Trip to Oregon - part one

We actually began our trip with three days in the Tri-Cities. I spent one evening at a Passion Party at my sister-in-laws (who is a consultant). We spent the next day with Bill's dad - took the baby to the park for the first time. Sunday we had a family get together to "welcome Miriam" since this was her first trip there.

Tuesday we got to Grandma Coxs' house. By the time we got there both Bill and I were full on sick with a cold. Miriam was fine but slept badly the first three nights we were there. I was one cranky mother at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 in the morning. We still went out and had a good time visiting the Ocean and Bill's Uncle Steve and fam. I also gained an appreciation for The Sound of Music, Heidi and Buster Keaton.

Daddy and Grandpa with Miriam

Don't worry we didn't let her dig in

Miri and Great Grandma

These are Bill's cousins Celia and Tori

Daddy and Miriam watching the ocean

I love food

We've made it through the first leg of our journey and are back to my dad's with copious amounts of - internet access :)

For someone that checks their email several times a day at home, I made it through without wondering what was on my email AT ALL. When I got here the bulk of my 53 messages were forwards.

I did spend a good 40 minutes last night after all were in bed catching up with blogs. Sheesh. I then felt somewhat mad at myself for continuing to stay up reading (skimming really) Bob Greenes The Best Life Diet . . . for which I was handsomely rewarded by Miriam sleeping the entire night. Go figure. I think the last time she did that was sometime in January.

Before I launch into the story of our vacation, The Best Life Diet got me thinking about my current plans to drop a few pounds. I thought about how a vacation can really throw off your eating habits (or reinforce all the bad habits). Especially when you are eating at grandmas where - as Bill would say - food has no points value.

We have a favorite talk by John Bytheway called Righteous Warriors. We used to listen to it on CD on the way to the Tri-Cities. He has this wonderful way of telling stories. One story was from the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon, talking about a leader, Lehonti, who went up into a mountain with his people to stay out of things going on below. Whats-his-name-bad-guy wants to be in control of all the people and keeps asking Lehonti to come down off the mountain to 'talk' with him. And Lehonti says no (because they were "fixed in their minds with a determined resolution . . ."). But then Whats-his-name-bad-guy says "Just come down a little." Giving up that little ground does not end up so well for Lehonti ("And it came to pass that [Whats-his-name-bad-guy] administered poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died") Not so well at all.

I thought of this last night after being inspired by Bob G. and laughing at my vacation eating habits. After all it is pretty easy to say "Yes, I will have some of that raspberry jelly roll." "Ice cream please." "Of course I'll have more soup." Rather than "No, thank you." to a grandmother. Just come off of your mountain a little bit friends . . .

Luckily when changing your diet you can start every day new. And you don't have to worry about being poisoned by degrees. . . unless recently you are getting your food from China . . .

Our first big trip

That is right internet we are taking Miriam on her first trip to see - like - everyone.

We are driving to the Tri-Cities and then to Oregon to see Bill's parents, sister, brother; my dad, step-mom and step-sister, and Bill's grandmother and some uncles. Whew.

I just wanted to let you know that for probably the next week or so - I will have very limited to no internet access. I know you are sad to miss out on my candor.

That said, and having come to terms with the lack of connectivity at Bill's grandmas . . .
What are your tips for long travel with baby?

Maybe you are just burnt out

Yesterday as Miriam was nursing and I handed her Tigger rattle over to our friends toddler (because Miriam is in that stage where if someone is talking, or making noise, she wants to WATCH not NURSE) and he ran off with it into the kitchen. The next thing I know I see the dog running off with it in his mouth. The very part that Miriam likes to stick in her mouth in his mouth. Yuck! (For more on how this dog and boy are in league to destroy us all, or something to that effect, see this post)

I got Bill to save the Tigger rattle before it became Tigger fluff all over the house and thought surely I would get a chance to clean it off before it came in the vicinity of her mouth. Fast forward 10 minutes when I happen to see another child (playing so very nicely with my child) stick the dog slobbered Tigger rattle nose into her mouth.

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

As it was I sort of sat there in shock hoping for some divine intervention. It came in the fact that Miriam decided she hadn't quite had enough to eat.

It must be nice to be a second time parent. You must be more relaxed about everything.

Wii have succumbed

Right, so, usually I'm not bad with money. I certainly have my moments of irresponsibility. Usually to get me to buy just about anything "unneccessary" or for myself Bill has to twist my arm into a knot (it must be rather annoying).

When the tax return showed up I had a grandios ol' time buying a baby carrier, sippy cups, sunshade, and more for Miriam (cough-mommy-cough). We decided to do something fun for ourselves and well . . . now we have a Wii.

I am still fighting the voices in my head saying "You did what? Take it back, take it back!" Even though I like it. I am not even going to begin to tell you the more responsible things I could have done with *** dollars. We also spent *** dollars getting our car tuned up for our trip to Oregon. I didn't even want to do that! I did not however spend 60 dollars on Dance Dance Revolution ($30 on Mortal Combat - childhood memories there). I just couldn't do it. I've heard it's a good workout, which I could use. If any of you out there are looking to spend $60 dollars on me, I want Dance Dance Revolution. While we are on the subject, anyone willing to spend $90 on me I want a Sunbeam stand mixer in yellow. $90 at Walmart. August birthday you know . . .

For the Grandparents II

Well Mom and Dad and Dede and Sue and Bill(Sr.) - if you missed it (I sort of snuck it on my blog last time) I have started a video series for you. This is part II. Part I can be found here.
First video is daddy and Miriam playing. Pay attention for scooting and smiles. *Slow internet users--> These are both over one minute videos (I think). At least - they were over 20 megs. Not sure how long they will take to load.


For some reason every time I shorten the Miriam/Tigger video the sound doesn't adjust. If I can get it to work, I'll put it up.

Tagged - again

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago:
Like Cami I was also 15. I attended University High School. I had just finished a gymnastics season. Otherwise I don't care to discuss my 15-year-old self.

Things on my to-do list today:
1. Put away laundry
2 Go to Weight Watchers staff meeting
3. Cook dinner (it is 5:40)
4. Scrapbook (I am the new master of the 10 minute page)
5. Sit like a bump and watch West Wing(this is supposed to be striked out but I can't find that feature). Work out
6. Plan meals for the next few days
7. Go to the grocery store for bread for boy scouts break the fast tomorrow
8. Burn down apartment (kidding, KIDDING, just quite tired of moldy windows)
9. Start again

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: Pay off student loans. Buy a house. Pay for my dad to go to school. Pay off my grandparents house (how about all families houses?). Go to Europe for like - 5 years.

3 of my bad habits:
1. Chocolate
2. Chocolate
3. Chocolate
(I don't know - what are my bad habits?)

3 places I have lived:
1. Spokane Valley, WA
2. Spokane, WA (they are apparently different now)
3. Cheney WA

5 jobs that I have had:
1. Greenhouse Assistant, Appleway Florist
2. Afterthoughts
3. US Forest Service
4. Secretary, EWU Presidents Office
5. Mom

5 Things people don't know about me:
1. My second favorite color is probably orange. I said this once in a class to "be different" but it sort of has grown on me. Not ugly orange either.
2. My favorite Disney movie is Aladdin (although Meet the Robinsons is running a close second)
3. I hate when people call Washington DC - "Washington"
4. Do not ask me to play charades . . . ever
5. I played basketball in Jr. High

I tag: Nah I don't tag but if you want to do it - feel free