i heart faces - pets!

I know, I know... I'm beyond behind on everything else. But... what a fun topic on 'i heart faces' this week - pets! I had to get the Weezer Breeze in on this one.

Check out more pictures at iheartfaces.com or click on the link above.

Dime Store Pearls...

No... we're not still in Salt Lake.

Since our move, we've had a few PC "issues" to say the least. Mine works, but all of a sudden (literally just one day) I can't connect to the internet. Which means I can't upload any pictures. Which means I can't finish our vacation and get on with everything else!!! So... I have to hop over to the laptop to connect to the outside world.

That being said... I did want to share a story that our Bible study leader read the other day. While this is not a post about what the kids are doing these days, this is something I hope they will look back in their baby books and read one day. It really hit home to me, and I hope they can appreciate the meaning as well.

It's long, but worth the read...

(Author unknown)

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for you. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores, and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.

On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill, and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere-Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy, and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess - the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you," And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling, and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her Daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

-----------------------------

Hit me right square in the noggin'. How many times am I so wrapped up in 'junky stuff' that I just can't let go of? How many times have I heard the gentle (and not so gentle!) "My child... let go." LET GO. Why would I not want to give up my 'junk' for God's treasure - His PROMISE of treasure?? Easier said than done, I guess. That would mean letting go of control, pride, jealousy, bitterness, hurts, and many more. Seems like a no-brainer, especially as I know first hand the treasures I have already been blessed with. But it is such a part of my human nature for me to tell God, 'No, I would rather worry. I would rather be hurt. I would rather be consumed with guilt or bitterness or anger. I would rather chase after a second of earthly relief or pleasure than to receive your Heavenly treasures. Really God, I can handle it. I don't need your mercy right now. I don't need your forgiveness, and I sure don't need your grace. I've got it all under control."

REALLY?

My sweet (and very forgiving) family can tell you how well that's worked out for me.

I am so thankful that I'm learning to let go. I'm so thankful that God pursues me daily and reminds me... asks me... BEGS me to give it to Him. Some days, the load is light. Some days, I bring in the moving vans. It's such an uneven trade, to say the least, but God doesn't mind.

We've had a pretty crazy last couple of months. I know the 'junk' I have been trying to contain and trying to control has oozed out for my kids and husband to see. I'm not proud of that. But I'm thankful that that scripture reminds us that God's mercies are 'new every morning.' A pretty awesome thought to wake up to.

Our kids are still little, but I hope we can instill in them early that it's not worth hanging on to the pearls that turn your neck green... so to speak. God wants our junk. Give it to Him, my sweet babies, and may you be abundantly filled with His treasures.

First Stop in Our Trip to Idaho: Salt Lake City - Temple Square

My mom and I recently took the kids up to Idaho to visit Joel's parents. Yes, the same parents that live 4 houses down from us in the fall. :) Grandma and Grandpa bought a condo in Idaho Falls (where Grandma is from) and plan to spend the summers there. Joel and I took Carter a couple of summers ago and had a great time, so we were really looking forward to our trip.

We decided to break the trip to Idaho up a little as it's quite a bit to do in one day. With two kids. No naps. A GranJan. A pack-mule...er... mom. Two flights... And a three hour drive to finish. But don't worry... we had THREE dvd players.

That being said. We flew from here to Phoenix and Phoenix to Salt Lake. This trip was actually MUCH better than the last time we flew. The kids were great. A little wiggly, but... geez... they're 18 months and almost 3. Way better than expected.

ANYWAY... we spent the night in Salt Lake after we finally found our condo (no thanks to the Garmin that never picked up a signal until we were in the parking lot of the condo). Everyone eventually went to sleep (Laney - who wanted to stay up and chat and play until 11), and we had some time the next day to venture around town the next morning before finishing up our trip into Idaho Falls.

We walked over to Temple Square as it was literally about 50 yards from the condo. Beautiful, beautiful grounds. There were brides having pictures done left and right. I've never seen so many girls in gowns! Wow...

Anyway, here are a few shots from the morning:

Seriously, the flowers and landscaping were gorgeous. So different than here. Things actually GROW in the summer!

I thought this office building was interesting. It was super tall.

The reflecting pond (I guess that's what it was) next to the temple was so pretty. I was just able to get the whole reflection in the water. Unfortunately, I was also able to get the little construction truck that had been cleaning the windows as well. Ugh... oh well)

I had to include this picture. I'd like to think this phase is now over (as I type), but for a while there, Carter never left the house without his entourage. Usually, this included BB, Penguin, ambulance, piggy key chain, a plethora of cars and/or dinosaurs, and whatever the item-of-the-day happened to be. We could only take so many things on the plane, so this picture just includes him with the 'traveling squad.' His collection did grow, however, after we got to Idaho Falls and he saw all the toys in the basement.

i heart faces - photojournalism

This is my first post for 'i heart faces!' This week's challenge is photojournalism: pictures that tell stories. I'd like to think they all do, but some definitely more than others.

This pictures tells so many stories for me.

The picture is so bright and warm, but so was the day. A child concentrating hard to make the "little helicopters" fly. A grandmother cheering him on. A young life full of things to learn. An experienced one with many things to share. A long, summer day. A quick glimpse into their fun.

It won't win anyone over on technical points, I'm sure, but a fun day with grandparents that we'll tell stories about for a long time.

I'll post more from our trip to Grandma's soon...

Check out iheartfaces.com for more from this week's challenge!!

Hope This is NOT an Indication of What Her Make-up Will Look Like...

Do I really need to mention that I clearly wasn't paying attention when this happened? It was all fun and games until it wouldn't wash off and she had to go to playgroup looking a little cat-like.

Weddin' Bells and Bike Trails

Don't want to spend too much time on the 'Big Hills,' but I did want to mention our last get-away and how much fun the kids had with grandparents...

Joel and I got to "escape" a few weekends ago with his family to cousin Ellie's wedding in Elk, Washington. It was nice to get away and catch up with family. Aside from Joel's immediate family members (who are all here), his mom's family is scattered from Vegas, to Seattle, to Idaho Falls. Needless to say, it's not often we are all together. This was certainly a treat!

Here is a picture of almost everyone...

The wedding was beautiful! Ellie did a great job with all of the details, and we wish Ellie and Miles all the best!

We did get a chance to play a little, too. That Sunday morning, we all headed to Montana - Janet, Mike, Aimee, Ray, Justin, and Lauren - for the Hiawatha Bike Trail. It was a little overcast that day, and we were up higher in the mountains than we had been. I actually bought a long-sleeve shirt (yes, this did happen in August) for the beginning of the ride (and the first tunnel that stays around 45 degrees). The weather cleared, and the sun did come out though. We couldn't have asked for a better day to ride. Beautiful, beautiful country. Huge trees, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles... breathtaking views. Here are a few of my favorites and the link to the rest.

http://libbiehill.zenfolio.com/p183612251/slideshow

Don't worry - the little ones were in good hands. Daddy Dave and Sheryl came down to stay with the kids and dogs while we were gone. I got lots of updates on how much fun they were having, and I was a little worried they may be sad for us to come home! My mom and Adrian watched them the last day. So nice to have family close, and I am always glad for the time grandparents get to spend with the kids.

The Latest on Laney...

So I've missed her 18 month mark by a few weeks (August 4), but better late than never. I need to write down what she is up to these days, as I forget so quickly!

My sweet, little, content baby girl has turned into an active, chatty, social butterfly. Where to start...

Laney talks up a storm. She tries to repeat a lot of what we say. It's pretty funny to hear her quote us at times. Other times, it's not so funny! Some of her favorite phrases and words are:

Where's Dada? (or brother, mama, etc...)
I don't know (sounds more like 'I know')
night, night
bye bye
I do it (or 'I do dit')
I pick (got this one, too, from Carter. She has to pick her own yogurt from the pack, crayon, etc...)
Elmo, Dora (Dodo), Boots
Aw, maaaan (to quote Swiper)
(whatever it takes to fuss at the dogs)
More
Down (though it's sounding lately like 'I want down')
NO!
Bro-bro (for brother)
Gigi
Baba (grandma/grandpa)
Bapa (Papa)
Where are you?
Come on (m'on) - with the hand movement, too!

The other stuff she says is just a result of her being a little parrot. We really have to watch what we say!

Laney is a great eater - still. We call her 'our little carnivore.' The child can put away meat faster than I can cut it and have it on her plate. She definitely has her Daddy's eating preferences as she is a big broccoli fan, too. Blah... but she eats it plain by the handfuls. Like her brother, she LOVES berries and drinks lots and lots of water and milk. Sometimes she steals brother's juice if she can't get her own.

Also like Carter, she was a late(r) walker (just before 15 months), but Laney starting running immediately after - and hasn't stopped since. The often play chase around the house, and she is known to just take off as soon as you put her down. It's usually the opposite way you want her to go.

She will say 'hi' and 'bye' to people until she gets a response. If this means turning the volume up a bit, so be it. Usually we leave the grocery store with the next 3 people in line all waving and shouting 'bye, bye!' Pretty cute. If I'm not paying attention or just can't hear her, she'll grab my face and turn it or grab my leg to make sure she has my attention.

Laney is a snugly little thing. I love it. I started making her rock with me at night a couple of months ago (I know, I know...) I don't know if there will be another baby, so I take every chance I get with this one. She will pat my shoulder and just babble while we rock. Or, she also likes to sing 'Pat-a-Cake' or 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' before bed. She can't say all the words, but she has the motions down! If I get up to put her down before she's had enough 'mommy time,' she'll tell me 'no, rock.' It's really sweet, and it melts my heart each time.

As much as she loves to snuggle with me at night, she is her daddy's little girl. She looks like Joel, eats like Joel, LOVES when Joel comes home... just wants to be with him all the time. He's pretty smitten with her, too, to say the least. So sweet to watch them together.

Carter and Laney have really been playing together well lately. He is starting to realize that she can do more and more things, and they will look for each other as soon as one gets up from napping. Carter will ask to hold her hand when we're walking or check to see if she wants something in his sweet little voice. Can't describe it in words, but hope to get a video of it before too long. Of course they have their typical brother and sister moments, but I just love watching them interact with each other more and more.

As the doctor said at her 18 month check-up, "she's 35% weight, 50% height, and she still has a big head." Maybe no WNBA star, but I could think of worse things in life than being on the lean side of things.

Laney has 14 teeth: 12 that she's had for what seems like FOREVER and two that have recently come in.

She likes her Pinky, though not quite as much as Brother likes his BB. I do often find it balled up underneath her while she's sleeping. As of now, it still resembles a blanket - unlike its blue counterpart.

I really can't describe how much we are in love with this little one. She is such a happy baby and you just want to smooch her each time she walks by. She has the sweetest little smile and a laugh that is so contagious. I'm trying to hold on to the last baby days, but they are going so quickly. She has changed so much, and we are so thankful for the little girl Laney is growing into. Joel and I have been doubly blessed with our kiddos, and we thank God for the honor and privilege of calling them ours.

"You are my sunshine,
my only sunshine.
You make me happy
when skies are grey.
You never know dear,
how much I love you.
Please don't take my
Laney away."

Love you, Bugga Bugga

Conversations with Carter: Warning... TMI

It's hard to predict when Carter will wake up these days, but on days I don't wake up to run, I try to take full advantage of sleep time. About a week or so ago, Carter woke up pretty early, so I made him get in "daddy's bed" (Joel was gone to Krav) to sleep a little longer. My alarm went off, and he quickly got out of bed and ran to my side to pull the covers off.

He then told me, "Time to wake up, mama." He handed me my bra and said, "Here, this is for your tatas."

WHAT? Seriously. I didn't believe that's what he said, so I made him clarify.

"Where does this go? What is it for?" And he pointed... correctly.

I am trying - with all my might - to think of ANYTHING else he could have said.

Joel swears he didn't teach him that, and I believe him. He actually looked a little embarrassed when I told him what Carter said.

Bop and Bug at the 'Bahn

Lots to write & lots of pictures.... stick with me on this one!

We just returned from the annual Schlitterbahn trip with Joel's family friends. There is a big group from the neighborhood that has been going for 15? 20? years. It's the same time every year, and everyone stays at the resort in the water park. We haven't been able to go the past 2 years as we have been out of town, so this was the first year the kids got to go.

Chillin' with dad...

Stroller time for everyone!

THEY. HAD. SO. MUCH. FUN!


We arrived late Friday night - close to 11. The kids probably didn't fall asleep in the car until closer to 10:30 or so. Laney woke up once when Joel opened the bathroom door where the light was on . I think she got a little scared as she had NO idea where she was, so I picked her up hoping she wouldn't wake up everyone on our end! It was actually pretty funny as she only wanted to sleep ON me. She eventually went back to sleep, and then Carter woke up. He was about half an inch away from falling off the bed, so it was probably a good thing! They slept in Saturday morning, and we got dressed and headed to the water park. We hit all of the kids' areas that morning, and then headed home for lunch and naps. Once the kids were awake, Carter and Joel ended up at the main part of the park (long story), and Laney and I went back to the same area.




Lots and lots and lots and lots of slides and tunnels and fountains and things to crawl in, under, and around. The kids just ate it up. Carter and Joel made it back to our side and then disappeared again. I saw them a few minutes later walking up to the ride (the BIG ride) right off of our balcony. Joel said he was going to take Carter down this particular ride, which I didn't believe for a second, but... I went along with it anyway.

I'll be darned if that little boy didn't come shooting down an "adult" slide just a few minutes later! He LOVED it! And I loved seeing the giant smile on his face. We were both so proud of him!! The boys stayed out until the park closed, and came back for dinner.


Carter checking out the ride he's about to go on.

It was so cold in our room and so hot outside, my camera would fog up when I took the cap off!

Check out the smile on his face! Priceless!!

Bubble King

Bubble Queen - who kept telling me "I do it" (though it sounds more like "I do dee" when she says it). Another thing she learned from brother!

The men fixed fajitas for dinner that night (a Saturday night at the park tradition), and everyone else brought out their contributions (chips, condiments, desserts, etc...). We fed and bathed the kids and put them down. Actually, Joel went to lay down with Carter and slept until the next morning!

It was hard to take too many pictures while trying to chase the kids and keep the camera dry, but I managed to get a few. Here are some other friendly faces who were with us as well!

Sunday, we got up to do it all over again. Most of the group went to tube the river, but we weren't going to do that with the kids. Joel took Carter down the "big" slide one more time, and then we all headed out for the kids' section again.

I have to say I got a little 'mushy' this weekend. I have certainly seen our kids have fun while playing, but this was definitely one of those extra-special times. Constant smiles, laughs, and energy! They never stopped until they literally passed out. Nothing makes me happier than to see them so, so happy. And then to see Joel able to spend so much time with them and him having so much fun, well... it just made for a wonderful weekend!

We were glad to get to see so many friends as well. Lots of little ones running around this year!

We met my dad and Sheryl for lunch on the way home and had a great visit with them. Of course they had goodies for the kids, though Carter held on to his AND Laney's in the car on the way home. And took them to bed last night. And has played with them all day today! I think it's safe to say the toys are a hit.

Happy Birthday, America!

We had lots of fun family time on July 4th. I had to work that morning at church, so Joel took the kids for lunch and then home for naps. Once everyone got up, we headed out for the Bellaire Rec pool. It's a REALLY nice facility, and the kids absolutely love it! Laney and Carter have the best time in the water. There are so many fun slides and fountains and lots more.

I think Joel was a little surprised at what all Laney could do. I don't think he was expecting her to be quite so adventurous at this age! She stops at nothing!! Carter was all over the place as well and was showing off what he is learning in swim lessons.

After we got home, Carter helped me make our RED (velvet) cake with WHITE icing and BLUEberries. Well... Carter had berries, at least. Anyway, it was a fun day, and I we ALL enjoyed Joel being home celebrating with us.

We are certainly thankful for those who continue to fight for our freedoms and liberties. I really can't begin to understand the sacrifice they (and their families) make for us each day. We pray for their safety and their leaders. We pray for their families and that they would ALL know they have our support and whole-hearted gratitude for their service.

Baby Doll

This is Laney's favorite baby doll. She loves, loves, loves to push her around in the stroller and tuck her in her 'special' blanket (a burp rag!).