smartphone, iphone, blackberry

I like to keep things simple. I like to keep things affordable. That is why it has been hard for me to give into the age of iphones. I don't know how to text because I would way rather talk to someone or send a complete email, with real thoughts and continuity.
I took Willem to an event one night a few weeks back and the three women sitting next to me were all typing away on their iphones. No eye contact, no conversation, just iphone communication. I wondered how I could have gotten to know these women sitting in the Learning Center ten years ago.
These gadgets seems pretty cool, lots of capabilities... but they also seem to take away from the simplicity and conversation that I happen to love.
So, I have an old school cell phone. I pay $38 a month and never run out of minutes. My husband has been encouraging me to get with the times and get an iphone or something along those lines. I keep thinking the one I have works, I haven't lost it now in probably two months (this is big for me) and why upgrade when what I have does what I need it to do. But then there are stories of couponing apps... apparently I can track my miles and calories burned on a gadget like this... I can receive emails when running errands... I can take pictures with a phone like this...
I went for an OBGYN appt in January and as I was leaving the office the Dr. asked if she could see some pictures of my kids on my phone. Pictures? On my phone? I left there feeling Amish. Or at least very behind the times.
When I email a friend who sits in front of a computer to check her emails, I usually get an email back. When I email a friend who gets the email while driving down the road or while out to lunch with friends, the replies aren't as frequent. I get it, but it stinks. I want to be the gal that writes back.
SO, I ponder whether or not I should really give into this popular device. My ringer has stopped working on my cell phone so I probably need to move onto something better or at least a phone with a ringer that works. The apps would be fun. Couponing help, very cool. A camera within reach, appealing.
My husband's blackberry has provided constant dinner interruptions, vacation interruptions and we hear it ring or "zip" far often then any of us ever wanted. But, it is a connection to his work - a connection he has to have. I don't really HAVE to have this connection to the world.
So what are your thoughts?
Do you have an iphone, blackberry, smartphone? Are they all the same thing basically? Does it make your life more simple or more complicated?
Laura Ingalls and I would like to know.

Sunday

My sis in law Cary sent me dark chocolate truffles and lemon lift tea.

A hot cup of tea in the afternoon and a truffle is a pretty yummy treat.

The Chief! Looking forward to lots of spring and summer cruises

in this.

Picked up this book at the thrift store. Merit is going to read it today.

I've got paperwhites growing in the kitchen.

We have a little girl who loves to explore outside!

Enjoy any signs of spring you may have where you are...

I am on the lookout.

Who doesn't love...

Playing in mud puddles

                      Rudy is 13!! Her birthday was March 8th. What a good ol' loyal dog we have. :)

Shortly after this picture, I scooped her up for a bath.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE diving into a good book??

A few Thrift Store hot buys!

Getting Happy Tea from a treasured friend!!!

When the UPS lady delivered it yesterday, I had a huge smile on my face.

It is already working Kristabelle.

Monday Musings

What a week. I need to be so thankful, one week ago I was feeling so sick and during the night Monday night I had no idea what was wrong with me! I feel so much better. Vance and I enjoyed David Gray in Spokane Saturday night. A little get away to Spokane was refreshing. I was feeling down in the dumps. Jessica B. took great care of our kids!
Soccer is in session! Merit had his first game Saturday. I stayed home with Hazel, and Vance took Merit Henry. Willem was at his buddy, Calvin's birthday party. Merit had a great first game and played hard. That child's speed and determination has me smiling.

Willem asked me a few days ago if two people needed to be married in order to dance together. This is one example of the Willem questions I am asked throughout the day. He is such a smart, sweet boy and the way his mind works is so interesting. Also, his question made me want to have a summer dance or attend a wedding reception so that he can dance his little heart out.

An evening this week I think I will open a bottle of wine and enjoy some yummy cheeses and grapes :)

This picture doesn't really do it justice...

I made this chili a while back and it was good. Think I will add it to this week's menu.


White Chicken Chili

A Cambells recipe, adjusted

1 T olive oil
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts cut up
lil salt
lil pepper
4 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 an onion  -- a whole onion if you love onion
1 can cream of chicken soup 3/4 cup water
green pepper if desired
1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
2 cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oil, add chicken, chili powder, cumin and onion and cook till chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
Stir soup, water, corn and beans in saucepan and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook ten minutes or so, stir it occasionally, top with cheese.
This chili is so yummy served in a warm tortilla!

Hazel is into everything. Curious little mess maker on the run!

Last year in April I took these two pictures. Are we really

almost ready for spring? I hope so.

showered with love

I didn't know until yesterday what a huge support system I have.
In fact, I've been feeling sorry for myself because I miss my sisters and my mom...
And yes, I still wish my sisters lived here and oh how sweet it would be if my mom was still with us.
And the long periods of time without seeing Lissa and Kristen stink...
but I am so grateful for the people who have shown so much care this week.
I feel incredibly blessed.

I am getting better!! I am thankful!

These past few days I have spent some time dreaming of spring and summer...

Barefoot... not big coats, hats or gloves... I am looking forward to that.

Our garden

Children barely clothed loving the outdoors

yuck

Pneumonia is awful.
I am so sick and every part of me seems to hurt. I will say, after having started on my antibiotics my chest doesn't hurt AS badly when I cough. I had the shakes and chills during the night Monday night. I considered going to the ER. Instead, I went to the doctor yesterday a.m.. My pulse was racing, I had a fever... this is rough. Vance met me there and watched after Hazel while I had the blood draw, x-rays, all that stuff. I am so thankful to my friend Kelly who took Willem and Hazel for the WHOLE day today! Time to get back on the couch.

We went to the dunes Sunday, this was right before the pneumonia set in. I couldn't figure out what was going on with my chest and I just felt off.

Rudy and the Chief, our dunes vehicle

These three have been soooo good while I am sick.

Willem and Merit have been incredibly helpful.

Hazel is at a BUSY age and this sick mom is having such a hard time running

after her which again makes me so thankful for Kelly's willingness to take

her today!

Oh, Chicken and Stars soup for dinner tonight.

And if Vance wants to add grilled cheese to the menu, he can.

I look like a lazy cook after reading Natasha's blog!

Check it out. Her recipes and pictures are amazing.

Time for a nap.

Today's color: YELLOW!
Why? Because it might keep me from feeling blue.

I have this yucky chest pain when I cough.

I think I have a fever.

My mind is on overload...

yikes! Thankfully, Hazel took a L-O-N-G nap. It

gave Willem and I time to relax on the couch. And dinner

is in the crock pot... tomorrow will be better, right?! :)

Hazel's been Busy

Getting her daily exercise

Enjoying phone conversations with dear friends

Washing dishes

Accepting calls on her cell phone

This age!

I forgot how BUSY 16 month olds are!

And how much fun their personalities are.

Hazel is always hauling food out of cupboards, dunking things in the

toilet, finding pop cans and glasses with beverages in them that end up down

her shirt

This week she has been so clingy, she has the yucky virus that is going around...ugh

She is so expressive with her eyes.

She talks a ton using mainly grunts.

She loves talking on the phone and being silly...

what a funny, sweet girl!

I'm back

I am finally back!
Our weekend in Las Vegas was good. Traveling without children is so easy.... but vacationing with them is more fun than without them. :)
Grandma Adie and Papa Stan took great care of our three and the boys enjoyed time with their uncles, Grandpa Jim and Lesha and family too.... being able to see Luke, Abby and Emily was a highlight also. So it was really nice that the kids could be surrounded by lots of family while we were away!!

The view from our room at the Bellagio the first night.

So many beautiful hotels! The fountain show was amazing too!

The blown glass art at the Bellagio

me

Alex and the BIRTHDAY GIRL KELCY!!

Hard to believe Kelcy is 21!!

It was fun to LAUGH with and hang out with family there.

me and Vance

More pictures to come...

These three WARM MY HEART

Thank you God for Merit, Willem and Hazel Jane.

I had to include the picture of Hazel flossing.

Uncle Nate would be proud. :)

Vance and I look forward to a no kids weekend.

We are fortunate to be able to do lots of little get aways, always

with our children. This will be the first time in SEVEN years we have done

a mini vacation or any overnighter without children.

It seems so strange, but boy are we excited!!

More of California... fun on the home front

A few more Cali pics... I just can't stop!

Estelle, Kristen and Natasha

Willem and Michele

Michele and Natasha

Vance, King of the Fast Passes! We didn't wait in a lot of lines because

of the fast passes.

Hot Tub FUN!!

Since we have been back the weather has been cold and today kind of dreary.

An afternoon bike ride with Willem does wonders for "the blahs."  Bike rides, playing with the kids and good books are great remedies to lift

the spirits! I am reading two books -- bittersweet which is fantastic. And I am lost

in a Mary Higgins Clark mystery.

 Hazel has been the sweetest 15 month old. And today she said "Rudy" -- our beloved pet's name!!

Hazel is pointing to everything

Doing lots of grunting

Loves to explore outside!

Merit and Willem are always so

excited about her accomplishments

It is fun!