Trouble Makers

I know it's my fault that Chaz had the opportunity to make the mess he did because I 1. wasn't watching him and 2. left the supplies out but it's still frustrates me when I hear my mom scream my name from the other room and know one of my kids have just destroyed something of hers. She wasn't as mad as I thought she was when I got there and we're not sure how much damage is done to the table cloth that was underneath, I should have gotten a picture of that. He sure had a good time though until we had to give him a bath and his skin is still red, so is mine. I am hoping it will come out of his outfit but as it was red food coloring from Michaels it probably won't. Hours later and his diapers are even red! At least he's in color with the season right?

Update

I had an appointment yesterday and was told I can return to normal activity with no restrictions. Truth be told I have been getting back to normal activities for about a week now. I appreciate every ones help and well wishes. The baby looks healthy and I am excited to get my holiday shopping and baking underway. Here is a pic we received yesterday of our little boy!

Our New Home!

Kjell and I bought a home! It closed last Wednesday and Kjell has been there everyday since working hard to make it ready to move in. With me on bed rest it will take longer to get ready but he's determined! It has been difficult to pick paint colors from a bed but we still hope to move in before Christmas. On a side note my problems have stopped but I haven't been cleared by the doctor to get off of bed rest yet. I appreciate everyones support and concern, it means a lot to know so many are pulling for me and my family.

Thanksgiving

I can't believe it's December! We had a fun Thanksgiving in Utah. We were hoping it would snow and it did but it melted by noon. We got to spend some time with some of Kjell's family, his brother Vegor and his wife Errin, and his sister Kirsten and her hubby Nic.

Our Thanksgiving Feast.The Snow came on Black Friday

Drew relaxing in my parents big bath with tons of bubbles. He asked me about every5 minutes to take a bath, all day everyday. Chaz was afraid to get in the bath when the jets were turned on.Hanging out in the backyard making smores in the fire pit. It was to cold for me I took my smores inside!We were in Utah for a week and I feel so bad I wasn't able to see any of my friends. I wasn't feeling well the first few days and then on Thanksgiving I ended up in the Hospital. What would a trip to Utah be with out me going to the hospital at least once. I am 16 weeks pregnant and started to have some problems Thursday night. We went to the hospital in Heber (where we were) and they listened for the heartbeat said it was strong and sent us home. I received a very special blessing from my husband that both the baby and I would be ok and healthy. During the blessing he kept using "he" when talking about the baby. The next day everything was fine and so about 11 we went to Sears to take part in some black Friday shopping. My problem started again while we were at the store and so we went to the hospital in Provo. They were so good to me. I was there for 5 hours but had great care, especially from this one nurse Stacie. They ran many tests but found nothing wrong. During the Ultra Sound I think I saw a penis and when I said this to Kjell he said he thought it was a boy when he was giving me the blessing the night before. Those of you that know me must know how badly I want a girl but I was not disappointed at all by this news. I actually was more sad when I learned that Chaz was a boy. I just hope this baby continues to grow and develop as it should and will be strong and healthy when it enters into this world. I was put on bed rest (meaning only allowed to get up to use the bathroom) until I was able to see my doctor here in Fresno. After being seen there yesterday there is still no answer but that I am further along than we thought (16 instead of 15 weeks). They said I am to continue to be on "Modified" bed rest (meaning I can get up to do small things but nothing to physical). So I am home taking it easy and thinking of all the things I have to do. My friends have already offered to do so much and I am grateful for all their support. My parents and sisters have been wonderful. And I have to say after this weekend I love my husband even more. He took such good care of me and the boys, never once complaining and catering to my every need. His patience surprised and humbled me because I am not sure I would have been so patient and generous. I will be seen again in 2 weeks for another ultra sound and am told this can all be a normal part of pregnancy and many women go on bed rest for a while and then go on to have a normal pregnancy. This is what we are hoping and praying for.

So I am in Seattle. I bought my tickets Tuesday night and flew out Wednesday night. My sister lives here and she has a business called La Vie En Rose. It's mostly a bakery but she also makes picture frames. So twice a year she participates in what they call a Boutique. It's like a home show where different vendors gather together and sell their items in the same place. It's usually in October and March but Becky decided to participate in a special holiday one this month. I came to help her bake, frost, package, print, label, price, and help out with the kids. True to my form I feel like even though I came and tried to be helpful we probably caused more trouble than helped and made Becky's life more stressful. Her kids got sick Friday night, probably brought that with us to. But her items sold at the show when lots of vendors didn't sell anything. It was neat to see the different (and same) things the people here were selling.

And I had a fun time watching Drew and Chaz play with their cousins. Drew loves to come here and visit, he asks almost daily when we can go to Seattle. Last time Becky was in Fresno by herself we were getting ready to take her to the airport for her return flight and Drew came out to the car and asked if he could go. I said sure and he said ok I will go pack my bag. I thought he just wanted to go to the airport, I had no idea he meant to Seattle.

I haven't been here to visit for over a year so of course I had to hit all the food places I love to eat at and shop at the Costco's here because they have the best stuff! Costco was started here and so these stores get a lot of high-end items that a most other stores don't.

And once again our time is winding down and I am so sad I don't live closer to all of my family. This was the first time I have traveled with both of my kids by myself and it wasn't as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. Both kids were driving me crazy (at least it was only a 2 1/2 hour flight). Also with the cost of plane tickets, Chaz will be 2 in May, I just worry that I won't be back for a while and I miss spending time with Becky and her family. They are so generous and caring, they make me feel right at home even letting Chaz have Mason's room so I can sleep.

I do miss Kjell though and have a lot going on in Fresno that I kinda just left. Luckily I have good friends who are picking up the slack for me. So I will enjoy my last day here and then look forward to Christmas when Becky and her family will come see us!

Lazy, Sick Days

Not an interesting post but thought I might update everyone on our wonderful weekend. Friday night Chaz threw up and I thought it was something he ate so we washed him up and put him to bed. Saturday morning we discovered he had thrown up in his blanket. After a bath and some banana, cuz the kid was starving we thought all was ok. We went to lunch as a family and then came home and all napped. About 5 Drew started throwing up and didn't stop until 1 in the morning. Kjell was really worried about him being dehydrated and was ready to go to the hospital. I was weak stomached myself and kept saying just to wait it out. This morning Drew was tired but not so sick. Kjell went to church by himself and I stayed home with the boys and watched Anne Of Green Gabbles, which according to Kjell reminds him of being tortured by his older sister Julie when he was younger and forced to watch it-He's seen it more than I have this was only my second time ever watching it. Both kids ate dinner and have made it all day without throwing up although Chaz has had the runs fun stuff! So far Kjell and I have avoided the sickness and with the week starting I hope we escaped it. Hope everyone reading this had a better weekend then we did!

Halloween

I love the fall and I have since I was young. The holidays make the time go by so fast. This year we got ready for Halloween by...

Carving Pumpkins. Chaz was really interested in the pumpkin carving this year, at one point he had his head right up in the pumpkin. Drew directed Kjell as to how he would like each pumpkin carved. Then they washed and toasted the seeds, one of Kjell's favorite snacks.

Baking Sugar Cookies. I love to bake and any excuse is welcome. I baked cookies for the Church Carnival and Drew's preschool party. My friend Brandy hosts a decorating party each year before Halloween. We all bring over our treats to decorate and sit and talk while the kids play. It was so fun to have company while frosting my cookies. I love to have someone to talk with when I am frosting because this usually takes a long time for me. Unfortunately while I was at my car loading it up with my frosted goodies Chaz decided to play in a box of ashes by the fireplace and make a mess all over her hearth and himself, I can't turn my eyes away from that boy for a minute. I had to save some cookies so Drew could help decorate them with me. He likes to eat the frosting and sprinkles more than help though.Lighting the Jacko-lanterns. Drew wanted scary pumpkins this year I think Kjell did a pretty good job.

Getting dressed to Trick or Treat. Drew wanted to be Optimus Prime this year. I looked for a Bumble Bee costume for Chaz but couldn't find it in his size so I decided to make him a vampire because he loves to Bite! I think it turned out pretty cute.
Enjoying their Treats. After Trunk-or-Treating at the church Kjell and I took the kids around our block. We came home to show grammy our spoils and then to the bath they went. I tried my hardest to get Chaz to say Trick or Treat but he wouldn't. Drew would walk right into houses and Chaz would knock on the door but then run back to us as soon as the door was opened. Now the trick is to hide the candy before it ends up half eaten and all over the house!

Kjell's Birthday

My postings have been slowing down but today is a day I wanted to make sure was remembered in our house. Kjell turned 29 today and while I think having a birthday the day before Halloween would not be fun Kjell had a pretty enjoyable day. He went to work but left there about midday and went to lunch with his friends, who treated him, and then to play golf for the rest of the afternoon, also on his friends and coworkers (ah the life of an insurance agent). I did have to interject when he told me he was going that he didn't take the afternoon off on my birthday, I didn't get any time away from my job that day but this is about Kjell. Then this evening we cooked a nice dinner and had cake and ice cream.
Kjell already received his gift this year a few weeks ago he went to a World Series Playoff game at Dodger Stadium. And although they lost that night and then lost that series he said it was still a great gift. I don't think I give Kjell enough credit for all he does for me and our family. I love that for the most part I feel like we are a team. He is such a good dad that Chaz cries everyday when he sees Kjell leave for work and both kids are by his side the second he walks in the door. He is patient with me and I hope he knows I love and appreciate him. I hope you had a wonderful birthday Kjell and that your wish comes true.

The Big Fresno Fair

I have been working on this post for a while now. I started and then lost my memory card so I wasn't able to finish. I finally found it so here is what we have been up to.

Some friends and I went to the Fresno Fair a few Fridays ago. Then I went with my family for FHE the following Monday. My mom missed out being in Italy and all, I think she'll get over it.

28

Yesterday I turned 28. I had a really good birthday, I appreciate all the phone calls and cards from friends and family. My sister asked how I felt and I said the same. I feel young to have a four year old and old when I think my 10 year high school reunion will be next year. To me at this point in my life age is only a number. I do still love birthday cake though!

Caruthers Fair

Friday night we went to the Caruthers Fair. It was a drive but well worth it. I love the Fresno Fair but this one was smaller, cleaner, and more family friendly. Kjell had fun taking the kids on the rides and my mom and I enjoyed walking around and running into friends.

September

I feel like I haven't blogged forever. We have been busy settling into a new daily routine. Drew started preschool again about 4 weeks ago. We are doing a co-op based on the Joy School Curriculum and so far it has been really nice. There are only 5 kids and they all seam to get along. He really enjoys going.

This last week we were all sick, even Kjell stayed home from work and he hasn't taken a sick day since he started 2 years ago. I have just been trying to keep up with the kids and not give in to the cold. Chaz's turned into a sinus infection but he didn't have an ear infection which was nice because he has had one pretty much once a month since last November.

We are on the mend though (and antibiotics!)

Summer's End

I can't believe the summer is almost over, it has gone by so fast. Living in Fresno the wheather will still be warm for a while but Drew starts Preschool tomorrow. I am looking forward to settling back into the routine but sure did enjoy playing around. Here are some recent pictures from the last week or so.Playing at the Park, Chaz loves the sand.
One of our many trips to the zoo with our friends. I am making the most of my pass!

At the Primary activity on Saturday.
Playing with the hose in the back yard.

We went to the Circus back in July. The kids enjoyed it for the first 5 minutes and then wanted to go home. They both fell alseep after the intermission.
Swimming in the pool with cusins who came to visit and friends. Chaz's two favorite things Food and making messes.

Keeping Busy

I guess my mom was worried about all the damage her grandchildren could do to her Utah house in a week so she kept us very busy with lots of activities. We had fun though and plenty of time to talk and catch up with each other. I love spending time with my family, especially my brothers and sisters. I wish we could all live closer together and see each other more frequently.

Becky's good friend Dina's kids with Drew and Becky's kids. The adults went to lunch and shopping. Dina's oldest 2 watched the other kids for us. They were awesome babysitters. I can't believe how much they have grown up since I saw them last. We rented 3 ATVs and of course now we are all sold and want to get some for the house. There is a beautiful trail just southeast of the house. It leads you up to 10,000 feet with a beautiful view of the valley. Becky and I took turns driving and just added the boys for the pic.My dad took Drew and Drew loved it. He said "Gramppy went super fast but I wasn't scared." They were gone long enough that I was though. They left this way but when they returned Drew was in front of my dad "helping" him drive.Rick and my mom took the kids, except Chaz, to Rick's good friend Jeremy's house to ride the horses. Drew looks like a pro.

Back in Utah and loving it!

So we are back in Utah and Drew is having so much fun with all of his cousins from the Perkins Family. Most of my siblings are here, Robbie and Laynie are in New Orleans, and Ryan stayed in Fresno. We will be here for the rest of the week playing around in Heber. Kjell couldn't make the trip this time and we miss him already. Here is a picture of some of the kids eating their dinner tonight.

The Longest Tag Ever!!

My sister-n-law Errin tagged me and I enjoyed reading her original tag so much I thought I would play along.

8 things I am passionate about:(this is not in order of importance just a list)
1. Family (Kjell-our children-our immediate and extended families)
2. Friendships
3. Food
4. My faith and beliefs
5. Memories
6. Having and raising my children
7. Traveling
8. Health

8 Books I Have Read And Enjoyed
1. The Harry Potter Series
2. The Twilight Series
3. The Host
4. Brown Bear Brown Bear
5. Deceptively Delicious
6.This I believe
7. Fisher of Men Series
8. Children of the Promise Series

8 Words/Phrases I Say Often
1. Stop it (Usually directed at the kids but Kjell hears it a lot to)
2. Really-a rhetorical question I ask when i just can't believe something or just don't want to
3. All done?
5. What are you doing? This phrase is used in many tones.
6. That's it!
7. May I have a 4 piece chicken nugget happy meal...I know it's so bad for them-so much for being passionate about health huh?
8. I love you so much or I love you more than...Drew and I play a game he loves me more than the whole universe.

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die (in no particular order)
This is more difficult for me. There are many things I would enjoy doing but none I feel I have to do before I die. With that in mind I would like to live long enough to
1. Have more children
2. Own a home
3. Travel
4. Not have any debt
5. See my children serve missions and get married in the temple.
6. Watch my children have and raise families of their own
7. See Kjell retire
8. Serve a Mission with Kjell

8 Things I Learned This Past Year
1. Everyone needs friends
2. My two boys are very different from each other
3. I am my own worst critic
4. Most people are more insecure than they let on
5. Happiness is in your own hands
6. I am becoming more anxious as I get older
7. I can't diet successfully-I lose weight when I watch what I eat but don't "diet"-restrict myself.
8. I really, really want to have a girl.

8 places I want to see
1. France
2. Italy
3. London
4. Veracruz Mexico (Where Kjell served his mission)
5. Denmark
6. Russia
7. Hong Kong
8. Belize

8 things I miss
1. The freedom to take off when I want -not having to find a babysitter
2. Living in Provo-I never thought I would but going back makes me miss it
3. Sleeping alone in a bed for as long as I want uninterrupted.
4. Not having to worry about where I go because gas wasn't $4.50 a gal.
5. Having nice things that don't get broken or ruined by my very busy boys.
6. My brain- I used to have a really good memory but now forget where I put things, can't remember what I was doing-it drives me crazy!
7. Swimming laps
8. Spending time with Kjell's family- we don't see them enough we used to see them a lot more when we lived in Utah.

8 things I currently want/need
1. A House
2. A King Size Bed
3. A vacation with just my husband
4. A new Digital Camera
5. A new Laptop
6. Ice cream-I can't get enough and my current craving is Cotton Candy at Cold Stone-soo creamy
7. To get pregnant again
8. To find my wedding rings that I put somewhere last week and don't remember where.

8 People I Want To Tag I don't mind being tagged but hate tagging others so if you read this and want to do it consider yourself tagged!

Fourth of July

We had a great weekend over the fourth. We went to Bakersfield to celebrate Kjell's Grandmas 80th birthday. We spent the whole day with most of his Mom's side of the family. It was a lot of fun to meet those cousins I have heard about for years and not met. I also enjoyed spending time with Kjell's family who we never get to see. I feel like it wasn't enough time though.

This is a picture of everyone who was able to attend the celebration.

This is all of the 3rd generation. Nana Kate's grandchildren and their spouses.

Saturday after we had breakfast with Kjell's parents we took off for the beach. Kjell's family loves Leo Carrillo beach. I think it's nice but hate the wind that keeps it so cool and the water is no where near warm enough for me. (I get wimpy as I get older). But it was fun to layout and watch the kids play in the sand. Kjell had fun boogie boarding with his brothers and his best friend Danny. Danny and Elaina DeBekies live in Southern California so when ever we are there Kjell makes sure to spend time with them.

Sorry these pictures are so bad. We forgot our camera and I couldn't let the trip go by without documenting it so we bought a cheap disposable camera and it totally shows in the quality!

Everyone at the beach but Matt and Callie, they were off exploring. Drew and Chaz loved playing in the sand. Chaz was covered in it-from head to toe.

Fun with the cousins and Daddy.

This picture is really bad but it's of us at dinner. We went to this really good Thai food place with Kjell's brother Vegor and his wife Errin and Danny and Elaina. The kids were pretty good and the food was great. For dessert my favorite Pinkberry frozen yogurt!

We slept at my brother Robbie's in Santa Monica on Saturday night. Sunday morning we woke up and walked to a farmers market for breakfast with Robbie and Laynie. Then we went to the Grove. We wanted to get home at a decent hour so we left around 2. The kids were good on the car ride home. We never have enough time when we are visiting with family it always goes by so fast but we sure had fun!