Just so you know, I have changed the address to our blog and excluded our last name. I am in the process of creating a new banner without our last name showing. You can still add us to your links on your own blogs. If it's not too much trouble, please exclude our last name on your lists. I am trying to secure our blog without going private or going too overboard.
I also changed a few settings for comments, but you can still comment. I love hearing from you all. Comments make my day!
I really appreciate the cooperation. I know it can be annoying, but I would hate for something bad to happen to my kids or Peter or I. You never know- there are a lot of crazies out there.
Thanks again. Hopefully we can all continue to have fun blogging safely! We love you all!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Blog Precautions (Please Read)
I found this on my sister-in-law's friend's blog and thought it was great advice. I have had this on my mind lately, and I just googled our names and found a few friend's and family's blogs that came up. Our blog address didn't come up, even 3 or 4 pages back. It's pretty scary how much people can find out about you just from reading your blog. I have been a little worried and have noticed that a few friends have made their blogs private (something I don't want to do). Here are a few other ideas to secure your blog. I though I'd share the tips I found:
Go into "my settings" and then go to "Settings", select "Basic" and it will say: "Add your blog to our listings?" SELECT NO (this means that when you update your blog it does not show up on the blogger homepage or any other page as being updated - very important)
Also on that same page it will say: Let search engines find your blog? SELECT NO (this means that search engines can not bookmark your site at all -important if you are a family)(Scroll down and click Save Changes)
Next go to "Comments" (still in settings) it will say: Who Can Comment? SELECT REGISTERED USERS - includes OpenID (this means that only people who can comment are those with gmail accounts - or who have active blogs open - this helps eliminate computers from spamming)
On the same page it will say: Enable comment moderation? SELECT YES (this means that no comments will post to our blog with out you approving them first - this way you can axe anything before it shows up)
Same Page- It will say: Show word verification for comments? SELECT YES (this is super annoying, but important to stop spam and deter unwanted comments because it's an extra step) Scroll down and click Save Changes
LAST THING- Never mention last names, show your address or town and try to not tell the full names of anyone else on your blog either. Also don't post birthday specifics or when you'll be out of town. All of that will just lead to a home alone movie where the burglars find out when you are leaving. Leave that kind of stuff to personal emails to family or blog about it when you get home. Also try to respect friends privacy by not posting photos that could embarrass. The Internet is really quite insane. Once it's on the web it's ALWAYS on the web so post with courtesy and care. All in all these are safe blogging tips. the first few are really important as they block the search engines from seeing your blog!
I just wanted to add that if you do not choose to secure your blog as mentioned, could you family and friends please only put our first names on your blog lists? I would really appreciate it. Please feel free to share these tips with your friends & family so that we can all be safe online.
Go into "my settings" and then go to "Settings", select "Basic" and it will say: "Add your blog to our listings?" SELECT NO (this means that when you update your blog it does not show up on the blogger homepage or any other page as being updated - very important)
Also on that same page it will say: Let search engines find your blog? SELECT NO (this means that search engines can not bookmark your site at all -important if you are a family)(Scroll down and click Save Changes)
Next go to "Comments" (still in settings) it will say: Who Can Comment? SELECT REGISTERED USERS - includes OpenID (this means that only people who can comment are those with gmail accounts - or who have active blogs open - this helps eliminate computers from spamming)
On the same page it will say: Enable comment moderation? SELECT YES (this means that no comments will post to our blog with out you approving them first - this way you can axe anything before it shows up)
Same Page- It will say: Show word verification for comments? SELECT YES (this is super annoying, but important to stop spam and deter unwanted comments because it's an extra step) Scroll down and click Save Changes
LAST THING- Never mention last names, show your address or town and try to not tell the full names of anyone else on your blog either. Also don't post birthday specifics or when you'll be out of town. All of that will just lead to a home alone movie where the burglars find out when you are leaving. Leave that kind of stuff to personal emails to family or blog about it when you get home. Also try to respect friends privacy by not posting photos that could embarrass. The Internet is really quite insane. Once it's on the web it's ALWAYS on the web so post with courtesy and care. All in all these are safe blogging tips. the first few are really important as they block the search engines from seeing your blog!
I just wanted to add that if you do not choose to secure your blog as mentioned, could you family and friends please only put our first names on your blog lists? I would really appreciate it. Please feel free to share these tips with your friends & family so that we can all be safe online.
Jonah Takes the School Bus
Jonah started taking the bus last Monday, and let me tell you! It was so sad for me to let him grow up! He did cry the first day when I got off the bus after bringing him on, but the driver assured me that all "first day" kids cry for a few minutes, but by the time they get to school, they love the bus. And that's exactly what happened with Jonah. He loves taking the bus and going to school.
The first day when he came home, he was so excited and proud of himself. He kept telling me, "I went on the bus!" and talking about school. I am so glad that we found out about this program for him! He already really likes it. I am also glad in a way that we are already experiencing this. Now he should have no problem transitioning to kindergarten because he has already been going to an elementary school and taking the bus. I wish I had a picture of him getting on or off the bus, but I will try to get one this next week!
The first day when he came home, he was so excited and proud of himself. He kept telling me, "I went on the bus!" and talking about school. I am so glad that we found out about this program for him! He already really likes it. I am also glad in a way that we are already experiencing this. Now he should have no problem transitioning to kindergarten because he has already been going to an elementary school and taking the bus. I wish I had a picture of him getting on or off the bus, but I will try to get one this next week!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Hair News
Well, since not much else is going on, I'll update you on our "hair news".
Jonah's shag is growing out nicely. Too bad he sweats so badly and we'll have to chop it off come summer. He was the envy of his Uncle Landon who came to visit recently.
Eden just got her 2nd hair cut a while ago. Her hair grows really fast and can look pretty crazy if we let it. Here she is all combed and then with a ponytail in.
This last picture of Eden just made me laugh!
She's sucking her finger and laughing at the same time!
As for Levi, he is finally getting his hair back! He has been bald for a few months, but it is growing in nicely, and yes, it is red!
Jonah's shag is growing out nicely. Too bad he sweats so badly and we'll have to chop it off come summer. He was the envy of his Uncle Landon who came to visit recently.
Eden just got her 2nd hair cut a while ago. Her hair grows really fast and can look pretty crazy if we let it. Here she is all combed and then with a ponytail in.
This last picture of Eden just made me laugh!She's sucking her finger and laughing at the same time!
As for Levi, he is finally getting his hair back! He has been bald for a few months, but it is growing in nicely, and yes, it is red!
Easter Sunday
Here are a few pictures of the kids in their Sunday outfits. Well, actually, Jonah had taken off his jacket, Eden had taken off her cardigan, and I didn't even get any pictures of Levi...oh, well. This is after church, so Eden's hair is a mess. They sure looked cute before church at 7:45 am! Here are my ragamuffins:
Little Update on Levi
This kid is getting big! He is getting close to crawling too, which baffles me, because my other two hated tummy time and crawled a little later. Levi is already getting up on his hands and knees and rocking a little. He can pretty much get to anywhere on the floor if he tries hard enough. I am just waiting for him to start crawling any day! He is still such a happy kid. Check out the cute pictures my sister, Lexie, took of him the other day on her blog!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
I Don't Even Know Where To Begin...
This post is for all of you moms out there who have gone through the daunting undertaking that is potty training. I am completely intimidated by it, terrified, and have avoided it so far. However, I am really getting tired of changing dirty bottoms and the house smelling like poop. (I am told that this won't change with potty training, but eventually it will, right? I have to take the first step.)Anyway, I am seriously dreading beginning to potty train. First of all, I have no idea how to begin. I have seen books that claim to have your child potty trained in a day, week, or whatever. I admit I am skeptical.
I have also heard that you shouldn't force your kids into it; that you will "just know" when they are ready. I have no idea what I should be looking for, but with Jonah nearing 3 1/2, I am pretty much giving up on any clues coming my way. The kid will just continue to play with a messy diaper on for hours if I would let him.
I am tempted to just put undies on him so he can actually feel the messes he makes. Dang technology- someone invented these great diapers that keep kids dry and whisk away moisture so they don't even feel when they are wet. It's great when you're not trying to make them feel the pee. It's a catch-22, I guess.
I really need help, advice, a miracle...So if any of you know what you are doing or did that worked, let me know. I think I might "schedule in" potty training for after we get back from our vacation to Logandale and San Francisco. We won't have much going on until the summer at that point.
Here is where the kids are at:
Jonah is almost 3 1/2, Eden will be 2 in June. I almost think I'll be able to train them together, but I actually have no evidence to support this hope. (The thought of 2 of my 3 kids out of diapers is so tempting, I am willing to try it early with Eden, I think.) We bought a plain little potty without the bells and whistles (pictured above) and the kids occasionally sit on it, but only when I ask them to. Sometimes Jonah won't unless Eden does (another reason why I think together will be better). They haven't ever peed or pooped in the potty yet. They both seem to be afraid of the big potty so far. Neither of the kids tells me when they are wet or messy. Sometimes Jonah will tell me if I ask him, and sometimes he will lie and say he isn't when I can smell him from across the room.
I am thinking about getting one of those potty training books for parents and figuring this out before we try in April. Any recommendations? I really can't express my overwhelming fear of poop and pee all over the place. But seriously- imagine freeing up all of that diaper money- I swear we could go on a vacation to Mexico after 2 months of not buying diapers for Jonah and Eden.
Please help! If you have anything that will help, and don't want to leave it as a comment, you can email me! Thanks!
123 Book Tag
Jana tagged me for the 123 Book Tag.
Here are the rules:
*Find the book closest to you with at least 123 pages.
*Turn to page 123.*Find the fifth sentence.
*Post the next 3 sentences.*Tag 5 people. (Or less- 5 is a lot!)
"What a beautiful room! I exclaimed, as I looked round; for I had never before seen any half so imposing.
"Yes; this is the dining-room. I have just opened the window, to let in a little air and sunshine; for everything gets so damp in apartments that are seldom inhabited: the drawing-room yonder feels like a vault."
(Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte)
I'll tag Lexie, Erin, Jen, Kristie, and anyone else who wants to do this!
"What a beautiful room! I exclaimed, as I looked round; for I had never before seen any half so imposing.
"Yes; this is the dining-room. I have just opened the window, to let in a little air and sunshine; for everything gets so damp in apartments that are seldom inhabited: the drawing-room yonder feels like a vault."
(Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte)
I'll tag Lexie, Erin, Jen, Kristie, and anyone else who wants to do this!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Shopping Buddies
Peter hates shopping, and sometimes it must be done. Today I needed to get Jonah some new shoes, return a dress that was a mistake, pick up a few more things at the mall, and go grocery shopping. I just described a day in hell for Peter.
If any of you know us well, you know that Peter and I love making deals with each other. Today's deal was that if Peter didn't have to go to the mall, he would stay home with Eden and Levi. I would just take Jonah. Actually, this is usually what we do when I have to go to the mall.
So today Jonah and I had a fun-filled day doing errands. We listened to High School Musical in the car (he sang the boy parts and I sang the girl parts), got him some new shoes, looked at the puppy store, shared a pretzel, played at the indoor play area, and shopped around.
Jonah is actually a near- perfect shopping buddy. Here's why:
1.He doesn't whine for stuff (yet). We even went into Build-a-Bear, and he saw a koala bear that he liked, but we didn't get it, and he had a great time in there. He said goodbye to the koala as we walked out the door.
2. He doesn't hog the pretzel. He eats just the right amount so I still get enough.
3. He can walk and follow me. No strollers needed, and he usually stays right by me, although near the end, he starts wandering just a little, probably out of boredom.
4. He is fun to sing with in the car. And he doesn't tell me to stop singing.
5. He goes to the stores I want to go to.
6. He doesn't complain! He gets to have a fun day with Mommy, and he gets to go play at the play area, look at the puppies and have a snack. Fun times!
I think the only drawback might be that he is a slow walker, but he actually keeps up pretty good! Thanks for a fun day, Jonah!
If any of you know us well, you know that Peter and I love making deals with each other. Today's deal was that if Peter didn't have to go to the mall, he would stay home with Eden and Levi. I would just take Jonah. Actually, this is usually what we do when I have to go to the mall.
So today Jonah and I had a fun-filled day doing errands. We listened to High School Musical in the car (he sang the boy parts and I sang the girl parts), got him some new shoes, looked at the puppy store, shared a pretzel, played at the indoor play area, and shopped around.
Jonah is actually a near- perfect shopping buddy. Here's why:
1.He doesn't whine for stuff (yet). We even went into Build-a-Bear, and he saw a koala bear that he liked, but we didn't get it, and he had a great time in there. He said goodbye to the koala as we walked out the door.
2. He doesn't hog the pretzel. He eats just the right amount so I still get enough.
3. He can walk and follow me. No strollers needed, and he usually stays right by me, although near the end, he starts wandering just a little, probably out of boredom.
4. He is fun to sing with in the car. And he doesn't tell me to stop singing.
5. He goes to the stores I want to go to.
6. He doesn't complain! He gets to have a fun day with Mommy, and he gets to go play at the play area, look at the puppies and have a snack. Fun times!
I think the only drawback might be that he is a slow walker, but he actually keeps up pretty good! Thanks for a fun day, Jonah!
Friday, March 14, 2008
ABCs of Me!
Tagged by Lexie...
A - Attached or single: Attached to Peter
B - Best friend: Well, truthfully, Peter. But like Lexie, I have had lots of best friends over the years. Peter makes fun of me- like having more than one best friend makes them just a regular friend. Most of my best friends over the years are family members, which I love, because I get to still see them.
C - Cake or pie: Pie- especially pumpkin or berry. But cheeseCAKE is the best.
D - Day of choice: Saturday and Sunday- Peter is home.
E - Essential item: Cell phone, car with gas.
F - Favorite color: Navy Blue.
G - Gummy bears or worms: Worms. I like the colors mixed.
H - Hometown: Logandale Nevada. I'm not ashamed!
I - Indulgence(s): Pedicures, brand name shoes for the kids (Vans or Converse), and I just got my first massage a few weeks ago when I threw my back out! Oh yeah, and See's candy.
J - January or July: July! Right now, I want July, but by then, I will want October. October actually is the perfect month- great weather, and the beginning of all the best holidays!
K - Kids: Jonah, Eden, and Levi.
L - Life is incomplete without: Family, The Gospel, music, games, get-togethers, parties for no reason!
M - Marriage date: August 23, 2003
N - Number of siblings: I'm oldest of 6 kids.
O - Oranges or apples: I think oranges- especially if Clementines count.
P - Phobias or fears: Death, drowning, kids getting kidnapped, car accidents, snakes.
Q - Quotes: That I have said? Sometimes I say funny things my mom says, like "Cool your jets," or "Man alive!"
R - Reason to smile: My kids doing funny things, or a vacation coming up!
S - Season of choice: Fall
T - Tag three friends: Jen, Erin, and Courtney
U - Unknown fact about me: I have eaten rattlesnake. It tasted like rubbery chicken!
V - Very favorite store: Super Target, hands down! Cute clothes, shoes, toys, home decor, etc.
W - Worst habit: probably nagging or worrying
X - X-ray or ultrasound: I have had both, but Ultrasounds are much better! It's so cool to see your baby in there! And I hate X-rays at the dentist! They hurt my mouth!
Y - Your favorite food: This is way too hard. I guess cantaloupe. I like Chinese, Italian, and Mexican food.
Z - Zodiac sign: Scorpio
A - Attached or single: Attached to Peter
B - Best friend: Well, truthfully, Peter. But like Lexie, I have had lots of best friends over the years. Peter makes fun of me- like having more than one best friend makes them just a regular friend. Most of my best friends over the years are family members, which I love, because I get to still see them.
C - Cake or pie: Pie- especially pumpkin or berry. But cheeseCAKE is the best.
D - Day of choice: Saturday and Sunday- Peter is home.
E - Essential item: Cell phone, car with gas.
F - Favorite color: Navy Blue.
G - Gummy bears or worms: Worms. I like the colors mixed.
H - Hometown: Logandale Nevada. I'm not ashamed!
I - Indulgence(s): Pedicures, brand name shoes for the kids (Vans or Converse), and I just got my first massage a few weeks ago when I threw my back out! Oh yeah, and See's candy.
J - January or July: July! Right now, I want July, but by then, I will want October. October actually is the perfect month- great weather, and the beginning of all the best holidays!
K - Kids: Jonah, Eden, and Levi.
L - Life is incomplete without: Family, The Gospel, music, games, get-togethers, parties for no reason!
M - Marriage date: August 23, 2003
N - Number of siblings: I'm oldest of 6 kids.
O - Oranges or apples: I think oranges- especially if Clementines count.
P - Phobias or fears: Death, drowning, kids getting kidnapped, car accidents, snakes.
Q - Quotes: That I have said? Sometimes I say funny things my mom says, like "Cool your jets," or "Man alive!"
R - Reason to smile: My kids doing funny things, or a vacation coming up!
S - Season of choice: Fall
T - Tag three friends: Jen, Erin, and Courtney
U - Unknown fact about me: I have eaten rattlesnake. It tasted like rubbery chicken!
V - Very favorite store: Super Target, hands down! Cute clothes, shoes, toys, home decor, etc.
W - Worst habit: probably nagging or worrying
X - X-ray or ultrasound: I have had both, but Ultrasounds are much better! It's so cool to see your baby in there! And I hate X-rays at the dentist! They hurt my mouth!
Y - Your favorite food: This is way too hard. I guess cantaloupe. I like Chinese, Italian, and Mexican food.
Z - Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Cookie Monster
Well, I wish I would have taken a picture, but it wouldn't have shown much anyway. But this morning, while I was busy doing something upstairs, Jonah went downstairs to play. No big deal, he usually doesn't get into things.
A little while later, he came upstairs and I noticed his face was a little messy. I thought, "How could he have gotten into anything? I locked the pantry..." But then I realized that I might not have locked it after breakfast. I went down to check, and sure enough, it was unlocked. But that wasn't all.
A while ago I bought one of those huge packages of cheap- brand Oreo cookies. You know, the ones that are like a dollar for the whole package and they always buy them for Girls Camp or family reunions? Well, he had eaten *only the frosting middle* of about 12 cookies and had left the cookie remainders right there on the shelf in the pantry. I couldn't get after him because I just thought it was so funny! There they were, all in a pile, just the cookies, with the frosting licked clean off. What a funny kid!
A little while later, he came upstairs and I noticed his face was a little messy. I thought, "How could he have gotten into anything? I locked the pantry..." But then I realized that I might not have locked it after breakfast. I went down to check, and sure enough, it was unlocked. But that wasn't all.
A while ago I bought one of those huge packages of cheap- brand Oreo cookies. You know, the ones that are like a dollar for the whole package and they always buy them for Girls Camp or family reunions? Well, he had eaten *only the frosting middle* of about 12 cookies and had left the cookie remainders right there on the shelf in the pantry. I couldn't get after him because I just thought it was so funny! There they were, all in a pile, just the cookies, with the frosting licked clean off. What a funny kid!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
100 Things About Peter
So, Peter sort of bet me that I couldn't' come up with 100 things about him, and I accepted the challenge! Here it goes. He will have to proof read this for accuracy.
1. He is the 4th of 8 boys.
2. He lived in the same house his whole childhood.
3. He likes to surf.
4. He is an artist.
5. He is not very patient (especially when I am ordering food, because I always take a while).
6. He is a hard worker.
7. He likes to read biographies of the prophets.
8. He played football his freshman year, but quit after the first game because he decided he'd rather surf.
10. He never held a baby until Jonah was born.
11. He loves having a little girl.
12. He was/is a great labor and delivery coach.
13. His favorite car he owned was a huge 1978 Lincoln Towncar.
14. His brother married my first cousin. We didn't meet each other at the reception, because he had left for his mission a few weeks earlier.
15. He has 21 nieces and nephews and 2 on the way (just on his side).
16. Computer skills come naturally to him.
17. Peter's dream job is to work for the LDS church as a Software Engineer.
18. Once Peter painted on his dad's car and he didn't really get in trouble for it. His dad continued to drive the car to his church meetings. (His dad was in the stake presidency at the time.)
19. I think deep down, part of Peter wants to be a cop because his dad was one.
20. Peter is interested in public speaking.
21. He laughs at his own jokes.
22. Peter used to be apathetic toward politics, but now he is very interested. He is extremely conservative.
23. Peter works for Wells Fargo currently. He has worked for Pulte Homes and Federated Department Stores since we've been married.
24. I think Peter's favorite job was at Macy's in Loss Prevention. He caught people shoplifting and employees stealing merchandise or money.
25. Peter has lived in California, Utah, Maryland, Idaho, and Arizona. (Maryland and Idaho on his mission.)
26. He is very thoughtful and gives good gifts.
27. Peter drinks Mountain Dew.
28. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but will eat anything.
29. Except for sweets. Peter doesn't like most desserts.
30. Peter doesn't care for chocolate.
31. Peter likes to go out to eat, especially to Carraba's.
32. He is a really good driver.
33. Peter had 2 of his own pet chickens as a kid. I think their names were Dutchess and Clucky.
34. He also had a fish he named "Peter".
35. Growing up, his family had turtles, a dog, cats, doves, parakeets, fish, crabs, chickens, rats, hamsters, frogs, snakes, lizards, and an iguana as pets.
36. Peter studies with flashcards. He has them all over the place.
37. He likes to garden.
38. He likes to wood work, but doesn't have the space right now.
39. He used to have a motorcycle.
40. He likes to go exploring.
41. He changes poopy diapers.
42. Peter has a great memory- he can remember lots of exact instances when he was a kid. This skill comes in handy when he is in an argument. He can bring up anything from the past...
43. He is really good at memorizing.
44. He wants to go on more missions someday.
45. He is horrible at keeping surprises from me. If he gets me something and tries to save it, he can't.
46. He doesn't like mustard, except on hot dogs.
47. He likes Thai food.
48. He likes Greek food, especially Gyros!
49. He is afraid of spiders.
50. He has had Lasik surgery.
51. One time, he broke his collar bone playing Ultimate Frisbee.
52. He took Judo as a kid.
53. He used to play the drums in a friend's band. He can also play a little guitar.
54. Peter likes to give talks in church.
55. He hasn't had any formal training, but he has a good singing voice.
56. He dances funny to make the kids laugh.
57. Peter lives for a reaction. If he is doing something to bug me and I ignore him, he will keep doing it until I recognize it and ask him to stop! This sounds immature, but it's not too bad...
58. Peter likes board games, but card games- not so much.
59. Peter plays chess.
60. When Peter and I started dating, he drove a hideous Geo Metro. He said he knew I was the right girl because I didn't judge him for his car.
61. Peter's proposal was ruined by me. (See previous post regarding said proposal.)
62. Peter does the dishes most of the time.
63. Peter likes history.
64. He likes Pride and Prejudice (A&E) and will watch it with me.
65. Peter hates shopping and will usually do anything to get out of it.
66. Peter's birthday is April 6th- the day the Church was organized.
67. He has a scar on his cheek from when he got a mole removed.
68. He read Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (in one day!)
69. He loves me in spite of my faults and goofiness.
70. Sometimes he brings me flowers for no reason.
71. He is a great dad and loves playing with the kids.
72. Peter likes mellow music like Coldplay, Pink Floyd, and Peter Gabriel.
73. He likes bubble baths. Don't laugh! I think it's cute!
74. He makes a wonderful breakfast- the best hash browns ever!
75. He can't cook much else, though.
76. He puts the spice "Old Bay" on everything.
77. Peter doesn't like big social gatherings. He prefers a small group.
78. He cannot multi-task to save his life. This has resulted in burnt food, but mostly I just get ignored when I call him at work unless he's taking a break.
79. He has nice teeth and had braces.
80. He used to peroxide his hair when he was in high school.
81. His high school colors were brown and gold.
82. He is the tallest kid in his family (maybe tied with one brother).
83. He didn't get married until he was 27.
84. Peter hates phone trees probably worse than anything else.
85. Peter dropped all his classes but one when we started dating. No time, I guess!
86. He didn't go to his prom. But he took a girl to her prom at a different school.
87. Peter loves to tease.
88. He hates it when people are labeled.
89. He is pretty open-minded about a lot of things and thinks things through before forming an opinion.
90. His first job was at Burger King.
91. Peter's mom almost delivered Peter before she made it to the hospital. He was born on the doctor's birthday.
92. He got pulled over at 12:30 am on the way to the hospital when I was in labor with Eden. We were trying to find his brother's new house in the dark to drop off Jonah . The cop didn't believe our "in labor" excuse and made him get out and do a breath test.
93. Peter changes the oil in the car himself.
94. He sometimes has unorthodox ideas. I think half of the time he's joking, and half of the time he's serious.
95. Peter took me to Tijuana when we were dating and the Mexicans all could tell we were Mormons, but they thought we were on our honeymoon. That was kind of embarrassing. Besides, who goes to TJ on their honeymoon?
96. Peter was really patient with me while I was coming down from my "mission high". I think I rebuked him a lot at first, but then I lightened up.
97. Peter and I started dating 2 weeks after I got home from my mission.
98. Peter cuts his own hair.
99. One of the things I love the most about Peter is that he loves me in spite of my quirks, but I think he also loves me because of my quirks.
100. He gives sincere compliments. I don't think he gives out half-hearted ones.
1. He is the 4th of 8 boys.
2. He lived in the same house his whole childhood.
3. He likes to surf.
4. He is an artist.
5. He is not very patient (especially when I am ordering food, because I always take a while).
6. He is a hard worker.
7. He likes to read biographies of the prophets.
8. He played football his freshman year, but quit after the first game because he decided he'd rather surf.
10. He never held a baby until Jonah was born.
11. He loves having a little girl.
12. He was/is a great labor and delivery coach.
13. His favorite car he owned was a huge 1978 Lincoln Towncar.
14. His brother married my first cousin. We didn't meet each other at the reception, because he had left for his mission a few weeks earlier.
15. He has 21 nieces and nephews and 2 on the way (just on his side).
16. Computer skills come naturally to him.
17. Peter's dream job is to work for the LDS church as a Software Engineer.
18. Once Peter painted on his dad's car and he didn't really get in trouble for it. His dad continued to drive the car to his church meetings. (His dad was in the stake presidency at the time.)
19. I think deep down, part of Peter wants to be a cop because his dad was one.
20. Peter is interested in public speaking.
21. He laughs at his own jokes.
22. Peter used to be apathetic toward politics, but now he is very interested. He is extremely conservative.
23. Peter works for Wells Fargo currently. He has worked for Pulte Homes and Federated Department Stores since we've been married.
24. I think Peter's favorite job was at Macy's in Loss Prevention. He caught people shoplifting and employees stealing merchandise or money.
25. Peter has lived in California, Utah, Maryland, Idaho, and Arizona. (Maryland and Idaho on his mission.)
26. He is very thoughtful and gives good gifts.
27. Peter drinks Mountain Dew.
28. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but will eat anything.
29. Except for sweets. Peter doesn't like most desserts.
30. Peter doesn't care for chocolate.
31. Peter likes to go out to eat, especially to Carraba's.
32. He is a really good driver.
33. Peter had 2 of his own pet chickens as a kid. I think their names were Dutchess and Clucky.
34. He also had a fish he named "Peter".
35. Growing up, his family had turtles, a dog, cats, doves, parakeets, fish, crabs, chickens, rats, hamsters, frogs, snakes, lizards, and an iguana as pets.
36. Peter studies with flashcards. He has them all over the place.
37. He likes to garden.
38. He likes to wood work, but doesn't have the space right now.
39. He used to have a motorcycle.
40. He likes to go exploring.
41. He changes poopy diapers.
42. Peter has a great memory- he can remember lots of exact instances when he was a kid. This skill comes in handy when he is in an argument. He can bring up anything from the past...
43. He is really good at memorizing.
44. He wants to go on more missions someday.
45. He is horrible at keeping surprises from me. If he gets me something and tries to save it, he can't.
46. He doesn't like mustard, except on hot dogs.
47. He likes Thai food.
48. He likes Greek food, especially Gyros!
49. He is afraid of spiders.
50. He has had Lasik surgery.
51. One time, he broke his collar bone playing Ultimate Frisbee.
52. He took Judo as a kid.
53. He used to play the drums in a friend's band. He can also play a little guitar.
54. Peter likes to give talks in church.
55. He hasn't had any formal training, but he has a good singing voice.
56. He dances funny to make the kids laugh.
57. Peter lives for a reaction. If he is doing something to bug me and I ignore him, he will keep doing it until I recognize it and ask him to stop! This sounds immature, but it's not too bad...
58. Peter likes board games, but card games- not so much.
59. Peter plays chess.
60. When Peter and I started dating, he drove a hideous Geo Metro. He said he knew I was the right girl because I didn't judge him for his car.
61. Peter's proposal was ruined by me. (See previous post regarding said proposal.)
62. Peter does the dishes most of the time.
63. Peter likes history.
64. He likes Pride and Prejudice (A&E) and will watch it with me.
65. Peter hates shopping and will usually do anything to get out of it.
66. Peter's birthday is April 6th- the day the Church was organized.
67. He has a scar on his cheek from when he got a mole removed.
68. He read Stephenie Meyer's Twilight (in one day!)
69. He loves me in spite of my faults and goofiness.
70. Sometimes he brings me flowers for no reason.
71. He is a great dad and loves playing with the kids.
72. Peter likes mellow music like Coldplay, Pink Floyd, and Peter Gabriel.
73. He likes bubble baths. Don't laugh! I think it's cute!
74. He makes a wonderful breakfast- the best hash browns ever!
75. He can't cook much else, though.
76. He puts the spice "Old Bay" on everything.
77. Peter doesn't like big social gatherings. He prefers a small group.
78. He cannot multi-task to save his life. This has resulted in burnt food, but mostly I just get ignored when I call him at work unless he's taking a break.
79. He has nice teeth and had braces.
80. He used to peroxide his hair when he was in high school.
81. His high school colors were brown and gold.
82. He is the tallest kid in his family (maybe tied with one brother).
83. He didn't get married until he was 27.
84. Peter hates phone trees probably worse than anything else.
85. Peter dropped all his classes but one when we started dating. No time, I guess!
86. He didn't go to his prom. But he took a girl to her prom at a different school.
87. Peter loves to tease.
88. He hates it when people are labeled.
89. He is pretty open-minded about a lot of things and thinks things through before forming an opinion.
90. His first job was at Burger King.
91. Peter's mom almost delivered Peter before she made it to the hospital. He was born on the doctor's birthday.
92. He got pulled over at 12:30 am on the way to the hospital when I was in labor with Eden. We were trying to find his brother's new house in the dark to drop off Jonah . The cop didn't believe our "in labor" excuse and made him get out and do a breath test.
93. Peter changes the oil in the car himself.
94. He sometimes has unorthodox ideas. I think half of the time he's joking, and half of the time he's serious.
95. Peter took me to Tijuana when we were dating and the Mexicans all could tell we were Mormons, but they thought we were on our honeymoon. That was kind of embarrassing. Besides, who goes to TJ on their honeymoon?
96. Peter was really patient with me while I was coming down from my "mission high". I think I rebuked him a lot at first, but then I lightened up.
97. Peter and I started dating 2 weeks after I got home from my mission.
98. Peter cuts his own hair.
99. One of the things I love the most about Peter is that he loves me in spite of my quirks, but I think he also loves me because of my quirks.
100. He gives sincere compliments. I don't think he gives out half-hearted ones.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Our First Harvest!
Peter and I planted a small garden last September. It was our first garden and we started small. I learned about square foot gardening at Enrichment and thought that it was a great solution for me, having such a small yard to work with, and not having a huge family to feed. We decided to try it and plant lettuce, carrots, green onions, spinach, and cilantro.
Here you can see our first harvest! We didn't really know what we were doing, so we're lucky that we got this much! The green onions and spinach didn't take, but we'll try again. It might have been too late for the green onions.
We replanted green onions, basil, and strawberries and are keeping the cilantro for a while longer. I'd also like to try brocolli or cantelope. As you can see, our cilantro is doing really well*. Time to make some homemade salsa!
*Disclaimer: If you are a gardener, you might think our garden is sad and pathetic. If a cilantro plant isn't supposed to look like that, don't make fun of us. We probably put too many seeds or something. We are trying!
Here you can see our first harvest! We didn't really know what we were doing, so we're lucky that we got this much! The green onions and spinach didn't take, but we'll try again. It might have been too late for the green onions.
We replanted green onions, basil, and strawberries and are keeping the cilantro for a while longer. I'd also like to try brocolli or cantelope. As you can see, our cilantro is doing really well*. Time to make some homemade salsa!
*Disclaimer: If you are a gardener, you might think our garden is sad and pathetic. If a cilantro plant isn't supposed to look like that, don't make fun of us. We probably put too many seeds or something. We are trying!
Reading Time
I caught the kids reading the other day.
It might be easier to read that book if her bangs weren't in her face.
Jonah found something funny!
Jonah reading his letters.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Jonah's 'Real' First Day of Preschool
I know that these pictures look just like the pictures from the other day, but these are from Wednesday, Jonah's first day.
We dropped Jonah off that morning and he was pretty excited. On the way, we tried to explain what he would be doing at school. When we got there, he was excited to see the kids all out playing a little bit in the yard, and wanted to get out of the car and go join them. He was fine until I started to leave. He looked a little confused, like he didn't know he had to go to school ALONE. The look on his face just killed me- shocked at the betrayal. I gave him a hug and kiss and tried my best to be cheerful as I waved goodbye and walked away. His teacher was right by him and talked to him while I left. As we were driving away, his teacher picked him up and carried him into the class while the rest of the kids followed them.
Then I had to take Peter to work. We were both pretty sad. But I figured he'd do fine.
When I came to get him, he was having fun playing outside with everyone. His teacher told me that he didn't want to go inside at first, but as soon as he saw the room full of toys and tables and chairs, he was excited again. And I guess he really liked playing outside. Poor kid, hardly ever gets to play outside. We need to put our backyard in., and it's just too hard for me to take 3 kids to the park by myself- especially with a terror like Eden trying to run into the street every five minutes!
Anyway, I think he liked it once he got over the shock. He will go again tomorrow. I hope he'll want to go. I asked him today if he wanted to go to school, and he said no. So, I guess we'll see how day #2 goes.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Chewing on Everything
Eden has been so sensitive lately! She cries when someone looks at her wrong. I do feel bad for her a little, because she's the only girl and it's going to get worse the older they get. Hopefully someday we'll have another girl to make things even.
Levi just wants to play!
Last night, Eden got a little upset when Levi started chewing on her blanket. I happened to have the camera and took some pictures of the crime in action.
He's still trying to get it!
Levi wouldn't stop at the blanket. When she finally pulled it out of reach, he grabbed Jonah's shirt- the one he was wearing.
Jonah: Hey, what are you doing?
Then he tried to eat Eden's "doggie", but it looks more like the doggie was eating him!
Look at that innocent face! Such a funny kid!
Kisses
Levi just wants to play!
Last night, Eden got a little upset when Levi started chewing on her blanket. I happened to have the camera and took some pictures of the crime in action.
He's still trying to get it!
Levi wouldn't stop at the blanket. When she finally pulled it out of reach, he grabbed Jonah's shirt- the one he was wearing.
Jonah: Hey, what are you doing?
Then he tried to eat Eden's "doggie", but it looks more like the doggie was eating him!
Look at that innocent face! Such a funny kid!Monday, March 3, 2008
First Day of Preschool, Almost
We took Jonah to preschool this morning, but we had to go to the office first and give them his paperwork. They told me to come at 8 am, only to find that the office doesn't even open until 8:30 and no one would be there to help me until then. We went and got some fast food breakfast, then headed back. No problem. Thank goodness Peter's schedule is pretty lax and he can go in a little later if he ever needs to.While I was waiting for someone to help me, a lady from my ward came in- I think her name is Jeni (I'm bad with names). Anyway, she was coming in to help in her son's preschool class that day. Her son's name is Wyatt and I found out that he and Jonah are in the same class! He usually rides the bus, so Jonah will have a familiar face on there with him. Very cool!
Everything was fine with the paperwork, thank goodness. I had spent the weekend ordering a birth certificate (we didn't have Jonah's) and hoping that the fax confirmation sheet would be enough proof he has one somewhere. It was enough; I just have to bring the birth certificate in when I get it.
Also, his shot records were not up to date. I am notorious for forgetting to bring it to every pediatrician appointment so they can record his shots. It looked like he hadn't had his 2nd Hep A, which is required. I knew he had had both doses, and they had to check on the internet whether he had had it or not. They found that he had it in December, so that was okay.
So now we could take him down the hall to preschool! Well, not really. I guess they have to have the paperwork for 24 hours before they can start the kid in school. This is so that if there were an emergency or they had to refer to the paperwork for something, it would be in the system. So, no big deal, he has to start Wednesday.
It was an early day for us all. It seemed like a Sunday, since we have 8 am church and wake up at 6:30. From now on, we can leave at about 8:10 am, so that will be nice. And it will be even better when he rides the bus and I don't have to be showered and ready when they come and get him!
All Smiles!
This is the happiest kid I know!
Just a little update on Levi:He seriously is the happiest baby I have ever met. He sometimes just laughs for what seems to be no reason. He loves having the other two kids near him, and they are pretty careful around him and love to give him kisses.
He ate his first few bites of rice cereal a few days ago, and he did great. I don't know if he liked it, but he ate it! I think I'm already going to start adding applesauce in, because that rice cereal alone must taste like paste- which would be good for some of you (you know who you are).
He has been sleeping in his crib at night lately, and he has been doing great. He shares a room with Jonah, and it's actually kind of fun referring to their room as 'the boys' room'.
He loves moving around and is already threatening to start scooting around. I confess, I like this stage where they pretty much stay where you put them. I have no idea what we'll do with the stairs when he gets old enough to climb on them. I don't think a gate will fit.
Well, anyway, Levi is doing great, and we all just really love having him in our family!
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