Free Range Grange

~35 week Belly Painting

2012-01-27T16:47:00.002-07:00

At 35 weeks I was honored to have some mommy friends have a belly painting party! I love that everything painted is of significant meaning to me during this pregnancy. My baby has strong roots, thus the tree. :)

Birthday Fun!

2011-12-04T23:38:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Jade!

2011-12-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my silly adorable loving little girl! Jade Avalyn was born 4 years ago today!

Our Ballet Princess

2011-09-28T20:27:00.000-06:00

We had some photos of Jade taken recently. This one won our hearts <3

Jade's Been Waiting...

2011-08-21T07:51:00.000-06:00

....To be a big sister for a while now!

She likes to make sure the baby is ok and listen for the heartbeat, just like the midwife!

Jade will be a big sister in February 2012!

Jade loves shellfish

2011-07-23T18:35:00.000-06:00

Visit from My Sister

2011-07-23T17:07:00.000-06:00

My family was able to visit recently. Here is a photo of my sister, and Jade, and I. :)

Angelina Ballerina

2011-07-11T09:08:00.000-06:00

Jade finished her Angelina Ballerina class in June! On the last day they gave us a little ballet performance.

Take A Hike!

2011-06-17T07:37:00.000-06:00

We went for a "hike" out here at the State Park by our house. It's nice we have so many places to walk and go to nature, really close to our house!~

Jade is lucky, she gets to be carried around. We let her "hike" part of the time, but it's good we have the backpack for long journey's.

I say "hike" because it's relatively flat terrain around here, at least compared to Utah!

Trip to Pennsylvania

2011-06-11T22:49:00.000-06:00

For Memorial Day Weekend we went to Pennsylvania!

We went to lancaster.....

Jade fell asleep in the car, but we were hungry and wanted to find dinner in Lancaster- Carried Jade in the Ergo- 3.5 years old!

Found the Brotherly LOVE sign in Philadelphia

cute :)

Amish Ice Cream

YUM!

Jade says...

2011-06-09T17:09:00.001-06:00

Jade is sitting on Waylon's lap playing PC games and she says:
"Daddy you are soft!" Daddy says, "You are soft?" Jade: "No daddy, YOU are soft! You have lots of fur everywhere!"

Thanks Grandma!

2011-05-22T21:43:00.000-06:00

Jade loves the new tent grandma sent that we got in the mail yesterday! Princess times to be had!

Fat Chickens

2011-05-20T22:21:00.001-06:00

The chickens know where to look for bugs....under the compost barrel! They are getting fat. And they earn their keep by letting Jade chase them and pick on them day after day!

Jade and the Chickens- Outdoors Day 1

2011-04-25T21:11:00.000-06:00

A week or so ago we moved the not-so baby chickens outside to live in their coop! Jade has a good time playing with them, they think she is their mamma!

Puttting them up on the perch to practice!

Still a little fuzzy!

Monsoon Weather

2011-04-25T21:06:00.000-06:00

Really Hot day yesterday and then DOWNPOUR of rain- like a flood from the skies- our rain gutters were spouting over! TOO much water! The ground was already saturated- so it becomes like a flood! Our yard is super squishy to walk on and Jade always gets muddy everytime she goes outside!

Memories...

2011-04-15T18:02:00.001-06:00

On our last trip to Utah, we stopped by my Dad's grave. It was a nice sunny day, and I tried to explain to Jade about her Grandpa- she traced the letters on his headstone- a good lesson at the alphabet, and a small way, to let her know she has a grandpa in heaven who loves her. I'm sure he knew her before she came to our family. We have to do our best to remember him, and that he loves his grand-girl!

My Dad and I as a baby- I almost look like Jade!

Fun in the Desert

2011-03-26T10:35:00.000-06:00

We went to Utah recently, and got to spend a day out in the San Rafael Desert.

There is this huge sand hill- sand just like at the beach- and it was untouched, and combed by the wind.

Jade had a good time trying to climb it and slide down.

Waylon and his fam had fun times jumping off the hill and landing in the soft sand.

Coolest phone background ever.

I had some fun too- couldn't miss a cool photo op.

Jade loved their dog Rusty!

Jade's First Pets-Chickens!

2011-02-23T06:18:00.001-07:00

We got 2 pets! A gold laced bantam cochin hen and rooster.

Jade has fun watching them peck around and stretch their wings.

Jade's First Haircut

2011-01-12T14:04:00.002-07:00

Last week, Jade cut a chunk of her would-be bangs off, so we had to do some cleanup on the hair! Now she has bangs! I gave her a little tiny trim around the edges also, She is super cute! And looks even more like a big girl! I guess she was tired of having hair in her eyes!

1st Snow of the Season

2010-12-17T18:51:00.004-07:00

Brrrr!! Gotta love snow!

Just Another Lovey.....

2010-12-16T20:49:00.002-07:00

I think she blends right in, what do you think?

Jade and her "lovee" collection. bonus: cheesy face

Jade turned 3!!!

2010-12-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

Helping make pizza dough for her party

A Book from Molly, with magnet clothing/doll

Cinderella+Prince+magnet clothes from the Grange's!

Pocahontas Doll from Mommy!

A Pink Cake!

with Sprinkles!

Jade's Fairy Party! We gave all the kids some magic fairy dust when they came in, then made fairy wands. We went outside to hunt for "Lost Things" like from the tinkerbell movie that Jade loves, they found tinkerbell items, rings, crayons, erasers, frisbee's and more.

Found some fairy trinkets!

Waiting turns for the trampoline

whoa! the kids had a hard time staying up if there were too many on at once!

Jade and her friends opening presents

Singing Happy Birthday!

Blowing out the 3 candles

Here is a video of Jade blowing out her Candles! I didn't catch the singing in time!

Thanks to everyone who came, we are very grateful to have good friends out here in Maryland!

We are so happy with our little Jade, she is growing up! She couldn't wait to be 3 and has been talking about being 3 ever since she turned 2! She would say, "I'm 2 right now, I will be 3 in December!" She'd hold up two fingers and then carefull pull up her third finger to show that she's three. She's been practicing.

Good times. :)

Carrot!

2010-11-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Jade planted that carrot from a seed!

The joys of Gardening with your child! Earlier this year, jade was VERY excited to plant seeds- so excited I let her plant all the seeds I had, just to keep her busy when I was outside gardening. I planted some carrots in a row. Now that it's fall, the carrots are ready whenever we want to pick them. We conserve the few carrots we have and pick one or two every few days, just as a delicious fresh snack. I love to see where Jade planted "her" seeds, and that there are carrots in random spots allover the garden area in the front yard! Jade gets really excited when we get to go pick a carrot. I loosen it up for her and she pulls it out! Then she shows daddy, and goes to the sink with a chair and washes it all by herself.

It makes me happy see her understand the process of life and enjoy it so much! It's also exciting that we actually grew them from seeds! It's one of my first successes with seeds, so I'm looking forward to planting even more next year!

Adventures at the Medieval Festival 2010

2010-11-04T20:02:00.000-06:00

Earlier in October we went to the Medieval Festival in Crownsville. It was a lot of fun. We went last year, and knew we had to go again this year. We planned to dress up as well.

Here is the Entrance. Jade was SO excited to see and GO in a princess castle.

Jade loved dressing up like a princess and her special crown we made just for the event. She even brought her Cinderella doll in too.

We made it a tradition to get Turkey legs and walk around eating them :) It's kind of medieval.

The flag behind Waylon says something about pirates, what we were planning on being for halloween.

There is a giant wood pirate ship for kids to play on, they can go up on deck or down in the bottom.

Peek-A-Boo!

There was a big giant that jade was afraid of. We told her it was the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk. (she loooves that story!)

A jester wishing us "fair thee well!"

We found some peacock feathers we liked too.

The End of a Lovely Adventure. Jade still asks us if we can go "back to the castle!"

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-30T21:48:00.002-06:00

Here are some photos from our Trunk or Treat! Snow White and Tinkerbell!

I was able to make Jade's Tinkerbell costume, and add a coordinating fairy dust bag! :)

We were the pirates that captured Tinkerbell!

Jade says the funniest things

2010-10-22T14:29:00.003-06:00

This morning, Jade asked Waylon, "Where is my other shoe?" He replied with "Uh-huh" (while probably looking at the computer ;) and Jade said back, "No! Not 'Uh-huh' Where is my other shoe!?"

The other night Jade fell asleep in our room (she's scared of her room lately) Waylon moved her into her bed when she was asleep. The next morning, she wakes up, opens her door, comes into our room and says, "Daddy! You put me in my Room! That's NOT very nice!!" (and proceeded to cry and chew-out daddy, lol!)

She was lying in bed next to me one evening, and she likes to cover her entire self under the blankets. "I'm covering myself." I'm always afraid she can't breathe---but she seems to like it! While she was under the blankets, I rolled over, which moved the blankets over her. She said, "Don't move the blanket! That's NOT very nice!" Lol. She cracks us up so much lately.

Again, this morning, Jade come down stairs and saw the halloween stickers on the front door, mind you- these stickers have been here several days- she even helped put them up. She Gasps at the stickers (with a big O shaped mouth) and says, "O Look at this!! I've never seen this before!"

We've been having Jade read a few scriptures aloud, and it's the cutest thing to hear her say, "And it came to pass...."

What are we hearing most these days? "I'm going to be Tinker bell for Halloweeeeen!" and "I'm going to be THREE!"

It's hilarious when she runs around the house with big eyes and claw like hands acting like a "scary ghost!"

I'm a Chef...

2010-10-13T22:41:00.000-06:00

Cooking Demo at the Farmers Market!

I was able to participate in the Chef at Market Program this year. It was such a fun fulfilling experience to go do a live demo and sampling at the Annapolis Farmers Market. I made a fresh salsa, using ingredients from farmers that were there that day! I enjoyed talking with the people, and they loved having food tasting for free. I'm even thinking about having a table at a few farmers markets next year!! I sold all my salsa I brought in jars, and I'm thinking it's a great opportunity to share what I love with people! Here is my salsa basic recipe: http://www.nourishingcreations.com/2010/09/homemade-fresh-salsa.html It was kind exciting when someone asked me, "Where is your restaurant?" :) Maybe someday....

September 2010 In Review

2010-10-04T21:37:00.001-06:00

We do a lot of activities, and I always forget what, so I made a photo collage of events from September! It's good to remember the fun times, and to be grateful for all the time we get to spend together as a family.

Events Included:

Waylon Biked 25 miles from Baltimore to Annapolis!
Elizabeth turned 25! She got a new tablecloth she loves, and a new Android phone!
Waylon and I were able to go to dinner at the Elkridge Furnace Inn for dinner for my bday
We went to the DC temple
We went to Sandy Point State Park (beach) 3 times
We got a new trampoline for free!
A frog was in our house in the morning when we woke up!
Jade and I saw a snake
We went on a hike in Patapsco State Park
Jade had a rash/allergy from unknown causes
Jade got a new toy from mommy called "Food Groups"- wood shaped Real Foods!
There was a gorgeous full Harvest Moon
We went to historic Ellicott City and walked through little shops and old buildings
Liz learned to make Hollandaise sauce
Canned Salsa, tomatoes, peaches and green beans
Waylon Started school for his Masters Degree at Johns Hopkins!
Jade learned all the words to "I Am a Child of God" song. (ask her to sing it for you!)

P90x Day One

2010-10-04T21:04:00.000-06:00

We did our first p90x day together. It's a lot of work, but I know that the exercises will get easier once we are familiar with them! I've decided that on days I do Zumba workouts, I don't "have" to do p90x, so at least i'm doing something everyday! (Exercise is not my strong point- AT all. I admit I move a lot, but it's never as "planned" exercise. So this is a huge step for me!) As we keep going, maybe i'll "bring it" and do both...but that's a lot of time in a busy day! I'm adding accountability here, so I actually focus on gaining muscle mass, rather than just couch potato-ing it. So here are 2 of my before photos, thanks to previous summer weather for allowing me an opportunity to do this! My goal is to be stronger, and have somewhat defined muscle mass. It'd be nice to have some core strength that I've only minimally regained since having Jade 2.75 years ago. I'm also hoping that doing this will help boost my energy levels, especially through the colder months ahead!

Seagull

2010-09-30T18:52:00.000-06:00

Jade likes to chase seagulls. The weather today is rainy, but this video makes us feel like its summer. It was from 2 weeks ago when we had the beach all to ourselves on a nice 75 degree day.

"I want to mix!"

2010-09-30T18:06:00.000-06:00

Jade is an excellent kitchen helper. She loves to mix! She was very helpful when we made some homemade ketchup (and filled up our ketchup bottle so no one knows the difference!)

Tongue Out!

Don't mind the pantless bottom on the counter, it's potty training season around here. :)

Jade's Rash is Gone~ Prayer Works

2010-09-29T12:22:00.000-06:00

Put your trust is God and he will make your burdens lighter.

Last week Jade, had developed a rash on her right arm. I first really noticed it on a friday after picking her up from a friends that was watching her. It was a big round red circle. I'd jsut gotten back from a DR appt and learned about Lyme Disease, so I was immediately concerned that it looked almost like a red ring from lyme's. Anyway, we watched it carefully. It started getting bigger and not as circle shaped, but more like a splotchy red patch. Then friday night, she had red circles under her eyes and was blinking like she had a nervous twitch. (or her eyes were irritated.) She'd take naps, and I'd expect her to look better, but it subsisted.

Friday, first day it was noticeable

Saturday, it wasn't quite circle anymore and had grown in diameter

On Monday morning, she still had red circles under her eyes (like a histamine reaction.) We had suspected many causes. I took her to her pediatrician office Monday morning. They weren't sure what it was. They wanted to have some blood work done on her, but didn't seem too urgent about it. Waylon and I both agreed that the tests they wanted to run on her, didn't exactly seem like what our gut feeling was telling us it was. We suspected an allergy or irritant, and they suspected lupus- an autoimmune disease, because of the butterfly shaped rash around her eyes like this:

She ultimately looked the worst, while we were at the doctor's office, where the fluorescent lights made everything very obvious, and literally while we were there, 2 more circles appeared on her legs.

That's enough to freak a mom out, isn't it?

Here is during nap time later that day (ignore the line on her arm, it was just from while she was sleeping on the blanket seam):

Here is Jade the next day, the redness had kind of spread down her cheeks more. But at this point, she wasn't blinking rapidly anymore.

On I believe, Tuesday night, we gave her a small dose of anti-histamine. This seemed to be the united opinion of advice from both her grandma's and some friends. It was worth a try. We also asked some friends to pray for her. The next day she looked better, still a little redness, but by after her nap on Wednesday, it was all gone. We couldn't even see it anymore. Our pediatricians office wanted us to take her to a dermatologist at JHU, but by that point, we were so grateful, that we couldn't even see it anymore.
   It's alarming when your child has an ailment. I went from worry worry worry about everything, (we even considered *moving* right then- because of some things we think might have caused it in our home, yes, we even drove to some homes that were for rent...) To stepping back, calming down, and asking God for help. Sometimes you have to place your worries in His hands, and ask those around you to join you in faith, that you can be healed.
   We did simple things, like washing all her sheets, removing the lovesac (we think it might have been so dirty from moving it with us everywhere, that it could have been irritating her), washing all the floors, cleaning her car-seat, scrubbing the "used" new trampoline we got, etc. I took out some flowers that might have been irritating her too.
  It's interesting, as a first time parent, you learn all the many different "hats" you wear as a parent- from detective, to doctor, to housekeeper, to parent- when all you can offer is love, faith, hope, care, and lots of hugs. It's amazing that God, as our eternal parent- has to play many different roles in our lives as well. Sometimes, we have to just trust in Him, that he's there just as our parent to love us and care for us, whether he can heal us or not, sometimes he might have to just be there to comfort us as we learn life's lessons. Other times, which I am truly grateful for, he can heal us when we ask in faith that he will provide a means for us to heal. We have to do our part, and help our bodies, but no matter what God is there.

All Better, Playing with some new "food" toys

I love Jade, and I am grateful she's been her happy and playful self through all of this, her happiness means so much to me and spreads so much joy into our home. Sometimes she says to me, to freak me out, "Look, My eyes are blinking!" as she blinks real fast....she knows what we were talking about and picks up on everything we say. Now she says, "My eyes are all fixed!"

Good Morning Sharpie

2010-09-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

Look at this sweet little angel:

She would never do anything she knows she's not supposed to.....

Right?

Think Again......

We knew we were in trouble when Jade came into our room in the morning with a lidless black Sharpie marker.....

And I knew it wasn't a good thing when I smelled sharpie fumes....

Thank you to the person who invented this.....it saved us from Waylon having a very very bad day. (hence the computer screen.) And thank you to Liz (myself) for having an extra one on hand :) (pats myself on the back.)

And....thank you Jade for not drawing on the microfiber couch. Or mommy would have had a very very very bad day.

Here's to a good one!

P90X anyone?

2010-09-25T08:39:00.001-06:00

I'm needing some accountability on this one. I've been thinking about P90X workouts for a while, and have really been wanting to increase my muscle mass (from weakling to maybe...average?) so this program seems like a practical way to get it done. It's a one hour workout you can do at home. I've done one workout so far. Jade was interested and she's a great little coach, she'll cheer on the squats, stretches and jumping jacks since she's already familiar with those. The one workout I did left me sore, for several days. This program is supposed to be 6 days a week.

I love real food and nutrition, but I definitely need to incorporate more physical strength and endurance into my "health" life...walking up the steps carrying a toddler shouldn't have to hurt...lol. My husband definitely always says exercise is the answer to many health problems, just like my answer is healing through food...so maybe I need more balance in my life? I feel like i'm already pretty active. I'm on my feet most of the day in the kitchen or cleaning and carrying my 25 lb daughter around or...cleaning up after her (potty training and attitude=lots of messes.) I've also been going to a Zumba (dance exercise) class 2-3x/week which is enough to leave me exhausted after a long day (or at the beginning of a new day!)

Anyway...I need to say i'm going to do this workout program and have some accountability for it. Waylon has said he'd do it with me, so we'll see about that. I usually feel more like doing it in the mornings, so I might just do it on my own.
I'm just interested in the exercise part of this program, they say that the "nutrition" of this program is essential, but I don't believe them (ha, that's my attitude toward a lot of gimmicks). I already have found the nutrition that works for me and makes me feel good, and helps me heal my teeth, etc. So I'm not going to mess with that. Plus, "Soy" and "powdered protein" aren't real foods anyway, they are processed foods that burden your body! I'm going to have a 6 pack and eat half a pound of butter a week like I have been. In fact, that's a huge motivation to me to prove it wrong. I've already had my cholesterol levels recently tested and they are excellent and I drink whole fresh milk (from pastured cows), eat bacon and eggs, grass fed meats and dairy, etc. My doctor said, "you aren't going to have a heart attack anytime soon!" But that's a topic i'll leave to my food blog. :O

Part of the program you are supposed to have before, during and after photos. I've taken before photos, but I don't know about posting them. Ha! Anyway, I need any encouragement I can get, so leave me some comments about what you think about this workout program, exercise or anything in general!

Beach!

2010-09-18T11:53:00.000-06:00

These are some photos of two different times we went to the Chesapeake Bay/Beach (not quite the ocean, but good enough!) First two pics are from crowded labor day, the rest of the photos are from last week when Jade and I went down- and had the entire beach to ourselves! woo!

"Statue of Liberty" Pose

Jade loves to play in the sand, run after the seagulls, and play in the water!

New Trampoline!

2010-09-16T16:41:00.000-06:00

We were lucky to find someone who was offering their trampoline for free to the first person who would take it down and carry it away. That was us! We love it! Jade loves it too! We took these photos the first day we had it, since then we've put the netting up around it, so Jade has a nice little safe place outside now!

Woo hoo!

Today was my Birthday!

2010-09-01T22:52:00.003-06:00

Today I'm a quarter of a century! I'm ready for a new year, it comes and gives me a time to reflect on the past year, and create thoughts for the upcoming year. I feel like i've been dipping my foot in the water and experiencing what "responsibility" really means, and understanding that I'm responsible for my actions, thoughts, feelings, consequences, moods, well-being and how I treat others. I had started really noticing this thing called 'personal responsibility' back when I was 23...(probably stemming from early parenthood) and since then i'm finally beginning to recognize it's influence in my life. It's *my* choice to find happiness in my life- it's all around me, but it's up to me to embrace it and live with it as a by-product of my existence in the life i'm creating for myself. People in my life can try to "make" me happy, or try to change my mood, or my thoughts, but....it's up to me to personally make the choice to embrace the good and positive around me.

I finally had an epiphany today, and can understand it from the other perspective, I can't make anyone happy, they have to choose that for themselves, I can only be a positive influence. It's amazing the influence we have in our homes, and in our lives- our choices and feelings impact those around us, and it's important to accept personal responsibility for the actions we choose. We are powerful in our own strength- and can create anything we want for our lives- we have unlimited open doors before us, we just have to keep walking and exploring to know what we are truly capable of. I'm finally realizing and acting upon the fact that I want to live life- not just let life happen to me. I'm creating a life of accomplishment and that fills me with happiness as a byproduct! (no matter who you compare it to- to me I am creating great achievements!)

I've also been practicing this new-to-me aspect of personal responsibility for my own health. Health is something that is often perceived as something that "happens" to us. Many people fall ill, or unwell, because they become victim to the illness that surrounds them- i'm not talking about catching a cold, or even developing a serious disease, because sometimes those things may be unavoidable. But, i'm talking about true wellness. Individuals can and should be in charge of their own bodies. We have control over what we expose our bodies to, and what we put inside of our bodies, and what we do with them. It's our responsibility to nourish ourselves- physically and spiritually.

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about "health." I've learned this perception of responsibility for health because of my life-long issue with dental decay. It seemed that no matter what I did- it was a problem that wasn't going away. I read a book that changed my perspective- and put me in control of my health and my choices. Up to that point, it wasn't completely my fault that I had dental decay- I "blamed" it on external factors like "genetics" it was something that was "happening" to me, like an external cause placing me victim to my own health. I didn't understand that I could heal my body, and my teeth, based on the choices I made for what I put in my body. So once I understood methods of stopping tooth decay, it then became my responsibility- no longer was it anyone's fault. Since changing my focus, it's now something that I have the choice to heal within my body- I can choose to use the methods I learned to stop getting cavities. And, it's helped...and so has my change in outlook and experience regarding how I look at and actively participate in my own life- rather than just sitting back and letting it happen.

I'm sharing these thoughts and new found focus, as a marker to my quarter of a century birthday. I'm just barely beginning to understand the life i'm creating for my self- and I feel like i'm just getting started with who I am! Looking back, I feel like life has been a long journey- i've always used the excuse for myself as "i'm young I don't have to worry." - Referring to advancements in health technology (ie: "they'll have cures for everything by the time i'm older" is what I'd always tell myself as a kid!) Well, it's been a few years now, and i'm learning that I can't just sit back and wait for science or technology to fix any problems that are going on- I have to take an active role in what *I* want to happen for my life! And, as i'm learning, it seems the problems around us are only getting bigger and more complicated! I am a positive influence in my own life, and in the lives around me- I can live the change I want to see in the world.

I'm so grateful that I'm finding who I am, what I believe in, and that I have true passion for causes in life. It makes me happy to feel like i'm just opening the door of who I really am. "Hello, Nice to meet you Elizabeth!"

Moments: Lawn Care and Crickets

2010-08-31T13:55:00.000-06:00

I had to run back inside to grab my camera and snatch these photos. Jade went and pulled her lawnmower over to help daddy. :)

Then she found some crickets hopping around that had recently become homeless when their grass was clipped down! Jade proceeded to hop right behind the crickets.

A few randoms

2010-08-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here are a few randoms of Jade, enjoy! She looks like such a big girl, and says, "Look mam, I'm growin' UP!" or "I'm growing BIGGER!" She's excited about it! We think she's cute right where she is. I love this little cuddle bug.

Shaylee and Jade

2010-08-11T13:21:00.005-06:00

Here's an aunt & niece duo that couldn't be separated last week! Thanks Shaylee for taking such good care of Jade. We miss you!

Jade Driving the boat with grandpa!

2010-08-06T08:30:00.002-06:00

It's kind of noisy, so turn the volume down.

Happy 4th Anniversary!

2010-07-28T10:57:00.003-06:00

Waylon and I have been married for 4 years now. Time sure flies, I can't believe all the adventures and changes we've already been through. I'm so grateful for our blessings and that we have each other to rely on. We've learned and grown so much moving away and living somewhere where you only have each other to rely on, especially during moving transitions. I'm so grateful for Waylon's consistent and stable love in my life- I feel I can truly live, learn and grow because i'm so loved!

Sorry to be sappy, but it's our blog and we can say what we want! :)

Tonight's Sunset

2010-07-25T22:12:00.005-06:00

80% Humidity does wonders for our hair! :P

Sky was gorgeous!

Painting Jade

2010-07-24T21:02:00.003-06:00

Looks like Jade is turning herself into the Na Vi from the movie Avatar...starting with painting her hand!

From way back, Happy 4th of July

2010-07-18T09:16:00.000-06:00

Just going through Pics I never got posted! Fun from a local parade!

Little Tinker Fairy

2010-07-17T21:09:00.007-06:00

Jade has been obsessed with TinkerBell and fairies lately. So we threw her hair up in a Bun like TinkerBell and gave her some wings- viola! Here are some of her funny expressions, diaper and all! You can see she has her new TinkerBell doll in one hand and her magic wand in the other!

Loving time with Grandma!

2010-07-14T21:09:00.004-06:00

My mom is visiting us, and Jade sure loves having her grandma around, she reads her lots of books, sings songs and entertains Jade in the back-seat of the car on long drives! I've really missed having my mom be around, so it's nice to have her with us for a little while. It's reminded me how important family is, and how nice it is to have some help! Waylon and I were actually able to go on a "date" for his birthday this past Monday. I think we forgot what dates were!

Funny things Jade says

2010-06-30T08:22:00.004-06:00

I need to start writing down all the funny things Jade says. She talks so much and I love having converstations with her now that she is at that point in development.

Today at breakfast she had her little Cinderella doll and she said, "Cinderella dreams come true!"

She has some of those baby-legs that she's wearing today for fun, she pulled them over her feet and walked into the kitchen and said, "I'm a monster!" because she looked like she had webbed feet from her socks.

This little girl cracks me up. I love being able to ask her what she wants to do.

"Poker Face"

When she is done with something she always says, "I don't like...." She means to say "I'm all done with....." It's interesting learning to interpret her. There are things she says that only I understand since i'm with her all the time.

Jade and I are taking a swim class for her and its funny to listen to her tell us about her class. "Humpty Dumpty fell water and swim like that and kick and kick and kick like that" In her class we do humpty dumpty sat on the wall...and then fell in the water. :)

She also talks like me, and I don't realize what I'm saying until my child starts talking like me!

" I want _____ OKAY?" as she nods her head. I nod my head a lot trying to get Jade to say yes or do something, so she does the same thing right back trying to get me to say yes. haha.

Some other things she says exactly how I say them, lol:

"Two Minutes, OKAY?"

"I'll be right back, stay right here."

She also is asking a lot of questions like:

"Where we going?" (this one is OVER and OVER again in the car!)

"What doing mom? What doing?"

"Where daddy go?"

I'll add more later i'm sure, there are so many funny things she says. I wish I would have written them all down as we go!

Swim Time!

2010-06-24T13:20:00.007-06:00

Took Jade to the pool today and this is her new found freedom with swimming floaties:

And this is her after kicking herself around the pool for nearly an hour: She's out! (and sooo cute!)

Toy Story 3

2010-06-24T10:03:00.001-06:00

Jade loves "Woody and Buzz!" We took her to see Toy Story 3 and look at that grin!

Build and Grow at Lowe's- Fathers Day Present

2010-06-19T09:42:00.004-06:00

Jade built her daddy this frame at Lowe's build and grow!

She said "Happy Bday daddy!"

Sacred Grove- Grange Fam

2010-06-13T18:08:00.000-06:00

After 2 years we all got to take a picture together again!

Joseph Smith Homes & Farm, Palmyra NY

2010-06-12T11:12:00.012-06:00

Alright, finally getting to the New York part of our trip in photos! We picked up Elder Jordon Grange from the mission home in Rochester, NY. Then our first stop was Palmyra. We were able to visit the Joseph Smith Home(s) and then the sacred grove (upcoming post). It was very nice to see these places, but mostly to feel the true spirit of the restoration of the gospel. This experience strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith, and all he did for the restoration of Christ's church. These homes are mostly replicas, but there are certain pieces retained that are original.

The replica of the Smith Family Home

Jade and Jordon!

Palmyra Temple view from the Smith Home.

Brothers reunited.

The later smith home. Joseph lived here with Emma, also with his brother Hyrum.

These are the orignal bricks in the fireplace floor where Joseph followed promptings from God to hide the plates and translations before a mob came. They were protected here. He hid them in several other spots throughout the Smith farm.

I was admiring the dutch ovens in the kitchen...

I enjoyed seeing how they used fresh/dried ingredients in the kitchen. All real foods :) It was common to find butter churns, cool pantries, cellars below the houses. The Smiths raised their own animals, and had plenty of fresh milk. :)

On the way to NY!

2010-06-06T21:00:00.010-06:00

Some exciting moments from the long car ride from PA to NY state:

Before

Started out the day with freshly combed piggy tails.

Candid of Waylon and the PA scenery....

I can see farther than 10 ft away! Yay! (compared to MD)

We were Freaking Out about HILLS!^^

Some light reading for the road....

That exciting huh? haha. She was out.

Approaching Rochester, NY I can see a few buildings!

After!!

We also stopped in Corning, NY to go to the Corning glass museum. It was awesome, but I left my camera in the car. I have pics on my cell, but i'll prob never get around to putting them on the pc! http://www.cmog.org/

Jane Austen Room, Bed and Breakfast in PA

2010-06-06T20:51:00.007-06:00

While we were driving through PA we stayed one night at a B & B. It was a nice cabin off the beaten path and was very well kept and comfortable. We stayed in this room, which I had to document to share with some of my Jane Austen fan friends who I know would enjoy it!

Jade getting comfy on her day bed next to Jane Austen's novels.

Back to the trip...Susquehanna River

2010-06-05T15:35:00.004-06:00

We took a leg strech break at a nice spot on the Susquehanna River (looks like a lake!) Waylon taught me to skip rocks and I actually figured out how. Jade loved throwing rocks into the river too! She didn't want to stop!

Looking Back

2010-05-26T14:23:00.009-06:00

I know I should be blogging about my recent trip to NY. But all the pictures are so intimidating. (so many!)

I wanted to share a little piece of my childhood. I have a few baby pics that i've actually scanned in. Mostly I wanted to grab any of the ones I had with my dad. He passed away when I was 16 years old. Part of me will always be 16 years old because of this. I'm grateful for my life, and the experience i've gone through that make me who I am.

My Dad

My sister, Molly and I.

My brother, Chris, and I.

Playing at Grandma's

Happy baby Elizabeth eating a pickle in the camper with Dad.

Not sure if Jade looks like me as a baby or not, but it's interesting to look back and think about life, and growing up.

Wilbur Chocolate Factory in PA

2010-05-21T20:55:00.001-06:00

Jade oooing at the old cocoa cans.

You may or may not know, that I used to work for a Chocolate Factory. (maybe it's where I decided to incorporate chocolate as a major part of my life into cake baking....) As a high school student, I would walk into the sweet smelling chocolate store, where I could eat all the chocolates I wanted. It really was a sweet job. As a Cheerleader, this didn't go over so well for the uniform...anyway. Heh. I enjoyed working here, I mostly enjoyed watching them make the chocolates and the chocolate covered strawberries. It was a good day when I was able to work mornings and the few times I got to drizzle the pink chocolate tapering over the strawberries. I also enjoyed easter when we would be able to write personalized names on the large chocolate cream filled eggs. I had a need to satiate my creative side. The rest of the time I was doing customer service, we'll say following protocol was difficult for me because I always wanted to be "extra" creative when tying beautiful bows or packing boxes of chocolate.

Visiting the Wilbur Chocolate Factory in PA brought back these memories for me. We walked in and it smelled sweet and rich enough to give you a tooth ache.

Dark Chocolate Covered Candied Orange

Railroad next to the chocolate factory.

Jade, post-chocolate rush running around with some fudge.

Old fashioned chocolate kitchen.

Yes I am chocolate.

Back from NY

2010-05-20T19:24:00.002-06:00

We are back from a family trip! We drove to NY to see our family and pickup my bro-in-law from his LDS mission. It was a great trip and nice reprieve for a week. Jade loved being with the family. I will get pics posted soon, there will be many posts trying to wrap up everything we did! I just have to get the pics on my pc....

Mother Goose

2010-05-11T11:09:00.008-06:00

We were walking to the library and we saw the little goose family that lives near us. They started swimming over to us all in a line when we stopped to find them.

I think they saw that Jade had a cracker in her hand. (notice the one tag-a-long duck)

So Jade offered them some of her snack.

"Heeeere ducks!" Mom says, "Geese" "Heeeeeere Geeese!"

"Hisss!" says Mother Goose.

They must not like my cracker...

And they were off...Jade blends right in with the fuzzy little chicks so she followed them.

But then she realized she didn't want to eat bugs out of the grass.

"Byeeee Geeese, See Yu 'Ater!"

This is one way to get her to eat...

2010-05-11T11:06:00.002-06:00

Jade loves her smoothies!

Jade's organized toys

2010-05-05T11:43:00.000-06:00

So I'm really bad at keeping toys organized...but I decided to go through all of Jade's toys. It was nice to finally have all the puzzle pieces put away, potato head parts in the head, blocks in the box and so on!

I had to take a picture because it doesn't ever look like this!

We also love the bookshelf gutter we put up on the wall. It's great for display books and puzzles. I recommend it!

Snow white and Cinderella

2010-05-04T21:38:00.005-06:00

Goofy Girls...I'm so glad Jade has Aubrey to have a good time with!

Strawberry Rhubarb Ballerina

2010-05-01T08:18:00.004-06:00

Princesses

2010-04-19T13:48:00.004-06:00

Little did we know they were twins. :)

"Look! One princess- two princess!"

More easter...

2010-04-19T07:49:00.003-06:00

Easter Egg Hunt Day

2010-04-16T12:24:00.001-06:00

We're a little behind, I know. :)

Garden Beds

2010-04-13T13:14:00.002-06:00

Our Garden Beds are in! I've always wanted to try raised garden beds, so we are hoping they are a success. I did buy some mulch to go in them, since we haven't been able to compost long enough out here yet. So far Jade and I have planted a cherry tomato, 2 zuchini plants, and a few snap pea starts. The weather has been a bit chilly lately, so i'm going to wait to plant more. Today we got some plant starts: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, Romaine, Purple Cherokee Tomatoes, Orange Peppers, Sweet Italian Peppers, cherry tomato, Brandywine Heirloom tomatoes, and cucumber.

I have high hopes for this garden, but I'm a little worried about all the creatures....I'll have to plant some test plants and see if they get eaten. =/ I've never tried lettuce's or crucifers, so we'll see how it goes.

Mercury Free!

2010-04-11T16:15:00.003-06:00

I'm officially mercury free! After a lifetime of amalgam fillings, I've finally had all my mercury fillings replaced. I no longer have those dark reminders of childhood dental visits in my mouth. I recommend not getting mercury fillings for you or your children. It's really ashame that dentists still use this toxic metal inside of young children's mouths. It's a known neuro-toxin, and leaches small amounts of mercury into the body throughout the lifetime of the filling.

In my life, I've had a total of 16 amalgam fillings. In the past ~7 years or so, I had to have 6 of those replaced because of decay. This year I had 10 remaining amalgams. In the past month I had the rest of them replaced over 3 dental visits. I did this because I knew the fillings were leaking (and for health reasons), I would have metallic tastes in my mouth, and even have reactions occur in my mouth from eating foods cooked in cast iron and egg whites from hard boiled eggs, (Think: licking a battery type reactions.) It was really apparent that my fillings were old, poor quality and I have had most of them since I was 7-12years old. (Like as soon as my adult teeth came in...) I knew that the *potential* for having mercury build up in my body, at quantities particularly high from SO many fillings, could cause big health problems in my future, and my future children's health, as mercury is not protected by the blood barrier from babies in-utero.

I'm grateful that I was able to find a great biological dentist to go to, who safely removes mercury. They cover all the bases in preventing any further exposure to Hg while it's being removed. I even had a pre-removal appointment to help start detoxing from mercury that is already built up in my body. It's going to take time to have all the mercury get out of my body, but over time it will be lower and lower now that I no longer have a constant source of it leaking into my body.

I know that mercury removal is a "controversial" subject, but I have studied and researched for myself, and know that this was the BEST decision for my health and my families health-(future children). Especially because I had it done by a Biological dentist who knows the most current and safest ways to remove it. I'm so glad that I was able to have this done safely. And if for nothing else, my TEETH look so much better!

A More Positive Outlook

2010-03-31T20:56:00.016-06:00

Sometimes in life, you are just walking along....

And your road just ends. (this happens a lot in Maryland, not a walking state!)

...And you feel kind of sad, confused, unsure, doubtful...

But, then as you find another way to travel, you get to see all the beautiful things you might have missed out on....

Or even find a chance to live in the woods....

To be even more grateful for spring flowers, after a long winter.

To realize that home isn't where you live, it's what you make of it.

And to notice that a new pathway can have beauty, maybe even more than the old path.

To find new reasons to smile.

Sometimes you get bumps in the road, or have to fight big scary dragons. (Jade thought this was a dragon in the sidewalk!)

But your pathway, is only what you choose to see it as, and what you choose to make of it.

It's been a long year since moving to Maryland. I'm finally beginning to see the beauty in our new road in life. At first it was scary, confusing and doubtful. Along the abrupt change in course in our lives, I felt frustrated and maybe even resentful having to stop the path I was walking on, to travel to a new pathway over bumps and having to fight dragons. But, now, as I look at my surroundings, I can see the positive in our new pathway- more beautiful things that I wouldn't have noticed or experiences I may not have been able to have, without having to change course to where we were walking. Now I can see the glow of a forest after spring rain, the worms on the sidewalk through my toddlers eyes, the protection and serenity of living in the woods. These things foreign to me a year ago, caused me much sadness, but now, I see them as bigger parts of life, things that make me grateful to be living in a new pathway.

My life has been blessed by this opportunity to live somewhere new, I'm grateful for my increase in faith, my growth of mind, my health improvements, and my new friends who struggle a long side with me, climbing over bumps in the pathway. I'm grateful for my family those close to me, and those far away, I'm SO grateful for Jade who keeps me sane all the while making me crazy :) She's been my little tag-a-long companion, has kept me from the despair of loneliness in a new place, kept me trudging through at times to find a better place, strengthens me in times of weakness or scary moments being lost on new roads, comforts me in times of sadness, plays with me in times of gladness, motivates me to be better and inspires me to live life looking at the little happy things like finding worms on the sidewalk after a rain shower. :)

Jade's Easter Dress

2010-03-31T08:18:00.000-06:00

Super Static Hair

2010-03-30T08:17:00.000-06:00

A friends birthday party!

2010-03-29T08:09:00.001-06:00

Ultimate Furniture Tester Jade

2010-03-29T07:50:00.001-06:00

We went to Ikea to look for a TV stand, but Jade insisted on testing out the beds too. I think she might want a comfy bed not her crib anymore? She looks pretty comfy!

Jade's new hat

2010-03-22T19:56:00.002-06:00

Jade insisted on getting this "Princess" Hat at the store. She is a little princess, I wasn't going to tell her that, but she's figured it out! She likes to wear her hat home-girl style.

(It was also warm enough for her to wear a summer dress!)

2010-03-20T13:48:00.005-06:00

I've been working on building up my business, so I thought I would share my biography :)

Who am I?

ELIZABETH Grange, BS

Health Promotion Specialist

Real Food and Nutrition Educator

I live my dream by sharing my love of health, food and wellness. I have my Bachelor of Science degrees in Health Promotion and Nutrition. I love teaching traditional methods of food preparation for maximum nourishment. I believe in Holistic health and healing through nourishing food. I make nourishing cakes and creations, and teach health and wellness classes specializing in Mothers Health, Children’s Health and Baby-Toddler Foods. I’m available for personal health consultations and cooking classes. I also lead my daughter Jade in a life of joy and wellness. I support local food, breastfeeding, and sustainable living for a better world.

Contact me today for nourishing food orders, health classes or consultations!

www.NourishingCreations.com

Serving Maryland, USA

Curlers attempt

2010-03-18T14:01:00.007-06:00

Tried to get some curlers going on in Jade's hair. She let me put them in and she even left them there, until she wanted a dress on, and then she felt the curlers and immediately started pulling them out.

Notice all the curlers on the floor behind her...

Dance and run!

2010-03-17T22:06:00.000-06:00

Enjoying having the sun come into Jade's room and the space to play in her room makes us feel happier :) Don't mind our silliness!

Jade running around in circles around me. Don't get too dizzy watching.

She's got the moves and she listens to pop hits!

I'm gonna getchyu!

Enjoying all that SPACE

2010-03-17T21:37:00.009-06:00

We had a little barbecue for dinner in our new backyard where the weather was very nice! Here is Jade runnnning around the yard. We haven't been able to really run around outside for a looong time!

I'm gonna getch u!

Waylon bbq's in style while on the laptop! (I'm sorry W I had to make fun!)

We get all that space!

The house on a sunny day

2010-03-17T21:33:00.002-06:00

We are really excited we live here now! It's our little attempt at living in an east coast colonial. (Built in 1940) It feels so much better living in a house with windows. We like the wood floors, the yard, the garage and having space to store our junk so we don't have to live with boxes in our bedrooms. Jade finally gets her *own* room just for her stuff! Not with boxes and things she gets into that she shouldn't! (like desk drawers!) Her room is just for her now! Anyway, the weather here has finally been WARM and gorgeous after a very very very loooooong winter. I'm so excited and ready for spring!

All moved in

2010-03-16T20:49:00.002-06:00

We finally got all our stuff moved in to our new place of residence! Thank you to the missionaries and to the Anglesey's for your help! We are exhausted from moving and have no energy left to unpack boxes. At least it's all in the house now and we are done with our old place!

We are enjoying having windows and a driveway and a yard! We enjoyed a sunny day today and ran around in the backyard. Yay for space and no neighbors!!

We'll eventually get some photos up!

We're Moving! (Again!)

2010-03-04T09:27:00.015-07:00

We've been in Maryland nearly a year now. Time has flown, but also gone very slow at the same time. We are moving into a house! We are renting this house, and we will be there at least a year. We are hoping that we will be able to renew for another year if we end up liking it. Moving is a lot of work, and I'm hoping we can stay in one place longer than a year at some point! I'm really excited to attempt to have a garden here (there are lots of squirrels and birds- ill have to see how that goes over!) And to recycle and compost again. I've missed these things! We are excited to have some space to store our stuff and to have room for guests to visit us! yay! (So book your tickets now, so you can come visit us!)

Photo from the listing.

3rd bedroom

Back porch

70's kitchen

dining room

living room

front of house and nice big garage!

Jade showing off her new room!

Jade, the little Cake baker

2010-03-02T12:00:00.005-07:00

Jade got a hold of some of the leftover icing from my last cake, she wanted to decorate too :) She looks pretty professional.

Early Morning at The City Dock

2010-02-27T21:03:00.005-07:00

Today I delivered a cake order to Annapolis by 9am. Waylon had to be at a meeting, so we dropped him off around 9:15am, and Jade and I went to breakfast in Annapolis. We went down to the city dock and it was a nice sunny early morning! I've never been here on a sunny day. It was very cold and windy, but the sun still penetrated on us. We walked around the water and jade was very happy to see the ducks and boats!

calling on the birds!

It's so nice that Jade is a big girl and can walk around on her own holding my hand. It's so much more fun this way!

Check out my cakes i've been making!

2010-02-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

I've been working on my "business" It's going well and I'm getting orders. It keeps me busy (very) and keeps me sane!

Tell me what you think!

http://lizzielovesfood.blogspot.com/

also listed as www.nourishingcreations.com

Heterochromatic Eyes: Update

2010-02-23T09:45:00.023-07:00

Here is a timeline of photos of Jade's eyes from December 09 back to her birth. You can click on the images to view them larger.

Different shades of baby grey eyes.

We've been getting a lot of blog hits from google searches regarding heterochromia. (11th highest hit under the search "Heterochromatic Eyes") I thought I would post a follow up regarding her eyes. Since she's no longer a baby, when we first posted about it.

One day old. We had no idea, but her eyes will be blue and brown!

Look close enough and maybe you can tell they are barely different.

Jade was born in December 2007.

15 minutes old. She had redness above her right eyelid. (her now brown eye)

First Noticed and History

When Jade was born she had some redness over her right eyelid. They told us it was "common" in newborns, and eventually it would clear up. Later, looking back we suspected it could have been a birth injury (the doctor poking around "oh yep there's an ear!" yeah...or maybe her eye.) It took her several months for the redness to clear up. But when we noticed her eye color difference, it was something we considered to be causal. We still aren't sure about that one.

When she was 3 weeks old, we noticed that her eyes were different shades of grey. The left eye lighter than her right eye. You know how babies don't have developed eye color yet. I tried taking a picture of her eyes at this time. It was most prominent sitting by a window with natural light.

We told our pediatrician later on that we noticed her eyes were different colors. We waited a little while to say anything. We also waited another few months to take her into an opthamologist. She was about 6 months old, which is when we made this post about her appointment. http://grangegrotto.blogspot.com/2008/06/jades-heterochromatic-eyes.html

Appointment

They tested her vision at the appointment- the best they can for a 6 month old. We went to the University of Utah Moran Eye Center. They are highly reputable and always embarking on new research. We were surprised at the methods of how they were able to test her vision. They used poster boards with black and white dots or lines on them. It was a depth perception test. The babies eyes will go to the dots or lines on the poster. They had a different amount of posters and would watch Jade to see where her eyes went to on the poster. They did this at different distances away from her.

The opthamologist also looked in her eyes with the light and tested her eye movement.

For Jade, everything turned out to be formed and developed properly, and she had normal results from her exams. The doctor wrote up a report for us and gave us a copy. She is officially "Heterochromatic." She doesn't have any other explanation for this, except she is one lucky girl in the gene pool. We feel like she is our jackpot. :) The doctor told us we didn't really need a follow up unless we noticed anything out of the ordinary.

We were glad everything was normal for her, because heterochromia can be a sign of an autosomal disorder. She didn't have any of the other symptoms for this, so we were pretty confident she was fine.

Here is a definition from Wikipedia:

"In anatomy, heterochromia refers to a difference in coloration, usually of the iris but also of hair or skin. Heterochromia is a result of the relative excess or lack of melanin (a pigment). It may be inherited, due to genetic mosaicism, or due to disease or injury.^[1]

Eye color, specifically the color of the irises, is determined primarily by the concentration and distribution of melanin.^[2]^[3]^[4] The affected eye may be hyperpigmented (hyperchromic) or hypopigmented (hypochromic).^[5] In humans, usually, an excess of melanin indicates hyperplasia of the iris tissues, whereas a lack of melanin indicates hypoplasia.

Heterochromia of the eye (heterochromia iridis or heterochromia iridum) is of two kinds. In complete heterochromia, one iris is a different color from the other. In partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia, part of one iris is a different color from its remainder.

Although infrequently seen in humans, complete heterochromia is more frequently observed in other species, where it almost always involves one blue eye."

Jade has a very defined blue eye, and we aren't sure if that is her dominant eye color or not. Her brown eye is very dark brown and has less visible detail, probably because it is darker- but it doesn't really have the iris lines like most people's eyes do. Technically we think brown would be dominant, but we aren't sure! Because of the lack of lines in her iris, it's why we considered it could be an injury at birth, but nothing else indicates that- plus its so entirely brown- no spots of blue or anything! All signs point to they are genetically variated.

Genetic History

She does have two parents with hazel eyes (mine is hazel brown, and her dad's is Hazel-green) She has two grandparents with dark brown eyes (paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather) Then she has a maternal grandmother with blue eyes, and a paternal grandfather with blue-green eyes. Brown is usually the dominant color with more melanin genes turned on. She just got different amounts melanin genes turned on for each eye :)

Today

Since that appointment, as she grew, her eye color has become more solidified and differentiated. Her left eye is officially blue and her right eye is officially brown. People ask us, "What will she put on her drivers license?"

Very frequently people stop us on elevators, or at the store, and take a double take, then lean in to her, and say, "Does she have two different colored eyes?!" Yes! She does, and we are very proud of it.

When we are in poor lighting or indoors, its not as noticeable. Also, as her parents, we don't even notice it because we are used to seeing her. But there are many times, I stop and I look at her eyes and just focus on what a gorgeous girl we've been blessed with.

I've learned a little about genetics, and I think we are very lucky to have a daughter with this unique one-in-million (or more?) feature.

We hope she'll always realize how unique and cherished she is by those around her.

A few randoms...

2010-02-21T18:26:00.004-07:00

Trip to the Mall and Merry-Go Round

2010-02-16T14:42:00.008-07:00

After the Carousel Ride Happy Kids!

The girls and their daddys^^ haha.

The Columbia Mall has a cool kids play area where they had fun doing yoga!

Jade and her friend Aubrey

2010-02-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hahaa "I upside-down!"

While we are snowed in...playing Dress-up!

2010-02-10T12:01:00.006-07:00

Yesterday we were able to escape from the house and go to Annapolis. I found some AWESOME deals at H&M in the mall. I got Jade two fancy dresses, a shirt dress, a tutu skirt and 3 pairs of tights/leggings ALL for 22 dollars!

Here is dress number one, I'll photo the rest but my camera battery ran out in the process. Jade is loving being a photo Ham lately and wants to see the pictures of herself after every photo.

^^Jade posing for the camera. I did not pose her, it's all her!

This silver dress was only 5 dollars at H&M!

Snow Round 3...or is it 4 or 5?

2010-02-10T11:53:00.003-07:00

It's snowing again! Waylon hasn't had to go to work all this week. Everything has been closed down. The storm from Saturday-Sunday dropped about 2.5 feet of snow. We finally dug our car out on Monday. Tuesday there was no work so we went to stock back up on groceries and get out of the house after being in for 4 days. Then the snow started up again Tuesday night. It's dropped about another 5 to 6 inches. Apparently Baltimore, the entire city, is closed down. They aren't letting anyone but emergency vehicles drive there. We are trying to not get too bored at home. We are grateful we have power and the internet!

....

2010-02-06T17:27:00.001-07:00

Snow...............

2010-02-05T21:27:00.001-07:00

It's coming down and its not gonna stop! The weather is predicted to drop 28'' of snow in the DC/Baltimore area. We'll keep you posted. We've geared up to be staying indoors for the whole weekend!

Gotta Love this Girl!

2010-02-02T21:12:00.001-07:00

More Utah/Snow Pics

2010-02-02T21:03:00.004-07:00

Long walk in the snow....

Snow Angels!

Piggies, Chickens and Horsies

2010-01-27T09:35:00.003-07:00

When we visit the family in Huntington we like to go check out their animals and (try) to help do chores. I like being able to show Jade where eggs come from! We went to feed the piggies (and baby piggies), the chickens- and gather eggs, and feed the horses.

Benihana in SLC

2010-01-27T09:28:00.005-07:00

We went to the Japanese Grill, Benihana, in Salt Lake. Jade enjoyed eating with sticks. We were glad to go with our friends Elen, Anne and Lily.

jade enjoying some sushi

2009 In Review (Moving Story)

2010-01-22T17:30:00.005-07:00

2009 was a life shifting year for us. (like our friends the Angleseys, whos Idea for this I saw on their blog.)

January: All was normal, but we had just found out we would most likely be moving, as Waylon was being pursued by a new career. (After nonchalantly tossing his resume in online, not even looking for a new job!) He had both sets of interviews out in Maryland already by this point, and we were waiting for a start date.

(mind you we were cozy in our little house in utah, so this threw a wrench in things.)

February: We found out when Waylon would be starting his new job in Maryland. He chose March 17th as his start date. We immediately put our house for sale as soon as we found out. We had to find a realtor, fix up our house, paint the front porch, the foundation, the back door entranceway. All while trying to find a place to live in Maryland, without even seeing it first.

March: We had movers come pack up and move all our stuff. We stayed the night in our empty house on March 12th, borrowing a friends air mattress. Our friends brought us dinner, since we had nothing left in our house. We left our immaculately (to us!) redone house, spotless, with faith in our hearts that it would sell quickly, and that we would be okay where we reserved in Maryland. Our friend Elen picked us up on Friday the 13th of March, and took us to the airport. We got to Maryland, shuttled to the hotel. Officially "homeless," stuff less"and "carless" for a week.

March was a very long month for us, it felt like 6 months happened in only a few weeks. We decided to rent a car, to get around, and so Waylon could get to work. We *walked* to the airport car rental place, on a cold march day in Maryland. Jade was in her carseat stroller travel system so we would have the carseat to take jade in the car with us. ( I feel like this was a pioneer moment now that I think about it!!) Waylon went to his first day of work on March 17th. On the morning of the 18th, Waylon drove to his new job, in the rental car on a rainy morning. He got in a 3 car accident/rear ender in the rental car...on his way to work. (What a day, it gets better...) He was in the middle of two cars, so the front of the rental was smashed. He gave his info, then decided to drive to work anyway (new job pressure!) He called me and told me the news. Fortunately we still had 2 cell phones at this point in time.

That evening, he reluctantly drove the rental car back to the hotel. He decided to take the rental car back in. They took our insurance info and we're slightly forgiving at the time. He ran back to the hotel....from the airport rental parking. I was walking somewhere to look for dinner for us. (What a day, it gets even better.)

We get a call from the driver who is delivering our car across the country. (Hallelujah!) He says he might be in MD by midnight and wants to know if we would like to get our car that night, or wait till the next day. (PLEASE TONIGHT!?) He reminds us that we have to pay the remaining balance ($750) in Cash upon delivery. !!!!!! What? We are are in Maryland, with no car, no house, no BANK! We got back to the hotel and pull out all our cash. We had maybe 200 dollars in cash. What do we do? I call our bank in Utah. Fortunately, its two hours earlier in Utah at the time, so they aren't closed yet. (All banks in Maryland are close at this point, around 6:30pm) There was no way we could get money wired that fast, especially without a bank in Maryland. Next plan, ATM cards. We each have a card, which we think we can take 200 dollars out of each. So...we walk to the gas station ATM, looking totally suspicious, because we were SO nervous and stressed out. We made a plan and everything, we would take turns going in and watching Jade. Waylon went in first to see how much he could take out on one card. I waited with Jade outside in the dark parking lot of a gas station. (LOL) He came out and I went in. So we were at $400, we needed $350 more. I had one credit card (we only had one at the time) I went in my ATM card worked. And I prayed there was enough cash left in the ATM! I had to do a cash advance on my credit card ( 200+200+200= 600, still need 150) I think I took out 200 for good measure. It worked. I probably ran out of the gas station with my cash. I'm sure the cashier was a little suspicious.

We had enough! Hooray! So, the truck driver calls to say he's gonna be a little late. I think he finally got to our hotel at 1am. Jade was crying lots I remember, and Waylon stayed in to try to sleep. I told him I would go get the car. Now looking back, it wasn't the smartest plan, but stress makes you do crazy things. At 1 am I'm outside the hotel parking lot waiting for a big semi with cars to pull up. I have $750 cash in hand. I wait outside on a cold March night while the driver unloads our Rodeo from the truck. I give him cash, he gives me a jottled pink receipt. And yay, we have our car back!! get back to hotel, check my voice mail and find that the mover called to tell us he would be there in the morning. Yeah...we didn't have a lease signed yet.

I take Waylon to work the next morning. New roads, new place. I was feeling very nervous to take on what I was about to take on without Waylon, with Jade in my care.

I spam called the leasing office to the place we had reserved, but not signed for yet. We had no keys or nothing- and our stuff was on its way to be delivered. If we didn't have a place for it to be delivered, it would promptly be put in storage....on an army base. And who knows when we'd see it again.

Long story short...I was able to get a hold of the office, they let me in early, Let ME sign the lease without Waylon until he got off work. I rushed to get the deposit (more ATM withdrawl)

Anyway, got the key. Drove to our townhouse, And the movers were Waiting outside!

I hadn't even seen where we live yet. I then had to tell the movers what room to put ALL of our stuff in while identifying each box number and marking it off and making sure we had it. And oh yeah... Jade was Starving and freaking out and wanted my attention. Luckily our townhouse ppl gave us a welcome box which had some snacks to hold us over on.

Then I somehow managed to pick Waylon up from work...even though I had no idea where I was.

It was all less dramatic from there on out. We moved out of our hotel a few days later.

April: Our house SOLD! What a blessing and so quickly, less than 8 weeks of being on the market. A true miracle.

Went to Arlingtion, VA to visit Waylon on a work trip. Discovered DC traffic. =/

May: We went home to Utah for Mothers day weekend.

June: Discovered farmers markets in MD.

July: Went to Pennsylvania for a Lunch Farm Visit Potluck for all those who order from our farmer. We went to Washington DC for the fourth of July. On the 24th we flew to Utah. We then rented a car, drove to Las Vegas for Waylons work trip. My friends visited us in Vegas, and I drove the rental car back to Utah with them, after Waylon flew back to MD. I stayed in Salt Lake with my mom for a few days, then flew back to MD with Jade.

August: Came back from Utah trip. Went to parts of Virginia. Molly came to visit!

September- I turned 24!

October- Jade was a caterpillar for halloween, I was a butterfly and Waylon was a half- robot wired with lights and all.

November- We celebrated Thanksgiving with our friends The Angleseys, in MD.

December- Jade turned 2 years old! We went to our friends for Christmas and celebrated new years with them too!

Trip to Utah- Snowmobiling

2010-01-22T17:05:00.005-07:00

We were very lucky to spend one week of our trip to Utah with the Grange's. We got to go snowmobiling twice that week! Jade LOVED snowmobiling. She was happy as long as we were "going" we'd stop and she'd say "GO." She has the need for speed from her daddy.

I love my gorgeous 2 year old!

2009-12-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!!!