Christmas 2011

Finn Begins To Smile

Christmas Eve Tubing

Soon I'll Post About More Important Things, Like His Birth

Finn has been sleeping for 4.5 hours and counting. And instead of sleeping myself, I've spent the time grading research papers. Ah well. At least they're all done.

Enamel Extraction

2nd Bi-Annual Paulsen Family Turkey Bowl

Announcing the Arrival of Finn Darris Howe

Whoopee Cushion

It's Been a Very Educational Holiday

Asher's vocabulary has boomed in the last few weeks. Among the words he's learned:

1. Kit Kat

2. Laffy Taffy

3. Almond Joy

4. Snickers

5. Sweet Tarts

6. Twix

7. Tootsie Roll

8. Milky Way

9. Gobstoppers

10. Bubble gum

He already knew skittles, starburts, and licorice.

I, on the other hand, have learned that while my belly is too squished for a decent sized meal, Halloween candy fits just right.

Stuck on the Roof

So You Are Aware

My belly is a happy, welcome place. You are welcome to rub it all you want.

How Laura Parents:

Laura:  I know what we can do.  You remember how you wanted to make a "Welcome Home" banner for Finn?

Talmage:  No, you did.

Laura:  No, it was you.  Remember.  You said, "When can we ever use the letter-cutting machine again?", and I said, "Maybe we can make a 'Welcome Home' banner for Finn."  See, it was your idea.

Cornbelly Button

Our Little Peacemaker

Mom: "Talmage, would you clear your plate, please?"

Talmage: "N-O, N-O, N-O!"

Asher: "P!! Q, R, S!"

Indiana Jones Turns 6

Skipping Rocks

Birch Hollow

First Day of Kindergarten

Zion Ponderosa 2011

And Thus, Winter Begins

Asher and I almost died this week. There was a freak early snowstorm, where the snow drifted gently for an hour or so and then Asher and I decided to drive to the library, after which the snow upgraded to a raging blizzard. My window fogged up, so I couldn't see for a minute while the defroster worked, and when the window cleared I couldn't see at all.

I had the thought, "I should probably slow down." I didn't get the chance, though, because the next thing I knew, the back end of my mini-van had spun counter-clockwise until I was facing oncoming traffic. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh," was my clearest thought at that moment, and then the back end spun back clockwise until we were sitting in the right hand lane facing the right direction. It was a miracle we didn't hit any walls/parallel cars/oncoming traffic. The right lane was where I wanted to be, because I started driving about 20 miles per hour below what I had been previously for a quarter of a mile until I could exit the freeway.

I was (of course) shaky after the near-accident, and said a prayer aloud thanking Heavenly Father for life. After I closed, Asher said. "Go backwards! Pretty fun! Do it, 'gain? Please mom? Do it, 'gain?"

We didn't do it again.