Auld Lang Syne

Peyton, demonstrating her newest obsession: sucking on her toes What a great holiday we have had. Jerai and Phil came in town! We are so happy they're visiting. We really miss them. We also got to see Nathan and Jessica, whom we also miss very much. We've been having fun all week playing with Hank, Charlotte and Lucy, and Gabe and Sam, of course.

No pictures do them justice of just how small they are

Gabey loves Peyton, and he is so sweet to her. Peyton loves Gabey, too, and takes advantage of his sweetness. Here she was almost strangling him with his tie.

Kisses

Babies
The triples are darling. For New Year's we had a party at Nea and Nipper's, and rang in the new year playing cards and laughing lots. 2008 was a phenomenal year in my life, and I was so blessed. I know 2009 will be just as great.

Mela Kalikimaka

We're back! We've actually been back for a week now, but it's been crazy busy, so sorry for the delay of posts. On the 17th, we went to Hawaii! My family took a trip to Maui for Christmas, and we had an unbelievable time. It was really one of the best vacations I've ever been on. Now that we're all getting older, there isn't (hardly) any fighting, and we're able to hang out with each other and just have a good time. And quite a good time we had, indeed. The day we got there, we just played at the beach at our hotel, the beautiful Ritz Carlton of Kapalua. It was Peyton's first time in the ocean, and her Nona was incredibly careful not to let any sharks sneak up in the 2 inches of water she was playing in.

Beach babe

We had an incredible suite that was on the main level, so we just walked outside into the lawn/pool/beach area. It was beautiful.

I took this picture, if you can believe that. It was beautiful.

The Ritz was decorated for Christmas, and it was so cool to see all the palm trees lit up, and a big Christmas tree in the middle of all the pools.

It's hard to tell, but it was pretty spectacular

The next day we left Peyton with her first babysitter! I was a little nervous, but we used a highly reputable nanny agency [fingerprinted and background-checked ladies], and they sent a really nice lady, Miss Susan, to watch Peyton. Meanwhile, we went ziplining! It was so fun! We were in the mountains close to the ocean, the view was incredible, and the guides were really fun.

In action: Superman-diving off the platform

Then we picked up Peyton and went to the beach again. Jade, Cheyanne, Chazton and I all went cliff diving, and we also went swimming with wild sea turtles. It was so cool! Friday we took it easy and relaxed by the beach and pools at the hotel, and Friday night we went into LaHaina, an ocean-front town with all sorts of shopping and snacking.

Loving that orange peel

Saturday we hung out at the beach and also went surfing. Jade and I had both only been one time, and Chaz had been a couple of times, but he totally owned us. Jade got up a couple of times, and I only got up once. It seemed so much easier when I was in high school!

The boards are so long, it's pathetic

Sunday we went to church in a Hawaiian ward, and then laid out in a cabana on the beach. Monday was our last day, and we were so sad to leave. We went out in a catamaran to Molokini crater, an underwater volcano, and to Turtle Town, a shallow point in the ocean (30 feet), inhabited by several sea turtle colonies. It seems like every time I post, I have an embarrassing story about myself. There was another catamaran at Turtle Town, and while the five of us (afore mentioned cliff divers, plus JC) were snorkeling I got cold, so I decided to head back to the catamaran early. Well, I got on the boat, took off my gear, and started to head back to where my momma and Peyton were, laying out. Wait a second, they are serving lunch. We already ate lunch. Wait a second, is this the right... [look over to the side and see]... I'm on the wrong boat! I grabbed my gear and swam as fast as I could to my catamaran. What a fiasco! The snorkeling was pretty cool, but it was even cooler seeing the whales that were swimming all over the place, since December is whale time in Hawaii. That night we went to a luau, complete with dancers and even fire swallowers. It was a little tourist-y, but really cool. Did I mention the food was great, too? Tuesday came way too soon, and we were really sad to leave Paradise. Luckily, our vacation wasn't over yet. We flew back to Vegas and got to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with my family. We had a raucous game of Bunko, which my cousin won (cheater), and did a white elephant gift exchange, in which Jade and I made out like bandits. Jade got a really nice USAF golf club head cover, and I got a Black and Decker electric mini screw driver for little things around the house (I've already used it to put batteries in Peyton's toys). I got all sorts of nice things for Christmas; a craft-sewing machine (learning to use it is one of my resolutions), a beautiful diamond necklace, perfume, clothes, a Nordstrom gift card, a panini maker, gift cards to some of my favorite restaurants, and a whole bunch of other really great gifts. Peyton was spoiled rotten. She got clothes, accessories, toys and toys and toys, and diamond earrings. I think she got more presents than everyone else put together. My favorite gift was the present I got my momma for her [and me, too]. Logitech cameras, for video chat! We've been able to video chat with each other every day! It's almost as good as being there, except it's not. We flew back to Portland that afternoon, and besides something being wrong with our plane (scary), and causing an hour plus delay, the flight was good, and Peyton slept the whole time. We made it just in time for family dinner at JaNea's, and ...drum roll... we got to meet the triplets- Henry, Lucy, and Charlotte! My sweet nieces and nephew were born while we were in Hawaii. They are adorable, and make my petite daughter look like Goliath. Basically our Christmastime was wonderful, and I am so happy we have a special time every year that we can celebrate the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas. Mela Kalikimaka.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Our backyard


Just when I thought I was done with snow... Today it snowed. Dumped, more like it. We woke up this morning to find an inch of snow, and more on its way. It snowed all day, literally. This was unusual for Portland, because usually it only snows once or twice a year, and when it does, the temperature is only boarderline freezing, so it's super wet, and only brief. Well, I must have brought Utah back with me, because it is in the -teen's and twenties, windy and DRY. The roads were so dangerous that they even cancelled church. Our Bishop let everyone have Sacrament Meeting in their own homes, so we had our own little meeting, and it was a really cool experience. I should add that Tink was so happy when she saw the snow! She didn't realize what it was at first, then memories of last winter came back to her, and she played in the snow until she was shaking and had icicles in her whiskers. My little snow bunny.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Last night, Jade and I had a short church meeting to go to [tithing settlement], so we decided to leave Tinky out of her prison, since we were only going to be gone 15-20 minutes. Well, imagine my surprise when I come home and find my front room in disarray, giftwrap strewn about, and a empty box of See's Candies. Apparently Tink got bored and started tearing open presents, then found a jackpot. Not only did she eat the entire POUND of chocolate, she also devoured a decent amount of wrapping paper. But Tink was acting absolutely normal. I immediately freaked out, having been told that chocolate is like cyanide for dogs, and we called our brother-in-law's cousin who is a vet, to see if we should take her to the emergency room. He told us to relax, and induce vomiting, and she would be just fine. Apparently it is dark cocoa that is toxic to dogs, and a dog would have to eat a large amount of straight baker's chocolate to affect him. Tink only ate milk chocolate, and since she is so big, the only thing we would need to worry about is diarrhea [lovely]. So, we forced her to drink a cup of hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (the vet's directions, not our own idea), and within a minute or two, she threw up 13 times. You would not believe how much throw-up there was, what with all the chocolate, nuts, caramels, and giftwrap. After that, she went and ate dinner, and acted like nothing ever happened.

After her chocolate dinner, she needed dessert, so she got her bone.

She fell asleep with it in her mouth.

My darling little glutton.

...Santa Baby...

Love at first sight. He even let her play with his beard [which was actually real].

Baby it's cold outside

This past week I was sick. Being sick is never fun, especially when you have an infant, who is also a little under the weather. Imagine my excitement when I was at the counter at the drugstore and I got carded. Apparently to buy Tylenol Cold, you have to be 18, and she wanted to make sure I was at least 18. I was so happy. Ever since I had a baby and turned 22, I have felt really old and matronly. I know I'm crazy, and I know that 22 really isn't old, but I can't help it. I feel saggy and wrinkly, and past my prime. So here's to the checkout lady who rejuvenated my spirit and cured my cold. Also worth mentioning; last night the power went out for 3 hours [something went wrong in the neighborhood power-box, so they had to turn off the power while they fixed it]. We played a game of candlelight Monopoly. Jade won, but he was banker, so you never know... Merry Christmas!

Oh Christmas tree

Merry Christmas!! I'm so glad I can finally say that, now that Thanksgiving is over. Not that I was in any hurry for Thanksgiving to be over, but I absolutely love Christmastime! (We might all remember that almost my entire pregnancy was spent craving Thanksgiving dinner. Thank goodness for my amazing momma, who made me Thanksgiving dinner no less than four times.) Thanksgiving was great this year! The food was spectacular, as well as the company.

Thanksgiving post-dinner afterglow

So, normally I have a huge problem with real Christmas trees. Those of you who know me well will be surprised to know that it is not the mess that bothers me. I hate the fact that every year, thousands of trees get cut down, and never make it into any one's home. Driving down the street on Christmas day in Las Vegas, you can see hundreds of trees sitting in piles, the extras that weren't even used for one single day. It makes me sad to see waste like that. Hence, my (super cute) fake Christmas tree. Well this year, Jade introduced me to a tradition that my environmentalist side and his love of real trees can both be happy with... enter: the Christmas tree farm! We went to a Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. People own hundreds of acres of land that is devoted entirely to growing Christmas trees. It is self-service, so you drive around, find a tree you like, cut it down, then take it to the farmhouse and buy it. Voila- no wasted Christmas trees! No trees get cut down for no reason, and every year, they plant thousands of new trees to replenish the ones that were cut down. Hooray! Let me tell you- real Christmas trees are worth all the hype. It's only been up one day, but my whole house already smells like Christmas!

Also, on a sad note, I tore a hole in my favorite pair of jeans. Well, maybe they weren't my favorite pair, but I really liked them. They were 4 years old, and kind of worn-in; the distressed kind that aren't distressed on purpose. Anyway, I'm sad to see them turn into camping pants. Those are expensive camping pants. Also, on a more notable note, Peyton started solids! I can't believe my baby is eating real food now (if you consider watered-down rice cereal real food). It's kind of sad, but she seems to like it, so I'm coping. My baby is growing up. I'm nervous that if I accidentally blink, she'll be out of the house and in college!

Merry Christmas!!

Bad Luck Sundays

I would post more frequently, however not many notable things have happened for me to write about. Life has been pretty uneventful, although certainly enjoyable. Let's see... Halloween was a treat! We went to Jade's mom's Halloween party at her office, and she got to show off Peyton. It was really fun, there was even a clown doing face paints, with a performing parrot. I will post pictures whenever I get my hands on some. Halloween eve was one of the funniest nights of my life. One of Jade's brother's wife and kids were out of town, and since Jade's other brother and his wife have kids that are still too young to really appreciate trick or treating, it was just the five of us, not really knowing how to celebrate a holiday that is meant for older kids. So, the brothers got a little creative. Justin, the eldest Thelin brother, has a bear rug. The common consensus was that "it looks real". Well guess what. It is real. Or at least it used to be. So the boys dressed in black, got their hands on an air-horn, and put on the bear rug and scared trick-or-treaters. It was hysterical. We got it on video, and as soon as I learn how to put video on my blog, you can all partake in the fun. Then Sunday came, and we had a minor incident, which led me to the conclusion that the Thelins are unlucky on Sundays. That's all there is to it. We were at Jade's parents' house for dinner, and as we were getting ready to leave, Jade realized that he didn't have the key to my car. Everyone (kids included) spent the better part of an hour scouring the house, searching for the missing key. It was nowhere to be found. Well, we have a spare key (2, actually), but unfortunately they are at our house. The only other problem: we have absolutely no way of getting into our house without getting the spare key or garage door opener from my car. So our options were: break into my car, or break into our home. We chose to call AAA and have them get into my car for us. Well, the guy came about 30 minutes later (a reasonable amount of time), but it took him over an hour to figure out how to get into my car. He had to take the door panel off, and even after he got into the car, there was a security feature that made the windows stay down, permanently. So we were able to get into our house, get the key, and get the car home. The next day Jade took the car to the dealership and they fixed the door panel and windows. I guess next time Jade will let me hold onto the key. Last week was great, nothing too exciting happened, just the usual, but then Friday came! Jade went out of town for his annual brother's trip (more on that later), so my momma and sister came up to keep me and Peyton company while he was gone. We had such a great time! Friday night we went to dinner at the Portland City Grill, a restaurant at the top of a building in downtown Portland, that has a breathtaking view of all Portland, most notably the river and bridges. Saturday we ran errands and went to OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and spent the evening watching a marathon of "Real Housewives of Atlanta", a surprisingly addictive guilty pleasure on my favorite network, Bravo. Then it was Sunday, which means something bad needed to happen. We were on our way to Jade's parents' house (Sunday dinner again), and I got hit by a bus. Yep. We were at a stop light, and I hadn't moved yet, and the bus was going maybe 2 miles per hour, so no one was hurt, but it did take off my front bumper. The incident was more emotionally traumatic than anything. I was hysterical. The worst part was the awful cop that showed up. I don't want to get into the details on a blog that could potentially be seen by lots of people, so I'll just say that she played into stereotypical behavior for a woman of her type. That's all I'll say. Anyway, the situation is under control, and my car is still cute, it just looks a little WhiteTrash right now because we haven't taken it in to get the bumper put back on. It's on the list, though. In the meantime, Jade was with his brothers in Minnesota. The reader's digest version: Jade's brother[Jeremy]'s wife [Kristin] has a sister [Tami] who is married to the Offensive Coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings [Darrell], so the boys have made a tradition of going to a game every season. This year they went to the big rivalry game: Vikings v. Packers. They had a really great time, and they got to do all sorts of cool things; visit the practice facility, meet the cheerleaders, go to the coaches' offices and such. Jade loved every minute of the trip, and I loved having my momma and sister to keep me company while he was gone. Another week flew by without any notable mentions, then Friday we went on a little trip that I've been anticipating for months now... I took Jade to the Air Force Academy! Friday morning at 6am (yeah, I know) we flew to Colorado and I was able to see a family friend at USAFA. He used to be the Dean of Admissions, and the day my parents dropped me off at the academy, he could see that my mom was a wreck, so he offered to check in on me, and let them know how I was doing. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. He took care of me during my stint at the Academy, and it was so great to see him. He has since retired, and took up a position as the assistant athletic recruiter for the Falcons. He was able to give us a tour of the athletic facilities, and then he arranged for another young friend of his (a cadet at AFA) to give us a tour of the Cadet area. It was so cool being back! I have such great memories of the Academy, and I'm so glad that I was able to share it with Jade. Friday night we were able to go to the football team's away-game tradition: a fireside. It was really neat to see the coaches and players in a very different atmosphere than the field, and it was a great experience. Saturday we went to the game, which would have been a win either way, although I was hoping BYU would win, so we could have a shot at the MWC Championship. Sunday morning we were supposed to be back in time for Jade to teach his Sunday School class, but since it was Sunday, we hit some bad luck, and we missed our flight. It was like a movie scene: just as Jade was running up to the gate, he saw the plane pushing away (from the gate). Luckily there was another flight that got us back only 4 hours later than our original flight. Although we had that minor setback, we had such a great time in Colorado, and I'm so happy we were able to take this little trip!

Me and my snow bunny

She's wearing a cheerleading uniform!

Uninsurable

It's a little embarrassing, but this is my journal, and it's a funny enough story that it's worth writing down. So, since Jade stopped working for Stampede (technically he's doing the same job, but since he bought his own franchise he is no longer a Stampede employee, he's his own employee), we had to get new insurance. We applied, then waited one month (exactly, to the day) for our application to be reviewed. Imagine my surprise when I get a call Thursday telling me that the insurance company would be happy to insure my husband and daughter, but not me. Apparently since I'm 5'8 (technically 5'7 and 3/4, but hey who's counting?), and a certain weight, they won't insure me. My BMI makes me ineligible for insurance. Ridiculous. I would have been able to laugh about it, had I not been forced to wait thirty days to hear that. No worries, my Prince Charming got the situation under control, and we got insurance the very next day, with a different, (way cooler) insurance company. In better news, Thursday we went to a Pumpkin Patch with Brittney and Peyton. It was so much fun! We rode a ferry in a haunted lake to get to the Pumpkin Patch, and we rode a haunted train to get back. It was totally cheesy, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It's definitely going to be a tradition as long as we're in Portland.

Apparently she was playing with her bow, because I opened my car door to find this.

25" Tall (76th Percentile), 13 lbs (32nd Percentile)

Best friends

Can't quite sit up

Picking Punkins

Friday we took a quick last minute trip to Utah. It was way too short, Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, and I was sad because I didn't get to see any of my friends. Jade had some work to do, and I was dying to see Jerai and Phil and Boyd, so I tagged along, and it was surprisingly hard to leave. I guess you just get used to a place. It was wonderful to meet my new nephew. He's darling and such a sweet baby. And it was especially fun to see my fellow new-mommy Jerai. It was hard to say goodbye again. I got a little bit emotional when it was time to go.

Cute Cousins

On a brighter note, we took Peyton to her first football game, BYU vs. UNLV. It was a great game (albeit a little embarrassing), and Jade even managed to score us some sideline passes, which made the game so much better!

Go Cougars

Sideline

She's darling

The cutest thing happened at the game. While we were on the sideline, my friend's mom agreed to watch Peyton. There was a little boy who was sitting right behind her (he was 2 and 1/2), and I guess the whole first half he was just enthralled with her. Well, I came up to sit with them, and he started to get a little friendlier. He was playing with her, tickling her cheek and hand, and eventually, he just sat right down in between me and my friend's mom (it was so sweet, he didn't say a word, he just plopped down right in the middle of us). He asked if he could hold her, so we let him. He held her the entire fourth quarter. He didn't even get tired of looking at her and playing with her, and she was hungry, so I thought she would be screaming in seconds, but she was so peaceful and happy. I can't help but believe they knew each other from somewhere. Maybe in 20 years...

This went on for over a half an hour

Saturday night Jade had to work, and I wasn't feeling well, so I went to bed right when we got home, and then we left at 9 Sunday morning. Like I said, the trip was way too short. We're already planning an actual vacation to Utah, so we can visit for real. Tuesday I started my Stroller Strides fitness class. I didn't have high expectations for it (to be honest, I thought it would be lame, so I did a free trial), but I had such a great time. I'm so sore, and I got such a great work out. I feel great, and I've decided to pursue a Stroller Strides fitness career. Today I went to mommy and baby yoga, with high expectations, only to be disappointed. It was basically like a mom's group. We only did 15 minutes of yoga, and the rest of the time everyone was just "sharing" their concerns, questions, problems, suggestions, etc. It would have been great if I was looking for a new mommy group, but I actually wanted to do yoga. Hence my decision to do Stroller Strides instead. I'm going to shoot for 5 days a week. I'll let you know how that goes. Tonight we had one of Jade's high school friends, Andrea, and her baby, Taylor over for dinner. Peyton finally made a friend who wears bows as big as she does. They were instant friends!

girly-girls

(we didn't even make them hold hands- they did that all themselves)

It was really fun, the girls loved each other (as much as 2 and 4 month olds can), and we had a nice dinner. Just my luck, she lives almost 5 hours away. That was sad news. Also, I have to acknowledge another issue. Many of you skeptics said that as soon as I had a baby that I would forget about Tink and she would become just a "dog". Well I would just like to inform you that you were all wrong. Tink is my baby, just the same as always. She is my First baby, Peyton's big sister, and she's not a "dog". Okay, so she is a dog, but not in a bad way. I love her so much and I'm happy to say that I did not lose a baby, I gained a second baby. Or however the saying goes. So there :)

Love this baby

Addendum

I forgot to post the best costume of the night. Jeremy, as a friar (monk). For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing him, this shouldn't surprise you at all. Enjoy!

It's still sunny and in the (low) 70's in Portland

It has been quite a week for our little family! Last Monday, Peyton and I joined Peyton's best friend Peyton (and Brittney) for "Baby Time" again, and we had a great time, per usual. Tuesday, we went to the zoo and spent all day outside, in the gorgeous weather. I hate to admit it, but we had more fun than the girls. In fact, they ended up napping the second half of the day. But hey, who says mommies can't have a great time at the zoo?

Feeding the Birds

Who doesn't wear pink dresses to the zoo?

They couldn't quite make it

Wednesday we did errands, and as you all saw, we made a quick stop to pierce Peyton's ears (by the way, they still look darling, and even though I cried, I'm still so glad I did it). We also had lunch with a new friend I made through a mommy group. She just moved here from Australia! Thursday we had the Janecks over for dinner, then the Thelin men came over to watch BYU get eaten up by TCU. It was a little pathetic and a lot embarrassing. No offense. Friday we went to Sir Justin and Lady Ashley's for a Renaissance party. True to form, Ashley went all-out. The house was incredible, the party was super fun, and Jade and I got to meet a bunch of really fun people. Peyton also dressed up for the occasion, although she slept through the whole party.

Our little lady

The Neffs, Thelins, and Thelins (the other Thelins left before the photog frenzy)

Not to brag, but I did win the "bulls-eye" award for Most Authentic costume

Peyton and Aunt Kris

Remind you of Ren Fair?

Saturday we ran errands and ended up hanging out at Jade's parents' for awhile. So, not to rub it in to those of my friends that aren't as fortunate as me, but I really was blessed with great in-laws. I don't know many other girls who would actually enjoy hanging out with their husband's parents on a Saturday (or any other) night. Sunday Jade taught his first lesson (he's the 16 and 17 year old's Sunday School teacher). He did a great job, of course, and they all loved him. I missed almost the whole lesson because Peyton wanted me to walk her to sleep, so I did cardio around the building. Yesterday Peyton and I went to her first gymnastics class. She was so happy the entire time, smiling and laughing. She's a natural! It was really fun, and great to get to know some other moms around here. I'm adjusting to the whole not knowing anyone thing. It's nice to have (basically) Jade's whole family here, but other than that, my friends are limited to a few. I really miss my Utah friends. I have made some fun freinds here, but it's not the same as all my young friends who are in a similar phase of life as I am. Most of our friends here are a bit older, with many more kids (like 4 or 5), which is fine, but different. It's not the same as just calling up my old friends and going somewhere spur of the moment. It's a lot easier to get out of the house with just one baby than having to take 4 or 5 kids out and about. I really miss all you girls. And I'm sad that I'm not going to be around for you guys when you have your babies in the next couple months! Hopefully I make more friends who are a little younger and more mobile.

They love each other

Guess what we did...

A PREVIEW

Well, I did it. I pierced my baby's ears. Those of you who know me well won't be surprised at all, because I've always wanted to have a beautiful little girl with painted nails and itty-bitty diamond studs in her ears. So, I had the oh-so-beautiful little girl, painted those nails, and the only thing I had left to do was bring myself to take her to get her ears pierced. I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 7, because my mom is old-fashioned (in her own words), but if it would have been up to my dad, I would have had them pierced before leaving the hospital (he served a mission with Latinos, who pierce baby girls' ears before they can lift their little heads up). So as long as I can remember, I've wanted to do just that. It took me a little while to work up the courage to do it, since I knew she was going to be unhappy with me afterwards, but with a little encouragement from a few friends who whole-heartedly believe in early piercing, I decided to "just do it" yesterday while I was running errands. I figured it's best to do it before she's old enough to play with the earrings and infect them, and also before she's old enough to remember the pain. Hey, you never hear grown men talking about how bad circumcision was, and that's got to be a million times worse than a little piercing! Anyway, as the saying goes "it hurt me more than it hurt her". Kind of like shots, or heel pricks. I cried, she gave a little jump when it happened "what was that!", then pouted a little bit, I nursed her right away, and by the time she was full, she had forgotten about the whole thing. Before I knew it, she was asleep in her car seat, and that's the end of it. She doesn't grab at her ears, they're not red anymore, and she doesn't seem to be bothered by them at all. And it looks adorable, if I don't say so myself.

This picture was right after

(She's trying to get her thumb under her binkie to suck it)