Big Ambitions

(Corbin's paleontologist hat)

Me: Corbin, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Corbin: A race car driver...wait! No, I want to be a food contest-er!

Me: What? What does a food contest-er do?

Corbin: They race to see who can eat the most food the fastest. Cool, huh?

Me: I thought you wanted to be a Paleontologist?

Corbin: I wish I could have 3 jobs. No, 4 jobs. No, maybe 10 jobs! I want to be a food contest-er, a paleontologist, and a veterinarian!

WOW - those are three drastically different jobs! Anyone want to contribute to this kid's college fund? He's going to be busy.

Tienna - 1 year old

Tienna turned ONE in October. She's not a baby anymore. She's walks and everything! If she wasn't so full of personality, I'd be sad about that. She is so much fun to have around.

She is crazy shy and she's pretty attached to her mama. I can't tell yet if it's just normal stranger anxieties, or if this will be a personality trait. I was very shy when I was little. But Jenalyn and Corbin will talk to anyone. And EVERYone.

Tienna turned 1 in the middle of our big move, so she didn't get much in the way of a birthday party. But we did manage to have a little celebration at Red Robin with Jason's Aunts. Here's a sweet video of her digging into her birthday...um...ice cream! I felt bad that the poor girl didn't even get a birthday cake, but she didn't seem upset about that at all.



Look at these chubber cheeks! (The manager at Red Robin gave her chocolate milk for her birthday ... and she loved every last sip of it!)

Just a couple days after her birthday, we got to celebrate her first real Halloween (last year we were just barely out of the hospital, so she didn't get to dress up).
She's just a wonderful little bundle of goodness, that brings a smile (and giggles) to everyone she meets.

I love you, Lu Lu Bird!

Corbin - 5 (and a HALF) years old

(pictures by Kristen Moss Photography.)

Corbin started Kindergarten this year. It has been a bit of an adjustment. We've had to talk to the principal and the school counselor a time or two. But I think we're getting the kinks ironed out *LOL* Corbin is so full of spunk. He loves to make the other kids laugh and it sometimes gets him into trouble.

Truth is, I love this boy more than I could ever convey with words. That smile makes my heart soar. And his hug is all I need to make a rough day better. And those eyes? WOW!

He loves his music. Right now his favorite is the Rio Movie Soundtrack. He'll turn that on and run laps around the kitchen and living room. He pretends he's in a race, like on MarioKart. Lots, of good exercise.

In our new house Corbin finally has his own room. No more pink in this boy's room! He keeps his room so nice and tidy. He has even become really good at making his bed. I was so afraid of how he would handle being in a room of his own. But he has done amazing. Although, I did ask him what he missed most about the old house and he said it was sharing a room with Jenalyn. I think they are closer because of those years spent cramped into one bedroom. I'm grateful for that.

Jenalyn - 8 Years Old.

(pictures by Kristen Moss Photography)

Jenalyn turned 8 in October. A lot happened for her that month.

She got baptized:
I was so proud of her. It was a wonderful day. In order for my parents to be there for her baptism, we had it apart from the usual Stake baptisms. She got her very own special day, filled with so many people who love her. Later that night I was talking to her about how cool it is to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion now. And she said, "That tickles my tummy when you say that." I told her that was the Holy Ghost letting her know He's there.

And then she got her ears pierced. Years ago, she asked when she could get her ears pierced and I told her she could get them done when she was 8. If she old enough to decide if she wants to be baptized, then she's old enough to decide if she wants holes in her ears.

Eight-years-old came a lot sooner than I thought it would. Venessa got her a gift certificate to Claire's for her birthday, so we went and got her pierced :)
We also moved into a new house in October. But that's for another post...

I'm so proud of the person Jenalyn has become. She is thoughtful, kind and loving. She has a strong desire to do good. She's kind of a by-the-book kind of gal. And I love that about her.

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #4

Having spent most of my youth in Utah, Lagoon was one of the most exciting parts of my summers. There were company parties at Lagoon, end-of-the-school-year class trips to Lagoon, and Stake Lagoon days.

I was thrilled to take my kids there. And it was everything I hoped it would be. The memories of my childhood, combined with joy on their faces, was over the top for me.

The first ride I took Jenalyn on was the Mouse Trap. My dad told her it was *somuchfun* so she wanted to try it. She was absolutely terrified. It was fun to hear her nervous chatter throughout the entire ride. "OH my goodness. I'm freaking out right now! Is it almost over? I'm so scared! Holy cow!"

At the end of the day, Jenalyn declared that it's the second most funnest place on earth ... Disney Land is first. (Not that we know that first-hand, that's just what we've been told.) The kids are still talking about it. It really was that fun.

(It's possible that I drove this exact same car when I was Jenalyn's age. They've relocated the ride since then, but I'm guessing they haven't changed the cars. Very nostalgic.)

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #3

Late nights at Cheryl's house making hair bows and flowers for our girls. I love crafting with my sister! And this time we didn't need Skype!

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #2

Painting my parents' deck with my dad, while listening to classic country music on Pandora. It was fun hearing my dad talk about his old favorite singers. Definitely a memory I'll always hold on to.

I love you, Daddy!

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #1

It was actually a fabulous day altogether, but this moment was especially sweet to me. We built a fire in the fire pit in my brother's backyard and made S'mores. Corbin decided the fire needed a campfire story! So he told Uncle Jerald about "Jerry McCreedy, the meanest counselor in the history of summer camp." Corbin knows the story word-for-word from Scooby Doo Camp Scare, complete with actions and expressions. And Uncle Jerald gave him his complete attention. As if it was the most fascinating story ever told. Corbin relished the attention.

Bye-Bye Buckies

Jenalyn got BRACES today! Yes, she is only 7-years old. But, since buckies are only cute when you're 7, we're gettin' rid of 'em before she gets older and they become embarrassing to her. The braces will pull her two front teeth in, and soon they'll add an appliance that will bring her lower jaw forward (she has an overbite.)

Personally, I love her bucky teeth. I think they add character (heehee). But, I have been self-conscious of my teeth for my entire life and I want to save my daughter from that. I want her to be able to smile freely in front of a camera.

I can't wait to post "After" pictures in about a year.

Overheard

Jenalyn: You actually are going to have to marry Lilly in public, you know.

Corbin: Awe man! In public?

Jenalyn: Uh-huh. And that's when you'll kiss her for the first time.

Corbin: YUCK!

Jenalyn: I know. You do a lot of yucky things when you're married.

Corbin: *ugh*

(Me, thinking to myself: Oh my! Where is this conversation going! Should I step in?)

Jenalyn: Like, you'll have to feed her cake! And you'll probably smear it on each other's faces!

Corbin: Eww. Really?

Good thing he has his big sister to lead him down the path of life, huh?

Safe...in my arms.

I've had to have a lot of hard talks with Jenalyn this past year. First grade was an interesting experience. I haven't coped well with the transition from cute little kindergartner to big kid. We've had to talk about bad words and attitudes (she's a sponge and picks up everything from the other kids at school - good or bad). Also about different lifestyles and choices people make.

It's a hard line. I don't want her to be too sheltered. But I also don't want her sweet innocence to be gone. I want to keep her heart and mind as pure as they were when she was first placed in my arms.

So when this song came on my iPod yesterday it had me in tears. Not silent tears. I'm talking big, sobbing, blubbery tears.

It was ugly.

The imagery just really struck me. Like, I could see myself and Jenalyn in the middle of a fierce storm, with wind and rain and lightening, and our hair whipping all around. And I'm holding her so tightly against my chest, trying to shield her from any harm. I want to do that in real life. This world can be so scary. Like the nastiest hurricane Mother Nature can conjure up. And I just want to shield my children from it. I want to keep them young and sweet and innocent. But I can't. That won't help them grow, will it?

So here's the song, listen and enjoy (and grab a box of tissues if you can relate).

According to Corbin

I had an interesting conversation with Corbin this morning.

Corbin: You're actually really going to have another baby.

Me: I don't think so, buddy.

Corbin: You really are! You just don't believe me!

Me: How do you know?

Corbin: That's what mommies do! They have babies. When you stop having babies, then you die.

Grandma: If she's going to have another baby, will it be a boy, or a girl?

Corbin: Well, Aunt Cheryl had a boy and then a girl...and then a boy and then a girl...

(Actually, Aunt Cheryl only has a boy and a girl.)

...so we're going to have a boy next.

Me: Oh buddy, I really don't think we'll have another baby.

Corbin: But I really want a little brother! So I can teach him all about dinosaurs! And how to be a good boy, like me!

Me: Well, I think you better take this up with Dad.

Corbin: BUT Dad can't have babies!

....A little later....

Corbin: You're the BEST mom I've ever had!

Me: Awe, really? How many moms have you had?

Corbin: Seventeen. And you're the best of all! That's why I picked YOU!

A Few of My Favorite Things

When we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house 5 days ago Tienna was terrified of dogs. All dogs. She faced her fear and is now best friends with Pappy.


I'm pretty sure I won the coolest aunt and mom award today because I played Mario Cart with the kids. I whooped hiney at it too! We were literally rolling on the floor laughing and hollering. There were some intense, close races.


The other day my sister Cheryl took a picture of Jenalyn and then showed it to her on her camera and Jenalyn said, "Ew, my eyes look funny. Don't put that on FaceBook!"


We were hanging out on the deck this evening waiting for dinner and Corbin climbed into my lap and sighed and said, "You're looking good tonight, mom!" and then threw his arms around my neck. He must have known I was missing daddy. He always tells me I'm beautiful.


Tienna and Grandma played with noses.

I love love love this picture.

Great Day at the Park

We went to the park today with our cousins, Parker & Dillon.

And left with some awesome memories.

Parker and Dillon each wanted a turn with the camera. I can't remember which one turned it on me. Little stinker! I don't know how to PhotoShop out my horrible farmer tan!

Coming Into Her Own

I took Jenalyn shopping and for the first time she was very particular about her clothes. It was fun to watch her decide her own style. She was very much into accessories. Her two new shirts came with a scarf and a necklace. She was so excited, when we got home she wanted to do a fashion show for me. I think she looked radiant.

Laundry Help

Tienna likes to help with the laundry. By "help" I mean empty the laundry baskets onto the floor, creating more work for me. Good thing she's so cute, eh?

The Key Holder

Today was an epic day in our household. Today Corbin became a holder of the Sacred Key of Justice. It was forged in the center of a dying sun. Given only to those with the purest of hearts. The holder has a great responsibility to do good.

After he received this key and was told of it's power, Corbin's whole demeanor changed. He takes his responsibility as a Key Holder very seriously. He has taken absolute care of the key. And he has been a better listener than ever (YAY!).

Later tonight Corbin thanked daddy for the key. But daddy told him that he didn't give him the key. "The key saw the good in your heart and it chose you, Corbin!"

Before bed I overheard Jenalyn say, "Corbin, I'm so glad we have a Key Holder in our house."

We have a hero in our midst.

I love that it makes him feel special. And I love that it gives him a sense of purpose and a desire to be good. He gave me a big hug and said, "The key holder is at your service, mom." (melt my heart!)

(The key came in the mail along with a "win a car" mail spam and Jason and I decided to give it to the kids to play with. ...and then it erupted into this big, major thing. I think Jason read too many comic books when he was little. Oh, and The Key is sacred, so Corbin can't talk to anyone about it. Please don't mention this to him.)

Fabulous Fourth

We had a rockin'-awesome 4th of July weekend!

We had a BBQ with Nancy, Cassie, Dale and Grandpa John.
We had Grandma 'Nee and Grandpa Jerry all to ourselves for 2 days.
We spent a night at the beach house with extended family.
We saw fireworks in Depoe Bay on the 3rd. In the cold, blustery wind.
We saw WHALES just off shore! (finally! I've waited SO LONG!)
We climbed 114 stairs to the top of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
We saw fireworks in Harrisburg, carrying on tradition that was started with Jason's mom, so many years ago.
Yes, it was a good holiday. I'm grateful for my family. My heart was full-to-bursting before we even saw the fireworks. Which, I love, by the way!

Eight Months Old

I can't believe she's 8 months already. She's practically a toddler now. She's so active.


She sleeps through the night, she has 5 teeth and eats almost anything I give her. She crawls, pulls up to standing, waves, giggles, smiles, and melts hearts everywhere.

Done with First Grade

One morning near the end of the school year I walked Jenalyn in to her classroom before school, instead of dropping her at the curb and telling her to RUN so she won't have to get a tardy slip because we're kissing the tardy bell. Again.

When I walked in with her, she was so excited to show me different things around her class room. Like her caterpillar that just turned into a chrysalis (yay!). When I was ready to leave, she gave me a big hug and went to sit at her desk.

...and then she blew me a kiss. From clear across the room! My heart nearly burst.

This year she outgrew princesses, fairies, and dolls. She says they are too "kiddish." (HELLO! Isn't seven-years-old still "kiddish"? Or am I from another planet?). I was just so happy to see that she hadn't outgrown me. She isn't embarrassed to blow me a kiss from clear across a room full of her classmates.

At least not yet.

Whew.

Corbin Graduated!

...from Preschool. YAY!


Sorry I was stuck behind the teacher who presented him with his certificate - BUMMER. But his bow is pretty cute, right? I love that kid!

He called this ceremony is "Gradulation!"

This year Corbin went to preschool at a local middle school. The top two pictures are of him and his teen-partners. Corbin called the boy his "Silly Partner" and his silly partner called him "Little Mario." The girl was a sweetheart and was with Corbin all year long. Corbin almost made her pass out one time because he "picked his nose until it bled!" and she gets queasy at the sight of blood. Poor girl.

The bottom two pictures are the teachers and assistants. Corbin had a great year and is {hopefully} now ready for Kindergarten.

Almost. Yikes.

Corbin almost DROWNED! I only turned my back for a second. (famous last words, right?)

See my beautiful sister-in-law (Jessica) behind us in the hot tub? She saved his life. And, in turn, saved mine too.

After we took the above picture I moved just inches closer to the camera while Jason continued taking pictures of Tienna's first time in a pool.

About a second later I heard Jessica call my name in a panicked tone. I whipped around to see Corbin's head bobbing just under the water. Like he was bouncing on his toes trying to get his head above the water. But he couldn't. Before I could even...gasp...Jess had leaped from the hot tub and into the pool, scooping him up. Superman couldn't have been faster.

The memory of it is so clear in my head. So crisp. I remember every single detail of those 5 seconds.

I think his little life flashed before my eyes.

What if Jess was too busy watching her own kids and didn't see Corbin out of the corner of her eye? What if no one noticed? Until it was too late? He was silent. I didn't hear splashing, no squeal, nothing. He was just inches from me.

I can't imagine.

I love this little boy with every bit of me.

An Angel

Corbin woke me up this morning and asked me if he could play on my computer. I wasn't ready to get out of bed, so the answer was no.

He said, "Okay. That's what I thought. Anyway, you look like an angel. I love you." ...and he skipped out of the room.
Lets be honest. Who looks like an angel? My Corbin does. Sometimes he takes my breath away.

I had an itch.

So we scratched it. And it was good.

I've really been hankering to get to the coast. When I first moved here I promised myself I would not take the coast for granted, and I would drive out there at least once a month. Well...apparently I break promises. At least promises I make to myself. Shame on me.

So after church on Sunday we came home and changed, loaded up the van, and headed west for the afternoon. We had a great time!

Here's a run-down of our day:

The kids used their Easter buckets. Yay Easter Bunny! (Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny is cheap. These $1 buckets barely made it through their first trip to the beach. Jenalyn's got a hole in it, and Corbin's handle broke.)

We explored caves

Climbed on rocks

Hiked to the lighthouse

AND THEN. Jason grilled up a delicious dinner. Right there on the beach. I love living in Oregon. I love that we only have to drive one hour to enjoy such beauty.

But I especially love that I have beauties of my own to share it with:

Isn't she dreamy?