DDCJE Smith Family

Our photo tree

2008-11-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Every time we walk this trail we stop, put the kids up in the tree, and snap lots of photos.

Decked out in his Beaver gear.

Eliana thought it was quite fun to sit up there with brother and sister.

Three tree monkeys!

Holding our new friend the salamander

2008-11-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

Catching our breaths on the bench.

Papa spotted a salamander on the trail.

Colin took a turn holding it.

Janessa was not to be out done.

Adventure time

2008-11-29T18:33:00.000-08:00

We took some much needed family time and went for a hike at the Finley wildlife refuge.

I just bought myself this double jogging stroller and already can't believe

I survived so long without one. We can go so many more places with ease.

Eliana relaxing at the oak lookout.

Checking out the view.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

Colin, Eliana, & Janessa

Ready to eat some turkey. Where is the rest of the family?

No need to wait, we can eat the ham instead!

Despite many new changes in our lives we have so much to be thankful for!

These three monkeys top the list. Along with the rest of our family.

Here we are!

Sissy love

2008-11-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

Eliana modeling her new jumper.

Janessa loving her sissy.

Looking at the ceiling. Monkey see, monkey do!

Walking along furniture still. One of these days she'll just take off.

Grandma Vicki endures Janessa's play jewelry

2008-11-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

Look at all those pretties!

Two teeth

2008-11-29T18:27:00.001-08:00

Elie finally has a another tooth to chomp with.

Watch out!!

Pipe cleaner glasses

2008-11-29T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes our silliness amazes even me!

Don't we look sexy!!

Bathing beauties

2008-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

Eliana as a Unicorn for Halloween

2008-11-29T18:25:00.000-08:00

Getting a good picture of Elie in her costume was

almost as difficult as spotting a unicorn in real life.

Downtown trick-or-treating

2008-11-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

All decked out and ready to get some candy.

The weather was amazingly warm and dry.

We lasted for about 2 hours and scored lots of loot.

Janessa as Ariel for Halloween

2008-11-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

Big surprise (not).... Janessa chose to be Ariel.

Sitting as a pretty pretty princess!

Colin as Jango Fett for Halloween

2008-11-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

Colin chose to this costume based on the cool laser gun.

I highly doubt he really knows who this character is!

This is a stick-up. Give me your candy!

Eliana's first pumpkin

2008-11-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

I cleaned all the mud off of her pumpkin and laid it out on the living room carpet for inspection.

She crawled across the floor at mock speed making "oooooo" noises the whole way.

Arms flapping means extreme excitment.

You mean this if for me?!?

Everyone's final versions.

(Left to right: Eliana, Mom & Dad, Janessa, & Colin)

Kindergarten goes to the pumpkin patch

2008-11-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

Enjoying donuts and cider

King of the mountain

The whole class, pumpkins and all.

Did you know that unicorns are meat eaters?

2008-11-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

Plastic bacon to be exact.

Silly baby!

Fun with leftover hay bales

2008-11-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

more Cowboy party

2008-11-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

The whole gang in Jail :)

And the boot pinata breaks

A rainbow chip cake for the hungry wranglers.

Ready for a Cowboy Party?!?

2008-11-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

There is a new sheriff in town

The birthday boy!

Papa and Colin waiting for our friends to arrive.

Janessa playing horse shoes.

Wanted!!

Colin turns 6 !!!!!!

2008-11-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

We have a new tradition in the family. On the kid's birthday they get to pick whatever they want for breakfast, we sing happy birthday, and they get to open their presents.

Kind of like Christmas morning:)

Colin chose cinnamon rolls.

I got them from Taylor Street Ovens. They are literally

the size of a dessert plate so we split them into quarters.

Central Park photo shoot

2008-11-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

I took a Janessa with me on a photo shoot to get some fall foliage pictures but the ones of her turned out ten times better. Here are a few of my favorites.

Janessa'a first airplane ride

2008-11-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

Janessa and Colin taking their turn being pilots.

Ready to ride!

We survived!

Janessa did really well at first then started not feeling so well.

I had her rest her head on my shoulder and she fell asleep before we even landed.

Maybe next time she'll be a little more into the view.

Target practice

2008-11-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

Janessa is now trained to reload Papa's pellet gun.

Notice the purple bag at her feet, it contains her entire jewelry collection.

Colin taking his turn shooting at the targets.

Janessa and Kaden parked beneath a tree.....

2008-11-29T17:56:00.000-08:00

C.U.D.D.L.I.N.G

I swear they could not get any closer to each other.

Janessa the cookie helper

2008-11-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Janessa all dressed up to help Mommy make

cookies to send in a care package to Uncle Michael.

A rocker chick!

2008-11-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

I know, I make this look good!!

Colin's first AYSO game

2008-09-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Colin is playing AYSO soccer this fall and spring.
He had his first practice and game this afternoon.

Ready to play coach.

Gotta love they all black look, especially the enormous baggy shorts!

Practicing his goal kick and follow through.

Overhead throws

Coin tossGame on!
Half time. Getting some advice from the coach.

He had a blast and is already asking when his next game is.

I guess that makes me a "soccer Mom"???

Silly Sleepy Baby

2008-09-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

It is not uncommon to find Eliana sleeping in strange positions or standing in her crib when we come in to get her. This was the best one yet.

She must have been sitting up playing and decided she was tired.

Baby origami!

Elie's first popsicle

2008-09-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Eliana has decided that if we are eating in her line of sight then she must be eating too.

The penalty for not compling is an ear piercing shriek followed by an impressive fit.

Hence her first taste of popsicles.

Lemon-lime all natural fruit bar.

Thats cold.

You mean its all gone?

That was tasty!

Fun with the bubble machine

2008-09-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of summer I purchased the best invention ever- a bubble machine.

No more messy hands and spilled bubbles.

Best of all, no more out of breath Mommy!

The big kids were catching bubbles on plastic plates and delivering them to Eliana to pop.

The pretended that they were waiters and she had placed an order for bubbles. They kept apologizing for the delay and that they would have her order right away. Too cute!

Like Colin's new shirt? He has started kindergarten at Wilson.

Their creativity knows no bounds. The variety of ways that they came up with to pop the bubbles or change their course was endless.

Bubbles anyone?

Tractor rides with Papa Dusty

2008-09-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

That's one big forklift!

2008-09-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Janessa & Kaden giving you an idea of the scale of this machine.

Ready to move some equipment

Colin was absolutely certain that he was able and qualified to drive this thing.

Kaden & Grandpa Scott keeping a close eye on Colin.

Storage Containers Arrive

2008-09-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

Part of the grand plan involved finding a solution for storing a massive amount of stuff. Both from our house and the parents.

Solution storage containers.

Dad and I poured 8 yards of concrete while Dustin was at grand jury duty.

Do you sense any animosity there?!?!?

These are what the containers will sit on. Not too bad for a couple of amateurs.

The new rule at our house is to schedule all projects for Thursday & Friday. That way Mom is not around to witness the stress and craziness!

Delivery of the containers.

The pictures do not do these units justice.

They measure 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 1/2 feet tall.

The forklift was one of the largest available but still didn't have forks wide enough apart to unload the containers properly so the guys had to be a little creative.

After hours of tedious work the units where placed on their slabs. We were a bunch of dirty sweaty stressed humans. I think I survived a couple of mild heart attacks and lost a good number of years off of my life during the process. Thank heavens that doesn't have to be done again any time soon!

Big Changes......

2008-09-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not sure where to begin.... as you may have noticed I haven't been blogging for the last two months. I have a fantastic excuse that goes something like this;
*June 30th: Dustin comes home early from work with some bad news- he's been laid off.
*July 6th: We decide to take drastic measures which include selling our house, moving in with my parents, and sending Dustin back to school to become a radiologist.
Talk about big changes!

So we have spent the last two months getting our house ready to sell, the parents house ready to move everyone in, and all the miscellaneous tasks that go along with it.

Long story short- we have sold the house in record time, setup our new living quarters, and stored the huge amount of items that you accumulate after owning a house for almost ten years.

It has been a stressful and busy time of our lives but the future looks bright. We are together in a safe loving home. Dustin starts school the end of September. All in all we are very blessed.

Eliana 8 months old

2008-09-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Our baby is growing like a weed!

Her first biter biscuit. Followed by a nice warm bath to remove all that mess!

Opossum baby

A ten gallon hat for a little girl

Eliana goes to the beach for the first time

2008-09-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

It wasn't an ideal day to take her for her first beach trip but we do live in Oregon!

We found a spot on the other side of a little bluff that helped to protect her from the raging wind.

A couple of blankets and Mom as an additional wind block and it worked out alright.

Can I have a turn with the camera?

Smiley binky face

Governor Patterson Wayside

2008-09-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

We decided to run away from the 90+ degree weather at home and head to the beach. We were greeted with gale force winds, black fog, and 60 degree weather. Oh well, you can't win them all!

Luckily I had packed jackets and long pants for the kids.

Too bad I forgot to do the same for the adults....

Janessa dove right in- literally :)

Bringing water back for the sandcastles.

The good thing about a windy day- kite flying.

Grandma Trisha bought the kids new owl kites and they have been begging to try them out. Today turned out to be the perfect time. Colin was so proud of his abilities and talked about flying all by himself for the rest of the trip.

A bath tub big enough to swim in

2008-09-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

The house in Sunriver has a very unusual layout that included huge bathrooms with spa tubs.

So we let the kids go swimming in it!

High Desert Museum

2008-09-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

We took a family trip to Sunriver this July thanks to my sister Kelley who won a gift certificate to the resort and rented a large enough house for everybody to stay in.

Our first afternoon was a trip to the High Desert Museum.

Checking out a tepee.

Looking at critters with Uncle Tim

Indian artifacts

Colin and Janessa in the children's area.
They liked exploring in the otter den and finding the treasures that the otter had stashed.

Janessa looking at lizards with Auntie Kelley and her friend Wendy.

Touching a "real" statue of a rattlesnake. It even had a sensor and would make a rattle sound when they stuck their hands on it.

Sissy Love

2008-09-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

A perfect example of "a picture speaks a thousand words"

Our friend Moki

2008-09-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

The last time we dog sit for Moki was at Easter. I took some pictures of him wearing bunny ears and posted a note about how big he is, but the picture didn't do him justice. So this is another attempt at showing how truly large he really is.

Three kids does not equal one Newfoundland

But maybe if you stack them side by side...

This is a stick up... reach for the sky

2008-09-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Three kids + western wear + a little imagination =

a group of bandits that want your gold!

Colin, Janessa & Kaden

Ready..... draw

Talk about a new trend in cowgirl fashion!!!!

We met Curious George!

2008-09-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

At this year's teddy bear picnic the special guest was Curious George.

Our friends Heather and Kaden sitting with us.

Janessa the bicyclist

2008-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Janessa's bike was a hand-me-down from some friends.

With a little bit of accessorizing we have made it "brand new".

Grandpa Ron & Grandma Trisha helping her around the corner.

Don't you love all the safety gear!

A little push to help pick up speed.

Colin the bicyclist

2008-06-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Colin has been a little shy about riding his bike until the last few weeks. Now he loves to cruise up and down the sidewalk. One of these days we will have to take off the training wheels.

Coming around the corner.

Picking up speed.

Ride by "cheesy" smile.

Check out that intense look

Watch out world, here comes Colin!

Exhausted

2008-06-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Our battles lately have been over being "not tired" and not wanting to go to bed at night let alone take naps during the day.

Judging by the following pictures I would have to say, Mommy knows what's best!

I was sitting on the love seat and thought, at the time,

she was watching the tv from under the coffee table.

When I tried to wake her she wouldn't cooperate. So I popped popcorn and she woke up when she was ready, jumped onto the couch next to me and helped herself to my food.

Colin has been fighting allergies or a cold. The night before he was coughing so much I doubt he got any rest. We went to the store and got him some Benadryl. He had his first dose a little before lunch and then fell asleep sitting at the table.

He insists on carrying around a washcloth whenever he has a cold or runny nose. It helps him keep his germs off of everybody else.

I had no idea he would react so strongly to Benadryl. He ended up taking a 3 hour nap during the middle of the day and then slept all night. (I'll have to remember that for the future!)

Sun Bathers

2008-06-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

It was a warm but overcast day and the kids thought they would rest in the yard.

They requested pillows and stuffed animals.

Little did I know what they intended to do with them.

Janessa with her friend the skunk.

Colin with Bambi.

Everyone wanted to get their picture taken with Elie.

What a bunch of hams!

Eliana 6 months old

2008-06-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Eliana is now 6 months old.

At her last dr appt she weighed 17 lbs 3 oz and was 26" long.

She has started eating lots of baby food. Her favorite new trick is chasing Cheerios.

Her success rate for actually getting them in her mouth has greatly improved.

"Bumbo Baby"

Thanks to our friend Jane, we have the use of a fun new chair.

She loves hanging around in her Bumbo seat.

Showing off her beautiful smile with Auntie Kelley.

Gotta love those chubby babies!

Dress up time

2008-06-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

We had a couple of extra friends over today and the kids spent lots of time dressing up.

These were some of their favorite outfits.

Funny face time!

Colin's Last Day of Preschool

2008-06-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

On the last day of preschool the kids made school bus with pictures of their best buddies riding with them while they sat in the front.

Holding his preschool diploma.

I can't believe he is going to be starting kindergarten this fall!

Sexy shoes!

2008-06-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Our most recent girl's night out was the attendance of "Sex in the City" on opening night. We decided to be true to the movie and strap on some sexy heels. The evening was a blast and I had the sore feet to prove it!

Barbie Jeep

2008-06-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the economic stimulus package Janessa is the proud driver of a Barbie Jammin' Jeep.

It comes complete with seat belts and a real am/fm radio.

And the best part of all.... it seats two kids and cuts down on the battles for driving time!

"Test sit" in the garage after assembly.

My silly, fashion forward girl with her swim goggles on!

A to Z

2008-05-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

A: Attached or Single: Married 10 years this August

B: Best Friend: Dustin and my sister Kelley

C: Cake or Pie: Cake. Chocolate with chocolate and more chocolate!

D: Day of Week: Saturday. A day to spend with the whole family.

E: Essential item: Pony tail holder

F: Favorite color: Red

G: Greatest Accomplishment: Being a Mom

H: Hometown: Corvallis

I: Indulgences: Time at the spa :)

J: January or July: July- happy birthday to me! Not to mention its nice and warm outside.

K: Kids: 3

L: Life is incomplete without: family

M: Marriage date: August 15, 1998

N: Number of siblings: 4

O: Oranges or Apples: Apples. The greener and tarter the better.

P: Phobias: Swimming in a lake/river. Things that touch my feet or legs that I can't see....

Q: Quotes: Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much.

R: Reason to smile: It looks so much better than frowning!

S: Season: Summer, summer, summer! I love the weather, the slightly slower pace, and all of the fun activities that go along with it.

T: Tag five friends: Heather, Paula, Lynn, Julie, & whoever else wants to!

U: Unknown fact about me: Thats a tough one. I'm not usually shy about stating my opinions, could there be something I forgot to say.....

V: Very Favorite Store: Old Navy for clothes, both for myself and the kids. Walmart for everything else. There isn't one close by which is probably good. I am a total sucker for the low prices and can't seem to stop myself!

W: Worst Habit: Forgetting to take care of myself.

X: Xray or Ultra sound: Never had an x-ray. Had a number of ultra-sounds.

Y: Your favorite food: Popcorn and french fries, both with lots of salt.

Z: Zodiac: Cancer

The Lake

2008-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of those places that if someone doesn't know where they are going they will never find. (Not to mention it is private property behind a locked gate.) I guess its good to know the right people!

This particular place is called The Lake.

Sitting on the dock, dangling toes in the cold water.

Going on a boat ride.

Just hanging around!

Colin was not pleased about being in the cold water.

No matter what we said, we could not convince him to get all the way in and swim.

Our friend, "The Salamander"

2008-05-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

We were invited to go with Kelley and her friends out to "the lake".

There we made friends with lots of salamanders.

Our first catch!

Mr. Salamander

The Smith Family

Complete with uncooperative children!

The whole group.

It was a beautiful place to spend a hot afternoon.

School Field Trip

2008-05-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at Heavenly Harvest Farms with Colin's pre-school.

The kids learned about what it takes to make things grow.

They saw plants in the greenhouses and fields, beehives with an active colony, and got to take a hayride out to the fields and plant pumpkin seeds.

Who knows, maybe when we go pumpkin hunting this October we will get the one we planted!

Digging the perfect hole.

Planting 2 seeds, just in case one doesn't make it.

Time to grow!

On the hayride with his friend from school.

Sleepy Head

2008-05-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm not tired Mom.....

Gardening Girls

2008-05-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day last year, we built raised garden beds for vegetables.

This year we decided to build 2 more beds and plant even more!

Her are the girls with the first batch of our veggie starts.

Janessa planting onions.

Planting a hot pepper for future batches of salsa :)

Colin & Janessa helping fill one of the new beds

that will hold raspberries and strawberries.

I can't wait to eat all of our hard work!!

Out for a walk @ Jackson Frazier Wetlands

2008-04-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful night and dinner was finished early so we went for a walk.

We kept telling the kids to use their listening ears instead of their mouths so we could find some wildlife. It was a bit of a challenge to get that concept across. But eventually we succeed in spotting a mother and four ducklings, 2 yellow racer snakes, a variety of small birds, and lots of unidentified creatures in the sludgey water.

I spotted a tadpole. Dustin saw a frog. And we all wondered what kept moving some seed pods on the bottom of the water.

These are all cat tails growing up out of the water.

It will look really cool out there when the get bigger.

An attempt at a family picture.

As you can tell, it was quite bright where we stopped and setup the camera on a bench. Too bright to see that we hadn't captured the best shot because of course my eyes are closed. UGH!

Feeding the ducks with Papa

2008-04-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Janessa and Papa went out on a date this afternoon.

First on the agenda was feeding the ducks at HP.

Sit. Stay. Good ducks!

They liked sprinkling the food at the edge of the water so the ducks would bob under to eat.

Family Party

2008-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Mommy and the birthday girl.

Trying on her new jewelry from Auntie Julie

This was the best reaction of the night. MONEY!!

She refused to say thank you or acknowledge any other gifts.

Janessa's Birthday

2008-04-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Coming from a large extended family can make birthdays a little overwhelming for tikes.

So we decided to stretch out the fun over a couple of days. On the morning of Janessa's birthday she was greeted with a pile of presents just like Christmas morning. It was a big hit and something we will probably keep doing.

Practicing her new finger sign.

A new tea party set from Mommy & Papa.

One that can break into a million pieces like the porcelain one before.

Look at all that loot! She is not spoiled or anything!!

Colin on the electric guitar

2008-04-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

A sampling of Colin's love of rock-n-roll!

Papa's Pizza party for Janessa

2008-04-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Janessa is now three!

She insisted on going to Papa's with her friends this year so off we went.

We went with a Princess/ Little Mermaid theme

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

Opening presents.

We had a great time!

I can't believe she is three already. Time flies by so fast!

Baby Ducks

2008-04-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

For playgroup this week were invited to Sarah's Grandmas

house to meet her 10 day old ducklings.

The kids were each given a towel to wrap the babies in

for their security and to keep the messes contained.

Just catching them at first was a challenge. They only wanted to hang out under the heat lamp. Can't say I'd be too excited if a bunch of little kids were going to get to handle me either!

Janessa really liked to hold Lilly. She was the littlest duckling and

seemed very peaceful being held by a two year old.

Colin also really like Lilly but I think he had a turn with each of them.

Hopefully we can go back again and see how much they have grown.

Silly girl

2008-04-08T14:38:00.001-07:00

We have jokingly called Eliana, Elie Baba. (As in Alli Baba and the 40 thieves)
Papa put her diaper rag on her head and snapped this cute picture.

Enduring tummy time, still not her favorite pastime.

Mega Saucer Fun

2008-04-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Eliana loves to sit up and see what is going on around her. I decided it was time to get the mega saucer out of the attic and see what she thought of it.

A little overwhelmed at first.

Ready for a drive Mom. This is cool!

Happy Earth Month/ Arbor Day!

2008-04-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Colin received a tree seedling from Starker Forest thru pre-school.

The bag said Happy Arbor Day but I am being told that now it is called Earth day or month.

Off to Grandma Trisha and Grandpa Ron's house where a large pot and lots of dirt were waiting.

The kids took turns filling the pot. They took their work very seriously.

Cheesy grins

Very proud of his new tree.

He already has plans to build a tree house in it.

When I told him that it could take 10 to 20 years to big enough for

a tree house he was bummed.

Book Tag

2008-04-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages).
2. Turn to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence.
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog.
5. Tag 5 people.

Thanks a lot Heather.... I just finally started reading again afer my maternity hiatus.

I am reading Forever and Ever by Patricia Gaffney. I probably borrowed it from my Mom a year ago... oops!

And the sentence is: Then he kissed her.

Kinda makes you wonder what kind of book I'm reading :)

I am not going to continue the tag aspect... but if you want to share what you are reading or make some recommendations please do so!

A few recent pictures

2008-03-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Colin & Eliana

She is almost 4 months old and at last weigh in, 14 lbs and some change!

Playing together in Elie's crib

Just smelling the roses

Peek a boo

The biggest easter bunny we have ever seen!

2008-03-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

We are dog sitting for some friends.

This is Mokie, the Newfoundland. Doesn't he make an adorable bunny!

I don't know how many of you have had the pleasure of meeting one of these guys face to face, but to put it in perspective. He is longer than my coffee table. Taller than Colin when he is sitting down. And generally a sweet enormous teddy bear. (literally a bear!)

Here is another pic that shows his whole body. Not at the best angle though. Colin is approx 3 1/2' tall and is barely leaning over in this pic. I think Mokie weighs about 150 lbs.

See all of our loot

2008-03-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

Janessa was a particular egg hunter. Notice that all of her eggs are pink or purple.

We had to guilt her into taking the lone blue egg.

Colin, looking like he is laying an egg!!

He was very sweet with his sister this year, he pointed out the ones that he said were her color instead of taking all of them for himself.

Grandpa Scott helping Janessa open her eggs and sample the loot.

Grandma Vicki helping Colin crack into his eggs and fill his candy bag,

Ready to hunt

2008-03-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Gee Mom, why do we always have to pose for a picture with our empty baskets? Can't you just let us go outside and find the eggs?

Silly kids, who actually look like the love each other! A picture for posterity.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Colin the easter bunny

Janessa the easter bunny with a sample of the loot in her cheek.

Eliana as the easter bunny, telling the world that her Mom tortures her!

Suzy, the senior citizen rep from the easter bunny union.

Time to dye easter eggs

2008-03-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've got to start this post with a huge thank you to Auntie Donna, for the egg dying kits!

The kids couldn't wait to decorate their eggs. For someone who has never dyed an egg and doesn't care for hard boiled eggs, this kit was a lifesaver! We ended up with adorable eggs and a minimal of mess.

Decked out in Papa's old t-shirts. Ready to go!

Serious business! Getting the perfect colored egg is absolutely crucial.

We ended up with 11 brightly colored eggs and one casualty.

Janessa's finished eggs.

Colin's finished eggs.
I just love the cyclops versions, how original!

Sprinkler time

2008-03-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

It was unusually warm this afternoon so I told the kids they could eat Popsicles in the backyard. Colin piped up and said that he wanted to run thru the sprinkler. I said it was probably too cold for that but if he wanted to, go ahead. Never did I think he would actually do it!

He came up the hallway dressed in his favorite camo swim trunks and off we went!

This is the "shaky dog" sprinkler.

When the water pressure is high enough it shakes its head back

and forth spraying water everywhere.

Janessa finally decided that she wanted in on the action. But when it came time to get wet she came to her senses. "Mom, it's too cold!"

Eliana loves her chicken

2008-03-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

This is Eliana's favorite toy. We call it her chicken.

She gets really excited to see it and soon it is covered in slobber.

It has the cutest face.

She talks to it, eats it's beak, and cuddles it to go to sleep.

Enjoying my chicken dinner Mom, thanks!

Essential reading material

2008-03-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Janessa is almost officially potty trained.

An accident now and then and a diaper thru the night.

Halleujah!

She grabbed this pamphlet and decided to catch up on some reading.

Soon she enters the zombie state. Ok, I will buy all of the Disney movies.

Just put it on Mommys credit card....

I want this one and this one and this one.........

Kelley pulling the wagon

2008-03-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

The video speaks for itself!

A wagon full of cuties!

2008-03-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Our little red wagon has never looked so good!

A swinging good time

2008-03-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

After a morning of hard work, the kids decided to play on the swings in the back yard.

Colin was determined to kick me.

I've learned a new trick in my old age, step to the side when he gets close.

Kelley & Eliana

The new side of Janessa. The swing loving maniac!

She especially likes it when brother pushes her.

They were laughing so hard that Colin was crying.

A prelude to the video link below.... Super Baby!

Sorry, the video is sideways. I can't find a program that will let me rotate it.

Yard Work

2008-03-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dustin decided that our front lawn was in need of dethatching so he bought a special blade for the lawn mower and proceeded to tear up the whole front yard. Now it looks like the grass has a buzz cut with Mohawk stripes. Not exactly an improvement! I am told that after a few weeks, some grass seed and fertilizer, rain and sunshine it will look much better. I guess we will see :)

The kids were more than willing to pitch in with the yard work.

Rakes and dead grass- sign me up, Papa!

Betcha can't guess what Dustin was thinking of doing to Colin's exposed back.....

Sometimes hands just work better.

Janessa was determined to help the boys. There was no slower her down.

Ok, time for a break. Put my feet up and smell the pretty flowers.

Lets walk around the rocks.

Piece of cake, Mom

A little more concentration for Janessa to balance.

They were troopers. And for their hard work and dedication to the task they were rewarded with juice boxes and freshly made oatmeal chocolate chips cookies.

Anybody else want to come work in the yard, I have lots more cookies!!

Eliana & GG Purvis

2008-03-02T21:30:00.001-08:00

Eliana and Great Grandma Purvis, aka. GG were having a fun laugh session tonight.

Eliana has just started giggling and something GG was saying was especially funny.

What a flirt!

We all gathered together tonight to hear where my youngest brother Michael will be going on his mission. He was called to Riverside, CA. He leaves the middle of May and will be gone for 2 years. Its a hard concept to explain to the kids. Its even harder when we explain that Colin will be 7 years old, Janessa will be Colin's age now and Eliana will be Janessa's age now when he returns. I know he is excited about this new time in his life but its hard to think of all of the family things he will miss. I am so proud of you little brother!!

My Beautiful Girls

2008-03-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

Janessa & Eliana

They already seem to enjoy being sisters.

Janessa always wants Eliana to come to bed when she does.

She thinks I should just hand her over when she wants to hold her.

She wants to help get whatever Eliana needs and pick out her clothes everyday.

It sure is sweet to watch my beautiful girls together!

So Delicious!

2008-03-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

A rare but much enjoyed treat, ice cream.

And not just any ice cream, So Delicious soy ice cream for my household

full of lactose intolerant people.

We decided to try the chocolate version.

Do you think Colin is enjoying his cone?

Janessa in a complete sugar coma.
We had to encourage her to eat the cone,
she wanted a spoon to get the rest of the ice cream out.

How in the world did a milk loving person get put with a family of people who can't have it?
Must be Murphy's Law!

Fantastic News!!

2008-02-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

I recieved a phone call from my Mom Friday morning. Usually early morning calls are really good or really bad.... this one was fantastic!!!
Most of you know that she has been fighting breast cancer for the last six years. Thru the tough times and all the changes she has been so strong and has refused to be defeated. Her oncologist has always said that the tumor marker number we want to see is anything below 40. The numbers have steadily decreased sometimes in leaps and bounds, or times point by point.
The fantastic news is that the marker is number is 33!!!!!
For now that means her every other week treatment will continue and then probably go down to once a month. We are all so excited at the progress that has been made. Not only is the cancer being beaten into submission but she is able to do most everything for herself again.
The kids love to spend special time with Grandma Vicki. We are so blessed to have her in our daily lives! I love you Mom!

Salem Riverfront Carousel

2008-02-23T21:39:00.001-08:00

The last time we came to the carousel Janessa was maybe a little older than Eliana is now and Colin was young enough not to remember it. So what better thing to do on a beautiful day when you all have colds but don't feel like sitting around the house for another day.

Her first ride was on the unicorn named Magic.

Janessa was quite funny on the way to Salem. She had no idea what a carousel was let alone what it meant to ride one of the horses. She told me that she had forgotten her rope. When I asked her what she needed rope for she told me, "to hold onto the horse while she was riding". I tried to explain that the horses were not real and that she would be just fine because they had buckles and Mommy would stay with her and keep her safe.

Ready for our first ride.

Colin chose Abby for his first trip.
She was decked out in red, white, and blue.

Janessa's next choice was named Larry the circus pony.

He was the perfect size for her and didn't go up and down quite as much

as some of the bigger horses.

Colin's next ride was on Francis the mule.

This is Snickerdoodle. She ended up being Janessa's favorite horse.

See the kitty on the back.

Auntie Kelley bought her a post card of Snickerdoodle for a souvenir.

We told Janessa that Snickerdoodle was a kind of cookie but she didn't believe us.

So after nap time we made a batch. She helped roll the dough in the

cinnamon sugar and put them on the tray. They turned out delicious!

Colin's favorite horse was the General. Unfortunately we didn't get a good picture of him.

Auntie Kelley got him a postcard of this horse for a souvenir.

And of course, on the way back to the car he wanted "just one more ride Mom".

Near the carousel is an enormous globe covered in tile. We hadn't seen it before and Janessa insisted that we investigate. I'm glad we did. It was a really cool thing!

Auntie Kelley holding the weight of the world!

Around and around we went. It was hard to see the detail at

the top of the globe because it was so tall.

Colin walking the chain bridge at the park next to the carousel.

They didn't want to leave when it was time.

Maybe we'll bring a picnic and stay longer next trip.

Silly rabbits, that is a diaper wipe box

2008-02-23T21:33:00.001-08:00

What do you do with an empty baby wipe box?

Wear it on your head of course!!

Unfortunately Janessa is too short to be able to see out of the handle hole.

So walking around with the box on her head was a little dangerous.

Colin was almost the right size for the box.

He figured out how to peek out of the hole.

Now, Grandpa Ron was the perfect size for the box "hat".

Silly Grandpa, you have to keep it on your head!

Eliana- 2 months old

2008-02-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

Eliana is 2 1/2 months old now and full of smiles and sounds.

We went into the Dr office for a checkup and immunizations.

She is now 12 lbs 13 oz and 23" long.

That is a growth of 4" and a gain of 5 lbs 7 oz,

in other words she doesn't miss too many meals!

The Dr said she looks wonderful and to keep up whatever we are doing

because she seems to be very content.

Sitting her up with her Boppy pillow was a bit of a challenge.

Every time she got excited she would kick her legs out and be flat on her back.

Tummy time worked much better.
This way she could enjoy big brother kisses and the musical ball with flashing lights.

Resting that heavy head. She looks to be deep in thought.

Hi Mom! Look at me. What a big girl I am becoming :)

Fun at the park

2008-02-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

Little did we realize 9 plus years ago when we purchased our house how much time we would spend at the neighborhood park that is so close by.

The sun was out and it was relatively warm, 50 degrees.

So we all headed to the park for some fresh air.

Colin has become quite the dare devil.

His new trick involves jumping from the balance bar up onto the hanging bar.
Of course, he thinks its a show stopper and everyone must witness his feat.

Did you see that Mom?

Our ever sleeping angel.

Sometimes I wonder if she'll ever be awake enough to be involved in our little outings.

I learned something new today; timing pictures of a swinging child can be tricky.
They are either too far away and looking down.

Totally cut off of the picture.

Or too close entirely!

Colin thought it was histerical that I almost got kicked.

What an imp!!!

Janessa is at her most peaceful and yet insecure when swinging.

My usual dare devil does not like to go high or too fast on a swing,

even the bucket one for toddlers.

What a beautiful smile :)

Going to the moon.

A random tree picture.

I've seen other people take similar pictures while standing at

the trunk looking up and just wanted to see if I could do the shot justice.

Dr. Smith, I Presume.....

2008-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Colin's preschool is doing a unit on medical professions.

Today he came home with a dr bag that he had laced and cut and glued pictures into.

Of course, this meant we had to play doctor.

Their first visitors were nurses and the kids were given masks, caps, gloves, and footies.

Dr. Smith measuring his patient.

She turned compative when it was time to measure her head.
After a sedative he was able to start taking her vitals.

First was her tempertature.

Uh, oh. It shows she is running a fever.

Would you look at those ears, they are full of potatoes!

Don't worry miss, we can fix you right up.

Take nice deep breaths. Your lungs sound clear.

Time to take your blood pressure.

130/90 thats a little high.

I think we should start you on some medication for your heart.

Four M&Ms should do it.

Call me in two days if you are not feeling better.

She is recovering nicely.

Notice the band-aids from her earlier surgery.

Dr. Colin, I mean Dr. Cone Head!!

Thanks for your hard work, that was touch and go for a while.

Please post me a comment!

2008-02-04T21:42:00.001-08:00

You don't have to be witty or write a lot, just let me know you've been checking in on us and say hello!!

More moments with Janessa "The Diva"

2008-02-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

We were on our way out for Dustin's birthday dinner when Janessa came strolling out of her room dressed up too. I guess since Mommy had a necklace on she thought she should also.

Maybe more like three necklaces, six bracelets, and upside down sunglasses.

Top that Mommy!

This is actually her sleeping bag that has arm and leg holes so that you can wear it as a butterfly costume. She has about 5 more years before it will fit her but that's half the reason she looks so silly and cute!

Care Bear play time

2008-02-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

Eliana loves to lay in her crib and watch her mobile go around, we call it talking to the butterflies. She usually has enough after winding it three times and wants someone else to talk to. So this time I put Janessa in with her. They laid quite still on the same pillow and played Care Bears.

Laying still for any length of time is next to impossible for Janessa. I was extremely amazed when she kept it together for a solid 10 minutes and played so sweetly with her baby sister.

Whispering secrets and giving kisses.
Just the first of many sister moments.

" See our Care Bears Mom?"

"Yes, and a couple of beautiful angels too!"

More Snow!

2008-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

We have gotten more snow this January then I can remember. Colin's school has been canceled 3 times already this month.... but we are enjoying staying home and playing in the snow!

I gave each of the kids a bite snow. Followed by a strict lecture that only Mommy can do this so that they don't pick up and eat any dirty snow. Fat chance of Janessa following those rules!

Climbing the play structure. It was a little slippery with the snow.

Eliana bundled in her bunting suit sleeping in the sling.

Guess the cold weather didn't bother her a bit.

Cheese!

Making tracks

Clearing off the snow at the top of the play structure onto Mommy, of course!

Raking and more cleaning up.

Eliana says "AHHH GOOO"

2008-01-28T11:01:00.001-08:00

Eliana is 7 almost 8 weeks old now. In the last couple of days she has started talking to us. She has to be in a certain mood but when she gets going its adorable!

Last night at the Dexter's house was one of those moments.

Grandma Vicki was holding her and I grabbed the camera.

She starts with some beautiful smiles.

Then big giggles and flirty eyes.

Then she starts cooing. Well actually "AHH GOOO"ing!

Recent kiddo pictures

2008-01-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

I never know what to do with all the random pictures that I take. They don't seem to warrant a blog post of their own so here is a collection of some recent pictures.

Colin & Eliana

She is having one of her favorite "looking at the ceiling fan" sessions.

Colin riding his little trike up and down the halls of Grandma & Grandpa Dexter's house.

Eliana modeling her beautiful sweater that my friend Katherine knit for her.
Notice the rose buttons in honor of her middle name!

Colin hanging out on my bed in the sunshine.

Janessa in a rare cooperative moment- she actually looked at the camera and smiled!

Sister moment

Goofballs!

Janessa showing off her pretty painted fingernails and toes.

She got to go with Mommy to the store and pick our any color of polish she wanted.

Colin with a toy crawfish on his head. What he won't think up next!!

Butterfly play mat

2008-01-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

Eliana seemed to want some time to check out the world so we got out the butterfly play mat. It has been with us since Colin was born and each kiddo has taken their turn on it.

Big brother kisses!

Lots of giggles! I didn't know that all three of them could fit on it at once- let alone be so gentle with their baby sister and enjoy each others company so much. What fun!!

Big sister kisses!

Very hard to capture on film- they are given at the speed of light!

Reading with Grandpa Ron

2008-01-21T14:29:00.001-08:00

Colin receievd this book for Christmas and it has become a favorite.

Especially when they can snuggle up with Grandpa Ron!

Janessa's really tall tower

2008-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

We found a rare quiet and alone moment and built lots of towers.

At first they were manageable size, not exactly sturdy but very colorful.

Then it was on to the tallest one on record. Before it eventually fell she could not reach the top and actually asked Mommy to help. It was a fun time spent with my big girl!