Teething bites...

Yep, the pun was intended. Just a few thoughts on teething for all my blogging mom friends. I'd love to hear any amazing remedies.

*First of all, teething of any sort should be outlawed during harvest. It's just not fair that Doug has to miss out on all this fun.

*Why in the world does teething have to come with fever and diaper rash? Isn't aching teeth enough?

*Boston was crying from his teeth hurting until he started chewing on my house slipper... while I was wearing it. Did I stop him? No way.

*On the bright side of things, the more teeth he gets now, the less he'll have to get later right?

*Current tooth count: 8, working on 2 more. I think he's trying to hit double digits before his birthday. He told me he doesn't want birthday cake for his birthday, he wants steak.

Boston gets his own post...

Let's go back a a few months ago, when Bo was six months old. He was perfectly healthy, and weighed in a 13 lbs. 14 oz. and had just 2 teeth. And thats when the fun began. He starting crawling, spitting up, getting more and more teeth, spitting up some more, crawling through his spit up, and getting smaller and skinnier. Right around 8 months, I took him in to see his Dr., mostly concerned about his spitting, but the scale told us the truth, 13 lbs. 8 oz. He had lots 6 oz in 2 months. And two weeks later, he'd lost another 2 ounces. The weirdest part of it all, Boston didn't seem to be bothered by the spitting up at all. He never acted like his tummy hurt, never refused food, and continued to develop normally, crawling and starting to jabber and whatever else. But his tummy was not handling food at all. We tried a couple of med to help with the reflux but it just wasn't enough.

We've put him on zantac, switched him to soy formula, and gona completely back to the basics. We started with just rice cereal, and then added in everything else one at a time, just like we did a few months ago, so figure out what his tummy can handle and what it can't. His diet pretty much consists of soy formula with instant breakfast to add calories, cheerios, wheat bread, crackers, mashed potatoes, bananas, applesauce, and anything neutral colored. His tummy does not handle any bright colored veggies yet, but hopefully soon. I can imagine the kid will hate all vegetables, but he'll get through it. At 9 1/2 months, he weighed 15bs. Wahoo! He has outgrown some of his 6-9 months clothes and looks slightly chubby. I love it! I'm so glad he's keeping food down. We get a lot of "he's really small for his age" comments and in the back of my head I'm thinking "Oh, really, I must have failed to notice, since I was too busy scrubbing and scrubbing and scrubbing the baby puke out of my carpet. Thanks for informing me." But I know people only mean well. Blake wasn't a big baby, and I don't expect Boston to be either, especially with this little weight set back.

Okay, now a little about Boston himself, and not just his puke and his weigh ins. This baby is too cute. His hair is filling in and right on top of his head, it sticks straight up. He has a full mouth with 8 teeth and I think he could be getting more.

He loves his teddy bear, his brother, his pacifier, a bottle of formula, being read to, seeing animals or even just puppets. Boston spends his time following Blake around, getting into things he's not supposed to, slobbering on everything, making a mess of the whole kitchen from his highchair, and napping. He is a little dare devil and has climbed up our two porch steps a few times. He googoo's and gaga's all the time and will say "dada" but not "mama." Of course. He loves his dad, but is a mama's boy. Hopefully when harvest is over and things settle down, he'll have more time with Doug and will give me a break. Bo's smile and laugh can get him out of any trouble and he knows it. Boston doesn't mind strangers and totally "goes with the flow" of our crazy life. Puke and all, it was worth it. This little guy is so handsome and I love rocking with him, singing or reading stories, it makes it all worth it. I think we're gonna keep him. :)

A Blake Update

It's been a while since I gave an update on these two little boys, so I thought I'd share the latest happenings. We'll start with Blake.

Blake is so smart. He talks like an adult and articulates all of his words. He speaks very well. Blake loves learning and reviewing his letters. He knows all the letters and we're working on numbers now. He loves to sound out words or have us tell him a word and then he'll spell it on the fridge with his magnet letters. He'll spell words like elephant and cantalope. Okay, just kidding. More like mom, dad, cat, dog, cow, and his name. Blake loves to write his name and only likes to write in capital letters. Blake will be going to a little preschool at Blackfoot High starting in November and he's so excited to go to "school." Now that uncle Pablo is here, he loves learning words in Spanish. He can count to about five, and will say please and thank you in Spanish sometimes. He loves playing games like uno moo, jenga, memory, and his most recent favorite "primary song freeze dance" where Doug and I sing and he dances.

Blake loves his little brother and looks to be "in charge" of Bo when I ask for his help. He makes sure Boston doesn't go down the stairs and will even pack him around the house to keep Boston out of trouble. He doesn't mind his jobs of keeping his room clean, picking up toys upstairs, taking diapers to the garbage, and simply cleaning up after himself. These two will get the giggles and just laugh back and forth at eachother. Sharing isn't his favorite thing to do, but he's getting the hang of it. Blake loves going to grandma's houses', storytime, and to a friend's house. He sings all the time at home, but won't make hardly a peep in Primary. Blake never lets us forget to read scriptures, say prayers, and give him a gummi vitamin before bed. His is such great kid, we're so lucky.

If I can get my videos to upload, there may be some soon, so cross your fingers and check back soon!

Sondra Beth Tyler

Sondra Beth Tyler, 67, of Idaho Falls, dies August 2, 2010, at her home.

Sondra was born Deceber 17, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Stuart C. Tyler and Rhoda Marie Stucki Tyler. She grew up in Terreton, Arco, and Rigby and graduated from Rigby High School in 1961. She lived in Terreton for 28 years and moved to Idaho Falls 18 years ago.

Sondra married Gerald Messerli August 23, 1963, in Idaho Falls and they were later divorced. She worked in the Security Department of the INL for 35 years and retired four years ago. She was a member of the American Business Women Association and served on the board on her condominium association.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sondra served in many capacities over the years, most recently as Relief Society Compassionate Service Leader and Visiting teaching Coordinator. Sondra loves making crafts with seashells, readying, and serving her friends, family and loved ones. She had an unconditional love for everyone she came in contact with and freely shared that love. Her faith in the gospel was unwavering, and she lived her life as a disiple of Christ.

Surviving are her father, Stuart Tyler of Blackfoot, ID, Sister, Janet (Dale) Armstong on Zephyrhills, FL, a brother, Victor (Nyla) Tyler of Sandy, UT, sister Cindy (Scott) Campbell of Blackfoot, ID, adopted sister Linda (Ed) Andersen of Blackfoot, ID, 19 nieces and nephews, countless adopted kids, grandkids, and neighbors. She was preceded id death by her mother, Rhoda Tyler and a brother, Stuart Stucki Tyler.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Idaho Falls, LDS Mountain View Ward 1450 Mountain View Lane, with Bishop Michael Hays officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Saturday from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Ucon cemetary under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.

August 2010

August came and went and I don't even think we blinked...

Along with August came the shocking and sad news that my dear Aunt Sandy passed away. We had no idea it was coming and our hearts broke when we heard the news. We didn't get to say goodbye to this wonderful lady who was so supportive and giving, and lived to serve those around her. The weekend before she passed, she had spent working in my Grandpa's yard and running his errands. The seashells magnets on my fridge are worth so much more to me than they ever were before. I already miss her so much and have a hard time believeing she is gone. We will miss her Aunt Sandy hugs and her "sure do love you"s. It was hard to say a belated goodbye, but knowing she was welcomed by Grandma Tyler and Uncle Stu made it easier to say goodbye. I will post her obituary in another post. Along with our sad news, the same day came the news that Jeff and Lyndsey's baby Emma May had arrived, and four weeks early! We have waited years for them to have this baby and she is so beautiful and also loves to cuddle with her Aunt Lar.

Now, I couldn't post about August without saying thanks to my awesome second mom Sheila, who helped me with the boys, while I had the honor of making funeral arrangements for Aunt Sandy. She had a crazy week with two new grandbabies and yet she still bent over backwards to help me with my kids. Thank you so much!

We also said goodbye to sweet little Aunt Myrtle, who turned 100 in June. Myrtle was a sister to my great grandma Ardela Parkinson (my grandma campbell's mom). We were honored to be asked to sing at both funerals.

The rest of August was busy with grain harvest (which they finished up today) and lots of wedding receptions, birthday parties for friends and of course I can't go without mentioning that my brother in law Pablo finally made it to the states! It made me smile to see them together again! They have been to patient and we're so glad they get to finally be together after 8 months of newlyweds apart from eachother. We had a fabulous belated Birthday Party for Pablo and its fun to have him here. Everything is so exciting to him, its fun to watch!

Keep watching for an update on the boys soon!

July 2010

Geez, I should never get behind on blogging during the summer, there's just too many events that I can't leave out. Sad news though, my camera got stepped on at girls camp and I didn't get one till the end of August, so no pics from July or August, sorry!

July started out with a great 4th of July weekend, including our ward pancake breakfast, a matinee of Toy Story 3, and of course a few games of Phase 10, while we camped out for the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration. The fireworks were great, as always, and thank heavens for the double stroller when both boys were fast asleep by the end of the show.

The next weekend was the Campbell Family Reunion at Buffalo Campground in Island Park. We enjoyed camping, visiting with cousins, pulling the kids in the bike trailer around the campground, and my mom's wonderfully put together redition of "The Amazing Race!" We painted prayer rocks with the little kids and ate so much wonderful dutch oven food. My dad always says, "If you starve at the Campbell Reunion, its your own fault" because the food is always great!

We then came home to unpack and get ready for the Mike and Sheila VO Family Party. Doug and I were "in charge" of planning this year's activities and we had big plans of going camping to Jackson, but with two pregnant sister in laws, that's just gonna have to wait for another year. So we comprimised and planned a scavenger hunt for Tuesday night which included doing service, finding words, and gathering objects. Everyone seemed to have fun and then on Wednesday, most of us headed to Lava for the day to swim. They have some new slides since I've been there and it was great! That following weekend we headed to Island Park again to see a few shows at the Playmill Theatre. We saw Beauty and the Beast and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I had never seen Seven Brides and thought it was great! The cast there always does an amazing job and its always a fun experience.

The last two weekends brought 2 showers, one bridal shower for my friends Juliette from high school and a baby shower for my sister in law Lyndsey, who got decked out with tons of girly goodies. We had both of them in Mike and Sheila's yard and it was fun to catch up with old friends and watch them be showered with gifts!

And the most exciting part of July was the arrival of our nephew, Layne Michael VanOrden on the 27th. He is so sweet and he loves cuddling with aunt Lar. We are so glad to have little Layne in our big family!

Ooo, and before I forget... My friend Misti and I were invited to be the judges for the county fair's 4-H Style Review. We got to watch all the kids model the clothes they had sewn and it was too fun. Being a judge is hard...

Well, thats it for July!

June 2010

Okay, I'm gonna have to take this a month at a time, or I might never catch up. Let's go back to June. June was busy. Crazy busy! The month consisted of three fabulous events: Keralyn's baby shower, Relay for Life, and Girls Camp. And a few other fun days, including a train ride from Blackfoot to Shelley on the Life Saver Train with some of Blake's friends, and Aunt Myrtle's 100th Birthday Party. Betcha never been to one of those huh?

Relay for Life was the weekend before Girls Camp, so that week was pretty much mure chaos. But oh so fun. Who wouldn't want to stay out all night with your friends, walking, playing games (my mom and I's teams teamed up and won the Quest game at Relay), and chatting, all while raising money for such a wonderful cause. This year, I relayed for my Grandpa Campbell and Uncle Jed, who are both fighting cancer right now. My team raised about $1500 and the Bingham County total was over $100,000! Year after year, we'll keep Relaying for Life, until they find a cure.

As for Girls Camp, a little stressful, I won't lie. But I had a wonderful assistant, Marci, and the YW Presidency was great to help with whatever they could. The theme was "Stand Strong and of a Good Courage." We camped at Pasa la Coma and took 12 girls to camp with us. The stake had us going every minute we were there, so we got to do lots of great activites, and then stayed up late to enjoy eachother's company and the outdoors. We did an amazing activity called the Lifeline. Going into it, I knew it would be a ropes course, but I had no idea it would be such a spiritual experience. After I went through the lifeline, I was able to be a leader and help our girls and the other leaders from our ward go through the lifeline. I won't give it all away, in case you get to go through the Lifeline sometime when you're at girl's camp, but know it was by far the coolest thing I've ever done at a girls's camp. It put my life in perspective and has taught me to keep those things that are most important to me close to my heart.

What a busy, but great month!

Let's start at the very beginning...

A very good place to start. When we read we begin with ABC. When we blog, we go back to May?

Boy, when I let me blog go for a few months I always wonder... Do I pick up where we are or go back and catch up. I guess since this is the most faithful "journal" I keep right now, I better catch up. I'll start back in May and tell about our Memorial Day weekend trip to the cabin, as promised in an ealier blog post.

We took our awesome friends Misti and Chad and their girls, Bostyn and Kamree. We made it to the cabin in time to send the boys out to cook hotdogs, and then after the sprinkling, and before the snow, we had time to roast marshmallows.

We spent Saturday in West Yellowstone, we went to the IMAX and walked around town. Picked up some fudge and taffy, had a picnic at the local park and headed back to the cabin. We played games, ate way too much food and enjoyed a nice quiet weekend away (and great company of course) before the choas of summer began.