Morning Sickness

I am gong to blame my lack of writing on my lack of energy!!! I get on to start, but between not feeling good since February, and being completely exhausted (or distracted by an active 3 year old), I havent written.

This will be short, too. Just the headlines.

JOEL'S NEW JOB!!!

Joel got hired on as an assistant signal person at Union Pacific RR. He is excited. I am too, but he will be gone a lot, so it will take some adjustment. Today is his first day, but this week is just all the orientation stuff. I am so proud of him. He worked so hard not only to find a job, but to get this job where he knew it would be stable and something he would enjoy.

CHARLIE

Charlie has been potty trained since January, he is continuing to learn so much, and has more energy than ever. He is so tall, over 40"! He LOVES church, and he reads his Book of Mormon stories board book almost daily. He loves to count and try to read, and he loves games on the computer and my phone. (Photo: Charlie helping make banana muffins)

BABY!!!

We found out in early March (?) that we are expecting a new addition. We found out a few weeks ago that it will be a girl. She is very active and healthy. Charlie has loved helping set up the nursery. We got a ton of stuff from our amazing neighbor's daughter-in-law who has 4 girls and is done. She had a garage sale and I got first pick. We cleaned house. ;) We have quite a few clothes, and most of the big stuff already. Charlie has been trying to help us pick a name, too. I think we are down to 2 names, but I just can't choose. Good thing I have almost 4 months.

IOWA

We are still loving our house here in Carlisle. We have great neighbors and live in a great area. We recently enjoyed a houseful when my family came. It was SO fun. We had 15 people in our house for a couple days, and besides not being able to keep the AC low enough to cool us all off, it was wonderful. We are still roasting. It has been in the high 90s all weekend with heat index over 110, and will continue this whole week. Then lower to low 90s with thunderstorms. The rain will be good, and after a few days of storms hopefully we will get some cooler weather.

KARIN

I recently enjoyed girls camp with my ward. I was the camp director and worked hard to get everything organized and have fun. It was hot, which made it that much harder going pregnant, but I enjoyed it! The girls were amazing and we had some great experiences. Other than that, I am just trying to get the house set up for a baby between naps on the couch.

Well, not too short. I will try to update again before the baby is born, then after of course. :)

(Me at almost 21 weeks.)

New Discovery

I have recently found, through an old friend (who is the creative mind's sister-in-law), an amazing blog of crafts, outfits, etc that you can buy. She has the most beautiful designs. If you would be interested in checking out out, check here: http://katicupcakequiltingco.blogspot.com/2011/05/sugar-blossom.html.

Here is a sample of her work:

Recipes

I know I still need to update about Christmas and Disneyland, but today is not the day. I need a nap time with me not working for that... maybe Saturday if we are not busy.

For today, I have some healthy recipes that friends have requested and so I decided to post them on here. I have been on a 'fertility diet' for the past 3 weeks, meaning I havent had soda, sugar, white flour, butter, or much red meat lately. It has been nice and helped with my energy, but I sure to want a diet dr. pepper. hehe.

The first recipe is a whole wheat pancake recipe I found online and absolutely love!!! Charlie loves it, too, as long as I add chocolate chips and top with syrup. Joel likes them, but prefers his regular out of the box ones.
Mix
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1-2 Tablespoons honey
Add and mix
1 c. buttermilk (I used 1/2 c. cream and 1/2 c. 1% milk)
2 large eggs
Add
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use sea salt and like it better)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 c. whole wheat flour (or you can mix 1/2 whole wheat 1/2 oat flour, but I dont)
(Add in some cinnamon and vanilla for a little extra flavor. Yum!!!)
Mix well and cook like regular pancakes. I use a slightly lower heat setting since they seem to take slightly longer to cook through and I didnt want them to burn.

I top them with frozen (and melted) strawberries with the juice, honey, or yesterday I put a fried egg and honey (yum!).

The second recipe for today is whole wheat banana bread. This is just my regular recipe with a change in flour and a switch to honey. It's a little thicker, but I loved it. It would be amazing with butter on a toasted slice, but I just to honey.

Mix
1/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. honey (maybe add 1 tablespoon molasses if wanted)
beat in 1 egg
stir in
2/3 c. (2-3) mashed bananas
3 Tablespoons buttermilk (or the trick: 3Tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar)
Mix separatly, then add
2 1/4 c. whole wheat flour (can mix 1/2 of that oat or white flour if desired)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Add in 1/2 c chopped walnuts after all mixed if desired. I love chocolate chips in it, too, but it kills the healthy nature.
Line a greased 8x4 loaf pan with waxed paper. Grease paper. Pour in batter.
Bake at 350 for 50-55 min.

I know I have other recipes that I make up all the time. I rarely use real recipes unless I am baking or trying something new. I use a lot of deer meat instead of beef (obviously), we eat a lot of fish and chicken, too. If you have any requests let me know and I may have something for you. Hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

BDay/Thanksgiving

Well, this has been a fun-filled week! We had Joel's birthday and Thanksgiving with 2 families. We have really enjoyed ourselves. We started off on Tuesday night with bowling. We had a coupon for cheap games of bowling, so we thought we would take Charlie and see how he liked it. He had a blast!!! He did the first game using this ramp, but by the time we started our second game he was trying to throw his 6lb ball down the lane. It took a while for the ball to reach the end, but we really enjoyed our time together.

On Wednesday we had planned to go see "Tangled" after nap time for the cheapest show of the day, but we had to stay busy during the day. We made Joel his banana cream pie for his birthday, and an apple pie to take to his families house for Thanksgiving on Thursday, but then Charlie and I decided to build a "fork". It was so fun. All three of us, plus Suzie Jo, could fit in. It didn't last very long, though, since Charlie would jump off the couch and collapse the fort. We had a lot of fun building, destroying, rebuilding, and redestroying it. And, yes, we loved the movie. It's the first time Charlie went to a theatre (besides as a newborn or in my belly) and he did pretty good. He had a hard time getting the popcorn out of the bag, and kept dropping stuff on the floor and didnt understand why he couldnt pick up his candy off the floor and eat it, but he enjoyed the movie too.
Finally, on Thursday, we headed north. The weather was teasing us, but it was clear enough for us to make it to my grandma's to see family. We had a great time talking, playing games, and eating yummy food. Charlie crashed on the way back to get ready for the second round. We quickly switched food items at our house and were off to Joel's parents with all of his family for another dinner (luckily we ate at 1 at my grandmas and not until almost 6 at Joel's family, so we didnt suffer too much). We had a great time seeing everyone and enjoyed another great meal. We were home by 8 to play some more and read stories before bed, but Joel and I weren't far behind Charlie with such full bellies.

We got up on Friday morning (but thank you to Charlie for sleeping until 8) and enjoyed pulling out Christmas decorations. We had some from last year, and our sweet neighbor gave us a big box of stuff she found cleaning out all of her decorations. We had a lot of fun, and it was a chance to clean up the living room a bit. Charlie had fun helping with the tree so a lot of the ornaments are in one area, but I think it turned out great.

We have our fake tree from last year up again. We wanted a real tree, but since we are leaving for Christmas we decided to wait another year. Charlie keeps telling us how 'bootipul' the tree is. He loves the lights and cant wait to help Joel hang the lights outside tomorrow. We have a few weeks before our California trip fro Christmas and we are looking forward to it!!!

Well, that about catches us up. If you want to see more pictures of these adventures, or other things we are up to, check out my albums on facebook.

Suzie Jo

We got a cute new puppy. Definately Charlie's dog! We started naming off names, since he wanted Mattie or "new puppy" and Suzie stuck. 2 days later, he added the Jo. It's so cute to hear Charlie running around saying "come here Suzie Jo". He goes outside with her, helps clean up after her, helps feed her, and they play so well together. He even walks her, though that may not last too long since she will grow faster than him. She is about 8 weeks old and a pure yellow lab.I have gone back to work for a few weeks while Joel is waiting for his next job to start up. I was having some serious anxiety about it, along with us both wondering how Charlie would do. He has done great! He helps me get ready and they make me lunch every morning. Then they wave goodbye and close the garage.
While they were out running errands and going to walk around Bass Pro, Charlie found Joel's hat. It was a great picture to get at work and I thought I would share.

Charlie loves taking pictures. He usually gets his eyes or a red picture since he wont turn the camera around. I started holding the camera and letting him take it, then we would look at them together. This was a picture we took out on the deck.

Make believe has come full force! He has imaginary animals all over the house, mostly alligators and crocodiles, and his toys all have a personality and story. He also loves going on train rides. Here is his train. He will sit sometimes and make the noises, and other times he will put animals and toys on the chairs and push from behind and say "chugga choo choo". It is so fun to watch.

This past Saturday we went up to see some family. Charlie had a blast showing everyone his new puppy and seeing Uncle Clay and Aunt Julie (his favorites!). We played cards with Grandpa Jerry, had breakfast with him, Clay, and Grandma Nancy, saw Grandma's new garden and got some yummy veggies (I made pickles!), and rode on Uncle Erik's new motor cycle (well, I did), and got to go for a walk and play with Aunt Julie. It was a long but fun day!

His sweet hug with Uncle Clay.

Busy few weeks! Lots of fun and family. We are enjoying the new fall weather and getting our yard set for winter. Finishing and moving the fence, soon to get the garden plotted out and some manure in it so it will be ready in spring, and getting the dog kennel put up.

We have our first anniversary coming up in less than 2 weeks, my birthdy in 3, and a great wedding to get all dolled up for and enjoy dancing together. So we will have plenty to post soon!

Mississippi and Fair Time

Our fun week started off at the water park in West Des Moines. It was our first time there and we loved it. We all got to go on waterslides, lazy river, and the pool. Charlie had so much fun and was so brave. We was jumping in, blowing bubbles in the water, and going under. It was a great afternoon for all of us.

The next day we headed to Mississippi to see my mom, step dad, and my sister and her family. It was great. The drive (13 hours) wasnt too fun, but we made it.

Charlie, my little athlete, loves baseball. He got to play outside a lot, but we started playing with a balloon inside so we didnt have to deal with so many bugs and lost balls. Austin and Cali (my sisters kids) had fun with it too.

Charlie loved his cousin time. They all seemed to get along well, and were all clean every night thanks to fun bubble baths given by grandma. With how hot and sweaty they were getting, it was definately needed.

We had fun with Grandma and Grandpa, too. Lots of playing, readying, and watching cartoons. He even started getting used to Milo (dog). Unfortunately they had to put Maggie (Milo's mom) down our first day there. Charlie didnt really understand why she couldn't come back from the doctor. She was an amazing dog and will truly be missed!

Charlie did pretty good in the car. Lots of movies helped. He doesnt usually get to watch much tv, plus he got to color a lot, snack when he wanted, and lots of (watered down) juice.

We came back and Joel headed back to work. It was the last week of the fair and we wanted to go, so we went Wednesday night at 5 so it was half price to get in, and we knew we would have enough time to see what we wanted, eat what we wanted, and be home for bedtime. It was really fun.

Here is the really tall spinning ride with a basket on each end. Charlie was so mad he couldnt ride it. I told him he was too little and he said "my not little". We just had to distract him and walk away. He is too brave with stuff like that.

We made the mistake of showing him the water, too. He loves water and wouldn't leave the fountain. He was soaked, but dried by the time we got to the car. He would run to the middle, stomp in the puddle, and run out laughing.

Charlie's favorite part was the animals! Here is the 1100+ lb pig. He wouldnt touch it, but he was talking to him and giving him rocks.

The little pigs were more his size. He just ran through the isles and pointed out each one. He wanted to pet everything, too, but we kept him away unless we were told we could let him.

Here is the baby cow that he could pet, and he happily did, about 10 times. He loved the little cow and kept going back.

That is the past 2 weeks of our lives. A lot of fun! Can't wait for more. Between work and life we don't get to do this much in a short time often, but when stuff comes up we enjoy it. We have a fun wedding to go to over our anniversary weekend. It's a fancy one with dancing and everything. Joel and I have never danced so I informed him we are going and enjoying. We look forward to lots of experiences this fall and winter with our wonderful family!

Playing Catch Up

This post may be kind of long since its been almost 3 months and lots has happened, but I will try to keep it short so people can read it all in one sitting.
June 16-19 I went to girls camp with my ward. It was a last minute calling and it was a blast. Here are some of the girls (this in the back half of the photo) that were with us. We are in the tornado shelter during a big storm. We had no fights, only one day of bad weather, and tons of fun. Definately a good break for me!

Here is Charlie at my in-laws house trying to put on his cousins goggles. He didnt really want them on, but it was so cute to see him try to do it himself. He is such a fun and active kid, and so independent (as long as Joel or I are in the area!).

Charlie has recently become obsessed with baseball. He is really good, too. He hits right handed, but throws left (he is a lefty). He can hit the ball almost everytime and has a really good arm. The only problem is he will be out playing for hours if he has someone to throw the ball, but its been so hot we dont want to, so he throws a fit everytime its time to come in. I need to get him a tball stand so I can sit in the shade and watch. :)

Charlie loves church, too. He does well in nursery, once he is there. He loves having "Jesus' bread and water", which is the best explaination we have managed so far. He tries to sing, he stays still, and is relatively quiet. It really helps that he sees grandma and grandpa. He loves watching grandpa when its his week to conduct. This is a picture on the way home from church. He loves wearing his hat and glasses like daddy and asked for a picture. But, like daddy, he had already taken his tie off.

On June 23 the adoption was finalized. We got to the court house on time and still had to wait over an hour for our hearing since it was an open bracket time slot. Here is us sitting in the hallway between Charlie's many bathroom breaks. He does well going potty out of the house cause its an adventure, and usually he can use either little toilets or a urinal.

The second picture is Joel on the stand. We both had to get up and answer questions about our life, Charlie's relationship with Joel, punishment techniques in the home, and talk about the judges concern over how we had only been married for 9 months. After we both went up, Joel's dad stood up and told the judge he felt we were extremely stable and happy and that Charlie was one of the family. By the end the judge was crying and declared it. It was a neat experience.

Charlie got a frog from the judge. We are waiting for the new birth certificate from Mississippi so we can change his name on his social security info, but his legal name is now Charles Hanson. So fun.

Along with all the other adventures of life with a two year old comes building. Charlie stacks everything, builds forts and ramps, and loves stacking blocks. He also loves these cool blocks I found that are like pre-legos. He makes towers and planes, and when daddy is home he has him make cool stuff like the dragon in the picture. He knows that these blocks and his train sets dont come out until dad is home (since I dont want to sit for hours and play with them), and he cleans up his other toys from the main area so he can really play. It is so fun. He sings the clean up song, along with many others he knows or makes up, and gets the job done.As of July 12 Charlie and I have been in Iowa for 2 years, and July 11 was a year from when Joel proposed. It has gone so fast and been such a blessing in our lives. I couldnt imagine my life any other way.

We (well, mostly Joel) have been redoing a deck for some friends in the ward. It has been so hot and wet it has taken a while doing it little by little, but it is done now besides the stain. The side job has been a blessing right now with a break between jobs for work, trying to travel to see family and friends, and just life. We have worked together, worked apart, and learned a lot from each other in the process.

Charlie loves to build, as I said, and climb. He puts his table and work table together to support him and stands or sits on top and sings or hits with his hammer. Well, last week he kicked the table and crashed through the seem and sprained his ankle. We knew it wasnt broken and it didnt seem to bother him too much, but now it bothers him more so the doctor said to keep it wrapped when possible to support it, and go see a specialist if it lasts more than another week. He limps on it -- but limping while running is the cutest part. He has a kind of wobble really and people think he has a birth defect or something now. But here is a picture of his cute little wrapped up foot.

So that is our life. Joel is working regular hours for now, but come September the overtime will pick up. His job will be on and off since its a water treatment plant, so I will be subbing when he is home to watch Charlie to make up the difference. It will be nice to get out and in a classroom again, but I will miss my little guy when I am gone.

We are off to see family next week. I get to see my sister and her family at my mom's, too, which will be a fun treat. Joel is excited for the time off, and I am excited just to get out of the house for a few days. This will be our last big trip until our Christmas trip to California to see family. My baby brother just got off his mission to Ghana and I am so excited to see him in December.

Next month is our first anniversary, but one of Joel's friends is getting married the day before so our idea for a weekend away was botched, but we get to go dance and eat at a big reception, and probably have the night off from Charlie. Maybe the following weekend which is also my birthday we can do something special.

Well, until next time... ;)