Harry is 9 months old.

Harry is 9 months old.  In three short months, he is gonna be 1 year old....ahhhhh!  Time always seems to fly by when you watch your children grow, but I feel like I hardly got any baby time with Harry.  He is truly a delight to be around.  So different from Clark, yet at time exactly the same.  I love when I catch him making a Clark face, or trying to copy something his brother is doing.  He is not so plumpy anymore, since he has started crawling he has slimmed down a lot (although it is still hard to pull his shorts over those juicy thighs).  He is even walking more, just a couple shaky steps here and there, but walking all the same.  He is our peaceful kid, happy and content to play with his toys in his bedroom, quietly exploring his surroundings.  Although, lately he has inherited Mom's/Clark's noisy gene and he will not hesitate to throw a loud screaming tantrum, but those are always far and few between.  His new favorite thing is Backyardigans (which he shares with Clark).  He never really paid much attention to what was on the tv until this past month.  He gets so excited when it comes on, claps his hands bounces up and down...it is adorable.  I love that lately the boys will play together, it never really lasts very long, and Harry usually ends up in tears, but it is great.  It is sad to see him grow up so fast, but boy oh boy are we ready...bring it on!

What cookie, he says, I did not take any cookie.

How can you not love him to pieces.

My New Favorite Show

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

While channel surfing this lazy Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon my newest favorite show (and just in time, cause the boring summer re-runs were starting to get to me).  How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, on BBC America.  The title basically explains everything the show is about, they are looking for a new girl to play Maria in the Sound of Music.  Now, obviously I am catching on a little late, considering I found out online who already won...but I don't really care because the show in itself is so delightful.  It is like American Idol, goes to Broadway (leaving behind Paula and Randy, cause they are really annoying, right!), and along the way they pick up at bunch of singing girls with funny costumes, and cute accents.  Perfection.  You have the typical singing contest with a mix of Pop and Showtunes, but then you also get acting lessons/contests.  Mix in the off sense of humor of our friends across the pond (which I tend to love), and the sometimes corny-ness, you get (to me) a perfect hour of tv.  I was laughing the entire hour, picking my favorites, and nodding along with Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber's insightful comments.  And unlike Idol where you have to wait until the next day for results, we only had to wait 20 mins.  Then the bottom two girls battle it out, singing, and Mr. Weber chooses who will go and who will get another chance.  Last but certainly not least, instead of the tearful goodbye montage, we get all the girls singing So Long Farewell to the kicked off wanna-be Maria...tears and all (kinda funny and cruel).  I loved it.  And I can't wait until next Sunday!

The Shack

The Shack by  William P. Young

✭✭✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

Mack is lost, suffering the pain from losing his daughter, struggling to find a way to heal his broken heart and family.  One morning he receives a note from God, to meet Him for the weekend at the very place where his daughter was taken from him.  What takes place in most of the book is his journey and the weekend he spent with God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost.  

I found the book thoughtful and at times heart-wrenching, and overall a very interesting read.  Although much of the theology in the book is FAR from my own personal beliefs, I did find it thought provoking.  No matter what you believe personally there are some beautiful thoughts to be taken away from this story...namely God is love, and He is always with us.

Recommended: Yes, if you like spiritual book, or books about religion.

Danny and Kira Getting Married

Jason made this video for Danny and Kira, of their wedding day and reception.  Jason was so proud of his little brother, and so thankful and happy he could be there with the rest of his family.  We love you both so much, and wish you happiness and success.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

The Road

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

✭✭✭✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

Haunting, mysterious, and terrifying this book tell the story of a father and son walking to the coast in a post apocalyptic world.  We don't know how it happened but the world is covered in ash, and nothing lives.  They walk from town to town trying to find something salvageable in the wreckage.  They hide from others and keep to themselves, and for good (scary) reason.

I could not put this book down!  From the first couple pages I was hooked.  The stark and simple way it was written only added to the overall emotion of the book.

This was the first book I ever read by this author, I definitely plan on trying a couple of his other books.

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home.

For the last week Jason has been in Utah for his brothers wedding.  We wanted to go as a family, to support and be there for Danny and Kira...but alas flying is just WAY too much money these days.  It was so nice for him to be able to get away by himself, and spend some one on one time with his family.  But me and the boys sure did miss him.  Tonight, when we went to get him from the airport Clark was so excited.  He didn't quite know why we were there, but as soon as he saw Jay he bounced and ran all the way over to him.  He had the hugest smile on face the whole night.

I never realized how hard it would be to do everything by myself (and Jay was only gone a week, and I only have 2 kids...) I was definitely humbled by this experience.  Jason is gone to work most of the day, so I did not think a few extra hours in the evening would be that much more on my plate.  I was wrong.  I had no one to take out my garbage, no one to carry my boys up and down the hill we live on (can you imagine me carrying 60 lbs. of my fatty babies up and down the hill, ouch!) no one to chase Clark around the yard and wear him out, and no one to roll my eyes with when Clark does something ridiculous.  Sure my house was cleaner, and I got to have a car whenever I wanted, and be The Boss of everything (mwha ha ha ha)...but the boys were lonely without their Dad, and I needed my partner back.  It sure is great to be a whole family again!

Brisingr

Brisingr by Chistopher Paolini

✭✭✭✭  (out of 5 stars)

Another great chapter in the Inheritance/Eragon series (whatever it is called).  I thought this was the last book in the series, so I spend all week re-reading the first two books and getting ready for an amazing earth shattering ending...when in fact there is still one more coming.  Bah, what a waste of a week..although it was nice to reacquaint myself with the story and characters.

Not the best books ever written, but they are sure fun to read.  I do love the characters, and the world that young Christopher created for us.  And who doesn't like a little dragons and magic to shake things up every now and then?  

Fathers

Happy Father's Day

Nothing means more to Jason, in the whole world, than being a good Dad.  He loves his boys so much.  He is never quick to anger when the boys are out of control, and can always find the patience to laugh at a situation...even when I want to rip out my hair.  He is so proud of every little accomplishment that the boys make, and loves to teach and introduce them to new things.

He is always about having a good time, and he loves to take the boys to the park, mall, beach, zoo, anywhere they want.  He gets so excited when a new kids movie comes out so he can take Clark, more excited than Clark most of the time.  He revels in all of Harry's firsts, just like he did/dose Clark.  He works so hard for our family, with the Coast Guard and going to school on the side...yet he never misses an opportunity to do something with the boys.  I know I give Jason a lot of crap for all of his faults, but I am thankful that we could start a family together, and I look forward to many more years of raising out children together.  The boys and I are lucky to have Jason, for he is truly a great Dad.  

I also would like to take a moment to share my love and appreciation for my Father and Grandfather.  I love my Dad so much, and I cherish the memories we've made together.  Working in the garden (although my younger brothers and sisters had to...I mean got to, do it more than I) having debates over my ever changing views of the world, summer vacations in New Mexico, going to the temple together, and quiet evenings spent talking and reminiscing, watching Food Network or Travel Channel.  My Dad has and continues to teach me and inspire me to be better than I am.  And my Grandpa, who is so generous with his time.  He spends a lot of his time these days taking pictures for different family events and making albums and dvd slide shows.  What a great talent to share!  I love having the dvds to watch...what a great way to document family events and memories.  One of my favorite things about my Grandpa is his love of reading, I love that we can share it together.  Trade books, and thoughts on a story.  You can tell a lot about a person by the books they love and read, and I have loved getting to know my Grandpa in a new light.  I miss both so much, it is hard to be so far from them.

Happy Father's Day to all!

28 Months Old

Nothing really special about 28 months, I just wanted to do a little update on Clark.  It seems like he is growing up so fast lately.  He is so full of energy and curiosity...he hardly ever sits still.  He is always taking things apart, jumping or climbing on something, and tormenting his brother to no end.  He is starting to talk more too!!  He can say about 10-15 words now, all of which only I can understand (but it is a start) and him saying them totally depends on what kind of mood he is in (I have no idea where he got his moody stubbornness from...ahem).  He still loves to count and sing...even though you can't understand what he is saying, and lately he loves talking on the phone.  He loves Harry...who he calls AE (there is no H or R sound), and actually tries to play with him now instead of throwing things at him.  He can be a little rough, he loves to tackle him, but as long as Harry is not crying it is all good.  He likes to chase Harry through the house, trying to hide from him...however this game never really lasts long cause it takes fatty baby so long to get down the hallway and Clark gets bored.  He has finally found a real interest in books, and will sit and read (instead of eating them like he used to) for about 5-10 minutes a couple times a day (yippee).  He is developing quite the sense of humor, and can always make me laugh...even when I am trying to punish him.  I just can't get enough of my little Tuna, he is just growing up way to fast...but we are loving every minute of it!

Brothers

Tonight while I was doing the dishes I heard the boys laughing and squealing, hysterically.  I continued my work, thankful they were playing nicely together.  After a while, not even five minutes, I began to smell baby powder, pretty unusual smell for our house so I went to check on the boys.  And this is what I found!  Poor Harry covered head to toe in baby powder, and Clark red handed holding the evidence.  I was laughing too hard to be angry with Clark, and the boys giggled the entire time in the bath while I was washing them up.  Although now a few hours later, and at least four times trying to vacuum up the mess, I am starting to get annoyed.  

Boys...what next?

It was time.

We've been putting it off for awhile, or really I have.  But it was way over due, he was starting to look like a girl, and unless we put moose and gel (both!) in his hair it was totally out of control.  So over the weekend we took Clark to get his hair cut.  He was such a good boy, did not squirm, fight, or whine at all.  The place totally catered to kids, and it helped that there was a movie playing and mirrors all over the wall (he loves to watch himself make faces). 

Before

After

I think the haircut totally transformed him.  He looks older, and like a completely different boy.  I have to admit at first I did cry a little, and was mad at myself that I gave in and got it cut...but now I think he looks so adorable and at least it is still curly.

Food Glorious Food

I know it is a normal thing, and I am not worried about it at all, but I just gotta say....

If Clark doesn't start eating a normal, healthy, different types of food I am gonna freak out!!  All the kid wants to eat is pasta, hot dogs or french fries.  Seriously, I cook Top Ramen for him at least twice a day.  And hot dogs, gah I hate everything about them, the smell, his greasy little smelling hot dog fingers when he is done eating them, gah!  We stopped buying french fries (and soon hot dogs will be added to that list) just to try and force him to try something new...but every meal time begins and ends the same, in tantrums and tears.  I knew being a Mom was not going to be easy, I knew there was gonna be a lot of tantrums and tears and what not...but I did not know that just trying to feed the kids was going to be such an issue.

He has never really been a healthy eater.  I couldn't get him to eat a piece of fruit or veggie to save his life.  Every now and then he will try some chicken nuggets, pizza, beans or rice...something different, but it never sticks.  He always goes back to the pasta.  The sight of noodles is starting to make me nauseated.

Right now he is sitting in his high chair, staring at a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, poking it over and over again with his finger.  In about 5 minutes that sandwich is going to be in teeny tiny pieces all over the floor, and he will be screaming to get out of his chair.  Then he will bang on the refrigerator door until I get out the left over pasta, and let him eat it.

I used to baby sit a little girl who would only eat peas, carrots, mac and cheese and banana bread...for EVERY meal.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the same thing over and over and if you tried to give her something else she just wouldn't eat it...for days at a time.  I swore I would never have a kid that was such a picky eater (there was my mistake, right).  No, my children would try anything, eat their veggies, ask for more salad please, decided that an apple was a fine snack...and never throw their food on the floor.  Ha ha ha.

People, doctors, everyone really, will tell you just to ride it out, keep offering them other food, and soon things will change.  But did you ever wonder what a strictly pasta and hot dog diet, diaper looked like...or smelled like?  Let me tell you, it is NOT pretty.  You would think a kid like Clark, who still tastes random things off the ground (and eats paper), who can climb anything, and jump off with no fear, who could make a new friend as easy as pie (he is not shy at all), wouldn't be so afraid to try a potato or the occasional piece of toast.

I am really looking forward to this phase being over!  Like really soon.

Midnight's Children

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

While enjoyable to read, and an interesting story, I just can't keep reading it.  I find myself re-reading almost every other page, and just when I start to get in the groove he switches everything up and I feel like I have to start all over.  Maybe this book is just too smart for me, who knows, but I am a busy gal; I have two out of control kids, and enough chores do to around the house to keep me busy for 10 hours of my day.  There is not enough reading time in my day to keep at it this long (I wasted a whole week already)...I will try it again, because I am curious in the story and characters, maybe when my kids are out of the house, lol!

Recommended: Nope, not really.

See ya next time.

 A couple days ago our good friends, great friends...okay SUPER friends, left Hawaii bound for far off MAINE.  They really tried to get as far away from us and our noisy kids as possible, ha ha ha.  Such is the life in the military, friends come and go and we all move on, but this was particularly hard on me (and all of us really).  Being so far from home and our family, Carol and Eddie became our family.  They supported me through two pregnancies and watched our family grow from two to four.  The baby sat for us, hiked with us, and we spend many a Saturday afternoon baking in the sun.  They are the co-founders of the Bosko/Brooks Turkey Day at the Beach, and we have celebrated almost every holiday together since we all moved to Hawaii.  Carol and I trade recipes, books and our reading obsession, we even took a trip together last summer to Kauai, adding traveling companion to the long list of things we love to do together.  I am at a loss for how we are gonna spend the rest of our time in Hawaii without them...anyone want to come and visit?!

Eddie and Clark swimming.  Clark sure LOVED spending time with his Uncle Eddie and Auntie Carol.  I know he is going to miss them very much.

It has been so nice to have a family, away from home, and the Brooks will be sorely missed. 

Happy Birthday Laura!

This picture is a couple years old, but it is one of my very favorites.

I can't believe how fast a year can go by.  Last year at this time you were getting ready to come live with us, you had never been kissed, and Jamin was just a boy you liked (well, really liked).  Now you are a married women, kissed plenty, and definitely not living with us anymore.  We miss having you around, especially Clark, and we will always treasure the summer you came to stay.  Thank you so much for being my best friend, and sister.  I don't know what I would do with you.  You make me laugh even when I don't want to, and you are always there when I need someone to talk to.  You remind me who I am, and what I need to do.  And you are such a AWESOME Auntie, Harry, Clark, and Reesey love you to pieces and I know my boys miss you very much.  I love your snarky sense of humor and the way you love and take care of your family and friends. 

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, you are loved and missed.

Moloka'i

Moloka'i  by Allan Brennert

✭✭✭✭✭  (out of 5 stars)

Documenting the history of the Leper colony on Moloka'i, and Hawaii during the late 18th century and early 19th, this story is fascinating and a must read.  Leprosy was such a mysterious disease back then, no one knew how it was spread and there was no cure.  Anyone one suspected of having it was carted off to live in isolation, and their family was often ridiculed.  Rachel is just 7 years old when she found out she had leprosy, and was forced to leave her family and home to live in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i.  Raised my nuns, and longing for her former life and family, she spends most of her time thinking her life is over before it even began.  Little does she know of the rich life she will have on Moloka'i and the new family she will grow to love.  I loved this book, such a beautiful story and heart warming characters.

Recommended:  Totally!  I loved this book so much.

Back to the BEACH.

Our first trip to the beach this summer.  The water was cool and refreshing, and the sun was bright and scorching (I have a nasty burn...also a first of the summer).

Clark is such a water baby, you can't keep him out of the water.  We were at the Ko Olina for four hours, and Clark was in the water the entire time.  He actually swims pretty well with the floaties on too.

Taking a break, playing in the water was exhausting for him, he didn't really like it at first, but once he got used to the water he had fun (and he really enjoyed licking the salt off his hands and floaties).  And yes...he sleeps with his eyes open (very creepy).

Such a happy baby, so content to just sit back and relax.

Splash!  What a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of summer.  Looking forward to  many more Saturday's at the beach with my boys.

Just Go For A Walk

I suffer from depression, and when I say I, I mostly mean my family and friends.  I am moody, unpredictable, and in a constant state of unrest.  It gets bad...  I can't read, cook dinner, clean the house, I loose interest in my shows and won't got to church for weeks at a time (all things I normally love to do).  I still manage to function, I drag myself out of bed and push myself through the day, but everyone around me suffers.  I get mad at my kids for no reason, I nag Jay almost constantly.  The thought of leaving the house gives me so much anxiety that I fake random illnesses.  

The flip side of that is much of my angst comes from the fact that I feel so trapped, with no way out.  Jason, taking the only car we have to work everyday (30 miles away, literally on the other side of the island) leaves me feeling physically trapped, in my own personal prison with whiny messy babies.   No way out.  On top of being stuck in the house for the past two years, I also feel emotionally stuck.  Searching for some way to fill this weird void I have.  I try different hobbies...crafts, reading, mindlessly sitting in front of the tv.  Making crazy plans that I think will fix every thing.  Something, anything.  Only to find road block after road block, keeping me still...

Don't get me wrong.  I love staying home and raising my children.  I am thankful that we are able to get by with me staying home full time.  And nothing gives me greater joy than being with my babies.  In fact most days they are the only thing that gets me through it.  But, aside from that, there still seems to be something pushing me down.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest, the point of the post.

I hate military doctors, loath entirely.  They have no compassion, no bedside manner.  You are just another patient, a faceless person to be checked off their list of the day.  For the past year I have been attempting to get some "help" with my depression.  Some one to talk too, maybe some medicine to balance my hormones...whatever.  I have been through 6 doctors, every time I find someone I feel like I can work with, that understands me, they move away.  Leaving me to find another doctor, each time taking me months to actually get the courage up to call and make the appointment.  (I don't know why I find it so hard, but the thought of going to the doctors and starting the process all over, gives me major anxiety.)  

The latest jerk du jour has pushed me over the edge.  He refused to follow the same treatment plan left by my last doctor (who of course I loved, and had to move) and wanted to start all over.  After being bounced around for a few weeks, I got put in touch with this lovely (insert heavy sarcasm here) Capt. Whoever.  After talking with him for 20 minutes, sharing my history and answering his questions, I waited for his response, wondering what relief he would offer.  Then he says  "Have you ever tried going on a walk?"  

Are you serious?  You mean all this time all I needed to do was go on a walk and I would feel better.  Go on a walk...gah.  That is like telling someone with a broken arm to try swimming  few laps.  I do know that exercise helps with depression and stress, but don't you think I would have exhausted all my options before I decided to seek professional "help".  I was literally speechless, and even almost hung up the phone, did he think I was a total idiot.  I felt defeated.

I tried to stutter out some response only to be interrupted by him saying "You know, no amount of medication I give out will fix your problems..."  (umm yes, I do know that....again, do I come off completely naive.)  They will however allow me to better handle my problems, so I can find way to fix and deal with them myself.  

But I did not say anything, I just let him keep talking.  "Well..." he countinued on, I am only half listening at this point,  "I don't really know what you want me to do, don't you have any friends you can talk to".  (Yes, I do have friends, but thank you for making me feel like a total loser.)

He obviously was not listening to me, so I just let him do his JOB.  He gave me a list of numbers to call, passing me on to someone else (I am starting to wonder who actually does their job at that hospital, or do they all play the pass along game). 

 I have yet to call any of them, waiting it out.  He did give me a phone number I could call, that would put me in touch with civilian doctors, in my neighborhood, that are covered by our insurance.  Best number I have gotten in months.  

Maybe I will call it, maybe I won't....who knows right now.  It is a good day, maybe I will just go for a walk.