Family Chronicles

Mom? Is that you?

2009-12-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday....

2009-09-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

So I was driving in my car yesterday listening to the Dixie Chicks, "Wide Open Spaces"...and I had this total out-of-time experience. I was back in college (Ricks--now BYU-I) excited to face life, feeling like a new person, totally free of responsibility and kids, like my whole life was ahead of me and I was ready for it.

Wow.

Then seconds later that time in college felt like a lifetime ago, or, about 8 years. I glanced back at the three (and for once) QUIET kids in the backseat and Reina smiled at me. As wonderful as that feeling was, as nice as being free and innocent and really excited about all the new things coming: crushes, kids, degree, jobs, new friends.....I can't ask for it back. And I don't really want to.

Blessings

2009-08-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ben graduated from Medical school! We flew back to Oregon for graduation, and took Carynn with us, a very dissapointed Reina and Vaughn stayed with my parents. It was so great to see some of our friends again. It felt like we'd been gone for so long.

Our beautiful new niece, Emma Rae, Jonathan and Stephanie's baby was born!

And our other niece, lovely Rae'lynn, was baptised!

The Wetzel Fam reunion was a hit!

And I can't BELIEVE I don't have pictures, but we spent an amazing two months in Utah living with my parents (THANK YOU!!), hanging out with my sisters, brother and sister-in-law, and also with my niece and nephew! It was so amazing. We also had another fabulous family reunion at my parents house tucked in there. I only have one picture of the open house at the Ochre Mountain Temple where we got to take the kids, Sharlie, and Tyler and Maddie (I miss you all!!). We also had a really special morning at the Provo temple. We got to perform some baptisms with Tyler, Thomas and Adrienne, Ben and I, and Dad. It was Tyler's first time, and it was really special to be there together! I can't believe how grown up Tyler and Maddie are getting.

We have had so many blessings!! And I didn't even mention getting approved for this house, having to move only twice (to Utah and then Colorado), and having Ben's parents visit us for a week, and going to the Boise temple. Phew. We are happy and well, and I know everyone is anxious to see pictures of the house, so I'll be doing that soon. We love you all and miss all of you in Oregon!!

Here are a few pictures of Garden of the God's in the Springs and the Boise temple.

Rocky Mountain High...

2009-08-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

As I have been looking on our pictures since we moved from beautiful Oregon, I'm a little disappointed. There is a pathetically small amount. So, though I'm a firm believer that a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll just have to say more than I show. Bummer.

We are so happy here. I'm convinced that just having all this extra space is doing wonders for us all. We found a house and have been renting it while we were waiting for the bank to approve our offer. Thursday, while visiting this cool park called Garden of the Gods, we got the happy news from our realtor that our offer was accepted and started working on the house that afternoon. It was a short sale, which means just shy of bankrupcy (how in the heck do I spell that?), so the house needs some work. Everything inside and out needs paint. The carpets are really stained and worn, the linoleum is old, the basement smelled like cat, the deck needed to be finished, and the yard is in desperate need of TLC. Just to start. And yet we feel like we're in heaven....

Everyone has their own room (except Ben--he's quick to point that out), and we have so much space. We have almost a quarter acre yard. Right now the yard needs so much work that the kids spend more time in the front riding their bikes down our driveway. Did I mention we are the last house on a cul-d-sac? I would recommend it.

We had great thunder stormes nearly every day in July. But sunny, warm, hot, and cool days all mixed in. They say if you don't like the weather, wait a few hours for it to change.

We already have Zoo passes and are really enjoying the great zoo here. The parks are nothing like Oregon though. Lots of rocks, every park has a sand box, not many trees, sometimes grass, and no shade. I also don't like the library as much as Portland ones. Oh well.

Ben really enjoys work, and he is working with a really great group. The chief resident and his wife had all the residents over for a fourth of july BBQ, and I really think Ben got lucky. They are all so very nice. We had a great time.

Here are a few pictures.

What do you think of Mom?

2009-03-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

So, my cousin sent this questionnaire out and I had to try it with Reina. It was so fun. Reina enjoyed it too, and was fascinated that I was writing down everything she said. Afterward, she had to ask me some questions and "write" them down. They went something like, "why does an elephant have wings?" "What is pink on a bird?" I didn't get it.

1. What is something mom always says to you? Don’t touch anything or else they will fall down and break.

2. What makes mom happy? Cleaning your toys.

3. What makes mom sad? When we fight.

4. How does your mom make you laugh? Tickle me.

5. What was your mom like as a child? Being a good girl.

6. How old is your mom? 50 thousand! How old are you mom? You’re 28? I thought Dad was 28. You and Dad are the same age?

7. How tall is your mom? Let’s count! 1…12! (in hands)

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Color with her Sweetie, play with her kids, and be happy.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Play with Vaughn. Do mommy time and take a nap.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Getting married.

11. What is your mom really good at? Juggle and funny faces.

12. What is your mom not very good at? Playing baseball.

13. What does your mom do for a job? Help kids clean up, and help the kids not be grumpy, and help kids be nice and have quiet time.

14. What is your mom's favorite food? Pizza, pepperoni and pineapple.

15. What makes you proud of your mom? Doing a puppet show.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Herself!

17. What do you and your mom do together? Watch a movie, and have quiet time.

18. How are you and your mom the same? Blond hair, blue eyes, same eyebrows, lips, ears, fingernails….(it went on for a while and then started to repeat).

19. How are you and your mom different? We do different things.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? she shows me a happy face.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? She married him.

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? To her friends house.

Match Day

2009-03-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today we found out where Ben matched for residency. We will be calling Colorado Springs home for the next four years! We are excited, Penrose Hospital in Co, was where Ben wanted to go the most, and it was also our closest residency program to family in Utah.

We plan on leaving Portland April 28th, and then going on to Utah for two months. While in Utah we'll travel to Co, to find a place to call home, visit family and take a fun break from reality. Ben will start residency July 1.

We are going to be so sad to leave all of our friends, beautiful Portland, and especially my aunt and her family, my sister and her family, and Grandma and Grandpa Wetzel. I don't even like to think about saying goodbye. We love you all!

The reason I haven't done much for two months

2009-03-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

The following is a series of pictures taken seconds apart.

A Dinosaur in time out.

A hurt Sweetie--look at those tears!

And someone who just got put in the swing for five minutes.

Breakfast in Bed

2009-03-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Who says kids can't give you breakfast in bed any day of the year? The kids woke up before me and were playing so well together that they didn't wake me up until they started bringing all their dishes into my room. And what did they serve? Peas, pancakes, donuts, hot chocolate, medicine, and pop.

Baby Carynn

2009-01-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

At 1:50 pm, Saturday, January 10th, Carynn Ellice Wetzel was born into our family. She was 6lbs 12oz, and 19.5 inches long. It was a very smooth delivery and everything went about as perfect as labor and delivery can go. I--thankfully--didn't tear at all so my recovery in many respects has been quick and a lot less painful. I can actually sit!! I am still tired and we're still figuring out how to train her to go to sleep without being rocked. But she's still so little and precious that we pretty much just pass her around between Ben, Reina, and myself.

We're very happy. And we love her very much. The kids are adjusting better than I am. They are excited to have her in the family and love to show her off to their friends and visitors. Reina wanted to take her to show and tell at school.

Everything is going well, and we've had a lot of help from friends, ward memebers, and family. Thank you!! We feel so blessed.

Family Picture Friday Night

Before

Not Much Happening

Sisterly Support--Nothing like it

Free!

Count Your Blessings

2009-01-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

At the beginning of December Ben was flying around for interviews; he was gone for 9 days. During that time I had so many wonderful friends and family thinking of me, praying for me, and helping me out. It was just after Thanksgiving so I was thinking of things to be grateful for anyway, but this long week with Ben away, me very pregnant and the kids very active was going to be really difficult and I was really worried about it. But just to show you how wonderful and thoughtful people can be I made a list of all the things people did for me, for the most part purely volunteer and unasked for (but so much appreiciated). I learned that there are so many little things that one person can do to make someones day better.

1. Ben left on a Sunday, that night I called my mom practically in tears and asked if my sister could use some of her Frequent Flyer miles and spend some time with me. Mom made it work and so my little sister who I haven't seen for a long time (she's been studying abroad in Italy) spent Tuesday through with me.

2. Sunday I got several calls from ward memebers asking if I was okay and if I needed babysitting or anything (I took one of them up on it for a doc appt on Monday).

3. One of the friends who called to see if I needed anything brought me a care package! Complete with two free movie rentals, little toys for the kids, relaxing foot lotions and such. It was so surprising and sweet!

4. My sister, Sharlie, came! We went to Salem to visit our other sister, Alaina, and an old roommate who I haven't seen for 3 years. I spent the night with my sister Alaina and we had a great talk that night and the kids had so much fun with their cousins. It was awesome.

5. Sharlie helped SO SO much. She always made sure my kitchen was clean. There were never dishes in the sink, and she did all sorts of things to help round up the kids and entertain them (and me).

6. Ben's Grandma (from Klamath Falls) sent us a care package with candy and a kids movie.

7. Saturday a friend offered to watch Reina and Vaughn for a couple hours, then Ben's parents took the kids to the mall for a couple hours.

8. Sunday it snowed a TON. We missed church and had a great day together.
We made snow flakes and hung out in PJ's.

Our neighbor shoveled the snow off our porch steps every day until Ben got home.

There were so many more calls and people checking up on us. We are so grateful for our friends and family.

Here is a picture of the stockings I made while Ben was away, and also the wreath that Sharlie made!

Super Hero

2009-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Ben and I were talking about some things that Ben had to move around as prep for the baby coming. Well, of course, Reina was listening and thinking. She said, "Are you going to move that by yourself, Dad?" Ben answered in the affirmative. "Wow, you're strong. Are you a super hero?" Ben and I laughed, but of course he answered in the affirmative. She was very impressed.

A few hours later Ben and I were arguing about (discussing loudly) something that had to be brought up from the garage--right now. As Ben, disgruntled, walked down to the garage Reina gave me a piece of her mind, "Mom, you can't talk to dad like that. He's a super hero, and you're not!" What could I say? She's right.

California here we come!

2008-11-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

In October Ben got two weeks off school, in which time he had to travel to LA to take a national medical exam. My brother and his wife moved out there about three months ago, and so we decided that we would make a family trip out of it. We got to spend five days with my brother, Ben got to take his test, we went to Disneyland, the beach—twice, and spent the rest of the time at parks, swimming, and playing with Ellie (their dog).

It was so fun, and Thomas and Adrienne were the perfect hosts. We just hope we didn’t overwhelm them too much with our busy kids. I think by the end of the trip we were all ready to get the kids back home. They were a little crazy and wound up the whole time, which made for fun activities, but really complicated our down times. Anyway it was wonderful, California was beautiful, the beach was awesome, family is great!

On the way down and back we stayed the night in Klamath Falls with Ben's Grandparents. They were wonderful, Reina and Grandma really hit it off. And then for breakfast grandma made Ebelskivers, which made Vaunghn's day. He ate about a million.

Thomas and Adrienne took us to the temple on evening, but we got there just as it was getting too dark for pictures. This one turned out though.

Here the the beautful beach 10 mintues from Thomas and Adrienne's house. Is it any surprise we went twice?

The first time we went I didn't dress the kids right. I didn't really expect Reina to get wet, but the water was so gorgeous and warm, she followed after Ben and they went way out until he had to hold her to keep the waves from taking her away. She was soaked, but happy. They made a few castles.

Ben, of course spent most of the time swimming, Reina built castles, Vaughn chased birds and rolled in the sand.

This pictures shows all three in their favorite activities, Ben in the water, Reina at the castle, and Vaunghn after the birds.

Where Dreams Come True

2008-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Disneyland was truly magical! Reina and Vaughn were both so excited, they were good, they were happy, they were really fun. Vaughn took a nap at just the right time (before he got too tired and right when everyone wanted to go on the bigger rides), and all we could have asked for was another day! Reina and Vaughn really liked the rides. Vaughn went on the Matterhorn with me, and didn't want to get off at the end. Reina rode Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain and loved it. She said about Splash Mountain, "the waterfall was a little scarry, but I want to do it again!" She's has a perfect mixture of Ben's fun, happy, adventerous side in her.

I have a lot of pictures to show. Adrienne went with us all day, but Thomas didn't get to come until after work. It was good having Adrienne with us, she could show us where to go, and the funest things to see. Still, even with our own tour guide, we probably only saw 30-40% of the park. Next time we'll have to make it a longer trip!

Picture This

2008-09-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

As I reflect upon the last week and a little more, the daily moments come in a serries of picture images. Picture this...

Ben and I sit next to two very good friends, listening to "The Music of the Night" in a truly stellar performance. I can't describe the amazing voice, talent, costuming, and stage sets. Two and a half hours without children, cares of the world, and in great company. Need I say more? Oh, and have I mentioned my favorite moment in the Phantom? The last song, after everyone has left but Christine and the Phantom, with incredible tenderness the Phantom reaches out to Christine and in the purest voice sings, "Christine, I love you." Ah, my heart melts. Ben said he was rooting for the Phantom the whole time...I think that's going a little too far.

Ben and the kids are playing in our room on the bed giggling and laughing while I dry fruit in the kitchen. After nearly 30 minutes of this gaiety I step in the doorway to see what is going on. Vaughn glances over and sees me, "Nooooo!" he yells, runs over to me, pushes me out of the room and slams the door. I guess they wanted daddy to themselves. I couldn't help laughing.

Vaughn and Reina are peacefully drinking, yes drinking (the new stuff I can't stand) yogurt in the kitchen. I am in the bathroom doing my hair. Ben is at the computer. Suddenly a scream and crying fill the peaceful air. Ben yells and carts crying Reina into the bathroom, depositing her in the tub dripping yogurt all over the place. Apparently Reina walked over to Vaughn, did something to bother him, and he poured the contents of his yogurt drink on top of her head. I can still picture it dripping off her hair, down her face, and onto the bathtub. I just wish I had taken a picture.

Reina getting ready for her first day of school. It was Tuesday. She was so excited about school starting that she asked me five times a day if it was time to go to school yet. So we made a chain. Every time she asked me if it was time, I would point to the chain and make her tell me how many days she had left. She loved counting the chains and taking them off every day. When the day finally arrived we rushed about the house in a bustle Reina saying, "I can't WAIT to meet all my new friends." She was adorable walking shyly into class and sitting so quietly at her place coloring as she waited for her classmates to arrive.

Vaughn and I got some one-on-one time as well. We went on morning walks together at Vaughns pace for a change. After 30 mintues we had only gone 1.5 blocks. Vaughn stops to look at everything: spiderwebs, butterflies, bees, flowers, airplaines, rocks...you get the idea. It was fun. "Mom, look, Mom, butterfly!"

One morning I had about an hour and a half of work to do. I let the kids "watch cartoons." I knew they were mostly playing, but afterward found out how little watching was going on. Here is a picture of every room in the previously clean apartment. And yes, the clothes on the floor were all neatly folded on my bed a mere hour earlier.

I took this picture of their room prematurely. About 30 seconds later the entire contents of their toy basket was upended on the floor. Just imagine the mess multiplied by ten.

These were (for the most part) the good moments. It's good to remember them.

Now for some real pictures!

Binkie Madness

2008-09-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's 10 pm, you've just arrived home from some family outing, trip, whatever, and as you carry the drowsing children to bed, one of them murmurs, "Binkie." Binkie?!? Where is it? Did he have it in the car when he fell asleep? Was it forgoten at Grandma's house? You distinctly remember the one he lost earlier that day at the grocery store when he threw it, who knows where, and no amount of searching could reveal it. After another furious search throughout the house for one of the three spare binkies that you know are SOMEWHERE, you start to panic. Are you going to have to run to the store now? Reload the family and try to find the specific type that he takes at this time of night?

Suddenly, as you shake out the blankets on his bed hoping for something to tumble out you hear the wonderful sound: boink, boink. You know that sound anywhere. The binkie has left the blanket and is now somewhere in the room. And, yes, after five more minutes it is there under the changing table as innocent as a newborn lamb. Disaster #464 diverted.

JULY CELEBRATIONS

2008-08-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you think of July celebrations? Blueberry picking, of course! We had a great time picking cherries and blueberries, the kids did great, Vaughn did especially well, and was very particular about picking only the BLUE ones. He likes to do things right. Reina, of course, ate more than she picked and just had a great time being with everyone and keeping us entertained while we all picked.

And of course, the 4th of July, at the Oregon Gardens was true cause for celebration. The kids got their "faces" painted for the first time. Vaughn got his arm painted with a bug--and Reina got a flower and a butterfly. The fireworks were amazing, and the finale one of the best I've ever seen.

July wouldn't have been half the celebration it was without all the family we got to see! Leti started the month off with a bang, followed closely by all my siblings, and my parents. For three days my parents took Reina to the coast with them, it was so nice having some one on one time with Vaughn. Vaughn asked for Reina twice and then didn't mention it for the rest of her trip. When anyone asked him where she was he would say "Ellie" (my parents dog). Yes, Reina had a blast with Ellie, too.

We also went out for an adult dinner, all my siblings, spouses, and my grandma together for the first time since Thomas' wedding! It was so great.

Lastly, Vaughn had his second haircut, and surprise! His hair is still very curly.

Catching Up--A Quick Review

2008-08-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

We have done some fun things during May and July (June I was a tired and sick person), I don't even have one picture from June. I'll just put in a few pictures with the highlighted events.

DINOSOARS!!!
The Oregon Zoo brought dinosoars to their zoo, it was really fun, and the kids loved it. I didn't get a good picture of the T-rex. But he was pretty scary, and had a loud roar. There was a section with fog that the kids were scared to walk throug, but it looked so cool I made Vaughn sit in the stroller right in the middle.

Beautiful Oregon Coast
You can't get much more beautiful than the ocean. I love it.

Vaughn is crab watching

For a few weeks I got ambitous, I got chore charts, scheduling with the kids, morning time routines...and then I got mysteriously tired and sick.

Temple in BLOOM
A good friend took some pictures of us at the temple. We dodged the spring rain, and had a wonderful hour or so walking around in the warm spring.

It's About Time

2008-08-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Been a while huh? Well, though it doesn't quite redeem me at the moment, I have a TON of pictures and updates coming very soon. I'll even commit to this week. You see, life at the Wetzel household took a decided turn for the unexpected three months ago, when we discovered (surprise), number three is on its way! I am now 17 weeks, and starting to get a little of my life back. Instead of spending all my free time sleeping I can actually do a little more, the trick is to go to bed REALLY early and get 9 hours of sleep. It's working great.

For all those who are curious, yes this pregnancy is going incedibly better than any other due to some really awesome anti-nausea drugs, regualar exercise, and--probably most effective of all--a couple really wonderful blessings from Ben and my bishop. I'm already showing, gaining lots of weight, and trying to think of names (the hardest part...well, almost). We're happy, though nervous--which probably describes every pregnancy I've had--and I'm starting to get used to the idea, and yes, even getting excited to meet the little tyke, especially since I've felt the baby. I love to feel those little kicks getting stronger almost by the day, and all the wonderful movements as the baby gets more crowded, it's by far the best part about being pregnant. And even though I grow out of all my clothes and feel really big, it's exciting to have a growing belly and amazing to think how BIG babies are. My baby is already about as tall (measuring from head to rump) as a pencil or pen. Amazing!

As I noted before some great and amazing picutres are on their way, so check again soon this week....or, later this week.

Reina, my Joy

2008-05-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Reina is just growing up. She says things like: "what is the solution to our problem?" And she'll do things on her own initiative. Every morning she gets up, goes potty, gets a shirt and pants on (which accounts for a lot of funny combinations), and asks, "what are we doing today?" She still has things to learn, though.

The other day Vaughn threw all his dinner on the floor. I was tired, and coming down with a cold. I said, "oh, I'll just pick it up later." Well, Reina got up from her seat, got out the broom and dust pan and swept up the mess, and threw it away! I didn't even know she could do something like that! She was so proud of herself, and I was happy for the rest of the day.

In February we discovered a cavity. I was really shocked (especially since she'd just been to the dentist in November) until I talked to several moms who had similar things happen with their kids. But, to be on the safe side, I explained to Reina that eating too much candy would give her more cavities. Since then she has been cured from asking for candy! An hourly request before. What a blessing! And she has a shiny silver tooth, a hit for visitors and friends.

Reina is also having lots of fun playing by herself, making up songs, and conversations. She's doing EXCELLENT with letters and writing. She's been writing her name for about a month now, and she'll write words like HAT, or CAR. It's pretty exciting. We're excited for all her new stages, and grateful we have such a happy, and fun daughter.

Mom, I'm ready to go to the beach!

Happiness

New aprons, custom made by my wonderful mother! We love them.

Can I have a puppy? I want a puppy, just like this one.

Waiting for friends to come.

Ever since we went to my brothers wedding (last December) every white dress is a wedding dress "just like Adrienne's." This girl has a memory you wouldn't believe.

My girl

On mothers day, Reina claimed everything that I recieved, especially the card she made me, the candy for my card, and the cookie for me. It was fun sharing. This was a card from Ben's parent's, she wouldn't let it go.

The Silver Tooth

Daredevil

Her favorite place: the park.

Mr. VW

2008-05-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Despite Ben's fear that Vaughn will never speak, Vaughn does quite well, in his own way. He points, jabbers all the time, pulls us around, and uses lots of words, his favorites are: water, juice, bear, dog, bird, flower, blanket, binkie, diaper, shoe, car...and many, many more. He loves being outside. For my birthday I bought new boots for myself (from the kids, how thoughtful), and Vaughn was so excited about them, I had to get some for him too (Reina already has a pair). The morning after my birthday I woke up to Vaughn thowing his boots on my head saying, "boots, walk." It was 6 am. At least they weren't dirty yet.

He also loves to listen to music, but doesn't really like my singing (or maybe he just doesn't like being sung to). Yesterday in the car we were listening to Enya turned way up (ya, we get really crazy) the car hit a bump and the CD stopped for a few seconds. Vaughn let out a huge, "NOOOOO!" He thought I'd turned it off. I think he just likes quality.

He love to play with cars, and sometimes two cars can keep him ocupied for most of churh. Vaughn is also really good about going to bed, often when he's ready for a nap or ready for bed, he'll take Ben or I by the hand, ask for his binkie, and then lead us to his bed where we put a blanket around him, and moments later he's asleep. It's really wonderful (as you can imagine). One of the more wonderful things about our buddy is that he is so active, and yet can also be very calm. He loves to cuddle, read books about animals and cars, and sit on our laps. Following are some of the best and most recent pics of Vaughn.

Where's Vaughn?

Daddy's Helper

Cute Legs

Mopping is Tough to Do (especially with these heels)

Daddy Love

Finally SPRING!

I moved all the kid's stuffed animals, and as soon as Vaughn noticed it he climbed right up and started to play with them all. He loves stuffed animals, espcially bears.

Squirrel waching

Best Friends

2008-05-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

The kids are growing up so quickly, (I know everyone says that, but it's true!) and are doing and saying new things every day. They love each other so much, and spend all their waking hours together. If ever I separate them for different activities, they miss each other. Reina has alredy been teaching Vaughn games to play with her, their favorite is hide and seek. Reina hides and Vaughn counts, "two, two, two, two." He's a pretty good finder, and always remembers an old hiding place. Reina is good at telling Vaughn what to do and when he's doing something right or wrong. The other day she told me that "Vaughn is a very sweet boy." They keep each other happy in the car, and Reina will spend forever telling Vaughn "Vaughn, say 'apple,' now say 'bookcase' now say 'dinosoar' etc etc. Vaughn always repeats her. Here are pictures of the two together.

We don't get enough time outside, here are my kids between downpoars, watching the birds and the cars.

They STILL even sleep together. Reina likes it more than Vaughn. Last night Vaughn was making a huge fuss in his room (it's about 8:30pm). Ben went in to calm him down, he patted Vaughn, whispered to him, and then noticed a very large moving blanket at the bottom of the bed. I guess their co-sleeping only works if Vaughn falls asleep first.

...and of couse, a favorite, watching cartoons together.

It's daddy tickle time...

...and the intensity goes up a notch.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Downtown!

2008-05-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Ben and I took the kids and Ben's cousin downtown, we had lots of fun and it was beautiful, as you can see.

I have to mention how manly Ben is for carrying my purse. He's my hero.

The best, and cutest kids. Need I say more?

2008-04-19T22:08:00.001-07:00

Sleep. Will they ever learn?

2008-04-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

The kids are still fighting bed time. They've been sleeping in the same room for about six months, but just a few weeks ago Vaughn learned to climb OUT of his crib but not back IN. Now what? Instead of going in his room every five minutes to put him back in bed, we decided to put him through early graduation to a real toddler bed! This is early compared to Reina, who didn't switch until she was almost three. The change ended up being good timing as Reina kept sneaking into Vaughns crib to sleep with him. I think that she secretly misses her crib, and she has never really adjusted to sleeping in a bed. Who knows?

Vaughn is doing very, very well. He loves his "bear" bed, and actually anything bear. He carries around Winnie the Pooh, and another stuffed animal my sister bought him for Christmas, and sleeps with them at night. The only problem is that now he can get out of bed. We had to start shutting the door again, which made Reina flip out. We decided to let her fall asleep in our room until Vaughn adjusted. After a few weeks we put Reina back in her room, and convinced her to let us shut the door.

It's going all right, if you count Reina yelling everything that Vaughn does, "mom, Vaughn keeps gettig out of bed!" "Mom, Vaughn is getting in MY bed again!" "Mom, Vaughn is knocking on the door." "Mom, Vaughn isn't going to sleep." The other day I thought things were going really well. At least it was quiet. I walked by the room and noticed the light was on. I peeked in and Reina was up on the changing table, the room was covered with all their toys, and Vaughn was handing Reina any thing she wanted from the floor.

Here are some sleeping pictures. As well as one with Reina and her friends playing her favorite, Noah's Ark, on Vaughn's bear bed.

This picture was taken after one of Reina's escapes into our room. We didn't realize she was there until we went to bed. It doesn't look very comfortable. But definitely preferable to her own bed, of course.

Vaughn still loves Reina's bed best, as a car racer. He drops the cars and yells hoping someone picks them up for him. If no one comes after a while he'll climb down and get them himself. And do it all again.

This is a pictures of Vaughn's favorite things. His bear, his binkie, an extra binkie that he presses against his eye when he's tired, as the next picture shows, and his daddy's shoe.

Wellness Fair

2008-03-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to a wellness fair. We saw the Easter Bunny, fire trucks, ambulences and a police car inside and out. We also went to lots of booths where we learned about safety and eating healthy. The kids got lots of stickers, buttons, stamps, bubbles, crayons...etc. Vaughn and Reina were both really excited to see the Easter Bunny. Vaughn kept saying, "Hi!" and waving. We also found out that Reina has a cavity. Uh, oh. No more letting Reina brush her teeth herself.

Vaughn was really scared of the big teddy bear in the streatcher. He wouldn't even walk by it for a picture.

I have been trying to get a picure of Vaughn with a baby for a long time. He loves babies so much. A little too much sometimes. My friend's baby, Henry, was so patient and happy, while Vaughn got in his face and crawled over him, and patted his head. Henry was a good sport.

What would I do without them?

2008-03-25T11:42:00.001-07:00

Reina likes to do funny things and then tells me to take her picture.

Here is another one. Reina emptied her bookshelf and then asked for a picture.

Vaughn likes to carry socks around. I can't do laundry while he is awake. He'll toss them around like scarves, and shake them in front of our faces, and then lose them.

He is still such a small guy in a big world.

Easter

2008-03-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had a big wonderful breakfast followed by easter egg hunting at the church. It was so fun, the only sad part was Ben couldn't come, as he was working. Vaughn couldn't quite figure it out. And Reina was able to do all her finding all by herself this year. Needless to say, the kids didn't get a lot of candy, they weren't agressive or quick enough. But it was perfect! After we got the easter eggs we went back into the gym where the kids ate most of their candy, and I tossed the rest.

OMSI

2008-03-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

There is a neat museum that the kids like to visit. They have fun activities for the kids to do, but mostly they like to play with the play dough.

Vaughn is very involved.

I couldn't even get Reina to look up.

Afterward we went out to Pizza, yum. Vaughn liked the food so much he kept stealing my slices of pizza. See that rascaly grin? My eye looks a little funny beucase I got pink eye. It only lasted a few days, and thankfully the kids didn't get it.

Free Weekend

2008-03-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

The weekend before I went to Georgia for Steve's wedding, Ben's parents watched the kids! It was really wonderful. We played, hiked, cooked, went out to eat, went to a movie...and just laughed together. It was so nice. Here are some pictures from our hike behind Multnomah Falls.

Ben, or squirrel?

I am not as brave as I used to be. A few years ago I would have walked all the way across.

One of our many, many self portraits. You're just lucky we're not kissing!

Haircut first, then fun

2008-03-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Vaughn got a haircut and then while I was cleaning up he decided that he'd entertain himself. I didn't notice until he was covered in dirt.

Valentines Day

2008-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

My mom always set the table Valentine's morning with gifts, and beautiful table cloth, and pink heart pancakes. I tried to do it as well this year.

This is Vaughn huging a new bear and getting it all sticky with a sucker.

Reina is so happy these days.

Reina and Ben are so cute together. This is Ben's birthday celebration at his parents house.

Another one of my girl, why not?

Mommy Trauma

2008-02-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just have to unload. I hope I don't bore anyone.

Vaughn is at the stage where he does NOT want to stay with me when we go places. He used to very sweetly hold my hand and let me lead him, but he's on the move lately. Yesterday I went to the grocery store to pick up some quick things. I held Vaughn and Reina walked, we didn't get a cart becuase I didn't need very much. Well, of course I ended up getting more than I expected, and held Vaughn in one arm and a basket of groceries in the other and persuded Reina to follow us the whole time. The whole trip took about 15 minutes, but by the end I was so exhauseted from holding a squirming Vaughn (or chasing a running Vaughn if he got too squirmy in my arms), and balancing grocieries, and keeping a non-stop flow of conversation with Reina (which goes something like, "no, you can't have popsicles" "please follow me" "put the fruit snacks back," "no, we're not buying more yogurt").

As we left the store I put Vaughn down and let him walk holding my hand. It worked okay until we got to the car. We were parked right in front of the grocery store so the walk is not long. I let go of the kids, put the grocieris in the front seat, and Vaughn was off like a shot running down the sidewalk in front of the cars. I yelled at Reina to stay right by the car, the phone rang, and as I answered it I took off after Vaughn before he could reach the street.

With Vaughn hanging on one arm, and talking to Ben on the phone, I heard someone say, "where's your mom little girl?" I was only two or three cars away (ya, Vaughn had gotten about 15 cars away). I yelled at Reina to stay by the car, as she was standing between our car and the car beside us waiting for us. The man noticed me and gave me this horrible look and then swore at me. Not really at me, more to himself, but loud enough for me to hear. He was very displeased with me. It was embarrasing and frustrating and even maddening. I got the kids buckled in, myself in the car, and I started bawling. I was upset at him and upset at myself that I let Vaughn get away, and that I left Reina alone. And I was scared that maybe that man was right, that I was being irresponsible. I never know what might happen. What if something happened to one child while I was chasing the other? I was scared and angry and I felt beat up.

I am just reminded how difficult it is to be a mom and how important it is to withold judgement. I have no idea what others are going through, and I know that man with his small bag of groceries, nice car, and expensive clothes, had no idea what I was going through and had just gone through. But he couldn't help expressing my shortcomings so vocally and rudely. I hate experiences like these, but at the same time they are always teaching me to be better to others. Moral? Don't judge moms, they're probably doing the best they can.

What to do when there's nothing to do...

2008-02-08T14:31:00.001-08:00

We've been very creative. Reina also likes to bake cookies with mom (I think she really just likes to eat the cookie dough), paint, color, and draw. She drew her first face just last week in her journal. It was indecipherable. Reina is also wearing four headbands, she likes to get dressed and do her hair herself.

Vaughn loves his picture taken. He's attaking the camera in this picture.

The kids are really good and playing together, and for some reason the laundry basket is so full of fun: it's a fort, a carrier for toys, a stand for jumping off, and of course a mode of transportation.

Reina took swimming lessons twice a week for a month, she loved it; she's a water baby. We have some great video too.

And of course when there's nothing better to do...

Winter Days

2008-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the newest pictures of the kids.

Vaughn just learned how to give a lovely smile for the camera, he and Reina like to ham it up.

This is Reina eating her favorit pasta. She likes the long ones.

We had a lot of snow last weekend, so we bundled up the kids and thought we'd have a fun time playing OUTSIDE with some friends. It didn't turn out so fun after all (the snow was a little too wet, and the kids don't know how to play in it).

Vaughn just held on to my leg.

Eventually I was able to show Vaughn how fun it is to hit snow off branches and get us all wet. He LOVED that.

Dancing With the Stars

2008-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a fine example of our children's dancing skills. They do this several times a day, whenever music is playing. VW especially can't control his urge to bust a move. All you have to do is clap, snap, or drum and he will start bobbing and swaying.

Confinement

2008-01-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

VW developed the "hand, foot, and mouth" virus. It is a lot like the chicken pox, except the blisters don't itch and are usually found on the hand, foot and mouth of the child. So, becuase it is so contageous we have been stuck at home since the 10th (going on day six). It is getting difficult but the kids have thankfully been pretty good. I believe I have gone more crazy than the kids. I have cleaned out and organized 9 closet-underbed-behindcouch spaces, as well as lots of work for my parents, also lots of reading to the kids, playing in their room, running with them outside in the rain (and puddles) until their hands were so red from the cold and their clothes were soaked up to their legs. I have also made dinner every night. We have a lot of leftovers. And started projects I've been meaning to start, like this blog. I am just praying that RJ doesn't get the virus too!

Like I said the kids have been good, I have taken some fun pictures of them, and some good video. So, I thought I'd share some from our days of confinement.

This is a really blurry picture of VW's blisters (I am holding his hand open while taking the picture). On this hand he had 10 very big blisters. It was the worst spot on his body.

As you can see, the living room is a very messy play room (I think the blanket was a fort).

The kids love popcorn. Yeserday VW said "More, Popcorn." Actually is sounded more like "mo--pop" But I count it, he's in the game! (saying two words together is supposed to come by 24 mos)

VW figured out how fun it is to drive his cars down the slide on RJ's bed. He can't even talk, yet he knows what's fun.

RJ put her feet on her cheeks today and asked me, "Mom, am I funny?"

New Year

2008-01-13T14:33:00.001-08:00

New year, new blog. It ony seemed appropriate that we join the countless number of people posting pictures, messages, and news with the internet world. Yes, the Wetzels are here, and yes, we are un-typically late. Won't happen again.

I guess we should start with new pictures for those of our family and friends that we haven't seen for too long. And yes, that is the reason we have started this, despite popular belief that we are following the crowd, of course not. Hope we can keep in better touch with all of you who we love through pictures and news!