Through His Eyes

We all have heard the sayings 'Children are gifts from God' and 'Children are blessings' and I would have to agree with both. However I think we often forget why these sayings are true. Children are here to help us be better people. They humble us. They teach us patience. They teach us tolerance and unconditional love. They remind us there is more to life than fancy cars, diamond rings, big fancy houses, and designer clothes. They remind us what it is like to be a child: teachable, peaceful at heart, non-judgemental, sweet to the core, humble, submissive, compassionate, and kind. Their smiles can brighten the darkest of times. Their laugh can make any foul mood disappear. And their sweet spirit is enough to overcome even the lowest of self-esteems. They don't care if your vacation is to a villa in Tuscany or to the local park. They can play with a balloon, straw, and plastic spoon for hours. In their minds, no matter where you are, no matter when, the possibilities are always endless. I look at my son and am constantly reminded how closed minded, proud, stubborn, grumpy, and selfish I can be. Today Levi came up to me while I was napping and crouched way down by my face and said softly, 'Mama.' It was enough to wake me out of even a deep sleep (which I was was not). He has never called me that to my face, I have always been 'Daddy', so to hear those words made me smile so big! It made my whole day! And if that wasn't enough, later on we were listening to country music from the TV, and a picture of Faith Hill came on and he pointed and said 'Mama' again. It made me smile to think that he could see a little bit of me in her. I would love to see how I really look to Levi. To see things through his eyes for one day would probably change my perspective on a lot of things. Instead I think I will just try harder to see things the way He does (my Father in Heaven that is).

My Little Model

I discovered my son like to eat sunlight. Seriously. He will chase the beams of light in the house and try to eat them. It is an adorable thing to watch, and I wish I could capture it on video or photo, but it would just look silly!

I took Levi hiking today and he had a ball! I brought my camera and got some shots to take home and edit. I really like how they turned out!

Words Levi Says

So I am compiling a list of words Levi knows how to say and knows their meanings. This is more for records than your enjoyment, but have fun!
Daddy, Nana, Papa, click, push, pull, pat, clap, bus, car, truck, tractor, yummies, ni-night, one, two, three, Choo-Choo, train, cow, moo, baa, kitty, pretty, please, thank-you, doggie, woof, up, down, done, cookie, chip, candy, tree, roar, go, bye, hi, hey-you, blue, red, purple, yellow, pray, boat, plane, wow, cool, yes, no, yea, ball, baby, neh (horse sound), oink, silly, bird, tweet, and outside.

Hectic Weekend

So Friday started it all. First thing in the morning Justin and I got ready for the day (we should have got ready for the next three days!). I headed out to garage sales with my mom and Justin headed up to Salem with Levi to pick up his sister. Then he came back and got me and we headed to Albany. Justin had some other siblings in town, so we hung out with them at his parents house. We helped a little with preparations for his brother's wedding, and played some Xbox too! Then I sent Justin out for pizza while we all set up for his surprise party. My family showed up and some more of Justin's family came too. Justin was pleasantly surprised, and loved his cake. I forgot to take pictures, so I have to wait until my sisters-in-law send me one of the ones they took. Immediately following the party Justin's whole family headed to his brother's football game in Silverton (where they creamed them 56-0). More of his family met us at the game, and we then headed home for a short night's rest.

Saturday morning we all woke up a 7:00 AM. We got ready and headed up to Portland for his brother's wedding. I was "hired" to take their pictures, and I thought I had everything taken care of. Unfortunately the tri-pod was forgotten, so I had to run to the store and buy a new one. It worked out okay because I got back just as they were coming out of the temple, and I needed a good sturdy tri-pod anyway. I spent an hour after their wedding taking pictures, and I think they turned out great! I took 400+ pictures at the temple and around 200+ at their reception. I went through the pictures since then and narrowed them down to 380 total. I think they will be happy with their photos, and I certainly am. I will be spending the next couple weeks editing the photos and making them look fabulous! Levi did okay, actually he did great given the situation he was in all day. He did have his fussy moments, but who can blame him? My parents came to the reception and offered to take him home with them. Justin and I both thought this was the best thing for him, so off he went. He did much better with my parents, and was able to fall asleep with ease at a reasonable hour. Our day on Saturday ended around 10:30 PM, when we finally crashed at home, so we are glad Levi was able to sleep before then. Due to our busy day we didn't catch any of the games on TV, but we did listen to some of the Beaver game on the radio, and we got updates on scores. My Beavers lost their game against Arizona State in the 4th quarter, but Justin's Ducks pulled out their win in the second half against Stanford. Nebraska won, Michigan won, BYU won, and Norte Dame lost... so overall it was a good football day. I just wish my Beavs would have won too.

Sunday was another early morning as we were on the road by 7:45 AM. We headed down to Roseburg for my cousin's farewell talk in church. He is heading to Argentina to serve a mission for my church. He and my Aunt gave wonderful talks in church, and I am glad we were there for it. After church we had a luncheon with the whole family (everyone who was able to make it anyway, I think there was 43 total people there). It was great to see everyone and spend time together! We were able to make it home by about 5:00 PM, which gave us the evening to finally relax! Levi did great, I think, given that he spent a lot of time in the car, didn't get to do what he usually likes to do, and was out of his normal routine. He had plenty of fussy moments and tantrums, but overall I think he was a good sport and cooperated well.

Today is Justin's first day of classes, and he goes from 8 AM to Noon. Luckily he classes are only MWF, and he pretty much had Tuesday and Thursday off. He still has work on those days, but it will be nice to have them off, I'm sure. This is the first term of many more that will lead to him becoming a Pharmacist. We have a tight schedule for him for the next three years, and he is going to be a busy man until he is all done with school. But alas, such is the life!

We are happy and healthy, and we really couldn't ask for more!

Union Pacific French Toast

So my own curiosity has led me to a really good recipe. It has been a long road, but I think I am getting the hang of it. First I tried those french toast sticks at Burger King and wanted to make my own. I tried several of those frozen varieties found in the store, but nothing came close to the ones at BK. I gave up trying for some time, and then once having some more at Carl's Jr. I wanted even more to make my own. My mom remembered a recipe her mom used to make for her and told me to look it up. It is called Union Pacific French Toast. I looked it up and gave it a shot. My first batch was over cooked and smoked filled the house from the oil. Through much trial and error over the next several weeks, as well as consulting culinary masters such as my mom and sister Mirinda, I think I am finally getting the hang of it. I am going to try a few more things this next time, and hopefully within a few more tries I can perfect the recipe! Thanks to all who helped me out! Oh, and for those wondering why it is called Union Pacific French Toast, its because this is the recipe they served on the old U.P. Railway trains to passengers. If anyone wants the recipe you can look it up or ask me and I'll pass it along!

Cleaning is Never-Ending!

So we are trying to get Levi to like hats again, especially with winter coming up. Here are some shots of him attempting to wear a hat. He usually keeps it on now for about 5 minutes or less before ripping it off. That is an improvement from the 5 seconds! Also notice the trains? Yeah, Levi loves his trains... he drives them all over the house, tables, beds, me and Justin, anything he can! It is cute!

I am also beginning to wonder if I am obsessed with cleaning or if cleaning non-stop is just part of mother-hood. I know some moms who just let the house become a pigsty before cleaning, but I can't stand messes like that in my home. I am cleaning everyday, and for a couple hours each day. The only exception is if I am not feeling well. So does that make me obsessed? I mean I am cleaning up toys probably four or five times a day... is that a bit much? I think I am just a clean mom with an 18-month-old!

Children Are Gifts

Children are truly amazing! There is no doubt in my mind why the Lord asks us to be as a little child, or why He loved them so much! Today our church had what we call Stake Conference, which is where all the congregations in the area meet for one big conference. It is two hours long, and in th middle was about the time for Levi's nap. We were expecting the worst, so we came prepared. However, Levi was not happy with even what we brought to entertain him. He would whine and scream and then be fine, classic tired behavior. So, we just waited him out until the very end; we have a new determination to stick out all of church and not miss any of it. But at the very end Levi surprised me. He started singing the hymn with us (not real words, but baby talk) and then when it was over he folded his arms and said 'pray!' It was so precious, I felt so happy and warm inside! I live for little moments like that.

Yesterday we attended a University Ward Reunion at a Corvallis park. Levi loved playing with everyone and on the playground, and I enjoyed seeing so many people and hearing about their lives and what has happened since we last saw each other (which for some it was five years). Justin unfortunately didn't attend the U-Wards at the time this Reunion was for, so he knew very few people, but he made the best of it all the same and found some people to talk to... about football, what else? To those who are reading this that put the reunion together, I commend you! You did a great job and I bet you worked hard to make it happen! Thank you so much!

As for those who live for my football updates (which I know you are few out there), Neil's team (Justin's brother) won again 21-0 against the #2 ranked team in the state. West Albany was and still is ranked #1. OSU did great, as expected, against Idaho State and won 61-10. The Ducks won as well against Fresno State 52-21. My Nebraska lost to the #1 team in the nation USC, but Michigan stomped Notre Dame 38-0! I say it is time for a comeback for the ole Blue! Justin and I dislike Notre Dame and I love Michigan, so that was a great game!

Our week was duller than most but still full. We did cleaning, errands, and little things that need to be done before Justin starts school. Nothing too exciting for us. However, I do have a video of Levi singing 'Wheels on the Bus' for you all. There is no sound, but you can see the actions to 'Round and Round' for the wheels and 'Open and Shut' for the doors. He's such a cutie!

Good Times and Bad...

On Saturday we had our ward party at the local swimming pool. Levi had a blast, and although he was tired, he smiled and ran amuck! I forgot my camera, so no pictures... sorry!

My college football weekend didn't go so hot... Oregon State, Michigan, and BYU lost...however Nebraska won, and that was a great game. Justin was pleased because the Ducks won as well. The Bulldogs (West Albany, Justin's brother's team) won their game 49-6. They were up 42-0 at halftime and 21 of those points we due to their defense and turnovers! It was a great game for the Bulldogs. Neil didn't get too much action, but what he did get were good plays. His team looks great and definitely has one of the best defenses in the state.

I'm sure many mom's can sympathize with their children going through the 'daddy' phase. Well, Levi seems to be going through that for almost a year now. I keep hoping one day he'll ask for me. He does know how to says 'momma' but hardly ever does. However these last couple days I have caught a glimpse of what I am hoping will be a break through. Friday at the game he was being held by Justin and I was walking away to use the restroom. I had been standing about ten feet away from him to begin with, talking to Justin's sister. As I walked away I heard a familiar screech. I turned and saw Levi reaching for me. Justin wasn't paying attention, so he just kept holding him. So I pointed at him and he pointed back, I waved and he waved back. I then ran toward him and he just giggled. Justin finally caught on and put him down. He then ran toward me and chased me to the restroom. Justin was following him and let him run around while I used the restroom. He kept trying to get in to see me. When I came out he was right there with a big grin on his face. Then yesterday when he woke up from his nap I went in to get him and he snuggled into my chest and kept saying 'daddy' over and over. So I took him out and showed him to his dad. Well, to my surprise, he didn't let go of me and came and sat down with me and snuggled for about ten minutes. It was just what I needed from him! Amazing how such a little guy can share such big love!

The Cuteness of a Boy

So Levi loves laundry baskets. We have some that are folding net ones, and he loves to put them on his head and run around... as seen in the video. It is hilarious to watch! The other night I made some brownies, and to give Justin some time to get some cleaning done, I had Levi on the counter helping me. He was fascinated by the mixer and delighted to lick the spoons! He was such a doll! Occasionally, under supervision, we let Levi play around with our computer. He mostly likes to sit there and move the mouse and click it. Sometimes though he'll play with the scissors and pens we have sitting there, so we have to watch him. But it is cute to see such a little boy playing on the computer.

Football Has Begun!

So my absence in writing has been due to the start of both high school and college football. High school because my brother-in-law plays for West Albany, and college because I love college football! Thursday was the OSU opener vs. Utah. We invited people to come and watch the game at our place and my sister and parents showed up. We had a good time, and the Beavers ended up winning 24-7. Then on Friday we had Justin's brother's first game in Springfield. They too won the game 35-6. Neil made some great plays as the middle linebacker for his team. He was the defensive player of the year in Oregon last season, and it seems he will claim the title again! His team went to state last year as well, and hopefully they'll claim the title this year! It should be an exciting season for the Beavers and Bulldogs (W.A.).

On Saturday we watched a bunch of different games, and for the most part our favorite teams won. I root for Michigan (L), Nebraska (W), BYU (W), and the Beavers (W). Justin roots for Oregon (W), BYU (W), and the Beavers (W). The Pac-10 conference didn't do bad either! We both root against Notre Dame, and they lost 33-3, so it was a good day! We had Justin's younger brothers over to play games and hang out since one of his brothers was in town visiting. We all had a fun day.

Sunday morning we built a blanket fort for Levi in our living room, and he loved it. He hid in there quite a bit, so we put snacks, toys, and a light in there for him. He had a blast! Later we went over to Justin's parents for a family dinner, and then we watched some home videos. It was fun to see everyone so young. Justin is pretty much the same, he just has a different voice and less hair now. His personality hasn't changed much at all since he was a kid. It was kind of cute to see such a scrawny guy be so cocky and full of himself!

All in all we had a great weekend, and it was a nice ending to a very busy week!