erin in real life.

2012-01-17T00:40:00.000-05:00

Heath tells the boys that the world on the Mario gamewith all the snow is Pennsylvania. Now that's what they call it.
Feeling grateful today.
grateful for running water. not only that it runs but that iteventually gets warm.
grateful for my bread knife. Thanks Susan!
Grateful for good health. Although I'm not experiencing any rightnow, sure makes me grateful for when I do feel good.

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER MELISSA AND MY BROTHER JOSHUA.

I do still hope to get a song to you both. speaking of singing...

among the songs we sang for family home evening tonight wasthe theme song for teenage mutant ninja turtles old school cartoon...a new favorite! Heath is playing the guitar right now and singingBrown Eyed Girl....that'd be me (his brown eyed girl).
Also, never throw away fruit or vegetables. Freeze them if youknow you are not going to use them and they are looking like they areon their way out.

Mom I posted to my blog!

2012-01-15T18:00:00.000-05:00

This is Christmas. I think it took the boys a little while to wake up. They don't look too excited in the pictures but every time Asher opened a present he would say "ooooh, my sweet (whatever the present was)

Some of the pictures are mixed up but Asher cracks me up. Just hanging out in the bumbo seat reading a book.

Then on to his winter outfit. :)

Noah got a new bike for Christmas.

They both got helmets.

and Optimus Prime.

and Ninja Turtles. It's funny how all the old things are coming back. Ok, I don't know if ninja turtles are on their way back in but my boys like 'em.

and there's chubalina.

so cute and mine. I know...

Found some nail polish at the natural grocer. I had to do it. I really do like having a girl.

I do love my boys just the same.

Some bread Heath made.

yum!

Hannah eating carrots.

Ok, sorry I haven't done much blogging lately. It just seems like I've been so busy. Lately it seems like we can't get over being sick. BOOOOO! Noah is loving preschool, Asher is a funny dude but still pretty shy. He's figuring out, little by little, that he's not the baby anymore. The fits have gotten sooooo much better. I know...6 months later. Heath is a little less busy this semester teaching and we are spending more time together as a family. I LOVE IT!

For the record heirloom seeds are where it's at; palm oil, coconut oil, and olive oil make a good soap, most stomachs are not the same after babies, wearing shoes prevents toe stubs, I like pinterest, Heath hunts coyotes and has a necklace that holds all his calls, I got a sweet bike for Christmas. Heath saved it from going to the junk yard when we were in PA. I had no idea about it. He got new tires and cleaned it up. I think it was made in the 60's. AWESome!

What a sucker!

2011-11-16T21:18:00.000-05:00

Look what I caught this girl doin'. She's not even 4 months. While I think it is totally cute I'm not encouraging it because it's easier to take away a pacifier than cut off fingers. FYI, I would never cut off fingers.

Also, she giggled today. I was kissing her chin and it was soooo cute.

And this was Asher's Halloween costume. Love it? Well, I made it. That's right...well the cape anyway.

Don't look too close. He loves Robin for some reason. It's fine by me but you don't find too many kids who want to be the "sidekick".

We don't want to leave anyone out! :)

Noah hums when he eats.

Asher and Noah for some reason make an "L" sound in the place of an "R" like fliend (friend)

Heath acts like a kid when he gets to go hunting.

I just started doing pinterest. I told myself I wouldn't but I did it and now I'm pinning away with awesome ideas. One of which is this and this (my favorites so far). and Heath and my BIL Jake our going to to this for me. I know cute, right?

Well, gotta go. Love my family. no proofing on this one.

FIVE

2011-10-21T11:15:00.000-04:00

Noah turned 5 (yes 5 can you believe it?) the other day.
I can't believe it.
5 years ago I had my first baby.
5 years ago I felt the most anxiety I've ever felt watching a tiny little baby in a little suitcase under lights for being jaundice.
5 years ago I felt love in a way I've never felt it before and understood a lot more about love and sacrifice.
I realized some time later that mommy is the best name in the world and that parenting would be the hardest thing in the whole wide world. (Good thing I don't have to go at it alone)

FIVE! Go here to see him in the chair for his other birthdays.

He had a Batman birthday party but more like a superhero birthday party.

Yes, I made that. I know, AWWWWWWWWWWW-some :)

Yes, he was Captain America at his Batman birthday party.

AND just have to say thanks to the moms who let their kids come on such short notice and even got Noah presents. I let them know at 4 pm that the party was at 6 pm. Good thing we have so many kids in our neighborhood :) Good friends for sure.

Colorful! I think she might be getting bottom teeth.

Hannah with her cousin. They are one month and one day apart. Hannah's older.

Then there is this guy...

I love him so but he sure puts me through the ringer sometimes.

He's been through a lot.

He still doesn't like to gain weight.

We are going to take him to the NAET doctor next.

He's funny and stubborn, cute and tiny, determined and polite.

The other day I took time to tickle my boys. I can't remember the last time I did that. Heath does it all the time. I love their laughs. Our windows were open and before long there was a knock at the door. We opened it to 2 little neighborhood kids. They said, "What are you doing?", I said, "tickling". They said, "Can you tickle us?". Sure, come on in. The laughing commenced.

I find myself talking in high, silly voices to get a smile out of Hannah.

I've been feeling a little poopy the last few days so I put on some inspirational music this morning and thought about all my blessings. I think today will be a good day.

I love my husband.

2011-10-10T18:19:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Hannah was blessed.
It was a good day. All the Papa family was together.
And our good friends the Espanosa's (not sure that's spelled right)
Texas and Washington state are just too far away. That means my side wasn't there but I'm sure they were thinking of us.

Look at those blue eyes!

Ok, so, I want to tell you a little bit about the dress. All the Papa babies were blessed in it (Heath and all his siblings). Lorie (Grandma, Heath's mom) made the dress with a little help from great grandma (Lorie's mother) about 32 years ago. I'm glad she held onto it because I love it!

The blanket was made by my Aunt Ronna. It was perfect for the day.

Thanks to everyone that shared the day with us and to all those who were thinking about us.

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO UNCLE DAN (HEATH'S BROTHER), AUNT LACEY AND NOAH!!!!

SOME LIFE

2011-09-29T16:16:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to blog for a while but life has been busy. Now I can't really remember all the things I wanted to blog about. I've been trying to get a good picture of all 3 kids. Not really working out for me.

You can't win 'em all.

but gettin' closer. No, I didn't fix their hair and yes, Hannah is in her pj's!

See that kid on the right? Yes, very right. With the ears? Yes, him, Asher. Well, I know you wouldn't be able to tell by these pictures but this kid can throw a fit. I mean a BIG fit! He is a sweet little boy but when he throws a fit there is scratching, hitting and biting involved. Oh, and screaming for about an hour. As parents Heath and I are testing out new things. More routines, more sleep, and I'm going to make a chart with chores, routines, and good/bad behavior on it. (If you have anymore suggestions we'll take them) Ok, back to the cool chart I'm making. For everything good they will get to put something in a jar and when the jar is full they will get a predetermined reward. Ya know like a trip to Disneyland. Just kidding more like an ice cream date with dad or a toy they've been wanting for a while, etc.

I am amazed at how people are influenced by their surroundings whether it be people or objects. Realizing more and more how important it is to surround yourself with not only good people but good things too. Well, how 'bout great people and great things.
I think character is developed when we are around the great and because we can't always be around the great that's when the character has to be used. Prepare for the not so great.

I've been learning some about what integrity really is. I mean I've known what integrity is but I never thought of it in this way. Think of it like this - making our actions consistent with our beliefs- ok yes that makes since but think of all your beliefs. If you believe you should eat healthy and you don't -that is not having integrity and then you feel anger or guilt because you're not doing something you know you should be doing. Well, hopefully you got that.

oh, and listen (ok read) this

"The adversary would keep us busily engaged in a multitude of trivial things in an effort to keep us distracted from the few vital things that make all the difference." -Ardeth G. Kapp
Like did you check your email today and surf the internet? Did you pray and read your scriptures?

Something to think about.

well, I better be going. I've got some kids that would like to play outside.
Heath has been really busy.
Noah likes to tell "stories" lately
Asher wants to be Robin for halloween
Hannah is 2 months old and gaining weight. hallelujah!

LOVE

cow poop and glue

2011-09-14T12:41:00.000-04:00

Asher: Can Hannah eat Cheetos?
Me: No, all she eats is milk and in a few months she can eat fruits and vegetables.
Asher: and cow poop?
Me: ewwwwwwwwwww, no.
Asher: cow poop is yucky?
me: yes
Asher: oh

later he wanted to watch a movie on netflix.
Asher: Can I watch curious George?
me: sure (tried to pull it up and isn't working)
Me: it's broken
Asher: Can you fix it with glue?

He also made me aware that he would like for me to fashion him a Robin suit out of tape.
I'm not that skilled and don't think that will hold up until Halloween.

Sometimes

2011-09-07T16:12:00.004-04:00

Sometimes it works better if you hit start on a timer.
Sometimes green grapes end up in the bathtub.
Sometimes babies cry and cry des00pite every effort you make to have them stop.
Sometimes a 2 1/2 year old gets new molars and has trouble sleeping unless it's in your bed and asks to go to Sportmans Warehouse (cause that's where dad likes to go) and the bank (for a sucker).
Sometimes an almost 5 years old tells you that Iron Man always takes a bath and that The Hulk doesn't because he's too big and won't fit in the bath.
Sometimes a 30 year old decides that he wants to get two jobs (1 job teaching at the high school - that he got over 7 other applicants- and one job teaching night classes at the college - congrats by the way). Not saying that's a bad thing, we are blessed.
Sometimes I think that if I had someone to fold my laundry and clean my bathrooms I might just make it.
And sometimes when Aunt Liz comes over to shave daddy the boys need to shave their whiskers too. no worries she took the blade out.

He's showing you his teeth that hurt. Also, yes, that is a box in the background. I know, you think we would be moved in by now.

and snug as a bug in a rug.

Never thought this day would come.

2011-09-05T12:45:00.000-04:00

It has!
I have decided to make my blog PRIVATE.
I know, I thought I would never do it, that I would never have a reason to.
I always wondered why others did it.
But today, well not like today, but in a few weeks I'm changing it over.

SO, LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENTS IF YOU WANT TO KEEP READING.

EVEN IF YOU ONLY CHECK IT SOMETIMES AND ONLY IF YOU JUST LIKE TO READ MY CRAZINESS OR JUST LIKE TO LOOK AT THE WEIRD PICTURES. AS LONG AS I KNOW WHO YOU ARE OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT KNOWS YOU, I'M GAME.

If you are wondering why I am taking it private, it's because of Heath's new job (s). I don't want any of his weird students reading my blog :)

You can also email me your email address at emailerinp@gmail.com or facebook me.

the hunt, the shave, the mimi

2011-08-26T15:54:00.000-04:00

The hunt is on and apparently so is the shave.
Liz (Heath's lil' sister) gave him a hair cut the other day and shaved his back and chest and stomach
WITH a straight razor no doubt.
She even let me have a try (no, I didn't cut him) and yes he is on our kitchen table.

First she cut a heart, then...

it turned to this. What do you meant what is it? it's an elk. It's hunting season don't you know.

and oh so attractive. Yes, it's still there and yes he's hunting as I type this and yes for an elk.

Heath caught this a while ago and I can't remember if I put it on the blog but definitely blog worthy.

AND then there's the stories of this week

We got rid of Asher's mimi (pacifier) this week. Heath told him if he put in the trash he could get a toy. He wanted a toy from Target. So, Monday morning he threw his mimi in the trash and we went to Target. He picked out an iron man toy. He did pretty well throughout the day and I didn't push a nap but when night came he was ready to throw iron man in the trash and go dumpster diving for the mimi. Well, I didn't let him. I rocked him to sleep that night which I felt was a good trade and he ended up in bed with us which I felt was also a good trade. The next day he was ready for a nap and then asked for the mimi a few times and I reminded him that he traded it for a toy. He said, "oh, I forgot". Then he was really tired and the screaming, biting, scratching, and gnashing of teeth began. I didn't know if we were going to make it and I thought about the back up mimi. I was strong and he finally fell asleep. phew! I rocked him to bed one more night and now there's no word of the mimi.

Now that he's given up the mimi he's done with his hair doll (Mr. Beans or Beansies). This, apparently, has given him more time to do other things like wrapping himself in toilet paper, spinning around and around until he looks like a mummy (that's when I came in), and tearing his toast to pieces and throwing in on the dinning room floor while I was at the sink, or spilling his yogurt on the floor and trekking though it, or dragging a chair over to the sink and playing in the water until there's a swimming pool on the floor beneath. I'll stop there but you can tell we've had some excitement.

The aftermath.

Then there's baby Hannah. Adorable and Asleep. She's got a little ouchie bum that breaks my heart every-time I change her diaper and she screams. She's beautiful and has blue eyes so far.

I think I belong in Mayberry. (but really more about life with 3)

2011-08-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

or Radiator Springs (if you're a Cars fan)
Life with 3 kids is a little interesting.

When I try to go anywhere it seems it takes forever to get out the door.
Hannah needs to eat, then she poops, then Asher poops, then Hannah poops again, then she spits up on me (I clean up), then she spits up on her (change her clothes) and then I realize it's time for lunch.

It's true that She pooped out of her diaper yesterday and I didn't want to take it over her head so yes, I cut the onesie off the child. While I was cleaning all that up someone knocked on the door (sorry to whoever it was because I couldn't get to the door in time) and Noah was sitting on the toilet, Asher was harassing him. Noah shut Asher fingers in the door (I'm still knee deep in dooky at this point), Asher screaming/crying, and Noah screaming for me telling me he "has something for me". Finally, I make it to the bathroom where I find my surprise (poop in the toilet). I have baby in left arm and wiping a bum with right hand. (sorry if that was too much info). Asher calmed down, Hannah was hungry. I was feeding Hannah and could hear Noah but was wondering where Asher was. I called his name a few time, no answer. I got up and went into the other bathroom and there he was with a bottle of disinfectant (non-toxic ish stuff thank goodness) and he was spraying the entire bathroom down. (yes, the entire bathroom including the carpet outside the bathroom). I grabbed the cleaner, told him to wash his hands, threw a towel over the carpet and just shut the door aaaaaaaaaaaaand back to feeding Hannah.

My house is still not decorated.
My neighbor gave me a really awesome blanket for Hannah.
I think baking soda is one of the best things ever.
Hannah is 3 weeks old.
Asher seriously has a personality...so funny (when he's comfortable around you, if not, he's shy)
Noah's got lots of new friends in the neighborhood we live in...wondering about some of them.
Heath's been really busy getting ready to teach. I know he'll do a good job.
My birthday is soon. I'll be 32.
I'm getting ice cream cake and maybe a date with the hubby. (this is a big deal because this weekend, my birthday weekend, is the opening of hunting season and he's not going)
I think he likes me.
and really my body will definitely never be the same. Good thing it's the result of something so precious.
Wishing I had a triple jogging stroller :)
I know you want pictures but I'll post some later.
oh, and Hannah gained a pound and 4 ounces at her last appointment after loosing 11 ounces.
We have the best pediatrician.

Oh, and, will somebody buy our Honda, Pilot. C'mon it's a nice vehicle.

Wondering where I've been? ...I've been wondering the same thing. The move, a baby, and a job.

2011-08-07T18:06:00.000-04:00

So, here it is. We moved from PA back to Utah.
There was a big mess with the moving company.
They were suppose to be at the house in PA on the 1st or 2nd of July they still hadn't shown up by the 17th.
So my father and brother-in-law (thank you both soooo much) flew back to PA rented a truck and brought all of our things to Utah. Again, thank you thank you!

Also, we had the birth of our 3rd child, Hannah Catherine, on July 28th. She weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces 19 1/2 inches long. Seriously, she's a cutie pie and we are all in love with her here at our house.
I had a c-section and was a wake this time (I was completely out with my c-section with Asher because it was an emergency and my epidural wasn't working). I threw up twice, right before the surgery began and once during. I know, I'm not sparing you the details. I want to remember everything about this especially because we didn't take any pictures in the hospital. I know, what kind of parents are we?
It all went pretty fast and the only thing I could really feel was Dr. Lunt pushing on the top of my belly to get that girl to come out. Everyone was so nice. I'm not saying it was a pleasant experience but everyone was nice.
Heath kept standing up to look beyond the "curtain". I told him he needed to sit down because I would be very angry if he passed out on me. At one point he said, "What's that?" the doctor said it was my uterus (it was just handing out outside my body). Heath was trying to be funny. I think for two reasons, he was nervous and he wanted to calm me down. But seriously Heath you don't say ,"Do you hear that noise? I think it's a saw." to a lady on the operating table. Love you anyway.
After they wrapped the girl up and handed her to Heath he brought her around so I could see her. And then I saw them. yes, the chubbiest cheeks ever. I really thought she would weigh more.
He told me both of her arms worked.
I have to admit I would love any baby that I could be blessed with but after you have a baby that experiences a few things that you weren't expecting it makes you think...and check. Although Heath and I didn't express any feelings toward that to each other after he made that comment I knew we were both wondering the same things.

My pain was controlled so much better after this c-section and the transfer to my bed was awesome compared to the one in PA. I threw up again when they moved me upstairs (this time is hurt like crazy) and I thought I might die if I didn't stop dry heaving. I threw up a few more times and then they gave me something awesome for nausea. (and I was on morphine so that helped some too). First day I was kind of out of it but I got up and walked around that evening.
Next day was way better. Hannah passed her hearing test and her biliruben score was a little high but they didn't have to put her under the lights (Yes, double YES!) . We had to get it checked a few more times when we got home but still no lights. So grateful for that!
I had Hannah on Thursday and my parents were here on Sunday. They stayed a week and today they left. My dad has to get back to work I guess. boooooo!
So, we had lots of yummy food to eat, good company and I got to take lots of naps.
I like having a summer baby. You don't have to worry so much about them getting sick.

Here's some more exciting news. Del Parson (yes, the famous artist that does a lot of paintings of Christ) called Heath right before we left PA and offered him a teaching job at Dixie College. What? a job? In his field that he graduated in? Yes, double YES!

I just want to say that we are sooooo blessed. There have been so many people who have helped us in so many ways these past few months (ok really years). Some in small ways and other in large ways (you might compare the large ways to the size of a van) but all are appreciated.

President Spencer W. Kimball said:

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom... In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to '...succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.' (D&C 81:5.) So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and from small but deliberate deeds!" ("Small Acts of Service," Ensign, Dec 1974, 2).

Hannah Catherine

Asher likes to put Heath head phones on and listen to his ipod sometimes and dance. Isn't this the best picture EVER?!

for some reason it's not letting me put more pictures on here

I'm convinced that swaddling is a good thing

that when there's a will there's a way.

so glad I can sleep on my belly and bend over to shave my legs.

Yours, mine, and their's (A FATHER'S DAY POST)

2011-06-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

I have a lot to be grateful for in the way of fathers.

YOURS (aka Heath's)

I have a great father-in-law that I got to hear about today in sacrament meeting.
He is a great man and I love him

MINE

My dad isn't always great at expressing his feelings but I know how he feels about me and I hope he knows how I feel about him. Love you dad!

THEIRS

and the father of my children. Well, let me just tell you, about 2 weeks ago I woke up and was past the point of no return for puking. I made it down the stair but unfortunately did not make it to the toilet before the first heave ho. Then I puked again right in front of the bathroom door. (thank goodness it's wood flooring). I then made it to the toilet where Heath joined me. He held my hair back until I could tell him where my pony tail holder was and did a fine job (this time) of putting my hair back. I was sitting on the edge of the bathtub and apparently my prego belly is so big that I was unable to lean over the required distance to actually land all the puke in the toilet. A lot of it landed to the side on and around the trash can and on the side of the little piece of furniture we have in there. I told him I would help clean up but when it was all said and done I was just to exhausted and yucky. He cleaned it all by himself and didn't gag once.
Now that is true LOVE!

Also, (sorry I gotta go) today is father's day and he let me take a nap. I was seriously exhausted. Again, that's love.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DAD'S I LOVE!

What's in your food?

2011-05-31T09:49:00.000-04:00

I know that lots of you don't even care. BUT YOU SHOULD!!!!
And I know some do.
Do you know that 90% of the food in the grocery store is processed?
It contains preservatives (it sits in salt and yucky chemicals) and it lacks the live enzymes that your body needs to function properly. These include:

•canned foods with large amounts of sodium or fat
•breads and pastas made with refined white flour instead of whole grains
•packaged high-calorie snack foods such as chips and candies
•frozen fish sticks and frozen dinners that are high in sodium
•packaged cakes and cookies
•boxed meal mixes that are high in fat and sodium
•sugary breakfast cereals
•processed meats
(Just to name a few)

And the food that is NOT processed? I know you are wondering.
Well, that would be the fruits and vegetables at the front of the store that have been harvested prematurely (not at it's peak of ripeness when all the nutrients are available), then are sprayed with a plant chemical to help them ripen unnaturally, then shipped across the country or countries, then they sit on the shelf for a few days before you and I go into the store to purchase them.
Um...exactly what kind of nutrients are left?
To be honest, I don't really know but I know it's greatly diminished through that process.
Sounds gross, huh? Well, it does to me.

Why am I blogging this you ask.

Well, I'm promoting growing your own. I'm sure someone somewhere has started a "grow your own" revolution. Be part of it! Grow what you can and do it ORGANICALLY! That seems to be a popular and fun word to say lately but do you know what it means and why it might be important.
Here's a definition on Wikipedia.
Organic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.
For the vast majority of human history, agriculture can be described as "organic"; only during the 20th century was a large supply of new synthetic chemicals introduced to the food supply. The organic farming movement arose in the 1940s in response to the industrialization of agriculture known as the Green Revolution.

Yikes! I know that there are some studies that link the pesticides and chemical fertilizers to tons of different medical conditions.

Do you know how they do things in other countries? Did you know that in other countries Mac 'n Cheese has different (more simple) ingredients than the Mac 'n Cheese sold in America?
Someone I know said that she bets that "Mr. Kraft" doesn't feed the American Mac 'n Cheese to his kids.
I would guess the same thing.
ALSO...
In France and other countries they garden all year round. This is nothing new for them. Why isn't this more common in America? Heck if I know.
So, here's the info. I'm reading this book called Four-Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman.

You can harvest your own fruits and vegetables all year round. No, really, it's true!
By the way homegrown tastes a MILLION times better than store bought!

I'm not only for growing your own fruits and vegetables but your own meat too.
I don't do that YET but when we get settled somewhere I'm pretty set on getting chickens (for eggs and meat), maybe a few ducks, a cow (who knows). We'll see.

Bake your own, you'll know exactly what's in it because you put it there.
Use a popcorn popper to make popcorn instead of the microwave.

I know what you're thinking now. BUT I DON'T HAVE THE TIME! (for gardening or baking)
I'll tell you one thing everything worth while takes some time.
I'll do another post on saving time later but for now get your garden going if you haven't, make and bake your own, and try organic.

By the way, not saying we don't eat processed food sometimes...we do. We just try not to eat so much of it and we (by we I think I mean me) try to spread the word. FOOD IS GOING DOWNHILL FAST!

"Taking Chance"

2011-05-22T16:36:00.000-04:00

So, the other night I watched a movie.
The title "Taking Chance".
I admit I am a fan of romantic comedies and comedies by themselves (although it's rare to find one these days that is clean enough to watch with kids, so I don't watch them) but this was a good movie.
There is no comedy in this movie, it's a pretty solemn movie, very moving, and filled with respect.
It is about an officer in the Marines returning a fallen soldier to his family.
It showed the process the fallen soldier went through to be prepared to return to their home town.
I was impressed by the respect and honor they showed to the soldier from the very beginning of this process.
He was cleaned, both body and personal effects.
Every time the casket was moved on or off a plane or to or from a vehicle the fallen soldier
was saluted, hats were taken off and a reverence was shown.

I haven't known anyone personally whose life was taken in a war or serving our country but I do know people who have served in the Marines, Army, and Navy. I have to say I have felt grateful for all who served but never more than after I watched this movie.

My Bishop is an old Marine. He doesn't talk about the war itself (none of them do) but he does talk about sand in all the food he ate and the Lord sparing his life several times.
My grandfather was in the Navy and the only story I know of came from my mother.
His life was spared also.

Just want to say THANK YOU to all those who have served, are presently serving, and those who plan to serve our country. May repect and honor follow you where ever you go.

Deep in the heart of Texas.

2011-05-05T20:22:00.001-04:00

It's a superhero thing. (and sort of dirty and slobbery)

This too!

this too

and this.

My new cute neice Olivia.

My other cute new neice Ember.

My mom will have 4 new grandbabies with in a year. 2 down , 2 to go.

This is one of memaw's favorite book and it's tradition for her to read it to the grandbabies.

Horton Hatches The Egg.

The boys helped grandpa wash the car.

We helped grandpa with his square foot garden on Earth Day! Yep, we're green.

We went to San Antonio for Time Out For Women. (Well, the girls) We all fit in the small elevator.

We ate Mexican food. Yum! They just don't have Mexican food in PA.

Noah fell asleep at dinner with uncle Josh. He carried Noah all the way back to the Hotel.

We saw the Alamo. It's part of Texas history. I'll let you google it.

Me with my Sister-in-law, Sommer. We are just a few weeks apart. Apparantly, her husband (my brother Josh) has put on some sympathy weight or he might be pregnant too.

Noah wore this helmet most of the way home from San Antonio.

Asher has red long johns. When grandpa got home we found out that he has some too.

We had an Easter egg hunt but my pictures were all terrible.

Heard Sherri Dew speak at Time Out for Women.

She's great!

I've seen all my family here.

I've been with my mother to buy a dining room table.

I got sunburned helping put in a square foot garden.

I had a miagraine after I mowed my sister back yard.

It was fixed by essential oils and reflexology (which is amazing because if I don't have good meds I'm usually in the ER with a 2 day hang over)

I've read good books.

Learned a little bit about aquaponics and solar gardening.

Missing my husband.

Glad my mom is retired.

Glad my sister does awesome research on everything.

She found stainless still baby bottles. cool, huh?

The boys like to run around in their undies (and diaper) in the warm weather.

My dad stepped in dog poop today.

I watched a good movie (What If) with my mom.

I've heard ya'll, thank ya, and been around a lot of nice southern folks.

I got a few books I can't wait to read.

I made burp cloths and a baby blanket.

Went to a rain harvesting class with my dad.

ate BlueBell ice cream.

Missed a months worth of Biggest Loser.

Did I miss the finale?

My mom got me the first baby girl onesies.

I think Asher weighs 23 pounds now. I know!

Pretty sure we are moving back to Utah.

and just so you know I'm not going to proof read this. It's taken too long with pictures and such.

That's all I guess.

Next time won't you sing with me?

2011-04-12T11:10:00.001-04:00

Oh, also that's paint on his face. He and Noah decided they would paint on each other instead of the paper. And every time I open my blog and Asher sees the picture of Jesus he always says, "Jesus love me." How true! How true!

Heath Papa

2011-04-12T10:55:00.002-04:00

This one is for Heath.

2011-04-04T20:19:00.000-04:00

Hallelujah, you danced with me.
I LOVE YOU!

Easter.

2011-04-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

Easter will be here before long and I want this year to be different.
I want my children to understand Christ and his atonement and most importantly that He lives again.
That He is resurrected.
That because He lives again we can too.
That's what Easter is about.
It's not about the eggs (although we'll probably hunt) and not about new clothes (although they have new sweater vests). We do some things for fun or tradition but
I want to put the emphasis on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

I found some good ways to do this HERE .

And here is a great Easter message by one of my favorite apostles.

Life and chickens.

2011-04-03T19:50:00.000-04:00

Heath was talking to baby sister (the bun in the oven)
and being really loud and weird sounding.
I told him he was scaring her and I asked if he could be more soothing kind of like a humpback whale.
His whale noised were not much better.
At least she'll know her father's crazy before she comes out.

When Asher is trying to escape the wrath of Noah he runs and shuts himself in the bathroom.
He also does this when he gets hurt or upset. It use to be under the kitchen table but we could
get to him too easily under there. Good thing there's no lock. Really, we're lucky just to have a door on there.:)

Noah asked Heath to make him a sandwich. Heath said yes.
Noah said, "I can count on you!"

Socially Asher is doing so much better. He use to be so shy and really leery of new people.
He's really coming out of his shell and not clinging to me as much.
I'm ok with that.

Did you know that when a chicken lays an egg that it has a clear protective covering (that dries quickly after it's laid) on it to keep bacteria and things out. It's called the bloom. If you wash the egg, you wash this off and you should eat that egg within a reasonable amount of time. Just some info if you want to raise your own chickens for eggs. I do.

Or raise them for meat. Pure unadulterated chicken from your yard to your table. mmmmm!

Raise your own! Then you'll know exactly what's in it and what your eating.

Noah was a chubby baby.
P.S. Heath is changing Asher diaper right now. They both have poop on their hands. funny but ewww!
Glad it's not me.

Shaving!

2011-04-02T19:59:00.000-04:00

I was spiritually fed today. Conference was great!
The post about the Erye Family will have to wait because this is the cutest.

The cast, a soap snob, 2 firsts and a print.

2011-04-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

Asher got his cast off today.

His original appointment was for today but I had to change it because Heath needed to have the car today.

Well, Asher got the cast all wet this morning and if the cast is wet then the skin inside can break down

so I called my friend Diana to see if she could take us in to the doctor.

She's a life saver.

Asher was babying his arm until the PA put an ACE wrap on it.

He said it was just for comfort nothing else and sure enough Asher let his arm down.

Funny how that works.

Also, my husband is a SOAP SNOB. I never thought I would say that.

He has to have the peppermint soap that I make for his shower or he says that he won't shower.

Boy, howdy better believe I find the boy some soap.

If I try to give him anything else he says no way.

At least he likes my soap :)

Noah is getting so tall. I can't believe he'll be 5 this year.

How did that happen?

He's so funny and seems so smart to me.

The boys are playing and Asher is still holding that arm up, not really moving it.

Noah's got a long sleeve shirt, orange underwear and blue rain boots. Yes, that's all.

I could sink a ship with the amount of vanilla that I have.

On sale with a bunch of coupons.

I never measure I just pour. That's probably why I go through it so fast.

I hid my camera so the boys couldn't play with it and now I can't find it.

go figure.

2 firsts for me.

Last night I watched 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' for the first time. Watched it with Heath.

I'm pretty sure he knew all the words to all the songs.

I practically had to talk him out of doing all the dance moves so he wouldn't wake up the boys (we have a small house).

Wish I had my camera.

Ok, that's a lie (not the camera part but the dancing part). I wish he would dance.

And I heard a Justin Bieber song the other day.

All this talk about the kid, curiosity finally killed the cat.

I do live in my own little bubble, I think, but I don't mind it. Keeping up with celebrities and top news doesn't necessarily excite me.

Heath is taking a print making class this semester and this is a print he made. He wanted to make some art for the boys. If you have read THIS book you'll know exactly what this print is about. or this is the cover

It's a book we read practically every night.

Seems posts are always better with pictures, eh?

Also, do you know the Eyres? That post is for tomorrow. Stay tuned.

AsherNothat'spoop!

2011-03-30T18:08:00.002-04:00

Today I decided to take the boys outside.
They wanted to take a walk so I took them on a walk through the wooded area behind our house.
There are still no leaves on trees so you can see straight back to the little pond.
Anyway, I told them not to touch anything unless they asked me first.
Moments later from behind I hear, "Mom, gwapes!"
I turn and do the only thing I can do with the amount of time I'm facing.
I yell, "AsherNOthat'spoop!" Yes, I'm pretty sure that came out as one word.
Deer poop in fact. It was not a grape at all and it was within inches of his lips.
Sooooooooo glad I caught it before it went in.
The rest of the walk we heard "more poop!, more poop!" Lots of deer behind are house apparently.

Also, right now it's snowing outside.

Dear PA,
Don't you know it's the end of March, that the official first day of Spring was the 20th, all the snow just melted. Seriously, STOP SNOWING!

Tonight's dinner:
Noah: I don't want it, it's really really gross! (crying, crying, more crying)
Asher: Noah, calm down! Eat dinner!

He finally ate.

In the past week I've made gluten free corn bread muffins, lemon pound cake (oh so good), pancakes, bread and tortillas are on the list for tomorrow. I don't think I've been feeding Heath very well so this past week I've been trying to do a little better.

Life and Square Foot Gardening.

2011-03-29T20:02:00.000-04:00

Dinner time is sometimes hectic. Heath's not here a lot of the time because he's at school.
He seems to be able to calm them a little easier than I can at the dinner table.
Noah screams and says, "I'm not eating this yuck, yuck, yuck!"
This is before he even tastes it.
Then Asher screams back, "Four more bites!"
He says this because Noah never really likes to eat so he takes a few bites then we have to do the "4 more bites" routine (obviously done enough that Asher knows it too)

When Noah doesn't want to do things he has lots of excuses which include:

I can't my hands are too small.
It's too heavy.
I can't get up.
No, thanks, I just busy.
If he doesn't want to eat - It's too hot or too big.
My hands and/or legs won't work.
I'm just tired.

It really is funny sometimes.

I got out some bigger clothes for Asher today. 24 months.
They'll be a little big on 'em but they're summer clothes and Noah's hand me downs.
It'll work.

I love reading lately. I've been reading books about chickens and several on motherhood and parenting.
I've still have a little stack of books to get to and 1 coming in the mail.
My spider plant and my aloe plants are having babies too.
Tis the season I guess.

I don't know if I have ever put anything on my blog about Square Foot Gardening.
It really is the best type of gardening in the world. Check it out HERE.
Even if you think you're the best gardener and maybe you are, you should still check it out.
Also, I've been reading some in a book called "The Urban Homesteader"
and I think everyone should have edible landscaping.
Why spend money on landscaping that doesn't give back.
This really deserves a post all its own.
I'm talkin' fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, and gardening your lawn space.

Asher keeps asking to be put on the potty. He might be ready to potty train but I'm not sure I am.

Love, Guide, teach, Lift, and Inspire

2011-03-25T13:08:00.000-04:00

"Even in the darkest hours, there is light, and there is hope.
It is this light and hope that women so ably distribute to all who enter their lives. It is this light and hope that enables all women to mother - to recognize that "the world is filled with people to be loved, guided, taught, lifted, and inspired.
Our ability to mother our own children - to mother all children, really - is an innate gift bestowed upon us by a gracious Father in Heaven who loves us and knows what we can become."

Just got done reading "I Am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson.

Great Book!

You're my prettiest girl.

2011-03-24T16:32:00.002-04:00

Noah asked if I would hold him.

I said sure.

He sat in my lap and said, "You're my prettiest girl."

Then he kissed my cheek a bunch of times.

Made me smile.

Also, chatting with my husband today made me smile.

We got to go to the temple over the weekend.

Left the kids with Deric and Heidi.

I never thought I would ever be able to leave Asher but I did it.

Someone told me it was time to cut the umbilical cord. :)

Noah is very honest. He always tells the truth (Well, most always)

Asher is sweet and makes sure Noah always gets a chance to have what he's having.

He also likes to help me with everything.

Heath's in his last semester and feeling it.

Poor guy.

I can't believe this is almost over.

That "real" life (as I picture it) could be happening soon.

I have really been rejoicing in being a mother the last little bit.

I am determined to be better.

I feel happier trying.

It's true that if you're not as happy as you want to be you should increase your obedience.

We shouldn't be idle.

Seriously, staying busy even though I'm tired makes me happy.

Well, taking a nap midday makes me happy too. hum!

Anyway, random!

An oldie but a goodie!

Daughter, be of good comfort...

2011-03-24T09:17:00.000-04:00

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on mothers.

"You are doing God's work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you, and He will bless you, even -no especially - when your days and your nights may be most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, found her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master's garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and weep over their responsibility as mothers, "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." And it will make your children whole as well." ("Because She Is a Mother," 37)

Eternal address.

2011-03-22T13:03:00.000-04:00

A lady spoke on Sunday about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
She was talking about missionary work and how we could help others "change their eternal address".

I loved it! Eternal address? I've never heard it put quite like that.
I started to think about my own eternal address and what I wanted it to look like.

Mother: Erin P.
A mansion prepared by my Father
Celestial Kingdom, Heaven

I thought about all the other possible "addresses" in our Father's kingdom.
Some don't seem so bad, some seem rather good and the best...well, makes me want to cry with joy.

Just recently I purchased a few book on being a mother. In one of the books the foreword is done by Sheri Dew (which I found interesting because she has never married and never had children).
She says, " For mother is the word that will define a righteous woman made perfect in the highest degree of the celestial Kindom, a woman who has qualified for eternal increase in posterity, wisdom, joy, and influence."
I know that Sheri Dew rejoices in this too with the knowledge that everyone will have an opportunity.

That's what I am shooting for. I am a Mother and want to be forever!

Here's to eternal addresses and sharing the gospel to help others with their eternal address.

Death and Life.

2011-03-17T14:42:00.000-04:00

My grandfather passed away last night around 10 pm.
It didn't make me sad to hear the news this morning only because I know he is not suffering anymore.

Also, I found out today that I am having a GIRL.
I have to admit I would have been fine with a boy but I am ecstatic about having a girl.
She measured a little small so it's possible they will change my due date from August 4th to August 22nd.

People I wish I was with.

2011-03-12T19:56:00.000-05:00

All my family is in Texas right now together. Well, that would all but me and my little family.

The people I wish I was with.

Mom and Dad, Aunt Janna, Aunt Ronna, Uncle Tim.
Melissa, Sam, Israel, Kamin, Analise, Anson, Ember
Matt, Debbie, Genesis, Brooklyn, Glory, Simeon
Josh, Sommer, and baby peanut
Jonathan, Yolanda, Kristin, Olivia

Hope you are all having a great time. Love you all!

2011-03-11T06:35:00.000-05:00

Poppy, my grandfather, Clarence Oliver Burris gave me the nickname E.Katie.P. I am named after his wife, my grandmother, Nanaw, Catherine. When his memory started to go he was reminded who I was by "the girl you use to watch jump the hurdles". He had come to some of my track meets. Now with his memory not serving him so well, the old hurdle trick doesn't work anymore. He hardly remembers his own children and I think it's very distressing to him. My grandfather is a neat man, a poet, a dad, a grandfather, a husband with a Bible all marked up and worn. I did a post on him a little while ago. You can read one of his poems HERE. It's a favorite.
I'm not near my grandfather although I hear about his care frequently. I'm so thankful for the people who have taken such good care of him for so long. My Aunt Janna, my Aunt Ronna, my own mother, and my Uncle Tim. They have sacrificed a lot (including a lot of sleep) to care for him.
I don't think he has too much longer here on earth. I think he's ready to go. I don't know exactly what is needed to complete his mission here but I'm sure it's purpose is for someone else. Probably to teach things that could not be taught any other way. I know he will rejoice when he is united with Catherine again.
I Love Poppy!

Discipline With Dignity

2011-03-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

Mark 10:13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was greatly displeased and said to them, "let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." and He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

I found this post on not spanking and really loved it.
Wanted to share.
For every parent I think.

READ IT HERE!

Asher's good arm, Happy Birthday to my Mom.

2011-03-08T15:22:00.000-05:00

It really is time to blog again. So much has happened.
I am now 18 (almost 19 weeks) pregnant. I have my ultrasounds next week.

I had to take little Asher to the ER on Friday.
He fell off a chair and fractured his left arm ("the good arm")
After he fell off the chair, he cried some and then went to sleep.
When he woke up he wasn't using his left arm like he usually does.
Thank goodness we were at a friends house and they were able to watch Noah.
Heath was suppose to be going out of town to New York but come to find out after the trip to the ER the
bus had broken down and they never left (blessing)
I cried almost all the way to the hospital.
I couldn't help but think of all this little guy has gone through.
When we were leaving our friends house he said, "Noah coming?"
I told him that he wasn't and that we would be back for him.
He said, "where going?"
I tried to change the subject and ask him if he would like some french fries or ice cream (I know not the healthiest but remember I was trying to distract him).
but again, "where going?"
I said, "We are going to see the nice doctor."
He started crying and saying, "want to! want to!" while shaking his head no.
I turned the radio on which seemed to calm him.
Then I focused on drying up my tears before we got there.
Hard to do but I did pretty well until they called us back and started asking questions.
My heart hurt for that little boy.

They gave him some pain medicine and then off to x-rays. He got lots of stickers.
there was a T.V. in our room so I laid on the bed with him and propped him up on a pillow.
His little arm was resting by his side not moving much.
He wanted to watch the basketball game.
You see, Asher loves sports. He's a little over 2 but loves sports.
He has thrown a ball for as long as I can remember.
In the nursery they have a little basketball and hoop.
He spends almost all his time shooting hoops. He really is quite good.
Anyway, we watched the basketball game while nurses came in and out.
The doctor finally came in and said they couldn't see anything in the x-ray which
at first was a relief to me. Then he said, "but kids don't usually act this way unless something is wrong."
He wanted to do another x-ray. After that, he determined there was a little dark spot in the x-ray above his elbow.
They splinted him and put him in a sling and we were off.

We had appointment with the orthopedic doctor on Monday.
They casted him. He picked the color himself. Noah made it clear that he wanted his to be pink.
Asher was pretty calm.

Then we all went to breakfast.
Asher is two and I don't think we've all ever gone out to eat before.
I think the boys really liked it and breakfast food is my fav.

Asher likes to vacuum for me. He always says, "Help mama?"
He even still does it with only one arm.

Noah loves doing a robot dance from backyardigans.
He always says, "You wanna see my robot song?"
and for some reason he always needs socks or gloves on to perform.

Today is my mother's birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

My grandfather is not doing so well and will probably not be here much longer.
I think it will be a good thing given his current condition.
He is really blessed to have children that love him and really take care of him.
Having worked with elderly people I know that the elderly are not always taken care of well.

Also, I made this scripture cover.

Don't look too closely I need to brush up on my sewing skills.

Also, here's the next challenge in the Word of Wisdom blog.

A new blog - Word of Wisdom living.- join the challenge

2011-02-26T10:26:00.000-05:00

This is right from the blog: (for the full post go HERE)

Now, in the new century, there is an awakening, the beginnings of a food reformation. Home cooking has been rediscovered and there is new-found respect for olden ways. Rather than what is new, people ask, “What is good. How should I eat? What is best for my health?” (For more on how these questions are answered, see about.)
The goal of this blog is to help you answer these questions, week-by-week, all year long. We offer 52 Healthy Changes—one for each week of 2011—that can transform your diet, as well as your health. The first, “The Short And Sweet Of It?” is found here. A goal for the year is to reduce consumption of added sugar to the American Heart Association’s guideline of six teaspoons daily for women, nine for men. Our major source of sugar is soft drinks, so this is our starting point:

I need to thank Robyn for this too. Found it on her blog.
We're a little behind but we'll just go a little into 2012.

Choosing the Good Part - This is really good!

2011-02-25T12:16:00.000-05:00

This is not my post but a post from a friends blog.
I found it totally inspiring and right on with my feelings.
This is used with permission from Robyn and you can find her original post HERE.

Like many of you, I am often overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt and frustration with the difference between how I would like to be and how I would like my life to be (perfect!) and how things really are. The apparent perfection I easily see in others too often leaves me feeling like an outsider in a world of perfect mothers, wives, housekeepers, cooks, crafters, scholars, and serving sisters.

It is so easy for me to let these feelings completely overtake me. It usually doesn't matter how much my angel husband tells me he loves me, that I am doing a good job, or that I am beautiful, I still question if I am actually good enough.

I feel safe sharing this because I know many of you feel the same way after reading many blog posts on this topic, and that is especially troubling to me because I know that it is an awful feeling. I also know that the adversary is very good at making us feel like we are less than we are.

A bit out of the visiting teaching message this month got me to thinking a lot about Mary and Martha. During one visit to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary sat at the feet of the Savior and listened as he taught, while Martha busied herself in the kitchen preparing a meal or doing some other tasks for the Savior. He spoke to her and said “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.” The footnote here tells us that careful should be understood to mean "worried."

Jesus continued, “And Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” I realize that I need to make sure I am choosing the "good part" that the Savior mentions (in Luke 10:42).

The story of Mary and Martha, observes Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “reminds every Martha, male and female, that we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish the opportunities that are unique and spiritual.” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 61.)

The part that is most important to me here is when He says that it shall "not be taken away from her." I personally understand that to mean on a certain level that the things that truly matter, the gospel essential that bring us the most joy, are the things that will not be taken from us. The clothes we wear, the furniture we have, the crafts we made, how clean our house was, how perfect every dinner was, will not be ours to keep as we pass on to the next life. However worthy these things may be, if we are as Elder Oaks says "so occupied with what is routine and temporal" that we accidentally neglect what is more important, we will be like Martha and be cumbered and worried with many things, missing out on that "good part," of sitting, figuratively, at the Lord's feet trying our best to have faith and do the simple steps that bring us real happiness and joy.

I relate that to being so overwhelmed with some intensely high standard I have set for myself to reach that I forget to just do what is most important, and I know I definitely open myself up to those feelings of doubt and inadequacy. And once those feelings start, we can be completely carried away and forget that we are so very valuable, especially to the Lord.

I have so far to go before I master this simple concept, but I want to get there. Someday. I am a human and even worse I am a woman, so I know I will constantly need to revisit this idea and probably be forever after working on it, but I am trying.

Let me introduce Mr. Beans.

2011-02-22T11:34:00.000-05:00

Mr. Beans (aka Beans) is a hair doll.
Both Noah and Asher played with my hair (well, play with my hair)
One night I was trying to cook dinner (which inevitably ends up being the craziest time of the day)
and Asher needed to be held so he could play with my hair (it's like his little lovey).
I admit I got a little frustrated.
So, I searched on google for solutions for kids that play with hair and this doll showed up.
I know it looks a little weird and it's been called a voodoo doll a few times but it really is a life saver.
I can go to sleep without a baby laying on my head and he carries it around twirling the hair in his ear and on his nose. He loves it.
If he has his mimi (pacifier) he has to have beans.

Ok, little blurry but I don't mind if you don't. Also, yes that is real hair.

Our wedding day - An anniversary post

2011-02-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

I remember the day clearly. That morning I woke up at 5:00 am to go get my hair done. I yelled at my brother that morning, not because I was upset but because I was nervous. I don't remember the ride over but I remember walking in. I met Heath there. We sat together to get some needed paperwork filled out and then we parted. We headed to the dressing rooms to change our clothes. Next we met with the sealer. This sealer happened to be the father-in-law of a teacher I had at Salt Lake Community College. I had met him before. He made sure that we knew the answer was yes. We headed into the room holding hands. Friends and family were there with smiles on their faces and some with tears in their eyes. We knelt across the alter and it started. We were promised sweet blessings. We both said yes.

Then it was time to change clothes again. Heath headed to the dressing room and I headed to the bridal room. It was a neat room with different sections all with mirrors and little tables (in case there was more then one bride). My mother and mother-in-law were there with me. They brought my dress which had been mended by some of the workers there. There were a few little loops in the back that had broken on one side. My mom and Lorie helped me put it on. The top was like a corset. For a second I thought that I couldn't breath and that I might hyperventilate. I took a few deep breaths and was fine. I was all dressed from veil to white tennis shoes and met up with Heath again. We walked out of the Temple and were greeted by the people we loved most. It rained that day. It was fine.

We had a reception that day. The center pieces on the tables were ceramic pieces Heath had made. The flowers were gerber daisies (in kind of an earthy tone). We rented a little building called the Relief Society hall. It was little. Some might even say tiny. Heath and his dad made the back drop that was wrapped in white tulle . My Friend Lindsay sang a song. We had a wedding cake but the cake we served was from Costco. We had a wedding video playing with pictures of us and songs that we had called "ours". We didn't spend much money because we didn't have much money. I don't regret a thing about it.

We stood at the front of the room almost the entire time. I wish so badly that we would have danced. Lots of family members came and good friends. Even an old friend of mine came from far away. Also, a man that was in his 90's that was a patient of mine (for physical therapy) was there in his wheel chair. Then it was time to leave. We were saying our good byes and then a moment I was dreading, saying good-bye to my parents. My mother and I hugged and shed a few tears (ok, it was more like sobbing). This would be the last I would see of her on this trip to Utah. My dad isn't much of a cryer but he had tears in his eyes too. We went back to Heath's parents house to change and I can remember telling him we had to hurry and leave before everyone else started coming back. I couldn't say bye to my mother again. I couldn't take it. At the end of the day I was so glad to get that dress off. My back hurt :) Definitely a day to remember.

I love that guy I married 7 years ago. More today than that day.
Happy Anniversary!

Today, spring, Sunday, love, ultrasound

2011-02-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today Asher leaned on his lucky fin (right arm) wrong and it hurt him. He cried a little
then asked for a "bambaid".
He and Noah like to take their shirts off and say they're Tarzan.
Asher has been singing lately, "We're on our way!"
It's pretty cute.
The snow has melted some this week and I'm glad.
I'm ready for spring.
On Sunday Heath asked me if we ran out of dryer sheets.
I asked him why.
He said that his church pants were all staticy (that doesn't seem to be a real word).
I informed him that I haven't used dryer sheets in years (probably 3).
He said, "Oh, why not?". I told him because they cost money and because they are toxic.
He said, "Can't you find organic?"
It made me laugh. It's the first time he's asked in 3 years.
Not sure why the pants suddenly had static (maybe in the dryer with something unusual?)
Anyway...

The boy I love.
Again for your entertainment.
Also, got a sweet present for Valentine's Day.
I hope to show pictures soon. I think you'll love it.
Also, 16 weeks pregnant.
Ultrasound scheduled for March 17 (I'll be 20 weeks)
Seems so far away. Learning patience.
The End!

Dancin'

2011-02-10T11:53:00.000-05:00

We danced today. Don't judge, Asher likes to wear big boy underwear too.

Asher's birthday and other stuff, too.

2011-02-03T10:44:00.003-05:00

It's true that it's been a little while. I've been posting mostly pictures.
It's also true that I can't recall the exact date in which I last washed my hair,
there are mini marshmallows in my bathroom sink , and
Asher watered my aloe with his milk yesterday.
Also, I'm pregnant.
I don't think I actually put that on my blog yet.
I'm 14 weeks, Due August 4th.
I've been so tired and a lot more nauseated than my other pregnancies.
Although, I shouldn't complain because my sister-in-law is pregnant and feeling a lot worse.
Noah is 4, Asher is 2 and I think he's feeling it.
I think we are seeing some of what might be called the "terrible two's"
terrible fits. He tries to make himself throw up when I try to ignore them but thankfully
he hasn't been successful.
I think a lot of his frustration comes from the desire to be so independent but the inability to become so.
Asher talks a lot. Says lot of words (too many to list), says 3 and 4 word sentences, says please and thank you.
He doesn't cry when you put him in the corner and he's stubborn.
He's got a funny personality and likes to make people laugh.
His arm is doing well.
We see an occupational therapist 2 times a week still.
His right arm is still smaller and I think will always be but he uses it more naturally and without hesitation.
He does really well when the therapist stretches his arm out. So much better then it use to be.
Although he hasn't gained much weight (still weighs a little over 20 pounds) he's grown taller and his head is getting bigger
and our doctor doesn't seemed to be concerned.
I try not to be too concerned either.
Over Christmas vacation he did get sick for a week and was throwing up a lot.
I admit I worried. The kid doesn't have a lot in reserve.
We have been lucky this winter to be pretty healthy. What a blessing.
Noah's speech has improved a ton. He sees a speech therapist 2 times a month.
Noah always says (pointing to my stomach), "I like your baby" last Sunday it was followed by, "but he doesn't have any church clothes."
Noah thinks it a boy and Asher thinks there are 5 babies in there and they're girls.
Noah's baby name suggestion is baby Jesus. Asher has suggested Apple and Claira.
Noah is pretty well potty trained. It took a little while to get him to go #2 by himself.
It was cold the other day our water pump was frozen. I had to put a heater by it so we could get some water.
and Despicable Me is probably the best movie ever.
Heath is doing well. I guess a little stressed out right now.
This is the last semester of grad school.
We have no idea where we'll be headed after this but I hope it's close to family.
Also, Heath and I went on a date last Thursday. Almost a little weird just because it's only the 2nd in 3 years.
We are trying to make that a regular thing.
Well, I guess this is all for now. Here are some pictures from Asher birthday party.

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

Noah's present (a train whistle)

I have to admit it wasn't much of a birthday party. It was just us, no cake, just ice cream. I so did not feel good. I brought the presents down in a blanket and it was kind like a birthday Santa. The boys didn't seem to mind.

I told Asher to show me his belly. I know it doesn't look very big but I think it actually stick out a little. You can see that the muscles in his right arm are getting bigger. Anyway, Happy Birthday to Asher.

Number 2.

2011-01-26T14:40:00.001-05:00

My number 2 baby is 2 years old today, still in size 2 diapers, has 2 skinny legs, 2 arms (one that's lucky), and 2 ears that stick out a little. His birthday party is Sunday so I will post more pictures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BOY!!!

Heath turned 30.

2011-01-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

On 3 everyone close your eyes.

Not really sure why I didn't take more pictures.

Yes, it is gluten-free.

You can't get a store bought cake that looks that awesome.

After putting "Happy birthday old timer" on the cake, I had a lot of letters left over and punk was the first word that seemed to jump out at me. Plus, sometimes he is a punk :)

just for your information, I am older.

We went to Utah.

2011-01-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

Asher learned to peel a mandarin all by himself. It was brought in special from California. Yum!

The boys decided they liked the dog cage.

Learned how to make tamales from a favorite Mexican lady.

Ate a sucker in the shape of a chicken that had chili powder in it.

Helped put in Grandma's doggy door.

Went on a date for the first time in about 3 years. I know, it's just wrong.

We grew mustaches.

See?

Yes, even grandma and grandpa.

Seriously, fake mustaches are a good time.

Lorie may just kill me for putting these pictures on my blog.

Oh, and I got my upper lip wax. It was my first time. Sometimes there comes a time in some girls lives when this becomes necessary. (just like wearing a wig because of female pattern baldness...I see this in my future as well :))

Josh's Sommer in Winter.

2011-01-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

My brother, Josh, got married a few days ago to Sommer. She's cute with the personality to match.

It's Josh's birthday today.

Happy Birthday Brother!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and "there's a baby in my tummy"

2011-01-07T15:07:00.000-05:00

Sorry, we have been out of town.
I always think I'm going to send out one of those cute picture Christmas cards but so far it hasn't happened.
Maybe next year.
So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us.

Also, the other day Noah and I were sitting quietly and his tummy growled.
He looked at me with a surprise look and said, "There's a baby in my tummy!"
He then said, "Can you see it?" and opened his mouth really wide.
I told him I could.
He closed his mouth and smiled at me.
That was the end of the conversation.
I laughed.

A gluten-free dream come true!

2010-12-18T08:25:00.000-05:00

This bread.
http://ourgaggleofgirls.com/recipes/2007/12/06/delicious-gluten-free-bread/

Found this site yesterday.
I have only tried the bread so far but the other recipes look just as good.
SERIOUSLY GOOD BREAD!

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup gf flour (amaranth, sorghum, and millet all work well here)
1 cup arrowroot, tapioca, or corn starch (potato starch tends to make it fall)
2 TBS sugar
2 1/2 tsp xanthan gum or guar gum
2 tsp yeast
1 cup water (110 degrees)
1 1/4 t salt
2 t apple cider vinegar
2 T olive oil
3 eggs
parchment paper

Method

Whip together the 3 eggs in your stand mixer.
While they are whipping, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, and whisk together.

Add the rest of the wet ingredients to the eggs, mix together. Slowly add the dry ingredients, beating together on low. “Knead” for 4 minutes. The dough will be very wet, almost like cake batter.

Line a 9×5 (or so) bread pan with parchment or Reynolds Release (or grease your hamburger pan). Use a spatula to fill the bread pan with the dough/batter.

Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from pan and cool (it cuts much better cooled if you can wait that long).

If you are going to save the bread, slice it once it is cooled, then place a piece of wax paper between the slices and freeze. Toast it straight from the freezer to warm it up.

We ate pretty much the entire loaf eating grilled cheese sandwiches. That's never happened with gluten-free bread around here. Heath even asked me why I didn't make two loaves. Seriously, yum!

Seriously, it doesn't get any easier: Starting Emergency Prep

2010-12-15T13:44:00.002-05:00

Ok, Here is something you can start with.

Family Home Storage Starter Kit

The kit contains:

All is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage pamphlet
All is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances pamphlet
All is Safely Gathered In: Basic Recipes pamphlet
Financial reserve and drinking water teaching aids
Two #10 cans of hard red winter wheat (11 lbs. total net weight)
Two #10 cans of white rice (10.8 lbs. total net weight)
One #10 can of pinto beans (5.2 lbs. net weight)
One #10 can of quick oats (2.4 lbs. net weight)

and Here is some info on gardening.

You will probably want to store some seeds, too.

Don't be overwhelmed, get started with preparedness with these few things.

2010-12-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

"The greatest events that have been spoken of by all the Holy Prophets will come along so naturally as the consequences of certain causes, that unless our eyes are enlightened by the Spirit of God, and the spirit of revelation rests upon us, we will fail to see that these are the events predicted by the Holy Prophets." - George Q. Cannon

I would dare to say that some of those events are taking place. As my dad would say, "If I'm right you'll be prepared to feed your family and take care of them and if I'm wrong you'll still have peace of mind."
I'm getting excited just starting to write about this. I think that's why I call myself an emergency prep. geek. Also, when we moved I couldn't find my grinder and I admit that I did freak out (a little).

OK, a few people have asked me how I would suggest getting started with food storage and preparedness.
Well, the first thing I would suggest is start NOW, RIGHT THIS SECOND! Reading this post is a good start :)
Whether it's grabbing extra canned goods at the grocery store next time you go shopping or looking up things that might be important to you if something did happen.
Start a notebook and print and collect information that you are interested in.
Look at the things you eat. If your family likes ketchup, stock up. If you cook with a lot of a certain seasoning, stock up.
Look at local sales and use coupons. I look to see what's on sale for the week and then I buy multiple coupons at www.thecouponclippers.com and on www.ebay.com. I just got a ton of vanilla for $1.

Think about things like toilet paper, toothpaste, diapers, tampons. Things you wouldn't want to go without. Again, use coupons.

Use the cannery for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These are going to be the best prices for food canned and ready for long term storage. The basic things to store are wheat, powdered milk, oil, salt, honey or sugar, and water. If you add a few extras like yeast, baking powder, powdered eggs, and baking soda the list of things you can make will grow tremendously.
Start with a variety. Don't just buy all your wheat first because if something happens before you can get everything, you're going to be stuck eating just wheat. Bet it wouldn't take you long to realize you'd rather not eat than eat wheat AGAIN.

One thing that is easy to get a year supply of for cheap is salt.
Baking soda is a great thing to store. You can use it in baking, brushing your teeth, as deodorant, as a cleaning agent, to wash your face, etc

The best thing I can tell you is try to focus on something and NOT FEEL SO OVERWHELMED THAT YOU DO NOTHING AT ALL. Let the thought of your starving children, spouse, family be your motivation. That was mine.

Start storing small amounts of water. Everyday preparation will have great benefits.

I would for sure start planning for a spring garden now. Make preparations on how big you want your garden, what your going to grow, etc. This is a good book from the church that I think will help you A LOT. $1.50 well spent.
Then I would suggest looking in to how you can store what you grow. Learn how to water bath can and pressure can. This all takes time. Don't be overwhelmed, talk to your grandma, and have fun. Not to mention you'll know exactly where your food came from and what's on it.

I figured when I started that this would be lengthy. I will post again. But this is a starting point. Good luck!

More and more people with allergies.

2010-12-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

Allergies are on the rise. As you know we are gluten-free.
Just wanted to share some of the best info I have found on being gluten free.
Go HERE for great information.
This tells you all the gluten-free grains and compares them nutritionally to wheat.

If you have an egg allergy, here's some good info for you.

Egg Replacer Options:

To replace eggs in baking recipes you have several options, each of these options makes the equivalent of 2 eggs in baking: 1/2 cup applesauce + an additional 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder OR 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds + 6 tablespoons hot water + an additional 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder OR 1 tablespoon of Ener-G Egg replacer + 4 tablespoons hot water. I also think it's a good idea to add an additional tablespoon of oil per egg to replace the fat/moisture content from the egg yolk!

“Eggs” from unflavored gelatin (Knox): The gelatin is less expensive than powdered eggs (as little as 3 cents per tsp) and has an indefinite shelf life.

1tsp gelatin =1 egg, 1 oz gelatin = 12 tsp, 1 pound gelatin = 192 eggs.

Making one egg: Combine 1 tsp of unflavored gelatin with 3 Tb of cold water and stir until dissolved. Then add 2 Tb of hot water and stir. When using your own recipes, decrease the liquid called for in your recipe by about ¼ cup to compensate for the added water from the “egg”.

Eggs: Storing fresh eggs for up to 1 year. Rub warmed mineral oil on your hands and coat the entire surface of the fresh egg with the oil. Replace egg in carton with the point down. In cold climates they can be stored in a cool, dark place. In warmer climates, place in the refrigerator. Rotate once a year. (This is taken from Wendy DeWitt's "Everything Under The Sun" handout which you can get in it's entirety by emailing her. This is her blog (her email address is there.) It's a great emergency prep handout.

Store some of these things in your food storage.
You can store gluten-free grains like you do other grains. Store in #10 cans or buckets with oxygen absorbers. They don't store as long as wheat but should store for a good 10 years or so.
If you are gluten-free it's A TON CHEAPER to grind your own grains than purchase the flour.
You want your grains to be hulled unless you plan on doing the hulling yourself which is a process.

And finally Milk allergies.

For storing milk they do make powdered soy milk and powered coconut milk. You could store nuts to make nut milk. Of coarse, these are all more expensive. sorry!

Anyway, it's true that Asher gained a pound. Yes! Also, true that my dad owns a tattoo gun. BUT also true that it's for using on goats.

Pass the mallows!

2010-12-09T16:50:00.000-05:00

Don't leave them alone too long. Notice they're on the T.V. in the background. Yes, another webcam pic. Looking into the warranty on our camera.

I don't want to LIE, there is LYE.

2010-12-05T06:28:00.000-05:00

This is about my soap. I don't want there to be confusion.

Saponification is the chemical reaction that occurs when fats or oils (fatty acids) come into contact with lye (a base.) Saponification literally means "soap making" from the root word, "sapo", which is Latin for soap. The by-products of the saponification reaction are glycerin and soap. (about.com)

With that said, I did use lye to make the soap (all REAL soap is made using lye) but most will list a "saponified oil" in the ingredients instead of lye. I'll tell you why. Oils and fats have what is called a “saponification value”, which is the amount of lye needed to completely neutralize them into soap with no lye left over. My soap is "superfatted" by 5% (which means I will always have a little more fat than lye) which means all the lye will always be completely neutralize plus some. The end product contains no lye because it chemically reacted and turned into soap.

So, no lie, I did use lye. If you wanna make soap you have to.
You do have to make sure you check all your recipes in a lye calculator so that you will have enough of each ingredients to neutralize the lye.

Anyway, there's a little soap education for you. I feel better now.

Soap Skills

2010-12-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

So, I'm making soap.
The first batch didn't really turn out that well. (I'll spare you the pictures)
but this second batch, awesooooooooome! If I do say so myself.
I'm a little excited.
Sorry, still using the webcam. Not sure when I'll get another camera so maybe get used to the blur for now.

The only ingredients in this soap:
Saponified coconut and olive oil.
honey, cherry almond 100 % essential oil
parsley powder for a little color (I was going for a kind of a swirly affect)
water
no lie!

Anyway, look for my soap at a retailer near you. Just Kidding!
The only place you'll be able to find this stuff is in my kitchen for now.

A little Christmas Ditty

2010-12-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry, one more underwear picture. I couldn't resist.

2010-11-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

I really need to remedy the no camera thing.

hazelnut? underwear?

2010-11-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a hazelnut? Ever eaten one?
I don't recall doing either (maybe seen one and didn't realize it was a hazelnut). I was just curious.
So if you were too, here's a picture.

So, Heath sometimes (when he's acting silly) will put Noah's undies on his head. Well, this morning Asher found some of Noah's undies (they were clean...promise). He put them on his head all by himself which in and of itself is kind of amazing considering his right arm. He just came in with them on his head. I couldn't believe it...so funny!
Well, in my thanks giving post I mentioned I was glad that my camera was working. Well, it is officially dead. I mean dead. After it wouldn't work to take cute pictures of the boys in the snow, I hit it on the hutch. Busted! Anyway, so I put Asher up to the webcam and took a pictures. It's not awesome but it works.

One thing I left out (on accident) on my Heath vs. Andy post is that Andy has a crush on a girl named Erin, too. Hum...kind of creepy how much they're alike :) OK, not really creepy.

It's true that I'm pretty sure I have at least one type-o (or just misspelled word) in each post.

Sowing

2010-11-28T19:12:00.000-05:00

We sow our thoughts, we reap our actions

We sow our actions, we reap our habits

We sow our habits, we reap our character

We sow our character, we reap our destiny

A lesson, a chocolate pie, and a tree.

2010-11-27T11:25:00.000-05:00

I forgot to add this picture to yesterday's post. This was my thanksgiving "How to kill a deer" aka "where's the kill zone on the deer" game plan from Heath (the artist). I think I'm ready. Send me out coach.

This picture is for uncle Joshy. Asher is eating chocolate pie and loves it. Loves it like uncle Joshy.

This is what it looks like at our house right now.

We decorated our tree yesterday. I broke one ornament and the the boys knocked the tree over.

It's true that Asher likes to flush the toilet and say, "bye, bye bubbles" and true that Noah is a little confused about Santa and thinks he's coming to take his toys.

A post of Thanks Giving and Thanksgiving.

2010-11-26T10:15:00.001-05:00

"My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God's kindness. It will build our testimonies."

-President Henry B. Eyring

This is a favorite song right now. If you know it don't sing it, read it.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold. count your many blessing; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

-Count Your Blessings, pg. 241, LDS Hymnal

I feel like I have a lot to be thankful for.

This year no black Friday shopping (which in years past have excited me more than Thanksgiving itself - I know, just wrong).

Yesterday for Thanksgiving it was just our little family.

The first time I have ever cooked Thanksgiving dinner.

We had a whole chicken that we cooked in the crock pot.

It was as good as it looks.

Heath did the mashed potatoes.

He had plans to go to school yesterday in the evening. He didn't go. I'm thankful for that.

I'm thankful for Heath and all the hard work he does for our family, all the service/time he gives at church, his faith, that he came home from school at a very busy and important time to take care of the kids while I was having a migraine, that he makes the beds practically every day, that he adores me and puts up with my crazy ideas, that he's a good father, that he went trick or treating with us this year, that he encourages me to be better, that he listens to prompting and follows them even when it's not convenient, and that he's funny. I really could go on and on but for the sake of time I'll stop there. I love Heath.

Some of the potatoes where green right under the skin. Heath insisted they were poisonous.

I'm sure this was an "i'm silly like Andy moment"

We ate them. I'm glad to report we are all doing well.

We also had broccoli salad, deviled eggs, rolls, corn, pumpkin pie, and chocolate pie. Remember all gluten-free.

Here's my pumpkin pie. I had to put a picture because it's only the 2nd pumpkin pie I've ever made but the 1st I've ever made with pumpkin from our garden that WE grew. I'm thankful for gardens.

The scratches on my table are custom. It makes it look vintage.

Ok, it happened by accident but I don't mind 'em.

I called my mom practically a million times and Heath's mom one time.

I called for a recipe for the chocolate pie, to see if it's paprika that you put on deviled eggs, I asked questions about pies, about broccoli, about potatoes, and more. She sounded glad to help me every time I called.

I am thankful for my mom and my mother-in-law. And also thankful for my dad who is someone I know I can always talk to about emergency preparedness and will always be interested and always (well, almost always) know the answers. and a dad-in-law that is always a voice of reason.

We haven't had snow yet this year (which is surprising) until just a few minutes ago. It's snowing.

I really have so much to be Thankful for.

That my camera is working.

This dude and his wild imagination.

This little guy and all that he's accomplished down to the drool.

and this guys who was truly meant for me.

Do you know my husband? Take the poll. (Poll to the right on the side bar)

2010-11-21T21:04:00.002-05:00

Well, in the last little while (actually in the past too) people have been saying that Heath looks like and has some of the same mannerisms as Andy from the office. He is pretty goofy at times.
But he claims he doesn't move his hand up and down when he sings.

This can not be confirmed.

What do you think? I think I'll take a poll?

a serious picture.

Although he didn't graduate from Cornell.

I know it's hard to tell which one is which but that's my hot husband on the left.

Updates on Asher's lucky fin.

2010-11-16T15:47:00.003-05:00

you might remember Asher from THIS post

and you might remember him like this

or like this

or maybe like this

so, sorry I recorded this wrong but I don't think you'll believe his right arm.

It's Nemo's right side that's lucky too.
Here's the dialogue from the movie.

PEARL

What's wrong with his fin?

TAD

 He looks funny!

BOB

Be nice. It's his first time at school.

MARLIN

He was born with it, kids. We call it his lucky fin.

NEMO

 Dad.

PEARL

See this tentacle? It's actually shorter than all my other tentacles but you can't really
tell.Especially when I twirl them like this.

SHELDON

I'm H2O-intolerant. [sneezes]

TAD

 I'm obnoxious.

I guess we all have something, eh? What's your "lucky fin"?

Help and Halloween

2010-11-05T09:33:00.000-04:00

I was down stairs this morning when I heard a little cry from Asher (who was in my bed)
I went up and snuggled beside him to see if he would go back to sleep.
A few second later I hear him singing.
The only word I could understand was "help".
Later in the morning as I was making muffins he was singing it again.
I recognized the "help" again and try to put the rest together.
I figured out he was singing I Am A Child of God.

This is what I could catch on video. A little hard to hear with Noah singing Bob the Builder in the background.

Stinkin' cute!

Here's a little bit of our Halloween.

Trick or treaters ready to go.

Asher loves tootsie rolls.

We had a party on Wednesday for the youth. I was a witch and ended up with the bandanna from the hitting the pinata on my head.

It's true that I feel like this is the best of motherhood so far. Also true that I'm worried about Asher weight gain again. and true that Noah loves to "make concrete" (this would consist of water, soap, and whatever he can find in the kitchen).. not my favorite mess to clean up. Heath's out hunting this morning. Hope he gets one so he doesn't have to go out tomorrow.

H-A-Double L-O-W-Double E-N for FHE

2010-10-26T14:35:00.000-04:00

Asher would grab the slimy seeds and say, "pinch" to try to "shoot" them. I'll give you one guess who taught him that.

This is a picture of a robot that Noah drew. Pretty good, heh?

I know, pretty cute looking family! Don't judge. This blog is called erin in real life. In real life, I don't fix my hair and wear makeup all the time.

ok, Maybe this is too close but I wanted you to see the pumpkin on Asher's face (he thought he might taste it) and not so much my uneven skin or messy hair.

It's true that it's hunting season. Also, true that Asher is totally done with his splint and has only gained one pound in the last 6 months. Ugh!

Sometimes it's hard to see, but a blessing for sure.

2010-10-16T12:21:00.000-04:00

As I write little Asher is asleep.
Asleep with no brace on his right arm and a mark on his forehead from falling yesterday and sacrificing his head to save his arm.
The occupational therapist came yesterday with news from the doctor.
We were to start being more aggressive with his range of motion exercises and he was to stop wearing his brace day and night. Originally he was suppose to wear it for 6 months at night.
I have been taking the brace off more and more but I wasn't expecting that.
During therapy we let him play most of the time then we had to stretch his little arm.
Push it down toward his side.
We were "being more aggressive".
He cried hard. I mean hard.
The kind of cry where there's no sound for a period of time and his lips turn blue.
When we finished I had tears in my eyes and Jessica, the occupational therapist, said, "Don't do that or you'll make me cry."
She teared up too.
She said it would be good if I tried to do an aggressive stretch 3 times a day.
What a hard thing to ask a mother.
To hurt her baby? man!
I stretched him this morning. The aggressive stretch.
He cried again, no sound, blue lips, and I thought he might pass out.
I held him hoping he wouldn't hate me when this was all over and hoping he wouldn't remember any of it.
He let me hold him and didn't act like he hated me.
He hasn't had the brace on since yesterday morning.
Today he actually walked some without holding his right arm but he was hunched over like a little old man.
This has been one of the hardest and longest trials of my life and it's not over which in a way makes it harder.
But please don't feel sorry for us because we have also received some of the best blessings.
I used to look at families with children that "weren't perfect" and think something like that would never happen to me and think it must be hard for them.
I only truly understand now what a blessing it is.

Yummy pizza - GF style! (that means gluten free)

2010-10-14T18:16:00.001-04:00

Today I made pizza for dinner. Heath's not home so I don't know if he likes it but both kids liked it.
I'm not quite sure what the real test is...Heath or the kids!?!
Noah has been saying lately, "So, mom, I don't fink so."
Tonight when I was putting a little chocolate in their milk, I was helping Asher and trying to put chocolate in the milk at the same time. Then I hear a little gasp from Noah. I look over and I'm not even over the cup. Noah said, "mom, are you ok?"
This may not be funny to you but it was to me.
Asher has had his brace off most of the day.
The therapist came and she said she thinks he had a little more range today. Yippee!
She also has a call in to his doctor.
He's so funny. I'm going to put a video on here that only...well, grandparents might enjoy.
It wasn't really what I was trying to capture but notice he's not wearing his brace.

Yes, these are unusually large pepperoni's but gluten free. I bet you didn't know some meats have gluten in them as a filler.

Brace yourself,

2010-10-13T19:30:00.001-04:00

Rules to follow
-Hide the brace when not in use.
-Don't take the brace off before breakfast.
-Don't take it off near bed time.

He doesn't like it off but he really doesn't like it off during those times.
It's been about 6 weeks since the cast was removed. He should already not be wearing the brace during the day but his shoulder is still tight and he won't bring his arm down.
Today we kept it off for a good while.
He cried and whined for the first few hours and then he figured I wasn't going to give in (which was hard)
He started out doing a weird little scoot thing on his bottom first.
Then he was using his arm more to play.
Then he started standing (holding his right arm with his left)
and than finally started walking around (still holding the arm)
I think I'm too much of a push over but I'm getting to the point that I know If I don't do it now it will be worse later.

This is what you get when there's a dad that needs to shave, you're short on time, you have a crying baby, a dad that loves, and a wife/mom that likes to take pictures.

I know...cute!

P.S. I love my husband.
P.S.S. I don't edit pictures. That's not my thing.

The Birthday Boy...Noah is 4!

2010-10-11T20:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight we had a small birthday party for our "baby" Noah.
He's into Spider man and Iron Man lately so Heath found him some cool Iron Man toys.
He soooo loves them.
Heath even got a little present for Asher to open so he didn't feel left out.
How sweet of a dad is he?

Anyway, here's some pictures.

Don't worry that thing is gluten free. I did, however, make the icing a little too thin but made it with organic extra virgin coconut oil instead of shortening (tasted yum).

Pay no attention to the dirty kitchen in the background.

Can't believe he's 4. How does that happen?

The birthday hat.

Smashy's present.

ONE

TWO

THREE

(DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS BLURRY BUT IT'S THE ONLY ONE I CAN FIND)

FOUR

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Love you!

I love them. I reeeeeally really do.

2010-10-07T20:51:00.000-04:00

Asher is such a sweet baby.
He always wants to help me.
Today there was some "O" cereal all over the floor in the living room. Yes, Noah!
Anyway, I got the vacuum out and Asher went for the broom saying "help, help".
He "swept" saying "help, help" while I vacuumed.
Yesterday I was unloading the dishwasher and all that I had left to put away was the silverware.
Something on the computer pulled me away.
While I was on the computer I hear "cling" "clang".
Asher who is not tall enough to put the silverware in the drawer where it goes was throwing it in and making practically every shot.
He likes to grab wipes and "help" me when I'm changing his diaper.
He also grabs one after the change and wipes his bum over his pants for good measure.
He likes to clean things.
He will point for a paper towel. I give him one and then he is off wiping things down (including his nose).
He calls his little stuffed money poop.
If you ask him the monkey's name he'll say "poop" and than usually "toot". I don't know.
He loves to help stir when I'm baking (which has been a lot lately)
He drinks green smoothies with me.
When he has an ouchie he knows to grab the lavendar essential oil and a band aide.
The band aids are usually Diego (got them for free) so he'll sing " eeeeeeaaaaago"
He also like to sing "Bob builder"
He never watches T.V. he doesn't like it but Noah does so he hears it.
He sleeps in my bed with me.
He's had a rough week with therapy. He is suppose to be able to put his arm down by his side by now but that's not happening.
He won't let it down for the most part but that's on top of tight muscles.
I have made an appointment at Shriner's to get the pediatric occupational therapist there.
He loves chocolate. I bribed him with gherardelli milk chocolate chips so he would get in the jogging stroller this evening. he says "mmmmmmmmmmmmmm" when something is good.
When he sees a picture of himself or the video on the blog he says, "babies"
When he decides he wants a drink, instead of swallowing what he's got in his mouth, he spits it out. I don't know.
When his brace is off and he's nervous about doing his exercises and/or crying he says "bace, on"
Something he says often is "pants on" cause he's so skinny and his pants will fall down. I see him every now and than trying to walk while holding his pants up. other times the pants have fallen to the floor and he yells from where he stands, "pants on! pants on!"
If you're eating he likes to share.
and share he does.
When he's asking for something (like yesterday I made some gluten free chocolate muffins) he says, "ont" for "I want". I gave him a muffin and he looked at me and no lie he said, "two" so I gave him another.
He took one into Noah who said, "nank you"
He did the same with a sucker.
He really is sweet and so cute.

and Noah
he is so funny.
last night while reading scriptures he said, "Jesus is a superhero!"
We said, "yes, he is."
Today he told me he was going to Jesus' house. I said Ok tell him I said hello.
He likes to grab anything he can find out of the kitchen and make it a spaceship.
a can opener, a steamer, some forks, a baby food processor thing, wooden spoons. you name it.
Now this kid loves to watch movies and anything at nick jr.com
He would watch it all day (i'm sure) if I let him but we set a timer.
He does a really good job a quoting movies and acting them out. I'm really impressed.
He likes it when we act a long.
He's not much of an eater.
He's very polite and says "please", "nank you" and "excuse me".
He's finally got his colors down (well still a little trouble with purple)
He's still a little nervous about pooping on the potty but has done really well the last few weeks.
He always says just randomly "I like you mommy"
Today the light was shining through one of the windows and Noah had hit the couch or something (can't remember exactly) anyway there were little dust particles floating through the air in the sunshine. He licked his finger, swished it through the air as if he were getting a particle on his finger, put it in his mouth and said, "mmmm, tasty! mommy it's candy. You like candy?" and than repeated the finger licking.
He loves chocolate too and yes, I did bribe him.
Ok, I've got to get these kids off to bed.
I'll save some for another post.

In a busy world it's like a whisper. Can you hear it?

2010-10-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

n

In an effort to be simple I lost my way. Here's to doing less to accomplish more.

I love Jeffrey R. Holland and my parents.

2010-10-02T13:46:00.001-04:00

As I listened to Jeffery R. Holland this morning give his talk my mind reflected on my own parents who sacrificed a lot for their children.
I remember my mom telling me that when they were a young married couple she used some of the money budgeted for groceries to by shoes for one of the kids.
My mom and dad were always going without their wants and needs so that their children could have more of their wants and needs.
Growing up we lived in a humble home.
We had food to eat, clothes to wear, transportation to get around.
I remember that my mom didn't always have a lot of clothes but she never complained.
When I got older and was able to work I bought her a dress.
I went to the mall specifically looking for something for my mother.
I walked into a store, found a dress that she might like, guessed at the sized and purchased it.
I could hardly wait to give it to her.
When I did she said, "What is this?" tears in her eyes
I said, "It's a dress for you."
We hugged and cried together (as we sometimes do).
She went and tried it on and to my surprise it fit perfectly.
Sometime later, my sister who was pretty newly married and had one baby with another one of the way and a husband in school, found herself not being able to fit into a lot of her clothing and not having a lot of money to purchase more.
She called my mom.
My mom, still having little clothing and wanting to do what she could, gave my sister the dress I bought for her.
It was a little bigger than my sister so it would fit her pregnant belly.
I know my mom liked that dressed and some time later she told what she had done, hoping I wouldn't be mad.
How could I be mad? She was helping (and sacrificing for ) my sister.
Helping my sister and helping me by being the good example of charity she most always is.

I'm grateful for my parents who raised me with principles of the gospel.
Who sacrificed things for me (even when I was making unwise choices as a stinking teenager).
I love them.
Thanks mom and dad!

Pancakes for dinner? heck yes! Gluten smuten, who needs it?

2010-10-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

Not our family.

We've decided to go gluten free. This week has been pretty much gluten free. Heath has had a more strict diet than the rest of us but really it's not bad AT ALL.
I started wondering about gluten. With all the hybrids of wheat (that man did) with it's increased amount of gluten. Don't you wonder why they take autistic kids off gluten. me too.
Time to revamp the food storage.

a day in the mud.

It's true that Noah like to "play" exercise with me. He likes to be the guy that doesn't exercise and goes around correcting people. It's true that gluten free flour isn't A flour it's a combination of a bunch of flours. I'm planning on a gluten free Christmas dinner. watch out Utah here we come :)

chewy gluten free chocolate chip cookies. Yummy!

2010-09-29T13:35:00.000-04:00

If you're thinking of going gluten free or need to go gluten free or don't want to be gluten free these cookies are seriously good. You can find the recipe here.
I used extra virgin coconut oil instead of the palm oil. I also used sucanat in place of the white sugar.
One of the best chocolate cookies I've ever had. I recommend doubling the recipe if you have kids and/or a husband/wife.

Don't worry Heath I saved you some.

Gluten free bread take 2. And Continue in Patience.

2010-09-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

I think it's better than the last.

looks pretty good, huh? Noah and Asher even liked it.

Say what?

2010-09-28T12:51:00.000-04:00

Ready for Halloween and gluten free.

2010-09-27T12:38:00.000-04:00

this is my 202nd post. crazy!
Ever think that if you leave a mess long enough that it might just clean itself?
Don't ever think that. It won't.

We got Noah's Halloween costume. He's been wearing it around and excited about it. I hope trick or treating this year will go a little better than last year.

He watched a few Iron Man cartoons and now he says that the costume is Iron Man. So we go with it. He does quiz me when he puts the suit on. He says, "what's my name?"

Asher's going to be a monkey for Halloween. No, his costume isn't on in this picture but he sure is cute eating his banana.

Grandpa Gary (that's what Noah calls him) came with his digger thing and Noah kept wanting to sit on it. So, he let him and he let him work the controls too. He loved it.

My first ever loaf of gluten free bread. It didn't turn out the greatest but it was pretty good. Heath liked it enough and first thing he did was make grilled cheese sandwiches. That made him happy. He's been feeling like he's starving lately with almost everything having gluten in it. We're getting there. Plus, he LOVES sandwiches.

On the front of my fridge.

2010-09-24T12:06:00.000-04:00

On the front of my fridge and behind my magnet lies a test.
A test that has Heath's name on it.
A test with a score of 108.
Yes, you read that right one hundred and eight.
I feel like a proud mom only I'm the wife.
Good job my little smarty pants!

Love,
Edwina (a nickname from my mom)

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-09-23T08:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

I love you!

It could be celiacs and I wanna be a loser.

2010-09-22T18:31:00.000-04:00

So, some things might be changing around here.
Heath just got blood taken yesterday to see if he has celiacs disease (gluten intolerance).
Basically we're pretty sure he has it.
He has a lot of the same symptoms his Dad and sister had before they stopped eating gluten.
A little while ago I made cheese enchiladas with whole wheat tortillas and I added wheat germ (which was optional in the recipe). So basically gluten on gluten mixed with gluten.
Heath was up for two hours during the night sick. Sick as a dog. He describes it as battery acid.
I'll let you figure it out from there.
I did some research today.
It started with what kind of food storage can you have for someone with celiacs.
I know, I'm a geek.

Also, I'm in a biggest loser competition.
Last week I lost 5 pounds which made me the biggest loser for the week.
I have immunity for next week as long as I don't gain.
I really really really couldn't believe it because the week before I only lost 2 lbs. and there were people losing like 10 lbs.
Anyway, I'd like to lose about 20 more pounds.
Aaaaaaaaaaanyway

I went running Tuesday but was stopped and told I should turn around because there was a bear.
A bear?...yep, definitely turning around.

Asher has occupation therapy 3 times a week.
His arm and shoulder seem to be getting stronger all the time and I'm just amazed.
He really likes to have his splint on. He's pretty nervous without it.

It's true that Asher dances like his grandpa Papa.

Anyone else gluten free?

Putting Noah to bed.

2010-09-17T21:55:00.000-04:00

Noah: Mommy, I like you.
me: I like you too, baby.
Noah: I make you happy?
me: You make me happy.
Noah: ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, you're so cute.
Me: You're so cute.
Noah: I glad to see you. I happy you.
Me: Good night, sugar.
Noah: Good night, Mommy.

I love!

A good day for a nap.

2010-09-16T13:24:00.000-04:00

Today is a good day for a nap.
It's cold and rainy here in PA.
Fall is here.
Leaves are changing.
The sweat shirts are out.

Look at those two smiling. Two peas in a pod I tell ya.

Asher saying "What's up"

I think Heath was in the middle of saying something when I took this. He loves when I put pictures like this on my blog for your entertainment.

Fall pics from the garden.

It's true that my love handles are getting smaller and that I'm going to a jewelry making class tonight. The lady makes her own glass beads. Aaaaaaaaaaawesome! True, too, that I want to make a rug out of random pieces of fabric and old clothing. Don't know if I'll actually do it but I have the desire. What will I do next? I know it's always something. I have a wild eatables class this Saturday. I never got to go to the soap making class but it is rescheduled for October. Here's hopin'

Heath's new toy and some mud pies.

2010-09-07T20:42:00.000-04:00

Heath got a new toy. Yes, a weed eater. We needed one bad. Our friend Deric called and told us about a sweet deal at home depot. A $140 weed eater for $40. Plus, we have a gift card to home depot from one of the jobs Heath did this summer. Noah likes to "pix" (fix) things with his daddy.

You should have seen Heath walk around with that thing. It was like he was THE MAN. ;)

Noah pixing the weed eater.

Then there was some throwing of the dirt, digging of the dirt, and making of the mud pie.

Asher wasn't happy with his mud pie. I had the boys strip down (well Noah) before he went inside. They went directly to the bathroom (did not pass go, did not collect $100) right to the bathtub. I had to spray Noah off before I got bath water going. I had to wash Asher's splint, wash the straps and put them in the dryer. I had to hold him until they were dry to hold his arm up. I should have asked for another set of them.

Anyway, both boys are clean.

It's true that you should check out www.greensmoothiegirl.com

The naked lucky fin.

2010-09-03T11:23:00.000-04:00

His first real bath in 6 weeks. I was a little nervous getting him in and out. He was on his back the entire time. He's not allowed to move that arm down yet.

scars in the armpit.

a comparison.

OK THIS NEXT ONE LOOKS A LITTLE SCARY.

The bone sticking up is actually part of his shoulder blade that is upwardly rotated. That will get better with time.

I love this baby boy and he's going to be fine.

Determined and a personal watermelon.

2010-09-03T06:36:00.000-04:00

ter

mined!

This is our little shed/barn thing in the back.

Asher wanted in, squeezed through, got stuck for a sec., made it in by himself.

He knew what he wanted.

daddy's bike.

Asher likes to pick things from the garden. Things like unripened tomatoes, small watermelons (pictured here with Noah), and I stopped him just before he picked a pepper. We only had two.

I like to call these our personal watermelons. They're small but ripe. When you open them up there red and sweet. Asher loves "melons".

Noah starts school soon and seems to be excited.

He wants to be Boots off of Dora for Halloween at the moment.

Asher likes to dig. Just wanted to show you that he still uses that hand. He has to wear that splint at night for 6 months.

My boys are silly.

The splint.

2010-09-02T06:34:00.001-04:00

The cast is off. The splint is on. He has to wear the splint for 2 weeks.

After the two weeks he'll only have to wear it at night.

All the doctor wants us to do for two weeks is have him reaching above his head to retrain the lat muscle.

Then we can start other range of motion exercises.

At a month we can start strengthening.

The doctor suggested we go to a pediatric occupational therapist but that would mean

I would have to go to an out patient clinic.

We only have one car so that probably won't work out.

I think I'll just stick with the one we have that comes to our house.

He knows her and I'm sure will do better for her anyway.

I tried to do a few exercises with him today.

He seems really nervous with his splint off.

Also, he seems to be in a lot of pain when his arm is moved in certain directions.

When I take the splint off he says "on, on".

His arm is skinny but I think it's going to turn out great.

It might be a long road.

When they started up the machine to take the cast off Noah got out his Star Wars hands (both hands extended forward, fingers curled and a sound effect like lightening was coming out of his palms) and tried to take the guy over while saying "You don't touch Asher.". After he discovered it wasn't working he hid behind the stroller and tried to crawl in the bottom basket.

It's true that Noah and Asher went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese yesterday. Also true that when you go they stamp your arm and your kids' arms with a number that can only be seen with a black light. They check everyone that leaves and if your #'s don't match you can't leave. Great idea! And true that Noah was scared of Chuck E. and his friends on stage and ate his pizza and cake under the table. They had a great time.

back to school and some puppets

2010-08-30T21:27:00.000-04:00

For family home evening tonight we had Sister Rowles and her mother over.
She said she would bring dinner and she did.
She has a sweet collection of puppets and brought them for the boys to play with.
Sister Rowles is a great puppeteer.
She even cut my hair for free this evening.

I didn't have to make dinner and I got a free haircut. score!

It was Heath's first day of school.
I didn't think about it until after he left but I should have taken a picture of him. :)
Let the craziness begin :)
Summer was good. Now it's over.
2 more day until Asher gets the cast off.

Sister Rowles

Asher giving hugs. He even shared his mimi with the duck.

Noah's panda bear talking to the ducks. He told them that he (the panda) had boogers in his nose. Seriously funny. She played along and had the duck look right up his nose.

It's true that at 19 months Asher knows exactly what buttons to push to upset Noah. It's also true that Asher is a determined (and stubborn at times) little boy. He doesn't give in easy. Has a stern "NO!" and a loud yell. You wouldn't think all that could come out of something so small. My kids are hardly a like.

It's in the sauce.

2010-08-29T15:21:00.000-04:00

I made tomato sauce yesterday.

Half the tomatoes were from my garden, some from Heidi's garden and some from the local farmers market.

Some things I learned.

It's more fun to can things if you do it with a friend.

Never (well, if you're by yourself with two kids) try to do more than a bushel in one day.

You need a lot of tomatoes to make sauce.

Roma tomatoes make for the best sauce - less seeds more meat -but really you can use any kind.

I chose these for next year.

(I like mine to be organic)

This site has good instructions.

Here is a good place to get seeds.

Heirloom seeds are good.

Also, after I cooked the tomatoes down, I used a vitamix. I don't like my sauce chunky.

It's true that I don't like tomatoes but I like tomato sauce.

Also true that we went to the fair Friday. We ate taffy and some gross fair food.

Noah rode 4 rides. He was tall enough this year. Asher was content watching.

We saw lot of animals and Heath even agreed to let us get 2 chickens.

We met a lady there in the fowl barn that said she had a ton of chickens and we could have 2.

Only 3 days left in the cast.

Maybe Someday...

2010-08-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

One of these

and the kids to fill it.

I do love the swagger wagon for the advertisements.

2010-08-26T16:27:00.000-04:00

It's been 4 weeks since our last appointment.
No occupational therapy, no family doctor, no neurosurgeon, no orthopedic surgeon, and no gastroenterologist.
Next Wednesday it all starts up again.
He gets the cast off on Wednesday and he already has an occupational therapy appointment for Thursday.
I must admit the break has been nice.
I'm a little nervous about him getting his cast off.
I know his arm won't be as strong as it was before the surgery but I know it will get stronger.
I think he'll have to maybe learn how to walk again (without the cast)
I can remember when I first noticed his arm.
I was bathing him at 3 weeks old.
His right arm didn't look the same as his left and his left shoulder looked smaller.
I kept watching it and noticed he didn't move it as much as the left.
I called Heath crying
You always think that your baby will be perfect.
I didn't even want to look at it at first.
I was anxious about it. mostly the unknown.
But for the record, that kid is like Mary Poppins. Practically perfect in every way.

Anyway, Donna and Gary live across the street and they have a little granddaughter named Claira.
We watch her on occasion and Noah just loves her.
We had her and her sister over this morning to eat breakfast with us.
She let us know that she was going to marry Noah.
I'm pretty sure that was ok with him.
Last night we went across the street to roast hot dogs and smore's.
Claira was there and she has long, blond hair with little ringlets on the bottom.
She was trying to eat her hot dog and her hair was in her way.
Heath pulled it back for her and asked for a hair tie.
This morning he did the same while she was eating her breakfast.
It was so cute. He asked me for a "hair thing", put her hair back in a low ponytail and even put her little wispies behind her ears. so cute.
Heath keeps saying all he wants is boys. While I wouldn't mind that, it appears that he'll need at least one little princess.

Noah starts school in a few weeks.
He'll be riding the bus.
I'm a little nervous but after visiting the school on Tuesday and finding out how everything works, I feel more at ease.
We bought him a big boy backpack.
My baby is growing up.

This is Noah the other day when we went on the boat.

The other day it was a loud ride in the car. There was whining, screaming, and boo hooing. Heath says in a somewhat frustrated voice,"Everybody take a deep breath and hold it!" Kind of glad the kids didn't get it. And that concludes this posts portion of "Heath Says".

It's true that Asher got me good with his cast. Not the first time but the first time he left a bump and a bruise. It was right on the bridge of my nose. ouch!

Things I've learned in my thirty1 years.

2010-08-22T21:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday at 7:12 am I turned 31.
Yes, thirty one. I know, I don't know how I got this old either.
To be honest 31 feels like 30.
I was looking back on my life and thinking about the things that I have learned.

I recently came to the realization that the only person I'm in a race against is me
and that If I'm going to compare myself to anyone I should look upward.

I realized that Heavenly Father really answers prayers. Not just sometimes but all the time.
We are made in His image. He has ears to hear and lips to speak.

It is possible to become perfect in this life.
It happens one step at a time.
You can be perfect in saying your prayers, in reading your scriptures daily, or in having clean thoughts and language.
You learn a principle, apply it, and continue down the road to perfection.

We are not here on earth to be endlessly entertained. We are here to grow and to learn.

Sometimes the easy path is the wrong path. Maybe a lot of the time.

That thing about the apples...not true.

Well, I'm sure there are lots of other good things I have learned but I have a 3 (almost 4) year old that is asking if I will take him to bed.

It's true that Asher only has a week and a half left in his cast and true that Noah likes his hair fixed like his daddy's. Also, maybe I should add a "Heath says" section on my blog. I didn't feel good the other day and he said, "maybe you have the flu. I hear it's going around...our back yard." um...he's a little bit crazy.

pictures by Noah.

My name is Erin, I am 31, and my husband's a little bit crazy.