Luke Portraits - 5 months

Luke-A-Like Contest (June 2010)

Needed:

1. Two marshmallows

2. Two cute kids

Step 1.) Stuff 1 marshmallow in each cheek

Step 2.) Pose with a very healthy 4 month old baby.

A conversation with a friend...

I have been in a pondering mood as of late. Trying to do some soul searching, and trying to get some answers. I like it. I need to learn...more about myself, and more about why I believe what I believe. Although, sometimes my desire to understand out-weighs my desire to sleep. I can't shut my brain off. Hence why I am sitting here at 12:55am. Yawn.

I had a conversation with a friend the other day. Well not a true conversation, just the facebook kind. And I am not too sure I would call it a conversation...maybe it was more like a discussion (or at least that is the way it started).

A little background. This friend and I have been friends since my Germany days. Her husband was stationed at Ramstein at the same time as Trace. She has the most infectious smile - the light up the room kind. And she likes to laugh, and we liked to laugh together. She listened about my struggles with the whole military thing, assured me when I was afraid that I couldn't have anymore kids. We scrapbooked. We even worked out together when we were attempting to be good and healthy. A great friend. We kept in touch for the first few moves after Germany - but then lost track (which happens all too often with the military life).

So fast forward to the time when I joined facebook. I found this friend again. It was nice to catch up - and learn how our lives and kids have grown and changed. Truth be told, I was shocked a little at first, when I learned that she no longer believed the same things that I do. I thought about it, and although I couldn't understand why she changed, I understood that it really didn't matter - not to our friendship anyway.

A couple of summers ago, Trace and I got to getaway for a weekend. It was for a marriage-strengthening seminar, sponsored by the military. I would not have given any thought of going, except for it was all-expense paid, including reimbursement for childcare. A weekend without kids, for free? So what if we had to go to a few classes? No big deal.

So we went. I am glad we did. We learned a lot about each other, and more importantly about ourselves. Part of the seminar dealt with personality types. I took a test - and found out that I am "green". This means I am an analyzer. A thinker. The test used words like tolerant, humble, respectful, unyielding, judgmental, deeply-committed and trustworthy. It also said there is a strong need for harmony. A major strength is that I am respectful and accepting of others. However, I have a tendency to be judgmental. I am a big picture thinker - I tend to have trouble solving a problem until I know how the problem relates to that big picture. Because of that, I can make things more complicated than they need to be. "Greens" can become discouraged when they think the world or people around them are out of tune with the right values. Greens don't care as much as about being right as they care that things are right with the world. But, if I focus too much on what is fair or right for the world, I can become less sensitive to the needs of an individual.

I have to say, I was amazed at the accuracy of the test. It really does apply to me. It was nice to see my strengths and hard to see my weaknesses - and what I need to be careful of. I try to be respectful and I try not to be judgmental. It's hard for me to understand why others can't see the big picture. And since that summer, I have really been trying to make an effort to be respectful and accepting, even when all is not right with the world.

Here enters the discussion with my friend. She had posted a link on her wall to an article about the Mormon church, and how it is trying to revamp it's image. It was asking "do good individuals equal a good church?" I read it. The article discussed several issues, including the church's stance on homosexuality, and how image control is just an effort to cover up the church's blunders. It made valid points, but also assumed much. My friend messaged on her wall with the link "This really brings up some valid points and in no way is meant to be offensive to the members of the Mormon church. But truth is truth!"

I looked at her comments, and someone had replied: "Interesting article, and I agree! You can appreciate and love someone for their character and qualities but disagree with their church's doctrines." I agree with that comment. I then commented: "I wish more people took that approach of appreciating someone for their character, and not judging them by their personal doctrine. However, I wonder why it is considered 'hatred' when that same approach is used with regard to sexual orientation."

My friend and I went back and forth, both making good points. It was done in a way that allowed us both to put our opinions out there, without feeling attacked. I have to say, I really enjoyed it. And even though I didn't agree with her, it gave me some really good insight. Good food for thought. Then other people voiced their thoughts and opinions, in a more aggressive manner - and it started to turn into something ugly. So much for a good discussion. Now the old me - I would have been right there defending my beliefs and righting the wrongs. But as hard as it was, I backed away. The discussion continued without me, although most of it was about me and my views (and it wasn't pretty).

I sat back, trying to sort my emotions. What was the point? Was I wrong to even get involved in a conversation that had an inevitable ugly ending? Was I foolish to put my beliefs out there, thinking that they would be respected? Was I naive to believe someone could agree to disagree without mud-slinging? The answer? Yes. And no.

There's that saying, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything". It's actually a song. I think. At the beginning of me and my friend's conversation, I set out to understand why some individuals can't see the hypocrisy of the acceptance of character, but apply it only to certain characters or individuals. But as it progressed, I found myself putting into words, what I truly believed. My thoughts came out quickly and flowed freely. I was able to clearly think and I gained a better understanding of why I feel the way I feel. I was gaining a stronger testimony. But I was only able to do that, by getting involved - by putting myself out there.

After I put my heart on the facebook line - I felt safe, for awhile, as my friend and I exchanged thoughts. Then I felt it get trampled, by my friend's friends. It was foolish to think that what I said mattered to everyone. Or was it? No, it certainly mattered - just not in the way I intended. You can't please everyone - which is tough for a girl who needs harmony.

But what did I really learn? I learned to trust in the big picture. For me, that big picture is the Plan of Salvation. The idea of family, of being forever, of being eternal and knowing where we come from and who created us. The Atonement. Yes, we answer to the laws of this land. We vote for them, we fight for them. We have our own title of liberty. We fight for our faith, our freedom, and family. But at the end of the day, and at the end of this life, there are higher laws as to which we must abide. I will be held accountable for my choices. Seeing the big picture, I know that I can stand for what I believe in. And even if mud flies my way, I just have to remember that all a little dirt really hurts is my ego - and I'll survive, as long as I am standing on a firm foundation.

2 yr old

There's lots of things that a two yr old does that I'd rather not have to deal with - they don't call it the terrible two's for nothin'. I must admit however, that there are some wonderful things too. One of my favorite's has to be listening to toddlers try to express how they feel (as opposed to being forced to listen to an all-out scream fest followed by a temper tantrum). It gives great insight as to what they are thinking. Hannah is no exception.

This morning, when Tracy got back from picking up our bountiful basket (awesome co-op - I am loving it so far...cheap AND great produce), Hannah was right there waiting. She was so happy to see him, she could hardly contain herself. She ran into his arms and stayed put...a daddy's girl through and through.

Being a Saturday, we had lots to get done and if Tracy wanted to go for a run, he had to leave right then. So he gave her a kiss, set her down, and left. She cried. Normal 2 yr old stuff. She crawled her devastated self onto my lap and I let her cry. When she decided that she could survive without her daddy, I was informed she was ready for food. I asked Aleana to help get Hannah in her seat while I made breakfast. I got to over-hear a very sweet, very simple conversation. And I caught a glimpse inside that pretty little head of hers.

Aleana: Ooooh, poor Hannah. Are you sad?

Hannah: I sad. I cried. I lost daddy. (as she started sobbing again...)

Melted my heart. I could hear the genuine heart-break in her voice. Even made me tear up a little. The power of a toddler can be surprising.

Oh, and she found her dad again before she was even finished with her toast.

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And just because she is so darn cute:

Fashionista

What, I have a shadow?

She loves hats.

Back to a routine

I took a break from blogging for the summer. The word "break" is misleading though. No, I really didn't get a break. The time I usually use for such things were taken up by other things that involves 4 kids and no school. But as school has started back up again, I am slowly getting back together again. I spent the last few days getting the house in order (something I have been trying to do for the last 3 MONTHS without much success - it's amazing how things stay clean when the OLDER 2 kids are in school). So now, I am getting my blog back in order. There are a lot of posts, but I am caught up once again. For now. :)

Luke 6 Months

Stats:

weight: 22 lbs

height: 28"

head: 18 1/2"

I love this not-so-little bear cub. He has an awesome personality which makes it's appearance at just the right time, making all of us smile. He is so easy going and fun to be with - just as long as he gets fed when he's hungry and no one takes his toys. That's my kind of kid. :)

First Day of School 2010

School is here! School is here! School is here! Should I shout that one more time?

Not too sure who was excited more this year, Aleana, Trent or ME. This summer has been long. Of course it was busy enough - which made it impossible to establish a good routine. And I have to say that is what I really miss - a good routine...you know, one with normal lunchtimes, nap-times, chores, dinner, and the ever-very-important bedtimes. Sigh.

Then, the kids go to school. And it seems that I miss them more than any routine. That's motherhood - seems like I would get used to it, but I don't.

Back in Kindergarten, we'd ask Trent to set out his clothes for school. He did it his own way. Now he's in the second grade and is still using the same method. His clothes have to be lined up in order, and he puts them on in that order too. The things this boy comes up with. Of course, Aleana was super excited to go to the 5th grade that she took a page from Trent's "set-out" method and followed suit.

Ahhh - the classic pose in front of the door. They have to stop this, this growing and getting older thing. Not only does it remind me that I too am growing older, but it makes me have a twinge of guilt for wishing the summer would just end. Now.

I changed my mind. Can I have my summer back? At least for another week, or until I recover from my "school" amnesia and remember why I thought this school thing was a great idea?

Circus

Family Circus has it right. Really. This summer has proved that to me time and time again. This Giles clan is all about being a circus. My kids have too much energy. Why, oh why can't they share some with me? Is that too much to ask?!?

Thank goodness we have a backyard.

And a back door that I can close.

And things for them to climb on.

And for the fact that there were no major broken bones, cuts that required stitches, or heads that needed to be MEDICALLY (key word) examined.

And to truly be a circus, every family needs:

A Monkey...

A dog that can do tricks...

Side Show pets...

Human Tricks - aka "Human Bowling" (at least that what slip-n-slide means to Trent)

And of course, one cannot forget about the CLOWNS - at least these particular ones don't scare me (although they may scare the waitress that has to serve our family at a restaurant, or the babysitter - but that's another story...)

I Love my Circus. I love the summer. And I love the fall.

Family Fair

Mindy (Tracy's sister) and Vance with their girls were able to swing by and visit on their way back from Yellowstone. It was really nice to have them come, and we tried our hardest to sell the idea of why moving to Boise would be perfect them (not like we had to work that hard - Boise speaks for itself). While they were here, we went to the fair. It was really nice, and something I think our little family will make a tradition out of and go every year. We spent about 8 hours there looking at all the animals and exhibits, not to mention enjoying the fair food. You'd be surprised what they manage to put on a stick. We didn't even take them to the rides until the very end - and they were allowed to pick only 2 rides (great motivator for good behavior I might add). We probably would have stayed longer, but Hannah developed a fever of 103. Other than that, it was an awesome day (so awesome that we didn't remember to take a lot of pictures).

They loved the baby goats. They even named them. Don't ask what they names were, I can't remember.

Taking a water break: The kids with their cousins, Whitney and Kelsey. Poor Hannah and her flushed fever cheeks.

Thanks Miller family!

Through Aleana's Eyes - Dog Days of Summer

Two Christmas' ago, we got Aleana a camera (nikon cool pix s210). I have to say, it has been a great purchase, especially this summer. Aleana gets bored. Let's face it. Two kids who still nap, another who needs some sort of quiet time, and a nursing baby means that the afternoons in our home are quiet, and well, boring. So when Aleana had her fill on reading, I would encourage her to take her camera outside and try to take some pictures. I have to say, I am impressed. She does a great job. All of these pictures are untouched. No photoshop/editing was done. She has learned to use all the different little functions on the camera. Smart kid. Good photographer.

In this segment, it's all about the dog. Guess that's what happens when Sasha is the only other animal in the backyard. She makes a good subject :)

Aleana's Eyes - Nature

Nature segment. I love seeing things through her eyes. Even the smallest weeds all of the sudden look beautiful. Again, all this "nature" was found in our backyard.

Aleana's Eyes - through the aquarium...

In this segment: Our aquarium. One of her fish (she named it, but I can't remember), and her frog (again - there's a name, just not sure what it is)

Ol' Silver City

Tracy had to be at some sort of cattleman's meeting in Silver City, ID (not to be confused with Silver City, NM - which we have also been). So we tagged along. The weather was great and so was the drive. We got to see a lot of gorgeous scenery which made me fall even more in love with Idaho. The only way to get to this historical town (which is only open to the public from April to October) is by dirt road/4-wheel drive. He was able to take a nice big truck (Ford F350) that fit all of us. Tracy loved the off-road drive, and Hannah kept asking for more bumps, as I tried not to cry when we rounded the curves on the side of a cliff on a one-lane dirt "road".

All the buildings looked like this. Since this town is classifed as "historical", no changes can be made to the buildings without permission from the BLM. No buildings can be added. These homes that are standing have been passed down though the families for generations. It's really cool to look at what it was like to live 100 years ago.

This is just outside the little restaurant that serves pie. Neat little place. Of course, no indoor plumbing.

Love this pic.

The kids played in the creek while Tracy was in the meeting. What I really liked was the humming birds. They were everywhere, and they weren't shy. As the kids were getting muddy, one little humming bird must have thought I was interesting. It kept buzzing right up to my face and just looking at me, and not for just a split second either. It would just hover there. I have never had that happen before. Aleana was jealous. I wish I had a camera at that moment - but this picture that I got later will have to do.