Family Firsts: Part 2: Trip to the Coast

Sam was able to take 2 weeks off in May and we decided we needed to take advantage of that time. We planned our first trip as a family to the Coast. We headed down to Newport and would stay a few days. 

Even thinking back on the trip now I think so fondly of it. What was is about this trip?? Perhaps this was one of the first trips that I felt like Jonah was old enough that I didn't feel confined to nursing him the whole trip long, or the ambiance of the ocean- the excitement and joy on my boy's faces when they were playing at the beach- it was a delight. We loved that trip. 

It was strange driving into town we came up over a hill and suddenly it was as if you could drive into the ocean - if, of course, you wanted to drive into the ocean. In this case, we didn't. There was a sign as we were locating our hotel that read: If you pass this point you are in the Tsunami Zone. Craazy! The boys were sweet right as the trip began and they thanked us for bringing them to the beach before we had even gone. Our first hotel was not so good. The people were friendly enough... probably because they were high on drugs! Truly though, it was a drug hot spot. They looked like they spent their days and nights using meth and we did not like the looks of the shady folks. It was the kind of place where I didn't really want my kids to touch anything, and you shower with your shoes on. Unfortunately we arrived too late in the day to make any changes that night so we made the best of it. We made mac n cheese for the boys and soon enough they were fast asleep. We changed hotels for the next couple nights. 

The next morning we got to the Aquarium as it was opening. The weather was perfect, and the boys were so excited. It was pretty cool. A lot of the exhibits were outside and you walked around big rocks to see the animals. The boys did not complain while we were there, and Jonah was a great baby and a good kick off to the vacation. 

 Later we hit one of the beaches. I had forgotten that these beaches, though sandy and beautiful, are cold! Luckily, Sam had thought of this, because if I had planned it out the way I had it in my mind we would not have a had jackets and they are a necessity. Despite that, the boys loved it!! They ran to the ocean as if it were an old friend.  In my mind's eye I saw Megan and I as kids doing the same thing so many years ago. When we played tag with ocean also. Rowan, who is my water boy through and through, was so in love with the ocean. He laughed and ran, and definitely did not want to leave even after he was drenched and shivering from the cold.
We hit the downtown area the next day and went to see the sea lions on the dock, and walked around.
But our trip was all about the beaches. We went to several. We went one night to fly a kite on the beach, we went again the last day before heading out of town, and it was perfect. The last one we had planned a lot better. We had dry clothes at the ready, we had them in the right clothes to start, and we stripped them down walking to the car. We spent the whole time running with the waves as a family. Me, holding Jone Jone, running back and forth with the waves. The last wave was the hail Mary to our trip. It wiped every one out if one fell swoop. In fact, Rowan, try as he did to outrun the wave fell under luckily Sam was right next to him and grabbed him the second he went in. Sam and I laughed and knew that was our cue. It was too cold there to be completely soaked. But, it was a great ending.
We plan on taking the boys again this summer. But, these memories are ones I will hold dear. I loved being with my family, and seeing how happy everyone was, and it made my own overflow.

Josh + Hadley =

Yeah, I really don't know how to answer that equation. But, they have been quite the pair for going on a year now. They are equal parts sweet to sass ratio and sometimes I really can feel for Joshy, who I have seen time and time again putting Hadley first upon her request. They are in the same church class and they were in the same preschool this last year. Throughout the year our family would have Hadley for the day, so they have spent plenty of time together. It has been relatively easy because Josh and Hadley really do get a long pretty well. (I think because Josh is so accommodating) but nonetheless Hadley has been so fun to have around-we are low on girls if you haven't noticed. It is funny to watch people notice the pair of them at church or really anywhere because they are quite cute. Hadley's parents and Sam and I have to chuckle at their expense because they have both discussed liking each other. Josh will randomly say things like, "I wonder what Hadley is having for dinner?" or just a simple, "I wonder what Hadley is doing right now." We are definitely not setting up their future by any means. Though lately, their conversations started to drift to a touch more serious. 

One morning when we had Hadley before school we are getting ready to pile in the car. We were amidst the backpack, shoe, children chaos I looked over to see Hadley moving in to plant a kiss on Josh. I was thinking: "uh...excuse me!" But, I just steered everyone into the car. On the way to school Hadley asked Josh, "Can I kiss you?" Josh replied a "yes" to that request. Then she followed up by saying, "Well, after we get married...and we're getting married tomorrow." Josh does his classic Joshy scream. "And then I will have a baby," What is happening?? Josh asks, "A real baby?" Hadley answers with a sure, "Yes." Josh screams again. Thats my boy.  There hasn't been much conversation I have overheard since then, but my oh my she wanted to move things a long.

driving Miss Daisy

The very latest on Heather's watch Josh and Hadley were having a play date over at her house, and the last 5 minutes Heather found the pair of them snuggled in bed together reading a book, Heather asks Hadley, "What are you doing?" The answer: "Playing family. Oh...Josh and Hadley...

Kaj turns 7/ Easter Picture

Ok. So I have some really handsome boys

Kaj turned 7 this year. Wild, wild stuff. He had been counting down the days for a couple of months. Why? I really don't know. I was talking with Whitney about this wondering how children get the idea in their heads that their birthday is a national holiday. Don't get me wrong, I definitely want them to feel special, and that it is a day set apart, but also...it a normal day, and sometimes you have to do normal things. Kaj woke up around 4:30 in the morning to open his presents. We invited him to go back to bed, he then came in again around 5:30-6 which was closer but still not when starting the festivities. At that point Sam and I already realized he was already disappointed. I actually had to sit down with him and tell him that sometimes you need to wait so you can be celebrated because if you are always asking and waiting you might be disappointed. The days turned around from there. We had done some family celebrating the weekend before since Kaj's birthday this year fell on a Tuesday. We had gone climbing and had cake but we saved the presents for his birthday.

Kaj was actually home sick from school the day of his birthday so we really laid low, and what saved the day was actually being able to spend some birthday money from Mor Mor for Kaj and Josh. (I had saved Josh's with the idea in mind that they could both pick out something together) they both picked out brand new lego sets and we went home and they sat at put them together and played with Legos. It ended up being a great day.

A little about Kaj at 7. He is reading a lot more. He seems to enjoy reading and picking out new books from the library at school. He is smart and he can retain information easily. He teaches me new things he has learned from school often. He is a good older brother. He can be very self aware and knows what he needs to work on. He has lost 6 teeth now. I am getting used to his new smile. He is quite a handsome boy. He is working on reading the Book of Mormon right now and reads a page or two every night before bed. He says very thoughtful prayers. Kaj can also be very helpful, and I trust that he will listen to instructions. He is quite the lanky thing, he has a knack for mountain biking and climbing. He really enjoys spending time as a family. Kaj can feel like the glue in our family. I love Kaj. He is growing by the day and I really enjoy who he is becoming. It feels a little crazy to me to think he turns 8 next year so I would be all right if this year goes by nice and slow.

Happy Easter 2017

Family Firsts: Part 1

I took the boys roller blading for the first time a little bit ago. My friend had given me some free passes which was a good thing because I really wasn't sure how the boys were even going to like it and to pay for what could be a 10 minute excursion did not seem worth it. But, I was quite surprised how motivated my boys were to keep going with this because they fell...a LOT. I mean they were scrambling on the floor and falling both forward and backward it was not a pretty sight. While we were getting our blades on this kid came up to us and I will put it this way: he was a, "I like the Tin man" kind of kid. I was juggling to put on blades and roller skates on all 3 boys and keep Jonah from crying he approached us to let us know he would be starting a class to teach others how to skate. It was confusing. But, I guess after seeing us he decided this would be his first business endeavor. He started telling us what skates they should be in and proceeded to show them how to go backwards which I broke the news to him we were first timers and we were just trying not to fall down. He left. After a few moments though he came back with 2 other boys he apparently hired on the spot to take on this project. I could tell they were good kids who had been scammed into this but were very polite. I told them this was their first time and they didn't have to stay with us if they didn't want too. But, they began to give really good tips right away. I agreed with everything they were saying. And before I knew it we were heading with these 2 boys to the skating rink and my boys were falling a little less. Kaj was still...a little off balance. Josh was getting the hang of it, because he would take these tiny step like movements. The boys were so nice. They were encouraging, and they caught them from falling, and they continued to teach them as we made our way around. Rowan was doing great. He had the little skates that go over shoes and he acted as if nothing had changed. I discovered the 2 boys were on the hockey team in Bend and had been skating for 8 years. They were really good. And the boys were really excited to get better and better. It was good to talk with the boys later about the good examples the two older boys were to take time to mentor them and used their time to help others. We have gone several times since, but we still probably should remember to bring helmets.

Another first was to implement a new Monday plan. I love hiking the Butte in town because it feels like a good work out, but is so close by, and it doesn't take long to do. The weather has been getting warmer and I decided the best time to do this would be when Rowan is at school after we drop him off, and I could go with Josh and Jonah. So that's what we have done...weather permitting. It is so much fun. Josh is such a trooper. Classic Josh. Doesn't complain. Just hikes away till we reach the top and it is delightful company.

We also recently hiked the Butte as a family. We haven't gone since before Jonah was born. Usually Sam doesn't want to go to the Butte because he would rather hike something else. But, we went, and all really enjoyed ourselves. We then decided to have the first BBQ of the season. We got out the grill had our delicious burgers and I felt like, "wow, what a great day this was." Well...as we were cleaning up from dinner suddenly Sam was rushing in the house with Rowan crying. Honestly, the cry didn't sound urgent but Sam telling me to turn the cold water on, and he stuck Rowan's hands under the water. Rowan had put both his hands on the lid of the grill and burnt them both pretty badly. His crying was then urgent as he was trying to rub away the pain he popped the already blistered  area of his right hand and it looked awful. His red, raw skin was completely exposed now from the pad of his skin near his thumb up to his fingers with the skin folding over. It was so so sad. We couldn't explain to him what had happened very well, and this was the first time any of my boys had had a burn like this. We were fortunate enough the Sam could call Wisco and tell him what happened, and Sam then quickly went to the store to grab the supplies that we would need to take care of this. I held Rowan as he cried. He would calm down, and then the pain would come back and he wail and cry again. I said a prayer that he would be comforted, and brave, and that there would not be permanent damage. I felt peaceful as soon as I finished praying and I knew Heavenly Father would answer my prayer. Rowan felt fast asleep soon after. When Sam arrived home he told me Wisco was on his way to help bandage  his hands properly. I could barely look at his right hand, but Rowan was actually very brave while they wrapped up both his hands. So, Rowan had his little lobster hands for a few days. I turned out his left hand was fine enough to not have anything after a few days but we had to his right one covered for a couple of weeks. His hand is completely healed now. I am so thankful it was not worse. 

So grateful for our little family, and all the experiences we get to have together.

Our Trip to Colorado Springs

finally going home

Sam and I (and Jonah) went out to Colorado in early March. Our family is at a crossroads (again) on where to reside. Sam got asked to come out and interview with a group in Colorado Springs. Grandma and Grandpa Jo were able to come out and man the fort with the older boys allowing us both to go out. I had thought it would feel like a vacation with just Sam and I but it turns out if you have even one child with you- it is not a vacation for 2. With the being said, Jonah was the best little traveling baby I could ask for. He slept on every flight and without any kind schedule he rolled with all the punches, and was still quite pleasant. 

We were very fortunate that Michael Grigg's parents were able to watch Jonah for us while we had dinner with the group the first night. The group were some of the nicest people. I had such positive vibes while we sat at dinner with them. I could tell they were a good group that genuinely cared about each other but also worked very well together. We spent the next day looking around Colorado 

Springs, and then Sunday we went to church and then flew out. 

Yes, the flight out. We were supposed to leave a 6pm, but we got to the airport around 4:30 and killed time. We were so happy when we finally boarded the plane. After getting settled the pilot announced there was something leaking from one of the hydraulic something something and Sam and I looked at each other like: "Say Whaaatt??!" They assured us that they were just going to take a look- see and we would not have to de-board. We ended up de-boarding. It would be a couple hours at the most. It was not a couple hours. Jonah was so tired. But, he did not sleep while waited for the plane to get fixed. We spent a lot of time walking him around, trying to get him to sleep, and rinsing off his "binks" that would fall on the floor. One of these occasions I went to do so this fellow passenger of the broken plane was talking quite loudly on her phone, "I am a little buzzed if you couldn't tell. Well, here was nothing else to do!" She announced. I thought, OK then. We finally took off at 11pm and we already knew we would be missing our connecting flight. We would be staying the night in Salt Lake in a hotel. 

When Sam and I were back in our seat 5 hours later we noticed some passengers had switched seats cue the drunk girl from the bathroom now sitting in front of us with this guy who had mutually decided drinking was the best way to kill the time. Sam and I had front row seats to their awkward first drunken kisses, his way to often caresses to her hair as she slept, and also how each time she awoke her interest in him seemed to lessen. It was quite hilarious and awkward.

"oh Jone Jone"

So...after NOT getting our luggage that night after we arrived in Salt Lake and getting handed mini "overnight bags," we waited in line for the shuttle to our hotel with more than half of our plane comrades. Some very nice girls let us take their spot in line for Jonah's sake. So many people took notice of how amazing Jonah had been doing despite all the bad travel luck we were having. We then waited in line to get a room and waited some more for someone to bring up a pack n play for Jonah to sleep. We finally tucked ourselves in in the same dirty airport clothes we had been wearing all day long. (delicious) at 2 o'clock in the morning. I was even more happy to get home when we finally did get home.

at church with Grandma and Grandpa Jo

Jonah's feeling about going home too

So, just a little bit about our crossroads. We were are still contemplating what to do. I have felt very peaceful about moving forward with the group in CO Springs, but there is still a chance of staying. I love Bend. I have told friends and family I have never loved a place more. I love the small feel to it, the 10 minutes drives to anywhere. I love how even with all my small kids I have I have been able to go down to the river or let them ride bikes on the trail because of how close everything is. It's beautiful here. But, with the impressions I have had I would be willing to leave. We shall see. 

Happy Birthday Dear Joshy

5 years old

We celebrated Josh's 5th birthday this year. I remember thinking when Josh turned 2 years old feeling like he had been in our family a lot longer. I feel that must mean Josh has always had a special place to belong in our family. I continually feel very lucky to have him and to be his mom. He teaches me a lot of the time about being considerate of others and thinking of first. He does these things very naturally and is certainly a gift that he has been given. 

Josh's full name is Joshua Mats after my grandpa. When Josh was a wee one aka probably a couple months old I remember holding him and looking at him and just enjoying the newness of the baby I had just had and having the sense and envisioning him with my grandpa. He was holding his hand, walking with him, talking with him in a bright and beautiful place. I knew Josh had recently been with my grandpa before coming to me, and it was an amazing feeling. 

lego crab, Moana, Maui and his hook

 For many many reasons Josh is special kid. I mentioned how Josh easily puts people first to name a couple of examples. The stores that I usually run to with the boys are Walmart, Costco, and Safeway aka the cookie store. When I take them to the cookie store I always swing by the bakery so they get a cookie sample. There was a day I was only with Kaj and Josh and there was only one cookie left Josh grabbed it, split it in have without thinking twice and then proceeded to give the bigger half to Kaj. The other night the boys were still hungry after dinner so I allowed them to have the banana that was left there was just one so Kaj and Josh split it, and when Rowan wanted some Josh then split his half of banana to share with Rowan. Though these are small examples perhaps I feel like the significance is shown by how immediately he thinks of others. He also is just plain sweet. He was sitting with me the other day and stopped and said, "mom, you're beautiful." If that's not already sweet enough he actually tells me this quite often, and most of the time he does I feel like I am the complete opposite. This time after saying this he paused and told me, "I'm going to tell you you're beautiful every day." And he has. I can't think of a day since he told me this where hasn't told me. Josh also looks for ways to make others happy. He did the dishes one day and told me he wanted to make me happy. I watch him daily do things to make others happy.
Josh is great brother to all of his brothers. He knows how to be the best brother to each boy. He and Kaj- they are just two peas in a pod, When he plays with Rowan he is patient with him and teaches him things, he helps him on and off the trampoline, and he runs around a lot with him which is what Rowan loves to do. With Jonah he goes with the smothering approach, but Jonah loves it. Josh will pick him and walk around with him, he loves to make him laugh, any time he is around Jonah he is happy kid.

Josh is very bright. He can figure things out on his own very easily. He loves singing songs, and learning new things. He likes legos, riding his bike, and preschool. I really truly am impressed with what he can create with his legos. Not just in an, "Oh, that's nice, honey," mom approved kind of way, but legit he can create anything he sees and make is lego form. Josh is quite funny. He has a great sense of humor and often make the whole family laugh. 

I cannot believe how fast 5 years has flown by with him. I also can't wait to see Josh as he grows I know he is going to do great things. (He already does) I love you, Joshy bears.