This past week.

Last week we had Reese and Carsten over for the afternoon...this is the typical for Justin and Carsten...

Last satruday Dad and Todd worked on the workout room, they are enclosing in the front porch area....still some work to do, but they got a ton done for one day.

Some of the blooms yesterday.







Justin and I spent a few hours outdoors yesterday morning....he wanted his picture taken...


On the big boy swing.

Update on car accident

Well, of coarse the lady who hit us is givng her insurance a different story than the truth. So, now they have to wait it out and then have the insurance companies go to arbitration when all is said and done (I assume about a year from now it might get resolved). It is extremely upsetting that someone would lie about this, but I guess you get what you give...her time will come.

I am continuing to go to the Chiropractor and thankful that my insurance will cover it. It stresses me out to have unresolved issues, but what else can I do.

More Aquarium pics

Thought these were cute of the boys...

Justin and Carsten checking out the water.

Our Coast Trip

Dana, the three boys, and I ventured to the Coast yesterday for a fun day. Jim and Dana have a family pass, so it didn't cost us anything to go to the aquarium..and we hit the beach afterward (Tootlepops will post pics of the beach)....

Having the two older boys around is so much fun. Justin loves his cousins so much. He doesn't usually 'love' hanging our in a stroller, but if Carsten gets in, well, then by all means - it must be cool! Both little guys hung out in the stroller the whole time and were great troopers. Reese led the way.



Posing for a picture for Aunt Alicia

This beaver was really fun. He was in love with people. He automatically would come right up to the window and get as close as possible. A young man (about age 12 from a school group) was actually playing with him. He would tell the beaver to go to the next window and race him, and the beaver would go...it was really fun to watch.

Checking out the water coming in.

Here Kitty Kitty . . .

So, this morning Justin and I were playing downstairs and I look out the Dining area window and see a "kitty" as Justin will tell you. It stood there for a while watching us in the window...Justin was waving like crazy. Finally, must have spooked enough that it hopped across the field to the creek bed. Justin kept asking to go outside and play with the "kitty"....GREAT!

Grandma Erma

Yesterday Dana, the boys, and I decided to trek up North to visit with Grandma Erma and do a Wally World visit. We were lucky enough to be able to have lunch with Becky and Jason (no pics)...

Here are Reese and Carsten with Grandma...Justin didn't want to cooperate and get in the picture...his loss. Grandma seems to be doing really well....

a bit stressful!

Well we have had quite a week. First of all, Todd is doing well with his job and I think he enjoys it. We are more settled here....On Thursday we had dinner with Jim and Dana and Todd, Justin, and I were off to Costco....and we were in a car accident. A lady decided to change lanes mid intersection and hit her front tire to our front tire...didn't do too much damage, but I have previous car accident injuries and am feeling the injuries...Jim got me in with a good holostic chiro....The lady that hit us didn't want to go to insurance...she had a band new car....and didnt' want to claim it...first she said it was my fault, but I took her back and showed her the sign that said "go striaght" and she admitted fault. But, the next morning I get a call from my insurance that she says it was my fault...she wasn't even going to take my phone number or insurance, but then now claims my fault...I was the one that took all her info, took pics at the scene and afterward.....anyway, they now have to investigate the accident. What an ordeal and not fun for me. I now have to go get treatment, have someone watch Justin, etc, etc, etc. And, I called my OB on Friday (didn't think was a big deal) and they were adimant that I come in and get checked...had I been there in the morning, they would have plugged me in for 4 hours to a monitor! So, let's just say I have been a bit stressed out about that whole ordeal!

No pics of Justin today as he is napping right now....

Good Morning

Good Morning to you all. We are getting settled and getting into a routine. Here is Mr. Justin this morning happy today....Going to see a bunch of Cousins today...we are excited!

Some of you might be wondering what it looks like at our new home...I took some pics this morning to share. This is out the kitchen window...

a view from out kitchen table...big window.

This is the view from the living room area...this is one huge room and you can see out all the windows at the same time.

Hopefully we will have some good weather today..Justin wanted to go out last night and play in the sandbox at 8pm...we told him maybe today (not that he remembers, but hopefully the weather will cooperate with us).

Moving truck

Here is Justin and Todd in the background as we were packing or unpacking the moving truck.....didn't take too many pics...

Definately the country out here

Well, as I was just putting Justin to bed, I hear Grace (my niece who is here for a visit) screaming from the other side of the house....I wonder what could be such a big deal that she is screaming...luckily Justin is sleeping now...well, I wonder over to find out and she saw a bat...yes, that is right...a bat in the house. Sure enough we see it again and Joren and Dad concur it and somehow rid it of the house....

We have also had our first bout of Ants in the house...in the kitchen of coarse...there is nothing out, so they must be searchers....I cleaned the counters and vinegared all surfaces...so far so good. I will spray the foundation with vinegar tomorrow too. I will vinegar the floors after I sweep....The house gets so dirty . . . let me tell you, wearing shoes in the house while moving in has surely brought in the dirt...it really amazed me all the dirt from my own shoes that I see on the linoleum....no more shoes in the house. I don't want to clean that much. Yes, I am a bit anal!

I have a huge list of "to dos" tomorrow...Grace is going to stay here with me and help out...helping with Justin will be great. We have a huge pile for the goodwill, might run that into town. The list is never ending.

As far as getting moved in...our kitchen table is a disaster...just stuff with no home...and we have totes in our room since we don't hae storeage and are awaiting baby 2, so are keeping it close...so much kids stuff to save! I have one more box of clothing to unpack and hang up, Justin has some hand me downs that haven't made it to the dresser yes....but, mostly just clean up and organize a bit. . . Todd has been such a hard worker this past week....cleaning our old house, cleaning this house...and tomorrow morning starting a new job.

Moving in update

Here it is Sunday afternoon and Todd, Justin, and I are off to grocery shop...We have had some very busy days....we got our boxes unpacked on Thursday night with a family dinner, unpacked friday and took our truck and trailer back late that afternoon....then another family dinner at a pizza place, and yesterday I (Alicia) took Grace to Build a Bear for her Birthday (Dad's treat)...Justin got a bear too...will post pics soon....Todd took a few hours to go to his new job and meet with Jim and Dad to check out the shop and get aquinted with the building, etc before he starts work tomorrow morning. we came home for more unpacking/organizing and had another family dinner with Jim and Dana...the kids love playing outside....hard to keep them in when the weather is so nice here...dirt to play with gallor.

Todd has already been helping out around here, digging ditches and fixing stuff around the house. There is a big list of things to do around here...one day at a time.

We made it fine

For all of you wondering, we made it to Dad's fine. We had a ton of help yesterday..Dana was here when we arrived and was cleaning....We had many many helpers and we are very thankful...still have a ton of unpacking to do....more to come later...but we made it safely.

a late night

Well, here we are at 10pm at night...Todd and Derek just finished working on packing up the big 26foot truck...and we still have more to load....off to U-haul in the morning to get a trailer for me to tow with the Tahoe...we won't be getting out of here early like expected...hoping to leave here by noon...still a bit of cleaning to do, vaccuum, sweep, and mop...and those last few items that won't budge to fit in the big truck.

Daddy's Big Helper

Todd's last day at work was yesterday and we are busy packing up the house...he is dismanteling the chairs for transport...Justin loved helping him....

Packing with a 2 year old

Well, packing up boxes with a 2 year old can be a challenge...he loves the boxes and would rather I just leave him a fort to hang out in instead of putting all his stuff away. We already sent a car load of toys with Oma and Opa to Dad's house....that was a bit devastating to him after they left.

I can't say I am in a all out packing mode...I get tired...22 weeks pregnant today and after a few boxes, I have to rest. and, we still have a week and 2 days before we get the truck and who knows what you might need between now and then...Justin's room is done. Todd is working outside today...washing cars, organizing the garage so that we can put packed boxes out there as we go and see what still needs to be done...

Same Email

Well, we can keep our email address...thankfully....I have a lot of history saved there..I only have 2 boxes packed so far. With preparing for all sorts of stuff, I haven't had time to pack anything...Justin is sleeping now, and the tape thing is very noisy...not sure I should even venture to do that ? Most of our stuff we use daily, so I can't possibly pack everything.

Moving. . .

Yes, we are moving. 2 weeks from now we will be packing up and getting ready for the big move. We will be living with Dad for now....in the extra side of the house... Hoping our house will be rented out soon....or sold, but I think the rental possibility is more like what will happen. Not sure if we will keep it on the market or not.

Cheap Entertainment

So Justin just started to fold his washclothes...he has been loving to pull them out and play with them, but tonight he was diligently folding them...we snuck up for a video...

new blog address?

Okay,

so we have been trying to think of a new blog ID....

Taking a vote:

Boyzrbest
growindemboyz
twoboys
superherosrus
twolittlemonkeys

any suggestions..we aren't very creative here...

It's a BOY ! ! !

It's a BOY

We had our ultrasound this morning...phew....I had to pee like a race horse....they did let me go a bit before the session, but then you have to wait again, and just before she let me go "a little"...then after she got some of the US done, I got to go for a good PEE..I had forgotten how much you had to go when you aren't allowed to go. And, I think I drank more water then I needed too...they told me not to drink any more water...

Seems like it all went well...they don't tell you if anything is wrong, but we saw the heartbeat and heard it....saw the "boy parts"-although I don't have a photo, but here are a few photo's...20 weeks.

Busy Busy

Well, we have had a busy weekend so far. Yesterday was the normal day in the big town...shopping, etc...and today I had a meeting in the big town so Justin and Todd came with-then went to a park to play for the afternoon.....tomorrow we go in for our ultrasound and we hope to find out if we are having a boy or a girl....so stay tuned.....I will let you all know when I get home.

Swimming

So just lately Justin has ventured to almost swimming in the tubby...and now he doesn't want to get out, he is having too much fun to get out. I think swimming lessons will need to be in this summers budget.

2 year old photos

We finally took Justin to the mall for his 2 year old pics (only 2 months late....)...here are a few shots...











I love this one...he was playing a teese with the photographer....

A bright sunny day!

Well, at least it is a bright sunny day as of now..supposed to get rain tonight and this weekend. SO, Justin and I took advantage of the sun and went out back to play on his tricycle that he got for Christmas from Papa...we are still learning the footie things (I think I need to get some straps for him)

This is the tree out back (neighbors tree), but thought I would take a photo - thought it looked pretty cool.

And finally Justin posing for a picture....he wanted to wear his jacket, even though it was T-shirt weather. After our out back adventure, we had to go walking down the street for another adventure....felt good to get out, since we have been in the house most of the week, since Justin was sick.

My new HairDoo

So, yesterday we went to the Mall and I got my hair cut. I have been thinking of doing this for months now. I didn't want to "just" cut my hair...I donated it to Locks of Love. My hair will grow back and having unique hair donated will hopefullybenefit some small child somewhere - at least that is my hope.

a fun day.

We went to the mall today (I will post later pics for the real reason...but we had some time, so we let Justin play on the toys...he had fun! This one is the ice cream truck.

and the fire truck

Then we were off to celebrate Tsiava's 4th birthday at the park. The weather here is awesome! Justin loves the slide and can now get up to the top by himself, so I will need to start taking him more.

A quick trip. . .

On friday morning I received a voice mail that Oma and Opa were headed to see the family...I was invited to ride up with them. It is so nice to make the 8 hour trip with others....so Justin and I packed our bags and headed out as soon as our ride arrived here.

We stayed with Dad and on Saturday we ventured to visit Grandma Erma and take her to lunch.

Dad and Justin. It is awesome with Dad, he takes over and do get a bit of a break when he is around. He and Justin went to the barn and got some wood, a few screwdrivers and headed back in the house to do some "work"...it was too cold to work outside in the barn.

Not a great picture, but here is Justin with Grandma Erma.

Our drive home ended up being a bit longer than expected. We drove for a few hours in the snow...fun to see, but so glad we had a seasoned snow driver in the front seat - Thanks OPA!

Hawaiian shirt day

This is Justin's favorite shirt of the week. He wore it on Tuesday and I washed it yesterday, he found it in the laundry as I was folding this morning and insisted on wearing it today. He for some reason loves Hawaiian shirts.

Sporting Grandma Paula's hat that mommy keeps on the shelf...

Crockpot Tortellini Soup

The recipe

So, I found this recipe online the other day and it is supper easy to make and really good. Todd thought adding Chicken would be a good addition as well. I have been eating on it for 3 days now...so good. - hope the link worked.

a few shots.

These two photo's were taken on Justin's Bday...I think he might be a future window installer?

This morning Justin and I ventured to the store for 2 items....well....after a slight detour through the clearance isle...we found a few things. One of them was a drill that works..he is currently napping with it. He didn't want to let go of it. It was only $3 - pretty good deal I thought.

Todd's search

In response to the anonymous commenter....yes, Todd plans to stay where he is until we definitely have a job or job(s) set in stone. I even wonder if we both shouldn't work just to make sure if one of us did get laid off, we would have a backup. So far, I have applied to jobs and not gotten one interview...I thought I might at least for the last 2 jobs I applied for. Many places are only offering PT work right now...I think to not have to pay for benefits...

Nothing new

Well, I don't have any new news to report. Feel like I should blog. We kept busy on Saturday doing our grocery shopping, etc. Sunday was a lazy day around here. I didn't even do the laundry...

Today, Justin and I went to playgroup and we don't have any plans all week long. No new news on the house either. I try my best to keep it clean..yes, I clean every single day...at least the house looks nice for us, but the routine gets old...Justin has been a trooper and helps me out too. He doesn't seem to mind his neurotic mother cleaning every day. Todd still continues to work with his Dad and continues to look for work.

I am looking as well, but not as fervently as he is, as I am expecting and not sure they would hire me anyway. I know, legally they can't discriminate, but there are always ways to make it look greener for someone else.

back home seemed to be the best a week ago, until I called about health insurance, and that kicked it out the door, at least until after the baby comes....the transfer rates are insane!

2 year doc appt

Justin had his 2 year doctor appt yesterday. He weighed in at 29.6 pounds and 33 inches long. Didn't get %'s, but I am sure they are high. He didn't want to take his clothes off..as I am sure he knew he was going to get a shot...didn't help that I had to wake him up to go inside...he fell asleep about 20 minutes before we got there.

Luckily he fell asleep on the way home, so I hung out in the car for over and hour and let him sleep. I knew if I tried to transfer him, he would wake up...so I read my Readers Digest (thank you Oma)....from cover to cover.

baby update

Well, I am 13 weeks along and I had my 2nd doc appt today. All is well. Justin tagged along with me and was a champ. The doctor's nurse wants to arrange a marriage with her 2.5 year old. We heard the heartbeat...all seems well.

Happy Birthday Brownies

Justin doesn't really 'get' that it is his special day, but we celebrated anyway....

Look at that!

Blowing on the candles

Delicious!!!

Happy Birthday to JUSTIN

Today is Justin's Birthday. We went to playgroup and this is his birth Moment...I took it from my cell phone...so a bit blurry..they were dancing to music with scarves...very fun!

Rescheduled

Well, got a call that the people who were to come tonight have the flu...thankfully they aren't going to share their Kooties with us...but the house is perfect! oh well....they will come either Saturday or early next week.......

first showing. . .

Well, tomorrow night they are going to show our house..this will be our first showing....there is this nervousness in my tummy right now...wow, our house could sell....

What would be next?
Where would we go?
tons of "what if's" going on in my head!

Another Baby. . .

In addition to all our news lately, we have even more news!

We are expecting again. Due August 9th.

I had an appt. 2 weeks ago and had to have an ultrasound done, so here are baby pics at 9 weeks...you can see little nubby arms...

Moving, Maybe, someday

Well, another year is here and life certainly doesn't' slow down around here. Todd and I are experiencing some family changes. Todd has decided that he no longer desires to work for his Dad here in Willows. We have two choices:

1. Stay here and try to get jobs in the area. I am currently working on applying for a few positions in Chico. If I could get a good job, Todd would then stay home with Justin if we can, or work nights a few days a week. We are in a bind, since the housing market is so poor and the jobs are few and far between. Todd is determined to find something somewhere. Unfortunately, we have a mortgage payment, car payment, and have to feed 3 of us, so we need a descent income...For now, though he continues to work for his Dad, although each day seems to be challenging.Justin and I continue to stay home and keep a routine...

2. Our second option is to move to Oregon. This was on the top of our list at Christmas, but with the housing, etc...seems better to stick around here. But, Todd has been fervently looking and applying for jobs in Oregon. (my old hometown area would be great)...I would probably still need to get a PT job if we move there.

We signed paperwork to put our house on the market today. Big changes are coming. Can't say we are totally excited as we love our house. We don't love the drive every weekend to the big city and not having anything to do here, so a move somewhere to a bigger town will be good. We are thankful we aren't in a bind and so far can survive here.

my little doggie...

Last night I was able to catch Justin so cute.....This morning we are sporting our diaper around the house and don't want to get dressed....this is totally the norm around here, except that this morning the diaper somehow (haha) made it's way off after we found something to play with inside....