For Such a Time as This

Year number 3

2011-06-28T16:25:00.001-05:00

Saturday afternoon hike

2011-04-10T23:27:00.003-05:00

We've been outside enjoying the weather and soaking up our country setting. Yesterday we explored "the big hill" near our house with a little hike some climbing and jumping. We are all loving being able to be outside for the majority of the day!

Here is Sierra giving mom some love

Lindson tickling himself with a foxtail

Trying out some bouldering

and then he took a flying leap

I've discovered that all I have to say is "pie!" and the kids think it is funny and laugh...

Photo session

2011-02-01T20:01:00.003-06:00

Erin's been asking me to take some photos of the kids for a while now so I grabbed the kids after bath for a quick couple of photos....I'll post more later.

Gymnastics fun!

2011-01-31T22:05:00.004-06:00

The kids have had fun enjoying their Christmas present from Grandma and Grandpa this winter; a weekly gymnastics class where they get to run around, do lots of forward rolls and jump to their heart's content. Sierra even gets to wear her new leotards that grandma Shari ordered special for her.

Fist day of School

2010-09-09T08:59:00.002-05:00

Lindson's first day of pre-school was today, I just got back from dropping him off and had to share this video with you. Now, you would think Lindson would be worried or scared or something but nope, he just walked right in and didn't even say goodbye. Too funny... I even got it on video!

Wedding Dress year 2

2010-07-25T17:55:00.000-05:00

Check out my other blog for a great picture of Sierra!

White Water Rafting

2010-07-01T22:24:00.002-05:00

We just returned from our vacation to Lake Tahoe, CA. The day after we arrived we visited Rock-N-Water and had a great day on the river enjoying and playing in God's creation. Here is a video of some of the action!

Sweet outfit!

2010-06-12T22:21:00.004-05:00

We are moving....again....so Lindson and Sierra are being big helpers by assisting in the sorting and packing of boxes. Lindson thought some of my stuff looked neat and here is the outfit he decided he liked:

Whitewater helmet (backwards)

PDF (and the super cool whistle)

Socks for "gloves"

When asked what he was doing..."being a super hero to save the day"

Wolf Creek Falls

2010-06-04T17:05:00.003-05:00

My buddy, Jerod, and I kayaked the Kettle & St. Louis rivers near Duluth a few weeks ago and had the chance to run a waterfall off a side creek of the Kettle. There happened to be a photographer walking by...thanks to Dan Steinbach for photographing us.

Here is a composite of three photos of me running the falls. Good times!

Cute girls

2010-06-01T14:12:00.003-05:00

I'm always saying how cute Sierra is and when someone else comments on how adorable she is(it happens a lot) I always say "most of the credit goes to my wife".

We were looking though some of Erin's pictures from when she was little and now I know for certain most of the credit goes to her...

What do you think, do they look alike?

New Boat

2010-05-11T08:33:00.008-05:00

This past January I purchased a new boat off of craigslist: Reno and last week I finally picked it up on my way to shoot a wedding in California. It's a Dagger Juice and is more "playful" then my current boat and you can see that I will have a little bit of a learning curve to catch up to the design of this boat(meaning I flip all the time).

Here I am running Class III Satan's Cesspool on the lower section of the Southfork of the American River near Coloma, CA.

Spring cleaning...

2010-04-13T22:00:00.002-05:00

So I wasn't home today as usual but Adam and the kids were doing some cleaning of our "storage room" and Lindson found his climbing helmet and his dad's snowboarding goggles which he then proceeded to wear for the rest of the day apparently. He told me on the phone that he was wearing his snowboarding goggles and that he was going to go snowboarding "someday". His dad thinks maybe next winter :). Anyway, he used his helmet and goggles to explore outside and is pretty cute if I do say so myself. Sierra on the other hand always seems to look like a Rag-a-muffin when Adam takes care of her...and I'm pretty sure he is proud of that. Too funny. She is cute no matter what of course...just wish Adam didn't give her a Donald Trump comb-over!

Kite

2010-04-02T15:22:00.003-05:00

This video cracks me up! Lindson is flying his first kite; I love his enthusiasm.

Union

2010-03-31T14:40:00.004-05:00

The kids and I went down to Memorial Union on campus today over lunch. Lindson was super excited about the ducks and was throwing at them anything he could get his hands on in hopes that they would eat it. Cigarette butts, leaves, tin foil, rocks...

Here are the kids soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the lake:

Perhaps this is something for the ducks to eat

Fun in the Spring Sun...

2010-03-15T18:40:00.003-05:00

Adam and the kids spent over 5 hours playing outside today in the 60 degree sunshine! Of course, Adam had his camera for a little bit of that time to get some pics of the kids. I'd like to point out a couple things:

1) Sierra is cute but boy can that girl scowl!

2) Lindson has gotten much faster on his bike and if this crash is any indication of things to come, we are in trouble.

3) I was not home so Sierra's hair was not brushed today...ugh :).

4) That beautiful purple fleece Sierra is wearing was made by my good friend Kaci...isn't that cute! You can find more of her stuff for sale on her Etsy blog where there is a link to her Etsy website. Check out http://birchmodern/blogspot.com.

Enjoy the pictures and the sunshine where ever you are at!

Dance

2010-02-28T19:45:00.002-06:00

This is too funny! If you have sound on your computer turn it up to get the full effect...This isn't the type of music we usually listen to but when the kids heard it they went crazy dancing...I had a model send her online portfolio website to me and this is the music the website plays when you look at her pictures. Maybe we'll have to buy some techno dance cds for the kids!

Wrestling Season

2010-02-23T19:05:00.003-06:00

It's wrestling season, the WI High School State Tournament starts on Thursday and I've been doing some coaching the past couple of weeks. Lindson and Sierra have been going to practice with me twice a week and apparently Lindson in picking up some of the basics...he's already got a pretty decent left leg lead stance(just like his dad) and all he wants to do lately is wrestle on our rug in the living room.

Here he is about to attack mom...

I'm not really sure how this came about but Lindson is showing off his stance while standing on mom...

Snowman named "snowman" by Lindson

2010-02-22T12:09:00.004-06:00

Lindson has been wanting to build a snowman for about a week but the snow was too dry to pack. Fortunately for him the new snow that fell last night is good to go, so we made a masterpiece in the driveway.

Lindson was proud because he helped roll and lift each ball and dictated to me where to put the eyes, nose, mouth and arms. He even named his snowman "snowman" ...he might want to work on his originality....

Colorized

2010-02-11T10:01:00.002-06:00

Apparently the kids grew bored of their coloring books and decided to try their own version of body painting

See Sara

2010-02-10T10:34:00.003-06:00

Lindson still can't say Sierra's name. He has a tendency to simplify her name and just say Sara. Erin and I will correct him by saying, "Lindson, Sierra is her name, can you say it like this... See-era" Lindson's response is always the same, "See Sara".

So close but yet so far

Anywho, Here are a couple of pictures of the kids earlier today when we were building a tower out of blocks

Lindson proud of his tower

Sierra looking cute with mom's hat on

And finally, here is a video that illustrates why I can't seem to keep the house very clean

I've been staying busy with photography despite it being the "off season". If you haven't been following my other blog you can check it out here

It has been forever...

2010-01-30T02:56:00.002-06:00

I realize that it has been so long since we last posted that it is ridiculous...we have lots of pictures to post but here are a few that didn't take much effort to put up being they were on our desktop (I'm a little tired). Thought you all might enjoy seeing what we all look like again :). More photos and updates to come soon!

Two Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

2009-11-20T18:29:00.004-06:00

Except no one fell off and hit their head.

Lindson catching some major air time

Seat drop!

Bunny hop for Sierra

I think we need to get Lindson a trampoline

Sierra's turn with two feet off the ground

Markers

2009-11-18T09:44:00.003-06:00

I thought giving the kids markers and a coloring book would be a good distraction for them while I did the dishes but apparently I was mistaken. When I got done, I discovered Sierra trying to eat the one that smelled like Lemon and Lindson was trying his hand at face painting. Maybe next time I'll try the sticker book...

Playing in pajamas...

2009-11-11T20:22:00.004-06:00

If we had our choice (and we do), we would always be in our pajamas in this family! Sierra and Lindson tend to spend a lot of their time in pajamas (or at least in clothes that resemble pajamas) and I think they look just as cute as ever. I got home early enough to see the kids tonight, which is becoming more and more rare these days, and we went out to the studio to capture some moments playing and dancing in our pajamas! It was good...until they both started bawling of course...but I enjoyed every moment of it anyway because they are too few for me these days. Enjoy the pictures of our beautifully babes!

Sierra sitting on daddy's camera case (of course) and playing with one of her many stuffed animals...

Lindson dancing to his new robot truck that plays music and dances too!

Sierra ready for the Iditarod...or just the walk to the studio :).

Wouldn't you know that Lindson's absolute FAVORITE toy right now is the mini-calculator I use for work when I am getting the "numbers" on the babies in the NICU each morning. Lindson said to me tonight, "Mommy, I getting the numbers now" as he punched in the numbers on the calculator. It was the first thing he asked me for when I walked in the door tonight, "Mommy, you got the calculator?" What a memory that boy has...too funny!

Halloween Costumes

2009-10-30T16:27:00.003-05:00

Took the opportunity to use Timepiece Studio's awesome studio space to take some photos of the kids in their halloween costumes. Lindson loves his bucky outfit so much he never wants to take it off and little miss Sierra won't keep hers on. Funny note: the black leotard that Sierra is wearing was Erin's first one, crazy that they still have it after all those years.

Check it

2009-10-30T16:07:00.001-05:00

Love this Photo!

Apples and Pumpkins

2009-10-30T14:34:00.007-05:00

We're back home in the Valley for the week and decided to take a trip to the local apple/pumpkin orchard. I prefer going to the orchards around here compared to the Madison area because it is always a lot less crowded and you have the chance to visit with the owners and pet their 6 month old puppy and it just seems like they are, well, a lot more inviting and a lot less busy. Anyway, grandma brought the camera with so we could catch all the action.

Of course Lindson found the trucks in the corner of the building

Check out my other Blog...

2009-10-21T16:56:00.001-05:00

Timepiece Studio

Busy Vacation Time...

2009-10-03T20:20:00.009-05:00

Erin had a week off from work which was jam-packed with traveling and birthdays and weddings and photo shoots and a little mini get-away with just the four of us. It was busy but good to connect with and visit all the people that we did. Erin's brother, Nick, was home for a fishing trip to Canada so we got to spend time with him on both ends of the trip. We also visited grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lots of our friends. The kids did well but I don't know that it was the most restful of vacations. It felt great to come home but we already miss seeing everyone! Here are a lot of pictures from our trip...enjoy!

At the Children's Museum in Minneapolis...Lindson climbing in the cool treehouse and loving it!

Sierra intrigued by the interlocking wheels and gears...

Construction worker Sierra...she's in a supervisory role (supervising Lindson of course).

Lindson driving the crane...with "supervision" from his little sister...

The water works...figuring it out!

They had a stage and Lindson was all over the guitars and showed off his moves with dancing...

Lindson at the pint-sized grocery store...got to taste it before you buy it I guess! Gross!

Checking out at the cash register...

Driving the real life bus...

Sierra mesmorized by the other kids...

We stayed in a hotel with a pool and had a chance to try it out. Lindson has been previously afraid of water and this was the first time that he enjoyed his time in the pool and even showed us how brave he can be! It was lots of fun :).

Couldn't resist this opportunity for blackmail someday :). Those are some cute buns!

What a ham...

And hammet...

We went to visit our good friends Kaci and Jerod (who are now engaged to be married next summer...yeah!) and visited the awesome park by their house after a delicious supper! So much fun to spend time with them!

Always climbing...

Finally, we went to the Como Zoo with the kids thinking it would be really fun to see the animals. What we didn't know is that Lindson would start falling apart when we first got there. There were some good moments but the majority of the time involved crying and flailing about. Oh well, Sierra had fun for the most part! And at least it was free :).

Running away from me...like usual.

Striking a pose...ready to run!

Cute Sierra...

Lindson watching the tiger eat the leg of some other unknown animal...delicious!

Playing in the Japanese water lily garden...one of the few content moments! We'll take it!

Old movie

2009-09-09T09:23:00.002-05:00

Here is some old video of Lindson jumping around our last appt. Funny guy

Squirt guns and baby calves...

2009-09-08T22:05:00.003-05:00

This Labor Day was truly one of relaxation for our family (for the most part) which was a nice change of pace. We spent the morning playing outside with squirt guns and then took a walk to the farm just down the road to see the baby calves. We tend to just invite ourselves down to the farm to look at and pet all the animals. Adam and I both grew up on farms and just the smells and the sounds bring back so many great memories for us both. We love to see the kids with the animals and experiencing the farm if only for a short while. We both look forward to going home to Grandpa Carter's and Grandma Ann's farm this coming week...Lindson in particular (he loves to "help" grandpa with chores). Both he and Sierra are in love with seeing and petting animals and love getting dirty so the farm seems to be the perfect place to make both of those things happen. I can just hear the grandpa's now..."time to get you a herd a cattle"...or something like that.

Lindson told us he was "taking a shower"...funny part is that he wasn't screaming during this one like his nightly showers...huh.

Sierra enjoying her time in the green chair...

Lindson posing...right before aiming and getting us wet (he's quite precise with that little gun).

Lindson loving trying to pick up the half-rabid cat with only 1 ear and missing hair...and nearly getting his face clawed off in the process...great.

And this was the other more sickly cat that was sneezing, coughing, and wheezing...yep, right in Lindson's mouth...great.

Sierra and I checking out the farm...and yes, I'm still in my pajamas (I was post-call...ugh).

The stare-down...

Tickle, tickle...

Pretty sure that Sierra is licking off calf *&$% from the fencing...nice.

Sierra and Lindson discovered that they could give themselves a drink with their squirt guns...

More showers...

Mommy tickling Sierra with her hair...she was squealing like usual!

Trying to get away...she's a mover and a shaker.

Three-quarters of the family...and of course, Lindson is hiding behind the squirt gun. Oh well.

Hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing Labor Day as well!

Motorcycles babes at Great Grandma's house!

2009-09-07T07:09:00.003-05:00

Adam took the kids to visit my great grandma Evelyn (the kids' great great grandma) yesterday because my parents were riding their motorcycle down to visit as well. Great Grandma Evelyn is who Sierra is named after (her middle name) and it is so fun to get pictures of the two of them together. Lindson and Sierra also had to try out the motorcycle and all my the gear! And grandma and grandpa were more than happy to let them give it a "ride".

Sierra was of course squirmy...

Two cute girls (at heart at least)...

Grandma Shari and Sierra...with the same hair style! Windblown!

Very serious boy on "his" motorcycle...ride baby ride :)

Sierra trying on the gloves...reminds me of a kids show on PBS when we were little where they would go to a different "world" when the young boy put the gloves on (I'm sure some of you can remember that show)...

Everyone giving it a try...

Lindson ready to go with grandma's helmet...funny thing is that their heads are about the same size I bet!

Adam said it was a great visit and a blessing to be able to see Great Grandma Evelyn again and see her with the kids. We are hoping to visit again in the near future and spend some more time together! Have a great Labor Day holiday everyone!

Today's Farmer's Market...the crazies are in town!

2009-09-05T16:52:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day to go to the Madison Farmer's Market and play on the Capital Square! I think we sometimes take for granted what a great thing it is to have such a booming market and see so many people in community at one place. We always go our same route and end up on the southwest corner playing in the grass under the same tree. Lindson loves to run and play in the bushes and up around the capital building. Sierra is becoming more brave everyday and she is not shy to go up to strangers and give them a hug at all! It is very comical...and of course, she is adorable so everyone plays with her. We got to meet several friends there today and it was so great to get to chat a bit. I controlled the camera today and got some fun shots of Adam and the kids...being crazy of course! Enjoy!

I told Lindson to make a funny face and this is what he came up with...pretty cute!

Two peas in a pod...

Man, I wonder where Sierra gets that big mouth from?? Hmmm :)

This would be Adam and Lindson's "normal state of things"!

And I'm spent...

Crazy Park fun

2009-09-04T18:01:00.003-05:00

We went to a new park today so we could run around like crazy and have some fun. I was trying to figure out my camera settings and watch Sierra when I looked up and snagged this picture of Lindson through the tunnel....did you notice he only has one shoe on....He ALWAYS does this, anyway, after some searching I found it.

Bottom of the spiral climb...

Sierra was preoccupied almost the entire time by the guy mowing the baseball field next door. She looked mostly worried and I could barely get her to lose her locked in gaze.

But I was able to distract her long enough to have her flash me with her adorable smile. Sierra's smile is beautiful and contagious...like her moms...

Now, if only she would grow some teeth; 3 more months and it officially becomes "abnormal"

Hey look! I got them to both sit and look at the camera at the same time. Next step is to get them to both smile.

I'm about to make all you stay at home parents a little envious because when we got home from the park at 3 this afternoon we went straight to nap time and they must have been tired because I had to wake both of them up at 6. Nice!

Anyways on to more serious issues...Erin was out the door at 6 something this morning and will be getting home around 10 tonight where she has a one hour break before she is on call until tomorrow morning at 8. She usually gets around 7 or 8 calls throughout the night so needless to say she will be tired tomorrow. I tell this story so you guys can pray for her and for restful sleep. Mucho appreciated.

Peace-Adam

Almost forgot...Let me know if you guys are digging any of the photo post processing techniques

Time at the Terrace...

2009-09-02T20:55:00.004-05:00

We spent the majority of last evening at the Memorial Union with our friend, Scott Mottice, and it was so great to catch up a bit. He married us over three years ago and so much has happened since that time that it is fun to go through life with Scott being such a true friend who we can confide in and trust that he knows us so well. Of course, we only wish we had more time to spend with him but we truly cherish the moments that we can share and the time we can spend talking about life and all that God has blessed us with. It was an awesomely beautiful night at the terrace and we feel so blessed to have gotten the chance to see Scott again! We miss you Scott!

Adam, of course, brought his camera and snapped a couple pictures of the kids quick.

Lindson tipping...and then sprinting of course.

Sierra being her cute self...

Lindson stopping, if only for a moment, to show us his beautiful smile...

Sierra looking up at her daddy...

Hope you are all doing well! Have a beautiful night!

- Erin

Last Month Recap...it's been awhile

2009-08-18T21:08:00.005-05:00

So it has been way too long since our last post so we thought we would put a smattering of pictures up of some moments from the last month. The kids are doing great, getting big, and keeping Adam on his toes! Lindson is working on potty-training on and off (more off than on lately) and working on "expressing himself" with words instead of throwing objects...fun. Sierra has become quite the cruiser...she is walking/toddling everywhere and now can almost keep up with her brother. It is fun to see them playing together more and chasing each other. Lindson has also started "wrestling" Adam which basically means running away. Sierra on the other hand thinks that wrestle mean "attack" which is pretty comical. Anyway, we are doing well and glad that I am on a little lighter rotation this month for some additional family time. Adam continues to enjoy his time home with the kids, enjoying God's creation with them and spending time going to events here and there (including the zoo which has been a big hit). Enjoy the pictures...

Lindson and Sierra...one of their better moments together!

Not sure what Sierra is thinking at this point...Lindson is loving it though.

What a ham...

Couch gymnastics...

Couch trampoline...

Sierra has taken to yelling lately...pretty funny!

Little wobbly...just starting to try out the jelly-legs.

Eating fresh blueberries given to us by one of my fellow residents...delicious! Sierra literally ate 4 handfuls and then had black poop for days :)

Sierra posing out by the barn...

Let's just say that I had no part in dressing her for this photo-shoot...this is all Adam!

Miss Expressions...

Beautiful girl...

Have a great week everyone!

We're all monsters!

2009-07-24T19:17:00.004-05:00

Just a little fun with Photobooth on our Mac. Lindson's idea for a crazy face is to smile really big and Sierra pretty much sat there with her finger in her mouth

Man my ear is way out there!

Fun in the sun...

2009-07-16T20:07:00.005-05:00

It has been awhile since I have written but things have been quite a bit busier over the past month or so. Despite my absence, the kids have been flourishing at home with Adam and enjoying lots of fun times outside exploring with and "helping" their dad. As you can see, Sierra is quite the ham and Lindson is quite the happy boy! Enjoy! - Erin

There is a little "sumo" in all of us...

Video of Sierra walking

2009-07-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

In our last post we shared with you all that Sierra is walking and in this video you can see just how far she's progressed in one week. From four amazing steps on the fourth to her crazing cruising today.

Give it another week and she'll be dating, another month and she'll be married...our little girl is growing up so fast!

First steps

2009-07-06T08:24:00.002-05:00

Sierra is walking! Well, kind of walking....she took her fist steps(four) on the 4th of July while we were at a party. We're super excited and Lindson is a little worried because he knows he's in for big trouble when Sierra can keep up with him.

Lindson and his bike trailer

2009-06-30T16:41:00.002-05:00

The family went for a bike ride two nights ago and when we came back I didn't put the trailer away. The next day Lindson spent about an hour "fixing" the trailer and when he was bored with that he wanted me to take him for a ride. Instead I hooked his bike up to the trailer so he could pull it around. He was super excited about it and I thought it was hilarious. He was cruising around the yard and around the house and kept asking for me to sit in the trailer....I declined, but I did put Sierra in it and Lindson thought she was "big" so maybe that is a little too much weight for the little man.

Funny face he's been doing a lot lately

Sierra directing traffic

Cruising down a bumpy section of the footpath

Looking cute

Father's Day, Fairies, and Frogs...

2009-06-21T14:39:00.004-05:00

For Father's Day we decided to have a relaxing day just spending time together. Near our farm there is a great park, Donald Park, that was having a picnic including music, fairies, hot dogs, rootbeer floats, horses, and so much more. We (meaning Adam) even had the chance to build our very own fairy house! The kids had fun watching all the people and Lindson was very excited to see all sorts of creatures (in addition to the fairies), including frogs, horses, and a baby bird. It was great to be outside with our community of neighbors enjoying nature together. The funniest part of the whole day was Lindson's face when he saw the fairies peeking around the trees...he would hide his face and give them a little smile. Too funny! Enjoy the pictures!

The "Fairy Swing"...Lindson just had to try it out!

Sierra being cute as usual...

Laughing at daddy...

Sierra being a big girl driving the car...she was not happy to have to eventually get out!

Swinging...and laughing.

One of the fairy houses...Lindson loved to look at these!

Plotting to drive away in the car!

Lindson (with the infamous "look") and Sierra with the fairies...

Lindson trying to pet the horse "Comet"...who was dressed as a fairy horse!

The fairy house that Adam built...

Lindson and dad catch a frog...

Very serious...must be close to nap time!

Lindson took this picture of us...he's a natural!

Random quote of the day

2009-06-19T20:00:00.001-05:00

Adam to Lindson when he woke up in the morning-"Lindson, how was your sleep?"

Lindson- "BIG!"

Catching up...

2009-06-17T20:15:00.003-05:00

Well, wow we have not been doing good with the posting that is for sure! Life is busy but good. Adam has been trying to get some pictures of the kids but has only had success getting a few of Sierra here and there. Lindson is apparently too fast! Adam is at home now with the kids and working on his photography stuff more often. He is loving being a stay at home dad and getting to relax outside and watch the kids play. That is not to say that he isn't busy but it is a different type of busy...one that he doesn't mind at all. It has been a smooth transition so far going back to work for both the kids and Adam. I am doing good as well and am enjoying getting to know and building relationships with my new fellow interns. It seems like a fun group already! The farm is good as well and the strawberries are ripe! There are so many that after 3 days of picking Adam said, "How long do strawberries bloom and ripen for because I am already getting sick of picking them." Funny. They are so good though that it is worth the work! Other than that, not much is new. Here are some new random pics of Sierra...hopefully we'll get more organized here in a bit and get some pics up of all of us really soon!

Someone is always smiling...

Except when eating grass...

Or rolling on the ball (practicing baby yoga of course)...

Or trying to attack Dad...

But usually, she is all smiles!

Busy as (and cute as) BEES!

2009-06-10T14:14:00.005-05:00

Well it has been a while since our last post and I apologize! So much has been going on over the past couple weeks that we are just now starting to catch up with life. Adam finished working at his marketing job on June 3rd and then proceeded to have a photo shoot everyday since practically. We then went home to go to (and for Adam to shoot) a wedding for Adam's cousin, Josh. The kids and I also visited with some family in New Richmond, WI which was a nice visit. Then it was Sierra's 1st birthday this past Sunday!! We had a little gathering of family and friends and it was really great (more pictures and video of that when I get them from Ann). And to top it all off, I have been slowly mentally preparing, and actually preparing, to go back to work. It is a hard transition emotionally so I am trying to soak up as much of this family time as I can. I took these pictures of Sierra last week during the gorgeous weather we had and just haven't gotten around to posting them. She is such a doll...I love seeing the sun on her beautiful face and her beautiful red curls! We plan on getting outside a lot more this week now that the rain seems to have stopped for now...can't wait!

Hanging with the little man...

2009-05-28T13:52:00.004-05:00

Today the kids' naps were a bit offset (until now) so I had the chance to spend one-on-one time with them both today. I decided that it would be a good day to shoot some pictures of Lindson because he is so difficult to take pictures of lately. Let's just say that he moves so fast that most of the pics end up more than blurry. Lindson and I have a ritual during Sierra's morning nap that consists of first watching a short sing-a-long movie in the office followed by going outside to play and explore. Lindson has quite the imagination and enjoys being outside getting a bit dirty :). Not surprising knowing who his parents are!

Lindson and I lounging in the office while singing songs along with the movie...

Then we venture outside...

Lindson pretending that the glass is a camera...trying to be like Dad!

One of the few times I got him to look at me without running away!

Lindson checking something out...I believe it is an old stone grinder.

Playing by the deck...always fun to explore!

In case you were wondering, Lindson is wearing my old coat from when I was about 4 years old that is a replica of the "trucker jacket" my dad had when he drove semi hauling brewer's grain. It has stood the test of time and is still in great condition...and Lindson loves it!

Lindson giving Gracie a hug and kiss while saying, "Awww, I wuv you!" Too cute!

Something in the tree catches Lindson's eye...

Lindson has such a curious and enthusiastic spirit about him. Everything he sees gets quite the reaction (lots of "WOWS!" can be heard where ever Lindson is). He also loves pointing out the birds (or really anything) and saying "Look at that!" He is our little man who loves the wonders of this world and it is such a joy watching him grow!

Rivers, Mohawks, and BBQs...

2009-05-26T08:53:00.009-05:00

We had a fun-filled, semi-relaxing weekend up at our parents' homes in Spring Valley. We spent time capturing all the images and moments (naturally). Here is a recap in pictures!

Lindson and Dad on a kayak ride down the lazy river...

Playing on the river rocks...in awe of the sticks!

That was the last of the long hair for Lindson for the summer! We gave him a short mohawk (bringing it back to the 80's) and he looks so grown up. Then we went to visit Ryan, Bobbie, and Asher at their house before we headed back to Madison. We got a chance to play at the park after grilling out...fun, fun, fun!

A pic of the three grandchildren...and no one is crying (yet). Ann calls that SUCCESS!

Ryan and Asher on the spinning thing (the piece of playground we all fell off as children I'm sure)!

Sierra being a cutie...and trying to eat rocks, of course!

Lindson hanging with grandpa Carter...

Sierra enjoying the sunshine on her face!

All in all, it was a great weekend to see family. We also spent time with my mom, Shari, but didn't get any pictures of that :(. Can't wait to go back in a couple weeks and see everyone again!

The Normal State of Things...

2009-05-21T16:22:00.009-05:00

If you have ever taken a science/physics class, then you know that everything has a normal or preferred state to which it returns. Today, this was our normal state of things...

Lindson-gator playing outside all day...

Sierra eating/smearing her lunch...

Trip to Mt. Horeb for groceries...and a cookie!

Playing at the cafe...

Enjoying the sunshine...

Lindson was helping me take pictures...he took this one himself! Let's just say he enjoys doing whatever his dad does!

The Unexpected Healer

2009-05-21T11:32:00.004-05:00

Over the past week the kids have had various illnesses. First, Lindson had a GI illness and now Sierra has the hand-foot-and-mouth virus but is improving quite quickly. During the thick of the illnesses, I would do pretty much whatever the kids wanted to stop them from crying or distract them from how poorly they were feeling. For Lindson that usually means setting up a make-shift bed in the kitchen and watching endless movies (fine by me). For Sierra who can’t tell me what she wants at this stage it was more difficult. She spent the first days of the illness crying, crying, crying…that was even with the ibuprofen or Tylenol. Needless to say, she was attached to me even more than normal. On a last resort (and now in hindsight what should have been my first move), I decided to take Sierra outside to see if that might help. And I kid you not, as soon as we stepped outside she stopped crying and started smiling. It was so dramatic of a change that I noticed it and decided to try it again the next time she was crying. Like magic, she spent all of her time outside these past few beautiful days happy as could be despite feeling miserable. She would play in the grass, explore the yard, look up at the trees and smile, and of course take a taste of the landscape. With the wind blowing through her hair and the sun shining on her beautiful face, she was at peace. She was in God’s creation, where she was meant to be and that was all the comfort she needed. I have always known that God’s creation has healing power, but never before had I witnessed it first hand like that. It was amazing and so delightful.

Over the years, I have come across people (Christians and non-Christians alike) who have spoke to me about God’s creation in a way that I won’t soon forget. One person in particular was a physician I was working with this past fall. She was a great family practitioner and loved by so many of her patients. She spent the beginning of her career in Alaska working with the Indian Health Service and spent the first few years of her children’s lives there as well. She then moved to Madison with her husband (also a physician) and kids to provide her children with more educational opportunities. She had great stories to tell about the people and the landscape of Alaska and yearned to go back there someday. She is a nature lover and used her love of nature and God’s creation to counsel her patients in her practice. This was something that I had never seen done before and I thought it was brilliant. She would tell them to get out in nature as part of their healing, as part of their fitness and taking care of their bodies, and as a very important part of the mental and emotional health. She would “prescribe” getting out in God’s creation! And she would write it down for them! She would tell certain people who needed to increase their exercise regimen to take walks daily in nature and would stress to them how important it was to do this without distraction. That means no iPod…no nothing. Just you and the sights and sounds of God’s creation. Who knows what her patients thought. All I know is that it was an amazing way of looking at the total body health of an individual and that is the kind of prescription I would want to receive!

Another couple who have made an impact on Adam and me is the people we are renting from currently, Ron and Eda. They are currently being nomads and traveling around the West Coast and to Hawaii for the next year or more visiting family and friends. We are renting their house and taking care of the farm for them. When we first met them, we knew right away that we connected to them on a deeper level. We all have a love of the countryside, of being outside, and of the tranquility that comes with surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature. They have been a great example for us on how to live in harmony with nature. They essentially live off the land as much as they can and let the land live around them. Adam and I have talked about living this way for a long time and now have the glorious opportunity to do that in an unbelievable landscape of trees, gardens, streams, and fields! It is so amazing to be out in creation again and away from the city. Don’t get me wrong, we felt very blessed to have the wonderful homes/apartments that we did have in Madison. But we are not city people. We both grew up in the country and that is where we feel at home. We were yearning for so long to get back to God’s creation in a more real way. And guess what!?!? We got placed in Madison for residency, saw the ad on craigslist for this farm for rent, met Ron and Eda and immediately loved them and their outlook on life, and are now living in God’s creation and feeling at home. It is amazing God’s plans for our lives…He knows exactly where we are supposed to be. And for us, that is right here, right now in this beautiful setting where the songs of the birds and the rising of the sun wake us up every morning, where the kids and I spend the day exploring the world God has created for us, and where we come home from a long day and say “ahhh”.

Awesome.

All of these experiences have really been speaking to me lately. I don’t know what direction my life and career will take but I hope to be able to show people the beauty of God’s creation and it’s healing powers in some way. I hope to be able to spend much of my time in God’s creation, in community with friends, family and strangers, using all of my senses to enjoy the wonders He has created. I hope to be able to teach my children and the children of others about the beauty around us and the importance of trying to preserve it. That is what we have been charged to do…to take care of that which has been given to us. And I hope to live more simply in this crazy world we live in. Because all I need is Him and what He has created for me.

Here are some pictures of the farm we are renting:

Here is one of the three gardens...the vegetables are just starting to sprout!

The barn. Lindson's favorite place to play (besides the garage)...

A small view of the fields and the woodpile that Adam has been working at...

Tree Hugger

2009-05-17T15:46:00.005-05:00

We knew right from the beginning that Sierra loved being outside. When she was first born she would be so content when we were outside taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Now that she is on the move, she is quite the explorer. And at her age that means that most of the things she is "exploring" go right in her mouth! She is our nature girl (our tree hugger) and we love her!

Sierra has also recently learned how to play "peek-a-boo" and she is pretty cute doing it!

Best big brother ever

2009-05-16T19:20:00.002-05:00

Here is a video of Lindson being the best big brother ever. What starts out as innocent play with his sister inevitably ends with a kung-fu hit or kick to the face! This was a couple months ago...now Lindson is very affectionate and loves giving his little sister hugs and kisses (that is until he does it so hard he knocks her over). Boys will be boys!

No, Stop, NOW!

2009-05-16T18:16:00.002-05:00

Lindson has a daily ritual. It includes eating, sleeping, getting his diaper changed, and yelling "No! Stop! Now!" at Adam or me. The funny part is the very serious face he makes every time he says it. You almost can't help but laugh...which doesn't help out with the parenting. Oh well...enjoy!

Cousin love...

2009-05-15T16:11:00.004-05:00

We went home to spend time at the grandparent's house this past weekend and got the chance to spend time with Asher, our nephew and Lindson and Sierra's cousin. Sierra and Asher are approximately 6 months apart in age but Asher is giving her a run for her money in size and skills! They were too cute together and Sierra was letting him know who was boss :)...or at least trying.

Somebody loves playing in the grass...but most of all eating it! What a ham!

2009-05-12T22:00:00.002-05:00

Here is Lindson practicing his gymnastics skills on the Roto-Tiller. I wonder if they'll have that in the Olympics any time soon?

2009-05-12T21:54:00.002-05:00

Lindson and Sierra were helping me dry out the tent this afternoon and I took the opportunity to snag a few pics. Check it, yo!

One life, Big impact...

2009-05-12T09:07:00.003-05:00

Today is a sad day for me and also a day of reflection. Last night a little girl named Kayleigh Anne passed away and my heart breaks. She was the same age as Sierra (almost 11 months). She was born weighing 1 lbs. 1 ounce and has never left the hospital. It was her parent's dream to bring her home to be a family with their other children but they never got the chance. I have been following their blog they created for Kayleigh for a couple months now and I would anxiously await each post to see how little Kayleigh was doing. She was a miracle in every sense of the word...beating all odds until now. And her parents seem amazing...strong in their faith in God's plan for their little girl and for their family. Even now with Kayleigh recently going to be with God their words are so encouraging to others and exude so much strength. I am sure that is not how they are feeling and that God is providing their strength in this difficult time but I am amazed by them still.

So as Kayleigh's journey has unfolded I have been asking myself many questions. I feel completely heartbroken by the passing of a little girl whom I have never met. I would like to go to NC and hug both of her parents and let them know what an impact Kayleigh's story has had on me. Her life has taught me about hope, struggle, communication, the blurry lines in medicine, and so much more. Mostly, she has taught me about faith in God and in His plan...to believe in God's plan even when others tell you differently or think the plan should be their own. I have never met these people and yet I am crying for them, smiling for them, praying for them, cheering for them, hoping for them, and hurting for them. And I am wondering why I am so wrapped up by this. I am wondering if I can possibly take care of sick children day after day during my residency training and beyond without becoming so emotionally drained from really connecting with each child and family. Because that is who I am...I don't have it in me (at least I don't think so) to take care of a child without praying for them and truly caring for them. Can I be a good pediatrician without doing that? I don't think I can. Can I be a good pediatrician while connecting in a true way and caring in a deep way with the children and families I come across? I hope so.

I do believe there is a balance in all things in life. Some advice that was given to me as a medical student was to not feel sympathetic but instead empathetic for those you have the privilege of taking care of as a physician. I think about that a lot. I believe that is good advice...to feel empathy for others and to lift them up in their time of need. I don't usually feel sorry for others...I think that God has a plan for everyone and I take comfort in that. I know He has a plan for my life and for everyone else's life that is beyond our comprehension and beyond our control. Each child and family I encounter will not be by accident. How awesome is that! And Kayleigh's life was not an accident...it was all planned. It was His plan for her to come into this world at 1 lbs. and for her to leave to go home yesterday.

I'm confident in one thing...I will not make it through residency with dry eyes. I will cry with my patients and with their families. I will also rejoice with them, pray with them, celebrate with them, and process life with them. I will grow as they grow. I promise to them to be present in the moment with them...to feel things with them and not grow numb. I hope and pray this approach will help me become a wonderful pediatrician for many children and families. And for Kayleigh, I will think of her often when I am caring for others remembering the struggles and triumphs of her short but glorious life that has touched so many. I have learned from her story and I intend to pay that forward. She has changed me and so many others for the better and that is such a tribute to her. As I begin my journey in pediatrics I will pray for her and for her family and I will be thinking of her. Someday I hope to meet her in heaven.

Crazy Kayaking weekend

2009-05-11T08:04:00.007-05:00

So, my buddy, Jerod, and I left Sat morning to run some rivers in Northeast WI. When it was all said and done we spent almost 8 hours in our boats and ran some crazy falls and rapids where we practiced our roll, boofs, surfing, scouting, and river running skills. Both of us got some new scrapes on our helmets from -too close for comfort- encounters with the bottom of the river... but it was all good because we came back safe and sound and excited about our experiences. Check out the pics below of us running Section IV of the Wolfe and Roaring Rapids Section of the Peshtigo.

Little Lindson

2009-05-07T21:48:00.003-05:00

Erin and I were running through some video on our external the other night and found this video of Lindson when he was little. First he tries to eat Bambi and then holds a curiously long kiss. Too Funny!

Red Head

2009-05-06T23:18:00.002-05:00

Red Head. I love it!

Living on the Farm

2009-05-06T21:54:00.001-05:00

Here are some views of the farm were living at. Awesome place with great views and lots of peace and quite. Lindson and Sierra are loving it!

2009-05-06T21:48:00.003-05:00

2009-05-06T21:43:00.001-05:00

Living on the Farm

2009-05-06T21:36:00.003-05:00