10 Year Anniversary - MAY 19, 2009

Hard for me to believe Brandon and I have been married for 10 years. Although I think we both will agree the last five have definitely been easier and gone by faster than the first five. For us personally, I remember saying, "if we made it through the first five years, we can make it...FOREVER!" Gratefully that is where we are headed.

As I reminisced through the last ten years to past anniversaries, there are only a couple that stand out. We typically try to go on a trip during May and count that as our anniversary, but having children at times complicates the romantic schedule. There is only one anniversary that I remember the "gifts" we gave each other. It was our first. We had just closed on our first home. We were living in Walnut Creek, CA and had kind of given up that we would be able to afford anything in such a pricey market. BUT, somehow, all the stars aligned and we pulled through. We bid against four other people for this 15-year old, 1200 square foot condo for $180,000. The guy who owned the place didn't even put it on the market, and even at that, he was a year behind in market value. (Yeah for us!) Our bid was accepted and a month later we had keys in hand, totally broke, but with $5000 sitting in our bank account that we had borrowed from my parents for 30 days. Whatever kind of loan we got, we had to show that we still had money. :) Fortunately, both Brandon and I were debt free upon graduation with the help of our parents and scholarships throughout the college years. We both had great jobs and were able to afford the renovations we made to the condo in the next few months.

So, on our one-year anniversary, we shared pizza and rootbeer with my two brothers, Ryan and Daren. We had flown them out to help with some of the demolition work. Brandon and I decided we would tell each other what we would have given had we had any money to spend on gifts. I "gave" him this exotic white parrot that he wanted ($1000 bird), and he gave me diamond earrings. And then we went back to scraping cottage cheese off the ceilings. :)

And here we are 10 years later. Of course we would have loved to have travelled on some big trip. Ireland and Thailand are front runners on the list these days. But instead, we will be celebrating something way more exciting. We are expecting the birth of our fourth child any day!!!

At the onset of the pregnancy, I asked Brandon when he thought the baby would be born, "Before or after our annniversary?" He said, "right on." Well, as the weekend before approached, and I felt pretty confident I was not going into labor, I planned a quick over-nighter to Glenwood Hot Springs, which is about an 80-minute drive from Grand Junction. That was my gift to Brandon. He has been "needing" a break. Our cousins Chris and Jess watched the kids for us and we headed out of town. We had a nice time at the hotel, hotspirngs (you should have seen the looks and comments I got), spa, eating out, shopping a bit, and riding the tram.

It was a relaxing 24 hours and something I didn't realize we were needing to re-connect before our household is once again altered by adding a new member. We have been so busy with the routine of family and work life, we haven't taken enough time for us lately. That didn't seem to be an issue before, but now living in Grand Junction, we are further from grandparents and airports. And travelling in the last months of pregnancy is all but enjoyable. :) So this trip was great.


I am pleased with where we are. We both have changed a bit - more wrinkles, stretch marks (me), few pounds, less hair (Brandon), and time for ourselves, But we wouldn't want it any different. Our testimonies have grown, as has our family. I wonder where we will be ten years from now. Audrey will be graduating from High School, Corbin getting read to drive, and a couple of scouts in full force. Ooohh, something to look forward to? Some of that time for self may come back in disguise. We should be out of baby years and into school. Maybe more activities after school, but a couple hour break for mom during the day will not be taken for granted!


These are the beautiful flowers that were delivered the day of our actual anniversary! I know life is so precious. I'm glad I have my husband and my family to share it with. I love you Brandon!

Moon Farm

After cleaning the house for two days straight and having Brandon out of town, I wanted to preserve as much of my sanity (a.k.a. clean house) and thought I should take the kids to do something fun. I wondered (1) what would they would consider "fun", (2) what I could find in Grand Junction, and (3) would I be able to handle it 35 weeks pregnant. Well, Corbin went to this place on a field trip and came home to report "it wasn't that fun." Nonethless, I thought I would give it a shot. We went with Jess and Hannah (cousins) and the kids loved it. They told me they want to go back tomorrow. :) Cute. The place is called Moon Farm and is in Fruita (10 miles from Grand Junction.)


I had envisioned something similar to Thanksgiving Point, just on a smaller scale, but I was a BIT off. This 90-year old woman owns the place and it's pretty much a free-for-all. Out in the middle of the country, you knock on this lady's house where she lives, pay her $4 per person, listen to her chat for a while, and then off you go to explore the property. Apparently she and her husband created this "playland" over thirty years ago. I'm sure in it's prime, it was hot stuff. Now, it's a bit run down, but my kids didn't know the difference and it was perfect. There was only one other child there with his mom and friend so we didn't stress much about letting the kids run wild.


There was a "jungle" set up with stuffed animals. Drew kept kicking the gorillas sitting on the ground and saying "oooo, oooo, aaaa-aaaa." It was funny since there was no response. There were also about 10-15 crazy little houses the kids could go in and around (Old Woman in Shoe, Church, School, Office, Cabin, Little Italy, Castle, whatever!)


Then there was a small area with animals that you could pet and feed if you wanted. Corbin ventured as close to the peacock as he dared.


Audrey kept running over to the hay bales so she could have a decent stash of food in hopes that her hand would be nibbled as she fed the horses.



They also had a pony ride you operated yourself. It was crazy. Just get on and lead the pony around the circle. Take as long as you wanted. Drew started getting carried away and "led" the horse to a fast walk while Audrey was riding. Problem was, I couldn't keep up to stay by her side as a safety measure.




They also had a merry-go-round that you just flipped the on switch when you wanted a turn. A bit old and scary when it starts up, but then a nice ride for the kids. Whoever maintains the place (Corbin called him the farmer) was not there because we did not get to go on the train ride and I was not about to operate that myself.


Overall, it was a good time. We took a picnic lunch and stayed for a couple hours. The older kids would have stayed all day, but both Drew and I were done...tired, hot, and achy. :) We will have to go back again sometime.

EASTER 2009

Here's a couple pictures from Easter Morning. Audery's isn't so sure she believes in the Easter Bunny anymore, but is happy to eat the candy and play with the toys the bunny brings.


We didn't bother to set the timer on the camera so we could have a family shot. We were going to be late to church as it was...Drew was a little groucy. We woke him up straight from his nap and said, "Smile!" All three kids are starting to look so old to me!

Drew and the Ant Hill

So, I wasn't really going to post this story, since it follows in the wake of Drew's trauma, but it's kind of funny (once you get past sad). I realize I am setting myself up for criticism and throwing in the towel at any chance I had going for mother-of-the year, but seriously, I truly care about my children's well-being and safety. I got a fence and dead-boldt on the door didn't I? A kid can't be cooped up watching Wow-Wow Wubbzy 24/7. And believe you-me, if Drew's plate was kept replenished, he would stare at the T.V. all day long.

Now, after the event I am about to disclose, I asked myself, "Why do I let Drew have the freedom he does? I never would have let Audrey get into trouble like Drew." And then I had a few flashbacks...Audrey got a trampoline at age 2 and would jump from the trampoline to the ground, she would disappear with Grace (friend next door only six months her senior) and have a grand 'old time. I would catch her painting the shutters in the kitchen, pooping in my closet under all the hanging clothes, drawing on walls, flipping, and climbing wherever she went. I started her in gymnastics at 2 1/2 when the age requirement was 3. She kept up just fine and had agility mastered. She took advantage of "unsupervised" time while I did who knows what. So I question, what is the difference between my two fearless children? I guess Audrey felt confident in her abilities and really had her physical self mastered. Grace was no dummy. She would watch Audrey do daredevil tricks and not fall for it one bit. Drew on the other hand is trying to keep up with a 7 1/2 year old sister and a 5 year old brother and doesn't give a second thought to his own safety. His motto seems to be, "If they can do it, then why can't I?" He doesn't even comprehend, "THEY HAVE YEARS EXPERIENCE ON ME!!!"

Well, a couple days ago I was inside in my office with the backdoor open while the kids were playing outside. I could hear them running and playing and pretty soon Corbin comes inside followed by Audrey. Corbin explains "Mom, our garden is growing!" I had to laugh, because I haven't planted a garden since moving to Grand Junciton and couldn't imagine what he was talking about. Audrey then gave me some cute weed flowers they had picked in the dirt field behind our house. They had climbed the rock wall at the back of the yard, ducked through the fence and then started exploring the open expanse. They told me of the red ants they had found and were poking at the huge hill with a stick. Not two seconds later I could hear Drew screaming. He had followed them up the rock wall, through the fence, and was standing directly on the ant hill. I ran outside without shoes and tried to jump the rock wall. Forgetting that I was 8 months pregnant, I failed at my first attempt. So the second time I sucked in and jumped harder. I made it up and only peed my pants a little bit. :) I crossed the rocks in my bare feet and then leaned over the fence reaching out to Drew. He was immobilized by fear and would not move one inch towards me. It was so sad!!! He had ants everywhere. All over his shoes, pants, shirt. Ick!!! Shy of climbing over the fence and walking on stickers and red ants without shoes, I hoisted Corbin over to retrieve the panic-stricken toddler. I was screaming at Corbin to pick Drew up but he was just as scared and wasn't doing anything. Finally when I was angry and yelling at Corbin to do what I was asking, he pushed Drew towards me.

I brushed off the ants and stripped Drew's clothes - diaper and all. I look up just in time to see the neighbor wrapping a towel around her body, leaving the peace and quiet she was probably enjoying poolside before our little incident. Great...we've had a few interactions, but I'm sure the "frantic screaming pregnant lady who has rowdy kids" is the impression that will stay with her.

I didn't find any ant bites on Drew but I didn't really know what I was looking for. I don't imagine he would have been screaming if they hadn't bit him, but he looks fine. Strong kid. I will say this for his learning curve...he will not let Audrey or Corbin take him off the trampoline since the cement face plant. I hope now he won't climb the rock wall and through the fence. Tough lessons. But hey, at least we know he's one of ours - no one can tell him what or how to do something. He has to learn it himself.

Drew in the ER

I posted "A Week in the Life of Drew" a few hours too soon.

A couple weeks ago Brandon got a split-rail fence installed on each side of the house and we found a lock that we installed on the front door that was not too destructive to the molding or door. With these improvements, my life has become less hectic knowing Drew is contained. We figured we better purchase a couple kid attractions so there was some incentive for the kids to stay out of the street and want to be in the backyard. A trampoline was one of those said purchases.

Drew of course loves it. He only lasts so long by himself, but if Corbin - his admired older brother - is with him, he has a blast. Tonight, both boys were laughing, and having fun while they jumped as I prepared dinner. Strategically, the trampoline is right out the kitchen window and I can easily see them while I cook. But, in the minutes that I was not watching them, tragedy struck AGAIN!!!

I have heard things like accidents and death come in threes, so I'm hoping we have reached our quota. March 18, 09 - Drew falls off a 4' playset and lands on his head. March 27, 09 - Corbin runs Drew over with his Motorcycle. April 1, 09 - Drew jumps into Corbin's waiting arms to dismount the trampoline, knocks his bigger brother to the ground, and smashes his own face into the concrete. To Corbin's credit, he was standing on a chair trying to help. But Brandon and I imagine Drew jumped at Corbin like he does with us off of any ledge. Now Drew weighs 29 lbs. Corbin who is three years older, weighs 34 lbs. We give Drew another couple years before they are the same size.

Corbin came in the house crying because Drew landed on him and he knocked his head. When I went to get Drew, he was having a hard time standing as blood gushed from his nose and mouth. When he was still crying 20 minutes later, I knew it was bad. He's pretty tough and doesn't usually cry that long. Not even a bath was tempting to him. He wouldn't let me leave his side but wanted to lay down and started going to sleep. The bleeding had eased up, but the doctor recommended taking him to the ER.

All in all, he lost a tooth as the doctor was checking his teeth, but appeared to be acting himself and didn't seem to be suffering from any other symptoms of a concussion. He may have possible bone fractures in his jaw and nose, but in little kids, noses are pretty much cartilage. We go to a Ear, Nose, Throat specialist on Monday after the swelling has gone down. X-rays would be able to confirm any fractures/breaks, but even if so, nothing can be done to assist the healing.

Again, he's a pretty lucky kid. And cute too. Quite the fighter spirit even when he feels down. We couldn't be more blessed to have him in our family.

Spring Skiing

Brandon, Audrey, and Corbin made it up to the slopes one more time this season. It's nice since there is a decent hill 45 minutes away from our house and even on a busy day, it's not that crowded. Granted, I'm taking Brandon's word since I sit home with Drew and my growing belly. I figure by the time our youngest is old enough to ski, I will learn and we can make it a family event. Until that time, skiing is something the kids do with dad.


I'm told both Audrey and Corbin have done really well this year! Audrey and Brandon got skiis for Christmas and we rented some for Corbin to use this season. We wanted to make sure he liked it. I thought he would complain of the cold, but apparently he does pretty well.

A Week in the Life of Drew

Now everyone knows how accident prone and mischievous an active 2-year can be, but when so many things happen in one week, a mom (THIS MOM) really turns around and wonders, "Is anyone watching that kid?" The answer: Must be the angels because apparently it's not me. :)

A couple weeks ago while I was weeding in the front yard, the kids meandered over to the neighbor's house to play in their backyard. Audrey does a good job to care for Drew and help him up ladders and whatever else he wants and I'm amazed at her strength because I can barely carry him myself at his 30 pounds of rough and tough boy. Well, either by his own brute strength or with some help, he got up to the top of this playset with an attractive yellow slide. There was not a rail preventing a rear exit from the four-foot platform. Next thing I see/hear is Audrey carrying Drew across the street explaining he landed on his head. He was crying, but it sounded more like moaning and his head had a giant goose egg. After all, when gravity takes over, wouldn't any child lead with their noggin? Drew was more than happy to go inside (a rarity) and I put him in the tub to help calm him down. I didn't detect any signs of concussion but I did take him to the chiropractor assuming something would have gotten jammed up from an impact like that!


About a week later, Brandon was teaching Corbin how to ride his motorcycle. They were in the open dirt field behind our house with Audrey and Drew as spectators. Now Drew was not anywhere near the action, but lately he seems to be a magnet for danger. Brandon had attached some training wheels to Corbin's motorcycle so he could learn to balance and ride by himself for more than a few feet.


As Brandon describes it, just like riding a bike, you tend to go where you are looking. And Corbin was looking right at Drew. It was if they were being drawn to each other and as much shouting that Brandon could muster for Corbin to let off the gas, he just kept going. He clipped Drew from behind with his training wheel, knocked him flat down in the dirt and ran over the back of him. Corbin finally stopped. Brandon was right there to pick up Drew and dust him off. Drew was crying but mustering the words, "I'm O.K." and "Caca" with a mouth full of dirt. Fortunately the training wheels on the bike teeter from one side to another so there was a bit of clearance and not the full weight of the bike that ran over him.


When the crew came in for the night and relayed the story because I asked, "Why is Drew so Dirty?", Corbin was extremely emotional. He was crushed that he may have seriously injured Drew. I am sure he was scared but this was his buddy!!! They have started to play so well together it is fun to watch.

On a brighter/scarier note, Audrey had a turn on the motorcycle and was scared, just as Corbin was. When Drew took a turn...HE HAD NO FEAR!!! He laughed and was totally energized by the excitement this bright orange machine provided! Experiences like this remind me that these little spirits have missions here on earth and they are not ready to go. At times they are being protected by angels. As a parent, I try my best and pray for the rest!



In his independence, Drew climbs in and out of the tub, on and off the toilet (yet no action), insists he can put on his own shoes, and even tries to HELP ME get dressed. So far it's still cute and not annoying, but the other night he came down for dinner after disappearing upstairs for a few minutes. He was washing his hair...with thick white lotion. After climbing into his high chair, he proudly grinned "cheese" for the camera.