Monday, January 31, 2011
Matthew Knight Arena
Originally we were planning on driving over to the coast this past Saturday, but after we found out the forecast at the coast was suppose to be cold and rainy all day, we decided to postpone that trip. Then I saw online that the Duck's Women's basketball games for the last 3 Saturday games were only $2! So instead, we headed down to Eugene to go watch some bball and check out the brand new UofO Matthew Knight Arena that was just completed! We were dying to go check it out anyways, and were able to convince Grandpa, Grandma Sue and Heather to meet us and come to the game as well! It was really fun, even though the Ducks lost in the end, and we really enjoyed checking out the whole arena. It is really nice and has some really neat murals all over from some of the best teams from U of O history. It was fun to see one mural of Aaron Brooks last second shot in the game against UCLA to win it. That was while John was still going to the U of O and we were there at the game! It was fun to try to see if we could find ourselves in the crowd. :)
Anyways, after the game John's parents took us all out to eat at Outback Steakhouse.....mmmmm. So tasty! I'm so glad we went down to Eugene! The boys also had a GREAT time. Jackson really loved the bball game. Here's our pictures from the day!
Even though this is one of the Oregon girl's getting stuffed, it's still a sweet picture John got...
The Duck
Not sure if there's any difference between these two pictures, but they are two different ones!
Anyways, after the game John's parents took us all out to eat at Outback Steakhouse.....mmmmm. So tasty! I'm so glad we went down to Eugene! The boys also had a GREAT time. Jackson really loved the bball game. Here's our pictures from the day!
Even though this is one of the Oregon girl's getting stuffed, it's still a sweet picture John got...
The Duck
Sunday, January 16, 2011
My weekend with the boys
I am sure everyone is getting sick of my New Year's post and I have been dying to put up a post full of Christmas pictures.... but blogger is being weird and telling me there is no more space on the picasa web albums and won't let me add new pictures.... not sure what that is all about. Anybody have any advice or knowledge about that? I really don't want to have to start a new blog, but I just might have to. grrrrrr.
Anyways, the boys are finally asleep and I can't help but sit here and smile thinking about our weekend. It was a great weekend! And you know what I loved the most about it? It wasn't spent at Disneyland or at the beach or on a trip or somewhere expensive. In fact, it was mostly spent at home. We did get to go out to dinner with some fun friends Friday night without our kids and we also got to spend Saturday night at a family in our ward's house eating dinner and chatting away while the kids played with toys and watched Despicable Me. Those were both very fun nights. But what I am thinking about the most right now, is how much I LOVE these two little guys:
They seriously are the best. The rest of our weekend was spent by being shot by invisible guns, playing 3 little pigs and hiding under blankets, jumping on beds, giggling like crazy, watching the boys run around our home wearing batman capes while claiming to be chasing the bad guys, doing lots of dog piles, talking about superheroes and trains and cars and fighting over which fruit snacks are better- the batman or spiderman ones.
It was filled with scenes like coming out of the bathroom to a stick-up and having to pretend injury after the two little bandits shoot you and then watching as they tucked their little squirt guns back into their church pant's pocket and walk away all proud of their "good guy" work.
It was hearing things like, "Hey don't shoot mommy!" (me) and "Yeah, we only shoot Daddy bad guys, Baron!" (Jackson) that made it so entertaining.
And scenes of little naked white buns flying past with water still dripping from their hair after their bath with the cutest little giggles coming out of their mouths that kept me laughing the whole weekend long.
And funny things said like "I need to wear this helmet so I can fly safe" from Jackson who was currently acting as batman that made me want to never let them grow up.
I don't know what I will do when these two grow up and it becomes too cool to go to bed with fake guns and iron man and buzz. It is going to be really hard to see that happen. I am so relieved to know I still have a good while to enjoy it before they do actually grow up. I just hope I never forget the little moments of fun like the ones we enjoyed all weekend!
Anyways, the boys are finally asleep and I can't help but sit here and smile thinking about our weekend. It was a great weekend! And you know what I loved the most about it? It wasn't spent at Disneyland or at the beach or on a trip or somewhere expensive. In fact, it was mostly spent at home. We did get to go out to dinner with some fun friends Friday night without our kids and we also got to spend Saturday night at a family in our ward's house eating dinner and chatting away while the kids played with toys and watched Despicable Me. Those were both very fun nights. But what I am thinking about the most right now, is how much I LOVE these two little guys:
It was filled with scenes like coming out of the bathroom to a stick-up and having to pretend injury after the two little bandits shoot you and then watching as they tucked their little squirt guns back into their church pant's pocket and walk away all proud of their "good guy" work.
It was hearing things like, "Hey don't shoot mommy!" (me) and "Yeah, we only shoot Daddy bad guys, Baron!" (Jackson) that made it so entertaining.
And scenes of little naked white buns flying past with water still dripping from their hair after their bath with the cutest little giggles coming out of their mouths that kept me laughing the whole weekend long.
And funny things said like "I need to wear this helmet so I can fly safe" from Jackson who was currently acting as batman that made me want to never let them grow up.
I don't know what I will do when these two grow up and it becomes too cool to go to bed with fake guns and iron man and buzz. It is going to be really hard to see that happen. I am so relieved to know I still have a good while to enjoy it before they do actually grow up. I just hope I never forget the little moments of fun like the ones we enjoyed all weekend!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A New Year!!
I am really happy 2010 is over. Both 2009 and 2010 were difficult ones (as I am sure it was for many with this darn recession). Although I know there will be some challenging moments and things to overcome in this next year, I am still happy to see it come. I didn't even bother to set any goals or recognize it being a new year last year. With having just moved for the 3rd time in 4 months, not having a place to call home, me not being able to start my new job when we were suppose to (got put off by 2 extra months!), my knee not doing so well after having to live on the 3rd floor for 4 months and having to go up and down the stairs multiple times a day just months after my surgery on it, as well as John's public tax accounting job blowing up and getting as stressful as possible as well as not having any time to study for and pass the CPA with the pressure of needing to pass it from his work, LIFE WAS CRAZY. It wasn't the best start to a new year, needless to say. We have concluded that our theme for 2010 was SURVIVAL, whether we liked it or not.
BUT, it IS a NEW YEAR, and we are determined to make it a better one! Our new theme for the year 2011 is to OVERCOME and to THRIVE. And I am confident we can do it! Mostly because John and I are both in wonderful new jobs now that have been a HUGE blessing, but also because through all our struggles we most definitely learned a great deal about not giving up and trying your best to still have hope, faith and trust in our Father in Heaven to help us get through and come out on top. Another big reason I think we will get through this year while thriving is that we are in the most amazing ward that is SO supportive and loving, and we have FRIENDS!! I mean, good, close friends (and more than just one set of close friends), that would drop everything in an instant to help out and be there for us. It really makes a huge difference, especially when you don't live close to any family. It was difficult for us to make and keep such close friends when we were moving so often and living in a further city away from the ones we had. But after many earnest prayers for some extra support, I really feel like this new ward and living back by some other dear and close friends has been a huge blessing and answer to prayers.
SO, all that being said, BRING ON THE NEW YEAR!! I have been thinking and talking with John a lot about this new year and have come up with a lot of little goals, but also some big, key, main goals for us:
**JOHN**
1. Take out all the trashes without being asked
2. Do all dishes
3. Make dinner once a week
Ok, ok, so maybe these are my goals for John.... hehe. Since he is a big boy, I will let him come up with his own :)
* *STEPH**
1. RESTORE HEALTH-
I am really tired of having the body function of an 80 year old. Plus, we would really like to have another baby sometime before the boys graduate high school :). It is going to take a lot of exercise and dedication, LOTS of not so fun Dr. appointments, a possible MRI, a chance of another surgery, LAB tests, lots of physical therapy (and different kinds, not just on my knee), lots of frustration, patience, prayers and I am sure lots of tears. It won't be easy, that's for sure. But I need to do this. There are some things my body is really struggling with right now and this year is going to be all about getting them fixed the best my body will allow. I am so ready for it. I feel like John's new job couldn't have come at a better time for this too... with health insurance and coverage with his new job being 100 x's better as well as his boss and company being more flexible and understanding and WAY nicer, I feel the timing is perfect. I can do this. I know I can.... but I am still a bit nervous and anxious for it all. Wish me luck!
2. MAKE JOHN'S LUNCH!!
Believe it or not, I struggle to remember to do this for him most days. I am determined to remember most days at least (I know better than to expect 100% after failing so miserably already). I am also hoping this goal will save us some mula in the end too so he doesn't have to eat out everyday!
3. READ THE NEW TESTAMENT
It's been a while... in fact, I am not sure I have ever read the New Testament from beginning to end straight through, every single verse (gasp!). Since it is what we are studying in Sunday School this year I really want to do it. I look forward to having my testimony of Christ strengthened while I read about his life and mission while here on this earth.
4. LESS TIME ON COMPUTER!!
I really think the less time I spend on here, the more time my will kids get from me. I also think the less time on here I spend, the more attention my home, the laundry, the dishes, etc, will get from me. Hopefully this will ease all of our burdens and stress a little more :) But don't worry, I still plan on blogging, since this is my way of journaling and keeping the grandparents and family and friends living far away updated.
**JACKSON**
1. Learn the sounds of and learn to write ALL ABC's and numbers 1-10.
He is doing pretty good. We have gotten to the letter G so far as well as he can write his name, but I really want him to learn them all and be writing them by next year.
2. Master side breathing stroke in swimming and participate in and learn a new sport!
He still loves swimming and is so darn good at it, so we will continue putting him in lessons and are hoping to get into a little baseball, basketball or soccer too!
3. Learn more of the words to different primary songs and memorize a new scripture
He is in CTR 4 now... no longer a sunbeam! How did he get so old??
**BARON**
1. Become POTTY TRAINED!!!
I don't think he will have many problems with this... I really think I just need to find time to work with him and he will do great since he already likes to sit on the potty and talks so well.
2. Overcome the terrible 2's
He really isn't that bad, but every now and then has some melt downs over independency battles. So, he is making a goal to overcome that :)
3. Stop growing up so fast and stay super cute and sweet, PLEASE.
I am really pushing for this one.
That about sums it up! Here's to hoping 2011 is full of Thriving and joy! I know there will be lots of ups and downs, but I am hopeful for this new year. Happy New Year's everyone!! Hopefully those of you that have had tough year's lately will be able to thrive this year as well!!
BUT, it IS a NEW YEAR, and we are determined to make it a better one! Our new theme for the year 2011 is to OVERCOME and to THRIVE. And I am confident we can do it! Mostly because John and I are both in wonderful new jobs now that have been a HUGE blessing, but also because through all our struggles we most definitely learned a great deal about not giving up and trying your best to still have hope, faith and trust in our Father in Heaven to help us get through and come out on top. Another big reason I think we will get through this year while thriving is that we are in the most amazing ward that is SO supportive and loving, and we have FRIENDS!! I mean, good, close friends (and more than just one set of close friends), that would drop everything in an instant to help out and be there for us. It really makes a huge difference, especially when you don't live close to any family. It was difficult for us to make and keep such close friends when we were moving so often and living in a further city away from the ones we had. But after many earnest prayers for some extra support, I really feel like this new ward and living back by some other dear and close friends has been a huge blessing and answer to prayers.
SO, all that being said, BRING ON THE NEW YEAR!! I have been thinking and talking with John a lot about this new year and have come up with a lot of little goals, but also some big, key, main goals for us:
**JOHN**
1. Take out all the trashes without being asked
2. Do all dishes
3. Make dinner once a week
Ok, ok, so maybe these are my goals for John.... hehe. Since he is a big boy, I will let him come up with his own :)
* *STEPH**
1. RESTORE HEALTH-
I am really tired of having the body function of an 80 year old. Plus, we would really like to have another baby sometime before the boys graduate high school :). It is going to take a lot of exercise and dedication, LOTS of not so fun Dr. appointments, a possible MRI, a chance of another surgery, LAB tests, lots of physical therapy (and different kinds, not just on my knee), lots of frustration, patience, prayers and I am sure lots of tears. It won't be easy, that's for sure. But I need to do this. There are some things my body is really struggling with right now and this year is going to be all about getting them fixed the best my body will allow. I am so ready for it. I feel like John's new job couldn't have come at a better time for this too... with health insurance and coverage with his new job being 100 x's better as well as his boss and company being more flexible and understanding and WAY nicer, I feel the timing is perfect. I can do this. I know I can.... but I am still a bit nervous and anxious for it all. Wish me luck!
2. MAKE JOHN'S LUNCH!!
Believe it or not, I struggle to remember to do this for him most days. I am determined to remember most days at least (I know better than to expect 100% after failing so miserably already). I am also hoping this goal will save us some mula in the end too so he doesn't have to eat out everyday!
3. READ THE NEW TESTAMENT
It's been a while... in fact, I am not sure I have ever read the New Testament from beginning to end straight through, every single verse (gasp!). Since it is what we are studying in Sunday School this year I really want to do it. I look forward to having my testimony of Christ strengthened while I read about his life and mission while here on this earth.
4. LESS TIME ON COMPUTER!!
I really think the less time I spend on here, the more time my will kids get from me. I also think the less time on here I spend, the more attention my home, the laundry, the dishes, etc, will get from me. Hopefully this will ease all of our burdens and stress a little more :) But don't worry, I still plan on blogging, since this is my way of journaling and keeping the grandparents and family and friends living far away updated.
**JACKSON**
1. Learn the sounds of and learn to write ALL ABC's and numbers 1-10.
He is doing pretty good. We have gotten to the letter G so far as well as he can write his name, but I really want him to learn them all and be writing them by next year.
2. Master side breathing stroke in swimming and participate in and learn a new sport!
He still loves swimming and is so darn good at it, so we will continue putting him in lessons and are hoping to get into a little baseball, basketball or soccer too!
3. Learn more of the words to different primary songs and memorize a new scripture
He is in CTR 4 now... no longer a sunbeam! How did he get so old??
**BARON**
1. Become POTTY TRAINED!!!
I don't think he will have many problems with this... I really think I just need to find time to work with him and he will do great since he already likes to sit on the potty and talks so well.
2. Overcome the terrible 2's
He really isn't that bad, but every now and then has some melt downs over independency battles. So, he is making a goal to overcome that :)
3. Stop growing up so fast and stay super cute and sweet, PLEASE.
I am really pushing for this one.
That about sums it up! Here's to hoping 2011 is full of Thriving and joy! I know there will be lots of ups and downs, but I am hopeful for this new year. Happy New Year's everyone!! Hopefully those of you that have had tough year's lately will be able to thrive this year as well!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Bowling
We went bowling for Baron's birthday. The boys LOVE bowling... especially because they have the ramps and bumpers that make it a lot easier and fun for the little guys. I was able to to score a coupon for a local bowling alley from Groupon and it included a game card to play some of the arcade games and get a chance to win some tickets for prizes! We had a great time! The boys had huge smiles! It was a great way to celebrate our little Bear's birthday!
It's pretty hard to get good pictures inside with the lighting and also without ticking off all the hard core bowling league regulars who are a little too serious, but I had to at least get a picture of Jackson and Baron with their bowling shoes.
Jackson and his faces... I don't know why he can't just look at the camera and smile normally... probably because he is 4 and thinks its funnier to do weird faces
I didn't know they would have their sizes, but they totally did and they were just too cute on them!
They loved all the games!
There were a lot more games, and some that were geared more towards their age, but we were too busy playing them and having fun to take pictures! With their tickets they got some candy and fun little toy prizes. It was a great night!
It's pretty hard to get good pictures inside with the lighting and also without ticking off all the hard core bowling league regulars who are a little too serious, but I had to at least get a picture of Jackson and Baron with their bowling shoes.
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