Life is a Journey, not a race

Blogging

2008-03-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

Well after much time, deliberation, and regret, I have decided to start up my blog again. Why the long pause? I feel it is due to lack of time, interest, and feeling like I couldn't make my blog cool enough or interesting enough to keep my readers attention. But like anything in life one must keep trying and keep hoping for something better, to reach greater heights. So for those of you who make wonderful blogs please be kind, and maybe offer assistance or suggestions.
What has our family been up to? Well as you can tell from last years post we had an addition to our family. As a mom of only two, I sometimes ponder -How in the heck do moms with more than two do it?- Not to say my kids are a handful, but life is definitely different. Like dealing with two grumpy kids who are both crying an trying to get them to stop through a method of trial and error. Is it hunger? are they tired? are they sick? do they have a temperature? are they teething, do they have gas or did they eat something gross from the floor, again, or are they fighting over the same toy? The list goes on. And for those of you without kids, there's more! It can become a vicious cycle. If you miss the time for nap then they get soo tired that they won't take a nap and the whole day is ruined because they are cranky and really need a nap and only finally sleep due to exhaustion. Then there is the issue of sleep. I'm sure I'm the only one who struggles with this, but the lack thereof can make a woman loose her mind. (So what am I implying?) Not only are you sleep walking to go soothe a crying child, which would be cake, if it wasn't all------ through the night. Then you're expected (by an unknown group of rule keepers) to wake up refreshed and beautiful and have the house in pristine condition at all hours, ready for company, and then have a delicious meal ready for dinner, in time! I for one cannot meet those demands. I do know several woman shall we call them Celestial beings, Superwomen, or just plain crazy, who do it all and maintain complete sanity. I have yet to grasp their mighty powers. I have devised a plan to find their secret. It will include, but not be limited to spying, questioning and experimentation. How do they do it all, and have time to make cute little hand made crafty things, and go to the gym, scrapbook, and do community service? They often claim to be bored, I've heard some say. Which completely astounds me because I'm so overwhelmed and in over my head I don't even have the time or the ability to be bored. Maybe they have made a secret pact with aliens that if they give them their eldest child, the aliens will keep all things in order and perfect.
Well I guess I should stop my complaining, it's always easier to see the bad stuff. What gets me through the blah is when they (my kids) look up at me and say "I love you". Or when they do something hilarious that you laugh until you have tears in your eyes, or when you realize how fast they grow up and that they aren't babies anymore and that time is so precious. So sometimes I just throw cleaning and all that jazz out the window and just play and watch my children be kids and enjoy the moment. I believe more and more that the small and simple things bring true joy.

Shopping with kids

2008-03-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Since I don't live near family, and probably even if I did, I take my kids shopping. To some it may seem like insanity, and sometimes it feels insane, but mostly I just do it and deal with it and am not bothered by it. I now know to tell Bryson a head of time we aren't buying any toys or treats and so far it works. The thing that is often difficult to foresee and minimize is what my child says.
Just last week while shopping I picked up a box of wipes for Bryson. Bryson has been potty trained for a year now, thank heaven, and we're trying to help him learn to take care of his toilet needs by himself, thus the purchasing of happy (flushable) wipes. I got near the end of my shopping and thought these are not worth the extra cost and put them back on the shelf. Bryson alarmed asked in his loudest voice, "But mommie how will we wipe our bottoms?" I quietly said we have toilet paper at home and tried to hurry away from the clerk laughing at us. He was quite distressed so I got the wipes to reassure him all would be well.

Skateboarding?

2008-03-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

One weekend we decided to go to the park for a stroll. Brian brought his skate board and Bryson had his bike, and Miles had the luxury of riding in a stroller. So who got the best work out? And who had the most fun? Well I thought I would be on the blah side, but something different happened. Brian, offered me to ride on his long board (long skate board). Now, for those of you thinking oh, no big deal she probably does this all the time. NO, I have never ridden a skate board in my life, and I rarely do things that will humiliate me on purpose. But after some convincing, and especially since no one was around really, I decided to try. I was definetly out of my element, but eventually I got the hang of it. Not to say I'm going to do tricks or anything, but I started to like it, that's all. Also Brian tells me the long board is much easier than the regular skate board.

Piano

2008-03-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

We have a new arrival. Our neighbors across the street decided they wanted to get rid of their piano and wondered if we were interested. UM... Ya! and they didn't want anything for it. So now I need to make use of this and start practicing. Not that I was ever any good. But since we have no pianist in Primary currently, and since I often have to sub for the chorister ( Ya, like 3 out of 4 weeks!), I might as well learn the songs on the piano also. The kids of course love it. I want to try and teach Bryson some basics, but again I'm no pro.

Flowers

2008-03-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

If anyone truly knows me they will know I love flowers. So much so that I convinced my boys to take me to a Camellia Flower show. The flowers were brought in from all over the state and were judged and given awards. We have a few Camellias that are currently blooming. But these were really neat to see.

Bryson's favorite part was the fish in the building and the peacocks and Canadian geese outside.

Easter

2008-06-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

I know I know it's already past Easter but I'm trying to catch up. These pictures are Easter at a the Hammer's house.

Miles really enjoyed shaking the eggs and then eating the candy. Some of the eggs had cars or planes in them and Bryson enjoyed playing with those.

Picnic at the Farm

2008-06-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

My friend Erica took us to a fun place called Lavender Hollow. Its a Lavender farm.

We had fun looking at the chickens. They are named after the five daughters in the novel Pride and Prejudice and the Rooster is Mr. Darcy.

Bryson really liked this old car.

The family that runs the farm restored/remodeled an old Farm home and made it gorgeous. They have all sorts of fun activities. Check out their website. http://www.lavenderhollowfarm.com/

Grandma visit

2008-06-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the Oakland Temple after picking up Grandma from the airport. The grounds here are always beautiful.

Gotta touch that water

Fun with Grandpa

2008-06-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa took us to Yosemite. We took a short hike and enjoyed the beautiful valley .

Bryson thought it was funny that they made a bench out of a tree.

Trains

2008-06-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

We got together with the Edwards over Memorial Weekend and visited Old Town Sacramento and the famous Railroad Museum.
We had a little trouble getting every one to look at the camera and sit still.

Cute Couple

Waving high to the Engine as it passes by our passenger car.

Mmmm Blackberries!

2008-06-16T21:45:00.001-07:00

Here's the view I had when I stepped outside. We have a blackberry bush in the backyard. Every year I've tried to make good use of the berries. Does smashing berries all over your face count? I bet it makes a great facial. I had to soak the shirt for a while to get the stains out. But, seeing the smile on his face was worth it.

Preschool graduation

2008-06-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Bryson's Joy school graduation was so cute. Obviously not the traditional ceremony, or dress apparel occurred, but they all had fun. The mom's all got together and tie dyed shirts for grad day. We had a short program where they sang one of their songs and then received their certificate. I still need to download the video to You tube. So you need to check out my friend Tricia's blog. Watch the video of them singing. You will get a good laugh.

Visiting Great Grandma

2008-10-28T21:15:00.001-07:00

Spending the afternoon down by Great gran's pond.

August review

2008-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

The boys sure are getting to see more family now. A week after we moved into our house we had a family get together at our home. That sure helped us in going through the boxes and cleaning up. Some one else took a nice group shot. I'm still waiting to get it.

Bryson and Miles with Grandma and Grandpa

Cousins Abri, and Miles just a few months apart

Quin, Abri, Cole, Bryson, and Miles

The Edwards were in town and the boys and I got to hang out with them for a little while.

Could our kids be related? Look at all the blond hair.

Having Fun

2008-10-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

We stayed with my parents for a few days until we could get into our house. My mom the kids and I took a trip to the Children's Museum. It was a lot of fun for the kids.

We rode the Frontrunner into town. Bryson loved it!

Bryson loves the llamas at grandma and grandpa's.

Good bye

2008-10-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

We've loved it in Modesto. We will forever hold fond memories of this place and the many wonderful people. We were blessed to live here.

Last time at the house

My good friend Erica took pictures of my house for me while I was doing the last walk over of the house. We both weren't happy about me leaving. Erica was amazing she not only offered to help watch my kids while I dealt with the stress of moving, but she also arranged for a sitter and came over and helped me clean my house. She let us stay the night at her home and then took us to the airport! She went over and beyond. What a great friend.

Sr. Primary

Jr. Primary. I will miss the Primary children enormously. I learned so much serving in Primary. I grew to know and love each child and knew the wonderful spirit each had within.

Bryson's wonderful primary teacher Sister Yosh!

Our Beautiful Chapel

Bryson's best friend Caleb

The boys and I flew out of San Fran.

One last hurrah

2008-10-28T17:52:00.001-07:00

Funworks was the last place we went to as a family in Modesto.

Future Batman

Oh boy

Those smiles are priceless

I have a little bit of a led foot at times. This is one place to put that to good use.

The 4th of July in my neighborhood

2008-10-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood sure threw a fun 4th of July Party

Bryson with his buds Caleb and Seth

Entertainment! All the neighborhood garage bands played throughout the day.

Friends, staying a safe distance from the madness

Fire truck tour. Our local fire fighters brought out the big trucks to our party.

The boys got to meet the firemen and received a complementary hat

Does your neighborhood do this?

Bryson loved this water slide

Miguel (Mike) and Amber two of our favorite people at the Second ward 4th of July Breakfast.

Dave one dedicated Scout master

Catching up on July

2008-10-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

We spent two wonderful days in the Monterey area. We all had a nice relaxing time. We will sure miss the beach!

Big Sur has very scenic beaches, that are difficult to get to

Bryson loves racing the waves

The only thing bad about the beach is the cold water.

Carmel is another beautiful spot to just hang out

Down by the dock in Monterey, checking out all the interesting types of boats

The place we stayed at

Brian is a professional sand castle builder.

Facinating! The Monterey Aquarium has the best exhibits I've ever seen!

Wild clam creatures from the deep. Watch out they bite!

I'd love to have a fish tank like this

The Jellies! Dude! This is the most amazing exhibit there!

Catching up

2008-10-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Four months ago I stopped blogging. I got a little side tracked...we moved. So I will do my best to capture all that happened during that time up to now.

Things we did during the end of June

Cameron's Chuck E Cheese Party

Corvette at Modesto Car show

Sweet Ride!

Lavender Hollow

Lavender Hollow, Harvest time

NICU

2007-04-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Miles stayed in the NICU for a week. Jamilah drove to the hospital, 30 min. away, every day. It was very difficult to leave the baby at the hospital.

Miles in the incubator

Before you can go in and see your baby you have to scrub your hands and arms for 3 min. and then you put a hospital gown over your clothes.

Children under 16 yrs. were not allowed in, so Bryson got to see his baby brother for the first time through the window.

Miles doing his car seat test. Testing to make sure he could breath okay for an extended period sitting in a car seat.

Miles in his going home outfit.

Miles celebrating being able to leave.

Our new arrival

2007-04-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

Our little guy just couldn't wait any longer. He arrived 6 weeks early. Jamilah's water broke at 33 weeks and was kept in the hospital, on bed rest, for a week. Then at 34 weeks labor was induced and Miles was born.

Bryson's birthday

2007-01-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

Bryson had quite the celebration. We chose race cars as a theme and he loved it! Here is a cake mom made. Bryson drove his cars on the track several times before we could cut it up.

Here's the cool race car dad made for Bryson's party.

Here's the race track for the party

Bryson

2007-01-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

Bryson has had a wonderful year. So many new adventures. Bryson is similar to his dad in his taste of vehicles and projects he likes to work on. They both love fixing things up especially Land Cruisers. Bryson also loves music and singing. He learns songs quickly and has favorites that only he can sing. (We get introuble if we try and sing along.) He is very eager to see his new little brother. He asked me one day "when is daddy coming home?" then he asked " when is the baby coming home?" He has become very interested in our preparations for our new little arival.

Bryson can be quite charming

Bryson loves playing at the park.

Bryson loves the movie cars

Camping

2006-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

We took some friends camping with us in the Sierras. They had a two month old baby with them, and she did amazingly well. Bryson was a little nervous of the dark and the new surroundings. Once morning came he was happy.

Here Bryson is roasting, or rather burning a marshmallow for the first time on his own. He really got a kick out of this.

At the end of our adventure we went out to eat at the Pizza in the Sky restaurant.