Lame

Blogging and the thought have blogging and catching up makes me a little antsy. I am sure I will get there again one day when there isn't so much crap going on... but until then SORRY :) but you will all survive....

Bravest Boy Ever

He had never been off a diving board (that I know of) before our visit to my parents in August... He watched Majel do it once or twice and he was good to go... It was fun to watch him get so excited about it.

Well Well

Here I am sitting with no toddler to interrupt me and drag me off to another part of the house for some other need so I get to write in peace for a bit. Lets see where to start....

My parents flew me out out to California with Leland so we could have a little vacation... We Love visiting and seeing all the familiar faces and catching up with dear friends. The trip was great and full of laughs...

I got to see Leighann multiple times... and it was SO fun to visit with her and catch up. She is one of those friends that you never really fall out with even if you don't do more than facebook stalk for a year in between hang outs. She makes me laugh so hard, and we had a great time chatting it up and enjoying each others company. She truly is a best friend a girl could have and I am so glad she made the time for me to see her since she was moving that had to be rough!

Speaking of Leighann she told my friend Todd I was in town so he dropped in for a visit one night. That was also fun (a little shocking... but fun) we chatted and caught up on his crazy life as a cop in San Jose... lots of stories! He is looking fantastic and we had lots of laughs about how life was when we were both at BYU-I. I have some pretty fun pictures from then that some day I will post...

I didn't make a whole lot of time for people while I was there because it was mostly a family visit but I did get to reconnect with a dear friend Laura from high school. I ran into her briefly in 09 when I was there at Target with Leighann... it had been 9 years since I had seen her so it was fun to actually get to sit down and chat with her this time around. She is doing fantastic, and looks fantastic! So fun to hear of all her adventures!

Other than that it was really just family. We went to the Zoo which is where most of the pictures are from Quynh brought her kids along since we went on her birthday those lucky little rats got out of school and we couldn't have had a more beautiful day... I adore the zoo and its always so much fun to go with my mom who is the one who taught us to love it as well.

We visited Emily which was just so fun, I adore those kids and I adore Emily. She cracks me up and we always have good talks. We took the kids to a splash park and played a while there. I think Leland loved it more than Em's kiddos but they put up with him. And we had fun celebrating Zack's birthday with them... and lots of yummy food.

My dad also made the effort to take me to the beach where I always feel like I am home no matter the weather or time of day we go. We made it an evening trip and it was foggy and beautiful! We only got to stay for an hour but it was so worth it. Dad got Leland in the sand and playing in it. Which is a fabulous step in the right direction! Seeing as he usually just cries when he is put in the sand....

And some funny happenings while we were there... Quynh was the fave last year with Leland but this year I think he preferred his uncle Gene... I am not sure though... but she did mess with his Legos which is a crime. But its good she loves him. She was pestering him one day close to the end of the trip and trying to look in his back back when he ripped it out of her hands and said "this is mine moron..." guess its really time (if it isn't too late) for me to clean up my act.... they really do pick up on everything. Thankfully Quynh didn't take offence and we all had a good laugh.

Another funny bit is that my dad came home from work early one day to take Leland to the park... Leland had just found the sidewalk chalk in the garage and had decided he would rather stay there and color... me being ingenious told him he was going to which he replied in his most angry voice ever "I DON"T WANT TO GO TO THE PARK" followed by screaming and kicking. Instead of just telling him he could take the darn chalk I hauled him to the car and buckled him in kicking and screaming... I got to go back inside but Dad had to drive all the way to the park with him screaming... until he figured out where he was and got excited. They stayed and played for about and hour and seemed to have a good time... they came home best buddies...

I am so thankful that I got to go home. We are so blessed to have such good grands out in California who love us enough to bring us home for a visit. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful time! Love you both

Sorry I realize the pictures don't match the paragraphs I figured you would be able to forgive me :D

So much to post

So little time... so here is my list so I will remember what I want to blog about.

~Quynh and Leland's "friendship"

~Pops taking Leland to the park

~Diving Board

~Zoo in San Fran

~meeting Charlie

~Leland's Party

~Robot Pinata
~Issues with words Tramp instead of Champ, Q tips instead of Toothpicks... Hopes iphone app. Feeling overwhelmed... friendship

There is so much more hopefully these will help jog my memories... when I actually have time to sit down and write more.

There is really such a thing as two mama's....

Amy and I were chatting today or another day ( my brain is SHOT) about mama's and how she and I tended to act as mama's to all of our 6 boys down here, and she got nervous I think and said well you can't have 2 mama's but I beg to differ (can I say right now how grateful I am that Leland will have a sane mama...aka Amy). Today we took our boys to the aquarium where an accident occurred before we even made it inside. I am a freak... and so I freaked out. Leland's wrist somehow got smashed in the van door. He of course choose his sane mama (Amy) to get comfort from and I panicked (Uhmmm when did that happen? I used to be the one who took care of all blood, bumps and bad bruises and now I can't even function when it happens, its like my brain stops completely, guess its good Amy is so close) I panicked that is until I saw the childs face who felt responsible for the accident and then it clicked almost like a switch and I realized I was making it worse for this boy, not the one who was physically hurt not my little boy but for the other boy. He was crushed and suddenly I realized Leland wasn't the only one that needed consoling. I made sure to tell him that is was an accident it could have happened to any of us and not to worry I wasn't mad at him at all. And so as Amy went on being Leland's second mama I went about getting the car locked up so we could go in and see some animals and fish. And as I was locking the doors this boy came around and got a hug from me, said he was sorry and was glad that Leland wasn't old enough to tell everyone who had done it like Noah had when Amy accidentally got his hand in the door. (which is why he remains nameless in this post) It made me smile. And it made me grateful to have my sister back from vacation. I didn't realize how much I depended on her for support and friendship until she was gone for three weeks. So I guess I just want to say how thankful I am to families, to knowing that Leland will grow up (as long as she stays put here in Texas) with a second Mama, who he adores and who I adore. I am grateful that I have someone who loves me here too and who watches out for me and helps me when I need it. Sisters are the best and I only wish my other sisters were closer so Leland could have lots more mama's. Sorry this post doesn't make much sense its all over I think and I am having trouble focusing... So I will leave it where it is.

Awesomest Parents Ever!

I have the greatest parents on Earth!

I get to go to California at the end of August because they love me!

(or maybe they love Leland the most....)

At any rate I am super excited!

They called me at midnight (Amy assured them I would be up... and she of course was right) to get some info from me. I was pretty stoked and went right in to tell Brian (yes he had to be up at 4 that morning... but he'll live right) I think he is thrilled that I will am getting to go so he doesn't have to listen to me complain about missing my parents and sister and brother who are out there.

It should be noted that I did also call my mom the next day to make sure I wasn't dreaming... and she said I must have been because she doesn't remember that conversation...then she started laughing... Only my mom...

SO EXCITED!

Stole this Idea:D

My I wants ....

A vacation

To meet Charlie ( My newest nephew)

To suddenly drop 30 pounds I gained while taking hormones

An organized house

A helper with Laundry that does not involve unfolding everything I have just folded (looking at you Leland)

And an extra car;)

And of course to be pregnant

What I got...

An adorable 2 year old (who turns 3 in September)

A hard working Husband ( who keeps a roof over our heads and food on the table, and thankfully clothes on our backs)

A good Family

A car that works

and for now my health!

Trying to be grateful for what you have is hard till even when you realize there are so many people that would love to have what you have. So its something I will have to work on for life it seems to be happy with what I have. God provides for us and maybe if I can let go of my illusion of control I will be grateful for what I have:D

Zoo Again

We went to the Zoo again but this time Brian got to go with us so we took many of the same pictures but this time we stayed an watched the elephants longer Jenny and Gypsy seem to be more comfortable in their habitat and were out and about today. Brian held Leland up so he could watch them eat and Leland just kept saying "she's eating, she's eating" over and over again. Brian I think tried to explain how an elephant uses her trunk to get food and water to her mouth and Gypsy or Jenny then walked over to their pool and helped herself to some water. We fed the giraffes again today because Brian really likes that kinda stuff, but I think my favorite part was watching Leland "play" with the Lioness. I would tell him not to pound on the glass to which Brian would respond they aren't fish. So whatever a zoo employee was there and would have told us if we were doing something they didn't approve of. I don't know if you can hear it but I tell Leland that the big kitty is playing with him... to which another more stodgy mom informs her kids that the Lion is NOT HAPPY and He shouldn't be doing that. When the girl pressed her mom more she said the Lion was angry. So whatever I guess we all think we know what is best for wild animals.... I am personally just glad there is glass between the Lioness and my son... because as Brian comments she wouldn't be playing without the glass. You can see more pics on facebook... or I will post them here eventually:D

Binkies....

I know half of my friends absolutely despise that I call them Binkies... because they are pacifiers but whatever you know you still love me. Lately everyone and their dog have been telling me its time to cut the use of these for good. Those of you that know us know he only gets them at church on Sundays (this greatly helps with the noise level during sacrament) and naps/bedtime. Now while I totally agree and he will be 3 here in September there is part of me that just can't let go of his last bit of baby. I have shaved his head so he will be cool and got him learning to drink out of cups (which he is pretty handy at till he starts playing.... this one will take a LOT longer I am afraid) and we have been starting the talks for the potty training. That last one he isn't ready for so we just "talk" about it for now. But still we are moving in the direction of big boy faster than I wanted to. And since we are struggling to get another baby here its even harder to give up the binkies. As someone stated on their blog, its the last shred of baby. Sure Leland still uses diapers but man nothing says baby like needing a pacifier. I think though that once Amy gets home from her vacation and things return to a semi normal happenings we will try to back down the use one thing at a time. That way he doesn't have total withdraw. I guess this post is just to inform those of you who are wondering why it hasn't disappeared yet. All in good time.....

New Exhibit at the Zoo...

Dallas Zoo has a new Wilds of Africa exhibit. It is fairly similar to San Fransisco's set up but on a much smaller scale... and you can feed giraffes and get right up close to them... as well as getting fairly close to cheetahs and lions. It is pretty awesome. Leland and I braved the heat and went today... and boy was it hot! Leland got to feed some giraffes (his first and probably last time since it is $5 dollars for 3 lettuce leaves, but you gotta let them do it at least once right Amy?) I probably should have waited to feed the giraffes till we went with Brian, but maybe he will get to do it twice that way.

These are the 4 new elephants

This is Leland trying to get in with the elephants he is pretty fond of them.

You can barely see them but Jenny and Gypsy are back in that little cove. I don't think they are yet comfortable in their new exhibit.

Right at the beginning of the trail...

This truck is half in the Cheetah exhibit... so they can actually jump up into the bed of it if they want... but its too hot for them to do much of anything:D

See how close you can get!

Leland was sure the benches were there to help him see:D

I love the way her paws are

Leland likes to talk to strangers and follow them and ask them for drinks....

The cheetahs... I think there were 3

Feeding the giraffes

And of course to round out the event we rode the Merry go round 3 times... He Loves the merry go round... but not as much as fries... all I had to do was mention the fry word and he was ready to go.

With the membership we have we can ride it as much as we want. However now you have to get a ticket printed out at guest services or whatever its called... its not far from the merry go round but having to drag your screaming child in 98 degree heat to get a dumb ticket is not my idea of fun and I may have thrown a little fit of my own. Had Amy been there I could have left him there and run over and gotten all of our tickets but sadly I did and he screamed the whole way. I got a form to tell them how irritated I was about it. If they change policy (granted it really wouldn't have been difficult if I had been made aware) they really need to let their members know!

This last picture Leland is asking for Amy. He knows she is usually there with us and it was a little sad for him when he realized she was really not there. Also when we pulled into the zoo he started saying where's Amy... he has been trained well:D

:D

A littles laughter is the best medicine out there for the blues!

What is my deal!

People I need some ideas of other ways you cheer yourself up instead of ice cream and chocolate! My sister and her family are leaving for 3 weeks to go on a fun road trip and I am stuck all alone in Texas for those long 3 weeks with no chance of a vacation or break for us. See we are saving up for a big Lamoreaux family to-do next year, where ever that may be, and we are also trying to save for a new car SO that leaves no funds for anything exciting like a vacation! (sorry to all those English whizzes that are cringing at my use of the comma.... I hope you can forgive me!)

I suppose I should look on the bright side. I can go to the lake and go sailing with my Father in law, who has a super nice sail boat. That means we can swim in the lake and other fun things. Although I am a huge wimp about lakes and my baby and it super stresses me out. So maybe we will just go to their pool:D I can borrow Amy's van and go to the zoo, just me and Leland, that means if we over heat we can head out and not have too many people disappointed in the short trip. I think I will also have Brian take a few days off for while Amy is gone so we can do some fun things as a family. Maybe take in some kid movies and other fun things.

But I have been in this funk for so long its hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Guess I just need to keep pluggin along. As for my son he is a natural born sailor. These last pictures are from our 4th that we spent out on the lake. Mimi is so good to take him to the front of the boat where he kept her busy by pointing to all the doggies that were on the other boats.

The above picture is the epic battle of all three of us trying to get his shirt off to keep him cooler because he has to wear a life jacket and those suckers are hot! As you can see below we only succeeded in getting his shorts off... That shirt was NOT coming off.

I super love this picture!

Remember that nest? and other randomness...

It held 3 babies! They were so cute and fluffy! All of them grew up and flew away with in a matter of weeks I think it was 3 or 4 weeks (I imagine its because they no longer fit in the tiny nest their parents built:D)

Leland has acquired a pair of real boots thanks to a family friend who is so kind to us to share their hand me downs! :D

Our fun back yard complete with my wonderful swing. Its nice if the evening cools off enough or there is a storm rolling in. Its a good place to meditate... and of course when Leland is splashing its a good way to stay cool.

I bought this cheap sprinkler head at wal-mart for like 2 dollars and Leland loves it. I have to admit that I am just confused as to why he doesn't like being out in the rain if he can handle a sprinkler. The other day we were leaving him with Amy and he was standing out by our car and her van waiting to get in and it started raining Leland promptly shoved Amy out of the way and climbed into the car. We all had a good laugh... well except for Leland.

I bought it to put under the trampoline... I know all you other moms out there are gasping right now. How could she do that its going to make jumping so much more dangerous yadda yadda yadda... Truth be told its safer than him getting heat stroke... But guess what he doesn't like being on the trampoline when its wet so we just run in the sprinkler. I am sure you are all jealous of me weed boarder its pretty awesome if I do say so myself. And its the reason that Brian got a weed eater for fathers day!

I LOVE TEXAS STORMS.... but I HATE THE TEXAS HEAT....

I guess I will just have to deal if I want the storms though huh?

This is my friends kiddo... We swap babysitting because Q is only 3 months younger than Leland and we are both poor so it helps to have someone willing to do it for free:D He never takes a pacifier but Leland had one so he helped himself and I thought it was darling. He is also wearing my glasses again too cute! Q is super petite so Leland scares the pie out of him, so when I watch him it mostly consists of Q following me around... I have the cutest shadow ever!

We Love the Zoo

I love this kids smile... its infectious and he really does look awesome! I am so glad that Z loves me. I love him! He told me on Sunday as he cuddled in and asked me to scratch his hair (rub his head) that he was sure I was his aunt because he loved me so much. He can always make me smile.

These two girlies had a good time together....

Which forced poor E to hang with Leland... Someday they will be best of friends and Amy and I will be in trouble!

We have funky bugs in Texas

I can never get these to upload right but the above picture happened after Amy realized I was letting him cry it out on the ground that could be dirty:D

Leland often has little melt downs when he is tired and or too hot... I believe we could file this one away under both of those titles:D Amy had to get him out of it as I was too frustrated to even deal. Its a good thing I live so close to my sweet sister who Leland lovingly refers to as Mom most of the time. She swears its because he hears all his cousins calling her mom and I swear its cause he loves her more:D

Z needed to cool off... this seemed like a good way!

Yes I rode a Camel. They are not comfortable. I would much rather ride a horse and I am scared of horses... they are beautiful and lovely from a distance but up close they make me nervous... I suppose I am not so much afraid of them since I have ridden them but I have a healthy respect for them!

I asked the guy if it would hold me... he looked nervous... hey I mean I wanted to not give the poor camel back issues forever. He assured me it would be fine.

This is a hit... too bad it costs $5 dollars a pop. Too much to do every time but cheap enough to do once:D

They moved the Elephants inside to their new exhibit...

We really like the Elephants... we just wish the exhibit was already open!

We sure have some darling children!