A few pics . . . more to come

Nassau, Bahamas

A BIG Thankyou

One week ago, E and I were able to get away without the kids for a little time together. It was something we have planned and looked forward to for a few years. And with residency and all, it was soooooooooooo nice.

A big thank you to our Florida hosts, James & Alesia, Brianna and Abigail. We are so glad we were finally able to visit!

But, most of all, a BIG THANK YOU to Aunt Livy and Oma who wrestled the little kiddos here to make our trip possible. It was our first trip together since we've had kids. So we didn't know how they'd do. But I know they were loved, cared for, fed, and traveled where they need to be. And I couldn't have asked anyone better to do the job!

Thank you SOO much!

More to come on this fun trip, later.

First Haircut

Our story begins at Great Clips.

Can you sense the anticipation?!

Astonishment as she realizes this is a defining moment.

What will her "Streetsmart" portfolio become?

She was slightly chagrined when she was told she would have to sit on Mom's lap during the do. Because you see, Mom had just been to the gym. Peeeeyu!

But, I guess it's all worth it for a sucker!

Sisters

These girls are delightful.

Of course, we have our fair share of biting, scratching, hitting, crying . . . ;)

But for the most part they are getting along better and better as they get older.

Thank goodness for sisters!

Monkey

Well, S has discovered her love of the outdoors now that it's warmer weather. (yay!)

Before I know it she's run outside scaling our little playset.

Climbing up the ladder with no help from anyone.

Success!

I've got to keep an eye on this girl.

She's a little monkey.

Haircut

What d'y'all think?

Yes, I know my sidekick is cute . . .

She is quite the little poser lately.

Yes, I know I look tired . . .

That's because I am.

But, although I do have more of a "mom" look, I do love my new do!

Dying Easter Eggs

70s!!??!

Well, I have to say, I won't be doing much blogging the next couple days as it will be in the 70s here?!!!

We are just having TOOO much fun playing outside (finally!) in great weather!

Let's hope it lasts!

Thanks for the outfit, Grandma!

Love,
"the Norwegian Princess" as affectionately labeled by her other grandma

Update

Hey all
Well, I will be posting pictures soon. I just plumb forgot about blogging this week.

S had a fever from Friday afternoon til Monday night. So weird. And disturbing. She didn't sleep very well the whole weekend and just wanted to be held all day and just cried if her ibuprofen wore off . . . so we ended up giving in to the pacifier again. Turns out she had an ear infection and now with the help of Amoxicillin is a whole new baby.

Ahh! And she was doing so good too! Just using it for naps. Now she's back to walking around with it in her mouth.

Oh well. E and I are taking a little trip in less than two weeks! So now we don't have enough time to get rid of the dang thing before my mom takes care of the kids.

In other news, I was disappointed when the healthcare bill passed. In addition to further increasing the national debt. Yay!! I called my rep and told him to vote "no." He voted yes. I predict he will not be re-elected. Especially considering he represents a huge hospital centered town that was opposed to the bill. Pelosi sure knew how to get 'er done when she told her peeps--you guys are not getting reelected anyways so go out with a bang!

Ok, this is a blog. So onto more lighthearted stuff:

New favorite show: PSYCH. Watch it.

And we are hosting our first "adult" flashlight Easter egg hunt tomorrow night. I am super excited! Can't wait to see how it turns out!!

Happy Easter!

Pacifier Help!?

Ok, all you moms out there. I'm needing a little advice/help.

You see, B didn't take the pacifier and so I'm not so sure what to do about S's "HABIT." She's almost 16 months now.

When do I WEAN her of it?

Pros and cons?

I've heard to wean them around 2 yrs, but then sometimes they drop a nap with it (and I REALLY need nap time!). She doesn't sleep or nap as well or as long as B does NOW (at age 3 1/2!) so I was thinking maybe if she wasn't always depending on that dang thing, she would.

Well, we couldn't find a paci with her clip and you know I'm NOT going in there when she can't find it or throws it out. So I just thought, fine, we'll see how she does without one. I "put her down" last night without it and she slept just fine. So I tried again today and she cried a little for naptime today. But settled down so far. At bedtime it was a bit more of a drama. But, I'm trying to stick to my guns. I hear it's easier the younger they are.

E and I are having a "discussion" over it.

Please comment.

First Time Finger Painting

Baby Sitting

Well, about a month back, I volunteered to watch my friend's 3 month old for the day since she works fulltime and couldn't find a sitter.

I had friends help me out in Ohio. Thank YOU! (you know who you are) when I went back to school and worked part time. So I figured I'd pay it forward.

Little did I know I'd have two VERY willing helpers.

B was just ENTHRALLED with baby P. And insisted she could feed and change her "all by myself." She took to it like a fish to water.
Here is B in all her mother hen glory. She was pretty serious about this. She just LOVed every minute I let her help. So I let her give baby P. some of her bottle and then I stepped in to burp and finish it off.

Little miss S was a bit jealous of my holding this new one, but as long as I had a free arm to cuddle her she was ok.

But for the most part, this face says it all "Wow, A REAL LIVE BABY DOLL?!!!"

Needless to say, baby P. spent almost zero time within miss S's reach.

The story ends with my friend finding a sitter. But B still talks about watching baby P. again. Maybe I'll volunteer again sometime.

It was actually kinda fun.

Why?

K, really, WHY did I buy 450 tablets of a multivitamin over a year ago?
Because it was "cheaper at Sams"--I always tell myself.

Although these are bound to expire in June and I'm barely halfway through the bottle--as you obviously guess I am not very religious in my vitamin dosing.

I tell E he has to take one every day now too.



And, then I checked and B's multivitamin (300 tablets) expires THIS month. She's halfway through and it's been at least a year.

Which is weird, because she used to ask for them morning and night.

THEN, I remembered: she can only take 1/2 tablet every day.

So much for saving money.

Just because she's CUTE

Vinyl

So, little did I know when I moved here, but Vinyl is a big deal.

Vinyl, as in vinyl lettering that you can stick to your walls (or anywhere!) to decorate, etc.
My neighbor is AMAZING at this. In fact, she runs a business out of her home although she really does it because she just LOVES to design.
And her prices are very cheap but her products are very quality.
I highly recommend her.

Anyhow, so I decided to try this whole Vinyl thing out.

So, I ordered a quote that I loved from my neighbor that I thought would add a little specialness to our room. I wanted something unique since it seems like the love/family/etc. quotes are pretty well used.

It reads: "I am my Beloved's . . . and my Beloved is mine." Cheesy I know, but I love it.

The story behind the quote is that I remember when I was in Israel, etc. that this quote seemed to be everywhere in Hebrew--in songs, jewelry, etc. I thought it was beautiful and I loved the meaning. At the time I was an awkward 14 year old and did not have a "beloved" to speak of, so I just dreamed my little 14 year old thoughts and tucked this quote into the recesses of my mind to be used later with my "beloved" who would appreciate it was much.

Well, I thought it was kind of romantice but when Eric walked in our room, he LAUGHED. He had never heard it before. Well, it is actually from the Song of Solomon I said, and then he said that it is not the "real" Bible. Needless to say, my feelings were slightly hurt.

But when I explained that I picked it up from Israel and it was special to me, he showed a bit of chagrin and realized that he had kind of rained on my parade. Anyhow, I think we both learned a couple lessons that day.

Lesson one I learned, is that I should probably at least make sure or introduce a quote before assuming that the said sharer of the room knows it. Secondly, I should probably repress some of those still lingering teenage girl ideals I have collecting dust in the recesses of my mind.

Although, to be honest, I didn't really know I had any of that 14 year old girl still left in me until I came up with this quote.

I guess it's one of those little secrets we have about ourselves . . .

Have any you'd like to share? . . .

SUNSHINE!

So, I decided that since it's pretty much been below freezing since Thanksgiving, if I'm wanting a break from the cold I better be proactive. Luckily for me, my inlaws live in a sunny place in southern Utah. Yay!

And, what do you know, but there was a direct flight to Las Vegas that I caught (hallelujiah!). Which made traveling with two little girlies much easier for their tired mom (aka me).

So, thanks for the hospitality Ron and Sonja. I have been SOOOOOOOOO enjoying the SUNSHINE. I've gone out on walks, runs, boats, etc. as much as possible soaking up the 60 + degree weather. In short sleeves?!! That would never fly in MN.

Thus, dear readers, I will blog more later when I'm not so busy enjoying the gorgeous outdoors and watching the Olympics at night! Until then, "stay warm"--a common saying in the parts I come from. ;)

Aunt Wivvy

Here is a cute picture of Livvy, whom I appreciate so much for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and good auntliness. She's my cheerful companion whenever I come visit Utah--I'm glad I have someone to pal around with when everyone else is at school or work. I wrote a bit on her before. So I hope she knows how much I love her!

Tressa

Ok, well, this post is for that horribly neglected sister that wanted a redo of her picture. Thus out of the kindness of my heart, I must oblige her (of course--it may have been those mean texts Tressa keeps sending me). LOL.



Anyhow, here's my amazing sister, Tressa who has flown out numerous times to visit us for both play and service. We were so lucky to have her come out for her 16th birthday in 2005, where we (Eric, me and her) went to the tallest and fastest roller coaster (at that time) up in Sandusky. It was super fun, even if she did have to spend her actual birthday day alone at our condo while Eric and I were at school.

She's also flown out a couple times to help me out when I needed it with Bella and Sierra. I so appreciate her capable and kind hands!

Here she is in her glory as an aunt with a newborn Sierra. Tressa was kind enough to fly out in tandem with my mom after Sierra was born since Eric was working 12 hour shifts at that point and Bella really needed the extra attention.

What a beaut!

She is the fashionista of the family. That's probably a blessing and a curse as she is sure to be the most fashionable, yet she must also deal with all of the sisters (me included) "borrowing" from her huge walk in closet of goods. I often tease her that she could clothe a small country. But, in fact, she clothes her three sisters many times.

I love her and her sweet heart. She is kind and charitable. As manifested by her career choice in Social work. She tries really hard to do what's right and wants to make people happy. I love you T!

A Month for B

December for Bella:

to pictorally document the progress B made in one months' time post surgery:

2 Days Post op:
Visiting Ms C and Mrs P, her teachers at Preschool
She wasn't able to attend her class, but we visited to drop off a treat and pick up her little gifts at her last class before Christmas break.
B loves it here!

3 Days post op:
Back to being the big sister helper
We decorated a gingerbread house in stages during the few days following the surgery to keep B busy with a quiet activity, so she wouldn't roughouse with her stitches since she wasn't supposed to jump on a trampoline etc. (i.e. she kept jumping on the couch)

9 Days post op:
Christmas morning
the swelling definitely is down although her left lid is still droopy

2 1/2 weeks post op:
1st day as a Sunbeam!!
(a Sunday school class for 3 year olds at church)
She got to wear her new dress from Grandma Freeman
What? I look like I just had eye surgery--must've been tired since it was our first day at early church

5 weeks post op:
Eating her first corn dog (not like this is anything amazing to document), but little does she know how her dad lived on these in college. I seriously couldn't believe how many corn dogs he would have in his freezer when we were dating!

Her eyes are looking great!
Eyelids are not drooping anymore, although her left eye still seems not quite aligned with her right.


As you can see, she's made progress.
We'll see what "they" (our wonderful opthomologist and staff) say in 10 days when she gets her eyes checked and retested.

A Night at Bethlehem

Well, a while back (as in the first half of December) our ward (aka church congregation) put on a "Night at Bethlehem." We were all supposed to dress up like in Bible times and "travel" to Bethlehem (insert walking from chapel to gym here). We then ate chicken, olives, fruit, and flat bread on our blankets (that was interesting with kids!) as we watched a nice slideshow set to music of beautiful pictures of Jesus' life.

It was nicely done and B was super excited that we were all dressing up. She was "Mary." We decided the rest of us were shepherds.

Here's our two little travelers. I love that my Mom gave me this bathrobe for Sierra that probably belonged to my little brother when he was a baby or something . . .

Pillowcases and Dads ties made for nice headdresses. See Nate, Eric wears your tie! ;)

Eating the flat bread. It was homemade and delicious! Similar to naan bread.

Siblings 101

Well, to say that I have the world's best bros and sis would be an understatement. I truly love them and am so grateful for them in my life. We were so lucky to all be together this Christmas, since we never know when that will happen what with missions, study abroad, marriages, moving, etc. etc.

I guess that shows we're all getting older.

Or are we?! From the pictures below, you be the judge.


Dave and Rashelle:
Sharing a funny moment with Bella. She is a little slow to warm up, but eventually realized how cool they are. She obviously is busting a gut at Rashelle's face in this pic who had enough grace and humor to be silly with her. Dave is a great bro--the only about 18 months younger than me. He's my big little brother that I will always cherish.

Who's this?!

Hmm . . . her sweatshirt says "Rachel" on it, but with the painted nice nails, that is definitely not me. This gal has posted plenty an embarrassing photo of me on FB, and so, here's your glory shot, T-Ressa. Send me a better one if you want and I'll write your very own post later!! Love YOU! ;)

Uncle Nate:

as referred to by Bella, is holding on of the new games Dave taught us, "pass the pigs." Yes, that is an actual mini pig he is holding in his hand. No, he is not That big. He is very Christlike and loving in his demeanor. He's a great younger brother who's taken his share of guff from us older ones. Both he and Dave are very intellectual and have inspired me to bust out Atlas Shrugged. As well as gently reminding me by example how I should be living my life. Sooo glad I could see him this Christmas as I will really miss seeing him this summer since he's headed to the Middle East!!! You can bet the natives on his mish must've loved that blonde hair and blue eyes. I'm sure the locals where you're going will too. :)

Aunt Manda:
My little buddy. She and Bella are buddies now too. I loved to see them play together this Christmas as Bella is getting more imaginative, and Manda let her do anything to her (insert huge pile of pillows and such on top of Manda here). I love this picture of Manda because I think it says so much about who she really is. She of course is a huge soccer player and right in the midst of high school--it helps remind me that I'm not THAT old since I have a sister still in high school. She also doesn't seem to be too OCD about her appearance, but is so beautiful in her own right. Tressa and her have this beautiful long hair and I love her cute complexion. She's also a jokester--by the look on her face I caught her in the middle of a laugh. She is just awesome and I hope she gets her wish of moving to Hawaii this year so I can come visit!! :)

"Aunt Wivvy"

Last but not least is Aunt Livy, the youngest of the Oswald clan. Unfortunately, Livy, this is the only picture I have of you from Christmas. Send me a better one and, like Tressa, I will do your own flattering post later on. She is a gem who plays with Bella and Sierra and is SOoooooo helpful and kind. I don't think she knows how to get mad at Bella. I am excited for her to visit in a few months! I think it is cool that my kids get to have young aunts and uncles that give them attention and love. Thanks Liv!

So there ya have it folks, a quick summation of my awesome amigos.
How to be a great one?! Take any of them as an example. I am so lucky to have them in my life and hope they all know how much they are all loved and cherished by me. They all have their own talents and strengths and I hope they realize how special they are.

And again, dear brothers and sisters, if any of you would rather a more flattering shot be posted on this public blog, email me, and I'll write your very own special post.

Love YOU!