Last one...for today

Okay so I think I've got everyone caught up on everything. Can anyone think of anything I'm forgetting? If so, go suck an egg...I'm a busy girl. Okay I'm just kidding, don't mean to be mean. I really had the best intentions when I started out this blog and to be honest, I really enjoy doing it. I love to write...whether it be on a blog, a mediocre journalism article, an insightful for my eyes only journal, or even a love letter for my hubby. I like to tell everyone what's going on so those who we care about and don't get to see as often as we'd like can be all caught up on our life history. I love to look back at the pictures and just see how our kids are growing and learning and making us smile. Life is full of only the memories we make, so we might as well enjoy it, right?

Well I've got just a couple more pics for you of Van and some of his newest antics.

Van really enjoys sitting down with Mike or I and drawing on his easel. He has just discovered chalk on the chalkboard, as opposed to the sidewalk, and this picture to the left is after he drew his first stick person. Yes, he had some guidance from mom, but the circle and body are all his doing. I believe the head may be missing, because his 2nd favorite part is erasing his artwork.

Since the olympics have just ended, my schedule has gotten a little back to normal. Some of you may or may not know that I'm just a tad bit obsessed with gymnastics. As Mike says, womens olympic gymnastics is like my Super Bowl. But this year was Van's first time seeing mens gymnastics, I think. Well after watching just a few minutes of it, one guy dismounted from the High Bar and raised his arms (like they all do), and Van yelled out, Yeah..you did it... So he's been a little excited to do this himself now...off of his bed, after a ride down his slide, etc. Here he is...our little olympian.

Another new obsession of Van's is puzzles. I'm not talking the little kid ones made of wood, matching animals or letters, but real puzzles. Grammy started this with a Handy Manny puzzle which he finished on his own in no time at all and we've added to his collection. He just got this CARS puzzle and was so excited about finishing it, by himself, in a matter of minutes. Yep that's right, my 2 year old can do a puzzle. We are so proud...one, for his ability and two, because we think he didn't inherit his attention span from his dad. Whoo!!

Alright, and lastly here's just a little one of Ava. After all of this blogging about Van today, I will have to commit a whole page to just our little girl next time. Stay tuned.

Love to everyone...enjoy all my efforts.

B

A boy and a grasshopper

So earlier this week we were in the backyard enjoying a nice sunny morning and happened to find a grasshopper. Van was instantly attached to it and surprisingly gentle with it. He couldn't wait until we gave him permission to touch it, once of course dad had grabbed the camera to capture it all on film, or memory card should I say. But anyway, here's some of the best ones...

Okay so we're over an hour and a half into this blogging and picture updating, and I'm getting worn out. Man, who knew blogging could be so much work.

and one of Ava...just for good measure

I believe the dinosaur show is up next...

Okay so we went to the Walking With The Dinosaurs on Saturday and Van loved it so here are some shots from there. Again, trying to get Van to even pay attention long enough for a picture is quite the challenge, but...he really did enjoy himself.

Ava comfy on Pappy's arm

Hunter enjoying the show

Sorry Karen, but she looked so cute here, Carson

Janelle and Jason

Okay I know his eyes are closed, but Kyler, this is a very sweet picture

Okay literally the only one where Van is even kind of looking at the camera

I have a couple more good ones but you'll just have to check out our flickr site. Time is ticking...

B

Next up, beach pictures

Okay next on my to do list is to add some beach pictures. I will apologize ahead of time because there isn't one of Ava. She wouldn't let me put her down long enough to get one of her and Mike was too busy trying to keep Van from freaking out. So all the pics are of daddy and Van. Oh yeah, and I couldn't even get Van to look at me, so there won't be too many facial shots but enjoy anyways.

You'll have to check out our flickr site to see some more. I can only add so many before my page will be totally overloaded.

More to come...

Catching Up

Okay so I'm going to spend the next hour doing nothing but blogging, adding pictures, and loading new pictures to our Flickr site. Hope you all enjoy my hard work and dedication.

First up, paint.

Some of you have already heard the story but this is definitely blog worthy. Mike and I were getting ready for church one Sunday evening and we told Van to go in the other room to wait for us. Sure enough, Mike came out literally 1 minute later and this is what we found. Our way too smart 2 year old opened up his art box, opened a bottle of dark pink paint and proceeded to pour it down himself. It may not look too bad here, but let me assure it, it is the most destruction Van has committed to date. We rented a Rug Dr the next day to see what we could do and our answer was, not much. Because its paint, real paint, not children's watercolors, it is sticking to the carpet like it should be sticking to the intended surface. Short of cutting down the affected area, replacing the carpet, or doing a good 'ole rug cover up we're out of ideas. The carpet is definitely better after being cleaned, but still a bright pink stain. Now our little boy walks over it and says, "mommy, look at all that messy pink paint". Yes hunny, look at all that paint, all I can do is sigh.

B

Trying to Find Time

Literally, trying to find time to sit and blog. Same 'ole story. Being wife, mommy, and worker is all my day can handle. Life is going great. Kids are doing great. My job is a real dream. What else can I say? Okay I know, you've waited more than a week for more details than that.

So Ava is sitting like a champ now. Yep, we've even captured some on film but I can only give you a little at a time...so its pics or a blog...not both...sorry. I've really started to notice a change in her looks. You know how babies change every month or so until they reach around a year. You can't really tell how they are going to turn out until they get a little older. She is really beautiful though and loves her brother. She really likes any little kids, they can crack her up so easily...much less effort than it takes for mommy. She is also quite the daddy's girl. Whenever she sees him or hears him, she just lights up with the biggest grin. It warms my heart and turns daddy all to mush...I'm still putting my foot down though...she will not be a diva or a spoiled booger. She can get all the love she wants from daddy, but I will not let her manipulate him and get away with things that Van doesn't get to no matter how cute. Don't mean to sound negative, I just want her to be a good girl and not drive other people crazy. You know little girls just have a way with their daddy's, I guess like boys do with their mommies, but I have high hopes for both of our little ones.

Onto Van. He will be starting preschool here in a couple of weeks and that is very exciting. He's done a lot in the last couple of weeks...okay I know, more pictures to come. Last weekend he went riding on a pony for the first time and loved it until he almost got bucked off. There were some other horses riding about 10 ft away and once they picked up their pace to a full run at his direction, his horse, Echo, got spooked and jumped the railing with Van still tied into his seat. It was quite the ordeal considering I was holding the horse's leash and had Ava in the snuggli on my chest. The horse jumped his rail, swung around, hit Ava in the face, and tried to run off. I was pretty much frantic, needing 5 more hands, trying to calm a screaming infant on my chest and calm down a completely freaked out 2 year old at the mercy of a pony still strapped into a saddle. Luckily the other parents came to my rescue to help me get Van off the horse and settle both of my little ones down. After watching the horses for a while, eating some Cheezits, and realizing Echo "was just scared", Van came to the conclusion that he could ride again. He understood his horse didn't want to hurt him but was just scared of the other horses coming his way. All was well.

Then last Saturday, we officially lost the title of last family in the OC to take our kids to the beach. For the first time we took Van to the beach, I know its only 20 minutes away but we've never done it. Well there will be pictures on of these days, like I said, beggars can't be choosers. To sum it up for you....sand - good, water - bad. Both Ava and Van hated the water. Ava's probably to young to appreciate it and we may have waited too long to get Van into it before the fear or dislike could set in. He loved playing in the sand though. As Mike put it, the beach is just a license to get as dirty as you want, no rules apply. So Van had a great time playing in the sand and enjoying the water at a distance. I think it was just too cold for him to really enjoy...if only the ocean was heated.

Then this weekend Van got the privilege of going to see Walking With The Dinosaurs at the Honda Center. We have some friends from church who gave us tickets to their suite and Van loved it. He's already a little obsessed with dinosaurs, has a whole drawer full, and loves to read about them. But, to see them live and full size, he was just in awe. Plus he got to share his day with some good friends, Kyler, Carson, and Hunter, all of who enjoyed it as well. I have to say I was quite shocked that none of the kids freaked out at all, they loved it. So for the last 2 days Van has been talking nonstop about the dinosaurs. We are very blessed to have been given the chance to see this awesome show, and free at that. I know the Griffiths probably won't read this, but thanks to them anyways.

Lets see what else has been going on. Oh yeah, I went to the specialist this week for my kidneys. He said he's "pretty sure" I don't have cancer or anything, I know really reassuring. But he does think I have some sort of abnormality or even stones. He wants to get the cyst in my left kidney checked out as well. The only problem is that in order for him to do a CT or whatever else he was talking about, he needs me to not be nursing because of the medication and procedure. So since I plan on nursing until Ava is a year, lord willing, I will have to just maintain status quo with my kidneys until then. He said to keep treating my "problem" with mild Advil doses unless it becomes a medical emergency and has to be dealt with now. So since I haven't had an "episode" in over 2 weeks I'm hopeful that I can do this.

Well I think that is long enough for now. I know I owe you a ton of pictures...beach, dinosaurs, and just updates but I'm trying to do the best I can. As always, keep us all in your prayers as we drudge through this crazy thing called life.

Thanks for reading.
B

Life Is Still Moving...

So I've made a real effort to get back to you in less than a week. Like I recently told one of my good friends, if the day only had 5 more hours in it, that I didn't have designated to anything else, and I didn't need to sleep, my blog would be much more up to date. In the crazy scheme of my life right now, this is all I have to accomplish on a daily/weekly basis: praise God and remember to thank him at every opportunity, be a good wife, be a good mom and manage my 2 kids all day almost every day of the week, work a part time job in my down time, keep my house clean, keep the refrigerator and cupboards filled (which is definitely lacking right now), keep all of our bills paid, keep our laundry hampers empty (or at least not full), get a decent amount of sleep (at least 5 hrs or so), and of course update this all important family blog. As you can tell, there just isn't enough time to get everything I want done regardless of how hard I try...I've had a few items on my to do list for days now and just can't seem to get to them, well I could if I only slept for 2 hours a day. I imagine as my kids get older and even more involved in outside activities that this will only get worse. I'm trying to maintain control as much as I can, those of you who know me know I am a bit of a control freak. However, like I said, I'm making a gallant effort to sit and write to you today.

So some updates for everyone. Mike has received passing grades for some preliminary exams for a few police departments in the last couple of days so he is now moving on to the next stage. We are very very early in the process of employment for a PD but excited about the possibility. I am very proud of Mike for taking the step to apply when he's wanted to for so long. As most of you know, Mike is my dreamer. He wants to do so much with his life, but the actual follow through isn't his main suit. This time he really stepped up. He did it on his own, with no insistence from me...probably a little resistance in fact, and still did it. So far he's doing great and staying motivated trying to get in good shape. This is definitely one of those things that reminds us that God is in control of it all. We have no idea what God has in store for the actual outcome of this dream, but whatever it is, we will accept it and move forward, always remembering that what's supposed to happen will happen. I will keep you all posted as we progress in the process.

As for me and my crazy stomach issues, i.e. possible kidney stones...I'm still in limbo. I talked to the dr the other day and received my ultrasound results. All of my pain has been on my right side, but my right kidney looked fine. They did find a cyst in my left kidney but aren't really concerned with it at this point. Apparently that's one of those things that when you really get in and start looking around someone's body, you're bound to find some stuff you didn't know was there. However, my doctor isn't convinced there isn't something wrong with me still, maybe stones too small to be able to be seen on an ultrasound. I've been on antibiotics for some "infection" they think I may have in my kidneys for over a week now and my last "episode" was last Tuesday. So maybe the antibiotics are helping whatever the issue was. But, my doctor has referred me to a urologist to get some more in depth testing. As Mike says, I'm not in the clear yet and could still be dying from some random stomach or kidney disease. I know, I know, so optimistic...we just always joke, however inappropriate, that when something random and mysterious happens to one of us it must mean we're dying. Well anyways, I go to the urologist next week for some more testing and hopefully resolution.

The kids are doing great. Ava has broken out w/ a bit of dry skin lately, and the doctor recommended some better lotion, but of course being the good mom I am, I was concerned with how good it smelled compared to the pink Johnson's baby lotion. Yes I actually asked her if it smelled as good, she must have looked at me like I was a horrible mother....yes I want my daughter to have soft smooth skin, but I want her to smell good too....is that all that horrible? Just as soon as I post that Ava doesn't want to sit, she changes her mind. She is now sitting up pretty well I have to say. Its like she just decided to do it one day. I wouldn't quite says she a pro or anything, still falling after small increments, but doing well nonetheless. Van is ticking away too. He has become quite the singer as of late. He makes up his own songs, to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star of course, that tend to come out like this...The Tiger Song -- Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, etc...or The Gum Song --- Gum, Gum, Gum, Gum, Gum, Gum, Gum, etc...of yeah there was The Puzzle Song too and I bet you can guess how it goes. Its really cute actually. Since singing runs in his blood, I'm hopeful he will be great at it. I believe he already holds a tune better than some adults do.

I think that's all in the happs of our world lately. I will be back next week with some more goods. Love to all our readers.

B

Sea World Pics...Check

Wow, look at me, I got 2 pics postings done today. Okay I've just shared a few of my favorites on the day (the page is at its limit) so....I've also uploaded some good ones to our flickr site (I didn't even know we had one) so you can look at some more.

cheering for "Shamu"

our little navigator

playing with starfish

after some breakfast and a quick wardrobe change

feeding the sea lions

smiley after nap time

always a good time with Grammy

how beautiful is this little girl?

Here is the link for the flickr site...hope this works.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17761844@N06/2746999928/in/set-72157606631738213/

Enjoy the pics.

Circus Pics...Check

As promised...I know it was weeks ago but just got them uploaded so here are some of the good ones. Enjoy.

me and the kids

all the young 'uns

Kaylee and Emily

The Amazing Amanda

Too cute to not post...Lauren.

PS Chelsea I don't know how you managed to not be in any pics...you too Bryan

I know, I know, I'm late...

Okay, okay, I know everyone has been anxiously waiting another post. I have to say, I feel soooo busy now. Last night I downloaded over 600 new pics, but of course before they are blog worthy, I have to go in and edit them. This pic to the right is old, okay only a few weeks old, but if I wait until I get my pics from last night done before blogging, it may be weeks until you hear from me.

So lots has happened in the last week and a half, hence the long time between blogs. Last week we took Van down to Sea World for the first time and he loved it....that's where the 600 pics came from. The day was very warm, but not too hot, we piled on the sunscreen and soaked in all the animals. Still Van is asking for a penguin, even though Grammy offered to buy him like 10 and he kept picking the whales and dolphins. I think he's secretly finding another reason to go to Sea World again so we'll feel guilty enough about him wanting the penguin and take him again. He tells me everyday how he fed the seals and saw the whales, sea turtles, dolphins, polar bears, and the list goes on and on and on. Its so fun as a parent to get to experience these firsts with your kids. I think we're still in the stage where we get more excited to see them respond then they do to actually witness whatever it is. I promise, I know I've said that before, but really I promise to post some pics from Sea World...oh yeah, I think I owe pics from the circus still too...add it to my list. Oh yeah just remembered two other things about our oldest phenom. He is officially off of diapers completely!!! He has had 2 full nights of no diapers and I am glad to report no accidents either. He is now, all day and night, in big boy underwear. I am soooo proud, he has done such a good job. Another big, no I should say huge, accomplishment this week. Van has been at Vacation Bible School all week, 930-1130 at church and he LOVES it. I have to beg him to get in the car to go home because he's having so much fun. I think preschool in the fall will be a breeze for him. So yesterday I hear that my little boy led the closing prayer for the class. Yep, that's right, already a leader in progress at church. Can you believe it, his first public prayer. He says prayers for Mike and I and has even said it for family occasions, but at church, whoa that's big time. I can not express in words how proud I was, I was totally speechless. He got up in front of the class and said it, with a little assistance from one of the preachers, but hey he's only 2 years old. A real chip off of the old block.

Our little girl is growing like a weed. She is more mellow in some aspects than Van, and in other much more determined. The other night I had to actually use the seatbelt on her changing table because she will literally flip herself off. In all the time Van used that table, I don't think I ever once had to fasten the belt. On the other hand, at this time in Van's life, he was already sitting up well and on his way to crawling, he crawled at 5 1/2 months. Now our little chunck, will barely sit up. It lasts about 5 seconds and then she falls to one side or the other. She has realized that she can use her arms to catch herself from falling so she's getting better. However since 5 1/2 months is right around the corner, I don't think crawling is coming as soon. Who knows, she always finds some way to keep me on my toes so maybe she'll surprise us all.

Mike and I have been super super busy too. A couple of weeks ago I started having some stomach pains, pretty excruciating to be honest. So I finally went to the doctor and they think I might have kidney stones. Sucky!! I had an ultrasound a couple of days ago and of course I'm still sitting around waiting to hear from the doctor on the results. I'm no doctor, but what I'm feeling is pretty bad and I don't think just an infection would cause these random "episodes" as I like to call them. So we'll see. I'll let you all know when I do, but please keep me in your prayers. The last "episode" I had was on Tuesday, it lasted about 45 minutes and it was so bad I almost called an ambulance to come and get me. Only problem, I was home alone w/ the kids. Van was really freaked out because I was crying, a lot, and he kept saying "mommy what's wrong". Its so weird because after the 45 minutes, it will just slowly fade away and an hour later I feel perfectly fine. Hopefully whatever it is, it can be resolved and quickly.

As for Mike, he has been a busy man too. He has been diligently working out to prepare for some police department physical testing, working his normal job, and helping me man our 2 boogers. He is progressing in the PD testing for a couple of cities but I'm going to try and keep some details mum just to not embarrass him or bring too much light to a situation with an unknown ending. He has really been great helping me get work done too. Man am I tired from taking on my job. Don't get me wrong...I love it. I love the little bit of me time I get to spend doing it, I love my boss, and I genuinely like what she does and what she has to offer. I don't think I realized before taking this job how much down time I actually had, okay maybe just an hour or two, but now its seems like zilch. My fabulous time management skills are really being tested but the extra dinero is really nice and so far we are all surviving.

Well I think that's all for now. I'll try to be back again soon.

b