Kindergarten

Elijiah started Kindergarten this week. He is attending "our lady of the lourdes" catholic school and so far its going ok. He was very nervous his first day and I know there is a lot to adjust to. His feedback so far is that he sits in a desk all day, and is hungry. He has to wear a uniform everyday and looks very handsome but he doesnt really like it. He feels hot and says hes in church clothes everyday. Hes already had a run in with an older kid being mean to him - which he was very upset about. ( I guess the kid didnt want to play soccer with him and it hurt his feelings) What can I do?? These are the things that school age kids do to eachother and I cant protect him from. All I can do is share stories of my own school years so he knows he isnt alone.

Anyway here are the pictures of his first day. He wasnt happy about Mom taking pictures- cant you tell?!

Pictures and more Pictures

I havent had a lot of time to post pictures but here are a few that my brother took of us while Noellie was out.

Whats TRUE LOVE?

....When I developed a migraine at work but couldnt leave due to interviews, and I come out of my interview and on my desk is my medication.

My hubby drove home, got my meds, came to my work and dropped them off (downtown)and drove back to his office in Draper. That is just one more example of the man I married. Constantly serving me, and taking care of me. I am one lucky woman.

Absolutely Unforgivable Atrocity!

**WARNING - JONATHAN ON A RANT**

So, I was emotionally impacted more powerfully than I have been by anything in a very long time after reading an article I found online this morning. I'm not going to go into many details as even thinking about it makes me gut-sick but basically, there is a story on the news right now about a father who abused his infant so violently that the child suffered blindness, severe brain damage, and multiple broken ribs. After being on life support for a bit, the mother decided to let the little man go back Home as doctors said that the severity of the brain damage was irrevocable.

HOW COULD ANYONE DO THIS!? I'm lament to say this but if I crossed this "man" on the street today, I would be charged with fury driven strength that would allow me to pick him up and shake him until he was in the same state he left his defenseless and innocent child!! My only consolation is that he will most likely be sent to prison for murder and that even amongst thugs, thieves, and murderers, there is a code when it comes to those that harm children and that within a week of entering his new home, he will be judged and levied punishment by a jury of his peers.

I know that these types of things have been happening on the earth for centuries. Atrocities of centuries past were just as grievous as those of today but with technological advancements, we the people can be served up detailed scripts and photos of all the heinous things we do to each other. I'm starting to feel the anxiety and fear of having a little person that I love with all my heart have to grow up in a world filled with people that are capable of the most mind-numbing atrocities. In the end, I will try my best to allow him to live his life without too much smothering but at the same time I will silently guard over him and the rest of my family and act swiftly and decisively should anyone ever attempt or threaten to cause harm.

Olympics

Unbelieveable! GOLD and SILVER! I sat around for hours waiting for last nights gymnastics, but the previous late nights, and early 4-5am mornings with Tristan made it impossible to keep my eyes open. So first thing this am I have been glued to the internet watching the all around. These two were incredible.

I can't walk today because...

I grew up just miles from some of the most incredible outdoor activities available; in Cody, Wyoming, just a half hour from Yellowstone park. I spent a TON of my time growing up back country camping, fishing, hiking with and without pack horses, rock climbing, etc... When I moved to Utah, I somehow stopped doing all these things in spite of the fact that being outdoors was one of my one true loves. As time passed, I justified sitting behind a computer more and more even though I was SURE that there was amazing outdoor opportunities just miles away.
Amber, amazing in so many ways as usual, has helped motivate me to get outside again and I am so grateful for her even though I can hardly walk today! We decided to drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon yesterday morning to get our butts out-of-doors and we found a little trailhead neither of us had ever investigated. We looked at the map and saw that a little lake called Dog Lake was just a little over 2 miles away and figured we could do it "no problemo". It began quite mildly and it was a really perfect hike. The weather was bright but mild and the scenery was incredible. About 1.5 miles up there was a trail divide which pointed out that Dog Lake was only a little over half a mile away so we prepared for the final stretch. IT WAS ALL STRAIGHT UP HILL, and both Amber and I were dying a little more with each step! I've really slacked off with my physical fitness what with my attempts to become a true Information Technology geek and with the extra 25 pounds on my back, I really truly struggled. After many breaks and moans of agony passed between my wife and I, we made it to the spectacular Dog Lake. Okay, actually, it was far from glorious but we made it and the hike was perfect.
Here are a few snaps of the event. I'm not taking any pictures of the bent-over-90-year-old walk I've got going on today though...

My two boys

So as we visited my grandparents in July--I realized that Tristan and Elijiah were the same age when we took the babies to visit. 3 Months old. So that prompted me when I got back from California, to get out some of Elijiah pictures and see the differences between my two boys. As you can see my grandpa has aged quite a bit, but man ---hes still truckin' for 90.....
Grandpa and Tristan2008

Grandpa and Elijiah 2003

Elijiah 3 months- what a chunk! He was my buddah baby!

Tristans first feeding....in the big boy high chair

Elijiahs first feeding- 4mo.( hes actually eating in his swing because regardless that he was 27 inches tall, and was close to 18lbs he wasnt all that solid sitting up by himself yet...:)

Arnt my boys the cutest????!!!!