Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
I'm a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad, blogger
Here's my excuse... and it's real...
Our desktop computer has crashed. The Boss has a work laptop, which I can occasionally use to check email, but doesn't download photos well, and really is supposed to be used for work only. We've been out of town a lot, and fixing the computer has not been a priority. I still don't know when it will be fixed... our luck, we'll have to buy a new one... which we can't afford to do right now, so we'll go without. So, I may not be around too much.
Blogs without pictures are so very boring, so feel free to pass on reading this one. It will primarily be used for journal purposes.
Our family was supposed to take a trip to Florida, since The Boss was having to fly there for work. Last minute, the boys got sick and it looked like it was supposed to rain the entire time, so my mom, who was planning on flying to Florida with us, decided to stay behind with the two boys while Queen Bee and I went with Dad. Florida... Florida, Florida, Florida. It was such a bad experience, I really don't ever want to go there again! Sorry Floridians. First of all, the flight alone is just WAY TOO LONG. Its especially WAY TOO LONG for anyone under the age of like 14. Luckily, Queen Bee was incredible on the flight. She never made a fuss once. But, changing a baby on an airplane... not cool. Making a bottle on an airplane... not cool. Feeding a baby on an airplane with no extra room... not cool. We had to change planes with only a half hour to do so... also... not cool. Queen Bee and I stayed at my parents time share, which was extremely nice! (The hi-lite of my Florida trip). It had gorgeous pools, water slides, a lazy river and wave pool, it was FANTASTIC. At least, it WOULD have been fantastic if it wouldn't have rained almost the entire time. And by the way... I've never really heard anyone talk about the rain in Florida. You could say... for instance... your walking along Daytona Beach. The sun is shinning. It feels like 70 degrees. Your wearing short sleeves and a skirt. You are pushing your baby in a stroller, who also has short sleeves on. Since you are walking on the beach your car is about half a mile away. Then, out of nowhere... literally... out of nowhere, it starts POURING down rain. Not a cloud in the sky. No thunder to warn you. No cold breeze to tell you that you might want to start heading back toward your car. NOTHING. And I'm talkin monsoon rain. Not "Bay Area drizzle". Like I'm in a freaking rain forest. Then you get COMPLETELY soaked running back to your car with your stroller. ... you know... for instance.
On the up side, when it rains, its warm rain. So even when your getting soaked in your summer clothes, at least your not cold. Another downside however, was that Queen Bee and I got totally sick. First, Queen Bee started throwing up all her food. She was waking up in the middle of the night with fevers... I'm sure the neighbors appreciated that. Although the middle of the night thing could have partly been due to the time change. Which neither Queen Bee or I ever adjusted to. After the second day, I got sick. Also waking up in the middle of the night with chills, sweat, throw up. I just couldn't wait to get home. Really. Sorry Florida. It wasn't entirely your fault, but I have no desire to visit you again. I just wasn't impressed. Maybe Orlando and Daytona are not true representations of Florida. Either way, we won't be going back ANY time soon.
Three days after we got back from Florida, we went to Disneyland with the Lehi Family. I was expecting the very worst going to Disneyland. My kids are total fraiddy cats. I thought Mama's Boy was going to be horrible without a nap. I thought both he and Big Brother were going to be too afraid to ride anything. I thought we were going to blow way too much money on overpriced food. But.... none of that happened!!! It was SO MUCH FUN! Mama's Boy was AMAZING all day. We spent three days there and never once did we return for a nap and he was such a good little boy. The Boys stayed in the strollers most of the time, and when they wanted to walk they stayed right next to the strollers. They LOVED the rides! And we got to take Queen Bee with us on almost all of them. So it wasn't very often when The Boss or I had to stand outside and wait. It did take the boys a few rides to warm up. We did not spent ONE DIME on food! We brought sandwiches and snacks with us every day. The boys LOVED Toon Town. I think that was by far their favorite. We had so much fun, we ran out of time and never even made it over to California Adventure. Big Brother really like the Finding Nemo ride and Buzz Lightyear. Mama's Boy LOVED the cars (Autopia), and the train, of course. We can't wait to go again. It was so much fun!
From Disneyland, we drove strait up to Provo, UT. The Boss helped out with interviews for Lilly at BYU (he was in total and complete HEAVEN!) The kids and I went to visit cousin Tiff. My kids loved playing with ALL THEIR TOYS!! We got to meet baby Sammy, and just hang out. It really was a lot of fun seeing Maddie and Chloe too. I sure wish we lived closer to them, our kids are so close in age! We stayed with Uncle Bro and Aunt Lucy for a couple nights. Hopefully we haven't turned them off from having kids.... remember... you get them one at a time... not three at a time.... But I think the boys really enjoyed it. They hear us talk about Uncle Bro and Aunt Lucy, and they see them in pictures, but they don't get to visit them very often. The best part about it though, was that the boys got to see the snow for the first time. They LOVED ITTTTTT! When they woke up in the morning, it was still snowing. For about a half hour, they just stood with their little noses pressed up against the window watching the snow fall. It was cool to watch. Big Brother called all the trees with snow "Christmas trees". It was cute. While in Utah for our VERY short visit, we also got to see our good friends the Thompsons. We met up with them at the Mayan, for a quick visit and a quick bite. We got to meet their newest addition also, baby Isaac. He is a daddy look a like! It was so fun visiting with them. We miss them SO MUCH!! tear tear. Then we spent a night with Aunt Dani and Uncle Curt dawg and the Bigs cousins. Our kids always have fun with their cousins. We love you Bigs... move back to Cali!! That goes for you too Thompsons! We went to church with the Bigs, where they have Relief Society first, Sunday School, then Sacrament Meeting. ...yah... that REALLY didn't work with our kids. It was pure torture... kudos to anyone that has to do that every Sunday. Then we made the long trek back home. The kids did well in the car... but it is hard travelling anywhere with three little kids and all the crap you have to bring with you. Good thing we have a van!
Most recently, Mama's Boy had his birthday. He turned 2!! Mama's Boy really is the funniest kid. While he is our naughtiest and most grumpy child, he is also the one who laughs the most and has the most fun. It really is a funny combo. He is full of so much life. He is ALL boy, loving cars, trains, and most of all dirt. He eats everything. He pinches, he pulls hair, and he bites, (spending ALOT of time, in time-out). But he also gives the most hugs, the best kisses and loves to cuddle the most. He talks like crazy. He repeats EVERYTHING we say! He is finally doing well in Nursery and is really starting to warm up to other people, without having to be right by my side the entire time. He LOVES to give Queen Bee kisses and hugs. And is always bringing me her blankies and clothes. He usually insists on feeding himself now, and really likes to copy everything Big Brother does. Mama's Boy was so cute on his birthday. We just had a little family birthday party for him, where he got all things trains. He was satisfied after opening one gift (a train) and was completely uninterested about the rest. Which is why I didn't throw him a real party. We love him so much and are so glad he brings so much life to our family... even if he spends half of it sitting in time-out.
Our desktop computer has crashed. The Boss has a work laptop, which I can occasionally use to check email, but doesn't download photos well, and really is supposed to be used for work only. We've been out of town a lot, and fixing the computer has not been a priority. I still don't know when it will be fixed... our luck, we'll have to buy a new one... which we can't afford to do right now, so we'll go without. So, I may not be around too much.
Blogs without pictures are so very boring, so feel free to pass on reading this one. It will primarily be used for journal purposes.
Our family was supposed to take a trip to Florida, since The Boss was having to fly there for work. Last minute, the boys got sick and it looked like it was supposed to rain the entire time, so my mom, who was planning on flying to Florida with us, decided to stay behind with the two boys while Queen Bee and I went with Dad. Florida... Florida, Florida, Florida. It was such a bad experience, I really don't ever want to go there again! Sorry Floridians. First of all, the flight alone is just WAY TOO LONG. Its especially WAY TOO LONG for anyone under the age of like 14. Luckily, Queen Bee was incredible on the flight. She never made a fuss once. But, changing a baby on an airplane... not cool. Making a bottle on an airplane... not cool. Feeding a baby on an airplane with no extra room... not cool. We had to change planes with only a half hour to do so... also... not cool. Queen Bee and I stayed at my parents time share, which was extremely nice! (The hi-lite of my Florida trip). It had gorgeous pools, water slides, a lazy river and wave pool, it was FANTASTIC. At least, it WOULD have been fantastic if it wouldn't have rained almost the entire time. And by the way... I've never really heard anyone talk about the rain in Florida. You could say... for instance... your walking along Daytona Beach. The sun is shinning. It feels like 70 degrees. Your wearing short sleeves and a skirt. You are pushing your baby in a stroller, who also has short sleeves on. Since you are walking on the beach your car is about half a mile away. Then, out of nowhere... literally... out of nowhere, it starts POURING down rain. Not a cloud in the sky. No thunder to warn you. No cold breeze to tell you that you might want to start heading back toward your car. NOTHING. And I'm talkin monsoon rain. Not "Bay Area drizzle". Like I'm in a freaking rain forest. Then you get COMPLETELY soaked running back to your car with your stroller. ... you know... for instance.
On the up side, when it rains, its warm rain. So even when your getting soaked in your summer clothes, at least your not cold. Another downside however, was that Queen Bee and I got totally sick. First, Queen Bee started throwing up all her food. She was waking up in the middle of the night with fevers... I'm sure the neighbors appreciated that. Although the middle of the night thing could have partly been due to the time change. Which neither Queen Bee or I ever adjusted to. After the second day, I got sick. Also waking up in the middle of the night with chills, sweat, throw up. I just couldn't wait to get home. Really. Sorry Florida. It wasn't entirely your fault, but I have no desire to visit you again. I just wasn't impressed. Maybe Orlando and Daytona are not true representations of Florida. Either way, we won't be going back ANY time soon.
Three days after we got back from Florida, we went to Disneyland with the Lehi Family. I was expecting the very worst going to Disneyland. My kids are total fraiddy cats. I thought Mama's Boy was going to be horrible without a nap. I thought both he and Big Brother were going to be too afraid to ride anything. I thought we were going to blow way too much money on overpriced food. But.... none of that happened!!! It was SO MUCH FUN! Mama's Boy was AMAZING all day. We spent three days there and never once did we return for a nap and he was such a good little boy. The Boys stayed in the strollers most of the time, and when they wanted to walk they stayed right next to the strollers. They LOVED the rides! And we got to take Queen Bee with us on almost all of them. So it wasn't very often when The Boss or I had to stand outside and wait. It did take the boys a few rides to warm up. We did not spent ONE DIME on food! We brought sandwiches and snacks with us every day. The boys LOVED Toon Town. I think that was by far their favorite. We had so much fun, we ran out of time and never even made it over to California Adventure. Big Brother really like the Finding Nemo ride and Buzz Lightyear. Mama's Boy LOVED the cars (Autopia), and the train, of course. We can't wait to go again. It was so much fun!
From Disneyland, we drove strait up to Provo, UT. The Boss helped out with interviews for Lilly at BYU (he was in total and complete HEAVEN!) The kids and I went to visit cousin Tiff. My kids loved playing with ALL THEIR TOYS!! We got to meet baby Sammy, and just hang out. It really was a lot of fun seeing Maddie and Chloe too. I sure wish we lived closer to them, our kids are so close in age! We stayed with Uncle Bro and Aunt Lucy for a couple nights. Hopefully we haven't turned them off from having kids.... remember... you get them one at a time... not three at a time.... But I think the boys really enjoyed it. They hear us talk about Uncle Bro and Aunt Lucy, and they see them in pictures, but they don't get to visit them very often. The best part about it though, was that the boys got to see the snow for the first time. They LOVED ITTTTTT! When they woke up in the morning, it was still snowing. For about a half hour, they just stood with their little noses pressed up against the window watching the snow fall. It was cool to watch. Big Brother called all the trees with snow "Christmas trees". It was cute. While in Utah for our VERY short visit, we also got to see our good friends the Thompsons. We met up with them at the Mayan, for a quick visit and a quick bite. We got to meet their newest addition also, baby Isaac. He is a daddy look a like! It was so fun visiting with them. We miss them SO MUCH!! tear tear. Then we spent a night with Aunt Dani and Uncle Curt dawg and the Bigs cousins. Our kids always have fun with their cousins. We love you Bigs... move back to Cali!! That goes for you too Thompsons! We went to church with the Bigs, where they have Relief Society first, Sunday School, then Sacrament Meeting. ...yah... that REALLY didn't work with our kids. It was pure torture... kudos to anyone that has to do that every Sunday. Then we made the long trek back home. The kids did well in the car... but it is hard travelling anywhere with three little kids and all the crap you have to bring with you. Good thing we have a van!
Most recently, Mama's Boy had his birthday. He turned 2!! Mama's Boy really is the funniest kid. While he is our naughtiest and most grumpy child, he is also the one who laughs the most and has the most fun. It really is a funny combo. He is full of so much life. He is ALL boy, loving cars, trains, and most of all dirt. He eats everything. He pinches, he pulls hair, and he bites, (spending ALOT of time, in time-out). But he also gives the most hugs, the best kisses and loves to cuddle the most. He talks like crazy. He repeats EVERYTHING we say! He is finally doing well in Nursery and is really starting to warm up to other people, without having to be right by my side the entire time. He LOVES to give Queen Bee kisses and hugs. And is always bringing me her blankies and clothes. He usually insists on feeding himself now, and really likes to copy everything Big Brother does. Mama's Boy was so cute on his birthday. We just had a little family birthday party for him, where he got all things trains. He was satisfied after opening one gift (a train) and was completely uninterested about the rest. Which is why I didn't throw him a real party. We love him so much and are so glad he brings so much life to our family... even if he spends half of it sitting in time-out.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Our little Blessing
We blessed our sweet little Queen Bee a week ago on December 27. Her Daddy, gave her a wonderful blessing. The Boss said that during the blessing, he felt like it was just he and Queen Bee, and nobody else was around. It was very intimate... and beautiful.
Having Queen Bee has truly been an amazing blessing. I was a little nervous about adding the #3. So many people told me about how it was their most difficult transition. I guess I set myself up for the worst... and it has turned out to be the best! She has been such a great baby. She sleeps great, she eats great, and she plays great! Of course I think she is the most BEAUTIFUL girl on earth. The boys just absolutely adore her. They love giving her kisses and hugs ALL THE TIME. Big Brother repeats everything I say to her. So, he mostly calls her "pretty girl", and "sweety". Mama's Boy gives her big kisses and every time he finishes he says "ohhhh, sooo sweeet". Mama's Boy also loves to constantly bring me ALL of her blankies. Then he drags them all over the house yelling, "memma bankies, baby memmas". Although I think sometimes she may feel like she is being attacked by them, (nothing like two little giant heads directly in your face), she smiles every time them come up and talk to her. It brings tears to my eyes watching the two boys interact with her. Neither one has shown the slightest bit of jealousy. They just love her so completely. I feel like they are already protective of her. I hope they will always be close and use one another to lean on in times of need. It is so special seeing them together.
She is growing like a weed and I'm just not ready for her to leave the newborn stage! She is already too big for her 0-3 month clothes! She is starting to coo and LOVES to smile now. Queen Bee has so many people around her that love her already. I am so grateful for everyone that came and participated in her blessing. I'm grateful for those that came to support her and those that couldn't make it, whom I know love her. We are excited about our growing little family. My wonderful husband and amazing children are the light of my life. I love them so much!
Christmas 2009
Our Christmas this year came and went much too quickly. With the baby and moving, our house has been in high stress mode. It seemed like the boys were sick the entire month of December, making it very difficult to go out and do much. We had all these grand plans of things we wanted to do with the boys to celebrate the Holiday Season... but since they always seemed to be sick, we hardly got to do any of it.
At any rate, Christmas was fabulous, spending time with family, eating good food, and mostly watching AJ and Mikko get excited. I hosted Christmas Eve, with the "small" Schwitters family (my mom, dad, & Shaelie), Grandma and Grandpa Schwitters, and Grandma Donna. Barry and Lauren were there via web cam for some of the night, and while it was nice having them participate... it would have been MUCH MORE FUN to have them here in person. Maybe next year I can talk them into coming to California! We had a yummy dinner, opened some gifts from GG, read The Night Before Christmas, Played out the Nativity mixed with some songs, put the boys to bed, Played some Twilight Scene It, and went to bed. Grammy Pammy, Grandpa, Shaelie and Grandma Donna, all stayed the night with us. It was a packed house!
This year we really toned down the gift giving, due to a rough economical year for us, but I think it turned out great! We got the boys a few toys... a little shopping cart, that AJ loves to push all his stuff around in being one of them, but mostly they got books and puzzles (which they love)! I got Aaron some BYU work-out pants, a tie, and some stuff for the shooting range (Aaron's new hobby... shooting his gun). Aaron got me my very beloved glee CD, (which I listen to ALL THE TIME... LOVE glee!), some Uggs (which I never would have bought myself), and a board game I've been wanting for almost a year, Ticket to Ride. We decided Emma didn't need any gifts, since she can't open them anyway and she has everything she needs. Grammy Pammy got her some animal hand puppets, and GG got her a little outfit, so she did get a couple of gifts. Shaelie definitely took the cake for most gifts! We miss you Shae!! Grandpa made us a yummy breakfast after opening gifts, and then it was off to Modesto! We spent Christmas Day with the Lehikoinens (minus the Bigelows... we missed you guys!) We had a very delicous ham dinner, had a white elephant gift exchange, and played some loaded questions. We topped off the night by driving out to see some awesome Christmas lights in Mo-Town.
I am horrible and didn't take many pictures. It was too hard... I always had a kid on my lap! But her are a few from before Christmas and on Christmas morning. Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did!
** The random pictures of the boys eating pizza is in there for fun. My boys LOVE pizza. They would eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if they could. And you're probably wondering why my kids are eating pizza in they're pajamas... well its not because they're eating it for breakfast, its dinner time, but I never got them dressed so they're in the nighth before pajamas. Don't worry, we bathed them and put them in new pajamas before gong to bed... DON'T JUDGE ME!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas Tree
Merry Christmas Tree is how AJ says Merry Christmas. I just love listening to him talk! Anyway... here is our Christmas Card for 2009, along with a few pictures.
Dear Family & Friends,
This has been yet another exciting year for us. I think I can just cut and paste this next line from our previous Christmas letters, “We have yet again moved and welcomed a new baby to our family”. We have two family goals for 2010… First, we are NOT moving next year, and second we will break our “having a baby every year streak” (2007, 2008, and 2009) right now! No getting pregnant and having a baby in 2010. Do you think we can do it? I hope so or you’ll be sending this mamma to the loony bin.
While the last six weeks have been insanely crazy, we are so very happy to welcome our new little girl Emma Renon, born November 16. She has been such a sweet baby. Of course I think she is the most beautiful little girl in the world, but I may be a little biased. She sleeps great, four weeks old and almost all the way through the night! She loves getting kisses and hugs from her big brothers and I’m pretty sure she already has Daddy wrapped around her little finger. Other than eating and sleeping, she really doesn’t do much. But I sure am having fun dressing her up in cute girly clothes and pink bows!
Mikko will be two in March and has become our little “Mr. Personality”. He loves to tackle AJ and wrestle with him. He also loves to talk, attempting to repeat everything big brother AJ says. He is completely obsessed with trains, and loves to gently run his cars along the walls. Okay, I lied, he doesn’t gently do it, he puts huge marks all over my walls by running those stinking wheels along everything. He eats almost anything you put in front of him and one of his favorite things to do is drive me crazy by going in the pantry and dragging out boxes of crackers eating one handful and moving on to another cracker box. We got smart and put a lock on the pantry in our new house. Mikko is always full of surprises, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
AJ will be three in March. He has finally reached the age where he will sit and watch an entire movie. I cannot tell you how many times we have seen Cars and Finding Nemo. A couple months after AJ turned two, he suddenly started talking like crazy! He loves to ask questions and repeat EVERYTHING we say. We have had a few really funny moments with AJ repeating what we say, but I would feel inappropriate writing them in this letter, so if you want to know what they are give us call. AJ loves to sing songs and read books. He also loves to count things and point out letters. He carries the most random things around with him, and won’t leave the house without them. AJ has been so exciting this year with all the new things he wants to learn, it already makes me feel like he is growing up too fast!
Aaron and I are doing great. Moving and having a baby within two weeks of each other may have gotten us into a few arguments… okay, maybe a lot of arguments, but we came out of it still married and loving each other. Aaron is still with Eli Lilly and serving in his same calling at church as Young Men’s President (which he totally and completely loves). I am still lucky enough to stay home and raise my sweet beautiful children. And while some days Aaron comes home to a “ready to break down” wife who just wants a moment to take a shower, most days, we do just fine.
Our growing little family has been such an amazing blessing. Despite any hardships we have and will face, we are so very grateful for what we have. We are happy and healthy and during this time of year especially, we feel so fortunate for our knowledge and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. May you all enjoy this Holiday Season as well, and have a very Happy New year!
This has been yet another exciting year for us. I think I can just cut and paste this next line from our previous Christmas letters, “We have yet again moved and welcomed a new baby to our family”. We have two family goals for 2010… First, we are NOT moving next year, and second we will break our “having a baby every year streak” (2007, 2008, and 2009) right now! No getting pregnant and having a baby in 2010. Do you think we can do it? I hope so or you’ll be sending this mamma to the loony bin.
While the last six weeks have been insanely crazy, we are so very happy to welcome our new little girl Emma Renon, born November 16. She has been such a sweet baby. Of course I think she is the most beautiful little girl in the world, but I may be a little biased. She sleeps great, four weeks old and almost all the way through the night! She loves getting kisses and hugs from her big brothers and I’m pretty sure she already has Daddy wrapped around her little finger. Other than eating and sleeping, she really doesn’t do much. But I sure am having fun dressing her up in cute girly clothes and pink bows!
Mikko will be two in March and has become our little “Mr. Personality”. He loves to tackle AJ and wrestle with him. He also loves to talk, attempting to repeat everything big brother AJ says. He is completely obsessed with trains, and loves to gently run his cars along the walls. Okay, I lied, he doesn’t gently do it, he puts huge marks all over my walls by running those stinking wheels along everything. He eats almost anything you put in front of him and one of his favorite things to do is drive me crazy by going in the pantry and dragging out boxes of crackers eating one handful and moving on to another cracker box. We got smart and put a lock on the pantry in our new house. Mikko is always full of surprises, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
AJ will be three in March. He has finally reached the age where he will sit and watch an entire movie. I cannot tell you how many times we have seen Cars and Finding Nemo. A couple months after AJ turned two, he suddenly started talking like crazy! He loves to ask questions and repeat EVERYTHING we say. We have had a few really funny moments with AJ repeating what we say, but I would feel inappropriate writing them in this letter, so if you want to know what they are give us call. AJ loves to sing songs and read books. He also loves to count things and point out letters. He carries the most random things around with him, and won’t leave the house without them. AJ has been so exciting this year with all the new things he wants to learn, it already makes me feel like he is growing up too fast!
Aaron and I are doing great. Moving and having a baby within two weeks of each other may have gotten us into a few arguments… okay, maybe a lot of arguments, but we came out of it still married and loving each other. Aaron is still with Eli Lilly and serving in his same calling at church as Young Men’s President (which he totally and completely loves). I am still lucky enough to stay home and raise my sweet beautiful children. And while some days Aaron comes home to a “ready to break down” wife who just wants a moment to take a shower, most days, we do just fine.
Our growing little family has been such an amazing blessing. Despite any hardships we have and will face, we are so very grateful for what we have. We are happy and healthy and during this time of year especially, we feel so fortunate for our knowledge and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. May you all enjoy this Holiday Season as well, and have a very Happy New year!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)