nickandabby

scooter and play

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Adelyn got a Radioflyer scooter last week with her Christmas gift from Papa Ray :) She looooves it.
We are out there pretty much everday and she goes up and down the sidewalk and up into the neighbor's drive.
I can't believe my baby girl can use a scooter!
Yes, I am watching Mason while I'm videoing this :) he did almost make it to the street at one point...but he listens pretty well for the most part (thankfully!) :)

happy valentine's day!

2012-02-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

adelyn's {unintentional} room redo

2012-02-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning on doing Adelyn's room. It just sort of happened. A few thrift store finds here. A Craigslist find over there. A super clearanced duvet cover and a few gift cards later...and we were on a roll.

I liked her room before, but since we can't paint.....the white walls with the explosion of hot pink was a little overwhelming.

So here is a little tour of what it looks like now. I did include where I got things because I like it when other people do that :)

I had been eyeing a duvet cover at Pottery Barn Kids for a while, then saw this identical one on SUPER clearance at Target a few weeks ago.

{for some reason, the dark pink keeps translating really pinkish red in photos...it isn't :) }

{all bedding and pillows from Target. Table: WalMart last year. Rug: Hobby Lobby 3 years ago}

I about died when I found this early 1900s farmhouse-ish iron (that sucker is heavy, people) bedframe on Craigslist. It was exactly what I had been looking for. It came with a footboard that we aren't going to use, but may make it into another headboard years down the road ;)

...and BONUS....

it was already sandblasted and ready to paint!

I found this lamp at a local thrift store. Painted the brass base a muted light gold ( Rustoleum's Champagne Mist) and got the lampshade at Target. I got it 50% off because it has a mark and a fray on the backside...goes to show that it never hurts to ask :) booyah :)

The quilt is my favorite....Mom made it for Addy when she was born. I wanted to display it somehow...and since I took the felt bottom off of the lamp base (germies)....I figured it would be a good use for it to protect the dresser.

{lamp: thrift store. Shade, bird and bookends: Target (bookends are 3 years old) Plate, cup, quilt and piggy bank: gifts}
Nick stripped, sanded and painted the chest of drawers, dresser, and mirror that we had bought on Craigslist before we left Des Moines last year. Don't they look awesome??
The pulls were a splurge for us {from Home Depot}, but they were so worth it :)

{fan:Target. Tray, jewlery box, vase: thrift store. Bird and flower: Hobby Lobby}

I made this message board to hold all of her fun birthday cards and pictures.

I got this table lamp and the shade at the thrift store. I love the zig zag print and thought it would be okay to sort of match it to the other lamp...

....click here for that little how-to.

So that's about it.

Oh, and just to make sure I'm not fooling you into thinking everything here is perfect...
yes, her bed is made in the morning (most of the time)...but after nap it generally stays like this:

;)

Update:
Since I took these pictures, I found this piece of art hiding under our bed that I had found a while back...apparently it's from Target? I got it at a yard sale ;) I painted the frame white for some uniformity....
{her curtains are still translating redish on here....driving me nuts}

zig zag lamp how to

2012-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning on posting a tutorial for this last minute project, so I have no before pictures and no "in the process" pictures.

After alot of painters tape and alot of irritation, I figured out a method that worked for me.

First go around, I printed off a zig zag stencil from here. I thought I would follow this tutorial and translate it to the lamp shade...

well, the shape of the shade made that darn near impossible {although, I do think it would work for a more uniform shade, like a drum shade}.

I realized I was going to have to "free form" it because I didn't want to mark on the shade at all.

I used the seems of the shade as my marker for where I wanted the points to line up.

I tore a piece of painter's tape {I had 1" thickness on hand, so that's what I used} and placed it where I wanted at the angle I thought would work.

I marked where I would need to cut it with a pen, cut it, then repeated.

I did that the whole way around...it took about 20 minutes total to get it all taped.

Obviously, the angles weren't perfect, but I think for how small the shade is, it's fine.

I also marked off the edges around the top and bottom of the shade with tape b/c I didn't want to paint those.

Then I took it outside, gave it a few light coats of spray paint {Champagne Mist by Rustoleum}

and wallah! I was pretty stoked with how it turned out.

BTW...the lamp itself is painted Rustoleum Gloss White.

A little extra tips, make sure that the tape is pressed down really well before you spray paint. I actually didn't have any paint seep through, which I was pretty pumped about.

Do a few light coats of paint to keep paint from dripping and messing up your shade.

I hope this helps. You are more than welcome to email or comment if you have any questions :)

Stay tuned for a post on all the new changes I made to Addy's room ;)

including this other lamp::

{the inspiration for my small table lamp :)}

ps....if you missed this recipe I posted....check it out....SO yummy :)

lemon, parsley, parmesan chicken

2012-01-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

I made Martha Stewart's lemon, parsley, and parmesan chicken last week. Um, AH-mazing.
Miss Andrea posted it on her blog first.
The minute I saw the picture, I had to make it.
I took her comments of what she would do differently to heart and I actually made chicken breasts instead of a whole bird. I used the leftovers to make chicken potpie. So good.
I also used red new potatos instead of fingerling potatoes b/c our grocery store didn't have fingerling.
I made double the sauce as well...just because that's how we like it.
Anyway, click here for the delicious recipe.
Enjoy. :)

adelyn's 3rd {official} bday party

2012-01-17T23:24:00.000-08:00

I love birthdays. I love making a big deal out of birthdays.

Now that we got that out of the way....

We had Adelyn's official birthday party the Saturday after we got home from the great midwest (January 7, I think?) ;)

I originally had "grand" schemes of a rainbow themed party because Adelyn has been into Rainbow Brite and rainbows. Everything arched and/or colorful is a rainbow.

I realized, though, that I had given myself one day between us getting back (late at night) and having the party. So I scratched grand ideas and went store-bought and easy...and a facebook invite ;)

Booyah.

{thank you, Costco and Target)

The only thing "home made" at the entire thing was the cake...and it was not made from scratch.

So there.

;)

...without further ado...

Um, balloons are the greatest decor for a party EVER. They also make great party favors ;) along with silly straws. The kids had a blast with them....and they are just plain fun.

Adelyn wanted to "show" the table...

So we have the greatest friends and neighbors. They have a snow machine...and were gracious enough to bring it over for some fun in the sun in the snow ;)

It was really snow, though...more like teeny tiny bubbles...think laundry machine or dishwasher overflowing. So fun. I mean come on, people, it's bubbles!

The kids LOVED it.

{if you're wondering where Mason is...he was sleeping nearly the entire time...when he was up, he was a grouch. He was getting over roseola (boo) and we think he's working on his molars...}

I think at this point {below photo}, the blowers and gone out and the bubbles were just spilling out :)

These girls cracked me up. Adelyn loved having them over! She LOVES them...

Testing the cake before candles :)

Of course she had a meltdown right before we sang "happy birthday"...couldn't even tell you what about now...

Mason chilled with Jeremy :)

The girls opened gifts...

...of course a {friendly} balloon fight also ensued...

We had so much fun having everyone over. We have been so blessed to have met and made great friends.

christmas/ new year's recap

2012-01-15T20:03:00.002-08:00

We were able to fly home for Christmas and spend 2 1/2 weeks with dear friends and family! We had such a blast and the kids LOVED seeing everyone (of course, so did we!) :) Let me just preface that I didn't get pictures of everyone we were able to see (boo)...and I didn't post nearly even half of them on here :) If you want to see more, our picasa link is to the left... :)
Nearly the entire time we were back, it was in the 50s and even 60s instead of the usual 20s and 30s....thankful for the great travelling weather, bummed about the lack of snow ;)
We flew into MN and were with Nick's family there over christmas. We did drive to Southern MN for one day to see my brothers since Caleb and Josh were both going to be gone by the time we go to IA (Josh was in from the Hawaii for a few weeks on leave and Caleb was leaving the day after we would get to Des Moines). We spent the day at my Mom and Stepdad's lakehouse playing Scrabble and just chillin' :) It was so fun to be together, and I'm glad we got to see Josh before he headed back to Hawaii.

We went to church Christmas Eve and then to dinner and a White Elephant (so fun!) with the Morrison's. I forgot how much I love white elephant gifting...and the food was so YUMMY.

Christmas Day we had a yummy tea ring, the kids had stockings, and we opened gifts. It was chaos. Nana had a lot of help ;)

We got to see Ray and Ellen quite a bit too. So glad! We went to their place Christmas Day evening.

The day after christmas, we went to spend a week with my family and see friends.

We were able to spend quite a bit of time with my mom and Rob as well as my dad and Pam.

We drove to Boone one morning to see Nick's Grandma Jane. Her walker was a hit with the kids ;)

We had christmas with my dad and Pam the day after we got into town. So much fun :)

The Saturday (New Year's Eve) before we headed back up to MN for a few days before we flew out, we had a little get together so we could see friends as well as celebrate Addy's birthday.

We got to see Zeb, Bekah, and the girls (we also spent that evening with them), Amber, Tommy and Miles came by...a dear friend from college, Dave, stopped over....and my dear friend, Ashley came with her oldest, Abby. So fun to see everyone...I just was lame and didn't get a ton of pictures.

We spent a few more days with nick's family in MN before we flew back to Cali.

It FINALLY snowed up there, so we got to go sledding the day before we left. Adelyn had been before and loved it. Mason LOOOOVED it. Check out the kid's face in the pictures ;)

a HUGE thank you to our families for being so patient and gracious with us ;)

We had so much fun seeing everyone and can't wait to get back again soon!

xoxo

happy birthday, adelyn!

2012-01-11T08:29:00.001-08:00

My baby girl is 3 today!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

We love you!

xoxo

13-ish month stats

2012-01-09T18:33:00.004-08:00

Clearly I have failed miserably at keeping up with Mason's physical development ;)

We had his "12 month" check up today...although he is closer to 14 months at this point!

Okay, so here we go:

Weight: 21.5lbs (25%-ile)

Height: 31 inches (60 %-ile)

So brief update on little man. We think he's getting his molars..and he's just getting over roseolla (yes, he did wake up sick the night before we were travelling back to Cali...that's just the way it goes).

He's been walking for about 3 1/2 weeks now...he started trying right before we left for MN and mastered it out there.

He's still as happy and laid back as ever (EXCEPT when he's sick...then he is a definite daddy's boy).

He gets super annoyed if you get in his way of something he wants.

He doesn't get so bothered by Adelyn anymore when she randomly tackles him--which is often (it does, however, drive me crazy).

I could go on about how awesome our son is ;) but I'm pretty sure this is getting long enough.

He's great. We love him.

merry christmas!

2011-12-24T11:22:00.004-08:00

we hope you have a wonderful Christmas weekend! :)

p.s...my sis in law is a rockstar and designed about a million cards this year ;) check out her stuff HERE.

our family christmas

2011-12-17T10:26:00.002-08:00

6 years...and a little video :)

2011-12-15T21:00:00.001-08:00

6 years ago {December 16, 2005} I married the most amazing man ever.

In those 6 years I have seen him grow as a man of God and husband.....and I have seen him easily add the role of {incredible} dad to that list.

Happy anniversary, Nick.

I have been so blessed by you.

I love you.

xoxo

In other news. Mason decided to start walking on Monday night. I was sorting laundry in the bedroom and heard the kids laughing hysterically.

I came to check it out and this is what I found.

You can't really see it, but Mason takes his first 2 independent steps. Now he's doing it all the time and will take up to 10 steps before he decides he can get where he is going faster by crawling :)

Adelyn gets excited and shouts "he's walking!" every time he does it.

enjoy.

Disneyland highlights: day 1...loads of pictures, yo.

2011-12-13T15:20:00.001-08:00

teaser

2011-12-05T11:34:00.001-08:00

I have loads of pictures from our trip to Disneyland with the other Flies Family :) to share with you, but I have alot of housework to catch up on first ;) So here is a teaser for you.
We went on the "It's a Small World" ride...with all 4 kids. It's stimulation overload and it is loooong. The kids loved it. Mason was freaking out the entire time. Nick got a little video of him. It cracks me up everytime. I'm glad he had so much fun :)
enjoy.
xoxo

Thanksgiving fun

2011-11-28T11:05:00.001-08:00

first birthday party: yeehaw!

2011-11-23T00:21:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my baby is one!

We had a little party for him on Saturday and it was a blast :)

My sis in law designed the awesome invites for me. Check out more of her fun stuff here.

For decorations, I went pretty easy. I made a banners of scrapbook paper and natural twine.

I didn't get a picture, but I had blue and white paper chains in the kitchen and living room too :)

The table cloth is fabric I got from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon.

The cake is from Costco (so good).

I made rice krispy treats and "eggs and bacon" from this recipe I found on pinterest.

The little hay bale I found at Michael's and the sign is from Hobby Lobby last year.

The little barn is actually a John Deere piggy bank :)

Have to represent! ;)

I made cowboy boot and cowboy hat sugar cookies as favors.

It's hard to see, but the little sign says "hats off to you for celebrating with us!"

Thank you, dear friends, for celebrating with us! We had so much fun and are so thankful for you :)

One Year!

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

my baby is one!

Happy birthday, little man :)

we love you!

xoxo

Iowa Trip: October 2011

2011-11-21T09:50:00.001-08:00

he's home!

2011-11-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

My brother, Josh, is back on US soil! The USS Hopper made port this morning at Pearl Harbor!

I am so thankful that they made it home safely....I can't wait to hear his stories of things that he saw while "sailing the world" ;)

Sadly, we couldn't be there to meet him...and we don't get to see him until around Christmas. :(

His friend, Amy, was there to meet him (the above photo is one she took this morning)...and I think there were some other friends to greet him, so I'm glad he had someone there to hug him!

Anyway....welcome back, little brother :)

love you!

xoxo

friday quick 5

2011-11-04T14:18:00.003-07:00

I sometimes find myself lacking for blogging, and this way I can at least get one post in a week ;)Although, lately with all the travelling, I've had plenty to share :)
I'm borrowing the quick 5 idea from this lovely lady, whom I have only met once at a wedding in Burlington, IA when I first met and was staying with my bestie, Joni. She is super honest and so encouraging and fun....check out her stuff :)
So here we go:

1. It is 57 degrees here! It downpoured last night and sprinkled this morning. The trees are starting to turn. The sun peaks out once in a while. I couldn't be happier. :) Hello, fall.
2. I treated myself to my first eggnog latte of the season in honor of the chilly gloom. Then took Mason to get his flu booster shot. Adelyn was grumpy and got mad at the nurse when she "hurt my brother!" and she actually hit the nurse on the leg! I didn't know what to do! We had a long discussion and I made her apologize to the nurse (who was so gracious)....oh my...I have to be honest, we do spank once in a while. We always give her a warning that we will do it if she disobeys again (that way we know it could be coming and we don't spank in our own anger or frustration). When she hits, though, I feel like spanking can be counterproductive... so I really tried to explain to her why Mason was crying and how we don't hit others, etc.....as someone wisely put it (I wish I could remember where I heard this, but it has been stuck in my mind)...Punishment is easy, discipline is exhausting.
3. I have realized that my love of sleep negatively affects my family. Instead of having the kids be my alarm clock, I'm trying to get up a good hour before they do, so I can have some house work out of the way and spend some quite time....that way when they get up, all I have to do is get them ready before we head to the gym....ask me in 2 weeks how it's going :)
4. We successfully made it to Iowa and back with few meltdowns. Thank you, Lord! My kids rock at air travel ;). The ipad was a lifesaver. Suckers and books also came in handy, and we were blessed with having awesome people around us all 4 flights who were so gracious with my kids and willing to take Mason if I needed my hands...thank you!
5. Nick left today for a week. Boo. I can't even tell you the last time he was home for a full month. I am so glad he loves his job, but the travelling gets old. It really wears on the kids...thankfully, Mommy Survival Mode always kicks in and we do okay, but I crash the minute he gets back.

So there ya go. My first Friday 5 :) I'm going to try and get photos uploaded from our trip back to IA for next week. Enjoy the weekend! Happy Friday! :)

*ps...I think I got the comment situation figured out, so say hi! :) I'm telling you, comments are to bloggers what cards are to the lonely! ;) No lie...

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:50:00.001-07:00

little smarty pants :)

2011-10-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

We played a wicked game of hide and seek the other night...and our daughter busted out counting to 10 on her own...I'm so proud ;)

snacktime hilarity

2011-10-21T14:01:00.001-07:00

I was down the hall while the kids were eating their snack the other day, and I heard them just laughing hysterically...I came around the corner and this is what I found:

pumpkin carving and preschool?

2011-10-18T14:18:00.004-07:00

{Tinkerbell (stencil found here )and--what else?--John Deere}

Our first pumpkin carving experience was uneventful :) It was really hot outside and Nick and I did all of the carving....well, Nick did more, actually....I wrangled the kids.

Adelyn did not like the feeling of the inside of the pumpkin...she stuck her hand in once, freaked out, and that was it :)

Mason hung out in the exersaucer in the entryway...

Maybe next year when she is another year older, she'll like it a little more :)

She wanted a picture with the pumpkins....this night she was wearing one of my hairbands like this and kept running around saying she was "racin'"....

I made this recipe for carmelized pumpkin seeds with our carving "harvest". YUM.

Okay, so, an unrelated topic. Adelyn turns 3 at the beginning of January and is able to start preschool. I'm teedering on whether to send her or just wait until September. She LOVES going to play with her "friends" and "peoples" in the nursery when we go to MOPS, church, and MOPS bible study...and she LOVES going the kids center in the mornings when we go to the gym to play with her "peoples". I'm not worried about any separation anxiety....and she is toilet trained, so I'm not worried about that either. My hesitation is that once she is in school, she's in until she graduates high school! It's more of an issue with me, I guess....anyway....I have a few schools picked out and we are going to go visit...the other decision is Christian vs. Public.....the one I really like is not a Christian school, but the teachers are great and I've heard awesome things about them from ladies at MOPS.

Those of you with kids in school, when did you start your kiddos?

first project::finished!

2011-10-10T13:22:00.002-07:00

I finished my first scarf a few days ago...I have a few more in the making and I'm working on a pair of gloves! Next class we are learning "knitting in the round" so I can make hats...joy! :)

rainy day love

2011-10-05T13:04:00.001-07:00

I love rainy days. Don't get me wrong, the sunshine out here in CA is fantastic and there is plenty of it....but there is something about a rainy day. You need one now and then :) We haven't had one since May.

Mason slept in this morning, so Addy and I just hung out by the door watching and talking about the rain...toddler style.
She wanted to eat breakfast by the door too...so we did....it was the best.
Don't you just LOVE kiddos in jammies? One of my favorite things EVER.

{on a different note...check how long this girl's hair is. I can't get over it...}

L-O-V-E

2011-10-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

new favorite past time

2011-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

{oh my word, excuse the magenta overtone. I can't figure out how to edit it out...}

I love to read. If you know me, you know that fact. I go through books rather quickly (it drives Nick crazy). I will stay up until 3 am to finish a good book. No question.
A few weeks ago, I discovered a new hobby: knitting.
I decided I wanted to learn to knit or crochet, so I put out a request for someone to teach me on our MOPS facebook page. About 10 other ladies replied that they wanted to learn too and then start a knitting group. One of the girls told us there was a beginners class at Hobby Lobby, so I went.
It's so easy and I am hooked. Scarves and blankets are my specialty right now :) but the next class is learning a new stitch and how to "sew" the garter to make gloves, sweaters, etc....I am SO excited. :)
I asked the lady teaching the class if she would be interested in doing a special class for our MOPS....I haven't heard back, but I am hoping she says yes...
Here's to new past times....
:)

uncle jake's visit

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

So my baby brother flew back with the kids and I from Iowa. Let me tell you, he was awesome. He took care of Mason while I had Adelyn. She was spiking a fever that day and it got pretty bad on our flight from Denver to CA (to the point where I considered staying the night in Denver because I was nervous about her being that sick on the plane). She was scary boiling hot. Tylenol and alot of prayer brought it down for most of the flight, and she started to spike again right before we landed. She was fine the next day, so I'm not sure what the deal was.

Anyway....Jake was awesome and I'm so glad he was able to come out with us.

Because our flight was changed, we lost a day with him, so he was only here for a day and a half before he had to head back (boo).

I love my brothers and am glad he was able to stay for even a little bit!

We did alot of just hanging around :) That's about it. We had planned a trip to the mountains, but with that lost day, decided we didn't want to spend the one full day in the car. Next time I guess.

I royally failed in the picture department! This is the only one I got of him here. Boo.

{watching a movie before bed}

{Mason crawling around after his bath. Jake is here, you just can't see him :)}

Adelyn LOVED having him around and kept asking for him after he left.

Anyway, thank you, Jake, for all of your help. You are the best!

Love you! Miss you!

IA visit: we miss you!

2011-09-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

As always, it was so sad to say goodbye. I miss our families so much!

We love you guys and miss you so much!!

My brother, Jake, flew back with the kids and I...thank you, Jake (pictures to come)! What a blessing that was :)

That was actually our final "hiccup". We were supposed to leave DSM at 6:45pm, but our flight to Denver kept getting delayed later and later, until finally it was cancelled (lightning on the runway in Denver)....we changed it to 4pm the next day, so we went back to Mom and Rob's and had one more day with them :) I know they were tired, but I'm glad we had one more day :)

Thank you, Mom and Rob, for letting us take over the house :) and use the car!

IA visit: Ashley and Katie

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

guess whose child would not cooperate? ;)

The kids and I spent one morning with two of my oldest friends, Katie and Ashley and their kids.

Katie and I have known each other since preschool, and Ashley and I met in 5th grade at church.

I love these ladies. They are amazing women and I miss them!

Each of us has 2 kids....it's still crazy to think we have kids!

It was fun to see them. A little crazy. My daughter was having a rough morning that day, but they were gracious about it (thank you, ladies!).

I didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked, but I will take what I can get! :)

Next time, though, I think a date sans kids is in order ;)

love you, ladies! :)

addy's and mason's rooms

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

{Addy's room is actually a dark pink, but it's translating reddish. The comforter I got last year on clearance at Target for $8(!!) The lamp is from Marshall's and everything else is from her previous room}

{the horse monogram is from etsy. The dresser and crib were Addy's. The crib bedding was from Target 2 years ago. The nightstand is part of Addy's dresser/chest of drawers set from craigslist that Nick stripped and refinished. The lamp is from Target.}

Taking a break from the midwest trip posts, but not to fear, there are a few left ;)

Slowly but surely, I am getting the kids' rooms somewhat finished. It's driving me NUTS that I can't paint the white walls. I can hardly stand it. I would LOVE to paint Addy's room a really pretty grey and do some sort of stencil on one of them. (like this one).

Mason's room is pretty much done.
If you know my husband, then the decor of this room won't surprise you at all. :)

(since I took this picture, I switched the crib bedding from the stripes facing out, to the polka dots...looks way better)

The picture above Mason's bed, is a poster adhered to an art canvas. I didn't like the look of a frame, but didn't want to just tape the poster to the wall. I got the canvas idea from here. Looks way better for sure.

I have some new drawer pulls that I spray painted oil-rubbed bronze to put on the dresser. Nick stripped and refinished this dresser for Addy's room last year and I thought it looked better in Mason's room...plus we got another set for her :)

Addy's room is the least finished. We still have to strip and repaint her dresser and chest of drawers. I got them off of Craigslist right before we moved. I think we are just going to do a basic white and get some glass drawer pulls. Keep it classic. That way I can do accent colors in the photo collage, curtains and pillows. I want to find a fun rug too. I'm planning on doing some sort of stencil on the curtains. I found some grey curtains that I would rather do, but pink is what we have, so I'll hafta work with it :) I'm going to switch out all the scrapbook paper I have in the photo collage for more grey/blue stuff..eventually :)

I'm also going to recover the pink lamp shade and take out the pink and green puff balls that are inside...maybe keep the pink, but add grey and white or something? I'm not totally sure yet. I hafta work with what I have since my decorating budget is pretty much $0 for a while ;)

Anyway, I've had some family members ask for pictures, so here ya go :) Any project ideas or thoughts, I'd love to hear them! ;)

look-a-like?

2011-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

{ Mason 7 mos.}

{Adelyn 6 mos.}

I can honestly say that I haven't pulled out pictures to compare Adelyn and Mason around the same age. I have been curious....I just haven't done it.

So here is my satisfied curiosity.

{Adelyn 7 mos}

{Mason 7 mos}

You can definitely tell them apart, but they definitely look like brother and sister. :)

Eagles' visit

2011-09-13T06:00:00.001-07:00

Last weekend our friends, Nate, Jess and little Liam came to see us! I cannot even explain to you how excited I was to see them and meet their new little man!!

They live about 3 hours from here near the Bay Area, and it's oddly a comfort having people we know in the same state :)

Nate and Nick were on the worship team together in college (I think Jess was too for a bit?) I knew Jess in college, but not well. But let me say, these are 2 of my favorite people :)

Liam is the cutest and is so much like his dad. Holy moly. He has this serious face that is SO cute.

We mostly hung out at the house. Friday, Jess and I went to Hobby Lobby and In-n-Out burger...the guys watched the kids :) Saturday we went to the foothills and spent some down at the river (that is actually a lake in the winter and spring). It was fun to walk in the refreshing water. Addy had a ball getting in the mud and water! The current was strong, so we made her hold our hand, but she still managed to go under a couple of times...it's good for her, right?

Can you believe she had a baby 5 weeks ago? I mean really, it's just not right to look this good after having a baby :)

Sadly, these are the only picture I thought to take. I keep forgetting to get the camera out.
We had so much fun with the Eagles' and can't wait to see them again :) Thanks for coming, you guys!

IA visit: the Riker family

2011-09-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

We were able to see our dear dear friends, the Rikers, while we were back. We were neighbors and then became good friends, especially after Claire and Addy were born, since they are only 3 months apart. Mason and Norah are about 3 months apart now too. I can't tell you how much we miss these guys!!!! If the house on the lake doesn't work out :) then we are moving next door to these guys again :) That's all I have to say.

Mason with his betrothed :) although, I think he finds her dress more interesting at the moment...

Besties

getting a decent picture of these 4 was quite a feat! ;)

We got to see Bekah and the girls at the park the next week, too, and then we met up at the splash park before we left town.

Did I mention we MISS them??

It was SO good to see you guys! We miss you and can't wait to see you again...

better yet, get out here to Cali!! ;)

IA visit: Storm Lake and Great Grandma Jensen

2011-09-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

My mom's family is from Storm Lake and I have alot of great memories from being up there with my grandparents and the rest of the family. After Grandpa died and Grandma remarried, she moved and we hadn't been up there in a while. Both of my mom's sisters bought houses on the lake, though, and we get to go up there again :) I LOVE it, and am fully convinced that I need to live on a lake somewhere someday.We went up there for the Fourth and then Mom and I took the kids up again the following week for a few more days so we could see my Grandma. We took Adelyn in the boat. She hated the life jacket, but once she got past that, she loved it and kept yelling her version of "faster!".
I got to see my cousins over the Fourth and their kiddos (cutest kids ever, people). Then my cousin, Brooke, lives in SL with her hubby and 2 year old son, Drew...so I got to spend more time with them the second time we were up there.
Thank you, Laurie and Russ, for letting us stay with you! We had a blast with everyone and we miss you!

My cousin Jill's little girl, Jensen. Seriously, how cute is she??

Drew boy, how sweet is he??

Adelyn driving Uncle Russ's jeep and going for a ride with Daddy

At the park with Drew:

chasing the geese, Drew on the slide

Mason in the swing, Addy and Drew on the rocket thingy

Mason with his blanky (he LOVES that thing), Adelyn and Drew chasing geese :)

On the merri-go-round (those things are the best!)

On the boat

Mason and Grandma before a walk to the park

View from the house...full moon on the lake....amazing...

We got to spend some time with my Grandma. I love her :) It was good to see her!

IA visit: Great Grandma Flies

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Nick's aunt and uncle brought Grandma Flies down to DSM one afternoon (thank you, Mary Jo and David!). I'm so glad they did! I think she had fun seeing the kids. She got to see Mason and Adelyn around Christmas time before we left, so I'm glad we got to spend some time with her and Mary Jo and David. Ardyce was in town too, so she came over as well. It was fun to have everyone together.

We also got to see Grandma Lebo (Ardyce's mom), but I forgot my camera! Ardyce got some pictures, though, so I'm going to see if I can't track some down from her :)

Nick took this rare picture of Adelyn looking at the camera and was proud of it, so I thought I'd share :)

Kiddos with Great Grandma

favorite spot and in the walker

2011-09-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

Mason mastered crawling AND got his first tooth while we were in Des Moines.
His favorite spot to crawl to and around was under Mom and Rob's table. If you couldn't find him, that's the first place to look :)
He also loved the walker at my mom's. One evening, the weather was actually bearable :) so we let him loose in the cul de sac while Adelyn played with the neighborhood kids in the backyard. That is her hollering in the backyard.

IA visit: The Flinn Family

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

with two year olds, this is as good as it gets... :)

We got to spend one (too brief) evening with the Flinn family.

Let me tell you, Miles is the cutest ever....and I love spending time with Tommy and Amber!

I am always so encouraged by them and they are just so easy going :)

Addy and I did get to see Miles and Amber at the park too, but I failed in the picture department there.

We had fun with you guys, and we miss you!

somebody is going to be an amazing big brother someday :)

he loved giving Mason kisses. Too cute.

funniest face ever

IA visit: Grandpa Bob and Gram

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

We got to see my dad and stepmom while we were back. We always have fun over there :)

By the time we left, Addy had started call my dad "Bob" haha....

Also, she got to have her first sleep over with them! She did amazing (I knew she would) and they had alot of fun.

My brother, Jake, came over too....these pictures crack me up:

Mason and Grandpa

One more of Dad and Pam with the kids :)

We miss you!!

IA visit: Grandma, Papa and family :)

2011-08-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mom and Rob with the kiddos

I'm not going to lie. Seeing all these pictures definitely makes me home sick...

We drove down to IA about a week after we got to MN. Nick was there with us for a week and then he came back to CA while the kids and I stuck around for another week and a half.

We stayed at my mom and stepdad's while we were there (thank you!) and were able to spend some good time with my dad and stepmom as well as a few wonderful friends. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see everyone we would have liked....

Anyway, my nephew's mom, Yvonne, is getting married the first weekend in September to an amazing guy (yay!). Truthfully, she is more like a sister to me, and I am so excited for them! He has a 3 year old boy, Oman, and let me tell you...they are going to have their hands FULL with those two :)

Adelyn adores Noah, and she followed him everywhere and wanted to do whatever he was doing. Which, of course, annoyed the crap out of him! :) He is 6 years old...Adelyn is still a baby according to him :) He was a good sport about it, though :)

Here are some pictures of us getting to just hang out one night before the kids and I headed back CA.

Noah and Mason. Mason getting to jump on the pillow pile. Addy romping around with the boys.

These pictures are hazy because the humidity was so bad outside, my lens kept fogging up!

Noah and Oman goofing around...Adelyn joined for a bit :)

Uncle Caleb rocks :)

my cousin's wedding and on the road to iowa

2011-08-21T08:00:00.002-07:00

Our first weekend back in MN, we went to my cousin's wedding. His wife, Heidi, is from the area, so that worked out well for us! :)

It was SO fun to see family and the wedding was beautiful. Reed looked handsome in his tux and Heidi looked amazing.

They moved to TN for Reed's job and are now down there for a bit.

Congratulations you two!

Mom and I. You can sorta see where my shingles was...boo...thank the Lord my dress covered most of it!

A rare picture of Nick and I sans kids :)

Aunt Judy and cousin Steven

hanging out waiting for the wedding party :)

{from left: Uncle Barry (mom's brother) and Aunt Lucy, Allan (Gma's hubby), Grandma holding little Jensen, and my cousin Jill}

The lovely couple

Now we are on our way to Iowa :) Nick's dad let us borrow his car for the week that Nick was with us (thank you, Ray!). What a blessing that was! The backseat was smaller, so Addy and Mason could see each other pretty well. They frequently broke out into loud laughing sessions and conversations. I tried numerous times to get a good video of it, but everytime the camera came out, they stopped. Boo.
Here's the best of what I could get :)

treadmill slide, Mason hopping and chillin' with Sis

2011-08-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

So I have 3 videos from our time in MN....we used Nana's treadmill in the basement as a slide :) that was a big hit....Mason was starting to hop/scoot around by the time we flew out there, I wanted to catch it on video before he figured out how to crawl because it cracked me up. A little over a week after I took this, he mastered crawling....way to go! The 3rd video is just Adelyn and Mason doing their thing :)
Enjoy :)

MN visit: we miss you!

2011-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in Minnesota with Nick's family and time flew by way too fast!

It was fun to watch Ella and Adelyn play.

Ella finally warmed up to Nick the night before we left...he fed her a cookie :)

It was so good to be back. Christmas can't get here soon enough :)

We miss you guys all so much.

We love you!

MN visit: at the park with Ella

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

In Minnesota, we spent alot of time with Kyle, Sara and Ella (thank you, for making time for us!).

We had alot of fun with them and Ella is just the sweetest little thing. :)

We spent alot of time at Ardyce's or their house, but we did get to the park one afternoon with the girls.

They played on the playset and swings, then we busted out some fun bubbles that Auntie Steph gave them (thank you, Steph!)

It makes me sad that we don't live closer to them, but what time we do get to spend with them is always the best :)

We love and miss you guys so much!

MN visit: the zoo

2011-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo one afternoon with Nana and Uncle Kyle, Aunt Sara and cousin Ella.

The girls had fun seeing the animals and walking around.

The zoo was nice because it wasn't huge and just had "the basics". Lions, tiger,s giraffes...that's all you need when there are toddlers involved :)

We watched some show with a seal. Adelyn loved it for the most part and was clapping along with the music.

Ella enjoyed it too, but I think she was more interested in all the people :) she was too cute, let me tell you.

Oh yes, Mason was there. He was in the carseat in the stroller most of the time, but Nick let him out during the seal show

No, I didn't take any pictures of animals....the fun for me, is watching the kids look at the animals :)

I wanted to get one of all of us in front of the zoo, but it was getting hot, toddler and infant were getting tired....what can ya do? :)

We had fun and the company, of course, was the best part of it :)

MN visit: Grandpa Ray and Ellen

2011-08-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Among the many fun activities in MN was spending time with Grandpa Ray and Ellen.

Adelyn always has a blast with their Tonka truck and tools that they keep stashed in the sunroom. She knows right where to find it :) She was also just plain all over the place....go figure...

Mason got ample time with Grandpa and Ella was just as sweet as ever ;)

I had my first taste of rum punch....um, can you say yum?! Why have I never had this experience before. It was so good!

We had a blast sitting out on the deck (this was pre-ridiculous humidity and heat) sipping yummy drinks, chatting and watching kiddos.

Ah, those summer days :)

Thank you, Ray and Ellen, for your hospitality and letting our crazy toddler take over the sun room ;)

As with everyone else, there wasn't enough time and we had to leave too soon!

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked...but when there are kids involved, it's way too easy just to leave the camera in the bag and not deal with it :)

But here's one more for the road:

MN visit: family, lake walks and coffee

2011-07-30T20:57:00.003-07:00

I'm finally getting our trip to the midwest documented :) I have a lot of pictures, so instead of showing them all at once....I'm going to do mini-installments for a while :) I definitely won't be short on things to blog about for the next week or so ;)

SO...first we landed in Minneapolis on Wednesday, June 22. I broke out with shingles that night (ooh, that stuff HURTS)...apart from that, it was fairly smooth sailing ;)

We stayed with Nick's mom (thank you, Ardyce!)...

...and spent ample time with family. We also got to spend some time with Nick and Alan's bestie, Dan (can you use "bestie" when referring to male friendships? well I just did).

We made a few trips to the lake and partook in the tradition of Caribou Coffee. West coast, you are missing out. That's all I can say.

Here some are pics from one of our walks to the lake...

I can't tell you enough how much fun we had in MN with family and how sad it is that we aren't still there! Thank you again, Ardyce, for being so gracious with the early mornings :) and sometimes uncooperative sleepers! :)

Stay tuned for our zoo trip, time with Ray and Ellen, my cousin's wedding, and fun at the park with Ella! :)

midwest happenings

2011-07-16T07:09:00.001-07:00

So we have been back in the Great Midwest for the last 3 weeks. We flew into Minneapolis at the end of June, drove down to IA at the beginning of July and are still here. Nick was back in Cali last week for work, but the kids and I didn't have anything else to do, so why not stick around?? ;)
I have LOADS of videos and pictures, so I won't be wanting for post topics for a long time :)
Here are some snippets of what's been going on:

I broke out in shingles the minute we landing in MN (let me tell you, it sucks and it HURTS)
Mason is crawling like a maniac and is nearly 8 months old!!!
Mason got his first tooth and is working on his second
Adelyn has many new phrases, such as, "are you kidding me, mom?"
Adelyn LOVES boat rides....
...specifically fast boat rides AND fast car rides....you frequently hear her in the back seat hollering "faster!" (Thank you, Ray, for letting us borrow your car! Thank you, Mom, for letting me commandeer yours as well!)
Mason LOVES the walker
Mason's favorite hang out spot is under the kitchen table. Never fails...put him down, he beelines it for the table

We have been getting loads of family and friend time...my cup is definitely overflowing :)
I can't wait to share all the pictures and video with you!
The kids and I fly back late Tuesday night (my littlest bro is braving the toddler/infant effect and flying back with me...thanks, Jake!)....I'll try and start posting the goods when we get settled again :)

i really love....

2011-06-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

Loreal's Sublime Glow moisturizer for medium skin tones.

So I know a while ago I posted about how I love Jergen's Daily Glow Moisturizer, but my loyalties have changed. I still use the Jergen's daily glow facial moisturizer, but I have since discovered Loreal's version. I love this stuff! Being in California with the crazy blazing sun (seriously...there is definitely a difference in the intensity from IA), I slather the sunscreen because I don't want to look like I'm 50 when I'm 30 :) and I don't want skin cancer, and I don't want sunburns! But I don't want to be translucent either :)
Enter the lotion. I get a pretty color without the stink! Seriously, why do all the tanning lotions SMELL?? This stuff isn't as bad....it does have a fragrance, but I don't feel like I smell like a tanning salon :)
Anyway...I like it. Just wanted to share :)

what we've been up to

2011-06-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

98% of the time....

...we are outside...

...doing this...

...and all I can say is...

How in the world we survived without a yard for so long is beyond me :)

(I know we did because we had to, but still...)

*Adelyn is "calling" "Nana", then "Dy-ah" (aka: Diane. aka: Grandma. aka: my mom), then "Wee-Wee" (aka: Trinity...the neighbor girl who is also 2 and has the reddest hair you have ever seen!)

cloth diapers: crash course from a rookie

2011-06-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

*hi, Alex :) I thought of you when I was editing some of these. Are you rolling your eyes at me, yet?*

So after much deliberation (we are talking months here), we crossed over and switched to cloth diapers :)

Everyone who start off with or switches to cloth has their reasons. My first was I was starting to feel bad adding so much to already heaping landfills :) The second was to save money in the long run. :)

When we decided to go cloth, I wanted it to be as easy as possible. No liners, no pockets, no covers. Simple. I hate laundry, so the less I have to do, the better :)

Enter the BumGenius Elemental all-in-one.

My sister-in-law uses these. They are the ones I was considering the most and after hearing how much she loves them and hasn't had an issue with leaking, etc....I was sold.

We bought "bulk" packages save a couple bucks (these babies [pun not intended, but I'll go with it] aren't cheap!).

I. Love. Them.

Granted it's been only a few weeks, but I love how EASY they are!

My little man's rump looks pretty cute in them too ;)

One of the biggest deterents from going cloth earlier was all the info out there! It was so overwhelming! There are SO many opinions and ideas and suggestions. They made it seem so hard!

Steph was great and answered alot of my questions (thank you!).

Thankfully, it's not so bad.

The hardest thing about them so far was the first time I put one on Mason. It took me 5 minutes to get it right! I couldn't decide the size I wanted it to be on him. Then everytime I tried to snap the "size" snaps, he would twist or roll over and the diaper would bunch wrong...

grrr...

Then, in a moment of sheer genius, I realized I could snap it to size before putting it on him :)

*duh*....after a few more times, I am now a pro at putting the diaper on him :)

PS...I love the snaps.

My favorite go-to resource has been http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/

So here is my crash course on cloth made EASY (I love that word). :)

I'm not an expert, but I can tell you what I've learned so far:

Washing:

So cloth diapers need to be run through full washing and drying cycles a few times before use to "jump start" and increase their absorbency :) Organic cotton needs 5-7 wash/dry cycles.

For those initial washes, just do hot wash, cold rinse. Detergent-wise, you only need a TINY bit. Like MAYBE half a tablespoon.

You can dry cloth diapers on medium to low heat (some say even high heat, but I like to play it safe).

I actually line-dry our diapers.

So....now that they are in use, washing/drying is a little different.

I do a pre-wash on cold. Then hot wash and cold rinse. Sometimes I'll do an extra rinse to make sure I got all the detergent out to protect little man's bum :)

You don't want to us ANY additives when washing diapers (fabric softener, vinegar, baking soda, etc) it messes with the absorbency and fabric softeners/dryer sheets make them repellent...which defeats the purpose of the diaper!

Poop Stains:

Baby poop stains nearly everything it touches. Especially the formula/breastmilk poop. My comforter, sweatpants, nursing camis, socks, wall at our old house (our little guy is talented)....

Here is what I've learned helps minimize staining and getting rid of stains:

Spray down the diaper so it's "soaking". Even though you don't NEED to spray off breastmilk poop....soaking it helps keep staining to a minimum.

Set washed diapers in the sun. Whether it is in front of a window our outside, the sun bleaches out the stains. That's a big reason why I line-dry. Our diapers still look as good as new :)

Supplies for CD survival (a little dramatic, but you get the point):

*not everyone needs this stuff....I'm just sharing what I have found helpful and why*

*12-24 diapers (we have 15 and I wash them e/o day) I got mostly white, but a few colors too because we (by "we" I mean Mason) go without clothes around here alot and the colored diapers are pretty cute by themselves. :)

If we have another girl in the future, OF COURSE I'm going to get some cute pink ones! :)

*flannel wipes we haven't gotten these, yet...but disposable wipes are now a PAIN because you can't just stick 'em in the diaper to toss....flannel wipes work just fine and you can toss 'em in the wash with the diapers.

* detergent for your CDs (I got a sweet deal on Nellie's detergent online) You want to make sure you use the right detergent to keep your CDs working right :) Here is the resource I used for picking detergent.

*diaper sprayer for the poo (we got the bumgenius one, but Alan and Steph made their own)

*wet/dry bag (hanging for at home and small to keep in the diaper bag) These bags contain the smell and have a liner to keep everything in the bag :)

I found a great deal online on a PlanetWise hanging bag (in "art deco") It has a zipper on the top that I just unzip and toss the whole thing in the wash. The diapers come out in the wash, so I don't have to touch any day-old dirty diapers :)

Steph has a Fuzzibunz bag that she loves.

*rope/line to hang diapers on (I loop ours to the fence on a diagonal so I can take it down when we aren't using it)

*back up disposables I keep these around, so if I can't get to laundry in time and run out of diapers, I'll have some back up :) I only had to use one so far! We also will use them when we travel because I don't want to have to worry about doing laundry! :)

So there ya go. My limited experience knowledge.
Everyone's CD journey is different. Cloth diapers definitely aren't for everyone, either.

Choose what works best FOR YOU. :)

Steph has a lot more info and experience with CDs, you can read more about their journey here, here and here.

I really love...

2011-06-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

...projects!

I should clarify...I love projects that involve some sort of craft, redecorating, rearranging things. :)

So this involves 2 projects.

The first is a photo collage above our couch my sister-in-law helped me do at the beginning of March.

My inspiration was this collage on Young House Love (if you don't read their blog, you are missing out!) in their daughter's room.

Then I had to redo the whole thing a few weeks later because the house got painted. :)

*I just realized this picture looks super sloppy! I was a at a goofy angle, but I promise they are better spaced out and straight....this picture makes it look weird!*

The blessing for that was that I discover these 3M velcro picture hangers!!

If you haven't seen or tried these babies, let me tell you....they are awesome.

I found them at Target.

Hanging a photo collage is super hard because you have to measure where each photo hanger on the back on the frame is....they are all different....you measure wrong a few times...grrrrr....

with these velcro hangers, you stick 'em on the frame, press 'em on the wall and wall-ah! ;) You are done. No peppering the walls with nail-holes until you get it right. Which is nice for us, since we are renting. :)

I had a mini-level that I held against each frame while I hung it, so I didn't have to worry about it getting off-kilter.

Anyway...sorry the pics aren't the best...I was in a hurry. You can't see it, but I had tweedle-dum in his excer-saucer begging for a nap....and tweedle-dee clinging on my leg, whining (ugh, the whining!) to go outside....

;)

Along with pictures from when we were dating, married and kiddos.....I added non-picture stuff for variety.

Hobby Lobby is AWESOME for this kind of stuff, by the way.

They have 50% off frames and knick-knacks all the time. Never pay full price when you go there, people. It will always be on sale in a day or two. :)

Project #2 involves the silhouette I did of Adelyn.

I used to go to a friend's house when I was growing up. They had one for each of the kids and I always wanted one.

I decided it's going to be a new tradition for our kids. When they turn 2, they get a silhouette :)

I picked 2 because that's when there's more of a distinction between boy/girl appearance (like pony-tails!) but they still have that "baby-ness" about them. :)

You can send photos in to websites who will do it for $50, but I did mine for less than $5 :)

I didn't take pictures of the process, but here is my super-easy how to.

Take a picture of your child (preferably against white wall or something for easy tracing). Adelyn was watching a movie when I took mine :)

Supplies needed:

photo

cardstock (I used black for silhouette and antique white for mounting, more contrast)

x-acto knife

tape

glue

Order a print in a large size (I ordered 8x10 and 5x7 because I wasn't sure how big I wanted it to be)

Tape black cardstock to large cardboardpiece.....or wood would be better if you have it.

Tape picture over top of cardstock.

Use X-acto knife and slowly trace around silhouette.

That's it!

I taped Adelyn's silhouette to antique-white cardstock.

I kept the photo tracing in case I want to redo it in the future.

Not bad, right?

SO easy.

I promise :)

yum

2011-05-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

Mason had his first rice cereal experience last week. :)

I love this kid. He cracks me up.

I couldn't get the camera to focus very well, and please excuse the nuts-o toddler. She was wanting "a bite" of what her little bro was having.

Have I mentioned how much I L-O-V-E having two kids? Don't get me wrong, we have our near-breakdown moments...but I am just loving it and still ready for #3.... (maybe if I hint enough...)

haha...

Oh, by the way, Nick gets a little surprise at the end of this video too :)

*no, we aren't pregnant*

I really love...

2011-05-27T08:00:00.005-07:00

...my Arbonne makeup primer!

So I've heard alot about makeup primer this last year and thought that since I rarely wear makeup anymore, it wasn't something to pay attention to.

In April I had my first primer experience and I got hooked!

This stuff makes my skin feel like velvet. I notice now when I forget to put it on. My skin feels "rougher" (for lack of a better word. The one I use also has a mattifying effect so I'm not shiny :)

I wear it even when I don't wear makeup because I think it helps that much :)

It also extends the wear of your makeup (if you are wearing it!)....and keeps it looking "fresher" longer :)

Good stuff, I tell you.

My mom uses whatever one Costco carries, and I have heard that Sephora has some great options too.

I just use the Arbonne one because I really like their stuff....but find what works for you!

If you haven't tried a primer, you are missing out ;)

Uncle Caleb's visit

2011-05-25T08:00:00.002-07:00

So my little brother (birth order review: me, Josh, Caleb and Jacob), Caleb, came to spend a few days with us right after Papa Ray left.

He was only here for a little less than 3 days (lame, I know) before he had to be back in DSM.

Adelyn LOVED romping around with him and hollered for him when he was gone for more than a few minutes. "PAYUB (Adelyn's version of "Caleb")!! Where are you?!"

Sunday, he got here in the late afteroon. We just hung around and did a whole lot of nothing :)

We did donuts Monday morning...

Monday afternoon, Caleb and Nick drove to the Sequoias (I wasn't in the mood to handle a toddler and infant on a 2 hour hairpin turn car ride through the mountains). We grilled that night and just hung out.

Tuesday morning, Caleb and I took the kids to the park while Nick worked.

Then Nick took him to the airport around 1-ish.

"Where are you, Payub?"

It was really hard for me to say goodbye to my brother.

We love you, Caleb.

Thanks for coming to see us :)

Let's make it a longer visit next time! ;)

6 months ?!

2011-05-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

This little man turned 6 months old yesterday!

Seriously....WHERE does the time go?!

This little guy is so easy going, fun loving, finger chewing, rarely fussing, sister loving, bottle despising, always smiling (except when I want to get a picture!), rolling over, jumping loving, action watching, snuggling and cuddling, did I mention smiling? One of the "easiest" kids I have ever met.

He actually sleeps! If you don't remember, Adelyn rarely napped for more than a half hour at a time....although now she does (finally!) a 2.5 hour nap in the afternoon...

Everyone who spends time with him asks, "does he ever stop smiling?" .

No, he really doesn't. He could be in the middle of crying because I'm not feeding him fast enough....get a glimpse of Nick, Adelyn or I making a face at him, and start grinning...

seriously....

We have been so blessed by this little boy and we are so in love.

Having 2 kids has been the most fun ever....and I still say we should just go ahead and shoot for # 3 ;)

do you think they're related?

Adelyn's new hairstyle has been double french braids...you obviously can't see them in these pictures, but I love her little "Heidi" look :)

Shakin' it up around here, I guess. :)

So in love, I'm telling you.

So in love.

another visitor...and fun news! :)

2011-05-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Ray, aka: Papa Ray....came to see us for a few days last week :)

Adelyn LOVED having him around and I'm pretty sure he got tired of hearing "Papa!" after his first hour of being here ;)

We did some playing outside and yard work :)

Adelyn had to help, of course :)

We went out to eat his last night here. Thankfully, Adelyn did pretty good (much thanks to the itouch and Tinkerbell-- seriously, I don't think we'd ever be able to go anywhere if we didn't have that thing) ;)

Thanks for coming, Papa Ray!

We loved having you here and can't wait to see you (and Ellen) again in a few weeks! :)

xoxo

**in other exciting news, our newest niece--Elsie Grace--was born early this morning @ 4:25am....7lb 1oz and 19.5 inches! Woot Woot! :) Congratulations, Alan and Steph and Nora! We love love love you! xoxo

what we have been up to...

2011-05-17T20:53:00.002-07:00

That's right, my baby girl is potty trained! :)
Seriously, the only way I could get her to sit on the pot for more than a few seconds was to let her watch Care Bears on the ipad.
Yes, I am that mom. It worked, so I don't care what the APA would have to say about that. ;)
Yes, that is a basket of books next to her. That is now our current method of "potty entertainment". Although, she doesn't really need it because she goes almost the second she sits down! Woot woot!
No, we did not use the 3 day boot camp method (although we did consider it....by the way, the ebook is NOT worth the $17)...I didn't have the time to be cooped in the house and Nick didn't have more than a day and a half to spare to help watch Mason. I let her pick out her potty a few weeks ago, but was waiting for a time when we didn't have company or something else going on. We started last Monday of sitting on the pot every hour until she went. We had alot of accidents the first 2 days, then it just clicked.
She wears pull ups for naps and bedtime. She wakes up dry from her naps now and goes right when we get her up....
I'm so proud of my baby! :) She gets a sticker and a skittle every time she goes.....and she gets so excited!
We have had some successful outtings....the only accident outside of the house was at the park yesterday and she had a little doodie...woops....
We are still working on #2...we have thrown away half of our underwear supply, so no success there yet....but we are getting there ;)
What else is new? We had 2 special visitors from last Wednesday until today :) More to come on those fun times.
Stay tuned...

***since posting this, I've had a few emails asking what I did to potty train Addy. I sort of jumbled parts of the 3 day plan and advice I had from numerous moms to fit what I thought would work for our stubborn little girl ;)
A bit before we started, I let her pick out her little toilet and her underwear (I bought about 30 pairs because I knew some would be going in the garbage). I had her toilet in the bathroom for about 2 weeks before we decided it was time. She got used to it being there and even started sitting on it (with pants on) to read books and play.
Monday morning, she got up and I told her we were going to start using the big girl potty and no more diapers. She fought me all day (and still does every once in a while) about sitting on the pot. She just didn't want to do it (thank you, ipad and books). Every hour or so, we would have her sit until she went...if 20 minutes went by and she still hadn't gone, we'd let her get up.
We didn't make a big deal when she had an accident. We just reminded her each time that it wasn't okay and "no, don't potty in your panties".
The first 2 days we had quiet a few accidents. She would sit on the pot without going, and then a few minutes after she got off, she would pee her pants (grrr). Then Wednesday, it clicked and she started having less accidents.
We don't go every hour now, but after she drinks something, I give her about 30 minutes and have her go sit. If it's been a while since she's gone (like 1.5 hours), I'll have her go. And she goes when she gets up from sleeping and before she goes down for naps and bedtime. She is getting better about telling me when she has to go too, but I still have to ask often ;)
So there ya go....that's what we did. Take it for what it's worth ;)

ramblings of making friends

2011-05-06T17:47:00.003-07:00

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We have been in California for almost 4 months. It feels like forever.
I don't mean that in a bad way, but January feels like it was so far away! Mason isn't a newborn anymore. Adelyn's vocabulary has just exploded and she acts more and more like a child rather than a toddler everyday! My hair has gotten a little longer. The weather is way warmer :) and sunnier. You can't see the mountains anymore because the air isn't as clear....
alot has changed since we first came out here.
Moving away from everyone and everything we know has been a huge leap of faith for us....but we were--and still are--confident that this is where we are supposed to be for a while.
Thankfully, Visalia is in one of the more conservative areas of CA :) and is a bit smaller than Des Moines, so we don't feel TOO out of place here :) People still as where Iowa is and keep confusing it with Ohio :)
The other night at small group, one of the guys was talking about how they "roll their hay" in Montana and he was just amazed and thought it was the coolest thing. Hehe....I really have only ever seen hay baled into rolls! :)
Anyway...
For weeks before we moved out here, I prepared myself to be uncharacteristically outgoing. I knew that if I didn't purposefully put myself out there, making friends and meeting people would be extra hard. Nick was going to be busy with work; learning the ropes of a new job. I didn't want Adelyn taking on my homebody ways :)
My goals were to find a church and a small group, and find a MOPS group.
We landed at Gateway Church of Visalia. I did something I never do....I filled out the community card with our information, what we were interested in (children's ministry, small groups, women's ministry, etc) and stuck it in the offering thingy.
I got a phone call 2 days later from Leslie, the children's minstry director. We talked for a while and she mentioned a small group that might work for us. After I hung up with her, I got another phone call from Cassy--a now friend--who led this small group with her husband, Mike. They met on Wed. nights at the church so we could take advantage of the nursery services because Awanas met that night too.
The rest is kinda history :) 3 couples are in that group, and they are awesome :)
It turns out that Gateway hosts a MOPS group, so I started on that next. I met 5 amazing women (including our mentory mom, Judy, from IA!). Tracey and I have recently started meeting M,W, F at the gym (at 6am!!) and taking a circuit cardio class and a cycling class. She is the sweetest and I can't wait to get to know her better :)
Our neighbors, Alex and Shawn, have been awesome. Alex has one of those personalities I am jealous of.....she can get along with anyone and everyone. :) It's been fun spending time with her....and her kids are the cutest!
Cassy recently introduced me into working with Arbonne International.......after a few weeks of researching, talking and praying...I decided to go for it :) It has challenged me to get out there a little more and talk with people....and I know I'm going to meet alot more ladies along the way! :)
I am so thankful for the friends we are making and the people we have met. God has been good.
We have made more non-family related trips in the last 4 months than we have since Adelyn was born 2 1/2 years ago!
Although Mason won't remember any of it and Adelyn may only remember a little bit...I love the memories we are making here and am excited to make more :)
Things are going well. I still miss our dearest family and friends in the midwest every single day. I still cry once or twice a week :) Easter and now Mother's Day are especially hard because we always spent those days with family......but now we are celebrating those days with our little family...and we will be okay :)
I'm thankful for how God has used this move to stengthen our family and our marriage. I have had to lean on Him so much when I get sad, homesick, lonely, discouraged....and He pulls through everytime :) God always has been and always will be the only constant in my lfe. I am so thankful for His grace.

Mason's stats

2011-05-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mason finally had a well child visit this week :)

With Adelyn, I was pretty good about getting her in for her visits....I just kinda kept putting Mason's off. I did get him in at 6 weeks before we left for CA...but that was it ;)

Anyway....here are his stats as of yesterday. He's 5 1/2 months now!

weight: 16 lb (30 %-ile)

length: 26 1/2 inches (75 %-ile)

head: 15 %-ile

So there ya go. My growing little man!

If you're curious to compare with Adelyn, join the club.

I keep forgetting to check her baby book and I didn't do a blog post on her for that.

She is napping right now, so I can't go look :)

torn

2011-05-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my mom this morning about the news of bin Laden's death. I was telling her about how the crowd in the stadium at the Mets game broke out into a cheer of "USA! USA! USA!" upon gradually hearing about his death.
She mentioned that part of her was happy they got him, but at the same time...
I said that at first I was glad.....but then I got this pit in my stomach....because you can't doubt where he is now....

Scripture describes hell as the following:

Matthew 13:50 “furnace of fire…weeping and gnashing of teeth”

Mark 9:48 “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched”
Revelation 14:10 “he will be tormented with fire and brimstone”
Revelation 14:11 “the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever and they have no rest day and night”

Revelation 20:14 “This is the second death, the lake of fire”
Revelation 20:15 “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire”

How scary. It just makes me sick with the thought of anyone going there.
How could I be glad about anyone going there?? Regardless of how wicked their heart is or how evil their deeds in their life were?? Christ came to save all. You, me and bin Laden. We are all sinners. We all fall short of the glory of God. I don't deserve God's grace and mercy nor Christ's sacrifice any more than you do. No one is better than another...no matter how hard you "try".
I'm still angry. Angry for the deaths he caused. Angry for the families who grieve the loss of their loved ones. Angry for his hate towards our awesome country.
Part of me is still happy he is gone. Part of me is still sick with the thought of hell. Part of me wants to respond in the way that we are called to as Christians.
My brother in law, Kyle, is a theology professor at Bethel and always does a great job putting things like this into words. He wrote a blog about not taking pleasure in the death of the wicked. Read it. It's good. :)

mason's surprise

2011-04-28T20:49:00.001-07:00

I started recording this video just because. Nothing special.....and the boy rolled over for the first time! I did put my finger on his back so he wouldn't roll back, but I did NOT give him any help.....so glad I got his first roll on video!

Needless to say, he's been doing it ever since :)

The video is kinda long, he rolls over somewhere during minute 2.

the hubster

2011-04-27T15:21:00.003-07:00

Warning: The following contains material that may be mushy gushy and content describing feelings for one's spouse ad nauseum. Read at your own discretion.

I would like to take this moment to tell you how much I love my husband.

This isn't to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, Father's Day, or any other "day". This is just because.

I have been undeservedly blessed to have this amazing man in my life.

Why? You may ask?

Because of he person he is.

He puts up with my BS. He calls me out when I'm being ridiculous. He makes me want to be a good wife and mother. He makes me want to make every attempt to model myself after the Proverbs 31 woman.

He loves me....no matter how I look, no matter what mood I'm in.

He is one of my biggest cheerleaders ;)

He has grown in the years we have been married. He has made changes and sacrifices and "gotten better" at things to make this marriage work (this one definitely goes both ways....I have learned alot too).

He is an amazing man of God. He has a heart for those who don't know Christ. Everyday he is looking at how he can become more of the man God is calling him to be. His faith and heart challenge me everyday and I am so thankful that God is using our marriage to show me my blemishes and mold my heart.

He provides for and takes care of our family because he wants to. He could tell me he wants me to go back to work, but he encourages me to stay home with the kids and he doesn't mind at all (seriously).

He loves his job. He loves the challenges it has brought and he learns something new everyday. I'm so proud of him and how far he has come. He has never had the dream of "climbing the ladder", but he has come so far and has the capacity to go further if he wants.

He puts his family first.

He is an amazing father. It is so fun to watch him horse around and cuddle with Adelyn and Mason.

He loves being busy. He loves to take care of our home (like mowing the lawn, cleaning/organizing the garage, etc). He likes things clean :) This is a bonus for me....I still do a weekly scrub down, but it stays fairly clean during the interim. If we have a list of projects, I don't have to worry about them not getting finished...whether he is helping me or doing it on his own.

He loves to be outdoors. He loves God's creation and enjoying it.

I'm so much more in love with this man than ever before. I appreciate everything about him and everything he does for our marriage and our family.

I'm not saying he is perfect...what fun would that be and how would we grow if anyone was perfect? Why would need Christ if we were perfect?!

I could go on and on, but I'll keep the rest for myself for now :)

Nick is my best friend....the greatest husband....an amazing man....a fantastic dad.

I hit the jackpot, people.

Pismo Beach

2011-04-21T10:00:00.002-07:00

I love my husband's job :)

This last weekend, we went to Pismo Beach with Nick because he had to visit some more dealers in his territory.

I love the coast.

Adelyn LOVED the beach and the ocean (the water was FREEZING and it didn't bother her or Mason).

Our hotel was right on the beach, so you could hear the roar of the ocean constantly, and it was perfect since I was without a car this time...the kids and I could walk right out to the beach or walk on the boardwalk and downtown Pismo.

I have an obsession with piers. That was one of my favorite things to do was just walk on the pier.

This one was built in 1881 and was built to accomodate steamboat traffic (so cool!). It's been restored a few times from damaging storms, but I think it's so pretty and crazy to be walking 1700+ feet out onto the ocean! :)

this is from the boardwalk outside of our hotel (The Sandcastle...cute name, right?)

Mason chilling in the hotel while sissy is napping

Mason's first "dip" in the ocean :)

Adelyn has been in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans now :)

Nick and Mason hanging out on the blanket while I watch Adelyn run around and play with seaweed and anything else the tide left behind (yuck)

Mason looks like a goof in the hat :)

Oh well..it served its purpose well :)

Before we left for home, we ate lunch at this cafe. It has the most AMAZING clam chowder I have ever tasted. Period.

Have I mentioned I LOVE seafood? Because I really do.

at the end of the pier...Adelyn is mowing an ice cream cone :)

view of our hotel from the end of the pier. It's the white building with blue awnings on it. Cool, huh? :)

One more picture before we left for home.

Did I mention I love the coast? :) Because I do.

visitors part 3: my mother in law :)

2011-04-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have been terrible with updating this...and it's not like we are crazy busy...I just haven't felt like blogging.

But that's another topic :)

Nick's mom came to visit for a few days at the beginning of the month. Adelyn hogged her most of the time ;)

Time went by way too fast and it was too soon before Nick was taking her back to the airport :(

We didn't do a whole lot. Ardyce and Adelyn cooked and played quite a bit :). We went to the park and Chuck E Cheese ;)

It was a blessing to have her here and we loved spending time with her.

As always, it was hard to say goodbye!

We miss you, Nana Flies! Thank you for coming to visit! :)

We love you!

san diego

2011-04-03T14:31:00.001-07:00

One of the neat things about Nick's job is that he gets to travel to parts of California quite often. I decided that the kids and I are going to start going with him since a few of those places are on the coast or near the coast ;)

After my mom left, he had to go to San Diego for an annual meeting thing. He said we should go with him since there would be plenty for us to do. We did.....the drive was my least favorite part...and LA traffic sucks.

We got there Saturday evening-ish....and just had dinner with another JD couple and their little boy. Sunday it was cool and windy and rainy (boo). My brother recommended we go check out the USS Midway. It's a retired Naval ship that's open for touring. It was pretty cool. We couldn't get to a whole lot of places since the ship wasn't built for a double stroller the size of a bus ;) But what we did see was pretty neat and it made me really proud of my brother and what he's doing :)

It was so windy and cold on the flight deck...Adelyn was miserable. The planes were really neat, though, and I'd like to go back when the weather is nicer and Addy is bigger :)

Nick and I did take turns going down to the sick bay to check it out. Adelyn got antsy, so I paid $3 for an orange soda to occupy her. Yes, I am that mom.

We also went to an aquarium in La Jolla...I think Adelyn would have enjoyed it more if she wasn't so tired...she was interested for a bit, but got bored pretty quick :)

Monday, I decided to take the kids to the San Diego zoo while Nick was in meetings all day :) We got there and it started to down pour. Seriously? We high tailed it back to the hotel (which was downtown) and not 5 minutes after we got back, the sun came out and it was beautiful. Of course. I wound up walking around the city with the kids and there was a huge mall area about 3 blocks from the hotel....so we had lunch and walked around some more.

Tuesday we tried the zoo again and it was goreous outside! Let me tell you, there were some serious hills, though...and pushing a double stroller with a toddler and a carseated infant was a major work out...holy moly.

We had fun, though, Adelyn is currently obsessed with lions (or "roars") and we stood watching the lion for 20 minutes...he went around the trees where we couldn't see him and she was ticked. I still had to pry her away, though...

I had to bribe her with a sucker so I could feed Mason...she wasn't a fan of sitting still in the stroller with no animals to look at :) What can I say? When you're a single mom for the day, you do what you can to make it as easy as possible....well, I do anyway. :)

She had a blast watching the elephants. Their "area" was huge and there were about 6 of them! Pretty neat.

The grizzly bears were cool. One of them was playing with something and she was just tranfixed...look at the claws on that guy!

As we were leaving, I asked a nice lady to take our picture in front of the sign. Apparently, I should have been more clear and asked her to get the whole sign ;)

So I did my own little redo with Adelyn :)

I love staying in hotels, so when we weren't out and about, we were hanging out there. Thank you, ipad, what a lifesaver you were :)

After nap snack

My favorite little man...all clean and ready for bed :)

Adelyn got a balloon from one of the restaurants we ate at...

Wednesday was our last day, so the kids and I walked around in the morning, and were on the road by noon.

I hafta say, I love San Diego and want to go back without the kids :) We ate a some great restaurants and had a great time!

You should definitely go :)

visitors part 2: my mom

2011-03-30T10:00:00.004-07:00

My mom came out to visit at the beginning of this month.

I really miss her.

It was wonderful to see her and spend some time with her! This is the longest I have gone without seeing my mom. In my whole life. All 3 of the colleges I went to were within an hour from home, so I was back about once a month.

It's been hard having her so far away!

The weather was fantastic while she was here.

We didn't do a ton, just played at the park or outside really. But that was just fine :)
yes, Adelyn does have a little something in her drawers here...

We did get donuts Saturday morning :)

Adelyn got a little spoiled :) Grandma bought her a princess tent...

and this fun riding toy...

Mason had fun just watching the action...

although he did get a bit more worn out than Adelyn did :)

bu he still really loves his Grandma!

It was hard to say goodbye....that's the worst part. Why does time always go so fast when you're with the people you love?!

Thanks for coming, Mom. We really miss you and love you; can't wait to see you again this summer!

visitors part 1:: Steph and Nora

2011-03-28T15:56:00.001-07:00

Nick was gone for 2 weeks at the end of February, and--thankfully--these two came to see us for a few days while he was out of town :)

I have to tell you, it was a real life saver to have them come! It got us through the final days of Nick being gone...and I got to see two and a half of my favorite people! ;) (Steph is preggo...hence the half...)

Okay, so we didn't do a whole lot of anything special.. but we did manage to keep busy.

We did go to Chuck E Cheese one afternoon, and I hafta say I haven't been there in a REALLY long time.I think I took some kids I was babysitting for there one time when I was in high school....

p.s....Nora LOVES Barney.....cracks me up!

We went to this placed called Boingos. It's an indoor bounce playground.

Nora was all gung-ho about climbing up the gigantic slide. Adelyn was more content carrying around a Lego bin. I know.

We took the girls to the park...if you haven't seen the spinning videos, you are missing out.

We played in the backyard...

Mason chilled out too...

bath time was also a fun event...

...can't you tell? ;)

Mason enjoyed his too.

A good time was had by all :) I can't tell you how many time we were asked if the girls were twins. Even went they weren't dressed alike in their matching jackets (thanks, Nana Flies!) :) It was such a blessing to have them come over and time went by way too fast :( It always does.

Thanks, Steph and Nora, for visiting us! Come back SOON! ;)

next post? visitors part 2: my mom :)

quite a few happenings...

2011-03-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

...obviously I'm on a blogging hiatus (well, sort of) :)
Between visitors (Steph and Nora...and my mom!), a recent getaway trip, and daily happenings....I haven't taken the time to sit down and upload pictures and type things out....
not to worry, I'll jump back on the bandwagon soon ;)

latest undertaking

2011-03-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

So "way back in the day" I was a fairly "fit" person...I exercised alot and ran and was pretty active. Enter nursing school...I got a little less active...enter marriage, super budget and nursing school...even less active and no gym membership :) Enter kids and multiple pounds later...well...you get it :)
I really want to get back into running. It's my time. I can go on my own...30 precious minutes.
A new friend from my MOPS table hooked me up with the Couch to 5K running plan. I love it.
This was week one....and while I'm sore and a little extra tired....it's the perfect plan. I did revamp it, and instead of doing 3 days a week...I'm going for 4-5. My neighbor and new friend :) Alex, started it this week too, so she's kind of an accountability partner...no excuse not to run :)
Alot of the women I've met at our new church run, so I think that once I get myself going, it will be great to be able to run with them on Saturday mornings....I'm pretty excited.
I don't have a lot more to say other than I'm really excited to be getting back into running and hopefully getting into shape so I can keep up better with Adelyn, have more energy and get into my regular clothes! :)

for the grandparents...and aunts and uncles :)

2011-03-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

This is just random video before bedtime...

discipline is hard...

2011-03-07T21:18:00.001-08:00

...exhausting...challenging...rewarding (in the end...)

I'm still trying to figure out how to discipline Adelyn so she learns....we are learning what works for her. Spanking and smacking her hand doesn't do a whole lot, she looks at us like, "what the he** are you doing?"....Time out and taking her away from what she's doing seems to do the trick. She doesn't like being taken away from the social activity and sitting by herself with no interaction...
I've seen every example under the sun....I've seen moms absentmindely say "no no, honey..." while on their phone and then just letting it go...I've seen moms wack their kid on the hand for not taking a bite of food....I've seen moms calmly take their screaming child and put them in time-out and then go back to their task without skipping a beat...believe me, with all my years of nannying and babysitting (with a mom doing in-home dayce care, you get ALOT of references..) :) I have seen (and heard) it all.
We don't spank often because my biggest fear is that we will do it in the midst of our frustration and take it out on her and lose control *shudder* We don't just let things go (all the time)....I am learning to choose my battles, though :) I mean really, is it a big deal if she only eats 2 bites of veggies instead of 4? At least she's eating them at all.
It's a tough balance because although I require her obedience, I want her to learn and understand rather than be afraid of us....we don't want to be super strict and rigid to the point where our child rebels (believe me, I had friends who did because their parents were just unbending and ungracious), but neither do we want to be "ho-hum" and lackadaisical (oh yes, I did).....discipline is exhausting...the other day I had Adelyn in time-out 5 times before 10am...I could have just let the issue go because it wasn't a big deal, but I knew that she wouldn't learn if I gave up...it took 5 times, alot of tantrums and tears, but she figured it out and we haven't had to deal with it since. I mean come on, she's two.....
Anyway, I saw this post on someone else's blog, and I really appreciate that this woman can put into words what I'm thinking. My sister in law, Steph, works for the ministry Family Matters and has given me a few parents books (Graced Based Parenting and Raising Kids for True Greatness) that her boss, Tim Kimmel, wrote...I've started the first one numerous times, but never finished...I have a feeling from the title, that he may be along the same lines, so I'm thinking I may be picking that one back up with fresh eyes ;)
Anyway....everyone has their own style of discipline because every child is different....just remember that because I don't discipline the same way as you doesn't mean that I'm wrong and you are right (or vice versa)... it means that our kids are different and we are learning what works best for them.

spinning

2011-03-03T15:00:00.002-08:00

Steph and Nora came to visit for a few days this week while Nick is out of town (he's been gone for nearly 2 weeks [!!])

Yes, I have lots more pics and some more video to share of our adventures with 2 toddlers and an infant ;)

But here is sneak peak for you...

We took the girls to a park and put them in the spinny chairs :) If you have ever seen a toddler/infant try to navigate after being spun around, it's pretty funny (come on, if you have kids, you know you've tried it).

Check out Nora's video too...her's is definitely more comical than Adelyn's :)

i also also really love....

2011-02-27T11:00:00.001-08:00

These really cool state-specific :) glasses, pillows, etc by CatStudio!
Although we are now in California, the midwest will always be nearest and dearest to us ;) (enjoy the cheesiness?)
I'm thinking it would be way fun to get IA, MN and CA drinking glasses...
how fun are these?

You can also get some fun throw pillows (although kinda spendy)....and BONUS! They also do counries, so if you forgot to get a souvenir on the amazing trip to Paris, well...there ya go :)

I also really love....

2011-02-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

The Babystmart cooshee classic booster seat.

So my mom has ~~a million~~ four of these suckers at home for daycare kids and grandkids and let us use one for a while before we moved out here.
I love this thing. It's basically a self-sticking booster chair. It doesn't slide around and it works for any chair! No straps or buckles required. I love it. Adelyn sits in it just fine and we haven't had to worry about her trying to slip or crawl out.
I did go out and buy one for Adelyn today because she pitches a fit about sitting in her high chair anymore and she does just fine at the table...so it was time anyway :)
I love it and while it's a bit spendy ($39.99-$49.99 depending on where you get it)...it's totally worth it in my book.

my daughter's "mantra"

2011-02-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

Both of these are my darling daughter to a "T".
Today, the second one rang loud and clear :)
Oh the joys...
*sigh*

Toddler's Creed I
If it is on, I must turn it off.

If it is off, I must turn it on.
If it is folded, I must unfold it.
If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled.
If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
If it is high, it must be reached.
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.
If it has leaves, they must be picked.
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor.
If it is closed, it must be opened.
If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table.
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest.
It must be pushed by me instead.
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
If it is paper, it must be torn.
If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
If the volume is low, it must go high.
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.
If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor.
If it is not food, it must be tasted.
If it IS food, it must not be tasted.
If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
If it is a carseat, it must be protested with arched back.
If it is Mommy, it must be hugged.
I am toddler!

Toddler's Creed II (more so Adelyn's Creed)

If I want it, it’s mine.

If I give it to you and change my
mind later, it’s mine.
If I can take it away from you,
it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago,
it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it will never belong to
anyone else, no matter what.
If we are building something together,
all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine,
it is mine.

I REALLY love my....

2011-02-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

...Bissell Steam and Sweep.

Okay, people. I am. in. love.
I cannot stand when I walk into my kitchen barefoot (or even with socks) and I'm stepping on crumbs. I was sweeping AND swiffering my kitchen just about everyday...
Our house was uninhabited for about 5 months before we moved in, so everything had a layer of grime...the floors were just gross. I have swiffered and mopped and scrubbed, but the bottoms of our socks have been perpetually gray.
Ew.
Enter my early birthday present from hubby and kiddos :)
No cleaners or chemicals required. Just an outlet and water :)
It comes with 2 washable pads. It has a little vaccum to suck up the crumbies...and steam cleans my floor.
Booyah.
I still bust out the broom and will probably do a hard core scrub down once a month....because I'm a clean freak like that....but this sucker has been a life saver. :)

Pros

vaccums and mops at the same time
you don't have to wait for the water to "heat" or "steam" up. You just press the trigger button when you want steam. When you first fill the water and start it, you give it about 10-15 seconds and off you go.
washable/reusable scrub pads for "greenness"
not loud at all
gets my floors clean in a jiffy!
no water mess...this one doesn't randomly leave puddles of water while I'm using it

Cons

it does require an outlet (the cord is pretty long), so you can get tangled in the cord if you aren't paying attention :)
not as quick and easy as the swiffer....but it's gotten my floors alot cleaner, so I don't care so much

That, my friends, is my two cents on my new favorite toy :)
*bonus! Bissell is giving a $20 rebate for Bissell Steam and Sweeps bought in a store (Target, Best Buy, etc) before the end of March.
Here's the link if you are interested.

first california day trip

2011-02-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday we went to the Sequoia National Park and drove in the mountains. It was amazing. We couldn't believe how much like Colorado it felt :)

It took about 30 minutes to reach the mountains, then another 2 hours to reach 5000 feet :)

We stopped off at Hospital Rock to let Adelyn run around a bit and so Mason could eat.

Of course exploring with a toddler is interesting :) She insisted on finding the largest sticks and waving them around. In the bottom right hand, there were some little white butterfly things that she kept chasing :)

In the top left, she's jumping. She has a jumping fetish right now :)

Mason got to check things out too :)

It was then time to hop back in the car and keep going. I wanted to see the General Sherman Sequoia which was another 3000 feet up at least.

Of course, easier said than done. Adelyn did not want to get back in the car, so we were like this by the time all was said and done:

ah...

After ALOT of winding and twisting and hairpin turns (and finding out that our daughter is like her mother and does in fact get car sick...) We reach 5000 feet...and snow! Seeing the snow, it was like "aaaah, hello old friend". The trees in the Giant Forest are (surprise) huge! So pretty! The Sequoias are pretty impressive and ginormous!

This is a fallen Sequoia....

They hollowed out a walkway through it....it was pretty neat...

by the way, the pictures do not do this experience justice.

General Sherman

Nick and Adelyn in front of General Sherman...it does NOT do this huge tree justice...

...Mason wanted in on the action too.

aaah...snow..."hello, old friend, good to see you"

Oh, I'm sorry...did you want a mountain view?

It was a long day...

...but we survived our first day trip in California.

the power of prayer and a day of fasting

2011-02-16T09:48:00.001-08:00

Here's an udate on Nate and Natalie:

http://nate-natalie.blogspot.com/

Check it out. Keep praying! Pray for Mariah, that her mind will become clear and she'll realize what's best for Caleb. Pray for Nate, Natalie, Elyse and Caleb...that each day the Lord will give them strength and a peace for each day!

Tomorrow we are going to spend the day fasting and in prayer for Mariah and the Klausers.
Please be on your knees for them!
*pregnant and nursing mamas....obviously we hafta eat! :) Go for fresh foods only, like fruits and veggies... and some sort of natural whole grain...we still need our nutrition, but we can still participate :)

please pray

2011-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

So the details are not my business, but please please pray for the Klauser family.
They adopted a sweet baby boy born at the beginning of December. Having issues with the birth mother and things aren't looking the best right now. I guess she's been dragging her feet.
They went through something similar this fall where a birth mother who selected them to adopt her newborn son, changed her mind after he was born.
My heart is breaking for them. I don't even know what to ask you to pray for, but they could really use your prayers!
Thanks.

post nap conversation with mason

2011-02-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

I took this on Nick's iphone, and it's originally 4 minutes long :) What can I say? He was being so much fun! I had to cut it, though, to send it to my email so I could upload it here, that's why it abruptly cuts off.
ps...the plunger that Addy has is brand new and never been used....you'll see what I mean :)

post-nap time conversation and Adelyn's first crush?

2011-02-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

The first video I took when Adelyn was getting up from her nap. She was talking and playing in her crib and I wanted to try and get it on video.....
The second one I took the same day. I have a current love for the High School Musical movies :) and was watching the second one while getting some laundry done. Addy had just finished her snack and we were getting ready to go outside. This song comes on that Zac Effron does....Adelyn was transfixed with it! She got right up to the tv and started mimicking his dancing and just stared at him! I replayed it and she did it again! I realized I had to catch it on video, so this was take #3...she didn't stare at him or dance as long in the video because she caught me and got distracted :)
Anyway...I think they are fun.

toilet training SOS

2011-02-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Adelyn isn't even remotely interested in toilet training. But I am. :)
I called my mom today for some help/ideas...she trained 4 of us PLUS countless daycare kids for the last 20 years...so I'd say she has a bit of experience :)
She said let her pick out a potty/small toilet seat, make a habit of practicing sitting on the potty at regular times...even read while she's on the potty...the longer she's on there, the more there is of a chance that she'll pee at some point :) Once you're training, the diapers are gone. I'm totally with her on this. I think once Addy pees the bed a couple of times, she'll realize how annoying it is to be wet and woken up...so she'll stop :)
Anyway, today we went potty seat shopping. I didn't want a little pot for her because I've dealt with enough cleaning poo/pee at the hospital to last me a lifetime. I gave her the choice between Dora, Cars or Princess toilet seat. To my chagrin, she picked Princess. She held it the whole way home. I tried to get her all excited about trying her new potty seat.
We stripped down for a bath after supper and I kept saying "we need to sit on the potty before you take a bath". "Okay", she'd say. I set her on the seat. Holy tantrum. She HATED it. My daughter is terrified of the toilet.
This isn't the first time she's done this. A few weeks back, she was acting like she needed to do a #2 in her diaper. I depantsed her and stuck her on the toilet seat and she FREAKED out. I was hoping time would heal that experience wound, but apparently not.
While my mom has more experience potty training than Michelle Duggar (for reference, check out 19 Kids and Counting)....okay, maybe not that much? But pretty close :)....I need more mama advice :)
I know alot of you out there are preparing to train or have recently trained your kiddos.
How did it go? How did you prepare? Was your kid terrified of the toilet too??
Help me out here! :)

mason's birth story

2011-02-09T14:46:00.001-08:00

I was not planning on sharing this....no particular reason....just wasn't planning on it.
I've had quite a few people ask me about Mason's birth, though, and I like a good birth story as much as the next mama...so here ya go. :)
I had decided early on, that castor oil would be at the top of the list for getting this kiddo out if it got to be too late :) It worked like a charm with Adelyn, so why wouldn't it again? I had it planned out because my brother was home from the Navy until the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so I decided that if all was going okay and I wasn't measuring small or anything, then I would take the castor oil sometime before Thanksgiving. Nick was out of town up until the Saturday before Thanksgiving, so I was going to wait until he was home.
Mason had dropped quite a bit 2 weeks before he was born...to the point where I was pretty darn sure he would come while Nick was out of town.
He didn't.
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, I was so uncomfortable and just ready for him to come out, that around 4pm, I finally took the castor oil...in a chocolate milkshake. WAY better than the OJ method I had done with Addy.
After that, I just did laundry and was cleaning and organizing...you know...typical burst of nesting energy. Around 7:30pm, I started noticing that my braxton hicks contractions were getting "tighter". Around 8pm, I was still debating whether they were braxton hicks. They weren't a few minutes apart...they were about every 30-60 seconds, but I wasn't uncomfortable...finally around 10:30pm, I called my mom as an FYI, something is going on and we may have to bring Adelyn over.
I debated for a while whether to go in...then around 10:45pm, they started to hurt...they were still 30-60 seconds apart...we decided eventually to take Addy to Mom's and then go to the hospital. I think we got to the hospital around midnight.
By that point, they were HURTING. I was having back labor again (it sucks), and the contractions were still really close together...they monitored me for a while to see if I was in "true labor". I walked the halls (that didn't last long) and then sat in the jacuzzi tub (can I have one for my bedroom, please??) for almost a good hour. The contractions were still almost one on top of the other...I hadn't had more than a minute or so of a reprieve since 8pm. I was tired and basically bawling by the time they checked my cervix around 3am. They "confirmed" I was in true labor ( I coulda told you that!). I was begging for an epidural at this point. I think I finally got it around 5am. After that, everything was fine :) I think I was able to get a little cat nap in...Nick got a little shut eye too....not much, though :)
Honestly, I don't remember what time I started pushing (maybe around 9:30am?), but his head was turned the wrong way, so we had to do some "maneuvering" to get him to turn :)
Mason had the wimpiest cry I had ever heard! During my OB rotations, I got to be in a few births and those kids had lungs! Adelyn had swallowed a bunch of fluid when she came out, so her cry wasn't the loudest...Mason's wasn't either....he still has a pretty wimpy cry even now :) Adelyn, on the other hand, is the master of loud.
Anyway...Mom brought Adelyn to the hospital around 1:30 pm to meet Mason. She kissed on him and wanted to hold him :) Then she was grumpy because it was after her nap time...
I didn't even think about getting a picture of them together at the hospital. Oops. :)
So that's about it. Nothing too exciting :) Below is a video of the wimpy cry I was telling you about :)

Holy puffy, batman. This is right before we woke up Addy to load her in the car.

sweet little man :)

bathtime with tweedle dee and tweedle dum :)

2011-02-07T22:54:00.001-08:00

This one is really for the grandparents...

I would like to confess that I am THAT mom who throws her two year old in the bathtub just to stave off evening tantrums :)

Tonight she was in for 45 minutes just playing. Nick was gone late because of the Farm Progress Show and Adelyn was especially tantrum-y today....by 6pm, I was done...so into the tub she went :)

It works swimmingly, I must say...

birthday wishes

2011-02-06T14:26:00.002-08:00

ha...okay, so my birthday isn't for a few weeks, but a few people have asked if I have a wish list. The answer is, why yes I do. So here it is if you are interested :)

So I am not a professional photographer by any means....but I hate carrying around my ugly obvious camera bag. My sis in law first introduced me to these fun camera purses when she blogged about the Epinphanie bag. I found this less expensive version, the Jo Tote, that I l-o-v-e...and the yellow color is quite fun, I must say :)

I assume that everyone has heard of the Kindle by now? :) If you know me, you know I LOVE to read...and I fly through books pretty quick. So libraries are my friends ;)

For the longest time I was thinking I would never get anything like this. I like paper books....then my mom got one for Christmas and I got to play with it a little bit. I love it. I also like the idea of not having to store and shelve all my books....because we don't have the space :)

A cover would be a good idea because we do have a toddler tornado in the house...

;)

My 3rd most important and final wish is for family and friends to get their hineys out here to visit us! It's sunny, it's warm, the mountains are 40 minutes away. Sequoia national park is 45 minutes away....did I mention it's warm? :)

Steph and Nora are coming at the end of the month (I am SUPER excited!), my mom is coming in the beginning of March, and Nick's mom is coming at the beginning of April....I can't wait to see them!!!!

*I have to say, that I don't expect or require any gifts for my birthday, but I have learned that when people ask....they usually really want to know....so I've learned to give ideas to make it easier for everyone :)

A simple birthday card in the mail always makes my day! ;)

strawberry goodness....you know you want one...

2011-02-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

One of the neat things about Nick's new position is that some of the growers that are clients of the dealerships that he is working with grow really yummy things :) Yesterday he was out working on a machine of Driscoll's (as in Driscoll strawberries)....However, the flat of strawberries (as in 8 clamshells!) he brought home last night are from this grower:

I have never heard of them, but holy goodness, Batman! These are the most amazing strawberries I have ever eaten. We have already gone through 2 of the clamshells!

I did have to make chocolate covered strawberries last night...they are delicious.

Someone else likes them too.

Ooh, I bought these candle sticks at Marshall's yesterday. I LOVE them. The only this is that they are too turquoisy for the living room, so they are now living on the dining table....but I'm considering painting them a yellow to match the kitchen area....but I love this blue....I can't decide. If you have an opinion, please share!

Oh, and this is for the grandparents:

Mason's "I'm bored with this" face

Mason's "I'm slightly more interested" face

Isn't he huge?!

california vs. iowa

2011-01-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's not really "vs.", but there are quite a few differences... ;)
So what's different (for the whole week we've been here)?
Well:

Today it was 61 and sunny (after the ridiculous fog cleared up around 11am...but more on that later)
Our backyard is GREEN :)
I haven't touched my winter coats since I unpacked them to the closet .
Sales tax is 9% here....which makes a big difference when you're grocery shopping...and on a budget! That $8 can make a difference...
Vents are on the ceiling... I have to say, I really like this. It's nice to get a blast of heat when you're laying in bed at night and it's chilly (yes, it does get into 30s and 40s at night...key word: chilly, not cold).
Gas is currently $3.39 a gallon (versus, what? $2.78 in Des Moines? Again...every penny counts) it cost us $62 to fill up the van today (yikes!).
There aren't "super stores" here..ie: Super Target, Super Wal Mart..... (Jess informed me of this when she and Nate were here last weekend) they don't allow them because they take away from local business (as convenient as Super Target was :), this makes alot of sense).
I can see the mountains from my backyard.
They have some serious fog advisories here! Seriously, no joke....schools are delayed or have "start plans (ie: plan A, plan B)" in place in case of the fog. It is seriouly crazy stuff. I could barely see the backyard this morning. I guess it's because we are in the central valley and the fog gets "stuck" between the mountain ranges or something like that....anyway, I guess I'd take that over snow and ice :)
Schools looks like compounds because of the "outdoor hallways". The elementary school across the street from us looks like a compound....I am not a fan.
Houses don't have basements.
We have to get a smog test on our car
Groceries are so expensive! Example? Velveeta costs $9!
Okay....everything out here is expensive...
This is more of a neighborhood comparison, but the park near our house has some scandalous grafitti all over it...I'm thankful my daughter can't read at the moment (I'm sure grandparents are loving me for sharing that right now) :) Our neighborhood is actually pretty good, but there is a "sketchy pocket" a few streets down...
Even numbered houses can water lawns, wash cars, etc on Wed, Friday and Sunday only....Odd numbered houses on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays....and NEVER between 8am and 10pm...they have weird water restrictions that will take some getting used to...
You can't spray down your patio/driveway/walkway....you can only sweep or rake (something about "impurities" getting into the soil and that's a big deal b/c we are in a big agricultural area).
In N Out Burger ;)
Did I mention it was 61 degrees and sunny today?? :)

Okay, there are alot more differences, but this is what I've got so far ;)
In family news: Adelyn is loving having an actual toy room (I totally am too!), Mason has pink eye in both eyes (great), I still have to unpack my shoes (I have alot of shoes), but I'm not sure where to put them....this closet is smaller than our old house.
We like our neighbors. One of them is an animal science professor at the local community college. He has a huge, fluffy, gorgeous dog named Shiyanne....she is so pretty...and loud ;)
We are LOVING having a kitchen table. The house is coming together... it's hard since we can't paint, but I'm trying to add color with accessories, but not breaking the bank :) We have this weird "alcove" in our wall that I can't quite figure out what to do with. It's above the "tv alcove".... it's deep and big....I'll take a picture later and get ideas because I just don't know...
Anyway...that's all for now :)

mason's dedication

2011-01-19T11:00:00.002-08:00

We had Mason dedicated to the Lord last Sunday (the 9th) before we left for CA. Zeb and Bekah had Nora dedicated too which was sentimental to us since we had Adelyn and Claire dedicated at the same time too.

I'm not in the typing mood, so basically we dedicate our children following the example of Hannah giving her son, Samuel, back to the Lord. We don't baptize our children because, well, kids aren't baptized in the bible. Baptism is done when a person makes the conscious decision to commit their life to the Lord.

Anyway...I didn't really get any pictures, but here's what I do have :)

And of course I didn't get a picture of Mason by himself....I'm so not on the ball with this stuff right now :)

p.s. we REALLY miss this family!!

Claire-bear and Adelyn

Sweet little Nora with a drool bomb! :)

Is she not adorable?! :)

adelyn's party

2011-01-17T13:56:00.002-08:00

So I nearly forgot about Adelyn's birthday party this year. I wanted to have one before we left for CA and remembered to do invitations (thank you, Steph!). But after that, her party slipped my mind until 3 days before the party! Woops... :) Thankfully, Costco rocks and had everything I needed....and a friend from church had agreed a few weeks before to make a super yummy cake (seriously delicious)...and we had the party at my mom's church's office which had all the set up for a party since their youth group meets there and they had a toy room already stocked :)

Can you believe I didn't think to get a posed picture of the birthday girl? Woops...

The "Thank You" favors were brownie pops I bought at Costco. I wrapped them in the clearbag and tied the thank you note on. A styrofoam block and ribbon helped finish it off :)

Adelyn loved all of her gifts, but her favorites have been her Woody doll and polka dot back pack (that fits! the one I got her this summer was not made for toddlers) :)

Have I mentioned that Costco is the best? Their food saved the day :) I made the banner fast with the help of some stencils I'd bought, a breakfast bowl, ribbon, glue and scrapbook paper :)

These are the best pictures I captured of the little hooligan. I can't believe I didn't even try for a family picture. I'm kicking myself for that now.

We had a blast and it was great to see everyone before we had to head out! ;)

what's going on

2011-01-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Our suitcases are packed and ready to load to head to the airport :( I'm sad right now.
I'll keep whoever is interested on how unpacking with an infant and toddler goes :)
Thankfully, we have some friends who may be coming from San Fransisco to help out!! I'm really excited about that because: A. I really like them and haven't seen them in a really long time and B. any help we could get is hugely appreciated!! So thank you Nate and Jess! :) (Nate, did you help us move the first time too? What an all star!)
We had Adelyn's 2nd birthday party on Saturday, but I haven't been able to get pictures uploaded, so that will be coming later. She turned 2 yesterday! How time flies!!
Mason's dedication was on Sunday, so we have a couple of pictures from that too that I can share ;)
All for now....going to spend some more time with Mom before we leave....I don't know if I'm ready for this...

a glimpse.....

2011-01-06T15:34:00.002-08:00

This is what went on in our home today (sorry for the picture quality, it's from a phone). Thank you, Uncle John, for making it so I haven't had to lift a finger :)
Moving for work is the way to go, people.

Adelyn's wish list

2011-01-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

So I know Christmas was not even a month ago, but I'm getting alot of requests for Addy's birthday ideas. :)
I cannot believe our baby girl is turning two in 8 days!
Anyway, here (in no particular order) is Addy's birthday wish list (picture idea was taken from my creative sis in law, Steph) :)

1. pink crocs. I know so many people can't stand these. Honestly, I think they are the weirdest looking shoes ever created and I couldn't stand them. My mom got Addy a pair this summer and I LOVE how easy they are! Sandals don't fit her pleasantly plump feet very well :) and when she did wear sandals, we dealt with stubbed toes. Needless to say, her feet are growing and she could use a new pair for our daily outdoor time in California :) Size 6 or 7. 2. If you have been around Adelyn lately, you know that she is obsessed with "Donkey" and "Woody" aka Shrek and Toy Story. So the Donkey doll should be self explanatory :)
3. Adelyn also really likes Cinderella, Belle and Ariel. Wal Mart carries some super cute dress up clothes of the princess type :) 4. Spring and summer weather will be arriving sooner in CA and our growing girl could use some clothes in 3T (she wears 2T right now, but I think by summer we will be moving to some 3T).
5. Again, self explanatory :) 6. We like to read around here and we go through our book supply almost daily. So books books and more books are wonderful :) 7. We will be outside alot because we will FINALLY have a back yard! Our little hooligan could use some outdoor toys....balls, new sidewalk chalk (ours are little nubs now), riding toys....8. Playdough! We love playdough...