While Justin was gone last week....

we really had an interesting time. The kids knew he wasn't here and they didn't want to go to bed or do much of what I asked. It wasn't easy, but we got along alright. I did take them to the park and we raked up a pile of leaves, in our yard, not at the park. We made bread, washed lots of laundry and also vacuumed while Jena screamed. It is hard to be the maid and the mother at the same time, but it gets done. We took some pictures a few evenings when they were particularly happy. This is Lane's new smile. When I say, "smile" this is what he does.

Warning: Crazy video!

Lane is now 2

Lane approximately a year ago.

He had a good time, but was worn out by the end. This picture was after the cake and ice cream, which he loved.

Lane was given some fun gifts. Thanks family.

JD Birthday cake. Albertson's bakery did a very delicious job.

Lane, Jena, Dad and Gpa Dan

This is the favorite gift. Thanks Luke, Brittany & Kinsey.

We had such a great time and it was so good to have family visit. We missed those that couldn't come, but we thoroughly enjoyed those that did.

Lucas and Brittany have lots of fun with Kinsey and it is fun to watch them as parents. She is a cutie with a little attitude. I wish we could be around them more.

Too much for ya huh Luke? It isn't easy traveling and then having a kid party.

Kinsey and Lane loved the Balloons!

This post is all made possible thanks to Brittany for the pictures.

Lane & Jena

Jena really makes some funny faces and has began squealing recently. It is the funniest noise. My niece Kinsey made the same noise (Does she still Brittany?). I really think it is an adorable sound. Jena is so close to getting her bottom two teeth. Not to compare, but her teeth are starting to come in slower than Lane's.

Laneo really enjoys hitching up the wagon/horse trailer to their respective pick-up/tractor. His mind is definitely always at work, as illustrated by this picture. We have been regular attendees at the Friday library reading time for Lane's age group a good portion of the summer. We have checked out many books. I don't know if he looks forward to going to the library, but I do. I might even go tomorrow.

We have been able to enjoy lots of fruits and vegetables this summer from the garden we planted as well as from other's gardens. It has been so delicious, fun, inexpensive, refreshing and a time saver.

Good Memories

My cousin and his wife gave us a couple bags of clothes and these hats were in them. We had photo shoot with them earlier this month. It was hilarious. It seems I am posting a lot of Lane and Jena sitting together, Lane on the left, Jena on the right, oh, well.

I can't figure out how to turn this picture, but it is one of my favorites and very precious. I was holding Jena at the time and thanks to Justin we have the picture.

The joy of children...

These pictures aren't in any particular order, and aren't the clearest or the best, but they are recent pictures of our little family before bed on two different evenings. A fun event for our family on Saturday was a trip to Garden Valley, ID with wonderful company and yummy food. What a beautiful place tucked in the mountains. The highlight of the day was swimming in perfect temperature water. Both of our children really enjoyed it as well as Justin and I. At first Lane wanted nothing to do with the water, but after a little coaxing he was jumping in by himself as Justin or I would catch him. Jena also loved the water and wore her little limbs out from splashing and kicking. It was definitely a day to remember. I didn't get pictures for one reason or another.
Both children are growing so fast. They are truly so much fun. It is pure joy to watch them develop. Nap time may be a struggle, meal time might not always be a joy, screaming and crying does happen on occasion, but it is all so worth it at the end of the day. To see them make each other smile or to hear laughter and little voices whisper and say new words is the reward. How grateful Justin and I are for our little family.

A great family night!

Since it is the last day of the month, we, Justin and Lanae, decided to deliver goodies to our home teaching/visiting teaching families. Due to the fact that the bread turned into two concrete bricks this morning and dinner was unhealthy fast food, something beneficial for someone had to be done! Here's how it went: 7pm before we began. We made it a family home evening event too, since we are working on becoming better at family home evening. The Zucchini brownies (more like cake) and chocolate no bake cookies were finished in 45 min and one or the other were all delivered, except two homes. Justin printed off the had-out-message from theideadoor.com and I got the treats ready. I must say even though it was chaotic with two whining, tired babies, it was what our family needed to do together, even if it was just Justin and I doing the work. I didn't get pictures of the event, but I wanted to make a note of it, because I do know that visiting teaching/home teaching is important. I have really grown to love the ward we are in. We have shared some great memories with may individuals we would've never had the opportunity to meet had it not been for the church and our good ward.

Recent pictures of our little family before church a few Sundays ago:

Note to Christine: This is one of Haley's dresses by the way. It is very feminine and I love it on Jena! Thanks for the use!

The last video is a small sample of the "language of Laneo" and Jena's karate moves, according to my niece.

4th Anniversary

July 2005

Four years, two children, three addresses and a whole lot more. I wouldn't trade it for anything (refer to wedding picture at right)!

I think they really do love each other.

What a Wonderful day!

These pictures are from our reunion, but the explanation of the "wonderful day" is below.Justin and I while on our little family drive through the North Canyon near Bear Lake.

This is our happy baby! She will smile at any face in front of her.

Lane is getting better and better about sharing. It makes me happy to see. Want a sandy cracker, dad (the photographer)?

So, today was happy! We were all in good moods, having a great together. It was V's 91st birthday too. Can you imagine living 91 years. This man is in great health. He has almost all his teeth considering all the junk food he loves. He gets up everyday and with a reminder takes his bath. V Dresses himself, feeds himself, walks around the neighborhood and even cracks jokes here and there. Everyone really loves him. He and his wife influenced so many for good. Everyone I've heard speaks good/positive words about them both. I hope someday Justin and I are like that.

Tonight his family had a little birthday party for him at the Ann Morrison Park. What a great time. The gifts given were mainly treats. Boy did he get a thrill opening all those gift bags of treats. He got so excited. The food was delish and visiting with their family was great too. What a lovely evening. Justin pushed Laneo on the swings and played with him on the toys while I was taking care of Jena.

Justin and I also indulged and purchased a pair of Teva flip flops today. Mine other flip flops broke today and his are worn out. He has had his since we went to Hawaii in '05 and was determined I needed a pair, because his had lasted so long and were so comfortable. So, that was fun to do with him.

The babies are both in their beds in the same room. Jena in her crib and Laneo in his toddler bed, sawing logs. We have two wonderful children. This evening after baths Jena was on the floor and Lane gave her a couple kisses. She smiled and also cooed at him. As their mother it was beautiful to see. We're trying to teach him to be nice to her and I must say it is working. They do have a cute relationship right now. I hope and pray they always get along well.

Reunion & an Emergency trip

The family reunion was realllly fun. Everyone that came had a great time. These are just Justin's siblings that were there. There was a better turn out this year with 49 attending, or as Justin was joking around last night with me, "49 that showed their face." Lots of swimming, food, visiting, pictures, laughing, sunburns, etc. I will have to post more pictures soon. We are excited for next year's reunion.

Emergency Room
Today was a great learning experience. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I do want it to be recorded. This past morning just before 11:00 I took down the blood pressure bottle from the cupboard to fill the prescription for the individual I take care of. Not thinking (more negligence) I handed Lane the bottle. As I did this I did think it was a child proof lid, not so. The next thing I knew he was chewing on two of the three pills in the bottle. I took it away and called poison control to find out he had too much in his system that his body could handle. The man strongly suggested we go to the ER. So, I found Justin and asked him to give Lane a priesthood blessing. I knew he would be okay, but we both wanted him to be safe, so we decided we would go to the hospital. I tried to induce vomiting to no success. As we drove to the hospital I tried to explain to him what was happening, due to the fact this was his first time there and he pointed to his throat of which I had just irritated. He was given charcoal in chocolate milk to absorb what was in his stomach and they took his vitals every hour we were there which was 3.5. The nurses and doctor couldn't believe he almost ingested the whole mixture. I wanted to know just how bad it tasted and let me tell you there was no chocolate my taste buds picked up on. I don't know how that boy drank the stuff. It was gritty and very gross. Maybe the fact that he likes to eat sand has something to do with it.
An hour after we were there Dr. Wyatt told us they wanted to monitor him for 6 hours and put an IV in, just in case they needed to use it. Justin felt the IV wasn't necessary, which ended up being the case. Lane vomited the charcoal milk as I was holding him. Shortly thereafter the doctor gave us the option to stay two more hours or go home. Hmmm. What a choice. We left due to the fact Lane's blood pressure was still safe. Yes, it had dropped, but at normal levels for his weight/age. His behavior never changed, until he vomited and still hasn't.
How grateful for the priesthood Justin holds and how grateful for the information and expertise of the doctors and nurses. I still need to watch him for the next few days, but I am grateful it only was what it was and that there were only three pills in the bottle.