Home Again, Home Again

I'm not sure why we do it, but whenever we pull into the driveway from a long trip, either Erik or myself says, "Home again, home again." And the other says, "Jiggity jig." It comes from an old rhyme. "To market, to market to buy a fat pig. Home again, home again, jiggity jig." It was a beautiful homecoming this afternoon, made more beautiful by the sunny weather and the freshly planted flowers in our front planter box. Many thanks to our wonderful neighbors, Tim and Taryn. :-)
Before leaving our vacation too far in the past, I should include a few other activities enjoyed by Luke. We visited the High Desert Museum twice and spent most of our time at the birds of prey exhibit. The look on Luke's face while staring at the golden eagle made me think he might be a little scared, but he kept asking for "Another owl." He's not all that up on his ornithology.

They also have an exhibit at the museum that details pioneer life during the era of the Oregon Trail. Every pioneer needs a sheep and Luke found his. These two got along like twins separated at birth. I had no idea Luke could speak sheep. How is that a marketable skill?

All in all, it was an awesome trip. Our next big "journey" won't involve as much driving time...a short jaunt to the hospital will suffice to start us down the road to being a Family of Four. This pregnant lady can hardly wait!

Craziest Video Game Ever

Okay. I confess. I play video games. My console of choice at the moment is the Nintendo Wii. It definitely has brought a radically different face to gaming. This weekend's rental, "Wario Ware: Smooth Moves" provides a perfect example of the absolute insanity that results when one chooses to be swept away by the Wii.
Game play consists of the most manic mini games, lasting fewer than five seconds each, in which a player does everything from move clock hands to dance the monkey. We won't talk about the plucking of nose hairs and the fanning of fumes. The music gets faster and the animation gets crazier. Thus far my absolutely favorite animation sequence involves a man named Jimmy T who sports a yellow fro while disco dancing with about ten puppies copying his every move. The $7 rental fee was totally worthwhile.
An additional piece of hilarity involves the teaching of about twenty ways to hold the Wiimote. Imagine a voice in the style of Jack Handy reading the following dialog in a complete monotone. "The Dumbbell: Turn the Form Baton (the Wiimote) sideways and clutch it from below in your right hand. True masters exhibit a firm grip and an exaggerated grimace."
None of this takes into account the way my husband and his good friend, Mark, look while accomplishing each of the assigned tasks. I would take some video, but I simply can't stop laughing long enough to go get the camera. The music is catchy enough that they occasionally find themselves subconsciously bouncing as they play. Funny.
I am by no means endorsing this or any other video game. But it's pretty freakin' hilarious.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

Aah...the Go Go's. Anyway, we are vacationing this weekend in Sunriver, OR and loving every minute. We arrived at the cabin this afternoon and are delighted to watch Luke discover the place all over again. He keeps saying, "Oh, there's a sun. Oh, there's another sun!" The deck is another source of great pleasure. Luke spent the first few minutes throwing each pine cone through the rails. A few bounced back, much to his consternation. After many attempts, the deck was free from pine cones. Next came the pine needles. These were ceremoniously dropped through the knotholes, while Luke explained that he was feeding the baby bunnies. Who knew there were baby bunnies under the deck here? Another popular event was the appearance of Grandpa's arch nemesis, the woodpecker. This not-so-popular tenant was actually the reason Luke's nap ended early. After an hour of napping the tapping began and I could hear Luke saying, "Someone knocking on the door!" I'm with Grandpa on this one. That bird has got to go. :-)
In other breaking news, Luke is currently going through a shy moment. Our friend Mark just came in from a bike ride and Luke has a case of serious hero-worship. Not only is Mark easily the tallest person Luke has spent time with, he also rides a bike. The combination of both produces a funny reaction from our toddler. He spends a few minutes staring intently at Mark and then decides it would be okay to hold the bike helmet and play with the clip. When Mark leans down to push the clip apart for Luke, the smile on that kid's face lights up the room. It's pretty cute.
Grandpa will be happy to read that the HDTV has made the trip to the cabin and is currently being ogled by the three boys. The Discovery Channel comes in well and they are watching somebody build something...I think. Many C-Clamps are in involved. Very cool.
That's all for now, folks! I'm sure more posts will be forthcoming because I'M ON VACATION! Wohoo!

Shoe Fascination and Other Blessings

I'm a bit behind! Here's a cute picture of my son trying on his Oma's sandal to make up for my lack of posting. What is it about toddlers and other people's shoes? His fascination with all things Shoe started about a month ago. Sometimes it's his own shoes and sometimes it's somebody else's. I think bigger shoes are easier for him to put on; therefore, he will readily shod himself with anything and everything available regardless of gender appropriateness. It's adorable.

In other news, the BSF Bible Study Fellowship year has come to a close and I found myself with a chunk of unscheduled time this morning as Luke wandered around the house playing with various things. I was fortunately the recipient of a fabulous new journal from two of my BSF Senior Level students. I love a new journal. All those blank pages waiting for writing. As I had experienced a rather difficult morning filled with my own pride and failings, I decided to create a Blessings List on the first page of my new journal. Here is the abbreviated list.

God's blessings poured out on my life:

• A husband who loves me as Christ loves the church
• A son who is healthy and very talkative :-)
• A healthy pregnancy and only six more weeks until due date
  
• A house with room to grow
• Five years seizure free as of May 17, 2007!!!
• The Grandparents - enough said!
• The Willseas - new friends in a new town - I can't believe it's been less than a year

The list could have continued, but then my talkative son said, "Come, please" and I went!

Sisters

I love my sister. Some background knowledge is necessary for that statement to have its full meaning. My sister and I grew up fighting like cats and dogs. There just wasn't much we agreed on. And even when we did agree, we pretended that we didn't so we could argue over who was right. I just recently returned from visiting her and her beautiful family in upstate New York on their beautiful farm. We are both wives and moms now. It is amazing how much we have in common. Her son is adorable, charming and delightful (see above picture). So is mine! :-) Seriously though, the four days I had with her flew by far too quickly, and I found myself longing for more time to share and laugh together. I took this trip without my son or my husband, but I cannot wait for the day when all the Bangsunds get together with all the Lansings. Visiting them will be huge highlights in the growing up years of my children. Horses, chickens, and cousins their own age! What more could a kid ask for? And while they run and jump and play, I will sit on the back deck with my sister, drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying her for who she is. Have I mentioned that I love my sister?

Big, Heavy and Other News

Luke often uses the phrase, "Big, heavy" to describe anything he cannot easily lift. This might be his riding toy or a book. I have grown concerned that any day now he is going to look at me and say these words. Fortunately, he hasn't yet. I'm feeling big and heavy lately. I have discovered something, however, that has given me great hope. Up until just this morning, I was thinking that I am seven months pregnant. Lo and behold I'm in my eighth month, not my seventh! Judging by the size of my belly, this seems much more appropriate. I am relieved.

In other news, Erik is suffering from an ear infection and I am laid rather low with a cold. Your prayers are greatly appreciated, especially considering that Luke is in perfect health. Today as he ran around the house making various "requests," we happened upon the idea of pawning him off on someone else for a few minutes. We called our fabulous neighbors, Tim and Taryn, who arrived quickly with Julie the Corgi to take Luke on a walk. It's amazing how golden a half hour of quiet house can be when one is not feeling well. Tomorrow is a new day.

Road Trip

We jumped in the car and headed on a road trip to Oma's house this afternoon. Luke slept for a little over an hour of the two and a half hour drive. We he woke up, he was easily entertained by all the vehicles on the freeway. "Big truck!" "Yes, Luke, that is a big truck." "Nother big truck?" "I'm sure there will be another big truck soon, but I can't make it appear."
Upon our arrival, Oma was still at school, so we invaded her house and Luke has spent the last two hours making the place his own. First thing first, all the stuffed animals needed to be properly spread out all over the floor. Then the books in the bookcases needed to be arranged in a more decorative manner. In addition, all the candles needed to be removed from their charming holders, sniffed, carried around, and left indiscriminately throughout the house. Finally, that pen holder needed to be emptied. He actually refilled the pen holder and then accidentally dumped it over again. His exclamation of, "Oh!" and the look on his face told me that he really did mean to set things right.
Luke has left the room and I'm feeling the need to follow him! More later!