Pregnant with Baby # 2 !!!

Ryan & I are expecting another family member! The baby due date is April 17th 2012.Just a few days after tax season deadline day.  So today I am about 11 weeks - 2 months along. Elijah's birthday is April 21st, so I'm really hoping the next baby comes early or maybe a week or two late would be okay too. I'm super excited we are going to have another little one, I just hope the next one is born on their own Birthday, so they don't have to share their special day with anyone else. Also everyone keeps asking if I'd rather a boy or girl. Healthy is my knee jerk response. But really it would be kinda nice and convenient to have another boy since we're already prepared clothing-wise... which of course probably means it's a girl ! LOL.

We had our first ultrasound and doctor appointment in August. We brought Elijah with us and had a super early morning appointment so he was still a bit tired and very snuggley. We pointed to the monitor and said, "Look, see ? There's a baby in mommy's tummy!" and he just stared at my tummy and then stared at the monitor. Then he looked over at the technician and exclaimed, "See it!? Baby in mommy's tummy!" it was super sweet. The technician said the baby has a really good strong heartbeat already, and that I was 7 weeks along at the time (giving us a more accurate due date).

Heartbeats recorded are the little lines at the bottom of this pic

Another question I keep getting asked is, "how are you doing?" Horrible is usually my answer. I know I was sick with Elijah, but I don't remember it being this bad. I feel nausea and light-headed every day for most of the day. It's also been a challenge to find foods I can keep down. I mostly stick to fruit, juice, and pre-natals vitamins. Grocery store shopping sucks because the smells are so disgusting, blended, and yucky! It takes longer to grocery shop because I will go down a few food isles then RUSH over to the laundry detergent isle to escape the horrid food smells. Oh! And I dream crazy dreams every night. Last night we were in a movie theater where we had to pick up our feet because there were Alligators that lived there too so if you didn't want to get bit you had to sit on your feet or something. And then I got up to pee. The next dream I lost Elijah when we went for a walk down the street - I was panicked and couldn't find him anywhere - it was awful. Like I said: CRAZY DREAMS! Ah the joys of pregnancy!

Our next ultra sound is scheduled for October 4th & where we should be able to find out if the baby will have any early detectable problems or issues. I'm excited to see that little baby and how much it's grown / developed by then. I decided to go with a female doctor this time because I've heard male and female doctors treat their patients differently, and I'm kind of curious to know if that's really true or not. So far our new doctor is great - Dr. Brodsky (http://www.whallc.com/find-a-provider/provider-details/Trina_A_Brodsky_MD.aspx). Our last doctor, Anthony Taitano was great too, I'm just curious to see how similar / different the experience is male vs. female.

In other news, Ryan started school this week so our schedules are back to Super-sucky, instead of just sucky. LOL. He seems to like his classes so far, and I'm glad my work schedule works well with his schedule and Ryan's mom is able to watch Elijah a few days a week when we are both at work/school.

We are looking forward to the month of October because we have lots of fun stuff planned. Beginning with General Conference this weekend (check it out at: http://lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng). SO THRILLED! I try to make it a party when we watch / listen. Saturday sessions I usually pull out all my Halloween decorations & decorate while I listen. Sunday sessions Ryan & I like to make it a breakfast-in-bed kind of party with yummy breakfast & snacks for the afternoon as we watch on the internet in our pajamas. Then later in the month Ryan & I have a SPA weekend planned where we will get to have a day off together to relax & get pampered. We will be visiting the pumpkin patch, picking & carving pumpkins, eating corn on the cob & carmel corn - YAY ! Then I have another Relief Society activity to prep for, followed by Halloween parties and Trick or treating! Looking forward to the next few weeks, and of course the next 9 months & beyond ! I'm excited - Can you tell?

Fall Already !?!?

Oh My Goodness! I can't believe it's already fall. My favorite time of year! Full of exciting haunted adventures, and the best food the year has to offer. My mouth is already watering imagining the Buttery Fire Roasted Corn on the cob! Between Back to school shopping, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, life is sweet. 

As a young girl I remember visiting Wheeler Farm in Utah for hayrides, a haunted corn maze, and of course the endless search for the perfect pumpkin. Since Elijah was born I made sure each year to make a trip or two each October to a pumpkin patch. Last year we went to Sauvie Island, which was a big hit! We took a hayride to search and pluck the pumpkins, we took silly photos as a family, we ate fresh corn on the cob and carmel corn it was all dreamy. The place we went also had a large store full of various decorative gourds, fresh veggies, and my favorite: Pumkin Butter Jam! If you haven't been before, or haven't been for a while, I highly reccommend you make visiting a pumpkin patch a #1 priority this fall! It can be an almost spiritual experience if you go near sunset. There is something so magical and awe inspiring about vast areas filled with crops grown with tiny seeds and a lot of faith. Creation is so cool!

As the summer is ending, I thought it might be nice before I get all wrapped up in fall activities to sum up what's been filling our last days of summer. Some of the things filling the free time we've had together includes trips to the zoo, playing at the park, swimming in the backyard and camping.

Getting a family zoo membership has been such a great choice for us. I keep thinking Elijah will get bored of seeing the same animals over and over, but he really seems to enjoy it all. His favorite animal is probably the huge seals. We've been in that cool watery blue room for nearly 30 minutes on some occasions. Which is a really long time for capturing the attention of a two year old ! I think Elijah and I also have more fun when we bring someone with us. Part of our membership includes an extra person for free each time. One day we brought Iverson Poff with us & we all had a blast ! Rode the train, played in the petting zoo, and laughed our way through the park. It was awesome.

On other free days, we  have enjoyed the great outdoors in our own backyard. We got a small cheap pool, and momma got to work on her tan while baby got to splish-splash around in the water. I tried to get us out there around lunch time so we could have a little picnic first, then enjoy some ice cold water in the super duper hot sun. The pool is just big enough for me to lay on a floaty mat and Elijah still has room to play. It was nice to finally have a summer when we didn't have some kind of big backyard makeover project to work on so we could actually just sit out there and enjoy what's there.








On some of our more recent days off together we went camping as a family with Ryan's parents. I've never been to a lot of places in Oregon and decided earlier this summer I'd like to visit some new places. So I reserved a campsite in the Cove at the Palisades campground located in central Oregon about 10 miles away from Madras. A few days before we left I found out there was a big grass fire happening that direction (Warm Springs Reservation Fire) even closing main roads due to fire and smoke. We watched the news carefully and it seemed everything would work out fine. Parts of what we drove through reminded me of the volcanic lava fields we drove through on Kona in Hawaii. Black on one side, and grassy on the other. We also saw and smelled smoke from off in the distance.

The campground was as beautiful and deserty as I had hoped it would be. Unfortunately the campsites were much closer together than I had imagined them to be. Even though I knew it would be more deserty, I kinda thought there would be more bushes and shrubbery around where the tents go. It was just one juniper tree surrounded by 20 feet of dusty dirt and rocks next to the next tree. It was however as close as I had hoped to the lake. From our campsite it took us about 10-15 minutes to walk down to Lake Billy Chinook. It was a beautiful place full of excitement. Grass, trees, several picnic tables, swimming only areas, speed boats and sea-doos whizzing by in the distance, restrooms, and even a volleyball net area. The only small downside was the dog wasn't allowed to be in the swimming area, but we still managed to let Mercedes get wet in the boat-area. My biggest regret? Not bringing a floaty mat or innertube :-( oh well now I know for next time. Ryan's dad did bring his little kayak which we got to take a little paddle in. It was very wobbly (apparently it's more for river rapids than lakes). We all had a good time, and the weather was hot, but the campground had a nice breeze flowing through it even during the hottest parts of the day. Good times had by all.

And now the time has come to say Sayonara to Summer, but it's alright because soon we  will feel the fun of Fall ! Hoping you all had a wonderful fun filled summer. I know our family did, and we are anxiously awaiting the sweets-and-trick-or-treats of Fall. We wish you a fun, happy, fall season!

Part of My Heart is at Grandmas House

Vibrant bright red raspberries freshly plucked from the vine. The taste of the sweet small berries burst around my taste-buds. Daniel and I exchanged smiles as we filled the small green plastic containers overfull of those perfectly ripened raspberries from the yard at Grandma's house. Sure I realized that raspberries grew in other places besides Grandma Frances' house, but none seemed to have the same satisfying flavor of those ones. Perhaps the same could be said for that beautiful old home in the Avenues of Salt Lake City. Sure there are plenty of other houses I've been in, slept at, and lived in - none of those houses have ever compared to Grandma's house. It's funny how a house can become so much a part of who you are and and can so accurately define you & the journey your life has taken you.

The house is located mere minutes away from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Minutes away from the fantastical world I grew up in. With adventures like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint Visitor Center, the Conference Center, the Beehive House, the Family History Center, Pioneer statues, and beautiful abundant gardens. Horse-drawn carriages, architectural marvels, and even church Prophets can be seen here. Yes this is where I grew up. Saw it, breathed it, lived it. My uncles would take me for walks here and let me climb up on the garden walls. My aunt Kimberly would take me to the temple gates where I requested to see the "pretty ladies" aka - new brides coming out of the temple after getting married. I would gaze at all the "pretty ladies" who seemed to be endless in supply and wearing their beautiful wedding gowns. Then of course there's Grandma Frances who tirelessly and patiently would walk me through the visitors center so I could "listen to the phones". There were several tiny models of the church's history arranged inside small cove rooms that below the glass viewing window had phones where you could pick up and hear all about the stories and history of the church. Not to mention the beautiful White statue of Christ in the huge round shaped room that is painted with a dark night sky full of stars and illustrations of how you might imagine the heavens appeared after creation. Occasionally I'd even go with her to General conference at the tabernacle, where I sat in the noisy kiddy-room and gazed up at the Prophets as they spoke. Such a magical place temple square is.

On the walk home from temple square I still remember Grandma Frances telling me about all the amazing things she remembered about the happenings there. She told me stories like that someone had once tried to break off a piece of the Christ statue (fingers? or toes? i forget which). Or how someone in a helicopter had once tried to steal the large Gold statue of Angel Moroni off the temple. Occasionally I even got to hear about all the crazy things my mom did as a teenager - like jumping out the 2nd story back window of the house to sneak out at night with her brothers and sisters. Or how my uncle Allan married his first wife Brenda at a wedding in the old house. I knew my Grandma, aunts, and uncles loved me so much simply because they spent time with me, and weren't (and still aren't) afraid to tell me their stories and advice from life.

Grandma's house was always filled with love. Even in the worst most debilitating moments of arguing and yelling I remember thinking how much my family must love each other because they took the time to not only make their own opinions unmistakably clear, but also to listen as others rebuked them. It's strange to admit but my heart is filled with joy, love & fondness when I think of those awful yelling matches. Perhaps it was because I was always immune to the disputes. Everyone took much more care not to harshly disagree when I stated my own opinions. Like why it really was okay for me to leave the house with the white fluffy Alaskan dog "Muppy" because I really needed candy from the store down the street and really thought it would be better to not go alone...

There's a wall in Grandma's house full of everyone she loves and holds dear. Filled so full of photos, that she was afraid to let me rearrange them once because there was a chance they might not all make it back up on the wall if the configuration wasn't just right. The living room isn't just full of plants that have accumulated dust since probably before I was born, or of books I read as a small child, or even of all the photos on the wall; but rather it's full of laughter, heated yelling matches, guilt trips, and loads of rolling eyes. Yes part of my heart is in that vaulted ceiling room. Forever painted in a cold icy blue, with puke mustard colored carpets. Yep true love. Sometimes I wonder if maybe my love affair with that house has nothing to do with the current condition of it, but rather the potential it has of someday becoming a beautiful crowning jewel of the neighborhood. Much like the relationships that have transpired throughout the rooms of the house. Every parent to child, sibling to sibling, aunt/uncle to niece/nephew, and grandparent to grandchild relationship has had the potential to become better, improved and more beautiful.

Memories of walks to temple square, beautiful historic neighborhood architecture, walls of photographs, and those sweet red raspberries are just a tiny glimpse into the part of my heart full of love I have for Grandma's house. As we made arrangements for Grandma Frances to move into an assisted living center (hopefully temporarily) I am reminded of how much love I have for that house and for the family it has held for so many years before and during my own existence. It's funny how your heart can become so attached to a building. Nevertheless I will love and treasure that house and all the people associated with it forever.

Take a Vacation in your own Backyard !

It occurred to me as I pondered ideas prior to the arrival of my dad and stepmom (Marvin & Deann McMaster) coming to visit. Should I just do my normal routine? Should we do something special? Should I show them around town? I ultimately decided to make a list of all the things I have done and know are fun. In addition to that list I included a list of the things there are to do around here that I haven't done, but have been curious about. As we drove home from the airport, they read over the list and later that evening they circled the ones they were interested in. My brother Daniel advised me not to over-do their visit, but really it sounded like fun for me to explore beyond my comfort zone. The results ROCKED ! For all of you who may not be able to travel much, I hope you seize the opportunity to take a vacation in your own backyard! Although I'd prefer living in a hot sunny place year round, I do have to admit I'm in love with summertime in the Great Northwest.

DESTINATION # 1 - MOUNT ST. HELENS:

Our first destination was Mount St. Helens. I've traveled there once before, but it was so long ago, and most of my memory consisted of a horribly hot, non-air-conditioned car ride, with an older couple whom I had little in common. This trip was exciting not just because of the destination, but because of the journey. Our first stop was to a dumpy looking trailer that had sign advertising it as a visitors center. As my dad and I exited the car we told Deann that if we weren't back in 20 minutes to call the cops. :-) Once inside, we inhaled a deep sigh of relief. Although small and shady on the outside, the inside was clean, and wall to wall, ceiling to ceiling packed full of brochures, maps, and coupons. There was a pleasant older woman at a long desk who efficiently googled "BIGFOOT CANYON" as my dad inquired to find it. She printed off information and gave us a map that showed the areas St Helens options, then she highlighted and wrote notes on it so we would know all the best places along the way. perfect!

Then off we were to find bigfoot. Did we find him you may be asking? The answer is oh YES WE DID ! What a fun little shop there too. Over the course of about 5 hours we made it to see bigfoot, the Mt. St. Helens Visitors Center, the Shell fuel station (which I am still SO thankful to have visited as my fuel tank lit up empty on the way) the Weyerhouser Forestry Center, a few Viewpoints, and the Johnston's Observatory. Check out this website for details: http://www.mountsthelens.com/visitorcenters.html


A few tips:

• Notice the details. If you do, the trip will improve dramatically.
• Visit Bigfoot - he rocks. 
• In hindsight we should have left a bit earlier in the day because the visitors centers all close around 4 or 5. 
• If you have kids, make time to play at the playground at the Forest Visitors Center - it's super fun. 
• For food, we packed a sandwich picnic and enjoyed it at one of the picnic tables available on the side of the road in front of a visitors center. 

All in all it was a fun day!



DESTINATION # 2 - GLOWING GREENS MINI-GOLF:

Next stop was the Glowing Greens on Taylor street in downtown Portland. It's basically a glow in the dark mini-golf course in the basement of a building. Everything glows under black-lights. Elijah was a little nervous at some of the moving skeletons, shaking boxes, scary faces. Luckily he had aunt Katie there to play with, stay busy and keep relatively unafraid. Not sure who won the game, but I am pretty sure I lost. But like I said before - it's not about the destination, but the journey.
For more information check it out at:  http://glowinggreens.com/




DESTINATION # 3 - PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE:

Portland always has something going on downtown during the summertime. We considered a picnic at waterfront park, but since we weren't sure about weather we figured we'd play it by ear. We wandered to Pioneer Courthouse Square and found "Sand in the City". Was a fundraiser for a good cause and showed off some mad-sandcastle-building-skills! Elijah got his face painted (for the first time) and we all had a good time just hanging out.

For more Portland Events check out: http://www.travelportland.com/calendar


DESTINATION # 4 - OHSU AERIAL TRAM :

So I drive under this thing every time I go to the airport, or downtown Portland, and have read about it, seen news about it, but never actually went out of my way to visit. When it was first available to ride, I thought "no I don't want to deal with crowds and wait in line for that ! " As time has faded, I just never ventured there. SO the perfect opportunity arose when my dad exclaimed on his last visit, "Whoa ! what is that thing!? Looks fun, can we ride it!?" And so it was. We rode. There was a nominal fee to ride, the parking was easy and cheap. The ride each way takes about 5 minutes, and even on a cloudy day made Portland look breathtaking.

What I didn't know was what awaited us at the top of the OHSU building. There's an excellent hang out spot with open air, tables and chairs, and of course a beautiful view. Would be cool to take a sack lunch up there during a clear, sunny day and enjoy lunch.

For more info: http://www.portlandtram.org/


DESTINATION # 5 - THE BEACH :

Ahh the Oregon Coast. Truly the beach holds a special place in my heart. Perhaps it represents my teenage years when I felt like the beach was my freedom and escape from life, or maybe it's just the fresh air. In any case, two of my favorite places to visit are Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, and of course the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Haystack rock is fun because it forces you to break out from the norms of everyday life, and morph into a whole other world, where currents are king, starfish crawl at an excrutiatingly slow pace, and all your senses take in the best Mother Nature has to offer. A cool breeze on a sunny day, sunlight warming your face, the whooshing sounds, the clean fresh smells of the nearby ocean, the gulls cawing in their search for food, and the steady slow comforting sound of your own breathing. Your eyes feast on the world where dry earth and wet ocean meet. Life in abundance. (more details at: http://www.cannonbeach.org/). Good company can only improve the already blissful moments available to experience. We made sure to arrive when the tide was low - probably an hour after the lowest tide had occurred. Timing was good, there was much to see and explore in the tide pools. Later on we journeyed to the infamous cheese factory.

The overwhelming first breaths of sweet freshly made waffle cones, ice cream, cheese, and fudge greeted us. Really so sweet, warm and welcoming there's no way to describe it without getting hungry. The cheese factory has become even more alluring to me since I discovered Ryan and his families link to formerly being dairy farmers in Tillamook. Not visiting Helen was sad, but I'm sure her spirit is still watching over the beauty and bounty in the fields. It was a beautiful, warm, heartfilled day. 

If you only check out one website from this blog, choose this one! A favorite website full of recipes, and tasty products:

http://www.tillamook.com/

DESTINATION # 6 - THE ZOO & PORTLAND ROSE GARDENS :
Yeah I know there's a zoo everywhere, but really there are some things that make each one unique. Exploring the zoo is one of the glimpses into my life because Elijah and I like to visit often. Every day the animals are doing different things, and we get to see the awesomeness God has created within each unique animal. Plus there's a train. Haha! Elijah loves to ride the train (and I can't blame him, it's enjoyable). The zoo makes 1 stop along it's 35 minute ride, at Washington Park. You could spend an entire day alone at this place. Within the park holds the Portland gem known as the International Rose Test Garden - The Portland Rose Garden. And what a beautiful garden it is ! We had fun talking, browsing, and smelling the various colored roses. Such a peaceful, romantic atmosphere there.  Check them out at: http://www.oregonzoo.org/ and http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=1113&action=ViewPark


FINAL DESTINATION - HOME :
All good things must come to an end. But not really. If you're home then it means you can plan your next excursion out in the Pacific Northwest. You really don't need relatives in town as an excuse to get out there exploring, and making good use of your life. Good company just improves the shining moments. It's my sincere hope that you will take some time to break your daily norm and discover the world near where you live. Take a vacation in your own Backyard!

Daniel (my brother), Deann (my stepmom), Marvin (my dad), Elijah (my son), and Sara (me).

Working on our Home... MY FIRST BLOG POST !

Alright blogging world, I'm in. Today I decided to take a few minutes and try out blogging. We'll see how this goes in determining whether or not I continue. Sort of curious to see if anyone will read what I post.

So this week we have been busy, busy, busy. Ryan has been acting as the expert plumber, electrician, and drywall installer as we've been working on updating our garage bathroom (all in addition to his usual work and school schedule). I have been busy cleaning, shopping, organizing, taping, priming and painting. Our deadline to finish is tomorrow when my dad & stepmom come into town. The floor paint is drying (thanks Mark) and the toilet remains to be installed ... so close !!

In any case I'm all about before and after shots so here they are:

                   BEFORE !  :( 
 

           
















AFTER !     :)              



Can't wait for the toilet to be installed then we will have 2 functioning bathrooms again. Ryan's dad will be taking care of it tomorrow and I am beyond thrilled !

Looking forward to this next week of good times, and memory making while my dad & stepmom are in town. Hope you all have a great week !