The Jorgens 'Ohana

You Can Read, Can't You?

2011-11-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

The boys know that there are certain things that Mommy will not do with them, or for them. I do lots of things with them and for them, but there is a short list of Mommy's Untouchables:
*Puzzles (I don't care how many pieces)
*Putting together transformers
*Setting up electronics

Well, the other day, Jonah was begging me to put his transformer from the robot, back into a car....

Me: That's not gonna happen buddy.

Jonah (5), brings me the blue print, a step by step instruction paper of how to do it: Here you go, Mommy.

Me: Ya, Sweety... Still not gonna happen. You know Mommy doesn't do that. I just get frustrated. Daddy will be home soon.

Jonah: Well, here is the instructions. Can you read, can't you?

Me: Ya. I can read.

Jonah: If you can read, you can put it together.

The Difference Is....

2011-11-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

There is an elderly couple in our church and the wife is actually much older than the husband. Her health has declined greatly, and her husband has been taking great care of her. As I was discussing this with the twins the other day I could not help but ask this question of them. I did it separately, as I had a feeling that their answers would be different, and I didn't want their brothers answer to sway what they would say to me...
Me: So, when Mommy gets really, really old, are you gonna help take care of me?

Noah (5): Oh, ya, Mama!

Jonah (5): Um... I think I'm gonna be too busy being a grown-up.

Priceless.

Making Palin Proud

2011-06-15T17:14:00.001-07:00

The other afternoon I was snuggling Jonah as he was preparing for a rare afternoon nap...

Me: I love you Jonah.

Jonah (5): I love you morst.

Me: I love you most...

Jonah: I love you morstest.

Really... How can I refudiate that?

Land Lover?

2011-06-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Caleb (7), typically LOVES water... loves the pool, loves the beach, loves the river, loves the bath tub. So, it was surprising that at a Pool Party we attended this weekend, the following events occurred:
Daddy: OK, Caleb! It's your turn to come in the water and swim with me! (Daddy reaches up and brings Caleb into the pool)
Caleb, wraps his arm tightly around Daddy's neck and SCREAMS: PUT ME BACK ON LAND!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!

On Fashion...

2011-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

I am wearing capris today.
Jonah (ALMOST 5...) : Mom? Why are you wearing my pants?

On Rhyming...

2011-02-18T22:16:00.001-08:00

Noah (4): Mommy? What rhymes with Mama?

Me: Well... let's see... Llama rhymes with Mama.

Noah: Oh. So, would Mommy rhyme with Camel?

Introducing: BAILEY!

2011-02-18T16:26:00.001-08:00

Our family received a WONDERFUL Christmas gift this year! A darling puppy we named Bailey! Bailey is a Beagle/Chihuahua mix. She is about the cutest little dog ever, and her personality is even more adorable!

Grammy and Ronpa delivered her to us on December 23rd, after fostering her for 2 weeks. I know it could not have been easy. Bailey has a way of casting a spell of love over all who meet her! Here are a few of my favorite photos of Bailey, and our family enjoying her. Especially Noah. I have never seen a 4 year old boy have such a gift with animals. He is so gentle with them, and has such affection for them. I am so thankful we are able to have our animals to cultivate that special gift he has!

The next best thing to Santa? GRAMMY!
Noah snuggling his new puppy.

Lea and Bailey developed a great friendship right away. It's so nice to see them play! I know Lea loves her, even though Bailey's energy tuckers her out sometimes!

Sweet baby face!

Bailey never misses an opportunity to snuggle with Noah.

My sweet animals! Lea, snoring... Bailey, and Oliver. Oliver has been a real trooper, too! He is a very forgiving cat for all the chaos in our home. Despite the noise and excitement, Oliver remains very social and loves to play with Bailey. Oliver is also good at telling Bailey when he is 'done'. Tee hee!!

I LOVE how tiny she is on the giant dog bed! This was taken this month, February 2011. I just wonder how big she'll actually get?!

And again.... Noah feel asleep, and Bailey hoped right up to snooze with him!

Bailey often hops in my bed in the morning as we are getting everyone ready for their day. She tucks herself in under the covers and snoozes, often, until late morning! It is darling! These days, my bed is not getting made until the afternoon because she is just TOO cute to disturb!

We sure are in love with our new puppy! I hope you enjoy these photos of our new addition.

Love

2011-02-16T08:59:00.001-08:00

I think I may have had the best Valentines Day ever this year. Really, it was magical. I am so blessed with the abundance of love that fills my home each day.
The day started out like every other... getting the boys ready for school. Caleb was very excited for his Valentine party at school, and was so happy that Mommy was coming, too.
While the boys were at school, I hit the dollar store, and picked up three adorable monkey balloons, and a few decorations to make the day a real celebration. As Noah pointed out that morning "Mom? Is this Valentines Day?" Me: "Yep! It's today." Noah: "Where's the decorations, Mom?" Right. I'll get on that, Buddy. ;o)
When I picked the Twins up from school, they came home to their Valentine balloons, and the some decorations that made it feel like a real holiday...
Matt came home early, as his work schedule is having him work on his day off this week, and I was able to go to Caleb's Valentine party at school. He was SO excited to see Mommy! We partied hard in Room 10, made banana splits, and then I decided to stay the rest of the day so Caleb could show me some of the things he has been working on. I went down to his Special Ed room with him, and he showed me how hard he has been working on learning to tie a shoe! Would you believe it, my little man DID IT! I had tears streaming down my face as I watched him conquer this task that is so easy for some, but has been quite a motor challenge for him. As you can see in the picture below, he was quite proud! I was, too.
That night we had a family "date"! I made homemade fettuccine alfredo, and we had soda in our special Valentines cups (the boys loved doing "cheers" throughout the dinner.) We also went around the table, and told each member of the family something we love about them. (see below for that re-cap) It was such a joy to spend Valentines Day with the 4 guys I love the most. I am one blessed girl. ;o)

Caleb... Tieing a shoe!!!!

Party time in first grade!

Jonah getting the last drop of soda!

Noah's SO happy to have a treat!

Balloons make GREAT Valentines!

A romantic dinner with my Boys!

Caleb (7): I love Daddy because he works hard at his meetings.

I love Mommy because she came to my school today, and saw my party and my school.

Noah (4): I love Daddy because he is strong.

I love Mommy because she takes good care of us.

Jonah (4): I love Daddy because he made us our big boy beds.

I love Mommy because she makes good food.

Jonah's Anatomy

2011-01-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

This morning, on our way to school...

Noah (4): Jonah! Don't go to sleep!

Jonah (4): Noah.... I am not sleeping. I am looking at my eye lids.

Noah, questioning... : Is that on your body, or mine?

Jonah, sighs: Noah, they are on everybody's body.

Yep. That's underwear on their head.
I had to sneak this one in... My Gingerbread Twins. ;o)

Chicks Who Drive Trucks Rock

2011-01-20T13:28:00.001-08:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday I have the blessing of watching Miss Etta Wicks while her Mommy, my BFF Emily, teaches music at a local private school. I LOVE Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are just.so.much.fun. I pick Etta up, and then she and I drive to the boys' pre-school, and pick up her "Crazy Boys". Etta and I enjoy lots of girl talk on the way to get the boys... Today was so hilarious, I just HAD to share it with you all:

Etta (2): There's a red truck!

Me: YA! Who else drives a red truck?

Etta: My Dad. And Uncle Matt. And Joe.

Me: WOW! You know LOTS of people who drive red trucks. Etta, which do you like more? Trucks, or cars?

Etta: Trucks.

Me: Ya, me too. Chicks who drive trucks rock.

Etta: Ya. My Dad, too.

Farty Brain

2011-01-15T13:00:00.001-08:00

I live with boys. A lot of them. And now that they are getting a bit older, the joy of bodily functions seems to be taking over my house. That, and the endless debate as to which is better: Star Wars, or Star Trek. People say that boys and girls are conditioned to behave in their gender roles... I say... PSHA! My boys are 7 and 4... they are just programed by the Good Lord to do and say BOY things....(speaking generally, here.) But, I digress... this is a story about Farty Brain.

This morning the following conversation took place:

Mom: Wow, thanks for fixing that, Matt....

Jonah (4): Ya, Farty Brain.

Mom: Jonah... we don't call people Farty Brain. It's not nice.

Jonah (with the most serious expression, ever.): But Mom... I have a friend at school named Farty Brain. And he's super nice.

Mom: Really? You really have a friend named Farty Brain, huh?

Jonah: Ya. He's 4. Like us. I like him a lot. But sometimes he farts on me.

That Tooth Did, Indeed, Come Out...

2011-01-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

I know! It has been the epic cliff hanger for the last 6 months! "Did that tooth EVER come out?!" You've all been on the edge of your seats wondering... And, indeed, it did....
I have wrestled with whether to catch up on past stuff, or just start with today, but there are some things that I just GOTTA put on here... And this is one of them. The Era of the Tooth Fairy has been ushered into the Jorgens 'Ohana. Here are some pictures of our VERY proud boy. It was super loose, and one day I finally popped him up on the kitchen counter and gave it a tiny wiggle... He was super nervous when I said gasped, then when I said "Caleb! It came out!" He just giggled with glee! The Twins thought it was pretty exciting, too. We called Daddy right away, and the rest of the evening was tooth excitement galore... ;o)

Proudly displaying his tooth in the very same tooth fairy box I used as a little kid.
Holding his tooth.... Funny, I remember being equally excited when that little tooth made it's first appearance.

Ya, you can't really see the puka, but I love this picture of him trying to show us!

ALL SMILES!

Behind The Times

2011-01-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have been seriously behind in my blogging. I dunno... There has been a part of me that just hasn't had the desire to post in the last several months... Sometimes it is just fun to LIVE it, and I was pressuring myself about blogging... GOTTA get a post about this and that. So, I just released my self pressure, and just lived. Enjoying and soaking up every moment without feeling like I had to share it with the world. It was nice, actually.
But now? I am over it. I have the desire to post updates again, and that makes it fun, right?! With the Holidays behind us, and a year of excitement ahead, I am eager to keep my record of the blessings and goings on of our family....
Stay tuned! And I hope there are still people out there who check my blog! Hahaha... We'll see!
~C

Thinking It Through...

2010-06-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Caleb has one seriously loose tooth. His very first one. It has actually been loose for while now... But since it has gotten really wiggly, he has had some second thoughts about this whole 'teeth falling out of your mouth' thing. And really, it is pretty disturbing until you are able to process that it happens to everyone, and yes, new teeth do come it to replace the ones that fall out. Each night, we wiggle the tooth a little more, and check on it's progress... and each night, tears well up in Caleb's eyes and he says "Mama, I'm just so worried about my tooth!" It just breaks my heart. So to ease his anxiety, while we were tucking all the boys in bed last night, I informed him that the Tooth Fairy has told me that she has a new Thomas the Train engine to give him, BUT he will have to switch her. He gives her his tooth, she give him a train. Last night, as we were discussing this magical transaction, Caleb seemed to perk up a bit. But as I explained it I also noticed that the Twins were listening intently to this impending deal, and Noah, well, he had some concerns about the logistics of how it would work...

Me: So, once your tooth comes out, we'll put it on your shelf, and the Tooth Fairy will come and leave you a train!

Noah (4): Will she drive her car here, Mama?

Me, very matter-of-fact: No, Honey, she'll fly.

Noah: Will she use wings, or an airplane?

Me: She'll use her fairy wings.

Jonah (4): That's pretty silly, Mama.

Noah: Ya. I think she should just drive.

I Don't Just Love You...

2010-06-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving to go out with friends the other night:

Caleb (6) sniffling a little, and tearing up: But Mama... I like you!

Noah & Jonah Turn 4!!

2010-06-27T20:46:00.001-07:00

I think I may start every birthday post with "I can't believe"... Another year passes, and these little men that came to us through the miracle of adoption continue to grow, in height/weight and personality & character. When God blessed me with Motherhood, I knew that being a mother included the obvious... pouring of myself into these new lives and raise them up to be, by the grace of God, not just people that we love dearly, but that those around them can love too. I think what I seriously underestimated is how much I would grow from them.

Noah and Jonah, Mama always tells you that you are our gifts from God. And you so totally are. We love and adore you more than words can say.

The boys' birthdays always lead my heart back to their birth mothers. Andrea, we love you so deeply. The gift you gave us when you dedicated these boys to us will forever overwhelm my heart. I love you, not only for all you have done for us, but for all of who you are. You are an incredible women, and mother.

______________

I have to say, that the rest of this post is a long, wonderful story of Noah and Jonah's birthday. It was such a magical day, and I am so excited to finally be sharing it here...

Birthday morning started, as it always does, the night before. If you have read any previous posts on birthdays, you know that they are so special to me. My mother always had, rather-has, a way of making a birthday ridiculously wonderful. When your day comes, you have no doubt that you will indeed be celebrated. I treasure this, and have wanted to carry on that tradition with my kids. So I spend the night before their birthdays decorating the whole house with balloons and streamers, "Happy Birthday" signs and gifts. We are so abundantly blessed to celebrate our babies.

Grammy had a plan to get the Twins Big Boy Bikes from months ago, and we had those set up and ready to surprise the boys when they woke up, along with the wonderful mountain of gifts from Nana Jorgens. As I finished getting everything ready for their birthday surprise, I told Matt how I sure wish my Mom could be here... I said "I know I would do her proud." Hahaha.... We went to bed, and rested up for the party to come the next day.

Morning came quickly, as always, and the boys got up and jumped into our bed for morning snuggles. At about 7:30 we heard a light knock upstairs... then we heard another knock... the knocking continued, and Matt headed upstairs... I really didn't think anything of it... People stop by the house for one reason or another all the time. But I heard a little rustling upstairs, and about 5 min. later, I hear a most familiar voice say "Hey! I hear there is a birthday party today!!!!" IT WAS GRAMMY AND RONPA!!!!! I jumped up out of bed and just started crying, I was SO surprised and elated! My Mom is SO the BIRTHDAY QUEEN!!!! She and Ron had driven the day before and reserved a hotel for that night, all so they could show up on their birthday. It was incredible! I was SO excited to have my Mama there to share in the fun, and of course, the boys were all thrilled that Grammy and Ronpa came to their birthday party!

A day of setting up, and all the Pirates Arrrrr ready to Parrrrty!

(Yes. We had a pirate party. ;o)

Lot's of friends from the boys' pre-school came to share in the party fun!

And Caleb invited his best friend, Maci and her brother to come to the party, too! Caleb was SO excited to have her there!

Several of our young adults group came to celebrate with us, they spend so much time with the boys, they are all like family to them.

Birthday boy Jonah enjoying his pizza.

Silly Birthday boy Noah!

Grammy and Ronpa enjoying the party.

Mommy and Grammy help the boys get close to blow out their birthday candles! 4 Each!

Mmmmm!!!! Birthday cake is a treasure. ;o)

All the kids are excited for cake!!!

Noah checking out some stickers.

Maci and Micah, Jonah and Caleb enjoying cake.

PRESENT TIME!

Fun treasure from great friends!

Maci helping out. Me, wondering why I still have an eye patch on my head.

Jonah and Ronpa are sparring.

Swings, pool, pizza, cake, and games. Doesn't get much better than that.

Noah is checking out some of the birthday loot.

It's been a very long day. Very fun, but very long. Noah snuggled up and just went to sleep. But as I look at this picture, I can't help but think Mommy looks pretty tired, too.

Jonah is spending some time coloring with Grammy.

Grammy was telling Jonah how very good he is at coloring in the lines. He worked so hard, and did a great job! Proud Jonah!

It was a very magical day. Thank you to everyone who celebrated, near and far, the 4th birthday of our miracle babies. We celebrate all of you, for the gifts you are to our family. I am filled with gratefulness for the bountiful goodness that fills our lives.

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Babies.

But, Mom?!

2010-06-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

Noah (4), comes in crying to me: MOMMY!!! Jonah hit my head with my feet!!!

Me: ???

Jonah (4) running in: BUT MOM!!! I was just trying to make him into a pretzel!

Jonah

2010-06-21T15:17:00.001-07:00

Of all of my children, Jonah keeps me on my toes the most. Matt has likened him to Peter from the Gospels. He is the first one to speak or act. Sometimes he is right on the money and others, well, he just needs some correction. But without a doubt, our Jonah is a man of action. He is the most likely to disobey, destruct, and give me sass. But he is also often the more likely to share love, concern and empathy for others. He gets into so much stuff, but is so independent. As challenging as Jonah is, we are ridiculously thankful for his depth of spirit. He is always saying and doing things that I try to remember to write on here... mostly for myself. As a record of all the great things the boys say and do. I imagine myself old and grey, drinking a glass of Merlot, wrapped up in a leopard print snuggy, reading all of these posts and crying tears of pain, that it passed so quickly, and of joy that I have had the gift of raising these amazing young men.

All of that is to share a couple little adorable Jonah moments that have squeezed my heart this week...

We went to the circus on last Friday (which is a post all it's own with adorable pictures to follow, stay tuned)... We have been looking forward to the circus for approximately a year. Since the last one packed up and headed out of town. Last year, Jonah was enamored by the elephants. He really wanted to ride one, and we were ready to let him... but as soon as he stepped in line, and realized the size of the giant creature, he promptly said he did NOT want to go through with it. I let him know that that was just fine, and that next year, when he was 4, he may just be ready then to ride the elephants. I kid you not that all year he has been talking about it. All.year.long. I have heard about how when he is 4, he will be big enough, and brave enough to ride the elephants. As circus time grew closer, so did Jonah's confidence. And, I might add that confidence is certainly not something that Jonah lacks. Our time came last Friday to see the annual circus... Oh, Jonah was delighted!

We parked the van. Unloaded the boys, and feasted our eyes on the grander of red and white strips and the festive smell of dung and sugar, all in one whiff... it was here. It was time. Jonah held my hand, looked up at me with his gorgeous chocolate eyes and said...

"Mama. I think I need to wait until I'm five. Or... the elephants need to get much smaller."

_____________________

I worked this morning, and I have to say, I have a mound of laundry in the laundry room that would rival that of a Motel 6. Can I just say, I think my laundry is like a bunny farm. What is it about laundry, and how it is never, ever really done. Matt would have a great solution to this... I KNOW he would tell me, in the quiet of our own home. Church members not present. Children in bed.... "Well, Christine, you know... if you just stopped wearing clothes, we wouldn't have such a laundry problem." He would. I bet money. And lots of it, cuz I know I would win the bet. Anyway, Matt called me today while I was working to say that he was SO proud of Jonah (I knew by the sound of Matt's voice that Jonah was listening to every word his Daddy was saying. 'Cuz Matt spoke in that amazing Daddy way, that makes my heart swell. You know, the one where you know he made the call more for Jonah, than for me.) But he was so proud of Jonah... Jonah had gone down into the laundry room, emptied the clean clothes out of the dryer into a basket, and cleaned out the lint catcher. Then got his Daddy to show that he was helping Mommy.

Another side note:

Dear Jonah's Future Wife,

I want you to know that I love you. I have waited a long time for a daughter, and I just know that you must be amazing. But in truth, I want you to love me too. I want you to think of me as your Mom. And because of this desire, for you to love me, I want you to know that I am dedicating myself to honing this skill of Jonah's. He has obviously shown an aptitude for household chores early on, and I recognize that it is now my job to nurture those skills.

You are in my prayers, even now.

Love,

Mom.

Okay.... with that said, once I got home, I praised Jonah for helping me, and thanked him for being such a Big Boy Helper. To which he responded:

"Well, Mom. You didn't come home right away. And since you didn't do it, I wanted to get it done for you."

This has been a super long post. Very wordy. You think I am done, and then I'm not. I have another story... But now I really have to go because Jonah has just gotten into the cupboard and is trying the make the cat a sandwich.

EUGENE MARATHON 2010!!!

2010-06-19T18:06:00.001-07:00

Last winter I decided that I really wanted to do another Marathon, and I really wanted to do one close to where my Mom was, so she could come, and be a part of the experience. Ok... and I just really wanted to race 26.2 again. ;o) I was so nervous to race again for a couple of reasons... I have chondromalatia in both my knees, and it really acted up right before Missoula, so I was not sure how my knees would hold up. But mostly because I had trained and raced my first marathon with Emily, one of my closest friends. I was very nervous to do this one solo. But I didn't have a choice, since Emily is GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY!!! YAY! Thankfully, although I trained through winter, the weather was super mild, and was very kind to me. Matt also biked with me on most of my long runs, 14+ miles, which was so amazing!!! The end of the journey brought me to Eugene, Or on May 2nd... and I felt very ready, and very excited!!!

Loaded up and ready to line up at the porta-pottys!

Taking my place at the start!

My boys finally found me at around mile 14. My pace was much faster in the beginning that I had anticipated, so Matt had a hard time finding me. Once I finally saw my Boys, and My Mom, I just started crying! It had been a wonderful first half, but I was VERY ready to see them! Once he found me, and knew my pace, they ended up being at MANY different places along the course. Would you believe that I even ran next to a woman who had ran the Missoula Marathon last July also, and remembered the boys in the bright t-shirts! I was right next to her, and she shouted, HEY! I remember you boys from Missoula!!! It was SO cool!

They encouraged, not only me, but all the runners! They just kept shouting to everyone "WAY TO GO! KEEP IT UP! GOOD JOB, GUYS!" It was priceless!

Whew... Noah thought it was tiring just being on the cheer leading squad!

Rolling around and playing in the one of the many parks we ran through.

My boys had on their, now famous, On a scale of 1-10 shirts... Mom and Ron had t-shirts made that said "My Daughter Kicks Asphalt" They were GREAT!

Just after the finish! Since we finished in Hayward field, all the spectators were in the stands, and only racers were on the track... so, it wasn't really possible to get a crossing the finish line photo... But I do have some on order from the race photo place... hopefully I can post those later. But I love this one Mom got as I was headed down to find all my cheerleaders!

I finished the race in 4:49 min., 2 minutes faster than my last time. I was REALLY wanting to do a 4:45, and I was poised for that time for most of the race, but I gotta tell you, those last few miles kicked my butt. I had to stop and pee, and just. got. so. tired! Hahaha... Overall, I was very excited about my finish.

Check out the look on my face. Ya. Those stairs hurt. Hahaha!

My sweet girl, Shana Bug and Sue came to see me at the finish! It was SO AMAZING to see them! They were the first ones I saw as I came around the track to my finish line.

Big hugs from Sue!!! I was so happy that they were able to come!

Shana and Sue, thank you so much for being there! That was such a gift!!!

Mom and Ron, it was AWESOME to share this with you both!

My ultimate cheerleaders! I love you boys! Thank you so much, Matt for supporting my craziness! I love you!

Friends and Family

2010-06-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

The night before the marathon, we had a big party with friends and family that I have not seen in years. Ron's son Chris and his wife Shannon stayed with us while we were there, and it was such a joy to spend that time with them, and get to know them even better. Aunt Shannon was a BIG hit with the boys! She is so much fun, and they just bonded with her! We also saw my Grandpa, who has never met the twins, and dear friends, Terri, and my Aunt Lorrie and Uncle Albert came out for the festivities. It was such a joy to see everyone and have them share in the joy of my upcoming race!

Aunt Shannon took the boys down to the pond, where they found a salamander, and Noah FREAKED out! But other than that, they had SO MUCH FUN!
Checking out the pond.

Aunt Shannon is checking to see if Jonah has any loose teeth. ;o)

Aunt Terri, Ron, Mom's Ron, Grandpa, and us!

Mom, Grandpa, and us.

Our Family with Great Grandpa Bryant

BEACH FUN!

2010-06-18T23:10:00.001-07:00

Before the Marathon, we headed to Newport to enjoy a few days of beach fun. Mom and Ron rented a beach house with us, and I must say that despite the first day of rain, we had a delightful time! As soon as we arrived and unpacked the car, our Hawaiian boys were begging us to head down to the beach. Caleb, especially, was SO eager to get into the water! It makes no difference to him that it is much colder, he just goes for it! We figured that we had driven all that way, we were going to just going to brave it!

Our Family, heading out to the beach!
This says it all for me!

My Gifts

Ron found a star fish out in the sand... He was still soft, so we were hopeful that we could toss him back into the ocean to save him... But, of course, before we did, we enjoyed the up close and personal encounter with one of God's amazing creatures.

Noah checking it out.

Beautiful! Caleb and Daddy

Yes, it was raining. And Jonah was ready!

SINGING IN THE RAIN!!!

Cold and rainy, but we are all smiles!

Cutie Boy, Noah!

Daddy and his boys

May Fun! (2nd Edition)

2010-06-18T22:34:00.001-07:00

We also visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and had such a great time! We were able to explore a touch tank, see giant jelly fish, and even walk through a water tunnel, where there were fish all around us in a clear tunnel, above beside and EVEN below us as we walked. There were even sharks in the tank! The boys were ecstatic! And Grammy, Ronpa, Matt and I had a great time, too!

I just hear the Jaws theme when I look at this! Noah exploring the anemone. It was so cool to be able to touch the anemone, and the star fish. It was amazing at how different the star fish felt... so many different kinds, ones with rough and hard 'shells'? and some that were as soft as velvet. It was such a cool experience for the Boys! Giant Jellys! Caleb LOVED the Jellys! Ok.... we ALL did! Exploring God's Beautiful Creation! We serve a seriously creative God! Daddy and the Twins up front, Grammy and Caleb in back, checking everything out! I LOVE this one! All three of my Babies, exploring the creatures of the ocean!

May Fun! (1st Edition)

2010-06-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am SO behind in blogging! I have so much to catch up on!!! I need to get all the wonderful photos and share all the beautiful experiences we have had the last month +, including a fantastic family vacation with my Mom, and Ron, visiting Bonnie (one of our delightful college girls that joined the Coast Guard last fall), running my 2nd marathon in Eugene Or. And of course, Noah and Jonah's 4th birthday!!! So, bare with me, as I catch up my on-line scrapbook. I hope you enjoy sharing these recent memories with me!______________________________________

The end of April, we headed to Oregon to spend a delightful week of vacation with my Mommy, and to indulge my addiction of marathoning! After training all winter long, it was finally the count down to my second marathon, in Eugene Oregon. We went early to spend a few days at the coast with Mom and Ron, and we had an AMAZING time!

Matt, Jonah, Caleb, Noah and Mommy... Standing in Depot Bay, Oregon... It was SO windy! But we were searching for whales. So, it was worth it!
Grammy and her boys.

We made a stop in to the Whale Observatory which was incredible. We were able to search for whales, using binoculars, get lots of information about whales from their knowledgeable volunteers, and check out their exhibits! All for FREE! Incredible.
What can you see in there?

Caleb taking a peek through the portal.

We then made our way to the coast guard station in Depot Bay to visit Bonnie! Our whole family has missed her so much, as she recently moved from Lewiston to join the Coast Guard. Bonnie was so sweet, and took us on a personal tour of one of their big Coast Guard boats! The boys were so delighted to see her, and so excited at the adventure she showed us all! Bonnie, we are SO proud of you, and we are SO happy we were able to see you on this trip!

Checking out the boat!

Bonnie and the Little Boys!

We heart you, Bonnie!

Fun With Uncle Kevin, Auntie Kai, Baby Niya, and Grammy!!!

2010-05-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

This post is LONG overdue! (Sorry Grammy!!!) In early March, my brother Kevin brought his beautiful wife, and darling baby girl to Lewiston for a visit! We have been trying to get together for some time, and since Kevin and Nikai were planning a big move to the East Coast, they made a special trip over to visit before they moved. To say we were excited is an extreme understatement! The Boys talked about it for days before they came, and were just delighted to finally meet their cousin Niya! Grammy came for the special visit, which made it even more wonderful! Not to mention it was an excellent photo op for Grammy to capture pictures of all her Grand Babies together!!! I know, I know... there are TONS of pictures on this post... I just could not decide what to leave out! So, I posted most of them! It was such a gift to have them, and we look forward to the next time we get to see them all!

Story time!
Auntie C with her girl! Niya, I am just so in love with you!!!

I could NOT resist this picture!!!!

Uncle Kevin building towers very quickly before the boys knocked them down.

Grammy playing Buzz Lightyear! :o)

This little girl is just.so.perfect!

I mean, REALLY!!!!

Grammy and Auntie Kai blowing bubbles with the kiddos.

Grammy and Jonah chasing the geese.

Jonah was after them!

Grammy and Jonah. Two Peas in a Pod.

Jonah helping make food for Baby Niya.

She's a talker, for sure! Can't imagine where she gets that from.

Mommy and Daughter. So beautiful, those Sullivan girls!

Uncle Kevin teaching the Little Boys the Hand Slap Game.

Oh my, they were LOVING this!

TOO SLOW!!!

I can just HEAR them laughing whenever I look at this picture!!!

Matt, Jonah, Caleb, Christine, Noah, Kevin, Nikai, Niya and Grammy....

Memories for a lifetime!

Noah's Anatomy

2010-05-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

The other morning while snuggling in bed:

Noah (3), rubbing his chest: Mama... My elbows are getting bigger.

Mommy's Birthday Serenade

2010-04-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

A post from last month... on my Birthday, I made the boys their own little cakes... they wanted candles in them, of course, and they sang Happy Birthday to me. It was adorable, and SO funny... especially watching Caleb. This video shows their little personalities perfectly!

Easter 2010

2010-04-14T11:13:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post these pictures for awhile now! Here are some from Easter Sunday. We had BEAUTIFUL weather! And the day was all in all pretty nice. Ok. That's a lie. It was actually kind of a bad day. Boys were a bit cranky, and I... well, I was really cranky. Seemed like a lot of things went "wrong" including me dropping the worlds best mashed potatoes on the floor and shattering the bowl they were in, just as I was carrying them to the dinner table. You know, one of those kind of days. But we managed to have fun in the midst of some mishaps, and got some cute pictures of the boys. After our church service, which was beautiful, we took them to a local Easter Egg Hunt, and they had a WONDERFUL time. They were so excited. Even though Noah is still talking about the boy with the orange basket who got so many eggs that his Mommy and Daddy should have scolded him. :o)

Family Picture after the Egg Hunt
Night before Easter, baskets all ready for our boys!!

EXCITEMENT!

I love the dollar store.

WOW!

HAPPY NOAH!

Cheesy Jonah. :)

Waiting to hunt for eggs! (So, the eggs were scattered all over this field... and I gotta tell you, it was like watching a swarm of locusts... they let the kids go, and they just ran in a line down the field, and not a single egg was left in their path. It was pretty funny.)

Caleb was SO excited!!!

READY!

With their loot. Again...Noah is still bitter about how few eggs he got. That boy with the orange basket... Look out. He's coming for you next year. GAME ON!

HAPPY EASTER!

Time To Cool Off...

2010-04-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

The other night, just before bed, I had to scold Noah for being disobedient... As I was loving on them in bed, singing our good-night song and saying our prayers...

Noah (3): Mama... I don't want you to talk to me.

Me: Why not, Love?

Noah: 'Cause when you talk to me, it makes me have more attitude.

Learning Funny

2010-04-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last night, when Caleb farted...

Me: Whew! Did you just fart, Caleb?

Caleb (6) Laughing, leans in and says: I hear the cheese!
(Followed by more fits of laughter)

The Ladies Man

2010-04-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

The other day I was sitting at the kitchen table with three of our college girls, just chatting, when Jonah (3) rode his bike up, wearing his Fireman hat (backwards) screeches right up to the table and says, in his man voice:

"Excuse me... You ladies need any help here?"

And, I might add, that if you have spent any significant time with Jonah, you know exactly what I mean when I reference his "man voice". :)

(I should also note, that DeeLee from church was unloading her car last week, and Jonah went right up to her and said "Hi! May I help you unload your car?" This little man is something else!!!)

On Size...

2010-03-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

While playing at the McDonald's play area:

Caleb (6): Mama! Come up here and play with us!

Me: Uh...well, I think I'm too big, Buddy.

Caleb: No you're not. You're just medium!

Overheard At The Park...

2010-03-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

To a small group of kids playing at the park...

Noah (3): My name is Noah.... ya, I live on the Ark.

Jonah (3): I'm Jonah. I live in Lewiston.

Just The Necessities

2010-03-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Me: Okay, Daddy and I are heading out to run some errands...

Caleb (6): I could use some spray on shoes.

No Worries

2010-03-15T13:42:00.001-07:00

As we were getting ready for church, Caleb was really into playing with the big Firehouse that Grammy got the boys for Christmas....

Me: Caleb, it's time to head to church.

Caleb (6): But I want to keep playing with my Firehouse!

Jonah (3): Don't worry Caleb. Santa won't come and take it back. It'll be here when we get home.

But Will He Get Paid?

2010-03-10T19:43:00.001-08:00

Tonight at dinner..

Me: Hey, Guys... You know what we haven't done for awhile? Your job chart! You can earn some extra stickers for your chart if we go back to the job chart...
Jonah (3):I'm doing my job.
Me: Really? And what job is that?
Jonah: Doing my tricks.

What The Tooth Fairy Brings...

2010-03-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Our Big Boy is just now getting a few loose teeth... Not super wiggly, but getting there. He is super stoked about it, since his 'very best friend, Macy' has already lost 8 teeth. So yesterday...

Caleb (6): Mom... my teeth are getting wiggly, then they'll fall out and I'll have pukas in my mouth!
Me: That's right! Then, what will the Tooth Fairy bring you?
Caleb: Big teeth like my Dad's!
Me: Your a cheap date, Buddy.

Famous!

2010-03-08T13:02:00.001-08:00

The Set-Up:
Yesterday during church, we had just finished the music, and Brian was stepping up to the podium to do the scripture reading...

Brian: Would you please open your Bibles to the book of Jonah...

From the middle section of the pews, we hear a series of 3 loud gasps!

Caleb (6): THAT'S YOU, JONAH!

Noah (3): Wow! That's You!

Jonah (3)... A wide eyed, proud look overtakes him...

The entire church giggles.

He Has Common Sense~

2010-03-06T08:42:00.001-08:00

Noah (3): Mama... You don't need a stop watch. You need a GO Watch.

Sweetheart

2010-02-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

The boys are always pointing out on anything they see on T.V. or videos where there is a princess, or fairy or anything like that, saying it's "Just like Mama"... Not sure why... It did concern me a bit when they saw a "princess" add for a video where she was decked out in princess wear, singing and dancing and attracting all the animals of the forest, and Noah said "Wow. That's just like my Mama." What?! What are they seeing me do?! I can't think of a single thing I have done to give them that impression. But for the most part, I think it's precious, and ridiculously charming. Like this morning, when I overheard...

Caleb (6): That is Beauuutiful, just like my Mama. And that one's cute. Just like me.

Be still my heart.

Brotherly Indifference

2010-02-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

This morning, while picking a Saturday morning video:

Noah (3): I DON'T LIKE WALL-E!

Jonah (3): Well, Noah... I don't care.

Downside Of Having A Mom That Runs,

2010-02-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

And a Dad that does not...

Noah (3): Boys don't run, Mom. Only girls can run.

Remembering Missoula...(and trying to get photos off the Internet...)

2010-02-05T23:25:00.001-08:00

So, this is me... trying to figure out a way to get these photos off the Internet without having to pay the ridiculous prices for the prints... These are of Emily and I running, and FINISHING, our first Marathon in Missoula last Summer, 2009. I know, it may be a bit redundant. But, again, it's just me trying to pilfer the photos. I hope you enjoy it half as much as I do. It was an amazing experience. One I will surely never forget.

Crossing the Finish Line... Jim (74 YEARS YOUNG!), me and Emily... I adore you, Em.
Huffing along under the bridge... I think this went under a freeway... I think.

It really was a beautiful 26.2 miles.

Awww... Weeks of training all leading up to this glorious day!

UPS

2010-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Driving home from Pre-School today, we spot a Big Brown UPS truck...

Jonah (3): LOOK! It's the U.P. Truck!

Noah (3): No, Jonah...that's the P.U. Truck.

Grammy Fingers

2010-01-27T19:05:00.001-08:00

After getting the Jonah and Noah out of the Tubby:

Jonah (3), showing me his water wrinkled hands,: These are my Grammy Fingers.

'My Very Best Friend'

2010-01-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Caleb had been coming home from school telling us all about his friend, Maci, and how she was his very best friend. He has just been enamored with her... I called her mom and we have since had 2 playdates. Maci came over here one morning when the Little Boys were at school, so just she and Caleb could play, then a couple weeks later all the boys and I went over to her house. She is the oldest in her family, and has several siblings, so it was a fun time! I simply could not resist getting a picture of the two of them eating popcorn and watching a movie!

There are 2 'Calebs' in their class, so they often call him 'Caleb J.' Caleb has said many times that he wants Maci to be 'Maci J.' I don't think he is thinking in a 'marriage' sense, as much as he just thinks it would be great if she were in our family, so they could always be together.... it's really sweet.

Etta Girl

2010-01-15T09:54:00.001-08:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday, I have the joy of watching Etta Girl while Emily teaches a band class at a local private school. I ALWAYS look forward to having her, as do the boys! When I pick them up from school, they always ask "Are our girls at home?" They all have so much fun! And don't let Etta's petite size fool you. She is a pint size fire cracker who can manage her own with these big boys!

Playing trains.
Sharing the sofa! (a most coveted snuggle spot.)

When I first started watching Etta, I went to the store and picked up a few "girly things"... This is Etta feeding her baby.

This picture probably describes Etta's personality better than any of the above... she has on her fairy skirt, and the fireman's hat. It just typifies her. I LOVE it!

On Bunnies...

2009-11-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

Noah (3): Daddy? What do bunnies do?

Daddy: Make more bunnies.

Noah: No, Daddy. They just eat carrots.

Only a Pastor's Kid...

2009-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

After walking in the house after church on Sunday...

Caleb (6), sighs dramatically and lands on the sofa..."Mommy, just put the "CLOSED" sign on the door and tell all the people we are sleeping."

A Matter of Perspective...

2009-11-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready in the bathroom, Jonah was shuffling through the cabinet by my feet...

Me: Jonah... you're totally in my way, buddy.

Jonah (3): I not in your way.

Me: How do you know?!

Jonah: 'Cause you in my way.

Fun with Nana and Grandpa!

2009-10-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

Our family made a trip up to Spokane for the weekend as Matt was officiating the wedding ceremony of our friends Molly and Jim. We are blessed to have Matt's parents, Vonnie and Duane, there in Spokane! Nana Vonnie cleared her schedule in order to babysit the boys during the times when Matt and I were busy with the wedding.

To say we had a wonderful time would be an understatement! The boys were thrilled to stay with Nana and Grandpa, and we were so thankful for the help, and the visit! Nana had LOTS of great ideas on how to have fun with the boys! It included reading lots of stories, playing at the park, making cookies AND visiting the local fire station where a REAL Fireman showed the boys the big trucks! The fire fighter was such a good sport! He let the boys climb in and out of the truck, turned the lights on, lowered the ladder, showed them their hats and coats, showed us where the fire fighters sleep, and pretty much put the boys in awe! It was such a great idea, and the boys are still talking about it! It was funny, at first, they were pretty shy, especially Jonah, but after a bit, they warmed right up and had a great time!

Nana and Grandpa, thank you so much for all your help! Thank you for the wonderful visit... We look forward to coming up and staying with you again soon!

Caleb loved story time with Nana.
Caleb in the jump seat in the back of the cab of the HUGE fire truck!

WOW!

All the gages lit up!

Jonah trying on the fire mans hat!

The tires and hub caps are huge! Big enough to make some very silly faces!

Noah the Fire Fighter!

Nana and the twins!

I should note that Jonah only went up into the truck when Nana promised to go with him!

Trying to pull the truck. The Fireman insisted that they must have moved it just a bit.

Jonah and Nana

A stop at the park. It was supposed to rain this day, but it held off long enough for us to have some fun outside.

Jonah

My Boys.

On the wild slide!

We found a lady bug at the park...

Making cookies with Nana.

We had such a GREAT time!

Silly Faces

2009-10-19T21:41:00.001-07:00

During Grammys visit, she captured these GREAT Silly Face pictures of our goofy boys!

Noah
Noah, Caleb and Jonah

Jonah

THE FAIR!

2009-10-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

Grammy and Ronpa made a trip out to Lewiston to come with us to the annual Nez Perce County Fair! It is one of the years big highlights for our boys, and you can imagine their glee that Grammy and Ronpa came out for it! Actually, our first year here, Grammy and Ronpa took Caleb out for his first fair adventure, just the three of them... Caleb still remembers it, and was thrilled to go on many of the same rides with Grammy!

This "kiddy coaster" looks harmless, but if you are over 4ft. tall, it REALLY tosses you around! Grammy was bruised and sore for days after this ride! I have to admit, it banged me around a bit, too. But we were laughing hysterically the whole time... Mostly because we were shocked that such a little ride could whip us so much!
Great shot of the hair, Ronpa! I thought this was priceless!

Caleb just went down a SUPER big slide! I was very proud, and so was he!!! I LOVE that Grammy caught our high-five in the air!

Jonah, Noah and Ronpa waiting their turn! ;o)

Noah is THRILLED that he is tall enough!!!

Riding the Race Cars.

We were in line with a little girl that Caleb has in his kindergarten class! Samara insisted on the front, and Caleb was just happy to ride with his friend! They were too cute!

Is it our turn, yet?

Jonah and Grammy getting a close up with the horses.

Matt, Grammy and the Twins checking out the geese.

And, of course, we HAD to get ice cream! Cookie dough is the new favorite with the boys!

More rides!

Grammy and her boys riding the "Silly Bears"!

We finished the day with a delightful ride on the Ferris Wheel... Daddy and Caleb rode together, and I was sitting with Noah and Jonah... Grammy and Ronpa were just ahead of us.

We had the BEST time together! It was a wonderful day, full of wonderful memories!

Consequence of Motherhood #57

2009-10-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

While stopped at a light after picking the twins up from pre-school and heading home, the lady next to me gets my attention... I roll down my window...

Lady: Are you lost?

Me: ???

Foreshadowing...

2009-10-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Matt: Hey, Christine... Jonah took out all the cash from your purse.

It's "Mom" To You.

2009-09-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

As I came up the stairs:

Jonah(3): Hey Babe.

Noah & Jonah's First Day Of School!

2009-09-21T14:45:00.001-07:00

My Babies are in PRE-SCHOOL! Jonah and Noah have been SO VERY EXCITED to start school! We are delighted that they were accepted into our local Head Start Pre-School. It is an amazing program where the boys will be getting a real head start on learning! Not to mention the time to play with lots of other kids! They have been so confident up until this morning. We strapped on their backpacks, and they decided it was time for them to hold hands. I nearly cried as the 'adorable meter' was ticking at it's highest. ;o)

Here we go, Mommy!

They held hands all the way walking up to their class!

Jonah: Come on, Noah!

WOW! Our very first Circle Time!

Jonah was a little more sure than Noah was... But Noah warmed up after awhile!

Let's Play!

Jonah said he was making pizza!

Puzzle time.

My Big Boys!

Ready to head home! But we can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Caleb is 6!

2009-09-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that my miracle surprise baby is six years old! We celebrated joyously, as we love to do for birthdays! Caleb has been anticipating this birthday for awhile, and knew exactly what he wanted. It has a little story, actually. Caleb is VERY into Handy Manny, and all the boys even have their own set of Handy Manny tools. While at the store one day, Caleb was eyeing the other toys Handy Manny (Disney) had to offer. On the back of one of the toy boxes was a picture of a Handy Manny truck that converted into a tool bench. He was hooked. He wanted it. Bad. But, thing was, wal-mart didn't carry it. He NEVER actually SAW the toy. Just the picture on the back of the box. But boy did he talk about it, and how much he wanted it. Well, when Matt and I were in Spokane over our anniversary, we stopped by a Toys R Us, and wouldn't you know it, they had the very toy he was dreaming about. Matt and I picked it up, and hid it well here at home to surprise our Birthday Boy. He was SO excited when he opened his birthday present that morning! Matt and I swore we heard "We are the Champions" playing. HAHA! It was the best feeling! He plays with it all the time, and just lights up saying he has "one of his very own!"

Caleb: "It sure is a big box!"
Making his new signature "Silly Face".

His birthday was Friday, September 18th. Since he had school, I was able to make cupcakes for his class, and bring them in during snack time. Once again, Caleb was DELIGHTED! I went a little early, and was able to play with him during recess! I thought he would explode from joy! I thought I might, too. ;o)

It was also the day that he was assigned to be the classroom "helper", so he got to deliver the milk wagon to the class for each of the children to pick up their milk for snack time. He was so proud that Mommy got to see him helping!

Mrs. Genoway and the class sang Happy Birthday to him, while Mrs. Genoway moved his arms around for a silly dance.

Enjoying his cupcake!

Ready to go home! In the car, Caleb said "This was the best day ever!"

Then I cried. It really was!

The next day we had a party for him, and I made him his very own Oreo cake! Oreo's are my Big Boys favorite cooking, and he sure LOVED his cake!

We went to Pioneer Park to celebrate with friends!

Ate pizza....

Opened presents...

Played in the fountain...

Played at the park...

And had another wonderful day.

Happy Birthday my sweet boy! I treasure being your Mommy, and I love celebrating the magical day when God brought you into this world, and into our hearts.

You are my joy!

Introducing: OLIVER!

2009-09-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited about the arrival of our newest family member! Oliver joined us on August 28, 2009. When Jessie was here, she and I decided to just "visit" the local humane society. When we walked in, we saw several kittens, and none of them really caught my eye. Until one of the shelter workers pointed out this adorable stripped kitten with curled over ears. She said that he was a Scottish Fold kitty, and apparently, they are pretty rare. His little ears were curled over and he looked up at me with giant eyes. I have to admit, his eyes reminded me and Jess of Caleb's! ;o) I held him for a good deal of time, feeling him out, and letting him get used to me. I was a little concerned, because his temperament was much more docile than I had in mind. The lady helping us said that he was very timid, and didn't really purr much. It concerned me bringing a kitty like that into a home with 3 rambunctious little boys, AND a large dog. But as I held him, I just had a special feeling about him. So, we made the arrangements to bring him home! I cannot tell you how pleased we are with this little guy! His temperament is just PURRfect with our home! ;o) He allows the boys to snuggle him, pass him back and forth and carry him around the house. He is such a snugly lover boy! Not to mention he is very playful and purrs ALL the time! His first day home Jonah said "Shhh! Wisten! Da kitty sounds wike a motorcycle!" So true, he really does. I am so smitten with him, and as you can see, he is just about as adorable as can be!

Noah and Oliver snuggling
Those ears and eyes just melt my heart!

Oliver, Caleb and Lea playing

Sweetie Pie

Making Friends!

Getting into mischief already!

Cooking Lessons

2009-08-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

My wonderful niece, Jessie, is here for the week! We are so enjoying spending time with her! The boys are her biggest fans, I am sure! This week I am giving Jess some cooking lessons. She loves to cook, and it is so fun making yummy recipes with her to take home and wow her family! Of course, while she is here, she is having to put up with three little "helpers", but she is a great sport about it!

Noah and Jonah helping out.

Caleb helped crack an egg and peal bananas.

Jessie hard at work!

The finished product! HoneyWheat Banana Muffins! YUMMY! (This is one of my kids FAVORITES!)

The chef should be SO proud!

Snuggle Bug

2009-08-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

When tucking Jonah (3) in last night:

Jonah (scooting over as far as he can): Mama, there is space here! Come snuggle me for 3 weeks.

Daddy's Big Helper

2009-08-20T10:16:00.001-07:00

All of the boys love to help Daddy, but recently, Jonah has shown a big interest in helping Daddy do just about everything!

Helping Daddy fix the bench to the table.
Using the tools that Grammy gave to the boys. They just LOVE having their own tools!

Helping Daddy mow the lawn!

Before we know it, he'll be complaining about having to do this! We are enjoying this phase when it is novel and fun!

(Thanks to Grammy, they have a toy mower now, too... Jonah is also the one who likes to play with that more than the other boys... What a Big HELPER he is!)

A Few Of His Favorite Things...

2009-08-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Caleb (5) looked at me and said:

Mommy, I love the beach, Christmas, and Disneyland.

On Fairytales...

2009-08-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Jonah (3): Mommy, you are princess. Jonah is prince.

And my heart melts.

10 Years

2009-07-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Matt and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary? It just amazes me... not that we made it, mind you, but that ten whole years of life has past, and we have shared it all together. We are young, and in a great phase of life. But when we married each other, we were really young. Idealistic, as all young newly married couples are. Full of hopes and dreams. Totally cliche'. Totally true.

The last ten years have been a journey of adventure, transition, exploration, great heart ache, and overwhelming joy. We have laughed so hard together, and cried together, just as hard. We have faced individual challenges, and marital challenges, and conquered them together. Each of us, coming through it a little stronger. Our hearts have the few scars that a mere 10 years of marriage has to offer, but they are badges of honor to those who are in it for the long haul.

But when I allow my memory to travel through the past decade, seeing the images as if flipping through an album, what is most evident to me is the hand of God. I see the Lord so clearly.

I see His protection.

I see His mercy.

I see His provision.

And mostly, like an unfiltered light shining on the images in my mind, I see His love. A love that has carried us through marital minefields, like infertility. A love that has wrapped around us as we have walked through the times when life has kicked our asses, and a love that has celebrated with us as we have faced joy so unexplainable, it has felt like a dream. He has been there. When we were married, our pastor, Reilly Gibby, gave a message about how when you are married, the two become one, yet the two become three, as well. The two of us are entwined in a relationship with the Most High God, and He is the One who gives us the strength to choose to love. And to be loved.

"Lovin' a person just the way they are, that's no small thing... But that's the whole thing" ~ Sara Groves

Matt, I look forward to the decades to come... I love you.

On Friday Night After Kids Were In Bed, Grammy Overheard:

2009-07-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Jonah (3):
I don't hit my brothers.
I don't hit my brothers.
I don't hit my brothers...

O-R-E-O

2009-07-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Since Grammy has been here, the boys have been enjoying all the treats and fun that Grammy brings with her. One of these treats is the gift of endless Oreo cookies. A HUGE hit in our house. While sitting at the table, dunking away:

Noah (3): Mommy! I see letters on my cookie!

Mommy: YA! Let's see.. there's O, R, E, O. What does that spell?

Noah: GRAMMY!

Ah ya.

The Outdoor Tubby

2009-07-22T15:43:00.001-07:00

The day after the marathon, Matt and I took the boys to downtown Missoula to see what we could find to do. On the way into town, the Little Boys fell asleep in the car. They had been getting their "vacation sleep" which is never as good as at home sleep, so we decided to just drive around and let them sleep. We drove into Lolo, MT., a small town, and I remembered some friends telling us about some hot springs there. We drove until we found Lolo hot springs resort, and asked about it. They had a beautiful resort with indoor and outdoor tubs, but they were pricey, and we were on a budget... I also remembered these same friends telling us about natural hot springs that you can hike into... I asked about them at the resort... They gave me the easy directions, and after ordering some lunch for the road, we took off on our little adventure. Sure enough, about 30 min. away we found the turn out for Jerry Johnson hot springs. As the friendly folks at the resort told us, it was a VERY easy 1 mile hike into the springs. I just need to say that it was about the best thing my sore marathon muscles could have asked for... An easy hike to work them just enough, and a soak in a hot tub. Wow. The day was cooler, and misted a bit, which also made the dip in the hot water delightful. The boys LOVED the hike in the woods. I just felt like God blessed us with an incredible, unexpected, family adventure.

The BEAUTIFUL hike in...
Daddy and our boys, enjoying being in the great outdoors.

To get the boys to look even towards to camera, Matt said "WOW! Look at those clouds!" Which is why they are looking up at the sky. Too funny!

Once we got to the upper spring, we saw a MOOSE out in the landing. It was INCREDIBLE!

Here is a pic of our "outdoor tubby", as the boys called it.

Our relaxing hike back... I can't say enough how incredible this day was... What a gift.

Our boys. Gentlemen, every day is a gift with you. ;o)

My First Marathon!!!

2009-07-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

After 8 years of talking about it, beginning to train for one in Honolulu in 2003 just before Caleb was born... I finally did it! 20 weeks of training, excitement, fear and a knee injury one week before the race, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon in Missoula Montana in 4 hours and 51 minutes! I trained the whole time with one of my best friends! Emily and I put in hours of training, and hundreds of miles, and crossed the finish line together! Really, it is hard for me to put into words the sense of accomplishment and pride. To achieve something that I never thought possible, is overwhelming. The Lord was with us in amazing ways as we journeyed 26.2 miles, from the blessing of the weather (it was horribly hot the day before, and a huge thunder/rain storm the morning after) to the people we met along the way, we felt incredibly blessed. About half way through the marathon, we met up with a man named Jim. Jim is 74 years old and has completed over 200 marathons, and 60 ultra marathons. Just 8 weeks earlier he had a medical procedure done on his prostate, and was not sure if he would be able to finish this race. He was such an inspiration to us! During the next several miles, we had the chance to talk about our journeys, difficult times, and joys. He was such a gift to Emily and I. It was quite humbling, as part of why I wanted to run the marathon was to celebrate my 30th birthday, and here was a man, old enough to be my Grandpa, schooling me on what it really is to be a marathoner! ;o) I will never forget the love the Jim shared for the Lord... He said at one point "You know, a lot of people are excited for heaven because there will 'be no tears' and they can 'pet the lions'... me, I just want to be with Jesus." I know I will be learning many lessons from Jim, as I reflect back on that time. The three of us crossed the finish line together, and I just wept. My boys were all there at several points along the race, cheering me on. It was overwhelming the impact they had on my resolve to finish! All in all, it was an experience that could not have been better. One that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am abundantly blessed, and honored that I was able to celebrate the milestones of life in this way.

Here is the big expo tent that we went to the day before to pick up our numbers, shirts, and shoe chips.
Jonah and Noah were my helpers... getting me all set for the big day!
Emily came up and gave me a big hug... my first tears started here!

They had this big sign for all the racers to sign... cool idea!

Here is my proud signature!

And, we are off!

Running to meet my boys!

FINISH!

Jim, me, and Emily

I could not have done this without you, Emily. I treasure you, and I will forever remember this experience as one of the greatest ever!

Me with My Boys! They all had matching t-shirts... The Boys' said:

"On a scale of 1-10, my Mom's a 26.2"

Matt's said "On a scale of 1-10, my Wife's a 26.2"

I got SO many comments on what a beautiful family I have....Oh, my, how I know. I thank God for them, most. Matt, without your support, I know I could not have accomplished this. You are an incredible husband and father. You deserve a medal, too.

Special Request

2009-07-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

After getting up from their nap today:

Mommy: Boys! You wanna go to Costco with Mama and Daddy to get some stuff?

Noah (3): YA!

Jonah (3): No. I wanna go to Disneyland.

Out and About

2009-07-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had a couple days before the marathon to get acquainted with Missoula, and relax a bit. We spent some time at our cabin, as well as in town at the carousel, and park.

Jonah and Mommy chillaxin' in the swing. Notice that Jonah is wearing big boy underwear?! Oh, ya, and my hilarious running tan line... ya... that's great. ;o)
At the park, Noah doing the monkey bars with a little help from Daddy

Caleb loved the monkey bars, too.

This picture turned out a little dark, but if you click on it to see it larger, the look on Etta's face is priceless!!!

Mommy and Noah on the carousel. The little boys wanted to ride it over and over. Caleb did not. It is supposedly one of the fastest carousels in the country. Ya. I think it is. I nearly got sick a couple of times!

Jonah is the best about saying "CHEESE!" I just love it!

Missoula Montana ~ 2009

2009-07-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

We made the Marathon trip our family vacation this year, so we had a few days before and after the race to enjoy Missoula! Here are some pictures of our very relaxing time before the race!

The boys really wanted to "help" Daddy gas up the car Noah said "My car is just getting a quick drink." HAHA!
At a rest stop, the boys all ran through "the woods" and collected pine cones. It was a BIG hit!

At the cabin, the Little Boys are playing with Etta.

Matt and Bob relaxing on the swing out on the beautiful lanai.

Outside our cabin was a beautiful garden area, fenced in because of the plethora of deer... The boys loved checking it out.

The whole first day in Montana, Caleb wore his big black bear, pretending he was a bear. It was ADORABLE!

Playing in rocks is always a fun time with my boys.

Jonah: "LOOK, MAMA! I in the circus!"

My Black Bear resting on a rock.

Noah is taking pictures like Mommy!

Jonah tossing rocks and dirt on stuff.

More of my black bear boy....

Jonah, Caleb and Noah.

View from our cabin. It was beautiful!

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Matt's older brother, Tim, his wife Jenn, and their kiddos Jessie and Nate came out from Portland to celebrate the 4th of July weekend with us! We had a WONDERFUL time being with family and enjoying the holiday together. It struck me that 10 years ago, we celebrated the same holiday camping with all of Matt's siblings just 2 weeks before our wedding. It was so amazing to think that 10 years, and a bunch of kids later, we are together again.

Jonah, Nate, Noah and Caleb... Nate did a GREAT job being the oldest boy... the little boys all LOVED playing with Nate. They just idolized him!
Jessie was awesome with the kids, too! I can't believe she was just a baby in a high chair when Matt and I first started dating. Now, here she is, old enough to babysit my kids!

Tim and Jenn brought their super cute dogs, Toby and Shadow... The boys LOVED playing Puppies in their kennel!

Caleb

On the 4th, we headed to Chief Timothy Park and played in the river. It was SO MUCH FUN! The day was super hot, so playing in the river was PERFECT!

Jonah

Noah was our totally fearless swimmer!

Cooling down

Extended Jorgens Fam!

I just can't believe how grown up Jessie is. She was 3 when she was the flower girl in my wedding, now here she is, growing up so fast. She pulled the Little Boys in the wagon as we walked to see the Fireworks.

Caleb, Noah and Jonah getting ready for the show!

Noah, Jonah, Uncle Tim and Nate

Caleb and Mommy being silly

My boys enjoying the fireworks!

They were pretty cool!

Me and My Boys

Tim, Jenn, Kiddos, and Dogs,

Thank you so much for coming out. We had such a great time with you all! I can't wait to do it again!

Bikes and Parks

2009-07-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

So, this posting is FULL of pictures! But, I couldn't resist sharing all of these... We had a great day last week when we spent the morning playing outside. Caleb had horse therapy in the morning, so Daddy dropped off Noah, Jonah and me off at the river, and the little boys got to ride their bikes to the park! After we played for a bit, big brother Caleb joined us by riding in to the park on his bike too. We played for a ridiculously long time, then treated the boys to hamburgers and ice cream. It was a great day!

I realized that these first pictures should be last... they are of us heading home, but you get the idea... ;o)

This is pretty typical... Jonah leading the way for everyone. He is such a leader.
All my boys!

Noah and Jonah heading to the park! Are they not the cutest ever?!?!

The Twinados.

Jonah... He is telling me he wants to go play in the river. I know, Sweetie... another day for that.

Noah is just long enough to pedal... he worked SO hard, and did a great job!

Here we come, world!

Here comes Big Brother!

Caleb, you are such a big boy!

Noah loved the rock climbing wall!

So did Caleb! He was really taking off on it, too!

Climbers, Noah and Caleb

Jonah and Noah People all over the world, join hands, start a slide train, slide train!

Double the fun!

Takin' a rest.

Mr. Fix It

2009-06-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

When we got back from riding the power wheels, Caleb insisted that he need to "work on" his motorcycle. He ran inside the house to grab his very handy, Handy Manny, tools. Thanks to Grammy, all three boy have their very own tools. They find all sorts of uses for them, and apparently, they do wonders on motorcycles. ;o)

Daddy tightening an actual screw, while Caleb helps.
Jonah and Noah were watching intently, learning how to "work on" motorcycles. (Notice Mr. Giraffe in his prominent place...)

Caleb: "You break it, we fix it!"

Caleb, I am so proud of you!

Power Wheel Fun!

2009-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a few overindulgent Grandparents, our boys have totally been enjoying their power wheels! The big green Jeep, or "Papa's Tractor" was given to Caleb when we were still in Hawai'i... But I must say, I think 5 is the magical age for the power wheel... Caleb climbed on the motorcycle, and away he went! Jonah and Noah took turns driving the truck, and fun was had by all.

Daddy still had to help keep the Little Boys on the road. ;o)

Big Boy Caleb knew just what to do. Not that I'll be handing over my keys any time soon...

A church parking lot close to our house was perfect for wild man driving.

Holy Vision

2009-06-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying our frequent visits to our parks new fountain. The boys love playing in the water that shoots up all around a beautiful statue that has been a landmark of the park for decades. It was super hot yesterday, and the fountain was busy with lots of kids, and families enjoying the cool down when, Noah (3) looked up at the reverent statue and shouted, to the hysteria of all present:

"I SEE JESUS!"

Mommy and Jonah

2009-06-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

All the boys got their very own digital cameras for Jonah and Noah's third birthday... Wow... what a hit they have been! They are SO creative... taking pictures of anything and everything! We love looking through their pictures, and seeing things through their eyes! The other night, Noah captured this one of me and Jonah. It melts my heart...

Making Sense of Adoption...

2009-06-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Mommy: So, did you get to tell Emily about how you have two Dad's?

Noah (3): YES!

Mommy: So, if Daddy is one dad, who is the other?

Noah: Caleb.

Ya. We have some work to do. ;o)

Birthday Fun!

2009-06-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Noah and Jonah are 3 years old, already?! June 5th marked their third birthday, and we, in the tradition started by my mother with Kevin and I, celebrated it BIG! ;o) Each birthday gives me the reminder of how blessed we are. I am taken back to that magical day, three years ago, when the Lord blessed us with the, then, tiny miracles. The day of their birth is still very vivid in my memory, and I marvel at the circumstances... Their beautiful birth mother, Andrea, is ever present in my heart. Without her selfless gift of love to her children, I would not be their mother. Andrea, we love you.

The day was FULL of fun! We started the day blowing birthday blowers, and singing, and listening to Jonah sing/shout "Happy Birthday To Jonah!" They KNEW it was their special day, as we have been counting down for awhile now. They were SO excited for their "Birthday Bash" (as they continually called it). In the afternoon, we had lots of friends come over to join in the party...

Jonah and Noah swinging... We held our party outside in the back yard. YAY for Summer Birthdays! ;o)

We set up our pool, and ALL the kids joined in the fun! Even Baby Etta had a GREAT time in the water! (Isn't she PRECIOUS?!?!?!)

Birthday Bash Pool Fun!

Awaiting Presents!

What could it be?

Big brother, Caleb had a GREAT time, too!!!

The boys were ALL about having a pinata! It was awesome! All the kids thought it was GREAT! My favorite was when Caleb said: "It's a henrietta! It's pinata in Spanish."

Noah put his whole body into his swing!

Jonah taking his turn!

After some help from Bonnie, one of our college girls, the pinata broke open and the mayhem truly began!

And to add to the sugar rush, GIANT cupcakes!

Jonah blowing out his candle.... I didn't think about having the girls take the pictures from the other side, or turning towards the camera... oh, well... The boys loved that they each got their own little cake, and their own birthday song.

Pretty tasty frosting!

I LOVE this picture of Noah!

Noah and Jonah, Happy Birthday my sweet boys! Mommy and Daddy love you more than words can say. We are so thankful for each of you, and the joy you bring to us!

Dreaming

2009-06-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning to Caleb (5) whimpering in his bed, near crying... I rushed in to him, to find him still sound asleep, but saying:

I NEED MY MAGIC BEANS BACK!

Baby Bets

2009-05-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

As my beautiful sister-in-law is at this very moment laboring to bring her and my brothers first baby into the world, I thought it would be fun to ask the boys what they thought about their soon to arrive cousin.

Mommy: Boys, what do you think the baby will be; a boy, or a girl?

Jonah: Auntie Kai have baby girl. A big, little girl.
Caleb: It's gonna be a baby girl... a tiny cute baby girl! Baby cousin will have a pacifier! Just like Baby Caleb.
Noah: Nope. A BOY! Baby Boy!

Nikai and Kevin, we are praying for you unceasingly today. We are all so excited for the arrival of this baby. You are both going to be wonderful parents, and Little Blueberry is so blessed to have you as his OR her Mommy and Daddy! We love you, all three of you, so very, very much!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

2009-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL Memorial Day Weekend... The sun has been out, and we have been thrilled to be in the great outdoors once again! Here are SEVERAL pictures of us enjoying our weekend!

Jonah and Noah enjoying Otter Pops (A true Summer staple...)
We even set up the pool and had our first splash around of the year!

Caleb enjoying the pool

Caleb and Jonah digging in... Watermelon is a big hit in our family... We are close to being able to polish off an entire melon in one sitting!

Taking a watermelon break

Our biggest watermelon fan!

________________________________________

On Memorial Day, we were invited up to Bob and Emily's family cabin about 45 min. away... It was a beautiful retreat! The boys played so much, enjoyed being "deep in the woods", as Caleb put it. We collected pine cones, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, and Steve even gave each of the boys a ride on the 4 wheeler! It was a delightful day!

Jonah and Steve

Noah and Steve

Caleb's turn!

"More, more, Uncle Steve!" ;o)

Checking things out.

Enjoying some snacks.

Noah and Jonah watching as Caleb roasts his first marshmallow!

Caleb, you are getting to be such a big boy!

Caleb: "It's DELICIOUS!"

Half Marathon!

2009-05-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

Emily and I are official FINISHERS of the Windermere Half Marathon! It was a beautiful race through Spokane, from the Valley to Downtown along the beautiful Spokane river. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day! All in all, the race went wonderfully and we are both feeling good this evening! After the race, the boys enjoyed some time playing on the Big Red Wagon in the park. We grabbed some lunch and headed home. Matt was such a trooper bringing the boys up early this morning all by himself! Matt, I am so proud of you! ;o) It was the best feeling coming up to the finish line and seeing all my boys there waiting for me! We are over half way through our training for the Missoula Marathon in July... Just when I think there is no way I could run that far, we train, and push through the distance. It's a great feeling. Even though I am certainly not the fastest runner, there is such a sense of accomplishment in completing something I never thought possible. Thanks for sharing this journey with me, Emily. It is such a joy!

Finish Line, Here I Come!
WE DID IT!

Love the medals!

Big hugs from my big boys!

These guys are the ones who really make me race each day! ;o)

Noah taking on the big slide!

Can you read Jonah's shirt? Thanks, Mom! hee hee...

Taking some time to play.

Things You Never Want To Hear...

2009-04-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Giant sneeze... pause, then:

"WOW, BIG BUBBLE!"

Noah (2)

Overheard...

2009-04-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Daddy: YOU, Don't take your brothers cheerios!

And, YOU, Don't hit your brother!

Mommy chuckles in the background...

The Twinados strike again.

Decisions

2009-04-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

While I'm making dinner:

Mommy: Hey, Sweetie, are you gonna go play, or what?

Noah (2): What.

Visiting Cousins

2009-04-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

While in Portland, we were able to make a stop at Tammie and Ed's for a couple nights. We had a wonderful visit, and the kids LOVED playing together. I have not stopped hearing about how much the boys want to see their cousins again! I hope we can see them again soon, too!

Jonah, Sarah, Emily, and Holly, wearing silly potato head glasses.

I just love those girls! Giving hugs good-bye.

Holly, Noah, Caleb, Matt, Emily, Sarah, and Jonah enjoying a snack.

It is really hard to get 7 kids to sit still for a picture! ;o)

Andy, Holly, Jonah, Caleb, Noah, Emily, and Sarah.

This was HILARIOUS! Jonah wore the pink princess bike helmet most of the time we were there. He just thought it was the coolest thing ever. And paired with the pink keyboard, he is a regular 80's rock star... He is going to hate me for posting these one day... ;o)

Jonah loved snuggling with Sarah

A Medley

2009-04-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

I overheard Jonah (2) singing the other day....

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

Next time won't you sing with me!"

Great Friends & Princess Cakes

2009-04-10T09:25:00.001-07:00

Back in the day, as wedding planners, newlyweds, and dreamers, Matt and Beth Twist became some of our closest friends. As the years have passed, we have enjoyed Paradise vacations in Hawai'i, twice, as the Twists' visited us there, welcomed 5 little ones between our 2 families, enjoyed countless rum-n-cokes and many laughs. It is a rare find to have another couple in your life that, regardless of time and distance, you can connect with, share life with, and when you get the joy of being together, it feels like no time has passed at all. We had so much fun getting our kiddos together, and watching them explore their new friendship... One that, I am sure, will grow much through the years. (Katie is gonna have all 4 boys whipped into shape before long!) Beth was not able to make it the the Girl Party Night, so, instead, she brought the party to us! I about wet my pants when she brought out the Princess Birthday Cake she made, complete with a ballerina cut-out of... me! HAHA!

Matt and Beth, we adore you. Your friendship has meant so much over the last decade, and we look forward to the coming years as well. Beth, you are amazing... your talent and creativity never cease to amaze me. Thank you for gifting me with your hilariously adorable cake!

Princess Cake

Dancing Christine

A work of art! ;o)

The Boys: Jonah, Noah, Jack, and Caleb

At Play

A quick snack

I can't believe I didn't get any of Katie!!! To see this amazingly adorable Little Girl, check out Beth's Blog.

Annoyed

2009-04-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

After a late night at church, we loaded the kids up to take 'em home to bed. On our way Noah was super cute, being Mr. Chatty about everything. Caleb, being pretty tired told him:

Noah, stop talking with your words!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2009-04-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

For my 30th birthday, I wanted to celebrate with some of my closest girlfriends, and of course, my Mom. I wanted to toast them all and, really, celebrate them... for the difference they have all made in my life. I had a magical evening sharing great food at PF Changs, yummy drinks at Henri's, and a night of dancing at Aura... All in beautiful downtown Portland! Sheri, my closest girlfriend from college, arranged the whole night and everyone there made it so very special. I am so blessed to have such amazing women to share my life with. You are all treasured.

My beautiful Mom, sister-in-law Nikai (and Baby Blueberry, too)

and Sheri
My beautiful, strong, courageous, funny, life loving mother... Mom... you are a gift to me.

Nikai... You are precious. I am so blessed to call you my sister.

My sisters-in-law, Tammie (Matt's sister) and Jenn, (Matt's brothers wife). I love you girls... I am so happy God made you my family.

Colleen, I adore you, and Tami...as you said, we have shared the last 18 years together. What a gift you both are. I look forward to many more years of friendship.

My sweet Sheri... I treasure you. College roommates, my maid of honor, you are a jewel. Thank you for all you did to make this night so special

All of us at dinner... it was such a great night!!!

Theology 101

2009-04-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Jonah (2): Jesus is just like Spiderman.

Preferences

2009-03-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

At breakfast...

Mommy: Jonah, do you want some chocolate milk, too?

Jonah (2): No chocolate milk, Mommy. Just chocolate.

Celebrating 30 Years

2009-03-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

30 years. Really, it's not a lot at all. But I am thrilled to say that that is how many years I have been blessed to journey on this Earth. Today, I felt so treasured. One of the best days... Ever. Simply because I was surrounded by people who love me. Ones that I love, and treasure, and value more than anything. And it was a day for me to remember. Where I came from. What I have. And to offer my thanksgiving to the Lord, Who is the One that has gifted me with my breath, and my beautiful family. I sit at the end of the day on my 30th birthday, thankful for all that has been, all that I have, and all that is to come...

Etta, Emily and I enjoying our girl time in the hot tub!

Emily and Baby Etta whisked me away this morning to enjoy a delectable feast, (prepared by the Master Chef, Emily) of mango-tango-black bean salsa, YUM, and an Amazing chicken salad, and Mimosas! YUMMY! Em had everything set up with her mother and father in law to have us come to their place to enjoy their HOT TUB! Steve and Cathy had everything set up and ready for us girls! Emily's sister-in-law, Molly, has been home visiting and joined us for our morning Girl Time! Molly, you are SO MUCH FUN! Thank you for sharing it with us! Emily,you are a gift to me. I am so thankful for your friendship!

After I came home, I pulled out a recipe for this cake that I have been holding on to for weeks! It is a Moist Lemon Cake, with Lemon Frosting and Blueberries! It was YUMMY!!!

Yes, I am lighting my own candles, so Matt could get pictures... Matt was incredible... He let me sleep in, and then decorated the house, just like I do for all my boys. The Boys were so excited to throw me a party! The Little Boys woke me up in the morning singing "Happy Mommy To You, Happy Mommy To You!" It was the BEST!
Getting ready to make our wishes... I can't think of anything... my wishes are all there in the room with me...

Daddy was the BEST! He took the boys to the store to get all our party supplies, including the silly straws, and party blowers!

Noah

Caleb

JonahWhat a day... What a gift!

On Ageing, Part 2

2009-03-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

When lighting all 30 of the candles on my birthday cake...

Noah (2): WOW! That's A LOT of candles!!!

Defeated

2009-03-16T18:00:00.001-07:00

After I spent some time doing evening chores, and Matt read several stories to the boys, I sat down for a quick break...

Noah (2): Mommy, read more stories!

Mommy: Noah, Mommy's just gonna sit down for a few minutes by myself.

Noah, snuggling close by with the books: I sit by yourself, too!

March Madness

2009-03-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

It is pretty unusual for Lewiston to get snow in March. We are in a deep valley, that often traps in heat... Drive up the hill, and it's much colder and gets much more snow. Drive down into our wonderful Valley, and you'll have Spring arrive a full month earlier than up on the hill. Natives to the area call it a "Banana Belt". After this last winter, I am laughing even harder than I did when I moved here from Hawai'i. But, the boys sure did enjoy our Pre-Spring Surprise!

They LOVE making snow men. I must admit I have a fond affection for them, too. ;o)
Who wouldn't want to hug the friendly fellow?

Caleb, just stay away from flag poles.

BIG smooches from Jonah!

Everyone pitched in!

Daddy is the Snow Man Making King.

Jonah Honors Birthday Month...

2009-03-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Besides the boys singing 'Happy Birthday' to me several times a day... (after a very long standing joke between my husband and I, which started many years ago as he began to make fun of the fact that my wonderful mother took birthdays 'over the top'... which she did. And I am eternally grateful to her for it... he has fondly referred to the month of March as "Birthday Month", as the years have gone by, so has the growth of the "birthday month" joke. The boys caught on to this rather quickly and have been having fun with it all month long)...

During a conversation with the Little Boys today:

Noah: There's Jonah, Mommy, and Noah!

Mommy: Yep! Hey, do you know what Mommy's name is?

Jonah: Yes. Birthday.

Wholesome Blueberry Pancakes

2009-03-07T15:47:00.001-08:00

As part of my marathon training, I have been experimenting with lots of recipes to see how I can alter them to fuel my body rather than just fill it. I have finally come up with a pancake recipe that I LOVE, and, as an added bonus, so do my boys... I wanted to share this recipe with you, so you can try it yourself, in your attempt to make healthy choices, and still celebrate the joy of eating! Marathon training, or not!

Wholesome Blueberry Pancakes:

1 cup whole wheat/whole grain flour
1 egg
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon honey (Did you know that you can substitute honey for sugar? I do it all the time and love it~ it is a natural, healthier alternative to sugar ~ another hint... if you have a Winco, their blackberry honey in the fill-it-yourself bins is A-mazing.)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
3 teaspoons baking powder (Look for the aluminum free kind)
1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt, not coarse, but finely ground like regular table salt, is best)
1 cup blueberries (okay, so I like a little more, but I am trying to be conservative for recipe purposes... It would look weird if I said to put in three giant hand fulls of delectable blueberries.)

Top with: Butter (Not margarine) & Agave Nectar*

Mix all ingredients, spoon onto HOT griddle, cook until dry around the edges, turn cook other side.
*I just made the switch to Agave Nectar in place of syrup. Let me tell you, it sounds WEIRD, but is simply fantastic!!! It is the color and consistency of syrup, and is actually sweeter than sugar. But, it has a low glycemic value so it will not cause a spike in your blood sugar. This is especially important for training, as you don't get that temporary high from 'sugar' and then a let down... You can find it at health food stores, and it's really not too spendy! This months GREAT FIND! ;o)

ENJOY!!!!

Experiment with this! Instead of blueberries, add apples and cinnamon, or with electric mixer add in bananas and walnuts... YUM! Let me know if you have any delicious alternatives!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

2009-02-26T13:25:00.001-08:00

I was getting the twins ready for their nap...

Mommy: Okay Guys, time to head downstairs and get ready for nap.

Noah(2): Noah wants massage and milk.

(Personally, I'd settle for just the nap. But, since he mentioned it, a massage and a glass of wine would be nice.)