Patterson Family

2011 "Christmas" Letter

2012-01-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I remember each year my mom would write these super creative Christmas letters. This year, I finally thought I should pick up this tradition of hers, but of course didn't get it done before Christmas (I tend to run at least a month behind!) So here is my "Christmas letter" for 2011... digital.

If you feel so inclined to have a hard copy you can click here to download it! :)

And here was our Christmas card... if you didn't get one, you should have!! What can I say, I'm a work in progress and trying to actually type out all the address... so if I missed you this year please send me your address!! :)

Blessed

2011-10-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

To finish off our wild and crazy "Bar Fest" weekend, we blessed Wyatt at our church, and Puanoe (our niece) was blessed the same day too!

I truly do feel blessed.

Wyatt has been such a fun little addition to our family of boys! He's adorable and a sweet baby. I just can't get enough of him.

Mini-cation

2011-10-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

During the week before our "Bar Fest" (which of course had nothing to do with alcohol :) we headed down to San Diego for a little vacation with my parents. The first day we went down to Coronado Island and walked around and enjoyed a little beach (well my kids and I did, not sure if my dad did... he got a little burned, which then required sunscreen at Sea World, which then caused a nasty eye irritation to the sunscreen, series of unfortunate events).

We then went to Old Town. I love going there and pretty much think every time I go to San Diego I make it there. The have redone the Mormon Battalion center there and it is really impressive. You start by watching the narrators talking to you in picture frames (seriously Disneyland quality) and then you move through different rooms and here the story. At the end the kids got to pan for gold, use a water pump, stack up adobe bricks, and they even have a photo booth set up.

(Brody is willing to try on his military issue Mormon Battalion gear... Orin, however, would not... he was quite shy, which seemed a bit out of character)

(Brody does not look entirely happy about the fact that Papa was trying to show him how to properly pan for gold)

We then ate at Old Town Mexican Restaurant which was perfect, cheap Tuesday tacos, score. And once we made it back to the hotel my kids of course had to swim for a bit... it was quite the day.

The next day, Shawn and my brother Matt met us down at Sea World. (My mom has pictures on her camera). My kids LOVED it and I think their favorite things were seeing Shamu, riding the little rides, and feeding the seals (courtesy of Uncle Matt who got hooked up with a few extra fish, cause Matt seems to always get special treatment, everybody loves Matt). Journey to Atlantis was fun, Shawn was too big of baby to go! :)

We loved getting away for a bit! Thanks mom and dad!

Sworn

2011-10-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

It all become "official" Tuesday, July 26th when Shawn was sworn in as an attorney. It was ironically the first day of the California Bar exam! A date we normally would dread! Mason & Melina came with us and we celebrated by going to Cheesecake Factory (yummy! love their Banana Cream cheesecake)! We were so glad they could be there, yet again for us, since they have been so willing to sacrifice and help our family over these past few years.

Anyone need an attorney?

I know a good one! :)

BAR fest 2011

2011-10-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

In honor of Shawn's passing, Pat & Hershel (Shawn's boss and his wife) hosted a TWO day EXTRAGANZA! Cause well, a LARGE celebration was definitely in order!

Friday's party

The first night was completely family themed. Pat & I came up with some fun games for the kids, complete with prizes: Patriotic Walk, Fishing game, Cornhole, Lawyer Relay, Sack Race, Ring Toss, bead bracelet craft, BINGO... like I said it was quite the fiesta!

Pretty sure Brody ate about eight bags of Cheetos... he kept asking different people to get a bag! That boys loves him some Cheetos!

Saturday night:

The second night was more for clients and adult family. We served New York steaks and sides! If was so nice to just get a chance to remember that Shawn did actually pass (I have had to keep reminding myself) and to spend time with our family and friends, who without their love and support, we wouldn't be where we are. Both sides of our families were almost all there and we both feel blessed to have "Won the parent/family lottery!" Our family is truly blessed to have such amazing people in our lives and are very grateful to Shawn's boss and his lovely wife for all they have done and do for us!

and YAY for Shawn!

(Okay I'm almost through blogging about the BAR... but it's been a large part of our lives these past few years... so it's worth some bloggin' about!)
P.S. (The invited I designed can be viewed here!)

pampered

2011-08-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm spoiled!

When we brought Wyatt home, my mom & sister & her husband were here!

Here is why I was spoiled:

*My mom...

*made my favorite dessert - chocolate pudding dessert

*bought us a trampoline

*made Lehi Mills Raspberry muffins- my favorite

*made Beignets from Cafe Du Monde

*gave Wyatt his first bath

*watched kids so I could nap everyday

*cooked dinners- & Jenna too!

*cleaned... even bathrooms! (with some little helpin hands)

*Jenna & Josh...

*made the best Stir Crazy popcorn

*took the kids to San Bernardino Museum & dinosuars (my boys favorite spot)

*spent HOURS jumping on the tramp with kids

*held the baby

*helped cook & clean & change diapers!

I'm spoiled.

But also incredibly grateful. I'm one lucy girl to have such an amazing family... it was so hard to see them go... they made this transition into being a mother of three much easier!

Birth

2011-07-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wyatt James Patterson.

This little boy's birth day was totally planned. I had spent hours planning out my maternity leave so that it would be just right. It all was a bit stressful the week before (the bar results, Orin being in Allyson's wedding- he was adorable as a ring bearer!) and we found out my c-section wasn't actually scheduled! Luckily, a time opened up and we had him just how I had planned it all to happen.

We showed up at the hospital around 7 am, and from there is just seemed to go so smoothly. The nurses were nice, they got the IV in on the first attempt (wheww... I hate that part)! By 10:13 our baby boy was here. I cry everytime I hear that first cry.

It's just such a miracle.

Since I have c-sections, I can't see the baby right when they pull him out (which we actually have a picture of this time. Shawn was a little shocked when they asked him if he wanted to take a picture of the baby coming out)! Shawn's first impression of Wyatt was that he looked a bit like Orin. I think now he's just a mix of both boys and a bit of himself too! After they cleaned him up and did what ever they do right after he comes out, they brought him over to me. I can't hold him (I'm strapped down!), but at least I get to see him briefly before they take him to the recovery room (the other two boys had to go to the NICU). This time, after being stitched up... which I hate that part, always gag, Wyatt was there waiting for me in the recovery room. The room was just for us and I got to hold me baby and he nursed right away. Actually, he didn't want to stop nursing for hours! It all went so smoothly, and it still is!

The boys LOVED him! When they came to see them, the baby was in the nursery having his first bath, so it was nice to have a little time with just them. They were both so careful and calm (shocking) as they sat next to me on the hospital bed. When the baby came in, it was so fun to see how they just loved this new little guy. This has just continued... the loving on Wyatt!

When Glenna took the boys back home after the first visit, Orin was crying in the back seat because the baby wasn't come home. Almost daily, Ory says, "Oh he's so cute," or "I just love my baby," or "Can we keep him."

Brody loves Wyatt too, but he's just not as careful. He'll give lots of kisses and then "tickle" his face or poke his eye or twist his ear. He's been getting a little bit better lately, but most the time when Wyatt & I hear Brody's voice coming we both look a bit worried! But, he's always saying, "I wove my baby."

We feel so blessed to have another sweet baby boy! I've really enjoying him. I look at him and wonder who he'll become and am so grateful he's mine!

Wyatt

2011-07-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

Born May 16, 2011

8 lb 4 oz

19 1/2 in.

I'm obsessed with this little man.

He's perfect.

I'm a lawyer

2011-06-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

This is the "screen of my dreams"...

The screen that I've (any many of you) hoped for, prayer for, begged for, cried for, longed for...

(you get the idea!)

for... THREE years!

May 13, 2011 our "dream" came true (well our career dream that is!)

SHAWN PASSED THE BAR!

Before typing in the numbers on the computer, we had sat together and talked. It was a moment I'll never forget. Just us, ready for life no matter what happened. I said a prayer (which is what we had always done right before) and of course was totally in tears. I wanted Shawn to know that I was proud of him no matter what. As he typed in his numbers and saw his name... we both almost clasped in relief! It felt like a huge weight had been lifted.

SHAWN PASSED THE BAR!

There are so many memories and experiences through this process (both good and not so good) and it is amazing that our BAR rollercoaster ride is over (or I've often thought of it as being in a rock tumbler where we are just getting a little more polished).

So this July... Shawn WILL NOT have to take the bar. Whew!

So here's "our story" (I say our... because this was definitely not something our family did alone... although it was, of course, mostly Shawn's accomplishment for sure!)

In 2005, Shawn graduated from UVSC, and was accepted to University of La Vern College of Law. So we moved down to California, I got a job teaching and Shawn began his three year journey in law school.

(Shawn didn't walk for graduation, but I did make him take a picture when his diploma came)

Ready for law school!

With one more year to go, we had our 1st baby boy... and visit dad as he was busy studying!

In 2008, Shawn graduated from law school and then... studying for the bar!

Shawn took the bar for the first time over Ory's first birthday. I was visiting my parents in Cincinnati, and we felt ready.

But, life doesn't always go exactly as we plan it. I had decided to take Shawn to Palm Springs for the night as we anticipated the results (that we taught would be positive)... and it wasn't. I had made reservations at Morton's to celebrate, but we went anyway... because life goes on.

And it did. I'd love to say that each time Shawn didn't pass I handled it perfectly, but well let's just say we learned A LOT from this experience.

The last few times of Shawn not passing, I feel that we were really able to let go in a sense and realized that we would work as hard as we could and rely on our Heavenly Father to guide us in which ever path he would have us go...

Thinking back, I blogged about the Bar last year {see here} and I feel that our growth as a family just continued this past year (I finally read the Book of Mormon cover to cover- sadly that was something I hadn't really done!). I know I'm still far from perfect, but I am definitely at a different place now and hope to keep that on going.

So, I'm EXTREMELY grateful that Shawn passed. I know he could do it and had faith in him, and if it was Heavenly Father's will, I knew it would happen.

But, if it hadn't... life would go on (I mean it would have been so sad), but I'd still have felt so blessed. Blessed for INCREDIBLE friends and family that have shown us so much love and support.

Blessed to have now... THREE beautiful boys.

Blessed to have a knowledge of my Savior and his gospel.

Blessed to have an AMAZING husband (that through this experience has been so strong, confident... truly a rock and a great example of living by faith).

I am truly blessed.

To celebrate Shawn's passing, Pat and Hershel (Shawn's boss and his wonderful wife) took us out to dinner at Morton's. As we were being seated in the same back room where we sat almost THREE years before when first hearing Shawn did not pass... here we were again... and

SHAWN HAD PASSED THE BAR!

And TWO years ago, Mason and Melina had brought over this bottle of Martinelli's to celebrate... and celebrate we will!

Shawn received this card three years ago at his graduation party. Although, our success took a little longer, I think it now tastes that much sweeter.

I love you Shawn.

Together, I know we will have lots of "success."

A Day in the Life of... a mother

2011-01-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

My day as a mother (which started @ 4 since I went back to work today... I'm sad). Sitting at the dinner table. Orin: "There is something in my nose." Me: "Well stop picking it all the time!" We blow his nose... nothing. He's watery eyed and picking his nose and snorting. Nothing.

Ten minutes later, I am loading the dishwasher and Brody comes by, swipes two knives and runs off, jumps on the couch laughing as I chase him (and yell danger, danger!), then chucks the knives (luckily missing anything/anyone. (Put Brody in his crib and tell him that's dangerous).

Go to check on Orin (who was sent to use the bathroom). He's sitting on the bathroom counter, holding a noodle. "Oh mom. It was a just a noodle up my nose!" Nice! We did have noodles for dinner...

Head to pick up Brody from his crib, he's crying: "Hug, hug, hug!" (He does not like getting in trouble!

This scene took place within a 20 minute window... it's only 5:30. When is bedtime?

(a pic taken last month... first of all to show you how much bigger my kids are & I can't blog without pictures, and to show you their little personalities!)

By the way, did I mention we are having ANOTHER BOY in May!

We had or I should say have had a girl name picked out... I find boy names so hard! However, we do have lots of boy clothes, toys, room, etc... so in that we are ready to go!

Orin has thought of some nice names: Golf, Craft

Mason's suggestion: Rufus

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

P.S. I really do LOVE being a mother! Does anyone else have days, I mean, hours like this? :) Oh, and I am excited to be pregnant...

Also, I fully intend on back blogging... have lots of tidbits and pictures to share... but we'll see, I seem to have my hands full!

It's all about ME!

2010-12-03T22:14:00.001-08:00

I don't know where he came up with this, but as were heading to the baseball game on Ory's birthday, completely out of nowhere he tells me, "It's not all about you. It's all about me!"

What! My son had become birthdayzilla! My mom would always tell me that when kids are three, they think the world revolves around them... well, I guess so!

Maybe we did too much celebrating. While in Cincinnati, my parents bought the traditional Dairy Queen cake and he opened presents... maybe we started a bit early! :)

On Orin's actual birthday, we went to the 66's baseball game. Since you can't bring food in, we sang and blew out candles in front of the stadium. The boys enjoyed running around on the lawn area... and they even announced his name on the loud speaker and posted on the score board! So fun!

I seriously LOVE all that excitement... he's been like that since party 1!! See here.

Checkin' the stats!

It happened to be family night, so that had super cheap hot dogs... score!

And of course, we had to have a "small" family/friend party. It was Ala's (Melina's brother) birthday too... so it was good food, good times. Mese even brought his shake machine and did custom pie shakes which are AMAZING!

As you can see, in the eyes of my spunky THREE (wow) year old... "It's not all about you! It's all about me!" And Orin, I'm glad for those days that can be all about you, it's fun... for a day! :)

I love being Ory's mom! He makes life fun and exciting! He's my extra big helper boy (especially if we're cooking!) and I love that he is so expressive and verbal. He is so snuggly and loves to cuddle... I can't get enough of that or of him! We love you Ory-o!

Nothing like the Nati

2010-11-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Next highlight... a trip to my hometown- Cincinnati! (Yes, this was in July!)

For the past few years, while Shawn is studying for the BAR (poor guy!), the boys and I have made a summer trip to be with my family. Ory still talks about wanting to go Papa and Nana's house and this is why...

My parents house is a kid's dream... swimming

Orin even got to swim with the big boys... Uncle Jake & the football team! He was lovin' it!

Golf

Jumping or more like wrestling on the trampoline

Playing with Nana's homemade play dough

My boys were also horribly spoiled... they ate steak almost every night (one of the few things Brody would eat!) and of course, ate ice cream with Uncle Matt!

Adventures:

Papa took Ory on a few outings... my dad is such an amazing grandpa! They went to the Newport Aquarium and the Red's baseball game.

I don't think they actually were able to watch any of the game... pretty much chasing Ory!

Playing at Sparky's water park

Our other adventures were with my best friend growing up, Tiffany, and her adorable little girls are the same ages of my little boys. We had a blast swimming at their "castle" as Ory called it, going to the Cincinnati Zoo, and the Children's Museum @ Union Terminal!

Brody is obsessed with animals and LOVED the petting zoo!

The highlights for me were:

Seeing good friends from high school! Yay! They both look amazing!

Eating Graeter's Black Raspberry Chip ice cream

Going to The Gap Outlet (found a Banana dress for $20! Love it!)

Scrapbooking at my mom's store: Scraps, etc...

Going on walks

Being home

Independence Day

2010-11-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking... isn't it November and not July! Well I always hope to be able to catch up with my life. So we'll see with a week off of school how well I do... let the bloggin' begin!

At the end of June, we took a quick trip up to St. George to stay with Shawn's parents. We swam (Brody hates to be splashed, and hates cold water!)

We chilled.

We ate frozen custard... then after Brody puked everywhere realized that it has eggs, which he is allergic too! Oops!

We did our traditional going to grandma and grandpa's house activities: riding the scooter, feeding the fish, going to the park and splash place. It is always so nice to be with grandma and grandpa Patterson!

Next stop was Viva Las Vegas... Nelson style. Which for my family meant working on the new little house they bought! We met them there and hung out at the new house, went to see Toy Story 3 (so cute, loved the ending!), and a fabulous New York pizza place! They had more Chicago style pizza there too... it was huge, but so good!

July 4th, Independence Day!

I am proud to be an American. I get the chills every time I hear any patriotic song and LOVE that I get to say the Pledge of Allegiance each day in my classroom. Thankfully I married into a family where the men are great cooks... Mason and Shawn made red, white and blue(berry) pancakes to kick off this day to independence.

The next day was we got together to have a BBQ... friends, family, food, fun, fireworks, Shawn taking a fall... everything that makes the 4th special.

(Warning: Children please do not try this at home)

Of course, it's not a party until Uncle Mese takes the toys from the children!

Ring of Fire

2010-08-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

After all the hard work... it was time for a "Smarshmellow Party!" (Which has been happening all summer... & we have loved it... we're got Smores galore!)

How do you eat your Smore?

In my case... I am a patient roaster...marshmellows have to be just golden brown & practically falling off the stick.

Of course, there must be a good amount of Hershey's chocolate bar.

(Note: that is not my Smore... I don't do blackened marshmellows!)

After the Smore is constructed, the last step is to put it back on the fire to melt the chocolate. You know you have the perfect Smore if there is chocolate dripping everywhere!

Brick by Brick

2010-08-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Below is Shawn's sketch of our backyard plan.

In April, we decided to work on "phase one" of our backyard: pavers & a fire pit. We hired out some of the digging work to some guys at our church (Shawn didn't have enough time) and here is the before photo:

After the patio area was dug out, we ordered base & bought pavers from Orco block. My dad is amazing, and was in Vegas for business, and drove down to help with all the prep work. Unfortunately, it rained (which is rare here!) and we didn't get as far as we hoped, but he was still very helpful!

See photo below: pavers delivered, Shawn & dad planning:

My dad also helped Shawn with the footing for our "eventual" patio cover.

See Orin in the footing box below (what a cheeseball!):

After the base was laid and compacted, and a layer of sand was laid and compacted, (which was done with MUCH help from AWESOME friends), the "boys" (little & big) got to laying those pavers brick by brick... like I said AWESOME friends.

My boys were a big "help" too... well, not exactly... keep reading!

MEANWHILE, while all the work was going on outside, Orin had some "creative" ideas inside.

Note: that is indeed a CD in Orin's diaper.

He also decided to use my lip gloss as a face paint... let's just say I for one was not much help on the patio... had my hands full!

We definitely couldn't have built our patio without all the AMAZING people in our lives... we are so blessed.

See finished patio below:

Shawn also built a fire pit (we actually found these bricks @ Home Depot for a killer deal, so we decided to make the pit/seating square... but I love it!

We have absolutely LOVED having a place to hang out this summer & have been roasting lots of "smarshmellows" as Ory calls them. Orin has said multiple times that his patio is his favorite place to sit & he loves to tell people how his daddy made him a patio. Shawn did a great job...smores anyone?

Venture Ventura

2010-08-17T22:11:00.001-07:00

After a little over a week of our potty training endeavor, I loaded up the boys and

we headed to Ventura (Shawn stayed to study).

Orin loves his cousin Randy and was so excited to get to go & stay at his house.

Here were our highlights:

*Riding to their pool in a wagon... a first for my kids. Oh the joys of begin a kid

(reminds me of our trips to Kings Island, I think my brother Jake was like 10 years old riding in the wagon!)

*Swimming. Their pool rocks. It has a large ledge for the kids to walk on, one for the little ones to sit on & a hot tub! I felt like I was at a resort.

*Noodle fights!

*Walking to the park... well until both boys pooped their pants! Still working on that potty training thing!

*Watching movies (The Fox and the Hound- a classic) and eating delicious snacks- worms in dirt pudding & popcorn (Brody enjoyed eating all the seeds!)

*Being at the beach. This summer my boys are at a much better age for beach going- they both walk & have no desire to eat sand or go in the water alone (Brody hates cold water-he gets it from his Papa & mama! & Orin's actually a little scared of the waves-kind of a surprise) which makes the beach a vast sand box for them and paradise for me!

(pic taken with phone... note blur-kind of like it... no desire to load children & camera)

(Isn't Callie the cutest thing ever! Love the chub!)

*Cafe Rio! What! That's right it's hit Cali & we went two nights in a row (thanks Randy & Ashley). I was totally spoiled!

I swear they put some sort of drug in there pork salad... yum! There's just something about the mix of the sweet pork, cilantro lime dressing, melted cheese homemade tortilla- okay- now I'm totally crazing it.

Totally brings back memories of living in Provo & going there with great friends. Love the Rio!

We have so much fun and can't wait to venture back!

It's Potty Time!

2010-08-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

There were two things that I had on my "mommy do list" for the summer, so the day after school was out I...

1. Took away Brody's bottle (which was pretty much his only source of nutrition-quite frustrating!)
Note: Brody did so well adjusting. I was shocked.

(photo taken just a few days before I swipe the bottle... he he he!)

2. Potty Train Ory (definitely tired of changing TWO sets of diapers! yuck!)
After seeking some advice from my sister-in-law Ashley (who had just conquered potty training Randy), I made Orin a potty training chart & he wanted to earn a trip to cousin Randy's house!
Each successful trip to the can, meant he got to move his little car closer to his best bud's house & he loved that he was driving!
We definitely had some bumps "on the road" and well, it's been 2 months and there are still "bumps" but he's sporting those BIG BOY underwear well...

(this was the reaction I got when I asked Orin to show me his big boy underwear... look out!)

Here are some things I have learned from these two experiences:
1. Never leave Ory alone on the toilet
2. It takes a long time for them to actually TELL you they have to go (still waiting for that!)
3. Never leave home without some spare attire
4. Having a kid go in the toilet is SOO much better... but only if they make it there!
5. I often expect these changes to be quite hard, but I think sometimes it's the parent that has the hardest time making the adjustment!
Any tricks when potty training your kids?

**Post Edit: forgot to include some of the funny things that Orin does: he loves being told stories (almost always include these elements: super hero orin, dragons, castles, swords, & ropes... sometimes mommy, daddy & Brody) while he's sitting on the pot & he usually describes his poo- sick yet funny... usually they are meatballs, snakes, but sometimes you get the random turtle or shark!

6 years

2010-08-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

June 5th

{I realize it's now August, but I figure I'll try to catch-up seasonally... first up, Summer 2010!}

Shawn and I celebrated SIX years of marriage!

Six things I LOVE about Shawn:

1. He is incredibly thoughtful & generous

{he always makes sure to have your favorite soda if you come over & making or getting things for others}

2. He is forgiving... never holds a grudge... ever!

{usually he has to forgive me for something on a daily basis}

3. He is patient & understanding

{hardly ever loses his tempter or loses control... which is impressive with our "spunky" boys & his crazy wife!}

4. He is very complimentary

{he makes me feel like the most beautiful women ever & is always telling the boys, "Isn't mommy pretty!"}

5. He is a true friend

{to me & to others... he never hesitates to help someone who needs it}

6. He is devoted

{to his family-his boys LOVE him... to me... to the gospel of Jesus Christ... the list goes on & on...}

We were lucky enough to have family in town to celebrate with. Our highlights were:

The Cherry Festival Parade

I snuck away to buy Shawn some much needed sunglasses... and was able to make a much needed trip to the salon to get my hair done!

We share our anniversary with Shawn's boss, and it just so happened to be their 40th wedding anniversary....

so...

we got to spend our anniversary @ Morton's steakhouse! Which included family,

(Mason & Melina, Randy & Dixie, Ashley & Randy, & even Christine & Brigham whose anniversary is the day before ours!),

friends, and AMAZING food...

it was the perfect night!

I LOVE you Shawn!

{thanks Crissa for helping me accessorize my outfit & Carrie for babysitting!}

A Person's a Person No Matter How Small!

2010-05-02T23:48:00.001-07:00

**just spent FOREVER on this post and then something weird happened with blogger... I need blogging assistance!! I am beyond annoyed... so here we go again!

I can't believe a year ago our lil Brod was born. Time has flown by, but I just couldn't imagine my life without him! I fully intend on still trying to catch up on all that has been happening in our crazy lives, but didn't want to put off sharing all about...

Brody's 1st birthday!

(which I realize it's been over a month... if feels like it just happened!)

I was trying to think of what to do and thought about how much my boys like it when we read to them, so Dr. Seuss was perfect! I had tons of fun planning and shopping for it (thanks Johanna... we had such a fun adventure running around party planning! She helped so much and set up all the decorations at the party... couldn't have done it without her!)

Details of the party:

*While thinking about the theme, my very creative mom reminded me the Thing One/Thing Two shirts we had seen @ Universal Orlando... so excited to find them here (of course the fact that Brody was turning one... Thing One, and Orin is still two... Thing Two, was totally exciting for me... love the little details!)

*I made a cut out thingy (what do you call those?) for the kids to take pictures... (plus I thought it would be perfect for Dr. Seuss day in my classroom or my kids classrooms... do you think they'll be sick of getting their picture taken with in by junior high! I saw too bad! :)

*We played the fishing game... *Note: if I were to do this again I would: A. not use cardstock and laminate or B. make sure I had a heavy duty magnet!

*Played Pin the Star on the Sneetch!

*Did a "Book Walk" where each kid passed around Seuss characters as the Seuss music played (found some music from Seussical the Musical-didn't know about that one before!) and then when it stopped, I picked a card and the kid with the match got to pick a book. It was fun for the kids to get to take a book home and luckily we had enough! :)

*Had some Oh the Places You'll Go! activities: Pat & Hershel have a kids size Jeep and ridable train... I think this was a highlight for Ory!

*Decorations: Pat had tons of posters and stuffed animals which were perfect to use around the food table. We bought glass jars & pebbles @ the Dollar Store and $.29 fish as the center piece for all the tables. (We caught Ory climbing on the table to "hold the fish!")

Crissa was awesome and cut tons out red circles for me to spread around the white table cloths for the food & cake tables.

Johanna made "green eggs" which I know was tons of work, but I LOVE IT!

Served ham sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, goldfish (one fish, two fish), had the candy jars and of course an amazing cake by Amber & amazing cupcakes by Nia, Carrie and Melina! Had to call in Ory to help Brod on the cake... he wasn't too interested in it... unlike his brother's 1st bday (see here!)

So many people helped and I am so blessed to have such amazing family & friends! ThanksErica for the pics, Madison & Colleen for being the helpers, my in-laws for coming down and Dixie for helping watch the kids when you were having such bad knee pain!, Ally for all your help, my mom for the cute red/white striped shirt (here's a pic to prove I wore it! :)... the list goes on and on!

(had to post this pic... I look hilarious! Fong gave Brody this dinosaur pop up book with realistic sounds- obviously I was shocked!)

It was tons of fun and so glad to celebrate such a special little boy!

Brody... we love you!!

Raising the BAR

2010-02-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Shawn takes the BAR... again... for the 4th time. While talking to my mom about our battle with the BAR, she said raising the BAR seemed a better description and I TOTALLY agree! I'm not going to lie... going through this challenge hasn't been easy for us, yet I feel it has raised us up and strengthen us. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? I can see a difference in myself. Things that I had needed to do in my life, I have started to move toward them and pushed myself to do more.

So this is how we have tried to Raise the BAR:
Shawn: focused on his spiritual, mental, physical self: From working out each day, to scripture study, to BAR study, to getting a tutor... my husband has really stepped it up and I'm very proud (he did a great job in the past too, but we just tried to raise that bar a little higher this time!)
Me: MAKING dinner (healthy, maybe not creative, but hey it's a start!), trying to work out before work and if not having dance parties with the kids and chasing them everywhere! Nightly family and personal scripture study, prayer etc... those basics that I have done, but I feel like I've really tried to raise the bar for myself too!
The biggest thing for me has been to learn more about the principle of faith. In the past, I had always had this fear, a fear he would not pass. Throughout this process, I've learned to put faith in Shawn and my Heavenly Father and not fear... this has been such a wonderful lesson for me to learn. I know that everything will work out and am very blessed! I didn't always handle Shawn not passing as well as I should have, mostly because I wanted to be home with my kids, but I am grateful to have had some time to try and show Shawn that I believe in him and am a support to him.
Orin: So cute, he usually remember to pray that daddy will pass the BAR on his own. Today the first thing he said to me when I got home was "Daddy is studying and going to pass the BAR today." Such a good little support for his daddy! :)
Brody: He just continues to smile & be a pretty happy guy (although teething lately hasn't been fun for him).

Ory LOVES the song: "I Love to See the Temple" and always asks to go to the temple. So on Shawn's way to Ontario, we stopped by the temple as family. We just stood outside because the grounds were not open, but had a little prayer and Ory had to pick me a flower (one of his new favorite things to do).

Then we went to dinner @

which is one of my favorite places to eat. It was the perfect way to send Shawn off... he's ready, we're ready and we are one happy family! :) Like the song says "As a child of God I've learned this truth... A family is forever." I'm sure glad I get to spend forever with my little family!

***Post Edit: Just wanted to also say how grateful we are for such amazing friends/family! We are so blessed to have you and appreciate your love & support! :)

Adventures in Idaho: Mason vs. Food

2010-02-20T00:04:00.000-08:00

To kick off a killer trip, we HAD to stop here where Mason was prepared for his
MAN vs Food challenge! 3 pounds of beef plus fixins & fries... which would put his picture on the Wall of Fame next to our family's reining champion Ifo. Many have attempted... many have come close only to be defeated (puke).

appearing confident

not so confident

the rest of us were not so brave (shawn, ory & I shared a 1 lb burger!)

let's see if Shawn's man enough to go against the Big Jud's challenge next time! :)

Adventures in Idaho: Reunion Day 3

2010-02-19T23:45:00.000-08:00

Easter egg hunt! The kids got to go around looking for eggs and then they got a prize (Ory picked a squirt gun... not a surprise). The rest of the day was spent hanging out at the cabin and going on floats! Glenna, Melina, Carrie & I went on a float and it was hilarious!! We had a blast and I think Melina and Carrie mostly warmed up to the float by the time it was over! You'd think those Samoan girls would LoVE the water, but they did good and we had so much fun. I was also busy working on making cakes for Ory's 2nd BIRTHDAY!! (It was actually the day before, but we wanted to wait to celebrate when Shawn came THAT DAY! I was soo excited to see him. Ory even helped on his cake (he LOVES helping me in the kitchen... especially cleanin up!)

When Shawn came up (sportin a sweet beard... no not really) to the cabin the boys were so excited. Orin had been asking where "Uncle Shawn" was the whole time... you know you are gone a lot when your son calls you uncle... he he! :) So he was glad to see "uncle shawn" aka daddy again!

That night Santa came to town... he was kind enough to take a break from his summer vacation to meet with the lil girls & boys. And yes, Ory is still terrified of Santa! Poor guy!

Later that night we celebrated our little Ory-eo turning TWO! I can't believe it! He is such a fun, spunky, animated (everything he does is animated!), thoughtful & amazing little guy and has made our lives just that much more full, fun & entertaining (never a dull moment!)! I love being his mommy and am so lucky to have such an fun loving & sweet little boy!

and did I mention I was glad to have my husband back!! and so proud of all he does for us! LOVE HIM!

Adventures in Idaho: Reunion Day 2

2010-02-19T22:59:00.001-08:00

The morning started off with a Valentines breakfast and we picked names to make a Vday card for (I got my father in law & he got me... lucky girl I guess!) Then we headed out to Yellowstone where we enjoyed the beauty & wonders (stinky-hot spots... which my dad always hates) of nature. Yellowstone is one of my favorite places!

this is sooo Ory! Holding up a sword to fight Old Faithful! :)

How far am I willing to go to get a pic...

...probably too far... and I was so wishing I had my telephoto lens with me! But let me tell you, I am definitely smarter then the Asian couple that were literally soo close to the buffalo it was a bit ridiculous! Still I was glad Shawn wasn't there to tell me how stupid I was! Had I read the article about bison attacking just a week before, I think I would have pasted on the photo op and oped to just stay in the car! (To read more click here!) Those stupid California tourists! ;)
That night we had a Thanksgivingish dinner which was wonderful and took family photos, which didn't come out as good as I hoped, but with that many people it wasn't the easiest and there wasn't a lot of location options... oh well, you can see people at least... well kind of!

Adventures in Idaho: Reunion Day 1

2010-02-17T23:07:00.001-08:00

What I thought was really cool about the reunion was that each day we celebrated a different holiday! How fun to have 3 days full of celebration and the kids LOVED it!
The morning started off with a BIRTHDAY party! Each kid got to blow out his own candle and they opened up a small group present... puzzles. The kids raced to try to put them together the fastest. (Orin's team did not win- which might have been due to the fact that Ory threw some of the pieces in the rocks!)

The day was spent in West Yellowstone. Walking around the streets of the little Montana town is just so fun and of course we stop for Dairy Queen cones to, so that's a plus!

They had these painted Buffalo, which I LOVED! They reminded of my hometown Cincinnati where we had the Big Pig Gig and there were decorated pigs all over the city.

While in West Yellowstone, we went to a little museum and mini zoo. We even witnessed a bear fight (not to the death, but still it was intense & quite interesting to see!)

Right outside the museum we had a picnic and the kids had fun shooting their dollar store bow & arrows!
That night we celebrated... Halloween! Everyone (well mostly everyone... I didn't even think about a costume for me) dressed up and after dinner the kids got to go "trick or treating"! I think this may have been the kids FAvOritE holiday!

lovin the nose on lil Ifo... priceless

That night each family put on a skit. The Patterson fam did a skit where each kid would come up and cry... and the last one told the others they were crying because they didn't have a skit- courtesy of Grandpa (Ory played in the rocks in the back!)

Adventures in Idaho: Uncle Richards

2010-02-17T23:04:00.001-08:00

Those who had arrived went down to Uncle Richards for a bbq and have fun on his "farm" (well a farm to me!) This day was SO FUN and the kids (adults too) had a blast doing things that most of us never get a chance to do:
*drinking from a hose

*eating goose berries

*jumpin on the tramp

*riding the teeter tatter

*gathering chicken eggs

*goin' fishin'

*riding horses... this was for sure a highlight and Orin's favorite! He kept convincing people to take him for a ride (think he went at least 5 times!) and he would yell to the horses, "Giddy up, Giddy up horsie... faster, faster"

Carrie even was brave enough to take a ride... you rock CARRIE!

It was just so nice to get a chance to spend time as a family laughing and sharing about life.

Adventures in Idaho: Parade

2010-02-17T22:09:00.001-08:00

After a few weeks of hangin @ home... it was time for my lil men & me to take another adventure... a BIG ADVENTURE! The Gardner Family Reunion... and I drove to IDAHO as a single mom... in Shawn's bosses Mercedes even! (Note: I did have help once I made it to St. George, so I am being a bit dramatic and the kids did quite well... but still quite an adventure!) Glenna rode with us all the way from St. George to Island Park, ID. Well, Glenna and I hurried on up to the big ID to catch the St. Anthony Pioneer Day Parade! I LOVE parades and this little town has such a fun parade... Ory LOVED it (especially the candy, balloons & chocolate milk... hence his excitement)

getting candy with grandpa

proof I was there

Next stop was Uncle Richard house... where the boys experienced many firsts (as did I):
Holding newborn kittens (I was seriously stressed he would squish one!)

Riding on a ranger (I think that's what it's called)

We spend a few days in Idaho Falls spending time with Shawn's Grandma Gardner who is just so sweet! I really enjoyed looking through old family photos and hearing family stories (did not enjoy my kids waking up in the night!)
Eventually, we headed up to the cabin in Island Park where Ory was reunited with his cousins! (well some of them)

Let the wild rumpus begin!

July Adventures continue...

2010-02-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

After heading home from Sedona, the boys and I enjoyed a few weeks having fun @ the pool, going to the park & spending time with their daddy (when he wasn't studying-so not much time) I just loved being home for summer vacation... which for me mean this: showers happen at anytime of the day, hair is usually only put up in a ponytail/bun, make-up is hardly used, workout clothes are often worn all day, freedom to: take a nap (which doesn't happen, but still it could be possibility), using the restroom whenever I want- well not alone (my kids always find me)... what's not to love about that! ;)

Making sugar cookies for daddy

To blog or not to blog... that's been my question!

2010-02-16T21:26:00.001-08:00

So it's not a coincidence that my last blog dates in August... right before school starts! As I look back over my blogging history, I realize that I definitely let life push my blog to the side... I started July 2007 with the birth of Ory and had 30 entries... 2008 was reduced to 29 or so... 2009 a whopping 9 ENTRIES (poor Brod)! What's a girl to do? Again to blog or not to blog? Should I grade or blog? Should I fold laundry or blog? You get the idea. Life has gotten in the way and for that blog, I am sorry. Let's see if 2010 I can step it up a bit. So here's the dilemma: Do I skip over 6+ months of our lives or do I go back and recap our very full and fun lives? Some would say just move on, however... I just feel I can't leave out so much (it's not like I'm much better in the journal writing category either and need some proof our lil Patterson fam exists). So without further ado... and since I'm home for the week... let's see how much this blog slacker can make up!

Hmmmm... think I left off somewhere around July: in one word: ADVENTURE!
Starting in late June... the boys (meaning my lil men) and I ventured off to Utah (luckily Lindsay came along to help). We spend a few days with my wonderful in-laws: playing in the water in downtown St.George

hanging & partying with glenna

Ory was so scared of the scooter... so unlike him! I had to laugh

My boys loved spending time with their grandma & grandpa Patterson

Our next adventure brought us to Zions National Park with my family!

It was a blast to hike and enjoy the GORGEOUS red rock!
Ory loved throwing rocks in the river with his Uncle Matt & Papa... laying on the rock with Nana telling stories.

Brody just hung out, just taking it in/sleeping!

My dad & I even got a chance to hiking a ways into the Narrows, which I've always wanted to do & it was breathtaking- my kind of hiking-cool, involves water, not a lot of hills- however, we realized that you need some good footwear... my dad twisted his ankle a bit (luckily I didn't have to attempt to carry him... that would have been interesting!) My brothers & Lindsay hiked Angel's Landing. Lindsay was ready to go, wearing vans... without socks mind you! After they left, my dad was talking about the intensity of the hike and I had a complete fear for her... but should have known that the girls a Westbrook... she could handle it!

(just proof they made it alive!)

Adventure #2... Sedona Arizona!

The Nelson fam decided it was time to venture from our Florida vacations and try some place new! Wow! Sedona is AWESOME! Everywhere you looked was red rock cliffs. We spent most of our time at the pool.

Ory learned to "swim" (jump off from the stairs and glide a little underwater until I'd catch him... but still a start). He would say, "Ok, I'm brave!" and then jump in. Brody even swam a little too. We would pretty much swim in the morning... wear out the kids... put them for naps and then the best part for me... my rad brother Matt would stay with the sleeping kids while I'd read my book by the pool! :) Probably my absolute favorite thing to do!! We would get 50 cent McDonald ice cream cones,
walk around the town

going to the park

hang out @ the timeshare with the uncles

visiting Slide Rock which was definitely a highlight

we went late in the day and I was too much of a baby to go in the cold water, but it looked fun! :)
Another highlight was this:

YEAH RIGHT! That thing was right out side our door... actually it was a bit intriguing and reminded me of my early years in Vegas putting lizards in my pockets and holding the neighbors tarantula!
No... a highlight was the Fourth of July. We headed to the town right next to Sedona for fireworks, free hamburgers, blow up kid bouncers (whatever they're called), live music! I was totally amazed that that little town provided so much for free... so PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! (much better then BNG canceling their firework show this year... boo!) Anyway, we had a blast and Ory LOVED the fireworks and Brod just hung out! :)

and Kyle & I had fun messing around with photographing the fireworks!

...and the adventure will continue (this will be quite the process! :)

Farewell to Summer

2009-08-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sadly, summer has now come to an end... but what an adventure we had!! Here are some highlights of our wonderful summer!!

Drive-in Anniversary!
On June 5th Shawn and I celebrate our 5th anniversary!! These five years have been amazing and I couldn't ask for a better husband. What a great way to celebrate, with good friends @ a fun movie, UP! It was so fun to take Ory and he LOVED eating popcorn and chillin with the boys in the back of the van. Brody just chilled! My highlight was eating the SUSHI that Shawn bought for me!

We also went to breakfast (I love a good breakfast) the strawberry waffles were like a "party in my tummy... so yummy so yummy!" (Yes, Ory is still devoted to Yo Gabba Gabba)!! We then went to the Cherry Festival parade. I have always loved going to parades... but miss the candy! What's up with California and candyless parades!! :) Ory still loved see the cars, animals and AIRPLANES that flew past.

Shawn & I also went to dinner @ http://www.billyreedspalmsprings.com/ but won't recommend it. The food was okay, but it was like an expensive Denny's. It was still nice to get out without the kids and spend some time together. I'm one lucky girl!!

Father's Day

Orin LOVES to cook, so we made Shawn a special Father's Day breakfast & got him some of his favorite treats.

MORE TO COME...

bluh blog

2009-06-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay... so it's obvious I'm just not so good at this blogging thing... I'm one of those who would rather talk than type... and it's always in the back of my mind in the "to do" category (along with organizing, cleaning, grading papers!) But I'm hoping my friend Erica can help me give my blog a little pizazz!! :)

Anyway, I'm a little behind. Here are some ups and downs that have happened since... hummm... December!!

December:
Ups: 2 week vacation, Christmas with Shawn's family, watching Ory open presents and play with cousins (he got lots of balls, a guitar, a basketball hoop and a ball set... he's like his dad, into sports & not toys). Discovering that he is terrified of Santa (even when Santa was his grandpa... this is a genetic trait! Jake and I both have character phobias... Chucky Cheese, Disney characters... Ory is following suit!) Oh, and yes, this is an up... like my dad, I too secretly love torturing my kids!! Spending time with my family in Vegas! :) New Year's Eve party @ Kenny/Johanna's: karaoke, Rock Band, great food, dancing! :)
Downs: Having to go back to work! Finding out around Thanksgiving that Shawn didn't pass the BAR.

January:
Ups: Not sure where this fits, but my 19 year old brother came to live with us (hence the major decline in blogging!!) Celebrating his birthday, watching Ory learn and grow... starting talking more- loved to yell the word BALL and say please. Watched Shawn and other guys from our ward play basketball almost every Friday night & then to McDonalds! Having my parents come out to visit & for their scrapbook convention in Anaheim... I love checking out all the new scrapbook product! Going to the Children's Discovery Museum on my day off. Ory loved painting on the car and exploring... it's a fun place!
Downs: Ory stopped saying please and started saying "ssss." Watching the boys lose some of their b-ball games!

February:
Ups: I turned 27 (again where does that fit). House hunting and finding a house we liked (6 down from Kenny&Johanna) . Getting Presidents week off and getting ready for the baby to come. Buying our first washer and dryer off craigslist.
Downs: Shawn had to retake the BAR! Dealing with a shorts sale and not getting the house we liked (this could be an up... keep reading). Discovering our washing machine will cost $1600 to repair... not such a great deal after all!! This month was a blur... my mind is drawing a blank!

March:
Ups: Getting a house (video for my parents) and getting a great deal! Brody is born and is a beautiful healthy baby boy!! Orin is wild and crazy, but fun and learning more and more words each day! Going to the Pottery Barn outlet... only an hour away!! Having my mom come to help with the babies. Having Johanna help organize my house.
Downs: Moving and having a baby the same day (again could be an up!) Having to have another C-section, but really having a great recovery!

April:
Ups: Loving being on maternity leave!! :) Visiting Shawn's family in St. George & seeing Jenny & Ifo's family there too. Watching Ory hunt for Easter eggs (he opened one up, became full of excitement and said, "Money!" Shawn & I didn't even know he knew what money was!! :) Enjoying being in a house and having laundry!!! Watching Brody getting bigger and bigger and loving being with my boys. Bob (the tortiouse) coming out of hibernation.
Downs: Having my brother leave. Bob running away the same day!

May:
Ups: Brody's & Luana's blessing day...Having my dad, brother Matt and mom come to stay with us... my dad painted a ton (pictures coming soon)!!! He's amazing! Matt was hilarious and I really loved having them here. My mom made me cute pillows and we would go shopping. Went to the Circus with the Summers fam! Ory loved seeing the animals, especially the poodles who did what Orin calls "cool tricks." Went to Morton's for Mother's Day (they are having a deal!) Got spoiled with all the extra help! Hung out with my cousin Emily & her cute kids. Getting a new tortoiuse (Bob II) from the vet clinic.
Downs: Shawn didn't pass the BAR. Bob II ran away the same day!

June: (so far)
UPs: Enjoyed all the end of the school activities... field day, 4th grade promotion (cried again when I talked about my 2 special award for students-so embarrassing-guess that's a down! :) Still loving Ory's stage where he learns & talks more and more... likes counting to himself in the car. Cooking with Ory and being free to go to the park and pool and working out. Wonderful anniversary (I'll post on that too!) Decorating and painting and thinking of painting!
Downs: Poor Shawn is stressed about studying! Kids keep tagging our back fence... thankfully Lynn sent us some blackberry bushes and we are working on getting those to grow! Thanks Lynn... you are so thoughtful!

Happy Birthday Uncle Matt!

2009-06-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother Matt's birthday!! Matt is awesome!! He is definitely my favorite person!! Matt is just cool... He has tons of friends, everyone knows him (especially @ Kroger, the grocery store where he has worked since he was like 16!!!) He is funny... he just come out for a visit and the first thing he says to Shawn is "Don't worry Shawn, I'm fat too!!" Classic. The comment for me was, "Darcy, you almost skinny!" So true Matt... almost is right!! He is a hard worker and very helpful... I'm trying to convince my parents to let him live with us (switching Kyle for Matt seems like a fair trade!!) He is an amazing dancer... his specialty... Michael Jackson. He's got some sweet moves. Matt, bud, we love you! :) You have always made life for me just a little more special!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2009-04-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Baby Brody

2009-03-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Brody Shawn Patterson
Born March 20, 2009
8 lb 6 oz

The baby is coming.....

2009-03-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Shawn here...

This is just a quick note to all of the loyal blog readers that await a new post from us each day.

We are scheduled for a C-section at the Redlands hospital at noon today. Also on the agenda for today is closing escrow on our house.

I don't know how it happened this way but that is just the way it is. We would appreciate any prays sent our way and I will do my best to get pictures of the little guy up as soon as possible.

Thanks for everything!!

Our family

2009-02-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post some pictures of our family that we took around Christmas time!! (Still catching up!!) :)

Update

2009-01-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

(I started this post like a month ago... It's going to take me a while to catch up!)

Well I guess I'll go way back to Thanksgiving! We had a really nice time at the Wilson house (Shawn's boss). Mason and fam, Randy and fam and Kenny and Johanna came. The best part of the night was that Hershel bought them a train they could ride on. They had a blast!! Ory was even able to figure it out on his own and it was a really nice Thanksgiving. I have so much in my life to be thankful for!! :) I truly am blessed: to have 2 wonderful boys in my life and ANOTHER on the WAY!! (Sad I'm just now mentioning it, and I still haven't taken a picture, so i'll get to that!), an awesome job and great friends at work; amazing family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and so much more. I feel so blessed each day! :)

Watching the Parade

Riding on the Wilson's train

football

*I'll put up more pictures when I have the patience... It has taken like 2 hours to do one!! This is why I haven't been blogging!!

Happy Birthday Senior Citizen

2008-12-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

My dad is an amazing man!! I have always felt close to him and am very lucky to have such a wonderful dad! He's the best grandpa ever and Ory loves his Papa (he said his name a few days ago... too cute!!) Thanks for always being there for me dad... I love you! (Can wait to take you out for the 55+ discounts dinners!!) Not sure they'll believe you though, you still look pretty good!

Halloween

2008-11-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

Since Ory is obsessed with Bob (our tortoise) I thought it would be cute to dress him as a tortoise for Halloween (thanks Ashley for finding the costume). It was a fun day, and my sister in law Ashley came and helped me in my classroom, which made Halloween so fun for my students. We had them feel some "body parts" and read them a story to go with it! I love seeing them freak out thinking they are touching wrinkled ears and brains... it's great!! We made bubbling apple cider (dry ice) and screaming balloons this is a great website: http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/ Then we went to the ward Halloween party... we had a great time!!

Ward Luau

2008-11-30T22:30:00.001-08:00

Mason aka Chief... really he has a chief title

Ory on stage

He's too cute!

Johanna and me after our "performance"

Sila... the natural!

Nia was too cute!

One of my favorite things about living in California is our annual ward luau!!! It is so fun, especially since it brings me back to my PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center) days were I was lucky enough to wear a mumu!! And it's really fun to watch all my family members showing off their incredible skills!! (I even danced, which I'm sure is not the highlight of the show... it's more a break for Nia and Carrie!! :) Ory even got to show off some of his moves... and of course we were not disappointed by Mason's fireknife show!! Way to go BNG champion!!! :)

grandparents

2008-11-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

Ory is so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents on both sides (they came to visit at different times in September!!)

still catching up...

2008-11-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Stagecoach days parade... Ory looks so big sitting on the curb!! :) He loved watching the parade this year!!

My cousin Whitney

2008-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Whitney got married in September and it was incredible. They really look like a fairytale couple, and the wedding was a fairytale wedding. They were married in the Salt Lake temple and the reception was at the Grand America hotel in SLC. It was gorgeous. They had tons of food, a mash potatoe martini bar, candy bar, chocolate area, photo booth, live band, and on!! My sister Jenna has always been really close to Whit and couldn't be there because she is on her mission, so it was so fun to be there and take some pictures (I'm a few months behind on this and I think my cousins have already posted some!!) :) It really was such a special day and I'm glad I could be apart of it! I love you Whitney!! :)

slackin

2008-10-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

I am finally blogging... seriously, since I've started back to work the days turn into months!! Time is flying... Orin is now 14 months and a wild man. He loves to climb, stop his feet, scream (happy and sad screams!!... especially when i don't let him play in the toilet... I'm so mean!!), he still loves to be read too, watching yo gabba gabba, and trying to carry around our tortoise Bob!! He started walking a few weeks after he turned one, so now he's practically running around trying to keep up with his older cousins.
Last month, seriously September flew by, I went to my cousin Whitney's wedding... it was amazing. She was gorgeous and it was a dream wedding, they are such a cute couple!! Then my mom came and babysat ory for a week!!! Shawn parents and sister Jenny were here to visit and my dad came last weekend... so it's be really fun having family around! Ory is really spoiled to have such amazing grandparents on both sides!!! I'll have tons of pictures to share... soon, hopefully before next month!! :) Here is one i took this weekend at Hershel's barn. We've been getting peaches from there and they are incredibly good!! Ory doesn't usually like peaches (he likes almost everything else though!!), and Shawn made some wonderful peach pie tonight!! Also coming soon... Stagecoach Days 2008- we had a fun weekend with Randy and Ashley and the Summers- Happy Birthday Johanna!!! :)

happy birthday to my ory-o!

2008-08-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

Mason and Melina made these amazing cakes!!! Seriously, so impressed.

Orin's ONE!! Well exactly a month ago that is! I can't believe it has been a year... but in someways I feel like I don't remember life without him in it! He makes our lives so much fun and I just love being his mom! We had so much fun @ his birthday party... thanks to his amazing/talented aunt and uncle and fun friends!!
(pictures tomorrow... i'm spent! :)

home sweet home

2008-08-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Okay... so I'm a little behind... at least my blog is only a month behind, my journal unfortunately is about a year behind!! :) In July Ory and I went to Cincinnati to visit my family while Shawn prepared for the Bar... here are some highlights.
*playing on my dad's new golf green, this was orin's favorite!

*swimming in the pool

*eating corn on the cob

*dinners on the new deck
*ory's 1st hair cut

*seeing fireflies and enjoying the gorgeous green trees
*playing with uncles

*going to Chicago and Ory playing with papa (especially downtown in the splash pool)

*getting $1.50 cheesecake on Orin's 1st bday & going to dewey's pizza (the best pizza ever!!)

*scrapbooking
*watching matt bowl

*seeing my cousin Emily and fam & friends for Cincy

*waking up and Orin was already having breakfast :)!!!
We had such a great time!! :) I love going home to Cincy... it's such a beautiful place and I love going back to visit!

4th of July BNG style

2008-07-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

We had a blast this 4th of July. Shawn's parents and sister Christine & fam were in town which is always really fun. We had a wonderful breakfast at Gus Jr.'s... they have the best french toast. We then headed to the Moreno Valley Mall and the kids loved playing in the play place. Then we had a fun BBQ at Pat and Hershel's house... the steaks were amazing! Pat gave the kids bubbles and they wore these cute sparkly red/white&blue hats. That night we went to the fireworks at Nicolet stadium with Dave and Chelsey, Kenny and Johanna and our other Banning friends, and the Westbrook family too. I feel so grateful to live in such a wonderful country. God bless America!

love birds tag

2008-07-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you and your husband meet? We first met in King Henry apartments in Provo, Utah. I was in Randy Mart's, Shawn's brother, freshman ward. So my sophomore year, Shawn and I both lived in King Henry. We have different times that we remember meeting each other. Shawn says that he remembers meeting me when I came over to his apartment to see Randy... but I don't remember him then. I really remember hanging out with him with my cousin and his friends... we hopped the fence to go hot tubing at Belmont. The Banning boys were arguing about how to lose weight or something... so typical!

2. First thing said? I don't know... I guess we just got introduced to each other, again... not too memorable! At least not for me... that is so sad huh!!!

3. First date? Well our first date was is January 2002. Shawn called me up and we went to dinner and a movie with his newly married sister Jenny and her husband Ifo. I was a little intimidating... Ifo played for the BYU football team and ordered the monster burger at Red Robin... he thought it was way too small!! :) We then went to Ocean's Eleven (I had already seen it). After, we went back to my apartment... which was totally awkward!! We sat on separate couches and talked a little. Our next date was a YEAR later!!

4. First kiss? On our second date... keep in mind this was a year after the first... so we had been friends for a year! We went shooting and to Black Angus for dinner. Then we went to my apartment and watched Blue Crush... I think I pretty much made the move- Shawn had a cold sore, but I didn't notice... so he says that's why he wasn't making the move first! :)

5. When "I Love You's" were first said: Again I'm pretty sure I was the instigator on that one... Shawn's a slow mover, but he had liked me much long and so I was pretty confident he felt the say way! We were at the trailer and I'm still the one that says I love you more!!

6. Long or short courtship/engagement? As you can see... it was stretched out: 1 year from 1st to 2nd date, 1 year till we were engaged, 5 1/2 month engagement.

7. Where did you get engaged? We got engaged February 2004... I was student teaching... students brought in flowers... each one with a note, it spelled out will you marry me and then Shawn came in got down on his knee and asked me if I'd marry him! It was so cute and he even gave some one a camera so I could have pictures! So thoughtful!

8. Where were you married? Redlands Temple, June 5th 2004... it was an incredible day! I loved it!

9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? My parents gave us a Mexican cruise for our honeymoon!! It was amazing!! :) We went for a week and traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta... we even got a balcony room.

10. Where did you make your first home? Our first home was Shawn's grandma's trailer. It was great because it was just a few blocks from the school where I was teaching and it was really inexpensive. It had been quite the bachelor pad before that though!!

*I'm at my mom's visiting, but I'll have to put up some pictures of Shawn and I when we were dating when I get back!

Okay ladies, I am passing on the tag...so I want to hear Melina, Chelsey, Jen, Theresa, Lynn, and Emily's love stories... and everyone elses:)!!!

clean sweep

2008-07-10T21:44:00.001-07:00

a few weeks ago my friend Johanna came over to help me organize my office (my mom's already made an attempt too... but this time we'll keep it up!! :) I wish I had a before shot! While we were working this is what the boys were doing!

firsts

2008-06-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

the 1st nelson sister missionary!! Sister Nelson is in the MTC!! It was soo hard to say good-bye, and I still have to remind myself I can't just pick up the phone to call her... I miss her like crazy, but I'm so proud of her! I realize that although I need my sister, there are people in Germany and Austria who need the gospel and frankly what a cute little spiritual messenger she makes!!

my 1st time cutting my hair shorter then my shoulders! I'm loving it!! :) Chelsey did an amazing job as usually... thanks Chels! :)

2008-06-15T09:57:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Bob... the tortoise

2008-05-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

For graduation, our friends Crissa and Jeremy gave Shawn a tortoise!! Definitely the most unusual gift... but they have 2 and Shawn had mentioned before that he has always be interested in tortoises! So here is our first family pet. He is named Bob because when Ory first say him he kept saying Bob and Bop (at least that's what it translated to for us!) At first Orin was cautious, but now we have to watch him closely because he loves to crawl after Bob and attack him!!! Luckily I was able to snap some picture of the two of them together... I was showing Bob off to the neighborhood kids and they were all getting Orin's attention... one thing Ory likes better than Bob is to show off!!! :)

catching up

2008-05-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I feel like I just did a post but it's been a month!!! Time is just flying by!! One month ago, Ory started crawling... it's fun to see him "exploring" and he loves it. He discovered people food (especially during Jenna's b-day... he loved the b-day cake!!!) and he tends to scream for food whenever he sees someone eating! (Reminds me of his Uncle Matt who always claims, "I like food too much!") He's getting to have quite a personality, he loves me crawling after him, laughs when I tell him no!, is really ticklish, and is climbing and trying to get into everything... we're still working on baby proofing, good thing he's mostly at Melina's!!

Shawn graduated! I'm so proud of him. I wasn't expecting to get emotional, but when I first saw him walking out in his cap and gown I was fighting back tears. It's been a long three years, but looking back it's gone quick and I'm so proud of all Shawn has accomplished!! I just feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband!! :)

I'm counting down the days until school is out for summer... 14 days!! It couldn't come soon enough, these 4th graders are tough and so mean to each other! So between that and photography I'm keeping busy and so is Nia with all my housework I don't get to!! :) hehehe!! Here's some pictures from the past month!!! (Encinitas, Cincinnati, Provo, Graduation, 9 month photos)

Congrats!!

2008-04-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Shawn finished his last day of law school yesterday!!! I'm so proud of him for how hard he's worked the past 3 years!! I love you babe!!
(this is a picture of him on the first day of law school... cute huh!! :)

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2008-04-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my mom, my advisor, my psychiatrist, my cheerleader, my organizer, my scrapbooker, my listener, my friend! Thanks mom for all the "roles" you play in my life! I feel so blessed to have a mother who has always put her children first. I love you!!

Hawaii

2008-04-25T22:31:00.001-07:00

Finally our update on Hawaii... we loved it!! Everything was perfect. As soon as we got in the rental car, we turned on the radio to hear IZ singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"... I can't believe Ben and Lynn get to live like that daily!!! I think Shawn said it best, "we came, we saw, we ate everything" or something like that. Here are some highlights:
1. The food (especially the macadamia nut sauce pancakes... the review claims it so good you could like it off a homeless man... that's pretty much true!!)
2. The beaches... especially Lanikai- it's so amazing... fine white sand, clear water to snorkel!!!
3. The sights, I think Shawn liked seeing Pearl Harbor and I enjoyed my return to the PPC (Polynesian cultural center... and this time I wasn't there to seat and scrape plates:)
4. The stay... Ben and Lynn's place was great, they were amazing hosts and tour guides!
5. The beauty... what can I say it's paradise!!
I'm already dying to go back... thanks Ben and Lynn!! :)

finally...

2008-04-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

So... we're back! It's been a while, but things have been crazy!! Orin seems to be a constant state of sickness (Mason's theory is he's Mr. Glass and I'm Unbreakable since I claim I have no idea where he gets it because I don't get sick!!) But things are starting to get better... he had the stomach flu while in Cincinnati, pink eye, then teething (his second top tooth broke through today!!), ear infection, then pink eye again, thrush again, then bad cough, back to lots to breathing treatments... Yeah, he's a little high maintenance. But, he's started to crawl around and climb... it's fun to watch him learn!!
Shawn's been really busy with school... and he's had these clinic hours at the family law clinic in Pomona. He missed us when we were gone in Cincy and Utah!! (more on that later). He graduates in MAY!!!! I can't wait for August when I get to see him each night at 5!!!
I've been busy trying teaching, and the usual... I loved having a break and seeing my family... we all wished Ory was not sick, but we'll be back in July! I got to visit my good friend Tiffany and her cute baby Izzy, and my cousin Em and her cute baby Molly (and Ethan too). Then we got to hang out with my sister Jenna on her 21st birthday... we got a little wild with the Martineliies. I'm loving my new camera Shawn got me!!! :) I tend to spend my "free time" taking/editing pictures... thus the reason my house looks like a war zone!!
(pictures to follow)

Beach Baby

2008-03-13T21:43:00.001-07:00

(Our incredible trip to Hawaii... to be continued)

I'm too sexy...

2008-02-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

Ory does these funny little poses now... he loves tub time and generally gets me soaked from his tsunami splashes!

called to serve...

2008-02-21T22:16:00.001-08:00

My gorgeous sister Jenna opened her mission call today... June 18th she will enter the MTC to serve in the Munich, Germany and Austria mission!! I am extremely excited and proud of my little sister. Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but a truly amazing person... I look up to her in so many ways!! She'll be an incredible missionary- and she loves the area. Last year she went on a study abroad to Vienna... so it'll be like going home for her!! Jenna I love you!!

half birthday...

2008-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Ory is 6 months old (last Wednesday... I'm a little behind!) I can't believe this little man has been in my life for half a year already! He is just so much fun and at this point I just love being a mommy! It's amazing to see how much he is changing... he can roll over, is pretty good at sitting up, both his bottom teeth came through, loves to scream (just for fun... my sister jenna thinks it's hilarious!), he's eating baby food (which his uncle matt thought he should have been eating from day 1!), he giggles so much, he loves to smack at things and grab anything in reach, the cutest thing he does is when I pick him up from Melina's he gives me hugs and kisses!! I look forward to that all day long... it makes my heart melt! Can't wait to see what's in store for this little man as he continues to grow!
(we are having a difficulty with napping and putting himself to sleep... any suggestions would be great :)

Happy Birthday Kyle

2008-01-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today my brother Kyle turns 18... that is starting to make me feel very old! Here are 18 fun facts about Kyley-wiley... through his big sister's perspective!
1. He used to throw a temper tantrum when he didn't get to buy something at the dollar store (I was soo embarrased)... he still does this at times!
2. As a baby he had adorable chubby cheeks... that must be where Ory get's it!
3. Nickname as a baby was Mr. Chubbers... as a kid "Denis the Meenace" because of his cow lick
4. When he was a kid, hated when we would sing, "Kyley-wiley puddin pie, kissed the girls and made them cry"
5. Loved the camera as a kid... always had a fun personality
6. He liked to dress up in costumes (still does I think... see picture below!!)

7. I will never forget the day Kyle broke "the pot"
8. He could recall facts from commericals as soon as he could talk
9. When he was little he wanted to grow up to be a dad... he's always been great with kids
10. He still loves cartoons

11. He hates the texture of certain pasta noodles
12. Requires little sleep (my mom used to make me sit outside his bedroom so he wouldn't escape during nap time)!
13. A natural athlete... La Cross, Hockey, football
14. Has his own style... can pull off a mullet
15. People had compared his looks to Lord of the Rings character Frodo Baggins

16. Loves to have fun
17. He is a awesome uncle

18. Always picks good friends to surround him and doesn't gossip

2008-01-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

He does smile too!

funny faces

2008-01-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

Orin has soo many different looks... it's funny to see his little personality coming out! I just had to share some of the funny looks he makes!

(he makes this look when it's windy)

a month late...

2008-01-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our Christmas this year... we had a blast!!! I loved being with my baby for 2 full weeks and spending time with family. Ory got soo spoiled and it was fun to watch my family interact with him! He really adds so much to our family and we had an incredible Christmas!

Poor little Ory

2008-01-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

Orin has been sick now for almost a week! He has RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and has to do breathing treatments every 4 hours... he's not a fan of these!! Shawn has pretty much been the one taking care of him-Orin is one lucky boy to have such a great dad. Today when Shawn took him to the doctor they found that he has an ear infection in both ears!! This little boy is sure tired of being sick... and so is his parents... and so is his auntie Melina!!! But he does look rather cute in his mask! I think there is nothing quite as sad is having your baby sick!!

Also this week, our black Explorer broke down (while I was at the doctors office... it sounded like gears grinding-not good...I was trying to push it into a spot by myself... that was interesting, but I got some much needed help). Then the next day when I was headed to work, the white Explorer wouldn't start either... needless to say it's been one of those weeks!!

Pictures of our Christmas will be coming soon!

yes... we're still alive

2008-01-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

Wow... it's been over a month... time sure does seem to fly by!! This is mostly just a quick note to say that there will be more to come. I seem to be overwhelmed by all there is to do, so let the juggling begin!! We spend Christmas with my family, which was so much fun... it was a month of firsts for Orin:
first time meeting his Nelson uncles
first Christmas/New Years
first time swimming (Florida was 80 degrees and sunny:)
first time rolling over by himself (that just happened yesterday!)
first time going on a safari ride (Animal kingdom)
first time being on an airplane (he did quite well... i was so relieved)
I'll have pictures and more updates to follow...

Happy Birthday... to my hero!!

2007-12-01T16:48:00.001-08:00

Today is a very important person's birthday... my dad!! I have the greatest dad ever... He has always been there for me (literally, he's job was so flexible most of the time he was home :) He has always been such a good listener and talker!! He is a wonderful role model, patient and caring!! And most of all, he is an incredible grandpa!!! I am such a lucky girl!!

Divison II Ohio State Champions... Anderson REDSKINS!!!

2007-12-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

They did it!!! Anderson is now the Division II State champs!! Shawn and I were even able to watch every second of it... it was televised on Dish network. Yesterday was pouring rain all day and I was so excited to come home, watch the game and eat Cincinnati Chili!!! To my surprise, Shawn had the same thing in mine and when I walked through the door I instantly could smell the amazing aroma... it was a flash back in time of when on those rain days my mom would have a pot of Cincy chili sizzling on the stove! I couldn't have been happier!!! Kyle played great... had an interseption, knocked the ball away a few times... it was soo fun to watch!! It looked just like a college game, with instant replay, stats, etc. Kyle we are so proud of you!!! Great job!!!

"Anderson's (1) Kyle Nelson annd (5) Brian Schlosser break up a pass intended for Louisville's (9) Brandon Mathie in their OSHAA Division II State Championship game in Massilon Friday November 30, 2007."

2007-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

"Kyle Nelson celebrates after Anderson's 35-20 win over Ashland in an Ohio Division II semifinal Nov. 23, 2007, in Dublin, Ohio"... way to go Kyle!!! His team is one game away from being the first Anderson team to take STATE!! We are so proud!!

Go REDSKINS!!!

2007-11-23T08:04:00.001-08:00

Go, Go, G-O, Come on Kyle let's GO!!
My brother Kyle has his football play-off game tonight!! This is his senior year and the Anderson Redskins have had an incredible season. Last week they beat out our rival high school with seconds to go. I've been so sad that I haven't been able to attend, so this week Ory wanted to show his support for his awesome uncle! As my nephew Mese would say, "kick their as!!!" We are soo proud of you Kyle and know you'll do great! Love ya!

3 month pictures

2007-11-14T20:48:00.000-08:00

So I've been trying to take pictures of Orin for weeks now... he's already not cooperating during my "photo shoots!" I thought they were suppost to be easy to photograph at this age!! Notice the stink face, he gets that from his aunt Jenna!! :) He's growing up soo fast. He giggles and grabs at things... he loves to take out his binky, but doesn't quite get it back in himself (he's gotten it back in upside down though)! Whenever we put him on the ground he moves his legs and arms around like a wild man... I think he'll be quite the mover!! He's just soo much fun!

monkey see, monkey do

2007-11-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

We finally got the boys (Randy and Ory) together to take pictures in their monkey costumes! You can tell by the end they were really loving it!!

what a wild month...

2007-11-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

We're finally back to blogging!! What a crazy... fun month we've had!! We have had something going on every weekend this month, which just makes life full of fun! We went to Disneyland (I haven't been there since I learned my ABC's..., but I've been to Disneyworld tons of times, so it was fun to compare!) It was such a wonderful weekend and we stayed at Dave and Chelsey's!! I swear she should open a bed and breakfast... I can't remember the last time I woke up to the smell of bacon!! They were such wonderful hosts! We went to the beach where Shawn tried to surf!!! It was fun to spend time with the Naef clan, we miss them tons :).

Nani turned ONE!!! Yeah... she is such a cutie!! That same day we went to the pumpkin patch twice, once with Nickie and her adorable girls and then later with Ryan and Jen and Randy and Ashley. I just love the fall... apple cider, pumpkins, and fall leaves, (which I miss HORRIBLY!!!)

Halloween was full of chaos... but with 31 fourth graders, I just embrased it! Orin was a monkey and I was his zoo keeper. The weekend before we went to Sara and Kit's house for a Halloween party and it was so much fun!! We dressed up as the USA world champion tennis doubles team or something like that!! Shawn did a good job getting together our costumes with in a few hours. So that was our fun filled, busy busy month and November seems to be just as jammed pack!!

One handsome lil man!!! Or at least his mommy thinks so!!

2007-10-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Like father, Like son

2007-10-19T22:30:00.001-07:00

(this is not a recent picture... this is Orin like 5 pounds ago! :)

Stagecoach Town USA

2007-10-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

YEE HAW!!! A few weekends ago was Stagecoach Days! Now that I am a very official Banning resident (I now know way more people than Shawn... which is a little weird), I always look forward to Stagecoach days. We took Orin to his first rodeo (which was absolutely freezing and I don't think he enjoyed too much), but it was Melina's first time too and it was fun! Then of course Saturday morning was the parade... about 5 of my students were in it... it's so cute to see how excited they get when they see me in public- I always thought my teacher's lived at school, so I try hard to explain that I have a life away from the classroom!

Luau... Banning style

2007-10-07T15:44:00.001-07:00

The weekend we blessed Ory was the weekend of the Ward Luau... which we all look forward to all year long! Who can't resist good food, great music, Tahitian booty shakin, and half dressed, sweaty boys!!! Good times!!

we're still alive...

2007-10-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Wow... time is moving fast!! I can't believe we haven't written in a month! I started work september 17- hense the excuse for not blogging! It was really hard!! the whole week before I felt like my heart was breaking, but we're all getting adjusted and Orin is with Melina so he is very well loved and taken care of. But I still miss him... he's just too cute! Orin was blessed on September 23rd, and so was baby Randy. Both our parents were there and my sister... it was soo sad to see them leave and I was sooo excited from Orin to meet his papa!!

beach baby

2007-09-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Orin's first trip to the beach! We went to Oceanside with Mason, Melina, Randy and Ashley and some families from our ward. It was a really fun day... but it was definitely not the same as our baby free trips. Life's now a constant worry... is he too hot, too cold, is the sand on him, wind hitting his face... but I wouldn't trade it for anything! Orin was looking pretty stylish in his little beach hat! Check out those cheeks!

family

2007-09-10T12:17:00.001-07:00

Orin has two wonderful families. My mom came to help us and stayed for two weeks! It was such a lifesaver to have her. I drove out toward LA to visit Christine and her family and it was great seeing them. Then last week Shawn and I went up to St. George to surprize his parents... we were both really excited and couldn't wait... Shawn loves surprizing people! Glenna was in on it and we met them at Wingers. When Dixie saw us she was is tears, it was the reaction we were hoping for!! We even made it up to Provo for baby Ifo's blessing, so Orin has now been able to meet everyone on Shawn's side of the family. I had been looking forward to having my sister meet baby Ory and it was so fun to be with her. We are looking forward to next weekend when Orin will meet his grandpa!!!

dad duty

2007-09-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to school for the First Day.. so I could meet my class and basically do some intimitating!! So Shawn got the baby ready and took him to Melina's for a hour or so. When I showed up to pick Orin up, he had on the cutest onesie, but it was a bit large!! Umm... it was the one I made for him to wear next Father's Day, a 12 month size! I had to laugh because I thought back to my mismatched outfits and funny hair when my dad was incharge of getting us ready. But Shawn, you do rock!! You're an incredible dad... Orin's so lucky!

sleeping babies

2007-08-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure there is anything cuter than a sleeping baby... I keep trying to get shots of Orin sleeping but he always seems to wake up!

and more...

2007-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

more pictures

2007-08-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

photo shoots

2007-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

I know we haven't updated our blog much... I'm still learning how to do this. Anyway, Orin is doing great and we love having him... I think Shawn and I feel a little more complete. I've been trying to take pictures, and even get anxious that I don't have enough good ones and he just keeps growing everyday! (I get a little photo obsessed and need to chill... I know!!) We are a little sleep deprived but happy. During that first week home, Shawn was so sleep deprived that when he woke up and saw that I was nursing he asked me if the baby needed his cookies... random! Here are a few of the pictures from the past few weeks-

coming home

2007-08-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Orin Talbot Patterson

2007-07-31T15:55:00.001-07:00

He is here!!!!

2007-07-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

It took a while but he finally decided to grace us with his presence. For those of you who have not yet heard the stor I will attempt to summarize the key point quickly since I am on a quick trip home from the hospital to update the blog and take a shower.
Log story short...Darcy woke me up around 4:30 A.M. on Monday morning thinking that her water had broken. She wasn't sure though since there wasn't that much water. Also the fluid did have a green tinge to it so we were worried that he had already gone #2 so we called the hospital and they told us to come in.
We got to the hospital and they hooked Darcy up so that they could monitor both the Bay and her at the same time and tested the fluid to see if in fact her water had broken. That test came beack in the affirmitive. So they admitted us to the hospital. The Doctor on call decided that it would be best to allow Darcy to go into laabor by herself so he did not start any pitosin(sp). So about 6 hours later we were just chillin in the room reading Harry Potter when the nurse came in and put Darcy on her side gave her oxygen and then waited while watching the Babies heart rate. It was falling way below where it should have been so she warned us that if his heart rate did not come up a C-Section was in our immediate future.
The Doctor then came in and checked her to see if she was dialated(sp). Unfortunately nothing had changed in fact when we got there the nurse had said that she was a finger tip but the Doctor said that she was completely closed. So he decided to put her on some thing that would stop any labor to give the baby a rest but the heart rate continued to fall so we went in for an emergency C-Section.
In the end it wasn't what we planned but besides a breif stay in the NICU Baby Orin Talbot Patterson is perfectly fine and Darcy is doing well.
Mom and Dad are a little tired but besides that we don't have any complaints. I am going to poat a bunch of Photos following this post. I hope you like them.