..and now we are 4

Ammonia, Hospital visit, and Pregnant!

2011-11-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in the last post I have not been feeling well, yes I'm pregnant! I have been far sicker with this one then my other two and its been very hard to go. The nausea started the end of October, so I figured I was pretty far along to be feeling so crummy, but finally got into the doctor and he said 6 weeks. I swore I had to be 8- 10 by that time. AHH. So I thought maybe I'd get over it sooner since it started so early, but no. I'm now close to 10 weeks and still sick. I do admit a tad better and I got some medicine to control the nausea, but man its been no fun. But in the middle of all the sick fun, Caleb had a fever for over a week, so I finally took him in to the doctor to have him checked out. Then did x-rays and strep test to show he had walking ammonia. Round of antiboiotics and he is better now well mostly, He is also two and constantly touching things, picking his nose, and thus usually has some sort of cold or bug. Its been a long few months. I used to prize myself on how healthy we were, but after the last 4 months, we have definitely been more sick than not, and that doesn't even count pregnant sick for me. I guess with Kindergarten and Kids club germs are bound to come.
So i took Caleb in on a thursday for the ammonia, then lizzy was up for 3 nights in a row, complaining her tummy hurt and needed to be rubbed, or she had vaginal itching that was very uncomfortable. But during the day she was totally fine, no complaining or anything. But as soon as night came she'd start complaining again. So monday I went to the dr for me during the day and spend 2 hours there, and it was monday night we called and took her to urgent care at 7pm when it was starting again. They admitted her and took xrays and urine and blood samples. Which she was exhausted the whole time, she slept on the way over and in between doctors coming in, on the exam table or on my lap. It was sad. Finally just after 9pm they told us they were admitting her to the hospital. 'What!' I did not expect that outcome, but because she is on the medication she is for her arthritis she is at a high risk for not being able to fight infections. But the hospital (Kaiser) was down in san diego, so we had to drive 20 mins north to my house first, cause i had forgotted her glasses and new she would not be happy in the morning without them. Then we drove the 40 mins south to the hosptial. Finally getting there about 11pm. Then the real torture began. She again slept the whole way there, so I had to wake her, carry her the whole time through the hospital, luckily she is pretty light. Then they put an IV in which was horrible. I mean Lizzy is awesome with shots and gets bloodwork every 6 weeks, but she was not happy about the IV, (which i know from having a baby, i hated that thing) then it kept randomly hurting her hand the whole next day. But the really bad part was the catheter. She had suspicious urine from her urine test, but they needed to get a 'clean' sample to see if it was infected on the inside. It is soo hard to watch your child go through so much pain, Of course I cried, but I'm pregnant (I don't think that mattered) Actually I felt very blessed through the whole ordeal that I did handle it so well while being so sick. But adrenalene kicks in for your kids. Finally we got back to our room and Lizzy was wide awake. So she watched a movie while I tried to sleep on the most uncomfortable pull out chair, the springs were like rocks. Finally after a couple hours I got on the end of Lizzy's bed and slept in a ball the rest the morning. Till she woke up at 6 am ready for something new. The longest and shortest night sleep ever. All because I thought I couldn't go through another sleepless night at home with her complaining her tummy hurt. That was a sleepless night. So they thought it was either ammonia, a urinary tract infection or appendix. She didn't quite have all the symptoms of one, but fairly certain one of the first two. It would take a few days to get the results of the tests to know, but antibiotics would heal both those. So they started her on two strong rounds and sent us home after lunch. I wondered if it was really worth all that, or was the hospital really necessary, but the next day Lizzy asked, "how did they make my tummy better so fast." I figured it was all worth it. And it may have gotten worse and she wouldn't have been able to fight it on her own. So we came home and I got a cold, and fever for the next few days and felt completlely worn out and miserable. I had a great friend bring me dinner and watch Caleb, so I could get some rest. It took a few days to recover and we are doing much better. Lizzy and Caleb are back to normal. CJ has been a huge support in helping and taking the kids when he can, and I am hoping to continue to feel better soon.

A Thankful Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

Well I was trying to decide if iIwanted to keep going with my blog, so I've been procrasinating writing, but since I'm not keeping any other records I decided iId better keep up the blog (somewhat). Reading that last post reminded me about Lizzy's determination. She has been practicing lots of things lately until she got it. It is great to see her work so hard for something and then achieve it. For instance, She really wanted to snap, so she just kept practicing till she got it. Same with tying her shoes, and whistling. Its amazing to see her grow up, and doing new things. She has been a challenge to say the least, but what an amazing blessing she is. She is so sweet and innocent in so many ways, with a determination that she will not loose or give in, that often drives me crazy but I hope will help her throughout her life.
She made my Thankgiving for me in that i have not been feeling well (i'll comment on that later)and my house has been lets say a disaster. So Lizzy took it apon herself to clean the whole family room up. Then I showed so much gratitude for that she decided to go clean the guest room and her bedroom up. Then I went to shower and she got in the shower and got herself dressed all by herself with out me nagging at all. I got out and was just overjoyed for all she did. She totally changed my whole day. I had to go pick up some stuff for the food i was making, so while I was gone I thought i want to do something for my family to show them my love and gratitude on Thanksgiving. So I got Lizzy a little My little pony (which if you know Lizzy her love language is gift giving) and I got CJ some reese's pb cups, and Caleb we had a hand me down car race track from a cousin we hadn't given him yet that we gave him. ( But finally on my way home I remembered I should have got him a 'nak' cause that is what he asks for every 10 mins. (snack) But the whole reason behind it was that Lizzy really put me in a more thankful mode and I really enjoyed the rest the day cause instead of just feeling crummy I was able to focus on showing my family how thankful I was for them.

Befores and Afters

2011-06-12T18:59:00.001-07:00

okay just going with the theme of my title. Lizzy has been trying over the last couple months to ride her bike with no training wheels. Little by little she was getting better, then one day she just did it and took off. I'm so proud of my little five year old. in her own words, "you know how i got better at that, is i just try and try until i get better to do the two wheels all by myself"

I've been trying to figure out what i wanted to do in our backyard and finally thought of doing a patch of synthetic grass with a play house on it. So if went to work looking on Craigslist and was happy to find this beauty.... all it needed was some paint. And i talked him down to $100. Which is a steal, cause i looked everywhere and these things are expensive. So now i just need to get my kids to play in it:)

before:

after:

I've been wanted in donate my hair to locks of Love for a while. Usually i grow it pretty long and then chop it before its enough to donate, but this time i lasted. So here is my before and after (10 inches). Also i thought it was cute, the next sunday i went to church and one of lizzy's friends had just chopped her hair and donated it too!
before:

after:

This isn't really a before and after, but we've been having a lot of fun jumping and racing on these bouncey balls. lizzy just came in and wants me to add," Caleb is my favorite pal, I see him everyday" She is in one of her sweet moments. verses earlier when she was telling CJ and I we are the meanest mom and dad in the whole world. But all she needed was a time out and cool down period and she is a sweet girl again.

Birthday time again

2011-05-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

So Lizzy had been talking about leprechauns for weeks before st. patrick's day from preschool.
So i figured no chance i'd forget. But come March 17th, didn't give it a second thought. Luckily we decided to take a quick walk to the neighbor right before preschool. The kids love to feed the neighbors dog and it is often where we go on our walks. When we got there, She said come here, and pinched Lizzy and I. Then gave us the green shamrock headband. I was so greatful i found out that way and didn't send lizzy to school up prepared. She may not have let me live it down. I actually just happened to dress Caleb in this shirt though.

Caleb's had a Birthday and turned TWO! Wow time has gone so fast. We went swimming during the day, then came home and dad took him around the yard for a Birthday bike ride. Grandma Mary called to sing Happy Birthday and then our friends came to have cake and Ice cream with us. I think it turned out to be a good day!

Caleb has gotten into bouncing on this ball and it is so funny to see him do it. He gets going pretty fast then flies off. hopefully nothing tragic will happen.

Okay this is a random picture, but had to post Lizzy and Caleb doing ballet together. He loves to dress in her dance clothes, it really is so cute.

Catch up

2011-05-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Seems i am always trying to catch up. So here are some of the latest.

In March we were lucky to have Disneyland tickets given to us, so we had to take the chance and go. We did have fun, but there are way to many people at Disneyland. We started in Fantasyland and Toon town. Also the first mistake, that's where all the kids and most the people are. It just took longer to get through stuff. After lunch we had a lot more fun in Tomorrowland on Lizzy's favorite ride Buzz light year. She went on it 3 or 4 times. And that was the only ride you could pretty much just walk on. CJ took her on Space Mountain because her cousin Halle had just gone and said it was her favorite. Poor Lizzy was so scared and screamed the whole time. Unfortunately not to much after that i took her on another coaster (I was thinking would be much slower, but remembered wrong and again she was upset and screaming.) So no more roller coasters for Lizzy for the day. We did go on the jungle cruise which we loved. It was slow and on a boat. Both kids loved it. We are getting the hang of it, and maybe next time will know all the good stuff to hit.

We had to search for hot dogs, about the only thing Lizzy will eat out. And that one was a corn dog, she had to rip the bread off.

The kids loved the carousel.

We got Caleb to nap in his Stroller, after kicking and screaming. But worth it.
The kids also loved the tea cups, which i do not care for (i get pretty motion sick). i went with them once and dad had to the others.

Here they are relaxing on Minnie's bed.

Here's to the moms out there!

2011-03-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

Well i just sat down and felt like i needed to write a post. I haven't quite decided how dedicated i am to posting on my blog, but i don't keep a journal either, so i figure i need to have some recollection of thoughts, feelings, and about my family as we are today. So i guess thats why i felt a need to write some stuff. First off, fair warning, i've had a long week (long hours) with my sweet kids and am at the end of my patience rope. I've snapped a few times, which i know is normal, but i feel bad doing it, but sometimes i feel like i can't control my need to get the frustration i feel out of my body. But after i do yell, or throw my tantrum, i look at my kids and they are either scared of what i did and start crying more from their need to feel love, or they look hurt. When i watch other people treating their kids badly, i have to admit i do judge and think i would never do that. (granted i never would in public, but i often think of this after i do something not so nice at home.) Thankfully kids are very forgiving and loving. They easily love me again soon! I do recognize I have the hardest and most rewarding job, although rewarding is in the times i get to see them learn and grow, not necessarily because I think they have the slightest idea how much time and energy i put toward them. Although as i've had my quiet moments of feeling used and taken advantage of, I think of my mom, and how I did this to her to. So THANK YOU MOM for everything you did for me whether i knew it or not. I know i was blessed to have you for my mom. And someday my kids will understand these feeling to when they are parents. (although only the girls will really understand the mom thing) not discounting my hubby or dads at all, because i could not do it with out mine. I'm so grateful he works hard so we can have the things we need)) but I'm talking about the all day, everyday with the kids thing right now.

So last weekend my parents came to visit and they took my kids for the night, so CJ and i got a hotel and stayed in san diego for the night. We went to El Torito for dinner, and watched 'Unknown" and SLEPT IN, and was not woken by kids in the night. We even had tickets to see BYU and SDSU. Everything was perfect, and BYU even won, so that topped it off. We had a great getaway! Then we enjoyed a nice weekend with my parents when we got back. My sister is getting married, so we looked around for places to have her wedding. My kids just adore my parents and had so much fun chasing, playing, and bugging grandma and grandpa. It was so nice to see them want someone besides me to play with. Oh how i wish they lived closer! Caleb is even a very big momma's boy and he adores my mom and would go everywhere with her, he even followed grandpa around which is huge! So, it was kinda like post vacation this week. We had such a great weekend, then this week has been long and painful trying to get back to normal life. We also got colds which has not helped at all!

I guess to top off the week, my 30th birthday is tomorrow. I'm not sure if this tops off the bad week or will start a good week.... I'll just leave it at that for now.

The kids are just growing leaps and bounds. 5 and almost 2. So hard to believe how fast time has gone. We kind of want more kids in the long run, but i just don't know if i can handle more than 2 crazy, dramatic, and energetic kids. I'm open to advice????

Well, I'll leave some pics to enjoy..

My family that makes it all worth it.

My kiddos wishing Gma Mary farewell as she leaves for her mission.

I helped throw a baby shower and attempted my first diaper cake, Lizzy liked it so much, she made her own, i helped a little but she rolled each diaper on her own, and got sticks to keep it together and of course found the toys. I was really impressed she stuck to it, because i really wasn't encouraging it, as i was trying to get ready for the party.

Two recessives must make a dominant

2010-11-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well it must be true cause its happened twice now. Both our parents say CJ and I were both mellow, relaxed, and rather calm children. So all i can figure is the stubborn, aggressive gene in both of us was passed on to our children and because they got both recessive that made it a dominant trait our kiddos. Does that make since? Don't know, but its all i can figure.
Until now, I just thought Lizzy was going to be our independent, opinionated, determined child, but as Caleb develops his personality- He is giving Lizzy a run for that title. Some days i just can't believe how adamant and stubborn they can be.
Tonight we ate dinner at Grandma Mary's and after Caleb was done he whined, so we got him out of the highchair and then he just stared crying and pointing back to his chair, after trying to put him back in, give him food, drink, nothing worked, Finally Gma said last night when she was watching him he wanted to do it himself. So sure enough i took off the tray and he stopped crying and crawled down HIMSELF. Seriously! really!
Then we got home and since they both fell asleep in the car on the way home, we carried them in, I took Lizzy to the bathroom, where she whined and cried the whole time, that she wanted to put the sticker on the window, and she was so tired, etc.....(who knows what else) I went to get some pj's for her. When i came back she kicked and said noooooo those ones are too hot, so i had to go back in the other room and get more. Then after getting her dressed, she was cold and wanted a warm blanket, I put what she believes are cold blankets (non-fleece) on and she kicked in off and started crying. (Ironic that the first jammies were fleece and she didn't want to wear them.) Then i refused to scratch her back and she through another fit. Not that this was such a bad night, but that this happens all the time. It is so wearing and i get sooooooo frustrated.
Anyway I love my kids of course and so grateful for the times they are loving and cuddling even though if one is on my lap the other throws a fit and pinches, or hits the one on my lap. Or just cries till i make the one on my lap give their sibling a turn. Caleb is just at the age where he will take things from Lizzy on purpose just cause she has something, or he wants attention from her or me. I really do love this stage in life for sooooo many reasons, but also i NEVER knew being a mom was some mentally draining. The moods, the bribes, the trickery, the attitudes (which Lizzy has a major sassy, she calls joking, attitude right now.), etc. etc.
-Okay i just had to write that down, so i don't forget someday what life is like with these little ones. and i needed to vent a little too.

So here are a couple pics of my dear sweet kids.......
Lizzy actually has been very creative lately, she thought of this idea on her own and got some paper towels, took a hair ribbon and then colored eyes and a mouth to make ghosts.

Calebs favorite spot for the month of October was here, taking the arms out of our Pumpkin witch.

My mom came to visit and it was sooooo nice to have her here. My kids just adore her and it is so fun to see them taking to their grandma, even when they don't see her much.

While she was her, my sister, me and her went an a girls retreat. MUCH NEEDED! We just drove down to mission bay (in san diego) and stayed 2 nights at a hotel, slept in, and went on a 4 hour bike ride around mission bay. Perfect weather and great company. We had a great time.

Out to breakfast on my mom's birthday!

Riding around Mission Bay!

I just can't figure my kids out

2010-10-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well this one tops the cake, as of lately at least. Caleb has been very adamant about when he wants to go to bed. He used to be a perfect angel and would willingly lay his head on my shoulder as i sang,"i am a child of God" then he would let me lay him down and he would go to bed with out a peep (usually) well that ship sailed, but I pray it will come back soon. So lately he has been screaming and pointing to the door and using every muscle in his little body to try to get away from me and out the door. Tonight we went through the same process of kicking and screaming, finally i put him in bed to hear him scream for 30 mins, so i went in thinking he'd lay his head on my shoulder and let me sing to him. But he squirmed and bolted for the door. Went out on the couch and sat down, then patted the cushion next to him as my que to sit by him. Then he just sat and stared, rubbed his eyes, his head bobbed a few times and within 10 mins he collapsed in half and was out. So i took the picture and picked him up to take to bed. The second i put him down he starts screaming and jumping up, so i rocked a little and luckily he was out well enough this time to let me put him down and escape.
Things i will never understand about kids......Why do you fight sleep so much. I don't know if all kids hate to sleep or if i was blessed with two extreme cases of hating sleep and fighting with every ounce of my body to not give in.
While i'm at it,
*I'll have to comment of a couple other things caleb is up to, or In to is more like it.
About a week ago he learned how to open doors, which is not good, but i have locks on certain doors from the outside, like the garage and bathrooms. But not to worry cause today Caleb learned to unlock the door to. Just put his two little fingers up and turned the little lock. Guess i'll be going to get some baby proof locks tomorrow. Cause caleb's favorite thing is to get into a bathroom while i'm not looking and either play in the toilet bowl or turn the sink on and sit in it.
*He has also started to terrorize his sister, with pulling hair, biting, hitting, and taking everything out of her arms, Not that she is the perfect angel either, but i do feel bad for her cause he has her number for sure. But there are those moments where the hug or kiss and are so sweet together.
*Which is another trademark of Caleb, he loves to kiss and zerbert. He is a great cuddler and loves to give kisses, nice wet ones, but the best is he'll come over lift my shirt off my belly and give me a zerbert. He just cracks himself up about it. And its not just one, he has to do at least 4 or 5 of them.
*Caleb also has a lot of personality that shows through in his facial expressions. He isn't talking besides dadda and momma, but he grunts, moans, points, pushes my leg if he has to to get me to move or come where he wants.
*Very dramatic and emotional little boy. He either learned from lizzy or is trying to compete with her. Somewhere i heard little boys are not dramatic, not so. Caleb has no problem flopping down and wailing over every little thing, i know its a toddler thing, but believe me he pushes the envelope on it.
*He is very quick to laugh, usually even in the middle of a melt down, or through tears I can get him to smile or laugh. And he always is trying to get a laugh from us. (with his dance moves, or zerberts)
Besides the fact that i'm exhausted and often can't wait for some of these stages to pass, I love this little guy and wouldn't change him for anything (i may change a few of his behaviors) Anyway I'm blessed to have my two kids and just so grateful they love me too. We definetly have our ups and downs but when i get those hugs, kisses, and zerberts too it is just priceless. And above all i tell myself daily 'joy in the journey'
So i love you Caleb and all the time we get to spend together!

Our family vacation!

2010-09-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

As most people were going back to school, but finally got our family vacation in. We went to Sedona, Az. Which is AMAZING! if you haven't been there i highly recommend it!. it is beautiful. if many not be the most kid friendly vacation spot, but it was georgeous and so fun. There are tons of hikes, we only did two small ones because we had the kids. My parents went too, which was great having grandma and grandpa there.

Sedona is just surrounded in huge red rock formations! Just beautiful. This was on the only hike we took the kids, i had to carry caleb the whole mile, which seems a lot longer when you're hiking and lizzy asked are we there yet? 50 times or more. But it was still beautiful.

We went to Montezuma's castle, which is indian ruins in the side of the mountain, she became a junior ranger there.

Caleb and I trying to stay cool in the shade.

We found an amazing Kaleidoscope store in the ghost town of Jerome and you could take a picture through the scope. pretty cool

One day we went to the Grand Canyon, and i thought for sure it would be sooooooo hot in August, we were actually cold. But this is a stop on the way home at Bedrock City. We actually were too tired to go in the run down playground, but this care was out front, so the kids had fun in it.

Living on the edge..... the Grand Canyon

Just a few pics of my growing kids!

2010-07-28T14:17:00.001-07:00

Lizzy finished her first year of preschool, she LOVED it! this was the last day of school.

I remember when Lizzy used to do this know Caleb is taking over.

Caleb was loving this corn on the cob, and was going to town with it.

What can i say.... I AM SO BLESSED!

Not the best pic, but still makes me smile

Time passes too quickly, but here is an update

2010-07-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

CJ and I are celebrating our 7th anniversary this year and we took a trip to Ventura, Ca to celebrate, and a little get away. We stayed at a quaint and very historic hotel called the pierpont inn in Ventura. They were celebrating their 100 yr anniversary so we got a great deal! We decided to spend more time and money doing something fun...Like the Channel Islands. We took a ferry across to the Santa Cruz island and went kayaking in sea caves. It was a lot of fun, a bit overcast, cold, and a bigger swell then desirable, but we had a blast anyway. the sun even peaked out at the end of the day. It was so nice to be out getting some exercise, being with my hubby, who i am so grateful and blessed to have! We also saw the movie Inception and ate out a bunch, i actually had one of the best meals i've ever had eating out. Eric's on the ventura pier! We also rented bikes and rode along the beach strand. Went to the hot tub and SLEPT IN! What a fun getaway, just wish it could happen more. But of course we missed our little ones too much!!!

Do you see the elephant in the rock? and marge Simpson in the space between the rocks.

this actually happened a couple weeks ago. the kids pushed this box against the couch and had the time of their lives sliding down it! Kids are awesome! they can be so easily entertained sometimes. Caleb's laugh was priceless!

Easter -simply Fun

2010-04-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

Holidays are so much more fun with kids.... They are so easily excited to see and do... We dyed easter eggs with cousins, had an easter egg hunt at home on saturday and then at Grandma Mary's with all the extented family on Sunday. How fun is it to find an egg with candy or money in it!!!!

A Birthday BOY

2010-04-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

WOW talk about crazy, my little baby turned one last week. i can't believe it. This year has flown by. Caleb has just been so fun to have around. The first 8 months he was my angel baby. Happy, smiling, go with the flow, content. Then he hit the crawling age and a bit attached to mom (i mean a lot, the second i walk away from him he screams bloody murder, but at least he likes me right!) So the last 5 months have not been quite as easy going as the first 8, but stages right. It is so fun to see Lizzy and Caleb interact together. They wrestle, play, and already fight just like siblings should, but they also show a ton of love to each other. Those of course are the priceless moments. So caleb has shown some signs of strong will and opinionated just like his sister. He will let us know with a shriek, or sad pouty face, he has perfected, and when he cries it is instant tears, he doesn't have to work up to it at all, the first cry, his tears flow like a river. So we didn't do anything too big for his first bday, i guess cause i was in denial he was turning one and because i didn't want to give him sugar! aka cake. but i did, however no frosting, i know i'm no fun, but i didn't really want to clean him up either.

Ready to dig in, the cake was actually made by my sister in law Erika, for her twins bday, but we celebrated together! it was a really cute cupcake cake.

This was his pouty face when the cake was gone, and him trying to figure how to get the last few crumbs in... (don't worry he shrieked too, for more... but being the first sugar, i wasn't about to over do it)

A Happy Birthday Boy, with his cake. Too bad now he knows................

A few of Caleb's favoites at age 1. He loves to lay on this footstool and rock back and forth:

He LOVES to empty draws, and lately has found the joy in sitting or standing in them, i turn my back for a minute and he is in this drawer.
One of his favorite spots, cause he can crawl up on the fireplace and hang out, or get into things i don't want him too.
We actually went to the beach the day before his birthday and the weather was great, I let him crawl around, he loved it, and didn't even put too much in his mouth. Maybe we're leaving that stage...hopefully
Of course sissy was with us too, she wanted me to take this picture as a joke up close, but it turned out being really cute!
AND Sadly he got his first black eye, i'm sure it won't be his last, but it was really sad... He pulled a step ladder over on top of him, luckily he got over it fairly quickly and doesn't seem too bothered by it. But oh so sad.

Having an older sister....

2010-03-02T20:26:00.001-08:00

A package arrived the other day..... it was an older sister, or a doggy, or whatever santa wanted to bring. (Lizzy's favorite game of the last two days... is you go to sleep and wake up to have a present from santa, look in the box and see what he brought you.) She really has had a ton of fun with this box. which is driving me crazy cause i have to be the one to put her in and out and make sure she doesn't fall on her face. But the smile is priceless!

This about says it all! Lizzy is very loving of her brother, but also has been smothering him. Either a tad jealous of the time he gets with mom, or doesn't quite remember he is still a baby, or just overly excited to give loves!???

Caleb has just been moving up in the world (literally too) he is crawling everywhere and anyday will be walking i'm sure. he has conquered crawling up on anything he can. tonight he crawled on the box (lizzy's fun box) and then onto this chair and just was sooooo happy and proud that HE DID IT himself! He also has a priceless smile, as well as some other faces he does on cue. i'll have to find a pic a post it soon! He has quite the personality and besides the biting is just as fun as can be. (unless mom walks out of the room... Definetly a momma's boy, which lizzy is not fond of cause she had the momma's girl thing going for quite some time before this guy came along. Now they have to share and neither like that much. Sometimes i just hold them both as they cry that they want to be held. oh well at least i know they love me!
Lizzy just loves and adores Caleb, for the most part. She is either doing his hair in bows and playing baby with him, or her favorite is puppy. I honestly won't be surprised when caleb thinks his real name is puppy. She follows him around the house saying," here puppy, or fetch puppy" as she throws something for him. the great thing is he really is just like a puppy, he bits, drools, fetches, makes a mess of everything, and loves to be held and petted! We get a good laugh out of it at least.

So, do boys do this, if you have an older boy what does he do to his little sister???

Lizzy has hit another stage... a testy one. For the most part she is so fun, very creative, and full of life. But a little firecracker, one wrong move and its an emotional breakdown. She is so sensitive, that its hard to 'correct behavior' w/o getting a huge meltdown. it may be contributed to the fact that she is still having trouble sleeping all night in her bed...or that may be my reason for emotional meltdowns. Anyway.. she is loving preschool and learning and growing in sooooo many ways. She can write her name, and learning other letters. She surprises me with songs all the time that she knows from school. It really is so fun to see her learning new things. One of the best things is her prayers. they are so tender to hear her talking to her father in heaven. When she prays that she is glad we can be together(as a family) forever. And when she tells me, "mommy, i love you so much" it is the reward and what its all for. I just love her and know she is a strong, but sweet spirit that i am blessed to have in my family. And even when its challenging, I'm so grateful she is mine and my best friend! (as she often says)

Snow in San Diego!

2010-01-24T20:40:00.001-08:00

Well living in San Diego, we are very blessed to normally have great weather and even when its bad, some rain or cold, its no where near what many parts of the country are going through. However, this past week we had probably the worst and longest storm i have experienced while here. I have to admit, i do love the sound of rain on my roof. Maybe because i'm from Oregon and the rain reminds me of home. and there is some enjoyment to see a storm outside as long as i have a warm place inside. This first picture is of the ravine behind our house. Usually very dry even after some rain, but we actually had two fast streams going. So, after a week of watching the rain fall, our bathroom roof leak, Cj finishing our crown molding he started 7 months ago, and even buying a new car we were ready to get out of the house for an adventure, and we had to break in the pathfinder!

So our adventure only took an hour drive to Palomar Mountain. The storm ended, and the conditions were near perfect. The sun was breaking through, roads clear, unfortunately lots of people, and a tad cold, but then again we were in the SNOW!

Most of you probably live in snow, but I have not been in show since 2000. Its been ten years, that is hard to believe. Well lizzy heard or saw pictures of snow and has been asking to play in it, so i decided this was the best day to go, before it got old or melted. So we packed snacks and took off. Besides not having proper snow attire. Luckily Lizzy's cousin , whom she gets all her hand me downs from had a nice coast with gloves attached and boots. Caleb we just kept up and out of the snow, but i felt bad his little nose was red. (But thanks to our new car, we were able to open the back and the kids could crawl around and eat, and stay warm.
Lizzy kept saying "look frozen milk." We finally had her taste it and she loved it!
Of course you can't buy a sled in san diego, unless you want to spend $30 for a round saucer at the store on the mountain. So we took our boogie board and it was awesome! It slid fast. Totally took me back to the days i went in the snow as a kid. I couldn't help but laugh and smile to myself cause no one was there to watch, CJ and i took turns cause the kids wanted to stay in the car. Next time we are gonna go with someone else so we can go sled together.
It was such an awesome Day! Just able to get away and enjoy each other and introduce Lizzy and Caleb to snow, even though i wouldn't let caleb touch it cause his hands were already cold enough. But i did go down on a sled a couple times with him and he just loved it, he would laugh and smile! So, apparently the thing to do at the mountain was people would fill up there truck beds or the roof of their car with snow and drive home. Don't know if they just wanted to show it off, or see how long till it melted, but there were tons of people doing it. I couldn't help but laugh that only here would that happen, no where else would people want to take the snow home with them.

Making the Best of it...

2009-11-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

So, i've kind of been having a hard time, perhaps a mild depression (not real serious) but i could not get out of having negative feeling, thoughts, or just plain feeling unappreciated and like i couldn't accomplish anything. I just felt like i couldn't smile or laugh. (I know, like my mom always tells me if nothing else gets done, the laundry will wait, the house cleaning will still be there its most important to care for my kids.) But once those feelings come, they are hard to get rid of without giving in to woe is me. Of course i love my kids to death and wouldn't trade them for the world, but Lizzy has been going through another tantrum spell, mostly in the middle of the night, so i have a serious lack of sleep. My usual angel baby has been sick with a bad chest cold and I need my angel baby to keep me sane. He has wanted to be held constantly, hasn't slept well, another contribute to my sleep deprivation. (actually it is 5 in the morning and i am up with him cause he won't sleep....see blog title) So I finally had enough and had my breaking point, prayed, went to the temple and then watching Monk of all things and the character Randy, one of the cops, was talking about an epiphany he had when he saw a bumper sticker that read," Happiness is a Choice" (of course i've heard this idea before, but I know Heavenly Father is guiding us and knows when we need to hear things again) It just hit me hard, So with praying to have a desire to change and trying to make that choice everyday, or 10 times a day, i feel i am doing much better. Happiness is a Choice and its not always easy with everyday life, when i look at my house everyday and see a TON of things to fix, clean, organize, and attend to. Or when my kids are screaming, whining, complaining, crying(and i don't know what to do to help). Or when my hubby is gone long hours, and its not easy I can still be happy, and Smile. And here are some pics from the month:

So hard to believe these to cuties are anything but that!Lizzy with her cousins- Always having a good time together.

We like to call them the OREO!

My little flower princess for Halloween, actually turned into a butterfly princess, (i think cause she didn't want to hold the flower.

Lizzy even won the cupcake in the cake walk at our ward Halloween party. She LOVES frosting.Oh and her mom won best chili! (sorry don't ask for the recipe, i've been swore to secrecy with it- unless you beg then i may give in)

Mom- a hawaiian dancer, of something, its what i had and Caleb my little all-star baseball player. Notice his glove, its a teething ring. I actually lost this for a couple weeks before Halloween and was so sad, i have to admit i prayed where to find it, i didn't think i was gonna find it and finally a few hours before the party i 'remembered' to look in the pool bag...there it was.

My mom is the greatest, i love her visits, she is so good with my kiddos, Here she is dancing with Lizzy. We even had a great girls trip (my mom, sister, and I) to Laguna Beach for the night. It was awesome, but another post, and i need to get pics from my mom!

Finally my two sweet (when they want) kids, we often sit outside and enjoy the nice San diegan weather. It is a blessing i admit, i hate to be cold. And this pic was october, but even last night, nov, it was so nice, i cut some rose bushes and the kids played. the only crazy thing is it drops 20 degrees within days or sometimes over night. it is a little hard to acclimate to but, i'll take it over all you people out there freezing in snow and wind.

Alright, 3 hours later, Lizzy bumping the keyboard and turning my screen off, thank goodness for autosave, and i finished this post, Caleb still has something going on, i keep expecting teeth, but we'll see. When Caleb gets upset, Lizzy is usually close behind. I admit i lost it again this morning, so it is obviously a continual battle, but anything worth having is worth working for right! HAPPINESS and DETERMINATION!

Hope you are all well, I know we all have struggles and issues we usually hide from the world, but sometimes it helps to talk or write it out. So Thanks to my hubby for letting me talk it out with him and Thanks to you that read this long post for your support. I know i'm not the best and keeping up with all you friends and family out there, but i cherish our friendships and the times we do and have spent together. They make Happy Memories for me! Thanks And thanks to a loving Father in Heaven that knows me and is providing comfort for me, and a beautiful knowledge of the importance of temples, making good choices, and the perspective the gospel gives me about this life and the life to come. With all these things I will make it and I WILL be Happy!

Just one of those posts....

2009-10-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

I couldn't figure out how to copy and paste, (i know -but it wasn't working) so read the last 2 paragraphs first)

One of the many up sides of living in san diego is we wear coats for fun and dressing up, notice the shorts she is wearing! She just got this hand me down coat from her cousin, believe me i would not invest in something this warm, although it is adorable!

Here is my happy guy. I can just about always count on Caleb to be my happy camper. If he does cry, Lizzy will tell me, "You only have one happy camper right now"refering to her of course, it is something i have told her many times, when she is good, i'll say thanks for being a happy camper. and she often uses it on caleb. But it is not often becasue he is sooooooo fun, always on the verge of a smile. He is willing to anyone that looks his way, to give them a unforgetable grin.
Lizzy has also mellowed out a TON lately and been such a great helper, fun to be with, and so clever. i'm continually amazed at her comments and the things she remembers. She went swimming with her dad and aunt Ally the other day and as she was getting in the pool, said "hey look, i'm grandma Mary" and started moving her arms and legs like she was doing water aerobics as her grandma does. It was so random, but clever of her. they couldn't stop laughing. She got her cousins to join in too. She has definitely been challenging, but also so rewarding to hear her laugh and talk so grown up.
i had to take this pic of CJ and Caleb, they looked so sharp in their sunday best! Caleb just loves his daddy and laughs so hard when Cj makes faces and tickles him. And CJ just loves that they can already watch football (or whatever sport is on) together.
So the up side to having a motivated hubby is he gets things done. The down side is i get holes in my ceiling. I am not complaining at all, over the last few months, Cj has worked his magic and with trading services has gotten me all over head lighting in our used to be very dark house, as well as granite countertops in my kitchen and bathrooms, crown molding, and a whole house ceiling fan. (the crown molding and fan was all CJ, as the pictures show) He researched and figured out how to cut a hole in the ceiling and guess what. The roof is still in tack. We were just a tad nervous, but it all worked out! THe fan is designed to suck in the cool night air, that san diego so often has and blow out the hot air through the attic. The good news is, it works great, the bad news is we haven't needed it the last few weeks cause its been so cold. But i hear its supposed to warm again, so we'll see.

He would probably prefer to not have this pic up, but i think it is adorable!
Just one of those priceless photos. Lizzy on the way home from beach, fell asleep, hat and all!

Well its just been a while so i decided i'd suck it up and write. For some journal writing or blogging is a hobby and fun, but for me it is a chore. i guess i mostly don't like the time it takes to post. i somehow feel like i am wasting time and should be doing something else. or perhaps just go to bed, so i can make it through the next day. Anyhow this is probably why i don't post much, but since i don't keep a journal either, i figure i better do some writing somewhere! So here it is:

The last few months have had there ups and downs,but mostly just normal life stuff. A HUGE up is that Lizzy's joints are looking amazing. She was crawling the other day and i couldn't believe the difference and the range of motion she has now. she went from like a 45 degree to 90. She over all just seems happier, which could be the medicine itself, but i think more likely, it is because she doesn't have discomfort like she used to.
The down is that she just went to the eye dr. and now has to wear a patch for 2 hours a day. but after the first day battle, she has done amazing, doesn't even complain. she is amazing and such a strong kid.

i actually got the video to work...i think

2009-08-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Our summer fun... (part 1)

2009-08-13T22:24:00.001-07:00

Donnie and Kira's Wedding!

We are so excited for Donnie and Kira, Lizzy had been asking all summer when was the wedding, mostly cause she knew she got to wear a pretty green dress and she couldn't wait. The day started out a little rough for us, Lizzy throwing tantrums all the way to the temple, and during pictures. But it was a beautiful day and lots of fun to see family! The best part (besides of course the sealing) i have to admit was the end of the reception when the dancing got going. All the nieces and nephews had the dance bug. I saw some of the best moves. I was impressed by all the moves, but just amazed how the body just takes over when the music turns on. Lizzy was coming up with some of the funniest moves. i'll try to post a video, but we'll see.

At least we are all looking at the camera

Lizzy with cousin Cami waiting outside the temple

All and All a great weekend to celebrate Donnie and Kira. It was so much fun seeing all the family as well as getting to know Kira's side. I especially was impressed with the dance her brothers put on at the reception!

Where to find the time.....

2009-08-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

I really have a bloggin mindset, cause i constantly go through the day and think oh i could say this or post that, but then when i comes down to it....I usually decide to sleep, when i get a chance, However i know i sometimes need to sacrifice for the good of my journal and trying to remember everything that goes on in my life...especially with my sweet kiddos. I just wish i was better, but i've never liked journal writing, so its another thing i do cause i know i should.

Luckily, Caleb has slept through the night the last 3 nights. We moved him out of our room, which was a great thing to do, He seems to know i'm not right there and he is not going to get food, so he has slept great.

Lizzy continues to amaze and try my patience. But for all you moms of preschoolers out there. I read yesterday some comforting words, which said.. Enjoy this time when your preschooler thinks the world of you, wants to be with you all the time, do everything you do, because never again in your life are they going to want to be with you that much. And enjoy their excitement and energy to see, do, and try new things. They are learning so much so fast, don't get upset when they forget to do something you think they shouldn't. I know i've been loosing it with lizzy, but after reading some things from her viewpoint, i had a much better day today as i tried to enjoy some of those things i usually think are annoying.

Lizzy just loves Caleb and is really very helpful, its funny to see her interact with him because it so often is things i do or say and she is trying to copy. Like the other day she got up in his face and said, "Are you hungry? Cause i just want to eat you up!" Her version of something i probably say, like "you are so cute i'm gonna eat you up" We were sitting around at my brother in laws and she didn't think anyone was listening, but she said that and we all started laughing, although she was saying it very seriously cause she got very embarrassed and upset that we were laughing.

Kid update

2009-07-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Wow looking at this picture is so crazy it was only 3 months ago. Caleb has been the best, my angel. He loves to sleep, eats well, and just happy, loves to smile and just look around. He is sleeping good at night with just one feeding usually around 3 or 4. His sister just adores him. So he went from this :

To this is 3 months. He is my big boy- 16lbs -96 percentile, and 25 1/2 inches-98 percentile
We keep telling liz she better not pick on him, cause he will be bigger than her soon, and be able to retaliate. (she doesn't listen)

He loves his swing, sometimes hours go by and he is still loving it!

Lizzy loves holding him and trying to get him to smile. Sometimes she gets upset when he doesn't smile at her. She calls him her best friend forever and says she is gonna keep him....i'm so glad

As for Lizzy, she hit her 4 month mark on the study (for her arthritis) this last week. She has improved drastically. She is looking so good. She has improved 100% in some areas, and no less than 75% in others. So we are still in the study, but it remains blinded, which is good for us right now. She most likely has been on only the one drug(methotrexate) but has responded very well to it, and we don't have to go on the steroid. She has been a trooper through it all, and the best investment we made was 'hello kitty' bandaids. So we move on, and hope she out grows it someday, but at least it seems to be getting under control.

showing off 'hello kitty'

Before, feb 2009, her left knee is much bigger here, as well as her wrists.
today...her knees look normal, kind of hard to tell in pictures, but we are excited about the improvement.

And a few pics for the road.......

Following in the Lord's way

2009-07-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

As a parent I often worry about this horrible world my kids have to grow up in. I know it was bad as i was growing up and pretty sure that was nothing to what my kids will have to deal with. I try not to let this get me down, but sometimes it is hard to not wonder if my kids are going to be able to choose the right, when there is soooooooooo much wrong around them. I feel very lucky to have made it through as well as i did, and be strong in my faith and true to the gospel. I just hope and pray that ALL my kids will do the same. I take comfort in the Prophets counsel to fortify our homes. To make them gospel centered, with scripture study, prayer, family home evening, going to church each week, and teaching the gospel in our home. We are by no means perfect, and we have to always work on it, but I want to do all i can to protect my family.

Lizzy has a great Love for the temple, she was so excited to go for her primary activity. She loves driving by on the freeway and says it is her temple! (she is in the far right in the blue dress)

She got a pamphlet, and we caught her reading on the way home. She learned that Grandma and Grandpa Daltons temple (Oakland, Ca.) was on the front as well as her temple (san diego) She carried this pamphlet around for days

Family Home Evening, Lizzy has been into crafts, so she wanted to make necklaces and bracelets with hearts. What a great idea Liz! So this is us showing them off.

We have a long road ahead, but these types of moments give me hope. Good luck with your families too!

2 months flying by

2009-06-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

I knew once Caleb came time would fly, and it has. We have been very busy with feeding and normal baby stuff, but also have had a couple adventures out. When Caleb was 4 weeks i decided to meet my parents at Pismo beach and camp (in a nice trailer, so no dirt and bugs we couldn't get a way from. It was awesome.) We walked the pier and roasted marshmallows, did little nature hikes, and saw the biggest frog I've ever seen.
A shot of Pismo Beach and me, It was beautiful and a lot like a Florida coast beach, with long flat sand forever, cars driving on the beach, and a lagoon inland a tad. The water was colder though.

My parents were great with taking lizzy for walks and climbing trees, so i could get a nap or rest here and there.
There were these giant geese that roamed the campground. Very loud, but luckily no attacking of small children, Lizzy loved to chase them off.

A beautiful, warm, and exciting day at the beach, okay not warm, it was very windy and my dad found warmth within.

Caleb's perch. He pretty much lived on the couch, but he was happy as could be. The campground was right on a lagoon, and covered from the windy beaches by trees, which was nice, but resulted in lots of mesquitos, so caleb stayed in doors most the time and we sprayed off on the rest of us, and surprisingly came away with no bites.
Lizzy and Caleb showing off for the camera
Enjoying the outdoors! WE love camping with grandma and grandpa.

Caleb's baby blessing

2009-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

It was a little early, but worked out to have His blessing on April 26. In our church babies are given a name and blessing, and this was Caleb's day. It was a sunny, but very windy day. Lots of family and friends joined us. Thanks to all who came and traveled to do so.

Our happy little guy in his blessing outfit.

Our friends that came, the Johnstons (sorry we missed a pic with the Hansens, but thanks for coming, and Emily for trying too!)

The Uncles and Great Uncles who blessed Caleb with Dad.

All the family that could make the blessing. To all that couldn't we missed you.

Our wind blown family pic with Grandma Mary.

It was a beautiful sabbath day and a beautiful blessing Caleb will always have. Sure grateful for the gospel and the peace and comfort it brings in just a horrible and unstable world around us.

Easter Fun and more

2009-04-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

okay i started this post a while ago and finally getting around to finishing

Okay so we are trying to get back in the swing of things around here. I thought it would be fun to enjoy easter celebrations and especially wanted Lizzy to know we hadn't forgot about her and she deserves to enjoy holidays!. So we painted eggs, crashed our old wards easter egg hunt, even though there were as always tons of kids and lizzy didn't even get one egg on the hunt. But her good friend Emma came to her rescue and shared some 'treats' with her, because that is the only thing she cares about. Then we did an easter egg hunt at home! i think overall we had a nice weekend, and even got my sister-in-law to take some pics of my kiddos! Thanks Brookie! and i know trying to get a 3 yr old and newborn to look at the same time let alone smile or have eyes open is extremely challenging.

Caleb Christopher is here!

2009-04-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it has been almost a week since he came. WE wait and wait and wait, and then he came and time has flown by. Caleb arrived Tues. March 31, 2009 at 4:46am. He weighed 8lbs and 9ozs. 20 inches. dark blue eyes and light hair like lizzy had. So he is probably gonna be another toe head. He is adorable and just perfect! WE are SOOOO excited he is here.

Okay i have to give some details of his arrival, so fair warning to skip this paragraph if you don't want to know the "details". So i had been having braxten hick contractions all weekend, so going to bed Monday night i was having a few contractions that were stronger than they had been, but not regular at all. I'd wake up every couple hours, or 30, 20, or 15 mins. but never constant. I'd wake up and wonder for a minute if this was it, but fall back asleep. So figure it wasn't gonna happen too soon. (However my last dr. appointment on the 26th i was dilated to a 4 and the dr. said she thought i'd go fast, so not to wait to long at home. Not more than 10 min contractions for an hour. So i was kind of waiting for that gauge. It never came I went from sporadic to waking at 3:30 with constant pain. It wasn't a contraction that let up so i wasn't sure. i just felt like i had to go to the bathroom, but i couldn't sit or stand. i called the dr. but she said it was up to me. So i waited another 10 mins or so and decieded it was time, meanwhile Lizzy came in asking for her binky and then wondering why all the lights were on. Cj went to get Lizzy's glasses and I went to sit on the toilet and felt a bulge, which i'm sure was the water sac, but freaked me out completely. So we hurried a little faster, I called my sister(who happened to be sleeping in her car, another long story) but a blessing cause she was able to meet us at the hospital to take Lizzy quickly. So the timeline was we woke at 3:30, decided to go to the hospital just after 4. On the was to the hospital my contractions became normal and i was having them 2 to 3 minutes apart. So even the first time it stopped i felt fine and questioned myself, but then it hit again of course no doubts. in the car i really was tring not to show too much pain, but nearly impossible, Lizzy kept asking what was happening and if the baby was kicking too hard, and would tell the baby to stop hurting mommy. (so sweet of her) We got there in 10 mins arriving at 4:35, i walked into the ER.(in between another contraction so i felt fine and asked for OB and they took there sweet time getting someone down there. Well it seemed like forever, when the contraction hit again. So she wheeled me up to OB which was a very painful ride, that Cj says i was screaming in the elevator, i just recal groaning very loudly. So they took me in the room, told me to put a gown on, i barely could throw my clothes off fast enough. Then i got on the chair, the nurse checked me, and didn't say anthing. So i was like what am i, then she responded," Oh you're a 10 and ready to have this baby." So they kept saying page the dr. (thankfully she was already at the hospital) and Cj remembers it taking forever and nurses bumping into each other. I just wanted it to stop! So the dr. got there, gloves on, water sac exploded (i'm serious) I was laying on the bed and saw Water go flying, then the dr. saying okay water broke and you can push the next contraction. Now i guess i have to admit, I screamed! I'm not usually a screamer, but there was no where else for the pain to go, i had to let it out. I think Cj was a little shocked, I think i was too, but after a looooong push or two He came out.And then it is just amazing, to have that little guy there, real, crying, healthy, a relief for sure!!! Okay so a few days before i have to admit, I told Cj i was curious to know what a natural birth would be like. So i guess i asked for it, but i'm just glad it was fast. Pain can be endured quickly, but if i was in labor for hours like that, wow that is a whole different ball game. The pros were definetly that it was fast, (relative i guess)
no needles (iv or anything) I HATE NEEDLES.
I didn't feel drugged after, and actually felt pretty good, the pain hit the next day more.
CJ was home and not working far away,
Lizzy woke on her own right when we needed to go. i may have tried waiting till Misty got to our house.
Misty was sleeping in the car that night and got there fast.
MOST of all Caleb is perfect, a sweet baby, that is so far sleeping and eating fantastic.
And quick delivery means no birth canal deformaties. He does have smashed ears(on the top of each ear, the pediatrician thinks is from being squished in there so well, but will eventually be normal.

Well that was definetly the long version, but i had to make sure i got it in writing.
My parents came wed. night and were sooooo helpful. With food, taking Lizzy out and chasing her (her favorite game that she NEVER tires of)
Lizzy LOVES her brother. Always wants to hold him and help change him. She took the role of picking out his clothes, which i have a feeling may never stop. As long as she helps him look good, i guess he'll love it. (i'm a little jealous though cause she never lets me pick out her clothes and now i don't even get to pick out Caleb's either.
We are all doing great, i'm starting to feel fairly normal and able to move around better. We are just trying to digest that we now have two kids and have changed forever. We are so grateful for this change and just so excited for the future. I guess i need to change my blog title... i'll have to think about that for a lilttle bit.

a little update

2009-03-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

... well first of all....still no baby, guess he is taking his sweet time, probably hears the tantrums his sister throws and isn't sure he is ready for that yet. Although Lizzy says she is, everyday or multiple times a day i hear, "i'm ready for your baby to come now" like i need a reminder. I"M READY TOO. (actually its really cute to hear her say) i had high hopes yesterday after having contractions for 4 -5 hours , but i guess those darn braxten hicks, cause they never got worse or real regular, and eventually went away. although the plus was i think after not sleeping well the two nights before and my body working that hard for pretty much nothing, i was sooooooo tired, so i slept soooooooooo good last night. and so we wait.. (by the way all you that have your babies weeks early....or even days....well you are lucky!...i'll leave it at that) the mental game is the most difficult, every moment i wonder..is this it ....NOOOOOOOOO

middle of march (9 months)

Okay as for lizzy update, she is in the study and the drugs seem to be leaving no side effects yet at least. We think we notice a difference in her joints, but are anxious to hear what the docs say on thurs. She of course hates the shots, she gets two, once a week. but each week is better. she didn't cry at all on one leg last week, we were amazed. she she usually asks every day if she is getting her shots, which i respond, "no not today", and she quickly jumps up and down yelling "yeah!" (unless its thursday then its, "noooooo how bout later." But she is tough and is doing great. so thanks for all your sweet comments, emails, and prayers. they have definetly helped!

Lizzy trying out the baby carrier!

Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

2009-02-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Wow what a month, we went from almost doing eye surgery (getting two other opinions, saying they would not do it, so we are holding off, at least for now) to finding out our daughter has arthritis. Well we often commented on her running a little funny, or how her ankles, wrists, fingers seemed to be bigger than normal, (but we figured it was all normal and just her) And of course the whole reason we found it was her swollen knee(hence the sedation clip in last post) Come to find out it is a much more serious condition. So after much talking, praying, fasting, and i guess just accepting it, we are moving forward and hope all will work out for the best. We are putting her in a study that is going on around the country in hopes of attacking the autoimmune illness and being in remission within a year. They new evidence or what they believe is that it has not been treated aggressively in the past, so it lingers too long and causes damage to the cartilage and joints. So they want to be very aggressive from the start, JUST HOPE IT WORKS! anyway we will do monthly visits, blood work, and weekly injections and daily meds. Which has been the hardest to accept that i will have to give and do painful things to my mostly innocent 3 year old. She is tough and we will make it , but any prayers you want to throw our way are welcome!

Ode to Lizzy

2009-02-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

I figure with a new baby coming soon, our lives will change and of course for the better, as we learn and grow in different ways, however i thought i'd give a shout out to my "special girl." Even though there have been definite rough patches over the last 3 years, i have learned so much from my 'sweetie pie.' She is just a doll, so eager, and loving. She just makes me smile!
The latest has been her willingness to help. Which of course i want to encourage even though it takes longer or is a bit inconvenient, i know the day will come when she won't want to help. She has been helping with yard work, dishes, painting, and anything else she can get her hands on. The other day i just didn't want to do the dishes, but she did, so she moved the rug out of the way, pushed a chair over and turned the water on to do it herself!

Over the last couple months we have been watching lizzy's knee and wondering if something was wrong, she never complained of pain or never seemed to favor it, but her left knee seemed bigger than her right. So we finally took her in this week and found she had extra fluid in there, they drained it and she is doing fine, but we have a follow up thursday and hope the labwork comes back normal. They say it could be from a sprain or twist, or infection. don't really know right now. But they had to give her some meds to drain the fluid and it made her very loopy. Which actually was very funny to watch. within 5 mins of taking it she was laughing hysterically and falling asleep not able to sit up. The funny part was while we were waiting they said to go get her blood work, so we had to do a urine sample. While i was holding her limp body on the toliet, Cj was trying to catch from the back. it took a bit, but we were successful, just glad she had to go.

Here is a video of us at the dr:

Besides this last week, we had beautiful 80 degree weather and took advantage. Lizzy loved playing in the sand at the beach and Mom and Dad were able to relax a bit. one of those wonderful days!

finally the after pics

2009-01-27T20:57:00.001-08:00

Alright well its been a long road and of course always more to do, but we are in our house and feeling rather settled and making it home. We attempted to do a lot ourselves, but soon realized that was not going to happen, between me being pregnant, Cj busy with work, and us living at his mom's wanting to move into our house sometime in the next year. We gave up and hired most of it done! I am so happy we did. It is so much better than we would have done, and we got in within a couple weeks. So i don't think the pics really show what we had done, but you get the idea. We did all new paint, carpet, doors and frames, knocked out a wall and new hinges and knobs in the kitchen. Everything we did we love and are so glad we were led to do it.

before living room

after we knocked out the wall in living and dining room

other side of living room and entry after pic

before: ugly wood color and dirty

so much nicer cleaner white, new knobs and hinges, )someday we'll get new counter tops too)

eating area, washed out and dark

after, color and i love it!

before master bed (nasty pink color)

after, an ash gray actually.. again i love it

before lizzy's wing... so nasty i thought we would gut this bathroom, but it actually just needed paint and some scrubbing

new paint and faucets in bathtub

nasty bedroom: couldn't even open the closet, so much junk and YUCK!

Now it is sweet little Lizzy's room and she loves it

before 70s style family room

soooooo much better (except of course that CJ reminds me daily we now need a big screen) well its on the list!

We'll i have to admit the stress of picking colors and carpet was high, but goes to show you can pray about anything. I did and i know thats why it all turned out as good as it did. Thanks to my parents and sis for helping clean and work on little projects! Thanks to Cj's mom for pushing us the extra mile in many cases and for all those that encouraged and supported us.
Now we need visitors!

Birthdays, Christmas, New Years...

2009-01-13T21:08:00.001-08:00

After waiting all year, at every birthday party we went to and having to pretend it was also Lizzy's party so we didn't have to deal with a tantrum....finally Lizzy had her 3rd Birthday and was so happy. She sang Happy Birthday with everyone else as she waited to blow out her candles until they were all done. She of course loved having presents to open and friends to play with. She loved being the star of the day.

Lizzy and Claire eat there cupcakes, or at least the frosting (which is Lizzy's favorite)

Lizzy with friend Gweneth Kolb and new bouncing ball, which she LOVES and is getting really good at.

Lizzy opening her presents and so excited.

The party gang, minus a twin

We did a pancake brunch for her party and enjoyed every bite.
So for a whole year, Lizzy was way into birthdays, now this year i think she is going to take Christmas on all year. She has us sing Silent night, and Rudolph every night to her still. She asked for her christmas books to read just about every night. We'll have to see how long she carries this on. But as for Christmas, we had a great holiday. We kept it simple with just moving and everything, but Lizzy was so fun to watch and learn this year. She really understood more of what was going on this year.

The closest we got to a family pic or sending out christmas cards...maybe next year.

Lizzy got new dress up princess clothes

Mom and Lizzy with presents from my bros fam. Love them thanks!

Lizzy and Cj opening stockings from santa

Lizzy and Cj making, or eating cookies for santa.

And Finally CJ's birthday! I got him a BBQ for his big 28! and his brother was nice enough to come help him put it together.

We wasted no time and had a family BBQ/Birthday party that night.

CJ's a natural, i'm so excited he is willing to cool now!!!

A little fam birthday party on his real bday, with his favorite, Reese's Christmas tree as his cake, we kind of over did the sweets over the holidays, so we simplified this time.

And the end of the year brought the news of Cj's Grandma passing away. While we are sad to loose her for now, we are overjoyed at the reunion she is having with her husband (who she lost over 35 years ago, and both her children preceded her in leaving this life. She really missed her family and often mentioned she was ready. She was 94 and lived a great life. we are so glad we had her down a few times over the holidays and even got a cute pic of her and lizzy.

And now we are on to the new year. We actually did go to a party and stayed up till midnight, which is amazing for me, i'm a 9pm kind of girl. But we had a good time and Lizzy even slept in a little the next day. We have started out the new year with beautiful weather, a great reason to live in san diego, its been 75 to 80 for most the week and we love going outside and working in the yard. Cj and i have been called to team teach the 9 year olds in our ward, which we both love. and we are anxiously awaiting baby boy!

Wow time flies

2009-01-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Well the last couple months have just flown by. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthdays (lizzy's and CJ's) and the start of the new year i just can't keep up. And not to mention all the stuff we've done with our house. Which i promise pics are coming soon.

But i just had one of those nights, parents dream about so i thought i'd take a moment and brag. Lizzy was such an angel tonight as she told me, "Mom you are my best friend in the whole world" and "I love you very much" in the same night. She volunteered to get her pj's on and then got her own snack and water for me and her. Then after watching shrek together for a little while she said she was ready for bed. (Now to fully appreciate that you need to know she usually kicks and screams all the way to bed, its a fight to brush teeth and we have to sing a billion songs.) But she was such an angel.... Makes a mom proud, and allows me to see she can really do it.
I sure love her and even though i complain alot about her tantrums and whining, I just love her fun and loving personality when it shines through.

a much needed journal entry

2008-11-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

(i'll have to add pics later, they are on our computer, not set up yet)

so things have been a bit crazy over the past couple months.... mostly with any extra time and energy going towards getting our house ready. Which i 'm excited to say looks like it may be this week we move in. How Thankful i am for that! Its been a long crazy journey,but the house is looking tons better and livable now. Pictures coming soon i promise ( or at least i'll try) We've been staying at Cj's moms house and her internet is what we call slow, so i haven't had the patience to email or blog. But i decided i had to write a few things.

Like WE are having a Boy!. We found out on Nov. 4 and we are excited to have a boy even though i have all the things for a girl, we'll have to make do. Cj is very excited to have a boy. And he is a much needed addition to the dalton side cousins. He now makes it 2 boys to 8 girls. Poor little Asher will finally have another boy on his side.

Also an update on Lizzy. For those with three year olds or have had three year olds, that sums it up She is now Three (or very close, next month) i swore she hit the twos hard, and there was nooooooooo way she could get worse. But she proved me wrong with ease. I've decided twos are somewhat innocent tantrums, they just can't express themselves or understand. But Threes they know and they manipulate, test, and try to see just what they can do and get away with. Of course i need to mention she also has a completely sweet, funny, joyful, curiosity side that i love. But the snap of a finger, or specifically a "NO" turns her angelic side into something kind of scary.
And of course i love her soooo much and in some ways can't get enough of her, but in others she exhausts and frustrates me beyond anything I've ever experienced. I was telling Cj I've never loved someone or something that has frustrated me so much. Kind of a roller coaster. Also, she is trying to be very independent, except when other people are around then she wants MOM to do everything. i'm not kidding ask Cj. So her three favorite phrases of the past few months have been:
1. "I wanna do it"
2. "No! let me do it"
3. " I can do it"

And if anyone tries to help her other than me, "No! Mommy do it"

But she is learning lots about the world, She has learned green light means go, Red light means stop and, orange light means SLLOOOWWW Down. (yes i said orange light, for some reason in so. cal they are orange, not yellow (anyone else notice this?!) actually it has to do with the palomar observatory saying bright lights interfered with their telescope. (so all street lights are orange)
She has learned to pray on her own, which is extremley cute, she usually prays for her friends, and often names them, rachel, Ashlyn, Claire, Emma, and her babies. Which i think are Cooper, and Lara,(her friends newborn siblings) and i'm adding our new one also. She looooooooves babies and always wants to hold and kiss them. So i'm sure she is gonna be a great big sis, after all the jealousy stuff gets figured out. She also prays for her family, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, prophet, temple and for Jesus. It is so sweet and innocent to see her grasp a love for spiritual things.

I best do an update on all of us, CJ just amazes me with his faith and hard work. He has been very blessed to find connections and references, and clients for work, we are in awe at how things work out sometimes. We are learning tons as we are homeowners, even though we did give in and hired most the work done. Its still a learning experience is so many ways. We are in a new ward, which i miss my old one, but once we get to know people here i think it will be better. I have been taking it a day at a time and find my self 6 months pregnant and starting to really show. i try to do more than i should, but my body is first to tell me, slow down.

Most of all we feel very blessed in our lives right now, We are so greatful for the opportunites we have had and that are awaiting us. We are so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that cares about each of us and answers our prayers and has given us promises if we do our part. What peace that brings in a troubled world. So i hope you are all doing well, and feeling thankful for all you have in your lives. i am thankful for each of your friendships and even though we may not talk often, i'm glad our paths have crossed and hope they cross again soon!

WE ARE HOMEOWNERS

2008-10-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Yes i'm serious, we made the giant leap of faith and closed on a house in Vista, california! (Just north of downtown san diego-30 mins or so) So looks like we are gonna be permanent here! which is good cause its a good place to be, only wish my fam was a tad closer, but maybe someday they will see the light!

Its older, 1978 it was built. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. 2600 sqft. And i would post pictures but it needs a lot of help first. Yup its a bit of a fixer upper. we just maybe got in over our heads, but we'll see. its gonna be great once it is fixed up. we were in cleaning on monday and taking down wallpaper and after getting hardly anywhere the saying from President Monson popped in my mind, "Joy in the journey" so even though things couldn't be more stressful right now with everything, i decided if i enjoy the process it will go much better and it will be a great memory to always have!

so stay tuned for the great before and after pics! sometime hopefully sooner rather than later!
And eventually we will have place to have you all come visit when you come to sunny san diego!!!

General Conference

2008-10-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

What a great opportunity we have to hear a living Prophet of God and amazing insights from Apostles and Leaders. In such a horrible and corrupt society it is nice to take a time out and be reminded of our eternal perspective and how as we cling to the gospel of Jesus Christ we are truly protected and blessed.

I thought i'd share some of the things that touched me most from this weekend: (some are quotes from talks, others are impressions i had)

1-"Don't all the stresses of life to get the best of us." - Elder Perry

2- Hope is abiding trust the Lord will fulfill his romises, our prayers will be answered and with hope comes joy and happiness. We need to hope with confidence.

3- We need unity in our families!

4- "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things" -Sis. Dalton

5- "Find Joy in the journey" - Pres. Monson

i just have so much love for my Father in Heaven, his son Jesus Christ and in their plans of happiness and salvation. it definitley makes day to day life more meaningful and purposeful. I am so blessed to have this comfort in my life and i hope you all feel the same!!!!

Lizzy also learned from general conference. As we listened she of course was in and out, but she did hear things and repeated them as she heard them:

1-body

2-choose the right

3-church (followed by saying "I want to go to church")

4-Joseph Smith

5-present (i think she was hopeful she was going to get a present when she heard this)

6-second

7-changes

I was actually very impressed by her listening skills and once again reminded of the importance of teaching our children when they are young!

Lizzy's new shirt

2008-09-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

(if you can't read the shirt is says, "I'm going to be aa big sister!") Yes that means i'm pregnant! We had Lizzy wear this shirt when telling both our families we are expecting. She actually hates the shirt, mostly cause its huge (oops i got the wrong size) so we had to bribe her to wear it a couple times. But we got the message across anyway!

So i am about 12 weeks and feeling okay, i've mostly just been nauseus but i'm making it through. the baby is due March 27. And we are very excited to welcome a new baby in our home and even though lizzy will probably be jealous of me holding the baby, she is gonna be the best big sister! she just adores babies and always knows how to take care of them, if they need a bottle, or binky, be held, or a lovey. she already has great motherly instincts!

Thought this might be fun

2008-08-12T16:21:00.001-07:00

Everyone needs to play...This is Fun!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember--it can be funny, weird, awkward, random, etc.!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Camping at Lake Tahoe

2008-08-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great camping vacation with my parents and sister up at Lake Tahoe in July. We took a hike down to Emerald Bay and it was beautiful. Pretty steep too. good thing we had 5 adults to push lizzy back up! Not to mention Cj sprained his ankle really bad a few days before we left home, but he was a trooper, not complaining just a lot of icing!

This was at the bottom of the hike, where others boated in.

During our rejuvenating snack for the trip up, Lizzy decided to be a hair stylist for her daddy!

This was actually on our way to Tahoe, we stopped for and ice cream sandwich, Lizzy ate too slow, and liked to pick the chocolate off.

Not the best pic of me and sis, but we had so much fun squeezed into the back of my dad's truck for 4 hours. But hey anything to save gas money right!

Cj showing off Lake Tahoe

Lizzy and Smokey the Bear being pals

Lizzy and mom throwing rocks into the lake as gma, gpa and auntie Misty kayaked!

All and all we had an awesome time and a tip to all you campers: Reeses peanut butter cups instead of hershey's chocolate on your smores and roasted starbursts! (just put it on the stick and let it melt once into the fire, take out and cool enough for a chewy, but hardend shell of flavor, also very good mashed with another color. I'm serious... try it!

Some common or not so common lizzy phrases

2008-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

So Lizzy's most common thing to say is, "NO i wanna do it!) She is very independent, in her thinking and doing stuff anyway, she doesn't want me out of site otherwise. But she dresses herself everyday and usually she actually does pretty good, or i coax her a little, but this day she was adamant and why not, i'm sure you moms know what i'm talking about. Hey they're stripes right they should match. and at least she did something with her hair! its a new fashion just wait, you'll see!
However it went a little too far lately when she had to pick out my clothes to wear, yup thats right i couldn't even do it, i picked up a shirt and she said no and handed me a different one, do i need that much help????

One of Lizzy's most common things to do is grab a purse of backpack and say bye bye i'm going to a meeting, or temple, or work, but the other day she said,
bye bye i'm going to temple i luv you, then she turns around in a moment and says i back now.
Mom- Did you pray to Heavenly Father & Jesus?
liz: yes i have bread & water... bye bye i going to meeting how.
(clever how kids link things together)

I was cutting an avocado while lizzy was watching and she said, "whats that?"
mom: An Avocado
Liz: I want uncle Todno (she has an uncle todd that she loves to see)
Which reminds me , we were just getting to dinner last sunday at Cj's moms house and Cj started walking in the house as i got lizzy out of the car, she looked up and said their's uncle todd and then a second later says, "no thats daddy" (strong family resembrance?)

Lizzy is actually a very good talker, but of course she is 2 and just learning.
Liz: "i want stebetty"
Mom: "Stebetty"
Liz: " NO Stebetty!"
mom: oh spaghetti
Liz: yes
She really thinks she is saying spaghetti, it's so funny.

well i know there are a ton more things, but that'll do for now!

What do you think?

2008-06-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Okay i think this is out of control...... A mysterious red trashy van in the complex

and the only reason i know what it really is doing is because of the music playing, not to mention it is christmas music!

and the front "caution children" is painted with bad black paint job where they messed up on the caution part.

So my question to you is would you buy ice cream from this man?? too bad i didn't get a pic of him, not much better although he does have his son work with him! nice father/ son activity (take my poll, to the left)

I'm sure i over think it but, As for me I choose not to buy ice cream from these sketchy ice cream trucks (we actually have a couple different ones come through)

Shout out to my Hubby

2008-05-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

CJ works some long and hard hours especially lately and i want him to know i am grateful for all his hard work. And on top ot that i am so impressed with how much he has accomplished and learned doing business over the last 3 years. I was thinking today how he has had his business for 3 years now, okay i guess 2.5 ,but if you say since 2005 it sounds longer. anyway just thought i'd post some of his latest work! (so all of you can be impressed too)

before:

after:

OOOOHHHHHHHHh! AAAAAHHHH!
before and after pics are the best!

Congrats to Darren and Manda!

2008-05-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have Baby Nyali here, and i know Manda was more than ready. It was a long horrible labor, but still a reward at the end. Congrats you guys and so glad you are close, so we get to hang out. and snuggle with Nyali

(for those that don't know Darren is my little bro)

Potty Party Sucess!

2008-05-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well it has been weeks in the preparing and planning and shopping but it worked!

I read this book "Potty train your child in just one day" by teri crane. the whole idea of the book is to have a big potty theme party. I chose the beach theme because lizzy loves the ocean and swimming. So the idea was to give liz a doll that wets in the morning and have her train the doll, then after nap liz would get big girl panies and have a go herself. (Another reason i thought this would work for Lizzy is cause she loves her baby dolls and she LOVES parties and presents. (i know what kid doesn't, but everytime we go to a party she is adament it is her birthday too! So anyway long story short she wanted to put "big girls" on after just an hour with the doll in the morning, and then at lunch, for baby's party she was again adament that it was her party. So we adapted and threw away lizzy's diapers along with baby's. SO because of Lizzy's determination, and not wanting to be flexible and do it mom's way (or the books) we adjusted. But i am still pleased to say it worked out. We had about 4 succsses and 3 accidents(not to mention one was at our friends on tuesday when we started. Not bad for a first day. But Lizzy went full force and then some. WEd, thurs, and fri so far NO ACCIDENTS (don't worry i am knocking on wood right now). We even went to the park for 3 hours yesterday and two successful trips to the bathroom there. i mentioned and then some , because Lizzy is either overly concerned of having an accident, or she wants a sticker for trying, or the attention of mom following her to the bathroom, because she goes in to sit on the potty usually 3 or 4 times in between the times she really does go. But better that way than accidents on the floor! Anyway i know it goes back to her being ready and nothing i probably did, i'm just glad it is going so well and hopefully no regression! Here are some pics from the party!

The living room set up as the beach

Lizzy loved surfing

Lizzy's reward for no more diapers, a bike and a few beach toys

Lizzy and her potty party baby (the hats say potty animal)

We finally went on vacaion

2008-05-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Now many of you may not think that going to utah is a vacation, but anywhere with a change of scenery and living out of a suitcase is a vacation to me. However you look at it we had a blast! CJ's brother Danny graduated again!!! with another masters or something of that sort :) (Congrats again!) And our nephew Ben was Baptized, which left a mark on Lizzy. The other day as we were driving the primary song Baptized came on and she said, "Jesus baptized like Lucas" well she had the idea (Lucas is Ben's younger brother) She totally put it together! i was very impressed. We also got to be there for baby Rachel's blessing.
well i got a head of my self. Starting out the week we drove from san diego to vegas, where we had a 'free' two nights at imperial palace from a time share presentation. it ended up being fun, but we weren't so sure in the beginning. It was my first time ever to vegas, and while it is a lot of lights and impressive buildings, there is a different feel, at least were we were on the strip. But after arguing a little with the hotel we finally got a quiet room and no smoke, which was a safe haven away from the casino downstairs and all the characters that attracts. I serioulsy thought someone was going to come up and tell me it was illegal to have a 2 year old there. Anyway Lizzy loved the hotel stay...

So tuesday was a beautiful day and we set out to take in vegas, we had no idea where or what we were doing but we heard there was a aquarium at Mandalay Bay so we saw it on the monorail map and headed off, problem was the stop was a couple miles from the resort, we braved it anyway: no stroller+ 80 degree = big problem. not to mention Lizzy is such a mama's girl, she won't let CJ do anything for her. as seen in this pic when mom couldn't hold her any longer and made her go to daddy!

Finally indoors and the aquarium, at least there was one there!

After vegas we headed to Utah and stayed with Jill and Micah (good friends from byuh) We had a great time and can you believe it snowed while we were there. 80 degrees one day two days later snow. But it was still fun to see it, we haven't see snow for a loooooooooong time and lizzy never had.

We had a great time visiting with the smiths and our friends, the Brouwers, came to see us, (congrats again to Paul for making the cut to be a seminary teacher... we are still anxious to hear where!) Also thanks Tara for taking me out to lunch! Sorry to others we missed while there, the time went toooo fast, but we hope to see you soon!
Friday we headed up to Tooele to see my bro and family. We had a great time and they have all the pics from there. We went to temple sguare and no Lizzy will say, " Bye Bye i'm going temple square, see you later, i love you" this is a commom phrase recently, but she subs in school, meeting, temple, as she feels the need, so since utah and seeing her cousin halle she sometimes adds i'm going to 'temple square, get married' We also played a great game, with trains and the us map, can't quite remember the name , but it was really fun.
Then we went up to Ogden for the baptism and blessing on sunday in Clinton. We enjoyed each part of our trip, but decided sunday afternoon we'd better drive to vegas and break up the long trip on monday. So thanks to Kyle and Sam (Cj's high school friend) offering a place to stay in vegas we made it home monday afternoon in time to take care of a major work crisis.....
his employee put unleaded gas in his 2007 Ford Diesel Truck. OOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPSSSS
Don't worry....a Tow, $758, 2 days, and no insurance to help us out (after they said they would) its as good as new! A big grain of salt after a great vacation!

finally i got around to posting

2008-04-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well i'm on the month post plan. I just get on different kicks, i get into a book i can't put down (like the twilight series...yes i am a fan too) or I am so exhausted from Lizzy's tantrum, requests, and demands that naps and bedtime i'm all to quick to snooze myself, or i spend my spare time trying to find a good flight and condo in myrtle beach (my bro is getting married in sept. there) or sometimes i clean, read my scriptures, and whatever else seems to be in need of being done. However, Cj has the day off today and volunteered to take liz to the park, so i actually have some alone time...so nice Thanks to Elder Ballards talk in general conference for reminding me the importance of my job as MOM! and enjoying each stage.. and getting some alone time too!

Well the first week of March, Darren had his daughter for the month (she is usually in idaho with her mom) But he had to take a class all week, so we got to play with Denali for 4 long, fun filled days. Deanli was great, but lizzy had to really adjust to another 2 year old wanting her toys and mom's attention. We made it through and Lizzy still asks to see Denali when she's not around. here are some of the peaceful moments we had!

Enjoying the sunshine on our porch eating a snack.

Racing their baby strollers through the apt.

Crazy hair do party in the bath!

Grandma and Grandpa couldn't resist driving down to see some of their grandkids, so we got to enjoy them for the easter weekend. Our ward did an egg hunt with over 700 eggs, it was crazy how many eggs and candy we came away with, and since Cj has been eating sweets only on sundays and of course being a good mom, i don't want all that sugar in lizzy, i have done a fine job of getting rid of the easter candy myself. ( i justify because my doctor actually recommended i gain some weight..thanks doc!)

We had a gorgeous weekend and i got lizzy some new floaties from the easter bunny and we got to use them, (the ones she is wearing are actually her old ones she found) but she loved swimming so much that she wore these around the house for a few days. I can't wait for warm weather and pool days, lizzy is so fun in the pool. which might be soon.. we are hitting the 80s this weekend!
Well thanks for all who read my blog and keep in touch, i'm sorry i don't keep up myself very well, but i love reading about you all when i do get a chance! Much love to all!

Another year older and wiser too

2008-03-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

Well i guess i gots to blog about my bday! A couple days before i mentioned to CJ we'd gone to the beach every year on my birthday since we've been married and i figured it wouln't be a bday without the beach. So luckily we woke to beautiful blue skies and sun and took advantage and went to the beach and met my sister there too. It was beautiful of course except Lizzy doesn't know what it means to wear warm clothes (she literally kicks and screams at the mere mention of socks, shoes, pants or coat) anyway at the beach i finally persuaded her into pants, but regardless she got cold and cranky too soon, but it was still fun! Then that night we went to a very nice restaurant (the Beach House or somehting like that) nicest place i've ever eaten at and it was delicious (and i'm usually pretty picky when dining out) We went with some of Cj's fam and my sister in law has the same bday as me, so we were treated out! It was really fun. Thanks Mary! All in all, even though i'm older now, it was a great day!

Lizzy scored an A+

2008-03-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

I guess i need to add..We went to the eye doctor yesterday and Lizzy's wandering eye is not wandering so much anymore. She has just about 100 percent improved meaning.....NO EYE PATCHING! I couldn't be happier, i was so worried about having to patch her and no need she did it one her own! She'll still wear glasses for a while, but she is doing awesome! GO LIZZY! I feel i also need to add i have been praying and even fasting for her eye to be well enough that no patching was needed and I know the Lord is aware of our needs and concerns and i am so thankful for that comfort and knowledge!

A Day out with Grandma and Grandpa

2008-03-05T21:05:00.001-08:00

My parents came to visit last weekend, which is always great to have them around and see the love and excitement Lizzy has for them being here. We took the day and went to Bates Nut Farm, about 30 mins from my apt. It wasn't as much a nut farm as it was a park with huge farm animals. These animals were unbelievable how big they were. It was really fun seeing animals that i've shown lizzy in books, but actually seeing them for real. Geese, pigs, emu's, goats, donkey's, turkey and chickens, llambas. Liz was a little nervous at first, but warmed up after a while and even got into picking up seeds off the ground and feeding them.

Lizzy with Gma playing at the playground!

The fam at bates, soaking up some sun after our strom, and enjoying the animals!

Lizzy with Gma and Gpa! She took awhile to warm up to them, but finally realized they are the coolest!

mom and liz checking out the geese!

The big piggy!

New site Just out from the Church

2008-02-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

The Church has been putting a lot of sites out lately, but a new one about the Savior and our relationship to him is the latest! Take a look..link in my favorites.

A month or two in review!

2008-02-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

we took our last visit to Seaworld, our passes just expired. too bad, cause Lizzy was just starting to get into it. Probably why she was free up till 3. but i decided between the drive and we'd seen everything to not renew our passes, but we did have some great times there. I showed this pic of the copter cause she took her baby doll with her and had to show her eveything Lizzy saw. She is a great mom! (already) she also for some reason loved the hugh shark teeth. I have discovered Lizzy makes up her own mind, she won't be persuaded by anyone. Which is a great quality to have as a teen, but sometimes hard to deal with as a two year old. We did have a great time seeing "whales, fishes, sharks, dolphins", as Lizzy would say.

Lizzy has been really into coloring and crafts lately, so we decided to make daddy a valentine. CJ had "business" in Las Vegas for Valentine's weekend, so it was just Liz and I. However Grandma Mary and Aunt Ally saved the day ( actually two days ) and let Erika (my sister in law) and I go see not one but two movies: 27 dresses and Enchanted. It was great to get away and enjoy some chick flicks.

The end of January I got to get together with some good friends from the college days! I love reunions with great friends, no matter the time that has passed there is still a great time to be had each get together. Monica and Cassie met up with us at Phils BBQ, quite the happening place. We were also joined by Donnie, Cj's bro, and roommate to make quite a fun reunion. And to top it off Lizzy was great (the playdoh and Monica making cut outs with her helped) Thanks Monica, Cassie, and Donnie for meeting us. We had a great time.

Well thats a little of our past month or two! We are still happy and even healthy. CJ has been working very hard the last couple months in getting his business up and running on its own, (meaning generating his own sales) stay tuned for a website coming soon! Laters!

I could be famous

2008-02-06T20:30:00.001-08:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

I don't know about this

2008-02-06T20:18:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Pres. Hinckley

2008-02-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

This website (in my favorite links) is just out about Pres. Hinckley and his life. Pretty cool, check it out. Also check back soon for a upcoming site about Pres. Monson! My brother Tyler works for the church and designs their websites. Looks great Ty!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

2008-01-24T22:31:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help thinking about this scripture as i was putting Lizzy to bed tonight. It really has been so amazing to see her already have a love for church, nursery, Jesus, prayer,and the scriptures. Each night we read out of the picture scripture stories and then go to bed. She loves it, probably mostly that she gets to lay down with mom and dad on their bed and gets all their attention. Then tonight after we read she ran off to get her "toys" to sleep with and came back with a Jesus figurine she got for Christmas. She wanted to sleep with Jesus. Then we prayed and after she wanted to pray again, so we prayed this time she repeated everything i said. Then we sang our primary songs, which she knows so well from nursery. (its crazy when they start picking things up that you don't teach them directly) Then as i left the room she rolled over to go to sleep without a peep (after asking for water, a snack, and a treat of course) And the biggest shocker of ALL! She didn't even ask for her binky...which is huge and i'm still in shock, we have only been using in for naps and nighttime lately, but she usually only goes to bed to get the binky. And she didn't ask for it, didn't cry, just went to sleep....Now that was my perfect bedtime routine. I suppose no chance it will happen again, but gives me hope!

Our day on Sunday the 20th!

2008-01-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

Okay i'm serious when I say this is like the first pic Cj and I have taken together in like a year. For Christmas we both have family calendars and when i went in search of pics...they were ALL Lizzy, I mean she is much cuter and more exciting to take pics of, but i guess we need to get some photo time in too!

Lizzy and mommy both baking in our aprons, and lizzy had to take a pic with her camera too
We celebrated, my sister misty's 23rd bday on sunday! She is way into good healthy eating, (or i should probrably say trys too, she has a sweet tooth too) so i made a Chicken Salad, Fruit Salad, homemade rolls, and some broccoli and i don't think i've ever seen her happier! She MMMM through the whole meal. Made me feel good at least. Also finished it off with some homemade Banana Cream pie! Misty's roommate Apryl, Manda, and Darren (my bro and girlfriend), and Misty, (the cute redhead...if you now any good mormon boys that want to be set up let me know, don't tell her i said that she'd probably kill me.) And Cj's Mom and Sister all joined us for the a good time. And of course Lizzy loved all the company when she had all the attention on her. She loved to preform her somersaults and donkey kicks (which she learned from her cousin Andrew)

Watch out 4- year olds!

2008-01-21T21:45:00.001-08:00

We have been trading babysitting with a couple friends for a while now and it is awesome, the girls love to get together and we get two free babysitters a month. Lizzy loves her Emma and Rachel
Lizzy being 'funny', as she would say. " Look I make a snowman" We discovered this winter her fascination with snowman, she is constantly making a snowman out of anything, or as the song goes "a snowman tall, tall, tall" and says that when climbing on anything.

Well here is my princess all dressed up and ready to cook, except if you look close she is missing her pants.

Oh the part about the 4 year olds ....I got a new calling on Sunday, I’m now a primary teacher of the 4 year olds, I’m pretty excited, but will be a challenge I’m sure.

I've been humbled by....Lizzy

2008-01-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Well i attempted potty training today, not that i'm totally giving up already but wow what a rollercoaster we went through in one day. Starting out the morning an accident, but mostly in the kitchen, not bad clean up that way. Then she even went in the potty, and got a reward and big girl panties and a sticker for the chart, we even went outside with success and ran home quickly to sit on the toilet at the first sign she needed to go, however she didn't go then. After almost 3 hours of nothing, i knew it was coming, and finally all over the kitchen floor again, oh well not bad clean up. Then a diaper for the nap and that was it, she decided through tantrums and CRANKINESS that she was in charge and did not want to use the potty or not have a diaper on. So, for some strange reason this really affected me and put me in about the worst mood i've been in for a while. I guess after the sucess i thought she'd get it. But she only wanted the reward, which i wouldn't give her unless she went in the potty, she couldn't quite understand that which didn't help either of us. So i'm humbled that i can't do it in one day, like the pros, but maybe tomorrow.....

Few more pics of Christmas and bday

2008-01-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

For at least two weeks before christmas Lizzy starting making "pancakes and eggs" at least 10 times everyday for me, her baby dolls or who ever would listen to her. So we were so excited about getting this kitchen for her, she loves it!

As a side note we went to the eye doctor today and good news...Lizzy has improved 80% already, but we still are giving it a couple more months in hope of 100 percent in regard to her eye wandering, she will still need glasses for a few years at least for her vision, however if the wondering doesn't improve totally by next visit we will have to start patching.....NO!!!!!!hopefully it doesn't come to that!

December seems to rain presents around here

2008-01-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Just an update from the past crazy few weeks. It has been a blast! All started with Lizzy's 2nd birthday. We had a nemo party, lots of friends, pizza, crafts, and cake. I was pretty proud of my cake so i have to show it off.

Lizzy got new princess jammies from Grandma Mary, which she loves! Then Christmas came and went quickly, but lots of fun seeing Lizzy so excited about presents. We had lots of family around which is how Christmas should be. My parents even surprised us by coming down after Christmas. Then we celebrated CJ"s birthday the 29th, so for about 2 weeks there are presents everywhere we go and Lizzy just loves it. She still talks about presents some, but not as much as she was...which is good sense it will be another year before she gets more. Well we are sorry we did not get out a Christmas card this year, but thanks to all who sent one we love seeing your families and hearing updates! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year!

Top reason to live where we do!

2007-12-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

Lizzy and I had a blast today at the Beach! Taking lots of pics and she was so funny chasing the birds and running from the waves! It was a perfect day! Sorry to all you in cold, cold places. I guess you better come visit!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Okay thanks to Heidi and Beau, here is our Christmas card, seeing as we are not going to get one out this year. Merry Christmas to all, if this doesn't bring you holiday laughter nothing will! Hope you all have wonderful holidays! Click the link for our card.
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1171341116

Lizzy sporting her new glasses

2007-12-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

because everyone always asks... and i don't blame them, i would too. A few months ago we started noticing her eyes were not tracking together.( thanks to cj's mom for being abservant) One eye would wander a little more than seemed normal, so we finally got her in to the doctor in november and she was diagnosed with +6 in both eyes, actually one is worse than the other. I don't know much about that however many have told me that is a strong prescription and her lense are quite thick. I just thought it would be a nightmare to keep her glasses on, however because she can actually see now she wears them qutie well, just an occassional fit.

Haloween Fun and a little of Thanksgiving

2007-12-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving we went to Patterson, Ca. and enjoyed being with two of my bros and their families and my parents. This is Lizzy and Grandpa at the river Thanksgiving morning, so others could cook!

okay i know i'm way late, but i wanted to show off lizzy's haloween costume. She was nemo and her friend Ashlyn was Dory and Ashlyn's dad was P. Sherman. It was really cute. (Thanks to the Solanos for the costume) Lizzy loved Haloween. She still goes around the house saying Trick or Treat. I think she was very excited to find out it was that easy to get treats! After Trick or Treating we went back to the Solanos and we were more than entertained by these two as you will see in the video. (actually i can't get it to work...lindsay b help!!!!)

2007-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

I took this snap as lizzy was jumping off the couch arm rest. I thought if was a perfect 50's hairdo. Lizzy is adapting very well to her new world (or at least being able to see the old world)
She thinks she is very pretty ...izzy pretty... with her glasses.

Its about time

2007-11-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

Alright I'm in! I decided this would be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. So here we are. I'm sitting here trying to decide what to write, and can't think where to start. Lizzy is finally in bed after a crazy day. We did go to seaworld and she missed her nap, so she was tantrum city tonight. AHHHHHHHHHHHHh it is so quiet right now. Well our big new right now is that Lizzy was diagnosed as far sided and she will be getting glasses tomorrow, which should be another fun adventure. She has been quite the two year old, very opinionated and wants her way NOW! However, she is so adorable it if very hard not to cave in all the time.