Alameda Park Creek

Today, Kate, Mark, and I went to Alameda Park. We didn't go to the main playground, but the one down the road. There is a carousel pavillion, playground, and most importantly, a small creek. Creeks are the best things in the world!!!! There is so much to do with them. Exploring, finding things, and best of all, the water.

Anyone who is around Mark often, know that he loves water. In the worst of his crying fits, giving him a bath is one remedy that is fail-proof. It is a miracle saver. Well Kate came over today to hang out, but it has been gorgeous out that there was no way we were staying in.

We hit Wal-mart first, needed to get some stuff for a friend's baby shower tomorrow. Then to Dairy Queen and got Kate a thin mint blizzard, and me a frozen cocoa. Off to Alameda and we hit the creek. This was the first time Mark has been in cold water. He really seem to enjoy it. That was, until he got his bum wet. He didn't appreciate having wet clothes. Shouldn't have suprised me, he hates having a wet diaper.

Kate helping Mark stand in the water.

Look at me, Mommy!

Kate and Mark in front the pavillion.

Mark is standing in mud for the first time in his life. He didn't seem to mind.

Mommy and Mark hanging out.

Mark has been rediscovering his tongue for the last three days.


I am getting so good at standing.

4 things

Four things I was doing ten years ago...
1. Going to Young Women
2. In Seventh Grade
3. Hanging out with school friends
4. Reading anything I could get my hands on.

Four things I was doing 5 years...
1. Working at Camp Agawam
2. Getting ready to be a senior
3. Dreaming of Traveling
4. Dealing with Reality

Four things I was doing yesterday....
1. Playing with Mark
2. Visited Daddy's (Ethan) work
3. Work out to the Wii Fit
4. Picking out new clothes for Mark

Four shows that I like...
1. Bones
2. House
3. Law and Order SVU
4. Gilmore Girls

My four biggest joys...
1. Mark and Ethan
2. A good Book
3. Church
4. Friends and Family

things that you might not know about me...
1. I love to travel and try new things
2. I can drive a Stick Shift.
3. Actually like having Curly hair.
4. Extremely picky about Pictures.

Mark is 6 months old today. Ethan and I have been so blessed with this beautiful child. He is smart, cute, funny, and constantly growing. He has two teeth, can sit unassisted, roll in all directions, and has the cutest smile with a dimple to accent it. He recently learned to blow raspberries to music. Listen below.

Alan's Grad party

Alan officially graduated high school. And in celebration, there was a party. Because it was Alan's party, there was a frosting fight, and a fire. Enjoy the pics, we all had a good time.


Mark just being lovable outside.

Robyn and Alan, the frosting warriors.

Daniel and Alan playing with the fire.

Audrey and Hannah loving life.

The best picture of Alan's slightly sinister grin.

Sara and Kira saying good-bye.

Results of the frosting war.

I rarely get my picture taken, so here is one.

Victor hanging out with Uncle Roger.

Blood Donating

Yesterday, Ethan, Alan, Kate and I went and donated blood. Ethan and I have been donating for awhile, but Alan had only done it once and Kate has never done it. I have been an avid blood donor since Oct. 2003. Kate had been wanting to do it for awhile, but never got up and did it, so I invited her from last time to come with us. It can be scary the first time, especially when you see the needle. Though, I swear the pricking of the finger for the iron test hurts more than the actual donating.

While I was at the blood bank, Kate was asking me why I have been very adamant about donating. Since I can remember, my Dad was always donating. I mean it is a good cause and all, but it is one that is easily forgotten. When I was about 14, I finally asked him why he was a religious donor, and he told me how it saved his life when he was about 15 yrs old. He had gotten appendicitis, and his appendix burst. At the time, going to doctor wasn't always an option, whether transportation, or sometimes the doctor wasn't available, I forget what the reasoning was for this story. Well 2 days after it burst was when he was able to be admitted to the hosptial. By this time the poison from the burst was getting everywhere, and most people would have already died. They had to give him several units of blood and it did save his life. After that, he realized that something as simple as this can help save people's lives and there was no reason that he shouldn't help others with something that he readily had. After he was old enough, every two month he donated up until the time of his death.

It helped make me realize, that even though I may not be one to go into the medical field, I can still help. It only takes about an hour of my time, the small amount of pain is bearable, and it can help up to 3 different people with just one pint. They can always use blood, and they are in constant need of all types. I am like Dad, having slightly rarer blood type, and for some situations, it is what is needed.

So for anyone that has the ability, go and donated, it might help someone you know. There are always circumstances that can't be helped and will not permit you to donate, but if you are healthy, not pregnant, or anemic, and at least 110 lbs, you should be able to. Just remember to eat and drink before and listen to what they tell you to do afterwards. Not doing so will make the experience miserable.

Mark Standing and Victor's B-day

Last Friday, my nephew, Victor turned 4 years old. He is the oldest grandchild on my side of the family. I feel that until a child reaches the age of 4, they are toddlers. I know many people consider 4 to be toddler as well, but I don't care. I can't believe he is growing up so fast. He is so smart too, he loves to draw pictures of happy people and say that they are satisfied. I am serious, he says that. What 4 yr old says that? Anyways, Happy Birthday Victor.



Here is Naomi and Amy, hanging out on the tire swing. I think Naomi is freaking adorable and I finally got a picture to show what a good smile she has.

















Ethan and I brought over our Nintendo Wii and Mario Kart for Victor to play. Victor and Naomi really seemed to enjoy playing.












Here is Mark and Caleb hanging out. Caleb didn't seem all that interested in Mark, and Mark just seemed like he was after Caleb's pacifier.














Mark loves to watch me while I am on the computer and now has an unsatisfied obsession with the need to stand. He also just got his second tooth and loves to chew on the edge of the crib.

Teeth

After weeks of tortuous teething pains, the results have finally shown themselves. Mark's first tooth popped through last Saturday night. I would post pictures, but Mark's tongue loves to get in the way.

Mask and Manicures

I am currently on of the leaders for Activity Days in our ward. I was left to my own devices last Wednesday since the other leaders had commitments that couldn't be broken. We didn't have anything planned officially, so I was thinking playing games outside (the girls are a very active bunch), but it ended up pouring all day long. Kate had been over at my apt. and was helping me come up with something else to do. We decided on doing manicures and masks. It was a blast and the girls really seem to have fun doing it. I was lucky enough to have Kate free to help me out that night.

Mackie, Kate, and Mark.
There were two different mask to choose from, a peel-off or a clay wash off mask. Sam is mastering the peel-off.
Mackie, Terry Lou, and Kate.
Frieda, Mark and I having fun.

This was the first time that Mark has come with me to Activity Days since he was born. Normally Sis. Everall watches him for me in the library, but that night she wasn't able to make it. Mark was definitely being checked out and loved by all of his potential babysitter that night.