having the best day of my life

Firestation Field Trip

2012-01-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

This happened a few weeks ago but I never posted about it. So, for posterity's sake; here is Miss Adelle on her very own field trip to the Fire Station. It was her 4th time there (I know, crazy, she is only 3 years old, but she's been to the firestation 4 times with her Brothers class, Brothers birthday, and cousins birthday).
Maybe that is why I wasn't anxious to post it to my blog. Seemed super repetitive.

But, she is super cute and she was excited to go with her preschool friends on a field trip.

Emmett was excited too. It's pretty awesome being a little tag-a-long brother :)

Easy Valentines!

2012-01-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I made these for my kids last year! They cracked up over them and they were so easy and fun!!

I will be doing this again, but probably not until like the night before so I will show you last years in case you want to do it.

All I did was find a picture of me with each child, individually. Then I came up with a little poem that was uniquely about them! I just used picnik to edit the photo by adding the hearts as a border and inserting the text (Picnik is free now until April, too!!)

Then I printed them off and viola! A homemade Valentine that we will laugh over for years.

Here are their poems:

Braxton

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
You are getting so BIG!
I used to change your Do Do!
I love you Braxton.
Love Mom

Adelle

Violets are Blue
Roses smell yummy
I'm glad you're my girl
You came out of my tummy
I love you, Adelley
Love Mom

Emmett

Roses are Red
You were born in our bed
You have kept us on our game
we love you all the same
Love you M
Love Mom

Hunka Hunka

2012-01-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh! So the other day I was totally driving down the street and when I looked to my left I saw this guy up on this roof! And I was like, "what a hunk!" No way? Yeah! He was like totally up there like it was nothing. Just walking around, cleaning, like nobodies business. I was like, "how does he do that without falling?" So I grabbed my camera and snapped a shot because I was totally impressed. Like, he was so manly and not scared of nothin!' Then I got up the courage and drove a little closer, hoping to get a better look at his butt. Wow! Then you won't believe what happened?? He totally noticed me and started making eyes at me! Yes, Me!! He had to have seen my kids in the back seat but he totally started to hit on me!!! Serious! It gets better... he asked me to come home with him later!!!! I seriously thought I was going to like, melt. So I totally said yes and then I took a mental picture of his smile and brought it with me while I waited for him to get off. Best day of my life! Everyday! Lucky me!

Underwear and Tears

2012-01-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

One of my kids is stoked about his new underwear!
(love those chunky thighs)
Two of my kids are crying because Elder Havland is being transferred tomorrow.
(we love this missionary from Gilbert, AZ!!)

Whats a mom to do?

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

Today made me laugh for these reasons in no particular order

The fact that Braxton is set on me NOT cutting his hair
Walking into my room to find Emmett smearing my deodorant all over his left cheek
Adelle sitting on Braxton's lap for these pictures, not so lady like
Emmett and how he says "cheese" but won't look at the camera
Adelle sticking out her tongue without being prompted to do so
Braxton's cute little toothless smile
(and remembering how Mr. Tooth fairy and I were almost busted 2 nights ago when the young lad sat straight up as Mr. Tooth fairy was depositing $ beneath his pillow, not so smoothly)
Braxton grabbing the camera case and using it as a scripture case for church
Adelle noticing me wearing my Young Women Medallion and then putting on her yellow, light up, Disney Princess necklace "to match"
Emmett being a ham, as usual
The way Braxton's hair turned out and how cool he thought it was
Braxton telling Jeff and I, "yeah I don't need any more kids in this family to take care of" (and it actually being relevant)
Adelle and her poses with her hand on her thigh
Jeff telling Braxton, "wow, lookin' good. You better bring a stick to church" meaning he would have to ward off the ladies
(I had never heard this expression before and it made me laugh, hard)
Emmett getting caught red handed in the bathroom with me applying eyeshadow
The way Braxton has started referring to his father as "Dude!"
Braxton being so serious and smiling so nicely in every single picture while his brother and sister goofed off

I am laughing right now just remembering this morning and all the hoop-la.

Please save you BOX TOPS for us!

2012-01-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

I am posting this blog because I keep on forgetting to tell my family that we are collecting Box Tops for Braxton's school. All you do is cut the box top off of the package and give them to us. Braxton turns them into his school and the school gets money for the number of Box Tops received. It's pretty easy but it's new to us too so I find myself throwing boxes out to recycle, forgetting to remove the Box Top. So, if you'd like to help us we'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

Check out their website here.

wipe out

2012-01-19T14:54:00.001-08:00

I am a little disappointed that I don't have any pictures of Braxton catching air. If you ask Jeff, Brax was up at least 2 feet in the air going over the jump. I don't know if I buy it but, I was inside the whole time.

The conversation yesterday between me and my oldest son went like this:
Him (excitedly) "mom, are you comin' outside?"
Me "uh, when pigs fly!"
Him to his dad, "well, I guess mom's not comin!"

Yesterday was so stinkin' cold! 14 degrees and windy. Not even playing in the snow sounded fun if it involved going outside. So, I warmly stayed inside and watched out the window. I couldn't believe how long Braxton actually lasted out there. Burrrrr!

budding artist

2012-01-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

Braxton is such a little artist. He would sit and draw all day if his sister and brother would leave him alone. And if there wasn't snow outside to play in!

There has been lots of drawing going on around here today. He also wrote and illustrated his own "kids book" as he called it.

This little man is growing up so fast.

*Notice how we are all holding hands in the picture. Stinkin' cute!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMETT

2012-01-18T11:22:00.001-08:00

Emmett is 2 today! It's quite the party around here. We have been playing games, reading books, watching movies. We ate waffles for breakfast and sang to Emmett for the 4th time! Staying inside for sure!! The wind is howling, as usual (remember the wind from Emmett's birth story?), and the temperature outside is 14 degrees. The funny thing is that the day Emmett was born we broke record for the warmest January day. Now today, two years later, we are most likely breaking another record for being the coldest January day :)

We had a party for Emmett on Sunday filled with friends and family. I made a Scooby-Do cake for Emmett because he got a Scooby-Do DVD for Christmas and he loves to carry it around and repeat Dooby, dooby, Dooooo. It's really cute to listen to and we all get a kick out of it. We knew he would love a Scooby-Do cake.

The cool thing about being the third child is that not only does Emmett have his own friends but he has all of his sisters friends and all of his brothers friends too. It's like 3x the friends! Yesterday when some of Braxton and Adelle's friends were here we sang to Emmett and he knew he was the man. All the kids love this babe and he soaks it all up.

We sure love this little guy.
Happy Birthday M-Bopalicious!

If you want to reminisce of baby Emmett with me go here!

Hybernating

2012-01-17T20:48:00.001-08:00

This is a picture that one of my kids took yesterday. Not sure which one of them took it but I thought it was a nice snap shot of our life so far this week. Yesterday was a Holiday and there was a ton of snow so we stayed home all day. We just put on and took off snow clothes all day and loved every minute of it. Some friends stopped by, neighbors played. Today was an official snow day, no school. No preschool. I just got notice from the school district that tomorrow will be another snow day. Activity night is also cancelled for tomorrow. Playgroup is off for tomorrow....

I feel really at ease in this situation. I know I tend to be a mother bear and I like to have all my little cubs in my little cave with me but this week it has really hit me how much I just like being home with my family. Friends have called and invited us out. My mom asked to have the kids over, another friend invited us to dinner. And yet, I am so happy just hibernating at home with my little family. It's almost like the snow is the perfect excuse to just be home. Just be comfy. It is beautiful here. Fresh fallen snow. Happy faces. A good dad who pulls his kids and whoever else on the sled. A crock-pot full of warm dinner. Naps!! Books, slippers, movies, balloons (Emmett turns 2 tomorrow!!!).

Maybe I have some bi-polar issues going on but I feel like I am part social butterfly part hibernating mother bear.

"snow is like yogurt, huh mom?"

2012-01-15T14:50:00.001-08:00

We've got some happy kids around here! Snow is on the ground and more is in the forecast. I hope it stays through Monday and then disappears for the year!

That being said we are enjoying playing in it!!! Our friends invited us over yesterday to join them in sledding down their driveway and all the kids loved it. Little Emmett went down multiple times!

And if you hadn't guessed it, Adelle was the one who tells me this morning at breakfast that, "snow is like yogurt." Yes. "They are both white." :)

Happy Birthday Friend

2012-01-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

My mind is reminiscing of blizzards, and Skippers, and birthday parties, and trampolines, Schwans ice cream, Klover, Hawaii, pool parties, road trips, song singing, song writing, boys, Friends, dances, ugly shag carpet, mascara, sleep overs, sleep talkers, camping, screaming, crying, moving, 4th of July, frosting hair, visiting, Boys and Girls Club, basketball, chicken nuggets, 90210, high school, middle school, softball, pitching lessons from Steve, phone calls,bridge jumping, Going to State Basketball games, Volleyball, Hawaii again, snorkeling, beaches, tan lines, Graduation....

Happy 30th Birthday to my very dear friend, Shelby. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you like old times. You are the greatest friend any middle school girl, high school girl, mom of 3 could ever ask for!

buds

2012-01-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

M and I were in the big red chair reading books while Adelle and Braxton were sharing a snack after school today. When I looked up this is what I saw. I think they miss each other during the day.

there's a whole wide world of balance beams out there

2012-01-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

Today is a sunny cold day. The weather this winter has been so beautiful. Sunny, crisp, blue skies, beautiful. I really enjoy the cold, when the wind isn't blowing and the sun is shining.

After my kids survived yet another presidency meeting we all bundled up and went outside for a walk. Well, that is what I told the dog anyway. I leashed up Sofie and she got to come too.

Adelle was the cutest in her brown leggings, boots, big poofy butterfly coat and pink princess beanie. She got all the high school boys to wave to her by standing on the curb and shaking her hips while waving her arms. "These boys are all my friends," she says to me. I don't know where this girl learned those moves but she is an obvious flirt. On a couple of different occasions she politely says to me, "mom, please stop telling me what to do." Yeah right. She found the curb outside our door and decided that instead of walking, she wanted to balance on the curb.

Sister balancing on the curb led Emmett to discover the curb and insist on balancing the whole time as well, while holding onto my finger. I wish his hands were bigger because the finger he was holding was nice and warm while the rest of my hands were freezing. It was a day that I should have worn my gloves but didn't.

So this whole walk was a huge disappointment to the dog. We walked down the side walk in one direction, only to turn around and walk back because the kids were both on the curb the whole time and I wanted to be back in my warm house before dark. We were outside an hour and seriously walked about a block in a half. Emmett and Adelle loved every minute and it was nice to get some fresh air. I also got a chuckle out of the many heads driving by that turned to watch two little cuties balancing on the curb, buried in their coats and hats. I wish I would have had my camera. Adelle is so coordinated and Emmett is so determined to be big and follow her lead. He only fell on his hands and knees once, and it wasn't into the road, so we were good. Plus he is a tough one so falling down doesn't bother him.

The walk, not by intention, happened at the same time as the first recess at the school across the street. I can't believe I made it until January, never having spied on my kid at recess! That all ended today. We were "balancing" that way when Adelle heard the kids at recess. She asked if we could go play too and I explained to her that those were the kids at school having recess. Then she asked if we could go find Braxton. I didn't make any promises but I told her we could look. We stood on the edge of the sidewalk and looked out into the school field. I found him right off the bat. Red poofy coat. Hood on (way to go, brother for keeping those ears warm), running in the field. Five? No, six? Seven little girls chasing him through the field. Eventually he saw us, not until after we saw him. A dog, a tot, a cute little girl and a mom all stopped and staring at him must have drawn his attention. He was so excited. He started waving frantically. Pretty soon his whole parade of girlfriends were waving at us too. And here I thought he was playing football at school during recess?

"mom, um...."

2012-01-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Emmett is enjoying the freedom of not being in a crib and he has been down right taking advantage of it. Little stink! Not when his dad is home, of course. Bed time is a dream. We read, we tuck them in, and if they mess with it than dad saves my world by stomping in and dealing with it. Daddy style. It works every time. That and the fact that everyone is usually spent by the end of the day.

Nap time hasn't been as cooperative. If I had to pick my most obedient child it would not be sweet Adelle and it would not be adventurous Emmett... so getting those two to lay down together and disregard their desire to play and mess with each other is really asking for a lot. I don't have my little reminder boy in there with them to help them out. He's at Kindergarten and I think Adelle and Emmett have caught onto the game.

It's partially my fault. I don't stomp in and deal with it. Adelle is not to blame. She likes to nap. She knows the routine and she follows directions. She just gives in to her brother's persuasions and before I know it my little girl is following the lead of my little boy. M is the stinker on this one.

It's been a battle. I tell them it's nap time. They go potty, I change a diaper.I tuck them in only to come out and hear them talking. Pretty soon they have opened their door and usually Adelle sends M out wave at me first. As if I didn't hear them coming....
Rather then closing the door and letting them do whatever I have gone in and laid down with them and not long after that they are both out. The fight is over and we've both won. They got mom to lay down with them and I got them to sleep. Everyone is happy. The down part is that on two different days this whole process has taken so long that I end up having to wake them up an hour later to go get Brax from school. So this party is not fun and makes the nap process more frustrating.

So today I have been mentally preparing myself for nap. After lunch we did the whole routine, I laid them down and came out to call a friend and do the dishes. As I am on the phone they come out and park it on the couch. The next thing I hear is Dora singing in Spanish and I see them both happily on their bums in front of the screen. I ignored it at first because I was on the phone talking about serious, important, stuff (ha), but then the call ended and I turned off the tv and sent them back to bed. Adelle complied but Emmett didn't. I put him in bed next to his sis and he cried and I walked out. He wasn't really crying hard, just whining and moaning and making extremely weird noises that you only make when you are tired. I figured it would last a moment and then he would be out.

The next thing I know I hear the door open but no footsteps. I listen more carefully. Still nothing. I stop what I am doing to hear a small little voice whisper, "mom." It's cute to my ears so I wait to see if it will sound again. Same thing, "mom." Nothing else. I walk down the hall to find M standing right outside his door. I kneel down to his level and he smiles. I ask him what he needs and he understands every word. Then he replies, "mom, um... and then without another word, almost as if he didn't know how to say it, he wraps me in his little arms in a tender squeeze. If I could finish the sentence for him I would assume it was, "mom, um, I just needed a hug." It was so sweet. His little voice, his little, "um," the fact that he was being a little defiant and sneaky, but not, at the same time. I asked him if he wanted mom to lay down in his bed with him and he said yes. Mind you Adelle is totally asleep already, same room, same bed. So I laid down with Emmett. At first he was rubbing my face gently and whispering for me to shhhhhh. Then when he realized I wasn't going to budge he held onto my finger and was asleep a couple minutes after that.

It's been a rough go, but it was a sweet moment. One I want to remember. One that I know will not always be relevant. I am constantly reminded when I step outside to voices of children playing at the school across the street. There is a little squeal over there that is familiar to me. One that is playing football with kids much bigger than him. One that is hearing new words and being exposed to new ideas. One that is no longer home during the day safe in the comfort of my embrace.

We will overcome this whole nap thing. They will get it. It will work. I will have time to myself to revamp. One day it will all work itself out. Today, thanks to a sweet little whisper, I will lovingly meet this simple desire of my babe.

After school

2012-01-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

some wake up from nap
happy
not so happy
cars whizzing by our house
coats
stroller ride
children walking home
dogs barking
mom's waving
Home
wash hands
snacks
"I have to go potty"
one does homework
papers galore
some watch Dora
crayons everywhere
"I have to go poo poo"
kids playing
mom making dinner
change a diaper
get the mail
it's dark outside
clean up for dad
kids are hungry
"I have to go potty"
irritable
the phone usually rings
the dog is hungry
kids set the table
"what are we having for dinner?"
mom finishes dinner
dad comes home (HORRAY)
dinner is served
we tell our favorite parts of the day
If Adelle goes after Brax then we hear the same thing twice
vitamins
dishes
FHE
brush teeth
books
scriptures
song
kisses
The End!

Alright, that was my breather. Now I'm off to do after school.

Who's that tiger?

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

M is my little tiger lately. He is so sweet and so growly, all at once. I love the picture of him because it completely sums up his personality right now. No, he is not a sad boy. He is a very contemplative boy. He is curious and he is frustrated with a big world and his limited ability to do it all and see it all right at this moment. He is a cuddle bug. He is loving and genuine and often serious, yet hilariously funny and a bit of a trouble maker.
That is my little tiger at the moment.

Plenty of people comment on how much Emmett resembles my dad and Jeff and I agree that they share many of the same traits. My dad often has a solemn expression, as does Emmett. My dad tends to appear quiet, until he unleashes his great personality and sense of humor. This is Emmett to a tee.

My dad and I have the exact same color eyes and although I think Emmett's are a bit lighter, I have heard they are the same. You can be the judge of that.

The second picture is one of my dad when he was 1 1/2 years old. It looks like Emmett, but there was something else I couldn't quite put my finger on. Who was I seeing? Was it my brother? Braxton? Myself when I was younger?

Then I totally nailed it. It's Carson. That picture of my dad totally resembles my nephew Carson.

What do you think?
The tigers in order are:
Jeff
Me
Carson
my dad
Emmett

sorry can't blog

2012-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

Ok so I've got a ton of stuff that I want to blog about but I have 7 days to get through 15 CDs. I'm listening to Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers, on CD because a couple friends have recommended it and although I would love to actually READ it, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

So the kids are asleep, Jeff is playing basketball, and I have 4 loads of laundry on my couch.

So here is to listening and folding.

Cheers!

Outside there is a storm...

2012-01-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

...but that doesn't stop these guys.

Two boys

One is 6

One is 30

Both are laughing, squealing, talking trash

There is something awesome about having your Dad home to play with you!

Sissy is a Sunbeam

2012-01-02T14:32:00.001-08:00

I can't believe Adelle is old enough to go to Primary. She has been anxiously awaiting this day and yesterday was pure bliss for this little girl.
She loved being a Sunbeam. She got to hold up a picture during Primary Sharing Time.

It was funny. After Sacrament meeting she bolted to go to Primary. I said, "sis, hold Braxton's hand," after which she grabbed his hand and basically drug them there. It was funny. The family sitting next to us commented on how SHE would be taking him to Primary. He was not taking her.
That's my little girl.

Emmett liked Nursery ok without his sis and Braxton protectively kept a good eye on Adelle from the back row. I guess either way she can't get away from those brothers.

Now theres 3 in the bed...

2011-12-31T08:40:00.000-08:00

Well it's official. The crib has been taken down. Emmett's room has been converted into the playroom/craftroom/sewing room/study room.
Emmett now sleeps with the big kids.
The transition was smooth as butter and ALL the kids are loving having 3 in the bed.
Anyone need a place to sleep? We've got an empty top bunk!

The gift of gift giving

2011-12-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

Cheesy picture. I know.
This post is not about the picture, or the tree or my jeggings(which I am teased by my husband for calling, "spaglings" which I do because they just make me think "spandex!")
This post is about this book and other amazing gifts I have received from my mother-in-law over the years. She seriously has the gift of gift giving and I am so happy to be one of the recipients of her thoroughly thought out gifts.

The coat in the picture was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law, Christmas 2008. I wear it every winter and it never gets old. A friend of mine recently told me that the first time she ever saw me I was wearing that coat at church. She said she looked at me and thought, "wow, what a beautiful coat. She must be rich." Her thoughts sum up how I feel when I put on this coat. I feel classy and elegant. It's a good feeling once in a while for a housewife ;) but it's not the reason why I really love this coat. I love it because it just looks like me, to me, if that makes sense. I love it because it's something I would have seen at the store and wanted, but never bought for myself. I love that it fits me perfectly and that she knew it would when she bought it. I love that about her gift giving skills. She is so good at it!

Other gifts I have received have been just as good. She bought me a pair of brown cords the first Christmas I was part of the family that are still a favorite. Can you imagine? She barely knew me. We didn't live in the same state. And yet she bought me a pair of pants that I liked and that fit me. My mom laughs because she can't even do that! I am a picky person to buy clothes for. Period.
One year she sent me lingerie for my birthday. You may laugh, but not me. It was just what I, I mean WE, needed at the time! Ha! In her wisdom she knew that we had been married for a little while, money was tight and lingerie is not something I would just go splurge on. So she sent me some new stuff.
There was also a time when she sent me a VISA gift card with a note explaining that I knew better than she did what I needed at the time. She wanted to help and she did, in the perfect way.
I could go on and on. Art for my walls. Nick-nacks for my shelves. Other books. Her gifts are not all the same but they are all for me, specifically and I love that about them. Always my color, my size, my style, to match my bedroom....I am trying to develop this talent but I think it is a real gift that she has been given.

This year I received the book Lost December, by Richard Paul Evans, which I just finished reading. Yep, it took me 2 days, which is unlike my usual 30 days to finish a book and... I didn't even ignore my family to get it read. I knew I would like it the minute I opened it Christmas morning. I knew that it would fit me and it totally did. It was beautifully written and touched my heart from multiple angles. Read it! If you want.

I love opening thoughtful gifts from this special lady. They never disappoint and to be honest.... I can't wait for my birthday!!! (no pressure:)

Christmas is pictures

2011-12-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas is saying Thank-You

2011-12-23T13:04:00.001-08:00

My sister and I decided about a month ago that we were going to put on an Appreciation Brunch for our babysitters. Our mom, Gramy, Aunt Angela, Aunt Melissa, and Chelsey watch our kids...regularly. Jeff and I get a date every week, I get to volunteer multiple times a week in Braxton's class for different activities, we go to the Temple monthly, and we even got away for a weekend this summer all because of these sweet people who love and take good care of our children. They are such a blessing and we are really grateful for all the service they render us all year. I have called many of them last minute and they always come, wearing their happy face and ready to love on my kids. Every mother's dream come true.

So today was the day. We got our kids all dressed up. They got to serve and entertain with Christmas carols and dance moves. Braxton served the toast and kept the waters full. Lesha brought a ham and Cranberry Trifle. I made egg casserole and homemade english muffin bread. We all had a wonderful time. I think this should be a new tradition!

On the 8th Day of Christmas

2011-12-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

We took the kiddos swimming! Me and my sister and a car full of excited kids ventured across the border to the wave pool. It's too good of a deal not to go! $12 for me and my kids is a steal of a deal. Waves, water slides, life jackets, hot tub...
I got in trouble by the life guard twice for not being within arms reach of all of my children, at the same time. I wanted to say, "then what am I paying you for?" but I didn't. I just smiled and said I was trying my best.
Braxton and Adelle were in life jackets the whole time and Emmett didn't want me to put him down so I felt like we were all pretty safe. I know he was just doing his job but for real... I have short arms! Adelle and Braxton are little fish.
My favorite conversation of the trip;
me: "Sis, see that man. He says that you have to stay close to mommy the whole time you are swimming."
Adelle: "just don't worry about it mom. I'm a swimmer."

purple mountain of sprinkles

2011-12-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

Cute or what!!
There is more where that came from, here .

Ta Da!

2011-12-20T20:37:00.001-08:00

As I was posting the last post and mentioning the tile I remembered that I never posted pictures of the finished product.
Ta Da!
It's beautiful and we are really happy with it.
Jeff is so handy to have around! He did a perfect job!

And for not being much of a blue person, I REALLY like the blue stripe.

Centsible Services' first contract!!!

2011-12-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

So my already granted Christmas wish of having clear hot water and a newly tiled shower has been beat by the new business getting it's first contract! This is huge, people.

Up to this point Jeff has been doing residential jobs and although it has been great, it has not been as steady as we need. Getting a contract set in stone is a huge relief and a huge blessing. He will continue to do residential jobs but we have a guarantee of work for next year. Yes!

The contract is with the Facility Maintenance Group for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is the church we are members of but he was not handed it on a silver platter. Their offices are based out of Everett and he was referred to them by our former Bishop. After consulting with them a few times he got the contract. It wasn't like we knew these people. The contract gives him 23 church buildings which he will be responsible for maintaining the roofs and exterior of the buildings.

For the last two days he has been down south working on some buildings that weren't properly maintained this last year. It has been quite an experience. One that I found thought provoking. Here is what he has been cleaning up;
Gum. I guess there is gum everywhere. This totally grossed me out and surprised me. He explained it to me by saying, "it's like everyone spits out their gum in the bark right by the door before they go into the building." Yuck.
Cigarettes. Yep. Is that crazy? He found a half used carton of cigarettes up on the roof above one of the doors. Again, as if someone tossed them up there before walking into church. Interesting.

I don't really have anything to say about this. I could go off on it but for real, I guess we all have our issues. I just hide mine a little better and respect church property a lot better!

the sweetest rendition of Jingle Bells you've ever seen

2011-12-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Birthday Boy

2011-12-17T13:11:00.001-08:00

Jeff turned the BIG 3-0 today and guess what we did to celebrate?.....

Yep, we put on a Christmas Party for our ward at church.

What a guy, huh!

He didn't get forgotten though. We celebrated his birthday yesterday with his favorite dinner, chicken enchiladas, sparkling cider, presents and cookies.

Then we played some games (thanks for your requests) with some friends and I granted him one of his birthday wishes by staying up late and watching some t.v.(via dvd) snuggled on the couch.

I am so blessed to have this perfect for me man in my life. Life is always a picnic with Jeff and I love that about him. He is always happy, always willing to do whatever. He seriously spent hours at the church today setting up, decorating, cleaning up, putting away, and he couldn't have been happier. I continue to learn from being around my older, and wiser love! :)

"bad word"

2011-12-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

First off these pictures have nothing to do with this post. I just wanted to post them and maybe they should have their own post but I don't have time for that right now.

Emmett went poop on the potty and everyone was there to cheer him on. It was monumental but I've done this enough to where I know it means nothing, except what it is. We celebrated anyways. I am not pushing potty training but he saw Adelle go and wanted to try. Just so happened that it worked. Go M!

Braxton and Sofie have a special bond. The picture of them he had me take so that he could take it for show and tell. Braxton started off being a little scared of the dog. Not really knowing what it meant when she barked, not knowing if she was going to bite him....
But thankfully he has learned that she is the best dog ever and would never hurt him and since then they play and wrestle and really love each other.

Emmett is my cuddle man lately. I can't get enough of him and I still call him baby but he's growing up and quick. He is so fun and entertains us all with his new words and expressions.

Tonight we did some Christmas baking. We are bringing cookies to Braxton's class tomorrow for a party so I figure, get all of the cookies baked and then frost and sprinkle another time. It's always fun and messy!

Ok. Now onto the post.
I got an email from a girlfriend and co-mom yesterday where she was telling me about an instance with her daughter at school. It involved a VERY BAD WORD and we were discussing (electronically) how crazy it is that our little ones are exposed to so much at school.
That leads into my post.
So this morning we all get up. Everyone is busy getting ready. It's the school sing a long today and Braxton has been singing, signing, practicing for the past couple weeks so I expected him to be way more excited than he was. I asked him if he was excited about the sing a long and he said, "yeah, but mom. We have to talk about something." I was a little concerned at this point so I went and sat on his bed and asked him what was going on. This was his response:
"Well one of the songs we are singing has a bad word in it." I asked what the word was. The answer "Hate."
Ah, what a relief is what I was thinking. I was expecting a harsher word. However I was reminded of his pure innocence and sweet gentle spirit. I told Jeff and he cracked up. I told my mom and she said I was just like that when I was a little girl. Then I told Jeff, "we will never have to worry about Braxton." And he came back with, "whatever, those are the ones you have to worry about!"

For now I think we are pretty safe!

It's the hap, happiest season of all

2011-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas is in full swing around here which may be why my blogging has been a bit neglected. We are busily working on projects, baking cookies, singing carols and addressing cards. The tree is up. We got it early this season and that was such a relief. I feel really on the ball this year for Christmas. Usually I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off but this year the tasks are being checked off the list one by one and I am not a bit overwhelmed by any of it. That is a very merry feeling.

We went to one of the local tree farms that we found close to home and ran by one of Jeff's teachers from the high school. I love a Noble fir and that is exactly what we got for a mere $30. It is the perfect tree and Jeff and Braxton cut it down.

I got to decorate the tree with the kids this year solo. Jeff was busily finishing the bathroom tile while the kids and I trimmed the tree. That meant I had to do the lights, usually Jeff does the lights, and after using 4 strings I lit the whole tree.

I let the kids put the ornaments on the tree which is why all the sparkly red glitter balls that I made with my friend a few years back are all on one branch. It adds character. Adelle put them there and I think that is where they should stay. So they are.

I made our tree skirt this year (with the help of a friend and her awesome sewing machine!) and it is the perfect touch to our tree.

Jeff and I went to our first ever Ugly Sweater Party and it didn't disappoint. Check out Jeff's ugly sweater up above. That baby we picked up at Value Village. When we bought it had something crusted to the top, like whoever wore it last slopped their food, which made it all the uglier. Then when I washed it, it completely shrunk making it all the more funny looking when he put it on. It was a hit. My sweater on the other hand was mistaken by some to be "cute", which I continue to argue. Gold is NOT my color, as my honest mom pointed out to me, and the sweater had shoulder pads! I thought it was totally ugly!

Braxton is learning to sign a bunch of the Christmas songs at school and has a concert coming up this week which we are all looking forward too. Adelle came home from preschool today with homemade gifts that she created.
Emmett is still oblivious but he likes to sing jingle bells and dance around.

Last week after dinner we decided to have a family talent show. First Braxton sang Feliz Navidad and let me tell you that song says the same thing over, and over, and over. Next was Adelle singing Jingle Bells while shaking her hips. Jeff and I were last. We sang a duet you might recall, "Baby it's Cold Outside" after which Braxton flatly said, "well, that was weird." Still makes me laugh out loud the way he said that.

We did our Christmas countdown link again and this year Braxton and Adelle cut their own strips and taped them all together.
My homemade handprint wreath that took so much of my time last year is hanging with pride and I am so glad I stuck it out and kept cutting all those little fingers. I love this decoration.

Braxton came home with a book from school. It was titled Christmas Is...
Christmas is stockings.
Christmas is reindeer
Christmas is candy canes
Christmas is presents
Christmas is Santa
On the last page it said, "Christmas is __________________________________" and on the blank line my little boy wrote thinking about Jesus.

I am thankful that in a Happy Holiday world we are still a Merry Christmas family.

I am looking forward to Christmas break and spending lots of time with loved ones. Also excited about the girl my brother is bringing home at Christmas for all of us to meet :)

Addiction

2011-12-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

I looked up the word addiction on Wikipedia and this is what I got:

Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin, caffeine and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.

Addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it.

So, there you go. I am addicted to walking while pushing my kids in the stroller. ..continued involvement with an activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. How sad. I never have thought of myself as one who has an addictive personality but it's true and the first step towards recovery is recognizing there is a problem. So there you go. There is a problem.

I have always walked with my kids! I constantly walk while I am pregnant and ever since I have had my kids I have walked while pushing the stroller. I love it! I love it when I run into people in town and they recognize me because I walk past their house. I love the fresh air. The exercise. I love belting out the ABC's as we walk. Playing "I spy" as we pass the same landmarks. I love walking to the library to get books. Walking to my sisters. Walking up to my aunts. Walking and meeting up with friends part way. Walking to the park. Walking in the rain and in the snow. Walking in the heat and accumulating back sweat. Walking and talking with friends. Walking as a family. Walking the dog. Walking and then sporadically deciding to run..... I truly love all of it.

Walking relaxes me. It rejuvenates me. It is a huge stress relief (especially the sporadic runs). It definitely does something to my brain too. I feel better after I have walked.

Before I was married, like when I was 18 to be exact, I made a list of the things I wanted in a husband and one of the things on the list specifically states that, "he will want to go on walks with me just for fun." And guess what? HE totally does!

As my children grow up they get heavier and for the past while it has been hurting my body to walk. My double stroller doesn't have a pivoting front wheel so at corners I have to lift the whole thing up to turn, or jerk it hard, and it does a huge number on my shoulders. It's so frustrating to me. It's something that I love to do and yet, it is really hurting my body. The straw that broke the camels back was a few weeks ago I walked up the hill to a friends, pushing Adelle and Emmett (70+ lbs), and the next day I totally hurt and felt like I needed to go to the chiropractor. No good at all.

I cried. I didn't understand why something that made me feel so good could also make me feel so awful for the next few days. I knew I had to do something else. That is when I got the bike idea. I called up my aunt because she has a nice bike that she isn't currently using and then I had Jeff snag the bike trailer from my mom's and...
Ta Da. I have a new ride.

So now I am a biker, but I must say my heart is still a walker. I haven't gotten the hang of the whole bike thing yet. It's way more complicated then the walk. I have ridden my kids to the library and they loved it because it went fast and the bumps were intensified. I have ridden up small hills and I am learning to shift the gears. I have talked on my cell phone while riding the bike but that is not safe and I quickly stopped doing that! I have tried to ride up the huge hill to my friends and I humbly had to turn around and coast down because I thought I was going to die and I didn't know how my kids would get home if I died on the side of the street.

I still walk Braxton to school (basically across the street) and if Jeff is home we still walk and I let him push the stroller. I still love to walk, but, I am listening to my body because it's the only one I've got and it's gotta last.

So there you go. And be nice to bikers. Share the road!

Jesus and my mommy

2011-12-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

We have this print, in a puzzle. Today Adelle and some friends were playing with it. This is what I overheard:

Adelle, "that's my mommy sitting on Jesus lap."
Friend, "no it's not."
A, "ah huh. It is my mommy."
Friend, "so your mommy saw Jesus?"
A, "yep when she was a little girl. And she got to sit on his lap!"

The whole thing was so cute to listen to. I didn't say anything, just kept to making my chicken noodle soup.

My mom has told the kids that the little girl in the picture looks like me when I was a little girl. So, either she also told them it was me, or they misunderstood.

cute

2011-12-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

I wish I could figure out how to get the scanner to work with the new computer, then I would scan the picture Braxton just made for his teacher, Mrs. Howell.

It is a picture of Mrs. Howell standing, holding a pointer and pointing to a square (chalk board). There are two kids sitting on a blue carpet. The kids are Braxton and his friend, Madison.

At the top of the picture he wrote "Thank you for the homework please give me more"

He then has 4 other papers where he wrote lots of words that he knows how to spell by himself and where he has numbers written side by side filling the page.

I hope he never looses his desire to work. He would seriously come home and write and draw all day!

And on this note he came home with the sweetest work from school yesterday. It was a worksheet where he had to write a letter (capital and lower case) and then write "is for...._____________"
So this is what he chose at school:
M is for Monster truck
B is for Basketball
D is for Dog
A is for Adelle

The reason this is so cute is because he chose to use his sister as the A noun. Adelle was so proud when he brought it home to show her. He had drawn a little picture of her by her name and he told her she could keep the worksheet. She immediately hung it on the wall.
(and I'm ok with the fact that he picked monster truck for M instead of mom and Dog for D instead of Dad)
It was all just simply smile worthy.

Adelle's Advocate

2011-12-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

Jeff, speaking to the kids: "why is there a towel on the bathroom floor?"
Brax, "ah, because Adelle went potty there cause she waited too long but mom told her that now she has to clean up her own potty so apparently she was just doing the right thing."

Adelle is lucky to have such a nice brother. Always sticking up for her.

On the potty note.... this girl is completely potty trained and has been for a year. She sleeps in panties, the whole bit.
That being said she is a walking accident! She knows when she has to go but she holds it, holds it, holds it until sometimes it just gives out and she can't hold it anymore.
I told her the other day that if she was going to go potty in her pants she would have to clean it up herself. The thing is, she doesn't have accidents anywhere except home so she totally has control over it. She just doesn't really seem to care.
I told her that her bum would get a big owie if she didn't go potty when she felt like she had to go. Meaning, bladder infection.
Then tonight after the accident she proudly told me:
"And mom, I even had an accident and my bum didn't break!"

Sigh.

we've been busy...

2011-12-02T20:39:00.001-08:00

Our kids just got down for bed and as much as I'd love to sit and fold laundry, read, blog, decorate for Christmas, work on Christmas gifts....I would like to take a shower more than all of that.
So, here's to getting back to work and hopefully getting a shower by tomorrow night.
I purposely got a picture of my hair in here. Funny thing is I haven't washed my hair in lots of days and I keep getting compliments on it. Huh.

Oh and thanks to my friend who knows everything about a bargain we got the tile at Habitat for Humanity for $5 a box. Each box has 50 tiles. That's a total steal! I requested one strip of color to spice it up and even though blue is not my thing, it was the only color they had in stock at Lowes and I am really happy with how it is looking. I think the blue strip really seals the deal!

Thanksgiving Cuties

2011-12-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

Just some cute pictures from Thanksgiving.
I wanted to get them up here before I start in on the Christmas action!

the honest story of the hot water heater

2011-11-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time a boy and a girl needed a new hot water heater. Like really badly. They were taking dirty, rusty, showers and it was ruining the tile in their bathroom. They were boiling water every time their children needed to take a bath to ensure the water was clean and pure of whatever. Aside from being a nuisance, the girl was stressing out because of what the dirty water was doing to her body. The boy was working hard so that one day, soon, they could get a new one.

Then one day after a busy work week the boy said he was going to buy a hot water heater. He looked on line and found the best deals. Then he looked on Craigslist, to find only a better deal. The boy found a hot water heater on Craigslist for $300. The boy told the girl. The girl said, "yeah, but is it legit. Is saving $100 worth dealing with Craigslist and not having any warranty." The girl was then chastised by the boy for "always being so skeptical!" So the girl complied and the boy called on the water heater.

The next day the boy said he got a hold of the seller on Craigslist and that he was going to go check out the water heater. The girl said ok. The boy came home all smiles. The water heater was brand new, never been used, and he knocked off one hundred dollars, paying only $200 for the new appliance. The girl was excited and applauded the boy for his frugality and "steal of a deal!"

The next day the boy and the girl's dad installed the new hot water heater. One of the children of the boy and the girl noticed and exclaimed when she turned on the water in the bathroom, "it's clear!" which again emphasizes the point that they really needed a new one.
Then the flame went out and they had no hot water.
The boy re-lit the flame and it went out again.
The boy got a bit crabby.
The girl didn't say anything out loud but silently thought, "I TOLD YOU SO" as she watched the angry boy storm in and out of the garage.
The boy decided that since he was home and in the working mode that he would also replace the water spouts in the tub in the bathroom because they have been leaking.
He ran to get a part that he needed from the store.
He came home to find that the part didn't fit.
The boy became more crabby and the girl became more patient, out of necessity.
The boy and the girl now have no water, cold nor hot.
The boy has been to all the stores and no-one has the part he needs to replace the spouts.
The next day their is still no water. The boy gets up and takes the children to the grandparents house to bathe and takes himself to yet another store to get the said part.
The girl stays home, sick in bed, with a cold.
The boy comes home and says that no part exists and what stupid idiots designed these things that don't fit together.
The girl makes him bacon and eggs and they share a water bottle.
The boy decides he has to take out the whole wall and replace the whole thing.
The girl gets excited and starts googling tile designs.
The boy makes some phone calls.
The girl goes over to the grandmas (girl's mom's) to get the kids and take a shower.
The boy goes to shop for tile.
The girl reminds the boy that the tile is not her priority. The hot water is the priority.
The boy admits he is not thinking straight. He is too frustrated.
The boy caps the spouts in the tub so that the water for the rest of the house can be turned on.
The girl goes and flushes all the toilets.
The boy calls the seller from Craigslist and tells him that his wife was right.
Ha, did I get you? That's not really what he said.
The boy calls the seller from Craigslist and tells him that the thing doesn't work.
The seller comes to our house, retrieves the hot water heater and gives us our money back.
The boy and the girl smile because of good people.
The boy tells the girl at 9:06pm that he is going to Sears to get the original hot water heater he found on-line.
The girl says, "why now?"
The boy says, "because we can't turn the water on until we have a water heater hooked up."
The boy calls his buddy to join him and they drive off in search of a hot water heater.
The girl sighs and thinks, "I still can't do the dishes, but at least we got our money back!"

Come Back!!

2011-11-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

After being here for a week, Jeff's sister Gabe and her family left to drive back to Utah today.

We are totally bummed out!

We had so much fun playing with them!

Adelle loved the baby, Teagan.

Braxton loved playing with Riley.

Emmett loved sitting with Auntie Gabe and being read too.

We all loved having them all here and we hope they come back and visit us again soon!

Emmett's first sentence!

2011-11-23T15:06:00.001-08:00

Emmett has not yet been a huge talker. He is super funny and he is a great communicator but as far as talking goes he has never shown much interest..... until now!
All of a sudden he is talking and saying words. He even said his first sentence last night after he was done eating.
He took his bowl and stacked it on top of Jeff's bowl and said with pride, " I DID IT!"

It was really cute. He is a very independent boy and I should have known, " I did it!" would be his first full sentence.

Now we just need to stop calling him the baby. Today Adelle told my sister, "Emmett can't say sorry because he's a baby."

No more excuses M!

Thanksgiving Play Take I

2011-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

You still have a couple days to do this with your kids. It's so fun and so easy!!

Today we did a play with our Preschool friends. It was super easy. Last night, too late, as I was finishing the plans for school today I found hats online and made them in about 10 minutes. I just googled "Thanksgiving Hats" and tons of images came up.

The kids had fun. We will be doing this a few more times with my own kids so more pictures to come.

For the play, if your curious all I did was:
Get a toy boat- This is the Mayflower
Then I explained that the pilgrims came over on a boat called the Mayflower (have the kids wearing the Pilgrim hats walk up to the front with the boat)
When they got to land they were tired (yawn) and hungry (rub their bellies) and cold (shiver).
They didn't know how to look for food.
Then they met the Indians (Indians come to the front, everyone shakes hands and says, "nice to meet you.")
The Indians taught the Pilgrims how to work (pretend to dig, plant seeds, hunt....)
To say Thank you the Pilgrims put on a big feast with all the food they had grown and gathered and everyone had a feast.

That was basically it. Ta Da!

* oh and my Mr. Emmett man totally wanted a hat and I wasn't prepared for him (duh, I should have been) so I stapled a green piece of paper together on the spot and he was a tree. He was happy.

Halloween too fun! Worth the backtracking!

2011-11-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

We got to go trick-0-treating with these cuties! The neighborhood was great and the company and food was amazing!

Emmett was a Ninja for our pumpkin carving party we went too! Super cute! Jeff came up with his outfit on a whim.

Braxton drew on his own pumpkin this year. Pathetically enough neither Jeff nor I can remember what it was. Funny. Jeff even carved it out and he can't remember. This is embarrassing. We are going with pirate. I think that is what it was.

Emmett was the cutest trick-or-treater this year. Love this little monkey!

Our friends have a pumpkin carving party every year. There are always lots of goodies. Here is Adelle awing over them all while all the other kids were playing.

Here are all the finished pumpkins!

And finally here we are on Halloween. We did a Tarzan theme.
I love doing theme costumes with the whole family and this year didn't disappoint. I got the idea when my sister told me she had a tiger and a monkey costume that I could use. All I could think of was jungle theme, which then led me to Tarzan.
Luckily I have the hook-up with a dear little lady who works at Value Village. I told her my idea and the next thing I knew she was texting me to let me know she found the perfect Jane dress! Thanks Kaylyn. I knew you were my perfect girl for the job! Braxton's gorilla costume also came from Value Village and cost me a mere $7.
Jeff's costume was a wig, some long underwear, and a brown pillow that I haven't yet stuffed and sewn.
Easy Sneezy!
I love Halloween and kids who still like playing along with my costume ideas.

Random Catch Up

2011-11-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

We have a computer!!! We called crying to Jeff's mom enough times that she sent up their old computer to hold us over until we are rich and can buy our own. This is such good news. Our old computer was nice while it lasted but when it got attacked it really went down hill and hasn't been functioning well ever since. Making my life....frustrating and difficult! Amazingly enough I use the computer for many things other than blogging so this wasn't just hindering my blog keeping, although that in itself is definitely a hindrance!

That all being said there was a scripture read during Sunday school today that really struck me and has been on my mind ever since.
I will share it.

1 Timothy 6:7-8
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

I thought it was a perfect scripture for Thanksgiving. "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
Yes. I can do that. During the Sunday school lesson I sat and pondered on that. I have so much to be thankful for and although it is inconvenient to not have a working computer, I have so much! Food and raiment, in abundance. I love this time of year and the chance it gives me to remember to give thanks.

My sisters kids stayed the night last week and it was a PARTY in the house! Here are the happy pancake eaters at breakfast.

Here are 4 of the 5 snoozing in Adelle's bed. Emmett was deprived but he didn't know it and I felt better knowing he would still get his much needed good nights rest in his lonely crib by himself.

Here are Emmett and Kate. They are besties and it's so fun. They love each other and drive each other crazy all at the same time. It's funny how apparent their genders are too. Emmett is such a boy; showing off, pushing her buttons, instigating trouble. Kate is such a girl; bossing him around, tattling on him, telling him what to do, laughing at everything he does.... They are the perfect combo.

It didn't take Braxton long after he got home from school to have them all in their "ball clothes!"

Here they are pretending to go to sleep in the dog's bed. I know, gross.

Here they are sharing an after school snack of apples and pears.

In other exciting news Adelle's preschool group took a field trip to Great Harvest Bread. It was a fun adventure and the kids each scored a miniature loaf of fresh baked deliciousness. As you can see Adelle had the pick of the litter this day being the only girl.

Looks like the most eligible bachelor award goes to Benjamin. He is such a sweet boy and he and Adelle are really cute together. I think she likes the quiet, shy type.

Last but not least here is my handsome husband with roses, for me! They were actually left over from Young Women in Excellence but they got sent home with me so I strategically gave them to Jeff and had him romantically walk in with them. After which we had a minor argument ( in between kisses ;)
Him, "but you don't like it when I bring you flowers."
Me, "yes I do."
Him, "you say you can't justify it though."
Me, "I know, I can't. But I still like it."
Him, "so do you want me to bring you flowers?"
Me, "well, no."
Him, "you are so confusing."

My Gramy always says....

2011-11-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

"You better write that down so you don't forget it!"

The kids are at such fun ages. Braxton is experiencing a whole new world at school. Adelle has mastered being the mini-mom of Emmett. Emmett is too big for his britches but too small to do all the things he really wants to do. Emmett is also so stubborn!

Emmett is a ham. Jeff thinks he is the funniest of our kids so far but I think it's too early to tell. I think they are all funny but Emmett definetly has his own, sly, sense of humor. He rolls his eyes. He is not even 2 and he can already roll his eyes and he does it often. When you talk to him and he doesn't want to listen he totally looks down or over and ignores you. The other night at dinner Jeff was scolding him for goofing off at the table and his bottom lip totally started to quiver. He was frowning and sad and it took everything in us not to laugh. Then Jeff left bad, laughed, and Emmett turned that frown upside down instantly. Almost like it was all an act. He cracks us up!

Adelle dances like a Hawaiian. She works her hips and all and I don't know where she learned it but I do know that she is way too flirty and cute. She loves taking care of Emmett and the two of them play so well together lately. Emmett follows her around just like she used to follow Braxton around (and still does when he is home!) Adelle is becoming a way better eater than she used to be. She is funny. The other day on our way to a field trip we were carpooling with our friends. I was driving and my friend was in the front seat, all the kids were in the back. My friend and I were talking and the kids were all trying to watch Dora on the dvd. Adelle pipes up, "mom, remember you aren't supposed to talk while you are driving!" She was trying to get me to shut up so she could watch her movie but it didn't work. I tell her I can't talk on the phone when I drive, I can still talk to the person next to me!
She loves everyone. At the store today she made conversation with another shopper. She is very polite and fun to be around. She acts way older than any three year old I've ever met. On Sundays at church you can find her in one of many places:
With one of her nursery leaders who she loves
With the primary president who she hangs out with in her spare time
With one of the young women who adore her
With the young men's president who she really likes and calls him by his first name
With her nursery friends
In the bathroom
She is definetly Miss Congeniality.

Braxton I don't have words for lately. He is so smart, and yet sometimes so spacey. I can't figure it out. I will share some recent quotes:

I am laughing out loud as I sit here thinking about some of the things he's said lately.

On Sunday, looking out the window, waiting for my brother and his girlfriend to pull up to dinner:
Braxton, "they're here, they're here, they're here! Oh, nope. Not them. Just the neighbor. Mom, what is our neighbors name again?
Me, "______________."
Braxton, "oh, right. Mom, is she a boy or a girl?"

Oh my gosh? Are you serious. Our neighbor, she, is a girl. We have been to her house,we talk to her frequently. I am not sure where this came from? She does have really short hair and she doesn't wear any makeup, but....really?

On Monday after having Family Home Evening:
Braxton, "Mom, can I put this Temple picture in my room, or did you and dad just like it in the closet?"

Oops! This was embarrassing. It is a picture of the Seattle Temple where Jeff and I got married and we've been meaning to find a good place for it, but we haven't and now we have pictures of the Vancouver Temple up..... I know, excuses, excuses. It was just really funny how Braxton stated his question.

Today walking home from school:
Braxton, "oh and mom, today for the first time ever I played football with the big kids at recess!!!!"
Me, "Wow Brax, that's awesome. Do you know any of their names?"
Braxton, "the big kids? No! Actually, yeah one of their names was Luke."

This last one wasn't funny but it was sweet and exciting and it made me reminisce of times in elementary school playing kick ball (not football, kickball!) I am happy he is loving school so much and excited for all the new experiences he is having!

I'm actually a parent

2011-11-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Braxton is home from school sick today. It was Jeff's call, not mine. Props to a good dad. The funny thing is that he doesn't act sick, at all. He has a cough. It sounds really nasty. I know it's not normal to have a nasty cough, but, there is no other symptoms. He doesn't even cough much during the day but he hacks at night. I think that whatever it is will be short lived and he will be happily back at school soon. On the other hand, it's been a really great day having him home and I know that even though he cried when I told him he was staying home, he's had a good day at home with us too.

The funny thing about this is that today the school called me to see where Braxton was and for the first time in my 6 years of being a mother, I actually felt like a real, legit, parent when I replied, "yes, I am keeping Braxton home today he has an awful cough."

Is that funny to anyone else? Like it finally hit me that I have the right and the responsibility to excuse my child from school when they are sick. That's like big people stuff right there. Maybe I'm crazy but this was just all really new and funny to me.

The happy part about all of this has been spending a Monday, like old times, me and my kids all at home. Reading books and magazines together. Painting with water colors together. Eating lunch, all together. Playing dress up. Tracing coloring pages. Emmett being a cute little pest. Adelle dancing like a rock star. Braxton annoyed that Emmett is a pest and that Adelle is playing on his bed and throwing his pillow off his bunk (like she does most days when he is at school he just doesn't know it!)

The sun is shining. The floors are swept. The kids are napping with the humidifier. Jeff is working hard and has a booked week (loud cheering!!)
and I am actually a parent!

I know that my Savior loves me

2011-11-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

This is the song that we sang together last night at Young Women in Excellence. It's a primary song but we thought it fit perfectly with our program for the girls and their voices singing it were so beautiful.

Needless to say it has been stuck in my head for weeks. I am constantly singing it around the house. There is nothing quite like singing this song and having your children chime in. Braxton learned this song last year in Primary so he sings it with me and it almost always brings me to tears. I love this song! It's so touching.

I don't know the kids in this video. Just found it on youtube.

Adelle likes nice boys

2011-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

So my husband is already starting to keep his eye on our little sweet pea, Adelle. She is too much and I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

First of all she is kind-of crushing on a little boy from Preschool. We carpool with him and she really likes it when she gets to ride in his car and yesterday I overheard her telling him all about her day, her clothes, her brother... to which he never responded but that didn't slow her down one bit. It was funny to listen to from the front seat!

So then this morning we are up at the church setting up for tonight's activity with the youth.
I am in one room setting up tables and chairs. Her and Emmett are back in forth from the room I'm in and the gym. In the gym is Jeff, talking to the Facility Maintenance People who are working on fixing parts of the building.

At one point Adelle comes into the room I am in and exclaims, "Mike is in there. He is a nice boy." So I think Mike is a kid, right. Later, I don't see Adelle so I ask Jeff where she is at. He leads me to her. There she is sitting on the gym floor, next to Mike, a 40 or so year old man, talking his ear off as he is trying to work on fixing the retracting door. Upon our arrival she says, "this is Mike. Mike, this is Andrea. Andrea is my mom."

It was all too much for me. She is so great and so friendly. She seriously is a little 3 year old who acts 25. I can't wait for all she has in store for us.

Mrs.Andrea Art Docent

2011-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Docent - n. A teacher or lecturer at some universities who is not a regular faculty member. A lecturer or tour guide in a museum or cathedral.

This morning was one of my favorites. I got to teach art to Braxton and all of his little Kindergarten friends in Mrs. Howell's class.

At the beginning of the year the PTO Presidency asked for volunteers to be Art Docent's and teach art to the different classes. Because of budget cuts the art classes had to go. I volunteered, not really knowing what I was in for.

A few weeks later I went to a meeting where I learned about the first artist I was to teach,Piet Mondrian. (Remember, I would attach the link and a ton of pictures, but I can't!)

Since then I have been searching the internet, painting, organizing my thoughts, cutting lines out of construction paper, writing chants to help the kids memorize facts.... all in preparation for the hour class that I taught this morning.

IT WAS SUCH A HIT! I love to teach. I loved being the teacher of Braxton's class. I loved that the kids already knew me since I volunteer on Mondays. I loved that I kept their attention the whole time and most of all I LOVE WHAT THEY CREATED with some glue, lines and finger paints. Beautiful art!

Do you know anything about Mondrian? I did not. Honestly. The first I had even heard of him was a couple months ago when my sister-in-law posted a picture of his work on her blog. In case you are like me and didn't know anything about this artist, here is a song, to the tune of London Bridge, that I used today with the little bugs to remember the facts:

Mondrian used lots of lines.
Lots of lines.
Lots of lines.
Mondrian used lots of lines. In his paintings.

Black and white, red, yellow and blue.
Black, white, red. Yellow, blue.
Black and white, red, yellow and blue.
Abstract paintings!

Main points that I wanted to emphasize included:
Abstract art
Lines
Primary colors

I didn't come up with that all on my own. I just found one similar and simplified it a bit.

In the end they recreated Mondrian's famous New York and Red Tree paintings.

I cannot wait to find about about the next artist and get busy!

Randomly through the class I would ask them, "now what is our artists name?" and I they in uni-sense would respond, "PEIT MONDRIAN." Pronounced Peet Maun dree aun. While clapping their hands with each syllable.

Special thanks to my sister for taking good care of Adelle and M while I play with the Kindergartners on Monday mornings!

now close your eyes, I am going to draw you a picture.

2011-11-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

My computer still doesn't want to upload my pictures onto blogger so....bear with me!

Are your eyes closed? Ha, I just realized that won't really work because you have to have your eyes open to read. Fine. Just imagine then.

500 students sitting on the floor in a crowded gym. Teachers holding peace signs above their heads encouraging the noise to stop.

High school cheer leaders jumping up and down and young students watching, jaws dropped.

A platform on the stage with three tiers. First place, second place, third place on each side.

Parents and siblings secretly there to join in the celebration of their children, soon to be recognized.

An announcer on the stage in a deep voice bellows, "First for the Kindergartners. In first place running a total of 39 laps ....... in second place running a total of 38 laps BRAXTON ASHMORE!...in third place...."

Braxton looks up, caught off guard, and looks at his teacher to motion him up onto the stage where he stands proudly as he receives his medal. His face is serious. His arms are folded at his chest. He smiles when he sees me down below with the camera but only for a split second. He has an image to uphold apparently.

Ok. I'm done. Did you get the picture. He was very cute up there to say the least. It was a special day and Jeff and I were quite proud of our little runner. Second place for all the Kinders in his first ever jog-a-thon.
GO BRAXTON!

Donkey in the Well

2011-11-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

Life is crazy. My computer is back, sort of, after being super attacked by some virus. I have a lot of catching up to do but I am not able to upload any pictures. So, instead, I will post this inspiring story. I'm sure we can all relate.

One day a farmer´s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn´t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone´s amazement, he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer´s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off.

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well, is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step upward!

I know life is challenging. I know for the last week or two I have felt like I was stuck at the bottom of some pit and all the neighbors were shoveling dirt on me. Then on Sunday I let the guards down and I let myself be taught by the Spirit during Sacrament meeting, which carried on to Sunday school, and so on. These words from a loving Prophet continue to strengthen me, “Now, remember, it is better to look up.” -Thomas S. Monson.

learning to tell the truth

2011-10-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Adelle is my favorite girl in the whole world. Sometimes I think that even if she wasn't mine, she would still be my favorite. She is so completely original. You never know what to expect with this girl and she has really taught me the value of patience in learning. She is a good girl and I am in love.

On Tuesday (see last post) she had a Halloween party at her school. Filled with pumpkins, costumes, candy...All of her favorite things as of late.

After school she was showing me her art. It was a pumpkin drawn on a piece of paper that she got to decorate by gluing on candy corn. I was telling her what a good job she had done when she innocently said, "oh, and mom. These things taste really good (referring to the candy corn)." I wanted her to expand on that statement so I said, "Oh really sis. Did you get to have some?" My statement was very friendly, non threatening. I said it in a calm, nice, tone. Adelle looked at me and simply said, "no mom, my friends just told me they were good." At this point I knew the truth was not being told but I was fascinated and a little scared and her innocent, sweet way of lying to my face! I continued, "oh sis. It's ok if you had some of those it's just really important that we always tell the truth," to which she looked at me, gave me a smirk and giggled, "mom, how did you know that I had some?"

I guess I can take the eyes in the back of my head statement to a new level. I've got eyes a mile away in her preschool class! And I know my little girl better than she thinks!

Always a curve ball with this girl. The truth is she does want to be honest she is just learning how. I am glad to be her teacher. I am glad for the tender moments we share that strengthen both of us.

He he he he

2011-10-25T13:39:00.001-07:00

Here is our little witchy-poo!

Cutie patootie, stinky feet, funny girl.

Today was costume day at Preschool and let's just say she was stoked! This isn't her actual costume (that's top secret until I get the rest of it done) but my sister found this at the clearance store and new Adelle had to have it.

I do love Halloween!

Happy Birthday Braxton

2011-10-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

It seriously floors me that this little guy will be 6 tomorrow!!!

Looking through pictures caused me to do a lot of reminiscing about this sweet boy. I remember him in a lot of different ages and going through a lot of different stages. Braxton will always be my little cuddle bug. He is getting pretty big and it's difficult for me to lift him up these days but at bed time he still sits on my lap and cuddles me and I hope this lasts for a long time.
Here are some things that come to mind about Brax:

Age 0-1: Braxton loved to be swaddled. Actually this wasn't an option, it was a requirement for him to sleep! He also never napped in his crib, always with me on the couch or in my bed. Went to his first basketball game at MHS to watch my brother play at age 3 weeks. Very alert. Happy as long as he was full! Braxton loved to drink out of a straw like a bird we would hold one end of the straw with our finger tip and he would suck on the other end. He was a hard baby to burp so we learned to really whap his back to the point where people thought we were being a bit violent, but it worked and made him feel better. Braxton sat up super early. I didn't write it in my journal but I remember going on a playdate with a bunch of other moms and he was the youngest and the only one who could sit up. He loved to crawl but never climbed up onto things.

Age 1-2: After months of me fretting that my bright, strong baby would never walk, he finally walked at 15 months. The relief! I remember at this age he loved to blow raspberries on me and Jeff. Any exposed skin and we would be smothered in wet sloppy raspberries. This is when I went back to school for a semester to finish my sociology degree at WWU. My mom and my sister took turns watching Braxton so that I could take the last 15 credits I needed. This was so hard but I'm glad I did it. Total personality already; flirty eyes, ladies man. This boy loved his pacifier and we had to wean him off it of slowly. Whenever I do anything in the kitchen he is sitting on the counter helping me.

Age 2-3: Loves going on trips but gets car sick in the car at this age. Loves Bonz and Buster (dogs that belong to his grandparents). Loves to go on the boat and go fishing. I think his earliest memory is when he was almost 2 and we were on our boat and he watched me crash water skiing. He seriously still talks about it. That's a pretty good memory! At this age Braxton became a big brother for the first time. He called Adelle "baby girl" until she was almost 1 and when anyone would call her, "Adelle" he could correct them and say, "I don't like that name." He has always been the kindest big brother ever! At this point he still didn't know how to nap by himself so eventually by age 3 I stopped napping with him and he napped in his own car bed. Braxton is the best eater at a really young age. He is not picky at all and he loves fruits and veggies.

Age 3-4: Braxton got really into working construction and riding motorcycles. Jeff made his his own motorcycle helmet. He was constantly wearing a helmet of some sort, work helmet (hard hat) or motorcycle helmet. I remember going to get the oil changed in my car and he wore a helmet there and everyone in the shop thought he was so funny. He was also really into basketball and loved to go watch Bryce at college. Braxton got up and sang all by himself at church during Sacrament, "I hope they call me on a mission" at age 3 when my brother got his mission call. Seriously awesome kid. Personality galore. Always in costume of some sort. This is when it all started with him changing his clothes 5 million times a day. When he went out to work in the dirt he put on his work clothes. When he went to play basketball in his own little hoop he would have to change into his ball clothes. When the missionaries came over he would put on his suit and his tag to be a missionary...a police man, a cowboy...

Age 4-5: Braxton starts preschool and enjoys the structure and routine. He continues to be very animated and enthusiastic about life. He wanted me to have a boy the whole time I was pregnant with Emmett and was very happy when he was born a boy. He loves his sister and his baby brother. He is so much help at this age either distracting Adelle so I could take care of Emmett or playing with Emmett so I could take care of Adelle. He goes through a crazy stage of hating water. Scared to take a bath, doesn't want to swim in the pool... He practices his razor scooter and gets really good. Gets to play in his first Turkey Bowl football game and loves it. Starts playing soccer...

Age 5-6: Continues to grow and learn. Starts to become a bit egotistical. I would tell him, "wow, you were so kind to your friend," and he would say, "I know." He has gotten a lot better at this the past few months. He is very sweet and kind and very much a leader in all settings. He loves those who teach him. He is always telling those he loves how much he loves them. Tonight at his birthday he was so polite in thanking everyone for coming and for all of his gifts and he is very sentimental. At one point tonight I heard him exclaim, "oh, that is so sweet," in reference to a card my sister gave him. He is very in tune with others' feelings and wants to be a good friend. He is a very creative thinker. I got him a Halloween costume, Gorilla, and the next thing I know he had constructed a vine in his room out of bandanas linked together, hanging from his bunk. He said this is where he can swing in the trees like a gorilla. He is very artistic. He draws pictures every day with detail and accuracy and loves to write and read and do homework. He knows the first 10 articles of faith and loves to learn the Gospel. He loves playing football and soccer and basketball and walking to school. He's a bit into "bad guys" and "monsters" and pirates and swords. His favorite cereal is Wheat Chex and he loves pumpkin pie and chocolate ice cream. He can snap his fingers and he can tie his own neck tie; I cannot even do that!! His dad showed him like once and now he totally does it himself on Sunday mornings. Oh, and last but not least, he still takes a nap on the weekends. I am all about good sleep for these little brains/bodies and this boy is so worn out from school that he takes a nap on Saturdays and Sundays. You are never too old for a nap!

Well you get the hint. I could go on and on but I have to get some sleep too. This whole birthday thing is a lot of work.
I love this little boy.
Happy Birthday!

daddy day care

2011-10-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

I often tell Jeff that if all else fails, we could always open up our very own day care. You may think this is a funny idea but if you know Jeff at all you know that this could actually be an option for our family. THE GUY LOVES KIDS. And not just our own kids, but most kids he really does enjoy.

Last Saturday a bunch of my girlfriends and I had a breakfast planned. It was a morning that we'd planned for a while and we all looked forward to getting away and talking together without our little ones. At the last minute my one friend texted me that she wouldn't be able to make it because she didn't have a sitter. From the bathroom where I was getting ready I hollered for my husband to come in. I then explained the scenario and without a second thought he said exactly what I expected him to say, "tell her to bring em over!" I texted her back and a few minutes later we were on our way. She said something to me like, "I think Jeff is the only dad I know who would be up for watching other kids." At breakfast the rest of my friends there agreed that Jeff was awesome and they would all leave their kids with him.

Similarly yesterday my sister texted me and told me her husband was working late and she wanted to get the kids together to entertain each other. I told her to bring them over. Then Jeff insisted that us girls go out so we left all the cousins with him and fled to the consignment store to look around.

On both occasions the kids had a blast. I came home to a disastrous house. On the first occasion I asked Jeff, "did you play with the kids the whole time?" He said yes and then I knew why everything was out of order. Instead of cleaning up after their every mess he was just gettin' down and dirty with them. The way a dad should.

What an awesome dad, uncle, playmate...

Here is a video from last night while he was in charge. Try to listen over Emmett and Kate yelling, "cheese" and catch the dynamics of Braxton's conversation with Adelle and Carson. This is my kids personalities to a tee. I can't believe he got it all on one short video!!

http://youtu.be/CgCnDd9CQuQ

The Mom Club

2011-10-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have so many sisters in my life. Other women, all daughters of Heavenly Father. Sisters. This past week really hit me with the realization of the blessing that it is to not be in this world alone. There are so many sisters in my life that I get to associate with and it fills my heart with love and gratitude.

My sweet Grandma (thanks to marriage) gave me a copy of this article a few months ago. I could so relate. I love the commonalities that I share with other women. There are some that I can take my healthy treats too and some that I can talk too about life. There are some that I can talk to about nutrition and dreams and goals....There are some that come over and drop off their kids with my husband and kids so that we can go out and do whatever, girl stuff. There are some that I walk with and some that I eat junk food with. Some that I trade kids with and some with whom I swap clothes. There are some that I never really see but who have had tremendous impacts on my life and my thinking process. And still some who I don't even know their name but I connect with them walking side by side in a grocery store kids in tow. Oh and not to mention some who I've, again never met, but we blog and so I feel like I know they am love them! There is really something special about being a woman.

Here is the short little article:

"Mom, do you know that lady?"

"No, why?"

"Then why are you chatting together like you're bestest friends?"

My 6-year-old daughter asked me this question at least three times while we ran errands.

My mother used to do this too: strike up conversations with complete strangers in the store, in line at the post office and in doctors’ waiting rooms. To my young mind, I couldn't comprehend how two strangers could be giggling together like old college roomies after only two lines of dialogue. Now I know. They're all fellow mommies: members of Club Mom.

You see, we're all part of the same sorority. When I see another mom with her shopping cart weighed down with more kids than groceries, I feel like I already know her. We need no introductions. I can just blurt out, "Hey, have you tried these yet?" or, "How much do you think these will shrink in the wash?" and before we know it, we're swapping laundry tips and recipes and potty training horror stories. That's when my daughter looks on and can't believe we're perfect strangers.

Being a member of Club Mom has other benefits too.

"What do you do if you get lost?" I ask my kids each time we go someplace large and crowded.

"Find another mommy!" is their hardy reply. "We look for someone with a stroller and kids to help us!" I teach them this because I know I can trust my fellow mommies more than any other group of people on earth.

I know a fellow sister in the trenches will help my little one find his way back to me no matter how many obstacles stand in her way. She'll probably even have a wet wipe for his nose and a few fruit snacks in her purse. I know this because these are my people. This is my club. Millions join our ranks daily.

But I'll tell you, whew, — Club Mom has one heck of an initiation rite!

A member of 'Club Mom'

Published: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 4:30 a.m. MST

Margaret Anderson

simple truths

2011-10-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

I found this on my friends blog and I LOVE IT! I am tired. I think I will take this advice from this wise little 8 year old and use my down time to rest rather than waste time on the computer.

I have not laid down during nap since Brax started Kindergarten. I'm afraid I will sleep through picking him up from school. Then someone smart, I don't remember who, suggested I set my alarm. Duh.

DON'T YOU DARE COME OVER AND RING MY DOORBELL!!

Sunday Dinner

2011-10-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Jeff's creation: Fresh local salmon smothered in brown sugar and topped with apple slices

Here is the chef. Happily chopping away.

Jeff is pretty clever. Because of a tight budget we haven't been going out to eat for a while. He knows me well enough to know that as much as I love being in the kitchen, my favorite date is a yummy dinner that I don't have to think about, prep. for, make, or clean up after. So basically, I like to go out to eat or I like him to make dinner once in a while.

A while back he decided that he was going to cook dinner one night a week. Then he cleverly decided that his night to cook would be Sunday. The reason this was so tricky was because we almost always eat Sunday dinner at my mom and dad's. So he cleverly picked this night, knowing that 9 times out of 10 he would be off the hook. And for his benefit this night really makes the most sense since he is working the other days and Saturdays we usually have leftovers.

Well yesterday was one of those few times when we had Sunday dinner at home which meant Jeff was in charge. He was on it. Before church he took the salmon out of the freezer (I know I said it was fresh, because it was a few weeks ago when my aunt brought it over but I had a full fridge so I had to throw it in the freezer). Then at dinner time he got it out, filleted it, and without me knowing he concocted a delicious topping of brown sugar, butter, and apples. He also went out to the garden and dug up the potatoes to oven roast. Went to the tomato plant and picked the last of the fresh tomatoes for the salad. And at 6:00pm we were all treated to a beautiful Sunday dinner. It was a win, win, win, because he even did all the dishes afterwards!

Sundays are my favorite day of the week for many reasons. One of them being that I rarely have to cook dinner. It's my favorite thing to do 5 nights of the week but even favorites get old!

And the best part of this meal was how happy Jeff was with himself. Seriously so proud of his creation and how much we all enjoyed it. This is what he said at the end of the meal, "I think we've got ourselves a new family favorite."

pease

2011-10-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

All big and grown up looking with his haircut. Braxton's old hoodie...one of my all time favorites!

Walking brother to school. Sportin' brother's hat.

This is him saying, "pease." It's pretty irresistible.

notice the awesome 1/2 haircut. I cut his hair myself and it's a bit of a process. This last hair cut took about 3 weeks to complete but I actually liked it when only 1/2 of it was cut so I wasn't in a hurry to do the other 1/2.

Already he looks so big compared to this picture from summer. Maybe it's the hair?

If anyone wants to tell me how to put my pictures side by side like a collage with blogger that would be awesome!! I can't seem to figure it out....

Emmett is growing up. I really love this fun stage he is in. He is so expressive and we are really noticing his little personality.
He is funny: If he does something and someone laughs he will do it over and over and over
He is stubborn: If he wants something he will get it!
He is sweet: The sweetest thing in the world is hearing him ask, "pease." We taught him how to say please and now we can't resist giving in to whatever he asks for. This could be a problem.
He loves nap and bed time: Adelle is still our best sleeper but this little boy loves nap and bed (for the most part). When I say nappy time he runs to his crib and says "nigh nigh."
He is tough: Definitely our toughest kid so far. He could fall, konk his head, get stung by a bee, and we never know until his big brother or sister tell us.
He is very handsome: Love his green eyes and perfect eye brows and the fact that they look like mine :)
He loves to dance: Whenever he hears anything close to music he gets his groove on and smiles big.
He likes to apologize: He is in a hitting stage where he hits when he can't say what he wants/needs. So frustrating for all of us! But he is always sorry and gives hugs afterwards.

The other day Emmett put himself on time out. It was so cute I can't get over it. I have been counting to 3 with him and it's totally working. When he doesn't obey by #3 I have been setting him in the time out chair. He kindof gets it. Well the other day I counted to three and he didn't obey. I said, "Emmett that's no, no" to which he walked himself over and sat down in the time out chair. Without me even directing him there. It was so sweet and cute and smart!!

rain

2011-10-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

the rain is out bouncing on our trampoline
literally, hitting it hard and then splattering up
the kids are tucked in
snoozing to a rainy lullaby
the dog laying beside me
her on the floor
me on the couch
pitter pat
pitter pat
i really love the sound of the rain
i'm trying to read my book
the rain is putting me to sleep
softly
now the rain is making me have to go to the bathroom
i could listen to this sound all day
what?
all of that and now
done
we may still be able to walk to school to pick up Brax without drowning

Jog-a-Thon

2011-10-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Cooling off with a pop sickle after the run

getting nice and sweaty

smiling ear to ear

making sure his fans were still there cheering him on

Braxton was able to participate in his first Jog-a-thon on Friday. He has been talking about this event for the last 3 weeks. Just couldn't wait for it!!

The day was perfect. It didn't rain but it wasn't too cold either. All the Kindergartners wore tye-dye shirts so that they would stand out. They were so cute!

I got to volunteer at the event so as the kids ran around I punched holes in their cards to track their laps.

Braxton was an all star. He totally dominated! They ran for 30 minutes and he ran the whole time making it around a total of 38 times!

It was so fun to watch. Umpa came to watch as well as Lesha, Carson, Kate, and Jeff and the kids. Braxton had the biggest cheering section. As usual!

I loved watching him. He was so determined and smiled the whole entire time. We are already anticipating next years Jog-a-thon!

Featured Mom

2011-10-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

I was totally featured on Dancing with the Stars!!

No I wasn't. If you believed that for half a minute you need to get to know me better. I've never even seen the show, nor do I dance well. So, ha. That was a joke.

But I was featured here!

Thanks Jess for recommending me and thanks Bonnie for the blog space and nice write up.

It was fun. Check it out!

Pumpkin Patch Take II

2011-10-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

These kids are too much. In looking through my photos for this blog I discovered that in most of them the kids are making crazy, silly, faces!

The corn maze was long and frustrating. Not really fit for the preschoolers.

The kids got to bring home a miniature pumpkin of their choice.

Adelle wore jeans for the first time in her life. Seriously she always wears leggings or dresses. We all wore jeans and vests to the farm.

Here is my sweet girl on the hayride.

Moo Moo

There were lots of animals

and lots of cute little backsides!

We all had a really good time. The weather was perfect and the kids were all excited. It was a fun day.

While posting this my brother called me from school so I am multi-tasking. Just a heads up in case this post doesn't really make sense.

note to self

2011-10-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

I want to always remember my life right now. The powerful, unwavering love I have for my husband. The feelings of strength, not of my own. The testimony I've gained. The lessons I'm learning. The little ones who love me more than I can handle sometimes. The experiences. The support of a wonderful family. The joy. The giggles. The poop everywhere in my life (literally; kids, diapers, dog, neighbors cat...). I want to seal it in a bottle.

I've kept a journal since I was old enough to write. It is my treasure. I remember writing about what my life would be like when I "grew up." I imagined graduating from college. Being a wife and a mother. I anticipated it would be good. I would be happy. I had no idea it would be wonderful. That I would be bursting with joy. I didn't even really think about it being hard. Hey, is being hard part of what makes it wonderful??? I think I am onto something here.

Life is so stinkin' hard! Just when I think I've learned the lesson of a life time three more are thrown into my face without warning. But it's all so glorious. It's all so perfectly planned by a loving Father who knows us so well and who prepares us for the trials we will face before we even know we will face them. Wow.

I am one busy mom. I wouldn't want to be anything else in the whole world. I love my life. I love waking up early in the morning and kissing my husband and praying for help and strength to get through the day. I love getting up and putting on my slippers and making my morning brew to warm my innards and get me going. I love reading my scriptures and making my husband and kids' lunches and concocting something fun/healthy/fast/tasty for breakfast.

I love it when Emmett wakes up and we race in to get him before he wakes up the rest of the house. I love letting the dog in and having her jump up and give me kisses and the run laps around the kitchen where I am trying to get things done. I love it when I sit down at the computer and read an email from an old friend. I love it when another friend calls me because she lives to far to come over and we talk on the phone for an hour and don't even realize it because we could talk for 4 more hours and still have more to talk about. I love it when the little ones come out all sleepy eyed and plop down on the couch and ask to watch a movie while they finish waking up.

I love getting everyone ready and putting Adelle and Emmett into the stroller to walk Braxton to school. I love the neighborhood friends we meet up with and the friendly old lady who sits in her car and watches and smiles at me everyday when I walk to the school with my posse. I love Braxton's teacher and the fact that she is getting to really know him and appreciate him for the good boy that he is. I love Heidi, the volunteer in Braxton's class who is not a parent. Not a teacher. Not being paid. She just loves kids and she doesn't have her own so she volunteers her time in my child's classroom 20 hours a week. I love people like that who teach me to be a better person. I love the Principal at Braxton's school. She is a firecracker and I love that she knows my name and the names of my young ones because she recognizes us there. I love the diversity. I love saying "good morning" to everyone I see. I feel at home there. Like I am part of one big happy family.

I love my home. I love that today I had two crock-pots on and filled with food at the same time. One was reheating my chili from last night for lunch today and one was cooking pork roasts to make pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. I am blessed and thankful for friends who are kind and charitable and who cleaned out their freezers before they moved and gave me the remains. I love my home. I love the patio in the back that is covered where my kids can still play outside without getting wet in the rain.

I love my mantle. I love that all three of my children have at one time or another worn the same cow costume for Halloween. I love that! I love how I framed each of them in their little cow costume and adorned my mantle with the pictures for the season. I am o.k that I don't have a little cow this year. One day there will be more little cows but not as of now. I love the squash that Emmett wants to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that Adelle says she doesn't like but continues to gobble up the pancakes that I hide it in.

I love that I am surrounded by family who loves me and thinks about me and my family and serves us willingly. They support my husband and have helped him get business up and running. I have babysitters pounding on my door insisting that Jeff and I go out and it's a blessing because I know that they love my kids and love being with them. I love going to my parent's on Sunday for dinner and no matter what it is it tastes like home and there is a ton and everyone is comfortable and happy and content just being together.

I love the budget we are currently on. It is plenty tight but it encourages me to be creative and to think ahead and plan and make time for little things like birthday presents that I would otherwise just go to the store and thoughtlessly buy. I love that. I love that last night I thought about a project, started the project, and finished the project all while talking business with my husband. Now I am ready for my niece's birthday coming up this weekend.

I love that I have friends and a sister who are moms and who are in the same season that I am in. We get each other. We share kids and recipes and books and talents and cars and tips and stop by each others houses' without being invited and use each others toilets even if they aren't clean. I love that. We get each other.

I love coming home from a busy morning with my little ones either from story time at the library or preschool or the park and eating lunch with them. I love that they love their fish oil and they seriously think it is dessert. I love that Emmett still nurses, just because he wants to and I'm o.k with it because he is still my baby. I love that Adelle sleeps in my bed without the blanket, just the sheet. I love that I get a bit of time to myself to study, read, blog, clean, peel carrots, laundry, whatever. It's nice and I look forward to it. I also love the days when Emmett wakes up but is still tired and I get to rock him back to sleep or lay down with him. He likes our cheeks to be touching.

I love going to get Braxton at school and waiting for Fisher and Charly and Jayden so we can all walk home together. I love how Adelle thinks all the big boys are her friends too and how I can listen to Braxton interact with his friends. I love coming home and having him empty the contents of his backpack and tell me about what he worked on. I love how the kids play together for the next hour so that I can do dinner. Today it was play dough and cars/motorcycles. Braxton makes the little kids laugh. They idolize him.

I love it when my husband comes home and he's tired and excited and has so much to tell me but he can't because everyone wants his attention, even the dog. I love that we eat dinner all together and Braxton and Adelle set the table and Emmett starts to eat if the prayer goes too long. I love that the dog lays under the table while we eat just to be a part of the family time. I love listening to my kids savor a soup I made up that is good for them and that they can't get enough of. I love that!!

I love putting Emmett to bed, like we do, as a whole family we go into his room and sing I am a Child of God together and we kneel and pray together and Emmett gets kisses from everyone and the only one he puckers up for is his dad. I hate/love that. :) I love that Braxton and Adelle get one on one time with a parent to read or be read to and then off to bed they go with us to read one verse from the Book of Mormon and recite their articles of faith. They love this. I love that. Then we tuck them in and they take their time to giggle or talk or drive each other crazy...

I love that Jeff is my best friend and I am his. We prioritize each other. We don't have a perfect marriage but we are really in love and tolerant of each others flaws. We love being together, even just in the same room doing different things. We never go to bed without the other, unless the other is out of town. I hope we can stick to this forever. I love it when the kids are in bed and we can unwind. Do projects, talk without being interrupted, set goals, make lists, read together, study, do dishes...whatever.

And then it starts again the next day. It's all really good. It's really busy. I used to think that life was busy with three little ones running around here wanting me to entertain them. That seems easier now. We have a schedule we have to stick too. I have to get dressed every day. Seriously! This is an adjustment. I am a mom of a school kid now. My child is out in the real world. This is all really new and interesting and scary and great.

On a scale of most hard to least hard this past year would be the most hard. No question. It's been a roller coaster for me and I've learned to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone. It's not easy but it's doable. I've never loved more or felt more love. Love from my Savior. He's always been there and always loved me but finally, I really recognize it now. I let it strengthen me and lighten my burdens. Love for others. I don't judge as easily. I don't make assumptions. I don't hold grudges. It doesn't matter. Love for my family. They are everything to me. Near and far I feel so united to all of them and never alone. Love for life. It's supposed to be hard, I guess, because that is what makes it good.

Centsible Services

2011-10-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have dreaded posting this post but I know you all are curious about the new business. So, I will do my best.

The dread comes only from the fact that there is so much feeling in my heart and so many words in my head and I don't know that I can fully express this whole thing in a blog post. So I am going to give you the business update without all the heart and soul and grime.

Jeff's business is up and running! It's been quite a process and it's a good thing he is a smart guy because there are a ton of little technicalities that I would have completely overlooked. Which is probably why he didn't put me in charge of getting this whole thing going.

Jeff is very business savvy and has always dreamed of running his own company. So now you are picturing some guy in a suit driving a nice car while talking into a blue tooth. Well, that's not exactly (at all) my husband. Amidst his dream of having a business and having the excel skills that he has he is a get down and work in the dirt kind of guy. He is handy and techy and wanted something in the middle. Come on, who really wants to sit in an office all day? In his efforts to come up with something in this lousy economy he found a nitch in roof cleaning and now... he has his own roof cleaning business. So he gets to do all the dirty paper work and record keeping, and he gets to use his manly skills to climb ladders and balance on roofs. It's the best of both worlds and we are learning the ends and outs. The name of his (actually I should say "our" because he likes it when I say "our", and it is "our") business is Centsible services. Get it, like cent (money).

The roof cleaning is just one of the services he offers but it is the one that he hopes to market the most because it is more profitable than the other services.

We bought into roof shampoo , which enables him to use their machine and their product but to have his own business name. He is not affiliated with them except that he orders their product. It's not a franchise, but because he was the first in this area to buy in, no-one else in this county can use their machine/product. So that is cool and eliminates some competition. There still is competition, obviously, but the other guys don't have the same products or machine that he has.

Jeff's website is here for you to check out! He is still tweaking it a bit.

All the products are green and eco-friendly. It really works! Look at my roof.

I'm so thankful for a good husband. He has never complained about any job that he has had and he has graciously done a lot of dirty work to get where he is at. I am thankful that he knows how to work hard and that he does all he can to allow me to be able to stay at home with our children. Jeff's priority has always been his family and it shows in all that he is.
This week he is booked solid! That is great news and the hope now is that he can continue to stay as busy as he possibly can before the real cold hits.

Hello Fall

2011-09-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

I think Fall is officially here.
I am wearing socks.
Today the kids' nursery leader (and family friend) at church had us out to her pumpkin patch.
It was so much fun.
They have goats that the kids got to feed
Apples to pick from the tree
and pumpkins for everyone!

Taylor....we missed you!
I'm glad you left your class of 2011 sweatshirt at home when you went to school.
Your mom let me borrow it today and I am still wearing it!
I wasn't quite dressed for fall :)

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

I snagged my sister's memory card from her super camera.
I think our summer is over.
It was great while it lasted.
Here are a few "must share" pictures to sum it all up!

Pandora to the rescue!

2011-09-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

On many a days Pandora saves my sanity.
Today Adelle woke up on the wrong side of the bed after nap.
She came out with a frown and plopped herself down on the couch.
Braxton was drawing and didn't want to mess with her.
He's a quick learner.
I turned on Pandora to one of our favorite stations: Disney Music.
The next thing I know she is laughing hysterically as I am bustin' a move to some super fast Alladin song that I somehow remembered the words too from eons ago.
Before I knew it the Beauty and The Beast song came on and we were holding hands and spinning each other around the room. Braxton even left his project to join in on the fun.
Thanks Pandora for turning another frown upside down.
.....and thanks for the really good workout too! I thought my cheerleading days were over but maybe not ;).

sweet dreams

2011-09-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

I think my two big kids are missing each other more than they are expressing. Yesterday they decided they were going to sleep together. Both of them up on Braxton's top bunk (twin size).
"We will go to sleep mom. When I tell Adelle to close her eyes she just does," Braxton assured me.
Jeff and I peeked on them before we went to bed last night. Aren't they stinkin' cute! Our hearts melted. Then Jeff grabbed the camera and they miraculously stayed asleep while the flashes were flying.
I'm grateful for their friendship. I hope they always are so close. It is such a blessing to have siblings.

I've got Sunshine.....

2011-09-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside.
I've got the month of May.
..................................
My Girl.

Adelle has never been as dependent on me as Braxton "was!"
Our lives are changing.
We don't have our Brax at home with us all day.
We enjoy more of each other now.
When Adelle used to be with her brother. Now she is with me.
She helps me with everything. Cooking, cleaning, playing with Emmett.
We read together and she gets to pick out the books every time.
We play what she wants to play.
We go on walks and play I Spy.
We dance. A lot!
We stomp in puddles.
And she naps in my bed. Because she wants to and that's all it takes.

Adelle has such a special heart. She is so real. I think that is my favorite thing about her. She messes up, sometimes, but she doesn't judge herself. She say's sorry, and get's over it. I hope she never looses that.
She is so kind to her brothers. She loves them so much and always tries to meet their needs. She is Braxton's gofer and Emmett's little mommy.
She has so much personality.
My favorite line that I hear all the time from her lately, "ugh! my panties are in my bum again!"
She only likes to wear dresses.
She always tells Brax, "see, don't I look pretty" after she gets dressed.
She loves to walk her big brother to school and play with his big friends.
Her favorite color is blue. (?)
She is genuinely very kind.

I am so blessed to have this little spirit in our family. I am grateful for the sweet girl that she is and for the beautiful woman she will become.
Lately I have been pondering life, growing up, and the precious gift of time. I know Adelle will face challenges and I know, as a woman, that her identity will be questioned and at times she will have to stand alone. I am grateful to love her. I am grateful for this chance that I get to tell her everyday that she is beautiful and smart and funny and silly and special and most importantly that she is a Daughter of God,
and she is
My Girl.

Braxton's perspective

2011-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

"So I have a friend at school and he can't see so he reads braille."
"Today I got to hold the flag when we all said the Pledge of Allegiance."
"I got a prize for listening to my teacher and sitting quietly."
"My friend with the orange shirt, well his name is Ashton, I remembered."
"There is this boy named ____________ and he fights with the other kids."
"Today we learned about the Jog-a-Thon and mom, I am going to win the canoe!"

That is the most recent news I've gotten from my little guy. It's funny because after school we walk home and I try and talk to him and he wants to say nothing. Then throughout the day/week little blurbs come out. I'm learning to be a better listener and to be available to listen at all times, not just when I am asking the questions.

So far he has been in school two Monday's and on each Monday he has came home, excited to play outside and has stepped on a bee. So that leaves for a swollen foot Tuesday and Wednesday. Same foot and everything. Interestingly enough the foot hurts way worse at home than it does at school.

We walk to school with the neighbor boys, Fisher and Charly. They are cousins and both in Kindergarten. Today on the way to school we passed a guardian of some sort who was dropping off a little boy. Both of them completely reeked of marijuana. The kids even said, "what is that smell?" No comment.

Braxton is loving school. He already knows the whole Pledge of Allegiance. Totally blew my mind today when he told me about holding the flag I asked him what he said when he held the flag and he totally spilled out the whole thing (the end was a little staggered). That impressed me.

Mrs. Howell is really great. We are looking forward to getting more of the scoop at Open House this week!

Miss Adelle

2011-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

bye bye smoochers

First Day of Preschool Picture

Miss Adelle had her first day of Preschool today.
Have you ever seen this movie? Well, that is how we got Adelle's name. Before we had even conceived her we watched this movie and fell in love with Miss Adele, played by Charlize Theron.
We decided that night that if we ever had a daughter her name would be Adelle and we would call her Miss Adelle. So, we do. Sometimes.
She was not named after Adele, even though she rocks!

Back to preschool. Adelle's preschool is a cooperative operation with 6 different moms of 3 and 4 year old's. We got together and came up with Tuesday to be Preschool. We rotate from house to house each week. Each of us taking a turn teaching. One Thursday a month we have a field trip.

Today was the first day for Adelle. She was really excited because last night she got a blessing from her dad, just like Braxton did a couple weeks ago. She was so excited and I don't think I will ever forget the look on her face as Jeff was blessing her. I took a mental picture. Which means I was peaking.
Last night her and I got her school bag all packed. Jeff's mom sent her this little lunch pail that she is holding in the picture. Since she doesn't take a lunch we use it to store her supplies: glue, crayons, scissors....
She still has her lipstick and lotion in the bottom pocket but I reminded her that the bottom pocket doesn't get opened during Preschool. She just is so grown-up. She insisted that the lipstick and lotion had to stay in her bag.

Adelle had a great day. Braxton gave her a nice little pep talk all about Preschool last night. He told her she would have fun and there would be lots of toys. He kept on repeating, "wow, I just can't believe Adelle is going to Preschool already," grandfather style. Cracked me up. Adelle listened half way. This girl doesn't get nervous. She pretty much loves everyone and is comfortable in any situation. She is the youngest in the class but I convinced the other parents that she is 3 going on 13. That can be good and bad I guess but it's the truth.

When I took Adelle into school today Emmett wanted to stay. Adelle wrote her name with her teachers help and then hung it on the board. I told her it was time for mommy and Emmett to leave and she goes, "ok, bye, love you mom. Love you M." That was it.

I drove home with Emmett and when I turned off the car he started to cry. It was as if he was saying, " I don't want to be at home without my sis!" I told him Kate was coming over to go for a walk and the tears stopped. My sister and my niece came here and we put the munchkins in the double stroller and hit the hills. We ended up at a park and the cousins got to play. They love each other like brother and sister.

When I went to get Adelle she was still working on some gluing. The teacher said, "she was so good but so serious." I thought it was funny since I consider Braxton to be the serious one. I think Adelle will just take some warming up. But, Jen if you are reading this, we all know I am not a goof ball so maybe my kids have the same serious look all the time that I have? I don't know?

Adelle told me all about school. They learned about apples and talked about the letter A. They made applesauce and put cinnamon in it. They read a story and did criss-cross applesauce. She told me they glued and cut.

I think we are all really going to love Tuesdays. I can't wait for my turn to teach!

All is well

2011-09-16T14:05:00.001-07:00

It's Friday
Jeff is on a really good job! His business is going full swing! The website is almost done and that is when I will advertise him more :)
We went to the Temple last night and it was a much needed peace I was craving
Braxton's school added a third Kindergarten Teacher!! Yes! His class size will shrink dramatically next week
The sun is shining
My new blog is up! Please become a follower! There is something in it for you coming up as soon as I understand better how to use my button. Check it out here: Thishealthyhomemaker.blogspot.com
Emmett picks up the dog poop now. Not really but he wishes. Today while playing outside Adelle noticed poop and pointed it out to me. Before I could do anything about it Emmett had came inside, gotten a plastic bag, and was back outside ready to clean up the mess. What a smart little boy. He's been watching his brother do this chore for many weeks. Apparently in anticipation for when he is old enough to do it. NOT YET!!

Kindergarten Update

2011-09-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today is day 4 of Kindergarten. I'm not sold on it yet but I am trying to put aside my mother bear instincts and give the school and the teacher the chance they deserve.

Monday was tough. I dropped him off and then distracted myself by walking with a friend up to my church to play volleyball with some other mommies. That was a good choice on my part because it totally preoccupied my time.
My mother in law texted me that day to see how I was doing. It was much needed. How did she know to do that? She must be a mom or something.
My mom has been sending me daily emails reminding me that it's all going to be o.k. You always need your mom.

After school on Monday the kids were happy to have Braxton home and they were all playing in the backyard when Braxton stepped on a bee, swelling up his foot for the next 2 days. That sure didn't make things any easier.

Tuesday I went to the PTO meeting hoping to convince myself that this is real and I want to be involved. I was shocked that there were only 8 of us there and a little discouraged. I met some nice moms and talked with the Principal who has been there for 24 years. That was encouraging. Maybe I should teach him to hang out in the Principals office. She's a really great lady.

Wednesday has been the best day so far. I picked him up and he actually had something to tell me. The other days he came home really quiet and a little out of it which concerned me. I think there is just so much to take in and he's a little overwhelmed. Wednesday though he told me that his foot didn't hurt anymore and that they played with blocks. He also told me that he went to the bathroom that day so that was good.

So to all of you experts out there. Is the first week always easy? I am frustrated. Braxton is reading. He comes home from school and tells me, "mom, I don't even get to read at school." So far all the work they have done that I know about is coloring pages and tracing letters. Are they just assessing where everyone is at? I tell myself this is all part of the first couple weeks and then hopefully he will be more challenged. I know we were spoiled at preschool but I am afraid that he won't get noticed by the teacher. I want him to feel like he has a place there and right now I feel like he is just a number. There are 30 kids in his class. Absolutely insane! I did sign up to help in the classroom so I am not just complaining, I plan to help out and hopefully other parents will see the need as well.

Braxton is doing great. He loves going. He has made a couple friends who actually live in the neighborhood so we get to walk to school with them too. He made a basket in the basketball hoop at recess on the first day so that was a huge thing for him. Good way to start the year.

lessons on Faith

2011-09-12T20:55:00.001-07:00

Braxton's goal to read every day

Adelle's goal to do better at sharing
Notice how Adelle wrote her own name
Notice how Adelle drew her own people
Notice how Adelle drew her "baby sister???????"

Today was a hard day. I'm just throwing that out there so that all y'all know that I have a bad day once in a while too.
Change is hard. I missed Braxton. I missed his questions and the sweet way he plays with his brother and sister. I missed his help in distracting and entertaining the little ones. I missed his excitement and enthusiasm. Emmett is teething and was difficult. He didn't want to nap, he'd rather scream apparently. Adelle and Braxton bickered at each other instead of their usual playing together. Adelle had an accident (this rarely happens). Jeff worked until after 8:00pm. blah blah blah blah....
By the time 7:00pm finally hit and Emmett was safely tucked in bed, actually asleep, the last thing I wanted to do was sit down and spend quality time with my kids. I felt too wiped out and my nerves were had. I had to act on faith.
On Monday nights in our family we have Family Home Evening. Basically we hang out, spend time together and we throw in a spiritual message and sing a song. It's something we just do, on Mondays. It is part of our routine and the kids know it. It's something that our Church really encourages us to do and Jeff and I have found that by doing so we are more united as a family.
Tonight it took a lot of faith on my part. I didn't want to do it. I wanted to get my kids to bed early so that I could have a break! But I knew I needed too and I knew that it would somehow bless me and/or my family.
I told Braxton and Adelle that it was time for Family Home Evening and they cheered. Then we sat on the floor in a triangle and I asked Adelle if she would choose a song to sing. She picked, Families Can Be Together Forever. Singing this song with my two sweet children immediately changed my mood and my perspective from lousy to blessed. After that I said a prayer and then I taught a lesson that I got from a friends blog on goal setting. We all drew pictures of ourselves and then wrote down one goal that we wanted to work on during this school year. Braxton is really into reading and for his goal he choose "read every day." Adelle is sweet and simple and when I asked her what she wanted to be better at she said, "I'm going to do better at sharing." I did not lead her to this answer. This was all her and I was so impressed. She is already a good sharer but I liked that she recognizes the importance of sharing.
At the end of the lesson we always open up the floor and ask if anyone has anything they would like to add to the lesson. At this question Braxton responded with the sweetest, purest, testimony. I turned over my goal picture and started scribbling notes as fast as I could as he spoke:

"I have something to say. So I know we should keep our bodies clean and always dress modestly. And I really love my family a lot. I love mom and dad and Adelle and Emmett and Sofie. And do you guys know who you should love the very most? Anyone? Jesus. Right mom? And I just really know we should talk nice and play nice and don't hit anybody or kick or pinch. And you shouldn't say you can't do this, you're too little. You should just say, come on and give it a try. That's it. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

And that, today, along with my little girls song, was my much needed lesson on faith.

the best car ever

2011-09-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

For Sale
1998 Chevy Metro
4 cylinder Manual Transmission
237,000 miles
$1200
The Best Car Ever!!

I'm not joking.
I'm not a salesman, but here me out here.
Let me give you a little history.
Rewind about 8 years.
Jeff and I are newly married.
Cruisin' around in a really hot 1965 mustang.
It's a muscle car.
We are so cool.
We are so in love (with each other and with the car).
We snottily make a list of all the cars we will never drive. We really did this, how lame and embarrassing.
Guess what the first car on the list was??
...................................................
...................................................
...................................................
A Chevy Metro!

Now fast forward back to the present time.
We grew up.
We bought the car from my Gramy.
They were the first owners.
We have had this car for 6 years.
It has never let us down.
It is in top shape.
Never been in an accident.
It has never left us stranded.
Jeff has driven it proudly to and from work.
We have changed the oil regularly.
This has been the best car, ever!

We have had our share of cars; the Mustang, the 4-Runner, the Honda, the Explorer, the Metro.

Seriously, no joke, hands down, the Metro has been the most reliable, best running, best gas mileage car of them all.

With Jeff's new business (more to come on that, later) he needed a truck and we have no room for our car. We thought about saving it for when Braxton starts to drive but that is still a ways off.

I would really love for this car to go to a good home. It's in great shape and although it has a lot of miles it has no signs of giving up. Perfect car for a new driver to learn manual on too!

"shoes"

2011-09-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

One of Emmett's favorite words is "shoes." I wish I could attach and audio of him saying "shoes" so you could hear it because it's the sweetest little word to come out of his mouth.
He's funny though because he talks about shoes all day and grabs his shoes and patiently waits for me to put them on, only to two seconds later take them off.
I found him these shoes last weekend on my garage saling excursion. I fell in love with them and so has he.
He can't tell me this but I know the reason he is so in love with these shoes. Probably because all I wear in the summer are my one favorite pair of old navy black flip flops. He recognizes that his new shoes look like mommy's shoes and he gets really excited when I put them on him. He goes and grabs mine and we prance around with matching flip flops. It's fun.
The goal is for Emmett to acquire at flip flop tan line to match mine before the sun leaves us. I don't know though, he's gotten a late start. My typically barefoot boy has some brown little feetsies (that is what we call feet in this house)!

"Be strong and of a good courage..."

2011-09-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

"Say School." "School!"

I had to put this picture with this post because the looks on our faces totally match our feelings.
Me; don't go! Let me hold onto you forever.
Brax; uh mom. I totally got this. I can handle it. No problem. Can we just go now?

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the ^aLord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Today was Braxton's first day of school. Sort of. His first day will actually be Monday but today we had the Kindergarten Assessment. My sister watched Emmett and Adelle so that just Braxton and I could go. We got to a classroom and the lady asked him his name. Then he got his name tag and she said, "ok, you go this way, and mom, you go down to the Library."

I was totally caught off guard at this point. The flyer I got in the mail said that the parents would stay and so I assumed we would stay together. Not the case. I asked Braxton if he was o.k, and he was, and so then I turned and as soon as he was out of sight I released the tears.

This has been quite the process for me, the whole school thing. The truth is that I feel really good about him going to school. I haven't always been able to say that.

I really carefully thought about homeschooling him. I researched it. Read the books. Talked to everyone I knew and got different opinions. I didn't ever feel good about it. Not for this kid, at least. Then I thought about transferring him to another district. One that was a little more conservative and that didn't send their Kindergartners every day. I filled out those papers. Got Jeff on board. Then, finally, I fasted and prayed and to everyone's astonishment and to my own disappointment the answer I received was that he was to go to the nice little school right by our house and that he would do just wonderfully there. The funny thing was I totally stalled praying about it because I knew the answer the whole time but it wasn't what I thought I wanted so I kept looking for escapes. Funny how we do that sometimes. After I got my answer I knew that I had to shape up. I couldn't let Braxton know my concerns. I needed to put on my big girl panties and start preparing both of us for this big step.

It hasn't been easy for me. Every day for the last while I have prayed about this and prayed for Braxton and I cry every time. Even when Jeff prays and mentions anything about school in his prayer I cry. Not because I'm worried about him. He's awesome and capable and hugely ready for this. More for me. For the help that I need in letting go. For the help I will need when I don't know who he is playing with or what the teacher is telling him or what the boy next to him is teaching him or when the bathrooms were last cleaned or what name someone called him or.....

Last night we read "The Kissing Hand" and we kissed each others hands. My Gramy bought that book for Braxton and brought it over last week for him to have before school. It was sweet but it made me cry. Then Jeff gave Braxton a father's blessing for school and this was really special and helped strengthen me by reminding me that Braxton will never be completely alone. I know and trust that the Lord never leaves us alone.

So today was one of many steps. He got up early and picked out his outfit. He ate a good breakfast of steal cut oatmeal with frozen raspberries. Then when my sister got here we were on our way. Hand in hand.

After the parent meeting in the Library and his assessment I found Braxton outside at recess. He was right next to some teacher with a bunch of other little Kindergartners and he looked a little hesitant. But, he wasn't crying, so he did a lot better than me. He was relieved to see me though and when we left he told me that he was going to miss me when he was at school. He told me it was fun and then he told me everything they asked him to do. "I had to count as high as I could so I just kept counting and counting and then they wanted me to do the alphabet and then I had to like match these shape things and when the teacher asked me what I was excited about I said reading and wrote my numbers and then I had to tell my teacher what the letters were....."

It was a good day. I am feeling more prepared than I was yesterday. Friday Braxton will know what teacher he has and he will find his classroom.

I am so excited for Braxton. I really am. I love him so much and I am grateful for the years that I have had him all to myself. Someone once told me they wouldn't last forever and they were right. I am excited to share this young lad with the world.

Garage Sale Models

2011-09-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

I know better then to say "never" so lets just say I rarely, seldom, am extremely unlikely to ever, buy new clothes for my kids.

Or myself for that matter.

I can't justify it.

Yesterday I packed up all three kids and we were at our first garage sale at 9:00am.

We scored Braxton's new suit there complete with white dress shirt: $8.00

Next we hit up another garage sale where I found Emmett's pants for $1.00

After that I brought the kids home and fed them lunch only to get a call from a friend telling me of another garage sale up the street.

I left Jeff with the kids and fled.

Good thing I did because I found Adelle's sweet little denim dress there for $1.50!
I have a total thing for denim dresses.

So today for church my kids were garage sale models.

Thursday at the playground

2011-09-03T21:42:00.001-07:00

We visit this playground frequently.
The big kids do their own thing.
When did they grow up?
Emmett and I play together.
Emmett usually buries himself in the rocks.
Sofie runs like the wind in the field.
Thursday the kids wanted to wear their dress-ups to the playground.
Sure, why not.

smashed peas

2011-09-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Due to some technical difficulty I am having trying to upload my pictures from a fun day I found this old picture.
These are my new favorite thing.
I call them smashed peas.
Boil water.
Add frozen peas.
Cook until peas are tender.
Drain most of the water.
Add a tad of butter and a ton of fresh garlic (I like 3-4 cloves)
smash together.
Serve warm or cold.
Yum!

good boys of late

2011-09-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

So me and my littlest boy went to Utah with my brother. That is where we were. We got to drive with Brent over to school and hang out for a few days with family and friends. It was a really good experience for multiple reasons.
First, Emmett is the funniest, sweetest little boy and I was so grateful to get to spend so much one on one time with him. He sat on my lap at dinner. He slept on my tummy half the night and right beside me the other half. He had me carry him places where he would normally have walked. It was so fun. I felt like a new mom again. I didn't forget about my other kids, don't worry, but I felt like all my attention could be focused on Emmett. I needed that. I think we both needed that.
Second, my brother is a great guy and I got to know him even better on our long drive. There are six years between us so we have always been in really different stages in life. When I got married he was in middle school. Since then I have kept having babies and I have felt like both of my brothers went from being my brothers to being my kids' uncles. Interesting how that works. So it was nice to spend time with Brent and to let my womanly instincts and motherly traits help him get set up for college. I found myself wanting to protect him and hover and then reminding myself that he is a grown man and able to fend for himself.
Brent and I are a lot alike and I notice it more and more as we get older. He is very sensitive and genuine (wow, that makes me sound awesome doesn't it ). I guess I mean I can really relate to him. We think the same. The whole time he helped me with Emmett by carrying him so I didn't have to and entertaining him when he was tired or bored. On multiple occasions I noticed him opening doors for either myself or other women in grocery stores. He is such a nice boy and I am so excited for this time in his life.
Third, Jeff's brothers in Utah were so helpful and accommodating and I was so impressed by how they treated Emmett and I. One gave up his bed, actually his whole room, so we could sleep comfortably. They were constantly strapping in Emmett's car seat and hauling it from place to place and I felt so spoiled by their help. Totally voluntary.
Last, my crush. Who I love so much. Who is so gentle and kind and so helpful and considerate. True story... As I am riding down the escalator in the airport coming home I am looking out for Jeff because I want to hold him and kiss him and pass Emmett off to him. Then I see him, in the distance walking out of the airport with some other woman. Really! It is a woman and children (I don't know how many, maybe just one) and he is helping her with her load. My nose starts to flare and my head is screaming "Hey dude. I'm over here. Remember, your wife and kid. This kid is heavy too and I've been carrying him for days and guess what, he's yours so maybe you could help me..." on and on. Ruthless, I know. It's so hard being a woman and having those awful thoughts. Luckily my heart was there to convince my head not to worry. I am so blessed to be married to such a gentleman. Jeff is mine forever and he is such a gem. The bad thoughts didn't last after that. I put myself in the shoes of that woman and recognized what a blessing Jeff was to her in that moment when she needed a hand.
Jeff had everything in order when I got home because he knew that is just the way I would like it. The laundry was done. The bed was made. The fresh cherry pie he had made from scratch that morning was waiting to be eaten.
Good boys are such a blessing.

There's no place like home

2011-08-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got home from being away from Jeff and Braxton and Adelle for 5 days! It was too long for me to be away but I had a good time and I think it was a good experience for everyone. Emmett and I were together 24/7 and I think we both needed that. He has never gotten that from me and now he is readjusting to sharing me with his dad and two siblings.

When I was gone Braxton asked Jeff, "dad, is mom's hair still going to be short when she gets home or will it be long again?" I thought that was so cute!

It's good to be home.

More to come on where we went and what we did!

weekend in pictures

2011-08-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Friday night we did the local Fair

We have connections so we got to go into the horse stalls and pet the horses.

Adelle is too big for her britches. She did not want me to touch her on this ride. She kept telling me, "mom, it's ok, it's ok..."

Ah, yeah! That's my little 5 year old! I seriously think he was the smallest person to ride that gigantic thing! He loved it.
Braxton is not someone I would classify as a dare-devil but at the fair he did every big ride they would let him. It was so fun to watch him!

Adelle would have rode the big rides but they wouldn't let her. She is a dare-devil for sure!

Emmett fell asleep on his back but ended up in this position at one point. Maybe I should have strapped him in?

Brent was the only adult who got a wrist band so he got to go on all the kiddie rides. He didn't mind. Look at that smile!

Emmett's favorite part was the goats and sheep.

LIttle man got to ride the carousel at least!

Saturday we did the beach. It was gorgeous and sunny.

We got lots of crab and sun!

This picture got out of order but I thought it was cute. This is the morning after the fair. Braxton is still asleep on the top bunk and these two are reading to each other down below.

Sofie was a little hesitant of the water. What? Yes we had to gradually coax her in.

Braxton is my kid. Born to be at the beach.

My parents brought tubes so that we could float while we weren't on the boat. This was my favorite part.

Adelle is either looking for baby crabs, going "potty" or....I'm not sure. Use your imagination.

Emmett spent most of the day napping (from the long night before) or wrestling his dad, the dog, or his uncle Brent.

My cute boy found me though and came down and laid right by me in the same position. It was really cute.

snackin'

diggin'

It was a really nice weekend!
This is what I love at where we live in the summer.

outside my window

2011-08-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm washing all my window panes. It started in Braxton and Adelle's room. We cleaned their room today, earlier, and I noticed the window panes were bad. I like to have all the windows in the house open this time of year. Air everything out, ya know. It's a good thing because who knows what has been living behind those blinds since probably last summer. I made a mental note that the panes needed to be cleaned asap. If they were yucky in their room, they were most likely yucky in the other rooms too.
The kids and Jeff are temporarily gone. Jeff got home and took the kids across the street to the school to play and get some wiggles out. I did the same thing that most of you reading this would do; took the opportunity to do some hard core cleaning without any little helpers.
I am in my front room, facing the street, cleaning the windows. There is no use cleaning the panes without doing the whole window as well. I see a friend drive by but she doesn't see me. I think about her for a moment. I see cars travel past, most faster than I would prefer, some of them talking on cell phones. They are probably hurrying home to their families because it is dinner time so I forgive them for driving negligently down our street. I see kids on bikes and hear the neighbors dog barking. The windows are open and I find myself stopping and gazing out. Not because I see anything but because of what I hear.
A familiar voice hollers "stop," in his usual calm fashion. Footsteps stop but only for a moment to look both ways and then continue. Then I can see them. A small boy with new school shoes running as fast as he can. The sidewalk can barely keep up. A little girl is behind him and I hear her holler, "wait for me, I'm coming too." She is wearing leggings and sandals but I know it is only because her mom recommended she take off the dress to go to the park because the dress was really long and might be hard to climb in. The small boy fights his desire to keep running ahead and stops to wait for the little girl. When she is only a few feet behind him he continues his chase. Behind them still is a man. He is smiling. He is always smiling. On his shoulders rides a little tot, sun bleached hair that is surfer shaggy and makes him look like he is a teenager in a babies body. I know he walked most of the way just to prove that if the other kids could do it so could he, because that is how he is lately. Little legs are probably ready to fall off.
The small boy in front sees me and points, "mom! It's mom, it's mom" as if I've been gone for days. I wave and realize I forgot I was staring out my window. The little girl can see me now too. She is waving happily. The tot on the shoulders of the man is looking in the direction they are yelling mom. I don't know if he can see me yet but I can hear him saying his favorite word over and over, "hi, hi, hi" and I know he is talking to me.
They ring the doorbell, out of fun, and stomp in all at the same time, some tripping over others. They are dusty dirty, like you are when you leave a graveled playground, but they are home.
The man kisses me. I still can't believe he is mine, forever. The tot is hungry. The small boys new shoes no longer look new. The little girl wants to put her dress back on. My world came back.

three favorites

2011-08-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you count the hours until bedtime and then once they are quietly in bed you stay up late talking about them and how wonderful they are and how you just couldn't live without them?

That was us last night.

It was a long day. I have really good kids and yesterday they were straight up ornery. Maybe we all got up too early, I don't know, but it was a long day that I never thought would end.

Then we tucked them in and when we finally went to bed this was a bit of our dialogue:

"oh my goodness Emmett is such a turkey. He deliberately throws dirt when I tell him not to and then he smiles (because he knows its wrong) and he's so stinkin' cute. I can't be mad."

"Adelle is hilarious. Her new line is, "I'm not kidding," and she repeats it over and over."

"that girl can really push her brothers buttons"

"I love how Adelle calls Braxton, "my braxton."

"Braxton (mr. serious) is getting so good at swimming I am so proud of him and how far he has come this summer and how self motivated he is to learn."

"oh and how Adelle calls Sofie "soph" and treats her like another one of her babies"

"and Braxton asking me to help him read! ah yeah, I'll help you!!"

"oh and Braxton and Emmett when they were just sitting out in the dirt like brothers, hanging out, shooting the breeze. I can't wait for them to be buds"

"Emmett is such a little ham. He seriously will do anything to make his siblings laugh and they think he is hilarious."

"Adelle and her dresses! That is all she wants to wear, ever. And then that little dance she does where she shakes her hip..."

"Braxton talking about Kindergarten everyday and telling me how tall he is (poor kid doesn't know he's short yet) and how fast he is and how ready he is for school."

"I know, and Emmett eating 2 whole pancakes before anyone else got started!"

"Adelle doing her 8th article of faith. That is the best thing I have ever heard the way she changes "we believe" to "I know" priceless."

"and then Braxton dressing Emmett and telling me that now I don't have too because he already did it. That was really thoughtful."

"How can anyone have a favorite kid? They are all so wonderfully awesome!"

A day in the life

2011-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

When the sun shines this is where we are and this is what we do.
When the sun doesn't shine we stay home and get stuff done....
We like it better when the sun shines!

If you....

2011-08-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

have a child starting school you must read this book!!

I know now why it caught my eye at the library last week. I'd never heard of it before. It caught my eye as we were walking to the checkout so I grabbed it and added it to the stack. Have tissues on hand.
It's a must read. My kids looked concerned at my tears but when I smiled and told them that they were happy tears Braxton got the giggles.

Let me know what you think!
And if your public library is anything like ours you can search for the book on line and reserve it which makes it really easy to pick up whenever you get a chance without taking the gamble of it being there or not. fyi.

8 years ago today....

2011-08-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

We got married!

And now we live happily ever after.

let me explain

2011-08-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to a garage sale across the street.
There was a lady there. I didn't know her.
She was complaining to her friend that their next stop would have to be a bathroom because she really had to go!
I opened my mouth and out came:
"I just live across the street. You are welcome to use my bathroom."
She graciously accepted.
Then I opened the door and remember that yesterdays art project still covered the entire kitchen!
I wanted to scream:
Let me explain!!
yesterdaywaslongandiwasinafunkandthekidswereboredandididnt
wantthetvonandtheweatherwascoldandiwasoutofideasandiknewitwas
goingtobeareallylongdayunlessifiguredsomethingoutandthisisallicameupwith
anditentertainedthekidsandmeandthedogandwewereallhappyand
itfeltgoodtogetdirtyandnotcareandsothereyouhaveit!
But I didn't.
I actually didn't say anything about it. She used the bathroom and left.

these pictures are just too much

2011-08-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

we be jammin'

2011-08-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my friend Shelby showed up for a visit!
An hour or so later our friend Paul stopped by unexpectedly with this huge flat of raspberries.
Surprise!

We be jammin'!!

Words are Not for Hurting

2011-08-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is a book we are reading right now with our kids. It's really simple and well written and we are enjoying it.

I've had this concept on my mind since last week. I didn't check out the book because I felt like there was an issue in our family, although there is always room for improvement. I checked out the book because last week as we were leaving the park I witnessed from afar 3 grown men in the parking lot yelling, swearing, and belittling each other. After it made me sad, it made me sick. It was so awful. My kids did not notice, thankfully. We were far enough away that I didn't even notice until they were all safely strapped inside and I was loading up the stroller into the back of the car. One man was on a bike, the other two were in separate cars. I couldn't believe how they were treating each other. It really saddened me and I wondered how they could treat each other so wrongly?

Do they know that they have worth? Do they have people in their lives who love them and who build them up to not care what others think/say to them?

Then another thought slapped me upside the head...do I ever use words to hurt? Not in the parking lot for goodness sake!

So here's to happy words and using words to build others up!

On that note Adelle is a champ. She is the sweetest thing ever and I know I often convey her as being spunky and sassy but she is so much more. She is a doll!!

So I am in my bedroom adjusting my new swimsuit to make sure I am all nice and covered,
Adelle walks in "mom!!! you look beautiful!! Is that new? Where did you get it? Can I please have it when I get bigger??"
She runs into the other room, "Dad, you have to come see my mom in her new swim suit. She looks so beautiful."
It goes on and on but you get the point.
Needless to say I didn't need anyone else's approval. That little girl made me feel like a billion bucks!

Friday night date with Emmett and Sophie

2011-08-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the annual Old Settlers Parade.
It never dissapoints.
My dear aunt had 2 of my kids spend the night Friday and we all met up on Saturday at the Parade.

So what did we do Friday without 2 of our kids?
Well I didn't have my camera, sad. I kicked myself all night for that.
We took Emmett and Sophie(our new dog)
down to my favorite spot...Boulevard.
We brought along some yummy take-out from the Fountain Bistro.
We had a picnic on the grass and then walked the Boardwalk.
It was absolutely beautiful.
The sun was shining and there was no wind. Seriously! I think it was the first time in my 29 years of going there that there was not a hint of wind.
Blissful.

Emmett likes being an only child
Emmett loves the dog
People at the park looked at us like we were new parents with our cute little boy and dog
I love it when that happens

3 boys and 3 girls

2011-07-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

Adelle and I aren't outnumbered any longer.
We have a dog now, and she's a girl!

Just so you all know I was on the fence with this one. Jeff wanted a dog. The kids wanted a dog. I was happy with my little dog-less life I was leading.

Jeff thinks I am a bit of a priss when it comes to animals. It's like I say that I like them, because I do like them, but I don't want them to smell bad or rub their butt on my clean floor or jump on my kid or shed all over or drool or throw-up... and that's all just part of having animals. They do that.

But I do like them. Really. I grew up with a dog. I like the character they add to the family and I have wanted my kids to have the experience of having a dog. I think it teaches them a lot. Not just responsibility but also loyalty among other things.

This little brown eyed girl has completely won my heart in less than 2 weeks. Now we both laugh at night when the kids are asleep and Jeff's on the couch reading and I'm curled up on the floor next to the dog, rubbing her belly.

We kinda sorta inherited the dog from some close family friends who recently both passed away. The dog is 2. Her name she came with is Sophie. She is 1/2 blue heeler 1/2 black lab. She was trained really well and well taken care of. She is great with the kids. Exceeded all my expectations to say the least.

My aunt asked if we wanted to try it out for a week before we decided to keep her. The funny thing is Jeff was convinced he and the dog were going to be best friends. He would try and play fetch with her. Pet her. Let her in and out. The dog wanted nothing to do with him, actually avoided him at all cost. I played hard to get. Not really, but one could assume. I just went about my own business and before I knew it the dog was my fourth little shadow. Following me around everywhere. Checking on me. Anxiously waiting for the kids to be playing so that she could have me to herself. Flattering, really. On day two that we had her I got my kids down for nap and went into the laundry room to wash some clothes and Sophie crawled right between my legs (so yes, now I am straddling the dog). It was pretty funny.

So yeah, I guess that's the dog story.
It's like she is part of our family that we never knew we were missing. My kids are totally in love. Braxton was instant. Emmett was instant. Adelle took a little while for her to get used to the idea but now she's on board, napping beside the dog. And Sophie has warmed up to Jeff. They are officially friends. He's pretty excited about that.

weekend getaway

2011-07-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Honeymooners Forever :)

Me with the "bride to be in less than 2 weeks!"

After wading across the river we found this cozy spot to lay and dry off, only to have to walk back!

The only shot I got of the place where Jeff and I stayed Friday night.

My friend from forever, pictured above, is getting married in a couple weeks. She's actually getting married the same weekend as Jeff and I will celebrate our 8 year anniversary! This called for major celebration.

Mindi's bachelorette party was this last weekend in Lake Chelan. Super fun. Super Hot!! It was a blast.

When I got invited I knew I wanted to go but I also knew that more than I needed a weekend with friends, I needed a weekend with my husband. However, a weekend with Jeff would cost a lot more money than a weekend with friends. Hum, what do I do??

I asked Jeff what I should do and he said I should just go with the girls. When I suggested that he take me there and stay the first night that sounded even better so that is what we did. Back in January I had started a little anniversary fund. Any extra change I had would be put into a secret jar that Jeff didn't know about. I'm so glad I did this because we were able to go and enjoy ourselves on money that I had purposely saved for the occasion. This meant that I didn't feel quilty the whole time and we could actually enjoy ourselves.

We left Friday morning and drove away without our kids. They were happily at my parent's pool with my mom and aunt and sister and whoever else....not sad to see us go which is a huge blessing and makes it much easier to leave.

The drive was beautiful and we were able to talk without being interrupted. I can't even express how nice this was. Just riding in the car with my husband was so relaxing. We didn't listen to the radio at all. I didn't have my neck constantly crooked to see if Adelle was car sick...it was just nice and relaxing. The sun was also shining which made it that much better.

Along the way we found a little diner that advertized "World's Best Milkshakes" so we of course had to stop and see if that was the case. We got a milkshake to share and drove and parked at the river and walked across the river (Jeff say's I make him do crazy things that he wouldn't do for anyone else) and laid in the sun. It sounds great but really it was uncomfortable because we were laying on rocks so we didn't stay there very long. Just long enough to get warm so we could re-cross the river.

When we got to Chelan we ate at a really nice local pub that had outdoor seating and live music. I had fresh shrimp and Jeff had ribs. Then we checked into our hotel and looked around, walked the river, walked through town. Then we went in the outdoor hot tub before calling it a night.

The next morning we really wanted to sleep in and when I woke up I looked over at him, he was awake and I asked him the time and when he said it was 6:30am. I wanted to scream. We couldn't even sleep in!! So we just laid there, in and out of sleep, and enjoyed not having to get up for anything.

We went to a really cute crepe-ire for breakfast and it was delicious. Then Jeff dropped me off at the lake where I had Mindi snap the top picture of us. It wasn't long enough but at the same time it was exactly what we needed. I love my husband so much and I felt like a honey-mooner the whole time.

I met up with 13 other ladies for the bachelorette party and Jeff started the drive home.
Us girls laid at the lake for the whole day where I naively burnt my whole back side. No regrets, I was just happy to get some sun! Then we went to dinner and then back to a house that we borrowed for the party. It was really fun to be with some old friends who I rarely spend time with.

Sunday we woke up and sat on the deck and lounged a bit before cleaning up the place and driving home.

It was a wonderful relaxing weekend getaway!

doublely armed

2011-07-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah!

Is it funny to anyone else that Braxton didn't have his first sword until he was 4 and Emmett at 18 months already knows what to do with the frightful weapon?

Surprise Visit

2011-07-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Our niece Riley came to town for a quick visit and we got her all to ourselves on Friday. The best part was that my kids didn't know she was coming so they were totally surprised! I am not one for surprises but I love surprising others, especially my kids. It's always so much fun.

Friday morning while they were in the tub I told them to hurry up and get their hair wet so I could wash it. When they asked why they had to hurry (ok confession, I usually let them stay in the bath for a really long, shriveled up, amount of time) I said, "Riley is going to be here to play any time." They were really happy and really cooperative and the rest of the day I didn't see much of them except when they were eating, notice that is when I got out the camera, or asking me for something. It was a good day had by all!

Soccer Season

2011-07-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

This week marks the last for soccer season 2011. It's been such a fun experience for Braxton, number 7. He came so far in the 8 short weeks. There is nothing quite like watching your child try something that they've never done before and that they really didn't know much about and then, through practice and experience, learn it and gain the confidence to play it with their heart. That was my favorite part about the whole season.

I didn't come from a soccer family (to put it nicely:). I think between the four of us growing up we played every sport except for soccer... oh and wrestling. Jeff, my wrestler, hasn't played soccer since he was 8. Needless to say Braxton has been asking to play soccer all year. I think this has to do with 3 things; his friend Tia who played soccer last year and talked about it with Brax, my brother's girlfriend Chelsey, an awesome soccer player, and the soccer jersey my brother Brent brought Braxton from Spain. Whatever the cause, we signed him up.

We, well actually I, then proceeded to sign Jeff and I up to coach. What the heck. They needed coaches and I figured because of our current situation we were available and it may be the only time we have the opportunity so I jumped on it. We did a lot of research and some practicing and went to it. The thing about Jeff and I that you probably have already figured out is that I am the more assertive, get the kids together, sing a happy song, come up with a game plan, keep them busy....and Jeff has the skill. period. So we make a good team. The handy part was that my sister lives across the street from the fields so Adelle and Emmett got to hang out there with her and her kids while we took Brax to practice. Then on game days Jeff was coach and he wore the whistle and I was mom and I held the camera and the other kids and cheered from the side.

Our team named themselves the Blue Seahawks. There were 7 boys and 1 girl and that girl totally rocked the field. She was by far the most aggressive and the most into the game. Braxton started off thinking he was one of the coaches. In the beginning he would get my attention and tell me to wait if someone wasn't there or whatever else. This didn't go over well and he figured out that he would have better luck being a player and not a coach.

My favorite experience was during the first game. Our team had the ball and all the kids from both teams were huddled around it so that no one could really move. I hollered to Brax from the sideline, "Braxton run towards the goal!" My thought process was that then he could break up the cluster and get open for a pass. The special part was that he heard me and did exactly as I instructed. So obedient. He ran to that goal as fast as he could and even when the ball got stolen and kicked in the opposite direction, he was planted at that goal. Almost like he was waiting for me to give him his next cue. It was really cute and I can still see him standing there, waiting.
My brother, who was there watching commented, "wow, what an obedient kid."

Since then Braxton has really gotten a grasp on the game. His confidence has really improved as he's learned the skills and although he still isn't the most aggressive he loves to play and wants that ball!

We may be a soccer family?

Bestest Jam Ever!

2011-07-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

You may remember this recipe from last year!
Easy & Delicious!