The Bartel Bunch...

The stupid Mockingjay.....

2010-09-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Games was one of my favorite books of all time. I enjoyed Catching Fire too but Mockingjay goes down as one of the worst books I have ever read. I am sooooo disappointed beyond belief that my beloved Hunger Games ended this way. Poor Collins. She could have been HUGE but I think she just ruined her writing career.

I am glad I read Mockingjay for the resolution of the triangle but I am not sure if I will recommend it to others. I understand why she couldn't be with Gale but I felt Collins rushed through the resolution so much that I felt she ended up with Peeta by default. They hated and tried to kill each other the whole book, then the war is over and they hook up simply because they were in the same town. It even said he had to try and fight his urges to kill her. I would have liked something more romantic like she goes home and realizes she needs help to rebuild her home and can only think of Peeta. He had disappeared after the war so she had to track him down and convince him to come home. Then they sweat and rebuild their home town and people flock to their city because they loved Katniss and of course want her to be with Peeta. So through time they fall back in love.

If it had a more happier ending with peace and happiness, It could have redeemed all the dread and misery throughout and I would have liked it more. But it started dissonant with the unfamiliar location, then went crazy with Peeta's condition, then went disgusting and horrible sad with everyone dying, then went to the mediocre finale. If I wanted a Greek Tragedy I would have read one.

By the way, what is up with everyone dying AND then her mother abandons her too? The girl sacrificed sooooo much and you long for happiness for her but it is just more misery on top of misery. Since the whole book she had an estranged relationship with her mother, I really was hoping with all Katniss went through would be rewarded with a mother who loves her and they turned to each other because they were all the family they had anymore.

They are in production of the Hunger Games movie and I just WISH that they make only ONE movie and somehow manage to sum the relationship and tie it up nicely in that. As I said, The Hunger Games (the first one) is one of my favorite books of all time and I would LOVE a movie but not with the resolution Collins gave it.

New photos

2009-08-27T12:35:00.001-07:00

Today was picture day! Here is what we came up with:

Riley almost 3 and Jada 18 months

Jada 18 months

Jada drinking Sprite...

2009-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

This footage was taken 2 months ago. It was her first time having a carbonated drink and I think she is real confused as to whether or not she likes it. You don't have to watch the whole thing, in fact if anyone knows how to edit videos on blogspot, please let me know!

Moot Court is over FOREVER!!!!!

2009-03-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Brett has an obsessive personality. Last year he competed in a competition representing his law school and made it to the semi-finals and won Best Brief! It was a huge deal and I was very proud of him. Well, it came time for Brett to do Moot Court again and I became real sad. I love Brett getting involved in things but this competition takes 100's of hours. Between all his commitments, combined with Moot Court, he is just never around. This years regional competition was this weekend and I decided to go with him because I wanted to see him perform. I mean he has lived, eaten, and breathed this thing for the last five months, I was anxious to see what it was all about. All of Brett's expenses were paid for by the University (including the hotel) so all I had to pay for was my plane ticket which we used a companion flight for, and some food. I had to find babysitters which included some great friends of mine and my mom and sister. It was kind of a hassle to deal with them passing the kids around each day but I felt bad asking any one person to watch my kids all weekend, for free.
Brett won his first round quite easily and then won his next one too. However he lost in the semifinals as was the case last year. We don't know if he won any 'honor' awards yet and we should know in the next week or so. I thought Brett did a wonderful job. I love to watch him do what he does best because it gives me so much confidence in him. I get so nervous because of the economy but I know that Brett will be successful one day.
The other GA State Law School team ended up winning the whole tournament and I was proud because they gave Brett alot of credit and said that they wouldn't have done nearly as good as they did if it hadn't been for Brett pushing them and helping them. Brett should have been in the finals with them. The team that Brett lost too went against GA State and they did terrible! It was so hard that Brett lost because the judging is so subjective with no specific criteria. Brett and his partner were clearly better in the oral argument. Oh well.
So, I am torn because I am soooooo happy he lost and Moot Court is over but I know he is disappointed. It was hard for him to watch the finals and know that he could have done better than the team that ended up winning 2nd place.
Brett now tells me that he wants to help coach Moot Court next year so I guess it isn't over forever. I am okay with him coaching as long as he spends the minimal time that he can get away with. Since Brett has done so well the last two years, therefore making the law school look good, he wants to keep that legacy going and feels a responsiblily to do so.
Brett is quickly on to his next obsession... wakeboarding!

After the competition we went to an Aquarium resturant where we had big fat steaks!

A very sad day...

2009-02-24T19:54:00.001-08:00

Today was the first time I cried in a long time. Infact I can't remember the last time I cried (besides in movies). Usually I am a cry baby but somehow I have gotten tougher and less emotional. But today I got news that really hurt my heart.

Jada has some pretty serious teeth issues. I know that may not sound like a big deal but it makes me sad to think about what she may have to go through until her permanent teeth come in and then maybe even beyond that. Plus it is going to be hard work for me to fight to protect her teeth and keep her teeth from falling out. Here is the story:

As soon as Jada's upper tooth erupted I noticed it was a very yellow color. I kept scratching at it thinking it was plaque. I began brushing her teeth at a very young age because I kept on thinking I could clean the tooth. Then as her other teeth came in I just never really paid attention anymore. I just got used to her yellow teeth.

At Jada's one year check up, her pediatrician said that it looked as if Jada was missing her enamel on her teeth. This was my first time ever looking so closely at her teeth and I completely agreed. I had noticed months ago that she had several chips on her teeth and that it looked discolored but I just didn't ever worry about it. Jada's pediatrician said we should see a pedodontist right away.

Today was Jada's appointment. At first the dentist immediately said that she did indeed have enamel but it was 'weak enamel' and would be prone to decay, cracking or breaking all together, discoloration, etc. She essentially has very weak and fragile upper teeth. The dentist preceded to ask me about family history and infant dental problems since this is commonly caused by bad genes. I didn't really know of any but I think my maternal grandma had dentures at 16 (not sure if that is a rumor or not). So the dentist began suggesting it could have been caused by medications that I took while pregnant or within the first few months of Jada's life. Baby teeth are formed in the second trimester and medication could affect the development of her teeth. But I was vigilant in any medication that was put in my body while pregnant. I didn't take my prenatal vitamins as much as I did with Riley but I did take them and I didn't put anything else harmful while pregnant or breast feeding. Lastly, the dentist suggested that her teeth problems could be caused from any injury sustained to her mouth while in the womb or in the first few months of her life. I explained about Jada's complicated birth and how her mouth was locked open while in was in labor and how for 45 minutes Jada's open jaw was repeatedly being jammed into my pelvis so much that Jada was black and blue ALL OVER her face when she was born. The dentist seemed to be satisfied with this solution. I was too.

I was told to come back in 6 months and we would compare her four upper teeth that have the problems to any new teeth that will come in by then. At that point we will discuss putting CROWNS on her upper teeth! Did you hear me?????????????? CROWNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crowns on a one year old!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to cry! See, baby teeth are critical for holding space in one's mouth while the permanent teeth are still forming and developing. If Jada's baby teeth were to fall out or become seriously infected then she would loss those teeth and consequentially leave the reserved space that is was holding for the day the permanent teeth would be ready to erupt. This can cause all types of problems on teeth which are designed to be in place for the rest of your life. They need a good start to be healthy long lasting teeth. It is critical that Jada do not lose FOUR teeth so it might be necessary to go ahead and crown them since we know she is susceptible to losing them.

As if that wasn't bad enough, I came home and decided to research 'weak enamel' on the internet. This is when things got very emotional. I read lots of articles and looked at lots of pictures of young children with severely decayed teeth. I don't want my little girl to have to go through all this. I know there are so many worse things that could be wrong with her but I think every parent wants their kids to be beautiful and thinking that she might have abnormal teeth makes me so sad. Having done my research I am now so paranoid about helping to protect Jada's teeth to the best of my ability. I will have to brush her teeth at least once a day but really should at least twice. Absolutely NO SUGAR! Sugar in by far the leading cause of tooth decay. This is going to be very hard but I think if I have to give her sugar then I will brush her teeth immediately after. I might even have to start flossing to be extra careful. Another change that I have to make is that all her food has to be warmed up since cold food or drinks might cause pain and sensitivity. I think she is fine with room temperature. This was interesting to be told this about the cold sensitivity because I remember when Jada was a baby and started teething I used to give her the cold ice rings to suck on and she HATED them. She would throw them as soon as they touched her teeth. I always thought that was a little weird. Then when I started giving Jada baby food it was a big struggle between her and me. She would cry the whole time she was eating and I would get upset and it was just unpleasant for all of us. See, with Riley I would just pull the food out of the fridge and give it to him. I never even knew that people warmed up baby food. I never knew it was an option. One day when Jada was about 8 months I read the label and it said to warm the food up for 15 seconds. I started doing that and then all the sudden she started eating baby food. Even to this day if I give her yogurt or anything else from the fridge she gets this shocked look on her face. All these things and memories are finally making sense.

Jada's whole life I have been certain something was wrong with her. No one believed me but I knew something was not right. She always seemed to be in so much pain. My pediatrician tried to diagnose all types of things Jada might have but nothing seemed to help. I was planning on getting a new pediatrician because I knew something was wrong with her and it seemed to be beyond my pediatricians knowledge. The last month, Jada has been so much better. Happy even. I have a theory. I am not sure if it is right but it makes sense. Poor little Jada's teeth have always been hurting her which has prevented her from eating enough food and drinking enough milk. Even when Jada was breastfeeding she was acting like she was uncomfortable. She would latch on but be pulling away from me as if she wanted to stop feeding but she knew she was hungry. It was not fun for me to have her pull on me and I was very excited to stop nursing at 11 months. Anyway, Jada is in her 7% for her weight but the 85% for her height. She is quite underweight for her height. The last month when I realized (which remember I said she has been much happier this last month) that she was very skinny I began forcing her to eat much more food and I stopped breastfeeding all together. Jada still doesn't eat very much and hasn't gained much weight yet but she probably is getting alot more food then before which has been making her more happy. I am sure her teeth still bother her but I think she might be more used to it now or she just prefers dealing with the pain if it means she gets more food. I don't know, it is my own personal opinion but it explains soooooo much perfectly.

Poor Jada. I hope everyone will pray for her that it will only affect this four upper teeth and that the rest will remain healthy and strong.

Addiction update...

2009-02-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

It has now been over two weeks since I begun weaning myself off sugar and it looks like I was right in my last posting where I said I thought I was at rock bottom. It has gotten alot easier for me lately. I have decided to extend it for another half week due to alot of 'breaking' the diet. I didn't need to break the diet (all but once) but I was in social situations where it would seem awkward if I didn't eat something. But each time I broke the diet I found that eating the dessert was not a pleasurable as before. It was a nice tasty treat but one slice was all I needed. This was not the case before. Once I started I couldn't stop and eat bite was as if I was satisfing an uncontrollable urge that was finally getting what it desired. I really hope I am free of that. It seems like I might be.
Now I am beginning to plan my recovery plan so I don't relaspe. I think as long as I can keep other foods to munch on including chips, popcorn, etc then I will be fine. My friend Jennifer was telling me about a 'diet' that she is on where she only has one medium size treat or dessert a day. I think that is an excellent idea to install in every day life. Or at least a good guideline.

Brett wanted me to inform everyone that he was faithful in keeping the diet even behind my back.

Addiction withdrawls...

2009-02-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

The plan: Last year I decided I need to do a sugar detox because I have a serious addiction problem especially with chocolate. First I enlisted my support group. I have a friend and my husband doing it with me. I am fairly confident that my husband only does it at home and who knows what he does behind my back. The dirty scoundrel. Anyway. Second, I waited til the holidays were long gone and all sugar was out of the house. Well not all because the kids still eat it and I couldn't just throw what I had left over away. Third, I started the diet cold turkey. I didn't actually mean to start, I just wanted to see what the withdrawals would be like but the first few days were a piece of cake so I decided to just go with it. Okay well nothing is going according to plan but at least I had a plan.

Exceptions: I do have a few exceptions to my diet. I can have one granola bar a day and I can have sugar with my breakfast foods because I don't know what to eat without oatmeal, cereal, muffins, etc.

Goals: I am not doing this to lose weight. My goal is to release myself from this obsessive addiction that I have with the cursed chocolate. I am hoping for an increase in energy and more a stable mood. I also would like to improve my ability to concentrate and improve memory capacity (I am not sure if sugar ever hindered that but I am hoping for it anyway).

Results as of today: It has now been about 10 days and it is VERY hard. I have read up on sugar withdrawals and it talks about depressions, severe fatigue, etc lasting for weeks. The fatigue started a week ago but I kind of just shrugged it off thinking it was just a tiring day. But it is getting progressively worse and I am finding myself stuck to the couch falling asleep while reading a book to my kids. I have never been so tired in my life and I am getting plenty of sleep every night. Last night was my first 'give up' night. I have had so much temptation to quit the last 10 days and have remained fully committed but last night I couldn't go anymore. I ate a whole bag of chocolate. I got my craving satisfied and have been back on full swing today despite the fatigue. As far as depression I think I might have skipped that. I think it has actually been the exact opposite. I have been feeling happier lately. I feel the sugar was getting me down and now I feel like things are brighter than before even though Brett lost his job and once again we can't pay rent!!! Well actually I was depressed at church on Sunday because I never get spiritually edified between my calling and taking care of a 2 and a 1 year old. And I was SUPER exhausted. But I think that is it. Actually I have also been depressed because NOTHING I eat satisfies my craving, it is always just there driving me to the fridge, the freezer, and the pantry over and over!

My theory: I believe that I have been getting my energy through sugar for so many years that my body is incapable of producing natural energy. Right now my body is figuring out how to do that and that is why I am so drained. I hope it figures it out very soon.

From here: Initially my plan was to go for two weeks but from what I read online it seems that I might need an extra week especially since I haven't completely eliminated all sugars 100%. That means I am halfway done. I like to think that I am at rock bottom these last two days and that it will only get better. We'll see.

Jada's first year...

2009-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Jada's statistics:
17 lbs 13 oz (7%)
30 3/4 inches (75%)
Our tall and super skinny little girl!

Jada is now on milk and table foods (sometimes she still gets baby foods for lunch because it is easier). She can walk but prefers to crawl or fall. She sleeps about 13 hours a night. She waves hi and bye, points at objects, recognize words I say, will feed herself all day, loves peek-a-boo, and LOVES teddy bears!!!!

Jada has been very happy this month and I am so thrilled! She has been smiling and laughing so much that even Riley is enjoying playing with her...some. Things are finally gelling here in our household!

Jada's next big obstacles are to get her over her separation anxiety, help her walk better, help her with speaking, and get her teeth fixed (her pediatrician thinks she is missing enamel on her upper teeth- ouch!!!)

Jada's big week...

2009-02-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

This past week has been the most exciting week of Jada's life!

First and most important was that she was actually pretty happy. She smiled and laughed alot and it was real bizarre. I tried to enjoy it but everyday I was afraid it would go away.
2. She gained about one pound in one week.
3. She took her first steps (up to five)
4. She learned to wave bye-bye
5. Learned to sign "more" (it is not very good yet but she is definantly doing it)
6. Learned to sign "hooray"
7. Learned to clap her hands consistently
8. Started dancing (looks more like trying to jump)
9. She actually played by herself without ever crying during a twenty minute period
10. All the sudden she is interested in TV and will watch it for about 10 minutes time
11. Fully converted from breastfeeding to drinking from a sippy cup.
12. She learned how to give kisses!

This was an AWESOME week! I got alot of it on video but I am not going to bother trying to figure out how to upload it so you just have to take my word for it!

BTW- She is almost 11 and a half months. Here is her most recent professional picture. I tried to go for an athletic looking picture with the Nike shirt, tennis shoes, and ponytail. I love it!

Hawaii...

2009-01-07T20:31:00.001-08:00

We packed up all our winter clothes and Christmas gifts and sent them home so that way we only had to haul two suitcases and so we wouldn't have to pay the "second luggage' fee for all our upcoming flights. I was significantly less stressed about this flight because I knew we had tons of family to help with the kids and that would keep them plenty stimulated. I sat in a row with my BIL, Bryce and he was a great help. For some reason, Jada was clingy to him (actually I know why- for seven hours he kept stuffing teddy grahams in her mouth. That is her seventh heaven.) Poor Bryce was a mess after the flight with reguritated, chewed up, and slimy bits of teddy grahams all over him.
So yeah, the flight was seven hours and it seemed like forever. But energy was high. I mean come on, we are going to Hawaii.

First part of our agenda was Oahu. We had a half day to relax and in the morning we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I had been there once before, four and a half years ago, and it was exactly the same. What was interesting is that when I went before our tour guide took us in reverse order through all the villages. This time our tour guide took us the regular way. So what I didn't get to see before I saw this time.

The canoe pageant

In New Zealand we all got tattoos. I went much more conservative and got one on my ankle but then I didn't take a shower for two days because I didn't want it to come off. I thought I looked cool with the tattoo.

After it was said and done we had to wait over an hour for our show to start. It was rough on the kids because it was already so late for them. This is truely a rare moment of Jada sleeping anywhere except for her bed.

At the same time, Riley walked on this circular retaining wall for about an hour with grandma. I would tickle him every time he passed, or I would try to scare him, or hide and he would stop to look for me. It was real fun but eventually we stopped due to rain and went in the gift store for another half hour or so. I sat in a chair with Riley the whole time and we sang songs or I tickled him. It was a real nice time for the two of us.

The next day we took an island hopper flight to Kauai. It was only thirty minutes and it was a sinch. The security in the airport was so different then on the mainland. I reminded me of what security was like pre-911 but I totally forgot about those days. After so many long flights, thirty mintutes was a walk in the park.

Kauai was beautiful and very remote. You are hard pressed to find a typical McDonalds or Walmart. They exist but they are hard to find. This island, though beautiful was actually difficult with young children because of the remoteness. The food was a little more difficult to come by. Supplies like diapers and wipes are harder to come by. Plus in a place like that you just want to relax and that, of course, is impossible.The Hawaii Grand Canyon

Most of the gang: Brett, me, the kids, Tasha, Bryce, Kathy, and Nik

Our beautiful condo on the beach

Me and the kids

Miles feeding Riley

We mainly just hung out the whole time in Kauaii. It rained alot and was a little chilly. I usually spent only a hour a day on the beach before either the kids had to have a nap, or had to be fed, or it started raining. Even still I got an itty bitty tan that I am very proud of.
Wait til you hear about our New Years plans! We were going to stay up all night and play Wii but as 10 pm came everyone wanted to go to bed (this or earlier was true every night) so we busted out the bubbly and just then fire works went off (I guess people from California were celebrating with their state). We had a beautiful fireworks display and then everyone went to bed. Brett and I played Wii for another hour and then decided this was the lamest New Years ever so we went to bed too. Brett's family is by NO MEANS party animals.
On our last day we had to be out by 10 am and our flight didn't leave til 9:30 pm so we checked out, rented scooters, and drove a waterfall that you could cliff jump into. It was about 30 feet high. I really wanted to do it but the trail getting there was so slippery and the rocks to the waterfall were even more dangerous. Brett's family is very helpful until everyone is busy and then I get stuck with the kids all by myself as was the case at the waterfall. Brett and his brothers went to jump the falls, Kathy was in the car watching Ben and Marie's kids, Tasha was unable to hold the kids because it was too dangerous, and Bob volunteered to hold Jada. That meant I had to hold Riley and some how video tape everyone else having fun. After they all jumped we had to quickly leave and I didn't get a turn. Plus by now, I was EATEN up by misquitos that I just wanted to leave anyway.
Our first leg of the trip home was from Kauaii to LA. That was a five hour flight. I luckily sat next to a women and her child and her child slept in her mom's lap so I asked if I could use their floor to put Jada down for a nap. They said yes and I was so happy I wanted to cry because she was able to sleep the whole way. But since I am incapible of relaxing I volunteered to help with Riley because Brett was having a very hard time getting him to sleep. It took me 45 minutes and once he was asleep I gave him back to Brett. I had to watch Jada afterall!!!! Riley only slept about an hour on this flight and now it was 2 am. We had a two hour lay over in LA and Riley was fussy. Since Brett and I took care of the kids the entire previous flight, his family was very willing to help with the short leg from LA to Salt Lake. Both Brett's bench and my bench only had two people in it so we pawned of the kiddies, laid down and slept the whole time, so did the kids- go figure!
In Salt Lake we said goodbye to Brett's family and headed out to begin our three hour layover. Brett's dad is some sort of Delta Platium Medallion member so he got us into this fancy room with a TV that we were able to wait in insteed of with all the peions in the terminal. That helped time fly by and helped us comfortably relax. The flight to Atlanta was very tough. We were all sooooo tired and the flight was booked solid. Of course, Riley slept the entire time on Brett's lap but Jada was very difficult. She cried alot and all I wanted to do was sleep. I tried walking the aisles but all I wanted to do was sleep. I am sure my parenting was sub par but all I wanted to do was sleep! I sat next to a grandmotherly figure (thank goodness) who didn't complain when Jada was kicking her or pulling at her shirt and I was half asleep. She even offered to hold her a few times and let me use her tray table to hold my caffinated soda.
22 hours since our first flight, we arrived in Atlanta. Brett says it was totally worth it. I say, we are staying put for a long time!

Christmas in Utah...

2009-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

Brett's parents flew us out to Utah for Christmas this year and we were so excited to go. We did have several things to be nervous about like-
1. Flying out with two kids
2. Flying out with two sick kids and two sick adults
3. Packing for three very distinct events: winter in Utah, Christmas gifts, and warm sunny Hawaiian weather.
4. Getting everything out with three suitcases
This flight was the first time we decided not to drug the kids with Benedryll because we felt that in the past Riley has been more cranky than sleepy. Since I knew he would be awake alot I spent HOURS preparing for the flight. We bought a Video Ipod and downloaded several TV shows, packed Thomas train pieces, packed Play-doh and much much more. As stressed out as I was about Riley, I was even more stressed out about Jada. She was severely sick as the departure date approached and she already is hard enough to entertain. She is very mobile and hates being confined. Her entertainment level/attention span is 10 seconds. My back pack was loaded with things to do, all in an attempt to keep her quiet at least.
We got up bright and early, after a restless night for me, and began our 9 hour travel day. To my great relief, everything actually went pretty smoothly. The actual flight was four hours and I started off with Riley. I played with him and it was draining but he behaved very well. Jada slept the whole time with Brett. When Jada woke up, we switched as was previously decided (to switch half way through the flight). So I played with Jada the whole time and Riley immediately went to sleep with daddy. So though it was tiring, it was so much better than I expected. It was a GREAT trip for Brett!
Our first stop in Utah was Cafe Rio for our beloved Beef Salads. Unfortunately since I was so congested I could barely breathe, much less taste the food.
When I first got there, I had already been sick for nearly a week so I thought I would for sure feel better by Christmas and defiantly for Hawaii. Well that wasn't the case. I was so congested that I just bummed around the house the whole time. I tried to run on my inlaw's treadmill but it was pathetic. I ran about 12 minute miles. But I had to keep working out because I was going to Hawaii in a few days!!!!
By the end of the week, I was feeling well enough to visit some friends and family but I didn't get to visit even half of the people I wanted to. But I got to see my long time friend Robin and my uncle Dale.
Oh well, enough complaining!
Brett's mom and dad and sister and brother were so AWESOME at playing with the kids! I mean, seriously, they were always willing to help even without me asking! Brett's other brother, Ben and his wife Marie have two little ones about the same age and they came over everyday so the kids got to play so much. Plus Brett's sister, who we hardly ever see, drove down and stayed with us for several days. She has a son a little older than Riley and so it was nice for them to play too.
Some things that Riley did that I am so used to but my inlaws thought was cute...
1. Says 'sure' instead of yes
2. Says 'bless you' any time you sneeze OR cough
3. Says "thank you mommy" any time I do anything for him
4. Shares very well with others
5. Eats very well and isn't picky
6. Is obsessed with watching Blues Clues and playing with Thomas

Here are some pictures from our WHITE CHRISTMAS...

Jada in the snow looking so darn cute (and cold).

Riley opening his Thomas gift. He couldn't have been more happy!

Brett's parents wanted a grankids picture and went through the effort of buying matching outfits but it was IMPOSSIBLE to be everyone to hold still. IMPOSSIBLE. This isn't the best picture but it is so funny to me, so typical of Jada, my diva.

Our family photo Christmas Morning. Once again, Jada is crying.

For Hawaii info, stay posted...

The cutest thing...

2008-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

I mean, seriously is this not the cutest thing?!!!!
How come I can NEVER capture pictures like this?

My incredibly biased opinions on President Obama...

2008-11-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

I went to bed the night of the election knowing that Obama was going to win although I did not wait up for the official announcement. I had been expecting it for a couple weeks now. I usually listen to the news or the radio every hour of the day but the last two weeks I stopped caring. I never wanted McCain in the first place, he was my least favorite of the Republican candidates in the primary. I just couldn't get fired up over him (although when Palin was announced I did get excited for a few days until the media tore the poor girl apart). Despite that, I could NEVER vote or support Obama. I refused to jump on the annoying "CHANGE" bandwagon or the "HISTORY" bandwagon. I certainly, like everyone I know, want change but I don't want Obama's form of change. I am fundamentally opposed to everything about him. Everything he stands for. But I haven't found myself 'depressed' over his winning either. I worry about the future with Obama. I worry about gay marriage (which will be 'legalized' under his administration). I can't worry about abortion because it is already legal but I am sad to know that it will continue under this administration. I worry about his tax plan. And I really worry about his health care plan. I worry about his associations with TERRIBLE people. But I know one good thing will come out of this, at least it should. Racism should end. There is nothing to talk about. There is no repression or unequal rights. It is time to move on. Anyone can achieve what they want to irregardless of color. I hope he will motivate many of our African American citizens and I really hope he will put Jesse Jackson out of a job (and Al Sharpton) (oh and Jeremiah Wright).
I am so frustrated that McCain won the Republican nomination. No one I knew liked or supported him so how did he end up winning?!!! I just can't get over that. Oh, how I wish Mitt Romney would have won. All I can do at this point is wait four years and then hope Mitt Romney (or some other great conservative) will fix this mess. But honestly I hope it isn't a mess. I hope Obama surrounds himself with smart intuitive people unlike himself and his previous associations. Opps that was mean, I am sure Obama is smart but I don't feel that he always acts it and of course since I disagree with him, he must be the stupid one! LOL. But seriously I hope in four years I will look back on this blog and say "Man, I sure was wrong about him". Any chance of that happening?
The reason I didn't stay up all night to watch the official announcement of Obama being the next president is because I saw a clip of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid celebrating their majorities in the House and Senate and I did get depressed. They scare me. They are loons. True loons.
Sorry for the lack of facts in this blog, I just wanted to say what I wanted to say without much thought. That is why it is so scattered. Maybe I will edit this blog one day when I get some motivation again. I really just don't' care. I have never been so apathetic about politics in my life, except for every single day before I turned 23 when I didn't care. So I guess the correct statement would have been "I have never been so apathetic about politics in the last five years". Thanks alot, Bush!
Now that I have posted four blogs tonight, I must go to bed. Good night!

Riley and Jada's updates...

2008-11-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

Riley really enjoys pushing Jada in the stroller! It is soooo funny because we will be walking down a hallway and Riley will run into one wall then straighten out and head straight for the other wall. When I go to try and help him just by holding on to one handle, he pushes my hand away and says "No touch"! So I let him continually run into walls. Jada likes it too as long as I say 'boom' each time she is collides with the wall so that she knows everything is okay. This pictures was taken at the doctors office in the waiting room. It was the easiest entertainement EVER!!!

This was taken after I just got back from joining the YMCA after a FREE 6 week trial membership. I was reading all the paperwork and Jada was playing with the balloon and LOW AND BEHOLD Brett actually took a picture without me asking him to. It was a momentous event!!! Anyway, the YMCA is so awesome! Our family was awarding financial assistance which means we go for SUPER cheap and it includes child care while I work out and personal trainer advice. Their child care facility is sooo huge and nice that I feel it has helped Riley get over the stranger anxiety that plaqued our family for six months. He loves the Y and the big SUN sculptrue that sits infront of the entrance. Oh and he loves pushing the handicap button to open the doors for me and Jada. And he loves to push the elevator button and then run over the people coming out so he can push the buttons inside the elevator before I can stop him. How does he always find the alarm button?! He likes to make pit stops on the way to the play center to watch the old men playing raquetball and then the teenagers shooting hoops. And then when we go home, he likes to eat at "bus". Translation for "bus" is Chickfila. I have NO idea where that came from but he consistantly calls Chickfila "bus". Jada cries the ENTIRE time at the Y. I think the attendents hate it when I come but I don't know what to do. There is no other time during the day that I can go and we end up going during her nap time. She truly is a beast if she doesn't get to nap when she is ready!

Here is Jada's close up. I actually think she looks real pretty here. I don't usually say that about her out loud because everyone thinks their kids are cute but I really think this in one of the best pictures of her. I am so glad that she is becoming a happy baby finally! Jada is crawling nowadays and pulling herself up onto furniture and whatever else. She can't get down once she is up so she just whines for help until I can rescue her from her apprently incredibly stressful ordeal! She and Riley are playing together a little now that she can get around but he is becoming increasing jealous of her. He didn't care when she was the little blob that lies on the floor but now that she is getting around it makes him upset. When he gets caught digging her head into the floor, he gives me this look that is surprising so innocent that I really wonder if he knows what he is doing is bad or if he is just acting off instinct and can't understand why I am upset.

Our ward play group went to Zoo Atlanta last week and at the end they have this awesome playground that I have never been to (even though I have been to the Zoo about five times)! Riley only recently learned to jump with two feet (maybe about a month ago) so he really loved this thing. It is kind on like a trampoline, I don't really know how to describe it but I thought the pictures was cute.

So that is our family update....

Non contact sports-

2008-11-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

Brett's bruise from playing racquetball!

Halloween

2008-11-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

So now that Halloween is old news, I am ready to post my pictures. Figures that is how it would work out!
Riley and Jada were both monkeys because they are both monkeys- all over the place and into everything imaginable. Plus they were super cheap on Craigslist!
For Halloween we met up with some friends (and people I didn't know) and went to a local neighborhood where it is a requirement that you go ALL OUT for Halloween! They had shows, animated dummies that looked super real, chainsaws, tombstones, everything (even candy). It was real fun but so many people are there that I found myself more stressed out trying to stay out of others way that I would forget to look around.
Riley's favorite candy this Halloween- suckers! Jada's favorite- formula!

This was Jada before her nose got rubbed off.

This was AFTER trick or treating, since we forgot to take pictures of Riley beforehand. I know monkeys don't have whiskers but I started with the noses and it was sooooo cute that I just kept going and then I still thought it was cute so I didn't wipe it off. By the way, Brett's shirt is visible from space!

Riley is 2!

2008-11-03T10:23:00.001-08:00

We didn't do much for Riley's second birthday, unlike his first. We started the morning off by going to a friend's house so Brett and I could get some exercise. Then we went straight to my dad's house to help him with his computer. Then we came home so he could take a FOUR hour nap and when he woke up I took him to Toys R US. They have a HUGE Thomas the Train set that Riley HAS to play when we are there. I don't know how he fell in love with trains so much but none the less, he did. We got a balloon and crown from Geoffrey and high tailed it home to get ready for the ward Trunk or Treat. Even still we were an hour late so we missed most of the activities.
And that was it. Next year will be a whole other story. I think by then he will understand more of what is going on.
Oh. I do have to mention that the weekend before his birthday my family had a family reunion and my sister threw a birthday party for Riley while we were there. He had gifts, cake, games, and all that fun stuff. He mostly just looked frightened from all the attention! I had to leave in the middle of it to feed Jada. I can't believe I forgot to bring a bottle to a family reunion- BIG MISTAKE!!!!!! I thought "well I will be around her the whole time, there is no need for a bottle" but in reality I would be in the middle of some fun game or a freakin birthday party and I would have to dismiss myself! But now I know.

I love you Riley!

I wish he knew how to fake smile! We are working on it!

Diaper Dash

2008-10-13T18:32:00.001-07:00

This is a very embarrassing story, actually, but I think I will share it anyway. Brett and I went to the YMCA and they were having some sort of party and train rides. They had an event called the Diaper Dash but I quickly dismissed it because Jada is not even crawling yet. Some how Riley had gotten away from me and I started looking frantically for him. I turned around and there was Brett and Riley standing at the start line of the Diaper Dash. I quickly grabbed my camera just in time to catch Riley SMOKING the competition. I mean, he smoked them by about five minutes! That's because they were all crawlers or barely walking, doing the Frankenstein walk! I couldn't believe Brett entered him into a competition where everyone else was a baby! MEN!!!!

This is the man congratulating us on our incredibly stiff and challenging victory. We actually won a baby proofing consultation where they come to our house and help us make our house a little bit more safe for the babies. Heck, I don't want them to come though. What would they say about a baby sleeping in a closet? That would probably be against their rules!

On the free train ride. Riley really didn't enjoy it too much, as you can tell. He would rather chase down babies leaving a breeze so strong it knocks over the competition (since they can hardly stand, you know!!!!)!

Riley and the conductor.

Five kids!

2008-10-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I volunteered to drive to Alabama and watch my sister's kids while her and her husband went away for the weekend. Kid count...five!! But it was awesomely fun!! Her kids are mostly older so they took care of themself and gave someone for Riley to play with. And they LOVED Jada! Oh, and my dog Shadow was there too and they LOVE Shadow! Brett was there too but no one really cared about him (ha ha just kidding).
I only was able to manage getting out of the house twice because it is ALOT harder and significantly more time consuming with five kids. The two outings were on going to the park on Saturday and to church on Sunday. Church was very interesting and much better than I thought it would be. Jaeden and Merigan just colored the whole Sacrament meeting which entertained Riley. Rhiannon enjoyed playing in the aisle and I just let her (hey, they aren't my kids)! Jada almost made it through Sacrament but I had to leave the last five minutes (and Rhiannon trailed right behind me). Rhiannon is three days older than Riley but they couldn't be more different. She actually likes me!!!

Well here are some photos...This was a HUGE slide that Riley was scared to death to go down.

Little Diva Merigan and Jaeden in the background.

Jaeden and Riley playing together. It looks sweet but Jaeden was REALLY annoyed with Riley cause he kept distroying what she was trying to build. She is not the first kid to complain of Riley doing that.

Here is cute Rhiannon, Jaeden, and Riley having a choclate lovers snack.

I thought it was a good idea to throw all the kids in one bath but maybe not...

Has it been that long?

2008-10-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has been anxiously waiting for me to make a posting and I am sorry to keep ya'll waiting so long! LOL. Let me explain where I have been the last month... Facebook! I became obsessed with Facebook because I was preparing for my high school reunion. I was searching for people and trying to update myself as to what others have been up to. I was soooo nervous about the reunion and I wanted to have some information to help with conversation pieces.

What a waste!

There was two parts to the reunion. The first was my high school's homecoming football game and the second was an after party at a club. I couldn't make it to the football game because Brett had class til 9pm. I didn't want to deal with trying to find a sitter for the game but I did have a sitter for the after party, Angie Douglas (who also lent me clothes, shoes, and jewerly). So I went to the party and there were only about five people were there and they weren't people I was interested in reconnecting with. So Brett and I just stood around. Finally someone came that I was interested in talking to and while talking with her two more people came that I wanted to talk with and so on. In total, I only reconnected with six friends, certainly not worth all the time and stress I spent preparing for the reunion. I left at 1am and was glad I went but disappointed with the lack of friends that came to the reunion.

I recruited myself to be on the planning committee for the 15 year reunion. I would like to do something during the mid day so that kids can come and we can have a BBQ and just a real casual good time. Then in the evening go somewhere else, I am not sure where but certainly not a club where you have to scream into each others ears to hear one another.

Yucky Day

2008-09-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have been very blessed with two babies that hardly ever spit up, especially Jada (even though they say she has reflux). I can handle the nasty dirty diapers (though I don't love them) but I can't stand yucky nasty spit up. I don't know what is going on but Jada has been spitting up like crazy today. Not really on me, thank goodness, but all over the floor and herself. I have wiped her down like twelve times today! So disgusting.

24

2008-09-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

Here is the link for the trailer of '24'!
Looks very different but good! I am so stoked for the new season. I've missed Jack!!!!

http://www.fox.com/24/trailer/

Which one is Riley and which one is Jada?

2008-08-25T18:33:00.001-07:00

It is sooooo obvious to me but I am wondering if it is obvious to anyone else.

Both are 5 months in the picture.

Take a guess...

Family Photo

2008-08-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Our most recent family photo:

Brett, Jessica, Riley, and Jada

Jada's 6 month photo!

Fun things

2008-08-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun things we have done recently.

Riley and Jada at Chastain Park.

Jada's first 'solids' feeding.

One day last week, Riley was really into doing the things that Jada does. All day long, he wanted to do everything she did. Either be wrapped in the blanket, watch tv on the couch, or take a nap with her. The one with him leaning over her happened when I went to the back for a few minutes. I came out and Riley was just sitting next to her on the floor, giving her toys. Sorry, if it isn't a clear picture.

I went to Monkey Joes on Tuesday with Lindy and Camille from my ward. At first I was skeptical as to whether or not it would be fun for Riley. He is so reserved and clingy. But it was only $2.50 with a coupon Lindy had so I figured it would be worth a try! It was so awesome. Riley really liked it. I can't wait to go back! While I was there I got a coupon for $2.00 off so hopefully I will go back soon. The cute 6 year old is my neice Madison who I was also babyistting.

Best friends!!!
Jada with Madi Douglas!

I didn't put Madi on Jada. She crawled over to Jada and started kissing her and putting her arm around her! I ran as fast as I could to grab my camara!

Brett is making me some money!!

2008-08-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Brett had a summer associate position at a local law firm but it was only for 6 weeks. Well, those six weeks came and went and the last several weeks/months we've had no income and no student loans. It has been SOOOOOO difficult and stressful. Finally, mid last week, Brett got an email from the same law firm he worked at earlier in the summer, asking if he would be willing to come in for a few days to help them meet a deadline. Of course he said yes!!! He has worked everyday and long hours too. Today he is working 15 hours all the way til 1 am (the filing dead line). Then he has been asked by a few other lawyers to come in some the rest of the week to help with various other tasks! Today has been hard on me to be alone all day and deal with the babies but it will be so worth it when Brett gets paid! I have no idea when that will be or what is hourly rate is but anything is better than nothing.

So, I have such a crazy busy week this week that I think I will write it down.
Tuesday- Monky Joes in the am with Camille and Lindy. Babysit my neice from 9:30 til late. Braves Game at night

Wednesday-Babysit Trey and Madi Douglas (two more babies). Brett has something to do for a few hours but mostly he will be there the whole day to help me. A surprise birthday party for one of our friends at night. Then even later that night we are going to the airport to pick up my sister in law, Natasha.

Thursday- wakeboarding in the am. Playground in the early afternoon. Bring dinner to Jen Ayers who just had a baby. Hopefully I can go visit my dad for a few minutes after that. Then we are taking Tasha to the Lazer show for a late night.

Friday- Aquarium in the morning. Then the Varsity for lunch. Then the late afternoon, I am starting a temp job where I will go and take care of an elderly man everynight for the next ten days. Since Tasha is in town, I plan on leaving Riley with her and if Brett isn't working then I will leave Jada too. That would be awesome! It would be like free time even though I would be working. A change in pace is just as good. Oh, and Shadow has to go to the vet to get his ear cleaned out since he has chronic ear infections. But Brett will have to do that since I am being the breadwinner for the night!!! :)

Saturday- supporting Brett in a wakeboarding competition. And of course taking care of the elderly man at night.

Did anyone even care about that? I bet that was boring. Maybe Tasha will like it, because she likes anything, especially if it has her name in it!!

Jada sitting up!

2008-08-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post pictures of Jada sitting up. Her first time sitting up was when she was 5 months and one week. It is funny because I always had kept in mind that Riley sat up around 5 and a 1/2 months so there was no reason to rush. But I was looking at my photo album and I realized that Riley actually sat up at 5 months. So I plopped her up and she sat up. First try. She kind of leans on her hands like in the picture but she balances herself so that she won't fall over.
Can you believe that even though she is sitting up she still hasn't rolled over? She just lies on her back without even trying to be on her tummy! She realllllllly hates tummy time! Who am I kidding? She hates tummy time, back time, or any other time! My little cry baby!

This is Jada smiling big in the jumper. This is truly a rare moment because usually she cries when I put her in it. Who am I kidding? She cries if I put her down whether on the floor, jumpers, or anything else! My little cry baby!

Now, this is more like the baby I know!

Awesome pool (and bee stings)!

2008-08-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome pool I went to off Sugarloaf Parkway yesterday! It took me almost an hour to get there but it was soooo awesome! Not pictured is a HUGE slide that curved and twisted! Riley is a scardy cat so he only went down it twice and I had to force him both times.
Jada really liked the pool. She kind of splashed around. Riley hates the water so he just walked around and followed Trey Douglas (except for when Trey went into the deep end). At the end of the fun day, Riley stepped on a bee and I grabbed him and sat him down to check out the site. The bee was stuck to the underside of his foot so I swiped it off (it was dead) and had to remove the stinger and all the muscle tissue that was attached (I know it was muscle tissue because I looked it up online). Riley was walking around on his tiptoe for a little bit but quickly forgot about it.
At 5:45 am this morning, Riley woke up screaming. We thought he feel off the bed, so I sent Brett in to get him and we found out that Riley had thrown up all over his bed. Brett cleaned it up and changed his clothes and then I remembered about the bee sting. So we took off his PJ's and examined his foot but nothing was wrong with it. The actual sting mark was nearly gone. Riley has been soooo sick all day with a temp of 101.2 . Sleeping and pucking and whining and I have no idea what is wrong with him! He won't eat or drink. Nothing. Tomorrow I will go to the doctor if he has another bad night.

Utah/ San Francisco Vacation

2008-07-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

On the 4th of July we traveled to Utah for two weeks of free babysitting, I mean visiting family. I decided to take care of Jada during the flight and felt like I was being nice to Brett in giving him Riley. Usually a newborn would be easier but Jada is a VERY fussy baby and I was dreading it. Well she turned out to be perfect and I guess Brett had a terrible time. He ranked the flight on a scale of 0-10, a 0.5. I guess it doesn't get much worse than that. Jada just slept the whole time and I was sitting next to a cool couple who had young children and they didn't mind if Jada got fussy or kicky or if I had to feed her. So we get to Utah safe and sound and head down to Lehi to spend the night with Brett's brother, Ben and his wife Marie. And their two young kids (11 months apart if you can believe that). I tried to visit my long time friend Robin who coincidentally lives next door but she was gone for the holiday festivities. The next day, Saturday, we went to Bear Lake and hung out with Brett's cousins, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, EVERYONE! It was a long drive for one day but I figured the kids would not sleep well in a trailer with a million people around all the time. So we headed home.
Sunday we went to church so Brett could show off the kiddies to all his friends. Somewhere during the day I got food poisoning because I woke up in the middle of the night puking. I had to cancel my plans with my dear friend, Ruth, who happened to be visiting Utah too.
So Monday I was sick all day and on Tuesday we headed out to San Francisco. I had been preparing for this trip for months because we wanted to leave the kids behind with Brett's parents. I had to spend lots of time pumping breastmilk and then teaching Jada how to drink out of a bottle. And I had to get her used to formula because there was no way that I was going to be able to pump enough milk for four whole days. It was hard leaving my itty bitty baby behind but I am so glad I did! I had the best vacation! Brett had meetings to go to all day so I just slept, watched TV, went swimming, worked out, whatever I wanted! It was so awesome!
We got back from San Fran on Friday night and Saturday we just lounged around all day and played with the kids. Sunday, after church, we drove down to Lake Powell, a seven hour drive. I was also nervous about this drive and the whole trip being in the extreme heat with no shade. The drive down was great, Jada slept for four hours and Riley was in a great mood. Boating was tons of fun too! Our trip was cut short because while my huge butt was wakeboarding, the boat broke down. We had to call the marina and be towed back. I was freaking out because there was no breeze to keep the kids cool and it was sooooo hot. Brett played with Riley in the water and I kept pouring water on Jada's head and trying to give her water from my finger. I tried to get her to drink out of a cup but she was way too young for that but I think she enjoyed it running down her body. We only waited an hour and the kids were great. I am very pleased to inform you that neither of the kids got burned from both days we went on the lake. Actually, Riley got burned in the corner of his eyes where I didn't dare put sunscreen. But all the family members were great in allowing me and the kids to be in the shade of the biminy the whole time. And I put tons of sunscreen on them. So, the boat had to go into the shop and we just sat around the hotel the whole day and the kids were already restless but they had to sit through another seven hour drive home. They weren't very good especially the last couple hours. It was so late at night but yet the kids just wouldn't sleep and they just cried. But that was nothing compared to the flight home. Brett and I had agreed to switch kids this time but that didn't help. They were awful! Riley couldn't sit still and Jada wouldn't stop crying. Yes, we were the parents of the annoying kids that people dread when they board the plane.
So, now we are home and the kids still have not adjusted back to GA time. It is 11:20p and I am holding Jada and typing with one hand. Brett is cuddling with Riley and watching Batman. Man, I miss my babysitters!

How come my friends are such good photographers and I am not?

2008-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

So I am frustrated today because recently I gave up on going to the portrait studio and getting professional pictures every month. I have to drive all the way to Tucker to take them, usually wait 30 minutes (because they run on 'baby time'), and then drive all the way back two weeks later to pick them up. On top of all that, I am NEVER happy with the photos! The screen that you view them on is really bad and unclear so I kind of guess which picture I like best. The reason why I go to JC PENNY is because I always have coupons which give me an 8x10, 5x7, and 4 wallets for less than $5. And since I go every month, I need it to be cheap. Well I decided to start doing it myself and editing them and sending them off to winkflash/snapfish to be printed. This only takes a few days turnaround time and I don't have to leave my house. However the pictures are turning out AWEFUL! I am using a super nice camera so I don't understand why all my friends are taking beautful pictures of their kids and mine SUCK! There are always bad shadows and the skin looks bad! I am doing it outside to get natural light. I mean can I only take pictures during a certain time of the day to get pictures without shadows? So I give up. Back to the portrait studio next month...

Some videos

2008-06-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some videos we've taken in the last 6 months.

Jada Chuckles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhbDeJ2lx4Y

Riley the monkey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etj0HPCHHRs

Riley and Jada Sleeping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYrQWfj1kxo

Riley saying some words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOQBgfst4Oo

Riley on the Trampoline
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeqKdAb4WsM

Riley at the Park - 18 months
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0oi8xlpsN4

Riley Boarding

2008-06-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cye9Z1OQW2E

So we got Riley a wakeboard, yeah, we are crazy - well I am crazy. I just wanted to get him comfortable swimming, floating, wearing a life jacket, and of course wearing a wakeboard.

He did have some fun. He freaked out a little in the middle. But overall, I think he had fun.

Thumb Sucker

2008-06-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Recently I went to get Jada out of her new room, the laundry room, and I saw her sucking her thumb. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was to see her sucking her thumb. I have been trying desperately to get her to take a pacifier since the day she was born but she has always refused one. Jada cries ALOT and needs some sort of pacification. It seems to be helping some. She will start screaming and then put her thumb in and be calm for a few minutes but often will continue screaming. She likes to have her left thumb in her mouth and then hold on to something with her right hand. Usually her clothes or a blanket, but today it was her toes (or maybe her socks is what she was going for).

Trying to figure things out

2008-05-27T20:11:00.001-07:00

Ok so I don't have anything to say but I wanted to write something to see what it looks like. So let me tell you about my run. I took the kiddies to the track and deposited them while I ran one mile. It took me 9:33 . Lap 1- 2:20, Lap 2- 2:35, Lap 3-2:26, Lap 4-2:10. Okay so I am sure that was boring but oh well...