Loves Amazing Journey

New Year's Eve

2012-01-25T21:29:00.000-08:00

Now that I am done with my 800 Christmas blog posts and now that it is January 25th I think it is about time to blog about our New Year's Eve celebration.

In tradition fashion we celebrated New Year's Eve with our good college friends the Puckett's and Sargent's! It was the Puckett's year to host and they did a wonderful job. We had delicious appetizers for dinner and even more delicious brownie sundaes for dessert.

I had the privilege to hold baby Josiah several times during the evening and at one point I even got him to fall asleep in my arms-PRECIOUS!

Before the kids went to bed...(which Isaiah did AWESOME, he slept on the Puckett's futon) we took our traditional group picture. We sure are expanding each year! Isaiah was born in 2008 (although not home until 2010), Michaela was born in 2009, Lily was born in 2010, Josiah was born in 2011, and the Sargent's have already taken care of adding to the 2012 picture as they have a little boy due in 2012!

Last year we started the tradition of ME holding ALL the kids...we made sure to carry out that tradition again too! My arms are going to be really FULL next year!

For comparison sake here are the pictures we took last year...

Travis had deemed 2011 "The Year of Kalina" Well, 2011 didn't turn out how we had hoped, but we are thankful for God's continued provision in our lives. We are anxious to see what God has planed for us in 2012.

Date Night at the Blazers Game

2012-01-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

One of Trav's co-workers has season tickets to the Blazers games. On Thursday, December 29th he wasn't able to go to the game so he let us use his tickets. Prior to the game we had dinner at Red Robin and then we enjoyed watching the Blazers win against the Denver Nuggets!

Christmas After Christmas

2012-01-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

When we had Christmas morning in Newberg Isaiah got tired of opening his stocking gifts so we left a few wrapped under the tree to open later. A couple days after Christmas when we were at home one afternoon I found this...

Isaiah found one of the gifts and decided it was finally time to unwrap it. He was SO EXCITED to discover the present was play-dough.

We have always made our own play-dough so I think it though the real deal smelled nice.

Eventually I guess he got tired of the purple play-dough...so back to tree to unwrap other presents!

Look Mom, ORANGE play-dough!

And orange SMELLS AS GOOD as purple!

On Christmas morning Travis and I were a little bummed Isaiah wasn't in to opening all his gifts. It was worth the wait for Isaiah to unwrap all his gifts because it was so fun to see his excitement this afternoon. He LOVED opening and playing with the play-dough!

Christmas in Madras

2012-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

After Christmas morning in Newberg we packed up and got in the car to head to Madras to have Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa and Josh and Kayla. Isaiah took his afternoon nap in the car and missed the snow!

Isaiah LOVES reading Nonna's book The Jacket I wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel and Nancy Winslow Parker so I was a little bummed he didn't get to see the snow on the roadside or snow falling!

Once we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house we had Christmas dinner... ham, potatoes, salad, and rolls. Then later into the evening we exchanged gifts with our family.

We got Grandpa a light for his school office.

Grandpa also got a new spatula with a cat on it!

We got Grandma a curling iron cover.

We also got Grandma some new Pyrex containers.

We got Josh and Kayla a video monitor for baby Kiara who is due in March.

Isaiah was pretty happy to get to unwrap more presents at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

He still slowly took one tiny piece of paper off at a time.

Thanks Josh and Kayla for Isaiah's new gears...he loves having more things to spin!

Josh and Kayla also got Isaiah a fun new water bottle.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for my new Cars cars...Fillmore, Sarge, Carla, Francesco, Ramone, Raoul.

Grandma and Grandpa got Travis a couple magazine subscriptions...Fast Company and Harvard Business Review and I got a KitchenAid Shredder!

On the day after Christmas we went into Bend to meet up with my college roomate, Emily and her husband, Brad. Brad and Emily live in Hong Kong and were here for Christmas break to visit Brad's family. They are also expecting a baby girl in March so it was fun to do a little baby shopping with Emily. It was a short visit but I am VERY THANKFUL I got to see my dear friend who I miss tons!

After a long day of shopping Isaiah took his afternoon nap in the car...2nd day in a row for a car nap!

Travis took an additional day off at Christmas so that we could stay through Monday afternoon. Monday morning we tested out the stroller tray (in the house) that Kayla got for me. Isaiah LOVES it! And he has enjoyed many snacks while using the stroller outside.

We had a great Christmas celebration in Madras!

Christmas in Newberg

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

We chose to be home on Christmas morning. Since being diagnosed with diabetes I have noticed how important it is for me to eat fairly quickly after waking up. Christmas day was no exception. I just feel better once I have eaten.

After we ate we TRIED to get Isaiah to open some presents. Unfortunately all he wanted to do was play with his birthday toys and new Christmas toys that he had opened early from other family members. After throwing a small fit we convinced him to see what new things he got for Christmas from Mommy and Daddy.
We bought him two bigger presents. Without thinking straight we let him open his first present which was a spin art kit...not really something we could play with at that exact moment. So again unfortunately all he wanted to do was play with all the OTHER new things. AGAIN we convinced he to open his second bigger present and this time it was puzzles...something he could do RIGHT NOW. He LOVED them! We built the train, plane, tractor, and boat floor puzzles many times before he was ready to move on to the next thing.

He got a new CARS counting book in his stocking from Mommy and Daddy. His favorite page was 8 tractors tipping. He loved it so much he can now "read" it all on his own!

Daddy got a new flashlight in his stocking from Mommy. Isaiah and Daddy had fun making light shows on the ceiling and giggling.

Daddy is showing off his bassoon ornament (an instrument he played in high school).

Isaiah was great at unwrapping presents this year, but a couple times he needed help with the sticky tape.

Isaiah got a pair of kids chopsticks. He practiced using them by picking up the wrapping paper. He even got pretty good.

Daddy now works by a mall and during his lunch break did some shopping. He found Isaiah a tractor ornament from Hallmark. Isaiah thought it was really cool!

Lesson learned though...Hallmark ornaments are very fragile. In the few seconds we let Isaiah hold his special tractor it did accidentally got dropped and the smoke stack broke. Daddy was more sad than Isaiah, and it will still look good on the tree next year and many years to come.

After looking through all our Christmas in Newberg pictures it seems as though there aren't any of me opening my presents. I did get some cool stuff. I got a couple new kitchen knives and a toaster oven, which I LOVE!

Early Christmas Gifts From Extended Family

2012-01-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

With a birthday in December and LOTS of LOVING family Isaiah gets MANY new things this time of year. Isaiah has really enjoyed opening presents ALL throughout the month and relaxing with ALL (or at least a lot) of the toys is the BEST!

My Grandma gave Isaiah another name puzzle. He now has all four of his names in puzzles. He is getting very good at spelling!

Uncle Tim, Aunt Coleen, Shawn, and Nicole gave Isaiah a Disney Christmas Sing-A-Long Book. I can happily report we are still enjoying Christmas songs in January! They also gave him a Crayola Glow Station on the Go drawing board. He has loved playing with this glow in the dark writing toy at our church Christmas Eve Eve service and in the car.

Uncle Ray and Aunt Marty sent him some cool art materials that he has enjoyed exploring. Wealso took the twist up crayons to our church Christmas Eve Eve service and they kept him entertained for a good while!

Aunt Jolene and Uncle Lance sent Isaiah a Christmas package too. He got a some new clothes that he is showing off! The sweater is new, and yes I know it isn't a sweater dress. He had on his fleece zip up pj's so when I took them off he didn't have pants on anymore..

The Pj's are new too...I guess we should have put those bottoms on with the sweater, next time. The pj's have dinosaurs on them. They are very fun! The toy he is playing with is a Scout Counting that he got from Uncle Lance and Aunt Jolene for his birthday!

Uncle Lance and Aunt Jolene also got Isaiah a video that he LOVES! It is called Rock 'N Learn Color, Shapes, and Counting. He requests to watch this video pretty much EVERY day now!

Uncle Chuck, Aunt Cheryl, Kristin, and Kelsey gave Isaiah a new V-Tech Camera. I have MANY pictures that Isaiah has taken (not uploaded on the computer yet), but they are mostly not of sharing quality either. He is still learning to figure out the proper way to use the camera. For now, he is still having fun learning and maybe someday soon we can share the world from his view!

Grammy and Grandad gave Isaiah an abacus and a baseball mit and ball. Since it has been pretty wet we haven't played much ball yet. However, he has enjoyed counting on his abacus.

DeAnn gave him a Spin 'n Spiral Doodler. I totally remember this toy from when I was a kid! It was and still is AWESOME. Isaiah has made two masterpieces and things it is grand to push the red button and watch the "magic" spin draw happen.

Thanks to all our family for loving on our special boy!

Christmas in Sherwood

2012-01-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

We celebrated an early Christmas with my parents and sister's family on Saturday, December 17th. We all spent the night the day before and then enjoyed the whole next day doing"Christmasish" (name for our celebration that my sister made up) things! Campbell got up early with Pops (around 6am). I heard them downstairs and woke up to also find myself with low blood sugar so I got up and ate breakfast. Once everyone else was up (around 9 am) I was ready for breakfast 2! We had a yummy egg casserole for breakfast and then opened our Nonna and Pops gift bags.

Prior to opening gift bags the boys entertained themselves by playing iPod.

Greyson getting ready to open presents!

Since the boys had on their Christmas jammies again we tried to take another picture...weird it didn't work any better this time! Look who isn't cooperating AGAIN! Isaiah, you silly boy!

Isaiah's first gift bag present was CARS magnets. He had fun playing with them in Nonna's lap.

Campbell got the same CARS magnet set and he loved them too!

Yes, the CARS magnet set had a tractor. Yes, my boy is giving his tractor a kiss. TRUE LOVE!

Campbell was having fun making his Luigi and Guido tip over.

Isaiah also got a harmonica in his gift bag. He taught himself pretty quick how to play it and he got pretty good too.

Dan played Isaiah's harmonica for him and taught him a thing or too.

Dan and Travis got these silly pet worm toys. Dan was very good at controlling his worm and making him do tricks.

Travis is always excited about new tools in his gift bag.

Pops was a little excited about the rechargeable batteries (he knew about)!

Part way through opening gift bags I looked over and saw Campbell trying to put himself away on the toy shelf...or at least being goofing!

We decided not to exchange gifts with each other this year...other than get the kids gifts. This is Isaiah opening up his gift from the Willis family.

Isaiah made sure in TRUE Isaiah fashion to STUDY the wrapping paper and nice bow before ripping into the package.

Isaiah was excited to unwrap the present, but unwrapping was a PROCESS!

Isaiah finally got his present unwrapped...and then didn't pay much attention to the actual gift. However, now we read these books DAILY and he LOVES them!

Campbell was a little quicker in unwrapping his gift from us...and a little more interested in playing with the gift right away.

He even tried to show his brother their gift...but Greyson was having a little trouble sitting up by himself to really enjoy it much.

Greyson being cute and practicing his sitting up skills.

Prior to Christmas we decided NOT to exchange gifts between the adults, but I my parents didn't discolse that they had already bought gifts for us and would be giving them to us anyways. A little unfair, but we LOVED our gifts and had NO complaints! Can you guess what we got from this first picture...

The girls opened "i's" in our gift bags and the boys opened "pads".

My amazing parents bought each family an iPad! We are loving our new toy!

Hooding Ceremony

2012-01-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

Travis completed his MBA program in the middle of October. We were/are so thankful that homework is done! In the middle of December he had the privilege of attending his hooding ceremony, although he chose not to walk at graduation.

Prior to the MBA program ending Travis' cohort voted for the person they wanted to speak at their hooding ceremony. Ryan (Trav's good friend and previous boss from George Fox University) was chosen to represent their cohort. My video location/quality isn't the best, but Ryan's speech is still worth sharing because he did an excellent job!

After all the speeches it was time for everyone to be hooded!

The small group within their cohort: Kevin, Ryan, Travis, (Tony not pictured)

Play Date- Decorating Sugar Cookies

2012-01-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, December 16th we got together with some friends for a cookie making and decorating play date! Three toddlers plus one infant, and ONLY three Mommas made for a busy but great time!

Isaiah (and the girls) wanted to press the cookies cutters into the dough EVERYWHERE one on top of the other was fine with them. The moms had to work quickly to get the cut cookies onto the tray before another cutter was placed on top!

After the cookies were cut and baked it was time to decorate. Isaiah had other plans though...

instead of decorating the cookies he decided to eat the cookies!

Lily happily joined Isaiah in eating a cookie!

Michaela was the champion decorator!

Isaiah eventually put a little effort into decorating a couple cookies.

Josiah didn't get to make, decorate, or eat cookies this year...but next he will be joining in the fun too!

No, none of the kids decorated this...this was my attempt at making a delicious cookie for Brook.

Thanks Brook for opening up your home so we could have a cookie making and decorating party. We had a lot of fun!

Isaiah's BirthDAY Celebration

2011-12-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 13th Isaiah's actual birthDAY we took Isaiah to Krispy Kreme.

He thought it was a good way to celebrate!

Family Activity on Sunday December 11th

2011-12-29T15:27:00.001-08:00

We went to Christmas on the Campground...and had a great time!

There was a small petting zoo. Notice the HUGE goat!

There was a live nativity walk. We traveled through a building and got to hear the nativity story in six parts. The kids and adults doing the reenactment did a wonderful job!

There was a hay ride, but we ran out of time to do this activity so instead we walked around the rest of the campus and looked at all the beautiful lights.

There was a real camel to see...he was HUGE, bigger than the huge goat!

I hope my friend Emily LOVES my camel pictures!

Isaiah's Birthday Party

2011-12-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

On December 10th we had a Tractor (scene from the first Cars movie) themed 3 year old birthday party. Prior to the party I was interested in buying tractors (from the Cars movie), but basically what I found was that the tractors are rare and not available unless you want to spend LOTS of money. Instead of spending the big bucks my dad and I MADE OUR OWN tractors out of clay for his birthday cake. We made three tractors since Isaiah was turning three!

Also prior to the party we did find an eBay seller with a pretty cool tractor toy. We found it just a couple days before it was going to close. There were a couple people making bids, but they were fairly low bids. We decided what we were willing to pay and then waited until the last hours/minutes to bid. We won the bid...and only spent 3 dollars over our budget. The toy was decently expensive, but so worth it since Isaiah LOVES it!

Isaiah was much more interested in unwrapping this year. He was a very slow and careful in ripping the paper.

Yes, that smile says it all. He LOVES it!

My getting sleepy boy is checking out how the tractor wheels spin.

Isaiah loves his toy tractor from Mommy and Daddy!

Uncle Dan, Aunt Elise, Campbell, and Greyson got Isaiah a Hungry Caterpillar puzzle. It was/is a little challenging, but he still really likes it. We have already taken the caterpillar puzzle in the car a few times.

We enjoyed the puzzle being together for about 5 seconds and then...

Isaiah took the puzzle apart!

Aunt DeAnn gave Isaiah a cool cars rug. He has already made many cars vroom on it.

Grammy and Grandad got him this new dog...which he wanted to call Scout (like his other singing dog). We encouraged him to name the dog a different name. We suggested Shawn (after my cousin who Isaiah just met) and it has stuck.

Nonna and Pops got Isaiah a train set. He has been asking to build a train for the past several days. I think this may be something we will have to add more parts to someday.

Grandma and Grandpa got Isaiah a cool magnets board.

Uncle Josh and Aunt Kayla got Isaiah a much loves Tow-Mater pillow pet. He has been sleeping with it in his crib every night since he got it.

Uncle Lance and Aunt Jolene sent some pretty cool electronic toys that Isaiah has been enjoying.

Thanks family for all the awesome gifts for Isaiah! He has TONS of new toys to play.

Our family next to the cool tractor cake I made.

What are you doing Isaiah? Spinning your cupcake?

Why yes!

Look at that!

I would say he enjoyed his cake and ice cream!

By the end of the party we had one tired little boy!

Endocrinologist-Prayer Request

2011-12-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

On Thursday December 8th I went to see an endocrinologist at OHSU. The appointment was horrible! I didn't connect well with the doctor as she spent most of my appointment being clinical and telling me all the ways that diabetes side effects could kill me. Instead of leaving the office feeling educated, with resource tools, or supported I left in tears.

I wasn't interested in continuing with this team member so I talked to my other providers (primary care and diabetes educator) and made sure it would be acceptable to look for someone else. I got a recommendation for a different endocrinologist doctor in the Providence system (who also lives with Type 1 diabetes) that I am hoping to be able to see.

Yesterday, I called the new endocrinologist office to see if my referral was going to be accepted...and I learned that my file should be on the doctors desk. The doctor in out this week and so I should hear one way or the other by the end of next week. The receptionist I talked to also said they aren't scheduling until May (which it pretty far off for someone recently diagnosed and hoping to get more care).

Please pray with me that I will be accepted by this endocrinologist, that I will be able to be seen sooner than later so we can better manage my diabetes, and that we will connect well!

Extended Family Visit

2011-12-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

My mom's sister, Coleen and two of her kids, Nicole and Shawn came to visit us at the beginning of December. They arrived on Friday, December 2nd and Travis, Isaiah, and I met them at Round Table pizza for dinner. Saturday, December 3rd we had fun meeting up with everyone at my parents new house in Newberg. Then in the afternoon we pre-made potato noodles (the only day I had my camera out). My Grandma flew in Saturday evening so we waited to enjoy the delicious meal until Sunday.

Shawn and Isaiah really liked each other. Starting Friday night on the drive home from Round Table Isaiah started calling Shawn...silly Shawn Shawn. They had a lot of fun playing hard all week.

I had to work on Monday and Tuesday mornings but we still enjoyed our visits and game playing in the afternoon and evening.

Isaiah skipped several naps while our company was here and I stayed up late chatting with Nicole...I guess there was too much fun to be had! So on Wednesday, December 7th when they flew home Isaiah (and I) took a very long nap!

We had a great time visiting with our extended family! We look forward to our next visit, hopefully sooner than later.

Creative Blanket

2011-12-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

Isaiah loves blankets (just like his Mommy)! However, I can't say I would ever think to make the area rug into a blanket. Silly Isaiah enjoyed cuddling under the area rug one afternoon this month while watching Cars.

Thanksgiving Pictures

2011-12-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read the title post correctly...I am behind in my blogging. I don't want to miss documenting our life for the past month and half. However, with my recent diagnosis of diabetes most of our time has been consumed trying to figuring things out and hasn't left much time for blogging. The good news is my only Thanksgiving pictures are of the kids in their CHRISTMAS pj's!

Nonna and Pops bought the boys their Christmas pj's. They loved them! However, getting all three to cooperate from a picture wasn't so easy. Luckily Nonna and Pops were flexible and still found one to use in their Christmas card.

Tough Family News to Share

2011-12-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

It is hard to know where to begin...so I guess I will go all the way back to the beginning.

In June 2007, when Travis and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary we decided we were ready to add to our family. Since I had always wanted to adopt we didn't even try to get pregnant we just began the adoption process. In May 2010 we were blessed with the opportunity to travel to Korea to bring Isaiah home.

In March of 2011 Travis and I again decided we were ready to add to our family. Within three months we found out we were pregnant and due in February 2012. My sister was pregnant and due very soon so we quickly got a picture to capture us being pregnant at the same time.

However, before my sister even delivered her healthy baby boy I had a miscarriage at 7 weeks. We were very sad to say the least, but we didn't feel like God was asking us to do anything different so we continued the journey. Three months later we found out we were pregnant again and due in June 2012. However, this pregnancy also ended in miscarriage at just 5 weeks. I couldn't believe that I had to experience two miscarriages. It was/is awful! We lost two children that we will never know on this earth. I believe our babies are in heaven, but that doesn't offer much hope on a daily basis.

Since having two miscarriages in a row I was concerned maybe something was happening that we needed to research a little more. I began reading online why people might have multiple miscarriages. I found sources that suggested undiagnosed diabetes could lead to miscarriages. We have diabetes in our family history so I asked my mom what she thought and she didn't seem concerned. I talked myself out of being concerned too because I wasn't really having any significant diabetes symptoms.

I did ended up keeping my pregnancy appointment on Nov. 17- even though we had miscarried-to discuss with a midwife about what could be happening. I figured they would want to do lab work. I had hoped everything was fine and was mostly just doing this to confirm pregnancy was an option for us. While at the appointment I mentioned my research finding and sought the midwifes opinion. She said there were no way I was diabetic...I didn't look or act like a diabetic. We did the routine lab work and I left the office.

We had dinner at a friends house that evening. We stayed up a little late packing for our weekend trip to Madras. I slept well and got up Friday morning and headed into work. Around 8:30am I got a call from my midwife. She told me I proved her wrong and that I was diabetic. My glucose level was over 400 and that I needed to leave work. I remember going across the hall to tell Heather, one of the 1st grade teachers that I had to leave and wouldn't be able to service her kids. I was crying and she kindly gave me a hug and said it was no problem for them to keep their students. I then remember going down to the office and finding my principal...still crying I told her what was happening and she said yes, go. I called Travis and he left work to catch a bus to come meet me. I drove home, called my principal to let her know I got home safely. I got another call from my midwife and she told me to go to Sherwood Urgent Care.

My mom and eventually Travis met me at Sherwood Urgent Care. My blood sugar reading was now over 500. Multiple people were in and out of the room giving me information and collecting information. I had to have more lab work done, and the medical assistant didn't collect enough blood the first time so I got to have blood drawn twice. I was scared, upset, uncomfortable, frustrated, mad, and many other emotions.

By 11:00 am I had already been given my first injection of insulin. I was sent home with instructions to test my blood sugar levels before meals and return again on Saturday to get another dose of insulin. When I went in on Saturday I figured they would do the injection, but on just day 2 of this new diagnosis I was asked to inject myself. And so began the journey of daily injections...which quickly began multiple daily injections!

And so began the journey of MANY doctors appointments and MANY trips to the pharmacy. Most of my appointments have been helpful, but still a difficult change to have to include 1 or 2 doctor appointments per week into an already busy schedule and especially since Isaiah is not a fan of going to my doctor appointments. I love my primary care doctor and my diabetes education nurse, the two women who are helping me manage my care for the short term. I saw an endocrinologist doctor, who I did not love so I am in the process of trying to establish care with someone else.

Since being diagnosed, I have continued to experience many varying emotions. I moved from being mad, upset, and frustrated to survival mode and then returned to mad, upset, and frustrated. I know things will get better with more time, but right now those words just doesn't seem to help much. I would appreciate your continued prayers as we continue to learn about how to count carbohydrates and manage my care. We are also seeking God's wisdom about what decision needs to be made in regards to how we are to expand our family.

Currently we were told we can not try and get pregnant until my blood sugar levels become more stable (they are way better, but still fluctuate more than we want them to do so). My primary care doctor said this could take approximately a year for my body to achieve (but every person's body responds differently). Right now my pancreas is still producing some insulin and is in a honeymoon phase. Eventually my pancreas will completely stop producing insulin and my insulin injection amounts will increase. For now we know just know we can't have a baby...so we are lead back to the thought that perhaps we are supposed to adopt again.

Adoption isn't a clear solution yet either though. Korea is moving SUPER slow right now. We have heard families are getting their referrals but then having to wait a year to a year and half before they get to travel. This doesn't settle well with either of us. There is also the unknown that Korea may accept us again now that I have diabetes as a medical condition. China might be an option, but we have to be 30...and I don't turn 30 until next August...so no rush on making this decision. All that to say we have lots we are considering as we think about our family growing. We know that even with this health condition (set back) we are called to have more children and Isaiah is going to be a big brother. I guess the timing just isn't completely clear yet. For my own heart healing I hope that is sooner than later.

One Special Batch of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

On November 15th Travis and I mixed up a double batch of chocolate ribbon Christmas cookies. Since the cooling of the dough, pressing the dough through the cookie press, cooking the cookies, and letting them cooling again takes a while we didn't frost the cookies that evening. Then next evening, on November 16th, we frosted the cookies. Isaiah was happy to talk to Nonna and Pops on the phone and eat a chocolate ribbon Christmas cookie while we were busy frosting.

While on the phone Nonna asked if he had gotten to frost a cookie... so the clothes came off and our little helper got busy!

Isaiah frosted a total of one cookie...and then proceeded to eat the cookie he had just finished frosting and decorating. Silly boy didn't quite get the concept of frosting, decorating, and saving for later. At least my sweet boy was willing to share his cookie with me!

After his two cookie before bedtime snack he was in a pretty silly mood. I sure do love him lots and enjoy making Christmas cookie memories with him!

Operation Christmas Child

2011-12-09T23:24:00.000-08:00

National Collection Week: November 14 - 21

We had a great time collecting items that we ended up being able to fill six boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Sweet Moments with Isaiah

2011-12-09T23:14:00.000-08:00

Isaiah recently discovered he LOVES the first Cars movie, specifically the tractor scene. He did this reenactment all on his own...so cute!

I love that my almost three year old still enjoys riding in the carrier and will snuggle me and fall asleep!

One evening Isaiah decided to read books in his little chair. I wanted a picture but I didn't want him to be posing so I took one from behind to remind me of this special moment.

We treasure these pictures because Isaiah is really enjoying this chair that used to be his grandpa's and daddy's. He was all smiles without me even asking for him to cooperate for pictures.

Winter Jam 11-11-11

2011-12-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

WHO?...WHAT?...WHERE?...WHEN?...WHY?

Winter Jam Volunteer Q and A

Who can volunteer?

The perfect volunteer is a friendly, responsible adult who wants to help Holt increase the number of sponsored children throughout the world and will enjoy the atmosphere of a Christian high-energy concert. No sales involved!

What will I do?

Volunteers will either:
(1) Work at tables helping people who want to sign up for child sponsorship
(2) Be in the aisles of the arena signing up sponsors during Intermission

Where do I go?

Look for the bright yellow Holt umbrella and enter through that door. This year, we will send out a text message the day of the event with up-to-date details to help you enter the venue through the correct door.
You will show your special Holt ID which will be emailed to you on the Monday before your concert. Identify yourself as a Holt Volunteer and proceed to the Holt volunteer check-in table that will be near the door you come in. Holt Tour Rep Dan Lindsay will train you.
It is a busy place with many different groups promoting and selling things, so be sure that you go to the Holt tables. Each site is different, but there will always be Holt tables set up on the main floor behind the sound stage if you can't find the Holt Volunteer check-in table.

When should I arrive?

You must be INSIDE the venue AT LEAST 2 hours before the show starts. The volunteer check-in will only be open for 1 hour and we have over 100 volunteers to train and assign to their locations. Please allow extra time to find parking – the crowds start lining up early in the afternoon and things get very congested.
After your training, you can find your seats and enjoy the Pre-Concert show that starts about 45 minutes before the main concert.

Why do you need so many volunteers?

We have only 15 minutes during intermission to sign up sponsors. Last year we averaged 290 a night, a new record!
We need more volunteers to get more children sponsored and to distribute more information. Our goal is 100 volunteers at each concert. We averaged 100 last year – but some places had 50 volunteers & some had 150!

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! Please have them go to www.holtinternational.org/winterjam to sign up.

Is parking provided?

Unfortunately we are unable to provide special parking. Please allow plenty of time to find a space and make your way inside. Be aware that some places will charge a parking fee if you use the parking lot.

Do I have to pay to get in?

No, your free admission is a small token of our appreciation for your help. You will also receive a complimentary CD!

Can I watch the concert while I volunteer?

(1) If you are a volunteer at the Holt tables, you may be out in the concourse areas. But you will be able to take turns going inside the arena to observe.
(2) If you are assigned to a section of the arena, you will have a seat in that section during the concert.

Will I stay until the end of the concert?

(1) Volunteers at the Holt tables are asked to stay and help with any sponsorship sign-ups after the concert. You will be free to leave shortly after the concert ends.
(2) Volunteers who are working the aisles are free to leave after intermission is over but are welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of the show!

What should I wear?

Whatever is comfortable. We recommend layers to accommodate conditions at various table locations. You will be provided with a Holt apron to wear to distinguish you as a Holt volunteer.

What about earplugs?

Yes, we strongly recommend their use. The music will be loud, even in the corridors.

Can my Youth Group volunteer?

Usually teens prefer to be inside the concert venue to hear and see the concert – but their parents make great volunteers! Please refer them to our website.

We got to work at tables helping people who want to sign up for child sponsorship! There were TONS of adorable children of God.

These two pictures were taken before the audience arrived and the concert began.

This was taken while Travis listened to Newsboys...his favorite artist of the night!

These aren't the greatest videos, but it does give a small sampling of the evening...

We had a great time, but should have read the Q and A's more closely to see that earplugs are recommended as it gets loud... LOUD is for sure. After the concert we enjoyed a yummy dinner of breakfast foods from Shari's. Travis and I had a great date night!

Isaiah's First Trip to Chuck E Cheese's

2011-11-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2009 was our referral day. On Saturday, November 5, 2011 (2 years since our referral day) we wanted to have a fun family day...and what better thing to do than experience Chuck E Cheese's for the first time! We have been saying for awhile that we wanted to take Isaiah to Chuck E Cheese's to see if he would like it so we finally decided to test it out. After looking online for coupons I found a spend $15 and get 85 tokens...pretty good deal I guess, but I really have no idea. We ventured out mid afternoon (planning for a no nap day) to the Beaverton Chuck E Cheese's for about 60 minutes of family fun. These are the pictures and videos to prove our enjoyment!

Isaiah liked looking at the "fire" on this game. This was the first game we stopped at, but it wasn't a very good one so we mostly just let Isaiah watch the affects and we didn't waste our tokens.

This was our second game...and we quickly realized reading the directions didn't really help us understand what we were supposed to do at the game. Since Isaiah can't read the directions he was still awesome at the game...this one especially since all he needed to do was spin a black ball controller to make some silly characters ride around a track on their bicycles.

Next, I noticed they had ride on toys. I suggested Clifford, but Daddy picked this COOL monster truck!

Did Isaiah like it? Nope, we had to get him off mid ride. Thanks a lot Daddy!

He liked being able to push buttons! This game was actually pretty good...we understood what we were supposed to do (catch fish) and we were pretty successful in doing well in the game.

Isaiah did like riding the horse on the carousel. It was a very CALM ride much different than Daddy's monster truck ride!

Skee ball was always one of my favorite games when I was a kid. Isaiah wasn't able to throw the balls all the way to the top, but he did a great job handing us the balls, attempting to throw a few balls up the ramp, and cheer Mommy and Daddy at getting the balls up the ramp.

Isaiah LOVED the Dog Pounder game! He played it a LOT of times! The cool thing about this game was that he could do it all by himself.

Travis won the Jackpot and got LOTS of tickets, but he had no idea what he even did to win. Gotta love these silly games!

Occasionally you (Isaiah) just needed to rest at Chuck E Cheese and what better place than the floor?!

Our last game was at Dog Pounder...Isaiah loved it.

We turned in our tickets. One machine ate a few and didn't count them before we realized and switched machines...but in the end we had over 300 tickets!

With the tickets we got Isaiah a truck and two tops!

As we were leaving I asked Travis to take a picture of Isaiah and I (and the mouse-which Isaiah called a dog when we first got there). Isaiah was to into his truck for a good picture. I think he was also a little tired so no smiling sweet boy, but he did have a good time.

After Chuck E Cheese's we went to have dinner at Josh and Kayla's house. Isaiah happily reported "I have a truck" multiple times from the back seat. Yep, 15 dollars later Isaiah has a truck.

Nope, Isaiah still didn't feel like smiling. I love my boy so much! I am so thankful for his referral 2 years ago. It is hard to remember what life without him in our family was like...we are so blessed to have him as our son!

Halloween Celebrations

2011-11-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

Somehow I have gotten behind AGAIN with our blog. If I weren't so far behind I may have broken this into several different posts, but instead I am giving this blog post the title Halloween Celebrations so I can share pictures from the week prior to Halloween, Halloween weekend, and Halloween night: Monday evening.

This is our bumpy pumpkin we got at Lee Farms (mentioned in an earlier post). This pumpkin sat on the center of our table and Isaiah loved to look at it and talk about it.

Isaiah loved to request to look at the pumpkins we carved. He liked them in the daylight and at night. He called them mommy's face, helicopter, and daddy's face.

On Sunday evening our church did Trunk of Treat. We knew Isaiah probably wouldn't LOVE it, but we took him anyways to check it out. He had fun dressing up in his firefighter costume, riding in mommy's car, and carrying his bag, but he was pretty adamant "no candy!"

There was a bonfire in the center of the Trunk or Treat set up. Isaiah thought the fire was neat to watch. We tried to get the firefighter by the fire for a picture, but it was too dark to get a quality shot.

When we went inside the church to see the games Isaiah just stood from the side and watched and then was quickly ready to go. We knew we wouldn't stay long (ended up only being there for 30 minutes), but we were proud that Isaiah at least walked around and checked things out even if he didn't get any candy to eat (or share with his mommy and daddy).

On Sunday evening after Truck or Treat Isaiah asked to go see Nonna and Pops. We decided to make a quick trip to Sherwood to show off his cute costume!

The boots and hat were hard to keep on our silly firefighter!

Isaiah made sure to get in a few barrel spins in his Halloween costume.

On Monday, the day of Halloween I took this picture of our baby monitor...silly sleeping boy!

After Travis got home from work, we headed down to McMinnville. We had a quick bite to eat and then we headed to Dan and Elise's church Trunk or Treat.

The Willis family dressed up to match their diner themed trunk. There was a chef, a waitress, and two adorable hamburgers!

I think that about wraps up all our Halloween celebrations! Good thing too, as blogger has been acting up hence why this post took me so long to create, and it is almost 11pm (past my bed time)!

Meeting Michaela's Little Brother, Josiah!

2011-11-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

Josiah was born October 8th. We brought dinner to the Puckett's and got to meet him Friday, October 28th. It was very fun to hold a sleepy baby! Michaela seemed to be doing well as big sister. Isaiah wanted to give mommy lots of hugs while I held baby Josiah.

Experiencing Colder Weather...

2011-10-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

but still making venturing out to the park. On Tuesday Isaiah had a difficult time falling asleep at nap time (and ended not getting a nap). So on Wednesday we bundled up and I took Isaiah to play at the park before attempting nap time. The park trip before nap time still wasn't the perfect solution as it didn't completely wear him out, but we at least he got a nap on Wednesday.

Fire Truck Puzzle

2011-10-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I was organizing toys in Isaiah's closet and I found the fire tuck floor puzzle. I thought he might like it...and my thought was exactly correct...he LOVES it!

Sorry this first video is a little blurry and jumpy at the beginning.

Isaiah was so excited with the fire truck puzzle he wanted to show Daddy once he got home from work.

Daddy had fun helping Isaiah build the fire truck. Isaiah is helping build the puzzle more each day.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of pumpkin carving is cleaning out the gooey seeds and pulp from the inside of the pumpkin. I was hoping Isaiah would like this sensory exploration too, but he wasn't really a fan. Isaiah did enjoy moving the clean/washed seeds from one bowl to another with a spoon. He also thought it was cool that Mommy and Daddy carved a helicopter into the pumpkin. He has asked several times to look at the helicopter on the porch. We still need to get a picture of the pumpkin lit with a candle in it because it looks pretty cool.

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last year our family, my sister's family, and our parents went to a pumpkin patch together out on Sauvie Island. We had a lot of fun. So this past Saturday was family pumpkin patch day. Since my sister has a little dude this year we picked a closer farm. We went to Lee Farms. We have actually been to this farm pre-kids, and it is alright. However, everything costs extra so we didn't end up doing a whole lot because we are too cheap. We did get a cool bumpy pumpkin and ate some yummy donuts!

My beautiful sister and Greyson, our newest little dude in the family!

Campbell really wanted to ride a pony and he loved it! The pony ride cost six dollars so we weren't too interested in having Isaiah ride. Isaiah didn't ask either...he just enjoyed watching his cousin ride. Perfect for us!

Petting his horse!

Giving a big CHEESE smile!

While Nonna and I went inside the barn store to buy donuts the boys enjoyed watching and petting the chicks.

We all enjoyed the apple Cinnamon donuts.

Next we got to pet goats. Isaiah didn't like the goats though because he was right at the same height as them. After this activity we washed our hands in a trough.

Isaiah is hiding behind me and Travis is trying to convince him the goats are cool.

All the pumpkins were laying out on a field...not quiet the same a picking them off the vine. However, I do love my bumpy pumpkin we bought for four dollars...not too bad a price. While I was looking at pumpkins my sweet nephew came up and gave me a kiss on the back.

The boys loved the tractor!

But most importantly...the boys love each other!

Last Weekend

2011-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa came to our house. On Saturday Travis had his George Fox University MBA Symposium from 8am-5pm. Grandpa went with Travis to hear the speeches. Grandma, Isaiah, and I enjoyed our morning together with a trip to Mudpuddles (a local toy store), a trip to Costco, lunch at home, and playing with a fun surprise Grandma bought Isaiah at the dollar store! Grandma bought dissolve capsules, which Isaiah loved! In the afternoon we went to George Fox University to hear Travis' speech. He spoke about the Importance of Relationships and the Implication of Technology. He did an excellent job with his speech. Isaiah had fun running in the grass by the clock tower at George Fox after Daddy's presentation. Then, Isaiah took a late nap and before we knew it Daddy was home and almost done with his Masters program (he only had one more Monday class-but now he is OFFICIALLY DONE!) so we celebrated by going out to dinner.

In case you want the summary of the weekend in pictures/videos instead ...

Travis' 30th Birthday Celebration

2011-10-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

Travis turned 30 last Friday. I had the day off from school and he took the day off to spend his birthday with Isaiah and I. We started our morning out pretty slow...we slept in, made chocolate muffins for breakfast, and leisurely got ready. Once we left the house we ran a couple errands, went to lunch at Pastini, got a new iphone from the Apple store, and then headed to the zoo. Travis thought it would be fun to go to the zoo on his birthday since we went to the zoo on my birthday this year. The day was PERFECT for a zoo trip. In the earlier morning/afternoon we had a few raindrops, but once we were at the zoo there was no rain and even better no crowds! We got to see lots of animals and they were actually doing things...moving as opposed to sleeping.

We ended up opting for no stroller this trip. We tried to ask Isaiah for his opinion...would you like to ride in the carrier or the stroller? He just repeated carrier? stroller? So we made a decision for him. We went with no stroller because once we get him out of the stroller to see one animal he almost never wants to get back in the stroller. We also went with the carrier because it was around nap time and he thought he might get comfy and fall asleep...no such luck! However, he did GREAT in the carrier. He could see all the animals and he didn't even ask to get down, until the very end when my back was also hurting and we let him walk to the exit of the zoo.

The goats were out getting a grass snack.

The black bears were even fun to watch!

This bear was at the water bowl for a long time...it was so fun to watch his long tongue lap up the water.

After his big drink he moved to having a grass snack too.

The eagles seemed super close, but this picture makes them look far away still.

Isaiah loved the barn animals. He mooed at the cows and talked about the sheep and goats.

Isaiah and I had fun watching the giraffes.

Giraffes are still one of my favorite animals.

Our family picture taken by Trav, pretty cute I think.

As we walked to the exit of the zoo we noticed the beautiful fall colors.

These last few pictures were taking of Isaiah being silly at the entrance/exit of the zoo! He had fun climbing on the animals and rocks.

After the zoo we went to Nonna and Pops house to have broccoli cheese soup and oatmeal bread for dinner. We had a great family day celebrating Daddy!

Travis Is ALMOST Done With School!

2011-10-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is how I know my husband and Isaiah's Daddy is almost done with school....

Travis has class this Saturday and next Monday and then he is DONE with his Masters. We are so excited for him to have more family time again. We love listening to Daddy play piano! Perhaps he will even find time to play his guitar and saxophone.

Halloween Package in the Mail!

2011-10-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks Aunt Jolene and Uncle Lance for loving on our boy. The day the package arrived he went with Daddy to check the mail. He got to carry his package back from the mailbox, then he had fun ripping the brown packing paper off the box, and of course the treasures inside the box were a treat! He LOVES his new Lightening McQueen car.

Tuesday Afternoon/Evening Family Craft Projects

2011-10-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

After our orange prints from Monday evening dried I cut some of the circles out. Then on Tuesday afternoon Isaiah helped me decorate a few of the orange prints and make them into jack-o-lanterns. He loved telling me what shapes to draw to make the eyes, nose, and mouth.

For some reason rhombus nose face is his favorite! He has talked about rhombus face MANY times throughout the past two days.

Since we had crayons out to make the faces he wanted to use them to color...and trace his hands. I know hand turkeys are a little early, but he was in the mood. We are already half way done with October and I am just getting my jack-o-lanterns up so I figured it was best just to make them now and then we can really enjoy them.

I tried to teach Isaiah how to make a collage, but he wasn't very interested. But later in the afternoon I read him a fall book that mentioned making a collage...so maybe it helped him at least learn a new vocabulary word.

I have noticed that when I get out art supplies Isaiah is entertained for hours! This was the case on Tuesday also. He asked for stickers...so after digging through my many stickers I even successfully found fall themed stickers for him to make pictures. He loved the barn and tractor stickers!

When Daddy got home on Tuesday evening he and Isaiah got to make Daddy and Isaiah hand print turkeys.

He also liked showing Daddy his other crafts from the day.

After making all these fun crafts we organized them and displayed them on our art wall. Isaiah loves talking about his fall art!

An Evening With Mommy

2011-10-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

Travis had class tonight, so Isaiah and I spent the evening together. After this evenings class Travis only has class this coming Saturday and one more Monday and then he is DONE! Our family can't wait for his Masters program to be finished and NO MORE HOMEWORK!

While Daddy was gone this evening Isaiah and I went for a walk with Aunt DeAnn. While on our walk we delivered some of our recent surplus of garden tomatoes to Aunt DeAnn and Grammy and Grandad. Have I mentioned that I LOVE having my family live close by to us! Before leaving for our walk I asked Isaiah if he wanted to wear his new lion hat...I was thinking it was colder than it actually was, but non-the-less he wanted to wear it. He loved showing off his new lion hat to the family.

On our way home from our walk we swung into Fred Meyer to get milk...something we go through like CRAZY and an orange (for an art project). When we got home Isaiah and did a fun art project. My friend Aimee (El.Ed. major from George Fox, and has a 2 year old also) recently blogged about doing an orange prints art project. I liked the idea so I tried it out with Isaiah and he LOVED it. The pictures totally prove that he had a great time!

First: cut an orange in half...this is your stamp.

Second: Pick paint colors that you want to use. I am hoping to turn this orange print circles into pumpkins so I picked pumpkin/fall colors.

Three: Put the orange in the paint. Mixing colors was accepted at our house. Stamp the orange onto a piece of paper to make an orange print.

The project was a little messy. What project with paint isn't messy? At first when Isaiah got paint on his hands he asked to wash them...we used a paper towel to get the paint off. But within seconds they were dirty again and he just accepted it. In fact I found him wiping the paint on his hands onto his belly at one point. It was good to see him embrace being messy to have fun!

I am hoping to turn some of these prints into pumpkins with Isaiah tomorrow after the paint drys. I will keep you posted how part two of this project turns out.

$1.49/Pumpkin

2011-10-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

Al's Garden Center sells pumpkins for $1.49 each. This is such a good deal it is pretty hard to pass up. Even though we are planning to take Isaiah to a pumpkin patch in a couple weeks, yesterday we decided to make a family outing to Al's to get cheap pumpkins to enjoy now! Isaiah (and his parents) had a great time looking inside the store at the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations. Hugging the stuffed animal (life size) reindeer was a big hit! Isaiah had an even better time in the outside section of the store where there weren't fragile things, he could run, pick pumpkins, look at a tractor, and look at the huge tractor tires! I am really looking forward to celebrating the holidays with my almost 3 year old because I think he is really going to enjoy everything so much more this year.

Cousin Hangouts...3 Boys!

2011-10-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

I recently (well probably almost a month ago now) downloaded pictures from my sisters camera. She had taken several pictures of cousin hangouts...3 boys!

The first cousin hangout was at a park in Sherwood that we walked to from my parents house.

The second cousin hangout was watching football!

The third cousin hangout was a trip to Costco and it happened to be Greyson's first time!

The fourth cousin hangout was 3 boys in the bathtub!

The fifth cousin hangout was having Nonna read books.

Spontaneous Dinner With Friends

2011-10-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

This past Friday the girls (and kids) got together for a play date. We meet at Brook's house and had no specific agenda. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon talking while the kids played toys inside. While at our play date we spontaneously decided to meet up with the dads and have dinner together before baby Puckett arrives sometime in the next couple weeks. We had a very yummy dinner at Red Robin, but our table was definitely a little full/crowded with six adults and three toddlers!

New Toy Barn From Grandma and Grandpa

2011-10-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Isaiah got a special package from Grandma and Grandpa. He got a new toy...a barn, and he is having lots of fun playing with it. Thanks for the "just because I love you gift!"

New Trike

2011-10-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

My grandparents live in a retirement community just a couple blocks from our house. Isaiah LOVES going to see Grammy and Grandad and play toys at their house. At some point during the summer when Isaiah was enjoying their awesome backyard I mentioned how fun it would be for him to ride a trike in their backyard. My grandparents decided it would be fun to have a trike for Isaiah (and other grandkids) to ride. Last weekend we went shopping for the special purchase of a trike and a Elmo helmet (hat). Thanks Grammy and Grandad! Isaiah even got to test out the new trike in their backyard. He didn't love it (yet), but he was very interested in studying it. It will take a little practice before he gets the peddling concept down, but for know he can still enjoy riding it with the help of the additional adult handle to this trike.

Doernbecher Pediatric Hospital at OHSU Visit

2011-10-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of months Isaiah has been having some feeding struggles. He went down to a small number of foods he thought were acceptable and he began taking the food out (even if he liked it). The feeding struggles were beginning to stress Travis and I out enough that we wanted to make sure we weren't missing anything medically. On September 20th we took Isaiah to see a team of doctors- 4 doctors. We saw a pediatrician, a feeding specialist, a nutritionist, and a behavioral psychologist. The team did a great job getting to us know, but mainly getting to know Isaiah. Everyone(all the doctors) agreed that Isaiah is a very smart boy! We are happy to report that 4 hours and 4 doctors later I think the appointment was more for us than for Isaiah. We ended up feeling like it was a good counseling session for us. It was reassuring to hear there wasn't anything medically wrong and that we were already doing some of the best strategies to help him overcome some of these feeding struggles. It was also reassuring to hear the christian psychologist remind us that God called us to be parents for Isaiah and Isaiah was chosen for us. We are so thankful to be Isaiah's parents!

Since we were at the doctors all morning we had to find LOTS of ways to entertain Isaiah. Isaiah got to eat breakfast at the doctors, which took some time (but I was too busy talking to the team to get pictures). He also enjoyed several toys we brought, toys in the room, stickers the doctors gave him...basically he was an amazing trooper!

Visit With Ruthie

2011-09-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last night my college roomate Emily's sister, Ruthie (who is now a student at George Fox University) came to dinner at our house. It was so much fun having Ruthie over for dinner and an evening of playing and socializing!

Isaiah ended up taking a late nap yesterday and woke up around 5pm. He was sad and in a little bit of a funk so I game him a quick snack and then we went to pick up Ruthie. Isaiah was glad to ride in Mommy's car, but he did say no Ruthie on the drive to get her. Isaiah wasn't so sure about Ruthie riding in our car and got super sad when she got in and said hello to him. However, after we returned home he warmed up really well to Ruthie and they quickly became best friends.

We enjoyed a yummy dinner of enchilada casserole and then Isaiah captured Ruthie and made her draw all kinds of fun things... police cars, trains, buses, helicopters, shapes, letters, etc. If Ruthie wasn't sure she wanted to major in social work...art could be another good option. Isaiah thought Ruthie was an amazing artist. In fact this morning he woke up still talking about drawing helicopters.

We had a great visit with Ruthie! We will have to hang out again soon.

Trip to Puyallup

2011-09-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Puyallup to attend a memorial service for a family member on Travis' side of the family. Travis had the honor of singing two songs by Mercy Me at the service. He sang "Homesick" as a duet with his sister and "I Can Only Imagine." Isaiah and I spent most of the service in the atrium and the highlight for Isaiah was hearing Daddy sing. His favorite song was "Imagine". In fact most of the car ride up and back we listened to a LOT of "Imagine"!

After the memorial service we drove to Bothell and spent the night in a hotel. Isaiah enjoyed swimming in the hotel pool. However, his favorite part of the hotel stay was the ELEVATOR! We rode the elevator many times in our short stay.

On Sunday morning we drove to Mill Creek to see my friend Leia (from Jr. High/High School), her husband Jason, and her new baby Cambrynn. I can't believe it, but somehow both Leia and I forgot to take pictures when we were together so I had to steal a picture off Leia's facebook. Luckily Leia took a picture on the same day we visited just later in the afternoon...so this was the outfit Cambrynn was in when I got to meet her...and she is so cute. I had fun holding her for almost an hour! It was great to catch up with friends.

Ride at the Mall

2011-09-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Isaiah got to ride/test out flying at helicopter at the mall. Here is the picture proof that he LOVED it!

Weekend in Madras

2011-09-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Madras August 26-28. It was a HOT and SMOKEY weekend, but we still had a great time!

On Saturday morning we took Isaiah to a couple of parks. One park that we visited was a park that Daddy used to go to when he was a boy. Isaiah liked checking out the new parks, but the adults (and Isaiah) got hot pretty quickly and we knew the afternoon would be in the sun so we didn't last long.

All these pictures were taken at the second park - a newer park that Travis didn't play at as a kid.

After lunch we headed to the Air Show. We started out by sitting in the straight sun (where you could see the show really well), but that didn't last long. We eventually found a nice spot to view most of the the Air Show under an air plane wing.

It was still pretty hot even in the shade. We drank a LOT of water and ate some ice cream to help with the heat!

Isaiah had fun watching the air planes even though the Air Show was during his nap time. He did finally fall asleep about 10 minutes before we left the Air Show.

When something really cool was happening we ventured away from the shade to watch.

Grandma and Grandpa bought Isaiah a toy air plane that looks kind of like this cool yellow plane!

Since it was such a warm weekend we tried to go to Eagle Crest to go swimming, but thunder storms closed the pools early.

Sunday we went to church, had lunch together and visited before heading home again. We had a great visit and enjoyed our time with Grandma and Grandpa!

Extended Family Beach Weekend

2011-09-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Oops... I am behind in my blogging again!

My extended family went to the Lincoln City from August 20-23. We stayed in a huge beach house, but somehow I neglected taking any pictures of the house.

The day we got there (Saturday) was the warmest, but fairly windy. It was a perfect day to fly kites on the beach. Isaiah loved helping fly the kite, but he called it, "riding the kite"!

We also had fun writing Isaiah, Mommy, and Daddy in the sand.

Isaiah loved his toddler blow up air mattress. He was also very worn out after lots of fun on the beach! After Isaiah wen to bed some of the adults went back to the beach for a bonfire and smores.

On Sunday we went to the Lincoln City Outlet Malls. We also went down to the beach again. Isaiah had fun playing with Pops and Mommy! We dug a hole, we put rocks in the whole, we buried the rocks, we dug the rocks out again, Isaiah stood in the hole....all kinds of fun!

Nonna had fun laying with baby Greyson.

Here are a few family pictures.

After all the fun on the beach and in the sand...bath time was a necessity! Cousin bath time drew a crowd!

Thanks Grammy and Grandad for renting the beach house and letting us all enjoy a great weekend away!

Gift in the Mail

2011-08-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Isaiah loves to go to the mailbox with Mommy in the afternoons. Recently when we walked to the mailbox together he found a gift! He carried his special gift all the way home. Once we were home he opened the envelop to find dinosaur pj's and a green shirt to match his green shoes! They both fit great and he (and I) love them! Thanks Aunt Jolene (and Uncle Lance...sorry I didn't included you on the thank you video).

Second Zoo Trip in August

2011-08-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

The week after my birthday Isaiah and I went to the zoo again. We meet three other mommy's and their kids. The kids ranged from 1 and 1/2 to 2 and 1/2 years old. It was fun, but a little zooish- ha!. We tried to keep the kids in the strollers, but it was difficult to see the animals from the strollers, so the kids wanted out... and once they were out, they were out! Four toddlers being out and about didn't allow for getting the best pictures, but we did have a good time with our friends!

Parks!

2011-08-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

We have had MANY parks trips this summer. Here are a few pictures from two park visits in early and mid August. At the beginning of the summer Isaiah really liked the slides, but now it seems he really likes the swings. He has been requesting more park trips so I am sure there will still be MANY park trips (even after I go back to teaching from 8-12 starting next week0.

I started riding the tire swing and then Isaiah and Campbell decided to join me too. We all had fun on the tire swing!

These animal statues are at a park behind our library. When I first put Isaiah on, he was unsure and very carefully studied the animal.

Isaiah enjoyed another type of swing...although I think I spun him a little too fast and he got a little dizzy so that made him a little unhappy.

Isaiah sitting on the dog.

Isaiah petting the dog.

Isaiah liked giving the dog loves.

Mommy's Old Toys

2011-08-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

My parents are in the process of going through things at their house in order to hopefully have an easier time selling their house. During my birthday weekend we found my Precious Places toys from when I was younger. We pulled them out so that I could go through them and decide what I wanted to keep. While they were out we decided to see what Isaiah thought of them...and he liked them! He thought it was fun to play with the houses and keys. I love that Isaiah loves his Mommy's toys!

Happy 29th Birthday To Me!

2011-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my birthday by going to the zoo. Since it was Saturday and parking at the zoo on a Saturday is next to impossible we decided to ride the MAX. Isaiah was very excited to ride the train!

Waiting for the MAX to arrive...except when the train came we realized we were on the wrong side.

Once we got to the right side another train came and we boarded the train...Isaiah was very busy watching!

When looking for the seals, Isaiah found one and shouted, "Big fish".

Isaiah had fun looking at the seals.

"Go Go Upstairs"

A couple other funny Isaiah saying from the zoo were when he saw the sea otter and called it a penguin and when he asked to go, go inside the polar bear exhibit. The polar bears were being fed fish and I think he thought it was interesting.

This picture is for you Pops...can I feed the monkey M&M's?

Isaiah called this orangutan a lion... I think because it was so hairy!

We also enjoyed the zoo train...Isaiah had fun on this train too!

We had a fun time at the zoo and then meet Nonna and Pops for dinner at Pastini for a yummy birthday dinner.

Ipod Touch In The Laundry Basket

2011-08-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

This title makes me think of the game Clue...and guesses such as the Revolver in the Library. But, no Isaiah can't play Clue yet...someday though!

Meanwhile, this is what Isaiah likes to do while Mommy folds laundry.

Ah to be a kid, and be small enough to snuggle with your blanket and ipod touch in a laundry basket!

July 25-July 29 Week of Vacation

2011-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Travis took a week of vacation between finishing at George Fox and starting at PacifiCorp. We didn't end up going away for our vacation but did enjoy several activities fairly close to home. Here are a few of the highlights from our week.

On Monday Grandma and Grandpa were here until afternoon (Isaiah's nap time). We enjoyed hanging out around the house. Travis had his last class for the summer (he is currently on a break from school until September. )

On Tuesday we went raspberry picking.

On Tuesday afternoon Travis went to the social security office and was able to get Isaiah's name changed on his social security card. We were finally able to finish this task as we have his passport and his certificate of citizenship. Yeah, all of Isaiah's adoption paperwork is complete!

On Wednesday morning we work on a few house projects. Travis built me a few shelves in our entry closest that are going to be used as a small pantry. Travis had a dentist appointment in the afternoon. We went to Busters BBQ for dinner with Nonna and Pops.

On Thursday we went to the beach... We started by going to Lincoln City. We got to the beach around lunch time. We tried a new restaurant called Humble Pie Pizza. It was an interesting place, but pretty good food. Then we went to the outlet malls and got a few good deals. When we finally went down to the beach it was SUPER windy! If was difficult to get good pictures as sand was pelting us.

We weren't on the beach for long beach it was seriously very miserable getting pelted by sand. Travis was convinced that the weather is better at Seaside...so somehow he convinced me to also go to Seaside. Since it was another hour and half drive in the car...I got a starbucks coffee to distract me. It worked for awhile...I am so not a good car rider!

But I guess it was all worth it because Seaside was a lot more fun than Lincoln City (at least on this day). Isaiah LOVED riding on the carousel.

We also enjoyed walking around the Seaside shops. While in the Seaside toy store we found a tiny giraffe. We showed Isaiah and he really liked it so we decided to invest the 49 cents and get a tiny giraffe to entertain our boy (yes, to this day we still have and know where tiny giraffe is).

Meet the newest member of our family...ha, I guess he is just a fun toy!

Isaiah is holding tiny giraffe and giving him a hug in this picture...so precious!

It was less windy at Seaside and the sand is MUCH softer. We had a great time enjoy the Oregon Coast!

On Friday we enjoyed most of our day at home. In the evening we meet us with some friends. The girls, Sarah and I got to enjoy dinner out while the boys, Josh and Travis took care of the kids.

On Saturday we enjoyed the town of Newberg. In the morning we watched the Old Fashion Parade. On Saturday evening we enjoyed the fireworks show.

It was so nice to have a week of family vacation tune even if it was a stay-cation.

Campbell's 3rd Birthday

2011-08-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Campbell's 3rd birthday the fourth weekend in July. Elise and Dan planned a fantastic Cars themed birthday party. Here are lots (sorry hard to narrow it down too much) of pictures from the fun day!

I went over to my sister's house early to help her set up for the party. Getting the food out was one of my jobs.

Another reason I went over early was to help decorate the cake. I think the race car track cake turned out pretty cute.

I got to hang these decorate flags before the guests arrived too. Campbell loved waking up for his nap and seeing the red triangles!

On the way to my sister's house I stopped at Safeway to get a festive balloon for the party per request of my sister.

Campbell was napping while we got the house ready for the party so he was very excited to see his cake and play with the cars on the cake table once he came downstairs.

My sister with her two beautiful (I mean handsome) boys!

Campbell thought it was fun to have the furniture rearranged for the party. He had lots of fun balancing between the couch and chair.

Once my party setting up responsibilities were finished I got to hold Greyson.

Travis enjoyed holding Greyson for part of the party too.

They bought a Lighting McQueen pull the strings pinata!

They had fun each trying to open/ break the pinata.

However, once the party treats fell out of the pinata they weren't quiet sure what they were supposed to do.

Eventually, they got the hang of it and had fun playing with the toys from the pinata.

Everyone enjoyed the warm weather outside and the kids enjoyed playing in the backyard before presents and cake.

We gave Campbell two Cars 5T shirts. He really liked them.

Family photo by the cake...silly 3 year old was more interested in the cars!

Campbell did a great job blowing the candles out.

Campbell also did a great job eating the cake... I think he got to eat 4 pieces!

After cake the kids had a little extra energy so they played their running game and had a great time!

It was a great to celebrate Campbell's birthday with him! He is a very special boy whom we love tons.

I Just Can't Keep Up ...

2011-08-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

Warning (and hopeful)... many new blog posts may appear soon!

I can't believe I am behind (again) with my blog posts.

Daddy is currently rocking Isaiah to sleep for his nap so hopefully I have a good couple of hours to get caught up.