thehalfacre.com

Family Update

2010-11-19T09:51:00.001-08:00

I have become a cooking fiend! Among my favorite & best are: pastrami wrapped asparagus, and homemade sushi.

We've also started to eat more local and organic food. We buy mostly consignment and second-hand, too. Now, I have to say I'm really not concerned about the health effects for me or my family, we're doing it more for the social and environmental impact what we eat and buy has on the world. We compare what we buy with voting. We're telling producers what we would like more of and at a cheaper price when we buy their product thus, what we buy impacts those around us--especially those who have less than we do.
Jim is still free-lancing, but it's actually working out really well. And he's happy at work! Which is a major bonus.
I have been accepted to go back to BYU in January, but we're not sure if we can afford it, but with lots of prayers miracles can happen. I'm hoping to get a BS in neuroscience and maybe go on to get a Masters degree.
Emi and Than love holding hands.

Emi LOVES music! This is her rendition of "Once There Was a Snowman."

And Than is super smart and ridiculously spiritual :)

We are happy as we've been trusting in the Lord and seen miracle after miracle. We've felt like Nephi being asked to build a boat and go to a new land and having no idea how to get there. Other times we feel like Elijah bring fed by blessed birds in the wilderness. We've had so many angels bless our lives and we thank and love each one of you. Know how precious, righteous, loving, and charitable you are to help us in these times of 'refining fire.' We love each of you and thank you all.

Halloween

2010-11-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fantastic? The kids were super excited!

Emi was an elephant, and Than was Thomas the Tank Engine.

We went to trick/trunk or treating 4 different times so, needless to say we are up to our eyeballs in candy!
The kids also got to play with dry ice for the first time, it was so fun!

We went a little overboard on our jack-o-lantern's, too. See if you can guess the theme...

Now, for a big hint.

Anyone get it?

Tada! And yes, I know, we didn't do the train, but with all that we did and life being crazy we did not have the time.

By the way, Emi has really taken a liking to her Aunt Trina--she is the only one beyond grandparents and mom and dad that she'll go to.

Forever

2010-10-04T08:41:00.001-07:00

It has been forever since we updated the blog and since I am spending most of the day on hold and filling out paperwork I thought I'd take a minute to let you all know how we're doing. Also, check out "This Month's Photos!"

Employment: Freelance...still

Insurance: Fully covered!
Note: Finally.

Children: 2
Note: They have not been sick in the last 6 months! Blessing!

Married: 4 years and super happy!

Status: Well
Note: Living life with an attitude of gratitude is a lot harder than it looks. Nonetheless, we pray, put our shoulders to the wheel, and occasionally have tickle fights.

Blessings: Passes to Thanksgiving Point for $100, Jim just got paid, we have money to get dental insurance, both kids are in nursery, we're making new friends, we have great old friends to catch up with, the Church is still true, I'm finally have a visiting teaching calling (huzzah), the weather is awesome, our public library is within walking distance, etc., etc.

Future: Unknown
Note: Big things soon to come!

The Incredible Emi and Than

2010-07-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

So, our son is a genius.

Enough said.

Our daughter is cute

beautiful

and very ticklish.

Swings

2010-07-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

I know this is like the third video of Than doing this, but it's just so cute!

Blessings

2010-07-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this to give myself a reminder of how great my life is and maybe help everyone else to see how blessed they are. I also had a 'life flash before my eyes' moment with my daughter (she fell backwards off of a playset at the park, but one minute later was happy as could be and got right back on. That's my girl.) so, I thought I should share some of the great blessings I have.

My family
To know that my family will be together forever
Having cuddle moments with my kids.
My husband stealing kisses from me all the time.
The peace and comfort I get from the Lord and trying to do His will.
My amazing friends that I always love to help.
Free packing boxes
My sons smile as he runs through the sprinklers
My daughter grinning and saying 'Eeeee.' for the camera
My parents, grandparents, and ancestors who have made me what I am today
The great sunshine
Really good cake mix cookies
Green smoothies
Good deals at the grocery store
Value Village and consignment stores
Trader Joe's
Checking up on old friends on Facebook
Etc. Etc.

I have no idea if anyone will read this, but I just wanted to remind myself how blessed I am. That despite all our trials and tribulations we're going through right now the Lord is providing for us and blessing us. I've got my testimony and my family and I couldn't be more blessed.

P.S. Check out the new photos under "This month's photos"

A Good Day

2010-06-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got to just hold my kids and usually they never sit still long enough for me to. But, as yesterday was a bit of a hard day for me, it was great to have such a loving moment with my kids. (Happy father's day to me.)

There was also an amazing lesson taught at church yesterday and I came to realize how this trial of moving to Utah is close to the trial Lehi and his family went through. They were told by the Lord to leave Jerusalem and they had no idea where they were going or what was going to happen, but they trusted in the Lord. I want to let everyone know--if anyone actually reads this--that I KNOW, just as Nephi did, that the Lord will provide for us and protect us as we have faith in His will.

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
--1 Nephi 3:7

The Lord's Hand

2010-06-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

We recently have been praying and fasting quite a bit to understand what the Lord wants us to do. We felt like it's finally time for Jim to really start pursuing his dream of LDS film. So, after much prayer and going to the Temple the Lord finally told us that it's time to head back to Utah when our lease runs out here end of July. Some of you might be scratching your head wondering how we can move with two kids and no job there. Well, I'll tell you: faith. We KNOW that this is what the Lord wants us to do and that he will provide for us and take care of us as long as we do his will. I'm not scared or worried because, I know that if I trust in the Lord and do my part that all will be will .
Seeing as we're facing a huge life change now, I would like to share some of the great blessings we've received in the past two years we've been here.

-Amazing friends that we love and will miss dearly
-I've learned how to push myself and have grown into a strong new person
-We now eat healthy and rarely eat junk or binge (Huzzah for organic, whole grains by the way)
-We've also become more eco-friendly (organic eating, cloth diapers, eco-friendly laundry soap, etc.)
-I've recently lost almost 30 pounds and have confidence in myself
-Emilyne came to us and blessed our family
-Than became an amazing big brother and is now a gentlemen that opens doors and tells me thank you for the fun we have together
-Jim got to baptize a friend of ours into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

-Our marriage has been strengthened and we really have become one in these four short years
-Our testimonies and our faith have grown to new heights, we trust in the Lord and do not fear
-I have recently become friends with my sister and I am now best friends with my Mom (and I honestly never thought I'd say that)
-I enjoy being a Mom in every way, even the nights I get no sleep or the days where I have to clean everything (even 10 poopy diapers)

In conclusion, I couldn't be happier with my life and family. I praise and thank the Lord for EVERYTHING we have. I want you all to know that I know that Jesus is the Christ and our personal Savior. That because of Him, my family will be together forever and that couldn't bring me more joy and peace. Thank you and we love you all.

UPDATE

2010-06-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Than recently rode his tricycle a whole mile!!

This is his victory dance. So cute.

Emi is more mischievous than ever, as you can see.

And she loves to choose things.

I just recently got a whole new wardrobe. It's a mixture of consignment store shopping and free clothes from friends.

(And did I mention I look fantastic and skinny in them?!)

And here is some adorable video of our kids being cute.

I don't understand, but it's still cute

2010-05-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Funny Happenings

2010-04-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on a few funny and things happening in our home:

Than coming out of the kitchen holding a block of cheese to his face and saying excitedly, "Say cheese!"

A car almost t-boned us and I reacted, "What the heck was that?!" Than responds very matter-of-factly from the back seat, "That's a car!"

Emi now says "Hi" and "Uh-oh," and can sign 'more' and 'thank you.' 'More food' is her favorite sign.

Now for the video portion of our presentation.

This video takes some explaining. Than and Emi were racing each other back and forth between the chair and the couch and we were letting them run each other down before bed time. By the time Emi caught on that it was a race, she started to cheat a little. If she started to head to the couch and realize she was going to lose she would immediately turn around and head for the chair. She was determined to never lose. She takes after her Grandpa. :) We didn't quite catch that part on video, but here's the jist of it.

This one needs no explanation, but is a super cute game that Emi & Than came up with all on their own. (I love that Emi is laughing when the lid is on the box.)

P.S. Check out "This Month's Photos," there are lots of new additions.

Old Videos

2010-04-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

So we recently got a new camera from Meema and Peepa, which is fantastic! But, we couldn't get the video to work...until now. So, enjoy!

Best Big Brother Continued

2010-04-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

New Happenings

2010-04-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

We got a free piano!

Emi can wear these adorable pigtails!

And I got a cool, new hat!

Easter 2

2010-04-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Easter

2010-04-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Charlie & Lola Ideas

2010-03-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

I did a lot of research for the kids birthday party and come to find there are not a lot of ideas for a Charlie & Lola themed party. So, here is everything I came up with.

There was a great actual party kit that I got on ebay, that was kind of cheap that helped with the decorations.
With this kit I was able to make adorable paper chains and these cute display cards with ideas for food on them.

This kit had ideas for 'pink milk,' monster faces made with vegetables, and star shaped cheesy sandwiches. (The kit even came with tiny cookie cutters for the cheesy sandwiches.)

I also got all the Charlie & Lola books I could from the library and just used them as a background display.

I had a friend that also gave me some great ideas. I took paper cups, turned them upside down and glued them to the bottom of matching paper plates and tied a ribbon around the middle of the cups.

I also made these cookies that are signature in the Charlie & Lola show opening credits. Really easy to do: sugar cookies, and royal frosting. Then, I just streaked white lines when the pink icing was drying and then zig-zagged it with a chopstick.

Hopefully, that helped someone somewhere, if not then maybe it'll show you how much I love my kids and how much work I put into their patries!

Than & Emi's Birthday!

2010-03-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

The kids birthday party was a hit! We had it at Pump It Up and everyone had such a good time.

Of all the presents, here are a few favorites.

Emi got this cute leopard print poncho.

Than got sidewalk chalk that is a HUGE hit!

And thanks to everyone who made the party so fun by helping out and just showing up!

So...

2010-03-05T18:07:00.001-08:00

It's been so long since I've posted because, we're having trouble with our camera and formatting it. So, in the meantime I thought I'd give an update on the family.
That does it for me. (Thank you Carol) No seriously, I've been fantastic! The house is clean, I'm almost done decorating (after living here 6 months), I'm cooking all the time now, and did I mention I'VE LOST 20 POUNDS!!!!

See, there's my proof.

Jim is doing well, too. He's still a great Dad and amazing husband. In fact, right now he is working his butt off and spending the night at his job--which let's just say doesn't fill his heart with joy. But, he does it because he loves his family :) His is hoping to get onto the LDS Film scene in a never-been-done-before sort of way.

Also, we recently celebrated 4 years together and can't wait to spend the rest of eternity together!

Emi is getting more and more beautiful each day! She now has 10 teeth and is finally warming up to the idea of a good solid food--not just chips, cookies, and a bottle. She is now one year old, walking like mad, and loves being mischievous with her brother!

Than is a handsome big boy, and cracks us up with new jokes every day. He is turning 3 on Monday and had his birthday party with Emi on Thursday. It was amazing!! (Thanks to everyone who made it so!) He is still so sensitive, loving, tender, and sweet. He loves trying to get Emi to walk to him and playing cars with Daddy. He's also taken a liking to cooking--especially cookies!

I honestly have no idea what I've done to deserve such an amazing life with a loving, wonderful family. But, I thank God every day for them and I'm so thankful for the love that leaves my life cup running over. I hope that as our family and friends we have shared that love and that you have felt it, too.

This One Goes Out to Aunt Trina!

2010-03-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

At the nearby Children's Museum there is an are we call the "Handy Manny" area. You build things with very basic simple parts: wheels, 'bolts,' 'nuts,' spokes, etc. Than and Emi now love this area and this last visit, Emi really got into it!

Laughs, Giggles, and...Jibbies?

2010-01-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

Our Little Artists

2010-01-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

This one of a kind collection can be yours for the small price of one night of babysitting...no seriously...PLEASE?

Givin' Props

2010-01-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours has started her own business selling infant/toddler belts, and we HAD to buy one for Than. Not surprisingly, he has turned out to be quite the little model.

Check them out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ONElittleBELT

Christmas

2010-01-04T23:23:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas was wonderful! Two weeks of vacation and FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY!
Christmas presents:
Emi got a noisy hammer that she loved.

But as soon as she saw the 'yogurt melts' in her stocking she dropped the hammer immediately and started to reach and drool for them.

Than got a Buzz Lightyear and took/threw it everywhere.

I got a beautiful necklace and earrings from Jim that he got through National Geographic which went to support local craftsmen in Indonesia and India to keep their craft--that's been handed down through generations--preserved. Have I mentioned how much I love my husband and how thoughtful he is.

Now posting this makes me feel bad because, I only got Jim the game 'Scattergories.' He really likes it and he's been wanting a way to work on being more creative.

"New Gymboree"

2010-01-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

While on vacation we went to a place with a whole bunch of trampolines and blow-up slides. Before we went we tried to explain to Than what the place was like so we called it the "New Gymboree." The last night there he got to go with his cousin Rachel--who adored him--and they got to be best friends. Emi liked it too, she was laughing just watching everyone. (She does a lot of laughing.)

Sledding

2010-01-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

So, it was almost below freezing in Idaho and we decided to take the kids sledding. Than got cold really fast so we only got to sled for about 10 minutes. Emi loved and couldn't stop laughing!

Cat

2010-01-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

We <3 Fish! (That's the cats name.)

Bowling

2010-01-04T20:54:00.001-08:00

Than went bowling for the first time last week and it was great! He actually got a strike!

Grandma even taught him how to 'granny' bowl--oh the irony.

Amazingly, Than bowled better than almost EVERYONE--his cousins (85, 75, & 87), aunt Trina(94), Grandma(76), and his MOM(98)--with a 104! The only one he didn't beat was his Dad(117)!

Boy Does This Make Me Feel Bad

2010-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

We're in a long line at the pharmacy at Costco and I gave Than the camera to entertain himself and this is what he saw:

As you can tell, as a family, we're not big on waiting in lines.

"Puniea Pigs"

2009-12-10T00:28:00.000-08:00

At Grandma's house Than fell in love with her guinea pigs or "puniea pigs" as he calls them. So, when we came home we went to a store and Than found this:

It's name is "Puniea pigs."

Dancing Part 2

2009-12-10T00:11:00.000-08:00

What a big boy! And a big girl!

2009-12-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

Today I was cleaning up and putting things away when I hear a status report from Than about Emi (as usual): "Emi crawling!" Few minutes later I hear, "Emi standing!" A few moments, "Emi standing!" I said "Oh, Emi's standing?" "Yeah." "Ok, I'm coming." Then I come around the corner in the hallway and see this:

Than's Bad Habit...In Slow Motion

2009-12-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

The Best Big Brother!

2009-12-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

New Photos

2009-12-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

We've got new photos! Check them out on the right hand side! And there is a new post 2 posts down, I can't put it at the top for some reason so, there it stays.

We Won an Emi!!!!

2009-11-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is growing up so fast! She is now crawling like crazy and can pull herself up. She has 6+ teeth and will gladly sharpen them on you. She loves to talk and if you ever talk top me on the phone you will definitely hear her and her vast vocabulary--"Lalala, dadadadada, mamama, nanana." Her favorite is dada...of course. She is starting to turn into a Daddy's girl, but sometimes she's still Mommy's little one. Every night I tuck her in and tell her not to grow up, but if she must then we have to be best friends. Then, I sing her "I am a Child of God," and she grabs her blanket, sucks her thumb, rolls on her side, and falls asleep. She is a spirited baby, and never stops moving! She's beautiful and we love her and wouldn't want her to be any different!

Than Dance

2009-11-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

At the class Than is taking they have a sort of circle time and they all dance to get the kids attention, and if you've never seen Than dance then you're in for a treat.

Than's Arts and Not so Crafty

2009-11-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

Than is now in a "class" at the nearby Children's Museum and they do a lot of arts and crafts. Than hasn't really gotten into the crafts until recently, now he at least loves to paint. He even got to make a spider and eat it! Now, if you ask him if eats spiders, he says "Yeah!"

Something Good

2009-11-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

We were having "Costco Home Evening" last night, and Jim had the idea to put Emi on the conveyor belt. Not only wa sit adorable, but it reminded me of a book my Mom used to read to me that reminded her of me: "Something Good" by Robert Munsch. In the book a little girl is driving her Dad crazy while shopping and when the Dad couldn't take anymore her to stay still and don't move a muscle till they were done shopping. So, she literally stays there and doesn't move and an employee at the grocery store thinks she's a life size doll because, she's staying so still. So, after a while the Dad comes back and they try to leave and the manager insists that the Dad must pay for her because she has a price tag on her. After arguing for a little while, the little girl chimes in "But, Daddy aren't I worth 17.95?" The Dad realizes what he must do and pays the 17.95 for his daughter and makes her day. That was totally something I would do when I was a kid.

Halloween

2009-11-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

We're already encouraging her to go into science--she's an astronaut. She had a tinfoil helmet but really didn't like it.

Jim carved the Hithhiker's Guide to the Galaxy logo/face. I carved the Hitchiker's thumb. Not a lot of people got it, but we thought it was awesome!

The cutest train I've ever seen.

Emi Laughing

2009-10-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Adorable

By the way, this is the ward Nursery leader :)

Children's Museum

2009-10-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

There's a children's museum nearby and Than LOVES it there! We recently got year passes so, it's been one of our favorite spots. And here's the proof:
By the way, we uploaded new photos (you should see Emi's teeth).

HUGE PHOTO DUMP

2009-10-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Check out all the photos we just added from Than's sort of first haircut, Emi's first food, my family visiting, and Emi in her BEAUTIFUL blessing gown. (Mind you, she always looks beautiful)

Our Spiritual Son

2009-09-29T09:17:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't know, we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see http://www.lds.org). We have been teaching our young children about Jesus Christ and the Gospel and our modern prophet Thomas S. Monson. We are very thankful for our testimonies of Jesus Christ and His true church on the earth today and we have strived to share them with everyone we know. This spiritual strength in our home thus inspired our son to do something very sweet and wonderful.

The first Sunday of every month is called "Fast Sunday" and all the members of the church fast for a certain period of time with a prayer in their heart and strive to have the Spirit with them. On Fast Sunday at church they allow everyone in the congregation the opportunity for about 50 minutes to bear their testimonies and desire all to be uplifted by the Spirit from this experience. This past Fast Sunday Than started to try and go to the pulpit--he has never done that before. Jim let him try a couple times to make sure we knew what he was trying to tell us. Every time one person was done, he would try to get to the pulpit, but go back to us when the next person got up because, he was a little slower than them. So, when there was enough time, Jim FOLLOWED Than up to the pulpit. As soon as Than saw the Bishopric he looked right at them and said excitedly "Than's turn!" So, Jim helped him up to the pulpit and held him up so he could see everyone and everyone could see him. Jim tried to help him get started by whispering to him what to say: "I'd like to bear my testimony..." I waited in the congregation with baited breath, but Than just stared. I think he was amazed at the view and how many people there were. Then, after Than's silence Jim bore his testimony. Many commented about sons dragging their fathers to bear their testimonies and such. We felt the Spirit so strongly, and we know that Than did, too.

It's amazing and so sweet how the Lord works through our wonderful children and blesses all of us and helps us grow closer. We are so thankful for that and we love Him and wish for all to come unto Him. Even Than at a such a young age of 2 understands this and desires all to feel the Spirit and come unto Jesus.

I'm up really late for no reason.

2009-09-23T02:39:00.001-07:00

Well, I haven't posted on our blog since I created the site, but I just got a posting app for my iPhone. I think it will help me get into the habit, especially as I can now do it on the bus, which seems to be the only "me time" that I have. (Except 2:30 in the morning during off-time from work, I guess.)

Yeah, I'm taking a week off from work. Last week I spent three nights at work for a project that started way late because the client took forever to do their part. Not that they ever really did their part, we just decided to go ahead and do what we wanted anyway.

Sarah's excited to have me home, which is good because she hates it when work becomes my perminent residence. Not that I blame her, but it does seem to be the nature of the career that I'm pursuing.

-- Posted from my iPhone

A kid too smart and too...weird for his own good

2009-09-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

That's a lock that's supposed to keep him in by the way.

HUGE UPDATE!!

2009-09-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Our little baby girl is crawling and eating food like crazy!

Than is in love with Gymboree. For those of you who don't know what it is: imagine everything you loved about Kindergarten in one room.

Our garden is huge and our corn is almost ready to pick and eat, yum!

And Than is obsessed with "Green Eggs and Ham," we even have the 'video game' for it.

Finally Some Photos Small Enough to Post

2009-09-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

We have lots of great pictures we've been meaning to post, but they're huge and I have to wait for Jim to compress them and he's been a LITTLE busy this week. So, here are some we can finally post.

Our Little Linus

2009-07-04T00:54:00.000-07:00

Emi loves to suck her thumb and it often time calms her down, when she can calm down enough to stick it in her mouth. She usually has to hold something in the same hand that she's sucking her thumb. So, the other night she was very fussy and I put a blanket on her and she immediately grabbed the blanket pulled it up to her mouth and sucked her thumb and went right to sleep. It was almost Pavlovian, and very cute.

After Dinner Run Down

2009-07-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

This is Than's favorite game

Parks! Parks! Parks!

2009-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Than loves being outdoors now: at the park, our garden, even checking the mail! He's grown so much in the past week. He now plays all by himself. He goes down the slide, climbs up the slide, goes up the steps, plays in the water, etc., etc. Which is great because because I can now sit and play with Emi! :)

This is what Emi usually sees at the park and just loves watching Than, too.

This is a great video and don't worry he didn't fall, he just got scared.

New Easter Photos

2009-06-25T22:15:00.001-07:00

Check out the Easter album for a few more photos we just uploaded.

Than's World 3

2009-06-25T22:02:00.001-07:00

Than is showing his artistic fetish for feet and pants...

Lost in Translation

2009-06-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

You don't see Than much in this video, it actually seems to be the only way to get good videos of him: by being sneaky. He's taken to singing to himself a lot lately, and we can usually tell what it is he's singing, but today...not so much.

This is what we think he's saying: "Day...clouds away...get..." (Sesame Street theme song)
*Check out our new photos, too.

Swimming

2009-06-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

We've recently gone swimming at a pool and in our own little kiddie pool. Than LOVES it and Emi doesn't see what the big deal is.

Than's World: Video

2009-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Than still loves the camera and now he's been making video from his point of view.

I love my hands!

2009-06-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Emi has recently been sucking her thumb like crazy, and she loves playing with her hands. (So, does Than.)

1AM

2009-06-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

It's 1am and I thought I'd just take a moment to say what a blessed family we are. We are so thankful to have friends and family like you. Thank you for blessing our lives and making our days brighter! I hope we have been good friends and made you smile once in a while.

INSOMNIA POST

2009-06-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

It's almost 2am and I can't sleep and I kind of don't want to sleep because, I've been couped up ever since I pulled my back on Saturday. So, here's some of what's be going on in our lives. About a month ago Than really got into computers and tv. Now, mind you he does like watching but what he really likes to do is just turn everything on and off. Because of this fascination we found him likes this:

Puzzles!

2009-05-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Than loves puzzle and scares us sometimes with how smart he is. And he recently has started organizing things by color and shape and now he loves patterns. Here's where I'll give a shout out to my Mom for not teaching me 'paddrens' early enough. ;) (Just kidding)

Than's World

2009-05-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Jim has been teaching Than how to use the camera so he can feel more grown-up. So, this is the world from Than's perspective.

My Buddy

2009-05-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Than recently asked for a box of Grape Nuts from the shelf and just started carrying it around like his little buddy. "My buddy, wherever I go he's goin' to go. My buddy, my buddy and me!"

Cute Emi

2009-05-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Emi has reached some milestones. She rolled over (right in the doctors office), she sucked her thumb for the first time, and started taking a binki (that was just because Than kept trying to get her to take it and played with her).

The Zoo

2009-05-23T20:07:00.001-07:00

We recently went to the zoo and discovered how disinterested Than is in the animals, but when it comes to standing next to a tank and watching fish--that's a winner.

Meema!

2009-04-23T12:05:00.001-07:00

This is a long over due thanks to Meema & Peepa! Than received a birthday card from these infamous spoiler of grand and great-grand children, and absolutely adored it! Also, due to the money inside (which he really didn't care about), he had an amazing birthday week going everywhere with Grandma Huffaker and Daddy while Mommy rested up with his new baby sister--which she was ever so grateful for. This video is what happened when he first got the card--sad to say the card is now running down because he loves it and uses it so much.

Model Than

2009-04-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm Primary secretary for our ward and I recently had to make some posters to post at church for an activity coming up. We had the idea to use Than as a model and Jim had about an hour to put it all together after we took the pictures and this is what he came up with.

Thanks Aunt Robyn...

2009-04-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of Than's new tricks. He copied this from his Aunt Robyn and now he does it all the time.

She's a talkin'

2009-04-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Her smiles will knock your socks off!

Ooooooo

2009-04-05T20:39:00.001-07:00

We added lots more pictures. Take a look!

Super Than!

2009-04-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

And his trusty sidekick Little Em! After bath time, Than runs around with his hooded towel on his head, and he's usually naked which makes him more giggly and mischievous.

Mommy I'm a big boy now!

2009-03-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Than had his 2 year appointment today and all is well. He's still in the 3-10%in height and weight, but he's doing great, and the doctor was amazed that he can do atleast a 24 piece puzzle all by himself!I'm in denial because, I think he's too big. I'm going to lose it when he goes to Kindergarten. By the way, Than took this picture himself--he's become ridiculously interested in the camera lately.

Happy Birthday Than!

2009-03-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

Than's 2nd Birthday

2009-03-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today is Than's birthday and he has had a great birthday week! He got a new baby sister, went to the park and library with Daddy and Grandma. He also got to go to a Children's Museum and the Science Center! And he just devoured almost all the icing on his cookie cake! This is a video of him at a butterfly pavilion at the Science Center. More pictures to come...

Emilyne Sarah

2009-02-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

Weighing in at 9lbs. 7oz. and 21.5in. tall joining our family at 8:45 am on Thursday morning.

I Love You!

2009-02-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

We have recently been trying to teach Than to say "I love you," but he hasn't said it on his own until last night. We were all laying in bad last night and he says "Mommy!" "Yeah?" I Say. "I love you!"--I almost started crying. You can't do these things to a 9-month pregnant woman!

Daddy and Than make Cupcakes!!!

2009-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

Than has his own tiny whisk that came with his own little (real) cooking set that he got for Christmas. The kit is really cool, since he can use it to actually help us cook. We made cupcakes tonight. I just handed that the cups and he put them in himself! However, he ran out pretty quickly since he left five or six cups together for each cup.The funniest part was when we were putting raspberries at the bottom of the cups. Than would take them all back out and pile them into one cup. We had to put the them back at least 3 times, and the raspberries got pretty mangled in the process.

The Park

2009-02-21T17:30:00.000-08:00

One of Than's favorite places to go is the park. He recently has started to understand why swings are fun.

Corn

2009-02-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

Than's favorite food: corn on the cob.

FIVE MORE DAYS!!

2009-02-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

Emilyne dropped just last night--as I found out waking up with her at the bottom of my stomach in between my legs. So, she's officially ready to come out. Maybe she'll give Mommy a break and decide to come early. :)

Than's Cart

2009-02-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

We have recently found a great, cheap grocery store that we are now going to regularly and they happen to have a shopping cart with a car in front (like in this picture). Now, every time we go Than insists on using that cart--even if we're only getting milk. Last time we couldn't find the cart and as we were leaving we noticed someone bringing it in and using it. Than of course, started to chase after it and cry, not understanding that we had to go and it was someone else's turn to use it. Thus, it is officially HIS cart.

New Pictures

2009-02-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

We just posted a lot of new photos and hope to do so regularly. Especially since Emilyne is coming in 2.5 weeks!!

Poop

2009-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

Than: *squat and grunt* "Eeeewwww."
Mom: Are you making a poop?
Than: *grunt* "Nooooooo."

(Every time we change his diaper we say 'eeww' to emphasize the grossness and just because it's cute. Thus, the above scene happened today.)

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2008-10-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

My due date is March 2nd (February 23rd, sort of). We're naming her Emilyne Sarah, and she's doing great! Than still doesn't understand what's going on, but I think he's starting to understand it has something to do with Mommy's tummy. In the last picture she's yawning and you can see her jaw open.

MWAH!

2008-10-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

We attended an Elder's Quorum activity last Saturday and everyone brought their kids. Than took a liking to a certain girl and in fact tried to kiss her! He took her hand and lead her to the toy he was playing with and leans over and says "mmmmm," puckering up and waiting. :) He is officially a ladies man!

I figured our how to post video...sort of

2008-10-14T14:10:00.004-07:00

So here's Than's first carousel ride, and I'll put up more as soon as I figure out how to load the video faster.

What does an elephant say?

2008-10-14T14:00:00.002-07:00

Than is learning more and more animal sounds, but his favorite is the elephant. Coincidentally, that's what he's going to be for Halloween. (Picture to come). But, we recently went to the zoo and had so much fun!

Welcome to...

2008-08-16T01:29:00.004-07:00

our new home! For those of you who don't know, we just moved! Than loves all the new rooms to have adventures in. Boxes are still are main form of storage (and decoration for that matter). Also, we just found out we're having another baby!! Than is excited to be a big brother. We're pretty sure it's a girl and we can't wait until March. (My due date is actually Than's birthday.)

THAN'S FIRST STEPS!!!

2008-04-10T14:19:00.002-07:00

APRIL 10th, 2008!!! But, as is the life of famous baby (pronounced baa-bee) he spotted all paparazzi and demanded all cameras be removed and I quote "ffffff dada thpbt!" Looks like this baby doesn't need a diaper, but a potty for his mouth!

2008-03-28T01:40:00.002-07:00

We finally have fixed and tinkered around on our site and we have NEW PHOTOS!!! (Of course I needed Than's help.) So, check them out and enjoy pictures from Christmas, Than's first birthday, and the RIDICULOUSLY cute Kiddie Kandid pictures we just got.

BYU "..Flying off into the wild blue yonder!" & stuff

2007-08-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Sleeping in Grandpa's Arms & Daddy's Arms & Toys.....

2007-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

First Food! & A Party!!

2007-08-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Eating Rice for the First Time and Partying for Harry Potter!

Swimming & Duckies

2007-08-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

They grow up so fast

2007-07-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

Than had his first laughs just last week. Grandma, of course, tickled it out of him which just tickled her to death. Recently, he's been playing with his friend Landin, and banging tuperware. He also loves his new suit and tie outfit, loking just like his Daddy, and goingto church--sucking on his tie is a little distracting though. (By the way, the tag next to his tie says "Jr. Missionary: Soldier in the Army of Helaman"--You can e-mail us if you don't know what that means)

Look at him! He's so CUTE!!!

2007-07-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

The Birds

2007-07-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Than has had another learning experience. Turns out he likes to hang out with birds. He doesn't even mind an occasional love bite from them.
FYE: That eagle (the Golden Eagle: weighing in at 13 pounds with an enormous wingspan), weighs less than our adorable brick of a son (who as you can tell looked like a delectable piece of meat to the eagle).
By the way, check out Than's Album for EVEN MORE pictures!

What a Fabulous Affair at the Fair

2007-07-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

We had a great time! The only ride we rode on was the Fun Slide. And we all got the these really cool hats, and as always someone was all tuckered out at the end of it all.

Check it out

2007-07-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Check out Than's photo album (off to the right) There's more to it now

Temple Square Trip

2007-07-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

After a beautiful day at Temple Square of course it always ends in sleep.

Than's Baby Blessing

2007-07-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Even though it was in April, we thought you might enjoy the pictures. It was an amazing day: very spiritual, filled with lots of family, and of course...lots of sleep.