Friday, April 18, 2008

The Denver Temple

Here we are in front of the Denver Temple on a beautiful Colorado day. Look at that perfect blue sky!


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Baby Owen




When we were in CO, we went to Dave and Robyn's house (Dave is Mike's brother) to visit with them and their adorable addition - Owen. Gabe was enamoured with the baby. When he saw him he held out his little hands and said, "Gimme, gimme, gimme!" He couldn't wait to hold him. So, I put Gabe in my lap and put Owen in Gabe's lap. Gabe just giggled with delight. It was really cute. Then Robyn asked me if I was ready to have another. I'll admit that seeing a sweet little baby did give me a little twinge of desire. But, then Gabe tried to squirm his way out from under the baby and I tried to keep the baby from falling on the floor while Gabe pushed his way out. No, I am not ready to have a baby while I have a busy 2 year old. 3 years old is not far away, though.

Speaking of 2 year olds, we have declared a moratorium on travelling with any children that are 18 months to 3 years old. They go through this really horrible airplane incompatible stage. We try to keep him happy in his prison of a chair (we bring the car seat), but no amount of movies or shows can keep Gabe happy. Every 40 minutes or so he would scream. (Mike and I switch Gabe watch - Mike had him on the 5 hour flight to CO, I had him on the 4 hour 15 minute flight - which ended up being about 6 hours because we had to sit on the runway). At one point on Mike's watch, during a screaming jag, Gabe decided a different tactic. He looked Mike square in the face and said, "I WANT OUT!" Message heard, but denied! Gabe would scream to get out, then we would have a reprieve while he played and walked around the plane. Then, when we were told to get back to our seats because of turbulence, Gabe would arch his back and scream for 20 more minutes. These minutes are so desperate! I tried everything - singing, books, playing games, threats, covering his mouth, ignoring - all to no avail. He screams til he's done. So, to all friends and family in the West - we love you so much and miss you, but we will not be making any more trips with Gabe til he is 3 or 3 1/2. However, I may be taking a trip with Ben - who is an angel on the plane!

Why I have been MIA

I realize that I haven't posted for a little while. I'll give you the honest truth - I think I have been in the shlumpy dumpies lately. It's no fun to write when you can't say something nice and I am not about to air all my dirty laundry on the internet. But, I realized earlier this week (at church) what the problem is and I'll give to you in three simple letters - NPR!!!! Yes, I am a National Public Radio junkie.

So, this week I am doing my best to listen to NPR as little as possible. The problem with it is that there is very little good news these days. I would find myself fretting about the price of gas, the mortgage crisis, and of course - will we ever get out of Iraq? But what can I do about any of these things? Very little or nothing at all. Here is my solution for anyone else who is a Wall Street Journal reader, news watcher, NPR listener - TURN IT OFF, DON'T READ IT, DON'T WATCH IT!!! You know what? At General Conference, there was no mention of the economy or the war in Iraq. They did acknowledge that times are challenging - but when have they NOT mentioned this before? Times are always challenging - that's LIFE.

Now I listen to general conference on my IPOD or I listen to music that makes me happy (love the "Juno" soundtrack - minus a couple of songs). I have a good friend of mine who is usually a very happy person - and you know what? She doesn't read the paper, watch the news, or listen to the news. How informed must we be? Anyway - that's my blurb. I can honestly say I am feeling much better. I can't say that I will never listen to NPR again - there are some quality programs on it, but no more morning news!!!

Now for some photos!!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Going to Denver

Here is Gabe getting ready to go to Denver. We packed him up in the big suitcase. He was excited to go.

Here is Ben with his Uncle Brian. I hate to shoot down the other uncles, but Brian is his favorite. Sorry brothers and brother's in law.
Ben modelling the latest in Light Sabre fashion - 4 would be most appropriate. One can never have too many - just ask General Grievous (the sabre wielding menace in Star Wars 3).
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Easter Morning


Here we have the boys surveying all the loot that the Easter Bunny left them. Ben pretended that the Easter Bunny exists, but when we got to church, the Primary Pres. - Margie, asked Ben if the Easter Bunny came to visit. Ben responded, " The Easter Bunny isn't real." I have to admit, I don't really foster the imaginary creatures or beings that are linked to certain holidays or events. I get a little flummoxed whenever they ask me about Santa or the Easter Bunny. Do I continue with the lie? I know that everyone says that it is magical and fun but what do I say when Ben asks if they are real? Oh well. I was never raised with it - Mom would just say - "No, Santa doesn't bring presents, we do." Sorry to all those Easter Bunny, Santa Lovers. I know that I have rained on your parade! Let's just say that I have been known to say, "Ben, you need to go to bed, otherwise Santa won't bring you presents on Christmas!" How's that for passing the buck!



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