The Naffziger Family

2009-04-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Canyonlands half marathon
Master bath

View from kitchen into living room

One of the two front decks

Master suite

Did the Moab Canyon lands half marathon on the 21st of March. I set a P.R. of 2:02:04 really wanted to break two hours but it was a pretty tough course, not flat. So I am pretty happy with this time, I really felt like throwing up at the end. These are some friends that ran it with me, Jen and her husband Sam, and then my friend Alex she ran the Phoenix half with me back in January. (Jen ran the full marathon in Phoenix)

This really was one of the most beautiful runs I have ever done.

Picture of the new house, from the living room looking into the kitchen.

Front entry

View from kitchen into living room and front entry.

My sweet sweet girl she is getting so big and I am so in love with her.

The big man in my life!!!! Sweetest boy ever, I so enjoy spending all the time I can with these guys.

So sorry I haven't been keeping up with the blog, I am now on Facebook and been neglecting the blog. I have some pictures in here of the new house in Durango, we took procession of the house the 1st of April and have been moving things up there except furniture and now just have the basics here in Farmington. I have been up there from Friday to Wednesday every week, but this weekend we are all staying in Farmington. Ryan is on call all weekend and we have an open house to try to sell this one on Sunday. Then on Tuesday the 21st the movers are coming to move the furniture and we will be up there full time from then on. Very exciting. But my computer time has been very short with all the moving and back and forth. The kids and I have had roto-virus, which I got just after the half marathon that night and so did Sofie. Ryan and I were supposed to go to Moab together, but he stayed home with sick Jack and then I got home that night and then, BAM. So, not that I recommend it, but run a half marathon and then don't eat and get diarrhea for four days, that will make you loose weight. EEEKKKK!

Help! I have fallen and I can't get up!

2009-02-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Jelly mess. He wants the camera here, and I am, in no way, letting him have it.
Now he is breaking out the charm. But it didn't work!

Sofie was walking around with my running shoes on and fell, Ryan couldn't resist getting a picture of this. My poor girl lying there crying, and Daddy is taking her picture.

Wrestling with Daddy. Their pre bed time ritual. Why is it that about 45 minutes before bed time they get this second wind? Ryan tries to wear them out.

Weekend in Telluride

2009-01-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

On the chair lift in Telluride, Ryan doing a self portrait.
Paul and Diana live in Telluride and are so nice to let us use their condo whenever we can come up. It is always so nice to spend time with good friends.

Paul and Ryan we are at our favorite restaurant in Telluride called Blue Point. We also the night before went to the Chop House and it was fantastic..The Truffle fries at Blue Point are the bomb....The oysters were awesome also. One of the reasons we love going there is the great restaurants, love to eat...

On the mountain in Telluride, it was flippin freeeeezing! Ryan is really the picture taker, so he shot my photo here.

This is Ryan taking my video coming down the mountain and about two seconds after that I tried to do a jump and fell, hard. So, he stopped shooting just in time.

Above that the kids are playing with about 20 thousand pieces of construction paper, whatever keeps them busy, right?

Oreos and Stuff

2009-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Oreo teeth
Trouble

Double bum bum. Jack loves his bath! He gets so mad when you take him out.

Ryan and I went skiing in Durango last Friday, and Sofie wanted to be like Mommy, so she put on my Uggs and goggles and hat. She is such a little mini me and a joy. Can't wait to get her on the slopes next year.

Poor Sydney, she puts up with so much.

Where does she get this temper???

The New Year

2009-01-01T10:43:00.001-08:00

"Over the margins of life comes a whisper, a faint call, a premonition of richer living which we know we are passing by. Strained by the very mad pace of our daily outer burdens, we are further strained by an inward uneasiness, because we have hints that there is a way of life vastly richer and deeper than all this hurried existence, a life of unhurried serenity and peace and power." .......Thomas Kelly

With this next year coming faster at us than the last, with many more things on our plate---we are moving to Colorado, selling this house, starting a new business, being more frugal, trying to raise two kids better than I have been taught, and most of all to STOP more, LISTEN more, and speak LESS (that will be the hardest).

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

Presents galore
We have lived here for 5 years and this was our first white Christmas

ohhh the excitement!

Olive fingers

The folks at the surgery center came to our home and sang us some carols and we all shared in the Christmas cheer. We had food and drinks and they came to our house last so they could stay and visit without other caroling commitments.

Thanksgiving, Jack's 1st, and Jamaica

2008-12-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

We were so fortunate to have Ryan's parents come for thanksgiving and stay for the entire next week, so that Ryan and I could go to Jamaica. Also they were here for Jack's first birthday. This picture above is of our last night in the sand and sun!

The resort we stayed at had the best food. We ate like champs.

Sunset our first night there. We stayed on the beach every night until sunset and then showered and headed to dinner. That is the life.

Snorkeling. It was pretty wavy, so I had to hurry and get off the boat and into the water or there was going to be plenty of fish bait in the water.

Lots of toys for Jack and opening them was a group effort. All the kids had to join in, what fun.

He wasn't to sure what to think about the cake, he really didn't like it.

My two favorite boys in the whole world, they get to share a birthday!

Ryan and his dad took Jack on the morning of his birthday to get his first hair cut. He no longer has baby hair, he looks like a real boy now.....booo whoooo

Grandpa doing dishes

After Thanksgiving dinner, we burned a few calories doing "dance dance revolution" pretty funny and we were really working up a sweat!

Grandma giving Jack a drink of water.

Halloween and More

2008-11-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

This little cutie patootie is Delany and she is a month old. Our friends Joe and Sheridan were here from Oregon for a visit and we had such a nice time seeing them. I just wish they could have stayed longer. They used to live here and then they moved away about a year ago and we sure do miss them. They make the best little mommies in the world....She is precious
The happy little family.

Ryan and I all dressed to go to the annual hospital awards banquet, it is the one time a year I actually get really dressed up. And the one time a year Ryan wears a suit.

Is this the future musician?

Jack stuck under the table, he couldn't figure out how to get out. He was crying, and I was laughing. Poor boy.

We threw a big Halloween party and had about 50 people show up. It was a real success Ryan's nurse Tiffany and her husband also named Ryan. He made his grill out of tin foil.

O.K. Here is Ryan and Virgil being the "Fire and Ice" characters from the movie
Blades of Glory. Yes, these grown men wore unitards, and it was really funny.

Two goof balls.

Our neighbor Ronnie, a very ugly old lady.

Our Neighbors John and Stacey

Mario and Luigi

Our neighbor Michelle and Virgil's Wife Becky

Jim and Melissa

Kung fu Panda

Taking Sofie Trick or Treating.

My little Tinker Bell

Little boy witch.

Standing up and starting to walk.

Two girlie girls

Happy Second Birthday Sofia

2008-10-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday sweet sweet girl!
I can't get her to stop calling the cake "pancake"
Even Jack loved the balloons.
Trying out Sofie's toys
He is already getting into her stuff!

Finally our boy is standing in his crib and sitting himself up. Now it is time to put the mattress down! This is how I found him after his nap Friday afternoon.

Birthday girl waiting for her guests to arrive for her birthday.
New play kitchen.
Opening more presents.

Third and final marathon this summer!

2008-10-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

One super happy boy!

After 4 and a half hours of running, I was actually crying at this point, but I put on a good face for Ryan at the finish line. I didn't hit a wall til mile 25, pretty good considering I usually hit one at miles 18-22. It got so hot 84 degrees people in the neighborhoods were spraying us with their garden hoses.
Our friend who came to see us Linda and Greg from MI and Pam and Jeff from Springfield.
Shanker and Pam the two best friends a girl could ask for.
We went to the American Girl store and got Kit for Sofie. She is mesmerized by this doll, I think she is also a little afraid of it cause the eyes open and close.
This is a kitten that was on our back deck two weeks ago. Something got to him he only has half a tail, he had a pneumothorax, which resolved on its own. He was a bag of bones, so after a trip to the vet for some diarrhea and antibiotics, he is thriving. But we don't need another cat, does anyone want him?

Morning of the race, Ryan was a peach and went down stairs and got me a coffee from starbucks. Can't run without coffee. Or do anything for that matter.
Getting ready!
Coffee and getting ready to start, so many people. A fun race.
The sun coming up over the lake.
Everyone waiting to start, it was this crowded the entire time. People of all shapes sizes and ages were running. This sport knows no limits when it comes to shapes ages and sizes. It is very personal and the entire team you worry about is yourself. It is nice to only compete with myself in my own mind. Crazy what you can push your body to do.

Chi-town here we come!

2008-10-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Well, no pictures on this post, just a little update. Ryan and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon for our favorite place on earth, CHICAGO!!!!!! Yep, this weekend is the big race weekend. I ran Chicago in 2002 and I am really looking forward to doing it again. The atmosphere there is unlike any other and it will be soooo good to be back "home". (just wish the cubbies were playing) So I hope to set a PR this time, and with the two previous marathons in the past 6 weeks at high altitude, I hope to beat my 4:24. Ryan and I are meeting with some super awesome friends-- the Aussies who live in Indy, Beck and Jamie, and our friends from Springfield, Jeff and Pam and of course it wouldn't be Chicago without Greg and Linda from Grand Rapids. We are kid free as Micah is going to have them here in Farmington for 3 nights! EEEKKKKK! I have never left them for that long before, but I have all the confidence in the world in that girl. So wish me luck and pray I don't die. You can track me on the Chicago marathon website, please don't laugh--too hard! The race starts Sunday morning at 8 am Chicago time.

Poopie-Poo

2008-09-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post is for my cousin Andrea, she was deeply upset that I didn't tell this story on the last post.

I returned home from Denver on Monday afternoon. Jack and I were in the living room. He had a wet diaper and I usually take him back to his room to change him, cause I don't have to climb stairs so it is pretty easy to do so. This time I thought I would take his diaper off and sort of let him do the sometimes, necessary "dry out" due to some little minor rash he has. No biggie, right? Sofie is in the kitchen and as I am headed back to Jack's room to pick up a diaper, I get a little side tracked, which happens frequently, just plain scattered these days. So I am getting Sofie her juice and whatever else pops into her head that she wants at that moment, pull a load of laundry out of the dryer and put a load in ect. ect. Go back to the living room and I look down at Jack on the floor, covered in poop. He not only pooped on the carpet but rolled his-self around in it. Smiling up at me, with a chunk in his hand about to join the other chunk in his mouth. EEEEEKKKKKKKK! I do the scoop with my finger into his mouth to get the big piece in there and freak out. What do I do now? I don't want to get poo on me, I don't want to get it on Sofie and I certainly don't want him to eat anymore of it. So, I am holding him, running to the bathroom, I turn on the tub and how now do I get the chunks off him without getting it all over? Cause I can't put him in the tub, cause I don't want to have floaters in the water. So as I run to get the baby wipes, I get back to the bathroom, I laid Jack on the floor, (travertine cleans easily) there is Sofie sitting in the tub-HEAVENS- with her clothes on. Yes, I know she could have drowned. EEEKKKK Jack is still trying to eat his BM. I get the large chunks off and everyone gets a bath.
I go back to the living room to clean the carpet, no poop to be found. Just a dog sitting there happy as a clam.

Welcome home Mommy

Two down one to go!

2008-09-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Sofie lovin her "brodur" with a little too much lovin.
She loves my shoes, she actually picked out a pair that matched her outfit.
I flew into Denver on Friday night and my good friend Elizabeth, who used to live here in Farmington now lives in Loveland, CO. picked me up and we went to dinner and caught up and I stayed at her house Friday night. This is her little boy Reese, he is so big now. He is 3.
My great friend Emily. Her and I were room mates at IWU and she did the half marathon. She was the star runner at IWU and she is still a natural. I stayed with her and her husband and their two boys on Saturday night and her and I got up nice and early on Sunday morning for the race. She kicked butt in the half, of course. And I dragged my butt across the finish line. 4:49:50. It was a hard race, lots of hills. A very long 26.2 miles But all my friends were there to cheer me at the finish. That was nice, this picture is of her and I after the race. This is what I looked like half dead. In case you were wondering. Two down (Albq. and Boulder) and one to go--now Chicago here I come-- in 3 weeks.
I then stayed at our friend's Bill and Jen Mell Sunday night after the marathon. They also live in Denver, lots of friends in that area. Bill ran the half also because he is training for NY marathon in November. Eric (Ry's best friend) was also there from Phoenix. (Ryan, Bill, Jen and Eric all went to high school together) We were all bummed that Ryan wasn't there but we had fun despite it and had a great visit. This is Bill and Jen's little girl Avery, she is a few months older than Sofie and so cute and funny.

The Cruiser

2008-09-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

OK -- I know how much Schopp loved the last time I did this, so this one goes out to him. It's hard to label this blog "feminine" when it involves this subject matter!
For recent readers you'll remember my 76 Toyota Land Cruiser just a few weeks back when it looked like this:

And now after the recent paint job and all the touch ups it's back in mint condition. Deep forest green with black bumpers and stainless steel trim and wheels. The cargo area was specially designed for hauling tools, hot babes, (their names are Cherie and Sofie) guitars, and other manly stuff. Saweeeeet! ...And that's probably my last blog ever! Come out for a few mountain 4 Wheel Drive trail runs soon -- Ryan

26.2

2008-09-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

This is the dorky hat up close that I bought at the expo while registering. Holds all the gel and stuff you can stuff in it. I am such a running dork. OK doesn't this smile look like I am going to chomp someone's achille's off? EEEAAASY.
Testing out the hat, running in place. Can you say NERDO?

This is my friend Amanda who went with me to the race. She is fast, so we stuck together the first 15 miles and then I sent her off into the wild blue yonder, she ended up finishing the race 15 minutes before me. The first 8 miles of the race were uphill, but not bad. The race then was downhill and we really kicked it up for about 5 miles, cruised. Beautiful course, and pretty enjoyable. There were great aide stations every couple of miles, and then as we were running down the hill into the city, with the moutains behind us, there were hot air balloons ascending. Here we are at 4:30 in the morning, we were up at 4 am. The race started at 5:30, and we had to be at the bus by 4:45. We have to get up about an hour or so before the race to eat and get the caffeine in us and also, accomplish bodily functions. Nobody wants to squat and do THAT behind a bush.
After the race just before we were on our way home. It seemed weird to be there without Ryan cheering me on. He was home with our babies, and I missed them. By the way I finished the race in about 4:36-4:40, won't know til they post the final numbers on the marathon website.
Got her a butterfly outfit in Albuquerque. She loves the pretty dress up stuff, such a girl.
This is the first of many more bruises to come. This happened Friday morning under the watchful eye of my husband...... Sofie was in bed with me watching sesame street, Jack was in the bathroom with Ryan while he got ready for work. All was peaceful and quiet, enjoying my child and my coffee in bed. All of a sudden I hear Jack screaming bloody murder. Then, all of a sudden I see Ryan falling, with nothing on but shaving cream, and Jack in his arms. WHAT IN THE WORLD???? Both are now lying on the floor, my husband, like I said, nothing on but shaving cream, and Jack with this HUGE goose egg on his head. (Jack was trying to crawl in the bathroom and bonked his head on the track to the closet door). So Ryan, in a hurry trying to bring Jack to me, got his toe stuck in the bottom of the door and fell with Jack in his arms. Flippin shaving cream EVERYWHERE. Then Sofie starts crying because she sees her dad lying on the floor in pain and Jack screaming, LORDY. All this chaos at 7:30 in the morning. So this was the cause of all the commotion, the big goose egg.

I've Learned

2008-08-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Rya and his buddy Virgil are driving my Dad's mustang accross the country this week, here is a pic of that pretty car! Can't wait til he gets home, very tired.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Baby Signing Time!

2008-08-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jack already doing sign language, MORE MORE MORE! I can't seem to get the sound to work!

Goin to the Fair

2008-08-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sofie and I got to pet the cow, she was really pretty scared of it. Ended up that the farmer who owned this cow was a former hand patient of Ryan's. So we got special treatment for petting. We went to the county fair this past week and really had fun eating corn dogs and looking at the animals. There was a christian band contest and Sofie really got to groovin to the music of Jesus.

And for all of you who are interested, the marathon training is going good. I have 3 coming up. Albuquerque the 31st of this month, Boulder Backroads Sept 21, and Chicago the 12th of October. My main goal right now is to really use my recovery days, and run long on my running days.(Last Saturday ran 20 miles and thought I was going to die.) And stay injury free, the worst so far is just a HUGE blister on my right heel and a few missing toe nails. So far so good. It is very time consuming, so I cut back on my work hours until these marathons are done. I am up at 5 am and out the door by 5:45 am so it really doesn't cut into the time with the kids too much.
She loved the fake horse, was afraid of the real ones. We have a timid little girl.
Petting the bunnies.
Loving the carousel.
Sweet sweet boys. How about those dimples! I could just munch on them all day! I am talking about Jack-of course.
Went to TJ Maxx for their end of season sale and came home with some stuff for Sofie, she was pumped. She loves her "pretty" clothes. The Fashionista in training.
Drinking a HUGE lemonade at the fair.
There were pigs in the background, can't see them. She thought they were pretty funny.
Ryan is drooling over this tractor, he wants to get it for when we start building our cabin in Silverton. It snows so much there it could be useful, I think he just wants the big toy.

Kuczora Family

2008-07-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

When I was in college at Indiana Wesleyan, I nannied for the Kuczora's. They were really wonderful to me when I was in school. Their family is really a great family and down below you will see how full my hands were with these kids. Actually, they were some of the most well behaved kids I have EVER watched. Except Matt beating up Meghan (punching her in the face) in the back of my ford escort, in 1993. The whole family was in Cascade Co. just outside of Colorado Springs because Matt is entering the priesthood, and taking vows. This was a 6.5 hour drive for us, so we loaded up the kids and took off for the weekend to visit with them. We got there Friday night, and Pam had dinner ready for us and the kids actually stayed up til 10pm and did fairly well. Then the next night we met them for dinner at a restaurant, and Sofie was not so good. So we had to eat and run. I really wished we could have spent more time with them, I got very emotional on the way back to our cabin. I can't tell you how unbelievable it was seeing these "little kids" after 12 years. The connection I had with this family so long ago, I immediately felt again, even after so long. Amazing. It was like 12 years had never passed. Then, back to the same old, and after being in the car with a very rambunctious 21 month old yesterday, I was ready for a day of work at the hospital today, goodness.
This is Paul, he is now a little more gray than I remembered, Pam though has that wonderful Asian heritage and hasn't aged a bit.
So here are my kids, Meridith is in the front almost sitting she is 14. I watched her as a newborn. The twins are standing on either side, and I still can't tell them apart, but, Maddie and Molly they are 17. They were the sweetest little girls in the world. One of them is #1 in their class and the other is #4. Out of, I think, 400. The boy is Matt and he is now 25 and went to Notre Dame, he is becoming a priest, (sorry ladies, that cute boy is not available), and Meghan is on his right and she also went to Notre Dame and now is at IU for medical school, she just finished her 1st year. The twins are graduating from high school next year and I think we are definitely going to go to their graduation party. (if we are invited) ;) I can't let that much time fly by again without seeing them.
Sofie's first carousal ride. We went to Santa's Workshop amusement park.
I couldn't go on this one, I definitely would have puked. Sofie loved it.
I almost puked on the ferris wheel for goodness sake. We were stopped at the top and I was a little scared. Heights are not my thing but we got through it.
Here is Sofie with her lollipop looking at the goats. All she could say was "pee you"
There was this rinky dink roller coaster. Sofie loved it as it threw her all around the place. Ryan had to hold his hand around her head to keep her from bumping it on the side and on the bar in front.

Down the big slide, Ryan got an arm burn. That he whined about all flippin day. What a wimp! :)
She actually went on this ride all by herself. So I go in with her and I proceed to get my big ole butt on this tiny little motor cycle. So I finally get myself wiggled on, and buckled in, quite the site as you can imagine, and then the teenage boy working there, tells me this ride is for kids only. After I squeezed in that seat. I am sure he got a kick out of me getting my big butt off the small seat, after watching me get in the small seat over the course of 3 very long minutes. And then falling flat on the ground. So, luckily there was only one other parent there to witness my humiliation along with my husband who laughed with the teenage boy, both, who got thorough enjoyment out of the spectacle. Can you see how small those seats are? North Pole post office
There was this elf puppet and this was Sofie's look on her face watching that thing and not knowing what to think of it.

The Crazy Elf that she wasn't sure of, singing Christmas carols.

Big Butterball in the big chair
My friend Alex and her little girl having a bath in our sink cause Aunt Cherie gave her her first oreo that got all over.
Our neighbor girl that babysits, finally got permission from her mom to have a belly ring, so Ryan brought home the stuff he would need and performed surgery on our kitchen table. I guess that is one of the perks of living across the neighborhood from a plastic surgeon. We got a date night in exchange for services rendered.
Finished product.

Michigan Good Times

2008-07-15T10:37:00.001-07:00

I just returned home from a long weekend in Michigan and I took Jack along with me. It was my cousin Brad's graduation party from high school and family came from all over the country to help celebrate. My little butterball-Jack, had just happened to be cutting a tooth, but he was a trooper and other than a major poo accident on the plane on the way home, and me not having any change of clothes for him, all went well. (He was being carried all around Denver airport in just a diaper and his oh so lilly white skin--I felt like I had to explain to everyone that, no, I don't normally carry my child around in just his diaper). Here are some pictures and if you scroll to the older posts you will find, that while I was gone, Ryan became quite the little blogger. My daughter ended up on the blog sitting on the potty with her shorts around her ankles. No, that wasn't me who took and posted that picture that I am sure she will definitely appreciate one day.

Aunt Linda and Cousin Andrea

My lil' sis Grethe and Uncle Carl (Andrea's dad)

Me and my little cousin Lauren, she is starting her 3rd year at Michigan State and she got into the Nursing program there, I like to think of her as my little "Minni me", except she is definitely way cuter.

Aunt Elaine ( Brad and Lauren's mom) me and Lauren. I had such a nice time with Aunt Elaine I wish I could have stayed one more day so we could have at least one day of shopping. I stayed at their house and had such a great time.

Uncle Steve (Lauren and Brad's Dad) he is my dad's brother and is married to Aunt Elaine
On Friday night we all went to Uncle Carl and Aunt Kris' house and cooked out. They had such a spread of really yummy food. This is Casey Mae, she is Andrea and Jim's daughter who is a month older than Jack (and half the size of my butterball), she is exactly one year younger than Sofie. I hope they grow up as close and as great of friends as Andrea and I.
Sleeping during the party.
Fireworks the night of Brad's party. Uncle Steve and a friend had way to much fun blowing this stuff up and almost blowing themselves up a few times.
This is Sara, she was married to Tony who died of ALS last September. Such a great friend and oh so beautiful. It was so great to see her and the girls.

Aunt Grethe
Uncle Carl (Andrea's Dad), Grethe and butterball
Allysa, Sara, Brad (the only pic I took of the honoree all weekend), Lauren, Aunt Kris, Butterball, Grethe, and Brianna
Sara, Allysa, and Aunt Linda (Tony's mom)
Casey Mae

Sofia Gets The Job Done!

2008-07-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, here is the proof for all the world to see. After much time, trial and error Sofia successfully completed her first pee pee on the potty...and, for daddy! She tried once before this morning and insisted on a return trip. I made her stay there until she could tell me that she had gone (hence the reading material...she gets that from mom). SUCCESS! And, you know what they say, "One good deed deserves an Oreo!" Much fun ahead and hopefully no more accidents in the tent!

Ryan's Turn!

2008-07-11T19:16:00.001-07:00

Yes, after all this time of letting Cherie Blog along I finally
have something to write about! After 3 long years of slow
mechanical repairs and piecing together parts from the internet
from California to Maine -- my '76 Toyota Land Cruiser is in
her final phase or reconstruction.

Though in a million pieces and various stages of welding holes closed and priming the overall idea is starting to become a reality.
Not sure this baby is street legal at the moment, but it's getting there
The bed liner is in and the fenders are ready for undercoating. After that, it's on to priming and painting. The guys doing the body work is as much into reconstruction of cars as I am into the human body. I really appreciate the forethought, planning and tedious work it takes to make a nice outcome! Stay tuned for the photos of the finished product and hope Cherie allows me to post them here if I don't screw this whole Blogging deal up!

Fourth of July

2008-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

A very patriotic little girl.
Of course "NoooWah" was there and he had Sofie's undivided attention and lots of hugs.

Our friends Amy and Scott came from Co. Springs. Amy ran the 10k w/ me on the morning of the fourth. Here she is trying out the bow.
Our friends Gordon and Heather came with their son Nicolaus, they were so much fun. Here is Heather enjoying Jack. When she was asked if she wanted another, she said "no way", but she likes to play with the babies.
S'more face

Our camp site on our property in Silverton
Boys playing the golf ball throwing thingie game
Gordon, Ryan and Scott
Larissa and Amy. Larissa is our neighbor girl who babysits for us when Micah can't(she is on her honeymoon). She was a pure God send, I don't think we could have done it without her.

Scott went for a "little" 2 hour run and then bathed in the freezing river. Besides the 100 miler ultra marathons he does, this reaffirms how crazy he really is.

Cute boys.
Aunt Becky, ummm, gave my daughter soda pop. I am still very upset by this. Sofie has NEVER had soda. So next time Becky's kids come over, they can have all the chocolate and candy they want. Paybacks.
Eating lunch after the parade.
This is our view out of our bed in our newly acquired pop up. Can't beat that view the river is right under us and I was afraid Ryan and I were going to tip the camper and fall into the river so we went and slept on the other side.
Jack in his jumper . There is video of this down below, how about that view?

His first ear of corn.
Figuring it out.
The 10k Amy and I ran the morning of the 4th. (I am on the right side of the road, Amy on the left)The run is basically 5k out and 5k back right through our property, so we had a cheering section twice. The run was really fun other than the hill at the very beginning. That hill was terrible at 9600 feet elevation. But we got through it and we actually had fun doing it together. I wish she lived closer so we could train together, we were well suited running partners. We did it faster than we thought we would and had a negative split 35/30 so that was cool. Good training in that altitude.
Parade on Main st in Silverton

Maddie the very patriotic girl

Jack's make shift jumper

Heretic?

2008-06-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

So I was lurking around on the web this morning and found this site I think through Kim's site via another site and it is called "Emerging Women" and there is an excerpt I so identify with I copied down below. So it got me to thinking about some things about myself. I am a Christian, but I am a liberal. I am a girl who loves the city and adores and lives in the country. I will be the neighbor who will borrow a cup of sugar or an egg or 2, use your lawn mower, come over when I smell good food cooking and invite myself for dinner. I will give you tips and my opinions you probably don't want or care for, on your gardening or remodeling projects. But, I will watch your dog and water your flowers and get your mail and clean your litter box when you go out of town. I will watch your kids while you run to the grocery store real quick. I will give you a dozen eggs and a 5 pound bag of organic sugar to replace the 1 cup I borrowed, also you will be invited back to my house to eat some concoction I made from my Fine Cooking subscription. You may not like my politics, but you will love my flourless chocolate cake. I love all the "bad" music" and the more it ROCKS out, the better, and I also love classical, bluegrass, christian and hymns. I am full of contradictions my husband lovingly calls me out on, all the time. I love to argue politics with conservatives, and I don't take it personal. I am voting for Obama and I hope Hillary runs with him. I too, so many times, have probably been on other's prayer lists. I get the, "you can't be a real Christian if you believe that". But all this you may already know about me, but honestly I am a doubter. I always have been, it is in my nature and no matter how hard I pray and ask God to remove that part of my brain, He doesn't. Oh to be the "perfect believer". So on to the point of my blog this morning, wouldn't it be nice to have a group of women, to have thought provoking, intelligent conversations with who you could voice doubts, misgivings, and fears without condemnation? So, because I am not witty, clever, or smart enough to put into words my own thoughts, I stole them from someone else. Here they are. Have a great day.

http://emergingwomen.blogspot.com/
Community: Wherever You Happen to Be
I “emerged” in an unlikely environment. Just a few notches away from the buckle of the Bible Belt, my hometown of Dayton Tennessee made a name for itself back in 1925 when the Scopes Monkey Trial put it on the map as the last great bastion of conservative fundamentalism. Not a whole lot has changed since then, so my “Obama 08” buttons, AIDS awareness crusades, and shelf full of “liberal propaganda” by the likes of Brian McLaren and Tony Jones have been met with some skepticism and concern from friends and family. I’ve even made to a couple of church prayer request lists. When I read about Emerging gatherings in big cities around the country, I find myself getting a little jealous. I long to fellowship with other women who want to break through the stained glass ceiling. I’d love to spend an evening in the company of fellow doubters and questioners and contrarians. I’d like to have an honest conversation without getting labeled a heretic. I’d like it if people got my jokes about postmodernism.Of course it would be easier if I were within driving distance of a more progressive church, but I’ve decided that perhaps it wouldn’t be better. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m beginning to learn that sometimes the best community is the one in which you don’t really fit. Folks around here won’t let me get away with hypocrisy or faulty arguments. They keep me on my toes and pray for me even when I think I don’t need it. They have inadvertently taught me the spiritual disciples of patience and self-control, and I find myself getting better and better at holding my tongue and thinking before I speak. As it turns out, not all opinions have to be expressed, and sometimes unity is more important than winning a debate. While I have not plans to return to my fundamentalist roots, Monkey Town has taught me not to get too comfortable. Community doesn’t mean surrounding yourself with people with whom you agree. It means surrounding yourself with whoever is there.

Cah Cah gets married

2008-06-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

The beautiful bride Micah. During the wedding ceremony Sofie kept yelling "Cah Cah", I am sure everyone thought, "why doesn't that lady take her kid to the bathroom already?" So I took Sofie after she came down the aisle without a hitch, and went to the back of where everyone was sitting--trying to get out of ear shot of Sofie screaming for her favorite girl in the world, after me of course. Sofie was mesmerized by Micah's dress, as we all were, she was the most beautiful bride. So, back to the story, So my child is yelling "Cah Cah" and we are in the back, then she starts to yell, of all the times, "poo poo!" I am like, for once, whispering to her "go in your diaper, go in your diaper" then she let go the biggest, loudest, gas bomb EVER. Then she starts to yell "toot toot!" All during the prayer. That's my girl, wonder who she takes after. Her dad, of course.

She got really comfortable and started to really run around and wear herself out. There was a point after the toasts where the mike was open and people could get up and say something to the bride and groom. Sofie runs up there, so they give her the mike, and she yells "cah cah" Everyone laughed cause I am sure they thought "would someone please take this poor child to the bathroom", then the maid of honor told everyone the story of how Sofie can't say "Micah" so she says "Cah Cah" then everyone went "aahhh" (probably out of relief for my poor kid who they thought had to poop). I can't believe what a little show off she is, she loved everyone clapping and cheering. She thought it was all for her.

Micah getting her hair done
Micah's beautiful mom, Lori. Hope I look that good at my daughter's wedding.
Sofie in the wagon with the ring bearer
She didn't keep this crown on very long, it was so cute.
Micah started walking down the aisle coming out of this house. Beautiful.

Sofie gets to dance with the bride

This is my little girl, she is dancing like there is no tomorrow. Notice she is the only one on the dance floor. Funny how kids are just born dancing, plus she has great taste in music. Jack Johnson is the bomb.

Sofie's Special Surprises

2008-06-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

My two most favorite men.
Ryan and his dad on father's day
My number one guy, sweetness.
So, this is the little tent that I bought Sofie to play in at Target a couple of weeks ago. She really likes it and goes from the baby pool to the tent back and forth when we are out in the pool. I usually have her in the pool in her birthday suit, and cause I am trying to introduce her into the workings of her GI and urinary systems, I have read that the best way to do this is to let them run around naked as much as possible. So, I figure outside is a pretty safe place to do this. She has been pretty good at telling me she is going pee pee while she is in the midst of doing so. Now the poo poo part is a little more tricky, don't really want that stuff hanging , or shall I say, dropping anywhere. So, when she says, "mommy pee pee" I just kind of let her go and try to make it to the potty chair. But, she often says "mommy poo poo" and so we run to the potty with the baby books in tow, and sit there and sit there and sit there. To no avail there has never been a poo poo in the actual potty. Usually I get the diaper on her and 10 minutes later we have a little surprise. At least it is not on the floor. Right? Well recently she has become more secretive about the number 2 business. The other night my neighbor was over, and we were in the kitchen talking and Stacey says, "I think some thing came out of Sofie's butt". I look and I thought it was a leaf, cause it was really bright green (blueberries the day before I soon found out), sure enough, Sofie hid behind the kitchen table and in her new, stealth-like self, did her bid-nuss. Squatted right there and let it all hang out. I quickly got her cleaned up and the floor cleaned up (thank God for hard wood and clorox clean-up). So, just this past weekend was Father's day, Ryan's parents were here. We were out in the backyard, Sofie in the pool, naked (you would think I would learn my lesson). We all eventually come into the house, Ryan picks up Miss Prissy Pants, takes her to her room to put a diaper on to avoid any more pooey messes. Notices some fecal matter on her bum. Hmmmmmm he says " think Sofie pooped somewhere", and I am like, "I haven't taken my eyes off her, impossible, maybe she had a messy toot" (conversations in our home have seriously deteriorated over the past year). So Ryan put the diaper on we didn't give it another thought. Until......He looks down at his arm like an hour later and sees poop, where he was carrying Sofie. So then the hunt begins, as I am scouring the house to look for the culprit, I am thinking how can this be, I didn't take my eyes off her for a moment? Please let me find it before she does or heaven forbid, the dog does. Then I had an Oprah light bulb moment, an epiphany, the tent. Sure enough while Sofie was travelling back and forth from the pool to the tent, she left a special surprise waiting there without a word. That's my girl, the secret pooper.

VEGAS BABY

2008-06-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Ok so the pictures are a little mixed up, this is Chad, Ryan's buddy from college. Chad went to Illinois Wesleyan and then transferred to a little school known(just kidding) as JULLIARD in NYC. Really super talented guy. He and his wife live in Vegas--this is my friend Pam, not his wife Julia--read on. Both Chad and Julia danced in Celine Dion's show. Chad left her show 2 years ago and joined Blue Man. Yes, Chad is Blue Man. So Chad got us really great free tickets to see the show on Saturday night at 10. Well, we were supposed to meet him afterward and well, we old ladies had to go to bed afterwards. Sorry Chad, we were such old lady pansies. Chad's wife Julia couldn't meet us because she was in Montreal judging a dancing competition. WE all loved Blue Man, fun show.

Ryan has some baby pictures that Jack looks exactly like. I need to get some copies of those from Ry's mom. Sofie and Jack love to ride in the wagon and we go at least 4 times a day.
This is a mixture of PBJ and blueberries. This is the first time she has had PBJ don't ask me why, I just forgot about PBJ because I never eat it. She digs it.
Some friends from the San Fran area came to visit, he-Dave, is a biomedical engineer and he and Ryan are working on some new inventions for bone fixation and instruments for the procedures that Ryan does. Hopefully they will work out. This is Braidon, super cute little guy. His mom Amy is a super cool chick and it is nice to hang with her in the afternoons. We met Amy and David through our neighbor, Michelle. They are cousins and they come to see Michelle a couple of times a year.
Went to Vegas this past weekend and 3 of my best girlfriends came too. Did lots of shopping and eating and hanging by the pool. We are not gamblers but we love to hang together and love to shop. We all showed up Friday and left on Sunday morning. Our husbands watched the kids all weekend, God bless them. Ryan said he was ready to go to work on Monday so he could get a break. I am so glad that we have husbands who actually take care of their kids and it really is easy to leave them with them. Sometimes, Ryan knows or has a better perspective on what to do when I am at a loss. I can honestly say he is a total hands on Daddy.
Here are my girls. Linda, a.k.a. SHANKER--her husband and mine have known each other since high school and of course shanker and I good friends. Middle is Pam, she and her husband Jeff and mine all went to medical school together. Pam is an O.B. and is one awesome and cool woman. Right, is Emily, a.k.a. EM SUCKA, ERMIL, SWEEEEEEET, we were college roommates and ran on the track and cross country team together. Emily broke many of the school running records and is a natural, she can run a 5 k in less than 20 minutes with NO TRAINING. Gotta hate her.

Busy Two Weekends

2008-05-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

These are our really great friends who flew in from Denver (1hr flight) with their youngest daughter, Avery. They left their 5 year old home with Grandma and came for the weekend. It was so nice to have them, Denver is a good 7 1/2 hour drive from us, so with us both having 2 kids, and busy lives, it is hard to see them as much as we would like. Bill and Jen graduated from the same high school and the same class but never dated, I think, til after college. Ryan was 2 years ahead of them and also went to the same school. They are all Delavanites! Bill and Jen married in 99 and Ryan was in their wedding and Bill was in ours. So you can say they are good old friends. Though I haven't seen Jen in a year, we talk all the time on the phone, and it felt like we had just seen each other yesterday, gotta love friends like that. Jen is such a good mom and it is so nice to have a sounding board especially for discipline. (We did time-out for Sofie the first time this weekend) Also introduced me to these no spill cheerio holder cup things. She is such a great friend and it is nice that they have adopted me into their friendship with Ryan so easily. They are truly friends that you can just let it all hang out with. Totally cool.
Sofie's toe poked through her pajamas, she was amazed that she could see her toe.
Avery and Sofie in the tub. Avery is 2 1/2 months older than Sofie, and she is a big kid, but, Sofie is even bigger. We have an appointment tomorrow at the Dr. I am interested to see what percentile she is in. Avery was such a sweet girl, she shared really well with Sofie--better than Sofie did with her. Very cute to see them play together,. they did great. Avery's vocabulary is a little better than Sofie's so it was fun to hear her talk to Sof. "Sosie come here, Sosie sit!" Future BFF? Like their Moms?
The boys, it was a team effort to change that diaper.
Jen and I did 6.5 miles that morning, she is training for the Boulder Boulder 10k next weekend. So we got up and going and then treated ourselves to a little TJ Maxx shopping spree and found all kinds of brand name jeans for super cheap. Then later, we put the girls to bed and Micah came and we all went to dinner. The other girlie is my good friend Becky. Her and her husband, Virgil, enjoyed a night out with us. It was good times.
The dudes, Bill, Ryan and Virgil. These guys are totally goofy when they get around each other. Ryan adopts Bill's, I don't know how to describe it, tone, and they sit there and razz each other all night. (Jen says Bill adopts Ryan's tone) I guess it is the way they talk to each other, weirdos. Funny.

Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit the weekend before and brought this toy that Ryan played with when he was little. So, here is a prize shot of Sofie. She loves that toy and to run around naked with just a hat on.
Jack and Sofie in the tub together. I know, enough of the naked pictures. I can't help it, they are just too cute. Jack just sits there and laughs at Sofie.
Ryan and his dad went out on the San Juan quality waters and fished with a guide. (father's day present to each other). I am sooooooo jealous. Those fish are awesome, they catch and release. The water flow was too much so they had a boat and got rained on, but a fun time was had by all.
Ryan's mom and baby Jack. Grandma painted Sofie's toes and finger nails and Sofie thought that was the coolest. Grandma had a hard time keeping her still, but Sofie loves to point to her toes and say "pretty". She is such a girlie girl, I love it.
Grandpa and baby Jack. Sofie adores "pa pa" we tried to get her to say "grandpa" but she came up with "pa pa" so that is what we call him. After they left she walked around to the doors in the house yelling for "pa pa". She definitely missed them when they left.
We all did.

This is my giggly litlle fella. I am serious, he is like this all the time. Happy boy.

Jumpin Jack

2008-05-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is more like "I puked" but for information's sake he did just get done "pooing". He had just finished eating and I thought that we were in the clear with the spit up. Guess not. He probably gets his clothes changed on an average of 3 time per day--I guess I say, I SHOULD change him that much, but I get pretty tired of it so a lot of the time he stays in his pukey clothes, hence he smell like spit up most of the time. Boys are WAY messier than girls. Sofie just didn't get so stinky and dirty. Baths for him are mostly a nightly occurrence.

This is my Jumpin Jack. He will sit in this jolly jumper for an hour and bounce away! Sofie was never a big fan of it. I am glad I kept it cause he loves it! Also, the dog loves Jack, I think it is because of all his stinky boy smells! Very interesting for Syd.

Night Away

2008-05-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I got to get away for a night and we went to Santa Fe which is a 3 hour drive from our house. We went there last when I was pregnant with Sofia and Ryan had a meeting --so I tagged along. We had wonderful meals and experienced the Opera. This time, he wasn't on call and we had really nothing planned, so we went for an over night without the kids for the fist time EVER (in 2 years). Micah (cah cah), stayed with Sofie and Jack, and I nervously, went away with my husband. The kids did great, I don't think they noticed. Jack actually slept til 7 am, which he is always up early when we are home. We had 7pm dinner reservations at our favorite Italian restaurant, they serve the BEST fois gras! So after our 3 hour dinner--haven't seen those in awhile, we walked around the wonderful art shops in the Santa Fe square, and went and listened to some music. We found this store that wasn't there 2 1/2 years ago, that is properly named after me. :) If any of your are Napoleon Dynamite fans please take note of the Inn name in the back ground. It is La Fonda --ie."la-fawn-dah" he he.
Enjoying some music and each other's company. During dinner, Ryan presented me with a wonderful present for Mother's Day. He picked out a wedding band that goes with my current set that is encrusted with Sapphires and Diamonds. What a really lovely surprise, I was crying in the restaurant and as I was looking at it I dropped it on the floor, under the table, somewhere, and the waiter had to come with a flash light and we found it. What a freakin commotion. Needless to say, he surprised me and Sapphires are my favorite, so he did well. I have to say it looks lovely with my wedding set. Spoils me rotten--as if a night of wonderful food and music weren't enough.
Here is a little bragging on Ryan. He made this piece and it is in our living room. He actually made it for our friends Dianna and Paul who live in Telluride--I will be sad to part with it. Ryan loves to use different mediums and textures. There are all kinds of stuff going on in this. What a talented guy right?
I think she learned this from somewhere??? I wonder??? Talking on the phone that is, not the shirt off part, she got that from Daddy. I got her up from her nap and she had her shirt off. Lately she has been waking up with various pieces of clothing removed. I dread when the diaper comes off.

2008-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I had a bridal shower here at my house for our baby sitter Micah, we are so blessed to have her. She has been the best thing since sliced bread for us as she comes in the mornings and lets me get stuff done, running, shopping, bill paying, blogging. She is getting married in June and Sofia get s to be a flower girl in her wedding, and I told her I wasn't going to guarantee any specific behavior. Sofie adores "Cah Cah" (she can't say Micah) and we adore her and her fiancee Adam. They are a perfect couple and have been so good to the kids.
This was supposed to be a girl shower but Jack was his usual charming self and hung with the babes in the living room.
Sorry I can't figure out how to turn this. This is our awesome girl, Micah, she is going to make a beautiful bride.
Our neighbors have a 3 month old his name is Will. He and Jack are fast becoming buddies.
Just the Boys

Sofie fell asleep in her high chair for the first time ever. She was worn out from going on rounds at the hospital with Daddy and then going to do some errands. Daddy wore her out!

Our really great friends, Becky and Virgil and their two kids Maddie and Noah came over for dinner last night. Sofie loves to pushed around in her baby stroller. She also has a HUGE crush on Noah. It is so funny to see her follow him around EVERYWHERE.
Daddy taking Sofie for a ride.
Sofie doesn't do anything without "baby"

Moab

2008-04-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is Scott and Amy. Ryan went to Illinois Wesleyan with Amy and they have stayed in contact over the years. Scott and Amy live in Colorado Springs and came to Moab this past weekend and Scott ran the 100 mile ultra marathon. CRAZY. He ran from 7am Saturday morning to around 8:30 am Sunday morning. He came in second place overall, and he probably could have run it faster but was running with his other 2 brothers. We know he wasn't impressed with his time, but I tell ya, we were in awe of him. So much so, Ryan and I both have stepped up our running routine. Ryan ran 4-5 milers twice this week and I did two 7 milers and a 3 and a 5 miler. Seems like peanuts compared to this dude. Amy is also a runner and ran a loop with Scott in the middle of the night--oh ya know, she rose up at 4 am and did 5 miles to keep him company. What da? She was sleeping in a sleeping bag and giving him food, water etc. every hour or so when he came through camp. ALL NIGHT!
Little picture on the road in Moab it really is beautiful there. It is only about a 3 hour drive and a mecca for mountain bikers. Ryan loves to bike, and I haven't done it in two years. But I think we will both get out there to it this summer. Great cross training.
Scott's brother Mike, Scott and Amy. Scott's brother had to drop out at a measly 50 miles because the sand in his shoes caused blisters. Boo Who. (just kidding) This is the morning after and they came back to our hotel and showered up. I couldn't imagine having to ride in the car for 6 hours home with those stinky dudes. Poor Amy, so we offered our showers and they took us up on it. We then all went to breakfast and had really great conversation and got to know them a little better. Pretty funny though, I think Scott and Mike were worried about what they were going to eat--calorie wise. "should I get the chicken fried steak?" I am like, "are you freakin kidding me? you just ran 100 MILES GO FOR IT! Have 2 for crying out loud!" Any who, we had a nice time and Scott's brother Mike is running another ultra this weekend in Peoria, Illinois CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY

Easter is Here

2008-03-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

We just had some pictures taken last week of the kids and I just have to share them. We had to wake Sofie from her nap and give her a bath and she cried the entire time. I thought "oh no, this could be bad" but as soon as the camera came out and she had on her "pretty" dress, she was all smiles. Of course, Jack is always all smiles, so we got some really great pics that will last a life time!

2008-03-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Busy Bee

2008-03-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we had just returned home and I was all unpacked and then, my busy little bee wanted to help. It was all of a sudden very quiet. And you know there is trouble when it is quiet. I had just put everything away and she pulled clothes off the hanger, rearranged perfume bottles and playing dress up with my shoes. All in a matter of about 45 seconds. She is a little tornado. How do they do it, and so fast? All is well here and the weather has been nice. The kids are sleeping great, both are on very nice schedules (baby wise, once again, is the greatest miracle). I started to run again last week and feeling pretty good. Right on schedule with the half marathon training for the end of May. (running is hard when you are breast feeding uggg) Then the big training starts in June for Chicago, and I am actually looking forward to it. Right now I am up to 5 miles at a time, can't imagine when I start the 14-18 milers. One day at a time. Micah, our babysitter comes every morning, so that gives me a chance to go to the gym. I am incorporating weight training this time with the running. Ryan is back at work with a vengeance, it is the start of the trauma season, so his on-call days are about to get very busy. Of course his cosmetic practice is picking up, everyone wants to be perfect for the summer. He used to take Tuesday and Friday afternoons off but now he works all day on Tuesdays and still is home by one on Fridays. Even his O.R. days are filled to the max, he used to come home early afternoon. He really is happy that he is so busy, and he really, is home everyday by 5-5:30. Can't complain, most surgeons work 60-80 hours a week. Looking forward to nice days ahead with the weather and planting. I am going to have a vegetable garden this year. Now that we had the watering system put in with the landscaping, I can really get to planting! Here is a little video clip of my busy bee.

Florida Pictures

2008-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

I wonder where Sofie gets this?

2008-03-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

With Ryan's parents at our place we rented on the beach
Sofie's first time on the beach, she was a bit overwhelmed
At Grandma and Grandpa's place in the pool
OUr dinner visit with Rick and Mary. It was so good to see them. After15 years and 4 kids, Mary is still looking as young and beautiful as ever! (doesn't look a day older)
Uncle Carl (my dad's brother) came for a visit while he was down from Michigan. Super cool of him to stop by. We really had a great visit and he got to meet the kids for the 1st time!

2008-03-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

Sofie with Grandma
Jack happy to be riding along
"Hmmmm......how did that sand get in my eyes..."
Jack and his cousin Gabe riding together in swings
Grandpa giving Sofie cookies

Smiling Babies

2008-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Jack is really starting to smile. He is a great baby, he only cries when he is hungry or tired. When he is tired, he gets swaddled and goes right into his crib and sleeps like a champ! Baby Wise is the best book ever written!
Just hanging out. He really doesn't like the bouncy seat, he would rather be on the floor kicking around, but we have Miss Sofie who wants to kiss him to death--literally.
One of Jacks hats, she is really into hats. So I hope when we go to Florida in a few weeks she will keep her sun hat on.
Example of "kissing to death"
Found her a new chair. Syd actually hates this but she tollerates it!

In the videos below you can hear Sofie at the end saying "Hi Jack" and the next one this is Sofie and her Daddy having a tickle fest!

Sofie's first steps

2008-01-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

In front of the fire at Cosmopolitan
Jackson holding Jack
All bundled up and going outside for a ride
Dinner with our friends Paul and Diana
This stroller is awesome! Phil and Ted's---Jack is laying down in the back where you see the blue blanket. When he gets bigger it turns into a two seater. Front to back. I am very proud of this stroller! Let me drive my beater Ford Explorer, I could care a less--but this stroller is worth it's weight in gold!

We went to Telluride this past weekend and they had so much snow they closed the pass and we had to stay an extra day--ohh darn! We stayed at our friend's condo and Micah came with us to babysit. We got to enjoy some WONDERFUL dinners with our friends Paul and Diana. They have a 3 year old son whom Sofie adored. Jackson was sweet and gentle with her but I think watching him run around inspired her, because she went from taking 1-2 steps at a time to all of a sudden walking across the room! You were right Diana!

2007-12-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Yummy!
Jack Jack!
Nothing like getting down to your diaper to chow on Christmas dinner!

2007-12-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

HO HO HO
Merry Christmas--from Jack!
Family shot on Christmas Eve. Emma, Aunt Linda, Ryan, Jack, Me, Sofie, Lisa and Grethe.
Aunt Grethe is here for 3 weeks!
My Cousin Lisa and her daughter came from Florida to visit and Sofie loves her Auntie Lisa. It doesn't hurt that she got chocolate cake for breakfast served up by Auntie Lisa.

2007-12-25T15:32:00.000-08:00

We cooked the Thanksgiving turkey in this roaster, our little turkey thought it was her turn.
In the hot tub, the day before Jack came, Sofie loves it!
Sofie is so curious about Jack, she is about to attack! Can't leave her alone with him for a second.
Our little musical prodigy
Friends came over from Michigan and spent some time with us just after Jack was born. The kids really had lots of fun together!

Jack Christian Naffziger

2007-12-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, he was born on Thursday November 29th at 8:12 A.M. He is 7 pounds and

9 ounces 20 inches long. And thankfully perfectly healthy. So little! I was in the hospital for only a day and a half and they let me go home early because everything went so well! It was Ryan's birthday and he got the best birthday present in the world. It is now hard to believe that Jack was completely unplanned and now we can't imagine life without him! Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!

2007-12-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

I got to have Jack in the recovery room!! He is about an hour old here.
Our first real family shot. Sofie is very curious about Jack. She is into pointing to her facial features, well, she does that with Jack but ends up almost poking his eye out. So far no jealousy that we can tell. Just so very curious!
Ryan's Mom and Dad have been here since before Thanksgiving and have been so helpful with Sofie. They have also been cooking up a storm while I was in the hospital! Good food like, scallop potatoes and baked beans and soup and all kinds of stuff.

Baby Jack is Here!

2007-12-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

I told Ryan that he better not sneek that shot in at another angle--nobody wants to see that!
Waiting
There he is--I get to see him for the first time. No sweeter sound than that first cry---more like a wailing from Jack!
Great APGAR first one an 8, second one a 9!
Looks a ton like Sofie did, she had more hair though. That old man hairline cracks us up. Sofie had the same.

Halloween

2007-11-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Giraffe Baby
It was so funny, when she saw herself in the mirror with the whiskers and nose painted on she freaked out and started to cry and tried to rub them off.
A Halloween night party at our friends house. Sofie loves to hang out with the older kids. She followed them around and wanted to be where they were.
Ryan was the Chef and I was the "butterball". We came up with this one night when he came to bed and I was lying there with my big belly and told me I looked like a butterball turkey.
This turkey is just about done!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Opening presents, Sofie's favorite Aunt Gayla gave her this hat! "Aunt Gayla is Wonderful"
We went to the pumpkin patch the next day.
On the Hay Ride. We were freezing!
Funny little girl in a funny little hat!
Loves the pumpkins!

Sofia Viena Naffziger's First Birthday

2007-10-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sofie just looked around not knowing what to think. "What Da?" I told Ryan to go to the store and pick out a girlie pink preferably fairy cake. Tinkerbell doesn't get more fairy, Daddy did a good job!
Our friends, (from the left) Virgil, Howdy, Jessica(I work with her), Becky(Virgil's wife and our first Farmington friends), Shawn (our good friends and pediatrician), their daughter Megan, his wife Denise, our neighbors (Stacey not in picture--she is due in Feb) John.
Noah (Virgil and Becky"s boy), tearing at the pinata.
Me, Stacey, and Becky
Sofie wasn't sure about the cake at first and then she got a little taste, and tried to put the whole piece in her mouth. She would normally never keep that hat on, but she was so distracted by the yummy cake. She had never had cake before.

7 things you might not know about me

2007-10-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

O.K. Jenny tagged me on this one, it is kind of hard to come up with 7 things people might not know about me because I am pretty much an open book. Sooooooo I have been thinking about this for a few days and so here it goes.

1. After attending college at Hobe Sound for 2 years I only transferred 15 credits to Indiana Wesleyan. So I worked full time waiting tables, running cross country and track, and took 17-19 credits a semester, also summer classes and crammed 4 years into three. I graduated with honors in nursing.

2. I ran the 2002 Chicago Marathon and plan on doing it again this next October 08. I would like to run for a cause this time so I am going to raise money for ALS.

3. I really do hate to run.

4. I used to wear my hair in a bun. (seriously)

5. I used to pick gum off the side walk and eat it when I was a kid.

6. I held a human heart in my hands and manually pumped it for CPR and he lived. I was working in the Cardiac O.R.

7. I really have strong spiritual beliefs. It may seem hard for some of you to believe, because I don't talk about them. I think I keep them to myself because some things growing up were so forced on me, that I never want to do that to someone else.

There you go Jenny! Thanks for sharing yours it is fun to read all of these!

The Funeral

2007-09-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

At the viewing eating pizza in the basement Emma, Uncle Carl, Kris, Lisa, Brad and Uncle Steve. (Left to Right)

Sara, Renee (Sara's friend from California), Gail (Sara's Mom), Brianna (Tony and Sara's youngest), and John (Tony's best friend from 6th grade)
Me, Susie and Grethe--We three haven't been all together in over a year.
Aunt Linda (Tony's Mom), John, Carl, Uncle Joe and Aunt Judy, and Fred (Tony's brother who lives in Sweeden)
Everyone at Uncle Steve's after the funeral.

The funeral was on Saturday along with a viewing that happened on Friday. Everyone started to show up at Uncle Steve's and Uncle Carl's house on Thursday and Friday. Thank you Uncle Steve, Aunt Elaine, Kris and Uncle Carl for opening your homes to all of us. But most of all I want to thank Sara. This past year has been a terrible one and I can't imagine how hard her life has been. Sara is a hero. The job you did with Tony was so many time thankless and each day could be so hard to endure. Sara you are my hero and I love you. The funeral was beautiful and heart wrenching. I changed my ticket come home on Sunday instead of Monday because, as most of you can relate, I couldn't wait to get home to my family and hug and love on them and thank God for them and each day we are given together. As I left Sunday morning, before the sun was up and the house was sooooo quiet, I felt also a sense of loss. Not only because of Tony being gone and those poor girls with out a father, and Sara without a husband, but leaving the family I love very much. I wasn't even out the door and I already missed you all. I haven't seen many of you for years and it was so good to see all of you and to reconnect. I think the bond we all have with each other is special and was so comforting during this terrible time. I just wish our gathering could have been under happier circumstances. I am so very thankful for each of you and I am so glad that though it has been years, it only felt like days since we saw each other last. Hopefully next time won't be so long and the reason will be more joyful. I love you all. And I am praying for all of your safe travel home to your families so you can hug and love on them also.

The Funeral

2007-09-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

The day of the funeral we all hung out at Uncle Steve and Aunt Elaine's.
After the luncheon Brianna caught a ride on Uncle Mike's leg.
Brianna and Alyssa Tony and Sara's girls kissing the belly goodbye!
Susan and Mike
At the luncheon some family members.

Cousin Tony

2007-09-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, this past weekend my cousin took a turn for the worst. They have called his parents from California to come and also his brother from Sweden. The family is gathering in MI at his bedside. Please pray for them and the peace that God can bring and also that He will take him quickly and quietly. It is terrible, but just 5 weeks ago I was there and we didn't think he was anywhere near this point. This disease has just progressed so quickly. The children are taking it as only children do--with little understanding. Please pray for them. So I thought that I was home bound for the rest of the pregnancy but it seems as though we will be traveling to MI soon. Not a happy trip as it usually is.

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T08:52:00.001-07:00

11 more weeks!!! Full on belly shot, feeling rather large these days!
Sofie loves to eat lemons??!!!! Crazy Kid
Daddy tickling her!!!!

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Daddy bought that bear in Alaska and Sofie sleeps with it now!
Bathing in the sink
This is a big deal! She is finally holding her own cup!
Sofie loves our friends little boy Noah.
Ryan couldn't help but take a picture of the belly and Sofie in the hammock.

Alaska

2007-08-29T07:08:00.001-07:00

The ocean near Seward produce lots of fun and plenty of salmon filets -- good eatin
Getting up at 3 in the morning to go fishing does catch up with you!
The mountains rise out of the ocean and produce beautiful waterfalls. We saw bald eagle, mountain goats, sea lions and dolphins
Where the freshwater rivers meet the ocean the salmon return to their birth place to spawn their own young 2 years later. We were there to give them their last supper!

Plenty of glaciers in the mountains surrounding the water if the mist and clouds rise high enough to reveal them! Something beautiful around every corner!

Alaska

2007-08-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Silver salmon were running in the rivers and we were just running from the bears!
Pooring rain couldn't keep Jack from the big catch
The rain lifted and we dried out around the fire!
We were able to confirm the answer to the age old question "Does a bear crap in the woods?" The answer is "yes," of course.
Dad felt a bit safer on a boat with seasick medicine than on the beach escaping the bears. The Silver Salmon (Coho) were biting. The tend to slap the bait with their tail to stun it and then come back for the bite! The bouncing effect on your pole before you set the hook is called the "Coho Yo-yo" This one tipped the scales at 13.5 pounds!

Alaska

2007-08-29T06:56:00.001-07:00

The mighty Kenai river. Known for its Sockeye salmon which had already run --leaving the river empty of fishermen
First day out we flew in and landed on a beach while the tide was out and of course set up camp in pooring rain.
No mistaking these -- bears! And of course they found us!
After catching fish the sow with three cubs sniffed us out and popped up 100 yards downstream. We let them have what they were after and came back later to find everything eaten -- even the stringer!
Camping on the beach meant shifts to keep the fire going and be on bear watch!

Photos circa 1992

2007-08-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Sunrise on the beach
Mary Ellen and I went on a date with "what were their names again"? on some cruise dinner in West Palm Beach
I was house sitting and the girls came over and we raided their closet! What were we thinking? Bad lounge singer act?
Jamey and Cara serving us up at the 50's dinner.
Who knows what inspired these yea who's

Pictures circa 1992

2007-08-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

We were touring with the choir. Love the white and black hose!!
What??
Julie and Rob at the--what was it called--old fashioned picnic?
Steve and Michelle Acre
Toooooooo Funny!
Here are some pics from the good ole days!! I hope you all enjoy--just going through old albums and thought they were very funny!

Uncle Greg comes for a visit!

2007-08-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to Silverton on Saturday night. Our good friend Greg and 3 of his buddies travelled from Michigan to hike for the week. They drove to our land in Silverton, left their car there, and we then took them to Vallecito Lake to the trail head. This is where they will begin their 45 mile hike back to Silverton. It will take them all week to do--they are starting out at 10000 feet elevation! They are also carrying 50# packs!!! CRAZY, especially since they are from sea level. Good Luck!! We got a chance to fish and hang out and camp. Here are some pics!

Weekend in Silverton

2007-08-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to go for a hike!
Everyone arrived on Saturday and set up their tents.
Sofie really loved Uncle Greg.
Ryan cooking Sunday morning camping breakfast.
The McRyan, we would never eat this at home! But we do eat it when we camp. Bacon, sausage, egg, cheese, cream cheese all on a cheddar green chile bagel!

Before Pictures

2007-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

The side yard
There used to be an underground pool and cement patio covering that entire area. The pool was ruined because the previous owners didn't want to fix the leak so they filled it with dirt. Totally ruined it.

You can see the hot tub we put in on the right just after Sofie was born. Our bedroom has french doors that open up to the hot tub. It was an unusual birthing present. But I wanted something Ryan and I could both use--diamond earrings would have been cool too--hint hint.
Side walk going to the back of the house where the deck is, all of the spider infested bushes were removed the year before . Our house was built in the early 60's. It is an original Frank Lloyd Wright design and we still have the original plans.

We Have A Yard!!!!

2007-07-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

How do you all like the diaper pail in the back yard here--airing it out!!

Those things get stinky!!!

Here are some before and after shots of our yard. It started out with the dirt filled in-ground pool and some terrible spider filled shrubs lining the back yard when we moved here 3 years ago. We had the pool dug out and the bushes removed last year and a big deck put on the back of the house that is on the side of a hill. This year we got to the side yard and we have a little patch of grass that Sofie and Syd the dog, played on last night! We now have the watering system so I can plant a veggie garden and some flowers. Gardening is my passion and these past three years have been KILLING me.

Victoria Pictures

2007-07-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Daddy making use of his other degree in Art History

One of his favorite artists-Rodin, teaching Sofie all about art! (something he has been trying to do with me for the last 9 years!) We went to the art museum on a rainy day---

Eating Thai food--Victoria has the most restaurants per capita in Canada. We really enjoyed all the really great food. Especially me---lovin to eat these days!
Sofie met some friends at one of the restaurants!
At the Maritime Museum--Dad also likes to sail.
Leaving Victoria goin on a plane ride!!!

Victoria Pictures

2007-07-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Daddy making use of his Biology degree teaching Sofie all the plants
Very happy she just ate
o.k. now I am just plain bragging
We made dinner for Mike and Jamey and he wore a bib because the bruchetta is so messy
Sofie's first time on the swing

this picture just cracks us up

that is the face she makes when she is losing her stomach

Victoria Pictures

2007-07-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Jamey and Noelle and Me
Sofie and Noelle eating ice cream
Sofie is a mess
View from our hotel
The Butchart Gardens

Victoria Pictures

2007-07-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sofie is mesmerized by the street musicians
Big Old Fancy Hotel--we didn't stay there!!! Too fancy!!
Parliament building
Umm, showing off the bump!! Acting goofy as usual!
China Town

Victoria, B.C.

2007-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

We just returned last night, late, from a little family vacation in Victoria, B.C. We were there a week and just got home late last night, soooooo Ma Ma is tired!!!!!! Our flight home was quite exciting as an elderly gentleman passed out in the aisle of the plane, Ryan --the FLASH that he is---saved the man from hitting his head, hence, avoiding a disastrous head injury, lowered him to the aisle of the floor of the plane, and he proceeded to work the rest of the flight home. Ryan assessed his heart and physical condition. We thought we were going to have to turn the plane around because he had chest pain. But the flight from Salt Lake to Durango is so short we continued to Durango. The plane actually had quite a sophisticated ACLS kit. So Dr. Ryan ordered me to give him an IV with some fluids and some aspirin, STAT!!!So, I also worked on the flight while Sofie was being entertained by strangers. (Ryan hasn't started an IV since Medical School) The gentleman ended up doing ok but, we think he could have had a cardiac event so the ambulance was waiting for him on the runway when we landed. I was really proud of my man, and the fragile emotional condition I am in these days has me crying when I think about it. The airline and the passengers were really great and helpful, especially the impromptu babysitters. And also, the gentleman's wife happened to be a patient of Ryan's from a long time ago!!! Small world!

Back to the trip---- Sofie did really well and was quite a trooper from her usual routine here at home---she adapted wonderfully. We tried to get lots of pictures and we did, but most of them are of our lovely baby. We usually have lots more of the area but we just couldn't help ourselves!!!! We did tons of walking around and visiting all the attractions, even the underworld sea boat thing that was a total tourist trap and a waste of 20 dollars!!! (We did not get sucked into the wax museum though!!) The island is absolutely gorgeous and very family oriented. The weather was great, only one day of total rain, which we just visited the B.C. Museum and saw the Titanic exhibit. We also visited some friends who are lucky enough to live there, Jamey and her husband Mike and their sweet 11 month daughter Noelle. They were the best hosts and we hope they will let us reciprocate some day and come and visit us.

2007-07-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Far Mor and Sofie
Sofie watching Daddy fish
Ryan's Land Cruiser
Sofie holding her American Flag during the parade in Silverton
Enjoying the Rheubarb Festival and the Band at the park on the fourth

2007-07-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here I am teaching Sofie to fly fish. Actually, I was trying not to snag her with my fly!
Jack and I fishing in our P.J.'s. Caught a brookie at 8 in the morning!!! Yummy breakfast!
This is our land we got 2 years ago 8 1/2 acres on both side of the Animas River. We can't wait to build our little cabin there. For now we camp there every weekend that Ryan isn't on call. This is where we would like to be all the time!
Ryan is restoring a 76 Toyota Landcruiser. Quite the mountain climber beast of a truck. He took his parents up in the mountains higher for a joy ride.

Hi everyone,
I am really new at this so here it goes. I am going to start with some pictures from our camping trip this past week in Silverton, Co. We did lots of fly fishing and spent some really nice time with Ryan's parents!!! Sofie is turning into quite the camper at 8 months old! Even though I had to get over my thing about the dirty finger nails on the first day. I hate it when her finger nails are dirty, drives me batty! Of course by the end of the week I was happy if we could keep her bottom clean and her face clean. I don't think she noticed at all!!! She had a great time with her Grandma and Grandpa (Far Mor and Far Far) . The fireworks in Silverton are the best in the Rockies and they were way beyond our expectations!