Little Drummer Boy
July 27th, 2008 by Mariah
My sweet baby boy has a song in his heart! He loves to sing and dance. Recently, he has begun to search out kitchen utensils as instruments for drumming out the tunes in his mind. He is such a cutie!!
He also loves the song Sh-Boom from the Cars soundtrack. He even has a special dance he does for it. It is truly a one of a kind dance.
When we are not playing sh-boom 500 times on repeat with the cd player, Ty loves to sing silly songs. One he likes right now is one composed by Beethoven. Tyler has added words to it. He sings no, no, no or yes, yes, yes to the tune of the song. we have made it into a silly game.
Another random song Tyler likes is a song from the “menu” screen from Cars. Don’t ask me why? I guess my boy likes a little techno vibe! -weird!-
My baby boy is one of the four best tings that has ever happened to me. The first being my salvation, and my husband, Brandon and Tyler. My boys make me so happy every day! This summer has been really hard without Brandon. We are all missing him pretty bad! But even in the grief of missing Brandon, God has been gracious! Tyler is really starting to talk a lot! He is really a funny boy! His silliness has been a healing balm for our wounded hearts! Soon our family will be restored. Until then, we will laugh with this beautiful gift from God. Until God brings our other gift home.
29 days and counting!!!
Posted in Brandon, Life in Idaho, The boys, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 2 Comments
Grown Up’s Game Night
July 26th, 2008 by MariahOk, well it took me forever to post about this. But it was a great time! While Carly was here we made some time to have a grown up’s only game night. I slaved over dessert for 11 hours 
hehe I made Baked Alaska. I had never even had it before but the recipe sounded yummy. It is a pretty time consuming dessert, but OH was it worth it! Yum Yum!
Tasha, James, Carly, Shaun and I enjoyed every bite of our dessert and of our family Uno games. It has been a really long time since we have gotten together for Uno. (Thanksgiving of 2006?) It was late and everyone was tired from a trip to Eagle Island State Park that day. Dessert perked us up and we all had a great time! I was very sorry to see Carly go the next day. We are all praying fervently that she decides to move here. Miss yah and love yah Carly!
Posted in Life in Idaho, Thoughts by Mariah || 1 Comment
My Husband Rocks
July 15th, 2008 by MariahShaun was so sweet today! He took Tyler for the morning so that I could work with James to train him on office work. It was so helpful so we could work uninterrupted. To top it all off, they came home with the most beautiful roses! I love my husband!
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Wii Fit
July 15th, 2008 by MariahOh boy is Brandon gonna hate me! I told him that I was going to blog this video but It got lost on my desktop. I am sure he was thankful for that! Sorry honey, I found it. This is Brandon the 1st day after getting Wii Fit. He is playing a game where he is racing another player. Take notice that his race ends with a nice big booty scratch. Nice Brandon! Miss you Stinky!
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4th of July
July 15th, 2008 by Mariah
July 4th’s are the best in Idaho! I can’t remember when I have had more fun in the 4th! The BIG BIG bummer was that Brandon wasn’t here - otherwise it would have been perfect! Carly was in town, The Hussey’s live here if we could just add Mom and bring Brandon home - it would have made a great day perfect!
Everyone came over to our house for some yummy goodness that we call home-made chili, and nacho’s! Yah baby! Mmmmm! We hung out all afternoon and well into the evening before we heard our first bang.
You see, in Idaho you don’t have to go somewhere to see fireworks…You can just go outside! They are legal here and it seems as though everyone is doing them. It is an amazing experience to sit in your own backyard or front yard and watch the fireworks! We had so much fun! I think Tyler and Jonah were the most excited though. Each and every light that filled the sky seemed to be more amazing and more beautiful than the last. It is so fun to experience things through the eyes of a child!
So without further ado, Happy 4th! Enjoy the pics!
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Trip To California Part 4 - Home at last
July 13th, 2008 by MariahThe next morning we went to visit a dear friend of mine Elce. I have missed her greatly since our move and since then, she and her husband Casey, have added a precious baby girl (Ashely) to their family. I was so excited to meet her. Elce and I met through our church in Vacaville CA. She and I had kids about the same age - Tyler and Amanda are a little over one month apart. I was so surprised to see how much Amanda has grown.
It was just like old times for Elce and I when we headed off to the mall. That was one of our favorite past times together in California. Elce and Casey even treated Tyler and I to Indonesian food for the 1st time. (Elce is Indonesian) We both loved it! We had a great but short visit.
The next morning we were off again.. This time to spend out last night away. We headed back to Vacaville. Tyler and I stayed at my Aunt Pam’s house. My Grandma Ralls came from Paradise to visit too. It was so fun! We all went to Murillo’s. That was my favorite Mexican place in Vacaville. After lunch we went back to My aunt’s house for a swim! Tyler had a ball! If it were up to him, he would probably be a fish! He loves the water. By the end of the afternoon, he was swimming by himself - with is life jacket. I think his favorite part was riding the blow up whale and ducky.
We all shared a pizza dinner and caught up. I think my favorite part was seeing Charlie! She has grown and changed so much since I last saw her. I have missed her so much. She and I had so much fun laughing and play fighting in the pool together. Love you Sweet Pea!
The next morning we were headed home. The funny thing is.. even though we had such a great time everywhere we went, I couldn’t wait to get home. I REALLY missed my husband! In fact, I had a hard time sleeping the night before we left because I was excited to go home to see him. Nerdy I know! But I love him so much!
Carly drove back with us to come and visit Idaho. We haven’t spoken much since we moved so it was nice to be trapped for 10 hours with her. j/k Carly - I really enjoyed our conversations and getting to know you again. It was a lot of fun! We are all praying that you move out here soon! REALLY soon!
My handsome hubby was waiting for Tyler and I when we got home. I was greeted with a clean house, a bouquet of flowers and a big hug and kiss. It was the best! We missed each other a lot! It was good to be home!
Tyler was also very happy to see Tiger! Here he is in his new Lighting McQueen pit crew costume Nana sent him.
Posted in Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || No Comments
Trip To California Part 3
July 12th, 2008 by MariahThe next morning we woke up and went to church with Mom and Grandma Kitty. Brandon enjoyed seeing his buddies again. Jordyn too I am sure. I was happy to finally have the opportunity to visit the church I have heard so much about through the years from Mom and the Husseys. Joe Allio spoke that Sunday. I am not sure, he may speak every Sunday? Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the service. The fellowship was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Everyone already knew me - or so it seemed, from past and present prayer requests made by Mom. That didn’t bother my in the least. In fact, it made it seem less awkward in that I wasn’t really a stranger to these people. It is hard to express or describe the loving, welcoming and warm way Brandon, Tyler and I were accepted and welcomed in. It does it no justice, but the best I can come up with was that it was wonderful!
After church it was back to Dad’s house for lunch. We ate and chatted. Not long after it was back in the car for Tyler and I. We were headed to visit Grandma Rose! Brandon stayed with Mom. He went with her and Jordyn and Grandma Kitty back to their place for the day. They all had a nice time visiting with each other.
We got to Grandma Rose’s house around 4:00. It was so nice to see her beautiful, smiling face. I have such a special place in my heart for my Grandma Rose. I have always felt nothing but love and acceptance from her. We are close! And I was so excited to see her.
We met Aunt Debbie, Uncle Don and Uncle Bob for dinner at Denny’s. We had a lot of fun eating and talking. Tyler was the “star” of the evening showcasing his talents at going pee pee potty. I think in the hour or so we were at Denny’s I had to take him about 10 times. But he loved what a big deal everyone was making out of it each time he came back. He was so silly.
The next morning when we woke up we all had to shower and get ready. Grandma went first so she could set her hair in curlers while Tyler and I showered. When Ty and I got out of the shower, Grandma was still doing her hair. Tyler just stared and stared. Then he asked Grandma if he could have a “haircut” too? He thought she was cutting her hair. Anyway, Grandma stopped what she was doing and put a single curler in his hair. You would have thought that he had won the lottery! Tyler pranced around the house with his single curler. He was so proud! Grandma got such a kick out of that. She didn’t stop talking about it for the rest of the trip.
Later that day Grandma, Aunt Gay, Tyler and I drove out to see my cousin Lisa. That was fun. She had just gotten a pet pot bellied pig. They named him Espan. weird name I know. But it is funny once you know Espan’s middle name.. ol. Yes folks, that’s right, the pig’s name is espanol. hehe. It get’s better. The pig is tame and trained. It will sit for a grape and even stand up on his hind legs upon command. That was a hoot!
That evening Aunt Debbie made us a fabulous spagetti dinner. Grandma, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Don, Uncle Bob, Tyler and I spent the rest of the evening playing bubbles with Tyler and chatting. The video is so cute!
While we were with Grandma, she also introduced Tyler to the piano. Boy did he love that! Grandma played for him and they even played together.
After observing Grandma, Tyler wanted to give it a shot by himself. He wrote and played a song he titled, “Jacob.” The words he sang were… “I miss Jacob, I miss Jacob.” He loves his cuzzie!
We had so many great memories made in visiting Grandma Rose! God was gracious on this trip and he blessed our fellowship! I was so happy to see and visit with Grandma Rose. It had been a very long time! On the 3rd day we said goodbye and we were on the road again. But this time we only had to drive about 20 minutes. My friend Elce moved to the bay area and we were headed to stay a night with her. We got to see so many people, but AGAIN, all the visits were too short!
Posted in Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || No Comments
Genius 2.5 Year Old Counts to Eleven!
July 12th, 2008 by MariahThat’s my boy!!
Posted in Life in Idaho, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 2 Comments
Trip To California Part 2
July 10th, 2008 by MariahAfter leaving Roseville and my buddy Monica (who Tyler renamed to Macka) we were Vacaville bound. We spent Saturday at Dad and Jackie’s house. They graciously invited Mom and Grandma Kitty to share chicken chili with all of us. YUM! I think Tyler’s favorite part was being reunited with his big brother. I am so very grateful that Rebecca let Brandon come and stay the weekend with us. He came over Saturday early afternoon and she said he could stay until Sunday evening. That was so awesome! It was Dad, Jackie, Mom, Grandma Kitty, Carly, Me, Tyler, Brandon, Jordyn and later Jamin got off of work and hung out too!
Tyler was really cute when he saw his big brother. He ran up to him and made a giant leap into his arms! Up until this point, every time he saw an airplane he would tell us, “Look Brother’s on Big Jet.” But now he got to see him face to face. That was a precious moment for sure!
After chicken chili we went for a walk to the park. Tyler needed to run off some energy. It was way hotter than it should have been! YUCK! Brandon and Jordyn hung out together and even ran down the street to a friends house to reunite and catch up. You know those moments you have as a parent when you look at your kids and have those Holy Cow they’re so grown up, moments? As I watched Jordyn 14 and Brandon 12 walk down the street together talking that was what I was thinking. Where did the time go? But at the same time thanking God that our kids are who they are and that they love the Lord and each other. God is so good!
Brandon and Jordyn made a point to hang out with Tyler too. They ran and did the slide and the swing. There was even a tractor thing there that Brandon helped Ty with. Boy was that cute!
I really enjoyed the late evening when Tyler was down for the night. I love my boy, but the break was nice. I got to hear some stories about when Dad was in the military and his time in Guam. I treasure these times when I get to hear stories from Dad. It is a glimpse into his history and past. And it was probably not a story that Shaun could have told me about his Dad. Those are the best kind!
Brandon and Jordyn went for a quick visit at Lola’s house. I am proud to say that Brandon tried lumpia for the 1st time! YES!!! Brandon, the kid who won’t try anything new unless forced. After much praise from me he confessed that he only tried it because he thought it was a taquito. What can I say, he liked it anyway!
Brandon and Papa stayed up pretty late having some guy time and playing a golf game on the computer together. Although I wasn’t all that excited about the late night hours, I was so happy that they got some alone time to hang out. Who can say that they have a Papa that likes the same computer game they do? Not many kids - that’s for sure! Day two of our trip was a great day. We spent time with family, had great food and well, does it get much better than that?
I would have to say that it does.. It would not have been the same without getting to see Brandon. It is so lonely around our house without him. This trip would have been the same thing. Each summer we seem to say the same things over and over.. I wish Brandon was here, Brandon would love this, We miss Brandon. There is a huge void in our family when he is away. Tyler and I were so happy to spend two days with him! Tyler was so happy that before he went to bed, her wanted to snuggle with Brandon in Brandon’s bed. (for the night it just so happened to he papa and grandma’s couch) But that didn’t matter to Ty. All that mattered was that Big Brother was there. Now the world made sense again!
Posted in Brandon, The boys, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 1 Comment
Trip to California Part 1
July 9th, 2008 by MariahI plan to write about our amazing trip to visit California friends and family in a few parts. There were so many precious memories made that I fear a giant novel may be too much for a single post. It was a really long drive, but I would do it again in a second to relive these moments just one more time. It was either my niece Jordyn or Jules who reminded me recently what a blessing it is that we no longer have to travel by covered wagon. Our 9 hour trip by car would have taken many days and probably weeks by wagon. I guess I AM thankful for my car, even at $4.50 per gallon gas! Thanks girls for the reminder! Love yah!
We left Idaho on Friday the 27th at about 7:00 am. It was Tyler, Jordyn and I embarking on this adventure together. The drive there was GREAT! I know, you’re probably thinking - What?! A nine hour car ride with a two year old and a fourteen year old, how can that be great?! Well, as for the two year old - he was soo good! Tyler was content to have his cars to play with. Between his cars, snacks, our portable dvd player and our frequent potty stops Tyler was a happy boy. Now, Jordyn (the fourteen year old) was a different story. Jordyn is a young woman to be treasured! Not only do I love her, I like her as a person. She and I had such a nice time together just taking and laughing. It is not often I have the pleasure of her company alone. I continue to value this time any chance I have. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her as a person, as my niece and as a young woman who loves the Lord! What a blessing. I love you Jor!
We arrived in Roseville at around 3:00 pm. Our first night would be spent with my best friend Monica at her home in Roseville. In true Monica and Mariah style we didn’t waste much time before we were out the door and off to eat! Olive Garden here we come! In case you don’t know the in’ and out’s of Monica and Mariah - let me fill you in. We love to eat! And the only thing that is better than yummy food is when we have the opportunity to eat yummy food together. Monica, Jordyn, Tyler and I almost had the place to our selfs. Let me tell you that we don’t mess around! We ordered appetizers, had all you can eat salad and breadsticks, THEN we ate our dinners. It was awesome! Thanks Momo for treating
When we finished our food (I mean when we boxed up what we couldn’t finish) we rolled our selfs walked out to the car. About 30 seconds after Monica started her car she turned to Jordyn and I and said the words I love to hear - Does anyone have room for dessert? It took a little convincing for Jordyn but we talked her into some dessert. She was the sensible one. As far as I was concerned, I was on vacation baby! It’s not over till you feel like your gonna puke! That’s how we roll Monica and Mariah style!
We had dessert at The Big Spoon. It is basically a frozen yogurt shop, but better. Picture Cold Stone Creamery x10. But the best part was you serve yourself. They charge by the ounce so you can load up as much as you want. MMMMMMmmmmm! Jordyn grossed us out, in true Jordyn style, by her choices. Let’s see If I can get this right.. She got orange frozen yogurt, and topped it with reeces pieces, white chocolate chips, hot fudge, and whipped cream. Yuck! But she ate every bite and insisted that it was good. I guess that’s how she rolls!
Carly aka. Ti Ti came by that evening to pick Jordyn up and they spent the night at Carly’s place in Vacaville. Tyler and I stayed at Monica’s. The night was full of laughter and fun. We caught up and it was just like old times. The sad part is that it went was too fast. I had mixed feelings of joy and sorrow on this trip. Each person I visited with was wonderful but it all went WAY too fast! We got up in the morning and - you guessed it - headed out the door for food. We just did a McDonalds run in our jammies and brought it back with us. As soon as we finished breakfast, Ty and I showered and we were off to the next stop on our adventure - Vacaville. Cow town here we come!
My little man carrying the luggage for mom..
Posted in Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 1 Comment