Thursday, July 31, 2008
Please direct your attention to...
Jared's blog. There you'll find more pictures (really good ones!) of our week together.
I'm too young for this
I spent last week at my parent's house. Most nights my boys were at Jerry and Sabrina's, with cousin Chet. But the first two nights the boys were with me. Joel wakes up several times a night sometimes, itching and writhing and crying. I had been up late late late, talking to Jared...I didn't ever want to sleep because that was time wasted while Jared was home, in my mind. Anyway, one particular night I went to bed at 12:30 a.m. and promptly fell into a hard, deep sleep. Joel woke me up at 1:00 a.m. In my stupor I couldn't remember who he was. Honestly. I knew he was my son but couldn't think of his name. I knew it started with a "J," but that's all I could remember. I went through all the "J" names I knew, hoping one of them would be his. Jared? Oh, that's my brother. John? Close, but no. My husband. Justin? Oops, Jared's friend. Judy? My MIL. Besides, that's a girl's name, and he's a boy. I could. Not. Think. Of his name. It was getting really frustrating. Finally I had to run through my kids' names one by one, in order of birth...Rebecca, JOEL!!, and Clayton.
I hope that doesn't indicate the early stages of alzheimer's. I'm only 31.
I hope that doesn't indicate the early stages of alzheimer's. I'm only 31.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Clayton is 4 years old today
We had an early birthday celebration when Jared was home. I told Clayton that we could have cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to him and he immediately ran to his cousins hollering all the while, "I'm four now! Come and have cake!"
Erin and I pregnant at the same time--her with their first, me with our last.
Erin and I pregnant at the same time--her with their first, me with our last.
I can't remember when Rebecca and Joel were so little. I wish I could relive that time. I'd appreciate Rebecca more as a little girl, instead of always wanting her to grow up. This is two months before Clayton was born.
Seven months along, and I looked and felt like I was going to pop.My thoughts have been back at the hospital these days. I loved the experience of having babies, and even loved c-sections because it meant I could stay in the hospital for four days instead of two--meals brought to me, nursery available when I wanted it, my other children cared for by Dad or the Grandma's...
To see pictures from that day so long ago, and yet like yesterday, click here. When I look at these, I'm immediately transported.
The birth story really isn't too exciting. We had a c-section scheduled because of what we went through with Joel. So the night before, we all stayed overnight at Rich and Judy's house. I gave John a haircut, and we went to the Dairy Queen (I got a calorie-laden MooLatte. Yum!). I could barely sleep because I was so excited and nervous. John and I got up at 4:30 on the morning of July 30, and Rich was awake to see us off at 5:13 a.m. The roads at that hour are completely deserted. I tried to convince John that he should make that his commute time. It didn't work.
I was in my hospital room and dressed in the fashionable gown by 6:30. The various nurses and anesthetists were in and out for the next hour, poking needles into my arm and bringing me papers to sign (the papers said encouraging things, such as "If you die because of the spinal, it's not our fault.")
At 7:30 I was wheeled into the operating room. After I was disinfected and the spinal was administered, John was allowed to come in. Clayton Thomas was born at 8:05 a.m.
Clayton was not a planned addition to our little family, at least not so soon after Joel. (There are 18 1/2 months between the boys.) But when I held our new little bundle in the hospital room I looked at him and my heart was filled with complete and utter joy. I even whispered to him at one point, "You're the best accident that ever happened." I still feel that way.
Dear Clayton,
Everyday I tell you that you're my sweetheart. You're full of spunk, that's true...you can drive me nuts when you want to. You've got the whining routine down pat. But underneath all that, you're my little hunny-bunny.
You love music of any kind. Sometimes you'll sit at the piano and play song after song and ask us to sing hymns with the music. That's a little hard to do, since I don't recognize any of your tunes, but we try.
Motorcycles and four-wheelers are huge favorites of yours right now too. You have been insisting for days that you will inherit Chet's little four-wheeler for your birthday. I hate to disappoint you, but Chet will have that for a few more years.
Bath time is a trial and always has been. I think I could count on one hand the times you've let me wash your hair. Gross, right? I hope you take more of an interest in personal hygiene in the near future.
This morning you asked me when you'll be four. I said, "Today! You're four right now!" You replied in a glum sort of tone, "No I'm not. We didn't sing yet. We didn't have cake. Real cake. So I'm still flee." I'm sad that you're four, for more than the obvious reason that my baby is growing up. I'm sad that we won't hear you say that you're "flee" anymore.
I love you, Clayton-Obayton.
Love, Mom
To see pictures from that day so long ago, and yet like yesterday, click here. When I look at these, I'm immediately transported.
The birth story really isn't too exciting. We had a c-section scheduled because of what we went through with Joel. So the night before, we all stayed overnight at Rich and Judy's house. I gave John a haircut, and we went to the Dairy Queen (I got a calorie-laden MooLatte. Yum!). I could barely sleep because I was so excited and nervous. John and I got up at 4:30 on the morning of July 30, and Rich was awake to see us off at 5:13 a.m. The roads at that hour are completely deserted. I tried to convince John that he should make that his commute time. It didn't work.
I was in my hospital room and dressed in the fashionable gown by 6:30. The various nurses and anesthetists were in and out for the next hour, poking needles into my arm and bringing me papers to sign (the papers said encouraging things, such as "If you die because of the spinal, it's not our fault.")
At 7:30 I was wheeled into the operating room. After I was disinfected and the spinal was administered, John was allowed to come in. Clayton Thomas was born at 8:05 a.m.Clayton was not a planned addition to our little family, at least not so soon after Joel. (There are 18 1/2 months between the boys.) But when I held our new little bundle in the hospital room I looked at him and my heart was filled with complete and utter joy. I even whispered to him at one point, "You're the best accident that ever happened." I still feel that way.
Dear Clayton,
Everyday I tell you that you're my sweetheart. You're full of spunk, that's true...you can drive me nuts when you want to. You've got the whining routine down pat. But underneath all that, you're my little hunny-bunny.
You love music of any kind. Sometimes you'll sit at the piano and play song after song and ask us to sing hymns with the music. That's a little hard to do, since I don't recognize any of your tunes, but we try.
Motorcycles and four-wheelers are huge favorites of yours right now too. You have been insisting for days that you will inherit Chet's little four-wheeler for your birthday. I hate to disappoint you, but Chet will have that for a few more years.
Bath time is a trial and always has been. I think I could count on one hand the times you've let me wash your hair. Gross, right? I hope you take more of an interest in personal hygiene in the near future.
This morning you asked me when you'll be four. I said, "Today! You're four right now!" You replied in a glum sort of tone, "No I'm not. We didn't sing yet. We didn't have cake. Real cake. So I'm still flee." I'm sad that you're four, for more than the obvious reason that my baby is growing up. I'm sad that we won't hear you say that you're "flee" anymore.
I love you, Clayton-Obayton.
Love, Mom
Monday, July 28, 2008
Jared is home!
My baby brother came home for a 12-day visit, starting July 16. I hadn't seen him in two years, so I tried to soak up every moment. I didn't take many pictures on my camera--mostly I was using his since it's way nicer. He's promised to send me a cd of the photos we took collectively. Until then, here are a few from the past week and a half.
Jared and the kids on our deck. (Notice that we now have a railing!) This was Thursday night. I have to strain my brain to think of what we did that day, it was so long ago. Let's see...oh! I know. I used Jared's camera most of the day. Then we put the pictures on his computer and messed with them a bit and when the kids started complaining of severe hunger pangs we grilled steaks.
John has had busy days at work, so he got home when we were done eating. Friday I had the bright idea to take Jared to a nearby beach. We finally found the dumb thing after driving 30 miles when it only should have been 10. I hate road construction. Hate it. Anyway, the kids had a blast and even convinced Jared to swim a little (he and I were quite content on the shore, watching.) I applied sunscreen to my entire body but couldn't reach all of my back. Oh well, I thought. My back isn't directly facing the sun so it should be fine. Note to self: the sun will find every millimeter not covered by clothing or sunscreen. My back got fried and I payed for it for the next three days. It hurt to wear clothes.
Saturday morning bright and early, Jared and the kids and I headed for Mom and Dad's house. It's a 2 1/2 hour trip down there, and Jared was the guest of honor at a noon potluck. John stayed home due to projects he needed to do. Saturday was one of those wonderful, lazy mid-summer days when you eat and visit and sit on the porch and visit and eat and visit some more.
Sunday after our fellowship meeting we had a quick but delicious lunch put on my Mom, napped and laid around for a bit letting our food settle, and then walked to a scenic park-like area nearby where we took some family pictures.
There's a scooter story in here too...the scooter Dad had for a day. It was a Honda Moped, and Jerry and Leanne pulled it out of a dumpster (we're not too proud). They got it running and Dad was so pleased with his free scooter that he did a little puttering with it. Then he took it for a ride. When he saw a police car several blocks away, he ducked into a parking lot since he wasn't sure of the laws concerning mopeds on city streets. Surprise! The police car pulled into the same parking lot, got out and asked Dad where he found it. Dad said, "In the dumpster." "You're kidding!," came the reply. "We've been looking for that all morning!" Turns out, someone had pulled a prank on the scooter-owner. Some prank.
Monday, Mom and Dad had to work. Jared and my kids got ready for the day and then stopped in to visit Mom for a bit. Then we drove down to Brina's. The plan was to have lunch there with a friend of Jared's: Justin, his wife Katrina, and little boy Austin. Shannon and her three cuties came too. It was so fun to see Justin married and with his little boy. Time flies by. Last I remember, Quade, Justin, and Jared
were the Three Musketeers. They'd go on bike rides, go fishing, and compare notes on what they thought of 7th grade.
Tuesday threatened rain, at least on the internet. We ditched plans to go to the local swimming pool and instead Brina came up with the idea to go to the Eagle Center. First we had a picnic in the park.
When we were sufficiently filled, we went to see the eagles.
This is Angel. She's nine years old and has been in captivity since she was a baby. She had gotten caught under the nest, her wing broke and healed wrong. She'll never fly again, so now she's an educational bird.
This is Harriet. She's 28 years old. She's been in captivity for 10 years, ever since she made a terrible error in judgement and flew into the top of a van. She has arthritis, so she's also an educational bird.
Here's Angel in action, eating a bit of rabbit for lunch.
We said goodbye to the eagles and headed to Lark Toys. It's a spoiled child's heaven--a carousel, ice cream cones, toy stores, mini golf...All we had time for was the ice cream.
Jared and the kids on our deck. (Notice that we now have a railing!) This was Thursday night. I have to strain my brain to think of what we did that day, it was so long ago. Let's see...oh! I know. I used Jared's camera most of the day. Then we put the pictures on his computer and messed with them a bit and when the kids started complaining of severe hunger pangs we grilled steaks.
John has had busy days at work, so he got home when we were done eating. Friday I had the bright idea to take Jared to a nearby beach. We finally found the dumb thing after driving 30 miles when it only should have been 10. I hate road construction. Hate it. Anyway, the kids had a blast and even convinced Jared to swim a little (he and I were quite content on the shore, watching.) I applied sunscreen to my entire body but couldn't reach all of my back. Oh well, I thought. My back isn't directly facing the sun so it should be fine. Note to self: the sun will find every millimeter not covered by clothing or sunscreen. My back got fried and I payed for it for the next three days. It hurt to wear clothes.Saturday morning bright and early, Jared and the kids and I headed for Mom and Dad's house. It's a 2 1/2 hour trip down there, and Jared was the guest of honor at a noon potluck. John stayed home due to projects he needed to do. Saturday was one of those wonderful, lazy mid-summer days when you eat and visit and sit on the porch and visit and eat and visit some more.
Sunday after our fellowship meeting we had a quick but delicious lunch put on my Mom, napped and laid around for a bit letting our food settle, and then walked to a scenic park-like area nearby where we took some family pictures.
There's a scooter story in here too...the scooter Dad had for a day. It was a Honda Moped, and Jerry and Leanne pulled it out of a dumpster (we're not too proud). They got it running and Dad was so pleased with his free scooter that he did a little puttering with it. Then he took it for a ride. When he saw a police car several blocks away, he ducked into a parking lot since he wasn't sure of the laws concerning mopeds on city streets. Surprise! The police car pulled into the same parking lot, got out and asked Dad where he found it. Dad said, "In the dumpster." "You're kidding!," came the reply. "We've been looking for that all morning!" Turns out, someone had pulled a prank on the scooter-owner. Some prank.
Monday, Mom and Dad had to work. Jared and my kids got ready for the day and then stopped in to visit Mom for a bit. Then we drove down to Brina's. The plan was to have lunch there with a friend of Jared's: Justin, his wife Katrina, and little boy Austin. Shannon and her three cuties came too. It was so fun to see Justin married and with his little boy. Time flies by. Last I remember, Quade, Justin, and Jared
were the Three Musketeers. They'd go on bike rides, go fishing, and compare notes on what they thought of 7th grade.Tuesday threatened rain, at least on the internet. We ditched plans to go to the local swimming pool and instead Brina came up with the idea to go to the Eagle Center. First we had a picnic in the park.
When we were sufficiently filled, we went to see the eagles.
This is Angel. She's nine years old and has been in captivity since she was a baby. She had gotten caught under the nest, her wing broke and healed wrong. She'll never fly again, so now she's an educational bird.
This is Harriet. She's 28 years old. She's been in captivity for 10 years, ever since she made a terrible error in judgement and flew into the top of a van. She has arthritis, so she's also an educational bird.Here's Angel in action, eating a bit of rabbit for lunch.We said goodbye to the eagles and headed to Lark Toys. It's a spoiled child's heaven--a carousel, ice cream cones, toy stores, mini golf...All we had time for was the ice cream.
It was delicious, and even Joel got to have some raspberry-lemon Italian Ice. His face lit up when I handed him the bowl. You've never seen a happier kid. Normally he has to settle for frozen watermelon chunks while the rest of us enjoy dessert. Or yesterday I spotted him with another piece of chicken and Clayton was devouring a brownie.
Jaina applied this mask to Rebecca. She had to have her picture taken.
Okay, so that takes care of Tuesday. Apparently I didn't get my camera out Wednesday or Thursday. They were no less fun though. Wednesday we went to Brina's again and got to use her new peddle boat on the local pond. Jared and I went for a long ride and found photo-worthy opportunities, of course. Clayton almost drowned near the shore, but cousin Jaina came to the rescue. Wednesday evening Jared, Jaina, Leanne and I made supper for Mom and Dad. We had some pretty good tacos. 
Jared was always ready with his camera.
Jared, Mom and Dad getting on the boat.
This train bridge swung open for us. It was built in the 1800's.
Friday night we had grilled kabobs, and Jared used the kabob sticks to create this hat.
I have no pictures from Saturday either, but that's on purpose. I was too sad to get out the camera...I had to tell Jared goodbye. As kids we fought like crazy....I'm glad that as adults we thoroughly enjoy being together.
Jaina applied this mask to Rebecca. She had to have her picture taken.
Okay, so that takes care of Tuesday. Apparently I didn't get my camera out Wednesday or Thursday. They were no less fun though. Wednesday we went to Brina's again and got to use her new peddle boat on the local pond. Jared and I went for a long ride and found photo-worthy opportunities, of course. Clayton almost drowned near the shore, but cousin Jaina came to the rescue. Wednesday evening Jared, Jaina, Leanne and I made supper for Mom and Dad. We had some pretty good tacos. Thursday, the internet was warning of big thunderstorms. We decided to go to the Aquatic Center anyway. There was nary a sprinkle, and the temps soared. Never trust a weatherman. This time I heeded my previous "note to self" and had Brina help me put sunscreen on my back.
Friday morning John rode the train to come see us. I went to pick him up and then we went back to Brina's. From there we went to Dad's work and had another picnic. Then we boarded a paddleboat, not to be confused with the peddleboat we rode Wednesday.
Jared was always ready with his camera.
Jared, Mom and Dad getting on the boat.This train bridge swung open for us. It was built in the 1800's.Friday night we had grilled kabobs, and Jared used the kabob sticks to create this hat.I have no pictures from Saturday either, but that's on purpose. I was too sad to get out the camera...I had to tell Jared goodbye. As kids we fought like crazy....I'm glad that as adults we thoroughly enjoy being together.
Summer fun
A couple weekends ago we went to Grandpa John's house and my John mowed the grass. Grandpa John still likes to get outside and use his Snapper, but if he shifts it into mowing mode it jerks too hard for him. In fact, on one of those jerky rides he broke his pelvis! So now he leaves the mowing to others. That's my John in the background, Grandpa John in the foreground for anyone who may have been confused.
I bought the kids a swimming pool. Now that we don't have a dog who'll pop fun blow-up toys, I promised that we could get an inflatable pool. Apparently you have to buy these things in April though. Try buying one in July...I dare you. Chances are you'll find that most stores are putting out their autumn gear while temps are in the high 90's. Swimming pools are soooo last season.
I think he told me he was a deer.
I bought the kids a swimming pool. Now that we don't have a dog who'll pop fun blow-up toys, I promised that we could get an inflatable pool. Apparently you have to buy these things in April though. Try buying one in July...I dare you. Chances are you'll find that most stores are putting out their autumn gear while temps are in the high 90's. Swimming pools are soooo last season.
I think he told me he was a deer.
Our brush with fame
John was listening to an interview on a local radio station and heard that this fellow, Peter Yarrow, would be singing at Barnes and Noble at 7:00 p.m. that night--a free performance. We went to check it out and I was as delighted as the children. He was informal and funny and sang family favorites.
Who is Peter Yarrow, you ask? Why, he's the Peter in Peter, Paul, and Mary. He's the Peter Yarrow who wrote "Puff the Magic Dragon." That's who.
Who is Peter Yarrow, you ask? Why, he's the Peter in Peter, Paul, and Mary. He's the Peter Yarrow who wrote "Puff the Magic Dragon." That's who.Thursday, July 10, 2008
The kids got ahold of my camera again
This is what resulted:
And I hope you've got lots of time. Scrolling down you'll find at least 40 more pictures. Hey, I've been busy.
And I hope you've got lots of time. Scrolling down you'll find at least 40 more pictures. Hey, I've been busy.Family Reunion
I'm lucky to be a part of huge families, on both Dad and Mom's sides. Saturday July 5 we headed over to Vernon and Annette's for their annual Fourth of July weekend festivities. I was so glad we went...I can't even tell you how wonderful it was.
This is Aleta, Mom and Annette.
Me and Kristin...we've always looked a lot alike.
The meat-cookers had quite an operation going.
Aleta, Mom, Narissa, Julie, Alisha, Leanne, and I even managed to get Jarita in there!
Mom and Aunt Charlotte, Grandma Fern's sister. Of 10 children, two are left: Charlotte and Eileen.
The popular kid-hangout
Relaxing--the three girls are sisters. Carmen, Rhonda, and Jeannie.
More relaxing demonstrated by Leanne, Sabrina, Jaina, and Kyle.
This is Aleta, Mom and Annette.
Me and Kristin...we've always looked a lot alike.
The meat-cookers had quite an operation going.
Aleta, Mom, Narissa, Julie, Alisha, Leanne, and I even managed to get Jarita in there!
Mom and Aunt Charlotte, Grandma Fern's sister. Of 10 children, two are left: Charlotte and Eileen.
The popular kid-hangout
Relaxing--the three girls are sisters. Carmen, Rhonda, and Jeannie.
More relaxing demonstrated by Leanne, Sabrina, Jaina, and Kyle.
sitting: Kyle, Tammy, Atrisha, Jody, unidentified legs.
Clayton was pooped after a long day on the farm running between horses and calves and monstrous haybales to run on. A child's paradise!
Some of us cousins who were still there later in the evening: Kristin, Rhonda, Alisha, Jeannie, Atrisha, Adena, me, Sabrina.
Clayton was pooped after a long day on the farm running between horses and calves and monstrous haybales to run on. A child's paradise!
Some of us cousins who were still there later in the evening: Kristin, Rhonda, Alisha, Jeannie, Atrisha, Adena, me, Sabrina.
Gardens and such
This is my corner garden. Recently I've done some moving of various plants to various other places around the yard. What fun it is!! 
My garden a week or so ago. It's amazing how much it grows everyday. All the plants are so much bigger now.
We have a family of these buggers running around our yard.
I think this is a poppy of some kind...not sure though. Whatever it is, it's pretty.
Today it rained, then rained some more...at one point the sun was shining and it was pouring pitchforks and hammer handles. Funny how that happens sometimes.
My garden a week or so ago. It's amazing how much it grows everyday. All the plants are so much bigger now.
We have a family of these buggers running around our yard.
I think this is a poppy of some kind...not sure though. Whatever it is, it's pretty.
Today it rained, then rained some more...at one point the sun was shining and it was pouring pitchforks and hammer handles. Funny how that happens sometimes.
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