we left for Thanksgiving. We drove to Colorado to see my sisters Jill and Anna. Anyway, it was way too cold to not give Robert his new coat we were saving for Christmas. I'm glad we gave it to him early, I didn't want him to be cold, but more importantly he didn't really like it. As you can tell from the face of protest. It's better to save the gifts he'll really like for Christmas and give all the crappy gifts for at other times of the year. See? We're learning.

Third times the charm! Following true Van Orden tradition (that is my sister Jill's family) we all went for a hike Thanksgiving morning to work up our appetite. We took a beautiful hike to Horsetooth Falls, unfortunately it was more of a drip, but still very enjoyable as it was at least 65 degrees. We wanted a family portrait at the base of the Falls and had ask Jill to take the photo with our camera. After the first few shots she put the camera down and said, "Well so far Andy is the only one cooperating!" Oops...aka "Hold still Lacey!" The final product was well worth it.

Yeah, those sunglasses were broken shortly after this photo was taken. The Boy got a little too carried away. They were only $1.

Amanda, myself, Andrew, Joe, and John hiked to the top of the Falls. There was actually a trail that goes to the top, I didn't know that, maybe the others did. We scaled the rocks to the top. It was fun as you can tell by our smiling faces and waving hands.

This is where the Falls should be falling.

Squirrel

2009-11-22T13:22:00.002-07:00

First; the story. Friday night as Lacey and I were finishing up dinner Lacey looked over at one of our end tables next to the couch to notice some tiny brown "pebbles" on top of it, and she wondered aloud if it could be poo. "Naw" I said, "It's probably just some of the mess that we missed from that party you hosted the other day." After all there were a lot of small kids that are very proficient mess makers that were in our house during that party. So we cleaned it up without much thought.

Then, later on that evening we found a couple of more "pebbles" on top of the recliner, and wondered again if it could be poo. Again we decided to chalk it up to some messy kids, rationalizing that it was way too big to be mouse poo, and that a mouse would stay on the floor anyway.

Fast forward to Saturday morning. The boy is down for a nap, and Lacey is out doing some errands, so I take the opportunity to sit down and watch some football. After a bit I heard the laundry buzz and decided that I ought to get that changed over. So I hit pause on the game and got up to go into the laundry room.

However, a low rustling noise stopped me from getting too far. I thought that it was probably just some leaves blowing around outside, but in the back of my mind I thought it was probably the source of all that brown stuff we'd found the night before. As I continued to listen, I heard the noise again and was convinced that it was coming from behind our hide-a-bed. Wanting to investigate some more I peered over the back and saw a brown blur jump out of view.

This startled me, and after a second or two I looked back and saw that a squirrel was behind our couch. Not wanting to have the thing go postal on me I grabbed my monopod to poke at it and it ran to the other end of the house.

So I got the video camera out to help me chase it, and this is what happened.

The squirrel finally crawled under the Boy's bedroom door and lodged itself behind his bookcase. About the time I had discovered it in there Lacey had arrived home and was good enough to play goalie and herd it back outside.

We figure that it was probably living with for a day or two before we noticed the droppings, and the only way we can figure that it got in was by falling down the chimney. Either that or it was just real quick running through the front door when we were coming or going.

Andrew's Costume

2009-11-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Andrew doesn't need a costume, he's scary enough without one! No, no, Andrew doesn't like costumes but he goes along with me in mine. That's love xoxoxoxoxo

Yes a little fuzzy, but oh well.

Our Little Stinker

2009-11-01T15:57:00.001-07:00

I've been working on Robert's costume since the first of the month. As you can see from his grinning smile he loves being a skunk, as least at the moment.

The cute nose, the whiskers, the stripe down the middle of his hood. I'm so pleased with how it turned out, if I say so myself. Thanks for all those sewing lessons Mom!

The tail really completes it, I think.

And of course I dressed up also. I was hoping to put curlers in my hair the night before, taking them out sometime Halloween so I'd have a fro, and spraying it with colored hairspray, BUT as you can see I'm wearing a wig. No time, no time.

Robert's First Haircut

2009-10-29T15:37:00.000-06:00

It all started very innocently. Andrew has been pushing the "haircut" issue for the last few months and I've been putting it off. Well, last Wednesday (the Wednesday before Halloween) we were making Spooky Pops at my Mom's. My niece Maya had given herself a haircut, she's 4 years old. My niece Becky brought her clippers along to fix Maya's hair. Then Jesse had a haircut--Maya's older brother. I decided what the heck! Let's have the "1st haircut" behind us. So here's the before picture to show how long his hair was.

I asked Becky to clip off the curls so we could keep them in a little baggy in his baby book. You can see the look in Robert's eyes saying, "Wait a second. Wait just a second. I'm playing with cars here and someone is doing something behind my back and I don't like it one bit. I did not sign up for this!"

He really let us know how he felt about the situation too. A little boy and his cars (distractions from the reality of the situation) are not to be triffled with.

This is the new distraction, cars didn't last very long. I ended up holding him playing "Ahhhhhh BOO" while Becky did the finishing touches. He looks like such a big Wee Man now.

Carving our Pumpkin

2009-10-26T15:49:00.000-06:00

I wanted to have a giant pumpkin this year so I could put Robert inside it and take a picture. So cute right? Well, it was a little chilly Sunday October 25th, but time was pressing on. We needed to carve our pumpkin. and take the picture. and bake the seeds.

Robert wasn't diggin' the whole "carving pumpkins is fun" idea. He did enjoy taking handfuls of seeds and sprinkling them around the yard though. I was really surprised of the size of the seeds inside this pumpkin. Like the pumpkin, the seeds were huge.

At last time to get that picture. And he hated it, of course. Who would enjoy being stuck inside a pumpkin? I still had a glimmer of hope tugging at my heart strings.

Sometimes the things we hope turn out cute as bug, turn out cute as a bug in a different way.

Something's Up

2009-10-20T17:03:00.004-06:00

So I thought I'd blog a little while Robert is sleeping. For some reason I can't upload any pics. What's up with that? So here's my dialog anyway....

Poor little "wee man" is a sicky. Throw up and all! I feel sorry and greatful for Liz (our babysitter) all at the same time. She called me at work today, "Robert is throwing up and has a fever." I'll be right there," I told her. Sure enough, when I got to her house he had thrown up all over his clothes, blanket, and her living room. She already put his things in a plastic bag and had him stripped to his diaper. I loaded him up and drove him home. Just as we turned the last corner (Liz only lives 5 blocks away), here comes round 2! The car seat can wait, I told myself while rolling the windows down hoping I wouldn't come back to an icky smelling car.

I got him in the house and cleaned up, gave him a bottle of water (must stay hydrated!) and a new blanket, and went to the car to get the stinky car seat out of the car. He's got tylenol in him and he's down for the count---just taking a little snoozeroo. I'm sure when he wakes up, he'll feel much better.

Deer Hunting

2009-10-12T19:59:00.010-06:00

October 10th is the opening day of deer season, and no matter what is going on we try and make it out every year, and this year was no exception. What was a little different this year though was a change in the regulations that govern the unit. This year it was a draw hunt only (with unlimited tags) where any antlered deer was legal.

Shortly after dawn we started seeing all sorts of deer crossing the fence where we wait every year, and after we saw a dozen or so does and fawns cross over, we moved on. As we were doing so another group of five jumped the fence right where we were standing and nearly ran us over. In the group there were two tiny bucks whose ears were larger than their horns. Lacey was pushing hard for me to shoot one of them, but I told her they needed to do some growing first.

Can you see the antlers on them?

She was kind of disappointed, but the feeling was short lived. About an hour later, when we were on top of the mountain, we waited on the north end of a saddle to wait and see if Dad would kick out anything as he circled around the south end of the saddle. Just as he was walking out of sight a group of three large bucks came into view almost as though they were watching Dad and waiting for him to get out of sight.

I didn't see them at first but Lacey was quick to point them out and remind me that I needed to shoot one of them. So, after sizing them all up I chose the third one in line because he looked like he was the biggest and he was presenting the best shot. After I squeezed off the first round nothing happened. I completely missed. But, the deer didn't move except to turn their heads to look in the direction the shot came from. I knew they wouldn't hang around for long, so I quickly chambered another round and shot again.

He dropped instantly and when we got to him 228 yards later this is what we found. He has five points on the right side and four on the left.

Things are about to get messy.

Once the gut pile came out we noticed that there wasn't a heart with it. The shock of the bullet must have obliterated it.

It's a long way back to the truck, but it's all down hill so it could have been a lot worse.

What is that on my belly?

2009-10-04T20:51:00.002-06:00

Robert and I were playing in his room the other day. I had to go stir dinner and when I came back Robert was in the toy cupboard. Just chillin' with the toys.

Robert got this Pooh Bear the day he was born. It sat on the shelf with the other stuffed animals until about 3 months ago. I got him up from a nap and he was pointing to the stuffed animals. He went straight for the Pooh Bear and loves I mean LOVES snuggling up with it. As for the orange thing in his mouth. Well, we have a toy pegboard. The pegs have a hole all the way through. Robert likes to stick it in his mouth and then breathe really heavy---it whistles!

One day last week, I took Robert's tray down after dinner and he found the bellybutton. It's so interesting.

Yup, it's still there.

Our trip to Yellowstone

2009-10-02T10:21:00.005-06:00

Last weekend (the last weekend of September) we went to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton Park. The autumn colors were beautiful. Old Faithful was still faithful. No bear sightings, but we saw plenty of elk and ofcourse buffalo. We stopped at the Grand Prismatic Pool and there was an osprey perched along the river. Not too often you see an osprey. We saw the fire between Jackson and Jenny Lakes. All in all it was a good time.

This is along the trail around Jenny Lake. Robert kept playing in all the leaves. It was so cute.

He was so tuckered out when we stopped at the Grand Prismatic Pool. He's still a thumb sucker when he sleeps.

The boardwalk around Old Faithful. The Lodge said it would go off at 10:10. We walked over about 9:50 and swoosh! It blew it's top! We watched it for a bit and as we were leaving bunches of people showed up for the 10:10 blast--too bad.....

Robert asks a question, "What's that?" sometimes it gets slurred together and comes out sounding like a swear word, "...'s h t?"

It's Morning Glory Pool! Pond whatever.....

Again, doesn't care that the water is freezing, just wants to play in it.

We were looking at some elk across the river and all of a sudden heard this one splashing just down a little ways from us.

Oh the shades. Andy in his Top Gun shades and Robert in the Mission Impossible shades.

September Flew By

2009-10-02T09:59:00.005-06:00

I can't believe I didn't post anything for September! I've been adjusting to my new schedule at work, but I think October will be better. For the past couple years I've been working at the elementary level and this year I'm at middle school. School doesn't start until 8:50!! So we get out at 3:15--1 hour later than I'm used to, but it's getting better. We've had some good moments in Septemeber.

Andy went elk hunting--twice, but didn't get anything. The first time was too early and the second time was too hot. What's up with September being hot anyway? Robert and I went with him the second time. Even though he didn't get anything, it was still a great camping trip--Bob and Sheryl went too. Robert loved exploring the rocks and creeks.

The first night we were there his bottle got left out on the table disassembled--the nipple, cap, bottle, the bottom screw on thing, and the plastic ventilator thing that goes in the bottom. Anyway, in the morning I went to get him a bottle and couldn't find the nipple. The paper towel that all the bottle parts were sitting on was chewed at the edges and there were mouse droppings!! Somewhere there's a mouse with a bottle nipple that doesn't belong to him! We managed without it though.

Robert eating breakfast in his warm cookie monster suit. It was warm during the day, but the mornings and evenings were chilly.

Andy and Robert in their camo.

Robert loves hats. I thought this one with Andy's hat was precious.

Robert playing on the camping blanket with some toys.

This is the makeshift bottle I came up with after the blasted mouse ran off with the nipple.

We played BY the creek, but then Robert decided it would be much more fun to play IN the creek even though it was COLD! He didn't mind one bit.

A Pin to Remember: The Conclusion

2009-08-26T16:37:00.004-06:00

Yes, I've been worried. But I was prepared to not really get panicked until tomorrow--the 1 week mark.

I went back to work this week--school's up and running again. I wanted to make sure I knew for sure when the pin came out so I told my babysitter to bag up his poopy diapers "to go please." I've been picking him up after school, coming home and sifting through his diapers. With gloves of course. I told my babysitter, Liz, if she thought she saw it to text me.

So today in 3rd hour my hip started vibrating, but I had to wait for the period to be over. Sure enough, she said she definately saw some metal. I called her at lunch, "I don't think it's a pin though, it's black. It's definately hard metal." I was stoked! I've never been so excited to change a poopy diaper. Today when we got home I straped on my gloves and went to work. I didn't have to look far; there it was embedded in crap with little yellow ball still intact. Black, because of all the crap--literally, and acid tarnishing the metal over the last week.

I promptly took the tarnished pin to the bathroom, rubbed it down with alcohol, then dowsed it with some more for good measure. And there is where it is waiting now, in a cup of rubbing alcohol. I'm planning on putting it in his baby book next to the xrays!

The first x-ray was Thursday August 20th. The pin is in the stomach. The x-ray on the right was Friday morning--24 hours later. The pin has moved out of the stomach. We took another x-ray Sunday morning that showed the pin in the intestine, but we don't have that one on the computer.

The End, thanks for reading.

Stay tuned for more adventures with Robert.

A Straight Pin Update

2009-08-21T12:18:00.004-06:00

This morning the x-ray shows the pin just leaving the stomach. So this weekend I'm looking through poo! If it's not out by Monday we'll do another x-ray to make sure it's not embedded somewhere along the intestine. I have pictures, but I'm still figuring out how to save them to the hard drive in a compatible format to post. Andy's out of town until tomorrow evening--he's the one who does the downloading and whatnot......

Little Boys Will Eat ANYTHING

2009-08-20T15:50:00.006-06:00

This is a long post, but a FANTASTIC story!

So I made a quilt--it's a bargello pattern with reds......anyway, I needed some fabric for the border so I went to Jones' Sew and Vac--where I learned to sew the bargello and my mom works there. My mom and I are looking at different fabrics that might look good as the border and I looked down and saw Robert put something in his mouth. Now we are at a sewing maching and VACUUM store--the floor is very clean. Leave it to my son to find the one thing on the floor and put it in his mouth. I bent down to do a finger sweep. Nothing. Now I know I saw him put something in there. I picked him up to get a better look--there was a straight pin, yes a straight pin the kind you use to pin fabric together, laying parallel with his jaw kind of in his cheek. "Mom he has a pin in his mouth," I say and Robert starts gagging and choking. So I hold him over the cutting table at a downward slant as my mom sweeps again to try and get the pin. She comes up saying, "There's nothing in there." Meanwhile Robert starts jabbering and laughing to himself. (He knew this was a good one for the books the little stinker). We looked on the table, on the floor, no pin. You'd think if it came out, it would be attached to some drool--no drool strings. No tears, no whimperings, no complaints from Robert. So my mom says, "Lace you're going to have to take him in." I was stunned, Robert seemed perfectly happy. His regular jovial self. So I took him to the doctor.

We go to my uncle and cousin at Yost and Yost (until the end of the month and then Chris is retiring and Gentry is joining the Pocatello Children's Clinic). I told the secretary I didn't have an appointment, but that Robert just swallowed a straight pin. So she hooks me up with the nurse who happens to be my Aunt Kara. While I'm telling her the story her son Gentry--Dr. Yost, walks up.

So now all three of us are talking about what do I do now? Usually these things pass easily, "You'd be surprised what babies can pass," Gentry says "but me or my Dad should look him over in the exam room." So we go pull his chart get in the exam room and Uncle Chris walks in, "You're sure it's in there?" At least 4 people had already asked me this question and I completely understand the reasoning behind it, but I started second guessing myself--never doubt a mother's intuition about what her kid swallowed. So Uncle Chris sends for an x-ray.

We go down to Idaho Imaging, get the x-ray and head back to Yost and Yost. At Idaho Imaging, the x-ray technitian and I looked at the x-ray to make sure it was a good picture. She pulled it up and I blurt out, "Oh my! Is that it?" She says to me, "I'm not at liberty to say, but just to clarify....Robert isn't wearing any metal is he?" Besides the snaps on his jumper? NO. So, we head back to the office, Chris pulls it up online--the undergrad shadow comes in, Aunt Kara (nurse) comes in, Gentry comes in......"yeah, there it is" as we are all circled around the computer.

So from here we wait....."Most foreign objects that actually make it to the stomach pass out of the body without problem," they tell me. "Unless he starts coughing up blood, he'll most likely be perfectly fine." It doesn't make it any easier to think about though. We 're doing another x-ray tomorrow at 24 hours to make sure the pin is moving down the track. What if after he poops it out, it pokes him and gets lodged in his hiney?

We're in for an adventurous next few days!

How can you not just love that face? He's covered in mashed potatoes!

The Boy's Birthday

2009-08-18T14:04:00.008-06:00

Robert turned 1 on Thursday August 13th. We went to the park with cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmas and grandpas. He is well loved. The kid seriously got a lot of loot! He didn't really go for the cake, but loved the ice cream.

Ice cream is ice cream--from the top or the bottom of the cone. It's all good--and good for you, hahaha.

Attack of the ice cream monster! He was soooooo sticky when it was all over with--just as a 1 year birthday should be. He's going to be stylin' in all his new duds. He'll never have a dull moment with his new books and puzzles and toys he got.

Fitting for Grandma Dixon.....Robert got a rocking chair just his size. He loves to sit and rock. He can't quite get himself in it by himself, but he can rock and roll and get out!

Happy Birthday Robert, we love you!

Grand Teton

2009-07-12T19:49:00.000-06:00

Just after the fourth of July we decided to take a little trip up to Jackson and Grand Teton Park along with Brent & Lindsay. We walked all around the town square, went to a movie (the boy even went. . .in a drug induced sleep), hiked up to Taggart Lake, and saw lots of great scenery and wildlife.

One thing I forgot is how expensive Jackson is in the summer. We stayed at the Motel 6 for one night and it cost $120! And the room wasn't anything spectacular, it was just big enough for the bed and a table. In fact I think the bathroom was just as big as where the bed was. It was worth it though, we all had a good time.

Here's a few pictures of the trip.

Taggart Creek & the Grand Teton

Sleepy boy on Momma's back

That's me admiring the view

Wee-Man had a good time

And finally, a few pictures that I stiched together

4th of July Storm

2009-07-05T20:20:00.000-06:00

We went up to my parents house to bbq and watch the fireworks. Little did we know that we would be treated to a show from mother nature as well.

The coming squall

Some good size hail

This little pile. . .

. . .grew into this big pile in a matter of a minute or two

In the end we were also treated to a vivid rainbow

Class of '98 Reunion

2009-06-30T15:28:00.002-06:00

Okay, not a fabulous picture but none the less we went to my 11 year high school reunion. Andy went somewhat begrudgingly, but he was there with me and that's whats important.

I sat at the sign in table for the night before dinner started. Jami Hoopes (new last name escapes me at the moment) was a close friend in high school and I haven't seen her for ages!!!! HI Jami! So good to see you! Let's stay in touch now, okay? She came up from L.A. just for the reunion--I'm so glad too, because otherwise when would we have seen each other??

Andy and Mauri, I'm not sure why Andy is so happy. Maybe because it's almost time to go.

All the choir folk that were at the reunion got together for a photo shoot after dinner. Good times had by all!

Squinty eyes

2009-06-24T08:26:00.002-06:00

I haven't quite figured this one out yet. He does this when he's eating and wants more of something. He's making a "Mmmmmm" noise too. He'll squint his eyes and then open them, squint 'em, then open until you give him what he's asking for. We're working on narrowing down that communication so it not just a guessing game. But it's dang cute!

The Great Outdoors!

2009-06-17T14:03:00.009-06:00

Everyone eats rocks when they're young.

The ground never got quite dry so Robert was either playing on the tarp or. . .

in the pack and play. He would squoosh his nose up like a pig and then laugh because it felt so funny. The net got all gross, but he was entertained. This isn't the best picture to explain it, but it's the best picture I have of him doing it.

I love this picture--it was such a nice time of day. We went for a little stroll.

Robert loved camping last weekend! He loved being outside, we loved having him there. Naps were a little confusing at first, but he got used to it.

Everything is just so funny these days!

And of course, we enjoyed the campfire. Between the six of us there, we kept it going despite the occasional rain.

It was overcast sometimes. . .

Robert has a long-sleeved onesie, warm footed pj's, and his cookie monster snowsuit on to stay warm through the night.

Out tent has the green bottom--that's where Robert slept in his pack and play all bundled up. Andy and I went over to the orange "condo" that Brent and Lindsay just purchased. Bob and Sheryl set up a little apartment.

All in all, it was a great trip!

My New Mantra

2009-06-17T13:16:00.005-06:00

"Don't eat rocks!" and what does he hear? "Eat Rocks!" Instead, "Spit it out."

So here's my thing. Robert is starting to get into things--no surprise, he's 10 months old, completely expected. It dawned on me the first couple weeks---why do people say "No" as the baby is reaching for the stereo, the CD's, tearing books, etc.? No is a response to a question.

Mom, can I sleep over at Grandma's? No, not tonight. Mom, can we buy this new toy? No, we don't need it. Mom, can I have ice cream for dinner? Hmmmmm, that's a tough one--go ask your Dad.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for telling kids "No" and teaching them they can't have everything their little hearts desire. No means no, because I'm the Mom that's why.

So here's my new mantra--it's stemmed from my Child Development class in college. TELL CHILDREN WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO INSTEAD OF WHAT THEY CAN'T DO OR A WEIRDLY PLACED "NO", an answer to a question they didn't ask. For example: "Get down", "Let go", "Stop", "Come here", "Shut the door", "Stay away", I'm just pulling these out a hat here--not literally. I use the first 3 a lot, with a very occasional "No". I use "No" when he looks at me. . . . . before he pounds on the doll cabinet or stereo or whatever, followed by "get down"--because usually he's pulled himself up to something. Or just when a habitual "No" gets out.

In my mind telling him what I'd like him to do, instead of whatever he's doing, actually teaches him something. On the other hand, just saying "No", it's like I expect him to already know what he's supposed to do or not do without having taught him in the first place. As his parents it is our job to teach him the difference between right and wrong. The more he learns what's right, the more he will recognize right. and vice versa. Then as he gets older he will know what he's NOT supposed to do, because we've taught him, and if he does it anyway? Well, that's when he gets a swat.

So when it comes down to it, I think we--society in general--have established an improper use of the word "no". I'm trying to use "no" in its appropriate usage. AND . . . . we'll see how long it lasts :)

The Next Step

2009-06-01T10:22:00.008-06:00

Today is officially my first day of Summer Vacation! I'm realizing a whole lot #1 My family is the best! I know all of you would probably say your family is the best, but that can be easily settled with an arm-wrestling competition (hehehe). I've made a decision, see, to miss out on....well, let me backup a little.

Many of you know, I teach Children's Musical Theater to 6-9 year olds, well, this last year has been AWFUL, down right awful for CMT and my family. CMT, actually went quite well. Christmas was a hard performance, but they pulled through. And this spring (because Christmas was so hard and EXASERBATING) I had a team teacher; I taught Monday, she taught Wednesday, but it was still hard because I'm a working Mom. I would pick Robert up after work and then have to go to CMT for class. I just wanted to be with my little guy--hence me not teaching next year!

(Robert loves his bathtime and rubber ducky!)

So their Spring performance is coming up. ALL the CMT classes have combined for one BIG show, "Seussical" It's really going to be great. Here's the hitch, we planned a camping trip the week of the performance. At first I was going to stay home for the performance and let Andy go with his family camping. He and I would go camping the next weekend with my brother and his family--well that fell through--they're going on some fantastic bike ride in Washington. So, (here's where my decision is) DANG-IT-ALL, I'm going camping with my family because they are #1 and the best family I could ask for and CMT will just have to do without me!

(This is a picture of where we're going camping)

This is a big step for me. It's seems kind of silly though....I'm mean really CMT or family, CMT or family? Hmmmm, of course I pick my family! I wouldn't be who I am without them. Andy makes me such a better person--I love you, Luv! I seriously would be a racing lunatic, basket-case, incredibly busy, unfulfilled person without him. And our little guy, Robert is the icing on the cake. To think that he was just with God and now is with us......I'll tell ya what, it makes me want to read the scriptures and pray a whole lot more so I'm ready to teach him what he already knows and he can teach us what we've forgotten!

Summer Time

2009-05-28T16:47:00.003-06:00

I'm so glad summer is here. I'm really looking forward to camping with the fam and exploring with Robert. He's turning over a new leaf. Everything is a wrestling match--he cannot hold still, and he's sooooo cute! Andy and I are working on year #4 as of yesterday! We celebrated our 3rd anniversary. I must say I'm happy where I am and where I'm going. I love God and the blessings he's given me--what more can I ask for? Our garden this year is totally awesome! We planted pumpkin, cucumber, beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, banana peppers (I can't remember the technical name) and onions. I hope it all grows well!

Robert Meets the Outdoors

2009-05-28T16:39:00.004-06:00

Robert LOVES being outside. Memorial Day we spent all morning working outside in the yard and planting our garden. He sat and played without a fuss the whole time! I slathered him with sunblock and put his "safari" hat on him and he was good to go.

Until he got on his tummy--He hates the grass in his face! He'll sit and eat the grass till the cows come home. Up close and personal is not his cup of tea.

A New Lawn!

2009-05-21T19:15:00.000-06:00

From this. . .

To this

Last year our two major projects were to build a deck and put in new grass in the back yard. Well, building the deck turned into a much bigger project than we (or more accurately I) anticipated, and by the time we were ready to plant some grass it was getting late in the summer. So we just decided to put it on hold until 2009. Now, one year and a lot of money saved up and spent later, we finally have a back yard. It was actually pretty simple, once the sprinkler guys finished their thing we had a "sod party" and laid the whole back yard in not much over an hour.

Now instead of sitting in our own private dustbowl we have some beautiful green grass to play on. The only downside to the whole thing is going to be the water bill; not real excited to see that in the mail.

New Duds for Easter

2009-04-15T16:18:00.004-06:00

New Easter clothes! And a smile to match!!

Our sweet angel boy.

Always blowing bubbles and making noises. He's so cute!

Dying Easter Eggs

2009-04-15T16:05:00.003-06:00

We had tons of fun with Robert dying Easter eggs. Of course he didn't really get into it, but loved to throw the eggs in the dye and watch them splash. AND of course suck on them

Must have Easter eggs!!!

Robert loves his jumperoo. So when we put him on the trampoline for a small bounce, he went wild! He couldn't stop laughing. Meanwhile all the other kids were looking for eggs.

He put a couple in front of him to pick up. He thought they were pretty darn cool.

Andy and Robert in their ballcaps! Stylin' for the Easter Egg Hunt!

Happy Resurection Weekend! (aka Easter)

2009-04-12T13:37:00.005-06:00

Easter was great! Saturday morning we went up to my Dad's house for an Easter Egg hunt. It was a good time--a little wierd. It was the first big Spring event at my Dad's since my parents got divorced. All my brothers and sisters in town were there, and that made it really fun. Robert picked up a couple eggs and tried to eat the shell, throw it on the ground, ya know the usual 8 month old Easter activities. We gave him some awesome Playschool cars and Melissa&Doug stacking rings which he probably won't use for another couple months, but I just couldn't help myself in the store. While we were going through baskets and munching on fruit, my sister Dari and I got into a conversation about Easter and why we celebrate. She was going on about how Easter means Ishtar--the Greek goddess of fertility and her Earthly form was a rabbit....then tied that in with Las Vegas and the Playboy Bunny and most people don't know the true meaning of why we celebrate this weekend. So she calls it "Reserection Weekend" instead of Easter because Easter has such awful historical ties. Interesting connection, yes, yes, very interesting. I personally don't go quite that far; however, I do like the sound of Resurection Weekend. So, yeah, religious holidays are exploited by business to get us to buy things and Easter is truly about Jesus Christ's Resurection. In fact today in Primary we had a discussion about why we get candy on Easter because the resurectioin has nothing to do with sugar--EXCEPT that resurection will be SO SWEET! (bad joke). We love Easter, for HE IS RISEN!

Mark 16: 6

6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is arisen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Those Dixon Genes!

2009-04-04T10:53:00.004-06:00

How can you NOT have sympathy for that sicky face? He was miserable! Definately NOT his usual jovial, smiley, easy to care for self. The week of March 23 (I was in Colorado) Robert caught the croup. Thanks to Dad and Grandma's holding and rocking him through the nights and taking him outside for some cold fresh air, he eventurally started acting like he felt a little better. Tuesday evening I arrived home from my trip. He only woke up twice that night. Wednesday was pretty good and that night was even better. We were going on walkd outside, all bundled up, propping him up to sleep. Thursday was an improvement from Wednesday and by Friday he was feeling pretty good. AND THEN.......

Saturday he woke up with goopy, goopy eyes! I thought, okay he's just still getting over the croup. All the congestion is coming out wherever it can. BUT, Sunday was no better, Monday was worse! He had started pulling at his left ear--AHA! ear infection! I took him to the doctor on Tuesday--sure enough, Uncle Chris said, "His Dixon genes are starting to show up in the doctor's office!" He's getting 4 teeth right now, which is associated with the ear infection. The ear infection is causing the goopy eyes--it's all connected! He's been on Amoxicillin for 5 days today and finally back to his normal self. Our boy is back!

The Roots of that Tree

2009-04-04T10:16:00.007-06:00

I went to visit Anna while I was in Colorado. She and the kids took me to Target (we got bean bags for the kids), ToysR'us (just to play and kill some time before we drove to the ariport), Garden of the Gods, and The Will Roger's Shrine. He's not buried there, but he was a friend of the Penrose family who settled Colorado Springs. The Penroses built a shrine for them to be burried in and named it the Will Roger's Shrine--a little wierd if you ask me. It was really pretty though. All the rock they used in building it came from the same 6,000 cubic yards of boulder! There are no nails or screws in its construction. Very cool.

Johnny stood and held on to the chapel gate while the older kids played out on the terrace.

It was a little bit cold the day we went to Garden of the Gods, but we still managed to get out and climb around. Lizi and Tyler climbed to the top of this rock that, on a nice day, is perfect for a picnic.

The Rocks are huge! The drive through was beautiful.

Molly, Lizi, and Tyler found a little nook to block the wind for a bit.

I love the roots of this tree. Some of the roots are along the surface some go down a little further. It symbolizes the roots of our lives. When our roots our deep in Jesus Christ, family, love, understanding, and forgiveness we grow tall and strong. When we let those roots die or falter, we loose our strength and life starts to fall apart.

My Trip to Colorado

2009-04-04T09:56:00.003-06:00

This is Horsetooth Mountain in Fort Collins, CO. I woke up Saturday morning at 4:00 a.m. and got ready to catch the shuttle to SLC by 5:00 a.m. We actually left 20 minutes late because some kid was late coming up from Marsh Valley or somewhere--I was nervous I'd miss my flight. BUT I didn't, Phew! We got to the airport at 8:00 and I flew out at 9:00. Jill picked me up in Denver--boy what a mess. That airport is confusing! I had no idea where I was supposed to go to get picked up! I didn't have Jill's cell phone number with me so I had to call around to get that, but eventually tracked her down in the parking lot. I felt like I was in the mall with no exits, not an airport. Anyway, we got to Fort Collins by noonish. Jill's family was ready for a hike. I thought to myself, "can I take a nap first? I'm eshausted" We rested for a little bit, but then it was off for a "little" hike. We started hiking at about 2:30. There was a nice trail blazed, we took turns carrying the bag of snacks and water. We got to the top by about 4:00. It was a beautiful view.

At the top, Andrew (my nephew) started eating an apple. I told him how Grandma (my Mom) eats the apple straight through, seeds and all, instead of eating around the core and throwing it away. He was bound and determined to eat that whole apple. It took him about 10 minutes and a few grimaces, but he did it!

I always take pictures of trees--dead trees. Althoug this tree isn't dead, I thought it was cool how it was growing in the side of the rock.

Single Dad

2009-03-24T08:19:00.001-06:00

Well, it's spring break and Lacey is off to Colorado to visit her sister for a few days. After considering all our options we decided it would be best if the boy stayed behind with me. I was sure we'd manage alright because Robert is pretty easy to take care of, and our first day and a half by ourselves went pretty good.

Probably the funniest thing that's happened so far was on Sunday morning when I got him up out of bed. He was all smiley and giggling looking around, but as we walked down into the living room he realized that he hadn't seen his momma. So he stuck out his bottom lip and started getting all teary eyed because his misses her so much. This was soon forgotten however, because he started eating his breakfast. Nothing that a bowl of mush and some applesauce can't fix.

Unfortunately mush and applesauce can't fix everything, because it's pretty much been downhill from there. He has a horrible cough, a little fever, and what I feared at first to be an ear infection. When I put him down to bed Sunday night he slept for about an hour and then just woke up howling. It took the better part of the next three hours to get him calmed down. Once he was quiet I called in the reinforcements. Grandma Sheryl came and relieved me so I could get some sleep because it's still tax season and there's plenty of things that need to to get done.

Grandma Sheryl was good enough to take him to the doctor's office on Monday afternoon and it turns out that he doesn't have an ear infection, but croup. So last night we had Grandma Janet over to help, and the boy actually had a pretty good night. He had his window open (cold air is good for croup) and a humidifier pumping out water vapor so he only woke up twice and went right back to sleep with a little soothing.

So today the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Lacey will be back from Colorado this evening(one day early). Thank goodness for all the support we have so close by. I don't know how single parents do it when their babies' are sick. That's something I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Yesterday....

2009-02-26T16:34:00.003-07:00

Just to validate what all the parents out there are saying, "They grow up too fast!" It seems like yesterday Robert was just laying there, still as a rock. In the last 2 months he has become a new person. He never stays in the same spot for more than a few minutes. Although he's not completely mobile yet, he certainly knows how to get from one place to the other if he wants to--roll and scootch, roll and scootch, roll and scootch. Being a mom is such a wonderful opportunity. It seems like yesterday I was so excited to hear his little heart beat, the ultra sound, and then the labor pains.....maybe not so excited in the midst of the pain, but excited that it was finally time! Babies are so precious--especially MINE! (hehehehe). Before we know it he'll be reciting his ABC's. What a great time that will be, but all too soon!

We Miss Dad!!!

2009-02-24T20:29:00.001-07:00

Andy is thick into tax season so we don't get to see him too often. Usually when Andy gets home, Robert is in his highchair eating dinner. His back is to the door but when Andy comes in, Robert starts giggling and gasping, trying to look around the highchair to see his Papa coming home! It's so cute. Then we have just about an hour, typically, before Robert starts getting tired and ready for bed. His head is slightly large, just a little. His clothes are always getting stuck on his head. We think it's a hoot!

No Clothes!

2009-02-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Robert loves his clothes off! It's so much easier to grab on to those toes and suck on 'em! The Ka'Boing ball is his new favorite toy. He can get his fingers in all kinds of holds and really go to town figuring out what that taste is. The other day he actually got his finger stuck and was flinging the ball until it flew across his blanket. No tears though! It wasn't a "hurt" stuck, just an annoying stuck. He thought it was pretty funny--so did I!

We're Professionals!

2009-02-07T12:35:00.002-07:00

It's official! Andy and I have both passed our tests in our respective careers! After 3 months of waiting, I FINALLY got my results back. This was the 3rd time I took the test (Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment--EIPA) and passed with flying colors this go round! (choir singing back up---HALLEUJAH!)

All Jumped Out

2009-01-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

This morning after Lacey left for the grocery store I started cleaning the house, and put Robert in his jumperoo to keep him happy while I cleaned. After I was done in the kitchen I started sweeping and Robert was starting to get a little fussy because it was his nap time. But I thought that I was almost done sweeping, and after I finished I would pick him up and take him to his crib. Well, I guess he got impatient waiting for me, because when I finished up and went to get him, this is what I found. He'd been bouncing up and down all morning, and I guess he just wore himself out and figured the jumperoo was as good a place as any to fall asleep.

Candy-cane PJ's

2009-01-04T15:45:00.008-07:00

Grandma Dixon made these cute candy-cane PJ's for all the grandkids. Getting the picture of them all together was difficult, but there should be at least one that each family will like. Robert's PJ's top is a little big so we rolled his sleeves. There was a lot of extra fabric for him to suck on, hence the huge wet spot on his chest.

The Jumperoo

2008-12-29T14:25:00.005-07:00

It's a hit! Who would've known jumping up and down with some lights and animal sounds could be so fun. We weren't going to get him one--I was against it. I thought, ahh he'll be fine with sitting on a blanket and playing with toys. We don't need to spend that money. What can ya do when it's on a great sale though? There goes that excuse. He still will be fine with sitting on a blanket and slobbering all over his toys. This just adds one more dimention--jumping while slobbering all over his toys. Two things Robert has mastered. We got it on a great sale at Sears and he loves it!

My PFO closure

2008-12-23T11:07:00.004-07:00

This is now what my heart looks like. Come to find out most of my siblings and I have a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) or a hole between two chambers of the heart. I am the 6th to have a PFO closure out of the 8 who have been checked. I have one brother who hasn't yet been checked for a PFO. So yesterday we braved the blizzard up to Idaho Falls and Dr. Gorman put the device in at noon. Turns out my hole is about the size of a dime (6-8 mm) and the closure device they used is about the size of a quarter (18 mm). The surgery was complete around 1:00, I woke up from the anesthesia about 2:00, and they wheeled me off to the recovery room. While waking up, I must have asked the nurse, Rhett, about 4 or 5 times "Where's Andrew?" "Who?" He would say because of my slurring. "My husband, where is he?" After about the 5th time Rhett called Andy in the waiting room and told him we would meet him in recovery in about 20 minutes. I stopped asking (that I remember) after that. So we got to the recovery room about 2:30 and the incision sight in my groin started bleeding (Andy says I was still groggy and babbling). The nurse put most of her body weight on it for 15 minutes to stop the bleeding and then our 5 hour count down started.

A few days before the procedure I asked the hospital how soon I would be able to go home after it was all over. They told me, "We'll keep you a couple of hours, just to make sure you can swallow and you're not nausious." I was expecting to be home be 6:00ish. Well, come to find out I had to lay completely horizontal for 5 hours after any bleeding stopped. So our count down started about 3:00 and by 8:00 we were very ready to go home. We called 511 to check the roads and they said it was doable but be careful. Thankgoodness we had the 4 wheel drive and chains. We loaded up and drove home at about 45 mph. The roads weren't too bad, although it had snowed and blowed all day. There were a few scary spots, but we made it! It's not too often that you're in a place where people take such good care of you, wait on you hand and foot, and yet, you just want to get out of there as fast as possible.

Now I can't lift more than 5 pounds for about a week. I just have to take it easy for a bit, then I'm back to my regular routine with Plavix and Aspirin for 6 months. Yep, that means no lifting my boy. Robert is 4 months old and 18 pounds. I can hold him on my lap if someone puts him there. Andy's on double duty for a few days. Overall, I'm glad I did it. I'd much rather pay for a simple surgery than have my family history of strokes, heart atacks, etc come to haunt me and have to go through THAT recovery.

Asleep, asleep, asleep

2008-12-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

He fell asleep in the car. The last couple days, Robert hasn't felt well. More puke and poop than I could've ever imagined from our lil' boy. Today he's finally feeling better. He's exhausted from all the discomfort, but he finally gets his rest. Such a pretty sleeper!

Cookie Monster Suit

2008-12-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

Robert got this warm suit from a co-worker of mine. It is so so soft! Softer than anything you can imagine!! Seriously!!
Plus..he looks like Cookie Monster in it!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T10:03:00.011-07:00

Ah, Thanksgiving. The one day each year in which it is socially acceptable to eat until you have to loosen your pants. Of course, that doesn't really stop me on most days the rest of the year. This year was probably the smallest Thanksgiving that Lacey or I have ever been to. It was our year to spend with my side of the family, and it was just Lacey, the boy and me, my parents, and Brent and Lindsay.

We had all the usual stuff, you know--turkey, potatoes, stuffing, corn, rolls, yams, pies, and all sorts of other goodies. We even watched football for the first 10 minutes of each game until they turned into laughers. And when football wasn't on, Lacey has started a new tradition where we watch The Office. Great day. And here's some pictures of the festivities; oddly enough Lacey isn't in any of the pictures, she must have been running the camera all day. (as usual)

Grandpa playing pattycake with the boy.

Our little drool machine.

Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Brent.

Traditional Thanksgiving Nap.

Robert ate so much he's growing some nice man boobs.

A Battle Wound

2008-11-24T19:43:00.004-07:00

Usually Robert sucks his thumb, but this morning he had his 2 middle fingers. The same two middle fingers I sucked when I was a baby!

Andy was reaching across for something with his right hand and on the way back to normal clocked Robert above his left eye. It's a little red. Robert wasn't sure if he should cry at first, but.......

He decided it was worth crying about.

I've been trying for weeks to get "the lip" picture. It took Andy's elbow in the eye to keep it around long enough to get the camera out and the picture taken.

He's so photogenic

2008-11-23T09:51:00.002-07:00

This is my favorite: the hat, the cute look on his face, the black and white. He's so lovable!

His eyes got stuck on the plaid blanket and had a little trouble readjusting. He reminds me of the little boy on "Dennis the Mennis" when they play hid-and-seek. The little boy that goes to the ice cream store with his dad....Anyway, he's a cutie-bug!

The classic curiosity photo. His eyes are saying, "Why do they always take pictures of me?"

Bad Dad?

2008-11-20T21:30:00.004-07:00

The boy has a tendancy to hold up one of his fingers. I'm sure I couldn't have taught him this already, could I?

Now, when I first set him down in the basket Lacey was chewing me out. . .something about tipping over and hurting himself. But then she thought that it would make a good picture. And you know what? She's right.

The Test

2008-11-19T20:21:00.005-07:00

So, here it is mid-November, and almost a year and a half since I seriously started studying for the CPA Exam. I have a study book that's roughly 1,500 pages long and I have answered every question in that book at least once, and a lot of them two or three times.

Fortunately, I can say that all the hard work is paying off. I have passed three sections, and missed passing the fourth and final section by a single point back in August.

Now I'm going to reattempt the fourth part a couple of days before Thanksgiving, and this time I have the boy to help me study.

Halloween!

2008-11-09T15:19:00.005-07:00

Halloween was great fun! Robert had "groovy ghosts" on his shirt all day. For our Halloween party he was a lion--and very ferocious mind you. I was a fly (my favorite costume for the last 3 years). Andy was himself, as usual. My family and Andy's parents came down and all the kids went trick-or-treating. I don't know about you, but I boycott trunk-or-treating. No fun to go stand around in a parking lot. I'd much rather get to know my neighbors trick-or-treating the neighborhood. We didn't do either this year however, Robert doesn't care if we go or stay home, and until he can help eat his own candy, I'd assume stay home.

Robert's Blessing

2008-10-25T18:03:00.010-06:00

Goooooooooood Morning Robert! This is the morning of his blessing and he was sleeping so cute we had to snap some pictures.

I asked my mom about 6 weeks ago if she would knit a baby blessing outfit. She's been knitting away ever since. The day before the blessing she put the final touches on. He looks so handsome in his little outfit--it doubles as a marshmallow costume! He was asleep most of the times my mom came by to try it on him so we just held it up to him. The length fits great but he definately doesn't fill out the width. You can't really tell it's big unless you pull the sides out while he's laying down so it's all good. After the blessing we had a "post-blessing party" at Andy's parents house. All in all it was a great day! Lot's of family and friends were able to come.

Andy's Birthday

2008-10-25T09:43:00.007-06:00

Andy is gone all day at an estate sale he's heading up for work which means I have time to fiddle around with the blog. Two days ago was Andy's birthday--here's the story. Andy has had a duck and a phesant in the freezer for about the last 2-3 years waiting to be stuffed. Well, about July I got this fabulous idea to save up and have them stuffed and mounted for his birthday. I was worried he would realize they weren't in the freezer anymore or that he would somehow figure out what I was getting him. 2 weeks before his birthday I went and picked them up, we don't have room for me to hide them at our house so I took them to his parents'. When the check cleared I was really nervous because I knew Andy would see it on our account and that we would be able to see who I made it out to. Alas, he only saw how much it was for. So we went to dinner (Senior Iguanas, very tastey) with his parents and sister and her husband. On the way home to open presents he was guessing what I got him. He guessed everything but the birds! All in all it was a huge success--he was so suprised!

The Robert Story

2008-10-22T21:08:00.003-06:00

So I didn't realize until after I posted "Our Bundle of Joy" that I didn't write anything about it. Here's the scoop. I was 8 days over and very ready for my doctor to induce me. Monday I had the flu and was thowing up all day.....so first thing Tuesday morning we were in the hospital to start the process, which turned out to be as slow as mud. What's even worse is my friend checked in one hour before me and had her baby 4 hours later (Robert didn't come for another 36 hours!) By the time the nurse said you're ready to push I wanted to laugh in her face--READY? after 2 days of eating practically nothing? I am far from having energy to push. Alas, I pushed for about 1 hour then came....well I'm not sure what, complete and utter exhaustion? despair? weakness? all you mothers know what I'm talking about. I had been so long in the hospital and my labor had progressed so slowly, we were all ready to tear our hair out. Out came the forceps. And about 30 minutes later at 11:03 p.m. Wednesday out came our full grown-very pale-newborn. He was having trouble, having been in the birth canal so long, so they wisked him away to the NICU after quickly weighing and measuring him. Thankgoodness he just needed the respitory bag and wasn't hooked up to any machines. He stayed there for the next 12 hours, but then was in our room and the nursery. By Friday we were home. Home Sweet Home! It never felt so good to come home!