Thursday, May 26, 2011

some parenting vents

Ok I have had so much on my mind lately. One being the issue of parenting. Here's the thing I have contemplated over and over again. Control. I have been called controlling many times. After a recent conversation with a cousin, I had a great thing happen. I realized, I AM CONTROLLING. And parents should be controlling...obviously to a certain point, and age plays a part in this. I always got so offended by this statement. But here's the thing. My kids, Carson especially, cannot always control themselves. They would just run in the road, hit, scream, and do whatever they wanted all the time. Yes, my kids have a bedtime and yes, I really try to stick to it. I KNOW what the lack of sleep does to kids and I do not intend to have my kids develop issues that could have been solved by good sleep patterns from an early age. Parents need to step up their game. I see so many children rule their parents. How is this a good idea? Now, I know many people may disagree with all the things I do and that's fine. I do what I think is best. And to be truthful, this was my degree in college. I have a lot of background with children. If you know me, you know that. Again, no, this does not mean I know everything, but I have a reference point for a lot of things. Being a parent is hard enough. I do not appreciate people telling me how to do my job, when I am doing it just fine! When I need help, I ask (and I do need it frequently). I do not tell others how to parent when I think they are not doing a good job. That is not my place.

So, yes, I am controlling and I am proud of it!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Mini-vacation

Chad and I decided we needed a trip with just the two of us, considering we have never left our children over night (except when I was in the hospital having Carson). It was even better now that my sister lives here and was willing to take them for the weekend. So, off to Newport Beach we went. We saw a movie, went out to eat, did miniature golfing, batting cages, attended a session at the Newport Temple, walked the boardwalk, and saw the well known "Wedge." We had a good time and it was nice to not have to worry about the kids. I did miss my kids. I missed their hugs and kisses! It was a good break though.





The biggest waves I have ever seen in person. The pictures do not do it justice. They were awesome!



Monday, May 16, 2011

Dr. Erickson

Can you believe Chad graduated this past weekend? I can't! It was a crazy busy week. Chad I attended the awards banquet that was held at the amazingly nice, Biltmore hotel. It was gorgeous! Chad was commissioned to the rank of Captain and given a very nice plaque signed by the secretary of the Army.
Friday, we got ready and headed out to his Dental School graduation. It was long, but the kids were great!! Paige was thrilled that Seth was there to hang out with. We loved cheering for Chad and all of our other friends that graduated! Now, we just have to get through the licensing exam and he will be official!
Good work Chad, we are so proud of our dental daddy!
(I have more pics of Chad actually graduating, they are just on his comp, so I will have to do another post for that!!)
My children with Sarah. They love her and she loves them. I find her trying to kidnap them all the time!

Josh and Chad
Paul and the fam
Yes, my son is giving his daddy a thumbs up!


a few of the LDS dental students
Udoka and Sarah with Chad.
Chad scored seats pretty close to the band! ;) I guess it pays to be an "E"

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Rendezvous at Disneyland!

My old roommate and friend, Kali, and her family came out to go to Disneyland and I got to tag along! It was so fun hanging out and having our kids play together. Paige has been asking to see Kenzi and Brook since they left. It was also probably our last trip as a family because our passes expire on Tuesday. :( We also ran into friends we worked with. Joe, Karrissa, Kali, Taylor, and I all worked at the Boys and Girls Club together. Fun times! It was great to be together even if it was just for a few minutes! Now, everyone will need to come visit us in Richmond. It may not have Disneyland, but it has Busch Gardens!



Carson and Brook sharing some snacks while everyone else was on tower of terror...including Paige.
Paige says she will never go on this ride again. I don't blame her.

Yes, Carson is running away. He wanted to just touch them and then he freaked out when I set him down. He has never done that.



Paige was so excited to meet Rapunzel again...however when she saw Flynn Ryder, she lost it. He had to walk out for her to calm down. Oh well.


Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Yosemite 2011

Yosemite was a blast! This is the second time we have done it. I will say it was way better for me. Last time, I had tonsilitis, thrush, and then threw my back out.
We did a lot there! We saw Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, Cascade Falls, and Vernal Falls, lakes, lots of show, the sequoias, and lots of wildlife (but no bears!). We stayed at a way nice cabin that was super cheap and had a blast just hanging out. Enjoy all the pics. You can make them bigger by clicking on them.




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