Movin and Shakin

Vilnius Last Days

2011-07-18T06:21:00.002-04:00

fOreVeR, i kNOw

2011-07-02T01:19:00.004-04:00

Yes, we have dropped off the face of the earth... what can one say, except, "LIFE!" And, so now it's time to catch on up, or, just start from now... we'll just start from now.

Can you believe we are heading back to the U.S. of A.? The process of moving in is motion and we are taking our last couple trips around the world before time is up.

School's out for summer, Jamus has mastered the art of Kung-Fu, Chris defended his thesis, it's still overcast in Lithuania, the kids are sad to leave their best friends from Czech and Greece (who has best friends from there?), chocolate chips and spray Pam are awaiting us in America, the amazing power of sticking a sucker in a kids mouth has been noted for the loooong plane ride ahead, and so... here we go!

First stop, Connecticut- for six months of school, and then who knows... we'll keep you updated!

Holidays

2011-01-05T11:22:00.006-05:00

So much to enjoy and love this past holiday season. For one, it was our year of homemade favorites. And by homemade, I mean totally from scratch! Like bake the pumpkin and then skin it and then mash it up for pumpkin pie readiness. Like sit at the stove for an hour straight while slowly stirring the eggs for egg nog. Though we did enjoy it all, as you can tell from our waistlines! We also got to spend four days in Prague with another Olmsted family, where we enjoyed the castles and Christmas markets and swimming in their pool and sledding and a night out to the opera to see 'The Magic Flute'! It was fabulous. Then back to Vilnius just in time for a New Year's Eve with some of our bestest friends! Happy Holidays and New Year and all that jazz...

Marine Corp Ball

2010-11-09T12:25:00.006-05:00

Will say first off that it's nothing to the good 'ol Submarine Ball! But, we were excited to get out of the house for some awesome food and great dancing. Laugh, please, at the photo ops we provided ourselves... First one, us with former Lithuanian President, Valdas Adamkus- who thought it necessary that the women were in the middle, right next to him. Hence the reason for my huge laughing grin. Second, Chris trying hard to be in the same vicinty as the Lithuanian Prime MInister, Andrius Kubilius. He refused to do the walk behind him act as I snap away. Hence the reason for just a big headed shot of Chris, with the Minister somewhere in the background. And, thirdly, 'just the two of us'.

again, again...

2010-11-09T12:18:00.003-05:00

and here's the seven year old of the house now!

oUr fAvORiTe tiMe Of tHe YeAr

2010-10-30T13:52:00.004-04:00

Happy Haunting, as they say...

Any excuse...

2010-10-18T13:02:00.006-04:00

...and we'll grab it! We love for there to be a reason to send us back to see family. Not as much now that we're international travelers, but always happy to visit. Here's a mere taste of the adventure and the "excuse". Love to the newly wed pair!

wOrd!

2010-09-20T12:19:00.004-04:00

Lorenzo: (To Bradly) No, mom is not the bestest mom in the WHOLE world.

Mom: I'm not?

Lorenzo: No.

Mom: Why? What do other moms do that make them better?

Lorenzo: Um, like go on a cruise for 20 days! I know some kids that did that, so...

**********

Bradly: Mom, can Jesus just take whatever He wants?

Mom: What do you mean?

Bradly: Like if He needs a flashlight, can He just come take it?

Mom: Like from us?

Bradly: Ya.

Mom: No, Jesus has everything He needs.

Bradly: So, how could He take the church away from the earth?

Birthday Bliss

2010-09-18T13:21:00.006-04:00

I know! I know! ANOTHER birthday... our house has a two month stretch and then we are done for the year. Pure craziness. So, what else to do but to add ten more 5 year olds to the day and just call yourself insane!

30 going on 13

2010-09-15T14:29:00.003-04:00

Well, it's official! Chris and I have turned that horrible corner onto 30-somethings. As they say, "Not much has changed." Only a little less hair and a little more love (handles).

As long as the ride is side by side...

Birthday Boy!

2010-09-09T13:25:00.004-04:00

Jamus LOVES the Monsters vs. Aliens movie, so we all thought a little B.O.B. cupcake would be a hit of a treat. And, who would think to question a pink one just for big sister? Bubbles, cake, presents... they never fail to bring smiles.

And now we are two... quite nearly a "terrible" one.

Baltic Cruise

2010-08-05T02:15:00.026-04:00

And, yes- we are still waiting for the magic day that vacationing with children becomes enjoyable. Though we will say that a cruise seems to be a great way to see many places- our next one will be as a couple only!

Chris- Finally got to see Russia. Does own a man purse. Is wearing man capris- very European of him. Won an iPod with his mad video gaming skills.

Melanni- Believes in ice cream. Mastered the art of putting three kids to sleep in same room. Allowed children to swim in underwear- very European of her. Spent a ridiculous amount of money trying to win a second iPod.

Stockholm, Sweden

Helsinki, Finland

St. Petersburg, Russia

Riga, Latvia

Gdynia, Poland

Visby, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

And some random pics from the cruise boat

-in addition-

2010-07-22T05:37:00.007-04:00

PLUS! Grandma and Grandpa watched the kids while Chris and I took a trip to Copenhagen. Where we took in some culture and some temple visits. Love Denmark.

another wonderful visit

2010-07-22T04:57:00.008-04:00

We had such a blast with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Bonnie! And were even sad to see them go... gotta treasure our moments with family as they don't come too often.

Girl's Week!

2010-06-26T16:58:00.005-04:00

What's to say- the week of all weeks. Three girls, three countries, three times the shopping! Lithuania: Vilnius to Kaunas, to Siauliai, to Latvia: Riga to Jurmala, to Lithuania: Vilnius to Druskininkai, to Poland: Gierloz to Ketrzyn, to Lithuania: Vinius! We saw the Ninth Fort Camp in Kaunas, the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, Old Town Riga, the Baltic Sea in Jurmala, the soviet statue park "Gruto Parkas" in Druskininkai, stayed at "The Wolf's Lair" in Gierloz, ate ice cream in Ketrzyn (as it was Sunday and all else was closed), and soaked up the sites in Vilnius. Only done, of course, with a most amazing husband watching all three kiddos.

Mayhaps

2010-05-30T12:19:00.005-04:00

More than words, here's our happenings during the month of May.

Easter

2010-04-13T01:40:00.003-04:00

Egiptas

2010-04-08T04:23:00.003-04:00

wOrd!

2010-03-24T12:58:00.004-04:00

Bradly: Mom, I want to be a mummy. If we stay in Egypt for like a long, long, long time will we turn into a mummy?

*****

Lorenzo: (to his friend) You have to listen to Jesus and not smoke. Do you listen to Jesus?

*****

Bradly: Mom, you are mean.
Mom: Yep, I am.
Bradly: I want you to be a good mom, not a bad one.
Mom: (smiling to self, no reply)
Bradly: Mom, did you listen? Mom! Did you listen!?

*****
Lorenzo: Mom, Jesus just said something in my head.
Mom: What did he say?
Lorenzo: Umm... I love you.

Lithuania Independence Day

2010-03-13T06:01:00.020-05:00

Awesome, no?

2010-02-28T13:11:00.009-05:00

Ya, so I pretty much scored with this husband of mine. Of course, he feels the same way. But, to topic at hand- Surprise date night to:
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
or in Lithuanian,
„Svynis Todas: Demonas kirpėjas“

To fully explain, it was in the good ol' English language, with Lithuanian subtitles. So, I was able to fully enjoy the show. And, enjoy we did. It was absolutely fabulous!
Pictures courtesy of www.bohemieciai.lt

From Russia with Love

2010-02-10T01:51:00.006-05:00

The first question was always..."Why are you here in the winter?" Of course, when opportunity arises you must take it- unfortunately mine arose in the middle of winter! Still the adventure of a lifetime as I not only got to see Moscow and some of it's most famous sites, but I also had the unfathomable chance to experience Russian village life. Where the homes only have freezing cold water available, where the toilet is an outhouse outside, where you take a bath once a week at the community bathhouse (yep! I got naked (women only!) with the best (and worst) of them!), and where the people give the best of everything they have to a guest. I had a most wonderful time and have promised myself to experience Russia next time under much more inviting weather conditions.

Russia, civilized and far from, in no particular order...

Riga-diculous

2010-01-27T13:14:00.004-05:00

So, who thinks traveling with kids is fun? And who thinks traveling at all in -15 degree weather is fun? And who thinks that maybe a person should be "checked" if they put the two together?

Me too. (Which reminds me, I gotta make Chris an appt.)

The main reason for even going to Riga, Latvia was for the TGIFridays and Dr. Pepper. We're still trying to figure if it was worth it. The Friday's food made me sooo sick. And Chris about puked after drinking a DP- more sugar and fat then we are used to maybe? Who knows, but it was definitely American :)

Too freezing to walk or breathe or look outside, here's what we did:

All in all we really did enjoy being together, and that's why you go, right? Because we always come home and wonder why we ever even think it a good idea to take three little munchkins anywhere other than home :)

2010-01-20T03:46:00.003-05:00

wOrd!

2010-01-19T12:04:00.002-05:00

Bradly: Mom, will we see Jesus one day? When we go to Paris?

Lorenzo: Dad! You can speak 'college'? (with all the variety of languages here, it makes perfect sense)

Bradly: You're the best mom in the whole country. (too bad Lithuania is so small)

Mommy: Will you pray for dad to be safe?
Lorenzo: Why? Cause we don't want him to die? Cause he's our favorite dad.

sweets

2010-01-12T02:25:00.000-05:00

What's in a word

2010-01-07T04:23:00.002-05:00

Brads: Mom, I don't like these sweet songs. (While listening to something that wasn't of the head-banging variety)

Lorenzo: I don't like the pig shot. (After swine flu vaccine)

Brads: Can I play the 'compano'? (computer and piano mixed)

Lorenzo: Can we listen to Jimi? (Hendrix- another proud daddy moment)

And, in case you were worried...

2010-01-07T04:19:00.003-05:00

... Chris' flare for creativity has not diminished in old age.

Let the good times roll

2010-01-07T03:53:00.005-05:00

Oh, to be thankful!

2009-11-28T05:47:00.012-05:00

thankful that the turkey fit into the oven
thankful that a pecan pie without corn syrup is still edible
thankful that the infamous gravy boat made the trip across country
thankful that numerous people without family close can get together and be each others
thankful that butter is in abundance no matter where you live
thankful that a turkey neck is able to be hacked off by an amateur
thankful that kids brighten any holiday for anybody
thankful that cheetos can substitute french onions on a greenbean casserole
thankful there is always something to be thankful for

Kindergarten...

2009-11-28T05:38:00.002-05:00

Learning about different holidays is especially fun when you have such a diverse class. It was our day to go and teach the kids about 'Thanksgiving'. Chris couldn't not show a clip of Barry Sanders playing american football! I had to insist that the pilgrims and the indians were thrown in somehow and of course, the whole "being thankful" part.

Winter is here!

2009-11-07T06:06:00.001-05:00

And there is no better view than from inside!

If I ran the zoo...

2009-11-07T05:46:00.005-05:00

Lorenzo the six-year-old. It must be the year that you are officially grown-up, and in which you decide to throw yourself a party. Lorenzo had it all planned that him and his classmates would go to the swimpark, with their swimsuits and the order of who's following who driving, so they know how to get there, and who's buying him what present... It was quite the plan! And all the classmates had been told of it and were in turn 'in on the scheming'. Oops! Needless to say we decided to send out an evite three days before and only could hope that anyone would come on such short notice, without swimsuits, to a party at our house. Luckily it all came together wonderfully. (Probley cause we promised pizza and cake) Alas, whatever the reason it was a fabulous night for the Lorenzo- full of pizza, balloon races, bakugans, friends, cake, mummy wrapping, legos, bubbles, and most definitely a lot of wild animals!

HaPpY BoO tO yoU!

2009-11-01T09:34:00.006-05:00

LoVe,

PetEr pAN, TinKErBeLl, WEndY, CaPTaiN HoOk, & ThE CroCOdiLe

Fall

2009-10-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

Does it look freezing? Cause it is! We are just happy that our heat was finally turned on by the city. Bradly no longer comes to wake us up with her huge snow coat on in the morning.

more mundane observations

2009-10-03T02:40:00.008-04:00

Going to the gym: It isn't enough to bring the amenities needed to shower after a sweaty jaunt, but one must be supplied in full to completely redo hair and makeup, regardless if you finish a workout at 10:00 am or 8:00 pm. Blow dryers and eyelash curlers are on 24/7 duty. Why? Just to go home and get into bed.

Going to the movies: It isn't enough just to stuff your pockets with candy, but it is completely normal and understood that you bring in your own 2-liter bottle of soda and a family size bag of chips. Each.

Going to the store: It isn't enough just to bag your own groceries, but one must pay to use a cart and pay for the bags in which one puts the purchased items. No more leaving carts out by the cars, if you want your coin back you must return it to its proper place.

Going down the street: It isn't enough that the drivers here are crazy and the roads are incredibly narrow, but add a Lithuanian pedestrian and pfff! There may be a sidewalk three feet wide on either side of the street, but it doesn't surprise anyone that a woman is walking her stroller down a two way avenue that is barely big enough for one vehicle, while these vehicles are lined up in wait for her to mozy on by. People don't look out for cars here, which leaves the cars to look out for the people, which they don't really do, which is a little scary for anyone involved.

Futbol has begun...

2009-10-01T12:55:00.002-04:00

and the kids are, of course, having a fabulous time with it!

Birthday girl!

2009-09-17T13:45:00.003-04:00

We decided that next year we are going to have three or four of these "Bradly" days. No one gets more excited for a birthday than Brads! Not just her own either- probly just any one that involves cake. She is so ecstatic all day long, never so happy, and never so ready to share- quite the opposite of the other 364 days of the year. Needless to say her excitement and pure joy rub off on all of us and we all agree that Bradly's birthday is our favorite day too! I'm giving her my birthday next year :)

Memories and moments:

School Daze...

2009-09-01T08:49:00.004-04:00

Well, the day has come- we now have a kindergartener! The first day of school, September first, is actually a really big holiday. It's almost impossible to drive anywhere with all the students walking around carrying their ginormous flower bouquets for teachers and staff. Now that we know the tradition of flowers we can start it next year! And so, it was a fabulous day for the kids. Bradly actually started pre-k yesterday- as they wanted to get the little ones adjusted before all the big, crazy kids started. As for Lorenzo, he started kindergarten today! Hard to believe...

A day in the life...

2009-08-28T16:54:00.002-04:00

Apparently this is what Lithuanians do. Go hot air ballooning... we see a dozen or more every evening. Ah, the beautiful sweet life.

Bradlyisms

2009-08-28T16:51:00.002-04:00

Brads asked to do twins in her hair- meaning two french braids.

Bradly asked where her spider web was- meaning her little octopus.

Bradly wanted to go to bed early the night before Jamus' birthday- meaning she knew the sooner she went to bed, the sooner she'd wake up and have cake.

You had a birthday, shout hooray!

2009-08-28T16:17:00.018-04:00

One? Really?
An ice cream cone. Maybe?

The kids "helping" Jamus!

Gediminas Castle

Facing forward!
A pretty sweet day for a pretty sweet babe.

Movin in...

2009-08-28T16:06:00.004-04:00

The day has finally arrived for us to move into our home. Bonus to that is that our first shipment of household goods arrived a couple days after... with the number one missed item being spray PAM! We're so happy.

We have books and toys and binkies and baby formula and peanut butter and cake mixes and muffin liners and PAM! Unfortunately there was no Red Robin Bleu Ribbon burger or Baskin Robbins Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream in any of the boxes. Somehow we'll hafta make do. We are just happy that the shipment made it to us rather than ending up in Liberia as was the initial place written on the boxes!

Vilnius to Venice

2009-08-22T03:36:00.002-04:00

Randomness

2009-08-13T14:54:00.006-04:00

What's in a word

2009-08-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

Lorenzo: Boys are awesome. Girls are cute. We don't like cute.

Bradly: Lorenzo is in big, human trouble!

Bradly: I wanna sit by Lorenzo, cause he's my favorite guy.

Trip to Klaipeda

2009-08-13T14:33:00.014-04:00

Every year Klaipeda, Lithuania has a Sea Festival, but on top of that this year they had the Tall Ships Races as well...

Day 1: Swim at the beach two minutes walk away from our hotel.

Day 2: Side trip to Neringa to see the sand dunes that Chris remembers visiting. Well, the closest I could find was the little mound of sand on the beach. Of course, we later managed to find them just in time for the camera to die. So, who knows that there really were any to begin with?

Day 3: Hang on the shore to watch all the sailboats come in to port from the race. Swim some more.

Day 4: Walk around down town seeing sailboats/ships, eat choco covered waffles, ride a ferris wheel. One last swim.

Here's to short and sweet!

What's in a word

2009-08-12T13:11:00.002-04:00

Mom: Bradly, where in the world did you come from?
Brads: A cow.
Mom: Well, where did Lorenzo come from then?
Brads: A tree.
Mom: And what about Jamus?
Brads: Um, a light.
Mom: And daddy?
Brads: The store.
Mom: And what about mommy?
Brads: A cow. Like me.

WIAW

2009-08-05T14:13:00.002-04:00

A new favorite around here is Michael Jackson, or
Lorenzo: Can we watch 'Michael Janson'?

Lorenzo: Mom, did it hurt to have a baby come out?
Mom: Oh, yes!
Lorenzo: Did they cut it out? Like this? (proceeds to draw a circle around his stomach)
Mom: Ya. (I know, I never had a c-section! But, I'm just not ready for the "where does a baby come from?" conversation)
Lorenzo: Woah! Did you see inside your belly?
Mom: No.
Lorenzo: Did the doctor?
Mom: Yep.
Lorenzo: I wish I could be a mom and have a baby. Like Jamus is your baby. He's in OUR family, but he's YOUR baby.

Lorenzo: Mom, does Uncle Chad still live with Gramme?
Mom: Uh-huh.
Lorenzo: And Uncle Janson?
Mom: Yep.
Lorenzo: But, not Uncle Thadius. He has his own house. And 'Uncle Amanda', they live together by themselves.

Daddy: Brads you need to hold my hand.
Brads: No.
Daddy: Well, you gotta hold somebody's.
Brads: I'll hold my own hand.

Mommy: Brads you need to listen to me.
Brads: No! I'm not gonna listen to anybody. I'm only gonna listen to myself.

No remark needed...

WIAW

2009-08-04T12:57:00.004-04:00

Bradly is by far our most trying child, our most lovey, our most inventive, our most accident prone, our most adventurous, our most moody, our most defiant, our most sweetest... our most trying. We are constantly saying how a trip to the store, or going out for dinner is always fine until Brads hits a moment- whether the moment be bad or good- usually bad.

Conversations with our darling girl:

Bradly: I wanted mommy to help me!
Daddy: Well, mommy's busy, so I'm gonna help you.
Bradly: I don't want you to! You're not my favorite! I don't like you anymore!
Daddy: That's too bad, I guess I can't get you any ice cream.
Bradly: I only like you a little bit!

Bradly: You're not coming to my party.
Daddy: Well, Brads, it seems that Jamus is the only one left to go. (everyone else has also been uninvited)

Bradly: I love you every day.
Mommy: Oh, I love you everyday!
Bradly: I love you all minutes!
Mommy: Me too.

Monsters and their moments- just gotta soak 'em up.

don't worry...

2009-07-28T14:39:00.002-04:00

...we just bought tickets to go to italy- no big deal- whatever.

neener neener!

W. I. A. W.

2009-07-17T10:08:00.002-04:00

WIAW is just gonna hafta be the new title for these 'What's in a word' posts... and their repeated takes.

A remark from Lorenzo to his sister while they were coloring together:

"Bradly, color it cool, not pretty. Pink is pretty. And purple is pretty. Color it cool."

* * * * *

Braldy saw a "short bus" for developmentally challenged people and turned and said:

"Mom, that's for if you cut your leg off, or get sick. But, if you cut your leg off than you can just fix it with tape."

Dainų Šventės

2009-07-07T11:34:00.006-04:00

The 1000 year celebration of Lithuania- this is how we celebrated the USA's day of Independence!

Dainų Šventės, or The Millenium Song Celebration.

A five day long festival of music and dancing that held all the essentials from potato sausage to cotton candy to chocolate dipped waffles to pork kabobs to borsch to fried bread... what a wonderful chance for us to experience Lithuania. Of course, the kids are happy as long the ice cream stops continue, the little animal farm and singing and rain was just added bonus to them.

On top of all that fun we stopped at McDonalds, found a wannabe Chuck E Cheese play area, stopped for ice cream, saw the president of Lithuania, walked by Vilnius University, happened upon the promotion of some officers in the military, visited a couple churches...almost too much fun to report!

"So, what do you do?...

2009-06-30T16:02:00.008-04:00

Alot of that, 'Did you ever notice?' kind of stuff?"- Seinfeld

Well, here's my mundane observations:

I know that Europeans are well-dressed folk, and always so. But, please tell me what is with the nylons? It's a thousand degrees outside and all the women are in heels, with nylons!

I have decided to get Chris his first European carryall- or murse, man purse. Everyone has one. He's thrilled.

I love the heated floors, but get this- a heated driveway! For real?

I am still trying to figure out how they haven't hopped on the 'ol washer AND dryer bandwagon...

Definitely more to come.

Taxi Ride
Neris River

Gediminas Tower
You know you're home when you've found some fabulous Chinese takeout

First week as Lithuanians

2009-06-28T15:21:00.025-04:00

"Labas"

Our church building
Dinner at home
'Bag milk'
Old Town Vilnius
Ice cream stop

Famous 'Gates of Dawn'

Ice cream stop

Beautiful church
Walking the streets of Vilnius
One of like two kid-friendly restaurants, aside from McDonalds
This is what we got after asking for water for everyone. A sip each?
We had an absolutely fabulous week #1 here in Vilnius. I am already thinking that two years is going to go by way too fast. The days consisted mostly of apartment hunting, walking, bribing Bradly with ice cream, walking, sweating, visiting churches, playing at the parks, and definitely more walking. As our car is still in the shipment process we are set to use our feet for transportation. We have taken a taxi and trolley here and there, but since it is summer time it's nice to get to see the town while we stroll. Unfortunately, it is summer time! So, sweating to death comes with every move we make, or don't make. We are certain that this will work better than the south beach diet... That is really my only complaint thus far- the heat- well, and the four flights of stairs that is part of our daily living experience!

The kids are feeling quite at home here. We stick out ridiculously with our little troop and Brads makes sure that everyone who doesn't see us can at least hear us. The only phrases I really need to know in Lithuanian are "sorry", "excuse us", and "sorry". That will get me by as I travel around with three children. We attended our new branch today which was an experience for all. We are fortunate enough to have the biggest primary in the country- 10 kids, and to have quite a few members that speak enough english for us to be comfortable.

Lorenzo is realizing how important it is that he learns the language so as to be able to communicate with new friends. Our shy little man is learning lots as we force him to relocate so often. His desire to become a part of things is helping him overcome his fears of change and new situations. It is truly amazing to see him grow in this regard. He's all set to go to class by himself next week, per his request. He loves to see the "trollers" (stroller and trolley) as they pass, fascinated at how they run along cables. He' s so happy that we can have white bread, and loves the pourable yogurt.

Brads is our one solid, never changing child. She'll stay and play when she wants or she'll stamp and throw a fit if the need arises. Lithuania, or no Lithuania, she is adjusting just fine. We have stopped on the street for ice cream just about every day this past week since she's done so well to go house hunting and walk. She is wondering why we didn't get to stop on Sunday, though. We are supposed to have it every day now, and she saw another man get some on Sunday, so why can't we? And, since we are on the topic of Bradly questions- how exactly do we talk to Jesus? "But, we don't have his phone number." She is also certain that every church we pass is a temple where we get married. We aren't sure how she'll do when we go back to the states and no longer have 'bag milk'.

Jamus finally figured out how to crawl in the forward direction this last week, and has broken two more teeth (no more vampire look) for a total of six now! He absolutely loved church today with all the people dawdling over him. Lorenzo continues to be his most favorite person.

Chris is so excited to be back. He is realizing how different it is with a family. Jumping on a trolley is a much bigger and longer process than when he was a lone missionary. Definitely fun for me to get to share this experience with him. I am truly loving it here in our new home.

Home, sweet... home?

2009-06-23T10:55:00.004-04:00

Hard to believe that we are really here! We finally made it to our new home here in Lithuania. The flight was actually one of the best we've ever taken with three kids, and the kids were so excited when we walked into our new apartment. It seems that the whole "culture shock" is not really going to effect us much. Maybe cause we are always moving so it seems like nothing new to them... I'm sure we also have a month of hotel living to thank for helping the kids adjust to a real apartment, too- somehow they took right to it! Yadi, yadi, yada... just a quick hello from your friends who are now across the world. Tune in soon for your regular scheduled program.

And the final answer is.....

2009-05-24T18:41:00.005-04:00

LITHUANIA!

Quick update as we have spent the last three weeks living in a hotel- awesome, I know. We have finally reached a point in which we are now officially headed to Vilnius, Lithuania. Chris actually served a two-year mission there, so he's fluent in the language and it's just west of Russia, meaning his six month long stint of Russian language training won't be a complete waste! We are really excited- if not only to move out of our lovely hotel home. Just wanted to let all know of the change in destination. Wish us luck as we readjust our preparations and mindsets...

A look at life in 250 square feet of pure awesomeness, crazy friends, dinner in various highchairs, goofy cousins, best friends, eating cereal on the floor, playing wii on a big screen...

What's in a word- take 4

2009-04-29T08:14:00.002-04:00

Let me paint a picture... It was the day before our movers came to pack up our house. I was in my pajamas, and of course, braless, when there was a knock on the door. I assumed it was our neighbor, no big deal, she was used to all that! Well, it was my visiting teachers, who I had completely forgotten about. Our house is more than a wreck as we're trying to separate what we're keeping and what we're storing.... and on and on. Now, if you know me at all you know this really didn't bother me too much- it's just life, right! So, they come in and squeeze a seat on the couch full of junk and clothes. Jamus is screaming to eat, the kids are running like elephants with a horses gallop down the hallway... my poor friend is trying to relay a bit of a spiritual message to me through it all, as I'm perched on a little step stool- the only place with room to sit. And, right in the middle of it all Bradly comes running down the hall yelling, "Mom!" I turn to her with the 'you better be dying' look. She continues with, "Mom! Lorenzo just wiped a boogar on the wall!" All I could think was, just add it to the list!

* * * * *

Lorenzo and Bradly were examining their freckles. Brads forgot what they were called for a minute and said:

Mom, look at my sparkles.

* * * * *

Found Bobby Fischer

2009-04-15T20:29:00.004-04:00

This is the father, making a guest blog entry. Mel is away for a few days and I thought this was blog worthy. Today, my 5 year old son beat me in chess. Never been so proud since he voted for Barack Obama in his preschool election.

A little background, I have recently gotten reinterested in chess. I've been reading books about it, playing anyone I can pin down, including the computer. Thought I was getting pretty good. Anyways, I thought it a good idea to teach Lorenzo how to play, and he took to it pretty fast. It may sound crazy to teach someone so young, so we taught Bradly too. She also knows how to move all of the pieces and the two of them can play a game together without any real outside help, as displayed in the picture (though Bradly usually gets bored before the game ends). Anyways, today as I was playing the older kid, I was coaching him a little bit when I would threaten some of his pieces, hoping to help him see what to look for. He kept up pretty well, I was only up a pawn or two as we went into the end game. I thought I was about to finish him when I noticed he just about had me. He was about to do something else and I told him to look at it again, he saw the right move almost right away and had me mated in 3 moves. I got checkmated by a 5-year old. No more coaching him, I'm playing for keeps now!

One shell of an Easter... egg

2009-04-13T23:01:00.006-04:00

egg hunting, egg dyeing, egg rolling, egg hiding, egg throwing, egg bowling, egg catching, egg cracking, egg eating, egg boiling, egg finding, egg deviling, egg sharing, egg fighting, eggshausting...

Love to all the many friends we have made here, that are gonna miss us terribly! Okay, switch that.

What's in a word- take 3

2009-04-13T20:13:00.003-04:00

Bradly: It's a chocolate, banilla, salt, prune juice ice cream. (her pretend cooking)

* * * * *

Lorenzo: Mom, I know the directions to get to soccer, can I drive?

Mom: Ummm, NO!

Lorenzo: But, I know how to get there in the car.

Be Kind... Rewind

2009-04-03T19:44:00.004-04:00

As we wait for the adventures to continue, a look back in time:

Red Square? Well, close enough...

2009-04-03T19:15:00.013-04:00

As many of you know we have not yet been able to make it to Russia. But, since grandparents were here to watch kids anyway, Chris and I took a last second trip to New York City instead... While there we thought we'd make some comparisons:

Time Square vs. Red Square,
Central Park vs. Gorky Park,
Gershwin Theatre vs. Bolshoi Theatre

We'll let you know how they compare to the Moscow attractions when we actually get to see them. Until then, it's as close as we can get!

Recycling 101

2009-02-25T17:28:00.004-05:00

Don't want to drink your milk after the cereal's gone, but don't want to waste it either? Well, don't you fret my friend... Here's how to recycle that sugar loaded leftover dairy product: Imagine the hilarity of finding this on the counter after breakfast! We always knew Lorenzo was "advanced".

President's Day Parade

2009-02-18T08:00:00.006-05:00

Although we got ripped off in the candy department (the only reason Lorenzo wanted to go), we did get to see ol' Abe Lincoln.

Love Day

2009-02-15T16:59:00.002-05:00

100 day

2009-02-15T16:50:00.003-05:00

Lorenzo and Bradly have become very aware of how much '100' is! They each prepared a poster for '100 day' at school and had to switch around and work on each others because they were getting too tired. So, here's to their own work and writing:

movin and gigglin

2009-02-09T14:46:00.005-05:00

Understand and know that these are for a babooshka's sake...

What's in a word- take 2

2009-02-09T14:34:00.005-05:00

Brads wanted a 'tacodilla' today.

Can only assume a taco and quesadilla combined!

* * *

Daddy: Like when my grandma died and went to heaven, to live with Heavenly Father.

Lorenzo: Does she have a house there?

* * *

It's a Beautiful Day

2009-02-09T14:13:00.003-05:00

What a great day for a wedding. Chris and I and the kids were able to attend the wedding of an old "boat" friend last weekend. Of course Bradly was only convinced cause she knew that there would be cake! We got a few too many looks as people heard a sweet little voice yell, "Where's the cake!" periodically. And then the dancing began. Lorenzo had to come running in from the hallway to the dance floor pretending he was a rock star as he showed off his guitar hero skills. I am convinced every house should have a dancing room. At one point Lorenzo leaned over and asked where the princess had gone. He wanted to be brave enough to dance with her, unfortunately it didn't work out this time... but, there's always another beautiful day.

We're not exempt

2009-02-08T21:36:00.003-05:00

So, to be completely honest, I always looked at other peoples stories of their girls cutting their own hair and just laughed- why, I don't know, but I really, truly thought that would never happen with my own girl! How dumb am I? Don't ponder that for too long... And, so here's my girl who decided, in like two seconds, as she was going to put her scissors away, that just a little sniparoo along the way would be fun. A few minutes later I saw some strands of hair falling from her face- yikes! As soon as I realized what happened I could not control my laughing instinct- Bradly was more worried that I was laughing, vice yelling at her! Anyway, it was a great experience, and we are learning how to try and come over the spikey, sticky outty chunks right in front.

My darling babe-

movin and scootin

2009-01-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

Gargantu baby

2009-01-24T08:48:00.004-05:00

By far our biggest baby yet! 21 lbs. and not quite 5 months is definitely taking it's toll. But, how could you not love having this 'little' bits around?

Shots all around

2009-01-24T08:30:00.007-05:00

As fun as it is to go to Russia there's just a few things that zap all our time and energy. We finally finished our trip to the Naval Hospital to visit the travel clinic. Four hours later we headed home with a bag full of medicinal goodies and sore pin cushion arms and legs. I have a feeling that pretty soon the kids are going to picket against the whole "Russian" thing... Well, I thought it would be momentous to get a before and after shots picture.

-Before- We were smart enough to bring the dvd player!

And -After- Goes to show how well they all did! I was shocked to see no tears to report. Obviously not as momentous an occasion as I expected. Maybe we will survive the whole "Russian" thing!

Sunbeam Girl

2009-01-24T08:26:00.003-05:00

Bradly's big day! Moving up to the primary... hard to believe our "angel" girl is old enough for sunbeams. And would you believe she can write her name all by herself! I can take no credit... Lorenzo taught her a couple months ago and she's been working hard on it, and now can write it in the right order and everything... too many milestones.

The power of the V.S.

2009-01-21T22:28:00.002-05:00

At our weekly Saturday night games and dinner last weekend we happened to branch out in the game category and play a little bit of "The Newlywed Game." Quite hilarious (especially with three mormon couples). Anyway, one question that came up was, "What is one bill you want your wife to keep away from you?" I believe two of the three husbands voted for a clothing bill- they don't wanna know how much was spent! So, just a couple days later I go shopping... well, I began telling Chris how much I spent and then proceed to tell him the store it was spent at--- Victoria Secret --- and suddenly he could care less what the numbers were! Thus dubbed 'The power of the V.S.'

Unfortunately, I didn't get anything real "fun", but with this sorta power, I can return anytime.

In some sorta nutshell

2009-01-13T21:41:00.009-05:00

Alas! We are now home and still alive and still preparing for our move to Russia. Our life in a nutshell.

Christmas was fabulous with both families- though we can't wait for my brothers to have children so that we aren't the only two that stay up till a.m. hours playing, but then hafta turn around during same a.m. hours to tend little ones! I think we finally realized how old we now are... it was a very sad realization by the way. Gotta face the music sometime. So, coming home- while always wonderful- just was the final start to our preparation period. Moscow here we come. I recently started having my Russian "preschool" (as the kids call it) with a new teacher. Unfortunately my previous one wasn't of much help, so now I am aware of just how much I don't know, and how much I won't understand once we get there! But, on the flip side, I am NOW learning Russian. Chris just mentioned tonight that he thinks he really needs to learn the language now- as we are getting closer to having to live there. WHAT? He's such a lunatic. Spends hours a day studying, is like a phenomenon at the language school, blah, blah, blah... he's brilliant! He already can speak Russian, don't let him fool ya. We just got called to work in the nursery- a week after Brads moved out of it. Not many callings that can be found for such temporary members- we've repeatedly learned :). But, Chris is way excited as he gets to have snack time during church again! Ah, busy days, lots of laundry, hours of studying, south beach dieting (who's dumb idea was that?), Lorenzo rhyming, Biggest Loser 'Rigby', "tip toe, tip toe," the office back this week, sneaking cheetos while Chris is at basketball, Jamus laughing, eating a few chocolate chips, Guitar Hero songs stuck in your head, buying more ricotta (any south beachers?), being asked to talk on sunday, so definitely sneaking more cheetos, Bradly going from way happy to crazy tantrum in .002 seconds, double passport protection, uh, the beat goes on, uh, the beat goes on...

...in a nutshell.

It's Christmas time, it's Christmas time

2008-12-18T12:10:00.004-05:00

I honestly have no idea where September, October and November went... and here it's time for Christmas!

We got to have Grandpa visit for a couple days at the beginning of December. The kids of course were way excited. Poor Grandpa gets run to the ground with them. He happened to come on a stock full weekend. Breakfast with Santa, ward Christmas party, dinner at the Russian Lounge (where children clearly don't often go, as they only owned one high chair. So, we were set downstairs all by ourselves!). Always an adventure. After Gramps left we had to buy a little tree for the kids to decorate. It's hard when all our holiday things are in storage- luckily Chris was able to dig out our stockings, tho. And if you ever get a chance to see the DC temple during the holidays, you must go see the 'Festival of Lights' there.

Alas, we are now getting ready to head to Utah and visit with family. Probley the last visit for a few years, so a bittersweet... but, we do hope everyone has a fabulous holiday season!

Rosetta never lies

2008-12-04T07:31:00.003-05:00

As most of you know we are moving to Russia in a few months. Upon preparing for this extremely crazy adventure we purchased the Rosetta Stone to help us with the language. We've been doing it for about eight months now. The other night Chris was working on it (on his new Mac) and across the room I could hear him repeating the same word over and over and over... If you know Rosetta at all than you know that it has you repeat until it hears you say it right. I had this same thing happen to me months ago, and just couldn't hit the pronunciation. Anyway, we've just come to face the fact that Chris will never be able to say the number twenty, and I will never be able to order a sandwich!

T-Day

2008-11-30T21:11:00.008-05:00

It's our favorite! Maybe cause we like to eat. Whatever the reason it was a fabulous weekend. The kids made pie crust shapes- unfortunately the only ones that aren't in storage are Christmas ones :) Lorenzo lounged on the couch and watched football. Bradly ate an entire bowl of cheeseball. Chris made an amazing pecan pie- only his second time trying (he's pretty proud of himself). Mommy made a turkey tv dinner- outta cupcakes!. And Jamus slept and ate through it all. What a holiday. We got to have some new friends from the ward over, too... who'd have thought little Adna people would meet up clear across the country! Gotta love having fam away from fam. And, thanks to Jana and Joe, the game 'Ticket to Ride' is on the top of our Christmas list.
Can't have Turkey day without capturing a moment with the gravy boat. You know you missed it Montanos.
A Wii showdown. The guys had to throw it in the three-year olds faces when they won.
Lo watching the game.
Brads doing the baking.
Should have stopped cooking here. It's got it all. Mashed potatoes, pudding...
All hopped up on jello.

Hello, Cupcake

2008-11-25T09:16:00.003-05:00

So, I found this amazing cupcake decorating book called, Hello, Cupcake. It has the bowling pin cupcakes in it, too, for all those wanting to know how to make them. Anyway, it is sooo easy and so fun. Thought we'd share our cupcakes of the week! It's becoming my new hobby. Chris is even helping me by finding reasons to make cupcakes... one of which was that our neighbor was taking his CPA exam. And who couldn't use a 'wise old owl' cupcake after a big test? I mean, honestly.

Twinners

2008-11-19T11:44:00.009-05:00

Matching outfits? I know, but it's too cute.

My Boys

Handsome Devils

Always take pictures...

2008-11-16T10:38:00.004-05:00

... cause then when you look back it'll seem like you had a good time!

So much for the 'just do it' theme. Although it took us three hours to get ready to leave the house, although Bradly wanted a snack the second we jumped off the train at the Smithsonian, although she gave up walking the second she was done with her snack, although the kids were finished sightseeing with the first dinosaur they saw, although Bradly threw up at the Great Wolf Lodge, although Lorenzo spent all but the last half hour afraid to swim, although driving to see our dear old friends 15 miles away took an hour, although the play area let all the kids in except Bradly, although Bradly threw up again, although Lorenzo then threw up all night, although Chris and Jamus also began the vomit routine, thanks to taking pictures... it does appear as though we had a wonderful week as a family!

But seriously, we finally got out the door on Saturday to visit DC and the kids were sooo done. If we could have have just ridden the train to DC and then ridden it right back home they would have loved it. Then Chris had Veteran's Day off, so we thought it'd be fun to drive down to the Great Wolf Lodge- hotel with a waterpark inside- monday night. I really tried to get Lorenzo to go down this one slide, cause I knew he'd love it if he would just try it once. Yep, that started a huge panic and crying fit. Then Chris had Bradly go down a kiddie slide without a life jacket and she sorta went under -before I was there, obviously- so, then she refused to go down anymore, even with a jacket on. Within minutes of being there we had the kids afraid of doing anything :) Great parenting I tell ya. Usually we hafta push our kids quite a bit or they don't do anything- didn't work this time... And, to top that off Brads puked all over the hotel. So, we came home, just as Lorenzo worked up enough courage to go down some slides by himself. Go figure, now it's time to go. We got home and found out our dearest old friends from Charleston were in the area and we set up to meet them the next evening at IKEA. It was my first day going to Russian class, so Chris was going to watch Bradly and Jamus and try and study while they napped. Yah, no nap. At least we got to meet up with the Morrissey's, tho. Lorenzo and Leia were the bestest little buds. Bradly and Jacob were just months old and now look at 'em. Unfortunately Bradly was like an inch too short for the play area, so in go the other three kids. We had to get her an ice cream cone while she sat with all the adults and babies. Then we headed upstairs and just let them play while we chatted. Jacob kissed Bradly a hundred times. You wouldn't have known that it was two and a half years since we last saw them. Get home late and of course, no time to study for either of us. The next day is pouring down rain and I hafta load all the kids up and go to gymnastics. Somehow we survive the trip out and I am in a crazy hurry to do some homework and get ready for preschool. Run to get Chris, run to school, run home. We were having a Wii/'Office' party with our neighbors a couple hours later and Bradly throws up again. Cancel that. Then Lorenzo gets sick. We were so proud of him for making it to the toilet. Got all the children in bed and a while later I hear rustling in the bathroom. Lorenzo was trying to get a wipe to clean up his own vomit. I held back tears. He was so dissapointed with himself that he didn't make it to the bathroom and got throw-up all over his bed. Heart breaking. Get that cleaned up and sleep on the couch with him- then hold up a bowl every half hour. Luckily our neighbors are mormon. We got Lorenzo a blessing and he finally got some sleep. The real kicker is that Chris got sick, too. It was the first time I've seen him sick- like throw-up sick. Didn't think it could happen. So, ten loads of laundry later and a thousand blankets and pillow sheets later, Jamus decides to be sick as well. We make it through the day and then Brads starts up again that night. Lorenzo makes it through the night, but starts again Saturday morning. By the end of the day everyone has seemed to recover. Bradly came out of the bathroom with much excitement, "Dad, I don't have the diaries anymore!" A perfect end to a perfect week.

Birthday Boy

2008-11-06T22:40:00.002-05:00

You had a birthday, shout hooray! Can you believe that Lorenzo is 5! We can't... but, there it is- five years old. What a sweet little joy to have around. He is definitely growing up and starting to take on the 'big brother role'. Taking care of Bradly and Jamus are top priorities for him lately- Bradly can't seem to do anything without him. I love it. I love having a mokey jumping around the house. I love tripping over the millions of balls that cover our floor. I love having my boy.

Lorenzo has been planning his bowling birthday party since he went to his little friend Kaela's party. Like a year ago! So, of course, we had to make some bowling pin cupcakes to go with the day. All pins and one ball for his pre-k class, and then all bowling balls and one pin for the actual bowling party...

Addendum

2008-11-06T22:37:00.003-05:00

In lieu of the "Voting" post:

If you know Chris at all, you know he's a Democrat, and you are able to smile and laugh at how cute this was for him... If you don't know him well enough to know that, then we hope that you will still be our friends :)

Voting Day

2008-11-04T21:25:00.004-05:00

There's always a few moments in your kids' lives that you remember more than others. Often they are when a parent is really proud of something or is really excited for a milestone reached. Chris has never been as proud to be a dad as when Lorenzo wanted to sit and watch football- age 1-, or when he could hit a baseball- age 2-, or when he asked, "Dad, can we listen to the rock 'n' roll?"- age 4-, until today...

Yes, Lorenzo has voted for Barack Obama. As part of the Weekly Reader from his Pre-K class he got to pick who he would vote for. Granted, we all know that maybe he just chose the color blue over the color red, or found the little girl cuter in the bottom picture. Nonetheless, our son has voted. And, Chris, is quite proud! This one's for you, too, Grandpa... Good Luck! You know Lorenzo's behind ya.

Halloween Day

2008-11-04T21:03:00.002-05:00

The tale of The Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf, who somewhere along the way bump into "Red Robin Hood" (as Bradly refers to it)... yah, you're right, that story is a little out of whack- but, then again, so's our family! I'm saying three cheers for old classics gone awry.

Our apartment complex had a little halloween party with pizza and such. Of course, we went for the free dinner. Hit the party and then hit the streets- cause apparently the two preschool parties and two church parties didn't provide enough candy for the three little pigs, we still needed to go knocking on doors in search of more. Well, would you believe that our kids (and fam really) won both the gift cards that were to be given out for the cutest costume and the most original costume. They couldn't get enough of the outfits and all agreed that we deserved the whole loot. Wahoo! I'm telling ya, ALWAYS show up for a free meal.

Halloween Party

2008-10-28T22:11:00.007-04:00

We love Halloween! It is our family's absolute favorite holiday. And, as such, we have a fabulous tradition of dressing up together. So, this year I was so excited when I came up with the idea of the 'Three Little Pigs' and the 'Big Bad Wolf' and 'Little Red Riding Hood'. Of course, then I felt incredibly retarded when Chris reminded me that they don't really all go together- oops. But, it was too cute anyway...

I just hafta post these darn cute cupcakes, too! Tho I am tickled to death at how great they turned out, I did just copy them from the Family Fun mag. Which I love! Anyway, I digress- How often do things turn out just like the picture? Never. At least for me. So, you must go check it out, because these creepy crawly cupcakes are so easy and so cute and look just like they're supposed to. (It's worms on dirt, just in case you didn't get it :))

Jamus Boy

2008-10-28T21:06:00.000-04:00

Yeah for a two-month birthday! I have no idea where the two months went- but there they did. We had a check up and all today- 13.7 lbs. 5% for height and 90% for weight... how does that work? I guess we grow 'em big and short. In celebrating this momentous occasion, Jamus slept for twelve hours straight last night- wahoo! I don't ask for anything else. He's quite the babe to have around. The kids love it and Jamus never gets so excited as when he can be near Lo and Brads and hear their voices. Pure joy.

TAGAROO

2008-10-28T08:05:00.002-04:00

I've been hit!

Rules for Tag:

*Link to the person who tagged you
*Post the rules on your blog
*Write six random things about yourself
*Tag six-ish people at the end of your post
*Let each person know he/she has been tagged
*Let the tagger know when your entry is up

'Random Things' about me...

1- I drink almost a gallon of milk a day
2- I can tie a cherry stem into a knot- in record time!
3- I've never done a cartwheel
4- I can connect any situation back to a Seinfeld episode
5- I love McDonalds
6- I took the garter off of Chris' leg at our wedding, and he threw the bouquet

You're it: Melissa, Gomer, Rae, Staci, Alyson

A re-do preschool moment

2008-10-26T20:49:00.005-04:00

We did find a preschool for the kids. It just so happened to go smoother than we had anticipated. Which means that they ended up starting the same day we went to go look around and it all worked out just miraculously- don't you love when things go that way. So, I had to re-do our moment of excitement since we really didn't get a picture of Bradly's very first day of preschool, or of Lorenzo's first pre-k day. Yes, maybe this is obsessive, but if you know my mother at all than this is totally normal. It was recently the kids first day to have a 'show and tell' tho. So, that's where I documented the "firsts" for this year. Lorenzo spent the whole morning going through his room and bringing out any old toy to show. He was so excited. I tried to get him to take his harmonica to play for the class, but that was a little too out there for his comfort zone. So, he ended up with a train whistle. Brads was only too set on showing off her picture she had taken with Princess Belle. She keeps telling me that next time she sees Belle she can go take a picture by herself. Last time she drug Dramme Fara up with her. They are loving it and of course the first thing that I always hear about is the snack of the day- try guessing who volunteers this information so readily...

Ode to a brother

2008-10-26T18:00:00.003-04:00

"Hey ma, remember me? I just came home from a mission..."

So, in our month of complete chaos,

(We did manage to pack up all the kids at least)

there were a few huge events that we were able to cram in on our way across the country. One being that Uncle Chaddums came home from his mission to Milwaukee! As I was talking to the kids about getting to see Uncle Chad soon I asked them if they remembered who Chad was... Lorenzo replied by asking, "is it the one with the all the holes on his face?" Well, yep, they remembered him :) Boy, oh boy, do we love Chad. I have to throw in that is wasn't always that way for the two of us. But, I am so happy to say that he's one of my best buds. Who else could you have a deep fat fry party with, and who else would take the kids and teach 'em to play the drums before they can even walk, and who else could tell the 'bahama mama' story in such a way that you pee your pants? Only Chad.

We also made it to Boise for Uncle Thadius' wedding! He was on the verge of being a menace to society- luckily Amanda saved him. Unfortunately, between the three kids and taking pictures with everyone else's cameras, I find that I have no pictures of this awesome day. Bummer...

With all the happenings, Chad kept teasing that everyone forgot he just came home. So, maybe we did (just kidding!)... He wouldn't let us. But, Chad, it looks like this ones for you alone- here's your moment in the sun! Though you'll never be the F.C., and though you only made it to the wallpaper once, I figured a spot on our blog would be a step in the right direction. Love to a brother.

'Just Do It'

2008-10-12T20:56:00.006-04:00

Our family has recently adopted this slogan as our new family motto. Chris and I have talked extensively about our adventures to come and realized that too often we let having young kids keep us from doing things. There is always housework and naps and it's a bit of a struggle to spend an afternoon at a museum or to try and keep little ones entertained while adding some culture to your life. So, we just hafta do it! It's crazy and difficult, but we miss more by staying home and cleaning up all the cheerios off of the floor. There's 'No day, but today'...

Falls Church (our new hometown) had a Community Farm Day on Saturday. Our house is in total chaos. The kids still don't have sheets on their beds. We have all the tops to our lamps, but none of the bases- which leaves all the rooms without light at nighttime. I haven't come across the silverware box yet. It's a madhouse... and so, we left it all here and closed the door behind us as we headed to the Farm Day. The house will be in the same condition tomorrow, and probley next month. We all had a blast and the kids got to ride on a hayride, paint pumpkins, pet animals. Of course, all is fine and good till you try to drive the three miles home in ridiculous traffic. We reached our house an hour later. So much for 'just doing it'.

On the road again

2008-10-10T21:14:00.003-04:00

Which in essence translates to:

the backseat full of carseats, chris calling everyone he knows cause he's bored while driving to dc by himself, the airline expecting a four year old to sit by themself on the plane, a newborn who isn't sleeping through the night yet, chris calling to let me know he finally found the letter 'z' for his solo "ABC" game, lorenzo and bradly getting excited for a new everything- like a new house, a new church, but most importantly- a new mcdonalds-, mel not losing baby weight at all this time, an apartment much smaller than our previous house, neighbors stopping by the first night to ask us to be quieter, a five hour roundtrip to the closest walmart (which is only ten miles away, but takes 45 minutes to get there, and then the return route is not by way of the getting there route), having to buy a storage unit to move out half the boxes that just got moved in, chris paying $38 for a haircut, jamus not wanting to sleep in a bed since he is now so used to being rocked by the car or the plane, lorenzo and bradly wearing princess shoes on a hardwood floor (above new neighbors), HAVING AC, panera the starbucks of dc, preschool that costs as much as rent, mel putting all the furniture together while chris watches the kids, a new brand of milk, chris paying $38 for a haircut, a preschool miracle as we got the last spots at the rec center, liberals now living in obama country, unpacking and repacking everything you can live without, chris working the same hours as the kids go to preschool...

I'm pretty sure that I'll slot preschool and work hours as my naptime- that just seems to make it all okay!

Finally!

2008-09-05T16:47:00.002-04:00

The day has come for pregnancy to be over- yipee! We now have our little Jamus Lee with us. He was born on the 28th of August at 8.9 lbs. Now time to prep for a move. Don't know how much crazier things could get. But, things are going great with all of us- at the moment.

What's in a word

2008-08-05T23:36:00.006-04:00

Just a few of our favorite words and phrases as of recently...

Bigmongous- big + humongous
Lasterday- last night + yesterday

Lorenzo was saying a prayer the other night and as he was starting he said, "On your mark, get..." Then he looked up after realizing what he did- We surely couldn't help but crack up.

I was standing up and stretching my back the other day. Sort of leaning backwards and sticking my tummy out. Bradly just looked at me and said, "Wo! Your baby's getting big!" Ah, children... I suppose I am quite bigmongous.

So, here I am telling Lorenzo some things he needed to do before he could play and I am replied to with a dramatic salute and a, "YES SIR!" Try keeping a straight face after that.

RM's, Holidays, and Weddings

2008-08-01T19:31:00.002-04:00

I'm finally getting around to putting a few pics up from our recent trip to see family. It turns out that there's not a whole lot that I took- probley cause I'm pregnant and ornery and tired... and anything else that fits. But, at least a few of Uncle Janson- who just got back from France-, and the fourth, and Bonnie's wedding. What a busy trip! Always a good time, and always nice to return home.

New Doo

2008-07-31T14:37:00.006-04:00

I finally cut her hair- well, it's been trimmed before, but this was a much bigger deal. Luckily, it's curly, so you can't really tell where she yanked her head the wrong way and got snipped a bit askew! I love it. And I'm hoping it helps start a bit more growth. Here she is- Princess Bradly...

Mom of the year? Probley not.

2008-07-22T13:36:00.002-04:00

I have to start recording the cute little things my kids say because as I have more of them my brain power is definitely decreasing. Unfortunately for me these are a few of the moments that show the mom-side of me that's not the best!

We were getting ready to head out and help Uncle Janson (just got back from his mission in France!) get some stuff done for school and jobs and such. I'm running around trying to get the kids to listen and get dressed and all that. I hear Lorenzo ask, 'where are we going'. So, I just say that we're gonna drop him and Brads off. Jokingly! He thinks about it for a sec and then says, "But, I'm just a kid!" It was so funny and cute, and yet, so pathetic.

So, we are playing with some little cousins who are kinda bullies and Lorenzo comes running to me crying. He's quite sensitive. And, I'm quite done with breaking up fights every two seconds. So, I tell Lorenzo to push him back. We have conversations like this about him and Bradly all the time because she is so mean to him and we are trying to get him to stick up for himself. So, it just comes out that I tell him to push him back. Well, we get over that and then later I try talking to him about what happened and what he should do. Actually, I ask him, "what should you do next time?" He's still a little emotional about it, but he says with a shaky voice, "push him back." I definitely had some steps to retrace on that one.

Then there's Bradly. As I'm helping her wash her hands she looks up and says with the cheeriest little voice, "Mom, I'm so happy! You not scary anymore!" Not that my yelling at her ever phases her in the slightest, but I'm pretty sure that was in reference to me arguing with her moments before.

I am certain I am not in the running this year. What a horrible mother!!!

Who needs flowers when you can get rocks?

2008-07-22T13:22:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I was not quite feeling up to par (well, I am enormously pregnant!)so Chris took the kids out for a little hike. Lorenzo asked if I was going and I told him I needed to stay home because I wasn't feeling good. So, they head out and go on their trek with dad. A while later I hear the door open and little footsteps running fast towards our bedroom. Lorenzo and Bradly both have their hands behind their backs (surprises are the big thing these days) and all of a sudden a bunch of rocks are thrown in my face. "ta da, mom these are for you to feel better!" It was so precious. They had "picked" a bunch of rocks for me cause I was sick. Well, a few weeks pass and we are in Utah visiting family. Lorenzo had gone to help my little sister, Markki, clean her room. Soon I hear him running upstairs full speed. He comes to see me with his hands behind his back and says he has something to make me feel better- I'm thinking maybe he found some chocolate and knows that that always makes me happy...- but, he whips his hands out and shows me the rocks he found downstairs! Of course, I felt better. Whether sick or not, rocks are the symbol of brightening ones day around here. And really, it doesn't matter what it is, but seeing how excited a little one is to bring you something, well, you can't help but feel better. Who needs flowers?