Day at the Beach

The morning after they arrived, we went to the beach and had ooooh so much fun!!

Aunt Tamara

Riley loved building sand castles.

Sand Lover

When we first got to the beach, Jeremy headed strait for the water.

He played, got wet, and then ran to play in the sand.

He acted as if he was in rapture with the sand.  It was so cute.

Tillamook Ice Cream Factory!

Chloe

Mmmm ice cream!

Our engagement

Seven years ago this month Valane proposed.  In reflection I decided to blog about it.  Be warned that I have a tendency to be long winded.

One evening Lane asked me if I wanted to go to the beach the following day.  I didn't want to because we had so many things to do.  Then I thought, "I have gone to the beach more times than I can count.  I know you have only been to the beach a couple of times.  So if you want to go, let's go."

We got a much later start than expected.  As we were approaching Lincoln City, I suggested that we go to the outlet stores first since they close so early and then we should go to the beach.  He told me he really wanted to go to the beach and asked, "Can we just go to some beach off the side of the road for like a half hour and then go the the outlets?"

I conceded.  Then when we were just minutes from the closest beach he turned onto Hwy 101 putting us at least 20 minutes away from the nearest beach.  Now there is something you need to know about me.  I hate wasting time driving.   I must take the quickest route anywhere I'm going.  I informed him that he was going the wrong way and that he should turn around.

After he told me to trust him, I thought to myself, you don't even know your way around here.

"If you want to go to some beach off the side of the road, you need to turn around."

It was evident that he wasn't going to turn around so we were now on our way to Neskowin.  Arriving in the city limits he turned off some random road, that wasn't going to lead directly to the beach, and parked at someone's barn.  It was very clear to me that it was not public parking, so I told him that we couldn't park there.

He said nothing and got out of the car and said, "Come on."

I soon saw big red block letters on the side of the barn that read HORSES.  I was so excited because I had always wanted to ride horses on the beach.  I had told him about it some a couple of months prior to that.  We proceeded to the barn and I soon discovered, by the conversation, that Lane had talked to them before.  We were told that it would be about 15 minutes until we could go.  I was elated.  We walked around and pet the horses as we waited.

A middle-aged woman came out of the barn.  "There is a kitten stuck in the rafters.  I can't reach it.  Could you get it down?"

So Lane went to rescue the kitten while I stayed trying to decide which horse I wanted to ride.  Up unto this point I suspected nothing.  It wasn't until he was in the barn for some time that i started to wonder what he was up to.  He came out and said, "let's go.  We're going to come back a bit later to ride."

I got in the car and before he got in, he went to the trunk, and then brought me this dress and instructed me to put it on.  It was a very pretty renaissance style blue velvet dress.  I don't remember where I found privacy to put the dress on but I did.  When I returned he was nowhere to be seen.  The owners of the place told me that he would be back.  She put a chair close to this dirt road and told me I could sit there while I waited.  Several people waked by and looked at me in question.  I shrugged my shoulders.  It wasn't long before I saw Valane riding towards me, in a prince costume, on horseback.  He then got off the horse to help me up on mind.  Then we headed towards the beach, on horses, in costume.

The woman from the stable rode some distance behind.  We rode around for a while,  as we approached the shore Valane got off his horse and helped me get off of mine.  He then handed the reins to the woman from the stable.  We walked towards the water.  He got down on bended knee.  He said some very sweet things to me.  His eyes were a bit teary and he was a little choked up.  Then he asked me to marry him. "YES!"

He then put the ring on my finger and stood up.  I threw my arms around him and kissed him.  When we turned around to go get on our horses, quite a crowd had gathered from a distance.  I hadn't noticed that there were but a few people on the beach when we rode up.  We continued to ride for a while and then returned.  We were engaged and I was so happy!

Lane did give his camera to the woman from the stable to take pictures.  Unfortunately, when we got them developed, every picture was so grainy you could hardly make us out.  I'm a little sad about that, but i always have the memory in my heart.

This picture was our engagement picture that we sent out with our wedding invitations.  We got married in October.  Tune in again in October to see pictures from our wedding.

The cute things he says

On Saturday, after reading Bridget's blog, I told Lane that she got an i phone for Nathan's birthday.  Then yesterday out of the blue Riley asked how old 'Ethan's Dad' was.  I said I didn't know.  Lane told him he was probably about 30 something and then said, "he's older than me."  

Riley was so confused.  "But your taller than him!"

So we tried to explain to them that just because someone's taller doesn't mean they're older.  Lane told him that one day he might even be taller than he is.  Or maybe Jeremy will be.  Who knows maybe Tyler will be taller than all of us.  You never know.  The conversation went on for quite a while.  

Then Jeremy exclaims, "I'll grow up to be a Dad and then I'll say 'Dad I'm bigger than you!"

Thinking about how cute Jeremy is, and the cute things he says, I remembered one of his prayers.  I would say it was about a year ago.  I don't know if I blogged about it, if I did, sorry for the repeat.  He was blessing the food and wanted help that time.  Instead of repeating bless the food so that it will strengthen our bodies, he said,

"please bless the food to strengthen our bottoms."

It just made me laugh remembering that and I had to share.

Wild and Sweet

Our house can be so wild.  Here is what the boys were up to the last time Ethan and Cole came over.  Sometimes I think to myself, 'Gosh this can't be good for our couch.'  But then I think, look how much fun they're having.  They're not destroying it, just increasing the ware and tear.  I can deal with that.

The next picture is very blurry but it shows them in action.

I was so glad that my camera was out on the counter so I could catch this sweet hug.
Of course after I took that pictures, they all wanted to have their picture taken.  They're all big hams for the camera.

Time with Val

From time to time Lane's brother Val is in town on business.  We're always happy about that because we get to seem in occasionally.  Last night was one of those nights.  Despite Lane's inability to consume anything besides strained liquids (see post titled surgery), he wanted to have a picnic.  So we did just that and went to Rood Bridge Park.  Uncle Val brought kites for the boys and they loved them.  We all had a wonderful time.  It's always so good to see Val.

Jeremy and Uncle Val

I love the above picture of Jeremy.  He just looks so pleased.

4th of July

Better late than never, right?  I haven't been able to blog much lately as Lane has been using the computer in the evening for orthodontic applications.

The boys were so excited for the 4th of July.  To start off the day we got up, got ready, and went to Pa's house to let off some fireworks.  Just so you know, we really don't think safety glasses are needed, but they come courtesy of my Dad, AKA Pa.

This is a new experience for Tyler.  Worthy of much contemplation.

This is Pa.

As for the rest of the day, we went over to Grandma's and hung out.  Then we went to see the big fireworks in the sky at Tigard High School.  That was the best part of the day.  Unfortunately, our camera battery ran out before we even got there.  : (  Oh well.    The boys loved it.  Tyler even loved it.  He was looking and pointing, and cooing.  The best part of it.  Tyler got tired and positioned his head in the crook of my neck.  Then as he watched the fireworks he rubbed my cheek and sang himself to sleep.  It was so cute.

Riley's Tag

We saw the following tag while reading Janine's blog.  It's for kids so Riley did it.  He really liked doing it.

Q:  What's something that Mommy always says to you?

A:  I love you.

Q:  What makes Mommy happy?

A:  When I make good choices.   And get in my seat(booster) when you don't have to tell me.

Q:  What makes Mommy sad?

A:  When I don't make good choices.

Q:  How does Mommy make you laugh?

A:  When you tickle me and say funny words.

Q:  What was Mommy like as a child?

A:  I think you looked the same.

Q:  How old is your Mommy?

A:  6.  Are you 6?  I told him no that I am 27.

Q:  How tall is your Mommy?

A:  Taller than the fridge.

Q:  What is Mom's favorite thing to do?

A:  Play.

Q:  What does Mommy do when your not around?

A:  I don't know.  Go to the store and buy stuff.

Q:  If Mommy was going to be famous, what would it be for?

A:  What?  I don't know.

Q:  What is your Mommy really good at?

A:  Doing computer games.  (funny thing is I don't like computer games.  Riley does.)

Q:  What is Mommy not very good at?

A:  You are very good at breaking boards.  (so I asked again and put emphasis on NOT)  Breaking purses.

Q:  What does Mommy do for her job?

A:  You did firefighting.

Q:  What is Mommy's favorite food?

A:  Macaroni and cheese and vegetables.

Q:  What makes you proud of Mom?

A:  Uh, I don't know.  when you buy me new toys like a light saber that goes down.  (FYI that's what he's hoping I will buy him)

Q:  If Mommy was a cartoon character, who would she be?

A:  Super Girl

Q:  What do you and your Mommy do together?

A:  play and sometimes go shopping.

Q:  How are you and Mommy the same?

A:  We both have green eyes.

Q:  How are you and your Mommy different?

A:  Because your not a boy.

Q:  How do you know Mommy loves you?

A:  Because your my mom.  I'm good at this.

Jeremy and Tyler were having so much fun riding around in this fire truck.  Jeremy was really excited because in the past Riley was always the driver.  Riley had was sick and in the house sleeping on this particular day, so it was all Jeremy.  Tyler was beyond excitement too.   I have all of these great videos to post but every time I try, I get an error message.  Anyone know how to fix that?

Surgery

Lane had a mandibular advancement on Tuesday.  What is that?  A surgery where they break your jaw and move it forward.  As you can imagine, poor Valane has been miserable!  His mouth is banded shut and will be for 2-4 weeks, which also includes being on a liquid diet for equal time.  Fun times!!  My favorite part, trying to translate the grunts.   I say that in sarcasm, but really last night was quite comical.   At any rate, it has been a hard stressful week on all of us.  I"m just glad it's over.   

Happy Father's Day Valane!

To start off the day, we let Lane sleep in.  Meanwhile, I was making this.  Crepes stuffed with a sweet cream cheese filling and tons of strawberries.  Mmmmm!  What isn't showing in this picture is the piece of gum the boys thought he needed for after his meal. 

At about 10:45, we took him breakfast in bed.

After our computer crashed, and was told it wasn't fixable, we had to go get a new one.  At the same time there was a student promotion with Apple.  When you bought a computer you got a free IPod touch.  Lane didn't know about that part.  It actually started 7 days after we bought the computer.  I took in my receipt and they honored it.  So for Father's day I we gave him an Ipod compliments of Apple that I loaded with music, pictures and contact info of all his family.

So here's to you Valane!  Thanks for being an amazing husband and Father!  I'm grateful everyday that I am so blessed to have you for my eternal companion!  You are my best friend, my confidant, A wonderful father, the Love of My life, and oh so much more!  I couldn't have dreamed of a better man than you!  I love you forever and longer!  I hope you had a great Father's day and I hope you know just how much we love you, and how grateful we are to you for working so hard to take care of us!

I Love You!

Riley wanted to know

So yesterday Riley asked me in a very contemplative way these three questions.

• Do you play in heaven?

• When I go to heaven, I"m going to bring a toy.

• When we go to heaven, will we have any toys there?
  

A couple of days ago, while reading On the Moon, Jeremy informed me that he was going to be an astronaut.  He frequently says he wants to be an astronaut.  On the other hand, Riley always says he doesn't want to do that because it's dangerous.  This time he said, "I just want to go on my mission and be a dentist."

Speaking of things being dangerous, a remembered something.  This is random, but since I use this as a form of journaling, I will share.  When Riley was younger he always said dangerous 'dane-yur-ous."  I'm glad kids grow up and learn how to talk correctly, but I sooo love hearing them while they learn.  It is just to precious.

When the boys wake up on weekend mornings they come into our bed to snuggle, talk, sometimes goof off until Lane and I get out of bed.  We like it because we're not rushing out of bed to get to school or other things.  This morning Jeremy was trying to play with Tyler.  The boys love to play with Tyler.  As you might suspect, sometimes they get too rough, or crowd him too much.  This morning, Jeremy tried to stick his finger in Tyelr's mouth.  I quickly told him no and moved his finger.  Jeremy's response, in the I don't know why you have to be so unreasonable tone, 

"I just want his breath."

Tyler is all over the place.  He's still doing the army crawl and he's quick.  He's been pulling up on more and more things.  This morning it was a toy bucket.  Looked at his toes.  I love how they're curled.

Good deal?

Lane brought an Indiana Jones lego set home for Riley the other day.  The rule:  You have to play with it at the table so Tyler doesn't choke on the little pieces.  

The boys had played with them and moved on to other things.  Lunch time came and I told the boys to clean them up.  After being ignored a few times I said, "If I have to put the legos away, you can't play with them for the rest of the day.  Do it now!"

I ended up picking then up and putting them on a high shelf.  About an hour later he wanted the toys and was upset that he couldn't have them.  

After dinner, I was cleaning up the dishes and Riley says to me,

"How about we make a deal that I can play Indiana Jones whenever I want to."
For obvious reasons, his request was denied!

Fun day with friends!

FYI :  My boys woke up right before Ethan and Cole came over, in case you wonder why they are still in pjs.  I"m a little embarrassed, but hey that's how it goes.  

It all started with Kung Fu.  Apparently both our families saw Kung Fu Panda this weekend.

Before long, they had the race track laid out.  It was awesome the cars flew down the stairs and jumped over the couch.  The boys loved it!  We all had a blast doing it.

Then came the dancing.  Ooooh the dancing! 

It appears that Riley is into Break, Jeremy and Cole like to roll, and Ethan...

Well they tell me this is called the Hula Hoop.  I couldn't stop laughing.  

Then they played with toys, had lunch, watched most of Cars (the movie), and a couple of the boys started doing some art projects.  All this before 1:30.  It was a great day!  The boys had a blast!

Tyler and Dad

Riley

Riley is such a sweet boy. I just love him to pieces! Here are eleven things I love about him:
1. Making good choices is very important to him.
2. He is sensitive (his own feelings and to other people's feelings).
3. He is a chatter box.
4. He is conscientious
5. He has a willing heart.
6. He is artistic like his Dad. He is always drawing and doing projects.
7. He's very imaginative.
8. He adores his brothers.
9. He's generous and kind.
10. He is a snuggle bug.
11. Since I"m writing this, I can say it....He is a Mama's boy! : )

I love you forever Riley!!!

Vance summited Everest!!

This is Lane's brother Vance. He just got back from Nepal. He summited Mt. Everest!

We're proud of you Vance. We are so glad you made it and we're so happy you are home safe with your family! We love you tons!

In case you couldn't make it out, Jeremy was talking about Jar Jar. You know, Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars. Then there's Riley who is notorious for correcting Jeremy. We're trying to break him of that but as you can see, we haven't had success.

One day, Jeremy was just talking to me and he blurts out,
"One time, I fought Darth Mall and I used The Forest!"

He always calls it the forest.' I love it! It's so cute!

Tyler's nine month doctor appointment was yesterday. You know the drill while your in the waiting room. A nurse opens the door and calls, "Anna?"
Jeremy looks up and furrows his brow and hollars, "It's Tyler........It's Tyler..........It's Tyler."

Then we went into the room. While we waited for the doctor to come the boys started to get rowdy and beginning to get too loud. Jeremy got upset with Riley and yelled, "Rii-waaay!"

Me: If you yell in here, you won't get a lolly pop. Use your inside voice!

Jeremy: There's not an inside park here. (the inside park is the play park inside the mall) That's why I don't.

Weeks gone by....

It has been way too long since I have posted. The last month has been crazy. Our computer crashed. We took it to a computer guy to fix. He had it for almost a week. The verdict, he couldn't fix it. On a good note, he was able to recover the hard drive. So we didn't lose our pictures. Thank goodness for that! We still had three problems. One, how do you live in this day and age w/out a computer? Two, Lane is right in the middle of Ortho applications. A computer is an integral part of that. Three, I rely on a computer to do my church calling. Not to mention the fact that its my connection to oh so many things.

Then our breaks went out. Breaks we had done only 3000 miles ago. Let me tell ya, I was not happy about it. In the midst of trying to get the car to the mechanics our water heater went out. The rest is a long story, and well, it's really quite boring. So I will spare you all and skip to the good stuff. Kids!

For those of you who don't know, I have four brothers. I fall right in the middle. My baby brother's given name is Andrew. My brother Tom nicknamed him Biff and it stuck. He went by Biff when we were kids and he still does. He just arrived in town from Iraq last night. I got to see him today and it was great! He is just home for a visit and then he is back to Iraq. This has been his second deployment. When he's through, he'll have spent three years there. So, here is a a special Thanks, to you Biff, for serving! Thanks for fighting for our safety and freedom!!!

So as soon as Riley saw him he wanted to wrestle, and wrestle they did. This evening while the boys were getting ready for bed Riley says to me,

Riley: Mom? Sometimes I just touched Uncle Biff and he said, 'You got me.' Why did he say that?

Me: I don't know. You will have to ask him.

Riley: I think it's because I have 'THE FORCE!'

It was so cute because he was so serious and so believing. I love that about kids.

This afternoon Jeremy was building with blocks. Tyler and I were watching him, just as requested. Then I stood up and told him I had to go get Tyler some sock. Jeremy says,

"Is that because he has naked toes?"

It brought a smile to my face.

Buddies

Today was a fun day. This afternoon Ethan and Cole came over. We played at the park for close to 3 hours. It was great!