sweet peas and little airplanes

baby k

2010-08-31T21:21:00.001-07:00

at four months...

2010-07-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

I weigh 15 pounds, am 25 1/2 inches long, laugh out loud, pull my sisters hair, kick the play gym, chew on my hands, smile(moms favorite), have found my voice and have LOTS to say, love to be talked to and played with and make my family happy!!

Our little baby is growing so fast! He unfortunately has another ear infection which makes three in his four short months of life. Poor little guy - for a sick baby he is still so easy and I don't mind the extra cuddling time I get. He is already starting to get his little buns in the air during tummy time so I have no doubt crawling won't be too far behind. He is laughing and talking and N is so funny with him. He talks to him all the time and gets so excited when he smiles and laughs, I love that baby K laughs at just the right time when N is telling him a joke - he gets a kick out of that!! A on the other hand has decided that baby K just wants to pull her hair. Anytime she gets close he goes right for it and is getting really good at getting a hold of it! We're loving having him in our family and are looking forward to what's in store!

addicted....

2010-07-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hello. My name is Brandi and I'm a couponaholic.
I started really couponing in March of this year and have quickly become addicted. All I can say is if you don't coupon - START. TODAY. It has completely amazed me what we have been able to accomplish in the few short months I have been doing this. Thanks to a lot of help from my sister and a few really resourceful websites - I've been able to complete our year supply of toiletries and household items and have been able to make a pretty good dent in our year supply of food. The best part is I've been able to this with very little output and in a short amount of time. A year ago I didn't think I'd ever be able to keep a months supply around. It took a few weeks, a bit of frustration and some trial and error but it's really starting to pay off....this past week I was able to pick up everything in this picture for a whopping $2.36!! This doesn't happen all the time but when it does it sure makes it worth it!!!

I was lucky enough to have help when I was getting started and feel very blessed so I am thrilled to pay it forward. If you want to start and have questions just ask or if you already coupon and have tips please share!!

Lemonade for Sale

2010-07-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

The kids (mine and their cousins) opened up a lemonade and snack stand at grandmas. They actually had a few people stop and made a decent 6+ dollars. Not bad for a few hours work. The older kids planned the stand and the little ones joined in to "help when they could." It was fun to watch them get excited when people stopped. I think I'll make a point to stop at the lemonade stands I see from now on. But my favorite part of the whole thing was the sign....

If you can't read it - the lemonade costs .10 but it also states that they don't accept dimes(which they corrected).....oh and no smoking! Too funny!!!

how does your garden grow

2010-07-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

I was determined to plant a garden this spring. But with the baby and everything I didn't get things actually planted till late May but I am so excited that things are growing - those are actual flowers on my tomato and pepper plants!!! The garden is a different story. I am almost positive that the giant leaves are my squash plants and I am pleased that they are growing so well. It remains to be seen if anything will actually grow but they sure look good. The other plants I am not so sure of - that's one for you Laurie...A insisted on helping with the planting but her idea was to just throw the seeds wherever. I'm sure I have onions in the carrots and am positive there are cucumbers scattered throughout!! The kids really enjoyed helping. N especially. Anything involving dirt and water he is all about. They have really liked going out to check the progress each day. It started slow but once the plants pushed through the dirt things really took off. I am looking forward to fresh vegetables hopefully soon!

hooked

2010-07-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

We found this series on Netflix and we LOVE it!! Season 3 starts in September - wonder how long I'll have to wait to get my hands on it!!

visitors....

2010-07-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

These are a few of our visitors that came to N's creepy crawly birthday party!! The kids had so much fun! The "snake guy" showed up at our house set up his gear and gave a fantastic presentation about the reptiles he brought - then - he put all the snakes, lizard and turtle on the ground to roam around so the kids could hold, touch and interact with each of them...talk about a good time!! N loved it because he got to do the show with the host. He told me after that "being on stage with him was the best!" My little A even held a snake and the turtle. It couldn't have turned out better - so glad this is what we decided on!

looking forward to tomorrow....

2010-07-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

six and toothless

2010-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

WOW!! He is six??? Really??? He lost one front tooth about 2 1/2 weeks ago and walked around looking like a pirate till the other one finally fell out - I think he looks adorable with no teeth! He still loves cars and the wii and is getting too big. He has always been "older" than he is and he still amazes me with the things he says. He told me the other night he was just wondering about what his kids names would be...what 5 year old thinks about that? He told me after he lost his second tooth that without them "he just didn't feel like himself anymore. I'm just growing up mom." He stills loves to learn and can read a bit when we work. He is always wanting to write and asks me to spell things for him. It seems like every stage has something new to look forward to and something you know you will miss when it passes - I just hope he keeps his spirit of compassion and easy nature when he goes to school. I am hesitant but excited for the growth. I just don't know where the time goes...

It seems as I look back that I only post 4 times between N's birthday - I am going to try better now that things have slowed down a bit....It seems like we just things into a routine when something happens that sends us right out of that routine and back to square one. Baby K has had a few bouts with a mystery fever which landed him in the hospital for two days and after a gazillion tests they are still unsure what exactly it was. It was horrible seeing my newborn with an IV in his head - that's right in his head - thank goodness I wasn't there when they put it in. He is not a crier so to listen to my poor little bug cry so much for two days was almost unbearable. On a brighter note just hours before they sent us home he was obviously feeling much better.

He seriously is the happiest baby alive! I love that he smiles ALL the time. He has been such a joy and I can't believe that we were so lucky to have him join our family. A loves her little brother so much - she is the biggest helper and usually refers to him as her baby. She has amazed me with her attitude with him. I was so afraid she would be jealous but she has not shown any sign that his being here bothers her. It certainly doesn't bother the other four girl cousins he has either - he gets lots of attention and he loves it!! Speaking of the big sister I can't leave her out so here she is in true A fashion pretending to be the "holy ghost"... yeah - between the three of them - we laugh all day.... goodnight....

freedom.....

2010-07-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

39 days new.....

2010-05-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

I find it amazing that each time we have added a new baby to our family it feels like they have been here forever. It has been no different this time. From the moment he arrived (earlier than planned) it was like he was never gone. He has been the easiest baby and is already smiling...he is perfect from head to toe and we are loving having him here. He was 8 pounds even and 19 1/2 inches long. He has his dad's eyes, his mom's toes and we love every bit of him. Everyone has adjusted really well and all in all seem happy with our new addition....looking forward to being a mother of three this mothers day!!!

she LOVES to sing....

2010-03-27T12:03:00.001-07:00

A loves to sing. She is humming or singing or making up songs all the time. Usually it is some overture from the Nutcracker or another classical piece she has heard on Bugs Bunny or Tom and Jerry (she loves those too). But the other day she was singing something that sounded oddly familiar to me. I tried to listen closer to get a better understanding when it dawned on me she was singing the opening music from Glenn Becks radio show!! I was a proud mommy! Since we have opted to go without TV I listen to Beck on the radio-he comes on about 4 so I usually will listen while I cook dinner and I guess she is picking up more than I thought.

We're getting really close to the arrival of our little one and I am meeting it with mixed emotions. So very excited to meet my little one but a little sad to close the "pregnancy" chapter of my life - not that I want to have more kids just that this is the last experience I will have. It truly is one of life's most amazing times and I am finding as with my other two, it is bittersweet to end the time the two of us have had together - just us....so when we get a picture or two I'll be sure to post one....until then have a happy weekend!

2010-03-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

So...................its been a bit since I posted anything but to my credit we have now moved twice and are getting ready to add a new member to our family. It has been crazy and busy and exciting and scary all at the same time. Actually, those 4 words seem to describe the last 18 months or so. Sometimes it seems like we get over one hurdle just to run into another one. I will say at the same time that I am grateful for ALL that we have gone through. The experiences we have had have truly provided growth for all of us. Not only in our faith but in our family and in each other. I look back and think of all the lessons and tender mercies that I would have missed had we not had the trials we've had. I am blessed beyond anything I can comprehend and I thank my Heavenly Father daily (several times) for all that He has given me. I could not imagine my life without the ways He has blessed us.

Like I said, its been busy. Little A who is not so little anymore turned 3 in December. She is outspoken to say the least. She is Miss Independent all the time and certainly has a one track mind. She is strong, beautiful and intelligent. She challenges me on a daily basis and I am grateful for her keeping me on my toes.....should be interesting adding a new brother to her world! Here she is at three being herself!

N is as busy as always. He LOVES being close to his cousins and being able to play with Ford. He adores him and looks up to him so much. It has been so fun to be close to family and have them grow up with cousins the way I did. I have so many memories with my cousins - I hope this is the start of many for them. He started pre-school in January and is loving every minute of it. He is my homebody so sometimes I have to remind him how much fun he has there. He is excited for kindergarten and for his new brother.....

Anyway that a little recap for us. Hoping to get my camera out and take some pictures now that the sun is back out. Only a few more weeks till our new arrival.....any suggestions on names??????

how a new five year old spent his birthday.....

2009-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the movie and to pizza afterward. Complete with a star wars cake - he had a great day!!! I can't believe 5 is here already. He started pre-school this summer with his two cousins and absolutly loves it. He is growing up sooo fast and it is getting really exciting. Before I know it we'll be at t-ball games and all kinds of activities. His favorite color is still green and his favorite food is still ketchup (must be genetic - although A will not eat it). He loves his cars and is loving star wars right now. We are looking forward to year 5 with our little boy....will post pics soon - just for Laurie!!!

first dentist visit...

2009-03-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

After screaming and having to physically put him in the chair and requiring the assistance of two other nurses to hold him down, the dentist finally got a look at his teeth. Although he has no cavities, he has a loose tooth in front! I didn't think that they lost teeth this early and it makes things kind of come full circle. All I could think about on the way home was when he cut his first teeth and how fast the time has gone. He is growing up and there is nothing I can do to stop it. The dentist finished his exam and he quit screaming jumped out of the chair tossed his cookies - twice - and then proceeded to tell me how awesome the dentist is - go figure. The nurse took him to a huge toy box where he picked out a hot wheel and received a new toothbrush. A on the other hand did really well, she just cried for a minute when he put the fluoride on her teeth, when the nurse took her to the toy box she apparently dug through the entire thing and scored four horses - leave it to that girl to find the horses. Anyway it was an interesting experience not one I am looking forward to repeating, next time I think it will be daddy's turn to take them!

3 reasons we're excited for march....

2009-02-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

ok, so I'm really the only one excited about Twilight...but the other two movies the kids are dying to see again. I didn't get to see Twilight in the theaters so I'm excited to rent that one. N has done nothing but talk about Bolt since we saw it the day after Thanksgiving. And I'm am so tired of watching the preview for the chihuahua movie I'M excited to see the whole thing instead of a two minute preview...anyway - I have a coupon code for Gymboree for extra 20% off everything if someone wants it - just leave me a comment or email me!

phone calls

2009-02-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

She loves the phone and is constantly picking it up to call people. She likes to talk period and she is getting better every day. We still don't catch a lot of what she says but she sure looks cute when she does....this was her the other day when she was talking to my dad. He caught her in the right mood, she chatted - in averese ofcourse - for about 10 min. I'm not sure of what she was telling him but it looked important!!

giving in...

2009-01-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

So I finally caved. I started and finished the Twilight series a few weeks ago and have to admit that it was excellent. It was very well written and easy to read. It was one I had a hard time putting down. I also liked the fact that I was able to read all four books in a quick sequence – I didn’t have to wait for the next one to come out so I was completely enthralled with it for about 2 weeks. I had to force myself to wait to read it at work so I would have something to do all night. So if anyone has any suggestions on another gripping series let me know…I’m looking. AND, I finally signed up for facebook since all my friends were on it…and I still have no idea what its purpose and I still haven’t quite figured out how to work it but I’m trying to learn and I’m finally on facebook.

Some friends came down last weekend and spent the day with us. It was so good to see them and we had so much fun. The kids especially enjoyed their visit but I think Duchess was the most excited to see them. Wishing we could together more often.

I guess since this blog is for my children to read one day I would regret not expressing my feelings on the recent inauguration of our 44th president. Although he was not my choice and I did not vote for him, I have high expectations of him and for all that he has said he wishes to accomplish. He is now my president and as an American he deserves my respect and cooperation. I watched the ceremony and I was filled with emotion and love for my country and what it stands for. It was truly an amazing event that should have made every American proud of their country and heritage. I am grateful to President Bush for all that he has accomplished in his 8 years as commander in chief. I feel he made the best decisions he knew to make and was pleased to see him finally stand up for himself and not apologize for those decisions. While I may not have agreed with everything he did I have no doubt that his intentions were for the greater good and this country did not get to where we are at the hands of George Bush alone. He accepted responsibility and he is a good man. I will likewise hold President Obama accountable for the decisions he chooses to make for myself, my family and the nation. I am hopeful that if the choices President Obama makes puts our country in harms way or into further vulnerability (national security or economic), that the masses that created him and called the rest of us ignorant, will hold him to the same criticism and scrutiny that they have done with President Bush. There must come a time of accountability for President Obama and his actions, I am hoping that he is all he claims to be and will afford him the opportunity, without bias, to deliver the hope he seems to believe is missing….for now I hope I am proven wrong.

catch up....

2009-01-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

So it seems I’m on the 30 day plan. Writing only once a month is not good for the reason that I started this blog. And since my son refuses to let me take photos of him (this is his idea of posing for photos.....) so I have none of him to share. I have been keeping track of all the memories we made over that last month or so and these are a few of my favorites….

1) every year we keep loose change around to put in the salvation army buckets and every year I have tried to tell N why we do it. This year started out no different. The outcome however was unexpected and touching. We were discussing it as we were walking into Wal-Mart and after he dropped his change in and exchanged a “merry christmas” with the bell ringer he turned to me just inside the door and said: Mom that felt so good! He was so disappointed the first time we went out and there were no buckets to drop money in.

2) Once the presents started showing up under the tree he started packing them around the house. He brought me one and this was our conversation: N: mom, I hope this is my favorite thing. Me: and what would your favorite thing be? N: it’s in this box!!!

3) D’s parents have “Christmas” at their house with all his brothers and their families. We have dinner and open presents. When N opened his gift from Coach and Nana he exclaimed: Its what I always wanted!!

4) A understood what was going on this year and she figured out that under the wrapping were toys and other things she probably wanted. But in true A fashion she managed to get everyone to do the work for her and just play with the toys!

5) Having Grandpa for Christmas…..

6) Spending time with the dogs in the 70+ degree weather!

7) Watching A trying to play Lego Star Wars on the Wii…too funny - its on my list to video

8) Watching A enjoy her horses…..she absolutely loves them!

We are finally feeling a little more settled here in our new home. We really like the ward but miss our friends and family a lot. I didn’t think that this little amount of distance would separate us so much but it has and I feel badly about it. I am hoping to find more time once we settled in our new schedule to spend with them. Hoping everyone had as wonderful holiday as we did!!!

As if I haven't spent enough money already...

2008-11-06T18:15:00.003-08:00

This is one of three new "shorts" pixar has put out to tide us crazy cars fan over unitl cars 2 comes out next year. I can't even start to add up the $$$ we have tied up in cars paraphinilla at our house. Once N saw these he immediately told me we needed these cars for our collection - he is hooked. Truth is I am too...I love finding new cars that we don't have just cause it makes him so amazingly happy and like the songs says it all just to see you smile. The little miss has taken quite the affection with Lighting himself so it makes it double the fun!!! Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to catch up with some photos of the past few months that I've been MIA!

Cars Two

2008-11-06T18:15:00.001-08:00

vote.....

2008-11-03T09:44:00.001-08:00

thanks guys...

A Little Late...

2008-10-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

a perfect day...

2008-07-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is the conversation after we spent the afternoon and early evening outside in the "pool" on the patio....

n: Mommy - it's a perfect day isn't it?

me: Indeed, it is.

n: Laying in the sun, my feet in the pool, the whole nine yards....perfect.

me: speechless

Where in the world did he get that and how did he know exactly when to say it??? Who is that boy where my toddler used to be? After we came inside and were changing our clothes, somehow he managed to get a starburst stuck to his keester and this was the observation....

n: Now that's a sticky situation!

He certainly keeps me laughing. It's always interesting to see what he has to say when were out and about like when the lady at the movies asked us if we wanted any candy with our popcorn and he promptly told her that our candy was in my purse! You just never know with him. A is starting to talk more and I'm sure that when it finally comes full circle I will be glad that I didn't know what she was saying for the past 6 months. She has her own little language. I need to get it on video before it goes away because it is pretty sweet. Speaking of A, here is the most recent picture of her....

And, a few more pics for the road from of N...

back on line....

2008-07-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

well kind of. And no Stacy, if you are wondering, I am not at McDonalds although I was tempted. This will be the first attempt at posting with the new service so we'll see how it goes. It's been crazy the last little while. N broke his thumb last week and was very very brave. Still working on a layout to commemorate that momentous occasion of a "first" broken bone. He wouldn't let me take photos so I had to steal the ones I did get and they are not great. He doesn't pose or sit still so I guess it's a good thing I'm not having to pay someone else to argue with him to get a good pic. So getting the picture for the above layout was tough, he was a trooper though, you only need one. I still can't believe he is four, FOUR. WOW. My favorite one of the 15 minute session is below but the landscape didn't work with the layout - may have to do a second page. The second photo really is "HIM" He is such a happy kid - splint and all. He laughs at almost everything and will try anything once, something I'm sure we will have issues with later. But for now I love that he is adventurous and full of life. I love that he genuinely cares and is concerned for the well being of others. I love how inquisitive he is about EVERYTHING. I love the little songs he makes up and his ability to make believe. I love that he wants to take pictures with my camera. That he wants to walk around the house and "document" his life. It's truly amazing to watch him and A grow and experience the ups and downs of their journey here. So I'm excited to have Internet so I can go back to getting things recorded. Hope you have a happy Wednesday!!

Another Year Older...

2008-05-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

We hope all your wishes come true!!

2008-04-29T19:47:00.001-07:00

my family - my sisters at least will appreciate this video. This is all I have been singing for the last few weeks...can't believe I still remember all the words!! Enjoy....

Boys...

2008-04-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

this is what happens the day after mother nature leaves this in your yard....

Life...

2008-03-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

So the last month has been a bit up and down for us. This past week was pretty emotional for me and I struggled with some decisions and the stress was pretty steep. So after it was all said and done we had a nice day and we took the kids to the park to so I could take some pictures. That seems to relax me. That night as I was going through them these two just struck me. It just made me realize that there no matter what decisions we have to make and no matter if we make the "right" or "best" one - we will still be a family. We will still have each other and that is really all that matters. So without boring anyone with the details, thats all I am going to say about that and I think now I'll be able to be back on track....

finally asleep

2008-02-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

So two days in and I've already fallen off the wagon! In all fairness I did have a photo that I took yesterday. Its up for today on the side. The above photo will serve as today's. A was sick last night and so we got zero done. After dinner she started crying and didn't fall asleep till after midnight and then tossed and turned ALL night. She is finally sleeping well and we have an appointment this afternoon. So yesterday N says to me "lets play hide and seek." I'm always up for a good game of hide and seek so I agree and ask him who is going to hide first. He replies - "you stay in the kitchen and count and I am going to go hide under my bed!" He cracks me up. So when my hiding turn rolls around I told him to count and he agrees and asks me as I am leaving - "where are you going to hide?" It's always entertaining. In taking my photos for yesterday I really wanted to use this one but it is so technically challenged that I couldn't but I so loved it so I had to share....

busy busy busy

2008-02-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

My life has been rather hectic lately. I have finished the 500 wedding invitations I had to complete and a few other things and now I think I will finally be able to get give some more attention to the blog. I read somewhere about a challenge to take "a photo everyday". So I have missed January and most of February but I am trying to take that challenge. I'll try to post a new one on the sidebar everyday. The photo for today is from a little boy I shot this afternoon. Hopefully that will force me to blog everyday! I'm off to Nauvoo this weekend to photograph another wedding. I'm excited to be going back up there and thrilled to be doing another wedding!! Hoping to get some great shots. I have been practicing a bit with my camera on objects other than my children (fake apples don't wiggle) and while I was N was gracious enough to let me snap a few of him. This one was my favorite. He has always had these facial expressions that say so much and this is his {what} expression when {what} is the answer to anything I say....gotta love him.

AND...chocolate frogs tagged me a million years ago so here are my answers...

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago? You mean when I could remember ten years ago? If it was February than I was just 6 months into my first “grown-up” job post college as a marketing assistant and preparing for my real estate licensing exam.

What is on your to do list?

What isn’t?

Where are 5 places you've lived?

MO, UT, UT, UT, UT

What are 5 jobs you have had?

Dry Cleaners Clerk (by far my favorite), Marketing Associate, Communications Specialist, Graphic Designer, Real Estate Agent (my least favorite)

What would you do if you became a billionaire?

Join the witness protection program.

Bad Habits?

I bite my finger nails and……

Things that you enjoy?

Being a mom, digital scrapbooking, taking photos, PSCS 2, making gifts, SEWING (who would of thought?), the Backyardigans, listening to D sing to the kids and doing Chicken Fat with N.

I am suppose to tag someone but there is only D left since he still hasn't replied since Critch tagged him weeks ago - maybe now he'll want to play....

a thing of beauty...

2008-01-31T14:33:00.001-08:00

It's not everyday that you get excited over an appliance. But, last Friday at our house was just such a day. After living out of a mini fridge for the last month after ours died and the new one we purchased was on back order, the fridge was an anxiously awaited arrival. They brought that morning and about noon we were in the living room and I heard some really loud pounding I wasn't sure what it was so I went in the kitchen to check it out. Now if you don't know, our son thinks that ice is a food group all its' own. When I realized that the noise was the freezer making ice I called him into the kitchen. I said "Look what is in here." He pulled the drawer out and there were maybe three ice cubes. He looked at me with a huge smile and said: "our new fridge makes its' very own ice!" Needless to say he was the most excited of all!!

happy birthday HP

2008-01-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Hey buddy! We hope you have a wonderful birthday!! Wish we could be there to help you celebrate!! Love you!!

thoughts...

2008-01-28T13:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday President Hinckley, prophet of the LDS Church passed away. Although my heart is heavy I can only imagine the great rejoicing that is happening on the other side. I am humbled to think of a servant returning to his Heavenly Father having accomplished the Fathers will and mission. I spent the morning reflecting on my memories of the prophet and of his teachings.

I think the thing I loved the most about President Hinckley was his truly genuine nature and his sweet humor. Every time he spoke there was no question about his love for his Savior, us and for this gospel. As I thought about President Hinckley today one of his talks stood out in my mind. It was an address from Women’s Conference two years ago. I remember listening to this talk and feeling so much love from him and the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. I decided that to remember him I would share some of his words from that address:

“…My dear sisters, all of these wonderful qualities which Relief Society stands for represent being encircled eternally in the arms of His love. It is this for which we all wish. It is this for which we all hope. It is this for which we all pray. …I remind you that you are not second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. You are His divine creation. Men hold the priesthood. Yours is a different role, but also extremely important. Without you, our Father's plan of happiness would be frustrated and have no real meaning. You are 50 percent of the membership of the Church and mothers of the other 50 percent. No one can dismiss you lightly. …This is what the Relief Society does for women. It gives them opportunity for growth and development. It gives them status as queens in their own households. It gives them place and position, where they grow as they exercise their talents. It gives them pride and direction in family life. It gives them added appreciation for good, eternal companions and children. What a glorious organization Relief Society is. There is nothing to compare with it in all the world.” -- Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006

Little Watch Dog

2008-01-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

So on Sunday last week at church in primary the kids learned about being a "watch dog" and looking out to make the right choices. On the way home that's all we talked about. He wanted me to give him stories and let him decide if that was a right choice or wrong choice. It is really exciting to see him developing his free agency. While he was playing with his toys I overheard Lightening McQueen tell Doc that he had made the wrong choice and his mom told him he had to go to timeout. He is starting to understand that he has a choice and those choices have consequences. We went to town today and he said - let's play the wrong choice game. So we spent 25 minutes going over different scenarios. 95 percent of the time he gets it right. It kills me that in theory he realizes pushing his sister off the treadmill is the wrong choice but when it comes right down to it - pushing your sister off the treadmill is just to much temptation! Can't wait to see what we learn this week!!

SAHM

2008-01-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

Some days it’s hard. There are times when I would rather be at work than listening to my kids yell. There are times when I am stressed and worried about money and paying for two teenagers and two college educations. There are times when I question my abilities as a mother and worry if I am doing all I can do. And then I see them playing, A following N all over the house and then I’m grateful. Grateful that sometimes the money gets tight, grateful that I worry and grateful for the stress because that means that I am home with them. And if I was not home with them I would miss the moments like these…..

these boots are made for walking...

2008-01-20T18:29:00.001-08:00

Barbara and Billy sent the kids real life cowboy boots for Christmas and they are too cute. N wears them ALL the time!! He put them on and immediately said he was ready to go to work with Billy!! He wears them to church and with his dress up cowboy outfit....

I especially like the chaps with the CARS underwear - I feel some serious embarrassing parent moments coming on!! You can see the little miss in hers - she thinks she is big stuff - she has a little bit of a tough time walking in them but she's getting better!! They both look so cute in them! The kids love them and so do we - thanks Billy and Barbara!!

On a photographers website that I read she had challenged everyone to pick their top seven favorite photos of 2007. It took a while and it was harder than I thought it would be. It was difficult to only choose seven. So after sifting through all 3000+ yes you read that right - 3000+ photos I took in 2007 (thank goodness for digital) these are my seven favorite. Anyone else care to share???

Big Day

2008-01-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

So today was a big day for me and the little guy. Today was our first official day of primary! I am the primary chorister so I get to be there with him which is really fun. I had prepared singing time with little vegetable characters to help them learn how good singing habits. He paid very close attention the entire time and seemed to really be enjoying himself. So after church on the way home I asked him what we talked about in primary today and in true child fashion he replied: "we learned about the vegetables!" Too much fun! Looking forward to the rest of the year and his growth! And I finally was able to edit some of A's cake photos so I will leave you with those....

goodbye 2007

2007-12-31T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a safe and happy new year...just a few memories from our 2007...

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T10:37:00.001-08:00

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

2007-12-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

What a difference a year makes!

Ice. Ice. Ice.

2007-12-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

Watching all the news about the poor people in Oklahoma prompted me to finish this layout. That was us one year ago. Ice everywhere inches on inches. It was so heavy you could hear the branches breaking on the trees and falling to the ground. The ice would break - its a noise I still haven't forgotten. We spent nine days away from our home. This time we are a little more prepared should something happen again. The baby was only a month old which made it even harder. We spent some time with Billy and Barbara and they took such good care of us. We really did enjoy the time there. It made the situation a little more bearable.

traditions...

2007-11-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

With N getting bigger this year I really wanted to start making our own traditions. He is remembering so much now and I really want him to have good memories of our family time. So this past weekend starting with Thanksgiving - was all about traditions. We started Thanksgiving with Christmas music and baking. I had my apron on and he wanted to wear one. The closest I had was his little carpenter apron but it worked just fine. He loves to help me cook and I was thrilled to have him help for such a special day. We peeled apples for apple crisp and stuffing and he put the sugar in - his most favorite thing to help with. I think it resembles sand and digging so he is really into that. We spent the majority of the day at D's parents. We had a lot of fun! We ate, played games and really enjoyed the company. We spent Saturday in the "city" visiting Santa and then it was off to Build A Bear to build the new Rudolph and Clarice. The little miss had so much fun. I wasn't sure she would want to but she didn't skip a beat. It was so fun to watch her enjoy something so much! I'm hoping to repeat that next year!! Hope everyone had as wonderful holiday as we did!!

Letters to Santa...

2007-11-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

So every year the park here in our little town puts up a mailbox where the kids can send their letters to Santa. We've been talking to N about writing to Santa and when he found his "big" pen that uncle war gave him he decided it was time. That is his actual letter in the LO. I had the video I wanted to upload but I'm blog challenged tonight so I'll try again later! Last year he "got" Santa but this year he really "gets" Santa. He has been so much fun I can hardly wait for Christmas! We set the tree up after they went to bed the other night. He thought it was pretty cool and all of sudden he has been telling us it is winter time now. He was really into my nativity set and he wanted me to tell him the story about 100 times which is even better that he is starting to get why we really have Christmas - that part is the neatest. He is even getting good at telling me the story of Jesus...too much fun!!

It finally happened!

2007-11-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

She actually took two steps the night of Halloween but I wasn't quick enough with the camera. I've had it ready for a week because I knew it was coming. Today she took a few more and I was lucky enough to catch it. We'll all be in trouble when she really gets it down!! Have a great weekend!!

Happy Halloween!!

2007-10-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a safe and happy halloween!!

feeding the cats...

2007-10-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

These are our "third" set of parents and the kids grandparents. They moved away and we all miss them very much. Me and the kids go over to their house and feed the barn cats and everytime we go the little guy has to go inside and walk through the house to check and see if they are there and everytime he comes around the corner into the kitchen and says- "Mommy, I don't think they're here." So Barbara and Billy if you're reading he wants you to know the cats are fine and he misses you both very much!!!

For Ella

2007-10-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

The little guy enjoyed Ellas storytime so much he wanted to share his favorite with her....

Tea for Two

2007-10-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

The little guy had a playdate with miss LP the other day. He was so excited to have her come over he must have asked 100 times that morning when she was going to get there. When she finally did arrive they went to his room to play. LP's mom is my good friend so she stayed and we visited (she also has a baby the same age as the little miss). Anyway we're in the living room and he comes out and goes straight to the kitchen and I hear the chair slide over to the sink and the faucet comes on. I walked into the kitchen and he was filling up his mickey mouse pitcher and two little cups of water. He said LP needed a drink. He was being quite the host. So I go to his room and the entire table is set - utensils and all and he tells me they are having a tea party. So being who I am I run to get the camera and after about 3 minutes of me taking photos he gives me this look as says - "that's enough mom - you can go." He is growing up way too fast. We took the kids to the park to take some photos and it was finally cool enough to wear long sleeves. So I'll leave you with our first shot of fall....

1 down...

2007-10-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is the first layout I have had time to get done since we came home. It will probably be the first of a very long cacation album. This was one of my favorite memories from the trip. N loved the Shamu show and Shamu. He fell in love with the whales and it was so fun to watch him enjoy it. He didn't take his eyes off them the entire time. They "call" Shamu at one point in the show with these arm actions and he didn't skip a beat. These are the photos of him calling Shamu. It was way too cute and so much fun. He still talks about it and we found a "shamu cam" on Sea Worlds website that you can see Shamu. He thinks that is pretty neat!!

Happy Birthday

2007-10-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hope your day is wonderful!! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you!!! Happy 4th!

Holy teeth Batman!!!

2007-10-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Our little girl LOVES to be upside down. I call her my little possum because if she can get her head flipped over she will - whether you're ready or not! So she was hanging upside down on my lap and she gave me a huge smile and I counted FOUR teeth coming in on top all about to break through!! After bringing her back upright I spotted one coming in on the bottom. Poor thing is a little cranky but that will sure make our transition from the bottle a whole lot easier. And I have to share a conversation I had with the little guy a month or so ago - I kept meaning to blog it so I could scrapbook it later and still remember but never got around to it so if you've heard this you can now skip to the next paragraph - We were at the gas station and we were getting a treat - I picked up some Ding Dongs - and the conversation went like this...
N: What are those mommy?
me: They are Ding Dongs - they are little chocolate cakes
N: oh (we leave the store and get to the car - he gets buckled in and says to me:
Mommy - I'm ready for my doorbell now.
Me and D still laugh about that. He was so matter of fact about and it was adorable!
Ok now for my photo of the week:

This is the FIRST I repeat the FIRST photo I have of the kids together. We were getting ready for church and they just started playing - thankfully my camera was close by cause it didn't last long. I like to look at this photo and pretend that he is lovingly giving her a hug but the next few shots that followed would tell a different story....think I'll delelte those!!!

Stroller Bandit

2007-09-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

I was going through our vacation photos and I ran across these pictures. We were walking through Sea World and past a "show" where a bunch of strollers were parked. This little guy was literally hopping from stroller to stroller. He finally landed on this one and tore a hole right through the mesh in the pocket, through the baggie and was eating whatever it was that was in there. It was pretty funny. Here we were at "Sea World" and I'm taking photos of a squirrel!! Anyway thought it deserved some space on the blog!! So without further ado - The Stroller Bandit......

four and counting...

2007-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

It hardly seems four years have past since we said "I Do". It has been a wonderful adventure and I couldn't have asked for a better companion to share it. This was one of my most favorite photos from that day. Between family, church, work and life in general quiet moments like these are rare. I love having this memory to remind me how special those moments are. Over these past four years we have gone from individuals to a couple and most importantly a family. I love you babe - happy anniversary!!!

But Why???

2007-09-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

But why? I must get asked that question 45 times a day! Don't get me wrong - I love that the little guy is curious and I love that he wants to "know" everything but EVERYTHING???? We spent 45 minutes discussing why they have the little ledges on big trucks that go up and down automatically - every explanation I gave was followed by - "but why not just jump off the truck?" It's crazy and fun. He is also into everything and everyone has to have a name - I am constantly making up names for complete strangers because he is always asking - "what's his name?". We have been going non stop for most of August and the better part of September. I had the opportunity to shoot a wedding in Nauvoo which was just amazing. The temple there is so beautiful I can't hardly imagine how hard it was to leave behind. As you leave Nauvoo you can see it from far away - it sits up on a hill overlooking the river and I just kept thinking about the saints watching the temple getting smaller and smaller as they were leaving and thinking how heavy their hearts must have been. I had the chance to walk around the town that has been restored and Parley street--the street where the saints walked down to cross the river and leave Nauvoo. The feeling and spirit were so strong there I can't even describe it - it was very humbling and left me very grateful for their faithfulness and for the sacrifices they made to preserve this precious gospel we live and enjoy today. It was an experience I won't soon forget. I hope to return with my family and spend some more time there. Here are some photos from my short 36 hour stay there.....

Just one day after coming home from Nauvoo we boarded a plane for our first official family vacation. I don't think it was possible for us to have more fun than we did. We just played and played and 7 days and 700+ pictures later we came home. I think the kids favorite was Shamu but Micky ran a close second. The little guy finally got to meet the "real" Lightening McQueen and I have to admit it was pretty cool. Disney is indeed a "magical" place!! Thanks dad for a great trip!! We can't wait to do it again! So I couldn't pick just a few pics to share so if you really want to see pics from our trip check the bar at the right for all the fun stuff we did! Hope everyone is well and hopefully I'll stay back on track from now on!!

new found freedom....

2007-08-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

That’s right. She has figured out that she is mobile and that she is in control. Crawling and pulling herself up all in a matter of days. Maybe that means she hold off on the walking for a while because she is a lot quicker than me right now – its good to have a pair of extra hands that don’t mind taking stuff away from her. He better watch out when she goes from four to two cause she just might be able to catch him…Speaking of catching, I think I should have named the little guy timex. We went for a walk the other night and I swear he fell 236 times. He just kept getting up and kept right on walking. He didn’t even slow down for a second. After being around only sisters, I am still getting used to living with a little boy – the dirt he collects is unreal. It has defiantly been a great adventure and I am loving every bit of it. Speaking of adventures I had one in parenting the other day. I had just got the little one to sleep (after a struggle) and I walk into the living room just as he is winding up to throw his cars at the window. I wasn’t quick enough. So I told him he had to sit on the couch. I found a binky and picked it up and LIGHTLY tossed it to him hitting him right in the forehead – he pipes up and this is exact – “that wasn’t very nice – that’s not how we do it. You come here right now and hand it to me nicely.” I deserved that after I had just put him on the couch for throwing, I started laughing and he started laughing and after we stopped I apologized to him and took that as an opportunity about everyone making mistakes and learning from them. Hopefully we both learned a little from that but it’s nice to know he hears me even when he doesn’t listen….good night!

prediction...

2007-07-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

so since the little miss arrived we've been speculating eye color and such. Her eyes have changed so much and they've been a bit of everything. After going through these pictures I'm finally ready to make my absolute prediction on her future. I'm predicting green eyes and red hair. She may end up looking a bit like her aunt C!

fairytales....

2007-07-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

n: I'm going to tell you a story.
me: ok what is it about?
n: me and mommy. are you ready?
me: yes
n: ponce a time me and mommy went to town.
me: then what happened?
n: we went shopping at walmart!
me: what were we shopping for?
n: a nemo toy!! Lets go mommy!!!

He's pretty quick - he also thinks there is no where else to shop except walmart - we should be in a commercial!!! Congrats CP welcome to blogging!! Visit her here: my chocloate frogs

Christmas....in July

2007-07-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

So the whole “Christmas in July” saying – I know where that came from. It came from a mother not unlike myself. She ran into a great deal at disney.com in May and bought a bunch of stuff. When it arrived in June she promptly put it in the closet telling her husband for weeks she really needed to move the stuff she bought to a better hiding place. Well all June all she did was talk…then one day in July she was unsuspectingly changing the diaper of her little one when she heard ecstatic squeals of joy coming form the other room. Squeals much like you might hear on Christmas morning. She knew there could only be one reason for such excitement in the middle of July. Her little boy had just hit the jackpot. Quick thinking as she was she tried to explain that Santa sometimes drops toys off early so it makes his sleigh lighter and he can fly quicker and we should probably put them back so he doesn’t wonder where they are. He stared at her with a look on his face and she knew he wasn’t buying it. So she did what only a mother could do – she had Christmas in July.....

a little late....

2007-07-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

It’s funny how memories and events stay so close in your mind that they feel like they happened only yesterday. I kept thinking all day yesterday that it seemed like only a short time ago that the little man was born and we were sitting in the hospital room anxiously awaiting his arrival. Now he has become this handsome little boy and I am not sure where the time has gone. It amazes me the things he knows and how fast he is learning. After his party last weekend I grabbed a piece of cake and the two of us went out front and with two spoons in hand had a little birthday conversation. It was such a special moment and I am so grateful to be his mom. Anyway - I wanted to finish this layout last night but I was just too tired. So here ya go buddy a little late but not with less love…. Happy Birthday!!!

And with a birthday I wanted to get a shoot in this afternoon (last year we took bday photos 2 months late). The light was so great I had to take a few of the little miss. Here are my two favorites. I’ll leave you with those and say goodnight!

credits

happy

2007-07-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Could there be a happier boy? We gave him the “big scoop” that we bought 4 months ago for his birthday. He was pretty excited and he has been riding it all morning. Too much fun. We took him to Chuck E Cheese for a birthday lunch so he has had a big day. And of course we let him think the fireworks were just for him and his big day. A few pictures to share so I’ll just get right to it…have a great night!!!!

credits

Favorite Page

2007-06-26T10:45:00.001-07:00

this has got to qualify as one of my favorite pages to date....

credits

Teeth

2007-06-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed it in the other pictures....

frame

HELP!!

2007-06-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

I want to get this photo blown up BIG - trying to decide which one....any suggestions???

credits here

CATch up

2007-06-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Has it really been that long??? So much has happened and I’m a little slow getting to it. So much for keeping things current eh? I guess I’ll let the pictures do the talking tonight….

We’ve had major rain which led to this….

We adopted two kittens which led to this….

That led to the two kittens finding a new home. There is a reason that little boys should not play with small animals. This was after the kittens were promptly named Harrison and Gracie and had gone for a brief swim in one of the puddles from the rain, jumped on the trampoline, been carried by their tails and been given countless hugs and kisses. Just in case you were wondering - the kitten was promptly removed right after I snapped the photo(how could I resist). Anyway we decided that Harrison and Gracie would probably be better off in a new home. And I can’t hardly believe our little one reached the halfway mark through her first year. This occasion led to these….

And finally the most exciting – she sprouted two new teeth - which prompted these….(you have to look close but they are there!!)

Have a great night! credits here

Frog Ride

2007-06-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that I have emotionally scarred my child for life with the following sequence of events:

Me to the little guy: See the fun frog ride? Won't that be fun to go on? The frog will hop and mommy and k will ride with you!! It will be fun don't you think?? Enter the giant frog....

Not so scary to the naked eye. This frog as innocent as he looks was actually quite scary as you see from the following photos. Getting on the ride we were happy. When the ride started going we were still happy although a little concerned and all happy thoughts went right out the window the second that green frog started hopping!!!

He was holding that silver bar so tight I thought we were going to have to pay for it because I wasn't going to be able to pry his tiny little fingers off of it!! He spent the next couple of hours denying any and all requests to ride any of the remaining attractions in kid land. I’m afraid hes damaged and I’m afraid its all my fault!!! Next time we’ll start slow – the ladybugs before the gigantic jumping frogs. Parenting lesson #123 learned!

frames: here

Water

2007-06-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

This was the scene two weeks before mothers day. After a big rain storm while daddy was out.
So it seems only fitting that this was the scene today -- two weeks before fathers day. After a big rain storm while daddy was home....

The joy of being parents!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

photo frame here

New Shoes

2007-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

ever since we went home in march - noah has wanted shoes like harrison - well he finally has some. he had his choice of black, blue and neon green. as a boy who LOVES green you can guess which he chose. at least i'll be able to spot him in a crowd or far away-maybe he'll glow in the dark! we picked them up last night at Joanns fabric of all places and I don't think hes taken them off. the best part about them is HE can take them on and off. huge time saver for me when we are getting ready to head out!! He wore them to the playground today and he looked so big. And who told him he could WALK across the monkey bars???? when did he get so big?
photo frames here

multitasker

2007-05-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Can this girl multi task or what?? I am amazed every day at how fast she is growing - shes only been here a short time but it feels like we were never without her. At one point she actually had four rings but I failed to be quick enough to get the shot. Noah is finally getting more interactive with her - he really wants her to be "big" enough to play. Things may get really interesting when she learns to crawl - which may not be too far away judging from the way she watches him and EVERYTHING he does. We had a busy memorial holiday and managed to get some things done. Can't believe its almost JUNE - where does the time go????

photo cluster by nancy comelab

may wrap up...

2007-05-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

heres a little wrap up of our month. I am going to try and get one done every month and then make an album that will have memories from our whole year! n got to go golfing today he had a blast as always. as you can tell from above we had a very busy month and are expecting the rest of the summer to be just as busy - lots of fun things planned. hoping to get to SDC sometime soon!! have a great memorial weekend!!!

credits: katie pertiet at designer digitals

Summertime

2007-05-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

so this was the conversation:

n: mommy is it summer?

me: yes its summer.

n: lets go swim!!

so it was off to walmart. $20 and 2 hours later we were in the pool and we've been swimming ever since. it was a little chilly when we filled it up but after a day of baking in the sun it was just perfect. that kid absolutely loves the water. he would stay in there all day if we let him. he wanted A to swim and i had to explain to him that she is still too little for that. the rain will probably keep us out of the pool for a little bit. between the pool and the trampoline we may never leave the backyard....

credits for layout: nancy comelab (photo cluster) shabby princess (word strips) stitching, elements, word art and paper (digital design essentials)

Its time..

2007-05-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

guess its time i got involved in the blog world. hope this will keep everyone up to date on our little world and things that are going on. heres the latest from us and our latest adventure with the little guy...

photo frame from Nancy Comelab @ www.the-lilypad.com