The Thornburg's

Giving it another shot!

2011-05-31T11:36:00.007-06:00

Ok, so my commitment to blogging didn't go so well since it's been 3 months...shameful! I feel like I manage my time well enough, but seriously there is never enough time for all the things I NEED to do...I never get to sit down until we put the boys to bed (8pm sharp!) by then I am exhuasted! I still haven't figured out when to fit in working out, I do all my pilates, yoga, and weights at night, but cardio?? The boys were getting up between 5:50am-6:10am so to go running before wasn't happening and I value my sleep too much. Then at night I value my time with Jim too much so yea...what do ya do?! Of course you have to fit in working on my stocking orders, doing the books for Creekside Cottages, cleaning, cooking, yard work, field trips, homework, callings, FHE, etc., etc., etc,.

I am attempting to blog my week and not individual events...so here is a recap on my week 5/22-5/28.

Sunday: Church 9-12, Jim and I team teach the 16-17 yr olds, Brody was sick so I stayed home and Jim took the 2 older boys. Jim grilled Chicken for the family, she took naps, it was a nice quiet day.
Monday: Dropped Preston off at school at 9am, picked up the Sister missionaries at 9:25am. Sean and I took the missionaries to Punchbowl Falls. I drove Sister Willmore and Sister Todd, Sean drove 4 Elders from their district, and another 4 Elders met us there. It was overcast but never rained, it was a beautiful hike! Sister Willmore and Sister Todd are so much fun, I can't wait for them to come visit after their mission. Sean treated everyone to Ozzies for Gyros. We are trying to have a reverent FHE...yea. Tuesday: Grocery shopping, Costco, bank, gas, and Dr. Ames for Brody's cold at 10:45am, he has a sinus infection poor guy, he is taking a pretty hefty anti-biotic. He has been so fussy and miserable. Tuesdays are Jim's late day he has school from 7:30am-9:30pm so it is a long day! I usually do pizza for the kids and try to make it a fun day...naps are required to survive!

Wednesday: Preston has school at 9, needs picked up at noon. Laundry, vacuum, dust, and organice the boys rooms and toys.

Thursday: Nikki needed me to watch Ashton at 9am while she had LHR done, then she was taking my Grandma Leta to look at Apartments (she just sold her home and was looking into living at a 55+ community). So I entertained 4 boys for 8 hours...luckily I coordinated naptime and got a break too. Also I had a guy come out to spray for spring bugs (ants, spiders and slugs). clean bathrooms and finish laundry.

Friday: Connor has begged and begged to see the Dinosaur exhibit at the Oregon zoo, it opened today!! We loaded up and said a quick prayer that it wouldn't rain just long enough for us to enjoy the Dinosaurs. My goal was to arrive when the gate opened we got there at 9:15...so the lines were horrible. We had a great time, the boys were perfect and loved the Dinosaurs. We made it through the lions, and as we were leaving the Serengeti the downpour came....luckily we were mostly prepared. It was fun running from one covered area to the next the boys thought it was a great adventure and boys LOVE jumping in mud puddles! Needless to say by the time we got to the bats they were exhausted, I loaded them all up on my single stroller and jogged to the truck...I wanted to die thats long job in the pouring rain...but it was fun. We got Mint oreo shakes on the way home, enjoyed naps, and had a yummy roast for dinner.

Saturday: Jim had to write a paper and spent the day at the school so we headed off to Aunt Nikki's for the day. Nikki cut Brody's hair, he is sooo handsome, and we played. Jim grilled steak and chicken for dinner....so delish!

My Angels

2011-02-22T20:11:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was my 32nd Birthday, it was wonderful! Jim made me crepes for breakfast with berries, he bought me LHR packages...which I am sooo excited about, took me shopping for hours, and ended the night with Thai and a massage!
It was a great day, while I was shopping I got a text from an unknown number wishing me a happy birthday...the sender said many other lovely things and I thought who could be texting me such lovely things and I not have their number in my phone. It was Krista Neeley, a previous tenant in our BYU-I housing who had also become a dear friend. As I thought about Krista and how much I miss her I was also reminded of a trying time in my life...

I was pregnant with Brody and as sick as usual...if anyone doesn't know I have not just morning sickness but all day sickness to the point that I have to either be hospitalized or go in regularly for IV fluids due to dehydration...to say I worship the porcelain god my entire pregnancy would be accurate! The more children you have the harder it is to be that sick and care for them. There were days that I was so sick, exhausted, frusterated, needed to clean house, feed children, make dinner, etc and couldn't get off the couch. I would pray for help and strength and as soon as I would finish my prayer Krista would knock on my door. I would tear up everytime and am so grateful for her. I am thankful for her example of listening to the promptings of the Spirit and answering anothers prayers. She not only would take my children but would also bring lovely treats. Her selfless compassion for another in need is a shining example to me of our Saviors love. I was blessed to have Krista in my life and to call her my friend.

Being a manager of BYU-Idaho was a blessing to me, I have become friends with many of our tenants who taught me so much, who served me, loved me and my family, and I am so grateful for. I have watched many of them marry in the temple and have children of their own. I get emails, texts, letters and phone calls thanking me...but I am the one who feels overwhelming joy for having each one of them in my life. Love you girls! :)

It's been way too long..

2011-02-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so to say my life has been a little busy would be an understatement...but I truly have no excuse for not blogging for over 6 months! I can't believe I missed blogging Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas...I am totally ashamed! So I have given myself homework and am commiting to 1 blog a week. I guess adjusting to 3 mobile children was hard...and when the sun is out so am I. I just can't stand not taking advantage of every bit...especially in the summer. The fall always gets busy as my Etsy store orders start pouring in as Christmas approaches. My goal this year was to start doing a few stockings a month so I am not overwhelmed during the fall...so far I haven't started them.
Some fun things that we have done or planning on soon.
*We traded our Yukon in on a new 2011 4 Runner, don't get me wrong...I will always LOVE my Yukon but was needing something a bit better on gas and the pocket book while we are students. I still feel blessed to have a new vehicle.
* Jim is starting the Masters program next quarter so that means we will see him less...I really didn't think that was possible!
* Preston loves Preschool and has excelled. He has started adding and substracting and reading. I am worried he may be a bit bored next year in Kindergarten.
* I have started teaching Connor his numbers and letters he loves the one on one time he gets and things "homework" is awesome!
* Brody is a complete joy and makes us laugh everyday...he is a total ham and really puts on a show with or without an audience!
* Valentine's Day was pretty special with 4 boys giving me all kinds of love. Connor told Jim to buy me roses so he could marry me, Preston told me how beautiful I was and how much he liked my outfit, and Jim took me to Jake's and the Melting Pot, surprised me with roses and a wonderful card. It was a great day...
* We planned our trip to Utah for our 8th anniversary and our dear friend Jess's wedding! She is getting married in the SLC temple and I am SO excited!
* With Jim only having days off between terms we try to pack those breaks full so his June break we are heading to Sisters, Or and the Coast. His break in March we haven't planned quite yet because of the cold weather....
* Oh, and my most favorite thing I have done just for me...I indulged in Laser Hair removal! Oh, yes, I am tired of waxing and shaving...so I started with my legs and can't believe how well it works! So I have kinda got mildly addicted and have done my underarms, and various other areas. I have gone to different spas that use different lasers but my favorite is the cynosure and palomar...amazing results after just 1 session. I have done 2 sessions on all my areas and only have to do touch-up shaving 1 a week. It's amazing and I couldn't be more excited about it! :)

Uh, I gotta run...time to go Birthday shopping...

Sean's big 2-6

2010-05-29T02:12:00.002-06:00

I made Sean's cake, and we ordered a 6 foot long sub--no kidding the whole thing got eaten!

Ashton, Preston and Connor playing with the balls

Preston and Connor playing in the backyard during Sean's party

the boys drinking out of the house after Jim planted all my veggies...such a good husband!

Brody and Bella almost 7 months!

2010-05-29T01:34:00.004-06:00

Brodalicious, the Brodman, Mr. Brody, the Brodster...yup Brody is our Sunshine, Mr. Happy, always glad to be alive. I think he wanted too long to get his body and now that he has it-pure joy! He is an easy, happy, always smiling little man, and his cheeks you just can't kiss them enough! ;)

He is tired...

Learning to share

I can't believe my baby is almost 7 months old, he has 1 tooth and wants to crawl so badly. He doesn't think he is only 7 months, he wants to keep up with his two big brothers! His girlfriend stopped by the other day, Bella is just 1 wk older that Brody. They weigh about the same and are just about the same length and so CUTE!

Could be my best work yet!

2010-05-27T11:58:00.003-06:00

I found this dresser on Craigslist it is solid hardwood early 1900's by Angelus Furniture Company. It is for a friend's little girl Bella. It has sat in my garage for a good month maybe 2 while we decided what exactly she wanted. Well yesterday we made decisions and moved forward. I wish I had before photos I am really bad about taking them, usually I just run out and get as much done as I can while Brody is napping. Just imagine it a Pecan stain. The top was really worn and in need of refinishing. We primered first with Kilz, then sprayed it with Krylon Satin Almond. I sanded the top and drawers weeks ago. Once all the painting was done and dried I stained the top with Minwax Special Walnut, I applied 3 coats of Special Walnut and let it dry overnight. This morning I applied the Ralph Lauren Faux Technique Glaze in Oxfordshire. I am absolutely thrilled with the results! I love the look the glaze gave the overall piece. I hope Ashley and Bella enjoy it as much as I do! ;) Thank you for letting me work on this piece for you...can't wait to see it in Bella's room!

Little Monkeys

2010-05-13T10:10:00.003-06:00

They discovered they can climb, and climb and climb. We only have 1 tree and its a little tree, but they enjoy every bit of it!

Nightstand

2010-05-04T22:26:00.006-06:00

I found this nightstand on Craigslist, nightstands of this style are very hard to find...so when I found this I had to HAVE it...and it matches my other two dresser perfectly! Luckily there was nothing terribly wrong with it except the finish. Here are some before and after pics. I went garage selling last Friday with the boys, the boys LOVED it! I found some awesome finds. I will blog about them later...this gravy boat was one of the finds...love it!

I love that you can see the grain in the wood and it isn't covered up with loads of varnish, laquer and who knows what else.Yes it is true, I love the dark stains...and hardwood!

Chicks Man

2010-05-04T21:37:00.010-06:00

I love animals...its no secret. My parents decided to get chickens, we are working on being more self sufficient. So over the past 3 weeks we have helped build the chicken coop and pick out the chickens. We ended up with more chickens than my mom wanted. It's just so hard not to want them all! We have 6 breeds which include: 6 Rhode Island Reds, 4 Plymouth Rocks, 3 Buff Orphingtons, 3 Black Sex-link, 1 Gold Sex-link, and a pair (Hen and Rooster)of Brahma's. The Brahma's are so cute with the fleathers covering their legs and and feet.
This is Preston's favorite, he asked for a Yellow chick and this is her. He holds her a lot and pets her a lot...I hope she survives...

We still have to roof the coop...the boys are taking advantage of the ladder while its there.

This coop is so cute! You can gather the eggs without going inside the coop!

There is still work to do, but we are getting close.

The roof in progress, if the rain would stop for just a few hours...

We still have to paint it too...if the rain would stop...

I kept forgetting my camera when we would go over to work, so no pics of the chickens when they were all fuzzy, they are losing their fuzz and getting their feathers...it happens really fast!

They are 4 weeks old.

Nesting boxes and perch

So Preston begged Jim last night to take him to see the chicks, it was bedtime and we promised him that we would go tomorrow to see the chicks. Preston whined and complained and begged...but went to bed...and got up at 4 am came and woke us up and told us he was ready to go see Pa-Pa and the chicks! We sent him back to bed, he got up at 6am and was so excited, explaining to us all about the chicks, how they eat, drink, perch, hold their wings...

Connor kissing his chick.

Preston and his chick!

Well in case you were wondering where I have been...

2010-05-04T17:18:00.006-06:00

Well I haven't blogged much, not that nothing is going on...because that is definitely not the case. We have been so busy outside that I haven't had time to blog. Between my stockings, furniture refinishing, blanket carriers, pacifier clips, and then the garden I have been exhausted!
We had a great garden last year, even though I was pregnant I worked in the garden with the boys and my dad and loved every minute of it. Well this year we really planned out the garden. Here is what we have achieved...my dad has done an amazing job and has put in many many hours of hard work!
These are the 16 rows of berries, raspberries and marionberries. You can't really see the berry starts but there are 3 per row. The greenhouse sits just above the garden area.

The greenhouse has been awesome! It stays so HOT! My dad has it wired for electricity, there is a sink and he even plumbed a misting system inside, it has vents and fans...love it!

We planted 4 apple trees, 2 plum trees, and 3 pear trees along side the driveway. We also layeded sod around the whole perimeter of the garden...no more mud!Dad loves strawberries and went crazy planting them! There are 200 strawberry plants and 20 blueberries bushes. We have planted bush beans, peas, spinach, lettuce, peppers all colors and varieties, cabbage, califlower, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, zuccini, squash, beets, brussel sprouts, yukon gold potatoes, russets, pumpkin, watermelon, canteloupe, and corn and 40 yes 40 tomato plants of all varieties! Anyone want some tomatoes?! We even have a Herb garden for my ma!

We were working on weeding the strawberries today...ah weeding the garden an on going process! Whenever the boys are just so full of energy that I just need to get outta here I head to the garden! They love it- they can weed, dig, plant, ride the tractor, they find bugs and worms. I have noticed they really use their imaginations and play so well. They never want to leave and often beg to stay.

We had problems with the deer coming in and eating the leaves off the fruit trees and pulling out the strawberries so dad is installing a fence to keep the deer out. We also replaced the arborvitae hedge.

The boys helping dad replant the corn. The greenhouse is nice and warm for Brody-it can be nasty outside with hail, rain, wind, even snow and it is nice and warm for the boys!

I love what the boys are learning, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to grow, learn, and explore and nothing can replace the memories they will have of working in the garden! Some of my best memories growing up are of working and playing in the garden...I hope they are some of my boys' best too.

Oh Craigslist how I love thee

2010-04-22T11:43:00.003-06:00

I am addicted to Craigslist and religiously check it everyday during Brody's morning nap and after the boys are in bed for deals...and things I just can't live without. So for our bedroom I wanted some classic antique pieces and bought that double bow-front dresser w/mirror that I just finished restoring and the single bow-front that I am in the process of restoring...when I found this...

At first I thought ooh ahh, and then I had to see it, then I had to buy it. Every piece is stamped in the drawer Morganton. Morganton furniture from North Carolina specialized in making Dining and Bedroom furniture all in Solid Mahogany. This set included the dresser w/mirror, chest of drawers, nightstand, and 2 complete twin beds (headboard, footboard and siderails). I also love the hardware! For being at least 70 years old, it has almost no wear and is in excellent condition.

Lovely crafted dove-tailed drawers...with serpentine fronts...no particle board!

Solid Brass Hardware

Of course the finish is not my favorite...so it will take a lot of sanding and staining but when finished will be a beautiful dark wood-I am thinking walnut!

I will add pics of the beds, mirror and nightstand soon...

Viola my 1st furniture project!

2010-04-10T15:01:00.005-06:00

So a few months ago I blogged about Craigslist and the abundance of amazing antique furniture. I searched Craigslist daily for the right pieces for our bedroom and found 2 dressers. This being one of them... I have a great love of wood, and really wanted to restore this piece and not paint. Having no experience with antiques I read and read and researched and decided to strip the piece. I stripped one side, which was messy, time consuming and annoying. I got frusterated and thought okay I will just paint them and give up on the idea of restaining and restoring. So I bought the primer, brushes, paint, poly and couldn't bring myself to primer it...every part of me just fought the idea of painting hardwood. So I grabbed my palm sander and went to town. I thought okay I will give it one more go and if sanding doesn't work I will paint it... The sanding worked out perfectly...and was so much quicker! I wanted them dark so I chose MinWax Ebony and started to restain my naked wood..

I applied 2 coats of MinWax Eboy...then after letting it dry for a week I applied 3 coats of wipe-on poly...and VIOLA here she is...

I couldn't be happier with how she turned out! I have a new love...

My Favorite Things...

2010-04-09T01:15:00.000-06:00

So I was watching the Sound of Music the other day and singing along to it...love that movie! I started thinking of what my favorite things are that make me feel better. So this is my list of my Favorite Things:
Wood, hardwood, wood work, mouldings, I love the beauty of wood
Antique Furniture
Historic Homes, I love the craftsmanship and character
Gardens, the work for the reward
Hiking
Mountains
Waterfalls
Kayaking
Rivers
Birds singing
Sunshine
The sound of leaves on a breezy day
My children laughing
Babies Sleeping
Motorcycle Riding
Smell and Sound of the Ocean
Smell of Horses, alfalfa, and Oats
Hardwork- it makes me feel good!
MY FAMILY!

CHEEKS

2010-02-26T11:27:00.001-07:00

Mommy I drew you

2010-02-06T20:21:00.004-07:00

Preston and Connor were drawing on the easel this morning, I could see them from the couch while purchasing a new garmin. Jim wanted to surprise me for my birthday...but also wanted me to choose which one I wanted. My old one suddenly quit charging a few months ago and not having one made me realize how much I enjoy them not always for direction but for all the other features. Anyway so I was doing my research when Preston says, "hey mom look I drew you". I looked up and saw this...I thought it was awesome!

Samson the T-rex

2010-01-30T21:00:00.007-07:00

We decided to take an adventure to OMSI today, I say adventure because going anywhere on the weekend in Portland is an ADVENTURE! Everything is always crazy busy and crowded with super long lines, that is why I usually go weekday mornings and that includes grocery shopping! Luckily Jim is very patient and willing to battle the crowds and lines for a good family day out and I love him for that! We picked up Sean and made it to OMSI by noon. After waiting in line for 15 min we realized that the year membership was a killer deal. Sean and I decided to go in on it together since you got 2 adult passes, up to 8 children, 2 free guest passes with each visit, free daily plantarium shows and 8 passes to OmniMax. We figured he could bring his dates and use it on his own and I could still use it with Jim, Nikki, Ashton, and Grandma. It worked great and we even got a student discount! Of course there was so much to see that we didn't get to it all, but we did see the T-Rex, Submarine, and the Discovery playground. We all had an awesome time, the boys were perfect! Thank you Sean for coming with us! (The pics are a little out of order sorry...sometimes the pic upload just doesn't like me.)

Mommy and Brody (3 months old on Tuesday!)Preston, Connor, and Mommy cuddling!

It didn't take Preston long to figure out that you had to turn the crank to get the water to come out, it was really fun to watch him figure it all out.

The water exhibit in the playground was a huge hit, they even provide clothing covers and crocs so kids don't get their own shoes wet.

They played so well together and with the hoards of other children, some with great manners others with terrible ones.

Preston and Connor loved the balls and watching the air tunnels shoot the balls out

Sean and Connor...

Good-bye OMSI!

Our Christmas Traditions

2010-01-22T11:06:00.011-07:00

This year was a very special year. It was the 1st year in 7 years that we had our 1st Christmas tree(which my dad surprised us with the day after Thanksgiving) and weren't traveling during the holidays! Our tradition is that we have Christmas dinner and open presents at my parents house Christmas Eve. Growing up we always opened presents and celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. It has worked out perfectly because then we can enjoy Christmas morning as a family at our own home and then visit Jim's parents for Christmas dinner and gifts on Christmas day. I even got to make Christmas goodies with mom and Nikki this year! I have always wanted to make a list of Christmas goodies and make them and never to to, well this year I did! Brody is such a good baby he makes it much easier to accomplish everything I want and need to.

We always drive and look at Christmas lights, we also took the boys to the PIR for their Winter Wonderland festival of lights. The boys loved it! We didn't make it to Zoo lights, it was so cold, Jim wasn't to excited to freeze just to look at lights, and I wasn't about to take Brody out. I have been blessed with a very healthy baby...he hasn't gotten sick yet this season and I don't want to encourage any chances of it happening.

PIR:

Christmas Eve was so much fun as we gathered for dinner at my parents home. My grandma Leta and grandma Barbara joined us which was so special to have them there. We had a wonderful Christmas dinner, I tried candied carrots this year which turned out delicious! I love Honey Baked Ham! We then started exchanging gifts. Of course had to have the boys open one first to distract them from everything that was going on. We exchange names between siblings every year we had Kevin and Sean and they had us. Sean and Kevin spoiled us with a new Cuisinart Toaster 4 slices! I was so excited about a 4 slice toaster! Sean really spoiled us with getting Jim a new riding helmet with sweet graphics, and a Coach purse for me!We visited till the boys were exhausted and headed home. We read the "Night Before Christmas" to the boys before bed...I think we were more excited then they were...I don't think they quite understood what was happening. After they were sleeping we brought out "Santa's" gifts and stuffed their stockings! I just wish we got gotten more pics! I can't wait for next year when Brody will be walking and part of the action! He will add a new dynamic to the holidays! Santa and grandparents brought the boys lots of Imaginext, a Crayola Easel, I Spy and Geotrax. They have enjoyed their new toys every day! It was our 1st Christmas exchanging gifts withe each other at our own home...I LOVED it! I used my stocking money to buy Jim a North face jacket and U of O goodies and he surprised me with a Wii including Wii fit, so fun!!

Afterward we joined Jim's family for brunch and gift opening. We had a great time and the boys loved every minute. We came home for naps and the joined Jim's family afterward for Christmas dinner and stockings! It was a wonderful fun-filled day with many wonderful memories! I am so grateful for Jim and our 3 beautiful boys, that we could start our own family traditions and be together! This year brought many changes and many many blessings for which I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father.

Projects

2010-01-19T10:34:00.007-07:00

I have so many projects that have been sitting out in my garage for months, maybe even years. The other day Nikki came over to help me redecorate, she motivated me to finish some of my projects and I am so glad she did, I love the way everything turned out. I still have a lot of furniture that needs stained-that will have to wait for the summer! I love the way the boys room came together, it took some time but was worth the wait...I just need to finish their quilts! With craigslist there are endless ideas of what to start next!
I will post pics of the boys bedroom but 1st here is a peek at the two dressers I just bought off Craigslist that are my next priority: My $15.00 bench off craigslist in Rexburg...before:

After:

Brody 2 months

2010-01-14T13:32:00.004-07:00

Brody had his 2 month check-up and shots last week. He weighed in at 15.8 lbs and 22 inches long! No wonder my arms are sore...not to mention my back.
He is smiling and cooing, he is a complete joy, he so strong and has had great control of his head since he was a week old, he likes to suck on his fists when he doesn't have a soother. He sleeps through the night too, I am so lucky! He likes his swing and his bouncer, and tolerates being mauled by Connor, who gives his at least 20 kisses a day! He still doesn't care much for bathing alone, but LOVES bathing with his brothers! He looks a lot like Preston did as an infant and is already wearing 9 month clothes! Look at these rolls...

Brody 5 1/2 weeks

2009-12-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Big Brothers and Brody

2009-12-09T10:05:00.003-07:00

The boys checking out Brody. Preston could care less about what Brody is doing, where he is at, or if he is still part of the family. Preston was more concerned that he had all matching body parts and was indeed a "BOY"!

Connor on the other hand is very concerned and gives him kisses throughout the day. He always asks me, "where Brody at?" If he cries he says, "Brody hungee?" They think he is hilarious when he toots or has a mass explosion! He is growing so fast and is a very sweet little man!

Gratitude

2009-11-30T18:24:00.002-07:00

"Gratitude is of the very essence of worship. … When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives”. Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love”

Gordan B Hinckley

Pure Sweetness

2009-11-17T15:07:00.005-07:00

Our Family of 5 is complete

2009-11-03T18:08:00.002-07:00

Brody William joined our family at 1:02pm, November 2, 2009.

He weighs 10lbs 6oz and is 21 inches long!

Birthday boys

2009-10-02T18:07:00.001-06:00

Things I want to remember about Preston at 4:

DOB: 9/24/05

1. His smile, it makes me smile...dimples and all...he is a happy boy!

2. That he loves to say his prayers and get exactly 5 kisses everynight at bedtime.

3. That he is always aware of Connor and can't stand it when Connor is asleep and not up playing with him. As much as they can fight, they LOVE each other!

4. He loves planes, trains, diggers, trucks, blimps, bombers, etc., He can name them all and is so smart. He loves to read or rather have us read to him...all his books are very well loved and worn.

5. I love that he wants to be a "big boy" and dresses himself, and wants to try things on his own and be independent. Some days I love his independence, other days, well it can be a struggle. ;)

6. He is my thinker, he likes to negotiate everything...I think sometimes am I really having this conversation with a 4 yr old.

7. He loves visiting his grandparents, he loves playing in the garden and picking veggies, I love that he eats carrots fresh from the garden, and I love finding his diggers in the rows. He loves getting rides on Grandpa's tractor, watering the plants, helping work on the scouts or harleys.

8. His favorites are orange cream soda, chocolate pudding, glow worm candies, waffles, peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, chocolate milk shakes, eggs, bacon, bananas, tangelos, cheese pizza, grilled cheese, steak and all kinds of berries!

9. I love his imagination and how he involves Connor in everything. He often tells Connor that he is his best friend...I hope that never changes! :)

10. He thinks all animals and bugs are "beautiful creatures", Connor tries to stomp them to death while Preston is trying to save them. They often take their flashlights out in the yard at night to look for slugs. They hold their flashlights to their bums and say their "lightning bugs."

11. Most of all I love that he tells Jim and I that we are his best friends too...I know this will change...but its pretty special now!

Things I want to remember about Connor at 2:

DOB: 10/6/2007

1. He has the best sense of humor, he always does something silly and then says "Connor funny"!

2. He is a pleaser, whether he is trying to help me with chores or playing with his brother, he tries so hard to make everyone happy and has the biggest smile.

3. He loves Preston! We will give Connor a treat and he will take it straight to Preston to share. He always asks "Where brother at?", and always is thinking of what will make him happy. If Connor has a toy that Preston wants he will say, "Here brother" and promptly hand it to him.

4. He is so smart! He has been potty training all summer and is doing awesome! He has a great vocabulary and is a talker! His favorite movies are Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and The Polar Express.

5. I love his fine blond hair, it is still so soft and smells so sweet!

6. He is a tough little guy! He will have a good wipe out in the back yard and not let it stop him from having fun and keeping up. Often he will come in with a new scratch, bump, or bruise and will never have said a word about it. His feelings are more hurt with rejection from Preston.

7. He loves to play make believe, he and Preston come up with the best stories together. They love pretending their wizards and cast spells at each other...pretty funny! They also like to pretend their prairie dogs and get in my laundry baskets to watch movies.

8. I love his one dimple on his right cheek when he smiles!

9. He potty trained before his 2 yr birthday!

10. He just started sharing a bedroom with Preston and is in his own "big boy bed".

11. He is a great eater, his favorites are noodles, hot dogs, bananas, tangelos, rasberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, french fries, chips, and anything he can dip!

12. Connor is a mama's boy all the way, he loves to cuddle, give kisses, and tells all of us "lub you"!

Preston and Connor are night and day different not just because Preston has brown hair with green eyes and olive skinned and Connor is blond hair with blue eyes and very fair, but its their personalities. They are so much fun...I love all their differences and feel so blessed and grateful that they are mine!

Breech...what?

2009-09-30T17:31:00.006-06:00

I know you all are probably sick of reading about my pregnancy...but its always on my mind and I can't wait to hold this little guy! So I have 4 1/2 weeks left till "D" day, I am extremely uncomfortable and very ready to have this baby! Yesterday was my 34 week doc ck. I lay down as she measure the bump, we listen to his heart beat, and then she feels my stomach to get an idea of his location...yeah...only to find out that his little head is under my ribs and his feet are kicking my bladder! I began the exam expressing my concerns and requesting another ultrasound because of the discomfort and pressure I was feeling, now I know why. I know I am having a "C" and it doesn't really matter what position he is in, including his height or weight, but for some reason I was so disappointed. My other boys were head down and stayed head down, this little guy is a wiggle worm and is very active; which would explain how he got himself in this situation, I am just hoping he will flip again and get back with his head down soon.

33 weeks and counting

2009-09-17T13:25:00.002-06:00

Well I can't believe that I am finally at the end of Summer, back in May when we were moving and packing I thought, "ok if I can just make it to September" Jim starts Chiropractic school in 2 weeks and I only have 6 1/2 weeks to go. I am so excited! Even though this is our 3rd, I still forget how huge and uncomfortable life becomes near the end. At my appointment this week I measured 35 wks, so she felt the baby, and quickly commented that I was ALL baby, no wiggle room...she then asked me how big my biggest was...I said 9' 8" and she said well I think this ones going to be at least 9 lbs. Then quickly told me she was glad we had a c-section planned or she would be worried. That is the reason I have "C's", BIG BABIES! I feel like I am all baby, he is a very active little guy! He is scheduled to make his debut November 2nd at 12:30, I am hoping he will come on October 30th...that way Jim can have a few days with me at the hospital--otherwise he has school from 7:30-5 everyday and we will need babysitters all day for 4 days and that is going to require some juggling! The boys are both excited to see their new brother and keep asking me if he is still growing and when he is coming. It's pretty cute! Preston laughs and laughs when he feels the baby kick his hands. I can't believe that this will be our last baby and we will start the next stage of life--we are so excited!!!

Smell me

2009-09-11T17:53:00.002-06:00

Kevin has been staying with us while my mom is in Florida this week. His suitcase is in a corner of our living room. Connor runs up to Jim and I while we are relaxing on the couch, lifts his shirt up and says "smell me." He had gotten into Kevins suitcase and had rubbed Kevins deordorant all over his stomach. He was pretty proud of himself, smelled pretty fragrant...and we had a good laugh! Connor has a great sense of humor, he often tells us "ha ha connor funny, brother funny, daddy funny, ha ha!"

New Zoo Exhibit

2009-09-11T16:33:00.010-06:00

We got a Zoo mailer that the new Serengeti exhibit at the Oregon Zoo was having its grand opening this weekend and that Zoo Members had a free previewing today. They were featuring Lions, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, and Zoo Member gifts. We didn't have anything planned and thought it sounded like a great plan. This will probably be our last visit to the Zoo this season before Jim starts school and the baby comes. It was opened from 9-4, so we thought we would try to get there by 9:30 and out by noon, before school was out and the masses arrived. Boy were we wrong!
I was so proud of us we were right on schedule, as we rounded the corner towards the Zoo off ramp we about died! The line to just get off the freeway to the Zoo was backed up about 1/2 mile on the freeway. We kept thinking there is no way this is for the exhibit, its a Members only day...yeah it was all for the zoo. There was no parking in the main lot by the time we were able to circle. We dropped Kevin off to stand in the ridiculously long line that wrapped along the fence and half way down the parking lot, we tried once to find something the Jim dropped me and the boys off at the entrance so we didn't have to walk from the overflow lot.
Once we got inside it wasn't terrible...we didn't rush to the new exhibit since we figured that was most peoples plan. The new exhibit was fun, we saw the lions, cheetahs, and dogs, they had other great climbing features and fun tunnels to run around in...they gave out bags featuring the predators. We had a great time, the boys were awesome and listened perfectly! We ended our day with the train ride...and no melt downs...and that is saying something!

The bald eagle was perched right about the trout, salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon exhibit, he was beautiful.

Sharing a peek at the Otter sleeping...

Peeking at the Otter sleeping, I love the Otters!

Eating Dippin' Dots...starting to get hot...90 degrees today!

This is Connor telling daddy he was tired and it was time for nite nite. I love being married to this guy- he is pretty awesome!!

His half smile.

Preston wanted to leave already, he was pretty serious about it.

Can you tell I am tired?! I think Kevin had a great time...he was a huge help, extra hands are always a great thing!

Connor loved watching the tracks, he kept saying "tracks mommy, tracks!"

Connor kept telling me it was like the Polar Express! We will have to come back for the Zoo Lights--he will love that!

Preston was so tired...usually they eat lunch and nap on the train...today they ate their lunch but no naps!

On the train Connor decided he needed to look cool, the sun was just too bright!

At the Forestry Center across from the Zoo there is an awesome 1909 original forestry train. The boys always beg to go see it but we are usually so exhausted that don't want to trek across the parking lot to climb on the train...today was such a great day we thought why not?! They LOVED every minute of it.

As you have probably noticed there is not one picture of the new exhibit! It was so crazy busy and we were more concerned with keeping our eyes on the boys that we didn't take a picture...I can't even believe it! Ah, well there is always next time!

Our day in Tillamook

2009-09-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

We had a blast the last trip to the beach, it was just for the day--but it was a perfect day! We started at the Tillamook Air Museum...we couldn't even think of stopping anywhere else until we saw the planes--the boys LOVE planes!
The Tillamook Air Museum was awesome, here are some pics of the cafe and gift shop...the boys wanted planes hanging from their ceiling too!
The classic "Corsair", one of Preston's favorites.

Connor really enjoyed the ranch dressing...

Sean and the boys talking about the bombers

One of the last Corsairs in existence...
Connor was just tall enough...reach!

The boys were very interested in the sweeper that cleaned the hanger floor

This plane was really cool, it was in the Rexburg Air Show last year, for a small fee the boys were able to climb all over the plane...it was the highlight of the day!

A great view of the hanger it was HUGE...Connor looks tiny...it was built as a blimp hanger and has all wood construction.
After the Air Museum we went to Oceanside to play, it was a perfect day and so warm!

My baby bump, at 7 months!
Grandma Jann, Uncle Sean, Uncle Kevin, Me, Preston and Connor
Sean and Me

Me and my baby!
I love this pic.
Jim showing the boys his skills

We played until Preston said he was ready to get ice cream...it was time to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory!Connors "moo" face

They liked watching the cheese be made or just liked hanging off every railing in the whole cheese factory.
Jim was showing Preston how its done...busting out his moves...we had a great time!
It was supposed to be over 100 degrees in Portland which was perfect weather at the coast, it was about 75 with a light breeze. It had been at least 8 years since we had gone to the beach with my brothers and mom, we all had a great time and wished it lasted longer. Next year we are planning on renting a house for a few days--I can't wait!

Getting closer

2009-09-06T16:40:00.002-06:00

I regret not keeping a detailed pregnancy journal to compare each pregnancy to, as it is I am just so excited I am 31 weeks today!!! 31 weeks down, 8 to go...its getting closer! It's amazing all the little things that you remember you need for a new arrival...I was so sure we were having a girl that I actually left all my newborn to 12 month clothes with David and Staci. They had to haul them back with them this last visit home, I got everything washed, folded and hung up. The dresser I had for the nursery I finally finished painting and brought in my glider, so the nursery is finished. I have some decorating to do but that might have to wait until after he's here. We had his name picked, but have been rethinking it--I haven't fallen in love with any names yet...and the ones I love have already been taken.

Dustin, Sean, and Jim went dirtbiking at Browns Camp Friday afternoon/evening, so Ashley and I dropped the boys off at my parents and went shopping! We couldn't believe the sales, everything was clearanced then additional 30% off, we hit up Carters and OshKosh. We had so much fun! I love shopping with her for little girl clothes, ah they are so adorable! It reminded me that I need more girl time without the boys. I think our due dates are only 2 weeks apart, this will be fun! THANK YOU ASHLEY FOR A NIGHT OUT!!! ;)

A got it for a steal!

2009-08-22T10:58:00.006-06:00

Yesterday Jim had some work he wanted to finish at his parents house while they were at the beach, so Sean and I planned on taking the boys to the Clackamas County Fair. I looked up the events for that day, admission costs, parking, prices for the rides, etc., and figured it would be a $50 outing. I picked up Sean and we decided to veto the fair...I had been really needing to get Preston new clothes and they both need new shoes for Fall so we headed to the Troutdale Outlet Mall. I do not go shopping alone ever-I can't look at anything and watch the boys, it just doesn't work. I thought if we are going to spend $50 I have many other places I would like that money to go.
These are the pair Sean picked for Connor, he LOVES them and even wears them around the house! I usually buy the slip-on classic vans but they were so picked over.

Connor gets all Prestons hand-me-downs and always has plenty to wear but Preston needs new clothes- he is growing so fast. I have been very frugal in our spending with Jim starting school, the baby on the way, Jim no longer working full-time, and wanting to keep some savings. We hit up the Vans outlet first, they were offering a buy 1 get one 1/2 off deal. What a deal too! Sean picked out a pair that Connor loved, he would not take them off and wore them the rest of the day, they were $19.95, Sean also found these for Preston which were marked at $9.95 (later we found out they were mismarked and should have been $24.95) so the total was $24.95 for both pairs!

Preston wear a size 10...doesn't that sound huge?! He isn't even 4 yet! He is outgrowing everything so fast!

I wasn't to keen on the idea of shoes laces but Sean said to just knot them and make them slip-ons, I thought duh that would work! These are a black suede and not to chunky.

Next we ventured to Carters, my favorite! They had 6 racks of clearance clothes for boys and girls ages newborn to 7 yrs. Everything was marked at $3.99 plus an additional 20% off through August 31st. She said they were getting boxes of clothes in everyday that were all clearance...I will be back next week to see whats new! It was so hard not to go crazy buying everything that was soo cute! Really I needed shorts, pants, Pajamas, and T's for Preston so that is what I focused on. I got 10 pairs of shorts, 4 pairs of pants/jeans/cargos, 5 shirts, 2 PJ sets, a package of 12 pairs of socks, and 4 new baby outfits!! 26 items of clothes for $71.39, my day of shopping for the boys was under $100!!!! I was so excited!

This is my haul--minus the pajamas they wore last night and the shorts Preston is in now. Oh and I forgot to include the baby clothes in the pic, I had already started putting some if it away.

The solid t's were $1.59, everything else was $3.99, with the 20% off they ended up being $3.19 a piece! The most expensive item was the "Big Brother" T-shirt which was $6.00, which seemed like so much when everything else was so cheap, lol...funny how perspective changes so quickly! So if you have little ones that need some new duds...get to the outlet malls...I just wish I could shop for myself! ;)

Is it the hormones or an I just being emotional....

2009-08-14T15:23:00.006-06:00

So I woke up this morning emotional...and I am not an emotional person. It's like I just want to sit down and have a good cry. I don't have ups and downs even when its that time of the month. I usually have a pretty even temperment. I like to think in the shower so while I showered I kept thinking what is my problem, why is everything bugging me today. The other problem is sometimes you can't blog about the things that are bothering because people read this...and I don't want to offend just vent. The rational part of me says this is a good thing because tomorrow I might feel completely different about the situations...but today, I just want to cry! Yes, I know its pathetic, and I keep thinking what the heck--I never do this! So I am blaming today on hormones...
**Ah that felt good to just get a little off my chest** thanks!

Garden BBQ

2009-08-13T09:53:00.004-06:00

We have a wonderful Garden at my parents house, we have rows of blueberries, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, beets, carrots, lettuce, spinach, okra, cucumbers, and corn. My mom planted a whole row of cucumbers...the rows are 25 ft long...so you can imagine how many cucumbers we have. I have picked over 300! Luckily we have plenty of friends that are happy to take some. My favorite is the zucchini and squash grilled with light olive oil, salt and pepper...mmm! Here are some pics of our regular evening dinner during the su mmer. I LOVE veggies-delicious!

The boys enjoying ice cream cones with orange sherbet. It was their reward for attending all 3 hours of church. Believe me I think this was the first Sunday in weeks we have made it through all 3 hours.

Oregon Zoo

2009-08-12T01:18:00.007-06:00

As you can tell there are 2 different visits to the zoo. Nikki, Ashton, the Boys and I had a great trip to the Zoo in June. We had a great time, the boys loved it! This last week I had a lot of sewing to do, so Jim and Grandma Joclyn took the boys...how wonderful it was to have a day to myself! I didn't really get any sewing done instead I spend the day with my Grandma Leta...it was a perfect day!

Preston loved feeding the Lorikeets! I was shocked how comfortable they were with little hands. The boys also loved the baby elephant! She was born last August...and has been a crowd pleaser.

Quilting bug

2009-07-19T22:22:00.007-06:00

I noticed Fabric Depot was having an Outdoor Clearance Sale and couldn't resist the urge to just at least check it out. Well I found some awesome fabric, I have wanted to make the boys quilts for their bunkbeds for sometime now but have not found fabrics that were the right colors and themes.

I wanted something that was fun for them that they would be excited about but also wasn't something they would quickly outgrow. I found a fabric line by Nanette Hilton for Northcott called Up, Up and Away.

Getting paid off...

2009-07-13T18:06:00.002-06:00

The stories of a 3 yr old....

I asked Preston to pick up his toys, he protested strongly with the suggestion that he wasn't going to pick them up and that daddy could. Then he turns to Jim and says, "I will give you a quarter to pick up my blocks". Jim and I just lost it laughing...I asked him where he was going to get this quarter and he replied out of Mommy's coin purse.

Jim came home and noticed one of my large pictures on the living room wall was askew and asked Preston if he had hit Mommy's picture he says, "Connor did it, I swear it wasn't me". Wait what, you swear, I am pretty positive that Connor cannot reach the picture. So after I tell him I don't think there is any way Connor could reach the picture he tells us a huge story about how Connor crawled on top of the vacuum to reach it...hmm...usually he doesn't tell stories, but I had to wonder, what?!

I should really post more of our conversations they are quite amusing.

Skinny dipping and Pool time

2009-07-13T17:04:00.005-06:00

The boys enjoying the heat and the pool.

These were fun...it was 8pm one night last week and I was out cleaning up the toys left out on the deck, the boys asked if they could come out and I agreed. Soon they were asking to take off their clothes, and play in the pool...well it has been in the 90's so the pool was more like a hot tub...they played till dark and loved skinny dipping.

I have more pics but I tried to keep out any "boy parts". ;)

4th of July

2009-07-13T16:28:00.006-06:00

We as many of you I am sure had a busy 4th of July, we started out at the Oregon City farmers markert getting fresh berries, fruits, and vegetables for our BBQ that evening, we enjoyed pool time in the backyard and then met up with my family for a Haney family BBQ before the annual Happy Valley Fireworks.
Jim grilled his famous burgers with grilled zuccini and grilled pineapple, I made a fruit pizza, corn on the cob, and tomato cucumber salad, Grandma Barbara brought her homemade rubbarb cobbler, baked beans and potato salad, Nikki made awesome peach pies and lemon squares...and mom got to enjoy her grandboys!
Sean made an awesome slip n' slide for the kids in the backyard, I wish I had pics of it, he used 25ft of tarp from home depot.
Nikki and Adam bought a lot of fun fireworks for the boys which they loved...Connor stomping out a poop snake...by their expressions I am not sure what they thought about this growing, black, coiling, thing

I think they were just amazed in the end that it could grow with fire...they loved the pop-its too

Nikki's awesome pie...

Getting ready for the fireworks...Nikki had just finished cutting my hair!

I am getting my baseball team...

2009-06-11T00:47:00.003-06:00

Well it is no secret that when I found out I was pregnant with Preston I right then and there prayed that I would have all boys. We just found out we are having baby boy #3 and we are so excited! I have never been a girlie girl and feared the drama and emotional roller coaster of having girls. I definitely am not patient with drama, am not into make-up, dress-up, and barbies. So maybe its a good thing I asked for all boys in the beginning! Don't get me wrong you can't help but want a girl...and experience being a mother of both. Everyone tells me I NEED a girl...and that boys are crazy! I guess when all you know is boys, you don't know any different. Now the older and wiser women tell me that boys are much easier and I should feel very blessed to never experience raising a teenage girl...which most fathers recall as hell on earth!

I have always enjoyed the boys and rarely had any close girl friends, I always hung with the boys, I love the outdoors, motorcycles, and playing hard. I really wanted a girl more for Jim so he could experience that Daddy/Daughter relationship. He claims he is okay without it, he didn't want to have to kill anyone so not having a girl eliminates that worry, lol. Well there you go, my confessions of why I may be a better mom to boys and my fears of having a girl. Many of you are thinking this my not be our last since we didn't get a girl...well...we are still planning on not having anymore...but will make sure it is the right choice before we make it permanent. Thank you to all our friends and for the many congrats! :)

Highlights

2009-06-08T18:23:00.003-06:00

Some highlights of the last few busy weeks getting settled in:
*I found an amazing OB doctor--for my last C-section I was a little nervous about who was going to leave me with my permanent scar, she will be wonderful!!
*Insurance coverage, seems silly but when you are mid-pregnancy and have to apply for insurance in another state...the process is a little scary.
*I have my ultrasound Wednesday and can't wait to know what we are having whatever it is I will feel so blessed to have them as part of our family, I can't help but want a girl just a little bit!
**Last item about the pregnancy I am no longer nauseated at all, YAHOOO!!!
*Grandma Joclyn got us a year family plus pass to the Zoo, the boys have loved going and it has been a special treat to go anytime. She also surprised us with a new BBQ!
* I LOVE LOVE having Sean here--having my best friend around (besides Jim) makes outings so much more fun!
*We enjoyed a great weekend at Saturday market, with amazing Gyros, (in my opinion the perfect meal), played along the waterfront, watched the dragon boats, and strolled the streets of downtown.
*We have picked up where we left off with BBQ's with friends--I am so thankful to enjoy a great backyard and deck for BBQ and awesome friends.
*Our new ward is interesting, I won't tell you the name for fear of offending people but I feel like we are attending a retirement communities reunion. Sunday school is like a peanut gallery...it is interesting. I can honestly say I have never witnessed anything like it, amusing.
*I got my 1st new extra large capacity Maytag washer and dryer set...my stacked set I left in Idaho I hated the darn things they did tiny loads, the drums needed serviced often...a total pain.
*I am planting my 1st garden, and flower pots for the front porch. I am excited to see how it does...we always had awesome gardens growing up!

Boys and their Toys

2009-05-24T10:37:00.003-06:00

Both the boys are always completely fascinated by all Grandpa's toys up at his shop--and mostly because its a guy hang out, complete with grease, dirt, tools, and stuff. Preston always talks about going to see Grandpa to get a ride on his orange tractor. Now that we are just down the hill from them we visit daily. Preston asks to see Grandpa from the time his eyes open in the morning till they close at night. He keeps telling me he lives at Grandpa's house. The last visit Preston laid his eyes on a International Scout my dad had been restoring for David. It is a Wine color and beautiful, it was love at first sight for Preston. Of course Grandpa told Preston it was his if he got his Eagle Scout. Preston kept climbing in it, pretending to 4x4 it. The deal he had made with each of his own sons. So now all Preston talks about is working on his Scout in Grandpa's shop, it is really cute. Connor is much more interested in the motorcycles. He goes from one to the next climbing on top and pretending to ride with all the cool sounds motorcycles make. So Sean and I take turns riding Connor around on the dirt bikes. He is always disappointed when the ride is over. It is so fun to be so close that they can enjoy their Grandparents daily!

Surprisingly the boys have not had a hard time adjusting to their new rooms, I kept preparing myself for a fight every night at bedtime, or children up throughout the night. They both have always been dream children at bedtime, going without a peep. They have done great, which has been a huge blessing for me, I need all the sleep I can get these days.

The BIG move

2009-05-22T11:28:00.004-06:00

Well we made it...it was stressful...and I was really sick most of the time...but with lots of help from family and friends we made it to Portland without any problems. Jim ended up driving the U-Haul alone that is a long boring drive, Dad hauled all the Harleys and dirt bikes alone, Mom rode with me to help with the boys, and Sean drove the Ford alone, I felt for the guys because 12 hours is quite boring...especially for Sean without A/C. It was a caravan for sure, we unpacked on Sunday. The "new house" is great and I LOVE the location. My favorite thing is the large deck! We have lived in Idaho for 7 1/2 years, I had forgotten how much I LOVE the smells of Spring in Oregon...the green trees and foliage everywhere and most of all the rolling hills. I just can't wait till I am not prego to really have some fun! To have family so close is awesome, its hard not to feel rushed to visit everyone like we are just visiting. The boys love seeing their grandparents...and ask daily to go visit. I love being near Sean to...its been too long. Jim's parents surprised Jim yesterday with a "welcome back" gift of a new BBQ. We BBQ a lot, we left our wonderful BBQ in Idaho with Dave and Staci, so they could enjoy BBQing with their friends. We are going to build wonderful memories here, I am so excited! I am not nearly finished unpacking...but getting there...it feels so good to be here and I am thankful that we are starting a new chapter in our lives. This fall with be full of changes with Jim starting school and the new addition arriving. I have a feeling this year will fly by...I better blog often!

Look out for the F-ing 4's

2009-05-13T11:09:00.003-06:00

We were warned, its not the terrible 2's you need to be worried about it was the 3's and definitely the 4's...I think I recall the exact quote was "the F-ing 4's"well I am hear to say the 3's have tested our patience but I am really worried what the 4's will bring!

Preston has always been a dream child, tender, sweet, gentle, really laid back, don't get me wrong he is full of it like any other boy...but not like Connor! Lately he has been talking back, won't come when I call him, is instantly off into something he shouldn't be, and really picking on Connor. I think what happened to my mild mannered boy who has always been easy! Then I think, "Oh crap we are approaching the F-ing 4's". I don't think anything Preston can do will even compare to what we will face with Connor...I am a little-- okay a lot scared! We can put Preston in time-out and he is crying and instantly apologizing to get out. For some reason I just don't think "time-out" will work as well with Connor but only time will tell! I love my Con-man, as feisty and ornery as he is...he is so fun!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T07:35:00.003-06:00

On those exhausting days when I feel defeated and I have said, "No!", "Stop", "Don't Hit", "Don't push", "Go to the Corner", etc., so many times I sound like a broken record...I have to stop and take a time out myself and remember what a special blessing it is to be a mother!

"You have nothing in this world more precious than your children. When you grow old, when your hair turns white and your body grows weary, when you are prone to sit in a rocker and meditate on the things of your life, nothing will be so important as the question of how your children have turned out ... Do not trade your birthright as a mother for some bauble of passing value ... The baby you hold in your arms will grow quickly as the sunrise and the sunset of the rushing days."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

I am so grateful for the wonderful Mother's in my life.

For my own Mother, for her shining example, her devotion, kindness, love, patience and tenderness. She is my best friend, I know I can always call her for advice, a good cry, a great laugh, and I love that she always supports me and makes me feel good! There is something so comforting knowing your Mother is always there with a listening and loving ear. She helps me see the whole picture and does it with such love. I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother...moving home is something her and I just can't wait for. We both decided years ago that if I lived in Portland we both wouldn't get anything done we would be off playing too much...well yeah for playing!

I am grateful for my Grandmother's, Euleta and Barbra, who I am so close too. They have had a huge influence on me as a Mother. They both are so loving, supportive, accepting, hard-working, and amazing cooks! They have taught me awesome qualities to have as a Mother and I hope to be like them. I notice all the time little things that I do that is like them, or hear their voice in my ear on why we do things this way or that. More than anything I have loved how positive they both are...their excitement for Life is something I always want to have. I have countless memories with them and hope to have many more...they are amazing Mother's!

Finally I am grateful for my Mother-In-Law, Joclyn. I feel very blessed to have another Mother in my life that is so different from my own. She is always planning a family outing, making each experience a great one. I love that she is adventurous and is up for anything! Last summer I loved seeing her take off on our ATV for a ride with Jim through Kelly Canyon, or the summer before that driving many hours up to Montana to mine for Sapphires. I love that she loves the Coast and good food. Some of my favorite memories with Jim's family is spent at the Coast...enjoying Chowder at Moe's. We both share a love of Quilting and I have to say that if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be making my Christmas Stockings! Her and I are different but our differences make me appreciate all she has to offer and teach me.

I hope to be like the Mother's in my life...they are all amazing Women and most of all Mother's. They have all made huge sacrifices for their families and are amazing examples to me. I love you all, thank you for being my Mothers and Grandmothers...I am so blessed!

**thank you Mindi for the quote, I loved it!**

Elder M. Russell Ballard on mothering:

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

"Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

M. Russell Ballard

“Motherhood, is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson

Saying Good-bye

2009-05-09T16:23:00.004-06:00

I have been busy attempting packing...packing is a chore in itself but then to try to pack while dealing with severe nausea has been a challenge. I just decided if I am not heaving over the toilet then I better be packing...yeah it has been interesting! While packing its fun to reminisce, mostly I can't believe how much our family has changed and grown in this home. Jim and I moved here and the house seemed so big because it was just him and I, then Preston can and we were introduced to the beautiful and challenging world of parenting. All my dearest memories with my new babies are in this home. As our family has grown the house has seemed to become smaller...and there never seems to be enough space. I have loved my walks to the park all summer long, watching my boys play and grow, beg to ride the carousel, get soaked in the water park, free lunches, and endless laps around the park trying to get that baby weight off. I love seeing the temple from my front door, living on a dead end and having great neighbors. I am so grateful I graduated with my Bachelors and have an awesome education. I am so very grateful for all our wonderful friends that we have made here...many of them have already moved or are currently moving...so it really is our turn! ;)
This home has been a wonderful place to start our family...I will miss all the memories that are here in this home. I know I will cry when we leave...but oh my heart is so excited and thrilled to move next week! To build new memories in our new home and start a new chapter in our lives. I feel overwhelming blessed and grateful for my boys and for Jim. We are great together and I love that he is so supportive of me. He is a wonderful, attentive, husband...nothing is better than being married to your best friend!
I am not a pack rat, I enjoy a clean, organized home. I have filled the back of the Yukon with even more things that we can live without. I just can't believe I have packed 50+ boxes and am close but not quite finished. Jim has been in Portland the last few days getting everything in order for our move and my goal was to have us packed less the things we have to use until Friday.
I want to thank everyone that has helped me so much while I have struggled through this pregnancy. Today the boys saw David out mowing our front lawn and of course were so excited...they love the John Deere and they LOVE Dave. So Dave let them climb on and took them to finish mowing, about 45 min later, I hear the mower getting closer and look out the window to see two little boys completely asleep one under each of his arms as he tries to steer the lawn mower to the front door. It was adorable! I ran for my camera but of course the battery is dead, great!

It's A GIRL...maybe?

2009-05-01T08:59:00.004-06:00

This week I had to go into the docs office for 2 liters of fluids, some more anti-nausea medicine, and a shot of B6. As I was waiting I picked up one of the many "pregnancy"magazines that litter the waiting room table. There was this advertisement about a new product called Intelligender, that predicts the sex of the baby as early as 10 wks. I mentioned it to Jim when I got home and he was off to Walgreens to give this test a try. This morning I took the test...it was like taking a pregnancy test...anticipation and a little anxiety. The full 10 minute wait before reading the result seemed to last forever...

The result....IT'S A GIRL!!!!!! Ok, so I know its not 100% accurate (90% is close enough) but they have loads of testimonials. I am just going to have to wait another 6 wks for my ultrasound to confirm...but we have chosen a name (Sophie) and are hoping a little pink is in our future! I am so excited that I want to shout it, YAHOOOOWEEEE!!! :)

Jim's comment...he says he is nervous about having a girl because she will make him do dumb things, and things he may regret! My dad thinks its sweet justice...he laughs and laughs!

Splish Splash

2009-04-16T08:36:00.003-06:00

I love bathtub pics of the boys they are sooo cute! I know one day they will hate me for taking them but sometimes I just can't resist. These will make you smile! ;)

An exciting week!

2009-04-15T15:23:00.006-06:00

This past week was very busy but full of so much fun! I had my 1st ultrasound, which just confirmed I have a bean in the oven. Another Chiropractic appointment which has helped me so much, regular visits and frequent back massages have helped my nausea. I have had 3 good days of little nausea...I am so excited to be feeling good!! It's something I had almost given up on experiencing! (Please excuse the disorderly pictures, I couldn't get them to move!)

Jim's parents flew in Wednesday night for Jim's graduation ceremonies. So we made breakfast for them Thursday morning and celebrated Jim's dads (Gordon's) Birthday Thursday night. Preston picked a truck cake which took some designing at home to make and Gordon requested Thai food...yum!
Jim walked Friday morning, it was so exciting!!! I am so proud of him! Wow, I can't believe we have both graduated from BYU-I with our Bachelor's!! Elder Neil L. Andersen from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided over Commencement and spoke at the Convocation. Henry J. Eyring spoke at Jim's college Commencement he had wonderful and very inspiring words.
We spent the time visiting, shopping at Porters, bear world, cooking, playing outside, watching many favorite Disney movies, and playing with the boys! We had a wonderful visit, and were sad to say goodbye.

So I don't know if you can tell in the Bear World pics, but Preston bonked his head in the bathtub Friday night and had a huge goose-egg right between his eyes. He looked like a character from Star Trek! Poor little guy, the swelling has gone down but he now has two black eyes from the bonk!

This was also Jim's last week working at the office...which he is sad about. He now gets to work from home, which has been a huge blessing for me in preparing to move and needing extra nap time. ;)

We also were surprised to hear Darc and Li were in town, it was so fun to see them and Pearl, she is adorable!!! I wish their visit was longer and that we had more time to play...there is never enough time!

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday filled with Easter egg hunting, Easter baskets, and an amazing Easter dinner thanks to Staci and David!!!!! Staci cooked her first Ham from scatch, it turned out perfect and sooo good, I tried to help out with some sides, but she really did it all including a homemade Cheesecake!!! David is one lucky guy! ;) My contribution was pretty minimal with homemade strawberry shortcake, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, and salad. I had greater ideas for my part of Easter dinner but just didn't have the time...ah there is always next year!

Conference Weekend

2009-04-05T10:00:00.002-06:00

We have a family tradition on Conference Weekend of doughnuts and chocolate milk. Jim usually gets up as soon as Preston wakes him at 6:30-7ish and heads to the store with Preston to get our tasty treats. We are not doughnut eaters, so they really are a twice a year treat! I personally am a fan of the cake doughnut and request those for myself, Jim loves the the chocolate cake with chocolate icing...he is the chocolate lover in this house! Preston now that he knows what he wants, always requests lots of sprinkles on any doughnut, but he usually gets the maple bar with sprinkles and he shares with Connor.
We always look forward to Conference and the council and inspiration we will receive. Usually we are able to watch all 4 sessions. Well this year our Realtor scheduled a showing of our house between 10-11am Saturday morning. *Sigh* Luckily we have a DVR! So we spent Saturday morning cleaning up the house and grocery shopping. I spent Saturday afternoon sleeping with the boys to avoid an afternoon of nausea. Jim and Dave went to the Priesthood session, in the meantime I made chocolate chip cookies and Tuna noodle casserole...mmm....sooo good...my grandmothers recipe! It hit the spot, I am very cautious these days about what I eat, it seems MOST things don't sit well.
Connor was very cranky last night, and woke us up at 1:30am crying, calling for "mommy". He is getting his top molars in, gotta love teething! Blah! So after oragel and tylenol, rocking, massaging, and bouncing almost 2 hours later I finally calmed him down enough to take some milk and cuddle with me. At 3:30am Connor was back to sleep and I was exhausted. I am exhausted on a regular basis anyway, ask Jim, if I have a chance I am sleeping! I don't know why this pregnancy I am so tired, but I feel like I have the flu and cannot get rested.
With Connor waking me up every 1/2 hour tossing and turning and then asking to watch cartoons at 6:30, its not a wonder that Sunday morning has been a challenge! Not to mention the boys make it difficult to listen. They usually play really well together, but then there are those days when they are out to make eachother miserable...they just pick and pick on each other. Almost as if they just can't stand to see the other one playing contently and must sabotage them. Yes, this morning is one of those mornings! After being up a hour Jim suggested I go back to bed and get some sleep after my restless night with Connor, I couldn't refuse the offer...ah sleep! At 7:30 I headed back to bed till 9...it felt so good, I could have easily have kept sleeping. Everyday I am thankful for Jim and for all his patience, tenderness, and help. Hopefully we will be able to catch Sunday afternoon and have a little quiet time to listen while the boys nap. I know wishful thinking, right?! ;)

My 1st adjustment

2009-03-30T12:32:00.003-06:00

Jim sees the Chiropractor regularly, but I had never been adjusted. After each pregnancy my back feels like a wreck. So I told Jim I would like to get adjusted before my back pain begins...
My 1st appointment was last week, I was really looking forward to it, not only for some relief but also to get a better idea of exactly Jim would be doing as a Chiropractor.
I was shocked at at how much I cracked, popped, and creaked as he moved me this way and that. It felt good, and I didn't even think I was so out of alignment! His goal is to relieve some of my nausea/vomiting, soreness and headaches associated with pregnancy. I thought shoot if I could get any relief even if it in the smallest degree it would be wonderful. I have kept an open and very positive mind.
Today was my 2nd appointment and my headaches have completely ended. Yea! I have 2-3 appointments a week, Dr. White wants to treat me my whole pregnancy. I am excited that this pregnancy I will not have as much lower back pain through adjustments and possibly have some of my nausea alleviated. I will keep you posted.

More good news, Preston is completely potty trained!!!! I know may seem silly, but when its your first time, with your first child...it seems huge! No more diapers, 1 down 1 to go...until the new little babe is here. He has had the "potty" part down for a long time now...we were struggling with having accidents at night in his "overnighter". So we required that he wore "overnighters" until he could wake up and go or keep them dry till morning. We have been successful. He has done a great job, and is so excited to no longer need "overnighters".
Connor of course is excited to do anything Preston does and has already tried using the potty, I think he will be trained sooner. Oh, the simple accomplishments can bring you so much joy with children! ;)

Sad update

2009-03-28T10:31:00.003-06:00

My Uncle received his lab results from his brain surgery to remove a tumor. We had been fearful the results would not be good, but I don't think we were prepared to hear the prognosis. He has stage 4 brain cancer. He has been given 6-18months to live, if he chooses to be treated with chemo he will live closer to 18 months, if not 6. This had been a harsh reality for our family and extended family. My heart aches for him, his children, my aunt, and my grandma who has already lost her youngest son and husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with them daily.

My mother just told me that her father, my Grandpa Mike's cancer has returned. He has a large mass in his chest. He is continuing treatment and returns to town weekly. In hearing this sad news, I am very grateful that we are returning to Portland soon. I want to have as much time with him as I can..and build as many memories with him.

My dear grandfather Haney died from cancer 3 years ago, I have so many wonderful memories with him. My grandma and grandpa Haney are incredible grandparents! I have been so blessed to spend endless days on their farm serving them. My relationship with them and memories are ones I will treasure forever. I have realized as I have lost people dear to me that its not death that I fear and hate...but rather the longing and lose of no longer having them there and missing them terribly. I know one day through the beautiful plan of our heavenly father that we will be reunited as a family...and that knowledge warms my heart on days when the longing is hard to bear.

Connor

2009-03-22T12:19:00.003-06:00

The things I want to remember about Connor at 18 months!

1. Your sense of humor! At 18 months I am constantly amazed at how aware you are of your family and what will make us laugh. You have so many facial expressions, great dance moves, and great ideas for fun!
2. I love that you give me real kisses.
3. The fact that your favorite movie is "Kung Fu Panda" fits you soooo well! He loves to touch your finger to his and say "da doosh"
4. It is so cute to watch you learn from Preston, your like his little shadow trying to figure out how he does everything...I love how smart you are and how eager you are to learn!
5. You catch on very quickly, we will teach you a new animal sound or how to do something once and you got it down!
6. I love that you know to help, I can ask you to get a diaper, your snuggly,sippy, etc., and you run off to find it. You even help clean up your toys!
7. I love that you have your daddy's eye shape, your mommies eye color, and platinum blond hair!
8. At 18 months you have 10 teeth, love to give '5', and knucks. You have a huge vocabulary! You even tell me when your poopy and look for things as little fuzz or as big as your dirty diaper to throw in the garbage You love baths...you go down for naps and bedtime with out a sound. You love books and bring us many to read you each day.

I love you Connor! I can't believe how fast you are growing up. Every night after we have put you and Preston to bed and laugh and talk about what joy you both are...you make us laugh everyday! We love you!

Big News...

2009-03-22T09:29:00.001-06:00

Well we have been waiting to share some really exciting news...aside from another baby on the way which we are so excited about....this news is even bigger...

Jim got accepted to Chiropractic school in Portland, OR at Western States Chiropractic College!!!!! He starts this Fall semester, and will be working on his Master's in Sports Medicine along with his Doctorate in Chiropractic. We will be moving the end of August! Jim has a passion for Anatomy and the Human Body, I am excited to see him pursue something he loves. Many of you know that he worked for BYU-Idaho as the head Teaching Assistant of Anatomy and Physiology. He is very talented and knowledgeable of the Human body...this is a great opportunity for him!

We had been feeling prompted that Jim needed to continue his education. This was a very hard decision since we have had a wonderful experience with the Robison's at The Legacy Network. Working with the Robisons has been a huge blessing and we have grown to love Jim's co-workers like family. We not only have a working relationship with many of them we also have great friendships, and spend lots of time together outside of work. We are hoping to continue to work for Legacy in Portland. It will be hard to leave Rexburg but we are excited for the future!

Now the hunt for housing, ahh, luckily with the market the way it is there are some amazing deals of homes in some of my favorite locations. Of course our parents want us to stay in their area...which we will probably do. I am a little nervous to leave Rexburg, it has been a wonderful place to live and start a family. I love how safe it is, we have both received our Bachelors from BYU-I here and have raised 2 children. Change is always a good thing and I am looking forward to the road ahead.

We are so very excited...we have lived away from family for 8 years. As some of our family members are aging, battling cancer, and other medical problems we are so grateful to be closer to them, and able to spend more time with them through these times.

Friday the 13th

2009-03-14T07:54:00.009-06:00

Jim's birthday was yesterday, he turned the big '31', we had David and Staci watch the boys and we went out to Blue Hashi for some awesome Sushi. We had a great time just the two of us...it is so weird being able to leave the boys. We are having his party today. Yesterday should have been a day of celebration but instead it seemed it was filled with bad news, goodbyes, and mourning.

My mom called me sobbing sharing the news ... My dad had to put down our dear friend and companion Hunter on the 12th. He was my dads best friend for over 11 years and lived an awesome life. Jim and I took Hunter everywhere with us as we were dating, he was a member of our family that we will miss greatly. He went hiking all over the Columbia River Gorge with us, tubed, rafted, kayaked, and pontooned the Clackamas river, fished, camped, 4x4ing, dirtbiking, hunting, played at the coast and ocean, visited and went with us everywhere...he even went to work with me. We got him my 1st year away to college he was an English Labrador with incredible personality and disposition. Some animals become members of the family that are greatly loved and so very hard to say goodbye to. He will be missed...
My grandma had to put our dog Scout down last week on the 6th. He had become a great companion to her since my grandfathers death 3 years ago this month.

I heard that my uncle who had brain surgery on the 12th has brain cancer, they aren't sure of the severity and won't have all the tests back until next Friday.
I had to say goodbye (well not goodbye but see you soon) to a dear friend of mine who moved yesterday back home to Texas. There are some people you meet that you feel an instant connection to, they feel like family and no matter where they move to or how much time passes you can just pick up where you left off. Thank you Jess for all your love. My boys will miss you greatly...you are like family and are always welcome in our home anytime! We hope to see you soon...

I am not a crier but did shed a lot of tears this week. I hope next week is better.
On a happier note, two of my dear friends had babies this week, that always makes me smile, both had boys and both are doing great! ;)

Third times a charm?

2009-03-11T09:50:00.005-06:00

Its true, at one point I would have said absolutely not, I am having all boys and that is that! In thinking this may be our last, I am pleading that this pregnancy brings a little girl into our family. So far I am completely optimistic that we are HAVING a GIRL! I mean anyone that knows me well knows that I have horrible pregnancies and absolutely hate being pregnant. I threw up until the hour Preston was born, with Connor I was hospitalized from throwing up so much (dehydration)...so you can understand that my lack of worshiping the porcelain god this time around can only conclude that it must be a GIRL!!!!! My grandma had 3 boys and assures me that the most pleading and prayer can still yield a boy...but I am hopeful. Please don't get me wrong I would love another boy too...but I do have hope there is a girl in my future. I am due November 8th, but with a 3rd "C" I will probably schedule it the end of October. I went into labor 11days early with Connor...they try to avoid that happening. We are super excited...this year has and will bring a lot of change! Yeah!! ;)

My Con-Man

2009-03-04T08:13:00.005-07:00

Connor is our animated child, he has a great sense of humor and is very ornery. He reminds me of his uncle Kevin a lot. He usually is the instigator of fights with Preston and has no trouble holding his own. He is tenacious and hilarious. You can show him something once and he's got it. He wants to do everything Preston is doing and is fascinated with the bathroom, and gumballs. He uses his utensils so well for his age, and says two syllable words very well. Bathroom, popcorn, gumballs, are some of his favorites. He can give "5" and knucks, he loves dancing and has really great moves. He recently learned the word "no" and has used it very well in telling me exactly what he won't be doing...ah that is my Connor! ;)

A funny story...We dance a lot in the kitchen while I am making dinner and I kept saying to Preston to shake his money maker. Well later that night after bath time, Preston told Jim he has coins in his bum, Jim looked at me and at first I had no idea what Preston was talking about except that he loves to talk about anything relating to the potty. Then he said its his money maker!! We laughed so hard...kids...the things they associate!

Month of babies!

2009-03-03T18:09:00.014-07:00

Something was definitely in the water last June/July...I can think of many of our friends or family that are pregnant and I want them all to know I am thinking about them everyday! Crazy thing is the ones due this month are almost all having boys...and the ones due in April are having girls! ;)
1. Rachel Haney- April (#2-girl Londyn Noel)
2. Heather- March 8th (#5- Benjamin Michael)
3. Levi- March (#1&2-twin boys)
4. Sarah- March 12th (#3-Finnley Aaron)
5. Michelle- March (#3- Adrian Russell)
6. Randy- April (#1- Brennlyn)
7. Melissa- March (#2-Samuel Quinn)
8. Audrey- July (#2-Madelyn)
9. Ashley- October (#1-??)
10. Allison- May- (#1-girl)
11. Lynn- June (#5-??)
12. Carolyn- June (#2-??)
13. Jan- May (#2- Ryan)
14. ME- October (#3-??) I am crossing my fingers that its a GIRL!

HE DID IT!!!

2009-02-05T16:14:00.003-07:00

DISCLAIMER: If you are bothered/offended by potty talk, by bodily functions, or any of the goings on that take place in the bathroom- DON'T WATCH THE VIDEO! Otherwise, watch, laugh, enjoy! It was a big day for us, we conquered #2!

MY FIRST BORN

2009-02-05T15:19:00.002-07:00

Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Let's see how much you remember!
1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
No
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
Yes, for over 2 years.
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Excitement, shock, its a bit of a surprise when it is unplanned, but we were so excited! The look on Jim's face was the BEST--he was thrilled!
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
Never.
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
24
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
I was at work at the hospital, I hadn't been feeling very good for a few weeks and a nurse I am close to suggested taking a pregnancy test--she came up and gave me a hug and whispered in my ear I was pregnant...I wept.
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
Our close friends Holly and Dick and Jon and Jesse. We chose to wait until after my first doctors appointment to tell our parents. Once we told them it seemed everyone knew.
8. DUE DATE?
September 26, 2005
9. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
Yes, everyday, multiple times a day, from morning till night, till the day Preston was born. It was not just the feeling of nausea it was violently vomiting till I was hospitalized...horrible!
10. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
I loved deli sandwiches...a hoagie! Any type, loved them!
11. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
How limited I am when I am pregnant, I am used to going and doing and I can't lift, push, bend over, paint, etc. Being limited irritated me.
12. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
Male
13. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
No, when I found out I was pregnant I prayed right then for all boys...a girl wasn't even a thought.
14. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
It's truly so embarrassing, 65lbs...barely staying under 190...eeh. I didn't do that again!
15. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Yes.
16. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
I knew.
17. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
Not during...
18. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg, Idaho
19. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
16 hrs.
20. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
Jim
21. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?Jim, Dr. Lovell, and Helene- i had been scheduled to be induced for 4 days by Friday the 23rd I was emotionally done and went to see my midwife helene, as she checked me she said I was contracting and had dilated quite a bit and would probably have the baby that day or the next. She was concerned as she examined me that I wouldn't be able to deliver the baby naturally because of his size. She was right!
22. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
C-Section
23. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
An Epidural for the C.
24. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
9 lbs., 8 oz
25. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ?
September 24, 2005
26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
Preston James Thornburg
27. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?
3 years, 4 months, 1 week, 4 days

Ugh, I just hate it

2009-02-02T09:19:00.006-07:00

I love my children but I HATE, LOATHE, being pregnant! It is that time again to think about our family growing...I really need a surrogate to carry my children for me! Just the thought of throwing up all day every day for 9 months, ugh. Then the water retention, weight gain, awkward size, lack of energy, many late night trips to the bathroom, another C-sections, yeah I am already complaining and I am not prego. Then I think of that sweet baby and it makes it all worth it...I just wish it didn't last so long...wouldn't 7 months be perfect...then I would never reach the size of a house. I am almost mentally prepared to do it again...almost!

I love it when they talk...

2009-02-02T09:19:00.001-07:00

Connor is now attempting to use the large vocabulary that has been completely gibber jabber until now. His first words were "ma-ma" and "da-da" which he uddered months ago, but now he knows "chips", "milk", "uh-oh", "no-no", "brother", "pease", "bath", "potty", "picture", "dog" and he is trying more everyday! It seems to me that Connor is talking sooner than Preston but maybe it is my imagination. I love when they start talking and communicating. He knows many words and what they mean, I can ask him to do or get something and he knows what I am referring to, I love watching their little minds think. My favorite word he knows is somersault, he bends over and gets in a position for assistance in helping him roll-over. It is soo cute!
Preston started in Sunbeams this year, I can't believe I have a child in Primary, how did this happen??! He loves it, yesterday Jim took him into Primary, he sat down and said, "see you soon dad, have a nice class dad." I am so thankful Preston has always been comfortable in Primary and Nursery...it is so hard to see many little ones crying for their parents. I am so glad that isn't my child...yet! Preston has always said the sweetest prayers, there is nothing as sweet as a childs prayers, they are definitely a perfect ending to a long day. There are so many things to be thankful for, my family is my greatest joy and blessing!

New ideas for Etsy

2009-02-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Since the winters here seem to last forever...I have been trying to brainstorm up some ideas for my Etsy store. My stockings are completely a seasonal item, so I have been trying to come up with some fun ideas that are more year-round items that I can sell. After the stress of the holidays and stockings orders last year, I vowed to make them year-round so I was well prepared come the holidays. Unfortunately I am a little burnt out on stockings and need something else to work on until I can bring myself to look at stockings again. My idea is for baby gift sets, baby shower gifts, or just personalized baby gifts. I have some things in the works and will post pictures as I get them completed...I am hoping they are winners! At least my sewing/crafting keeps me sane during these long snow days. I will post pics this week.

the machine has the skill

2009-01-17T09:34:00.004-07:00

Jim and dad suprised me at Christmas with a new sewing machine...they tend to do this often! Nothing was wrong with my old one, in fact I loved my Baby Lock Quilter's Choice. It was an awesome machine. Nikki has it now and I am sure she will really enjoy it. This one is amazing it is a Baby Lock Espire for the Quilter's Choice Series. My favorite things that it is equipped with is a automatic fabric sensor, to self adjust to different fabric layers, depths and textures. You can also lock the presser to automatically come up but leave the needle down when you stop sewing for easy turning, it will also cut and back stitch automatically. There are hundreds of stitches, I will probably never use but are cool. I am really excited about using it. It will get a lot of use this fall! ;)

The Boys

2009-01-14T00:15:00.003-07:00

The boys taking a bath at grandma and grandpa's house.

My new duvet

2009-01-14T00:02:00.003-07:00

I found this amazing fabric at Home Fabrics in IF. I have been needing to give our bedroom a make-over really bad. I hate the color on my walls and the comforter with matching pieces, it was really bad. This fabric helped give me the new ideas I had been needing. I made a duvet cover and bed skirt. I love down comforters! Duvets are my only option since I can never find what I am looking for in bedding. I just have to redo our drapes to match...and I have this awesome chair that I picked up that I just need to recover that I would like to add...a project for the summer. A few other projects for the summer...paint this room, refinish the bed frame, I don't love the stain. I am leaning towards painting it black...any thoughts????

Death of the Rover

2009-01-13T23:37:00.004-07:00

Since the roads were horrible in Portland from the amazing amount of snow, Jim drove us to go shopping on Christmas Eve...which resulted in getting run off the road in our Land Rover by a mexican that couldn't speak a word of english, which I think was total BS as a way to get out of being responsible or giving any information, typical. We ended up hitting a huge 12 in curb, barely missed a stop sign, and a Knechts sign to avoid an accident. Our front tire blew out and there seemed to be some other problems that began to be evident as we drove it...great another stress! Luckily this stress turned it Merry Christmas to Alicia!

Christmas day after spending it with Jim's family, we loaded up to head back to my parents home. It was around 8:30pm and the boys were exhausted. Before we got to the end of the street the boys were asleep. So we went on a drive, I suggested cruising Mcloughlin blvd, I main drag in Milwaukie that is abundant with car lots. We had discussed a Yukon as the next vehicle we would like to own, as much as I love Land Rovers, our Disco was just too small. The thought of having another baby meant a bigger vehicle. Jim didn't know it but I directed him to the GMC lot to "just look". As we checked out the Yukons we couldn't believe there was no room behind the 3rd row seats for a stroller, cooler, groceries, gear, luggage, etc. It is the smallest area for a family rig...crap that isn't going to work...next. The denalis were the same thing. Next, came love at first sight!

The Yukon XL was sitting there, Ebony black, black leather interior, built-in dvd, fully loaded with everything you could ever want, or think of, or need, or not need, or know what to do with. It was unlocked, so I climbed inside to check it out. The XL just means there is an additional 18 inches of cargo space, ah...more room! My love affair with this rig started that night! We headed to the dealership the next day-and arrived home just in time for David's surprise party in our new 2008 Yukon XL, we bought the same one that I climbed into the night before. They had white or silver, but come on the black is HOT! I completely look like a typical mormon mom now, huge rig and all...all I gotta say is at least I am not driving a mini-van. I told jim the day would never come that you would catch me driving a van. Yeah, we are lacking a few babes to put all that room to use...but we plan on filling it up...or at least 1 more seat. Thankyou Jim...you are the bestest husband ever!!! He really is amazing, my best friend, I can't believe in 4 months we will have been together for 10 years! There is nothing better than sharing life with someone that loves you, respects you, is your equal, and treats you like you are his everything. We laugh together, play hard together, have fun together, and life is so much sweeter because he is part of it. I love you, Jim!

Finding the time

2009-01-13T23:15:00.002-07:00

Ok, so apparently I start many blogs and save them and then never come around to finishing them. I just seem to not be able to find the time anymore to sit down for that long and write. So I am recommiting myself to blogging. The problem is if I have the time I would rather be reading everyone elses blogs than writing my own.
No worries, we are still alive, made it through the holidays...and are just getting back into the daily grind.
Christmas, ah Christmas, usually my favorite time of year, but this year it just wasn't the same. I truly had too much stress to enjoy our trip to Portland. The whole time I was there I just couldn't figure out how to relieve my stress to enjoy the holiday, then I was stressed and frustrated that I was still stressed. Anyway, I concluded that I took on way to many stocking orders, and even after I closed my shop I had women emailing me asking if I could just do one more order; of course being naive and new to the whole thing I took on more orders. So because of the weather we had to leave Rexburg 4 days earlier than planned which cut into my stocking making days, so then I had to haul everything to portland to finish them there. Only to arrive in Portland during a huge snow storm, which delayed all my shipping. Anyway, lesson learned. December 5th is my new deadline no matter what!
Aside from the stockings, I realized that 2 1/2 weeks was way too long to visit. My kids were crazy, I had no down time, or "Me" time, and I felt every good routine that we had spent months and even years teaching the kids went out the window with 2 weeks of new bad habits formed. So another lesson learned, no long trips to Portland, 1 week max.
Please don't get me wrong, I LOVE my family and my siblings, we have a blast together, and we did...but it is better if they come here now that our family is growing. With all the snow that Portland got while we were there(like 20 inches) we tubed down our driveway, made a huge jump at the end of the driveway to snowboard down, ripped cookies all over the valley, had snowball fights, made snowmen, wrestled, made lots of homemade goodies, and played hard. There was a lot of gaming, junk food eating, and laughs!

Our Thanksgiving...

2008-11-27T14:14:00.003-07:00

I look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas all year! It has become a tradition for my siblings (my brothers) to come for the Holiday. We have so much fun. Days are filled with football, dirt bike rides, and A LOT of late nights playing XBox or Wii. Every year the Holidays pass too quickly and I am always wishing we had more time to play!

This year was a nice change because usually I make the whole Thanksgiving feast by myself, which leaves me exhausted by the time we eat and a bit stressed...but this year...everyone wanted to by involved. David made pies, yes, I know, my David baked from scratch all the pies! Staci made the salads, which I am so excited to try, I love new recipes, she made a cranberry salad and a macaroni salad. Jess made "Corner Crusties", you all know it as Green Bean Casserole. Sean was insistant that he did the Turkey, so I taught him how to do the Turkey. This year we brined the Turkey (Alton Brown recipe) then put apples, onion and an assortment of spices inside the bird after 5 min in the micro. The aroma is heavenly and I am anxious to try it. Usually I am not eager to try new recipes on major occasions but I felt a little daring and I can always blame it on Sean. heehee. Anyway, Jim is doing the potatoes, and I am doing the gravy, candied yams, cranberry-orange sauce, and Stuffing!

Check out the new designs...

2008-10-29T10:29:00.005-06:00

New designs for 2008! Please visit my updated website with new pictures.

http://www.hollyjollystockings.blogspot.com/ and my Etsy shop:
www.hollyjollystockings.etsy.com

I would love your feedback, let me know what you think. :)

Connor's Birthday

2008-10-26T18:30:00.004-06:00

This video is so cute, Connor has hilarious expressions! Here are a few on his special day...

Sixes

2008-10-26T18:21:00.004-06:00

Tag! Open your pictures folder, open the 6th folder, then the 6th picture and post it
David and I outside the Hinckley Building at BYU-Idaho, right before the ceremony, taken April 24, 2004. Man, that day felt so good! I graduated with my Bachelor's in Health Science, minor in biology and business.

What is up with this...

2008-10-26T11:11:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I am almost a firm believer that, and call me crazy, but I think the 'Flu' shot causes the flu. The only time my children have had the flu is immediately following the shot. I know it can cause a fever, but is it really supposed to induce vomitting too. It is becoming a real annoyance...and a strange coincidence that it happens everytime. So I want your ideas...does this happen to anyone elses children?? Does anyone else experience this? Or is everyone smart and just not get the darn thing?

Jim and I struggled really hard this year in doing the shot and I don't think we would except the boys have their yearly physical right at the time they begin administering the shots, so we get bombarded with another question about another vaccine(I do believe in vaccinating), which I am never prepared for. We quickly discussed it without much time to think and timidly agreed, second guessing the rash decision after it was made...and now we are paying for it! Next year...no shot for us!

Any ideas, anyone?

Anyone interested....

2008-10-26T11:05:00.003-06:00

We are selling our 2006 Honda Accord EX-L, our family is quickly outgrowing the Honda, it is an awesome car. Jim wants to get a truck which would be a good thing to have. The Honda doesn't get driven in the Winter, Jim only drives it to and from work maybe 4 miles a day. So it has super low miles 17,000. So if you are interested or know of anyone that would be send them our way, if we don't sell it soon we are just going to trade it in on a truck. Here is some info about it:

Alabaster Silver exterior
Black Leather interior

Automatic

V-6
Navigation
Heated Seats
Dual climate control
TCS
XM Radio
Power Everything
Loaded
All weather mats
Spoiler
Clearbra
In excellent condition, hardly driven.

New Windows

2008-10-26T10:46:00.003-06:00

I have new vinyl windows! Ok, if you already have vinyl windows then you should count your blessings! We had these horrible straight from the 70's, metal, double paned, awful windows, that rattled and shook when the wind blew, they were drafty, loud, ugly, and leaked. You would never think of sneaking into the boys rooms to crack the window or close it a little, no way, they were way too loud! They were the kind of windows that you had to lay a towel in between the panes to catch all the moisture and mold, gross!
Thank you Dad! He installed all new windows for us in the whole house, yes up and down! They are tinted too! Even though our living room window was recently replaced it had grids which I am not a fan of grids on windows, yes they are decorative but they block your view, and make a room look so much smaller, plus they totally date a home, so it got replaced as well and opens now! I am amazed at the difference in noise too. No missing screens, clean, clear, no rattles, no shaking, no moisture! Ah, the pleasure new windows can bring!
I also removed the awnings, they were awful too, they blocked about 1/3 of the windows facing East. My goal is to paint the whole house, add shutters, and a new roof next summer. If I am really lucky I want to add a front porch, but we will see how next summer goes. We are hoping to move then, and will probably keep this house as a rental. Anyway, I will post pics of my new beautiful windows soon...they bring me such joy!

Pumpkin carving...FUN!

2008-10-16T23:10:00.004-06:00

Sean, Dad, Dave and Staci were in town last week, we hadn't carved pumpkins together in at least 10 years so we decided to carve pumpkins one night together. We invited Jess to join in on the fun! My mom had sent Preston and Connor a birthday package with pumpkin carving tools and templates so we each chose one and dived in. I gotta say those sweet looking pumpkins that are themed are much harder to carve then they look. We were at it for at least 2 hours, come of us a little more, some a little less...but yeah all of our arms were ready to fall off by the time we were finished. The little boys just enjoyed watching...they really didn't get excited until FIRE was involved.

Dave and Jess working and concentrating hard....
Preston, Dave, Staci, Sean, and I working hard...it was amazing that none of us needed any bandades or stitches with all the knives flying around.
I am rolling up my sleeves to REALLY get into it.
Sean and Preston posing with the Pumpkins...dave was working on a wolverine, when his knife slipped and went through the scene so his has painters tape on it. Preston, Staci, Jess, Sean, and Dave...
They turned out so good, Staci did the joker(top left), Sean did the Grim Reaper(top right) and the classic pumpkin (middle left), Dave did the goofy/scary pumpkin (middle right), Jess did the Honeymooners Frankenstein and his Bride (bottom left), and I did the Spider holding a pumpkin (bottom right). Jim hung with dad and wrangled children so we could finish. We had a great time, it is so fun having Dave and Staci right next door.

We got it on TAPE

2008-10-02T23:41:00.003-06:00

So don't you wish you had the camera rolling when those perfect moments happen. After the moment passes you are bummed that you didn't have your camera or wish you could replicate the moment...well this was one of those times...we caught on tape...

Connor loves POPCORN!!

2008-10-02T10:13:00.003-06:00

Well the title says it all! You can't help but burst out laughing watching a 12 month old try

(with both hands) to cram as much popcorn in his mouth as fast as he possibly can. Then he does this cheesy smile at us in pure delight. It is quite impressive the amount he can consume...he definitely out-eats Preston hands down. It has become a very special bedtime snack that Connor gets very excited for.

Preston is 3...how did this happen?!

2008-10-02T08:52:00.008-06:00

Preston turned 3 this past week and I can't believe how fast he is growing up, it seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital, watched him crawl, learn to walk, watch him run, learn his numbers, colors, and alphabet...where does the time go? Now I finally realize how short this time on earth really is, and I know that before long he will be grown! Preston has always been so tender, gentle, sweet, easy going, just a good boy. He is definitely more aware of those around him and how they feel. He loves other children and has always played so well with them. He is confident, has never had stanger anxiety, or been bothered being left with a babysitter or at nursery. He is much more reserved, cautious, and really observes things before he dives in. He reminds me of my brother David as little boy.Connors birthday is this next week, I know crazy, two boys, two years, and two weeks apart! Connor is walking and you can see the excitement in his eyes as he constantly learns something new. They are good friends and play so well together! Connor wants to be everywhere, doing everything Preston is and does. He thinks Preston is awesome, when Preston is napping watch out Connor does everything he can to wake him up...I usually end up in the backyard so Preston can have some peace and quiet! This past year has been a bit of a challenge for me adjusting to two children and one being a highly demanding child, but it has been a good one. Connor has A LOT of personality, he is very busy, is my dare devil by far, he is fearless. He has no boundaries, he wants to try everything, do everything, anything Preston can do, he thinks he can do, he dives in with no fear. Anyone, any size is his friend, and he tries to play with them all. He is much more intense, strong-willed, free-spirited, and playful. He has a great sense of humor for a 12 month old, and laughs all the time. I am always amazed at what he KNOWS is funny at his age. He is really good at mimicking sounds, clapping his hands for Preston, he loves playing with trucks and trains and making noises for them as he moves them around, "BRRRRRBRRRR". Connor loves the ATV, and DIRT BIKES!!! Preston would get so scared by loud noises, like tractors, bobcats, dirt bikes, not Connor, the louder the bigger his smile and squeals! I feel so blessed to have these two sweet children, they bring so much joy to my life everyday! It's funny how you forget what life was like before them.

Families are Forever

2008-09-30T08:34:00.004-06:00

We had the great opportunity to go home for David and Staci's wedding last week. We decided to drive to Boise on the 15th and fly from there to Portland. Jim had a work retreat in Sun Valley the 10th-13th which I was invited to but not the boys. Since we don't currently have any family in town to watch them I stayed home. Dave and Staci are moving out here after their honeymoon, I can't wait that means babysitters next door! YAHOOO!!!!
We headed home and the boys did awesome on the drive. It was so good to be back home and be with family. Jim and I have great relationships with each one of my siblings and for that I feel very blessed! I think my brothers were more excited to see Jim than they were to see me! We had lots of fun, Sean took the boys to the Oregon Zoo, which Connor loved! We played at Happy Valley Park at their Water Park, and got to go to the Oregon Coast with Jims family. Jim is an amazing husband, one day he surprised me with where do you want to go shopping today?! What husband is so supportive of shopping??:) He came with Mom and I to help watch the boys, I love Bridgeport Village! Sean met up with us there for lunch at Paradise Bakery which is one of my favs when we are in town. Visiting home has changed so much when you have to consider how to entertain children. It made me really appreciate Rexburg and all the activities for children.

There was so much to do to prepare for Saturday, Dave and Staci did an excellent job planning everything and it all came together beautifully. Jim had the wonderful opportunity to escort Dave through the Temple and be a witness at their Sealing. It was so sweet, tender, and beautiful! How wonderful it was to see two worthy young adults with so much love for each other be sealed in the Lords Holy House. I realize more and more how blessed I am to see the Lord answer our prayers--in blessing our family. We have had our struggles, but to be in the Temple with Dave and Staci, Nikki and Adam, Dustin and Ashley, Mom, and Jim was such a sweet moment. It was the first time we were all together and a truly treasured experience. I couldn't help but keep looking at David and thinking how surreal it seemed, I think my mom was in denial.

The reception was beautiful and held at the Colonial Heights building, which has amazing architecture. Their colors were red and white, they had strawberry shortcake and cheesecake and a great layout of all kinds of salads, fruits and sandwiches! The dance was beautiful, they looked amazing and by the end of the night they truly rode off into the night on the hyabusa (crotch rocket) with her veil blowing in the wind!

The very next day we flew home, we spent the day lounging and watching them open their gifts. The trip went by way too fast! I think Sean and Kevin are flying out here for Thanksgiving with Dave, Staci, Jim and I, which will be so fun! Dave and Staci are in Kauai, they spent 5 days in Oahu in a private cottage right on the shore, then they flew to Kauai for 8 days. I am totally jealous! They have had a blast, I get random texts about how much fun they are having and can't wait to see them on October 11th!

I will post pics later I don't have them yet, long story short, my camera had no battery and everyone else forgot theirs in trying to juggle all the babies while we were in the temple. Sean thank you!!! We wouldn't have gotten to go to the sealing if it wasn't for Sean watching and wrangling all the boys!Oregon Zoo Salmon Exhibit
Me and my boys at the ZooJess and the boys watching the Zebras

The best trip yet!

2008-09-04T19:38:00.007-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa Thornburg came to visit and we packed the days full of adventures. Tuesday they flew in and while the boys were hanging out we made a quick trip to Porters for some fabric shopping, then ran home to pick the boys up (the boys as in Gordon, Jim and Preston) and headed to Bear World. Wednesday we visited the Legacy Flight Museum. Thursday we headed to Kelly Canyon and stopped on the way at Big Judd's. What can I say...their burgers are massive. We shared one Big Judd Special between Jim, Grandma Joclyn and I, Grandpa Gordon ordered the Double Bacon Cheeseburger, which he thoroughly enjoyed but maybe later regretted a bit. He was told that was his last one for the year! We had made reservations to stay overnight at Cutthroat Inn. The Cutthroat Inn is a really great little place outside the canyon. There are 4 log cabins, with 2 queen beds, a large pond and great picnic areas. I headed to Heise Hot Springs with the little boys while Jim and Joclyn took a ride together through the canyon to some great trails. They did Poison Flat trail and another shorter trail. They had so much fun! We ate at Heise Pizza Parlor which was a neat log cabin turned Pizza Parlor. Their pizza was awesome, or maybe after swimming and wrangling the boys for 3 hours it seemed like the best pizza ever! We ordered the kitchen sink, it was loaded and sooo good! At 7:30 Jim and I left the boys with Grandma and Grandpa and had the first ride alone together! It was so much fun, we tried to find the best view of the sunset, and seemed to just miss it everytime we got to the lookout points. It was a little scary coming out of the canyon at 9:30pm, we couldn't see a thing, and kept riding faster before it became completely pitch black. The next morning we hiked the Cress Creek Trail, which offered awesome views of the Cottonwood forest, Snake River, and farmland on your way to Swan Valley. We visited Heise Hot Springs again and then packed up to head home. We wanted to show them Mesa Falls, so Saturday we visted the Lodge there at the Falls got great pics of the Falls. They have this great area in the back of the Lodge for children to touch and learn about the animals in the area. They had about 15 various animal pelts, skulls, pawprints, hoof prints, claws and talons, and a fish tank with trout. Preston loved touching the pelts. I wasn't quite ready to head back so we looked up a Spring located not far from Mesa Falls, it is called Warm River Spring. A 6 mile jaunt off-road and you've made it. The scenery is breathtaking, crystal clear water, mountain views in every direction, warm smell of pine trees...the warm river is pretty shallow, you can easily wade in it if you are up to numb limbs...it is ice cold. On the way home there were many vendors, and mass amounts of people at the park...it was the annual Celebrate Youth at the Park and it is all about the kids! Vendors taughts about hygiene, physical fitness, nutrition, DARE, and offered families free dinner. They had a horse drawn trolley that circled the park...the line for that was insane. Preston loved watching the firetruck shoot water fromt he top of its extended ladder, completely soaking anyone in its path. The National Guard had a Tank and Helicoptor...a little boys dream! We had great BBQ thanks to Jim, the master of the grill. Sunday we had to say "Goodbye," we were exhausted. It was a great trip with Grandma and Grandpa full of wonderful memories!

Opening a Webshop

2008-09-03T19:08:00.006-06:00

A few years ago I started quilting. After a few quilts, I really loved the creative outlet it gave me. It seemed that I only quilted as the weather changed in September and I needed a hobbie since the snow kept any outdoor activity very limited. The best thing about quilting in September is all the holiday fabrics that are available with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. I had never done wall hangings, applique, or paper piecing until I met Holly. Thanks to those late poker nights at the Dicks and Holly's crafty talent, huge amount of patience and great teaching abilities (I am a huge fan, can you tell??), I started making Holiday wall-hangings and Christmas gifts. I mean what else were we supposed to do as the boys were out in the playhouse playing poker till 2, 3, sometimes even 4am. This soon developed into, "oh, what to make so-in-so for Christmas this year." I got tired of our stockings every year being a total free for all, no one knowing whos was whos, all miss-matched, and there never being enough stockings to go around. So that is were the idea originated from...and you wouldn't believe how difficult it was to find a good stocking pattern, I had no idea how a stocking was made and put together. After many attempts at different patterns non of which I liked, I designed my own. Many people have commented on them so I decided to start a website for them. http://www.hollyjollystockings.etsy.com/ It is still under construction, and I am still trying to figure out how to mange my time so I can make them on demand, but I am super excited! Here are some pics of some of the stockings I have made for the family.

It's all play...random pics of August...we are tired.

2008-09-02T12:46:00.005-06:00

We played hard, we have a few scraps and bruises to prove it! This month we had lots of company, thanks everyone for making August a great month of memories! Mom and Dad, Joclyn and Gordon, Ashley and Dustin, David and Staci, Dick, Meagan and Chris, Jared and Shalissa, and Sean.

Da Dunes

2008-09-02T07:57:00.004-06:00

From far away the St. Anthony sand dunes are pretty impressive, but they are even more impressive when you are riding them. As everyone knows this is Jim's 1st year riding, he's been getting up at 5:30am to go riding at the Dunes, so that he can make it back by 8:30 and be to work at 9. Here are a few pics of the last few weeks of playing...Sean sitting at the top of ChokeJim sitting at the top of ChokeJim making it up Choke
Sean posing for a picJimSean and JimDave- This was his first time up...totally loving it!

A new Auntie...

2008-09-01T20:57:00.004-06:00

David and Staci at Bear World Petting Zoo
Staci helping Preston feed the fawns
Staci and David at Kelly Canyon, she ripped it up on the ATV!

Dave and Staci came out this past week to move most of their things into the house next door. We played a lot and had so much fun! It was the first time I really had the opportunity to hang out with Staci and get to know her...she is loads of fun! I am so excited to welcome her into our family...I just can't believe the wedding is less than 3 weeks away! Preston has always loved David, he is probably his favorite Uncle. Preston was pretty heartbroken when he had to say "goodbye".

There will be blood...

2008-09-01T09:19:00.004-06:00

Friday evening Sean and I get back from riding at Kelly Canyon, we had a great time and did some sweet trails. After we get done unloading Sean takes his YZ out on the road and starts doing wheelies down the street about the length of a block each time getting more vertical. Well he was wearing his riding jersey, riding pants that were zipped off at the knee and flip flops. The last wheelie he did he couldn't find his foot brake and over he went at about 40mph...all I heard was metal on pavement, all I saw were 3ft sparks coming off his bike as it flew past the end of our street...and Sean sliding on the pavement on his stomach and left side...
After we took these pics, we found many more areas that were missing layers of epithelial cells...he jumped up and ran to his bike picked it up and rode home. Ah, Sean.

New toys and Kelly Canyon

2008-08-13T11:45:00.006-06:00

When Jim wanted his YZ450F, I told him if he got a dirt bike then I got an ATV..........................

he made good on his word. I personally would have chosen a dirt bike too, but with the boys we needed a toy that they could ride on. We have been going up to Kelly about once a week to play. Last week (while dad was in town) the three of us went up riding on the dirt bikes. It was such a blast to ride trails with Jim and Dad. My dad brought out a Honda CRF 100 for me, which is perfect. I think it has been about 6 years since I had gone on trails. Jim kept teasing me that I wouldn't be able to keep up, I think I gave him a good run for his money! I had one good wipe out coming down a trail too fast and hit a rut, luckily the bruising goes away quickly. ;) I have to admit I was pretty impressed by Jims riding skills, since this really is his first year riding. When he bought the YZ I thought he might kill himself on it, but he is a natural. I love the mountain and trail riding is definitely one of my favs! The ATV is a blast, we have had so much fun on all the new toys!

(Preston picked out his own helmet, it is red, he already thinks he is a pro)
**I haven't bought my helmet yet, I can't decide between sky blue or Pink! Help me choose!**

Preston has Jims riding gloves on, he LOVES the ATV!!!
A view from the top of a trail, the views are incredible! You can see the snake river winding through the canyon.
Jim on his baby, before he got all his riding gear, now he looks like a pro! We love this trailer.
Jim riding Connor around the camp area, Connor loves riding on the Bikes.

If anyone wants to come up riding with us, we love playing with friends, Chris and Meagan are our riding buddies. Preston is secretly trying to steal Meagan away from Chris,he thinks she is pretty awesome! Jess and Preston playing-Preston is a sucker for a pretty girl!

Uncle Shiggy

2008-07-04T14:05:00.004-06:00

When Sean comes to town its not just a happy day for the kids...its like a party in progress, all of us share good times with Sean. Jim and Sean went dirt bike riding at the dunes and Kelly Canyon, he took the boys to the carousel and splash park, and me to Rigby Lake and Ririe Reservoir! We love you SEAN!

Our visitor from out of town...

2008-07-04T08:33:00.007-06:00

Our close friend Dustin Snyder got married in the SLC temple last Friday, we went down for the sealing and reception. Everyone knows if you have kids you have to plan the whole trip around entertaining them or it can be a very very long trip...that can push you to the brink of insane...so we decided to drive down the day before and take the boys to the Hogle Zoo.
It worked out perfect, and the zoo was great! We were very impressed at how small children friendly it was and how clean. The boys had a blast! After a long day at the Zoo in 95 degree heat, we were all hungry and tired...and even though we were out of Rexburg in a city full of great restaurants...the thought of sitting down and wrestling the two boys was not appealing. So we looked up pizza to pick-up and take to our Hotel. The closest one was California Pizza Kitchen so that was the place! We went to Gateway Mall to place the order, and found a wonderful shopping mall. I think if Jim knew we were heading in the vacinity of an outdoor mall he might have driven the opposite direction! It was so fun, we ended up eating there outside and while we were enjoying this "gourmet" pizza (if pizza can really be gourmet)I got a call from Sean, he had flown into SLC and was there at the Gateway Mall!!!!!
The boys love Sean, and were so excited to see him, the mall was great too. They had an outdoor band playing at the Olympic Memorial Splash Park, huge hit for the kids in the heat! We headed back to the Hotel and took the boys to the huge indoor/outdoor pool, it was beautiful! It sat on the 2nd or 3rd floor so you had this incredible view of the sunset and city, the pool had to be 80 degrees but as the sun went down it got cold fast and the heated pool felt sooo good. Let me tell you having another set of hands is soooo nice. Sean took Connor, I had Preston and Jim was setting things up at the room, like a place for Sean to sleep.
Dustins sealing was beautiful, it was awesome to see him so happy! Sean surprised Dustin outside the temple, he had no idea Sean was coming. It was a great 2 days, and it went by so quickly, the boys were so good.

Micki's Birthday BBQ

2008-06-16T10:35:00.002-06:00

Our friend Micki's birthday was Saturday too, she asked Jim to BBQ, the food was amazing, Hawaiians really know how to party!

Rexburg Air Show

2008-06-15T16:11:00.009-06:00

Saturday was the Rexburg Air Show from 10-1, Preston loves the Legacy Flight Museum so we thought this would be fun! It was really awesome to see all the vintage planes, stunts, and formations. There was a ton of people, the lines in and out of Airport way were insane. The boys were great and we were able to stay from 9:45-12:30. We went with Chris and Meagan and Preston convinced Dad he needed yet another toy plane!

B25 Bomber
Avenger, 2 Skyraiders

Sweet dreams...

2008-06-12T08:56:00.002-06:00

Aren't sleeping babies so beautiful...I had to catch a couple shots of Connor sleeping. He usually isn't so peaceful during the day, he is my wild one! ;)

One more for Grandma

2008-06-11T22:56:00.003-06:00

So, this is one that Joclyn (grandma Thornburg) will really appreciate. Our little boy actually enjoying brushing his teeth. He pushes his stool in front of the sink all by himself, turns on the water and everything. His little toothbrush has a light that blinks for a minute to let him know how much to brush. Mom, I hope you enjoy the pics. Love you, Jim.

A Blog by Jim

2008-06-10T21:01:00.004-06:00

A rare blog by me today. I do have my own website even, well, the start of one anyway, but usually my much more attractive and better half is the one doing the blogs of the thornburg fam. Well, I've been playing with our new camera and a lot of pics have been in the backyard and bearworld and such, but we have had the crappiest spring so far, only fitting to follow our equally crappiest winter. Well, I have a couple of cute pics of the boys, they are growing so fast.

Inside on a Windy and Gross Sunday afternoon.

Connor

Preston

Poop ended the day....

2008-06-01T09:20:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was a long and fun filled day. We started with taking the boys to Bear World it was a great day to go. All the animals were out and very active. One of the deer in the petting zoo had just had triplets that morning. They wouldn't let anyone near the fawns, so no pics, but they were so adorable and little. They have deer, chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks, goats, peacocks, and a huge pig in the petting zoo. We were having a great time until....

Black Bears were playing.

I loved this goat he was so cute!

He is a funny, snorting, gross feeling pig!

Yes, he does have his finger out going for the chicken poop! Before we could stop him he had it on his finger and had wiped it off on his sweatshirt, a big ole nasty green blob on his sweatshirt, of course I freaked...we quickly found a sink but that ended our trip at Bear World.

The day was still great, we worked in the yard, BBQ'd with Chris and Meagan, got ice cream cones, and watched the firework show!

Playing with the Dicks

2008-06-01T08:16:00.006-06:00

Our friends the "Dicks" were in town visiting for a few weeks from Kansas City. We had a lot of fun and can't wait till they move back to Rexburg this summer! We played at the Water Park, Nature Park, Carousel, Flight Museum, and BBQ'd. We were at the Flight Museum during a thunder storm when the power went out...it was kinda creepy...especially with the old curator guy looking at us weird!

Playing in our backyard before the BBQ.

Navi Shae, Daygen, Preston, and Daxon posing for the shot, Preston was so mad that he wasn't up front where Navi is, but the pipes were too hot and he wasn't wearing pants.

Prestons first ATV ride at the dunes with Dick.

Dax and Preston tired of walking at Nature Park and exhausted from feeding the ducks(yeah right)! ;)

Preston

Dax and Preston playing at the water park.

Preston trying to figure out how to get down without getting wet.

We had cold littles, the clouds kept blocking the sun! They had a lot of fun anyway!

Brittany and Navi

yet another annoyance

2008-05-21T08:38:00.002-06:00

3. This one is really one of my personal peeves...I just think it is so trashy and if you are one of these people that do it...well maybe you should think twice. Saturday afternoon we were invited to a surprise birthday party for a close friend of Jim's. The surprise was held at their apartment and we were asked to arrive 15 min before he was supposed to come home. Well we got there 20 min early, met the other couples that were there, and surveyed the surroundings making sure it was baby proofed. Quickly we notice that one of the other children brought to the party has a snotty, mucus filled, running nose and is coughing all over the toys and other children. GREAT! Thank you for bringing your obviously sick child to the party to infect the rest of us happy healthy people. So Jim gives me the 'look' like what the hell is the problem with people...why come if your kids are sick?!!! The other problem is by the time you realize there is a sicky in the bunch your children have already reached the toys and are screwed. We eventually ended up leaving early after Preston spilled pink punch down the front of him and Jim. I probably wouldn't have mentioned this except yesterday morning both the boys woke up with nasty running noses and a cough...
This is probably one of our biggest peeves, and the reason we have been semi-inactive through the winter. Every time we go to church the kids get sick, so you spend all week getting them well only to have them reinfected with some new strain of death on Sunday...personally I don't think it is worth it...so in the winter we are sacrament only goers. I know its awful but true. WHY? WHY? Why bring your sickly children to church? This isn't a 'you better attend every meeting even if you are on your death bed to get into heaven'...I mean seriously, please stay home! No one wants you there if you are sick! Can you tell I am totally annoyed? lol.
My other annoyance (while I am on the subject of church) is mothers that allow the children to scream and cry in sacrament meeting. I have only found this phenomenon in Utah and Idaho. Where the kids are crying are so loud that you can't hear the speaker. In any other sacrament mothers have the sense to take their children out of sacrament meeting so others can actually enjoy the meeting but not here.

My recent ANNOYANCES!

2008-05-20T09:35:00.005-06:00

So there are days that I feel an abundance of patience for those around me and for their unlimted amount of stupidity... today is not one of those days...so here you go my most recent annoyances:
1. Neighbors
We don't have a dog not for the lack of not wanting one, (I am a total dog lover or at least of the larger breeds)but I feel busy enough without a new puppy needing my attention, bathing, potty training, feeding, etc. So we have been talking about getting a puppy in a year or so when I am not so overwhelmed with poo. So our neighbor next door owns 3 yes 3 mini-dachshund's and our other neighbor across the street owns a scruffy 20lb mutt of some sort that is just hideous. Both of them let their dogs out their front doors only to use our yard as their personal toilet. Ok, so without using profuse profanity at this time it really pisses me off that I don't have a dog but get to pick up the neighbors dogs crap all over my front yard. Not to mention they watch them do it!!! I have resulted to throwing rocks at them and feeling the urge to reach for the good 'ole Red Ryder! Both of our neighbors have fenced yards, so why, why? We will be out in the yard weeding and they will still watch their dogs do this...it is war now...poop flinging isn't the classy way to approach the situation but I am getting desperate!
2. Renters
We usually go out Friday night once Jim is off work for the weekend...it has become a little tradition. So Friday night we are at Applebee's, its 6:30pm and we are enjoying the beginning a fun filled weekend together when I get a call on my cell phone, it is one of our lovely BYU-I tenants, blah! So I in my moment of stupidity I answer it thinking what if it is a REAL emergency, because afterall it is the weekend and Friday night. Oh, no, once again she is just letting me know the Internet is not working, I have to ask "when did it start not working", which her reply is "just now". So ok, its Friday night, I am out to dinner with my family and they are calling me about their Internet that hasn't worked for less than 5 minutes. I politely say we will take care of it and hang up. Its still Friday night and I receive a text at 10pm about the Internet not being fixed. Ok, I am totally annoyed now, are you kidding me????? Its the weekend, I didn't realize I am a 24 hour manager and maintenance man with unlimited office hours ! So I sleep on it, Saturday morning I get another text as we are outside doing yard work. To sum it up it went something like this, "...if you could get that gay registration crap taken care of ASAP that would be great." they are really pissing and moaning now. I am so mad I send Jim (because it hasn't been 24 hours, and the last time I checked wasn't the school there for this reason)...who in return is so annoyed tries to call the young lady who loves to send me nasty emails and texts when she is "inconvenienced", who in return conveinantly doesn't answer her phone. Being the nice guy that Jim is he promptly goes over and fixes the net. I wish I could say it ends there but oh no, the same girls text me at 7am Sunday morning to ask for their heat to be turned down...I don't know what to say about this...I didn't realize the heat came on when it is 80 degrees outside!!!!!!!! This really is a regular occurance, from changing lighbulbs to the house being to warm to cold, blah, blah, blah! Of course we do have mostly wonderful tenants but it only takes one maybe two to drive you crazy!
3. I guess 3. will have to wait...I already feel better...lol...THANK YOU DAVID AND STACI FOR MANAGING THIS FALL...I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Sunny day in the back yard with a umm, chocolate sucker?

2008-05-18T20:48:00.002-06:00

Videos of the boys

2008-05-11T12:12:00.003-06:00

Here are some videos of the boys, they are growing so fast!