For the Grandparents...

This post is mostly for the grandparents who are not here with us this year- which is ALL of them! Very strange not to have them here- we were hoping some would get here and then in the end it didn't happen. We miss all of you!

The kids started our evening with "Christmas Bells are Ringing"- it was lovely. As you can see Elliott's lovely tissue in his ears- his relationship with bells is a love/hate relationship. They did a fantastic job as you can see!

We've hardly begun with the presents- they each opened one tonight- from Grandma Lauralee. They were all a HUGE hit mom- THANK YOU! You're the best!

Until tomorrow...Merry Christmas!
This time of year is AMAZING with little kids. I can't imagine life without these little people in my life- it makes it so perfect with them here!

Halloween 2009

Best shot I got of our crew. Not at all the best! Kenyon- Vampire, Nate- Skeleton, Elliott- Darth Vader, Gavin- Wolverine, Luke- Batman, Etta Jane- cutest little baby Chick on the planet. This picture just doesn't do any justice to how cute they all looked!

Elliott HAD to be Darth Vader. I settled this year for a store bought costume. It was hard- I had to glue on some rhinestones to make it look a little less- thin polyester. Still looked it though. Elliott loved it and that is really all that matters. He was a good Darth Vader.

Sweet K and Nate carving pumpkins. Kenyon was a vampire and Nate was a skeleton.

We got these cool pumpkins from some friends of ours. They grew them. I loved the shape of the one E is holding.

At home carving a few of our pumpkins. E couldn't wait. I am quite sure that Halloween is his favorite holiday. We have driven everywhere in search of homes decorated for the holiday- talked endlessly about all of the things we've seen and done- gone to Disneyland to see the Haunted Mansion (Nightmare Before Christmas style)- listed to "This is Halloween" more times than I want to admit- and waited ever so patiently for the carving of the pumpkins and for the actual day. He could really care less about the candy. Which of course- I'm stoked about!

Trike-a-Thon

E's preschool had a trike-a-thon on Friday last. He LOVED it. He decorated and rode his skootch. All the kids got a little medal at the end. Elliott had almost just as much fun cheering his pals on as he did riding.

Elliott

Wildebeest

Elliott selling me some wildebeest over play dough restaurant play-

We have wildebeest here...do you want to try it?
We give samples of wildebeest here...do you want to try some?
It's pretty gross because we squish some of the blood out....

Vaccines

I am not going to go into my personal thoughts about vaccines. I think it is up to everyone to do their own research and then decide what they think and feel- especially being led by the Spirit in their lives. This comes from one Dr. who is in LA that I think has many a good thing to say about quite a number of topics. Dr. Pepi. This is her take on Vaccines. You decide for yourself.

"There is a schedule of vaccination shots for your family that medical doctors try to enforce. The source of this program is the Center for Disease Control. While the CDC sounds scientific, it actually just approves the injection schedule for you that has been recommended to them by the Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee.

The FDA Advisory Committee members are financially supported by the drug manufacturers who make vaccines. By 2005, world vaccine sales were over $8 billion and are expected to be $20 billion by 2010.

The FDA does not Test for the Safety or Effectiveness of its Vaccine Recommendations

Sometimes a vaccine will be taken off the schedule after enough patients have died or had harmful effects. You can watch the vaccine schedule change at the CDC website by clicking here. In place of true and thorough scientific research prior to prescription, we are the experiment on a grand scale.

My advice:

1. Thoroughly research any injections that are recommended to your family before you agree to them.
2. Build up your family's immune function.
3. Read about Vaccines and Mercury and Vaccines and Children."

All I want for Christmas....

Don't ever take your ability to breathe for granted. When you can't- it BITES THE BIG ONE (Craig says I should think about what I'm really saying when I use that phrase- however, I choose not to- I don't like what I see.)- and people look at you like your CRAZY- as if to say "catch your breath already- you're like what 25?" I would of course reply with "No- I'm 32 and my lungs suck it- so back off- or when I catch my breath I'll beat you until I have to catch my breath again."

Okay- I'm on one tonight- no worries to all of you worriers- just a sucky day.

When you can't breathe you find ways to still do the things your child loves and still be able to breathe at the same time. Well- lately I want to ride bikes with Elliott. Not just ride bikes in the driveway- I want to GO RIDE BIKES around the bay- up the hills (with a little help from what could soon be my electric engine)- and down the hills all on my own with those cute little pedals.

You know you secretly want one too.

I may sound like I'm kidding, I'm not.

Next Christmas I may ask for a Segway.

I will be taking donations from now until Christmas. Kidding!

Fierce

Elliott isn't really a timid creature. He has definite moments- well quite a lot of moments- I'm starting to wonder! Look at that tongue- he finally took a chance at the ball and it rolls through his legs. It's good the parents are on the side lines- I do a lot of laughing.
It's some of the most fun - watching my child do something he loves, it's awesome.
Elliott ADORES SOCCER. He is stoked to just talk about soccer. However, when the ball comes his way it is as if he takes a bow- looks at his team mates and says "no, no- you go ahead- by all means- I'd like you to have it...". We keep telling him to get in there and have FUN. Although- he is having FUN. Probably some of the most fun he's ever had so far in his little life! There will be a time in his life when he isn't timid. We had a glimpse on Saturday when this was what E thought of a certain little guy on the opposing team:

Did you see that boy pull my shirt? I told him he was a big bully and I pushed him.

Some days inside I think- WELL DONE MY BOY! Most days I completely discourage this kind of behavior- but in soccer it's okay right?

It really is just a fun mellow game with parents cheering for both teams- I quite like it. I was warned that it would be vicious and the parents would be crazy.
Maybe some teams but not our Blue Dragons.


Our AWESOME friend Micah designed our banner for us.
He is WICKEDLY talented and a wicked good friend.

Jen and Troy Bliss

Last weekend Craig's sister Jennifer and Troy were married. The only pictures I took were a few of Elliott and Luke (which I adore)- but I'm bummed! I had nothing to do other than keep my little one near and I couldn't take a measly picture of the bride? Sorry! I'll post something else when I get something!
She was beautiful- everything was beautiful- the whole day was beautiful.

Starwarsified

I have played every character within the Lucas Empire now- I think.
I'd like to thank the Clone Wars for all they've done to inspire my 5 year old to "died" Boba Fett, Princess Leia, Luke, Han Solo, Count Dooku, Ahsoka - etc.....
it could go on and on and on and on.
My favorite part- One minute E is Darth Vader and the next he is "dieding" Anakin- which in turn he is killing himself before he became himself.
I have a new found appreciation for the whole saga.
Never a dull moment.

Pools cold

It is AMAZING to me how fast the pool gets cold! We donned our wet suits a few weeks ago- and I was still freezing- E was in heaven- as usual- my fish! We've had 80+ degree weekends yet the pool isn't even near my kind of WARM!!! Goodbye Summer- Hello Autumn! WooooHoooo!

1st Day of Preschool

Elliott has started a little 3 day a week preschool again. I'm a little behind on my posts- as usual!
Everyone keeps asking what we are doing- so I will lay it all out here!

Elliott just turned 5. The cut off here is weird- I believe it is December. Craig and I both (since Elliott was just a baby) have wanted him to be older in school than younger- so he did not start kindergarten in a public school this year. However- Because Elliott qualified for kindergarten we are doing a REALLY fabulous homeschooling program through www.k12.com . We are putting some of our tax dollars to good use. We both enjoy it and I am amazed at how much he has learned in such a short time. His favorite subject to study---science. Of course.

As you all know E is an only child so that is why he is doing the 3 day preschool. It is all about the social for us- not necessarily the academic. Funny thing- he could care less about going. Once there- he is in heaven- getting there and into the building is a whole other story.

Everyone's last question- will we be doing this next year and continue with homeschooling? We don't know yet. We are really enjoying it- homeschooling is NOT what it once was. Not by a long shot. Man alive- the comments I've heard- it's quite hilarious.
It is amazing to know all that my child is learning and having the power to decide what he is learning or not learning about. All day long we go over the things we learned that morning. I don't know if in public schools I will have that kind of knowledge each and every day.

Some days we are done with a whole day of school by 11am- then we are off to play or do whatever. I feel like much of the time at public school is wasted away- not utilized correctly.
We fear a little about the future of our schools- so- we don't know. As long as Elliott is getting enough social time in with children his own age- we would definitely consider it- (the program we do has many different groups, options for taking turns teaching subjects, inside classroom setting situations at schools for a day a week, all kinds of outings, tutors, online classes with a teacher, etc.). So we don't know. We'll keep you posted! So far it has been-
better than good!

You are what you eat

I love the Environmental Working Group- well- most of it. Within this site one can find anything from the water quality right in their city to what beauty products contain contaminates- when used well- it offers a ton!

I thought I'd share a link to what produce you should try your best to avoid unless bought organically- and what produce has the least amount of pesticides when conventionally grown. I hope it helps- there are many things I WILL NOT buy unless they are organic- simply because I believe that I AM WHAT I EAT! - click on this.

That's what he said

I can't help myself on this one-

Yesterday we were discussing rhyming words- E and I are working on rhyming words with our little home school stuff and we were all practicing.

Craig says- How about Zurbert?

E says- Pervert, that rhymes with zurbert.

Well- yes it does- he has no idea what pervert is- it was pretty great.

I LOVE....

this time of year!

(no, not a picture from here- it's Southern California-
just different season changes here!)

That's what he said

When I'm 10 I'm going to juggle fire...

(seconds later- I can totally tell he is thinking about what he just said)

When I'm 10 I'm going to juggle fire- with dad when he is close beside me.

Cousins

Sophia - Sept 15, 2009 2:05am
1 pound 10 ounces, 13 inches

Lukas - Sept 15, 2009 2:26am
1 pound 10 ounces, 14 inches

My cousins Jake and Lacie just had these two sweet little babies. They were born at 27 weeks. As you all know- that is NOT the right time for babies to be born.

You can see their personal story at http://bastowmiraclebabies.blogspot.com It is quite amazing and they are still really struggling to keep these babies here on this earth. If you can or want to donate any money to help them out there is a way- one of my other cousins (who have been through similar circumstances and found themselves struggling to pay medical bills) have set this amazing thing up! Please keep them in your prayers. These truly are little miracle babies!

3D Book

Josh and Janae sent E a little birthday package with a bunch of stuff- one of which was a 3D Shark book. Thank you guys! You are missed! We love you!

Last few days....

This summer we have spent some QUALITY TIME in the pool. Elliott has learned to swim and he is getting pretty good at it. The actual swimming came first with a pair of regular goggles. He would put his head under water with the goggles on- then became more confident- then became a swimmer. Well- as of recent he has discovered the snorkel gear. He first was interested and stoked about the mask- then this last week he decided he wanted to try the snorkel. He's pretty good at it- he snorkels around and tries his best to "talk" to us through it. He thinks we can hear and understand whatever he says- but we can't. I love it. The summer swim days are coming to and end- it was a GOOD SUMMER!

Blue Dragons

Well, I am officially a soccer mom. I never thought I'd like it as much as I do. Elliott LOVES playing soccer- his enthusiasm is contagious. He makes me so excited just to sit there and watch him run around! Here are the things I've spotted on the field the last two games from my "Blue Dragon"-
-as the ball was right under his feet- in perfect position to be kicked by him- he jumps over it while looking at us- huge proud grin on face while waving.
-chatting it up and making friends with the other team- while he should be playing.
-squatting in position- but on the opposite side of the field where the action is- all by himself.
-a very PROUD little SOCCER player.

5

Elliott turned 5 with a science party. Everyone had little lab coats, goggles, name tags and we all participated in multiple science experiments- volcanoes, geysers, toothpick towers, etc. I think they all had a good time- I know that Elliott was stoked because he has been into science more than ever since we had Josh and Janae living with us (ie- science experts). He chose the theme- he is VERY into SCIENCE. He talks as if he and Bill Nye the Science Guy have a personal relationship. The other morning as I expressed to him that I wasn't breathing as well as I'd like to be that morning he said- "mom, Bill Nye told me that if you breathe with your diaphragm you can breathe better." He is always pulling a "well, Bill Nye told me...". I love it- he is learning a lot and loves to learn.

Help

If you know of anyone who is looking for the most WONDERFUL family to place their baby with- please pass along this information. It has their contact information right on there- with links to their profile and details about how FABULOUS they are!
Adoption can change lives- Craig, Elliott and I are livng proof of the sweet miracle of adoption!

Happy Birthday Elliott!

sweet
hilarious
smart
curious
gentle
stubborn
kind
inquisitive
crazy
ambitious
silly
friendly
cautious
thoughtful
imaginative
ours

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY SWEET ELLIOTT!!!
Rock on, hang loose, we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you!

59

These three crazies- want to say...

Hip

Hip

Hooray!

Happy Birthday Papa Mark! We love you!

That's what he said

A few days ago E and I got into a little fender bender- well- a girl decided to back up into us. No big deal, car is already fixed and we were totally fine.

However, I question my sons strange need for revenge-

Mom, let's just go ram back into her and hit her car....

(all with complete and utter innocence and questioning....)

That's what he said

While cutting for our letter of the week- C- and with complete frustration...

My scissors don't listen to me- they don't keep on track!

Eleven

August 1 was eleven years of marriage for Craig and I.
I couldn't be more happy with my life with Craig.
Yes, 11!