Joshua Tree

Last weekend or so ago, Jeff was on a 4 day, and he has been itching to go rock climbing. We have never been to the Joshua Tree National Park, so we decided to rough it for a couple of days and camp in this beautiful rock desert. (Little did we know that it was going to be the hottest weekend ever) See us trying to huddle in the shade:) Travis, Jennie, and Jeremiah joined us. It was so nice to have a playmate for Eli and someone to play Farkle with.
Our campsite was really secluded and had this great little cave area that was shaded for the most part of the day. We sat around in the cave and played games, the boys played with their sand toys and cars, and we also rock climbed on one side of the rock wall and repelled down into the crevice.


Here is Travis repelling down (and Jeff way in the back between the two boulders.)

The rocks were so amazing and easy to climb, even the little boys loved to climb them. Eli went all the way up with me right behind him, and Jeremiah thought he was a big boy doing it too:) THey were sooo cute and dirty.

There was no water or showers at the campsites, so we brought our own portable camp shower, hung it up in the cave, and bathed the kids in a big plastic container that we brought. It was pretty interesting to see how well we could rough it with 2 toddlers. But we did it; it was alot of work, but we had fun doing it.

The Paci Project: Day 1

This is Eli's first official day with NO paci! We had some few slip-up days, a few tantrums and then giving in by the unprepared parents; but now I mean business. I read up on ideas of how to wean your toddler from their paci, mentally prepared myselffor the torturous journey and began by making a box. Eli loved coloring with markers and placing stickers on the box to decorate it for his new baby cousin, Connor (who will be joining our family in 2 months). Then we went on a trip to good ol' Barnes & Nobles to purchase the No More Pacifier for Piggy book. It is a sweet story about a pig who constantly has a paci in his mouth and can't have a good time with his friend, Ducky, because of his crutch, the Paci! Eli really enjoyed the book, which we read about 4 times today. Before nap we put all of Eli's old, new, borrowed (none were really borrowed, that would be gross:) and Big Blue paci's in the box and sealed it to give to "Auntie Jessica".
And just for reassurance (for me), I slit the tips of all the paci's because I knew when Eli was putting them in the box he was going to try out his favorite Big Blue Paci's and want to keep them. Since they are busted, he won't suck on them.
Anyway, pray that these next few days go smoothly and for Eli to at least be able to go down for a nap, since he could not fall asleep today and was exhausted by bedtime. I'm exhausted as well and must go to sleep. Keep u posted on how he does...

Enjoy Connor :)

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100MEDIA_IMAG0113.jpg, originally uploaded by oxygenfire111.

Shooting in the Desert

From 2009-12-10

Our Tiny Angel

We welcomed Isabella Faith into this world yesterday, June 5, 2010, at 10:27 am. She was so tiny and precious, weighing 3 lbs. 7 oz. 16.5 in. long. Isabella came out butt first, and once she was out the docs examined her for a minute and then she came right to my chest. Her little squeaks were so sweet, and she looked peaceful the entire time. Jeff and I spent an hour with her before she went to be the Lord. It's funny how I in my thoughts and dreams I dreaded this moment and was so scared, but once I was in it, I can say I was at peace and so proud to be her Mommy. Throughout the happenings of the day, I had the children's song "When I get to Heaven" in my head, and I didn't know why that song came to me, but it has helped so much to think of Isabella singing "Now that I'm in Heaven, I'm walking with Jesus. Now that I'm in Heaven, I see His Face..."



Jeff and I are so blessed to have such a supportive and loving bunch of family and friends who were there to meet Isabella. Thank you to everyone who have been praying for our family. Your thoughts and prayers have been felt and continue to help us through this time.


Eli was able to go to his buddies house to play and have a fun-filled day o playing in the mud with John and Luke. Thank you Shanna so much for taking great care of Eli. We didn't have to worry one bit about him, and once he came to see us in the hospital, he cuddled right up with me and went bobo.

We love and miss you, Isabella!!!

Big Boy Bed

Well, it has been quite awhile since I posted due to busy life, lost camera, and laziness at times. However, today was a milestone in Eli's life so I had to document. Jeff was home and the guest bedroom cleared out, so we decided to take the crib out of Eli's room and put in a Big Boy Bed.

Eli had to help Daddy work on taking apart the crib


We are starting off with just a mattress on the ground in case he gets crazy and fall's off (i know, it's a little ghetto but hopefully won't be like that for long).


E was very excited and was jumping out of his skin, but when it came time to lay down and go to sleep it took many books and songs to keep him laying down.

Eventually, I had to leave the room because he would not stop moving, which led to crying for a split second and then probably 20 minutes later was sound asleep. All in all, the first night was a success. Now we just have to see if he stays in bed all night long?

Sleep sweet my Buggy boy!!!

New Toy: for Daddy or Eli?

Today when Eli and I got home, Jeff presented Eli with a new toy he picked up at the store while we were gone for the day. I think Jeff has been perusing the Nerf gun aisle at the stores ever since he found out he was going to have a son; so today, Jeff finally fulfilled his dream and bought Eli a 20 shot automatic tommy gun. The gun is as big as Eli, the darts shoot out at lightning speeds, and I'm pretty sure the developmental age on the box says 6+. Nevertheless, Eli (and Jeff) are in Nerf gun heaven, and I have darts all over my house:)