Stressed and Blessed

It's about time I get a new post up here.  As one can tell- my consistent blogging days are over.  Unfortunately most of my blogger friends have dropped off the face of the virtual planet so there is much less motivation to post anything at all.  However, I really rely on these posts as a sort of journaling for the most part and for a shout out to my families in Utah.  I'm not calling it quits just yet.

I've been stressed out lately. I know it's normal to feel this way with a new job, new house, new town, new ward calling, new sicknesses, the holiday season, inlaws visiting, and two very rambunctious boys on top of it all.  I was thinking about it though, and each of these things that have "stressed me out" recently are actually such great blessings in my life.  How fortunate we are that Stephen has this amazing new job.  How lucky we are to be closer to family. It's a blessing I've been given a big calling in church because I am already meeting so many new people and making friends faster.  The holiday season brings family together which means it's my very favorite time of the year.  See?  Stressed... but blessed.

I wanted to write quickly because my heart is feeling very full today.  Jacob turned 4 years old.  He's handsome, smart, and so funny.  I am trying to figure out why it feels time has flown by so crazy quick.  I don't have babies anymore.  I have a toddler and a KID- a full grown KID.  He's been getting more acquainted with the big bad world out there and there's so much I still need to teach him.... so much I'm still trying desperately to protect him from. I hope he's ready. I hope I'm ready.

Today was fun.  I wanted a few photos of Jacob for his birthday, but after our first location didn't work out, I decided, "what the hay, let's go play in the dirt!"  And so we did.  I felt such a joy watching my boys play out there together.  They are my greatest treasures.

Here are a few of my faves of the day...

 

Colorado My Home, Sweet Home

We have ARRIVED!  And it's time to sing...

(I couldn't resist.  This song makes me laugh and I've had it in my head all week.)

***

The last month and a half has been a whirlwind.  I would have loved to post about how much fun we had in Utah when my little bro returned home from his mission.  And how adorable Jacob looked walking into his first preschool class with his huge backpack.  Or how Landon is finally starting to grow some hair on his head.  

Instead, I spent every free moment organizing and packing boxes, working on editing 11 different photo sessions, and taking my family out to complete our Oregon Bucket List.  

I'm currently sitting on a couch- trying to catch my breath in this mile-high altitude and waiting for Stephen to arrive.  I'm so proud of him and excited for his amazing new job.  Colorado is going to be a great adventure and I look forward to planting some roots in this here town.  

Yehaw!

Gone Campin'

Camping is a huge deal in Oregon.  We were beginning to feel like we didn't really belong since we hadn't used our tent in the last two years.  And because we chose the Crater Lake image on our Oregon license plates, we figured we should actually go see it before we move yet again.

We went on our first family camping trip the weekend of Landon's Birthday.
Camped at Diamond Lake and then trekked over to Crater Lake for some hikes and drives the next day.

This pic is random, but just made me laugh.  

Honestly, the kids were so great on this trip.  True camp champs!

Crater Lake took my breath away.  Learning the history of the enormous volcano that once stood in it's place made it all the more fascinating.  No rivers or streams lead into or out of it- the water is solely from rain and snow- making it extremely clear and blue.  Water as deep as 2,000 feet. Of course there was no way to give it justice in amateur photos, so you'll just have to trust me that it was huge and amazing!

Birthday Boy!

This boy.  He's kinda AMAZING.

Officially 1 Year Old.

For Landon's birthday we had a mini-party the night before we took off for our camping trip at Crater Lake.  I sometimes like to pretend I'm creative, artistic, and a great party-thrower. But there is something to be said for the store-bought cupcake with blue frosting and sprinkles and some circus party plates.  I'm learning and enjoying the beauty of simplifying!  And I'm pretty sure Landon didn't mind...

He is learning and growing so fast it's hard to keep up, but it just warms my heart every time he discovers something new.  He is in the first phases of "running" (which results in a lot of face plants), climbing the stairs at full speed, saying Mamma and Dadda and actually meaning it, waving and blowing kisses goodbye.  He scrunches his face when he laughs and has started this funny Darth Vador talk/whisper when he hands us things.  It cracks me up.  He has a few hairs on his head finally and is growing teeth #7 and 8.

He loves putting things away... even if it isn't in the right place. (Example: my point and shoot camera in the toilet. Don't worry, I saved it with a bowl of rice and good disinfectant.)  Yesterday he did help me put all the clean socks back into the hamper one by one by one.  On another note, he has started getting quite an opinion.  He does NOT want his diaper changed.  EVER.  The other day Jacob said, "Good job putting on his diaper, Mom!"... in other words, "Congratulations on winning the wrestling match, Mom!"

He loved every one of his simple birthday presents, 

but I think his new toothbrush from Dad may be his favorite.

Landon, my jolly bud.  I sure love you!

Joys in July

Can't believe July is over.  Whew.  Where have we been?  

Just a lot of berry picking, county fairs, country road drives, park outings, children's museums, homemade ice-cream making, swimming lessons, barbecues, and the like.  

There's just something about Summer that makes life so... sunny.

And despite a few setbacks the last month, we're happy. So happy.

{A few July Instagrams}

My One Post for June

The blog is being neglected.  And for good reason.  Our computer is dying a slow and painful death in its old age. The "You must shut down your computer now because of a problem" message comes on daily. And it is slower than... I don't know what.  I have many photos, videos and funny stories, but fearing the computer may explode at any moment I just wanted to brave it fast enough to record a few random things...

Landon. Sweetest kid in the world. 10 and 1/2 months old. He's walking 5-7 steps at a time, dances on with the beat when music comes on, and is starting to babble more "Mammama" and "dadddddaaah" type words.  He also says "vummmmm" when playing with cars and it's.totally.adorable. He just can't wait to be big like his brother.  He is always trying to squeeze into whatever Jacob is doing.

He LOVES his binkies and enjoys going to bed with one in his mouth and one in his hand just in case.  Hey, I love those binkies too- they've provided great sleep for all.  

He still has a drippy eye and after too many eye infections the doc finally referred us to a pediatric ophthalmologist in Portland for tear duct surgery.  Hoping it happens soon! I tire of people asking what's wrong because he has a tear rolling down his cheek.  Seriously, he's one of the happiest kids I've ever known.  In fact, I feel like I can cheer Landon up most times he's upset just by singing "If You're Happy and You Know It".  He forgets all his troubles and starts beaming and trying to clap his hands.  

A special talent? He can blow a crazy spit bubble- probably because he has the biggest mouth on a baby I think I've ever seen (If you're on facebook you can check out the golfball photo to prove it.) His favorite escape is to the bathroom. So funny how these kids, as soon as they can stand, just can't get enough of the toilet paper roll! 

Jacob. 3 1/2. Such a crack-up. Now that he can hear/speak he has really come out of his shell. I find myself chuckling quite often because of the funny things he says or does.  He's a really sharp kid and brings up totally random things from what feels like ages ago. He LOVES swimming lessons (which is a relief considering last summer he wouldn't let go of me in the pool) and anything that gets him oustide these days. He is so athletic and can kick a soccer ball like a champ and hit a golf ball more accurately than any kid I've seen.  

He's really using his imagination inside more on those rainy days.  After seeing Doc McStuffins he often pulls out his doctor kit to give his toys and stuffed animals "check ups".  Speaking of his stuffed animals, we found out recently that his blue blankie bear that he sleeps with at night is a "She". "Why is Bear a SHE?" asked Stephen.  "Because she is sooo soft." Jacob replied so matter-of-factly.  Whenever we accidently refer to Bear as a HE we are promptly corrected. 

He just seems so much happier and there is a lot less drama in our house lately. With that said, he's still a stubborn little dude and I'm still reading The Explosive Child just in case. He's a perfectionist of sorts and is extremely particular about his artwork, how I cut his sandwich, or how we build the train tracks together.  He sports the bed-head most days and refuses to let me pick out clothes for him to wear. (We're lucky if we get anywhere on time!)  Oh well, I still think he's handsome with crazy hair and pj pants!  He is a fantastic big brother and plays so well with Landon.  It kinda melts my heart, actually.

Life is fun.  We just got back from an awesome UT trip full of family joy.  And we're finally enjoying the beginning of summer around here, with still a lot of rain and cooler temps.  Soon I can get moving on my Oregon Summer Bucket List.  Good times ahead (hopefully) including camping on the coast,  trip to crater lake, berry picking, and perhaps a certain move...?

Anyone still reading this?  Ok, over and out.

My Boys and Me

In March I won a photo contest with a local photographer, Emylyn, and my prize was a mini-session!  Stephen had to be out of town when it was scheduled for, so it was just me and my babies.  I loved working with Emily, observing her techniques, and bless her heart- she invited me to shoot a wedding with her this summer!  There is just so much I want to learn.  And someday I will. But for now I am LOVING just being a mom.  A few favorites that made me smile...