To post or not to post

My absence with this blog shows how ambivalent I feel about blogging. For me, the whole point in blogging is to keep others updated about my family. But, for one, the people who would appreciate it the most (parents, grandparents, siblings) don't follow blogs, and I am so lucky to see most of them frequently. And second, I haven't been on for months, yet I see I have over 600 views and a map saying I have views from Russia? I don't know anyone in Russia! Definitely not legit. Despite that, I actually have a few moments of free time, so I will give posting a shot. And, who know, maybe I'll post again in another two years. Rather than try to use words, here are pictures to show a few snippets of what I am blessed with in my life lately.

Life's little pleasures

There's nothing large to report on in our life since my last entry, but it's definitely the little things that make it wonderful. One of those many things is my kids who make me smile and laugh. I now have some updated pictures of Heber. One is him enjoying his blue frosting on his first birthday. Another one is of him showing off his smile.


He is so smiley and happy, and boy through and through. He is always into things. I am so grateful that he has learned how to go down stairs, because a large focus of my life at home was making sure he didn't fall down them. He's still not walking, but he's fast enough crawling that I don't think I'm ready to deal with the running yet.

As always with Helen, words usually fail to describe her. So, hopefully some pictures can do that as well. I love to see her at this age where she is so inquisitive and learning so quickly about the world around her. Listening to her talk definitely makes me realize how much she picks up because she is always using phrases that I use-oftentimes without really understanding what it means. It definitely makes me grateful for all the wonderful people she has in her life that are such wonderful examples to her.

I recently was able to go to St. George with the women on Will's side of the family (we missed you Catherine and Bonnie!), and it was the first time I have been on a trip without kids. All I can say is it was wonderful! Will did a great job with the kids while I was gone, dealing with a sick Heber and everything else that comes with being a single parent. The trip was very needed, and absense does make the heart grow fonder.



And, as far as Will goes, I now have a few weeks comforting my husband after the end of the Jazz season. We always manage to get through it somehow.

If at first you don't succeed.....

I'll just keep trying with this whole blog thing. A quick update of our family and life. It's been an interesting winter as we've been stuck inside with the cold weather and Heber liking to pick up every illness that comes our direction. Will and I have tried to make time after kids, work, and life in general to go skiing. We have yet to go up together, but still enjoy getting up there by taking turns. The best part has been that Helen is now old enough and loves skiing herself. If you ask her what the best part of skiing is, she will say, "Going down the hill." Makes sense. Recently as she was skiing she was showing her enjoyment with a thumbs up and even a "woo-hoo" as she cruised down the hill.

Heber continues to grow up fast. Now one year old, he has realized he can exert some control over what goes on around him. This has given him the name of "Heber Screamer" as he screams any time something doesn't go his way. But, besides this recent change, he is still very happy and pleasant. I don't have a recent picture of him on the computer at this time, but I have the one below of the "Fab Five", who are his cousins all born within 8 months of each other. Heber is the second from the right.

A big event in my family is that my brother, George, and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of triplets. Two of the babies are home now, and unfortunately one is still in the hospital but doing okay. Here's a picture of the three boys, me being the proud aunt that I am. Also, congrats to my sister, Cori, and her husband, Joe, for their baby girl that was born recently as well.

That's about as good as it gets these days, but I must say, it's pretty darn good. Each day I think maybe I get a little better at handling the challenges (and blessings) of motherhood and life, and each day as I go I exhausted to my bed, I realize it is definitely worth it. A "shout out" of sorts to all those in my life who are such a support, who hold me up, and make life meaningful. Thank you!!

The latest updates

There is way too much to catch up on, so I am just going to put in what I can. This is going to be super long--you have been warned. Also, this is pretty much about Helen for all of you family out there. I'll try to put some of me and Will in as well.

This winter was so fun as Helen would get so excited about every snowfall. Here are a few pics of her enjoying it, although she never made it long before her hands got cold. I guess that's what happens when you refuse to wear gloves. What a great winter we had with snow. Will and I actually managed to get up skiing a decent amoung considering the cute girl above. The only problem was that no matter how hard I tried, Will was the one that managed to get lucky all year and be up there when there was several feet of powder.

Again, no gloves.

Easter came so fast this year with it being in March. Although it snowed right around Easter, we were able to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt at my parents on a beautiful day the Saturday before.Helen has always had a sweet tooth, but I had no idea she could eat this much candy.


Helen and I were so lucky to visit Michelle and George at the beginning of April. We had a blast-particularly Helen as she got to spend some quality time with her aunt and uncle. George and Michelle were great as they took Helen practically every morning as I slept in. Thank you to you both!
Putting on makeup is a lot more fun with Aunt Michelle.

Enjoying the aquairum in Chicago. Helen was so worn out by this point it took her some time to get excited, but she ended up loving it.
We experienced the Windy City first hand as it was not only windy but rainy with the occasional snow.

And finally, Lately, Helen has been very into trying to dress herself. She's often met with frustration, but she keeps going.
Apparently shirts are made to go on top and bottom.
Yes, that is underwear. It seems to be Helen's preference when it comes to articles of clothing. It took me about five minutes the other day to convinve Helen that she could not go outside wearing my bra.

I send my love to everyone and hope to keep you better updated!

I'm trying again

This is my second attempt at starting a blog, and I hope it will fly this time. I have changed some of my thoughts on how I am going to go about this. Instead of doing a private blog, which I had planned initially, I am going to leave it public. But, I am following the lead of my sister-in-law Annie to still ensure that our family is safe. I will not be using last names anywhere on my posts. If you leave comments, I ask that you please do the same. I also ask if you choose to link us, to follow the same guidelines. We'll see how I do now I'm into the blogger world!