Kevin and Sabrina

Merry Christmas!

2012-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Mason and I got to spend the week before Christmas is Burns with my family. We got see the whole family, even though we only got to spend about 12 hours with Skye, Becca and the boys. We came home on the 23rd, Kevin got off the boat on the 24th and we got to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Daddy and his family. He went back to work the morning of the 26th. We are blessed that we get to see him over Christmas but wish his trips home could be for a little longer!

We had a great trip to Burns! Mom cooked us an early Christmas dinner...yes food was definitely a highlight of the trip! Ham, potatoes, raspberry jello, hot chocolate, sugar cookies, raspberry cream pie...all the Root family holiday favorites! Even though I have all the recipes, everything is better when my mom makes it!

We took pictures under the tree in our matching elf jammies and opened the presents from the name drawing. Mason drew Auntie Shey and got her a new pair of Toms. Balen drew Mason and got him a super cute Radio Flyer Scooter! We love it!

Cousins!

Loves from cousin Bryce!

Kisses for Balen Boy! (Mason adores Balen...poor Balen gets smothered but it is pretty darn cute!)

We made it home...just in time for Santa to come to the Maki house! We had to wake Mason up at 7:30...he wasn't quite sure what to think about opening presents!

He loved his new red wagon from Grandma Jana and Grandpa Andy!

Daddy bought him his first baseball mitt...he would have just played with this all day!

Half asleep...playing catch!

Santa brought Mason a Tow Mater power wheels! At first he wasn't quite sure how to drive it...but now he zooms all over the house and absolutely loves it!

After opening presents at home we went to Grandma and Grandpa's for breakfast and more presents! Mason got a new red bike! He has some growing to do but he sure loved it!

We ended our busy day with Christmas dinner at Aunt Vienna's house! We had a such a wonderful day and are so blessed with such great families! We truly have so much to be thankful for!

Holidays!

2012-01-16T11:45:00.001-08:00

Pictures of my sweet boy throughout some holiday events!

Happy Thanksgiving! We spent thanksgiving with Kevin's family, we had a wonderful dinner at his parents house! And this year daddy got to be home!

Daddy giving Mason a horsey ride! Love these two!

Merry Christmas!

Love my boy!

Elf Jammies!

Ward Party!

Breakfast with Santa! Obviously not a fan of Santa...

All better...just wanted to play basketball!

The book he got from Santa...quite appropriate!

Mason's visit(s) to Burns!

2012-01-16T11:32:00.001-08:00

Mason had so much fun spending time with my family in Burns. He got to go for a week in September and a week in November! I missed him so much but was happy it was two weeks less of daycare and gave mom some much needed time to catch-up on homework!

He got to play in the snow with the girls!

He loves his Auntie Sayge (and Auntie Shey Shey!)...he loves spending time with them!

Mason and Grandma! Love these two so much! Mason sure is lucky to have such great grandparents!

This last picture was from back in September. This was Mason's last picture with Sadie Girl. My parents dog passed away in October. We had Sadie for a long time and she was definitely part of the family! We all miss her!

Thank you to my mom, dad and sisters for taking Mason for a few weeks! He had so much fun!

Johnson Great-Grand-Kids!

2012-01-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

We took pictures of all the kiddos for Grandpa Corkey for Christmas! These are his five great-grand-kids! It was quite an adventure getting five kids to sit still and look at the camera! This is the best we got!

Mason (18months), Kendall (4) Tanner (6) Cody (3) and Emma (2)!

Cody Jo - such a sweet boy!

The boys <3

The Jackson Crew!

October's BIG Blessing!

2012-01-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

We found out that Mason is going to be a BIG BROTHER! We kept it a secret until we mailed out our Christmas Cards...

We are due July 1st...

Our baby bug...can't wait to meet him/her!

I am certainly showing much much much faster this time! We told everyone when I was about ten weeks, the picture above is when I was eight weeks! We couldn't have kept it a secret much longer!

This is at 14 weeks! Hopefully I slow down a bit and don't get as big as last time!

We are going to a new doctor in Longview, WA. We love him! He has been so awesome! We are praying for a much better birth experience then we had with Mason. It is a bigger hospital and we just have a much better feeling! We get to find out if its a little brother or little sister on February 1st (two weeks!!!) and I CANNOT wait!

Kevin and I are both leaning towards boy... I feel the exact same as I did with Mason. I haven't been sick...just hungry and tired! I am 16 weeks now and starting to get back some energy. I would love to have a little girl in our home at some point! But we will be happy with a healthy baby!!!

October 2011

2012-01-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

We managed to fit in some fun fall activities! We had a beautiful October (NO RAIN!) and got lots of outside playtime, pumpkin patch fun and trick-or-treating with clear skies!

My sweet boy is growing up too fast! He love his swing-set and likes the big-boy swing these days!

Mason and Trigg at the pumpkin patch! Chels and I took the boys to Roloff Farms (Little People Big World). We had such a fun day! Topped off with a yummy dinner and pumpkin pecan cheesecake to-go from the Cheesecake Factory!

Mason playing on the pumpkins!

Our boys at the pumpkin patch in 2010 and 2011 - they are two months apart and its been so much fun watching them grow-up together!

Mason and Trigg at the ward Trunk-or-Treat. Mason had two costumes this year...I decided to make him a warbler costume (yes...I love Glee!). He was the cutest little warbler!

He was also a little dinosaur on actual Halloween. We did the down-town trick-or-treating with Chelsey and Trigg. It was super crowed but the boys had fun! Then we hit up a few family members and came home early to hand out candy and wait for Daddy to get home!

Got my candy...ready to go!

Hmmm...what do we have in here?!

Mason with his pumpkins (and football that he wouldn't put down)!

September 2011

2012-01-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

September was filled with service, baseball, rafting, football and family!

Mason and I going to a football game! He LOVES football (really all sports!) - keeping him off the field is a challenge but it is so fun to watch him cheer and his absolute excitement about the game!

We had the Vinson (Grandma Root's Side) Family Reunion in Shady Cove, OR in September. I had class that weekend, so Mattea was a life saver and watched Mason while I went to school then we headed south. We went rafting on the Rouge and got to meet some of Grandma's family! We had a great but quick trip... Mason went back to Burns with Grandma and Grandpa after the Reunion and got to spend a week there! He had such a great time! And I was so thankful that my parents were able to help out!

Mason and Trigg during our stake wide service project! It's amazing how unproductive you can be when you have a one year old to chase around - but we went and tried to serve!

A highlight of the month was taking Mason to his first Mariners game! He LOVED it! We went with Auntie Erin and Josh! They live just outside of Seattle. We took the ferry over to the game and had such a great time! It was beautiful weather and we had an awesome trip!

Road Block...

2012-01-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

I am attempting to back-track and cover the past five months of the Maki Family! Things have been a little crazy around here... The biggest road block and time consumer has been SCHOOL! As of December 16th...I officially completed my Masters in Teaching! And I became a licensed teacher on December 27th!!! WooHoo!!! It has been a LONG and EXHAUSTING 18 months but I am so happy to be done and can't thank my family enough for all their support!

The teaching license!

My little family at my thesis defense...what a relief it is to be finished!

Knappa Days - Mower Races!

2011-08-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

We made it to the annual Knappa Days lawn mower races and logging show after church last Sunday. Mason LOVED it! It was my first logging show. It is pretty amazing that talent some of those men (and women) have!

It was fun watching Kev's buddies race! Nick and Kevin Bartlett both did well!

Girls Weekend!

2011-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

August 20th was a weekend that we all needed a get-away! My mom and sisters decided to drive up to the coast and spend the weekend with Mason and I. We spent Friday in Longview doing some school shopping. We also went to a movie, The Help (which was really good!) Mason lasted for about half of the movie (he was strapped in his stroller). Then Auntie Shey took him while we finished the movie.

Saturday we went to the Knappa Days Parade. The girls loaded up on candy! Then we headed to town had lunch at the Urban, hit up the Seaside outlets and then had dinner (corn dogs) on the beach! Mason loved playing in the freezing cold water! It was a beautiful night and great weekend with my mom and sisters. Wish they could have stayed longer...

Balen Boy's first trip to the BEACH!

A little sand with our dinner!

Yummy Pronto Pups!

Home.Sweet.Home

2011-08-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

It has been nice being home!

We had our 15 month check-up. Mason weighed in at 23 lbs. 31.5 inches and his head is off the charts (just barely)!

We had a BBQ with the Wells and the Timmermans. It was fun to catch up and get the boys together!

Grandpa took Mason up on Uncle Gordon's skidder! He loved it!

Mason is loving his new basketball hoop! Thanks Grandma Jana!

Mason is full of kisses and still loves bath time!

He has no fear and loves playing with his daddy - they sure scare mom sometimes!

He loves throwing ANYTHING! Especially rocks to the puppies at the creek!

We hate it when it comes time for Daddy to go back to work!

We only get our binky at bed time/nap time. We give our binky to Mickey when its time to get up!

Our exception to the rule is on Sunday's. Mason NEEDS (or Mom NEEDS) the binky to survive three hours of church (right in the middle of nap time)!

He is changing so much! He is starting to say a few more words and make lots of animal sounds. I feel like he is a sponge and learns multiple new things every day! It is so much fun! He is such a sweet boy and such a blessing to our family!

ALASKA - Mason and Kasyn

2011-08-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

It was so fun getting our boys together! They are eight months apart and Kasyn is getting mobile enough that Mason will actually "play" with him! They took baths together, played with Kasyn's (and Peanut's) toys. Mason taught Kasyn some bad habits - playing with the dog toys and dumping out the dogs water! We went swimming - Kasyn wasn't too pleased at first but ended up loving it! We went on walks and went grocery shopping! Mason gave Kasyn TONS of kisses! And loved pushing him around in his walker. They are so darn cute together! I just love these two boys!

A lot of these are phone pictures so don't mind the poor photo quality!

ALASKA - The Adkins Family

2011-08-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

After a few days in Anchoarge we headed up to Soldotna to visit Andy, Amaya and Baby Kasyn. Amaya has been my best friend since we were little girls. She and her husband moved to Alaksa almost two years ago and we were so excited to go visit!

Our only group picture down in Homer, AK. It was beautiful down there and one of our only days with good weather!

Homer, AK

Love my boys!

Kevin with his first silver on the Kenai. We went at a bad time for fishing =( Unfortunately we were right between Salmon runs and we had a bad day halibut fishing too. But they boys were able to catch a few salmon and it didn't stop them from going every night we were there. They would stay out til dark every night - which in Alaska was about midnight!

We went on a chartered halibut trip. Lets just say we were hoping for a MUCH better day! Amaya got sick (because it was super rough!), the fish pictured above was one of the biggest caught! We caught more sharks then halibut. None of us got our limit and we had to throw back all the fish Kev and I caught because they were too small. Our guide said it was the worst day of fishing he had ever had! (And he had been a guide for 11 years...) The day then took an even faster turn for the worst - we came home and I started to not feel very good either. I actually miscarried our baby that night. It was a very hard night (and week). It is an awful feeling. I am doing much better now. We have tried to keep in perspective that these things all happen for a reason. We were not very far along and I am grateful that it happened sooner rather then later in the pregnancy. We tried to not let it put a major damper on the rest of our trip. And I was very grateful to have the love and support of my husband and our good friends.

Kevin halibut fishing!

Early morning of fishing...

The Time Bandit's (Deadliest Catch) crab pods.

Amaya and I had such a great time just hanging out with our baby boys! It was so nice to catch up and not feel rushed to visit knowing we only have a few hours. We have sure missed them since we got home! Alaksa was a fun place to visit but I hope they will be closer to home at some point!

ALASKA - The Dunbar's

2011-08-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I started out our 3rd wonderful year of marriage with a ten day trip to Alaska! Our first stop was in Anchorage. We stayed with some family friends, Bill and Jackie Dunbar. My parents were also able to come up for a few days. We had a great time visiting them.

A few highlights:

Kevin (somewhat) overcame his fear of flying. Dunbar took him up in the supercub (pictured later - white and red two-seater). After that flight he decided that flying wasn't too bad. Still not his favorite thing but its progress...

Celebrating our Anniversary with an awesome dinner at the Dunbar's. They even surprised us with a cake!

Our wonderful hosts with my family!

We sure love my parents!

Mason with Grandma and Granpda. Behind them is the lake the Bill and Jackie live on the their float plane. It is such a beautiful home and the view is breath-taking.

We drove up to see a glacier but the weather was AWFUL! So instead we went to a museum. Mason had a great time running around and listening to all the animal sounds. We also got to watch a neat video about how glaciers are formed.

Mason got to play basketball - which always makes him a happy boy!

Our family by the float plane. Bill took Kev and I and my parents up for a ride while Jackie kept Mason one morning. Mason feel in love with Jackie - and I think I can say it was a mutual feeling!

The super cub - Kevin's first ride in small plane! Bill took me up as well and my dad got to have some flying lessons! We got to see moose and the awesome scenery of Alaska!

Kevin and I on the float plane. We went out over the Cook Inlet then up to see Knik Glacier. It was gorgeous!

These are pictures of Knik Glacier. I wish the pictures did it justice. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. The colors were unreal.

We had such an awesome time visiting the Dunbar's. They were great hosts and it felt so good to relax and not worry about homework! The weather was not overly cooperative - but we are used to the rain and really enjoyed our trip!

After a few days in Anchorage Bill had one of his friends fly us to Soldotna where we met up with the Adkin's Family...

Root Family Photo Session

2011-08-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mom decided to just do the "kids" at home and the grandkids for the annual Root family Christmas cards this year. So we all were together over a weekend in July so we decided to seize the opportunity and try to get a few photos. These are the favorites... It was sure hard trying to get six little ones to cooperate and even look at the camera - let alone smile =) And Auntie Shey was a trooper!

Another week...Another Project!

2011-07-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

We bought a six dollar pool...

Already got our money's worth.

Even jumped in a few times FULLY clothed!

We dug up the yard.

Bought a trailer load of bark dust.

Unloaded it in the pouring rain (and it stopped as soon as we finished!)...

Got covered in DIRT and MUD!

Tried to drive the lawn mower!

And finally finished... Thanks Uncle Beve for the help!

4th of July...

2011-07-12T20:52:00.001-07:00

The 4th was a long hard day. One I wish we didn't have to go through... The night of the 3rd Grandma Betty (Kevin's Grandma) suffered a massive stroke. She was in recovery from a triple by-pass surgery. Unfortunately, she is not going to make it. We drove up to OHSU and spent the morning saying our goodbyes while Grandpa Corkey and thier kids met with the doctors and made the final decisions. She is still holding on, but they don't think she will last much longer. While we all know death is a part of our heavenly father's plan it doesn't make it any easier... Kevin's grandparents are such wonderful people and we are so blessed to have them in our lives.

When we got home we went over to Chris and Tera's house and BBQ'd and watched the kids do fireworks. It was a good end to a hard day.

I watched the kids later that week and Kendall was so sweet as she told me that Grandma Betty was going to heaven to live in Jesus' house. I love the innocence of children. We sure do love those Jackson kids!

Fun on the River!

2011-07-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

We spent the day on the river with Nick and Jess and the boys. We all had a great time...And brought home enough sand to make our own sandbox! And we had a diaper full of sand the morning after... Mom is adjusting to all the sand that goes along with living on the coast!

We love beautiful days on the beach!

Meeting Mr. Balen!

2011-07-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

We got to head to Burns and meet Baby Balen on the 20th. We got to stay for ten days! We had a great trip.

Mason had a sleepover with the girls!

We went to Hines Park for lunch and playtime!

We also went to the swimming pool and played in the outdoor pool =)

We took 4th of July pictures!

We gave Balen lots of kisses and loves! We had a great time visiting everyone! We checked hay with Grandpa and had fun in Grandma's yard. Another great trip... Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Father's Day!

2011-07-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

We spent Father's Day at Grandpa Roger and Grandma Laura's house. The boys all went fishing that morning and we had a BBQ that afternoon. It was a fun day and we sure are grateful we got to spend it with Daddy! Kevin is such a great Dad. Mason and I are lucky to have him! We love you Daddy!

Daddy and Mason
Mason and Grandpa (And Drake and Molly)

"Oh No!"

Kendall went over-board!

Watch out Mason is driving!

Mason's cousins playing in the boat!

Baby Balen!

2011-07-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

Our third nephew was born on June 17th at 4am, Balen Daniel Cary. He was 7 lbs 15 oz and 20 1/4 inches long. My sister, Sheryden, had a long labor and ended up having a c-section after hours of pushing. Our family doesn't seem to have good luck or "easy" labors! However, everyone is healthy and we all love the new little man in the family! We weren't able to be at the hospital but we drove to Burns on Monday the 20th and stayed for 10 days! We got lots of snuggle time and took lots of pictures!

Mason was indifferent to Balen. He was never mean or jealous but did try to play "catch" a few times. He wasn't sure why Balen didn't throw things back. Mason gave him lots of kisses and it was sure sweet!

Tim McGraw!

2011-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Mason and Kev got me tickets to the Emotional Traffic Tour (Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry) for my birthday and Mother's day. The concert was June 17th. We had a great time! They all put on a great show! We went with Beve and Jordan. It was a late night... We got home at 1am and I had to be up for class at 4am! Saturday was one LONG day of classes! Thanks again for the tickets babe!

The Band Perry - She has such an AMAZING voice!

Luke Bryan - My husband fell in love. He was awesome!

And the highlight of the night...Tim McGraw <3

The Wells Boys!

2011-06-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

We finally got together with Jack and Logan this afternoon. It has been a long few months for all of us! The weather was a little yucky (imagine that!) so we went to Port of Play. The boys had a great time! I can't believe how fast they are all growing up! We missed our friend Trigg and can't wait until he is back!

Mason's First Boat Ride!

2011-06-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Daddy took us out for the first time on the new boat! It was windy and rough but Mason LOVED the bumpy ride! And mommy LOVED the cover!

Daddy Day Care!

2011-06-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Kevin and Mason have been spending alot of time together the past few weeks. They have so much fun together! Mason loves his Daddy!

We've learned to climb on everything!

This is the one and only picture I have of his four top teeth - and you still can't really see them well.

Kisses for Daddy!

Wake Up Daddy!

Bike Rides with Daddy!

Mason loves his trailor!

Finally Meeting Baby Kasyn!

2011-06-13T16:49:00.001-07:00

Amaya flew home for a few weeks and we got to make the trip over to Burns for Memorial Day Weekend! It was so great to finally meet Kasyn! I wish we didn't live so far apart...it would be so fun having our boys grow up together. Kasyn is adorable and such a happy boy! Mason didn't really give Kasyn the time of day - he was too busy doing other things. We get to visit them in Alaska in August, it will be fun when they are both mobile!

Me with the boys!
Mason and Kasyn!

Sarah and Ben, Me and Mason and Amaya and Kasyn!

Mason with Grandma and Grandpa!

Grandpa feeding Mason ice cream...

Mason meeting Dusti for the first time!

Amaya, Sarah, Kacey, Dusti and I...so good to catch up with old friends!

Mason playing in Grandpa and Grandma's rocks! He loved them! It was good to be home and to see Amaya. She has been my best friend forever and I sure do miss having her around! It was a great trip but had a bad ending. Once we made it home we were sure happy to get here and see Daddy!

Vegas and GLEE!

2011-06-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

My little sister, Sheyanne, called a couple months ago and asked me to go with her to Vegas so she could see Glee Live. Of course, I said YES! (After making sure my in-laws could watch Mason...). It was a really quick trip but we had a GREAT time! We literally tried to see all of Las Vegas in about 8 hours - I've never walked so much in my life! The strip is MASSIVE! These are a few of the highlights:

View from the eiffel tower...

On top of the Stratosphere...

The BIG SHOT!

So MUCH FUN!

The Venetian...we wanted to go on a gondola ride but the wait was too long.

The wax museum!

This was the highlight for my husband (he was at work) but we met Pete Rose and he signed a baseball for Kev. Kev was pretty stoked!

The show was the highlight of the day! We loved it! I would definitely recommend it to anyone that watches the show...=)

GLEE Live!

We also saw some dolphins, rode the roller coaster at New York, New York, went through a ridiculous amount of casinos looking for things, ate some fabulous frozen yogurt and had a great buffet dinner at Mandalay Bay! I put $20 in a slot machine just to say I did - what a waste of money! And its not even fun... Vegas was crowed and dirty BUT we had a great time and it was nice to see the sun for a change =) Thanks for the fun trip Shey!

Kev turns the big 26...

2011-06-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

And it was the longest night EVER! Kev had gotten off the boat that afternoon and we were going to take him to his favorite resturant, The Ship Inn. We got there and their deep fryer engine had went out. They had a new one on the way and said it would be about 45 minutes. Kev totally had his heart set on seafood so we decided to wait it out. An hour later the deep fryer was still broke and we were all tired and hungry! It is now past 8 pm and we decide to go to the Supper Club. The only seating they have is up in the loft...it is 100 degrees up there. Mason is exhausted and hungry and sick of being in a high chair. We finally get our food at about 9 pm... I don't even get to eat because I am chasing around a tired cranky baby boy. So basically the night was a total failure... but Happy Birthday Kev! We sure do love you and felt terrible that your birthday dinner was such a let down!

The lemon cupcakes I made for after dinner...

My tired, hot boys at dinner!

Mother's Day!

2011-06-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

I was thankful to have my Mom here on Mother's Day. I also was thankful to have my husband home and get to celebrate Mom's and our sweet son's birthday with his family. Mason and Kev got me a sweet card and tickets to a Tim McGraw Concert in June. The tickets were a birthday/mother's day present. I am so EXCITED! The concert is now only a week away...

Mason playing on the air mattress, where Sayge and Shaylee slept. He is such a happy boy. And I LOVE being his mommy. I can't wait until that is my full-time job again. He is truly the greatest blessing and joy in my life!

Our family getting ready to leave for church on Mother's Day.

This is what myself, my siblings and my dad got my mom for Mother's Day. She had been wanting an updated picture of the Oakland Temple (where they were married). It of course say "The Root Family, Established in 1981." My mom loved it! I am so grateful for her and the example that she has been in my life. She is the best mom in the world and we are so lucky to have her!

Mason turns ONE!!! (Family Party...)

2011-06-11T11:40:00.001-07:00

I can't believe a year has gone by... We had Mason's "real" party on Mother's Day. Mostly because I thought I was going to be at class on his birthday. He did get a whole weekend full of celebrating though! We had a BBQ at our house on Sunday afternoon. The weather was nice so the kids got to play outside...YAY!

We started things off with the invite!

The Birthday BOY!

The decorations...

The FOOD!

Party Hats and Drinks!

Mason's Birthday Cake...(my attempt at a paw print!)

Everyone elses Cupcakes!

Table full of goodies...=)

Family over to celebrate!

Candles! (well one candle...)

Diggin in...he actually hated this part. The only time he cried all afternoon. He must be a clean freak like mom and dad - cause he sure didn't like the frosting all over his fingers!

The kiddos after cake...

Opening presents with Daddy!

Mason had a great time and is all set for summer with beach toys and swim suits (We have five now!). I had fun planning and decorating. I wish I could do that stuff for a living... I might not be the best but I sure love being crafty!

Wish I would have gotten more pictures but putting on a party is hard work and you stay busy the whole party! Thanks to my Mom and Shery for all their help! Couldn't have done it without you two...

Mason turns ONE!!! (Actual Birthday...)

2011-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Mason turned one on Saturday, May 7th. I had class that day...BUT my awesome professors let me stay home to celebrate with my baby boy. My mom and three of my sisters got to come and stay for the weekend. I was so happy they got to come! We started started the day out with some chocolate chip pancakes...

At first Mason wasn't too sure what to think... but after a few bites he devoured them. Mas spent the rest of the morning playing with his aunties while everyone helped me get ready for the party on Sunday.

That night we took Mason out to dinner. We went to the Wet Dog... Dinner was yummy! And I was grateful I didn't have to cook =)

Love our little family...

Mason and Grandma!

Mason and Auntie Erin...she got to come down for the weekend too! We love having her only a few hours away...

Birthday Boy and Auntie Shery (And Baby Balen...) I love this picture! Shery is now PAST her due date. Poor girl... I know she is beyond ready for Balen to get here. I think he is waiting for Auntie Nena =)

Mason turns ONE!!! (Friends Party...)

2011-06-11T11:06:00.001-07:00

My friend Hannah had a great idea to try cakepops! They turned out super cute...but not nearly as easy as the look!

We got the boys together and had a little play date at the Port of Play! The boys had a great time!

Mommy and my birthday boy...=)

Mason and Trigg playing with a car...

Mason and Tug eating their yummy cake pops!

I sure do love my sweet boy and can't believe he is already a year old!

This is why...

2011-06-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

...I have been MIA for a month! This is my work sample (first of two I have to complete for my Master's). It covers a unit I taught on Citizenship. I am officially done! (With spring term...) I have classes over the summer and one more student teaching experience in the fall. Then I will be done with my MAT!!! WooHoo! I am literally counting down the days...

It was 97 pages of "my work" and then at least another 100 pages of student assessments and work samples. Well over 200 pages of STUFF! Blah...so happy to be done! I have been a grouch. I don't always handle stress well...=/ And my poor husband has wanted to kill me the last few weeks. But I took him out to the Ship Inn last night, his favorite seafood place. He and my in-laws have been such a huge help. I couldn't have gotten it done without them!

We have a one year old...

2011-05-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Mason turned one on May 7th! We had a fabulous weekend full of celebrating! I have been crazy busy with school and the end of the term is quickly approaching! I promise I will post pictures from his party soon. But for now here is a collage of his first year... I can't believe how quickly the past year has gone!

We love you Mason!

We love our little bunny!

2011-04-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I know I am a mass blogger - my son has been sleeping for three hours so I thought I would catch up! Last one of the day - I promise!

I took pictures of Mason with his Easter basket from Grandma Jana today - figured that I way I might actually be on time to church in the morning...wish me luck!!!

Mason made his cute bunny ears at Akiko's house on Friday! She is great! I am sure glad we have a good place to take him while I finish my student teaching!

Kevin's....

2011-04-23T13:16:00.002-07:00

Birthday, Father's Day, Anniversary, Christmas and ANY other holiday or event that requires a gift, present!!! We bought a boat! Ecstatic does not fully describe Kevin... I honestly have never seen him so excited! We are excited to go fishing this summer with Daddy!! And I am SUPER excited that our new boat has a cover! Come visit and we'll take you fishing on the river...

Sleeping...(Fingers Crossed!!!)

2011-04-23T13:12:00.001-07:00

Mason read mom's book - and must have taken notes! We've slept through the night for FIVE nights in a row!!! I hope I'm not jinxing his success... Keep it up baby boy!!!

This is during a three hour nap after a LONG day of playing outside! So sweet!!!

SUNSHINE!!!

2011-04-23T12:55:00.001-07:00

We love our new swing-set and we LOVE that the SUN came out! Molly and Mason have become best buddies! I knew as soon as Mason learned to throw the ball for her they'd be the best of friends! I love watching them play together. It is priceless! Trigg came out on a sunny day and got to play fetch too (although Mason was a ball hog!). I love being able to play outside - looking forward to (and praying) for a NICE summer!

Emmett's Easter Event!

2011-04-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Our community put on a fundraiser event for Emmett last Sunday. It was an easter egg hunt for the kiddos and then a spaghetti dinner and auction! It was so much fun! There was a great turn-out. We got to play with alot of our friends and the dinner and auction were a huge success! Mason and I helped with the live auction. The total raised for the day was almost $47,000!!! What a blessing for Emmett and his family... It was a truly touching day. I am so happy that we were able to be a part of it! The group of people that put on the event are amazing examples to us all!

Mason was scared of the Easter Bunny - so mom had to be in the picture too!

Searching for eggs...

Getting kisses from Tug!

Tug's "mean mug" face! Haha cracks me up!

Madison, Mason and the Easter Bunny! Madi is such a sweetheart - and adores Mason!

Some of the kiddos at the easter egg hunt!

Birthday Present!

2011-04-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

After three full days of work...

Six emptied boxes...

LOTS of parts of pieces...

Help from Uncle Beve and Grandpa Roger...

Daddy finally got Mason's birthday present put together! And just in time for our first week of sunshine - since October! Thanks for all your hard work Daddy! Mason LOVES it!!!

Daddy's Boy...

2011-04-11T22:06:00.001-07:00

Kev went back to work the end of March. It has been hard for Mason (and Mommy) having him gone! We're grateful he is working again but it was sure nice having him home every night for three months. He loves spending time with Mason and misses him so much when he is gone. We finally had a few sunny days and Mason helped Daddy mow our yard! They are so cute together!

Napping on Daddy... Kev hates hearing Mason cry so he spoils him rotten! We have had a fair share of disagreements over Mason's sleeping issues. Kev drives me crazy sometimes - but at the end of the day it is so sweet how much he loves our baby boy!

Knappa - Burns - Boise - Burns - Knappa!

2011-04-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Spring break was a week long trip from home to Burns to Boise, back to Burns and then finally home again! It is a very good thing Mason is a GREAT traveler! We had a great time visiting my family. Grandma Jana got to spend some quality time with Mason while I did a LOT of lesson planning! (I started my student teaching the Monday after Spring Break!) Grandpa Andy took us out to see the baby calves and show us his new investments. We had Auntie Shery's baby shower, which turned out great! And we were excited we got to go to Boise and see Skye and Becca's beautiful new home and spend time with our cousins!

Play Time!

2011-04-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we got together with Hannah and Tug! Tug just found out he is going to be a big brother! We went out to lunch to celebrate and then headed to port of play to let the boys have some fun!

B is for Balen!

2011-04-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

We started with an invitation...

a mommy - to - be...

friends and family... food and drinks...

yummy cupcakes...

games and gifts...

(Mason didn't quite understand how to play...)

And we ended the night with a beautiful, "B" filled, shower for Auntie Shery and Baby Balen!

We had a great turn-out! Shery got so many cute things for Baby Balen. We can't wait to finally meet him... We missed Auntie Shey (...who was in Boston! Yes, I am seriously jealous!) and Auntie Becca! A big thanks to Brittnee, Mom and Christy for all their help with the shower! A big thanks to Tamra for making the cupcakes! And a big thanks to my dear friend Chelsey for helping me make everything!!!

It was a hectic evening - wish I would have gotten more pictures but these will have to do!

Growing up too fast...

2011-03-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Mason is looking more and more like a "big" boy. It makes this mommy pretty sad to see him grow up so fast...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time choosing just one picture so here are a few of my sweet boy! Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Catch Up!

2011-03-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been filled with school, meetings, school, visitors, playdates and more school! Kevin has been laid-off since December and he had his first week back. He had meetings in Vancouver all last week - not his favorite thing but we will be happy to have a real pay check! He doesn't go back on the boats for another week...which he is dreading. Mason and Daddy have become pretty close! Kevin going back to work will be hard for both of them.

I am officially half way done with my Master's program - as of yesterday!!! WOOHOO!!! I start my half time student teaching in two weeks - I am nervous but anxious to get started. Nine more months in my program - the count down begins for December 2011!

Mason is busy as ever! He does great pushing his walker but isn't standing or stepping on his own. He is still a picky eater. Squash is the only veggie he will eat - no idea where he got his picky appetite?! We love him more and more every second.

We also had some sad news this month. Kevin's Uncle Dennis passed away. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in January and he passed away on March 1st. It was very quick and very unexpected. He was a wonderful man and we will sure miss him. This is a picture of Dennis with his son Brandon on Superbowl Sunday.

Swimming!

2011-03-13T15:14:00.001-07:00

One perk of living where is rains ten months out of the year - an indoor swimming pool! Mason LOVES the water! He has so much fun whenever we take him swimming. He had a blast swimming with his Aunties when they were here visiting!

Bowling Fun!!!

2011-03-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

My family came to visit last weekend. They brought us half a beef to fill the freezer...YAY! Thank you so much Mom and Dad! We really appreciate it! It was raining (imagine that!?) so we did some indoor activities...we took Sayge and Shaylee bowling for their FIRST time! Erin also came down for a night. She hadn't seen most of my family since our wedding. We had a great time with everyone...

Kevin won the first game!

And I won the second.. my dad wasn't too pleased!

Sayge, she is getting so big (well, tall - she is still tiny)!

Dad, showing off his skills!

Shaylee, she could hardly pick up the ball!

Sayge giving Mom tips...

Watching...

Our family...

Auntie Erin! Thanks for coming down to visit...

Mason with Grandma and Grandpa...

Mason with Auntie Shey - I love this picture!

The girls had a great time!

After bowling we ended up taking Mason to Urgent Care - only to find he did indeed have an ear infection. Our first one! He hadn't been sleeping for two weeks. We thought it was his teeth - because he had no other symptoms. The poor guy had an ear infection - he is always such a happy baby I had no idea he was sick. I felt terrible for making him suffer for almost two weeks! He has been on antibiotics for over a week now and is doing much better! And mom is finally getting some sleep - THANK GOODNESS!!!

Funny Face!

2011-03-13T14:26:00.001-07:00

I am behind...this afternoon I am trying to catch up on our blog. Thought I would start with Mason's new favorite face...he is quite the character! We have been without a computer for almost three weeks and yeaterday was my last day of winter term. Between no computer and trying to stay caught up with school we have been SUPER busy! Thank goodness Kevin has been home to help! This extended lock closure couldn't have come at a better time!

Port of Play

2011-02-25T15:50:00.001-08:00

We had a play date with our friends Trigg and Logan today. We went to the port of play in town. The boys are still a little young but we had a lot of fun. Mason was full of expressions! His new thing is to squint! Its quite the face! I didn't get any of the three of them but got a few of my little guy.

Baby Emmett

2011-02-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

A sweet baby boy in our community, Emmett (3 months old), has been diagnosised with an extremley rare kidney disease, Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome. His kidneys are malformed and they are filtering out the proteins into his urine so his body is not absorbing the proteins he needs to grow. His chances are 50/50 but everyone is praying and thinking positive!! There are a few fundraisers going on to help the family with medical costs. I have posted a link for some raffle tickets being sold for a playhouse. Anyone interested please do what you can to help out this family! Most of all he needs all of our prayers. Our ward is fasting this Sunday and I know many other Churches in our community are praying for Emmett and his family. Situations like these truly help you to stand back and count your blessings...a healthy baby boy has been our greatest! We just pray Emmett will be healthy again soon...

http://www.shanedeanco.com/emmett/

Our Sweet Little Valentine!

2011-02-11T15:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

And we went to our nine months doctor appointment this week - here is our little man's stats!

Weight: 19 lbs 10 oz (34th %ile)

Height: 29 inches (74th %ile)

Head: 48 cm (98th %ile)

Mason still has a big noggin...but we just keep reminding him its just lots of brains!

Nine Months Already?!

2011-02-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Mason will be nine months on Monday! I can't believe how fast he is growing. I had to teach my first unit at the high school this week and Kev stayed home and played Mr. Mom. It was a long week! I am really excited to finish school and have my masters but I want to spend every second I can with my little man! He is crawling everywhere, getting into everything and pulling himself up on everything.

He smiles ALL the time!

Loves books!

But still needs mom to read them..."Ummm Mom - I can't read this!"

LOVES bath time! He is definitely a water baby. We went to the pool last week with Jack & Logan and he absoultely loved splashing around in the big pool!

Standing up like a big boy!

We still only have our two teeth...

And we still have a big noggin...

We have our nine months appointment next week - we're excited to see how much he has grown! Not too excited about the shots though...=(

Mason also loves to grunt and is always making noises!

Fishing with Daddy!

2011-02-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

We took Mason down to the creek on a sunny afternoon this week! Mason and Molly had a great time...even though we didn't catch anything! It was a nice walk and great to get outside and soak up some sunshine ( its a rare thing this time of year!).

You're it!

Sure do love these two!

Valentines Play Date!

2011-02-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Mason got together with two of his buddies this week. The boys played while the mommys made valentines! We had a great time - thanks to Chelsey for hosting!!! Trigg and Logan are a couple months younger then Mason...they are still content sitting still! We had to contain Mason a few times so mom could finish her valentine!

Love these boys - too bad my boy refused to look at me!!!

Basketball Games & Bruises

2011-02-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

We went to Burns last weekend to play in the snow and go watch the girls play basketball. Well most of the snow had melted but we decided to go up in the mountains and snowmobile for a bit anyway - BAD IDEA!!! I still am not sure what happened, but I managed to total my dads snowmobile. Kevin watched as a flew off the snowmobile...bounced down the road 60 feet and land next to tree. Meanwhile the snowmobile managed to find that tree as well and went crashing into it. I opened my eyes to a mangled snowmobiled and banged up body! It has been a week and my body is just starting to get over the soreness. The only major damage (besides the snowmobile) were my glasses breaking =( It was a bad day! However, I was very lucky - it could have been so much worse!!!

Grandpa Andy and Mason - watching Sayge play basketball. It is her first year in Park and Rec and we're so glad we got to watch her play!

So grown up...

But still so small!

Sayge made her first basket EVER (in a game...)! And I got it on film - woohoo!!! We were so happy for her =)

We also got to watch Sheyanne play JV basketball - which I didn't take any pictures of. Her team did a great job! During varsity half-time Shaylee got to play basketball with the "little hilanders." She was pretty cute! We had a fun trip - just could have gone without the wreck!!!

Growing.Sick.Boy.

2011-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Mason has been sick the past couple days =( Nothing is worse then a sick baby - I feel so helpless. But he has been changing so much lately!

I finally got a picture of his two teeth!

Trying to climb out of his crib - time to lower the mattress!

Sweet sick baby. He is feeling much better today but still not doing great. Poor guy.

Nothing is safe....

2011-01-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

Mason has been army crawling for a few weeks and rolling everywhere for over a month - but he is now officially crawling! Getting more stable every second! This video was taken a few days ago and its amazing how much faster and stable he already is! Nothing in our home is safe...time to do a little baby proofing!

Winter Wonderland!

2011-01-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

Almost every New Year's for the past 24 years, my family has been in McCall, ID. We always leave a few days after Christmas and stay for five or six days. There is always so much SNOW! We go snowmobiling and ice skating and always have so much fun! Well this year we were unable to make it - but mother nature wanted to make sure we didn't miss it too much. It dumped a few feet of snow in Burns and brought some FREEZING (-17) temperatures. It was so much fun to have snow to play in! (Living on the coast causes major snow withdrawals!) I could have gone for a little warmer weather though!

Mason had his first experience in the snow - which was short lived. WAY to many clothes for little man. He wanted to shed some layers. My smiley boy wouldn't even crack a smile! We went sledding, snowmobiling and went up in the woods and built a big bonfire and roasted hotdogs & marshmellows! We all had so much fun! And thanks to Grandma Jana, Mason got to stay home and stay warm! Next year hopefully he can enjoy the snow =)

Family Time!

2011-01-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

We went to Burns the day after Christmas and got to stay for a week. Overall it was a great trip but my good friend's dad passed away unexpectedly a few days before Christmas and I went to the funeral. It was a hard funeral to go to - 56 is much too young to die.

Auntie Shery gave Mason his first hair-cut! He is getting to be such a big boy!

Mason's loves giving kisses now! He loved seeing his Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles and cousins! We were so grateful we got to go to Burns - just wish dad could have come with us!

Christmas!

2011-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas at home this year. Kev got off the boat Christmas eve and we had dinner at our house that night. His parents, grandparents, Aunt Vienna and cousin Timmy came over. Mason got to open one present (from name drawing on my side). He was so cute. He actually really enjoyed opening gifts, especially the chewing on the bows & paper!

Christmas morning started at our house - opening our gifts to each other and Santa's presents. Kev got me a Flip Video, which I LOVE already! Mason was spoiled by everyone! Toys, a walker and a new bike from Grandma Jana and Grandpa Andy!

Next we headed to Grandma Laura and Grandpa Roger's house to open gifts with them. And have breakfast! Mason is now ready for fishing on the river this summer - beach chair and life jacket! He also got his first set of nerf balls and his own CAT Dump Truck!

Last stop of the day was Christmas Dinner at Uncle Gordon's house. We had prime rib and ham - it was so YUMMY! We headed home early and packed up - Daddy went back to work and Mommy and Mason headed over the mountain to visit Grandma and Grandpa Root!

My boys at Christmas dinner! I didn't take a family picture on our first Christmas =( I was so bummed! But we had a wonderful first Christmas together. We feel so fortunate to have been so blessed this holiday season.

Productive Day!

2010-12-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

Mason and I had a very productive day today! Four batches of cookies, hauling wood, laundry and cleaning up all the messes!

And I wonder why I can't lose that last bit of baby weight?!?

My big helper - in his new favorite toy! Yes, the laundry basket!

And our fire wood - which we can't take all the credit for, our neighbor boy came and helped us haul wood! Good thing we had lots of fresh baked cookies to thank him!

Christmas Card!

2010-12-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Happiest Place on Earth!

2010-12-15T19:09:00.001-08:00

My parents took our family to Disneyland last week. We stayed for six days and it was such a fun trip! It is so beautiful during the holidays! Mason had a GREAT time! He did great on his first plane ride (wish I could say the same for Kev - he is terrified of flying!). Here some of the MANY pictures we took on the trip!

The Castle!

"World of Color" Show - we LOVED it! I highly recommend to everyone that goes!

We spent a day down in SeaWorld. Dad surprised Shey and signed her up to go swimming with the dophins! It was so neat watching her out there! And she was so happy!

Mason's first ride - It's a Small World! He absolutely loved it! He was checking everything out!

Pooh, Tigger and Minnie's nose!

Goofy, Chip, Woody and Donald Duck!

Grandma got a scooter - it was well used by everyone! And so were the strollers... We did so much walking!

Mickey Mouse!

Our little family - having a great time in Disneyland!

Princessess! I love the one of Cinderella hugging Sayge!

Grandma's sister - Aunt Betsey, came down for a few days! It was so good seeing her and Grandma and her had so much fun together!

Eating noses was a common occurance on this trip! I think that was why Mason loved the characters so much! He just wanted to chew on their noses...

The whole group! I love my family!

Rides! Tea cups, Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo!

Matching mouse ears and shirts! My mom got the kids matching shirts on ETSY. They looked so cute!

And the biggest surprise of the trip...KEV RODE THE ROLLER COASTER! My husband is terrified of heights. He told me for the past year that he WOULD NOT ride the scary rides. Well he did - and he loved them! I was so happy because I LOVE the "scary" rides! He had such a good time. It was his and Mason's first trip to Disneyland and they both had a wonderful time (And so did I...)! Thanks to my amazing parents for taking us on such a fun vacation! We made some great memories!

Seven Months!

2010-12-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

Our sweet boy turned seven months on December 7th! We were on our way home from Disneyland that day (I will post about our trip soon!). He is changing all the time and I have a feeling some big milestones are right around the corner! A few of Mason's accomplishments:

Sitting up - quite stable just a few tip-overs (that darn big head...)!
His 1st tooth popped through - (December 12th).
Eating baby food three times a day - LOVES it!
LOVES his sippy cup! We have only tried water but we'll attempt some juice soon!
Only drinking three (sometimes four) bottles a day.
Rolling every where! Grabbing EVERYTHING! And chewing on EVERYTHING!
Getting into a crawling position - but then falling over and not going anywhere.
Not sleeping through the night yet - eats about 4 am (hope this changes soon!).
Waving and playing catch - aka rolling his favorite ball!
Smiling, laughing and giggling constantly! He is such a happy boy - his laugh melts my heart!
Gives the BEST open mouth slobbery kisses EVER!

Mason has such a fun personality. He is so observant and always checking out his surroundings. He is such a blessing in our lives and we love him so much! I have a feeling he will be crawling soon (mom isn't quite ready for that - but dad can't wait!). He has the funniest expressions and is always smiling and laughing! He is our little sunshine - and we need a little sunshine in this gloomy west coast weather!

We love you Mason - thanks for being such a sweet baby boy!

A visit from Auntie Erin...

2010-11-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

My old roommate (and one of my very best friends) just moved back to the west coast with her husband! They have been living in New Orleans and they just moved to Washinton about 3 hours from us! We're so excited to be so close! Her and Josh came down for a visit this weekend and it was great to see them! Mason loved playing with them too!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

2010-11-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

We decorated the house, hung the Christmas lights and put up the tree last week! I will post pictures soon! But for now here is my happy boy - all ready for Christmas time!

We love Grandma Jana's House!

2010-11-29T18:51:00.001-08:00

We went to visit Grandma Jana and Grandpa Andy a couple weekends ago! We had a wonderful trip. I sure love going home and seeing my family =) We made sugar cookies, put up Christmas lights, celebrated mom's birthday (a month early!) and put up the Christmas tree! We got to see Skye, Becca and the boys while we were there too. I went elk hunting with dad, Skye and Glen. Glen shot a spike - that we packed out on horses. It was quite the adventure. Mason and I got to stay for almost a week and it was a much needed visit! While we went to Burns - Kev stayed here and went elk hunting with his family. They killed two bulls - his dad shot a really nice one! I don't have any pics...sorry! I did get a few pics of all the kiddos at Grandma's house though!

Six Month Stats...

2010-11-11T09:43:00.001-08:00

We had our six month appointment yesterday. Mason is doing well...his weight has slowed down due to his lack of interest in his bottle. That darn formula! At least he is really starting to like solids though! But he is healthy and the appointment went great...except the four shots =( Poor little guy!

Weight: 16 lbs 14 oz (37th percentile)
Height: 27 inches (70th percentile)
Head: 18 inches (95th percentile!)

I call him fat-head...my mother says I shouldn't. But he is my little fat-head, the doctor asked if she should be concerned or if big heads run in the family? We told her it is very normal - he has the "Johnson" head!

We love our little fat-head...someday he'll grow into it! Until then we're just a little top heavy!

Six Months Old!

2010-11-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Mason Man turned six months! Time flies... we have our six month appointment on Wednesday so we'll post stats later. But here is our big boy wearing his first tie =)

Miracles do happen...

2010-11-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is my little sister Shery and her husband Jeff. Almost two years ago they were told they wouldn't be able to have children. It was terrible news but Heavenly Father had a different plan in mind - and they are expecting! She is due in June! We are so happy for them - they are going to be wonderful parents! We can't wait to meet the new addition to the Root Family =) I'm guessing girl...Grandma Jana is dying to spoil a little grandaughter. But we will see...

Jumperoo!

2010-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Mason loves his jumperoo and is finally "jumping" in it =) He lights up when he is playing...I love it! Today he is not feeling so good... I wish he was happy and smiling all the time! Hopefully he'll feel better soon so we can get back to play time and smiles!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T15:07:00.001-07:00

Our sweet little pumpkin!

Mason was so happy to have his daddy home...I just love that sweet smile! And both my sweet boys!

Pumpkin Carving!

2010-11-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

We had a pumpkin carving party at Grandma Laura and Grandpa Roger's house! It was fun having all the cousin get together....and the kids LOVED it!

WARNING

2010-11-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our blog is basically my journal so I am about to vent about my terrible week last week! Please don't read on unless you want to join my pathetic pity party.

The week started with a case of mastitis...which was horrible and super painful! I was miserable for a few days (felt like I got hit by a truck!) but then I just had a really sore boob with an infected/plugged duct and my milk supply plummeted. My goal was to pump for six months - well we almost made it! I converted Mason to straight formula and he was actually doing great =) Then on Wednesday I had a doctor appointment in Longview - to get my episiotomy (which six months later still has not healed...) checked and figure out what they can do to "fix" it. I get told that I need to try topical treatments for another month and the next step will be steriod injections... At least I didn't have to get cut open (yet again!). However, this means I have to apply cream to my episiotomy site six times a day and take an antibiotic four times a day (on an emtpy stomach)...awesome! (Hope you can sense the sarcasm...) So after the doctor I decide to stock up on formula for little man. Its amazing how much he goes through these days! Long story short - seven stores later we can't find a single can of his formula. I now have to drive back into town (Astoria) and our Safeway has two cans. I come home and plan on ordering some online - only to find out that his formula got bought out by another company and is no longer being made. REALLY?! Now we have to start back at ground zero and try to find another formula his tummy will tolerate. Just not my week! Not to mention I had class on Saturday (Mason had his first sleepover Friday night...), a TON of homework to do and then Mason got a cold and was not sleeping (still isn't...I think he is trying to get a tooth?!).

In the end all is well...thank goodness. We easily found a different formula which turned out to be a blessing because it costs half as much. I have also officially finshed pumping. The black bag and I said our goodbyes on Sunday night! It is a relief to not be hooked to a pump every three hours! As far as the episiotomy only time will tell... I think #2 may be a c-section! I also survived school - barely! Remind me not to procrastinate...it really does make life much more stressful!!!

That's my sob story of the week. I know there may be TMI - but I wanted to have a record of this ridiculous week and that in the end I did survive (and in the grand scheme of things it really wasn't that bad!). And just to point out this of course all had to happen when my husband was on the boat...always seems to work out that way!

Dreaded Homework...

2010-10-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I need to be doing homework right now but I would rather be blogging (or really doing anything!) I feel like I am in high school again - read the chapter and answer the questions. Only now the chapters are longer, harder and about assessments not an actual subject! And you only have three weeks to read a 300 page book instead of the whole year! I already hate assessments just reading about them - I haven't even had to assess students! UGH...ready for Saturday to get here and be done. Then I can blog about exciting news and pumpkin carving =) Until then back to my book on assessments...=(

Enough with the pictures...

2010-10-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Seriously Mom...?!

I'm ignoring you...

If I could run away from you I would - for now I'll just pretend I am running away!

Cheese Factory

2010-10-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

We took Kev's deer meat down to Tillamook to get the pepperoni made and made a stop at the cheese factory. It was mine and Mason's first time there. The best part was the ice cream - so many yummy flavors! I had such a hard time deciding - went with a scoop of Grandma's Cake Batter (YUMMY!) and a scoop of German Chocolate Cake (Good, but needed a BIG glass of milk!)!

We took this picture for Grandpa Andy - we were teaching Mason that the hay Grandpa makes feeds dairy cows. Even some dairy cows in Tillamook =)

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-17T17:36:00.001-07:00

My good friend Chelsey and I took our boys to the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago. It was so much fun and so worth the trip! We can't wait til next year when our little guys will be running around and will probably enjoy it much more!

Trigg and Mason - our perfect pumpkins!

Mommy and Mason - I sure do love my sweet boy!

Mason's new hobby...(At least that is what dad is hoping for!)

2010-10-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Kev loves hunting! He shot a little three point last week. We are proud of him and YAY for meat. We're actually getting all 40 lbs made into pepperoni sticks =) YUMMY!

Family pic with the buck...Mason was quite fasinated!

I also have a Western Oregon blacktail tag so daddy wanted to take Mason out and "drive around." Mason was pretty happy bundled up in his camo...ready to look for a big buck!

I made Kev stop for some pictures...he wasn't too pleased. But Mason was happy to get outta the truck!

Love these two!

Mason sitting shotgun...he acually rode up front for awhile while I fed him. He loves looking out the windows and being outside! I am sure we are raising a future hunter...=)

Just Because...

2010-10-03T19:28:00.001-07:00

I could take pictures of this sweet boy all day ... every day! Too bad he likes to quit smiling when I pull out the camera!

Mommy's Little Pumpkin

2010-10-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Fall: Back to School and Friday Night Football!

2010-09-27T10:12:00.001-07:00

School & Football - no better words to describe fall time! I started back to school on Saturday. It was a VERY long day but I am excited about my new classes... After a three hour drive and nine hours of school I was able to drive down to Corvallis and meet my cousin Kelsi's new little girl, Alyvia. Kels had her on the 18th - she is a beautiful baby girl and I was so happy I got to meet her! (And snuggle with her - I already miss the newborn stage, they grow so fast!)

And football - I think I may be in trouble. My son loves to watch football all ready. We went to Knappa's game on Friday night. The boys kicked PC's butt - whoohoo! But I took some pics of my little guy while he was watching a football game (that we were recording for daddy). The looks he was giving me are priceless. I think dad may have to fight him for the recliner...he looks pretty darn comfy!

"Mom leave me alone - I'm watching the game!"

"Seriously, Mom..."

And last we have his cute little butt...I love his little jeans! He looks so grown up! Please pay no attention to his balding head - poor baby has a pretty sweet mullet!

My sweet boy...

2010-09-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

I love this little guy so much! I forgot to post his four month stats...he is growing and changing everyday!

Height: 25 inches
Weight: 14 lbs 13 ounces
Head: BIG (Literally its in the 90th percentile...lots of brains! Right?!)

We also had a little scare with formula a few weeks ago...=( Our poor guy had a terrible reaction to some formula. I have been solely pumping since Mason was about six weeks. We had some issues latching on and after six weeks of trying my pump and I become best friends! He has only had my milk - and my little piggy is eating more then mommy is making. So I tried to give him a couple ounces of formula. BIG MISTAKE! We ended up in the E.R. after three hours of throwing up and dry heaving. I am sure it was worse on me...I hated seeing him so sick and helpless. And of course daddy was at work...so after many phone calls to the pediatrcian that night we went to hospital at 1 a.m. and spent about four hours there until he finally stopped puking and held down some breast milk. They don't know why it happened...but he is fine now! And we have found a formula that will agree with his tummy. However, he doesn't like it (I think I may have a picky eater on my hands...don't know where he could have got that from?!). Solution: He gets an ounce or two of formula first - he chokes it down and then he gets the good stuff! I am so sick of pumping but I know it is so good for my baby...so me and my black bag keep at it!

Mommy and Daddy love you Mason Man! Thanks for always making us smile...you are the greatest blessing in our lives.

The season is changing....

2010-09-19T20:18:00.001-07:00

It is officially fall...the rain has started! While I am not a fan of the rain...I do love decorating for the seasons! Mason and I spent Saturday putting out our fall stuff...inside and out!

Now I'm ready to carve some pumpkins and make some yummy fall treats! Better stalk up on pumpkin next time we go to safeway ;)

Can't wait to meet you baby Kasyn....

2010-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Amaya is expecting a little boy in December and we got to throw her a shower while she was home! We had a great turnout...the room was packed! It was fun seeing old friends and catching up! And Baby Kasyn got some great stuff and lots of gift cards for Amaya to go shopping for him in Alaska =)

Our adorable cupcakes made by the amazing Tamra Gunderson! Thanks Again!
Amaya, Kasyn (in her belly), Mason and I...

Cute mommy-to-be...

Sarah, Me and Shyanne with our boys =)

Good Friends...so glad they all made it!

We can't wait to meet you Kasyn...=) You and Mason will be long distance best buddies! We're saving up for a visit to Alaska next summer...YAY!

Harney County Fair

2010-09-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

We went to Burns for the Harney County fair a few weeks ago... We had a great time! It was a good thing we brought lots of clothes - it was 34 degrees one morning and got to about 80 the next day! Crazy weather...

Highlights of the trip:

Shey (my little sister) got FFA Grand Champion Beef Showman! WooHoo!!! I taught her everything she knows ;) Just kiddin Shey...great job!
Mason got to meet AMAYA! (My best friend who is living in Alaska...)
Kev rode the ferris wheel with me...(this is huge...my husband hates heights and ALL rides!)
A new kitchen table! (Pictures to come...)
And of course lots of time with family and friends =)

Shey with her ribbons...YAY!

Mason cooling off in the shade...

Carnival Rides!

Sayge and Shay

The girls having fun at fair =)

Mason with Great Grandma Root...

Labor Day!

2010-09-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

We spent part of Labor Day weekend out at Uncle Dave and Aunt Brenda's farm in Lewis and Clark. We had a great time and were grateful that the weather held and it wasn't raining...=)

Tanner and Kendall on the hammock...

Mason's first hammock ride...

Kev and Ryan out on the river...later in the day kev tipped the kayak over and soaked himself - as well as his wallet and phone =(

Great Grandma Betty and Grandma Laura with Mason. We're happy Grandma Betty is feeling better and got to come out for the weekend!

Knappa Days!

2010-09-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

The last weekend in August we have a local event called Knappa Days! The community gets together for a parade, lots of fun activities for kids, and the high-light is the lawn mower races! Mason and I walked down and had a great time!

Watching the parade with Grandpa Corkey...

Ben Bartlett throwing candy to the kiddos on his sweet lawn mower!

Parade watching makes Mason pretty darn tired...

Rice Cereal

2010-09-08T09:51:00.001-07:00

We tried rice cereal this morning...Mason isn't a fan quite yet!

"You can keep it mom...I like your milk better!"

Tug!

2010-08-28T15:58:00.001-07:00

This is our friend Tug - he is so adorable! Mason and Tug's daddys were college roommates. We are excited for them to grow up together!

This was their first pool party together! Cute boys - they'd rather suck on their fists then look at the camera!

Rolling over...

2010-08-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Big Boy...

2010-08-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

My love is growing and changing every day! He is smiling and laughing! He always brightens my day =) He is getting pretty smart too... He does not like tummy time - at all! He rolled over from his back onto his tummy a few weeks ago. But today he figured out how to roll from his tummy onto his back - his new way of avoiding tummy time! I got a video of it but I can't get it to upload so you'll just have to trust me!

"Mom seriously...get me off my tummy!"

This was a few weeks ago at our friend Brooklyn's birthday party. I just love their matching outfits =)

New Perspective...

2010-08-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Becoming a mother has been the greatest blessing in my life. That said...I have not had the greatest week. I did not heal right after having Mason and I spent Monday at the doctor's office getting cut and stitched back up...again. I have been pretty sore but it has been nice to spend extra time cuddling and napping with my little guy.

I also have been pondering about alot of things....becoming a parent truly has created a whole new perspective on life. I have gained such a deeper appreciation for my parents and all they have done for me. As well as my wonderful in-laws. Parents are such a key element in shaping their children's lives. It is such a tremendous responsibility. Kinda scary to think about... This new "out-look" has made me realize what an important role each person has in our world. From farmers that produce the food we eat, to contractors, plumbers and electricians that build our homes and make it so we have modern conveniences like running water and power! As well as our teachers that educate our children - what an influential position. And the doctors and nurses that take care of us when we are sick. Each person plays an important role in the world we live in. Having Mason has made me so grateful for these "little" things. I can't imagine not having running water for baths and laundry! And without modern medicine...Mason might not be here. My point of this is that having a child has made me a much more appreciative person.

I despise going to the doctor...and we have had a pretty rough go and continue to face a few bumps in the road. But one look at my sweet baby boy and all the pain goes away. He makes everything worth it. His sweet spirit has helped me to become a better person. The love I feel for him is like nothing I could ever explain. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband as well. Without his hard work I couldn't stay home with Mason. Being a mother is the most rewarding and wonderful experience. I love my family so much and feel tremendously blessed.

My big boy in his high chair...

Sweet sleeping boy...

This is my favorite picture! I love his smiles...nothing makes me happier then his sweet smiling face! (These are all off my phone so not the best quality...)

Happy Boy!

2010-08-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Mason is so happy in the morning! He is definitely a morning boy...I love his smiles and he talks and talks and talks!

We got a new toy this week and he LOVES the little lion. It sings to him and he lays there and talks and smiles to his new friend. He is so cute! And getting quite the personality...
This morning he also rolled over for the first time! He is growing so fast! We love him so much...he always puts a smile on moms face =)

Play Date!

2010-08-10T17:43:00.001-07:00

Our good friends Chelsey and Zach had a little boy, Trigg, July 8th. We had dinner and a little play date last night! We can't wait for many more fun play dates with our two boys! They are going to have so much fun growing up together =)

Sunday walk...

2010-08-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

After church sunday we took a walk down to the creek with daddy. We love walks...wish we would get some sunshine so we could take more of them!

Three Months Old...time flies!

2010-08-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

These were taken by our friend Shannon Thomas. She is an awesome photographer. We just love these photos of our sweet boy!

Two wonderful years...

2010-08-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

Kev and I celebrated our two year anniversary on Aungust 2nd. Can't believe its been two years! We have been so blessed over the past few years. I married my best friend, we bought a home, Kev has been blessed with a wonderful job, I started grad school and most importantly we have been blessed with our sweet baby boy. Mason is the best thing that has ever happened to us! We love him so much and the love we have for him has made our love for each other even stronger. Thanks for a great two years sweetheart. You are an amazing husband and a wonderful father! Mason and I are so lucky to have you...

Our little family! Auntie Tera babysat and Kev took me out to the Supper Club that night...YUMMY! And we spent the day driving to Longview and buying new bikes for our anniversary! We are so excited for Mason to get a little older so we can pull him in our trailor and go for family bike rides!