The Barnettes

I Have a Problem...

2012-01-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

...I don't like January, or February much.

It's cold. I don't mind the cold when I can crank Christmas music and bake pies in my oven. But then the decorations come down, I go back on my diet, and turn the music off, and it's just cold and dark. I think the months before January are so busy. I spend my time, making costumes, planning, cooking, shopping and partying. Then January comes with nothing. Nothing to plan for, nothing to bake for, no music that makes me dance around. We have some tentative plans for March... MARCH.

This is my problem. I don't want to just waste away the months of January and February waiting for spring and summer. I've heard someone say January is their favorite month. How do I do that?

What do you do to combat the post holiday blues?

2011 in Retrospect

2012-01-17T14:59:00.000-08:00

It's January 17th, and after a quick trip to my parent's for my mom's birthday. I feel like the holidays are finally over. I'm aware that this is a little late, but heck, here it is..

2011 was eventful for us!

In January Brandon officially started looking for a job.
In February Sterling had baby food! I can't believe how little he is in that picture!
In March we traveled to California and Colorado in search of work..
We were very busy in April. Brandon turned 29, we celebrated Easter, saw some sunshine, had a naked lady party, and I finished my a** contest.
May came with wedding bells, and we prayed for warmer weather.
In June we went swimming, even though it was still raining. Brandon became a doctor, Chandler finished preschool, and Dr. Farkas asked us to move to Kentucky.
July was a party filled month. We partied with old roommates in Idaho. Brandon and I flew across the country, to visit with Dr. Farkas. And we partied, a little late, because Chandler turned 4. We also started to pack boxes.
August was clear and warm, but filled with ups and downs. We were sad to say goodbye to Benson and our dear friends the Batemans. We celebrated when Sterling turned 1, then we hurried up to play with our family in Washington. I cried when we committed to a job in Kentucky, and when that fell through, rejoiced to take a job in Vegas instead.
September took us from our home. It was a bitter sweet moment in our lives.
October was a settling month. I turned 25, and the month culminated in Halloween, and we felt at home.
November brought in the holidays, and we were happy to be busy. We hosted my family for our first Thanksgiving in our new home, and it was was fabulous!
In December we turned on the heater, and put up the Christmas lights. We partied with Grandpa & Sandy in Las Vegas, and then partied with some Tates after Christmas.

It was a whirlwind a year for us: a new home, a new job, new weather patterns, new neighborhoods, parks, and grocery stores. Mostly it was a wonderful year (except the whole Kentucky scare) and we are all a little better than we were last January. I am praying 2012 is just as wonderful, but maybe involves a little less packing.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T13:03:00.001-08:00

After Grandpa and Sandy left, the kids and I packed up the car to spend New Years in California with the Tates. This was no quiet, but a constant raging good time.

We played games, lots of games, too many games. We ate good food and opened presents..

The boys scored, getting almost all of the Toy Story characters..

I love this one!

We also visited the beach, and roasted hot dogs; always a good time.

And, I had intended to use the sparklers on New Year's Eve, but I'm glad we waited so Chandler could participate. So fun!

We had such a wonderful Christmas and 2011 was really a fantastic year for us. So often I am overwhelmed by all of my wonderful blessings. I don't know why the Lord has decided us to be deserving, but I trying my best to be worthy of His generosity.

Happy Holidays

Love,

The Barnettes

PS: You can see the rest of our holiday pictures on my facebook.

Christmas @ Our House

2012-01-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

I'm so behind, so behind. But I don't think anyone cares except me.. Sooo, first we had Christmas at our house with Grandpa and Sandy. It was quiet and I just love having kids on Christmas, it's the best.

Love his slippers? Me too!

We Love Grandpa!

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

We took these pictures for both of our Grandpas for Christmas. It was not an easy job, but we got just a few that are cute :)

Tis the Season

2011-12-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling badly about not updating, but we don't have anything exciting going on. We are busy with normal holiday activities/preparations, and we are enjoying ourselves immensely. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as we are!

Merry Christmas!!

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

Today, we bough our Christmas tree; measly forty-five dollars for what I think must be at least a 9 foot Nobel Fir. I would measure it, but there are 60 mph winds outside (no joke), and that's where the tape measure is. Currently, said tree sitting in our living room naked. I know, you Idaho people are thinking that's ridiculous price to pay for a Christmas tree, but here, it's so cheap.

I love Christmas, today when the guy in front of us strapped his tree to his car, I almost cried. I imagine where everyone else's Christmas trees are going, and who they will surround with it. My house smells like pine, and I want to bake something full of cinnamon. And I want to dance around and sing Christmas songs. Okay, I might do that already.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, my heart is overwhelmed with everything we have been blessed with. Please, take a quiet moment and enjoy something you love.

I'm going to go smell my Christmas tree.

Let me be the first to tell you, Merry Christmas!

Gobble, Gobble

2011-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

This year we hosted Thanksgiving at our new house! My mom, sisters, Nathan, and Grehndal (my mom's dog) were here to stay by Tuesday night, and my big brother, and Dad came in early Thursday morning.

I had such a good time preparing, cooking and decorating!

Pioneer woman taught me how to brine a turkey, and I will never make a turkey a different way again. It was awesome.

And after dinner....

nerds

We played games, ate pie, and went to the circus. It was wonderful, and we are still eating turkey and mashed potatoes. I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Finally Fall

2011-11-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

It's finally Fall here in Las Vegas. Davy and Lily were over, so we decorated cookies.

Boys don't know how to take pictures...

Poor Lily was soo tired.

Life is blissful; we are incredibly blessed.

BOO!

2011-10-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

We ate dinner in a pumpkin, from Lisa's recipe. Really yummy, not so bad for something with mushrooms. ;) The baked pumpkin was awesome. I forgot to take a picutre of that, sadly. We also had black, bubbly potion. SO fun!

And little orange jack-o-lantern fruit cups. SO cute!

Before we went trick or treating, we took a group picture.. "Everyone against the wall...

"Scarlett!"

"Scarlett over here."

"Scarlett!"

"Hurry, take the picture!"

....So cute...

Trick or Treat!

Yum. Candy!

I was so tired at the end of the night. I hope your Halloween were as wonderful as ours.

It's Autumn Somewhere

2011-10-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

First, a little update: We are getting along wonderfully here in Vegas. I think it took me the longest to adjust. Chandler just loves being here with his friends. For the first week he asked everyday, "Can we go to Scarlett or Davy's house today?" And, you know, Sterling he doesn't really care about much. As long as you don't try to take his food, he's good. Brandon's job is great, and after coming home from Elder's Quorum where 30% of the men are unemployed, we are just to happy to have a job.

Last week I had this very distinct impression, "If not liking the tile in your house is your biggest problem, you are blessed." We are very blessed.

Anyways, did you know Vegas has pumpkin patches? Yeah, me either, and right next to our house!

It sure felt weird sweating while we walked out to where the pumpkins were. Chandler complains about the sun all the time.

Last week he said, "Mom, I think I like Portland better because the sun shines in my eyes a lot in Las Vegas."

Here, Sterling you hold the pumpkin...

We picked a pumpkin, ate apple cider doughnuts (amazing!), packed up, and turned the air conditioning on in the car. It was a perfect warm fall day.

October 14, 2011

2011-10-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

I noticed my side bar, "Wow, I've already blogged 3 times this month. I'm great," I thought. But then, nope. that's September.

How do people take pictures/blog while they're moving? That is not something I did.

Here, however, is a really funny picture of Sterling getting his hair cut.

And a pile of boxes...

...because, you know, we were getting ready to move to vegas and wanted our neighbors to think we are cool.

And we turned those boxes, and some other ones into this awesome box fort...

So, those are kind of pictures of us moving. Or, as close as we can get to it. Except the haircut ones, those are just funny.

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Usually I post about fall, because I love it so much, but the weather is not fall here in Las Vegas. However, I did just add my first pictures to "fall 2011" on my computer.

I thought it would be fun to just pull some of my favorite pictures out of my "summer 2011" folder. So here it is, summer 2011...

I miss all you guys. Wanna play games on Saturday?

Tuxedo Park Apartments #106

2011-09-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

When I look at picture, I sometimes try to remember what our home looked like at the time of the picture. This time, before I packed up a room, I took pictures. I know this matters very little to most people, but in the future, I think I will be glad I did this. Sooo.. here it goes, our home in Portland looked like this..

The boy's room was my favorite....

The stuffed animals are all things they got in the hospital (or right when they got home). Elephant: Chandler's, Peguin: from Chandler to Sterling, Polar Bear: from Adam to me.

Dear Portland,

2011-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Portland,

It's not secret. You and me, we don't always get along. You probably shouldn't follow my facebook page because, I sometimes say not nic

e things about you. Sorry. I have lived here with my family for 1,138 days. You have made sure that we didn't see the sun for at least 742 days of those days. That's 65.2% no sunshine. Pretty rude, Portland, pretty rude.

But, like the annoying kid who lived down the street. I'll miss you Portland, I will.

Our friends have been like family here. We've been surrounded, built up, and supported through three years of constant school and tests, . I'm confident that we won't ever again have a friend structure like the one we have. Not because we won't have good friends in other places. But because, never again, will there be so many people who are doing the exact same things we are; all of us in the same stage of life, striving towards very similar goals living in the same ward and most of us in the same apartment complex.

What you lack in Sunshine, Portland, you make up for in ward members. Hartley Park Ward is jam packed with friends and memories. You know the term "ward family"? That's what this ward has. I am blessed that these people are so willing to accept students into their family over and over again. They love and give with no reservation of us leaving in three years time. I would bore you, but you can read about my love affair with my calling here. Both of our callings have given us the opportunity to work with and build relationships with people we probably wouldn't have known well otherwise. Amazing people, who I love.

Together, we've trudged through 11 finals weeks, potty training, morning sickness, heat waves, "Arctic Blast 2010", midnight feedings, carpet cleanings, temper tantrums, and disappointment.

We shared with you celebrations, elation, graduation, Christmases, zoo trips, birthday parties, first steps, and excitement mixed with anxiety.

So much, you are our home; our first real permenent location. I remember so vidily the first time I walked into our apartment. The sunlight shined through the sliding glass door, and hit the grey carpet, showing it's brown color. And I knew, that's where we would live. Just 3 days ago, the sight of the rooms so empty made my chest tight, and my eyes fill.

For always, Portland, you will hold a very special place in our hearts. I really believe when it's all done, we'll look back and these past three years will be three of the best years of our lives.

Farwell, Portland. We love you.

Sterling Plays with Ducks

2011-08-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Remember when we went wild in Washington? I said Sterling played with some ducks, but I would post later. Okay, I know you don't remember anything about Ducks, because you only read my blog to see if we are going to move to Kentucky. This is that post anyways.

This is my favorite...

At one point one was so close it tripped over Sterling's leg.

Can I tell you a secret?

2011-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Kentucky, those doctors there, that made me miserable... they never called back.

Seriously.

So, we're moving to Las Vegas.

We are very excited.

True story.

Faith for Kentucky

2011-08-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling, worrying, and crying a fair deal (poor Brandon).

"I don't want to move to Kentucky...waaaaa!"

Life has been a little in disarray. Things have been fuzzy. This morning I lay in bed after my husband left. Sterling was sleeping, and downstairs I could hear the soft hum of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Chandler's spoon hitting his cereal bowl.

And I felt at peace.

I wish I could say I have come to a conclusion, and have the faith adequate to go anywhere (like Kentucky). Brandon is a better than I. Maybe I'll let you know Monday.

I'm pretty sure they have Mickey Mouse Clubhouse there.

Wild in Washington

2011-08-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Dickson (my mom's dad) turned 90! So we made the trip up to Seattle to say happy birthday and do some partying of our own.

His first "birthday party" was at the stake center, and was kind of reception-y. Everyone from the small town was there, mostly because they are all related to him. It was sweet. His big brother got up and said some stuff I couldn't understand. I asked Adam if he would talk about me at my 90th party, and he said he would be dead. Most everyone talked about tractor accidents, and farming mishaps. It reminded me that mom came from that world, no matter how suburbanized she is now. I didn't take any pictures at the first party.

His second party was at Kayak point. Yep, when you're 90 you get 2 parties. Haven't been there? Go. So gorgeous.

Then after we were bored of the Dicksons, we went to hang out with more Tates (or Toborgs). We did all kinds of wild and crazy things.

Here's us at this adorable little beach town, where we saw some cool sand sculptures..

We drove out the peninsula, we might have stopped in forks, but I don't want to talk about that. Brandon, "I don't want anyone to know I was here." The beach was amazing.

This is one of favorites. I like feet, okay?

We spent the night in these little cabins. I don't love "camping", but cabins aren't so bad, and the camp ground was really nice.

Also, Sterling played with some ducks, but I am going to post separately about that.

Camping included a little hiking. I can't remember the name of this place, but it was beautiful, and there was snow. Which was pretty exciting for Chandler.

Overall, it was a wonderful time. You can see the rest of the pictures here on the facebook.

Dear Benson

2011-08-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Benson moved it is very sad. Chandler is still a little confused, and especially confused because Davy moved, but came back to visit. Chandler says, "Benson will be gone for a long time, and then he will just come back."

They were adorable little tiny toddlers when we moved here. It has been such a blessing for Chandler to have a great friend while we were here.

January 2009

June 2011

This is the day before Benson moved back to Canada:

Canada better be pretty awesome, or you'll have to come be homeless with us in San Diego. Or maybe just visit.

Love you Benson.

Chandler Turns Four

2011-07-17T22:52:00.001-07:00

After some drama with the weather and a couple of location changes, we had a wonderful (rain free) super hero birthday party. Thank you everyone who came and helped.

We had yummy hot dogs, cake and presents.

I can't believe he's four, happy birthday Chandler. We love you!

Family Photos June 2011

2011-07-14T20:17:00.001-07:00

5,952 miles in 8 days

2011-07-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 6 am: Portland-Chicago Illinois
Tuesday 1:30 pm: Flight to Paducah canceled
Tuesday 4 pm: Flight to Nashville, TN
Tuesday 6 pm: Drive to Paducah
Tuesday 8 pm: Paducah, KY
Thursday 6 am: Paducah-Chicago
Thursday 11 am: Arrive in Portland
Thursday 3 pm: Drive to Boise, ID
Friday 1 pm: Arrive in Rexburg, ID
Monday 6 pm: Idaho Falls-Boise
Tuesday 3 pm: Portland, OR

I feel like this is the kind of thing we'll look back at and think, "Remember when our family was young and we did all that crazy traveling?"

Check out our adventures in the posts below.

Paducah, KY

2011-07-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Let me answer the questions that we've been getting.

So, are you moving to Kentucky?
We really don't know yet. Financially it's a great opportunity and it's a similar business to the one which Brandon would like to run, so it's hard to say no. It's just really far away, and quite frankly, I just don't want to right now. But just because I don't want to doesn't mean I don't think we should (make sense?)

Did you take your kids?
No, we left them at home with the Moss girls. They're the best. Quiet enough that they wouldn't have told us if it was a disaster anyways.

When would you move?
Not until after Brandon's mom's wedding which is September 10th. I am really excited to stay in Portland for the summer.

Do you have other options?
Yes. We still have a job offer in Denver, but it's a "rent a space" option, and the Kentucky job is a salary. Brandon also has 2 interviews in California; one in the bay area and near Monterey. And we're still looking, but the Kentucky job is pressuring us to make a decision.

There are a lot of reasons I think Kentucky could be a wonderful adventure. It's close to a part of the country that I would like to visit again. We could visit New Orleans, Church History Sites, Washington DC, NYC, Chicago, Carolina Beaches all with easy accessibility. It's cheap, oh heavens is it cheap. The city really is nice (in some places), and in my "suburban attitude" not so bad. It has everything we would need to function, and isn't as podunk as I has anticipated. We would not comitt to anything more that 2 years at this point, and really what's 2 years, like nothing. Oh man, are you still reading this? Okay, here's some pictures... Note: the city pictures are not Paducah, they're Nashville..

Our flight from Chicago to Paducah was canceled. The airline wanted to put us up in a hotel in Chicago and put us on a flight the next day at 1 pm. That's what I really wanted to do because I've never seen chicago (and it sounds way more interesting to me than Nashville), but because our trip was so short it didn't make sense. Instead we caught a flight to Nashville, TN, rented a car and drove to Paducah. I hadn't been to Nashville, so we drove our rental car into the city and walked around a little.

Nashville was cute, and really hot. We didn't stay very long. I didn't take any pictures in Paducah, Oops.

Roomate Reunion

2011-07-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

We got together with Brandon's roommates from college and their families over the 4th of July weekend. We rented a cabin in Isalnd Park, ID. I had never been there before, and it was really beautiful.

Brandon has 3 roommates with children. Between the four guys there are 7 little boys ages four and under. Zero girls.

We spent Saturday at this gorgeous lake in Montana. I didn't realize we were so close to Montana.

Mostly, we just hung out, played games, and ate too much food.

We have been so blessed in our relationships with our friends.

Dr. Brandon Barnette

2011-06-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

After three long years. We are ecstatic to introduce Dr. Brandon D. Barnette...

It may have been nap time, and Sterling may have come down with a really high fever the next day.

Be sure to check out our good friends

Dr. Micheal Humpherys

Dr. Daniel Bateman

After Graduation we had a BBQ with the graduates and our visiting families....

It rained, the kids loved it.

And of course, we played games with grandpa.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who was supportive and helped us through the last three years. We cannot believe it's over, and we could not have done it alone. We have been so blessed to live here among so many friends and so close to family.

Do I get to call myself "Mrs. Dr. Barnette" now?

When I Grow Up: Part II

2011-06-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

I guess part of growing up is handling disappointments.

This morning I drove to the gym. While sitting at a red light I thought about all the different directions I could drive my car. I wondered why our plan would include such a directional change. A change that would take us to Paducah, Kentucky instead of Laguna Hills, CA. I wondered if the opportunity had been presented in Kentucky wrapping paper originally, if we would have turned it down with out consideration.

Tears fell as I drove through 202nd avenue; reminding myself that it was God's plan that I needed to trust in. In the gym parking lot I composed myself, got out of my car and walked into the gym, where I had a very unfocused work out.

Brandon is currently looking for other opportunities in California. The Doctor in Paducah has bought us (Brandon & I) tickets to fly out and see the town and practice next week. Our options are still open, and we're still considering the Denver job as well. All this really means is that we will be staying Portland through at least August, and we won't be working for Dr. Dan Farkas in Laguna Hills in July as planned. We are all very disappointed, as this ruins our plans of spending everyday at the beach club, but this is why we had back ups.

Honestly, I am some what flattered by the amount of responses that sound something like this, "So sad for you, but yay for staying for a few more months!"

Chandler's First Last Day

2011-06-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Awww... Chandler's last day of preschool..

Teacher Debbie

Teacher Hanna

Me, me, me I want to hit the pinata.

If you haven't read "Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog," you really should

Sterling does a puzzle..

Cutest..

Going Swimming

2011-06-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Yep, nothing original to say, not even an interesting title. We went swimming.

Sterling looooved it...

So fun!

When HE Grows Up

2011-05-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

When I came across this picture, for a brief moment I saw a grown up Chandler on his wedding day. Reminding me it's important to enjoy the little Chandler moments. I need to remember he won't always want me to play sword fight in the back yard with him. He won't always want to help make dinner, or play hide and seek. They're little for such a short while.

You can see more pictures from the wedding in the post below.

Dave & Sandy Get Married

2011-05-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just a few..

PS: Dave (because I know you're reading), you pictures are ready when you want to pick them up.

Warning

2011-05-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

You may want to buy junk...

http://betterafter.blogspot.com

This is my favorite...

I just think it's the most clever. Too bad I don't have any girls...

Remember when...

2011-05-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

We had a jungle in our backyard?

That was awesome.

I am ready for summer.

Last Week at The Barnettes

2011-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

I love May. I was going to talk about how it was my favorite month of the year, but then I got to thinking.... I love fall; I love September (I reminisce about new pencil smell) and October, and November is Thanksgiving month, my favorite of the Holidays, and December is Christmas, of course. And everyone loves June, July and August. So, mostly I'm not a huge fan of January and February. March is kind of meh and April is pretty good. This month our April looked like this:

You can see all the things we did this month, I don't have much to say about them. Here's some pictures from this last week.

Brandon had a birthday..

...and I got him play off tickets. Yes, I am the coolest wife in the entire world.

I made these, and then he bought some on his own.

We had a sunny day, and Benson got a new bike for his birthday..

"Mommy, I want a new bike like Benson's.... but mommy, Benson's bike goes fast, and it's red mommy."

Look at Kimber's hair..

And Easter was lovely...

And today is Tuesday. Have a wonderful week.

Naked Ladies

2011-04-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe anyone still reads my blog with all of it inappropriateness. :)

I wanted to share this party that we do, because it is such a great thing. Every spring for the last three years we have had a "Naked Lady Party." Common just the name sounds fun, right? Don't worry it's not as scandalous as it sounds. Here's how it works:

Tell your friends they're invited to a Naked lady party. Everyone brings their clothes, purses, makeup, accessories (anything lady-ish) that they don't wear or use. Things once loved but don't fit, or you don't love so much anymore, or a gift you never loved so much; things that you would probably send to DI.

Each lady shows her items and then adds them to the pile. It was HUGE this year. I wish I had taken a picture. Then you draw numbers (1-13) and you go in order. Each lady gets to pick one item out of the pile according to their number. The last person gets to go twice, and then you go back up. 1,2,3...13, 13, 12, 11....1. Usually after one round of picks, we "free for all". People just kind of pick things and negotiate for what's left over. THEN, when it's all over, the host bags up all the left overs and brings them to DI.

It is seriously such a great thing. I think everyone always gets at least one thing they love, and this year I did so well. And every year something returns to the naked lady party that was picked up the year before.

Here's what I go this year...

5 shirts, 1 pair of jeans, 2 skirts, 1 fabulous dress, 1 pair of adorable shoes, and 1 pair of earnings. All for FREE. Awesome. In case you were wondering. My picks were the dress, then the brown fluffy skirt.

Will you comment what you got? If you post a picture on your blog, I'll link it so my other super jealous friends can check it out.

Here's Julie being a Naked Lady..

Serious Sterling

2011-04-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Good thing, "blog more" wasn't one of my new year's resolutions, because I've been kind of crummy at it this year. Oh well... I realized this morning that I have never done a Sterling update. So, while this is boring for most readers, I'm going to go ahead and do it anyways.

Sterling is 8 months yesterday. I mean, what the heck? He is the most serious baby I have ever met. Always scowling at people and looking like he's trying to figure something out. He is however, very friendly. The best thing about having a serious baby is when he is smiling his whole face is lit up. It's like a present.

Serious Sterling..

Smiling Sterling..

So.. Sterling crawls, eats baby food, blabers a lot, cries because he can't quite get up the kitchen stair. He loves his exersaucer, and TV (shhh don't tell). This baby eats everything. I think he might eat cardboard if you gave it to him, and he has the double chin to show for it. He loves Chandler, and thinks he's hilarious. He's easily scared and doesn't think throwing him up in the air is fun. His eyes are super brown and I love them more than I thought I would. They're like "brownies."

I love my boys..

"Mom, I'm done."

Anyways...Happy Thursday!

My A.....ss

2011-04-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Some of you know, but, since it's over I thought I would share.

My super cool older brother let me play with his friends. The 8 year old in me had a little party, "what I've always wanted!" she said. They were having a little before and after contest. I payed $5 and they let me bore them with weekly blog updates and before and after pictures.

I am so seriously impressed with the boys. Stupid boys always looking good with less effort. And the ladies look fantastic too.

Check us out.. It's not a vote thing, I won't make you vote for me.

90 days to a sweet A

Near Alicia Parkway

2011-03-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Around 7:30 on a rainy Friday morning my mom, my boys, and I merged onto the I-5 southbound near down town Portland. At 1:13 Saturday morning we exited at Alicia Parkway; Orange County, California.

Then the party started.

We ate crackers, went on walks, and although we had lots of plans, my mom and I spent the majority of our time building a bed. Yep, we built a bed. The post below will tell you all about that adventure. We only played 3 games of settlers and I think Dad won all of them (fun). :) We didn't go to beach. It rained a good majority of the time. Lame, right? PS: I didn't realize that Chandler's face is covered in what he calls "snacks" in that picture till just now. Also, Chandler has been asking for "snacks" non stop since we got home. arg.

At one point I was driving down to meet Brandon in San Diego. There's a part of the coast along the 5 there where there's a large military base. I was driving, it was sunny, and my GPS showed me (a little blue car) driving right along the blue water. It was beautiful, and I decided that it is the most beautiful place in the world.

May a recommend, if you are trying to convince your husband, you mom, your girlfriend, or your best friend to move to southern California, take them in March, April, or May. The hills are green with spring life, and weather is beautiful. Try not to go when it's raining.

It was perfect, and now I want to call it home again more than ever.

Sorry, if you were hoping for "When I Grow Up: Part II". Hopefully, soon, they'll be a need for that blog post.

Making a Mess

2011-03-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Aloooong time ago our friends Parker and Char built a toddler bed for their toddler. It was so adorable, and I was so impressed. Char sited this blog, which I became instantly captivated by.

So, I wanted to know if this was a kind of project I would like to take on, so.. I asked my mom if she would be interested. And, we built a bed.

We followed Ana's instructions. They were good. Not great, but good. And heavens we learned a lot.

There's not a whole lot to say. Here's the pictures...

We may have convinced the guy at Lowe's to do almost all of our cuts for us. I think that saved us hours and hours. Good thing we're pretty.

We nailed and glued and drilled and used that big bolts and a socket wrench.

Then we sanded and painted, and then put the big pieces together.

And done..

Okay, mostly done. It still needs some wood fills, and touch up paint. But pretty cool, huh? My mom and I did it mostly all on our own. We made the bed, and cleaned the room, so I could take a picture, and then I was time to play settlers, so this is the best picture of it completed I have.

Yay us!

Fantasy

2011-03-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Gasp!!!

"What?!" As he slams on the breaks.

"That house is adorable."

"I thought I was going to run over a small child."

This is a conversation that I've had with my husband, and a conversation my parents have had.

I thought today I would share a few of my favorite things. Because, I don't know, maybe someone cares.

If I had to pick a style of home it would be craftsman style..

What's so fabulous about these homes is that they are full of thick molding, wainscoting, and detailed windows. They also have cozy porches, and big heavy front doors.

I love beautiful wood stair cases..

And farmhouse sinks in white kitchens. DIY network says, "White kitchens: Timeless and Transcendent." I tried to find a picture of the perfect white kitchen with the perfect sink, and couldn't. I guess I'll have to do it right. But the subway tiles are gorgeous, right?

While I love hardwood floors, because, well, they're classic, I think they have their place. I was want soft carpet in my home (at least in the bedrooms). And I don't mean just carpet. I want extra padded, you could take a nap on it, you have to take your shoes off carpet.

I really, really, really want a swimming pool (California roots). Oh so badly want a swimming pool with a outdoor living space. I love the simple old looking ones.. think "Under the Tuscan Sun". I think they're romantic.

Sigh.. and one of my most favoritest things in the whole home design thing... the clawfoot tub.

Can you believe my love of the clawfoot started when I saw "What Lies Beneath". Everyone loves these tubs, right?

I'm going to stop, because this could go on way too long, and get way too boring. I realize I might never have all of these things. But most importantly, I want our home full of babies and love, and at least one clawfoot.

Do you have favorites, or am I the only one who thinks about this?

Sweet love..

2011-03-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

January and February kind of swept by. I want to say flew by, but it wasn't necessarily fast, but not boring. They were two months that just kind of were.

Chandler's good friend Davy moved to Las Vegas... :(

Chandler spent Valentine's day with his girlfriend, Scarlett. Okay, not really.. but aren't they cute?

We had a snow day. It was all over the news. Brandon started school late, and Chandler's was canceled. All for this... It was all gone by the time we left the gym (11 am).

And, I don't know how your work out routine/new year resolution is going, but Sterling is coming right along. He has learned to do planks.

When I grow up..

2011-02-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

"Do you know what you're doing after Brandon graduates?"

I'm usually left with a blank stare, or me making up some kind of answer to make it seem like we're not really all that concerned.

In reality, it consumes our thoughts, largely dominates our prayers, and is the basis of our fasts. I have spent hours on the computer, looking at listings, and areas in which the opportunities are available. Brandon spends breaks during his school day on the phone, carefully editing the detailed spread sheet he's tracking.

Our brains run nonsense lists: "Aurora, Highlands Ranch, associateship, Oceanside, Dr. Helm, weather, Thousand Oaks, cost of living, family, Dr. Roberta, office space, school districts, buying a home, swimming pools, distance..."

Everyone has an opinion..
"I would never work in California."
"Everyone fails there."
"There are a lot of old people there."
"My friends hate it there."

Then the soft whisper in the temple: "Everything will be okay if you go to California. No need to fear." It wasn't a direction to go to California, but a reassurance that we are not doing wrong by exploring the option.

So, there you have it. No, we don't know what we're doing or where we are going, but we are confident we are doing our part, and we hope to know the answers to all of your (and our) questions soon.

Seriously, though, how can you not want to live here?

Or here..

edit: I want to clarify. I am not mad that you are asking about our plans. I understand that it's just curiosity born out of love, and it doesn't bother us. Please, no one feel bad for asking! However, currently, this is all the answers we have. *Loves*

I don't like bananas..

2011-02-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

But I know someone who does...

What does google know you for?

2011-01-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

What do the ads on your side bar look like?

Mine are always, "Loose belly fat while eating brownies and ice cream!" (How do they know I like brownies?)

Those aren't really tempting, because everyone knows it's fake. BUT it's the Anne Taylor Loft adds that get me. I think I click every time. It's my favorite store. *drool*

Once Brandon's ad said something like, "Sports bras for men."

"I Wish I Were a Little Bar of Soap"

2011-01-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

"Bethany's mom IS Bethany with blond hair."

"I agree, you definitely have your mom's sense of humor."

"You talk just like your mom."

"I think you become more like Kristy every time I see you."

"Do you have to sit on the couch with the computer? You look like your mom."

____________________________________________________

For mothers day I wrote this post about the things my mom and I have in common. Today, for her birthday, I will tell you all the ways we're different. These are also all the ways my mom is infinity more awesome than me. Even though, I'm pretty awesome.

While my mom and I are similar in shape and size, my mom has beautiful hands. She has skinny, delicate, piano player hands, while I try to hide my man hands. Please watch the video.

She is a musician. She has played most of her life. She used to play while I sang simple primary songs. My favorite was "I am like a Star." She is also well practiced in singing "Bar of Soap," "Black Socks," "We Run and then we Jump," and "Never Smile when a Hurst Goes by". But she really doesn't like "Found a Peanut."

She writes. I write on a blog, boring things that I think are funny. She writes real stuff. Everything she writes if funny, and entertaining--emails, letters, and books. You have to check her out on her blog. This is my favorite. She has written six (unpublished) books, and all are fabulous. I just know someday she'll get that book contract. Then she'll buy me house. Right mom?

She reads. I hate reading, but am always intending (or pretending) to be more into it. Because smart people read, right?

She's confident. I think, or I hope, this comes with age and experience. She cares little about what other people think, and I think that would bring great peace to life.

Once she told me, "I only give advice if I feel like someone is asking for it." I think, I have been blessed with the gift of gab. My mom has been blessed with the gift of being about to keep her mouth shut. Because everyone doesn't always need to know what I think.

She, like Sterling, was born on Friday the 13th. That makes anyone awesome.

____________________________________________________

I hope when I turn 49 (is that right, are you 49?) I am my mom, but with brown hair. I hope I still have hair.

ewww I watched that freaky addiction show on TLC last night about a girl addicted to pulling and then eating her hair.. don't watch it it's gross.

Love you mom.

Do I use 'awesome' too much?

2010 in Retrospect

2010-12-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

Bethany: Help me write my blog post about 2010.

Brandon: 2010 was good. Say, "a lot of good things happened. One of them was not having a baby. Bethany screamed a lot. The end."

We did discover a few things about having babies back in August. Of course it was one of the good things that happened this year, if not the best.

Here's a list of a few things we discovered this year....

The flamingos will eat out of your hand
Morning sickness can last more than 12 weeks
Sometimes missionaries aren't so weird when they come home, and we like California weather in February
More people read and/or comment on your blog when you're expecting a baby
Sometimes in Portland, OR it rains until July
This was just my favorite post this year
Summers are jam packed with excitement, and we like it that way
Second babies come quickly.. too quickly for epidurals if you're not careful
We like pigs in a blanket on a stick over a fire
Chandler has a crush on Teacher Debbie
Starting in October, life gets very busy
Christmas is more and more fun as our kids get older

I cannot believe tomorrow is 2011. In 2006 we started telling people we would be done with school in 2011. It was so far away then, and now well tomorrow it's here. 2011, the year our five year plan ends, the year Brandon finishes school, and gets a real job, the year we move to our forever home. These are our hopes for this year, at least.

In yoga, this morning, our teacher told us to open our arms and embrace the new year with optimism.. so here we go.. let's embrace it. Honestly, I was just trying not to fall over.

OH! Please tell me what you think of the penny floor! See below

Do you love this?

2010-12-30T22:07:00.000-08:00

Do you love it? Hate it?

I kind of love it.

source: http://www.studiogblog.com/garden-construction-materials/materials/a-path-paved-with-copper/

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to spend Christmas eve with Brandon's family, and Christmas day all by ourselves. It was the first family Christmas on our own.

I love this.. Chandler surrounded in presents

"Mom, help me!"

These next two are my favorite..

Chandler made this cute little gingerbread man for me at preschool..

I hope you all had a merry Christmas!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

2010-12-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

falalala, la, la, la, la...

Muahahaha...

2010-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Also, see below for party pictures!

Party People..

2010-12-15T23:19:00.001-08:00

"I want to go to there"

2010-12-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

The candy witch brought Chandler Toy Story 3 for Halloween. Inside the box there's that little booklet that comes in movie boxes. Inside the booklet there's an advertisement for Disney Cruise Lines. With a picture of a pool and water slide.

Twice Chandler has told me he wants to go there. Today our conversation went like this...

"Mommy, I want to go on there."

"Not now honey."

"Later?"

"I don't know."

"But look, there's lots of friends on there. And it's fun mommy."

Tell me, I'm not the only one who has the "when we're rich" conversations with their husband, and maybe their three-year-olds.

Best calling EVER..

2010-12-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

Our ward clerk asked us,"During the next two weeks could everyone please take a few minutes to think about and then write down several important events which I can use to complete the Annual Historical Report?" This is what I wrote...

We started the year with just twenty active members of our primary. During the summer we swelled to reach as many as 30 in sharing time, while in November we had as few as six. We were a small, but unified, Primary here in the Hartley Park ward. And, oh man, did we have a good time!

We started the year with "Breakfast with Bishop." We all gathered in our pajamas to get to know Bishop Lyman better. The kids sat at a large table and asked questions: "How did you meet your wife?" "Who do you like better, Brother Gneighting or Brother Holwege?" The kids thought this was hysterical. They took pictures with the bishop, and I felt the experience was uplifting for both the children and Bishop.

We were blessed to be part of the baptism of Spencer Ellsworth. Family, friends,ward leaders, and missionaries gathered to partake in the spirit of baptism. Spencer was welcomed as the newest member of our ward family, and we all rejoiced.

We also participated in a pioneer day activity, went trunk or treating and sang our hearts out during singing time. Ferralyn Chezic always exceeds everyone's expectations, with her over the top, way too exciting, singing time lessons. It is so fun, and yet the truth she teaches through song speaks to our spirits.

Ferralyn's efforts made our primary sacrament program a hit. "Best one I've ever seen," someone remarked. "I can't remember seeing a better one," another said. "The music was amazing," we heard over and over. Ferralyn told me before we got up on the podium, "Angels sing with them." I believe that. Brennah Warner's solo was angelic, and the Tuitavake boys singing "Called to Serve" seemed foretelling. The parts were memorized, the sunbeams (as always) were adorable, and the children recited talks that were general authority quality.

Our primary staff served faithfully, each relying on one another. We taught and learned about Jesus; His Life and His teachings. We memorized articles of faith and scriptures, did service, played games, and learned to love our neighbors. I think we all, leaders and children together, came to know our Savior a little better.

Children and leaders joined us, and children and leaders left us to be part of many other wonderful things. Anyone and everyone who sat in our primary room, felt the spirit of our Savior. It's true, if Jesus was to visit us, Primary is where he would go first.

What a blessed organization that I have to be part of!

I so much look forward to my final year as primary president. I cannot think of a calling that I would rather have. Seriously. Sometimes I feel sad that I don't get to be a member of this ward and watch the kids grown, go on missions, and get married. They may not remember me, but Hartley Park children will always hold a special place in my heart.

I hope everyone someday gets a chance to participate in a calling that means so much to them.

Kristy's Stories

2010-11-18T15:46:00.001-08:00

Check out my mom's new blog.

I made the header and button for it. It was my first time making a button, and I'm pretty proud of myself.

I expect family members (Adam) to put a button on their blogs. I guess mostly, just Adam.

November 10, 2010, 4:10 PM

2010-11-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

October, 10 2006, 10 am:

Dear Bethany,

I think you should have a baby.

Love,

Nathan

Later that day... a positive pregnancy test.

June 23, 2006. Chandler Nathan Barnette is born.

Some people like kids, but Nathan really seems to enjoy them. Well, at least my kids. He obviously thinks they're pretty neat.

Nathan and I are the closest in age in the family at a whopping 2 years one month. Mom tells me that Nathan used to get up the morning and ask me, "What are we going to do today?" Due to hearing problems, Nathan didn't talk till later. When he did it was in full sentences. Nathan's first words were, "Stop that, bad girl!" I remember taking him with me to my friend's houses. Which I hated, but he came along anyways.

As a kid Jared was the "funny" one.. remember when the chicken crossing the road jokes were funny. Today, Nathan does a little stand up comedy at BYU. I really think it's a gift at writing that makes him so talented. I maybe a little biased, but I thought he was the funnies at his show we went to (like 3.5 years ago).

Since Nathan returned from his mission he is one of the kindest people I know. He'll even give up his seat on the couch for you (or Miranda). That is practically unheard of. Adam doesn't even have to kick at him until he leaves. He's always talking about doing something respectable with his career and doesn't seem to care about getting rich. Which makes Mom think he'll be filthy rich.

Lastly.. Nathan has had the same hair cut since he was..... three? Except a few summers when Mom would shave the boys' heads bald. Once Nathan and I were watching Seinfeld, and Jerry got a bad haircut have you seen that one? Nathan and I looked at each other astonished.....

Nathan looks like Jerry Seinfeld with a "bad haircut". I can't believe he thought that was bad considering his usual 90's style fro/mullet. That pretty much qualifies him for awesomeness.

Everyone else is doing it

2010-11-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'll post about our Halloween.

Sterling was born on Friday the 13th, so we saw it fitting to bless him on Halloween. It was also fast Sunday and my parents were able to come.

He was so handsome in his little sweater. He even matched grandma.

Julie suggested that we did a cool picture like theirs.. here. But, boys wouldn't do it. I still like it tho.

These are the faces my children make while we are trying to take their pictures...

Make sure to continue reading to see our trunk or treating post...

Trunk or Treat..

2010-11-02T08:39:00.001-07:00

We have an insane amount of candy in our home.

Earlier on Saturday (before trunk or treating) we went to a very wet, very muddy pumpkin patch..

Okay, then trunk or treating...

Brandon and my costumes only made sense when Chandler was around..

It's quiet now. What do you say?

2010-10-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Brandon and & Chandler went to buy me a birthday present (yay) and Sterling is napping. Aren't newborns funny, napping @ 6:45? Silly boy.

Do you ever take a moment to look around at your life? So much of my life is chaos, there aren't many moments to actually look at it. Most moments are filled with other important things. Let me tell you about my life, as today is the last day of life at age 23.

Today Chandler asked me, "I'm not a baby. Not yet?" I had to try to explain that he would never again be a baby, and I will never again be in my early twenties. 24 is definitely mid-twenties.

I love my home. It has a red wall, a brown wall, a blue wall and 3 green walls, and is filled to the brim with diapers and toys, and love.

Tuesday-Friday I take Chandler to preschool. He is a preschool genius, and loves his teacher: "Teacher Debbie."

Last year, October, I bought a romper with a skeleton on it, size 3 months. My thought was, if we get pregnant this month, it'll fit our baby next year. We got pregnant in November.

I got a new vacuum last week. Very, very exciting.

Today, I drove down Halsey and it was bright and sunny, and the perfect temperature, and I thought maybe southern California would be a nice place to live.

Brandon came home with contact information of a Doctor in New Mexico.

It's pitch black @ 6:57 currently on Halsey street.

Chelsea asked me if I her to watch my kids tomorrow, so I could take a break. I said, "No, I don't have anything going on on Thursday, why would I need you to watch my kids?" I keep forgetting it's my birthday.

We like to "play on the grass".

My husband is amazing, so patient and kind. Always giving 100%. I love him.

My children are not so patient. I still don't like saying "children" or "kids".. "Put the kids to bed" sounds old, like someone in their 30's would say. Brandon has resorted to calling them "the midgets."

Laundry is never ending... never.

More than one person told me our primary program was the best one they've ever seen. If it was, it's because of the children, my teachers, my chorister and the Holy Ghost. Nothing to do with me; I'm just lucky.

I organized Sterling's baby clothes. This brought me immense joy.

I'm 24 tomorrow, and in the throws of full time motherhood. Perhaps, more seasoned mothers would disagree, but that's what it feels like to me. I like it this way, it may not be interesting to talk about me, but I like it. It's comfortable, like this is what I am supposed to be doing.

Happy birthday, big borther!

2010-10-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

"What if you get married and your wife doesn't like me?"

"I don't think that will happen. We're too much alike."

Adam is my big brother. His room used to smell like a cave, and he has enough clothes that he doesn't have to do laundry all summer. ...wait, those are not reasons we're alike, just to clarify. He was the typical big brother when I was little. He used to dunk me under water at the pool repeatedly, he thought it was funny to pull me off the couch, and if you sat next to him in the van he would kick you until you were so fed up with him you'd move, giving him the whole row to himself. I distinctly remember once he burped in his hand and then put his hand in my face. I was infuriated.

I love all of my siblings, but I think I am the closest to Adam. Not because he burped in his hand. I hope my kids are able to have friendships with each other; I hope my kids are as kind to each other as Adam is to me. We're friends, close friends (or at least I think so). Adam has a talent of making his friends feel like they're special to him. I think that's why he has so many friends, friends that last years and years and years. He helps me waste time. We chat, and share internet links full of nonsense.. example? Last week Adam shared this with me..

Life enriching? I don't think so.

In my fantasy life, Adam has a fabulous wife, who loves me so we're best friends, and our kids find immense joy in each others company. In reality, Adam and I haven't lived in the same state since 2006. Sad face. Maybe in years to come, maybe not. Either way, Adam will always be one of my best friends.

Happy birthday big brother!

Have you smiled today?

2010-10-12T21:07:00.001-07:00

We have...

October, October

2010-10-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

Is this the busiest month ever, for everyone else too?

October 4-Brandon returns to school

October 8-School BBQ Horray for not having to make dinner!

October 9-Clean the church assignment AND make a cake McKenna's birthday party

October 11-14 OSCIs... I have no idea how to spell that Some important tests for Brandon

October 12-Dentist appointment

October 13-Sterling's 2 month well check

October 14-Baby shower

October 15-Date night, finally

October 16-Primary activity AND Relief Society activity

October 17-Primary program AND Adam's birthday yay Adam

October 21-My birthday yay me

October 23-Birthday party for Chandler's little friend

October 28-Brandon's mom is having surgery AND girls night

October 30-Ward activity

October 31-Sterling's baby blessing

These are all wonderful things. I'm not so sure that Brandon's dentist visit will be. We're happy to be busy, but occasionally overwhelmed, and exhausted. Thank you Sterling for deciding October would be the month you started sleeping eight hours!

I'm also trying to squeeze in a few days each week @ the gym... which is hard because I can't take Sterling till the first week of November, so I have to go at night when Brandon's home. Bonus, however, I have already lost 5 pounds this month! I also, so badly want to go to a pumpkin patch, and I need to make the boy's Halloween costumes.

Sorry, there's no flow to this and I had nothing clever to say. Maybe in November. Happy Columbus day!

Waching @ Seaside

2010-09-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

h man, I am so clever.

We went to Seaside with the Wachs, and I wish I could post all 111 photos in all their full detailed glory. Wouldn't that be so boring for you?

Anyways, here we go..

We visited an ice cream and candy shop, and the boys rode the carousel. I wish I had taken pictures, but I was nursing...stinking nursing.

The Wachs took us to this little beach about 15 minutes outside of Seaside. The entire time we were there we saw maybe 4 other people and a dog. The fog made for some weird lighting. I don't know if I have ever seen so much fog in the middle of the day.

Have you ever done pigs in a blanket over a fire? They were so good.

We had such a fabulously good time. Chandler and Davy played so well. We are so lucky to have awesome friends, and we'll be sad when the Wachs move away in a few months. tear

Jare-Bear

2010-09-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

He used to get really mad if you called him Jare-Bear. Oh, but he was so cute. I used to think he was the funniest one in the family. He had that little kid charm, with a hint of true intelligence to his humor. He was so funny. When he got mad, he was even more hilarious. He hated that we laughed when he threw fits, and was genuinely trying to hurt you. Him trying to hurt me, made me laugh, which made him more mad, which made me laugh more.. you get it.

I often have wondered what it is like to be Jared. His teenager-hood being so different from mine. I was teenager with little kids in the house, Jared is a teenager with two little teenager sisters. The house is quiet, or at least much quieter than when I was there. Jared has mastered the art of being a teenager. Although, being 19 today, he's maybe, kind of, out grown being a teenager. He's incredibly handsome, and I would say, in competition (with me of course) for the best looking one in the family.

He is incredibly smart. I would tell you what his graduating GPA is, but I don't want to make you feel bad, and I don't know for sure. He's incredibly smart even though, he likes to make faces like this.

Or Sometimes like this.

And I like to make fun of him and say his faces look like this.

Jared once dropped Chandler on his face. Yet, Jared appears to be Chandler's favorite. Last week Chandler was playing cars with "Car Mommy, Car Daddy, Car Chandler, Car Baby Brother and Car Jared." Welcome to car club Jared, that's a pretty big deal.

I think maybe it's because the rock the same hair style

When Jared was 4 he decided he was going on a mission to China. So, in preparation he took 5 years of Spanish, and became president of the Chinese club. Which from what I could tell was mostly about eating Chinese food. Recently, Jared received his mission call to SPEAK Chinese in Taiwan. This picture is very poor quality, from someone's cell phone, but I liked it, so deal with it.

Happy birthday little brother.

Do you love the word 'crispy'?

2010-09-22T10:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the best day I've had in, well, 5 weeks and 3 days. Not that the past 38 days have been so horrible.

Yesterday it felt like fall. Crispy, bright, clear fall. A perfect day for Chandler to start preschool.

What the heck? Preschool?

This is me when I started preschool...

Please ignore the quality. The scanner that Adam used to upload old family pictures must not have been up to par.

Chandler's attitude towards preschool is, obviously, much different.

How can your heart not swell? He is awesome.

Last night, I told him to pick out his clothes for school, and he said, "School tomorrow, again?" I said, "Yes" and Brandon said, "Pretty much for the rest of your life."

While that's somewhat true for Chandler, I realized, that is oh too true for me. Chandler starting school marks the beginning of motherhood with Children in school; a journey that will last long past the day Chandler goes on his mission, and other children get married. A journey that will last all the way into my 40's. Not that 40's is the rest of my life, and it will just die after that.

Okay, only one more..

ummm.. My kid's eyes sparkle. Do yours?

Dear Daddy

2010-09-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today, a lot of the country is thinking about New York, fire fighters, American flags, you know, the things that "nine-eleven" are made of.

Today is my dad's birthday.

My dad is a lot of things. Dad is smart, remarkably smart, kind to others, incredibly cheesy, frugal, and some what of a a cereal addict. What? you wondered where I picked up that attribute?

Today I reflect on his relationship with his children. He takes abuse that is admirable. I know "admirable abuse" isn't a common phrase, but his children have a tendency to mock and poke fun at him, and he has nothing but laughs in return. I am eternally grateful that he taught me this skill: laugh at yourself. Thank goodness I married Brandon who established his own personal "Larry Tate Fan Club". The club has two members, Brandon Barnette and Jeremy Castagno. This alows for a little ego boost for Mr. Tate.

Dad was always supportive. We kids could do anything. Anything even when it meant spending hours outside with a crying 7 year old trying to ride a bike, even when it meant coming to every swim meet to show support (even if he couldn't tell which swimmer was me and cheered for the wrong girl more than once), even when it meant driving me to school because I didn't like driving the manual car, even when it meant supporting me as I got married and had babies before I was done with school.

Dad was and always is generous with his children. The financial support from my father made that idea of getting married and having babies really a possibility. Beyond finances, however, his generosity is overwhelming. He is generous with his time, resources, and love. Always giving to his children in abundance.

So..

Dear Daddy,

I love you. Happy Birthday. In my book, 52 is still mid-forties. For you anyways.

Bethy

Do you miss me?

2010-09-09T11:19:00.001-07:00

Have you missed my yearly post about fall?? Like this one in all it's smelly awesomeness, and this other... that is also good? I know you all sit around and wait for it, the blog update entitled, "I love fall."

I miss you, all of you.

(Does it say something about me as a mother, if I don't edit my photos?)

This is my life lately. I'm not fantastic at waiting around for 6-12 weeks, doing nothing. I miss the gym with a passion, and I'm not sure that's something I thought I would ever say.

Slowly, summer has turned into fall, at least for today, and I'm anxious for life to feel normal again. I'm ready for a routine that requires us to get dressed before noon.

So it's fall.. go smell it (did you read the old post?) and make a pumpkin roll.. Brandon loves those. Soon life at the Barnette home will be busy and normal again, just like we like it, and I will post about how much I love fall. Until then, I miss you, because I probably haven't seen you in 4 weeks or so. I think I'm going to watch You've Got Mail. Because I love that movie in all it's Tom Hanks cheesiness.

PS: Sterling is a gangsta-yo.

.....be AWESOME.....

2010-09-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Barney, we are waiting for you

5:06

2010-08-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's 5:06 and both of the boys are sleeping... both with in arms reach.

Currently, life is peaceful.

It seems like with the passing of August life moves on. We all (we being everyone here at our house) waited for with anticipation and excitement for a long 9 months for August. Now, it's almost over. August is over and it's time to move on. On to life with two kids. How do people do this and consider it normal? What will the next 9 months bring? How different will this October be from last?

Life will never be the same, but infinity better. At least it's easy to think so when both of the boys are sleeping.

Sterling David

2010-08-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

Our Friday the 13th baby arrived Friday morning at 8:57

Sterling David Barnette

7 pounds 11.5 ounces

21.5 inches

I'll spare you my over dramatized version of his labor and delivery. Instead, here are some pictures... you know the next 18 blog posts will be about our newest addition, so brace yourself.

ahh.. sharing

Boys are the best.

16 bowls of cereal

2010-08-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I sat in Chandler's room for a good long time. Brandon usually comes in and says, "Yeah, he's cute," then leaves. Last night was not different. It's been a year that we've been discussing the idea of welcoming a new life into our lives. Our perfect little life... It's an odd thing. We spend a long time talking, planning, growing and then one day (one week and 2 days from today) everything changes. Chandler is not ready. Is that me projecting?

Last night I had a dream.. a dream in which I was no longer pregnant. Of course in my dream my tummy was beautiful and flat and I was skinny everywhere. When in reality it will take months to get there. You know how after your pregnant, you wear that fleshy suit for a few months.. yuck.
Then, this morning, to insure I will be fabulous and skinny again soon, I ate 16 bowls of cereal. Yum.

Free Cookies!

2010-07-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am tired of seeing that picture of me all huge and eating something every time I get on my blog to blog-stalk you other bloggers. I have been trying to think of some to say for a while, but I got nothing. My mind is consumed with baby thoughts, and those are mostly boring to other people.

ANYWAYS... we did this with Chandler and it was fun. If you win, you get cookies. I know, lame prize, and if I weren't Mormon we would make this much more interesting.... alas, all you get are cookies, not pot money, if you win. (pot money like people putting money in a pot... gosh!)

Pick a day. If Baby Boy Barnette comes on the day of your choice, you win. Only 2 guessers per date. It's not a complicated game. I will update, as the comments/guesses come in. Good luck! We're just doing August, so I guess if I have the baby this weekend, I get cookies.

Sunday, August 1st-- Adam
Monday, August 2nd--
Tuesday, August 3rd-- Nicci
Wednesday, August 4th-- Alli
Thursday, August 5th--
Friday August 6th-- Sarah
Saturday, August 7th-- Liz & Lori
Sunday, August 8th-- Chelsea & Ruth
Monday, August 9th-- Amber & Corteiga
Tuesday, August 10th-- Veronica & Rachel
Wednesday, August 11th-- Brandon & Char
Thursday, August 12th-- Kinsey & Nicole
Friday, August 13th-- Julie & Daniel
Saturday, August 14th-- Holli & Diana

YAY!

Info helpful for making an educated guess: I am due, Friday, August 13th. I am going to ask to be induced on the 13th if he doesn't come on his own before that. Currently, I am 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced. I went into the early stages labor with Chandler late on the evening of my due date, and then was induced, making him one day late.

READY, SET, GO!!

2010-07-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Three Posts in a row! I expect you to read all three and comment on all of them.

Chandler's THIRD birthday party was on a Saturday, and I feel like it was a success.. I don't know how other people felt, but I thought it was F-U-N!

Unfortunately, we were too busy to take many pictures.. Someone took some with our camera. I don't know who it was, but thank you someone.
Seems like I should know who took this picture. Look how pregnant I am.. AHH!!
Thanks to everyone who came. It wouldn't have been fun without all of you. If you happened to take pictures at the party, will you send them to me, please?

This is pretty much pictures of us on a boat

2010-07-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Grandma's boat".. I'm not sure why he's decided that it's Grandma's and not Grandpa's boat, but who knows!

This is Natalie's tree.
Chandler and I went on the tube, and then it was all he talked about for like a day or so.. We didn't whipe out like this tho..
Do those make you smile?

This is Miranda and Mom.

This is my little brother Nathan, and Chandler Nathan.. get it? Nathan came home from his mission in February.
This is Jared's face.
This is Jared's other face.. he's a goober.

I really like this picture of Brandon. He was actually really frustrated @ this point, but he looks good.

Why do we play this game? Clearly, it's unenjoyable.

*The majority of these pictures were stolen from Adam's facebook... thanks Adam*

Cabin Barnette

2010-07-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

We spent three days at the Barnette's property in the Sierra-Nevadas. It was fabulously fun.. after three days, however, I was very dirty and very tired. This is Chandler's cometary on the following pictures...
"Chandler and Mommy."

"It's Chandler water the baby trees."
"Chandler fishing."
"Chandler and Daddy fishing."
At some point during the trip I said, "I like fishing, not actually fishing, but going and sitting.." And I realized I'm turning into my mom.

"Chandler helping daddy"
The MEN built a new deck for the cabin. It was looking beautiful (although not quite finished) when we left.

Next time we go I'll be less pregnant, and maybe I'll last a little longer... maybe not. lol.

Four Years

2010-06-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

This morning Brandon woke me up and said, "Do you know what today is?"

I sat up in a panic, looking around frantically. My mind said, "It's not Saturday, am I forgetting something? Was I supposed to pick someone up? Appointments.. no just finals this week.... am I supposed to be at the doctors? No, it's not Thursday.. it must be Wednesday.. oh."

"Happy anniversary. I love you."

In my defense, I am not a coherent morning person, as you can see, I didn't even know what day it was.

I can't believe it's been four years. I love my husband. My mom said today, "I don't think God is always interested in making life easy and comfortable." I am grateful that my marriage has been mostly easy and comfortable. After the first year of marriage I asked Brandon when the hard part was. You know, how before you get married and everyone tells you it's HARD. Well, I am sure it's coming, but as of now, we still wonder when the hard part will be.

Brandon is in so many ways my balance. I can't remember how I got along with out him. I don't mean that in a sappy, love song kind of way. I mean I don't know how I functioned and didn't make people absolutely crazy with out him. Not that I don't currently make people crazy.. because I'm sure I do sometimes.

....

I am feeling an inability to express how awesome he is to me. It seems like it would be incredibly boring for anyone reading it.

You should go look at our wedding pictures via the link on the right.. They're amazing. Don't you wish you wore pink shoes, and don't you wish you could live in the Butler's back yard? I'll make you cookies if you can spot that bikini lady in the beach pictures.

Most importantly.. Yes, he still looks at me like that.

Confession of a Mickey Mouse kind

2010-06-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Usually Chandler gets up with Brandon in the mornings around 7. He comes into our room with a bright "Good morning daddy!" and then starts complaining about going down stairs and wanting cereal... marshmallow cereal. Brandon usually goes down poors him some cereal and then comes back upstairs and continues getting ready for school while Chandler eats marshmallows and watches what ever play house disney has lined up for him.

When Brandon returns down stairs for his own marshmallows there is usually a conversation that goes like this:

"NOOOO!! Mickey Mouse!"
"Chandler, I want to watch basketball." Brandon has obviously changed the channel to sports center.
"Mickey Mouse!"
"Basketball!"
"Mickey Mouse!"
"Basketball!"

My confession? This is one of my favorite parts of the day. Laying in bed listening to them argue over the TV. It feels so real, like a real family.

Brandon usually wins. Then he leaves and Mickey Mouse is returned.

Little Sisters

2010-06-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

I remember the day my mom came home and told me that the twins she was carrying were girls. I was jumping on the trampoline and jumped around with joy for another 10 minutes. I was eight. I remember visiting Natalie and Miranda at the hospital. Mom was complaining because she was cold. That's all I remember about it.

Most of my childhood they were babies. Eventually they started saying, "We're not babies anymore!" and their name changed from "the babies" to "the girls." At 15, they are still "the girls".. or at least in my mind.

They used to tell funny jokes. I remember one going like this, "Why did the chicken cross the road. To get eaten by a bear." I still think it's funny.

I always wanted a big sister (not that I would trade my big brother in for one). I'm afraid I'm not the big sister that I had imagined a big sister to be. We didn't share clothes, or make up, or... anything. They shared with each other and no one wanted my 8-year old hand me down stretchy pants. My sisters were a mere 9 years old when I left the house and the only thing I handed down was my bedroom. Which Natalie moved into before I was even gone.

Though, they are my little sisters, they far surpass me in so many ways. Their grades and school performances are remarkable, especially when compared to mine. They are currently haggling with my dad about a deal involving a car. A deal that my dad made to my older brother and I, knowing that we would not receive strait A's for 2 years. They are spiritual giants of the teenage variety and enjoy young womens activities like I never did. Their feet also out grew mine at.. I don't know.. age 8. They've even beat me at shoes size!

Natalie is intelligent and energetic. However hard we try, she resists our temptations to play games.

Miranda is bright and very thorough in everything she does.

Both ladies are beautiful, and life will be very exciting watching them through the upcoming years.

Happy birthday to my only little sisters...thank goodness you weren't boys. yuck.

Sorry no belly shot..

2010-05-27T16:03:00.001-07:00

Not yet, I haven't taken one, but I did finally upload these:

bump cloths..

I didn't want to post individual pictures of all 12.. this is my favorite.

baby bibs...How can you see crab-print flannel, and NOT make bibs??

I think my last project will be the bedding for his crib. We're waiting till break to set up the crib, then I will start the bedding at the beginning of next quarter (July).

Have a happy day!

I have plans

2010-05-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

I may have said this before.. but I can't remember so, I am going to say it again.

Sometimes I am disappointed that other people don't update their blogs more, then I realize that I kind of suck @ it too. My problem is that I want to post pictures, because that's all anyone looks at anyway, but then I have to take them, upload them, and.. you know, exert effort?

Here are some pictures from the zoo! We invested in a year pass, and are LOVING it!
I love the video on Chelsea's blog of us trying to take this picture.
I wish Chandler wasn't making such a goober face in this picture, because it's a good one of the other two! PS: If you tell Chandler he's a goober, he says, "Noooo, I'm Chandler!"

The Saturday before Mother's day we went on a hike with Brandon's Mom. It was pretty fabulous, and i was pretty proud of myself for my falling on my face because it was a pretty good uphill battle.. The views were pretty spectacular.

I have plans to update soon on baby crafting, and (ugh) a belly photo. People keep asking for them. I just need to exert some effort on those ends!

Have a lovely day, it's almost June!

Thanks for the hips, Mom.

2010-05-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

If you've known me for more than 10 minutes, you know that I adore my mom. I don't remember ever disliking her (you know like most teenagers do). However, she might be able to tell you otherwise. I remember @ 16 listening to a friend vent about how horrible her mother was, and thinking how grateful I was that I liked mine so much.

I thought about writing about all the wonderful things my mother taught/instilled in me. You know, love, kindness, confidence...etc. And she did, and it's wonderful, and I love her for all those things, but I thought maybe this would be more interesting. These are things that I inherited from my mom....

A love for houses. I can remember crawling in windows of vacant homes to look around. We would spend Saturdays touring model homes. Sometimes we would take the long way home just to look at a few houses. These are still some of our favorite activities when I am home.

I am told that I talk and sound just like my mom. Which really in flattering, because sometimes she uses words that I don't understand. From about 12 on I would answer the phone and get the response, "Hi, Kristine...", so I guess it must be somewhat true.

My butt. But seriously, these thighs and butt of mine used to really bother me. However, in my old age, I have come to appreciate my shape. My mom said once, "You'll just marry someone who likes big butts. Some guys don't and some guys do," to which my dad said, "It's true." And have you ever heard a song about a small bottomed girl? They just don't write them.

An intense, deep passion for brownies. I'm not really sure if there's anything to say about this.. I, like my mom, am very fond of brownies... with ice cream. It IS my favorite food.

My sidewalk is wet..

2010-05-03T14:02:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post.. It's been a while. I wish I could say we have been crazy amounts of busy, but not so much. I just haven't had anything to say!

We're just kind of putting along leaving boring strait lines behind us. Everyday the same thing, every week the same routine. Every evening the same dead ended conversation about future moving plans. We throw in a couple play dates and zoo visits as we go.

In April... Brandon started quarter #7 out of 12, then turned 28, Joanne's had a sale on their flannel, we planted our garden, primary hosted a baptism, my grass started growing, Chandler ate a quarter, I continued my search for a double jogging stroller, and it rained 25 days, braking some kind of record. I pray it doesn't rain 25 days in May, I think I might die along with our sad cucumber plants.

Now it's May.. can you believe it?

Summer is looming and the anticipation is exciting for me. It's really so close. June is just a few short weeks away. Babies seem to be the crop of choice in our ward this spring/summer.. The ward welcomed a new one last month and will welcome others at the very end of this month/beginning of next, August, September, October and November. Someone really messed up by forgetting to have a July baby. ;-)

Our point and shoot camera is very temperamental lately, and I can't find the battery charger for my Cannon. Perhaps life would seem more exciting if I could document it.

I hope it's sunny in your parts of the world. Take your shoes off and walk on the warm side walk for me?

Nesting

2010-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

....I think.. already?! I am resisting all temptations to get the crib out and start making bedding. I am afraid I will have nothing to do for the next 4 months. (HOLY CRAP! ONLY 4 MONTHS!)

I tried everything in my power to convince Brandon that we needed a new infant car seat. You can imagine how that went, lol! Instead I recovered Chandler's very cheap one.

BEFORE: crappy, old faded, eaten a little by rats (NASTY!) car seat
AFTER: same car seat, new life

*Warning: looking @ pictures too closely may cause severe damage to your opinions of my sewing skills

In other news, Brandon has this many black socks with out pairs; making Sundays difficult. Dear dryer, we would like our sanity back.
Also Chandler and I are very good looking, and our bedroom is a disaster zone.

Baby Barnette

2010-03-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

We are sooo excited to introduce Baby BOY Barnette....
It was intensely obvious, we are going to have another boy.

The 3D ultrasound was kind of amazing....
We are VERY excited to have another boy. I am VERY excited to be 1/2 way done!

Barefoot and... barbecues

2010-03-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

I am an advocate for autumn. However, every spring I encounter a little crisis in which I wonder, if in-fact, my favorite season is spring. Of course this has only been an issue since I moved away from Orange County, where it is always spring. Perhaps, to me, spring feels like home.

We have tiny little green buds growing on the tree outside our bedroom window. The tree, which is a constant reminder of what season it is, and the one I tell myself I should take pictures of to chronicle it's changing. Chandler goes outside everyday and plays in the yard underneath the tree, and we barbecued last week underneath the tree.

Barbecuing smells like spring. And I love potato salad.

In the spring people stop asking me if my feet are cold in my sandals, and old people stop telling my that my sons needs to wear shoes (not sandals) "in this kind of weather". This reminds me that soon, we will no longer need to wear our shoes in the back yard; and the 6 year old inside of rejoices. Do you love it when your feet become black, your husband refuses to touch them, and your two year old says, "mommy, yucky feet"? maybe it's just me

I planted daffodils in the front yard. If your drive down the residential road that leads to WSCC there are houses filled with old lady gardeners who all decided together to plant daffodils. At least that's how I imagine it. They inspired me, and I am hoping to join their old lady daffodil club, if I can keep the flowers alive.

I waited a long time for spring this year.. the last half of winter was cold and wet, and I seemed to smell of vomit for days on end.

Spring, this year, brings health (most of the time), and excitement for a new life. A new life more important that the onions that we grew last year. Ironically, last spring Julie and I focused our efforts on growing new life in our garden; this spring we're both growing a different kind of new life. Her's coming much sooner than mine.

I look forward to a life time of new life, bare feet, and barbecues in the backyard. I hope my children understand the joys of the first green buds on the tree, and the first smell of hot coals.

Maybe some day I will start my own old lady daffodil club.

I guess it's time

2010-03-03T15:09:00.001-08:00

For the freaky floating baby thing, and a poll. What do you think, boy or girl? (vote on the right)

Today is a lot like yesterday..

2010-02-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

But, not much like the days before.

Today, we:

got up because the birds were tweeting, and the sun was shinning

watched Incredibles (again)

went for a walk with the dog in the perfect weather

stopped at the park on the way home

sat in the shade

ate lunch in the kitchen

took naps

taught piano lessons for my mom

made dinner

dinked around

took a bath in Grandma's ginormous bath tub

read Corduroy

said prayers

cried because Daddy's not here for "Daddy hugs"

went to bed

Sembrado street, you are so different from Halsey.

This summer will have hot dogs, hamburgers...

2010-02-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

...and just one bun. Baking until August 2010.

Sorry if you asked me, and I lied. (kinda)

Sea World

2010-01-21T11:58:00.001-08:00

It was fabulous, all day fun.

Don't you just love this? See the beluga whales?
Jared fed the flamingos. I didn't know flamingos would eat out of your hands..

Fatty McFatterson

2010-01-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else feel like a fatty after a solid month of eating? lol.

I'm sitting here, looking at our Christmas tree, feeling sad, and wondering how much longer I can leave it up before people start looking at me weird..
I LOVE my husband for being brave and taking time out of his busy studying to put Christmas lights on our roof. He was hanging off the side of the roof at one point. Ignore the hanging off 0 in "109"
The Eagers hosted a wonderful Christmas party. We were so excited we showed up a half hour early. No, really we were just confused. Here's our gingerbread house..
We spent Christmas and new years in California, during which I took this many pictures: 0. Except the ones at Sea world, which I decided are for a different post. We took lots of videos tho, someday someone will enjoy those (maybe?).

It was fabulous tho. We played games till we could no longer stand the sight of wheat, bricks and sheep. We ate, and ate, and ate, opened presents (all wonderful), and then ate some more. Chandler and Ghrendal (my mom's dog) are now fabulous friends, and all we want is a puppy friend of our own. Then we drove 20 hours to our home in Portland, and we're tying to readjust to life without all the people.

2009 flew by, I wonder what 2010 will bring us.

Happy New Year!

Life's been busy..

2009-12-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

But we like it that way. :-)

Thanksgiving was... well, if you want to know, go ahead and ask me.

Our Christmas tree was $10 from the cub scouts and it is AWESOME. Don't tell my mom, she gets jealous when hearing about any advantages of living in the northwest. Christmas trees in California start at $80 for little trees. Chandler LOVES the tree, I don't know where he gets that. Currently, I can't find our camera (arg) so I can't take a picture of it.

Chandler is a genius. Okay, probably not. But he knows his letters (O, S, X, A, B; the easy ones), shapes and will spit out an occasional sentence.

The Gala was fun. Good thing I stole these pictures from Julie because we couldn't find our camera. It was on top for the fridge. It's fun to get dressed up and go somewhere every once and a while; even if we don't like to dance. The food was fantastic, but Brandon spent the rest of the night saying, "Can we get pancakes after?" I guess it wasn't enough food. And, yes, we had pancakes.

Danny is my hero! Since Brandon never seems sufficiently amazed by the transformations, I will show you and you can leave appropriate "holy crap" comments.

430 pounds

Stupid NBC.com wont let me steal their pictures... weird.

Look here @ 191 pounds!!

Common.. that's amazing. I can't even say how much younger he looks because he looks like an entirely different person. Congratulations Danny!

California, here we come. Only a week left, and I feel like there's still a lot to do, but we are excited none the less. Brandon will be driving down after finals next week.

FINALS. Brandon is a studying machine, and we are so proud.

Oh, PS: I made Brandon get up on the roof and put up Christmas lights, and I love them. I will try to post a picture later.

Christmas!

2009-12-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

I wish I had something interesting to say..

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-11-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

I promise, you've never seen anything quite like these..

They're not real people. Seriously.

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/11/mind-blowing-hyperrealistic-sculptures/

Halloween

2009-11-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween was super fun and exhausting!
I made 75 cupcakes for the ward party cake walk.

I wish I had taken more pictures, but we were in a time crunch to get to the activity on time.
Brandon and I dressed up (I think for the first time since we've been married)..
We're a pregnant house wife and a milk man.
I tried to eat a doughnut off a string..
I thought Yousook and I both had awesome faces in this picture.

We ventured out trick or treating for the first time. I would not recommend fairview.. it was a zoo. Chandler had a good time anyway :-)

He's a dinosaur, not Elmo.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Dear Pregnant Ladies,

2009-10-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

As you know, I cry about everything, all the time. Usually not sad tears. Holy crap, Biggest Looser makes me cry (nothing to do with you, pregnant ladies).

When I'm pregnant (I'm not) I cry more.. so I'm glad I wasn't pregnant when I came across this blog. Because I'm not sure if I would have been able to handle the sobbing. "Design mom" has other things on her blog, I'm sure it's fabulous.. but I just read these.

Brace yourself, pregnant or not.. these birth stories are sweet, intense, and heart wrenching:

http://www.designmom.com/labels/thoughts%20on%20pregnancy.html

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Mom came to visit us Friday afternoon and left Tuesday morning. We were so happy to have grandma here.

Every morning Chandler got up and yelled "ga-ma!" We didn't take too many pictures, except at the pumpkin patch. So fun! Thanks, Valerie, for the idea.

Julie, why wasn't our pumpkin that big?
We payed $5 for Chandler to ride this pony..
...he was bored.
But he loved this pony...
...and this one...
He didn't like to touch the pumpkins because they were dirty and "yucky"

We played lots of games, ate lots of Chocolate, it was a very, very good time.

Everyone's had this conversation..

2009-10-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

"I wonder what's the truth about the Dinosaurs?"

What the crap.. October, seriously?

2009-10-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else in shock that it's October! I found myself blog stalking today and thinking, why hasn't [blank] updated yet?! And look at me it's been a whole month since I wrote that completely useless and uninteresting blog about fall...

We went to fair like 100 years ago..

The hypnotist tried, but couldn't but me all the way under.. my mom says it's because I have control issues. Oh well.Chandler and Benson tried to share our stroller for all of about 30 seconds. lol.

I made two cakes in one weekend, I don't recommend it. The pink and green one is my first attempt and a full size cake. I always make litttle one's like Teresa's undreneath. It was scary, but turned about better than I had imagined.

PS: if you're going to use that marshmallow fondant recipe follow it carefully. Teresa's cake was a ***** to work with.

Chandler went fishing with the men..
They didn't catch anything, but it was about the experience, right? Besides then brother Chezic gave us some fish last week. :-)

Our program came and went and it was fabulous(?). It's hard to know how the kids are actually doing while I'm up there with them. lol. I'm told it was fabulous. We're getting ready for Halloween, I'm going to the fabric store today to find some stuff for chandler's costume.
We've been discussing Christmas plans, and I've started our shopping.. so far Adam has the coolest present. In primary we are seriously discussing January's new classes.

I can't believe it, it feels like the year is OVER.

Autumn

2009-09-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

I wore a sweater today and Sunday.

I love Fall. This morning I stood in the back yard and smelled the air for at least 3 minutes. I hope the Perkes couldn't see.. I am sure it looked weird. Then I went inside and smelled the crayons.

I thought about getting new clothes and tennis shoes. Clothes that sat in my dresser for weeks because I wasn't allowed to wear them until the first day of school. Walking into that classroom, that smells like construction paper and glue sticks in my new clothes. Close your eyes, can't you smell it? Can you smell new binders, paper, hot pencil sharpeners, erasers, whiteboard markers, sweaters, backpacks, and new socks?

It makes me feel excitement even tho I'm not actually returning to the school supplies this year.

Does it make you want to go outside and smell the air? (be careful, your neighbors might look at you weird). It smells like fall.. crisp, fresh... makes me want to bake an apple with cinnamon and sugar, then go buy Halloween costumes.

It makes me want to cry because I am happy, and I love this time of year, and I cry all the time at everything. It makes me want to cry because life is moving and I can't seems to enjoy everything as much as I would like because it's just too fast. It makes me want to cry because our primary program is next Sunday and that makes me panic.

So if you haven't done it yet, go buy a new sweater, and some crayons, and go stand in the back yard and smell fall. And if you're like me cry. God gives us these few short weeks in September before the rain (or snow, or fires) comes when everything is perfect, and everything smells perfect.

I have been crafting a little...

2009-08-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

If you've never worked with fondant, you should, it's fun. I learned alot for next time. But more importantly, I made this fondant myself. It's marshmallow fondant. I had everything I needed for it in my pantry, no glycerine or other chemicals needed. Also, I was told (I didn't actually eat any of the cake) that it tastes better than regular fondant. Oh, PS: yes, it's supposed to be all crooked like that. It leaned a little more to the right than I would have liked, but like I said, 'next time'.

No, these aren't some kind of hint, or announcement. Everyone I know seems to be having babies. Emali got a few and there are a few going other places. ;-) They're just applicae (sp?), and then I had to hand stitch them all.. Took like a 100 years (probably 1-2 hours each), but it was totally worth it!

This one I did a few weeks after the others. Not the best picture, but you get the idea. Super cute. When I have a girl, she is wearing this home from the hospital. It was actually just tulle left over from Chelsea's baby shower. :-) I love Pottery barn....
Not because I would spend $26 on a pillow, but because I get their catalog and and it's full of things I can just copy with your sewing machine. $10, 5 old pillows, 5 new pillows! I really don't think these pictures do it justice, but you can come see them if you'de like.
Okay, gardening isn't really 'crafty', but it fits in the same category in my mind: "things I try to do". Julie and I are reaping the fruits and veggies of our labors. More exciting than these veggies is.. our pumpkins (and one cantelope) have started growing!! They're little tiny things, all 3 or 4 of them, but we are very excited. We bough "compition size". They're supposed to get up to 200 pounds or something crazy. I will be extremely happy if we get two that are big enough to carve. However, we have a slug problem. They get on our plants and make them whither. Have you seen the little withered pumpkin, julie? Any suggestions on how to keep the slugs out of our garden? Besides moving away from the mid west ;-)

Now I really want to make another cake. Who needs a cake?

PSS: if you think I stole the collage thing from you, I did. I have been trying not to use it (because I don't want to look like a copy cat.. yes, I am six at heart), but there just wasn't a better way this time! So, yes I stole it from all of you who use it on your blog. Thanks.

Ummm... Pictures

2009-08-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything clever to say. We had our family pictures taken, and here are some of them. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Um.. please take a moment to check out my hair..

k bye.