Internet problems, again

We are having problems with the internet again, so unfortunately I won't be able to post much, if at all, until we get to Arizona. We will have our own internet set up there. Sorry to all of my loyal fans, however few you may be. :)

Update on the move

We found a home in Arizona! We were debating about renting a house in a more distant suburb versus renting something (an apartment) closer into the city. After looking at a lot of different factors, we found this:

I think this compromise between a house and an apartment is great (it's a townhouse). There is a community pool and all yards are maintained by the home owners association, which dues are paid by the landlord. It's also in Mesa in a really great area--only a few blocks from where Robert stayed when he was down there with the bus stop near by and shopping centers within walking distance. It looks like Robert has to stay here to finish up some work and get one last paycheck, then we're off! I'm guessing it will be the week of June 8th. I'm excited and anxious to get to our new home.

He's home!

Robert came home on Monday! I was planning a good dinner and cookies (for him) for that night, but he's been struggling with a sore throat/sinus trouble since about Wednesday of last week. On the way back, he called me and said he wanted to get checked out and see if he needed some antibiotics and to (hopefully) keep Craig from catching whatever it was. (Craig always seems to catch everything.) He also said his throat hurt so it would be hard to eat much. So, since they were driving through Hamilton and that's where the walk-in clinic is, the guy he was riding with dropped him off there and Craig and I drove down to meet him. Our reunion was in a hospital hallway in Hamilton. But that's okay. The best thing was that he was afraid Craig wouldn't remember him after a week, but as soon as Craig spotted Robert down the hall, he toddled has fast as his little legs would carry him right into Daddy's arms. It was really sweet. :)

They checked Robert out and he has some virus. It's not strep and it's not a flu (phew--coming from Arizona I was a little worried that he had caught something from the locals that's been big in the news--begins with "s" and ends in "wine"...). But it is the worst sore throat he's ever had in his life. As a result, this is what Robert looked like yesterday, trying to recuperate from the trip and rest up:
The worst thing about it all is that we went through the time being apart, he got this nasty virus, and he didn't find a job. At this point I tell myself, "There's a plan. I don't know what it is or what we do next in it, but there's gotta be a plan." And I push on. At least he's home, he's safe, and we're still planning on moving by June 1st.

A day to appreciate each other

Since Craig is still not totally recovered from his ear infection, we only went to Sacrament today to avoid all the little viral incubators in primary. But I still didn't feel like going home early, so we had a very nice Sunday drive. I went down some roads I'd never been down before and they were beautiful. I figured this might be one of my last times to enjoy this valley and this is the best time of year. Everything is green and in bloom but there's still snow in the peaks.

The rest of the day was uneventful, but upon reflection I realized it was a day for Craig and I to spend time together and bond a little more. Here are some fun little things that I want to remember from this time in our lives.

First, I want to show you something cute and kind of funny. I bought this:

a few weeks ago and Craig has loved playing with it. I tried hiding it from him because it was never where I needed it when I needed it. But then I couldn't find it for a few days. I worried that maybe I put it somewhere that he wouldn't see it and forgot. But then I saw this:

This is the back of the couch (and Craig's knee). See that little bulge at the bottom? That fabric on the back is a flap that velcros underneath the couch but there's a space between sections that serves as a very good hiding place, apparently. When I found this, I had to laugh.

Next, I took this picture to remember Craig's cute/annoying habit of throwing toys, socks, tummy butter, tupperware, sippy cups, and anything else over the gate into the bathroom. Today's collection was especially eclectic (and large).


Sometimes it makes it hard getting in and out of the bathroom. (By the way, we leave the door open and put the gate there because the cat's littler box and food and water is in the bathroom. People always ask.)


Another typical thing for us that occured today (but was something I wanted to document) was bathtime. The last time I posted a bath picture, Craig was still in his little ducky tub. But he has long since outgrown it. Here he is, loving bathtime as usual. He still loves to splash and sometimes he likes to stick his face in the water.


One last thing. I've been meaning to catch this on video for a long time. He used to go around all day doing this, but the magic has worn off so I'm glad I caught him today. He may not do it much longer. Craig knows how to whistle! Sort of. :) Check it out. What a cutie.

What we've been up to

Just to give a quick update of the last few days, I decided to post for ya'll. Sorry, there are no pictures because nothing has been that interesting. I think Craig and I have been coping well by ourselves. We seem to have been able to stay busy every day, but somehow this week still seems long. :(

Let's see, I last talked about Tuesday (my "single" day). So, Wednesday Craig and I had to go back to Missoula (which we rarely do two weeks in a row let alone two days in a row) but it was fun to have something to do. We ran some errands, had dinner, etc. Thursday I had some house work to catch up on and, it turned out, I had volunteered to make a dessert for dinner that night for a family in the ward. The grandmother (who was in our ward and I used to visit teach) passed away on Sunday and her daughter (whom I also visit teach) was hosting all the family. Someone else was providing the other portions of the meal, but since there was something like 18 people there, they asked me to do the dessert. I decided to make this. I didn't get to taste it of course, but it looked really good. I plan to ask about it when I go visiting teaching next week. Let's hope I get a sincere "It was fabulous!" and not a forced enthusiastic "What did you say it was called again?"

Friday was the funeral for the woman mentioned above. It was very nice and timed perfectly with Craig's naps. They had a lunch with ham and funeral potatoes--how appropriate. During the eulogy, her son-in-law said that when her daughter asked her what she wanted for Mother's Day this year, she said, "I just want to be with Keith [her husband] again." Sure enough, Someone was listening, and she passed away sitting peacefully in her favorite chair Sunday morning. I thought that was such a touching story. It reminded me how the Lord rewards his faithful, diligent servants, and how much their will is naturally in tune with His.

Today we went to the farmers market and picked through some garage sales. Not much. Cleaned the car and am getting things ready for Sunday and Daddy's return on Monday (afternoon, I think...I hope). Oh, and Craig has another ear infection, so we aren't sleeping well. But I think it should be getting better soon since he's on some antibiotics now.

So, only one full day left to get through and we're home free! I think I'm going to make one of Robert's favorites as a "welcome home" meal: chicken enchiladas and peanut butter cookies.

Conversation with a Cupcake...

...is the name of the new Mommy Blog I added to my list in the sidebar. I've only read one post, but it was pretty darn funny and it looks like she has some awesome recipes. I figure since I'm not super interesting or witty, I will keep you all linked into the cutest, funniest blogs out there so you have a reason to keep coming back and occasionally reading my blurbs on my life and making my efforts worthwhile. Let me know if you have any favorites that I can add. I love to have new ones.

Days one and two without Robert

It has now been two full days since Robert left. It's been a little strange not having my normal time schedule. Usually, I plan my errands around nap times (approx. 9am and 1pm) Robert's lunch hour (12-1), and Robert getting off work (5pm). With all that, I usually get out to the store, library, or for a walk everyday at about the same time. Plus I'm not as focused on making a real dinner. Not having that schedule, it makes the time go by slower and I have more time to miss him. So, I've been trying to do things to distract myself. Somethings that I know he probably wouldn't be too excited about if he were here. For example, I did this on Monday night:


Chick flick and quiche--something every guy hopes his wife gets out of her system while he's away. :) I've also been working on this:


It's a maternity dress for summer. I've been looking all over and haven't found anything that is long, light, and breezy for summertime. So, I decided to make it. Actually, I'm going to make another one, too (different fabric). This one requires quite a bit of alteration in the top, so I still have a little ways to go before it's done.

Yesterday, Day Two, was a lot of fun. I had an appointment in Missoula that I needed a babysitter for and then it turned out that I had to take the car in for its 30,000 mile service, which takes pretty much all day. So, I called on my visiting teacher. She was so thrilled to get to spend the whole day with Craig. I took all his stuff (toy box, food, stroller, pack n' play) to her house at 8:00am and took off to Missoula for the day. I was sad to leave my baby boy, but he got over it pretty quickly, so I figured I could too. (Apparently, when you're 1, a wiggling, licking dog is a happy replacement for Mommy.)

I took the car in and got a rental for the day, did some shopping at WalMart (which can be a treat when you are normally with a toddler and constantly picking stuff up off the floor that your son has taken out of the cart and thrown over the side for the 53rd time). I went to my appointment (which only lasted 30 minutes) and had the rest of the day to myself.

I went to the mall. I had a great lunch at Red Robin (I love that place), I window shopped--which was my only intention at first. But then I wanted to buy something for my visiting teacher for watching Craig. I went to Bath and Body Works, and then it started. I walked out of the mall a few hours later with fabulous handsoap, a DVD for Craig, a denim maternity skirt (that I've been hunting down for quite a while), and a pair of black flats. I just kept thinking of all the stuff I needed, and it was all on sale! Let me just say it was really nice to not have to worry about nap times, entertaining a little boy, pushing a stroller in and out of cramped dressing rooms, and feeding anyone other than myself.

Despite my enjoyment, I found myself feeling extremely excited, almost giddy, as I went to pick up Craig. He may not have thought about me for one second while I was gone, but when I walked in the door, getting to me was more important to him than eating his cheerios. And that topped off the day.

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm glad I got to spend so much time yesterday doing fun things and being with Robert because this afternoon he had to leave for Phoenix. :( He drove down with a friend and he'll be there for a week. We miss him already. This morning, though, he gave me my presents. I got this:

which I have been dying to have for a long time. He also got me very pretty pair of earrings that I forgot to take a picture of but I did wear them to church today. Along with these items, he decided to splurge and get a couple other things we've (mainly he) been wanting for a while, but are definitely fun and useful. One is an awesome, large food mill (the little plastic baby food ones just don't cut it) and a panini press. :) The food mill he got mostly with me in mind, but the panini press was mostly for him. I figure he's already taken care of Father's Day for me. :) Just kidding (but I do need to start thinking about it).

Anyway, I'm happy about the cool stuff, but it was hard watching him go. I think I even saw him shed a tear or two, which is a VERY rare thing. I just have to keep Craig and myself busy all week so the time flies by quickly.

March for Babies (final post)

Yesterday was the March for Babies. Here I am as I triumphantly finish the walk (which was only 1.6 miles :)). There was an option for a 3.7 mile course, but being 6 months pregnant and grossly out of shape, the short one was plenty long. Some friends of mine also threw me and two other girls we know who are having their second babies a triple baby shower. Yesterday turned out to be a great day to celebrate Mother's Day Eve.

No MMR or Rabies for us!

Yesterday, I took Craig to his 1 year check up and, of course, he received his immunizations again. He actually did pretty well. I felt like a sadist as I held him down while he was stuck with the needles and watched him pass through the stages of shock, disbelief, then denial that I, his mother, would allow (and help) something like this to happen. However, as soon as I was allowed to pick him up, it was all over. He stopped crying really fast. That's my brave boy. :) He didn't develop a fever or any other side effects.

Unfortunately, the kitty wasn't so lucky. We've neglected to get her vaccinated under the excuse that she's strictly an indoor cat. But, now that we're moving and she is going to be exposed to the great outdoors and who knows what else, we decided it was time we get our act together.

I took her in on Wednesday. First of all, the poor thing is terrified of everything beyond the threshhold of our front door. If you take her outside, she reverts to being a helpless, needy little kitten and clings to you like white on rice ("in a glass of milk on a paper plate in a snow storm"--name that movie quote!). It's really pitiful. Not only did she have to go outside, but she had to go in a strange box (cat carrier) and she had to ride in a car! Then, if that's not enough, she goes into this office that smells like dogs and other predators, gets handled by a stranger, and stuck with a needle--twice! Poor girl. Needless to say, she was freaked. (On the positive side of all this, Craig was highly amused when he realized who was in the cat carrier and entertained himself by squatting down, looking at her through the gate, laughing at her, and poking his fingers through the holes.)

On the way back, as I just pulled into the driveway, I caught a whiff of something that smelled more like cat ick than baby ick. Sure enough, the poor girl had pooped herself. I took her into the bathroom and found her trying to step around it and scratching at the towel I had laid out in the carrier to try and cover it up. But it was too late. There were poopey paw prints all over. And she had it on her belly (the slightly overweight one that hangs down a little too far, as the vet pointed out). There was no getting around it--she needed a bath. Now, due to a bad childhood memory of bathing a cat (once) I rejected any suggestion Robert ever made that I bathe her. Cats really don't need it like dogs do. I envisioned puncture wounds up and down my arms and a wet, soapy cat running around the house. But it had to be done this time. So, I did it, and after all she had been through, and despite how feisty and rowdy she gets when she's her normal self, during her bath she never once retaliated. She was anxious to get out, I could tell, but she didn't fight me. That night we let her sleep in bed with us, and with one more full day looking like this:


she seems to now be herself again.

Now we have to figure out how we're going to get her into a car and survive a 19 hour drive to Phoenix.

Just something funny

I love how the chick looks jealous...and the puppy is sound asleep.

The hen just looks determined.

Free KFC!

No, I'm not kidding. To promote their new Kentucky Grilled Chicken (and in cahoots with Oprah) KFC is letting people print these coupons, either off of Oprah's site or KFC's. They're for two free pieces of the grilled chicken plus two sides and one biscuit per coupon. It's good from May 9th to May 19th, but not on Mother's Day. I tried the link from KFC's site, but it didn't work, but the one from Oprah did. I've had some trouble getting links to work lately, so if it doesn't work, go to the Mommy Blogs list on the right side bar and click on Bargain Moms. She has it there and that's where I got it. I can also email you the coupon to download, if you want. Just let me know. Happy eating!

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa and Birthdays!

Well, my parents have come and gone since I posted last. They arrived on Thursday, which was also Craig's and my birthday! Here are the pictures from that night.

From Grandma and Grandpa, Craig got this tractor book, a cool toy turtle (Craig loves to push the button that plays the same song over and over and over), and some new clothes.

We got Craig this cool firetruck, a kite, and a water floaty thing.

Robert's mom sent us some money to get Craig a gift, so we decided to get a piece of wood (moulding), paint it white, and use it every year to measure him on his birthday. That way, we can take it with us where ever we move and someday he can have it when he moves out. We thought it was a great idea. :)

Here's my gift from Robert! I am so excited to finally have something to play!

This is the cake I made for Craig. It's a carrot cake and it turned out really well, I think. Here's the video of him eating it.

On Friday we took the afternoon and went to Missoula. We saw Fort Missoula, which was pretty interesting, went out to dinner (thanks Mom and Dad) and then my parents took Craig home while Robert and I went to a movie and Coldstone for a little birthday date. (This last week, I pretty gave up my no-sugar thing, but I'm back on track today. :)) On Saturday we went to the first Farmer's Market of the year and perused a few garage sales. That evening, Robert made me a wonderful dinner. Here's a picture of the entree and the menu:

Stuffed mushrooms and fried calamari
Mixed green salad with strawberries and pears
Filet mignon, lobster tale with scampi, zucchini noodles, and duchess potatoes


Dessert? A Coldstone ice cream cake (as my birthday cake)

Alas, Sunday morning came and my parents had to go home. We had a lot of fun and miss them already. But I'd have to say it really was one of the best birthday weekends I've ever had. :)

March for Babies Goal

I would like everyone to just take a moment and glance to the right side of the screen. See my March of Dimes ticker? Notice that the purple bar at the bottom is full? Notice the total says $125? That's right...I met my fund raising goal for the March For Babies! I was able to contact some local businesses and received the exact amount I had set my goal for. I was so excited when the final checks came in the mail and their total was perfect. So, I thought I'd let you all know to take a look at that, since I was pretty happy about it and didn't think anyone would notice if I didn't make a point to tell you. :) Sorry to boast a little but, as they say, if you don't toot your own horn, nobody's going to toot it for you! :)

There's no place like Phoenix, there's no place like Phoenix, there's no place like Phoenix...

This is what my morning looks like:

(Can you see the snowflakes? They're there, and even while I'm posting this, there's much more.)

Once again, I feel the overwhelming urge to just throw everything into 30 gallon trash bags and haul it off to Phoenix. I know the summer will be hot and I will be ten months pregnant right in the middle of it, but we'll have air conditioning. The only thing I think will get me down is that I've spent 6 months mostly locked inside the house, not knowing when the weather's going to prevent an outing, and now we're going to Arizona where it'll get so hot we can't go out after 7:00am and or before midnight. But, at least it will be sunny and not gloomy out, and the "indoor" season will only last the summer, not six plus months like here.

It looks like we are heading out the end of this month, so keep your fingers crossed that we find the right place. We are looking at a few different homes and one apartment complex, but I think all in all we would prefer a home. I'll keep you updated.

Pay It Forward

Lucky you! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
- What I create will be just for you.
- It’ll be done this year. {might be a little while}
- You will have no clue what it’s going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven’t even invented yet. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. I may even sew something for you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

(Just kidding, not that strange or cruel, I hope! I'm not that great of a seamstress anyway!)

The catch? The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. If you don't have a blog, then leave a comment to be entered and promise to do a nice thing for 5 people you know, and include a note encouraging them to "Pay It Forward".

Robert's New Blog

I started a new blog for Robert to showcase his culinary experience and his creative concoctions. Kind of like an online resume. Feel free to check it out. A link to it is in my "My Favorite Blogs" list on the right under "Chef Rob", so check back for new food pictures. I was going to add a link in this post, but lately when I've added links, they don't always work. So you'll have to go to the blog list on the right.

Was that an airplane, or a giant mosquito?

The other day I was feeding Craig who was becoming increasingly distracted by his surroundings and ignoring his food. Robert suggested I do the "airplane thing." I told him that I've tried, but I'm not very good at airplane noises. However, I decided to attempt it again. Besides, Craig doesn't know what a real airplane sounds like anyway, right? So I did this (this is a reenactment):



To which Robert promptly replied, "Hey, whoa, you're not kidding. Stop, just stop." And, "If you can't do it in a lower tone, do something else. I can't handle that."

My contention is, it works and it gets Craig to open his mouth. What's the problem?

If you're looking for something clever, you've come to the wrong place.

The right place would be here at CJane She is usually witty and charming, so that was no surprise, but today she seemed to be in very fine form. Don't get too excited--the content is about council meetings and chickens, but her way with words and the little puns inserted so nonchalantly made me feel like I discovered a secret message encoded in her prose whenever I happened upon one. I am too tired to think of anything worth posting, so I will direct you there.

Never mind the fact that she labels her pictures of chickens as "hens" and all but one of them (I think--one is hard to get a good look at) features a rooster. We can't all be perfect, right?

If you're looking for something clever, you've come to the wrong place.