Hymas Life

Finishing 2011

2012-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

We had a busy but good finish to 2011...lots of great memories with family and friends.

Thanksgiving we spent in Sun River. Ryan saw Santa there and sat on his lap. When Santa asked him what he was wanting for Christmas, I don't think he was at all prepared for Ryan's answer...."I want a zombie lab where you drink the barf!!" Ryan replied with excitement. I think Gage and Santa shared the same shocked expression. But...Santa was a sport, and did bring Ryan just what he asked for. It is a weird machine that essentially makes different textures of candy through chemistry. We have done a few of the "recipes" which are all gross, but curiously fun at the same time.

December flew by with all the preparations of the season. It honestly didn't start to feel like Christmas, really, until days before. Not sure why...but both Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to come much too early. Over the Christmas weekend, Justin and Kaytlyn made the trek down to spend it here with our crazy family...and partook in all our crazy family traditions. Don't tell Ryan, but we forgot one of our traditions...and thankfully he didn't notice. We forgot to leave crackers and root beer for Santa this year. Oops!

We quietly rang in the New Year with our good friends Brian and Kristi...and had a sleepover there rather than brave the roads with all the party-goers...safely finishing out 2011.

Hoping you all had a great 2011, with an even better 2012 to come!!

Catching UP

2011-12-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

Catch up time!!

In my last post...I promised to write about our county fair experience.

The beginning of August...county fair time. We went last year with the kids. Evan was too little to ride any of the rides, and Ryan hesitantly rode on a couple of kiddie rides with either Gage or me by his side. His biggest enjoyment was looking at the animals and watching the dirt bikes in a big-air competition.

This year was entirely different...and deepened my realization that my somewhat timid toddler was growing into an independent little man. When we first walked through the gates and into the hustle and bustle of the fairgrounds, Ryan spotted large trampolines with towers attached to them, and attached to the towers were various bungee cords with a harness at the end. Ryan said he REALLY wanted to do this...Gage and I exchanged a doubtful glance. Last year, we had to encourage Ryan to ride the tamest of rides. Surely he just didn't understand that doing this meant you would jump and be somewhat catapulted into the air. We decided to have him watch some other fair-goers participate in the jumping to see how high he would be going. We both expected him to back out. After watching...he was even more sure he wanted to do this. I was still a bit doubtful. Before arriving at the fair, Ryan had been super excited about the pony ride. Both the pony ride at this were an extra charge, so we gave Ryan the choice...the ponies, or this. SO we handed over a five-spot to the guy running the booth, and watched as our eldest took to the trampoline, was strapped in, and started bouncing...higher...higher...and higher still. I was in awe as he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of "flying", and shocked that he had become so much more daring and confident over the past year.

Did it stop there?? NO!!

The next thing he spotted was the largest, and highest ferris wheel on the grounds. He INSISTED that was the next adventure. Gage followed him up the ramp leading to the ride while Evan and I watched from below (Evan is still too little to ride many of the larger fair rides).

We met up with some friends of ours (Brent and Michelle...and their kids Gracie and Spencer who are the same age as Ryan and Evan) then trekked to the other side of the grounds to tackle the kiddie rides. Ryan and Gracie bound ahead and rode many rides together while Gage and I watched from the sidelines. Again...this is the same kid?? He is SO different than he was last year!!!

I went on several rides with Evan (still small enough that he needed an adult to accompany on even many of the kiddie rides). Needless to say, Evan was in HEAVEN!

As our day was coming to an end...I had just enough tickets to accompany Ryan on a full-size "adult" ride. I let Ryan pick the ride, and he picked the big roller coaster. Again...I was doubtful that was what he would truly enjoy, and had him really watch as it went around with other riders...and verified that is what he wanted to do. He didn't waver. Gracie decided she wanted to ride as well, and they allowed me to accompany both kids. At first, I had Grace and Ryan sit together in front of me in the same car. When the guy came by, he said that Gracie needed to sit next to me. I swallowed my fear for my dear Ryan who would now be riding ahead of me...by himself. I reassured him that I was right behind him, and left my hand resting on the seat such that my fingers touched his shoulder and said I'd be right there. Ok, I admit, it may have been more to reassure me than him. The ride started...and we headed up the first climb...the BIG ONE. My hand still rested on the seat. We crested the top, descended, and as we hit the bottom to head back up, my body squished down in my seat. When I came up...I could not see or feel Ryan in the seat in front of me, and my heart lept into my throat. I grabbed the seat back in front of me and pulled against the lap bar to peer over...finding Ryan virtually laying on the floor of the car with his arms above his head barely hooked over the lap bar. I looked up and saw another hill coming. I yelled in a stern voice "GET IN THE SEAT AND HANG ON TO THE BAR!" He did and I sternly told him he needed to HOLD ON AND STAY IN HIS SEAT!!! Needless to say, I didn't enjoy much of the ride after that as my concern for his safety overwhelmed any pleasure. My eyes and hands never left him after that...just so that I knew without a doubt that he was safely in his seat. As the cars came to a stop at the end of the ride...Ryan lept carelessly out and skipped down the ramp...eyes wide with excitement as he announced he wanted to do it AGAIN!! Sorry kid...all out of tickets! Maybe next year...maybe...that is if my hands stop trembling and my heart returns to its proper place in my chest!

All in all...it was a great experience...and such an eye opener to see so clearly just how much Ryan has changed.

We also learned, since we are now experienced fair-goers, that next year we will be buying two unlimited ride bracelets (one for each kid) and a book of tickets (for those rides that require our accompaniment). We started off with a book of tickets...and with Ryan wanting to ride everything and some things more than once...and with Evan wanting to ride everything his brother rides and then some...the book quickly dwindled and we ended up purchasing a ride bracelet for Ryan. Given Evan's interest in the rides, it was very clear that in another year he would not be satisfied with just a few rides, and economically speaking it will be cheaper to just buy the ride bracelets for them both.

I've added an album with just a few pictures and a short video from our day in the Hymas Photos.

Stay tuned for a bit more "catching up".

The List

2011-08-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the summer, we had Ryan come up with a list of things he wanted to do this summer. Things that we could do to help make his summer memorable and meaningful. This is the list he devised:
_______________________________________________

SUMMER FUN 2011

· Zoo

· Camas Library

· New Vancouver Library

· Kids Club

· Beach

· Clark County Fair

· Visit a farm

· OHSU Tram & lunch w/dad

______________________________________________

Over this summer, we have knocked several off the list.
He went to the new Vancouver Library with Grammie and LOVED it. There is an entire floor dedicated to kids (yes, a FLOOR...not just a section), and lots of hands on activities.

He has gone to the Clark County fair...and WOW! I will be dedicating a separate post to that one very soon!

For this post, I wanted to focus on the first ones we knocked off the list...OHSU Tram and lunch w/ dad. I decided to "up" that one notch as Evan has been wanting to ride a train, so on a monday morning I surprised the boys and told them what I had planned for the day. Honestly, I've never seen them get ready so fast...and without extra prodding!!! We headed out and parked the car near the Portland airport and hopped on Portland's lightrail system (the MAX).

The ride was about an hour long, but it honestly went fast. The boys were SO entertaining to watch as they took in all the sights and sounds.

We hopped off the MAX in downtown Portland, and walked a block to where we picked up the streetcar that would take us to within a block of where Gage works. Gage greeted us and we walked to a local restaurant for lunch.

After a satisfying lunch of "Asian Fusion", we headed to the base of the OHSU tram, boarded and swooped and swayed up to the top...holding the handrails all the way (ok, Ryan and I had to let go a few times just to try it...but mostly were hanging on).

Once at the top, we meandered for a bit, watching the tram, gazing at the mountain, and reflecting on the day.

It was a long day, it was a full day, it was indeed a day full of memories and meaning!

Check out a few more pictures from our day in the "Boys - August 2011" album of the Hymas Photos.

More Slacker Moments and Memories...

2011-07-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yes... it has been over 2 months since my last post...AGAIN! I am officially a slacker! Well, I guess life has been busy...but I don't really consider that an excuse. SO with another attempt to get back on track and catch you all up...her are the highlights:

In May, life was for the most part "the usual"...school for both the boys, t-ball for Ryan, work, puppy training, and keeping the peace. One fun activity we did was go to Dozer Days. This is an annual event hosted by a local rock quarry that donates the funds raised to charity. It was a lot of fun (albeit very busy) and is a boys paradise. They have 20-30 pieces of heavy equipment...from smaller dozers and diggers, to the big boys, and kids get to drive! I was super proud of Ryan as he skillfully piloted a very large digger. Surprisingly, Evan LOVED watching, but got a bit freaked out when it was his turn to give it a try. Maybe next year :)

Yes...that is Ryan in this picture dumping his load of dirt. There are some more pics from the day in the "Boys - May 2011" photo album.

June was a big and busy month! Ryan finished up t-ball....OH, that reminds me...I have a story to tell!! At one of his last games, he was playing left field. After one kid on the opposing team was done batting (and as the next was heading to the plate), Ryan came over to the fence by me....I was sitting in the bleachers between home and first plate. I told him he needed to get back out there, and he insisted that he REALLY needed to tell me something. I relented and said ok, but that he needed to make it quick and again referenced that he needed to get back out there. I waited in anticipation of this most important and pressing news. He uttered "ummmmm" as he glanced down as if trying to remember what he wanted to tell me...then looked up when he remembered. Grinning, he then told me "I ate a piece of grass!!" My brain shouted "REALLY?!?!?! THIS is what you HAD to tell me?!?! THIS couldn't wait until after the game?!?!" My mouth maintained composure and rather quietly said "ok...get back out there." I'm sure my face betrayed me and said something more along the lines of what my brain shouted.

A fun memory from June is the puddle jumping! As we drove home from one of Ryan's t-ball practices, the skies opened up and unloaded like 6 feet of rain and hail! Ok, maybe it was more like an inch or two. The streets here are not designed to handle such a sudden accumulation of rain as its not often we get a super heavy shower like this. When we got home, the rain had stopped, but the streets were still draining...and there was several inches of rainwater. Tempting, TOO tempting! I hustled into the garage, and when I turned around, Gage had taken his shoes off and was trudging through the water...no doubt transported to his youth. The boys looked at me, their eyes pleading..."Ok, just take your shoes off!!" Pure fun ensued...

...followed by changing into jammies and having some hot cocoa afterwards to warm up.

June was also Ryan's birthday. He really had more of a birthday weekend since his actual birthday fell on a Monday this year. His good friend and cousin, Benny, spent the night at our house for Ryan's first real friend-sleepover on Saturday (they had a really good time)...then family and a few friends gathered for his party at a local park. Thankfully the weather held as it was an "iffy" June weather-wise. This was a "real" birthday for Ryan as some of the gifts he got were a real fishing pole and real golf clubs. He was super excited to have the real thing...a rite of passage, a mark of his growing up.

There are more pictures from his birthday (and some video) in the "Ryan's 6th Birthday" album.

Also in June was Ryan's last day of Kindergarten. They had a small ceremony on the last day where the kids "jumped into first grade"...signified by jumping into a pool of beans. Each child also got special award to signify something they did that was outstanding during the year. Ryan got the "Reader" award. I had to agree...Ryan went from not reading anything more than his name to reading beginner books. He surprises me at the oddest times with what he can read now.

So far July has been full of fun as well. Over the weekend of the fourth, Justin & Kaytlyn visited and we headed to our friend's house to swim in their pool, have some delicious dinner, and enjoy good company and good conversation. Thanks Brent & Michelle for the great day!! There are pictures from this day in the "July Fun" photo album.

We have also had another successful camping trip with our good friends Brian & Kristi. During the last 2 weeks of this month we'll be living in our tent trailer more than our house as we have 2 bigger camping trips planned.

Evan has been doing really well, and has had no seizures since January (knock on wood)!! He is attending speech therapy this summer once a week to keep up on his skills, which are definitely improving!
ALSO... I've added a short video to Evan's birthday album.

Ok...I think I've gotten us all up to date!! Lets see how long I can keep it that way!! :)

Birthday, Easter and Other Happenings...

2011-04-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

BIRTHDAY:
Bad mommy!! I failed to post on Evan's birthday! No time like the present to right a wrong...right??

Evan turned 3 in March. The time continues to pass too quickly! It was 3 years ago that he decided to set his own birthdate. I was scheduled for a c-section three days after the day he decided he was ready to enter the world...on his own time. He continues to live life on his own timeframe. Evan as a 3 year-old is VERY active. He can kick and throw a ball like a pro, he enjoys jumping off of couches, coffee tables, stairs, and just about anything he can climb up onto. He also likes to hang from banisters, people, and anything that can support his weight. Wrestling his brother is one of his favorite activities. He has his own ideas about how his life should be, and makes his opinions known to all despite his still-developing speech. He is willful, he throws temper tantrums, and has a smile that can brighten the darkest of days. He gets a twinkle in those big, beautiful, super blue eyes of his when he is feeling a bit mischievous, and a slightly different twinkle when he thinks something is hilariously funny. He is full of vinegar and full of life. He can be really rough and tumble, and he can be a total softy...freely giving snuggles and kisses, just on his own terms and when he wants to. He is all boy ("frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails") and he is well loved.

Evan enjoyed a nice, laid-back birthday party with some of his favorite people and favorite foods. I've posted pics from the day in the Hymas Photos section (Evan's 3rd Birthday album). Thank you SO MUCH to Laura and Kristi for being my photographers that day! Without you two I would have missed pictures of so many events and memories from that special day.

EASTER:
Easter is always a blessed time. This year was no different.

A few days before Easter, Gage's mom was talking with Ryan and asked if he was excited for Easter and the egg hunt (and candy). Ryan quickly met her gaze, and with a bit of lecture-attitude said "Grammie...that is NOT what Easter is about! Easter is about when Jesus died on the cross!!" I feel blessed that my children are learning the true meanings of our holidays, and have the strength to share that with others.

On Easter, we headed over to Paul & Laura's house (Gage's sister & brother-in-law) to spend time with family and for the kids to have their traditional Easter egg hunt. Justin made the trek down from Kent, WA to spend time with family as well (I feel very blessed to have even more family close-by now). Great food, great company, and great memories...we are very blessed, indeed! There are pictures from the day up on the Hymas Photos section of the website (Easter 2011 album).

OTHER HAPPENINGS:
A main "other happening" is that Evan started preschool in April. He has been talking about going to school for some time now, and he has been able to realize that dream sooner than expected. For those who may not be aware...Evan has a delay in his expressive speech (his ability to articulate words). He fully understands speech appropriate for his age, he just has difficulty forming his words to express himself. Because of this delay, he has been going to speech therapy once a week. When he turned 3, his speech therapy was handed over to the school district, and in our area, that qualifies him for preschool. The first day, he held tightly to my hand as we entered his classroom. It took him only a few minutes to see the other kids playing and coloring and pretending, and he released his grip to explore his classroom. When it was time for me to leave him, I let him know I'd be back when school was over. He didn't cry, but instead gave me a look more like "oh, are you still here??" As I got in the car...it was a very strange feeling...both kids in school, what do I do now?? Each time the boys are in school at the same time, the feeling is a little less strange. Evan currently has school just two days a week, so its a good transition for all of us. I've posted pics of his first day in the Hymas Photos section of the website (Boys - March/April 2011 album).

Ryan has started playing T-Ball this spring (pics in the Boys - March/April 2011 album). His team is the Mariners...all of the teams in this league take on the team name of a pro team. He is really enjoying it, and there are a couple of kids from his kindergarten class on his team which makes it even more fun.
The other big news Ryan has is that he has two loose teeth!

My biggest challenge these days (and for the rest of my life) is trying to enjoy all of these stages of the boys' lives. In a little over a month, the boys will be out of school. Ryan will be in first grade next fall..school all day, and Evan will be back in preschool. By that time, Ryan will have at least two adult teeth coming in. My babies no longer live with us, even my toddlers are gone. I now live with two "big boys". Each day is a blessing and a treasure.

A New Tradition...

2011-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

I know this is a long blog...but stick with me...I think its worth it!!!

Yesterday (Tuesday the 12th) was my 35th birthday...and I like to believe that I have grown wiser with each passing year (even though in my brain I'd like to think I'm stuck somewhere in my 20's).

On Monday night, I was laying in bed thinking about my birthday the following day, thinking abouthow I wanted to celebrate, of "blowing off" eating healthy (mmm....cake), and just going for the gusto!! This is for no other reason than because its a celebration! Right?? Isn't that what we do???

I then had a bit of an epiphany...how do I really want to start my 36th year? I decided that I'd like my birthday to set precedence for what my year will be. I decided that instead of "letting go" of everything, that I should do exactly the opposite...exhibit self-control, go through the day mindfully...always thankful for all the blessings in my life and what I DO have.

After this thought...I also started thinking about how people set New Year's resolutions (kind of cliche now-a days)...and how the vast majority do NOT stick to them even a mere 30 days after making the resolution! Why is this?? Is it because they are coming down off of the Holiday High, so perhaps a bit drunk with sugar and now also maybe a bit hung over (who hasn't had that "I'm NEVER going to drink again!" moment??)?? Is it the peer pressure (everyone else is doing it!!)?? Everyone starts with good intentions, with a huge "can do" attitude, and even though they start with good intentions, almost all never reach those goals. I started to wonder...perhaps the focus is not so much on the person setting the goals, but more on the New Year's tradition?? OR perhaps my brain, late at night, just makes me THINK these are good ideas :)

Whatever the reasons behind it are... I have decided I'm going to break away from tradition. I will no longer set New Year's resolutions. I will instead set Birthday Resolutions. These resolutions/goals have been set by me, for me...and on my birthday...making them very much about me (the way resolutions should be). Next year, when I finish the completion of my 36th year of life...I will also be celebrating the resolutions and goals I have accomplished in the year, and will reflect on what I want to accomplish in my 37th year.

I now have a typed, signed and dated contract with myself. I printed out several copies and posted them where I will be reminded of my promise to myself. Others can see them as well, and I intentionally did this because, for me, I do better when I know others are also aware of what I have or have not accomplished.

SO...for those who want to see, here is the link...Birthday Resolutions!!

We did go out to dinner for my birthday, but instead of heading out and getting the fattiest food I wanted (burgers/fries and other fried morsels, pasta dishes oozing with sauce, bread and more bread), and eating all the sweets I could fit into my already full tummy, we went to McGraths. They have some really good fresh and local (Pacific NW) seafood fare...and I LOVE my seafood. Don't get me wrong...you can definitely come out blowing your diet anyways if you don't avoid the cream sauces and the butter-filled dishes. I opted for the fresh grilled halibut with steamed veggies, and I did indulge just a little with a cup of their delicious clam chowder (shared with Evan) and a few bites of marionberry cobbler (shared with the whole table). All in all much better than I was imagining while laying in bed on Monday before my epiphany! It was a great birthday...thanks babe for making it so. I love you!

BOYS!!! Really?!?!

2011-04-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is the conversation that just occurred in my family room. It is one that prior to having kids, I never considered I would possibly hear. Funny how perspective changes!

RYAN: "Evan, this is how you spell Thom...T-H-O-M. Can you spell Thom? Say T..."
(Evan then repeats all the letters after Ryan)
RYAN: "MOM! He spelled Thom!!! Good job Evan!!"
RYAN: "Evan...this is how you spell poop..."p", then two "o"s, then...."

MOM: (said with a half surprised, half unamused, stern wrinkled forehead, squinty-eye face) "RYAN!!! Really?!?!"

I have one thought, or perhaps more of an explanation....BOYS!

Darndest Things - Again

2011-03-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I were talking about some of the states. Michigan was mentioned and we talked about the fact that we have family that lives there. Ryan was quietly contemplating...then the following conversation took place:

RYAN: Why is it again??
MOM: Why is what again?
RYAN: Michigan...why is it again?
MOM: I don't understand...
RYAN: Why is Mish again???

Oh my! I really don't have an answer for that.
Anyone??

A New Addition

2011-03-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

We welcomed a new addition to our family on Saturday.

Skyfire's Vive Leroy (aka "Leroy") is an 8-week old chocolate lab. He is super sweet and has really taken to the kids (I think he thinks that Evan is another puppy). He came from a litter of 12 puppies, so this has been a big adjustment for him. He has been doing really well with the boys, and already acting like a retriever (likes to carry his toys in his mouth). We have quickly fallen in love with this little chocolate nugget!!

There are more pics of him in the Hymas Photos section.

Also...Ryan is feeling better today. Best he's felt since Wednesday...no fevers at all today, not even a low-grade...so YAY!!!!

Sick and Tired!

2011-03-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here in the Hymas household, we are sick and tired....of BEING SICK!!

A few weeks ago, I came down with a bug...not the flu, more strep-like...but apparently not strep. All I know is, I honestly cannot remember the last time I was that sick for that long (high fevers for 4 days). Finally went to the doctor (throat hurt so bad it hurt to breathe) and he put me on antibiotics...24 hours later I was much improved!

Then, just when I was fully recovering, Evan came down with it. Long story short...he eventually was given antibiotics as well (despite it definitely not being strep), and he started feeling better within 12 hours.

NOW, Ryan has some weird really bad headache, low-grade fever thing. Definitely different from what Evan and I had, but he has been basically out of commission for almost 3 days! Doctor has been contacted, and we're managing...its just that...

I am SICK AND TIRED...of SICK!!

On a good note...I have added some pictures to the Hymas Photos section. There are new pictures added to the "Valentine's Day" album as well as the "Boys - Feb/March" album. There is also a new album from our recent trip to the beach. Enjoy... and stay healthy!!!

A Bit Random...

2011-02-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

Ok... this post is far from my normal topics...but I honestly just can't help myself!!

We recently just got the BEST pillows I think I have ever slept on! I know...I cannot believe I'm posting on pillows, either! What has this world come to?

In December, Gage and I stayed at an upper-end hotel in Portland (The Benson) through the use of a Groupon. **side note...if you have never heard of Groupon...this is another bit of awesomeness you should look into!! If Groupon is supported in your area...it offers discounts and prices on services and various local activities that are unparalleled! WE LOVE GROUPON (www.groupon.com)!!

Ok...back to the pillows. SO, we stayed at The Benson, and the pillows we slept on were so amazing I had to undress them before we left to find out what they were. Sobella (a gel fiber pillow) by Sobel-Westex. I looked them up online and was pleasantly surprised to find they were really not all that expensive (definitely more than the cheapie foam things we've been sleeping on...but not as bad as I had thought they might be)! A couple weeks ago we finally placed our order, and for the past three nights, we've been sleeping on clouds!!

What makes this more remarkable to me is that Gage and I have always sought different support out of our pillows. For much of my life, I've slept on two pillows. I like a lot of fluff and loft. Gage has always preferred more of a feather pillow that will smash down nice n' low...flat and narrow. For us to agree on one type of pillow seems impossible...and yet we both loved these! With the gel-fiber of these pillows, they can be eastily mushed and smashed into whatever you like, and fully support your head at the same time. Sounds crazy, I know!!

Now, I cannot attest to how well they will hold up over time. For that, only time will tell :)
What I CAN attest to is there is definitely one problem associated with them...it is now even harder to get out of bed in the morning!!

Love...

2011-02-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

"Have I mentioned lately that I love you?

Do you know how many times during the day I think of you?

Well, I just wanted you to know...

that I think our life together is wonderful...

Sometimes I'm afraid we get a little too busy,

and it may seem like I'm not quite tuned in to you...to us.

So I just want to say that you and your love are the energy underneath it all...

That you are the heart of my life that makes everything else hum along...

That everything I do each day is all about loving you."

This year I was surprised when I came home on Friday (Feb. 11th) to find a dozen red roses carefully placed in a special vase, a bottle of wine that I love (for special occasions), a little bit of chocolate (the perfect amount), and the most heartfelt card. I wrote what the card read above, however I'm keeping the wonderful paragraph that Gage wrote to me, to myself. Serious bonus points!!! :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day and get to celebrate it in your own special way with someone you love.

Updates...

2011-02-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS:
Well, so much for getting my "Christmas" update on here in a timely fashion!! :)

We had a wonderful Christmas...the "usual" activities, but we always really look forward to it and have a great time. Christmas Eve was spent reconnecting with family and friends we hadn't seen in a while. The boys got to open one package that night...matching Christmas jammies. Ryan has always been into "matching" with his brother. I know that this won't last long, soon they'll be fighting if we even "coordinate" their clothes for a family photo or something...but for now, we enjoy it. Christmas morning the boys woke up, and Santa had enjoyed his traditional crackers and root beer. For those who may not remember...we failed to save a few cookies for Santa last year, so we "improvised" and let Ryan pick something he liked. It has stuck, and thankfully we had crackers and root beer when we got home from the Christmas Eve party to match Ryan's expectations. Presents were opened, and we enjoyed more time with family throughout the day.

DARNDEST THINGS:

The last weekend of January we went on our annual ski trip to Mt. Bachelor with some friends. Since the beginning of January (and perhaps even earlier), Ryan has been begging to go skiing again, so while there we enrolled him in another ski lesson. The following week, he was at Grammie & Papa's house after school and was explaining the finer art of the "snow plow" to Papa. This is his rendition of how its done:

"You leave the back door open…make a volcano in front...and it will slow you down. Once I even stopped!"

WHAT A SIGHT:

This happened just this past week. Ryan and I were in the car heading towards Hwy 14 on Brady Road. We were approaching the section of Brady Rd. that heads more steeply downhill, is curvy, and passes under the canopy of trees that line the street. I saw in front of me a very large bird, the sun filtering through his wings, backlighting him such that I could make out each feather. He was literally in front of me...not above me. I pointed the bird out to Ryan...assuming it to be a large blue heron given its size and it appeared to have long legs hanging below his body. As we got closer to each other, the bird flapped his wings even more deliberately in an attempt to gain altitude. He was flying uphill, and I was driving downhill...so he not only had to rise up to go up the hill, but now had to adjust so as to avoid hitting me. Suddenly, what I thought were legs dropped, and I watched as what I now knew to be a rabbit carcas hit the yellow line of the pavement. As we passed each other, at eye level with him in the oncoming lane...I came to the sudden realization that this was actually a large, mature bald eagle...and I had just ruined his lunch! I swear we made eye contact as he swooped into the trees beside the road...I'm sure cursing me the whole way.

I had my point and shoot camera in my purse beside me, but even if it had been in my hand and on...I don't believe I could have gotten that shot. Even though I can still see each image in slow motion, in my head...in reality it was a matter of seconds. It was an amazing sight, and one that I will keep with me...the snapshot ingrained in my head.

More Darndest Things

2011-01-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

I know its been a bit since my last post...and I'll definitely be updating everyone on our holidays (I have posted some pics)...but before I forget what was said by Ryan (and how)...I figured I'd best get on here and post them.

Marriage:
Over New Years, our family and some friends of ours (Brent and Michelle) went up to Seattle to visit some other friends (K.C. and Amy). Michelle and I were pregnant at the same time with both kids. Grace and Ryan were born 6 weeks apart, and Evan and Spencer were born 3 weeks apart. Lately, Grace and Ryan have decided that they are going to get married someday. While in Seattle, they would run around holding hands, sit by each other during meals, etc. One night we went out to dinner and I handed Ryan a glass of milk to finish off. He put his straw in, and then Gracie put her straw in and they shared the milk. Spencer asked for some and Ryan informed him that he couldn't have any because "you have to be married to share milk...sorry."

We had several conversations with Ryan about it being ok to pretend, but that there was a certain order to things. I was happy to hear that this set in when he was recounting his plans with Grammie & Papa a few days later. "I"m going to marry Gracie." he informed them. "but first I have to go to college and get a job...then I can marry her."

Football:
Today we are watching some of the playoff (wildcard) football games (WAHOOO SEAHAWKS!!! and GO PACKERS!!!!). Currently the Kansas City and Baltimore game is on, and Ryan has decided he wants to root for KC. Baltimore is up by 3. Ryan is frustrated about this and just commented to me.... "If I could get inside the TV, I'd RIP that 3 off the score for the Bullets (evidently how he translated "Baltimore") and give them a 0!"
For some reason this hit my funnybone pretty hard. Might have been in part due to the seriousness with which it was said.

Check out the Hymas Photos for a couple new albums... "Boys - Nov/Dec 2010" and "Christmas".

Darndest Things - Jesus Edition

2010-12-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if its the season or what, but Ryan has been bringing up Jesus in the most spontaneous conversations lately.

We were driving into town, and a big storm was passing. I saw a bolt of lightning crack across the sky in front of us and out of surprise and awe said "WOW! I just saw lightning!". Now, Ryan has always been rather sensitive to loud noises. I'm not entirely sure if they hurt his ears, or if he just doesn't like the feeling of being surprised...but he REALLY doesn't like loud noises. When I mentioned the lightning, he became very nervous about the forthcoming thunder and started asking questions with a very concerned tone. One of his questions (quickly followed by a statement) was "Is it going to do it again? I don't want it to do that again!" I told him that I could not answer that as I don't have control over it. He said "Ohh yeah.... God makes the weather." I replied that yes, he is the one who gives us whatever weather we need. Immediately Ryan came back with, "Well, maybe I could ask Jesus to tell God to stop doing that".
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The boys were at Grammie's house and Papa was home for lunch. They have a little thing they do that is based on a popular children's book....Grammie says "Do you know how much I love you?" Ryan answers "To the moon and back". This particular day, they continued with a few more of these and then Ryan piped up with a big grin.."Hey Papa...I love you to Mars and clear past where Jesus lives!"
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For this one, you need to know who Tanner was. Tanner was Gage's folks' awesome dog. Tanner was a big part of this family and blessed us with his presence until earlier this year. My boys love dogs, and Tanner was a big part of that... especially since they spent a considerable amount of time at their house twice a week while I work. We all dearly miss him!!

Ryan and I were discussing the Christmas cookies we were going to make (he was VERY excited about making and decorating Christmas cookies this year!). Ryan asked who all we were going to give some to. I listed off a few people and Ryan thought for a minute. His face started to beam with pure joy, then he shared his idea with hope ringing in his words..."Maybe we could give one to Jesus so he can send it to Tanner."
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This last one brought tears to my eyes. I am continuously in awe of what kids DO remember (we all hear about "oh...they're young...they won't remember that), what the DO know and understand, and of their HUGE capacity to love without strings, without boundaries, and without a complete understanding of the complexities of it. They just simply love...with complete faith.

May your Christmas preparations slow down enough for you to enjoy the love and faith that is so abundant!

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
Luke 18:17 & Mark 10:15

Darndest Things - Christmas Edition

2010-12-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

The boys and I decided to be brave and were doing a little shopping at Costco. For those who haven't been to a Costco, it is a very large warehouse-style store with displayed merchandise surrounded by towering stacks of product (I think its kinda like a Sam's Club??).

I was looking at some Christmas decorations and the glistening diamonds in the brightly lit jewelry case across the aisle caught Ryan's eye. He "wow"-ed at the shiny rocks and excitedly called for me with a "MOM!! LOOK!!!". I turned around and faced him...he lovingly looked me in the eye and said "MOM...maybe I'll buy you a ring for Christmas...." I felt my heart melt and a smile start to come across my face when he finished his thought with a heartfelt sincerity and a bit too much enthusiasm "...then you and dad can get MARRIED!!!"

I think the look of shock set those standing around us straight...or it could be the fact that I quickly reminded him that daddy and I already WERE married.

A Beachy Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to head to the beach for the long Thanksgiving weekend with Gage's folks and his sister & brother-in-law. Earlier in the week, wintery weather conditions threatened to make any trip a challenge, but we forged ahead...taking some comfort in the fact that we have 4-wheel drive and studded tires. We headed west Wednesday morning, and with no new precipitation having fallen in the past 24 hours, made the trip with only a few nervous moments (roads had been pretty much cleared, but there were definitely some tricky spots going over the coastal mountain passes).

Thanksgiving morning was spent with us ladies primarily doing some preparations in the kitchen for the feast...but we did get out of the house for a while to enjoy the cold yet clear and beautiful day on the beach (see Hymas Photos for pics of the day). We always have a great time at the beach...the boys love having the big open space to just play and explore. There are also countless rocks that need to be thrown back to the waves...endless fun for an almost 3 year old. We were even visited by a curious sea lion who was playing in the surf (and perhaps feeding??) where a small tributary named the "D" River enters the great Pacific.

For me, this was a great place to just be in the moment, breathing in the cool, salty ocean air and watching my healthy and happy boys at play, feeling my heart fill to the point I thought it might burst. I am thankful each and every day for all the blessings in my life, but 3 of the most important are all my boys, and watching them laugh and play and enjoy life is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive.

We returned to the beach house, finished up the last preparations, and enjoyed a wonderful meal together.

Over the course of the next few days (which flew by much too quickly), we played games, visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium, did a little shopping, and just enjoyed being in the company of family.

Ratatat Breakdown

2010-11-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Well as most people that know me know I like a wide variety of music (this is Gage by the way). I happened to stumble onto these guys Ratatat while watching Diggnation (one of my favorite weekly web vids). Anyway, Ratatat is kind of electronica meets rock etc. Lots of funky bass lines and synthesizers etc. Ryan and Evan took about 5 seconds to start expressing themselves by laying down there own funky dance moves. Check it out, Andi and I sure had a good laugh.

The Empty Chair

2010-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

As she entered the room...my chest twisted into a knot and my stomach tensed. She gave me a quick greeting as she sat in the chair across form me. I recounted the "episodes" in the hopes that we would be given an answer. After I explained, she delivered the news...he has a "seizure disorder". My stomach tensed as did my grip on my little boy who was snuggled on my lap. She tenderly explained what we needed to do, and that he would need to be medicated...a word I never associated with either of my beloved boys. After our conversation, she gave me some brief words of encouragement, and left the room.

My mind was reeling with questions that could not be answered...how could my healthy, happy, active boy be "wired differently"?? How is it that just a few weeks ago, the only diagnosis he had was "2-year old"? For the longest time, I just looked at him...his blue eyes, vibrant and full of life; his blonde hair, with the curly cowlick in the front; his lively smile with a hint of mischievousness. I then looked up at the empty chair where moments before the doctor had sat. Tears began to spill down my cheeks. It all felt so unfair...she had left, returning to her life, and our lives will never be the same. At that moment, I despised that empty chair.
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Some of you already know...but for those who don't...Evan has been diagnosed as having a relatively uncommon seizure disorder. Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE). He has had 3 "episodes" over the last 2 months where he would stare off into nothingness and become completely unresponsive for 20 minutes or more. After his second episode, we started the process of getting him in to see a pediatric neurologist (which included getting an EEG & MRI). Evan's system expedited that process when he had this last (third) episode just this past Thursday. We went to the ER and were admitted. While there, they were able to get his EEG, and we were able to see the pediatric neurologist. His EEG showed some abnormalities, which helped her to determine that the NCSE seizures were "complex focal", meaning they did not involve the whole brain, but just a portion of it.

Apparently over 50% of kids who have seizures in childhood outgrow them by their mid to late teens. We are VERY hopeful that Evan will be one of those kids. Evan has been started on Tegretol (Oxycarbamazapine). The plan is that when he is 2-years, seizure-free...they will do another EEG and we can consider trying to take him off the medications. If he goes 1 year, non-medicated and seizure-free, it is highly likely he has outgrown them and will not have any more seizures.

This has been a very scary road, but we are thankful that we have some answers, and thankful that it is not something potentially much worse. Because he is a healthy guy, and doesn't have significant developmental delays, the neurologists (as well as us) are very hopeful that he will be among those who outgrow their seizures.

While in the hospital, Evan was a super trooper! Despite typical "hospital sleep" where he was disturbed every 3-4 hours, and despite the IV and covering on his one hand, he was still the lively and active Evan that we know and love. He even did a little dancing on the last day in the hospital (you can see the video as well as a few Evan pics in the "Hymas Photos" section).

If you have any questions about any of this, you can feel free to email me or give me a call.

Darnedest Things #2

2010-09-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

In my last posting... I forgot about another funny thing Ryan has said lately.

On every other Wed., the kindergarteners are in school for almost 5 hours (compared to their usual day of just under 3). This is the longest Ry has ever been in school before, and I think by lunch time he had had it! Ryan went home with a friend after school as I had to work that day, and when I called him, he excitedly told me about his day and threw in "OH...and I cried!". I asked if he had gotten hurt or if he was just sad.... he responded (still excitedly with a hint of astonishment) with "I don't know! Water just started coming out of my eyes!!" I repeated my question, and he repeated his answer. Apparently it had just been a long day, and he was ready to go home. He is still very excited about school and loves going (thankfully).

Kids Say the Darnedest Things

2010-09-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ryan has been full of these lately.

Thing#1:
Ryan and Evan are playing (rough). Evan jumped up and clung to Ryan like a bear cub clings to a tree. Ryan supported him for about 10 seconds before toppling down to the carpet, Evan still clinging to him. Ryan popped up...and said.... "MOM...Did you see that?!?! I carried Evan! Now you don't need a babysitter....I can babysit Evan!!!"

Thing #2:
When we come home from a camping trip, Ryan likes to "help" me pull the car forward after detaching the tent-trailer. This usually entails us moving the car forward about 2 feet. One day (the day after returning from such a trip), we were getting in the car and Ryan said.... "Mom, can I drive to the store?" I look at him with an "are you crazy" face and say "Uh...no". "But MOoooOM...you let me drive yesterday!!" I had to inform him that helping to pull the car forward in the driveway does not qualify him to drive on the road.

Thing #3:
Ryan had 2 frogs that had gone from tadpole to frog in a little habitat we had in our house. One of the frogs died very shortly after becoming a frog. About 2 weeks later, the other frog died. I told Ryan and he asked me (with a bit of saddness in his voice) "Why did he die??" I scrambled in my head to find the right words... all I could come up with was "Honey... I don't know. We did everything we could...we fed him, made sure his home was clean...I just don't know". Ryan looked at me and I saw enlightenment run across his face as he said.... "I know why he died!" I thought uh oh...this could be interesting....and hesitantly muttered "why is that?" "Because Jesus told him it was his time!" Pure clarity. I couldn't have said it better.

Thing #4:
We were riding home in the car (Ryan and Evan in the back, I was driving). Evan was asking repeatedly for gum. I had told him no...and was ignoring the barrage of further requests. Ryan turns to Evan and says "Evan...what mom says, I say. Mom says no, then I say no. I'm older than you....I'm older, like a big person! So, NO gum!"

I'll continue to post these as they come up....so be looking for more in the future!!

A New Journey

2010-09-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well, summer has officially come to a close. Fall has arrived along with the big yellow busses. Today was a cool, foggy and drizzly day.... and today, Ryan started his journey as a Kindergartner.

The day started off with breakfast...a big bowl of oatmeal (one of Ryan's favorite things for breakfast). Shortly after, Evan and I escorted him to school. The kindergartners were to assemble in the library for story time while the teachers busily made their last minute preparations. Promptly at 9am, the kids lined up and followed the teacher to their new classroom. Most were excited, but there were a few wet eyes (a couple kids and one or two parents)...I managed to maintain composure. With all the parents, photos being snapped, and kids learning their way around...it was controlled chaos. Ryan did a stellar job...responded to questions posed by the librarian during story time, fell into line with the others when asked, and when I peeked in on him in his classroom, he had put his backpack & jacket away and was patiently sitting at a table waiting to learn. He gave me a smile, and an "I love you sign", and I left.

As I was walking away, I heard a parent say "We're FREE!!!" I guess that all depends on how you look at it. I gotta say...I missed Ryan when he was at school. So did Evan. Evan first became a bit upset when we got in the car after dropping Ryan off...I was strapping him in and as he pointed back at the school said "BuhUh! BUH UH!!!" I explained that brother was at school and we would see him later. When we got home, I unstrapped Evan and he began to squirm and complain. I cued him to use his words and he looked me in the eye and said "GO! BuhUh!" There were several other times during the day Evan would ask about his BuhUh.

We both met Ryan at his bus stop...excitement on our faces as he exited the bus first. I loved walking home with him, watching him run ahead with some of his neighborhood kindergarten friends...energized by his day.

All in all, it was a successful first day for us all.

I've also added quite a few photos to the Hymas Photos section of the website. There are 4 new folders as well as some additional pictures added to the Boys - July 2010 folder, so check them out!! We had a fun and busy summer, the pictures help to tell our story.

Just a couple videos

2010-08-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is Gage, I know I hardly ever post on here. Well as you all know I love tech and I wanted to try some embedded iphone4-youtube videos on our blog. Nothing all that great and somewhat random.

Summer...

2010-08-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

We have been doing our best to have a great summer...making the best of this time despite the small glitches here and there.

June flew by, and all of a sudden I find that we have arrived in August!

July was...well...somewhat interesting.
Justin & Kaytlyn stayed with us for a long weekend (or short week) during the 4th of July holiday. We had a great time with them...and wished their stay could have been longer. We explored parts of Portland, went to the beach, and really enjoyed spending time with them.

Then the not-so-fun part of our July started.
On July 4th, Ryan woke up with one ear being about 3x the size of the other...swollen and hot. SO, off the the urgent care clinic for us while the rest of the family headed to a barbecue/picnic. He had gotten a secondary infection from a bug bite (or 2) behind his ear...antibiotics ordered. The following Friday, Evan was playing and fell, injuring his ankle. After him refusing to walk on it or really put weight on it for the better part of a day...I decided to take him in to his doctor. X-rays came back clear, so just a twisted/injured ankle. We had one week of "good health" before we ALL came down with a stomach bug. The one good thing about this bug is that it was very short lived...24-48 hours after symptoms started, they ended. It started with Evan, then Ry & I got it about a day later, and then a little more than a day after that, Gage got it. We got through it just in time to be able to go to the Hymas Family & Friends camp-out....WHEW!!! So far we have been healthy since (as I write this, I'm knocking on our wood table).

We have been camping about 4 or 5 times so far this summer, and have several other trips planned. This last weekend we were at Lake Billy Chinook in Oregon with some friends. We had a lot of fun playing in the lake and tubing behind our friend's boat. Even the boys got in on the action (pics soon to come).

The Graduate

2010-06-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Ryan's last day of preschool.

The kids all brought bikes, trikes or scooters to school and decorated them during class. During the last half hour, they had a "bike rodeo" and paraded around the parking lot. The weather has been rainy...and today was to be no different. Literally minutes before they were to go out (and just as "plan B" was about to go into effect), the rain stopped and held the entire time they were outside. After riding their bikes around, they all headed to the playground for one more romp as the Busy Bee's Class of 2010.

This evening...a potluck was held for the families and classmates. The children sang praises to God, and then sang songs for the dads & grandpa's (for father's day). The kids were then shuffled back into another room and it was announced that they were going to get into their caps and gowns for their graduation ceremony. I knew they would have a graduation ceremony...I just didn't know it involved caps and gowns! This just added a level of formality and finality that I wasn't quite prepared for, and my emotions (that I had thus far been successful at keeping in check) got the best of me. Tears welled in my eyes, and one or two escaped to roll down my cheek.
The sight of each child entering the room when his or her name was called was priceless. Each came out in a different way...different posture, different energy...each fitting of the child beneath the gown. It was a very special event, one that I know I will always remember.
Thank you to Miss Vicki & Miss Wendy... and to Noah's Arc Preschool for the FABULOUS job!

To view more pics of Ryan's last week of preschool, head to the Hymas Photos section of the website.

May

2010-06-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

May has already flown by? When did that happen??

In May our weather was...well...interesting! We had a week of sunshine and "summer-like" weather (apparently just a teaser), followed by hard rain and a bit of hail. When the first big rain/hail storm after that week of wonderful weather hit, Ryan instantly grabbed his rain boots and, looking at us with his big blue eyes, asked "Can I go out and PLEEEAAASEE play in the rain??? I have my boots!!" Not being able to think of a good reason why not...and quickly coming to the conclusion that it actually was very good timing, Gage & I approved and he put on his rubber boots and headed out. He ran and splashed around for a while, but when the hail started to pelt down more viciously, headed for the safety of the front porch where we all sat and watched icy pellets bounce off the street and cars. Evan also went out for a very short time. He was less than thrilled to have pelting ice hitting his head and opted instead to sit with us under the cover of the porch and laugh as he watched his silly brother.

Evan had his 2+ year "well-care" check in May, and is growing right on track. He continues to be healthy and happy, with a good dose of willfulness and a splash of mischievousness. It is so amazing how one little guy can be so cute and sweet, and such a joy...and yet so challenging!
As Evan gets older, it has been nice to see Evan and Ryan starting to develop a more playful relationship. They both have the power to astonish me at times when they play so nicely together for a length of time. Other times...it is abundantly clear they are brothers. It is also abundantly clear that they love each other, and that always warms my heart. If Ryan is in time-out (in a corner)...it is not uncommon to see Evan look from me to Ryan with a concerned brow, and then walk over and stand in the corner with him. Evan really looks up to Ryan and tries to do everything Ryan does. That relationship is incredibly special to witness and I absolutely LOVE those moments! Ok, well...most of those moments. There are those times where Ryan makes a bad choice and does something we'd prefer the kids not do that Evan copies as well...but thankfully those are not too common or too serious.

During this wet month of May, we attended the Dorothy Fox Elementary School event for the new incoming Kindergartners. Ryan was super excited about this day, and for several days prior would talk about it and reaffirm that we were going and when (and who all was coming). When we got there, we got to see the two Kindergarten classrooms, meet the teachers and principal, get a tour of the school, and take a ride on a school bus. Gage and I can't believe how fast the time has flown, and that Ryan will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Ryan, feeling a bit overwhelmed, was reserved and hesitant when we approached the classrooms and teachers. As we toured the school, he became increasingly more relaxed, and by the time we came back to the classrooms he even enjoyed participating in some of the activities they had set up.
SO, Ryan is officially registered for Kindergarten, has a "Dorothy Fox Elementary School" t-shirt (in the school colors of red & white), and Gage & I are now members of the PTA!!

Now its June, Ryan has only 3 days of preschool left and he will be officially considered a Kindergartner (he also turns 5 next week!!) . The rain (and cold) is continuing with occasional breaks of sunny days, but looks like next weekend we *might* finally see the start of summer. I'm ready to wear some sandals and t-shirts and put the sweaters away for the season!!

Signage

2010-04-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

I know that "funny signs" are a big thing...and there are a LOT out there.
I was going through some old photos and came across a picture of a sign I took over a year ago, and never posted.
I thought it was funny at the time...and it still made me chuckle even now.
I honestly can't believe that the people who came up with the name of this ski school didn't think about the acronym it would create before ordering the sign! Who is their editor?? Who was the final person who saw the design and said "Looks GREAT!!"???

Brain Damage

2010-03-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Lately Gage and I have been experiencing a new phase with Ryan (the "not listening" phase). On top of this, the boys are really starting to have some sibling rivalry at times ("Willyoustopstouchingme!").

Like all parents of more than one child...I have found this to be VERY frustrating at times...and have been trying to think of a good way to describe it on here. A couple days ago, I was reminded of Bill Cosby, and it hit me. I started to think about his stand-up routine "Himself" and the section he did on parenting and brain damage. I knew of this part of the routine because my brother and I had 90% of the entire "Himself" routine memorized off of a cassette tape (those were some of the few moments our brain damage was not so obvious). Suddenly I started to feel much better, being reminded that what we are going through is so common that there are comedy sketches based on it.

SO....to share with you what we are going through, I think Bill himself best describes it.

The Big 2

2010-03-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Evan turned 2 on Wednesday...where has the time gone?

After dropping Ryan off at preschool, I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous sunny spring day and take Evan for a walk, stopping at a park along the way so he could get his wiggles out and participate in a well-loved activity on this special day. He has become quite the little man.

He is...
determined, motivated, stubborn, mischevious, curious, willful, smart, strong, and quite the problem solver. He can light up a room with his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. He has striking blue eyes, with starbursts around the pupils. Those eyes hold the key to his thoughts...you can see it in his eyes when he is happy, when he is feeling cuddly, when he is sad, and when he is looking for trouble. He is also a very tough little kid. I think "rough and tumble" is the best term I've heard. He takes a tumble, gets up, and goes back to what he was doing...hardly ever cries over a scrape or bump or bruise.

He loves his family, loves to be on the go, and loves playing with the "big kids" (a.k.a. Ryan and his friends). He looks up to his brother with admiration, often wanting to do what Ryan is doing. He loves to wrestle, play "train", and do just about anything his brother will do with him. He does have a bit of a temper, and if Ryan is not wanting to play...just might haul off and throw a toy (or whatever is nearby) at him.

Evan doesn't talk a whole lot yet, but has been trying more and more lately. Its not that he doesn't talk...he just doesn't talk in English the majority of the time. He has entire conversations in what we call Evan-ese, and will even expect you to understand what he is saying. He says mom and mommy as clear as day...and has for a long time. He says dada or dad when the mood strikes him. He says buh-uh (for brother), ball, cah (for car), go, papa, bye, and no. Most other words he can say are usually prompted first... such as eat, snack, drink, banana, orange, Grammie, Dar, Thom, etc.

He can be a challenge, he can be silly, and he is most definitely a joy. He is our Evan.

Later in the day we went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory with the family where Evan enjoyed some macaroni & cheese and ice cream, then back to our house for presents and some special cupcakes that Ryan helped to make. Be sure to check out more pictures of Evan's big day at the Hymas Photos section of the website.

We also want to say a special Happy Birthday to Great-Grandpa Hoch, who shares the same birthday!

Looking for Luck...

2010-03-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

Pesky leprechauns have been visiting Ryan's classroom this week. Those little buggers are hard to catch, and leave messes behind along with little trails of gold.
On Monday, they put gold glitter into the green play dough...yesterday they left gold glitter all over one of the activity tables...and this morning, when the kids arrived at class, there was a note on the door, toilet paper strung around the room, chairs were overturned, and toys were piled on the floor. The "phrase of the week" became "THOSE PESKY LITTLE LEPRECHAUNS!!" After righting all that was wrong in the classroom, they had class as usual until the end of the day when they went hunting for those pesky leprechauns. They found lots of clues that led them around the school and even into the sanctuary. As the kids entered one of the rooms off the sanctuary, it was evident a big find was behind the door. Their faces lit up as they happened upon a pot of "gold" and some chocolates that the leprechauns left behind. Evan got to tag along on these excursions, and even though he had no idea what the purpose was, he was perfectly happy to be running around with all the kids and being part of the excitement.

I have to admit that I feel my "pot of gold" is quite full. I've got a wonderful family, great friends, good health, a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and joy in our hearts.

May the luck o' the Irish be with you always, and may your "pot of gold" always be full!

With Love

2010-02-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

With love, life is lived fuller.
With love, joyful times are more fully enjoyed.
With love, difficult times are more easily endured.
With love, sins are forgiven.
With love, all things are possible!

May your cup runneth over.

Happy Valentine's Day to you. With love today...and every day!

Silliness

2010-02-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today is silly day at preschool. All of the kids came to school dressed "silly". There were clothes that didn't fit, clothes on backwards, underwear on heads or outside of pants, crazy hair... you get the idea. So, in honor of silly day, I thought I'd write about some of the silliness we've encountered lately.

Evan... dear, sweet, Evan... recently figured out how to "fake" sleeping. During a recent car ride to Seattle, it was nap time. Being in the passenger seat, I was on kid duty. I turned around and told Evan he needed to "go night-night'. His first reaction was to try to appeal to my heart...lower lip sticking out as far as it can, and I could see him trying to work up some tears, when BING! a lightbulb went on in his head. I could see the delight in his eyes as a grin came across his face. He then fluttered his eyes shut, keeping the satisfied smile on his face. He was "sleeping". I had to turn around in my seat to chuckle quietly.

Ryan comes up with some of the funniest comments...usually from out of no where. Today we were playing, and he turned to me to ask me a question. Now, I need to preface the WAY he asked... it was not with innocent curiosity, but more with the impatience of someone that has asked the same thing several times, and continues to be put off. This particular question, he has NEVER asked before, in fact, the topic has never even really come up. "Mom, WHEN are you going to buy me a wallet?!?" I just about started laughing right then and there, unable to hide the grin that was emerging on my face. He looked at me, seemingly a bit disgusted by my response, so I asked what he needed a wallet for. The look on his face showed that he was less than impressed by my stupidity. He raised his eyebrows, looked directly in my face, and enunciating each word, said "to put my money in!".

My boys are full of silliness. I am so blessed to be able to witness this every day, and every day it brings a smile to my face (which is often hiding my laughter).

I've posted more recent pictures of the boys in the Hymas Photos section.... both in the January boys and the new February boys sections.

P.S..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA THOM!!
P.P.S...I find it rather silly your birthday is on "Silly Day" :)

Time Runneth Away...

2010-01-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

...since my last post.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve in traditional style at the Hymas family and friends open house (hosted by Gage's folks). Its a wonderful thing to catch up with family we only see a handful of times each year. Christmas day we spent the morning opening gifts with the kids...first at our house, then at Gage's folks' house. In the afternoon we went for the traditional Christmas dinner at Gage's grandparents house (oyster stuffing...YUM!). I LOVE traditions... both new and old. It will be interesting to see what traditions may be added or changed as our kids grow.

The week after Christmas we got a surprise snow storm. The snow stuck around all of 48 hours...enough time to enjoy it some, but not so long that it caused problems.

New Year's Eve we ended up having a party at our house. We had around 30 people at our house (including children). The kids played hard and tested out the "santa seat" (see the Christmas 2009 pics in the Hymas Photos link), then they migrated to the spare room to snuggle in and watch a movie. The adults played some poker (Texas Hold'em) and danced into the night. Young and old then gathered to watch the ball drop and bring in the New Year with toasts, kisses and well wishes. This was the first year Ryan stayed up to see the ball drop (before he dropped, exhausted). I think everyone had a great time. I know we did!

Last weekend we took a trip to Redmond, OR with Brian and Kristi for a little vacation. It was REALLY nice to get away and relax (well, as much as one can relax with an almost 2-year old!). The kids all enjoyed playing, the adults enjoyed just being together. We skied at Mt. Bachelor one day...well, more like a partial day as the visibility wasn't great once some heavy fog moved in. Regardless, we got in some good runs and had a great time. Calvin (Brian and Kristi's son) and Ryan went to ski school together. We weren't sure how Ryan would do, but despite falling a lot, he LOVED it. After his all-day ski school, he should have been exhausted, but he was jumping around...totally energized by his new experience. He is looking forward to his next ski school day towards the end of February. He is also really looking forward to his next trip with Ashlyn & Cal. When we got home, and all was calm, and back to "normal"...Ryan started to get really sad, demanding to see Ashlyn and Cal, wanting to know why we couldn't go right then and there to their house. I know I can speak for our whole family when I say that we all had a great time and are looking forward to our next trip with them!

Now we're back to "life as usual"... hoping that it isn't always so "usual", resolving to find our excitement and traditions daily in what we do and what we choose to do. Life is wonderful!

To see more pictures of the above events, go to the Hymas Photos link.

Cookie Creations

2009-12-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Early in December, Ryan surprised me by asking if we were going to "do cookies" this year. I was somewhat surprised by his request... a bit amazed that he remembered... and with a warmed heart, I quickly responded that it was a wonderful idea.

I baked up the cookies ahead of time, and a few days later we took advantage of one of Evan's naps and dove into the decorating. I gave Ryan some simple instructions, and then started dipping cookies in the glaze frosting. At times he needed reminders that "a little bit of decoration all over the cookie is better than a lot all in one place". He stuck with it throughout the entire batch, diligently decorating each one.

This "cookie tradition" stems from my great-grandfather (who was a baker). The recipe for the cookies and the glaze frosting is unchanged, and making/decorating the cookies as a family has been a tradition now for 5 generations. Ryan and I had decided that we would ship cookies to Papa Thom & Grandma Dar as this is one of the first years they weren't able to participate in this long-standing family tradition. We also decided to send some to Grandma & Grandpa Soldner as I learned that they would not be able to participate in the tradition this year either. At one point during our decorating, Ryan picked out a couple of cookies for Papa Thom and Grandma Dar, and decorated them especially for them. He then did the same for Grandma & Grandpa Soldner. We wrapped those cookies separately as they were made special just for them.

We both had a lot of fun, and there was something a little magical about passing on this tradition to the next generation.

I posted some pictures of our cookie traditions in the Hymas Photos section.

Tree Traditions

2009-12-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

The first weekend of December, we braved the frigid temperatures and headed out into the woods (well...a tree farm) and searched for the perfect "Hymas Family Christmas Tree". Thankfully we found one without all of the challenges the Griswolds ran into (one of the best Christmas movies ever....National Lampoons Christmas Vacation)!

We went to Farrell's Tree Farm in Washougal. One can find a wide variety of Nobles, Grands, and other fir varieties at this family-run farm. They always have a large campfire roaring and hot chocolate flowing to warm weary tree hunters both inside and out.

When we decorated the tree, we had our new friends/neighbors Max & Angela, their daughter Olivia, and Italian exchange student Ariana over to help. Ryan and Olivia are the same age, and really got into the decorating spirit. For Evan, it was a hands-off affair. Later in the week we went over to Max & Angela's house to help decorate their tree.

Family, friends, and traditions...both new and old...make this season truly great!

Check out the pics of our tree traditions in the Hymas Photos section.

Thanksgiving and Beyond

2009-12-10T22:57:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was spent in Sunriver, OR again this year with Gage's folks, sisters & their families. Both Gage & I really love that area, especially around the holidays as it has a rustic and "holiday-ish" feel. Sunriver is a small community with many amenities, but if there is something you need that you can't find in the village... the city of Bend, OR is only about a 20 minute drive away.
We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings (more than once due to the leftovers). Turkey, potatoes (both mashed and sweet), stuffing, green bean casserole, and of course PIES!
We all used that time to unwind during these unstable and stressful times... playing games, watching Christmas movies, hiking, exploring, and just enjoying each others company.
The cousins all played, watched some kiddo movies, and "swam" in the hot tub.
All in all...we all made some good memories and kicked off the holiday season together.
Check out some pictures from Thanksgiving in the Hymas Photos section.

Scene from my life...

2009-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Two boys...brothers.
At times the best of friends... playing, sharing, caring.

During this fine moment, the eldest is playing quietly... unsuspecting of what is soon to come.
His younger brother, feeling a bit mischievous, comes up from behind. He wraps his arms around the neck of his older brother and tugs backwards in a failed attempt to get him to the ground. The eldest is able to pull him off and push him away... this time. Words and frustrated glances are exchanged. The youngest will try again, perhaps today, perhaps another day... in hopes that his efforts will result in brotherly rough play. My hopes are that it will result in laughter and no one getting hurt.

For My Mom...

2009-11-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

...and anyone else who gets a kick out of old jokes.

I was out taking some pictures today and captured the shot below. It reminded me of a joke my mom cannot hear without bursting into uncontrollable laughter....

SO... a horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Why the long face?"

Hope everyone is having a great day!!

Little Surprises

2009-10-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Life with children is a life full of surprise. Good surprises (like the boys actually playing well together), not-so-good surprises (ok, what spilled or broke this time)... they all qualify, and are all important in their own way. Yesterday, each of my children blessed me with good surprises.

We awoke on Saturday morning in the usual way... Ryan with his face about 3 inches away from mine, waiting patiently for me to open my eyes. When I do open my eyes, I'm always treated to a fresh smile, ready to explore what the day has to offer. I LOVE waking up like that. On occasion, if we aren't getting out of bed as quickly as he'd like, he'll go off and play in his room. This was one of those days. As we lay there, trying desperately to deny the fact that it was, indeed morning, a cheerful voice began to sing "Clean-up, clean-up. Everybody, everywhere. Clean-up, Clean-up. Everybody do your share". Ryan only sings this song when he is cleaning or picking up his toys... but I'd never heard the song unprompted before. Ryan cheerfully completed what he was doing and came into our room and reported to us that he was done playing with his pretend food, and cleaned it up. We praised him for such a great choice, and I then asked "Did you clean up the rest of your toys as well?". He swiftly replied "No, but I should go do that!" as he bounced off to his room. What a way to wake up on a Saturday!

That same night, I had taken the kids upstairs to get ready for bed. They came down to say "goodnight" to daddy. Evan had already given his hugs and was waiting for Ryan to finish. I could see Evan looking around the room with a mischievous eye. I quickly redirected him, not really thinking it would work, by saying "Evan, Lets go upstairs.... time to go night-night." To my surprise, Evan headed directly for the stairs and began climbing. At the top, he briefly started to head towards Ryan's room... I gave him a quick reminder "Evan, time to go night-night". He changed course, went into his room, climbed into his E-Dome (this sleeping arrangement is explained in a previous blog entry "Evan Antics") and tried to close it. I wanted to pinch myself... certainly this was not really happening! Could I be so fortunate as to be surprised twice in one day?? But it was just that. As I left his room, Evan didn't protest once.

My children continue to amaze me each and every day. I am blessed!

Reconnecting

2009-10-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Even though we don't always realize it, relationships take work. Many times this "work" really doesn't feel much like work at all, but sometimes we become so busy that we separate from our loved ones enough that it does take a conscious effort to reconnect. It is really easy in our society to become overwhelmed with the day-to-day, running from place-to-place, falling into a comfortable pattern in which we no longer really see each other. It is during those times that it is extremely valuable to have an awareness of the distance that could be forming between you and those around you. It is only then that you can then work to reconnect with those you love. It can be as easy as picking up the phone to call a friend, taking the time to really listen to your family, and doing those little things that show your family how much you love them.

Every few years, Gage and I take a "adults only" vacation to really force us to focus on each other and really reconnect. No other distractions, no excuses... we are able to take off our parenting hats and just focus on ourselves. By taking ourselves outside of our "norm" for a length of time, we are able to recharge our souls, renew our love for each other, and focus on an inner peace.

This was our year! We went on a week-long cruise in the eastern Caribbean with another couple (good friends, who are really more like family to us), and it was, for lack of a better term, WONDERFUL! Our first few days were "at-sea", which forced us to simply relax and fully let go of our usual lives. It is actually more difficult than one might think to do this, at least for me. The first night (we stayed in Miami the night before getting on the ship), I was having to remind myself to slow down... my brain is still running a million miles a minute, sorting through what I might have forgotten and trying to troubleshoot what I may encounter before getting on the ship.... all organizational stuff that REALLY isn't necessary at this point. Even once on the ship, a baby cries or a child sounds like one of my kids, and for a split second I'll fall back into mommy mode, my brain tricked into thinking one of my kids needs me! At times my body was equally tricked, and my muscles would tighten, ready to respond before I was reminded that my children are thousands of miles away. I could feel it all began to melt away while enjoying a quiet breakfast on our private balcony during the first morning on the ship, the stress sinking to the sea below.

The ship, Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, is currently one of the largest ships currently sailing the Caribbean. I say "one of" because there are 3 or 4 ships, owned and run by Royal Caribbean, in the "Freedom Class"... all of which are the same size... HUGE! This ship holds up to 4000 passengers and over 1500 crew. It is a floating city... literally! It had a Promenade area, that had shops and eateries (more like a mall), a library in a quiet corner of the ship, several bars/lounges, an ice rink (yes, ice skating in the Caribbean!), 3 pools, a large activities area with adventures like rock climbing, surfing, basketball, put-put golf, and many others. I could almost write an entire blog on what was contained on this ship... but I can already see this blog is rather long, so I'll let you see some of the ship for yourself in the Hymas Photos section.... a picture is worth a 1000 words!!

By the third day into the cruise, we stopped at our first port in St. Maartin... an island once in an identity crisis, and still somewhat divided. Half French and half Dutch, there are distinct differences between the two. The Dutch side, from what we could tell, is much more poverty stricken, litter lining the roads, cars that haven't run in decades decaying in dirt yards. The French side has well-kept estates, and well-known beaches (primarily because on the French side, as in the country itself, nudity is permitted). We laid in the sun and enjoyed the surf at Orient Beach (on the French side, but no, we did not experience any nudity) and devoured BBQ chicken and ribs for lunch, with some rum punch to wash it down.

The next day we were in picturesque San Juan, Puerto Rico. Being as the coastline is basically rock, we spent our time wandering the streets of old San Juan, awe struck by the beautiful historic colonial architecture. The stucco painted with vibrant colors. As we walked, an old fort (Castillo de Cristobal) emerged... inviting us to come and explore what was within its walls. It was beautiful and very well maintained. The views of San Juan from the lookouts were, I'm sure, the best on the island and well worth the $3/person charge to get in. As we walked back to the main part of old town, a tropical downpour began to soak our shirts and cool our bodies. A welcome feeling! The closest refuge was a gazebo that was clearly owned by hundreds of pigeons. They tolerated our presence as we cautiously positioned ourselves in a small place where none could perch above. Unfortunately we were not in San Juan as long as we were at the other ports, and all felt there was so much more to see. Another trip, perhaps?

The last port we visited was a small portion of Haiti owned by the cruise line which they named Labadee. From what we were told, this area was heavily guarded by tall, barb-wire-lined fences and walls, as well as military personnel. Haiti is still a rather hostile country, and from what I understand, very poverty stricken. In the private oasis, you'd never know it. It was a beautiful tropical paradise on this war-stricken island. On the other islands, we were exposed to the local culture, here we were protected from it.

While relaxing in Labadee, one can do as much or as little as they like. There was snorkling, a zipline (claiming to be the longest zipline over water), food and drink, a flea market, jet skis, a beach geared towards kids with large, air-filled toys, viewpoints, trails to explore. Of course several of those activities cost extra. Upon arriving, we perused the various beaches to decide where "home base" would be. After learning the cost of the zipline ($80/person) and the jetskis ($100 for the driver & $30 for a passenger), we decided to just get some floating mats ($12/person) and relax. I definitely feel that we got our money's worth out of the mats as we spent much of our time on Labadee just floating in the water, rising and falling with the rolling waves, our now tan bodies soaking up the warmth of the sun.

As our trip came to an end, we felt refreshed and reconnected... success! We were ready to return to our normal lives and missed the boys greatly. We are especially thankful for our families. The boys stayed primarily with my folks (Papa Thom & Grandma Dar; a.k.a. Thom and Dar), who gave up living in their "bus house" home to stay at our house with them. They also spent some time with Gage's folks (Papa & Grammie; a.k.a. Pops & Graham Cracker). It is because we know they were well loved and cared for that allowed us to take full advantage of this opportunity. Thank you just doesn't say enough... we are very blessed and forever grateful!

Check out the pictures in our Hymas Photos section. This is a rather small collection given that we took over 500 pictures between the 4 of us, but is a good representation of our travels!!

Evan Antics

2009-09-07T10:30:00.001-07:00

Well, over the past 2 weeks Evan has been one busy fellow. Here is an account of some of his "antics". There have been A LOT... so this will be a rather long blog. Keep in mind, while reading this, that Evan is not yet 18 months old.

Two weekends ago we were with some friends at a rented house in Hood Canal (Puget Sound area). I was working in the kitchen when Ryan reported "MOM! Evan is on the table!!!". I turned around, expecting to find him on the coffee table, but no... he was standing on top of the dining table. After shaking off the brief shock, I rescued him and brought him safely to the ground and went back to the kitchen area. I turned around to find him climbing back up onto one of the chairs and quickly onto the table again. The rest of the weekend I spent ensuring that if the chairs were not occupied... they were pushed in.

Later that morning we headed down by the water with the kids so they could throw rocks in the water (and so I could take advantage of the photo ops). I sat Evan down at the edge of the water line and popped off some pictures.

I turned away to get some pictures of our friend Michelle with her daughter.

When I turned back... Evan wasn't exactly where I had left him.

He definitely loves the water... he makes every effort to play in any water he sees.... lakes, bathtubs, neighbor's sprinkler systems, and even (ugh!) toilets!

During the next couple of days, we'd find him on tables, climbing stacked boxes, opening and closing doors (we now have to keep the front door locked.... not to keep others out, but to keep Evan in!) and exploring just about anything!

None of those compares to this last Monday. My friend and neighbor Kathy and I went to Costco together. We were unloading her car (Ford Expedition... larger SUV) while the kids were playing. I turned around to check on Evan and didn't see him right away. Then some movement from in the car caught my eye. It was Evan... standing on the driver's seat "driving" the car (the driver's door had been left open... keys were NOT in the car). I quickly retrieved him.

A while later I put Evan down for nap. Kathy and I went outside and sat on our front porch while Ryan and her son played in the beautiful weather. About 10 minutes later, we heard a strange sound in the house (window right behind us was open). We both dismissed it as being Lyssie (dog) until we heard the sound again. I turned around to find Evan's face looking out the window at me. He let out a cheerful squeal and gave me a very happy and satisfied grin! SO... Evan climbed up his crib and then most likely fell down to the ground as the railing was up. He then opened his bedroom door, and proceeded to go down the stairs, finding me at the front window. Evan does know how to go up/down stairs... but it makes both Gage & I nervous because at times he is a bit carefree about it and will even attempt to go down like a big boy (which always results in his falling and us catching). The thoughts of "what could have happened" haunted me for the rest of the day. Needless to say, he has not been in the crib since. The crib has been taken down and he is sleeping in his Kidco PeaPod (travel bed that resembles a small tent... sits on the floor and zips shut). This will be his bed until he figures out how to undo the zipper.

Later that day, we were all outside enjoying the weather. Some of the older neighbor kids were riding around on their razor scooters. Evan was playing with Ryan's trike (Evan likes to sit on it and scoot it around, or just push it places). This trike can either have the seat up high...like a standard trike, or you can flip it over so it more resembles a big wheel trike. This day it was (thankfully) in big wheel form. I turned to look at Ryan and the other kids playing in the cul-de-sac. When I turned around to check on Evan, he was standing on the seat holding the handlebars, and rolling down the driveway! I honestly think he was trying to emulate what the older kids were doing on the razor scooters. I let out a little "yikes" and ran to rescue him. His eyes quizzically looked at me as if to say "what's the problem?? I've got this under control."

Since that time he continues to challenge himself, and us. We had an A-Frame ladder still set up in the house after a day of painting a while back as I still have some trim work to do. It is now collapsed and laying on the ground since Gage & I found that Evan had climbed all the way to the top of it. After just about every event, he has a twinkle of pride in his eye, and a gleeful smile on his face... until I remove him from the situation.

There is something new every day. Life is definitely not boring right now!

After talking to my mom... evidently I was much the same way. She is probably reading this, feeling a bit redeemed.

You can see more photos in the "Hymas Photos" section (right toolbar).

House Movement

2009-08-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ryan has recently discovered how to make our house move (or so it seems to him).

This initially happened about a month ago, and then again just a couple days ago. It was an endearing moment that I decided must be shared as we've all had similar experiences in our past.

Ryan was spinning around in the kitchen, gaining momentum, spinning faster and faster. He stopped very abruptly, arms out slightly to assist with his balance. After about 10 seconds... he very sincerely looked at me, eyes wide and unfocused, and asked "Mom... is our house moving???"

The New House

2009-07-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

For those who don't already know... during the beginning of July we closed on the sale of our old house in Vancouver, and also closed on the purchase of our new home in Camas, WA. Camas is just east of Vancouver, and its getting harder and harder to tell where Vancouver ends and Camas starts. We like the Camas area for the small town feel, the community, the schools, and the fact that several of our friends and their families live in Camas.

Our house is on a cul-de-sac not far from the elementary school the boys will be attending. The cul-de-sac is, for all intents and purposes, run by the kids who live on this street. Even though we do have a back yard (however much smaller than our previous), Ryan has played back there a whopping ONE time! He is always out front playing with all the neighbor kids there. We have met most of our neighbors, and they are very nice people. We definitely feel welcomed and part of the community.

The seemingly endless unpacking and organizing continues. There is also a lot of painting to be done as the walls were all contractor white when we moved in. I have since painted the kitchen (which is still needing a bit of touch up work) and Ryan's room. Ryan picked out the main color for his room... green. Gage's sister helped me with Ryan's room. She is the cutting-in MASTER.... doing all the cutting in at the ceiling and around the doorway/windows by hand and without tape or a guide.

I've found our camera, and so have posted a few pics of our new house in the Hymas Photos section. It is a work in progress. Lots to do outside in the yard (was a bank-owned property, so not much done there) and a lot of organizing and settling in to do inside. I'll post more pics as we progress through and continue to make this house our home.

If anyone needs our new address, drop us an email. We have the same phone numbers as we are still a "cellular" family.

Family Camp Out

2009-07-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Over this last weekend was the annual family/friends camp out. It was a bit smaller this year than in years past with only about 30 people in attendance for the potluck that is on the Saturday of the camp out weekend. A few years ago there were over 70 people at the potluck. We headed up to Paradise Creek campground in the Gifford Pinchot National forest on Wednesday evening after Gage got off of work. I was off that day so had everything as ready as I could by the time he got home. Most everyone else in our group arrived Thursday evening with most everyone staying through Sunday.

Ryan had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and possibly months (that boy LOVES to camp). I believe the trip exceeded his expectations. He played with friends, waded in the creek (called himself a "river-walker"), went for hikes, played in the dirt, and even roasted marshmallows. I think I was most impressed by his maturity and growing self-confidence when he was wading in the creek. This is not just any creek, this is mountain snow run-off... so it is always cold, despite the 80+ degree weather. Ryan was a bit nervous at first, but was soon walking across all by himself (mind you... we're talking knee deep at its deepest, generally speaking ankle deep...and its not fast running at all this time of year where we were at). Even when he fell, and his lungs gasped short, sharp breaths due to the extreme chill of the water, he got up, brushed himself off, and continued on... often times even laughing! I believe the time he spent as a "river-walker" were some of his favorite moments of the weekend (ok, that and Grandma K's cake!!).

Evan did pretty well about half the time. He enjoyed traipsing through the woods, playing in the dirt with the toys we brought, hitting small plants with sticks... and definitely enjoyed being outside. Unfortunately he was also experiencing the discomfort that comes along with a molar trying to break through. Combine that with the fact he is just at a difficult age for camping and there were some not so pleasant times. So his trip, and in turn my trip, was not as enjoyable as it could have been.

I'd like to say I had a great time (as that has always been my response in the past), but due to the times Evan was having a hard time, I can say with all honesty that I had a good time with several great moments. I also got some nice pictures... check them out in the Hymas Photos section.

A New Store??

2009-07-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

PetSmart is a large chain of pet stores. Yesterday, Ryan informed me that there was a new store that took the PetSmart idea in another direction.

Ryan was pretending his froggie (stuffed animal) was a baby. He was showing me his "baby" and ooh-ing and ahh-ing over how cute he was. He then asked me if I knew where he came from. I admitted that I did not know. "I got him at BabySmart!" he proudly, yet matter-of-a-factly replied. I thought this was quite inventive and creative for a 4-year-old and was definitely the bright spot in my day.

As we talked, I learned more about BabySmart...evidently, where PetSmart sells pets and pet supplies, BabySmart sells babies and baby supplies. I wonder if the government is aware of this?

(PS...He was able to distinguish that BabySmart is not where he or his brother came from... so he was being purely imaginative)

Cognitive Changes and Relocating

2009-07-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing more cognitive changes in both of the boys lately. Ryan has hit the stage where he really wants to be independent and do things for himself, and truly believes that he is in control. He enjoys getting himself dressed, putting on his own shoes, getting his own snacks and water, using keys to unlock the front door or the key fob to unlock the car, opening the garage, etc. I'm sure I could go on for a few pages on all the things he is doing (or wanting to do) for himself lately. At times this has not worked out so well. The messes he has made lately trying to do things for himself have been adding up. Toilet paper all over the floor (and clogging the toilet) and a combination of toothpaste and mouth rinse coating the sink are among the bigger messes. This is a great stage, and watching him grow like this makes me smile every time despite the frustration I feel from the messes left behind for me to manage.

Evan has been doing more "problem solving" lately. He is definitely my little climber, and will at least try to climb on anything he can. He is also continuing to master walking which is his chosen method of mobility these days... tottering and toddling around with his hands stretched out in front of him (we have been calling this his zombie walk) a huge grin on his face and a sparkle of pride in his eyes. During this past week I noticed him pushing a small chair around that he would then use to climb up to new levels. Once he pushed it against the couch and was able to climb up onto the couch independently. Another time I had skillfully placed an object in the middle of the coffee table so it was out of his reach... that is until he pushed the chair up against it. He is definitely thinking and problem solving how to get to things he can't otherwise reach. A new level of development for him... HOORAY!!!

This week we are signing paperwork to close on selling our current house, and also to purchase a new house. We are pretty much all packed up and ready to move. Planning to make the big move on Friday...if all continues to go smoothly this week. We'll then be Camas-ites, or Camasonians... or Camasians??????? Ok... we'll be living in Camas!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

2009-06-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

Ryan turned 4 today (well, officially "yesterday" since it is now after midnight!) and rang it in just as he wanted (mostly).

When he woke up, he was greeted by gifts piled on the table (from Grandma Dar & Papa Thom; and some from us), a musical card, and a large balloon. He had some cake for breakfast... then after being a trooper and looking at some houses with us, got to pick where to go for lunch. He surprised us with saying "Applebee's... I want some mac and cheese at Applebee's". Ok.... can do! After polishing of his lunch of choice, he mustered up room to dig into his Applebee's birthday desert of choice... a small hot fudge sundae complete with whipped cream and a cherry on top. The rest of the day was filled with Ryan-approved activities.

All in all, he had a good birthday (as reported by him).

Tomorrow will be his birthday party... so as I type this, there is a cake in the oven that will get decorated in the morning, and picking up to do. Its gonna be a late night.

Look Who's Walking!

2009-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Viva Las Vegas

2009-05-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

This last week, Gage & I enjoyed some R&R time in Las Vegas. We enjoyed a show (Mistere'... a Cirque du Soleil show), Gage won just enough money to counter my losses (he had lady luck on his side this trip), walked until we practically couldn't possibly walk anymore, and all got healthy doses of Vitamin D while relaxing poolside. We went along with some other friends of ours...other couples also in need of some childless R&R time.

We had a GREAT view from our room at the Mandalay Bay of Air Force One landing and President Obama's motorcade as it sped from McCarran Airport to the freeway, and on to Ceasar's Palace. The motorcade consisted of at least 15 indistinct black SUVs, about 8 police cars, and a dozen police motorcycles. As it passed by, we all waved to Obama, Michelle, and the girls...even though none of us was sure if the family was with him or not. The roads and freeways along their route were all closed down for about 5-10 minutes before the motorcade passed by. This was a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Very exciting and spontaneous since we didn't know it was happening until about an hour before.

While we were there, the kiddos stayed with Gage's mom & dad and had a GREAT time. I actually think Ryan would have stayed an additional week or so. As we pulled up the drive to their house, Mom was in the doorway with Evan. When we left, she made the comment that when we come back, the boys (especially Evan) will look so much bigger. She couldn't have been more RIGHT! Evan looked so much taller and bigger than when we left, yet I knew we were only gone for 5 days, so that surely couldn't be the case. Even Ryan looked older and more mature.

Part of our being able to relax so well was due to the fact that we knew the kids were in such great hands.... THANKS MOM & DAD!!!!! :)

Even though we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, we were both ready to get back to the boys whom we missed dearly, and to our normal routine and "life as usual". Viva Hymas life!

Is It So Bad???

2009-05-13T13:29:00.001-07:00

About a year ago, we were driving past a Wendy's. Ryan asked who the girl was on the side of the building (the big sketch of Wendy that is part of their logo). I told him that was Wendy, and she wasn't very nice. He asked "why?" and I told him "because she feeds us food that makes our bodies sick." He remembers that conversation to this day, and will at times even make comments such as "Wendy is mean.... her food makes my body feel sick".

Today we were heading to a store that had a McDonald's integrated into it. Yes, integrated into the GROCERY STORE! As if that were necessary! Isn't that why your there? To get food to take home to cook? This place should be out of business, but instead the line is often out the door into the store area.

BUT... I digress...(sorry)... As we were walking towards the store from the parking lot, Ryan asked "What is that big yellow thing?" On the outside of the store was that big, yellow, iconic "M". The gears in my head started reeling, trying to decide exactly what to say, when Ryan said "OH.... I KNOW!!! It's "M" for Mommy!! It's like in your name!!" I quickly agreed with this, as it is in fact an "M" and mommy starts with the letter "M".

A small piece of me wonders if this is unpatriotic... after all... what's more American than McDonald's???? But, I have to admit, I was actually filled with a sense of pride and satisfaction. Pride that my almost 4-year-old son has NO IDEA what those golden arches stand for, that he doesn't recognize them at all!! Pride that the only "fast food" he really knows and will ask for by name is Subway ($5 Footlong!!). How many kids these days, since before they can even read, recognize that big "M" as meaning McDonald's and Crappy (happy) meals?? I am SO happy to say that Ryan is not one of those kids. That he thought of it as meaning Mommy... I'm actually very touched! Now, I'm not saying Ryan has never had a cheeseburger or food from a fast-food restaurant... but those incidents are very few and far between. I don't make a big deal out of it when we go, ensuring as best I can that there is no real emotional or psychological attachment to that restaurant. He doesn't get many choices, and if there are healthier sides (which many are now offering) that is what he will get.

I know I'm being a little deceitful by not disclosing the whole truth....(especially with the Wendy's thing since it was really her dad who opened it up.... sorry Wendy), but is it really so bad?? To discourage fast food joints whose main goal is to get you addicted to their fat and sugar laden foods? Looking around at most Americans, I don't think it is bad or wrong of me, and I solidly stand by my decision.

Name Correction

2009-05-13T09:41:00.001-07:00

It was Tuesday morning.... I was getting the boys up and ready to head over to Grammie's house as it was a work day for me. I gave Ryan a good morning head nuzzle and picked up Evan to do the same. As I was laying Evan down on the changing table, I made a comment "Awwww.... how's it going big man?" Very quickly Ryan replied..."Mom! That is NOT right!" For a second I was a bit confused, and my brain was scrambling to remember what I said or done that was incorrect. Ryan again piped up and said "I'M big man.... he's little man!!" Evidently, without really realizing it, I had been calling Ryan "big man" and Evan "little man" with some consistency. I apologized to Ryan and started using the "correct" terminology.

This whole episode reminded me of a favorite Bill Cosby stand-up routine about him and his brother Russell. Ahhhh..... childhood memories!!

Mother's Day Tea

2009-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan's preschool had a Mother's Day Tea on Tuesday. Moms & Grandmas were all invited to share in the festivities. As I walked in the room... tables were set with small clear glass plates and tea cups. Looking through them one could see the butterfly place mats each kid made. Place cards made in part by the kids were holding a special seat for the matrons. Painted paper butterflies hung from the ceiling, and carefully made tissue-paper flowers in planter boxes adorned the walls. At the front of the room was a table holding the tea party treats. Surrounding a centerpiece of flowers were small brownies, pieces of cake, fresh strawberries, mini quiches, and a few other items. The preschoolers were responsible for making the decorations and several of the treats.

The class filed into the room, all aglow with excitement. Ryan ran over and gave me a hug before returning to the line with his classmates. They sang songs to familiar tunes, with words reflective of the occasion. Ryan was at least one step in front of the line of children, jumping up and down, dancing and being quite animated while loudly singing the songs. Warmed my heart... he was pure, happy, and genuine. I couldn't help but compare this performance to his first with his class shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday. At that event, he didn't sing. He reluctantly sat on his teacher's lap and cried... not wanting to participate at all (shortly before this performance was the incident with the pipe organ, so he was not so sure about school OR church at that point). Seeing him now, so carefree, so happy... the way kids his age should be... was BETTER than any mother's day gift I could imagine!! (my only regret was that I did not have the foresight to bring the video recorder!)

After the performance, the kids presented gifts they had made to their moms. One was a counting book they had worked on since the first week of school. The last page in the book was the first page they had actually made... and was a handprint. I placed Ryan's hand over the print of his 8-months-younger self and marveled at how he has grown. The kids then served their loved ones the previously made treats on glass trays, and afterwards sat to enjoy the food and conversation.

I had to go back to work after this, but what a break to my day!! My heart was bursting with love and happiness. I feel so lucky, so grateful, that I have the privilege of being mother to two wonderful boys!

Big Changes on the Horizon

2009-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

About nine years ago Andrea and I took our first big financial plunge as a newly married couple, we bought a house. As of today the house that was supposed to be a starter home for a max of 5 years has gone on the market. I know they say home is where the heart is and that is with Andrea and my boys. With that said our current place which we have made home has created many wonderful memories and given us a warm dry place to rest our heads. We built our marriage here, we brought our boys home here, had our first pets here, etc. With the help of family and friends we took a run down ranch and turned it into something pretty nice in my opinion. Yes Heather, the realtor called your wall magic "designer paint" ;) . Thank you house on 97th, we hope you treat your next owners as well as you have treated us.

We know its probably not the best time to sell a house but we also know its a very good time to buy a house. Home prices have dropped and the interest rates are at all time lows. Given our situation where we are move-up buyers we have less to loose. MSNBC actually just published an article that explains it nicely.

Spring Sunshine and Success!

2009-04-19T22:54:00.001-07:00

Sunshine.... warm, radiating sunshine! We have been very blessed to be experiencing summer-like spring weather. A VERY welcome change from the usual wet weather we most often experience this time of year.

This morning I had brunch with a friend in Portland... I returned to find all 3 boys outside enjoying every minute. Gage was doing some yard work, Ryan was running around doing whatever struck his imagination, and Evan was enjoying his swing. As I came out to join them, Ryan was already excitedly telling me about his day. The most exciting part he had to show me... he learned to ride his tricycle!! Success!! Gage had made a "start" and "finish" line with chalk on our concrete patio, and Ryan would race from one side to the other and them back again... pedaling as fast as his little legs would go. Quite a contrast from last year when Ryan didn't have much interest in learning to pedal. But that has changed. He is "bigger" now, as he likes to tell me.

After all the boys had gone into the house, Ryan and Evan napping... I was laying in the lawn soaking up some Vitamin D while talking on the phone with my folks. While laying there I noticed two Chickadees pecking at a dead area on our oak tree, making a potential future home. I found it mesmerizing... one would peck for a while, then fly to a nearby branch for a break while the other one took over. Such teamwork and dedication... all to find and make a suitable nesting area. Ahhhh.... spring!!

Amazing Brain

2009-04-19T08:12:00.001-07:00

The human brain really is a fascinating organ, especially one that is still in the development stage. I realized yesterday that I just don't appreciate it as much lately as it isn't often that I really take the time to just stop... and watch the kids at play. There is always something to be done, and even when I'm sitting quietly, I'm still doing something... whether it be checking e-mail, reading a magazine, making a phone call, playing "referee" between the kids, or making "to-do" lists. Yesterday I took the time to just sit quietly and do nothing but watch, and was pretty amazed when I noticed a developmental step Evan has taken.

Yesterday, Evan was playing with some blocks on a table. He was traveling around the table to get to blocks on the other side when he found his path was blocked by a larger toy on the ground. The toy has many colorful wooden beads that traverse around thick metal wires that twist and turn in different ways and directions. Evan first tried, unsuccessfully, to go over the toy, but the wires were just too much to navigate with legs that were barely taller than the toy itself. He tried getting as far as he could, and then just reaching for the block... a failed attempt. He then looked at the toy very thoughtfully.... I could see him working this out in his head, visibly thinking about the obstacle. He then grabbed the object, picked it up leaving one hand on the table to steady himself, and tossed the object aside. I was amazed at this feat as, from what I can remember from the child development classes I'd taken, this is a "landmark" concept for children... to think past simply going over, or bowling through, an obstacle to get to what is on the other side. This thought process is not something we're born with, but rather something we have to learn at a relatively early age.

I did a little cheer inside my head... "WOW...Way to go EVAN!!" and continued to watch both boys play, coming to the realization that I need to take the time to do that more often. How many of these moments have already passed and I've missed them?

Pirates of the Living Room

2009-04-17T19:16:00.001-07:00

I could not resist sharing this little story....

On Wednesday, the boys were playing while I was doing dishes. I kept hearing Ryan refer to Evan as "Captain Evan".... sometimes followed by "AAArrrrghhhhh Matey!" I wandered into the living room to find this scene:

Ryan informed me that they were playing "pirates". The bean bag was their ship and they were looking for treasure. I'm not quite sure where Ryan got the idea as we've never really played "pirates" and (as far as I know) he hasn't been watching the 10 o'clock news.... so school or TV or a friend??? Regardless... it was a priceless moment!

Ryan Lately

2009-04-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan is becoming a young man before my eyes. Over the past few weeks I have felt so proud and pleased with who he is becoming... yet at the same time a bit sad that time is moving so quickly, and all those toddler days are completely over.

A couple of weeks ago we had a spurt of beautiful summer-like weather. We were outside as much as possible to take full advantage and Ryan seemed to pick up where we left off last summer. On one particular day, sporting only a pair of shorts, Ryan first lay in the grass, just absorbing the sun and welcoming the warm air. He then quickly moved on to play with some of his favorite outdoor toys (baseball set & tricycle), after which he decided to play on his playground equipment. Last summer, Ryan was a bit intimidated by the slide. He would start off on his bottom in a sitting position, but then quickly flip to his belly to feel more in control. We tried to encourage him to stay on his bottom and land on his feet without success. On this first day back out onto the slide, he climbed up without hesitation and went all the way down on his bottom... and landed squarely on his feet! He was very proud, as was I, at his accomplishment. Over this past year, I've noticed that Ryan has needed and/or requested my help less and less with such activities. He is becoming much more independent.

Just last week, Ryan and I were playing a video game. After we were done, I turned off the TV and the game console, but forgot to turn off the receiver. As I walked into the kitchen, I remembered and turned around to complete the job. Ryan was standing nearby and promptly told me that he already turned it off. I was a bit surprised at this because the rule in the house has generally been that he can turn it on/off at times as long as he has permission. I reminded him of this, and he looked at me with a look generally more fitting of a teenager that seemed to say "dear woman....dear stupid woman". He then informed me "Mom. I'm THREE". I stood there a moment... partly because I wanted to laugh and knew I shouldn't, and partly because I just wasn't sure what to say to this. The only thing I could muster was "and THAT is your reasoning?" to which he very promptly replied "um, YEah!"

He is still loving preschool... and I'm sure summer will be a bit of a transition for all of us. I was looking at a picture of him on his first day, and he looks so much younger! That little boy is becoming a little man.

Ryan on his first day of preschool - 2008

Happy Birthday Evan!

2009-04-17T13:06:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, March 24th Evan turned one (and his great-grandfather turned 81). We had a small celebration on the actual day as we were vacationing in

Sandpoint, Idaho with our friends Brian & Kristi, and their children Calvin & Ashlyn. Evan had a small cake, and made a complete mess of everything with it... quite a contrast from Ryan's first birthday! Ryan had to be prompted to put his messy hands in his hair (thanks Auntie Heather) and really wasn't too keen on being a mess. Evan, on the other hand, dug right in. Frosting and cake went flying as he clapped his hands with glee! It took me longer to clean up the mess than it did for him to make it... and every minute was worth it!

We returned to Vancouver that weekend and had a bigger party for him on that Sunday. There was a great turn-out of friends and family. I remember sitting back and thinking about how parties have changed. Used to be that a birthday party with our friends consisted of all young adults.... now there is a heard of kids running around outnumbering the adults. Its really heartwarming to see all our friends who are now also great parents. Evan didn't make nearly the mess with his cake this time, but still enjoyed every bit of cake and ice cream (brrrrrr).

SNAPSHOT.... Evan as a 1-year old:

Evan isn't quite walking, but cruises around everything from couches, tables, walls... to moving objects and people. With all of his "skills", he manages to get into just about everything and anything he desires. On the rare chance he can't get what he wants (whether it be out of reach or simply a "no touch")... he will let everyone in the house know that he is not happy. He is very good at voicing his opinions despite not really talking yet. He is also a very determined boy and will keep trying to get what it is he is wanting. He does say "mama" and "dada"... and we've heard him mimic other, more complex words... but those are not part of his repertoire. He is very "talkative" in his own way, babbling and garbling almost constantly. He will use American Sign Language to communicate some of his needs... if he wants to. He currently can sign "eat", "drink", "more", "all done", and "milk". Evan weighs just under 20 lbs. and is in the 50% for height and has 8 teeth... 6 that are pretty well through, and two that are just now breaking through. Evan enjoys being outside and active. He likes being part of the action... if not the life of the party. He is a total ham when he sees a camera and can go from crying to a heart-melting smile in less than a minute if you snap off a shot or two. I love getting the sloppy wet open-mouthed kisses from him on my cheek... often followed by his version of a hug. He loves his family (as seen in his smile and the twinkle in his eye when a family member comes into the room) and loves playing with his brother.

Winds of Electronic Change

2009-02-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

As you can see www.gagehymas.com is now redirecting to hymaslife.blogspot.com. I have also moved to picasa web as my photo album for the time being. It may take me a little while to get things running smoothly again. I wanted to thank my good friend Paul for hosting www.gagehymas.com for so many years free of charge. Paul is transitioning over to a totally mac based network and his old IIS server was down to only hosting my site, so it only made since to pull the plug. Once again Paul thanks, you were the host with the most.

Catching Up

2009-02-18T10:23:00.001-08:00

Time has gotten away from me this year (and its only Feb!).

Since my last blog, Evan is now crawling everywhere (hardly uses the army crawl anymore) and pulling himself up to a standing position everywhere he possibly can. He is an active and busy guy… and keeps us on our toes! He can entertain himself quite well, but does prefer to have others around him. He is starting to use some sign language, but also seems like he is trying to say the words at times. So not sure if he’ll take to signing the way Ryan did, or if he’ll be more motivated to start speaking the words earlier. The sign he uses most consistently is “more”. He’ll verbally say “mama” and then sign “more” meaning either more food or more drink. Despite the fact that he doesn’t have many ways to communicate yet, he can usually get his point across with non-verbal communication (body language and vocalizations). Evan uses vocalizations A LOT! I think he is going to be a talker like his brother & Uncle Justin.

Ryan is doing great as well. He continues to enjoy preschool and learning more about his surroundings. Ryan asks a lot of questions and talks a lot as well. Uncle Justin used to have a “catch phrase” of “Hey… Guess what?!” before he’d start into a story (which was about 30 times a day!). Ryan has also developed a “catch phrase”… his is “Do you remember…??” The only problem with Ryan’s catch-phrase is usually the person he is telling the story to was never there, so of course they don’t remember.
At times Ryan is using more & more “back-talk” as he stretches his wings and tries to become more independent (and tests Gage & I). Most of the time (as parents all know) this is frustrating, but a few times has been pretty darn cute! One day we were in his room and he verbally corrected Evan. I told Ryan that he didn’t need to worry about that since I was here and I was the mommy… that he needed to let me be the mommy. He then told me, with seriousness and a hint of disappointment, “But I want to be the boss!” Another time he had been in the corner for making a bad choice. I called him out, asking him to come to me so we could discuss why he was in the corner (the bad choice) and what he could do differently next time (what the good choice would be). When I asked him what he should do next time he said “to not do that again”. I told him that was correct and told him what he could do differently next time, then hugged him and told him I loved him. He then sat up and said “you don’t do that again either!”. I asked him what he meant and he proceeded to tell me that I should not tell him to stand in the corner again.

Since the last post we’ve had a couple “weekender” trips as well. We went to Sunriver, OR (near Bend, OR & Mt. Bachelor) where both boys got to go sledding and do a lot of playing with other kids (the kids of some friends of ours). Then this last weekend (Valentine’s weekend) we went to the beach and had a great time. The weather was GORGEOUS! Quite a nice surprise given the time of year.