Isn't this picture awesome! Reagan still loves to put Kade into her doll stroller, although he surely exceeds the "weight limit". It often closes under pressure but he's happy as can be.
9/27/10
Cheese
Isn't this picture awesome! Reagan still loves to put Kade into her doll stroller, although he surely exceeds the "weight limit". It often closes under pressure but he's happy as can be.
9/21/10
A week of rest and girl time then Island Park
Since my last post was such a downer! I decided it was time for some feel good moments!
Two weeks ago my mom and sister Heather came and picked up Kade and stole him away for an entire week!! Needless to say I was having major anxiety prior to his leaving because who leaves their 7 month old for a week!! BUT, we all survived. I got some wonderful hours of sleep, finished doing all the work on our fix-its and was able to spend some one-on-one time with Reagan. We got pedi's, saw a movie, went to dinner, read lots of books, made cards, and enjoyed the time. I was more than ready to see my little guy. He has slight "mommy leaving his sight" syndrome now but I don't mind. My sister Jessica brought him to meet us on our way to Island Park. THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone that made this possible, and especially my mom and Heather for convincing me that it was totally okay to ask for help and a little mental relief and sleep made a huge difference. Love you guys!
Last week, the kids and I traveled to Island Park (West Yellowstone area) with my little sister Jessica for a week of relaxation. A friend of the family owns a few cabins there and they were gracious enough to let us use it for free. My parents met us there on Monday and stayed for a few days and the most thrilling part of the week was Mike being able to join us for 2 days!!
On our way to Island Park, we stopped in Idaho Falls for a few hours. For days, and the ENTIRE way up there, Reagan would not stop talking about making money working at her dad's store. He had a little shirt made up for her and she immediately put it on and was a pro in no time. She cleaned windows, dusted, and perfected the "money machine". The sad thing is...she totally knew what she was doing. Although we've told her to be careful who she is telling that she works there for money. She did earn her keep, one dollar and a "pay stub" that she held onto the entire way to the cabin.
The weather was absolutely perfect minus one day while at Old Faithful. We saw plenty of wildlife, took many, many walks around the cabin area, ate too much junk food, and even stopped at Bear World (very cool but definately overpriced).
On our way home we stayed in Idaho Falls and got a hotel so Mike could join us. I took the kids swimming and Mike came over that night. We enjoyed another swim Sunday then we haunted the store for a while and headed home. We were all exhausted but it was definately a fun week. Sorry for the many pictures...these aren't even a fourth of them!!
(Oh, and a shout out to some very kind people who are letting Mike stay at their house until we move up there...his mom works with Nicholas's mom and they have 2 little girls that I'm sure will become great friends of Reagan's. He was staying with his Aunt and Uncle in St Anthony, but the drive was a little long each day! So thank you Beth and Nicholas for letting a complete stranger inhabit your basement....and scare your cat to death!)
Scenes from Yellowstone
Mom and Pops (aren't they cute)
This was about all we got out of Ol' Faithful....who was so agressive at this explosion
One of the hot pots on your way up to Faithful. It was so hot and steamy when you walked around. Scary to think if you stumble and fall in there you are toast...literally. But also very cool how they all work.
Elk lounging about...I had no idea they lost their antlers and grew back so fast....can grow like 2 inches a day or something insane. They are the fastest growing cells. Cool beans.
I am not sure why buffalo are so fascinating!! We saw them on both occasions into Yellowstone Park. The one picture of him crossing the road was just that...he took his sweet time sauntering across. We have video driving right by him and my dad's saying "hey" and he lazily looks up (and thank goodness ignored him!...a pamphlet said they could run three times faster than a human...eek!!)
Bear World
This was a fun place...albeit expensive. It took maybe 10 minutes to drive through but you did see lots of elk, buffalo, deer, goats, a moose, and BEARS! Little miss anxiety Reagan wasn't too thrilled with the actual driving. She didn't want us to roll down the window and was more than glad to be done with the bear part of it. They have a fun petting zoo (where you could just kneel right down and pet a deer), and 6 silly bear cubs that were totally entertaining. They also has a few little rides for the kids as well and Of course for mighty more bucks, you could feed the cubs. Ask Reagan what she did that day and she will say "we didn't have enough money to feed the babies but my dad will work harder and give me money to go again" :) Love it.
Mesa Falls was a beautiful area. Apparently the 2nd largest undisturbed falls on the Columbia..if I remember that right?. They had a nice plank area around the falls that you could walk or push a stroller.
John Sack Cabin area and a "nature walk"
This too was a beautiful area with a trail around the river. We actually went there twice this day. The second time around there was a muskrat swimming with the ducks and huge trout getting fed.
My sister Jessica
Posing of course
Kade wants anything and everything in his mouth...even this yellow pepper. He will be hell on crawlers when it's time. Total opposite of Reagan who just never put anything into her mouth
Doesn't she look so grown up here?!
Randoms
Island Park Damn (I was just scared the whole time a bear would come out of any of the woods we were around ;o)
He doesn't care where....he just LOVES taking a bath (and of course the camera...any time he sees that come out he's got a smile on his face)
I just thought this picture was so cute...this little old couple hops off the motorcycle with chaps or whatever they are called on....the lady walked away while I was sneaking a picture
Child Labor...isn't it sweet
Ok, I won't spare you with any more pictures :O)
Two weeks ago my mom and sister Heather came and picked up Kade and stole him away for an entire week!! Needless to say I was having major anxiety prior to his leaving because who leaves their 7 month old for a week!! BUT, we all survived. I got some wonderful hours of sleep, finished doing all the work on our fix-its and was able to spend some one-on-one time with Reagan. We got pedi's, saw a movie, went to dinner, read lots of books, made cards, and enjoyed the time. I was more than ready to see my little guy. He has slight "mommy leaving his sight" syndrome now but I don't mind. My sister Jessica brought him to meet us on our way to Island Park. THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone that made this possible, and especially my mom and Heather for convincing me that it was totally okay to ask for help and a little mental relief and sleep made a huge difference. Love you guys!
Last week, the kids and I traveled to Island Park (West Yellowstone area) with my little sister Jessica for a week of relaxation. A friend of the family owns a few cabins there and they were gracious enough to let us use it for free. My parents met us there on Monday and stayed for a few days and the most thrilling part of the week was Mike being able to join us for 2 days!!
On our way to Island Park, we stopped in Idaho Falls for a few hours. For days, and the ENTIRE way up there, Reagan would not stop talking about making money working at her dad's store. He had a little shirt made up for her and she immediately put it on and was a pro in no time. She cleaned windows, dusted, and perfected the "money machine". The sad thing is...she totally knew what she was doing. Although we've told her to be careful who she is telling that she works there for money. She did earn her keep, one dollar and a "pay stub" that she held onto the entire way to the cabin.
The weather was absolutely perfect minus one day while at Old Faithful. We saw plenty of wildlife, took many, many walks around the cabin area, ate too much junk food, and even stopped at Bear World (very cool but definately overpriced).
On our way home we stayed in Idaho Falls and got a hotel so Mike could join us. I took the kids swimming and Mike came over that night. We enjoyed another swim Sunday then we haunted the store for a while and headed home. We were all exhausted but it was definately a fun week. Sorry for the many pictures...these aren't even a fourth of them!!
(Oh, and a shout out to some very kind people who are letting Mike stay at their house until we move up there...his mom works with Nicholas's mom and they have 2 little girls that I'm sure will become great friends of Reagan's. He was staying with his Aunt and Uncle in St Anthony, but the drive was a little long each day! So thank you Beth and Nicholas for letting a complete stranger inhabit your basement....and scare your cat to death!)
Scenes from Yellowstone
Mom and Pops (aren't they cute)
This was about all we got out of Ol' Faithful....who was so agressive at this explosion
One of the hot pots on your way up to Faithful. It was so hot and steamy when you walked around. Scary to think if you stumble and fall in there you are toast...literally. But also very cool how they all work.
Elk lounging about...I had no idea they lost their antlers and grew back so fast....can grow like 2 inches a day or something insane. They are the fastest growing cells. Cool beans.
I am not sure why buffalo are so fascinating!! We saw them on both occasions into Yellowstone Park. The one picture of him crossing the road was just that...he took his sweet time sauntering across. We have video driving right by him and my dad's saying "hey" and he lazily looks up (and thank goodness ignored him!...a pamphlet said they could run three times faster than a human...eek!!)
Bear World
This was a fun place...albeit expensive. It took maybe 10 minutes to drive through but you did see lots of elk, buffalo, deer, goats, a moose, and BEARS! Little miss anxiety Reagan wasn't too thrilled with the actual driving. She didn't want us to roll down the window and was more than glad to be done with the bear part of it. They have a fun petting zoo (where you could just kneel right down and pet a deer), and 6 silly bear cubs that were totally entertaining. They also has a few little rides for the kids as well and Of course for mighty more bucks, you could feed the cubs. Ask Reagan what she did that day and she will say "we didn't have enough money to feed the babies but my dad will work harder and give me money to go again" :) Love it.
Mesa Falls was a beautiful area. Apparently the 2nd largest undisturbed falls on the Columbia..if I remember that right?. They had a nice plank area around the falls that you could walk or push a stroller.
John Sack Cabin area and a "nature walk"
This too was a beautiful area with a trail around the river. We actually went there twice this day. The second time around there was a muskrat swimming with the ducks and huge trout getting fed.
My sister Jessica
Posing of course
Kade wants anything and everything in his mouth...even this yellow pepper. He will be hell on crawlers when it's time. Total opposite of Reagan who just never put anything into her mouth
Doesn't she look so grown up here?!
Randoms
Island Park Damn (I was just scared the whole time a bear would come out of any of the woods we were around ;o)
He doesn't care where....he just LOVES taking a bath (and of course the camera...any time he sees that come out he's got a smile on his face)
I just thought this picture was so cute...this little old couple hops off the motorcycle with chaps or whatever they are called on....the lady walked away while I was sneaking a picture
Child Labor...isn't it sweet
Ok, I won't spare you with any more pictures :O)
9/5/10
Life Lessons...Bear with me...and a few cute kids
So the past few weeks have been somewhat of a challenge; emotionally, physically, mentally, you name it. It seems like whatever could go wrong did (and most of you know it all happened within 24 hours!!) My kids weren't sleeping, my body wasn't resting, my husband wasn't around to vent to, my water heater broke, my shower leaked, my car broke down, my parents aren't just 10 minutes away, and I had to actually ask someone for help! Boo-hoo right :)
It was in a dark state of mind in the darkness of the night, that I was weeping and feeling pretty sorry for myself. I had numerous crying fits, temper tantrums, and yet feeling that I was probably deserving what came my way. And during this dark hour, I was, of course, surfing the internet because I couldn't calm myself enough to sleep.
There is a story, one that will rip your heart out, cause buckets of rain to fall from your eyes, bring peace to your heart and literally drop you to your knees. If you have heard of it, you will know. It's called Nie Nie. And her story is amazing, gut-wrenching, humbling, and joyful. She was famous in the blogging world. Then one fateful day, she and her husband were in a plane crash...survived, but not without serious, life altering scars. And I spent an hour reading. And an hour pondering. And an hour of being extremely grateful. For my "trials" the past few weeks were so insignificant and so fixable!
And then I remembered, "What is life, if not for living". That's all I was doing. Living in the real world, with real simple little problems. And I remembered a few nights earlier when Reagan and I were going at it for the hundreth time that day, after exhaustingly asking her what else I could do for her and she said "I want a hug mommy". Simple. And there is no one way to be a perfect mother...there are a million little ways. And I shouldn't think I can be perfect in just one way. Just like life apparently. No one way to live it right...there are a million little ways to do it, to survive it, and to learn from it.
It's been a really trying month. We miss Mike extremely, and he misses us. Our life is in limbo and for me, the write-ten-lists-a-day type of person, this is super duper hard for me :) And through all of this, we have had amazing support from friends and family. I can never thank everyone enough for helping, phoning numerous times, bringing me a diet coke, lending a car, and even just offering. We are truly blessed...and it doesn't hurt that I have two beautiful, sweet kids to wake up to every day.
It was in a dark state of mind in the darkness of the night, that I was weeping and feeling pretty sorry for myself. I had numerous crying fits, temper tantrums, and yet feeling that I was probably deserving what came my way. And during this dark hour, I was, of course, surfing the internet because I couldn't calm myself enough to sleep.
There is a story, one that will rip your heart out, cause buckets of rain to fall from your eyes, bring peace to your heart and literally drop you to your knees. If you have heard of it, you will know. It's called Nie Nie. And her story is amazing, gut-wrenching, humbling, and joyful. She was famous in the blogging world. Then one fateful day, she and her husband were in a plane crash...survived, but not without serious, life altering scars. And I spent an hour reading. And an hour pondering. And an hour of being extremely grateful. For my "trials" the past few weeks were so insignificant and so fixable!
And then I remembered, "What is life, if not for living". That's all I was doing. Living in the real world, with real simple little problems. And I remembered a few nights earlier when Reagan and I were going at it for the hundreth time that day, after exhaustingly asking her what else I could do for her and she said "I want a hug mommy". Simple. And there is no one way to be a perfect mother...there are a million little ways. And I shouldn't think I can be perfect in just one way. Just like life apparently. No one way to live it right...there are a million little ways to do it, to survive it, and to learn from it.
It's been a really trying month. We miss Mike extremely, and he misses us. Our life is in limbo and for me, the write-ten-lists-a-day type of person, this is super duper hard for me :) And through all of this, we have had amazing support from friends and family. I can never thank everyone enough for helping, phoning numerous times, bringing me a diet coke, lending a car, and even just offering. We are truly blessed...and it doesn't hurt that I have two beautiful, sweet kids to wake up to every day.
8/29/10
Genetics
When Reagan was little, really little, we would go to the school across the street and let her slide for hours. For many, MANY hours since then, we have spent time at parks doing just that. I decided to brave the slide with Kade. A little more nerve racking on your own but he absolutely loved it. He wanted to go over and over and when we got ready to leave he was crying, reaching out to the little red friend.
A Special Treat
This past week we were able to meet Mike at Lava Hot Springs for the day/night. We are so lucky that right now we have three great employees that have done excellent work for us. Two of Mike's cousins and a former employee of Fanzz that Mike had previously worked with, and he was happy to be able to come work for Mike. As a result, Mike was able to leave the store and know that it was in good hands!
We spent the day swimming, sunning, and enjoying each other's company. We rented a hotel room there on "main" street in Lava, but believe it or not, it was very nice, the bed was really comfy, and the tub...well you can see how fabulous. Reagan was in HEAVEN...first time in a "hotel" and she pretty much ran on high-speed until she couldn't take it anymore. A much needed 24 hours away for everyone.
We spent the day swimming, sunning, and enjoying each other's company. We rented a hotel room there on "main" street in Lava, but believe it or not, it was very nice, the bed was really comfy, and the tub...well you can see how fabulous. Reagan was in HEAVEN...first time in a "hotel" and she pretty much ran on high-speed until she couldn't take it anymore. A much needed 24 hours away for everyone.
8/24/10
August at a Glimpse
This post is a little all over the place. Perfect for our lives right now :) Thought I would include some pictures and outings that have transpired this month. Can you even believe kids are back in school and the weather is (slightly) getting cooler!!!
Two Cool Cats
Fun night in the mountains - we met friends in the canyon on night for a hot dog roast and yummy smores. We enjoyed the weather, throwing rocks in the river, good food, even better company, and it was all brought to an end with a thundering storm as we raced to the cars. Nothing better.
There is nothing sweeter than the love of a cousin.
Bart & Kade
Emmett
Malia (can you tell these three are siblings!)
So begins the dream of a lifetime :) Here are some pictures of "our" new store. Fancy eh?! It looks fantastic and it's been doing pretty good since we opened. When Mike was getting ready to open I told him "just don't get as skinny as you were when we got married!" (of course he weighed several pounds less than I did). Didn't take long to drop numerous pounds already this time around too. Living on yogurt, granola bars, and cereal is quite the diet. If you are ever in Idaho Falls stop in and say hello-he would love the company and I would love the sale :)
There are many types of friends that enter ones life at different stages and for different reasons. Some of those friends you are able to see often and spend time with and others, in the chaos of life, you may not see so often although thought of kindly. However, it's truly about the "friendship" that matters most. We had the opportunity to spend 2 wonderful days catching up with "old" friends that we haven't seen in a while. Jennifer and I have known each other for maybe 14 years. She was just a sweet, shy secretary when I moved down here. Now she is a super mom of 5 sweet kids. Her youngest was born just a few months before Kade. We met at Wheeler Farm and had a few hours of catching up, craziness, and fun.
A few days laters, we met up with the Anderson clan. They lived next door when we bought our house. We would literally spend HOURS chatting over the "fence". Their daughter was Reagan's age when we moved in. She was silly, giggly, and had a crush on Mike (like most girls do ;o) It was an instand bond. Salt of the earth, caring, loving family whom we miss!! They moved away and then moved back but still "away". Geniel has graciously given Reagan's loads and loads of hand-me-downs (which I always LOVE and appreciate) and the kids had fun playing together. Seeing the "kids" all grown up makes you realize just how precious time is and how many years have passed.
After both visits I got into my car and with a happy heart, realized just why people have friends (of any kind). To make you feel important, loved, & respected.
Wheeler Farm with the Wrights
Swimming fun with the Andersons
Arielle & Kade (she would be an awesome babysitter if she lived closer!)
WHen I was younger (heck, probably still), my family called me a leach. I would literally sit in between 2 people on a "2" people couch. I am not sure if it was the human touch I needed or I just did it to be annoying...because that's sometimes how I feel about my OWN daughter!! She definately takes after me in that sense. Always wants to be held or butt in-to someone sitting somewhere. Crawling all over anyone (in this case Alex while he is trying to be left alone but being a good sport about it)
B&N
I'm pretty sure if I ever won a really big lottery, I would buy a Barnes & Noble (or Borders). Heaven is what I would think. We love going to bookstores and walking around, sitting down to read, and just enjoying the smell of coffee and new books. For Reagan's birthday, my mom had given her a gift card to B/N. I have let her go and pick out a book or two each time to let it last. She loves it. I wish I hadn't put my camera deep in the diaper bag at check out time this time around. She said "You stay behind the line mom, I can do it myself because I have my credit card" and up to the cashier she went. I had to point down so the cashier could tell she was there but she proudly reached up on her tippy toes and put the book on the counter. He rang it up, put it in a sack, and gave her the total. She said "Here, take my credit card and I'll sign for it". I was almost ready to cry! No, not because she is 4 and not only knows how to use a "credit" card and thinks that's the concept of buying anything, but because she was showing me just how indepent she is.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...our little man turned 6 months old this month. The doctor is sure impressed at what a "big, healthy baby we grew". Kade is 27" long (this is 2 3/4 inches in TWO months). This put him in the 80% for length. He weight 17 lbs and 5 oz (50%) and last but not least a nice BIG round head in the 80%. That comes from daddy. The height might very well be carrying over from my family. He is currently in 9 and 12 month clothes and I just love it. He enjoys sitting up, rolling over, jib-jabbering like crazy, eating of course, chewing the crap out of his fingers (or anything else that is within reach of his mouth) looking at books, watching Max & Ruby with big sis, being tickled on his feet and under the chin, and of course...SMILING! I get numerous compliments a day on how happy and smiley he is. He's an angel and we love him dearly.
Two Cool Cats
Fun night in the mountains - we met friends in the canyon on night for a hot dog roast and yummy smores. We enjoyed the weather, throwing rocks in the river, good food, even better company, and it was all brought to an end with a thundering storm as we raced to the cars. Nothing better.
There is nothing sweeter than the love of a cousin.
Bart & Kade
Emmett
Malia (can you tell these three are siblings!)
So begins the dream of a lifetime :) Here are some pictures of "our" new store. Fancy eh?! It looks fantastic and it's been doing pretty good since we opened. When Mike was getting ready to open I told him "just don't get as skinny as you were when we got married!" (of course he weighed several pounds less than I did). Didn't take long to drop numerous pounds already this time around too. Living on yogurt, granola bars, and cereal is quite the diet. If you are ever in Idaho Falls stop in and say hello-he would love the company and I would love the sale :)
There are many types of friends that enter ones life at different stages and for different reasons. Some of those friends you are able to see often and spend time with and others, in the chaos of life, you may not see so often although thought of kindly. However, it's truly about the "friendship" that matters most. We had the opportunity to spend 2 wonderful days catching up with "old" friends that we haven't seen in a while. Jennifer and I have known each other for maybe 14 years. She was just a sweet, shy secretary when I moved down here. Now she is a super mom of 5 sweet kids. Her youngest was born just a few months before Kade. We met at Wheeler Farm and had a few hours of catching up, craziness, and fun.
A few days laters, we met up with the Anderson clan. They lived next door when we bought our house. We would literally spend HOURS chatting over the "fence". Their daughter was Reagan's age when we moved in. She was silly, giggly, and had a crush on Mike (like most girls do ;o) It was an instand bond. Salt of the earth, caring, loving family whom we miss!! They moved away and then moved back but still "away". Geniel has graciously given Reagan's loads and loads of hand-me-downs (which I always LOVE and appreciate) and the kids had fun playing together. Seeing the "kids" all grown up makes you realize just how precious time is and how many years have passed.
After both visits I got into my car and with a happy heart, realized just why people have friends (of any kind). To make you feel important, loved, & respected.
Wheeler Farm with the Wrights
Swimming fun with the Andersons
Arielle & Kade (she would be an awesome babysitter if she lived closer!)
WHen I was younger (heck, probably still), my family called me a leach. I would literally sit in between 2 people on a "2" people couch. I am not sure if it was the human touch I needed or I just did it to be annoying...because that's sometimes how I feel about my OWN daughter!! She definately takes after me in that sense. Always wants to be held or butt in-to someone sitting somewhere. Crawling all over anyone (in this case Alex while he is trying to be left alone but being a good sport about it)
B&N
I'm pretty sure if I ever won a really big lottery, I would buy a Barnes & Noble (or Borders). Heaven is what I would think. We love going to bookstores and walking around, sitting down to read, and just enjoying the smell of coffee and new books. For Reagan's birthday, my mom had given her a gift card to B/N. I have let her go and pick out a book or two each time to let it last. She loves it. I wish I hadn't put my camera deep in the diaper bag at check out time this time around. She said "You stay behind the line mom, I can do it myself because I have my credit card" and up to the cashier she went. I had to point down so the cashier could tell she was there but she proudly reached up on her tippy toes and put the book on the counter. He rang it up, put it in a sack, and gave her the total. She said "Here, take my credit card and I'll sign for it". I was almost ready to cry! No, not because she is 4 and not only knows how to use a "credit" card and thinks that's the concept of buying anything, but because she was showing me just how indepent she is.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...our little man turned 6 months old this month. The doctor is sure impressed at what a "big, healthy baby we grew". Kade is 27" long (this is 2 3/4 inches in TWO months). This put him in the 80% for length. He weight 17 lbs and 5 oz (50%) and last but not least a nice BIG round head in the 80%. That comes from daddy. The height might very well be carrying over from my family. He is currently in 9 and 12 month clothes and I just love it. He enjoys sitting up, rolling over, jib-jabbering like crazy, eating of course, chewing the crap out of his fingers (or anything else that is within reach of his mouth) looking at books, watching Max & Ruby with big sis, being tickled on his feet and under the chin, and of course...SMILING! I get numerous compliments a day on how happy and smiley he is. He's an angel and we love him dearly.
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