The Mommy Detective

Baby crying furiously downstairs.

Mom-Ethan, what happened?
Ethan-Herston's crying.
Mom-Did he miss his mommy? Or did he get hurt?
Ethan-He got hurt.
Mom-What did he do?
Ethan-He fell.
Knowing he is doesn't crawl or move much.
Mom-Where?
Ethan-On the floor.
Mom-What did he hurt?
Ethan-His head...on the Jack-in-the-box.
Mom-Were you trying to give him a hug? (i.e. were you trying to pick him up when you know you aren't supposed to?)
Ethan-Yeah, but it didn't work.

Grant promised me they would make it to adulthood; I am still not so sure.

My Rissy-Roo

So I was asked if Larissa smiles. Yes, on her own time and her own schedule. This is her minutes after the photo shoot.

I hope she always uses her strong personality for good. Wow, she is so much like me it is scary.

Yes, I am thinking of changing the blog name. It may be time to get rid of the last name.

Suggestions?

So Cute, It's Scary!

Happy Halloween!

The kids had a Halloween mini photo session from an amazing photographer all my friends know. She was able to capture their soul and their personalities with amazing color. She comes highly recommended.

Our Iron Woman

Alice is in town to do her first half iron man. Please come and cheer her on any time during the day. It will probably take about 7 hours, 6:56am to about 2:00pm.

Best Places To Watch:
Mill Ave bridge for swim, bike, and run.
Tempe Beach Park for swim, transition, and run.
Rio Salado Parkway for the bike.
And don't forget the Finish line.
(Look at maps below to see when she will be at these locations.)

Approximate times for Alice:
Swim Start: 6:56am
Swim Finish/Bike Start: ~7:30am
Bike Finish/ Run Start: ~11:30am
Finish Line: ~2:00pm

These are best guess calculations. Please pad times with at least 30 minutes on each side to make sure you don't miss any action.

For more information, visit Soma's website

Oh, Crap!

So I look at the clock and something weird clicks inside my brain. "Oh, crap, Raea! I missed your award assembly today!"

"I know, you weren't there."

Raea won the citizen award at school for the fall semester. I am falling apart, and she remains such a well adjusted kid. I promise it is nothing I'm doing. (Did I mention that I missed her parent-teacher conference and the parent information night, too?)

In memory of her receiving the winning attitude award for spring semester last year, please click here. Seriously, is she great or what!?!?

Let's Eat

Herston had swallowing therapy on Monday, and I was told I was starving the poor kid. Um, you couldn't tell by looking at him; he is 17.5 pounds!

It is good that I know people like Stephanie and Kate that can teach me cool tricks. Look at his focus.

We have an important swallowing study next Monday; wish us luck. This will let us know if he can have liquids, like water or formula.

He is home again and trying to get better.

Herston's Blessing

A baby blessing announces the baby's name to the church, and then a blessing is given to the baby. Herston's highlights:

• Opportunity to have trials
• A knowledge of prayer and miracles
• A strong body that will get him to adulthood

Mother Nature's Farm

Today Ethan's preschool went to the pumpkin patch at Mother Nature's Farm. No, it wasn't that cold today, only 75, but Ethan insisted on wearing his jacket the whole day. He is a true Arizona kid.

Deja vu
2008

2006

Guardian Angel

George passed away around the time Herston was born. We always felt that George was watching over Herston.

Everyday the neighborhood cat becomes a little more of our cat. We now call her, Callie.

I can't help but think Herston (and Raea who still misses George) made some good cat friends in heaven.

This is Herston's first hospital stay. It is a lot easier to look at these pictures now.

30 is kinda a big deal!

Happy Birthday, John! Wishing John a happy birthday is the only thing that will get me blogging during my surgery recovery.

John, you are pretty cool because you are a lot like me. I hope you have a great day! How 'bout those Sooners?!?

No Smiles This Morning

Yesterday I saw the repair job from Julie's daughter cutting her own hair. (The touch up looks great.) However, besides the time my dad had to cut a brush out of my hair, I never cut my hair. It was my pride and joy.

Larissa has never had hair. I just want her to have nice long hair like I did. My sister has been recently commenting on Larissa's finally growing hair. She was starting to look like a cute little girl.

Then Ethan does this!!! He cut her ponytails off.

Is this a rite of passage?

When Alice was in high school, she was asked to be a hair model. Sorry Alice, it is very reminiscent of that style. Think Mrs. Brady on crack.

"She's crafty. She's just my type!"

What do you do when you are so stressed out you want to puke? And the near thought of walking in your bedroom sends visions of attacking laundry monsters in your head? Uh, I avoided it all and worked on my crafty side.

Upper Left: Julie had a cute mini class at her house. I officially have a Halloween decoration now.
Upper Right: 7 years ago I painted and reupholstered my dining room chairs. I decided to make a matching table cloth with the extra fabric still hanging around.

Bottom Left: A note journal and matching pen for MOPS.
Bottom Right: I also finally got around to finishing my girls dresses.

HCBC Photo Entry

Against my better judgment I am participating in the Next HCBC Competition. Peer pressure never goes away thanks to my sister judging and my other sister creating the challenge.

Before and After

I retain all copyright laws on these photos, i.e. you can't blackmail me.