Missionary Sushi Feast!

Wes and I have always loved feeding the missionaries. Wes feels it is his civic duty for us as Church members to feed them as he rarely got fed by Church members on his mission. We hadn't done it for a while recently with busy schedules and what not, but we have sort of become 'known' for making sushi or German food. One of our favorite Elders ever, Elder Ingham, just got transferred back into this area(not our ward, but very close) and so we decided to have all four of them over for a sushi feast because it's Elder Ingham's favorite and he'll be going home soon, and also because with school starting and whatnot, I don't know how much we'll be able to do it. (how was that for a run-on sentence?) Anyway, Wes made a seriously amazing feast! He is definitely getting to be a pro. All of the Elders, except the Elder from Samoa(I can't remember his name!) loved it. A good time was had by all and we really enjoyed their company. For an up close look at the yummy food, click the photo. Liam happily enjoyed mac 'n cheese as he wanted nothing to do with sushi on Saturday, although he usually loves it. Go figure.

Mamas for Obama!

Tonight is a very exciting night in our Nation's history! Whether you are Democrat, Republican, Independent, Green, Libertarian etc, it's pretty amazing to be in a time when the first African American becomes a Presidential Candidate! Obviously, I've been a long time supporter of Obama, even before we were able to see him speak last year. Tonight Michelle Obama gave an amazing speech. And Senator Kennedy gave an awe inspiring speech as well! It's amazing that he made the sacrafice to be there with all he's been going through.

I know that there will always be someone who says 'it's just a bunch of words' or that 'he's just not ready.' But, I obviously feel differently. I really feel that there is more hope than there has been for a long time for our country. Others may feel the same about John McCain, and that's great too. Hope is a good, positive emotion--no matter who or what makes you feel it. That's the great thing about being American-- we have a choice!

Liam also enjoyed the convention tonight. (even if he was playing 'piggies' on my toes) :) Now I just have to buy him this shirt I've been eyeing. ;)The main reason for my soapbox tonight? Well, first of all, to document an exciting time in history for myself and for Liam, as well as to encourage everyone to vote! Michelle Obama reminded us of a time 80 years ago when women first got the right to vote: so let's exercise it! It's our privilege and civic duty!

I survived!

Welp, I can officially say I am one day into the Nursing Program. haha. It went great. I think they started us off easy! I feel very lucky because I get to carpool with three other girls down to the campus where our class is in Galena and have them for moral support. The class went great--we just jumped right into Cardiovascular Assesment. I'm really excited. I know it will be hard, but I am just taking things one day at a time and remembering that this is for the benefit of Me, Wes, Liam and our little family as a whole. :)

Of course, I had to take the customary "First Day of School" photo. Unfortunately, mom, I had no one to take a photo of me with my backpack on and with my hand on the door knob showing my whole 'first day of school outfit' off. haha. But, Liam proudly showed off his "Dora Lunchbox" that he picked out all by himself from Nana. Yes, it's purple. Yes, it's sparkly, but I figured he is 100% boy all the other time and, he's two; Let him have a purple lunch box if he wants. Plus, he goes to a baby-sitter full of girls, what can you say? He was pretty excited to head to Sammy's today. This is the first time he'll be in day care full time since he was born, but even though I have some half day classes, I figure I can study in the afternoons and give him more undivided attention when we're home together. So, anyway, that's my report. Oh yeah, we did get a cool "Orvis School of Nursing" free recylced something-or-other bag today. Nice to know what my tuition pays for, eh? I would have rather had a free day planner like the good ole days, but nope, budget cuts, so I had to go to Target. Oh well, if that's my only complaint about today, all is well. :)

Boys and Their Trucks

We went to Yerington again this weekend, but this time for a very good friends' grandma's funeral. It was a lovely service and then the reception following was at the Yerington Fire House. Liam was so excited! He has a firetruck on his puzzle, so he was thrilled to see one in real life! I was excited because he got to wear his adorable new outfit from Izzy's Grammie. How cute is this? A little boys' dream!
Liam found a little friend to play with and get into all sorts of fun trouble with! Little Zack liked the trucks, too!
Afterward we took the kiddos swimming at the Yerington pool and then Liam played in the park. My sister and I were thinking that would exhaust he and Izzy for the ride back to Reno. Alas, Izzy was asleep before we left the parking lot, but of course, Liam fell asleep approximately 2 miles before we got home. Good thing he's so adorable!

Date Night!

Last night, Wes, Jake, Erica and I went on a Mini-Golf and Coldstone double date. We had a great time! The night started off very well for me-- I got the first hole in one! I really, really stink at mini-golf, so this was especially exciting. Erica followed right after me with her hole in one. Her little baby girl might be quite the mini golfer!
Poor Jake and Wes got two strokes on the lucky hole!
Then a sudden turn of events had me getting approximately seven or so strokes on each hole. I even had one go in the water on total accident. I got chastised by the attendent who told me to "Please be more careful" with a huge smile on her face like she was laughing at me.

Erica kept up a pretty even game with good consistency until we got to a hole with a spinner and I got to switch scores with her! Muhahahah However, even with my luck in score switching and a hole in one, I still got fourth place. Erica came in with the bronze.
And proud Jake got the gold and Wes with the silver only two strokes ahead of Jake.
Of course the husbands had to trick us and play a few video games before we left.

We had a wonderful time, even if I am still horrible at mini-golf. I think that hole in one may have been my first one ever(well, without cheating that is...)!

Assurance

Last night Wes and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to go to the temple. I've been feeing stressed and jittery all week about school, so I needed to calm down about and be assured that what I am doing is the absolute best thing I can do for our family and for Liam. Plus, Wes and I just wanted to be able to go to one more session ahead of time.
We had a wonderful time and I received the peace I needed. I really feel like I can do this and that this is what I am supposed to be doing, without a doubt. Now, I am READY! I'm excited! And I'm thankful that the stress is gone(until next weekend, right?) I can now officially say, "Bring it on!" :)

PS- My hubby took that beautiful photo last night. The sky was truly amazing. Nothing like Nevada sunsets is there? If only we could get rid of the orange cone Nevada state flower already!

Dr. Childs is the Best!

If you notice in the previous post, you can get quite a good look at Liam's chompers with his silly face. I am very careful about making sure he doesn't eat sugary things or have juice regularly and about brushing, etc. Having been in dentistry for about 5 or so years, you would think I would have cavity free teeth. Nope. I brush, floss, fluoride, you name it. I still get those buggars. Anyway, I check Liam's teeth regularly. When he did his silly face for me, I noticed, to my horror, that there was a little dark spot on one of his molars. Being the composed mom that I am, I freaked. I felt like the worst parent in the entire world. I cried. Yes, I cried. I thought FOR SURE it was a cavity on my TWO year old. Who lets their TWO year old get a cavity?! If that wasn't crazy enough, I was half tempted to call my wonderful dentist, Dr. Childs, at home. However, I realized that was borderline insane and waited until Monday. Being the fantastic office that they are, they got Liam in on Tuesday for a little check. I was a little worried how he would do, but we practiced saying "AHHHHHH" and counting teeth before we went. He had a wonderful assistant(see above picture--Dr. Childs sneaked away too quickly to get a photo) who make the experience great. He got to go for a 'ride' in the 'purple chair' and Maria played puzzles with him to help calm his fears. Dr. Childs was awesome and let Liam count his teeth with him. Turns out that it's a little stain that hasn't penetrated the enamel yet. Thank goodness! However, he fluoride varnished his teeth and gave me some other fluoride to rub on the spot with a q-tip. He has to go back in three months(I'll get a picture then!) to check and makes sure it doesn't turn into a cavity. Let's just pray he doesn't inherit my soft teeth. Anyway, Liam was especially thrilled when he got to choose a little car from the toy box. After we got in the car to go home he said something along the lines of "Want to go to Dentist to ride in purple chair and get 'nother toy!" I think it was a success. Here he is at home showing me how he showed Dr. Childs his teeth and with his cool new car.

PS- Jen- I wish you could have been there! We missed you!

Who wouldn't love these faces?

Don't you just love Liam's new silly face?

Big Shoes to Fill

I just love this picture of Liam in Uncle Ben's shoes. I'm sure my big footed kid will eventually fit in these size 12's. Liam loves to wear other people's shoes around the house and pretend he is the owner of the shoes. PS- His cool butterfly necklace is from a nursery lesson. He loved it!

A Day at the Fair

We took a very impromptu trip down to my parents' this weekend for a fun time at the Lyon Co. Fair and Rodeo. Liam had a wonderful time! We helped Nana sell raffle tickets for 'Operation Local Support' and got to enjoy a seriously amazing balloon artist kids' show. This lady was fantastic! She did an awesome show about the jungle and then she made Liam an Elmo hat. So cool! He loved playing in the gator with Izzy. Izzy had a really fun time, too, especially with the Aztec dancers and the balloons. Between the snow cones, horses, dancers, music and balloons, the fair was a success! The downside was the big accident on I-80 on our way home; 45 minutes at a dead stand still one mile before our exit. Oh well, we still had a great time! When we got home he had a wonderful time singing his "ABC's" which he can do all by himself now to Grandma. They also, of course, sang his favorite, the "Jeopardy" song. So cute.
This first one is Liam playing "Little Piggies" with Izzy. They both think it's pretty hilarious, even if you can't tell it from the photo.

Tiny Picassos

Today Owen came over to play. We headed outside and let the kids go at it with the paints. They had a great time! (don't worry, Aunt Pam, it's washable paint!) Liam really enjoyed painting this time. He always likes it, but today he really got into it. But, I think the biggest hit of the afternoon was rinsing them off with the hose and then letting them have a drink from the hose--that is until the hose took on a life of it's own and sprayed them in the face. After that, they just took to washing the dishes like the sweet little boys they are!

SERIOUS dork alert!

I know that this post probably makes me the biggest dork ever, but I'm still going to post it. I got my nursing school uniforms the other day! I got them all washed and ironed last night and all of the sudden, everything is becoming so real. I'm so excited, but insanely nervous, apprehensive, proud, elated, you name it and I'm probably feeling it. I guess I got so excited when I got the uniforms because I feel like I have earned them. I know the hard work it yet to come, but it feels good to see what I've been working for for the past 4 years paying off. I'm proud to get to wear Orvis School of Nursing uniforms and to soon be graduating from my mom's alma mater. I am just glad I don't have to wear the white hat and dress like she did...

My Hippie Boy

Sometimes I have the urge to just take some photos. The flowers in the front yard has had me particularly inspired lately, so I took Liam out for a few photos today. I always admire the flowers every year, but for some reason have never taken any photos. So my half-naked, happy, little hippie boy ran around like a crazy man and showed me how much he loved the flowers. After some photo shop fun, here are my favorites.

I *love* this one and how the coloring turned out. If you click on it and enlarge it, you can see how beautiful his eyes look.

A Shower for Baby Caramel

We had a baby shower today for my good friend, Erica. Erica and I have been in the same ward for about 2 years now, but only in the last 8 or so months have we really become good friends. I've felt so lucky to have her as a friend-- we have so much in common, so we always have a great time hashing over good books, movies, TV shows, kids, etc. And our husbands have the same interests and, sometimes, the same maturity level. ;) Anyway, her baby girl is due in September. The poor sweet baby girl doesn't even have a name yet! But, I think we pretty much decided at her shower today that her son, Ethan, had chosen the perfect name for her sweet girl: Caramel, who will fondly be called Cari or Mel. Well, at least that's what her great-grandma thinks! Poor Baby Finlay, even if her mommy gives her a beautiful name, will now be known as Caramel. Anyway, you can imagine how hard it was to play the game "Don't say 'Baby' or 'Name' " while having this conversation.
On to presents. Erica's sister LeAnne insisted she open her gift that her girls picked out for the baby at Cabela's.

Pretty cute!



We had a great shower. Thanks to everyone who came and made it special. Now we just have to wait to see Caramel's sweet face. :)

Erica- I hope you don't hate me after this!!! ;)

What a Good Student!

Uncle Ben came down this weekend for Hot August Nights. With him, he brought his 'school project' that he made for Judy. He's pretty proud and rightfully so!! He made it, start to finish! Good Job, Uncle Ben!