Cole Wesley Carmesin

A couple months back I did an exclusive blog on Carly and I thought it was time to have everyone get to know Cole. Cole was born May 21, 2004 after a very long delivery. Bare with me because I feel to know Cole you have to hear how he was born. Everyone knows how hard your first labor is. You don't know when you're going to go into labor, or what everything is going to be like....except everyone has told you it's painful. Okay, so May 20th I drove to Fortuna to clean my parents' house. I remember driving by Harper Motors on HWY 101 thinking I didn't feel that well. Okay, so later in the afternoon my mom comes home from school and asks "how are you feeling" I say okay, but nausea's. She immediately makes me sit down and pretty soon I don't feel good like every 5 minutes. So to make a long story short I was in labor and did't really know it. Well that was the last time I was going to feel semi-normal. I went to the hospital and pretty soon I was sure I was DYEING!!!!!!!! Well I was in labor for 26 hours pushed for 3 hours and had to have an emergency c-section. Some will say "I am sorry you had to have a c-section." but don't be sorry. It was great!!! After, being exhausted, and having to wait 30 minutes for the surgery team which was the hardest part of the whole labor. (Side note) The 30 minutes it took for the surgery team to prep was so painful because I had no drugs and couldn't push. I finally couldn't take it anymore and started screaming "GIVING ME SOME MEDICINE, AND WHERE IS THE DOCTOR." Needless to say, he came running down the hall with a needle in his hand. While he was running I could hear him saying "I'm coming" EPIDURALS ROCK! Once I was refueled I knew I was going to see my baby any minute.

After 10-15 minutes in Surgery Cole Wesley Carmesin was born, and I was the happiest mother on earth (the morphine helped) I was stitched up and off to recovery. Cole was born surrounded by his entire family, and "God willing" he won't know life without them. What does his birth have to do with who he is know? Well, Cole has this ability to look at you and make you melt. His eyes are his weopons and he looks at you and cocks his head to the side and grins. He thinks life is about excavators, shotguns, hunting channel, baking pies with his grandma's, and McDonalds. Everytime he gets in his carseat he says "I'm getting in my excavator" and he can spot the McDonalds arch from a mile away. He had to grow up fast because he sister came along 11 months after he was born, but he has been one of the true ultimate joys in my life. I love him more everyday. This is Cole Wesley Carmesin.................

Getting closer to be sane again......

Hello Everyone, I have been overwhelmed with finals at school and preparing for the Holiday season. Tonight, I have my last final at 5:00. It is only a 5 minute presentation and is pretty easy. Last week I couldn't focus on anything except papers, study groups, and sccchhoolll. I need these next few weeks to be as low key as possible. I will probably gain 10 pounds because all I want to do is make cookies with Cole and Carly in our pajamas, eat fried potatoes, make cinnamon rolls, and drink milkshakes from McDonalds. HA!

I was feeling overwhelmed with Christmas this year, because it took me longer to get my cards out, and I don't have all my shopping done. I plan on finishing this week and I will only have a couple more things to wrap. I can' t wait for Christmas Eve. I will tell everyone what our Christmas schedule is like...like any of you care, I know.HA!
Christmas Eve we will go to my parents' house and have prime rib and all the trimmings. We exchange gifts with my parent's and my sisters. Travis's parents, sister, and grandparents also come to Christmas Eve, and it is a lot of fun. I love having my in-laws come as well because it seems like a really intimate Christmas. Christmas Morning we have the kids open their presents and Travis and I exchange gifts. We then head to 10:00 brunch in Salyer with my family. We always have delicious food and get to visit until we head back to McKinleyville. Between 2:00 and 5:00 we exchange gifts with Travis's parents' and his sister. It is mellow, and then the Carmesin clan shows up around 5:00. I don't envision naps for the kids besides the car ride from Salyer to Mckinleyville, but it's Christmas and we are on Jesus's time not Danielle's time!!!! Anyone that knows me, knows that I am like a little kid on Christmas. I can't wait to get up and watch the kids open their presents and I know this is clique but I love giving. I love picking out that one gift that makes someone happy. I am glad I married someone who know matter what the holiday he always walks around saying "happy week before Christmas" We are a pair.

We're Back....

Hello my fellow bloggers! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We made it to Cutbank, Montana safely and made it home in one piece. We flew out Friday November 17th from Sacramento and Travis and John (My father-in-law) picked us up in Great Falls, MT. The kids were great on the flight, thanks to having their own seats and the sit-n-stroll car seats. I posted a picture of the kids in their strollers because they also doubled as car seats on the flight. They truly made the travel experience easier.

Once in Montana we visited with family, played cards, cooked, went to a bed and breakfast, and had a gift exchange. The kids received a lot of neat gifts and when we got home I went through their current toys and got rid of a lot. I got all of my Christmas decorations out of the attic and have put the majority of them up inside the house. We need to get a tree this week, and put our outside lights up and we will be finished. Having just come back from vacation, and trying to make sure I have everything done for school in the next two weeks is overwhelming. I only have 30 more days to finish my Christmas shopping.

Overall, we had a great Thanksgiving, and I am looking forward to a wonderful Christmas. Have a great week. Danielle

Best Friend, Husband, and Father

Yes, it's true I miss Travis. He will be picking us up at the airport in Montana on Friday afternoon. This past week has gone by quickly but I have missed him very much. I miss someone to chat with at night, or to have an adult conversation with. I miss sharing meals with him, and I never thought I would miss the before dinner wrestling matches he holds with the kids. I miss his noise! I still have plenty of noise between the two munchkins. Well, this weekend was terrrific. I didn't have school on Friday due to Veterans' Day. The kids and I took our time getting ready and we headed to the mall to get some Christmas shopping done. We are doing a gift exchange in Montana on Thanksgiving. We made it home for naps, and when the kids laid down, so DID I!!! We had lunch when we woke up and we invited ourselves to Janelle's for dinner. Saturday, the kids and I putted around and my dad took Cole to a football game for the afternoon. Cole slept through the first two halves!haha. Carly and I went to Ace hardware for a dog food container, and picked up a movie. Travis's grandparents invited to dinner so again, I didn't have to cook. If I play my cards right I occasionally have to cook... After the kids went to bed my friends' Jeff and Monica came over and we watched Shadowboxer. DO NOT WATCH IT, IT WAS VULGAR!!!! Today, the kids and I went to church, and I served in the Nursery. Cole is so funny he won't go in the nursery. He sits out in the main sanctuary and just listens and occasionally he'll draw. Carly always dashes for the nursery. My parents took the kids home for a nap and I went to the Library to do homework and research. Surprisingly, we had dinner at my parents. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, peaches, and homemade cinnamon rolls. We couldn't wait another two weeks. My next post is going to be my sweet potatoes which are as good as dessert. I know it seems that every post is what I did over the weekend, but oh well...... Have a terrific week!

Carly Ann Carmesin

MISS INDEPENDANT

This blog is all about Carly, and finding out who my little girl is. Everyday she reveals a different side to herself. For starters, Carly always wakes up when she wants to. She'll sleep through Cole in the middle of the night, or when he gets up at 7:00 she'll sleep till 8:00. She wants to eat breakfast first thing in the morning, and loves to use her yogurt as hair gel!!! Last month I would look at her and see a baby and last week she turned into a little girl. She talks non-stop and you can understand what she is saying. Cole answers her. I find that funny, because like I said last week she was a baby. She is ready to be potty trained, and I am not. Potty Training is like decorating. You can't do a good job decorating if you aren't in the mood, or you do a half-way job. That is the same with potty-training. When you begin potty-training you have to do it full blown otherwise you never see the fruits of your hard work. Every kid is always obsessed with putting on everyones shoes, but I swear "T" which for everyone who doesn't know that is Carly's nickname. Cole has called her "T" from day one and we all call her that... random...I know. Back to Carly and shoes....She IS INFATUATED!!! She tells me numerous times to look at her boots, or whatever she's sporting. If I could look into the future and see Carly in 6 years, I will be being told what to do by a 8 year old, reasoned with, braiding her long hair, rescueing her brother, and begging her dad to leave her at home. If the last 18 mos are a tiny piece of her life to come she is going to be extraordinary..................... This is Carly

Haven't they grown......

It seems I want to blog on the weekends. The weekdays are reserved for homework time on the computer, not enjoyment. Friday night, we went to dinner for Vickie's birthday and then the family came over to our house for dessert. I made cream cheese brownies topped with rocky road ice cream and a little milk(Courtesy of the Iorgs!!!) Friday night was deja vu though.... It began with Cole and Carly both having temperatures, coughs, and runny noses. I gave them their drowsy cough medicine before bed and it was relatively painless. The kids were tucked in around 8:00 (Late night for Carly) I wasn't far behind. I woke up at 10:30 to Cole crying......I went in there and he was burning up. I gave him some tylenol to take his fever down, and he was just sobbing... To make a long story short I slept(attempted) in the recliner Friday nights to help Cole's nose to drain. I wish I had a bigger Indian basket he could sleep in!!! Saturday, morning Travis left at 4am to leave for Montana. Him and his dad and his uncle are taking our 5th wheel hunting along the way to Montana. They will pick us up at the airport on Friday November 17th when we fly into Great Falls!!! I miss him already, but he was soooo excited. He works so hard all summer, and this is something he looks forward to. I have two papers I have to write before we leave, and without another child to take care of!! I'll have more time to get ready for our trip. Have a great week everyone.............

Happy Halloween????

Happy Halloween? I am not so sure about that, but anyway, Cole was a crocodile, and Carly was tinkerbell. I got home from school around 5:00 we put the kids costumes on them, and then we were off. We stopped at Travis's parents, McDonalds for dinner, Cole stated " Dad, we have to eat at Mcdonalds." We went to my sister Rachelle's to eat our dinner, last stop my Mom and Dads....... By the end of the night 7:00 I was worn out, and ready for bed. The kids had been with their dad all day, and frankly were not in the costume mood. I am going to keep the costumes out, and we will practice being a happy crocodile, and tinkerbell for next year. I think Carly is going to be rambo or bambam next year!!! It would just fit her tough little attitude!! They loved all the candy they got to eat............... I hope everyone else had a safe night.

Great Days

Well, the CrazyCarmesins have had a pretty mellow weekend. Last week I got up with Travis at 5:00am each morning to do homework and regroup for the day. By Friday I was worn. Saturday came and Travis told Cole to go back to bed at 7:00 and we had another hour of lounge time!!! I just changed the sheets the night before so I loved staying in bed. All you moms out there will understand that the best way to wake up in the morning is to clean sheets and a cup of coffee with your favorite creamer! haha. Back to the weekend events.... Saturday morning I made breakfast, and got the kids ready to spend a day with dad. Travis took both the kids to Salyer to check on our Cows, and shoot squirrels. Usually, only Cole goes but Carly has moovveedd uuupppp!!! It's good for her to go along, not only for Travis but for Carly as well. She needs to realize that even though she is a girl (which doesn't mean much since girls can do anything) I acknowledge that there are differences to girls and boys but the point is if Carly wants to hang out with her brother and dad she must learn how to survive. The kids and Travis were gone most of the day. I cleaned out the garage, worked on homework, ate ice cream while catching the last parts of a lifetime movie, and just enjoyed my peace and quiet. The best part of the day was that the kids and Travis went to a late lunch and weren't hungry for dinner. WE HAD LEFTOVERS!! I didn't have to make dinner. What a wonderful way to end a spectacular day. Sunday is here and it's daylight savings hour so we are off to catch the early service at church this morning. I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Last Weekend

Hello Everyone! Well, Travis got a buck this weekend. The best picture I took was of Cole with his head turned. We will have another winter with plenty of buck meat. I have been meaning to post that Carly got a new puppy. Cole is holding the puppy but Carly is in love with her. Our new puppy's name is "Tippy." She is really cute. It is amazing how well she listens and she even potties in her spot in the lawn. October is almost over, and I can't wait for December 13th (Semester is over). School is going okay and pretty soon we will be headed for Montana. I hope everyone is having a great fall. Till next time.....

Busy Weekend

Good Morning, Well we had a busy but great Weekend. Friday the kids and I went to rehearsal for their cousin Tonya's wedding. Wedding rehearsals for the parents of the kids (ring bearer and flower girl) are foreshadowing what chaos the actual wedding is going to be. Travis was helping his dad cut up the tri-tip for the wedding so he wasn't at the rehearsal, and the day of the wedding Travis was bbq the meat! Oh well, it's over and we survived. Cole and Carly did terrific walking down the aisle. Cole "layed" on the stage and ate a bag of M&M's during the wedding and when he finished them he walked back down the aisle and found Carly and I. They were good overall, BUT WEDDINGS ARE STRESSFUL. My kids aren't in another wedding until July 2007, and I am happy. Tonya looked beautiful, and I am glad her wedding was a success.

GUESS WHAT?.......

Janelle, is PREGNANT!!!!! I am so excited to be aunt! Janelle and Mikey are expecting their first baby sometime in June. I can't believe that my baby sister is going to be a mom. She is a terrific aunt, and I know that she will be an even better mom. Good luck Auntie Nell.....

Good Times

Good Morning, here are some current photos of Cole and Carly in the bath tub. Bathtub pictures are priceless and endless. No matter how many you take they always get cuter. One of my favorite times of the day is bath time. I love bath time because bed time isn't that far away, and the kids are happy. Both of my kids are happy in the bath, and it is rare that they take a bath separately. Bath time also gives me a chance to sit and talk to the kids without being distracted. I can't leave them in there alone, therefore, I enjoy sitting and chatting with my 1 and 2 year old.
Aside from that, to all those parents out there that have a baby who has already turned 1. Do you feel like after they turn 1 it doesn't seem like the correct age. For example, Carly is 1 but she isn't. I find myself wanting to say that she's 1 1/2. I am not sure why I guess I just feel like she is too spunky to be 1! Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week. Cole and Carly are in a wedding this weekend, and THAT WILL BE EXCITING!!! Till next blog......

A Day in the City

Yesterday, Sunday October 8, Travis and I flew down to San Francisco to watch the 49ers play the Raiders. Anyone who knows my husband, knows that he is a dye hard Raider fan. He would wear spiked shoulder pads if I'd let him. He was tame because I was with him at the game, and his team is not GOOD!! I feel bad for him because they never win, they play with no heart, and all they have is a bad reputation. Oh well, pick another team. We flew down to San Fran at 9:45am took a cab from SFO to Monster Park. The game didn't start till 1:00 and we had plenty of time to watch the teams warm up. The game was close until half-time, at which time the Raiders decided they would rather be anywhere but on the field and GAVE UP. I am not a football analyst, but it doesn't take a sportscaster to realize they don't have any "spunk!" We left Monster Park at the end of the 3rd quarter caught a cab back to the airport, and grabbed some dinner. Compared to other airports, LAX for that matter SFO has many food options. I guess it all depends on what terminal you're in. We made it home at 7:30 and had time to pick up the kids from my moms. It was a great day in San Francisco and I would like to go to a KINGS game next time!haha

This picture says it all !!!!

Fall is here, and I know that in McKinleyville the weather is never predictable, but one thing about the fall and winter seasons is that it will be cold. I can always tell when I need to break out my Toddlerwise book and get back into my routine.... You're probably thinking "how does Danielle know she needs to get back into her routine?" Well, I hate letting my kids play with their toys all day long. They need structure, and it isn't healthy to let them have free for all's in their room or the living room. Cole and Carly are bored after nap, and I can't stand the T.V. as background noise. It's hard for me to schedule their day when I am only home for a couple hours a day. I can do it, it just is more work. In case you were wondering this blog is RANDOM! Do any of you feel disoriented? Let me explain my current situation and maybe someone out there can relate. My car has poker chips spread all over' (Cole wouldn't leave Carly alone, so I gave him a travel game, which I am now paying for.) I have weight watchers cookbooks lying in the back seat' (I've been meaning to give back to my aunt.) I have a swimsuit I've been meaning to return to my sister, and random miscellaneous CRAP I just need to deal with. Some of you are probably thinking ok, deal with it, or I don't know what the big deal is. My car is the one place that makes me feel organized, and for some reason right now I'm about to have a breakdown over a few things out of order. Some other things that I just can't find the time to get to.... I have no gas to mow my lawn, and no time to go and get gas, I am out of milk, and Carly is going to be UPSET in the morning, and so on. I know you all think I am pathetic, but what is a blog for if you can't just get it out!!!!!

Great Mornings

Hello Everyone, I wanted to say Hi to everyone and update everyone on how the Crazy Carmesins are doing. Cole is getting too big. I know I will be saying that for the rest of his and my lives but it is true. He will entertain himself completely, and he speaks in complete sentences. He never ceases to amaze me. Carly is STUBBORN...........She made up her mind from day one to be a great sleeper, and she decided that she would make me pay in other ways. She refuses to come to her name. She will just plop down wherever she is at and make you come to her. We are working on that through time outs and occasional swats. The swats don't phase her! Uh.... Well, on a sweeter note, she is really into random hugs and patting the back of who ever she is hugging. She is saying all kinds of words, and is going to be taller, and tougher than her brother. Travis was gone last week working out of town in Brookings, and he is also gone this week. He has been working on the weekends as well. We are trying to save extra money for the winter time. I am trucking along through school. This Monday began better than previous Mondays but, I'll be happy when winter time rolls around because I won't have so much office work on top of school. I keep telling myself "if I get through this week" then the next week rolls around. I can't wait to go to work instead of school, and you can quote me on that. Till my next post. Danielle

Climbers

Cole was 18 mos when one day he miraculous walked out of his room, when I had laid him down in his crib. I put him back in the crib and watched him on my video monitor, shimmy down the front of the crib. My battle began..... I finally resorted to a toddler bed within the next couple months of his unsafe landings. The toddler bed transistion was hard because he wasn't mature enough to handle his new found freedom. I looked up what other parents were doing on babycenter, and everyone was talking about a "crib tent." It wasn't much use to me, since I had already dismantled the crib. I swore with my second child I would use one of those crib thingys vs. a toddler bed too early. Carly has taken longer to do things than Cole up until last week. She is only 16 mos and she began crawling out of her crib!!!! I know, whyyyyyyyyyy.... I had already purchased the infamous crib tent, so I said "I don't think so" The moral of this story is that the crib tent is incredible, and I won't have to put Carly into a toddler bed, until she can handle the freedom.

Travis and Cole went hunting this last weekend. I had CSET testing on Saturday, and have so much homework I can't possibly go away for the weekend. Cole was so exited to go. He had his binocular pouch on, and his "fake" pistol in his pants (The top, waist) and he wouldn't let his Grandma, or his dad out of his sight. He would inform everyone, that "I'm going huntin" He was adorable. Below are pictures of him with Susie the Bear, and His Grandpa John, Dad, and Great Papa John. AND IT STARTS............
Click on this link to see the pictures, it wouldn't let me post the images.
http://www.sendpix.com/albums/06091809/ldt4nhf3hv/

Maybe we have it backwards....

After bath time, I told Cole to go put his seat on the potty, and to go "poop." Every night when I lay him in bed he tells me that he has to poop. I just began the night with the potty. Anyway, while I was putting Carly in her PJ's I went in to make sure there wasn't a roll of toilet paper in the bathtub....or etc. Low and behold Cole skipped the potty seat appartatus, and straddled the toilet BACKWARDS! It was so cute I had to capture the moment. I am still laughing.... Good Night.

Labor Day

I hope everyone had a great 3 day weekend. I had a GREAT time! Friday night Travis and I loaded up the kids and headed to Redding. We stopped in Willow Creek and had dinner at my favorite spot, Cinnabar Sams. We didn't get to Redding till late, and the kids were pooped. Saturday morning Travis went Dove hunting, and the kids and I lounged around Dale's house by his pool. In the afternoon, we went shopping at the Outlets, and then off to dinner. Sunday, Travis and the kids made our rounds visiting family and friends, and in the afternoon we went to the waterslides! Travis, Me, Vickie, John, Heidi,Tote, Jillian,Cole, & Carly all went. The funniest(Well not really funny) happened just before we got there. A kid pooped in the kiddy section. They chlorined and cleaned the pool, but we had to wait an hour. That is the risk you take at a public pool. Monday we left Redding at 7:30am and headed for Medford. HWY299 was closed or shut down for a long wait due to a fire. I love Medford, and the drive is different. We shopped in Medford for a couple hours, and we were off headed for the fog. Overall, we all enjoyed 3 days of being together. I can't wait to hear what everyone else did, or what they didn't do!

Friday night Travis and I took the kids to watch Peter Pan at the Van Duzer Theater at HSU. The kids made it through 2 hours of the show until intermission. I was impressed, and they were exposed to their first play. I will defiantely take them again, and maybe sometime we'll go be ourselves! Sometimes I like to just post recent pictures I've taken of the kids. For labor day we are going to Redding, and back to the waterslides. The kids are excited! (I confess, so am I!)

Inside Activities

It has been cool the past couple of days in Mckinleyville and I have found myself trying to come up with inside activities for the kids. I am sick of coloring books,video time, room time, and so on. I want a fun activity! I sound like a 3 year old. I am going to subscribe to Parents magazine, just so I can have some fresh ideas. Let me know who has a fun activity that keeps their kids on their toes.

Camping

Well, The kids and I had a great week last week. I will give everyone a break down of exactly what we did on our Mom's trip. Tuesday morning 8/15 Vickie (Mother-in-law) and I loaded our fifth-wheel hitch in our pick up hooked our trailers up, and took off for Lake Siskiyou!
Cole rode with Grandma, and Carly rode with Mom. This was my first experience towing our trailer and it was fine. I was nervous at first, but I got over it soon. It takes about 4 hours to get to Lake Siskiyou which is in Mt. Shasta City. Aunt Rita, Jamie, Branson, Annie, Riley, and Clint were already up there and we were looking forward to seeing them.
We made it to Lake Siskiyou in the afternoon, tired, and hot. We got camp all set up, which isn't hard with my home on wheels, and began to unwind. The Campground was really nice. Lake Siskiyou is very small and you can only go 10mph. It isn't the type of lake you bring your ski boat to, but they have an outrageous beach.
With a 1 and 2 year old the beach is the safest and easiest place to be. The older kids could rent paddle boats, and hang out.
Thursday 8/17 we packed up our camp and headed back to Redding. We arrived to our RV park around 11:00 and were at the waterslides by noon. We stayed at a place across from the slides, and the kids and I had a blast. The kiddy section was perrific for my cautious son, and my daredevil daughter. The Grandmas took the kids to the trailers to nap, but they just kicked back and watched a movie. I went to get them for round 2 of the slides and they were ready to go. I forgot how much fun visiting, eating snowcones, nachos, and relaxing could be. It was a perfect way to end my summer because school started yesterday! I hope to live through this semester, and possibly see the light next semester, we'll see! I hope everyone is having fun on their vacations.

Spread the Wealth

(Just thought I would include Carly in her basket!@ 15 mos)

Everyone manages their budgets differently, and I was curious if any of you have found unique ways or little tips to save a dollar here and there. In our house a large chunk of our money goes towards FOOD! Food is bad because it's expensive, and fattening, but you have to have it. I find that making a shopping list saves alot. I always have a shopping list going even if I got back from the store that day. If I notice that I have one of something left, I go straight to the shopping list and write it down. I also buy two of things that I need that way I don't have to run to SAFEWAY for those $20.00 last minute shopping necessities. Let me know how you manage to cut back on household costs.....

We're Back!

(This is five generations)




Hello Everyone! I am glad to be back and not flying in the air with a 15month old on my lap. I have a tendency to get "air sick" when there is turbulence, and Carly or Cole are sitting on me.

We had a great time in Missouri and Illinois. You may all be wondering what we did back there, but it was a blast. We drove around a lot, but we had to in order to visit my great-grandmothers, aunt, uncles, cousins, and grandpa. My mom's side of the family lives in Missouri and Illinois so we visited everyone in one big trip. Carly was TERRIFIC. She loved all the attention she was getting without her brother to steal the show. It is amazing how when I give her my undivided attention she doesn't have to whine for me to notice her.

Everyone knows that the mid-west, and the east coast were all experience heat waves, but while we were back there, it was pleasant and enjoyable. Rachelle and Janelle had fun as well and I love my sisters. They played with Carly and we all laughed and ate, until we felt "belly bombers" That is the new word for when you eat something that makes you feel like you could explode ie: White Castle, and Airport food.

We arrived home Tuesday at 12:00am and Cole was in my bed with his dad. He was sound asleep when I took him into his bed, and when I said "I love you Cole, he said I love you Mom" The kicker was he knew I was home, and he never opened his eyes. I missed him too much (In his words) but I loved spending one on one time with my little girl.

I learned that I love California, and I am content in my "one horse town"

Lyndsey's Wedding

Saturday July 29, 2006
Lyndsey and Travis have gotten married after being together for 8 years. It was a beautiful day, and one of the most emotional weddings I've ever been in. (Including my own!) I have concluded it was emotional because Lyndsey has grown into an amazing person, and through everything Travis has always been right beside her. Lyndsey's day was perfect! The reception was a blast. I saw a lot of people from high school, and I was happy that some were still alive, and others were doing very well. It was a beautiful day, and I am truly happy for my friends.

Another thought... Can you all believe that it is August? I am finishing up summer school this week, and have two weeks off before the fall semester! yeah... Carly and I are going to St. Louis to visit some family for 8 days. My mom, sisters, and grandma, are all going as well, and I am excited. I will post some pictures from our trip when I get back. I hope everyone is enjoying the last moments of their summer. Love Danielle

Family Reunion Memories

Family Reunions are so much fun! We met a lot of people I hadn't known before, and spent more quality time with some others. The reunion was at Vickie and John's and took place for three days. We ate some terrific food, and play a lot of games. Cole and Carly made some unforgettable memories. Cole got into his first fist fight (I mean with his fists, not toddler warfare) with his cousin who was a year older than him. I think he was trying to steal Cole's girlfriend Kaylen(She is in the golf cart with him.) Cole's girlfriend is 4 years older than him, and she stayed the night Saturday night. (I watched closely on my video monitor) After Pete's Dragon they were too tired for anything. Carly had a great time at the reunion being doted on by all her family. The Carmesin's don't have very many girls, that is baby's. There's boys everywhere, but Carly is the only girl. The reunion was a blast, and wanted to share some cute pics with all of you. Danielle

Guilty Motherhood

(This is a sunset from Mexico, when we went on vacation in December.)

Do any of you ever feel really guilty when you take a nap in the middle of the day, surrounded by unfolded laundry? Do you feel guilty when a grandparent kidnaps your kids for a night of or two? Do you feel like you have to justify yourself for being in a grocery store alone? I DO! I tell myself that it is because I am a young mom, and feel like I am constantly under the eye of every other mother. My new vow is to not make excuses for why it's okay that my kids go to their grandmother's while I go to school or to work. This is the way my life is, and I am maintaining my sanity. This rambling goes out to each mom, who feels guilty in doing something for themself. Being a mother isn't supposed to punishment, it's supposed to be terrific! I just had to vent. Let me know if there are other guilty mothers. I AM NOT GUILTY ANYMORE.

Not always sweet

Don't we all wish this was the way life was.... I didn't have a brother to guide me in the
backyard, tackle me, tickle me, or say "Pretty T." I did have two sisters who did all those things
and more, like pull hair. I love being a mom and looking at my children amaze me. Last night the kids and I went to stay the night with Travis and John in our travel trailer up at Bald Hill. Carly ended up sleeping with Travis and I because I didn't want to set her playpen up. (Lazy) I paid for it with a finger up my nose at 5:00 in the morning. I made her pay me in kisses... sweet memories.