Category Archives: Parenting

Lake Las Vegas

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Gosh a few weeks ago already, we took a family trip to Lake Las Vegas. My mom took care of all the details–the hotel was gorgeous, the rooms were perfect, we were close to Lake Mead. It couldn’t have been a better time.

I think some of my favorite memories include Blake playing with Tess (the dog), playing darts with Aaron, Jamie, Mike, and John, watching Blake go down the water slide with Mike, finding two turtles with Blakey who live at the hotel, hearing the stories of Blake going on the inner tube with Jamie and Mike for the first time, and enjoying a minute with my mom at dinner to chat about the future (still can’t believe twins are on the way).

Now, time for the pictures that really show how much fun we had! That first one is B jumping from bed to bed. See? Fun!








B Turns 3

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Today our little guy turned three. It’s weird that while eating breakfast in bed–a yummy treat of donuts and oj and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse–I started saying, “Three years ago, at 4:25 a.m. we met for the first time…” Then M chimed in, “Hey that’s about the same time he got into bed with us this morning.” It really made me think back of that day and how truly wonderful it was.

And now three years later, B is this funny, crazy, sweet boy. His personality alone makes me smile. And how perceptive he is. And how excited he gets to be around family and “MY friends” at school. I can’t wait to see what this next year holds. We love you baby boy. Happy 3rd Birthday!





A Wonderful Surprise

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On Friday, August 24, I had a doctor’s appointment. Well, we did.

I was nervous, emotional, cranky, and anxious. Everything went away, though, when the doctor said, “You are definitely pregnant…and having twins!” Although I’m only 8 weeks and a few days along, I already can’t help but feel completely blessed to be a mom again. It’s been a tough road getting to this point.

Here are a few shots of our happy day. One that will always be treasured.

River Rats

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Last weekend, my Dad invited us on a family trip to the “River house” outside of Laughlin, NV. It was fun, a little tiring with a sick Blakey, and a memory we will treasure. It was B’s first time on a wave runner (those pics are on Mal’s camera but, believe me, he had fun).

Highlights included: Our first real road trip with Blakey who was AMAZING and didn’t get cranky at all; a highly enjoyable meal of carne asada, thanks to Jay; watching two little cousins play and swim together (sharing is still a struggle but I know that will pass); the gun show (see pic below); swimming in the pool; watching video of Mal take Fearless Blake down the huge water slide; and spending time with family.

Here are a few shots to share:

First Day of Preschool

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Last Monday, July 2, B started school. We packed up his lunch (grilled cheese, crackers, fruit snacks, sippy cup, a napkin with ‘a cat dressed up as Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean’ on it, and a yogurt) and headed off down the street.

B didn’t let me down at all…although a little hesitant, he was excited to play with the trains in the main room. The best part was…he didn’t cry…well, until Friday when I dropped him off again.

It’s official–M is the best at dropping him off (without any tears) and my little boy is growing up!

Here are a few pictures from that day:




Security Blanket

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When Blake was one-and-a-half years old, he wouldn’t do much without having to hold something. Eating food, drinking a bottle, and falling asleep all had to be done while touching a toy. And not just any toy. Toys that were meant to ride on. Think….bright colors, hard plastic, and annoying horns.

It drove us nuts! On top of getting him to sit still, heat a bottle, and find a ton of blankets, we had to run around to get one of these huge things that barely fit on the couch.

Tomorrow, B is starting preschool a few days a week. And, as probably most moms are, I’m excited but sad to not have him by my side. What am I going to do without MY security blanket?

A Father’s Day Weekend

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Just yesterday (Monday), we got home from an adventurous trip to Running Springs, CA. We stayed at “The Cabin”–a place my Grandfather built many, many years ago. He probably never imagined the joy it would bring to so many of us. I’m thankful.

To celebrate being a Dad, Mike wanted to do some fun things with Blake. We watched Blake ride/drive the train on the edges of Lake Arrowhead, fed the ducks, ate chocolate chip cookies, played KerPlunk, vacuumed (one of Blake’s favorite things to do nowadays), swung on swings, made friends with our neighbors, opened Father’s Day presents, and, my favorite, went bowling (Blake’s first time).

Here are a few pictures that we can look back on and remember what a special weekend it was!


An Awesome Book!

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When, or if, you have kids, you become a little obsessed with decoding baby talk, holidays, and books. One of my favorite books that Mike’s mom had stored away for our unborn baby was Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It’s a rough one to get through without tissues nearby.

Today, as I worked, checked my very-limited RSS feed, flipped through my instagram pics, browsed blogs, I noticed a lot of publicity for this children’s book called An Awesome Book!. So, I took a look. It’s inspiring. Not only for little ones; it speaks to adults just the same. The great thing about the author, Dallas Clayton, is that he had a dream of writing and publishing a book. But no one wanted to help him. So he did it himself. Watch this.

Dallas also went on to feature the book (for free!) online. Take a look here. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

It’s time to dream big!

J

Reflection Time: Jen

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When I was 16 years old, I thought I would never be a mom. Weird how things change.

I read an excerpt today from The Wiegand’s blog that really stood out to me (regarding motherhood and raising children):

“I never could relate to the negativity or the frustrations- all of that seems so small to me in comparison to how much life motherhood gives my soul.”

I have a hard time relating to the moms/dads who only see the negative too. My struggles seem to be so short-lived once I see my cute babes standing there…waiting to be hugged or giving me air kisses.

On Friday, I learned that I have three cysts on one of my ovaries. The thought of not being able to have kids, as easily as some, is now haunting me. Who really cares about the small frustrations that a two-year-old might cause? It’s nothing compared to not being frustrated at all.