Goodbye, Perfect Teeth

My once perfect, healthy, cavity-free teeth have succumbed to the inevitable: tooth decay. I suspected that this day would come sooner or later, and it has. The dentist's theory is that I produced too much acid in my mouth during my pregnancy and it ate away at the enamel on my back left molar. So this morning I'm getting my very first cavity filled. Such a bummer! Still, I am grateful that it is just one cavity and that I didn't develop any more.

A Whole New School Year

Today was the first day of school for Scott and Emma. Brad and I decided to walk them to school and meet their teachers. We drove halfway there and then walked the rest of the way. Emma picked a small sunflower in a nearby field and gave it to me. It's hard to believe that summer is over and a whole new year has begun. I know the kids will have a wonderful year. They always do so well in school.

Playtime on Mama's Bed

I believe some of the sweetest moments in life are unplanned, unstaged, and often not recognized until the moment has passed.

This morning I had the greatest time watching Scott and Emma play with little Lizzy on my bed. It was one of those sweet little moments that could easily be forgotten or taken for granted. I am grateful for digital cameras!

2-Month-Old Cuteness

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Little Lizzy turned 2 months old on Sunday. She's a pretty and happy little girl!

Sweet Little Twinkle-- Smiling and Playing

Oregon Family Camp 2009

David and Susanne Whitcomb's grandchildren (and great-granddaughter).

Every year my extended family on my dad's side try to get together for what we call "Family Camp." This year my aunt Cindy hosted Camp indoors at her large house in Wilsonville, Oregon. All 20 of us made it to family camp, although some of us had to leave early. This was the first year Scott and Emma came with Brad and I, and it was Lizzy's first time, too, of course. I am the eldest grandchild on my dad's side, and the first one married with kids, so Scott, Emma, and Lizzy received a lot of attention and were the highlight of Family Camp this year. We did a lot of fun things together, like hiking at Tyron Creek Park, going to the Lego Store in Portland, buying books at the famous Powell's bookstore, spending a day at Cannon Beach, playing dominos, putting together puzzles, eating good food, ringing handbells, walking the dogs, singing together, opening presents, taking pictures--- it was all fun!

Lizzy spent most of the time with Granny Gladys.

We went hiking at Tyron Creek Park with Susie, Rachel, and Craig.

Shopping day! Scott loved the Lego store.

We found Aunt Laurie's novel "The Fetch" at Powell's Bookstore.

Scott's and Emma's first time at Cannon Beach.

Time for some action shots! JUMP!

We dressed up Little Lizzy in her pretty white bonnet for our walk in the countryside.

The kids loved the aunts' dogs!

The kids had a wonderful time! They've already asked if we can go back again next year.

The Highlight of My Day: July 2009

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in July:

July 1, 2009: I love having Susie here. Today she took a long bike ride toward the Wasatch Mountains and got caught in a huge rain storm. She made it home safely and still managed to have a wonderful time.

July 2, 2009: My mother, father, youngest sister, and brother-in-law all flew in from Long Beach today. I am extremely happy to have them here.

July 3, 2009: Today we all went to Wheeler Farm. It was very nice being all together and walking around the farm. My mother had fun pushing Lizzy in the stroller.

July 4, 2009: We had a fabulous 4th of July! We started off the morning having breakfast at the Stake Center and playing games. In the evening we played crochet and did fireworks.

July 5, 2009: Today was Lizzy's baby blessing. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her beautiful white lace dress. I love her so much!

July 6, 2009: We went to Leatherby's tonight with Susie. It was her first time going, and I think she was quite impressed with the size of ice creams we got. Yum yum!

July 7, 2009: Tonight the three youngest North cousins came over for a sleepover with Emma. It's cute having a houseful of little girls.

July 8, 2009: It was nice having the one-on-one time with Brad tonight, although our little Twinkle kept demanding some attention as well.

July 9, 2009: Brad and I took one-month-old Lizzy to Walmart tonight to pick up her thrush medication and to stop by the Photo Center. I made birth announcements today.

July 10, 2009: Spent quite a few hours today watching Gilmore Girls with a sleeping baby on my chest. She's such a sweetheart. I love my baby.

July 11, 2009: Lizzy gave me a huge smile today, and kept on doing it over and over. It was so cute! Also, Uncle Bob and Aunt Nadine stopped by our house tonight. They brought a cute little gift for Lizzy. It was nice seeing them, even though our visit was brief.

July 12, 2009: Brad and I watched the movie "David Copperfield," starring Daniel Radcliffe, and loved it once again. Charles Dickens is a genius!

July 13, 2009: I woke up this morning feeling nauseous and achy. By mid afternoon I had developed a fever. Tonight Brad and his dad gave me a priesthood blessing. About one hour after the blessing my fever broke and I began feeling much better. I am grateful to be married to a righteous priesthood holder!

July 14, 2009: Got some good classics from the library tonight. I love "It Happened One Night," starring Clark Gable. Great movie!

July 15, 2009: My first time going out to eat with Margaret and Amanda since I had my baby. Amanda got to see Lizzy for the first time. Charlotte and Aksel love their new cousin.

July 16, 2009: Lizzy slept through the night for the first time last night! 7 hours of continuous sleep... LOVELY!

July 17, 2009: Brad and I went on a late night slurpee run at 7 Eleven. It was nice having a little bit of spontaneous fun to break the eat, sleep, poop baby schedule.

July 18, 2009: Brad and I went on a date to see the newest Harry Potter movie: "The Half Blood Prince." Marilyn watched the baby for us.

July 19, 2009: It was nice spending the day with Scott and Emma. They are wonderful kids and a joy to be around. I love spending time with them!

July 20, 2009: I'm all healed up from the pregnancy and delivery! I went to see my doctor today for my 6 week postpartum appointment and he says I'm all well. I brought Lizzy with me and got to show her off, too.

July 21, 2009: Lizzy turned 6 weeks old today. She recognizes me when I talk to her or touch her. Sometimes all I have to do is brush my check against hers to calm her down. Lots of smiles from her.

July 22, 2009: We had FHE tonight (on Wednesday), since Scott and Emma are home. We talked about who the kids will be when they're 35. It was a really good discussion. Brad always knows the right things to say.

July 23, 2009: We went to Liberty Park with Aunt Loralee and the cousins. The kids loved playing in the water. It was fun, and HOT!

July 24, 2009: Brad and I celebrated Pioneer Day by getting together with family at the Harmans' house. We went swimming and had a BBQ.

July 25, 2009: Uncle Jerry, Craig, and Erin North came over to visit us tonight. We had a BBQ and played crochet. 'Twas nice.

July 26, 2009: Brother and Sister Rasmussen came over tonight and dropped off some very cute outfits for Lizzy. It was fun visiting with them.

July 27, 2009: Scott and Emma came home today and did chores and helped take care of Charlotte and Aksel. It was fun having a houseful of children.

July 28, 2009: Got two free cans of formula in the mail today. It was nice!

July 29, 2009: Brad and I had root beer floats tonight after packing a little for our trip tomorrow. We also had fun burning CDs onto our computer and then setting them up on Brad's new Ipod.

July 30, 2009: Today we left for our family vacation in Oregon. We stopped in Boise Idaho to sleep overnight. Lizzy does so well in the car!

July 31, 2009: We arrived in Wilsonville, Oregon today! It's great being together with the Whitcomb side of my family. Craig, Rachel, and Susie showed up today, too. I love being here!