A Maze in Grace Pumpkin Patch

So Friday after Steve got home to detox from his stressful test, I saw that it was not raining and thought we might capitalize on it since Saturday was supposed to have scattered showers all day.  
My friend Kim had told me about this pumpkin patch that sounded pretty cute so we ventured.  She was right.  They had little playhouses for the kiddies, a bunch of pumpkins to pick from and cut yourself, and the best part - a pirate ship ride!  We took a little while picking our pumpkins - Ross picked his own out even though Steve first questioned his judgement seeing how the stem didn't look so healthy.  (Side note: Steve is an expert pumpkin farmer.  He grew up growing and selling pumpkins from their garden - he was one wealthy little kid...I wonder what happened to all that money. ;) )  We all ended up happy with our choices however.  

Somehow Dora the Explorer was hanging out at the Patch...Ross had no idea who she was.  He was quite fascinated but didn't want to be alone near her at all.

Here's our pirate.

Trekking out to pick some pumpkins.

On the search...or running away?  I'll let you decide.

It started to get cold so we made Ross put on this cute bear hat we bought at Saturday's Market in Portland...this is what he thinks of it.

Still not happy...and Steve not looking at us.

Ross making sure Dad didn't try and pick a different pumpkin for him.

Cute boys. :)

We got on the pirate ship for our ride, and our captain had some great cheesy pirate jokes for us, we sang the Pirate's Life song, braved the bumpy waves, and even shot a canon at an opposing ship!  Half way through the ride, the rain caught up with us - putting us in a full blown storm at the seas!  We got a bit wet, but survived in the end.  All in all - a great pumpkin excursion. :)

I didn't get a picture of the pirate ship - lame me - but we did get a family pic in the rain. :)

Pumpkins!

Scrapes, Sore Throats, and Some Other Stuff

I'm shocked that October is already on the down slope.  It feels like we just got into October and should not be anywhere near on the way out.  The weather definitely feels like fall now.  I will say - last year it seemed like pleasant fall weather stayed around a little more.  The leaves still look gorgeous here, but there have been spurts of rain and wind that have taken a bunch of them down already.  My beloved golden trees from our old Parkview apartment have mostly all fallen already.  Pity.  I'll try to enjoy the rest of the fall as much as I can.

Recently Ross has become our little parrot.  He likes to try lots of words and will give it a good honest go when we put one up to him.  Quesadilla is a new hilarious favorite of his - pronounced more like "ca-dia" for him, and "applesauce" - which is actually pretty on the mark.  His pig sound is one of my favorites - he says it more like "hnk" while blowing the air out of his mouth.  He now will say the word "tractor" with a very masculine raspy throaty voice - because any sort of truck or tractor is serious business when it comes to him.  

On the playground - Ross has gotten much more daring to his mother's dismay.  He likes to charge to the end of the bridge or walking area and stop only when he gets right to the edge - not funny.  Climbing up on anything is another adventure that never gets old - chairs are his favorite....especially the one to the computer where he can climb up and scroll the mouse like a big kid.  Whenever he achieves his mountaineering skills at the peak of his goal he likes to shout "Howareya?!" to any and everyone.  I've tried to get it on video, but the fascination with the camera distracts him too much to capture the essence of it all.  Recently he took a fall at the playground trying to master some of the steps and ended up with a mouthful of wood chips and some battle wounds to tell the story.  He was fine within a few minutes, but not too happy about the wood chip snack.  He also took a fall off a picnic bench which scared him more than anything...I have a feeling I'll be having about a million more heart attacks before...well...I'm dead - worrying about my children.

Best face ever! "How are ya?!"

Sporting the battle wounds

Poor face

Playing with blocks

He LOVES to walk everywhere - he'll keep chanting at me from the stroller "walk walk walk walk walk" all the time.  We have a vague understanding that he's allowed to walk if he stays by me...which lasts a little while.  He'll learn someday right?  I can't get over how he's started trotting/running and exaggerates his hip twisting while he does it - so proud of himself. :)  He has the cutest little body!  

His latest check up left us with his head still in the 90 percentile, weight of 27.3lbs in the 75 percentile, and his height around the 30 percentile...short and chubby. :)  Although I feel like he's barely gained anything in the last few months - especially with his picky eating habits, and I'm pretty sure the nurse measured his height wrong.  Just saying. :) 

He loves to point out the moon, birds, trucks or "cucks", and airplanes ALL the time.  His little friend Wes is just about his favorite person ever next to his Daddy.  Whenever he gets to play he chants his name "Wes Wes Wes" over and over.  When Steve gets home Ross always looks like he's about to have a heart attack of excitement as he scrambles up to run to see him.  He is seriously Steve's number one fan.  In the mornings when Ross wakes up grumpy - the only thing that semi appeases him is if Daddy is holding him the whole time.  They are definitely little buddies, him and his daddy.

Little buddies - Ross LOVES Wes' firetruck shirt

Steve has been slaving away at school daydreaming to me all the time that someday he'll be done with school and will be happy making some money.  He works so hard - we're super proud of him.  He's gotten VERY into the political debates - even coming home early to watch them instead of doing homework.  I find the debates almost embarrassing for the candidates - it seems to me they've forgotten how to have a grown up debate and keep to answering questions and not tattling on each other the entire time.  It will be interesting to see how the polls turn out.  

Two weeks ago it seemed like a plague hit everyone around here - a flu bug was going around, and Steve got this horrendous sore throat that lasted over  a week.  School and sickness do NOT got together.  And crazy weird Oregon is the only one of two states that requires a prescription for the behind the counter psuedophedrine decongestant.  We've stocked up from Utah, but Steve used up all our resources - he's FINALLY on the mend, but it wasn't fun while it lasted.  I wonder if how BYU football's been doing has had anything to do with it. :)  He always seems so devastated when we've lost.  I think Steve has had more drama with BYU football than he's EVER had with me. :)  How's that for a relationship!  Haha.

Steve trying not to spread the germs

Can you feel his pain?  Is it his throat or football?

Cheese!

I've been trying to keep up with our house...which works sometimes, and keep Ross entertained.  I've decided to try and make our little girl's baby blessing dress and have just started it...wish me luck.  I'm no expert sewer, so we'll see how this goes.  Although whenever I put Ross down for that wonderful nap, I seem to end up taking one too lately!  This pregnancy thing is starting to take its toll I think.  Last week we walked to the city center and back twice one day - a total of about 4 1/2 miles...and when I got home the second time I was so exhausted from everything we did that day, I just sat down and cried....just because I was tired.  So silly, but I suppose I need to watch it a little more.  

I'm heading into the third trimester - which is nuts - and our little baby boo #2 is a little rolley polley.  She's definitely filling in all my old stretch marks and spaces.  I had a random dream the other night that I had had the baby and they were sending me home, but I made them take my blood pressure which was 246/something else.  I started swelling up everywhere and was so sad I couldn't go home yet.  Ridiculous!  

And - yes - wasn't General Conference amazing?  It went by way too fast, but afterwards it was a testimony to me why we have modern day Prophets today.  It's so wonderful to be reminded what is truly important in life and how to better protect our families from the outside evils of the world.  It was wonderful. I hope you loved it too!

Ross couldn't wait for General Conference to start. :)  That or he was super excited I got the camera out.  He likes to look at the pictures after.

I think he was trying to open his mouth as big as he possibly could right here...

Okay - maybe a little bit wider. :)

Conference drink break

I had no idea this was being taken - there's a prego belly.  I was 26 weeks along here. :)

Ross really loves General Conference!

 
Anyway - there's another update on our fascinating lives!    

A Little Update

General Conference is coming up.  It always seems to come at the time it's needed doesn't it.  Steve's parents have started a tradition a few years ago that whoever reads/listens to the Conference talks most recently given before the next Conference gets taken out for a nice dinner afterwards.  Well of course we're all motivated to do it. :)  I love doing it anyway, but it's nice to have an external challenge as well to remind me.  I find it amazing how much it seems I have missed the first time listening to it...or maybe it's just the Spirit teaching me what I need to know at that time in my life and I need a different kick in the pants the next time around.  Regardless - it's never a bad thing to revisit Conference talks - since it's really living scripture isn't it?  
Steve has been plowing away at school and trying to keep up maintaining his beach bod at the same time.  He got another calling in addition to his teaching Elder's Quorum.  He gets to be a ward missionary which he is pretty excited about.  Steve was a pretty amazing missionary in Mexico and brought back so many wonderful missionary qualities and skills with him that he integrated into his own life.  Since moving here to Oregon he's had a lot of opportunities to teach his classmates about our Church and sharpen his member missionary skills a little more.  I have too - I'm not trying to skimp out here or anything - but Steve seems to get asked more outright about our beliefs.  It's great.  
Lately I feel I've plateaued a bit and am looking forward to a kick in the pants...and I've already been getting one reviewing last Conference's talks.  I'm pretty sure I need to have a nice supply of endurance and motivation stored up for when this baby comes and my orderly world comes crashing down again - and Conference is going to be a much needed resource.
Ross and I have been busy keeping up the house - he still helps me empty the dishwasher daily - he's so happy doing it.  I suppose it's motivation for me to keep the kitchen clean. :)  He gives directions where to vacuum, tells me when it's time to go outside, turn on some music and have a dance party, or have a snack.  He loves reading his books more and more and his obsession with tractors is only deepening.  I have become more and more educated on all the different kinds of trucks and tractors there are in the world thanks to Ross.  The library books we get are great resources for him to teach me from.  

Enjoying a booster seat while watching the BYU game...let's not talk about how they've been doing lately...it's too much of an emotional roller coaster.

Look how Ross is so pleased with himself sitting there.

Ross washing dishes...I was in charge of drying - the lame job. ;)

I peeked in on Ross while he was hanging out in his room...I love finding him doing this.

Even though he trashed his room first.

Some serious reading with dad.

One of Ross's latest developments are the ways he throws a tantrum or wants me to know he's upset with me.  He runs around in a little circle about three times with his arms raised as high as they can go while he yells "no no no no no!" and then plops on his bum, smacks those hands on the ground calling out a few cries, and then lays fully on the ground.  It is just about the most hilarious thing I have ever seen.  I wish I could get it on video.  It's a beaut.  
Ross has also learned the word "happy" and LOVES saying it.  He always stops on the pages of his books that say it, and is very unsatisfied with the other emotions that aren't "happy."  He even likes to do a "happy dance" if I tell him to and he's in the mood. :)  Oh we love that little boy - he is a complete hoot.  He's trying more to repeat words when we tell them to him now which is a lot of fun, and he understands SO much...I just wish he understood that you don't run away from mom when you're outside...the more pregnant I get - the more those little leashes don't sound so crazy to me.  He's getting much faster - more of a trot than fast walking now.  
Ross has two molars on the right side of his mouth and is finally starting to get them on the other side...though he hasn't been too happy about it lately.  He gives the best hugs and kisses, and loves to share his toys for the most part. 

After the Hobbit movie trailer came out...Steve went on a Lord of the Rings binge.  We watched the last two movies and then he bought the video game...Ross is completely fascinated.  Don't worry - being gamers all the time is not in their future - not while mom's around.

What is it with Ross and boxes? :)  He was SO happy being pushed all around the house in this.  Too bad the "engine" wears out so quickly.

I don't think I've mentioned this - but I learned to can this summer from my good friend, Kim.  White peaches may just be my downfall.  That is my ultimate favorite fruit that I could never EVER get sick of.  They are just going out of season now, and Kim convinced me to try canning them so I can enjoy them all year round. :)  It sure takes a while, but it's going to be so worth it in the end!  I just got some material to make our little girl's blessing dress - wish me luck...I'm a mediocre sewer at best - so I'm pretty sure this is going to take me a long time.  I've also become obsessed with finding a Phil and Teds double inline stroller as of late thanks to my other friend, Amy.  That girl can sell you on ANYTHING I tell you.  She should get paid for promoting products, because I feel like my life can never be the same again until I have whatever it is she told me about...and this stroller has been even in my dreams!  Unfortunately they cost an arm and a leg, so I've been scouring over craigslist hunting for one.  
We put up our Halloween decorations and I'm getting excited for the holidays again.  It's still VERY sunny - I forgot what it's like to have continuous rain, but it's starting to gradually cool down.  I wonder what this winter will be like.  Well this post has been a bit of a random update, but I felt like I needed to document something. :)  On life goes - and here fall comes!     

So...Steve planted tomatoes.  We got a grand total of three from the two plants we had.  Steve picked one...and Ross found it.  I mentioned on facebook that we had lost a third of our crop due to Ross's mass destruction.  One morning we walked out and found the tomato plant fairy had come!!  I still don't know who did it, but we laughed for a good 15 minutes about it. :)  HILARIOUS

 

An Unsettled Book Lover in Search For His Cozy Book Nook

Ross is definitely my son.  When he gets in the book mode - it's a bit of a binge.  He likes to look at his books - lots of different books - and also likes to bring me books to read to him (which I have to be really fast at before he turns the page) while he's in his craze.  I LOVE that he likes books - trucks and tractors are his absolute favorite, but he also loves a good nursery rhyme or The Very Hungry Caterpillar too.
I was doing dishes after dinner and Ross was a bit quiet - which is always cause for concern in a mother of a toddler when it gets too quiet in the house.  I peeked and saw Ross having a good look at the book The Cat in the Hat.  I, of course, got the camera out just in time for him to move out of the way.  I quietly followed him around only to find that he just couldn't find a comfy spot to read his book.  This is how it went...

Looking for the spot

A nice my-size blue chair seems about right...

But maybe not...

Saying hello to the camera...

 

Back to the chair

But the floor looked a bit more comfy

Nope - don't think so.

Maybe against the entertainment center?  He's really thinkin' this one out.

Nope - there just isn't a perfect spot yet to curl up with the book

And one more cute tongue face for the camera.

   Here's the live version of the search for the cozy book nook.

Hanging Out and the Chalk Festival

So we totally love this kid - just had to say that. :)

So, in my goal to be more healthy this pregnancy around, I've gotten into a reasonable habit of exercising.  My good friend Kim and I agreed to do a babysitting swap twice a week so we can go to the gym.  We've done it 3 times so far, and I must say it keeps me in line to exercise at least that much since the promise of babysitting is kept - there's no getting out of it!  I laugh at myself waddling (yes I'm already starting to do that) into the gym with my not-so-small belly now (seriously - I am showing WAY more than I did initially with Ross).  There are a few strangers I see all the time at the gym...well should I call them strangers still since I recognize them and exercise right next to them at least once or twice a week?  Maybe acquaingers - because we're acquainted in our similar exercise choices, but still sort of strangers since we don't talk - just silently and almost awkwardly work out next to each other.  Anyway - tangent.  I wonder if some of these "acquaingers" think to themselves, "lady - you got to lay off those oreos and shakes, because no matter how much you exercise, you're just getting fatter every time you show up here."  I think I've surpassed the chubby stage of pregnancy though and have been graduating to the basketball territory as of late.  I usually never wear my wedding ring to the gym, because - eww - sweaty hands wearing a ring?  But now, I don't want people to think I'm an unwed pregnant mother so I've tried to remember to wear it more often - but it's - eww - sweaty ring wearing hand.  Oh well.  What we do in fear of others' judgments.  
Okay - back to the babysitting swap to exercise story.  Ross is forming new friends lately which is good for him.  Wesley is about three months younger than him, but he is a little busy body.  He and Ross started walking about the same time to give you a picture.  Sometimes they play together, and a lot of times they try to take each others' toys, but they mostly bond while snacking on cheerios and goldfish.  They also share a mutual enjoyment of running through bubbles and dance parties (we have those sometimes...and sometimes we do them all together).  

Some quality playing.  Ross kept poking Wesley on his shirt and shouting "tra tru"!  He was super excited that he had firetrucks all over his shirt.

My picture taking session was short lived - Ross was done.

Today Steve was trying to study like a....well my mind went blank - so you can fill in that line.  He was studying really hard - we'll leave it at that.  Ross helped me make some waffles for breakfast (aka dump spoonfuls of batter all over the counter), scrub some dishes (aka play with bubbles and splash the dishwater all over the counter - but this helped to clean up the batter so we're good there), sweep (I had to keep reminding him not to touch my dirt pile and try to pick up old cheerios in it), mop (in which he slipped twice and was banned from the kitchen for his protection), and vacuum (he gets really excited following it around and running away from it - we tried to use the hose to suck his shirt up for fun...but he didn't think it was very fun).  We had a very busy morning needless to say.  

Drink break conversation.

Ross needed some help with his homework.

And Daddy was happy to oblige.

Didn't you know that green crayon is a vegetable?  Delish.

Yes - as a matter of fact - I do kiss this face every few minutes.  It's my right as a mother.  And it keeps me sane. :)

I love a good laughing face. :)

For a break tonight we decided to walk to the city center and check out all the sidewalk chalk art that everyone in the community did today.  It's an annual thing, and I totally forgot about this morning in our cleaning craze.  So we found some pretty fun pieces and then had dinner at Connie's Corner Cafe which is a cute little 50's restaurant.  It was a nice break for all of us, and the weather was perfect for walking.  Oh how I love Oregon - so many fun things everywhere. :)

I was amazed at how GOOD some of these chalk squares were!  But we live in Oregon - the artsiest fartsiest state ever.

It went all day - the guy at the top was still working on his piece!

Some friends' chalk squares.  Awesome!

This raining umbrella one was amazing!  It's all done with chalk, but it seriously looked like paint!

I absolutely LOVE that someone did Ezma from The Emperor's New Groove

And this boy is just cute...those little chubby hands are too adorable!

Another view for your viewing pleasure. :)