His Tractor's Sexy

Baby Food.

2012-02-03T22:24:00.002-07:00

Lightning struck around lunch time today and I thought, "Hm, I should do a post about that". I figured I would forget by the time I actually sat down at the computer tonight, so I jotted it all down on some paper. My blog is terribly overdue for an update, so here we go. Unfortunately, it is about food, again...

Sometimes I just want to kick myself. Often times I stick something edible in a ziploc storage bag and toss it in the freezer without labeling it thinking, "oh, I'll thaw it soon and use it for whatever great and wonderful plans I have for it, there's no way I'll forget what it is." HA! Two days ago, upon searching for apricot baby food puree in the freezer, I came across a full quart size bag of what looked like apricot puree-baby food, yet it was unlabeled. I stuck it in the fridge to thaw. I was a little hesitant because the last time I did this, I thought I was thawing Tortilla Soup and ended up serving Byron some apricot puree complete with cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. YUCK! (Important lesson learned: a cook should always taste test their food before serving AND always label your freezer food just in case) This morning I tasted the thawed mystery bag to discovered that it was indeed apricot puree. Instead of saving it all for baby Caleb, I put my dehydrator to work. This was a much better thawing adventure with delicious results.

Rainbow Jell-O=Delicious.

2011-11-25T12:54:00.003-07:00

When I was growing up, my dad's cousin's wife made this layered jell-o for special events like Thanksgiving and I never forgot it. When I grew up, I asked for the recipe and have made it for family dinners every once in a while. Apparently, it was memorable for others too because everyone was very excited to see it arrived for Thanksgiving. Guess it will have to be a traditional "Bec" dish to bring to family dinners. Thought I'd do a picture play-by-play...

First the red layer...

Then the sugary milk layer...

Then the next color, milk layer, next color, milk layer, finish with a color layer...and wah la... you have layered rainbow jell-o. So yummy.

A face only Momma could love...

2011-08-13T23:07:00.002-06:00

Owen got a hold of the camera and this picture took the cake. Made me giggle. Hope it makes you smile. Life has fallen into a lovely routine again and a full night's sleep makes me feel normal again-yay! Thought it was time for a new post.

Practicing Patience.

2011-03-22T10:51:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are two weeks away exactly from my scheduled induction date to bring baby Caleb into the world. I was at the doc yesterday and nothing is happening, so I must be patient (not my best quality) and trust that he will arrive when he is supposed to arrive. I still have many things I should accomplish before life gets too busy anyway.

My wonderful sister took belly pictures for me and I wanted to share one of my favorites with you all out there. I am so blessed in so many ways!

The Tie Breaker.

2010-11-09T13:28:00.003-07:00

I was 18 weeks pregnant on Sunday and had the BIG ultrasound this morning. We got a good look and it is indeed a BOY! He is perfectly healthy and we are thrilled. Now for a much needed nap (sadly I have barely done anything so far today...).

Strawberry Perfection.

2010-06-17T10:29:00.002-06:00

We discovered that our strawberries are ready. And look at this beauty. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie coming up... Momma's little baby loves rhubarb, rhubarb, a bee-bop, ree-bop, rhubarb pie!
SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

Grieving.

2010-05-18T22:31:00.002-06:00

As my brother put it, "2010 is shaping up to be a rough year". Having attended a memorial service for my cousin in March, we are gearing up to attend my paternal grandpa's memorial service this Saturday in Pomeroy only to get a phone call from my mom to hear that my Papa has also gone on to be with Jesus just this evening. I am overwhelmed with emotion all the while knowing they are rejoicing in heaven.

Riley Turned a Year Old On Thursday!

2010-04-25T00:03:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe that my baby is already a year old! We celebrated her birthday with a little family cake and ice cream celebration. Not quite like Owen's big camo party. I don't think she noticed though. She was pretty beat even before it was over. I am still trying to figure out the new fancy camera Byron bought me for Christmas. So, in the meantime, I put a video on my old camera of Owen and Riley sharing the birthday blowpop that Jayci sent her. (This was on Wednesday when the weather was amazing.) Thanks J!

A question for you all...

2010-03-03T22:06:00.002-07:00

Owen really enjoys being read to (what kid doesn't, right?) so we have been making trips to the library to get fresh reads. On one trip, this book was on the new release rack so I picked it up. Owen LOVED it.
The last trip I picked up several more by Martin Waddell. Beyond that, I just randomly pick out books. All this got me thinking about posing a question for all of you out there.

What good books would you suggest for an almost three-year-old boy?

Side note to Andrea G-Owen also really likes his Owl Babies-must be the author! Thanks again for the book!

Side note to Kelly M-Could you post the name and author of the book you told me about today, please?

My Cousin Jeremy. (for my family)

2010-02-27T13:44:00.003-07:00

I just got off the phone with Jeremy and I couldn't get this song out of my head. He seemed at peace even though he was in a lot of pain...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHAZz6HqJ8U (good song, ignore the pictures...)

Also a poem I couldn't get out of my head that I memorized as a kid:

"This world is not my home,
although it seems to be.
My home is with My God
in the place he's made for me.
He's coming back real soon,
the signs are very clear.
So when the trumpet sounds,
I'll be out of here."

2010-01-30T23:15:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day, a little windy, but nice. The kids got to get out and get some fresh air. Owen has a fascination with trailers and pulling things, so I thought... why not pull your sister? They both loved it.
Ryan, Deb and Zach were over for dinner tonight and since the kids needed baths before church tomorrow, we thought we'd throw them all in the tub together. It was definitely a moment to break out the camera. If I was in the mood to have my picture taken, you would have laughed at the sight of me. Riley gets spastic in the tub and I come out of the bathroom looking like a drowned rat.
We returned from Portland on Thursday morning at 3 am. We thought we'd try driving back at night so the kids would sleep. We probably won't try that again because they both were restless and uncomfortable. We had a great trip, but I didn't take very many pictures.

I did get to see all five of my cousins on my mom's side. This picture is from dinner with three of the five. Pretty special. We are all planning on seeing each other again this July for a Sornson Family Reunion. I think that we are all anxiously awaiting that vacation!

Trick, You Say...

2009-11-26T21:35:00.002-07:00

Yes, I suppose I deserve a trick since it has taken me almost a month to post a Halloween picture. I thought that I would post an entry tonight and discovered that I haven't taken many pictures since the end of October, so you all are stuck with this one and tomorrow the camera comes out.

6 Month Old On The Move.

2009-11-01T19:35:00.002-07:00

Riley is keeping us busy. We fully expected this though-we guessed that she would be crawling in her sixth month and sure enough, she turned six months on October 22nd. So, yes, we are busy, but having a good time anyway.

Good-Bye Cat.

2009-09-07T14:46:00.004-06:00

Or maybe I should say good riddance. Which isn't very nice of me, really. Yesterday we sent Lizzy over to Indian Valley with Anthony and Marissa to catch mice on Marissa's folks' place. We, or maybe more I, have been extremely irritated with this cat for a very long time now. Both cats are no longer house cats and haven't been for some time (below was an old picture). Nevertheless, Lizzy manages to urinate on whatever she can in the garage/barn and sometimes vehicles if left open. It was getting to be AWFUL. Disgusting. You name it. I hope that I am not grossing you all out, but you have to understand that there was good, very good, reason for getting rid of her. Now I am going to commence a full cleaning on the garage and will be blissfully happy when it is finished.

The sad thing is that we, or I, used to really like her (Byron still does). It was ironic logging on to blogger because our password has to do with this cat. *Sigh*
For those of you hoping to see pictures of kiddos, I will do my best to get you some asap.

Oh, The Irony.

2009-07-10T15:25:00.005-06:00

I have had an item on my to-do list for quite some time. That item was to get digital pictures printed of photos taken since before Owen's First Birthday! This to-do item has been on my list since then and the amount of pictures has grown and grown. I was having problems uploading pictures to Costco's website so I just kept putting it off. Finally the uploader worked for me and I spent several hours (off an on) uploading all our pictures. I finally got them printed last week and the number totaled 530 pictures. All at once the price seemed expensive: 530 pictures at 13 cents a picture cost us 68.90. The next week we got our Costco coupons in the mail and lo and behold what coupon do I see?! Aggravating! Made me laugh though...

Sorry for the sideways picture, I couldn't fix it and didn't spend too much time to try and figure it out.

Thanks Missy ;)

2009-07-04T10:10:00.003-06:00

My friend, Missy (and Jason too), bought Riley this cute little dress. Don't the too-big-for-her-baby-legs-tights crack you up? She is quickly working on filling them out by getting fatter-yeah for fat babies!
Jayci and Izzy came for a visit at the beginning of June and we took them on a little "farm" tour to the neighbors to see their chickens, turkeys, and pigs. I cannot believe how big our kids are already. AND, I cannot believe that I am a mom of a two-year-old and so is Jayci! We are still supposed to be in college!

Life Lately.

2009-06-06T15:39:00.005-06:00

Well, how about a post, eh?

My car is officially not a BMW anymore. We bought a Honda Pilot and sold the sporty beamer... We couldn't fit two car seats and two adults comfortably in the BMW and we found a good deal on a Pilot through craigslist. So this is one of the pictures we posted on craigslist to sell the BMW. We were sad to see the car go since it was such a good car. But, we know that Honda's can be good cars too.
We have been sick for a few days now--something in the flu category (achy, nauseous). So our family is laying low for a bit. Here are some recent pictures of the kiddos. Luckily, Riley takes a bottle so her mommy can get away for longer than two hours. Oh, and... Owen peed on the potty twice in the last two days. We thought we would just try it and as soon as we sat him on the potty he peed and thought it was fun stuff. Yikes!

And His Name Shall Be...

2009-05-06T22:40:00.002-06:00

ZACHARY RYAN BROWN.

New Arrival.

2009-05-05T13:29:00.004-06:00

Baby BOY Brown arrived this morning at 8:13 am (his name is yet to be decided). He weighed in at 9 lbs. 1 oz. 22 inches long and is as handsome as ever. Mommy and Daddy are tired, but all three are doing well. What a little blessing. Our cups runneth over.

The Play By Play.

2009-05-01T21:49:00.004-06:00

We invited Byron's Aunt Diane to be in the room with us when Riley was born. She is very special to us and a great storyteller so I asked her to record the events of the day. Here is what she jotted down. This is pretty awesome since I already don't remember most of the day. My favorite is probably the 12:50 entry (I don't even recall that one at all).

APRIL 21, 2009
10:20ish Becca called. She is dilated to 3 centimeters. If she doesn't go earlier, she'll be going to the hospital at 7 am tomorrow.

APRIL 22, 2009
6:35am Byron and Becca left home.
7:10 Arrived at St. Luke's.
7:50 Gel to induce.
8:00 Carol arrives.
8:15 Diane (Auntie Di) arrives.
8:15-8:55 Contractions a couple minutes apart. Breathing through them. Carol reads a lovely prayer for safe delivery.
8:55 Becca gets to get up-takes a Jacuzzi bath.
9:30 Back in bed with baby monitor on. Feels good to lie on her side.
9:45 Prayer for Byron. Prayer for Owen. Prayer for baby Riley. Diane gets teary.
9:55 Kathy arrives.
10:00 Dr. West came and broke her water-VERY uncomfortable. So rude. I held her hand. Emotional tears. She is at 4 centimeters. Not a lot of fluid.
10:10 Went to the birth ball with Byron, then Carol rubbing her back.
10:35 Back in the Jacuzzi.
10:50 Start fluids and set up epidural table. Becoming VERY uncomfortable.
11:10 Epidural. Byron met Ryan in cafeteria and Carol and Kathy stepped out. I held her hands. She did GREAT! Expect 15 minutes before it kicks in and Becca gets relief.
11:15 Debbie arrived after her doctor appointment. They stripped her membranes-Riley's cousin coming soon!
11:20 Contraction pain fading.
11:22 Becca is so happy!
11:35 Becca wants a sweet-has Gobstoppers.
11:38 At 5 centimeters.
11:45 Catheter.
11:55 Byron returns with Ryan.
12:00 Pitocin on board.
12:10 Kathy and Diane go to lunch.
12:30 Dr. West checked. 9 centimeters.
12:35 Call from Byron.
12:45 She's ready!
12:50 Dr. West comes in whistling.
12:56 Born after about 10 pushes. Soon after I cut the cord!

Riley Jean Henrickson
7 lbs. 14.8 oz.
Lots of pictures.

1:20 Break out the Hot Tamales for Debbie.
1:27 Nursing successfully.

She has arrived!

2009-04-29T21:32:00.002-06:00

Technically, Riley is a week old today. Sorry for the delay in posting. Life is starting to fall into a routine once again and that is nice. Last Wednesday morning Byron and I went to St. Luke's downtown and I was induced at about 8 am. Riley was born just a few short hours later. Everything is a bit easier the second time around. Although I look awfully tired in this picture, here is the new family. Owen seems to like his "little didder"(little sister) and asks where she is upon waking in the morning and at naptime. I will try to post more pictures and more of the story the next time I have a chance. Hopefully these will tide you over until then.

Tomorrow's A Big Day.

2009-04-21T21:06:00.002-06:00

Byron and I trotted on over to Boise for my last doctor appointment this morning. I did have my bags with us (just in case I was already "in labor"). The doc checked me and I was 3cm dilated. He scheduled us for a 7am induction tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and said that he would not be surprised if I did not make it to 7am! I have been taking it easy today (thanks to Kari) and have been having contractions on and off since my appointment. So, that is the latest. We expect to be parents of two kiddos by this time tomorrow. CRAZY! It was a little odd to put Owen to bed tonight because I would not be there to put him to bed tomorrow night AND the next time I do put him to bed, he will have a little sister to share me with. Needless to say, he got lots of kisses. Thank you all for your prayers. I am so blessed with friends and family who love us and the Lord. Stay tuned;)

The Anne Girl.

2009-03-24T11:30:00.002-06:00

Well, I just finished reading Before Green Gables: The Prequel to Anne of Green Gables by Budge Wilson after having seen it in the Costco Connection magazine. I borrowed it from the library and had to renew it twice (I am a painfully slow reader). Now I am going to venture into the L.M. Montgomery series--shocker, I know. I still cannot believe that I have never read those books, what with my love for the movies and all.

Before Green Gables was a good book. The fact that I even finished it tells you something. I am sure with the days getting longer, (oh yeah, and a baby on the way), there will be less time to read, but I will try to get in a few chapters before bed each night. Wish me luck.

The Boys.

2009-03-19T22:14:00.003-06:00

No More Dawdling, It's Time For A Post.

2009-03-16T22:24:00.003-06:00

Mike and Elias Nelson have been staying with us for a few days while Mike gets everything ready for his family to make the big move to Idaho! Yeah! We have been showing Eli "the country" and trying to capture it on video for Mom and Dad to see just how he spends his days with us... We will miss having Eli with us each day as they go back to Portland on Friday. Owen will be so bored with his adult Momma who doesn't quite understand what it means to be 2.

A slight diversion.

2009-01-08T21:48:00.003-07:00

I just got done chatting with Kelly and told her that I needed to go clean my kitchen, but I found a diversion... I have not blogged in a long while and thought I should... good excuse, right?!

Christmas was fun along with the New Year. We made it to four Christmases: Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, Christmas Night, and the next Morning. We were pretty worn out, but with smiles on our faces. Right after the last "Christmas" we headed over to Riggins to spend time with the Henrickson clan and play in the snow. As seen below. I bought Owen these gaitered mittens and they were worth every penny. Owen spent almost an hour playing in the snow with Daddy and wasn't too happy to have to come in to eat lunch. When we got home we spent the New Year at Ryan and Deb's with several friends and ALL of us actually made it to midnight. (except the kiddos, of course).

The snow was so perfect, they could just roll it up like batting.
My dad has always reminded us kids(my siblings and I) (even before we had kids) to always let your kid(s) "help" whenever possible. Luckily, with a little one I am practicing patience, expecting mess, and forgetting perfectionism (all things that don't come natural to me) and it always turns out fun. Maybe it is because there is only one kiddo, but preparing for those three things has helped tremendously. I actually look forward to saying, "Owen, do you want to help Momma ...?" And, of course, he does. Here he is "helping" me make gingerbread cookies. We had a good time. By the way, I am going to plug a product... I have owned a Silpat for a while now and just recently discovered new ways for it to revolutionize my baking. My mother-in-law recommended rolling out dough onto it instead of a cutting board or other flat surface and it has actually made me want to bake pies, cookies and biscuits that I previously dreaded. So, if you don't have one, add it to your Birthday or Christmas list for this next year. They are wonderful!

Christmas Songs And Me, Enlightened.

2008-12-14T22:24:00.002-07:00

Call me naive, or maybe it is because I am a mom now and a lot more observant, but I have (in the last few years) noticed the lyrics to some Christmas songs and was a little surprised by them. The first one was and probably still is one of my favorite Christmas songs: Baby Its Cold Outside. Gotta love the Elf version. But... the lyrics... hm... naughty. Then, when I was a kid I always thought that Santa Baby and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus were naughty songs. Just this year (I'm a little slow), I realized that Mommy kissing Santa Claus was actually Mommy kissing Daddy dressed up as Santa. Although, it is still a little kinky, right?

Now go enjoy some of that good Christmas music;)

Monkey See Monkey Do.

2008-12-10T22:00:00.003-07:00

Can anyone guess what Owen sees us do (well, mostly Byron's business calls)?

Just like Daddy...

A Few More Pictures of the Girl.

2008-12-06T21:24:00.002-07:00

The Littlest Henrickson.

2008-12-02T11:39:00.004-07:00

We went to the last ultrasound today and discovered that Owen is going to have a little SISTER. She is a wiggly one, but actually remained calm for the technician to get good pictures. We even got to take home a CD with this video on it. (So easy for this blogger!) She looks good with everything in correct proportion and she is on track for her due date in April.

My Friends Call Me "Roy".

2008-11-01T21:43:00.003-06:00

This year was Owen's first official Halloween. (We were driving to Donnelly last year, so we didn't bother.) We took him around to the Great Grandparents, Grandparents and Uncles and Aunts. He was worn out, but it kind of worked out nicely to keep him up a little later than normal seeing how Standard Time starts tonight. We are gradually working him toward sleeping-in an hour. How do the rest of you parents work that one out?

Owen Lately.

2008-10-18T22:00:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Owen. We have been busy working and hunting (notice the camo). Owen has been talking so much lately and he will mimic what you say-so fun! BUT, now I should be extra careful what I say, right? He is pictured here in Anthony's lap holding baby AJ. Owen says AJ, "A yah". He really likes AJ and says his name all the time whether AJ is around or not. Good thing he likes babies!
He is also eating so much more food at each meal, which gives me a glimpse into my future of being eaten out of house and home, especially if the next one is a boy!
Here is a shot of Owen playing on the farm and covered in dirt, just the way playing should be...

Brilliant Ideas Needed!

2008-10-04T20:53:00.002-06:00

I need some creative help-and I know that there are several people that read this blog that have more creativity than I.

Dilemma: While purchasing the fabric to do Owen's nursery, I also picked up a fabric swatch sampler with all the fabrics that were included in the "Chocolat" fabric set. I used this to carry along and match all the other accessories for his room. It worked really well, but now I have no need for the swatches and was thinking that there might be some idea to use up these swatches and make something else for his room. He already has a quilt, so I don't think that I will do another one. Each square is 5 x5, so with a seam allowance, that will leave a lot less. Any brilliant ideas?

Owen Is Going to Be A Big Brother.

2008-10-03T08:06:00.002-06:00

Well folks, it is official, we have another peanut on the way... to arrive somewhere around April 30th. And can I say that I am VERY happy to be pregnant during the winter and not the summer again! But, that isn't all, there is something even more exciting to make this whole experience PERFECT.

It's Hunting Time.

2008-08-29T20:38:00.003-06:00

We are currently up in Donnelly and the guys are working on rock siding--it's like one big puzzle, fun stuff. I should take pictures. But they are rewarding themselves with some hunting this weekend-the first weekend of bow hunting. BIG DEAL!! Here is Owen trying to make a cow elk call/sound with Daddy's caller. He loves to copy his daddy.
Here we are at Donnelly. I just took these pictures tonight and realized that my parent's computer has the ability to take the pictures off my camera, so you all can get a recent update. What is it about a boy and his daddy? Melts my heart.

No Reservations.

2008-08-12T22:13:00.003-06:00

I borrowed the movie No Reservations from the local library and, not that I necessarily recommend the movie, it got me thinking about a doing this post.

Just for a little feedback and totally out of curiosity's sake, I will pose a question. But first the groundwork...

If you have ever seen the show Take Home Chef on TLC, you would know that the guy pictured below, Curtis Stone, "introduces himself to a stranger in a grocery store... and asks if she is cooking a meal for someone that night. When the person responds affirmatively, Stone offers his services to help cook dinner. They drive to the participant's house, cook the meal, and then surprise the participant's partner or guest upon their arrival."(thanks Wikipedia for explaining this better than I could, ha!)
If you were the surprised stranger, what would you have him make? Now this could be anything! Also a little twist, if you could change the chef to be any chef in the world, who would it be?

I will have to think about this one too because I go back and forth between whether or not it would be something difficult I could never really make on my own or something simple, like a casserole (Oh, how boring I am! Did I really think that?).

Off to Indian Valley until the weekend. Here is a photo of Owen to tide anyone over who wants to see a current picture. I will fill you in on our happenings in another post later.

Seven Sweet Years.

2008-08-02T19:56:00.003-06:00

Byron and I celebrated seven years of marriage by leaving Owen with my mom (THANK YOU, MOM!) and going whitewater rafting on the Salmon River out of Riggins. We were grouped together with a company that treated their employees and spouses to a day trip (very cool idea, expensive, but cool). They were all super nice and we had a great time.
We even got to ride a rapid (called Cherry) without the raft, a big highlight for me.

It was a great way to celebrate our anniversary and like we said the last time we went rafting (back in 2002, ha), "we need to do this EVERY year!"

Concert Pianist?

2008-07-25T09:42:00.003-06:00

I've just discovered that Owen knows what it means to "smile". Silly momma, he probably could have done this a long time ago. And by the way, this kid loves music...

Ode to Nana.

2008-07-24T16:24:00.003-06:00

I have been meaning to sit down at my sewing machine for ages now. I even got some encouragement from Andrea to just do it. So, this week I stayed home from Indian Valley for several reasons, one of which was to get caught up on many, many things. I did get caught up and therefore had a bit of extra time to sew.

Years ago I received a big load of fabric from my Nana, along with several unique hankies. When I was a little girl, I used to wear these little aprons at Nana and Papa's and thought I might make some adult-sized ones for me now with the materials she had given to me. It is very crude, but so meaningful to me and I just had to share it with all of you. I have one more to make, so we will see if I can't keep up on things and find some extra time while Owen sleeps.

Can you tell what is on the hankie?

What Not To Wear.

2008-07-13T21:03:00.002-06:00

I love this show. In fact, I have it set to record any shows that play that I have not seen. I am not finding much time to watch what I have recorded, but occasionally I get to sit and view them after Owen goes to bed. The other night I was watching Vandy get transformed and through the whole show I kept thinking she reminded me of someone. Then finally, it dawned on me, can anyone guess? AMANDA MARBLE! It wasn't until she was all pretty and sophisticated-looking, so no worries, Amanda;) So, those of you who know Amanda, watch this episode and tell me if you think she reminds you of Amanda too. The first picture is Vandy and the second is my friend, Amanda. I shamelessly stole her work pic from Pepperdine's website.

Delicious Goodness.

2008-07-12T11:12:00.003-06:00

I was the selected recipient of these wonderful, delicious snickerdoodles handmade by Andrea. And, I must admit I ate two right off the bat (and it was only 6:45 in the morning!) and they were go-ooo-od! Needless to say, they didn't last long. THANK YOU, ANDREA!!

Andrea's post (highlighted above) got me thinking... I have always had to wait for about 15 minutes (or more) for my oven to pre-heat and, even though frustrated by it, just thought that that was normal for my oven. I took Andrea's advice and bought an oven thermometer to just make sure that my oven reading was as accurate as I had believed it to be. So, after spending $3 on an oven thermometer, I discovered that like Andrea said, my oven was not "pre-heated" when it said it was. It still had 100 degrees more to go. AND, after that, the temperature was no where near where I wanted it. I was baking french fries for dinner the other night and turned the oven on to 400 degrees. It said that it was pre-heated at 250 degrees-ha! Then I waited another 5-10 minutes and it only got to 300. I ended up taking about 45 minutes of adjusting and waiting and finally got my oven to 400 degrees by setting the knob to almost 500 degrees! Can we say-Need a new heat coil? Ugh! I am amazed how I have worked with this oven and not gotten us sick in the last seven years! Maybe that can be my excuse for not making cookies very often ;)

Busy.

2008-07-07T00:42:00.002-06:00

Owen has been a busy boy since he turned one. Okay, maybe WE have all three been busy since he was BORN! But, I did capture a few pictures of some of his (our) latest happenings.

Owen is starting to "help" us do things now. This is where my extra dose of patience needs to kick in. I also need to resign myself to the fact that "Yes, this will take twice as long, but it is worth it to him to let him help." Here is Owen "helping" Byron mow the lawn.
His current favorite things are putting his basketballs into the kid basketball hoop Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Terry got for him for his birthday, taking a bath or being in any sort of water (more on this in another post), being outside (no matter how hot it is-Indian Valley is practically desert), and his daddy, his daddy, his daddy...
Here is a shot of him covered in dirt in Indian Valley (where Byron and Anthony are currently building a house and where we are spending the majority of our summer days).
Alli and Owen in the motor home in Indian Valley. They were stripped down to their diapers to keep them cool in the hot summer weather. Thank you, Lord, for air conditioning!
We will be in Indian Valley during the weekdays and home on weekends-for those of you wondering where we have been. Any prayers for safe travels, work going smoothly, and the ability to tolerate hot weather would be greatly appreciated!!

My Talented Nephew.

2008-07-06T21:27:00.003-06:00

Parker has embarked on t-ball this summer and I had one of his fellow t-ballers take our picture at one of their games. This is just a little shout out to my nephew who we think so much of and are glad to call him our nephew.

Not A Baby Anymore.

2008-06-19T19:35:00.002-06:00

On May 29th (I know, three weeks ago!), our little guy turned a year old! We celebrated with a camouflage party and asked those in attendance to wear camo if they had it. Most everyone was able to humor us-even my dad broke out some pretty sweet camo pants. My sister and I were impressed with our "cool" dad;) I picked up some camo face paint and had Deb finish Owen's outfit. As you will see in later pictures, the face paint kind of stained his face, but it was worth the cuteness.

Owen handled the 30+ people well and listened attentively to everyone sing Happy Birthday.

He even ate his cake with a fork! (fork not pictured)
Overall, the party was a success and we thoroughly appreciated everyone making the effort for our little boy!

Owen's one year check-up produced these lovely numbers on June 3rd: Weight: 21 lbs. 3 ounces (25%). Height: 29.5 inches (50%). Head Circumference: 49.5 cm (97%).

I am okay with him not being a baby anymore, I have truly enjoyed each and every stage and look forward to the next. Maybe my last kid will be the one that I hang on to every little baby thing and hope that they don't get older too fast.

Pictures I Wanted To Share.

2008-05-23T22:45:00.003-06:00

Here is my niece, Ally, taking care of Owen. She loves taking care of babies! Owen and Graham. Yet another picture we will look back on and be amazed at how little they are and that they were friends even at this age.

Happy Mother's Day.

2008-05-20T11:47:00.003-06:00

I know that this post is overdue, but I have a few photos and videos to share in the upcoming days.

I got to celebrate my first Mother's Day this year. I didn't think that Byron would have time to get me a gift since he has been so busy, so I resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn't get anything. First thing Sunday morning he AND Owen surprised me with a card and gift and I admit that I got a little teary. It was a good day.

Debbie planned a lunch for my mom and we had to have it at my house because her house was full of unpacked boxes. She even cleaned my house beforehand while I was in Donnnelly. How sweet was that?!? Here is a little of the unplanned entertainment. I tell you what... those boxing gloves were the best thing that I ever bought to go in the kid's toy closet! Whenever kids come over, the gloves come out.

Here is Byron and my nephew, Parker, fighting it out.

HE WALKING!!!

2008-04-28T14:48:00.003-06:00

Owen has been walking for a few days now. He only does it when we prompt him to walk-he hasn't initiated it himself just yet.

Life in Donnelly.

2008-04-26T14:52:00.003-06:00

We are back in Donnelly, Idaho while Byron and Anthony put up new siding on my parent's cabin. We will probably be there during the week and home on the weekends for the next couple of weeks. At home the weather is beautiful - the sun is warm and shining. But in Donnelly, it is another story and to top it off May is this week! Here is proof that it is not yet spring in the woods yet.

Here is Reuben, Ryan and Deb's dog - a black dog in white snow. We are dog sitting while they get settled. Samantha and Reuben are enjoying each other's company which is nice because we are always feeling guilty about poor Sam being bored to tears all by herself.

First Birthday Blues.

2008-04-16T21:08:00.003-06:00

Owen turns the big 1 on May 29th and I am at a complete loss as to what to buy him for his birthday (mostly because I know that he won't remember any of it AND he doesn't really need much).

I could get him any of these things,
but should I be focusing on something meaningful?

What did you get your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews for their first birthday?

P.S. The shoes are Pip Squeakers. Jayci introduced them to me two years ago. They squeak when the baby walks and the babies seem to really enjoy them. This might be a good consideration since Owen took a couple steps tonight in between Byron and I (and, boy, was he proud of himself)!

Gone Swimmin'

2008-04-10T11:54:00.002-06:00

Owen is officially a member at The Rec Center. I took him to the little kid pool yesterday and he LOVED it. It might just have to be a weekly outing.

I really should be in bed, but...

2008-03-29T23:22:00.002-06:00

...I wanted to post something for Brian and Deb and anyone else who saw this movie back in the day.

Spatula City

HE'S CRAWLING!!!

2008-03-26T14:28:00.003-06:00

Here are some of the latest photos that I have taken of Owen.

Owen in his mess.

Owen and Mouse, the cat. I got these Levi's 501s from my nephew, Parker, and I just think that a little diapered butt in them is just so adorable. Had to get a picture of it.

Byron and I were noticing how long Owen's hair is getting in certain areas. We might just have to break out the clippers. I am a little concerned that the buzzing might just bring this sensitive little one to tears.
And here it is, although not the best video, again. But, he is indeed crawling... slowly.

Signing Time.

2008-03-21T18:14:00.004-06:00

Owen is so close to crawling lately. I will have to get that on video sometime soon. Although, he might just skip crawling and go straight to walking. He wants to stand every chance he gets.
Lately, Owen has been stuffing his blanket underneath him to sleep, so I had to take another sleeping-with-his-butt-in-the-air picture.

My relentless attempts at baby sign language with Owen are starting to pay off. We believe he is signing "more" and "all done/finished". This isn't that good of an example, but what can ya do?

Good Ol' College Choir.

2008-03-17T08:14:00.002-06:00

The other day I was reading Psalm 27 to Owen and came across verse 14.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

For those of you who took college choir with me probably knew what I did next. Yup, I sang it to him. Poor kid. Funny thing is, I can still hear Ben hamming this up and can see Professor Stallcop getting really into directing us to "WAIT".

Dream A Little Dream...

2008-03-15T14:25:00.002-06:00

I have been scouring the web to locate a clip from the sitcom Mad About You. There was a show entitled "Nat and Arley" where Paul and Jamie discover why Paul isn't getting any sleep. Turns out Jamie is hitting him in her sleep. This scene isn't exactly familiar, but darn close. Before Owen was born, I had a few episodes where I would sit up in bed while I was dreaming. It would wake Byron up (mostly because I took the comforter with me when I sat up) and he would say my name and that would wake me up (and I would be a tad bit embarrassed). Since Owen has been born, these episodes happen all too frequently. Maybe I should visit the sleep clinic;) The last few have been leaping across the bed to catch Owen because I think he is falling out of our bed. All the while, he is happily sound asleep in his own crib. Not last night, but the night before, I dreamt that I was changing Owen and he peed all over the bed. I remember lightly running my hand over the blankets to see if the pee got on them. Of course, it did not. One night, in my dream, Owen was on Byron's side of the bed and I went to sit him up. Because Owen was not actually there, I panicked and started to pull the sheets and blankets off of what I thought was Owen. Poor Byron suddenly awoke to this frantic woman desperately scattering his warm blankets. Turns out that my dad has a twinge of this in him as well, so maybe it is hereditary. He has also leapt across the bed to catch a baby and has actually gotten up and dressed for work at 3 am. So, I am not totally alone in my craziness. I bet someone would pay good money to have caught my crazy acts on camera.

Here is a video from what I think is Big Brother 8 of a guy named Eric sleepwalking. This is painful for me to watch because I can TOTALLY relate. Trying to get comfortable in a place that is so not your bed and joking around because you know what you are doing is crazy, but there is nothing you can do about it. Eric Sleepwalking.

Bleh.

2008-03-09T18:04:00.002-06:00

Owen and I have been sick for almost four days now and I am tired of being tired and tired of being nauseous. We have missed way too much church due to a runny nose (which we decided was a teething symptom) and now this sickness. I am sooo looking forward to Spring and Summer since those pesky sicknesses seem less during those warm times. PLUS, I am ready for warmth. Today has been a nice day though.

Hope you all have transitioned nicely into the new time change (except for Ryan and Deb who live in Arizona where they don't believe in time changes;))

Pima Air and Space Museum and a Sore Ear.

2008-03-06T21:38:00.005-07:00

While visiting Deb and Ryan in Tucson, Byron, Owen and I went to the Pima Air and Space Museum. We walked around their huge plane/jet "boneyard" among hundreds of photographers and models who were there practicing as part of a photography conference. I had Owen in the front pack and was headed toward a Blue Angel's jet when one group of photographers caught my eye in the opposite direction. I continued to walk while looking at them. Big mistake. I ended up running smack dab into a wing and managed to bang up the tip of my right ear along with my pride. It is one of those things that is funny after a little time has passed. I happened to bump the tip of my ear yesterday and realized that it still hurts. Which made me think of my embarrassing story to share with you all so you can have a little snicker imagining the scenario.

9 Months and Counting...

2008-03-05T15:34:00.002-07:00

Owen had his 9-month check-up today and was an absolute gem during the whole thing. We listened to several other children screaming their heads off and I silently thanked the Lord that Owen was a content child.

He weighed in at 19 pounds 4 ounces (45%), his height is 28 inches (50%), and of course the noggin was 48 centimeters (95%). He didn't have to get shots, but did get a hemoglobin test where they pricked his big toe. He even let Dr. Ally hold him. She was thrilled because 9 month olds tend to have separation anxiety. I told her his first five months were the separation anxiety months.

No crawling or walking yet. For a while I was impatient for him to be able to crawl because I thought that he would then be able to follow me around. My friend, Marissa, reminded me that he won't necessarily follow me around, rather I will be chasing him down in the opposite direction... Instead, I am happy that he is at this stage, heh.

A Wonderful Unexpected Visit.

2008-03-04T11:36:00.002-07:00

Two weeks ago Byron's cousin, Aaron, and his wife, Becky, and kids, Nathan and Joel, came for a unexpected visit. We realized that it had been almost two years since we had seen them. They were here for about a week and we got in as much time with them as we could.

Here is Auntie Di reading Joel a Dr. Seuss book. It was quite the book too. I believe it was There's A Wocket In My Pocket. Check it out at the library the next time you get the chance. Seriously...

Brody and Nathan playing checkers (and making funny faces).

And then I thought that I would throw in a picture of Owen from this morning's breakfast. He goes to the doc tomorrow for his nine month check up. The kid is pretty much completely on formula now and I could have sworn that he gained five pounds in the last two or three days. He is HEAVY. He is also teething and has a runny nose as a result. So, he is a-changing... and each and every day is a blessing (even the looooong days).

What's Going On With You?

2008-02-27T15:42:00.003-07:00

I have been a picture taking slacker, so no pictures on this post (sad). Our lives have been busy, busy (because they weren't already). Byron is back into full swing work (barn building, house building, etc) and has decided to stop farming (except for the occasional hay work). If you saw my sister's post, then ignore this next line. Byron, myself, my sister, Anthony, Mike Nelson, Jeff Williamson (Byron's cousin), and Isaac Kimball have all signed up for Robie Creek (there I go being certifiable again) among many others we know. So, our lives are FILLED with running and/or biking, stair stepping... I am back to the 5 am mornings of Rec Center bliss, ha. Owen is "helping" his momma get the house in order and the tax paperwork off to the accountant (farmers turn theirs in at the beginning of March). So, that is the latest...

Our current endeavor is to figure out exactly which naps Owen needs to take. According to him, and to my perfect world, would be for him to take a 45 minute nap in the morning and then a 1 1/2 to 2 hour nap in the afternoon and then to bed early (like 7:30, at least). However, what do I do on the mornings where we aren't at home (ie:Sundays)? What is normal? Any advice?

Favorite Clothes.

2008-02-18T21:32:00.005-07:00

One of my many goals (Godly Ordained Activities for my Life) is to find ways to increase our finances and not deplete them. One of the most recent things I have done was to downsize my clothes (and Byron's and Owen's) so that I (we) only have what I (we) need (which can be relative) and not mounds and mounds of extras just in case I didn't get the laundry done this week or last week or (should I even say it) the week before that! I am trying to purpose to do a load of laundry or two every day (Mondays:Darks, Tuesdays:Whites, Wednesdays:Towels, Thursdays:Rugs, Rags, Fridays: Darks, Saturdays: Whites, Sheets). Can we say "Type A"? Anyways, as I was folding and putting away laundry (my least favorite part of doing laundry-the putting away), I remembered a family that I used to babysit for through junior high. The mom did all the dirty laundry at the end of each day, so the kid's clothes that they wore that day were clean and ready to wear the very next day. It was amazing. Looking back, she was an extremely organized person that probably rubbed off on me. The next day the kids would want to wear exactly what they wore the day before because they just plain loved those particular outfits and the mom let them because they were clean. I never really thought anything was wrong with them wearing the same clothes over and over again, and the family was well off, so it wasn't like they were hurting for new clothes. Now, as I am trying to stay on top of the laundry, I find myself putting Owen in the same outfit repeatedly because it is my favorite on him and because it is clean. I also do the same thing with myself. I have a favorite pair of jeans that I pair with a t-shirt and running shoes whenever I stay near home (I can just picture myself on What Not To Wear right now, ugh). Am I the only one? Or, do each of you do the same thing and stick to the favorites more often?

This is my favorite outfit on Owen and no teasing me when you see him in it in person...

An Office Visit.

2008-02-12T10:41:00.001-07:00

Owen and I went to visit Auntie Di at her work last Friday with Kathy, Byron's mom. Aunt Diane is Kathy's sister. We enjoyed showing Owen off and getting to meet everyone.

Owen's Latest.

2008-02-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few videos of Owen and his latest tricks. The first one was during the Super Bowl. The second one was today. I wanted to get Owen clapping on video because he started clapping at the NNU game last night.

Fun Post.

2008-01-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

Since Owen has been rolling, he is often found on his belly when we go in to get him up in the morning or from a nap. I found him sleeping on his belly with his butt in the air for the first time late Saturday night (after my long Wal-Mart grocery shopping). I told Kelly about it and she told me that she took a picture of her son, Carson, asleep with his butt in the air and that it was one of her favorite pictures. She encouraged me to take a picture, even if it might mean waking him up. So, the next time I found him on his belly with his butt in the air (just a few days later), I took a picture and it didn't even wake him up, yeah! Those little diapered butts are so cute!

Owen is also starting to pull himself up on things (although not really well; we help him). So, we decided to lower his mattress down a notch to be safe rather than sorry. We stood him in the crib to see if the height was correct and he was so enjoying himself that Byron suggested I take a quick video of Owen being so proud of himself standing. So, here you go...

Finished.

2008-01-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

The organized type-A in me has appeared and produced something that should make my life SO much easier. My sister-in-law, Stacy, told me about a co-worker of hers that made herself a 12 week menu plan and simply rotates it so she never has to think about what to make for dinner each week. This got me thinking and after weeks of working on it, I made myself my own 12 week menu plan complete with a magnet calendar and magnet meals. Now, I have just begun this and I hope that I picked tasty meals. If I did not, I can swap them out, no problem. I went grocery shopping on Saturday night and making out my list for two weeks worth of groceries was a breeze. (However, Wal-Mart had a fire drill while I was in the middle of shopping and I had to leave my loaded up cart to wait outside in the cold wind for 10 minutes before resuming shopping.)

I have included pictures-just for the fun of it.

A Couple of Other Important Things.

2008-01-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

Stacy and Jeremy had their baby!!! They were awful nice and waited until the day we got back from Tucson.

Ben now has a blog too (see my blog list).

I will be home for awhile(*sigh*). Byron will be trekking over to Portland on his own since we felt that Owen needed to be home for a bit.

Warm Weather and Cacti.

2008-01-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

The nomads have returned. Here are some of the only pictures I took. I have been soooo bad about taking pictures. Anyone have any tips/hints on remembering to take pictures?

Here is Owen and Reuben hanging out. Debbie has better ones though.
This is the perfect shot of what the week was like... relaxing...
Byron lets Owen "drive" while waiting for Uncle Ryan to finish his flight.
Saying "goodbye" to Uncle Ryan (at least for the next two and a half months).
Then I realized that I didn't take a single picture of a cactus, and I was really fascinated with these plants (not really sure why). So, I took a picture of one in the parking lot of Boston Market.
Now we just have to be patient and wait for April to arrive so Deb and Ryan can move back to Idaho.

Nomads.

2008-01-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

We have been living in Donnelly while Byron and Anthony finish up my parent's "toy" barn, see Bartlow Family Blog for pictures, etc... Tomorrow we leave for Tucson to see Deb and Ryan. Then Stacy and Jeremy's baby is due so we will be home to see him arrive into the world. THEN, we are headed to Portland for a long weekend and after that, who knows... Good thing Owen is a traveler! He likes all the people around and is stimulated to do new things and as a result, gets lots and lots of reactions to his new things. Check it out...

More later...

He must be a genius, or something!

2008-01-03T21:21:00.001-07:00

Ah, doesn't every parent think this...
Now that Owen has hit the six month mark (and now the seventh) he is learning new things every day, literally. This post should have been posted two weeks ago because the following accomplishments happened two weeks ago. Oh well.

Owen...
...officially sits on his own.

...feeds himself finger foods (and pretzels).

...got his first tooth (which has since gone back down and continues to give him painful problems).

...plays peek-a-boo (pulls off a blanket that covers his head).

...waves hello and good-bye.

...shakes his head back and forth.

...rolled from back to tummy (once on Christmas, but not since).

It has been fun and I am trying my best to keep track of it all.

I also posted the picture of him in the Bumbo because he rests his toes on the inside of the tray and it humors me, so I thought that I'd share. (And yes, I know that Bumbos are being recalled, which is too bad because parents should really just keep an eye on their kids and not blame the Bumbo company for the parent's negligence. Okay, off my soapbox...)

A Be-lated Merry Christmas and More.

2007-12-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas... Owen did great through four Christmases in three days. Then we got to see these fabulous folks... in good ol' P-roy. It was so fun to see Isabella and Owen meet for the first time. Chris got it on video and they took lots of pictures. Of course, I left my camera in the car, silly me...

We stopped by on our way home to see Papa and have dinner.

We are home now and very, very tired. In fact, I am going to go back to bed right now...

Ah, Sweet Victory.

2007-12-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Back before the football season was underway... Byron, myself, Anthony, and Marissa decided to play fantasy football, just the four of us. The prize for the winner would be the winner's choice with a spending limit of $50 a person (Something for all four of us to participate in together for no more than $200). So, if Marissa or I won, we threatened to do a cooking class or square dancing or something that would make the guys really want to win. Now we find ourselves finishing our season with playoffs last week and this week (according to our own set rules) and both Marissa and I beat the guys last week. That means we play each other and we really do not care which one of us wins. So, if I win, I really have no idea what to do, so I am posing the question here. I don't truly want to torture the guys, but I do want to do something that they wouldn't come up with on their own. Any ideas?

Owen's Six Month Check-Up and Shots.

2007-12-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

Owen weighed in at 16 pounds 4 ounces which is in the 35%, his height is 27 inches, 75%, and his head is 45 1/2 cm, 95%. He also got his shots and is sleeping, sleeping, sleeping today...

Here is a shot of him officially "sitting supported".

Another picture of Owen, a.k.a. Elmer Fudd.

Snow for Deb and Ryan

2007-12-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

It is snowing in Nampa and I wanted to share it with my sister and brother-in-law who live in warm Tuscon, Arizona right now.

Orange You Glad You're Six Months Old?

2007-11-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Owen turned 6 months old yesterday. So, I took this video of him on his halfy birthday (as John and Amy call it).

Waiting for Jello to jell.

2007-11-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

I am making my Aunt Patti's Jello Squares for two Thanksgiving dinners tomorrow and I have to wait 30 minutes in between each layer (and there are seven layers). So, I thought it was a good time to post a new blog.

These pictures are for Linda. She bought Owen his cute "critter" outfit and he now fits into it. I have to roll the pants, but I wanted him to be able to wear it now. Awhile back I said that Owen was wearing size 3 diapers. I had to go back to size 2 because the 3s were a touch too big. He is now still teetering on the border of those sizes. He is slowly moving from 6 month clothing size to 6-9 and 9 month clothing sizes.

I got to watch Sara for a little bit today and managed to capture the cousins interacting. I will try to post the video next (or as some as Blogger lets me).

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!

Four Thirty in the Morning...

2007-11-20T04:26:00.001-07:00

Owen is currently laying in his bed talking to himself right now. I am patiently waiting for him to fall back asleep so I can recover him and go back to bed myself. I debated on turning down the monitor, but what if he starts to cry or something happens and I don't hear it? So, I decided to get up, go to the bathroom, get a drink of water and check my email. Hoping that by the time I did all that, he would be asleep. Still talking... So, it was time for a new blog post anyway. And hey, at least he is happy and not crying. The only other person who is probably up right now is Kelly. Ah, the good ol' days when waking in the middle of the night was "normal" and you expected it.

Vicki, Marissa, Christina and I completed the Turkey Trot on Saturday. It was really, really fun to do a relay race. It was a lot more relaxed, but still pushed you to run the whole way and complete it before the person in front of you. I have finally found my camera, but not before the race so I have no pictures of us, sorry. I saw Dave Coles and Dan Benedick, from college, who were also there to run the race. They plan to run a race every two weeks. So, I might have to join them on some of those to keep me motivated before Robie arrives in April.
Here is our race wall in the garage. I am so pathetically proud.
And, a few pictures of the kiddo. Thanks to my friend, Jennifer, Owen has several big toys that he truly loves and enjoys (his piano, Jump & Go and Exersaucer)
And yes, he is still teething-chewing on those poor hands of his.

Bushy Eyebrows.

2007-11-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have had these pictures for a while now and have been meaning to post them. Owen's eyebrows have only filled in even more in the meantime. At the time of the pictures, I was fascinated with the fact that my little baby had serious eyebrows already, even if they are light in color. He is his father's son. The eyebrows could also have come from my dad and brother. Good thing Owen is a boy.

Owen on his Johnny Jumper.

2007-11-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

23 Weeks Old.

2007-11-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Turkey Trot.

2007-11-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Marissa and two of her sisters talked me into joining them for the Turkey Trot race (a 4 x 2 miler relay) in less than two weeks. We want to try to find matching stretch pants or shirts. I think some ugly 80s stretch pants would be awesome-ha! The winners receive turkeys and the winners are defined by those closest to their predicted time (no watches allowed). So, it should be fun and it was just what I needed to give me that push back toward running. PLUS, Robie Creek is only 5 months away, gotta start gearing up for that too. Here is Robie's suggested training to prepare for the race. Ugh.

Here is a picture from last year's Turkey Trot from the home page site (no, I wasn't there and do not know anyone in the picture). It looks a bit cold, uh oh...

A Plethora of Pictures and Video.

2007-10-30T18:59:00.000-06:00

Owen got his four month shots yesterday even though he is five months (mommy was late in making the appointment two months ago!). He weighed in at 15 pounds 7 ounces which is 40th percentile, he is 26 inches long which is 55th percentile, and his noggin is in the 90th percentile. Poor kid is top heavy...
With Grammy at Mommy's birthday breakfast at Crackel Barrel.

Owen loves his homemade rattle. Like the shirt, Kelly?
Owen gets rather excited about his piano. And yes, the grunting is him pooping (lucky for me).

Jiggity Jig or is it Jiggity Jog?

2007-10-22T22:21:00.000-06:00

Have I already asked this question here? It was always jiggity jig for me, but jiggity jog for J. What about you?

Owen and I are home again, home again for a few days. Byron went back to Riggins to work and Owen and I decided to stay home. We will be here until Friday. Then I have a women's retreat and then the three of us will be at my parent's cabin for three or so weeks off and on while Byron and Anthony build my parents a barn. However, my parents do have the Internet there, so I will do my best to stay connected.

I will leave you with a picture of the little squirt mid-solid-food-meal.

Four and A Half Months.

2007-10-14T18:56:00.001-06:00

Dear Owen,

I haven't written you a letter in several weeks, which is sad because you have been up to so much and I don't think that I can remember it all. I guess that I will just have to do my best.

Over the last month or so, you have "gone huntin'". We went to Cascade, Riggins and Northeast Idaho on the Montana border. You did well camping, but we were all ready to be home once we got home. We discovered that you talk in your sleep. This seems cute in theory, but at 2:30 and then again at 4:30 in the morning, it was not as cute.

You and Aunt Stacy (and your soon-to-be new boy cousin).

You like to stand a lot. Your little legs don't tire as quickly as they use to. It seems that you feel so proud when you are able to stand, so you like to do it often. Daddy switches back and forth between standing and a little bit of Mommy/Daddy/Owen's Horsey (which makes you truly giggle). Daddy's are always so fun!

Your cousin, Sara.

Once a month your cousin, Sara, gets to come over and play for the morning. You two seem pretty fascinated with each other. I can't wait for you two to be able to "play" together.

After getting the okay from your doctor's office, we bought some rice cereal. You tried it on Tuesday morning and were under impressed. Then daddy had the idea to try something with a little more flavor. So, we tried bananas. You gobble up bananas (which does wonders for your breath, ha). We also tried peas a few days later and you ate them, but liked the bananas better. So, we give you a spoon of bananas followed by a spoon of peas. This seems to work pretty good. So, you are having no problems eating solids. You make parenthood so much fun...

You are sleeping from 9/9:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. consistently and you wake up from your naps so happy and pleasant. You spoil us, but we appreciate it! You are warming up to people other than me and Daddy by letting them hold you and talk to you (YES!!!).

Your next doctor's appointment isn't until October 29th, so we will have to wait to find out how much you weigh. You are in 6-9 month clothing and size 3 diapers! And growing....

You are thinking about rolling over, but haven't quite got the maneuver down. Soon, very soon, I am sure.

Next week we should try avocados or sweet potatoes. I know, I know, life is so exciting we can hardly contain ourselves!!

Love, Momma

I've got goosebumps...

2007-10-06T15:32:00.001-06:00

Can you imagine me finding this in my washing machine?-thank goodness it was dead. However, it was still in my house somehow. I am hoping that it came in through camping stuff (please, please) since that was what was in the washing machine at the time of discovery. This is my first encounter with a black widow and I knew exactly what it was before I looked it up on the Internet. The telltale red hour glass on its belly--yuck!!!

35 mm Pictures.

2007-10-03T10:40:00.001-06:00

I finally got my film in and here are the best ones as promised.

Byron and Rylan on our WACK Vacation.

Mike holding Owen. I got several pictures of people holding Owen with proof that he didn't scream. I think he takes a while to warm up to people and the pictures I got of people holding Owen were on the last day.

Byron, the human jungle gym.

My favorite group pic. THE SILLY ONE!

James and Eli.

Now for hunting/camping pictures. I overheard Byron say that we have been gone for 17 days out of September. I'll tell you what, it feels good to be home!

Our chipmunk friend. He ended up getting all too comfortable with us and starting eating our food off the table.

Owen and I.

Can you find the two hunters?

Base camp, elk hunting.

The little family, Lochsa River.

Owen at Three Months Old.

2007-10-02T17:29:00.001-06:00

Now for a poll... Who does Owen look more like?

Byron

Owen

Bec

Anyone Remember This?

2007-10-01T18:20:00.000-06:00

Really Quick.

2007-09-22T10:48:00.001-06:00

Byron wanted me to post this latest video of Owen. So, here you are. Plus a few pictures. The digital camera got taken on all the hunt hikes, so the only pictures I have of Owen at base camp are on the ol' 35 mm. We are leaving yet again today at 1 p.m. We don't plan on returning until October 1! So, no use checking back on the blog until then... Toodles.

Yup... Barf...

2007-09-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

Debbie was right, this bowl was what our Mom put beside us when we were sick. I can still hear the clanking of that ring on the side whenever you moved the bowl. I rediscovered this bowl up at the cabin and got a good laugh and thought I would post it for my sibling's nostaglia.

For Brian and Deb... and Mom too...

2007-09-18T22:34:00.000-06:00

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this picture?

Other Stuff.

2007-09-08T12:38:00.000-06:00

Byron's dad and mom gave him an amazing present. Upon our return on Thursday, we walked into our house to find this...
This is Byron's moose that he got in Canada last October. Mounting this moose costs a pretty penny, so we are ever so grateful! Byron had plans to put the moose on this wall, he just never expected it so soon. We thought we would have to save up for it first!
Last Friday, the day we left on our trip, Nampa got a huge wind storm that snapped our biggest tree in half. I even have pictures of the day we planted the tree (but I don't have a scanner to post it). We are very sad about this tree....

Lots.

2007-09-08T12:25:00.001-06:00

Our little family ventured out this last week (Friday through Thursday) to Riggins, Idaho where we were isolated from the world. No cell phone coverage, no T.V., just bears and bugs. We took our camper on its maiden voyage. We love our little camper!
I don't have a weekly letter to Owen from last week, but I will try to do one for this week and post it after our return. Yes, we are leaving again for another week. The guys are determined to get their animals. This time we are going to the McCall area and then to Riggins again. Owen is enjoying the mountain air and so am I. I will try to take more pictures this week, so stay tuned.

Owen is really working on finding his thumb. He gets it in his mouth at least a couple of times a day. The pointer finger on the nose is my favorite part.
Here is a picture of Marissa fishing just behind the lower cabin. That there is some beautiful country...

Thirteen Weeks and Three Months Tomorrow.

2007-08-28T21:33:00.001-06:00

Dear Owen,

This week so much has changed. Even your Daddy and I noticed that you look older and we see you everyday! You have so much more control over your body and head. A week ago we visited Grandma and she played Pat-A-Cake with you and you really, truly laughed. It was awesome. Just yesterday I wanted to look up Mahna Mahna performed by the Muppets on YouTube and then I watched another Muppets video (Beaker is your favorite, Animal is Daddy's favorite). You enjoyed those a whole lot and now have your Daddy and I worried that you will like T.V. too much!

Your cousin, Audrey Mae, came over for a little visit.

Those hands of yours seem to be in your mouth every chance you can get them there. Soon, very soon, you will find that thumb and then I won't have to worry about constantly putting your pacifier back in your mouth because you spit it out.

Here is a picture of you holding your rattle. This rattle was handmade by your Aunt Steph and Papa Berger. You hold on to things really well and are now reaching out and grabbing hold of toys.
Our dog, Samantha, tries to mother you and can't stand to hear you cry. She managed to lick your hands this week and you were pretty interested in that new sensation. You rewarded her by sneezing on her, but she didn't seem to mind.

You no longer need to be swaddled to sleep and your sleep position is on your back with your arms wide open.
While you eat, you pump your top arm up and down, often times punching yourself in the head. I try to hold that arm, but you would much rather have it free. Whatever floats your boat.

Tomorrow you have pictures taken at Kiddie Kandids. Please be good for Momma and don't spit up right before the picture is taken!

Nicknames this week: Mini Muffin, Muffin Man.

Love,
Momma

Songs Currently Going Through My Head...

2007-08-25T21:27:00.001-06:00

Bless Yore Beautiful Hide

Rhubarb Pie

I just finished watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Prairie Home Companion in the last two weeks, so that is why these songs are going through my head.

And, of course, another Owen video. He can grasp things and hang on to them.

(There IS not a better way to spend 15 minutes or more on the Internet, Geico.)

Owen Video.

2007-08-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

Owen Laughing.

High School Reunion.

2007-08-23T09:27:00.001-06:00

I missed my ten-year high school reunion this last weekend due to our vacation. Can I really be old enough to be ten years out of high school??

Wilsonville High School 1997 Reunion MySpace Page

12 Weeks Old.

2007-08-21T16:31:00.000-06:00

Dear Owen,

You are exactly 12 weeks old to the minute while I type this.

You survived summer vacation this week and you were the ninth kid, officially outnumbering the adults. It took you a few days to become acclimated to all the new people and the new surroundings. By the end of the week, it didn't matter so much who held you or where you slept.

You enjoy watching Sportscenter and hunting videos with Daddy.

You have the most inquisitive waking up faces.
Auntie Jayci gave me the idea to prop you up on the Boppy to encourage you to hold up your head. However, you mostly just rested your head and looked around.

You are still making things difficult when someone other than your mommy or daddy hold you. People mostly comment on your "good set of lungs". What are we going to do with you?

Next week is your appointment for your three month pictures at Kiddie Kandids. What shall you wear?

Love,
Momma

Summer Vacation.

2007-08-17T20:17:00.000-06:00

We returned from our annual summer vacation with the Boyds, Franks, and Nelsons. This year we spent it in Donnelly, thanks to my Dad and Mom. Here are a few pictures that I took on the digital camera. There will be a few more to follow when I take my 35 mm film in later.

The girls and "Goodnight Moon".
Drew Nelson tried Alli Boyd's sunglasses on Owen. They were Tinkerbell glasses... *sigh* He was a good sport.

11 Weeks Old.

2007-08-15T22:06:00.001-06:00

Dear Owen,

This week your baths got moved into the big bath and you are enjoying them more and more. We leave you in until your fingers get pruney. You don't even mind water on your face.
Your neck is getting stronger, so we tried out your Bumbo.

Your hair has a tinge of red in it. And... there is just enough to spike it. Your eyes are turning brown.
You still love your bouncy chair and you are definitely a morning person.
Nicknames this week: Little One, Sugar (do, do, do, do, do, do, aw, honey honey), Baby.

Love,
Momma