tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202457922024-03-07T10:56:55.043-08:00Ropin' Ridin' Fool, Wife, Wally & Madelyn!!!A look into the lives of a little family that is just happy to be alive, together and trying to stay afloat. Our travels, thoughts and tall tales.L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-53784938717700483532012-01-01T20:24:00.001-08:002012-01-01T20:47:20.462-08:00My latest Crafty<div style="text-align: left;">The semester after Harrison was born was brutal. I spent most my time feeling guilty, either about neglecting schoolwork/practicing or not spending time with my baby. I really enjoyed my classes and LOVED learning about music, but I couldn't help but feel like my time was best spent with Harrison. He grew and changed so quickly. Although I am sad to not have finished my degree, I am a million times happier knowing my time was best spent with my baby. And it was such a relief!! The guilt left and I felt more calm and confident in my role as a mother. And Harrison finally began sleeping for more than four hour stretches. Maybe that's the reason...</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, this is a layout about us sharing time on the piano, something that happened very often during his first year. It brings me such joy to play the piano and I hope that this will inspire him later on to pursue musical talents. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj0nJIaH5RUhCA1mDUxAFG3-L_t_PHKMp4JaUhSzRQHV6-StKE-7diY2BcfuNVCTtloxAym55EgI_lbKIYNiCB7ImECZ0_MnvEdWqVkTHTXGtXI8kG95xDoRodULizPmgL68x/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj0nJIaH5RUhCA1mDUxAFG3-L_t_PHKMp4JaUhSzRQHV6-StKE-7diY2BcfuNVCTtloxAym55EgI_lbKIYNiCB7ImECZ0_MnvEdWqVkTHTXGtXI8kG95xDoRodULizPmgL68x/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692887397950374258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Near the bottom embellishment cluster you can see Harrison's added drawing </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVVIqiwiNHSgLyppnmHUH1dP_IE0v54-8GDhl5WMm6gucUSHswy5KdLJBWO3MdQRXJCxtuJuVsDd9U7wY7ipumS5N2lsQW0ofC5m7iw9-b8yf12iHXgHWdhwBb02k5No-NaDs/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVVIqiwiNHSgLyppnmHUH1dP_IE0v54-8GDhl5WMm6gucUSHswy5KdLJBWO3MdQRXJCxtuJuVsDd9U7wY7ipumS5N2lsQW0ofC5m7iw9-b8yf12iHXgHWdhwBb02k5No-NaDs/s320/IMG_1092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692887455364483138" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">I also tried to machine sew on this page. The stitch goes through the crepe paper and overlapping border above, although this picture doesn't really show it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU170T42bdpKE6YSAcrAIyT5v_GgQlj2MbwBTt5hH0c7hD8iek8b19Br1-I6uVIZsje4TLlqYaITBLml1ygybGD2GgjNu7u5z10rOHMgSqZ_NIVcxTnxUSoCvUHBTzM160ydl/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU170T42bdpKE6YSAcrAIyT5v_GgQlj2MbwBTt5hH0c7hD8iek8b19Br1-I6uVIZsje4TLlqYaITBLml1ygybGD2GgjNu7u5z10rOHMgSqZ_NIVcxTnxUSoCvUHBTzM160ydl/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU170T42bdpKE6YSAcrAIyT5v_GgQlj2MbwBTt5hH0c7hD8iek8b19Br1-I6uVIZsje4TLlqYaITBLml1ygybGD2GgjNu7u5z10rOHMgSqZ_NIVcxTnxUSoCvUHBTzM160ydl/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692887434082369874" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hPU6txglrAuDqC9m_9HAxm6XDw0m31ui7DOe95isHjP1hSC5remXDyeUaiWc9pElZ74FsiTICvwC5hIVP28FDuZUvn26y-w3TIhPCfA6p_9Lij7KajgVMuMkYIN7aIoNTNpV/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hPU6txglrAuDqC9m_9HAxm6XDw0m31ui7DOe95isHjP1hSC5remXDyeUaiWc9pElZ74FsiTICvwC5hIVP28FDuZUvn26y-w3TIhPCfA6p_9Lij7KajgVMuMkYIN7aIoNTNpV/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hPU6txglrAuDqC9m_9HAxm6XDw0m31ui7DOe95isHjP1hSC5remXDyeUaiWc9pElZ74FsiTICvwC5hIVP28FDuZUvn26y-w3TIhPCfA6p_9Lij7KajgVMuMkYIN7aIoNTNpV/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692887417613312738" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">A simple card using a few of my fav items: Glimmer Mist, wash tape, and sticker labels. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvC0Sp7QjDXsbIexbGq7jk5x74oREV_8__BdPGcu-B_hnRRDQTiQ89tiHrQH9SM5pmPWSLYyYXPFgRzOXo0WrqkxiUfwjDPfoGPlJ6rh28qB05RmGZ1dyA8RMkk3JJj7MeTLN/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvC0Sp7QjDXsbIexbGq7jk5x74oREV_8__BdPGcu-B_hnRRDQTiQ89tiHrQH9SM5pmPWSLYyYXPFgRzOXo0WrqkxiUfwjDPfoGPlJ6rh28qB05RmGZ1dyA8RMkk3JJj7MeTLN/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvC0Sp7QjDXsbIexbGq7jk5x74oREV_8__BdPGcu-B_hnRRDQTiQ89tiHrQH9SM5pmPWSLYyYXPFgRzOXo0WrqkxiUfwjDPfoGPlJ6rh28qB05RmGZ1dyA8RMkk3JJj7MeTLN/s320/IMG_1100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692887409638245090" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-78770406067722235322011-11-27T10:39:00.000-08:002011-11-27T10:39:26.306-08:00Partially hydrogenated brain...The problem with running a small business, being a lawyer and having a small family is that sometimes I forget things, because the ole' noggin is just too full. The one thing I do not forget is that I have family and friends who love and care about us. We really are blessed beyond measure.<br />
To kinda fill y'all in on what's been up lately: I had a felony jury trial that I was preparing for (I kept thinking "this really is a case that shouldn't be tried" until, at the last possible moment, we settled on a misdemeanor). That preparation really takes it out of me, its on my mind all the time and generally I get unhinged a little (just ask my office staff, they thought I was gonna shoot someone!).<br />
Olivia has been getting the hang of being a mom to two kids. She does a great job! She has a lot to put up with, as sometimes I am here but not available, mentally. She is really enjoying her time on the design team for Keepsake Cottage. I give her a lot of guff, but I really am glad that she does it. I didn't know that I had married such a creative woman. She brings a lot of class to my life. The other night I mentioned to her that we should take up a hobby that we could both do together. She replied "You should learn how to do art." My reply was "You should learn to head. Then we could rope together." Oh well...<br />
Harrison has been learning and growing. What a cheese ball! He is really fun to hang out with. He watches Ice Age ("Aiseage"), Toy Story 3 ("Sory"), The Cowboys ("Kaabys"), Ratatouille ("Tooey"), Wally ("Waee") and Dan in Real Life ("Dan"). He loves hanging out with grandparents, and plays no favorites, which is nice, he goes to everyone equally. One of the neatest things I have seen so far was Harrison climbed into the chair with Grandpa Brent and both of them fell asleep. They where snoring in concert... Probably my favorite thing about being the father to Harrison is putting him to sleep: he'll snuggle up with me and say "Kaabys songs." Which means he wants me to sing some cowboy songs. "Little Joe the Wrangler" is one of his favorites, along with "Streets of Laredo," and "Git Along Little Doggies."<br />
One thing he is doing that makes me chuckle is wearing a hat that is clearly too big for him. He runs all over the house with it, adjusting it as needed. It is probably hazardous, as he runs into the walls and other parts of the house, but it is funny.<br />
Baby Sis is growing and starting the gyrations common to her age. She is getting the army shuffle down, she will scoot clear out of her blankets and into the corner of her crib. Once she is at the corner she will scream and holler because she can't go further. She is a people watcher! She will stare you down and watch every move. She watches Big Brother and Mommy from across the room, she's even stared at me on occasion. She really is a good baby, and according to Olivia, she sleeps about 7 to 8 hours a night. I sleep through most everything now, so I am not the one who knows.<br />
Well, I hope all y'all are doing well and staying safe. Until next time: May the Sun shine on your face, the Wind be at your back, and may the Good Lord take a liking to ya!L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-71611661113763055072011-11-13T21:11:00.000-08:002011-11-13T21:11:22.291-08:00Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVrB12hvP-SS6nqUYyaACtuyQKx0iFIH26rwzu52qAlqUnI5E6T1d9g-3bQnrVKTg6bLw0ljn45YngAlqsB4IyGo5C39jim39hVZ2XylXUdsM-IQPF7px-OxzrffyGpEBBURuLQ/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVrB12hvP-SS6nqUYyaACtuyQKx0iFIH26rwzu52qAlqUnI5E6T1d9g-3bQnrVKTg6bLw0ljn45YngAlqsB4IyGo5C39jim39hVZ2XylXUdsM-IQPF7px-OxzrffyGpEBBURuLQ/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>I mentioned last Spring that I was chosen to be a designer for our local scrapbook stores Design Team. I also mentioned that my work would start to pop up on posts, but as we know, that hasn't happened. So I'm here to remedy that.<br />
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*I'm sorry for the poor lighting in most of the photos. I'm still trying to better my skills and understand all the lingo/settings, so please bear with me :)<br />
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The first 3 are the samples I submitted for the call.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIuwVc7kw4KV3nN2tzP868o9xTD3VxAwuZasHlan9Jg4kOu0ZQS6g62o6RUgu2f_B_mqUwcFXfPUD51m8vEChG5HUa_FoodjwMdunk6ZudV2mLQeAEStwoeLFlgLXvBnrDlVeEQ/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIuwVc7kw4KV3nN2tzP868o9xTD3VxAwuZasHlan9Jg4kOu0ZQS6g62o6RUgu2f_B_mqUwcFXfPUD51m8vEChG5HUa_FoodjwMdunk6ZudV2mLQeAEStwoeLFlgLXvBnrDlVeEQ/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0NW_6l-P0xfpvSImMM1v6VCjg4Ge3le5PpKsJRvbx5eHoG19aiY-qW4_SnkYKRvu9_oiy-HCVTxYmq-9gyCAJNTqYBneXM0qoe8JwpBqA-pQJsAUsQqjB_cXIKPLf0ykdPtikA/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0NW_6l-P0xfpvSImMM1v6VCjg4Ge3le5PpKsJRvbx5eHoG19aiY-qW4_SnkYKRvu9_oiy-HCVTxYmq-9gyCAJNTqYBneXM0qoe8JwpBqA-pQJsAUsQqjB_cXIKPLf0ykdPtikA/s320/IMG_0153.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">A mini album created to fix inside an Apple iPhone box.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAXSs0qAvW_Key_53zMXBBNKqUYGqx94seyt4U3JJzw4VFXd3yxjSOYSGDZPzdXIkfNx2nW0BsXM__SfXwIOaZsRE98z0d_83f9qXVS8Dn8Kjv9o-L6LG3yRoqMT1VpGL5zvFOA/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAXSs0qAvW_Key_53zMXBBNKqUYGqx94seyt4U3JJzw4VFXd3yxjSOYSGDZPzdXIkfNx2nW0BsXM__SfXwIOaZsRE98z0d_83f9qXVS8Dn8Kjv9o-L6LG3yRoqMT1VpGL5zvFOA/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A cute little book with blank pages inside. The pages are sewn together in groups of three, and then adhered to the book cover.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq1GOoWhpFF-UtF2NP0lErlgq6qoT4LGK_sSnzgk3vbGzPIcn997jgB2QRC5z9ZC4p0D7F0hOWtjAxW1BDusZuFq4N7xfp907tHJFBo_vtkDmiSQsjnjUN54Grn6dgZkVTm7etg/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq1GOoWhpFF-UtF2NP0lErlgq6qoT4LGK_sSnzgk3vbGzPIcn997jgB2QRC5z9ZC4p0D7F0hOWtjAxW1BDusZuFq4N7xfp907tHJFBo_vtkDmiSQsjnjUN54Grn6dgZkVTm7etg/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> TWINE! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT6cqaB7wSww_oLrYwybwZ8R9QqBj8cUf_XIcfDBAZ4ljJnGSeGdhn9LJ91axVJwddsbEmOzV9oEstrziENlBPxwDOJwnFEsxLjY67b2sVnXYNxIG_jZ20-AyU3x8VI3hOsxLAw/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT6cqaB7wSww_oLrYwybwZ8R9QqBj8cUf_XIcfDBAZ4ljJnGSeGdhn9LJ91axVJwddsbEmOzV9oEstrziENlBPxwDOJwnFEsxLjY67b2sVnXYNxIG_jZ20-AyU3x8VI3hOsxLAw/s320/IMG_0967.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-47277774863142321602011-10-20T11:32:00.000-07:002011-10-20T11:32:36.517-07:00Our Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Harrison is growing wildly. It must be this farming land. He loves it. He asks to go outside every morning, even if its freezing. And if the screen door is not locked (he can unlock the other door), he's out there. Boots on, no coat, and driving his trucks. Later in the afternoons we jump and play on the trampoline. Boots on, no coat, and chasing the bouncing trucks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">These photos are from a little photo contest my friend Summer put on FB. We didn't win but really appreciate everyone who voted! We could not get him to smile at all. He must have been in model mode :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<br />
Here's what the little stinkbug has been doing lately:<br />
<br />
- he loves chicken nuggets and frequently wants them for breakfast and lunch<br />
- he also asks for ice cream at breakfast. We instead have an egg. He cracks them for me to put in the pan, and gets the bread into the toaster.<br />
- loves apples and grapes with honey roasted peanut butter. I leave prepped servings in the fridge and he can get them whenever, although he still asks me to get them.<br />
- loves to count and sing his version of the alphabet. Neither are correct, but the concept is growing.<br />
- points out all the tractors, trucks, trailers, horses, and cows as we drive<br />
- lines up all the toy trucks, trailers, and cars as he plays with them, resorting to throwing everything on the couches and beds to the floor<br />
- will not wear anything but his cowboy boots<br />
- and must wear a belt<br />
- wears 2T clothes, mostly<br />
- bites us or blows raspberries to get our attention<br />
- he also grabs our hands to guide us or pushes our feet and legs to 'help' us get where he wants us to be<br />
- watches 15 minutes of a video before taking it out to watch 15 minutes of another. Repeat 10 times with ten movies<br />
- loves to brush his teeth with everyone's toothbrushes and comb his hair forward with a brush while trying to shave with McCord's electric razor<br />
- does this fake 'hah hah' laugh when he thinks we should be laughing, usually at the end of one of his stories<br />
- has come to be much more concerned about Madelyn's well being<br />
- loves to snuggle and be swaddled. He'll bring us a blanket and say 'harson taco'.<br />
- As he watches sports with Grandpa Brent he'll say 'C'mon C'mon' when the action gets exciting. It's hilarious!<br />
- will identify family members in pictures. He gets especially excited about seeing mom :)<br />
<br />
His clarity and vocabulary are starting to blossom, which has been awesome! He will often repeat something we'll say without prompting, so I know things are finally clicking in the speech department. I've finally come to realize he needs <i>LOTS</i> (as in more than the average child) of constant repetition in order to understand the concept I'm trying to teach. I don't think he's challenged or slow in any way, just needs that extra encouragement and security.<br />
<br />
We love him so so much! And I am especially grateful for his love and patience with me. Being a momma to two is not all that difficult, but balancing time and priorities has been so hard. I always feel like some one is being neglected; Harrison, Madelyn, McCord, me, the laundry, dinner, craft time, quiet time, nap time, etc. I know it takes time, but I am seriously ready for that time to be now.<br />
<br />
Harrison is such a blessing to our family and I am so excited to see what else his little character will bring!L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-84163291206307535212011-10-19T15:11:00.000-07:002011-10-19T15:34:37.421-07:00Newborn photos and an Unwilling Harrison<div style="text-align: center;"> These are a few photos from Madelyn's newborn session:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlHF2Z_fN3UVVzIzDf4dzkxyEd4N5WrlSPZVTq9UhZW8yZ8s-BFoZZAJNYfleMKmlsOR6UShb8tGoaV-C4UCdv6a5JnA0Hd9nqZfc2wVwtFGMZEJcA0Lgo4Oz3voRlNXz7OE7/s1600/IMG_3598bw.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlHF2Z_fN3UVVzIzDf4dzkxyEd4N5WrlSPZVTq9UhZW8yZ8s-BFoZZAJNYfleMKmlsOR6UShb8tGoaV-C4UCdv6a5JnA0Hd9nqZfc2wVwtFGMZEJcA0Lgo4Oz3voRlNXz7OE7/s320/IMG_3598bw.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665331108385941570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAbi46LX2Tq73BRHi4G6_vUqV_1HSph-NWdbc07-putIH3mc_mCbT2TSHyxr6k9Zu-PW3EkBu3vRaUsYaPYpqUOy8fZKGEv7iTgFBT1NE8QFOuJ8SvVv0NWV2tU8ry0CBNGsa/s1600/IMG_3700bw.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAbi46LX2Tq73BRHi4G6_vUqV_1HSph-NWdbc07-putIH3mc_mCbT2TSHyxr6k9Zu-PW3EkBu3vRaUsYaPYpqUOy8fZKGEv7iTgFBT1NE8QFOuJ8SvVv0NWV2tU8ry0CBNGsa/s320/IMG_3700bw.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665332479660280322" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK2ZqTVK2U76Lu-IUWnVrmu2CFr-XtLiUydvLDmpEgHaNYV3RbRq5kivt-oW9kBGud2ba-Z_fPdtK4aplSHLB9b-55bkhn6A5f6OejbUD_TGQS2MpXRBnMfIxrVUT-F6KnxDl/s1600/IMG_3681.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK2ZqTVK2U76Lu-IUWnVrmu2CFr-XtLiUydvLDmpEgHaNYV3RbRq5kivt-oW9kBGud2ba-Z_fPdtK4aplSHLB9b-55bkhn6A5f6OejbUD_TGQS2MpXRBnMfIxrVUT-F6KnxDl/s320/IMG_3681.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665332472897047090" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1v3v1Bb7l_UqCpaCtz2Ac5tPCr9coUgxjnzoiqFdhBSK1YpdpqAcoHSotPcJDP6eF0aj3QReoCliuHwOnYLSQOQjnedTdf38WkE_g6bohbljviaqrStMmZK_MVwohT3YK84_/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1v3v1Bb7l_UqCpaCtz2Ac5tPCr9coUgxjnzoiqFdhBSK1YpdpqAcoHSotPcJDP6eF0aj3QReoCliuHwOnYLSQOQjnedTdf38WkE_g6bohbljviaqrStMmZK_MVwohT3YK84_/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665331125712065442" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoj7tTZOlmyqKitqyk2dUS_GeTDsId2Lod6kMxiK_nIkahFMF60kTwUNW6xzDgOoP-GW6LeOXD9Q0Lb9uYKB5nc9KYpGNFza4WftmcBJRoojpUkp3-MaX8Ni6KhETH9CJ_nl3/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoj7tTZOlmyqKitqyk2dUS_GeTDsId2Lod6kMxiK_nIkahFMF60kTwUNW6xzDgOoP-GW6LeOXD9Q0Lb9uYKB5nc9KYpGNFza4WftmcBJRoojpUkp3-MaX8Ni6KhETH9CJ_nl3/s320/IMG_3656.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665331120294484018" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7G7S6f_FTRWfV-WvLmtCDcl_a1h3Sp1k5NS3vm2mRPocYBriNMlaWhNBCJQrtHcuc9QBSLTZResYY10hQetatMrvxDy2oM1ebLTOLm1o9s1oRVZWr-gQkdEpqFeAtHG3tS9b/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7G7S6f_FTRWfV-WvLmtCDcl_a1h3Sp1k5NS3vm2mRPocYBriNMlaWhNBCJQrtHcuc9QBSLTZResYY10hQetatMrvxDy2oM1ebLTOLm1o9s1oRVZWr-gQkdEpqFeAtHG3tS9b/s320/IMG_3648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665331116671896706" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW1JClKtpsv8fSL7g4kdHNgufRBzqDhQcIyjUaBWiVJLrbJA2KXqF6foL0T3RUpsHX2UW7zPqUifxvfiIk6UUuinr43CDv2px7gVfjKlbiHEAUiR6O5JBetL87hkCRVywsylH/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW1JClKtpsv8fSL7g4kdHNgufRBzqDhQcIyjUaBWiVJLrbJA2KXqF6foL0T3RUpsHX2UW7zPqUifxvfiIk6UUuinr43CDv2px7gVfjKlbiHEAUiR6O5JBetL87hkCRVywsylH/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665331112144430114" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAJ_yxcbRpo5xjjub6kR6xLjHXDjqcSdWGFPdT4FkIqrfyzQou-MLJ6h4ekD6UgMc5HlGpIme7aBO7OmDannHL-_-6LVZMCfTvuINVVZbCoTWPW3fgZVDNkEWNfRSXNVcM9ib/s1600/IMG_3721bw.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAJ_yxcbRpo5xjjub6kR6xLjHXDjqcSdWGFPdT4FkIqrfyzQou-MLJ6h4ekD6UgMc5HlGpIme7aBO7OmDannHL-_-6LVZMCfTvuINVVZbCoTWPW3fgZVDNkEWNfRSXNVcM9ib/s320/IMG_3721bw.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665332480218509474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">He <i>would not</i> smile for us. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuq70qhqUEVIQWFFL2uyaIyf2yYrRjjSkL6mI4GionhBzJKEW3MgsA_SdW-rSmm6txq2u6zO3Lt9T4OArwcM0kMFLxNZwxb1VdMSwiazs3A4oksFolCquvM11tog7dEjaZly4/s1600/IMG_3728bw.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuq70qhqUEVIQWFFL2uyaIyf2yYrRjjSkL6mI4GionhBzJKEW3MgsA_SdW-rSmm6txq2u6zO3Lt9T4OArwcM0kMFLxNZwxb1VdMSwiazs3A4oksFolCquvM11tog7dEjaZly4/s320/IMG_3728bw.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665332488175078290" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">He finally decided to work with us at the very end.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg14DXSCKBs5V0MCUtBDmMB8wCuIwEzk9mesW1GGX0OKMhVgufdlAUIz3ukTvqz6IuT6ReqsDybUXLXB6ZQActPhxymrMkzARWW-Z66igybffYRSdwl3feJWoIZLY0u-R3TLhm/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg14DXSCKBs5V0MCUtBDmMB8wCuIwEzk9mesW1GGX0OKMhVgufdlAUIz3ukTvqz6IuT6ReqsDybUXLXB6ZQActPhxymrMkzARWW-Z66igybffYRSdwl3feJWoIZLY0u-R3TLhm/s320/IMG_3756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665334231123870162" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">His reward for being patient and mostly cooperative. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">No, he did not get a brand new saddle for being good. We were going to use it as a prop, but Madelyn was done.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">We took a few of Harrison to help him feel included.</span></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-39609585796382071622011-10-19T14:03:00.001-07:002011-10-19T15:11:27.206-07:00As promised, Pictures :)Madelyn is now 2 months old and I can't believe it! She is such a good baby.<div><br /></div><div>She sleeps for 7 hour stretches at night, and naps and eats really well during the day. She only cries when she's hungry or tired. And when she's awake, she is <i>very</i> alert to her surroundings. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVotU2r34NsoWnfzh17D_dtawcKXv9NWh29ZxwnkTTi9pWNfgOgP29oWgjevvWE_8rQbYSBn8912ntN2HUmTcJXY1KzNnKluleM_v5IHviY8jOkFupskRc7ClWiWKT_7nDi-l/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVotU2r34NsoWnfzh17D_dtawcKXv9NWh29ZxwnkTTi9pWNfgOgP29oWgjevvWE_8rQbYSBn8912ntN2HUmTcJXY1KzNnKluleM_v5IHviY8jOkFupskRc7ClWiWKT_7nDi-l/s320/IMG_1158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665312712132872818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Meeting Madelyn for the 1st time</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GWNz9DVZUs6H-82i2od3srGkSSSjHHqWLl28Bt_prZAl-5u8Wt-8jV9j1hPqjDwFP5pE5Swru-Ozpvx3Krj6R9klRdsAtqqSmutGOgqlGtdsHX1uZS6kkpKxgoVE1baKOkWT/s320/IMG_1611.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315469647775058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Middle of the night cuteness</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZT-ykwMJDZB181dOXyhT0zJjtXo_tIrf3av6fwFCex3DjiiujNak7ZvPq_2_qT6FWjYU8HNuEQ8lwu7cnxglCnOD9_UQ1JFWVSrN9sKM4m6EmWn4fzV4q1eDQJavZKJTGvZ8l/s320/IMG_1189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315476444078274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Harrison trying to hold her hand :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9BzDcAtoM_b3IZ3esHS7g4b72g7-Trni4B4Gy3FVC0UJjiQ2QfRCGvMoGfM6OAYQcCWXEUmaZlS7Pt0kMmyt3nkwmGW4xru86MI8IwHaQ79ZnrxdCPn9jPXybr6dM18RH1C6/s320/IMG_1226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315473086517234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Sweet little sleeper</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduQXSR1ts9XPyH4SuablZDwklns1KPT81c9SmG6V4U_7LIEvis3Nyp6Bt21MyEC0V93-Ns1Y-hNMyu5mP9UbthasItcXrOmABRX_gEOeFU6bJ2VyWE3EbsGbge4k-gGt155FX/s320/IMG_1339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665315487969789586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Giving me 'the business'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Harrison has had trouble adjusting to having her in our lives. He often tells me 'Baby, Down!' or 'Bed!' in a deep angry voice. He tries to smother her with pillows, pull her off my lap, and generally despise her existence with mean attention. He yells and screams and flails on the floor until he is the center of attention and Madelyn is out of sight. One time he even threw himself on hot asphalt because he didn't want her to come in the store with us. I was blessed however by a sweet lady who offered to carry Madelyn in so I could take care of Harrison. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxDeRkwvmRKHRiAk7sgDBTJu_EgDrxa8vAXycq_BpwkudoJqMR0p_6Lwk4xfimhYBVyrfRERZ3whstgcFyyM1DnK33CZ04s0AVKsq7U76qYzXLqahGgx9HMRBLA4PDB6ZoXgT/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxDeRkwvmRKHRiAk7sgDBTJu_EgDrxa8vAXycq_BpwkudoJqMR0p_6Lwk4xfimhYBVyrfRERZ3whstgcFyyM1DnK33CZ04s0AVKsq7U76qYzXLqahGgx9HMRBLA4PDB6ZoXgT/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665324369771102642" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">This is a normal and frequent occasion in our home</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Although that has been the norm for the past eight weeks, I think we are finally turning a new page. His tantrums and all around disgust for her are diminishing, even to the point that he occasionally gives her kind attention. The other morning I found him climbing onto her bouncy seat to help soothe her. No it wasn't the best way to help, but I found the act endearing. He calls her baby sis instead of growling 'baby!'. And this morning he tried to give her a bottle when she was crying. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I have felt my love grow sooo much in these short weeks. It's absolutely insane! But I am extremely happy and feel sure that being a mother is my most important role. My heart leaps when I see my babies, and knowing that we will be a family for eternity gives me the butterflies times ten. I love these little stinkers so much!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjwddU53aOm0Gtm_fwBJ_r_vA9UvNoSf8R6Pz0R7TPLXUSCnqFsCHjtR758XSRUT5gtQvAWQhOaRiOPsanxZxkJuDa1MvuX4yOeC2uEZJEcGJmebxTwieefcepP_8N-SMIPKT/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjwddU53aOm0Gtm_fwBJ_r_vA9UvNoSf8R6Pz0R7TPLXUSCnqFsCHjtR758XSRUT5gtQvAWQhOaRiOPsanxZxkJuDa1MvuX4yOeC2uEZJEcGJmebxTwieefcepP_8N-SMIPKT/s320/IMG_1502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665327165381093394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Chubby cheeks and a double chin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi0fRr0rfHBBW6Xufcr4Zcuci9UJ5yk7QgXBeXo7LT-9JaaLBxPd9F5StPkq5Gq2D5tLsVy9lCCefQicL_sqkjhyphenhyphenEr4oYe7KTGjDKWnx5Zh-We8JP_UTYBH-oWHoxLJfvxt2e/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLi0fRr0rfHBBW6Xufcr4Zcuci9UJ5yk7QgXBeXo7LT-9JaaLBxPd9F5StPkq5Gq2D5tLsVy9lCCefQicL_sqkjhyphenhyphenEr4oYe7KTGjDKWnx5Zh-We8JP_UTYBH-oWHoxLJfvxt2e/s320/IMG_1677.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665327189910180962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">This is a bassinet a neighbor gave us. Harrison has claimed it and 'sleeps' in it quite often.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NItOo6vHhuFD5tzFwIkwKf1DKJOQiCCFrJKzINsfukrKtxlbk5noGnbIkdoKzA5sLLWAA4SVCzYviXAQSnw6yk0H2votGKgOhpPQhNwxRN4tRE-5qVMm_kLvQNyrxsvEzaC5/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NItOo6vHhuFD5tzFwIkwKf1DKJOQiCCFrJKzINsfukrKtxlbk5noGnbIkdoKzA5sLLWAA4SVCzYviXAQSnw6yk0H2votGKgOhpPQhNwxRN4tRE-5qVMm_kLvQNyrxsvEzaC5/s320/IMG_1648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665328592915702690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Cheesy excited smile :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">She actually smiles more with her eyes (which I LOVE) than her mouth. And it's becoming more frequent - yay! </span></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-42621994191144754972011-09-20T21:34:00.000-07:002011-10-19T13:53:22.168-07:00Madelyn's Birth and the Name GameIt's one o'clock in the morning. I'm getting up to use the bathroom. Upon returning to my bed, I noticed a slight leak.<br /><br /> "Aww crap. Really?! I just went!" I silently said.<br /><br />Trying to hold it in I attempt to roll out of bed when GUSH! my water broke. Within the next five minutes contractions had started. Knowing that the first stage of labor is forever long for me, I laid a pile of towels over the wet spot and went back to sleep. I woke about an hour later and decided my time would probably be better spent waiting for everything to drain. Back to the bathroom.<br /><br />When I decided it was safe, I went to wake McCord. I shook his shoulder and told him to wake up; my water had broke. His groggy and surprised response was "Did I pee the bed?"<br /><br />Yes hun, you peed the bed.<br /><br />And it stinks.<br /><br />Bahaha not really, but it was pretty funny to hear him so concerned about peeing the bed :)<br /><br />And he must not of listened to the part about my water breaking.<br /><br />Anyway, he got up and I began packing our hospital bag. I was not prepared for her early arrival, you see. He showered and then ran me a hot bath in the jet tub. It was glorious. But then I began to wonder if she would be alright without amniotic fluid and of course then the mommy worry set in. I got out, dressed, and put my makeup on. Can't be going in to have a baby looking like frumpy old maid. Mac called the hospital to let them know we would be there in a few hours. Oh, and I packed a bag for Harrison's stay with Grandma and Grandpa Larsen.<br /><br />McCord called his parents to ask if they would take Harrison. They never answered. I called my mom and informed her of the impending birth. By this time it was 5 am. We pack the truck, wake Harrison and off we go! My contractions were pretty regular, coming every five-eight minutes and lasting nearly a minute. Not too painful, just slow and regular. We drop Harrison off at the granny's. Holly is just checking our messages as we walk in the door. Brent and McCord give me a blessing and let me tell ya, it was one of the most comforting blessings thus far. I really felt calm and confident about whatever would happen. It was all going to be ok, no matter the circumstance.<br /><br />Around 5:30 the nurses hook me up to the monitors, and about thirty minutes later I am admitted. We hadn't pre-registered yet; that was on the to-do list the following week. So after a lot of business talk and paper work, I was left to rest until the doctor came around 7:30. I wasn't making much progress, maybe a two. So I was started on pitocin and given permission to walk around for a hour. We went and visited Aunt Sally. She was in for gall bladder surgery, but recovering well. Half way through our excursion we ran into my mom and sister! So they joined us in our small, but cozy delivery suite. By then I had dilated to almost a five! <div><br /></div><div>We went back to the room and I laid down for a while after the nurse turned up the pit. I tried to mentally prepare for the increasing pain, but my contractions had started coupling (and that is exhausting!). Around noon the nurse came in and said it was my last chance for an epidural as the anethesiologist was headed into surgery for the next two hours. So I agreed and he came and hooked me up with the drugs. It was heavenly! My first epidural was not good, but this one completely changed my view! I slept for about two hours until I felt something fall out. I asked Mac to look and all he said was "Wow... that's a lot of blood... we better get the nurse." Come to find out, she was actually crowning. The nurse came in, checked, and ran to call the doctor. A minute later Dr. came running in and I started pushing. After about five pushes she was out! </div><div><br /></div><div>She was born posterior (face up) and wasn't breathing well. She went into the warmer and called a respiration specialist. Mac was seriously concerned. I haven't seen him that scared in, well, ever... I think. Oddly, I was still smiling and confident she was just fine. The nurses also failed to tell us she wouldn't cry on the respirator. After 15 minutes she was good to go. She was weighed and measured, then brought to me. We snuggled skin to skin. Let me tell ya, that is the *best* way to bond after birth! Even six weeks later I can strip her down, snuggle skin to skin and she calms right down. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm hesitant to post photos other than what's on FB. She really was so bruised, smashed, and swollen its scary. Mac describes her as a jar of mushed grape jelly covered in a slimy white film. Poor thing was ugly, even from an unconditional mothers love point of view. As soon as everything smoothes out, I'll post lots :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the name game. We had talked about it for months, but nothing really felt 'right'. So we decided to wait until we saw her. And even after her birth, whenever I called her those various names, they still didn't fit. Five days later, she still remained Baby Girl. So after incessant talking and brainstorming, we settled on Madelyn Rosalie (pronounced like Rosalee). It's my grandmothers middle name. And I've loved the name Madelyn since my youth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry to bore you all with the details, but I need them because I know I'll forget nearly everything in a few months. If ya made it this far, Thanks!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-1787348474622079022011-08-18T05:31:00.000-07:002011-08-18T05:31:53.406-07:00Good Morning AllSo, it has been an awful long time since I have posted, but I am doing so to let y'all know that we are at Cassia Regional Medical Center. Olivia is okay. Her water broke at 1:00 am. She woke me at 3:00 am (I thought I had wet the bed...). <br />
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We are all checked in, the nurse, Linda, has put the monitors on. Baby Girl, herein referred to as "BG," has a good heartbeat and the contractions are about 5 minutes apart. Olivia just got her IV. She took it like a champ. <br />
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I will try to keep y'all updated, likely I will use both this blog and FB.<br />
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In the mean time if anyone has any good girl names, let us know. We have some ideas, but we're not too sure. Maybe when BG gets here, we'll know.<br />
<br />
L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-83857743575727381892011-06-28T11:59:00.000-07:002011-06-28T12:26:51.719-07:00Very Quickly...We're alive and doing well. Since April we have:<div><ul><li>Celebrated Harrison's 2nd Birthday</li><li>Gone to the library and (indoor) pool 4 days of the week</li><li>Taken lots of short weekend trips, mostly for family occasions</li><li>Visited Moscow for a day and ate the best BBQ in the world</li><li>Continually been amused and baffled by peoples stupidity </li><li>Been extremely blessed with good health and safety</li><li>Felt and experienced lots of changes with the new baby</li></ul>I am exactly 30 weeks today and can hardly stand it! My hands and feet swell on and off, but continuously feel like fire all. the. time. I sleep without covers with the fan on high while Mac is wrapped in the quilt. </div><div>Harrison's vocal vocabulary is finally exploding and I am so happy that he is better learning to communicate with us. He's not forming short phrases or sentences often which concerns me, and he often talks just through his lips without moving the rest of his jaw and mouth. He also no longer cries when I set him on the potty. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!</div><div>Mac stays busy with work. Because of the (finally) warm weather, he's been roping a lot more. He also went to Reno with his Dad and friend Clint for the Reno Rodeo and Bob Fiest Invitational (200 of the Worlds Best Team Ropers) for Fathers Day. We're glad he had a great time, but also very glad to have him home even though he was only gone for three days :) </div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-72095807149429650472011-04-25T18:27:00.000-07:002011-04-25T18:34:55.246-07:00The View From Above....... Is getting quite large. At least I feel that way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6HKibkjJmTI3ajnr5aMNJ8twzZcaiFGSGGifaN2mhGslCqsy9zygclMG_CtelIZpNJobce7TbDg2FHjhNqMHK6_MyXl87mGKLeVBJlQxYhF2ILmlQjOYoT3eHfn3LLDZcOaX/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6HKibkjJmTI3ajnr5aMNJ8twzZcaiFGSGGifaN2mhGslCqsy9zygclMG_CtelIZpNJobce7TbDg2FHjhNqMHK6_MyXl87mGKLeVBJlQxYhF2ILmlQjOYoT3eHfn3LLDZcOaX/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599698660558674722" /></a><br /><br />It's also a girl! YAY!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuNeYfwfU1YT_VMtlv0WqBlbMSGsC1OwOVe9MK3RHfb3GP23IAeZZRUMQQ0CqdLprb8jOZNIf567Up9LZFOCKEePqMD6OlXa5AB6y7BsfUD4H1IwS4mtGgLh3GBmDXYTDIfF0/s1600/Image03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuNeYfwfU1YT_VMtlv0WqBlbMSGsC1OwOVe9MK3RHfb3GP23IAeZZRUMQQ0CqdLprb8jOZNIf567Up9LZFOCKEePqMD6OlXa5AB6y7BsfUD4H1IwS4mtGgLh3GBmDXYTDIfF0/s320/Image03.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599698653739934466" /></a><br /><br />We are very excited to have one of each. I'm still trying to get my head to believe it, but it will happen soon enough. I am also very excited for all the clothes! There are a few families in our ward that had baby girls last year, and each family is done with having babies. So they've asked me to be the recipient of tons of clothes! I am, however, still going to be shopping :)<br />Just don't tell McCord...Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-91919319256588672952011-04-16T23:09:00.000-07:002011-04-16T23:09:06.311-07:00I ain't as young as I used to be.I realize that I am still pretty young, but, crud I don't feel young right now. It will be midnight before I finish this post. Olivia and Harrison are fast asleep, but I can't sleep. I had a couple of good wrecks today while riding Forrest and roping. One involved some good bucking and my untimely exit from the saddle. The other involved a steer being underneath us then Forrest being on top of me, particularly my left leg. Nothing is broken, I am pretty sure, but my left calf is sore enough to make me limp a bit. The first incident put me down on my right shoulder and the second I came down on my left leg, so I think all of me will be pretty stiff and sore tomorrow. <br />
I ate some food so I can take some pain medication that I had left over from Law Skool, don't remind me of the hazards of taking old medicine, this stuff works great on pain and knocks me out. <br />
The words of my dad kinda made me think: "You know, when those wrecks are happening, you can't say anything, but if a guy can walk away, its pretty easy to joke about." I am really glad I walked away. Dad promptly asked me why I didn't fill in my divot. Uncle Reed was there too and he had some wise cracks to offer. Its just amazing that no one in our family has made a career as a stand up comedian...<br />
For those of you who don't know, I practice law with a gentleman who is 83 years old. He and I were talking about life insurance one day and he told me I better have a good plan if I keep riding "those damn horses." At one point we joked about me dying before him because of my desire to ride.<br />
Well, here in a while I am going to have to get up from bed and I will, but I might be rolling out of bed and onto the floor instead of my usual "hopping out of bed." Lets just hope I can still do the roll...L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-54112460269666747662011-04-02T19:13:00.001-07:002011-04-02T21:20:02.101-07:00Four Years! - The CelebrationOn February 24th, 2011 McCord and I celebrated our anniversary. It goes by so fast! I know four years seems simple, and for most, it is. But considering societies stance on marriage, I think every anniversary is something to be celebrated and cherished. I watched my parents marriage fall apart and disintegrate, and therefore, my family. I vowed to myself long before I considered marriage that that would never happen to me. I also vowed that my spouse would absolutely agree with my standards. Luckily, I found and married that person. It has never been an issue, and we continue to make sure that divorce will never be an option.<br /><br />So anyway, we decided to take the weekend off and spend some child free time together. In a small, nearby out-in-the-boonies town called Almo, there is a little hotel, restaurant, and hot springs. They had a Love package for the month of February (ya know, Valentines Day) and we scooped it up for our anniversary. Harrison stayed with McCord's parents. Of course, the weather was awful. Snowing, blowing, drifting and COLD. We almost didn't make it out the driveway. But we made it to Almo just 40 minutes before the restaurant closed. Hallelujah! I was starving. We enjoyed a meal of salmon, steak sandwich, dutch oven potatoes, and pioneer puddin'. What the heck is that?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcyg5PSzozKuE8rgwB-eygDEGGwTvFn_fV0L1ETSXBDcNDzo4lzxE4AgGb_FkOqUC7u5etKhIzS8CWLN4JYBcOGjFFx-NZSVJSnABljd2DdfSZUsxDPe9w8SyoYcxCiELKECH/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcyg5PSzozKuE8rgwB-eygDEGGwTvFn_fV0L1ETSXBDcNDzo4lzxE4AgGb_FkOqUC7u5etKhIzS8CWLN4JYBcOGjFFx-NZSVJSnABljd2DdfSZUsxDPe9w8SyoYcxCiELKECH/s320/IMG_0323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591178683096140850" /></a>Pioneed Puddin' consists of spice cake, raisins, walnuts, and some type of caramel-y puddin' sauce. Topped with ice cream. Gross as is sounds, its actually quite tasty. <div>We then commenced to our hotel. <div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM9mM0KElD3u4ShtJ7zAR3ST2A48d-Rr4RsocrKbK8PDvocffyIlCat9YP7_y-B3yvI4faGXDGAsxj5bPehnzcndcMwQLRX_e0YrOPXMRI1-X9CCCDK4UWkWszKY72O5S5hg1/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM9mM0KElD3u4ShtJ7zAR3ST2A48d-Rr4RsocrKbK8PDvocffyIlCat9YP7_y-B3yvI4faGXDGAsxj5bPehnzcndcMwQLRX_e0YrOPXMRI1-X9CCCDK4UWkWszKY72O5S5hg1/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591180157982253650" /></a>P.S. The couch was so fluffy! We just sorta sank into the pillows, and it consumed all desire to ever move again. Also, the sheepskin blankets hanging over the chair and arm rest are soooo soft!! I wanted to take one home.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp9BJwXVLt24ijCHKgioU2_-XfQSjaXkWTKy2Dgqt1La2QUw_ogJ3yD2jtPKTpHzl91oK5V4K4LllvYqpzmAGlyosdkOR6QCO2_oWum3iPKhE5E0MFwXaVZs0axzRJRG5MJ8a/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp9BJwXVLt24ijCHKgioU2_-XfQSjaXkWTKy2Dgqt1La2QUw_ogJ3yD2jtPKTpHzl91oK5V4K4LllvYqpzmAGlyosdkOR6QCO2_oWum3iPKhE5E0MFwXaVZs0axzRJRG5MJ8a/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591180158339248242" /></a><div>The wood on the table and chairs were just beautiful. Standing on the table is a book/journal for guests to write about their adventures during their stay. Some were very interesting.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbhdK1GRMBYflIuNJ7IqiAiuKOHA0uSn6WHbWdGNIdBcT2toaNhaRpI4vyTHoluFlioE-5GmTPIyHNxvpuZUupJstgVM_hhGRSnTjjiPCXjBU1fiI1RRsOug1u1bGok5aCDem/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbhdK1GRMBYflIuNJ7IqiAiuKOHA0uSn6WHbWdGNIdBcT2toaNhaRpI4vyTHoluFlioE-5GmTPIyHNxvpuZUupJstgVM_hhGRSnTjjiPCXjBU1fiI1RRsOug1u1bGok5aCDem/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591180166407992114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzlTn3wgbIOw55Onn-8K0lFv22bZVc3fFv7_lPZhpa934DNYHgGofhnAIm3W4paFp-SpZtwMAgGHk4lAqKWxW3O_v21yoPluUEDKi9oZI_CsH9og__mjIUWP-lQfDyufcGS-G/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzlTn3wgbIOw55Onn-8K0lFv22bZVc3fFv7_lPZhpa934DNYHgGofhnAIm3W4paFp-SpZtwMAgGHk4lAqKWxW3O_v21yoPluUEDKi9oZI_CsH9og__mjIUWP-lQfDyufcGS-G/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591181525067471554" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaI9yWNJQkgwh7aYW9k_UV4sYfv-4BoTo-Eg-w01fGt0Vu3sfPZOyDGDWFmoSkdLaFUgGQMECvWhbuSOWhtNI557ZyOp7-fWvFPml_Jn7iCwD8ziOQlylSVSH7OE9_Mk9Abu2/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaI9yWNJQkgwh7aYW9k_UV4sYfv-4BoTo-Eg-w01fGt0Vu3sfPZOyDGDWFmoSkdLaFUgGQMECvWhbuSOWhtNI557ZyOp7-fWvFPml_Jn7iCwD8ziOQlylSVSH7OE9_Mk9Abu2/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591181519628098866" /></a></div><div>This tub was huge! And it was jetted :) Saturday morning I spent a good hour in there. I was feeling really sick, and the most comforting thing for me is a hot bath. I also didn't sleep well, so again, the hot bath is relaxing.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xbJJCwhp-wd0VgKB10tGn7Y_X2Z6X23VXzOpjtUHheJg3wN4BH_fKrLI3_as-2aeOX96k1Xw5Tbi4l3oNIVrU_HxaTL2PzDZtSooWP3AoHZETakX0q81jzRygOOKRwuQ2s_2/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xbJJCwhp-wd0VgKB10tGn7Y_X2Z6X23VXzOpjtUHheJg3wN4BH_fKrLI3_as-2aeOX96k1Xw5Tbi4l3oNIVrU_HxaTL2PzDZtSooWP3AoHZETakX0q81jzRygOOKRwuQ2s_2/s320/IMG_0338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591199224811821202" /></a>The only disappointing thing about our room was there was no Bible. It was the first thing I expected to see in the drawer, but no such luck. Just about all cowboys acknowledge the existence of a higher power, not all, but a lot. I just found it strange, that's all. *EDITED: Ok, nevermind. McCord says cowboys didn't read the Bible, just had faith and belief in a higher power.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngYoCjfqj56_W6KldQeT4x7SAisu6earsohWUdLY-hUpDT-bav1XtcPrGeLLfIi01ILgVcv0e43uK8_600JmkG3cldmXQ6YBfiIC1cQxRI0_ErAYiW1FYp-3b90OhH8saGmbH/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngYoCjfqj56_W6KldQeT4x7SAisu6earsohWUdLY-hUpDT-bav1XtcPrGeLLfIi01ILgVcv0e43uK8_600JmkG3cldmXQ6YBfiIC1cQxRI0_ErAYiW1FYp-3b90OhH8saGmbH/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591199221557229634" /></a>I love the detail on this ottoman! Plus, it was huge and very soft.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv92eX3sRiBEQ06BKTrzk2WvyuWRQrWFEy0lgeXaLmUoE23tWmUwOsdtEkUmlKAmQVG4CVXt57e_f5oIB7hAbBi6gHNoukQC5VWH5137zJ5NyqIYRYBz3gwDHTAvZ1v2M_eB69/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv92eX3sRiBEQ06BKTrzk2WvyuWRQrWFEy0lgeXaLmUoE23tWmUwOsdtEkUmlKAmQVG4CVXt57e_f5oIB7hAbBi6gHNoukQC5VWH5137zJ5NyqIYRYBz3gwDHTAvZ1v2M_eB69/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591199212932862930" /></a>They had some gorgeous artwork, and the books are real (in the basket on the floor). Interesting old western stories. <div><br /></div><div>By now it sounds like I'm an advertising ad, but seriously, this is a great little stop in Southern Idaho. I would love to just spend a week there. The food is home grown fantastic, the rooms are comfy and again, very home-like, and the springs are fabulous. We didn't go to the springs because I was still fight an UTI. We've been several times before, and it is <i>always</i> enjoyable. If anyone is looking for a quick weekend getaway, this is it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Some things that we learned: Make plans to be in Almo four hours before your intended ETA. Especially if there's snow. </div><div>Take food/snacks with you. Each room has a microwave and mini fridge, plates, silverware and cups. We had to leave a day early because I was so sick, partly from the infection and pregnancy, and partly from a lack of nutrition. The gas stations are sparsely prepared for meals.</div><div>Don't go unless you can absolutely get in the hot springs. That was a huge bummer.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were also thinking that it might be fun to get a group of us a go together. The hotel set up is like an old 1800's building. There are 11 rooms, two of which are 2 story, and there are three separate cabins. The cabins have just one bed (queen) and a cast iron tub. I think the two stories have 5 or 6 beds. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, who's in? </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-54538700027167850102011-04-02T18:42:00.000-07:002011-04-02T19:13:43.479-07:00Conference SaturdayTruthfully, I wasn't much looking forward to this weekend. Not because of Conference. Heavens no! I love listening to Conference. But it was because there are so many items on my honey-do list. Silly, little, insignificant tasks that were just crawling under my skin to be done. I don't like housework and chores to interfere with Conference. Since both require a substantial bit of time, one had to be sacrificed. Guess who won. And, the wind picked up and the clouds began looming. We had two beautiful days, and now, the gloom has returned. Blah.<br /><br />On a happier note, we are starting to help Harrison handle his aggression and anger. He still bangs his head (which resulted in a black eye), and scratches his face, but we are learning what best helps to calm him. And unfortunately, we are also learning about discipline methods. I really thought that talking things through would be the best way to help him understand his actions and consequences. This time, experience is really the best teacher. Go ahead and laugh at my naivety. I still am. I also am giving him two options and letting him make the choice, but I think sometimes it confuses him.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PAy53niCuti1Tf4ZbjryT9NcW2txpUg3t6fIidbs7ww2lGwx7voy4HDuk-SPJDPj4rK1vXm7SRyXirbA44k3r0QCcHrSYRvGYSV1TL5E3vdQu-0NPcSuI4GWCkxSGwSbA0ZT/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PAy53niCuti1Tf4ZbjryT9NcW2txpUg3t6fIidbs7ww2lGwx7voy4HDuk-SPJDPj4rK1vXm7SRyXirbA44k3r0QCcHrSYRvGYSV1TL5E3vdQu-0NPcSuI4GWCkxSGwSbA0ZT/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591169167730811314" /></a><br />The little stink bug <span style="font-style:italic;">LOVES</span> to watch his 'truck' movie (Hatari!). It's a John Wayne film. Surprised? You shouldn't be. It's a good film. Go watch it.<br /><div>His speech is also coming along. He won't speak in phrases, just a one word, or sometimes syllable mumble. He will say whatever word we ask him to, but somehow we never hear them unless we ask. But he certainly likes to tell stories about cars and trucks and Ba-BOOM BOOM!! Your dead. Then, car, truck BA-BOOM!! </div><div>At bedtime he loves to hear the story of Noah and the Ark. I partially believe it's because I cannot accurately and completely tell any other Old Testament story. I tried Joseph and Moses, but I still became a stuttering mess. Shame on me.</div><div>Harrison loves to help me cook. Every morning he stirs the egg and milk for scrabbled eggs, and puts the bread in the toaster. Any time I stand near the sink and oven he needs to be sitting on the counter, watching and helping. I really hope this transforms into a life long love for cooking; heaven knows I certainly did not obtain it. And the best part? I can cook a full meal with about three square feet of counter space. I thought the counters were slim in our first Moscow appt, but these are even worse! Actually, I would have more space if Harrison could 'cook' at the table, but really, that's no fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, Mac's home from the Priesthood Session. Night, y'all.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-9528200285982884142011-03-14T21:05:00.000-07:002011-03-14T21:33:17.660-07:00Short and SweetAs you may have guessed from our month long absence, I have not begun to feel better. Still nauseated, my veins are throbbing, and I get horrible headaches that sometimes leave me dizzy. Not to mention the exhaustion. I thought these things went away during the second trimester? Now, I'm not trying to sound whiny, but seriously, I'm am so mentally over this part of pregnancy. It's not enjoyable, nor do I look forward to progressing if these shenanigans don't stop. Two weeks after my first UTI a second came 'round. I kind of think the first one was never fully gone. Thankfully, I learned to act quick before things got out of hand. Another dose of antibiotics and I'm good to go. I called the Ob-gyn's office to make an appointment and guess what they told me? The doctor did not have a new ob patient opening until <i>April 19th. I would be twenty weeks by then!</i> This just will not do. I just need to see the doc and have him tell me everything is healthy and normal. I really don't think there is much cause for alarm, but somedays I do get a bit worried about the baby. I feel like it's right under my belly button, but that seems too high for how far along we are. I would just like some conformation for worries put to rest. <div><br /></div><div>Harrison has been acting way out of whack. He won't put himself to sleep, and screams if anything does not go his way. Everyone keeps telling me it's the terrible twos, but I feel like it came outta nowhere! All he wants to do is watch movies, which is partially my fault for those weeks spent on the couch. The poor kid has been so neglected. But with the sun returning and warming temps, we have been outside more and we both feel better. </div><div><br /></div>My sweet baby sister came over tonight and brought dinner. Mac is outta town for business until tomorrow, and today was a very nauseating day for me. So he sent her over to take care of me <div><br /></div><div>Most excitingly for me, I have been chosen to be part of my local scrapbook stores Design Team. Each month I receive a paper packet and a challenge. I have two weeks to design four or more projects, to which they are turned in and displayed at the store. As an extra bonus, I get to preview all the new goodies coming in! Mac is a bit worried, because my crafting budgeting has been growing and growing. But I can stand within reason and still push the creative edge. So, you will see some of my projects posted here on the blog, and on their Facebook page. I will try to be better at taking pictures along the way so there's not too much confusion with instructions :) We will have blog hops and other fun challenges throughout the year. Feel free to hop in even if this is not your thing!</div><div> Next week, I am going to start working on a Halloween home decor project I've had brewing in my mind. I know it's early, but Halloween projects are due right around my due date, so the more I can do now, the better. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just have to say again how excited I am for this! 2011 is going to be a great year! We have already been so blessed, and we continue to feel the optimism and hope we are striving for. </div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-6130983613581610632011-02-24T07:28:00.000-08:002011-02-24T07:28:00.660-08:00Four Years!Today is the Four Year Anniversary of Olivia and I entering into the most important contract ever: Marriage. Its been a wild ride and we've has some crazy good times along with some rough stuff. The best is yet to come, I am sure.Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-55219379351909707932011-02-17T18:03:00.001-08:002011-02-17T21:10:19.728-08:00Baby newsBefore I get into the baby q & a, I just want to say a little something about McCord. Last night after a blessing and uncontrollable vomiting (TMI warning: I puked so hard it gave me a bloody nose. That's gotta be one for the books), I woke Mac up around 1:15 am and told him we need to go to the ER. It was<span class="Apple-style-span"> <b><a href="http://onecrazycowboy.blogspot.com/2008/10/health-hunting-church-what-weekend.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>happening again</i></span></a>,</b> </span>and I couldn't stop. We got dressed, woke Harrison, and took off. After admission into the ER, the nurses took urine and blood samples. By this time it was about 2:30 and even the staff was looking a bit weary. The nurse told me that we had come just after they had three critical patients arrive around the same time, were stabilized, and released into another wing. This was a three hour process. She also said there were people waiting in line to be seen, but went home because they had waited for so long. I guess two in the morning wasn't so bad after all :) <div>Anyway, I again have a UTI but no other concerns. My fluids were stable and the baby is just fine. I'm taking antibiotics and a magical little pill to control nausea. All is well. And thank heavens for modern medicine. I can't imagine how women do without so much, how they survive without medicines. It is simply a miracle. I really thought if I monitored my food and water intake much closer that this would not happen. But I hope this is the last time I have to do that. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just want to say how much I love McCord. I knew he was exhausted but still took care of me and the boy, even in the wee hours of the morning. We didn't get to bed until after four. Luckily, he had no appointments until the afternoon so he cared for us and ran to the store and pharmacy for me while I slept. It just really puts into perspective how blessed I am for finding such a wonderful man. Heavenly Father knew what we both needed and brought us together for the long haul. I love him so much, and I keep telling him how sorry I am for this. And I may even feel a little guilt for being so helpless. He usually gets upset and tells me to stop saying those things. But I really feel so much gratitude for his patience with me and willingness to care for me even when he's wicked tired. I love you muchos!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, now on to the babe. I haven't seen anyone yet, but I'm due mid-September. That puts me around 11 weeks. The nurse searched for a heartbeat last night, but the darn thing kept moving around. I'm not too worried as this happened with H-bomb and he was perfectly healthy. So hopefully we will have some photos and more details to share in the next few weeks. We had to start telling family early because everyone was suspicious. The flu bug for four weeks and the prescriptions weren't helping? Yah, that didn't last for long. And of course, once one person figured it out, there was no secret any more. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been much sicker with this one than I remember with Harrison. Did anyone else get more sick the next time around? I keep telling myself it will all be fine and eventually I will feel healthy and energized again. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are so excited to expand and bring another sweet spirit to the earth. I love being mommy to our funny little boy. I can't help but feel so much love for this one already, and really hope that I enjoy this journey more than I did before. I completely understand why some people choose to have so many children. They are truly the source of happiness and humility. My only worry is that one child may feel neglected over the other, and I won't notice. But of course that comes along with the usual stuff like, "Will I ever be able to shop again? Will I be able to have friends and a social life? There's <i>noooo</i> way these are gunna fit... Goodbye Nordstrom Rack clothes" and so on. I find confidence in watching other families, especially ones with small children. I really do love my family and the opportunity to be a mother. It is such a blessing to be able to bear and rear them, without too many health concerns :) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-45822404433422279182011-02-15T06:48:00.000-08:002011-02-15T06:48:12.398-08:00Harrison's big news...Harrison Walbridge Larsen is pleased to announce that he is going to be a Big Brother! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-31372112567035229772011-02-12T22:05:00.001-08:002011-02-12T22:05:29.311-08:00The Above Photo...This post is to preemptively honor my wife for the four years she has put up with me. It is not hard to see the changes in our lives as we constantly grow together. I love you, dear.L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-41658007756739747472011-02-07T12:37:00.001-08:002011-02-07T13:26:51.674-08:00Yes, it's true, I broke my resolution.As you have already guessed, my new year's resolution went down the drain. But, I am not giving up hope that I can still continue and be successful. I've decided Sundays are not good days to update. We're tired, cranky, and hungry. So, I'm going to update sometime during the week. Maybe shorter but more frequent posts will be better? Let's give it a go.<div><br /></div><div>Mac has been getting up way too early for court and I'm about ready to call them and tell them he's not allowed to have court before 10 am. He wakes early, hence I wake early. Not cool. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgUUM-y9l4HTm1V7B1MLPy8l9U5UUdPE_uIB_XEyjvPT_Z64xKrnTPbKAIjqYv4-g-PSCgTKSJh4J0eDHfuKF-YvNhWYi9w5ybH18EjG45X-xx5yAL5BFZyPffQ3A-C7gAxoo/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgUUM-y9l4HTm1V7B1MLPy8l9U5UUdPE_uIB_XEyjvPT_Z64xKrnTPbKAIjqYv4-g-PSCgTKSJh4J0eDHfuKF-YvNhWYi9w5ybH18EjG45X-xx5yAL5BFZyPffQ3A-C7gAxoo/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571060031459473554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Two headbands, one shoe, my iPhone, and smeared chocolate. This kids livin' the life.)</span></div></div><div>H-bomb has been throwing all sorts of tantrums and most times I don't know how to handle them. It's quite frightening as a mother when you can't figure out how to calm your child. Moms, give me some discipline tips. We've got to find something that doesn't make both of us start screaming and crying. And he still bangs his head when he's mad. How do I get rid of that?</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rc__DcBofb7zNJrBpbY9h9JlJra9JoiFFDSKkRyYrO4hEG-ZvgP6jmZbNccPVs1g1oQf8mGRkgPIZBuJKx-6wOBMLSth8rHCqTCBsfQlgTgcojLEv4ZFGT3FFTGVGGh5mdqH/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rc__DcBofb7zNJrBpbY9h9JlJra9JoiFFDSKkRyYrO4hEG-ZvgP6jmZbNccPVs1g1oQf8mGRkgPIZBuJKx-6wOBMLSth8rHCqTCBsfQlgTgcojLEv4ZFGT3FFTGVGGh5mdqH/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571059697259985778" /></a><br /></div><div>Other than that, he's a pretty helpful guy. He has emptied three tubs of baby wipes in his efforts to be a big boy. While I generally appreciate his desire to contribute, I don't like buying all those extra wipes. And he loves to clean with our toothbrushes. Those get expensive, too. </div><div>Most mornings he asks to watch "howrse". What's that, you ask? It won't be anything you'd imagine relating to most equine shows. And the strange part of it all, he will sit and watch the rest of the show. He loves to dance to all the music, and scorn all the actors. And he generally gets upset if I stop the movie short, as if he really follows the story line. So, what is this captivating movie?</div><div><br /></div><div>Why, it's BBC's <i>Pride and Prejudice </i>of course. I think he calls it howrse because of the opening scene, where Darcy and Bingley ride across the field to view Netherfield. That's the only reason I can think of. I even tried showing other horse themed movies, but he was not impressed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been chasing the boy around. And also my sister. She plays high school BBall, and the season (thankfully) just ended. So in between games, school, and work she asks to practice driving. Again, thankfully, she just got her license. Which is great because Harrison <i>LOVES </i>his aunt Sara. Two weeks ago she baby sat him while we went to the movies (In case you were wondering, we saw True Grit; it's a good show). For the next week, he would ask about Sara all day, everyday. At breakfast, he'll point at the window, squint his eyes and say "sawah" in a sad and longing voice. In the middle of crashing his trucks, "sawah". It's died down a bit, but every so often he asks about her. What a punk. </div><div>I've also been practicing a bit more because I have been called as the primary pianist. It's actually a fairly easy job, especially if I've practiced. And it's repetitious, so even if I'm not familiar with the song, I will be by the end of singing time. The only thing that makes me nervous is the Sacrament Program, but it's too early to worry much about that. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's also this stray kitty that won't stop meowing at our back door. I let her in once and now she won't give up! Last night she climbed up our screen door and pushed through a small hole in the screen to get into the house. She was successful. Now, it's a big hole. And McCord might have permission to shoot her. <i>Might</i>. She is generally sweet and affectionate, but more annoying than anything. I will give her one point because Harrison can kick, pull, strangle, and otherwise maul her and she's still nice to him. No claws, no hissing, no swatting. I'm sure she would make a great pet. Anybody want a cat? Cause we sure don't....</div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-85120397721748634012011-01-15T16:53:00.000-08:002011-01-16T09:32:50.164-08:00It's been a long week. Does anybody else feel that way? <div>Ugh. So glad it's almost over. Today, however, was great! Mac took the boy for the afternoon while I went to a little women's conference with the other ward. It was uplifting, hopeful, funny, filling (with lots of food, too) and all around enjoyable. The best part? My friend Kylie from high school who I haven't seen since graduation was there! Ack! So excited! We commenced chatting and almost talked right through the last talk. She is such a sweet gal, and has such a creative and thoughtful heart. It was sooo good! </div><div><br />
</div><div>I spent my week watching lots of movies and snuggling with Harrison. We haven't been feeling well. The flu bug is going around, so we (Harrison and I) basically quarantined ourselves and left only for the basics like milk and apples. I really do not want to get sick, nor have a sick child. And honestly, staying at home for days at a time was mostly enjoyable, although we did get a little cabin fever. I didn't do my hair, or put amy makeup on. The housework was minimal and it didn't bother me much that it was messy. But next time I think I'll just take lots more Vitamin C. It was great to not have errands or other items to attend to, but staying inside for that long drives everybody bonkers. The really bad thing is I didn't exercise much and now I feel lethargic and sluggish. I get out of breath walking up and down the stairs, but that's because I'm holding H-bomb. He has this thing where he wants to be a big boy and walk up and down the stairs while holding my hand. I guess the rail is too high? Anyway, I understand that it's important to help them be independent and encourage them to be proactive, but I get so impatient. Especially on our basement stairs because they are steep and narrow, and makes independent stair travel difficult for Harrison. So naturally he enlists my help. I almost patiently wait for him to take the first two steps, then the third, and by the fourth I've had it. I either pick him up or leave him to get there alone. Great parenting, huh? </div><div>Buuuutt, let's be honest. I really am out. of. shape. </div><div>Sad day.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Poor McCord has been working lots of long hours, and seems a bit stressed out. My only reply is that maybe it's time to go to the temple again. We had calming answers the last time we went. As soon as we can locate a babysitter, and the temple reopens, we are there. </div><div><br />
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</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5TKROeuJuY3fzA7TMCk4grJh9tk0UgDqsfAcZCeFj16HrQ8w2n8XpFttDycvHkgUabkgCk1BocMnmaPvClUZsYtttubaNyh6eSpAf7ypQpieabG1BfClDRchyEtP1PvTDO5E/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5TKROeuJuY3fzA7TMCk4grJh9tk0UgDqsfAcZCeFj16HrQ8w2n8XpFttDycvHkgUabkgCk1BocMnmaPvClUZsYtttubaNyh6eSpAf7ypQpieabG1BfClDRchyEtP1PvTDO5E/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562596805569823922" /></a>My little babe fell asleep with me on the couch, so I left him there. He was so sweet and serene, I just couldn't bring myself to move him. Unfortunately that was a bad idea. All week he would get his horse and blanket and crawl up on the couch asking for milk. He seems to think that's his new nap time routine.<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXGjtN6O2bQg6_orI6TiTq8wSgU6qkC0bTyLsBk2OX8Vhsgv-jGntJS3ffI4PlnUICqjTzKe2-g1mipxFaTNxj7X3jiZ6FzrKd2gi6N4WyIYoBC_ouQbh_-yD5UUGL3-b5Opr/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXGjtN6O2bQg6_orI6TiTq8wSgU6qkC0bTyLsBk2OX8Vhsgv-jGntJS3ffI4PlnUICqjTzKe2-g1mipxFaTNxj7X3jiZ6FzrKd2gi6N4WyIYoBC_ouQbh_-yD5UUGL3-b5Opr/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562591500535551874" /></a><br />
I know the focus is bad, but his hair was SUPER static-y. These dang couches create all sorts of static electricity and then shock the heck outta ya. It's getting to be very annoying. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am finally remembering all the new words H-bomb is saying, so here they are: howse, milk, boot, yummy, candy, gum (or yum), coat, bum, poop, yuck, oh no, oo go? (as in 'where'd it go' complete with gestures), baby, howrse, kitty, puppy, the occasional amen, bootk, ah some? and a few others. Can you tell what we love at our house? Sweets and potty talk. Yup, we are starting the vocabulary and conscious realizations of bowel movements. He's had some constipation, so this has really helped us. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Harrison is attacking so I must retire to defend myself. </div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-7910507002119587892011-01-09T19:48:00.000-08:002011-01-09T21:03:56.658-08:00Week 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4RAAV7HiCalUbEjjqwNxL-KsisBNFqetCYQuhQv9RHEdFNlKzqiDg8iYtlnDmkDq2l3N8HjS9lgVSg-hQ5pmlB1GnY-NI417t23IIb9d47I5MbAXN7tAVfwsqLnolXAHlFHk/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4RAAV7HiCalUbEjjqwNxL-KsisBNFqetCYQuhQv9RHEdFNlKzqiDg8iYtlnDmkDq2l3N8HjS9lgVSg-hQ5pmlB1GnY-NI417t23IIb9d47I5MbAXN7tAVfwsqLnolXAHlFHk/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560401001079033410" /></a><br /><div>This is Sapphie. She was my kitty as a child. Unfortunately she had to be put down this week. I cried. Now before you go thinkin' I'm silly and a bit crazy, let me tell you about her. A good friend found her in the parking lot at work abused and abandoned. We took her in and a few months later she had kittens! Yay! We kept them around for a few years and even moved them across the country with us (New Hampshire to Idaho). And there she has stayed. She survived the evil neighbor's cat killings, five pesky children and their friends, and numerous other cats we adopted. She was one tough kitty. And smart, figuring out how to open doors and food packages, avoid the house during all hours of the day, and keeping the local mouse, bird, and squirrel populations at bay. </div><div>I know most people find cats annoying and downright useless *McCord*, but she was 14 years old, healthy, and active up until about a year ago. And she had the coolest lime green eyes! Plus, my first word was kitty. I spent the first years of my life chasing and terrorizing cats until their untimely deaths. Except for Sapphie. She managed to escape my wrath. </div><div>Goodbye Kitty. </div><div><br /></div><div>H-bomb has learned some new words, but rarely says them. He has also started to fold his arms for prayers again, which makes a momma proud. I just don't understand why he stopped in the first place. But he's back at it and we are happy. He loves to help me clean and often pulls out the Lysol wipes or baby wipes to help with everything, including cardboard boxes and his clothes. It gets smeared across the couches, windows and mirrors, toys, chairs, cards, floors, doors, cupboards, etc. He loves to put the dryer sheet in the dryer and close the door. I think this is my favorite of all, except when he closes the door before everything is in, or out. We're both learning patience. He frequently takes his diaper off, even in public, loves toilet water, and all things that go <b>Vrroom, </b>bang, or boom. What a boy. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWiyMKJfcDxebEI13nVFnKLlJXfLdyqexzwdPrBlzpJMQeDgyUnl7iuotd_XjC97D1sOIVwumMfMCId0jfImfTbDpLwyuZFT-YDsEW_Ync4PEy6CelW395BKBFacQZDxhmevP/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWiyMKJfcDxebEI13nVFnKLlJXfLdyqexzwdPrBlzpJMQeDgyUnl7iuotd_XjC97D1sOIVwumMfMCId0jfImfTbDpLwyuZFT-YDsEW_Ync4PEy6CelW395BKBFacQZDxhmevP/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560417285560382626" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He fell asleep with the stick of jerky still in his mouth while en route to Boise two weeks ago. Baby son and I went to spend some time with my mom and Reed. We did lots of shopping and eating! I brought P & P with me to watch, but as fate would have it I left the second disk at home. Huge bummer. Reed was the greatest guy! He followed us around all the days and watched Harrison while we tried on clothes. No complaining or whining, just as long as he choose the food. Simple and easy to please. We had a great time. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWiyMKJfcDxebEI13nVFnKLlJXfLdyqexzwdPrBlzpJMQeDgyUnl7iuotd_XjC97D1sOIVwumMfMCId0jfImfTbDpLwyuZFT-YDsEW_Ync4PEy6CelW395BKBFacQZDxhmevP/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div>McCord is working, and that is all he has to say. He's also been helping with Cody the horse. You see, he also has a brother named Cody, so it's important to be specific. The horse's hoof got an infection in the hoof wall and it swelled half way up his leg. The vet lanced and drained it, but the sore is continually swelling and draining, so the bandages must be frequently changed. Gross. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been chasing the boys, and enjoying much <i>Pride and Prejudice, </i>the Colin Firth version. We also visit my Grandparents quite a bit. Grandpa Mark has had some health issues that landed him in the ICU for nearly three weeks. Then they moved him to Park View Rehab Center, where he stayed for a week. And he finally came home this week. He's very medicated and weak, but we're hoping Grandma can whip him back into shape soon. It's been very stressful for her, and I think they are setting up home hospice care soon. My Aunt June is visiting from Washington for a while to help with all the transitions. It's been so fun laughing with her. </div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the weekend in Boise for our nephew's baptism. I just love going to baptisms and being reminded of my experience. It was by no means great, nor do I remember a lot. But I love sharing the Spirit with them, and experiencing the growth and changes with them and their families. </div><div>H-bomb did not much care for sleeping in the toy closet while we were there. Don't worry, the closet it just shy of a small bedroom. He woke up screaming a few times, mostly because it was freezing in the room. After waking up several times, we brought him into bed with us. <i>BAD</i> idea. He kicked, punched and rolled all over us while taking away our precious blankets. We froze. He slept. All on a couch pull out bed. I am quite looking forward to our TempurPedic tonight. </div><div>Mac took Riley, his brother, shooting and brought along the Mag Research 45/70 revolver, and the Ruger Single Six. Mac will entertain you on the details later. </div><div>After the baptism and luncheon, Riley's wife Allison, took all the ladies to a new home decor boutique in Star called The Umbrella Bird. They have some great stuff! And best of all, it's very reasonably priced. A large china hutch was under $600 and made of real wood! All of their furniture pieces are made from wood reclaimed from old barns in Pennsylvania. If you live the Ada county, or visit, go see this place. It's not large by any means, but they do have some unique pieces for good prices. I bought two glass cake stands for under $30. And both have beautiful details. </div><div><br /></div><div>In most recent news, our ward boundaries have changed. It seems to happen everywhere we go, usually after we've settled for a while. I understand that there is something to be learned and appreciated about these things, but can't we just stay in one ward for awhile? I just want things to stay the same for a while. Does anybody else feel this way? McCord suggested we move to Grouse Creek, but there is no way I am moving out there. Just see if you can find it on the satellite map. And then look how far away it is from any other town. No way Jose. Not gunna do it. We retained some friends and neighbors. Mac is just happy we're not in the same ward as the city prosecutor (he lives in the other ward). They are not the best of friends. Overall, I think it should be okay. A house we have thought about is now in our ward boundaries, so maybe this will be a good thing. </div><div><br /></div></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-9165630206270692282011-01-02T20:03:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:20:37.723-08:00Happy New Year!Here we are, another year. Yahoo. We're not much for resolutions because in Mac's opinion, if there's something you want to change, just do it. You shouldn't have to wait for a New Year. And of course, this is cowboy philosophy from Hoggie (pronounced like the sandwich), an old ropin' buddy and neighbor. <div>In light of all that, I would like to announce that my determination for this year is to be a better record keeper. I think if I start blogging once a week, I should get most things covered, <i>right?</i> Right. And Harrison's scrapbook is about halfway done, so I want to be caught up by his birthday in May. Simple, and accomplishable. </div><div><br /></div><div>The baby son is telling us 'no' and 'no'. You see, he has yes and no confused. It all depends on his tone. Sometimes it's yes, and others its no. Usually he will sign please if it's a yes. Then I know to proceed. But even then it's a struggle. His words are coming along, although it takes a week to finally understand what he's saying. I love that little stinkbug.</div> <div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZ2Oty0rni5BXJwGccMF-OngcBCbxGYV478lkjE6TTEXAZ5QulWv0qpo850V-OfZp2C5WuswuVDR7qD3rr0Q903dwM-GgNIvi3dsVfvqTlUj7_VheRBB7G3H3tvtCLD1WlsWQ/s320/IMG_0772.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557808331992751842" /><div><br /></div><div>He LOOOVES blocks, in all forms. While making chocolates a few weeks ago, he emptied out the bottom shelves from the pantry and began stacking all the items one on top of the next. And even better, he unstacked them and put them back on the shelves. Yes! The kid is so smart! Unfortunately the cleaning experience did not last long, and I now have to drag him through the living room while he "puts" his toys away (read: throws them at me in anger). Oiy. This could be a long night. </div><div>Once we discovered his new fascination I emptied most of his toys in preparation for his Christmas Legos. I think I shall take the remaining toys and hide them. He just dumps them out and scatters them across the house. The Legos are all that matter. It's serious business, yo. </div><div>We still read quite a bit, and can even spend up to an hour going through his most favorites: <i>Rainbow Rob</i>, <i>That's not My Reindeer</i>, <i>Red Tractor</i>, <i>The Foot Book</i>, <i>But Not the Hippopotamus</i> and all other Sandra Boyton stories, <i>Goodnight Johnny Tractor</i> (it glows in the dark!), and anything relating to the farm or animals. I love it when I find him reading to himself. It makes a momma proud. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other night we took a drive out to a house near Rock Creek to see all the lights. It is AH-mazing! Thousands of light and animated characters. Santa was even there with candy canes and Ho-Ho-Ho's. This welcomes you as you walk down towards the scenery. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWypQYDUj0yEL_GzEiKSrEyr_Zh1QjOP72VvJ5p1bsZt0GClGu7rbR1uVqIRFBdYkZBY_QUtTt2dH5GhrODnc3aTrTpfR6V3FZXulkNMySyyTkjSBir9R9obLYa6H_znLtjBjk/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWypQYDUj0yEL_GzEiKSrEyr_Zh1QjOP72VvJ5p1bsZt0GClGu7rbR1uVqIRFBdYkZBY_QUtTt2dH5GhrODnc3aTrTpfR6V3FZXulkNMySyyTkjSBir9R9obLYa6H_znLtjBjk/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815488369362626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNJWsLRXNt_yzrlX2ijSV6qH4KjySPMzZNnXmDDwIRLerX1AU74bjXTa2Ew0wnhroll7Rc98RPH9hMbG5wxTbvL__5YS9JySlhPGqA5IKbzZnkX1hZClQpOou2ATN5bfGqKwt/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNJWsLRXNt_yzrlX2ijSV6qH4KjySPMzZNnXmDDwIRLerX1AU74bjXTa2Ew0wnhroll7Rc98RPH9hMbG5wxTbvL__5YS9JySlhPGqA5IKbzZnkX1hZClQpOou2ATN5bfGqKwt/s320/IMG_0753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815499878988418" /></a><br />The pretty Angel<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR5fIrteqmB-Pg5pQI1WNTvEZWwkpIyAO4W_bvlcv6HM2OrR2VZ3rYydnINyN70hqFbXnkzg_yLtiliYlP7OpFeo54YZ1wymJxP8ZFd6x9lgQ7fr4oTQhD0Sj4q9brg5dKs-1/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR5fIrteqmB-Pg5pQI1WNTvEZWwkpIyAO4W_bvlcv6HM2OrR2VZ3rYydnINyN70hqFbXnkzg_yLtiliYlP7OpFeo54YZ1wymJxP8ZFd6x9lgQ7fr4oTQhD0Sj4q9brg5dKs-1/s320/IMG_0750.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557815497031205890" /></a><br />A string of cowboy lights. Some others were martini glasses, cheeseburgers and fries, Coke glasses, farm animals, shotgun shells, guns, Pillsbury Dough Boy, etc. There were a LOT of these string lights.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TcksxtzjBj81cu-uEdBnl9Ww49MOGgHmx0eVuL9QmLQ8Iz7UWmTGr5iclw8Nstr1-QZgDg0eMlZBRgq6oaCJ_GAyiNworw2_wJe1NLpe62XzdYiWerAYN-gOJBftvdLhmta5/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TcksxtzjBj81cu-uEdBnl9Ww49MOGgHmx0eVuL9QmLQ8Iz7UWmTGr5iclw8Nstr1-QZgDg0eMlZBRgq6oaCJ_GAyiNworw2_wJe1NLpe62XzdYiWerAYN-gOJBftvdLhmta5/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557817391514303106" /></a><div> </div><div>Here are a few poorly done video's of our adventure. The first one is the house. It was COVERED. Top to Bottom. And I should mention, that these photo's and movie were taken with Mac's iPhone, thus the poor quality and small screen. Just watch it a couple times to see all the characters on the roof.</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz09NVe14UCFPQcySwVuLenNwBK-n9z1dSL0HYOycUjm1xQAeEzkue4-GbmigeMkDF-BXGoR1bHSFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and they have a camel! He doesn't much care for the flash. But you can feed him a carrot. He's very friendly, and quite large, and is about to celebrate his twelfth birthday! Happy Birthday, Camel!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmhfyAURnxFiIISEWsijxJb9jPsThYHYzxssPy67TmJ9jbRGGwBYcFMjwZJU9fbWIdULqNcvul9y7N35nDjS0S0Xd1XMYRlozHCODMhBczkQUPcHlpe_aO4MgqtRrxMA2fkGx/s1600/IMG_0755.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmhfyAURnxFiIISEWsijxJb9jPsThYHYzxssPy67TmJ9jbRGGwBYcFMjwZJU9fbWIdULqNcvul9y7N35nDjS0S0Xd1XMYRlozHCODMhBczkQUPcHlpe_aO4MgqtRrxMA2fkGx/s320/IMG_0755.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557819283655802082" /></a>We had an excellent time, although both of us were exhausted. He had helped his parents rip out the kitchen and wall to remodel, and I had watched two kids from our ward who just welcomed twin girls a few weeks ago. The little boy and the twins are 18 mo's apart. Yikes. And they were in no way planned. Poor momma. But she looks fabulous and even wears makeup. Seriously my hero. But their 6 yr. old was a huge help, and actually took more energy to entertain than the two 19 mo. olds. She told me at church that she wants to come to my house again. I told her it's a date. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well that's Larsen Land for December. Oh, I guess there is Christmas. Here's the breakdown: Christmas Eve Day Mac had to meet with a client while I gathered my wits for the weekend. Christmas Eve was spent eating lots of food with both families. Christmas Day we opened gifts at our house. From there we went to mi madre's to open gifts and eat brunch. Thence to the Larsen's to open gifts. And on to my great g-ma's for early dinner and an evening of self indulgence. I think I'm still full. We had a great time visiting and eating, laughing, eating, and eating some more. But I'm so glad that's over, and we shall never celebrate like that again. One day with one side, the next with the other. That was just ridiculous. And I'm still exhausted. Sunday I substituted in Primary while the chorister prepped for surgery. Christmas should never be on Saturday, especially when we had 9 am church. So let it be written; so let it be done. (Name that movie). </div><div><br /></div><div>Addios, muchachos. </div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01511328557013435303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-29792223021695391312010-12-24T05:40:00.000-08:002010-12-24T05:40:45.817-08:00Merry Christmas Everyone!Just thought I would take a quick second, before I start what might become a hectic day, to wish y'all a merry Christmas. It has been a great year and I am glad we are finally where we are. We have been blessed by family and friends, in ways too numerous to list. Let me just say that without all of you, none of what we do would be possible. <br />
Quick update on the McCord Larsen Family: I have been helping Mom and Dad a little by tearing out the Kitchen in their house. When we are done, Mom will have a huge kitchen. It really has been a heck of a project. I am also training a new horse to rope, his name is Spooky, and he is about 14.1 hands and 10 year old. Jet black with the cutest little head ever. He is Darwin Jensen's horse, and a stud, but you would never know he is a stud, he is pretty flippin' gentle. I think he will come right along.<br />
Olivia has been busy the last week making Christmas Chocolates with her mother. They made a metric ton of candy this year, which is always raved about by whoever receives it. She also has been busy with decorating our little home with the limited resources we have. She does such a great job.<br />
Harrison has figured out that shaking his head means something, unfortunately, he thinks it means "yes." So, you can ask him if he wants more candy and he will violently shake his head and sign "please." It is a bit confusing, and very funny. He enjoyed the lights when we went to Rock Creek and he LOVED the camel. I think this kid has the same problem his parents have, but worse: he loves animals. (Olivia likes "pets" and I like stock animals, Harrison likes them all).<br />
Pictures to follow, hopefully...L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-87638233178877741802010-12-13T21:14:00.000-08:002010-12-13T21:19:20.809-08:00We're mobile!!!FYI: the reason for the text color change is so things can be read on iPhones, iPads and Blackberrys. Olivia didn't sound too excited about the deal, but now we can read it from mobile devices, so check us out on the bus, train or plane. Please don't blog and drive, I mean, I could defend you, but I'd rather you spent you're money on Christmas for the kids...L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245792.post-54515274669997010402010-12-11T08:13:00.000-08:002010-12-11T08:28:06.503-08:00Some gifts...Not to sound ungrateful, but nobody told me that the little rider toy that Alison and Riley gave Harrison was a talking toy. Not only does it talk, but it is bilingual. I do not mind that fact, I think a little second language is good for the boy, but the damn toy is stuck in Spanish. He's only been riding it for 10 minutes this morning and I am ready to set it on fire!<br />Seriously though, life in the Larsen home has been good. We are safe and warm and you cannot really ask for more. I have been working like a red-headed stepchild and learning a lot. I have cases in all sorts of areas of the law, it really is fun not knowing what will come through the door next, but it does mean I have to say something most attorneys never want to say to a client: "I don't know..." There just is so much out there to know. The fun part is, despite what D-Mac at U of I Law said, that in a small town people are okay with that.<br />Just FYI to all those traveling through Southern Idaho this season: please feel free to stop by! We do miss our friends from all parts of our life together, those from childhood all the way through law skool. Just give us a holler, we can meet up for a meal out by the freeway if you want, or you can come way off the beaten path and visit our humble home.<br />Hope all of you are doing well this Christmas Season. I hope Olivia makes a post with her decorations, she is having a good time decking our halls, or hall, as it is.L84AROPINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517730645299419945noreply@blogger.com1