B u t t e r f l y

Full Circle

2012-01-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

I would like to tell you all a little story. It started in Rexburg, Idaho. I met a guy named Kelly. He was really nice, and we decided to get hitched! We have enjoyed several years of wonderfulness, and I am so happy. Why am I telling you all this, and posting this particular picture. Well..............after three years of newly wed bliss, we were enjoying the first year of medical school and taking care of a wonderful one year old girl. Clara loved jewelry(she is a girl!) and would always want to play with my wedding ring, or take Kelly's and play with it. One day Kelly let her take his ring, and she took off with it. Long story short, she lost it and we couldn't find it. We canvased the house. Kelly thought it may have gone out in the trash, and wished some hobo well who would find it and pawn it for a new trenchcoat. I thought perhaps it went down the toilet. Gross! We both knew one thing, though, that we would never see the ring again.

Well, fastforward our lives three plus years to yesterday. We moved from SoCal to Oregon. I am busy preparing for the arrival of our third bundle of joy and am going through old baby bags. I pull out one particular bag, and see a gold glint in the bottom. I, with my jaw dropped, pull out Kelly's lost wedding ring. I couldn't believe it. I ran out and showed Kelly, and he was dumbfounded. He was so shocked that he just stared at it with an incredulous look on his face. He didn't even seem happy! He was, really.

Onsies

2012-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

We pulled out some of Clara's old onsies in anticipation. We are so excited to have a new baby girl! We are naming her Margaret and she is due March 28th.

On the Phone

2012-01-05T16:38:00.000-08:00

Clara has a great time talking to Taryn on the phone. She dials the number. At first she would mostly scream and run around. Now they take turns telling stories. The stories mostly feature Clara, Taryn, Derek, and John making there way through spooky forests of ghosts and goblins. Rapunzel helps out too sometimes.

Progress

2012-01-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

When John first would go to the park, I could not entice him to get on a swing no matter how hard I tried. Then Dad came to the park with us, and John could swing if he sat on Dad's lap. The next time we went to the park Dad put him on the swing and started small. John was just fine and pretty soon swinging like a pro. Now when I take him he is so happy. I have a hundred photos with the cutest, biggest smiles on his face, all out of focus. Dad is awesome!

Bikes

2012-01-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

We have been excited and waited patiently for a nice day.

Our Christmas

2011-12-29T15:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve.

First try on their new bikes.

The ribbon that I will save.

A Christmas lolly-pop.

Linn Benton Leaf

2011-11-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

I am not sure why I take so many photos of plants. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that they don't move.

Fall

2011-11-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Complementary Colors

2011-11-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

Working Hard

2011-11-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks or so Kelly and I have changed our tune. Before we would proudly praise Clara and John for the things they would do by focusing on the outcome of what they did. We would say things like "You did a great job!" and "That looks so good." etc, etc... Now we say "You worked so hard." and "You do good work." Stressing the effort, time, and dilligence of their efforts rather than the result. I like that it is about working hard and not giving up. It has done good things. John has been working on puzzles ever since Clara got one for her birthday. He started with a 25 piece puzzle and mastered it, and now is mastering a 100 piece puzzle. I am impressed with his diligence and concentration. Yesterday was the first time he did every piece but two. One because it is lost and the other because i placed it. For a while we were doing it together about twice a day. I think it is interesting that he learns little sections at a time. first the faces then Buzzes feet and Woody's belt. He works so hard and I am so proud of him! And whats more, he is proud of himself and the work he did.

Halloween

2011-11-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween this year was a blast. We had a family in our ward that we have become friends with, the Greaves, come over. While Kelly and Paul held down the fort and frightened off potential T-P-ers, we went out and let the kids practice a form of hunter-gather lifestyle that is only practiced in candyland. We were unsure of the weather as it had rained earlier that day, but the weather held. John was so cute! He would say "trick or treat" so quickly and when asked what his costume was, he would proudly respond "PIDER!" without hesitation(he had changed from the monkey to the spider). There was one house that had a man in a mask that entranced Clara. She was frozen and would not move or break eye contact with the man as he acted ghoulish in the background. I was so happy to be there and that he was kind enough to remove his mask to show Clara it was a regular person. As we were walking around, I was amazed to see the batmobile drive by. With batman driving. I kid you not. I wish I had my camera with me. Someone had built a car to look exactly like the batmobile and was driving around in it. It was so cool. I wish Kelly had been out to see it. Finally we returned home for pumpkin pie. I was so happy to see the kids get just as excited to hand out candy as they were to be given it. All in all, a wonderful halloween despite the sugar hangover the kids had the following day!

Picking out Pumpkins

2011-11-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm so Glad When Daddy Comes Home

2011-10-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

I know that Kelly plays Daddy's Homecoming just so he can get kisses. It is impressive how well he plays with Clara and John climbing up him, literally hanging on him from around his neck, and "patting" him a little to hard on the cheek. But it is the cutest thing a mother could watch and Kelly doesn't look to unhappy about it either.

New Hair Cut

2011-10-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

I was sad but Clara wasn't at all. With some of her friends having short hair and John getting a new cut I think it was just to much. She cut off part of her Barbie's hair, a bit of Rapunzel's hair and then went for her pig tail. I am glad it is still long enough to fix and braid.

Idaho

2011-10-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

While Dad was shooting with Uncle Carl, we went on a mid-morning walk. Grandma and Grandpa took us along the irrigation canal. Clara waded and John had a wonderful time throwing rocks in the water. We love Idaho and always wish we could spend more time visiting.

Bank Robbery

2011-10-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

We recreated a childhood home video on our last trip to Utah. Using my nieces and nephews as similar characters that my cousins and brothers and sisters starred in when they were preschoolers. Our children had some different interpretations of how it should be acted so it was fun to watch it be filmed. It was filmed at an awesome branch with the coolest vault I have ever seen.

Misc. photos of trip to Utah

2011-10-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mom's Yard

2011-10-04T20:26:00.001-07:00

Two Years

2011-08-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

John is two now. As gifts he got a truck, cars, airplanes, puzzle, guitar and an I-spy-quilt that he wrapped himself up in. We love having John around. I love hearing him sing songs and hearing him exclaim "I did it" when he does something of note. He sometimes hits and occasionally falls apart but that is because he is two.

The Swing

2011-07-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

I like the complementary colors of blue and orange in these photos. Clara kept asking to go to Taryn's Park this week. I like to make her happy so we went. While watching her I couldn't help think about this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson entitled The Swing.

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

Oak Creek Trail Again

2011-07-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

John still likes to explore the world through his mouth. I think Clara looks like a little forest gnome.

P.S. You can click to make the three photos bigger.

BW Oak Creek Trail

2011-07-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

County Fair

2011-07-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Kelly's work had a free day and free lunch at the fair. We had a great time trying on hats watching pigs race, seeing beautiful rabbits, and petting sheep. We planned to go on one ride but took one look at the price and bought cotton candy instead. The price put Disneyland in a whole new light.

Collage

2011-07-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

John's Towers

2011-07-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

I hope that you will click on the collage so that you can see some of John's creations. He uses repetition and has a good balance of symmetry and asymmetry. For a while he just put one block on another but now is starting to scaffold (Is that the right word? I mean have two blocks suspend the third.) If you will listen to Kelly and mine conversations you will hear me blabber about getting my hands on a really big set with long pieces. I want him to be able to build something as tall as himself. It bothers that good sets are so expensive and I am finicky about wood. If you hear of a good deal or somebody getting rid of theirs let me know.

New Kitchen

2011-07-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

Independance Day BBQ

2011-07-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

There were some great moments this 4th. I enjoyed the bratwursts, broccoli salad, Sun Chips, homemade lemonade, and the brownies. It was fun to see the children cover there ears during the fireworks. John and Sam had a particularly hard time with the noise. The firecracker chain (as seen in the last photo) was very exciting.

My favorite part was playing U.S. I.Q.. I bought it years ago at the D.I. for 50 cents. We had only played it once before with the Williams and it was fun to bring it out again. The questions are challenging and I feel like we learn something worth knowing when we play it.

I felt the lack of music that I know I would have received if we would have gone to the reunion. It has been too long since I have sung "Your a Grand Old Flag" and "God Bless America" in a group. Next year I am going to insist that we sing some songs.

Others

2011-07-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

I have been watching Hello Dolly and this photo of Clara's feet reminded me of the begining.

Two French Braids

2011-07-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Our new old Piano

2011-06-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

It is such a blessing. We are so greatful. Thanks Michelle. We use it everyday.

McDowell Falls

2011-06-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

My battery ran out while we were out walking at McDowell Falls. The first thought I had was "Now the fun is over." Silly. We were in a beautiful place with my favorite people. I am glad that I could change my thinking and be able to say "Now the fun can start."

Agate Beach Again

2011-06-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

Kelly says going to the beach isn't his favorite thing to do but likes going because I like it so much. That makes me love him more. We really had a great time and I love how it wears the children out.
In the last photo the one on the left is alive.

Dino Pool

2011-06-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

Solar Print Paper

2011-06-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

During the last two days of walks (hikes?) we have kept little things here and there in an attempt to make some fun prints. I recall the first time I used this type of paper. It was at a three day camp called Mill Hallow. It is so fun to watch the paper go from blue to white to and then reverse itself. Clara wasn't interested in composing anything or waiting outside with it but she did enjoy rinsing it watching it change in the water.

Oak Creek Greenbelt Trail

2011-06-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

Unknown flower. John on a throne. The salamander that Tara caught. Where the salamander was caught. An improptu group hug after people got pushed and hit. Working together to release the salamander to it's new home.

Camp Adair

2011-06-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Or EE Wilson Wild Life Refuge. We saw a variety of wild birds that were awesome. It was fun to see how the children backed up when the turkey preened. Then we went on the Pond Loop trail. In the first photo I like how the sign is framed and the birds. On the turkey photo you can tell where the chicken wire was.

Tidying up Children's Minds

2011-06-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

We just finnished listening to Peter Pan by J.M Barrie today. We listened to the first 10 min of it maybe 5 times because Clara liked hearing the beautiful music that lead up to the words and Micheal throughing a fit about his bath. I enjoyed hearing a certain part that I would like to share about mothers.

Mrs. Darling first heard of Peter when she was tidying up her children's minds. It is the nightly custom of every good mother after her children are asleep to rummage in their minds and put things straight for the next morning, repacking into their proper places the many articles that have wandered during the day. If you could keep awake (but of course you can't) you would see your own mother doing this and you would find it very interesting to watch her. It is quite like tidying up drawers. You would see her on her knees, I expect, lingering humorously over some of your contents, wondering where on earth you had picked this thing up, making discoveries sweet and not so sweet, pressing this to her cheek as if it were as nice as a kitten, and hurriedly stowing that out of sight. When you are awake in the morning, the naughtiness and evil passions with which you went to bed have been folded up small and placed at the bottom of your mind, and on the top, beautifully aired, are spread out your prettier thoughts, ready for you to put on.

I do that exact thing.

I like how John holds on to Chester the horses ears. I enjoy wrapping babies up.

Play at the Park

2011-06-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

I love Clara so much. When were were in the car driving back from her birthday party I asked her what her favorite part was and she said "playing with Sam, Marc, Taryn, Laura, Coralyn, Ruby, Riley etc...." That is her. She loves people and she knows that people are the most important.

We had two mishaps. One was that the strike anywhere matches wouldn't lite and Trisha kindly asked a stranger for a lighter. The other was that I forgot to pack a knife and so Kelly made one out of cardboard and a plastic bag. Good thing we were all stuffed with cookies. We are going to gloss over the fact that Clara cried for the second year in row when she was supposed to blow out the candles. Why? I have no idea. The other notable thing was that I counted 8 (no joke) eight other parties that were going on or set up for. In addition to the parties there were two baseball games. It was the day to be at the park.

I am grateful to Abby for consulting about the bubbles and Loni for consulting about the banners.

I love Oregon!

2011-05-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

These are taken from the two different bouquets of flowers I have in my house right now. I picked them from off the side of the road. Does anyone know what the white ones are? They are so fragrant

Bowling

2011-05-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went bowling for the first time as a family. We were the only ones there and thank goodness for it because at one point John ran down one of the lanes. I am sure it was very comical to watch us try and get him. John could have sent balls down the lane all day long. Thanks Kelly for having the day off!

End of the year

2011-05-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

This last school year has been so short. Mostly because we have had such good friends to spend it with. We are already missing all the 4th year students. We are glad they can have such good places to work and live. Good luck Tara Loni and Madeline. Same to you Kassie and Allen.
Derek jumping to Tara. Aurora and Rapunzel (complete with frying pan.)

Schleich Horse

2011-05-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

We play with him every day.

The Waterfall

2011-05-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

The waterfall is in the lazy stream that goes by our subdivision. Wider photo seen here. Clara waded in it on Monday and wanted to come back with her swim suit. I was ok with it. So here we are walking to it and playing. John threw rocks in and Clara was more brave then I had ever seen her (with that sort of thing.) She was never 5 ft away though. In the wagon photo Clara is tickling John with grass. John is a good sport.

California Poppy

2011-05-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

I had never noticed that CaliforninaPoppy's pop off little caps. Clara and I though they were so cute.

John Post

2011-05-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

John is multifaceted. He still lines things up. His language has exploded in the last month. He sings Twinkle twinkle little star and Friar Jacque very well. He says thank you without being prompted when I do things for him. He has this way of looking at people...kind of flirty. He also has a funny little sense of humor.

Pale Blue Shell

2011-05-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

I found this shell in my yard.

2011-05-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

Rainbow Trout and Covered Bridges

2011-05-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday we went to the fish hatchery. It was fun to see the the fish push and flip for the food we would throw. After we had a picnic at a rest area by a covered bridge. I was glad my friends humored me by eating there. I thought that the children would all end up getting wet in the rivers but they turned out to have foot races. It was a beautiful day and kind people to be with.

Flight Home

2011-05-05T21:31:00.001-07:00

We woke up to 3 inch's of beautiful snow. They spent 10 min de-icing the plane. A kind gentlemen named David sat by us and entertained Clara by playing pictionary. John asked about him the next day. Where's Davey?

Easter Sunday

2011-05-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

Eastering in Zion

2011-05-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great time as always. Zion was perfect. Eastering there has so many different layers of meaning that I get so excited about it. I was so happy to see so much of my family. Our tradition has been going for 60+ years. And yes the trams are starting to grow on me. Aunt Jill made the darling bunny cones. The photos are in chronological order except for the first and last. I think that the log looks like a funny snake.

Easter Bonnet and Here we go Willowby

2011-05-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

James in his Easter bonnet with all the frills upon it. James, Sydney and others going step back sa-lly sally sally. Ezra and Tate going down the ally ally ally.

Rotten Eggs Series

2011-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Maybe I can pick a favorite. Sydney is just so cute in that middle photo!

Rotten Eggs

2011-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

The game is that you curl up like you are in an egg and two uncles have your arms. They swing you back and forth to see if you will let go. If you do you are rotten. If you don't you are a good egg. Then Uncle Mitch (?) showed them a different game where you hold on to the hands and ankles. Boy it was fun to watch! I can't pick a favorite.

Jackson's Birthday

2011-05-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

It was so fun to go to Jackson's Party. I loved watching the pinata and hugging all of my sisters children. The first photo was taken by accident but I like it a lot for some reason.

Marion Nina and Stodala Pumpa

2011-05-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

It was a fantastic show when my Dad would put us to bed. I remember him reading books and sneaking in the words jelly bean just to see if we were awake. He would tell poems and stories too but mostly he would sing. Marion Nina, Stodala Pumpa, Valderi Valdera (The Happy Wanderer), Riding Down the Canyon, Smokey the Bear etc etc..... I loved it then but I can't believe how much I loved seeing John and Clara enjoy it as well.

Kelly's Birthday

2011-05-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Kelly's birthday before we left. I made the traditional blueberry pie (here and here and here) instead of cake by his request. This is the second time I have left him for his birthday and I felt awful about it. Kelly is the sweetest guy in the whole world. He shares everything he has with me John and Clara. Even his turn to blow out the candles and open gifts. We all beg for his attention. He is funny, smart and kind. He doesn't make the blog very often not because he is not loved but because he is where he should be, doing what he should be doing. When he is home I don't want to be taking photos of him. I want to be snuggling in his arms, talking with him and working beside him. As a side note: I thought it was humorous that the second Kelly came through the door Clara told him what one of his gifts was.

Airplane

2011-04-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

We had a great flight. Clara and John were fascinated with the planes and the process that we were taking. John made friends with the man behind us. Clara had a good time looking out the window and coloring. I think the best part was the snack. Peanuts and ginger ale on planes is somehow just what I need.

I am so happy about the short Rembrandt lighting on Clara's face.

Another Magnola

2011-04-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

I just love spring!

Playing in the Morning Light

2011-04-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

I know the latter three look very similar but there were little things about each one that I liked too much not to post. Clara’s hair is glowing in the first one and the shadows are awesome. I include the next one because they are playing Ring-Around -The-Rosie and it is just cute when they do that. Then in that last one. When they “all fall down,” the reflection of Clara’s pants on John’s priceless face is amazing.

Curlers #2

2011-04-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

When Clara was seven months old I put her hair in curlers for the first time. She has grown up but she still has her same divine nature. She still loves to be the show. Getting dressed up and taking pictures gets her so excited. Because of it I really have to work hard to get a natural expression and not goofy eyes or a strange smile. Often times I think I only get a good photograph of Clara because I take so many.

Moss Covered Bark in Flattened Grass

2011-04-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

While up in Tacoma we spent some time with my good friend Julie. We went to the Port Defiance Zoo and it was pouring rain. I still had a marvelous time but wisely left my camera in my dry car. Thus there are no photographs of sharks, elephants, baby tigers, and jellyfish. I will post this one that I took at the ranch that Julie said her mom liked. Miss you tons Julie! I wish we could photograph together every day.

Because I Can.

2011-04-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Kelly says that this photo looks like anyone could take it. I see what he is saying and I agree. The fact is that I took it and I like it, so I am posting it because I can.

Frans SAM and Seattle

2011-04-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Seattle. I had never been to Frans before and it was tasty. Uncle Joe treated us and asked John if he liked the hot chocolate. He turned and said "Good!" right before I took the photo. I didn't even know he could say that word. The picture of the little girl is made out of chocolates. At the Seattle Art Museum we were impressed with the roll over display that they hung from the ceiling. John and Clara loved it. I loved it. We saw a Paul Revere piece of silver and had a Brit talk to us about Paul Revere and how "things change." I was impressed with how friendly the staff was and it was fun to have guards jump in and talk so freely. The family room was much needed for John's happiness. We ate at Pikes Place, and after some intense walking went up to the deck at Uncle Joe's firm and had a fantastic view of the needle and the harbor. Thanks Anita and Uncle Joe for a great day! We missed you Kelly.

Museum of Glass

2011-04-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

While in Tacoma visiting my good friend Anita we went to the Museum of Glass. I thought it was a sign when the first piece we saw was of a broomstick from the Sorcerers Apprentice. We had listened to Dukas' music maybe 5 times on the drive up. John wasn't thrilled to sit in a stroller but was more than happy to run around in the puddles. Clara remembers watching them blow glass. Anita and Darwin seemed thrilled to be there. It seems like nothing could get them down.

An overcast rainy day combined with my DPI at 1600 made for blown out skies. The last photo reminds me of some M.C. Esher images (just kinda.)

Sheep

2011-03-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

A lot of what I see reminds me of something else I have seen. My Grandma Dorothy had a print (now at my parents house) of a Shepard on hill looking over his flock. It kind of looks like this but in the empty space on the ridge the Shepard is standing.Placed right on the third. I think this image is lacking without him there but I like it anyway because I think of the print I love.

I can't get over Oregon clouds. Often times I think they look so amazing they almost look fake. They never are.

My Children

2011-03-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

In an effort to be fair I am posting a photo of each of them. I keep thinking that one of them might think, "I love the other more because so-in-so has more photos on the blog." With regards to the photo of Clara, Kelly commented that she is hichhiking while I though, "Why did the Clara cross the road?" John is standing on his changing table saying "cheese." I think it is amazing that he automatically knows to say it and to stay still. He is a good boy.

Img 7116

2011-03-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Similar to my other photo that I called Cross on Cross.

Edward Hopper

2011-03-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hopper painted a painting called "House by the Railroad." This photo reminded me of it even though it is not as isolated as Hoppers.

Daffodiles

2011-03-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch
I lie In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils

I haven't seen a host at a glance like William Wordsworth but I have seen a host all around town. We are just filled with them. Last Thursday, Friday, and Monday we pick bunches. All three places we picked the blooms were different. It is so cheery to have fresh flowers filling the house. It is amazing how they can change a room. I picked until my vases were full and the ladies I visit teach each had bouquets. They were big, fragrant, and bright. While picking it has been fun to think about the wealth of heavenly father's creations and sing "I often go walking","All things bright and beautiful." and of course Williams words. I remember having a conversation with my mom about times in our life when we were shown a "wealth" like Wordsworth. Hers were awesome. I think one of mine would be waking up in bed looking out the window and seeing 50+ hot air balloons. They gently sailed and filled the sky in the immaculate Sunday morning light. I do wish I could have seen the ten thousand daffidils and what my mom has seen but I am thrilled with my hot air balloons.

Magnolia

2011-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Mom emailed me. Turns out is was just another type.

2011-03-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

I get really sheepish posting photos of plants and not knowing the names of them. It leaves me to try to think of a title. When I saw this plant on one of our walks I knew that in the spring I would go back and photograph it. Today I did. I though for sure it was a magnolia tree/bush thing but when I saw it today I knew I was wrong. Do you know?

JT

2011-03-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

It was fun to take photos of this darling baby. He was looking around and thinking about things. What a great quality in a person!
Mothers normally don't like photos of there baby crying. I can't blame them. It is no fun to hear a baby cry. Donna probably won't print the last two but I thought they were interesting. I think the last one really shows what he is feeling. His crisis lasted less then 10 sec. I think it goes with the first photo I took of Maya.

Color Bar None Ranch

2011-03-06T19:59:00.001-08:00

My fabulous friend Julie invited us down to her Grandfather's Ranch on Friday. Clara loved feeding the sheep and John had a epiphany when he heard the donkey bray. It was the cutest thing in the world. I reveled in Julies company and stayed up far to late Thursday night. Nothing can compare to an old friend.

Black and White Bar None Ranch

2011-03-06T19:45:00.001-08:00

2011-02-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

The Same View and Others

2011-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Snow and Rabbit Hat

2011-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning we woke up to two inches of nice snow. I was so excited! Clara was excited! John was ho hum. When I went looking for my baret I found my rabbit fur hat that Uncle Carl had given me from Russia. So here it is. It is toasty warm.

Blossoms

2011-02-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

I had a hard time deciding what was my favorite.

John Deere

2011-02-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today we saw some new piglets, hunted eggs, and fed bread to the cows and sows. Clara even sat on a horse for the first time. We are excited to go back to see some foals when they arrive. Brother Hugie was too generous giving us his time and kindness. In addition we each left with fresh eggs. Thanks Brother Hugie!

2011-02-22T15:33:00.000-08:00

Monkey Puzzle Tree Pine Cones

2011-02-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Between Subdivisions

2011-02-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

Princess Fashion Set

2011-02-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

Please note the Georgia O'Keeffe Pansy. It makes me happy when I go into her room.

2011-02-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

The frost made it look slightly flocked.

Get out of the dryer

2011-02-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

Of course I told them to get out after I finished taking pictures. I realize it dilutes the power of the statement but I am a photographer.

I am pleased with how well John and Clara are playing together. They seem to be doing everything together including getting in to mischief. I am not pleased with that. Today three bags of cereal on the floor at two separate times. Two bags before church and one bag after. I did to much vacuuming for the Sabbath. They happened so quick I am starting to worry what is in store.

Face Painting

2011-02-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

Clara and Taryn were pink tigers and Judd was a U of Oregon tiger (not duck). John sat for a star and Wren (not pictured) a heart. Derak didn't like the feel of the cold paint so chose not to sit. I really like the texture of Taryns face and seeing the pen under that paint from an obvious attempt at doing it herself earlier. I also like seeing Clara's closed eye expression.

View from OSU Lambing Barns

2011-02-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

We saw a brand new baby lamb that was born today. The poor thing seemed to be having a hard time eating. We also pet a friendly little black one. John can do most of the animals sounds so seeing sheep up close was really fun for him. I just eat up all of his little squeals. Because of today's events I have had the words of William Blake stuck in my head for about a week. I will share so they can be in your head too.

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, & bid thee feed
By the stream & o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, wooly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb.
He is meek, & he is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, & thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Noxious Weed

2011-02-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

2011-02-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I find it really hard to think of titles.

Marionberry

2011-02-13T22:16:00.000-08:00

Lattice Shadow

2011-02-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

B D R I M O

2011-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

When we are at our house for the rotating preschool I do a little routine that includes making the letters with our bodies. We also get the ribbon streamers and practice making the letters in the air. They are really good about sharing since we only have 4 streamers and there are five of them. It is really a game. I say "Who is going share with ______?" and it is a race to volunteer. I get so proud of all of them.

Station 14

2011-02-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

For playgroup we went to the local fire station. When we walked in to where the trucks were Clara exclaimed "WOW, This is so cool!" Cool is her new word. The fire fighters are so kind. They were especially good about talking about the fire gear.

Another one for Jill

2011-01-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Line up

2011-01-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

The past three to four days John has been lining up toys. Mostly the cars and animals but I also noticed blocks that were the same size of different colors lined up. I like it that he does it. The first photo was so surprising. All of a sudden animals were along the edge of the table. I really like that he put the elephant in the middle. The last photo was done this morning right before church.

Stroller Ride

2011-01-20T20:54:00.000-08:00

Clara would run fast and then stop just in time to not hit the sliding glass door. John would protect himself by helping cushion the stop with his feet. It was so funny to watch.

Another walk

2011-01-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

Clara has been really into my baret lately. I get a kick when she puts it on. I really love going on walks with John and Clara and the wagon has made it even more enjoyable. I am glad every time we do it. Still it is so strange how hard it is to get out of the door. Why is that?

Red Wagon

2011-01-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

Timber Linn Park Parking Lot

2011-01-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

This is a color image. You may think I am joking but I really am not. Fog always does really cool things.