I have found plenty of entertainment options through podcasts and internet. One of the "Best of YouTube" videos I watched last week was about Christian the Lion. I loved it but I'll admit I wondered about it's legitimacy. Well it's been all over tv lately and so I just wanted to share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNTdWbVBgc
It is generally accepted as authentic but for you naysayers-
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/25929574/
Catch-up Part II
Both of the boys love the splash park in Meridian. Last summer it took Cameron a little while to really love it, and Eli was the same way this summer. He was a little hesitant at first but then he really got his feet wet!
Cameron loves "BOE-LIN!" We went a couple months ago for Richard's office party and Cameron had such a good time he's been asking to go ever since. (By the way I scored 111! Three strikes! Great for me, I rarely break 100.)
This time the lane didn't have as much grease or slope or something because occasionally Cameron wouldn't push the ball hard enough to make it to the pins and an employee would have to come give it some extra help. Cameron would send it on its way and it would take so long that he would run back to the step and sit down to watch how many "points" he got. 
Last week some time Cameron realized he was strong enough to open the refrigerator after all. (I'm not sure how I managed to keep that a secret for so long.) Well you know what it means when the kids are quiet. Trouble. Sure enough Cameron had snagged the bag of cherries my parents brought us from Oregon. They were sure enjoying themselves.
Cameron knows that cherries have what he calls "nuts" in the middle and that you aren't supposed to eat them. So he made a careful pile on the table. 
Eli on the other hand hadn't been enlightened about cherry pits so you can imagine what populated his diaper the next morning. I'm just glad he didn't choke on them. (I can't believe I am talking about the contents of my child's diaper on the internet...Hopefully it elicited a laugh or two, then it was worth it.)
Cameron loves "BOE-LIN!" We went a couple months ago for Richard's office party and Cameron had such a good time he's been asking to go ever since. (By the way I scored 111! Three strikes! Great for me, I rarely break 100.)
This time the lane didn't have as much grease or slope or something because occasionally Cameron wouldn't push the ball hard enough to make it to the pins and an employee would have to come give it some extra help. Cameron would send it on its way and it would take so long that he would run back to the step and sit down to watch how many "points" he got. 
Last week some time Cameron realized he was strong enough to open the refrigerator after all. (I'm not sure how I managed to keep that a secret for so long.) Well you know what it means when the kids are quiet. Trouble. Sure enough Cameron had snagged the bag of cherries my parents brought us from Oregon. They were sure enjoying themselves.
Cameron knows that cherries have what he calls "nuts" in the middle and that you aren't supposed to eat them. So he made a careful pile on the table. Eli on the other hand hadn't been enlightened about cherry pits so you can imagine what populated his diaper the next morning. I'm just glad he didn't choke on them. (I can't believe I am talking about the contents of my child's diaper on the internet...Hopefully it elicited a laugh or two, then it was worth it.)Catch-up Part I
Alright, enough of the narcissism. I'll blog about the boys for Grandma's sake. Here are a few random pictures and stories over the last couple months that never made it to the blog.
The first few days of potty training were rough. Then next few weeks were great. Since then we have had ups and downs, a few relapses but these last couple weeks I am feeling a little bit comfortable again. Once Cameron learned that accidents weren't good he would try to hide them from us. One day he left for a few minutes and came back wearing Eli's shorts. He couldn't reach the drawers that contain his clothes so he settled for Eli's. He thought he was sooo sneaky. Richard and I were quite amused. Sadly though, in the picture the shorts don't look that small...don't know what to make of that.
The first few days of potty training were rough. Then next few weeks were great. Since then we have had ups and downs, a few relapses but these last couple weeks I am feeling a little bit comfortable again. Once Cameron learned that accidents weren't good he would try to hide them from us. One day he left for a few minutes and came back wearing Eli's shorts. He couldn't reach the drawers that contain his clothes so he settled for Eli's. He thought he was sooo sneaky. Richard and I were quite amused. Sadly though, in the picture the shorts don't look that small...don't know what to make of that.
I'm not sure what I love most about this picture; the smile, the sunglasses or the jammies. I love jammies.
These are the neighbors Tyler and Aubrey. Cameron and Aubrey are great buddies. It's so fun that he is to an age where he has little friends that come knock on the door to see if he can play. He calls popsicles, pop-ska-boes.
The quality of the picture isn't that great but these boys were watching a movie together and I've never seen them all three sit still for so long! (The one on the left is Carter, we were watching him for the evening.)
Eli vs. White-out
He was getting quite frustrated by the time I discovered him. I wasn't too angry, one of those moments where you think it's funny as much as anything.
You'll never believe it!
First let me say this:
(Would it be me if I didn’t have a preface for my post?) Lest anyone call me vain, there are two reasons I did this. The first is that Krista did it and I really enjoyed reading it. But in hindsight I realize that I am not as mysterious as Krista. Oh well, the second reason is that I really enjoyed thinking of these things. I will print it off and save it for posterity.
Oh- one more! I was really curious how many of these things would be news to Richard. And since he is on the road again he looks forward to blog posts.
101 Things about Jo
1. I was born in a bathroom. Delivered by my dad.
2. My favorite place to visit is San Diego.
3. But if I could go anywhere I’d go to Italy.
4. In 8th grade I wanted to be a cheerleader more than anything.
5. My favorite color has been orange for as long as I can remember.
6. All my grandparents passed away by the time I was 12.
7. In another life I would love to be a teacher. I really admire teachers.
8. If I could choose two things to be really good at I would choose ballet and photography.
9. I played the clarinet for seven years, from 5th grade through my senior year.
10. I frequently forget to feed my dog. Let me re-phrase, my dog gets two meals a day but they
are at different times each day. Poor thing.
11. I have a generic shopping list that I print before each shopping trip and check the items I need. It is organized according to the layout of Winco. I hate it when they rearrange.
12. In high school I was an intern for Senator Mike Crapo.
13. I love babies.
14. In yester-years I was a thrill seeker. I loved bridge jumping, dirt biking, skiing, and the climax was doing a 250 foot freefall at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. A couple years ago I did the rides at the top of the Stratosphere and found myself relishing the adrenaline once again.
15. I did 4-H for two years, sewing and cooking.
16. I always wanted to name my son Destry.
17. I am a dental hygienist.
18. I hate rejection. I could never do sales.
19. The first cassette tape I owned was Paula Abdul.
20. I love swimming at night in the summertime.
21. I went to three different high schools.
22. When I was ten and he was five we adopted my brother Darren from Thailand. During the
first few weeks when he was used to waking up very early he would come get in my bed with me.
23. I have no gallbladder and no appendix.
24. I used to always say I only wanted boys. Although I no longer feel that way it looks as
though I may have jinxed myself.
25. I have a love-hate relationship with jogging.
26. I am CPR certified.
27. I have two sisters and three brothers.
28. After watching “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” frequently when I was young I was
determined to be married in June.
29. I am told on a weekly basis that I look like I am 16 years old.
30. My favorite way to wear my hair when it was long enough was in two French braids.
31. I love the fountains at the Bellagio.
32. My name used to overlap- JOANNELIZABETHALL. Boy I thought that was cool.
33. After going to a summer music camp when I was about 11 I had a big crush on one of the
counselors. We would write letters. He was probably 20-ish, that seems a little strange now…
34. I am somewhat intrigued by birth order.
35. Abraham Lincoln is probably the man I most admire. (Secularly speaking.)
36. Celebrity crushes? Dean Cain and Matthew McConaughey (Both from way back when “New
Adventures of Lois and Clark” and “Ed” where their big hits.)
37. All-time favorite song “With or Without You” by U2.
38. All-time favorite book “Les Miserables”.
39. I am a victim of serial extraction.
40. I would love to ride in a limo.
41. I love the BBC. (British Broadcasting Corporation.)
42. Richard and I played on an intramural flag football team in college.
43. I love baseball games in the spring, but not on TV.
44. I have visited Washington D.C. five or six times.
45. In elementary school it was a real treat for me to have “hot lunch”. I loved it when my dad
would come eat lunch with me at school.
46. I love board games and give them as wedding gifts.
47. I love to snow ski and water-ski.
48. My favorite classes in college were Political Science and Anatomy & Physiology.
49. I worked at Roaring Springs Water Park for four summers.
50. I don’t like Wal-Mart.
51. I had a missionary and it wasn’t Richard.
52. After four years of reading text books it took me awhile but now I love to read.
53. I love avocados.
54. My boys and I frequently dance in the kitchen.
55. Felicity was my favorite TV series.
56. I have a really hard time saying ‘No’ to people. It has caused me much grief.
57. I like having a vegetable garden.
58. I am related to Daniel Boone.
59. Richard and I will sometimes eat a bowl of popcorn every night.
60. I didn’t have my own room until I was a senior in high school.
61. In 4th grade Tony Fratto brought me a heart shaped balloon to school. I told him I would “go
out with him” if he didn’t swear for two weeks. It didn’t work out.
62. I really want to learn to speak Spanish.
63. I like Sudoku.
64. My roommate took me on a cattle drive.
65. As a child I collected many things; postcards, keychains, dried glue from my mom’s glue
gun. (Bizarre.)
66. The best Christmas present I ever got, if measured by hours spent with it, was a dollhouse.
67. I’ve always wanted to try a hot air balloon and a zip-line.
68. I've lived here two years and my mailbox still says "Hennis".
69. I have terrible handwriting.
70. I love to travel.
71. I used to drink plain pickle juice.
72. During high school my favorite band was Reel Big Fish.
73. My feelings are easily hurt, making me constantly worried about hurting other’s feelings.
74. I’m not usually a get-there-fast girl, I prefer the scenic route.
75. I am an alto.
76. My favorite patients at work are the old men who give me compliments and wisdom in
abundance.
77. I have been to the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Mexico and Canada.
78. I have seen Mt. Rushmore, Niagara Falls, the French Quarter, the Badlands, countless
monuments, historical sights and battlefields. But my favorite stop on our cross-country
journey? The CORN PALACE!
79. On my tourist travel to-do: the Grand Canyon, the Alamo and the Statue of Liberty.
80. I hate make-up.
81. I once fell asleep while driving on the freeway between Pocatello and Rexburg.
82. In the fall Richard and I love to watch college football games together.
83. I blush easily.
84. My parents gave me my favorite cereal when I got good grades.
85. I could also earn points for a shopping spree by reading books.
86. In my first two years of college I only had one B. (Microbiology.) The second two years,
different story.
87. I played the crash cymbals in marching band. I really shined during the national anthem.
88. I have metal screws in my foot.
89. I really miss old friends.
90. And I wish I kept in touch with people better.
91. In 2nd grade everyone put their lunch-boxes in a shopping cart and it was my job to push
the shopping cart back to class.
92. I've given up on TV and rely on the internet and podcasts for my electronic entertainment.
93. I drove a silver Mazda pick-up named "Grey Wolf" in high school.
94. When I was 15 I lived in Fairfax, VA for ten months.
95. I once won a pie eating contest at the Western Idaho Fair.
96. I love finding new music.
97. If I really got behind a cause it would be drunk driving. (Against it of course.)
98. I’m striving to be totally apathetic to celebrity gossip.
99. I have a terrible habit of forgetting about the laundry.
100. Both of my boys were born exactly two weeks early.
101. I hate leaving projects unfinished.
This was quite time consuming and I don't recommend neglecting any crucial tasks to complete it. But I found it rewarding nonetheless. So, take your time and go to it!
Harmless
Tonight I went to visit some people for primary and Krista watched Cameron for me. She said he found these right away and wore them for the duration of the evening. All I can do is laugh, because come on, it's funny. Thanks for capturing the moment for me!
Back So Soon
Okay after a brief hiatus I am back. Everyone did such a nice job of flattering me about my blog that I couldn't stay away. Although this did nothing for my blog issues. In fact, the thing that brought me back is a post that requires comments. So here we go!
I saw this first on my friend Natalie's blog and it sent me down memory lane, which is a journey that a sentimental person like me is always willing to make. Since then I have enjoyed the lanes of other friendships on other blogs, leaving behind my memories. So please participate. I'm really looking forward to this so don't disappoint. :)
(If I haven't guilted you into comments yet then this ought to work.)
If you can remember your first memory (or any memory ) of yourself and me, or you and Richard ... post it as a comment - if you comment, consider yourself tagged, then put this same post on your blog and the game continues...
I saw this first on my friend Natalie's blog and it sent me down memory lane, which is a journey that a sentimental person like me is always willing to make. Since then I have enjoyed the lanes of other friendships on other blogs, leaving behind my memories. So please participate. I'm really looking forward to this so don't disappoint. :)
(If I haven't guilted you into comments yet then this ought to work.)
If you can remember your first memory (or any memory ) of yourself and me, or you and Richard ... post it as a comment - if you comment, consider yourself tagged, then put this same post on your blog and the game continues...
I know these things happen...
but do they have to happen 26 miles away from civilization? We were camping at Warm Lake this weekend and Eli took a tumble. He split his forehead open on the edge of the metal fire pit. Before we got to the ER in Cascade the last thing on my mind was taking pictures. But once he was all fixed up I wished I'd had a before shot. Thank Heaven for derma-bond. No stitches just superglue--medical grade I am told. Of course I am biased but I think he was a trooper. Richard and I decided that with two boys it was bound to happen. I've heard that a woman once said that her children never had broken bones and stitches because "you can't really get hurt tripping on a joystick." But who wants to live that way anyway? But I think I handled it quite well. Richard says I cried more when he split his lip open on our last camping trip than I did this time. Maybe it's time to take a break from camping... for Eli's well-being.Why do we blog?
Okay so for anyone who hasn't visited this blog http://www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/ you should check it out. (Thanks Jensie and BTW can someone fill me in on how to make a link without typing the address?) Anyway Richard and I got some good hearty laughs from reading through old posts. Oh and it's a satire, it took me a few minutes to catch on to that...
So it made me think... am I an insecure Mormon Mommy who blog-brags? I was so sure that I wasn't. I usually question my motives before posting things and justify by thinking "it's for family" or "it's my journal" yeah yeah yeah. Well on Wednesday I posted pics from our 4th of July. We left to go camping for a few days and I was sure when I returned there would be loads of comments! And what did I find? One comment. (Thanks Wendy.) I was so disappointed. (That should be my first clue about my self-worth...letting it hang on comments). I know all my fellow bloggers are addicted just like I am and use our google reader to keep constant tabs on each other's posts. So I know you've been reading... If you don't use google reader you need a friend like Stephanie to enlighten you. Now I only spend 4 hours blogging instead of 5. (Yes Dad I am exaggerating.)
Conclusion is: I have issues. Blog issues. Time for a hiatus. But first I just have to post one more thing...see above.
So it made me think... am I an insecure Mormon Mommy who blog-brags? I was so sure that I wasn't. I usually question my motives before posting things and justify by thinking "it's for family" or "it's my journal" yeah yeah yeah. Well on Wednesday I posted pics from our 4th of July. We left to go camping for a few days and I was sure when I returned there would be loads of comments! And what did I find? One comment. (Thanks Wendy.) I was so disappointed. (That should be my first clue about my self-worth...letting it hang on comments). I know all my fellow bloggers are addicted just like I am and use our google reader to keep constant tabs on each other's posts. So I know you've been reading... If you don't use google reader you need a friend like Stephanie to enlighten you. Now I only spend 4 hours blogging instead of 5. (Yes Dad I am exaggerating.)
Conclusion is: I have issues. Blog issues. Time for a hiatus. But first I just have to post one more thing...see above.
Island Park
For the Fourth we went to Richard's grandparent's cabin in Island Park. I usually try to limit the pictures I post but since there were people in these besides my little fam I thought I'd include them all. Aside from what is pictured below we also enjoyed many other things. Namely great food (breakfast paninis, dutch oven pizza and cobbler), lots of time to read and relax, card games, fireworks on the water (oh the stories to tell...), thunderstorms, fishing, 4-wheeler rides at dusk (my new favorite), waterskiing, and just conversatin'.
All it took to entertain Cameron and Eli was a beach with rocks they could throw in the water. Despite a couple close calls, no one was hit by the rocks. 
It wouldn't be a trip to the cabin without Grandpa putting the boys to work.
And Cameron trying to look tough...
We ate a late lunch in West Yellowstone before the Playmill theater and the boys were thrilled to be at a park. Eli loves to swing!
The teeter-totters were a big hit. I guess they are just one of those things you never out grow. To fully appreciate our facial expressions you have to click to get the big picture.
The water was surprisingly warm. And even though I was wearing a life jacket Cameron was practically drowning me. 
Cameron was cool stuff in his helmet and sunglasses. Periodically he would inform us that he was going for a ride on the 4-wheeler. He would go outside and sit on it and let his imagination do the rest. (You might notice in the picture below that his helmet is on backwards.)
This was in West Yellowstone. The boys weren't so much into the Playmill. It was Oklahoma and I couldn't quite appreciate it with these squirmy guys.
I brought a 1000 piece puzzle up to the cabin and Gordon helped me get started on it. Then Suzanne and Laura put in some time but as Richard put it, I was the only one who was "obsessed" with it. I'd like to say that I was determined. Jess helped me on the home stretch to finally get it finished. If you're wondering why I picked a John Wayne puzzle, you just don't know my in-laws very well yet. :)
All it took to entertain Cameron and Eli was a beach with rocks they could throw in the water. Despite a couple close calls, no one was hit by the rocks. 
It wouldn't be a trip to the cabin without Grandpa putting the boys to work.
And Cameron trying to look tough...
We ate a late lunch in West Yellowstone before the Playmill theater and the boys were thrilled to be at a park. Eli loves to swing!
The teeter-totters were a big hit. I guess they are just one of those things you never out grow. To fully appreciate our facial expressions you have to click to get the big picture. By the way Jess I really like this picture of you!
The water was surprisingly warm. And even though I was wearing a life jacket Cameron was practically drowning me. Cameron was cool stuff in his helmet and sunglasses. Periodically he would inform us that he was going for a ride on the 4-wheeler. He would go outside and sit on it and let his imagination do the rest. (You might notice in the picture below that his helmet is on backwards.)
This was in West Yellowstone. The boys weren't so much into the Playmill. It was Oklahoma and I couldn't quite appreciate it with these squirmy guys.I brought a 1000 piece puzzle up to the cabin and Gordon helped me get started on it. Then Suzanne and Laura put in some time but as Richard put it, I was the only one who was "obsessed" with it. I'd like to say that I was determined. Jess helped me on the home stretch to finally get it finished. If you're wondering why I picked a John Wayne puzzle, you just don't know my in-laws very well yet. :)Thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible and pleasurable. I really look forward to trips to the cabin and if Cameron and I could have our way we would be there "for a long time ago". (That's what he says when he means a long time.)
And my shout out to the United States of America: I love this country. I get chills on the Fourth of July when I think about the millions of people all watching fireworks, or spending time with their families in honor of our blessed nation.
"Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!" ~Star Spangled Banner
Welcome To Joseph...
Richard and I spent last weekend in Joseph, Oregon for our anniversary. (Five years!) We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast I found online. Some people are B&B people (me) and some are not (Richard). But I think it's growing on him... We take turns planning our anniversary. Mine usually involve a B&B and Richard's usually involve dinner and a movie. Oh well. We can't afford to travel every year. 
We were discussing why people drove up and down main street so slowly and then we saw this sign. We were a lot more careful how fast we drove after that. Joseph is small town U.S.A. But very tourist-oriented. Richard and I commented on how many stores and restaurants were closed and I've since learned that the economy and gas prices have been hard on tourist communities. So I guess we were just doin' our part to support the small town folk.
We were discussing why people drove up and down main street so slowly and then we saw this sign. We were a lot more careful how fast we drove after that. Joseph is small town U.S.A. But very tourist-oriented. Richard and I commented on how many stores and restaurants were closed and I've since learned that the economy and gas prices have been hard on tourist communities. So I guess we were just doin' our part to support the small town folk. On Saturday we did some hiking. The trail we wanted to hike was inaccessible due to an avalanche (long winter in Oregon too I guess). So we did a couple shorter hikes. This was taken from the top of one. The lake down below is Wallowa Lake. That is where we are in the picture below.
We rented a paddle boat and went for a swim.
This is outside the B&B. The couple who owned it were really great. My favorite part of the B&B experience is the people you meet. It was so nice to get away for a little while. Most of you know how Richard's job takes him away a bit and this summer it has been so nice to have him around. He hasn't traveled since May and we've tried to capitalize on our time together.
We rented a paddle boat and went for a swim.
This is outside the B&B. The couple who owned it were really great. My favorite part of the B&B experience is the people you meet. It was so nice to get away for a little while. Most of you know how Richard's job takes him away a bit and this summer it has been so nice to have him around. He hasn't traveled since May and we've tried to capitalize on our time together.
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