Here We Are, There We Go

Photos

2009-04-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of the beautiful day (and the fact that I had to dress Lexie cute for her mani-pedi with Talli) and had a little photoshoot. Here are todays faves. (In a very random order!)

Ta-Daa

2009-02-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to figure out my new Photoshop program! A very handy tool for Owen pics since he ALWAYS has some sort of food around his mouth. (Esp. since he discovered the Tootsie Roll stash). Click on the pictures to see the difference up close. I also got rid of his little forehead scrape.

2008-12-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

Owen received a battery powered quad for Christmas from Nana. He rode it properly for the first minute then came up with this alternate way to ride all on his own. He is such a crack up!

Me and my beloved Wii. Thank you uncle Zacky. Nana gave me the Wii Fit. Woo Hoo!!

Christmas Jammie Picture! (Need to do a bit of editing on the whole family pic. Ü )

My Nateski.

Mommy's boys.

We had a very nice Christmas this year (all things considered). It was hard not to get caught up in Dad not being there but I did a pretty good job of keeping it to myself so it wasn't one big sob fest. As usual, Shane helped my relax and enjoy myself. Family is definitely the best gift of all.

We miss you PopPop.

Computer Trouble.

2008-12-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

This may be why we've been having trouble with our computer lately.

Plastic Bags??????

2008-12-04T18:56:00.001-08:00

Please Click this button and consider helping.

Heritage

2008-10-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today I am 1/3 orphan.

I am sad.

...preparations...

2008-10-24T01:25:00.001-07:00

BEWARE: Anger ahead

I'm going home in the morning. This morning actually. My, how time flies.

In a few hours I may be receiving the last hug I'll ever get from my daddy. What do you think about that? I think it's pretty stinkin' crummy!

I don't know what to believe anymore. Will this really be the last time I see my father? With God, nothing is impossible. I do not expect a miracle but try to stop me from hoping.

For over two weeks my father has been told that he only has a few days longer to live. No joke! The hospice nurse is nice and probably intelligent but I hate her and think she's stupid. She's been wrong for two weeks. Who's to say this won't go on for a few more weeks until I can maybe come down again??? So what if he can hardly swallow and has so little muscle that he has to ask someone to reposition his legs for him? So what if he almost drowns when he takes sips of water and that he is practically living on orange popsicles. Do you think that matters??? Somewhere inside that man is my daddy. And somewhere inside me is a girl that wants to pop someone on the nose.

I feel like I'm drowning in hope and sorrow. I'm swallowing it by the bucket and it all tastes like poop.

Mostly I'm just feeling crappy because by leaving before he dies I feel like I'm making a choice to never see him again. Don't tell me that's silly. I know it's silly. I'm sad not stupid.

The Good News...

I'm going home to this.

PS My friends are nice.

BEWARE: Long Post Ahead

2008-10-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

"No matter how much your heart is breaking the world doesn't stop for your grief"

I've been in California for over two weeks now. Many of you know that but most of you don't. It makes me sad that I've been in town for so long and am so close to old friends but I just can't pick up the phone.

I've been staying at my dad's house for the past two weeks as his life is coming to a close. That's as gentle as I can put it. It's not very easy to type that statement, even that masked description. I've been here on my own (w/o Shane & the babies) for over a week. I miss them so much and feel even more lost without Shane by my side. He is my rock, the steadying force in my life. In a few days I will be home.

For two weeks, I have watched my Daddy shrink, much like a Shrinky-Dink. That may sound crude but he's been withering away so quickly that it's a lot like watching those magical creations transform in the oven. Only it's a lot less like magic and much more like sorrow.

Sometimes I feel like my dad is a tree and his roots run through me and hold me up as I grow into an independent being. Have I grown enough to stand without him? How long will it hurt as I continually find he's not there when I seek his counsel? What will it be like to take my kids to Disneyland knowing that my dad looked forward to taking them since the day the first one was born? How long will the empty spot in my heart ache for?

I am fortunate to have a firm belief in what will happen to him after he dies. Most of my friends and in-laws share the same faith as Shane and I so many of you know the comfort the gospel brings to me during this aweful period of my life. I thought that my faith would be sufficient to ward off most of my sorrow but it is falling short. I do not currently have an eternal perspective. Months are long, years take time. I can't stop the anger and sadness for the loss I will have to endure for the rest of MY life. I am selfish. I am mortal. I am 27 and my 61 year old father may not see his birthday next month. I know he will never see his grandchildren again. My heart ached to no end as he kissed them goodbye last week. And they really had no idea it was the last time they'd see their Pop Pop.

We've been trying to prepare Lexie for this loss. I am thankful for the language the gospel has given me. I don't have to use vague terms like ''heaven". She will not think her grandfather is hovering over some land on a puffy white cloud. She will be comforted by the truth and knowledge that he will be with his parents and he will be safe and loved and cared for. (We also told her he'd be happy because his mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies with lots of walnuts just like Pop Pop likes. It's true and it actually made a lot of sense to her). He will be happy, he just won't be here.

Unfortunately, I'm a grown up now and I do not have the luxury and comfort of youth. I am a wife and I cannot shut down. I am a mother and I cannot hide under the covers. I am an adult and I cannot rage at the person next to me. I am accountable for what I do and what I say no matter how I feel. (Stolen quote)

I was originally going to use this post to write about what this experience has been like. The day to day and more specific aspects. But for now I'm going to remain vague and philosophical. My eyes can't take any more sadness tonight. And my heart's pretty tuckered out as well.

I'm sorry I haven't been in better touch these past few weeks. I know you understand and I appreciate all hugs you've been sending. As you may have guessed, I did not bring my journal with me so you may be hearing from me again.

Pop Pop & Omi
(Dad & Lou Ann)
With lots of help he was able to go outside for a few minutes today.

Today is my birthday

2008-10-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

I am 27 today.
I was born on this day.
Today is my birthday.

The ABC's of Kenz & Shane (thanks a bunch Kate)

2008-09-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

The ABC's of Shane & Kenzie:
A. ATTACHED OR SINGLE? Attached Very Attached
B. BEST FRIEND? My wife My Sweetheart
C. CAKE OR PIE? Cake Cake sans frosting
D. DAY OF THE WEEK? Sunday Sunday
E. ESSENTIAL ITEMS? Food, Sports, Woman Pillow, blanket, water
F. FAVORITE COLOR? Sky Blue right now it's orange
G. GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? Worms Swedish Fish
H. HOMETOWN? Medford, OR Lafayette, CA
I. INDULGENCE? Cheesecake Diet Coke (by the case)
J. JANUARY OR JULY? January January
K. KIDS? A handful Babysitter??
L. LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? My wife Shane
M. MARRIAGE DATE? Birthday Aug 2, 2003
N. NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 7 brothers, 2 sisters 2 brothers
O. ORANGES OR APPLES? Fuji Fuji
P. PHOBIAS OR FEARS? Snakes, ocean Kidnappers and pedophiles
Q. QUOTE? "I love you like a fat kid loves cake" "Love is like breathing; You take it in and let it out"
R. REASONS TO SMILE? Payday, nice wife, healthy children Shane, Shane, Shane (& my silly silly kids)
S. SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN? Wonder Woman No preference
T. TAG 5 PEOPLE? Huh? Sarah, Lauren, Hilary, Lorrain, You
U. UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME? I hate sushi I hate being in large groups
V. VEGETABLES? sauted summer squash, grilled bell peppers red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes straight from vine to mouth
W. WORST HABIT? certain 'adjustments' staying up to late
X. X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? ultrasound does it matter?
Y. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? pizza Diet Coke
Z. ZODIAC SIGN? leo libra

"Mommy, I like being four." (on the eve of her birthday)

2008-09-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for more birthday pics.

Humbuggers

2008-09-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

For PopPop

2008-08-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sham-WHAT?

2008-07-02T00:47:00.000-07:00

I was just reading crazy Amanda's blog (yes, Amanda. You are a bit nutty.) And she has this link on one of her latest entries/blogs, whatever ya call 'em. I was completely shocked that the odd little Sham-Wow guy has such beginings. Check it out. WARNING: You will never be able to see the infomercial the same way again.

------> SHAM-HUH?

Cheers

Lions & Tigers & Bears.... And Chickens? Oh My!

2008-07-02T00:28:00.000-07:00

I love my children. They make me laugh. And nothing is better than a good laugh!

It all began with a bear suit...

"Look Mom! Chicken feet!"

It's creative anytime but hilarious when she wakes you up from a dead sleep with her sweet fat face and ginormous grin. It took a while for me to even figure out what the heck she was talking about. It wasn't until she hopped up next to me and trust her fuchi patas (sorry, Jacque, I butchered that one) in my face. And then I got it. There they were, Chicken Feet.

Hmm...

2008-06-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that 90% of my pictures contain parts of my messy house in the background. A sane person would learn how to clean. I'm going to learn how to use photoshop more throughly.

Saving money... Not face.

2008-06-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have clicked on my goal do-hickey thing and noticed that one of my goals is to not buy treats anymore. Notice I said 'buy'. I'm pleased to say that I have not purchased anything. I have however stuffed my face with anything chocolate and mooched several sweets along the way (thank you Connie!). I even inhaled some rather unsavory cake from this months birthday Tuesday in the break room at work. There's my little confession. It is a very sad state of affairs but I am sicking to my guns so hide your sweets everyone, I'm on the loose.

PS You're safe for now because I just whipped up a nice little chocolate cake sans frosting which technically makes it closer to bread that happens to be chocolate based. I am very health conscious indeed.

Here ya go...

2008-06-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

PopPop came ups for a visit last week. I really enjoyed having him here. We hung out and ate and talked and I really enjoyed our time together. I think I enjoyed it more because he was here during the week so I didn't feel pressured to plan something.

On Friday we took the kids to the mall for hair cuts and so they could play at the indoor play area. There were some of those mechanical car things (like the ones you try to avoid at the grocery store by going in the other door so your kid can't see. Ya doesn't work for me either). Anyway, since we were with PopPop the kids got to go until I got sick of standing there. At first I thought Lex was on the longest ride ever then I realized PopPop kept pumping quarters into the machine. Two quarters a ride, we almost cleared him out. It made me think of all the times my dad would give us money to play games or do kid rides at Round Table. He was very generous. Then I started thinking about all the 'things' I wanted as a kid that I didn't get and how I can't remember what they were but I can remember the fun I had with those quarters. So, in conclusion: I think PopPop has it right, money is better spent on experiences than materials. Something I'll have to practice because I still really like stuff.

Our PopPop

One of the many rides.

When we were in CA for Mother's Day Nana cut Lexie a rose for her to take home. I love this picture because my Mama would always cut one of her roses for me after a sleepover. Isn't that so sweet?!

The happiest baby ever. He is so stinkin' cute. And he LOVES his new jumper. We don't have door jams in our living area so we had to get this one. When I hung our old one in my room I caught Lex and Owen taking turns pushing Nate really high. (At least they were sharing, right?!)

I am desperately sick of doing captions so here's the run down: I've been planting up a storm. We have tons of goodies out back. The kids love to help so this is us planting our new dwarf blueberry bushes. And Lex in my new gardening hat which eclipses any area you are trying to work on because she is shorter and always has to help. Owen likes to dig up things I've already planted like my parsley. We are also very crafty these days. The pics are of the kids painting egg carton caterpillars. They turned out pretty dang cute. I should have taken a pic of the finished project. Last pic is Lex wearing one of my aprons when she was helping in the kitchen. She was very proud of herself. And actually was pretty helpful that day, maybe it was the apron.

Kids these days

2008-06-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

I just read an article in Family Circle called 'Hard Candy' and I am dumbfounded to say the least. It is a four page article on teen pill-poppers. The stats are awful. There are cutesy nicknames for the different varieties. What happened to good old pot-smokers? Not that I condone marijuana but after reading the article I'm thinking I'd rather parent a pot-head than a 13 year old that steals pills and cough medicine out of her grandparents medicine cabinet because her parents locked up the home goods.

I didn't end up reading the entire article. Because 1) I'm at work & 2) I just had to tell someone (I guess everyone) how outrageous this is. From what I did read there were two small parts of the article randomly stood out to me. The first was the advice that "Even if your child is behaving normally, check his backpack, room and car for empty blister-packs or cough syrup bottles". SERIOUSLY?? The second part was the advice to go to their school's drug counselor if you are confused about any slang you overhear. Is it just me or is anyone else wondering when schools began hiring Drug Counselors??

I must say I knew a few kids that tried drinking entire bottles of Robitussin to supposedly hallucinate but I only heard of it that one time. The rest of the time they were seeking out the usual illegals. Maybe that's it... Are kids these days just too stupid or lazy to get the real deal? Again, I do not condone drugs it's just the ridiculousness of this teen high that's got me reeling.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?? You can read the article on the Family Circle site.

Everyone has goals...

2008-06-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Mine are just super lame! :0)

Not sure how I happened upon this fabulous little web nitch but it is so very ME. I love everything organized. I love lists, charts, graphs and especially love putting little checks and stars into little boxes (which is why my goals are so very easy). Anyway, that's what the new-fangled little graph to the right is all about. Now you know.

Let's see if I can actually keep the clean clothes off the couch.

Son-Of-A-Gun

2008-05-08T23:58:00.000-07:00

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!

I just typed a fabulously long and insightful blog about this career process of Shane's and the stinkin' thing got erased. No joke, ERASED!!!

So for the record; I am a very grateful, insightful and spirit-filled person (who is raging inside at this stinkin' program!).

Sum Up: 1) Shane ranked #10 2) Bummer 3) Love you all/thanks for help 4) Learning process yada yada yada 5) Stinkin' Blogspot! 4) Nice to have had something other than kids to discuss w/spouse

PS You should all know that my first post was fabulously witty and charming (just like me. HA!)

Hooray For My Sweetheart!

2008-05-08T00:51:00.000-07:00

Shane passed the Physical Agility Test this morning. Thanks for the vote of confidence from you lovely commenters! He had the 2nd fastest time. Not the first like he had in the Eureka PAT but that's what I love about Shane; he's so good at sharing the spotlight and taking turns! (JK. But in all fairness, I doubt the other guy works seven days a week and comes home to 3 kids (our kids at that!)).

Anyhow... Here's a little reminder pic of how handsome my Sweetheart is in an officers uniform.

Next Step: Oral Interview (I think it's a board interview). Thursday (5/8) at 9:30am. Oh please, Oh please, Oh please....

2008-05-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

HE DID IT!

Which means we did it. Thank you to everyone that fasted with us and kept Shane in their thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of your efforts.

Next Step: Physical Agility Test on Wednesday (5/7)

Happy Sunday, Blessing Day

2008-05-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

TAG (my very firstest)

2008-05-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

A friend at work sent this to me in an email. I'd love to hear from all of you.

Answer the 30 questions at the end and send it to your friends (be sure to send it back to me).

This is for your entire life!

(X) Gone on a blind date

(X) Skipped school

(X) Watched someone die

() Been to Canada

() Been to Mexico

(X) Been to Florida

(X) Been on a plane

(X) Been lost

(X) Been on the opposite side of the country

(X) Gone to Washington , DC

(X) Swam in the ocean.

(X) Cried yourself to sleep

(X) Played cops and robber

(X) Recently colored with crayons

(X) Sang Karaoke

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only?

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?

(X) Made prank phone calls as a kid of course.

( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

(X) Danced in the rain

(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus

( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe

(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about

(X) Blown bubbles

(X) Gone ice-skating

(X) Been skinny dipping outdoors

(X) Gone to the movies

1. Any nickname? Kemma, Kenzie, Kenz

2. Mother's name? Marcie

3. Favorite drink? Diet Coke (could definitely use one now!)

4. Tattoo? Yep tiny rose w/squiggles

5. Body Piercing: Um yes, lots in ears (most probably closed up), had tongue pierced for 3 weeks (until I chipped my tooth!), belly button in high school (probably fully closed by now)

6. How much do you love your job? I love having one and the people I work with a lot! (Yes Ali, I stole your answer.

7. Birthplace: Berkeley, CA

8. Favorite vacation spot? Munich or Florence

9. Ever been to Africa ? Nope

10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? With ice cream (I try to get in more than one food group in my meals).

11. Ever been on TV? unfortunately, I have. Some of you may remember my NICU grossness on prime time news back in Nov, please push that image out of your mind.

12. Ever steal any traffic signs? no, but my older brother stole some and I stole one from him

13. Ever been in a car accident? YES! A friend flipped his Cherokee the day after he got his license. We were 16 and doing doughnuts. Pretty scary to hang upside down from your seat belt.

14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? yes, 4 door & 3 (you bet I've got a minivan).

15. Favorite salad dressing? Homemade (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt & pepper) Mmmmm...

16. Favorite pie? Razzelberry (Hooray for Pie Month!)

17. Favorite number? 12

18. Favorite movie? Currently: Say Anything, Cinema Paridiso, Princess Bride, Stardust, Pride & Prejudice

19. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving, because I love family gatherings without the stress of gift giving. Yes, I'm a freak as you may remember from my last b-day. And I look forward to the after meal nap. Best sleep of the year!

20. Favorite dessert? I'm currently smitten for Tillamook Caramel Toffee Crunch but you can't go wrong with a nice cupcake.

21. Favorite food? I'm a craver, no true favorites, just daily favorites. Loving my new Italian Sausage and

22. Favorite day of the week? They're all blurring together these days. :0(

23. Favorite body wash? Anything citrus, but I most often use Dove or Jergens soap.

24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest w/Scope

25. Favorite smell? Clean Cotton/Dryer Sheets

26. What do you do to relax? hide from my children (Ha! I usually do some sort of art project with Alexis or curl up with a book when the kids are napping.

27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Married and happy :) (with a few more minutes to myself)

28. Who will respond to this the fastest? ya got me

Sooo, the moment you've all been waiting for.... I TAG Sarah, Jacque, Erin, Lauren & Paige. (Yes Paige, I am tagging you because you are funny)

You're Gonna Have To Make Up Your Own Captions

2008-05-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

One more time...

2008-05-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

We're at it again! We'll be fasting this Monday. Shane is taking the exam at 1pm. If you're able, please join us in our fast. We appreciate all the good thoughts and well wishes you've been sending our way.

We should know the results of the exam by Wednesday. I'll keep you posted.

Oh and here's a little show for the grandparents.

You've Got To Be Kidding!

2008-04-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I thought I smelled gas coming from our water heater in the garage. So I called the gas company so they could check it. It just happened to be 11:45pm. Apparently they are required by law to check it immediately. So they sent some one out. Unfortunately, that someone met up with the county sheriff in front of our house and was carted off in the back of the cop car while a big tow truck came and towed his service truck away. No Joke. Our gas man was arrested in front of our house. Ridiculous!

I am feeling fortunate that he was detained before entering my home. Can you imagin???

Comment Moderation -Help Wanted-

2008-04-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Is there a way to delete comments people leave on your blog???

I got one of those annoying autopost comments on one of my posts and I'd really like to delete it. I went to comment moderation mode for a while but that takes away some of the excitement. And I hate the word varification boxes so I'd rather not have one of those as a filter.

Feelin' the Love

2008-04-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone that was able to fast with us yesterday. We definately felt the love you were sending out to us. We'd also like to thank everyone that wasn't able to fast with us because I was so late with the posting. We appreciate your willingness, and prayers so much.

Shane takes the initial written test on May 5th. Only the top 12 candidates move on from there. We're very hopeful and very anxious. One great aspect about this particular hiring exam is that they sent out a study booklet for the test. That's a first. So think good thoughts, cross your fingers, pray like crazy and we'll let you know how it goes. Results will be posted on the 6th of May. Yikes!

Help Please! :0)

2008-04-03T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I meant to send out this request a few weeks ago. Sorry it's short notice...

I'm sure you all know that Shane's been trying to get into the Fire Service. Not an easy task! He just recently turned in an application for Jackson County District 5 and we're really hoping and praying for the best. This is where you come in... We're hoping you'll join us in a family fast this weekend. We can use all the help and well wishes that we can get and will appreciate every bit of your efforts.

The department begins it's testing process in a week or two (they're going to let us know). This will only be Shane's 3rd attempt at getting on with a station but we'd really like to bypass the usual several years it takes most guys to get hired. We all know how fabulous Shane is we just need that to reflect in his interviews and testing. So if you're willing and able please join us in fasting this General Conference Sunday.

Thanks so much!!

Kenz, Shane & Kiddos

Watch out here I come!

2008-03-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

I've been given the go ahead on the chocolate. I still can't have real milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, or any other major dairy product but chocolate got the go-ahead from nurse Amy (we love nurse Amy. Seriously, she's been great).

Anyhow, this blessing came just in time for the Easter candy sale. And you'll never guess what I found... Click here Yes, I did buy it. It's hybernating in my freezer until I work my way through the 4 bags of smaller eggs (not to be confused with the foil wrapped variety) and several reg size individuals. They're going fast though so if I'm not sick before I get to the prize I'll let you know how I fared. 'Till then, happy binging.

PS Shane was actually shocked to find an empty bag of eggs at the computer that was full earlier today. Silly man.

Back Posting

2008-03-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

I started a post a while ago and just now published it. You can check it out several posts back. It's from our CA trip.

Easter Sweeties

2008-03-28T23:11:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics of Lex and Owen in their Easter clothes. We had been planning on blessing Nathan in church so Nate had a cute outfit also. Unfortunately, we had some issues come up and decided to postpone the blessing so Nate didn't end up wearing his new clothes. But they'll all be super cute when we do finally bless him. Hopefully before he goes to kindergarten!

Owen was not having the group shot. He's usually pretty good about posing. But he's obsessed with cars right now and all he wanted to do was go play. He was all about posing once he was behind the wheel. Silly Pin!

Owen's Ears (part 2)

2008-03-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

Looks like we're on our way to getting tubes. Chiropractic isn't going to work for our little guy. It was worth a try though. I'm sure it works for some kids, Owen's just one of the more extreme cases.

Turns out my nephew has to get tubes also. They've been putting it off for years because Lance is so active (which you can't be with tubes). Her doc told her not to use the doctor that we had seen. Grrreat. So I called to switch because it's my baby and I don't care why our doc wasn't up to par, I just know that if anyone has a negative opinion about someone that is supposed to slice into my child, they're out. Apparently it is against the rules to switch doctors. Well, it's highly frowned upon. I got a load of garbage from the receptionist about how I have to get the approval of both doctors. And about how wrong it is to switch and how unethical it is for one doc to say something against another. Have any of you had a similar experience? I actually felt like I was doing something wrong!

I called back this morning to make a complaint and am waiting for the office administrator to call me back. If you have had a similar experience, what did you do???

Nateski Nateski Bo-Bateski

2008-03-23T01:28:00.000-07:00

I love thumb-suckers!

Poor Baby! This was a few days ago. It's actually much better now since we've been using a prescription steroid cream. I just don't have a picture of his improved condition.

Pasta Piatti

2008-03-21T23:37:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun tonight! Shane and I took his parents to dinner as a thank you for watching our kids so often. (They really deserve much more than dinner.) Dan and Jacque had the boys and Lex was up at Talli's for the evening. It was great to spend time with just grown ups. And so much fun to exchange stories and get to know eachother better. The food was delicious! I stuffed myself way beyond capacity. It was a great evening. I just wish we could do it more often.

Here are a few pics from our dinner.

Random Bits of Us

2008-03-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

1. I Love Carinessa! We were just in CA and able to make a trip to the Beehive store. What an amazing new fabric. If you haven't tried them you should. Very nice. Love the details. If you don't know what I'm talking about... never you mind. :0)

2. California was great and aweful all in one. It was so nice to see the fam but I was really sick and didn't get to see people I was looking forward to seeing. Esp. you Sarah & Anna! I am almost well now except for a bit of residual deafness in my right ear.

3. While in CA we (Lex and I) went to Disney Princesses on Ice with Nana. Thank you, Nana! Lexie got to dress up like a princess and was in pure heaven. She took to the Princess role very quickly. We are still suffering her royal attitude.

This says it all. She was in heaven and could not take her eyes off the stage. She also could not take off her gloves to eat popcorn or set down her wand to take sips of her drink. We were ordered to feed her sips at her majesty's request.

So content.

Couldn't resist taking this last pic after an afternoon full of princesses.

4. We also went to the SF zoo with PopPop. It was pretty vacant as you can imagine. We saw the penguins get fed. The choke down pretty large fish, whole. Not sure what I was expecting but it was pretty incredible. I'll have to update with those pics later because I'm very sleepy.

NOW I'M DEPRESSED

2008-03-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

I am finally able to breastfeed a child. Many of you witnessed my first two struggle-filled attempts so you know how much it means to me that things are actually working out this time around. So, here's the problem... I am in love with Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. The cups were doing it for me before but now it's the eggs (more pb for your choc). They are divine. At first it was a problem because they will make me fat. But since I'm nursing all it's really doing is keeping me soft and cuddly. :0)

Here's my new problem... Nate's getting eczema. Not as bad as Owen had but it's creeping in with a vengence. So, I'm supposed to cut dairy out of my diet. Milk is listed twice on the back of my beloved PB eggs. I will miss them greatly.

Farewell, sweet, delicious amazingly divine peanut-buttery eggs.

I look forward to seeing you next Easter season.

At least there's no milk in Diet Coke!

Owen has two ears, one, two...

2008-03-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

If you know that Elmo tune I am very sorry for you. It gets stuck in my head all the time! But it's quite relevant at the moment.

Since moving to Medford, Owen has had eight documented ear infections. Several times both ears were infected. We've been through the whole round of antibiotics at least twice and have had to resort to shots as well. We were on our way to get tubes. Yikes! They were going to put my little guy under and slice holes in his tiny little ear canals to help them drain. It's pretty routine. But surely a last resort and it doesn't prevent all infections, just some. The tubes do make it easier to self diagnose (fluid oozing out of ears) and treat (not anti-bs just some ear drops). We were all set to go (did the pre-op and everything) when we found out about an alternative.

Lou Ann (my stepmom, Lexie's Omi) heard about and researched preventing ear infections through chiropractic. I know some people think Chriropractors are con artists of the medical profession but I nannied for one (thank you Lori) and experienced the difference myself. It's a little scary to let someone 'adjust' (never say 'crack' around a chiropractor) your 16 month old. But we went for it and have had great results so far. It's been over two weeks and Owen hasn't showed any signs of an ear infection. He doesen't wake up screaming anymore. I think it's working. Click here and here for two articles about how it works. And I'll update again in a few weeks.

2008-02-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

I posted the other day about bananas. Yep, bananas. You probably read it already and that's not important. What is important is that I've put off updating everyone on our events and pictures for over two months now. So here they our... Our life in pictures. Christmas eve to last week.

Christmas Eve @ PopPop & Omi's

Our handsome litte Pin hung out in the tupperware drawer for a good part of the night. He's adorable so he gets away with quite a bit.

Nathan had a rough go of things but his little outfit was adorable, if I do say so myself. And what a cute little chicken leg.

Kenz and Nate.

Shane and Nate

Nateski

This is how I ate a good portion of my dinner. It was a bit uncomfortable but on the bright side it did cut down on the amount of Christmas calories I consumed!

Proof that Lexie is a pill.

Lex and her 2nd cousin, Rachel. This is after they opened all their presents and proof that buying gifts for children is more for the parents than the kids since they'd rather jump on the bubble wrap the gift came in.

Christmas Morning

Our offical jammie pictures. Every year we give eachother new jammies on Christmas eve. Then Christmas morning we take a family pic. Yes, we are very cute.

This second jammie pic is the better one but Nate has a cute little smile in the first one!

Christmas Morning @ Nana's

Surprise!

Nana's getting married!

Spoiled!

Spoiled Rotten. Rotten. Rotten. Daddy Warbucks, I mean Uncle Zacky bought his little niece Alexis a car. Pink of course. She was extatic. Owen was excited beyond words. And you'll notice Momo was chucked in the trunk. There was lots of laughing as the swerved down the street. We're trying to teach her to keep her eyes on the road. Maybe Nana can take her for her first drive. Right Mom! Ha Ha

Ole'

Little Nateski. Too funny!

Buddies!

Dan and Jacque let us have Austin for a few hours one night so we had a little baby cousin photoshoot. It must have been a little too long because Austin got hungry and tried to eat Nate. We gave him a bottle instead. :0)

Dress Up Fun

Lexie loves dressing up. And she loves sharing her dress up clothes with Talli. And even with her stinky little brother.

Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day, Dan and Shane took Jacque and I to see a play at a little theater in Talent, OR. It was really fun to go to the show and the acting was great but I wasn't a big fan of the play, Soctology. You can Google it if you want a synopsis.

Valentine's Day weekend, Nana came for a visit. She took me to Ashland for the day and we stayed in a hotel there. I got to do what ever I wanted, including; shopping, eating, drinking Diet Coke, consuming lots of chocolate and taking a lovely 3.5 hour nap. It was pure heaven. Here are a few pics from our mini-vakay.

Yummmmm

Strange man we saw downtown earilier in the day turned up at our hotel. In case you can't tell, he's wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt tucked into his kilt and yes, those are knee high tube-like socks he's got on with his Tevas.

Nice.

Nightstand Carnage.

Our little fireplace. Nothing says cozy like a few glowing plastic logs. Check out the power cord to the right of the logs.

We even had a telephone in our bathroom. In case we ran out of toilet paper?!

Nana and Owen after we returned home.

Welcome to the Monkey House!!

2008-02-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

I have been craving banana bread for weeks. WEEKS! I buy bananas and wait for them to get nice and yucky brown. (Yellow bananas are worthless for banana bread.) But the bananas never get brown. They disappear.

Last week I bought two large bunches. GONE!

3 days ago I bought 18(ish) bananas. There are 3 still quite yellow bananas. I've been at work for 3 hours. So we're probably down to 1 or 2.

I think I may be out of luck. No banana bread for me I suppose. Yes, I deserve to be pitied. (And maybe sent some tastey homemade banana bread with nuts &/or choc. chips.)

Sooo Cool

2008-02-10T00:45:00.000-08:00

Such a funny little guy. He loves his new sunglasses. The only problem is he pulls them down to see and then can't get them back in place so he gets frustrated and cries. He's so cute in them though so I don't really mind having to constantly reposition them. It's worth it.

Public Appology

2008-02-08T00:28:00.001-08:00

I'd like to appologize to any of you out there that may have stock in The Coca Cola Company. I imagin your share prices have plummeted in the past two weeks. Hopefully you did not sell. I am no longer feeling sick and am back on the Diet Coke wagon. The Diet Coke stock should be back up soon.

Happy Drinking!

Nice Insight

2008-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

In a message dated 2/4/2008 5:39:48 AM Pacific Standard Time, lmontgomery@957thewolf.com writes:
The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice, The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

· $8,896.66 a year,
· $741.3 month, or * $171.08 a week.
· That's a mere $24.24 a day!
· Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich." Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:

* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watching Saturday morning cartoons,
* going to Disney movies, and
* wishing on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat to history to witness the:

· first step,
· first word,
· first bra,
· first date, and
· first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits.

So . . one day they will like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!
Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!!

Speechless

2008-02-04T00:45:00.000-08:00

This morning before church Lex and I were in the shower together. I was washing my hair she was washing the walls.

Lex: Mommy, I'm speechless.

Me: You're speechless?

Lex: Yeah, Mommy. I just don't know what to say!

Sometimes she is very silly... and very strange.

That's a picture she drew of me by-the-way. In case you couldn't tell.

And this is Mister Potatohead...

Bittersweet

2008-01-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

I love this video! Lex and I watch lots of little clips like this together. She was so darn cute. I can't believe how much she's grown and changed since June. She's getting so old. How did this happen to my little girl???

I am not depressed

2008-01-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd put that out there for anyone who might be confused. My life is a little tough right now with all the stuff going on with jobs, kids, schooling, and owning a new home. There are bad days. I'm pretty sure everyone has bad days.

I'd also like to mention that I am a slob. I was raised in a way that allowed me to abstain from much of picking up after myself and cleaning in general. (My parents are not happy about this, I just happened to be a stubborn and defiant child.) This revelation may seem unnecessary but read on for its relevance.

I am working on my straightening up abilities. I guess you could say I'm in recovery from my slobbyness. It's a process. It is unfortunate that I have to publicly admit to such an unsightly flaw but I've recently been notified that my messy house is a clear indication of my apparent depression and lack of ability to manage my life and take care of my children. Therefore I should read about Brook Shields. The concern is duly noted. Anyone that still has 'concerns' about my well being should feel free to direct those concerns to me. It will save time, frustration and avoid misconceptions.

I am not fond of back talking and have enough of it going on at work with a certain person I will not mention here. Feel free to call and get the dish on that one.

C'est La Vie

2008-01-01T23:11:00.001-08:00

Life is hard. My life is hard. Hard Hard Hard. I complain a lot. A lot. I complain because the way I complain usually makes people laugh. If I can make people laugh about it then I can usually laugh about it. Then it feels more like a sitcom than a stuggle. I really don't have that much to complain about. We bought a house (we're trying to figure out if we can still afford our decision, but those are just details right?). I have food, and clothes and a job. I even have a few friends up here (I don't see them outside of work but again, details. Right?). It's not a huge deal, I just don't feel like laughing today. I'm tired. So tired my eyelashes hurt.
Yesterday was a bad day. A really, really bad day. If I told you how bad it was you would laugh. I told a few people and they laughed, so I laughed. I can be pretty funny sometimes. Anyway, wish me luck tomorrow. I'm going to bed. Maybe I'll luck out and wake up at work all dressed and ready to go. It's nice to be at work and feel like a real person for a while.

Here's a few pics to end on a happy note. :0)

Matching MoMo jammies. Thank you, Nana!

One of Owen's favorite passtimes.

Nate and Ariel after Lex lovingly tucked them in.
Reading with PopPop.

Oh, and Happy New Year, everyone!

Nathan

2007-12-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

I tried to have a little photoshoot with Nathan this morning so we can get some announcements together. This is the best of the batch. I think I'll try again.

If anyone has any baby pic taking tips I'd love to hear them. Esp. on how to get around the double chin.

Thanks!
Kenz

Blockhead

2007-11-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

I meant to post Owen's 1 year check up stats earlier but have been pretty busy. I took these pics today and they nicely illustrate the following information:

Weight: 14th percentile,
Height: 40th percentile...
HEAD: 95th percentile

I think he may be Charlie Brown's twin.

The following two pics may be a tad inappropriate but too funny not to post. When Lex saw the first one she said "That's a-skustin'!". Can't say I really disagree.

Any ideas on teaching you child how to put her panites on not backwards?

All is well

2007-11-19T13:26:00.001-08:00

For those of you who didn't know it already Nate came home on the 10th. Sorry if you were still worried. If you didn't know we were home and you were not worried then SHAME ON YOU! Nate could still be in the NICU.

Anyway, we're home. Nate's doing well. He's still breathing too fast but slow enough for us to have him home. We just have to be extra careful about germs and not stimulate him too much. Lex and Owen have adjusted quite well. They both ignore Nate most of the time. Lex has the whole 'been there, done that' attitude most of the time. It took me a week to talk her into feeding Nate so I could get some pictures. She does, however, frequently announce that she can't love Owen anymore. She can only love her new baby. Most of the time she can't love Shane or myself either. We encourage Owen's lack of intrest; he's big on whacking things with his maraka at the moment.

My mom was here for a week. I won't get into that because I don't want to think about how HUGE of a help she was and just how in over my head I am. I really could go on and on about how fabulous my mother is. I will say this, how many moms get up to do the middle of the night bottle feedings and diaper changes? I am a very lucky girl. And also a very sad one. She went home yesterday.

Update on Nathan

2007-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Nate is still in the NICU. He's 5 days old now and it is very strange to not have him home with us. His respirations are getting slower but he's still on oxygen and tires easily when he trys to nurse. The good news is that he is trying. We still don't know how long he'll be in there. No one can seem to give us an estimate. It's very frustrating.

I took this pic this afternoon. I love his sweet little hands under his chin.

We were on the news last night. I know some of you saw it. I didn't get a chance to see it. The story was about how busy the NICU is and they asked to film Nate for a few minutes. 5 days old and already making the news.

Baby Nate

2007-11-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't already know... we had our baby last Friday. He was born at 9:03pm weighed in at 7lbs 2oz and is 19 inches long. We named him Nathan Avery Neville.

Since I'm getting tired of telling the labor story I'll write it here and hopefully that will be the end of that.

Contractions started at 4am Friday. Went in to work (@ the hospital) at 7am. Contractions continued all day and I finally clocked out 2 hours short of my full shift at 3:30pm. Walked over to the Family Birth Center. Met Shane walking through the doors. Was admitted around 5pm. Epidural around 6:30ish. Hooray! Though we'd get some rest but the nurse checked and dilation was complete. Dr. called. He showed up just in time to catch baby Nate after 2 pushes. Everything went really well on my end. I'm home and feeling pretty dang good.

Unfortunately, the speedy delivery wasn't so perfect for Nate. He got some fluid in his lungs and after only a few minutes on my tummy he was being given oxygen and whisked off the NICU. He's been there ever since. The main concern is that he's been breathing so fast around 100 bpm when he should be in the 40-60 range. His oxygen level is low also. The NICU nurses are really great and he has an excellent Pediatrician. It's slow going but he's getting better each day. No one can tell us when he'll be able to go home but we're hoping and praying that it is soon. He is a very sweet little boy.

Lex and Owen are doing well. Lex has finally decided to use the potty. We are very proud of her. Owen is starting to walk. He's up to about 5 steps at a time. He is still a very goofy kid.

Shane starts his new (2nd) job this weekend. He has been such a trooper and a awesome leader of our family. We are very overwhelmed right now and I am so grateful that he has continued to put his shoulder to the wheel. We are very grateful for all your kind thoughts, wishes and prayers. Please keep them coming.

Kenz

Trunk-or-Treat (costume change)

2007-11-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

Two Dorthys
And a pacy sucking cowardly lion.

Yes, I know it's been a while...

2007-10-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty busy around the house. Getting settled and getting ready for #3. In Sept...

Lex got her very own playground. Thank you Uncle Lyle!

PopPop and Omi came up for Lexie's 3rd Birthday!

Shane learned how to install new electrical outlets and lighting. Yeah for overhead lighting.

Owen partied like a rockstar at the new Lewis Park opening day.

Shane refinished the floors!
Before...
After...

Earlier this month...

Nana came for a visit! (There was lots of snuggling)

And here's a few fave pics I thought I'd thow in for good measure :0)

A few other notables (sorry, no pics)
*Our water heater blew and had to be replaced
*Shane sheetrocked and shelved half of our spider-infested garage.
And of course we've been trying to prepare for the new baby. Which we're having the usual trouble naming. Suggestions please! There may even be a prize for a winning name!

Mom's Overture by Anita Renfroe

2007-10-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law sent me this video. It's a bit premature for my tykes but the days are coming fast.

Chicago Concert

2007-08-30T10:18:00.001-07:00

For my company's employee appreciation event, Asante, rented out a mini version of the Concord Pavillion and we got to see Chicago live. Sounds pretty cool I bet. Did you know there are 8 band members? I had no idea. I know only the popular ones. They played 3 or four of those and I can't say they brought me back because they sounded pretty funky. How old are they now anyway? We were in the front of the nosebleeds.

We did have fun though. We brought sandwiches and shared a blanket with Dan and Jacque. If you can't tell from the pic, Dan is Shane's brother. Jacque is his wife and appears to have swallowed a dinosaur egg. We're a bit concered what sort of dino she'll be having next month. Hopefully a vegan. Oh yeah, I chopped off my hair too. I did it right after we moved but this is the first pic I've posted.

And this is Chicago. Five in the front, three in the rear. Seriously, have there always been so many? The opening act turned out to be a local music shop owner. He is very fortunate to have a business to fall back on. He thought he was clever and funny but he was not. He also thought he was good (or so you'd think since he willingly opened for Chicago). He, in my oh so humble and talentless opinion, was not. One of his songs was about eating strawberries that tasted yummy. Another had something to do with praying at the river with a mexican and something to do with boobs.

I'm pretty sure this pic is self explanitory.

The best part of the concert was the crowd. This lovely couple reminded me of those ladies that watch talk shows and are under the impression that they are a part of the 'live studio audience' and that Oprah or whoever can hear them. They were also the only couple in the entire audience (I checked) that did the lighter thing. No joke. This is the picture I took of them with their lighters.

This lovely group provided much entertainment as they boggied their way through the show. Lots of wine and bootie shakin'.

A Few Snippits

2007-08-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of what the kids have been up to...

This is Owen pushing his little tractor around our backyard. He is crawling everywhere (even up the walls it seems). He pulls himself up and cruises the couch and walls. He gets into everything. His favorite pass time is sneaking into the bathroom, pulling himself up and banging his fat little palm on the tub. He also likes to ransack the cabinet drawers in there.(Yes, I am aware that there are methods of preventing drawer ransacking. We'll get there.) I must say my favorite thing about this picture is that it gives you the impression that our lawn is not dying/dead. Too bad you can't live in a picture.

Babies get pretty tired after crawling and ransacking. This is Owen sacked out last night. Alright, ya got me. This coma is partially Benedryl induced. He does have a cold though. Not exclusively foul play I promise.

Here's Lex kicking back on our mini front porch. She loves to sit there and watch all the ferrel cats scamper around. It seems there is no birth control of any kind on our street. Cats and kids run wild, mangey, and abundant. We're down at the end of the culdesac where the last 6 or so homes are thankfully well kept and occupied by normal people. Past those 6 homes it's a whole other world. We are thankful for the imaginary boundry.

Lex and Tally (her cousin). She can't get enough of this girl. You can tell from the pic that Lex is smitten. It is very cute how much she loves her cousins. And awesome how great her cousins are with her.

Such a Shrimp!

2007-08-09T22:34:00.001-07:00

This is a pic of Pinski with his cousin Max. You'd never guess that Owen is three weeks older. He's such a squirt. And no teeth. Max has several. Owen's gums aren't even the slightest bit swollen. Max is also aprox 6 inches taller and 8 pounds heavier than our little guy. Poor kid.

You've Come a Long Way, Baby!

2007-08-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember my June 22nd post. We had an ultrasound yesterday and everything looks great (so I was told). And thankfully, our little guy seems to be making progress superficially speaking. He already looks less like a mini Igor.

The US Tech said he's about two pounds.
In this pic you can see all his little phalanges. He's got his hand up by his head. The head is the rather large round bit on the side. Sadly, the Neville/Steiner combo doesn't make for small headed babies. We produce the Fat-Headed variety around here. This one shows his little arm bones. Teeny Tiny Ulna, Teeny Tiny Radius. Teeny Tiny Baby with a Big Fat Head.

SURVEY SAYS...

2007-08-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I've got a very important question for you all. There are several parts to this question. Please answer as thouroughly as you can.

Other than in a medical emergency (when head stitches or brain surgery is involved), When is is okay to cut a child's hair WITHOUT the mother's consent?

Is it okay for a dad to give the go ahead on a buzz cut for a 10
month old baby boy without asking mom?

How 'bout grandparents??? Can a grandparent cut (trim the bangs) of a 3 year old without asking mom?

Last question: Is there an age that sons and daughters reach that makes any of the above situations okay?

Our marriage (I mean me, of course) appreciate all of your answers. Thanks!

Picture Upadate... (sorry, not much time to narrate)

2007-07-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Shane graduates the LMC Fire Academy on July 2nd.

A silly truck I saw on our drive to Medford. Hopefully you can read the small print.

The mildly offensive unbelievably piggish flooring truck I saw at Jack in the Box on our trip to Medford.

Home Sweet Home!
(Don't be fooled by the cozy facade, the inside reeks of cat and old lady sour foot)

Lex and her cousin Tally playing on a trampoline with a sprinkler underneath.

The cutest pic I've seen of Lex in a long time. You'd never know she spends most of her day in time out.

Can't forget the Winski. He's growing so fast and is still a total shrimp. 4th of July.

Collect Call From...

2007-06-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

'wehadababyitsaboy'. OK, so we haven't had the baby yet and won't for over 4 months but I love that commercial. If you don't know what I'm talking about you're missing out. Anyway, here's a little preview of our coming attraction.

Luckily, the baby has quite some time to become less monstrous.

One little footnote on our experience at 3D BabyVu in Pleasanton, CA. I really wish they'd just tell you the sex of the baby and get on with it. Our tech was constantly identifying and circling with her mouse pointer, the genitalia of my unborn child. She even printed out a picture of the baby's bum, legs and 'parts' (with the pointer right up in there in case there was any confusion). Am I supposed to scrapbook that? I'm not a big fan of pornography, in-utero or otherwise. And I'm too embarrassed to show off the DVD they gave us because our voices are recorded, including her repetitive anatomy lesson. So, if ya happen to go to this place in Pleasanton, be warned.

Good Friends Make the Worst Goodbyes

2007-06-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we head off to our new home up in Oregon. We are finally homeowners. HOORAY! I am very excited at the prospect of living somewhere I don't plan on moving out of in a year or two. GOODBYE RENTALS!!!

Sadly, this is a bittersweet moment for me. I have never, in my entire life, had such amazing friends. Friends I'm comfortable asking for anything. Friends that share my beliefs and are living the same life that I live. Leaving them behind is the toughest part about this move. These amazing girls have taught me so much in the short time I have known them. They have shown me how to be a better mom, a better friend, and a better person. It may sound like I'm going a bit overboard and even to myself this sounds a bit mushy but there is no other way to say how amazing these women are and how jealous I am that they get to remain here with each other. We'll be back to visit but we'll miss you all in between. And you're always welcome in our home. (We'll even kick our kids out of their beds for ya!)

Thank you so much for helping me become a strong enough person to be able to take this big step toward being a real grownup.

Baby Riverdance

2007-06-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't let Lexie have all the limelight. So, here's our Jolly little Jumper practicing for his future Riverdance audition. It's so sad that he's already proving to be more coordinated than his big sister.

Poor Lex.

Gymnastics

2007-06-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Lexie has be going to gymnastics for almost two months now. This video is from her first day. Sadly we haven't seen much improvement. Just a little taste of the silliness that goes on each Wednesday morning.

A Few Little Picture Updates

2007-06-13T23:03:00.001-07:00

Lex has become quite the fashionista these days. It all began when Nana bought her some colorful socks. So Lexie, always needing more than the norm, thought to herself... "Why just wear one color when you mix and (not) match?" I haven't figured out why we still match her socks when folding laundry. Naturally, she couldn't stop at the socks and that's where the shoes come in. Goodness knows, what's next?

Could he be the next Mikhail Baryshnikov?

Or maybe just the star of Robin Hood: Men in Tights,
The Next Generation

Somehow a pair of Lexie's baby tights made it onto our son.

Please don't call CPS.

Daddy and Owen.

Bonding for some of the few moments we get to see Shane in between work and the Fire Academy.

Lexie --- In the new 'Naughty Spot'.

Again... Please do not call CPS.
(She did get in on her own I swear! No children were harmed in the making of this blog.)

Mermaids & Tadpoles

2007-06-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today we went swimming with some of our friends. It was definately the highlight of Lexie's day. She loves her friends. Today was also the first day she tried out 'water wings'. Anna brought a pair for Lexie and for Ella and was kind enough to show them the ropes. It took a few minutes but Lex sort of got the hang of it. We had a minor set back when Anna gave her an up-close tutorial on how to spit water like a fountain. But all in all I'd say the floaties were a success.

Owen also got a little time in the water today. He was a bit nervous at first but relaxed after a bit. He got to ride around in Kayla's frog floatie. We traded our ladybug in for the frog in order to get some more masculine pics. He's quite the tough guy these days. I couldn't find his sun hat so I rubbed sunscreen on his fuzzy little head. Nana calls him Dandilion Head. She's pretty sure if you blew hard enought all his fluff would fly away. That would be some wish you'd get to make.

These are my favorite pics from today.

Thank you Lauren for taking these cute pics! And thanks to Photoshop for helping me hide my 'wobbly bits'.

We had such a great time at the pool today. Unfortunately, as usual I sunscreened the kids and bypassed myself. There was a moment when I was putting Lexie on the edge of the pool that I noticed a happyface sticker in her hair. I couldn't figure out where it came from. Later when I got home I noticed a very white, perfect circle on my scortched shoulder. Sadly, it took an hour or so to put two and two together.

NOTE TO SELF: Always wear sunscreen while in the sun, even if it takes an extra five minutes of keeping Lexie at bay. Also, check for stickers.

"You'll be a Man my son"

2007-06-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

I came across this poem when I was a teenager and I spent an evening a week at my grandmother's house. We shared a love of poety and would often leaf through various books she had collected over the years or recite our favorites from memory. I loved this poem back then but when I had Lexie it meant so much more. I used to read it to her often as an infant. I eventually gave up because there just isn't a way to change the last line for a girl. So now that I have Owenski, this poem has come back to me often. It says exactly what my heart wishes for my son (and daughter). And when I read it to my children I can feel the love my grandmother has for them and I know she shares my hopes for them as well. I miss her dearly but she will forever live on in my heart and in the faces (and hands) of my precious babes.

If
by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

Thanks, Mama.

The Best Costco Trip... EVER!

2007-06-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

It may be strange that I'm taking the time to write about a simple trip to Costco but if you've ever accompanied us on one of the usual Costco outings you'll know why I couldn't help but post this. I am the mother you see in grocery stores (any store actually)with the SCREAMING toddler. Lexie will not sit in the cart and she won't hold your hand or stay near you. So I have to hold her wrist while she screams and flails as I try to continue shopping by pushing the cart, with Owen in it, one-handed. Every five minutes or so I have to stop because she has collapsed to the floor trying to escape my grasp. So I stand over her, so no one can run over her with their cart, and I wait until I can get her on her feet again. This process repeats itself many times within the shopping trip. Sometimes women stop to empathize with me and tell me of the things their kids have put them through. Mostly they just stare. They probably comment to eachother but I'm too busy pretending to be calm to make eye contact.

Anyway, the other day Lex fell asleep on the way to Costco and actually stayed asleep during the transfer to the cart and for the whole trip. It was so wonderful. I could actually look at things and I didn't get to the car and realize I forgot the milk. I still got comments but at least this time they were endearing or humorous. Can't say she was in the most modest of positions but I prefer to let sleeping dogs lie. So there she stayed until we made it back to the car and she was four times as terrible as she's ever been in a store.

Stuck Somewhere In Between

2007-06-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

This is my high school senior portrait. It is a lovely comparison to how frumpy I'm feeling these days. I know that as far as my looks go I'm not so different as I was then. I haven't aged a ton. I'm not immensely fatter (just enough to make me feel dumpy). In high school I was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I went to parties. I wore lots of make-up, pulled on skinny jeans and danced around in tops I wouldn't consider these days unless at a private beach. I gossipped, flirted and spent lots of time trying to get my perfect image. I had a plethera of hair products and actually did my hair. I competed with my friends and loved them all the same.

The best thing I ever chose to do in my life was to join the church. While learning about it I felt things that my heart could not deny. I found the things that I knew would make me happier than anything else I'd ever come across. I still feel that way about my church. When I look at the friends I've made that are members as well, they give me inspiration. I see what wonderful people they are and aspire to achieve even part of what they stand for. I don't want to be different than who I have become. I don't want the life I used to live because even back then I never felt like it truly fit.

Though I do not want to go back to where I left off I can't help but be envious of the friends I've left behind. I look at their websites and see pictures of gorgeous young people with exciting things going on it their lives and so many things to look forward too. I have something they don't but sometimes I think about whether or not I would choose to be ignorant if I had the opportunity to go back. I had friends, good friends, that I spent a lifetime finding and cherishing through some super fun and also some really tough times. When I joined the church I lost some of those friends. No big deal in the grand scheme of things. The ones that loved me for who I am stayed in contact. I still love them but I miss them in a way that would be indescribable to anyone that has never felt the sort of loss I have. I can still see them. With the Internet I can keep in touch and send thoughts. But I can also see what I'm missing. I can see pictures of them beautiful and laughing. I can see all the exciting places they've been. On my little web page I have pictures of my family. My gorgeous, precious family. And sometimes, I'm ashamed to say, I'm embarrassed that my life isn't as 'cool' as the ones I can peek into. Sometimes I'm angry that some other girl is standing on some houseboat or around some bonfire that could have been my spot. The friends that stuck around, I know that they love me but my heart sometimes aches because we'll most likely never be on common ground again. When they start their families I'll be prepping my kids for high school or college. It kills me to see the bored, 'let's get this over with' look in their eyes when they come to birthday parties and baby showers. I love them for coming but it almost sucks more that they come late and leave early, not because they're jerks but just because they're probably feeling as out of place as I would at one of their parties.

So I'm stuck somewhere in between two lives. I'm living the one I was meant to and missing the one that was never really mine. I won't fall into that former world but parts of it are still holding me back from the life I'm currently trying to live.

Look at my beautiful family. They are perfect. Even on the worst of days I wouldn't trade them for anything. Not even to be one of those gorgeous girls I remember. I just wish I could truly let go of the past so that I can give them all of my future. I wish that tiny lingering part of me could stop being angry that they don't see that I made the right choice so that in that insignificant way I could feel validation that I've already received from every other aspect of my life as a member.

Growing Up

2007-05-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I was wandering around on the Internet today, mostly on MySpace I'm ashamed to admit, and I had a terrible feeling that I'm older than I thought I was. Up until a few hours ago I thought I was a grown up but mostly just mature for my age. I've been married for decades (ok, about 4 years), I have two kids and am pregnant with my third. Most of my church friends are in similar situations but that's a Mormon thing. When I was snooping around in the lives of my high school classmates I was disturbed to find that many of them are now married and starting their own families. All those kids I never thought would grow up are finally catching up to me. Has that much time passed? As 2009 is coming closer I'm starting to feel like I need to keep looking over my shoulder to see if Lifetime is following me around for their next 10 year High School reunion movie. Can't say I'd want to watch that one. These days I'm not even sure if I'd want to go. Could staying home stop the clock?

What to say (or not to say) to your wife on Mother's Day...

2007-05-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

My first blog and I must say that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my dear sweet husband. No, really. Yesterday was such a disaster that I've run out of friends to complain to. So, I've decided to publish my rantings in hopes of finally feeling satisfied.

I should start off with just how great my Shane really is. Once, when we were dating, I was following him to the freeway when we approached a stop sign. He put his truck in park, ran to my car. I of course was rolling down the window to see what was going on. Without a word he stuck his head in the window, kissed me and ran back to his truck. It's been over four years and he is that same man. I love him dearly and know that he does much more than most husbands do. I am thankful for the blessing he is in my life.

But... Life has been pretty trying lately. Shane works full time and is in a Fire Academy that consumes two nights a week and usually both Saturday and Sunday. Yesterday was the first time I've seen him for more than an hour or so in the past I don't know how long. We have two kids. Alexis is 4 months shy of 3 and Owen is 7 months. They are amazing but kids all the same. Did I mention that I'm three months pregnant???? (note: breastfeeding in no way shape or form is a method of birth control.) I am exhausted. And I'm pleased to report that although I have been lacking the energy to clean and cook I do keep my babes clean and fed. And I don't complain to Shane very much (thanks to Sarah and her ability to let me vent). So, now that you know my recent history you can proceed to my list of "What to say (or not to say) to your wife on Mother's Day."

Do NOT wonder aloud why you need to say "Happy Mother's Day" to a woman that is not Your mother yet sincerely wish your sister-in-law one (in front of your wife).
DO offer to make breakfast even if it's a bowl of cold cereal.
Do NOT eye your wife's homemade egg McMuffin and say "Mmm, that looks really good. How come you didn't ask if I wanted one?"
Do NOT ask your wife if "She really expected not to have any responsibility tending to the kids today".
DO Plan on something for dinner. Mothers are NOT supposed to make dinners on this day.
Finally, do NOT expect a very happy father's day come June!

There, it's done. I'm feelign a bit less frustrated. Too bad I'm also feeling quite guilty. The good news is that we're young and far from done changing. I know he means well. And I'm sure next year will be better for us all.