The Landstrom Line

2010-01-25T05:00:00.003-07:00

"Cascading on down the hillside fast - Pines and family blurring past - My sled is carving out the snow - Like an airplane here I go - Snow is brushing past my face - I am sliding at racers pace - Take a jump with air I fly - With delight I scream a cry - Sliding till the run is done… - Back to the top for more sliding FUN!" - Sheryl (Me)

Sledding on the most popular sledding hill in Pagosa Springs, CO (the closed golf course). Jason took the sunset pictures just before leaving. This video is mostly of Cora and Isaiah having a blast. Notice that the kids used there cuteness to con some older kids into carrying their sleds up the hill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDdFazzbaFE

Jason put this video together of the 2 oldest enjoying sledding after the storm. The 1st day only us and a bunch of snowboarders were there (the pass was still closed from the mass amount of snow they were trying to clear off the road.) It was a blast because the boarders had made some awesome jumps! The second day I ...stayed home with Elijah because he didn't feel good...

2009-10-23T15:25:00.006-06:00

More Elk coming to town. With the high mountains filling up with snow, the Elk are arriving to their wintering areas... here in the moutainous foothills (7000ft). How exciting it is to be here where wildlife is abundant and protected! On this day they had their own law enforcement stopping traffic on the "Main" and only way through town. Blocked off the traffic for 20min each direction to allow the Elk to cross the Hwy safely. Hopefully it was a fun experience for those travellers who use this route to cut off 6 extra hours to head to any number of states in either direction. I know it is always exciting for me and we live here!

Combined efforts of the DOW, CHP, ACSO, and Pagosa city police help a herd of elk out of Pinon Lake and across Hwy 160 to safety south of the road to Timber Ridge.

A herd of elk (40 something Cow, 11 Calf, numerous yearlings, and a Bull Elk) found themselves the object of local attentions while taking a swim in Pinion Lake, right beside Highway 160 near the Pagosa Lodge and Parelli Natural Horsemanship Business Headquarters.

Monster Mash

2009-10-14T01:51:00.002-06:00

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GIANORMOUS MOTH

2009-09-27T03:22:00.001-06:00

Just an FYI - this is Jason's hand, I do not have man hands! :-)

When we came home from a drive up East Fork Pass we had this amazing moth perched on our door handle. What a privilege it was to hold. Our children's eyes were so big and they were very curious. It was a great teaching moment.

OUR PRECIOUS 3

2009-09-24T08:17:00.011-06:00

PANNING FOR GOLD

2009-09-24T02:38:00.002-06:00

After a tour through the 100 Year Gold Mine, Dad and the kids panned for gold and sliver. Cora found a small bit of silver in the first 5 minutes. We all continued panning for another 30-40 minutes but to no avail. Cora is the precious metal magnet in the family. Hummmm - this could be good. : )

OLD 100 GOLD MINE TOUR

2009-09-23T09:32:00.003-06:00

A day at the mines... This was an amazing tour - if ever in Silverton Colorado be sure to visit this incredible town feature. This living/working museum is well worth the drive. What a fun educational experience. I love living in Colorado! (Sorry, the pics are not in order.)

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2009-09-21T05:51:00.001-06:00

Isaiah's 1st Day of Pre-School - a Ham

Cora's 1st Day of Kindergarted - Shy Shy Shy...

Soaking It Up In The Hot Springs

2009-08-24T01:29:00.003-06:00

The Springs... This is one of the pools along the river. You can see that the pool feeds into the river behind Jason, Isaiah, and Cora. There are so many places here that you can soak, some free, some not, some way too expensive. The nicest resort in town has a "for locals rate only" every Tuesday. We have gone on local night once or twice, but we ususally like to go along the river and build our own tub out of river rock and soak in the hot springs then jump into the glacier fed river - in and out, in and out.We all love it!

FUN WATCHING THE TOURIST WIPE OUT !

2009-08-23T00:38:00.001-06:00

Here is Cora sitting on the edge of one of the hot springs cones, this one is right outside the Sheriffs Office. This is one of many on display throughout town. Behind her is the chamber of commerce. The hill above is where they hold lots of concerts - from famous Symphonies to Blue Grass Festivals. We have such a cute town. On weekends the river behind her is a major source of entertainment. Lots of Hot Springs feed the river so many people in town as well as tourists go to the edge of the river sit in hot springs and then grab a tube, kayak, canoe, or just jump in with nothing but their suits and go down the rapids through the falls. Just an FYI - the canoes never make it over the falls with out tipping over into a complete wipe-out. Oh, and another FYI - people in town never use a canoe. They save those for all the tourists. When a canoe starts down the river the townspeople just sit on the sides of the rivers or watch from above from the riverwalk or bridges... just laughing and taking pictures. It is a great time...

An Angel Among Us

2009-08-21T03:24:00.001-06:00

Cora showing off her 2 missing teeth

Snake Charmer

2009-08-21T02:47:00.000-06:00

Why Cora and Isaiah What BIG EARS YOU HAVE!

2009-08-21T02:38:00.000-06:00

Family Hiking Fun

2009-08-21T02:06:00.004-06:00

I can do it! I can do it!
One of the rewards to view afterr a short hike here in town

Cora investigating an old burned tree from a past forest fire

Down... Set... Hut... Hut..

Cora and her brothers investigating moss on one of the rocks

A little spring snow run off made a fun little stream that our kids could play in on our hike

Another day another hike...

1... 2... 3... Everybody JUMP!!!

SPLASH!!!

Cora looking for Diamonds and Jewels

A Blog Hiatus Is Over...

2009-08-21T01:48:00.003-06:00

Ah... it takes time to get settled. We moved from Texas to Colorado. Above is a picture Jason took from the trail of one of our family hikes. This picture was taken from a trail that is just a few miles from the town Ski Resort - Wolf Creek. Welcome all to Pagosa Springs!!!

WE'RE JUST CUTE

2009-05-25T04:56:00.005-06:00

These boys are just adorable.

I can't help it if I am one of those mom's who thinks they have the cutest children.

Isn't it funny how even if they did put gum in their hair 15 mins before leaving for church you still find them as cute as a bug?! Thank goodness, right? So off went the hair - didn't want to be late.

They are just so cute bald it makes the mess of gum worth it!

NEST EGG

2009-05-25T04:53:00.001-06:00

On this day 3 eggs - somewhere a 4th came...

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

2009-05-25T04:52:00.000-06:00

QUARTET

2009-05-25T04:47:00.002-06:00

These little Mocking Bird babies can be found next to the house snuggled up to the electric box, nesting in our climbing rose. Our little quartet singing away...

THREE PEAS ...

2009-05-25T04:45:00.000-06:00

I LOST MY FIRST TOOTH TODAY !!!

2009-05-25T04:13:00.006-06:00

Cora lost her first tooth today. I felt so proud as a mom. You are growing up so fast Cora. She has 3 more loose teeth on the bottom row.

We ended pulling the tooth out with pliers. Cora was a great sport. She was so cute in her prayers when she went to bed. She was telling Heavenly Father about what a good day she had spending it with her cousins and aunts and uncles and Mom-Mom at their church building. Then she said, but you know what the best part of today was Heavenly Father? The best part was that Mommy and Daddy were so excited about my tooth. I was happy too after it stopped bleeding and the funny feeling went away. It was a great day, but I am not sure how I am going to eat apples anymore?

I love kids prayers.

Congratulations Cora!!!

BUBBLES OF JOY

2009-05-19T02:51:00.004-06:00

What is it about these little floating spheres that bring so much joy in the eyes of little ones?

The day can be blue as every, pull out the bubbles and all of a sudden you have changed the blue world around you. Their eyes dance with excitement, and happiness. I love these little balls of magic that turn a frowning face upside down and smile that frown away!

HE-MAN

2009-04-23T01:08:00.023-06:00

Once you turn 2 in our house you are required to pull your weight around the house... :) Elijah 34 lbs... garbage 17 lbs. (mostly diapers).

Our very determined son wanted to lift what Daddy was carrying, but absolutely did not want his help. Neither of us thought he could lift it... But just look!

YEAH!!!!
Now if we can just harness this great attitude towards the every day things we do in life. You are adorable little one.

WE THE PEOPLE

2009-04-20T01:13:00.008-06:00

...
What an experience. Sharing patriotism with our children and our town.The children loved the excitement.

The Constitution is sacred to me. I feel personally that The Constitution was created by inspired men. Our Founding Fathers created on outline for our government to follow.

Over the last 17 years I have watched the country change... I even recall the day that my love for Politics died. It is so vivid in my mind. At that moment, I wondered if I had just created some Utopian ideal of the Constitution... I wondered if I lived in a made up ideal of Patriotism, a false loyalty to those who died to give us freedom from a Kingdom, freedom from oppressors, freedom to prosper, freedom to believe in a God of our choice, and a freedom to speak and let others hear our voice... etc. I remember standing in disbelief wondering about all those feelings I had instilled in my soul... a real love for those who came before me, who died, and sacrificed for a creation of a country cupped by the hand of God and forged by our Founding Fathers.

Now I realize that millions of Americans feel the same way and are taking a stand for our freedom... to follow our Constitution. I look at my children and I wonder what kind of country will be left for them? Will I have done everything in my Constitutional power to preserve it?

As our Founding Fathers wrote, "...All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

I have great desire to instill patriotism in my children and to pass on the legacy of knowing the blessings of this hallowed land. The same that I had as a child, that my parents had, and that their parents had, and so forth. I quote from the Preamble my hope; " to secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..." I want this for my children, I must give them power to know who they are, what their liberties are, and all the rights to pursue happiness.

May God watch over us... and our children.

ABBI & CHLOE

2009-04-11T02:14:00.009-06:00

Abbigaile and Chloe

2009-04-04T23:50:00.002-06:00

TRUCK... CRASH! Oh no...

2009-03-26T02:10:00.004-06:00

Elijah and Cousin Tyrus were having a great time until... Oh NO! Da Truck Crashed! Here they are contemplating how to get it out. They are so adorable. This was taken at Cora's birthday party, but not sleeping tonight gave me a chance to put it on the blog. We love you Tyrus!

FLOWER / FLOUR CHILDREN

2009-03-26T01:29:00.007-06:00

Enough said?You see, lately Isaiah has been trouble! Elijah is just so easy going he let Isaiah pour corn starch /baby powder all over him. It didn't even phase Elijah. So the camera rolls.

Now we have Isaiah again getting into Mommy's scrapbook stuff. It stinks that he is just too darn adorable to really get upset. The camera was brought out again. :)

The ghost of Elijah... Isaiah decided to get Daddy involved in his mischief!

A HORSE OF COURSE

2009-03-26T00:57:00.004-06:00

We have a wonderful friend Chris Payne who gave our kids this wonderful day! Have you ever seen a horse so calm! WOW.

CORA'S BIRTHDAY CAKE

2009-03-08T22:00:00.006-06:00

It was a fun family gathering as the cousins and other family members here in town came to have cake and ice cream for our little Cora. She was the star and enjoyed being the center of attention. Everyone sang and then she blew out her candles with one breath. Yeah Cora!

Below is a close up of the cake I made for her. I was so proud. I made the flowers out of fondant and it was the first time I had ever worked with it. So understand why I am so happy with the results. It was a last minute change when the idea of using gum drops to make the flowers didn't pan out. Using the right amount of food coloring, flavoring, and extra sugar was a skill I had to learn quickly if I didn't want to stay up ALL NIGHT! I did anyway; I was just so excited about making a cake I knew would make Cora happy.

It all paid off when the first time Cora saw the cake the look on her face was priceless. She said, "OH MY MOMMY! THAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFULEST CAKE IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! I am the LUCKIEST princess ever. THANK YOU. Thank you Mommy. You are the bestest mommy on the whole Earth, and the bestest cooker too". So, you tell me… was it worth the effort? I surely think so.

WHEN I GROW UP...

2009-03-06T01:29:00.011-07:00

There really is a difference between little boys and little girls. It is incredible to witness the innate nature that is expressed through creative play.

Isaiah wants to go to Space and fly a space shuttle. He says he wants to go to Venus and look at the Moon from there. The other night when the sun was setting, you could see the wheels turning in his head and with some thought he looked up at the night sky and pointed to Venus and said, "Mommy, is the Earth bright like Venus?"

While Isaiah dreams of being a scientist, Cora dreams of being a fairy godmother and making everyone “Happy” around her. She will be a wonderful Relief Society Sister one day. Cora has a very special care taking side and likes to comfort you and take care of your needs. She loves the idea of being able to make tears just disappear with a SWISH of her wand and a KISS on the forehead. She is a "Mommy" in a teeny-tiny body.

You know my favorite thing off all? They both want to fly... isn't that beautiful?

Imagination is magic, what a treat it is to observe.

US (eight months later)

2009-03-05T06:02:00.004-07:00

Our little princess.... Cora asked me to put makeup on her. Kids just don't understand how beautiful they are even without the glitter.

Mommy and Daddy holding their boys...

A NEW CHAPTER...

2009-03-05T04:37:00.009-07:00

And so it is... On a train ride home from New Orleans we started a new life together... a changed one, and the journey has become beautiful.

Does one ever really know how much the human spirit can overcome? We find ourselves carried into winds of destruction, caught off guard. We make choices and we react. The question that bellows within my soul asks meekly, “How do we overcome?" The answer is that we do; as overpowering and fearsome the tempest, it is what it is... We Do Overcome. And if we allow it we become filled with grace, love, and humility.

This life is a gift, a beautiful precious gift.

2009-03-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

WE'RE BACK!!!

Too many hot days makes an imagination spark!

2008-06-25T03:49:00.012-06:00

It all started with a little mischievous thought coming from the mind of an imaginative girl.

The pictures tell it all... no words needed:

My Turn...

2008-06-24T03:37:00.005-06:00

Well... it is only fair to give Elijah his place of honor too. Here he is at the children's hospital. We have waited months to get him in to one of the pediatric neurologist. Ever since he could lift his head he would have times when he would just scream, and take his hand to his head and hit it, rub it, or pull on his hair or ears. Once he could sit up he would all of a sudden just scream horrible painful scream, then roll around and try banging his head. He is completely happy and normal like any other kid his age accept when this happens. As a parent you can tell he is in so much pain, that what ever is going on really hurts him. His cry is not whiney more like an instant surge of pain. It will go on for until he falls asleep from exhaustion. If we give him ibuprofen or Tylenol he will calm down in about 45 mins. We kept telling our pediatrician and I suppose they hear all sorts of things... but I felt like she shrugged it off and said well if he is still having these at 18 months I will make an appointment for you to see the Neurologist.. I brought it up again at the next appointment and she still wanted to wait. Well that was it, I wanted a second opinion - I mean our little boy is obviously in pain when this happens - and anyone that has witnessed it agrees he is in agony.

Jason and I took turns recording the episodes onto our video camera. We made an appointment with another pediatrician showed him the video and he was shocked. He immediately made us an appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist at the children's hospital.

We were told that infants can have migraines - so that is one possibility. It has also been discussed by our new pediatrician and suggested by both my Dr. Brother and my Dr. Brother in-law that he could have a form of Hydrocephalus - (his head tends to swell ). He has a pretty big head, but at the same time he is also placed in the 99th percentile for height, and 70th percentile for weight.

I guess we will wait and see what the MRI says.

Our appointment to see the DR isn't until August. And believe me that was a favor to our pediatrician. The wait time to see one of the 14 staffed pediatric neurologists is over a year! So we feel pretty lucky.

We are not worried, we just want to help our little boy and find out what is causing these episodes of obvious excruciating pain. We are SO blessed to have the miracle of modern medicine.

So here is our first part of Testing... Our little boy, cute as a button.

Here he is coming out of sedation. He kept babbling pleeeeeze, pleeeeze....

He is so fun, this little one. I love that we have had a baby that loves to be babied. He won over every nurse and care giver. He is just so fun, he loves to laugh and be silly. He is always doing something, starts to laugh, and then says, "I'm Funny!" He is a giggler. The nursing staff was so impressed with his manners. He loves to say; please, thank you, no thank you, your welcome, and bless you if you cough or sneeze. So CUTE! We laugh because his first word was TANK OOO. Some children are just more polite then others. He is our polite child. We love you little squooshy! Thank you for being so much fun!

Why you never stick anything up your nose!

2008-06-19T03:54:00.006-06:00

Have you ever wondered what happens when your child doesn't fall asleep for nap time and finds a necklace in her bed? Boredom spells TROUBLE!

So... Here I am talking to my dear friend Mandy on the phone, all the kids are down for naps, its calm and quiet. Creeeek my door opens and here is my daughter with a bloody nose. She hands me some Q-tips and TP and says "Mom I can't get them out. I said, What can't you get out? "Beads Mom... Lots of beads!" So I try to have her blow her nose... some beads come out. I look... but I can still see a bunch in each nostril, and in her ears too.

I'm thinking... Is this normal? Well my mom assures me it is, she had a few of her kids do this at ages 3-5. I was kind of laughing, I know that is horrible.

Well, I knew we had to go to the ER. So we went to the Children's Hospital. Thank goodness for hospitals that cater to children. The staff there laughed too... and assured me that Cora was not the first child's nose they had to excavate that day. The nurse said they have about 10-15 cases a day of kids sticking things up their nose or in their ears. Maybe this is just Texas kids, but I was relieved.

I think I can almost guarantee that Cora won't do this again. Believe me it was pretty traumatic for her to have the doctors stick a catheter up her nostrils and then balloon them with saline. She said "Mom, I don't EVER want to put anything up my nose again... That really REALLY hurt."

Now we just have to wait and see if she is okay. The DR said in a week or two if any were lodged into her sinuses it will fester and she will end up with and infection. If this is the case, then she will need surgery. Let's hope they are all gone!

BEADS!!! Who knew they could cause so much drama?

The following pictures are for you to share with any little kids who want to know why you shouldn't put things up your nose! The consequences really hurt!

Waiting for the procedure...

Listening to the Doctors try and explain what they are going to do... Fear sets in.
Still calm and trusting the doctors....
Screaming, telling the doctors to take it out. This was so hard to watch.

After the trauma I just held her and calmed her down.

Calm and starting to feel safe again.

Our Cora is back... happy again, and saying No MORE BEADS Mommy!

Two peas...

2008-06-16T04:04:00.007-06:00

Mom-Mom and Cora… What a precious picture, a forever memory. This is the extraordinary woman that we named our little girl after, my mother.

Jason and I feel that a name is something that should have legacy, honor, and character. Each one of our children’s names was prayerfully chosen. My mothers name was always beautiful to me because she is my heart, my best friend, my tutor, and my hero. I love her so dearly. Our little girl has a lot to live up to, to honor this great woman, her name, her legacy, and most of all for our little girl to become an outstanding woman herself. Our little Cora Elizabeth and our precious mother/grandmother Cora-Beth whose name literally means “filled heart consecrated to God”. To know my mother is to know that she honors the very meaning of her name, she IS her name.

Cora – Greek – Filled heart

Elizabeth/Beth – Hebrew – Consecrated to God

Learning to be self-sufficient

2008-06-10T00:02:00.006-06:00

Elijah has learned to climb up the slide by himself and then turn around and slide down. He is so happy about his new found independence. When we put in the slide, we chose one that bent on the sides and acted like a railing/handle so our kids could climb up or slide down the slide. It is so fun to see the minds work when children discover self play. Our little boy who has not wanted to stop being the baby is inching his way to becoming the toddler that he is. It is a sad and happy day... our baby is not a baby anymore.

SPLISHIN AND A SPLASHIN

2008-06-08T22:44:00.004-06:00

They was a splishin and a splashin!

What little water babies we have.

Isaiah 2 and so independent! He loves to jump off the side of the walls and make big splashes. I am sure with him swimming all the time this summer, that he will be swimming without any float-aids in no time flat.

Elijah 1 is happy just putting his feet in and making splashes that way. All three kids really enjoy it and Mom and Dad too!

Thanks to Paw Paw and Mi Mi Dombeck, our kids should have gills by the end of the summer! What wonderful neighbors to give us a key to their pool. Thanks Leonard and Eileen for an open invite - you are sweet to love our kids so much. We are sure grateful you are just next door!

MEMORIES PAST... TAKE I

2008-05-31T03:46:00.004-06:00

Jason and I have discussed that it would be fun to pass on some of our past memories... So we will be adding memories on here as we find old pictures.

Memories Past Take I

Ahhhh... Are they not the cutest little critters? Elijah was just 5 weeks old when we decided it was time for an adventure. So we went to the Fort Worth Zoo. It was a perfect day we only saw 5 other family/visitors that day. It was as if we had rented out the zoo for just our family. (secret: Go on a Fall weekday before lunch!). We can still fit all three in this wagon, and we ALWAYS take it with us to the zoo. They've grown so much, I look at this picture and I think the old cliche, "They really do grow up fast." Elijah 1 month, Isaiah 13 months, Cora 2. So little and pudgy - they were all still babies. :( I miss that!

Remembering Poppy

2008-05-27T01:00:00.007-06:00

MEMORIAL DAY

Jason knelt down with the kids at the cemetery today and talked to them about death. He talked about Poppy (My Dad). The children were very interested in learning that Poppy's body was underground, but that his spirit was with the Lord in the Heavens. Cora wanted to know if the dirt was Poppy's home? Isaiah said no silly he lives with Jesus. He is not under the dirt because I see him. Then Isaiah jumped on the headstone, raising one hand in the air and the other on his hip and said with a loud voice said, "Poppy is SUPER READER" !

Jason smiled because Dad was literally a super reader. Super Reader also known as Super Why? is Isaiah's favorite super hero. While other kids like spiderman, superman, or what ever is popular at the moment, Isaiah likes Super Reader because he has the power to READ!

We gave Isaiah the name Isaiah to honor my father - he was Dad's favorite biblical prophet. Isaiah was a great prophet who many had/have difficulty understanding due to his extensive use of symbolism, prophetic foresight, literary style, and vocabulary.

So what is in a name? Well anyone who has met our son Isaiah will see that he takes his name to heart. Is it any wonder that Super Reader with the Power to READ is his favorite worldly hero?

We read in the Bible Dictionary in reference to Isaiah, "The reader today has no greater written commentary and guide to understanding Isaiah than the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. As one reads and understands these works better he will understand Isaiah better, and as one understands Isaiah better, he more fully comprehends the mission of the Savior, and the meaning of the covenant that was placed upon Abraham and his seed by which all the families of the earth would be blessed."

So a thank you today Dad, on this day of remembrance... You have passed on a love of words and wisdom to our son and an ability to understand and to always question the Why and How. We love and miss you!

A visit from the Greats...

2008-05-23T02:50:00.019-06:00

Family Tree

Great Uncle Lewis with his Great Niece Cora, Great Aunt Marion with her Great Nephew Isaiah, and Great Uncle Jay with his Great Nephew Elijah.

What a remarkable heritage and legacy our family has. My mothers 2 brothers and 1 sister came to visit Mom for a very short weekend to visit her in her long recovery. They showed so much love by making sure we had some special one-on-one time. Aunt Marion flew in from Los Alamos, Uncle Lewis drove down from OKC, and Uncle Jay drove up from San Antonio. They made a special endeavor to spend some time with their great niece and great nephews - of course Jason and I enjoyed their companionship as well.

Family is undoubtedly a magnificent gift. Through heartache and joy we grow in the midst of the familial adventure. It is through love and quiet forgiveness we achieve enormous wisdom and see the value of these souls. A legacy of so many generations tying us forever as a line of Royal Worth... Being enlightened of the tie we share is an awakening that I want to bestow to the generations to come; to love your heritage, to honor it with a respect unspoken. For me, I want my own children to know and admire these great men and women that came before us and learn to also honor such a wonderful legacy.

WE LOVE YOU!

Last day of school...

2008-05-23T00:05:00.015-06:00

PARTY TIME !

Well Kimberly helped organize this great party for some of the kids at school. GREAT CHOICE! For $6 a kid (younger siblings were invited too) we went to JUMP EXTREME with 2 other classes from School. Pre-School, Pre-K, and Kindergartner classes. A super fun indoor play center for kids of all ages right here in town. It has about a dozen or so enormous jump houses/gyms. They are all different, and kids and adults love it. Most take a little skill to climb, but there are a couple of easier ones for 1, 2, and 3 year olds. Cora, Isaiah, and Elijah had a blast as well as Hyrum, Mathias, Tyrus, and Lucy too. It is fun that Hyrum and Mathias and Lucy all go to the same school as Cora. Hyrum is in Kindergarten while the other 3 are in Pre-School. What a super fun day.

Thanks so much to Hyrum who made Cora's time a blast at Jump Extreme. She loved having her BIG Kindergartner Cousin make sure SHE was able to climb all the ''Big Kid jump houses. She has talked and talked about it, "Hyrum this, and Hyrum that...." She even thanked Heavenly Father that night in her personal prayers for cousins like Hyrum. She said he was COOL! and that he was her best friend today. WAY TO GO Hyrum thanks so much for helping her and making her feel so special. You are loved and appreciated!

A stop off the highway...

2008-05-15T00:24:00.008-06:00

Our babies asked us to stop and feed the horses. It was fun, but as soon as we pulled over and started to feed the horses, two other cars with kids in them randomly pulled over and wanted to feed the horses too. Three different families - none of us familiar with the other but we were doing something fun and they wanted to participate too. It was a fun Saturday activity. Only in The South!

2008-05-13T22:29:00.002-06:00

Does anyone else smell that?

ZOOOOOO Much FUN!

2008-05-05T05:03:00.007-06:00

We always enjoy a day out adventuring and learning together. We had so much fun at the zoo.

For some reason today Isaiah was totally into birds! It started with the Ostriches. Although you can’t see them in this picture, he was telling anyone that would listen all about the ostriches. The zebra’s and giraffes are a usual favorite, but today he looked right past them and was absolutely fascinated with the big birds. They too were fascinated with the kids and kept running all over the place truly putting on a show for us.

Here Birdie Birdie!

The bird pavilion is our favorite because it is so interactive. We all get the chance to feed the parakeets and the cockatoos. There are hundreds of these little birds. The children enjoy the birds little feet landing on their hands. It is amazing how soft and ticklish if feels to have their little claws wrap around your fingers. What a fun adventure…

Elijah was even enjoying these fluttering creatures. This changed once he decided he was going to grab the little birdies face. The bird opened its beak and pinch! After that Elijah just wanted to watch and not touch. Poor guy.

Blue Bonnet Babies

2008-04-26T00:43:00.013-06:00

Our Blue Bonnet Babies... What little cuties! We tried to get some pictures with them all together, but that was like pulling teeth. The best pictures were of them individually. This was the beginning of a fun day.

At the Lake House

2008-04-25T01:46:00.016-06:00

Cora found a new love... Doesn't she look like a little old pro? Actually, after watching her try and drive the little Jeep, I have decided it is a good thing that a right to drive is years away! Her cousin David is an amazing driver however. He is her same age but his eye, hand... well, driving coordination is awesome! WOW! We were all impressed. He was so cute trying to give Cora tips, but most of all just being patient with her, he just made it enjoyable. What a great kid... He is a great person to have your kids around... He knows how to share REALLY well. Cora was in heaven, and we were so happy at how well they played together. David doesn't live here, and when they come into town it seems like we get only a moment with them. We miss them and were so happy that we had such a great afternoon with David and Max.

What a beautiful moment... Love and happiness all combined into one.

Little Max was following his brother and Cora... I thought it was a great shot, tramping through the jungle...

For some reason, Isaiah was really clingy this day. He just wanted to watch from a far. He is a cautious child, and his mind is always thinking. I always enjoy his clingy days... I love to snuggle with him. He will come in and say, "Cuddle me Mommy".

Elijah was watching the 3 older kids feed the duck... He decided that he needed some of that food. Here he is steeling the duck food. Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks.

I know it is impossible to see, but there was a momma and 7 ducklings swimming by. The kids were so excited. Even Isaiah wanted part of the action.

Still looking at the little ducks... The kids loved an excuse to climb on the pilings.

These two were like busy bees, they were at one side of the property, and then next thing you knew they were all the way across the way. It was fun to watch their energy and excitement.

I just liked these pictures... Something about them just remind me of childhood days of innocence.

Max... Elijah and Max are pretty close in age... They are both just so cute and stocky... I love holding them and feeling their squishy legs and cheeks. Thanks for spending time with us... We sure love you and miss you!

She is One in a Million

2008-04-25T01:00:00.003-06:00

(Some of the discription of the events have been taken from my sister-in-law Kimberly... as well as the picture - thanks!)

On Monday two weeks ago we almost lost my Mom … Mom-mom. She suffered from an aortic dissection. Luckily she was waiting for a family member at the surgery center. A nurse noticed she was having trouble and called Shauna to take her home. Shauna took her to JP to have him evaluate her symptoms. He took her to the ER and through some major blessings, the right doctors happened to be involved in diagnosing her situation. They life flighted her to a cardiac center in Fort Worth. Before leaving, JP gave her blessing and she was told she would live to see another day. Before going into surgery, JP gave her another blessing and this time he was inspired to tell her that her mission was not yet accomplished and she would be healed. As a Doctor himself this was a real test of faith because of the very small margin of survival. The Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgeon said this surgery is the most difficult and riskiest that he performs. It is more difficult than heart and lung transplants. Dave my brother-in-law drew me a diagram of the surgery so that I could have a visual understanding of exactly what happened, and what they were going to do to try and save my mom. I have since researched this myself on the Web and have discovered that Mom is a one in a million survivor. I read information from The Cleveland Clinic, The Mayo Clinic, The American Heart Assoc., and The National Institute of Health. In review, 24 per million in the USA get this a year, and less the 1 survive. The hospital said they see about 3-4 a year in the region. Mom had all odds against her, and she lives. She truly is a miracle.

The other thing we have been told is that this is a dominate trait passed on through our genes. This is not something that any of us knew before. Even with all the doctors in the family. This surgeon wanted us to all be aware of this dominate trait. He explained that each child has a 50/50 chance of carrying the gene and having this occur. My mothers father died from this, but no one knew it was because of a genetic problem, we always thought it was a complication from an accident that he had.

After Mom went into surgery, 6 of the 7 children and spouses were there together for the long 7 hour wait. Howard arrived by plane the next morning--as quickly as could be arranged. The surgery went as perfectly as could be imagined. She was on bypass for 3 hours and then circulatory arrest for 19 minutes. They had to cool her body, blood, and brain to 18 degrees before they could put her into circulatory arrest. The surgeon said it was a perfect surgery. He said my mother was in great shape and that helped her surgery run perfectly. Around midnight she came out of surgery and we were able to go in and see her an hour later.

It was nice to sit with all the siblings (in-laws included). We talked a lot, shared stories, smiled. I sat there looking at this marvelous family. So accomplished, so in unison, and so loving. Each child biological or not are part of the oneness we have. What a legacy, a miraculous family, with miraculous events… I know of no other family that causes me such pause, a wonder of awe. The friendship among us is a gift that few in the world ever get to experience. I looked at each one and thought it is so pure and glorious, the legacy of Mom and Dad… But Mom… I am so thankful you are still here to be a mother and a grandmother; there is nothing more beautiful to me than you.

Dragon Slayers...

2008-04-04T04:39:00.003-06:00

Our little bugs were climbing the walls literally. As I stood below them to catch them if they fell, Daddy said, "turn around Mommy, every one smile." Click! A perfect shot. It was fun to watch the kids imagine they were climbing a castle wall trying to capture a dragon (lizard). Children in their unique admiring way make you pause and remember to explore and dream…

SAY CHEESE!!!!

2008-04-04T04:25:00.004-06:00

Cora finds the camera a facinating object. Here are her first photos without any help from Mom or Dad! You have a real talent sweetie!
Self Portrait
Mommy Daddy

2008-04-04T03:14:00.004-06:00

Can you fly? We can! just look at Jason, Isaiah, and Cora!

2008-04-03T04:22:00.006-06:00

This is such a fun age... Elijah's eyes are always wide open, seeking, focusing, and trying to understand and say new words and meanings. He loves to repeat what you say. But he loves the word noooooo (see the video in the at the end of the Easter section, titled "NO"). He says it in such a cute way you just want to gobble him up. This little boy wants to be held 24/7. I don't see him growing out of the baby stage any time soon. He wants to be the youngest, "Hold jyooo" he loves to say. One of his favorite words is "essss" for yes. When ever he says no, and we want him to say Yes, we look at him and say, "Say Yes"... "ESSSSS", he says and then giggles. Ah... don't you just want to pinch his cheeks? He thinks it is so funny when you play with his cheeks. He is all about attention! Except for when he's not. OH BOY, he will throw his whole body away from you, and who ever is holding him must hold on to him for dear life, or he will pop right out of your arms and get hurt. - He loves to throw his food as soon as he is finished eating. All of a sudden wham! There goes the rest of dinner and out comes the cleaning supplies. Thank goodness for tile floors! The joys we all go through as parents. But don't we just love them anyway?! I feel really blessed that he has been our only food thrower - neither of the other two ever threw their food. They just said all done, or would shake their head and hold their lips tight together. So to experience true parenthood... we have our Elijah. Cute and messy!

Bekah Boo this one is for you!

2008-04-02T05:15:00.003-06:00

Cousins... The smiles never end. Bekah loves to come over and be a buddy to our little ones. WE LOVE IT! She makes them feel so special. Thanks Bekah!

Ready, Set, GO!

2008-04-02T01:27:00.010-06:00

Slip sliding away!!! We have four awesome slides in our back yard, this week Isaiah has fallen in love with the yellow two story tube slide. Our little Isaiah has "No Fear". It is kind of funny that our "cautious" child has found a little dare-devil inside. He runs and dives or jumps right into the center of the slide and laughs the whole way down, crash, bang, smash... And he loves it! What a cute kid!

Easter Sunday...

2008-03-25T05:46:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful day as a family. Easter Service was beautiful, followed by a wonderful meal. The kids enjoyed the day and even managed to let us capture a few wonderful moments on camera. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all see life through the eyes of children?

Nope they are not twins just brothers.

Hunting for Eggs

2008-03-25T02:26:00.011-06:00

What a fun day we had, a hunt for candy and prizes. Our little ones really got into the Annual Easter Egg Hunt this year. It was our 4th time hosting the fun. We all had a blast. About 50 kids and 20 some odd adults showed up this year. It was a morning of fun with family and friends. Can't wait until next year!!!!!!!! I think the Easter Bunny is going to come and take pictures with the kids. Just a Rumor, but I think it's true!

Elijah loved the eggs. He didn't care if they were filled or not, he just had fun playing, tossing, and throwing the eggs. This was his heaven.

Isaiah liked all the eggs he found especially the ones with cars in them. However, once he found the perfect piece of candy he stopped looking for any more eggs. He was Happy! He sat right down and ate it all up.

Cora's bag was so full she emptied it and went back to hunting. She took this activity very seriously.

The family that was in town came and enjoyed the festivities. We had a picnic with everyone. Our neighbor cooked the hotdogs up (110 of them), and everyone got their fill.

It was fun to see

Chalet having so much fun with her little cousins. She just looked like a natural mommy taking care of their needs. I loved seeing this side of her.

Jessica and Cora bonded and they enjoyed hunting in a pack for the eggs. Cora found the lower eggs, and Sarah found the ones up high. They were a great little team.

Shauna was of course the Wonderful Aunt as always. She was "Cora's Adult", while Mommy took care of Isaiah, and Daddy took care of Elijah. She also went around making sure everyone was happy. Elijah liked her best because she kept giving him water from a glass.

Thanks to all who helped. It was fun as Always! See you all next year, right?

NO.

2008-03-25T02:13:00.004-06:00

an afternoon of play

2008-03-22T02:41:00.012-06:00

It was a fun day when the big cousins stopped by just to play with the little kids. The kids were so excited they came to play with them. What a fun surprise! They took them out to the Playground their family gave us for Christmas. Eden, Isaiah, Sarah, and Cora took a moment to all look up and say cheese while swinging.
Sarah and Cora got down and dirty in the sandbox, while Carol pushed Elijah in his car swing. Elijah has developed a jealousy for his swing. Only HE can use it. It is a bit funny to watch, yet cute.
Eden and Isaiah Played on the play ground, climbing and sliding. Later Carol pushed the boys on the swings. Elijah has just found the word, "WEEEEEEEEEEE". It is tickling to the soul to hear him get so excited that he wants to share it with everyone by yelling happy shrills. Isaiah on the other hand has become attached to his rocket PJ top. He absolutely would not take it off when we went to dress him. So he ran around all day in his PJ top, and then would say to anyone who would listen, "What does a rocket boy say?" Then he would laugh and sing Elton John's, "Rocket Man, I think your going to be gone a long long time." It really cracks us up. Jason taught him the song when he asked him what a rocket boy says. Kids, they bring such happy delight.
They all enjoyed the afternoon. Loves, hugs, and FUN. Thanks Eden, Sarah, and Carol. We love you!

Beauty Shop

2008-03-21T02:03:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned a few days ago, Cora is really into hair, dress-up, make-up, and nail polish. OH BOY is what you said right? If not, let me say it, "OH BOY!" Actually, she is adorable. As you can see. So next time you visit it might be you in that chair.

SQUEEZE ME

2008-03-19T04:37:00.005-06:00

Our Little "Bug" had so much fun this last week when Cora Elizabeth opened her presents for her birthday. Something about tissue paper and gift wrap made Elijah so excited. He loved the sounds and feel of the paper. It has been such a joy to have Elijah in our life. He demands a lot of attention, always wants to be held, and loves to cuddle. Elijah is a very big child... :) You feel like you are picking up a small boulder because he is so solid. He is in the 99th percentile for his height and about the 70th for weight. It would really surprise me if he didn't end up being at least 6'6" when he grows to manhood. Don't you just want to squeeze him?

Daddy, decided to take a picture of the two of them. Elijah wasn't quite sure why Daddy was holding the camera out so far away from him??? I just want to know why Daddy wasn't looking at the camera since he was the one taking the shot? Funny Daddy, you are supposed to say cheese! (that is what Cora said).
Elijah was enjoying playing tag with his siblings. But when he had had enough he ran over to Mommy for safety. I just love it when the kids run to me. It just lights up your soul.

Buttons and Bows

2008-03-17T03:25:00.002-06:00

As you can see right now Cora is really into hair and will make you pretty too if you will let her. As for Isaiah, he is a willing party. Cora likes to make him, "beautiful just like her". She sure is lucky she has a bother that is willing to do anything to play with his sister. I don't know... He can almost pull it off. What do you think?

Sorry in advance to Grandpa Landstrom. Don't worry Isaiah really is all boy... loves trucks, trains, planes, and crashing cars. He just enjoys a slick hairdo now and then.

SHE'S FOUR!!!

2008-03-11T01:56:00.001-06:00

Our baby girl is growing up...

Happy 4th Birthday Cora!

It is hard for us to imagine this little spitfire of energy has blossomed into an amazing, sweet, and gentle protective older sister. Trying so hard to choose the right, and be obedient to her parents.

This year has been such an amazing year of growth for Cora and her parents too. This was our first year as parents to experience age 3. WOW! No one told us that 3 means independence and unleashed emotion. So for all you parents out there... That is what 3 means, at least for girls. I will tell you in a year what 3 year old boys are like :) .

This little girl ushered into her 3's with a wildfire and sometimes out of control spirit and has come into her 4's as a tender spirited lamb trying hard to be aware of other and their feelings. She wants so much to please Mom and Dad... and worries about Elijah when he cries, running to his aid saying, "Poor little fella, what is wrong? I will hold you." She also finds joy each morning after she comes into greet mom and dad, she retreats to the boys room and climbs into Elijah's crib to give him a hug and a kiss and says, "Good morning you silly boy." She then coaxes Isaiah to join them. Soon we hear laughing and sweet giggles, followed by six little feet all jumping on the bed (crib).

Cora makes a wonderful sister and friend. At least once a day we hear Isaiah and Cora lying on their backs with their heads side-by-side saying to each other, "You’re my best friend". So for all the competition, cries, and screams... There is even more sharing, laughing, and squeals of joy.

A fun story that quickly prepared us for the rush into the 3's was when I woke up to a strange smell. Worried that it was a toxic smell I arose with lightning speed to search out the culprit of the stench. When I opened the bedroom door I saw a naked hot pink and brown child sitting up on the counter... Our Cora had put in a DVD, grabbed some snacks, climbed up on the counter, put down some paper towel to sit on so her bottom would not get cold - then proceeded to open some nail polish she had confiscated earlier. She painted her hair, her face, her lips and teeth, her tummy, her legs and arms, the sink, and the counter, and cabinets - but remarkably never painted her nails. She was in heaven spending her night at her own makeshift Spa! When approached by mommy, she said, "Hi Mommy, I took my clothes off so they wouldn't get dirty... aren't you happy!" She was sooooo proud.

There has been so much joy this year. Watching our little girl growing up. She is such a different child then the one we first adopted. She has really blossomed into a beautiful child. It is amazing what love does for us in this world. She has been a blessing beyond words. I cannot imagine life without her. What a joy comes from these little spirits we are allowed to raise by the grace of God. To protect, love, and teach. We must never take our eyes off these little ones – they are precious beyond our understanding.

Cora, you are a gift from God and WE LOVE YOU!!! Happy Birthday.

1. The day our family was sealed. She looked so beautiful and innocent... an angel.
2. Happy at sea...
3. Creative Play of sandy castles and kingdoms
4. Stinky! Our little skunk - wished Halloween was every day!
5. Palo Duro Canyon - Standing at the top.

Texas Snow?

2008-03-10T02:43:00.000-06:00

SNOW BABY A winter wonderland... Isaiah looks over his vast kingdom

Eating snow makes Cora Happy

WHAT? Is it true? 6 inches in 3 hours? Global Warming? Not here!!!!!!!!!!!
With the snow already starting to melt, we grabbed our ski clothes from the attic and got outside as soon as was physically possible (kids naps had to happen 1st of course).

As we started to play and build the first part of our snowman, we looked down the street and saw the neighbors with the same plan. As we waived to our neighbor Steve did not like the idea that our snowman base was 3 times the size of his base. So he decided that if he couldn't beat us, that his family would join us. Jason and Steve put Steve’s families snowman in a wagon and brought it over to our yard. They added the two pieces to our base and ended up with a 6 ft tall snow man. It was a blast. The kids were enjoying it completely, but I think the Dad's enjoyed it the most!

Awe the path to the snowmans life...

1 - 2 - 3

Smoothing out the edges

Cora showing off her snowball

And Mom got to decorate the Daddy and Child

2008-02-22T03:46:00.000-07:00

FUN IN THE SNOW

At -20° who in their right mind would take their family swimming? We did! The warm hot springs of Pagosa Springs… It was so fun, beautiful, and COLD! The springs were wonderful and relaxing. But once you got out of the water your body instantly started to shiver. Dad was in heaven with the three kids!

This is just two of the multiple erupting hot springs that feed the several dozen hot springs. It was so fun being right there among these little volcanic like crustaceans as they bring hot water from the deep earth below. The children were amazed and found it a fascinating learning experience.

A DAY OF SNOW PLAY

The snow was incredible truly awe inspiring. We had so much fun playing in the snow. Elijah preferred to stay in the warm car while we went sledding down a little hill right off an old country highway. Cora and Isaiah had so much fun; the snow was so deep that they sunk up to their heads. After grooming the snow we went sledding.

Mommy in her goofy hat (BUT WARM) and Cora flashing the giggly grin, had fun sliding down the mounds of snow.
The three snow bunnies: Elijah, Cora, and Isaiah. The mountains were breathtaking.

After hard play, Cora takes a rest... Our snow angel. She was so sweet on this day.
Oh, to be a kid again...

The Alpha

2007-11-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

One who gently touched my face has captured my heart...

Forever I have dreamed of one whose soul would embrace mine with a simple glance. With his eyes piercing mine we communicate without a single word. Somehow he cupped his love and poured it into my soul. Filling me, making my heart feel whole. I felt a love that I had never known before... I have always known how to love another; I have even felt my own heart rip because my love could not fit inside my tiny heart. But for the first time I have felt another love me the way I have learned to love.

He put his hand gently on my cheek lifting my chin and with an ever so tender manner he placed his lips on mine and kissed me with a kiss that caused my world to change forever. For my heart quivered and a perfect tear fell from mine eye. I dreamed a dream once and it came true...

After a long night of hiking the Olympic Mountain Range look what we found! We did a 7 mile hike in search of a great waterfall, and to our surprise a road - at the top of the mountain! It lead us to an old abandond hot spring "spa" that the USFS shut down. We made a night of it and soaked away. A nice warm bath to get us ready for our 7 mile hike back. We didn't see a single soul the entire hike. It was wonderful just the two of us.