hobbies

We all have hobbies. Some scrap, some play sports, some veg....Jon and I; we cook/bake. It's probably Jon's passion more than mine, and often is not exactly healthy. Whoever said that hobbies had to be healthy?

the next generation

Brooklyn's funny for the day: I often chat with others online. My mom-in-law, Erica, Debbi, and occasionally others. Brooklyn is aware of this chatting, but generally just asks to see pictures. Today she set up her "computer" (a.k.a. Star Wars V and VI soundtracks) and got busy. I had just gotten off the phone with Debbi and Brooklyn said, "Mom, I want to talk to Debbi."

"No, Debbi's busy shopping, we'll talk to her later."

"No Mom, on my computer!"

I turned around and there she sat, happily "typing" away on her computer.

"Mom, I'm talking to Gage now."

"Really? That's cool!"

"Yeah, he's typing on his Thomas computer" (meaning the Tank Engine).

This continued for several minutes and then it was time to go outside.

"Okay, Mom. Just let me close my computer." And down went the "screen" cd onto the "keyboard" cd.

Do you think I spend too much time on the comptuer?

looking ahead

Why does life rush by so fast? I can hardly believe we've already been in Des Moines for two years and that our time is quickly dwindling. What will I do when it comes time to go? I've become accustomed to this life of my kids, my friends, school, a teeny apartment, an active ward, and people around willing to hang out at a moment's notice. When we started law school, 3 years sounded like an eternity. Now, here we are, at the brink of completion and I'm starting to get a little nervous. It's such a contradiction, too; because we are SOOO excited to be done and yet the unknown is so unpredictable and almost scary. I don't want to say it's scary, because I'm not actually afraid. More uncertain, and excited, all at the same time. It's confusing to a point. Then I think about what will come next. After the job-offer, the move and settling in. Then will come another reality. Brooklyn. School. Her journey will begin then. She will be 4 by next school year and preschool will be a reality for her. She's ready now, I'm sure, but I'm not. I won't be sad to see her grow up in that huge step, but it will be an adjustment. Next, life will move even faster I'm sure. Before I know it, Mason will be in school, more than likely we'll have another munchkin, and life will just continue. I will forget what it's like in this student's life and have an all new reality. So Exciting! and yet, where does all the time go? I don't even know why I can't get it off my mind right now. We still have 9 months of school so it'll be at least 10 (or more) before we'll leave DSM. I guess all the job-hunting, resume talk, and some apartment hunting just gets you in the mode. I know it'll all work out just the way it's supposed to, it's just that sometimes I wish I could see what was gonna happen before it did, so I could feel secure and prepared. Then again, where would the adventure be in that?

eons

It feels like it's been forever since I blogged! I can't think of anything blog-worthy that's happened since the haircut....

I guess there is Archiver's. Saturday was my last day of employment (for now, anyway) and I was ok with it until I actually clocked out. That was a little harder than I expected. I worked with Dana (among others :D) and the day just flew by. It made me remember how much we used to accomplish in the night shift, and how much fun we had! Not that we still don't accomplish alot and have fun, but it's different with different people...anyway, it was a lot of fun. Then, I had friends working in the workroom, so before I knew it an hour had passed and I was still at Archiver's. I made a final "employee" purchase (wishing I'd gotten a few other things...) and headed off. It hasn't really sunken in yet. I wouldn't have normally worked since then, but I'm sure that when Saturday rolls around and I drag Jon to the Farmer's Market, it will all become a reality. It will be a good change, though. I'll miss it, but I still think it was time. I've been talking to my friend Lisa about life after school and that is slowly becoming a reality. We need to start making moving plans, finding somewhere to live and first and foremost....find a job. {sigh} definitely not a list of my favorite things to do. It will be sad to leave dsm, though. I'm already dreading telling all of our good friends good-bye. I'm still hoping to convince some of them to head wherever we go. It will definitely be interesting to see how it all works out.

I'd also like to give a little shout-out to the newest member of the Holmes clan. His name is Hunter Ryan Harrop and he weighed in at 8 lbs 11 oz, with a length of 21 in. Isn't he a doll? That makes 15 grandkids for my parents...talk about multiply and replenish! We love it though. Family get-togethers are NEVER quiet! Congrats Ellen and Ryan, I wish we could come visit sooner!

the first haircut....again

I wanted to try this another way, too. So, sorry for the repetition, but hopefully this works!

before/after

I couldn't get my pic mixes to enlarge when clicking, so I'm posting one before and one after so everyone can see :D. :Before:

After:

our first....

Today was the day....Brooklyn was 2 years old, Mason is 6 1/2 months. We had our first HAIRCUT today! He was actually a trooper. He sat in his bumbo seat for most of the cut. We had a small breakdown (ok HUGE, he was screaming bloody murder) towards the end. But while I was running his bath, he calmed down and watched Jon in the mirror so he could finish it up with the clippers. And, Mason looks sooo handsome!

Before:

During: (we did have to have a small chat with Sarah about some "step" issues in the back. all was resolved!)

After:


Aren't they handsome?!!! We also, added some "new" furniture to our house. The exersaucer has made it's second appearance at the Hibshman household. Mason actually likes it. He likes to be entertained and we're slowly learning how to sit. And, just so she doesn't feel left out:


Brooklyn got a package the other day. We always knew Grandpa Ken loved us, but we had a little reminder: She loves to drive her tractor! (Gage was pretty ok with it, too...) and, yes those are trains in the cabs. James and Percy had a hay day driving the tractors! We ARE a RED tractor family :D.

Imaginary friends

It's happened. We don't go anywhere or do anything without an imaginary friend. It's usually Gage or Ella, but I never know which until I'm informed that I'm closing the door on "Gage", or that I need to buckle "Ella" in. Last night, I was tucking Brooklyn into bed and she said, "Mom, will you ask Gage if he will ride with me in my car?" (or some similar crazy question...I can't think of it right now) "He's right there." (pointing to the dresser in her room). So I turned and said, "Gage, will you ride with Brooklyn in her car?" Then, turned to Brooklyn and asked what he said. "He said, Yes!" she replied. "Good. Let's tuck you in!" "WAIT! Don't forget Gage! C'mon Gage" (moving arms to herd Gage into her bed). {Sigh} finally everyone is tucked in (although half the time we have to have a few tuck-ins before it lasts...). We also take our "friends" to the store, on our walks, eat lunch, and just about anything else you can think of. You have to watch out, though. You never know when these "friends" will pop up and you'll be sitting on one's lap!

family fyi

all right, all you family out there: I finally got those photos uploaded to Carole's (hibshman :D) photobucket. Should you want to view/download them, feel free :D. enjoy!

evolution

I know, I know. I've been a bit of a blogging slacker as of late....I have so many ideas, that I don't know which one to do, so I don't do any! Then, I sit down to blog and I can't remember ANY! Oh well, joys of life, I guess. This one I remember: We're in the midst of an evolution, so to say. When Mason was born, swaddle that kid up, and he'd go right to sleep; binky or no. Then he needed the binky, too. Then came the binky with the blanket/burp cloth over his face. No kidding, just give him a bink and cover his face, and he'd roll his head to the side and be out. We've evolved again. The binky helps, a blanket, and his new Mickey toy from Disneyland. Mickey ends up in a different position every time, but this pic was one of our first discoveries of his charm. I love that Mason is such a creature of habit. This particular position didn't last long, though. Mason still needs his three "Snugglies", but he now sleeps on his side:

Usually almost, but in this case, onto his stomach. This would be grand, except for the occasion when he gets stuck (usually laying on his arm) and wakes up on his tummy. Not his favorite position to be in. But even then, all he needs is to be rolled over and covered again. Amusing to say the least. And then, there's Brooklyn:

I must admit, I am fascinated by my kids' sleeping habits. Maybe because they seem like such angels when they are in that state....

current project

Ok, Mrs. Deal: Here's your invites, they'll be headed your way soon! Hope you like them :D.

various happenings

Well. We broke down, and I'm regretting it a little. Mason was technically too big for the carrier so we bought Brooklyn a booster and put him in her faithful carseat (that she's been riding in since she was 6 months old). He doesn't really care either way, but my "quick trip" to the grocery store was a pain in the butt (due to the fact that he doesn't know how to sit yet...). I had to carry him through the store and pull the car-cart with Brooklyn in. Then, today, suddenly, Brooklyn wouldn't let the nurse at WIC prick her finger. She's NEVER thrown a fit about this before, but today you'd a thought she came at Brooklyn with a knife. It was quite a trick to hold Mason on one knee (while he was trying to squirm around and look at Brooklyn, Heaven forbid should she make a noise without him watching...) and hold her on the other knee, keeping one had locked in with the nurse having a firm grip on the other hand. I should've realized that was a clue as to my day... On the way out of WIC, Brooklyn tripped and scraped her knee. This caused another ear-piercing scream and the drama officially began. I won't go into details, I'm still trying to recover. Bedtime came none-too-soon, though.

Jon's sister gave us a bumbo seat for Mason. He doesn't love it, but he doesn't hate it either. Inevitably, he pukes every time he sits in the thing. Being he doesn't balance, he just leans forward and the thing in the middle presses on his stomach. He looks pretty cute in it though and it's good for him to get a different view on the world. Maybe he'll learn to sit someday....

Just looking at Brooklyn, I probaby look like a pretty rotten mother. She's as skinny as a twig, and apparently doesn't get enough sleep. The other night, trying to avoid eating her dinner, she put her head down. within about two minutes she was asleep and her head was bobbing from side-to-side. Due to the fact that bedtime was fast approaching, we tried to wake her....see what a good job we did? She finally did wake, but then going to bed that night was a little rough. She played for a long time.. oh well. I hope we all survive these childhoods....

Anyhow. Nothing new to report (obviously) but some pics I just couldn't resist. :D.

picture fest

Ok, here we go. For the most part, these are just pics, no stories really, but here and there I'll inject a little something, something and hopefully you can figure out which pic I'm talking about. :D. The first bunch is at the temple (obviously) and the hotel we stayed at. The bottom two left pics are Mason at the Omaha airport. We get there, get told our flight is late, settle in, and Mason blows out. We rinsed his outfit and he was naked until it was dry (which was when we landed in Dallas).
Carole's birthday was the day after we arrived and we went to this cool diner by Amanda's work. Happy Day Carole!

This is our first trip to the Beach. We went to one in La Jolla and had a blast. Mason like the water, Brooklyn got filthy and Jon got to pass on his "drip" sand castle wisdom. The bottom center pic is at Amanda's parent's house. Katie and Jennie were trying to teach the kids duck duck goose. It didn't work out so well. The bottom right is the pool at the hotel. B's suit was dirty but she just couldn't resist. She swam in her dress that day.

The Wedding. It was really fun. Brooklyn could've had fun doing her job, but since Logan got a balloon and she didn't, she ended up crying her way down the aisle. Oh well. What can you expect from a 3-year-old? At least she did it, I guess.
This was our second venture to the motel pool. Jon went this time and Grandpa Hibshman. As you can see, she was all tuckered out by the time we were done.
The first three pics are the beach on Coronado. We were there pretty late in the evening, so we just kinda stood around. Then....Disneyland. It was fun. Jon and I decided we'll go again when we have money. Spend more than a day there and hit California adventures. That's something to look forward to.

The bottom two pics are at the restaurant the night before we left. This guy walked around making balloon stuff for the kids. Pretty cool. The top two are the USS Midway. We wanted to go aboard, but didn't have time to do it justice before our flight. Oh well...next time.
That's about it. For anyone who wants copies of the pics, I'm going to upload them all to Carole's photobucket (when I remember the log-in info...) and you can get them from there. For everyone else....Enjoy!

lack of brain cells

I can't believe it! I totally forgot to blog about the *best* part of our trip! We went to Disneyland, and I gotta say; I was a little disappointed. The rides were fun. The lines horrendous (as expected), but we did not see one character we knew. WE got absolutely no pics with Princesses, Mickey, Buzz,...NO ONE. We didn't eve SEE anyone until the Parade. Snow White ran by once, after the little princess show we didn't wait in line for. then Pocahontas, but they were truly running and we just pointed and got excited. I was truely bummed. I can go ride rides at adventureland and Lagoon for LOTS less money. Brooklyn LOVED seeing the parade, though. She got VERY excited when the princesses did go by. That's something at least. Then there was the Dumbo ride. It was just me and Brooklyn in line, Mason was asleep in the snuggli because Jon had gone to ride the haunted mansion. We were patiently waiting when Brooklyn started to whine. I looked down and Brooklyn had somehow gotten her head between the bars of the fence and of course, couldn't get it back through. What was I supposed to do?? I coudln't take a pic, Carole and Dave had moved around the ride to sit in some shade, I couldn't call Jon, I almost started to panic. Then, all of a sudden, guys started jumping over the fence and squeezing through the line. No one I knew, just Dads or whoever was standing in line with their kid. Mom's tried to help and I had people all around trying to calm her. Then these two guys climbed over the fence she was stuck in and each took a bar on either side of her head. They both pulled and seperated the bars enough for her to get her head back through. Of course, she wanted to be held, so I ended up with her in my arms, Mason in the snuggli and trying to thank everyone for helping us. All in about 5 min time from the discovery of her stuck head, to freedom. It definitely seemed longer though. Afterward, as we continued to wait (because I made her stay in line, I knew she'd love the ride), Moms and people kept rubbing her head and giving sympathy. It was a crazy ride. Luckily it all turned out well and when the dumbo ride was over, she wanted to go again and cried when I made her leave and give someone else a turn. What a day it was. I can't believe I forgot to blog about it!! More goodies to come as I post pics and remember :D.

Home Again

And....we're back. One week just flew by; then, suddenly, we're back. Back to work, back to school, back to everything. I do have pics to post, but I haven't uploaded them yet. Stay tuned for that. We got back this morning at 3 a.m. and didn't really "start" our day until around noon. It was a great trip but the going and coming was kinda rough. We had delays in Omaha and Dallas on the way out. We were supposed to get to San Diego 3 p.m. (their time) and ended up getting there around 10:30 or 11. Frustrating to say the least. The way home went a little better, although we still had delays for both planes. Fortunately, the delay in San Diego was only a half hour and I think we landed on time. In Dallas it was an hour, which really wouldn't make too much difference except that it was so late already. The drive home was a little rough. Oh well, we all made it safe and sound and that's all that matters. I picked up Mason's 6 mo pics today and they're totally cute. I'm excited to get them on the wall. Then, after the usual after-vacation grocery trip, I headed for work. Not the first place on my list to be, but what do you do? I survived. And...gave my two weeks. Jon will be SOO busy this semester, I want to see him once in a while, and I don't want to work EVERY Saturday for the next 9 months (or whatever we have left). I'm kinda sad to leave, but Jon and I both feel that it's time. Archiver's has been good to me and I'm glad for the experience; but, its time is over. {If anyone knows of something I could do from home, I'm all ears!!!} So, we're back to the same ol' same ol' and we can't wait to see our friends. GOOD LUCK to Jon (and all his law student buddies...) tomorrow, he's taking the MPRE and we're crossing our fingers and praying that all goes well. I'll get pics up soon! It's great to be back.