Yale! and other things

Jonathan finally got his summer job offer today. He's going to teach a class at Yale University this summer. He is really excited. He can't wait to write his dissertation in the ambience of Yale. I'm really excited for him too. What a cool place to go do scholarly things. Check out their library:

This would be a cool place to go write! I would be jealous, but then I remember that he has to write a 500 or so page book. Glad it's not me!

Here is Ezra looking scholarly. The title of this photo is, "Next Stop Yale!"

These photos are taken of the tree that is right outside our apartment. It is so pretty right now. I have been trying to work on my photography skills, so if anyone knows any tricks let me know!

Feeling Loved

I appreciate all the comments from everyone concerning my fate during the summer. The thought of people thinking about me made me feel very loved, so thank you. I have thought about journeying home, but that seems like way too much work. It's really hard to travel and be away from home with babies, especially by yourself- schedules get all messed up and lots of grouchiness occurs. I think I will fair much better at home. I'll have to wait until Jon can come home with me. This may not be until next summer at best. This is a really critical time for us. Jonathan is in the process of finishing his dissertation. It's a lot of work and he hopes to have it finished by the beginning of October. This is why I am willing to spend so much time alone without him this summer. Five weeks to devote to his work with nothing to interfere would be so great for him getting this done. He usually only gets to work at it about nine hours a day. Maybe one or two more if the kids go to sleep early enough. This whole process has been really stressful for our family. I heard this stat that only .01% of the US population has a PhD. Jon looked it up on the census bureau and estimated it to be actually about .003% or 1 in 3000 people. It makes sense that not many people would stick it out. It would be so much easier to go to a couple of years of school to get an MBA or even a law degree and know that when you are finished you will 1) get a job and 2) make lots and lots of money. Neither of those things are assured for us and Jonathan has been in school for going on 12 years--yes COLLEGE for that long. We've been married for nearly six years so by now him finishing is like I'm finishing. I think we both have earned this degree to some extent. We see people our age buying houses and cars and going on vacations and having savings accounts and retirement accounts and sometimes we wonder what we've done, but really both of us want this life. Even though every time the kid next door coughs our baby wakes up screaming and I can't plant a tulip outside our door because it not our property, we are happy and content and safe and happy. We love our tiny apartment (490 sq ft) (but it does have a washer/dryer- so who could ask for more?) It is safe and warm. We love that when Jon is finished he will be able to make money doing what he loves most (let's all pray for him that he does find a job!) We love that we set a goal and the fruition of that goal is in sight and soon will come to pass. How many things in life take 12 years of hard, hard work to accomplish? (Besides raising kids that is!) We both would like to thank everyone who supports us and has helped us to reach this goal. It hasn't been easy on anyone to be so far away from family and friends- especially since we have had kids. Thank goodness for the gospel and for friends that we have made here. I don't think we would have made it. It's hot here and humid and there are tornadoes! And I really want to buy a house!! I am sure that in due time everything will work itself out.  

Here are some photos for your enjoyment!

This picture we've titled "The Elusive Tooth." It took about 100 tries to finally get a shot of her tiny little tooth. Look closely!

Once Ezra found out we were taking pictures of Anika's tooth, he wanted to show everyone all of his teeth! Aren't they cute?

Anika's trying to crawl! She moved a little bit but still hasn't quite figured it out. You can see Ezra at the bottom of the picture cheering her on! He really is her biggest fan (and vice versa).

This is Anika's more or less permanent grin, at least when Mom and Ezra are around! And, you can see the tiniest bit of her tooth her as well. We didn't think it would be possible, but she's actually getting prettier every day!

Loooooong Day

I found this link from my wonderful sister-in-laws blog and had to share it here. A couple of months ago we were fortunate to get a new computer, a mac, and we love, LOve, LOVE it!! Everyone should get an apple. But even if you don't love apples like us, this commercial is still really funny. Check it out: apple commercial

In other news, I had a really long and hard day today. Kids screaming, whining, crying, begging, etc. etc. and yesterday I was informed by Jon that he would not be here for five (yeah, FIVE) weeks during the summer (which probably made today worse as I was imagining doing this all by myself with no break for so long). So anyway, does anyone want to come and hang out with me for the summer? You'll be treated as royalty!! :) And I'm sure you will receive many, many, many crowns in heaven. 

Toothy

So in honor of spring time we got a new blog-do. Isn't it so springy? We haven't been posting much because since it's been nice outside (sorry Mandy!) I think we've wasted most of our time digging a hole in the ground near our building. Every morning, Ezra grabs his pail, shovel, and rake and announces he's "goin' to the dirt pile, see ya later!" The kids in the area dug three very large holes in the ground over a period of a few weeks. The maintenance crew filled the holes a few days ago, but the kids have taken this measure as an invitation to dig the holes again. 

In other news, Anika now has a tooth! She looks so adorable with a little tooth sticking out of her bottom gum. She loves to run her tongue over it and is anxious to be able to eat some of the really fun foods she sees Ezra eating all the time. She detests any baby food, but loves apples, bananas, graham crackers, cucumber slices, ice cream, and other assorted adult-oriented fare. 

This picture of Anika was taken outside at her friend Amy's first birthday party. She slept through most of it but when awake, she thought it was a blast! It was so nice outside today (around 82 degrees) she got to wear her special summer tank-top! How cute!

Ezra will essentially do anything to stay outside. Here, he's riding around in somebody's little car, which he takes up to the playground and back again. Today, he pushed himself up a hill and rode down with his legs up in the air...he was going pretty fast! When he got to the bottom, he said, "I'm so fast! Let's do it again!"

Pop'em

Last night Jon and I got to go on a date. We went out to eat and then went to the mall and shopped around a bit for summer clothes for the kids. We thought that was pretty funny- we finally get out by ourselves and what do we do? Go shopping for the kids! We must be parents. Here are some pictures that were taken while we were out. I told Ezra earlier that day that he was going to make popcorn later while we were on a gone. After that he couldn't stop talking about going to eat "pop'em." So here he is enjoying himself.  Also, doesn't Anika look that such an angel! I love these pictures of her. 

Earthquake!!

We had an earthquake here this morning! I woke up about 5:30 this morning to the bed shaking! I didn't know what it was because I thought there is no way we could have an earthquake here. Just a few weeks ago I put up shelves in Ezra's room and put a heavy truck clear up on the top. I made a comment to Jonathan that it would be okay like that unless we had an earthquake...thinking that would NEVER happen! I heard the epicenter was in Illinois about 170 miles away from here. Oh, and it was 5.2 on the scale. The largest one around here on record was 5.4 back in 1968. Crazy!

Easiest Cookies Ever!

Here's a new cookie recipe! These are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

All you need is:

1 box spice cake mix

1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

1 cup chocolate chips

Stir the cake mix and pumpkin together until well blended. Add the chocolate chips. Put by tablespoon full onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. They are moist and yummy!!

Ezra was pushing Anika around today in the play stroller. She really liked it!

Yea America!!

Happy Birthday to Alan! (Yesterday)

Today I (Christina) was able to go with my friend Sarah to see Barack Obama speak. It was a great experience because I didn't know much about Obama and I was able to hear from him what he stands for- in his own words. I kind of got disinterested in the election this year because it seemed like everyone had pretty much the same ideas and all I was hearing about were scandals and rumors (which I can live without) so I didn't bother to educate myself about it all that much. 

I liked hearing Obama speak. He didn't resort to tearing down his opponents (which I personally cannot stand) and he seemed very personable, down to earth, and frankly like a nice guy. I have to say that I was impressed. When the announcer guy announced him he announced him as "The next president of the United States of America." Everyone in the whole place stood and cheered as he walked into the room-- it was an exciting thing to be a part of. No matter who you are rooting for, you  have to admit that this is an exciting process!

If you are wondering what is was like I'll tell you (if not, you can probably stop reading this now). He spoke for about an hour and took questions at the end. It was a town hall type meeting so the crowd really wasn't that big. Obama seemed very charismatic, funny, intelligent and seemed to really care for the American people. He said he would help people get health coverage (ever since I got really sick a few years ago this has been a big issue for me), give money to college students (4,000 a year in exchange for community service and other things--what college kid would pass that up?), end the Iraq war, give teachers better salaries, give all kids better educations (by ending NCLB), give tax cuts to companies that invest in America instead of shipping their work overseas, work on renewable energy technologies...to name a few. For me he really painted a beautiful and hopeful picture of the future of America-- for everyone. I think that this experience has left me grateful to be an American, grateful for change, grateful that we can choose our leaders. I feel very hopeful and optimistic for our future and what we can accomplish.  Go Obama!

If anyone is interested here is the link to his page.

"I did it!"

Look what Ezra has learned to do! I'm not too excited about this. He is usually really cautious about these things. I like that he is learning and trying new things but at the same time I really don't want him to get hurt! Today he also climbed up the tallest ladder at the playground- I could probably just reach it by standing on my tiptoes. I wasn't thrilled with that either, but he was soooo proud of himself that he did it. In fact that's what he said, he got up there stood up and said "Mommy, mommy I DID it!" 

After Ezra had his nap and snack we went outside to finger paint. I really didn't want to clean paint off the couch, floor, ceiling, etc...
Anika sat on a blanket and enjoyed being up and outdoors. I like this picture, I think the look she has on her face is adorable.
Don't you just want to pinch her cheeks?
Whoa! Scary dinosaur!

A nice spring day

It is so nice and warm here that we spent most of the day outside. I did straighten the house while the kids were napping so I don't feel too guilty about goofy off outside all day. Ezra had some crazy hair while going down the slide at the playground. I'm glad I had my camera with me.

Anika was having fun putting everything within arms distance into her mouth. Speaking of- she is getting her two bottom teeth in. They are right under the gum still, but you can see them! We will post some pictures when she gets them. I'm really excited to see her with a couple of teeth.
Jon got to come join us after a hard day at the office. For those of you who don't know, he turns pages for a living. Haha. Don't tell him I said that!!
Ezra and Dylan took a bubble bath together tonight. Pretty fun times! Dylan was gone for a few days and Ezra really missed him. They didn't want to separate even for a bath so we let them take one together. They play really well together.
And Dylan's mom brought over some matching pajamas for them. If you can't tell they have on Batman pj's. They could be twins! Sarah and I went to BMV the other day and one of the clerks there asked Sarah if these two were her twins or her sister's twins(meaning me). I thought that was funny. I always asked my mom for a sister, but she said no. I guess I'll have to adopt Sarah.

I know Ezra would LOVE to adopt Dylan!
Overall we had a really great day. On days like this I feel like I have the easiest job in the world by staying home and playing with the kids all day!

I've been tagged!

Okay so I was tagged by Alice to do this. By the way Alice I am glad you are back in the blogging world, I've missed you. And I so wish we could have come helped you guys move. Moving is such hard work! I should know we move about once a year it seems like! Anyway, here goes...

Ten years ago:

I was living in the Art House in Powell almost finished with my associates degree. I was probably working on some paintings for our final show. (That seems like yesterday!) Oh yeah and I worked for the Activities office. That was a fun job.

5 things on my to do list:  

1. Do the dishes. (That one never comes off the list it seems like)

2. De-junk our bedroom.

3. Fix Ezra's blanket.

4. Sew Anika a jean quilt.

5. Read the pile of books by my bed. (I think there are about 5 or 6 piled up!)

5 snacks I enjoy:

1. Any kind of cookies, especially chocolate ones.

2. Pepsi. (I don't know if that qualifies as a snack, but I do enjoy it)

3. Sun Chips

4. Fresh peas. I just found out that you can buy fresh peas in the pod at the store. I had no idea! I always just waited until summer and I could plant them myself. 

5. Apples. (These are really yummy if there are no cookies around)

5 foods I love:

1. Gnocchi 

2. Pasta primavera

3. Pretty much any kind of Indian food. Yum.

4. Pizza breads

5. My new favorite Peanut sauce with anything.

What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire?

I would pay off any bills we have, buy a villa in Tuscany or an apartment in Rome (and have everyone I know to come visit), buy a house in Utah so I could see my family more, and set the kids up with college funds. Oh and I would go to Australia, China, Prague, Alaska and take Ezra to Africa to see the zebras.

5 places I have lived:

1. Lovell, Wyoming

2. Powell, Wyoming

3. Laramie, Wyoming

4. Provo, Utah (but only for a summer)

5. Lafayette, Indiana

Favorite quote:

I don't remember quotes very well, but I do like this one from Robert Henri "Let yourself free to be what you will be."

Okay, so that was pretty hard. Now Sarah I. and Doreen your turn! Oh and I also tag Jon.

The Mad Hatter

Friday night we went to an "un-birthday" party at Church. This is Ezra wearing his mad hatter hat and hoarding balloons. He had a great time; when he first walked in, he was amazed at the decorations and he was a great boy during the event. Anika spit up all over her outfit so I had to run to Wal-Mart to get her a new one. Consequently, I missed most of the party, but I hear it was pretty fun!

Today Ezra got new sandals for the summer. He wouldn't let Christina dress him aside from a diaper and a cowboy hat, so here's a picture of his cute hat and whistle. You can't see his shoes, but he's most definitely wearing those too, since he wouldn't let Christina take them off all day long, not even for his nap. 

I bet everybody has one of these "kid-in-the-dryer" photos, so I thought we would share ours. I'm glad we had time to snap a picture of this one. 
Today I was away in Chicago at a political science conference (or, as Christina likes to call it, "off with the nerd herd"). It was a lot of fun for me as I got some good feedback on my dissertation. 

While I was away, Christina, Ezra, and Anika spent the day together. It was really cool because Christina and Ezra watched conference together. Ezra and Anika were really good all day for their mom, and they both stayed up long enough to see their dad get home. 

Playing with Animals

Today we took a field trip to the Animal Science Research and Education Center so Ezra and Anika could look at some of the animals on a farm and learn a little bit more about them. It was a lot of fun--Ezra got to pet a piglet and see a horse, sheep, trout, dairy cow, beef cow, and some chickens. He really had a great time, although the beef cow was pretty nervous (protecting her young one) and was making a lot of noise, which scared Ezra a little. Anika really liked to watch the little piglets and the fish and seemed to brave the cold weather with a smile on her face. She really seemed to pay attention to the movement of things around her and stay interested for a long period of time--just one more sign she's growing up so fast!

Here's Ezra in front of the pig and piglets. He said this was his favorite animal of the trip (probably because it was the only one he got to touch). 

Anika looks like such an angel in this picture. You can't even tell it's like 30 degrees in there!

These are some paintings Christina made for a ward party at church. As you can tell, they are characters from Alice in Wonderland. They turned out pretty good! Christina really had a good time painting them and I can't believe what she can do with a couple of jars of cheap craft paint, some cardboard and a few hours! She is so amazing!