My book club has been reading The Help this time around and, while I mostly laugh and drink in the culture and characters of the book, it did make me reflect a little more about what it must have been like in a segregated time period. Today, of course, marks the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech and everyone is talking about it. I grew up in the west in the 80's - VERY far from where segregation was mainstream in both state and time. The African-American ethnicity were a minority to say the least. Usually if you saw a black person you were in awe. They were few and far between growing up. That being said, I never would have thought to think I was any better than them or anyone for that matter. To be honest, I have found it very hard to understand why we couldn't all get along anyway. If you treat someone nice, you would think they would treat you nice as well. Funny world we live in.
The things we teach our children are so important for them and their future. Too many times do I see incidents in the news or around me where I'm thinking how completely opposite that behavior is to what a mother or father would be teaching their child to do. I tell my son, "we don't hit" or "we don't take something that's not ours" or "we share our snacks or toys with others." These simple habits and behaviors we try to reinforce in our children and even had reinforced in our own childhoods have somehow, by some, get tossed aside once teenage/adulthood hits. I still believe the scripture, "Train up a child the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6) and will do everything in my power to teach my children who they are, what their purpose here is, and how to become who they are meant to be. I think too many of us forget that and are distracted by all the evil and hate that go on in the world.
I think Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision went even further than simply blacks and whites achieving equality. I think it had a lot to do with how we treat everyone around us regardless of our race, color, or status. We need to stop worrying so much about what someone else has that we don't, and start worrying about what we do have and how to work to make more of ourselves so we can help others do the same. 50 years later after his infamous speech, I know a lot of headway has been made in the equality of blacks and whites. There still is much to be done in terms of forming a real brotherhood with each other, but it all starts with us - as individuals, but more importantly in our families. I hope that in being the mother I've found myself to be that my children can appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and count all the blessings they have been given while working hard to show their gratitude for it and share that with others. In short, I want my children to always stand up for what is right and DO what is right as our Savior has always done for us. That is my dream and I'm working hard to make it a reality.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Ross's First Movie at the Drive In
We survived the last week pretty well considering Steve only had to work three days that week (it still felt like 2 weeks without him, but we survived). He's left before any of us get up and gets home right when it's time for bed. Not my favorite thing - not my favorite. We found some things to distract us though while he left. We did a lot of playing outside, practicing letters and numbers, and going on walks. One of my favorite things of the week this time of year is the farmer's market. Oh how I love it. I get depressed when it's over in October. You just can't beat fresh corn, tomatoes, berries, breads, and flowers. I take the stroller in and end up balancing all my goods all over the stroller on the way back. Mmmm - I'm already excited for this week's finds. My current favorite stands are the Swiss bakery - seriously - the baguettes and chocolate croissants are my favorite and buying fresh sweet corn out of the back of a lady's truck. My white peaches are starting to show up too....yes!!! Ruby tried some white peaches for the first time and was QUITE happy with them. Just like her mama.
To celebrate Steve finishing his week, we decided to try out the Drive In down in Newberg, OR. Steve and my experiences with the Drive Ins in Utah while we were each growing up were nothing but great. I remember being excited that we got to lay in the back of my dad's truck, eat Redvines and popcorn - and especially that we got to stay up so late to watch not one but TWO movies. If we pretended to be asleep at the end (or actually were) we got to ride in the back of the truck on the way home. I know - we have still lived to tell the tale. ;) I also remember there being TONS of space at the Drive In along with radios stationed at each space.
We decided to head down maybe a half hour before dusk which is when they start the movie. By the time we showed up there was a half a mile long line of cars waiting to get in. We waited for a while as the line slowly moved (shaking our fists at a few people who managed to cut in the line - I hope they had a terrible night's sleep after that) and just made it through before they were sold out. How in the world do you get SOLD OUT at a Drive In?! We found a spot up at the front where we parked and set up our chairs. We walked around finding some of our friends before it started. Some people couldn't get their cars in, but came with their chairs to hang with us. Our friends the Jaggis and Charitons were with us. It wasn't so bad being in the front - you could see the screen just fine and there was lots of space.
My plan was for Ruby to fall asleep during the movie - which luckily happened (not without a whole bunch of whining before though). Because she was sleeping in the car though - we couldn't turn on the radio - and of course they didn't have the radios available at this Drive In either. Luck was once again on our side since we were parked next to a big truck who had the radio blaring.
Ross claimed his chair and immediately commandeered the popcorn and candy. The movie was Planes which was an obvious win for him. He was really excited for it, but kept asking where McQueen and Mater were. Ross was totally adorable and did SO well during the movie. Ruby stirred a few times, but did well too. I think it makes the list for a do again before we leave. Nothing like a good Drive In movie. :) Now we're gearing up for the week Steve works 6 straight days - that's right folks - that will be 72 hours of him gone. I'll let you know if I've checked myself in the insane asylum by then. Seriously. :)
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| The battle of prunes once again |
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| She just wondered what a beard would look like on her. |
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| Handsome kiddo :) We're going to start a little mini co-op preschool in a week or two so we took some "school pics" :) |
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| This is his "cheese" face. :) |
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| He's gonna tickle Rubes |
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| And he did it! |
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| The finishing touch with a kiss :) I LOVE this. |
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| Cutie |
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| The bottomless pit of toys - we have way too many. |
To celebrate Steve finishing his week, we decided to try out the Drive In down in Newberg, OR. Steve and my experiences with the Drive Ins in Utah while we were each growing up were nothing but great. I remember being excited that we got to lay in the back of my dad's truck, eat Redvines and popcorn - and especially that we got to stay up so late to watch not one but TWO movies. If we pretended to be asleep at the end (or actually were) we got to ride in the back of the truck on the way home. I know - we have still lived to tell the tale. ;) I also remember there being TONS of space at the Drive In along with radios stationed at each space.
We decided to head down maybe a half hour before dusk which is when they start the movie. By the time we showed up there was a half a mile long line of cars waiting to get in. We waited for a while as the line slowly moved (shaking our fists at a few people who managed to cut in the line - I hope they had a terrible night's sleep after that) and just made it through before they were sold out. How in the world do you get SOLD OUT at a Drive In?! We found a spot up at the front where we parked and set up our chairs. We walked around finding some of our friends before it started. Some people couldn't get their cars in, but came with their chairs to hang with us. Our friends the Jaggis and Charitons were with us. It wasn't so bad being in the front - you could see the screen just fine and there was lots of space.
My plan was for Ruby to fall asleep during the movie - which luckily happened (not without a whole bunch of whining before though). Because she was sleeping in the car though - we couldn't turn on the radio - and of course they didn't have the radios available at this Drive In either. Luck was once again on our side since we were parked next to a big truck who had the radio blaring.
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| Waiting in line and getting excited for the Planes movie :) |
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| Set up and ready to go - Ross already in on the popcorn |
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| Ready to go! |
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| Some planes |
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| He ended up with some snuggling :) |
Ross claimed his chair and immediately commandeered the popcorn and candy. The movie was Planes which was an obvious win for him. He was really excited for it, but kept asking where McQueen and Mater were. Ross was totally adorable and did SO well during the movie. Ruby stirred a few times, but did well too. I think it makes the list for a do again before we leave. Nothing like a good Drive In movie. :) Now we're gearing up for the week Steve works 6 straight days - that's right folks - that will be 72 hours of him gone. I'll let you know if I've checked myself in the insane asylum by then. Seriously. :)
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Some Swinging
So I didn't realize Ruby has NEVER been swinging at the park. We just haven't gotten around to it since Ross is usually running all over the place playing and I'm trying to make sure he doesn't die in the process.
Steve started his internship this week which has been both good and intense. He leaves at 7AM and usually gets home about 7PM. I'm usually ready for him to be home by 5 - so those last two hours I have to get creative to keep it together for all of us. :) Poor Steve has been pretty tired getting used to the long, intense schedule at St. Vincent's hospital. He's working with patients who JUST had heart surgery. His CI told him he would be very surprised if he didn't get thrown up on before his rotation is through - sounds fun right? :) Steve is liking it quite a bit though so we're all happy.
Ross has been missing his dad pretty bad. Every time he wakes up in the morning or from his nap he thinks Dad should be there. Poor guy gets stuck with his mother who went through 9 months of pregnancy and a c-section for him, not to mention the one who feeds him, provides yummy snacks, fun games, plays toys, gives great hugs, kisses, and snuggles, goes outside, takes him to parks, lets him play with friends, and even watch his favorite shows - yeah - he's stuck with boring ol' mom. ;) I love that he loves his Daddy though. :) He's his number one fan.
Side note to Ross - he's started saying "Maybe" a heck of a lot. As in - it's replaced the word "Yes." "Would you like a snack Ross?" "Maybe" "Do you want some more?" "Maybe." And our current favorite as we were reading scriptures - Ross was holding his Book of Mormon and Steve said, "Does it talk about Jesus in there Ross?"....."Maybe." Between all his finger wagging and "Maybe-ing" I'm laughing quite a bit. Love that boy. Also - he's always up for pancakes in case you were wondering....always. And he would always like to help make them - cracking eggs, flipping with spatulas, and pouring syrup on them. Okay - end side note.
Ruby has taken sitting up to another level. Ross LOVED to throw himself backwards ALL THE TIME which gave me a heart attack ALL THE TIME. I was convinced he would never learn not to do it, even when there were no soft cushions to catch him and he'd whack his head...he'd still do it again. Ruby on the other hand prefers to lean sideways to fall over instead which leads to a much more graceful fall/roll onto her belly. She has no qualms with this and neither do I. She's pretty good at it actually. She also is improving on her 360's and will use her hands to move around in the circle. I figure it's only a matter of time till she figures out how to use her legs to help scoot herself around - though between the 360s and rolling she DOES get around.
Anyway - so yesterday was an extremely long day so we spent much of it outside or at the park. We tried out the swings, and I've learned sibling swinging is WAY more fun than solo swinging. Ross and Ruby were laughing at each other the whole time. Ruby loves the game where you go way up in her face and pull back over and over again. The swing made this game incredibly easy. Between that and seeing Ross swinging next to her she was ecstatic the entire time. Ross thought it was pretty funny with Ruby laughing too. I can't believe how time has flown - just yesterday Ross was the cute little blob I had to stuff a blanket in with to keep him inside the swing. Now we've got two cute kiddos! We had so much fun we took Steve for some more swinging when he got home right before their bedtime. Good ol' parks. Gotta love them!
Also as a side note - this girl likes her mama's water bottle like someone else I know....
Steve started his internship this week which has been both good and intense. He leaves at 7AM and usually gets home about 7PM. I'm usually ready for him to be home by 5 - so those last two hours I have to get creative to keep it together for all of us. :) Poor Steve has been pretty tired getting used to the long, intense schedule at St. Vincent's hospital. He's working with patients who JUST had heart surgery. His CI told him he would be very surprised if he didn't get thrown up on before his rotation is through - sounds fun right? :) Steve is liking it quite a bit though so we're all happy.
Ross has been missing his dad pretty bad. Every time he wakes up in the morning or from his nap he thinks Dad should be there. Poor guy gets stuck with his mother who went through 9 months of pregnancy and a c-section for him, not to mention the one who feeds him, provides yummy snacks, fun games, plays toys, gives great hugs, kisses, and snuggles, goes outside, takes him to parks, lets him play with friends, and even watch his favorite shows - yeah - he's stuck with boring ol' mom. ;) I love that he loves his Daddy though. :) He's his number one fan.
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| Drooling on a car ride |
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| Saying Cheese! |
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| Showin' off some sittin' skills |
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| Ruby has a cute smile and Ross looks hilarious! |
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| Pretty girl |
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| Great faces - I sort of got a bow to stay in Ruby's hair :) |
Side note to Ross - he's started saying "Maybe" a heck of a lot. As in - it's replaced the word "Yes." "Would you like a snack Ross?" "Maybe" "Do you want some more?" "Maybe." And our current favorite as we were reading scriptures - Ross was holding his Book of Mormon and Steve said, "Does it talk about Jesus in there Ross?"....."Maybe." Between all his finger wagging and "Maybe-ing" I'm laughing quite a bit. Love that boy. Also - he's always up for pancakes in case you were wondering....always. And he would always like to help make them - cracking eggs, flipping with spatulas, and pouring syrup on them. Okay - end side note.
Ruby has taken sitting up to another level. Ross LOVED to throw himself backwards ALL THE TIME which gave me a heart attack ALL THE TIME. I was convinced he would never learn not to do it, even when there were no soft cushions to catch him and he'd whack his head...he'd still do it again. Ruby on the other hand prefers to lean sideways to fall over instead which leads to a much more graceful fall/roll onto her belly. She has no qualms with this and neither do I. She's pretty good at it actually. She also is improving on her 360's and will use her hands to move around in the circle. I figure it's only a matter of time till she figures out how to use her legs to help scoot herself around - though between the 360s and rolling she DOES get around.
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| She's so proud of herself :) |
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| Ross wanting to get in on the camera action |
Anyway - so yesterday was an extremely long day so we spent much of it outside or at the park. We tried out the swings, and I've learned sibling swinging is WAY more fun than solo swinging. Ross and Ruby were laughing at each other the whole time. Ruby loves the game where you go way up in her face and pull back over and over again. The swing made this game incredibly easy. Between that and seeing Ross swinging next to her she was ecstatic the entire time. Ross thought it was pretty funny with Ruby laughing too. I can't believe how time has flown - just yesterday Ross was the cute little blob I had to stuff a blanket in with to keep him inside the swing. Now we've got two cute kiddos! We had so much fun we took Steve for some more swinging when he got home right before their bedtime. Good ol' parks. Gotta love them!
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| First swing pic with the sun in the eyes - but still smiling! Steve loves her shadow - it's adorable :) |
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| Siblings swingin' and laughin! |
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| She is LOVING this! |
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| This was Ross in that exact swing 2 years ago...how did he grow up so fast?? |
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| He's all grown up! |
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| Still pleased swinging :) |
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| Giggles :) |
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| Round 2 of swinging with Daddy (and my actual camera not phone). |
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| This was what we were up to back then. |
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| Daddy swinging Rubes |
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Steve's LAST First Day of School
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| First Day of Grad School - Ross is 5 months |
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| 2nd First Day of Grad School - Ross is almost 1 1/2 |
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| LAST First Day of School - Ross is almost 2 1/2, Ruby 7 months |
Steve has been nothing if not dedicated to his role as a husband and father. I was planning on his involvement taking a minor, very temporary back seat while he focused on earning his graduate degree. I knew that was what we had signed up for and we were okay with it. I have been continually wowed and amazed at how INVOLVED Stephen has actually remained with our family throughout his entire program. He has balanced and juggled his time so well that he has been able to excel in his classes as well as his most important role in our family. (No wonder he's all our favorite.) I know Heavenly Father has truly blessed our family over and over again as we try to keep on the path and do what's right. I think with how much Steve has prioritized our family in his life, Heavenly Father has blessed him to do well on his exams, projects, and interviews he's had. I don't mean that he's slacked off in any way with his studies. He has definitely sacrificed and put in the time as well in that area, but somehow has always managed to make time to spend with us. Can you see a little bit why I love him with all of my heart? I love how much he values the life we are building together and he works so stinkin' hard so that we can continue building it and be able to support our dream together. I know - all you ladies should be incredibly jealous. :)
We have loved our last two years here in Oregon and have grown so much as a family and learned more what's actually important in life. Here's to our last hoorah here in Oregon. The "fun" aka stressful/exciting/time consuming internships begin. Love you Steve! You'll be amazing as always!
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| He's got 2 great little fans cheering him on and waiting for him at the window at home. :) |
Rosscopants almost 2 1/2
Well my little Baby Ross is becoming such a boy it almost breaks my heart except for how cute he keeps getting. This is how I found him when I checked on him during naptime...
I have to point out - I had already gone in there and taken away a truck book he had sneaked into his crib too. I'm glad he's such a reader though....or maybe in this case - a picture looker.
Ross has recently gotten into wagging his finger back and forth at you or anyone when he's informing you "no". He has discovered jumping and prefers to do it on the couch. He knows the ABC song really well along with many others. He keeps trying to get me to sing him truck songs to him all the time. I've composed at least 15 I think (yes - I'm that good) and he's pleased with all of them. I love 2 year olds. :) He gets very intrigued when the topic of owies comes up. He likes to compare his with yours and talk about where they came from. He weighs about 31 1/2 lbs and seems to be getting taller - little stinker!
He still loves going outside to play ball or go to the park and never likes to leave. Playing choo choos is still a favorite and eating snacks as opposed to an actual meal is also preferable. Every once in a while I'll let him "picnic" on his blanket instead of eating at the table which I always regret after considering how long it takes him to eat his food when "picnicking."
Ross is a big protector of Ruby and is always so concerned for her well being. Whenever she cries this is what he does...
His finger wagging isn't so bad is it? ;)
He was reunited with his best bud Wesley when we got back from Utah and they have had fun together ever since whether it be giggling in a corner playing trucks in nursery, or collaborating to break the rules and run out into the street because "the other one was doing it first." They have been having quite the time lately.
Some of Ross's favorites lately:
Drinking cold milk from an open cup
Excavators "Effagator" in Ross's words
Any made up songs about trucks
The Good Samaritan picture aka "The Owies" picture and how we always help those with owies.
Hiding toys/books in his bed for later
Anything to do with grandpas
Dancing or singing along to songs with his eyes closed (head banging included - even for primary songs)
Bagels with cream cheese (or "string cheese" as Ross calls it)
Parker Panda from the show "Go, Potty, Go"
Pears and Quesadillas
His Daddy (as usual) :)
A few things Ross has taught me:
There is more to life than simply trucks and tractors...namely graders, scrapers, skid steer, front loaders, tippers, dump trucks, loggers, firetrucks, police cars, ambulances, excavators, bulldozers, rollers, big rigs, fuel tankers, cement mixers, harvesters, combines...I can go on. I never knew what most of them were until Ross came along.
A 2 year old saying "Please" and "Thank-you" melts my heart every time.
Shaun the Sheep is actually a very hilarious show to watch.
Watching him kneel down and fold his arms for family prayer and even when it's his turn to say the prayer warms my spirit.
I need to cuddle, hug, and kiss him all I can while he'll still let me.
Baking and cooking are so much more fun when I'm looking at it through his fascinated eyes.
Sticks are always awesome.
It is a must to have AT LEAST one car in each hand - possibly two.
Ross hugs and kisses are the best thing ever.
I love you little buddy!
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| Love him! |
I have to point out - I had already gone in there and taken away a truck book he had sneaked into his crib too. I'm glad he's such a reader though....or maybe in this case - a picture looker.
Ross has recently gotten into wagging his finger back and forth at you or anyone when he's informing you "no". He has discovered jumping and prefers to do it on the couch. He knows the ABC song really well along with many others. He keeps trying to get me to sing him truck songs to him all the time. I've composed at least 15 I think (yes - I'm that good) and he's pleased with all of them. I love 2 year olds. :) He gets very intrigued when the topic of owies comes up. He likes to compare his with yours and talk about where they came from. He weighs about 31 1/2 lbs and seems to be getting taller - little stinker!
He still loves going outside to play ball or go to the park and never likes to leave. Playing choo choos is still a favorite and eating snacks as opposed to an actual meal is also preferable. Every once in a while I'll let him "picnic" on his blanket instead of eating at the table which I always regret after considering how long it takes him to eat his food when "picnicking."
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| Ready for some partying |
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| Let's go outside! |
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| He loves a good swim :) |
Ross is a big protector of Ruby and is always so concerned for her well being. Whenever she cries this is what he does...
His finger wagging isn't so bad is it? ;)
He was reunited with his best bud Wesley when we got back from Utah and they have had fun together ever since whether it be giggling in a corner playing trucks in nursery, or collaborating to break the rules and run out into the street because "the other one was doing it first." They have been having quite the time lately.
Some of Ross's favorites lately:
Drinking cold milk from an open cup
Excavators "Effagator" in Ross's words
Any made up songs about trucks
The Good Samaritan picture aka "The Owies" picture and how we always help those with owies.
Hiding toys/books in his bed for later
Anything to do with grandpas
Dancing or singing along to songs with his eyes closed (head banging included - even for primary songs)
Bagels with cream cheese (or "string cheese" as Ross calls it)
Parker Panda from the show "Go, Potty, Go"
Pears and Quesadillas
His Daddy (as usual) :)
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| His "Cheese" face! |
A few things Ross has taught me:
There is more to life than simply trucks and tractors...namely graders, scrapers, skid steer, front loaders, tippers, dump trucks, loggers, firetrucks, police cars, ambulances, excavators, bulldozers, rollers, big rigs, fuel tankers, cement mixers, harvesters, combines...I can go on. I never knew what most of them were until Ross came along.
A 2 year old saying "Please" and "Thank-you" melts my heart every time.
Shaun the Sheep is actually a very hilarious show to watch.
Watching him kneel down and fold his arms for family prayer and even when it's his turn to say the prayer warms my spirit.
I need to cuddle, hug, and kiss him all I can while he'll still let me.
Baking and cooking are so much more fun when I'm looking at it through his fascinated eyes.
Sticks are always awesome.
It is a must to have AT LEAST one car in each hand - possibly two.
Ross hugs and kisses are the best thing ever.
I love you little buddy!
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