The Great Granthams

Oh, the Obscurity

2011-09-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

I realize some of you must be frustrated with me. I've been going on and on about how I've started writing, yet most of you have no clue what I'm even writing about. This is your lucky break. Today, I will share the big secret. This is actually the query for my first book--the letter I will send to agents once I'm satisified my book is ready to be let loose on the world.

Book One is called Forbidden. And here's what it's about...

When seventeen-year old Ivy Hines envisioned her engagement with Mr. White—the most eligible gentleman in Jefferson, Texas—she never imagined a corpse would be in the room. The corpse of his dead bride. She never thought Mr. White would pull the engagement ring off the cadaver’s finger—a ring that would leech her spirit into Mr. White’s soul and cause him to live forever. Christian, her pa’s hired help, showed up almost in time to stop the engagement. But he really didn’t need to. Ivy controlled the situation. She plunged a knife into Mr. White’s heart. Seemed like a simple solution. She just wished she’d known Mr. White could only be killed with one weapon—Cherubim’s flaming sword. In three days Ivy will become Mr. White’s next bride. She trusts Christian to help her find the blade, but he’s not telling her everything. He knows secrets about the sons of Adam and Eve, of two brothers who found the forbidden fruit and have been alive for centuries. Next time, Ivy will make sure she knows Mr. White’s true identity—the world’s first murderer.

Back to School and Sequoia Turns Four

2011-09-11T14:58:00.003-05:00

The kids went back to school and Sequoia turned four--we have a lot to celebrate.

This is Phoenix and Sequoia on the first day of school. They were both excited. I was nervous, especially for Sequoia. She's the youngest in her class. After praying about it, I felt like sending her to pre-k would be the best thing to do. It took a leap of faith, but I let her go. After I picked her up from school, her teacher said she did really well. And Sequoia loved it. In true Sequoia fashion, she told me what all the other girls in her class were wearing, how their hair looked, and what color her teacher's toe nails were.

Yes, we'll have trouble in about ten years from now.

Sequoia had some assistance blowing out her candles--Phoenix plus army men.

Sequoia is wearing her favorite birthday present--her new clothes.

I mentioned we'd have trouble in a few years, right?

And to be fair, here is a picture of my big two-year old, Bridger, who is now my big buddy during the day. He has me all to himself.

Meeting Meg Cabot

2011-07-15T16:09:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the most awesome opportunity to meet Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries and nearly fifty other novels. Meg is so cool! But if you'd really like to know more and see pictures, please follow me on my new writing blog, http://www.tamaradarestowrite.blogspot.com/.

Bridger Turns Two!

2011-07-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

Phoenix, Sequoia, David, Bridger, and the tail end of our new kitten, Chester.

This little dude LOVES Thomas the Train.

Phoenix, Cousin Bella, Bridger, and Sequoia at Hodges Gardens in Florien, Louisiana.

Bridger turned two on the 29th and I cannot believe how fast this little boy has grown! Seriously, look at him. I was pregnant when we moved here. And now...

Bridger is one sweet little dude. His favorite phrase. "Sorry, Ma Ma!"

Yeah, he says it a lot. Even wen Phoenix or Sequoia are the culprits of my discipline.

I'd also like to plug my new blog. http://www.tamaradarestowrite.blogspot.com/

It explains how a mom of three kids writes three books in less than a year. Actually, I'm not even sure how I do it, but you should visit my blog anyway. I'm planning to e-publish my first two books soon. Keep up with my blog to find out when!

We're Back

2011-05-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

The blog is working again! Although, I'm pretty sure you could have guessed that by now. I think Bridger has grown a foot taller since I posted last. Phoenix turned six, Sequoia lost a tooth (unnaturaly), Dave is still working insane hours and I am still raising kids and writing when I get the chance. I am actually on my third book now. I have had some success with getting an agent so I can publish, but I'm not there yet.
Life is dramatic sometimes but I can't complain. I have so many blessings I have a hard time keeping up with them.
We had a wonderful easter even though it rained all day. Luckily we had our easter egg hunt the week before. This picture was taken on Easter day after church.

Blog Troubles

2011-03-22T21:24:00.002-05:00

I know some of you have more blogging knowledge than me and I need help! Whenever I try to post pictures, my computer freezes and won't let me post. Also, if I sign out, I can't sign back in. I've been changing my password everytime. I posted my complaint with blogger and I'm waiting on a reply. I know my computer will post pics. because my sister in law was able to post pics. on my computer from her blog. I think maybe I missed an update or something but I can't be sure. Any advice would be awesome.

Apologizing again

2011-02-11T18:53:00.003-06:00

I know, it's been way too long since I've posted. I even skipped Christmas, I'm sure that's some sort of sin in the blogging world. And I did try to post pictures three different times, my computer just won't cooperate with me. So this will be a black and white post, not as much fun, I know, but at least everyone still knows I'm alive!
Again, my excuse is writing. I finished my first novel and started my second. I'm half-way through actually. I love writing. I feel like I've found myself. I know that sounds awful corny. It's true though, I'm sure it's more than just a hobby.
As far as publishing goes, I don't have any hits yet. I'm still working on getting an agent. I'm patient though. It'll happen someday.
Thank you to all the friends who are reading this and still keeping up with me and my family. We are all doing well and happy!

Playing Catch Up

2010-12-07T09:11:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the lack of posting. It's not because I'm just plain lazy though, I've got an 80,000 word novel to show for it. Last night, I finished another draft and sent a query letter out to several agents. We'll see what happens! I've had a lot of fun writing. Even if it never gets published, I still learned a lot in the process. I've already started a second novel; this one is an entirely different genre.
Becuase of a very slow connection, I'm only able to post a few pictures. I thought I would still post them anyway. The kids are all doing well and looking forward to Christmas.

Finally Posting

2010-10-06T21:49:00.004-05:00

Yes I am finally posting. And no, my lack of not posting isn't due to pregnancy though I think almost all my friends are pregnant right now. Congrats to all you pregnant ladies! Actually I've been writing a novel. It's been a lot of fun. It's something I've always wanted to do but for some reason told myself that I just couldn't. I read some books by an author named Jessica Day George. She writes the Dragon Slippers trilogy and other books including Princess at the Midnight Ball. After reading her books I read her bio. which said she had one small child and was pregnant with a second. I felt a pang of jealousy after reading this. How could she possibly have time to write a novel? I felt like I barely had enough time to check my e-mail let alone write a novel. I pondered this for a few days. I had written several outlines of books I would like to write someday and just couldn't get one story in particular out of my head. It was calling to me. It needed to be written. So I started writing during nap times or after the kids went to bed. I found I had more time than I realized. I spent a lot of useless hours picking up after the kids when they just made messes right after I cleaned them. I set aside a certain time to clean, a certain time to write, and a certain time just for playing with the kids. The house is still messy as usual but I have a novel to show for it. I wrote my first draft within a month and am now working on the second draft. It's been well worth it. I feel happier. This is something I've always wanted to do and now I'm finally doing it.
I would have liked to posted some pictures but my computer isn't wanting to work with me at the moment. They are pictures from a trip we made to a very beautiful home turned museum here in Tulsa. There are also some pics. of Phoenix's first soccer game. He's doing amazing and just make his first goal last Saturday.

One sassy three year old girl

2010-09-01T20:39:00.003-05:00

Yes, I have one sassy three year old girl. She knows how to strut her stuff in her new birthday outfits and can play with Barbie like the pros. Don't let those curls and pink dresses fool you though, she's got two brothers to keep her tough enough.

Sequoia turned three on August 25th and really enjoyed her birthday. She's a big girl with a big heart.

Kindergarten, here we come!

2010-08-23T09:25:00.003-05:00

Phoenix was so excited for his first day of kindergarten. You'll have to look at these pics. starting from the bottom up, otherwise they're backwards.
We took a camping trip after Phoenix's first day of school.
Sequoia was stylin' in her bunny towel and paint rollers, luckily she isn't in school yet.
Phoenix and his teacher, Mrs. Federline.

It was pretty awesome that Daddy got to be off work for Phoenix's first day of kindergarten. Here's a picture of Dad and the boys.

First steps

2010-08-03T19:49:00.004-05:00

One of the perks of being a stay at home mom is seeing all the firsts, like first steps. Yesterday at the gym, I was signing the kiddos out of the babysitting when I heard the babysitter say, "Take another step." I looked over the counter and sure enough, Bridger had just taken a step. I hadn't actually seen his first step but I am still glad I was there when it happened. Bridger did take another step that evening for both Mom and Dad to see.

Bridger's first birthday

2010-07-03T19:00:00.008-05:00

My sweet little man is one! I can't believe it's already been a year. Here are some pictures of his birthday party. He really has grown a lot. He's such a sweet boy a a real blessing to our family.

Time Flies

2010-06-25T21:01:00.003-05:00

So today I realized I am not really a "young" mom anymore. I guess you could call me a "school-aged mom". Meaning my kids (at least one of them) are of school age. I also realized that things that used to really stress me out about being a mom are now just common place. Take last night for example; Bridger woke up areound 3:30 a.m. with diahrrea in his diaper and a huge nasty rash. I got him cleaned up and put to bed. While washing my hands after the ordeal I realized that the whole process just seemed normal, no big deal, commonplace, ordinary. Back in the day, when Phoenix was Bridger's age, I probably would have felt stressed, overwhelmed, why me? type of attitude. But now, I just feel like it's all part of being a mommy. I think being a mom has taught me more than anything else has in my life, to be patient, loving, kind, and most of all to endure. Heavenly Father has blessed me with a loving husband and three beautiful children and I can never thank Him enough for it. And yes I still do get stressed out with mommying, but I've had to learn to endure. Having Dave working 80+ hours a week, I've had to learn to do everything on my on. I used to wait for him to get home to take my break, let him fix it/deal with whatever drama is going on with the kids. Now, I have to find a way to get a break without him. Don't get me wrong, he still helps when he can, but I can't always count on hime being here when I need him.
I was reading in my journal the other night from a few years ago. Dave was going to be on call at the hospital overnight and I was so nervous about speding the night alone. Now, I do it all the time without even thinking about it. I think whatever situation we're put we just find a way to adapt. I used to get really nervous about the future, wondering how I would survive with three little kids and a husband hardly ever around, but now I realize that we can, with the help of our Heavenly Father, find a way to do it and do it well.

Texas, our Texas

2010-06-24T16:36:00.003-05:00

We went to Texas last week to visit my Mom in the hospital. We also went to Galveston and Spring to visit the Bues' and Chris and Lorena. My computer is giving me problems with picture downloading so this post will be black and white. I had some funny pics. too. We went to the candy shop on the Strand with the Bues' and I have three different pictures of three different kids with the same huge rainbow colored butterfly sucker in their mouths. We had a great time in Galveston. It's funny because I was so excited to move away from from Galveston and now I find myself really missing it. I don't miss the heat, mosquitos, or fire ants, but I do do miss old friends. Tulsa is fun too, we just got home from the zoo today, but I guess you get attached to places after awhile.
Mom is making slow improvements. I think they are actually pretty fast improvements but it still feels slow when you are trying to walk and talk again. She went from barely moving her right hand to eating with it by the time we left. She's a strong woman and I know she'll be able to make a full recovery.

Last day of pre-K

2010-06-09T16:25:00.005-05:00

I thought I would catch everyone up from the last month. So here goes:
We visited Bella in Lubbock. (And Andrea and Malachi.)
Phoenix and Dave got drug off to jail in Uncle Nick's police car.
Phoenix's last day of school.
The teacher's gift I made for Phoenix's teacher.
I thought I would post a picture from his first day of school.
Sequoia and Bridger on the last day of school.
Phoenix is ready for his last day of pre-k.
Phoenix and his teacher, Mrs. McHenry.
Phoenix and Miss Vickie.
Phoenix really did love pre-k and he has grown so much. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally. He's learning to read and sound out letters, he's learned how to count forwards and backwards, how to count objects, how to color in the lines, how to use scissors properly, and a whole score of other things. He's learned to not depend on Mommy for everything which I think has boosted his self-confidence. Pre-school really was good for him. I'm glad we live right next door to a wonderful school.
I'm writing this after finding out on Sunday that my mom suffered a stroke during church. She is currently in ICU but is progressing well. She is weaker on the right side but can move it, she can speak but is having trouble finding words, she can eat now and actually walked today. It's all been very nerve-wracking and a total shock and surprise. She has always been very healthy and it is hard for me to think of my mom in the hospital. I'm hopeful that she will make a full recovery and I thank Heavenly Father for the wonderful mother he has blessed me with. I would be nothing without her. It reminds me of the quote, "All that I am I owe to my mother."

One Handsome Dude

2010-05-09T18:24:00.003-05:00

My little Goo Goo is ten months old! He is such a little handsome dude. I took pictures of all the kids and a family picture. And before I forget, Happy Mother's Day to all you hard working moms out there!

Hodges Gardens

2010-04-14T13:49:00.003-05:00

We went to Hodges Gardens a few weeks ago. It's a park in Louisiana that I've gone to since I was a kid. It was beautiful! We stayed in some cabins, had a campfire, roasted marshmallows, went on some hiking trails, and had a lot of fun! My parents and sister and brother in law came too.
We are sitting on top of a petrified log that has been there as long as I can remember. It's hundreds of years old. (And no, I am not hundreds of years old although I do feel that way after a long day of chasing kids.)
We are sitting in front of a huge waterfall in the main garden.
Phoenix's favorite was the campfire.

Phoenix is five and a whole lot more

2010-04-05T20:30:00.006-05:00

There are several big news items circulating in the Grantham family. First, Phoenix turned five on Easter, Bridger turned 9 months, we went to visit Nick and Ilana in Lawton, and we celebrated Easter. All this happening around the same time.
To start, Phoenix turned five. I know, it seems like I just had him. Crazy how time flies. His birthday was on Easter which was fun. I think it confused Sequoia though because she got a easter basket just like Phoenix did on Easter morning but when it came time to open presents I think she thought she was supposed to open presents too. She really enjoyed her chocolate though so I'm sure that helpled ease the pain. Speaking of chocolate, chocolate easter bunnies and birthday cake can make for some cranky kids.
We spent Easter at Nick and Ilana's house. Ilana is David's sister. They are only 3 hours away so we decided to spend Easter/conference/and Phoenix and Nick's birthday's together. Nick's birthday is on the 10th. We had a great time, the weather was beautiful. I think the best way to spend birthdays is with the family.

Playing at the park near Nick and Ilana's.
Nick lights the candles on his and Phoenix's cake. Phoenix thinks his Uncle Nick is the coolest because he's a real army man.

Bridger turned nine months on the 29th.
Easter morning, and yes my kids posed themselves.
Bridger really wanted Sequoia's easter eggs.

Dave got a little carried away with swinging. Sequoia nearly fell out.
Opening birthday gifts.
Deneka and Briger, first cousins, 5 months apart. Aren't they cute?

Happy 8 year anniversary

2010-03-17T16:34:00.003-05:00

Dave and I have been married for eight years. It's funny to think it's been that long but honestly I can't imagine my life without him. I love the flowers he got me, lillies and roses, the flowers that were at our wedding. He did it unintentionally, I mean really, do guys remember what flowers were at their wedding? But I still think they are beautiful just the same. I got Dave a card with some froggies on the front that said, "I'll love you," and on the inside it said, "till I croak." It's not exactly true though, I'll love him till way after I croak. Thanks Dave, for putting up with me these eight years, they've been the best of my life and I wouldn't be complete without you.

Goo Goo is 8 months

2010-03-03T09:22:00.004-06:00

My big old boy is eight months old. Technically I guess he never really turned eight months though. His birthday is on the 29th and there was no Feb. 29th, I guess we'll just count it as happening on March 1. He just got his very first tooth. It's his bottom left tooth. He wasn't very happy about it but it's out now so he feels much better. Although now there's another one trying to pop out so here we go again. Trying to get a picture of it is impossible so I am just posting a picture of his happy chubby face instead. I love this little man! By the way, if you're wondering why I call him Goo Goo it's because his first uttered syllables were uh-guh and uh-goo.

Happy Birthday Handsome

2010-02-07T21:11:00.005-06:00

Dave turned the big 31 on the third. His birthday went tons better than mine. We went out to eat at the Five and Diner. It's one of those fifties style diners with the juke boxes and such. We had a coupon for a buy one meal get one free. Plus it was on Wednesday night which is kids eat free night, plus Dave got a free sundae for his birthday. In all we only had to pay for one meal. This must be Dave's lucky year. I got him a new game for the Wii and we had birthday cookie afterwards. Phoenix and Sequoia helped me decorate the cookie. After we put the blue icing on the cookie I let Phoenix and Sequoia have the left-over icing which was almost a whole tube of icing. When it came time to actually eat the cookie, Phoenix informed me that he wanted a piece with absolutley NO blue icing.
In other news, we got a new car. It's a 2001 Toyota Corolla. We're hoping to keep this one. I'm tempted to put a sign in the rear window, "You touch, we shoot." That kind of thing. "You steal, we kill." Okay, maybe it's a bit violent and mean spirited, but really, one thing I've learned from this car theft ordeal is that stealing is bad and mean and ugly and there is a reason it was included in the 10 commandments. It also makes me a lot more sensitive to those people who have lost a lot more than just an old junk car; like all our friends in the hurricane and more recently all the people in Haiti. In the end though, I am very grateful it was just a car stolen because cars can be replaced.
And lastly, happy birthday Dad! My dad's birthday is today. Way to go on the big 60!

(Happy) 28th

2010-01-30T20:27:00.003-06:00

I will warn all my readers, this is not really a happy post, so if you are in to only reading about happy birthdays, this ain't one of 'em.
The morning of my 28th birthday started out pretty normal, with Dave rushing into the bedroom at 4:40 a.m. with the news, "Tam, I think my car was stolen!" Rational people usually aren't rational at this time of day, but I did hop out of bed really fast. It's actually a lot harder to misplace a car than you would think. Sure we've misplaced keys plenty of times, but cars tend to stick out a bit more than keys do. So yes, our car got stolen on my birthday. Which really didn't start the day off well. Calling the cops and filling out stolen car reports and all that just isn't so much fun.
Looking on the bright side though, at least it was our old Civic and not the new car. We are all healthy and happy and cars can be replaced. And I will always have an awesome story to tell about my 28th birthday.
I am writing this almost a week after my birthday and the car still hasn't turned up. We did just have a really cool ice and snow storm so we're hoping the idiot who stole the car will slip off the road and bite it. I am also posting some pictures from our ice storm. It turned out to be very beautiful, the power never went out so we got to enjoy it without being in the freezing cold.

Seven Months

2010-01-30T16:59:00.002-06:00

My baby is seven months old! I asked Phoenix if he thinks Bridger is a little baby or a big baby and he said a big baby. He can sit up and roll all over the living room, he can say ba-ba and guh and he absolutely loves people. He loves to laugh and he loves to eat.
He was fascinated by the snow oustide.
Like I said, he loves laughing.

For the finale, just look at those luscious lashes!

Six months

2010-01-18T18:36:00.008-06:00

Bridger is 6 1/2 months now so I am late on posting his 6 month stats. Anyhow, he's 18lb. 13oz. (50th percentile) and I don't remember the length but it was in the 75th percentile. So I guess he's shrunk a little. He is sitting up really well and rolling over like he owns the place. And I am not even going to start on how much poop I've cleaned up today. I'm sure everyone has seen enough of it so I won't gross anyone out with the details. Needless to say a potty untraining two year and a little one keen on blow outs can really lead to some grossosity.I just loved this picture of Paw-Paw and Bridger at Christmas.

Grantham New Year's

2010-01-04T10:05:00.005-06:00

We just had an awesome New Year's with Dave's whole family in town. Sometimes I can't wait for the holidays to be over but this time I wish it could have lasted longer. Call me crazy but I really did enjoy having 12 adults and 8 children in the house. It's not often that the whole family can get together like that anymore. Phoenix went back to school today. He was excited to tell his teacher about Christmas and show her his new shoes and black socks. I don't know why but he was really excited about his black socks. So it's back to reality now. Bridger had a doctor's appt. today and I completely forgot about it so I had to re-schedule. I guess I'm just not wanting to get back to real life.The whole gang. Back row left to right: Dad, Nick, Spencer, Joel, Dave, Randy. 2nd row, Ilana, Abby, Mom, Rachelle, Tamara, Beth. Front row kids: Deneka, J.C., Mikayla, Maddie, Bridger, Sequoia, Phoenix, Rowan.

The birthday boy. Rowan turned one on Jan. 1st. I thought this was such a sweet picture.
The little mommies. It was so cute when Mikayla and Sequoia, completely on their own, decided to care for the two littlest babies, Maddie and Deneka.
Sequoia really loved the pink cotton candy at the hockey game. But then again, I don't think I've ever met a kid who didn't like cotton candy.
J.C. had a blast with all the new toys to play with. Ride 'em cowboy! By the way, it is completely acceptable for cowboys to have pacifiers just in case you were wondering. It's the new hottest accesory for cowboys.
The big kids had fun with the new toys too. The best game played by far though was farkle. Just a simple dice game, but really, you should have seen the guys going at it. They even went so far as to calling upon the farkle gods to smile on them for good luck. Honestly, that was the most fun I've had in a long time.
My favorite picture. Phoenix and Mikayla are the oldest grandchildren. They are only three months apart in age and they were thick as thieves the whole time. They really got into the hockey game as you can see from this picture. I want to thank all the Grantham family for coming out to share our New Year's together. We had a blast!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T17:10:00.006-06:00

What a surpise this year to wake up to a white Chrismas! This never happened in Texas. We got about 8 inches. It was a lot of fun but very cold.
We've found out that the naughty list was an excellent motivator to get Phoenix to behave. When he woke up on Christmas morning he still wasn't sure if he was on the naughty list or not. The first thing he said was, "Oh Santa did bring us presents!" Yes there was just a bit of doubt as to wether he was actually getting presents or not. But he did get presents and lots of them, as did Sequoia and Bridger. This year Phoenix got a bike, blocks, dart gun from Angie and Malachi, firetruck from Mamu and Paw-Paw, a lego helicopter from Kati, and an army helicopter from Uncle Josh. Sequoia got a farm, a dress from Uncle Josh, a cozy coupe from Mamu and Paw-Paw, a ball, pink boots from Angie and Malachi and a shopping cart from Kati. Bridger got a rattle, a piano from Kati, a dump truck, and a Bumbo seat from Mamu and Paw-Paw. And for the cherry on top they all got $50 gift cards from Grams.
Sequoia strutting her stuff in her new dress.

This is what we woke up to on Christmas morning.

Visit to Santa

2009-12-24T17:33:00.003-06:00

Here it is...our visit with Santa. Phoenix got really excited and told Santa that he wants a boat with a boy and a man, a two blade helicopter, and a new army man gun. Sequoia finally admitted to wanting a dolly after some help from Phoenix. Bridger just enjoyed the view. They had a really cool set-up inside the Outdoor World. We got the pic for free so I thought the establishment would like the plug.

Bella visits

2009-12-21T18:07:00.005-06:00

We just spent a really fun weekend with Bella (my niece), Andrea (my sister), and Malachi(her husband). Phoenix really knew how to make Bella laugh. Bridger and Bella are only two months apart. Bella is 8 mos. and Bridger is 5 mos. And thank you to Andrea, you really saved my bacon helping with my primary class. We got to take pics with Santa at the enourmously huge Outdoor World. It has a three story waterfall inside, so yeah it's huge. My camera has become very cranky so I do apologize for the poor pic. quality. The thing randomly shuts off with no notice and it frequently won't even turn on. But enough with my camera gripes. We had a fun time with visitng family and really wished we lived closer.

2009-12-09T14:53:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Five months

2009-12-03T09:00:00.004-06:00

My big bear (Bridger) just turned five months old on the 29th. He's a big strong boy and a sweetheart at the same time. I feel so blessed to have such a sweet little baby to add to our family. Oh and I had to add some pictures of Bridger in his halloween costume since I somehow forgot to post any pics. of him during halloween, but better late than never right?

Thanksgiving with the Hanks'

2009-11-29T10:30:00.006-06:00

We just spent a really fun weekend with my family in Texas. It has become a family tradition to go hiking in the big thicket after Thanksgiving so here are a few pics. of just that.
Q Bear on the "horsey tree". The tree really does look like a saddle with a pommel to hold on to.
Look at those jowls. He was happy the whole time, although Daddy's back may not have been.

Almost the whole fam. Andrea, Malachi, and Bella couldn't make it but we're really anxious to see them for Christmas.

How to eat a pixie stick

2009-11-07T20:06:00.005-06:00

How to eat a pixie stick:
Step 1: Cut the pixie stick in half using a pair of your mommy's kitchen scissors. Your mommy or daddy might tell you to just cut the top off but this is NOT the proper way to do it.

Step 2: Dump contents on floor.
Step 3: Lick all pixie stick powder off floor with the help of your little sister.
You have now learned the proper way to consume a pixie stick. Enjoy! (Oh and you might want to make sure the floor is clean, but your mommy will probably check for you.)

Four months

2009-11-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

My big man is four months old! Oh how time flies. He had his check-up on Thursday. I got his stats but not his percentiles. Dave is supposed to look them up for me whenever he's home, which may not happen for quite a while as he's on long call this weekend. Anyway, Bridger's weight is 16 pounds and his length is 26 inches. He is healthy as an ox, sleeps through the night, and loves rice cereal. He's very fond of food and it shows!

Halloween

2009-11-01T15:09:00.002-06:00

On halloween day we decided to drive out to the Will Rogers birth place, about 45 minutes out of Tulsa. You can see in the pictures the kids most favorite activity. That's right, sliding down the cellar doors like a slide. We also saw several miniature goats and donkeys, and a reallly mean dog that snapped at Sequoia. I think it actually bit her but not enough to leave a big mark. Bad doggie; we told him to go to time out. It was a beautifl old farm house right on a huge lake, Lake Oologah. On halloween night we went trick or treating with some friends in a very nice neighborhood. Some homes gave out whole candy bars. Phoenix wanted to be an army man, like Uncle Nick and Uncle Spencer. He played the part too, shooting pretend bad guys with his nerf gun. It was a beautiful evening for halloween.

Hot cocoa spiced up

2009-10-29T16:52:00.003-05:00

We've discovered a really yummy way to make hot chocolate. It's been in the 50's out here so we've really been enjoying having something warm to drink. Just boil 2-3 cinnamon sticks for about 10 minutes in about 4 cups water. Boil until the water turns nice and red. Then just add it to your favorite hot cocoa mix. It's really simple and a great way to enjoy some hot chocolate!

Shoes, spoons, and other unmentionables

2009-10-23T21:45:00.004-05:00

Sequoia is potty training. It's a real advendture; I fished a spoon and a shoe out of the toilet today. Apparently she thinks lots of stuff can go in the potty, not just the you know, usual stuff. But she stayed dry all day; I'm really proud of her. She doesn't know it but she is really saving us a lot of dough. Buying diapers for two kids is mucho expensivo! This girl can give some dirty looks!

Blessing Blanket

2009-10-08T17:21:00.004-05:00

Missing: One used teddy bear wearing green Mr. Potato Head glasses. Goes by the name of "Bear".Found: One soggy teddy bear. Seems to have fallen into a dump truck full of water. Unkown on how this happened. Seems to be intentional, subjects are being questioned.

As promised, some pictures of the blessing blanket for Mamu. Ignore Dave's incredibly sleepy look. Hey, want do you want if you have to wake up at 4 a.m. every morning?

Blue Star and Three Months

2009-09-30T18:09:00.005-05:00

Just reporting on the latest. So in Phoenix's class at school he earns a star everyday based on his behavior. Green stars mean you had a great day, yellow is an ok day and red, well you can guess. But the very rare blue star means you went above and beyond and did your very best. Phoenix earned his first blue star on Monday and was very proud, he also got a "G.I. Joe" (a cowboy) from his teacher. You can probably see how excited he was in his pictures. We are very proud of Phoenix for doing so well in school.

In other news, Bridger turned three months on the 29th and has become very good at smiling. He is also very good at growing, just check out those cheeks!

Baby Bridger's Blessing

2009-09-24T17:57:00.004-05:00

My sweet baby boy had his blessing day on September 6th. We had all my family here and almost half of Dave's. I thought our house was pretty big until there were that many people under one roof. But the blessing day went great. It was beautiful weather and Dave gave Bridger a very nice blessing. I'm very grateful to my husband who is able to bless our children.
He's ready for his blessing. Can't you tell?
My sister Andrea with her daughter Bella, and me and my three kids.
Don't you just want to pinch those cheeks?

All the Hanks grandkids. Sequoia is holding Bella and Phoenix is holding Bridger.

Hundreds show up for free prostate cancer screenings | KJRH.com

2009-09-19T20:24:00.002-05:00

This was cool! There was even about a 15 second clip of me talking about prostate cancer. It was really neat. It's weird seeing my name on the news channel's website talking about something like I'm some sort of expert. Anyway here's the article. I couldn't find the video clip, and frankly I'm not sure I'd want to anyway. It was very spontaneous and I was sporting a very blatant scar on my forehead, which I thought looked silly. So I'm kinda glad I missed watching my own interview, but my family saw it, and so did a few of my fellow residents. ...Which is kind of embarrassing.

Hundreds show up for free prostate cancer screenings | KJRH.com

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Check Ups

2009-09-09T10:47:00.002-05:00

I brought Bridger for his 6 week check-up and Sequoia for her two year check up. I'll never bring two kids at one time again, trying to comfort two babies at once after getting three shots a piece is not for me. Not to metion I don't do well around needles and seeing six of them aimed for my babies' legs doesn't help. But the kiddos are healthy and happy and that's what matters most. Bridger is 80th percentile for weight and 95th percentile for height, hence his nickname "Big Bear". Sequoia was around 65th percentile for weight and was mis-measured for height. I know she isn't 36 inches tall and in the 100th percentile. I re-measured her at home and she was 34 1/2". They say you can double their height at two to see how tall they will be when they're full grown. I'm pretty sure she won't be six feet tall,
5'7" is more like it.

Bump-it-up

2009-08-30T15:40:00.005-05:00

I was fixing my hair this morning, getting ready for church. As I was teasing and hairspraying my hair I hear a little voice behind me say, "Bump it up, with Bump-itz!"
"What?" I asked.
"Is your hair flat and lifeless, do you tease and tease and your hair still falls flat? Then bump it up with Bump-itz!" Phoenix replies.

All right Phoenix, enough TV for you.

If you've ever watched the kids channel Qubo then you should know what Phoenix was talking about. There is an informercial trying to sell these combs you stick under your hair to "bump it up!" I didn't even know he paid attention to the infomercial. Kids really do hear everything, even if you don't think they're listening. I just about died laughing. He knew the whole jingle.

"You definitely need a bump-itz Mommy, your hair looks all weird."

Thanks Phooenix, but I'm still not buying a Bump-itz.

Q-Bear is 2

2009-08-26T11:34:00.004-05:00

Wow, I can't believe my big girl is 2! She has really grown so fast! She is such a sweetie and my big helper now that Phoenix is in school. She's such a smart girl too. I am really surprised at the sentences she can put together. This morning she said, "I love Daddy a lot also." Can you say that twice? Yep, she said it twice. Glad she loves her Daddy, 'cuz she is a big time Daddy's girl. And she is officially two now although she's been acting like a two year old for awhile now. Here are a few pictures from her birthday party. We're having a bigger party this weekend, (how is it that kids always get like three birthday paries?) Don't look too closely at the cake. It's a soda cake. I used 1 1/2 cups Diet 7up instead of eggs and oil. It tasted great and it was really light and fluffy. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold up to icing very well and had a bit of a cave in, but who cares right? It's the taste that counts anyway.
Word up. I love this one, my little gangster baby.

She got some night clothes and some new skorts. She'll get the rest of the goodies this weekend.
Phoenix was only too happy to help with the unwrapping!

Clunker no more

2009-08-23T22:15:00.004-05:00

We did it folks, we bought a new car! I can't tell you how happy I am to not to have to strap my babies into that old ticking time bomb car. I was seriously praying every time I had to drive it. The thing had 292,000 miles on it, it was its time. So we went to just test drive a few cars and ended up really loving the Hyundai Santa Fe. You can't beat their 10 yr. 100,000 mile warranty. That's what really sold me, I really enjoy the fact that car repair won't be a monthly expense anymore. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the car from the dealership. Thanks for all the comments, I appreciate all the input. Buying a new car can be a bit overwhelming!

On its last wheel

2009-08-21T21:18:00.002-05:00

Because we've just bought a new house (which we love) we've had to hold out on buying a new car. And because we have three kids now, I get to use the older 1992 car because it has about three inches more space in the back seat, not really enough room for three car seats, but if you slam the door hard enough they will fit somehow. Oh it's not that bad really. It has its minor issues like door handles falling off and oil leaking and burning (making a wonderful smell btw). The parking brake is loose, the windows won't roll down, the trunk is leaks rain water, and so on and so forth. At least the a/c works!
The other day I was driving the clunker (which actually isn't a clunker, it gets too good of gas mileage) and a loud noise popped out of the driver side tire well. The tire was fine, and after an inspection, Dave decided I have another two good weeks before the car won't turn anymore. Oh joy! Does this mean we can get a new car now? No, we'll keep patching it up like we always do. But secretly friends I have been looking at newer cars on-line and I need your help. I know some of you moms out there are priveledged to be out of the "car falling apart" phase and into the "just bought a new minivan phase" so tell me which cars you think are the most dependable/ best value and such. Even if you aren't one of those priveledged moms, you can still cast you vote as to which car you think is best for a 3 kid family.
So let me hear from you! I've been eyeing the Toyota Siennas but I want everyone's opinion since I am pretty darn clueless when it comes to car buying. Thanks for being my sounding board!

Phoenix's first day of school

2009-08-12T09:28:00.003-05:00

My baby's in school! OK I know he's four, but it seems like just yeterday I was holding him as a brand new baby. These pics are posted backwards but you can still figure it out. He's so grown up! I'll post more about his first day later.

Randomness

2009-08-09T10:02:00.002-05:00

Just some random pictures of the kids.

Isn't he a cutie. You can definitely tell he's a Grantham baby. I think it's amazing how all my babies look so much the same. (Don't mind Daddy's hairy leg in the background.)

My daughter, the vampire

2009-08-09T09:54:00.003-05:00

A senseless killing. The torture before the kill.
Those with weak stomachs should look away.

One month old

2009-08-01T09:19:00.002-05:00

Our little man just turned one month old! I can't believe how time flies. He's such a sweet baby. Heavenly Father knew I needed an easy one with the other two hooligans.
This one is his two week photo. His two week stats were 9lb. 3 oz. (75th percentile) and 21 1/2" long (70th percentile).
THis one is for Mom and Dad. These are the four o'clocks in our neighbors yard. They have yellow, light pink, and dark pink.
Here's his one month photo. You can already see how much he's changed from his two week pic.
Phoenix loves his baby brother.

My two best boys.

Angels from Nashville

2009-07-26T19:40:00.004-05:00

Beth and Randy, you guys are awesome! Dave's sister Beth and her husband Randy drove all the way from Nashville to cook meals, clean the house, do laundry, and most importantly, keep me company while Dave works his 80 hour week. I seriously would have gone out of my mind if I had to spend another week homebound. Thanks ya'll! You really are true lifesavers.
Baby Rowan, isn't he a cutie!
Four kids in the tub.
Sequoia, Phoenix, and cousin Mikayla.
Phoenix showing his muscles and Mikayla doing a princess pose. Don't forget Rowan and Quoia. Aunt Mavy also came to visit.

What We've Been Up To

2009-07-26T19:26:00.002-05:00

Since my last post we've had family in town. Here are a few pictures of all that's been happening.
You'll have to zoom in to see what's happening in this one. We have a couple of wild rabbits that come hopping through the yard from time to time. This is Phoenix's attempt to catch dinner for us. Well he didn't catch the rabbit, but I guess he had fun trying.
Notice anything different about Q-Bear? She has hair! Slowly but surely it has been growing in, and blonde too.
I just liked this one. It looks like Sequoia has something very important to say to Phoenix.
Come on Dad, how tired are you really after that 80 hour work week?
Bridger rates this as his number one pillow. Thanks Paw-Paw!

More baby pics.

2009-07-11T15:45:00.003-05:00

I know I said I would post some more baby pictures so here are a few more. Brigder has been a wonderful baby so far (knock on wood.) They are so sweet at this age, they don't talk back!
About to leave for the hospital.
Sorry Dave, I've got you beat in the biggest belly contest.
Number three.
The brand new family of five. (That seems really big.)
My mom came for two weeks and helped out. She was a lifesaver!
Leaving the hospital.
Bright light!
Best buds.

He's Here!

2009-07-01T17:49:00.005-05:00

He's finally here! Bridger Vernon Grantham was born at 10:30 a.m. He's our big boy at 8lb. 7oz., 20 1/2" long. We just got home from the hospital, needless to say I am very tired but I did want to post a few pictures and let everyone know that I am doing well. The delivery went great. I had no complications, I got my epidural in time this time, I pushed twice and he was out. He's such a sweetheart and a true blessing from our Heavenly Father. I'll try to get a slide show up later so I can post more pics. but right now I'm just trying to take it easy.

Still Pregnant

2009-06-27T09:27:00.002-05:00

I'm still here, in case anyone was wondering. I'm really getting sick of this whole being pregnant thing. The weather isn't helping either. The highs this entire week have been 100-101. I still think the Texas humidity makes it worse than here though. Just wanted to let everyone know. If anyone is reading this right now, please pray for me to go into labor right now. I just don't think I can wait til Monday!

Graduation Day

2009-06-20T17:36:00.003-05:00

We really enjoyed Dave's graduation. He really earned it! Two weeks before he graduated he gets a phone call saying he won't be able to graduate until the end of June, the reason being that they had been counting a class he never took during the hurricane. Somehow they caught the error two weeks before graduating which put us in a real pickle. Luckily Dave was able to complete a different rotation that had been interrupted by the hurricane. The last two weeks before graduting he worked two rotations. One during the day and one at night. He never slept! Needless to say he really earned this graduation. We are all so proud of him and his efforts not only as a medical student but as a husband and father. I know I don't thank him enough for his tireless efforts but I really do appreciate all he does for me and the kids!
Our last moments before setting off to Tulsa. Here we are in our bare apartment for the very last time.
So these pictures are backwards. This was taken at BJ's restaurant after graduation with my sister Andrea, her husband Malachi, and their very cute brand new baby, Bella.
My mom and dad with us.
Dave's mom and dad.
Phoenix, are you going to be a doctor too? No I'm gonna be a fire fighter!

Tulsa Zoo

2009-06-20T09:17:00.003-05:00

The Tulsa Zoo! We needed a break from un-packing and decided to pay a visit to the Tulsa Zoo. It was a much smaller zoo than Houston's but was much less crowded.
One of several melt downs.
My least favorite reptile. Glad it's behind glass!
Taking a break in the shade.
I've been getting some requests for this one so here it is! And no this is not the elephant exhibit!

Pictures

2009-06-20T08:59:00.003-05:00

I know everyone's been waiting for this one! So we don't have any full length mirrors in our house and I guess I hadn't realized how big I had gotten. I asked Dave if I was really that big and he didn't answer. Smart man!
Sequoia's room
Phoenix's room
Sitting on the back porch with a pop-ice. This is the life!

For all it's worth.

2009-06-17T17:45:00.004-05:00

I had my 37 week check-up today and happily got to schedule an induction on June 29! I am so happy to have a light at the end of the tunnel. My doctor also said I am dialated to a 3, 50% effaced, and the baby's head has dropped and is very low. (I already knew that, everytime I try to walk around I feel it pushing on stuff that really should't be pushed on!). So I may not even make to the 29th. Either way I'll be glad to get him out. The funny thing is our insurance doesn't start until Dave starts orientation the 22nd. So I have to hold out until then. I showed Dave the bill of what we'll have to pay without our insurance and ever since then he has been very sensitive to all my needs. "Honey, you sit down and rest while I watch the kids, cook dinner, clean up, un-pack, etc..." It's funny because he's never been this helpful during my pregnancies before, so I'm milking it for all it's worth, until the 22nd that is.
And I have to apologize for not posting pics. yet. Our computer's mother board is shot, so we're having to get everything downloaded to an entirely new computer. I've been using our laptop for now. But don't worry friends, I will post very huge preggie pics. soon!

Still Here

2009-06-15T10:52:00.002-05:00

Sorry everyone for not posting in a very long time. A lot has changed since my last post. My husband is now a real doctor (not a pretend one) and we are living in a real house with a backyard in Tulsa Oklahoma! I am still pregnant, well actually about to pop. I seriously don't think my skin can stretch anymore. We damaged our other computer in the move so I can't post pics. yet. Sorry, I know everyone is anxious to see the new house. We should be getting our real computer back this evening so I'll post with more details and pictures later.

We made it!

2009-06-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

Well...

We made it! Just barely, but we made it. Tam has managed to hold baby Bridger in despite all the stress and discomfort she has been going through. The long ride to Tulsa and the next couple of days of serious unpacking have been very rough! But she did it.

The kids did a fantastic job too. They were incredible on the trip. Phoenix and I sang lots of primary songs and swapped manly stories and the next morning... you guessed it we made waffles! (not really) The Hollowbrook ward did a fantastic job of welcoming us in. We had a lot of people show up and help unload the U-haul. I was amazed! The piano was a lot easier. Of course we had more hands than were necessary and we didn't have to go up two or three floors.

We'll post pictures of the house as soon as we're done with it. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the renovators had done such a fine job that they even took out the phone jacks from the walls. That was a wonderful detail that escaped our fine tooth combing of the house. No one caught that. I mean no one. Not me, not my realtor, not my seller, not my inspector, not anyone. Anyway I quickly learned how to install phone jacks.

I mowed the lawn. It looks great. However our backyard has a bunch of dandelions that the kids love to pick the seeds and blow them all over the place. They also grow beautiful sunflowers. However, in the back of my mind I just can't stop thinking...THEY ARE WEEDS! THEY MUST GO!!! AHHHHHHH! So I've been perusing the internet trying to figure out how best to get rid of them. The best suggestion so far has been to rip them up from the ground by their roots. Let me tell you, those roots are deep and strong and don't want to come out. My hands ache. Tomorrow I'm buying a little spade to help me get the roots, while Phoenix will kindly spray me with his new water hose.

Other news...Sequoia's new room is ultra cute and very befitting for our little princess. Phoenix's room is looking good too. The parent's have no idea what to do with their room and are waiting until they have some money. HAHAHAHAHA...waiting until we have some money...get it? (Tears are streaming from my eyes right now) money...hahaha.

I'm reminded of a picture at my sister's wedding. Both my dad and my sister's father-in-law are showing their inside out pockets, emphasizing how broke they are. Well just put me and Tam in that spot. That's us.

Well enough of our woes. We're all excited to be here yet sad to have left Galveston. We've enjoyed owning a home for a whole week. We might say something different after our first mortgage payment. We'll see. Anyway...blog you later.

Remembering Galveston

2009-05-14T16:15:00.004-05:00

We decided we wanted to remember a few of our favorite places in Galveston. So here we are at some of our favorite Galveston hot spots.
Phoenix really loves the beach. I'm pretty sure he would live there if we let him.
Our favorite spot on the seawall.
The Rosenberg library. We haven't enjoyed it as much since the hurricane but we still have a lot of fun memories there.
A rare shot of Sequoia posing for the camera. I really love this one. This was taken on the Strand. Again we haven't gone as much since the hurricane, especially since our favoirte candy shop is closed. We still like to go for the scenery though.

Baby Bella

2009-04-22T19:27:00.003-05:00

She's here! My sister Andrea had her baby this morning by c-section. She weighed 6 lb. 1 oz. and 19 inches long. Her name is Isabella Jane Daws and she is soo cute! And yes, she already has more hair than Sequoia. Sequoia told me today, "I want hair!" At least that's what it sounded like anyway. Don't worry Q-Bear, your time will come. We're so happy for Aunt Angie and Uncle Malachi! I hope to be seeing them soon. I can't wait to hold Baby Bella. (Or baby Banilla as Phoenix calls her.)

2009-04-14T19:31:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's taken me awhile to post my preggie pics. Mainly beacuse I'm not that hot on seeing myself while pregnant. But my sister and I decided to get pictures together since we're both prego at the same time. She's two months ahead of me. Anyway, these were taken at the beginning of March. Needless to say my belly has doubled in size since then. I was about five months pregnant and Andrea about 7 months. I also posted some pics. of the kids in their Easter Sunday clothes.

Easter!

2009-04-13T13:55:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post a few pictures from our ward Easter party. The kids racked up on the Easter candy. Phoenix finally understands the dynamics of the easter egg hunt while Sequoia would pick up an egg, sit down, open it, eat the candy, and then look for another egg. Luckily she was with the group of other little kids who understood the egg hunt just as well as she did. Needless to say, Phoenix ended the day with a lot more candy than her. Luckily neither one of them noticed when mommy mysteriously disposed of the candy the next morning. This first picture if from Easter morning, the rest are of the ward party.

More Tulsa home pics.

2009-04-13T13:44:00.005-05:00

I wanted to post a few more pictures of the house. It's a 3 bed 2 bath with 2 car garage with a pantry area and utility room. It's got lots of closet space which I'm really happy about and it has a fenced in back yard. We're one house down from the elementary school which I'm also really happy about.
Master bedroom closet.
View of the school from our front yard.
Lighting fixture in the dining area. I didn't get a good picture of the dining area so this will have to do.
Master bathroom, we'll have to put a bigger mirror on the to-do list.
View of the backyard from the back patio.

New House

2009-04-13T13:35:00.002-05:00

We found a home in Tulsa! Hopefully we can actually get it. We made an offer but haven't heard back yet. We looked at 12 homes and decided on this one. It is a complete remodel with tankless water heater and pretty much brand new everything. Keep your fingers crossed, we really do need a house!
The master bedroom has a walk-in closet with a master bath.
The front of the house.
The living room with stone fireplace.
The kitchen (we're hoping to get some appliances in with our loan.)
Another view of the kitchen.

More Birthday Stuff

2009-04-05T09:58:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to post a few more pictures from the birtday. Mommy and Phoenix on his birthday.
Paw-Paw opening Phoenix's new garbage truck as Sequoia assists.
A sampling of the trucks, old and new.
Between the orange garbage truck and green tractor are all his new trucks. The rest are the old faithfuls.
I had to include a picture of Phoenix blowing out the candle.

Four Years and Counting

2009-04-04T18:51:00.004-05:00

Here's Phoenix with all his friends. Sequoia and Carter in back and Phoenix and Brampton in front.

Here's the birthday cake on top of the washing machine. Maybe this will remind me of all the counter space we don't have.

A gift card from Grams and Grandpa complete with a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart.

I had to get a picture of this. She never lets Uncle Malachi walk in the room without bawling her head off. She actually let him hold her this time.

So you have to keep yourself occupied somehow while you're waiting for the party to start!

It's birtday time again. Phoenix is officially four years old today. He's been waiting a long time for this one. He had a really fun birthday. He got trucks galore! It's almost seven o'clock and he's been playing non-stop since his party at 12 noon. Besides all the trucks he got a real fishing pole from Aunt Andrea and Uncle Malachi. Last year they gave him a toy fishing rod which was a lot of fun but this year he decided he was done with the toy stuff and wanted the real thing. His Mamu and Paw-Paw got to come to the party this year which was a nice treat. We'll miss not living so close to them. Sequoia enjoyed the birthday too, even if there were tons of boy toys. She really likes the trucks too thanks to big brother. (It's ok Q-Bear, on your birthday you'll get enough baby dolls and jewelry to rival all the boy toys.)

Match Day

2009-03-20T09:02:00.002-05:00

It's finally here! We're headed for Tulsa, Oklahoma in a few months. We're excited to go but sad to move away from all our friends we've made here in Galveston. It's hard to believe it's been four years already. We enjoyed our time at the match ceremony. Dave's name was of course one of the last to be called. Not the very last name though, that would've meant we would have won the moolah. Dave leaned over to me during the ceremony and said that he knew his name wouldn't be the very last one so let's get it over with. He was right, it was just almost the last. Neither of us are very surprised to be going to Tulsa. It was his third pick, but honestly we both had a feeling that Tulsa was the place. I slept almost none last night thinking about everything we have to do before we move. It gets extra complicated when you add the fact that I'll be 35 weeks prego when we move. But we're leaving this one up to the Lord. We prayed that we could go to the place he wanted us, so I have faith that I'll get there in one piece, and hopefully not have Bridger in the U-haul!

Playing in the Park

2009-03-01T23:07:00.000-06:00

Crossing the Streams

2009-03-01T21:05:00.004-06:00

"Crossing the stream," is an old term that was more or less invented for Ghostbusters, the movie. It's basically a product of my 'brink back the 80's' portion of my mind during toilet training.

While we were toilet training Phoenix, I would urinate first while he was watching so he could see how it was done. Then he would take his turn and urinate into the toilet, mostly. He's gotten a lot better over the year. At some point, Phoenix thought it would be a great idea for us to urinate into the toilet at the same time.

Hence, "Crossing the Streams," so we would pee at the same time and try to make our urine streams cross each other on their way to the toilet. That's all it was! Nothing complex, just crossing urine streams. So this became a pretty big habit, especially before bed time. Phoenix would look forward to it most of the time. The other times he was in trouble, and so he didn't look forward to anything, much less crossing some urine streams into the toilet.

Well one day I was a work. Phoenix announced to everyone in the entire house that he had to pee. This mostly consisted of his mommy and Sequoia. So mommy went in to watch him and make sure he didn't make a mess, which he still rarely does out of belligerence. While he was preparing his micturitional moment, he looked over at mommy and said, "Mommy don't you want to cross the streams with me?"

This of course caused some embarrassment as mommy had to explain that she couldn't.

"Why not mommy?"

"Because I don't have a tee tee. I have to sit down to pee," she explained.

A pained look came over Phoenix's face at that moment and he said, very sympathetically, "Oh mommy, I'm SOOO sorry you don't have a tee tee. That's so sad." Then he proceeded to urinate into the toilet.

Baby Bridger

2009-02-16T11:02:00.003-06:00

To all of you out there that guessed it's a boy, you were right! I had my ultrasound this morning and found out officially, although I have to say I've been calling him a boy all along. I even started calling him Baby Bridger and Phoenix picked up on that really fast. So my belly had offically become Baby Bridger even before we knew what we were having. I would have felt bad if it did turn out to be a girl and we had been calling her a boy this whole time.

Phoenix came to the ultrasound with me and Dave. He thought he saw the belly button a few times. Dave tried to explain to him that baby Bridger doesn't have a belly button yet. Phoenix said, "Huh?" And then the ultrasound tech said she found the baby's turtle. Well, Dave tried to explain this to him too. "You see Phoenix, baby's have turtles inside instead of pee pee's." "What?" and if any of you know Phoenix it was more like a "WHATTT?" Well, he'll be messed up for life thinking there is a turtle inside mommy along with the baby.

But we're all really happy to be adding a new boy to our family. Sequoia may become a big tom boy with two brothers but I seriously doubt it. She really loves her dollys and clothes. She's a good little mommy. My due date is still July 2nd and they said the baby looks healthy. I would post the pics but don't have a scanner so that makes it a little difficult. We only got two pictures. We got a really good picture of the arm and hand where you can see all five fingers and the other is of the "turtle." We didn't get any face shots. His head was tucked under and sort of hard to see but we did see it. It's always such a neat experience to see your baby while it's still in the womb.

Six thirty! C'mon!

2009-02-12T22:12:00.002-06:00

So this morning...

Sequoia decided to wake up bright and early, and if I remember correctly, before the sun even woke up. At around 6:30 AM she let it be known that she was awake and that she wanted her parental transport to the parent's room. Tam and I quickly drew straws and I drew the shortest one. I seem to be drawing that one a lot lately (not really). Anyway Tam and I welcomed our new guest in the bed who promptly did not go back to sleep and that was the end of our beauty sleep.

So this evening...
Tired and a little irritated, I decided to confront my little girl about this waking up business.

I said, "Sequoia what's up this waking up at 6:30 in the morning? Do we need to have a chat about this?"

Sequoia leaned over from her mother's lap and whispered loudly and succinctly, "No."

And that my good friends was the end of that conversation. My little girl has officially taken over the household! I thought teenagers were going to be hard, but I had no idea, evidently. It was the cutest "no" I've ever seen.

I'm (gasp) 30.

2009-02-05T14:44:00.007-06:00

Well I hadn't posted in a while, so I thought I'd post one. February 3rd was my birthday. Everybody in my immediate family remembered. My in-laws remembered, but the funny thing is...my parents forgot. In fact, as I'm posting right now, I still haven't gotten a call saying happy birthday! Who knows, maybe they sent me an unbelievable package in the mail and I just haven't gotten it yet and they figured that was good enough. Until then I'll keep waiting. The funny thing is mom forgot Rachelle's birthday last year. So maybe it's my turn. I don't care too much that my dad forgot because well he'd forget his own birthday if we didn't call him to let him know he had been born that day 'x' years ago. You know, you'd think my parents would definitely find out now because I'm posting this over the web, but my mom considers herself too inept to even check our family blog. My dad rarely uses the internet for anything other than airplane parts and watching his stocks. So until someone in my family tells them, they probably will keep on forgetting! I feel the love!!! (Where is it exactly? I'm sure it was here just a second ago.)

Here's my birthday cake! It was good! Upside down pineapple cake - thanks to Cassidy for the loaned egg!

The kids are doing well. Phoenix and I have been up and biking again. We really enjoy that. He mainly likes to bike to the airplane museum. 'Quoia has been taking it really well and staying home, but soon her head will be big enough to fit inside a biking helmet. Then we can take her out. Until then I think she has to wait. At least that's what the more responsible half tells me.

Other news...every year the Hanks family (that would be Tamara's side) gets together and does secret pal. After we draw names, we all say things that are reasonably cost efficient that we would like for Christmas. I'm getting so old (Hey I'm thirty, that's like...ancient) and my toys are becoming more and more expensive (You know XBox 360 or an already made magic gimmick where I can saw people in half) so the only cost efficient thing I tend to like is books. So I said I would like whoever has my name to give me a copy of there favorite book. This could've been quite risky as Tamara pointed out. I could've received anything from a church book to the latest analysis of socialism and its effects on the capitalist economy. Instead I received a pleasant little surprise called Jane Eyre. I'm sure you've heard of it. You maybe haven't read it, but you've heard of it. When I asked the person who gave me this why it was their favorite, they replied "Because it's depressing!" Like that was a good thing.

After reading it, and I must admit I was not able to zip through this one as the style it was written in is about a 150 years old. I was happy to say this book is not depressing. Oh it has depressing parts and you really do think that Charlotte Bronte gets a thrill for torturing poor Jane Eyre, but in the end it's a happy book. It's actually quite good, and while I will probably never read it again I can say I have read this classic and it has even made me think. Which, if I remember my english lit classes, is what is supposed to happen. I do find it interesting to see the path that Gothic style has come from. If I'm not mistaken and I could be...the Bronte sisters started the gothic genre of literature. It's interesting to me because there are only four or so scenes that one might say is gothic at all when comparing it to current gothic style novels. It's just neat to see the origins of so called gothic lit or style and take a look at where it is now. Thank goodness vampires came along to inspire the white make up. (No I'm not a huge secret goth person in disguise...)

I do have one question...and if any one can corroborate this with me I'd really appreciate it. I read Wuthering Heights over ten years ago. I was trying to remember if Heathcliffe was previously married to a crazy woman who was responsible for all the ghost-like imagery in the novel. If so I must say the Bronte sisters totally ripped each other off and I wonder if that was a necessary goth type element for a gothic novel. I can't remember though, and I don't care enought to look it up, but if someone would tell me I'd appreciate it.

For FHE we learned all about being princes and princessess in our Heavenly Father's kingdom. We made crowns for fun.

Here's 'Quoia all covered with pizza sauce celebrating with her new crown. She is a princess!

Phoenix really enjoyed making these crowns for Family Home Evening.

I can't help it!!! "It's good to be king!" I just had to say it!

27 candles

2009-01-28T08:18:00.002-06:00

Yes I am now 27. My birthday was the 26th. Dave got me a new watch, Phoenix decorated my cake and Sequoia helped me eat it. Honestly I get way more excited for my kids' birthdays than mine. Thank you to my visiting teachers, Jessica and Stephanie, for the goodies. It's nice to be remembered. In all it was a nice birthday.

Just for Kicks

2009-01-19T09:09:00.002-06:00

I just thought I would let everyone know I have officially felt the baby's first kicks. I had been feeling some small flutters, which are really hard to decide if they are real kicks or not. The other night I was sitting on the couch watching TV and definitely felt the baby kick. Dave was at an interview in St. Louis but I'm sure he couldn't have felt them anyway. Also, on Feb. 16 I'm scheduled for my ultrasound. I really don't care what I'm having this time. Now that I have a boy and a girl there's not too much drama with this one. Ironically my due date is now July 2nd and when does Dave start his intern year? You guessed it, July 1. Well I guess there is drama with this baby after all.

We're Back!

2009-01-13T12:42:00.004-06:00

Here's our little family at Grandma's house.

Big time Daddy's girl.

It was very cold!

Here were are in a little Bavarian town called Levensworth.
They had a great hill for sledding.

We are finally home from Washington! We had a fun time enjoying the snow. We went sledding which was Phoenix's favorite. We had a great Christmas. We got to spend it with Dave's family which is sometimes hard to do since they live so far away. When we got home our computer had apparently crashed, it would't turn on. I'll blame the lack of posting on that; ) Thankfully my parents had an old computer they wanted to give away so we are using it now. We also had Christmas with my parents this past weekend at my sister Andrea's house. Phoenix got a new garbage truch which he absolutely loves and won't let out of his sight. Sequoia got a new baby doll. She likes to play mommy. She makes me change the diaper and wipe its bum with her wipees. It was kinda fun to have two Christmases. I'm sure Phoenix will expect two Christmases next year which probably isn't likely to happen. He'll someday figure it out that there is only one Christmas per year.

In other news, I had a doctor's appointment today and according to my ultrasound I am two weeks farther along than expected. That puts my due date at July 2. I'm super happy about that. Especially since my nausea seems to be letting up. I already changed the little baby on the baby ticker.

Snow day

2008-12-18T10:07:00.004-06:00

So we went to my parent's house last week and were pleasantly surprised the next morning when we woke up to snow! Here are a few of the pictures I got. In other Grantham news, Sequoia is finally walking! She started taking steps at 14 months and now she has taken off. She's even doing a speed walk now. Just another example of how different my kids are; Phoenix took his first steps at nine months. Also, we are now in Washington state visitng David's parents and are finding out what real snow and real cold are like. It was four degrees when we got here. It even feels like the air is frozen.

"Look at our car, that's really weird." Phoenix's title for this picture. That's my mom behind the car.

There's still a little snow left when I took these pictures.

This might have been fun to slide down but we decided not to find out.

Phoenix touches Texas snow. It was very wet icy snow but we were glad to have it anyway.

Here's our very humble snow man. This is as much as we could make before our hands froze!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T13:02:00.003-06:00

Happy belated Thanksgiving to all ya'll who are reading this now. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We join the number of sick people to add to the count, if anyone is counting. But we still had a fun Thanksgiving despite being under the weather. We went to my parent's for Thanksgiving day and went with my family to Hodges Gardens in Louisiana. I will post pics as soon as I get them. I'm getting my dad to make copies from his camera since I seem to have misplaced mine. Anyway, Hodges Gardens is a place my family has been visiting since I was a kid and it is an awesome beautiful place. The trees were beautiful this time of year, all different colors. This is something we are not used to here in Galveston. It was refreshing to see all the trees standing upright with their tops still attached. I had become so used to hurricane trees I forgot what it was like to see normal trees. We stayed in some cabins out by a beautiful lake. We rented canoes and went boating out in the lake. We also hiked the main gardens which are full of waterfalls and flowers. Although this time of year it was mostly the red and yellow leaves that were so beautiful. It was pretty cold and rainy but we were still able to enjoy it. We're back home in Galveston now and as I said earlier, we've all got colds. I've got pregnancy nausea also so I'm feeling pretty yucky but I am glad I was able to have a nice Thanksgiving with my family.

Shoes, shoes, shoes, and more shoes!

2008-11-17T15:38:00.006-06:00

So...for a long time 'Quoia wouldn't wear shoes because she didn't see any need to strap leather to her feet to protect them since she didn't even walk on her feet. (If we could find something to strap to her bottom on the other hand...that might be helpful.) However, one day Tam, decided to strap shoes on her and force her to wear them. Whatever happened, you can definitely tell that 'Quoia has taken a liking to her shoes. She now scoots up to us demanding that we put shoes on her feet. Normally she demands we put her own shoes on her feet and they don't match. Today though, she demanded that I put on her feet shoes and shoes and shoes, and then...more shoes. Here is a picture.

First of all she is actually wearing two of her own shoes in this picture. She's also wearing Phoenix's sock on her right hand/arm along with one of his shoes. On her left foot she has one of her shoes on and Phoenix's sandal. And while I don't have a picture of it, she is currently wearing Tam's red and black leather shoes. She's sporting one of them over her sandal on her right foot. For such an anti-leather-wearing-gal, she sure has changed!

The following pictures show just how crazy she's gotten.

This is actually her arm!

Phoenix's sandal over one of her own shoes! It's shoes madness. I just can't wait until she starts explaining to me how she has no shoes to wear with any of her outfits. I'm practicing my eye rolls already for that big day. Many people tell me just how much of a boy Phoenix is, but 'Quoia is definitely all girl. I wish all of you could hear her stomping around in her shoes right now. It's cute.

Oh dear, what's a dad to do...

Surprise

2008-11-14T17:12:00.003-06:00

Having weaned Sequoia after nursing her for over a year, I was excited to get my body back to myself again. I started working out again and started eating healthier. Things were actually sort of easy with a one year old and three year old. I might also add that with my new diet I was faithful about taking my vitamins and birth control every morning. Then on Saturday I realized I was a couple days late, not too much to worry about right? By Monday I bought a test. I really didn't think anything would come of it. Dave and I weren't planning on having another critter for a few years, and I had been very diligent in taking my birth control. Test number one results: positive. Well obvioulsy that can't be right. Test number two results: still positive. Now wait a minute. Can I take this back? This can't be right. Well, I am (gulp) happy to say that yes we are expecting Grantham kid number three. Dave was thrilled, and if I didn't have three months of nausea ahead of me I would be ecstatic also. I am pleasantly surprised and I am sure Heavenly Father knew I needed another little blessing in my life. I'm putting my sister Andrea's baby ticker with mine because we're actually only about ten weeks apart. I'm really excited about that. It'll be fun to have kids so close in age. Possible baby names so far: Sur Prise, Acci Dent, and Oops!

Halloween

2008-11-12T15:39:00.004-06:00

So here it is! I've finally got our halloween pictures up. Phoenix had decided last year that he wanted to be a firefighter for halloween. You'll see him as a firefighter in the three pictures on the bottom from the ward party. I bought him a pirate costume to wear to the Rennaissance festival, so on halloween he switched from firefighter to pirate.

Arrgh! Phoenix and Carter raiding for some treasure! Dave taught Phoenix to say, "Gimme treasure!" instead of "trick or treat" so when they gave him candy instead of treasure we had to explain that Daddy was just kidding.

One of our only shots with Sequoia actually wearing her hood. She was little red riding hood but not for long!

Here's firefighter Phoenix.

Here we are at the ward party. Congrats to Dave who performed his first magic show at the ward party. And congrats to Sequoia who won the cutest baby costume award.

Lorena and Chris

2008-11-11T18:03:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Lorena and Chris! They finally tied the knot despite being chased off by Hurricane Ike. They were actually married in Oklahoma after evacuating from Ike. We held a small reception for them at my sister's house in Beaumont.

Lorena poses with her favorite red headed nephew. Sequoia's upset that she didn't catch the boquet.

My sister Andrea, on the left, Lorena, me and Quoia, and my Mom.

Family Update

2008-10-22T17:50:00.005-05:00

I've decided to take a break from all this Ike stuff and talk about our family. Dave started back to work this week doing a dermatology rotation in Texas City. He's had a nice schedule and he has weekends off so I'm not complaining. It's been nice to have Dave around. Dave has alreay gotten 10 interviews for residency. We're still wondering how we're going to pay for all the plane tickets but we're excited that he's got so many options. Sequoia is really getting to be a "daddy's little girl." He's usually the one to give her a bottle at night while I'm getting Phoenix in bed. She's definitely get him wrapped around her little finger. Quoia's favorite word is "cheese!" She uses it to say thank you and please. This is also the word she uses any time she sees a camera. Of course Phoenix is a daddy's boy also. We like to play "smash" together. For those wondering, smash is a glorified pillow fight. Sequoia's even getting in on the action now. We've been enjoying the fall weather and having fun with the friends who are able to stay here in Galveston.

Galveston after Ike

2008-10-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

The shirt on my back

2008-09-18T13:29:00.002-05:00

I was just thinking about what it feels like to literally only own the "shirt on my back." When we ecavuated Galveston I didn't pack many clothes. I really only expected to be gone a few days. So now I find myself cycling through the three pairs of clothing I own. Thankfully Briana has graciously let us use her washer/dryer and that has been a great blessing. I feel like we didn't have a lot of warning for this hurricane. It kind of caught me off guard and, to be honest, I didn't think it would hit. Thank goodness for the church and for the preparations we had already made months in advance. Now I feel like I'm rambling but there is so much on my mind. I'm having trouble sleeping at night thinking about all our friend's houses that have been destroyed. If anything though, my testimony has grown stronger knowing that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows our situations and will take care of us.

Gone for Ike

2008-09-12T14:14:00.003-05:00

So we're here at Jason and Briana's trying to outrun Hurricane Ike. I just wanted to let everyone know that we are out of harms way. We are enjoying our "vacation" but are also nervous about my family who are going to ride out the storm in Beaumont. Take care all, especially all our friends living in Galveston. (Hopefully you aren't still there!)

Sequoia turns 1!

2008-08-31T17:29:00.003-05:00

So my bald beauty just turned one! Yes, it's already been a year since I had her. It's amazing how time flies. There is a story behind her birthday cake. We first had a small party at my parent's house and, of course, we let her have her own piece of cake to do with whatever she wants. I suppose after getting fussed at several times for making really bad messes with food she just didn't want to make a mess. She poked the cake with the fork and with her finger, but just wouldn't dig in like she ought to. So we gave her a second chance on her real birthday. This time she made a mess with her hands but nothing else. She wasn't even interested in eating it. So after 10 minutes of just too much cleanliness, Dave took her little hand and rubbed it all over her face and hair.

Close Call

2008-08-11T18:51:00.005-05:00

So I just had one of the worst scares of my life. If anyone wants an excuse to have a messy kids' room, here's a good reason for it. I was in the kitchen making dinner when Dave got home. Phoenix went to his room to find a ball and a few minutes later we hear a loud crash and screaming. When I get to his room I find Phoenix's brand new five drawer dresser laying flat on the ground. Phoenix is nowhere in sight. I panic. I can't see Phoenix at all but I definitely know from the screams that he is laying underneath the dresser. Dave and I pull the dresser off. Of course Phoenix is screaming like crazy. Dave checks him out head to toe and all we find are a few cuts and scrapes. Phoenix eventually calms down and asks to play with his dump truck. So five minutes after the whole ordeal Phoenix is happily throwing blocks in his dump truck. As I was sitting in the room with him I notice that a big green block box and some other clutter had been right beside Phoenix when the dresser fell, so I imagine the box and clutter had kept the dresser propped up just enough to not entirely crush Phoenix. Can I just say that I know Heavenly Father was watching out for my little red head. It was a very close call. I was about to sue IKEA (we bought our dresser there) but Dave said the dresser actually came with a band that hooks to the wall, he just hadn't put it on yet. Yes he's attaching it right now. I'm pretty sure Phoenix was trying climb up the dresser when it all happened. Anyway, here's one good reason to keep your kid's room messy.

ABC Tag

2008-07-27T19:43:00.003-05:00

Here you go Briana!

A= ADVOCATE FOR: Being a mom. I don’t want to miss a minute of it.
B = BEST FEATURE: Dave says my legs.
C = COULDN'T DO WITHOUT: My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.
D = DREAMS AND DESIRES: To go RVing across the US with Dave when we are old and wrinkled.
E = ESSENTIAL ITEM: A/C! How did they survive in the olden days?
F= FAVORITE PAST TIME: What’s that? No really I like reading when I can.
G = GOOD AT: Dreaming. It’s really easy. Honestly though, I do have some crazy dreams. I’d like to write stories of them some day.
H = HAVE NEVER TRIED: Sky diving, and I never intend to no matter how much Lorena begs.
I = IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS: Pay off school debts, save it, pay tithes, and give some to my mom and dad.
J = JUNKIE FOR: Cookies, all kinds, all shapes, all sizes.
K = KINDRED SPIRIT: My hubby.
L = LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I don’t know the difference between itch and scratch, and yes, I did major in English.
M = MEMORABLE MOMENT: Giving birth to my two kids, but I’ll spare the details.
N = NEVER AGAIN WILL I: Throw up while I’m pregnant (I wish).
O = OCCASIONAL INDULGENCE: Chocolate, well, a little more than “occasional”.
Q = QUOTE: My Grandma used to say, “It ain’t so bad that it can’t get worse!”
R = REASON TO SMILE: I can’t be mad at Dave. For some reason he always makes me smile.
S = SORRY ABOUT: All the times Phoenix hit and pushed Ava! Yikes!
T = TAG SOME FRIENDS: Whoever reads this and hasn’t done it yet.
U = UNINTERESTED IN: Going all day without a nap.
V = VERY SCARED OF: Snakes, I think it’s a genetic thing. All the women in my family are terrified.
W = WORST HABIT: Not taking enough down time from my kids. I’m always a lot nicer after I get a break.
X = X MARKS MY IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Europe
Y = YESTERYEAR DECADE OF CHOICE: My college years while I was dating Dave. It’s funny how you date way more before you’re married.
Z = ZODIAC SIGN: Aquarius

Child of God

2008-07-13T17:46:00.003-05:00

Phoenix just finished singing Castle Song and then he started singing I am a Child of God. We thought it was really sweet. He then proceeded into what will also be a big hit, "The Chair Song."

2008-07-13T17:36:00.002-05:00

Here's a little serenade for our blogging audience. The actual song is much longer, but we cut it down to a mere 42 seconds. Phoenix really enjoyed singing it.

July 4

2008-07-13T17:22:00.003-05:00

Somehow Phoenix has enough pull at the railroad museum to get a spot in the fourth of July parade. They really only reserve the parade train for "upper level members" but Phoenix goes to the station so much they decided to give him a spot. So we decorated our stroller and walked along beside Phoenix inside the parade car. I do have pictures I hope to be posting soon. Phoenix was dressed as a conductor with overalls and red bandana and a conductor's blue and white striped hat. He really enjoyed the parade and so did we, although for 10 a.m. it was very hot. My parents and sister and brother in law came to watch also. That's our latest!

80 cents

2008-06-30T18:19:00.004-05:00

Phoenix and I were looking at some pictures of Dave's parents (Grams and Grandpa) on the computer. They live in Washington state. Phoenix said he wanted to go see them and I said we couldn't because we didn't have enough money. I told him he needed $800 so he ran to my room and ran back out with a handful of coins. We counted them and he had 80 cents. Just 1000 more handfuls of that and he'll have a ticket!

Sequoia "crawls"!

2008-06-23T20:53:00.002-05:00

So we decided to have some watermelon for FHE. Sequoia was sitting on the opposite side of the room when she spotted her dad eating one of her favorite foods (she likes food.) She decided to "crawl", well actually scoot on her bum, to the watermelon. I caught the last half of it on video, she had already scooted most of the way before I caught it on tape. But we thought it was really cute. She hates being on her belly but she has found a way to get around anyway!

Congrats Dave!

2008-06-21T17:30:00.002-05:00

David just finished his third year in med. school! We sure are glad it's over but it does give us an idea of what the intern year will be like. He has a whole week off and then it's back to work. Phoenix, Sequoia and I have just returned from my uncle's funeral. It was a sad event but we know Uncle Larry is in a better place. My mom just finished reading Twilight and she's hooked. I can't wait for number four.

Lorena's book

2008-06-08T20:21:00.002-05:00

So as Lorena's unoffical publicist, I'd like to encourage everyone to spread the word that my sister's book is available on amazon.com. Just type in lorena hanks and it will bring you right to it, or click on my link and it will bring you right to lorena's web sight. If the link won't work just type in lorenahanks.com. It's an amazing book, I can't wait for the sequel!

3 yr. old with a camera

2008-06-04T22:19:00.003-05:00

So if you're crazy enough, let your kid loose with a camera and see what happens. This happened sort of unintentionally but I thought it was pretty cute. It sort of shows things from the point of view of a three year old. So enjoy an evening in the life of Phoenix!

2008-05-31T09:39:00.003-05:00

I got theses pics. taken at JCPenney's portrait studio inside Baybrook Mall. They also took Phoenix's two year old photos and I liked them as well.

Phoenix just turned 3 on April 4. He's a really good big brother.

Sequoia is 9 months old and a "lazy" girl. At least that's what the doctor calls her because she isn't crawling yet.