My Little man turns 4

So, 4 years ago right now I had delivered my boy but had yet to hold him. He had been taken to be observed because the cord was wraped around his neck and they wanted to make sure he was okay. Jim had called 5 min after he was born and was able to at least hear him crying. What an amazing 4 years it has been. I just adore that little guy. He is so fun. We have so much fun learning and teaching together. I am sad that he will start preschool in the fall. I don't like the idea of already being tied down by school. And it is just the start. I totally get why people homeschool. They get to have there kids home with them more.
So here are some pictures of my little man. Happy Birthday little man!!



This is 6 days after Brayden was born. We were still at the hospital and Jim just got in and was holding his son for the first time.

This ones for you mom!

So, my mom checks my blog regularily and I haven't posted in awhile. Like I told her I have been thinking about it but don't quite know what to post. We have been having lots of summer fun. However, we always have the looming deployment over our head. We just last week found out Jim will be leaving for about 2 weeks in July. Oh yes. 2 more weeks. Not all consecutive but it doesn't change the fact that he has to be gone and so close to the year deployment. I am upset. I am not upset at him but at our commander who knew for a month and a half. So, just as becoming the trend at our house this year. I am moving Brayden's party. (We had to move Riley's because of Jim's grandma's dying, yep plural) So, other than that we have gone to the blueberry fields. The gilbert house and my brother Ryan's for a fun morning of watching and feeding the fish. He has a salt water tank and the shrimp cleaned Brayden's hand. Brayden also hand fed the fish. He loves them. He doesn't know this but he is getting a tank for his birthday. He will love it.
So, here are some random pictures.

Riley keeping up with her big brother!

My brother Ryan

Today my brother Ryan is 23. He is my closest in age sibling. I like to think we are really close. And for his birthday our friend who plays with Rihanna was in town and because he is my friend too (more my husbands) I was invited. Rihanna is a very nice girl. Very friendly and all that. Kevin is a kick. We had great seats and because of the changes in the set we could see him very well. It was fun to hang out on his bus and with the dancers and back up singers. And while we were chatting with Rihanna we also met Greg Oden. Can I just say I have never felt so small in my life. It was a very fun evening/afternoon. My children were well cared for by my mother. THANKS AGAIN MOM!! And I am still incredibly tired. My ears aren't ringing anymore which is great. I am not really into that kind of music. I like Rihanna but only know a couple of her songs. So, the other bands that played were just a lot of thumping and noise to me. Anyway, here are some pictures of our time.
This is Kevin, Me, Ryan and Meggan (Ryan's girlfriend) at red robin

Kevin and I before the concert

Ryan,Me, Rihanna, Meggan and Kevin before the concert
Well, I am off to bed and praying my kids sleep so good. I need it. This mommy is getting to old for nights like last night.

Birds

I go back and forth on having bird feeders. With this time of year I love waking up early with the window open and hearing the birds singing. So I have been having my bird feeders out and doing really well with keeping them full. But after yesterday I have decided we are taking a break. I haven't ever seen the movie BIRDs but Jim told me there are birds after people. Well the kids and I were playing in the back yard and the birds don't leave. Now it would be okay if they were nice little pretty birds but they aren't. They are black birds and blue Jays. Now again. I am all for nature. But I mean seriously. If we are out please leave. So, I am on a brake with feeding the birds.

Why?

I have been reading a series of books that are fiction and placed in the 1800s. The girl in the book has been struggling with having enough time to spend with God. I mean she has 4 kids. A ranch and just all that stuff to do. It made me say yeah why doesn't she have the time. I mean back in the day there wasn't anything to do in the evening and what not. But then I went wait. We say we are busier now than ever. So, I thought I would evaluate my life. I have so many luxuries. I mean I don't have to grow a garden, wash my clothes, dishes and all that by hand. I don't have animals and a ranch. and for me. I don't have any hobbies really. And yet why isn't my time with God more regular? It seems like the more convient my life is the less time I spend with God. Is it just me or shouldn't it be easier to spend time with God?

In my head

I don't know how many of you out there do this but I blog in my head. I know you don't see all these wonderful posts but all day I think I need to blog about this or that.
Here are some things I already thought about today.
Green living, composting, playing in the sun, sunscreen, john deere, my precious children, my wonderful husband.
So, first I would love to know your takes on green living. I am for it. I just don't know how far. I want to do my part for the environment and all but then I think about all my conviences and I don't want to give them all up. So, some things I thought of today were finding alternative for the yard other than chemicals. I don't use many anyway but when I see some mysterious bug eating my roses I want them to leave. And when there is clover in my grass I want it to leave. But then I think about my precious children and don't want them touching the grass that was sprayed with chemicals and putting there fingers in there mouths. We also played outside this morning and I didn't put sunscreen on them. I thought they were just going to play in the sandbox which is in the shade, but of course being kids they didn't. So, I was stressed the entire time trying to get them to the shade. Yes, I know I should have just gotten the sunscreen. I am thinking now with the wonderful weather sunscreen will just be apart of our morning routine.
Here are some fun pictures of us in the sun the last couple of days.

Black eyes, fun and mothers day

So, this was taken the day after Riley got her first black eye. I am just sure this is where she will get her second one. She is a climber. Brayden wasn't. I think she is watching him though. She can get in the rocking chair and on the couch. She is a go getter. Her eye is already healed. It only took a week. It is still a tiny bit bruised but at least now I don't get stopped everywhere I go.



Brayden is in a new phase where he likes to take pictures. It is very fun to check out my camera later and see what I have. I have lots of pictues of the floor or side of my head or teddy bears. Also, my kids love to play in the tub. I have found that if I let Riley climb into the bathtub it is a great way to clean the bathrooms. She takes her dolly in with her and has started washing her. So fun.
Mother's day was great here. The kids and Jim gave me a gift card to JCPenny's and I got some cute clothes. And we had fun at church and we all napped. Can't ask for more than that. Oh and my mom helped my son make me a very sweet mother's day card. IT was great.

Busy week

This was a busy, fun week. I didn't have lots on the schedule just stuff that came up. We walk almost daily up the street to a new fire station that is being built. And one day while we were walking up there our friend who is a fireman happened to be working. So, we went in and Brayden got to sit in the fire truck and see all the stuff.
Then the next day we walked up there again and they were backing the fire truck back into the garage and so we stood there and watched and then the firemen got out and let Brayden sit in the fire truck, gave him trading cards (if you get them signed by the firemen on the card or collect a certain amout you get to eat with the firemen at the firestation) The captain signed his. And gave him a hat. Which Riley loves.
The next day we had a playdate and Brayden got to watch them feed the lizard crickets which was also a highlight. We also had lunch with daddy and got to play outside. Then yesterday afternoon while playing outside. Brayden was playing T-Ball and Riley loving to be with Brother all the time and close to him. Got a little close. I am just thankful the bat was foam. I can't imagine what it would have done had it been wood.

Thankfully she is doing fine and it just looks bad. I mean it hurts her but only if it gets bumped.

TV shows that make me thankful for my life

Okay so I admit that I occasionally watch "The Hills". Now it is a complete drama show. It always makes me thankful that I don't care so much about fashion and how I look. That I don't go out to bars and party. That I am happily married and that I didn't live with Jim before we got married. I just don't know how people do it. I just could not live in LA and live the big city life. The noise the drama the fashion and just go,go lifestyle. Just give me the farm life. Or in my case the slow stay at home W. Salem life.
Another show that I watch (which I love) is Jon & Kate plus eight. Jim watches it with me sometimes and he can't stand Kate. He doesn't know how anyone could put up with someone like her. Which I remind him to be thankful for me!! I watch it and am so thankful for my 2 kids. I just can't imagine ever leaving the house with that many kids. I just am reminded that God only gives us what we can handle. I just don't think I could handle it. I love kids but not that many.

FRG, Snow and sweet sayings

New friends!

Having fun driving a HumVee
I had my FRG (Family Rediness Group) for the army. I had our family day today. I am the leader and I am just trying to be proactive on getting people informed and prepared for our upcoming deployment. It went really well. I really need volunteers and so I put the word out and I really think that I will have what I need now. I am so glad. Because with so many soldiers going anything to make it easier is great.
So bright and early I took Riley to my parents. I just knew it would be a long day and I needed to be able to talk to people and not worry about her and she still takes 2 naps and it would've been just crazy to have her there. Then Brayden and I went and picked up our friends so that we could car pool. And it started snowing. Like seriously snowing. We are talking driving like we were in a blizzard. So my question is, Global Warming? How does that work when we are having snow at the end of April?
When we came home the kids were exhausted and went to bed early. I am glad because I am so tired and need to go to sleep. Brayden played so hard and had so much fun. He loves the soldiers and they treat him great. I never have to worry about him up there because everyone knows who he is and look out for him.
But when we got home and I got him all tucked in I gave him a kiss and said thanks for being such a great boy today and he said "Thanks for being a great mommy." How precious.

Sunriver and sickness

We had a great time in Sunriver and played WII. Oh my. I don't like video games and that is one that I want to own. I told Jim we could get it for him for Christmas and when he gets home it would be here for him to play. But we would practice till he gets here.
Then last Thursday I woke up with Pink eye. No big deal I have had it many tmes. But while we were filling my RX. Riley threw up. And she did that throughout the night. And she was lethargic the next day and then wanted some food by dinner time. Then threw up again and then on Saturday had a little more energy and then Diarrea on Saturday night and Sunday was really lethargic. So, I took her to the doctor on Monday and my poor little sweet heart had a sore throat and ear infection. So, today she had a lot more energy. I am so glad. There is nothing worse then a sick kid who just wants to be held and sleep. I mean don't get me wrong I love being able to just sit and hold her but it makes me sad to see my incredibly active kid just sit.
And of course like usual Jim was here the first day and gone the rest of the time. He was in town yesterday and gone again today. How he always gets to be gone when we are sick I don't know. Just how it works I guess.

This is me!

You Are a Green Crayon

Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors. While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around. Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease. You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows! Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.

What Color Crayon Are You?

My little girl is one

It is hard to believe that we went from this one year ago.

To this very active and adventurous little girl.

In one short year our life has changed so much and so wonderfully. Today has been a wonderful day of remembering. I just can't believe how fast the year went. Riley is such a wonderful little girl. She is so happy that she has recieved the nickname Smiley Riley at the nursery. And she brings us so much joy. She loves her family so much. Her brother and Nana in particular. I love that she gives kisses now. I love that she is a mama's girl. (something I have told her she can be forever) I love that she is active and loves to be outside.
I LOVE YOU LITTLE GIRL!!

Army Stuff

So the other night we watched a movie called "Home of the Brave" I think we are going to stop watching war/army movies until Jim gets home. It was a good movie and touched on issues that are real. However, when you are looking toward deployment it isn't something you want to think about. I want Jim to serve his country and to do the best he can and of course come home safe. I also in an ideal world I don't want him to have to see anything or do anything that will give him nightmares again.
Jim has been home now for almost 4 years. (I mean from deployments, he seems to be gone a lot for other army stuff) And I will admit it was hard having him home at first. I mean everything in our life changed when he was deployed before. I worked when he left, we lived in a different house and we didn't have a child. He came home and I no longer worked, I had bought us a new house and had our first child. All great and exciting things but all new. Oh and Jim didn't have a job. So, life was new and different. So, with this deployment I plan on not making any major changes. I mean obviously life will go on with out him here but other than the kids growing and all that I want life to stay as much the same as we can make it. And I would also like him to come home and not have PTSD. And we are done watching Army movies for awhile.

How I've changed

Back in the day I loved winter. I loved cuddling up in a warm sweatshirt and blanket and drinking hot chocolate. I would read a book or watch a good chick flick. Don't get me wrong. I still love that about winter. I still loved the other seasons. (Summer was harder cause it is so hot) But, I loved spring and I also enjoyed going camping and hiking and being outside. But the rain and length of winter never bothered me. That is until this year. I love the sun. I am ready to be outside everyday. I don't usually get cabin fever. This year I felt like I had it. I have loved the last couple of weeks where we can be outside everyday. There are multiple reasons why I like this. First, Brayden has been able to get all his wiggles and energy out. He is getting to play with the neighbor kids. (That has it's challenges, but is good) Riley also loves being outside. She loves to ride the tractor or tricycle and swing on the swing. They both love to go for walks. The other reason I like to have us outside lots is the house stays so much cleaner. I know that is really crazy. I love to have the kids get out toys and use there imaginations. Like this morning we went "Camping" in the living room. We had sleeping bags and all that. But, then we went on a hike and saw all kinds of fun things on our hike. I just came up with another reason I love playing outside. Imagination. I don't know about you all but I sure like my kids using there imaginations and so many toys now a days do it all for them. I love toys that don't make noise and encourage the kids to do it themselves. And outside it is all about sticks and dirt and bikes and just playing. I love that. Okay I know I went off on another tangent.
I hope where ever you are you are able to get out and enjoy spring. Or hopefully spring has started for you. We have beautiful flowers growing and much warmer weather. Yea!!

Passion

So I have several passions in my life.
God
My husband
My kids
Family
Coffee
and Children's books.

I love going to the bible book store and looking for kids books. I love reading them to my kids to. Last night I had a meeting and got to go early and I went to Christian supply and was able to just look for 10 min. Then I had to pee. I can't figure out how no matter what I get interupted. Oh well.
If I had lots of money I would for sure spend tons on kids books. There are just so many great ones to read out there.

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you lovable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Childcare and my son

It has been decided that I am going to stop doing childcare. With Jim's upcoming deployment we just thought it is better for us to spend as much time as we can together and with childcare that is tough. We don't have the availabilty to just go and do what ever when we want. So, in a couple weeks I will be done. I have also realized something about myself. I love kids but don't think childcare is for me. I was feeling like I maybe didn't like kids as much as I always thought. But I have realized it is okay to like other kids but not want them in my home everyday. With that said I told Brayden today that Aubrey wasn't going to be coming much anymore. (I have told them I would be there back up) He was really sad. Now I knew he enjoyed having her but I didn't realize how much. So, tonight he had gone to bed and I went in to talk to him and he asked again why she was going to be going to someone elses house. I came up with a different way to explain it and I said well you know daddy has to go on a really long army trip? Yes. Well, we want to be able to spend as much time with daddy as we can before his trip and if Aubrey is here we can't go to the beach and Sunriver and all that. So, Aubrey will still come sometimes and we can meet her at the Library for storytime. And she will still be our friend and we will still pray for Aubrey. And he was okay with that answer. Then he says, Aubrey needs to ask Jesus into her heart. Then she can be in Heaven with us. I was so happy. I am so glad that he cares. I have really been praying for that. But, also talking about it with him. I know they are also talking about sharing your faith in Sunday school and it just makes me so happy that he is listening. He also said he is excited to get to Heaven when he gets older and he wants to give Jesus a big hug, cause Jesus gives the best hugs. Oh my heart is so happy right now.

Sleeping

Okay so from the start my kids don't sleep long periods of time at night. People would tell me how there kids would sleep through the night at 2 months and what not but not mine. Now I know part of that is my fault. I couldn't just let them cry. In my mind if my child is crying they need me. I also nurse and felt like if they were hungry then I would feed them. Brayden now is a great sleeper and only occasionally wakes at night and usually it is because of a bad dream of needing to go to the bathroom. Riley is almost 11 months and was still nursing several times a night. I was starting to get nervous because I am looking towards weaning her and didn't know how that would go. She does fine without nursing before nap during the day and what not. Well, last night she only woke up 2 times and only nursed once. She is doing great tonight as well. I think another thing I am doing is not jumping as fast. I hear her moaning and moving around in there and I used to jump up and get her and feed her right away and then I knew we would all sleep again. I am letting her moan for at least 5 or 10 min. and then go in if she is actually crying. Well, it seems to be working. So, now to all of you who are saying wow just let them cry it out. I can't. I just can't. And for those of you who have looked at the posting time for this and said if your kids are sleeping why are you up? I am on my way. I just was listening to my precious little one moan and thought I should post this now. Otherwise it becomes like so many other posts and just stays in my head.

Updates

So, nothing major has been going on. Except that my little girl is growing up so fast. She will be 11 months on Sunday and she loves to babble and she is walking and she is so proud of herself at being able to climb into her rocking chair and rock. Brayden has decided he wants to go to Preschool. I wasn't going to push him into it but, he brought it up. So, we are going to go and take a look at the Church down the hill. It is hard for me. What a crazy year that will be. My husband heads of on a deployment again, my little boy goes to preschool and my baby girl is going to be one. Why does time have to go so fast?
Here are some pictures of my sweethearts.

A GREAT DAY

So, today was a great day. The kids and I went to church. Jim has a cold and had an open house this afternoon so he stayed home to rest. And on the way home from church Brayden and I were talking and I was asking him about what he learnt about in Sunday school and he was telling me about Jesus in the boat and how he calmed the storm. Then he again asked about where Jesus lives. We talk about Jesus a lot. He wants to know why he died on the cross why the mean people did that to him, why he was raised from the dead and if he takes a toy from Riley is that a sin all those things. So, I explained that Jesus is everywhere but that he will live in our hearts if we ask him to and the next thing out of his mouth was Jesus please come and live in my heart. I teared up and told him how happy Jesus was that he made that decision and that mommy was happy and we have made a big deal about it with telling family so he feels like it was a good thing as well. I am so happy for him and the biggest parenting prayer I have had has been answered for my first child.
I just feel so full of love right now it is awesome.

Long time no post

These are pictures of our Christmas road trip to Canada. The kids did so great. The trip up there was 19 hours and we just couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
Our first stop was at my dad's parents house and we were there for 3 days. Brayden had a lot of fun on the 4 wheeler with Grandpa. There was snow so that was great and grandpa likes to pop wheelys. So, that was a highlight.
Then we headed farther north to my moms parents place. That is what I call home. Only home is different now. Grandma and Grandpa have moved out of the big farm house and into the trailer/condo in town. And Uncle Bryan has moved into the big house. So, my family slept in the trailer as to not wake people in the big house early and that way people could be as loud and all that and we didn't have to worry about waking the kids. The kids loved it there as well. They had so many new people to see. Which made Riley a little clingy. But they loved there Nanny and Poppa and of course being the only great grandkids as of right now they were totally spoiled.
We went to the REALLY BIG MALL as Brayden calls it and he absoultly loved watching the sea lion show and riding on some bumper cars. Jim and I again realized that we like small towns and the country better than big city life. It was so nice to get back to the farm and enjoy the fresh air and space. I could so handle living in the country.
We had a wonderful trip and made it home safe and sound. The trip home was a lot longer but other than the flat tire and screaming kids from Gresham on (only about an hour from home) nothing major happened. I do have to say, there is no place like home.