4 teeth gone!

So, I finally bit the bullet, and got all my wisdom teeth taken out yesterday. I have needed them out for quite awhile, but, just didn't have the courage. Plus, with 3 kids, a busy, working husband, and a household to run, who can find the time? I have been having bad, migraine-like headaches lately, jaw pain, fevers, etc. Who would have thought that a toothache could cause so many problems? I found myself getting overly grouchy at the kids, and unable to handle day to day life rationally. I still don't sleep much at night, which doesn't make it any easier. Our good friend, Clark's, brother-in-law, is an Oral and Facial Surgeon, so we hit up Clark, and asked him about the "Family and Friend Discount." Sure enough, Dr. Molen came through, and didn't make us pay a dime. He just charged our Insurance, and saved us around $1300!!! Awesome. He did a great job. And, although, I am in pain, and my cheeks look like a chipmunks, I am looking forward to the day when this will heal, and I can feel good again.

No, I will not post a picture of my fat face, but, I will show off a picture of my new (well, new to me) minivan!!! We bought it from my bro, who works at a car dealership in Rexburg. Because we live in Washington, we needed to find a way to get it up here. My mom graciously offered to drive it up here to us, and take care of me, and my kiddos after my surgery. I love having her here, and since I almost fainted this morning when I got up, her help is very much appreciated.

2004 Pontiac Montana. This is the picture from the dealer's site, but, it's just as beautiful in person. I absolutely love it, and am so excited for more room to haul around my 3 kids, and their stuff. It took some heavy convincing, because Jake never wanted to be a minivan guy. I'm so happy he finally let me get my way, though!!

7 Months and Crawling. . . . Sort of

So, Tristan has mastered the Army Crawl. He now spots the tiniest little things on the floor, and races to put them in his mouth. It has made me more aware of how un-baby proof my house really is. I have put Tay and Rohne on baby watch, and if they see something little that Tristan is going for, they usually stop him. He is not sleeping that much better. No, I never did sleep train. He is getting over an ear infection, and a cold. Still a little on the grouchy side, and, very very possessive of Mommy. It is exhausting, but, once again, it won't last forever. We sure love our drooling baby boy.

For Bridger

A couple weeks ago, I received a letter from my cousin, Bridger. He's the 2nd grader of my Aunt MaryAnn's. I'm sorry to say I have only met this little fellow a handful of times. Mare, and her family live in Bridger Valley, and since I've been in Seattle for many years, our paths rarely cross. I don't think I have been back to Wyoming since my friend, Janell's wedding reception. I don't even know when that was. I think she was married a couple years after Jake and I. So, give or take 7-8 years? Yes, that's sad, because I love Wyoming. I had a great childhood, growing up in our small rural community, surrounded by cousins, and wonderful friends. I do miss it sometimes. Especially when I think about my kids going to public school here in the city. We were sheltered at times, in Mtn. View, and although we had our fair share of "worldly" temptations, there's a lot more here. Let's hope that I raise my children, and teach them to have a strong foundation, so they can withstand all of the ugliness, and come out on the other side.

Anyways, tangent dually noted. Back to the story: This letter was accompanied by a Flat Stanley figure, and an Adventure Journal. I was to take Stanley along, show him the sights, and write about our adventures. Well, I don't know if Bridger fully realized just how UN-adventurous his fair cousin was. My adventurous life consists of diapers, feedings, preschool drop-offs, Dr.'s appointments, and maybe an occasional play date, bike ride, or walk to the park. However, since I have to send good ol' Stanley back soon, I thought I should make an effort, and I finally started.

Jake had an Awards Banquet in Seattle yesterday. It was at Salty's, on Alki Beach. Although my husband makes it to Seattle numerous times a week now, with his branch transfer (Grrrrrrr), I rarely get to the big city. We didn't venture into the city, but, it was a beautiful day, and I snapped a few pictures to accompany my scant adventure log.

I do not venture to be a good picture taker, and this one isn't a tiny bit good. In fact, I might just go, and buy a postcard, instead of send this one. But, what Seattle adventure is the same, without The Space Needle?

A lovely picture of the Seattle city sky-line. It was a gorgeous day. Absolutely not a ray of sun in sight, but, that's not unusual. The water was like glass. And, so quiet, all I could hear were the seagulls, and some distant boats honking their horns.

Ahh, a seagull. A very annoying bird, but, actually kind of pretty in this picture.

It was very hard to get a clear picture of a moving ferry. And, with my mediocre photography skills, I didn't do great. Gotta love those Ferry Boats, though.
It was quite high tide, but, I just HAD to find Bridger a couple seashells. So, I walked to the beach in dress, high heeled boots, and all, and did find some pretty shells. I had been agonizing over what to wear to Jake's work Banquet. I still can't fit into my pre-baby clothes, and didn't want to show off my very un-svelte figure, in something oh too tight. So, Friday night, after the kids were in bed, I went shopping. I found this little dress, and was quite happy with it. I hid all of my curvy curves, and I think it will look even cuter after I lose those stinkin', pesky 17 pounds.

Any other ideas on where to take Flat Stanley are greatly appreciated. Here's to you, Bridger, for making me realize that to those who live in Mtn. View, Wyoming, of all places, Seattle, Washington really is an AWESOME place.