Our Bumpy Road

Cookies!

2012-01-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

I made sugar cookies that I meant to take around to all our friends (I didn't, but I meant too), we took some with us for Christmas dinner, but other than that we used them as bribs to get Mason to use the toilet.

I frosted a ton of cookies and still had a bunch left over, thank goodness Mason was willing to finish for me!

This was the cookie he made...

He thought it was perfect! Then he didn't fall asleep until after midnight!

The Train Wreck Tree

2012-01-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

I love having a fresh tree in the house, I love the smell of it and the way it makes Christmas a reality. I grew up with real trees, (even though my parents have since sold out and gone with the fake pre-lit tree) some of my favorite childhood memories are putting up the tree.

I loved out tree this year and Miles had some serious love for it too!

He actually tried to climb it when we first put it up (TIMBER), I have no idea where he got that idea!

When he realized up wasn't an option he figured down was just as good, so the rest of his time with the tree was spent pulling it down.

The lights and ribbons where constantly hanging off

I bought a train to try and get the boys attention off the tree, they had it busted by the end of the week... I left the poor broken cars lying under the tree.

Mason decided to add his cars as decoration to the tree... I found all sorts of goodies in the tree as I took it down.

I'm pretty sure there was never such a well loved tree!

Some real shotty work..

2012-01-02T02:10:00.000-08:00

We decided that a new tradition was called for this year... Ginger bread house building!

In theory it was the perfect activity to do with the kids.

I found a kit, and we followed the directions and got everything ready to build, I had visions of the boys making adorable little windows, and a candy cane lane (anytime I have a vision of how something should go, it always does the opposite!)

Miles was so dang mad he was strapped down. I finally gave him a taste of the frosting, he was such a good little boy after.

Mason liked the frosting so much he decided to be a bit more creative with it...

He's a dead ringer for santa!

He got pretty serious, and decide to decorate the candy with frosting before he put it on the house...

Our master piece was so top heavy it needed to be braced with boxes of mac and cheese.

Unfortunately, even the macaroni couldn't save our future vacation home...

We've decided next year we're going big... rice crispy bricks big!

On a happy note, the next morning I came downstairs to find the boys had dug the house out of the trash and were eating it (thank goodness I had had Micah take out the trash the night before, so there weren't and potato peels hanging off it)

Catch up

2012-01-02T01:47:00.000-08:00

Life has been really busy around here (honestly, i keep wondering why we are so crazy) Life was really nuts around finals week, I procrastinated an online class until that week. I had planned on spending the week hunkered down reading and testing like a made woman... I did that, but I also got called into work because everyone got sick (double damn) I worked and studied and on thursday I thought I was done ... I reread the syllabus to be sure and found I had miss read the final project. At midnight I discovered I had a 10 page paper due at 5pm Friday evening, that I hadn't started (um oh poop). I dropped the kids at daycare and in 5 hours wrote some of the best BS of my life, I turned the paper in at 4:36 PM.

I got full credit and an A in the class (oh yeah)

We finally got out with the Langworthy's for a double, and this is what we came home to.

How sweet is it that he's holding her arm in his sleep!

I tried my hand at baking... not too shabby!

Miles was my helper, he was the best spoon licker I've ever seen, he is also a stealer of ingredients

He knows to go for the good stuff

I love his I didn't do it face

I whined alot about our across the street neighbor, whose house looked like this 2 weeks before Christmas! I'm serious, I was going a little crazy!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T15:04:00.001-08:00

We changed our plans kind of last minute (sorry Kellie), and decided to stay home and have some family time. Micah has been so busy with work and traveling that we haven't had much time together as a family. In fact he has been gone 3 of the last 4 weeks. Life is incredibly busy!

Any who, back to thanksgiving, we stayed in Eugene and I cooked (AAAHHHH) and I burned the bacon for the green beans, and that was it!!! Don't worry I had more bacon and I had plenty of little fingers and a couple of big ones that were happy to take the crispy bacon off my hands! Seriously, I didn't ruin one darn piece of our dinner!

We enjoyed our time together so much, so very much! We played games and worked with Mason on his speech. We built forts, and wrestled... we enjoyed cars 2 for the millionth time... and for the most part we just enjoyed finally being together and having time to enjoy each other!

I don't have one picture to share, I didn't once pick it up! I was busy loving my family and building a few treasure memories.

I hope you all had a wonderful vacation, and that your treasure chest of memories grew too!

Can I decorate now?

2011-11-16T12:21:00.001-08:00

Micah and Kristy have ganged up on me this year and I am itching to get out the decor boxes!

PLEASE!!

What can I promise/trade to get a pass?

38 sleeps till Christmas!

Oh Miles...

2011-11-14T22:27:00.001-08:00

I finished my 3rd A and P test today, the term is flying by and I feel so good about the whole term! Its nice to feel like I am juggling things well!

My life is twice as busy now than a year ago, and I feel like because I have to manage my time better, I spend more quality time with the kids. Micah's hours are through the roof right now, but even he usually makes it home by 6 for dinner and family time.

The boys are growing by leaps and bounds and with each new stage I get to know my boys better. They are forever changing and growing. Miles is in the pre-twos stage and it is so fun. I was horribly sick with Miles when Mason was going through this and I didn't have the patience and energy to enjoy it.

Can I just say how very much in love with Miles I am. Tonight we had a growling war, he would get right in my face and cover my glasses with spit and growling for all his little heart.

He loves to be tickled, and now he will tickle back.

He is talking like crazy and we love to listen to Mase and he talk (I couldn't translate if I tried), we are sure they are planning a hostile take over.

He was so mad going to bed, he fell asleep on the floor (he really showed me)

I just wanted to snuggle up with him on the floor... instead i moved him to our bed.

So presh!

Our New Place

2011-11-13T23:46:00.001-08:00

Our new place, well its still kinda new to us. This post is for my mom so she can get an idea of our living space!

The kids are loving the extra space and I have high hopes of one day getting Mason to sleep in his own bed!

The front of our place...its a little older but we love it!

Awe my poor uncarved pumpkins, I swear I left them uncarved because I wanted them to make it thru to fall decor (it couldn't possibly be that dealing with the kids around pumpkin guts was just too much for me )

I took this picture standing next to the pumpkins... that is one of my BFF's home. How very lucky am I to live this close, how lucky is she to have me so close?

Our lives are so busy, and we struggled to see each other when I lived a mile away. Now we stop by in the evenings and our kids play in the driveways and street, when we first moved in (during the warm summer evenings) we would break out the camp chairs and cheer for each child as they ran past!

The next few years here while I work towards my RN and Kristy works towards her Masters, are going to be so much fun!

I have visions of a shared driveway in our future... now to get Micah and Cam to agree!

Just a couple of patches...

2011-11-10T19:36:00.001-08:00

We took the boys to pick out pumpkins the weekend before Halloween, it was such a blast and the boys were so adorable!

I love that the Pumpkin Patch is becoming a family tradition and that the boys are finally really starting to participate.

These moments make my heart smile, on days like this I feel so thankful to be their mother.

The Hay Maze was a huge hit! The boys would probably still be their if we would let them!

The Hay Ride, was a hit! Miles made friends with everyone around him, he is our little show off!

He has a Mouth for Pie!

Awe presh!

Our little family, I am out numbered... just a little bit!

Well hello November

2011-11-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone... I keep thinking I need to get crackin on my Halloween stuff, and then I remember we took it all down already. Holy Hannah where in the world did October go, I swear it was just here.

I still need to do a quick recap of the spooky holiday

I originally wanted to dress the boys like hobo's and have them walk around carrying signs " Occupy Trunk or Treat" and " Fill my bucket or I'll Occupy your yard" ... seeing as how the Occupy movement is a hot topic and I have a short temper we recycled costumes and the boys cared not at all!

The boys did not want pictures taken, so I tried and then just gave up! Miles trying to get behind the couch and hide from me...

Mason removing his costume for the 3rd time... he just wanted to go as a little boy... um NO!!!

Miles figured out the Cake walk fairly quickly, Mason didn't bother he just stole cupcakes and ran! I think he was the only person on a number, and he was just waiting for them to call him up...such a cutie!

After we realized what Mase was up to, Micah took him through the spook alley to distract him.

For the next week he would tell us all about it and then he showed us over and over again how the monsters growled... Micah and I have been laughing since the party. His scary growls are hilarious, and the way he says scared is adorable (imagine over emphasis on each letter, long and drawn out).

The kids made off like bandits, and I let them pig out Friday night... then I traded them all of their candy for Cars 2 (not the best trade, but it worked!)

Well thank goodness Halloween is over! Its my least favorite holiday... now on to the good ones!!

Our first overnight

2011-10-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Micah and I finally got away, it was our first over night trip since having the boys.

WAS

AMAZING

We went to Meghan's Cabin with a bunch of friends and had a BLAST! Every year Meghan (One of the awesome people Mic works with) reserves a weekend at her Family's property in White Salmon, WA, for a bunch of party hearty accountants to cut loose.

Our Glamping (Glam + Camping) was a blast, unfortunately I only took a couple of candid pics of everyone sitting around the fire, telling stories.

It was wonderful to not have my mind on the boys 24/7. It was wonderful to spend time with other adults, and not to be watching the clock to get back to a sitter. Many thanks to my friend Jojo, for taking the kids and making them her own (Mason talked about Jackson, over and over).

I wanted to at least document our first time away, the first of many to come! (hopefully)

Poor Kenny got a splinter dragging some branches to the fire.

Surgery was done on the deck.

Amy, Nicole, and Ashley... These girls are a riot!

Washington side of the Columbia... the weather was perfect!

I can do it all by myself...

2011-10-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Miles is growing so fast, it makes me sad to see how independent he is. Don't get me wrong I want him to do for himself, but the bigger he gets the faster the time goes (I know that doesn't sound right, but life seems to only speed up as they grow).

I struggle with the desire to add to our family, but I realize that I have limits as a mother. I know that I can not emotionally or physically have more babies (I hemorrhaged after Miles and dealt with a wicked case of post partum). Seeing Miles get bigger is just a painful reminder that my baby days are over. (i think)

Watching the boys grow and change is a privilege, seeing these beautiful beings I created and carried becoming their own little person, is the most humbling thing. Mostly because they seem to mirror all my bad behaviors, and I can see the problems they are going to have the older they get.

Looking into the future and thinking about the life they have ahead of them, always makes me want to cry...

My feet don't touch, but if you try and help me I might bite you!

Catherine, trying to keep him from eating it (at least we steered him towards the grass)

Another Duck win!

2011-10-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

We went to another Duck game, can I just say how very much I love Autzen Stadium!!

The day before I met Darrion Weens (#74) at the ATT store, such a very nice guy! For such a big man he was very soft spoken and just seemed like this giant teddy bear. I promised him I would yell my heart out for him and he promised to wave to our section.

I forgot to watch for the wave, but he didn't look very gentle and sweet on the field!

I watched him jump/dive and take a guy out!

I felt sorry for the player he landed on!

This is Nikki G, she and Mic work together and she is a dear friend of mine... so glad we got to go together!

I love watching the guys run onto the field!

Micah didn't look for the camera, he was watching the game... I promise I watched to! I just love when we get time together, and I feel the need to document it!

SNAKE!!!

2011-09-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

I found the World's Longest Gummie Snake at the the market!

I just knew that the coolest boys in the world would love it as a suprise!

They totally did!

Look how great they are sharing! YEA!!

"Here it goes again"

2011-09-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

The kids and I woke up this morning to a chill in the house... summer in Oregon is over. It went so quickly, and it was so late getting here, that I feel cheated!
I don't long for the hot weather, being the well rounded person that I am, heat and I aren't dear friends. I do hate to lose all the beautiful sun shine, and I will miss the dry green of summer.
Its Oregon, we tend to be green year round, but the winter green is squishy, mossy, and muddy.
Along with the season change comes the a new school year, today is my first day back on campus, I am so nervous and anxious to get through this term. I was up all night with Micah, he was working and I was trying to distract myself with some On Demand (I heart SUITS). I've never worried so much about a new term, but this term I will be repeating Anatomy and Physiology 231 (its the first in a series of 3) I passed it in the spring, but the C I fought so hard to get did not feel like a job well done.
Lets be honest, I was a terrible student in High School, and an even worse college student before I got married. When Mic and I married and he convinced me I could do school and that I was smart enough, I chose hair (I don't regret it at all) and I am pretty darn good at it. (especially now that I get so much practice)
Doing hair speaks to my soul, I love just about every aspect of my field, but I especially love being with people and having so many different kinds of people to interact with. I am so excited to go to work everyday because my day will never be the same... I never know who I will meet or how they will change my perspective on life.
The one bad thing about hair is that financially if something happened to Mic I could not take care of my family on what I make doing hair. I worry about providing for my children if the worst happens (I swear I'm not planning a hostile take over).
So I took sometime and examined what I like most about doing hair, the people. Then I looked at the fields that are going to be in the highest demand over the next decade (health care, duh)... its easy to see why nursing would be another career that I would be completely content doing.
Unfortunately, getting into the program will take nothing less than an act of the gods. Its a goal, I constantly plug away at, and hopefully this term will go smoothly (like a hot knife through butter)
So I have anxiety over all the things that don't matter right this second and I cry (a lot) and then I buckle down and get it done (hopefully).

Wish me luck! (I feel like playing a little OK GO)

No camera's please

2011-09-26T00:50:00.000-07:00

Someone is practicing for his future in the spotlight...

No pictures please

So comes the fall...

2011-09-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

I love the leaves, but they are here to soon.

He is so happy in that dirty pile of leaves... I heart little boys

Are you Duck enough?

2011-09-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

We made it to the Duck game, it was a blast! This is the 2nd year in a row we have made it to the first home game of the season! We sat in the end zone and had the duck to entertain us the entire time. I get such a kick watching him and the cheerleaders! We went w/ a dear friend from Moss Adams, and it was a blast just being there and enjoying the win!!

This is my husband, due to conflicting schedules we have barely seen each other over the past 2 weeks... it was nice to have some time together!

This is what happens when they review plays (I get a little bored)

Poor duck did alot of push ups!

We made the boys grilled cheese when we got home, I love that both their feet are up on the table (we don't believe in table manners, apparently?)

I was making funny faces at Miles... but I am so red and it only getting worse!!

Mic turned on ESPN and Miles climbed into his lap to sit and watch

CoOkiES aRe...

2011-09-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

NOT...

a breakfast food!

This baby keeps me hoppin!

Its a good thing he is so dang sassy, I can't resist his stubborn streak! (I have always had a soft spot for bad boys)

Face stick and other stick uses

2011-09-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

Mason got into my lipstick and well in his words ... SOOOOO PWEETTTTYY, NNNNKKK mama?

Yup, so pretty!

Mason found a stick (pipe) in the misc. pile and he is demonstrating the many uses for it. ie why I shouldn't throw it away.

like leading a song (or as weapon)

Pretending to be a pirate

A stool... nope not a stool

He tried that once and apparently once is all it took. (poor kid)

Movin on up!

2011-09-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

The time has come my little friends

To talk of other things

Of shoes and ships and sealing wax ...

WE MOVED!!

No more tiny dead end kitchen

No more built in closet space (I will miss this)

No more horrible outdoor space with the neighbor dog's doo doo all over the place

No more chasing the boys up the stairs everymorning... and no more dangerous parking lot!

I won't lie, it broke my heart to say good bye to the only home the boys have ever known. Apt 286 was the first home we have ever made for ourselves. Alot of firsts happened there and saying farwell was aweful! Micah and I suck at change, we struggle with the new (thats why its taken us so long to move)

The park

2011-08-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Micah and I have some seriously busy schedules (ok mine is just erratic, but still I feel busy) We are 2 ships exchanging cargo and then moving on. The kids being the resilant monkeys they are have handled the whole thing like troopers (they are so tickled with more one on one daddy time, they don't notice I'm gone!) We have tried to meet on at fun places for the exchange... like the park!

I took the kids last week and finally remembered to take some pics

Lots of yummy fries

equal a happy boy!

I think i missed one

Just give me a sec... I'll get it

Mason's a little greedy with those fries... poor Miles had a little fall and his nose stopped caught the brunt, our first bloody nose (I am sure we have lots more coming our way)

Once lunch was over, I was to busy chasing after the boys to take pics... I am sure you have a mental picture of our crazy chaotic boys!

Aquarium!!

2011-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Aquarium in Newport last weekend. We've decided to try and do lots of practice runs before we head to Disneyland (I think we are going in the next year, it all depends on the kids) They are doing so good when we go out in public, baby steps for my boys!

Any who, the aquarium was a blast! The boys explored and ran crazy over the whole place and it was perfect for 2 very active and crazy babies!

We made it!

He decided he wanted to get down and play too

They had a gator burrow for the kids to explore... can we say best 20 mins!

Miles didn't want to put down his drink to poise with Mase on the drift would sculptures... can't say I blamed him! It was nice and warm outside!

The walrus...I have a very blurry pic of him kissing it! YUCK, germs!!

This was at the end, and by far my fav! It was a serious of underwater tunnels, we love fish!!!

The story of our lives, self pics that cut off parts of our faces (this was a better one, I found something to stand on!)

On a side not... I promise after we move I will figure out the whole camera issue.

Mason is like an onion... he has many layers

2011-08-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

With Mase what you see is not always what you get

I asked him if I could have one of MY fries... thats a negative mama

Pretty sure he wasn't mad, it was just that Clinger look he gets sometimes....

The aquarium was a hit... leaving the aquarium not so much

I have had 8AM training for work the past couple of days... I took Mase to care this morning in his PJs and he was not thrilled, when he woke up at school in his Jams. He wouldn't let me put him down, so we sat and had a talk. He kept saying "mama shoes, SHOES!!" I helped him dress and put on those shoes, as soon as the laces were tied he jumped off my lap, led me to the door by the hand, pushed me onto the porch, open his arms for a hug and puckered for a kiss (which he always rubs off) and shut the door in my face. It was closer to a slam, but shut seems nicer and less intentional. If only all of life's stresses could be fixed with a change of clothes and tied laces... if you ask my mom she will see a new outfit makes everything better.

Dang I love this kid!

My little slice of heaven

2011-08-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

This little man keeps us hopping! Thank goodness we love to hop!

A time to mourn

2011-07-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

No, our family has not suffered a loss, well a least not directly. Today my clients were amazing people, who reminded me of all that I have and how very precious each day is.

One of my first clients of the day was a woman in her late 60s who had this amazing love story about her sweet husband. They met when she was 13 started dating when she was 15 and married when she was 19... they had been married for 47 years. She had just brought her husband homeand told she has 30 days to say good bye... I cried, I really just bawled.

Later I had an older mid 50s sassy grandma sit in my chair and during our time together she talked about a trip she and her widowed daughter in law were taking in a few days that would suprise her 10 yr old grandson, to disneyland! She said that she was a 3 time cancer survivor, and she had an appointment for monday about a new lump... she calmly told me she would fight to the end, of course, for her grandson... who had recently lost his father, her son, and had clung to her through his grief. I just put the tissues at my station!

Later I had a Military man, who was preparing to leave on another tour, and his wife was due in several months.

A father brought in his son, who he hadn't seen in 3 months, he came to oregon for a job, but is from Az. Due to the market they can't sell there home, and refuse to turn it over to the bank, so they only see each other every 90 days when he builds up enough time to take off. His son was 8 and his mirror image and very best friend, they made a pact to only cut there hair when they are together. UGH!!

My very last client of the day sent me home in hysterics. Nice, normal looking guy, who had hopped a flight last week when he and his wife had recieved a call that there 19 year old son had been in an accident. As of this evening they were unsure of whether he would make it. Every day a baby step towards the unknown.

I am grateful for my sweet family and tonight I am treasuring them now. I understand that life is a cycle, we are all born to die. I don't know what comes next, nore will I live my life in hopes of that. I embrace the now, because the now is real, and tangible.

Daycare

2011-07-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

We have the best daycare. I never have had to worry about the boys during the day because I know that no matter what they are doing they are being showered with love, and attention.

There days are so full... Legos

Reading

Water games

Art projects

Lots of outside playtime

Walks with best buds

The adorable little gilr in the sunglasses tells Mase constantly that she loves him, and she calls me mama when I pick up the kids... future DIL, who knows!

Gampa... Gampa

2011-07-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have my dad come for a visit during Mason's Birthday! My dad spoiled the boys with attention and love that only a devoted gee-pa can give. We went to the coast, a movie, and Chuck. E. Cheese... it was a very crazy and fun weekend.

Miles and Grandpa

Mason and G-pa

The BEACH!!!

Chuck EEEEE Cheese

My guys! I love them so mucho!

Happy Fourth...

2011-07-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

We spent the fourth at home this year. We started off the day in Creswell, enjoying a great small town parade. Since Micah and I both grew up in smaller towns, we both really enjoy a small town parade, with all the fun traditions they bring.

The parade started with a flyover by the Airforce, that both boys loved! The planes were really low and very visible... I heard ooohhhs from both of my little guys.

Set up and ready to go

Miles had issues with the visor...Down...

UP...

Mason's please give me candy face...don't you just wanna throw him a succor!

He made this face while standing on the side of the road with his hands extended in front of him... we came home with a mountain of candy!

The boys loved the big trucks!

Miles finally had to parked in the shade! I just randomly walked to the middle of the yard and parked him, then Mic and I took turns talking to him about the parade, and keeping Mase from getting run over... worked out perfect

We spent the evening with Friends BBQing and then we all headed to PK park to watch the Fire works... Miles sat with everyone but us, he was our traveling man! Thanks to all the random stranger and friends who played with him!

A Melinda story...

2011-06-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

This is one of those stories I should keep to myself... but when have I not shared?

Saturday morning we were getting ready to leave the house and go to lunch with my dad for Mason's Birthday. I was in the bathroom switching out a load of laundry, when I noticed a few things fall back behind the dryer. I hate losing clothes that way, so I pulled the dryer forward a few inches and climbed up on the washer, braced my self with one arm and leaned forward to reach behind the dryer.

Most of you know I am short, vertically challenged, and because of that I have no reach, none. From the top of the dryer to the floor is, I can say with out a doubt, well out of my reach! I leaned and stretched and reached until I lost my balance and fell behind the dryer! Imagine my round little body upside down in a handstand behind the dryer... it was a moment I am glad we did not capture on camera. I tried with out success to get out of my predicament without calling for help.

I decided very quickly that no amount of bending and twisting would save me, so I called for Micah... I had to yell for him 3 times before I could cut through the ESPN anouncers voice, and get a response from my husband. The panic in my voice finally got through to my husband and father. Mic came to the door and tried to open it, but remember I pulled the dryer out and with our realizing it had blocked the door. I started to freak. Mic couldn't get in, he couldn't get a good angle on the door to bust it down with out ramming the dryer into me. I was upside down, in a state of undress, and images of very handsome firemen breaking down the door to save me went swimming through my mind. I bruised my shoulder, hip, back, forearm and heel... but I got out of there before Micah could call for help!

I have promised that I will not retrieve clothing from behind the dryer with out a spotter again!

Laugh and then send chocolate... I am going to need help recovering!!

A Miles minute

2011-06-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

My camera broke, actually I put Mic's soda in my purse and the lid was loose and the soda spilled all over my camera, my favorite wallet and my rear-end... it was a choice moment for me!

Until I research a new camera, you all are stuck with graney I-pics (sooo ugly)

Miles would you like a cookie?

Yes Please!!!

The goat says... NO?

2011-06-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

One day after I picked the kids up from daycare I got a wild hair (figure of speak, I know I literally have wild hair) and decided to run out to Lone Pine Farm and let the kids see the goats. They were both in heaven, its such a fun stop for kids of all ages (I got a kick out of feeding those little stinkers too).

Miles was thrilled, until one of the goats chomped his poor fingers. He cryed for a minute and once he was calm I had to run and grab Mason off the tractor he was determined to kill himself on. After I grabbed Mase, I quickly turned around to this aweful baa-squeal coming from the cage I parked Miles by. When I got close I could see Miles had gotten his revenge... he was biting down on one of the goat's ears for all his worth. It was a proud Mother moment, right up there with finding Mase standing in is window seal earlier this week banging on the window and yellowing for all his worth. Did I mention it was 930 at night, he was naked with his boy junk smashed against the window,the lights were of course on and his window faces the parking lot... I didn't? Well I am sure you can picture it! Such heart warming moments bring a tear to my eye, I just know my Mother of the year award is in the mail!

Miles was thrilled everytime there little heads would pop through the wire, he thought it was a game!

The Tractor of Death

Miles has the poor thing by the nose... I didn't realize until I was looking through the pics. (please don't call PETA)

Mase had to feed them on pellet at a time... it took forever!

I won't attempt this again alone, I had to carry Mason out over my shoulder while I pushed Miles with my ribcage... they cried and tantrumed halfway home. This is as close to pets or a farm as they will ever get!!

What men do for fun...

2011-06-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

Somedays are just made to stay home with your daddy and watch manly shows (like Lion King and ESPN) and eat in the living room (since mom isn't home and can't be a nazi about the clean carpet) and take a nap like a man (on the couch)...

Mase was a little under the weather this morning so Mic and he had a Man's day on the couch... Don't even ask about the mess I came home too! (worth every damn stain)

We are still alive...

2011-05-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Just checking in, we are still alive, just super busy! I have 2 papers due this week, a math test, and next week if finals and I have 4 finals to prepare for.... bare with me I will get back to the blog soon!

PS I renewed my hair license and am having it transfered to Oregon... I'm only going to take 12 credits this summer instead of 14-15 so I decided I should work, and make some extra spending dough... I've lost a little weight and need some new threads... life is good, super high stress, but I am really loving being so busy!

Wish me luck on my finals, Anatomy is slowly sucking the life out of me, but I am determined to get a B (I know my standards have slipped a little, but science is not my forte)

M.A. Basketball!

2011-05-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

The inter-office Basketball game happened! Micah came, he played, his team conquered!

Mic was getting ready to go to the game and had an epiphany, we (me and the rug rats) should come and support . I am all for a family adventure... until I have a bad mom moment in public!

The game was played at an LDS church house and for those of you unfamiliar with the layout, the only safe place to watch from is the stage. Sitting on the stage lost its appeal for Mason after about 15 mins. He was bound and determined to get on the court and play with the big boys. It became a running joke that if he fell he would bounce, as hyper as he was acting. I worked really hard to keep him safe until Miles started acting up in his stroller, and then I became distracted for just a minute... and Mase did indeed bounce! When he hit the ground he didn't cry, or even whimper, no my boy jumped to his feet and ran into the middle of the game. Now you may be asking what was his mother doing? I started laughing from the moment he hit the floor, (I will admit that I laughed before I knew he was ok; it had more to do with the fact that he had escaped and won than that he fell) while he chased Mic and the ball, and while he played with his new BFF Scott! I giggled out the door, and on the way home... it was just one of those moments.

Instead of checking for broken bones, I went for the camera! Scott is the blurred guy in the black shorts! I keep meaning to call is wife (my sweet friend Steph) to make a play date!

Mase was so proud to be on the floor with the big boys!

The final score... (I tried to think of a fun little Accountant, CPA cheer... and then I realized fun and CPA don't mix!)

Spring game!

2011-05-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Micah gets depressed when duck football is over. Its a combination of his favorite sport being done, and the beginning of busy season. February and March are blue months for Mic... seriously its Postpartum for men!

The spring game is the beginning of summer, its the beginning of Audit (Mic's passion), and it marks the start of all of our trips to the coast (although this year we haven't had the time...yet)

We sat at the top of the stadium, it was perfect for the kids

It was along walk, to the stadium... Mason ran most of the way, zig zag over the cracks!

Miles was so tired, but he wasn't going down with so much going on around him

Mason decided that throwing his sippy down the bleachers was AWESOME! That was our que to leave!

All in all the spring game was a success, we had to leave early for a benefit dinner that evening (thats another awesome post) but taking the kids was so worth it. Micah is so excited for that point when they want to go to the game and watch with him (its sad to me that, that time is just around the corner).

We got egged!

2011-04-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

That dirty rotten bunny did it again...

You'll notice in alot of our family pics Mase has a giant bunny, he can't sleep with out (last year E. bunny brought it for him) we can't leave the house with out it, and he is a beast at daycare with out bunny... Thank goodness we now have a spare... one for home, one for daycare!

Awe how precious (just like in gremlins, before they hit the water and ate after midnight), right before the sugar rush...

Mic took a bunch of really cute pics of the kids, unfortunately me and my girls were on display (the girls, way too much) so those are family pics only!

Miles fell backwards into the diaper basket... sugar drunk!

Mason determinedly trying to get into a foil wrapped egg... he yelled at me 2 seconds later for not having it open and ready for him when he got home...

Easter was a giant sugar rush... IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN! No more easter candy, next year the bunny will bring healthy snacks and toys... OR ELSE!

TP anyone?

2011-04-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

I loved toilet papering when I was younger, I still do! It was a blast to sneak out late and launch those big rolls as high in the trees as I throw (which was pathetically low).

I mistakenly left a pack of toilet paper in the hall way, and while I was making my lunch and packing my backpack the kids TPed the hallway. It was such a funny moment, I just had to capture it!

Mason finally got a much needed haircut! He loves it!

Just a little about Miles

2011-04-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

This kid kills me sometimes

He is so willful all of a sudden

He has a mean right hook, followed by a star inspiring head butt

If Mason can do it so can he... or else

He is in size 4 diapers (he's only 11 months, but the blowouts were too gross for words)

He says mama, dada, brabra (brother), baba, hi, bye bye and a few others!

He is a garbage disposal, he cleans his plate (and I just caught Mase giving him food and then telling me so sweetly all done)

He sleeps like a champ 730 to 6 with a break at 1230 and 430 like clock work! (this does not mean you may call me at 630 there is still a chance I will bite your head off)

Miles is such a fun kiddo, and I definately have that I wish we had done this with Mase thought on some of his behaviors.

He is sleeping across his bed, with his head cushioned on his arms and the bumper and his little feet up on the slats (he is just like his daddy, he hates to have his feet covered)

Dinner and a show

2011-04-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

My white trash roots are showing (call it thrifty if you like) but my neighbor just got a new TV and was throwing out this little one with a DVD player that worked perfectly good... so I snagged it!

Mason pulled out his camp chairs, and I helped him set them up! Its a regular little theater in his room. Rest assured I read the new report on TVs in bedrooms beign linked to all sorts of problems, sooo its more of a "when friends are over or when mama needs to study" type deal!

Poor kids, this was during marchmadness! I spent sometime in there with them!

Here it is short...

2011-04-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Miles and I were at the Doctors again... and we got bored! So we had a picture fest!

Poor kid and his wimpy ears!

I get so bummed when the blogs I love don't update more often... I realized I hadn't updated in 10 days! Sometimes I'm a bit of a hypocrite, but aren't we all?!

fire... FIRE!

2011-03-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

We were driving to daycare on Tuesday (yesterday) and the I could see this giant black ploom of smoke, as we got closer on the Beltline I could see the flames shooting 20 feet up in the air right next to the road. So I quickly grabbed the I-touch and its handy little camera...

The firemen had just gotten on scene, and you can see they are just about ready to open up the hoses!

When Mase saw the fire he said "OHHH MAMA, OHHH MAMA... HOT, HOT!" Then I could here him blowing on the window... such a funny kid!!!

I took the kids to daycare, did a quick drop (I was afraid they were going to close the freeway) and was back by the fire in less than 15 mins. It was already out! What a great dept. we have here!!

Someones camper and car are gone! I hope no one was hurt and that they are insured!

Daddy...home?

2011-03-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

The other night Micah was really late getting home, and it had been a few days since Mase had seen him. I had explained that Daddy would be home that night and he would tuck Mase in. Mic got delayed for one reason or another and when I tried to put the boys down Mason refused. He kept going to the door and talking about Daddy coming home. So I turned off the lights and TV and settled in to study, some fights I just forfeit right off the bat.

When Micah finally came home this is what he almost stepped on:

He was sound asleep, he had been crying and just conked out where he was

Poor Micah could hardly stand it, I forfeited another battle that night. Micah scooped him up tucked him in our bed, and snuggled up with him (for those of you followers who remember it was quite a long, arduous process just to get the kid out of our bed), I didn't say a word! They are best buds and had missed each other terribly.

Life is good... incredibly precious, and so very wonderful!

The cut...

2011-03-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

I cut my hair again, I know you can't really see it, but when its curly it sits above my shoulders and I like it! Atleast my post partum alopecia is finally almost gone or grown back in!

I still have the weirdpatch of short hairs above my ears... when I pull it back, it looks like I had the sides of my head feathered... Think mama Duggar.

Spring break is almost over, Thank goodness! I love my babies, I miss them when we are apart, but having them for a week with out a firm schedule (we have meals and naps down) makes life hectic, add to that they both have double ear infections so we are stuck at home means I am a brat when Micah finally comes home. Poor guy, thank goodness he can take it!

I used this picture, because its a pretty one! I took 15 that were quite hideous, I have a theory that if I sit in the same or similar pose for 20 or so pics at least one will be good... now tell me you all don't do the same?

Grades

2011-03-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is dying to read how I did this term... and I can honestly say I did my best!

Medical Terminology       A
Chemistry     112             B
Biology         112            B
Math                               ? its most likely an A or a high B

I did my best, it doesn't change the fact that I tried to do to much, or that I am disappointed I didn't get my 4.0 again. I sometimes resent the hours that the single students can put in (especially those that don't have a social life) they ruin the curve! I however have never had a loving relationship with science (in any of its many forms) and this is the best I have done in any science classes (thats all my own work) and I am in a way proud! I feel like I just won the lottery, so maybe it was only for 1,000K instead of the multi-millions, but I still won something! I have that I wish it was more, but at least I won something feeling.

I like writing about my grades and how I feel as I see them, I like that I am accountable to you. My few wonderful readers, knowing that I will inevitably share my grades and GPA makes me want to work a little harder, and study a little longer!

So thanks for stoppin' by, and for making me accountable!

Always waiting on someone or thing...

2011-03-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Poor Mason has decided he wants to potty train (I'm not really on board), but he will strip down and go and sit on the pot all by himself... I am not ready for THIS!!!!

I should be, I should be thrill to save 50 bucks in diapers and I should be excited for this change in Mason's life... I'm not, I invision having to use the potty in every single store we visit, dealing with accidents, a summer of having to stop every 15 mins for him to use the potty and not to mention when he discovers he can not only pee inside but outside! Oh no I'm not ready... but he is, and I love him and this is definately something he wants, so here we go!

I should be grateful that he is making this easy... but I think I'm going to POUT about it for a bit!

Ok I want to hear all about your experiences, sad, funny, horribly embarassing... anything to help me keep a good perspective on this!

This is a bit more us...

2011-03-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Happy hump day... this was my morning! I hope it makes you laugh, like I laughed! It was worth the extra 5 mins it took to bathe him.

Do you have any idea how good yogurt is for your skin? Me either, but Mase seemed sure it!

Sleeping angels

2011-03-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

There are some moments that make being a parent so worth it (and there are moments that, well, make you rethink your ability as a parent) Friday night, was one of those precious treasures that make my heart swell, and my eyes tear everytime I look at it or think of it:

So the story is, Friday night we put the kids down at 7:45 like normal, well they both screamed for a good 15 mins and then they calmed down like always... I checked on the boys about 930 (I wait so they get deep into REM before I go in, last thing I want is to wake them up) This is was I found,

Mason climbed in with Miles and they slept head to head. Miles slept better with Mase than he has... ever!

Seeing this makes me so excited for the years to come... and all the wonderful memories we'll make along the way!

I aspire...

2011-03-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

I aspire to be better tomorrow than I was today...

I will not sneak 3 chips ahoy cookies (ok more like 6)
I will not stop at SBs on my way to school
I will not go one more day with out folding the clothes (ok maybe one more)
I will not procrastinate balancing the checkbook (I totally did that tonight!)
I will drink one extra bottle full of water (I'm only drinking about 4 20oz ea day)
I will watch less TV (this has to wait until Thursday... Modern Fam is on tomorrow)
I will let go of the petty, silly things that bug me (like a pair of dark mens socks that got dropped next to the hamper instead of in it (I could have picked them up and started them to wash faster than I complained about them))
I will sing one extra song to the kids as we drive to daycare (even if it means I go around the block one extra time)
I will make something wonderful with Mason this weekend (strawberry shortcake sans the cream is calling my name)
I will make an effot to have the whole family around the dinner table one extra night a week

I am writing my Aspire list down so that now I am accountable for it... and when I have risen above my today. Micah will be convinced that he needs to take me here in a few months.

BECAUSE... I believe strongly in a reward system and I also believe in equality, and if Mason gets an M&M for using the potty then I should get a reward for all of the above and then some!

Reasons to go...

1 Our friends are going (peer pressure is the best!)
B. He still owes me several Honeymoons (Alaska does not count)
III. I neeeed a vacation!
D He really neeeeds a vacation!
5. Hello its Mexico!
VI Micah really needs to brush up on his Spanish, what better way than by immersing himself in the culture! (ok so the culture might be more inland, but its closer than here)

Help me convince my generous, sweet, wonderful, generous, amazingly handsome, (did I mention generous?) hubby, that is would be heaven on earth for both of us! Then help me convince my mama that her grandbabies would absolutely love love love to see her and grandpa for a few days about the same time!!!

Bye Bye Daddy

2011-02-26T23:08:00.000-08:00

Micah travels, what sometimes feels like a lot. I get that he has to I do, and I don't complain when his check gets deposited in our account. He was gone last week and he is going to be gone again soon...

When he's traveling I have to admit that somethings fall through the cracks, like Mason eating cheese for dinner while I make his dinner...

and Mason decided that he needed to cover his face with Butt Cream

The boys end up taking more bathes, because of how filthy they get everytime I turn my back

When Micah is gone it sucks, it seriously sucks! Somedays I feel overwhelmed, and tired, and then I see Mason do something hilarious like the butt cream, and I remember to just laugh at life and take a moment to breathe.

Sometimes, I am just not quick enough!

2011-02-22T18:28:00.001-08:00

Mason took dinner into his own hands

Lullaby and sleep tight... hmm hmm hhhmm

2011-02-20T23:53:00.000-08:00

Why is it that we always want what we can't have... right now I am obsessed with sleep! I want SLEEP! The amazing pre-child sleep of the dead, the kind that you have before you grow up and have adult stresses... Do you remember that sleep... I do with such fondness *sigh*

Sleep of the innocent...

Sleep of the angels...

I like my babies best like this, I can quietly sneak into their room and scoop them into my arms, and do what all mothers do, listen for the sigh, that perfect beautiful sigh that quiets the fear. I worry, I am a worrier and I need the quiet reassurance of those sighs. I check on them before I go to bed, I take them both in my arms and whisper things that mother's whisper to their sleeping babies, and re-tuck them into their beds... I love those peaceful, precious moments, that give me reassurance. They remind me how very sweet my babies are when they sleep, and how grateful I am for 8PM bedtimes!!

I'm struggling, but I wouldn't change a moment

2011-02-06T22:30:00.000-08:00

In High School I took Chemistry 3 times and finally passed with a C-, I got a B in biology because the kid sitting next to me had a crush on me and did all the lab work (I was that girl who got sick during dissection). This term I signed up for a Bio bonds the CO reqs for Anatomy and Physiology. Bio-bonds is Chem 112 and Bio 112, its a years worth of science smashed into 10 weeks! Right now I live in the Science Resource Center, science has always been Chinese for me and I am fighting to maintain my A in Biology and B in Chemistry. As stressed as I feel and as much as I feel like I'm dropping the ball in other areas of my life, I LOVE school! I love that I can feel myself growing and changing, that I'm finally doing all the hard things that I thought I never could. I never want to forget how I feel right now!

I live by these quotes, there are a couple posted around campus and when I read them I feel inspired to work harder, to push through the pain! I hope they inspire you! I hope that you feel like you're doing the hard things...

Your persistence is your measure of faith in yourself. -Margaret Thatcher.

By persisting in your path, though you forfeit the little, you gain the great. -Ralph Waldo Emerson.

So tired...

2011-01-31T01:55:00.000-08:00

My poor men are all sick... it started last night with Micah and I leaving a movie early because Mase had thrown up and being up all night with him. I considered taking him in, I worry about dehydration. So I called a nurse (I know a few) and after checking a few things decided to wait...Mase finally stopped puking at 3 ish and I tagged Mic in to sit with him and headed to bed. I got up at 7 (Miles let me sleep in) and found Mic sick with the same bug. Today has been a messy gross day, but I love when Mase is sick... he just wants to be held and he just wants him mama. I'm dead on my feet, and the only reason I'm up now is because I'm waiting on a load of sheets, we have 2 sets and Mase has burned through both in the last hour. Thank goodness Monday is a study day and not an actual class day.

Hope nobody else is dealing with a stomach bug!

The Sweet Life of Mase...

2011-01-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

Who needs P90X when I have Mason. Seriously, if he doesn't have us in stitches laughing our butts off, then he has us ready to kill him! One day we will look back on all these pictures and laugh until we cry...

You all are welcome to do so now!

No one else is allowed to use the snuggie on the weekends

If mom can wear flowers in her hair than so can he

He knows that the remote = power!

If his "momma" says no then he trades her in for a new "momma"

Every toy in the house was his first and if Miles even looks sideways at one it becomes his again!

Its been LIKE forever!

2011-01-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

Life in the Clinger house has been in a word Chaotic! With school starting up again and busy season on the horizon, we (I) are feeling the pressure. I wish so much that I was wonder woman and that I could juggle it all. Instead I am balancing on one foot and starting to tip over, TIMBER!!! I took on alot this term, MEdical Terminolgy, Biobonds (Chemisty and Biology co-requisits), and Math 65... I do 20 hours of homework a week and I am still hanging on by me finger nails. I will admit that I might have bit off more than I can chew, but I am determined to have another stellar term...

Here are a couple of shots of our life right now!

A typical morning for us, I park the kids infront of the TV with cereal and Disney while shower and do hair and Make up all in 15 mins (this is why I normally look like HELL during the week)

Game day... I turned on the Portable DVD player, so they had something to entertain themselves with and watched as they loved each other

Can you feel the love!

True story... today we lost Miles, he just crawled away! Micah and I ran frantically through the house looking for him... he had crawled in to the Closet and was kicking the doors. I wish we would have let him go, he might have taken a nap in there!

Christmas

2010-12-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

This year we stayed home, started some of our own traditions. Like Miles, untrimming the tree, over and over and over again! Or the kids opening anything wrapped under the tree on everyday but christmas morning (we still have a couple of unwrapped gifts to go, not because we had a ton for the kids, but because by gift 3 they were both done), and my new fav kill the spider that just crawled off the tree!

Miles loved the tree sooooo much!

Santa brought Mase Tonkas galore

(he was in heaven watching Despicable Me, and playing Tonkas)

Mase stole every gift that was Miles, and did his best to rub it in...

Aaahhhh these precious traditions, we will come to treasure for years to come!

Thank goodness for the police!

2010-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was preparing to take a quick over night trip with the kids out the the coast, I sent the kids to a half day at Daycare for pictures and so I could take some time to get ready to leave. At 1230 I was searching for my keys (I always miss place them at home) so I could go and get the kids, when I got a call from Catherine at the Daycare. She was calling to tell me not to come, she said the street was blocked off by police, the SWAT team was out in full gear, and everyone was wearing visible bullet proof vests (if they show, do they count)

She said, she had run outside when the first couple of officers where out of there cars, yelling that this was a daycare and there were small children inside. They directed her back to the house (the kids go to a registered in home care center in a nice area) and then they blocked her drive way with vehicles and several officers stood outside her place.

My first reaction was laughter (I must be completely off my rocker), it helped me keep the hysterics at bay. They directed her to keep the kids away from the windows and in the back of the home. When she made that statement I said I'm calling Micah and then I'm calling the station. I told her I trusted her and her judgement and told her to keep my babies safe (she may have started to cry at this point, I don't know I hung up) I called Micah and he started searching online for any breaking news. I called the station and the dispatch person, said that they had the situation contained and where now dealing with a large crime scene. At this point I started freaking (our new obsession is Dexter and my imagination was running away with me), I called Micah back to give him the 411 on the situation and headed for the car.

When I got there the road was blocked off, and only the people not wearing uniforms but carrying badges(detectives I think) where getting behind the yellow tape. The officer standing at the tape was looking a little hounded, and very unhappy with anyone coming near his yellow plastic. I told him in my best adult "impression" what he was going to do, and when he started to refuse I told him to contact his superior. It took 5-7 minutes, 5 phone calls, and him requesting that I step back from the tape 3 times, before I got an escort to the kids... but I got to my babies!

The kids were not ready to leave and as I grabbed blankets, Mason headed for the door. He easily dodged the officer and made it almost to the crime scene, before the man caught him and carried him back down the street and placed him solidly in his car seat. The entire time he carried Mase he held him extended from his body, with his arms pinned to his sides facing away from him (it was like he had a bomb). I would have laughed, but I was a little nervous with the first of 2 Swat buses trying to pass around us.

We headed out of town as fast as we could!

Here is The link to the story

This is what it looked like when I pulled in

The officer I abused to get to my babies (poor guy) All the action was at least 1/4 of a mile farther back, and the actual shooting was in a cul de sac off of this street.

I am very grateful to the Eugene Police Department for responding quickly to this situation. I feel awful for the mans family, I have no sympathy for him and as far as I'm concerned the police did the right thing shooting him ( I'm sorry, but being a Veteran does not give him the right to run around like an idiot randomly firing a weapon and to endanger my kids, he's lucky the police got to him before I did). I have real issues with Veteran's acting like idiots and then playing the Vet card as an excuse for their bad behavior. I think that our local service departments deserve the same respect that we give to Veterans, they work hard keep us safe and get paid crap (they sound the same to me)!

When did my side of the bed get so lumpy?

2010-12-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

I went to get into bed a minute ago and look at what was there instead... I love that the sippy (still called a baba) and the car both made it into bed with him! He hoped the gate from his room and climbed in bed with Micah, quietly layed down facing the baby (Miles had flipped around in his crib and his head is pointed at Mase) and went to sleep. All this was done while I was reading in the living room, I seriously didn't hear a peep!

My little 007 jr, he prefers his chocolate milk shaken not stirred...

As he gets bigger and more independent, these are the moments I will look back on (with a mixture of relief, and longing)

Mom get out your checkbook... I got a 4.0

2010-12-11T01:10:00.000-08:00

I just got an email from my Psychology professor, that reads:

Melinda,

I want to personally compliment you for your hard work and dedication, you are now one of the tops in the class. Great work, girl.

David Leung

I spent double the amount of time on this class than I did any other, and I royally failed my second test, to the point that he told me if I couldn't handle his class I would never make it through any of my Anatomy/ Physiology classes... So I cried, buckled down, and joined a tutoring group. I just figured my grade at a 97.3

I'm on my way up, I don't doubt that it will get harder from here, but I right now I am just enjoying this moment!   I had to share my little success!

Mom, remember when I was in 4th grade and you promised me 5 bucks for every A, I am totally cashing in that offer!

PSY201       A
WR121        A
HDFS226    A
MTH 60       A

My Daddy came through on a business trip..

2010-12-09T23:31:00.000-08:00

My Dad swung through on a whirl wind trip, we were lucky to see have him stay over night with us, and the kid were so excited to him! These are the only pics I thought to get, dang! When Mason saw my dad he got this giant grin on his face, ran to him and they hugged forever. It was a heart warming moment, I'm so glad my son loves his gradpa!

Miles was thrilled to get a little extra attention!

They were the best couch TV pals!

Thanksgiving continued...

2010-12-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Black Friday!

Did you know that the bible has a very specific date listed for when the end comes, but don't worry even though these crazies think they have less than 6 months to live, they were still out taking advantage of

Best Buy's Black Friday deals! (someone should remind them that they can't take it with them)

Kellie and I braved the crowds to get a some great deals, and have some girl time!

When we got home, it was football heaven (seriously, all football, all the time), I actually enjoyed it (surprise, surprise right). Micah was in heaven!

Saturday we woke up to snow! YEAH! I came down stairs with our little lark at 7:45 to see that Gabe had already been out to leave tracks! When I asked him what he was doing, he said "don't worry I asked my mom" such a smart little stinker.

Mase refused to be left out!

He enjoyed himself so much that, we almost couldn't get him back in. I had to run after him barefoot a few times, what a way to wake up!

That evening Mase snuggled with both Kellie and Charles, so glad he loves them!

All too soon it was time to go home. Why is it when your having fun, time flies? I can't wait to for Thanksgiving 2012, this is turning into a great tradition!

**On a side note I should be studying for my math final, I just needed a minute (that turned into 20)... wish me luck my final is this evening and I'm freaking out!

Thanksgiving in Callifornia

2010-12-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

The month of November has flown. Thanksgiving came and went way too quickly and I wish so much that I could have paused some of our time in California. So heres a recap of our Thanksgiving Holiday.

We were so lucky to get invited to spend Thanksgiving with Micah's brother Charles and his family at a cabin on Lake Shasta. We took off Wednesday afternoon and drove a couple of hours south to Lakehead, CA. The kids did great on the way down, we didn't hear a peep until Medford (almost 3 blissful hours of us time!) When we got there we unloaded and got settled. The kids slept with us (of course) and this is what they looked like just about everymorning... Miles is our lil lark and Mase is the night owl, it was a night mare trying to get them to bed everynight (mase woke miles and miles woke mase... precious i know)

Kellie said she would do the whole Thanksgiving dinner if I would make the rolls (I yelled yes from the top of the my lungs) Mase fell asleep during dinner so we let Miles have what was left of his meal.

He was in heaven... (stuffing and mash potatoes)

He was so pissed when we took the tray away.

Thanksgiving was so fun, every other year with the Clinger's is turning into a tradition (my new fav)!.... more to come

For now I have a paper to finish... finals week here I come!

Another use for Marshmallows

2010-11-22T23:33:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in the last post that Tuesday is share day for Mason. My SIL had the absolute best idea for Thanksgiving share day.

So stinkin cute right! Mason, Micah, and I made these after Miles went to bed tonight. Such a fun family project.

MMMM Chocolate...

2010-11-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday at daycare is share day, show and tell, and every Tuesday Mason wants to bring something to share. Mama Catherine tells me that Mason always has to be the one to share, and makes sure that everyone has a toy, is happy... he is the ultimate helper. So every other Tuesday I try and have something for him to share that's a homemade treat. We've done cookies, and Halloween treats, and this week it was brownies! My little assistant helped me whip up a batch of brownies and he ran off with the spoon!

He ran to Micah, who was in the tub and helpless to fend off the spoon thief!

Seriously, how cute is that chocolate covered face?

School is going well, as well as can be expected. So far I have A's in all my classes. Who would have thought that if I did my HW and went to class I would pass (not me)! I tend to procrastinate somethings, like math to the night before, oops! Although, school is going good Micah and I are still trying to find a healthy rhythm, like he vacuums and I do the dishes (we are still in that I get pissed, slam around the kitchen, give him a few one word answers and then he takes out the trash[ my communication skills are really up there I know]). We'll find our rhythm and then well tackle laundry!

I am so grateful to all my awesome GFs, even though my time with them is usually when I'm driving to school or home, so far they still answer when I call.

Thanks for all the sweet emails, happy messages, and prayers, I feel like I don't say thank-you enough, and that I will never be able to return the favors (enough with my stor-imony)

We are good, alive, living in filth, but totally content!

See the dirty carpet!

This was Mase this morning, he was ready to go back to sleep on the carpet. (the little stinker, decided to stay up and do HW w/ me) I had to carry him sleeping, in the rain out to the car, where he slept until we got to Mama Catherine's and then he was so excited he wouldn't even wave bye to me (as long as he's not crying I'm good)

You know its time to start a diet when...

2010-11-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

you get the family pics back and can't find yourself... I swear I was standing infront of Micah... oh wait!?! CRAP!!! I have decided that it must have been the camera, did you know it adds 50 lbs (me either)!?

I made this one big, because I laughed all night about this... Mic, our pissy kids, and I are standing on one side and everyone else is looking sweet on the other. Look at Miles, hahaha, he was done!

Seriously, who is that chick infront on Micah?

Mason cried in almost all of the shots

Blah, I have a gym pass, its no ones fault but my own!

Mic saw this and said "I really am big", finally he is coming out of his denial and will stop trying to wear Mason's clothes (just picture it)

Our first pet...

2010-11-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

Micah and I have been taking turns grocery shopping and on the night he went, he accidentally let a visitor in. After he left I pulled out the vacuum, to clean up and noticed a quick movement in front of Miles. When I looked closer this little friend was making himself at home.

He was so tiny, I can't believe I even saw him!

The boys and I put him outside, so that one day he will find an available princess to kiss him and turn him back into the a handsome prince! (We've watched a lot of the Frog Princess lately)

Adieu mon ami!

A very Sesame Halloween

2010-11-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't Elmo a doll!!

Please excuse the load of Laundry in the background

Miles was a little unsure of the guy in RED

Yell-O babies!

2010-10-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little ducklings

Consider yourself Owned!

First day jitters

2010-10-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't been completely open with everyone about going back to school, why? Ummm because there is a good chance with 2 kids and a husband who travels a ton I might flunk out... I hope not, I'm working like a dog!

The kids are in daycare and loving it! Mason's talking like a crazy, he is eating better and he gets to play and run with a group of kids his age everyday. I did some crazy research to find a good place to leave the kids...
and the woman I found is an Angel! She loves the kids and they love her, they are blossoming under her care.

My first day we were up at 530 and this is how the kids looked sleeping in our bed... ahhhh precious!

A visitor.... Finally!

2010-10-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ty came to say hi...

Look how quickly I turned this into a guest room!

We were so boring, we don't do a whole lot. Thanks for hanging with us!

Tyson wasn't thrilled that I caught him on camera!

We went out to watch the Ducks win

4 1/5 Month

2010-10-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

My boys are starting to look different... When did this happen Miles you can't grow up

Our new DO's

2010-10-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

Mase and I both got hair cuts. He got a trim and I got wacked!

I love love love this picture! and the awsome hair... he has decided that letting me fix it takes way too much time. So, most morning I can be seen chacing Mason around our place with a palm full of Mousse!

Its Perfect!!! Why do none of my regular family pics look like this... both eyes open, great makeup, minimal double chinage aaaggghhh!!

Great grandparents!

2010-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

We love our Great Grandparents!

Awe love this!

The hours I spent playing with these verysame Tinker Toys!

31 reasons to love him

2010-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

For Micah's b-day this year I through him a Ducks football suprise party! The suprise didn't last 3 days, but its the thought that counts. I reserved our clubhouse, invited all of his/our friends and we watched the Ducks stomp ASU! I totally forgot to bring my camera, and I would have gotten in trouble for the flash any ways... we had 30ish peeps show and everyone brought food and there duck gear... Micah says it was the perfect party for him! Definately top 3!

Happy Birthday you sexy beast!

Now show me your OOOOO face!

Utah

2010-10-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

Utah... we came, we saw, we left! Our trip in pics!

Mason watched movies the whole way... such a good boy!

We met Judy-O and the Dickster in Pocy for lunch!

Mom treated us to Pedi's... thanks Mom!

Mason loved helping Grandpa Mow the lawn

Quick story, My nephew E called me out on my bike skills... so I had to teach him a thing or two! I wrecked, but still I did showed him a thing or two.

Why is it that I got stuck pushing the gas pedal for Toddlers... You can see my new short do! LOVE IT!

We had so much fun... I only wish we could have seen more family and friends, we missed Micah while he was in Idaho working... but all in all a successful trip!

Postpartum Alopecia

2010-09-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

I am one of the lucky women who gets Postpartum Alopecia (after baby hair loss). I got a mild case with Mason, but this time around it quite severe, thank you Miles! Look at how bad that is!!!

All of my hair girls know how bad this is! And look at how deep that hair line is... Girls its still not done, I've had to Drano the drains twice already this month!

My options are as follows:

1. Pretend nothing has happened, and stare down anyone rude enough to ask about it!

2. Shave it bald, I keep saying bald is the new sexy.... maybe its time to prove it (Micah just vetoed bald)

3. Cut it short

This is about a year, year and half ago... should I go short?

This was hair school, (sorry its a phone pic) when I still had all my hair!

I think I need some high lights again!

What do my faithful followers think (all 3 of you)?

We love our ducks

2010-09-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Its that time of year again, time to dusk off the old pigskin, air out the bleacher seats, and stock up on all things BBQ!

Its FOOTBALL SEASON!

Here is Mic and I killing time waiting for the shuttle

Killing time on the shuttle, Micah was checking the Duck tweets.

Oh Autzen! When we walk through your gates it like coming home, surrounded by the best fans in the world...

Our bench mates... thanks Ingle's. Peter your my kind of funny!

I'm a sucker for a happy ending!

3 1/2 Month Twinners

2010-09-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

Oh how time flys when your having fun! Slowly Miles is starting to change and look different.

Mason Miles

I can do it myself!

2010-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Miles had a big boy moment... he kept swatting at my hands and trying to hold it himself, so I decided to let him have his way! I could definately work with this!

**Last night Mason took off his diaper 4 or 5 times, and Micah finally had it. So we stripped Mase and sat him on the toilet. I kept worrying that he was going to fall in, but in less than a 2 mins he was going like a big boy! He was more suprised than we were, and Micah is now determined to start working up to the big PT... aghhhh I'm not ready! I want to wait until he is 3 and can communicate his needs/wants better!

*** I decided to trim Mason's hair ( give it some direction and shape without taking off the length)! Micah was beyond thrilled that our friends and family agreed with him!

Moss Adams Summer BBQ

2010-08-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

The summer BBQ was a success! They held it at the Eugene Tennis and Swim Club, the kids loved all the activities! The adults enjoyed all the food and good company! Seriously, it was an awesome easy going party!

I bought a new suit just for the occasion (and because my old one does not look good on me yet)

The Cranes made an appearance

Mason wouldn't hold still long enough for anyone to get his pic, he may be part fish!

To cut or not to cut...

2010-08-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

I want so badly to cut Mason's hair, Micah has said absolutely not! Its one of those times he refuses to listen to reason... I even compared our son to a Jonas Brother and he was still not budging! So I leave it to you... the few people who follow my blog... should I cut Mase's hair?

Look at it poof up on top, and out the side... ugh it at least needs a trim! Product can only do so much!

Look at how long it is... yuck! No matter how masculine I dress him, people still tell me how cute my little girl is!

Can you smell it...

2010-08-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

The stench of pigskin is in the air! Micah insisted that we watch practise on Saturday. Micah was so stoked to see the players and watch the drills... I was so thrilled I took the boys shopping in the bookstore!

The boys were thrilled!

This is a sacred time of year for my husband!

Pure Joy

2010-08-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

How incredibly precious these moments are.

Sibling... love?

2010-08-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am not gonna lie, I love the idea of my kids wearing matching outfits (I attribute it to my Mormon background, and my OCD). Micah doesn't love it so much, he thinks I'm just a little off my rocker! I've only snuck one matching outfit past Micah so far... of course I decided to do a mini photo shoot (I'm embracing my lameness!). Look how well it turned out...

Mason decided to bite Miles during this pic, that might be why its blurry

(I was yelling "TIMEOUT" , leaning forward to grab him, and trying to push Miles out of harms way...all while not dropping the camera)

The beginning of "Mom he's touching me"

Look they are having as much fun as I am!

Pucker up baby!

Now if only I had done their hair and vacuumed

(you win some, you lose some...most times I think its a draw)

All dressed up and no place to go!

2010-08-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

The other day I was folding laundry on the couch and Mason decided to help. Who knows why Micah and I were so zoned that we didn't notice what he was up to until it looked like this... he undressed (his clothes are on the floor behind him) and then redressed him self in my clean laundry the little stinker!

He has a pair of Mic's shorts, my undies, and my shoes on... he was whinning to go bye bye at the door, he just couldn't understand why we were laughing so hard!

I find him wearing my shoes alot, he has a real thing for my heels (at least someone is wearing them)

Peep toes, or for Mason Peekaboo toes!

McMahon Cabin

2010-08-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

We were invited to spend the weekend at a ranch in Washington, with a group of our work/friends! It was so much fun, sitting around eating and chatting. The Crane's very generously offered to take Mason over night so we could go. Thank you, Crane Family!!

We such a good time, there was so much to do (having Miles along we did more watching than doing) Meghan's cabin had quads, horses, a pool, rafting, golfing... it was the best "roughing it" I've ever done! Meghan explained the cabins as very rough... we had beds, hot water, and cable...our kind of rough!

Kate holding Miles before she headed out to get her Tan on!

There was so much food, and Meghan is an amazing cook... we both gained a few over the weekend!

We shared a cabin with this cute couple, Anne and Andrew

Amanda, Kate, Porter, and our hostess Meghan!

We can't wait until next year... who wants the kids?

Take me out to the ball game...

2010-08-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Our friends had some extra tickets to the Emerals's game and invited us along. It was such a fun evening, we BBQ, got a sitter for all the 2 yr olds and headed to the park!

As we entered the park, we were handed these flags... levi isn't the most flap in the breeze fabric

The Langworthy's...they invited us and hosted the BBQ

The Cranes made up part of our Posse!

Kristy held Miles the whole time... I pretended he was hers for almost an hour (it was awesome, until the blowout)

The halftime shows were great! Did you know in Baseball there are 18 a game?

Thanks so much Cam and Kristy! We had a blast and can't wait to go again!

An easy weekend...

2010-07-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does it feel like the weekend flies... I have a love/hate relationship with time! I'm already starting to think ahead to the Holiday season. I drive our families nuts w/ my lets plan what we are going to for Thanksgiving in July! With big things on the horizon for us, I just feel the need to get the rest of our year planned out, getting organized was one of the awesome ways we spent our easy going weekend!

Micah and I have decided to get in shape, so we signed up for a membership w/ OZ fitness!

Micah trying to get a nap w/ Lil Mac

Can you say ambidextrous?

Whale Spotting

2010-07-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Whale Museum in Depoe Bay. The museum sits right on the water, and you can usually spot whales spouting within several hundred yards. We didn't see any whales this time, but there was still lots to do!

Micah and Mase are thinking about a career change

The port holes were right at kid level

Traveling in style

Capt. Phil

2010-07-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Micah and I are obsessed w/ the show Deadliest Catch! Our favorite capt died this season, we were able to see him in person last year and he was larger than life!

Capt Phil

Amelia visits

2010-07-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

Amelia's mom and dad are getting ready to move into a different rental, a home w/ a yard and garage (lucky ducks!). On Friday, I voluteered to take Milly so they could do some painting... our day looked mostly like this!

Milly is quite the little mother and she was determined to love Miles constantly

So for his protection he spent alot of time in the cage

For lunch / snack we had a carpet picnic with the works!

Mason's fav... popcorn suprise (I hide fruit snacks in the bottom)

All in all the day went great, and they even took naps for me!

2 month twinners...

2010-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mase

Mac

The hard things

2010-07-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Writing a blog for me has always been a way for me to show off my family, to remember how my family is right now, and express my feelings over... everything.

I blog stalk lots of people (we all do, I'm sure). I enjoy reading about the lives of the people, I've known over the years... has anyone ever noticed that no matter peoples circumstances there lives always seem great on their blog, almost perfect? We all want to project a positive image of ourselves and our lives to the public, but nothing is perfect and trying to be perfect can at times cause more of a problem.

I've decided that although I am living the dream, I want to open up about the not so perfect side of my life. I have and am now dealing w/ postpartum. I had terrible PP w/ Mase and it went on for the first year of his life, I was up and down... I constantly picked fights w/ Micah. I knew then something just wasn't right, but I was too embarrassed to admit I might need help. So we dealt w/ my mood swings and depression, but life was always a little bit worse.

This time around I decided I could not put that kind of stress on my family and marriage. I felt the swings coming on as soon as we got home from the hospital. Micah and I, discussed the positive and negatives of talking to the doctor, of admitting how I felt and asking for help. For Micah there was no negative, he could see me struggling to take care of our boys and he hated watching me suffer (the me buried under all the hormones). So I talked to the doctor using Micah as my excuse, and once I started talking to the doctor it started pouring out, my 5 min appointment turned into 20 mins, as I vented my feelings and concerns. The doctor agreed with us that I would benefit from an anti-depressant. He also said I would start to see a difference within a few days of taking the pill.

Yesterday, as Micah and I were driving back from the coast w/ the boys, I asked him if he thought the pills were helping. He of course turned the question back on me, and asked how I felt, and I admitted that I haven't felt this good in years (I've been pregnant or nursing a child since 2007). I stress about normal things now and I don't call Micah at work to yell at him for throwing his socks on the floor. Its been 2 weeks since I started and I feel amazing!

Some more Cali...

2010-07-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Kellie proves to me time and time again how very together she is (she claims different, but seriously super woman) She decided to bake sugar cookies, and let the kids frost them. I had to walk away a few times, the frosting getting smeared on the table was freaking me out (I have some issues).

That was the 4th time that cookie had been frosted for him!

The craziness... she even did multiple colors!

Burning off the sugar... Mason didn't know what to think of all the wrestling (that just means we need to visit more often)

We found our Halloween costume... My friend Alexis' little girl is going to freak when she sees Mase dressed like Elmo!

I was dying when Kellie sent Mase out dressed like this... too funny!

Cali continued...

2010-07-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we headed to the Town of Benicia for a cooler breeze and a Parade! Kellie was so sure it was going to be freezing, and of course the one day we visit the breeze was blowing the wrong direction and the normal 70s (compared to the 100s, the 70s feel cold) was blistering somewhere in the 90s ... it was still so awesome!

Mase sat w/ the boys some of the time...

Ran around like a crazy man some of the time

The rest of the time he spent sitting w/ Miles, legally restrained!

Seriously, it was buckled down in the stroller or a straight jacket... he had so much energy!

Such an awesome day

Spent with such great company!

Every where we looked there were naked people, sometimes the view was good, and sometimes the view was proof of a person's awesome confidence!

I love the diversity in California!

The fourth Cali style!

2010-07-05T23:35:00.000-07:00

We were mobile on the fourth, the bags were packed and the kids bribed, and we hit the road for a quick trip to see some of our favorite people! Charles and Kellie invited us to spend the holiday weekend soaking up the rays in beautiful California.

Our first day in town Kellie and I packed the boys up and headed to the nearest park. Mason hit the grass running, with a water feature to explore, a giant playstructure to conquer, and big cousins to shadow he had quite a busy couple of hours!

This is what it takes to get us to the park... it was so worth it!!

Khale is just too cute

When did Gabe grow up?

Mason on his way to the bigboy slide

After the first couple of times down I stopped worrying he was trying to kill himself... seriously it was the tallest slide he's done so far!

These boys have no fear... I can't wait for Mase to get to this point!

As hard as he tried there was just no keeping up with the bigboys... sometimes being short sucks (mama understands son)

6 Week twinners

2010-07-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

They look more and more alike everyday!

Happy Birthday Mase man!

2010-06-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

Mason is 2, where did the time go?

My poor boy started of his birthday w/ a quite the bang... litterly. Mason rocked his chair really hard and it fell over backwards, we spent most of his birthday morning at urgent care, where they determined he had a concussion. My poor boy!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing.

The traditional basketball photo

We love birthday pudding!

Miles 1 Month

2010-06-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Micah thought it would be cool to take Miles' picture in the same outfit that Mason wore. Its amazing to see my boys at the same stage, and see the similarities and differences. Time is going to fly!

This is Miles

This is Mason