The Journey Of A Fat Boy

Ryan worked Thursday night, he got home at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning. He mowed the grass. Laid down to sleep for a couple of hours. He got up, got ready for his journey to Kansas City Mo. He left town around 2:30 p.m. he stopped at 4:00 a.m. and slept for two hours. He made it to Kansas City sat afternoon. He rode the bike to make sure he loved it. He loaded everything up. He stayed the night in Lincoln Nebraska. He got home at 2:30 a.m. Monday.

He came in the house saying loudly it's me. We all woke up and hugged him. We were surprised to see him. I didn't expect him until Monday afternoon. He brought us all presents. He went to Cabella's in Nebraska. When he used to drive truck for Doug Andrus he went to the same Cabella's and brought Jaxon a shirt. Jacob was really missing his dad Saturday night before bed. He was bawling. We couldn't get a hold of Ry, so we left him a message. The kids took turns sleeping with me.

I'll get some pictures of Ry on his bike and post them later. I can't believe he made it there and back in 60 hours. It's 3000 miles. Wow! I'm so proud of him. He set a goal and worked hard to make it happen. The guy he bought the bike from sent him home with $1200 worth of extras like leathers for him and me, extra seat, extra tire and a bunch of other stuff. Way to go Idaho!

Yard Sale

Saturday I had a yard sale it was supposed to be 8-12. Call me dumb. I agreed to do a neighborhood yard sale back in May. There were twelve houses that were part of the madness. We each paid $2.00 for the ad in the post register and for the signs.

When I agreed to do it,I looked at Ryan's schedule and he was off.I've been cleaning out room by room over the last couple months and had quite a bit of stuff. Well Ryan left Friday afternoon for Kansas City. I was left to do the yard sale alone with three little ones. Not my idea of fun. My friend Nikki brought her stuff over Friday night. People in the neighborhood were out and I made $20 Friday night. My neighbor Sydney said people should have yard sales at night. People are out and it's cooler. I was up until 12:30 getting things set up. Saturday 6:30 came way too fast. At 7:30 I made my first sale. There were a few nice people. The weirdest part of the day was when this big female ( I would say lady,but she was no lady)loaded up a ton of scrap booking stuff. She offered me $5 I looked at her and said No that's over $40 worth of stuff. I said how about $15? She threw the stuff at me and started swearing. I laughed. Her and her mother got in their car and swore at me as they drove off. I had a couple people talking to me like Jakey's T-ball coach from last year (Kristy Bialas's sister). They couldn't believe how crazy some people are. Another lady paid me for a chalkboard/dry erase art board and never came back to pick it up. I left it outside for her. I'm thinking she forgot where my house is. Crazy!

Some friends stopped by and asked if they could bring their stuff over. They did and then left. I did a good job of keeping track on a notepad of what I sold for different people. I think it was way too much work to make $157.00. Nikki and her girls came over at 11:30 after the girls swim meet. At 11:50 we left the girls in charge and Nikki and I rode bikes through the neighborhood seeing who was involved with the sale and what they had left. We bought a few treasures from a couple friends. We went back to my house cleaned up. Anything left over went in bags. Jaimie came and picked everything up loaded up his truck and donated it to the D.I.

After everything was put away the kids and I ran a few errands. We picked up pizza from Papa Murphy's and called it a day. We had a fun time at home. The kids were so good for me. I was really impressed with them. Conor loved being outside. I was grateful it was Saturday morning, because the kids watched cartoons for most of the morning. I hope I never have another yard sale for as long as I live.

Happy Fathers Day

I know Fathers Day was June 15th, but I figure better late than never. That seems to be my motto lately.





The kids and I got Ry a money clip that we had engraved. One side has his initials and the other side has #1 DAD. He asked for a money clip awhile ago after he lost$20.
He told us that with his insulin pump in his pocket he looses money when he pulls it out. I wanted to put a bunch of $ in the clip, but funds were low so I made him a IOU instead. I picked out a nice shirt for him too. I was pleasantly surprised when he liked the shirt. We celebrated Fathers Day on Saturday because he had to work on Sunday. My parents were over for dinner and my brother Kyle his wife Lesley and their five month old daughter Ella were here from Provo. It was a pretty special time because this is my brothers first Fathers Day. Sunday while Ryan was at work we went to my parents for a BBQ.

The Etm Expo

Friday and Saturday was the ETM expo at the shilo here in I.F. My Friend Devon and I had a great time. We both needed this little retreat. She had her thyroid removed two weeks ago. She's doing extremely well. She has twins that are three, Walker (boy) Jordyn (girl). Our kids love to play together. Which is good because Devon and I love to hang out. She is a stamp'in up demonstrator and is so crafty. I hope that a little bit of it rubs off on me each time we're together.

Here's a couple of the projects we made at the expo. This layout was so fun to make. I haven't journaled on it yet, but it's title is "A day in the life of me". Which was cool because not to often do we scrapbook ourselves.
This frame was a project Roberts art and frame taught. So cute love the colors on this one. It has a picture of a guy riding a Harley. I'll have to replace that with a picture of Ry on his when he gets back from Kansas City. This was a fun file folder album we made it was taught by Alicia King the owner of scrapalicious
Our family memories sponsored by heartstrings designs

They had fun give aways and prizes and grand prizes. Funny thing Devon kept winning the same kit by heartstrings designs...she won four different times and each time it was the same kit. I helped her trade some for thing other ladies won. The gal sitting next to me won the GRAND prize a pink scrap tote suitcase thing valued at $140 from Roberts. She was pretty excited. They did a dance contest in place of Melody's talk. Pretty funny. I'm just grateful I wasn't drawn as one of the dancers. Whooh! As we were doing our projects the ladies that were helping Kim from ETM would come by with scrap goodies and fill our huge bag. My cute girl Christy Tomlison stopped by with a special give away from Chatterbox courtesy of Melody. I get Christy's scarlet lime kit each month and it's so eclectic and fun. She puts together things I would never dream of and it works so pretty. Christy is kind of famous she is published in all the scrap mags. She works for Better homes and Gardens and just recently moved back to Shelley from Boise as she resigned from Chatterbox as a designer. She is so much fun and reminds me of Melody so much. She is so humble and down to earth. If you have time check out her blog. Well that's it in a scrap shell. I know I'm a dork!

It's Official

Summer has definitely begun! Every year I buy the kids a new swimming pool. It's just easier to throw the old one away at the end of summer, than to store it all year. I think this year the pool is the favorite one so far. It took me forever to get it all blown up and put together. Even with the help of the air compressor.

I know I'm crazy, I do it every year....buckets and buckets and 7 to be exact of HOT water. I carry these to the pool so the kids have somewhat of a warm pool. I usually make sure it's not freezing before I say OK that's enough. However it is HOT out today 88 actually so I think they'll survive if it's only lukewarm. (Jacob took this picture of me)
Marli said her favorite is the flower that's a sprinkler. Can You see barbie floating by in the background? Marli made me go find a boy barbie so her doll could have a boy to play with. Like her and Jakey.

Jacob likes the slide.

I took this picture for fun...I told Jake to pull up his swim shorts and he said why mom. He didn't believe me that you could see his bum. When I showed it to him he laughed so hard and asked me if I was going to put it on the blog. Well here it is. He said mom that's so funny, your always telling Mar to pull her pants up and you got me. Hahaha! I laughed so hard watching him look at the picture of himself. He cracks me up. No pun intended.


Jake was having a blast taking pictures of Marli and me.

In case anyone is wondering where Conor was when we were having such a good time outside. I took his picture so you can see for yourselves. He had a big day today.( Papa Bill picked Jake and Marli up at 8:30 for pre-school, so I wouldn't have to go out so early. He's the best Nanny anyone could ever have. His pay is pretty reasonable too. He's always asking me what he can do to help. If I tell him nothing we're ok, he just tells me Ok and finds someway to help me. I'm so grateful he is always so willing to help in any way he can. He's constantly bringing us new water jugs for our water cooler from Culligans. Running the kids to their activities. Tending the kids while I'm at work. Working on our cars. The list goes on and on. I love my dad and am so thankful he thinks it's fun to hang out with his best friends...Jaxon, Jacob, Marli and now Conor!) I took Conor for a nice stroller ride through our neighborhood. He went visiting teaching with me. I have a new partner and all new ladies, since our ward was split a month ago. Than we went and picked the kids up from Mrs. Di's. Marli wanted Artic circle for lunch, so we went through the drive thru for her. Jake wanted Burger King, So we went there. We washed the car at Cardons. Where Conor freaked out. It scared him half to death. After a couple more stops we went to Reed's dairy for milk, Cheese curds and ice cream. When we finally made it home he had had enough.

The kids thought it was hilarious that they were getting me wet. I laughed along with them. It felt good, but I wasn't going to let them know that. I love Summer and am so thankful it's officially here....finally!

More fun pictures taken by Jakey


This is what I saw when I went in the house to check on my little guy ....zonked out

Weekend Update

WARNING..............This post is Long!

We had a productive weekend. Friday Ryan let me sleep in and he got up with the kids. I really needed that extra rest. When I got up I emailed my friend Melody to see what time she would be in I.F. from Boise. She emailed me back saying to call her. I called her and found out she wasn't coming. Her eleven year old daughter Madi had a bad accident. She was running through the yard, when she stepped on a rake that was face up. The rake went completely through her foot. They had her at the hospital. I was so sad that I wouldn't be able to spend time with my friend. I was also so sad that her family had to take on another trial. She asked me if I would stay with my child or go to the Scrapbook convention she was the keynote speaker at. I told her she was definitely doing the right thing. She has sacrificed so much in her life. She has had to juggle so much with marriage, family her business. The conference would go on without her, no matter how much the ladies wanted to meet her. Her daughter Madi needed her mom.The doctors couldn't sew up Madi's foot because the hole was so big. She'll have to have surgery on her foot. Their hoping she will be able to keep her toe. Madi is such a fun girl. When I've taken the kids over to Boise to stay with Melody and her family, Madi is so much fun. She helps me with the kids and is so good to them. She's a free spirit and dances around the house and is such a joy to be around. Were praying for her!



Melody & Me

Marq & Melody



Melody & me




Look how little Marli is. Madi is the pretty girl in orange, the other beauty is Mallory, Melody's older daughter. Then there is Max making a silly face and Mitch. Jacob's in there too.

I went back on Mel's blog and found this entry she did awhile back on Miracles :
Lori and I met about 12 years ago at a seminar.....we both went gung-ho into selling health magnets (don't ask....) anyway...she lived on the other side of the state and the big conference was here in big old Boise.....and we met....and we totally fell in girlfriends-forever love with each other...........and then the bottom fell out of the health magnet market. (you heard about that, right?) and we both went our separate ways with magnetic insoles in our shoes....and years went by...and for a few years wrote back and forth emailing longingly............then, January 2006 we decided we couldn't wait any longer and she got in her car and drove 5 hours to see me!!!! It was absolutely wonderful....she was in the Pitts and needed a boost...and we had a blast....and she remembered her goals that weekend and started up on her big dreams again......
.....well, she knew I was looking for a miracle....and some fun.....my FUN CHALLENGE...and she showed up on Friday morning....and MAN did I ever need her..............and, we had the BEST weekend....so, see....I was expecting difficulty, I had my teeth gritted...I was ready to take it on....and then, through the door comes this little message from Heaven that there's always light in the darkness.........these are pictures from our January visit...and I know that miracles will happen again.
So....keep on expecting miracles.....keep on keepin' on as my friend, Joe Dirt says. Miracles will always come....even if they're small, they really are BIG....big enough to change everything.

I love her outlook on life. She was one of the most influencial people in me being baptized and joining the LDS church. She came and stayed with us when Ryan and I went through the Idaho Falls temple to be sealed for time and eternity. I knew her way before she was the CEO of Chatterbox. Ryan and I would stay at her home every first weekend of the month for silver training. I loved watching her with her kids. She has always been my role model. I didn't have kids yet when we would stay with her. I always wanted to be just like her when I had kids. She's such a fun mom. Se loves her family so much. I'm grateful to call her friend. She is going through some major ugliness right now. She has this amazing strength that I know will pull her through. I really wanted to spend time with her and recharge her battery. I know I need to pack up the family and take a road trip soon to see her.

So the scrapbook expo was awesome. My friend Devon and I made five projects sat from 8:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m. we had lunch with Betsy and then I ran a few errands and was headed home. Ry called me and was craving a cheeseburger from the Snakebite. I got a to go order and took it home. I was exhausted from scrapping. Conor and I took a two hour nap. When I got up it was time to take on the organizing for next weekends yard sale. Ryan found a great deal on a Harley, so we needed to clean out the garage..big time. Ryan signed a contract a year ago with some friends and co-workers that he would buy a motorcycle by a certain date. Anyone who doesn't comply has to pay $500. He's been looking for over a year now. A guy he works with found him a awesome bike for the right price. Only catch is it's in Kansas City Mo. It belongs to this guys father-in-law. Ryan is working nights this week. So Friday when he gets home he's headed for a 18 hour journey to pick up his HARLEY. Man was he motivated to get the garage cleaned out and organized. We worked so hard. The basement is cleaned out and so is the garage. Ry took a truck load of stuff to the dumps today. My dad is so excited Ry is getting a bike, so they can ride together. Papa Bill was looking for the right bike for Ry. He stopped by the house with a really pretty blue bike. Ry took me for a ride on it. It was fun.

Friday night we watched the movie the Bucket list. So good!

Jacob got hit in between the eyes on his forehead with a stick, Marli accidentally chucked. It was a accident and she felt really bad. Jake has a pretty bad cut, but assures me he's fine.

We had a fire in our fire pit sat. night and roasted marshmallows. The smores were so yummy. We all smelt like camp fire.

I'm grateful for all that I accomplished this weekend. I cleaned out eight Rubbermaid tubs of stuff. Cleaned out my closet. Organized the kids closets. Cleaned and organized the pantry. Wow I'm tired just thinking about it all.

This morning I got up with Conor at 6:00. I went back to sleep. I was dreaming of being a pioneer when something in the dream startled me. I woke up my alarm clock was blinking, not good. I looked at my watch it was 8:15. That's what time I'm supposed to leave the house. I jumped out of bed screaming. Luckily Ry was home and able to help me get everyone ready. On the way to work I called Dr. Fred and told him I would be late. He told me to relax and it would be fine. I got a hold of my dad and asked him to meet me at my office to pick the kids up. He said no problem. He asked me to bring bottles for Conor, he didn't have any at the house. I hung up with him and called Ry. He said he could run bottles over to Papa Bill after he went to the dumps. Good thing I didn't have to turn around. What a Monday! The kids have a T-ball game at 11:00. I'm hoping to leave work early tonight. I'm pretty exhausted! All in all it was a great weekend. We BBQsome good eats and spent some quality time as a family!

Conor James Eight Months Old

Conor is such a sweet, happy baby. He mimics Jacob and Marli's sounds. He says "Hey" when someone new walks in the room. He has two teeth on the bottom. Well actually one is totally in and the second is 85% in. His second tooth has really been giving him trouble. We've had a couple nights that nothing soothed the pain. Conor rolls to almost anywhere he wants to. He tries really hard to crawl. His arms know what their doing, however his legs haven't a clue yet. It won't be long before he is on the go. He does this funny fish out of water thing, where he's laying on his stomach and his arms and legs are out and he moves them up and down really fast. It reminds me of a yoga move. It's hilarious. We are really enjoying Conor. He loves to be held and snuggled.

Today Conor was laying on my bed in between a bunch of pillows drinking a bottle. I ran downstairs to throw a load of laundry in the dryer. I heard a huge thud and a scream. I ran to him and he had fallen off my bed and was laying on his stomach. He some how managed to get out from where I had blocked him in with all the pillows and rolled off the bed, taking two of the big pillows with him. I felt so bad. I scooped him up and he cried pretty hard for a few minutes. We won't be leaving him anywhere alone ever again.

I can not believe my little chubs is eight months old today. It seems like last week we were waiting his arrival. I think of all Conor has done for our family. He really is a tremendous blessing. I feel his mission here on Earth is to heal our families broken hearts from the loss of his sweet brother Jaxon. In the last couple months I have witnessed Ryan bond with his son and his heart beginning to soften. I have felt my own heart fill with unconditional love for this sweet boy and see a remarkable resemblance between Conor and Jaxon. I know the dream I had before Conor was born is a blessing from my Father in Heaven. Jaxon needed a helper and he picked Conor. I'm grateful that all my pain and suffering being pregnant with this sweet boy is so totally and completely worth it. We love you Conor!

Lite-Brite

Last Wednesday I was at a purse party when my cell phone rang. It was Ryan. Apparently Marli swallowed a lite brite bulb. Leave it to Marli. A nurse was at the house where I was and said it'd be ok. Ryan did call and talk to a doctor who basically said to watch for her to pass it. Marli was a little freaked out about it when I got home I hugged her and she said "Mom is the hospital going to cut me open to get it out"? I told her I didn't think so. Ryan had a big talk with her about when she went potty to tell us so we could see if she well ya know. She forgot and flushed the toilet before we could look. We'll never know. My mom always told us we got stupider as we got older. Kind of proves her point. Oh Miss Marli we love you and all your goofyness!

Summer?

Summer where are you? It's June 4th and it looks like April outside. Jacob and Marli started T-ball yesterday. They have 12 kids on their team. My dear friend Kristi Bialis is the coach. We had a early morning practice at 9:00 a.m in the brutal wind and light rain showers. The kids are doing a summer reading program with Mrs. Di. So right after T-ball we rushed to Mrs. Di's house. I'm hoping it warms up soon.

Conor is on the move. I was making my cards for my monthly card swap last night, when little Chubs (I know that's a oxymoron)was playing on the floor in my scrap room. He spotted some plastic paper bags and was on the move to get them. He scooted his heart out until he reached them. I put some blocks out for him and he was loving going from one side of the room to the next to reach them. He has his first tooth coming in. It's 75% in. It's on the bottom right side. I just want my baby to stay this age forever. He loves to talk to us and smile and just is so happy. I am loving him so much right now.

I finally broke down yesterday and got four new tires on my car. My dad was putting air in my rear driver tire every few days for the last month or so. The two front ones were pretty bald. Just like my cute hubby!

I'm so excited I talked to my best friend Melody last night she's coming over on the 20th with her family to visit us. The kids are so excited to see each other. It'll be the first time in forever that Ry will see them. We can't wait.

I have so many photos of what we've been up to the last couple weeks. My computer is not wanting to load them however. I'll get it figured out soon.

The Five Finger Prayer

Five Finger Prayer....This is so neat. I had never heard this before. This is beautiful - and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers , doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president no matter how you voted, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Don't tell God how big your storm is, Tell the storm how big your God is!!!
It only takes a single thought to move the world; let that be love!

Three weeks Later

Seriously where does the time go? I haven't even thought about blogging lately. Life has been so busy. Today as I'm at work I realized I hadn't updated this blog in quite some time. Here's a brief update. Last Friday I had several tests done on my back. There's several spine specialist that are working together to see what they can come up with. I have gotten to the point where the pain is unbearable. I had a MRI a couple weeks back and there were a couple areas the doctor was concerned about. I went in for a CT scan which went way better than the MRI. The technician had to run a I.V. for the contrast. He was the same tech that did my MRI. He remembered me and was very nice. Before he started the contrast he told me three symptoms I may experience. First the contrast may make you warm and nauseous. Kind of like sitting in a hot car. Then a metallic taste in your mouth. Finally he said for lack of a medical term you may feel like you wet yourself. He said he had this done before and they didn't tell him and he was really embarrassed. He thought for sure he'd soaked the table. I made it through the scan and experienced all three symptoms. I was glad when it was over.


I had a appointment Monday with Dr. James Taylor. I was a little nervous. I thought I would be able to go back to work after the procedure. When I checked in at the hospital the nurse told me I wouldn't be able to go back to work. Ryan dropped me off and would pick me up when I called him. I had twelve different injections. The test was diagnostic as well as for pain relief. I laid on a table under a x-ray machine for close to two hours. The doctor looks at each segment of my spine on the x-ray and then on the right side where most of the pain is coming he would do the injections. He explained to me the reason for using the x-ray machine was to stay away from the spinal cord. He can see precisely where he wants to put the needle on the xray. I take x-rays at my office so I knew exactly what he was talking about when he would use medical terminology. Half way through the doctor told me he couldn't believe how strong I was and that he didn't think he would ever let anyone do this to him. That didn't make me feel real good. The numbing shots hurt so bad. The purpose was to find the facet joints and fill them with steroids as well as pain medicine. If it helped then the doctors could say it was joint pain in my back and go from there.The joints are so small that they could only do a little at a time. It hurt so bad! My neck was killing me from all the injections. When it was over the nurse helped me up. She said I was pasty and to not stand up for a bit. I had a reaction to something and my chest and arm broke out. After a hour I was OK. The nurse kept telling me she was so impressed at how well I did. She said repeatedly " You are one strong lady". I was proud of myself that I didn't swear. Ryan was waiting in the waiting room for me. The injections helped slightly. My pain level went from a 9 to a 6 on a scale from 1-10...ten being the worst.



Jacob and Marli had their Outback field trip yesterday. I was able to take them as well as three of their classmates. I had five cutie pies in my car. We had so much fun. My friend Michelle Vandyke-Hernandez's little boy Bryson came with us. He's in Jacob's "Dude's club". His grandparents were our neighbors when we lived on Circle S. John and Carol Vandyke. Bryson's cousin Austin is 9 and he was Jaxon's friend. My brother Kyle worked with Michelle at Wall to Wall carpet. We're going to get the boys together over the summer.



Marli has here big dance recital tonight at the Civic Auditorium. Last night was the rehearsal. Ryan and Jacob mowed the lawn and played video games while I took Marli and Conor to the Civic. I was glad I brought the stroller. We were there for a hour and a half.When we were leaving I was talking to my friend Stacy. Marli told us "I danced my little heart out". Thankfully Marli performs twice in the first act. At intermission tonight we can leave. Last year we went to watch our friends girls perform and we were there until 10:00 p.m. I have to work tomm. so I'm hoping to get home before 9;00. I was happy to hear that Dance Tech is having a professional video it so I can just sit back and enjoy the performances.



The kids have been doing pretty good. We had the stomach flu come through our house with a vengeance. Conor was the only one who didn't get it. I had my carpets cleaned after everyone was feeling better.



Mothers day was nice. I was able to have breakfast with my mom and spend part of the day with her. Ryan and the kids got me the new book Host that I wanted by Stephanie Meyers. I stayed up Saturday night until 2:00 a.m. making cards. I went upstairs to get a drink of water thinking it was midnight. I couldn't believe what time it was when I looked at the clock. I made myself go to bed even though I wasn't tired. We had a great time with Ryan's family Sunday afternoon. The 10x20 picture of all eleven grand kids turned out beautiful. Ryan's Mom really loved it. We missed Mark, Erin and Luke. They were sick.

We needed to stop by my mom's on the way home. Ryan was going the wrong way. I asked him where he was going. He told me not to worry about it. I was confused for a minute and then I realized where he was taking me. He told me my other son wanted to see me. He took me up to the cemetery to see Jaxon. I hadn't been up there for awhile. I always have a really hard time on Mothers Day. I was able to spend some time alone there. I could feel Jax with me. I miss him so much and wish so badly we could have him here with our family. Ryan told me he felt prompted to take me to see Jax and said it's the least he could do for his son. Which meant the world to me.


We got a new BBQ because ours died. Ryan told me it was for Mothers day. He BBQ Rib eye steaks Monday night so I guess it was a gift for me. I do love steak. We had homemade hash browns and corn on the cob .



The kids have their pre-school graduation next Friday the 23rd which is my birthday. It will be a special day. It'll be the third time Jacob graduates from pre-school. He is actually graduating for real this time and will start kindergarten at Ethel Boyes Elementary this Fall. Mrs. Di is doing a summer program for a few kids. Jacob and Marli are going to be in the program. It will be a fun program that she is going to play learning games with the kids and get them reading. It's just two days a week. Hopefully it won't be the same day as T-ball. Marli told me she wants to take swim lessons again. I told her maybe this fall when Jakey is in school. She will go to pre-school two days a week instead of three . She'll have dance Friday morning instead of Tuesday afternoon which should take some stress off of me.

Conor has been rolling all over the place and sits up for short periods. He loves to sit in the highchair at meal time and eat. He tells us off if we don't share with him. He thinks he's such a big boy.He knows the difference between baby food and what we eat. Lately he's started telling us off. I'll give him small bites of bread, potato,pasta or other soft foods. He smacks his lips and tells us it's good. He is so much fun. He's starting to say dadda. Whenever he see's his dad he lights up. He laughs and jumps and wants his dad.

My best friend Macy just stopped by the office and she brought her baby girl Maya. I can't believe she is three weeks old already. She finally has a baby that looks like her. She looks exactly like Macy. Linda Macy's mom said she feels a special connection to Maya. She said it brings back a lot of memories of Macy as a baby. I love her whole family. They have been such wonderful Friends to me over the years.

Alright I better get my work done so I can leave to go get Miss Marli ready for her recital.

Fun Times On Simon Street

I have really been enjoying the kids and trying to keep them occupied with fun activities. We've been baking chocolate peanut butter chip cookies. Yummy!

Jacob loved the Vanilla bottle and he was the one who got to add it to the batter.
I told him it was special vanilla our friend Linda got us when she went to Mexico. He thought it was even cooler.


Conor LOVES to pull his sister's hair. She is always telling him "No, No Conor don't pull your sister's hair"! He just smiles at her.

Today on the way to my office Jacob was riding in the front with me. He asked me what's electricity? I said I know who to call. Papa Bill is an electrician and he has the answer for that one. I dialed my dad's work #. I was surprised when someone other then my dad answered the phone. I asked if Bill was available. When the guy said yeah. I told him Bill's Grandson had a question for him. When he got on the phone Jacob said "Hi Grandpa,it's Jacob. I'm going to school. I have a question for you . What's electricity?" Papa must have been busy. He told Jake they would talk about it when he sees him next. I was surprised Jake said OK and said" I love you bye".
No matter what the kids are playing they always go over by Conor and talk, sing, or play with him. He loves the attention so much.
Marli is always asking to hold her baby. She does such a wonderful job of helping out and being a big sister.
I made french toast for dinner a couple weeks ago . We all love it except Jake. He's not into pancakes or waffles or french toast. I tried to explain to him that he loves scramble eggs and that's all french toast is bread dipped in the egg batter. Ryan and I finally talked him into trying it. He surprised us when.....








he dipped it in his catsup from his eggs. GROSS!!! He laughed and said "MOM, you have got to try this. It's so good"! So trying to teach him to have a open mind I tried it. Guess what it wasn't bad.

Marli....I really don't even know what to say. She keeps us all laughing. She's always entertaining us with her goofey'ness. I'm so grateful she is such a free spirit.
I came across this precious picture. We took baby Conor to Bob & Jo' s when he was three days old. Conor was laying on their couch. Marli kept loving on her baby.
Conor looks at Marli and kind of studies her . He doesn't know quite how to handle her. When she's wild he'll close his eyes and pull away from her. Then she'll be so sweet and gentle with him and he lights up.

Conor loves to lay on the floor and stretch out. I swaddle him so tight at night to get him to sleep good. When he wakes up if he can get his hand or arm out of the blanket he will not go back to sleep. He thinks he needs to eat. In the morning when I unwrap him he gets so excited. He stretches out and grins so big!
Conor's trying to move around. He'll push off anything he can dig his knees or feet into. He rolls from stomach to back really well. He can roll from his back to side and then on to stomach if he sees something he wants to grab and put in his mouth.


We've been playing with lots of play dough and cookie cutters and making our own way to have fun with it. Jacob made a fishing pole with his purple play dough yesterday. We've been painting and doing some fun arts and crafts too. Using the abundance of craft supplies I have in my craft room. Yesterday the kids found water guns in Jake's toy box. Before I filled them up with water I explained to the kids...there are three things you can not squirt OK? People, cars and animals. They agreed and off they went . They had a blast. No one came in screaming or bawling. They got more wet from my neighbors sprinkler than their water guns.