Christmas!

Christmas morning was a lot of fun this year. Laila was very excited and thrilled with everything Santa got her. Not once did I tell her that Santa was going to fill her stocking....but when she started opening her stocking she said "ooooo...Santa got me panties" How was I supposed to say no. Anyway, I have decided to let her think what she wants for now. I guess she paid more attention to Rudolph than I thought?




Laila had been wanting this waffle maker for a long time... some people know I make waffles for her a lot and our grown up one seriously broke a couple weeks ago...just in time I guess
he sat down long enough to open one present
I am glad panties were such a hit!
Notice Landon in the back


the kids were up bright and early at 6:30 and we made it over to Brad's parents at about a quarter after 8!! the kids were in their jammies all day. It was a pretty relaxing Christmas but I am still exhausted.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve has always been more of a big deal on my parents side of the family. We are Scandinavian so we have traditional Swedish meatballs, Lefse, pickled herring, and sometimes even Ludefisk. If you don't know what lefse is you are missing out. It is kind of like a tortilla but better and we eat it with butter and brown sugar. My mom says Norwegians use brown sugar(dad's side) and Swedes eat it with white sugar(mom's side) I eat it with brown sugar usually...I really do have have more Norwegian blood...makes sense??

Laila and Landon opened their new pj's(pretty typical) and received a couple gifts from my parents including their new kitchen which we could not pry Landon away from all night or the next morning really. Funny thing to note: Landon wanted to open his present with his mouth...what a man!!...or animal??






ohhhh lefse
right before he chomped down
wanting to see what she got
the fridge~his favorite(the most manly part of a kitchen right?)

my new babysitter

Dec 23rd~daddy play time

playing in the mts

I'm not ready!

They are already teaming up. I guess I can't leave them together for a minute! They did this in front of me too...imagine what they would do when I am not looking....

silly boy

My daughter is great!

I had to hurry and post this before I forgot what her exact words were. Laila and I were standing in the kitchen and she was looking at this picture of my brother's wedding with the whole wedding party included, which included me 7 months prego with Laila. She asked "where is you?" So I pointed myself out. She then said that I looked different. I said yeah I was a little chubby because you were in my belly...She proceeded to tilt her head to the side and say..."that's ok mommy, things like that happen sometimes." I am always amazed by her thoughtfulness and maturity..what a doll!

Bummed

The last couple weeks have been Loooong and painful literally. Let me start from the beginning....November 19th(a long time ago) I had my yearly physical with my OB..everything fine except confirmation of ovarian cysts and she noticed my neck glands were swollen..I did not know that before hand...oh well, I felt fine. Then a few days later I began to notice my glands were getting more swollen and they were beginning to hurt but no other symptoms.  By last Monday I could not take it anymore..I had a headache, swollen neck and was very uncomfortable. This was also the day we lost power and realized under the house was under water  in which our hot water heater and furnace were not able to work(great!! no heat, no hot water). Brad had to go to work Monday..he made it there while others got turned around(glad my husband is determined). This left me forced to go to the doctor by myself with two kids.  They tested me for strep and did blood work testing for mono and other infections. By the way; Landon was on my lap while they drew the blood and Laila was crying her eyes out in the corner(sound fun!!?!) That night we had to stay at Brad's parents house otherwise we would have all frozen to death at home. I found out later in the day that Brad was going to have to go to Idaho Tuesday but come back Wednesday. We also were told our heat could not be fixed until Wednesday. 

Tuesday was spent with me flustered...going home and getting new clothes, crying half the time because I was in pain and feeling awful and all I wanted was to be able to be home with heat and have my husband there to comfort me. Tuesday I spent the night at my parents house as well as Wednesday. No the swelling in my neck did not go down and I was beginning to get a sore throat(well actually my tonsils hurt)

Wednesday I found out that the heat could not be fixed until Thursday so I spent the day much like Tuesday and spent the night at my parents house again.

Thursday I woke up with terrible stomach pains. I was dubbled over until my mom told me to take some tums..I thought that was rediculous that it could be indigestion but I did it anyway. It took some of the edge off almost immediately..but I was uncomfortable all day. I would desribe the feeling to be like someone is twisting my stomach, although sometimes it just feels like there is a rock lodged in there. I waited it out all day just in case I was being a baby and it was nothing. 

Friday I woke up still in pain so I went yet again to the doctor by myself with two kids(aaahhh).  I was smart to bring my stroller this time but Landon cried while they examined me. They gave me a prescription for indigestion and had me schedule an ultra sound. I called right away and the soonest was Tuesday morning. I was upset that I was going to have to wait it out even longer. I am way paranoid when it comes to health issues so I thought oh my god what if I die before that. :) 

Over the weekend the pain subsided every once in awhile..I am not sure why...I wish I knew. My swollen gland/throat issues got better at times too. 

Monday was a bad day. Last night actually I thought about going to the ER because my tonsils felt swollen and I  was having a hard time swallowing. I chugged water and thought well I am going for my ultra sound in the morning...they(doctors at the hospital) can help me with that too if I really need it. 

Today I woke up and my throat felt a little better...I was feeling optimistic because my stomach didn't hurt at all...great!! now I am going to this ultra sound for no reason. Well I went and they couldn't tell me anything but said I would probably get the results early tomorrow. I am glad I went because the pain is now back and is as bad as it has been.  I hope I get some answers soon!

I know I must sound pitiful but I am just really bummed because I feel like I have been missing out on all the Christmasy things I usually do around this time of year. Hopefully I will have something cheery to post soon!

we played too!

he loved it!
I think Xavier loves snow too

Landon right after Brad threw a snowball at him
Laila could have been out all day

Thanksgiving 2007

on the way to grandma and grandpa's~this is how he always rides
Laila loved helping grandma with dinner
Laila tried to play~Landon kept taking everything apart
Thanksgiving dinner #1 at my parents house: notice Landon sleeping...slept for most of dinner
pictured: Brad,Laila, grandma Elsie, papa Ardell, my mom, one of my dad's sisters; LeAnn, me and Landon, my dad is taking the picture.

GOBBLE GOBBLE

We made hand turkeys today. I bet you can guess which one belongs to which kid. They loved having their hands traced. Landon giggled everytime I traced his hands. I think it tickled.

I am looking forward to having two turkey dinner tomorrow..yay for living close to family:) Then one of my favorite days of the year is the day after thanksgiving because my mom and I have gone shopping at 5 am for the last 12 years or so...then I go home and put up the Christmas decorations...what a great next couple of days!!

A woman's perspective of Mud Bowl I

I think Laila was proud of her daddy
Maddie and Laila
one of the best action shots(I had a lot of blurry ones..oops)
when you gotta go..you gotta go

just because they are cute

Landon is Xavier watching


Laila playing with stuffed animals


Laila came out of her room wearing Landon's overalls


what a studdly pose(love his Goofy teeth)

BLEH!!

Sunday night Brad and I went to bed like any normal night and then around midnight I woke up to Brad throwing up in our bathroom(the weirdest and loudest I have ever heard). As soon as I heard this I immediately felt sick to my stomach...and well...3 days later I am still feeling sick to my stomach with no results. At first I thought I was having sympathy sickness but I don't think it would go on this long...did I just get a more mild version of what he had and it is just dragging on?? or is my digestive system preparing itself to empty out(fun and yummy thought I know)??I HATE HATE HATE feeling nauseous....I wish I could throw up..I think I would feel better then. You guys are probably thinking a couple things right now... 1) she gets sick a lot..and yes I have the same feelings..I don't know what it is..the last couple years I think I am sick just as much as I am healthy..and 2) maybe she is pregnant.....sorry NOPE!

Anyway I just wanted to complain.

"You not fat anymore mommy?"

"You not fat anymore mommy?"


These were the first words Laila said to me as I arrived home from the gym Sunday morning. Boy I wish I could have said yes! I guess I should let you guys know that I told Laila before I left that I was going to the gym so I would not be fat anymore. I realize that I probably should have chosen better words, oh well. She then later made fun of me saying mommy is pretty floppy.hahaha...she loves the word floppy...she says she wants to wear floppy pants all the time..meaning leggings or sweatpants instead of jeans. Anyway, the point of my post was to not only point out how funny my daughter is but also to say that I have started working out AGAIN......and I HATE it!!!!!!! One main reason I hate it is because I have been waking up 5:15 ish to do it...my kids get up early that is why! Also, I could work out at night but don't really want to leave as soon as my husband gets home, or working out right after eating..not the best either.

Today was only day 3 but honestly I feel better already. I feel like working out in the morning gives me a burst of energy I need staying at home with two kids, I want to eat better when I have worked out and my body is sore..call me crazy but I LOVE that pain...I may complain of it but it makes me feel good that I am doing something. I realize no one wants to read about me working out daily but I am hoping to work it into blogs everyone now and then....I am hoping it will keep me going.

Also, I have been using the elyptical for 30 minutes then weights...anyone else have their toes fall asleep or go numb while on the elyptical??

Laila and Landon

I hope they are always close. I don't want them cuddling on the couch when they are older but my wish is that they will be great friends!

Are you kidding me??

Something interesting happened today. I was on my way to the bank(driving) with both kids in tow when someone wanted to fight me.  I was on a little back road in the Turner vicinity at a stop sign..I stopped...there was a car coming..but they were a good ways off..I pulled out...they apparently thought it was too close and decided to get right up to my bumper until the next stop sign(50 yards). I peered in my rear view mirror kinda glaring when this guy proceeded to get out of his car with arms flailing..(could not tell what he was yelling) He had a buddy with him..it was the driver who got out..so they meant business I suppose.  I of course was in shock but quickly darted out of there heart racing and all. I wonder if they realized I was a young woman with two kids in the car or who k nows maybe they didn't care. They looked like Shelton's finest....beat up car, scraggly beards...they could have been on their way to a bar( at 10 am???) or just to go grab some more beers and head home to their couch. Yes, I am annoyed but at the same time I find it a little funny that this would happen to me of all people.  I have to be honest here for a minute though...my first instinct was to open my door and give him a peice of my mind as well. Of course I would never do that with my kids..or probably even if I was alone. I get mad at Brad for break checking people so I wouldn't want to be worse than him. Now you guys are probably thinking I am nuts for even considering getting out of the car...and yes I guess I am but I have been known to stand up for myself(foolishly of course) Brad could attest for me not being able to keep my mouth closed if I am feeling threatened or someone I care about is being wronged. Yes I know it is the wrong thing to do.....but now I can't help but wonder what could have happend if I would have gotten out of the car and maybe apologized to them for "cutting"them off and wished them a good day or something...who knows...I guess it wouldn't be worth it in the back roads of Shelton. 

Our Halloween

I love my Laila Mari

Setting the Scene: us(me, Laila and Landon) walking into Fred Myer this morning

Laila: what are we doing?

Me: getting some groceries

Laila: why?

Me: because we have no food

Laila: why?

Me: because we ate it all

Laila: why?

Me: because we we were hungry

Laila: why?

Me: because we need to food to live

~~~~Laila is now distracted by me picking out fruits and vegetables~~~~~~

Me: ok we need to find some broccoli

Laila: why?

Me: because it it yummy and good for us...........ok lets go get some bread

Laila: why?

Me: so you can have sandwhiches

Laila: why?

Me: because that is what you eat...now will you stop saying why(at this point my blood was starting to boil a little)....ok let's go look at the Halloween Candy

Laila: Whatever you say mom

yay for PB&J!!!

I am starting to get frusterated with Laila's lack of eating. The only thing I can ever count on her eating is what we call "treats"; cookies, candy, etc. Luckily, she doesn't really like juice or anything besides water and milk. She has been refusing any sort of fruit or veggie. I try to feed her well and lately lunch consists of a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich and milk. I am trying to remember back to when things changed. She used to eat anything we put on her plate just like Landon does now. I realize that she won't starve herself to death, she has to eat eventually so I should just keep giving her the healthy foods. Well....I guess she won't be whittling away as long as she has her PB&J.

why go to sleep?

He may look all sweet and innocent(ok so he really is) but he sure made his mommy and daddy upset last night. This picture was taken about 30 minutes before all hell(don't know how else to put it) broke loose. Landon had a little runny nose the last couple days but was acting normal and seemed just fine so I thought it was just due to teething. Guess not! He started getting cranky around 6:30 so I decided maybe he just needed to go to bed early because he in fact had a short nap during the day. He was gone easily a little after 7. I was looking forward to relaxing but unfortunately that did not happen. Landon woke up screaming and I thought ok he just needs his fa fa(pacifier) but he was not letting up at all so I brought him out to rock him. The next 4 hours were spent walking the house, rocking, watching happy feet and the Lion King while Landon cried most of the time..stopping for moments in between to yawn. I should not leave out that when he cried he sounded like a seal barking. I don't think I have seen a little boy so sick before..he sounded awful and he wouldn't take his pacifier because he couldn't breathe. I don't know how it got bad so fast..he seemed fine when he first fell asleep. Eventually he was soo exhausted he cried himself to sleep, mouth wide open. However, I was afraid to put him in bed because he seemed like he really wanted to be snuggled and I was afraid he would just wake up again. Then of course I couldn't fall asleep because I felt like he was going to just wake up any minute anyway and we would start the whole thing over again.

He seemed a lot better today. He has a pretty runny nose and a little cough but he acted like his normal self. I put him to bed again early tonight and he went easily and then woke up 3o minutes later and I almost cried....luckily it wasn't too painful and he is in his crib as I type...hope it lasts.....wish me luck

Music and memories

I am a very emotional person, as are a lot of girls I realize. A few weeks ago as I was driving, which is when I usually think a lot, I thought back to my childhood and then high school, college and now and how there have been a lot of songs that provoke memories, good and bad. Sometimes it was because the song was playing during an event or there was a song I liked during a period in my life. Anyway I kind of went through my life like a timeline and thought of songs that have meant something to me....I am going to list just a few of them and not say why they are on the list unless I think necessary..I invite others to share their list..please!! You don't have to share why you have them either because some may be private or just plain embarrassing...also, disclaimer..I don't even like some of the songs...but they still bring out emotion or have meaning. Brad might say mmmbop brings out rage in him:) 

"What's love got to do with it"~Tina Turner: my brother and I used to sing it together as little kids, it was our favorite song

"One moment in time"~Whitney Houston I think: was playing at the opening ceremonies  for Junior Olympic Nationals when I got All American

"Candy Rain": just makes me think of 5th grade

"mmmbop": obession begins

Cleopatra's one and only cd I believe~too long of a story

"Creep"~TLC

"November Rain"~Guns N Roses

"Everything I do..I do it for you"~Bryan Adams: Brad used to see it to me in high school..it was then our wedding song

"If it makes you happy"~Sheryl Crow: my best friend and I used to scream it in the car in high school

"I'm feeling this"~Blink 182: Plu friends

"There goes my life"~some country singer(mind blank): It was playing on the radio the night Brad and I drove home from the drug store to take a preggo test to then find out Laila was coming. Very fitting...I was in denial about it until this song came on. 

"open the eyes of my heart"~many christian artists: I sang this song to my grandma just hours before she passed away..I will cry if I hear it. 

ok I think that is it for now..I am sure there are a ton more. I think you can learn a lot about a person this way too! So come on guys!!

update

Yesterday was a funfilled day for me. Brad took the day off and sent me down to Lafactor for 4 hours of pampering. I got to soak in a tub, had a massage and then a manicure and pedicure. It was actually kind of strange being forced to relax and have that many hours of peace and quiet. I did feel great afterwards though. Thank you Brad! 

sooo are date was awesome. I should clarify when I said I was primping I was putting on a little more makeup than usual..not much else because we had a pretty casual date(the best kind). First, we went to Red Robin for dinner, which is pretty much the best. I kind of wanted to try something new but the weather was awful and didn't want to drive around in the pooring rain looking for something new...so if anyone has any ideas for next time..let me know! I do know their are other places..maybe we are just lame:)  After dinner we went to the new Glow Golf in the mall where Mervyns used to be.  It's all dark with black lights and everything glows in the dark, hence glow golf. We had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, Brad beat me by 1 point. I suggest everyone go and do this as a date. There were a lot of lil high school couples playing which made me feel like we were 18 again out on a date. Especially afterwards when we strolled the mall for a half hour holding hands:) I remembered that I was the mom of two little ones and not 18 and in high school anymore when we couldn't figure out what to do next. We ended up going to rent a movie, Evan almighty(funny movie by the way)...stopping at Dairy queen and ending our date with the movie. We had a great night. We laughed at ourselves a lot which I think we both needed! Dates are great! :)

Xavier:

Xavier is doing great so far. He hardly ever barks, just "talks" and howls occasionally. We let him in the house for awhile today while the kids were still gone and again he did great. I thought he would be jumping all over everything but he didn't. He was pretty calm and even better he has started to listen to me a little. The first day he wouldn't at all. He will sit now and shake. So far so good..I hope things continue to go well. Dog and Cat have yet to meet! 

yay!

I just wanted to say that I am excited..Brad and I are going on a long awaited and much needed date tonight! My parents should be here any minute to get Laila and Brad's parents will be getting Landon soon too! We have some fun stuff planned. I'll let ya know how it goes..now I must go primp...haha yeah right...well maybe a little primping...I'm out of practice. :)

The newest Hanson~

Xavier