I have heard of this happening, but never have experienced it for myself. I have to be honest I never really believe this sort of thing really happened.
Yes he is passed out asleep in the bath tub. He remained asleep while I wrapped his pudgy little body in a towel, put a new diaper on his pudgy little body, and laid his pudgy little body soundly in his crib. He slept like a passed out pudge. This is amazing to me!!

He is sucking on my shower liner for comfort. Yummy and VERY sanitary.
You'll notice the liner also doubles as censor for certain material, who would have known!!


These next few pics are of Oak and her orange addition. Yes I admit I totally accessorized to match her cast. Don't judge, it's been a looonnngg week.





I put in this next pic because it makes me very happy.

We met with the Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday for Oak's leg and I was so nervous watching his face as he read the x-rays from the insta-care. He looked over at me, I was biting my nails with nervousness , and with a warm smile he simply said "No Surgery." Phew! I let out a deep breath I had been holding since we stepped foot in the building and it felt like a huge weight have been lifted off my shoulders! The next step for Oak was to re X ray her leg, to make sure the break hadn't gotten any worse, and to cast her leg from her upper thigh to the bottom of her toes. The doctor pulled up the x-ray on his desktop and we were able to see an almost 3D image of the break and it was unreal. The x-ray at the insta care didn't even hold a flame to this crisper more life like x-ray. I could clearly see the 2 vertical jagged breaks in the tibia (the larger of the leg bones) one of which stemmed into a horizontal pin sized break up her bone. I couldn't even believe it! She had been so brave the entire 5 days her leg was in the splint, which didn't even secure the break. It really is true that kids adapt and are so resilient in bad situations. She had the sweetest most honest explanation for hurt leg, and her happy attitude never wavered. When it came time to cast her leg the techs asked her what color she wanted her cast and of course ORANGE it was, and is. Big bright hunter orange. She thinks it's pretty awesome. After securing the cast and waiting for the wraps to dry, I noticed an instant sense of security for Oaklee and her leg. We left the doctors office with the sun on our faces and 3 matching smiles! Now, back at home, Oak doesn't cry when you touch or lift her leg. She is no longer choking down some nasty a medicine or afraid to be picked up or carried. Her and our newest orange addition for the next 4 weeks, are happy and simply content. I feel very blessed.

Here are a few pics of our last few days with Oak's broken leg.
This first one is the FIRST time we have left my bedroom since Wednesday night. No joke. This is progress!

I finally have a second to compose my thoughts about these last few days, which by the way are pretty jumbled and sleep deprived so here it goes,
Oaklee broke her leg in two places Wednesday morning. It was going to be her first day of preschool. Clothes were laid out on the bed, backpack was waiting by the door, Bridger was snoring in his car seat. We were so ready, and then, just as I was coming into the bathroom to do Oak's hair I heard a scream I will never forget. I ran to her and in a blur I found her in a lump on the floor holding her leg and literally turning purple. I held her in my arms and tried to sooth her as best as I could. I thought maybe she twisted her ankle or had a bad bonk. I gave her Motrin, and for a bit she seemed okay. She wanted to lay in my bed and watch little bear, so we did. But when the Motrin wore off and I tried to stand her up, I knew something terrible had happened. Nothing could have prepared me for what the Insta Care doctor said while holding an x-ray into the artificial light. I only really heard "It's bad" and "possibly surgery." We left the insta care in the pouring rain and purple splint. My poor sweet heart (who had a broken leg for about 6 hours before receiving any real pain medicine) was moaning in her sleep as we pulled into our driveway. Tears rolled down my cheeks like the rain on the car window. After a few doses of her pain medicine, and about 3 in the morning, she finally drifted into a restless painful sleep. My heart literally hurts for her. I want nothing more than to trade places and have me in the purple splint moaning in pain. It is the most horrible feeling. Ever. I know these things happen but I can't help but feel guilty. I can say one thing for certain. She is my hero. She has been so brave and, for lack of a better word, precious. She looks at me with those melt your heart blue eyes and says "I broke my knee huh mom, if I could get up I would just get a band aid, but I can walk, so I can't get a band aid. I just need a little break, then I will feel better." My hero.

Our summer has been a blast! I haven't had time to upload my photo's, so here are just a few from Amie's camera. I love these two so much!

Flying high on the tire swing her little legs kick with excitement. She is completely free up there. Free to dream, free to pretend she can reach out and touch the sky, free to feel the wind on her face, free. This memorial day I reflected on our fallen soldiers that give their lives to keep us free. Recently (March 4th) Lance Corporal Nigel Kenton Olsen of my hometown Salem, died in the line of duty. He was 21. While driving down to our cabin over memorial day I saw the country side dotted with American flags and it sparked a memory of driving down the streets of Salem seeing the same American flags lining both sides of the street making a pathway to Nigel's home. I got goose bumps and lump in my throat whenever I saw those flags. He is a hero. Every Man and Woman that takes the call is a hero. You are not forgotten.

"I love my family and I love this land
But tonight this flight's for another man
We do what we do because we heard the call
Some gave a little, but he gave it all

I fly that plane called the Angel Flight
Gotta hero riding with us tonight
Between Heaven and earth you're never alone
On the Angel Flight
Come on brother I'm taking you home"
Lyrics by Radney Foster

Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to create memories like this

Where to even start? I have no clue! So here are some highlights in our lives lately:

It was quite the journey but I think it's safe to say that Oaklee is finally potty trained! Many tears were shed on our potty training journey. . Mostly mine! I can laugh about it now. Hysterically thinking back to putting the 10th pair of underwear for the day in the washer after just scrubbing the floor on my hands and knee's crying out of frustration and thinking that she was never going to get it and I would have a 10 year old in diapers. But I learned a very valuable lesson from her, even though I was beyond ready for her to be trained, she wasn't. And she had to do it when she was ready.
She is a treat. She constantly makes me laugh. Like the other day when out of the blue she sang "pants on the ground" from American Idol. "looking like a fooo". She has an obsession with princess things. Princess plates, princess jewelry, and her favorite, her princess underwear. She has about 5 of the same pair and every single one is always accounted for.
We recently planted a little garden and she loves to help me keep it up. She carries buckets of water and trudges through the plants and dumps it where ever she thinks needs it, like the only spot in the garden that doesn't have a plant growing. And then says "Mom this is so beautiful."
She loves cupcakes and sprinkles. Swings and books. Nursery, and coloring books. I love her so much.

Bridger is squishy. I absolutely cannot help but pinch his bum when he is naked. And his legs, oh my those legs. He had the same stats as Oaklee at 2 months. 11 lbs 8 ounces. He will be 3 months on the 1st of June and for the life of me I cannot figure out where that time went? He makes me so happy.

Colton got a new job at Nestle and we are adjusting to the difference. It's a lot different schedule but were pretty excited for the change. He is a treat too.

As for me, I am truly enjoying life. (as corny as that sounds). but really I am. Motherhood is an amazing, evolving journey. It is so hard sometimes, but the sweetness of it all is breath taking. I find myself wishing I could freeze time for a moment. Freeze when were all, dogs included, laying on our bed crunching pop corn all over my sheets watching a movie. Or flying each other off our massive bean bag and cracking up. Just the simple times, when were all together.

So in love with him

Bridger arrived March 1st 2010 at 11:46 am weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces. I can't complain too much about the delivery, it was, well for lack of a better word, easy! Having an epidural that worked this time around kinda helped :) It amazes me how much I love this new little life. It is something that I cannot explain but it is so beautiful and sacred. I held him in my arms for the first time after his delivery and tears poured down my cheeks. I was washed over with emotions. And everything changed in that moment. A good change. A new life.
As for my little Oaklee, well her world changed too. And she wasn't so sure about if she wanted to keep him or not. In the hospital she said "Mom lets leave him here k?"But just as she is possessive over her play-doh, and books, she has become possessive over her little "bridgey" too. Try and take him and wow. Mother hen comes alive.
Despite the chaos and sleep deprived fog I love where we're at right now.
I can't imagine life without little B.

Meet little puppy... She doesn't have a name yet... Any suggestions? She came to us on Christmas day. I had no idea she was coming until Santa, aka Grandpa Brent placed her on my lap and said "Merry Christmas!" Well alrighty then. How could I turn down those little faces? It was love at first sight for Oaklee. She has become the proud mother hen of the little fluff. The poor thing is in strollers, baskets, blankets, purses, and once even rescued from the shower. Better learn to run!
All in all, even with the shock of our new addition, It turned out to be a really great Christmas for all of us, and we have so much to be thankful for.

We rung in the New Year with good food and wii in our underwear... I like the way this year is going already.

Last Saturday we had a Halloween themed b-day party for Oak with the extended family.

This was about the only picture where the hat is on, the eyes are focused (some what) and the girls are actually standing next to each other. Seriously this is a feat. I'm tootin my own horn on this own I know, but I'm so proud of this very very homemade looking pumpkin cake I made.

You know you live in Utah when you take pictures of your spread of food. Mmmm pumpkin bread bowls....

I sat on the couch that day just sucking it all in. The crisp weather outside, the smell of chili warming on the stove, the laughter of all our family. Her smile.

The simple things.

I have been anxious all day....

wondering....

waiting....


wishing......



My ultra sound appointment was today, and it was so NEAT! It seriously is amazing to have the technology to see my 7 oz baby floating around in there. Oaklee was there with us too and she was so cute. She was fascinated by the machines and the little heart beat we got to hear. And Colton.. My sweet husband, his face was priceless when they told us the gender. A BOY! An instant sense of pride and a HUGE smile came over him. It was so sweet.
I'm laying next to him in bed right now and he is still smiling.
Love these moments!

Two years ago yesterday Oaklee was born. It blows my mind that she really turned two. Yesterday. I have a two year old now. It's crazy to think where we were two years ago. Actually, to be honest, it's painful to think about where we, more so I, was two years ago. One word still rings sharp and familiar in my ear...Pseduoseizures. If that sounds like a crazy person word, it probably is. But it is real and very scary. Sometimes I wish that I could go back in time and erase those memories and moments... Ones where I should have been contently enjoying Oaklee's little life, and not in a hospital bed staring up at the fake bright lights, with no answers and a world, no actually a universe, of guilt.. I wish I wouldn't have cared so much about what people were thinking, I wish I would have fully embraced my miracle, BUT with that said, I am grateful for what I went through, because without those experiences I never would have gained the priceless wisdom and outlook I have now. I learned and accepted so many things about myself during that time. Yes I am young, you are right supermarket lady that told me I look like I look like I could be Oaklee's older sister. (Should have seen her face when I said, "actually I'm her mom... it was awesome.) And yes it is hard. But I'm all about the moments in life that make it ALL worth it, Like yesterday at Oaklee's birthday, and this priceless photo I snapped with my ghetto camera. I AM embracing it. and it is so WORTH IT.

*Happy Birthday my sweet little girl. I love you.

I've been trying to think of something fun and different to tell people that I'm pregnant. But I got nothing.

"Mom, Hodee bit me."
"Mom, Grashciie bit me."
"Mom Hodee is touching my carseat."
"Mom Grashcie huurt me."

.8 seconds pass in silence

"Mom Hodee spilled her juice in her car seat."
"Mom Grashcie is bugging me."

I sit in the front seat, trying to keep my smile and glance at Amie hidden from the two tiny conspirators in the back.
I can't help but crack up.

Lately Grace and Oak have a love-hate relationship.
Pulling hair, biting, poking, the works. Sometimes Amie and I just sit back and watch them duke it out, hoping they can work it out before a little mom intervention is needed.
I have to admit it is hilarious.
But just as easily as they are conspiring enemy's, they are unbreakable friends. They forget instantly with a hug and a kiss. It is so great.


And just a word of advice, when Grace is around don't mess with her "hoda" or you will get a three year old smack down word up.

Computer Issues are the story of my life these days, and the reason why I haven't posted any pictures recently.
Is anyone else having trouble with uploading photo's on blogger? Specifically, my computer times out and the "not responding/end program" box pops up.
Is it me or blogger?

You suc.... ceeded

Last Saturday we threw a surprise retirement party for my Dad. 30 years at the County and he could finally enjoy his BBQ chicken and baked potatoes at Vivian Park without worrying about a thing, except for maybe where the butter was. I am so happy for him. You did it Dad!

My summer days have been awesome. Quite lazy to be honest. Eating Popsicles, cherries, garden squash and birthday cake. Digging in the garden naked and jumping on the tramp with the sprinklers underneath (ohhh remember those days?) Enjoying the brief rain and new plants popping up; picking caps off mushrooms in the grass can entertain for hours.. who'da known? Baking in the sun at the pool....Getting Oaklee's first bee sting. Right on the lip. Pretty traumatic and very swollen. I love the warmth.
Bring it on.

Mom's Bed


Thunder out my window. Rain pelted the window in tiny streams. My heart frantically thudded against my chest. The nightmare still fresh in my mind, I bolted up the stairs as fast as my seven year old feet would carry me. Her door was open, the covers pushed back in the middle.
I had one of "those days". School was hard. Gas light came on while I was driving home. He never called me back. Lots of confusing homework, due tomorrow. I walked through the door and flung my bag on the couch. Down the hall my heavy sneakers walked. Her door was open. Her eyes met mine and she knew, without a word the covers were folded back.
Last night a cry from down the hall. a nudge in the side and Colton bolted out of bed and came back with a confused crying little Oaklee. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. I folded down the sheets and she reached for me. She snuggled up to me in the middle of our bed. Her tiny hand touched my arm and the other reached out touching Coltons face.The silhouettes of our eyes met in the dark and and I could see a smile playing on her lips. I was smiling too.

State College Continued

well here we are 2 weeks later..
Here are some pictures 2 weeks later..
There are plenty of excuses 2 weeks later..
None of them are any good

The above picture is in the Sacred Grove. It was so peaceful and serene. Truly "sacred".

The above picture is 80% the original "Frame House". Joseph Smith and his family moved here after older brother Alvin died.

On the Smith's farm, taking a breather. Love that face...

State College, PA
is quaint and quiet. From where I sit on the infamous purple couch in Palladino Hall you can hear the sound of occasional laughing from the park and a car whizzing by. You can look out the window to open crystal clear skies and look down the walk to see neighbors bundling up babies in strollers to take advantage of the warm sunshine. It really is so beautiful here. Take a short drive and you'll wind through green trees and beautiful fresh mountain landscapes, dotted with Amish farms and freshly plowed fields. So peaceful; I think I'll stay here a few more days...