The Caldwells

Candlelight Service

2010-12-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here are just the beginning of Christmas pictures that I'll post over the next week as we take them :)

These are from our Churches Candlelight Service last night

3 Days Until Christmas!!

2010-12-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

Our tree is packed with present, shopping is finished, and all my holiday craft projects turned out pretty successful. Now it's just waiting for the big day to arrive :)....a lot easier said than done.
The kids have been loving this holiday season, from their candy countdown until Christmas, to Christmas movies, parades, lights and cookies. One thing we were not anticipating this year was a little boy who can't keep secrets!! So everyone knows there Christmas gifts ahead of time...oh well!
Tonight our church has it's Candlelight service, tomorrow a good friend comes in town, and Friday night we're hosting a Christmas Eve party which i'm super excited to get cooking for! Then it's out of town for a weeks vacation up in The Dalles, OR and Moses Lake, WA. YAY!!!!!

Holidays are Here!

2010-12-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. Family, friends, fun and delicious foods, traditions, snow (fingers crossed), Hot Cocoa, city Christmas events, Church Christmas parties......
The best thing about having a young family is that you get to start making your own holiday traditions, while still incorporating the old ones that are so dear to the heart. I love remembering the crafts, cooking projects, games, etc that I did when I was a kid, and then teaching my kids about them and watching them enjoy them just as much!
Caleb is just old enough to help with projects like cookie decorating and hanging ornaments; he's old enough to enjoy seeing the Christmas lights on everyones houses, and he's getting the hang of the fact that some things about Christmas are SECRETS!! Karis is still learning not to touch the ornaments, and she can only decorate one Christmas cookie, until the temptation to consume it fully overtakes her! She too loves seeing the Christmas lights, and they both have memorized where all the blowup snowmen and penguins are on our route out of the neighborhood.
Karis graduated to a big girl bed last month, and this precious smile says everything!! She does get herself in trouble about every night for getting out of her bed, but we are definitely seeing improvement :)

We got a light dusting of snow back in November and they both could hardly wait to get out and play in it. This lasted until their hands got wet and cold!!

We had a great Thanksgiving with Tyler's Parents, His Aunt Ellen, and our good friend Glenn. I got the kids dressed and ready, then they accessorized themselves.

Tyler frying his first bird!!

The kids washed dinner down with some Teddy Grahams :)

I hope you are all enjoying your holidays as well!!

Cheap-Free Butter @ Freds

2010-11-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

Butter has not gone on sale in a long time, and with the Holidays here, now is a great time to stock up when you find it for a great price (anything under $2.00 for real butter is a good price). Here is a deal you can do at Fred Meyer this week to get butter for either really cheap or FREE!!

This first coupon is found in the weekly ad (available at customer service, or by any store entrance)

Buy 2 of these boxes (there are also $.30/1 coupons on the box you can use)

Buy 2 butters @ $1.67 each using ad coupon

Use (2) $.30/1 coupons from front of boxes

Pay $2.73 for two boxes.

*Here is the best part...once you buy the boxes, open them up and inside is this coupon:

So now do the same deal as above, only use (2) $.75/1 coupons instead of the $.30/1 coupons (with another ad coupon) and get two more butters for $1.83!! That's $.91 per box of butter! You can keep doing this deal to stock up on butter.

Fred Meyer also carries this new variety of Challenge Butter (Tuscan). It's basically herbed butter and it's good!

With this coupon (hanging right by the product, or in the monthly savings book on the last page..found at Customer service) it's only $.99

This coupon is also found inside the box of butter

Buy (2) Tuscan Style Challenge Tubs: $1.98 (using first coupon)

Use (2) $1.00/1 coupons

Total: FREE!!!

Weekend Get-away

2010-11-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we took our Annual Clark Family trip to Eagle Crest Resort (near Bend OR). It's always a short, but fun-packed weekend. The past two years we've been able to celebrate my Grandpa and Grandma Clark's Birthdays while there too!

One of the highlights of this trip is playing Mini-Golf. This is a real "minature" golf course, complete with bunkers, trees and lakes. Caleb and Karis even got to swing the club a little bit (as pictured below). Our family is growing each year, and the course always asks us if we want to break into smaller groups, but the fun of the game for us and everyone watching (and laughing) at everyone else's puts.

We also round out our weekend with lots of great food, swimming, hot tubbing, wallyball, and this year a Duck Game.

First picture is of our mini-golf crew.

We brought Caleb's bike this year too...we had amazing weather, and then it started snowing as we were driving home!

Karis the little leaf collector.

...and golfer

Why is Tyler posing so funny?

Caleb trying to get his ball back in bounds

The whole Clark family!!

...and the Caldwell Branch of it

Pumpkin Carving Fun

2010-10-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

This past week we took the time to carve our pumpkins together! I should clarify; Tyler carved, the kids painted, and I did a combo of both. This was the first time the kids have painted, and while they enjoyed it, they both didn't like getting paint on themselves, and they got distracted and moved onto other things pretty quickly. It's sad to say, but I think my dislike for being dirty has rubbed off on both the kids!

Here are the little artist at work:

WE tried to get them to stick their hands in and pull out the guts...but again, they didn't want to get dirty or "yucky hands"

They did love removing the top of the pumpkin over and over and over.....

Finished!! Don't laugh at my attempt to be artistic... obviously this isn't an area I'm gifted in at all!

A Promise to be more Faithful

2010-10-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, i've been quite the slacker over the past few months, and of this I am well aware! Two little blessings running all over, a husband pursuing a business degree, and me trying to keep up with it all and still have dinner on the table....I'm sure I can muster up the time to at least post on here more frequently than just once a quarter.
So that's my promise to be more faithful, to keep you updated (and myself updated) a little more frequently. Honestly I don't even know if anyone reads this, and if they did (past tense), after months of not posting, I'm sure I may have even lost them! But, what is the goal of this blog? It's for my kids and us as a family to be able to look back over the years and recount all the incredible memories we've made together. It's a chance for me to reflect on how my little family is growing, because it's easy to miss when you are just going through the day to day motions. And yes, it's for family and friends as well, to keep in touch, and be touched in some little way by the growth of our family.
If our life ever got to busy, where we couldn't stop and reflect, then some priorities need to be changed. It is Tyler and I's desire as parents, and as God's chosen caregivers to Caleb and Karis, to not only "Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength" but to also teach and demonstrate this to our kids, so when they are grown they will have the same heart and passion for God. Every day of parenting brings with it a new set of challenges, but all are challenges that God has equipped us for if we continually lean on Him, and not our own understanding....He will direct our steps!!

Now the daunting task of updating!!
Tyler- is in his second semester of school at Rogue Community College working towards a general Business Degree. I'm so proud of him for his decision to further his education, and his diligence in each class he has taken thus far. This summer he completed a huge accomplishment and goal of his to cycle the Seattle to Portland (STP). Him and Tim (our brother-in-law) rode it together and did awesome!

Rachel- That's me! Homemaker, meal maker, diaper changer, potty-trainer, owwie soother, etc.... In the past few months i've also started doing some Health and Fitness consulting on the side. It is so rewarding to see peoples lives changed in this area, as well as getting to put into practice what i've learned and love to do. I've also jumped into a new hobby of couponing over the past year. Not only is it great to save money, but it's a thrill to come home with grocery bags full of free things!! Because of this new love and hobby of mine, I've gotten several opportunities to speak at various ladies meetings at our church to share with them different aspects of saving money and shopping wisely. Though nerve wracking to speak to large groups, I do believe i'm getting a little better at it each time :)

Caleb- Still a miracle, and our absolute joy! He's now 3 1/2, and continually blowing us away. He has a very soft and gentle spirit, and he already is showing such a love for God and his ways. I catch both him and Karis singing their sunday school songs while playing with their toys, praying for each other before they go to bed at night, and Caleb is quite the show off when it comes to Sunday School at church!

Karis- Our darling daughter, delight of our life, and fellow left-hander (YAY)!! Karis is a live wire. She's into everything right now, prancing all over the house on her tippy toes ( I see ballet in her future), and taking a break to dance and sing whenever music is playing. She's play trains and swords with Caleb, and then sit down with her baby dolls to snuggle and read books.

So that's a glimpse.... and here are just a few pictures of our recent trip to the pumpkin patch!

Playing Catch up!!

2010-08-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my last blog was the beginning of June!! Ahhh...I'm so far behind. Luckily, most of you are probably friends of mine on facebook, so you staying updated pretty well through that.
Here is a brief timeline of our summer:
June:
Caleb turned 3!!
My little sister graduated from Nursing school (trip to TD for her graduation)
Lots of birthdays, picnics, trips to the park

July:
Caleb did a month of Swim Lessons---he loved them!
Niece Wisdom Zion was born to my brother and his wife
Tyler started Summer school- Working towards a business Degree
Tyler's sister and nieces visited from Georgia for a few weeks.
Trip to family Cabin for 4-wheeling, boating, smores, etc.
Tyler rode and finished the Seattle to Portland Cycling race!!- I went to Pikes Place Market and shopping ;)
Clark Family Rafting trip on Deschutes
Couple days of vacationing in TD
Kids had their first weekend Sleepover with their Auntie Mimi
Celebrated 4 years of an amazing marriage!

August (so far):
Tyler celebrated his 28th Birthday!! (with mickey mouse pancakes from caleb)

Still to come: LOTS OF FAMILY VISITING US in the next couple of weeks
BBQ with our Bible Study group
I turn 27 later this month!!
Trip to Portland for my birthday to be with family :)
Another mini-vacation to Cabin for Labor Day
Churches Father-Son crawdad fishing trip

I'm sure I missed things....but you get the idea of why I haven't been blogging!
I hope everyone else is having as great and fun of a summer as we are!!

Month of May

2010-06-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

May was REALLY busy for us!! Here is a brief overview!

Mothers day was great. We went out to lunch with Tyler's parents, then I got to take a nap, and have roasted S'mores on the BBQ!!

Karis is really growing up, and her and Caleb are starting to like to play together a little bit. She is quite the communicator, and has a little spunk to her attitude! It's hard to not just laugh all the time at her! Calebs favorite thing is to hold her...which she thinks is hilarious and only goes along with for a few seconds!

Karis trying on one of her dads old wigs!

Playing in their cardboard house at Grandpa and Grandma Caldwells

Tyler had to work Memorial day, so I took the kids down to his shop for lunch and Caleb got to go for a spin in the Model-A

In the middle of the month the Youth Ministry at our church puts on a huge Golf Tournament fundraisers, in which I'm quite involved. Tyler golfed this year, and my parents and Sister and he husband came down for the weekend, and all the guys golfed together! We also did some minor tree trimming to try to get more shade in the back yard. Caleb got a chainsaw for his birthday, so he got to get in on the trimming action!

Karis can finally wear pigtails!!!!

Memorial day weekend is Tailgate Sunday at our church. This year we had it in a local park and it was a HUGE success....even the local TV stations came and did a short segment on it!!

Hopefully that sums it all up!!

Where do I begin!!

2010-06-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind on this blog it's slightly intimidating to think about updating it!! Mostly, we've been so busy, it's hard to remember what's happened in the last month and half since I last posted!

So I'll start with our most recent event...CALEB'S 3RD BIRTHDAY!!!

We had a weekend long celebration for Caleb this year. Saturday morning we took the kids on a LONG bike ride (22miles), and then came home in time to take naps before Grandma Clark got into town. Saturday night Tyler took Caleb to the Speedway for kids night to watch all the drag racing, etc. They had a BLAST!

Sunday was Caleb's birthday party, and he also got to move out of the toddler nursery at church and into Sunday School. The teachers said he was telling all the kids that it was his birthday and that he was going to his Grandmas house. He also stood up on a chair and belted out Jesus Loves Me!!

His Curious George party was a huge success at the park too. At 9:30pm (long after he was put to bed) we could hear him singing "Happy Birthday" to himself up in his bed :)

Monday morning (his actual bday) we took him out to birthday breakfast, and then he headed home with Grandma to spend 4 days at their house up in The Dalles. He's having a blast, and tomorrow we go to get him!!

Updates

2010-03-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

SPRING TIME!!

Last year at this time our backyard was a big mud pit, but this year I've really been enjoying being able to send the kids outside to play, and know that it's safe and not TOO dirty :) Even on raining days, Caleb is begging me to go outside now.....He's got spring fever, plus I think he's just tired of being couped up inside all winter. I know how he feels :)

Karis growing up all to fast, and though she's not walking yet (soo close!), she is such a busy body, and just jibber jabbers all day. Her vocabulary now consist of:

nigh-nigh

whas dat

baby

banky (blanky)

Mama

Dada

Papa

book

It's so fun to hear her talking, and also to listen to things Caleb comes up with now when he talks.

I hate to say we are still potty training...but alas we are. We are definitely nearing independence in that area though, so at least the end is in sight!

Feb-March was a really busy time for Tyler with work, but things have slowed down now, and we actually got to go hiking, just the two of us last weekend!! Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for watching the kids for a day!

I'm also working on a business plan to do some Fitness/Health consulting out of our home, and maybe some personal training as well, so i'm excited and praying a lot of these new endeavors as well!

Enjoy the pictures of spring

Fun with Friends

2010-03-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Caleb and Karis had some friends over to play last week and we decorated and ate cupcakes!

Lazy Sundays

2010-03-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was so beautiful again, so after naps the kids got to play outside with dad!

Here is Caleb in the kid's new power wheels F150

Karis being really cute and loving on her doll!

A Glimpse of Spring

2010-03-03T10:41:00.001-08:00

The weather has been so warm and sunny lately that we've been trying to get to the park, and let the kids have outdoor time whenever possible.

One not so sunny day, we had some friends over and when it was time for them to go, we looked for the kids, and lo and behold, the fact that they were being very quiet was for a reason...They had found the lotion bottle!

Our kids LOVE their blankies!
and they love each other!
Fun times at the park with friends
Baseball in the backyard with dad
Raking the leftover fall leaves
Valentines day!!
We've been in potty training mode for the past month or so...We started out very successfully, and are sort of digressing at the moment...but i'm sure by the time he is a teenager, he'll have it down pat! Even the dolls are getting in on the action!
Classic boy picture
Karis ready too?

Karis' First Birthday Parties

2010-02-12T09:33:00.001-08:00

Karis Abigail is 1!!! Karis got to have 2 Birthday Parties this year...one a couple weeks early in The Dalles with the Clarks, and the second on her actual birthday with all our friends and family here.

She loved every moment of her party, and was completely spoiled! Such a beautiful Girl!

Opening gifts
Digging into the cake
The end result
"Happy Birthday to you"
Birthday girl with Grandma Clark

Birthday Party at the Clark house a few weeks ago......
Cookie Cake
yum yum
Here was her cookie cake
Lovely family with the Birthday girl!

Happy New Year

2010-01-20T12:30:00.001-08:00

The New Year has started and we have been enjoying a peaceful and somewhat uneventful January (which was much needed after a BUSY holiday season!).

We started off the New Year by embarking on a Daniel Fast for 8 days to really get down to business with God, seeking out what he has planned for us this year as individuals, and a family. Fasting for us is not about weight loss, physical cleansing, etc (though those benefits are nice), it's about seeking God fervently and relentlessly through prayer, by denying our flesh, to meet with him, hear his voice, and then DO what he has commanded and challenged us to do. Such a great way to start off a new year! The economy will go up and down, but good news GOD IS STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE ON THE THRONE! As Christians we can rejoice because our hope is beyond Washington DC, President Obama, Unemployment Statistics, etc. In these times we need to keep our focus on Jesus Christ, the beginning and the End! We can rejoice because no matter what happens in the world as we know it, we know the end of the story, it's GOD, HE WINS!!!

Onto the kids:

Caleb 2 1/2- 25lbs, loves to work with tools and help his dad with ANY project that he can. The amount of things he knows, processes and speaks AMAZES me. I also think we are getting VERY close to starting the potty training process!

Karis -ALMOST 1!!! 15 1/2lbs, 3 teeth, hair growing by the day, and jibber jabbering ALOT! She just learned that she can clap, and the moment someone even mentions the words "bye bye" she's a waving machine.

For her birthday we got her her big girl carseat and she LOVES IT (see pictures below- including all the fun we had with the big box it came in!)

The weather has also been unusually warm this January, so on one nice day we took a walk to the park nearby and let the kids get some energy and squeals out!

Fun with one of her new dollies!

This weekend out church is launching Saturday night Services!! Awesome to see how God is growing and expanding our church! Also, the last weekend of this month we are traveling North again to The Dalles, to have a family birthday party for Karis, and visit baby Joseph Jeremiah, born a few weeks ago to Jeremy and Selah Dutton!!!

Christmas Week (PICTURES!)

2009-12-29T10:49:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Christmas for a whole week this year!

At the beginning of the week Papa and Mama Clark came to visit. Caleb and Mama made reindeer candy canes....

Then the kids got to open their Big christmas gift...
It's a spring horse (otherwise named "clip clop")
Then on Christmas eve it was time to celebrate with Grandpa and Grandma Caldwell...yummy dinner and fun evening...
Christmas morning was spent at our house, so the kids could wake up and open their gifts...Caleb got his very own tool bench with lots of tools!! He went to work right away....

Karis got her first Dolly on her first Christmas
Then we hopped in the car and drove 6hrs to spend the rest of the Christmas weekend with the Clarks.
Karis getting ready to open her stocking!
Day after christmas we had our annual Christmas party with family friends the Stranz's. This year we did a progressive dinner, at eat house of the people who lived local. It was really fun!!
Down time
Sunday morning we went to church, and Caleb spend the service sitting in the back, fixing their chairs with his new tools.....
Then we went to our Cousins Dave and Janet who live in Portland and had an amazing post- Christmas dinner and party with their family. Caleb had lots of fun playing with Lucy, his 4th cousin????
After all that excitement it was a long drive home with children who were overdone and exhausted!! We finally made it (not soon enough) and now it's almost new years! Christmas decor is down, house is getting back in order, and kids are catching up on naps.

December

2009-12-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

We had a VERY busy December. Here are some random pictures from it :)

Fort building with Chloe

Dancing with Caitlyn

Caleb helping me decorate sugar cookies

Silly girl

Funny Face
She gets into everything now
Ready for gymnastics....

Candlelight

2009-12-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

Let the Christmas Season BEGIN

2009-11-30T16:18:00.001-08:00

We wasted no time this year getting in the "holiday cheer" mode. Since we were home for Thanksgiving this year, we were able to get our tree and decor up the same weekend...all while listening to hours and hours of christmas music on Pandora, and watching out first christmas movie of the season....I LOVE THIS MONTH!!!

Here is my beautiful wreath decorated with Lollipop suckers....unfortunately it's already been taken apart and thrown away. I say this idea in a magazine and thought it was SUPER CUTE especially for a house with kids...but the cold weather caused the suckers to melt and drip everywhere!! Bummer

Our perfect tree
I string the lights because i'm too picky to let anyone else do it :)
Caleb decorating the tree with his toys
Family pic after we lit the christmas lights!
Tyler worked so hard getting the up and working
We found our tree
Going to pick out our tree

Thankgiving09

2009-11-30T16:10:00.001-08:00

We hosted Thanksgiving this year for both our families, and some friends and had a wonderful day. Dinner was GREAT (you can't really go wrong with Thanksgiving food) everything turned out great and went as planned, and the whole day was very relaxing.

The kids winding down after a long day
Getting "tom the turkey" ready to cook
The gathering right before we dug in
My table decor that I made the week before, I was so happy when it all turned out.

Caleb and Mama made these little acorns

such a big girl standing up now

Rounding out October

2009-11-03T13:32:00.001-08:00

Little explorer

Caleb and Chloe...she came dressed up on Friday before Harvest Party..too cute

Daddy's little helper with some mechanical side work

Pretty blue eyes
Calebs friends Ellie and Nevaeh turned 2!! It's was a princess birthday party, so Caleb was none other than Prince Charming!!
The birthday princesses with Prince Charming ;)

Harvest Party

2009-11-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Tyler and I were a little under the weather this past weekend, so our Harvest Partying was limited. But we still dressed the kids up and let took them to the neighbors house, and to the church for a little bit.

Caleb the Baker

Karis the Cupcake

Pumpkin Patch 09

2009-10-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

PICTURES GALORE!! Eat your heart out...these are some seriously cute kids!!

He would only try to pick up the ones that were triple his own weight

We convinced him to try a smaller one
oh so cute!
hmmmm what to do next

Time for the yearly tractor picture....Karis wasn't too into it
Caleb on the other hand :)

She just squealed and talked nonstop to those horses and goats...a little animal lover...definately doesn't get that from her mom

Taking sissy for a ride

Family pic

Watching brother while he rides a horse
What a big boy this year!

Evolution Hair Design

2009-10-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Evolution Hair design is the salon that my sister Micah is a stylist at in downtown Portland. Check out their latest newsletter, in particular the flower in the girls hair.... making these has been such a fun project and way to make some extra $$ for me.

An accomplished day

2009-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

I have to brag about what an accomplished day I've had, and it's only 1:30 in the afternoon.

So far today i've:

Went on my run

Bath day for both kids

2 loafs of homemade bread just came out of the oven (smells so good!)

Big batch of homemade applesauce (about 20 apples) made and already in the freezer

Laundry going

Dishes from all my cooking done!

Kids napping, and now it's time to start thinking about dinner :)

Today one of my best friends had her 3rd child, so after Tyler gets home from work I get to run to the hospital to visit!! (no children visitors allowed in hospitals right now due to the flu!)

Trust me, everyday isn't this productive, but it does feel good to have one like it every once in awhile

Eagle Crest in a Weekend

2009-10-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we were up just north of Bend, OR at Eagle Crest Resort. It was my Grandmas 75th bday, so the whole family met there to surprise her and have a mini-family reunion. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN! I think we were there for less than 48 hrs, and we rode bikes, played mini-golf, went swimming, played a couple family games of wallyball (volleyball in a raquetball court with a 4square ball...tons of fun!), hot-tubbed at our condo, played LOTS of cards, ATE A TON, went on not enough walks, relaxed enough, plus some things i'm sure I missed! The kids also had a blast, as they both got an ABUNDANCE of attention, and got to go swimming a few times (see pics below). The resort had an indoor kiddie pool that was about 1 1/2 feet deep. So Caleb could just walk around in it and play. He also got brave enough to jump in off the edge! Really growing up they both are :) I'm on my toes more as Karis is beginning to check out the Whole house with her new found freedom crawling. Trying to keep floors clean with two toddlers is not an easy task.

Jumping in to mom

Look at those eyes!! I'm so glad at least one child so far has my blue eyes
Little swimmer

mini golf

Recent pictures

2009-10-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

She's growing up so fast!

So is he!!
Our cell group carved pumpkins last night and had a little harvest party. Lots of fun!
Carving Calebs little pumpkin

Caleb and Chloe playing with all his motor vehicles :)

MOVIES!

2009-10-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

nothing is safe anymore..KARIS IS CRAWLING!

2009-10-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

After about of month of scooting backwards, rolling, stretching, and rocking on her hands and knees, Karis finally went forward yesterday!! I can tell how much I coached her over the past couple weeks, because when she would be laying on the floor, Caleb would lay in front of her, pat the ground and say "come on sissy, come on. Go forward". Too cute!

Today she's been practicing a ton, and don't you worry, I have TONS of video proof that I will post soon :)

There is no stopping her now...she's finally mobile!

Oh no, where has Sept gone?

2009-09-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

I realized today that September is nearing the end and I haven't taken any pictures to document it. So THANK YOU JENNY, for supplying the 4 pictures from Sept 09 that are in my iphoto folder now. There are just some months that pass me by and i don't see them come or go.

This month I started watching a little girl Chloe (15months old) in our home full time. She is an Angel, and really the one I should be getting paid to watch is Caleb....he is such a handful right now.

Caleb says everything, gets into everything, gets himself into trouble over lots of things, and is just ALL LITTLE BOY!

Karis is so close to crawling. She scoots backwards everywhere, and rocks on her hands and knees. She is also working on getting her first teeth in, and it has been less than a joy. Caleb popped them all through without a peep, and her first tooth has been quite the ordeal for a few weeks. I can't believe she is over 7months. This one really is flying by!

Homemade

2009-09-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Over the past month i've been getting in touch with my more crafty side. I've been making homemade bread (see below) and boy is it SOOO good, not to mention a money saver!

Also, leaning more to the arts and crafts side, about a month ago, I started making the ever popular flower hair clips, to be sold at my sisters salon in Portland. I've made them for Karis, but since they are the "in style" thing for adults as well, i've branched out. I wish I had pictures, and someday I will take some and post them. They are so fun to make!

Just last week I made these cute little Tutu's for a friends twin girls who are turning 2. They turned out pretty stinkin cute; I can't wait until Karis old enough to play dress up.

Fun movies

2009-08-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

AUGUST PICTURES

2009-08-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here is Caleb helping Grandma ma make pie for mommys birthday

Roll it

Pat it
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
Put it in the oven
MMMM...so good!

Two cute kids on mommys birthday

Our family
So high
fun with daddy and papa at Butte Creek Mill in Eagle Point
Fun at the park a few days ago
weeeee!!!!
Sibling love
BIg girl sitting up
Karis starting sitting up the week she turned 6months.....such a big girl already!!!
pajama buddies

One year older

2009-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I are officially one year older now, as we both celebrate our birthdays in August. For Tylers birthday this year we had a really nice BBQ with his parents, and for my bday, my parents came into town for a long weekend. My mom and I window shopped in Jacksonville, while Tyler and my dad took Caleb to the park, and also spent some time of their own shopping....for ATV's, dual sport bikes, and fishing equipment. Rough life!!

We also went out to the Butte Creek Mill in Eagle Point, which is an old flour and grain mill that is still functioning, and had been open since the late 1800's. They have all their original equipment that you can look at, and the mill is powered by water, and a old water wheel. Pretty cool.

I'm also getting to utilize my crafty side, and I'm making flower hair clips to be sold in Micahs Salon up in portland. Very similar to what I always put on Karis, only tailored for grownups! They are SOOO fun to make, and If I can brag, they are turning out beautiful!

Someday soon I'll post pictures!

Cabin with the Caldwells

2009-08-19T14:56:00.001-07:00

The end of July we spent a week with the Caldwells, as Tylers sister and family were in town from Georgia. We spent a few days at the Cabin boating, then everyone went on a jetboat excursion (minus Rachel and karis...not really newborn friendly)

On the jetboat

All the cousins eating their first s'mores
oh he savored every last bite

winding down before bed at the cabin

Josie and Karis

Mady and Caleb...love the goggles
Yep, I could still do it!
All the cousins...first time together since Caleb was born

Week in The Dalles

2009-08-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Rachel and the kids spent a whole week in The Dalles leading up to the wedding. Here is some of the fun stuff we did:

(Caleb cleaning the toilet in his bathroom before we left town...dont' want to come home to a dirty house!)

Karis "rehearsing" as a flower girl
Morning of the wedding
Tyler and I at rehearsal dinner
Karis being SOOO cute
Testing out her new ride for the wedding
Bachlorette party....how did Caleb get here!
He wanted to go riding on Seths Motorcycle
Swim time at grandmas

Oregon Coast Trip

2009-08-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the weekend we spent on the Oregon Coast (mostly in Tillamook for my great Aunts 80th bday)

Tillamook Cheese Factory
Helping in Aunt Elaines Horse Barn
Feeding the horses Carrots
Cheese Factory
Yaquina Head lighthouse outside of Newport, OR
Kids' first time seeing the Ocean
look, a seashell

What to blog about..?

2009-08-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since my last blog, I can hardly remember what I need to catch you up on. So I'll start where i think I left off...Sarahs wedding (they just celebrated 1month!)

So much to say...so little energy!!

2009-07-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

A LOT has been going on since I posted, and I have A TON of pictures that I should be posting soon! Here is a recap:

**Aunt Phyllis's 80th Birthday on the Oregon Coast near Tillamook (we took a weekend trip up the coast to celebrate with her, sight see, and enjoy family)

**Sarah Wedding!!- my littlest sister just became Mrs Molitor 2 weeks ago, so I was able to go spend a whole week up with my family to help prepare and Celebrate. It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding and tons of fun.

**Caldwell Family Vacation at the Cabin. We came straight back from the wedding and headed up to the cabin for a few days of boating, ATV'ing, Smores, and other fun stuff. Tylers sister Cassie and her family were here from Georgia visiting, so the cousins had a BLAST playing with each other for a week.

**Our 3rd Anniverary- which was yesterday. Since it was a church night we decided to take tonight, and go out for a gourmet picnic dinner together. Being well over 100degrees we skipped the idea of playing frisbee in the heat, but still had a nice dinner.....until we got a call that Caleb has popped his elbow out of joint while playing. We came home and took him to the Dr's immediately. They did x-rays to make sure it wasn't more serious, but it was just out of joint, and once they popped it back, he was right back to normal and wanting to play!! Thank you Jesus!!!

This whole week has been well over 100degrees every day (112 yesterday!!) so we've just been hanging out inside to stay cool.

When I feel motivated, I'll post pictures :)

4th and other fun

2009-07-05T14:26:00.001-07:00

We had a great HOT 4th of July. We took the kids to the parade in the morning, where by 10am it was already well into the 90s temp wise!!! Caleb enjoyed it though despite the heat and no shade. After the parade we headed up to cool off at the lake, and go boating with Tylers family. Tyler knee boarded, I went out the tube for awhile, and boy am I sore today! Caleb even dipped his feet in the water a few times and loved it. Though his favorite thing was helping drive the boat. After a long day we came home to crash....only to have Karis stay up crying (ok screaming!) until midnight. Poor baby, too much fun in the sun!

She was in a perfect mood as usual.....before boating that is
Wait...who's suppose to be manning this ship?
Micah and Caleb waiting patiently in the heat for the parade to start.
Cool dude
Last week Dani brought the kids over to swim for a while, and after playing hard outside, they came in to veg out to some Veggies Tales.
Karis loving her new exersaucer toy

Calebs Bday Present

2009-06-30T15:33:00.001-07:00

Calebs big birthday present from the WHOLE family was a swingset!

This is his favorite thing to do on it!
First trip down the slide
helping grandpa put the slide together

Oh June

2009-06-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

Heres the doll!

Helping dad fix the lawnmower

Everyone in the pool! All Calebs friends over playing for the afternoon
Sibling LOVE

Karis' Post

2009-06-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Since most all my post are about Caleb (cause he's the active one) here is a post dedicated just to Karis Abigail!!

Karis got dedicated at church on Calebs birthday a few weekends ago, and it was so special to have all our family at church with us to honor Karis on HER special day. She was SOOO beautiful in her new dress, big flower headband, and ballet slipper shoes..but then again, I don't remember a day or outfit when she's not absolutely gorgeous :) (pictures below are from her dedication)

She also just had her 4month checkup yesterday and she is doing AWESOME! The Dr. was so happy with her development and growth. She was 11lbs 2oz's and I think around 23inches long. She's still pretty petite, but that's what makes her all the cuter! This week we are going to start some solid foods with her which is exciting...she's really been eyeing my food lately!

Karis is a babbler, and also laughs when tickled, which is super cute. Caleb can make her laugh more than anyone else....she ADORES her big brother, and he loves her just as much!

Random PIctures

2009-06-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Here are just some pictures taken over the past couple weeks. The weather has really warmed up, our grass is in, Caleb has a new pool, swingset and picnic table outside, and life is good. We spend most days in the backyard, Karis in the bouncer seat, me working on my tan for my sisters wedding, and Caleb playing his little heart out. What a fun summer so far!

Here is the little guy in his new bike helmet and knee pads that Tiffie gave him for his bday. Moma and Papa scored on a bike for Caleb and brought it down for his bday.

Heres the new pool, with his swimming buddy the dolphin from Auntie Mimi (she swam with dolphins in Mexico recently, and when Caleb saw the pictures he became obsessed with dolphins....so now he has his own to swim with!)

Karis the big girl...she rolls all over the place, and LOVES playing with toys. She has her favorites, but she'll be delighted with whatever is close by.
Caleb and his friend Ava plaing together at the church picnic
Cool dude with the scooter (in his PJs of course! we play sun up to sun down these days)
Chowing down on Corn on the Cob

Calebs 2nd Birthday

2009-06-24T15:07:00.001-07:00

Calebs 2nd bday was a blast. We had it located at the park near our house, and it was all "Elmo"! It turned out to be a beautiful day, so all his little friends could actually enjoy the park.

Here is birthday breakfast! Pancakes...his favorite!

Here is Caleb and mom with his new scooter from mommy and daddy.
blowing out the candle
corndogs and chicken nuggets for lunch
The Elmo cake that I made for Caleb. I'm so proud of how well it turned out!
What birthday would be complete without lots and lots of cupcakes

Family News

2009-06-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

So this coming weekend is a big one for us. Caleb is turning 2!!! Not to be clique, but I can hardly believe it. He's really been growing up lately; not only is he getting taller, he's talking SOO much, and making SOO much sense. Wonderful that he can communicate his wants, needs, etc, with us now. He is a climber, and his energy level increases every day. The other day he picked up a pair of Karis' pink shorts off the couch and said "oh, that's pretty". At the post office earlier this week I set Karis down in her carrier so I could buy some stamps and I ask Caleb to stand next to her and watch her. Not more than a few seconds later, I looked down and he's giving her kisses on the head. So precious!!

This weekend is also exciting because Karis is getting dedicated at church on Sunday! So with two big events in one weekend, of course all my family is coming into town. Grandparents, great-grandparents, Aunts and Uncles alike. We are going to have a housefull!

Karis is quite the thumbsucker now, and she also has rolled over a few times recently. When playing on the floor, she is scooting herself all over, and loves playing with rattles and other toys.
On another note, our grass that we planted in the backyard a little under two weeks ago is looking awesome. It's a couple inches tall, and thickening up nicely. We can't wait until we can finally enjoy using it.

Just Hanging out

2009-05-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

The weather is continuing to stay warm and beautiful, our grass is starting to sprout out of the ground, and the kids keep growing! Caleb is definately gaining some height right now, and Karis keeps steadily putting on the pounds. This week we've been busy prepping for the CYM Golf Tournament which is TOMORROW! I'm heading up volunteers, Tyler is caddying again this year, Caleb is spending the day with his grandparents, and Karis will hang out at the golf course with mom all day.

Caleb likes being the crib with Karis, I think mostly because he loves her mobile..which used to be his...and he loved it then too!

Here they are watching the animals go 'round and round'
giving his sister some lovin
This is how Karis spend most of tailgate sunday last week. Was a good thing she slept because it was so hot in the sun.
Caleb pretending like he's going to take a nap....never happened!
Tyler had the monitor on his belt all morning while I was out shopping, then Caleb wanted to be just like dad
Sleeping beauty

for your viewing pleasure

2009-05-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day wknd

2009-05-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

A little updating!

2009-05-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

We have been so super busy lately. We spent mothers day weekend in The Dalles, as my sisters bridal shower was also that weekend, and our weeks are packed full of activities. Church, mtgs, Tylers softball games every thursday night, more church activities, etc. Our only free night is Monday, and we usually pack that with so many things that need to be done around our home.

We are also entering into Birthday season, with Calebs just over 2 weeks away, and all his little friends to follow throughout the summer. This weekend we are FINALLY planting grass in our back yard. Still alot to be done to do it, but we think we can get it all done in one long day :)

Spring chickens!

2009-05-02T15:14:00.001-07:00

Today Caleb and I went on a Date to see the chickens and ducks at the local feed and grain store. HE LOVES THEM!! We were there for about 40minutes and he just walked back and forth between all the bins checking them out. Such a fun, and free, activity for little kids.

We ended our date by going to the mini-mart down the street and picking out 2cent tootie rolls.

ICE CREAM

2009-04-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Last week when Grandpa Clark "pa pa" was in town, he took Caleb to his favorite place....Dairy Queen!! He wanted Caleb to have his first ice cream cone, and it's not hard to see that he LOVED IT!! He's a child after his pa pa's heart...A sugar lover!

The kiddos

2009-04-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Here are Caleb and Karis, growing up too quick on us. Caleb is saying EVERYTHING (we have to spell things now so he doesn't know...yes it's gotten to that point!) Karis also "baby" talking alot and is such a content happy baby. I'll also take the time to brag that she is sleeping 8-10hrs through the night.

Last night we moved Caleb into his new full size bed, and Karis slept in the crib in her room for the first time. They both did great! I however didn't sleep well, because I only have one monitor and I moved it into Karis' room, so I was nervous Caleb was going to cry, or get down from his bed and I wouldn't know. In the middle of the night Tyler startled me awake by jumping out of bed and running up to Calebs room. I later found out he heard a thud and thought Caleb had fallen off the bed, but really he had just bumped into the wall, and was still sleeping soundly. As I write this, they are both upstairs napping in their rooms and it's WONDERFUL!!

Tyler is busy with yardwork this weekend, trying to put in drip irrigation, and get the yard leveled and ready to plant grass seed next weekend!! I'm trying to get over a nasty head cold.

Are they Siblings?

2009-04-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

Easter Wknd Extravaganza part2

2009-04-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Easter day was super busy and just as much fun! We went to church of course and Caleb got to hunt eggs there, then went to Grandpa and Grandma Caldwells for lunch and another egg hunt, then onto the Martinez house with church friends for the rest of the afternoon and evening, and yet ANOTHER egg hunt. We got home just in time for bedtime!! I don't even want to guess how much candy Caleb had that day, but he managed to stay awake the whole day without a nap!! Karis was content to just be held by everyone the whole day, and oohed and awed over :)

Caleb and Karis, and all their church friends!
Beautiful baby girl!

Easter wknd Extravaganza part1

2009-04-13T19:14:00.001-07:00

We had a fun packed Easter wknd. Medfords Pear Blossom festival was Easter weekend this year, so Saturday we attended the Parade with a bunch of friends. It was super long (we left after 2 1/2 hours) and since it was overcast when we left home, I didn't even think of sunscreen....poor Caleb and his fair skin!

Here was our group! (stroller parking only :))
Micah and Caleb trying cotton candy

With his friends Ellie and Neveah

Where'd the sun go?

2009-04-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

So last weekend we had beautiful 70-80degree weather, and then it turned cooler and raining again this week.....such a bummer! Hopefully the rain will hold off this weekend so we can go to the Pear Blossom parade Sat, and easter egg hunt on Sunday! Here are from pics from the week:

Karis sitting up like a big girl in her bumbo seat (these chairs are amazing if you've never used one!!)

Here they are after being outside all day monday when it was 80degrees +
This was this morning...

Here she is loving her bumbo seat again :)
Taking up a new habit???? lets hope not
Swinging on the big kid swing at the park on Tuesday.

Weekend of Yard Work

2009-04-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Caleb basically spent the whole weekend, sunup to sun down "working" out in the yard with his dad...and even by himself at times. I think he had the best weekend of his life!! Our friends also came over to help Tyler with yard work, and so their daughter Caitlyn joined Caleb in all the dirt digging adventures.

Checking out our beautiful palm tree...we need to find out how to take care of these, now that we are proud owners!!
Trying to escape from the backyard
Trying to use his "cat" tractor to move some dirt
Found his hands to be more efficient at moving it

Tyler rotatilling (sp?) the back yard, with the help of our good friend Glenn
After a long weekend, the giant hole from the pond is filled in, all the plants have been dug out (with the exception of the palm tree) and the whole yard is rotatilled and ready for the next stages in planting grass.

Even MORE pics

2009-04-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone should be extremely impressed and thankful for how good i've been at getting pictures taken and posted lately.

Karis testing out the bumbo seat for the first time. Caleb still thinks it's his and was not too happy that she was in it.

Welcome Rainy April

2009-04-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Last night when we got home from church I was getting the kids ready for bed and Caleb ran over and gave me a huge hug. It was too cute!!

Giving his sister a kiss goodnight
This squirrel sits outside our house EVERYDAY in the same exact spot!!
Here is Karis in her new dress last sunday

Rivals

2009-03-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

A little family rivalry

For your viewing pleasure

2009-03-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Here is our smiley girl enjoying tummy time

Caleb got some new gardening tools and got to spend the day helping his dad out in the yard!
Unfortunately with a yard like this...it's gonna take more than one day :(
More digging
and more smiles!!!

More pics!

2009-03-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Looky Looky

2009-03-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

A couple pictures as promised!

just an update

2009-03-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hopefully on my next post I will add some of our newest pictures of Caleb and Karis, but I don't have the energy right now. We just got an iMac computer last week, so it's kind of a process to do anything , as we are learning how to use it, and how to make the adjustment from PC to Mac....luckily for me checking your email is universally the same no matter what computer :)

We are finally over sickness in our home. Caleb had the stomach flu for most the week, and halfway through the week Tyler got it, but luckily not as bad! It's beyond counting fingers and toes how much throw-up and diaper messes I had to clean up last week!! I'm very thankful I avoided the sickness. It was gorgeous 70degree weather last week, so after being trapped inside for days on end, I decided thursday that Caleb was well enough to at least get out and go for a walk....so wonderful! We ended up walking to the park, which he really enjoyed, though it totally wiped him out.

Over the weekend we watched our friends two daughters (3yrs and 9mon) while they attended a seminar at our church. It was crazy at our home!

So now Mondays here and we are recouping.....until my Mom and sister come into town this evening for a few days :)

and the day continues!

2009-03-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

So the day continues as it started....Caleb has thrown up several more times today, and my washing machine is working overtime keeping up!
After cleaning my carpet several times I decided to put this large comforter down on the floor, and this is Calebs new "play" area for the day...though he's not really playing today, more just laying around and watching movies.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Karis...all pretty in pink!

...then there was this morning

2009-03-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

So we are STILL working on the whole sleeping well in the night thing with Karis. I have realized that I can't drink an ounce of caffeine anymore, as it is a culprit in keeping my little darling awake at night. So i'm becoming a gatorade junkie to have some sort of energy during the day...which is getting better I will admit (me energy level that is).
So let me give you the rundown of this morning (note that it is only 8:30am as I write this)
6:50a: Karis wakes me up hungry
6:55a: Tyler leaves for work
7:10a: finish feeding Karis...change her diaper
7:13a: Caleb wakes up...get out of bed to make his chocolate milk
7:15a: Get Caleb out of bed, bring him into our room and put him on bed to drink his milk
7:20a: Karis is stuffed up, so I get the aspirator to try to clear her nose....doesn't work....then she sneezes a huge booger out on her own. Get a wipe to clean it up...turn around, and Caleb is throwing up his chocolate milk all over my bed!!!! As I sit there debating my first move, milk is running down under where I am sitting.
Do I put myself first and change my milk covered clothes? or do I selflessly start undressing him and dealing with the HUGE mess........
7:21a: change Calebs clothes and diaper, take off bedding, spray and wash it THOUROUGHLY, switch all laundry so I can wash it....fold laundry, check Karis' nose again.
still with me?
We then move out of bedroom for breakfast and play time.....
it's now 8:30a and though the drama is over we still have bath time, and **BREAK**
***As I was writing the last sentance, Caleb fell off the kitchen chair trying to reach the last of his cherios on his highchair tray!!!...he's now calmed and snuggling with Elmo on the rocker***
I better just go before anything else happens.....

Growing up

2009-03-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Both our kids are "growing". Caleb has really grown up in his mannerism, speech, and overall development since Karis has been born. It's an amazing thing that I can't describe, but if you have more than one child, i'm sure you know what i'm talking about. It's like they instantly mature when child #2 comes along. Karis is also growing, and at the two week mark she had gained a little under a pound since birth. She weighed 5lb 4ozs this week. I think she's graduating out of her preemie clothes, and into newborn...but it's a big jump in size, because she just swims in the newborn stuff!
Here she is this morning all ready for church!
This pic is from earlier this week. Caleb loves his sister!

Friday night fun

2009-02-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

The pictures say it all

Week 1

2009-02-19T11:33:00.001-08:00

The first week of having Karis home has been a busy one. She has had her days/nights mixed up, and I think we are finally getting her turned around after alot of sleepless nights. Caleb is doing GREAT and adjusting so well. He always makes sure he knows where she is in the room, he tells us to "shh" if she's sleeping, and in the morning he loves to climb up on the side of her basinette to see her sleeping. Just in the past couple days he's been wanting to climb up next to me and hold her, and he will randomly just walk over to her and rub her head (we are working on the whole "gently" concept).
Caleb (and me too!) have been absolutely spoiled the past week to have my mom here helping us out. Caleb got an abundance of attention and love, while I got to enjoy adjusting to Karis and her needs, and recovering myself....which I had a great recovery, and though still a little slower than normal, I feel completely functional! We'll see how I do on my first whole day alone tomorrow!
Tyler has been super busy with work the past week, so we are hoping that will slow down a bit soon, so he can have more family time.
Hard to believe Karis was born a week ago. She's growing already (though still in preemie clothes and diapers), and the fact that she sleeps all day helps me give time and attention to Caleb as well.

Nap time is over, so I better get a move on it!

Day 3

2009-02-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here is day 3 of Karis, and her first full day at home! Caleb is doing super well with her, giving her kisses, rocking her in the swing and laughing every time she makes a noise. He's also super happy that mom and dad are back home again.

She's Born!

2009-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

Karis Abigail Caldwell was born Wednesday morning at 10:08am. My surgery went very smooth and she was here in no time. She weighed 4lb 8oz and was 17 1/2in long. SO TINY, but very healthy. We spent 1 night in the hospital and then were released to come home because we were both healthy, happy, and ready to sleep in our own beds!

Day before...

2009-02-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

Though there are benefits of having the day and time planned of when your baby will arrive, I don't think it takes away any of the anticipation and anxiousness of deliverying a baby.
In less than 24hrs we will finally have our baby girl here, and i'm doing ridiculous things to try to stay busy today (example: cleaning my jewelry, which I can't even wear anyway!) Our whole house is cleaned, every laundry basket is empty, my bag is packed, Karis' bag is packed...even Calebs bag and LUNCH for tomorrow are packed. You would think I would just take advantage of this last day and rest.....
Both Caleb and Karis have no idea that tomorrow their world is going to change forever!!

What we've been up to

2009-02-05T16:24:00.001-08:00

Honestly, we haven't been doing much around here. Last week I was laying low with a sore throat and the aches and pains of being almost full term, and this week our poor son acquired my cold and has been much more miserable than I was i'm sure. The good thing about being stuck at home with a sick child, is i've been able to get alot accomplished in preparation for baby #2 arriving next week. Tyler and I have FINALLY finished Karis' room, so now we just have to swap some furniture around so I can put away all her super girly clothes and blankets...I can't wait to dress up a little girl!! I had my last Dr's appt this morning, and the next time I see him will be in the operating room early Wednesday morning.
I realized the other day that I had not taken one picture in the month of January!! I know!! So I sat Caleb on my lap the other day, pulled out the camera and he kept saying "cheese" over and over again as i took pictures of him. The next day, he went over to where the camera is kept, and pointed to it saying " cheese", so I took a few more. Of course he's not been feeling well....as you can see from the pictures...

until next week.....

A Face Lift

2009-01-23T14:28:00.001-08:00

So I had a few minutes today to mess around with this whole "blogger" website, and I was able to give our site a little face lift (basically just change colors since thats about as website design literate as I get).
We are all doing well. As a small blessing to me in the last couple weeks of this pregnancy, Caleb has been sleeping more during the day...growth spurt maybe...but definately nice since i'm slowing down and tired alot more. Today is a gorgeous 60degree day, so I did manage to get Caleb down to the neighborhood park after running errands around town. After an hour of following him up in the playstructure and down the slides I was tired, and the appreciation I got for my efforts was a child screaming at the top of his lungs the whole was home because I made him leave. He is just a boy that LOVES to be outside.
Just under three weeks now until Karis officially joins our family. Tyler is working hard to get her room ready, and I work hard to keep Caleb out of his way in the process. Last night he followed Tyler into the room with his toy hammer and was pounding away at all the walls....He LOVES to be daddies little helper whenever it's project time.
Our house is feeling more like a home every week as I slowly get pictures up on the walls, and decor out.
Sometime soon I'll have to dig out my camera and get some pictures....or at least get it out and charged for our big day!

Up and Running again

2009-01-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

I've felt so out of touch this past week, as our computer has been dead and we've been waiting on a new AC adapter to arrive in the mail. It's nice to feel "connected" again though.

Wow, the holidays are over, so what do I blog about?

Caleb and Karis both came home from christmas with GOBS of stuff...toys, clothes, books...ect. So I packed away almost all of Calebs old toys and just left out the new ones, which still leaves him with a room FULL of toys. Karis' closet is already packed with clothes in anticipation of her arrival.

Our home project for the month is to get her room ready. It needs some minor drywall work done, as well as paint, cleaning, etc. I'm just excited to get to set up and decorate a girls room....I have everything ready for when it's complete. One month from today she will be joining our family! It's hard to believe that i've been pregnant since last June, because the time has flown by so quickly. I just hope this last month goes as quick...I guess I need to find things to keep myself busy, as if Caleb doesn't already do that for me :)

Hope everyones year is off to a great start!

Sledding Adventures

2008-12-27T11:32:00.001-08:00

So the day after christmas we bundled up and took Caleb out for his debut in sledding. HE LOVED IT!! He was all smiles on every run and didn't want to stop....that is until he face planted in the snow when he sled flipped.

Getting brave and going backwards!

After sitting up on the first couple runs, he discovered that laying down was much easier!
So we decided that the driveway wasn't steep enough, and we so we graduated him to the big slope!

Christmas EVE

2008-12-24T09:59:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted pictures in a while, so I thought I'd better before we leave for Christmas. Christmas Day we are having our own little christmas morning at home, then driving north through snow and ice to be with the Clark Family for a LONG Christmas weekend!! We are excited to go to The Dalles where it's all covered in snow...that's how christmas should be. I hear grandpa has already built Caleb a ramp to sled down in the front yard :)

An artist at work!

I was trying to get Caleb to stand in front of the tree before our church's christmas service last week.... and he was being so stubborn. The picture tells you just how thrilled he was about it!

In this attempt to get him to take pictures in front of the tree, I gave him an ornament, which hasn't been allowed, but i really wanted a cute picture!

Say CHEEZE!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

1 week until Christmas!

2008-12-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

Can it really be only 1 more week until christmas? I must admit, this holiday season has been unlike any other. With moving into a new home, Tyler working two jobs, me being pregnant and having numerous Dr appts, and lots of misc. church happenings every week, I sometimes forget that we are in the middle of the holiday season. Good thing there is the cold temperatures, snow outside, and christmas tree in my living room to remind me!!

Last night we had the candlelight service at our church, and after sitting in on and singing along to christmas songs, Tyler and I spent the rest of the service in the toddler room. Wtih 30kids between the ages of 1-3 at bedtime, the scheduled 3 workers needed backup, so we were happy just to stay and help out.

We kept Caleb with us during the songs, and he found great pleasure in standing on my lap and dancing his little heart out to various christmas songs. Tyler and I could hardly contain our laughter...Caleb likes to dance to music normally, but he was really rocking out last night!

This weekend we have all intentions to finish painting the rest of our house (which is only 2 more rooms, plus touchups).

My Dr. ran test a few weeks back to check on things that were the source of my complications with my last pregnancy, and everything came back very normal!! PRAISE GOD! So we have officially set my delivery date for Feb. 11th. 8 WEEKS AWAY!!! No wonder i move slow and get tired carrying Caleb everywhere!

Well Child Check

2008-12-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Caleb made the 18mon milestone yesterday, followed up by a dr's checkup today. He weighed in at ALMOST 18lbs (17lb 15oz), and was 301/2 inches tall. His height has finally made it to the 7th percentile on the growth charts...and his weight...well, lets just hope his sister doesn't catch him ;) The good news is that he IS growing, and his developement is right on for 18months.

Tomorrow I have an ultrasound to see Karis, which i'm very excited about, and the last Dr's report for my pregnancy was "your too healthy...we can't fix you!" So good news on both our children!!

Helping Dad at work

2008-12-01T13:11:00.001-08:00

Caleb LOVES going to see Tyler at work. So last week he got to help Tyler park one of the trucks at the end of the day.

Thanksgiving Wknd

2008-12-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Here are picture highlights from our Thanksgiving Weekend with the Clarks. The whole family was there, so we had such a great time of TONS of food, and even more fun. Caleb made the 6hr drive not so pleasant this year, and because of moving and then a long drive, he was in a terrible mood all thanksgiving day. But after naps and a good night sleep, he was more than ready for the rest of the weekend activities. I have to say, his highlight of the weekend was probably 'tickle me elmo'. He just laughed and laughed with elmo all weekend!

Okay, so across from my parents house, a retirement home had all their decor out, which we had to take caleb to see. He loved the "caleb life-size" mary and joseph. Everytime we went over there he had conversations with them. Though, I think he was kind of confused as to why Joseph would never say anything back to him :)

The only time he was happy on T'day was when we let him go outside to kick the ball around.

Tyler and Caleb playing on the dirt pile next door.

Friday night after T'day is the starlight parade....all the floats are lit up in christmas lights, and it ends with Santa in his sleigh.....Caleb loved it this year!

Saturday was another party for the Oregon, Oregon state civil war game. The Clarks are Beaver fans, and Tyler is a duck fan, so Caleb had to wear both colors to made all sides happy.

Tyler spent the whole weekend in the garage playing Ping Pong....Every so often Caleb got to go play with him, and thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Calebs New Friend

2008-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Our new house seems to have come with a new furry friend!! We don't know who's cat it is, but it likes to hang out in our backyard, and it comes right up to the door whenever Caleb is there.

2008-11-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend we will be moving into our new home. There have been lots of delays with getting the home, so our plans to paint, clean, and prep the whole house before moving have been changed a thousand times, and now we just have to get our stuff in there and worry about all the other details later. We are just happy to have a home, and be able to move in before Thanksgiving.
This past weekend we got to spend some time with Tylers sister Cassie who flew in from Georgia for a few days to be here for their Grandmas funeral on Monday. Of course as you can see below, Caleb loved having his Aunt here as well!!

Welcome November....

2008-11-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

I know I always say this, but our schedule truly is getting so busy it's about to burst. I think the number one contributor is that it's the holidays, which are always busy for EVERYONE....(a good fun busy of course!) With Tyler working two jobs, Caleb speeding up, and me slowing down, it's a wonder our family functions :)

Exciting is the fact that either today or monday, we will be getting the keys to our new home!! We have some minor cosmetic things to take care of before we can move in (like painting all the pink walls and ceilings), so we plan to take care of all that this coming week and move in the 22nd before we leave town for Thanksgiving at the Clarks.

My pregnancy is going well, and I have another checkup today. After today, I will start seeing the Dr every two weeks so they can monitor me closely. We are expecting nothing but good reports!!

I'm afraid to say that Caleb is a toddler, which means attitudes, tempers and the such. We have been given a healthy taste of what this stage will be like this past week. He is definately challenging us in a new way as parents...and just when we are at our end, he comes and gives us a kiss and hug....

Harvest Party

2008-11-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here is Dr. Caleb at our church harvest party last night....they are hooking him up with a nice big bag of candy!

Yum yum...m&ms

I don't think i'm bias when I say this is the cutest costume ever...on the cutest boy too!

OCTOBER IS GONE!!!

2008-10-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

WHERE DID IT GO!! I feel like 2 days ago I was writing "It's already october?".

This has been a busy month for us..here are the highlights:

* We found out we were having a girl!! Karis Abigail Caldwell

* We are buying a home!!! After what seems like a year of searching, we are finally buying our first home, which we should start moving into before thanksgiving. This has kept us busy cleaning, packing, picking paint colors, and shopping for the necessary items it needs.

*My youngest sister Sarah got engaged...to be married next summer.

*Caleb keeps growing up!!

So maybe the list isn't that long, but it's all big stuff!! So now for your viewing pleasure i'll add a few recent pictures of Caleb..of course!

Praise Report!

2008-10-20T10:40:00.001-07:00

We got good news this morning that my blood test results came back normal!! One hurdle down, so now we are believing for a full term baby. My Dr. doesn't think I will make it full term, and in a few months, they are going to start giving me steroid injections to start getting the babies lungs developed a little quicker "just in case". Thank you for continued prayer for our family, and the health of me and our little baby girl.

Pumpkin Patch (LOTS OF PICS!)

2008-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today we took our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch, and this year we went with the Martinez families, which was extra fun for all of us. The first couple pictures are comparisons from our trip last year, compared to this....Wow, our little boy is growing right up.

Riding the John Deere last year....and then this year!! He didn't want to get off!

Looking at the goats last year....petting the goats this year!!

Sammy took him to look at the bunnies

Riding the tire horse
Lost in a patch of pumpkins
Madalynn, Caleb and Micah
Our little family

Caleb was so excited to see Sammy when we first got there
Little pumpkin Madalynn

Riding more fake horses
Now getting to ride the real thing!!

It's a GIRL!!!

2008-10-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

We are so excited that we are going to have a little girl!

During my ultrasound the Dr came in a was looking at my blood flow patterns into my placenta, to see if they could detect any abnormalities that may be some kind of indication as to whether i'll have the same complications as last time. Eclampsia and HELLP syndrome are so unknown in the medical world, that any case they see is just another to add to their research and ability to find a "cure" of sorts. They saw a slight variation in my blood flow pattern, so they are sending me in for blood testing tomorrow. What they are looking for is any genetic abnormalities, as these "may" be a sign of complications to come. I don't have any family history of genetic blood problems, so they are a little mystified as to why I have had these problems in the past. For now they have me taking a small dose of aspirin each day which has been shown, yet not proven, to be some kind of help. When we get the blood test results back, if there is a problem, they will put me on daily injections of heperin, a blood thinner, which also "may" help.

Tyler and I are really praying and believing in faith that none of this is going to come to pass. God already gave us one miracle of a child, and we are believing that the blood test results are going to come back completely normal, and I will deliver full term as scheduled. I'm not going to lie, that it is scary, but there is nothing we can do, so we know and trust God is in complete control.

October Already?!!

2008-10-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

How did October come up on us so fast? The weather is cooling down, Caleb is speeding up, and Tyler and I are just holding on. Caleb has discovered two new "motors" the past weeks; he's become a "motor mouth" and his little "motor" legs are carrying him everywhere, quite quickly.

He is such a fun little boy to be around (maybe i'm bias).

Tyler and I have have started our own Cell group (home bible study) through our church, and have one other couple which also have little kids around Calebs age. It is a fun new mentoring and learning adventure for us, and we can't wait to see how God is going to grow our cell, while also growing us spiritually in the process.

We continue to look for a home to buy, and though it's been a LONG process, we press on patiently knowing God has just the right place in store for our growing family.

Speaking of growing...yes, I'm growing!! Tomorrow we go in for our ultrasound and hope to find out what the sex of the baby is. I can't believe it's already been just about 5 months....and only about 4 more to go!!

So check back tomorrow to see if Caleb gets a brother to ruffhouse with, or a sister to play "house" with.

Our Trip

2008-09-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Update: Caleb is doing awesome after his surgery. He hasn't skipped a beat since coming home from the hospital, and has not been in pain or discomfort at all. Thank you Jesus!!
So the day after coming home from the hospital, Caleb and I had a trip planned to fly up and spend the week with the Clark family (grandparents, aunts and uncle). The Dr's ok'd us to go and we had a great time. Caleb got to hang out with TONS of family and friends, and I don't think he was too happy when we came home and he didn't get undivided attention any more. I spent the week, relaxing, getting a few extra naps in, canning peaches, and doing a little shopping while in Portland.
Here are some pictures from our trip!!

Tickle me Elmo and Caleb hanging out together :)
Hanging out with grandpa in his new OSU shirt
Playing in Grandmas kitchen
There is a small little park by G&G home, so Caleb got to go play there several times during his visit, which he absolutely loved. There is a little firetruck play structure that is just his size. Playing with Auntie Micah, who also was in town while we were up there.
Cracker in hand and ready to go!!
Dancing to the tunes of the toy!

Weekend Warrior

2008-09-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

The past 24hrs held quite a whirlwind for our family, and for those who have been praying for us and Caleb, THANK YOU!!

Caleb started feeling a little under par mid-week, and on friday afternoon I noticed a hernia I hadn't seen earlier in the day on his genitalia. I called his pediatrician and rushed him across town for a Dr's appt to make sure everything was ok. It was causing Caleb alot of pain at the Dr's, so they sent us across the street to meet with a surgeon to see if anything needed to be done immediately. The surgeon made the decision to operate as soon as possible to make sure it didn't progress further and become any more serious. From his office we went right to the hospital and checked into pediatrics where it was a whirlwind of paperwork for us, and pre-op for Caleb. They put an IV in his head to get him fluids, (he wasn't allowed to eat or drink) and by 6:30p I was handing him over to the anethesiologist for surgery. They put him to sleep for the procedure and it took about 1hr. We went in when he woke up in recovery and I stayed the night in the hospital with him.

He is recovering GREAT, and we were released mid-morning to come home. We are all extremely exhausted, but Caleb has been up playing and walking around quite a bit, with seemingly no pain, though he is moving a little slower than normal.

Tomorrow Caleb and I will fly to Portland to spend the week with the Clark family, which should be restful for us all.

Big boy stuff

2008-09-16T11:24:00.001-07:00

When you're a big boy you get to do things like...brushing your own teeth ....and ride on 4-wheelers with friends! (micah and caleb)

Crater Lake

2008-09-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took a family trip to Crater Lake, OR (since it's so close!) Neither Tyler or I have been in years, so it was a fun little day trip for us before the summer ends. It was a gorgeous clear day and really warm for being up that high. (yes, thats the actual lake, and not a picture behind us!)

This "little ranger" hat was in the gift shop...Caleb hated that we kept putting it on him.

Here is Caleb and Tyler with the beautiful clear water behind them....tyler was drooling at all the bikers up there, and he is already planning a trip to ride the rim next year.

Caleb wanted to walk, or I should say run, everywhere. He just cruised down the path talking at the top of his little lungs
another family pic. Look at the reflection on the water
Needless to say, Caleb loves water. If we would have let him, he would have rolled right down the cliff so he could be in it.

So this isn't crater lake, but the other night he took Tylers apple and just knawed away at it for quite a long time.

Not to brag.....

2008-09-05T12:51:00.001-07:00

...but do they come cuter?

Short Film Link

2008-09-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the short film starring "referee rick"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpptYNkKu40

Silly me.....Random pics

2008-09-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I forgot to mention in the last blog that CALEB STARTED WALKING!! He's not doingit consistently yet as crawling is a much faster mode of transportation at this point, but he's getting up on his own and taking steps quite a bit.

Okay, so here are some funny pictures....for our youth department, we participated in the making of a short film, starring "referee rick" a.k.a Tyler....here's the star in all his referee glory!!

While at the park filming the movie, I put caleb up to the fence and he just grabbed on and held for dear life, so I made him hold on even longer so I could get a picture....Funny the things we make our chidren do for a picture.
One last picture...here I am on my 25th birthday, with my delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone! If you haven't had one before....you have definately missed out in life.

Labor day fun

2008-09-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

This labor day we went up to the cabin and spent the weekend with both our parents and rachels sister sarah and her boyfriend. It got quite chilly, so we didn't get to the boating we were hoping to, but still had tons of food and fun. Of course, with both sets of grandparents around, and an aunt, Caleb was definately spoiled....to the point that when we got home and he had major melt downs and was exhausted. The price of fun!!

4-wheeling fun for the guys
Caleb 4-wheeling with grandpa. He drove around with his and caleb was expressionless.
Auntie sarah and Caleb
More fun