Leavittation

2012-01-22T15:59:00.003-07:00

Sledding this weekend was so much fun! Jack can take on real hills this year. Of course I push him off at the top and Steve stands in front of the one, scraggly tree because we are totally crazy parents. Griff just sat at the top of the hill and asked me to wipe his nose occasionally. This is the best happiness of winter and an activity I couldn't enjoy if I were still pregnant. That's finding a silver lining for ya!

I guess this is what it looks like half way around the world, where the world is enjoying a season called Summer. Maybe Steve will post more of his great Thailand adventure!

Happy Anni

2011-12-22T18:43:00.004-07:00

I felt a little like this...

Why? Did Steve forget our anniversary? No. Did he pick his nose on our date? Nope. I was just plain moody. I'm not a moody person...not usually, but I was on Tuesday. A

good friend told me that they celebrate birthdays for a week. This systems helps to work around moody, yet well meaning wives, kids throwing up and your run of the mill special day hijacks. So I'm calling a do over. Next date night.

It really says something about the person you love; when they can love you through the bad days. There's one good thing.

Griff is just a stand-in for Steve.

Fall Flings

2011-10-25T14:31:00.006-06:00

I'm fired from blogging along with other things. Here is a glimpse of our beautiful October activities:

Church Trunk or Treat:

These boys mean business.

That is not LUKE! Gag!

October is one, if not, my favorite month of every year. I love how tangible the colors of the leaves become. The weather is still forgiving and Halloween is a holiday that I really enjoy. I'm going to be sad to say good-bye to this month. I'm already missing the lengthened, light days.

Mustaches are In

2011-09-08T15:55:00.005-06:00

Steve knows that mustaches are "in". He just finished sporting his latest model. Today I made an after-school smoothie. The boys and I sat in the back and gulped down our concoction in camping chairs. I can't believe how wonderful smoothies have been all summer long. Jack calls them shakes and he can't get enough. It's been the best way to sneak in more fruit to our summer diets and the throw together ingredients never go wrong. Here they are:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

* frozen banana chunks (1 banana)

*6-8 large frozen strawberries (Costco's are amazingly fresh!)

*1 C milk (add more to thin as you mix)

*small dash of vanilla

*large tablespoon of sweet raspberry jam (or splash of OJ)

*handful of ice cubes

Yum!

Big changes 'round here

2011-08-23T20:09:00.007-06:00

If only you could see the tears in Hailey's eyes as she sent her firstborn into the cold and cruel world.

He survived.

The Witching Hour

2011-08-04T14:05:00.004-06:00

Sometimes I'm a really good mom; ridiculously wound with energy, clever, creative, patient and versatile. Sometimes it's just time to make dinner and often you hear, "WHY are their TOYS in my kitchen? MOVE IT OR LOSE IT! Where is your daddy..(whimper, sigh)?"

The other evening aka 5:30pm, Jack and Griffin were playing on the patio as I began the whole dinner process. They were sharing, even happy and it was quiet in my kitchen. This scene is lovey, but short lived. I'd say five minutes and then Jack's face started turning red and he screamed something about Griffin being a banana peel. Now I'm trying not to laugh and suppressing my own anger at their constant rifts.

We came inside and made The Pioneer Woman, Buttermilk Biscuits. I thought it couldn't be done, but somehow it was the most magical event. Both boys helped pour, mix, roll, press and place the biscuits. They even mostly ate the biscuits (which are wonderful) and somehow in all this pleasure Daddy came home. So sometimes I really am a good mom. Ha! (still convincing myself)

Review of July

2011-07-30T14:04:00.004-06:00

I blame this on Steve being gone. I will occasionally pull up my blog as though someone else has updated it for me. It kind of haunts the back of mind as something that needs to be done. At this point, opening my mouth at all is exhausting because there is too much to review for an entire month. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

We are happy to have daddy home! We are enjoying summer and I've decided to embrace getting totally sweaty in our mid-west humidity and doing twice as much laundry.

Howell Family Reunion

2011-06-30T20:05:00.007-06:00

Our family reunion last week (in Washington) made me remember how much I love Washington and Idaho. The air was so fresh! I just wanted to be outside! The bugs weren't bad and the trees and water were so full and beautiful. We spent a day in Spokane and the next couple of days at a cabin on Lake Coeur 'd Alene.

Walk Like an Egyptian

2011-06-17T05:49:00.005-06:00

Jack is five and he decided upon an Egypt party this year. Hooray! I was way more excited about throwing a party that didn't involve skull and crossbones. This kid is enamored with Ancient Egpyt. It must have been an easy transition for him...mummies, treasures, bones and mystery.

We had a great group of kids for the party and they were all excited to dress like the Egyptians, bomb the pyramids (Roman and Egyptian battle outside with water balloons) and participate in an archaeologist dig. The "walk like an Egyptian" relay race was pretty entertaining for Steve and I and completely embarrassing for most of the kids.

After the friend party we went to the paddle boats in downtown Naperville and later celebrated with presents, cake and ice cream.

Summer is Here

2011-06-05T14:14:00.004-06:00

Friday we ran into a party at the YMCA with a bounce house, tug of war, and free popcorn and lemonade. Saturday we went to the Brookfield Zoo! We showed up as it opened and there were no crowds (this factor colors our view of places). We felt more like we were going to Disneyland than a zoo and Jack's excitement never ebbed. Steve and I were happy because we got in for free and we parked for free (Field Museum perk) and Griffy was happy about each animal except for the pudgy Pygmy Hippo. We got to see the penguin feeding with only two other people!

Sadly, the humidity never sleeps. It was out in full force to destroy my morning run and it continued to create a sheen of sweat on each of us, during our trip to the Brookfield Zoo, but a brief thunderstorm brought a bit of relief in the evening. I sure miss the mountain air of Utah.

The Quaking Bog

2011-05-22T20:27:00.009-06:00

What sounds cooler than a quaking bog? Who wouldn't want to spend a Saturday hunting for the Illinois (Volo) quaking bog? We couldn't pass up this spot on the map and we finally took up the adventure yesterday. I packed a few things the night before and we left the house just before 8am. The drive to the Volo bog is just an hour north of us. Sounds quick, but it was plenty of time for Jack to practice counting to ten in Spanish and plenty of time for Griffin to throw a huge, stinkin fit about who knows what.

We all loved the boardwalk through and around the bog. It's about a half mile and thanks to the cool day and lack of bugs, it was absolutely awesome. We also dragged and pushed the kids 2.5 miles around the entire bog. There were plenty of sticks for sword fighting, beautiful flowers and green everywhere. I'm constantly grateful for the variety and beauty of God's creations. We still miss our mountains, but the bog was a good find.

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner

2011-05-15T05:53:00.007-06:00

Griffin is now two and even with the bumpy mood changes, I would still request this year be lengthened into two years. I really love the 18months-ish stage with my children. I love all the talking! It seems they go from two word labeling to just pure enlightenment and mostly Steve and I "ooh" and "ah" over them.

Griffin's birthday was perfect. Daddy got home a little early, we loaded up a HUGE store bought bag of lava rocks into the Radio Flyer. We put Griffin in along side of them and Jack rode his matching trike (when will this kid get excited for a bike?). We got to the neighborhood pond and discovered baby ducks and baby goslings and then we dumped out a tremendous mound of rock and we began plucking them off the pile and into the pond. The sky was full of purple, dark grays and blues and before too long and in a split second, huge raindrops exploded from the sky

and soaked us. Griffy hated it...Jack went illogical and Steve and I laughed and trucked kids, toys and noise home with us.

The thunderstorm was not only beautiful, it was helpful. It was easy to do business bathes, scriptures and a story and then quickly come down for cake, ice cream and a mountain of presents.

Griffy had a viking cake. The cake looked delicious, but looks, in this case, were deceiving and it tasted like dry box cake. :) After we all got a piece, Steve and I demolished the cake (hands and faces) and that was shortly entertaining. Griffy and Jack were thrilled with the birthday gifts. Legos were a highlight and Griffin's first (and perhaps last) Zhu Zhu pet. I sure had a hard time dropping ten bucks on that happy meal-ish toy, but he loves it. It was the perfect, simple birthday.

The Best Surprise Ever

2011-04-27T07:39:00.006-06:00

Remember my real birthday and the sick kids and the whole sad story? Well, my mom came and changed everything! Amy and my mom are the sneakiest people in the whole world.

So the Starks came into town and Craig and Steve went to a late movie (yeah this does seem odd in retrospect). The kids went to bed and I went to bed. I woke up to Steve pushing around the covers and I was wondering why he would settle down! Just before I bopped him, I opened my eyes and it was none other than M-O-M! It really was one of those surreal feelings. Then I turned over my shoulder and there are two more dark outlines (Amy and Steve, but who was I to guess at this point?) Amy, mom and I went downstairs to laugh and talk and thus began a really awesome week with family.

Here are some pictures to make up for my storytelling deficiencies.

Mom visiting my preschool class and sharing a story with them for my birthday (hehehee that's what all the kids get to do too!). They LOVED her.

Griffin and Sophie slept at the best times during our Chicago day trips.

Field Museum visit-

Tank Park-

I promise, Steve is loving this high end cupcake hang out!

Golden Birthday

2011-03-31T18:59:00.007-06:00

The mummy cake.

Unwrapping the mystery!

Jack had mummy strips inside the cake that said things like, "you have been cursed to be the best mummy.."

The best tasting and most interesting of Steve's many creations.

THANKS STEVE!

Guess who?

A birthday becomes memorable not because of it's perfection, but because of it's honesty. My day began lousy. I was up too early without direction and no drive to exercise. Jack hopped into my bed a little too early (6:30am...). I had to go to work. It was stressful. Griffy was sick, miserable, clingy and he had the runs so badly that we came home early, where he continued to poop through three outfits before 3pm. Steve got stuck at work and was two hours later than intended and then I cried.

Skip ahead to dinnertime: Steve made the most amazing burgers and he had the table decorated in the warmest yellows. There were yellow lanterns, a yellow tablecloth, yellow plates with our portraits drawn on them (thanks to Jack) and presents crowding a corner of the table. Such a warm, hopeful moment. Really. Then the prayer was said, "Amen" and Griffy threw up...and threw up...and suddenly yellow wasn't my favorite color.

I spent the next part of my birthday talking to a most eccentric and helpful pediatrician. This was followed by a jaunt to Walgreens. When I got home I had the most amazing mummy, brownie ice cream cake, amazing gifts and somehow it really was a great birthday and extremely memorable.

Peak Baggers

2011-03-14T19:46:00.011-06:00

As true adventures we decided to summit the highest point in DuPage County. USGS records indicate that the highest point is an unnamed hill top near Lombard (ele. 820'), but a secret, closely guarded local climbers, is that Mount Hoy (836') dwarfs 'unnamed hilltop'. As we decided to summit with two children under five years old, Nova wanted to document our ascent. However to maintain rights to the images and story we declined their sponsorship for the benefit of our blog. Here's the climb:

Okay, 'Mount' Hoy isn't a mountain or a hilltop. It is just a garbage heap covered with sod.

There are Two Kinds of Meat

2011-03-09T06:45:00.007-07:00

-noun
1. Meat. I'm not ready to say good-bye to meat completely, but it is becoming rather rare. This is born of reading too many nutrition books. Organic was once laughed at, but now it's difficult to pass. We probably eat meat 1-2 times a week and this week I requested an amazing sandwich compliments of Steve via The Pioneer Woman. Steve would win an award for his replication.

-verb
1. Meet. Meet Daddy. Meet, meet, meet.

Being the Best Mom

2011-02-27T15:19:00.001-07:00

Jack is singing my praises as of late and it's not half bad considering my mood and list of grievances. It is no secret that Griffin lives for his father and I'm surprised at my lack of concern over this because I'm really okay with the baby loving daddy the best. I guess we each have one child that is completely happy with us. I receive the most good night kisses, Jack's handiwork like the noodle necklace he made me yesterday, and a little bit of praise ("You are the most beautiful and the loveliest.." and "You are too beautiful").

Being the beautiful mother that I am, I decided last week that Jack needed to go somewhere special. The Naperville Children's Museum is ridiculously expensive. They charge children in utero. Friday is my day off and I usually like to start it with one of my favorite gym classes, but last Friday I generously set it aside and loaded the kids up. I asked Jack where he wanted to go (as I drove to the museum). He didn't surprise me with a request for the pirate ship at the children's museum. I explained that it was very expensive and then asked him where else he would like to go. He sighed and then miraculously we pulled into the Children's Museum and had a wonderful adventure!

p.s. After my selfless gift, I took the kids to Target and locked my keys in the car. The day just got better when Jack got to meet a police officer and watch him break into our car! This is one of the keys to being the best mom, I'm pretty sure.

p.s.s. Okay so penguin's don't fly,but wasn't it a good story????

P is for Penguin

2011-02-11T21:02:00.003-07:00

Today something truly amazing happened. Most faithful readers of our blog realize that we are fairly new to Chicagoland and with that we have many new discoveries. I was surprised to find rabbits bouncing through our neighborhood during the summer, then Canadian Geese meandering the roads in the Fall and now a PENGUIN. TRULY. I caught one picture before he (I think he...it's kind of blurry) slipped to his blubber and slid down the roof. Too bad "P is for penguin" was two weeks ago. Jack and I were thrilled. Griffin asked for another cookie. And that was that.

Diggin' out

2011-02-02T21:29:00.003-07:00

Sunday Cabin Fever

2011-01-30T18:07:00.003-07:00

He really can't decide if he wants to be outside.
This child still wants to be in the toddler swing. I'm beginning to wonder if he'll get himself stuck one of these days.
Griffy is showing off his pirate hat (thanks Amy!) and the blanket that he is pretty sure Grandma Nonna intended for him.

I'm not saying I don't love 9am church, but around 4pm I feel like I am going to lose my mind if we don't get out of the house. The biggest challenge of winter is just deciding that the time spent bundling up is worth the adventure. So today we put in a good twenty minutes and set off into the wintery, white tundra. By some miracle Steve actually came home from a visit as we were setting off.

After a short walk Steve headed home with a sick Griffy and Jack and I continued to the park. I'm pretty sure it was in keeping with the Sabbath day considering the way I felt on the way home. I love my pirating at the park with Jack. I even impressed myself with my increased pirate vocabulary. I hope that someday when I'm nagging him and driving him absolutely crazy he'll be able to listen and love me because of the fun times we share.

We came home a little more prepared for another evening indoors.

Peanut Butter Cheese Toast

2011-01-09T20:44:00.008-07:00

Hailey and I recently celebrated an anniversary. I don't know why she chose me. I'm glad she did. A lot like peanut butter on cheese toast, Sonic Youth and Madonna, and leather and lace - we are an unexpectedly good combination.

Through Jack's eye

2011-01-09T20:31:00.003-07:00

Here is a selection of some of Jack's recent photographs.

He is pretty darn clever.

Hot Shots

2010-12-19T18:24:00.003-07:00

We broke down and bought a real tree this year and I'm pretty sure it's the best $15 we've ever spent. There really is something cozy and comforting about the glow of the Christmas tree. We've spent many evenings around the tree with all the other lights off. I've enjoyed a couple moments reading by the tree and I'm going to miss it when Steve gives it the boot a couple hours after Santa leaves.
We have the perfect amount of hill out our back door. We'll bundle up and run around the field and then walk across the street to the frozen pond. We always let Steve test the ice first. He did point out that he weighs more than the kids and I combined so it seems pretty fail-proof.
What can I say about this sad Santa? I asked him how his night was going and he said, "very, very warm."
This Griffy is gorgeous and I hope he never grows up.

Why Can't the Child Just Eat?

2010-12-09T15:27:00.003-07:00

I wonder so often, "Why? Why can't Jack just ______________ (fill in the blank). Typically I just wonder why he can't eat when it's time to eat. Or why he can't put his shoes on when we need to go to preschool. At least tonight I could really smile and enjoy his sweet voice. He has been at the table for thirty minutes and nary a bite, but quite a show! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T12:13:00.007-07:00

Pictures express more than words. We had a traditional Thanksgiving feast with Wayne and Annamaria. Thanks to their company, the holidays were ushered in with great food, Chicago sights, games and the annual Leavitt Bingo game. Griffin LOVED the stuffing and kept saying, "MOR, MOR!" Jack couldn't get enough attention from Uncle Wayne and Annamaria. I suppose Steve and I couldn't get over the amount of good food in our typically sparse fridge!

Life as a tire swing ride

2010-11-09T07:25:00.004-07:00

I absolutely love spinning and I have yet to reach my threshold. Life is like an ongoing tire swing ride. You do the same things over and over again and occasionally lose your stomach. My current rotation involves mothering, teaching preschool (okay more mothering and a little more academics), trying to get ready to teach Zumba, wife-ing, and serving in nursery and a few other little things that slip in and out of the rotation like good books and sewing. It's a pretty good rotation. Although it's sure helpful when Daddy isn't gone for ten days in a row. The lovely visuals are thanks to Rachael!

Happy Haunting

2010-10-31T18:18:00.005-06:00

I was worried about Halloween falling on Sunday, but we have had Halloween all week and I'm ready to greet November. Thursday Jack and I dressed up for his preschool parade and party. Friday the boys trick or treated at the Outlets and came to the YMCA Halloween party (which was HUGE). The outlets lasted about thirty minutes and the weather was gorgeous. Griffin quickly understood the process of trick or treating. One saleswoman gave coloring pages instead of candy and Griffin threw a class nine tantrum. He slithered out of my arms and threw himself on the ground. We thanked the lady and took that darn coloring page out of his jack o' lantern! Saturday we trunk or treated with our ward (church friends and families) and today we visited the ladies next door. With all the events we gathered and passed out a disgusting amount of candy. My best reward was the fun size peanut butter M&M's from Jack.

Jack and Griffin were pirates this year, I was Pippi (with a pretty great costume, but no great pictures. Can you see Mr. Nielsen on my shoulder?) and Steve was Pippi's Papa. Jack decided to change things up and he alternated Skeleton Pirate with Captain Hook. Happy Halloween and good night!

Howell Family Reunion

2010-10-16T19:23:00.005-06:00

These pictures show the bare minimum. I completely dropped the ball with picture taking! We had so much fun. From the moment the gang gathered at my place in Chicago to the moment right before we got in our old jalopy in Amy's driveway. We played and explored Chicago for two and a half days and journeyed to Michigan to see beautiful Ada. Steve and I are both more taken with Ada than Chicago. Ada is the charming lake place (absolutely made for Fall) and Chicago is awesome for a week vacation of exploring, but it can become a drag with way too much traffic and no outdoor recreation to speak of. Although I'm still lovin it!

Highlights include the visiting the Field Museum, seeing the Indiana shoreline, Amy and Rachael's shared birthday with a festive Barbie cake ala Steve and a really awesome day at the Friedrick Meijer Gardens. Oh and those are not at all in order. The most disheartening of all was watching mom and Amy wave and run after the car as we drove away. I went from maddening laughter to torrential tears. Split second swing. Steve tried to comfort me through laughter. This reaction is like clockwork every time I say goodbye.

Pumpkin Patch with the Starkey Clan

2010-09-30T15:55:00.004-06:00

A week ago I was driving two tired boys to Michigan! We made pretty good time and we showed up at Amy's house messy, hungry and in need of their bathroom. I do realize this is totally inappropriate, but she's my sister! She hasn't ever turned us away!

Craig was gone for the weekend and Steve was busy writing a grant, so Amy and I played hard with five kids of fairly corresponding ages. The highlight was the pumpkin patch. This place had everything from a giant pumpkin to ride in, to a more than creepy, hodge podge western town to explore. We spent at least three hours playing and could have stayed indefinitely if Griffin had not completely fallen apart of exhaustion.

OH another highlight was the apple picking. Each guest receives a bag to fill and take home. The Starkey's had three bags to fill. The boys and I filled our two bags quickly and loaded the rickety wagon of fun, but the Starkeys..."umm Amy...we're leaving..." Katie came running after the moving wagon with terror in her eyes! Being a compassionate auntie I'm trying not to cry from fits of laughter. Then I see Taylor running and Amy hauling Sophie in the backpack.... They made it! Whew!

Advancement

2010-09-21T19:40:00.004-06:00

The youngest is making progress, and Jack is crying in the background because Griff is wearing his underwear

THE TRUTH. Griff is not even close to using the bathroom on his own. Jack and Griff were getting out of the tub, and we couldn't help teasing Jack by putting his underwear on Griff. Jack was so mad we had to tease him a little more by recording Griff in his underwear. We were laughing at how long it took for Griff to walk and how funny it would be if he really could use the bathroom on his own. But he can't.

Rainy Gutters

2010-09-18T11:54:00.005-06:00

Why didn't I run in those gutters too? I LOVE that feeling and I certainly haven't out grown the desire to sing and dance in the rain. Here is a little glimpse of Jack playing with "cousins" in the rain. We ate M&M, chocolate chip cookies and played in the garage through the storm. Later Jack really lucked out with a HUGE pirate ship. Thanks to Target and an amazing $6 ticket. So worth it, although I should have had some restraint and bought it for Christmas. Oh well!

round two

2010-09-14T20:48:00.002-06:00

Hot off the Press

2010-09-11T12:31:00.002-06:00

Okay so technically not super hot off the press...but still so great. Stay tuned for additional installments. We can't wait for all the Chris Howell and Associates to travel East. Craig, you're up for the next video!

Regulations

2010-08-30T19:28:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Illinois

RULES

No Hiking after dark

No rappelling or scrambling on the rocks

No hiking off marked trails

No swimming or wading

No bicycling on hiking trails

Do not pick or remove anything including wildflowers (and lichens)

Keep pets on leash

Camping permitted only in the campground

Prohibited possess alcohol

MORE RULES

No swimming

No splashing

No racing

No standing up

No switching seats

Some of us don't like too many rules-

but after a little sandstone and apple ice cream at least two of us decided we could stay a little longer in a place where they have way too many rules

Warren Dunes

2010-08-22T09:00:00.005-06:00

Climbing the dune.
Griff got the best deal.
I could have stayed at the top of the dune ALL day.
Where are those toes?
Griff and Jack scooted down the dune!

Scary pirate campers!

This weekend we had a chance to camp for the first time this summer. We met up with the Starkeys and the Jaynes. It was a quick drive into Michigan, the best company around, fabulous campfire food, awesome sights (the beach has the best sand and water and NO salt or sharks!). Thanks to Amy for reserving the campsites. We needed this brief oasis!

Happy Graduation Dr. Steven D. Leavitt

2010-08-12T07:47:00.002-06:00

I'm near tears today. BOO! for not being at graduation and BOO! for graduating and not making a doctor's salary, but hooray for a super amazing husband! Steve should be somewhere amongst millions of zoobies today...cursing all the way....but receiving recognition for his amazing work. Pomp and circumstance perhaps, but I'm still sorry. We love you Dr. Steve! We're going to celebrate with a real date tonight thanks to Robert and Laura.

Perfect Saturday

2010-08-08T07:31:00.003-06:00

You should have seen this man row! I tried rowing for a stint and the Captain nearly threw me overboard. (Captain Jack that is)

Did I mention this guy had a bad day?

Wow, that girl is really good at riding her bike.... :)

Yesterday was perfect. We worked and played and I know Griff was fussy all day, but the rest of us were happy! Steve made my new bookshelf look absolutely amazing and put it in our room. That project alone took care of several messes. We moved furniture around in the living room, cleaned the garage and kitchen and vacuumed and somehow kept children fairly happy (excepting Griff of course who was loud and crazy all day). We went to Blackwell Forest Preserve just a couple miles away and rowed around the lake. We got home and set off on a bike ride! We watched a movie together and I ironed a train load of wrinkly things and then we read books. There you have it. Way more information than anyone wanted, but it was such a perfect day. Tomorrow's Monday.

Chicago, Chicago

2010-08-03T15:18:00.003-06:00

I'll let the pictures do the talking, but we have been exploring Chicago and having a lot of fun. There is an equal amount of exploring here in Naperville. We're so happy to have Dad home and into his new career. We get free entrance to tons of museums so we'll keep you posted as we explore.

my dream

2010-07-27T18:06:00.002-06:00

As soon as I look this good I will begin chasing my true passion.

Merry Go Round and Growing Up

2010-07-25T20:05:00.003-06:00

Last week I found a merry-go-round on one of my runs! I love merry-go-rounds! I mentioned this to Steve when we were dating and he surprised me once with a drive to Elberta, UT and the best merry-go-round. This is still one of my sweetest memories with Steve.

Well, the weather has been pure misery, but then this evening a cool tickle of a breeze came out. The kids and I walked to this new park and I introduced Jack to the merry-go-round. We took it nice and slow.

Enter: Michael. Our new, four-year-old friend. Michael wanted us to really experience the merry-go-round, but I encouraged him to keep things slow so that no one got queasy. Michael's mom was nearby listening and probably thinking I was too cautious.

Jack and Michael ran around to visit the teeter totter, swings, sand etc and then came back to the merry-go-round. Long story short. Jack gave Michael a ride that he'll never forget. It wasn't fast. Really! I was watching and right there. Michael did that nasty cough that any a mother will recognize with pain. Three times he puked right there on the merry-go-round with Jack horrified and my jaw dropping. Grapes. Oh man...I kept apologizing and hefty Mikey clambered down to the grass. His mom didn't seem too happy...

I feel like Anne Shirley after Diana gets herself drunk on Marilla's current wine! Oh good grief. Worst of all, I kept having fits of giggles on the way home and Jack wanted to know why. If Leisy were along she would have a picture of the vomit, but I couldn't do it. I did take a picture before the main event though.

A Few Glimpses

2010-07-24T09:12:00.005-06:00

The window between the kitchen and living room

Thanks G&G Leavitt! Jack is constantly working on projects!

Isn't this awesome! I'm keeping this forever. I kind of feel like this picture (Griff was up sick last night and Daddy has been gone forEVER)

OH Utah...how I didn't think I would miss you, but the humidity here is suffocating me!

My first kiddo bathroom! Thanks to mom, it's all decked out and darling!

I've been meaning to walk around and take some pictures, but I'm so exhausted....okay and I'm in the middle of a really great book (These Is My Words!!!). Things have moved in quickly. By about day number five I really did feel at home. Now I need to get the courage to tackle the garage.

The Wiemers came just in time to cheer me up. Then they left and made me REALLY miss home and everything and everyone familiar. It was SO FUN for me. Thanks guys!
Here's the old gang reunited and they tried to convince me they didn't need bathes after playing outside. Look at those faces!
Being the "baby".
Being the mom-Uh Oh Erin! :)

homeless/wanderer

2010-07-18T12:54:00.005-06:00

"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests"

ps - if Hailey starts asking anyone if they know any nice guys who are good with kids, put in a good word for me. I will be coming home to Chicagoland some day.

Home Again, Home Again

2010-07-14T06:08:00.004-06:00

Welcome home pirate style (would you expect any different from this family?)

Naperville Riverwalk with cousins Katie and Taylor

Gelato at Gelati!

Chicago

Our Pirate Voyage to see the city!

This is long in coming I realize, and to make matters worse I don't have a great collection of photos. Apparently I've been too preoccupied! :) Everything has gone so nicely. We must have stock piled our blessings for this move because it's been fairly enjoyable. The drive (with mom's help) was actually fun! The kids were SO good. Jack never threw a fit and Griffy wasn't too fussy and the AC worked all but about thirty minutes. I really love our new area. It's close to just about everything and charming. Our home was put together fairly quickly and our new friends at church are great. Of course I'm missing the family, friends and mountain air, but the future looks promising.

An Era Ending

2010-07-04T11:58:00.003-06:00

Does the picture tell the whole story? There is no glamor in moving, but many telltale signs. No one is sad for our move. It's been a long work that bring us to tomorrow morning, a moving truck and a long drive. It's actually sad. I didn't know if I would feel that emotion swirl around with all the others, but I certainly do and so does Steve.

I wish I had another picture to post. A picture of Steve in doctoral robes. That picture may or may not grace our blog in August, but I do get to say how incredibly proud I am of his accomplishment. He is officially a doctor and I'll claim that title also. He'll never own up to his achievement, but I LOVED every second of his Defense and I was amazed by the completeness of his work and his ideas. He's incredibly brilliant and his faith has blessed our family in so many beautiful ways.

For those of you wondering why Steven doesn't know if he'll walk across a stage for graduation, never forget his ability to know and speak his mind. You might consider any of the following topics:
graduation ceremonies
circumcision
Glen Canyon
Mount Meadow Massacre
evolution
non-native plants in Utah

Countdown

2010-06-24T09:27:00.004-06:00

Less than two weeks and I'm totally exhausted. Jack's been an angel. Griff's oblivious.

And the World Goes Round and Round

2010-06-21T21:16:00.003-06:00

Amy, Emily (the bride) and I.

My family minus Derek.

My younger cousins are getting married and I'm feeling like I'm not sixteen, but it's so much fun! This past weekend I rode with my Aunt Mary and cousins to Boise for Emily's sealing. Steve stayed and the kids stayed and I just couldn't get over how easy traveling was! I met up with Amy and my parents on Friday and we stayed super busy getting things ready for the wedding, but it was so much fun! I really missed Derek and Rachael and their kids.

With each additional reception, I begin to realize the great sacrifices of my family when Steve and I got married. Why not get married on December 20th...in Washington....with two months to plan....? Can you believe my parents still love me? Yeah, and they even send me really cool anniversary presents!

The pirate held down the fort.

The Ship That Will Never Set Sail

2010-06-15T20:52:00.003-06:00

I wish I were the 'Pioneer Woman' or some other domesticated goddess, but I am not. I'm not really sure what I am yet. I do know that I have the most amazing mother. She's perfect. She is Mary Poppins and Floreline Maria in one (funny since it's the same person, right?). I remember perfect cakes and perfectly, sewn Halloween costumes and just perfect. Maybe her memories are different, but she can do no wrong in my eyes.

Which brings me abruptly to Jack's birthday cake and EVERY birthday cake excepting mine each and every blessed year. They should be creative and perfect and taste good. Why? I am mature enough to realize that it only matters to me. In the face of my lofty goals this recent cake starting creaking...whoa and then...CRACK! The whole stinkin thing broke through the middle of the helm! (there are no troubleshooting ideas on Family Fun!!!).

Here's the salvage job (I could have disguised the glass cups on each side, but I didn't want to fight anymore). Bless Jack...he was thrilled. To me, the cake tasted like a box cake (even with my adjusting) and looked a bit rattled, but to Jack it was almost good enough to climb aboard. SET OUT TO SEA MATEY!
Kate, my cuz, was amazing! She held and talked to Jack while he plugged his ears (sometimes for no apparent reason) at the parade on Saturday. Credit goes to Penny Penn too, but she wasn't here for this pic.
Here's the gang! They are so wonderful! Maybe they'll all move to Chicago with me! :)

A Wee Bit More Me Hearties!

2010-06-12T09:49:00.003-06:00

What a fun birthday! Here is the wrap up of a very fun day....
The Party!(Aaaahh don't make me eat at Pirate Island! Loud, smelly, screaming children, bad food.....)
Jack was so surprised when we took him to Pirate Island. He thought we were dressing up to pick Steve up from BYU.

Look at that face! Jack loved every moment of Pirate Island (oh except getting kicked when playing on the pirate ship). He even got a parrot balloon!

Jack is feeding his "octopus" ice cream to his parrot. Steve is SO jealous! :)

Jack singing sea chanties and dancing!

Capt'n Jack Be Four!

2010-06-11T08:40:00.004-06:00

The day's just begun, but fun is all around. Jack chose one special present to open and I imagine he'll be wearing it ALL day. We've been jumping around the room and sword fighting to the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song. Here's the sneak peek! More to come!
ps cinnamon sugar toast for breakfast...you know pirates don't brush their teeth unless they want to!

WANTED: Full Time Nanny or New Brain

2010-06-05T15:13:00.003-06:00

Life continues in it's helter skelter way and I'm less than thrilled that Steve is still putting in at least fifteen hour days. OH I'm so tired of this. No one tell me the truth about life being hard and husbands being gone and how things will just get worse....Boo! No one tell me that.

Jack is amazing and I love him and tickle him and die laughing at his ideas and games, but if I have to tell one more story about a dolphin turning into a boy (WHY did I make that story so great! He loved it the first time and I'm forever re-creating it!) I might just turn into a boy myself! Or a dolphin for that matter. Pretty soon I'll be able to give Brandon Mull a run for his money.

Griffin is such a doll, but yesterday within two hours he had received five ouchy shots, crashed out of the Radio Flyer wagon (reaching for a lousy cracker) and he completely exasperated his diaper rash by scooting on his hiney everywhere! Yeah yesterday he wasn't his chipper self.

And me? Here is the insight: What is Jack doing....why can't he leave his brother alone? Clean...oh yeah the fridge, pack the random tablecloths and aprons we won't use this month...send off rent, phones ringing! Kids crying! Why is this place messy? All I do is clean and feed and I'm not even nursing anymore.

When I see Steve in August I'll tell you how he is feeling. Here are the highlights in picture form! :)

Musing

2010-05-28T14:00:00.004-06:00

Well maybe the Lord ran out of materials when He made me or maybe he knew we would always have a small home. We have found a new place to live in the beautiful Naperville and while I can complain about it not being huge, it is definitely new and lovely. Who I am to complain? We currently live without a garage, dishwasher and laundry room and all three will be remedied in the new abode. Oddly we'll have a two car garage...I guess that's where we'll put guests and future children! :)

I haven't been the best blogger, but here is some of the best of late-

"roll it and roll it"
Totally asleep in a...yup a box!
The Pirate Lunge! Try it (but keep your knee in line with your ankle...hehehee)

Lovely Morning

2010-05-16T20:49:00.003-06:00

Jack took this! I love it!

Cut off my head...very pirate-y

Was that a bad idea...heheee?

I've wanted to take the boys to the temple grounds for a few weeks and today was the perfect morning. The air felt so crisp and fresh (will it ever feel like that in Chicago?) and the colors are like living Crayola. Steve is gone and that is another factor for getting out of the house on a 1pm church schedule. I think I'm gifted when it comes to keeping busy when Steve is MIA. I've had a lot of practice (although I know several who are way more experienced in survival skills). Yet, no matter how worthwhile our ventures it's just not the same without Daddy. We sure miss him and we think he's the smartest man around. I can't wait to call him "Doctor Stevinsky."
ps I realized that the blurry pictures occur promptly after lending my camera to Jack....hmm....

The Big ONE

2010-05-13T20:29:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Griffin!
I was so worried that my lack of excitement during my second pregnancy would make you feel less welcome to this family, but you've gotten away with way more than Jack. More snuggles, more naps with Momma, more hugs from a big brother, more chubbers being pinched, more babying (I was so hopeful that Jack wouldn't always be a baby and Steve wouldn't always be gone) and just plain MORE!
You are tricky and handsome and manipulating. You adore your big brother Jack and I adore your gap-py teeth.
Having two children sheds light on this Plan of Happiness. I'll never get tired of seeing the interaction between these two brothers. They share a hug or Jack laughs over Griffy making silly sounds or I'm stifling a giggle over a red-cheeked Jack who doesn't want "chubber hands grabbing his pirates!" I'm happy and this is the plan.

Child Proofing - Pirate Style

2010-05-10T20:53:00.005-06:00

Jack's one creative pirate/big brother.

Fishing at Strawberry was uneventful, but the first family activity in forever (Steve's been working 7am-10pm, M-Sa to finish up).

Griff is actually holding a crawdad pincher, but it looks like a cute thumbs up.

Did I mention there was still ice...LOTS of ice on Strawberry? We didn't quite catch anything... :)
The Man, the Myth
My new "tennis bracelet" from Steve

Where's the OFF Switch

2010-04-29T16:43:00.002-06:00

Jack is a wind-up toy...he never stops and he exhausts Griff and me. Our home is definitely too small for Jack. It no longer holds the noise or withstands the constant abuse. However, Heavenly Father shows His mercy in many, many small ways and today it was this...

ps Imagine my surprise....he was singing Pippi Longstocking full force just minutes prior to this.

This is scary, but Griff thinks it's so funny to tease me and scoot for the stairs. He ABSOLUTELY knows that he is teasing me and I LOVE it!

He's Signing, Baby!

2010-04-27T21:33:00.004-06:00

I love baby signs! Griff just started signing this weekend. Something must have clicked because now I see "more," "eat," "all done". I love feeling like I know a little more about him and how he feels.

This morning Steve asked Griffin, "what do you want for your birthday?" He signed, "eat." It was so cute and eat he did! He then said in somewhat recognizable way-"cracker."

I was not able to capture any of this very well, but I did try and if anyone is reading this and thinking it's completely lame, let me clarify that this is the biggest news in our current lives. Thanks for reading.

When Daddy is Away

2010-04-21T21:24:00.004-06:00

When isn't Daddy away? Tonight Jack prayed that Heavenly Father could make the days go faster until Halloween because it's been such a long time. I think I'll pray that the days go faster until Daddy graduates and we see him before 9pm. Yet, I do have quite the big brother helper. Oh let me enlighten you with the ways Jack helps...."No Grif-fay...not the stairs," he exudes as he throws himself as a child sacrifice to the stairs..... "NO Grif-fay, don't EAT the flowers, Grif-fay," as he snaps Griff's mouth open and yoinks out the insides....."No Grif-fay it's my bath..ALONE." I can't say I don't enjoy some of the escapades. I hope you do too. PS I didn't like 'No, David' when I first read it. I like it now.

Oops! I checked the "owie" and it was actually bleeding. He got a band-aid.

Scraps of Fabric

2010-04-16T16:32:00.002-06:00

I love seeing what fabric becomes. I love seeing the fabric that is chosen with great ideas in mind. Hmm...my fabric or rather my inadequate skills kind of leave me empty handed at times, but I never really get tired of planning, scheming and trying. I have been in quite the project-y mood and I'm constantly thankful for my second hand sewing machine that aids me in so many little and satisfying adventures.

The bright rainbow fabric was chosen for an apron, used for a "super clown cape" and scraped into alphabet bean bags. What a journey!

Mr. Wise Guy

2010-04-05T09:51:00.003-06:00

Jack is growing up in leaps and bounds. Easter revealed yet another tremendous breakthrough for Jack. He had just opened and sampled his chocolate Easter bunny and with a frown said, "It looks good, but it doesn't taste good. It tastes like garbage food." Oh how true! I really don't like to waste money and so the Easter basket for Jack consisted of candy that we had been given, juice boxes, goldfish crackers and a new game. I started feeling kind of badly that I didn't buy little candy bars...nah!

Although we woke up to two inches of snow, Easter morning felt cozy inside and I really enjoyed listening to the conference messages. I have been crocheting. It kept my hands busy and I could still listen. Mr. Wise Guy calls my crochet work "pretend sewing," but he encourages my efforts; "It's so beautiful mommy-you're the most beautiful of 'em all." Oh yes, Jack is wise.

Steve and Jack took a drive to Diamond Fork around noon and they came home with the greatest supply of billowy lichen. Can I even describe how excited Steve was? We had lichen drying all over the place! The afternoon was cloudy and chilly, but we went out for a long walk and came home to hide the Easter eggs and doodle with chalk. We are a family that isn't meant to be inside for too many hours together. So much more happened and was said, but that is the basic sum up to another quick weekend.

Halloween in March!

2010-03-26T16:43:00.004-06:00

So we decided to surprise Grandma Nonna. She came to visit yesterday and we had a full blown Halloween bash! It was quite the party. Why not have Halloween in March...a lot like Christmas in July.

Wonder of Wonder...Miracle!

2010-03-26T16:41:00.002-06:00

Home from the gym this morning and I had my hunky hubby back! NO MUSTACHE...I wish I could hug each and everyone of you. This is a momentous day in history! Remember to always vote because one person does make a difference. :)

Should it stay or should it go?

2010-03-24T22:58:00.002-06:00

Hailey wants this gone and I want it until I die. There are way too many emotions involved on our end to make a reasonable decision. We need your help to decide the fate of my 'stache'. Please vote.

Why 5K

2010-03-17T09:55:00.003-06:00

Well doesn't that sound more significant than 3.2 miles? I did the Rex Lee Run last Saturday and had a great time. Jack called me "5K-er" and told me to win. It was great to have Steve and the kids cheer me on.

I've been enjoying my new relationship with running. A couple problems have arised though. First off, I'm learning to run outside more often because the treadmill is just way easier (pacing, no hills). I try to increase my speed, but now I need to do longer runs so I should probably decrease the speed, but then I get impatient. I also find that my breathing is really shallow. I would love tips! Oh and I've read a bit about tying shoes differently...any advice?

This is Griffin on the way home from the run. He's totally wiped out!

Worth my time?

2010-03-12T10:23:00.002-07:00

check out this link and browse the pictures:

http://www.sharnoffphotos.com/lichens/lichens_home_index.html

watch out you may change what you do with your life too.

Like a Lion

2010-03-05T09:30:00.004-07:00

We woke up to quite a snowy day and the snow keeps coming. So being the one car family that we are, we all loaded in to our jalopy and took Steve to BYU (sidenote...I remember the first time driving up to BYU campus and the excitement and it seemed so big and...well ALL those feelings are gone...we've been attending WAY too long). Steve said something about what a great day to make a snowman. Hey no fair! That sounds like a lot of work to me and I'm sick....well I changed my mind. It was great.

Interview with an Artist

2010-02-19T09:38:00.005-07:00

I wish I could see things through Jack's perspective for a day. Steve and I enjoy hearing him talk to cousins on the phone. Last week he "was wondering if you could get in your van and come to Daniel's birthday. Mommy made some chocolate cake..." This request to the Fuller cousins was made to each individual who got on the phone and it was sweet and innocent and very sincere. Did I mention the cousins live in Arizona and last time I checked we are still in Utah. The twenty minute commute is out of the question.

Jack's artwork is a very creative look into his mind. I love it! Here is a sneak peek.

Dragon
Jack Skellington
Pippi! My favorite!
The artist, himself

Here is a glimpse of our daily trips to the park...when will winter be over?

Brothers

2010-02-14T10:27:00.003-07:00

Steve took some pictures of Griffin last week in the tub. We went back in time to find a picture of Jack at the same age. These two little guys look so different to me and their personalities are just as distinct. I can't stop smiling. Nothing tops nakey tub babies!

A champion in our midst

2010-02-07T09:15:00.004-07:00

Growing up we would spend most Saturdays at my Grandma Clinger's house exploring the family farm. At an early age my brothers and I would paste as many rose thorns to our face as we possibly could. At that age it wasn't just a game - it was a hobby or talent. Dean was alway much better at it than I was and certainly holds the family record (over 30 thorns on his face). Jack's not quite competing at that level yet, but he certainly has the determination.

Super Duper

2010-01-28T16:04:00.005-07:00

"Jack's handsome." (Don't move India!!! Who will Jack fight with?)
He actually fell asleep this way (the first nap in weeks! Look at his socks...)
I don't have much to say, but the boys always do.

Griffin's talking

Proud

2010-01-23T14:25:00.004-07:00

After losing his first pet (a Siamese fighting fish named 'Bonesaw') you would think Jack may be a little more uncomfortable around dead animals.

True Love

2010-01-19T08:01:00.007-07:00

I run. I’m a runner.

Why would anyone want to run? WHY? Why, when you can dance, kickbox, Step, hike, bicycle or haul children to the grocery store? It’s just plain, old, uncreative peer pressure and perhaps the slightest bit of competition. (I should mention here that my first intro to running came in the form of the highest degree of torture; running the mile in school for fitness tests. We did this twice a year and it was painful. My face exploded into a sweaty, bright, red mess and it felt like I ran through a day and basically to the land of where the wild things are)

After, yet another friend suggested a half marathon I threw up my arms in exasperation and said that it was a horrible idea and then I went out and bought my first pair of Asics. I hit the gym early this morning and bypassed my lovely aerobics room and found myself on a treadmill. It wasn’t long, not in mileage anyway. Two and half miles passed and they passed rather nicely, I must say. There may be more miles ahead of me and more Asics too.

So the true love part is not a relationship with my shoes or the treadmill or even running----it’s Steve! He loaded the ipod. His music picks for me and my lofty goal are too grand not to share. Enjoy!

***Several songs weren't on Playlist. Please contact me for more Steve listening. Oh and feel free to push pause when you visit. I also heard Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (John Denver). That one is good.

Did Anyone See This on Christmas Morning?

2010-01-10T15:32:00.009-07:00

Look what Grandpa got in his stocking~

He shared though~
Christmas Eve Program~Silent Night in Spanish
Little entertainment~
Christmas Eve Breakfast at The Davenport~
Steve will probably be annoyed that I didn't write much. I guess pictures generally do some of the reporting. We had an amazing visit in Washington. We got to drive over and visit Derek and Rachael and their kiddos for the weekend, we went hiking, eating out, playing games, talking, movies etc. I tried to learn some of the skills I admire in my parents and I'm happy to say that I got a lesson in rope tying, (I want to be a boy scout...can anyone take me on a 50 miler?) crocheting and at least a small tutorial in packaging and bow tying! Hooray!

Grandma Nonna's

2010-01-05T09:55:00.002-07:00

We lost our camera for a good part of our trip to Washington and the picture return is a bit short. I put my card reader in the computer and pulled up...what? The camera has less than ten pictures! So sad, but here are a couple of the boys in matching jammies. Jack is weighing himself...his favorite thing to do in that room.

I guess I should say, we are back home. Jack let me know that going home is a happy sad feeling. I quite agree---and more to follow.

Just for Amy

2009-12-02T14:00:00.005-07:00

Well, this is for Amy because Craig is gone for the next two and a half weeks. I know how much fun that can be--- so the kids and I made this little video of holiday cheer. Oh, it took weeks of planning and then it was too long and dumb to send through yahoo mail. Walla! We're LIVE! I'll make sure to post again soon.

Family Finally Pictures

2009-12-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

We finally did it! We had some professional family pictures taken. I was so excited and completely amazed with Steve's willingness to go along with this desire. We planned a place, a great photographer and the clothes. We even planned on a day that was supposed to hit 60 degrees. We just didn't plan on Jack. Who can plan on Jack? He is the greatest variable in our lives currently. We love him...oh we do. I could have really hurt him that day...Thankfully he has an amazing dad.

This and That

2009-11-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

Steve and I can't even begin to describe how scary this vampire face can be. Jack's eyes really might get stuck this way.

Umm...did I mention how much I dislike the cold? Griff isn't a fan either.

Gobble, gobble. Rice Krispies are so over-rated.

Ode to the "Gigi's"

2009-11-18T16:16:00.003-07:00

Maybe two years ago I got hooked on the Gilmore Girls. This was a pretty big deal considering the last series I followed was probably 'Full House.' The Gilmore Girls have since been some kind of sick addiction/therapy for me and recently I got the BEST christmas present a sister could ask for (but I promise I didn't-thanks AMY!). You guessed it--a box full of Gilmore Girls!!!

I have quickly begun my journey through the seasons of Gilmore Girls. Last time I completed the whole lot I had dreams about Lorelai and Rory. I missed them, I asked them in the dreams what they were doing. I wanted to know how Luke was...really I'm not kidding. Recently at Target I found the perfect pillow for Lorelai and I actually had to remind myself that I shouldn't buy it for her for Christmas. Maybe I can blame this all on Steve and his sick addiction to isolating DNA and being gone at least twelve hours a day.

For other junkies---what about Kirk? He is just like mystery man and then somewhere in the middle of the first season he is given a name and a sole character...any feedback on this mystery? Also, I would like to know which character I am and why? Please! Oh and I just have to say that the characters are absolutely amazing. I really can't imagine the show without Lane or Paris or Luke or any of them. They are all so necessary.

I feel better. I've been needing to chat about this for awhile...Oh and I couldn't find a great picture or video so I put a picture of some Gilmore Girls in Georgia.

Happy 6 Months Griffy

2009-11-11T15:19:00.004-07:00

The littlest man of the house is 6 months today and almost fifteen pounds. He is a little pleaser already. When he feels sad you can tickle and tease him into full blown laughter. He is obsessed with Jack and watches him and wants to be with him ALL the time. Griffin is my little buddy too. I seem to have a sweet spot for holding this monkey and playing with him. He is a quiet observer until he's upset, in which case he is louder alone than Steve, Jack and I combined. I'm positive. Happy Unbirthday Griffin.

Halloween, of Course!

2009-11-03T16:18:00.003-07:00

Halloween has become one of my favorite holidays. The dressing up, the change in season, the decorations, the fun activities and I'm generally amazed by my husband and his willingness to appease us (This applies only to Halloween--let it be known that I married a rugged, mountain man, not often concerned with pleasing and quite content to share passionate and eccentric opinions).

I was cast as Wendy (thank you Jack) and then Griffin got the role as the crocodile. Jack was quick to claim Captain Hook and then there was Steve...Let me say there were several characters Steve would have preferred, but he did finally accept his call to be Peter. He gave Peter his own Steve-style. He made his own hat (that is only slightly rivaled by the Tin Man hat that he made last year).

PS Don't ask about my hair...doing hair is for girls, apparently I'm not one.

Virtual Planetoid

2009-10-26T22:28:00.006-06:00

This kid has a HUGE head. Really HUGE!

Oh, I will preface this post by saying, Jack's actions are often naughty and so equally funny that my mothering brain is literally stuck at a moral crossroad. What to do?

For example, Sunday the "mousy" wants another piece of cheese. "Cinderella" says not until after your lunch. "Mousy" climbs out of his seat and says he is getting an orange-then fakes me out, running the other direction, grabs the loaf of cheese and takes the biggest bite right out of the bottom of the cheese! What?

Today I hear Jack (moments into his naptime). He's crying and saying, "I just can't do this!" I hurry into his room and I just can't understand what I'm seeing. He has a small toddler bed and somehow all I see is this floating mattress off the bed frame. Guess what was under the mattress? He snaked his little body under his bed (looking for monsters) and somehow his head fit up through the slats of his bed, but he couldn't get his head back down. We said a prayer and his hysterics melted away into a somewhat logical calm. He told me to get a hammer or use one of his swords to free his HUGE noggin.

Thanks to our neighbor-Jack was freed! Of course next time he gets himself stuck I should just let him relax for the remainder of naptime.

Pumpkin Patch Kids

2009-10-22T12:49:00.003-06:00

I'm absolutely, positively sure that fall is the best time of year. I'm about as sure as a kid choosing their favorite candy...sure at the moment. Each new season makes me incredibly happy, excepting winter (which I'm sure I've mentioned).

We recently went to the Big, Red Santaquin Barn! I love their apple doughnuts, hayrides, yummy packaged treats and the general holiday giddiness. Jack surprised me and chose a smallish, bumpy-ish pumpkin, Steve didn't choose a pumpkin at all (he wasn't sad we missed the hayride either...) and I got a jolly ole pumpkin with a curling stem. It was a short visit, but satisfying to each of us and I highly recomend it to each of you!

God's Country

2009-10-18T15:37:00.005-06:00

So my great grandpa was a cowboy, a real cowboy I think. He ran cattle in southern Utah the early part of the twentieth century in some of the most incredible country on earth. As most family histories (probably all history) goes, I'm sure that his legend has been unintentionally sensationalized by descendants as we try to understand his life and add a sense of credibility to our own. I wish I really knew what his life was like. I think I'd be most interested in knowing the minutiae and not the less common hair-raising or exciting moments that we generally use to try to characterize someone's life. As a family we have tried tracing his footsteps and getting a sense for what he may have experienced on the Colorado Plateau through a yearly pilgrimage to Comb Wash near Blanding. From there we begin our annual exploration of what I'm sure is God's Country.

Jack and I had an incredible time. I'm sure we broke some of Hailey's rules. Riding in the back of trucks, drinking more than one glass of chocolate milk a day, climbing (sometimes passing a 3 year old) up and down sandstone cliffs, and playing with sticks in the fire. I did keep some of the rules - he didn't get any treats after not eating hit peanut butter sandwich and here he is in time out for calling me an idiot

We hiked to a handful of ruins in some beautiful canyons. He was initially disappointing that we never ran into any Anasazi and kept asking where they had gone. Trust me we looked hard enough that if they were there we would have seen them

In the end I'm sure Jack loved his experience, although he had little idea that we were doing this as part of an unending quest to understand who we come from and who we are. Maybe his great great grandpa smiling down from from somewhere, glad that we are at least trying.

Vacation- All I Ever Wanted

2009-10-10T08:08:00.007-06:00

Bryce Canyon
Paper Weight
Griffin's first 11,000 peak!
Seasoned hiker
Little pup
The Wild Things

one good thing about children growing up...

2009-10-08T22:23:00.003-06:00

is that they actually develop some useful skills. I'm sure that since we have kids there isn't a single picture of Hailey and I together on our family trips. Well that has now changed. Although Jack generally likes taking pictures of his pants or the ground, we are occasionally able to convince him to take a picture of us (it usually involves some sort of bribery involving chocolate milk). Anyway, he does a pretty good job for a 3 year old.

Mom says a farm's the best place to call home...

2009-10-03T08:20:00.008-06:00

Seven or eight years ago I lived on a farm near Utah Lake. It really was an incredible place to live. It was funny to be so close to everything here in Utah Valley but feel so far away. It seems that every evening's sunset surpassed the previous. We spent a little time down there last night and the farm has lost its magic. Here are a few shots to inspire everyone to find a farm they can call their own.

Back To School

2009-09-24T19:31:00.003-06:00

Today was Jack's first day of preschool. Erin is teaching the first rotation. Jack came home and told me about a king story, learning letters and sorting. He even taught Griffin what he learned. I can't believe he remembered so much! Thanks Erin! She sent the cutest little homework sorting project with fruit snacks and pumpkin stickers.

I spent the day at UVU soaking up a writing conference. Sadly, I've discovered that I'm a hasty perfectionist. I actually learned this prior to the conference. Consequently, I am mediocre in several things (dancing, sewing, writing etc). Turns out you have to work really hard to be great at something or be naturally brilliant. Bummer. Maybe I'll just excel in reading!

Jimmy, Oh Jimmy!

2009-09-19T16:22:00.005-06:00

I won't let Jack watch 'Casper the Friendly Ghost.' Yeah he may be "friendly" and all, but he's totally obnoxious and my three-year-old won't stop pulling on his face...oh and he learned to say "stupid" too!Are they related or what?

Welcome home no-longer- Elder Leavitt- aka James! We got to welcome home Steve's younger brother from a mission in PA. He's home! I'm not his mother, but it seemed like four years and not just two. Don't worry, I didn't mention this to him. Oh, but I did make the cool sign! Jack helped with the weird and creepy curly-ques in red.

Fall Fling

2009-09-17T14:47:00.005-06:00

I can feel Fall in the delicious air. I've been told to relish these next two savory weeks before the real cold sets in. The transition between seasons is one of the greatest creations. My goal list grows nice and juicy and I get all excited for change (ahem this feeling does not occur as fall slams it's sweet head into bitter ole winter).
So a really great friend has asked how I celebrate Fall. I'm an elementary teacher...I do "crafts" (I assist Jack in painting, leaf collecting and the like. I DO NOT make things for my home. I AM NOT known as a crafter or maker of real crafts) and bake sugar cookies! Thanks to another amazing friend (Mckenna S. Hehehee) I have a just perfectly poofy and sweet sugar cookie recipe. Jack decorates and gobbles (I do the same). Halloween is celebrated for at least two months in this household.

"A Dragon Lives Forever, But Not So Little Boys...."

2009-09-13T15:27:00.004-06:00

We now own a sweet bike trailer. We've christened it with a family ride around the circle. The kids and I in the trailer and Steve pushing us. What was funnier you ask? Steve running? Hailey in the trailer crying in laughter? I really don't know, but we do love this trailer and someday we might be able to afford another bike and four new helmets. Steve busted his poor bike on Friday, so the key word is SOMEDAY. I'm pretty sure we won't ever get a new car. We're just going to walk places from now on.
Saturday Steve shot a poor little dove and brought its gruesome little corpse to my clean fridge. After such a jarring beginning I didn't have high hopes for the day, but we went on to have a lot of good clean fun. Walking up the canyon (yes Steve sneered, "this is really getting out" but he did have fun) and swimming in the evening. I even had two hours of trying on denim at the mall without kids. (Does anyone have a cute pair of boyfriend jeans to recommend?)One last note-Jack is being a witch. I thought people were checking out our new bike trailer with envy, but it could have been the red-headed witch, green face and long pointed hat...and newborn baby. Oh and somehow Jack has learned the words to "Puff the Magic Dragon" and all together it was quite a show, even for the jaded parents. Another bonus-almost everything was free-free walking, free swimming, free cafe rio dinner. Who doesn't love FREE? Perfect Saturday and a pretty good ending to a long summer.

Just About Griffin

2009-09-07T12:40:00.004-06:00

Here is a little more about the ever growing Griffin. He is trying out his thumb, moving really well and laughing at Jack constantly. We just spent the best $15 ever on a wedge for his crib. The wedge elevates his head and body and helps him sleep through the night...almost. He usually sleeps from 9pm-3am and that is better than Jack! I used to wonder why parents were obsessed with how much their baby slept, but it makes way more sense now.

So much beauty it could make you cry

2009-08-30T21:43:00.002-06:00

So tomorrow is the last day of field work for the year. We have two sites to collect on the South Fork of the White River in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. After 6000 miles of driving, 150 meals from gas stations, grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants (the elk steak in Glenwood Springs, Colorado was my favorite), over 200 miles of hiking, scores of incredible vistas, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural beauties, looking at tens of thousands of lichens with a hand lens, and six billion nights away from my family, I think I've had my share of exploring the west for awhile. Hailey would have found a new man if she didn't have to put two kids to bed right at the prime time to hit the clubs. Jack probably has liked me being away as I always returned with some toy or novelty for him collected along my travels. However, the cool rocks and glass insulators from old power poles didn't move him as much as the toy jumping spiders or Indian weapon set. Griff has no idea who I am the few days that I've been home he scans the room for mom frantically as I hold my screaming child. I'm sure that Hailey's exhausted and tired of crap that I've put her through put tomorrow night it will be over.

PeeWee Pirates

2009-08-26T10:58:00.005-06:00

Our family reunited yesterday after three long weeks. We sailed over to India's house and flew off to Pirate Island Pizza. It was creepy, dark and well equipped with mostly half-hearted pirates (the staff). The food was mediocre to good and the atmosphere was pretty darn fun. The youngest pirate (Pirate Griff) screamed through dinner and nearly had to walk the plank. Dad Pirate boasted a scurvy mustache....Well enough said, but I do apologize to the Wiemers...I'm sure she learned that scary face from Cap'n Jack.

Day 7

2009-08-12T22:59:00.001-06:00

Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area. The end.

Day 6

2009-08-11T21:08:00.002-06:00

This is why I lichen-

Weak from lichens – day 5

2009-08-10T21:40:00.003-06:00

I know this is equally painful for anyone who happens to glance at our blog every once in a while and for the moron who said he would give a week long glimpse into my career. Its old news but today we drove a lot, stopped a lot (very little stopping was actually involved with collecting lichens), and spun our wheels a lot. Its hard to combine Mr. Super-hasty with someone else who is, well, moving at a different speed. Eventually however, we did end up on the East Fork of Bull River in the Cabinet Mountains in western Montana. There's an old growth forest that was absolutely incredible. I'm excited to run up to Engel Lake and Engel Peak tomorrow and see some of the country where Chris has explored. Now he would be a great lichening partner.

Beauty and the Beast

2009-08-10T21:12:00.003-06:00

Here's another video of Jack. He watched 'Beauty and the Beast' for the first time today (thanks Erin!). He loved the part where Belle and the Beasty dance. Sometimes I like to just watch his face when he is enthralled in a movie. It's super cute to me.

In the last video, with Griff crying in the background, I actually was pulling him (in the carseat) closer to me so I could plug the binky in his mouth. I completely agree with Leisy; crying babies stress me out too. I thought that I was pretty tricky though. Griff was sleeping during the movie today.

Here's what you're missing dad!

2009-08-09T21:57:00.004-06:00

Just two videos of very mediocre quality and interest. Tonight I did find it interesting when I told Jack to "run upstairs." I was encouraging him to use the potty and he replied, "I can't run. I'm tired of running." Half the cuteness was his voice and the other half was finding him laying horizontal on the stairs. Guess who carried him to the bathroom? We miss you Steve.

PS If you really paid $13 on that little jumping spider for Jack, you better have a gift for me too!

Lichenized - Day 4ish

2009-08-09T21:11:00.004-06:00

Today we tried to lay pretty low. We refrained from lichen catching and visited the local ward here in Hamilton, Montana. Things were pretty nice, but I don't think the High Priest group was happy to have someone under 30 listening in, especially someone unshaven and in sandals. Oh well, at least it will give them something to talk about for the next few weeks. I took a pleasant afternoon walk up to see Blodgett Canyon on the west side of the Bitterroot Valley. It really was pretty incredible. Tomorrow we'll be back to work up north in the Cabinet Mountains.

tiny tears - lichening day 3

2009-08-08T21:16:00.006-06:00

Okay, so I do get to travel and see some beautiful places studying lichens, but there's so much more to my lichening lifestyle. Today we spent the day in the Pintler Mountains in western Montana. We did some beautiful walks in the mountains, but they were a little much for my companeros. It was fun to watch them at the end of the day.

Perhaps the most memorable part was the lunch selection by one of us licheners (I won't name any names). This selection is actually pretty typical, but as I've become accustomed over the past few years to this menu I seldom see it for what it really is. Anyway, a nice dinner at Perkins will only make matters inside your stomach a lot more complicated. Eat something healthy for me.

Lichening - Day 2

2009-08-07T21:29:00.002-06:00

Rain, rain, and rain. All day the temperatures were under 50 degrees. Very chilly for may cold blood. We spent most of our time in the Selway-Bitterroot National Forest. If anyone is saving up for a trip to New Zealand save your money and visit the Selway Bitterroot. Just driving along the Selway river will make you feel like your very far from home (especially if your home isn't in northern Idaho). Speaking of driving, since June 23 I've driven over 4500 miles, and each additional mile feels more tortuous. Too bad its not over yet. Okay, I'm going to bed. Here's one photo of the Selway Bitterroot.
Rain, rain, and rain. All day the temperatures were under 50 degrees. Very chilly for may cold blood. We spent most of our time in the Selway-Bitterroot National Forest. If anyone is saving up for a trip to New Zealand save your money and visit the Selway Bitterroot. Just driving along the Selway river will make you feel like your very far from home (especially if your home isn't in northern Idaho). Speaking of driving, since June 23 I've driven over 4500 miles, and each additional mile feels more tortuous. Too bad its not over yet. Okay, I'm going to bed. Here's one photo of the Selway Bitterroot.