This One's For You Dad!

My dad was an avid supporter of his children when it came to sports. He went to all the competitions he could and he spent hours researching to try and help us become better. He was supportive in all our sports but I think he loved running the most.

He was like a personal trainer for us. When my sister Angela started running there wasn't a good program in place so after researching different training programs he wrote up one for her. He did more than her coaches and they ended up using his running schedule. He was passionate about our running and you could sense his pride when watching him watch his children run. I will never forget the year that Angela was a state champion in the 1600 and 800. What an exciting event and just thinking of it now I remember the butterflies I felt while watching her run and win those events!

I will also never forget the year that the batton was knocked from my hand during the state 4x4 race. I was devastated and crushed. As I walked off the field I wanted to cry but I couldn't. I hate having people see me cry. All I wanted was my dad. Usually I would want my mom when I was emotional but this time I felt my dad understood more than anyone what I was going through. As I approached the gate where only athletes and coaches were allowed to enter there stood my dad. When I saw him I got choked up and as I reached him he embraced me and the tears finally came and he just held me. He didn't have to say anything but I knew he understood the hurt I was experiencing. So this past January or February Angela and I expressed to each other how we wanted to run a marathon. She commented how cool it would be to run it for dad. After I found a marathon we could run and still have time to train for before I left for Chicago Angela also thought it would be cool to open the invitation to everyone in the family who wanted to participate in either a marathon, 10k, or 5k walk.

So this past Thursday Mom, Heidi, Angela, Camille, and I ran/walked for our dad. Angela and Camille ran on hurt hips and knees and then came and ran the last 3 miles of the marathon with me to help me push through an aching knee and ankle. Although my dad could not speak to express what he felt, Heidi witnessed how proud he was once again as he watched and cried to see his girls run again and to know it was for him. Right before I crossed the finish line I almost started crying. When I stopped running my legs turned to jello and I almost fell from weakness. And once again after running, I wanted my dad. As I approached him after the race I was emotional and met an even more emotional dad. For all the time, energy and commitment you gave to us before in all our activities, This ONE was for YOU Dad!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Marathon Aftermath

Ouch!!!!! Pain!!!!!! Swelling!!!!!!!! Give me more IB Profen!!!!!

So it is now Sunday and I am still limping around with ice strapped to my knee and ankle. I know I pushed it too hard but I had a goal and I wanted to accomplish that goal.

At the beginning of my training for the marathon I had one goal, To Finish! I had a schedule, Hal Higdon's, and I was pretty strict to obey the mileage but that's all I was doing, running the miles. Chris kept prompting me to push it a little more. But I was content with my pace and didn't want anything but to finish. But then my friend Ali invited me to run a 10 miler with a group she was organizing with another friend. I guess it was the group setting that made it feel more like a "race" but I ran it significantly faster than what I previously had been. I was running at 10 minute mile pace and ran those 10 miles under a 8:30 min pace. After that run I decided I could push myself a little more.

I kept pushing and ran my 20 mile run at a 8:15 min pace. I realized I was on pace to qualify for the Boston Marathon!!! I just needed to run it in 3:40 How Exciting! After every run Chris would ask me my time and it started to be fun to try and speed up my pace. I have the greatest husband who supported me 100%. He was my little cheerleader and motivator. He watched the boys when I went out in the mornings and didn't complain even though his time is precious when studying to take the bar. In fact with the bar less than a week away he came and supported me during the race and stayed after to help me recoop. I love you!!!
When the marathon started I knew I didn't want to start too fast and burn out too quickly. Here was my pace for the first few miles: 8:00, 7:00, 7:30, 7:30. I felt wonderful. Then my pace slowed down as I ran uphill for over a mile and a half (killer!) But then I got my pace right back on to my 8:00 minute pace. Halfway I wanted to be at 1 hour 50 minutes. I was at 1:46:30. A little a head and felt good but I was starting to have a little pain in my left knee and right ankle.

All I could do was say a little prayer and keep going. I didn't want to slow down so I kept up my pace. But by mile 18 the pain had intensified and my pace dropped significantly. I wasn't too tired to keep up the pace and my breathing wasn't labored but everytime I tried to pick up my pace pain shot through me so I slowed down. I must say the last 8 miles seemed like the longest miles in my life. Chris, Angela and Camille, drove past me around mile 20 and shouted, "You're on Pace you can do it!!!" I just shook my head and knew there was no way. I wanted to go faster but I couldn't. When Chris saw me again at 23 miles he realized the significant decrease in time. I went from 8:00 minutes miles to about 12:00 or 13:00 minute miles. Soooooooo frustrating!!!!!

At that point my little angels ran with me for the last three miles even though their knees and hips hurt. I was never so glad to see a finish line. I never once stopped running through the race, even through the water stations. I wanted to be able to say I really "ran" a marathon. My finishing time was somewhere around 3:55.

After the marathon I came to Idaho for a reunion and probably been on my feet too much. Saturday morning I woke up in an extreme amount of pain. I could not move my knee at all. I tried to move it just a little and could not without pain shooting everywhere and then throbbing several minutes just for attempting to move. Luckliy Camille was by me and I woke her up and she ran to get me three IB Profen. I was going to see a doctor but after some research I think I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome and just need to do the RICE treatment (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) along with an anti-inflamatory drug like IB Profen.

These are my ankles, really swollen especially around the bone on the outside of the ankle on the right ankle.

The following I took from Runner's World:

"ITB syndrome can result from any activity that causes the leg to turn inward repeatedly. This can include wearing worn-out shoes, running downhill or on banked surfaces, running too many track workouts in the same direction, or simply running too many miles.

It's not the knee, it's the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin. "When the band comes near the knee, it becomes narrow, and rubbing can occur between the band and the bone. This causes inflammation," says Freddie H. Fu, M.D.

Some experts believe that the incidence of ITB syndrome has increased among all runners in recent years, although the reasons aren't clear. "It could be because so many runners have ramped up their mileage for marathons before they're ready to handle the distance,"says Stephen Pribut, D.P.M., a Washington, D.C., sports podiatrist.

Dr. Pagliano describes most runners with ITB pain as "Type A's." "They run high mileage," he says. "They're not willing to back off, and they are willing to run through pain."

How can you tell if you have ITB syndrome? "The best way is to bend your knee at a 45-degree angle. If you have an ITB problem, you'll feel pain on the outside of the knee," says Dr. Fu. "Sometimes an MRI can confirm it. An X-ray is usually negative, but an MRI can show a partial thickening of the band -- which results from inflammation."

It goes on to say to stop running immediately and give it lots of rest. I had knee problems one time when running 14 miler. I stopped running streched and tried to keep running. I didn't go away so I ended up calling Chris. But this time I pushed through it. I wanted to finish. I just hope I didn't do too much. I want to still run and I hope I didn't do any damage. So right now I just have to give it time.

I Have a Two-Year-Old

This morning after swimming lessons I went to Maceys to pick up some groceries. As we were walking to the car Jared took off running and another mom in her car said to me, "Isn't he just the cutest thing on two legs!" He was being good and I nodded in agreeance (is this a word?)

Off to Maceys we went. Jared loves shopping here because they have grocery carts that have a car in the front for the little tykes to ride/drive around in. Right away a worker gave me a smartie for my "little helper". I put it in my purse deciding he didn't need it right then. We got to the produce section and Jared wanted his own clear plastic bag to put items in. I gave him one and another worker came to us and gave me two more smarties. I gave one to Jared so he could put it in his plastic bag.

We continued to shop and Jared forgot about driving as he ate his smarties. Later by the dairy products Jared starts yelling at me. Unsure of what he wants I continue to shop. A little while later I stop so I can talk to him and see what's upsetting him. He gets out of the car and starts running the other way yelling my candy. He was looking for a smartie he had dropped. I told him it was gone and since it fell on the ground we couldn't eat it anyways. He was reluctant to get back in the car but I bribed him with the second smartie. He got in.

I was almost done shopping when Jared finished his second pack of smarties and wanted to get out again, this time trying to get out while still in motion. He succeeds and starts running off, to look for that lone lost candy and surprisingly he ran in the right direction.

I round him up in the car somehow without bribing him and we set off to the check out stand. Why oh why do they have so much candy up there!? I wait to push the cart by the candy until I'm sure I can push it far enough forward so Jared doesn't have to look at it dead on. But that wasn't good enough. He gets out of his car walks back and picks the closest thing he can to it. I told him he couldn't have it because he didn't listen to me earlier and do what I asked. He gets mad but is still reasonable. The kind lady checking us out offers him a little sucker and smartie. I really don't want him to have it but hey I'll let him have it. He doesn't want it.

What happened next is a blur now. I'm not quite sure how it all happened but Jared was NOT happy!!! I think he wanted to get the "bigger" candy and I said no. He started hitting me and yelling at me and I said he definitely didn't get any candy. Then he started reaching for the sucker and smartie and I told him he didn't get that anymore because he wasn't being happy. He screams like he's never screamed before. I try and cover his mouth which probably just made it louder! I take my hand away realizing that it's no use trying to stifle his screams but the best thing to do is to get out as quickly as possible. The bag boy asked me if Jared was tired and I said probably since he just got done with swimming lessons but he couldn't hear me over Jared's screams.

I could feel every eye falling on Jared and me. It was so weird but I didn't feel embarrassed. I think I was more amazed at the way Jared was acting. He's NEVER been like that before. As I'm walking out people are smiling at me that smile, "I understand". Just as I get outside Jared is wiggling away from me and I have to let go of the cart. But as I let go of the cart it starts rolling away so I grab it and Jared's fighting harder, still screaming mind you. Oh I forgot, as I was telling him he couldn't have the candy because he wasn't happy he was screaming back, "I'm HAPPY, I'm HAPPY!!!" and he screamed that quite frequently all the way to the car.

Back to the escaping cart and almost escaping child... Luckily Maceys is full of happy, helpful workers and a young lady came and asked if she could help me out. I gratefully accepted as she pushed the cart and I concentrated on Jared. We got to the car and I thanked her but she lingered so I opened the trunk and she started to put the things in the trunk. I worked on getting Jared in his car seat. You can imagine he did not want to get in that seat. Two year olds are tough! Again I found eyes staring at me and giving me the nod. Our helper was long gone before I got Jared in and I'm grateful she stayed to load the groceries in the car.

On the way home Jared cried for a little bit but soon settled. While driving home I was trying to decide if I should punish and be upset with him but decided he had done enough to himself already.

Long story but here's the lesson... One moment a two year old can be the cutest thing on two legs and then the child that every mom thinks, "I'm glad that's not mine!" Two year olds are fickle and oh how I love mine admist his tantrums. What can I say, he's TWO!!!

Yes, We Are ALIVE!

What a busy month! I hardly know where to begin and there's so much that's happened that I don't know if I'll cover it all. The post may or may not be long depending on my longevity so I'll try and outline what will be included and you can skim through the post for the areas that interested you:)

• Went to Idaho
• Came back for a few days
• Went back to Idaho
• From Idaho to Pullman Washington (Chris' grandparents)
• From Pullmand to Portland Oregon (friends Ereksons)
• Back to Idaho (Baillie Graduation)
• Home to Utah
• Back to Idaho drop off boys
• Fly out to Chicago to house hunt
• My side family reunion
• Long week of number crunching, phone calls, and bidding
  

Our first trip to Idaho was brought on by Chris and me being sick of our apartment and feeling the need to escape! I think even more than me Chris was feeling antsy and needed "fresh, new" air; he wasn't use to so much exposure to me and the kids:) Even more than the fresh air, he needed free babysitting as he would call it. Where can you get that better than at Granma's and Grandpa's. I was really reluctant to go since my parents were out of town but finally consented seeing I still had family, my wonderful sisters!!! So the pictures can explain what we did:

Came home for the weekend and a few days. During that time Chris took Jared shopping for my birthday. They went to both malls and were gone for quite awhile. When they came home Jared couldn't wait for my birthday for me to open a gift he helped pick out so I opened one early. It was one of those Willow statues and a mother is holding her little boy toddler with his head on her shoulder. Jared told me that was baby Jared and that he was sleeping. I haven't been able to put it out as of yet because he wants to keep it in the box where he can sleep. As for the other gifts I am very impressed with my husband. There were quite of few things I had to take back/exchange but I must say he did very well and I liked his taste. My favorite thing he got was a pair of shorts that didn't fit so I went to exchange them but they didn't have my size. So dissappointing!

On my birthday we also headed up to Idaho again. Stayed the night and left the next afternoon for Washington. Below are some pictures taken on my birthday, not necessarilly of my birthday but on my birthday nonetheless:)

The first thing I want to say about Washington is it's the most beautiful drive that I've been on in a long time. As you drive north in Idaho it is just BeaUtiFuL. It's green and for a lot of the drive your right by the river. Once you get close to Pullman you enter the land of the Paloose. Green rolling hills that are gorgeous. I've only been there one time before and it was at the end of summer when the fields grains in the fields are long so when the wind blows it's like a green ocean with ripples throughout. Love it!

So the scenery was nice but how about the kids?!?! Actually, pretty good. They were kids of course and there were times we wanted to pull our hair out but considering their ages I would say they were impressive. I think we stopped only 2-3 times in our 9 hour trip to Pullman. Not bad.

While there the weather was overcast and rainy so we didn't spend as much time outside as we had hoped but managed to go to the duck pond(no ducks but there was fish and turtle we fed bread to), the huge grassy area behind grandma's and grandpa's, Cougar Country (local fast food joint where Grandma Meservy worked), and a park Chris played at as a child. We also spent lots of time talking and playing games (when the kids were sleeping) I first learned to play Mah Jong at Granny and Grandpa's. Chris' grandparents have a lot of art of all varieties and LOTS of books. Some of the art is scarry to kids but Jared loved it all, especially the masks in the bathroom which are usually what scares kids the most:)Next stop: Ereksons!!! How we miss the Ereksons. They lived below us and almost every weekend we went down to the Erekson's after putting Jared down and listened for him with a baby monitor. Never again will we be able to have babysitting like that! Needless to say it was fun to reunite with them again. Grace is 10 months older than Jared and Spencer and Clark are 9 days apart. While there we went to Powell's book store. You literally can get lost in there. I thought Andy was kidding but oh no! That day I thought about putting a pull up on Jared but dismissed the thought. Later that day he fell asleep and he hadn't gone to the bathroom yet and wet his pants during. The rest of the day he went shortless and sported a diaper. Church was fun and afterwards we had a wonderful dinner. If I remember correctly it was roast (they say pork roast is best), half a bottle of liquid smoke, and salt and pepper both sides of the roast. YUMMY!!! Monday we hit the zoo and then left after dinner that evening. Even though the kids were traveling fairly well we wanted a whole ride of quietness so we left around 7:00 and drove through the night. It was exhausting but worth it!
Loved visiting the Ereksons and loved green Portland but one thing I AbSolUteLy disliked is their law where someone else pumps your gas for you! What a stupid law. I am quite capable of pumping my gas for myself thank you very much! We had to gas up twice while in Portland. The 1st time we were just arriving outside of Portland around 4:30. Bad idea. Cars were backed up and we had to wait for awhile to get to a pump. Ok sometimes you have to wait at the pump but once we got to the pump we had to wait several minutes and this is where I was going CRAZY! I got out of the car and started muttering how stupid it was and that I could do it myself and why couldn't the government think of better, more meaningful useful jobs for people to do. I eventually got back in the car after Chris' request. The guy finally came and started the pump. And then it finished and in any other state I could have gotten out of my car picked up the nozzle and put it back in its holder, but not in Oregon, I had to wait. The second time filling up we were hoping to make it to Idaho before having to do so but there just wasn't any way. So at 12:30ish AM we drove around to four different gas stations until we found one that was open so someone could come and fill our tank for us. How annoying.

We finally made it to Idaho and spent almost 6 days there. During this time Jared went on his first expedition of golf. I was summoned after the first 9 holes. They said he was doing good but was too into it and often got in the way. He liked taking out the flags and golfing right by the rest of him. He used the golf club they had bought for Wii Sports. It was just right.
Graduation was good. Nice and short. At the end of the commencement as their song was being played (not sure of the title but it had lyrics "I'm going to be 18 forever...") they all gathered in the middle of the floor arms around each other singing. There wasn't a formal exit but I thought it was kind of fun. (her class was just under 200)While also at home Camille and I did hair and makeup, boys included this time:)Then back to Utah. We went to a barbecue at a friend's house (Jared in the red wagon is with Sara's Spencer) here's some cute pictures:
One more trip back up to Idaho to drop off the boys. I was going to take Spencer to Chicago with us but he hadn't been 100% and I knew he wouldn't be able to nap well plus it'd be a ton easier for us without an infant to look at places so he stayed with grandmas. I don't know what I was thinking when I thought I could take him. It would have been insane!

While in Chicago we saw around 20 properties in 2 days! Exhausting, yeah, just a bit. When we first got in we met with a mortgage officer and then drove around for a little while. Up to this point I've surprised myself with how I've handled moving. Surprisingly I haven't shed tears or been too sad about moving. But as we were driving it really hit me and I started crying. Chris didn't realize it and was talking about all he was excited about and I sat glumly next to him. And when I did talk I was very down on everything and negative. I did not want to move. I love being close to family that I can go if/when I need to, I love having friends in the same circumstance as me, and I love having a husband that is home quite a bit. But that was all going to change. I'm going to have to start from a new slate with no friends, Chris will be gone A LOT more, and my family will be a plane ride away instead of 4 hours. I know it's right to move to Chicago and that I'll make new friends, still see and talk to family, and Chris will still be a great dad and husband. I just hate the beginning phase of getting use to it. But now that I'm back in Utah I'm back to not thinking about it. I don't want to feel that depressing feeling so I'm choosing not to think about moving and just enjoy everything right here and now.

Anyways, back to real estate... After the first day Chris and my eyes were so heavy. We took a much needed brake and rented a bike for Chris and he rode by me while I got in the run I needed for the day. We ran along Lake Shore Drive. I'm excited to run along the beach again and go to the beach with the boys again.

That first day we were really impressed with a lot of properties but had our eyes on one in particular. We both were pretty sure this would be the one we zone in on. It had a nice size kitchen, living room, family room, 4 bed, 3 bath, Huge storage room, and everything was updated. Location was further north but in a nice neighborhood.
The second day we met the above's competition. Right in the neighborhood we wanted. It would cut 20 mins off of Chris' commute one way, nice kitchen, family room, and living room. But it didn't have as much storage and was 3 bed, 2 bath, and a smaller kitchen. We liked it but it was smaller. What did we want????? This one was so close to so many things and we'd really be living and experiencing Chicago. What to do... What do you think we did? Will reveal later:)While there we stayed with friends Mark and Laura and their cute baby James. They are the sweetest couple and are out there for the summer. Mark has a couple more years of school left but will eventually end up in a suburb of Chicago. I wish they were out there sooner.
We got home Sunday and Monday we were having a family reunion at Lagoon that I was in charge of. A little crazy but we did it and I didn't forget anything too important. Jared had a ball. He loved the rides and really didn't get scared of any of the ones he tried which really surprised me. He loved being with his cousins and his favorite ride was bumper cars. Chris and I had left to get dinner and after bumper cars finished he'd run out and back to the line and push through the kids till he got to the front of the line. No one stopped him until we came back and made him wait at the end of the line. I didn't ride on a lot of the big rides but I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jared and his cousins while talking with my mom and sisters.

Later that evening though I did do a BIG ride. Camille, Heidi and I did the Sky Coaster. SO FUN. I'd done it before but nothing can compare it to doing it with Heidi! She is terrified of heights and kept her eyes closed the whole time. I was freaking out more than her but all the same the two of us were so tense. The video is too long or else I would post it. There was lots of screaming, laughing, and shaking when it was said and done (I was shaking like crazy when I was done.)My niece Rachel got sick the second day and then the very next day Chris and I got sick. Not fun.

This last week has been one of prayer, thought and more prayer. What did we want, space or location??? After a lot of thought and reasoning we decided...... on location.

• We knew we wouldn't stay in the city forever so no matter what we'd probably be moving within the next five years from either place so why not live more in the city and really experience it!
  
• The neighborhood was more safe and close to so many things for me and the boys to do.
  
• Forty minutes a day is a lot of time I'd rather spend with my husband then him in route.
  
• We're surrounded by younger families and a younger ward that hopefully will be more social for me. There are others but these are the more important ones.

After about four days of offers and counter offers we each finally agreed on a final price. We have no signed our life away! The first day after doing so we were both really nervous and wondering if it was the right thing but as the days go on we're getting more excited. So to anyone that wants to come to Chicago we'd love to have you!

Wow, this has been a LONG post, just a few more:

Jared: Likes to watch Nascar on TV and when he does he actually cheers for the cars and tells them to go faster. One time while flipping through the channels it landed on boxing long enough for him to realize what it was. He must have noticed that they didn't have their shirts on because now when he wants to box with his dad he says, "Take my shirt off dad, take my shirt off!"
It's been getting hot here so we've started using the fan. Jared likes to turn it on and off and then stick his fingers in to stop the fan. We told him not to and that he was going to hurt himself. One time when we weren't watching he stuck his fingers in when it was still on and his middle finger recieved five distinct cuts at the tip of it. He screamed and screamed and it took him awhile before he'd open up his fist to let me look at it. the cuts weren't too deep so all is well. Kids....

Spencer: eight months old and not quite crawling but he got his first tooth this last week:). I thought a month ago he'd start any day. He's even closer but has not yet taken that leap. Do you think I can prolong that for another month! I don't want him to be crawling while packing!

Fun Weekend :)

Our weekend started early Thursday when we got to watch our friend Andrea's baby Paisley. They're from Idaho and were up for women's conference. She was an absolute doll while here. She napped well, smiled lots, and ate well. My boys loved her company (although Jared at first took everything away from her like toys and her bottle and would say, "No, that's Spencer's!") Then in the afternoon Grandma Meservy came down early for Andy's graduation. What a good way to start an early weekend off!

Then Friday morning we went to south Salt Lake to get my hair cut by my cousin Marcy. She is AmAzInG!!! I always leave loving my cut. It's been awhile since she's cut my hair and I've had a couple good cuts I've liked okay but not loved. I don't know why I haven't made the effort to go up to her long before now. I tell her what I want, my concerns, and question her the whole time she's styling my hair so I can try and do it as good as she does. Without fail I can never do it as well but the techniques and hints she gives really do help!

For the cut I went short and got bangs. I haven't had bangs forever more short wisps and a couple stylists told me I shouldn't have bangs when I asked for them. The bangs are the one thing that is taking me awhile to adjust to. Sometimes I like them and other times I catch myself off guard when looking in the mirror. It'll just take time...

After my cut our little family went to Andy's graduation (Ashley's husband). Congrats Andy!!! The convocation was a little long especially for a two year old (3 hours), so we spent a lot of the time in the hall (but most the time he wanted grandma). After graduation we went out for lunch and then headed up to Wyoming. My brother and his wife had their little girl last month and blessed her this past Sunday. They live on a ranch by Mardy's family and it really is beautiful. When we got there Jared made himself right at home and Spencer was just thrilled to be out of the car. Jared had a ball while we were up there. He got to ride the four wheeler and tractor, climb in trucks and old tractors, play with dogs, throw rocks and dried poo (he had a hard time telling rocks apart from droppings), play with cousins and more! While there I noticed he was getting several slivers in his little hands but he didn't and still isn't complaining. I've only gotten one sliver out but I guess it hurts more to get them out then to just leave them in. It was fun for me to see my brother and his wife and their beautiful little girl. She's got Mardy's nose and it's so cute! It's so fun to watch your big brother hold his baby. They love her so much and really does show. Clairee really is lucky! Siblings:) Me, Heidi, Valerie, and Trent

Megan, Valerie, Mardy, Clairee, Me, Spencer, Heidi, and Emily. We all had baby's about within a year of each other. Angela not pictured also had Micah within that time frame too! If you ever want a good host/hostess head on up to Wyoming. We were fed well, laughed lots, and enjoyed the scenery and breath of fresh air! The only down side to our trip was the ride home. Spencer was being really fussy so I ended up sitting squeezed between Jared and Spencer's car seats. It kept Spencer happy but was not that comfortable for me. Oh what we'll do to save our ears!

Mardy's brother Gus giving Jared a ride:)

All in all it was a wonderful fun-filled weekend and I'm so glad we made the trip to Wyoming!

Penicillin or Amoxicillin Anyone???

So a week ago I took Spencer in for his well baby plus fever which was an ear infection. I was sent home to give him Amoxicillin for ten days. They told me to bring him back in ten days to check the ear and make sure everything was okay. I ended up taking him in today because he woke up with a horrible, horrible rash on his face and body. Just yesterday I noticed some redness start to flare up in one cheek but I assumed it was his eczema coming back and since giving him the antibiotic he started scratching his head/hair more. I thought it was cute at the time cause I thought he was just playing with his hair but looking back I don't think he was playing with his hair. At first thought it might be a reaction to carrots cause just last night was his first exposure to them. A reaction to the antibiotic did cross my mind but I was confused why he wouldn't have reacted sooner. The doctor didn't think it was carrots and his explanation for a delayed reaction was the body often has to have 10 to 30 exposures before it reacts. I had already given him his first dose for the day and the doctor said he would probably flare up even more tomorrow before getting better. His ear is looking lots better but the doctor said it was still pink but isn't going to put him on any other antibiotic and he said it should continue to heal on its own and to just watch for a fever. Right now I'm putting him on Zyrtec and he's really being an angel. He looks miserable but he doesn't complain much. So for now we have some extra Amoxicillin. And a side note: Spencer gained 7 oz since last weeks check up!

Graduation

Three years that went too fast! Mixed feelings are shared between Chris and me as we look back. Chris loves school so much that he's sad to leave it behind and enter the real world. I'm sad to leave behind "happy valley" and all our friends. On the other hand we're both ready to get an income.

Commemoration was great though. I enjoyed all the speakers and it was quite insightful and inspiring. There were a few times I almost caught myself from crying I was sad that graduation was "the end". I loved going into law school with the boys to visit their dad and got to know quite a few students and was sad to know we won't be making that trip anymore at least it won't be the same anymore.But celebrate we did, Chris style. We had a barbecue with avocados, pineapple, bacon, grilled onions, specially seasoned patties and brats.

Pictures to document the event!

6 Months and Counting

Six months has come and gone and it's hard to imagine it much before then. Both Spencer and Jared have changed immensely. Spencer is now 18 lbs and 27 3/4 inches. Big boy:) I have been curious and wondering if I should be worried about Spencer not sitting up. Jared was sitting well before six months and Spencer just hadn't seemed even close. I'd sit him on the floor and he'd either lay to the side back or forward right away. I knew he had strong tummy muscles because he's constantly lifting his feet and head up off the ground when lying on his back and that's tough you try it! Anyways... on his six month mark he just started sitting up for a short period and by the next day he was sitting up for minutes at a time.
A few days before his appointment he had been running a fever and I'd been having a hard time keeping him below 100 degrees. It ended up he had an ear infection. Poor guy, this is his second already! His sleeping has gotten worse since being sick so we are now back into trying to get him sleeping through the night again. I can't wait to have at least three bedrooms!

What Type of Ring???

I need some help. My friend's soon to be fiance has come to me to help him pick out a ring. my friend likes unique jewelry, not weird but pretty unique. I'm going to post a few different options and if you can tell me which ones you like and if there's something I haven't thought of let me know. I don't feel very qualified to be helping him so any input would be much appreciated.

Also he wants to go pick the ring out this next week so if you have a comment make it quick:)

Diamond shape: Round, Marquise, Emerald, Princess, Pear, Oval, Heart, Baguette and Trillion.

White gold vs. Gold

Engagement band or single band

Design of diamonds on the the sides or a single diamond

Tension, prongs or bezel

I know there's a whole lot more to rings than what I'm posting so if there's anything you've seen that you've liked I'd really appreciate hearing about it:)

Click on the picture to see it better and tell me which rings you like and why. If you have link for a ring you like please put in the comment.

Thanks!!!

April Fools!!!!

Right as I was getting ready to put the boys down for their naps today I thought about giving Chris a scare. Before today I had often dropped hints that there's no way to know if we are pregnant or not. There's times when I psyche myself out thinking I'm feeling the way I did when I was pregnant and therefore psyche Chris out as well.

I decided to have my friend that was pregnant take a pregnancy test for me. I made sweet and sour chicken which I hardly ever make. I set the table and used the cloth napkins rolling the test in Chris' napkin and holding it together with a ring. I got Chris to open it up by asking him to show Jared how to use a napkin. It fell on the floor and he looked down and kept saying, "Are you serious!" over and over again. I wish I had the camera on from the beginning but got a few camera shots and then switched to video mode. I got three different videos and will just post all of them:)

I first told him April fools and then a little later said I was serious and made up the story to make him think April fools but in reality I was serious. Poor guy. I loved it though:)

Sorry for the delay, I had to use you tube to finally get it to work.