Tom and Juli Picklesimer

Our Family

2012-01-26T17:13:00.003-07:00

This afternoon Tom put some butcher paper on the table to let the kids color. Arvilla asked what she should draw and Tom suggested she draw a picture of our family. She complained for a minute that she didn't know how, and we told her to try her best. When she was all done we were quite surprised with the outcome!

Left to right: Me, Arvilla, and the new baby. Then Tom and Clark above us in brown!

She was pretty proud of herself too and drew a second set of our family!

Tom took this picture of the kids while I was napping today, and I sure think they are pretty adorable.

Clark had the flu that turned into pneumonia, it was nice to have a cuddly, calm little boy for a few days there... but now the antibiotics have kicked in he's been back to his wild self. We love his wild self too... but we see that far more often than his calm side.

Ten for Homebirth

2012-01-23T18:27:00.006-07:00

Ten trivial reasons I'm excited to give birth at home instead of in the hospital:
(Disclaimer: I am comparing these to my two previous hospital births, not all hospital births or hospital births in general.)

1. Not getting filthy dirty feet from walking on the hospital floors and not having to wear socks in order to avoid the dirty feet.

2. Not having to disconnect myself from monitors every time I have to use the bathroom, and
wheel the IV pole with me while trying to hold my gown shut in the back.

3. Even when I wasn't hooked up to any IV fluids I still had to have one in my hand, and it hurt. I'm looking forward to avoiding that pain and the swelling that comes along with it for days after. It stinks taking care of a baby when one of your hands can barely function.

4. Not having to waddle from triage to the delivery room (barefoot) in a revealing hospital gown with blankets randomly wrapped around me. Awkward. In fact let's add not having to wear a hospital gown period to this one... I get to wear whatever I want.

5. Not worrying if Tom is comfortable on the plastic couch, I know he'll be comfortable at home.

6. Being "allowed" to eat food if I'm hungry.

7. No interruptions from well-meaning nurses.

8. Sleeping in my own bed.

9. Not having to follow a nurse out to our car to check our car seat upon departure, while she walks way too fast for my "I just pushed a baby out of me" body to keep up with.

10. Having the same person there supporting me through labor and birth who I had spent my entire pregnancy getting to know and build a relationship with, aka my midwife.

As you can tell the above reasons are mostly for my own comfort, and definite perks, but I wouldn't call them deal breakers on my decision to birth at home.

Almost February

2012-01-19T11:04:00.003-07:00

Last night I was struggling with some pretty strong labor signs. When Tom heard me he jokingly scolded "Juli! You cannot have this baby right now!" Then Arvilla rushed up to me and put her hands firmly on my belly, leaned in so her mouth was almost touching it, and said "Baby, you can't come out until February!" haha!

When I could tell they weren't going away easily I laid down on the couch. Arvilla and Clark were a little concerned and came to comfort me...

Clark even "read" to me from his Thomas Trains catalog, and showed me which trains he wants for his birthday.
I have the sweetest kids! They are so excited for the baby, and take such good care of me. An hour or so later I was feeling back to normal and everything was fine. Only a little longer until I can start being excited at the beginning of labor signs instead worrying about them until they go away.

Just a few pictures I've been meaning to post lately:

Arvilla with curly hair

Clark with vacuumed hair

Arvilla attempting to feed Clark

Sunday Nights

2012-01-16T22:05:00.002-07:00

Every Sunday after church I ask Arvilla what she learned in Primary, if she sang any songs, etc. and I get practically no response from her. Then suddenly on Saturday she came up to me and started singing a song and when she was done she said "I sing that song in Primary". It's a new one they're learning this year so Sunday Night I looked it up online to play it for her to sing, and of course we had to record it.

Let's Talk Belly

2012-01-11T14:46:00.003-07:00

Arvilla's preschool teacher this morning: "When are you due?" (told her) "Wow! You look great for being that far along!"

My Chiropractor this morning: "You're still so tiny!" (Female Chiropractor, if that changes how you read that at all).

Lady doing a story on my Chiropractor for the Spectrum who interviewed me: "I cannot believe you're that far along, you look 6 months!"

Lady at church on Sunday: "You look like you're about ready to POP!!!" (I think she was trying to offer me a ride to the hospital.)

Okay, so why do I believe the last comment the most? Maybe it's because my mom taught me not to be vain. She needed to include "but it's okay to feel good about yourself" because I didn't quite get that part out of the lesson. Don't get me wrong, I think my pregnant belly is cute... but when every piece of clothing I own is super tight, and when I can barely get my shirt to meet my pants (maybe they don't like each other) I can't help but feel a little.... big.

So here I am (as of yesterday):

Remember when that shirt fit more like this? And I wasn't wearing maternity pants, and they were baggy on me?

You probably don't even believe it's the same shirt, huh?

Enough about me, look how cute my kids are!

Clark isn't taller than her... yet. He was just sitting higher on the couch.

I love it when they wear their sweats, I love it when the get along, I love it when they both say "cheese!" with the biggest smile they can muster, I love it when they are content watching their Dad play Zelda. These two are going to be awesome siblings to the new baby, I just know it. :)

Pregnancy Update: Week 34

2012-01-06T13:18:00.003-07:00

We're getting closer, and I'm definitely getting bigger. As I've said before I am carrying this baby a lot different than I did the other two. I feel like I just tucked a basketball under my shirt.... no make that a medicine ball because they're heavier and this belly is definitely heavy! I'm sure by this point my mom would be too embarrassed to accompany me to the grocery store (link for reference) because of how awkward I'm walking. Tom says I'm not walking funny at all, which is really nice of him but I don't believe it. I try to walk normal, I really do... but between the huge belly, sciatica, contractions, pelvic pressure, and lack of balance it's just not possible right now. Don't judge.

I have been doing a little organizing baby stuff, and by little I really do mean just a little. Want proof?

Below is my cloth diaper drawer. Prefolds and covers mostly for the newborn stage, and then I have a few one size pockets for when it gets a little bigger (planning to get more later on). This is the first baby we'll be using cloth for, and I'm really excited about it. My Ergo (yay) is also tucked away in this drawer too. I've been considering getting a Moby Wrap as well, and keeping my eyes out for a used one so if anyone has any advice about it and if it's worth the money let me know.

I also got all the boy and girl 0-3 month clothing ready so we'll be prepared either way. Arvilla helped me with some of this and would say in her squeaky girly voice "Ooooooohhhh that's so cuuuuuuute!" about every item I held up. I was just loving all the memories of Clark and Arvilla wearing the clothes when they were babies.

And that's the extent of the preparations we've made for the baby. Can you tell it's our third? Arvilla's nursery was all put together by the time I was probably 20 weeks. We're either lazy or we've learned those things don't matter as much, especially when you don't have time/energy to worry about it.

We're getting excited (and by excited I mean nervous, anxious, and overwhelmed) to have our third join us, but hoping it hangs on for at least 3(!!!!!!) more weeks. Arvilla can't hardly handle the suspense and always asks "Is the baby coming now?" But Clark is more than okay with it staying in my tummy forever, and when we talk about the baby being here he says "No! No baby don't see my mommy!" Although I'm pretty sure he loves the idea of having a baby around, he doesn't love the idea of it getting any mommy time.

My Sunbeam!

2012-01-03T16:24:00.002-07:00

Sunday was Arvilla's first day in Primary!

She was really excited, but Clark was pretty bugged that he didn't get to go to Primary too. When we walked Clark to nursery, he wasn't too happy going in but gave Arvilla a big dramatic hug at the doorway.

Once we got to Primary Arvilla got really nervous so I stayed with her while they got everything figured out. I just sat in one of the kids chairs with her in my lap... and sadly those chairs are probably more comfortable for my pregnant backside than any other seat in the church. Once things calmed down the teacher asked Arvilla if she wanted to sit on her lap and she did so I left. After that she was fine and loved it!

Clark on the other hand... got hit in the head during nursery and wouldn't calm down so he spent the rest of the time with Tom and me.

It's amazing how big these kids are getting! Where did my babies go?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-28T09:11:00.002-07:00

Our Christmas this year was a lot of fun. We stayed busy bouncing back and forth between Tom's family and mine, and feel like we got a lot of quality time with everyone. Our kids were so excited about everything! My favorite part of the entire day had to be when Arvilla opened up a present from Clark (some hair flowers and lip gloss) she was so genuinely thankful she told him it was her favorite present ever and gave him a ton of hugs and kisses, then 30 minutes later expressed to Clark again how it was the best present she ever "gots".

This is what Santa brought for the kids...

Tom actually built it all, and in the process discovered his love of woodworking. He did such an amazing job, and the kids have been loving it! I made the curtain that is under the sink... so I get some credit. :) I also made a hot pad, a dish towel, and some wash cloths that match.

This is pretty much all we have as far as pictures go that day. We were too busy and excited to take more.

Arvilla and her new hair flower from Clark

Clark putting things in the play oven

Riding on Uncle Sam

Here is a little video of the kids Christmas morning coming out to the living room to discover what Santa Claus brought.

Pictures, Cute Kids, and Congrats!

2011-12-22T07:32:00.003-07:00

As promised here are a few more pictures from our post Thanksgiving family/maternity photo shoot:

Aren't my kids cute? And isn't my husband so handsome?

Several weeks ago I was waiting in the car with the kids while Tom was picking up some take out. Arvilla was wondering why we were getting food because she and Clark already ate dinner. I told her it was because Mom and Dad were going to have a date at home after she and Clark went to bed....
Arvilla: That's not a date!
Me: Yes it is, we're going to eat yummy food and watch a movie.
Arvilla: In the living room?
Me: Yep.
Arvilla: Oh so you're going to pretend to have a date with daddy in the living room.
The next morning she sarcastically asked me how our date was. Her little sense of humor totally cracks me up. Now she makes Clark sit with her in the living room pretending to eat food and will say "we're pretending to have a date mom!"

I just wanted to mention that my brother Andy won this year's Utah Film Commission contest. Good job Andy (and Claire). I'm so proud. :) Here's his entry:

Four Years

2011-12-14T07:29:00.002-07:00

Today is our 4 year anniversary can you believe it? I certainly can't... but that's because I keep thinking it's our 5 year. Tom has had to correct me a few times on it. It just feels like longer, in a good way of course.

We have big plans today with a large box of Kleenex, orange juice, and chicken noodle soup... we all caught one not so fun bug. Luckily the kids are basically over it. Don't worry, we're still going to get some real celebrating in this weekend.

Four years down, here's to many more years ahead.

For those that are interested you can view a few more photos from the maternity session here. There's a few more from the shoot I'll post another day, but most of those are of my adorable kids.

Blog Award

2011-12-12T08:07:00.003-07:00

Thanks Ashley for nominating me for this blog award. I'm glad to be included. :)

Rules of the award:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award!

2. List 7 things people may not know about you.

3. Pass the award to 15 other bloggers and notify them as well.

I've had this blog for so long that I don't know if I can come up with 7 things that you all don't know about me, but I'll try. :)

1. I played the cello for a year, I wish I kept up with it longer but my bus stop was a mile away from my house and it was just ridiculous transporting it to and from the bus stop.

2. I love egg plant.

3. When I was little (like 4 or 5) I thought I would either marry Mr. Rogers or my brother Andrew. Now Arvilla thinks she's going to marry Clark.

4. I want a Harpsichord to play Baroque music on.

5. When Tom and I met I had really short blonde hair. Totally different from how I look now.

6. I like to sing songs in different random styles around the house (opera, twangy, poppy, etc.) It makes Tom and Arvilla laugh but I'd never have the guts to be so weird in public.

7. I get really hyper when I'm nervous... especially if I have to go to the hospital for one reason or another. I tell a bunch of corny jokes and the doctors and nurses think I'm on something.

Now I nominate all my friends who need to blog more... *hint hint*. That would be:

Christina, Caralee, Alicia (if she reads this), Whitney, Necha, Kensi, Mandy.

... and also Anna and Amy even though they blog often.

Pregnancy Update: Week 30

2011-12-09T08:23:00.002-07:00

Photo taken by my super rad sister in-law Claire

This is about how far along I was when I ended up in the hospital with Clark thanks to preterm labor. I'm feeling about the same as I did then contraction wise, but since I carried Clark to term we aren't worried about this baby coming too early. I'm just trying to take it easy and avoid activities that cause contractions. I haven't been checked for progress, but I don't want to be. In fact we can go this whole pregnancy, labor and birth without that happening and I'll be completely okay with that. :)

This pregnancy has been so different than the other two, and not in a good way. I just keep hoping that if every pregnancy is supposed to be so different then someday I'll have a flawless one where I'm not sick or contracting or in pain at all, where I feel amazing and want to jog miles every day... right?.....riiiighht??

I'm carrying so different than I did with the other two, much lower.

I'm still craving Durango's salads (and it's been weeks since I've had one). I'm also craving avocados/guacamole and peanut butter cookies (not together, yuck!). I still get fairly sick, and have plenty of food aversions because of it, but I don't crave anything crazy or weird.

If the heartburn rumor is true then this is going to be one hairy baby!

I'm lucky to have Tom around to help so much. He's been doing 95% of the housework, and helps so much with the kids. I'm very blessed to have a husband who's so understanding and who is willing to help so much, and who can put up with my crazy emotions... and still love me at the end of the day.

10 weeks left, give or take. Not that I'm counting or anything.

The Haircut

2011-12-03T08:58:00.004-07:00

Whoa that was a lot of pictures! :) Grandpa Buys was nice enough to cut Clark's hair for us. I have been putting this off as long as possible, but the baby hairs on the ends were making his hair unmanageable, and constantly tangled. Hopefully we can grow it back and it won't be so frizzy! It's just not right when you're having to comb your son's hair more than 3 times a day to keep it looking decent. Don't worry it's still really curly (you just can't tell in the pictures). Arvilla got a hair cut recently too, you just can't tell in these pictures so I'll have to post some later.

Let's Talk Names

2011-11-30T13:50:00.004-07:00

Most of our name ideas for the new baby come from tv shows or movies. Arvilla and Clark's first and middle names were after family members, so you'd think we'd stick with that route... but I think choosing a name from a fictional character is perfect for this time around. Here's the latest possibilities:

Boy: Fa'ad

Girl: Puddle

What do you think? Come on, I know you love them. :)

Okay, so if you don't love them what would you suggest?

Ten

2011-11-27T19:10:00.003-07:00

1. Tom took the kids up to Ogden to have Thanksgiving with his family on Saturday. They were gone a little over a day and boy did I miss them all!

2. What do you do when you have no kids? I realized how much of a loser I was that I couldn't think of anything fun to do while they were gone. Also, I have forgotten how to be bored, I feel like my hands need to be busy all day long.

3. This little girl loves the piano. She "plays" so delicately, she'll learn quick once she's old enough.
4. Third Trimester. Woot! We are almost there.

5. Cherry Cordial Kisses are amazing. Try them if you haven't already.

6. Tom's brother has convinced Tom and I that we might want to live in Kennett Square, PA. Sounds like my kind of town, now to find a job there.

7. I can't decide what I'm more excited about, decorating for Christmas or going through all the 0-3 month baby clothes (both boy and girl) in preparation for the new baby and crying about how my kids used to be that little.

8. I don't know if this is a good thing or not, but Clark has been really interested in potty training. He gets to sit on the toilet before bath time every night and usually fulfills the obligation, and sometimes during the day he asks to "go potty" and is successful. He seems too little to be ready for that, and I don't know if I'm ready for the commitment of potty training again.

9. Tom is getting closer to finishing the Christmas present he's making for the kids, and it's looking awesome (I get some credit, I'll be contributing at least 7% to its construction). Can't wait for Christmas morning!!

10. Random... but I'm closer in age to my three oldest nieces than I am to my two older sisters. To my sisters I will always be the little sister, but to my nieces I will always be that awesome aunt who does fun stuff with them. They were a huge boost to my self esteem this holiday weekend, I need to take advantage of that more often. :)

Random Thankful Post

2011-11-21T19:04:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for these two dudes.
I'm thankful that Clark loves his dad so much, even more than me lately if you can believe it!

I'm thankful for Clark's hair.
It always looks best after a good sweaty nap, no amount of hair product and styling makes it look this good.

I'm Thankful that my kids like to play together, and they humor each other with their silliness.

I'm thankful for the rare times they share and take turns.

I'm thankful that Arvilla gets to do cute things in preschool (like make an Indian hat and costume) and that Clark is always eager to make one of his own when we get home. ("Me too Momma, Me too!")

I'm thankful for my sweet daughter, and how excited she is to be a big sister again. She even rocks her dolls and stuffed animals to sleep for practice for when the new baby comes.

I'm thankful for the baby that is growing inside of me. There is no picture to accompany this because every time Tom takes a picture of me I don't like the way I look. I look a lot different in the mirror than I do in pictures, at least I hope I don't have as many chins in person as I do in pictures.

Lastly, I'm thankful for Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday ever (I might say that about every upcoming holiday, but I mean it the most for Thanksgiving).

Worth Watching

2011-11-14T14:50:00.004-07:00

I came across this today and thought I'd share:

The stories of the broken washer, and the father sitting alone with his 6 children at church made me smile. They both made me think of Tom. Tom always wants to help me with chores or projects when he gets home from work, but it's so hard to let him because I know how much the kids and I just want, and need, his company. We don't want him busy with other things. It's also important to me that he gets some down time after a long day at work, and some time to bond with the kids. He's been helping out so much since I've been pregnant, and I'm so thankful for that, but I wish I could offer him that downtime more often. To be completely honest I probably wouldn't have been washing clothes in the sink, I would have just let the dirty clothes pile up until we had nothing to wear. :)

As for the second one... I'll have to admit that one of the nicest things Tom can say to me is "how do you do it?" after he has done something with the kids that I normally do daily or several times a day, and realized how hard of a task it is. Being a mom definitely isn't easy, but to have my husband be so grateful and impressed with what I do makes me proud of myself and my capabilities.

It's funny how these videos about moms always make me so grateful for my husband. He definitely makes me a better person. (Love you Tom!)

My Precious

2011-11-11T16:26:00.003-07:00

The title of this blog is dedicated to Tom, since it's the only Lord of the Rings reference I know and I thought he'd enjoy it.

This morning went a little like this...

and this...

My kids can be awfully sweet sometimes, and I just love it. LOVE IT!

In other news, Clark had his 2 year old check up this week. He's very healthy and the doctor was impressed with how smart he is. He is in the 97th percentile for weight and 100th percentile for height. He also got his very first vaccinations (two shots) and coped well by crying a little bit and saying "Darnit! Darnit! Darnit!" I think he prefers the chiropractor now since she doesn't give shots, but the doctor does have more toys in her office. :)

For the Love!

2011-11-08T15:56:00.004-07:00

Last night my friends and I went to see Dixie High School's Les Miserables. (Christina, are you glad you moved before this girl's night could happen?) My friend Alicia and I especially wanted to go because we were in it when they did it 7 years ago. Plus I had 2 nieces in it this year, and another niece playing the flute in the pit. I was impressed by the performance, it was way good, (except for Javert's suicide scene which was a little awkward, but I guess 7 years ago they weren't as worried about him getting injured by actually falling off the bridge as they are now since they had to fake it). My nieces were amazing too, I love seeing plays they are in and getting to be a proud aunt!

Besides it being totally weird to go back to my high school, and to watch the play and having anxiety attacks remembering the stress of the quick changes and mic swaps and (Okay... I was only a "female soloist", so that was the extent of my stress, but still...) It was really neat to "go back" and watch it from the audience.

That was until I got home and tried to sleep. I couldn't get it out of my head, and it wasn't the songs that were stuck, even though the entire play is singing... there are songs and then there's sung dialogue between them (okay, so more songs)... it was the dialogue running through my brain all night. Ughhh. I swear I went through the entire play in my brain. I didn't even know I still knew aaaaalll the words, what could I do with that brain space if I could just forget them? By morning I didn't have to suffer alone, since Tom and the kids had to suffer through me singing and singing (I do a good Marius, don't I Tom?) By this afternoon it was almost out of my head, and then in pops "But my friend you left so early, surely something slipped your mind..." Then it all started over again.

Maybe I shouldn't see any more musicals I have been in to avoid this, considering I've only ever been in two musicals it shouldn't be hard. ;)

Halloween!

2011-11-01T14:55:00.004-06:00

Last night we took the kids trick-or-treating with my sister, her husband and their two youngest (Eliza and Holly). It was a lot of fun to let the older girls do all the work of taking our kids up to each doorstep while we got to sit back and relax!... well for the most part anyway.

Holly with Arvilla (who was dressed up as a fairy)

Arvilla in the morning before preschool when he hair was still curly

Clark and Arvilla were so excited! Clark was a monster.

Tom and I went as Edward and Pregnant Bella.
Costume how to: Wear normalish clothes, mess up your hair, don't smile.
It's hard to tell in this picture, but Tom's hair looked pretty cool thanks to a lot of hairspray.

Clark loved all the Jack-o-Laterns

They were pretty freaked out by that hand

Clark and Uncle Blake!

Arvilla flying like a fairy

This is what happens when your kid wears a warm costume in St. George. He was really sweaty.

I'm going to be sad if we ever move to a place where we have to wear coats over our costumes. I know I've been complaining about it not cooling down fast enough, but I really love St. George weather, we just need some good in between clothes for the kids so I don't battle with myself every morning on whether I should dress the kids in shorts or pants.

Before November

2011-10-30T20:24:00.004-06:00

Since tomorrow is Halloween and I will be posting cute pictures of kids in costumes and other things in a few days, this was my last chance to post about October before it's over.

October is probably my favorite month. I just love the beginning of Fall and the Holiday Season. I love Halloween and pumpkins and candy. I love the weather getting cooler (still kind of waiting for that to really happen here though). Yes October is my favorite, but come to find out it's also my least favorite.

At the beginning of this month I started to get a bit sad and wasn't sure why until I realized that it had been a year since I found out that the baby I was carrying no longer had a heart beat. Then a week after that news I actually miscarried the baby, and a week after that I hemorrhaged and had to go to the ER. It was a very sad and traumatic October for our family. I also had to wean Clark because of the risk of hemorrhaging again, which was also a sad thing for me to deal with. I was so far away from my family, my mom was in the middle of treatments for breast cancer, and I barely knew anyone nearby. I made it through because of my amazing husband and kids, a handful of new friends I had in New Mexico who always seemed to know exactly when I needed them, my piano students and music classes that kept me busy, and lots and lots of caffeine, chocolate, and Christmas music to cheer me up.

Now that it's been a year things are a lot better. I only sometimes cry because of how much I miss that baby, I only rarely have nightmares about that horrific experience in the ER, and I am expecting a new baby... although it isn't a replacement it is nice to feel like our family can continue. I have learned a lot about myself throughout that experience, I have learned that even when I feel so sad and alone I always have my Heavenly Father to talk to and that he can give me the strength to continue when it feels impossible to do so. This October did bring on some depression for me and as glad as I am that it's almost over I'm also glad for the opportunity I had to grieve. I feel so silly being so upset over this and I can almost hear people thinking "good heck woman, it was just a miscarriage" that I have always felt like I needed to hurry up and get over it, so yes it's nice to have an "excuse" to be a little sad about my loss.

Now on to the fun stuff, tomorrow is Halloween and my kids are so ready to finally wear their costumes and go trick-or-treating. Arvilla even gets to wear hers to preschool. November and Thanksgiving are next and they totally rock, my mom is even going to let me do the turkey this year (because come to find out from last year's... I make a mean bird). Life is good. :)

Clark is TWO!!

2011-10-26T14:48:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Clark!!

Two years ago you looked like this:

Last year you looked like this:

Today you look like this!

You can kind of be a little stinker, and not only when the camera comes out.

You woke up this morning to a house decorated in orange and a brand new bike just for you!

After riding it around the house for a while this morning you got off and flipped it upside down so you could see how it worked.

We got to have lunch with Dad today (although not where we were planning since it is out of business, but it was still fun, right?)

You love your blanket and would probably marry it if I let you.

You love playing outside.

You are so handsome and adorable and getting bigger every day.

You love to color more than anything.
Your favorite color is orange.
You know all of your letters.
You don't have a favorite food because you love all foods!
You love to watch Caillou and Thomas the Train Engine.
You love monsters and love to scare people.
(but you don't like being scared at all).
You love doughnuts.
You like Yoda and Darth Vader but you're kind of scared of Darth Vader.

You sure do love a lot of things, but you also have so many people who love you more than anything! Your Mom, Dad, and Sister especially. We are so glad you are part of our family and we absolutely love your personality and character.

I hope you have the best second year ever!

Happenings (Picture Heavy)

2011-10-24T14:37:00.004-06:00

Staheli Family Farm

Checking out the chickens

The Goats

The Pony

The Bunnies

Going down the big slide

Playing in the corn

Seesaw

Pumpkin Patch
(Only one picture since our hands were busy picking out and holding pumpkins).

It was a hot day! We were pretty exhausted from all the playing and sunshine that we had to leave before we hit up the corn maze. I don't think any of us had the energy to enjoy it at that point though. The first hour or so was fun though! And the kids loved seeing the animals and pumpkins.

Family Love

Sharing the ipad

Cuddling with mommy... in his own way

In the box

Kisses

We've been staying pretty busy lately. It seems like time is going by way fast. I can't believe in a little over three months we'll have a third baby! I'm so busy with the two I have that this pregnancy is going by rather quick. Meanwhile Clark and Arvilla are growing a ton right now, and eating us out of house and home. I can't seem to keep their tummies full for long enough. On the bright side they will eat anything because they're always so hungry! It's definitely a good time to introduce new foods.

Brown Cardboard Packages

2011-10-21T09:22:00.004-06:00

Yesterday a large package came from Amazon. I was under the instruction given by Tom not to open it until he got home.

I had no idea what it could be. Usually I'm pretty good at guessing surprises, but this one had me stumped! The only guess Tom gave me was that it was a gift for when the baby comes, but he would let me open it before then to avoid me bugging him to death about it. I thought it might be cloth diapers, but I already ordered some of those and we decided to wait until the baby was here to order some more (so that we can get some gender specific ones).

When Tom got home from work he handed me the scissors and I opened the package and saw an Ergo Baby Carrier. I have been swooning over these for a while now, but figured it would be a big fat chance for us to actually get one since they are a bit pricey. I'm pretty sure I let out a girly squeal (or two...per minute) once I saw what it was!
He also got it in my favorite color, gray. It is so cute I can't wait until the baby comes to start using it. Don't ask me how he did it because I'm pretty sure I haven't really mentioned the Ergo to him because I didn't want to see the look on his face when I told him how much it was. He must be able to read my mind!

I believe a huge blog Thank You is in order for Tom for this one. You totally made my day babe!

Am I a Christian?

2011-10-12T14:33:00.004-06:00

To put it simply... yes.

I have been aware though, that some other Christian faiths do not recognize my faith as a Christian one. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (many people refer to us as Mormons). The recent news with the Republican campaign (to see what I'm talking about go here) has been a bit unsettling to me. I honestly do not care if someone else doesn't think that I am a Christian... they can believe what they want. They cannot, however, convince me that I am not a Christian.

The second definition of Christian at dictionary.com is:

2. of, pertaining to, believing in, or belonging to the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ:

Since I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a religion based on his teachings, I believe this applies to me. I pray multiple times a day in His name. At church I take the Sacrament that represents his flesh and blood... and do it in His name. I study his life in the scriptures and try to be more like him. I feel His Spirit with me when I'm doing what is right. I believe that he suffered for the atonement of our sins and died so that we can live again. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, he is the Messiah.

To hear what an Apostle of the LDS church has to say about Christianity watch the video below.

I understand that one major reason people do not consider the LDS church a Christian religion is because we do not believe in the Trinity. If this is your definition of Christian then so be it, but perhaps there is more than one absolute definition or *way to be Christian. We believe in God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost and that they are three separate beings. The above video explains more about the Trinity and our beliefs.

I don't want there to be any confusion out there on what I believe, and who I am. Too many people hear the rumors that the LDS church is not a Christian Religion and believe them without knowing why those people assume that. Some ( like a guy Tom talked with at work yesterday) think we do not believe in Christ whatsoever and I am here to say that we do. For more info you can go to mormon.org.

I love this video of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "I Believe in Christ" a hymn we sing often in our church services and in our home. I feel like it's a very good example of our faith in Christ.

I encourage anyone reading this to share what they believe, whatever it is. Don't let anyone be confused by what others are saying.

*eta: This is a really well written article from the Washington Post website about Mormons and Christianity. Very much worth the read.

Fall Clothes!

2011-10-05T13:02:00.006-06:00

We have been waiting and waiting for the weather to get cool enough to wear our Fall clothes, and this morning when we realized it finally was we were all very excited.

Miss Arvilla in her dress and leggings, tomorrow she will be sad to find out that I only bought her one Fall dress and she will have to wear pants the other days.

Clark in his monster shirt, since he is obsessed with monsters! His clothes are a wee bit big on him, but I decided not to take my chances with 2T clothes given the way this boy eats and grows.
Going outside and being oh so excited about the cool weather! Aren't their shoes cute too?
I don't currently have any maternity pants thanks to Old Navy's insanely slow (but hey it's free) shipping. I have shorts and capris from previous pregnancies but no pants. I had to dig through a box of cold weather clothes but I found a pair of pants that fit me that aren't maternity so I'm calling it a win. There's just something about being pregnant and wearing pants that don't have an elastic waistband that just makes you feel awesome! So here's that belly shot everyone asked for... I wish I was as small as I was in the picture of me pregnant with Arvilla. It's just a cruel reality that after the first you grow a lot quicker.

Now if only the weather would stay this way, but it looks like it will be warming up again next week, dangit!

Now for some bonus pictures that have nothing to do with Fall or clothing...

Arvilla watching General Conference

Arvilla brushing my hair

Pumpkin Cookies and Lentil Casserole Recipes

2011-10-04T09:54:00.005-06:00

Pumpkin Cookies (super easy!)

1 Spice Cake Mix
1 can of Pumpkin
(not the pumpkin pie mix, just plain pumpkin)
1 Bag of Chocolate Chips
(I prefer Guittard, and if I can't get those I like Ghirardelli)

Mix together the cake mix and pumpkin until well blended, then add chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees on a greased cookie sheet for about 13 minutes. I like to make mine small, they bake more evenly that way.

Lentil Casserole:
(This gets eaten before I remember to take a picture)

This is my version of a recipe Tom's mom gave me. The kids love it and always eat it all gone.

3 cups Chicken Broth
(I put one can in my measuring cup and then add water until it makes 3 cups because I'm cheap)
3/4 cup Lentils, uncooked
1/2 Brown Rice, uncooked
Garlic Powder
Cumin
Seasoning Salt
(I'm not certain how much of each seasoning I put in since I never measure, sorry! Just put how much you think you'd like)

Blend all together in a casserole dish. Bake covered for 1 1/2 hours at 300 degrees. During the last 20 minutes you may top with grated cheese.

General Conference October 2011

2011-10-01T21:59:00.010-06:00

For those of you who don't know about General Conference click here for an explanation.

I know this is really long, and I try not to do overly long posts (unless they are mostly pictures) but this has been on my mind all day and I felt like I needed to write it all down. I promise I won't feel bad if you aren't up for reading such a long post if you don't think you're up for it. :)

I love when General Conference rolls around, especially October's... since it's our tradition to make a huge batch of pumpkin cookies to enjoy during the sessions.

Today we didn't catch much of the morning session... but we did catch my brother in-law Sam crossing the finish line at the St. George Marathon. It was pretty cool to be there for it. I definitely plan on watching or reading the morning session when I have some spare time.

During the afternoon session Neil L. Andersen's talk obviously got my attention since it was about families and having children. Even though it was something we hear all the time, it really left an impression on me. I loved how he expressed the importance of having children. How he reminded that Motherhood is not a hobby, but a calling. Pointing out (and he was quoting a blog of a non LDS mother) that the world sees motherhood as ranking very low in comparison to things like money, careers, beauty, travel, etc. I was very glad to hear him recognize that motherhood is not easy, that there are struggles, it's not always a picnic, but it doesn't make it any less worth it.

For a while now I've had a quote on my sidebar underneath the picture of my kids. That quote means a lot to me because my kids are my treasure, I don't need any other fine things or adventures to feel fulfilled, my children accomplish that. Brother Andersen's talk reminded me of that. They are worth every single sacrifice I have made for them and will make for them including not being able to see Brian Regan at Tuacahn in May since I'll have a new baby.

Brother Andersen also brought up the sacrifice of money, and this is one I have been struggling with a bit lately and the quote he read from President Monson really humbled me:

"If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions."

Having kids has taken a toll on our finances. I have always been okay with that and have never blamed having children for not having money. The problem is that I just feel inadequate at times for not being able to some afford things, even simple things, normal things. My kids never got a nursery fully decorated and furnished, we can't go buy them bunk beds right now even though we'd like to, we eat beans and rice on a regular basis (and if not beans, then lentils), and none of these are struggles for me except for the fact that I feel like we *should* be doing better, we *should* have more money because of how society views money. Hearing that there is no shame to scrimp and save made me realize that it's okay that we're living like this, we are happy. It doesn't mean we are lesser people than those who don't have to scrimp and save. It's okay that we can't always participate in things we'd like to because of money. We live simply and I like it that way.

The second part of the quote is so true, our financial struggles have brought Tom and I closer together, because we both make sacrifices to make money work out at the end of the month. When unexpected expenses come up we work together to find a way to handle it together. I appreciate Tom so much for being level headed about finances, and for working so hard at his job to be able to bring home a paycheck that he rarely, if ever, gets to use any for his own hobbies, interests, and wants.

Thanks to Borther Andersen's talk I appreciate my children and husband even more than I already did. I am so thankful that Tom and I made the sacrifices we needed to in order to have our children when we did. I am very blessed for those difficult days of being a mom because it reminds me that sometimes doing the right thing isn't always easy and doesn't always result in a smooth path, but if I continue with faith I will be strengthened.

Half Way

2011-09-27T12:57:00.003-06:00

I was going to wait until Friday when I'm actually 20 weeks to post this, but I decided to do it early.

I'm too lazy to take a picture of my bump right now, but let's just pretend I look like this:

20 Weeks pregnant with Arvilla

This baby loves Durango's salads. I guess there are worse things I could be craving. I had one last night, and I wish I could have one again right now!
Clark thinks the baby's name is Darth Vader. He came up with that all on his own and loves to give my tummy kisses and push his head up against it and say "Hiiiiii Darth Vader"
We have decided not to find out what we're having this time.
Arvilla knows the baby makes me cry a lot... and has decided the remedy for that is to give me a blanket and a very long piece of toilet paper for the tears.
We are planning on a home birth this time around, and I think Tom is excited about it (or he's just humoring me).
I'm feeling pretty decent lately, although I had a random morning of throwing up yesterday but managed to pull it together to get Arvilla to preschool and haven't had problems since.
Tom was super sweet and took me on a date on Friday to get me some Fall maternity clothes since all of mine from previous pregnancies are shorts and t-shirts. He was a bit too generous but I'm not complaining. :)
Arvilla is excited that my tummy is growing. She will sit by me and rub it and say it looks cute. She also talked about how she will sing the baby to sleep, and hold it and bathe it (er.... with lots of help maybe), but that she won't feed it because that's what Mommy's "Baby Milks" are for. I never even mentioned anything to her about it, she just naturally understands the concept of breastfeeding I guess.
I really can't think of anything else "exciting" going on with the pregnancy. Just that we are excited to have a new baby in our family!

No Facebook

2011-09-23T12:09:00.003-06:00

Clark is getting closer and closer to his 2nd birthday, which means his says "No" a lot. "No Sister" "No Night Night" "No Cart" "No Kisses" and so on. I decided to follow his example and say "No Facebook". I wasn't really bothered by the changes, but when I read an article about them I got suckered in to the comments and how everyone was talking about how people are so addicted to Facebook they can't give it up even if they are unhappy with it. They also had some good conspiracy theories on how Facebook is taking over the world, which I did not buy in to, but they made some good points that we depend on Facebook maybe a bit too much. I think of all the people in the past who I've wished Happy Birthday to via Facebook when I should have sent a card and I feel a little guilty.

Don't get me wrong, I love Facebook... I think it's great to be able to keep up with people who you otherwise wouldn't (and kind of not great at the same time). Tom and I constantly emailed back and forth through Facebook at the beginning of our relationship, which I totally loved! (Don't worry, I've already scrap-booked those emails... no really I did. It's the first time I've scrap-booked since I was "forced" to at a Mutual activity).

To the point... I'm taking a break. I have deactivated my Facebook account. I know you're probably asking yourself "But how in the world will we keep up with each other?" Well, this blog for one... just make sure you follow me, subscribe to emails, or have me listed on your blog roll so you won't forget to check it since I won't be posting the link to Facebook anymore when I publish a new post. I also have an email address you can reach me at: juli (at) picklesimer (dot) org. There's also phone calls, texting, mail, Hedwig, and if none of those work maybe we weren't meant to be friends (no offense) but I hope we are.

Happy Birthday Arvilla!

2011-09-19T13:58:00.005-06:00

Today is Arvilla's 3rd birthday. She has already had such a fun day so far! She got to take cupcakes to preschool to share with her classmates, after preschool we picked up her Dad then got some soup and bread sticks at Judd's for a picnic. After the picnic we all went for a ride on the Carousel. Tonight we're having pizza and tater tots (her favorite meal) then taking her out for ice cream.

I am incredibly lucky to be the mom of such an amazing little girl, even if she won't let me call her "little" anymore. She is such a fun person to be around, and has the funniest sense of humor. She loves to sing and sings all the time around the house and in the car, she memorizes words to songs faster than I can and loves to hear herself sing them. Even though she teases her little brother far too often, she is such a sweet and protective big sister to him. When she wakes up before he does she always wants to wake him up because she misses him. She is so excited for a new baby in the family and takes really good care of Mom to "help the baby". Arvilla loves to watch Planet Earth and Dirty Jobs while sitting as close to her Dad as possible, she loves the weekend when Dad is home all day long.

I wanted to share some pictures from her party on Saturday. Just to warn you there are 19 of them, but considering Tom took 190 it was hard to choose so few.

The Before:

Tom designed the banner for her and had it printed at work.

She loved looking at her reflection in the piano

The During:

Decorating Crowns

Free swing rides courtesy of Uncle Mike

Face Painting

Arvilla and Elle, the two Rapunzels

Opening Presents

The After:

Clark was so tired and did not want to say cheese, he was also bugged that he wasn't the one getting attention.

Arvilla we love you so much, and are so glad you chose to be a part of our family!

Happy Birthday!!

Nice Guy

2011-09-16T20:59:00.004-06:00

Not only is Tom happy to deal with my pregnancy emotions, he's also nice enough (and smart enough) to do something to make me feel better after a bad day. Taking care of the kids when he got home so I could run away, having them in bed when I got back, cleaning the house, and this:

are all things that can turn the worst day around for me. Thanks Tom! I'm the luckiest, that's for sure. I love you!

Pregnant=Pathetic

2011-09-15T11:27:00.003-06:00

I've decided it's time I finally admit it to the blog world: I am pathetic when I'm pregnant. I cry over everything. I just can't control it, I just do! When I say everything I mean everything.

Today's episode I think was the worst and most pathetic so far. I was at a craft store buy acrylic paints, I did this the other day and Clark would hold a bottle of paint for me no problem, and it kept him happy so today when I handed him a green bottle of paint I didn't give it a second thought. I started looking for another color when I suddenly feel something wet on my foot, I look down and see green paint! I look at Clark and it is all over him, all over me, and all over the floor. I started laughing (well first I said a curse word and then I started laughing) and an employee turned to another one and told her to get some paper towels, then they both helped me clean up Clark and myself a bit before we went to check out. I was very grateful for how kind they were about the situation, even if several old ladies who were watching were not very amused by it.

I check out and I'm walking to the car, kind of giggling about it. I mean it sucked, but it was pretty funny too. Especially how Clark kept saying "Green Monster!" I get the kids in the car, and then the second I got in the car and shut the door I started bawling! I totally lost it. The tears came from nowhere and I couldn't stop them. I felt like such an idiot for crying so much, but at the same time I couldn't stop it.... which made me cry more. I cried pretty much all the way home, it was so pathetic. I don't know if it was the excitement, or the anxiety of so many people watching me, or what! I'm very glad it didn't happen inside of the store though.

If you ever have to deal with my pregnant self I'm so sorry, but look on the bright side: at least you're not married to me (poor Tom!)

Sleep

2011-09-12T13:16:00.002-06:00

Clark has been so ready to be out of his crib it's not even funny. I have been so ready to not have to lift his heavy body into the crib it's... well sort of funny.

Here he is seeing it for the first time with his new Thomas comforter...

Here he is asleep in it...

He's doing pretty well. The first time he slept in it was nap time and it took about an hour of ushering him back to his bed and scolding him for getting out for him to finally stay in and go to sleep. Then bed time that night he stayed in the bed but talked to himself (which is not uncommon). He just isn't fond of waking up in it for some reason. I think it's because he gets right out before he's really awake enough, where usually he bums around in his crib for a bit before he can get out which gives him plenty of time to wake up.

A few nights ago I went to check on the kids before I went to bed and found Arvilla sleeping like this:

Totally cracked me up! I had to show Tom and he insisted that we had to take a picture. Then I took the blanket off of her head and the adjusted her to a more normal sleeping position.

I wish I could...

2011-09-07T16:27:00.004-06:00

...hire a maid. If we had money I would in a heart beat. I know... *gasp*... a stay at home mom with a maid, but cleaning is part of your job, right?

Whatever. I want a maid.

Just someone to clean the things that I seem to never have time to clean, and when I clean them they seem to get dirty again the very next day. Bathrooms and windows mostly, and while she's here she might as well vacuum and mop... and maybe dust. Just think of all the things you could do with that time you normally spend cleaning!

Just admit it, you know you want one too. :)

Labor Day

2011-09-01T20:12:00.003-06:00

Let's face it... I have been lazy, lazy, lazy lately. All the sickness and exhaustion and uncomfortableness of being pregnant on top of the caring for and watching after two active toddlers is just getting to me. I do pretty okay in the morning, but once noon hits I default to zombie mode. I get through lunch, put the kids down for a nap, and crash... then the rest of the day I'm just fighting to keep my eyes open.

I've been using the internet as my crutch, my contact with the outside world. Today I read this blog post and it gave me some good inspiration to step away from it all a few days to regroup. I really want to enjoy my family during the Labor Day weekend, and take full advantage of Tom being home from work for three days straight. He's been working long hours lately and we miss him!

I do have to give myself credit though, I'm handling things a lot better this pregnancy then I thought I would. There was only a short while there that Tom would have to bring home take out to feed the family, but then I challenged myself to a week of home cooked meals made by myself and I did it! Since that week I've been doing much better with our home cooked menu and not relying on take out. Even if the smell of the oven heating up turns my stomach, at least it's cheaper and healthier than having Tom bring home something only to have me say "Get it out of here! It smells awful!" the moment he walks in the door. Oh the joys. I'm 16 weeks so hopefully soon I'll be over that phase in a week or two.

Wish me luck staying away from the internet (really... it's been so boring lately anyway, it shouldn't be that hard... right?) Happy Labor Day everyone!

Picture Overload

2011-08-25T10:46:00.004-06:00

These kids are crazy about their dad

She looks like Elliot Reid (aka Bangs McCoy) in this picture, doesn't she?

Clark loves to color, and eat crayons. I have to watch him carefully.

Cute, right? Clark wants out of his crib so bad he's willing to share a bed with his sister. Sorry bud, you'll just have to wait until we get you a big boy bed.

Hanging out in the front yard

Arvilla and I climbed our tree...

... It made Clark really nervous

Look at those brown eyes!

I don't think I'll ever get the guts to cut Clark's hair, and I'm pretty sure he's okay with that. If you touch his hair he yells "MY HAIR!"

Sometimes she just needs her dad

a lot

He is not impressed, and not happy that I wouldn't let him touch the camera (as you can tell with some of these pictures last time he got his hands on the camera he left a big smudge on the lens).

Arvilla on her first day of preschool. She was so excited, and so brave! Even though she was nervous she didn't cry at all and just gave me a big hug goodbye. Clark cried when she didn't get back in the car with us, but he's learning that one on one time with Mom is worth it. I didn't cry at all, although I got a little emotional... but not because I'm sad she's old enough to go to school or sad that I wouldn't be with her 2.5 hours 2 days a week. I got emotional because I was so dang proud of my little girl being so brave! It is sad sometimes that they grow up so fast but I really rejoice in them growing up and reaching the next stage in their lives. It always makes me so proud of them when they learn and do new things.

Sunday Moments

2011-08-14T20:18:00.005-06:00

I just had to share some of my favorite moments from today:

1. Walking down the hall at church to pick up the kids from nursery and some little tiny 2 year old girl saying "that's Arvilla's mom! That's Arvilla's mom!". Too cute.

2. Tom going through boxes of his childhood toys he thought his mom threw away many years ago, and showing them to the kids... "that's C-3PO, and that's Luke Skywalker, that's Darth Vador, that's another Luke Skywalker, thats a storm trooper" and so on.

3. Clark's 30 minute come apart when his Dad put the toys back in the boxes for "when the kids are older". Star Wars memorabilia is too fragile for toddlers.

4. Talking to Tom outside of Arvilla and Clark's room after we put them to bed and having Arvilla yell "go watch Planet Earth!"

5. A neighbor bringing by cookies. That hasn't happened in a while. (Not pointing any fingers, you know who you are).

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday, maybe now it will be a bit easier to tolerate Monday.

Oh and one from Saturday:

Going to the parade with the kids. They were thrilled with all the floats and cars and candy! (Which Mom and dad ate most of... naturally).

The Secret

2011-08-10T16:51:00.002-06:00

So Much Arvilla!

2011-08-07T16:30:00.004-06:00

Saying "cheese" for the camera

Watching tv behind her blanket

so "yazy" (lazy)

Very pretty girl

And an oldie for good measure

NIP

2011-08-01T13:05:00.005-06:00

Okay, I'm sure you all know by now that when there's some good controversy going around I just can't help but jump into it and write my own blog post about it. Well lately I've been plagued with friends fb posts about certain blogs talking about nursing in public. There's when the mother got asked to leave a bus, when a mom was asked not to nurse her baby at a YMCA pool (I love Prairie Mom, fyi), there's also this one, and this one, and plenty more nip blog posts.

I have enjoyed reading these posts, and the opinions of their authors. Then I read the comments... "cover those things up" "I don't want my child traumatized by seeing you breastfeed!" "I don't want to see THAT".

Please tell me, what's so disgusting and traumatizing about breastfeeding? Even without a cover or blanket hanging over the baby you really don't see anything because, well, the baby's mouth is covering it. 99.9% of women show less breast while nursing than the majority of women that are in the public place they are nursing at. You put that nursing woman at a pool with bikinis (or heck, any swimsuit) or a mall with Victoria Secret posters then you are definitely seeing less by the nursing mom.

I used a cover once (at Tom's MBA graduation), and I felt like I was holding a big neon sign that said "Attention everyone, I am breastfeeding my child!" It was just awkward, much more awkward than no cover...

This is the only picture I have of me nursing one of my children. I was wearing a nursing shirt (which was more bother than it was worth to be honest), I wish I had one of me in a normal shirt, you wouldn't see much difference though.

And I really think covers are great for those who want to use them, it helps those women feel comfortable nipping. (lol) I just felt strange.

I'm all for normalizing public nursing, the more it happens the more society is used to it (hopefully) and the less uncomfortable moms have to feel about feeding their children when they are out and about.

Really though, even if a woman "whips it out" and "leaves it hanging" for all to see (since we see that happen aaaaall the time) just look away, and smile and think of what a good job she is doing nourishing her child.

Don't even get me started on the "just pump a bottle" or "feed your baby before you leave" comments. 1. Pumping is horrible. Some women don't mind it and are great at it, but don't assume every woman is comfortable with it. Plus there are plenty of people who don't agree at all with artificial nipples and that is their right, and 2. Even if you feed your baby before you leave to go somewhere, it doesn't mean they won't get hungry again in an hour (or even in 5 minutes) they are babies, and they need to eat when they're hungry.

Well hopefully I'm preaching to the choir and everyone who reads this blog totally agrees with me on this subject... right? ;)

So Much Clark!

2011-07-25T17:15:00.004-06:00

Clark covering his ears when Dad uses the blender

Clark Sleeping

Clark waking up to the camera

Clark and his "bebe" (blanket)

Clark talking to his sister

Clark is one cute little guy

Missing Las Cruces

2011-07-20T16:20:00.003-06:00

The view from our home was amazing! I miss eating dinner while staring at it.

Recently Tom and I have admitted to each other how we miss Las Cruces. Maybe we miss it so much right now because it was about a year ago that we moved there. Or maybe it's because I'm feeling kind of cramped in this house and miss our gorgeous home there with so much space (not to mention the beautiful tile floors and amazing kitchen).

I just miss it. I'm not saying I want to move back, but I will admit I've shed tears lately over the things I miss.

I miss the friends I made there, the awesome ward we were in, I miss my piano students... and my mommy and me kids (and their fun moms!), I miss that stupid ghetto family dollar that was just an exit away where I'd go buy chocolate on a bad day before the kids went down for a nap. We really miss the farmer's market (especially the kettle corn) and the flea market with the cheap produce, and dang it I miss the green chilies and the smell of them roasting. I miss Caliches and Toucan's and Lemon Grass.

But...

I don't miss the medical community, or Tom being in school and under so much pressure all the time.

I remember missing St. George so much when we lived there, I never thought I'd miss Las Cruces once we were back home. Go figure.

Ten

2011-07-12T17:05:00.004-06:00

1. This no camera thing is getting old. Real old. I think it's time to give up and just buy a new one.

2. Today Arvilla told Clark "I'm going to be Rachel, and you can be Alex and Leah" they "played" signing time for like 10 whole minutes! cute.

3. Tom is always applying for jobs that would be a better fit for him than his current one... prayers would be appreciated.

4. Buys family Camp-out in Beaver, UT this weekend. I'm interested to see how camping with kids goes... any tips? (Already bringing the pack 'n play for Clark and the froggy potty for Arvilla.)

5. I've been reading the required reading list for a Doula certification. We'll see where this goes, but it's been good information in the meantime.

6. Town Square recently put a carousel in. We took the kids on Saturday and it was a lot of fun (and cheap). If you live here you should try it out.

7. I wish I knew someone with a boat... Quail Creek is calling my name.... or even Sand Hollow Reservoir. I'd love to lounge around drinking lemonade on one for an entire Saturday afternoon.

8. Clark has been really protective of me lately, it's cute but a little annoying when I can't seem to catch a break from him.

9. I haven't had to step foot in Walmart for a few weeks now. Tom's been nice anough to do the shopping with the kids when he gets home (thanks hon!)

10. I miss Blimpie and Hogi Yogi.... real bad. Why don't we have them here anymore? Stinking Subway is on every corner, but it's not the same! (And the Blimpie in Hurricane isn't as good as the Blimpie here was, same goes for the Hogi Yogi in Cedar).

Year Round

2011-06-23T16:20:00.003-06:00

Last night Tom and I were talking about year round school, when were in elementary school we had year round school. At the beginning of the year you would be assigned a certain "track" A, B, C, or D and each track would take a turn being "off track". Then there was usually a 6 week Summer Break when everyone would be off.

I absolutely loved this system! I got to be out of school in different seasons when I could actually do stuff outside because it wasn't 115 degrees. My mom always made sure my brother and I were not on the same track because she couldn't stand it when we would fight. It was so much fun to spend one on one time with my mom and get my own time "off". I think my favorite track was D because then you'd get out for Summer before everyone else.

An example of what our year round charts looked like

Tom and I were wishing they still had that system here. I'm glad they at least had it for us. Anyone else had year round school like that? Or was St. George just weird?

Lunatic Fringe Comes Highly Recommended...

2011-06-18T20:11:00.003-06:00

...by Me. Tom gave me an awesome Mother's Day package from there (hair cut, color, and deep condition... 3 separate appointments, plus 2 tickets to a Tuacahn show). I did the cut last week and the color this week.

I'm fairly picky as hair salons go, but I definitely was impressed by them. Everyone is so nice and you don't feel like they think are all better than you (like I feel at many hair salons, but maybe that's my own self doubt that makes me feel that way). Seriously though, you totally feel like everyone is SO happy that you came in... they almost throw you a party.

My hairdresser was Renee and she is completely awesome. Today after she blow dried my hair (with the help of some guy... I felt like a rock star having 2 people work on my hair at the same time) she decided to do something fun and curl it. I don't even bother to curl my hair like... ever, so I was pretty stoked. Like I said I'm pretty picky, and usually end up in tears about my hair in the car before I get home because it usually turns out so different from what I wanted, but Renee has yet to make me cry.

Yeah... I'm pretty vain for posting a picture of just myself on the blog so you can see my hair, but the fact that I have my glasses on is proof that I wasn't thinking of vanity when I took it.

Another awesome thing... the receptionist asks you what you would like to drink, not ask if you want something, but practically forces you to chose something to drink. Today I got water and was surprised when she handed me this...

... awesome glass water bottle which also made me feel like a rock star. I'm keeping it forever.

If you lost count that's two times I have felt like a rock star today.

Yep, I loved Lunatic Fringe so much I even wrote a blog post about it (or was it just an excuse to post a picture of me wearing nerdy glasses... you'll never know). Anyway, if you are in the area in need your hair done definitely check them out.

Dressing up

2011-06-16T08:05:00.004-06:00

Arvilla always wants to dress up in her "Wedding Dress", and realistically, this is the only dress-up-dress we have, but she would be happy wearing it every day (because she does).

The only problem* is then Clark wants to dress up too. With the help of some ribbon, sashes, a headband, and a bandanna we get this:

Maybe I should invest in some more manly dress up clothes for Clark.... but really no matter what you use to dress a boy up they're bound to end up looking like one of the Village People.

eta: Clark wanting to dress up is not the problem... the problem is that we don't have any "dress ups" for him to wear.... hence the creative pirate costume.

Aitch

2011-06-11T15:01:00.003-06:00

For all those who were so impressed by my non-cursing cursing vocabulary (what the aitch?)... I actually got it from her so I really can't take the credit. I also got my love for The Faint, Golden Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends from her too. Once she let me attend her family's 4th of July shin-dig and I'll never forget it (especially the parade). She would also feed me Sundance Deli leftovers on a regular basis. I heart Bradie.

Summer 2007

2011-06-06T10:02:00.002-06:00

One Summer I was determined to do tons of different fun things, so I printed off a calendar and scheduled the entire Summer with fun things... I camped, I went to Zion, I visited a friend in Wisconsin and visited Chicago, I had a girls weekend in Mesquite, etc. I also met Tom that Summer, although that wasn't on my calendar.

One of the coolest things I did was spend 3 whole days making chocolates. I made tons of different kinds and varieties and in the end I had made a total of 277 chocolates. I got little boxes from Micheal's Crafts with gold ribbon and gave some to friends, and had them for dessert at a family gathering... and I left a lot at Tom's house for his family too.

I had a camera back then so I could actually document it. Dear Camera, where the aitch are you?

I'm really considering trying this again this Summer... or maybe Winter since I really don't have the fridge space I need and the cold weather will help that situation. This time I have my Grandma Buys' chocolate recipe to try out which I'm really excited about! Her chocolates were always so delicious and I remember always sneaking in to the office (where she would store them) and stealing some. Hopefully mine will turn out as good as hers. :)

San Diego

2011-06-01T09:10:00.003-06:00

Tom and I were lucky enough to get a short trip to San Diego over Memorial Day Weekend... and we left the kids at home for once.

To show you how pathetic we are with picture taking on trips (especially when we can't find our camera) I'm going to post every single picture we took while we were there:

San Diego temple, it is so beautiful! We were wishing we could do a session but they had no sessions on Monday. It was still so fun to visit in person!

First night there... we dressed up (well, as much as Tom and I dress up anyway... button down shirt for Tom and skinny jeans for me is about as dressy as we get these days) and ate at a restaurant right on the beach and got to watch the ocean waves during dinner. Afterward we took a nice long walk on the beach.

We took the minivan since the Saturn doesn't have AC, and felt a little out of place since we were almost always the only minivan in a parking lot... until we got to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. I wish I could have gotten a picture of the entire row because they were all minivans. It was also the first place that I wasn't the only girl wearing knee length shorts.

After dinner the second night we went to the Ghirardelli ice cream shop (holy crap... it was amazing!) and while waiting in line we thought to ourselves "gee, we haven't taken hardly any pictures" so we snapped a couple....

...and those were the last two pictures we took. Yeah we're lame, but we're used to taking pictures of cute kids so when they aren't around we aren't sure what to do.

It was strange being away form the kids for so long, but it was so nice to have a vacation with just the two of us.

Clark Gary aka Clarence G

2011-05-25T18:27:00.003-06:00

Enjoying our new place so far, and getting closer to being done with the unpacking process.

I apologize that we cannot find our camera... it might be hanging out in Las Cruces, who knows. Any pictures since April have been taken from my phone, so if you're a photo snob don't judge me!

Done

2011-05-19T08:52:00.003-06:00

We did it, we chose a house and we're moving in this Saturday! It's in Washington just a few blocks from the community center which will be super nice.

Here it is:

And the super nice backyard with a small swing set. It also has peach trees and grape vines, and is completely fenced off.

So yeah, it's the really small house... but even after looking at a house twice its size that had a fenced back yard too I just couldn't stop thinking about this one and we decided to do it. I'm so glad we did too because the landlord is really nice and helpful, and everything is working out perfect.

It also has a mount on the wall for a flat screen, so I guess that means we *have* to buy one now. :D

Local friends be ready to be invited to a million barbecues and birthday parties in the back yard, we want to take advantage of it as much as we can before we outgrow the house.

House Hunting and Cute Kids

2011-05-17T08:03:00.003-06:00

For the past 3+ weeks we have been looking for a home to rent. (Don't ask about the house we own. Just don't.) It has been such a stressful chore for me. I thought it would be fun and we could take our time and find the perfect house, but there is no perfect house... each one is missing something. It's been the hardest decision... do we get the tiny house with the amazing yard? The huge house with no yard? The town house just because it's super cheap? The medium sized house with the medium sized yard, but weird bathrooms?

But even before we get to that point we have to find these homes via craigslist, ksl, and rental agencies... call to see if they are still available (half the time they aren't) then make an appointment to go see them. The appointments have to be at 6 or 7 pm which totally ruins our evening dinner/bedtime schedule, but at the earliest Tom gets home from work at 5:20. (Poor Tom, left for work at 3:40 this morning.) Plus with Tom working so much I end up dealing with most of it, even though he's been really nice and trying to help out there's only so much he can do.

Then we find a house we like, call to tell them we'll take it, then they tell us the have rented it to someone else. crap.

There's the teeny tiny house we're trying to decide on, it's such an adorable house and an awesome yard (comes with a swing set) but it is very small even without furniture in it. I am seriously falling in love with it though, but I'm stressing at the thought of living so cramped up.

I'm just stressed, and I just wish we could live here:
And hang out with Bloo, and Edwardo, and all those fun guys and forget about all the stupid grown up things we have to deal with. I think the kids would like it there too, and then Frankie could babysit them for me.

Okay on to the "cute kids" portion of this post...

Arvilla pretending to lead music at Grandma Buys' house

Clark playing in the water at Town Square

I would say more about my cute kids, I'm still getting over how cranky they were the past house (hooray for nap time!) and I need a little more time to recover and remember how sweet and cute they are.

Juli & Julia

2011-05-02T13:13:00.003-06:00

After the kids and I ate lunch today I really wanted to get a couple things made that I have been procrastinating making, so I put the kids up to the counter and had them help me. I had to pull out my Julia Child impression to keep them from getting grumpy, and I had to pretend that every jar was too tough to open while I'd grunt and pull faces, embarrassing yourself to make your kids happy is a sign of a good mom (imho). :)

Don't you love the randomness of the items on the counter?

We made yogurt (Plain Greek Yogurt, Strawberries, and a bit of honey... blend it up and return to original container) and we made Roasted Red Pepper Dip, which was a new recipe I tried out and it's amazing! Pretty much anything my kids can dip stuff in they like so I like to try making healthier things than Ketchup which is their personal favorite.

Happy Monday everyone!

Due Date

2011-04-26T08:44:00.003-06:00

My pregnancy due dates never really meant much to me, I knew it was not likely that I would have a baby on that exact day so I really never thought about the due date... it was more the time frame (like the end of September) that I would pay attention to. Both of my kids came before their due date, Arvilla was 1 week early and Clark was 3 weeks early.

This one though stings a little. I wish I didn't remember dates so well, I wish I had Tom's memory- he forgets everything- and that today would pass by me just like any other day, but when I look at my phone and see April 26 I instantly know what that means.... It's my due date for pregnancy #3, the pregnancy that ended a little over 12 weeks along. How can I not be sad about that?

Really though I'm grateful that it's finally passing, instead of it looming over me like it has for the past 6 months. I will no longer think "I should be pregnant right now..."

Sick

2011-04-21T18:14:00.002-06:00

Hey everybody, Tom here.

Just to give all of you out there an update on us, we've all been sick for the 9th time this year (yup, you read that right. My theory is that Obama is trying to make us all sick so we'll love his new healthcare plan, but maybe that's just me.).

Juli and Clark have been hit especially hard by it (I've just got a bearable sinus infection and cold and Arvilla is about the same as me). Clarkie has croup and the doctor about pooped his pants when he looked in Juli's "Miss I Had My Tonsils Removed When I Was 19 But I Still Get Sore Throats All The Time" throat and said, and I quote, "Your throat looks horrible. It's all blistery and looks painful" or something along those lines. A blistery throat? I'm glad I don't have that. I don't know if it compares to this, but she is miserable and I feel super bad for my honey. Her once scarily powerful coughing fits that Arvilla inherited (thanks, dear) have been replaced with a hoarse, "I've smoked twelve packs a day for my entire life" raspy voice and pathetic cough.

Anyway, hopefully we're all better soon. Send good vibes our way.

Happy Birthday Tom!

2011-04-14T14:56:00.003-06:00

Tom's brother sent this picture today, and I just had to post it. That's lipstick that Tom's older sister put on his face.

Tom is working another 12 hour shift today. The kids and I took lunch to him, but the poor guy is so tired and worn out. We're excited for him to come home though so we can have dinner and cake!!

I just can't express on a blog how incredible I think Tom is, and how lucky I am to be married to him. He's done some amazing things since we've been married - completing his Bachelor's and MBA, running his Parent's company himself, installed a toilet ;), getting in to a PhD program (and being smart enough not to drag us through it any longer when he realized he wasn't happy with it), he's also a terrific dad and was there for me for the birth of our babies and supported me through a miscarriage, I am so grateful that I married someone so selfless and compassionate.

Now I have a job for all of you who know Tom if you're up for it... Please comment telling me some funny/meaningful anecdote you have about Tom or something you like about Tom. I want to see what we can come up with. :)

Outside Fun!

2011-04-13T14:27:00.005-06:00

Now that it has finally stopped raining we've been getting some rockin' outdoor time. The kids just love the set up of the back yard here, and they love the grass!

Clark just runs and runs and runs!

He wouldn't even stop for the camera, but he did say cheese!

Arvilla just ran from the camera, I had to literally tackle her to get her picture... good thing she thought it was funny!

Another tackle. I'd make a good football player (if my opponents were all toddlers)

Tom surprised us all and came home early from work and got some outside time with us too!

She didn't even want to take a picture with me. :( She thought it was soooo funny to try to run away from Momma. I do put her shoes on right before we go outside, but she takes them off so the grass can "tickle her piggies". She gets that from me, I love going barefoot.

We went back inside to eat dinner, then back outside to plant our garden (I know we're a little late... but luckily the rain kept it cool a while longer and hopefully we'll have some success). The kids loved digging up the dirt and watering everything with watering cans.

And of course we have to water kids so they will grow too!

Yup. I kiss my babies on the mouth. ;)

Group hug!

We got used to having Tom around, so it's been an adjustment having him back at work (especially with 12 hour days!) The kids wake up every morning looking for dad, and when I tell them he's at work they cry. I'm just so glad my kids like me. I know that seems a little weird to say, but I've often worried that they didn't like me, but I think that was just my own insecurities and I'm over it now.

Today we ate our lunches outside on the deck (with huge bees swarming around the wisteria) and Arvilla thought it was the neatest concept to eat outside! When I first told her we were going to eat on the picnic table outside she was jumping up and down saying "We can eat outside?!" Yup... and Arvilla, it wasn't the first time you've ever eaten outside before, or the first time this Spring. I appreciate the enthusiasm though!

Moved(ish)

2011-04-08T15:17:00.008-06:00

We made it safely to St. George, and are trying to adjust to this new change. The kids are love playing with their cousins though... all of them! They also love having 2 grandmas and a grandpa to love up. They miss having their own rooms though... sharing hasn't been too awesome so far. Our rental agency finally let the tenants know we will be moving back in in August, and that they are welcome to leave before then, so we're crossing our fingers that we can move back into our house sooner than we thought, then the kids won't have to share a room and Tom and I will have our bed back (king sized beds are just too big!)

We sold a lot of our furniture so our house was so empty before we even moved out

Arvilla and Clark each got a travel-sized doodle pad for the trip, and they were a huge hit! (So were the Fruit Loop necklaces, Tangled on the dvd player, and Easter stickers to put on index cards).

Honestly the trip went a lot easier than it usually does. I was quite pleased with that. I think it took 14-15 hours total, but it didn't feel nearly that long, and we didn't stop to stay the night anywhere. It also helped that we didn't have to drive through Gallup, whenever we drive through there I always feel like I need a shower afterward. Another plus was having J's help driving the U-Haul (thanks again J.. and again and again times infinity) It would have been extremely difficult, almost impossible, doing it all with just Tom and myself.

Some of my family met up at my mom's Saturday morning to help us unload stuff we were storing there (and the piano... sorry guys). Then my brothers in-law(s?) helped Tom unload everything else at his mom's house. Now we just have a few boxes waiting in the most inconvenient places to be unpacked and then we're completely done!!... until we move into our house. Sheesh.

Now that we're mostly settled, our diets and exercise habits are back to normal (maybe even better...?), our kids are well and healthy as of this morning, Tom's back at work and the kids are back into a schedule, we are happy. Not that we weren't before, but it was all the chocolate and caffeine keeping us happy during the moving process, and now it's for reals. (Is the word "realsies" still trendy? Because I really wanted to use it there but wasn't sure since Scrubs is over).

Speaking of caffeine... we're through! Done. I'm never going back. Ever. I keep thinking "just every once in a while" which turns in to "just every once in a while.... I'll totally become addicted and drink it every day...multiple times a day". Nope.... never again. If I crave a diet coke I'm going to drink....er....Gatorade, or... any suggestions?

Day 30

2011-03-29T07:30:00.004-06:00

day 30- your favorite song

Really? Seriously?! The big day 30 is just what my favorite song is? Seems a little anticlimactic to me. Oh well... I really have a lot of favorite songs, some of them include:

Good for You by Third Eye Blind
Artex by Drew Danburry (or anything Drew Danburry really)
How about this one, Drew singing Weezer, can't get better than that
or maybe you can.
Impromptu N.3 Opus90 composed by Schubert
The Luckiest Ben folds
Long Nights Piebald
....and plenty more.

I honestly can't see how someone can choose just 1 favorite song. Maybe a favorite song for a certain genre of music, or like if someone asked me what my favorite Hymn was I could easily say Come, Come, ye Saints. But just chosing only one favorite song is pretty much impossible.

I know I've been slacking on pictures, so here's a good one for ya...

I love my boys.

Day 29

2011-03-27T19:22:00.004-06:00

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

I really hate packing boxes
I really don't like that I have so much anxiety about every little thing
My kids really do love me!
I'm more sentimental that I'd like to be
Tom is a lot more fun when he's not constantly busy with a stupid PhD program
My body doesn't like the moving diet at all
or the lack of exercise

Days 27 and 28

2011-03-22T07:35:00.002-06:00

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Just because... I guess. No real reason.

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

My hair is longer and darker
I've lost a little weight
I'm better at making friends
I'm more brave
My ears are pierced (again)
I'm more open minded
I've grown as a wife and mom
I'm better at reading my scriptures daily

Really not a lot has changed about me... my kids are older, I've been through some sad events, I'm busier, I moved to a new state, but I haven't really changed. I'm still the same person, but with a little more life experience.

Days 24, 25 & 26 + Big News!

2011-03-20T16:50:00.002-06:00

day 24- your last five facebook status'

Can all be seen here.

day 25- what I would find in your bag

Wallet (with money, ID, credit and debit cards, temple recommend, Target gift card and Maurices punch pass), Relief Society manual, cough drops, gum, chap stick, a zip lock bag with Tylenol and Cranberry pills, and.... random receipts.

day 26- what do you think about your friends

What do you think I think about my friends? Obviously they're my friends so I like them enough to tolerate being around them. :)

Big News:

We're moving back to St. George at the end of this month.

Day 23

2011-03-15T19:58:00.002-06:00

day 23- something you crave for a lot

Attention.

Oh wait... you meant food? Probably candy. I can out eat everyone I know in that glorious stuff. You'll be happy to know that it's been almost a month since I've had any!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier (and hopefully thinner), but I'm looking forward to a Cadburry cream egg or 4 at the end of next week.

I told Arvilla if she pooped in the potty (which she's terrified of) I'd let her have an entire candy bar, if it actually happens I might have to help her eat it because that's a lot of chocolate for one little girl.

Day 22

2011-03-14T16:15:00.002-06:00

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

I'm kind of hyper. I often feel immature because of this so I stifle it, but often when I let the hyper emerge people think I'm cool... so maybe I should let it out more often. Although there are plenty of people bothered by my hyper-ness, I need to be careful I guess. Don't want to waste the hyper on the wrong people. Arvilla and Tom appreciate the hyper though, Arvilla will try so hard to not smile or laugh at me but she can't resist. It's cute to see her try though.

The Business of Being Born

2011-03-08T21:26:00.003-07:00

I gave in and watched this. Many have suggested it to me like it's the most life changing documentary ever, so I watched it.

Altogether the documentary pretty neat. It was very informative (and somewhat biased, but what do you expect?) Although, if I wasn't already interested in home birth watching this wouldn't convince me to try it.

Here's just a few things I was disappointed with:

1. The rage on OB's. How they are all surgeons and just want to cut women up. I hate this argument. If you have an OB like this, then go with someone else because I promise they are not all like this. Also, they are not all going to try to push you into their schedule so they can get home to dinner or go golfing. My OB when I had Clark drove from Provo when he found out I was in labor to deliver Clark. He could have easily had the OB on call deliver, but he didn't.

2. The one doctor toward the end saying that if a mother has a c-section she cannot love and care for her child. Compared them to monkeys saying that a monkey would never care for its child if it was surgically removed. Something about not getting the "love hormones" natural birth gives you. What? I've known plenty of women (including my mom) who have loved and taken care of their c-section babies. I also see plenty of women give birth naturally who maybe don't do the best job at those things. I've also seen moms adopt children and love them as if they carried them for 9 months and gave birth to them.

3. Some of the women being interviewed were comparing home birth with how hospital birth was in the 50's. A lot has changed since the 50's, and guess what... they don't tie you down anymore! I've read a lot about birth during different decades and centuries, and it's nice to be informed, but you really need to compare home birth in the 21st century with hospital birth in the 21st century.

4. The home births that they filmed all seemed kind of tense to me. Some women screaming and cursing, others moaning louder than... who knows what! They all seemed miserable! I understand some women birth this way and that's fine, but I was hoping they would have filmed at least one calm birth to let people know it happens! During my labor with Clark I was very calm and relaxed (with no epidural). I can honestly say that it was about 94% pain free. I felt pressure during contractions, but thanks to the Hypnobirthing techniques I had practiced for months I felt no pain until his actual birth, but even then I didn't scream. The lights were kept low, and the spirit was strong in the room... and it was just so calm!

I really think home or hospital birth is great, but I was just disappointed with this documentary after hearing so many people rave about it. I was just expecting something more moving.

Days 20 & 21

2011-03-07T20:44:00.002-07:00

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

I hate when my kids are sick, but I love sick days of wearing pajamas all day, snuggling, and watching movies. This time it was Mary Poppins, my childhood favorite. The kids love it, and we all sang along and even danced when we had the energy. We watched it 2-3 times every day since Saturday.

Sick days just give us a chance to forget about all the busy stuff and just enjoy time with each other... not to mention nothing makes a kid want to snuggle more than when they don't feel well (and are drugged up on Tylenol and Vicks vapor rub).

day 20- someone you love

Do you even need to ask?

My Tom

My Gubbies
(Arvilla has been calling him Ogre lately, I still like Gubbies)

And My "Pincess a long hair"
Even though she has practically no hair, she's convinced she is Rapunzel

Days 18 & 19

2011-03-03T10:34:00.004-07:00

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

I have always wanted a big family. 5-10 years down the road I picture us with a few more kids, and Tom in a career he totally loves, while I continue to stay at home. There are a few things not involving my kids I would like to do while raising a family that I've mentioned before (Hypnobirthing instructor, published writer), but my biggest dream has always been to have a big family.

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

Chewy. I've had it since birth. Even my grandma and grandpa (and aunts and uncles, and...well, everyone related to me) call me Chewy. My brother (who was 3 at the time) couldn't say "Julianne"so he just started saying Chewy and it caught on.

Day 17

2011-03-01T21:40:00.003-07:00

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Hmmm.... I have 2 (is that allowed?)

1. Arvilla. Then I could potty train myself as her, then when I was back to my life I'd have a potty trained daughter.

2. Each of my piano student's parents who aren't up to date on their payments. That way I could pay me as them, then when I was back to my life I'd have money to purchase a little necessity I call food. I'm just not good at the business side of teaching, I don't like telling people they owe me money. It's just not fun.

Days 14, 15, and 16

2011-02-27T16:14:00.004-07:00

day 14- a picture of you and your family

Look above. That's the most recent one of us.

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

I don't have an ipod. :)

day 16- another picture of yourself

I thought I'd make this a little more interesting by digging up a photo from my past. If I ever run for office this picture will make all the headlines.... "Senator Picklesimer, snitching wedding cake!" I'll never be president.

Rewind

2011-02-24T20:21:00.004-07:00

Let's rewind a bit and talk about Valentine's Day and My birthday.

Valentines...
Man my thumb is manly (oh wait, that's Tom's).

Birthday...

Casserole dishes are like socks in our house, they seem to get lost a little too easy. Now, thanks to Tom, I have these lovely casserole dishes that make food a little more fun (and tasty... although not as tasty as tcw). He also gave me a mini muffin pan. I have a lot of super healthy muffin recipes, but the muffins are too big and messy for my kids. Mini muffins however are awesome, especially when the kids think they are cookies.

Day 13

2011-02-23T15:36:00.002-07:00

day 13- a letter to someone

Dear Las Cruces Women's Health Community,

I really think it sucks that I can't pick one doctor/midwife and have that same doctor/midwife throughout my pregnancy, as well the birth of the baby (unless you're out of town of course). I was shocked to find out that no practice here offers that, especially the midwifes who are supposed to be all about letting the woman have the pregnancy and birth that she wants. I'm even more shocked that some practices have eight or more Doctors/midwives that I would have to circle through... I'm sorry but that's just ridiculous!

I was excited to learn that midwives could deliver in hospitals here... but I have learned that those midwives are very similar to doctors in their way of thinking, and that gentle and natural birth isn't a priority for them.

You almost have me wondering if I should wait until we move to have another child, and that thought makes me really sad. I used to get scared when I'd hear women birthing in their car on the way to the hospital... but now I'm almost hoping for that situation in attempt to avoid being stuck with whichever provider is on call. That's how crazy I've become since moving here, and I don't like it.

Sincerely,

A very frustrated Juli

Day 12

2011-02-22T21:07:00.002-07:00

skipping 11....

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

My old room mates' room mate had one. :) We were friends on facebook, and she posted about her blog once, and I was all like "That would be awesome to have a place where I can talk about myself all the time." So I had one (I don't even know if I dare share the link to it here and admit that I wrote those things).

Then when Tom and I were married so were our blogs. Now we use it to mostly post about our family and kids so friends and family can keep up with us... and we use it a little to talk about ourselves. We're only human after all.

Days 9&10

2011-02-21T16:45:00.003-07:00

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

I think that I'm a good mom. I have plenty of room for improvement, but so far I think I'm doing a dang good job. My kids are happy, secure, well fed, confident, protected, and much more. They know they are loved as well as how to love. I'm very blessed for this opportunity to be a mom, as well as the opportunity to be home with my kids which I wouldn't trade for anything.

A person may be proud without being vain.
Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves;
vanity, to what we would have others think of us.

-Jane Austen

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

I really don't listen to music too often, when the kids are in the car I either listen to nothing or to talk radio.

When I'm happy I like to listen to songs Tom and I listened to back in our dating days. (Seve vs Evan, Drew Danburry, The Eels, Ben Folds).

Sad: Ben Folds- "Still Fighting It"

Bored: Nothing. Or else I wouldn't be bored anymore.

Hyped: Erasure, The Cure, The Faint.

Mad: Greeley Estates, no matter how much Tom hates them.

Days 7 & 8

2011-02-17T13:21:00.003-07:00

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

There have been a lot of people and things that have made a big impact on my life. My parents, Tom, my kids, the miscarriage, moving to a new state, illness in my family, etc. If I was to say what is currently having the biggest impact on my life I would have to say my miscarriage, but the person who has made the biggest impact on my life and continues to is Jesus Christ.

Not only has he suffered and died for my sins, was resurrected so I can live again, and set an amazing example for me; he also knows and has experienced what I am feeling or going through whether it's something that is good or bad. He is always there for me.

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

I didn't know the answer to this one until today when I talked to my sister about this book/practice. I think my goals are to learn how to release the emotional things in my life that are affecting my health, and to rely more on my Heavenly Father for help instead of thinking I can do it on my own. My sister has another book that talks about the emotions that are behind your illness(es) and when she and my mom looked up mine the common emotion was fear. I guess there's a starting place for me.

Sorry this post got a little heavy. ;) I hope you don't mind me sharing.

Day 6

2011-02-14T15:28:00.002-07:00

day 6- favorite super hero and why

Who knows! I think the only superhero I've ever been a fan of was Superman, and that's only because my family used to watch Lois and Clark when I was younger (every Sunday, and we ate fudge).

Wolverine is probably next, because I was into the X-Men movies. ("Hugh Jackman is Wolverine")

Other than liking the tv show or movie I have no other reason for liking these superhero's more than others. Lame huh?

Tom's favorite is Luke Skywalker.

P.s. Happy Valentine's Day. We're all in love over here but I'll spare you the sappy details.

Days 4 & 5

2011-02-13T19:05:00.003-07:00

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

Saying "or" that sounds more like "er..." at the end of questions. I know I do it, I don't like that I do it, but I can't seem to stop! I always sound like a dork.

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

Chicago in 2007. We're hoping to go there as a family when Tom graduates. Go Cubs!!

Day 3

2011-02-11T08:28:00.005-07:00

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of my more recent friends that I've made since being married. Luckily I have plenty of pictures of people I've been friends with for 5+ years, but that means the pictures are pretty old. :/

Bradie and Lauren. My former room mates. They're "boss".

Nicole. Friends since 9th grade, Ninjas for life.

Jenessa. We met in 2006 and have so much in common we're pretty much the same person. This was the last time I saw her. :(

My nieces. They are so grown up now. The oldest can drive! But they've always been my best friends. It's hard living so far away from then but we keep in touch via texting.

JJ, Kristin, and Allison (not pictured) are my High school friends. We still try to get together usually around Christmastime. Jamie (the one in the red) dated JJ for awhile.... she's cool too.

Andy. My brother. He was my first friend, the one I hated the most, but when we weren't fighting we had a lot of fun. Now that we're grown up we get along (mostly).

Angela and Jen. I had so much fun with these girls it's not even funny.

And of course Tom. Not pictured because I've posted a lot of pictures of us recently.

I can honestly say that these people have seen all sides of me, yet love me anyway. That's true friendship

Day 2

2011-02-10T20:56:00.001-07:00

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

I think I'll leave it a mystery for now and see if you can figure it out.

Day 1

2011-02-09T13:54:00.004-07:00

Day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

1. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

2. I have 2 kids who are 13 months apart.

3. I get so nervous to talk on the phone to... well.. anyone besides Tom or my Mother.

4. Next to Tom, my Mom is my best friend.

5. I love Angry Birds.

6. I'm a vegetarian at heart (if you've been reading my blog you should know that by now), but meat keeps me from being excessively anemic so I eat it.

7. I would like to be a Hypnobirthing instructor/coach someday.

8. I currently teach piano lessons.

9. I'm very protective of my husband, and the people I dislike more than anyone else are people who have treated him poorly. In fact it usually bugs me more than it does him.

10. I love Yoga, and am working on being more Zen.

11. I love roller coasters, and thrill rides, I've been on the world's highest skycoaster and someday want to go skydiving and/or bungee jumping.

12. I really think the Duggar family is awesome.

13. I have grown to hate hospitals, and only tolerate doctor's and nurses (except for my OB in St. George).

14. I love to write. I recenlty wrote a short children's book and entered it in to a contest.

15. I fell in love with Tom the first week I met him, I tried denying it for months but it obviously didn't work. :) Thanks for waiting until I was ready Tom!

30 Day Blog Challenge

2011-02-09T13:49:00.003-07:00

The thirty day blog challenge...

My friend Jessica is doing this, and it's been fun to read hers so I decided to try it out myself and encourage ALL of my readers (select all tag) to do it as well. I'm not promising that I will get it done in 30 days, but I will do all 30 days.

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you love

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- your last five facebook status'

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

day 30- your favorite song

The Ugly

2011-02-07T20:05:00.003-07:00

We might not want to tell her about this, we don't want to ruin the illusion she has of "us".

This is how a stay at home mom looks after a day of caring for a sick child. No shower, no make up (obviously, can't you see that zit?), still in pj's (and not even cute ones), smells like throw up and other bodily fluids that are not her own, and has snot in various places on her shirt. It's truly an awful sight.

I thought I'd be a little cleaned up by the time Tom got home, but I was bathing Clark since he had just thrown up all over the kitchen, I had his 2 year old sister "babysitting" him while he sat in a shallow tub so I could quickly clean it up because I knew he'd want to be held after his bath...I was desperate! when Tom walked in at 4:30, home early from school. Huzzah! He took over with Clark so I could take a much needed shower.

As I showered I wondered if it would be possible to stay in there for an escape for a few days. I can go without food, and water is right there... I'm a pretty good daydreamer so entertainment wouldn't be a problem. Delusional? Uh... yeah! I finally pulled myself out of the shower and got ready so I could run to Walmart with Arvilla.

I knew Clark was in good hands...

He didn't want to leave his Dad's embrace.

My daughter taking pictures with a match box car

Clark stayed in Tom's arms the entire evening until we got back from the store. It was pretty precious.

The thing is, when a mom has a sick child anything else gets put on the back burner. I had big plans today to clean the entire house, fold the mountain of laundry that was in our room, bake some healthy muffins for snacks (yep lady, I bake!), type up a few lists I needed to make charts for, and so on. None of that got done today (except some of the laundry during nap), but I did get to hold my sick little boy, wipe his nose, and comfort his discomfort. Even though it may not seem glamorous, and I'm totally done in at the end of the day, I know I'm doing what is right for me, and for my family. I want to be there for my kids, and I'm happy to do it even if it's hard (well... in hindsight at least).

Now I'm off to find some inner peace via yoga.

Buys Family

2011-02-03T07:47:00.006-07:00

While we were in St. George in January we had the opportunity of getting together with my entire family for the first time in almost 2 years. My awesome sister in-law Claire took family pictures for us. It was a little crunched for time and light, but even with ALL of us in St. George it was the only time we could get absolutely everyone together.

Pickle Family

In a normal life we wouldn't be the type of couple with millions of pictures of ourselves, but I feel like we need to make up for the poor excuse for a photographer who shot our wedding. In fact my favorite pictures from our wedding are ones Claire took.

I love this picture,
my niece Sophia was sad and crying during the shoot , so we all cried with her.

Everyone!
Claire, the one who took the pictures, is the gorgeous one in the front on the right.

The Buys Siblings

All the "Peanuts" as my Dad calls them
Notice how Clark is the only boy?

Happy 24th Juli!

2011-01-31T08:39:00.008-07:00

Hey everybody, Tom here. I just wanted to hijack "our" blog and do a birthday post for my beloved. As you may have inferred, it's Juli's 24th birthday today! Woohoo! We celebrated last night and had birthday cake and sloppy joes (Juli's favorite) and had some good friends over to celebrate the occasion with us.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

The awesome cake I built her.

This is how Juli feels to be turning 24 :) (Please don't kill me for posting this, honey)

This is my lovely, beautiful, intelligent girl on her 24th birthday. Isn't she pretty, folks?

And this is a random picture of Clark, topless (his preferred way to be) with an Indiana Jones-style hat on

Anyway, happy birthday Juli! I sure do love you and I am glad I've gotten to celebrate the last 3 (*UPDATE* I was just informed that this is the 4th birthday of Juli's that we've been married for.. whoops) birthdays with you! You're the best!

Not-So-Great Week

2011-01-30T07:05:00.004-07:00

The kids watching a movie on Arvilla's mattress

I'm so glad this week is over! It had a lot of things going against it, so I'm really not surprised. To top it all off we all took turns getting and being sick since Wednesday.

To survive we relied on treats, and for the most part easy processed meals. Two things that only show up occasionally in our house these days (at least when the kids are awake, once they're down in bed candy is fair game). I felt like such a slacker not trying harder with meals and snacks for the kids so that they're healthy. I was just too drained to make any effort (okay, I did dump some butternut squash puree in the boxed macaroni we made, that counts as healthy right?). There's always next week I guess.

Clark covered in icing from his graham cracker icing sandwich...

Arvilla digging in to a Valentine's Brownie....
See? I wasn't lying.

We will all suffer withdrawals next week, I guarantee it.

Gubbies

2011-01-24T21:18:00.006-07:00

Arvilla: "That's my brother, I call him Gubbies". Said at the park with dad one afternoon.

Yup... that one nickname out of the 400 Zillion (gazillion) nicknames I use for Clark has stuck. "Gubbies". It couldn't be Clarsy, bug, cub, cubbies, or Clarence G to name a few. It's Gubbies.

So how would one describe Clark? He's so.... Clark.

In Relief Society on Sunday he decided it was time to go and drug the diaper bag around the entire room looking for someone to open the door for him. He made at least 4 new Grandma's, 6 new moms, and 2 new babysitters (the Laurels were visiting RS) in less than an hour.

He rocks the Dwight Schrute hairstyle like nobody's business.

I call this picture "Where's Waldo?"

I'm glad Clark surprised us 13 months after Arvilla was born.
I'm glad he gives the best kisses in the world.
I'm glad he shakes his head fervently when he gets hurt.
I'm glad he stands up on a chair he's not supposed to be climbing on and says "sit.
I'm glad he can be tickled without even touching him.
I'm glad he hollers "Maahhm" whenever he sees me.
I'm glad he says "Uh, Uh" when he doesn't want something.
I'm glad he walks with a cowboy swagger.

I'm glad he's ours.

We forgot!

2011-01-18T20:22:00.002-07:00

I forgot to mention some of the best parts of the trip!

1. 5 minute oatmeal (don't ask).

2. "Oh no, Oh no, Oh my GAAAaaaaaaaahhhhh" (no comment, or ask Mike).

and

3. Tranquie Blankie! The idea for an invention Tom and I had for long car ride home... a blanket with tranquilizing powers kids could snuggle to help them "rest" on the trip. Something like this.

(Can you tell we *still* miss St. George?)

St. George Visit

2011-01-12T14:46:00.004-07:00

We made it home from St. George at about 11:00 last night. Driving that far with 2 little kids is just awful, I'm not going to lie.

Trip Highlights:

1. Having to go the long way to avoid snow. We left here at 9 am and got there at midnight. Yuk.

2. Watching Anne of Green Gables with 4 of my nieces, and swooning over Gilbert Blythe.

3. My niece Holly's baptism!

4. A Quick trip with just Tom and I to Las Vegas. We got a suite for super cheap at the Stratosphere and we had way too much fun! (I also tripled my money... I gambled $1 and left with $3.)

Sadly this is the only picture we took the entire time we were gone.

5. Lunch almost every day with my mom and dad.

6. Kids being bathed by Grandma "Pickol" every night, and late night chats with her once the kids were in bed.

7. Hanging out with the Maxfields.

8. Traditional Wednesday Girls Night Out with Caralee and Christina.

9. Hanging out with Mike and Whit (Tom's brother and his wife) on Saturday. JJ joined us for dinner that night.

10. Buys family pictures and party on Sunday. It was the first time my entire family was all together in a long time, we get a little crazy when you get us all in the same room. Arvilla had too much fun with her cousins, and loved dancing with the entire family!

11. Winning the card game Hearts against my dad and brother Monday night (okay Tom and Claire played too, but it was their first time playing every so that wasn't as big of a victory for me).

12. Buying a van.

13. Selling our car. (We'll miss you Glory Fork!)

14. Driving the short(er) way home.

We had so much fun seeing friends and family, and besides the driving we are really looking forward to going back in June!

Christmas

2010-12-27T21:44:00.001-07:00

Was a success at our house. Hope you had similar results at yours!

Clark Praying

2010-12-21T21:51:00.003-07:00

Here's a cute little video of how Clark prays. It's pretty cute. The best one is towards the end where he actually talks (he was too shy at the beginning). The cutest part by far though is his big fat smile because he knows he's being funny. Tom calls it the "Gary Picklesimer Smile". Oh and are you noticing that adorable red hair?

And I know what you're thinking "Whoah! Where did Clark come from?" I know most of our videos and pictures are of Arvilla, but that's because she's an attention hog. Clark was just lucky enough to wake up from his nap before she did.

Etsy Christmas Sale!

2010-12-17T10:35:00.002-07:00

All of the Christmas aprons in my Etsy store are currently 15% off, and free shipping!

Here are a couple of the newest ones I have made:

Remember all of the proceeds go to a cancer patient I know to help with her medical bills. Click the link above to browse more aprons, and make sure to tell your friends.

And yes, I feel totally okay soliciting my own blog for business purposes. :)

The Anniversary: 3rd Edition

2010-12-15T16:36:00.002-07:00

Well as you all know yesterday was our 3 year anniversary, it was also our 1st anniversary without a newborn so that was something new to us.

We really didn't do too much, in the morning we drove to El Paso to help out at the Bishop's Storehouse for a bit, came home and relaxed while the kids napped, went shopping with the kids, and had Thai takeout and Caliche's (frozen custard) after the kids went to bed for the night. It was probably my favorite anniversary though, and in January we'll be in St. George to Tom's mom is going to watch the kids overnight for us while we go to Vegas. Hotel rooms are dirt cheap there right now, and we need to do some school clothes shopping for Tom. It will be our first night away from both of the kids (Arvilla stayed with my mom when Tom, Clark, and I came down to Las Cruces to find a house). I'm super excited, but nervous to leave the kids at the same time. Does it ever get easier?

Thanks Tom for all the nice things you said about me. Your compliments mean more to me than you could imagine. I'm so glad you convinced me that we should be more than friends, and I'm so glad you asked me to marry you. I'm also very grateful that you were worthy to take me to the temple, since temple marriage wasn't negotiable for me. I love our little family so much, and I'm really starting to enjoy life again! Thanks for sticking with me through all of our trials (the most recent ones in particular)! I love you! :)

Happy Anniversary!

2010-12-14T07:18:00.003-07:00

Well, #3 snuck up on us... at least it snuck up on me. Other than the whirlwind of kids, school, and other life events since we got married, it still seems like it was just yesterday that we were walking out of the St. George Temple in the frigid St. George winters... hehe.

I wanted to sneak on here before Juli got a chance and tell her some things in a semi-public forum.

Juli, I am so incredibly happy that you've stuck with me over these last three years through all the good times and all the hard times. It's definitely not been easy (being married to you has been easy, just not the events in our lives since we got married... hehe) but it's been so worth it! You are an incredible best friend, spouse, and lover. I can't adequately express the last point here, other than to say that I am extremely satisfied, babe, so thanks :)

You make me laugh every day, make me smile every minute, and my heart beats faster every second I'm with you. I am looking forward to the rest of our lives together and seeing what is coming next. Thanks for being mine!

I don't have much else to say, but I definitely know that "I am the luckiest". I love you Juli!

A Sunny December Day in New Mexico!

2010-12-10T13:21:00.004-07:00

I know... two blogs in 2 days? It's rare that I think any of our days as blog worthy, but today has been one of them and I had to document it, at least for myself (and maybe poor Tom who is at the office trying to finish a paper before the weekend).

Today started so blah. I just woke up in a very unmotivated mood (aka a bad mood) for pretty much no explainable reason, and I was just ready to have a bad day.

Arvilla has taken up sleeping in the buff, and I sneak into her room before I go to bed to put her pj's back on, but the moment she wakes up she takes them off again so I try to tuck her in to blankets while she has her morning milk and show. Today she wanted me to lay down by her and hold her hand so that was nice, and I got to relax a little longer. (She hasn't been liking the camera so she was pretending to sleep).

Tom left and the lack of motivation continued. I showered, but didn't do my hair or makeup, and I just let the kids destroy Arvilla's room for a while, then I decided we needed to get out of the house... so we went to Walmart for a few things. When I got to the check out I realized my wallet wasn't in my purse, and the cashier acted like I took away her birthday. I offered to take all the stuff back where it goes and she said "Whatever" in a snotty tone so I just left. Then when I got to the car my wallet was sitting right there on the passenger seat.... of course. I decided to make good use of it and grab some "Hambers" from Wendy's for the kids (and a diet coke for me!)

After we ate we went to get the mail and it's just so sunny and warm here today I thought we'd play outside. The kids love playing in the front yard, which is so weird because the back yard has the grass and bikes and all that fun stuff. Go figure.

They love running back and forth on the side of the house touching the rock wall, and they love sitting on the bigger rocks, or hopping on the flat rocks. As a mom it's just nice doing any activity where your kids are having that much fun (especially the ones that require little to no effort on my part).

When we got inside it was time to get ready for naps, and while I was hunting down the wipes Arvilla decided to "change" Clark for me. Then she wanted to "hode" him to feed him his milk. It's just so cute how she still looks at him as her baby brother when he's in full toddler mode now!
Now I just need to clean up our house then teach my 2 students today (one of which I'm almost positive will either miss or come 30 minutes early), then it's family movie night and we're watching Elf! I just need to remember that it's usually the days that start out horrible, the ones that I'm sure everything is just going to go wrong and I'm going to cry through half of it, that end up turning up and being my favorite days!

Have to Share

2010-12-09T13:53:00.003-07:00

This is what a Sunday Schedule does to my kids-

How on earth are we going to switch to the noon to 3:00 schedule in January? I already pack a lunch to feed my kids on the way home from church (we get done at 1 and that's their nap time). Clark always falls asleep while he's eating lunch, but he's learned to eat in his sleep. haha. How are we going to blow through lunch and naps when the schedule changes? I'm not looking forward to that at all!

Luckily, by Monday evening they are back to normal (yes it takes that long). We enjoy a nice family home evening together with happy children.

(notice how Clark is sitting in the chair? Cute huh?)

I just love that face.

Decking the Halls

2010-11-29T20:02:00.003-07:00

While decorating our house for Christmas during fhe tonight I found myself being incredibly thankful for a husband who doesn't mind me singing Christmas songs in my extremely embellished Opera-esque voice. The only other person who never minded that was my mom every year when I'd help her decorate for Christmas... although I'm pretty sure she was just putting up with it because I was the only one who would help her.

My favorite moment was when all the decorating was done, all the lights were out (except on the Christmas tree of course) and we were all sipping on our Silk Nog entranced by the glow of the Christmas lights.

And there it is... our lopsided tree with all 8 ornaments that we own on it.

again

2010-11-22T20:49:00.003-07:00

I hate to bring this up again, but it's been over 2 years since I've posted it and I think it deserves another posting. You know you love it.

Click here to go to youtube to watch it if it doesn't work on here.

Bradie, I think we need to sue Drew for stealing our idea... I remember many a night Lauren and I interpretive dancing to this song in the apartment. Think we have a case? Mind being a witness?

Silly-ness

2010-11-19T22:17:00.002-07:00

This is a video of our sick day (more like week). To keep the kids entertained I set up a library in our living room with a self check-out. Arvilla played "Library" all day long!

And here is a little longer video of us just being silly before bedtime. Warning: it shows what horrible parents we are at the beginning. :D We just can't help ourselves sometimes.

I need to remember to talk quietly when I'm doing a video, since I'm so close to the mic I sound so loud! ekk.

My Favorite Time of Day

2010-11-15T13:58:00.003-07:00

Every day after lunch is "Reading Time" with the kids. I have found it calms them down for their naps, and fills the void between lunch and nap time making it less tempting for me to put the kids down (for naps) early.

Usually we read in Arvilla's room (that's where all the books are). She sits in her pink chair and I sit beside her and Clark roams around the room, steals our books, and drinks his milk. Sometimes we like to mix it up and read in other areas. Arvilla's favorite place to read is in the master bedroom tucked into our bed. I think that's my favorite spot too, but sometimes I don't want to get out of bed to put them down for naps, and wish we could all just sleep there.

Our favorites books are the ones by Doreen Cronin, in particular the "Click, Clack, Moo" series.

Every Thursday we go to the library for more books. Sometimes we choose some real winners, but others we get duds which makes for a boring week. Luckily we own some of our favorites so we other options when the library books are boring.

The best part is when Arvilla learns a funny word from the book and reads it for me, we currently have a book from the library called "Chicks and Salsa" and the barnyard animals often say "Ole!" and Arvilla often says "Oh-yay!"

Today Arvilla came up to me, all excited with her "Cindy-eye-yah" book in hand. She pointed to a picture of the castle and said "Temple!" It warmed my heart. I just love how observant she is, and how she inspects every single page of every book she has, and gets so excited when she discovers something familiar in them... like the Temple. :)

Oh Juli

2010-11-08T15:10:00.003-07:00

My two favorite girls in the world.

Pssst... I can post on here too, you know. Love you! Thanks for taking care of our two annoyingly sick kids. Hopefully they'll get better one of these years.

That's all I wanted to say. You're the best!