1. I remember at church when Garrett was about a month old, saying to the mother of a one year old, "I'm just really looking forward to a full night's sleep again." She said, "I haven't had that in a year." Her mom, who was standing with us, said, "I haven't had that in almost 30 years." I guess that's something that is part of the mom deal. But I can't complain really. Addie has officially moved to her crib, and she's been sleeping great, makes me wish I'd done it a month ago. We've had about a week of 10:30PM-6:00AM. I just need to go to sleep at night when she does and I would be even better.
2. When I was in Utah my mom and I were cooking. She was using her go-to favorite wooden spoon (its actually bamboo) that she's had for a hundred years and she mentioned how much she loves it. I have the same one(s), it came in a set of 3, and they're the only ones I use. We bought them at the same time at a Pampered Chef party, not a hundred years ago, but probably 15. It's one of those kitchen items that if it broke, and I found out they were discontinued, I'd be sad. Makes me feel like I should order a few for each of us just to be safe. ...I just checked and they're still available. Phew. I find that I think this (stock up) way a lot. I'm kind of a hoarder.
3. We had visitors here a week ago, and we have more coming in a week. I love visitors for two reasons. One, I love visitors. Two, I get more stuff done around the house before they come. I always make a 'Before ________ Comes" list. And I do stuff like, organize my shoe racks, go through Garrett's closet, reorganize the diaper bags... It's usually stuff the visitors will never see or care about, but for some reason visitors get me to do the stuff that is otherwise hard to get to and always bumped to the bottom of the list.
4. Addie is finally learning to nap...knock on wood... She's been kind of a 20 or 30 minutes, here and there kind of napper. But the past few days she's done much better. I hope in continues. Garrett still takes 2 naps a day...knock on wood again... A 2 hour nap before lunch and a 1-2 hour nap after lunch and playtime. He's sleeping 10-11 hours at night too.
5. I want more craft time. I miss it. I guess if I have time to tell you what's going on on The Office, The Bachelor, Parenthood, Ellen, New Girl, and Glee, then I have time to craft. But I want uninterrupted, no-toddler-grabbing-everything-eating-glue-and-paper, craft time. Someday maybe... And since I'm wishing, I'd like a local Wood Connection, a closer Hobby Lobby, a big scrapbook store, and cheaper cricut cartridges.
And that's what's going on right now.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
My "friend's" little boy...
First some blog business. Addison has a blog. I started it in the summer and never mentioned it, then when she was born I thought about telling you, but I forgot. Then I thought maybe I won't because I think only family reads Garrett's anyway and lets be honest, it's not super interesting and its mostly just for me. But I decided I'd tell you in case anyone would like to keep up on more of the details of the kids and not just the stuff I put on my blog. Having said that, both of the kids blogs will be going private (to 'invited' readers only) at the end of the month. If you care to keep up with them, I'd be happy to invite you to read them. Leave a comment on this post (I wont publish it) with your email address and I'll send you an invite before the end of the month. If I don't know you, don't be scared to request an invite, just maybe tell me who you are, ie. friend of a friend, cousin of a friend, mom of a cousin of a friend, etc. Ok, that's all. I'll remind you a time or two before they go private. Garrett's blog is littlebabypaw.blogspot.com Addie's blog in littlebabypaw2.blogspot.com
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Now to my "friends" little boy. The blogging world seems so small to me. And I love it. I also love facebook usually. I hate talking on the phone and I never have time to. So FB and blogs remind me that I have friends. I love that we can have a couple over for dinner and I can say to the wife, "how did your job interview go today?" Even though I haven't spoken to her in 3 weeks, but I saw on FB earlier, "Wish me luck, I'm on my way to a job interview!" I love that I know that my friends son comes home from his mission in two weeks even though I haven't talked to my friend since before her son left on his mission (over two years). I love that I can call Melanie and ask her about croup, because I remember her blogging about her son having it a few months ago, even though Melanie and I really only talk when we have something to discuss about the kids. I love that I know Sarah is pregnant, Kelsey got married, Heather got a new job, it's not snowing in Utah, Sephra is on an anniversary trip, Elizabeth's and Kilene's babies are almost due, Aron passed his CFP test, Angela had a baby, Baby J is home from the hospital, baby Kate had a great 1st birthday with a cake that took 3 days to make, Morgan has to put her dog to sleep today, chick-fil-a is having a free entree rainy day special, etc. etc.
From time to time I wish I talked on the phone more and kept up with people better, and maybe I would if it wasn't for the internet. But I'm old enough to remember life without the internet and I think we're much better off with it than without it.
Moving on... I put "friend" in quotations because the friend I'm talking about? I've never met. Another reason blogs make the world feel smaller, and make me feel like we're all somehow connected. I often find myself saying things like, "My friend is finally pregnant and she's been trying for 3 years!" Or, "Oh you're from Chicago? I have friend in Chicago." Or, "My friends little girl has to be in the hospital over Christmas." And really, all these "friends" are people I don't know in 'real life'. They're fellow bloggers. People I've found over the years through friends, or friends of friends, or cousins of friends sister-in-laws brothers wifes moms friend. (Do you see now why I'm fine if you read my blog, and you want to read my kids blogs?) I've read so many blogs that have helped me get through a rough day, or a rough bout with depression, or the struggles of living far from my family, or a stupid fight. Mostly because I've found people I can relate to, and it makes me feel better to know there are people going through what I'm going through. It makes me feel less alone. I also love reading about fun trips, cute things kids say, funny things that happened that day, new traditions I want to start, cute crafty ideas, and that I'm not the only mother of a child who has licked a toilet bowl cleaner. We're all just trying to do the best we can, and blogs help me see that, and remind me of that when I'm having an off day.
So finally, the actual reason I'm writing this. The friend I'm writing about is actually my cousin's wife's friend's friend, and I've read her blog for a while. Her little 4 year old boy, Atticus, was diagnosed last friday with a brain stem tumor. This next bit is from Atticus' mom:
"Atticus has a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Its a tumor located in the pons (middle) of the brain stem. The brain stem is the bottom most portion of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The majority of brain stem tumors occur in the pons (middle brain stem) and are diffusely infiltrating, (they grow amidst the nerves), and therefore are not able to be surgically removed.
The median overall survival of children diagnosed with DIPG is approximately 9 months. The 1 and 2 year survival rates are approximately 30% and less than 10%, respectively. These statistics make it one of the most devastating pediatric malignancies.
The standard treatment for DIPG is 6 weeks of radiation which often dramatically improves symptoms. Unfortunately, problems usually recur after 6 to 9 months, and progress rapidly. (Source: St Jude Childrens Research Hospital)."
I can't even imagine getting news like this. My heart aches for this family. I've cried several times this past week just thinking about them, usually when I'm holding Addie or playing with or reading to Garrett. I'm overwhelmed with how blessed I feel. I've become more patient this week with my impatient, attention demanding son, and my daughter who won't nap. The parents of Atticus are amazing. They are being so strong for their little boy even though they're dying inside.
So, if you're the praying type, please send one up for little Atticus. His mom is requesting specifically for prayers that his symptoms will decrease fast. Atticus has lost sight in his right eye and he can't balance anymore. He's a little athlete and his parents want him to be able to kick a soccer ball, run, and play sports again.
If you'd like to read the rest of their story and follow little Atticus' progress, you can find their blog HERE.
***********************************
Now to my "friends" little boy. The blogging world seems so small to me. And I love it. I also love facebook usually. I hate talking on the phone and I never have time to. So FB and blogs remind me that I have friends. I love that we can have a couple over for dinner and I can say to the wife, "how did your job interview go today?" Even though I haven't spoken to her in 3 weeks, but I saw on FB earlier, "Wish me luck, I'm on my way to a job interview!" I love that I know that my friends son comes home from his mission in two weeks even though I haven't talked to my friend since before her son left on his mission (over two years). I love that I can call Melanie and ask her about croup, because I remember her blogging about her son having it a few months ago, even though Melanie and I really only talk when we have something to discuss about the kids. I love that I know Sarah is pregnant, Kelsey got married, Heather got a new job, it's not snowing in Utah, Sephra is on an anniversary trip, Elizabeth's and Kilene's babies are almost due, Aron passed his CFP test, Angela had a baby, Baby J is home from the hospital, baby Kate had a great 1st birthday with a cake that took 3 days to make, Morgan has to put her dog to sleep today, chick-fil-a is having a free entree rainy day special, etc. etc.
From time to time I wish I talked on the phone more and kept up with people better, and maybe I would if it wasn't for the internet. But I'm old enough to remember life without the internet and I think we're much better off with it than without it.
Moving on... I put "friend" in quotations because the friend I'm talking about? I've never met. Another reason blogs make the world feel smaller, and make me feel like we're all somehow connected. I often find myself saying things like, "My friend is finally pregnant and she's been trying for 3 years!" Or, "Oh you're from Chicago? I have friend in Chicago." Or, "My friends little girl has to be in the hospital over Christmas." And really, all these "friends" are people I don't know in 'real life'. They're fellow bloggers. People I've found over the years through friends, or friends of friends, or cousins of friends sister-in-laws brothers wifes moms friend. (Do you see now why I'm fine if you read my blog, and you want to read my kids blogs?) I've read so many blogs that have helped me get through a rough day, or a rough bout with depression, or the struggles of living far from my family, or a stupid fight. Mostly because I've found people I can relate to, and it makes me feel better to know there are people going through what I'm going through. It makes me feel less alone. I also love reading about fun trips, cute things kids say, funny things that happened that day, new traditions I want to start, cute crafty ideas, and that I'm not the only mother of a child who has licked a toilet bowl cleaner. We're all just trying to do the best we can, and blogs help me see that, and remind me of that when I'm having an off day.
So finally, the actual reason I'm writing this. The friend I'm writing about is actually my cousin's wife's friend's friend, and I've read her blog for a while. Her little 4 year old boy, Atticus, was diagnosed last friday with a brain stem tumor. This next bit is from Atticus' mom:
"Atticus has a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Its a tumor located in the pons (middle) of the brain stem. The brain stem is the bottom most portion of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The majority of brain stem tumors occur in the pons (middle brain stem) and are diffusely infiltrating, (they grow amidst the nerves), and therefore are not able to be surgically removed.
The median overall survival of children diagnosed with DIPG is approximately 9 months. The 1 and 2 year survival rates are approximately 30% and less than 10%, respectively. These statistics make it one of the most devastating pediatric malignancies.
The standard treatment for DIPG is 6 weeks of radiation which often dramatically improves symptoms. Unfortunately, problems usually recur after 6 to 9 months, and progress rapidly. (Source: St Jude Childrens Research Hospital)."
I can't even imagine getting news like this. My heart aches for this family. I've cried several times this past week just thinking about them, usually when I'm holding Addie or playing with or reading to Garrett. I'm overwhelmed with how blessed I feel. I've become more patient this week with my impatient, attention demanding son, and my daughter who won't nap. The parents of Atticus are amazing. They are being so strong for their little boy even though they're dying inside.
So, if you're the praying type, please send one up for little Atticus. His mom is requesting specifically for prayers that his symptoms will decrease fast. Atticus has lost sight in his right eye and he can't balance anymore. He's a little athlete and his parents want him to be able to kick a soccer ball, run, and play sports again.
If you'd like to read the rest of their story and follow little Atticus' progress, you can find their blog HERE.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Visitors!
Some of our best friends, Mara and Aron came to town this past weekend. They were here for their one year anniversary and we were so honored that they wanted to spend it with us. We had so much fun again this trip (they came last April, too).
They got to town Friday afternoon. That evening my in-laws watched the kids and the four of us went to a fun restaurant on the beach in Huntington. It was so yummy and so fun. Paul and I only try out new places when visitors come to town. We need more visitors because there are a lot of super fun local places here. We put the kids to bed as soon as we got home and the 4 of us played games until the wee hours of the morning. (I remember feeling at the end of their trip that I was really tired. I blamed it on Addie, but the truth is that she slept great while they were here, but us adults never went to bed!)
Saturday we spent the day at the SantaMonica pier. I'd never been there either and it was really pretty. Perfect weather. Good company. Beautiful views. The ocean. It was a really nice day. Saturday night we went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant and then played more games.
Sunday was their actual anniversary, and what better way to spend it than being apart from each other, (haha). We dropped the kiddos off again and Paul and Aron went golfing for the day, and Mara and I went for pedicures and did some shopping at the Citadel outlets. Sunday night the guys barbecued for us, and of course we played more games all night.
Monday we had a skype quadruple date with the Mchenrys and the Elberts back in Utah. We planned our 2nd annual friends trip for June. So excited already! We're (kind of) keeping it close this year mainly because between the 4 couples there are 4 kids, all under two. We're going to bear lake for a few days. Can't wait.
Paul found a place to grab lunch on our way to LAX, and way too quickly, the trip was over.
We love the Riddles, and we say all the time that we're so glad they still like to hang out with us, even with all the spit-up, sticky fingers, tears, and stinky diapers.
Aron found this knife in the "guys locker room" (Paul's bathroom) and came out wearing it one morning.
That's a real bird.
This guy handed it to G in Santa Monica .
The Santa Monica pier in the back ground.
A new outfit from Auntie Mara and Uncle Aron.
This isn't G's first time in the sand, but it's the first time he loved it instead of being scared of it.
Go Aron!
Garrett discovered something new while riding in the car. Silly kid.
In case anyone is wondering, we love having friends and family come to visit. Hint, hint...
They got to town Friday afternoon. That evening my in-laws watched the kids and the four of us went to a fun restaurant on the beach in Huntington. It was so yummy and so fun. Paul and I only try out new places when visitors come to town. We need more visitors because there are a lot of super fun local places here. We put the kids to bed as soon as we got home and the 4 of us played games until the wee hours of the morning. (I remember feeling at the end of their trip that I was really tired. I blamed it on Addie, but the truth is that she slept great while they were here, but us adults never went to bed!)
Saturday we spent the day at the Santa
Sunday was their actual anniversary, and what better way to spend it than being apart from each other, (haha). We dropped the kiddos off again and Paul and Aron went golfing for the day, and Mara and I went for pedicures and did some shopping at the Citadel outlets. Sunday night the guys barbecued for us, and of course we played more games all night.
Monday we had a skype quadruple date with the Mchenrys and the Elberts back in Utah. We planned our 2nd annual friends trip for June. So excited already! We're (kind of) keeping it close this year mainly because between the 4 couples there are 4 kids, all under two. We're going to bear lake for a few days. Can't wait.
Paul found a place to grab lunch on our way to LAX, and way too quickly, the trip was over.
We love the Riddles, and we say all the time that we're so glad they still like to hang out with us, even with all the spit-up, sticky fingers, tears, and stinky diapers.
Aron found this knife in the "guys locker room" (Paul's bathroom) and came out wearing it one morning.
That's a real bird.
This guy handed it to G in Santa 
The Santa 
A new outfit from Auntie Mara and Uncle Aron.
This isn't G's first time in the sand, but it's the first time he loved it instead of being scared of it.
Go Aron!
Garrett discovered something new while riding in the car. Silly kid.
In case anyone is wondering, we love having friends and family come to visit. Hint, hint...Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Kiss Cancer Good-bye!
Both of my kids, (and me) spend a lot of time in our pajamas these days, so when I dress them, I usually try and take a picture of it for proof.
Paul's best friend Nate, (we call him Sode) was diagnosed with Cancer last year and spent most of his summer doing chemo. It was a long and hard year for them. He recently got the wonderful news that he's now cancer free! His wife, Heidi, planned a surprise 'Kiss Cancer Good-bye' party for him.
We don't get to see them often so it was great to be with them and their families, and a few other friends.
We're so happy for Sode.
Paul's best friend Nate, (we call him Sode) was diagnosed with Cancer last year and spent most of his summer doing chemo. It was a long and hard year for them. He recently got the wonderful news that he's now cancer free! His wife, Heidi, planned a surprise 'Kiss Cancer Good-bye' party for him.We don't get to see them often so it was great to be with them and their families, and a few other friends.
We're so happy for Sode.Thursday, January 12, 2012
Surprise!
This past Monday morning everyone was off. Garrett work up an hour early. Addie woke up twice during the time she's usually sleeping great. So of course I woke up early, but tried to not fully open my eyes and accept the fact that sleepy time was over. Paul left at 6:45 because he said he had to meet with a family in Long Beach early and traffic would be bad. I tried to get both kids to go back to sleep and nothing was working. I sat on my bed nursing Addie, thinking to myself, I want to call in sick today. I also thought, if my mom lived close today would be one of those days I'd ask her to come and just hang out all day and help me. Paul came back from his "appointment" and came to our room and told me he brought me starbucks if I wanted to come out and join him before he had to go down to work. So I did. I was complaining about the morning, and I turned to walk in the living room and my brother Scott, sister in law Laura, and my mom were sitting there. I just stood there, shocked, and didn't say anything for a minute. How is this possible?!?
Laura's mom works for Jetblue and she gave them buddy passes. Laura planned it all with Paul. My mom didn't find out till the night before. It was so awesome! It totally turned my day around. We spent the day talking, shopping, going to lunch, going on a walk, and playing at the park, we also went to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Twice! Laura introduced us to the ice blended pure chocolate. So yummy. They flew home at 8 o'clock that night. The day went fast, but it was such a fun surprise. My sister in law is so awesome and thoughtful.
Laura's mom works for Jetblue and she gave them buddy passes. Laura planned it all with Paul. My mom didn't find out till the night before. It was so awesome! It totally turned my day around. We spent the day talking, shopping, going to lunch, going on a walk, and playing at the park, we also went to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Twice! Laura introduced us to the ice blended pure chocolate. So yummy. They flew home at 8 o'clock that night. The day went fast, but it was such a fun surprise. My sister in law is so awesome and thoughtful.
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