GIGGLES

Thursday, December 11, 2008

December

Well, life has been busy. I think I'm learning that my time is valuable. I can only do so many things and the rest have to go undone.
Life is going good. We had a great and quiet thanksgiving. Serge's dad and Peggy(his wife) came over. We made everything and they paid for it. I thought that was a great deal. It was delicious as Serge made almost everything. We brined our turkey this year and let me tell you that it was super moist! And the gravy was to die for. My contribution was homemade cranberry sauce. Super easy, yet very tasty.
We went shopping the day after Thanksgiving and it was early. Serge started at 4am and I got the boys out the door at 6. Since then (and before) I have been busy with crafts, sewing and the boys. I'll try to post some pictures after Christmas. I've loved every minute of it, really and I feel more like myself than in a long while.
Landon and Hayden are doing good. Hayden is counting down to Christmas. The Sunday after Halloween he woke up and said, "it's Thanksgiving and then it's Christmas." I told him almost.
Landon is working on walking with a walker. I've yet to get some pictures, but he's coming along.
This post would be longer, but Hayden is insisting that we make a gingerbread house this morning--ASAP. I told him after chores. He's sitting on the garbage can waiting for me.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Halloween pictures, by request (thanks Amanda)

Here they are. The cutest kids on 7th street. We had a good time this year trick or treating in Glendora historic discrict during the day and then at our ward party at night. I took a bag along for Landon. I know he can't eat it all, but I can help him.
Hayden was Woody riding Bullseye from Toy Story. He would put on his horse and run through our one walkway yelling, "to infinity and beyond."
Landon was a cow. He thought it was o.k. We wanted to make him a koala, but those costumes were $80. Who has $80 to spend on a costume. I bought his thinking he could fit into a 12 month size. It was a little tight. So we added some hoofs at the knees. Sigh. The kid is 23 lbs now and growing.



Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Fire prevention week

Well, it's that beloved time of year. Ah, I love baking with pumpkin, the fall colors and learning about fire prevention.
So Hayden goes to preschool time at the library. He gets to go all by himself, a thing that I am very proud of. I ask the ladies that do the stories if he participates and all. They say he sings the songs, but he's not a chatterbox(That's because he's not yet comfortable). Anywho. This week was fire prevention week. So I go in to help him do the craft(like usual) and all of the kids are gathered around a stuffed dalmation dog that is supposedly driving a mini fire engine. The lights are flashing and the dog seems to be talking. "remember kids. If you catch on fire, what do you do?" Then the kids join in with , "stop, drop and roll." Well, most of the kids do. Anywho, Hayden is just watching everyone and then goes to pet the real working dog who always comes. Then we go do our craft and no big deal.
Well, later on that day we were shopping for a costume for Landon and I slipped into TJ Max. Of course I had to peruse down the shoe sale isle on the way to the costumes. While were were trying on some shoes I asked Hayden, "Hayden, what do you do if your clothes catch on fire." He avoided the question. I tried again, prepared to do a little prompting. (before he called roll--proll.) "What do you think we should do, Hayden."
Hayden: For what?
Me: If our clothes catch on fire
Hayden, without missing a beat, "We should put them in the sink."
I was laughing hysterically all by my self. Hayden couldn't see what was wrong.
don't worry, I talked to him later about it.

Monday, October 6, 2008

I hate. . .

I know I know, the hate word is strong but it's true. I hate bills. I also hate the word budget. Yuck! Why do we have to constantly be reminded of reality? Can't I just have what I want when I want? WAAAAAA!
Love,
Sara:)

Sunday, September 28, 2008

San Diego

For our anniversary this year, we planned a trip to San Diego. It was probably the most relaxing trip we took this Summer and I absolutely loved it! We booked a hotel on priceline. If you have never done the "name your own price" you need to look into it. I have never stayed at a four star hotel before, let alone for under $100. It was so much fun. We asked for a king bed, but when we got to our room, it smelled faintly of smoke. So we went back to ask for another room. They upgraded us to "a room with a view." It was perfect--except it didn't have a tub. For those of you who know a little of our house, you will know that we don't have one. So when we go on vacation I NEED one!
Our French concierge transferred us quickly to two doors down. So we kept our view, gained a bed for Hayden to sleep on and had a very nice tub. Here is the view, at least part of it.


Here's how our trip went.
Friday morning we got up and drove to the San Diego Zoo.


We toured the zoo on the bus and then started on our own. I think our favorite animals that day were the gorillas. They were so interactive with each other and then Hayden went up to the glass and was touching their feet.

It was so funny to hear Hayden interact with any of the animals. "Hey friend!" or "Hey buddy!" We had brought our own lunch, which Hayden wanted to leave all over the park for the animals:)
We decided that Landon wasn't exactly our "wild turkey" any more, but was more like a koala. not to be confused with a bear, but it's a marsupial. I hope we can find him a Haloween costume to match.



Then we headed back to our hotel around 4pm, got checked in, blah blay blah(see above) and decided we needed a dip in the pool. They had water slides that were so much fun! Hayden LOVED it. We could hardly get him out of the pool when they closed the slides for the night.

Then we went to a yummy Mexican restaurant for dinner in Old Town. Serge bought me a rose, which was very sweet. Then we tried to talk over the mariachi band and the drunk people singing at the top of their lungs. The drunk people's dancing was quite entertaining and then we met someone who had had a heart problem when he was young. He shared with us his testimony of how God healed him. It was quite touching.
We went back to hotel and the kids crashed. I stayed up late to watch how Hurricane Ike was progressing in Galveston and the train wreck in LA. AND to have a nice bath!
The next morning we packed up the hotel room and went out to find some doughnuts. I was in the mood for bagels and so when we found them, we made another stop at Ralph's so I could get my "bagel", which ended up being a few different pastries and an orange cinnamon roll. What could I do?
Then we headed back to the Zoo.
It was a little bit busier, since it was Saturday, but we still had a great time. We really loved all of the beautiful flowers we noticed and could not help but take a few pictures.



In the end, it was just so relaxing not to have to rush. We headed for home about 6pm and felt refreshed. I think that's the first vacation that I've felt like that ever.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

How did he get so big?


For a boy that barfs at LEAST once a day, I don't know how he gets so big. His brother is no shrimp either. Hayden woke up crying the other night saying that his knee caps hurt--a sign of intense growing. I had those all the time when I was younger. Sigh.


I think my back is getting a slipped disk from carrying landon in the front carrier. He loves it though. When he kicks it jerks my whole body. His favorite is when I open a produce bag to fill it. He squeals and then giggles. It's pretty funny how loud he can get.

Hayden at the LA fair, having the time of his life. He couldn't decide which one he wanted to ride.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Letter to myself

(warning: serious run on sentences to follow)
Dear Sara,
Hope you have a good night's sleep.
Love,
Me

PS--when you get up at two because Landon's feeding pump is blaring because it's run out of milk and you refill it and close the top(a thing you normall don't do), because you think a random fly that doesn't exist may somehow find it's way into the milk bag----DON'T!
Because when you get up at 4:20 am because the baby monitor is making a funny sound and you go in to see Landon laying horizontal and he has somehow miraculously turned off the baby monitor(seriously folks, I think he has more skills than we think) and you turn it back on and re-position him and you realize that he will still not have enough milk to make it until 6am. So you get him some more milk and go to pour it(in the dark) into the milk bag-only to have it spill completely onto the lid, which has a dip, but only of about 10 cc. So then you will have to clean milk off of the carpet and get more milk to put into the bag.
So in summary, just don't do it. Let the imaginarry flies have at it. Sigh.

Monday, September 1, 2008

A Steal of a Deal

So as many of you know, I am a sucker for deals. I love them. Take me to a good thrift store or a crazy second hand store and I just can't help myself. So I get an email that tells me that I can fill a bag and pay only $7. Seriously folks. Can you be making money on that? Well, I really don't care, I just want the deal. The picture below is what I could fit into one bag. I know I shouldn't be proud of taking other people's money, but I couldn't help it. I only bought two items that were JC Penny brand. The rest were Gap, Children's Place, Guess, Gymboree,(not that it matters) etc. -- High quality items! Twenty one items total--including jackets and coats. Sigh. Another hard day's work done. =)
So what's your weakness???

Friday, August 29, 2008

Angels game

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Hayden's three!





I know it's late, but better than ever. Hayden turned three on August 12. We had a small family party for him. He could barely make it through the day to open his presents. He got a good stache this year--memeory, a letter game, a bubble gun and a baseball glove and a ball. Grandma Hauver is sending him a basketball later. He was so excited.
I asked him what kind of cake he wanted this year. He wanted mommy to make him one. I tried to find a mold, but he didn't want anything except sponge bob. We don't even watch sponge bob and so the only other choice was to make him what he wanted in the first place(without me trying to persuade him)--a Motorcycle cake!
I printed out a picture and Serge cut it. Then he tried to frost it. It was slightly humorous and mommy couldn't let it be, so I doctored it up. It turned out pretty good for my first cake.
Then we went camping up in Acton. We had a nice time and ate some good food. Hayden really loved the pony ride.
This year I feel like Hayden has just gotten taller and smarter. He thinks he truly rules the roost-- and if we're not careful, he does. One of my favorite stories of Hayden I may have shared before. There are so many, but this one is recent. It was Sunday morning and Hayden decided to get up at the crack of dawn. He comes in to lay down in our bed after waking Landon up too. He started playing with the blind cords and I got upset. I told him very sternly, "Hayden, when I say stop I mean stop!" etc. etc. etc. He responds with, "well, it was tangled." Then we go into a discussion for a few minutes. I got to get Landon back to sleep and when I come back Hayden says to me, "Mommy, when I say I'm getting it untangled, I mean I'm getting it untangled!" I had to leave the room so that I didn't laugh infront of him.
He also loves to tell me how to drive. He constantly reminds me what the light colors mean. I think he has failed to remember that I taught him that. I love when he tells Serge that he can't do something because he's not 'trained.' He loves to help us cook(or make a big mess while we're cooking). His favorite is to scoop the ice cream for our smoothies.
He is a really sweet boy and so good with his brother. He'll play with him and tell me if Landon's crying, "Oh, Zandon, do you need a toy?" Lately he tried to interpret Landon's cooing. He fills me in on exactly what he's expressing. It's pretty funny. At night, when he goes to bed, Serge and I just crack up about what he has done for the day.
I thought last year that he was getting so big, but I'm excited to see what this year will bring! Love ya, Hayden!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

How can you stay mad?


This is Hayden playing in the pools of water on Saturday. We hiked San Antonio Falls that morning and then went to the Mission Inn in Riverside, a great day!

Landon and Serge having a good time. Landon's getting so big he has to lean over in the Bjorn.

So at the end of the day, it's pretty much like Bill Cosby said. You look at your kids and say, just listen to me and get ready for bed and they say, "but dad. . . We can't go to bed without a good beating." Well, no we don't beat our kids, but they do drag out the dramatics before bed and pull out all the stops. . . Ok. . Hayden pulls out all the stops before bed.
So Landon is asleep and it's 9pm and I've had it(He started the day with a HUGE blowout--crap out, whatever. . .graphic picture to follow).

I get Hayden in his pj's and then he goes for the popcorn bowl sitting on the couch(waiting for me to watch the season finale of "So you think you can dance.") I try to help him sit down and not spill the popcorn. He then hugs the huge Tupperware bowl and backs away. I reach and he then proceeds to put the bowl over his head. It was only a minor catastrophe and we only spilt 1/2 of the popcorn, but I had had it and started to cry.
Hayden than pipes in with. "I'll help you pick it up." I give my reprimand(it's pretty much always the same), "Why can't you just listen, son." and then I cry some more(I know, I'm dramatic.) Then Hayden says in his best comforting voice, "Oooohhh, I'm sorry, sweetie." and then he gives me a hug.
Yep, that's being a parent.
He finally got put to bed and I was talking with serge, when an almost three year old snuck out of his bedroom and stole the popcorn bowl. I found him, sitting in the dark, eating by his bed.


It really was great popcorn. Sigh.

FW:

Sleepy boy.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Lame Blogger

What's up with me and my not blogging? Well, let's just say that I have been gallivanting(to borrow a word from my mom). Let's see. Uh, ah, yes. Here we are.
We had a few changes at our house. Since Hayden decided to flood the kitchen, which seeped through the wall into the bedroom of our one bedroom house, we felt the need to take out all of our stuff and relocate into the living room. After we aired out the carpet, we decided that we would put the boys back in the bedroom and move our queen bed into the living room. The "foye" is now our living room and the partition is the divider of our "room." So the couch is acting as a go between. We played "mother may I" with Hayden yesterday and one of the questions was, "mother, may I step over the couch." Never done that one before in that game.
Next, Landon and Hayden came down with a terrible cold that really knocked the for a loop. Hayden was o.k., but I spent the next Tuesday in the ER with him wheezing and coughing. We got him on a nebulizer and then later on some steroids to help give him lung power.
The week of the 24th of July, we went to the Woodruff/Martin reunion. Let's just say that even with sick kids it was a ton of fun! We stayed in these really nice condos that seemed so spacious. They had like 15 feet ceilings and three bedrooms and 2 full size bathrooms. Brigham and Michelle were kind enough to let us have the master bedroom which had it's own deep tub.--Let's just say that I was in heaven!
My favorite part was the women's circle. That is a tradition they have of sharing recipes, good tips and new things we've learned. I love it. I came home with all kinds of new things. They are such great ladies. It was so good to spend time with old friends. I had met most of them the summer before we got married and haven't seen them since. Serge's favorite part was tackle spoons on game night.
On the 25th the Yardley's had their yearly reunion. It was great to see my cousins--whom I haven't seen since Hayden was 5 months old. They are such a wonderful family. I loved how my aunt Mildred, who is like 97 and in a rest home(and slightly senile) kept saying, "Roy(her husband, who has been dead for a year) will be so mad." We had a quiz and the oldest person there got a piece of Seas' candy--she couldn't eat it because she didn't have her teeth in.
They boys traveled well and that was a huge blessing.
Sorry this is a long post, but I have one more item. I got to visit my sister in La's Vegas on the way home. She and Brandon just purchased a little house(without a front yard--or a back one for that matter). It's just adorable. It was a foreclosure and so let's just say that the people who got kicked out didn't really clean before they left. My contribution to the house was cleaning the caked on grease on the stove, microwave and wall surrounding the stove. Why is it that Asian folks let it get that way? Hmm.
Craziness--her next door neighbor came knocking on her door at about 9pm and she opened it to find that it was a girl from Logandale. Her dad was our Bishop years ago and now is married with twin boys living right across from Charlotte. Small world. And--there are seven sets of twins in her ward. Nuts. Anywho, I loved spending time with Charlotte and her adorable girls(no offense Brandon, but you had to go to work and I didn't get to see you much). Her girls absolutely adore me, well, Sydney does. Sadie just cries. She doesn't know how much fun I really am.
So anywho, we're back and all pooped out. Boys are better, I'm almost better and we are home for a little.

The end.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Catalina Pictures --one from Tenn. too!

Catalina Fun--Landon and I on the Nautilus



All of us in the Nautilus. You can see the fish in the windows.


Our Family--Hayden aparently didn't make the cut off, but he's there.


This is my favorite picture. He was licking the air at the back of the boat. You can feel his excitement. It was a great end to our day.


Us in Tennessee. Behind us is the Hermitage--Andrew Jackson's home. Not much to write home about there. There were 4 bedrooms, one kitchen, one dining room, one library/study and no bathrooms. The formal garden was my favorite. We're standing just outside of it.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

oh, by the way

Dear Friends,
um, many of you may have heard that my phone went through the wash. My phone is dead, along with all of your numbers. I do have a new phone, so feel free to call me, but I won't be able to call you, unless you leave your number with me. Would you please email me with your numbers, that would be great! saradawnmayer@verizon.net
lots of love
Woman with a new phone(ie Sara)

What have you been up to?

Well, sorry I never did finish our trip to Tennessee. Maybe I will some other time, but not now. What have we been up to lately? Well, We did go to Catalina Island for Serge's Birthday. We had a great time. The Catalina Express was so fun. Even Landon liked it. We walked around for a little bit and then went on the Nautilus. Hayden loved that he got to push the torpedo, "Bordedo," as he called it to feed the fish. Then the pilot let him push the button to feed all the fish several times at the end of the ride. We also got to climb up on the deck and ride into port. It was great! Then we got some lunch at a great little restaurant that offered everything under the sun. I got ribs, Serge got fish and chips. Next we went on a two hour bus ride down some windy roads and saw some buffalo, sheep, birds, etc. We stopped for a break at the top of Catalina Airport. It was breathtaking and of course, Hayden ran right over to the run way. We got a picture before they booted us off. My favorite part was when the driver of the bus was giving his tour spiel and Serge's dad kept adding in his own little trivia and asking questions, messing up the guy's speech.
We then ate at Armstrong's. Yummy fish. I got swordfish and it was delicious! In between our events and eating we shopped and walked. It was a fun day.
Lately what have we been up to? Well, Hayden felt that we needed more water inside out house. So he decided to hose off our screen door in the back. Only the door to the house was open and so our kitchen got flooded(for the second time--not by Hayden. The other time was frozen pipes.) Then the water seeped through the wall into our bedroom. So then we had to haul everything out and rip up the carpets, etc. Oh, the 3 inches of water in the kitchen came up pretty good with the shop vac--until it decided to start spitting it back out. Thankfully I got about 15 gal. out before it did that. Never a dull moment.
Yesterday we went to the Orange County fair. We had a nice time, but nothing to write home about. We did find some nice wooden frogs that make a ribbit sound when you rub them with a stick. Serge was fascinated and they were a good price. We got three--enough said.
We're trying to hang on to our sanity. Serge is designing the landscape for his mom's condo. They're almost done and the plans look nice. We are headed to St. George on Tuesday for Serge's family reunion. It should be fun and we'll get so see my family too on Friday when we go to Beaver.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Hayden's so smart!

Here's a little taste of why I'm so amazed with Hayden. I know I didn't get this stuff when I was two. It's not like I sit down with him and make him memorize anything either.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Our first Summer vacation

Well, we had a wonderful time in Tennessee. We wanted to see so much more, but there were just so many trees in the way. Just kidding. Tammy and James had so much planned for us that we couldn't stop to rest. Good thing they went on their honeymoon.
Let's start at the beginning.
Thursday 7:30am Amy picked us up and took us to Orange County Airport. When we arrived, Landon had pooped out of his clothes(not just his diaper) I guess he was excited. By the time we found a family bathroom to change him in, it had creeped up a little. Needless to say we had to give him a bath(what do you do when he has poop on the shoulders?) in the sink. It was an automatic sink--that was fine. I could deal with that and Landon gasped only occasionally. However, it was also an automatic soap dispenser. It kept soaping Landon's hands and then he did start to freak out. No one should be naked and have soap blobbed on their hands--especially in an airport.
Then there was the boarding of the plane. Let's just say that my husband was a little. . . over nervous about traveling with kids. Will they bug people(of course) Will we have them running the isles(most likely.) So when they announce, "Those passengers needing special assistance," we knew it was our chance to get things settled before the childless passengers got on and realized we didn't have everything under control. We threw the kids into the stroller, dragged our three carry-ons plus a car seat for Hayden behind us and flew down the hall. You leave your stroller there folded up and they load it on the plane. We quickly walked past first class and to our seats. Hayden wanted to sit in every seat and Landon was sick of feeling like cargo while Serge frantically buckles Hayden's car seat in. We get Hayden buckled in, carry-ons stowed and sat down. Then Serge realizes that we are in the wrong seats!
The man had a bee in his bonet trying to right the situation. The kids were good for the duration of our flight. Funny story--Dolly Parton's look alike sat in the row across from us. for our 11am flight, she quickly ordered tomato juice and vodka. Hayden now has an annoying obsession with gun noises and guns. Don't ask me where he got it, but he has it. He'll turn anything and everything into a gun. Straws are the worst. So naturally, during the plane ride he lets loose with his machine gun sounds. Well, Dolly goes to use the laboratory at the same time Hayden is sitting on Serge's lap. Hayden reaches out and pats her on the bum. She turns around and in her slurry voice says, "are you pattin' me?" Hayden knows better than to answer. Then she says, "I know you. I've heard you with your gun. Yr jst shooting everybody, arent you?" OK, it's not as funny as when we were there.
Next we were running around St. Paul Minneapolis. Let's just say that it's a big air port and we ran it twice. We re-boarded early because of our "special needs" and did well in finding our seats--although not together this time. Serge had a good time with Hayden while I picked the brain of a local Nashvillite.
We landed Tammy was there to pick us up. We stopped for an icecream at jack in the box. Serge was so excited. So was Hayden and he spilled it withing 4 min. of us picking it up. Serge didn't worry about Tammy's truck, he just kept saying, 'not the shake.' We got to Tammy's house and realized we had forgotten Landon's feeding pump(the one that feeds him continuously at night so I don't have to wake up for 6 hours of continuous sleep.) That pump. Sigh--so needless to say for the remainder of the trip I got up during the night every three hours. It was like having a new born. Oh wells. And I'll write more of what we did the next days, but it's late now.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

We're back from Tennessee

(Read this with a southern drawl)
Hey Ya'll. We're back from the South. We had such a great time. We had a wedding, saw the sites, I got pulled over(story to come later) and so much more. I'll blog soon again and post lots of pictures. I bet you can't wait. Well, you probably can.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Birthday Landon and Happy Father's day Serge



Well, first things first. Landon had his birthday on Saturday.
I really can't believe he's one. He is getting so big now a days. He is rolling over quicker, but still not a pro at it(not like his victory kicks). He really is such a joy to be around and has the best smile. When I look back and realize how far he's come, how close we were several time to him dying, I just want to get down and say prayers of thanks. Life is really good. I'll keep my trials as opposed to those going on around me. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for our eternal family. He has a new trick--as seen in the picture.
Some highlights from his year.
Born June 14, 2007
1st Heart surgery June 21, 2nd Heart surgery August 10, Came home Sept. 19, 3rd Heart Surgery April 11. He knows how to bring objects to his mouth, suck and swallow and breathe at the same time, make kissing sounds, coo, roll over and his latest trick--picking his own nose. The boy amazes me all the time.

I love holding him and kissing his little forehead. He likes it too and goes right to sleep. I always told him that when he got home from the hospital he'd better count on me holding him lots. He's held me true to his word because for the first 3 months he did need to be held constantly. I didn't mind too much:) What a magnificent blessing he is in our lives.

And although both of these deserve their own posts, I don't have the time.

Serge is such an amazing husband and father. Hayden is loving his new bike riding time with his dad. Let's just say that he doesn't want to take a nap for fear he'll miss his dad coming home and going on a bike ride. The other day I was talking with Amy and telling her(early in the morning) that Hayden was going on a bike ride with his dad. Hayden responded by saying, "I need to get my helmet on." and then proceeded to do so. I had to tell him that it was only 10 am and that daddy doesn't get home until 5pm. He understood. I can get him to clean up a lot faster if I threaten no bike ride. It's great leverage. We're so excited to have Serge home for the Summer. Last year he had it off, but it didn't count. Thanks Serge for being a really great dad to two wonderful little boys.
A hiking trip we had. Hayden didn't want to walk any longer and Landon was done in his carrier. We thought we'd try it out. Hayden thought it was great. I can only imagine. . .

The Father and son's outing

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Progress

Here's the latest on Landon.
He's getting there. We're just a few months behind.
Serge bought a bike that hooks onto the back of his. Hayden can pedal, he just doesn't when Serge is. Serge says it's a good workout for him.
Landon and I are fine to just do our own thing while they are biking around in the heat. This is finals week. Yeah! We're here for the summer. We've already planned a trip to Tennessee for Tammy and James' wedding, a trip to Catalina Island and one to Vegas. I hope to attend Wicked--(I may need a partner to go with me to this) and possibly to go see Blue Man in Vegas. Of course we are plannin on attending the temple more. I also want to write a book and have Serge illustrate it. I think I am going to post a list of things to do before I die. I think of new things every day.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Where have you been?

Some of you may be asking this question. To be honest, I have been procrastinating. I feel like a boring person and haven't had anything of significance to report, except these few things.
1. I have put on weight. It is amazing how you can loose it so quick and gain it back even quicker. It's not as bad as I make it sound, but even a few pounds makes you feel like a blob.
2. My kids and I have been trying to save gas(petrolium). In doing so, we have been homebound much more and let me say that it has taken a toll on all of our sanity.
3. Landon is progressing more and more. He is holding his head up much better--still not always, but I can see that we will eventually get there. We say his Nephorologist yesterday(Kidney doctor). She said that his kidneys are growing proportionate to his body and that their function is wonderful. That is such good news because he had kidney failure and damage so early on. He is 17lbs! He still isn't on the growth chart, but he's making progress. He actually has really cute chubby drum sticks now. Can you believe that he's going to be a year old on the
14th??? Wow, what a year.
4. Serge is into finals. He will be done for this year next week. It looks like we will be in California this summer(boo), but we'll make do. I am planning on traveling--so look out world!
5. Hayden has learned to ride a big bike with training wheels. He had a scare of almost running into the street( he tipped his bike over to stop him) but after that he is scared to ride it on our bike rides. He is pretty funny on his little trike making zoom zoom sounds.
6. I am making a quilt top. Serge got me a really nice sewing machine for Mother's day. For those of you who used my previous sewing machine(don't be offended mom) this one is much nicer. We still have my old one for projects and stuff, but I just love quilting on this new one. My blog class went well. I had two sisters show up, but we have three new blogs(including one for my sister Charlotte)
7. Did you know about blurb.com ? It is this wonderful site where you can make your blog into a book for a relatively good price. It is cheaper than scrapbooking. I am so excited that a whole year is already done and I am just putting the finishing touches on it.
So there you have my boring lo-down.
Love ya!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

I love this place

Monday, May 26, 2008

Dear friends

Dearest friends,
Please let me share your blog with others.
let me explain. I am teaching a class to ladies in our ward this Saturday for our "Super Saturday" activity. I want to show them all of your ideas and fun stuff--but only briefly. I hope that is o.k. with you. If you would rather not, well, I guess I won't, but know that I really want to.
Sincerely,
Sara--

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Jane's Day--or Sara's Day

so here's a picture of the boys in front of the water fountain in Glendale. It reminded me of the Bellagio--you know with the carefully timed show to music. Really fun! We went out there for my birthday(coming on Tues.) We rode the Americana, the trolley that takes you around. It was fun, and the shops are very high class. It was very crowded.
Let's just say that there are pushy people who REALLY wanted to ride the trolley. I can't believe that grown people still push their way to the front of the lines. What has happened to our society??? I'm trying to not let it bother me, but we the first in line and when the trolley came up people just pushed their way on--literally, I was waiting to step up and a lady threw her kid infront of me and the last I saw of her was her tush. Honestly.
But, we didn't let that ruin our day. We walked the galeria mall for a while. Serge was great watching the kids while I tried on some clothes. Ok, let's face it, it was more like pushing the stoller around at a decent pace so that Hayden didn't extricate himself. All in all, it was a great day together.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Potty Stories

So as many of you may know, Hayden has avoided the potty since Landon got his G-tube(for those of you who can't remember--Feb). We've tried and tried to entice him. Loli-pops--no good. His own Jelly-belly machine--worked for a try on the potty only.
Well, we just returned from costco and diapers for both of the kids came to a whopping total of $99. When I saw the total I said--this is your last pack of diapers. We discussed things we some ways that we could get him motivated.
Hayden: Well, If I go potty, maybe I could get --What?
Me: well, Maybe you could get twenty motorcycles. What do you thing?
Hayden: Um, yeah. Then I could give Grandma Hauver back her motorcycle. (my om got him a motorcycle last time she was here) Maybe I could give it to her for Christmas. Then I could get my new motorcycle and put new batteries in it.
Me: (thinking to myself--what does this have to do with going poop in the potty? Boy can he change the subject fast!)I try to re-focus him, but it doesn't work. Sigh.
Hayden goes on and on. In the car he says to me: Mommy, thank you for getting me a new motorcycle. You're such a good boy.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

How does he do it?

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

Well, here's a shout out to my mom. Ten things I love about her!
1. She is always excited about learning new things. No matter where we go, she wants to share ideas and thoughts
2. She genuinely cares. Honestly, whenever my mom hears a siren in our town, she goes outside to see which way it is going. Then she comments on who it could be. Next she predicts who is working the ambulance.
3. My mo taught me how to love books. Some of you may know I stunk at reading when I was young. because of her not giving up on me, she found something to peak my interest. I still remember reading the Box Car Children and Charlie with her.
4. My mom knows everybody. Well, she usually knows someone who knew someone who she knew wherever we go. Every time it happens it surprises me.
5. My mom goes to church. This may seem like a wierd one. However, she doesn't really have any close friends at church. She is a widow and usually sits alone. She has been critisized in playing the piano, organ and other various things. Truly she is a trooper and goes because she knows the Church is true. Go mom!
6. My mom keeps me informed. Whenever someone dies, my mom calls to let me know. I really do appreciate this--even if I don't always remember them.
7. My mom is young--going to be 69 this year and she doesn't look it, act it and most of the time feel it. She skips around with her kindergarteners like no other.
8. My mom takes care of me. She spent her whole summer taking care of us when Landon was in the hospital. In April she took "sick leave" so she could watch Hayden while were were going through surgery again. Thanks so much mom!
9. My mom thinks my kids are the cutest--enough said.
10. She listens. Seems like whenever I get myself in a situation and need advice, she is there. I think I first noticed this in college. It's wonderful to have a sounding board and she gives great suggestions(most of the time:) I also like that even though I'm married, she still cares and listens to my day and is genuinely concerned about how I am doing. She never steps over the line in putting her nose in our business.
Honorary mention: you wear nylons. Since moving to Cali I just can't bring my self to wear pantyhose.
Thanks mom for the tons of other great qualities you exhibit. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
Feel free to share your favorite mom quality!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

All Right Already!

O.K. so this blog post is not about my kids--they're fine. It's not about Serge--he's fine too. This post is about me.
I am re-dedicating myself to early scripture study. Yes, I know what you are thinking--but she's so sleep deprived. Surely there is some other time. Well, the fact is that there isn't. 5:30 am it is. I went to a roadshow last night for our stake. And, there were a lot of cheesy songs(Michael Mcklean songs too). However, I did learn something.
I must remember the Lord first and then I won't have to worry about remembering not to get angry or about whatever. If I first worry about remembering to put the Lord first(5am first), then all the other stuff will fall into place. I know, it doesn't make sense, but like the tithing principle, I've got to try it out to see if it works. I have confidance that it will!
Thank you.
Next thing to conquor--midnight snacks!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

In response

Thanks for all of your comments about my question. Perhaps I should give a little background to my question because Tammie asked me what I was thinking of. It was late, and I was rocking Landon back to sleep for the 3rd time that night. I was just kissing his head and snuggling him and I had this overwhelming feeling that I was doing the right thing--in the right spot, doing the most important thing I could be doing at that moment.
Then, pondering on the book where Florence had felt she had a calling to better the nursing situations during war time. So then I started to think about this fireside given in Logan by President Eyering(Elder then). He had spoken about getting up in the morning and having a prayer and asking the Lord what it is He wanted you to accomplish that day. Then he asked us all to go home and ask the Lord what who we could go visit, or go do something for. So basically, what is the most important thing to do at this moment in our lives.
I've had a couple experiences where I have asked, "What is the most important thing that I should do this day?" The answers have varied from--take your kids to the park to bring some lunch to Serge. Interestingly enough, at the end of the day, I usually do feel such a sense of accomplishment.
In the larger scheme of things, I think those moments let me know that I will eventually accomplish the bigger purposes. In other words, I'm passing the quizes so hopefully I'll pass the final exam with out too much problem.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Question

After talking with some lovely ladies--young ladies, at book club this evening, I have a few thoughts going about in my head. This is more of a question for myself, but I think it's worth asking.
Ok, here goes.
Do I realize what is important in life? This may have variant answers, depending on our stage in life. But basically, do I get what life is about. And how am I contributing to that purpose? Am I doing what's important?

Friday, April 25, 2008

The Lemon Festival

So here was one of our highlights tonight. The Upland Lemon Festival is going on and we decided to go. Hayden gave us a recap of the night.
Mom: What was your favorite part Hayden
Hayden: The motorcycles.
Mom: Oh, the motorcycles huh?
Hayden: Yes. and more. The horsie ride.(me nodding) . . .and more. the cars and the airplane ride and more. . .the dumbo ride. . . and petting the animals and then I peed on their food.
Aparently I didn't have his diaper positioned so well and he peed his pants. It leaked down his shorts, down his legs and onto the saw dust--interpreted by Hayden as pet food. Needless to say it then adhered to his shoes. That pretty much ended our night. Good times!



Landon is doing good. He is still a little sore, but laughing, talking, kicking and barfing like he used to. I know when he kicks like a banshee he's feeling better.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Celebrate Boris' life with us

Wednesday, April 23rd at 3pm, we are celebrating Boris' life with friends, family and acquaintances. Bring pictures of Boris that you might have. Share memories. We will not mourn for him out of respect for his family's observance of Passover. It will be at Boris' family's home in Claremont. Suzie and Bethany are in charge.
446 Julliard Dr.
Claremont, Ca 91711
If you can't be there and would like to write your favorite memories of Boris for the family archive, email
hauvers@hotmail.com
Please label it Boris Ivshin

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Each Life that touches ours for good

Sorry, this is going to be a long post.


Some times you just have to trust that God's plan is the best plan. Friday, April 18, 2008, Boris Ivshin was killed in a car accident. He was driving home from LA, where he was on an ambulance run. He struck the center divider on the 210 and then moments later he was hit by a drunk driver and killed outright. Boris was Suzie's(Serge's sister) best friend. They graduated from Claremont high last year together. Boris was attending Cal Poly Pomona--18 years old. Because Boris was Jewish by religion and ligeage, he needed to be burried right away(as the Jewish culture dictates) He was killed at 1:40 am and then burried at 3:00pm, before sun down and their Sabbath, and before the holliday Passover.
Because there was hardly any eulogy, due to the fact that you're not supposed to mourn before the passover or during, I feel that I need to say a few words to others about Boris.


Boris loved Hayden. From the moment we met Boris, we noticed what a helpful person he was. He was a good kid, --very responsible. All of you who know Hayden, know how he loves to run. if we were in a place where he needed to run, Boris would chase after him for hours and not complain one bit. Let's just say that it's an amazing thing that Boris' phone isn't broken beyone repair because he let Hayden play with it so much. He once told Suzy that he would like to be my boy's God father. She explained to him that we didn't have those, and then said, 'do jewish people have those?' He said no. I later told Suzy that the could be an honorary God Father--as long as he wasn't in the mafia. Ha ha! Boris attended many church activities with Suzie and supported her. I'd say he learned a little about the church, or a lot. After they graduated, Boris decided to get active in his old Jewish synagog. Hayden would always ask, "is BR'S(that's what he called him--no vowels) coming today?"
When Landon was born, Boris was so excited. Then when we found out that Landon had a congenital heart defect and would need surgery, he came out to spend the day with us on the day of the surgery. That meant so much to us. He also came out with Suzy to help entertain Hayden while we were staying in the Hilton for a month. Hayden and he had many a fun hour in the pool. Boris also spent a few days of his Christmas vacation this year helping me with the kids. He was so glad to just help around the house or play with Hayden. When we were paying our respects to the parents of Boris, his dad said, recognizing Hayden, "Boris loved them(our kids) so much" We were both crying then. I'm really glad I know the plan. It was so devastating for his parents, as they're Jewish, but not active or religious.
I guess Hayden was Boris' screen saver at home, and so even though the first time I met his parents was at the funeral, they all recognized Hayden. Thanks Boris for being a part of our family for a while. You made a difference in our lives, even though we couldn't say so at the funeral. You were a truly Christ like person and we were blessed to know you. We'll see you on the other side---maybe you could still be our honorary God Father--put in a good word for us? We love you!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24199758/#storyContinued
http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_8979072