Air Show

Carson got to go to the Redding air show on Sunday with Papa and Grandpa. They had a good time. Although, it was very hot, 105* (weather, 110* tarmac)!!! They hung out on the tarmac under a wing of an airplane. Trever said that when Carson was in the airplane (since there wasn't any air circulation) and got out, the 110* tarmac felt cool.

The planes that were there, including the Blue Angels, sounded so neat!!! Amazing tricks they all can do! I really hope the weather is better next year (if they have it) so that Gabe and I can join the rest of the gang.

I have a short video of Carson showing me what the jets did, but for some reason can not get it to upload. So, I will have to do that at a later time.

Aloha.

Tuna Meatballs

Sounds weird, huh? That's what I made for dinner and they were so good!!!

In a Prevention magazine they had a little section that was titled "What's Your Favorite Use for Canned Tuna?" The "recipe" says to combine drained oil-packed tuna (I used water packed) (save the oil) with minced onion, scallion, parsley, marjoram, and salt (we didn't have parsley or marjoram, so I used a poultry seasoning). Add egg (I used 1) and panko bread crumbs that have been moistened with a little milk. Form small, firm meatballs and simmer in a sauce made with canned diced tomatoes (I had stewed tomatoes on hand so that is what I used), the oil from the tuna (I used olive oil) a splash of white wine (left it out since we didn't have any), garlic and onions (I sauteed the garlic and onion first with the olive oil and then added the tomatoes and then let that simmer a little while I put the meatballs together).

They were really good, we all liked them. Moist, firm, and full of flavor. YUM YUM!!!

Try them out!

Aloha.

time - FREEZE!!!

Watching the little guy makes me want to freeze time.




Gabe laughing and doing his tongue. 9.28.09.

Aloha.

This Mama is PROUD!!!

Carson has been potty trained for a good couple of months now. He goes poops in his diapers still (he tells us when he has to go), and wears them for nap and bedtime, but during the day we are potty trained.

This morning he said he needed to go, so I put a diaper on him, he went and that was that. I was just in Gabe's room, and Carson came in and he said he had to go more. So, I said, "K, why don't you go on the potty?" He said, "no, I want to go in mine diaper." I said, "Here, sit down on your potty and go. Let me know when you are done." He did a great job and went a lot more!

I know, I know, TMI, but this mama has got to share!

Part of his reward for going on the big boy potty is blowing out a match. I light it, hold it and he blows it out and then I pull the match away really fast and he waves his hand around to move the smoke around. I kept telling him "I am so proud of you!" And he would say, "Thank you." The last time I said it, he said "your welcome." :) I said, "you are such a big boy!" And he said, "I knooww. Thank you." And then he asked, "can I tell Papa when he comes home?"

Babies grow oh so fast! It just amazes me! It really does. Enjoy every moment! The good, the bad and the ugly. Remember we don't get these days back.

Aloha.

6 MONTHS!!!

Gabe is already 6 months! Amazing how the time has just zoomed by.

On Wednesday he had his 6 month appointment and weighed in at 18 lbs 11.5 ounces and 26 1/2 inches long. He has his 2 bottom teeth and the doctor said the 2 top ones might be coming in soon, as his gums look swollen.

Carson, at his 6 month appointment weighed in at 20 lbs. and 28 inches.

At the appointment Jani asked me if he was sitting up and I went on to explain how with Carson I was always looking ahead and pushing him to do the next thing. Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking, talking...that I felt like I was always looking ahead and not just enjoying the present time and what he was currently doing. So, I made a decision not to push Gabe at all. He has really done everything on his own, in his own timing. I have heard multiple times that after the 1st child, other siblings tend to grow up faster, cause they want to be like their older sibling. I figure since Gabe will probably fall into that category, I don't need to push anything.

So, after all that, yesterday I sat him on the bed and he held himself up! Not perfectly, and not for a long time, but he did it!

Aloha.

Pork and Vegetable Lo Mein

Trever had gotten some bok choy this morning which I have never cooked with before, so I looked on recipezaar.com for some recipes. I found this Pork and Vegetable Lo Mein one and had almost all of the ingredients so I thought I would try it. It was really good. She gives ideas on how to save time in the recipe too.

I didn't have any cabbage, so I just used all of the bok choy, white and green parts. I grated my carrots. And I used pork chop meat that had been crock-potted, and then frozen instead of pork tenderloin.

Aloha.

Peanut Ramen Noodle Salad

Serves 4

2 packages ramen noodles (any flavor, discard seasoning)
1/2 c peanut butter
1/4 c each water, vinegar, and teriyaki sauce
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp crushed bell pepper flakes (optional)
1 cucumber, 1/4ed lengthwise, seeded and sliced
2 carrots, shredded (I grated mine)
2 scallions, sliced

1. Cook ramen noddles, for 3 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain again.
2. Whisk PB, water, vinegar, teriyaki sauce, garlic, crushed red pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Add noodles cucumber, carrots and scallions. Toss to mix and coat.

After tasting this I thought chicken breast would be really good added to the recipe. The sauce ends up being like a peanut sauce you would buy in the store. You could even add chopped up peanuts for that extra crunch. We all really enjoyed this.

Aloha.

Random

Just a couple of different things that have been going on with us.

Mr. Cool guy in the green shades.
Carson doing a trick. The new sentence around here is, "Watch this..."
Smoke from the Ashland fire on 9.21.09.
2 Tooth smile.
Brother time.
Thigh Rolls.

The Bible Says...

"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives." Philippians 3:20a

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms - all because we are one with Christ Jesus. And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.

God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:4-10

Aloha.

Mama and baby brunch

I was invited to a "Mama's and Baby Brunch" yesterday. There were about 10 moms with mainly 1 baby. We had great food and lots of good talking. A lot of the babies are really close in age. Within a couple months of each other. Oh, and almost all of them were boys! I think there were about 3 girls there and the rest boys! My oh my!!!

I got to thinking that I will probably be seeing most, if not all those moms a lot in the future. Once all our little ones start sports and or school. Kinda funny to think about.

Aloha.

James Taylor @ Britt

Last night I was blessed to have been able to go to a James Taylor concert at Britt. It was at the Lithia Motors Amphitheater in Central Point. I went with my mom, our friends Caryn, Pat and Kristin. A couple of days before the event we were figuring out what food to bring for dinner. We found out that unlike the Britt Festivals you are not allowed to bring any outside food or drinks. You can bring in water that is sealed (unopened) from a store, but that is it. We were really disappointed to not be able to bring anything in. Up until about 8:10pm last night, I was still a little disappointed about that. However, once James Taylor stepped out on that stage, all of that disappointment melted. I think it is safe to say that, that was probably the greatest concert I have ever been too. Really, really good. James Taylor is a wonderful performer. He is quite funny too.

The concert included 3, read them 3, encores!!! It was just an all around wonderful, memorable evening.

If you have the chance to see James Taylor in concert, I would encourage you to take advantage of that.

Aloha.

A hard night

Last night when Carson was saying goodnight to me he said, "So, I'll call you when you call me." And then while Trever was putting him to bed he said, "It's cooking hot in here!"

Gabe has has a hard sleeping week. Yesterday he ate about 2 or 3 extra times than usual (in 24 hours). He woke up crying at 11pm and then was up from 2am - 5am. Now, that might seem normal to some, but he has been sleeping through the night for about 2 months now. Down around 8:30 or 9pm and getting woken up by me at 7:30 or 8am. So for him to be up at that those hours is odd. His 2nd tooth did just poke through yesterday, so I think that might have something to do with it. During those 3 hours, he was talking, grunting, fussing and screaming. I had given up since I had changed him, fed him, given him teethie medicines and more than once adjusted his blankets from warmer ones to cooler ones. Trever was successful and got him back to sleep around 5 or 5:30.

I am hoping this will be over and done soon.

Enjoy your weekend. Oh, and I get to see James Taylor tonight with a bunch of gals! So excited for that. A big outing for me. I haven't been to a Britt concert in a very long time!!! Probably at least 12 or so years.

Aloha.

No Tooth Smile

Most of these were taken after I discovered his toothies that came through. He is going to have a 2 tooth smile really soon. His bottom right one is about to pop through the skin also.

They grow oh so fast!

Aloha.

Rolling Over

9.12.09 Rolling over. Watch closely, it happens VERY fast! :)

Aloha.

Update to the post below

I was looking closely at Gabe's tooth and noticed that the bottom right one is just under the skin. I can see the top of it, so he will be getting number 2 any day! My little guy is growing oh so fast!

Aloha.

Happy, but sad...a tooth!

About 4 hours ago I was at my girlfriends, and holding Gabe. He grabbed my finger and shoved it in his mouth, and bit down. I felt something kinda odd, so I felt more and it is HIS FIRST TOOTH!!! Bottom left broke skin. I know this is good, he needs his teeth, but at the same time it makes me sad. It is another reminder that they grow and I have to let go (many times during their lives). I have to be honest with you. I did get teary eyed. My friends, of course, did laugh at me. I am used to it though, since I cry pretty easily!!! :)

Carson got his first tooth at 6 months. So Gabe is about 2 weeks earlier than Carson's was.

Aloha.

Dressed aLike

Carson was 4 months and 3 days in these pictures.
Gabe is 5 1/2 months in these pictures.

A little off, but same clothing, different looks.

Roll Over

Gabe has been rolling from his belly to back for some time now (and only in his crib for some reason). Yesterday I put him on the floor on his back and he was going onto his side to try and get a toy. I was looking, watching and waiting to see it he made the complete roll. His shoulder kept getting in the way. I looked away for about, oh 30 seconds, and he did it! He rolled from his back onto his belly! YEAH Gabe! Missed the rolling part, but I will see it soon, I am sure.

Aloha.

1 Year today

Happy Anniversary James and Erika! I love you guys. Hope to see you soon! May the Lord bless your second year together!

All my love! Aloha.

This Week

We have had more than the normal amount of evening activities this week.

Monday was our anniversary and to celebrate Trever and I went to dinner at our absolute (excluding our favorite restaurant in Hawaii) favorite! Larks. Yeah for us! Only been since March that the 2 of us have gone out alone, well to dinner that is.


Wednesday, Trever needed a ride to pick up our car at the mechanic's and was picked up by his dad in the dump truck. Carson loved that!




Thursday night we had a couple of friends over. Ryan and Cat. Next week they are going to Europe for almost 3 months, so I wanted to catch up before they head out. They both got lots of kid/baby time. It was super cute!


Friday night Debbie, my sis, and Guy came up and we had a potluck with them, the Cox's, and my Gramma and her friend, Tom. Lots of talking, eating a great dinner and yummy desserts were the name of the game. Auntie Z even helped Carson sit in a tree!


On a personal note. I got my postcard from Locks of Love this week, for cutting my hair off. It was a very nice little note.


Think that covers the week! Hope you are enjoying this fabulous weekend!

Aloha.

Sorry

I have been listening this week to more of the teaching I refereed to earlier in the week. The main topic is how we are supposed to be "Christ like." Since God sent Jesus to die for us, we are made perfect in Him. Through Jesus' blood we are made perfect. Of course, we all fall short of that, but with repentance we are right back where we are supposed to be. And with that we are to show everyone love. The love of the Lord. Most of the time, I feel I am so not good at that! People should be seeing Jesus in me.

With that said, I have been thinking this week about the attitude I usually have. Not necessarily a bad one, but a sarcastic or "hard" one. I really don't mean to hurt peoples feelings, but I think that I do. That makes me really sad, and if I have ever done that to you I am deeply sorry. I need to learn and am praying to have an attitude of the Lord. I was listening to another teaching last week that was talking about doing extra things - making a faith effort in the Lord. Biting our tongue, passing the cookie jar, being nice to someone who is rude...that is when the Lord notices we are trying and want to make a difference in our own life.

Again, sorry if I have been rude, or offended you in any way. I am really trying to change my words that come out of my mouth. Words that will encourage everyone around me and words that will glorify the Lord. This is something hard to do on my own and I will have to continually be coming to Lord for His help.

Aloha.

Weigh In

Yesterday Gabe got weighed and measured. He is 23 weeks and is 18.1#'s and 27 1/2."

At 24.5 weeks with Carson he weighed 19.3#'s and was 27 3/4."

That time of the year!!!

Need I say more? By choice or not, we follow the Ducks and they have their 1st game tonight!

GO DUCKS!!!

Aloha.

Sleeping and Brothers

Talk about a kink in the neck!!! This is how Gabe was sleeping on Monday morning! Ouch!





Brother bath time, also Monday morning!

My Presence

It took me longer than usual to be able to click the "publish post" button to show you this. This is a little bit nerve racking. Ugh! Here goes!

On Monday I was listening to a teaching which was desperately needed to hear. In these last couple weeks I have had some really emotionally hard days.

I am sharing this because of the teaching link that I will make, not because I want to somehow get comments or compliments on what I do look like or not. I (and only I) have been having a hard time with the after pregnancy weight that I still have. The main reason is because at Gabe's current age with Carson I was fitting into more of my clothes. I know the obvious, Gabe is only 5 months old, I am older, I have now had 2 babies and not just 1, BUT it still is hard on me. I have expectations and right now my body is not meeting them. Frankly, after my meltdown episode on Saturday night, I think I have been kinda depressed about it all. This is really kind of embarrassing to write about. Not so much fun to be so open about my daily battle.

OK, the teaching. Part of being a Christian is to display the Lord's fruit. And I know for a fact that I have not been doing that much at all lately. I have had a bad attitude, mainly to my family. Hard on Carson, frustrated easily with teething baby Gabe, not so nice to Trever or my mom. I have had better attitudes that is for sure.

The other part of the teaching is about His presence being recognized in me. I know that when I am sobbing in the bathroom or in bed, that the Lord's presence probably isn't being recognized. Man! Where would I be without His new mercies? I am so amazingly thankful for that. Thank you Jesus for washing me white as snow!

As you go about your daily routine I encourage you (and myself) to remember to be that light for the Lord, show people His presence in your daily life. Work, school, parenting, driving, shopping, whatever it may be. Remember to display His fruit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Eph. 5:22-23

I pray this can encourage you in some area of your life right now.

Aloha.

Swag Bucks

I have to tell ya again about this Swag Bucks thing. All you have to do is use it as your search engine (powered by Google and Ask), randomly you will win swag bucks which add up. Then you trade in your SB for gift cards. I put in my order last week for a 4Th $5 gift card to amazon.com! It is so great! And I have an order I am expecting soon that was free because of these gift cards, and I used the free shipping that amazon offers. Can't get any better than that! Free purchase and free shipping! Can't wait for our cod liver oil to get here! Might not sound too exciting to you, but we got it for free! Now, I think that is impressive, how's about you? ;)

Oh, I forgot to tell you to sign up, get your family and friends to sign up with your referral code so you can get up to 100 SB from each person! Go SEARCH!!!

Aloha.