10 Things I . . .

This is a long one and random pictures. But I figure it's due:

Ok, so I thought I'd list 10 Things I Like/Have Been Doing Lately/or Used to Like. I hope you find it interesting.

Here goes:

1. In high school, "10 Things I Hate About You" was one of my (and all my girl friends) favorite movies. We watched it at least once a month. Promise. And we'd get our guy friends to watch it too. Repetitively. I probably like it so much because:

2. In junior high, I played Beatrice in our school's version of Much Ado About Nothing. I LOVED that character. I still remember saying, "I'd rather hear a dog bark, than a man swear he loves me." I kept that motto for several years until I met college.

B's princess (and prince) party. Cupcake time!
Let's hope she keeps my former motto for a long time too

3. Which brings me to my next THING or rather DOG. We have been fostering this little lady through Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota since last Sunday. After the first couple days she has settled in nicely to our routine. She even correlates her naptime with the kiddos.
I signed up for it since I have that place in my heart for animals. She is a sweetheart, does not shed, and is adored by my girls (which she tolerates rather well I must say). I highly recommend fostering since it is a shorter term commitment and the company provides all the grooming/vet/food/etc. Know of someone who wants to give her a forever home?!

my unprofessional photo shoot

4. Speaking of FOREVER, I haven't seen much of Eric this month (he is doing his ICU rotation). In fact, sometimes it seems like forever. Like tonight, when he is on call. BUT, I am So thankful for the knowledge that our family can be together forever. This is only one of the things that I, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe.

Our other princess and her doting dad

5. Recently, as in 3 weeks ago, we had our church's General Conference. Which means our church leaders and modern-day prophets spoke to us (as in millions of people across the world through satellite broadcast to church buildings). I LOVE General Conference and am always so uplifted and INSPIRED. If you're wondering what they said you can view, listen, or read it here. Or for more information you can check out www.mormon.org

Opening birthday gifts and LOVING it!
(note patched eye, surgery scheduled for December)

6. I also have been trying to resurrect my daily scripture study/thinking time/quiet time in the morning before the kids get up. It's only about 15 minutes but it nourishes my soul and has helped me put the day in perspective before all the craziness begins.

Look who's standing now!? (with her mini guitar in hand)
I can't get enough of those thighs. Even if it is cold.

7. Another thing that speaks to my soul is MUSIC. I LOVE IT! I started teaching piano lessons this fall, as I have played since I was 6 and wanted to pass that love onto others. Plus, I LOVe teaching. So, to add a little flair to my music "studio" (i.e. corner with a piano in it), I purchased a sign from my friend Cassi that reads "Discover Music: the vernacular of the soul." I'll take a picture of it sometime. Also, my friend Monica, does vinyl too. So I'll be using her in the near future for other decorating projects up my sleeve . . .

S's version of hanging out
Eric's on call now, obviously. At the end of the day I've had it.
And Wendy's food is in the background!

8. Speaking of creative. I hosted a baby shower yesterday and over half the gifts were handmade. And AMAZING. We're talking boutique-quality blankets, booties, even handsewn 0-3months sweats and the cutest baby ugs you'll ever see knitted. One lady says she does sell her things in boutiques in Cali. And others sell them here. Wow. I don't think I've ever been in a room with so many crafty ladies. Who would have known here at the north pole? I guess you have to do something when it's so cold so long!?! Maybe my sewing machine has hope yet . . .

We have found B loves anyone dressed in any sort of character suit.
Here she wouldn't leave our tour of the firehouse without a picture with the fire dog, Sparky.

9. Or maybe not. Because you know what starts every November!?! That's right. Basketball season! And I found a bball league here through the local technical college and signed up with a bunch of ladies from the hubby's work. I think I'm the only one who doesn't work there and I haven't met any of them but I'm excited. Our season starts November 16th. Wish me luck!

S practicing the "wave" for halftime

10. Onto other things I Like/LOve. If you know me, you know I love to exercise. Talk about a sanity saver and de-stresser. And luckily our local YMCA is the place for me. Ghetto, you must be thinking. So did I, but then I realized I'm a little ghetto too. PLUS I LOVE their childcare. My girls have such a good time their and I feel like they are so well taken care of and safe. And I have discovered that, like my parents, I love spinning. And luckily they have all these free classes with a membership.

B's version of Spinning

Ok, so that's about it for now. And OF COURSE, if I had a #11, it would say FRIENDS and FAMILY like YOU!!! I cannot express how much you all mean to me. If you're reading this blog, this means YOU. Perhaps your value has hit me harder as I realize we are really here for the long haul. We miss you all!

And I'm so looking forward to these next couple weeks. Eric will be done with this rotation, Halloween, then in-laws visit! Every time I think about in-laws visiting I think about you, Melissa. This post is for you, beautiful friend. You are a light in itself.

Melissa's grad bash! Yay!

Preschool

Someone has been talking about preschool for a while now. So I caved in and signed her up for one day a week.
Look at that grin as she gets in the car. She's got her watch on, purse handy, and an attitude to match.

A New Love

K.
Just wanted to share with you all since I am IN LOVE with these socks my friend, Heather, gave me as a moving away present.

They are soooo comfy! My feet feel like I've just had a paraffin wax pedicure. Delicious! And great for this chilly weather and expected first snow fall tomorrow!

A great stocking stuffer. Do you think E would like them?

I should be getting paid to advertise these. ;)

And THANK YE Heather. Who introduced you to these beauts?

A Special Announcement

Well, SOMEONE (clearing throat) has a birthday in the next week. I'm not mentioning any names or pointing any fingers, but I'm sure this certain person would love any birthday wishes you would send her way. She may be related to the above-pictured little cow baby. She may even be the mother of the cute baby-in-costume. But, like I said, I'm not mentioning any names. Just putting it out there.

That said. I feel like it's all good and dandy to announce your birthday before hand. But the day of I feel weird saying "it's my birthday!" to someone. Maybe some of you don't mention your birthday at all. What do you think?

B is Three!

Hard to believe that three years has flown by. But it's true.

This post is more for Bella and me to remember than for you to care about. But here it is:

Dear Bella,

Today we had fun filled day full of princesses and sugar. I hope it was a beautiful one.

Whenever we asked you what you wanted for your birthday you just said,"Pink Licorice." That request was simple enough. But we knew how much you love "Cinderelly-night-and-day" as you put it, so we thought a Princess Party was in order.

When you got up I had a little package of Tinkerbell socks waiting for you next to your favorite cereal "Trix" on a princess table cloth. You squealed in delight. It was priceless. S got to have a few morsels too.

You also opened an envelope from Grandma and Grandpa Freeman to find some money and carried it around in a cardboard photo tube all day.

Then we had playgroup come and had a little princess (and one prince) party complete with candy necklaces and playdough and pink cupcakes that were self-sprinkled by each child. Bella wore this huge Tinkerbell pin that said "Pixie Power" and her new Tutu (thanks Andrea) under her princess dress which she had on over a pink turtleneck and black cords. She ate about three candy necklaces and I nixed the 4th.
You reminded us to sing happy birthday to you when we had "snack" and ate apples we had picked at the orchard yesterday as well as the pink chocolate cupcakes you requested. Unfortunately we had no candles so we had to call dad to pick some up on the way home from work to use later that night.
When everyone left you told me you wanted another birthday party. They are so fun.

After your nap Eric was home (yay for an early day!) and you opened your presents from us an Oma and Tressa I had wrapped the night before. She was super excited to open each one. Although of course clothes aren't the favorite thing of a 3 year old. But she lit up when she saw the Christmas dress from Oma and the "chocolate" from Aunt Tressa. She just kept saying: "more presents for me?!"

You has been requesting Cinderella and Barbie dolls for a while. So when you opened the $5 polly-pocket type Cinderella and Sleeping beauty you were in love. It was so cute. You carried those around with you everywhere and constantly wanted to change their clothes. You couldn't even eat the pink dinner we made her (eggs, sausage, strawberry milk, and pancakes) because you were so distracted playing with Cinderella and her "mom" as you called Aurora. And of course you had eaten a candy necklace only 5 minutes before.

We splurged a bit this time and got her one big gift--a dollhouse. I have been wanting to get her one for some time and so have checked them out for a year or so. Finally we felt she was old enough to appreciate it and the timing was right. I found a great deal on Fisher Price and got a quality one that we can add sets to. I have been really excited about this and could hardly wait til her birthday. I love giving gifts. She was as excited as I thought she'd be and exclaimed, "A dollhouse!?" I love it. And Sierra of course "helped" dad put it together as well as taste each person and piece of furniture etc.

Bella played for quite a while with everything (as did her sister) until we announced we would watch Nemo with her. We wanted to get a princess movie but personally I think some of the villains are pretty scary for a 3 year old. So we settled on Nemo. B was pretty enraptured by that too and it was fun to have family movie time and be able to enjoy a movie together.

I think her new little Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are her new favorites as they are down in her room right now as she sleeps. But I will rest easy tonight that after putting lots of thoughts and energy into making her feel like a Princess today--I was successful.

Thanks for all the cards and phone calls and gifts! Dave and Rashelle got the perfect Princess card. And "Gi-Gi" with her "Princess" necklace. B also loved the phone message from Grandpa. And requests more. :)

Bella, you are a joy to have in our home. Of course sometimes you are so independent and "I do it" is one of your most common sayings. But you also love to cuddle with your "Mom" and are a great big sister to Sierra. You LOVE animals and will pick up or pet anything that comes your way. You have started saying, "go away" or "I don't want to" as well as "I did it!" and "I love you, Mom" and "I missed you." You are a true three year old. You like to pat Sierra on her head and say in a baby voice with your teeth in a clenched smile,"It's ok Ci-ci. It's ok." If she cries you go to see what's wrong. If she laughs, you want to join in the fun.

You sleep like a champ now in your "big girl bed" and tell mom "I'm a big girl, now." You love princesses and layering your clothes and can be seen wearing many multi-colored outfits that you put together yourself.

You learn a lot from example and Love singing songs. You love music and dancing in general.

You are very tall and gorgeous and are pretty obedient to mom, although sometimes I have to pull out the stern voice or threatenings. Everything is PINK to you. And you love "cute" and "sparkly" things. It's fun to hear you say,"that's cute!" or "Ooooh, I like that" to me when I'm wearing something you haven't seen before. You love my earrings and everything jewelry and are already accumulating quite the stash.

We had a pink, princessy, beautiful day in honor of a girl that is so precious to me and her dad and sister. We love you Bella. You are our beautiful girl, our miracle baby, and we are so glad we can be a forever family with you.

Love,
Your Mom

British Doctors Leave Preemie To Die

Check this story out:
http://www.parentdish.com/2009/09/15/british-doctors-leave-preemie-to-die/

And then tell me what YOU think?!

We're Back!

Ahhhh . . . .

It's good to be back.

We are almost recovered from our vacation. ;)

Although it was a good one. To Utah that is. . .

Except for that part where Sierra got 2nd degree burns on her hands. This picture is before that. At the zoo. Fireplaces are evil. Especially when only the pilot light is on. And they're on ground level. And the hotel doesn't tell you the pilot light is on. And and and . . .

I'd say after this experience I don't want to work in a burn unit.

You know the expression "writhing in pain" ? Well. I never want to see my child do that again.

More later.

Flying with Babies

Picture? You ask. Well, I'll tell you more about that after you finish reading this post.



Well--I love to travel. I love seeing new places. I love smelling new smells. I love it. Most of the time.


I guess it's in my jeans - - - I mean genes - - - since my dad immigrated here from the Switz (aka Switzerland) only about 25 years ago.


Anyhow--I have flown with both my girls 7 times since S's birth. Yep. That's right. I'm now on my 4th trip with the kiddos visiting fam. The other side this time.





They are pretty good travelers as well. They seem to have that same excitement for flying and that adrenaline rush that hits every time the plane takes off. Plus free "spicy juice" aka soda helps as well.





BUT this was my WORST travel experience. NOt because of my girls. They in fact were angels and took turns sleeping on the flights. And B even managed to go potty by herself about 3 times in the teeny airplane toilets.





It was because of THE AIRLINE.





And of course I have NEVER been asked to prove S's age until this last time:





SOUTHWEST.





Hello! She was not even 9 months old. Drooling--in her pjs--with that baby look--sparse hair--can't walk--can't even feed herself very well. And they question me that she's under 2?!! And threaten to make me pay for a child seat for her. While I say "If you know babies you can see she is OBVIOUSLY not 2" (even if you don't know babies it's pretty obvious).


And what does the unpleasant checkout guy say: "Well--the CFA doesn't know babies . . . blah blah blah."


I say "I haven't ever been asked to show ID for her before."


He says: "Well did you fly Southwest?!"


Me: "NO."


He: "Well that's why."








Ok OK. I bow to you Southwest. You are awesome.





Except for the fact that you count carseats as luggage pieces. Unlike Northwest or American or US Airways etc. etc.





So much for 2 free bags per person.





But wait. It didn't stop there.





Not only was the checkin man exasperating but NO one stepped an inch out of their way to let me get by with my stroller as I tried to get my position as A25. Yep--I checked in exactly 24 hours before and got the A group. And people were giving me disapproving glares as I tried to actually get my coveted position. Some men even tried to look over my shoulder at my number on that ticket. I imagined myself in Wild West days giving them a good smack.





This scenario was also repeated on my 2nd flight after my quick layover and the same refusal to move an inch type thing. Really?!





And then when I got down to the bottom of the jetway I guess the 30.6 seconds to one-handedly close up my stroller (I tell you I have flown a lot) was too long for the people behind me to wait (Mrs. A26 and A27 you know who you are) and so they rushed on past bumping into me balancing my diaper bag, portable DVD player, and S while Bells and her Scooby Doo backpack also got their onslaught.





Thanks. Ms. A 26 and Mr. 27. You are real winners.





Ahhhh . . . . . . . . . . . . .

thanks for letting me let it all out.





I must say there was one redeeming thing in that a pilot who was along for the flight carried S out (in her carseat) of the last plane for me. And offered any other help I needed.





You, Mr. Southwest pilot, are a gem. I guess because of you I can grin and bear flying SW again on my return flight in a week.





Until then be well.



Who knows when the next post will be.

I'm having too much fun with the fam and watching this super star (aka my sis) play soccer. She's the goalie if you can't tell.

Oh yes--and you were all right on the three guys in the picture. It was Eric and my two nephews who were too busy playing to stop to pose. ;) Just kidding. We love you guys!

And then there were THREE

Eric's wonderful sister/photographer took this fam pic of the whole gang in Cali. Guess who was photoshopped in? There are 3.

Naked Babies are Cute

It's the little things . . . such as an inflatable whale-shaped pool.

Thigh rolls are great for modesty sake.

And SUNSHINE couldn't be sweeter.

Here's to the end of Summer!

Guess Who?

Guess who's crawling and standing now?

Yep . . . the little munchkin Si Si.

"What? 8 months?" You say.

"No. At Seven" I respond with pride but stress in my voice.

And yesterday she let go and stood "freestyle" by herself.

She is 8 months now.

You are NOT supposed to grow up!

We LOVe YOU Sis!

(p.s. Sorry about the blurriness. The "softness" around aforementioned subject is due to older sister's eager finger to touch the camera lens. We did not mean to take a "glamour shot" of our 8 month old). J

The Best

My husband is THE BEST.
Seriously.
We went camping on Friday.
With the kids.
2 years old and Zero.
Wow!
I felt brave.

He hates camping.
But he NEVER complained. Not one word.
I was the one jumping and screaming when hundreds of Huge Daddy Long Legs were all over our tent and I'd accidentally touch one.

Ok . . . I may be exaggerating a little.

But still . . . there were at least 10.

Eric said so himself.

As a side note:
Bella loves to husk corn.
I hate it.
Husk away my child. Husk away. ;D


And Bresk - -
If you are reading this. I was thinking of posting the picture here of you and Eric when you did a face mask at Liberty Square. Perhaps it would cheer you up.
But for now I will just remind you of it.
And maybe you will still laugh.
One of those classic throw your head back and laugh laughs that I so love about you.
Buck up little camper.
(you know I dared to camp with two small children because of you don't you?)
You are an inspiration.

Love
Your Friend

Cambria

Doesn't that picture just make you start salivating?

Ok . . . not literally--but metaphorically. I have that feeling of anticipation and excitement and longing just to be there:

Cambria

For me Cambria holds many memories. Not as many as some. But enough.
That is where Eric first took me to "meet the fam" (besides our short stop in Fresno to "meet the bro"). That's where we started talking more seriously about "I Love You" and "marriage" and all that scary stuff.
We played card games and watched fireworks and ate salmon. Mmmh!
I sat on the beach there in my cute prego swimsuit with a little basketball that was Bella in my belly.
And now--by myself--I decided to try my hand at it with both girls on my hip to again visit "the fam" and share this special place with them.

SO . . . How did they like it?!!

See for yourself:

Bella and Grandpa

Aunt Stacey and adventurers

Friend Hannah

S and Grandma

and cool babysitter cousin C

Grandpa time at "the Grill"

Lovin the beach: In the SUN!! And the Clouds!!!

Uncle "Teve"


Lookin for moonstones

Couldn't be happier

Beautiful beach and beautiful Aunts




And doesn't this face just say it all?!!!

Notice in the background this pilot sleeping . . .
YES! It was midnight on our flight home and B was Overjoyed from having an awesome week with lots of cousins; and to watch her movies and get "spicy juice" (i.e. soda pop) as a special treat on the plane.


While THIS girl was supposed to be sleeping:

Or NOT!

The End.

Priorities

I walked into the kitchen to see B

doing a great job of washing the dishes!

Apparently

she has her priorities . . .

Enough said.

Family Pictures 2009

So . . . a while back (as in 2 months ago) we had family pictures taken by the amazing Kara Hagberg.

These are a mere slice of the fabulous pictures she took.

We are still trying to decide which we like the best. And which will be printed large to grace our walls.

You should check her out!

Don't You Hate It When . . .

You open the umbrella in the car . . .




You get frustrated at your 2 year old for squeezing and squishing her sister . . .





And then look at a picture from 25 years ago and realize you did the same thing . . .

You cry when you think about all the people you said goodbye to in the last month.



Even Jim.

You burn your husband's favorite breakfast for Father's Day:
(those are French toast sticks if you can't tell)

AND


Everyone thinks your baby has pink eye BECAUSE

You get sunscreen in your baby's eye when you are trying to

memorialize her 1st time at the beach:

BUT . . .

Don't you LOVE
those big beautiful blue eyes enraptured as they watch fireworks for
the first time ever?!!!

AMazing.

We're off!!

We're off to THE BEACH.

AKA the California coast

This week

With the fam

Eric's that is.

By myself with the kiddos.

Blogging to be continued upon my return . . .

Mmmmmwwaaahhh!

Baby Jack

If you're having a hard day and need a little reminder to hold your babies a little closer -- be little kinder and more patient with your husband -- appreciate the life you DO have -- read here about Baby Jack: http://aejohanson.wordpress.com/2009/01/09/thank-yous/

And don't just read that post. Read the ones before and after. If you really want a tear jerker that will keep you reading for a couple hours--go all the way back to Elizabeth's posts starting in November when she delivered Baby Jack (November 18th) and you'll travel the journey from her pre-baby excitement to his becoming an ANGEL. He would have been a couple weeks older than my little Sierra.

It will CHANGE YOU.

Happy 4th!

Why does Eric look so happy??!!



Because of this:

Sierra had a good time too at her 1st Fourth of July.

Notice anything different? ? ?

Happy 4th from us!