life is beautiful...

Disneyland with Grandma

2011-06-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Pull Isaac Pull
Can you find Isaac and Grandma? Hint: They are in a green car. :)

Tired Baby

One of the fun things about living in Southern California was our proximity to disneyland. It is only about 20 min from our place, which makes it one of the fun things to go and do when family is in town. Not to mention the kids love it. So off we went with Grandma Nielsen. We had a blast!!

Legoland Aquarium

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Legoland aquarium was a fun place to take my mom and kids when she was down to visit. They had a slide/play area first thing when you walk in which was hard to get Isaac away from, but after his fill of sliding we headed into the aquarium.
They had fun windows that you could look into the aquarium from.

The Jelly fish were awesome.

As were the sting rays

This was a fun bubble window that Isaac could go into to get a closer look at the fish.

They also had some fun "touch tanks"

And of course the visit ended in the gift store where grandma spoiled Isaac with fun toys.

The Getty Villa with Grandma Nielsen

2011-01-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

In Feb Grandma Nielsen came down to spend a few days with us. I tried to think of things we haven't seen yet and came up with a fun trip to the Getty Villa. We had previously been to the Getty Museum which sits up on a hill overlooking Santa Monica and Los Angeles. But I had heard of this place that was a companion to the Museum so I looked online, made reservations, and off we went for a fun day of art. The Villa was huge with beautiful gardens and water features. We had a great time looking at all the art and statues...too bad so many of them were nude. But it was fun to see something new and hanging out with grandma is always awesome!

They had a kids discovery area where you could put on roman gear and stand behind the screen and fight eachother. It was pretty fun. Isaac was having a good time fighting this guy.

But he also had a good time fighting his grandma, who by the way is quite the warrior. :)

Then we headed over to the art tables and got to draw on some vases and creat our own ancient works of art.

This little gem was created by Darla Nielsen...her career is just starting, but look out she is going to be the next picaso. (not sure what it is) :)

My two Mozarts

2010-11-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

I never knew that I would have protege children. :) But really I thought this was just too cute to miss taking pictures of. I really didn't plan it at all, and I mean that...I know they match, but really it was just a coincidence. They were so cute sharing the piano, and they look like they are concentrating so hard. Maybe I will have some little Mozarts...you just never know.

Hollywood fun

2010-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

You can see the Hollywood sign in the background if you look hard.

One weekend we decided to take a drive up to LA with the kids and do some sight seeing. We found some random roads that wound up into the Hollywood hills. It is crazy how skinny those roads are, and how crapy some of the houses look, even though they are probably mansions. You just can't see what most of the house looks like because it is hanging out over the hill. Also a very scary thing for me to think about. It blows my mind that people here would do that, when anytime we could have an earthquake and their home could end up at the bottom of the hill instead of the top. But that is just my earthquake paranoia talking. While driving around on these roads we ended up in some not so good areas and in one of them we randomly saw this dog on the roof of a garage. Not sure how he got there, but he seemed to like it.

We then headed over to Hollywood Blvd and walked the stars and stopped infront of the Gramin theater to show Isaac the hand prints. He got a balloon sword from a street performer and thought that was really cool. We had a great time spending the day together and seeing some of the weird and wonderful things LA has to offer.

Brown eyes and smiles

2010-11-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

Isaac has the cutest face and smile ever. I also love that my boys can have such opposite eye color. Owen's are just as blue as can be, while Isaac has the most stunning deep brown eyes ever. It is so fun to see my little family grow together, and yet be so different.

Fuzzy hair and blue eyes

2010-11-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

I just love that Owen somehow got blond hair and blue eyes. And the fuzzier the hair the better. What a cute kid, even stuffing his face with crackers he is a cutie!

I Built it Myself

2010-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

So we are going to play catch up here with what happened this past year. Once a month on a Saturday morning Home Depot has a craft that kids can come and build. So I packed up Isaac and away we went to go use some tools. The project on this day was building a race car display self. So Isaac got to work. The guys there were really nice and helpful, and showed him just what to do. He loved it. There was a lot of hammering and sticker sticking, and the end result was an awesome. I am so proud of you Isaac and all the fun things that you can do.

Disneyland with our Cousin

2010-07-22T16:01:00.001-07:00

Isaac loves the Carousel

In February we decided to spend the day with Julia and Griffin at Disneyland. It was an awesome day. The kids got to ride some rides and we had a fun time with the boys just hanging out.

Valentine Cookies

2010-07-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Before Valentine's Day this year Isaac and I made a batch of Sugar Cookies. He thought decorating them and cutting them was the greatest thing in the world. He especially liked the sprinkles which you can see in the finished product. It was a hard cookie to cook but he thought it was awesome and loved eating the end result.

The Bookstore

2010-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Isaac really likes books, so going to the bookstore or the library is a real treat. He was reading books about super heros on this particular trip. He is just so cute when he is focused on something.

Koi Pond

2010-07-22T15:34:00.001-07:00

When our friends the Christensens came down for a visit we decided it would be fun to take the kids to the koi pond at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. We had a great time watching the kids "fish" with long grass and run from one side of the pond to the other. It was a fun day out with good friends.

Isaac's First Sleep Over

2010-06-28T14:41:00.003-07:00

Every once in a while our friends Adam and Lindsay come down from Santa Maria and visit us. This time the kids decided they wanted to sleep in Isaac's room on the floor. So we dub this "Isaac's first sleep over". I thought this picture was so cute becasue they both have their arms spread way out. Isaac and Macie have known each other their whole short lives and are good friends.

Isaac

2010-06-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

The Lazy One

2010-06-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to document what Denny does everyday...seems like a pretty good life.

Crafty Names

2010-06-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

I decided that it was time to get the boys names on the wall...actually it was just time to get Owen's name on the wall since it is both their bedroom, and Isaac's name is the only one up there. So I bought these cute big letters, one "I" and one "O" and decided to cover them with fabric. So I found some cute stuff at Jenny's Fabric, and used some batting to make them puffy. I think they turned out really cute. Unfortunately I only have pictures of Isaac name right now but I will add Owen's soon.

And please disregard the dirty spots on the wall! It wasn't until I got up close to hang the letters that I realized that the wall was dirty. And I have no idea how it got that way...what was food doing splattering on the bedroom wall anyway? So it has been cleaned, and the names turned out cute, and now it is on to the next project.

Two of a kind

2010-06-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

I just like this picture

The first Cut

2010-06-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Near Owen's 7 month birthday, he got his first hair cut. I waited until Isaac was 1 year before giving him his first haircut, but Isaac had less hair than Owen, and I still think I waited too long to get rid of the crazy baby hair Isaac had. So I plugged in the clippers and sat Owen on the counter and off came those long locks in the front. When he was born he had dark hair, then it started going red, and then I cut it. I thought it would stay red, and I would have a red haired blue-eyed baby, but unfortunately when I cut off the long locks I also cut off the red. I guess he stayed a little red for a while, but it was never the same. And now he is a total Blondie. So strange how much they change over such a short period of time. It took some getting used to, but his short hair is so much better and really cute.

Fun at the Bounce House

2010-06-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

For a fun day out we went with our friends to a place called Hullabaloo's. They have indoor bounce houses and play stuff for kids. It was a lot of fun watching Isaac have fun climbing in the bounce houses and sliding down. He also found some video games (which he is addicted to) and had a great time shooting things up. We had a lot of fun. Thanks Ormonds for inviting us to this fun place.

The Stache

2010-06-28T13:10:00.001-07:00

Over Christmas break Tim grew his traditional vacation beard, which I actually like, but he says it itches. Anyway, we finally got home from all our travels, and it was time for him to head back to work and with that goes the beard. Usually I can't convince him to keep it, but this time I thought it would be funny to ask him to shave it all but the mustache. Surprisingly he comes out of the bathroom with the best mustache ever!! I loved it...not really, but it was so funny and weird that it was awesome. It made him look creepy though. Not sure it is a good look for him, but it lasted a week or two. But the itching got the best of him and eventually it came off too. I will miss my creepy husband, but now my friends aren't afraid to bring their kids over anymore. :)

Our own Family Pictures

2010-06-03T19:34:00.001-07:00

New Years Eve 2009-2010

2010-05-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

This year we were able to be with Tim's family after Christmas for a few days. One of those awesome days was New Years Eve. Stan and Susan had a bunch of their friends and some family over for their annual party and we had a great time. We played games, ate food and watched the ball drop at midnight while drinking a glass of sparkling cider. And I got to give my hunny our first kiss of the year. It was a great night. We really enjoyed being with family and friends.

Nielsen Family Pictures

2010-05-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I love my Family!!!
They are awesome

And Funny

My boys are so cute

My Brother and Sisters are beautiful

Maybe a little weird sometimes

And Goofy

But we love each other

We are a forever family

Snowmobiling

2010-05-25T10:42:00.001-07:00

We sent the boys out snowmobiling for the afternoon, and Isaac thought he was going along. He did look pretty cute in his goggles and helmet. On the other hand Chathum looked like Darth Vader in his black get-up. Not to mention his crazy bobble head. :)

They had a great time.

Bakugan Fun

2010-05-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Isaac had a great time playing Bakugans with his aunts on Christmas day.

Christmas Day 2009

2010-05-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Dinosaur vs Army man...

Yes, the perfect warm sweater for a chilly Christmas morning.

My parents got Tim a Rolex from Thailand. Whoot Whoot.

Owen scored an awesome dinosaur puzzle and a teething ring. What more could a baby want?

And Isaac made the biggest haul out of anyone. Santa must have thought he was a very good boy that year. :)

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-05-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

Every year my parents used to give us an ornament on Christmas eve along with Christmas PJs. So I kept that traditon for Isaac and Owen. This year Isaac got to open his ornament with Grandma Nielsen. I thought it fitting since we are so close to the beach, and I love the way it lookes on the tree.

Every year on Christmas Eve my dad reads the story of the Saviors birth from the scriptures and the kids dress up as the characters from the nativity. This year Isaac took the part of Joseph.

And my dad passed on the mantle of reading the story to my brother.

Taryn took the part of Mary, and Owen was the baby Jesus.
Isaac loved his staff, and of course it was an awesome sword!

2010-04-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

About 10 years ago my dad ruptured a disc in his neck and had a surgery to fuse the vertebrae together. All went well and it fixed the problem. They actually put a cadaver bone in his neck, so that is pretty cool. Anyway last summer he injured his neck again, which is common I guess if you have already had a fusion. It puts more stress on the surrounding vertebrae which can cause them to weaken and then to also rupture. So he ruptured two more discs in his neck and it really put him out for quite a while. He got some steroid shots to reduce the inflammation, but it finally came to the point of needing another surgery to fix the problem. He started doing some research on mechanical discs and found that his insurance wouldn't cover a mechanical disc due to a lack of FDA approval for someone with a previous fusion. So the cost would have to come out of pocket, although that cost would be somewhere in the $50,000 range. So they started to look at some other options. They learned about a hospital in Thailand that would do the surgery for around $20,000. After a lot of consideration they decided to go to Thailand and have the mechanical disc put in. This occurred at the beginning of December, so the goal was for them to be back home for Christmas. The surgery was a huge success, they loved the hospital, the Dr.'s and the entire experience was very positive. They actually spent most of the three weeks they were there sight seeing. In the meantime I had been talking to my mom through instant messenger late at night for her and early in the morning for me. (the time difference was crazy). The plan had been for us to go to my parents house for Christmas, but I decided to lie and tell them that we couldn't come due to Tim's Dr appointments. He was in the midst of getting endoscopy's and colonoscopy's to find out why his iron levels were so low. It was so hard to lie to them. They sounded so sad. My dad emailed me and just sounded so depressed that we had to cancel coming. They kept asking if there wasn't something we could work out so we could come. I felt so bad but kept telling them that we just couldn't come. At the same time I was conspiring with my brother (who was the only one who knew we were really coming, even my sisters didn't know) about time lines and schedules for the holidays.
It was a very long drive. We actually stopped in Logan for a day to get some rest after driving all night, and to spend some time before the holidays with Tim's parents. Then we were off again. We had great weather driving through Idaho, Montana and all the passes. We arrived at my parents house in the evening and pulled up to the front of the house and parked. We all got out and walked up to the front door. Chathum had previously told the girls that he had a big Christmas present for them but they would have to wait till that night to have it. So we rang the door bell and waited. Taryn answered the door and we yelled, Merry Christmas. It was a fun surprise. We were so happy to be there. The drive had been long, and the kids had done great.
So we spent the next day getting things ready for my parents to get home. We ended up having Christmas Eve on the 25th after they got into Spokane, so we could have Christmas together. We got a call in the afternoon on the 25th that their flight was getting in about 3 hours early, so the kids made a sign and we got everybody bundled up and headed to the airport. When we got there Tim and I stood around the corner with the girls and the kids and we had only Chathum stand where my parents could see coming out of the Airport. So after coming out and seeing Cha they hugged and then turned to head to the baggage claim and we got to shout "Surprise" Taryn and Isaac held the sign and shouted with us. It was a great surprise. There was much hugging and crying. My parents were so tired and I am sure this was just the breaking point for them. They were very happy to be home and we were so happy to see them.

Christmas in Logan

2010-04-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

For Christmas this year we decided to drive to see family. We jumped in the car and headed to Logan. It was fun to see everyone. Isaac loved the snow and he loved being able to play in Stan and Susan's backyard. We drove through the night so that the kids would sleep most of the way so Tim and I were exhausted when we got to Logan so we took a nap while Rich and Christine played outside with Isaac and made sugar cookies. He had a great time. We were then able to open presents before leaving to head to Spokane for the rest of the holiday.
Owen had a fun time hanging out with Grandpa Barker. They are good buddies.

This is my beautiful Mother-in-law. I just love her in her apron. She is do cute. And She is a wonderful Grandma.

Isaac got a dog that played Christmas songs and flapped it's ears.

And Owen got his first Christmas present ever. A fun Giraffe.

Susan put together a beautiful Charm bracelet for me. This is one of the charms, a small picture of Owen. It was such an awesome thoughtful gift. Thanks Susan.

Monster Trucks

2010-04-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

We went up to Rachel's house for dinner and her garage is open to her kitchen and she parked her truck in there. Isaac was enthralled with the monster truck. He got to sit inside and pretend to drive it and hang out by the big tires. He loved it. We had to constantly had to keep him out of the garage the rest of the night.

He thought it was cool that he could go under it.

Future Monster Truck Driver

Owen and Tim

2010-04-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

What a cutie!

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party 2010

2010-04-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

These were our ugly sweaters. I made them both, and Tim won the prize for the ugliest sweater.

These were chocolate covered Cheese Cake Pops. They were fun to make and Sooooooo gooood!

I also made these Brownie pops. Yummy!!

Delicious

Owen Stands

2010-04-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

It used to be that before Owen was so wiggly that we could stand him up against the couch and he would just stand there. It was so cute. December was such a fun month

A Disney Christmas

2010-03-02T17:10:00.001-08:00

We had a great time going to Disneyland this December. Isaac loves Smallworld and is scared of the Jungle Cruise. For some reason he has developed a fear of hippos. So he cowers almost the entire cruise. Silly kid. He even got to meet Pooh bear , Eyor, and Tigger. I thought he would be scared, but he just gave them hugs. We stayed at the park until sundown when they lit the big christmas tree. It was a great day.

My Christmas Boys

2010-03-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

I sat the boys up to take a picture for our Christmas card and ended up using the picture at the top. I just love seeing them together.

O Christmas Tree

2010-03-01T10:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas tree of 2009

Thanksgiving

2010-02-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving this year we decided to stay home because we had been traveling a ton during the fall and we just needed a break. So we also made plans to have a dinner with the brothers on the weekend. But I did buy all the fixings for a great Thanksgiving dinner and got up on Thursday ready to throw the turkey into the oven and found that it was still half frozen. So our plans changed a little. We were sitting around wondering what we were going to do for the few days off Tim had and randomly we decided to jump in the car and head to San Francisco. I know I said we decided to stay home because we were tired of traveling, but for some reason we decided to travel again. So we booked a hotel for a night, and jumped in the car and made the trek up to the bay. We got there that night, planned on seeing the city the next day and then heading back home that night. So we slept well, got up and headed into the city. We found the windiest road in the world, an awesome cathedral, and Coit tower. We were really having a good time just site seeing and hanging out together, when all the sudden we got a call from Tim's brother Brian who was in Sacramento for the holiday with his girlfriend Rachel. He said that they heard we were in San Francisco and that they were headed there too. So we met up with them and headed to the the Golden Gate Bridge. We tried to find some museum but kept getting lost so we headed to Gheridelli square for some chocolate and then to fisherman's wharf to see the sea lions and get some awesome donuts. It was pretty fishy smelling by the wharf, but Isaac loved the sea lions. We had a great time. The city is beautiful, the houses are amazing and the roads are ridiculously steep. We then decided to head home after having the worst seafood sandwiches ever!! We fed them to the seagulls because they were so bad. The drive home is when I start to remember why I hate traveling. I wish we could just beam home instantly like on Star Trek. But we made it and the trip was a lot of fun.

We ended the Thanksgiving weekend with a great dinner with family and really felt thankful for what we have been blessed with.

Our Thankful Tree

2010-02-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

I must regress in our timeline a little. For Thanksgiving this year I found a cute idea online and thought Isaac would really like it. So I cut out the trunk and branches of a tree and a whole bunch of leaves. (thanks Carrie for letting me use your cricut!) So in November every night before Isaac went to bed we would write things on the leaves that we were grateful for and stick them to the tree. It was a lot of fun. Here are some pics of what we were grateful for this year.

My little Shepard/wiseman

2010-02-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

So for our ward Christmas party this year they had the primary act out the nativity. Isaac was asked if he could be a shepard, and I thinking that he would make the cutest shepard in the world, agreed instantly. He needed a costume so I pulled out one of the hospital gowns I made for when Owen was born (but never wore) and stood Isaac up on the table and pinned the gown to the right length. Of course Isaac being a true boy, hated every minute of being fitted. He cried the entire time. But somehow at the end I wa able to get a few pictures of him without tears. And one with tears. I just love it. So I made the costume for him and we head to the activity, and they end up needing a wiseman instead of a shepard. So he became a wiseman and had a great time. He truly stole the show. All the other kids were being so good, standing where they were supposed too, keeping quiet so you could hear the story being read. And then there was Isaac. He was all over the stage. Running to the front, then to the back, egging on the other kids to play with him, standing inbetween Mary and Joseph and standing infront of the manger looking down at Baby Jesus. I just love this kid so much. He has so much energy and life in him. He keeps me on my toes. And I was right, He was the cutest wiseman there ever was!!

2010-02-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

As a little experiment I decided to cut my bangs with the help of a good friend who said "go for it, why not?" So I took her advice, let her cut them and here I am. It was time for a change.

New Camera and New Tricks

2010-02-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

Just thought the color in this shot was cool. Our bathroom is really in browns.
This looks filthy...awesome

I love isolating colors.

My bench in normally like a lime green. Super fun to see it in pink.

So in October I had told Tim that I wanted a new camera, but we decided that we really didn't need one and we would just keep the one we had for as long as it worked. Well within a month the night of Isaac's 3 birthday party Tim dropped the camera off a chair onto our tile floors and broke the screen. Now secretly I was pretty happy about it because I knew that we now could get a new camera. But Tim being stubborn said that it would have to be a Christmas present. So for the next month or so I took pictures with a camera with no screen and no view finder. It was a hard time in my life to say the least. =) But the day eventually came where I received a much anticipated package in the mail. Now I do have to say that I count it as a win on my part because I didn't have to wait until Christmas, but it was December. It was an awesome present. We got the Cannon SX20. I love it. So for the next few days I set about trying to figure out how to use it. I still haven't learned enough to be happy with my pictures but they are so much better then the other camera. So here are a few of the cool pictures that I took while messing around with some of the camera functions.

My Growing Boy

2010-02-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

Just snapped a few shot of Owen in December. He is getting so big! 5 months old

Lunch and Naps

2010-02-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

So one day while we were out and about we stopped and got Isaac a cheeseburger for lunch. As we were driving I realized that he had been pretty quiet for a while so when I turned around this is what I saw. He had eaten just the top of his bun and then fell asleep. But he was careful enough to not drop his hamburger. What a funny kid. and a super funny way to eat a hamburger. I guess next time we won't try to overlap naps and lunch.

2010-02-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

For our ward halloween party Owen was going to be a bumblebee, but it didn't fit so his defalt costume was a rooster. I think he looked super cute. And of course Isaac was a dinosaur and loved it. Thanks Grandma Nielsen for finding a great dinosaur costume.

Pony rides

2010-02-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

Right before Halloween we took Isaac to a neighborhood Halloween party where they had pony rides. He has never riden a horse before but I think he may be a natural. He had a great time.

After the pony rides we decorated pumpkins and jumped through the blow-up house. We had a great time.

Halloween 2009

2010-02-09T11:14:00.001-08:00

We had an awesome Halloween this year. Isaac was a dinosaur and I was a flower, while Tim and Owen were matching Skeletons. It was so funny. Tim borrowed my black leggings and I made him bones to match Owens. They were quite the pair. I had actually made a bumblebee costume for Owen, but when I went to put it on him it was too small. I was so sad. It was the cutest bumblebee outfit I have ever seen. Well maybe for another kid. Isaac loved trick-or-treating this year, and he is still talking about it. I suspect next year will be even better. We had a fun time going around our neighborhood and visiting friends. And we love CANDY!!

Please somebody save me

2010-02-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

We have found that a funny thing happens when Isaac gets into trouble. If mom is the one home then he cries for Daddy. If dad is the one home he cries for mom, and if we are both home then he cries for Grandma. I guess grandma really is the nice fun one.

39 things every mom should know

2010-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

You never have to go to obnoxious kid-themed resturants. Ever. I wish someone had told me that.
Don't make birthday parites a huge deal.
Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up nap time to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing.
Put band-aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?
If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
Just throw away the poopy underwear.
Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
Teach your kids not to pee outside unless you're camping-you'll be glad you did. But if other people's kids do it, don't judge the parents to harshly-it's all about karma. (If you're in the midst of otty training, all bets off. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.)
Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad, and Clue rocks.
Embrace their quirks.
Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
At some point it will be February. Things will seem bleak. You will think about vitamins, glasses, more exercise, more sleep, more chores, less TV, more rules, fewer rules, and organic food. Just wait. Things will get better when the snow melts. Know that it will happen again at the end of summer, right before school starts. It the circle of life, baby.
Always get boys' haircuts at barber shops instead of hair salons.
Answer the question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?
Never stifle a generous inclination.
Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.
Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing their teeth, don't wake them; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
I know you are supposed to use natural consequences to punish bad behavior., but sometimes it's harde to think of natural consequences. In these cases try threatening your kids with clipping their toenails or some other activity they dread. I've had great success with this one, but yo0u must find your own.
Get used to the word zirrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal form ost of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.
Buy kids deodorant before they need it.
teach your children to make their own breakfast-and allow enought time so they can do it without pressure.
I can't stress this enough: Use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet. Not only will you thank me for this advice, but your kids will thank me as well when they are learning to make their bed.
Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
Do not allow the word wienies in your home.
Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You dont want them to feel stressed when ordering at the diner.
It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
Buy quait wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.
Just say "NO" to any toy or doll that comes with packets that have to be mixed with water.
Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles when you could be enjoying Wilco or counting along with Feist?
Don't buy the most expensive school-picture packages. It's a waste of money.
Give out awards for actual achievements.
Your never too old to dress up and decorate your house for Halloween. And it's more fun for everyone if you are into it. It also entitles you to more candy.
If the school year, new babysitter, or Karate class gets off to a rocky start, don't totally stress out about it. Instead, think of the imporvement that can be made by the end of the year.
Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.

-Kacy Faulconer

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

2010-01-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

The week before Halloween I met up with some friends and we took the kids to the Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch. We had a fun time doing the corn maze, riding the tractor ride, and climbing up the pumpkin hill. Isaac and Owen even got their own baby pumpkins to take home with them. It was a fun day.

Isaac's 3rd Birthday

2010-01-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

After getting home from Spokane, we decided to have another small birthday party/dinner with Ben, Julia and Brian, and Rachel. I made a small cake for him which of course had dinosaurs on it. He had a little bit of a hard time blowing out the candle, but after a few blows he finished the job. And then onto Presents, Presents,Presents!! A dinosaur (T-Rex the coolest dino of them all) shirt from Uncle Ben, Aunt Julia and Griffin. And a dinosaur playmat with mini dinos from Uncle Brian and Rachel. Thanks guys, He loved all of the stuff. It was fun to have family come and help us with our second celebration. Isaac we love you and are so happy you are part of our family. You are getting to be such a big boy! I can still remember your sweet face as I cuddled you in my arms for the first time. I can't believe how much you have grown. You are such a good big brother and friend. You are so precious to us. We are truly blessed to have you be part of our family.

Isaac and his friend the Goat

2010-01-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

While up at my parents I went with my mom to look at a piece of property. While my mom was in the house I hung out with the boys in the car. The people who currently lived in the home owned a small black goat that wouldn't leave us alone. He even jumped up onto the hood of my Mom's mini van. Stupid goat. After I chased him off the van, he wandered off a little in to a field. Isaac was enthralled by the goat so I released him from the van and he was off into the field to hang with the goat. He would stand still while the goat ate, then jump toward the goat. Everytime he would jump at the goat the goat would also jump farther away. Isaac thought this was hillarious and was out there harrassing the goat for the rest of the time that we were there. It was funny to see him discover something new.

The Birthday weekend continued

2010-01-21T15:38:00.000-08:00

The weekend before Isaac's birthday Tim was able to fly into Spokane for a day and a half from North Dakota. It was so nice to see him and to be able to celebrate all together. And of course there were gifts, many many gifts. He really is one lucky kid. It was fun shopping for him with Tim and my Mom. Somehow I always seem to come back to California with more things then I take with me.

A Waterpark Birthday

2010-01-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

For Isaac's 3rd birthday we decided to take him to a place called Triple Play in Cour d' Alene. It has an indoor waterpark, which was perfect because it was cold outside. We had a great time going down the waterslides and swimming in the wave pool. Isaac actually whinned and cried most of the time. I don't know if the water was just too cold or what but it wasn't until the end of the day that he discovered the hot tub and he loved it. I think he has a lot of his dad in him, because Tim can hardly stand being in cold water, he much perfers the hot tub. So we had a great time soaking in the warm water. I also got some great video of my parents comming out of the waterslide and eating it. We all had a great time, even Owen who slept for a lot of it.

Motorcycles and babies

2010-01-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

When we landed in Spokane they announced that it was 30 degrees outside. What!! It was only October. We were very unprepared for the cold. So we bundled the baby, put on our sweaters and ran to the car. Luckly it was only cold like that for the first week then warmed up. One thing that Isaac really wanted to do was go on a ride with Grandpa on the Motorcycle. So on one of the days that it was warmer we bundled up and off we went for a ride. Grandpa drove, Isaac got the middle and I took the back. Isaac has always been facinated by motorcycles so I think he had a good time. It was hard to hear what he was saying but he kept leaning way out so he could see around Grandpa. Good thing I have super strong arm muscles =). I also loved that the helmet made his head like a bobble head doll.

Off to Grandmas

2010-01-15T17:54:00.001-08:00

At the beginnnig of October Tim had a job that took him to North Dakota for a week. So while he was away I decided to take the boys to visit my parents in Spokane. I was a little nervous about flying alone with the boys, but I had done it just a few weeks before all the way to New York, so this didn't seem as daunting. The boys were awesome. I put a movie on for Isaac, and fed Owen and then miraculously they both fell asleep. What a relief!! They are so cute together. And they make me look like a good mom. Thanks Boys!!!

A walk at Huntington Beach

2010-01-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

We decided to go for a walk, and ended up at Huntington Beach Pier. Isaac had a fun time running around the big globe they have infront of the pier and then hung out in the sand as we walked back to the car. It was a fun day and a great day for a walk at the beach.

A Day of Fun

2010-01-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

In October Isaac Owen and I had a fun day at Disneyland with our friends the Ormonds. We did a few things that we hadn't done before like ride the TeaCups and Isaac got to drive the car at Autotopia. He loved every minute of it. As I was sitting in the passenger seat I keep thinking how big he was getting and how fun it was to see him explore and discover new things. He also almost gave everybody whip lash as the car bounced around on the track. I love that kid and can't wait to play with him again.

Star Wars in Concert

2009-11-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

Tim emailed me one morning with the awesome news that he had been choosen by his work to get a pair of tickets to Star Wars in Concert. So off we went into a galaxy far away! (ahhh watch out Ewaks)
Where we ran into many different characters from both the good and dark side!

We had awesome seats. The office has box seats so we even had our own private bathroom. It was awesome!

Even Owen enjoyed the show. I think he particularly liked all the lazer lights that were flashing everywhere.

We had a great time, and the music was fabulous. I mostly just enjoyed spending time with two of my boys.

Some fun at Grandma and Grandpa's

2009-11-05T17:16:00.001-08:00

Here is another old post (11/5/2009) that for some reason didn't get posted. I took the boys up to spokane to visit my family and we had a great time playing and shopping. Isaac even got a ride on grandpas motorcycle.
The helmet was slightly big, but we all know that the roundness of Ike's head filled it pretty good.

Taryn and Owen sharing some down time.

For some reason I got really lucky and both boys slept on the plane. Not sure how it happened but I am extremely grateful for it.

Ahh he fell asleep watching a movie, but seriously he couldn't keep the headphones on when he was awake, but asleep they seem stuck to his head. :)

Let's go home

2009-11-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

At the end of a long and exciting trip we found ourselves back at the airport waiting for our flight. We had such a great time, but we were happy to be heading back home. I love spending time with my family and I cherish every moment that I get with them. I hope we can do another vacation together soon. What better way to explore the world than with your family!

Day 4-the trip back to the City

2009-11-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

After seeing Niagra Falls we jumped back into the car and headed for Fayette. After getting a little lost we finally found the Peter Whitmer farm and had a wonderful tour of their visitor center where we say these beauitful stain glass windows.

We then took a tour of the Peter Whitmere home which was very small. It is amazing to think that in that tiny space the Church was organized. The farm was very well taken care of and very green.

After the farm we got back on the road and headed back south toward NYC but made a quick detour to Harmony, Penn. Where we found a monument dedicated to the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. It was oddly just a pull off on the side of the road with not much around, but it was very nice, and yes it was still raining so Tim just jumped out and took some pictures. Then we were off again, headed for my Uncle Pauls home in West Milford, NJ for the night.

Niagra Falls, Day 4

2009-11-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to finally get to the Hotel on Saturday night. We were beat from such a long drive and good site seeing. But we still found a little time for play and in Owen's case some sleep. I never knew I had such strong boys.

Sunday morning we headed down to Niagra Falls state park. The Falls were very beautiful and powerful. We had a great view of the water going over the edge of the falls. Why anyone would go over it in a barrel is crazy to me. What were they expecting? At the bottom the mositure made everything so green. It was just so beautiful.

More Day Three

2009-11-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

From the Joseph Smith Sr. Home you could see the Temple poking out of the trees. We wanted to go to the temple grounds but it was already closed for the night. The Lane from one house to the next wasn't very long, but let me tell you, when you are trying to carry two children it seems eternally long. Tim had gone ahead to see the first house and I was taking care of Owen, so Isaac also stayed with me. When I was done with Owen I got ready to go catch up with Tim I realized that Isaac did not have any shoes on. Not only that but Tim had the keys and everything else. So I put one kid on each hip and started down the lane. I really need to build some more upper arm strength becasue I had to stop several times and readjust and rest. By the time I got down to the Hyrum Smith home I could hardly hold on to isaac anymore, and on top of that it was starting to rain, so I hollered to Tim who was inside the home to come and help me. I am sure I looked crazy. He came out took and took Isaac while I asked him why Isaac had no shoes on. Seriously sometimes Dads just don't think about these things. I still love you though Tim Barker!

The Hyrum Smith home was were both Joseph and Hyrums families lived for a while during the translation of the Book of Mormon. It has been completly restored to its original state by the church. And the small fireplace pictured in the bottom left corner is the actual hearth where the plates were hidden during the families stay there. And the rug is a replica of something Emma may have painted to sell for income, it was beautiful.

After touring the homes we were sent off by ourselves with an umbrella into the Sacred Grove. It was raining cats and dogs and getting dark so we didn't have much time. But off we went and it was a humbling experience. It is amazing to think that God the Father and Christ actually came to that place. We were definantly on Holy Ground.

By the time we got back to town it was completly dark and still raining. But we found the print shop that published the Book of Mormon and Tim had to get a picture. Then we were off again in the car headed for Niagara Falls.

Day three in NY - The trip up north

2009-11-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we rented a car and drove up through New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York toward Palmyra. We drove across the George Washington Bridge and under a bridge that had high rise apartments sitting on it. (pic upper right corner) The country was beautiful. The leaves were changing colors, and there were these perfect farms all over the place. With a perfect farm house, red barn and white silos, next just green pasture. It was breath taking. I am now in love with barns. Isaac had a great time playing with his dinosaurs and watching shows in the back seat.

We arrived in Palmyra and went strait to the Hill Cummorah. We thought they would be closed because it was around 5pm but we climbed the steep hill, and saw the monument that they have erected in honor of Joseph Smith recieving the Gold Plates. We then hiked down the back side of the hill where I got some good pictures of what it might have looked like in Joseph Smiths day and we headed for the visitors center. They were still open so we chated with them and saw the Christus Statue they have, and headed over to the Sacred Grove. The Missionaries were kind enough to wait for us to give us a tour before they closed.

First Stop on the tour was the Joseph Smith Sr. Home. Tim took these pictures becasue I sayed behind in the visitors center to feed Owen. This is such a small home.

Final Picutres of Day 2 in NY

2009-11-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

The Natural History Museum was a lot of fun. We put it on the list because if its Dinosaur collection. So this one was for Isaac. He loved seeing the dinosaurs and had a great time touching the teeth. One nice thing was that there were some movies that you could sit and watch so we got a chance to rest our feet. We were exhausted!

Down the Street a few blocks from the museum was the Manhattan Temple. It was so beautiful, standing there as a beacon of light amid all the hussle and bussle of the city. We went in hoping to find a visitors center but were disappointed to learn that there wasn't one. So we went upstairs to the distribution center and spoke with a really nice lady who told us about the history of the building, and of the other wards that are in the city. It was amazing how quiet and peaceful it was inside. The city just seemed to melt away. I wanted to stay there for the rest of the day but we had to get on our way.

On the way out of the city the next morning we stopped to get some frozen hot chocolate from serendipity 3 but it was still closed. I was pretty sad. But all is not lost you can order the mix online!!

2009-11-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

We stumbbled upon the Late Show location while on our way to the MET. Tim was trying to think of the times he saw the show go outside onto the street and was trying to figure out where things were filmed.

Our first stop of the day was the Metropoitan Museum of Art (MET). It was huge. We really only skimmed the surface of this place. So many statues, and fun things to see. We particularly liked the African room, and I was super excited to see the Van Gogh paintings. My new favorite painting is in the bottom left cornor of the collage.

Of course we had to see the egyptian exhibit. It is the largest egyptian collection in the world besides Cairo. So it was pretty amazing. They even had real temples that were put together inside the museum. It really felt like you were seeing something special. This only fuels my desire to go the Egypt someday.

Next stop on the list was the Natural History Museum, and that was on the other side of Central Park. So we got to take a nice stroll through the park and see some cool stuff. Belvadere Castle and the Great Lawn were along our route. Like everything else we saw only a fraction of the park...I guess we will have to come back.

Things we did or saw on day 2 in New York:
The Late Show with David Letterman
The MET
Central Park: The great Lawn, and Belvadere Castle
The Natural History Museum
Serendipity 3
Dillons Candy Bar
Manhattan Temple

more pics to come in the next post

2009-11-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Times Square was as busy as it looks on TV. And reminded us a lot of Vegas lights. The one thing I didn't like was I kept smelling sewer. It was awful! But it was fun to be there. We also had some new york style pizza for dinner right in Times Square.
St. Patricks Cathedral was very beautiful. I am always amazed at the carvings and detail that go into old churches.

Rockafeller Center was fun. We got to see where they put the ice skating rink in during the winter, but when we were there it was all tables for outside eating. Next to where we were standing a bride and groom were taking pictures. What a fun place to get married. And later that night we saw an old woman steal a cab from the couple. She literaly stepped in front of them and got in the cab and shut the door. I guess that is New York for ya.

The Empire State building was amazing. From the ground it doesn't look that tall but when you get to the top it is unbelievable how high up you are. You are looking down at all the other building. It was breath taking to see the view. I was afraid I was going to get vertigo but all went smoothly and we arrived safely back on the ground.

I had heard that the New York Public Library was something not to miss, so we made our way over there and it was worth the trip. I have never seen so much detail go into a public building. It was stunning. Even the ceilings were painted. There was stone and marble everywhere. I am super glad we did not pass it by.

The Adventures of the Barkers: New York City

2009-10-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is the Financial district of Manhattan, where we saw ground Zero.

The statue of Liberty was awesome. Isaac had an awesome time chasing the birds on the lawn, while Owen chilled out in the stroller.

This is another area of the Financial District.

This was Grand Central Station

List of things we saw on day one in New York:

Ground Zero
Battery Park
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island (but we didn't get off the ferry)
New York Stock Exchange
Tiffany and Co
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Trump building
Trinity church
Grand Central Station
New York City public Library
Empire State Building
Rockafeller Center
Radio City Music Hall
St. Patricks Cathedaral
Times Square

More Pics to follow in the next post

3 Months

2009-10-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

My cute boys are so cute. I can't believe Owen is three months already. What a big boy!

knights and Hugs

2009-10-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

We were at our friends home up in Santa Maria and Isaac found this helmet in their playroom. He loved it and posed for several pictures. I think I will call him the dinosaur slayer! He has such an active imagination.

I am super happy that we caught this moment on camera. I just love the hugs that babies give. Owen has been a more cuddly baby than Isaac was so I have received some really good hugs from him, but now he is wanting to stand up more and look around. Soon he will be a dinosaur slayer too.
It was just a perfect mommy moment. I love my boys!

Owen

2009-10-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like to watch cartoons with their brother?

Owen is constatly sticking his tongue out. He is like our little snake.

It is not often when your belly is bigger than your head.

Owen likes to spend the day lounging on the couch

And lounging with his dad

Sleeping is also a favorite pastime, and he loves blankets, if only we could keep them out of his mouth.

But most of all he is just cute!!

Oreos anyone?

2009-10-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Bath Time

2009-10-05T17:40:00.001-07:00

Owen just loves his bathtime. having water poured on his belly is his favorite.

Brothers

2009-10-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

It is so fun to see the boys together. Isaac is always concerned about Owen, and wants to hold him. He always comes and tells me if he hears Owen waking up from a nap and he gives him good pushes in the swing. I am just sure they are going to be the best of friends.

Isaac: 2years
Owen: 2 months

Boys will be boys

2009-09-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

In August we attended a bbq at Big Corona with the youth in our ward. Isaac was loving the sand.
Tim took Isaac down to the water to wash him off so he could eat, and the first thing he did when he got back to the towels was lay down and roll in the sand again. After all the work at getting him mostly sand free.

Isaac loves the beach. Last night at 9pm I sent him into his room to get some books to read, he brought me out his swimming shorts and asked to put them on an go to the beach. If we could go there everyday that would be just fine with him....hey another reason to live in Hawaii!

Isaac isn't the only one that loves the beach. Owen seems to enjoy himself as well. In his short 2 months on earth he has been to the beach two or three times. I guess that doesn't seem like a lot because we live so close to the beach, but there is more to come I am sure. Especially since they said it is supposed to heat up again this weekend.

What a Blessing

2009-08-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

My Dad flew in from Spokane for Owen's blessing on August 2nd. I really ment a lot to me to have him come and be a part of the blessing. And spending time with him was awesome. He would just sit and snuggle Owen for hours. It was so nice to see such a tender side of my Dad.
Tim's parents also came down for the blessing. Grandma Barker just loved to snuggle. He was truly spoiled.

Just Checkin out my Grandpa

Fun at the pool

2009-08-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

On a nice warm day we took the boys to the pool at Aunt Julia's and Uncle Ben's.

Isaac had a great time swimming with dad while mom relaxed with Owen in the shade

Isaac is getting much braver when it comes to the water. It is fun to see him learn and grow.

A day among Dinosaurs

2009-08-31T10:09:00.001-07:00

After Owen was born and while Tim was still on leave we decided to take the boys to the Natural History Museum of L.A. Isaac has been begging to go to the museum after watching an episode of Calliou where they go to the museum. Of course the dinosaurs were the main attraction!!

Life couldn't get any better than touching a T-Rex tooth

He carried his own dinosaur around with him the entire time. (also like on Caillou)

They had this awesome show with a "real" T-rex. All the kids loved it but it was a little scary.

We actuallly came out of the elevator to go watch the show and the T-Rex was right there in the hall. It startled me and in turn I startled Isaac, so it was a little scary for him at first but he had a great time.

A Day at the Beach

2009-08-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Back in July while Tim was still on paternal leave we decided to take the kids to the beach.

Isaac had the best time playing in the water with his dad.
And building sand castles

While Owen's first beach experience was some awesome lounging

under the umbrella with mom

Hugs, what cats do best!

2009-08-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Come on, who doesn't like a good morning hug?

Owen C Barker

2009-08-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

What cute kids

2009-07-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

And the Labor continues

2009-07-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Just kidding, there are nothing but smiles, although the waiting can seem to go on forever.

And then the anxiety sets in...another kid, really?

"I am not ready for this. I told you I would be ready on Wednesday, but no you have to go and have a baby on Monday before I am ready."

"Just take a deep breath, the doctor will be here soon, probably like 10 min. Whatever you do don't push!" "WHAT!!! You mean the doctor isn't even here....I don't think I can keep him from comming. Just breath, just breath. Quick breaths, just keep breathing she is bound to be here any min."

And then at the last possible moment I think I can keep the baby in the doctor breezes through the door, and three pushes later, I have a beautiful son.
All be it a purple son. But hey I will take what I can get.

Ahhh no longer purple but still a little slimy he is weighed at 7lbs 7oz. Bigger then his brother was, but just as sweet and cute. He is perfect!!!

Who couldn't love a face like that. By the way he looks much better pink than purple. And I just love the little hats they have to wear.

After what seems an eternity I finally get my baby back for our very first cuddle. He is warm and sweetly silent as we hug for the first time. He will forever be mine.

And at the end of it all we are a happy family. What did we ever do without Owen.

The Wonderful Stages of Labor

2009-07-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

It starts out all smiles..."yay, he is finally comming!"

And then a contraction hits, and the smiles are gone, at least for a min.

But then the wonderful world of science steps in and the anesthesiologist enters the room. The world seems a little brighter, and warmer. Strength is renewed and hopes are lifted as things go numb!

Now that I am feeling better Tim creeps closer no longer afraid of being verbally or physically abused every 2 min.

But the waiting takes it toll. And sometimes we get grumpy.

Owen Christopher Barker

2009-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

On July 6th we welcomed our handsome baby boy into the world.

Owen Christopher Barker born 7/6/09 7lbs. 7oz. 19in long.

He was so cute when he was born, not a single cry just opened his eyes looked at the doctor and at the room and slowly took in his new surroundings. He is such a cutie!! He had to stay at the hospital for an extra day under the lights. Now he is home, and still under the lights....but he is home!! Isaac loves his brother, calls him "baby" and is a big helper. More pics will be comming soon.

We have a 40% chance of baby this weekend!!

2009-06-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update, we are still days from induction, but with a little help from my doctor yesterday, we have a 40% chance that the baby will come before my next appt. I am excited and nervous, Tim is having major anxiety, and Isaac has no idea what is about to hit him.

Its my turn

2009-06-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ok. So here is the deal. I'm usually sleeping all day long while mom blogs, dad works, and Isaac watches cartoons and hits me with his pirate sword; but i'm up today. I've got some free time, so what the heck, why not blog? straight up. My name is Dennis Roger LeCat Barker and I usually get treated a little different from everybody else just because I look a little different than most humans and because my vocabulary isn't as enunciated as most would like, yet my vernacular is quite astounding.

I was born in Texas - I think. I moved to Rexburg, Idaho, then to Spokane, WA, back to Rexburg, Id and finally to Costa Mesa, CA.

Listen, I love to escape. If I get a chance, I will charge out the door, down the stairs, and find a nice patch of dirt to roll all over in.

I am now 5 years old but I'm as spry is spring kitten.

I am the most devilishly handsome human cat you have ever seen. I should win some freakin' awards for this face. The lady folk love me, even though I can't love them back. Dad and I, however, have stopped working out as of several years ago, and our belly's show it.

Well that is all for today - Mom is getting suspicious....better go.

I love you,

Denny.

Me and My Dad Make A Dinosaur

2009-06-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Grandma Nielsen sent this cool 3-D Puzzle for Isaac's room. The boys had a great time putting it together.

Family Home Evening

2009-06-09T19:41:00.001-07:00

Painting A Birdie House

2009-06-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Every time we saw a birdhouse Isaac wanted one, so we found one just his size and He had a great time painting it so the birdies would like it.

Solvang and the PCH

2009-06-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago after leaving Santa Maria we headed south to go home but made a side stop in a cute town called Solvang. It is a Dutch town nestled up in the hills. It was so hot that we couldn't stay long though, then we took another detour through Ventura and drove down the PCH. It was so beautiful. Isaac didn't enjoy it much, he was to tired, but he did have his first outdoor potty break. I guess when you gotta go you got to go, even if it is on the side of the road in Malibu.

Memorial Day at Little Corona

2009-05-29T16:51:00.001-07:00

On Memorial Day we decided to stick it out around home and just take it easy. Part of that was taking a great drive down the PCH. We drove all the way down to San Clemente then headed back up the coast and stopped for some fun at Little Corona beach. We walked out onto the rocks to see the tide pools, and found some crabs and fish, and then Isaac and Tim had a great time being chased by the waves. We really wern't in beach attire, so we couldn't really go in the water and it was hard to pull Isaac away. He really loves the beach. If you tell him that is were you are going he won't forget. He holds you to it.

We had a really great time just kicking our feet up and doing a whole bunch of nothing. (That is what holidays are for right?)

A Weekend Up North

2009-05-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we packed our bags and headed north to Santa Maria to see our friends Adam and Lindsay. What a great weekend. We ate crepes for breakfast on Saturday and headed farther north to San Luis Obispo. We had a great time sight seeing, including "bubblegum alley" which smelled strangly sweet, but was pretty gross, the old mission down town, and a crazy Hotel called the Madonna Inn. The Madonna in was decorated so gaudy from the pink floral dining room to the men's bathroom which sported a waterfall urinal for all to enjoy. Tim used it and seemed to think it was awesome. Unfortunatly there was a flat tire incident but all was taken care of and we returned back to Santa Maria safely, just in time to go see Angels and Deamons. It was pretty good, and I thought it followed the book really well. It was nice to get away and spend some time as a family.

Got to Love Potty Training!!!

2009-05-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Wow this is an old post (from 5/11/2009) that for some reason I never published. But since I want to print out a blog book sometime, I better get all the posts out there and then I can assemble them in order.
so sorry for the lateness of this post.

This week has been awesome!!! (please read previous statement sarcastically) We started potty training Isaac on Monday. Ok so we went through 7 pairs of underwear in one day, but it was the first day and I was pleased with the progress, even though it was slight. Tuesday Isaac fought putting on the underwear in the morning, cried for half hour then went about the day as usual, with much fewer accidents. PROGRESS!! Then Wednesday morning Isaac went all by himself! HURRAY!!! We are now potty trained for #1, no accidents, and life is good.

Spring Break

2009-04-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well last week was spring break....ok I know we don't really have a spring break but it was Tim's mom's spring break (she teaches) so on a whim Isaac and I drove to Logan for a visit. I know, crazy with me being 6 months pregnant, and going by myself, but I am an independent woman and can do what I want!! So we left on Tuesday, drove all day (12 hrs) and made it there that night. The roads were good, the traffic was good, and thank heavens Isaac was good. But man was I sore when we got there. So we shopped and played the next day and relaxed. Then on Thursday we made the quick decision to jump in the car and drive to Rexburg to visit Richie, Christine, and my bro. Chathum. Then back to Logan Thursday night and then back in the car Friday morning for the trip home. Susan decided to come home with me which made the trip home much more relaxing and a lot less hard on my body. It was a great week and we had a lot of fun seeing family.

Easter Last Year

2009-04-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is Tim

2009-03-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

This post is not quite a year late, but almost. Ignore the chest hair, and ignore that thing that looks like fat in front of my stomach (I'm working on it............no, I'm not working on it - but I'm going to), but feast your eyes on my battle wounds. I got 'em the hard way - Puerto Rican style, where the doctors hate Americans because they enjoy all of our benefits tax free.
Picture this - jagged rocks, and a monster wave crashing me and Rory down the rocks as we get stabbed by one jag after another. You can't see my foot here, but let me paint a picture for you - foot = slashed.
Stay tuned for more exciting events in my life.

Another Cake for the Books

2009-03-31T18:30:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to post a quick picture of the cake I made for the Relief Society birthday party. I think it turned out pretty cute, especially after the fact that I stressed and stressed about what to do on the cake for decorations, and it seems that simple is always better. I am glad it looks so cute. Can't you just see it at a sweet 16 party, or a valentines party. But there is a secret about this cake!!! It is FAKE!!! My first fake cake. It is made out of Styrofoam. But who would know. I think that my next step in my business is to start making fake cakes for people who what to display cake but don't want to eat it. I think I could have a lot of fun. Let me know on a scale of 1-10 what you think of my cake. No worries this is all business, nothing personal. So be honest!!!

Earthquakes

2009-03-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

So in the past week I have had two dreams about being in an earthquake. Yesterday after waking up from a particular frightening dream where I was trying to hold two kids and stand in the kitchen doorway while riding out a huge earthquake, I turned on the news to find out that there have been tons of earthquakes in a place called Salten Sea. I guess it is about 90 miles from San Diego. So I was a little nervous, but nothing terrible. Then this morning I woke up to hear that there have been even more earthquakes. I of course am terrified of earthquakes, and immediately started to panic and started to make a list of all the emergency stuff that we need. So this morning I did a full inventory of emergency supplies, packed a kit for my car, put it in the trunk, went to Costco bought water, some food, wipes etc. I think I am being a little crazy, but I guess you never know. Better to be prepared. So everyone get prepared!!! And if you need something to eat we have a ton of Top Ramen. (hahaha)

Moses a master at hiding (pic is Denny)

2009-03-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

So last week Tim's brother Brian called us in a small panic and asked if we could take care of a cat for him. It belongs to a family friend of our that had to leave town in a hurry. So we agreed to watch the cat. I actually didn't take any pics of the cat but just imagine and gray and white striped cat, with an awesome name: MOSES. Well all was fine accept this cat was the clumsiest and messiest cat in the entire world. One funny thing though was that this cat could open cupboards. I was constantly finding him inside closed cupboards, just chillin' out. It would take him a few tries, which means I could hear the cupboard doors banging a few times before he got in. But I was never fast enough to watch his secret talent.
So on Saturday morning we were laying in bed at about 6am when I started to hear the cupboards in the front bathroom banging around and Moses howling at something. (We had been keeping him in that bathroom during the night to keep him off the kitchen counters) So I pulled my self out of bed to go and let him out so he would stop all the racket. When I went to open the bathroom door it would only open about 1 inch. That stupid cat had climbed into the cupboard and pushed the drawers out in front of the door. So he was stuck in there. So here I am half asleep and suddenly irritated at this cat and can't find anything skinny enough to slid in the door to push the drawers closed. At the same time the cat is trying to get out. So finally I grab the mop and shove the handle through the door push the drawers closed and released the prisoner.
Thanks heavens Denny has not learned how to open cupboard or I would go crazy.