Scary!

Last week I saw on the news about a lady (who lives fairly close to me) that answered the door to find a man posing as a newspaper salesman. She told him she was not interested and then he pulled a gun out and tried to force his way into her home! This happened in the middle of the day!!! Fortunately, she was able to force her door closed and he did not get in!

Then, on Sunday my hubby got home from bishopric meeting and told me that the woman is a member of our ward! Not that it really changes the situation at all, but it makes it feel even closer to home!

After the news report, I had decided to always keep my door locked and not to answer it (even in the day) if I wasn't expecting someone. Very scary stuff! Be smart, people... Be safe!

(Our peep hole is too high for me to see out of easily, so we are lowering it to a level that is easy for me to use. If you don't have one - get one!)

RELATED... On the Today Show this morning, there was a segment about how easy it is for someone to pose as a utility worker or such and then be allowed to enter a home - in the middle of the day, with no spouse home! They said to never let anyone in that you don't know. You can call the utility company first to confirm the situation, you can flat our refuse to let them in when you are home alone, just don't let them in if you don't know them!

It's the old saying, "Better Safe than Sorry", and the new one I heard today that I liked was, "Better Rude than Wrong!"

Meet Angel

I just realized this morning, that I never posted a picture of Angel.  So, here are a few...



And here is Angel in action, "Run like the wind, Angel!"


This is my favorite pic so far. She was on this blanket, on my lap, and she fell asleep... Awwww!


And now for a couple of Cadi-isms...

Cadi: We need to make a list tonight.
Me: Okay, what do we need to make a list of?
Cadi:  I don't know... just a list.

Cadi: His shoes are just like mine! 
Me: Oh really?
Cadi: Yeah, except they don't light up, they are different colors, and they are definitely NOT the same style.
LOL

My husband is awesome!

Okay, so I know it isn't going to sound like anything big or special but my husband made Cadi a sandwich this morning.

Yep, that's all it takes to make me happy. lol

Cadi buys lunch at school on average about twice a week, the other days she takes a lunch. In the last several weeks, Ryan has made her lunch for her (or at least her sandwich, which is really most of the work) so I wouldn't have to worry about it. I usually keep track and let him know which days we need a sandwich. The last two days, Cadi bought lunch which means today she was going to bring lunch. But I completely forgot! That is until 5 minutes before it was time to go out to the bus. I rushed to start putting her lunch together and there was her sandwich made and in the ziploc, sitting in the fridge.

He remembered to check to see if she needed to bring a lunch and made the sandwich without me asking or reminding him. And today that was all it took to make me think, "My husband is awesome!"

Proud Mom

To start... I've been feeling Eärendil move. :) Not anything anyone else can feel yet, just movement inside. Fun! Usually at night or first thing in the morning, when I'm in bed. That's normal. I am looking forward to when Ryan and Cadi can feel it. But then, that means the "kicks" and such will be stronger... that's not always a pleasant feeling, lol.

Also... Acadia has been doing a few things that just make me proud. Last week she learned a new song and then sang it in front of all the Primary kids and then in front of all the young women at church. It was a duet. This was her first time singing in front of people, aside from all the times that ALL the kids in Primary sing to the congregation. She did such a good job! It was awesome!

She has also been reading so well! A long time ago she asked for a Book of Mormon of her own. We gave her an inexpensive copy (we'll get her a nice one when she's just a little older). She often takes it to church with her. She sometimes reads it at home. Awhile ago I found it in her backpack. I asked her about it and she told me that she likes to read it on the bus going to school. I am so happy that she loves it and that she is self-motivated to read it on her own. She is only 6 and can't possibly understand all of it. That is certain. But she loves how it makes her feel. Now, I had to suggest to her not to read on the bus because she had been getting sick at school everyday after getting off the bus. She was hesitant because she loves to read the Book of Mormon at that time. How do you argue with that? I told her that it was up to her. But I did tell her that because she was getting motion sickness, it would help if she just looked straight ahead at the road while riding the bus. (We had already moved her from the back to the front of the bus, but that wasn't enough.)

Acadia has also been reading a verse outloud each night when we read scriptures before bed. I am amazed at how much her reading skills have improved in just the last couple of months. She can read most of the verse by herself, even tricky words. She's sounding them out and getting used to the rythem of the scriptures. It has helped her with other books too. She can read Dr. Seuss books by herself now. I keep telling her that she is getting ready to read to her baby brother or sister.
Good stuff. She's a good girl, she'll be a great big sister!

24 Hours

Yep, that's about how long the boxes of Girl Scout Cookies sat before I finally gave in and opened one. Hey, at least I only opened ONE box!

So, for those who don't know... my husband is a professional dieter. Or a perpetual dieter. Or a On-the-Wagon/Off-the-Wagon dieter. Or however you want to look at it. But he is almost always starting a diet. And to his credit, most of the time he succeeds with the goal he sets. He just immediately turns around and ends up back where he started - thus the next diet.

And imagine this - he is starting another diet! *gasp!* So, when I placed my order (not a small one, mind you - 10 boxes!) for G.S. cookies, his response was, "What? Just 10 boxes? Oh, we'll have to get more than that!"

So, when my order came yesterday I had to place an order for another 8 boxes. Yep - for my husband who is on a diet.

Yeah, I love that man.

Disappointment

No, not from my Valentine's Day.  It was everything I expected and wanted it to be.  We both got up to help Cadi get ready for school, fixing her lunch together, making a heart shaped sandwich and adding a Valentine goodie for her to find. 

I wasn't feeling very good, so we both went back to bed.  He got up a little before me and let me sleep awhile longer.  (Lucky for him, he had his x-box to keep him occupied during that hour. lol)  Then we both got showered and dressed and went out to lunch. 

Oooh, lunch was nice.  It was just a nice little Restaurant in Portland, but they had such GREAT service!!!  Our waiter was funny.  And I don't know if it was a Valentine's Day special or what, but they told us if we both got drinks then one of our lunches would be free.  So, I had a delicious Strawberry Lemonade and Ryan had Pineapple juice.  And my lunch ended up free!  Then when it came time for dessert, they told us that we could order one of the desserts off the menu if we wanted, but we were also welcome to enjoy a complimentary piece of German Chocolate Cake.  Ryan ended up getting a piece of pie, but the cake sounded perfect for me... so that was free too!  Basically, I ate for free today!  And we were NOT expecting that, so it was super cool!  The food was good too. lol

We got home just before Cadi.  She was in a very happy mood.  They had just finished having a party at school and she was loaded on sugar, I'm sure.  She and the neighbor girl played for awhile, sometimes out in the park with Ryan. 

This evening, we all popped popcorn and stuck in a home video.  Cadi wanted to watch our wedding movies.  Awwww.  When we were watching them, she asked if I still had my wedding dress.  I said I did, and I pulled it out to show her.  She asked if she would get to wear it when she gets married.  I told her that she was more than welcome to - but we'd have to alter it, she's gonna be WAY taller than me!  Pulling out the dress was fun, I haven't actually laid eyes on it for a couple of years.  It was such a beautiful dress!!! 

(Still is, lol)

So... no, not disappointed with today at all.

But... I did try to send myself some e-cards so I could paste them on here.  And I guess with it being such a busy holiday for Hallmark, they are just going slow or something... because I still hven't received either!  And they were super cute e-cards!  So there is my disappointment.  But when I do get them, I will post them because even if it isn't until tomorrow, they are still cute and funny!

Oh... and here's a pic of me in my beautiful dress those 9 1/2 years ago!  And another one of me and my Valentine.  (BTW, to all you family members, Cadi LOVED seeing you guys 10 years ago.  She had fun seeing people that were kids back then - didn't even know who they were!  Home movies are great!)

2 1/2 months later...

Here are pictures from our trip to Sacramento for Thanksgiving...

First a picture of Cadi and Simon, waiting in the car, on the side of the highway...


While Ryan changed the blown out tire...


We were able to do some visiting with both sides of the family. Here we are with the Grundys and Rosers...








Ryan makes the best "Uncle Monster"!




Poor Cadi swung a little too much...


Thanksgiving Day, we participated in Run to Feed the Hungry.  Ryan and I ran the 10K (At the time I did not know I was pregnant!  If I had, I probably would have walked the 5K with the kids instead.  But I made it!)


Grandma and Grandpa with all of their Grandkids - they had all of their kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids participating with them in the race.


Ryan...on Thanksgiving


Playing with Robarts and Hinds...






Sacramento Temple Site




When we get our portraits back, I'll post them too. Until then... Wait! lol

Sisters... getting pedicures and manicures.





Jared's Blessing Day




There are lots more pics here. Make sure you check out the sub albums too. I will add the family portraits when I get them!

The first of many more to come.

Pictures!  It has been so long since I've shared any pictures!  So, here are two from last night.  (I will be posting more later  - from Thankgiving, Christmas, Landon's visit, etc.)

Once a month, Cadi's school has a fundraiser at a (usually) fast food restaurant.  During the fundraiser, a portion of all the sales goes to their school.  They have had it at McDonald's, Burgerville, Taco Bell, etc.  This month, it was at Chuck E. Cheese's.  Yep.  So... we went.  But it ended up being fun.  Here's Cadi with our neighbor who is a Kindergartener.





The one redeeming quality of Chuck E. Cheese's is that you really don't have to worry about your kid.  It was crazy busy.  There were tons of kids running around.  Half of the time we had no idea where Cadi was.  But we knew she couldn't leave the restaurant without one of us, so we didn't worry.  We could let her run off and play with her friends at whatever game she wanted.  She loves it, and even though they are terribly expensive... I love it.  (Or at least that part of it, lol.)

I think my baby is French.

Okay, not really. But I have had the biggest craving for french fries!!! And when I get them, I just want them again. Last week I had french fries 4 times. At the bowling alley, Wendy's, McDonald's and Jack-in-the-Box. Today I had Wendy's again. It really doesn't matter where they are from, just as long as they are salty, not too crisp, and not too greasy.

Most of the time when I crave something, after I eat it I can't stand the thought of it. Like Chinese food. If I have it, then I'm not gonna want it for a couple of weeks at least. Or burritos, or whatever. But these french fries, I'm telling you! I can't get enough! (Thank goodness most of the fast food places have fries on their dollar menu!)

Today we had another Dr. appointment. It went great, we heard a great heartbeat and I'm gonna get my ultrasound in about a month. Yay!

And I was just browsing through JCPenney baby bedrooms catalog and found what I want to do if this is a boy... Sail Away. So Cute! And the bedroom is already the perfect color for it. Plus I have some sailboat and lighthouse stamps that I can use to decorate with. So fun!

We have a winner!

After much contemplation, Ryan finally came up with what he suggested as a nickname for our baby.

First I will say that I really enjoyed all of your suggestions so thank you very much for playing, lol. Prior to Ryan's suggestion, I admit I was leaning toward Heat Wave or Hot Stuff (I found them rather fun, appropriate, and clever.), I also really liked Summer Solstice (The definition for solstice is very appropriate and it just sounded peaceful and pleasant.).

But then Ryan brought up something that I can't believe I didn't think of before... that's right, The Lord of the Rings.

We pondered different names and decided on Eärendil. The reason why we decided on Eärendil... well, there are a few:

•Eärendil was part elf, part man. He was an ambassador of both Elves and Men and was able to help overthrow Morgoth, the first Dark Lord of Middle Earth. "Eärendil was not permitted to return to mortal lands, and his ship bearing the silmaril was set to sail in the heavens as a star, and as a sign of hope to dwellers in Middle Earth..." - Appendix A in the Return of the King, page 343. (By the way, Elrond is one of Eärendil's sons.)

•In one of Tolkien's books, The Silmarillion (chapter 24) says, speaking of Eärendil, ‘the looked for that cometh at unawares, the longed for that cometh beyond hope !….bearer of light before the sun and the moon…star in the darkness, jewel in the sunset, radiant in the morning!’

The phrase, "the longed for that cometh beyond hope" seems especially appropriate since we had pretty much given up much hope of having more children.

•Eärendil is an angelic word which means brightest of the angels sent to men above Middle-Earth.

•When the Lady Galadriel gives each member of the Fellowship a gift, she gives Frodo "The light of Eärendil's Star" (their most beloved star) and says, "May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out." Later Frodo uses the Light of Eärendil's star when he is left alone in the dark at Shelob's lair.

This has special meaning to me because of an experience I had that I am not going to share here. But I have written those words in my scriptures next to D&C 6:21, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God... I am the light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not." (Italics added)

So, Eärendil himself is awesome. And his light brings hope to others. I relate his light to the Light of Christ. I want my children to have the Light of Christ reflecting in their lives. And that is why, this baby is now Eärendil.

(And while Eärendil was a "boy", I don't mind calling a girl Eärendil either. I think it can be pretty gender-neutral.)

Yes, I realize that nicknaming my baby after LOTR just provides more evidence of my "obsession", as some of you have called it. But, I've decided that I'm okay with that. lol

Nothing's getting done today...

Nothing's getting done today... and it's all my mom's fault!!!

I have now gotten 29 out of 33 on this test and I just can't quit until I've gotten them all! I have taken a few breaks to eat lunch and read my e-mails/blogs... but that's it!

So Honey, when you get home and none of the laundry is put away (not to mention anything else either)... blame my mother!

In other news...

Landon is back home. We had such a great visit with him - 10 days sure can fly by fast!!! The boys stayed up til 4 am on Friday night/Saturday morn beating Halo 2, so they slept in past noon on Ryan's b-day. (Thus limiting our options on what fun thing to do that day.) But since, he had fun and it was what he wanted to do, I guess that's alright. Turns out we just went out for dinner. The rest of the day was a "lazy day".

Sunday was a bummer of a day in a way. Cadi had been up half the night before with a cold and Ryan was starting to get hit hard by one too, so we pretty much stayed home from church. Ryan went to his early meetings and I went to my BYC meeting, but that was it. Later that night I made them watch a John Bytheway DVD about Book of Mormon heroes, lol.

Monday night we went bowling. Ryan won (not too surprising) and Cadi won 2nd! We did have bumpers - but the real benefit for her was that her ball kept rolling so slowly that it didn't trip the sensor at the end of the lane, so she ended up with 3 or 4 balls each time. lol It was fun. And when we got home, Ryan got to have the Football Burgers I made him. (If he didn't know how much I loved him before, he sure does now!!! They are NOT my favorite, and when I was making them I got so sick from the smell!!! Yuck!)

We were up WAY TOO LATE Monday night. But it was our last night, so "hey". Tuesday we let Cadi stay home so she could come with us to take Landon to the airport. (And so we could sleep in a little longer, lol.) It stank having to say good-bye since we don't know when we'll get to visit with him again. But it had been a nice, relaxing, fun visit so we can't complain.

One of the things I wanted to do today was to grab pics off our video from the past couple of weeks. Then put them up on-line along with the regular pics we took. But again... NOTHING is getting done today... Thanks Mom! lol