The Heaths

Big Spring Break Surprise for Mason!

2010-04-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Mason got a big surprise on Tuesday, March 30th... Cousin Ellie, Auntie Brooke & Kevin miraculously showed up on our doorstep that afternoon. It was really fun to see her reaction! She was sitting in the chair by the window watching TV when she saw them pull up in our driveway. Instantly, she comes running in the kitchen yelling "Mom, Brooke & Kevin are here! Why are the here!? How come Ellie's not with them!?" Which she was, but Mason didn't see her get out of the car because she was too busy looking for me. They kept the surprise going by telling her to pack a bag for 2 days, but that was it. About half way to their destination, Mason guessed correctly that they were all going to Disneyland for 2 days! Ellie was so cute and wouldn't tell Mason where they were going! Thanks fam for the fun surprise!

Thanks Cousin Ellie! You're my BCF!

Titus is growing

2010-03-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Bath time after dad's big race! Titus is 2 months old, wow!

LA Marathon 2010

2010-03-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Near the finish...
Here he comes! Just 0.2 miles to go Levi, YAY!
Finished!!! 4 hrs 37 min

The kids

2010-03-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

Just woke up and ready to play!

Mason's hike with dad...

Logi Lion

2010-03-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

Logan has picked up a lot of new past-times since Ti has been born. One of which is to throw off all of the couch cushions and jump on the springier part of the couch. Today, he decided to put on his Lion costume and jump away... I gotta find the video of this and show you all.

Titus's blessing

2010-03-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Because I wasn't being very camera savvy this day, I only have a few random shots of some of the family on the way to church. Levi blessed Titus and it was extremely sweet. I wish I could remember what he said. Thanks for coming out MaMa, Kenny, Grama, Jed & the Plewe's!

Titus laughing

2010-03-04T22:57:00.000-08:00

Smiles and giggles! How fast he's growing!

My perfect 3

2010-03-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

Honestly, who can resist the pictures of the bare kids? Gotta love 'em!

The boys

2010-02-22T22:50:00.001-08:00

Ahwa...

His favorite thing to do at the park...

My youngest Valentine on V Day.

Valentines weekend

2010-02-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

Mason is such a treasure. We love her so much! So, over the Valentine's Day weekend, dad surprised Mason by taking her out of school early on Friday and toting her down to Disneyland for a couple of days. They had an absolute blast!

Look what I found

2010-02-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Grama, look what I found!

Happy 2nd Birthday Logan!

2010-02-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

He's 2! It was a low-key day, but just enough fun for this little guy! We love you Logan!

Holding Titus

2010-02-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

Titus is just over a week old and we finally documented Mason and Logan holding him. Logan is absolutely in love with the baby. Obsession perhaps, but its all with love. He just has to check on him all of the time and touch Titus's face. Its so precious! Hoping its a sign of forever friendship. Mason, of course, is the best big sister ever. Always a help to mom and dad and her brothers.

The kids... wow, there's 3 now!

2010-02-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

More handy work from the toddler... guess he wanted eggs.
Time to clean up after that one.

Baby Titus

2010-02-01T22:26:00.000-08:00

Titus's feet are very long. Hard to believe he was all squished up inside my belly with these long feet! Thus the aching rib the last month!

1st car ride to the Pediatrician. 2 days old.

Bored?

2010-01-31T22:23:00.000-08:00

Innocence or guilt........
...you decide!

2 days old

2010-01-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the flowers PTFZ!

Titus's Birth - January 18, 2010 - 12:31pm

2010-01-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

This pregnancy was very different from my last two. I decided to use a midwifery service and have a home birth since I have delivered with no drugs or complications in the past. The care was very different from my OB. It was very "hands on" for me and the visits entailed more talking than actual examination. It was somewhat empowering and me having more control in my care than with an OB. But, I seemed to be so much more exhausted and moody than my first two. Near the end, I had a couple of days of bed rest, due to constant contractions, around week 34. It was only fitting that my darling Titus keep my expectations in suspense by arriving 3 days late. Mason & Logan were early. But, thankfully, this was a my fastest labor yet!

I had contractions in the wee hours of the morning that felt more like real contractions (starting low and radiating through my low back) than before. But, nothing I couldn't sleep through. Finally, about 5am, I started timing them and they were 10 minutes apart. I waited until 7am to call my midwife and report my progress. She stopped by around 9:30am to drop off her stuff and check on me. Meanwhile, my mom had taken the kids to a friend's house and I had sent Levi to work for a few hours since it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.

By 10 am, my contractions were getting down to 7 minutes apart. Some hard, a lot medium in intensity. I decided to call home the troops (Levi and my mom soon returned) around 10:30am. I asked them to inflate & fill the birthing tub so as to be ready when I wanted to get in. I also called my midwife, Jake, to return since the contractions were getting more intense and closer together. Assistant & apprentice midwives, Katie & Laura, joined us around 11am. I believe the contractions were pretty hard from 11:30 on. I had some back labor while sitting on the couch, but was able to relieve it by leaning over my exercise ball.

Things really took a turn when I decided to get in the birthing pool. I wanted to use the restroom before getting in so I could totally relax. Once I got there, all of a sudden, I felt the baby drop - big time! I immediately called for help to walk to the birthing tub (set up in our living room) and it seemed like 1 maybe 2 contractions before the baby was crowning. I basically got into the tub, put my arms over the side griping Levi's hands, closed my eyes and loudly groaned (okay, I was screaming...) through all of my contractions & pushing. I think I even bit Levi's thumb somewhere in all that pushing. I just needed another way to release my tension! He never said a thing, poor guy! So, I delivered Titus on my knees chest deep in warm water.

I then was leaning back in the tub holding my massive 10# 3oz & 22.5 inches baby Titus waiting for the after birth to be delivered. Titus was so calm. He didn't cry immediately. He was busy looking around and surveying the scene. He was also working on getting the fluid out of his lungs. They only suctioned his mouth out once and he let out a little cry. He really wanted to nurse and started sucking on my neck. We would have let him, but the water level was too high and he would have sucked down the pool water. It took about 25 minutes for the after birth to come out. The midwives said when you have fast deliveries, your body takes a while to catch up and deliver the placenta. That seemed like a very long time since I had to keep holding heavy Titus! I was pretty exhausted!

All in all, it was a smooth process. To speak frankly, I'm not the type who loves pregnancy and thinks giving birth is oh so wonderful. It's hard, grooling and down right pushes you to your limit. But, I feel going all natural is best for the baby, an easier recovery for me and at least my body can do it fast! I'm just very grateful to have had a healthy baby!

Just me and my dad

2010-01-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

The boys takin' a snooze...

New Years 2010

2010-01-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

MaMa & PaPa joined us for New Years. We hit the zoo on January 2 and it was quite pleasant! I was 2 weeks out from my due date and hoped it would speed up delivery being on my feet half of the day. No such luck. That's okay though. We made some good memories with MaMa & PaPa!

Christmas morning 2009

2009-12-26T22:02:00.000-08:00

This was our first Christmas that we spent at our own home and not with extended family. I was too far along in my pregnancy to travel. It was pretty fun for Levi and I to go it alone you could say. We did miss the attendance of the rest of our family, but felt like we weren't lacking in fun and excitement. Grama did join us later that night to continue the heartfelt holiday.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I wasn't too camera happy this night, but I did get a shot of the Snowman pinyata. It was fun for all of us! Thanks Thornes for inviting us out!

So fun

2009-12-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

Just rockin' out with some rock band!

Sugar cookies anyone?

Gingerbread houses

2009-12-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

We've got a tradition of making and decorating gingerbread houses every December. Our friends, the Creswick's, joined in on the fun!

December fun

2009-12-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

Santa made an appearance at the ward Christmas party. The primary children did a cute reenactment of Jesus's birth.

December days

2009-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Logan loves my rain boots!

Dessert at the local yogurt store for Family Home Evening! Yum!

Mason's Play

2009-11-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

Mason participated in a theater class this fall at school and they performed the Bremen Town Musicians play. She was a donkey. It was fun to watch her acting!

Dutch oven happiness!

2009-11-14T20:36:00.000-08:00

Those of you that know Levi, know that he was raised on dutch oven cooking. So, this Sunday he had a sweet tooth. This was a dutch oven mud pie version and it was DELICIOUS! Way to go hubby!

Fall Soccer

2009-11-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

October & November, Mason played co-ed soccer. She was on the team with her friends, Olivia and Hannah. Dad assistant coached again with Olivia's dad, Mike. She definitely improved since last season and had even more fun!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

Here we have our "Vampira Princess" & "Logi Lion" ready to score some candy out in the neighborhood and even more at our church's "Trunk or Treat!"

Logan the Lion and his good friend Delilah the sheep!

Mason turned into a "Girl Vampire" and dropped the "princess" with some grueling face make up and our friends Kristal (Bo Peep) & Delilah (sheep). Of course, Logi Lion making his rounds about the place all on his own...

Levi's got the Lion in his grips. Hard to contain while candy is free flowing from hand to hand out here!
While simply showing support for his team (Yankees) on this important play-off night, one on-looker asked if he was dressed up as George Castansa from "Sienfeld." I don't think he was too thrilled about being compared to a short, annoying bald guy off an old sit-com. All in all, he still put on a smile for the night.

School Halloween Parade

2009-11-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

Here's the 1st grade marching around the big yard showing off their costumes last Friday before Halloween. Mason was so excited to wear hers at school!

My Birthday Surprise

2009-11-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

My dearest hubby of 10 years threw me a surprise birthday party on my 33rd birthday (Sat. 10/24). He invited some of our good friends to share cake & ice cream with us and hang out for a bit. Although our darling Mason was too anxious to keep it a secret all day, she ended up asking Levi in front of me not 3 hours before party time "Dad, when are the other people coming over?" Poor Levi tried to play it off with a big grin telling Mason she was being silly and there wasn't anyone else coming, but the secret was out. I was still thrilled at all the effort he put together though! Love you babe!

Joyful little girls

2009-11-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

Mason's friend, Hannah, had a birthday party at the coveted "Olivia's Dollhouse & Tea Room" October 10th. It is a little girls dress up dream. Mason's been a few times for other parties (including her own when she turned 5) and surprisingly, it never gets old to these girls. Its just as exciting as the time before.

Loving siblings

2009-11-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

This was just too cute to pass up! My cuddle bugs!

November 1, 2010

Going to Church

2009-10-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

My kids are so cute!

I'm actually in a picture with Logan and I'm presentable - pregnant and all!

Soccer Star

2009-10-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Mason has truely shown great improvement out on the soccer field since last season. She's hustling more and her confidence is growing. We are so proud of her and love watching her grow!

Logan's 2nd BUZZ cut

2009-09-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

So, it came down to take him to a barber to trim his hair or let Dad buzz it all off. The lazy prego side of me won and Logan was whisked outside to get more than just a trim! Although I do love his hair a little longer, it looks dang cute this short! But, it makes my darling little baby boy look a lot older!

Its hard to hold still when all ya wanna do is look on the other side of the camera!

End of summer is HOT!

2009-09-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting here surfing the net & other friend's blogs & feeling guilty for not having mine updated for a very, very, VERY long time! I'm sorry to my other blog surfing friends trying to see what's up with us. I'm pregnant, hot, and just not functioning as well as I'd like to this past month. But, if it helps, I posted a baby ticker that will keep track of that part of my life all on its own. Oh, and some exciting news to share, we weren't going to find out what we were having (Levi's idea, not mine), but at the ultrasound appointment, Levi could totally tell and announced that I could find out if I wanted (gee, thanks hon, I am carrying the thing!).

It's a BOY!

Mason wanted a sister, but this will be great for Logan seeing as they will be 23 months apart. He'll have a little buddy and Mason can have fun bossing them both around...until they are stronger than her, but that will be a while.

So now, Mason and I have to come to terms with being out numbered by males in the family. Of course, Levi couldn't be more thrilled to have another boy. But hey, now Mason and I can perhaps play the ol' "girls night out" plenty more!

1st day for the 1st Grader!

2009-09-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Back to school again! Mason is in 1st grade this year and returning to Beethoven Elementary. This will be her 3rd year there (Pre-K, K, and now 1st grade). She was very excited to meet her new teacher, Mrs. Galvan, and see her fellow classmates. She's a bright kid who loves to learn and enjoys school all together. Keep it up babe!

Mackinley, Mason, & Christopher have been in the same class since Pre-K.

Pick up was a bit of a blur, but overall, a good day!

1st Family Camping Trip

2009-09-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

After much talk of getting out into nature, we finally did it! We embarked on our first family camping trip to Huntington Lake in the Sierra Mountains in CA over Labor Day weekend. We wanted to get out of town before school started up again for Mason and to use all of this camping equipment we've been collecting for years now. Although I am pregnant and sleeping on the ground, in a tent, in a primitive camp ground was not exactly luxury for me, I wanted to do it with the family. It was very fun, and much cooler than Los Angeles!

Even though the water was freezing, the kids still had fun playing near it and getting their feet wet!

Nothing says camping like a lot of dirt!

Breakfast is the best meal of the day! Especially when Levi is cooking! Chef Levi is definitely a "must-have" whenever camping! He knows how to use the griddle and camp chef!

The DAY HIKE...

This was a fun 1 mile hike that we all just loved. Logan desperately wanted to walk, but once Levi let him touch every other tree we walked by, he was content to the ride.

Levi and Mason hiked in a bit more terrain part of the trail to the top of the waterfall. It was so gorgeous out there!

ALL DONE! Thank goodness for dvd players in vans! Our travel life has significantly changed for the better with the kids better entertained back there!

Back yard fun

2009-08-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

Mason & Logan always find something to do when outside. This night, they were waiting for dinner to finish cooking on the grill and discovered Dad's skateboard. Awesome Dad, you'll have skaters in the near future...

March 21, 2008

Powder Puff Derby

2009-08-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mason's girl scout troop participated in the Powder Puff Derby this spring on March 20. She had so much fun with her dad cutting, assembling and painting her bright yellow car. We also became big fans of the movie "Down & Derby" thanks to our family friends the Evans. Believe it or not, she took 2nd place among the Daisy Troop! Way to go Mason!

Look what we FINALLY did!

2009-03-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Levi received some nice matching frames from a nice friend last week who was moving. We have always envisioned our family photos in something like what she gave us. So, I was very excited to get to work. Unfortunately, since moving, all of our pictures were neatly (well, not that neatly) packed away in a couple of boxes...and now they are not (as you see here).

But, look at the progress we made! We finally put pictures we've had for 5 years in boxes, in frames and on the walls! Yay!

Now, the next 2 pictures are examples of me and Levi's personalities. I put up these 2 frames in a matter of 10 minutes. Kinda measured, the pictures don't fully fill out the mat, but its what I had and I wanted to hang them. I got it done...

Here you see Levi, using a leveler, measured out every millimeter from all sides of each frame and made me search for 2 pictures of Mason to go with the 2 pictures of Logan, so it would all flow well. His project took an hour & a half. Hmf.

It looks so good though!

Friday the 13th

2009-03-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

As you can see, it was far from scary for us. I have loved watching this rose bush bloom over the past few weeks. The rain really brought it out! When we moved in, it was all dried up. Now look how beautiful!

Dad and the kids having some fun in the street while chicken was on the bbq (he doesn't just wear that apron for fun...)!

Tree trimming anyone?

2009-03-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, we (me and Logan) were curious to know who was using a chainsaw for a great part of the day. I looked out our back window and sure enough a man was up one of those gigantic 5 story palm trees cutting it down 2 feet at a time. I watched him most of the mid-day. It was amazing that he didn't cut his arm off, fall or who knows what! That is definitely a job I would not do!

Playing with the girls...kinda

2009-03-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

So, Mason had a playdate after school last week. The girls were playing with Polypockets at the table since there are many tiny pieces Logan could swallow. Since he had to play too, he was under the table with a princess and a mini my little pony banging them on the floor together just like he thought the girls were doing a few feet up! Priceless!

Gardening

2009-03-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

So, after Levi ran 17 MILES, had some breakfast, a shower, cut his and Logan's hair, he decided to plant some veggies in a bare patch of our flower garden. Just your average, white male American Saturday... HA! I'm married to the biggest over achiever and I love it! This summer, hopefully, we will be enjoying: bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet peas, strawberries, peppers and who knows what else thanks to this awesome man in the cowboy hat below!

My 1st buzz cut

2009-03-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 7th...Today was a spontaneous day. Dad cut his hair. Dad saw Logan. Dad cut Logan's hair...A LOT! Logie got his first buzz cut. He was actually pretty cool with the procedure. I held him and Dad buzzed all of his hair off with the clippers. He was going to go shorter, but I insisted it be the longest length. Now, my little boy baby, doesn't look so little any more!

Friends

2009-03-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

So, Logan is friends with Delilah. She is one of his few baby friends who is a few months younger than him. We think he might even say her name sometimes. He recognizes her (and her mom, Kristal) from afar (like at church) and must go over to her. It is very hard to distract him once he's seen her. The relationship is a kind of love/hate though. Well, its really love - he loves to pound her face with his hand and she hates it! Delilah likes him as long as he's out of hitting range. So, hopefully, this hitting thing is just a phase and he will be more gentle with age. Otherwise, mom will go crazy!

Rollerblading kid

2009-03-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Mason has been taking an inline skating class at our local park these last 8 weeks. She LOVES it! She has taken an array of dance classes (ballet, tap, jazz) and liked them, but got bored with them near the end of the session. Not skating. This kid LOVES it! It has been the best equipment investment I've made for her yet! Not the bike, not the scooter, or balls, but SKATING! Yay! Mason has gone from barely staying on her feet the first day of class to one of the fastest in her class! She comes home from school a minimum of 4 days/week and is out skating in the driveway & sidewalk. Awesome kid! Is roller hockey next?

Lovin' the bath

2009-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Bath time is zen-like here in our house. No matter how bad Mason or Logan's day has been, once they enter the warm water in the tub, happiness is upon them. Even though it can get wet everywhere and mom doesn't love cleaning up the mess, it is so heart-warming to hear these two giggling over anything going on in that wet paradise!

Tooth #3

2009-03-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Mason pulled tooth #3 from her mouth after school on March 5th. She just came home and said her tooth was hurting and showed me why! Those bottom permanent teeth were pushing it out of the way! So, after many tries of wrapping floss around it and it slipping off, more wiggling and pulling, whala, its out! Mason did it herself! Good job kid!

2009-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

I just have to say WHAHOOO! I caught up on my blogging! Yesssssssssss!

Kristen's baby shower

2009-03-04T20:55:00.000-08:00

Last Friday me, Kristal, Betsey and Staci threw Kristen a baby shower for boy #3. It was loads of fun and even though she was on bedrest that weekend, she was having a good time! This baby is very lucky to be born into such a great family!

Yes, my friend, Betsey, actually MADE this diaper cake from scratch! Talent I tell you! Isn't it gorgeous! I think she should sell them!

Just like sis

2009-03-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

Just like his sis, Logan has to be involved in whatever anyone is doing around him. Here we have Connor playing the Wii and Logan has to hold a remote too!

Valentine's Day weekend

2009-03-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Grandma came to town to visit the grandkids for Valentine's Day. Here's a shot of Logan and Grandma before church Sunday. Valentine's Day was special for me and Levi too because we were able to go to the spa together and have a nice long date. Meanwhile, Grandma held down the fort at home and held a mega craft & baking day with Mason. We came home to some yummy homemade heart cookies decorated with love! Thanks Grandma!

Cousin Ellie dropped by for a half hour on her way to San Diego. As you can see the reunion was an exciting one!

Logan's 1st BIRTHDAY!

2009-03-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

February 9th, 2009. My baby boy is 1 year old. I can't believe how fast it's gone! He's got so much personality, into everything, independent, doesn't like to cuddle, but needs to be held and push me away just to show who's boss. He's smart, loves to play with his sister, absolutely love to be outside in the open so he can explore, cries when he gets the screen door slammed in front of him restraining him, loves to roll around on the floor with anyone, must touch everyones face and ram his fingers in crevices not meant for them, has the most beautiful blue eyes, loves watching the trash truck, willingly gets in the bath, is finally sleeping through the night, loves to play in the toilet, unroll all of the toilet paper, sleeps with his butt in the air half the time and is the twinkle in my eye. Love you big boy!

Even though Logan had his own cake, with all that sugar, he slept great that night!

P.S. I actually made the cakes from scratch and Levi iced them. For someone not so hot in the kitchen, it's not bad huh!

Superbowl

2009-03-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Superbowl. February 1, 2009. I can't even remember who played, I just remember fun. We had our first Superbowl party and it was fun and filling! We had tons and tons of food (hmm, shoulda taken a pix of that) and fun friends to enjoy it with. The kids ransacked the kid room, but had a good time. Nice having a 60" TV, eh?!

Daisy Investiture

2009-03-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

(January 30th) Mason signed up for Girl Scouts this year and is a first year Daisy. She has really enjoyed the meetings and is learning a lot. Every year there is a ceremony (Investiture) that inducts the new girls into Girl Scouts. I kinda got roped into being a co-leader for the group but have enjoyed watching them all learn good values and help others. During their ceremony, the girls walked up the stem of a daisy and stood on the pedals. Each Daisy was given a GS pin and a certificate and welcomed into the troop. Logan had a hard time sitting still with dad while I was on stage! But, we made it through! Congrats Mason!

Bath time

2009-03-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

Bath time has become Logan's favorite part of the day. He and Mason play so well together and he's so open to exploration. They giggle constantly through it and get the surrounding area plenty wet. Drives me insane with the mess, but look at how cute they are!

New Bunk Bed

2009-03-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

Mama & Papa treated Mason (and some day Logan) to an awesome bunk bed this Christmas! Since our move, we had sold her old double bed since we needed to downsize for lack of space. This was my favorite bed and even includes a trundle! It arrived January 5th. We thought she'd be more enthused about sleeping on the top, but she said the first night she slept in it that she wanted to wait until Logan was old enough to sleep on the bottom before she'd sleep on the top bunk. Thanks again Mama & Papa!

Ringing in the New Year!

2009-03-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

Mason enrolled in an inline skating class at the park down the road and is showing off her new gear. She was pretty excited to learn to skate!

Mason got some new running shoes from Mama and was determined to join dad on one of his runs. She had to look just like him, including a hat & my sports watch! She made it about 10 minutes and was home ready for a rest! At least she tried it!

New Years Eve

2009-03-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Mama & Papa came to visit us for New Years. We went out to lunch on the Promenade and had terrible service, but it was fun to show them the area where Levi works now. The best food we had was right at home grilled up by the Grill Master himself! We had ribs, steak, shrimp, the works. It was the best way to ring in the new year!

Jammin'

2009-03-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Rock Band II made it home from UT and was tested out with our jammin' experts the Steve, Britt & Christian! It was really, really fun and now our child is addicted. She knows all the words to "Eye of the Tiger." Yes, Levi is wearing a mullot wig... We had to keep the holidays rockin'!

Christmas vacation outdoor activities

2009-03-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

And so, the UT snowy weather was quite good for our next adventure...tubing by 4-wheeler. Uncle Jed rolls up with 3 tubes, a tow rope and the ol' 4-wheeler. I have to say, it was my favorite. Levi was a proud papa with Mason never wanting to come inside and wanting to be dragged all over South Jordan on the tube and Logan enjoying his little ride around the block in dad's lap. The best part was doing donuts in the church parking lot! I didn't know whether to scream or laugh!

Christmas 2008 (PM)

2009-02-19T13:02:00.000-08:00

The day doesn't end with being inside! Last year we started a new tradition of knee boarding in the streets pulled by Jed's 4-wheeler. Everyone is bundled up and ready to go!

Giddy-up?!

Dad made Mason her very own snow fort. He wanted to finish it and transform it into an igloo, but Mason decided to jump all over it first. She LOVES the snow!

One of our funnest group presents was Rock Band. Everybody got in on the action at some point!

Whew! The day is over!

Christmas 2008 (AM)

2009-02-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

Like Christmas Eve, Christmas day is very traditional. No one can go out into the living room until everyone is ready and not before 7 AM. Everyone walks out and sees what Santa left in their stocking. This year we decided to eat the hearty breakfast before the long present opening session. Homemade tamales with chili verde, eggs, potatoes, tortillas, homemade bread with jam... need I go on? It worked out well that way and everyone was a little more awake and ready for stage 2 - presents. It's always an overkill because everyone is so generous and loves to give to one another. But, it is incredibly fun to watch the everyones faces light up when they open their gifts.

Christmas Eve 2008

2009-02-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas eves in the Heath household are very traditional. First and foremost, lots of eating and feasting occurs. A big prime rib dinner with all the fixin's, cookies for Santa, writing letters to Santa and the "Christmas Eve Present opening," which usually intails pj's.

Logan's first hair cut

2009-02-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

Well, when you have a boy, the long hair needs a trim sooner than you think. Here, Logan accompanied me to my favorite sylist, Dawnell, to get his first trim. He did pretty well!

Winter performance

2009-02-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

The entire school puts on a winter program at Beethoven Elementary. Here are a few snap shots of Mason. It was kinda cute. They sang 3 songs and the rest of the grades did too. It was what every parent gets to do at some point, watch their kid in some sort of school performance.

Levi's FIRST Race

2009-02-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

Levi ran his first race ever on December 13th, 2009 in the Venice Christmas Run 10k at Venice Beach. I've done this race 4 times in past years and was very excited for Levi to get a thrill out of an actual race. He found a co-worker on his path who kept his pace steady and fast, but Levi said it was exhilerating and exhausting. It gave him even more a passion for running and he's planning on running the LA Marathon in May 2009. You go Levi!

BEFORE RACE:

Someone is a bit sleepy.

But we aren't!

Stretching - VERY IMPORTANT!

Ready, Set, GO...
DURING THE RACE...

Oooooo, look who was there!

AFTER THE RACE...

So, when I ran my first race back in 2001, Levi drove me to Zuma Beach. Like here, it was chilly out so he went and waited in the car. I gave him my guestimated finish time and he came back to the finish line at that time...Only, I was waiting for him! Here, I'm standing at the finishing line looking for him to run in and he was standing next to me, already done and cheering beside me for at least 30 seconds before I realized he was there! He finished earlier than I expected and I was bummed I missed his finish. He didn't care though! He loved it.

Church Christmas Party

2009-02-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Mason was a Shepard in a reinactment of Christ's birth at our Ward Christmas Party. Our wonderful friend, Kristen, made this great costume for her. The party was fun for all and the kids were so stinkin' cute up on stage. Hopefully, they'll remember doing it when their older!

So, with that light hair is Logan a Heath or a VanDyke???? Hmmmmm....

Christmas Boy

2009-02-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm not bias or anything, but isn't Logan just the cutest? He's just a little dude. He's 10 months here and just eating away at my heart! A mother couldn't be prouder of her baby boy! He's pulling up all over the place and crawling into everything. Believe it or not, he's not tearing the tree apart near as much as I thought. Love ya little squirt!

The Gingerbread Houses

2009-02-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome night with the VanDyke's & Thorne's making "deluxe" Gingerbread (well, graham cracker) Houses. The kids were in candy heaven as you could barely see the table under all of the bags of candy. It was really fun watching how creative some people got.

Kristen made her a trailer house. We took pictures quickly before it colapsed!

Craig is an artist. Here it looks as though he is a starving one at that. He made an exact replica of the temple... We told him we had high expectations and he met them!

Levi made a ranch home. ...with a pooping reindeer, which is not even displayed here.

Pumpkin Roll

2009-02-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

Around the Heath house growing up, Levi always had pumpkin roll around the holidays. Here, you can see his enthusiasm for holiday goodies is rubbing off on Mason. She was thrilled to be helping out in the kitchen on December 11th!

The decorated tree

2009-02-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

Since we got home with the tree late the night before, we decorated it the evening after. It was a fun time and we were very happy with the turn out!

Bringing home the tree

2009-02-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

December 8th, we brought home Christmas 2008's tree into our new home! Good ol' Home Depot!

The face

2009-02-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

December 6th, Mason was being so helpful by rocking her brother for me. He was almost asleep and dumb mom couldn't pass up a photo op. I got the evilest face from big sis for waking up Logan!

Rockband anyone?

2009-02-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

Our good friends, the Thorne's, brought over their family's RockBand game for us to all rock out to. We must say, you really learn a lot about someone when playing this game together. They can totally ROCK!

Thanksgiving

2009-02-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was truly a time for our family to give thanks. We were so thankful to be in a house, to have healthy children, to have Grama Heath and Uncle Jed in town and share our feast the missionaries (Elder Mills & Elder Holley) and Sister Boswell. We had a traditional meal with an addition of a fried turkey and lots of laughs. Unfortunately, we didn't get but this one photo of our feast. But, it is of our cutest boy baby at his first Thanksgiving!

Dance Recital, November 22

2009-02-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

Mason took Ballet and Jazz/Hip Hop with some friends this fall session at our local park. She really does enjoy the spotlight! She had a good time with all of her friends in most of the classes. I think 2 dance classes her first semester of Kindergarten was a bit much. But she still completed it and still does some dancing around the house!

Growing up

2009-02-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

Logan is growing way too fast! November 20 at 9 1/2 months, he learned how to pull himself up holding a chair. He didn't stop there. He started taking steps holding onto the chair too!

Asleep

2009-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

November 19th...Yes, Logan really is ASLEEP. How you ask? He was sitting awake, probably crying, and just conked out.

The MAN GRILL has changed my life

2009-02-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

This is Levi's new "Man Grill." It is a mac-daddy one and has changed my life for the GOOD! Since he purchased this in mid November, he now cooks on it at least 1-3 times a week! I love it! I don't have cook those days! I don't even know how to turn it on! It's the best and Levi is the best griller! So thank you dear!

Love my Daddy!

2009-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Nov. 13, 2008

I actually went hiking!

2009-02-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled that I actually got out on a trail and hiked on Nov. 12! You would think that I 'd go all the time (and to the beach) because we are so close to the Santa Monica Mountains. My friend, Kristal, and her baby, Delilah, took Logan and I up a cute little trail in Will Rogers Park. I've had a hard time getting my butt in gear with exercising and this was exactly what I needed. Sad though, it should have only taken about 30-40 minutes round trip, but it took us and hour & a half (with a stop for lunch). It makes a big difference when you have a baby on your back and you're out of shape! Thanks for getting me out there Kristal!

The Great Outdoors

2009-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

After a little settling in to our new home, Levi needed to step away from real life and escape into nature. He and his friend, Steve (and his Father, Dave), retreated north for some fly fishing Veteran's Day weekend. I suppose after spending about 18-20 hour days for a whole week trying to paint the interior of our house would call (and definitely deserve) for some personal time off! Way to go babe!

Steve caught one! I seriously think this catch & release stuff is balony. Shoulda brought me home at least one to eat!

November 4, Election Day, a loss...

2009-02-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

...of a TOOTH that is! Mason lost her first tooth this day! She was so thrilled! The thing was rediculously loose and Mom pulled it out easily using a paper towel for grip.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Cuteness

2009-02-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

So, since I'm so behind in posting, I don't know why I took these pictures. It was the first Monday in our new home and I must have thought Logan was adorable or something. Which he is. So, here's little Loggie eating breakfast on Monday, Nov. 3, age: almost 9 months old.

Halloween 2008

2009-02-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

So, Logan didn't make it through the excitement of trick or treating. In fact, he fell asleep as we started! Oh well, he looks cute!

Mason trick or treated with our neighbor, Kalani. They've gone out together for the past couple of years. It's always a 30 minute rush and then, it's over. Actually, after about 20 minutes and the bucket is full and heavy, the exhaustion sets in for Mason!

This was the festivity at Mason's school. Her Kindergarten class and then the school parade. SO glad this was on a FRIDAY!

And finally, AFTER...

2009-02-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

And so, I am attempting to pick up my blogging where I left off. We shall see how much I can post today! Here's the tour of the "AFTER"

The Master Bedroom (the one that Levi was ripping up carpet in on the "Before" shot):The Office (okay, don't judge, it's a work in progress...a very slow work in progress!):

The kids room (I submit more around the room later, but Logan is sleeping now and I'm not chancing taking a picture and waking him up early!):
Hallway (excuse the angle, I was in a hurry):
The Front room when you walk in the door:

Dinning room from the couch:
Front room from the Dinning room:

We love our home!

Our house! - Before...cont'd

2008-12-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

So here is a view of our little ol' house. It's a 3 bd/1 bth charmer. Cute back yard (with grapefruit, tangerine and apple trees too!) & a nice size garage. Levi spent at least 18 hours a day in it scrubbing, taping, priming, and painting before our big move on Halloween. We wouldn't have been able to get it all done without the help of select members from our church and some great friends. There are no "After Pictures" as of today, but there will be soon!

Our house! - Before...

2008-12-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

We have had the incredible opportunity to get into a house just a block down the road from our old apartment thanks to a wonderful lady in our ward. It was built in 1950 and has only had major renovations done to the bathroom and kitchen. We got access to the residence on Monday, October 27th and moved in on Friday, October 31st. Here are some of the before pictures...

Levi ripped up the carpet in the master bedroom and found some nice hardwood flooring!

Underwood Family Farms

2008-12-03T22:05:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Underwood Family Farms as a family to meet Levi's Partner's from his new firm. Basically, we just took pictures of Mason with animals. She had a blast atop the haystack too!

Saturday Evening, October 25 - Trunk or Treat

2008-12-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

Our church holds a "Trunk Or Treat" the Saturday before Halloween every year where the kids can play games in the gym and then "Trick or Treat" out in the parking lot from everyone's car trunks. It's always a blast and a way to load up on candy!

This year I ACTUALLY dressed up! I was a vampiress (sp?). No theme here I suppose with my mermaid daughter and pumkin son next to me. Mason was just thrilled I dressed up! It was fun I have to say!

Mid-day Saturday, October 25 - The Office

2008-12-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

The kids and I swung by Levi's office to check out his fancy-smancy new desk. I must say, it is beautiful and the man's got taste! But, it looks like we've already got another lawyer in training here. Uh-oh...

Saturday Morning, October 25th - Bear Scare

2008-12-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Beethoven Elementary has their Halloween Event every year known as Bear Scare. As the good little Room Parent I am, I volunteered to man a booth at the event. While I was working, Mason and her friends, Mackinley & Hannah, made their rounds at the carnival. Obviously, they had a great time! Logan spent time in the stroller, but loved all of the sights and sounds.

Let the Spooks begin...a week early

2008-12-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

There was a full week of Halloween festivities this year since Halloween was on a Friday. This was the first of several Halloween events. Our friends, Ava & Elsa, had a Halloween Party at UCLA Student housing on Oct. 24 (also my birthday!!!). Mason was thrilled to finally be wearing her Little Mermaid costume. She had a blast on the cake walk and playing with friends!

Just life

2008-12-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

Mid October was just some regular family stuff for us. Logan is sitting up on his own and able to bathe with his sis, I'm escaping reality via the internet, and the kids are listening to Levi read... ahhhh life!

Beach Anyone?

2008-12-03T21:17:00.001-08:00

Only in Southern California can you find yourself well into grade school for a few weeks (this was September 30th) and it still be hot enough to hit the beach! Actually, September and October are our hottest months! More fun in the sun baby!