The last day

AHHHH! 2008 can't almost be over! Time is flying by at a pace that I just can't grasp. It's unbelievable that Christmas is already over and now the new year is staring us right in the face. Here are a few things I wanted to blog about but never found the time in the last month...

Our very own winter wonderland that closed down the whole city for an entire week. We had about a foot of snow and I LOVED IT! It's never felt more like Christmas to me than this week, and I finally got to wear my snow boots that have been MIA for about 5 years. This view is looking out our front door.
Trevor loved making a snowman with his dad. They were outside for about 45 minutes and then Trevor was too cold to continue. However they did finish the snowman before they came in.
The Snow Tiki statue (it's supposed to be a snowman but with a twist) that Trevor and Tyler built.

Last, but not least, Christmas morning. We all had a wonderful Christmas and hope you did too! May the New Year be bright and wonderful for us all!

2 For 2

Once again, for 2 years in a row, Cambria has been sick on her birthday. At least she was on the mend and didn't have a fever the day of, but her eyes still look sick. However, we decided to stick it out and went to ChuckECheese for pizza and fun and then opened presents. Here's some pictures of our cute 2 year old!

As a side note: We were at the doctor's office this morning and Cambria looked at me and said, "Mom, I cute!" I totally agree! I'm glad she doesn't suffer from a lack of self esteem. :)

Cutest little girl ever!

We are all right in the middle of all the Christmas crazy-ness. My life has been more complicated this week because I'm throwing a baby shower tomorrow for a friend of mine who is having triplets (she also has a 4 year old and a 2 year old besides!) and on Sunday Tyler and I are speaking. Lots to do...no time to do it...I'm sure everyone is singing the same song! However, Cambria is turning 2 on Monday (Sunday technically but we're not celebrating until Monday) and we are having a party (Chuck E Cheese is a great place)! Here's her picture...she is so adorable I can hardly stand it (and I will freely admit I'm biased!)

Birthday fun

Last Sunday was my birthday and was it ever a stressful day! Tyler had to go into work in the morning and was there all day...so guess who had the kids by herself at church? (You only get one chance so think hard...) So not only was it me against three loud, grumpy kids but I had to lead the music in Sacrament and play the piano for a special musical number. Not one of my better days but we did end the day great with a fun party at my parents house with chimi chungas for dinner and cheese cake for dessert. Fast forward to today and man did Macaroni Grill taste good! Tyler took me up to Portland tonight for my birthday feast and it was heaven! Grandma Doman took the kids so we actually had uninterupted conversation time (a rare thing around here). Thanks everyone for a great birthday afterall!

Phases of Trevor

Lately Trevor has been driving me crazy. When I ask him to do something, he ignores me, or if I ask him to STOP doing something he does it more. When I yell at him and put him in timeout for being naughty he gets all mopey and says "Mom, your breaking my heart". So its all MY fault that he's in trouble and having to suffer the consequences. I'm about ready to pull my hair out! He's been doing it for the last few weeks and no amount of attention or positive praise I give him makes any difference. Does anyone else have this frustration?! We've talked about choices and consequences until I'm blue in the face and he even tries to use it against me...little turkey. My mom says I have Justin (my brother) reincarnated, so I guess I'd better fasten my seat belt because I'm in for a rough ride...{sigh}

Ethan's New Do

The day I was playing with Ethan's hair and made a ponytail on top of his head is the day I realized he needed a haircut. I didn't really want to take him in because I've noticed that after the first haircut babies don't really look like babies anymore...they look more like toddlers. However, I couldn't stand it anymore and it had to be done so I took him in to Misty (my aunt and an amazing hair stylist) and here's the results:

Before

After

He's such a good lookin' kid! And a very happy, content baby...We are so lucky!

Change is coming...

I'm not quite sure what to think of the elections on Tuesday...I have to be honest, when Obama won I was sick to my stomach. Not that he's a horrible person but I'm not sure he was the best choice to lead our country. I'm feeling a little more optimistic about the whole thing today because I guess I've resigned myself to the fact the he is going to be our President and maybe what he has to offer will help our country. He's a great public speaker...I'll give him that much...but time will tell if he makes good on his promises. I just can't see how a man with about 4 years of experience will know how to make the "change" happen that will get us out of the war without negative consequences for those in the middle east, that will strengthen our economy, and that will improve our foreign relations. McCain was a model for respect and graciousness and I'm wondering if just maybe he's glad he didn't get the job afterall. It's just going to be interesting how people react when they discover that suddenly ALOT more of the their paycheck goes to taxes...I wonder how they will feel then? Anyway... I have my food storage in pretty good shape and our emegency reserves are okay so I guess BRING IT ON! :)

Halloween Fun

Halloween was a huge hit at our house this year. Trevor kept trying to tell Cambria about how fun trick or treating is but she didn't get it until we went out. We did our ward trunk or treat and they both got tons of candy (they are still eating it whenever they get the chance). On the ride home Cambria kept saying "trick or treat hehehehe", and then started crying when she saw our house. She didn't want to go home. Here's some pictures of our cute little Indians!

New Sprinklers

Some time ago I mentioned that Tyler was /is putting in a sprinkler system in our front and back yards. It is a huge project and has been a great learning experience for Tyler. He's not finished yet, but here is proof of the progress...

As always, Trevor is a great helper (I love it when dirt is tracked all though my house {sigh}).
If you haven't seen our house, this is a partial view of the front.
Notice there are no shoes on his feet, even after multiple reminders. He is such a boy! Between finding spiders and worms and being covered from hair to toes with dirt, this was one of the best weeks of Trevor's life.

Time Out for Mom

Last Mother's Day Tyler and all of his siblings bought the mom's of the family tickets to attend Time Out for Women (an LDS grown-up EFY), which we attended on Friday and Saturday of last week. It was refreshing to not be "mom" for a few days and to listen to some great speakers and fun music. Friday night was mostly a concert done by the band who did the CD "Joseph, a Nashville Tribute". They were really upbeat and shared some wonderful insights they received while doing the album. Then Saturday we heard five speakers plus Kenneth Cope and Cherie Call. My favorite speaker was Emily Watts and her topic was motherhood guilt (I really identified). She was hilarious and her basic message was that we are not going to be perfect parents but if we include the Lord in our decisions regarding our children that we need to cut ourselves some slack and enjoy the ride. She said one thing I want to put on my wall to read everyday, "I give the gift of an unperfect mother so that when you get married you won't have unrealistic expectaions" (Speaking to her children). The event was great but then to top it off I get home and Tyler has the kids fed, house pretty clean, and our bathroom spotless and shining (I hate cleaning the bathroom and it really needed it). I have a wonderful husband indeed!

Pumpkin Time

Last Friday night our ward had a talent show that included a pumpkin dessert contest. Of course, I had to play the piano (as much as I hate to perform I did it anyway) and Tyler played 'Give Said the Little Stream' on his nose whistle (don't ask). Both performances went well but the highlight of the show was Cambria deciding that she needed to dance to every kind of music played. She, of course, stole the show. After the performances, the missionaries (all four of them) were invited to sample all of the pumpkin desserts to decide which one they liked the most. I was very surprised when they announced my pumpkin bars the winner. (The recipe actually came from my mom who got it from Elizabeth Shaver). So, if you find yourself in need of a great pumpkin recipe I would like to share...
Pumpkin Bars
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 cups pumpkin
1 cup oil
1 cups flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and oil. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; blend until smooth. Pour into a greased jellyroll pan and bake for 20 minutes.

Frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese
1 stick butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Cream all ingredients together until smooth. Spread frosting on cake when completely cool. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

His First Day

Today was the day. He was so excited but nervous at the same time. He wanted to make new friends to play with and to paint. He met the teacher yesterday and saw where he would hang his coat and go to the bathroom. Last night he slept well, but was up early this morning asking if it was time to go yet. Then the time came; we got our shoes and jackets on and drove to the designated place. We got out, he was a bit timid but anxious holding my hand as we walked to the door. I knelt to give him a hug and to reassure him that I would be back to pick him up, and then he grinned big and said "Bye, Mom!". I was totally unprepared and surprised as the tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to go. I was not going to let him see me cry, but I bravely turned for one last good-bye wave and then he went inside. The tears started to roll down my cheeks as I got in the car and continued all the way home. Preschool is a big deal...something I didn't understand (even though I taught preschool and kindergarten) until today. A big deal because suddenly I can't control everything that comes into his life, I can't be there to make sure he's happy and feeling loved, and I can't be there to influence good choices. It's a very different picture coming from the side of a parent. He's my precious baby who is quickly growing up. While Trevor was gone, Cambria asked me four different times "Can I go to school, please?". I think she really missed him, just like I did. He had a great time and even though I surprised myself with tears, I realized that this is something he's ready for and something that will help him grow. Way to go, Trevor!

New Adventures

It's been awhile since I've updated our family news...and we've been busy. Starting the first of September I got my nose stuck in the 'Twilight' series books (enough said) and was quite obsessed with finishing all four in a couple of weeks. (Its a good thing they are a quick read) Of course I couldn't just be...I had to teach Relief Society one Sunday and then do a fireside for the youth in our ward the next Sunday. Between keeping up on the Twilight saga and planning my lessons, I threw food at the kids and let them destroy the house. (Not really that bad, but it was bad enough that Tyler asked when I was going to be finished with THOSE books.) Then Tyler decided to take last week off from work so he could install a new sprinkler system in our yard before we put down new sod. Now my house has little mud trails all over from Trevor going out to "help" dad and then deciding he wants to come in to play with Cambria (and we live in Oregon so of course, it rained). That brings us to today and despite the crazy-ness and kids crawling all over me I totally enjoyed conference. The kids are growing up so fast! Ethan sits up now and throws tantrums when anything is taken away from him, Cambria said the prayer at dinner all by herself (she's not even two yet!!!) and Trevor starts Pre-school on Tuesday. Yep, things are a changin' fast...

And She's Off...

This is a sad week in Salem. Rachael (my sister) left for BYU yesterday with the truck packed to the gills and her room a lonely, empty sight. We went over to feed the cat and water the flowers and Trevor kept saying "Mom, Rachael's gone to college and we won't see her for a very long time." Thanks Trev, for the reminder. She was there crying when I left over 12 years ago and now we (the kids and I) were there crying when she left. The circle of life I suppose.{sigh} Anyway, Good luck Ray...we love you and knock 'em dead! Go Cougars!

5 Months and Counting

It's amazing to me that Ethan is already 5 months old! I feel like I just came home from the hospital wondering how I was going to manage 3 little kids. He is such a great baby other than he won't take a bottle. He smiles all the time, sleeps through the night (most of the time), and isn't demanding at all. Trevor and Cambria entertain him, he's fine sitting in his walker or bouncer and loves to have someone talk to him. (We have great conversations at night; Tyler can hardly get a word in edge-wise). He's a gushy, squishy cute little guy that I can't get enough of on some days. The photo shoot we did with him was fun because he gave us lots of funny faces and smiles. These are some pictures that I like the most...

Scripture according to Trevor

Tonight for FHE we were talking about the story of Nephi building the boat. Trevor was looking at the picture and thinking for awhile and then he said "Nephi was telling all those people to build the boat for Noah so he could go to the zoo to get all the animals". Tyler and I looked at each other and tried not to laugh because he was so happy with himself for figuring it all out on his own. I am grateful tonight to have the purity and innocence of a child as my constant companion because I am reminded what matters most and to try to see things a little differently. Oh yes, we will also be clarifying the story of Nephi building the boat to try and understand what really happened.:)

Trevor's Haircut

Today I decided to be brave and cut Trevor's hair myself. I know many of you are thinking no big deal...but I'm a chicken and a perfectionist (not a good combination when you are trying something new). He was starting to look like an Ewok from Star Wars and I couldn't stand it any more. So we went out in the garage with Tyler's new clippers and scissors and went to work. After much screaming and crying (he doesn't scream and cry when I take him to Great Clips) this is our result. Not bad, huh? There are a couple of spots that I messed up on but I don't think they are super noticeable and Tyler is happy that I saved $10 by doing myself. Oh, and by the way, Tyler survived his week long trip with the Teachers/Priests in our ward. He said the rafting was fun, shooting was a little hairy, and the cave exploration (splunking) was the best of the whole thing. We're all glad he's back safe.

Summer is here!

I don't know about you guys but the warm summer sun has finally arrived in the Northwest and we are starting to have lots of garden produce ready to pick and eat. We didn't get our garden planted this year (thanks to Ethan being born on March 5) but my parents always have two fabulous gardens with lots to share. So, thanks to their generosity we have lots of zucchini right now. Rachael found an AWESOME zucchini bread recipe and I'd like to share:

3 eggs, well beaten
1 C. cooking oil
1 C. sugar
1 C. brown sugar
2 C. raw, grated zucchini
3 tsp vanilla
3 C. flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
3 tsp cinnamon

Combine the eggs, oil, sugars, zucchini, and vanilla. Add the flour, salt, soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Grease and flour 2 5x9x4" baking pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until done.

We have enjoyed this bread the last few weeks and soon all my neighbors will be enjoying it as well! (Now, don't you wish you lived close to us?)

Growin' Like Weeds

Cambria and Ethan visited the Doctor today and they were both pronounced "healthy and growing". Cambria, who was my little petite baby, is now 28 lbs. and 35 inches tall. Ethan is a whopping 18 lbs. (at 41/2 months) and is 27 inches tall. I've heard my whole life that kids grow up quickly. When Trevor was born and I wasn't getting any sleep I didn't believe it, not even a little. Now I understand. It seems like I just had Cambria and then came Ethan close on her heels. Now they're both getting bigger and older and I'm scratching my head and wondering where the time went. Some days I do wish they were older, but then I remind myself that I will never again have them at this age so enjoy it! (Usually I do...but I have my days). Oh well. As the saying goes "Time Marches On" whether we want it to or not.

My cute kids with cousins
Emma, Cambria, Trevor holding Ethan, and Austin
We were all together for Rachael's graduation in June...smile everyone!

Here she is!! We did a photo shoot with Cambria about two weeks ago and this is one of my favorite pictures...she's 18 months old but talks and acts like she's at least 2! She is the sunshine of our lives...

Precious Kitty

The long awaited picture of the new kitty...isn't she cute? We are still trying to figure out a name for her...any suggestions? She likes the kids and LOVES me (when I talk to her she purrs). Her favorite activities include chasing her tail, running full speed up the couch, and eating. We love her!

Our Newest Addition

Yesterday we got a new 6 week old kitten. Trevor and Cambria are absolutely thrilled! Tony (my brother) brought her over to our house and the minute he opened the cat carrier, she was terrified (and for good reason). The first thing she saw was Trevor's little face and his outstretched arms to hold her. She jumped out of the cage and ran behind the piano and stayed there for a few hours. Then, she ran behind the washing machine and stayed there for the rest of the day.
Why, may you ask, are we getting a kitten now? (I did just have a new baby 3 months ago). Well, because the kitten really needed a home and we wanted a kitten...the timing is not perfect but what the heck. What's one more creature who makes noise going to matter in our crazy household?! And I can shut her in the laundry room when she needs a break and when we are asleep. So far, we're good. In a week things might be different but today things are fine. I would post a picture but Tyler took our camera camping. So when he gets back we'll put up a picture.

Our Lives Changed Forever

It's hard to believe but Trevor is 4 years old! The day he was born was the day that changed my life forever. I knew being a mom would be great, but I had no idea. He was a beautiful baby...and I quickly agreed whenever anyone told me so. Now he's growing into a very independent, sometimes helpful, adorable little boy. His favorite things right now are helicopters and airplanes, playing with Bob the Builder, and eating a PBJ without the crust. He likes to tell Cambria what to do and when to do it (I think that's an oldest child thing) and helping Ethan be happy when he's crying. He's not too fond of sharing a room, but I hope the idea is growing on him. We love having him in our family! Happy Birthday Trevor!

A New Day

So I've been avoiding this blogging thing for quite some time now, but I finally decided that it was time that I embrace it. Many of my friends far and near are blogging and I think I've finally caught the bug. I'm excited to share our family news, both the exciting and the mundane, and to show off my adorable little kiddos with fun pictures.

Our latest and most exciting news...Ethan Tyler Doman joined our family on March 5, 2008 and is now almost three months old. (Where did the time go?) Trevor and Cambria love to help me take care of him and love on him. It's amazing to me that I have three kids now...it seems Tyler and I just got married, but I guess that was over 5 years ago. Having a three-year old, an 18 month old, and a three month old makes life exciting and nighttime an adventure, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Look at these cute kids...who wouldn't love 'em!