Ouchie!

Well, when it rains, Mark breaks. We're coming down the home strectch! We've completed a test, have another 8 hour whopper of a test this saturday we're feeling ok about. And we've stumbled and fell flat on marks....neck. Yep. His neck. It's been painful for a few days but today he woke up in excruciating pain and unable to even sit up without crying out. After a trip to the doctor we were sad to learn that mark has ripped a tendon that connects his neck to his shoulder, it's the worst then the doctors seen in a long time. Needless to say he's on Vicatin, Loratab and IBprofin for a week! They told him he could go to work in 3 days if he felt ok, and not to take the test on Saturday, he'll have to I'm afraid, they won't give it again until November there's no way to reschedule. He's flat on his back now sleeping off the loopy effects of the drugs. Pray for him! He'll need it!

ER

8 years!

Happy Anniversary Mark! 8 Years! I remember when we were newlyweds, asking where you thought we'd be in 7 years, we said maybe 2 kids, out of college, a house....well at least we have a house! We have an extra kid and some more time to go to graduate! Overall I think we're doing pretty good.
Mark and I met in our singles ward in Washington, our first date was a late night showing of "Remember the Titans" Mark explained the entire movie while we watched. I thought it was cute. Some of our more memorable dates consisted of miniature golf with our friends, a trip to the temple, Mark cooking for me, and me attempting to bake for him (we had to throw the cookie sheet away I burned the cinnamon rolls so badly!). I brought him home 3 weeks later for Thanksgiving, he slept on the couch with my dog and endured it all very well I thought. This is when he told me he loved me! I was very surprise, and didn't know what to say. So I said what came to mind, unfortunately, I replied, "That's nice!" Boy, that's the line of the century. A few weeks later, after quiet contemplation, and great arguments with myself about how fast this was going I finally admitted that I loved him too. I had never seen that expression on his face, it was so wonderful. I saw it again when we were married, and three times more when our children were born.
Mark has always been a black and white guy, he can see the logic in things I fail to see. I love him for that. And for the fact that he has to finish something once he's started it. I love the way he get's down on the floor to play with the kids, and is very patient with me when I'm stubborn. Overall we've had a wonderful 8 years, I don't ever remember him raising his voice to me, or saying something to hurt me. This has been a great marriage! I know it will be wonderful in the future as well. I know this is sappy, and that is so not Mark, but what can I say? I love him, and I'm sappy! Love you Mark!

ER

Shawn at 6 months

Shawn had his 6 month appointment yesterday. For you who voted over 18, congrats! He's 18 pounds 14 oz! A good size chunk! I asked the doctor about the no sleep thingy, she said to feed him well, and go ahead and let him cry, he's big enough he doesn't need to eat at night. Yesterday night I took the kids to see a dollar movie and we didn't get home until 10! WAAAYYY past their 7pm bedtime. So I fed shawn and put him to bed. He must have taken the threat seriously because he didn't wake up until 6am! I slept like a rock! What a marvelous thing to happen! We'll take it seriously if it happens tonight as well! Other then the sleeping thing he's as healthy as a horse and as large as a baby pony!

Yeah Spring!!

I love spring, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Checking to make sure scooters are not behind the car before you pull out. Kids get to play outside, and the house get's aired out daily. I'm going to start a new poll soon. The poll votes are in and you all think Shawn will be over 18 pounds. We'll see! his appointment is today, i'll update you later with a picture or video of him and his info.

Haley and Mark are changing right before my eyes. Walking back from downtown in Seaside I began to urge her forward faster. She asked me, "Why are we going so fast?" I replied that I had to use the restroom, to which she commented, 'Don't tell me! i'm not your mom!" That got me giggling. She's a sassy bundle of girl. Mark is getting older and realizing that he doesn't have to follow the rules, he has a choice. Unfortunatly he also is finding out the consequences of not following them. This too shall pass, i hope.

Comment and let us know how your families are doing!!!

Erin

Indian Beach Bums

Great day at Indian Beach!

Let's go fly a kite! Or not....

Haley and Mark, flying their kits. Haley ran around in circles with no luck. After this she said, "I need a break!" we told her to sit down. She fell down on her back and said, "Whew! That's better!" And her kite flew great!

ER

Pictures from Oregon

Here's some pictures of the fam in Oregon. The beach pictures are at indian beach in Ecola state park. I'll try and get a video next.

ER

A Good/Bad/Good Day!

Today was mixed, we had a bad start. Sadly Gary's Father passed away. This will/has been hard for their family and they are in our prayers. Happily Joe and Lindsay signed for their first home today!!! yeah!!! We get to help them move in tomorrow! Sadly, Haley took a tumble and cracked her head on the tile floor with a good sized goose egg on the back of her head. So far, no signs of a concussion. Happily Mark's team took 3rd place!! There goes our Sad/Happy/Sad/Happy day!! Hope yours was just Happy!!

ER

Bragging Rights!! A Proud Wife

Yeah!! Mark's team (Weber State Construction Team) Won 3rd place in Heavy Civil Division at Nationals!! That's HUGE for this little college after only 2 years of competition! Yeah! GO MARK! We are so proud of him!! He worked incredibly hard!!

Love
ER

a Quick trip update

So, here's the gist. I came to Oregon, without our church clothes. They're in a hanging garment bag in my front closet ready to go! Fortunatly Lindsay and Joe had bought some for the kids for christmas and didn't get them in the mail. Here's Shawn in his tux, Haley in her princess dress, Mark in his vest and Mama in her spring dress. Finally here is mommy asleep on the couch after 4 nights without sleep.