Three Boys, One Girl

It's a boy!!

2010-09-08T19:19:00.000-05:00

It's all smiles before labor begins. After 2 hours of labor, the epidural was a blessing.

With each child, post-epidural she wants to know what is on the menu. A sure sign the epidural is working.

An hour after the epidural, five minutes of pushing was all that was required.

8 lb 10.5 oz (and 21.5 inches long)

A much-thinner mama.

Ben and Van were excited to see their new brother. They were able to help with the baby's first bath and applying some lotion.

At first, Ben wasn't comfortable holding the baby.

But he gave in.

Then there were 5! Yikes!

Welcome, Simon Jacob Durham

Van's Birthday

2010-09-08T18:52:00.000-05:00

For Van's birthday we had an all-day family birthday celebration filled with gifts and treat-making.

Ben and Van helped Elicia make the cupcakes. They are wearing the hats Elicia helped them make. The hats say 'I'm the birthday boy' and 'Say Happy Birthday to my brother'

Van is obsessed with Ba-lightyear (he finally learned that his name is Buzz).

Buzz Lightyear jammies with wings.

The spread. What a spoiled little child.

33 wks prego

2010-07-31T21:08:00.003-05:00

well, I didn't do very well with this pregnancy keeping track of my belly... I am very big, and I still have a month to go... I did get gestational diabetes with this baby. Oh, and it is a boy... we have a name, but we like to keep it a surprise... I will try to be better with more posts.

Happy Pioneer Day..

2010-07-31T20:44:00.003-05:00

we made our own butter and then home made bread for Family Home Evening! They were really cute.

White Water Rafting

2010-07-31T20:25:00.003-05:00

They had so much fun! Savanah and I and my boys stayed behind... When they got home it was like talking to kids that just got home from the BEST trip of their lives... they had so much fun!

Jet Skiing and tubing

2010-07-31T20:21:00.002-05:00

Boys being boys!

2010-07-31T20:16:00.003-05:00

Van was too cute and the Cascades were beautiful. It was a successful trip on Friday. They all got really wet, but loved every min of it.

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-31T20:05:00.002-05:00

Virginia Transportation Musem

2010-07-31T19:59:00.003-05:00

Our boys love trains.. The wheel was so huge, I think this one was used in 1940's.. It is amazing how far transportation has come.

2010-07-31T19:55:00.003-05:00

Claytor Lake, state park. The park provides a beach front, boating, jet skiing, and camping... It is only like 15 min away, and so pretty.
This was like the first weekend in June, BEFORE, they got their tans... :)

2010-07-31T19:52:00.001-05:00

a view from the train, when we stopped so the train could fill up with water, like 600 gallons... it was really cool!

2010-07-31T19:45:00.002-05:00

Aren't they so cute!

2010-07-31T19:17:00.003-05:00

dinning area, and sunroom/office

2010-07-31T19:15:00.001-05:00

Our entry way

2010-07-31T19:11:00.002-05:00

the Kitchen, there is another counter to the right with more cabinets. Yes, I LOVE my kitchen... I don't even mind cleaning it. Again, sorry for the clutter...

2010-07-31T19:07:00.001-05:00

Bryce took all these pictures, I didn't have the house picked up, so sorry for the clutter.

2010-07-31T18:49:00.003-05:00

Here is the front of our New House in Christiansburg Virginia! We love it

2010-07-31T18:04:00.005-05:00

Feb. 2010
Well, we have left Kansas and took a trip to Colorado. Here we are at Black Canyon, it was 15 min from April and Michael's house. We had so much fun with them, I think April got some pics from the Hot Spring, that was the coolest ever, to be in hot water and looking at a Mountain covered in snow... I wish I felt better when we were there, I was still pretty nauseous.
Thanks April and Michael for being such good hosts...

Life Changes

2010-01-19T18:50:00.003-06:00

I know some of you, ALL of you are totally shocked to see I have posted anything on my blog... I realize it has been over a year, but alas I have not forgotten about you bloggers and hope you will all be paitent with me as I try to get better at this...
Here is our Family Fall picture here in Kansas... Bryce got a new job back in July, and we have been trying to sell our house since then, so we can move to Blacksburg Virginia. We are very excited for this next chapter in our lives and it has taken us a long time to get there, due to the fabulous housing marke :), but we did survive and will close on this house on Feb. 10th and off to Colorado to visit Bryce's sister April and then off to live in Houston, till our home in VA is built.

We have loved living in Wichita Kansas, and have made some life time friends. They have been my family away from family and a hole will be in my heart for them all.. we will miss you terribly! We have been blessed to live here in Kansas and I know Heavenly Father needs us to live in VA, not too sure how long that will be, as now I know nothing is permanent... you never know what life will bring your way... more updates on the kiddos later...

Isn't flying fun?

2008-11-06T08:15:00.010-06:00

Ben and I took a trip to the SW corner of Kansas to visit the Liberal Air Museum in Liberal, Kansas. Ben loves airplanes and you can imagine how much he loved to see "all the planes, Daddy!"

I think this one's a keeper (above). What a great shot!

We saw a lot world-record setting aircraft and a couple retired fighters. They were all crammed into a large hangar - hundreds of them all under one roof!

It was neat to park on the same ramp so close to the big guns.

I'm fairly certain Ben had a good time and wore himself out running around. It was a long day, but well worth it!

I see Tigger and a cute Mouse!

2008-11-01T08:39:00.008-05:00

Happy Halloween!!
Our boys had a blast! All our neighbors (in the cul-de-sac) got together and had a fire pit and ate snacks and s'mores and passed out candy from a central table. It was a trick-or-treat jackpot!.

But before we jumped into all the fun, we took the boys around to trick-or-treat house-to-house down our street.
Our neighbor 3 houses down loves the boys and had special little orange bags specifically for our boys with a special prize in them. He put a gift coupon book from McDonald's in their little bags with some extra candy. He had their own names on the gift coupon booklet too... he is such a sweet man... a grandpa away from home!

Enjoy these pics of the boys this Halloween, we sure had a wonderful time!

Here are some closeups of the boys so you can get a better look at their costumes, even though they were taken indoors.
Yes, this is the same costume that he wore two years ago (you can imagine it was big on him then). He tried on four different costumes and chose Tigger because it had a tail.

This is from the trunk-or-treat on Thursday

too busy!

2008-10-24T16:10:00.002-05:00

I just don't have the time to do this blog thing. I will continue to try.

The family is well, Ben is growing like crazy, and talking up a storm. He hasn't always enjoyed watching TV, he would watch for a min. or two, then be off to get in to some trouble. But, he is loving Dora, Blue's Clues, Max and Ruby, and some movies that we have, and is a fan of everything on PBS. For a while we were on a kick, of watching only Christmas movies, but he as moved on. He loves sweets and chips, so no he is not a good eater. He was when he was a baby, but if we tell him,"this is what is for dinner, you eat or go hungry", he will go hungry.
I wonder who he gets his strong will from?(DADDY)!!!

Van is teething, Yuck- for everyone, but is still a happy boy. He can hold his own with his big brother, and sometimes gets some cheap shots in, when Ben isn't looking,(those are really funny)!

Bryce is still flying and LOVING, if-me not so much. He is a trooper with supporting me with all my busy callings, and Volleyball on Thursday nights and doing hair sometimes in the evening and some Saturdays, we DJ the dances together, and even some dates. He is a wonderful husband!

I am obviously busy. I was just called last month, at pretty much the same time, as young women president in our ward, and assistant camp director, I play v-ball on Thursday nights and part-time hair dresser out of my basement! I work out with a friends at the YMCA every morning and LOVE it, and a full time mommy and wife, yes I still manage to have a hot meal on the table, GO ME!!

So, I hope all of this is satisfying since it has been a log time since our last blog entry. We are surviving! Life is busy but at least Van still naps!

Happy Birthday Van!!

2008-09-03T23:49:00.006-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAN!!! He is now 1 year old! Such a big boy. He is about 20 lbs, not too sure how long, but he is growing fast and eating everything in sight...( what ever Ben leaves on the floor). He loves to shout out loud, "DaDa", especially in the stores, where he as an audience. He is such a fun kid. He makes us laugh everyday...He can take a punch and fights back when big bro gets a little rowdy. We are so blessed to have him in our family...

We love you Van!
Van and big brother Ben. Ben was very excited to be in the picture with the Birthday boy, how he's loving icing right now.
Yummy cup-cake.. Ben picked out the strawberry cake. Van didn't really care, he'll eat anything. He liked it, as you can see!

Boys are CRAZY!

2008-08-29T20:30:00.007-05:00

So, I am so not good at this blogging thing...I just don't seem to have the time. But, I'll try harder.

Van was already in his jammies, when I was giving Ben his bath, and he wondered in. He loves to splash in the water. I turned to get a towel for Ben and he fell in.. clothes and all. I thought that was so funny. He couldn't reach the water as well as he wanted to, so he took a dive...
He loves to do this. We say "Ben that's gross", and he says, " No Momma, I like it." He cracks us up every day.

I know that every baby gets dirty when they eat, but I just thought he was so cute. He did of course put his not so clean hands in his hair. too cute

Still Here...

2008-07-23T22:00:00.008-05:00

The best one, out of many...he just gives me silly faces most of the time.
Van, being cute before church!

Hello all, we are still here. Man, the summers are so busy. My hair business has kept me on my toes. I have also been trying to hit the YMCA every day, clean my house, fix dinner, play with the kids, keep Bryce happy, and on the weekends I put my cape one and save the world. One bottle at a time!

Yes, Van is taking a bottle now and eating from the table. YEAH!!! It only took him 10 months to figure it out. I was getting nerves, I didn't want to take him to my high school reunion...

The boys are so cute together. They are really starting to play well together. And they both like TV!!! Life saver! You know when you really need to get the dishes done or clean the tub...

Hope all of you are well. That all the moves have gone well or at least have plenty of help. Moving is no fun!!! We plan to stay put for a while, till some land pops up and we are ready to grab it... oh, and have the money for it too...

well that is us for now, I hope to get better at this blogging thing, really!

Our 10 month old

2008-07-04T14:08:00.002-05:00

Wow, already 10 months. He is crawling and pulling himself up on the couch, and chair, anything really. He is mr. simley. He loves his big brother and me( a total Momma's boy). Always a big smile for daddy, and is finally eating some food. Not much, he's a milk dude.
He is weighing in at 19 lbs, and wearing 12 month clothes. He is very sweet and cuddle. We love you,Van the man!

Our Family's Flying Experiment

2008-07-04T13:29:00.010-05:00

We wanted to see how the boys did as passengers flying in a Cessna 172S before we take our planned trip to Houston in August.

Ben loves airplanes and always gets excited when he hears or sees one. But my attempts to get him inside one have ended in fits and temper tantrums.

Today I took the whole family on a short excursion to make sure we were prepared for August.

Here are the spiffy, high-tech controls.

Me, the pilot.
My beautiful wife.
Once we got Ben strapped inside he was all smiles (he said 'Cheese airplane' for the picture).
Van did great also, although he blew out his diaper and his outfit right before we loaded and we forgot to bring a spare. We don't normally take him places without any clothes on.

Elicia ended up being the one that didn't do too well. Right before we reached our destination (a 40-mile hop), Elicia looked at me with a look that said she wasn't feeling too hot. So, a quick turn around and back home. Pepto here she comes.
I hope we make it to Houston now... Elicia really wants to attend her high school reunion. Her mom gets real sick too. Better prep next time.

1929 Bi-Plane Ride

2008-06-26T22:10:00.007-05:00

A real 1920's Bi-Plane... Isn't it beautiful? There were many with all kinds of colors. I really liked the red ones. Bryce was in heaven. Ben didn't really care that much. Bryce's friend got a good family pic in front of a red one. So, I will post that later. This was a lot of fun. Thanks Hubby!
The people putting this little expedition together for the good aviators of Wichita, all dressed as authentic as possible. I think they were quite cute. They were all older men. I think maybe they were their own clothes from the 20's. jk
Today Bryce called home, and asked me if i wanted to go take a ride in a Bi-Plane. I said" HECK YEAH!!" So, here I am with one of his co-workers taking my first ride in the free open, make your hair ratty air... it was so cool. I now know why he loves to fly airplanes...

Wifey's New 'Do

2008-06-24T21:22:00.003-05:00

Elicia chopped off most of her hair again. It's mostly like Mariska Hargitay from Law & Order: SVU but I'm sure she'd say it's like someone else's.

Tacky!!!

2008-06-20T15:46:00.001-05:00

need i say more! Oh, that is not our house!

Kansas Wheat

2008-06-16T15:50:00.004-05:00

We are true Kansans now!
Kansas wheat.. isn't it beautiful... this is right by our house. Almost as tall as Ben...

Durham update!!

2008-06-12T22:19:00.009-05:00

Here is Van's side view, before his day at the Salon with mommy. He is so cute and chubby. He is getting so big. He weighs 20 lbs. We had to go to the doctor last week because he had a fever for three days and then his chronic cough got worse, out with the fibulator (breathing machine) for breathing treatments.

He will only nurse. He will gag on any food in his mouth, but wants to chew on anything. No teeth yet, but lots of chewing. He is a fun baby and loves to be held...

Van the man's new hair cut. Handsome, Handsome... he was actually really good for me. What a cutie pie!
Here is my big boy. This started off as a smiling picture, then because of the delayed shutter, I got this funny face... still cute though!
Here they are. Mr. Ben, so big. And Baby Van, as he is known by all our friends kids. You can see how long Van's hair is. yes that is long for my boys. They are CrAzY kids!!!
COMING SOON... pics of our nearly finished basement and all of Bryce's accomplishments of his handy man skills. Jim, you will be so proud of your son!

Still Here...

2008-06-12T12:44:00.002-05:00

Hey guys, we are still here. Just been waiting for Bryce to fix some things on the computer. we have been really busy. he is home sick and I hope after some rest he can work on it. we got a new computer and it took him a while getting all the home files onto the new computer. but that is all working and now for whatever reason, downloading the pictures isn't working.
we are doing well. the kids are growing fast, and Van just got his first "real" hair cut. he looks so grown up. he is a mommy's boy and Ben is mr. independent. he is still a hand full. neither of my children are lap dogs. they are huge spirits ready to burst out of their little bodies. it has been fun watching their cousins grown up on here. sorry we have not been around. Heather has told me she is tired of not seeing anything new on our blog. I hope to fix that today. :-)

We're Baaa-aack!

2008-04-19T17:34:00.002-05:00

They are growing up so fast... sorry for not blogging for a while. Bryce had the big computer taken down, to finish the floors in the basement. We had a little laptop to still stay connected, but, we didn't have access to our personal files... but he is done as of today, and the big computer is working, so back to picture taking and keeping you all up to date on our boys and our crazy life... Business has been good. LOTS of hair!... I am loving it!... Bryce is working so hard on the basement and will be flying again real soon... he had to give it up so we could afford to have Van. They boys are great, and lots of fun. Ben is so ready to play outside, and Van is sooo ready to crawl.... I am a very busy woman...

CRAZY BEN

2008-03-13T16:52:00.004-05:00

This pic says a million words!

6 Month Van

2008-03-13T16:43:00.002-05:00

Here is our cute little chunk... weighing in at 19lbs...we just love this little guy that has been sent to our family.

Help!!! I need to sleep!

2008-03-02T18:10:00.002-06:00

Okay, no pictures this time, just me and my neediness...Ben is not sleeping well at all at night... I have been told to not give him naps and then he will sleep through the night... well, that does not work for my child... I have tried different routines, and taken away his blankies till nap and bed time. Still he does not sleep through the night. I have also been told he could be dreaming alot and that is why he wakes up at night. and it is not just once, it is several times a night. Bryce and I take turns.. We are so tired and Bryce gets to work late at least 2 times a week... We need some major help, or a good book or something... HELP

Van the Man

2008-02-26T16:24:00.003-06:00

Is this not the cutest baby in the world!! I did put his hat on the right way, but after we arrived home from our errands today, his hat fell to the side... but always smiling!! Happy Happy Baby boy... Ben on the other hand was ready for a nap the whole time we were out, and kept throwing his hat in the isle at Walmart. One happy, and one... well you all have met Ben... He didn't take a long enough nap either. Some times I get long naps and some times I get short ones.. So, big props to Mr. Ryan, for giving Mommy and Daddy good sleep... I sure miss my 8 hours... Parenthood!

I love stickers!

2008-02-25T15:07:00.002-06:00

Today before we left to run around, Ben found his Curious George Stickers, and put every single one on. He loves stickers.. He is too funny.. This was the best Cheese face I could get from him this morning, he was very busy!

Ben's 2nd Birhday Party!!

2008-02-23T16:01:00.006-06:00

Elmo Birthday Bash.. Here is the spread of yummy food for King Benjamin and his harem... ( he only had girls at his party.) Lots of fun he had!!

Here are Martian Sandwiches.. They are biscuits with a chicken nugget in the middle... they were really yummy!!

And here are the doodle bug cupcakes... these were really fun and the kids loved eating all the candy first then the icing... I think only the adults ate the cake... super cute!!

Here is Ben helping Daddy put together his Radio Flyer Retro Rocket. He has his plastic hammer to help. He had a blast riding all over the house last night. He wouldn't even stop for a picture... so those will come later... He is a fun kid!!!

John Deere Boys

2008-02-16T17:00:00.005-06:00

My mom got these hats from a friend, and gave them to the boys at Christmas, I think they are too cute.. Ben loves putting his own on, it is usually backwards.. too cute.. he is a total trip..

Van at 5 Months

2008-02-16T16:49:00.003-06:00

Here is our happy little boy at 5 months.. he is a joy and a blessing.. It has been a while and I am sorry for not posting sooner, but we have been sick and I need a little help with the pictures.. I messed up the setting on the camera, so Bryce had to show me how to download them without deleting other pictures.

Ben at 4 months

2008-01-26T16:30:00.001-06:00

Here is Ben at 4 months. I just wanted you to see what a REALLY chunky baby looks like, in case you don't remember.. too funny.. But they do look alike. hehehe

Fat and Happy!

2008-01-24T22:51:00.001-06:00

Here is our chubby baby Van! He is adorable.. He is so much fun, he laughs all day long, unless he has a poop! :-) He still spits up a lot, so this is one of the times I had stripped him down, to put a new outfit on.. They grow so fast.. He is about 16 lbs and growing.. not as chubby has is brother was at this age... Y'all remember! Too funny....

Too Busy

2008-01-18T13:46:00.000-06:00

So, I have been just too busy for my own good.. I have not had any time to blog. i am so missing it.. so, pics and Durham Family news to come, I promise.. Now, I am off to do the most difficult job of the day, to put Ben down for his nap.. wish me luck...

Da Boys!

2008-01-10T22:19:00.001-06:00

Aren't they too cute.. As you can tell from all of Ben 's pictures this is his CHEESE face,a nd Van seems to alway have the same face too... must be in the DNA.. They are so much fun, Ben has started being real affectionate to Van lately.. It is really sweet to watch.

Me and My Boys

2008-01-10T22:14:00.000-06:00

I took this myself, can you tell.. it is a sure way not to get the WHOLE me, cause that would not be pretty.. they are too cute though..

Van at 4 Months

2008-01-10T15:39:00.000-06:00

Here is our sweet baby boy..Yes, those are tissue balls rolled up in his hear.. he has an ear infection, and I can't remember which one it is..hehe.. so better safe than sorry right?? He is a joy even when he feels bad..

Nap Time!

2008-01-09T15:01:00.001-06:00

How in the world can they sleep like this ? I went in to check on him and he in completely squished in to the gard rail... out like a light.. too funny!

My Buddy!

2008-01-09T14:51:00.001-06:00

He actually let me take a picture with him.. gatta love that smile...He has been a toot lately, we had to go to the doctor 2 days in a row for Van, and Ben did more screaming than Van. It was quite the dream day at the doctors... All I could do was threaten him with the "Naughty" spoon, cause I don't want to actually spank him in public, I am afraid someone will try to call the police on me.. but, there are days when I would rather be in jail, with my one cell room, all that peace and quiet, and someone bringing me food! :-)

Galveston Beach

2008-01-07T18:05:00.001-06:00

Here is Bryce and Ben at Galveston Beach.. We took a trip down there so Jeff and Michael could see it and I don't think I have ever seen the beach look so pretty.. How cute they are :-)

No, that was not the Christmas Tree

2008-01-07T18:01:00.000-06:00

Ryan and Ben under the Ficus tree, at Grandma & Paco's house.. these two were a lot of fun to watch play together...

Art Work, By Ben Durham

2008-01-07T17:40:00.001-06:00

Yes, I woke up to this beautiful art work next to the fridge, one morning.. Bryce was quite upset. All I could do was laugh. Ben was too proud, as you can see with his signature smile.. funny kid, keeps me on my toes!

Little Guy in a Suit

2008-01-07T17:26:00.000-06:00

This was before we left for Houston for our Christmas vacation.. I just want to you see how cute our little guy is, because this does not fit him any more. :-)! He is growing fast just like his big brother did.

My. Life.

2008-01-04T22:33:00.001-06:00

Here is my life.. I ask him to say"CHEESE", for the picture, and well, here is what I get... He is a funny very busy kid.. He makes life interesting.. We had a wonderful Christmas, and one day I will get those pics on here and tell the blogging world all about it.. I hope to get better at this..

The guys

2007-09-29T16:50:00.000-05:00

Sometimes guys just gotta hang out together. Sometimes they just chill out on the couch and watch football (okay, Baby Einstein).

Sometimes they need to get outside and do man's work.

And sometimes they just kiss each other goodnight.

How much is that dog in the window?

2007-09-29T16:20:00.000-05:00

Ben couldn't quite figure out why that little boy on the other side of the glass was copying his every move. I only wish I knew what he was thinking...

Van The Man

2007-09-29T16:10:00.000-05:00

What to say? It's been four weeks and now this feels like old hat. Here's one of the nicer pictures. A lot of baby pictures don't turn out that well. He looks scrunched, and kind of chubby but he's really not.
At his two-week checkup he was 9 lb 3 oz and 21 inches long. He is still a good sleeper and eater. He is a joy to have, while his older brother is a monster.. but we love them both. Aah -- parenting, isn't it GREAT!!??

At war

2007-09-29T15:52:00.000-05:00

Elicia left the room for a minute and Ben managed to get halfway out of his highchair. He thought he had won the battle but the high chair ended up winning the war. You may not be able to tell from this picture but he had oatmeal on his hands, feet, face, clothes, and bum.
It was a sight! He got mad when Elicia decided to take a picture instead of rescuing him from his attacker.