Sit Owen, sit.

Blake took this picture today and I thought it was cute. Owen has learned how to sit all by himself. The dog knocks him over sometimes, but I guess that just means he's going to be ready to wrestle with Daddy extra early. And don't worry, I don't let him sit there and watch TV all day, sometimes he plays the Wii. Well no, but he does love watching his Baby Einstein movie, so we let him watch that every so often.

Blog Giveaways

Recently, while searching through some of my friends' blogs, I discovered blog giveaways. I entered a few and maybe, just maybe, I'll win something. Everyone feels like they never win anything, and I confess I always feel like that, but maybe I'll get lucky. Well, if anyone else is interested in entering the giveaway, here it is, although I am a little reluctant to tell you, as it decreases my chances of winning. Oh well, good luck. I'm off to look for more opportunities to win some cool stuff.

The End of an Era

Well, my first year of law school is over and I couldn't be happier. For the past couple weeks I have spent a lot of time at home with Kristin and Owen. I did work on a school project, but for the most part I was just enjoying the time off. Unfortunately my time off is over and now I am going to start my new job. Apparently it is expected for me to provide an income for my growing family (something I haven't done since last August). This summer I'm working in Salem, OR at the state's justice department.

Usually I cook a lot when I'm not at school, but we have been in the middle of a heat wave that has killed my motivation. Tonight, however, I decided to whip up a little something for dinner and this is what happened. I made Spanish chicken couscous with cilantro cheese sauce. I'm proud to say I didn't follow any recipe and it turned out great. I know it was a success because Kristin had seconds (and she doesn't really like when I get creative). Anyway, in a nutshell, I may have missed my calling. Maybe I'll find myself working in restaurant law after school. (Is there such a thing as restaurant law?)














Here is the recipe (as far as I can remember):

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/4 tsp salt
dash of pepper
2 Tbs olive oil

Saute the onion, tomato,garlic and add the salt and pepper.

Add 1 cup diced chicken and 1 1/4 cups chicken broth. (Bring to slight boil).
Add 1 cup small couscous, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes.

Cheese Sauce:
Slowly heat 1/2 cup of chicken broth with about 4 oz of pepperjack cheese. Add 1/4 cup milk and bring to a simmer. Add a little thickener of choice until it is at a consistency you like. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 1 Tbs fresh chopped cilantro.

I formed the couscous into small bowls, and to make it my own, you must add some fresh cilantro on top as a garnish. If you don't like the recipe, don't blame me, I'm not a professional. If you do like it, well, then I'm a stud.

Happy 1/2 Birthday to Owen!

Owen is 6 months (and a week) old. I know everyone says this, but I am going to say it too...I can't believe how fast he's growing up. It seems like he was just a little baby that couldn't really do much, and now he's wanting to get up and start moving so badly. He is rolling all over the place and he can get his knees under him, but he still can't push up on his arms to crawl. He's starting to get siting without assistance down, but we still have a lot of toppling over backward. He went to his check up yesterday and here are the stats.
Height: 26 1/4 inches - 90th percentile
Weight: 16 lbs. 9 oz. - 50th percentile
Head Circumference: 25th percentile
So basically I have a tall baby with a small head...for now at least. I'm sure he'll level off someday. Here are some recent pictures of him...and the dog (the other baby).

Parker sits as close as he can to Owen, they're already buddies.

Sadly, that's not food...it's spit up.I wanted to show off my new haircut.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I just wanted to give a shout out to my mom and my mom-in-law today to tell them how much I love them.

Mom, it's hard to find the words to explain why I love you so much and how you make my life happier. I am grateful for the way you raised me, to be obedient, clean, honest, hard-working and kind. I am also grateful for the support you give me and for the strong friendship we share. I guess, I mostly just want to say "Thank you, and I love you".

Diane, I always hoped I would have a mother-in-law that I could really consider a mother. Someone who was sweet and fun and loving. Someone that would think of me as her daughter. And you are all of those things to me and much more. I feel extremely grateful to have such a wonderful mom. You did such a great job raising Blake, he is an amazing husband and father. Thank you and I love you.

Happy Mother's Day to both of my moms.

MOTHERHOOD IS NOT FOR sissies --

MOTHERHOOD IS NOT FOR WOMEN with weak stomaches, regular sleep patterns or white carpeting.

MOTHERHOOD IS FOR WOMEN who can sip tea from a empty cup, see genius in tiny scribbles, and hear the unspoken feelings of a child's heart.

MOTHERHOOD IS FOR WOMEN who care enough to say no when it would be easier to say yes, who believe in their children forever and love them even longer.

MOTHERHOOD IS FOR WOMEN who are strong and gentle at the same time, who make a difference in the lives they touch and the world around them.

MOTHERHOOD IS FOR WOMEN like you.
-Unknown

One down, two to go

So Blake took his last final of his first year of law school today, and we are so happy! It was a really tough year and an even harder winter, but we've made it. He celebrated by heading straight to Hollywood Video to rent Mario Kart for Wii and then to KFC for some fried chicken. He's been tempted for a month now to rent some of the Wii games coming out, but has been very good about waiting until finals were over. So what's in our future now? Well, we has until Monday until he has to go back to school for some summer projects. So until then, I think we might either go to the coast or go to Portland for a day or two. And I know we'll be doing a lot of relaxing. The weather has been in the high 60's and sunny, so I am wanting to plan a few picnics or hikes. After such a rainy winter I want to spend as much time outside as possible. As you can see, Parker also wishes he was outside.

I'm Back!

Although it sounds like Blake had a blast while I was gone, he seems really happy to have some company again. What a sweet post he made for me, thanks hun. My trip was really fun and I enjoyed seeing family that I hadn't seen in a few years. Most of them haven't even met Blake yet, but now they've met Owen. Kinda funny... they're starting to become suspicious that I don't really have a husband. My uncle's wedding was a blast. You know how weddings are...lots of people eating and drinking eventually leads to some funny dancing! Here's a video of my two cousins doing "The Worm".


The Bride and Groom, Rachel and Don.















Owen wasn't too happy, he had a messy diaper...which he made during the wedding vows.














Owen and Mommy at the reception














Four generation picture: Great Grandma Cathy, Grandma Jean, Kristin and Owen