The Vintage Pearl

Okay so I don't usually post or recommend other websites because this is more to keep those interested in what our family is up to up to date. But this is one that a) I REALLY want to win the give away (!) and b) it's a really cool site.

"the vintage pearl creates boutique quality original custom hand stamped jewelry, stamped silver necklaces, bracelets and keepsakes." If you're looking for a really cool personalized gift for someone this is a great gift idea. And for those of you who are over achievers who like to have your Christmas shopping done by August how cool would this be for a grandma, aunt, sister, friend, or even brother or husband (although not all of them would work for the men in your life).

Here are my favorites:

This bracelet speaks to me. I adore it! Unfortunately it is currently out of stock but it just seems like the perfect gift for the feminine girl in your life.


I like these cuffs. They would be great for a brother or husband. Or it could even work for a girl who isn't into the dainty jewelry. I just love how rustic looking they are.


I think this is a great gift for a grandma or mom. I just think it is neat looking and I love the mother of pearl center.

I am absolutely in love with these spoons for a baby gift! With the traditional gifts for babies going the way of the dinosaur I love heirloom type gifts. My boys both got personalized booties and I hope some day they will appreciate them (or maybe their wives will). But wouldn't this be a great gift for a new baby?! LOVE THEM!

Anyhow she has so many great personalized gift ideas on her website. Please check her out here.

And if you want the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl visit my friend Anderea's give away blog here. (But please don't so I have a better chance of winning. lol just kidding!)

My Joel

So with all the commotion from the DC trip and the move I failed to do my annual birthday post for Joel.

Joel still remains our little sweetheart. He truly has such a tender heart that at times it is heartbreaking as a mom. There is nothing as sad as the crocodile tears that roll down his face. He always wants to make sure everyone is happy. If I'm getting frustrated or upset he'll walk over to me and put his arm around me and ask, "Mommy are you happy?" He is very sensitive to the feelings of those around him and really just wants for everyone to be happy and content together.
Joel is such a good brother! Seriously, I don't think Vance could ask for a better brother. Joel is always finding fun new ways and coming up with new games for them to play. And when Vance is ready to do something else Joel willingly changes what he wants to do to play with Vance. He also is so good with babies. When we were around Tj's little cousin Joel would always try and make him smile, find him toys and was just so gentle around him.


Joel is the epitome of joy. When you watch him you can't help but smile. He literally walks with a bounce in his step. He has such a funny sense of humor. He loves to make people laugh and likes to be silly. He loves telling stories and especially likes telling silly stories. He has recently become fascinated with the Pink Panther. While on our trip Aunt Jenny kept the boys entranced with stories of the Pink Panther. Later Nama was able to find a few episodes online so the boys could actually see what Jenny was talking about. Now he regularly likes to tell us about the silly antics of the Pink Panther.
Joel is so smart! I know all moms think their kids are so smart- I admit I'm biased but it's my blog. :) He's learning to recognize all the letters in the alphabet (both capital and lower case) and the sounds they make. He loves to read and we recently got him and Vance the set of pre-reading Bob books at Costco. He loves to read them and find all the things that start with that letter. He also likes to read just about any book. He is getting really good at counting things. I'm always so surprised when he tells me exactly how many of something there are and he's right because he actually counted them! He is also getting pretty good at basic addition. Now, let me make this clear- this is in no wise bragging on my parenting abilities. Maybe Tj is grilling him on these things but in general I think that he is just very observant and picks up on these basic skills on his own because I know he's not getting it from me most of the time! :) He also is very good at "reading" signs. He will tell us what certain signs mean (mommy, that's a stopping sign you need to stop) or will ask what signs mean. The funniest one was when we were on the airplane he saw the no smoking sign in the brochure in the seat back. He thought it meant no painting. That's my sheltered little sweetie. :)

I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be Joel's mom. He is truly a blessing in our home. In some ways I can't believe it's only been 4 years since he's come into our family. Now that he and Vance are getting older things are changing. In some ways life is getting a lot easier and in some ways it's getting a little harder. Having children who have their own opinions and thoughts and ways to do things is it's own challenge. But I'm grateful for the time I get to spend with them every day. Joel teaches me so much about our Savior's love. In Primary they have been learning a song called, "I know that my Savior loves me" and every time I hear Joel sing the chorus I get tears in my eyes. I know that he knows that he is loved and that he loves those around him. Joel we love you!

Look Who's Potty Trained

We have tried on numerous occasions to Potty Train Vance. None of them were really whole-hearted attempts though. The first couple were because Joel was potty training and everything Joel did, well Vance wanted to do too. Then right before Tj's training we thought we'd try and he did well peeing in the potty but would not poop. After several incidents (which I try and block from my memory) I declared that until he would poop on the potty he would remain in diapers! Tj thought that this was a waste because Vance could have been trained to do it 8 months ago. But one thing I know about Vance is that when he's ready, he's ready and there would be no stopping him! It was how he learned to walk, it was how he was when he was talking and it would be how he would potty train.
Sure enough about two weeks before we went to DC Vance decided that he was going to go potty in the big potty. Now normally this would not have been an issue, except I was just getting over being extremely sick and the thought of cleaning up accidents was not appealing. But alas, he insisted and I couldn't think of a single reason why not. And so with very few accidents he is potty trained!
Now this is what a potty training ninja Vance is. He was potty trained for less than a month and made it through 3 airplane trips, a trip through DC, the stomach flu and a move all with less than 3 accidents! When he's ready there's no stopping this kid!

DC Part II: Everything else

So here's the rest of the story from DC. We spent five days in DC including traveling days. Tj's parents, the boys and I all flew in together Saturday morning. Tj met us at the airport and the boys were absolutely thrilled to see Tj! (Just for the record I was too!) We then began the feat of trying to get all our luggage and two car seats and "the chariot" (aka double jogging stroller) to the car rental area and try and get a car. Now originally we were going to rent a minivan. It did not take long to realize that a minivan was not going to work. So we got one of the only Suburbans the rental company had. Once this was taken care of it was a piece of cake to get everyone and everything loaded up.


Here was our ride for the week. We all had a hard time getting over how spacious and nice it was. There were nine of us, including three car seats, and we all fit very comfortably. Maybe it was the time of year we went but parking wasn't that bad either. It was a bit of a hassle for Dad, but generally speaking it was really nice having the car to get around.
So we get the car and go to the hotel (we stayed outside of DC in the Springfield area). Dad got us all dropped off and then headed back to the airport to pick up Jenny (Tj's aunt), Baby Skywalker (aka Lukas- the boys just call him Baby Skywalker, thanks Pa!) and Gram. I think he took them down to the monuments, the rest of us had nap time. When we all woke up then we got ready for dinner and the birthday celebration. (See previous post.) It was a long late night. Little did we realize that it would be the first of many.

Sunday morning dawned and rather than racing to get everyone ready for church and then trying to hunt down said church and then wrestle two very jet lagged over-tired little boys in church we decided to head to the Washington Temple hoping to be able to walk around the temple grounds. When we got there we were pleasantly surprised that the visitor's center is open on Sunday. So we were able to still be uplifted and got to spend time doing some hands on activities with the boys about Jesus and the scriptures. There was one area that had a map of Jerusalem and when you pressed the picture of Jesus it gave a synopsis of what happened there and lit up the area on the map. Joel was very interested in this area and he and I stayed in that area listening to the part of Jesus dying on the cross again, again and again. It really made an impact on him. Then we went and walked around the temple. It was a little drizzly but it was really nice and by the time it was starting to sprinkle we were ready to load back up into the car.

The Girls with the temple in the back.
Me, Mom, Gram and Jenny.

Our family at the temple.

After the temple we went to Arlington Cemetery. It was very sobering and a really good experience to teach the boys about soldiers and patriotism. It really is amazing how often we take our freedoms for granted. I had never thought to explain what a soldier was to the boys or what they do. We took the train around the Cemetery and got to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The Cemetery.
It is humbling to see a visual at the number
of people who have given the ultimate sacrifice
for the freedoms that we appreciate.

The guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The boys with Nama and Pa.
The boys showing off their batman tats.
Nothing says patriotism like the dark knight, right?!

Sunday night we went on a night tour of all the monuments. I actually don't have any pictures from most of this trip (these are mostly from dad). So I will just say if you want a really great way to see the Monuments that is a little different try the night tour. It was really great (although I don't know if the other people on our tram thought it was so great as they were ALWAYS waiting for us to get back on). At each stop we got off and were able to walk around the Monument and spend some time there. It was really nice!

Monday Tj had to go back to work so we spent the day going to a few of the Museums. Most of the pictures I took at the Museums I have already posted because they were of the boys. We went to the American History Museum and the National History Museum. Both were really great and we weren't even able to see all the exhibits! I don't know how much time you'd need to see and do everything, but I do know that 2 days for sight seeing just doesn't cut it, especially with kids!

Tuesday was Tj's last day at work there in DC. We all went to pick him up. They had a ceremony for completing training and it was nice.

Tj and I, finally done with training!

Here is Tj's Gram.
I know everyone thinks they have the best
Grandma. But Gram is definitely in the running
for all-time best Grandma, ever! She is just the
sweetest and most genuinely nice person. We
love her and her amazing personality and sense of humor.

Tuesday night we went out to dinner at a really nice restaurant. We took the Metro in (our only time the whole time we were in DC) and got to walk around where Dad works when he's in DC. It was a nice night- until the ride home. Every trip has to have a little drama, right?! Well ours started on the Metro ride home when mom got sick. Thinking it was food poising we weren't THAT worried. Unfortunately, that meant that the rest of the night was torture for her (!!!) and spent making arrangements for flights to be changed ect. Tj, the boys and I still had to fly home on Wednesday. It was a long night for mom and dad. :(

Wednesday morning started early for dad. He began his first of three trips to the airport super early (I think like 4:30 am) and it was downhill from there. Luckily we all got to our planes without any major problems. By Thursday we determined that it was the stomach flu that mom had not food poising as Tj, Vance and eventually Joel all got the same thing at some point. Luckily we were all able to travel without dealing with it.

It was a really great trip. There were lots of laughs, memories made and more episodes of the Pink Panther told than I think one person should ever have to recite (thank you Jenny!).

DC Part I: The boys

Vance and Pa on the airplane on the way out.

Sunday we didn't make it to church. We had a really late night and the idea of getting everyone up and ready for church was just a bit overwhelming. So we decided to head to the DC temple. Little did we know that the visitor center is open on Sunday. So we were able to walk around the temple grounds and be uplifted.

The Washington DC Temple

Our family at the temple.

The boys in front of the temple doors.

The rest of the week was spent going to the Museums and sites around DC.

The boys in front of the steam engine at the
American History Museum.

The boys in front of the National American History Museum.

Linus- I mean Vance with his blankie.

Joel's 4th Birthday

Joel's 4th birthday was one that he better not ever forget! As many of you know Tj has been in DC for the last several months doing some training for his new job. It has been quite the experience for our family. But it all came to an end May 22nd! Tj's training was just about done and so we decided to take a family vacation with Tj's parents, our family, Tj's Aunt Jenni and Grandma Ruth to Washington DC for about 5 days. Talk about a birthday present!

Joel's best birthday present! Having Daddy back!

Pa took us all out to dinner. Joel got ice cream and a singing cheer!

Joel opening his gifts. Bubble gum is a big hit with 4 year olds!

Showing off his new sunglasses.

Hello from CA

So I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted to the blog. But it's been pretty crazy. It started with a visit from cousins, followed by the flu (me), followed by what turned out to be bronchitis (me), followed by packing all our possessions (moving company), followed by a trip to DC (all of us), followed by a move across country. Phew!

Now that we're in CA though life is good- minus a touch of shingles (me). **Tangent: I am really grateful for my health but good grief my immune system needs a kick in the butt.** But we are all in good spirits and glad to be together again.

Today we went with Tj to his work's Family Day. It was a fun day. They had lunch, guys repelling and throwing candy (a big hit with the kids), ice cream, face painting, character drawings, pinatas, a blow up jumping castle and blow up slide and SO much more!

Tj helping with the grilling.

Joel enjoying his hot dog and Cheetos.

Vance chowing down on Cheetos!

Joel loved going down the big blow up slide.

Vance wasn't so sure!

And since we're Californians now we decided we needed a CA ride.

What a difference a year can make.

Tj has spent the last year getting back in shape. Notice any difference?! (This picture has not been photo shopped in any way.)



Here's a reminder of about a year and a half ago:

Notice anything different?! He looks super young huh?!

Visitors

After several weeks of being the visitors we got to HAVE some visitors with us back in Florida. Our good friends the Boyce family came and stayed with us for a few days. We went swimming, wrestled (at least the little boys did), went to the beach, colored, and played some good old fashion boy play. It was a fun time!

The Characters: Joel, Riley, Vance and Tyler (in the back).

My kids being doofs. They're going to regret this
when they're in high school and I show all their dates!

Beach bums.
Can you tell which ones have an overprotective mom?!

This is how I will picture the boys forever.
Always together, helping each other or at least trying to.

The Rest of the Rest of the story.

So for part of the time we were in AZ we went to Yuma to see Angela and her family. We also got a visit from my oldest sister Dana (although I'm kicking myself that we didn't get a partial "sisters" picture!). We also went and saw my brother Landon and his family as we passed through Phoenix.

The boys playing with their cousins.
They loved that they could play on the computer
all by themselves, and Allie was a good teacher!

My cute nephew. He is just so adorable!

We ended our trip in the Phoenix area with my brother and his family. It was a fun week! We had a birthday party for Emma, a trip to Shamrock Farms, sewing with Auntie Kimmie (my cousin), Emma's first dance recital, s'mores and camping in the backyard with Uncle Brody (aka the kid whisperer- he got 4 kids ages 2.5 through 8 to sleep outside ALL night within 15 minutes of being out there!) plus EASTER! It was a super fun time- at least for my boys. lol

The kids at Shamrock Farms Dairy
It was a really fun day.
We got to tour the farm, see the cows get milked,
feed and pet baby calves, and get free milk!

Easter morning!
My boys were so excited that they got so much
candy- and I let them eat it! Thanks Easter Bunny!

Games at the birthday party.
Who knew that Red Light-Green Light and
Freeze Tag are alive and well?!

The Rest of the Story.

Growing up my mom would often listen to Paul Harvey and "The Rest of the Story" while she ran us to piano lessons, gymnastics, doctor appointments etc. So this title is dedicated to her. Here's the rest of our trip to Safford.

The boys with the cat Sobe. Remember she is the anti-social
member of the family. Oh yeah, you can't see her because the kids
are smothering her. She must have realized that resistance
is futile when it comes to these animal lovers. :)

One of our many trips to El Charro.
A trip to Safford is not complete unless you eat there.

My daddy took us back to the ranch where the poppies
were in full bloom! Joel was in heaven!

Joel cleaning Monie's mirror for her.

Auntie Ra Ra took us to the Reid Park Zoo.
This inanimate frog that didn't even spray water
was their favorite part of the zoo! Crazy kids.

The boys and I at the zoo.