Vacation in Austin/Randomness

I've been lazy with my camera lately and have no current pics of what we have been up to. However, we did some great things in October and November that I haven't gotten around to posting about so buckle up because here comes a long one!

We vacationed in Austin and San Antonio a while back. We figured we had better take advantage of Texas highlights while they were so accessible. We saw the bigger-than-White-House state capitol, we remembered the Alamo, we had fun swimming in the Hotel pool, we visited the San Antonio temple grounds, and we stayed with relatives.

THE ALAMO

TEMPLE GROUNDS--David in bare feet and short sleeves Oct. 30 (for the record the average temp tomorrow, Dec. 21st, is 82 degrees. Madness I say.)

HOTEL POOL

FUN WITH DETMERS

Now we have a few pics of pure randomness. One day I decided that I needed to have photo shoot with David. I have bad luck taking pictures and admit I don't know much about photography at all. No matter, David thought the photo shoot was lame anyway so my creative work turned to shambles.

The last straw--"I hate your photo shoot ideas mom!"

Random picture #2. Yard/Garage sales are THE BOMB in Houston. This is David and I shamoozing it up out there. Do you see how lame our sale was? I barely put anything out there and I made 27 bucks. And the kid wasn't even included in the sale!

Random pic #3--New Testament photo submission. That's right. I heard all about the New Testament Project that the church was doing. Now I typically feel weird putting pics of just myself on here, and you can see how the photo isn't that great, but I'd pass for a Israelite woman right? This is my big break. I've been told forever that I look "exotic" or "Egyptian" or "Persian" or (my favorite) like a Bratz doll. Now I can put my features to good use and blend in to the background of a scene in Jerusalem. Ah the life. Oh and I haven't heard back from them and my photo has been submitted for months so I probably didn't make the cut...but still.


Random #4---Witch Finger Cookies! Brian told me to make him a treat to take Home Teaching. He was given new assignments (all incactive or brand new converts) so I made them jokingly at first but he ended up using them. And hey, they tasted good. This was obviously back in October. These are a spooky treat and super fun and easy to make. If I remember I'll do a tutorial next October.



And just because this is cute...he has such a cute face with his big blue eyes and rosy red lips.

Santa's Cookies

This was on our friend's blog so we're paying the laughs forward...this is seriously hilarious (at least to me and Brian). Enjoy!

Puppy Anyone?

Isn't this the best picture? I love puppies. And these pups are going to be awesome. They are a Labrador/German Short hair mix. The lab is my sister's dog. So if you happen to be looking for a great family pet this is a nice breed. If you think they're cute now just wait...

A Texan Christmas

This year I'll have my first (and maybe only?) Texan Christmas.

I don't think any of my blog readers are from Texas so I'll tell you a little about it.

A few days ago it was 80 degrees outside. There is never snow on the ground so something that is really popular around here are the yard decorations. I'm not talking about your typical string of Christmas lights either (though there is plenty of that too). What I'm talking about is giant Snoopy snow globes, reindeer, life-size Santa Clauses, "North Pole this Way" signs, and mini ski-lifts with goofy snowmen waving hello as you drive by. Perhaps if only one or two houses in the neighborhood had this stuff I wouldn't find it so darn funny. But everyone has the yard decor! It is so hilarious. The only thing I can figure is that the decorations are popular because snow-less yards are empty and sad looking during the holiday season.

Brian and I were driving around a bit and came to a really decked-out house. And out on the front lawn was a card table surrounded with 4 or 5 adults in Santa hats (probably a little drunk) watching the people drive by.

So as many of you sit cozily by the warm fire watching the snowfall outside, just remember what dear ol' Kayla is up against.

It may not be a white Christmas but even a Texan Christmas is bound to be good. I love the holidays.

David Moves and Grooves

Couldn't resist...

This first one really gets me because he has never heard this song yet he knows just what to do. Funny guy.

My Wife

I know that most of the people who read this Blog are already aware of my amazing wife, but I wanted to take a minute to let you know some of the things she's been up to lately.

There are, of course, all of the normal, day-to-day tasks my wife accomplishes: doing the laundry, cleaning the house, picking up again and again after David, going on walks, joining playgroup kids at the park, cooking FABULOUS meals with seemingly little effort, and I could go on and on.

She takes care of three kids after school everyday. I don't care who you are; anyone who takes care of three kids, helps them with their homework, taxis them across town to practices and rehearsals, AND finds time to teach them piano (all the while taking care of her own child!)... that's amazing. And we are so grateful for that job and the opportunity it has given us. Kayla does a good job.

Some of the things Kayla has done recently are listed below:

• Taught 10 half hour piano lessons
• Saved our family $20 by cutting my hair all by herself
• Saved even more money by cutting David's hair
• Was one of the few women in the ward who supported the R.S. Fun Friday; stained blocks of wood and stuck a vinyl nativity scene to them
• Started (and finished) writing this year's Christmas cards
• Searched for jobs online for me
  
• Set up an appointment for family pictures; woke up at 7:00am Sat. morning to get herself and her baby boy ready for the pictures; endured the attempts of numerous picture people doing all sorts of weird things to try to get her baby boy to laugh (and all he wanted was to be held by his mommy!)
• Prepared and delivered an excellent, heart-felt sermon on Gratitude in church
• Directed a Ward Choir rehearsal that made me proud to be her husband
• Volunteered to help a Nursery worker find a suitable substitute for her class, even though Kayla couldn't fill in

I am sure there are many more things Kayla did this week that kept her going going going. She just never quits. I love that about her. I'm very grateful for all the support she is to me. She's getting to bed extra early tonight because the nanny kids need rides TO school every day this week- so she'll be up and at 'em early all week.

At this great Thanksgiving season, there is absolutely no other earthly thing for which I could be more grateful than my sweet, eternal companion. I love you.

Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book just about got five stars. It was the perfect season to read it and I only got freaked out a couple of times. Frankenstein is so much more than a ghost story. The reading does require perseverance because it is set in the later 1700s. The ultimate question for me to ponder is whether or not the daemon is really evil. Read the book and decide for yourself! Remember Frankenstein is actually the creator, not the monster. The telling of three points of view was really clever and made me think that Mary Shelley must have been quite a talented writer. Her life story by the way, is very interesting. You may be surprised with the book because it isn't very similar to any Hollywood portrayal of Frankenstein.



View all my reviews

Go David! Go, Go, Go David!

It looks like David's steady diet of piano music is starting to rub off on him.

Do you think he likes music?

Happy Birthday David!

A year ago I was experiencing major pain because I was in labor with this hooligan. I can't believe it has been a whole year! Because Brian has a late class tonight (which he couldn't miss unfortunately) we gave him a gift early this morning. We'll celebrate with cake a little later.

Does that look like a happy birthday boy or what? He is adorable! And coincidentally he has decided to walk around a bit today. For the last few weeks he has been walking around furniture and stuff, but today he is totally walking! How crazy! We'll see if it lasts or if it is just especially for his birthday. I'll post some footage of his baby steps soon because babies are so cute when they are first learning to walk.

It has been a "David and Mommy" day with lots of fun stuff...like taking walks and going to the park and eating mac n cheese for lunch.

David only knows a few words but he is very clear on their meaning. He says "yeah" and "uh-oh". He is such a positive fellow and nods his head vigorously when I ask him a question. I'm glad he doesn't know "no" yet but I'm sure that will come.

Happy Birthday David!

Two From Galilee

Goodreads has this cool feature that lets you blog your review. I love reading. I love expressing my feelings about what I read. I probably get if from my mom who just posted on a fun book blog. You can read about it at: http://bookpatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/read-reading-entertainment-and.html

So I may do this from time to time. The timing is almost perfect for this book to be added to your year's list of reads!


Two From Galilee: The Story Of Mary And Joseph by Marjorie Holmes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I just finished the last pages of this beautiful love story. I'm impressed. Though it should not be taken literally, it helps bring the nativity story and all of its splendor to life. I like to imagine that Mary and Joseph were absolutely in love as the book suggests. I didn't necessarily agree with a few speculations that the author made. If you don't take the doctrine part too seriously then it is a delightful story. I truly loved it.



View all my reviews

My First Babysitter

I just made the strangest phone call.

It actually was perfectly normal, just strange to me.

"I know it is Homecoming weekend but if you don't have plans could you babysit David?" And then I got all nervous and added that we would pay her and that she could even invite a friend and that it would be extra easy because David would be asleep. And don't worry if you have something going on cause I can find someone else.

And the cute Laurel in our ward said yes.

I was that Laurel five years ago.

When did I grow up and become a mom that calls for a babysitter?

Strange!

Philmont

This past summer I got the chance to go to Philmont Scout Camp in Northern New Mexico. After two days driving driving driving, we finally got there, strapped on our packs, and headed out for the trail. Only now, some three or four months later, I am actually posting the pictures because Kayla uploaded them for me and is only making me type.

Before I go into each picture, I first wanted to mention how hard Philmont was, not because of the hiking- that part was fun- but it was hard to be away from Kayla and David with not even cell phone reception to keep in touch FOR TWO WEEKS!




This picture was actually taken at the camp we stayed at the night before we finished our 10-day trek. Off to the left is a building, a small Cantina, where they offered Root Beer for about 75 cents. Believe me, after spending 9 or 10 days drinking only water and gatorade, Root Beer of any brand tastes great.


This is an actual toilet that I had to use... I won't go into all the details, but as you can see, there are actually two seats available. This particular type of latrine is called a pilot to bombardier. The other available type of toilet at Philmont is the pilot to co-pilot, a side by side version of this fixture. Despite the two holes, I never had to use it with someone else... thank heaven.

This is a picture of plane wreakage of a military accident that occured years ago. You can hike to the peak of the mountain where the plane crashed and see the wings (which I'm sitting by in the picture), propellers, wheels, etc.


The only reason I took this picture is because I thought it was hard to tell which one's the human and which one's the mule. Some of the staff camps have staff who take on historical roles about people who stayed at Philmont before it was a scout ranch.

This is me milking a goat on Father's Day. I guess it made me happy.

This is a picture of my shadow while I'm on a horse. The reason I took this picture was mainly because my horse had a funny habit of sticking its tounge out. He kept his tounge out the whole ride- about 45 minutes! It was very gross when I touched it. He was a good horse- very obedient, and it always came when I called its name.

This is a picture of me (finally showered up and clean!) at the Villa Philmonte, the former home of the man who donated the land of Philmont.


I was happy I could go to Philmont. What really would have made the scout experience better would have been to have David there with me. Maybe we'll have to go again in a few more years!

A little more David footage

I couldn't resist posting this for my parents. It is a little long but captures a lot of David's funny quirks right now...such as loud sniffing (toward the end), funny expressions, baby teeth, and new "words". I took this footage during his bath time today.

David has 8 teeth now, although two of the bottom ones are just poking through.

Good day!

Holy Moly is that Justin Bieber!?

Made you look!

I bet you're all jealous you're not married to Justin's twin. I mean, hello? What a hottie!

I thought it was "Justin Beaver" for a long time. If I misspelled his real name it is because I don't know anything about him...other than a short clip I saw of him getting hit with a water bottle on stage. But I do know that he has that brown swoosh hair that is so alike my hubby's new hairstyle.

Okay, okay. It isn't really his new hairstyle. Brian will never part from the part.

And I don't really think they look alike.

Have a great day!

David's Sense of Humor

A while ago Brian caught me and David playing a game. I'm so glad we have this footage! My mom said when I was a baby I would find the humor in things and laugh and she would be surprised that I got the joke. That is how I feel about this clip. I can't believe David is getting old enough to pretend! He cracked me up so much I'm almost embarrassed to post this. I had tears in my eyes! Isn't his little laugh funny? Don't forget to check out David's kisses on the previous post.

Baby Kisses

Okay I couldn't resist getting some footage of David's kisses. They're just too good! So a week or so ago I grabbed my camera and got it! The last minute is a little boring but shows off his get-in-to-everything skills.

The Rambling Rexburger

There are so many reasons why I just adore this couple. They are totally awesome and have taken the "Burg" by storm. Anyway, if you want to follow an awesome blog I suggest the Rambling Rexburger.
My brother is just getting this blog up and running. This is not a family blog but more of a place for Ty to share his opinions, thoughts, and ideas about life. Check it out. You won't be sorry.

http://ramblingrexburger.blogspot.com/

Adapting to Motherhood

Motherhood is tricky business.

David is getting into everything. I mean it. Everything. I suppose this is no news to veteran mothers but I seriously didn't know that they would get into like...everything.

For example, David is pulling an old piece of floss out of the office garbage. Yuck.

I almost took pictures of the messes he has made but decided against it. They aren't flattering and make me look like a slob. He can take down my whole apartment in about 5 minutes.

The funny thing is I have gotten to the point where I clean up just so he can do it all over again.

Why would I do that? Because he is at an age where he needs something to do or else he'll hold on to my leg and cry until I hold him.

David climbs. The only thing weird about this to me is that he is only 9 months old. He doesn't walk but he can climb up the stairs on his own. He climbs on top of boxes, books, toys, etc. I'm totally freaked out for his future.

Motherhood is not easy and not for the faint of heart. The other day I actually watched a baby poop sideshow. Disgusting. But I was worried that David was not quite normal in that area. I'll tell you one thing right now...never submit yourself to watching picture after picture of abnormal baby poop. Yep. I'm scarred for life.

But motherhood has its perks. There is a lot to laugh at. You know how babies do that thing where they tense up their little bodies and it looks like their head are about to pop off? David loves doing that. I think it makes him feel powerful. He forces out these little baby words in a stream of grunts and his face turns bright red. He makes his hand into little fists like he really means business. Well the other day he was in the bathtub...standing up of course...and he did the grunt thing so hard that a little wet fart came out. I don't know what hit me but I thought that was SOOO funny. Probably because he put in a whole lot of effort for such a tiny noise.

HAHAHAHA.

Wow I have a lot to learn about this mommy thing still. But it is fun. Especially when I get those open mouth kisses that babies are so good at. It is such a joy to realize how incredibly important you are to a child.

Donald, Where's yer Troosers?

A few days ago Brian came downstairs singing a catchy little tune and doing a silly little dance.
He showed me this clip that my mom sent us and I could have died laughing. The more I watch it the more I realize that this little guy, Stuart Anderson, was just like my husband as a child. They even look alike! Brian sang and danced throughout his childhood and I couldn't appreciate this clip more. Hahaha.


Kudos kilt boy! You did your job well!

The Joys of Utah

Temple Square in Spring

Hiking Stewart Falls

Family History Projects

Spending Time with Family

We miss you Utah. Thanks for the great time.

Naughty and Nice

Crawling out of pool without clothes = Naughty

Staying in pool and having fun = Nice

Finding printer and ink = Naughty

This hairdo = Nice

This hairdo = Naughty