Getting Caught Up

- I have been tagged by both Raimi and Karly. So scroll down and see the two posts below.

- Mason has learned how to crawl down our stairs. He has loved the freedom of being able to go anywhere in our house. I am not too sure about it because I can't seem to keep him out of the cat food and water. I guess we are going to have to invest in a kitty door, and hope we can find one that he can't get through.

- Ethan had his first real wipe out on his bike and of course he wasn't wearing his helmet. He had a pretty good gash in his head which probably could have used a couple of stitches but I just glued it together with some liquid bandage that I keep on hand. His Dad has made such a big deal out of him having a really cool scar that Ethan is now wearing it with pride.

I know I'm a terrible Mother for not taking him to the doctor but I figure if I can clean it out really well to prevent infection why spend the money on a doctor when I can do just as good of a job. I guess if it had been Holly I might have taken her because girls are a little more sensitive about there looks. And that is a big "might".

Before..

After...
- Ethan has had this loose tooth in the front, bottom of his mouth for about a week and a half. I have been telling him to keep wiggling it so that it can come out. Well he hasn't been very good about it and now his permanent tooth is growing in behind it. I am taking him to the dentist in about an hour to have it taken care off. Now if I can get him to work on pushing that new tooth into place so that we don't have to look forward to braces when he gets older. That is my goal. Ryan had to have braces, but I didn't because my Mom had me massage each of my teeth in so I wouldn't have to have braces. So guess what - my Mom was right and Ethan is going to get to do the same thing that I had to. Then he can take pride in a dentist telling him what perfect teeth he has someday.

- My friend Lesli got us tickets to see Twilight on Friday night! I'm so excited not only to see the movie but to get out of the house with no kids and enjoy some time friends. I don't do that very often and it is starting to show in my stress levels. So Ryan and I have talked about it and it is our goal to give me some "Mommy" time. I really need Ryan to support me in this because I'm the type of person who won't do it unless it is made easy for me to do. I just don't do things for myself. I have major guilt, why I don't know. Well maybe I guess I have just watched my Mom not take any time for herself all my life and just grew up thinking that is what being a Mom is. So now I have to make myself relearn the definition of Mom.

That's it for now. Don't forget to scroll down for the "tag" posts.

Husband Tagg - Karly

My friend Karly tagged me awhile ago. Sorry it has taken me so long.


1. Where did you meet your husband?
His Mom set us up on a blind date.

2. How long did you date?
We dated 3 or 4 months, then took a year break, went out on one date, took another year break and then dated 1 month before we got engaged.

3. How long have you been married?
12 1/2 years

4. What does he do that surprises you?
How excited he still gets about cool new toys.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
His tummy, believe it or not. I'm top heavy and with his belly we fit just right when we hug.
I also like his eyes.

6. What is his best quality?
His youthful enthusiasm

7. Does he have a nick name for you?
Just Barb. Well sometimes he calls me "Mother" which I hate!!

8. What is his favorite food?

Sushi

9. What is his favorite sport?

Baseball. Hockey is a close 2nd.

10. When & Where was your first kiss?
When - about two weeks after we first started dating.
Where on my front porch. He very shy-ly asked me if he could before hand, I might add.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Well this is a family blog, so...watching movies.

12. Do you have children?
3

13. Does he have hidden talents?
His Bryan Boytano (the skater - I'm not sure how to spell his name) impression.

14. How old is he?
36

15. Who said I love you first?
He did - after our 2 year break I sure wasn't going to say it.

16. His favorite music?
Hard Rock

17. What do you admire most about him?
His childish enthusiasm

18. What is his favorite color?
I don't think he really has one, but if I had to pick maybe red?

19. Will he read this?
Yes!

20. Who do you tag?
Anyone who would like to take it.

Tag of Two's - Raimi

Ryan's cousin Raimi tagged me...so here it goes.

1. Two names you go by.
Mom
Hey you

2. Two things you are wearing right now.
Jeans
Pink top

3. Two things you want right now.
Sleep
Kids that listen

4. Two things you did last night.
Cleaned up the days destruction
Watched "The Closer"

5. Two things you ate today.
Diet Mt. Dew
Chocolate Muffin

6. Two favorite drinks
Diet Mt. Dew
Raspberry Lemonade

What a Difference a Ryan Makes

So as promised I will divulge what I did for Ryan for his off site"retreat". His boss Deanne, called me the last day Ryan was in Driggs and told me that on their off site they were going to have the theme of "Differences" as in what a difference each person makes. She wanted to do a presentation on not just the difference they make at work but the difference they make in their own homes. So she asked me to write something up tell everyone how Ryan makes a difference in his home life.

Well Ryan came home the next day and I didn't have a chance to write it until he went back to work a week latter as he took the week of Halloween off. That Monday I sat down and wrote this out and even sent pictures, although Ryan says they didn't use the pictures which he was happy for. So here is what I wrote...

Ryan influence is everywhere in his family life and the differences he makes is felt by all he comes in contact with.

Ethan, Ryan's eldest son says that "He has the best Dad because he always plays with him". (See picture)

Holly, Ryan's only daughter says that "He is the best Dad because he is always there to keep bad dreams away when she gets scared at night". Ryan always lets her cuddle up to him and makes her feel safe and warm. (See picture)Mason, Ryan's youngest son is only 1 but Ryan is always on the floor with him playing with him and encouraging him to walk and play with the big kids.
You see, Ryan is a big kid at heart. I believe that makes the greatest Dad. He just understands the kids so much better than others, because he is one of them. Even the neighbourhood kids come over just to play with Ryan.

Ryan lets his kids be kids and tells them not to be is such a big hurry to grow up because being a kids is the best time in life, and there will always be time for grown up things latter.

At the same time he teaches his kids to be respectful and to use good manners in word and deed. You really don't see that too much anymore, kids respecting their elders, and in our house he insists upon it.

Ryan also encourages his kids to do what they love and to work hard for what they get. To take their time and do things right the first time. To get an education and to always ask questions so that they can learn about the world around them. And most of all if they don't know something go look it up and learn about it. Ethan has already asked is Dad about "what does...mean?". Ryan will have Ethan bring him the dictionary and they will look it up together. That is the kind of GREAT Dad Ryan is.

All of these things together and the difference Ryan is making in these kids lives will carry with them throughout their own lives so that they can make a difference in turn.

As for me, his wonderful wife, he is my calming force. I have a short fuse and he is always the one to give me a hug and time outs when they are needed most. He listens to me when I need it and let's me do things my way when needed as well. He is my rock and my foundation. I don't know what I would be without him.

He works so hard and can't "just do nothing" on the week ends. I have never had to give him a "honey do" list because he is the first to see when something needs to be done and tries to do it as soon as possible.

He has never raised his voice to me and shows me respect and love in just the way he treats me. The way that a husband should treat his wife. I love this about him because by being this kind of man he shows his sons how to treat women and shows his daughter how she should except to be treated.

Ryan is a wonderful example to all around him and is always there to give support to anyone who needs it including friends and neighbours. He always takes the high road when he is treated unfairly and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt in their motives. And most of all he helps me do the same.

Ryan is a wonderful man who is loved more than he will ever know and his influence and example will be felt through the ages by those who's lives he has touched.

Gone Again

Well Ryan left this morning headed for St. George for work. That is if you can call it work, because they play a lot but I guess they can get away with it by calling it a "team building off site retreat". They have one every 6 months it seems but maybe only once a year. It just seems like he has been gone a lot lately because of all his work with the conversion of the United Bank of Idaho in Driggs. Ryan's boss said that they still needed some help up in Driggs and I was happy to hear Ryan say that he would pass on the next trip if they could get someone else to go up. They were successful in finding someone so he doesn't have to go up again anytime soon. Yeah!!

But this morning Holly and Ethan got up early to see their Dad off and were not too happy he was leaving either. Holly just cried..."But I will miss you! Don't go". I know that broke Ryan's heart and at the same time made his day because he truly knew that he was loved.

He will only be gone "two sleeps" as the kids say and I am not too put off that he had to go this time because I know a little of what is waiting for him. His boss, Deanne called me a couple of weeks ago and asked me to put something together for him that they will present while on his "retreat". I'm kind of excited to hear how he likes what I did. I will post it when he gets back because I know he reads this blog and I don't want to spoil anything for him. But there are a few things in it that I do want him to know that I wrote it BEFORE our little talk this past weekend so I didn't put it in just to make him feel bad.

Anyway I am going to try and get some things done while he is gone because I never sleep when he is not here and it is the perfect opportunity to get a few things done. So wish me luck and I am looking forward to the Twilight movie that comes out in 8 days because after Ryan has been gone so much lately I deserve a break! Hint, Hint...Ryan :)

Review

So I have listened to the Twilight Movie Soundtrack a few times now and for the most part I really like it. There are some songs I like more than others and only one song I really don't like, it's the Rob Pattison song. He is the guy who plays Edward in the movie and he is playing around with a music career on the side. But personally if all his songs are like the one on the soundtrack he should stick with acting.

The song titled "Bella's Lullaby" did not turn out the way I thought it would from reading the books. It didn't really sound like a "lullaby" to me but maybe once I see the movie I will feel different.

I often like the soundtracks better once I've seen the movie. Now come to think of it I don't think I have purchased anything but soundtracks in the last few years. Go figure?

So that is my review of it. If you would like to hear some of the soundtrack you can go to http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/ and they have a sampling of it there. Just click on the movie tab and scroll down.

I am planning on going to the movie on the 21st or 22nd with a friend of mine from College. But she is bringing some friends with her so if anyone would like to go with us, we can make it a big "girl movie outing", so let me know.

Holly

Today we got Holly's Preschool pictures back. She was so excited to get them. I made a big deal out her saying how pretty she looked and I really like the way they turned out. What do you think?

Holly had to go right down stairs and find some picture frames for her pictures. We found two, two different sizes and put them all together. Holly then informed me that one was for her wall and the other Daddy could take to work. She is all about giving Dad stuff for his office. I think she gets it from Ethan because he is always drawing pictures for his Dad to put up in his office. Ryan's office is a sight to behold, not just for all the pictures but all the toys he has too but that is another post all it's own. Maybe I will get him to post about it on his blog...

Well now we are just waiting to see which one of the pictures Ryan will pick, so that Holly can have the other one for her wall. For some reason my children love to have pictures of themselves in their rooms. Ethan has 3 soon to be 4 in his room of himself already.

I also got a great surprise today. The Twilight movie soundtrack came out on Tuesday and I couldn't find it at Wal*mart so I decided to use a couple of gift certificates I had for Amazon to order it. Just ask Ryan this was a big deal for me to spend those certificates on myself. I usual spend them on the kids but I broke with tradition.

I ordered it on Tuesday and picked the standard shipping, so I thought it would be here next week sometime. Well surprise, surprise it arrived today. I love those kind of surprises. I am going to go listen to it as soon as I am finished here. I will give you a review of it latter, so stay tuned.

Spoils

I hope everyone had a great Halloween. Our was fun but mostly uneventful. We only had a little over a half dozen trick or treaters. I was hoping for more because we have so many kids in our neighbourhood but I guess since we live in the older part of the area that all the kids go over to the new part and trick or treat there. Not that we live that far into the older part. You see our house is about 3 houses down from the newer subdivision but I guess kids (and their parents) think that since the houses are newer that they have better candy. Its kind of sad because most people over here have just stoped passing out candy.

But Ethan and Holly headed over to the newer part of the neighbourhood with their good friend Patrick to trick or treat. Ryan went with them and I stayed home with Mason.

Ryan said that their was tons of kids running all over the place and there were lots of houses that went all out with decorating. One house even had a haunted house put together in their garage.

They were finished before it got too dark and I promptly went through their candy. I let them have a little bit of candy before I put most of it up. They would keep eating until it was all gone if I let them. Then we would have put up with the tummy ache that would have followed. So now they have lots to keep them in candy into the new year.

We were going to have a Halloween party but everyone back out so it was just us and Patrick. We had some good soup and bread for dinner, Lobster Bisk, yum....

Ryan's Mom and Dad did come up to see the kids and give them each a little treat which they loved. Treats are always welcome with my kids.

But that was it for our little Halloween. Like I said fun but uneventful. Maybe I will be a little more creative and try again next year for more of a get together of friends and neighbours. But I have another year to work on it.

Now onto the exciting and eventful things that have happened.

Ethan has had a great couple of days. He finally figured out how to ride his bike with no training wheels. It has taken his a little while because he wanted to do it all on his own but he kept up with it and now is off and having a great time. He came in yesterday and said, "Mom riding a two wheeler is so much more fun than just riding a scooter!" He has been out as much as we would let him just riding his bike up and down the street. Loving every minute of it.

Also, last night Ethan has gotten his first loose tooth. It is just starting to wiggle but it should be coming out here in the next week. He is so excited about the Tooth Fairy coming. My Mom got him a little book and a "tooth pillow" when she was here this past summer and Ethan cant wait to use it now. He has been wanting to brush his teeth constantly so that he can get top dollar for it. What is the going rate for a tooth these days anyway? When I was Ethan's age I got a quarter a tooth. I'm sure it has to be up to a dollar a tooth, right? But it has just been so much fun to watch Ethan. My little boy is growing up, eh?

Then I woke up this morning, Mason finally has had his first molar break through the surface. The poor kid has had them come up and go back down so many times in the past few months he has been in almost constant pain. But now one has broken through and I am very relived. I hope the others break through soon. Mason wants so much to eat what his brother and sister do but I have been worried about his chewing without teeth. I will be happy to feed him more regular food too, because he will be able to feed himself and that is one less thing that I have to do. Is that selfish of me?

So that has been all the wonderful things going on in our little lives over the past few days. Now we are getting ready for Ryan to go back to work tomorrow and looking forward to Ethan's 6th Birthday on the 25th of November. I can't believe that he is going to be 6! All to soon he will be 16 and wanting the car keys. Boy, do I feel old!

Hope everyone is enjoying the "End of Day light Savings" so don't forget to turn your clocks back!