Top Ten

Why I Love Christmas:

1. Lights on houses. It makes the shorter days worth it, because I love driving around when houses are all lit up and festive. I wish people would keep them up year-round.

2. Christmas cookies and treats. Yum. New favorite: my mom turned my on to these peppermint shortbread cookies that she heard about from my sister, who read about them on her friend's blog (I love the world wide web).

3. Christmas decorations. My house looks so fun inside. The rest of the year, I am a horrible decorator. OK, that's not exactly true, I'm just a non-decorator. Once Christmas is over, my house goes back to boring, boring, boring. For a few fun weeks, however, I have decorations up.

4. Watching people give service, quietly, not for recognition from anyone else, but out of love and selflessness.

5. Telling Wyatt about the Nativity story. Pictures and creches with baby Jesus are a little confusing, though. Wyatt keeps calling him "Baby Micah." :) But he really likes hearing the story.

6. Telling Wyatt about Santa Claus, and the rest of Christmas. Wyatt loves Santa, although he is (not-that-surprisingly) much more interested in the reindeer. We got a stuffed Santa at Walgreens, and he has been carrying it around everywhere. But when we start talking about Santa, he always interrupts and asks about the reindeer.

7. Spending time with family and friends. It can get kind of hectic, but so worth it.

8. Buying gifts for those I love. And the rest you. ;)

9. Christmas music. I tune in to it as soon after Halloween as possible. If you know me at all, you know I am ALWAYS singing, and the Christmas season just makes me that much more obnoxious.

9a. Hearing children sing. The primary kids sang in church last Sunday, and it was the sweetest thing I have ever heard. Little tiny angels.

10. Feeling the Christmas spirit, thinking about our Savior's birth, and taking the time from everything else to ponder the true meaning of Christmas. I love the Christmas story. The simplicity and humble circumstances of Christ's birth stand in stark contrast to the chaotic, glitzy, loud, fast-pace of our modern Christmas celebrations. Don't get me wrong, I love all the celebrations that happen this time of year. Its just that its easy for me to get overwhelmed by all of it, and become stressed. I try to remember and focus on what its really all about, and my heart is filled with gratitude and love of the season, for my Savior's birth and life.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas! I hope it is a wonderful holiday for you, filled with happiness and peace!

Memories, Sweet Memories

The weather here has been bumming me out lately. Rainy, drizzly, overcast, and dreary. Blehhhhhh. But then I found these pictures:

Taken at our Heber house, February 2008.

And suddenly, it doesn't seem so bad.

City by the Bay

We had some visitors last weekend! Jake's parents, his sister Hollie and her husband Matt, his sister Rachele and her boyfriend Scott, and his grandma flew in from Texas and Utah to spend the weekend with us. On Friday we went stayed local, went to lunch and then to our beach and the tidepools. On Saturday we went into the city, and saw some sites. We went to Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and drove down Lombard street. That night we met up with Jake's Uncle Rick and his daughters and son-in-law and went to dinner for some fresh seafood in Half Moon Bay. Sunday we took some pictures, which was nice, because we hardly ever take pictures of the whole family. The new pictures on the right are from the photo session, and I've posted a few more below. It was a super fun weekend, we had such a great time with everyone. We were so sad when everyone had to leave on Monday!

Lots of pictures below, captions on top of the picture.

Laraine and Randy, overlooking Devil's Slide. It was cold this weekend!

Rachele with a starfish at the tidepools:

Jake and Grandma Beaman, at the tidepools:

View near our house. I live in the most beautiful place in the world!

The newlyweds! Hollie and Matt getting their sketch done:

The lovebirds, Rachele and Scott, with Alcatraz behind them:

Me and my boys, Alcatraz behind us:

At Ghirardelli Square, after some yummy hot chocolate. Check out Micah, with his lips puckered, trying to get to that bottle! Keep your eye on the prize, buddy!

Micah and Grandma. He was so happy to have someone always available to hold him!

Our fam, in front of the Hyde Cable Cars.
From the photo shoot:

Me and the Bean:Thank you Beamans, for coming to visit! We had so much fun, and hope they'll come again soon. Our house is always open to anyone who wants to come for a visit!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year for Thanksgiving, we traveled down to Southern California to spend the holiday with my sister Susie and her family. It was an awesome trip, not only because every single member of my family was there, but because in a lot of ways it felt like we were going home. We love it here in our new place, but we still miss So Cal, and our family and friends there. While we were there, it felt like we were coming home after a long trip, and it was hard to go back to our real home once the weekend was over.

It was a crazy day, like usual. Susie has a great yard for all the kids to run around and play in. I think I saw Wyatt for 5 minutes total the whole time we were there. He was so excited to play with "the kids" but mostly to see his best friend/worst enemy/cousin Sheldon. He hasn't stopped asking about him since we left. When we get in the car now, he asks "see Shelly?" Its cute, but kind of sad. There are FOURTEEN cousins now, which means the adults are outnumbered. Yikes.

We tried to get some family pictures, but some people were sick, some people were late, so here is what we ended up with. Not our finest work.

[This Hart family picture has been removed at the repeated request of the author's sister]

Look for the rest of the pictures on AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com.

I AM THANKFUL to have spent Thanksgiving with the people I love most. I AM THANKFUL for my family. I AM THANKFUL for a loving husband who works hard at everything he does, my sweet and beautiful children, and for my job as a stay-at-home mom. I AM THANKFUL for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for a Heavenly Father who looks after me and my family. I AM THANKFUL for prayer, for the Priesthood, and the blessings of the temple. I AM THANKFUL for my education, and for opportunities I have to learn and grow. I AM THANKFUL for my health and the health of my family. I AM THANKFUL for friends and family and all the many ways we have to stay in touch. I love my life and I AM THANKFUL for it!

"Well, of course he can talk! Can't everybody?"

He can talk! Wyatt is finally starting to speak. He has been saying words for some time now, but over the last month or so, his language has really taken off. I had been really concerned because his doctor told me he was "delayed," when we went in for his last check up. Of course when I talk to other people about it, they would say something like "Oh, trust me, soon you'll be wishing he didn't talk!" Which seems like a strange thing to say to someone. People said the same thing to me about him being mobile, and I can tell you, I have never once thought, "I wish Wyatt couldn't walk." Mobility and communication are not abilities I want taken from my child.

Anyway, just over the last month or so, he speaks in sentences (not full or complete, but he gets his message across), mimics EVERYTHING we say (sometimes not so good, sometimes hilarious), and sings entire songs. I'm still Wyatt-to-English interpreter for the rest of the world, but he has made huge strides. He loves to sing "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" and "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed." He says "I pretend______" when he plays with his toys, and "I scared of______" when he encounters anything he doesn't want to do. I think its funny when he picks things up from nursery and says them at home. For example, he runs around the house shouting "stop it!" and puts his hand up whenever he gets ticked. Mostly Lucy gets the hand, but the shower curtain, his toys, and I have also been at the receiving end. He spends a great deal of the day asking politely "baby leave?" Sorry kiddo, baby is here to stay. I guess he figures it doesn't hurt to ask. He'll be a good salesman someday.

It has made both of our lives so much easier. We (he) are having far fewer meltdowns these days. He genuinely seems happier now. And life is just plain more fun, now that we can interact and talk about the world. We went to Santa Cruz last weekend, and he was having such a great time talking about the "sea wyons, and the boot, and the pewican." He continually impresses me with his vocabulary. I'm always asking "where did you learn that word?"

He is such a great little kid, happy and smiling, always up for an adventure. He's so fun to be around. He has such an easy, pleasant personality. I mean, he is still hyper and naughty and prone to tantrums...he is a two year old, after all. Its so fun having the two kids now. They are so different and unique and I love them for that. Before I had Micah, I didn't understand how I could love another kid in the same way I love Wyatt. I thought, well I love this, this and this about Wyatt, and if my other kids don't have these same traits, how can I love them as much as I love him? I've now come to realize that I love each of them more because of the ways they are different. I am so lucky to have these guys!

Thanksgiving post will be up later. I didn't take any pictures (typical), and I am waiting for my dad to send me pictures of our family. When he does, the post will follow. We had a great time, and we hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!




Wyatt eating breakfast and laughing, reason unknown:

Oh My Micah (A Love Story)

I'm feeling like a boring blogger lately. Not much of relevance going on here. No job changes, childbirths, moves, death, destruction, or famine to report. Which means I'll talk about the boys. Actually, just Micah. Micah had his 4 month check up today. 14 pounds, 25 1/2 inches. Getting skinnier. I had high hopes for him, starting off so average, but it looks like he is heading in the same direction as his brother. Tall. Skinny. XL head.

I'm just starting to get to know Micah. I was talking to another new mom the other day, explaining our family's situation over the last year, and how we ended up here, and it got me thinking. I was kind of in a daze until just a few weeks ago. Right after Micah was born, the crazy hormones and recovery from delivery had me weepy, depressed, and overwhelmed. Just as that started to subside, Jake was transferred here, I became a single mom again, and Micah started his 3 month tour of Scream-Fest 2009. Colicky babies have a way of sucking the life out of everyone within earshot. I think I cried as much as Micah. And then we had to move. And the weepy, depressed and overwhelmed continued. I was barely keeping it together. You know how in swimming, when you have to hold a brick over your head and tread water for 10 minutes? I felt like that, only someone kept adding bricks to my load. And the water I was swimming in was the Sea of Depression and Anxiety. I felt like at any moment my legs were going to give out and I was going to get sucked in. I didn't particularly want to add post-partum depression to my list of Crap I Don't Want To Deal With Right Now, But I Have To Anyway, so I kept fighting to keep my head above the water. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I didn't even realize how down I was until a few weeks after the colic magically disappeared, I got my husband back, and my fog lifted. I'm not going to beat myself up for not being fully present during that time. I did the best I could. Suffice it to say, we're all feeling better now, and I am finally getting to know my son. And I have to tell you, he is delightful! What a charmer! I just can't get enough of this cutie pie!

His looks have really changed since he was born. He looks like me! Well, parts of me anyway. What an ego trip! I love it. His favorite thing is to stare at me. And stare. And stare and stare and stare, until I look at him, and then he breaks out a huge grin. And a laugh. I'm telling you, I feel like a rockstar when I am in his presence. I am the MOST fascinating person in the world to him. He can't get enough of me. My favorite time of day is in the morning, after he wakes up and nurses, and before Wyatt wakes up. We just hang out in my bed, flirting and laughing and smiling at each other. I'm always tired (NOT a morning person), but I love having that time with him. It totally makes the months of crying (mine) and screaming (his) worth it.

In addition to being perfectly adorable, he is very strong. This kid is going to be walking a month from now. Okay, of course not, but he is very strong. And determined. He rolls all over the place, stands every chance he gets. He is ticklish, and has such a silly belly laugh. I know this is turning into an obnoxious proud mama post. I'm sorry. Its not like he has turned out to be an easy baby, far from it. He is still a challenge. But his sweetness and cuddliness are shining through now, and I'm finally in a place where I can enjoy him. So indulge me while I brag and gush.

I'm so thankful for my little Micah Bean. I love that kid so much it hurts. I can't get enough of him. We had a rough start, but I wouldn't trade a minute. He is the perfect addition to our family. I love you Micah!

And the winner is...

Lillian! Your prize...

Thanks everyone else for playing. Jake was Space Ghost for Halloween. At his work everyone was calling him "Yellow Batman." Um, close enough, I guess.

Heather MHM, you and Kurt think alike. He suggested that Wyatt be mini-Jimmy for Halloween. Next year, when I get my act together, I am totally making them matching Jimmy Neutron costumes.

Heather OD, your comment cracked me up. Thank you.

Aaaaargh, Baby!

Halloween 2009 consisted of me taking the boys to Jake's work on Friday for their Halloween party, taking the party bus to the ward Halloween party and trunk-or-treat, and then pooping out on actual Halloween, during which we ate pizza and Wyatt slept. We got one group of trick-or-treaters, who got handfuls of candy from me. It wasn't really so much generosity on my part, its just that I don't like the sour AirHeads, and I feel bad throwing out perfectly good candy. We didn't take Wyatt out because our neighborhood is not really a good trick-or-treating neighborhood, and we didn't want to drive out and find one that is. Bad parents.

Micah was a pumpkin (look familiar? Wyatt was the same thing in '07), and Wyatt was a pirate. Not my first choice, but it turned out cute. I totally forgot about Halloween costumes until like, Wednesday, so we rushed out to find something, only to find...nothing. This costume was almost literally the only thing on the shelves. Except for Star Wars stuff, but honestly, I've never watched Star Wars, so I didn't even know what it was all supposed to be. Anyway, the guy who rang us up gave us this big lecture "Absolutely no refunds, exchanges, complaining, litigating, etc., etc.," and I didn't really listen, because I was just happy to have SOMETHING to dress up Wyatt in. Except then I got home and realized the pants, pirate symbol, belt, and something else, I can't remember now, sword maybe?, were not in the bag. Fantastic. I pay a ridiculous amount of money for this crap cheap costume, and half of it is missing. So the next day I went to the fabric store and got material. But my sewing machine is broken. To sum up the rest, I made Wyatt's pants with hemming tape, velcro and staples. My domestic abilities are bringing you to your knees, no? From far away, it looked good, but if you got within 10 feet, there were weird puckers, fabric bits sticking out, and lots of fraying. I was so worried his pants were going to split in half every time he took a step or sat down. I had to follow very close behind to keep disaster at bay. I'm sure everyone just thought I was a very protective mother.

The kids were a big hit at Jake's work. The patients and the staff loved seeing them. We scored lots of candy and kisses (Jake said I did a good job at hiding my panic every time someone grabbed a face, hand, or foot for a kiss. Actually he said there was terror in my eyes. I thought I did a good job at hiding it, guess not).

Wyatt has been hopped up on sugar and acting like a terrorist all weekend. Candy is almost gone, and then hopefully normal behavior will resume.

Pictures:

I will send you ten dollars if you can guess who Jake is dressed up as. I won't, actually, but try to guess anyway.

This was taken on the roof of Jake's facility. Nice view, eh?

Drumroll Please!

You asked for it...and I have to give the people what they want...

Our elevator! It sounds a lot cooler than it actually is. I guess the guy who built this house had a friend who was in a wheelchair, and he got a free elevator from somewhere (apparently there are free elevators in circulation?), so he put it in this house. Of course. My favorite part is the "in case of emergency, use stairs" sign. And there is a phone jack. In case you get stuck and need to call the fire department.

These were taken from my iphone, so that explains the quality. I can't figure out how to get video from my camcorder onto my computer (I've been told its quite simple, but no one has offered to give me a tutorial yet!).

Weird lighting is a theme throughout the house. One example:

Our family room, dining room, kitchen:

Don't judge. We're still unpacking and arranging.

We have an empty living room downstairs, so I want to get new seating for upstairs and move this stuff downstairs. That will be awhile though, we need an influx of cash-o-la. In the meantime, our downstairs sits empty, thus, no pictures.

Hosanna Hosanna We've Found Our New Home

Moved. Did it. Don't want to do it again for a long time. We are mostly settled in. Actually, not true. We have the basics done. And I am too lazy to unpack the rest. So it sits in the garage. I'll get to it later.

A few people have asked me to post pictures of the house on this blog, and I won't be doing that. Since its public, I'm just not comfortable posting pictures of my house here. Maybe I'll put them up on facebook later, or if you REALLY want to see pictures, I'll email them. Wait, let me clarify. I won't post pictures of the outside of the house, but later when I get the inside done, I'll post those pictures.

The house we are living in is kind of strange. The guys who owns it built it himself, many years ago, and there are a lot of quirks. I don't even know how to describe it. And not like good quirks necessarily. Some are good quirks. Like an elevator. What. You don't have an elevator? Anyway, the weird quirks are worth it for the location.

(I am having a really hard time typing today! I'm having to backspace like every other letter.)

The weather has been lovely. We had a big storm the first few days, but since then, it has been sunny and clear and beautiful! Our house is just a two minute walk down to the beach and the Marine Reserve, with huge tidepools. The boys and I walk down there pretty much every day. It's awesome. Jake says its like living at the aquarium. We love it! I love seeing the ocean every time I look out my windows, and hearing the waves when I go outside. Very soothing.

Starfish...
"...crab with two clamping claws"

We went to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, which was so fun! Tons of vendors with beautiful artwork, crafts, and fantastic food. Usually at these things, you get the usual corndogs, funnel cake, pizza, blah blah blah, but we had marinated artichoke hearts, braised brussel sprouts, fried calamari, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin ice cream, clam chowder, all manner of sausages...and that wasn't even the half of it. SO GOOD.

Above: Erin with fried calamari, Wy with pumpkin ice cream cone. I do feed my child foods other than ice cream, although you might not think so from reading this blog.

Below: Wyatt eyeing dad's garlic-rosemary-artichoke heart-deliciousness, two seconds away from grabbing a handful. He is such a good eater. I love him.

Our new ward is pretty great. It is small and spread out, but so friendly! We felt like we were royalty! Pretty much every person in the ward came up to welcome us and meet us, and I got a standing ovation and pumped-fist cheers in Relief Society. Seriously. I've never felt so welcome anywhere. We are excited to be here. I know we will be put to work here; its good to feel needed!

Hollie's Wedding!

Congratulations to my sister-in-law Hollie and her new husband Matt Gille! They were married on September 25 in the Houston Texas temple. Yes, I know that was several weeks ago, but I just got my camera back from Jake, and wasn't able to blog about this until now. Sorry.

It was a wild and crazy trip for us. The boys and I flew up to San Francisco to meet Jake, and then the next day we all flew out to Texas together. We stayed with his Grandma Beaman for three days, flew back to SF together, and then I flew back to So Cal with the boys. Yikes. I don't recommend flying alone with two kids under two. Not fun.

It was a beautiful wedding. Hollie looked GORGEOUS, and they make such a beautiful couple. We were so glad we got to be there, we just wish we could have stayed a little longer!

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu

Tomorrow is moving day. Feeling a little sad, in a sentimental kind of way. Its rare, but this feeling always shows up when I move. Normally, I'm the kind of person who loves change. Even in this situation, when I would rather stay than go, I can't help but be excited for the change. I love moving for that reason. I know its weird. I'm pretty sure its genetic, passed on to me from my Granddad. But on moving day I always get a little nostalgic, a little sad to leave behind my life in this place. Once I get on the road, the feelings will fade. One thing I have learned over the years is to embrace feelings in the moment, so indulge me while I journal this.

Erin Fun Fact: I LOVE making lists. Love it. It brings me joy and relieves anxiety. It calms me down and get me excited all at once. Its like Diet Coke, but without the subsequent gas and bloating. Right now as I type this, I can see no less than 8 lists that are magneted (its a word now) to the fridge, and I know of several more sprinkled throughout the house. Thus...

Things I won't miss about living here:

1. The Santa Ana winds
2. The ____________ (fill in the expletive) 91 freeway
3. HOT, DRY summers
4. Traffic at every hour, every day (see #2 above)
5. Living without my husband

Things I will miss about living here:

1. Cheap pedicures
2. Disneyland
3. Wearing sandals year round
4. The lovely beaches where one can wear a swimming suit, and even get in the water, if one wanted to
5. Multiple political points of view
6. Sunshine
7. Affordable housing
8. Wide parking stalls
9. Strong church presence
10. Wonderful, loving, supportive family and friends

Yeah, I'm going to miss this place terribly. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to move up north. I really am. I mean, I still have my reservations, but overall, I am feeling excited and positive. I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me and for my family. I know that the Lord has guided us to the place where we are at this time. I have faith that He has a plan for us. It has been a bumpy road, and MANY times along the way, we've looked at each other and said "what have we done?! We just can't do this anymore!" But that's what trials of faith are all about: trusting in the Lord, seeking his guidance, acting on answers to prayer, taking leaps into the darkness. Not that I think the road is going to be smooth from here on out, I know it won't be. Our journey is far from over. But I know we are being guided, our hands are being held, and I am grateful for that.

So here I am, scared but full of hope. And dreading the 9 hour car trip tomorrow with the boys... :)

I can see where this is headed!

Today during torture time, I mean, tummy time, I had to acknowledge this:

Yep. The poor kid is already losing his hair. Here's the thing. My boys were born with such luscious, long, thick locks. But by two months, they start rubbing their way to massive bald spots. The problem is, what should I do about it? I hate to shave his head. First, because I LOVE HIS HAIR. Its awesome. He looks like one of those treasure trolls. He even has a face like a treasure troll. Big, wide open eyes, button nose, chubby cheeks...If I dyed his hair hot pink he could be a treasure troll for Halloween. And the second reason, because I don't want to take clippers to a little tiny baby, with his sensitive, soft baby skin. It would scare him to death. So I'm at an impasse. I do need to make a decision soon however, before it turns to this: Sorry its blurry. This is the only picture I could find. I am really a horrible photographer. This is Wyatt. Basically the whole back of his head was bald. I would try to give him trims to minimize the difference between hair and no-hair areas, but it didn't really help. I kept thinking it would grow in, but it never did until I shaved it all off. I think the new hair growth itched, so he would always rub his head when he was on his back. The above picture showing the result of such actions. I'm ashamed/embarrassed I let it get so bad. After I shaved it off, it came in nice and thick, no more bald spots.

I don't know what to do with Micah's hair. It kills me to shave it off, but it is starting to look ridiculous.

Other Micah-journal stuff: At his 2 month checkup he weighed 11 pounds 1 ounce, 23.5 inches long. Average. Average. I think he looks chunky, but its just because I've never had a baby who weighed in above the 10th percentile. At any point in time.

This is just a cute picture of Wyatt from the other day:

I love LOVE LOVE my boys!

Be Prepared!

Susie's house almost caught on fire today. Really, really scary day. Wildfires came within a few hundred feet of her house; she and the rest of the neighborhood were evacuated. Fortunately her house did not receive any damage, but it really got me thinking. How prepared am I in the event of an emergency? The thing that frightens me is that I am not prepared at all. While Susie was telling me about running around her house, trying to grab what she thought she needed, all I could think was how unprepared I am for such an event. I started mentally going through my house, trying to remember where we keep the important documents, pictures, what clothing would we need, what supplies I would need for the myself and the boys, where I would go, etc., etc. It really freaked me out. The leaders of the church are always telling us to be prepared, have an emergency kit, and to have a plan. And in my stupidity, I keep putting it off. Especially lately. We've been so transient, it was so easy for me to say, well, I'll take care of this once we get settled. But emergencies don't wait for us to be settled. It was a very eye opening experience. Needless to say, getting a 72 hour kit and an emergency plan put together are at the top of my to do list right now. How prepared are you?

PS Susie got some great pictures from her camera (this one was from her phone). I'm sure she will post them on her blog soon.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

We're moving! Hooray! Yippee! Jake's temporary assignment in San Francisco has officially been made permanent. We are moving in three weeks. We were able to rent this really cute little house. I love it. Its right on the water, close to the church, has a big back yard, and I am so excited to move in!

Jake was a busy boy this week. His honey-do list included the following items last week:

1. Get a job

2. Get a house

3. Get a car

He did all three! We got a new car on Friday! Its a hybrid Toyota Highlander. I absolutely love it. It is so nice having the room for both boys and leg room in the front at the same time. Plus trunk space. Its weird driving a hybrid, because it doesnt feel like its running when you start it, but I am getting used to it. Wyatt is in heaven. He follows me around the house, asking "new car? new car?". He has this huge grin while he rides in it. And now he can't reach his brother and rip off his blanket, snatch and throw his pacifier, and try to rip off his feet. Wyatt has a thing with baby feet. Very strange.

I tried to get Jake to do the "toyota jump," you know from those old commercials "I love what you do for me...Toyota!" and then the person jumps with arms overhead, legs kicked back, and then they would freeze frame that moment? Well, he wouldn't do it. It would have been a great picture, but you'll just have to create the mental image instead. Maybe Susie will pose for me next time I see her.

Time to start packing!

Behind all this fog is a sunny day...

We got back from San Francisco on Friday night. Whew! What a week. Four people, one hotel room. Very few naps.

Great trip though. The kids did pretty well on the flight, but getting through the airport was a nightmare!! We barely made it through, even with two adults. Geez Louise, I hate carseats. They are the most cumbersome, awkward, heavy things ever. I have to fly alone with the boys in a few weeks, and I am already getting panic attacks. I don't know how I am going to get through the airport by myself. I'm not worried about the flight, just getting to the gate. I only have two arms, but I have two kids, two car seats, whole lotta luggage, stroller...arghhhhh! Can I request a golf cart please?

But anyway, the kids and I spent the week looking for a house to rent. Not much luck. We found ONE place that looks promising, but there are other people interested in it, so say a prayer and cross your fingers that the landlord wants to rent it out to us! But that was about it. Nothing else that I could imagine unpacking my stuff in. Hmm. While not house hunting, we hung out on the (very cold) beach, took walks, went to the Marine Reserve, and to Golden Gate Park. I wish we had more time (and my beloved double-stroller), there was so much fun stuff to do! Its a great place for kids. However, all my previous apprehensions still hold. It was even colder and foggier than I anticipated. Houses are expensive and tiny. There aren't many young families. BUT, after spending a week there, I feel much more comfortable about the situation. Not at ease, but more comfortable. I think it will take me awhile to adjust, but I will get there. There ARE a lot of great places to eat...

Its still not a for sure thing, but its looking that way. I'm so excited to move for the third time in a year! Hooray for packing and unpacking, having stuff break, get lost, furniture get scratched, dented and broken (thank you Heber 5th ward young men)! ;) Seriously though, like I said before, I really just want to get settled somewhere. The facility where Jake works is very nice, and the staff are great. He really likes working there. Happy husband=happy wife!

I didn't get many pictures because I forgot, as usual. And I was usually carrying Micah in the sling, trying to keep Wyatt from leaping into bodies of water, so I had no hands left to whip out the camera. Sorry.

This is the beach in front of our hotel. This was right before Wyatt ran directly into water, and then spent the rest of the day whining because he got wet.

At Golden Gate Park in the city. Beautiful, super fun place! I wish we could have spent more time there. Anyway, we got ice cream cones, and most of Wyatt's ended up on his face, neck, hands, and clothes. We got a lot of worried/panicky looks from elderly women. What? That's what baby wipes are for!

Micah's Baby Blessing

Micah was blessed by his dad on September 6th. We did it in the Foothill Ward so that we could bless him at the same time as the Demkes blessed Jay. My parents came, as did Jake's dad Randy, and some cousins and friends. Afterwards we had a get together at the Demkes. Great food. Thank you so much to everyone who came! It really meant a lot to us.

The blessing was so special. It always is, right? But when its your own kid being blessed, it means so much. The thing that really stood out to me was when Jake blessed Micah to serve a mission, and I felt so strongly at that moment that Micah will one day be a great missionary. One of the amazing blessings of being a parent of more than one child is that I get to see the unique personality traits each one has. Even at such a young age, they are so different. Micah is a strong boy, physically and in his personality. I can't wait to see what he is like when he grows up, but I think these traits will help him impact the lives of those he associates with, for the good!

I am so thankful to be a mother. Being a mother is the most humbling gift I have ever been given. My boys test me, they try me, and they make me grow. But I am so thankful for each minute. Not a day goes by that I don't spend a moment in complete awe of the responsibility I have been entrusted with, to raise these special spirits of our Heavenly Father, to teach them, to protect them, and to love them. Being a mother is a terrifying thing; our world is a scary place. I wish I could protect them from everything, but I know that's not how the Lord wants it to be. So I have to teach, by word and example. Right now I don't feel like I am worthy enough for that challenge. But I am working, every day, to be the kind of person I want my boys to look up to and emulate.

Wyatt laying on the love...

We are a happy family...most of us anyway.

Randy, me, Micah, Jake, Wyatt, my mom, my dad. We love our family!

Dad and Micah

Not from the blessing, but he looks so cute!