Don't Forget #1

We've talked how there are so many little random things we don't want to forget our kids do so here's my first Don't Forget post with a few random thoughts.

Today while I was changing Davis' diaper and chatting with Owen Clay ran into my bedroom and said "JOKE!" then just stood there like he was waiting for us to laugh. I said "um Clay you don't just say the word joke you have to actually TELL a joke". He didn't get it and proceeded to keep running into my room yelling "JOKE"!



A few times a week Brock would build a fire with the boys in the backyard and we'd grill some meat for dinner. Well I decided to try my hand at it this week. Owen was so good and helpful reminding me when I needed to wave the coals. I think it turned out pretty well. Brock has taught Owen well.



Boy will be boys! After dinner one night they wanted to go play in the sandbox in the backyard they were so quiet and playing so well together which allowed me to do dishes and get ready for the bedtime routine. Then all of a sudden the silence was broken and screams of delight were heard I looked out the window and what did I see? Two naked boys running free. Our boys love being "nakey".



Owen loves the Cops theme song "Bad Boys". I love how he can't help but shake his hips side to side when he sings it.

Halloween 2008

Trunk or Treat (davis our spider, me his web, clay the bat, owen a skeleton)

Pre Trick or Treating @ The Johnsons

The group (owen's showing off a piece of candy)

Post Trick or Treating about to watch a movie




I have been thinking Brock being gone over the Holidays would be alright. Possibly good, giving us trips and events to look forward to help keep our minds occupoed. Holloween has proven that false. I just found myself thinking Brock would think that is funny or Brock would like to see that or I wish Brock were here to hold my hand as we walk. Sad. The boys had a fun time, I hope. No, I know they did. Clay and Owen took right to the whole trick or treating thing running from house to house. Clay's little legs couldn't go fast enough it was so cute seeing his little fast gallop run that he does. Clay would be screaming "Canny Canny" and when he hit a house he didn't want to go up to he'd say "Scare Scare". Owen who at the trunk or treat wouldn't even give eye contact to the people and was mute was now running up to the door saying trick or treat and running around singing "trick or treat smell my feet . . . "I'll have to remember water and a stroller next year I didn't realize how tiring trick or treating was. Luckily we were with a few families who were prepared and helped my boys out. We have felt a lot of love from friends, church members, and neighbors since Brock has left. Halloween was just another example. The kids were so nice to Owen and Clay making sure they were with the group, safe at all times, and would make sure they always got some candy too (not that we needed anymore!).

Bad Omen?

I was sitting in my living room having a Primary meeting chatting away then BAM! I look up and see this huge bird falling down and then THUD! as I hear bird body smashing on the pavers. Thankfully Sarah G. was here. She saw the look on my face and knew she needed to help me out. I still don't have my camera so I was trying to take photos with my mac and couldn't open the bag anymore to get the full shot of the bird but trust me it is a big dove-like bird. Brock was so sweet to wash our windows before he left. Obviously he did a great job. So this is good luck in some country right? No bad luck needed here, thanks.

Facebook

I don't know if I can handle another form of trendy communication but at the urging of a friend Brock and I have both set up Facebook accounts. We are hoping it'll help with communication a little better. I don't know how we can all find each other over there but if you want to keep up to date on Camp Victory happenings Brock's Facebook account is the best place. From time to time I'll update our family blog with noteworthy events and pictures too. So join Facebook and let's be friends.

The Surreal Life

started today. Taking my husband to the airport to send him to Bagdad for 6 months. I have to keep reminding myself it could be a lot worse some go 1 1/2 years are out walking the streets where they probably will get hurt and possibly die. What I am experiencing really makes me so grateful for all those military families who send their husbands/wives out to "the danger zone". There are just no words to describe their sacrifice. They are honorable families I love each of them. Their sacrifice is allowing my husband to be safer while there.

After we got most of our tears out, Brock blessed our home, and we headed out to get Brock's gun - he jokes that if anything REALLY happens he's going to take a REAL gun from an enlisted troop and fight to the death (officers get 9mm while enlisted troops get m16's). We had breakfast at Wildflower before making our way to the airport. Everyone told Brock to travel in his ABU's so he did but come to find out it was optional on this leg of the flight. I appreciated it though because people were all too accommodating, thanking him for his service, and were full of smiles. Even the pot smelling, yoga lover, obama follower came and talked to our kids not us but our kids, thanks lady.

We stayed to watch his plane take off which was exciting for the boys and strangely added some peace to me. Unfortunately immediately after Owen started crying for his dad to come back. Owen is not a quiet, nontheatrical crier but on the drive home he had the sweetest little whimper cry yet very emotional and he mustered up enough strength to stop crying and said "mom I understand that dad is going to Iraq for a long long time" I am sure he has heard me tell many people that I wasn't sure if he really understood all that was going on - clearly he does understand. I asked if he understood that daddy was going to be safe and come home to us and Owen confirmed. It is nice to know he knows the bad and the good.

Preparing for Brock to Leave

wake up and straight to work

filling up with sand

sandbox finished


walking at lake estrella (note to self: shower and makeup a must)

Zipps "don't touch my chicken wing" look

I Swirl photo courtsey of Clay

One thing we have practiced this week is patience. We have been acting like every moment we have is our last which makes for more patient parents (and husband/wife) it has been a wonderful week. Food, chores, and fun were the focus In N Out, Zipps, I Swirl, and Wildflower just to name a few, we made it to the Temple, and the guys made their sand box. It's just the right size and plenty far away from the house so most of the sand actually stays outside.

Capt Ohlson Official Orders

This guy leaves us this Saturday the 25th at 12:45pm. We love you babe thanks for all you do and all you are.

Our Future Thunder Down Under

Owen's Church Primary Program

I know every parent thinks their child is the hit of the Primary Program but seriously MINE WAS!!! After the Sacrament he asked Grandma O for some gum we thought it would be fine because he normally chews 5 times and then swallows it and his speaking part wasn't until half way thru the program and with 125 kids it would take awhile. Anyway it comes to his class' turn he walks up to the pulpit he tells his teacher he knows his line and doesn't need help turns to the mic says "The" then turns back to his teacher and says "I have gum in my mouth I can't talk with gum in my mouth" his teacher tries to get him to say it with gum in mouth Owen explains "it's rude" so she decides there's no other option and sticks out her hand for him to spit out his gum which he quickly does and then delivers his line perfectly . . . "The Prophet isn't the only one who teaches me about Heavenly Father". Oh Owen you did a great job and you were so confident up there way to go buddy!

Landscaping!

Backyard Before


Backyard After





Front Before

after a little tree trimming by Brock


Front After


Landscaping is done (minus the sand box Brock is building this weekend and our little vegetable and strawberry garden). The people who lived here before us thought landscaping was throwing 60 tons of red rock in the backyard, That wasn't really working for us so some friends referred us to a guy named Julio. We are really impressed with what Julio came up with. It all looks "ve-dy nice" like he promised us, as he used his salesmen tactics to keep adding more and more to the job. He was so nice and fun to work with. Owen wanted to invite him to live with us. I wasn't sure if it was because he really liked him that much or liked the idea of hired help. Regardless Julio will not be moving in. It was funny to see Brock the man who has always said "Home ownership is over rated" totally get into the whole landscape design and plant selection. I on the other hand had absolutely nothing to do with it. Everything I said I didn't want to do they did anyway and it turned out great. SOO glad they didn't listen to me! We have some PB patio furniture coming (thanks Kris!) and at the perfect time since the weather is now in the 80's and perfect for playing outside again!

Morning Glory

This is what I get to wake up to every morning. More focused and not so distorted though. Davis is the best. We love him and his cooing smiling little baby body.

Owen's 4!

With all the turmoil in the world we decided the best way to celebrate O's b-day was a trip to Disneyland. It is the happiest place on earth after all. When our alarm clock (Davis) woke up we just packed up the car and headed out. We had such a good time. Disneyland is the perfect vacation for us we just can't seem to get enough. Buzz, Nemo, and those little Mickey suckers are for sure the kids favorites and O wanted to ride his horse "Runny" on the carousel a bunch. He thought it was so cool when Disney workers would wish him Happy Birthday and know his name. It was so cute to see him look up at us everytime with that look of can you believe what they just said! When we went to the CA Adventure parade we ran into some HB friends having their family date night. So fun to see them and chat. Owen had a great birthday! He's full of life, sooo smart, cleverly whitty, sooo shy, and so perfect. Love you buddy. Boo yah SUCKA! (as you like to say).

Old Navuoo Printing Press

These are our friends and their new business venture. It is incredible . . . . We are so proud to be able to call you our friends Billy and Heather, seriously so impressed with your skills!

http://www.oldnauvoopress.com/

My Life

3 great boys = 1 wonderful life . . . mine . . . all mine.









Thanks again P-dot