Blizzards, Smothering, Decorating, ...

We put the tree up weeks ago, but I've had little time to update the blog...so here are a few pics of the kids and no, I haven't done pics for christmas cards yet, and it doesn't look like I will this year...

Enjoy our pics of a RARE Maryland Blizzard. Today is beautiful.

Jar is Awesome! and some other things

This is somewhat dictated by him - he's standing over my shoulder telling me how to do what I was doing by myself, for me...

Yes, he seated 3rd overall violin at school for orchestra - 2nd violin section leader a few weeks ago and after a disastrous audition (or so one would have thought from his response when asked as he walked in the door last Saturday), he just announced that he made 2nd violin for all-county! All of that due to his wonderful God given talent and the fabulous teaching he receives here at school (no private lessons - I'm a cheapskate) and probably the wonderful music teachers he has had over the years.

As for the rest of us...we're just average. Cob is about 13 lbs and has discovered the world all of a sudden as my 7th graders would have said. He kicks and wiggles and bounces and tries to see everything and coo as babies do.

Jam is currently "practicing" the wii Mariokart and is doing much better. I've really got to sign him up for some classes in addition to preschool. He spends an inordinate amount of time in front of the TV, the wii and the computer. What do you all do with your kids during the day? The only 4 yr old in the neighborhood stays at home with his dad all day when he's not at preschool with Jam. Kind of odd to hang out with a mom-guy. I don't know h0w to do all this play date stuff - Jar was before playdates.

I'm just hanging out obviously...I need to get some things done while Cob is in the "slug" stage and Jam is at school. Now Cob is eating at wider intervals I can - now if I can get my butt in gear! I have realized it is time to take care of the birthday (3 in as many months) and Christmas shopping for the family. I have been digital scrapbooking every chance I get, but I feel guilty sitting at the table at my computer when the spouse comes home and starts dinner after a long day at work. Should I? I tell myself that the scrapbooks are important too.

All else is topsy turvy in our world. Many of you know that Black & Decker was bought or will be by Stanley. Its been a long few weeks and I can't even remember when this all started. HQ for the company is rumored to be in New Britain, Connecticut, and I have no aspirations to move there, if he were to be offered a position. All of this should take place before April and be finalized in June/July - I think. In the meantime, my spouse has a lot of thinking to do, a lot of networking to do, a HUGE list of honeydo's to prep to sell the house....and the list goes on forever (not included the walking on egg shells with his wife and the tap dance at work as he tries to figure everything out). He is doing well though. Now is when I'd really like to see the instruction manual: Where do we go from here? I don't think it exists, but sometimes it would be nice to just have a peek! I'll keep you updated if you're interested and if you know of any jobs or great markets to buy houses and raise a split family (age-wise) that would be great.

AAARRRGGGHHH! The Flu bug has bit!

Yes, we have the flu!

Is it H1N1 - no idea. Docs don't want you anywhere near the dr's office unless symptoms are severe. They are NOT severe here! Jam is still running around terrorizing the place, hiding his guilt behind his beautiful blue eyes which I know I would desperately miss should he get severe symptoms - I'm trying to put that thought out of my head.

This morning I awoke at 7:30 to find Jam still asleep (beautifully & blissfully), Cob doing that baby murmuring about wanting fed, and all of Jar's stuff scattered about that he should have gathered to head off to school with Dad driving carpool this morning (that is a blissful word - carpool). Turns out, he awoke with a 101 degree fever and the cough, so Dad had him ride along as chaperone to the three girls he rides with.

Now I am caged in my own space with Cob hoping he stays well. Really whatever strain this is isn't so bad, unless the respiratory part gets worse...my biggest frustration - all the media hype talks about is the shot and spread and death - NOT A WORD about how to treat it. So, yes Monday I called the dr at 2 am, "How do I treat this thing so he doesn't get sicker?"

Answer: plenty of rest, isolation from others (especially Cob), lots of fluids and ibuprofen with tylenol. - Oh don't get pneumonia and stay hydrated.

I could have figured that out and it would have been nice to know to treat this mysterious H1N1 the same as all the others...maybe I'm the village idiot because I expected some special need or some terrifying illness. Or was I?

Recording for Posterity

You know, there are just some things that need to be added to the general knowledge base of the family so I don't forget them...or at least have them recorded in cyberspace - maybe one day this will become a book as many of my friends are doing.

Anyway - Two remarkable events at our home in 24 hours.

1 - Jam kissed a girl! Not his mama either. I had decided to walk him home from school with Cob in the stroller and we went out the back door. Of course, he had a special way to walk and was to meet me where the sidewalk connected (10 ft way). No biggie. So he takes off at a sprint, rounds the corner and stops at this cute little blond girl sitting on the sidewalk and lo and behold, takes her left hand and kisses it just like a knight of olden days or someone right out of the 18th century! It was so cute - one of those moments you'd NEVER capture with a camera! He explained when asked, that she was cute and he likes her!

2 - Jar used dad's razor this morning! I was up due to many things at 5:30am (very uncharacteristic of me) and was nagging Jar for taking too much time in the bathroom (since I was up and all). So I opened the door again and there he was putting the razor away. I asked him and he denied it, then said he used it and turned to look at me as if I was going to notice the difference on a soon to be 14 year old, and when I still looked perplexed, he said, "I shaved my eyebrows!"

He does have a rather obnoxious pair - or did. They aren't a unibrow, none of them are over long and unruly, but they are obnoxious in the middle. Someone must have said something because he "contoured" them in the middle - they look very nice - but as I told him - now he'll have to shave there all the time or learn to pluck to which he replied, "But that HURTS!" We'll see how bad it hurts when he has eyebrow whiskers! he he he.

I think he may have attempted to shave his peach fuzz face too, but that is unconfirmed!

I have to giggle more because Dad and I were just talking about stuff like that the other day - I was a stinker and started shaving in 5th grade (my legs of course) which was expressly against my mother's wishes and I don't think she knew at the time. He couldn't believe she didn't know , like how can you keep something like that from your mom when you are using her razor and all? I guess he has his answer. Yes - I ratted Jar out with a giggle when I went back to bed!

Cob- he's been staying out of trouble - just in case you were wondering - but he is applying for my attention at this moment.

Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing . . .

That was the best excitement of the evening! If only I could paste all 5 videoes! You'll just have to wait for the full-length movie . . . enjoy the trailer!

As for the rest of us, well we are getting along. Jar is busy with school and seems to be a perpetual procrastinator and a messy boy at that. He is still up at 11:30 or midnight when we are trying to get to bed finishing his homework - mind you he has relaxed and muddled around ALL afternoon. If he is lucky I haven't yelled too much about the necessary chores! He did join the DMS running club this week and I think he realizes he still likes running. He shows a lot of progress thinking about college and high school options, although that is often part of the procrastination program. I love him. He still has beautiful long eyelashes most girls would die for - I'm glad they aren't "into" him or he them yet. He is proving to be pretty good at looking after Cob. Usually he waits until he cries a bunch to pick him up under the guise that he was being annoying - but we all know from looking at him that he enjoyed it, though he only holds him for a few minutes.

Jam is just that - JAM! He really let it all hang out when Cob arrived last month. I came home to a new child. I frequently miss the snuggly funny Jam. The new one is funny in a new way, tests boundaries constantly, doesn't look at me with his gorgeous sparkly blue eyes enough to save his skin, and has started preschool and instantly has grown up! He helps with Cob even when he isn't asked and scares me a lot. He likes to hold him, but I haven't seen him pick Cob up just yet - I'm waiting - terrified! He only had meltdowns 3 of the first 5 days of preschool! He is definitely a first child and somewhat spoiled. Today went very well; he even came home and demonstrated "Stop, Drop & Roll" for me! Excellently and with humor. He does like to sing a great deal, look at books, LOVES Roald Dahl and reading with Dad, and still will tell the occasional Billy story. What an imagination! Everyday is an event waiting to see what is next - and no - I don't take him anywhere alone, especially if I have to take Cob. It would be a nightmare to live through, but rather humorous for those looking on!

I am getting along okay. The first 6 weeks of bodily fluid issues are almost over? I hope? I have this fear it won't go away! Nursing hasn't been a blast, Cob is doing much better, but this time is just different with a three year old and a teenager around. One of these days I'll get the hang of it. Of course, my Mom just went home on Saturday - so I am still really green at this game. How do you all do it?

The fall is coming to Baltimore - although right now it is 80 outside at 8:30 pm. That too will pass. Leaves are starting to turn - really spotty though! I'll have to take some pics and look for a good opportunity to take some of the boys. I would really like to get "0ut" - I missed my annual camping trip! Pics will come!

Two weeks old, 8 lbs and counting!

So, we went to the dr and he is officially 8 lbs! And I got 4 1/2 hrs of sleep last night - close to my sister's 7.

Life is going well with Jac and we are enjoying watching him - though the only change I've noticed other than his coloring is that he is growing into his cheeks. I'll have to post a pic below...

Jam had a great hour of preschool yesterday - and is all geared up for the full 2 1/2 hrs tomorrow.

Jar is already buried in homework & housework, but it is good to be back in school. He has a campout this weekend - without Dad - hooray!

It has been great having my Mom here to take care of at least one of us at a time - often 3 or 4. She even let me go out for Scout "date night" a.k.a roundtable last night with Jeff and she fed Jac by herself - he takes a bottle wonderfully since that is how he started anyway.

All is still well. I need a nap though....too late. Jar will be home momentarily and 3:30 is just too late to start a nap. Oh well.

I promised a picture . . .

Yes, it is late, but I promised a picture. Sorry if it is too graphic for you. It will only be up temporarily - so look while you can - if you wish!

This was the night before birth - Monday night. Remember that we were measuring full term since July 17!

JIP has arrived! - No he's not jaundiced - YET.

He was born 7lbs 11 oz yesterday at 3:52pm with the cord tightly wrapped around the neck (a family tradition) and spent some time in the transition nursery the rest of the day. We have enjoyed having him with us most all of the day today. He is pretty sleepy and still working on having a desire to eat.

His brothers are enjoying him; his grandma W adores him; and his Dad holds him every chance he gets!

I am well and looking forward to going home - I think. . . the cookies here are good, the meal service isn't bad and I don't have to climb the stairs. Hmmmmm? Maybe I should stay?

HOORAY! ! ! WAHOOO! ! !

Dr's office called and we are a go for the morning! Now if he will just stay head down! It's always something isn't it?

James will be interesting...he just came home from the park with a bee sting on his nose - so we will be up early and late! Bless his heart, he's asleep on the couch.

Keep you "posted"!

Mom's here now the excitement can begin?

But, will it? That is the real question. I slept little last night, not nervous about today, just had to use the restroom or awake to a nasty contraction several times. Needless to say, I am tired today. Got up on time for the amniocentesis appointment and extra long non-stress test that followed and headed out the door hopeful. They were quick to get started and he was nice and still while they drained a few CC's of my 30 cm of water via a long skinny needle in hopes that they will find he has developed lungs. It was uncomfortable, but fine otherwise.

The liquid came out easy enough, but the dr. isn't so sure of the results; it was pretty clear and a very light yellow - not a good sign for one hoping to be induced tomorrow. The best news is that his head has stayed down - thank you for your prayers. Now if it just stays there some more! And I get a positive result from the tests this morning! But I have to wait until 4:30 or so before I find out.

I had one dream last night: that he did't pass the amnio. I was devastated. I really don't like being pregnant - not like this anyway. I'm not afraid for his health or mine, I'm only afraid he won't come out soon enough. I'm not in pain most of the time, just tired and worn out. I was so disappointed in my dream and then of course I had to wake up and get up out of bed (a monumental task these days) and go to where else? The bathroom and then try to go back to sleep.

Faith...keep the faith and trust in the Lord's timing. Never been good at that and I don't think I'll be much better at it this month. But I'll try.

Shared photo book from Tara

Click here to view this photo book larger

Baby on the Way! We hope....

Yes, we did go to the dr and she is concerned about his size and the 30 cm of water I am carrying - that is total not above whatever normal is. He hopefully will be here Tuesday morning sometime (next week - today would be awesome, but that doesn't seem likely). My belly measured 44 inches yesterday! I think she said it was a 4" increase from last Monday.

He seems healthy and moves a lot when he does - which is usually at night, not during the NSTs I'm having twice a week. He sleeps through those. I've been measuring full term for a month or more now and I think I am experiencing what it feels like to be carrying a full term baby for the first time: Jam was 10 days early and Jar was about the same - both induced (or sort of) for various reasons. Needless to say, I am not finding it pleasant. I do like chasing a small roundish body part around my belly though! We are really looking forward to meeting this guy!

Thursday we have our last (cross your fingers) official ultrasound. They'll measure him all over again to see how big he is and how much water there is this week. The most important thing: Is he vertex (head down) or breech? Pray with us that he is vertex and stays that way, please??? That will make all the difference next week.

I am scheduled for another amnio (first one for him - I had one for Jam)to see if his lungs are developed enough. Again, we are praying they are. He will be 37 wks so we are thinking positive! If they are and he is vertex I have an induction appointment at L&D for 5:45 Tues am. If not, I have a C-Section appointment for the same time and place.

I'd prefer the induction myself, unless any of you can give me some really good reasons to have a C-section.

So just how many babies are you going to have?

So, I haven't posted for a while. Not much to say really and with hubby out of town for Scoutcamp in June I might have been pressed for opportunity - or maybe I was on new Family Search frantically trying to finish a project before the reunion? Who knows.

In the meantime (sorry I don't have a pic yet) I have blossomed as some might say - I prefer ballooned. I have only gained 13 lbs so far which for me is a record. I'd love to say that in total we are only 150 lbs, but I have thyroid issues that will forever plague my efforts to lose weight. For those of you in TX - I started at the same place I left off at weight wise.

Now the blossomed idea is what I really thought I'd post about. People really don't think about what they say to pregnant women. In early June our ward participated in the Mormon Night at the Orioles Ballpark. Our family attended and James even watched a few innings before flirting unashamedly with one of the older beehives from our ward and then became a loving nuisance for his adopted grandmother (bless her heart - she loves him) and her spouse a member of the Stake Presidency. We (the Braves) did beat the Orioles...but it was the comment made by the usher - mind you this was over a month ago - that I was scaring him and making him nervous. Was I going to have that baby tonight?...Truth is I wondered myself. The Braxton-Hicks contractions were having a field day about the 6th inning and I was pretty uncomfortable - the bishop even said something about having the baby right there. I guess it was pretty obvious. Alas, I was able to walk a few blocks to my car after watching the entire game chasing three teenagers - not really - I was watching them carefully though as Jeff chased James literally.

Now, several weeks later I am preparing to go to Utah by airplane and considering the comments I have received - many mind you that I have not posted - decided to approach my dr for a note just in case one of those gate people wanted to challenge my right to fly. Didn't need it but it offered a great laugh at the dr with the 'clerk' for lack of a better word who wrote it up for me. We laughed about belly touching and comments people make without thinking. For me, I told her, touching my belly is almost like touching my breasts - it is off limits! Only one person had done so so far and it was like an invasion. I haven't seen her since. Then there are relatives - that I can tolerate better - but it is still uncomfortable for me for some reason. Curious? I was a hugger...not so much anymore.

So I got to go to Utah - the flight was awful sitting for so long but that is another story I'll let you get by without reading. I spent the first 4 days mostly in bed resting. Then I was healthy enough to drive to CO for a reunion which was fun except there isn't much for a VERY pregnant woman to do in the mountains! I even drove the car to meals like the invalids and great grandma who is 95! I read a good book, sat on the deck in the dark awaiting/hearing news of my sister's adoption saga while watching the stars, slept in the afternoon, played genealogist and ate. I think that is it. The boys golfed (Jar), rode horses, hiked?, and hung out with me - except Jar the teenager. There were 5 or 6 others he could play with and that was good. We did spend a lot of time hunting for Jam though. Then back to Utah - a much easier drive as I was well rested as well rested as you can be at a Monson reunion - they never sleep. To Mom's house!

We did a few more things there: ate at Goodwood BBQ - as good as Texas which is hard to find, ate at The Oaks up the canyon, checked out UP Railroad museums in Ogden, made a mumu - for comfort, shopped for my surprise new niece, visited with fam at a gathering at Mom's - excellent food and ice cream by Mom & Sis.

The best was listening to my brother who is single, 24, still living at home, and currently without girlfriend describe my baby: "Two heads, two hearts, two legs, three arms....you could make lots of money" basically he was imagining us on Discovery or TLC! Now, those stories are often gut wrenching and amazing when you see what can be done these days, but I have no intention of joining their ranks. I kept telling him how I couldn't wait til he was in our shoes...it might be forever! I assured him and the rest of the family that he was a big baby and we'd find out the scoop when I returned to MD. So.....

Today we went to the dr and he still has only one of everything he should and two of the other things required in pairs. Yes, we asked the sonographer to check and make sure he was a boy and it was rather clear. He is healthy and moving and his large head is down as it should be though it measures 35.5 weeks!!!! I thought the due date was off, but that would be a bit too far off. She measured some other parts and came to the same conclusion: he is big and getting bigger - about 5 lbs (mind you I'm supposed to have 8 weeks left). She also mentioned that he too is working on a swimming pool - also known as polyhydramnios - like Jam. His isn't as big yet...a key word. The dr's face was priceless as she walked into the exam room having read the sono report. She was surprised to say the least. She laughed, with the measuring tape in hand, "Do I even bother?" She did - I measure at full-term. Which explains the aching back, the sore belly muscles, the tiredness and the lack of "ability" to go to the store or anywhere. I can go - but why? One trip out a day is exhausting even without Jam!

End result - he'll be early by induction, not sure when maybe 37 wks? In the meantime, I get to go in twice a week starting in Aug for non-stress tests for the baby (never done that before), exams and sonos! It will be good to see him. Today she took a few 3D pics we could take home, but they aren't very cute - he's in a squishy position. He will be chunky ish like Jam. No restrictions on my activities - darn it! I still get to go out and about and get more comments - and looks! Those are priceless.

Did I forget to tell you the MD gate check guy when we arrived congratulated me and then asked if I was having twins? I told him no emphatically and thank you - I think?

I'll see about a pic. . .

Memorial Day

You know what my great husband did? He got off work early, picked up the teen for me and drove us about an hour north to Hanover, PA for a Sonic FEAST! Yes, we spent nearly $50 on fast food at definitely his FAVE restaurant and from the amount of food I consumed and the size of the bill a family favorite.

For those of you living close to a Sonic, such as down 249 or Riverdale Rd. Don't take such good things for granted. Go have an Oceanwater or a cherry limeade (rickey - easterners haven't heard of such a thing) or a slush or a corn dog for me. I have to say one of my corn dogs was the crispiest tastiest I've ever had!

What a fun time! And a beautiful rolling hills drive through the country (only 5 miles was on the interstate). You all don't know what you have down the street - lucky ducks!

Rambling thoughts in my mumu

How many of you have heard of mumus or have one? I don't have a "real" one right now, but this one has Hawaiian flowers all over it and serves the purpose of staying relatively cool until I ultimately shower and get this pregnant body dressed. Yes, I know it is almost one. I won't tell how long I've been sitting here working through my email. Too embarassingly long.

I probably shouldn't say that Bug is still on the other computer playing games either. Oh well. Cat's out of the bag.

Those delightfully obnoxious flowers are all gone and replaced by beautiful green leaves though some of them are still pollenating and making me miserable occasionally. We've just survived the 2nd wettest May ever in Baltimore according to our weathergirl. Now the grass can slow down its growing... for a day until it rains tomorrow and every other day this coming week.

Have you noticed what time the birds start singing where you live? Here it is somewhere between 3 and 4 am (another reason to dislike the trees) unless it is raining or I actually sleep 6 hrs straight, but the pregnancy doesn't help much with that. They are pretty - but not easy to sleep to.

Things are going well here. Baby is healthy according to the ONE ultrasound we get here in MD. He kicks often in fits and spurts just like he is supposed to. He also likes to occupy the space meant for my stomach and lungs, but it is nice to know he is there and well. We spent all of this weekend changing the boys rooms around. Teenager now has the 8x10 hall-like room which seems very crowded with the 3 peices of furniture in it: dresser, desk, metal-prison-like IKEA bed (which he loves), oh - and the dog bed. Bug and the baby will share the other bedroom: hamper, dresser, rocker, bed, nightstand (all on one wall). A/C vent and crib on other wall. Their room is 13x15 or something like that, but crowded as well. I have to take a bookshelf down in there this week too. Bug is enjoying his new big boy bed and hasn't fallen out. It's low enough to the floor I'm not very concerned. Jodi would be proud of me - I went to two IKEAs on Saturday!So now I have a solid birch wood captains bed with 4 drawers underneath and matching desk to sell or give away - any takers?

I'm well - turning 36 next week. I feel 36. I really enjoy the genealogy I make time to do and my family indulges in letting me do. The gym is out for a while as I am pretty tired without going and I pulled a groin muscle coughing of all things. It doesn't stand a chance of getting better while I chase a 3yr old. I actually went visiting teaching this month thanks to a wonderful companion. Hubby takes pretty good care of us all: taking Bug to swimming lessons (and swimming with him - the only parent in the pool), cooking dinner when I don't (more often all the time), washing the dishes, getting after the teen, putting Bug to bed and watching him all day on Sunday because I just can't wrestle with him in church. He's a saint. I did have the hair stylist cut me some bangs...they're all right. Not too many, but sometimes they are in my eyes too much. Its summer - not like I do my hair that much anyway.

I would really like to engage my brain in a good book...not a boring one, not too Austen-esque, not too long/short, a summer read - but not Tolstoy or "East of Eden" like either. Would it be too much to ask for a small quiet, beach, caribbean blue water, a cabana boy with constant flow of icy drinks, a low beach chair and a moderate breeze? A massage or two? Maybe I could take a nap and dream of these things...after lunch?

Maryland's Spring Beauties I love/hate

Maryland's Spring Beauties I love/hate

Many of you know about my love/hate relationship with Maryland. This spring I thought I'd take some photos to help those of you who haven't had the pleasure of visiting in Spring before. One of my counselors in Relief Society asked me just yesterday, "Don't you have just a little love for Maryland on these beautiful days??" It really was a beautiful day and we did enjoy it a little - but it always seems to be full of pollen...thus the hate part. But I really love the trees - it is pretty here!

These were the view out my back door in mid-April. Now each of these trees is a shade of green or red, with a full complement of leaves that rustle in the breeze that has been ever present this week.

This is one of my favorite views...not too long before he fell in face first and tried to drown! Now if I could only get him in the water at swimming lessons!

I hope you all enjoy what is left of your Spring; I think ours is all but gone.

Spring Break Outing

Yesterday I begged my spouse to stay home and spend the day with us, but he went to work anyway citing some meeting at 12:30 he had to be to. Excuses, I thought. It was one of those days that all week the weatherman had said would be rainy and cold yet it dawned, bright, clear and sunny - promising to be warm - and I was doomed to be stuck home with a 13yr old crabby teenager and a 3 yr old *busy* boy who often self-proclaims to be "destroy-boy" or a bad jedi knight! I was in for it!

Then about 2:00 he waltzes in the door saying, "Let's go to a lighthouse on a short 2 mile easy hike!" I'm less than enthusiastic, the teenager wants to go golfing and the 3 yr old just wants attention - obviously I'm working on his scrapbook and don't want to be bothered.

Turns out I get what I want in the end -a family outing for Spring Break - even if it is only for a few hours as opposed to his friends in St. Thomas or my friends sharing a beach house in SC. So after a 40 min prep period and an hour and a half in the car during which Bug napped - Thank Heavens! - we arrived.

We really did enjoy the day - little to no yelling, lots of fresh air, plenty of solitude, lots of bonding. The lighthouse at Turkey Point was built for $4000 or so dollars in 1833 and its last keeper was a 65 yr old woman. It is on a 100 ft cliff above the Chesapeake and stands 30 ft tall. Not real impressive, but it has a lovely view. We all enjoyed the clam shells and rocks on the shore along part of the trail and the BBQ picnic planned by my enthusiastic and well-trained scoutmaster husband was delicious and nothing was forgotten! While we watched the fire, the boys played very well together (one of Jar's gifts) at a large recycled tire playground 50 ft away. The sunset on the nearby beach was breathtaking - I haven't taken the time or been at such a nice spot to enjoy one for such a long time. We closed down the park- the Ranger escorted us out. On the way we caught an awesome sight - the full moon rise. Awesome because at the horizon it was a deep red and full like a large dinner plate which lightened as it rose higher in the sky. By the time we got home it was just a pretty, clear white moon. The picture doesn't do it justice - but I tried.


Thanks for the time honey.


Just a little of Bug's shennanigans on the way - we call it a multiplicity moment!

Dad & Bug on the rock embankment

Jar & Me making our way down to the "beach"

Bug's favorite thing - shout and all -throwing rocks into the water!

Too tired to walk any farther - Jar has to carry Bug

Bug was also in charge of keeping us all hydrated - we would walk two benches and sit for a drink, but towards the end he was constantly drinking - I think he was hungry?

Often at the end he stopped and sat. He said, "I am wondering." It was so cute & hilarious at the same time it was frustrating. Eventually he started sitting on Dad's feet to "wonder", impeding the progress to the car.

The Sunset - taken with my dig point and shoot - not the Canon

The red moon - like I said, not very impressive via picture on the point-n-shoot.

Shared photo book from Tara:

View Project at Shutterfly

Bangs or no bangs?

I have a real post to post . . . but I'm still thinking about it. Don't know if I should, you know? Who knows who is reading this and knows me here in Md?

But - I am considering a change in my hair. It is longer than the picture on the sidebar - that's probably 9 mo old now and my hair still grows fast.

So - Bangs (long ones) or no bangs? It is a big commitment you know.

What would you do if you were here?

So, you know how you move away from someplace and everyone asks you, "Did you go ____?" or "Didn't you just love _______?" Like being from Utah, "How did you like the Grand Canyon? You must have visited it many times!" Right! How often do we visit the places that are near where we live that others flock to in droves, spending oodles of money to see? I know there have been regrets since leaving Houston, but we did get to Schlitterbahn - probably one of my favorite places!

What would you do on a trip out here? Where would you most want to go? (Not that I have any time, but I am curious...)

Thanks!

A little of this and that

Surprise! We are obviously expecting #3 and the cat is out of the bag at church and everywhere. Six more weeks and we'll hopefully know what we are expecting and how that will change the family dynamic. Already this child is impacting our family. I had the unfortunate opportunity to have the stomach virus and got to go receive IV fluids and Zofran. Then we were put on semi-bed rest and you know me, best to just tell me to stay in bed, but with a 3 year old? a very precocious 3 year old? Ha ha ha. Doctor says baby is well. It is over, but now I'm trying to decide on a minute by minute basis if I am hungry, overfull, having heartburn or whatnot and what to do about it. I'm taking suggestions!

In the meantime, many of you may have heard of the wicked nor'easter that swept up the coast and dumped snow on most of the eastern seaboard. Yes, Jaren had a snow day and we did get a lot of beautiful, Utah ski resort worthy powder which thankfully is melting rapidly! I can see grass in the front and back yard! Now if I can get my car washed! We did have a great time watching the boys in the snow. Jeff even came home early to watch the fearless Bug go sledding - he went twice and nearly fell each time and gave up. He found it to be more fun this time to tromp around in the snow drifts, fall down on purpose, make snow angels and have snowball fights. Jaren did sled quite a bit since he wasn't sure how do deal with the powder on the snowboard (mind you it is a $70 toy, not a Burton or anything). It could use a wax though!



Despite how much fun this looks, it was FREEZING - 22 or something with wind at sunset.

I'm incredibly jealous for the 75 degree weather in Houston - rain, clouds or shine.

It's time to post, right?

You know it has been almost a month, but that doesn't mean I haven't thought about what I'd post or that I haven't stopped by my favorite blogs for a peek or a giggle into your lives. Some of you are so funny! Even if it is a difficult situation, and yes, scienceteachermommy, it is funny if you blog it --- at least for your readers.

Jar got his cast off! Hooray! No more wasting garbage sacks and athletic tape and whining about showering. No more weapons that are part of the body so to speak. A few more weeks and he can play the last few games of YM church ball! AAARRGGHHH! He'll enjoy it. Science fair is almost over. We just have to put together the tri-fold display! Just you wait til it is your turn girls. . .

Jam is busy. He's been looking at books voraciously on his own time and routinely destroying the basement (it is only one room, so it looks REALLY bad and doesn't take that long). His best talent right now is getting out of his bed: Remember he broke the mattress support? Well, his mattress is on the floor (still!) and he pushes the bed out from the wall, squeezes/rolls out under the bottom and goes about whatever business he needs to attend to "Without a Grown-up!" He seems to be all about what he can do without grown-ups: go potty, get his toys, get out of bed, get a drink, pick out his clothes, leave the nursery, return to the nursery, . . . I'm sure this is an incomplete list.

Me? I stay busy cleaning up after Jam and Jar! What else? Cook occasionally - last night hubby cooked McDonald's - just right. I've been catching up on the first seasons of Lost and Grey's Anatomy. Interesting fare. I've enjoyed the Wii and balance board we got for Christmas. There are still a few records I hold: ski jump, Mariokart, bowling. I ought to play more, but last week I pulled a muscle! In my arm! Had to put the control down. All is well though. It snowed so I'll add some pics and tell you I am almost ready for spring because of the bone chilling cold we've all been experiencing.


Guess it's time to start dinner? After I finish my science fair! ha ha ha.

Check out the new slide show for Jam's 3rd Bday at the bottom!