Blogging Sabbatical

Reasons for my blogging sabbatical

a photo journal of the last four months

1. Swollen fingers

It's not that I haven't been reading your blogs, because I have--every day in fact. It's just that these swollen extremities have made it near impossible to use my fingers, except to mouse 'click' and 'scroll'. Plus, the guilt from my lack of commenting on your blogs has kept me from updating mine. How depressing. I need to eat some chocolate...oh no...and it's more phalange fatness to accompany my other weight gain...Is there such a thing as thunder thighs of the hand?

2. Swine Flu

Here's me in a mask. It's not the real mask I used when I went to the doctor's office. I threw that one away, but you get the idea. At least the whole family will be immune to the swine flu when Nicole arrives (only 3 more weeks by the way). Not the worst timing, plus I passed some antibodies to her too.

3. Moving..


In July we said goodbye to the worst street address known to mankind. Why has no one heard of the word 'Butte'? It is not Butt! Snowy Butte sounds nice until you see people really struggle to spell and read it. It's like 'Idiart' all over again. No, we didn't sell our home--that would entail losing tens of thousands of dollars. We are renting it so we can have a
bigger and nicer house here...

Yes, this is my parents' house (attached to my brother's). Packing, combining two homes, boxing, storing, yard work. It's been fun...we moved in here because my parents left...

on a mission. Yes, they are office missionaries in Eugene, Oregon.
(Arhets family...did you catch this?)

And now, since my parents are in Eugene my kids are left alone with their loony mother all day and all weekend. Poor things (Luckily they still have their sane Daddy).

Come back Grandma and Grandpa! I know you'd rather be babysitting than on a mission.

4. Pride

Uh, did you see all those nice things my husband wrote about me on my birthday? Who wouldn't want to reread that everyday...no matter how untrue it may be.

And there you have it, one reason for each month slighted. But like any ex-school teacher, the summer break (and a little of Fall) has ended and it's time to get back into the swing of things. I've got to document my little babies' lives before they leave the house.

So, watch out. I'm thinking of doing a 365 project, blog style. (That means: check back every day, cause that's how often I'm posting...even if it's short----and please comment because I will start commenting on yours again too...that is, after the swelling subsides).

Happy Birthday Allison

Happy Birthday Allison

I have taken over Allison's blog for a minute to wish her a happy birthday and let the reading public know how much I love this woman. Allison is the world's greatest wife and mother. Her entire world is centered in her children and family. From sun up to sun down she is concerned about everybody but herself. These days her time is taken by potty training Mary, entertaining Noah and suffering through the summer heat with soon to be baby Nicole (Nicki). She manages to have a spotless home, well balanced meals, happy children, colored hair, calling under control, and a happy husband. What more can you ask for in life. We have all heard the saying; "If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy." Well there is a simple reason we are all happy and that's because of Allison. She keeps us all grounded, well groomed, and well fed.

Three cheers for a remarkable wife and mother!!

Happy birthday Allison. We love you.

Aaron, Mary Elizabeth, Noah Stephen, & Nicole Christine

It's a...

GIRL!

We found out Monday morning that we are having a baby girl. We couldn't be happier to welcome Nicole Christine into our family. This little one is growing strong and I am too. Buttons are popping, waddling is on it's way, and the uncontrollable desire to slip into comfortable sweats is here. 21 weeks and counting...I actually love this stage. Bring on the maternity clothes!

A Toast

"The most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority (McConkie)."

Here's to the best decision I've ever made--marrying this amazing person for all eternity five years ago today. I love you.

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband...so glad you were born.

Dancing Divas

My incredible sister-in-law Tiffany decided she wasn't being stretched enough, what with her husband gone at law school every week and all. So, being the saint that she is, she decided to invite eight 3-4 year old girls for the next five Wednesdays to the church gym for free dance instruction. I know. Wow!

I was so impressed today when the eight pretty princesses experienced a real professional dance class. Tiffany had outlined lesson plans so creative and fun that the kids were jumping with excitement. Mary had a blast, and I felt like a proud mama cheering them on. Mary's the second one on the right.




This week's theme was Jungle Mania! The lucky little ladies moved like jungle animals to special jungle music with their special jungle toy (Mary had a bear). These girls made the most darling elephants, snakes, and monkeys I have ever seen. The group even began a routine that will be shown in all it's glory at a dance recital on May 15th. Stay tuned for that. Where does Tiffany come up with all this great stuff? It must be from all her years dancing and cheering. I mean, look at this move. I know. Wow!




This new stage was probably more exciting for me than Mary. It felt like such a "moment" purchasing her first dance outfit and rolling her hair into a bun. We went to my mom's just before the lesson to show off her new digs. I could see her mind flash back twenty five years...apparently Mary looks just like me. Poor girl. Luckily she's got her Daddy's amazing eyelashes and incredible dance moves. Here's a photo from when I was 5 in a similar get up (side note: That Basque man is my brother Damian during Halloween--not some creepy small guy--I was way too shy to go near anyone like that). So, can you see the mother/daughter connection?






Or...perhaps she resembles her uncle Jared more? It's a toss up.




Anyway, enjoy this video of some of today's lesson and the dance expertise of my amazing sister Tiffany.

The Magic of Bubble Gum, Grandma, and Joyln

Mary reminds me every so often of her favorite photographer, Joyln Hutsell with Ambience Photography. She works magic. She can masterfully capture your kids' beauty and unique expressions in a 10 minute or less photo shoot. Now, Mary's smart. She has picked up on this magic and sings her praises whenever the word picture is mentioned, literally, she sings about her all the time. Her song mostly consists of the following lyrics in a variety of tunes: "Jolyn, Jolyn, Jolyn, takes my pictures, and then...I get bubble gum".

Yes, the other magic trick to help get incredible pictures is to bribe your children with bubble gum. If you buy that bubble tape stuff it lasts for a long time, so they think their getting a great deal. Noah doesn't chew bubble gum yet, but he also doesn't require bribing...just a few toys during the shoot and Grandma's amazing distractive techniques. She has a gift.

Somehow your years of terrible camera work and minimal numbers of professional photo shoots get washed away with experiences like these. I hope I take some time to get more done of the whole family...and soon! They grow way too fast!

So, which picture do you like best?

Noah 1:

Noah 2:

Noah 3:

Noah 4:

Noah 5:



Mary 1:

Mary 2:

Mary 3:

Mary 4:

Mary 5:



Together 1:

Together 2:

Together 3:

Together 4: