Our World

This blog has moved!

2011-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have decided to merge my two different blogs into one. This should make my life easier, but I am sorry for the inconvenience it may cause you. From now on you will find all our updates (new and old) at:

www.debsfreckles.blogspot.com

See ya there!

Easter (probably my favorite next to Christmas)

2011-04-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

...and that is probably because of what we celebrate. That Christ is alive forever and because of that we will be too. This makes me very happy because whenever I even think about being separated from those I love most, it almost hurts. But because of Him it is not permanent. I know I will see them again. Nothing could make me happier. So even though I get excited over baskets and clothing, that is what makes me love this holiday so much.

This year the Easter bunny came and brought very small but very sweet baskets (they were my grandmothers) . Each kid got a couple eggs filled with jelly beans and a couple peanut butter eggs.

And the Easter bunny left a map of our yard showing the kids where he left a couple other goodies for them.

William is way into maps right now, so he loved this. Gracie just loved the jelly beans.

William also wanted to wear suspenders which I was delighted to hear.

Joseph didn't get any jelly beans, just empty eggs. And I took care of his peanut butter eggs for him.

Gracie got My Fair Lady, which may be to old for her, but I think she will like the songs for sure.

She took one look at it and said, "love it!"

William got Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Now off to find a few more goodies.

They each got a journal and a monogram stamp. Thank you Michaels dollar bins.

And Joseph finally got the 50 cent toy I found at the thrift store months back.

And he likes it.

And just so you know, it takes a lot of will power for me to not just sit here and gush about this cute, chubby, baby, boy. I mean, just look at him!

Next to come are the Huston/Christensen gatherings. And LOTS of pictures.

It's a miracle

2011-04-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Doug and Rachel brought their wii over and it was a lot of fun. We just might have to get a wii even though Russ and I have sworn to never have a gaming system (Russ has a hard time with self control when they are around and I believe they can be huge time wasters) But Russ played "Just Dance" and he never dances. He said it is not really dancing, but it looked like dancing to me.

I loved watching Gracie do it. It was a little tough for her, but she had fun.

Rachel helped me work on some marquee lights for the fundraising dinner we were having that night at the church. Rachel is really awesome like that, she will always help me with what I am working on.

Here are some girls trying to hang the letters. I am so sad I didn't take anymore pictures of the decorations. It was a vaudeville theater and it looked so awesome! We had a huge turn out and I spent the majority of the night in the kitchen.

It was crazy busy in there. We made a lot of pasta that day. I felt like Strega Nona (a favorite childhood book). We were all running around like crazy trying to get everything done.

The kids had a great time in the nursery. It was a very fun and tiring evening.

Trixie baby

2011-04-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

He is trixie because

a. he can put his toes in his mouth and

b. he slept through the night 3 nights in a row and then went back to waking up 3 to 4 times a night and now he is getting up at 5:30!

It is a good thing he is so stinkin' cute!

Butterball.

field trip!

2011-04-15T22:24:00.001-07:00

William had his first ever field trip this last Thursday. His class was going to the zoo so Gracie and I came along too. Connie gave the kids some water bottles with straps last year. Best.idea.ever. so I didn't have to carry their water bottles.

William with some of his buddies from school. They were our group.

We got to ride the train.

William's favorite, the tiger.

They all have a great time petting the goats.

Gracie literally brushed every single one and even shook this lucky goats hand.

I really like the monkey house. I just really like monkeys.

The new orangutan house was pretty cool and the kids spent a lot of time giggling at the baby. He was pretty dang cute and entertaining. He stayed under the sheet most the time and would pop out with a smile every once in awhile, but he was back under the sheet to quick for me to get a picture.

Then is was time to meet back up with everyone and go home.

I was so ready to go home by then. When I got back to my little butterball I found out that he had not been sleeping well for grandma and that my mom had cleaned and sewed for me helping me out sooooo much. I think I am ready for New Beginnings.

I am glad I was able to experience this with William while he still wants me to.

A baby in a basket

2011-04-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

that's it...

...just a cute baby in a basket...

nothing more to write...

...except, it makes me think of Easter. Easter is coming up. Oh, I wish I had more time to plan for Easter. Oh well. My life is full and I am grateful.

She dreams of cupcakes

2011-04-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Gracie asked me three days in a row if I knew how to make cupcakes and if we could make cup cakes. At first I was almost offended. Of course I know how to make cup cakes!

Then I realized, I never bake. I have only ever made cakes on their birthdays and for the hero party. I just don't have the desire to do that and I don't want to start cause then I will just be over weight and I don't want that. But since I had a cake mix I decided to say, yes.

So we threw on our old matching aprons and got to work.

While making cupcakes Gracie likes to look at herself in the bowl...

...has to cover her ears when the mixer is on (even though it is not loud)...

...and loves to lick the spatula.

Some friends stopped by and Gracie was so happy to have Emily there with her.

They did such a good job frosting the cupcakes.

They did a good job eating them too.

Yay for cupcakes! Here is Gracie's happy cupcake dance to celebrate the occasion.

I am not gonna lie, it made me feel like a good mama.

Last night was hard

2011-04-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Russ put Joesph to bed and like usual when Russ put him to bed he ended crying. I even went in to try and rock him a couple of times but when he got put down he would cry. He finally went to sleep after a few hours of that. Then in the night we he woke to eat for the second time, he would not go back to sleep. I was so tired so I woke Russ to see if he would try and rock him to sleep. He got up and put his pacifier in his mouth and then got back in bed. Even though he was still crying. I was pretty livid.

Russ told me he was find and just needed to cry himself to sleep. Which is easy for him to say cause HE.CAN.SLEEP.THROUGH.IT!?

I got up to sew some tu-tu's for Gracie's dance class until he finally went to sleep. When I went to bed he woke again and this time I realized it was time for him to eat again, so I got him a bottle, fed him, wrapped him, and laid him down. He went to sleep. And so did I.

Needless to say I slept in and was running a little late getting William's lunch made. Then William started reading Joesph a story. Without me asking. And it helped Joseph stay happy.

It made me feel a lot better to have my little helper William. Being a mom is hard sometimes. Like last night. All I want to do is go to sleep for crying out loud!

Then I wake and see these pictures of lovely Sunday morning.

My heart swells and I repent.

Cause I love these guys. I love being their mama.

More than anything.

They are worth the nights of lost sleep. And so much more.

Spring scenes around our house

2011-04-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

The other day William came running inside to tell me to come and look at some new flowers he found. I grabbed my camera and went outside and sure enough he had found some new flowers that I had never seen before.

growing by one of the chain linked fences. If I had a lot of money I would get rid of all the chain linked fences.

After I took a picture of those flowers I looked around and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw.

Our pomegranate tree covered in leaves already.

whit blossoms on it

I went out to the far back yard to see the remnants of the day Russ took his chain saw to the back yard. He cleared out a lot of dead things and had some nice fires. We still have some burning to do.

And then there is this swing that has been sitting in my back yard covered by weeds and I only discovered it a few days ago! The weeds have since been cut down, but can you believe that? I own a home and I have not examined it enough to notice a swing in my back yard!

Then there is my favorite of all time, the orange blossoms. They make March smell so good.

The lovely clover in my front yard. I wish I could have a yard full of just clover.

William pointed out this flower (weed?) that I have never seen before. I think they are beautiful.

And the kids found some "wishing flowers"

The roses are starting to bloom and when I got close enough to see this little spider I got freaked out, but then took a picture cause the color contrast was so cool.

But I also had to take a picture of a different rose that didn't have a spider on it.

I have always loved roses and I am happy every time a new one blooms. Now I just need to learn how to take care of the bushes I have.

Then there are there are the bright yellow and orange flowers that line the driveway. They are starting to die, but we have sure loved them.

And last, but not lease the "caterpillars" covering out driveway and car and sometimes my hair. They are a mess, but they mean that the mulberry tree is getting its leave.

What a beautiful time of year. And what a fun yard we have. I can't wait until we can beautify it some more, but there is a lot of space and it will take a lot of time.

Lemonade

2011-04-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

The kids LOVED doing a lemonade stand.

and I LOVED going to all the yard sales on my dads golf cart. My favorite find was Gracie's new bike (her other one was stolen). It is metal and sturdy and light pink and so so cool. I got a lot of other great stuff. Vintage toys that we will bring out once we get our toy room.

Right before I took this picture she said, "I love my bike!"

Locks of Love

2011-04-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was sorta...awesome.

We went out to stay at my mom and dads because there was going to be a neighborhood wide yard sale, and I love a good yard sale. The kids did a lemonade stand and loved it and later that day I went to a friends house that lives out by my mom to help with her little girls birthday party. But that is for another post, lets start with Friday. We get out to my moms and Connie asks our s-i-l Ashley to cut her hair. She is donating it to lock of love. But before she did it I made her take a picture with me of our hair braided together.

Connie saw a picture like that on the world wide web and I really liked it. I knew we needed to do something like that to document us both having such long hair. We are totally like the movie Practical

Magic. Well, we were.

Look at these long locks

Here Ryan is telling her she will cry herself to sleep. He was wrong. Once she made the decision to do it, it wasn't hard at all.

Most people don't have an audience when they get their haircut. It was fun to watch and have so many people there. Gracie said she didn't want Connie to cut it, but she didn't seem to upset by it.

The kids thought the pony tail was pretty awesome.

Vaeh even demonstrated why it is called a pony tail.

This was so much funnier in motion.

Gracie sat closely by with her little doll house the whole time.

Vaeh even got a trim.

Then Gracie said she wanted her hair cut like Connie's. We showed her pictures online to help her understand what would be happening and she seemed to get it.

Get one last look at those long curls.

I didn't get a good after shot that night, but I did get a baggy full of little gold ringlets. The cut looks great on her. Her hair is far less tangly (like not at all). And she just looks so cute with it.

It was hard for me cause I wanted to get my hair cut too. It just looked like so much fun, but I would have to get it cut at Curls Gone Wild. The struggle with me is...long hair is so so beautiful and lovely and short hair is so fresh and fun. What to do! Summer heat may be the deciding factor.

Dear Joseph

2011-03-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

My dear baby butterball,

it has been a long time since I have documented you and your incredible growth. I don't have much extra time because besides being busy with a lot of different things I spend every spare moment I can feeding you, rocking you, tickling you, and kissing you. You are such a big boy and not just physically, you just seem so old to me. In February you started reaching for things.

(February 12, 2011)

(February 14, 2011)

Kinda looks like you are saying a prayer

You grab and hold things

(February 14, 2011)

(February 16, 2011)

We started feeding you solid food a little earlier than normal for a couple of reasons. You don't seem to like bottles. You act like they aren't going fast enough, but when we use an older sized nipple you act like it is drowning you. Also, in trying to get rid of your red cheeks I switched you from formula to goats milk. You cheeks stayed red, but you stopped spitting up, which is nice. So, so nice.

(February 24, 2011)

It only took a couple feedings before you were pretty much a pro at eating and loving it so much. You don't like fruit, it makes you shudder. But you love sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans. In that order.

(March 6, 2011)

I keep trying different things for those poor red cheeks.

(March 10, 2011)

While we were in Utah your uncle Erik suggested a cortizone cream and that did the trick.

You were such a good baby on the trip. You didn't sleep the best at night, but you were so happy on the car trip up and one the way back you were good, but getting tired of it by the end. It became harder to keep you happy. For the next couple of days if I would put you in the car seat you would arch your back and cry.

(March 19, 2011)

I started putting you on the potty when I can tell you are going to the bathroom. It is pretty funny to see you on the potty.

(March 25, 2011)

You are such a happy guy. You love for people to talk to you, you usually always respond with a smile.

You still don't sleep though the night. You are just a hungry boy. I put you down at 7 and you wake between 10 and 11, 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 to eat.

You are such a fun kid. I am glad you are mine.

Love, Mom

Systematic play

2011-03-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Gracie still loves to line her toys uo. I had to come see what she was up to when I heard her singing something about Gaston (form Beauty and the Beast).

I am so excited about the fisher price garage I found. It is exactly like the one I played with when I was little, only it is in better condition.

And ours didn't come with Sesame Street people. I spent more on this that I would have liked, but I am so nostalgic.

The kids love playing with it. I plan on putting it away so I can give it to Joseph for his first birthday. We will see if that happens.

Our entertainment

2011-03-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you have no neck, it all squishes to the back.

And the pictures mean we can be entertained over and over again.

We like to eat outside.

2011-03-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Joseph just like to eat. Solid food that is. He doesn't really like bottles. He tolerates them best when he is half asleep.

These were taken a few weeks ago. His cheeks are cleared up now!

William decided to dip his face in the pool.

We had pesto pizza with caterpillars.

And I had the view of this cute baby back fat.

It took Gracie forever to finish her food. She is so easily distracted. She eats best in front of a movie.

We can not get enough of this boy!

He sure likes his solid food.

Here is to more days of eating outside and hopefully cleaning our yard up a bit. It is such a beast!

Double Dare

2011-03-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago it had been warm outside and the kids wanted to get in the pool.

Russ told William he would give him 3 dollars if he jumped in off the diving board.

He would start and then stop cause he was too scared.

But he did it and Daddy was waiting with a warm towel.

We are all very excited for swimming weather to come.

Large and in charge

2011-03-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is Joseph with his cousin Sam. Gracie is in there too.

Sam is 5 months older than Joseph.

And if you stretch Josephs frog legs out they are really close to the same size.

Pretty crazy. Crazy cute!

Found

2011-03-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

I found a cute vintage dress and Gracie found out how to pose.

I blame dance.

All my kids looked so cute so I thought it would be a good idea to take a picture.

Not quite what I was going for.

William started looking a little tired and Joseph started looking a little uncomfortable.

So we had them sit down and let Gracie have a turn Joseph.

William was not happy about that and neither was Joseph.

But don't worry, before too long all smiles were found.

An afternoon stroll

2011-03-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

When I need to make a phone call this is my solution. Happy entertained kids and a little excersize for me.

We love our Taylor Tots stroller so much. It drives better than any stroller I have used and the kids love pushing each other around in it. If you get the chance to buy one, I say do it.

When daddy lays down

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

They all love it.

Plus how cute is Joseph in a hat?

Tiny Dancer

2011-02-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

I got to observe in Gracie's creative movement dance class.

She was a little distracted with me there, but I loved watching her. I wish I could watch her without her knowing I was there.

Her, oh so graceful, jump.

Rolling like a snake

Getting ready for her leaps.

Landing it. I can't wait for her next performance and neither can she. She loved dancing on stage.

Cousins gotta hug

2011-02-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

This is Joseph and Sam (being held by Russ)

They are cousins and they are almost exactly 5 months apart.

They live in the same house but neither of them has been old enough to care about the other, really. Until this day when Russ was holding them and...

Sam gave Joseph a love.

Just look at that pudgy little hand on Joseph's back. So cute I can hardly stand it.

Then he gave him a kiss.

Sam really is the sweetest kid. Once while I was holding him, he did the same to me and it made me feel so special.

Oh and I had to add in these two. They are sharing a snack on a train ride. Man, you get to do really fun things when you use your imagination. I wish I could still do that.

I have a bad memory

2011-02-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

Lately I find it hard to remember things. And I am not just saying that, sometimes I feel like I am loosing my mind.

But, I do remember being a kid and how wonderful it was. I remember riding bikes and pretending they were cars. Gabe's house was the bank, Jennies was taco bell cause their bush had leaves that looked like taco shells. I can still feel the sensation of running through our squishy grass. I loved being a kid, I miss it. That is why I love watching my kids experience it. I hope they never forget how fun it is to play outside with friends.

Today we were looking for William so we could go to dinner at Russ' parents and he was found outside in the sprinkling weather playing under the pomegranate tree like it was his house. I smiled and told him I did the same thing when I was little. He seemed please. I was pleased.

Sometimes it is hard, but I really do love this life.

She likes smoothie here and there...

2011-02-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

She likes smoothie everywhere!

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Always a party

2011-02-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

So we celebrated valentines day a day late, like I said we would. I was feeling much better. I made the kids wash their hands and face before I would give them their gifts cause they were filthy.

Then they danced on the massage table (it was out for my valentines gift from Russ - I love being married to a Physical Therapist) to the "dyn-o-mite song" (thanks Kayleen).

I love this picture of Gracie mid-booty shake. William is making that face at Joseph cause I was holding him while I was taking the picture.

This is Russ' gift from me (we decided to spend no money this year cause we kinda overdid it getting me a vita-mix for my b-day) The little envelopes we filled with different kinds of kisses for me to give him. I got the idea from here (a place where lots of lovely ideas are found) and guess what. He LOVED it. Russ loves kissing me...a lot. He doesn't think I kiss him enough, so I knew he would love this gift.

The kids got gifts. Mainly because over the weekend we cleared out a lot of the kids toys and we promised William that if he would be good about recycling his toys then we would get him The Prisoner of Azkaban. Target also had Toy Story 3 on sale for 9 bucks so that is what they got. Also, valentine colored candy corn! How could I pass that up. Someone knows my kids all too well. Will there be green for St. Patricks day?

Joseph sat on the couch and played with his feet while the kids danced, but when it was time for gifts, he just folded over.

William went for the gift, Gracie went for the candy, and Joseph went for Russ' knuckle.

William had guessed what he was getting, but he was still excited. And Gracie just sat and ate her candy until we pointed out that she had a present too.

"it's the movie with these guys"

I love Joseph looking at the camera and Gracie hugging her DVD.

I love giving my kids movies. We are definitely a movie family and not a TV family.

The kids watched Harry Potter while Russ and I kissed and cleaned and then I went to Costco to get more formula and came home to a quiet house with the kids in bed and Russ all to myself.

Valentines Day is a great holiday, maybe next year I will even put up some decorations.

Happy Heart Day

2011-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

I sent William to school with a bag full of these Valentines. I saw them sometime last year online and thought I remembered where, but I was wrong and now i can't find it, although I have found a lot of other people that thought it was a good idea.

I forgot/didn't have time to get candy so I had to use what we had on hand (luckily we had some left over candy from...everything)

We started with this picture

Then I added the phrase 'Harry Potter wishes you a magical Valentines day". Then we added the candy.

And William wrote his name on the back. His new full name, "Harry Potter William Christensen". What a mouth full. I am just glad he didn't decided to write out what he considers his "full name". Harry Potter William Russell Christensen.

He was very excited to go to school today. As for our family, we will be celebrating tomorrow because I am not feeling well today and Russ work until 7pm. So tomorrow when he gets off at 1 or 2 will be our lovers holiday.

Happy Valentines Day to you.

Would it be crazy to make a valentines decoration after valentines day? I have an idea I really like, I just have not had time to do it.

crazy

2011-02-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

I decided to put Joseph in Sam's walker as another means of keeping him from further flattening his head. I thought he would be to small/young for it. I was wrong and that is CRAZY!

He sat up stiff and never fell or wobbled and once his hand accidentally hit a toy that made noise, he was concentrating so hard on making it happen again.

I told him good job and he smiled at me (what? is he really old enough to be doing this? where does the time go?).

i love his lips in this next picture. So much concentration.

Also crazy, I came across these photos the other day.

Yep, that is William look just like his brother Joseph. Seriously twiners.

AND William was 5 months when these were taken and Joseph is only 3 months and been wearing that same shirt for awhile and he has outgrown those pants. So they are not the same size and Joe's head is bigger (that any other babies) but they are definitely brothers.

butterball, beachball, and basketball

2011-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

February 4th was my birthday and for my birthday I decided that after I got William off to school, I was going to forget my normal "to-do's" and play in my bed with Joseph and Gracie. I can not get enough of my little butterball.

He really loves laying sideways on my stomach. He is all smiles and fun.

I love his chubby thighs!

I want to squeeze him!

And Gracie put on my favorite dress, it was almost like she knew. Then we practiced rolling like a beach ball on my bead. For some reason she says she can't roll and is nervous about it so it was nice to practice with her.

After awhile we got ready to go to lunch at Liberty Market. Russ and Connie met us there.

Gracie had to wake up from her nap.

Later for dinner we went to Joe's Farm Grill and then to a high school basketball game because my niece was dancing during half time.

William picked a team and cheered them on the whole time.

Here he is telling me that they scored twice!

And there is little miss dance front and center.

Cousins enjoying each others company.

It was a full fun day.

Londons Run

2011-02-06T23:40:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we slept out at my parents because Russ was getting up early the next morning to run in London's run along with Mark, Ashley and Eric.

Joseph was so tired that he fell asleep on my moms lap just before we left.

Of course they had air bouncing things and of course that is where my kids wanted to go. But Gracie had to have the guy carry her up because she kept slipping down.

I don't think she was so sure about going down either, but she was all smiles when she was done.

And...they had an alligator there?!

along with a komodo dragon. The kids were stoked.

Mark finished first in excellent time (that I don't remember, but it was better than his last time)

And here comes Russ. I also don't remember his time, but he did great. (I have a hard time with numbers and my brain does not work lately.)

He looks tired. I am really proud of him for doing this. He did not have many opportunities to train, but he still did it and did a great job.

Joseph was just chillin' on my moms arm. Chillin' cause it was cold.

And then came Eric. I am really proud of him too. I know it wasn't easy, but he did it.

We went out to eat after and then went back to my moms. When we left later that day I would say they kids were both pretty tired, but they love sleeping at Grandmas house.

Look at my awesome running man. (I feel like they are getting better at designing these running shirts)

Maybe someday I will join him...ha ha!

It didn't take long

2011-02-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday so I am doing a post of pictures that make me really happy.

This little guy is such a huge part of our lives.

He makes us so happy.

Already we don't know what we would do without him.

William was sure that Joseph wanted to watch Harry Potter with him. And he did...for a minute.

We wish it was in our back yard

2011-02-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

There is the coolest tree outside my midwifes office. We went in last week to weigh the boy and afterwards took some time to climb the tree.

Russ said this picture looks like they are sitting in the palm of the trees hand.

We thought Joseph might want to join the fun.

He didn't.

I wish we could transplant that tree to our backyard or guarantee that if we planted the same kind of tree that it would grow the same way.

Maybe I will just have to ask if we can go back and play often.

Life is like a song

2011-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

You're just too good to be true

Can't take my eyes off of you

you'd be like heaven to touch

I want to hold you so much

At long last love has arrived

And I thank God I'm alive

You're just to good to be true

Can't keep my eyes (and hands) off of you.

I LOVE YOU BABY!

are you singing the rest?

Early Morning Studies

2011-02-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Working on sight words with William before school.

He is getting good at reading and I am sure could have done it sooner, but I don't push him to do anything until he wants to and seems ready for it. He is excited about it so it is a lot of fun.

Then Gracie woke up to join us and started smothering Joseph.

I like mornings. I just wish Joseph would start sleeping through the night so I would get up and start my mornings earlier. I really need to work on that.

His riding place

2011-02-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

William and Owen found a "riding place". An empty lot with only the foundation of a house.

Here he is showing me his latest trick, riding while standing.

They had a lot of fun there, until Will got a flat tire.

Hopefully Dad will get it fixed today so we can see this face again.

The ONLY good part of being sick

2011-02-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

the snuggling.

Our kids loves to snuggle when they are sick and we love to snuggle them.

This time we were all sick. Even that lump under the blanket who didn't want his picture taken.

I got him.

We are mostly better now. I still have to blow nose more than I would like, but we are much better.

Flat head

2011-02-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Joseph's head is kinda flat on the back. Okay, it is really flat.

I have been giving him more tummy time so he is not always laying on the back of his head.

he spent a lot of time with his face in the floor, but he didn't cry.

Having him on the ground is too much of a temptation for this little girl.

This was him the second day with a boppy pillow. Much better.

I am proud of him. It must be hard to hold up that big ole' head.

Dear Gracie

2011-01-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Gracie,
The best and most recent news about you is that you are potty trained! Yippee Hurray! I was nervous about training you with a new baby around, but apparently I waited long enough because you pretty much got it in one day. You had a few accidents (and still do every now and then) but really you did so well and we are all so happy about it. Sometimes when you are sitting on the potty you will look up at me and say, "I go on the potty and you are proud of me". Yes, I am.

One thing about you being potty trained is that often times you put your pants back on backwards. This means that they fall down a lot. Which means we see a lot of you tush and I love it.

And you don't seem to mind either, cause when I tell you they are on backwards you just say "no their not".

One day recently when you had an accident I told you to go and pick out some new cloths and you found this Christmas dress and decided to wear it. I could tell that you thought you were so beautiful and of course you were.

In fact that day when William came home from school he took one look at you and said, "Gracie you look so pretty." You beamed and I died. You guys can be so cute sometimes.

Another awesome thing about you is you like really cool movies. I will show you movies that I think are cool or fun and you always like them. You, like William, could watch movies all day so we have to limit it to one a day. I love the picture below where you are chillin' with Joseph, eating an apple, wearing your Daddy's shoes and watching The Labyrinth.

Here you are telling Joseph all about the Goblin King. You love Joseph too much. I have to tell you to sit back all the time because you are always right up in his face. You love to talk and play with him and he loves it too.

You get so excited when Daddy comes home. You ask about him all day and you love to visit his work and play with the big green ball. You also love seeing Connie. You pretend to talk to her on the phone all the time.

You say "beenember" instead of remember. You say "I'm not bigger enough" when you can't reach something and then you go get the black chair so you can climb up and reach it. If you did something in the past it was on Tuesday and if you are going to do something it is always on Tuesday. For example, "beenember I went to the carousel on Tuesday?" You also talk a lot of gibberish and nonsense and I think it is because you want to talk, but don't have anything to say. So you just say the first think that pops into your head.

You love dance class eve since your recital. You can't wait to go back on stage again.You refer to the girls in your class as "my girls" and are always showing me pretty dance moves.

And last, but not least, you argue a lot. This just started and already I want to pull my hair out. It does not matter what I say, you will disagree with it or tell me no. Sometimes when I ask you to do something you will tell me "no" while you are doing it. You just like everything to be your idea. You will say things that are not true just to get William arguing with you - and he will always argue with you. For example when we were all driving in the car you turn to William and say, "Mommy is not in the car." To William has to respond, "yes she is". And then we have the "nu uh, ya huh" war going. This drives me crazy. I think it is going to be a long week of time-outs but hopefully we will stop this arguing business.
But mostly you are a sweetie that brings so much happiness and song (you sing all the time) into our lives and we love you tons. I love you tons.

Love,

Mom

We have entered an new era

2011-01-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

Williams buddy Owen learned how to ride a bike without training wheels so William wanted to go home and lean how to do it that day! We tried to explain to him that it could take a couple days and you have to practice a lot. We took his training wheels off.

He wasn't perfect, but there were no tears - only smiles.

Good thing we put his helmet on him before he cashed into the fence.

Before too long he was doing it.

And he had to go show Owen.

And now we have reached a new era of little boys off riding their bikes. This means before school and right after they get home. This means William going to his friends house and his friends coming over here with out the texting between moms to see if it is okay. They just show up.

And they don't ride in the street anymore, that was just a good place to learn.

And don't forget Elliot on the tricycle. Love it.

Now I just need to get Gracie to ride her bike with training wheels. And I want to get a bike so that we can go on bike rides together.

Dear Joseph

2011-01-26T06:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Joseph,

time has flown by and you are now 3 months old. Let me tell you about your three month old self. First of all these pictures were taken at more like 2 and a half month. you are still not sleeping through the night. We are going to start working on that. You sleep pretty good, but you wake once at 10 or 11 pm for a bottle and then sometime around three or four. We have all had colds lately so you wake up more often. Sometime all you need is for me to stick your pacifier in your mouth and sometimes I don't know what you need.

You put your hands up on your bottle like you are going to start holding it or something. It is pretty cute. You also like to be fed with your bottle propped or me holding you in my lap facing outward. I think you like to see what is going on (William was the same way).

You are growing so much. Almost everyday you look bigger to me. we took you to get weighed yesterday and you are almost 16 lbs. That is about half the size of Gracie. You are one thick boy. You think you can sit up all ready. When I lay you on the pillows on my bed you sit up and then tip over and you seem to like doing this. You love it when your brother and sister talk and play with you. You are extremely patient with Gracie and the fact that she is always right in your face.

As far as naps go you are so-so. You seem to be getting better. This picture above is cute because it is not typical. Usually if you are sleeping you are swaddled tight like a burrito and you look like a floating head. You head is huge, by the way. You definitely got the Christensen head. You like us to pat your bum when you are falling asleep. Sometimes if you are having a hard time taking a nap I will load you in the car seat and go to the store. You usually sleep really good in your car seat, in the car or in the store. That is a huge blessing because, I go a lot of places. Right now, and for a long time you have slept in a bouncy chair. I am not sure what they are really called, but I think you like it cause when you squirm (which you do a lot) it sort of bounces you back to sleep. Right now we have put the bouncy chair in the bassinet. Maybe soon we will be able to transition you to the bassinet.

This is the bouncy chair you sleep in. look at the rolls on those thighs. I love them and you love having them rubbed after your baths (which you also love). These are your cloth diapers (my favorites are soft bums) and they make you look even bigger.

You are such a sweet little guy.Your smile lights up the room and my day. Three kids has been a hard transition for me, but not because I don't adore you. Everything you do it cute and I love watching you grow. I know it is going to fly by and I can't wait to get to know more of your personality. Right now I know you are strong, happy, hungry, and cute.

Love you much,

Mom

Dear William

2011-01-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

(all these pictures make me smile or laugh - I love having a kids who makes me laugh)

Dear William,

You are growing up so much. I probably say that every time I write you a letter. You are reading and writing more and that is very fun to watch. You love going to school (but sometimes it is hard to drag you out of bed for it) and doing your "works" and I love it when you show me things you learn. I don't like it when you think you know more than me. I know that day will come, but it has not come yet.

You are such a good brother to Gracie. You guys can play for hours together and for the most part you are really patient with her. The other day she had dressed up in a Christmas dress and you came in, took one look at her and told her she looked so pretty. It made her day and I am so glad you recognize that like to do that.

You really enjoy acting silly and sometimes I really enjoy doing that with you. You lovemaking people laugh. You love to play fight and cast spells. You are way into Harry Potter. We are reading it right now and I can tell you are a little impatient with it. I have to remember not to read too much at a time and also to let you read a sentence every now and then and I think it would be more enjoyable.

You are such a good big brother to Joseph. you always tell him he is, "the cutest little boy in the whole wide world" and it always makes him smile. If I am busy and Joseph starts fussing you will talk to him and play with him and try to make him happy. You love to move his arms around and pretend he is playing sports. He loves doing it too. You love that Joseph looks like you did when you were a baby and you tell everyone.

Here you are practicing going cross eyed. I'd say you do a pretty good job. I can also tell you are growing up because you have this desire to be good. You often ask, "have I had any bad moods today?". A lot of times the answer is no. You don't whine and complain and disobey as much as you used to. This makes me very happy.

You draw all the time and I love looking at your drawings. This one is of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You bring tons of pictures home from school. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in them. You also love maps and the planets. You love to talk about space. You say you want to be an astronaut so you can go into space. I can't wait to see what you do as you continue to grow.

I love you tons,

Mom

Can't get enough

2011-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken on the first of January.

I love it when he wears his Dad's old baby outfits.

Isn't it a cute one?

I know this is gross, but it is also funny. I love babies, but I wish they didn't spit up so much.

It really isn't hard to get a baby to love you. You just have to smile at them and they smile back, but nothing feels better than a smile from a baby. We all love getting them.

I already can't remember life without him in it.

decisions, decisions

2011-01-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

He loves Newsies and he loves harry Potter. Sometimes I think it is hard for him to decided which one he wants to watch/play. But I love that it has him wanting to wear ties and vests to school. No joke he wore this to school. Twice.

Pretty impressive

2011-01-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

William came inside one day to show me that he had caught a baby gecko.

The tail came off, naturally. It was a pretty chill little gecko. William made him a little house with leaves and was sad when he got away, but understands that he belongs outside with his family.

Scroll down fast

2011-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

I totally need to make a flip book out of these.

He loves it.

Beautiful Mess

2011-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the mess the kids leave is beautiful. Most the time it is not.

bumbo boy

2011-01-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

I love bumbo chairs. I think they are a great invention. Joseph could sit in it way earlier than I thought he would be able to. At first his head would fall backwards a little bit so Russ propped it up with the couch.

Grooooosssssss.

I decided to try it in the bathtub. Look at that thick baby kickin' it in the tub.

It would have worked better if it didn't float. I didn't keep him in long, but Gracie sure liked having him in the bath with her.

And she loved sitting in it when he got out.
Now I just bath him in the bumbo in the kitchen sink (I have a large kitchen sink).

New Years

2011-01-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

New Years was a really nice night. I always love the holiday season because it usually means that friends who have moved away are in town. It was nice to just eat and hang out with some of my favorite people I don't see very often. We had a hot chocolate bar and fireworks and the kids watched Harry Potter in there room all night. They don't usually have a tv in their room and so it was very exciting for them.

Russ and I have always wondered when our kids would crash (especially William) because they usually just stay awake as long as we let them. Well we found out that they eventually will fall asleep on their own.

At almost 2 o'clock.

excavation

2011-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Last year for Christmas Russ brother Don made our kids an excavation kit. It was so awesome. He put plastic bugs and critters in sand and glue and then whittled a hammer, pick, and included a brush for them to dig them up. We are so lame for not getting it out for the kids to use until right before Christmas, but in my defense last year I got pregnant and we lived at my moms and then we moved and it got placed on a high shelf never to be seen until we remembered it when we heard Don was coming to town.

Such a cool gift!

More christmas stuff

2011-01-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

The Monday after Christmas we got together with Russ family. Christmas weekend was pretty intense because they both fell asleep on the way to the Christensen home.

Joseph meeting Uncle Don for the first time. We really can't wait until they come back from Texas. And I wish I had taken a picture of the awesome owl cake Don made that night.

We did the traditional pinata. Gracie was old enough to like it this time.

Joseph had a good time.

We had some sweet music.

I can't get enough of his smile.

Gracie got a set of chap sticks with glittery lids. She was in heaven.

She put it on right away.

We gave Russ' parents tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof. I kind of wish we had some too. That would be fun to go and see.

At the end of the night the kids were both tired. I laughed when I looked in the rear view mirror to see Harry Potter had fallen asleep.

Big Fat Christmas Post

2011-01-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning I told the grandparents and Connie to show up at 6:30 because I thought William would be up early since the morning of Christmas eve I was up at 4:30 changing Joseph's diaper and William came out and said, "we can get up really early." I told him not that early and sent him back to bed. Well Christmas morning we had to wake them up and when we did William asked to sleep a little longer.What??!! The day before he could not stop talking about his presents and begging to open them.

The kids didn't even want to run through the wrapping paper covering the door way so Russ did.

They perked up once they saw the presents.

Here he is checking out all the loot. Do you see that stroller/walker I got for Joseph? I love it. He might have received the most expensive gift this year. Wouldn't it a great photography prop? It will probably show up in our next family picture.

I love his sleepy eyes in this picture. Sleepy eyes are one of my favorite things.

Santa brought William what he asked for - a Harry Potter wand. But he also brought him the glasses and a quidditch coat. Thanks for going the extra mile big guy, William looks great in his glasses.

Gracie got makeup from Santa. As I am typing this I realized we still have not opened it and I could probably take it back without her noticing. She had more distracting gifts.

I found this awesome globe bank while thrifting and it is prefect for him. He loves maps and globes and all things space.

Another thrift store find was this mirror for Gracie. I got it so she can see herself when she washes and also when she puts on her makeup and chap stick. She loves it.

Here she is looking at the picture inside her new locket necklace. She loves it, but not wearing it unfortunately.

What could this be?

This is a doll house that aunt Sue gave us to give to her. It belonged to her when she was little and she has only had boys so she gave it to us. Thank you so much Sue - she loves it (William does too:)

Could she be more excited?

Gracie giving Connie her Eiffel tower necklace that she picked out for her.

Awesome!

Williams new reptile book.

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

She got a shopping cart. I think she now has everything she could ever want. I hope by her birthday I can think of something to get her.

William got a book he had been wanting about the human body.

Russ wearing the hat I got him, the newsies hankie Connie got William and looking a picture that his parents gave him of his Grandma Clara.

Joseph woke up to join the party.

We got a box of goodies from Aunt Kirsten for Joseph. Russ showing off one of the onsies.

William snuggling in the quilt Grandma C made for Joseph.

Now with its rightful owner.

Gracie got gum, lots of gum in her stocking. I got gum because my kids love it and it is sugar free. They got enough sugar this holiday season.

What a beautiful Christmas morning

After awhile my whole family came over for a amazing breakfast that my mom made. Then we had a gift exchange. Connie had our family and I got the book Anna and the French Kiss and a super cute butter dish that I wanted and needed.

She gave Russ and shirt with Abraham Lincoln's face on it, He has always had a love for honest Abe.

Connie also made our little Joseph Lincoln an awesome little onsie.

We spent the rest of the day watching Williams new movies - Newsies and Harry Potter. And doing this...

look at how cute!

We had a wonderful Christmas. I have felt so blessed this year and am grateful for the time I got to spend with family and friends. I hope everyone had as good a Christmas as we did.

Christmas eve 2010

2011-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

On Christmas eve my mom brought over the loud singing reindeer and the kids loved it.

We got the kids bathed and had a lovely dinner. William knew he got to open one present on Christmas eve and he carried it around with him most of the night. He could not stop talking about it.

(Notice in the above picture the reindeer wrapped gift leaning against the fire place. That is my moms gift to Russ and I say she wins best wrapping job.)

Both kids got to open a game. William has always loved playing Trouble at his grandparents house this is a Star Was version. He was pretty happy. I love it because there is a little R2D2 inside the bubble and it makes R2 noises every time you pop it. Apparently I like R2D2.

The face on this little girl is priceless.

It is fun to give gifts when the kids like them this much. I loved this Bed Bugs game when I was a kid so I got it for her. I got them this game so we could play it that night.

Connie and William played Trouble and Gracie would come and "help" Connie. It was hilarious to watch because every time after she would move the game piece she would turn and give Connie a big hug

William won. It was a very close, very exciting game.

After the kids were in bed my brother Ryan showed up with some huge sparklers so we got the kids back out of bed and lit them.

It was cold out there so my dad wrapped up in a blanket and pretended to be the Grinch. Good ole Dad.

The kids loved the sparklers

After that we put the kids to be to wait for the arrival of Santa. Christmas is so much fun with kids and each year that they grow older the more fun it gets. I am sure that won't always be the case, but I will take it and enjoy it for now.

Sentimental fool

2010-12-31T08:13:00.000-08:00

I really am sentimental. When I heard the kids in the office and peeked in to find them (Gracie's arm around William) looking at pictures on the computer, my heart grew three sizes.

Kind of like when I dress Joseph in his daddy's baby cloths. These ones say they are size one year and they are tight on these 2 month old thighs.

She danced like a daisy

2010-12-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

Gracie had her first dance recital. We were SO late I had to run her up onto the stage while all the little girls were doing their warm ups, but she was there for her dance. I didn't know what she would do. Would she dance? Would she stand there? Would she cry? It turns out she loves the stage. She danced beautifully. Connie and I sat in front of the stage on the floor to get pictures and video. When we went back to our seats after her dance was done we saw that Russ' cheeks were soaked. He was crying because he was laughing so hard. I myself loved watching my little girl dance and perform. I can't wait for her next recital and neither can she.
Congratulating the star.
We had a hard time getting both of our kids off the stage.

Here we are with her dance teacher Mrs. Beverly. We both love Mrs. Beverly. She teaches all the classes and makes it so fun for the girls. I love that it is low key and just fun.Gracie's friend Kiley (how we know about the dance classes) was so sweet and gave Gracie her own yellow daisy.

It is a lot of fun being a mom to this little girl.

Work party 2010

2010-12-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

Right after Gracie's dance recital Connie took the kids home and Russ and I went to Cheesecake factory to meet the rest of his co-workers for dinner. It was delicious of course. Then it was off for games gifts and prizes. Russ is ready to get the party started.

Russ opening our new fly zapper, that works like a charm.

Austin opened the shaker, but he was not lucky enough to take it home.

I got a best of Barry Manilow record. Then we played the game that Russ and I prepared. It was like the newlywed game and it was fun to learn a little more about all the couples.

After things were dying down I walked into a room to find the boys looking at Todd's goods (watches, guns, and pens). He is quite the collector. It only looks like James is pointing the gun at Todd.

Like last year we had a great time and came home with great gifts and yummy treats.

A name and a blessing

2010-12-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

On December 5, 2010 Joseph was given a name and a blessing at church by his father.

His name is Joseph Lincoln Christensen

Joseph is my grandfathers name and my fathers middle name. Two men that I love and admire very much. He is also named after the prophet Joseph Smith. One of my favorite people that ever lived.

He wore Russ' blessing outfit.

He didn't want me to get a full shot picture. He was sad about that.

He looked like an angel.

And he is a little angel.

He was wrapped in a blanket that was made for William by Russ' mother Nancy.

He was calm and quiet during the blessing.

He is such a big part of our little family, I can hardly remember life without him.

He is loved.

He is adored

and supported by many.

That in and of itself is a huge blessing for him. And he is a huge blessing for us.

Take a picture

2010-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

Gracie is such a goof. One day I was holding Joseph and she came up, put her cheek against his, and said, "take a picture". So I told Russ to get the camera and we took some pictures. I love the look on Josephs face.

Gingerbread houses

2010-12-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

Our friends invited us to come make gingerbread houses with them and they were kind enough to take my suggestion that we do it over here so that Joseph could sleep through some of it. Just look at Gracie's house, isn't it gorgeous? Owen is trying not to smile and show how proud he actually is of his masterpiece.
Then Kayleen went around and sprinkles snow on their homes and lawns, but for it to snow they had to sing their favorite Christmas song. It was cute and the kids loved it.

Williams done deal

A beautiful, sweet mess

I am so glad they invited us to do this. My kids would have missed out otherwise cause I was not even thinking about doing something like this.

She has got a talent

2010-12-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

for getting really dirty

Nothing special about this day, jut a regular day of playing outside.

It is a good thing I know about oxiclean now.

Winter weather

2010-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

I love Arizona

In December the kids are playing in the leaves outside without shoes on. Even a jacket can be too much when the leaves are getting in it.
They each got a turn to jump into the pile.

They all got to get buried

Gracie loves her buddy Elliot

And sometimes Owen and William are best friends

It is a lot of fun having friends to play with.

Hiding from Owen while he is buried in the leaves

Here he comes

And he found them

Fun like snow, but not cold.

Snow is fun too, but more fun to visit than to live in.

Brave

2010-12-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

His paper airplane flew onto our roof.He wanted to get it down, but he was scared.Very scared. His dad talked to him a reassured him.

And he conquered his fear.

"And one has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear but rather the strength to keep going forward despite the fear." - Paulo Coehlo

We are very proud of him.

Big burrito baby

2010-12-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

This kid just looks like a really big burrito, that we want to eat up. He looks so big when Gracie holds him. She loves to hold him.

The stockings are hung

2010-12-23T16:03:00.001-08:00

In the St. Nick of time, too.

I finished making them today. I like how they turned out. For some reason I am crazy about black and white this year. I give credit to Mondo for that.

The Christmas card mess is cleaned up.Things are getting crossed off the to do lists. Here I am getting ready to compile my six different list into one. I guess I am a list person. I decided to make a tree skirt and gift tags out of black and white too. I got the idea to just stick on a big letter from Martha Stewart (I think) and the kids really like it. It makes it easy for them to find theirs.

I (obviously) like to use scrap ribbon, lace, and trim for wrapping.

Here is the tree. It is real and it is so beautiful. We got it at Costco and I love it.

I love my little trees...

...and the little deer.

These are probably my favorite decorations. They are silk string balls and they make me so happy.

It looks magical. I may keep them up all year.

I also love my old holiday cake plate.

I love my Christmas house. Too bad it was not put together earlier. Now it will have to stay up for January.

The sweetest part of this holiday season is this little guy.
I get up early with him and he is sitting under the tree while I do yoga. It is nice to have time, just he and I. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season.

Grateful days

2010-12-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

This year we made a Turkey to go on out wall. On the feathers we wrote things we are thankful for. All the orange feathers are Williams. Some of the things we were grateful for:
William - fish, movie, songs, the bishop, his bed, primary
Grace - Bananas, dollies, pajamas, prayers
Russ and Debbie - Home, job, computer and Internet, Jesus, scriptures

Of course the is much more. This list is almost unending.

I don't have a lot of pictures of Thanksgiving Day. In fact I have one, the one below. I took pictures of the Turkey Trot and later that day we went to my parents and had a wonderful meal with my family. The highlight was that night we watched Home Alone. I had not watched it in a long time and William had never seen it before so it was really funny to watch with him.

The next day we had a dinner with Russ' family and this is the only picture I got. Oh well. It was lovely to spend time with the family.

Here is William being a big helper and feeding Joseph while we were getting ready to go to a park to get together with my Huston cousins.

We went to the McCormick park where they have a train. Of course the kids wanted to ride in the cattle that is what we did.

It was a little uncomfortable for the dads. It was very fun for me to watch. The kids loved it!

This picture shows the reality of the situation.

Russ was very glad to get out.

They also have a carousel. Everyone loves a carousel.

And Ashley - this is for you. Look at your cute boys.

Trotting

2010-12-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Russ and my brother Mark decided to run the Turkey Trot this year and my sister in law Ashley ran the fun run. I tried to show up in time and barely made it. I was hurrying to go to the finish line to wait for him and all these runners were going past and I here Russ say my name. So we got to see him run. William tried to run with him and came back to me crying because Daddy was going to fast and he wanted to run with him. It was very sad. We didn't see him cross the finish line, but we saw him eating an orange slice:) I also don't remember his time (okay so I am a bad wife) but I know he did it in under an hour, which was his goal. Way to go babe!

Here is Gracie giving her daddy a hug and William is still sad and mad that Russ didn't wait for him.

Mark also ran it in under an hour. I think they were pretty close to the same finish time. Way to go guys and too bad about that chaffing. Turns out baby powder is not a good idea before a run.

Maybe someday I will run with them...or maybe not.

Show me night

2010-12-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

They had a show me night at Williams school last month where he got to show me all he has been working on. He ran from one activity to the next. He wanted to show me everything.Here he is showing me a triangular prism. He showed me each shape and then covered them all with a scarf and we got to feel them without looking. William pulled out his favorite - the sphere.
Gracie was so happy to play at Williams school.

This is called metal insets. At the beginning of the year William would come home telling me his favorite work was "middle instance" and I had no idea what he could be talking about.

Gracie really liked scooping and pouring.

Counting with beads. At his last parent teacher conference his teacher said he is doing blends with reading and ready to start doing decimals. All very exciting stuff!

The best part is that he is obedient, helpful, and kind at school. Nothing could make me happier than that.

Time management

2010-12-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

That is something we have struggled with since the arrival of number 3. I would have liked to get a picture of Josephs first time going to church, instead I got a picture of the second time he went. Hopefully we will get better at being on time.

Good Daddy

2010-12-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

Russ took Joseph one afternoon to put him down for a nap while I went to pick William up from school. This is what I found when I came back.Joseph looks so squaty when he sleeps.

The other night (like weeks ago) Joseph was really fussy and I was very tired and ready for bed. I was getting really frustrated and Russ stepped in and took over. He gave him a bath and it calmed him right down, and helped me calm down. I feel like that is what spouses are for - to be sane when you are going crazy and when they are going crazy you are sane. Maybe that is how it is for just Russ and I, but it works out nicely.

Joseph now gets a bath every night before bed.

adjusting

2010-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

(I started this post on November 24th and now nearly a month later I am finishing it. That should tell you how well I am adjusting.) Gracie loves being a big sister. I think she wished she was the mother. I take that back, I know she does cause she has told me so. She can not leave this little guy alone. She wants to be as close to him as humanly possible as often as humanly possible.

I know someday that is going to be awesome for them and me, but right now it is really...annoying. I know I should not let it bug me and most the time it is okay, but when I am feeding him and she is trying to kiss and hug him it gets a little akward. She does not seem jelous at all and just loves him to peices.

William is the same. He seems so grown up to me now. He has been really understanding of the babies needs and helps me out when I ask him. He keeps him happy in the car. He tells him he is the "cutest boy in the whole wide world" and then usually gets a smile. He loves that Joseph looks like him and is always asking me questions like, "did I sound like that when I cried?" and "did I sleep like that?" It has been fun to talk to both the kids about when they were babies. All in all I would say the kids are adjusting rather well.

These pictures were taken one day when we were sitting at the table and the next thing I know he crawls out the window and sits silently on the ledge. I am sure he was thinking very gown up thoughts.

It's back

2010-12-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

If you want links to the vendors websites please go here - to Kayleen's blog. Cause we shouldn't both have to link all of them.

I am really excited about this sale, it should be tons of fun. I am excited to meet all the different vendors and see all their goods. And everything will be priced to sell (at least my stuff will be).

Happy Christmas

2010-12-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

That is what William says instead of "Merry Christmas". He makes me laugh. My kids are cute and I don't mind saying so.

It has not felt really like Christmas to me yet. Maybe it is because I am not making a bunch of hand made gifts this year. Maybe it is because I have not bought a lot of presents this year, yet. Maybe it is because we just got our tree last night and it is still without lights or decoration. Maybe it is because I am too tired to feel much of anything. But I think things are starting to turn around and it will be feeling more and more like Christmas all the time. I sure hope so since it will all be over soon. But the most important thing is - we are happy so we will indeed have a

Happy Christmas

Special Delivery

2010-11-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This is the story of my home birth, it is long and there are a lot of pictures, but none with nudity. But it is a birth so, you know, there is blood and stuff. Read at your own discretion. Connie was there and took pictures and video for which I am truly grateful.

On Monday October 25th I was 10 days overdue. Up until this point I had tried to be very patient. The day before, Sunday evening, I spent quite a while walking with Connie and had a lot of braxton hicks and was hopeful something would happen that night, but nothing did. The next morning I went to the store and was close to Russ' work so I went and stopped by for a minute. I was starting to feel very sad and cried for the first time. I was just so ready to have the baby. Russ mentioned that I should go eat at AH-SO a Japanese restaurant that my sister in law said would put me into labor. Apparently she ate there before she went into labor and her sister did too, twice. So I thought, what the heck and called Connie to come have lunch with me (she is always so obliging to do that for me). All that seemed to happen later that day was I had gas. That night I decided to take a bath. I got in the tub and had a little chat with the baby inside my belly. Yes, I was talking out loud telling him that I was ready for him to come out, I was ready to go through labor, and I needed his help and participation. Then I went to bed. Some time in the night I woke up with a very strong contraction and had to go to the bathroom (this happened every night) so I went to the bathroom. When I laid back down I had another one. These were hurting from my lower back down to my feet. After three of them right in a row I looked at the clock on my phone - 2:28. I woke Russ up and we timed them for awhile. They were pretty close together and all pretty strong. I new it was time. Looking back I am surprised that I didn't question whether or not it was really labor or worried that they were going to stop - I just new it was going to happen. Then Russ and I started to get things ready. Russ double made the bed and I started cleaning the bathroom. After awhile we called the midwife and parents and text Connie "Thundercats Ho!" Pretty soon I got in the tub and smiled as I listened to the shuffle of Russ' feet and he moved quickly (and excitedly) through the house getting things ready.

Here I am enjoying my time in between the contractions. Connie brought some music and ice and I sat relaxing in the tub. I used the hypnobabies method, but still sorta did it my own way. When a contraction would come I would drop my head and relax my whole body and it worked so well. You could tell the intensity of the contraction by the intensity of my breathing, but nothing else moved. Russ stayed by my side nearly the whole time and rubbed my back. Having him there made it so much easier. Whenever I had a contraction without him there, it was so much harder to get through. My midwife Stephanie and her assistant Jen showed up at 3:40 in the morning. Here is a picture of our room with all the midwife gear in it. Everything was ready to go. They checked me when I arrived and I was dilated to 3 cm and 80% effaced. Later after I had labored for awhile I asked if they would check me again and their response was "that's a hospital thing" and they explained that there was no reason to check me unless I was just curious because it really would not tell us anything. We would know when I was getting closer to having the baby. So I decided not to be checked again.

Everyone was in the other room. My dad made me laugh we he first got to the house he came in and Russ told him I was in the bathroom and he said, "she is going to have him in the bathroom?" Then when he came in to say hi and the lights were off and candles were lit and music was playing he said, "where are we, a wake?" Oh dad - you make me laugh. My midwifes notes say that at 5:00 I was "still smiling".

Breakfast for everyone. My mom cooking away. I feel like if there is a kitchen in the vicinity she will find her way to it.

William was pretty excited because Connie went to QT at 4 in the morning and got doughnuts and ice. Before William left for school he came and gave me a hug and said, "I hope you have your baby soon." What a sweet heart. Around that same time at 8:00, I lost the majority of my mucus plug (I wish we called that something different)

When Gracie saw me in the tub she was confused as to why I was in there with a dress on. She wanted to get in too so we got her in her swimming dress and let her come in with me for a little while and explained that sometimes I needed to close my eyes and relax.

Once she even put her hand on my shoulder and said, "relax". Here she is washing the wall. It was a fun time to spend with her. Connie took her to her dance class and she spent a lot of the time watching some movies and playing with all the family in the other room. She was well taken care of.

I eventually turned around so Russ could really rub my back. At 10:45 I decided to get out and walk around and stretch my legs. I discovered that it did not feel good to sit leaning back at all. I could only sit forward. I tried to eat some pasta and then started to feel nauseous and went and sat on the birth ball for awhile. The contractions were hurting pretty bad and I just wanted to get back into the tub. I was in there for awhile and had to get out to go to the bathroom and stayed out for awhile, I put a towel over the toilet seat and sat there for awhile. Then I stood up because when I was standing the contractions really picked up. I would hold on to Russ when a contractions would come. I had to make him take off him belt because it was poking my belly. This is when I had my first contraction that made me make noise at 12:50. A couple contractions later, at 12:55, I was having a really strong one and I felt a pop inside and I said, "I think my water broke", then I called to Jen, "My water broke!" And just as Russ was starting to say, "wait you don't know that yet" fluid gushed out onto our rug (that was later thrown out and it was fine because I got it for 2 bucks at a thrift store). I was really excited now because I was pretty sure things would start happening fast.
I got back in the tub and laid long ways because I didn't know how else I could birth and I was afraid if I didn't get in position then I wouldn't be able to move later and I think I was right. I also remember being bugged because the sun was in my face. At 1:32 I started getting "pushy" and the midwife guessed I was at an 8 or a 9 (she is usually right)
Stephanie and Jen came in. Stephanie put that wet cloth on my head and I remember that feeling wonderful. The contractions were so strong now and they hurt in my back so much more. In fact I spent each contraction rubbing my lower back very hard. I think a lot of women squeeze their husbands hands, I just squeezed my back. For the next couple of days my arms were very soar. At this point I was doing a lot of heavy blowing while breathing during the contractions. I was not trying to hypnotize myself but I did say a lot of things to myself like, "open" and "easily down and out". That seemed to help me too. At 1:50 they said I was getting grunty and was probably 9+ cm and then finally at 1:52 I had the "urge to push" meaning my body started to push the baby out and I followed it's lead. This went by pretty fast and honestly I was so glad that the time was here and that the whole thing was almost over. I was pushing at 2:00 and his head crowned at 2:06. I would try and push between contractions because I just wanted him out, but they kept telling me to be "steady" and "wait for the contractions" to which I replied, "are you kidding?" Once his head came out at 2:10 I said, "get him out". I knew he was so close and I just wanted them to reach down and yank him out. I am glad now that they didn't:)
After his head came out there was a huge push with very high pitched screaming and the next thing I know, Russ is catching the baby and handing him to me. He was born at 2:11. Above is my I-can't-believe-he-is-here-and-I-am-so-glad-that-is-over crying face. Here I am marveling at his beauty and wondering why he was so gray. Neither of my other kids were that gray - or did they just clean them off faster and make them cry more after their births?

Look at his sweet little, wait I mean big, hands.

The placenta was born at 2:26, and his cord was clamped and cut after it was done pulsing and he had gotten all the goodness out of it.

Then it was time to get out of the tub.

Look at those puffy eyes and lips, I just love them. When he was weighed he was 10lbs 5oz and 22 1/4 inches long. i was not surprised. My mom had big babies including myself (10 lbs 3 oz) and being so overdue I figured he was getting big, but I honestly was not worried about it.
I laid in bed with the little guy on me and he started rooting around so I let him nurse.
Looking at our new baby. I was bleeding a lot, which meant that my uterus was not contracting right. I felt faint for awhile and laid on the bathroom floor so I would not pass out. Stephanie kept pushing on my stomach (uncomfortable to say the least) to try and get it to start contracting right and then finally just gave me some medicine to take and that fixed the the problem. I also got "glued" because I tore a little bit where I had scar tissue from my episiotomy with Williams birth. That is something I will always be mad at my first ob for. I did not need an episiotomy and I tore on both Gracie's and Josephs births because of it.

In all honesty after it was over I just thought, "I am never going to do that again", but I was still in pain. The next day I had changed my mind. I could do it again. It was a beautiful experience. Everything went just as I wanted it to. It hurt really bad, but I did it and I think I handled it well. Connie took a little bit of video and it was a long time before I watched it cause I didn't want to see me being crazy. When I did watch it I realized I wasn't acting crazy at all, especially since I can remember what it felt like.

When William came home from school and got to meet his new little brother.
It was hard and I wanted to recover immediately and I didn't (go figure:) but the experience of having this little boy at home was wonderful. Once I stopped bleeding (too much) the midwives quietly cleaned everything up, said some sweet goodbyes and left us to get to know our new baby. I have so much gratitude for those women, what they do, what they know, and how they love. And no matter how this little boy came into the world, I am just happy that he is here safe and sound.

The End

PS - if you are interested in watching some of the videos let me know. They are all done at an appropriate angle:)

Jedi Training party

2010-11-24T17:17:00.000-08:00

For Williams birthday party we had a Jedi training. Here they are learning the ways of the force from Russ. I got the idea to make light sabers out of swimming pool noodles somewhere online and I am glad I did (well Russ made them actually) because the boys could really fight each other and not get hurt. Their little outfits were pretty easy too, but my mom made those for me. They were no sew - just cut.
Here they are searching for asteroids under the pomegranate tree. The asteroids were just balls of foil with treat in them.

They opened them up to find Silly Bandz and Star Wars fruit snacks.
Uncle Mark helped out a ton and got the pizzas for us. Hot and Ready's have saved my life more than once.

Obi-Wan excited about something!

Grandma helping Gracie open her asteroid.

My mom helped with everything and it was a good thing because I spent the first hour of the party nursing and just before it was time for everyone to leave I was off to nurse again.

Here is Russ pouring the "Yoda soda". That was a hit.

The bee's liked it too. Here is Carter catching bee's. His mom was the helpful one taking pictures since I was not really around much and when I was, I was holding a baby.

Pretty soon Darth Vader showed up and they all got to show off their Jedi skills.

They did not want to stop fighting (poor Russ).

Then there was the cake. That was pretty much the only thing I did - the top of the cake. my mom baked it.

My mom even wrapped my present for him. Star Wars Lego's - very exciting.

And then there was Joseph, glad he showed up on time for the party. I am so thankful to everyone who helped pull this off so that I didn't have too. He loved his party and hopefully didn't notice that I was way out of it. I am sure he didn't, he was too busy fighting his friends.

What a little angel face!

On his sixth birthday

2010-11-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

I was an emotional wreck. You see, my oldest child was turning 6 and my youngest was six days old. I felt sentimental and emotional all day. I got to go to his school and show pictures of him and talk about him and have doughnuts. It was great I loved the little program (for lack of a better term) they had for him. Russ' parents were kind enough to bring the doughnuts and my mom sat with Joseph in the car the whole time. Later that evening Russ' parents came and brought him presents to open. First was his own box of star wars fruit snacks. This kid loves fruit snacks so this was very exciting for him.
Then a colored pencil set with a sharpener. As you can see, also very exciting.

He really was excited about the coloring pad we just caught his face at an awesome moment.

Gracie did really good to just be excited for William. Maybe she is praying for a present for her right here? (She really is pretending to pray here I just don't know why) If she was praying for a present her prayer was answered.

They didn't want Gracie to feel left out so they brought her a small gift. She opened that wrapping and exclaimed, "a box!" You never saw anyone so excited to receive a box.

Don't worry, I showed her there was something inside.

Here she is looking at her new kitty knick knack with Grandma.

My brother Mark made William a white board topped box, filled with markers and an eraser. He loves it and so does Gracie. Sorry I posted so many pictures of William drawing, I just like that Russ took them in sequence.

And there you have Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon

Then we played "hot and cold" for him to find his last present from my mom. An Anikan Skywalker to put on his birthday cake for his party the next day. But that is for another post.

Invites

2010-11-23T15:03:00.000-08:00

A week after Joseph was born was Williams birthday. Before I had Joseph William got to hand deliver his invitations. They were little boxes of candy and a Star wars invite and he delivered them dressed as Obi-wan Kenobi.

We only got pictures at one house. William loved delivering his invites, we will have to do that more often.

At 3 weeks

2010-11-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

Okay these smiles are for real! Last night Russ was talking to him and he was nice and content. What we know about him at 3 weeks is:

he is a little stinker and by that I mean he farts stinky farts all the time. I find it endearing. He doesn't have the new baby smell, he has the fart smell.
He is a big boy weighing in at 11lbs 5 oz
he is getting better with eating without spitting up and it does not take as long to burp him as it used to.
he is not the best sleeper but he has done a 4 hour stretch once or twice. In fact last night he slept for 31/2 hours, woke and ate and then went back to sleep for 3 1/2 hours. I feel so rested!

His brother and sister love him and can't keep their hands off him and he handles it so well. It doesn't seem to bother him to have their little fingers always touching, rubbing, and poking him.
He likes the mam paci better than the soothie.
He sleeps best in the swing or in my arms.

He loves to be swaddled
He has baby acne that I wish would go away.
He has had a gooey eye but breast milk is clearing that up.
He looks more like William everyday. He is our big boy and we love him.

Then came halloween

2010-11-18T00:33:00.000-08:00

This year I didn't do much for Halloween. But my sister did enough for the both of us. Look at this costume my mom made for her. She is Marry Poppins in case you couldn't tell. That is a perfect character for Connie to dress up as. Sometimes while watching Marry Poppins I will see her say or do something and think, "Connie would totally say that." Connie was awesome and took my children to Schnef farms so Russ and I could rest and take care of the baby. And that is just what we did. Here are some pictures from her camera. William was Obi-wan Kenobi and Gracie was supposed to be a butterfly, but her wings were too heavy and were holding her down. She was so excited about this, in fact she just told me the other day that Connie took her on a carousel.
William and Gracie loved the rides and William started putting his hands up when he saw other people doing it.

Look at that happy face.

When she got home there was pee on her costume and blue stuff (Slurpee) all over her face. She was in heaven. But we had to get her ready for the Trunk-or-treat and that costume wasn't going to work. I asked her if she wanted to be a cow and she said yes.

Look at this cute cow!

Here is William showing off his baby brother.

And here he is with Nacho and the little lion. That is actually my brother Mark, doesn't he look great?

Next year I will be more involved with Halloween. I am just happy that my kids were happy and that they didn't get too much candy.

Perks

2010-11-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

The day after Joseph was born here we are taking a rest. Can you believe he fit inside me? One thing that amazes me about this pregnancy is that I was not far more uncomfortable considering his size.So here I am enjoying some of the perks of having your baby at home. Sleeping in my own bed, no one coming to check (what is it they check?) on me in the middle of the night. My midwife, Stephanie and her assistant Jen came the next day to check on us.Here they are getting his huge footprint. They said this is one of the most nerve racking parts is doing the footprints and getting it right. That made me laugh.Then two days later they came back and here she is getting blood from him foot while I nursed him so he didn't even cry.And him getting weighed. He didn't drop much at all and I think he has been climbing the charts since then.I have loved having a midwife, especially my midwife because she is so great. Having a baby this way has been such a different experience. One hard part was remembering that just because I am home does not mean that I don't need to recover. It was harder to stay in bed at home than it is at the hospital. Good thing I had Stephanie and my mom telling me to rest.

And then there is this guy telling me to feed him, all-the-time. Who can say no to that face?

Mischief Maker

2010-11-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

This little girl, as sweet as she is, discovered that with the baby around the adults are more preoccupied. Meaning she can get into mischief without anyone noticing...for the moment. Some of these things include unrolling a whole roll of toilet paper, getting "fart goo" in her hair all over the floor and Joseph's quilt in the time it took my sister to change Josephs diaper, color on herself and other things she is not supposed to, take off a poopey diaper so she can sit on the potty, etc.

I tried to explain to her while combing the goo out of her hair that even though we don't see her at the moment we do find out and then she gets in trouble. Hopefully our little chat will help.

Visitors

2010-11-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

The night Joseph was born Russ' parents and niece and nephew came to see him. I love this picture of everyone gathered around the baby.They brought Gracie a pink baby doll that she immediately named Joseph. And William got an awesome encyclopedia about dinosaurs. I love it when he is excited about books.

It is so nice having loved ones so close to share these times with.