DeGraff's blah, blah, blahg

Bodega Bay in Black & White

2011-12-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

Prior to Christmas, we spent four glorious days in the sleepy town of Bodega Bay with my family.

Here are some of the sights. I thought I'd mix it up a little and post some black & white photos. It's hard for me to stray from color, but I'm willing to give it a whirl.

You can see why this location was chosen to film "The Birds".

Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T22:40:00.000-08:00

We learned some things from the last Thanksgiving we tried to host.

(refer here)

One thing we learned is to set the turkey thermometer to Farenheit so as to avoid it IMPLODING when you when you attempt to carve.

Another thing we learned was that if you want a nice tablescape, this must be done the night before.

What we didn't learn is that once you start cooking, there is no way you are going to have time for a shower. That said, we did upgrade our yesteryear digs from pajamas to running attire.

It was so wonderful to sit (all 15 of us) at one LONG table.

Even little Sammy had a seat at the end where he smeared cranberry relish and pulled at the burlap until his heart's content.

Troy planned out the entire meal. Really...he insisted.

We ate:

Turkey

Ham

Cornbread stuffing with sausage, golden raisens & dried cherries

Homemade Mac n' Cheese

Mashed potatoes

The obligatory green bean casserole

Creamed corn with wild rice

Rolls

Frog eye salad

Jello salad

Cranberry relish

Hollie's sweet potatoes with brown sugar/pecan topping

The kids entertained themselves while waiting for dinner. No injuries to report.

Seriously...best turkey EVER. Mmmm...I'm salivating just thinking about it.

Life is good.

We feel so blessed and grateful!

(PS....thanks to my SIL, Hollie for most of the pictures!)

adverbial update

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

He's sitting up, mostly.

He's teething, probably.

He gets up on all fours, wobbily.

He is eating solids, sloppily.

He sleeps in his own crib, finally.

He's my boyfriend, definitely.

He drools and spits up, frequently.

He poops at 4 am, religiously.

He smiles, beautifully.

He's ticklish, extremely!

He grabs and touches everything, curiously.

He wants my cell phone, desperately.

He is our baby, undoubtedly!

Put a pin in it!

2011-11-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

For the last few months, "Let's pin it!" has been a common phrase around here.

And no, it is not a reference to my latest obsession with Pinterest.

Rather, a reference to Jack's latest obsession with bug collecting.

Everywhere we go, Jack is looking for bugs.

He finds them in our house.

He finds them in the park.

He finds them on hikes.

At school.

At church.

It is not uncommon for him to come home with a live bug in his pocket.

I keep finding my Tupperware in the yard housing a new critter.

Then they usually make their way onto the kitchen counter where they sit until "pinned".

Jack even found a black widow (yikes) on the outside of our house.

Thankfully, he knows NOT to touch them.

But dad had the bright idea of capturing it, along with her egg sac, and keeping it in the house (in some Tupperware, of course) until it died.

Well, a week went by.

Then two.

Then Three.

Then four, and that little widow was still ALIVE! Not only was she alive, but so were her new 200 baby widows...all crawling around in my tupperware! Talk about heebie jeebies! I'm doing the spider shimmy and shake dance as I type!

Once we realized these black widows were invincible AND they had just increased in number ten-fold, we decided we had no other option than to freeze them.

It worked.

So you see, it has not been easy making this bug collection. I am out of Tupperware, tired of seeing bugs in the kitchen, and ready to call the exterminator.

But Jack LOVES it and is so proud of his collection.

(He's since added a really impressive GREEN praying mantis, a grasshopper, and a bee.)

apple hill

2011-11-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

I was beginning to mourn the fast disappearance of October when I realized it was the morning of the 29th and we hadn't done our usual fall outings to the pumpkin patch or apple hill.

So, we quickly got dressed at 8 am and headed up the hill to pick some apples and eat some warm donuts.

Apple hill is just as it sounds. It's up in the foothills below Tahoe where you can pick from 60+ apple orchards to tour.

We started out at Rainbow Orchards which is famous for their hot-out-of-the-grease apple cider donuts. Oh my. We each got one, then decided they were too good to stop at that so we went back for another round.

Our kids only care about picking their own apples which is fine with us because we much prefer the smaller orchards over the ones that practically have fair attractions that your kids beg you to pay for. We were a little late in the season for the yummy red apples, but with some serious searching we managed to fill a basket full.

It was a great way to start a Saturday. Click here to see last year's Apple Hill trip.

trick or treat

2011-11-06T22:30:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2011 Highlights:

- We attended the ward Trunk or Treat. The kids made 16 rounds around the parking lot until their buckets were FULL. Jack threw up 4 times that night.

-Troy and I made dueling chilis for the chili cook-off. Let's just say that one of us won and it might have been the same person who won last year, and she might just be a girl.

- Jack's school party went off without a hitch, but after A LOT of food/party preparations our house looked like a category 5 hurricane had blown through! We still haven't recovered.

- We bought a cute crab costume for Sammy. We purchased a 9 month costume for our 6 month old and couldn't get it over his feet! We make kids jumbo sized over here, which is weird because we're so petite!?!

- Hollie treated us to warm potato soup and homemade artisan bread on Halloween night. We chowed down then sat in the driveway handing out candy.

- We carved 2 pumpkins barely in time for the holiday. Like, right before bedtime on Halloween night.

We had a real life "Captain Jack" Pirate.

Lucy was Ariel the Mermaid.

Grandma came to visit with some great Halloween books.

Our bum cousins came begging for candy!

sundance

2011-10-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I love Utah.

Utah for me symbolizes independence.

Even though Idaho was technically the first place I landed after leaving home for school, there is a feeling about Utah that reminds me of my most formidable experiences with becoming independent.

Utah also reminds me of love.

I fell in love many times in Utah...none more important than the LAST!

Just driving around there reminds me of the fun butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of giddiness of those college dating years.

Utah is also home to the birth of many lifelong friendships.

Going to UVSC with Jayner and Jill.

Bumming scooter rides with Sherri and Jenna.

Getting advice from Shelly, or visiting married friends like Mere.

Lots of great memories.

Last weekend I got to go back for a short visit.

It was a visit filled with lots of new emotions.

Sadness, gratitude, laughter, heartache, togetherness, and fun.

On my last day there, I took a drive with my good friend Heidi.

We visited one of my FAVORITE places on this earth....Sundance in the FALL!

We dined at the Foundry Grill and then drove through the painted mountains.

It was a majestic way to end an emotion-filled weekend.

(please don't laugh at my George Washington wig. I had a bad date with the waving iron.)

Idaho - On the water

2011-10-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

In McCall, we enjoyed some great days on the water. Even though, really, the water was freezing and pretty choppy, it didn't stop some die-hards from hopping in.

(Just in case you're wondering...NO, I was not one of the die-hards. Surprised?)

The little cousins had a blast hanging out together and holding up the flag when asked. A few of these girls were braver than myself and rode the tube or the kneeboard.

It was fun watching the reactions of the tube riders. I always enjoy watching people get bounced around until I'm the one doing the bouncing.

This crash was particularly entertaining. Then the one right after this, Colton got ejected right over the back side of the tube.

You can't tell from the picture, but we were all laughing so hard because the wind caught skinny little Makenzie's life jacket and was blowing her over.

Boom Time

We had several brave beginners try their luck skiing off the boom before braving the deep water start.

Here's Mike wake boarding.

I swear boys never miss an opportunity for a little foul play.

hope

2011-10-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the day one of my college besties, Jayne (who we middle-named Lucy after because she's that great of a person), sent me an e-mail pleading for us to pray for her cousin Stephanie Nielson, otherwise known as Nie Nie. The e-mail stated that Stephanie and her husband had been in a plane crash and their likelyhood of survival was unknown. Please pray for them she plead.

I remember hearing that news and instantly feeling so heartbroken for their family and their children, as most of the world did too.

Last month I had the pleasure of listening to Stephanie and Christian tell their amazing story of survival, struggle, testimony in their Savior, and ultimately the virtue of HOPE.

It was uplifting.

Earlier this week, I heard news that my cousin Laura's husband had been in a plane crash in Utah. His outcome was not one of survival. He leaves behind two beautiful boys and a wife who undoubtedly loved him more that anything! The last time my husband and I were together with Laura and Jared, we commented on their love and respect for one another.

Our family is aching for Laura and her boys. I cannot imagine an earthly trial more challenging than losing a child or spouse. I was moved to tears on Wednesday in the middle of my treadmill run at the gym with the thought of Laura and how she will move on.

But then I thought about Nie Nie and her message of HOPE. And I thought about my cousin who I KNOW has a deep love of our Savior and a belief in the Plan of Salvation. I know she is going to make it through this because she has faith and HOPE.

One of my favorite apostles of our church said this of Hope:

"Hope . . . is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father."

~Dieter Uchtdorf

I know she will be reunited with Jared again one day.

I believe that with all my heart.

Laura, we love you!

new baby

2011-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post my work over here on this blog,

but I just loved this session so much that I couldn't resist.

See the same thing over HERE.

we just can't wait

2011-09-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween might be my favorite holiday to enjoy with my kids.

Yesterday we decorated the entire house. So we're three days premature of October. So what.

Jack tried on his entire Pirate costume, complete with eyeliner mustaches and mock sword fights.

Lucy got decked out in her Ariel wig and her homemade shell headpiece.

Together they walked the neighborhood and waved to cars passing by. Then they spent the rest of the day lounging in their costumes.

foot fetish

2011-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Sammy has a bad case of toe jam.

As in...he can't stop jamming his toes into his mouth!

He loves his tasty digits. He gnaws on them until they are a drooly mess. They keep him entertained on the floor for at least a 1/2 hour.

His eye hand coordination is still developing, so the best part about his foot fetish is watching him FINALLY grab hold of a foot and then with the force, speed and intesity of say, me putting a cupcake to my mouth, he shoves that foot in like it's the most tasty delicatessen around.

People say he has his mom's flexibility. At any rate, I think it's pretty cute!

beachy keen

2011-09-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

I'm all over the place with my blogging these days. So much to document, so little time.

I still have more of our Idaho vacation to blog, I still have more of my brother's wedding, and then everything in between.

Oh well. One day.

These are some pictures from our wedding trip to Southern California.

It was short and jam packed with wedding to-dos, but we did manage to squeak in a day at the beach. I never tire of the beach and neither do my kids. It's better than Disneyland! (except for there's no corn dogs or churros.)

This is baby Maren. I think she is the most beautiful thing around. She was very unsure of the sand!

Carter and Lucy....best buds.

Hunter, the eyelash master.

Grandpa Jay giving free rides.

Lucy's Day

2011-09-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday just became a day to celebrate in Lucy's world.

Because Tuesday is now the day we have preschool/playgroup with all of her friends!

I don't know about other families, but in ours sometimes it feels like Jack (the oldest) gets all the fun!

He goes to school.

He gets invited to birthday parties.

He is on a soccer team.

He gets a booster seat instead of a car seat.

He sings in the primary programs.

He's loosing his teeth and gets visited by the tooth fairy.

Finally it is Lucy's turn to have something special ALL to herself!

She is on cloud 9 when she wakes up and hears that it's a PRESCHOOL day! I am on cloud 9 when I see these 6 cuties all together! What a darling group!

When they came over to our house last time, Lucy said she wanted to learn about COLORS.

We sorted colors, played with playdough, made fruit loop necklaces, painted a color wheel, and ate delicious fruit from each color of the rainbow.

And of course we saved time for dressing up and playing house.

Note: It was really hilarious to watch Jack amongst all these girls. He was a typical boy running around trying to get attention in his batman outfit by scaring the girls. He loved it, too!

Idaho - On the trails

2011-09-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite days in McCall was this day.

We took a nature stroll around some of the most gorgeous scenery I've seen.

Along the way, we were treated to deer sightings, multiple snake encounters, and also some unidentifiable creatures/trolls hiding underneath the bridges.

It was fun to be together.

I love to see my kids enjoying their cousins.

hanging by a thread.

2011-09-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

wiggle

jiggle

tug and pull.

That's what he's been up to for the last month.

Until finally, one day, dad gave it the ole heave ho and it came right out.

I suggested we make a pillow for the toothfairy to put his earnings.

I made the mistake of letting him look online for pillow ideas.

He liked the monster one.

I obliged.

But my sewing machine HATES me.

I knew I should have used hot glue. I am friends with hot glue, NOT sewing.

but it doesn't matter because he loves it.

This last picture was his idea...an action shot of him waiting anxiously for the toothfairy's arrival.

...just another sign that he's growing up too fast!

4+ months and going strong...

2011-09-09T00:28:00.000-07:00

jammer. jams. jammy.

Those are his nicknames.

I think it's interesting how some nicknames stick.

We started calling him Sammer Jammer and now we have every variation.

Sam is 4+ months now and we are so IN LOVE!

I am already that mom who's memory is a little foggy when it comes to remembering what my other two were doing at this age, but I swear he is the most giggly! He has the BEST laugh, particularly when you kiss or blow or growl on his neck! He loves it! Plus he's super ticklish!

Here's Sam showing off his moves. He can roll over from front to back, but not visa versa.

He drools a lot!

He spits up even more.

And he smiles at me like I'm his girlfriend!

I'm still getting butterflies.

Idaho - On the Sand

2011-09-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Most of our days at the reunion were spent at the beach along the shore of the lake.

I'm convinced that sand is the best entertainment around. Then when you get home it's equally as entertaining to find sand in very unusual places on your children.

The kids built castles, dug holes, swam, lounged in the raft, had water fights, soaked up some sun, and enjoyed time together.

The younger cousins made a train and slid down the dirt/sand hill.

Hence...sand in strange places.

The babies, Shafer and Sammy, mesmerized by the striped towel shade structure that Troy built.

Jack participating in the "big kid" water fight.

Drip castles

Yasmin NOT AMUSED by her uncle Troy's antics!

The girls looking mighty cheeky.

fashionista

2011-08-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love this little darling.

She is quirky, and I am completely enamored with her shenanigans (some of the time).

After dropping Jack off for his first day of Kindergarten, we came home, ate lunch and then went down for naps. I asked Lulu if she wanted to sleep in Jack's bed for fun. Feeling special, she quickly obliged.

For two hours following, I was under the illusion that she was sleeping soundly down in the bedroom. When I went to wake her up, this is what I found.

Her...sitting on the bed with several wardrobe changes. In fact, every last article of Jack's clothing was out of his drawers. She had been busy coming up with the best combinations and this is what she ended up with.

I can see she's like her momma.

She prefers comfort over chic. She likes elastic waistbands. And she knows that stripes and plaid totally go together!

Kindergarten

2011-08-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

I definitely had a laundry list of mom-type worries:

would he mind his manners

would he include and be kind to everyone on the playground

would he eat his snack, or just hurry to play

would his teacher like him

would I like his teacher (I'm picky)

would his teacher only see his wild and crazy side, or would she look deeper for his strengths

would he be too tired going to school during his regular naptime (yes, he still naps)

would he enjoy school

would he be disappointed when he finds out it's EVERY DAY

would he learn bad words

But what it all came down to was that I KNEW he was ready.

He is fearless and outgoing.

I was excited for him to have this new experience.

So off he went, with his first loose tooth dangling by a gum-thread, to his first day of

KINDERGARTEN.

And I'm happy to report, we didn't shed a tear!

Sammy didn't even shed a tear!

Post Script:

So it's been like pulling teeth (figuratively) to get Jack to tell us about his days at school. Is it a boy thing? Do you other moms have the same problem? I came up with a deal that he has to think of three things to tell me about each day. So far I've heard NOTHING of the classroom details and EVERYTHING about the recess details. Just for the record, he loves snack, the monkey bars, planting acorns, collecting acorns, and riding bikes when it is "red group's day".

Idaho - Sunset at the Dock

2011-08-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

one is silver and the other is gold

2011-08-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Last month I got to meet up with 2 of my 3 high school besties!

We did a little reminiscing.

I asked Holly, the most frugal, money conscious gal I know, if she still gives out post-it notes indicating the EXACT amount you owe her. I can recall being in highschool and receiving a post-it with the amount of $2.38 for an icee she loaned me money to buy.

We also enjoyed catching up on life.

Plenty to talk about with kids, jobs, husbands, three different locations, etc.

What a great reunion!

(we missed you, Marie!)

Santa Monica

2011-08-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

I wasn't the photographer for my brother's wedding, but I did get to sneak away with this cute couple to the Santa Monica Pier right after they were officially married.

I don't think any of us were prepared for the stares and glares as we walked onto a jam-packed pier on a hot Saturday afternoon dressed in wedding clothes.

It was a uniquely fun and slightly embarrassing moment, but Tallon and Krista did GREAT!

Only bummer for me and my photography dreams was that we couldn't ride the ferris wheel because the line was too long!

CLICK FOR MORE PICS

Idaho - Gone HOG Wild!

2011-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

It always surprises me that I grew up on a farm.

We had chickens, pigs, goats, a ram, and even a horse.

Now, the thought of being a pet owner of ANY kind almost repulses me.

We tried a beta fish and after a month I was ready to flush him myself.

Plus, aside from the stink, hair, and maintenance of pets, the truth is I like my conveniences (like Target and the grocery store) to be nearby.

However, that said, I have no problem reverting back to the country life. Or at least watching my kids enjoy it.

On our Idaho reunion, we got to visit Brooke's amazing farm and garden (not pictured).

The kids were in HOG HEAVEN!

They were also in HOG mud, and HOG drool, and probably even HOG poo!

It was really fun to watch, but I'll admit that I was editing these photos while eating and the thought of them rolling around in that mud made me gag for a moment.

Please meet the Pig Whisperer, Kylee.

Spencer wanted some pictures with the piggies, but what these pictures don't show is him shrieking like a girl. He was so scared.

When the pigs weren't looking, he quickly plopped down for a picture.

fiesta de amor

2011-08-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

In celebration of my brother Tallon and his fiance Krista, my parents threw a little fiesta.

We learned no fiesta is complete without mustaches and Victor's chili verde.

(Troy was out of town on business, but he sure would have looked good over there next to me!)

The happy couple. Mil besos para ti.

Juan and Lucinda

My brother Garrett + family (left)

My brother Brady + family (right)

She wins the cutest niece award!

Grrrrrrr.

Idaho - The Rodeo

2011-08-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yee-Haw

On our first day in Idaho, we went to a small-town rodeo.

It was hot, dusty and smelled of manure just like you'd expect.

But it was unique in the fact that it was designed so that the kids could participate.

The Events:

Mutton Busting

Chase the Greased Pig

Stick Horse Races

Catch a Chicken and Take it Home

Egg Toss

Calf Dressing

3-Legged Race

Barrel Racing (for the more authentic rodeo-ers)

Singing the National Anthem

It was a bit obvious we weren't country folk.

I pulled my "cowboy" hat out of our costume box before we left.

Mariah and Lexi preparing for the Egg Toss

The Greased Pig Chase

I was really surprised that Jack held his own in this crowd of kids.

Let's talk about Mutton Busting.

When my sister-in-law called to get our kids signed up for the events, I guess I didn't ask many questions about the nature of the events. I knew the kids rode sheep for Mutton Busting, but not in my wildest dreams did I think the sheep could maneuver so quickly. So we signed Lucy and Jack up.

Turns out those fluffy animals are quite fast and agile!

When I saw the other kids ride (then get tossed off like wet noodles), I knew Lucy was going to be blindsided by what was to come.

Here she is in the starting gate.

Here she is 1.8 seconds later.

Let's just say us city folk can't take the heat. Those other country kids were tough as nails!

Depending on size, the older kids either rode a small cow or a large steer.

Here is Chloe trying her hand at Mutton Busting.

I was most impressed by Spencer's dismount. He went from this into a forward roll.

Very smooth, Spence!

Three Legged Race

Mariah & Yasmin

Calf Dressing

Where you literally chase a calf and then dress it in human clothes. Spencer sacrificed his own tee shirt for the event.

All in all, it was a great way to kick off the Family Reunion!

Lucy from there to here...

2011-08-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

from mountains to sea

from rodeos to weddings

from dirt to sand

from camping to hotels

from 13 hour drives to 8 hour jaunts

from cousins to more cousins

...all in two weeks.

and worth every moment.

Lucy - McCall, ID

Lucy - Seal Beach, CA

Camp Jack

2011-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'm certain that time travels faster when you are a parent!

I mean, why couldn't time cooperate with me when I was in college and sitting in class bored stiff, picking my split ends and counting down the minutes to freedom?

I swear I blinked and my baby boy turned into this tall, slender, sensitive yet sassy, testosterone ridden, fun-loving, humorous, 5 YEAR OLD!

I just love who he is.

This year for his birthday he wanted a "campfire" birthday. Which really meant he wanted to play with fire. He is obsessed with fire!

I thought rather than just a "campfire" AKA "pyromanic" party, we could go camping where he could experience a fire in a controlled, heavily-patrolled-by-parents atmosphere.

Of course, being the socialite that he is, we had to pare down his list of invites from about 26 to 4. His list included everyone from our old city, to our new, from ages 3 - 15. I've gotta think the deacon from our ward (mormon lingo) and the random kid he met at the park would have felt out of place at his party.

I think everyone had a great time getting dirty and helping us celebrate the 5th year

of our rambunctious, joyful boy!

A true man in the making...

Showing his boyhood and looking for an ice cold beverage.

Dinnertime

yum yum

The BOY friends

Finn, Reis, Jack, Jackson, Riley

This is right before the forest burned down.

The cupcakes

Hunter and gatherer

Opening presents

Telling ghost stories

Breakfast of champions: mini boxes of cereal and cheap danishes

Galla invited an unexpected guest to breakfast.

We roasted some morning marshmallows.

The most awesome climbing rock!

Happy Birthday Jack!

tent talk

2011-07-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Jack just celebrated his 5th birthday (early).

We went camping.

We got really, really dirty.

The kids stayed up too late.

They caught frogs and climbed GIANT rocks.

It was the perfect party.

(more to come in a week)

owen

2011-07-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

Baby hungry?

Go see this baby...NOW!

{Ali DeGraff Photography}

a fair day for the FAIR!

2011-07-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

....and a FAIR price for the FAIR!

Thanks to Grandpa Jay, we got in totally FREE (plus 4 ride tickets & parking - SCORE)!

Which left us with some money to splurge on our favorite FAIR treats:

chili cheese fries

hand dipped corn dogs

cotton candy (or hotten candy, as jack thinks it's called)

and funnel cakes

Yes...we like to eat. And judging by the size of other fair goers, so do they!

In my opinion, one of the best things about the fair is people watching. We found a quiet corner to sit and eat our FAIR fare, and loved to watch all folks of all kinds. And by ALL kinds, I truly mean, ALL kinds. (see last picture)

Lucy ate every last inch of her footlong dog. This girl doesn't waste a thing!

One of the highlights was watching bungee jumper after bungee jumper take the plunge! Would you ever do it? I wouldn't! It made my insides quiver just watching!

We let each of the kids (and our two nieces) choose one ride each. Lucy chose this spinning swing. I was nervous because she was BARELY tall enough to ride without an adult and I didn't think she'd do it alone, but she did and she was beaming from ear to ear.

She looked like such a big girl. I was so proud of her!

Jack insisted upon this jungle gym instead of a ride.

He was also cute. He got a bit nervous up on the high swinging bridge, but did well under the pressure of 3 older boys riding his tail to get across.

He's 4 going on 5, but is as big as a 7 year old.

Here's Chloe and Yasmin on the extreme ferris wheel.

Jack and Lucy LOVED watching them from below! They LOVE their cousins!

Then there was this free attraction.

We told the kids it was the real life Rapunzel. I love when we can save money like that!

Now we don't even have to go to Disneyland and stand in line for 2 hours to see the real thing!

Our day of Independence

2011-07-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

When we found out that our city allowed fireworks in the neighborhood streets, all our dreams had been fulfilled! Really, we had been dreaming of the quintessential 4th of July for a long time. And for us, that vision wasn't complete without fireworks in the street!

The day did not disappoint. We started with a swim party and BBQ at one house, then moved to another house for S'mores, fireworks, and bike riding.

You know it had been a good day when you get home at 11 pm and your kids smell like firework smoke, their feet are filthy from running around barefoot, and they still have smudges of melted marshmallow on their cheeks!

Pure bliss!

all the kids above: lucy, galla, paisley, mayella, jack, finn, kellan

(I probably mispelled some, and missing from the swim pic is Sam & Ryken)

Lucy preferred to be an "observer" of the fireworks show.

Troy was the designated distributor of the fireworks. I love how all the kids are crowded around just waiting for their next sparkler.

Brad and the Flashdancers

smoke bombs + strobes = dance party

I think this lighting effect could make even MY lame dance moves look cool!?!?

NOBODY loved the fireworks more than this kid. For days prior, Jack took our firework paraphernalia and sorted, stacked and arranged them in 3,000 different ways. I'd walk into the living room and find them sorted by size, then 10 minutes later they would be in the 4 corners of the room sorted by category. Every day he asked if it was the 4th of July yet.

Let me just say that I will be hiding our matches and lighters because this kid has an OBSESSION with fire!

Brad, you're a maniac!

Once I was able to put my baby down for a second, I wanted to try writing with sparklers.

I knew you had to write your letters backwards, but I wasn't sure if you had to write the actual word backwards too.

The result:

ASU

Ooops. I guess that answered our question. No, you don't have to write the word backwards. We were going for USA, NOT Arizona State University.

Take II

U.S. of the mini A

4th of July

2011-07-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

{ jack the pyromaniac }

{ lucy loves the USA }

clothing optional

2011-07-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

This was one of those days that the kids kept asking for me to build forts and play pretend and all they kept hearing was,

"In a minute..."

"Just a sec..."

"After I finish ______(fill in the blank: laundry, dishes, shower, pick-up, bills, phone calls)...."

By the end of the day, they were frustrated and so was I.

We all had needs and none of them were being met.

So I decided I needed to do something to entertain them.

I pulled out some of these liquid watercolors that I had in my craft cabinet.

We filled up some spray bottles and got out a white top sheet (we hate those tangly top sheets in our house), and away they went.

That sheet was their canvas and they loved it.

Then their bodies became their canvas.

(pretending to be bloody monsters)

And maybe the stucco on the house was their canvas too...

But they were so happy and busy for at least an hour (music to my ears).

So what I learned (even though I probably already knew) was that the old adage is true:

TAKE time to MAKE time!

Would you believe it worked?

{PS: clothing is optional in our house}

dreaming

2011-07-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

Wouldn't these be so cute for our upcoming reunion in McCall, ID?

I want so badly to re-create (that means copy) one of these shirt designs.

But then that would cost money. Money that I don't have.

hmmmm....

(images via)

snip snip

2011-07-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

dear jack:

eyelashes are genetically NOT our best feature

i would advise not to mess with what little we have

love mom

ps...you're lucky you didn't poke your eye out!

blessing

2011-07-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a special day.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the significant occasions is the time when your baby is blessed (read more here). After 3 kids, I can say that it has been one of my favorite and most spiritual experiences.

Usually, the father of the baby, stands in a circle in the company of close friends and relatives who hold the priesthood and offers a prayer giving the child a name, and blessing him with things both spiritual and temporal.

I appreciate a husband who puts a lot of thought and prayer into these blessings. I know he seeks to say what Heavenly Father would have him say.

My mom took notes during the blessing so that we could remember some of the things said.

Sam was blessed with:

a strong, deep love for the Gospel

a love of the scriptures and prayer

the desire to put on the full armor of God and to recognize its protection, and live so it won't leave

the physical and spiritual strength to withstand challenges

the ability to recognize challenges as opportunities to develop and grow

a soft, kind and tender heart full of love to succor those in need that may cross his path

the ability to be a good friend - to look beyond outward appearances - and to be no respecter of persons

a life of good health to enjoy all the phases of life

the discernment to righteously select an eternal companion - someone that can be his friend and someone who brings out the best in him

a testimony of faith in the Savior and His atonement, and a promise this faith will give him confidence throughout life

a desire to be a good father

a closeness with his family, knowing that he can turn to them for guidance and direction

After church, we walked over to the temple (our ward building is right next to the temple) and took some pictures.

Then, everyone came back to our house for brunch.

We served fruit, a sausage and egg bake, and hot, fresh, fried scones with all the toppings.

Sam slept while we enjoyed.

(Lucy is decorated with the best Sacrament meeting entertainment around....STICKERS!)

summer nights

2011-06-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

hot summer nights

cousins, friends, grandparents

picnics

skiing

swimsuits

tubing

sun-kissed skin

soda pop

swimming

wind blown hair

sunsets over the water

I've got a feeling this is going to be a GOOD summer!

All in this night:

We laughed as Grammy and Grandpa gripped the boat for dear life when Troy picked up speed in the boat. Their expressions said it all....pure TERROR!

Grammy dove in for a swim with the kids.

Lucy got pulled off the dock head first into the water by a hungry goose.

I had my first lesson at driving the boat and pulling a skier. My turns are too wide, apparently.

Troy got up on a ski for the first time in 10 years and loved every minute.

The kids laughed their heads off in the tube and were much more brave than mom or Grammy.

It was Sammy's first trip out. He did great.

fat guy in a little coat

2011-06-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

My kids are obsessed with Sam's clothes.
Jack was thrilled when he found an old baby vest that he used to wear (9-12 months, no less)!

"Look mom, it STILL fits!"

My life is picture perfect

2011-06-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

My life is picture perfect.

As in:

My life is perfect......in pictures.

Let me explain.

I had to laugh the other day as I was taking pictures.

Through my lens I saw this.

My little lu in her tutu being somewhat coy and a teensy bit grumpy (not wanting her picture taken). Then she sat with sammy and was puckering his lips and giving him kisses.

It was a sweet moment that I wanted to capture.

And for that moment, I got lost in the exposure and composition of the photo.

Then I pulled away from the viewfinder to behold.....

THIS!!!

Holy smokes!

Your room has NEVER been this messy, right?

I thought about how funny it is that I have all these "picture perfect" photos on my blog,

but life around these parts can get as non-picture perfect as anyone's life can.

I don't know if you're like me, but at times I find myself drooling over a blog and thinking about how my life is not nearly as swell as HERS!

Truth is, we all have our moments.

In between our

fresh baked bread

finger paint projects

home renovating

scrapbooking

amazing vacations

healthy eating

perfect husband/kids

There is REAL life in there.

And my real life sometimes looks like this.

And just to keep things EXTRA real....

(nuff said)

Tallon + Krista

2011-06-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

The last of my single siblings is set to be married!

Come check them out on my lost-and-forgotten photography blog!

www.alidegraffphotography.blogspot.com

2011-06-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Where has this month gone? Actually, 5 weeks to be exact.

Some days feel like I've been chewed up and spit out.
Then other days I feel victorious...like I just won the biggest battle!

A few things I have learned so far:

1. My happiness directly correlates with my childrens' happiness.
2. Leaving the house DAILY is a necessity!
3. Babies are so precious and I love every second I get to hold my baby!
4. Big kids are precious too, though it sometimes takes effort to notice.
5. I can't live without Babywise.
6. It's a proven fact that excessive crying causes eating binges on baked goods.
7. Counting to ten and taking deep breaths really does work.
8. Dinner and housecleaning are NOT important.
9. Dad is the BEST. Like, totally a lifesaver!
10. Enjoy this moment (even if it can be pretty tough at times)

pimples

2011-05-29T09:43:00.001-07:00

peace

2011-05-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm going to sit here, look at this picture and try to pretend like today never happened.

Ahhh...it's so peaceful & serene.

Absolutely nothing like our day.

(sammy - 2 weeks)

From start to finish, there was a lot (A LOT) of crying.

You know the kind that makes your intestines twist?

The kind that elevates your stress from a 1 to 3000 in seconds?

Then, there were two other culprits in the equation.

Lately, they seem to find joy in doing the exact opposite of what I ask.
Or joy in doing something they KNOW will tick me off.
(and together they are a good team with plenty of time to attack their strategy)

Like when I woke up to trail mix purposely thrown all around the house. I'm sure I'll be finding nuts, raisins, and M&M's hidden in the carpet well into next year.

Or like when I was breastfeeding and heard them playing so nicely in their room. Only to discover they were pouring cups of water into our fun, battery operated ball popper game.

Or when taking a bath they decided to dump an entire bottle of shampoo into the tub, making towering bubbles that were overflowing!

So where was I this entire time, you ask?
Tending to that crying baby, of course.
And the pooping baby.
And the very HUNGRY baby.

Now don't get me wrong.
I love my baby. And I love Jack and Lucy!

But today just wasn't the best.
Tomorrow will be, right?

(I'm going to spare the details of how also on this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day I decided that getting out of the house and going to the mall to find post-pregnacy jeans would somehow be a good solution to our at-home madness. The mall is never a good idea. Never.)

2011-05-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is how we all feel about dad going back to work on Monday!

BOO-HOO!

observations

2011-05-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

early morning play session with sam - 3 days old

Observations after Week 1:

Sam LOVES to sleep...during the day!
sucks on his fingers or fist for comfort
has taken to the swing and bouncer during the day
Likes to be warm
Looks a lot like Jack did as a baby, with a different nose
eyes are bloodshot from delivery
has a distinct furrowed brow
loves to nurse (or "milk" as Jack calls it), but takes 10 minutes before deciding to latch on
doesn't crawl...much to jack's dismay
doesn't eat fruit snacks, cotton candy ice cream, or PB crackers
(all of which have been offered to him and quickly denied by mom)
has a sizeable head and shoulders, and a teeny-weenie bum and legs
lost umbilical cord
didn't love bathtime
loves laying next to, or on top of someone

Seems to be PERFECT in every way.
(I think we'll keep him!)

Jack BEAMING with pride lying next to his new brother!

Lucy (the lion) helping Sam with his binky

sam

2011-05-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

living in harmony

2011-05-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ever since lucy and jack became roommates, I've been perplexed as to how to make a co-ed room for the two of them.

Their room was a mish-mosh of furniture.

Jack's old red dresser.

New bunkbeds that were up, then down, then up, then down.

(bunkbeds are just a pain, aren't they? Especially when your kids decide to revert back to peeing the bed nightly.)

Horrible toy storage.

Unorganized joint closet.

You get the picture.

Then right before Sam came, my mom took the kids one day and I decided to tackle the mess.

I saw some simple striped sheets at Target and a cheap comforter to match. Perfect.

Then we moved some existing furniture around and found that it fit in the room like a glove.

Then we organized and (lightly) accessorized and....

Wa-lah!

The result is a room that I actually like to be in.

And I don't have to make beds.

And I don't have to swear every time I get up on the top bunk to change a sheet.

Lucy's Side of the Room

Artwork

Left - Free printable from HERE

Right - My copycat imitation of THIS girl's work

Jack's Side of the Room

Story-time Corner

good change

2011-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

I remember my feelings before having lucy.

I was through-the-moon excited to meet her, yet so sad to experience a change in our family.

For so long, Jack was all we knew.

I was worried about how a new baby would affect him.

The first night home with lucy, I snuck into his bedroom and cried as he slept.

(I'm sure pregnancy hormones were partially to blame)

I held him and tried to promise not to forget our special times together.

But the truth is, lucy didn't change our special family of three.

She just made it better.

(Jack, Lucy & Daddy - Easter Sunday - April 24th - 4 days before brother's due date)

So last night when I looked down the hall at dad and the kids reading bedtime stories, I froze that moment in time.

Just us...a family of FOUR.

But this time around, I know better than to be sad.

I am so excited for baby brother to join us.

I know he will only make it better!

Easter '11

2011-04-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

An Easter picture is hard to get when your kids can't stop eating candy for ONE second!

Because I am waddling worse than an Easter chick, I don't have many pictures from our Easter day events. We enjoyed a beautiful meal at the Water's home with Grandma and Grandpa. Then topped it off with a grand egg hunt. Jack was extremely focused on finding EVERY egg. Lucy was more concerned with the candy inside the eggs, exclaiming after each one..."This is just what I wanted!"

pageant mom

2011-04-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Her ballet teacher gave specific instructions:

Slick back hair into a bun.

(or in Lucy's case....do the best you can with what you've got)

Place flower on right side of head.

Wear capezio soft pink tights.

No underwear.

(we wouldn't want to see unsightly lines)

And of course....

Apply blush, mascara and lip color so they don't look washed out under the lights.

I was skeptical at first.

I didn't want to feel like a pageant mom.

But then I took one look at her under those lights and up on that stage....

and I said

Sign me up!

Can you blame me?

39

2011-04-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

(picture compliments of my 10 year old niece)

Can't wait to ditch the chineck. That's short for a chin and a neck that have joined forces.

Can wait for the post-pregnancy muffin top!

Can't wait to end the painful hip side sleep-with-a-pillow between the legs routine.

Won't wait to start slumbering on my stomach....ahhhhh!

Can't wait to hold and cuddle my new bundle.

Can wait for the 12 am, 2am, 4am, 6am nursing times.

Can't wait to have a family of 5!

Can wait to have a family of 5! (is this contradictory?)

Can't wait for some of my gnarly veins to tame down.

Can wait for the summer realization that most of my gnarly veins are still there and shorts are a no-go!

Can't wait for the disappearance of this heavy belly to relieve some major hip pain.

Can wait for the stretch mark reveal. (made it through 2 pregnancies without em, but now I see 2)

Can't wait to see Jack and Lucy love on their new brother.

Can wait for constant reminders to stop poking, prodding, shaking, carrying, and waking up their new brother!

Can't wait to share special hospital/birthing moments with my honey.

Can wait for the not-so-pleasant post-birth hospital moments. ugh!

I'd better be off to pack some bags. We're kinda last minute around here.

4 going on 15...

2011-04-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

What is it about a new haircut that makes a little boy age a few years?

I couldn't help looking at Jack through my lens tonight and wondering when he got to be SOOOO big and old!

Is it his new-found friendship with the 7 year old neighbor that has aged him?

Is it the fact that he can negotiate his way into or out of any situation?

Is it his latest desire to bear his testimony in church so that he can tell everyone that "he knows heavenly father is powerful"?

Or maybe it's his sense of humor and great wit that I genuinely find hilarious?

It could be the way he looks out for Lucy and coaches her on what choices to make that would be good.

Whatever it is...I don't think I like it.

He's growing up too fast!

signs of spring

2011-04-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Two definite signs that

SPRING has sprung:

1. The hose has joined us in sunshiney outside play!

2. Naptime has been replaced by catnaps on-the-fly.

date night

2011-04-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jack and Dad went on a scooter date.

Rumor has it that the date ended in scooter rides down the boat launch into the lake.

My date with Lucy ended with a McDonald's strawberry shake.

Much better refreshment, in my opinion, than riding into an icy cold lake!

We also enjoyed a trail hike and spring wildflower collection. I loved Lucy's choice of headwear. She found this hat out of the baby boy clothes we've been sorting, and insisted on wearing it.

She caught a grasshopper and climbed a few trees.

It was a good date, indeed.

Mom...I'll be outside

2011-04-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

We bought him a bike when he was 2.

He wasn't interested.

In fact, it wasn't until this last year that he started developing any interest in rideable toys at all.

Now, it's all he can think about. He's got a one track mind for his scooter and bigwheel.

(but still no interest in a two-wheeled bike)

Our day usually goes something like this...

6:30 am - "Can we ride scooters today?"

7:30 am - "I finished my breakfast, brushed my teeth, and put my shoes on. NOW can

we go outside?"

8 am - "Come oooonnnnnn, mommmmm!"

8:15 am - I hear garage door open and he's already out there cruising around.

I LOVE that he is passionate about this! It is so evident in his entire being that he is JOYOUS when he is out there riding.

Only problem is that the only place we have to ride is in our cul-de-sac in the front yard.

(which means I need to be there to supervise)

And the cul-de-sac we live on is down a big hill of which he has NO fear barreling down at full speeds.

(which means I REALLY need to be out there)

And sometimes I just want, no NEED, to do laundry, dishes, vacuuming, getting ready for baby, dusting, organizing, etc.

(which means that sometimes I really don't want to be out there)

But then I remember that these moments are fleeting. And really, laundry can wait. And so can the dishes.

Because truly, the happiness he gets from being outside riding is more reward for me than any other!

BIGWHEEL vs. SCOOTER

* the bigwheel is best suited for riding down really steep driveways

*the scooter will provide the smoothest ride down the cul-de-sac

*the bigwheel is capable of some really SWEET spinout turns that make the rider look extra cool.

*the riding pose on the scooter is very laid-back, nonchalant looking that impresses the 8 year old neighborhood boys.

*the bigwheel seat leaves some pretty nasty bruises, but the scooter can crash and burn on bumps or rocks in the road leaving some gnarly knee scrapes to contend with.

Beans LOVES beans!

2011-03-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Give this girl a bowl of edamame beans and she's happy for an hour.

We're hoping they also help mullets grow, because her top hair needs more than a prayer.

reverent thoughts

2011-03-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Jack's breakfast prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this food the leprechauns brought. (lucky charms)

Thank you for Jesus.

Please bless that one of our kids or parents don't fall off a cliff. (must have been a dream last night)

Please bless we won't be mean so that I can earn my bullets for my gun. (yes...be good. please be good!)

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Oh Blarney!

2011-03-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Those tricky leprechauns got us again.

Hope you had a great St. Patty's day!

nerdy chills

2011-03-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

I don't want to make things awkward here.

I realize people that take excessive self-portraits are weird.

Some people do it well.

I don't.

I'm always thinking: should I look pensive? sexy? non-interested? shy? girl-next-door cute?

As you can see, it's a very stressful process.

Not to mention the camera set up. That's a whole trick in itself.

My arm gets tired. The camera slides off the pillow that is on top of 3 boxes. Jack can't ever take a focused picture. You get the idea.

That said, I did it anyway.

Troy made fun of me for 10 whole minutes while the pics loaded on the computer.

But I'm glad I did because there never seems to be a time in the day when I remember to have Troy document the pregnancy of our 3rd child.

Yes, these are the ONLY pictures I have of this belly.

So here you have it.

A whole lot of me making some pretty serious, look-into-my-eyes, pregnancy faced pictures.

Don't judge.

Tomorrow I will be documenting my thoughts on pregnancy #3 thus far.

(32 weeks pregnant)

it's my party

2011-03-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

She had two requests:

A pink cake of sorts (see below)

Dora anything...

The great thing about having family nearby is that you always have an instant party! We rounded up Grandma's and Grandpa's, aunts, uncles and cousins and called it a bash.

She LOVED it!

Grandpa Jay (aka Bozo the free clown) came equipped with a whimsical birthday hat, poppers and bubbles for entertainment. We got off cheap!

It was a great day for this little miss.

We feel so blessed to be surrounded by family!

I made a cake from my childhood! I can remember requesting this cake for most birthdays. How fun is a cake with colored Jell-o seeping through it? Troy thinks it's just trashy food, but I say Jell-o can and SHOULD be eaten at every meal! Really, though, you should try it. So light and refreshing! Fake tasting? Yes! But yummy still the same.

(click to enlarge)

:::three:::

2011-03-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

yesterday

we CELEBRATED

three

wonderful years

with

LUCY BEANS

in our life!

At 3 years old, Lucy...

loves to read and retell stories

loves her dolls

interacts (by yelling at the TV) with shows like Dora

begs for clothes from Target

eats, and eats, and eats!

says prayers and asks (with one eye open) "what else?" after each phrase

still takes naps...barely

aggravates mom by taking off her diaper in her sleep

still has hair on her head that refuses to GROW

likes to say no, no, NO, NO

can be caught admiring herself in the mirror

enjoys singing, but rarely knows lyrics to an entire song

loves to be sung to before naps and bedtime

is always HOT

loves Jack

fights with Jack

copies Jack

can be sassy and stubborn

is a daddy's girl

wears a size 5T in clothes, and a size 9 in shoes

loves to lead the music in church like the lady on the stand

still has a sweet, independent demeanor

LOVE you beans!

white

2011-02-22T20:50:00.000-08:00

dreaming of a white kitchen.....

{image via}

mani/pedi

2011-02-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

3 dollars bought Lucy:

- 12 nail polishes in a variety of colors

- a purple, plastic, sparkly purse to store them in

- true bliss to the life of a 2 year old girl

She paints and paints and REPAINTS every day insisting that she can do it better than me. Who knows? Maybe she'll be the first white girl to work at Happy Nails?

Christmas (cliff note edition)

2011-02-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Every year I try to figure out how I can extend Christmas. I am (or I think I am) a firm believer in waiting until after Thanksgiving. This year I almost didn't. I just love to see how magical it is for the kids and by the end, we are never ready to put it all way!

Jack helping Troy put up Christmas lights.

The final product....

Sugar cookies, of course!

Annual Gingerbread House Decorating

Jack starring as Frosty the Snowman in his preschool musical.

Elf on the Shelf (Twinkles) & Christmas Advent

Treats for Santa and the Reindeer. A hand drawn picture of Santa - by Jack.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Morning

The kids were up at 6. We had to hold them back to get our cameras ready before they plowed through the Santa Trap in the hallway. Jack was very disappointed when he didn't see light sabers right away. He tossed everything out of his stocking in about 3 seconds flat, while Lucy sat with her stocking for a 1/2 an hour examining each item. It was fun to see the differences between them this year.

Lucy loved:

-her Rapunzel dress

-new shoes

-Snow White slap bracelet from Jack (thanks Dollar Tree)

-Ladybug pillow pet

-new pj's

-cheerleading doll from Grandma LaWanna

-pink big wheel

-fingernail polish

Jack loved:

-his new lightsaber/gun combination (he would have been satisfied with JUST this much)

-red big wheel

-new pj's

-Perfection game

-Mr. Potato Head

-penguin pillow pet

Already?

2011-02-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

I know parents always say, "Where does the time go?"

But seriously, "WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?"

I am having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that I'm already registering my oldest for KINDERGARTEN!!!

The other day in the shower I wondered to myself if I had made the most of this time as a mom? You know, there's something precious about the first 5ish years before you start sending your kids off to school. They are all yours! You get to be the one teaching, playing, shaping, and protecting. Then it's off to the big leagues where other influences start to infiltrate their lives.

I sure hope we're ready for this.

I'm really going to miss our lazy, schedule-less days of parks, play dates, impromptu vacations, pajamas til 10 and no homework!

(Jack's first day of Preschool - Sept 2010)

ballerina

2011-02-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Given my natural born height and girth, coupled with a serious lack of grace and coordination, I suppose my parents figured ballet was not at the top of the list of talents they wanted to encourage I develop.

Once I participated in a school talent show with my much smaller, more dainty friend Julie where she took me under her wing and tried to teach me some ballet skills that I'm sure had taken her years to learn.

I'm sure I felt like a bona fide sugarplum fairy, but the video tells the whole truth of matter...stiff, deliberate movements, awkward pauses, turns that looked robotic, missed steps in the choreography etc, etc.

Which is why I, too, have my reservations about Lucy's lifelong ballet career.

But holy cow! Who can resist an almost 3 year-old in this outfit? I sure as heck can't. And it's even cuter seeing her with all her girlfriends prancing around the floor. When they stretch they do fluttering butterfly wings with their legs. To learn first position, they open and close their feet like a storybook. Then they dance and jump to beautiful music for the rest of the class. So precious!

Lucy doesn't have big reactions to anything, but I can tell that she LOVES going to ballet and having her own special thing.

We've been sick

2011-02-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

(Jack 4.5 - requested I color him a picture to keep in bed with him while he was sick.)

Two hours before we were scheduled to leave on a week-long Disneyland/Beach vacation, our Dr. called to confirm that Lucy's sickness was indeed PNEUMONIA! We wrestled with what to do in this situation. Would responsible parents leave anyway on vacation with a very sick little girl? Probably not. However, sometimes we live on the edge of things and so we decided to pack the car with a humidifier, antibiotics, and lucy in tow hoping that in a few days we'd see marked improvement. It was a risky move, one that I doubted a few times along the way, but it turned out to be a good gamble.

We were able to spend two VERY low-key days on the beach, with lots of hotel rest during the day, and nightly visits to the hot tub. Lucy's nights were horrible with lots of coughing sessions that ended in vomit, but we made sure she got plenty of rest. By day three she had turned a big corner. Just in time for Disneyland.

When we arrived at our new hotel in Anaheim Jack exclaimed, "You've got to be kidding me" after seeing the hotel lobby decorated with a faux rockscape, streams stocked with Koi, and a mountain lion perched atop the highest rock. It was indeed a dream come true for a little boy and clearly the highlight of his trip because that is the part he continues to recount.

Disneyland was wonderful as always, though I really felt like a visiting tourist rather than a southern california rookie. As long as we still have So. Cal addresses on our license, we will continue to renew Disney passes. We managed to ride everything we wanted and more! Jack has become much more aware of his fears this year, so he opted out of a few of his old favorites that were more adventurous and fast! It was just as fun to see his reactions on Winnie the Poo as it was on the Tower of Terror.

On our last night, after the amazing new water show, we headed back to the hotel to discover that Jack had a fever. After a night of 103 temps, we decided to cut the last two days of our vacation short (which included visiting some great friends) and head home. See, we are responsible parents! Turned out he was battling a sinus and ear infection, and had a fever that lasted 5 days!

So now we're back, almost completely recovered, and ready for our next trip down south!

Christmas Outtakes

2011-02-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

I like to think I get more brilliant through the years. This year I worked up a trade with my friend, Kasey. An I'll-take-your-pictures-if-you-take-ours kind of trade. It worked out perfectly. We hauled out our 5 kids among us into a glowy field and shot away. Wa-lah! Christmas card pictures done (and I am actually in them with baby in belly)!

Here is the result of Kasey's brilliance behind the camera. Note: the light was soooo gorgeous that very little editing was needed. I love those kinds of days!

Jack's 4th Birthday

2011-02-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

These recent posts are as organized as my brain. Which means NOT organized much at all. This video is from Jack's 4th birthday in August the week before we moved to Sacramento.

He misses his old buddies!

Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

A few tips to make your sledding/snow trip more enjoyable:

BEFORE heading up to the snow 6 months pregnant, check all your snow gear. Don't assume your husband's snow pants are going to fit your blossoming belly or you'll spend most of your time holding them up with one hand.

Wear a snow hat that is sort of reminiscent of Where's Waldo. In fact, the uglier and more mismatched the clothing, the BETTER!

Let your children eat snow until their heart's content. (you know you like it too)

Beware of cheeks the color of Jack's! You should know when it gets to that shade of RED, the defrosting process is going to be VERY painful.

Steer clear of any creepy lurkers in the woods.

Try to create photo ops like this where it looks like your kids are candidly sitting by each other throwing snow and having a great time. (they really were, i promise)

Like Tip #3, let them suck icicles. It's only dirty water run-off frozen over time. Big deal.

Bring an awesome dad along who is up for anything! The kids love it and mom can stand snow-free with her camera!

pumpkin patched out

2011-02-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin patch 3 times in one season? I guess we did make the most the Fall harvest.

Here is Jack with his preschool class. They all look very engaged. I think 3 of them knew we were taking a picture!

Lucy also came along for the ride.

flying jack

2011-02-01T05:46:00.000-08:00

J - Jumps from anything and everything (counters, bunkbeds, couches, tables)

A - Attached to Lion (mostly at night)

C - Capes give him super powers and speed!

K - Knows he's WAY too old for a binky

togetherness

2011-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

In October, everyone in the DeGraff clan was able to be in Sacramento to attend a special event. Yasmin was getting sealed (mormon jargon) in the temple for time and all eternity to her parents and siblings. It was a beautiful, emotional day and so nice to be there with everyone in the family. Knowing that we can live together with our families FOREVER is one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Here's the entire group with 14 grandkids and two buns in the oven. (heather and me)

Time with family is time well spent. I love to see my kids with their cousins! The older ones take care of the younger ones, and the younger ones absolutely love the attention!

We went back to the pumpkin patch for another round of fun!

Lucy was OBSESSED with the goats. She preyed mostly on the helpless baby goats. She'd grab them, then squeeze them in her tight grip so they couldn't escape, sometimes only managing to trap them by their hind legs as they went for a get-away. It's no wonder they were eating her ears off.

One of us is so athletic!

2011-01-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

Right after we moved to Sacramento, Troy swam in a race from the famous Alcatraz Island to the shores of the San Fransisco Bay. This probably ranks second to skydiving on my list of things I'd NEVER do! The thought of jumping into the frigid open waters of the shark infested ocean is not my idea of adventure. Needless to say, I was the one up with nervous diarrhea the night before the big race.

He did great and was happy to report there were no shark sightings!

Funny side note, the three competitors all vying for 1st place came into the bay neck and neck. They were swimming so fast and with such intensity, that they were barely breathing. As a result, two of them swam smack dab into a boat parked in the bay! Whoopsie daisy!

Halloween 2010

2011-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

I tend to be a bit controlling. I am the oldest child and I like to be the boss.

I tell Troy how he should and shouldn't be driving. (course, I wonder if that is just a WIFE thing?)
I like to give people advice.
It's hard for me to give people assignments when planning an event because in my mind I have planned out exactly how it should turn out!
Sometimes I change Lucy's Sunday outfits if I don't like the choice Troy has made for her.

Yes, I have issues.

Well, this year for Halloween it was really hard for me to let go of control. First off, my kids are getting too old for the family costume themes (which I love). Believe it or not, they actually have a mind of their own and wanted to make their own choices on costumes. So I let go and allowed Jack to request Batman and Lucy, little orphan Annie. We gathered the costumes. Batman was borrowed from a friend. For Annie, I actually thought I would be able to sew something spectacular. I don't sew...remember?

About a week before Halloween, I looked at my pile of red fabric and realized my shotty sewing skills were not going to miraculously whip up an Annie dress for Lucy. So we scrapped that idea and dug out an old hand-me-down from the costume box for her second choice....Snow White.

Jack on the other hand changed his mind on costumes DAILY. When we got down that costume box he laid eyes on his last year's family theme costume of DINO (which looked very juvenile for his size 6 body). He loved it. The memories came flowing back! He put that thing on and for 4 days didn't take it off. Because he looked kinda silly in this too-small, pink, puffy, high-watered Dino costume, I tried to convince him that Batman would be better. Batman is tough. Batman doesn't wear pink. Batman hates high-waters! But no. He was set on Dino. He even wrote part of his name on Dino's tag. Nothing I said was going to convince him otherwise. I kept telling myself, "What do you care? Just let go. Control, be gone."

Well Halloween came. I still tried some last minute persuasive techniques for the Batman costume, but no. Jack was Dino and Lucy was Snow White. And they were so happy!

Seeing the two of them dance around was evidence to me that some, no most, of the things I try to control are better left untouched. I will always look back at oversized Jack in his undersized pink dinosaur costume with the claw feet dangling at mid-calf and just laugh!

Carving pumpkins with cousins.
Jack is clearly not sure about those pumpkin guts!

pumpkin patch

2011-01-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

There are two things I remember about the pumpkin patch this year: Nachos with drippy, golden cheese sauce & freshly squeezed lemonade, easy on the sugar, heavy on the lemons (it would have been impossible to overdo the "sour factor"). This is because I was newly pregnant and miserably sick. These are the two things that sounded particularly delicious even though they made a reappearance in the parking lot shortly after being digested.

Other than that, the kids had a blast. They also enjoyed fattening, sugary confections along with barn slides, sunflower mazes, pig races, flower patches, cow feedings and helping select the largest pumpkin we've brought home to date. It must have weighed 200 pounds!

Laboring in Lake Tahoe

2011-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do realize it's January and I'm just now getting around to blogging. I have a lot of catching up to do. In fact, these pictures are from WAY back in September when we went up to Tahoe to watch the Labor Day fireworks show. Other such events that have been so neglected around here might include Halloween, the Fall season in general, Thanksgiving, first days of preschool, etc. Maybe I'll make it to Christmas blogging by this coming Valentines! At any rate, I'm going to try to be a better blogger.

So here's Labor Day in Tahoe:

We got so lucky to meet some people that gave us tickets to a private beach to watch the show! It was right in front of the barge where the fireworks were let off. We messed around until dark, then cozied up on our blanket to enjoy the show! Jack drew an excellent picture of the whole event that I should post later. I love his artwork!

Apple Overload

2011-01-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Here in the foothills of Sacramento, there is a place called Apple Hill. It's exactly what it sounds like....a bunch of apple orchards/farms all in one place! During the Fall season the place can get packed with weekend tourists and families, so we opted for a weekday outing with the kids and some friends! I remember going here as a kid and so naturally, I wanted my kids to experience it.

We enjoyed spotting fish in the pond, playing with the ducks, eating apple fritters, apple donuts, and caramallows (homemade caramel with a marshmallow in the middle), picking our own apples, swinging from the tire swing, and playing with friends!

The apple picking was the group highlight. The kids loved it so much and the moms didn't really have the heart to stop them! Which is why we all came home with well over 10 pounds of apples each. We made applesauce and apple crisp with ours!

Monster Mash

2010-10-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

Goodbye Beaches, Hello Lakes

2010-10-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

Though we LOVE the beach and it was a big part of our lives for 8 years, we have been excited to chart new waters on the 2 lakes near our new home!

While I was away shooting a wedding, Troy had a vision in his head of a family rowboat much like the one in the Notebook. His vision may or may not have included Rachel McAdams in the rain, but who knows?

At any rate, he searched Craigslist until he found the perfect (well almost perfect...rowboats are surprisingly hard to come by) rowboat for our own family "Notebook-esq" experience.

We took it out one evening for a spin.

We packed a picnic dinner.

We came totally underprepared with lifejackets.

Troy was envisioning his bicepts precisely operating the oars, gliding us smoothly across the water.

Then we got in the boat.

Whoa!

It was a little tipsy.

A little less smooth and romantic than the Notebook.

And we were basically confined to our seats in a frozen position so as not to tip the boat.

It was not exactly what we had in mind, but still fun.

We are enamored with the scenery in Sacramento. There are so many beautiful trees and waterways. On this particular lake, you can boat into little, bayou type passages and be treated to all kinds of wild life. We've seen turtles, beavers, deer, fish (of course), and all kinds of beautiful cranes and birds.

The bad news is, you might see this boat listed back on Craigslist.

The good news is, we LOVE where we live and we absolutely love being out on the water!

Yowzers.

2010-10-06T07:58:00.001-07:00

I'm SWEATING!

Paul and Brittany's wedding just got PUBLISHED

over HERE!

Plus, I made myself a new photo blog. Go check it out!

moved.

2010-09-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I suppose if I'm going to jump back into this blogging business, I should rewind a bit to catch you up to date.

Most of you already know that we moved last month from Southern California back to our roots in Sacramento.

In a lot of ways it was a tough decision (friends, church callings, great neighborhood, beach, disneyland, etc.) but mostly it was a decision we were hoping to make if the opportunity presented itself. In 8 years of marriage, we've always talked about going back to Sacramento, but once you establish yourself at a job and all your connections are in one part of the state, it's really hard to move! But a transfer came up at Troy's same company and we jumped on it!

We are so happy to be back! Being close to family is irreplaceable! We love our new town of Folsom. All within a couple miles, we can be riding on bike trails that go for miles, we can be putting our kayak in the lake, fishing on a dock, having a family night on Temple grounds, shopping at a plethora of near-by stores, taking the public transit to old town for an ice cream, or meeting dad for lunch at his work only ONE mile away!

It's always nice when you have a decision that you've thought and prayed about that turns out exactly as you hoped.

paul + brittany

2010-09-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of photographing the wedding of my 2nd cousin, once removed (or something like that). As you might remember from my last wedding (which was also my first wedding) I tend to get a wee bit nervous when it comes to photographing someone's ONE special day. Me + a teensy bit of pressure = bundle of nerves. Luckily, this family was so calming and encouraging in the way they put their trust in me.

Honestly, with a couple this handsome, you could really just fling your camera around haphazardly and still get lovely photos. They are a stunning pair and gracious beyond belief!

This family is oozing with creativity. Every detail of the wedding was handmade, upcycled, recreated, or invented. Just wait until you see some photos from the reception! Until then, enjoy the faces of brittany and paul...the happy couple.

beach love

2010-06-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

When Troy and I were first married, we had a choice to move to Northern California or Southern California after college. We chose Southern California to experience a bit of an adventure.

We started out in Aliso Viejo, CA. Every Monday night we'd get together with friends and head down to the beach. Main Beach in Laguna. Each would pitch in some snacks and come ready with boogie boards and bocce ball. It was bliss!

A couple years later, we moved to Dana Point, CA. We rented an apartment from my Grandpa. It was a 1/2 mile from Doheney State Beach. We'd walk there in the evenings and paddle out together on our surfboards and play until the sun went down. I'm positive there's no cooler feeling that being in the water at sunset.

Now we have kids and love to share the beach experience with them. Though we are an hour away, each drive feels so worth it. I now love to share with them things I remember from my childhood.

It's pretty routine that Troy digs a huge hole and fills it with water. I am the designated sand crab scavenger. (have you ever seen a sand crab?) Lately, the kids are loving being pulled on the boogie board and whipped around in every direction. Mostly I just love how we can go for 5 hours and be completely entertained the entire time!

I am trying to soak in every moment we have here!

Beans

2010-06-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

She can be one tough egg to crack. I guess she IS two, and kinda stubborn.

But man I love this little girl!

She is so easy to have around. I admire her independent spirit because it's a trait I don't possess. She is loving. She is shy, but more observant than I give her credit for. She loves her brother even though sometimes "he bugging me". She totally has opinions. She insisted upon cramming her feet into her too-small-shoes for church yesterday. I had to remind Troy that sometimes in a girl's life it's Fashion over Function. She is a skilled climber...much better than her brother. She's potty trained. She can shake her "money maker" like nobody's business!

She still loves her dolls, and naps, and binkies. She eats everything in sight.

She's our one-of-a-kind Beanie Girl!

the livin' is easy

2010-06-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't SUMMERTIME the BEST?!

Really...I don't think I could ever live anywhere too cold because I just love sunny weather!

We've been basking in these early summer days.

Dining outside.

swimming.

BBQing.

running around naked (kids only).

sprinklers.

corn on the cob.

beach days.

laying on the warm concrete.

enjoying the breeze through the screen door.

playing outside til sundown.

late bedtimes.

and it's only JUST BEGUN!

....and it was THIS big!!!!

2010-06-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Lately, we've been doing a lot of fishing.

We haven't had much luck with anything other than small bluegills, but the kids love it.

All we have to do is bait the pole, drop it in, and within seconds we get a bite!

Looks delicious!

entertained

2010-06-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

My life has been bliss this week!

My nephew, Spencer, is visiting and helping out with the kids.

I never knew a 12 year old boy could be so helpful.

I went to the dentist the other day and came home to a clean, vacuumed downstairs, laundry in the wash, the kids fed and down for a nap, and the porch swept.

He has restored my faith in teenage boys!

But most of all, my kids ADORE him!

Yesterday he dressed up in costume and had them entranced with his imagination.

Thanks Spencer! We'll miss you when we have to send you home!

law abiding runner

2010-04-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday I'll be running another Ragnar Relay.

I'd like to stay out legal trouble this time.

And by legal trouble I mean breaking the speed limit.

It's hard when you run as fast as I do. real hard.

Wish me luck.

(photo credit: Marsha Lueck)