Teresa Ben & The Presidents

other

2011-09-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you are playing to hard. they fall asleep at the computer:)

The weather is finally nice enough to eat outside!! Yea for fall!!

Jackson started soccer and is loving it!! He had his first game and only lost by 1 point!

Grant Jumping for Jackson!!

and this is what Linc likes to do at the pool. He avoids the water but loves the mud.

I lied I did get one picture of Grant on his first day of school, so cute!

10 year High school reunion (am I really that old)

2011-09-12T10:13:00.001-07:00

Me at the parade. Yes I was truly this happy.

Ben and I flew to Utah for a quick and I mean quick day trip for my 10 year high school reunion (crazy I know) and also to meet up with this super cute couple Jared and his fiance Tayler. We met up with them friday night at 11:00 pm had some late dinner and then talked and laughed until 2 am. Ben and I headed up to Brigham City for the Peach Day's parade and then later headed over to my Grandpa's house and then to the reunion, met up with my friends Jackie and Britnee (no pictures:( and then met back up with Jared and Taylor for chips and salsa and chocolate molten at chilis before catching our plane at 1:00 am woweeee what a crazy fun day!

Yes I do love him...:)

The love birds.... WE have been trying to get Jared married for 9 years now and wahoo its happening!!! He got a great girl.

Me at my old/new High school. They totally redid the entire thing only the gym and the shops outside were the only thing I recognized.

Me and my very sweet Grandpa, I love him so much!

The craziness of Peach Day's oh I miss those simple days!

Me and Ben at one of my all time favorite places to eat after school, Idle Isle (ok sometime during to, don't tell my mom and dad:) Just as yummy as I remember.

We also went to my old dance /gymnastic studio it was really fun to show Ben around and see all the things that made me... ME!

anniversary

2011-09-12T09:57:00.001-07:00

My very sweet very amazing husband (have I ever mentioned I am obsessed) took me downtown to stay in a Renaissance Marriott for our 9th anniversary, we went and ate at this very quaint restaurant and walked around after, I love love love cities so so much and so it was fun to see downtown Atlanta. We went to Ikea the next day to get some shelves for my craft room, oh I am in LOVE with him and the shelves!!! isn't organizing fun !!!

Me and ben ( and for some reason this is the only picture we took.. not the best but it will do.

My shelves.. one day they will be painted, but lets be realistic I am just happy I have them!

school and just for fun!

2011-09-12T09:44:00.001-07:00

So I didn't realize how super lame I was until after school had started and I actually could sorta catch up on things I had let go over summer.. but I guess I didn't take any pics of my childrens first day of school:( dont' worry you can all think I am lame but I really am not beating myself up over it.) I really have a lot of things going on and a lot of things scrambled in my brain. With Ben being gone often and a bigger house than I am use to, to keep up on and three boys and homework and cleaning, cooking, soccer, car problems, home improvements, faith in god activities, work, working out, laundry, keeping 3 bathrooms clean (we all know how boys are) organizing, finding time to make friends so I don't feel so lonely, finding time to hang with Ben when he is here.....well you get the idea, a picture somehow didn't come to mind.. so don't judge me! Anyway now that I only have 1 child here with me during the day I am catching up slowly but I am and I am not a procrastinator when I want something done it gets done, just seems like things every which way needs to get done. With that said I had a moment to go through some things on my computer and I found some of these fun pics the boys and I took over the summer. They made me smile, and I hope they make you smile to!

Gwinnett Braves

2011-09-12T09:30:00.001-07:00

Jackson's school had a baseball game family night, we have a local minor league baseball team here so we went as a family and really had a lot of fun! After we went to Bruster's to get Ice Cream and then took the boys swimming, they were so cute they thought their parents had lost their marbles because we took them swimming at 9 o'clock and they normally go to bed at 7:30 so they were super excited to say the least.

this is what Lincoln was doing to entertain himself

and of course you can't go to a game without getting an minute maid ice

trip to california!!

2011-08-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

My amazing incredible husband put me on a plane to California .... alone, no kids for an ENTIRE weekend! I got to see all my favorite people and eat at my favorite places!

This is my mom that I adopted to take care of me when we were living there. She is wonderful, and such good company to be with!

She took me to this place right on the edge of the water so fun, happy and Yummy!

I miss seeing this everyday:(

Me and my friend Cambria she is awesome and let me stay with her and her cute family.

My friends. A bunch of my favs from my old ward

After breakfast we took some fun pictures. Yes there are 10 that look the exact same but they are not my camera took 10 in a row so we were silly.

at Martha's on the beach. This place has amazing food and you can't beat the ambiance of the ocean in the background and the locals.

Headed out to dinner, here we come C&O's (me, Katie, Cambria)

C&O's what an experience... enough said. (me, Andrea, Katie, Cambria)

Me and my girl Bea... she is just the coolest!

And to send me off back to Gorgia we went to an 80's party!!! It was so super fun!!!!!! (felt a little like I was in Georgia since that is how a lot of people still look;)

going home.... goodbye westcoast:(

while I was gone the boys found this turtle in the backyard

Every mom needs a good break so they can come back re-energized and happy. It was such a short trip but meant so much to me thanks everyone for taking time to hang out with me and especially thanks to Ben for watching the boys for 5 days, you really are amazing and my most favorite in the whole entire universe!

linc turns two

2011-08-04T10:11:00.001-07:00

Linc opening his presents

Linc with his awesome glow glasses on.. We all had a turn.

Play-doh time

Dad's turn

Mom's turn

Lincoln's bithday ice cream cone.

Happy Birthday Lincoln!!!!!!! We love you and are super happy you are in our family

toddler bed

2011-07-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

My baby is turning 2 On Monday... I am in denial. Last night we thought we would try him in his toddler bed since he is always trying to climb into his brothers beds and sleep in a big boy bed.

Grant was having his own party while we were working on the bed.

"mom take my picture!"

So we did it and he wasn't vey happy about it the first night, he is my only child that isn't a fan of change, the other two take after me and crave change. So for nap time I thought it would be a fight but it wasn't at all he laid right down and when I checked on him this is how sweet he looked, what a good boy.

date night

2011-07-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

DATE NIGHT... This is a necessity at our house every friday night. We went to this mexican place sooo good!

Wendy and Clint let us crash their party.

The fourth of July

2011-07-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Alright well these pictures are very out of order but don't worry I will guide you through

This is the only happy picture of Grant during our little firework show outside our house he and Lincoln soon went inside and stayed there they wanted no part in the fireworks.

Lincoln checking out the loot.

Grant so excited for fireworks... he just didn't know how much he was going to hate them. Poor guy.

Jackson LOVED every minute of it and our neighbors bought a bunch so he stayed up until 11 watching them. Ben even let Jackson light a couple

On the morning of the 4th we went for a bike ride except first we had to get past these, excuse us geese can we get through?

We stopped for a water break and a silly picture

Grant is such a sweet and sour boy but when he is sweet he is really really sweet and it definetely shows in this picture

Jackson riding ahead

Love this boy he is such a cute boy!

On the saturday before the 4th our ward had a dinner this is me and my faith in god girl LOVE HER!!! (ps if you ever go thrifting take her she is amazing)

Jackson and his best buddy Christian.

Stinky pie the Linky pie he is just fun and can you believe he will be 2 on Monday?!?!?!?

All the kids getting dirty together and hopefully none of them got in the poison Ivy

HOT DOG TIME!!

so sorry

2011-07-12T11:38:00.001-07:00

I have to apologize from the bottom of my heart, didn't know it had been so long since I have posted until I saw my last entry and my kids look little! Crazy how they can grow so much in 3 months. Well I guess the other reason for the lack of posts is because since summer hit there really hasn't been much going on other than hanging out at the pool EVERYDAY. I think God knew that if he sent me here in the summer I would have never bought a house here in the south IT IS SO STINKING HOT AND HUMID AND YOU CAN NEVER COOL DOWN UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE WATER! so that is why he sent me to Georgia in the Fall the most perfect time of the year. BOO all I can say is I miss summer in California, but I love the rest of the seasons here in the south.

So here it is my catching up super speed method.

We have this little room we found behind Jackson's bathroom it is about 8 ft by 12 feet and we call it the secret room so we decided it would be a pretty good hideout for the boys so this is mostly taking up ANY spare time Ben has.

This first picture is the entry way ... this use to be a closet in the bathroom but yes our secret room has an entryway in case you have to say a secret word before you enter.

Here is a before picture to show you all the ac pipes we had to move around to get some ac in this room

This picture is all the pipes mostly out of the way

This pic is even before we started anything. It was so gross and tons of insulation everywhere

This is what the boys and I do while Daddy works.

2011-04-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Temple open house

2011-04-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go to the Atlanta temple as a family, they renovated the temple and it has been closed for the last 2 years and luckily we got to go and tour it before they rededicate it. It was so neat to show the boys what the room looked like that Ben and I were married in, they thought it was so amazing and they loved the baptismal font with the 12 oxen they said that was one of their favorite parts.

There was also some pokemon card trading with cousins
and cute little Lincy pie cheesing it up
And all the cousins!

And some Very Very handsome boys

easter fun!

2011-04-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today seemed like it lasted forever and the sad part is it's only half over.. Just one of those days, I did get a lot done today so I am not sure what the deal was! Then we got Easter treats in the mail and made everyone smile! This is just the beginning of a fun Easter filled weekend! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter:)

Creatively made

2011-04-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Alright it's time for the inveiling....

I have started a new blog called creatively made.... Many of you want to know how to make some of the things I have made so I thought I would help you all out!

check it out! www.creativelymade.blogspot.com

I KNOW YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Spring Break

2011-04-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

We Had such a fun Spring Break.. In fact it didn't even feel like spring break because I didn't get sick of the kids:) We spent most of the week with my friend Wendy and her crew ... Thanks for entertaining us Wendy!

Monday: splash park, Got super duper fried!!! OUCH!

Tuesday: Library, Gym, pizza with Wendy and kids

Had to throw this one in of Linc... A-dorable!

Wednesday: Grant's Birthday, Movie (gullivers Travels) the kids were awesome in the movie theater... think we might be regulars at the movies this summer!!!

Thursday: Park day and prepare for Camping! woo hooo

Friday: Camping!!! we had so much fun camping and the good news is the boys want to go again, we really enjoyed ourselves thanks to Wendy for setting it up! There were 4 families total and the kids had such a good time, and got along for the most part other than the normal Girl drama with tweens it was great!!! Grant was so cute he couldn't wrap his head around that we were staying there to sleep it was a dream come true for him, he could have stayed there all weekend!
filling up for water guns!
AH YEA!!
Even Pinky pie enjoyed himself
The TENT
Roasing marshmallows and hot dogs and if your a kid, any stick you can get your hands on apparently needs to be on fire:)

all the boys!!! yes there were 4 girls as well but none of them were mine
this was Lincoln's favorite chair he took over it... it was a very pretty pink.
Chess game and hot chocolate... nothing better than that for these boys
Grant talking about doing back flips, so serious!
Jackson and his Best buddy Christian, Thanks Christian for being such a good guy and always including Jackson!!!

Breakfast, pancakes, sausage, oj and bacon!!

Lincoln driving us to the field for baseball! We arrived safely.... this is how you do it Georgia style!

Ben found this cute little frog in the yard almost mowed him over. The boys were squealing like little girls, but were sad when we had to let him go.

Grant turns 4!

2011-04-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

My sweet Grant turned 4 on the 6th of April, He is such a sweet fun boy he keeps us on our toes and loves to learn new things. He has a mind of his own and is very independent He likes to do things but only on his terms. He is so happy to be 4 although it seems like he has been 4 for a year now and seems like he should be turning 5. We love him so very much and are so grateful to have him in our family!

Birthday party at the park

Wendy doin the thing she does best!

overwhelmed

2011-03-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

It's only 9:30 am, and already I am feeling overwhelmed... I guess it's going to be one of those weeks. You know the ones where it seems as though everything hits you all at once, yep thats the one.

I don't know if any of you watched The Secret Millionaire last night but I think that it started all the emotion. It was so inspiring and Ben and I watched and thought wow, we have absolutely nothing to complain about! If you didn't catch the show last night I suggest you hulu it or catch it next sunday night... very inspiring!

Jackson has been having a very hard time with his teacher at school, I won't go into detail but we are just not very happy about his teacher and its a fight every morning to get him to school with a smile on his sweet face. Jackson is a very smart very sensitive boy and can easily pick up on things and can make sense out of things that are going on around him pretty easily, so he has picked up on a few characteristics of his teacher that makes him feel a bit uneasy:( As a mom it makes your heart ache so much and makes you realize that after they are out of your care you start to feel very vulnerable and emotional ... another reason for my emotional drain.

Bens parents were here and suggested a scripture we should share with Jackson and suggested a blessing as well. We sat down with Jackson last night and read Mosiah 24 it basically talks about how Alma and his people were forbidden to pray to god, and there were guards put around them to make sure that this didn't happen, Alma and his people were smarter than that and knew they didn't have to pray outloud to be heard, that god could hear the prayers in their hearts. So we let Jackson know that you don't have to pray outloud for strength he could pray in his heart.

Then Ben gave Jackson the most sweetest comforting blessing, of course I was in tears and Jackson was so happy to hear such comforting words. I am so greatful for the priesthood in my life I am so greatful Heavenly Father blessed us with blessings so that the men in our life can be the voice for him.. Blessings have always been so comforting and I never take them lightly I am so greatful for Ben and what an amazing man he is.

Last night their was a big storm, bigger than anything I have ever seen, if you haven't ever been in the south in a thunder storm.. it is definitely something you should all experience.. very amazing with thunder that shakes your whole house and you can hear it travel through the sky, one of the most incredible things ever witnessed, But with these storms comes 3 little scared boys actually just Grant and Jackson, Lincoln always sleeps right through it which is beyond me how that is even possible when the lightening lights up the sky and the thunder crashes so loud he keeps on sleeping, Jackson leaned over after a while and said "mom I just said a prayer that the storm would stop, so that I can go back to sleep" what a sweet boy he was scared and he took matters into his own hands... one day he WILL be an incredible missionary.

Jackson woke up with a fever and Linc has been acting like he doesn't feel very good. It really frustrates me when Monday my kids wake up sick! I have so many things I need to do! Oh well I guess that is just a day in a life as a mom, makes me want to cry, kick and scream when my plans get ruined .....sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice.....

As I get older and my friends get older and their kids get older it seems like I feel so much more uneasy, I have been hearing things of people I know that their kids have tumors, or other kinds of life problems... another reason I am emotional today, I like to feel like I am in control, and when I am reminded that I am not it is scary and I like most people don't like to feel so vulnerable! My kids have had fevers and seems like they haven't felt good since the winter hit. I am not sure if it is the fluctutation on crazy weather or what but this is another reason I am emotional... I don't know what to do with my boys, I just keep hoping and praying that they will feel good soon.

Sorry this is a novel I obviously had some things on my mind:)

So back to the beginning... we all have things to complain about but in the grand scheme of things.... there is always much worse! I hope one day I will have enough resources to go out and help people, this has always been one of my dreams and goals and my hearts aches for the day that I am able to do this, I can't wait!!! I love putting a smile on people's faces one smile at a time for now hopefully one day it will be villages at a time!!!

on a side note I was in need of a pick me up I am a very visually, and smell and sound stimulated kind of a girl, so I picked up some body wash and lotion from bath and body works its called carried away, go get some it takes you away!!

home improvements

2011-03-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

First of all let me show you the score I got from the thrift store,

this baby!!! wahoo it was a little sad at first but then I spruced it up a bit!!! Yea for paint!!!

Bens mom was here..... and she helped me turn this,

into THIS!!!!!

We painted the toy room to!!! here is before,
Here is AFTER!!!!!

My sweetie pie the Lincy Pie

2011-03-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is my Pinky pie, he is getting so big and so funny and such a character!!! I don't know where my baby has gone but this past weekend I realized he is not a baby any more, he is starting to talk and mimics his brothers all day. He is such a fun boy to have around and his smile is sooo contageous!!! what a cutie!!!

We love when family comes to visit!!!

2011-03-21T13:13:00.001-07:00

Grammy and Grampy came to visit so we took them out back to the lake and chilled for a while.

linc with Grammy

The kids, Grandpa, uncle matt and Ben playing a baseball game
Grandpa getting ready to get Jackson out!
The Georgia folks!!!! Out on our wonderful deck!!!!

We had so much fun with all our visitors and the boys I know enjoy having them come as well!!! We love you!!!

here is an update on what goes on here in our Crazy life!

2011-03-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a bunch of pics.... Very out of order, but at least I can say I am caught up on my blog:)

This picture was taken way back in June but I never posted it, I think it is pretty funny and makes me smile!
my two handsome boys enjoying the beautiful weather
Us at Rits's for some Italian Ice and frozen Custard, YUMMY!
The park

Yes I am aware I look fat and gross, no I am not pregnant just gained a few pounds that WILL be coming off!!
Grant running
Lincoln and my dad
me and the birthday boy

My cute mom and dad

This is Grant at the fun run at school (he was cold and not so happy)
my sweet sweet Jackson at the fun run!!!
Enjoying our green pancakes! the boys thought this was so fun!!

I thought Georgia was amazing when I came in the fall I was not expecting spring to blow me away with its beauty!
here are the daffodiles out in the front of our house, and these beautiful trees I can't get enough of

We spend most of our time outside just enjoying all that is around us, we have a beautiful lake in the backyard (I will post pics soon) our neighbor has a boat he said we could use anytime!!! We are so happy to have all that we do have and feel very spoiled. We are all doing very good now that we are in the swing of life, Jackson is not so happy with his class at school but hopefully things will change. Grant can't wait to start pre-k in the fall and all I will have is lincoln at home! We have wonderful neighbors, wonderful ward and hopefully life will feel normal soon.

Jackson's birthday

2011-03-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

I made jackson a 4 layered ice cream cake and even invented my own whip cream frosting, it was delicious!!!! We had our friends Wendy and Clint with their cute kids , and Uncle Matt and Aunt Rachel with the cousins and of course Grandma and Grandpa to help celebrate, it was such a fun day!!!

What have we been up to?

2011-03-14T06:48:00.001-07:00

My oldest baby turned 7!!! I can hardly believe it! We had such a fun time for his birthday, my parents came to visit and help with our Big Surprise!!!!

This is Ben putting together the Desk from Grammy and Grandpa!
The before pic, getting the room all taped so we can begin!!
Mom and Dad taping
Lincoln being his cute self!
JUMPING!!!!
Jackson after the big surprise, he was so happy!!! He now has his very own desk, lamp, globe and a room painted to his specifications.
The almost finished room, we still need a headboard and footboard but I think the stripes turned out great!!!!So fun thanks mom and dad for helping, Jackson had a wonderful day!!!!!

Date night

2011-02-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

We had date night!!!!! and guess who my date was???????? (side note ignore the orange hair I am on my way back to blonde so bare with me)

This cute little guy!!!! Jackson and I got to go to the Mother/Son dance at school we had such a good time and if he ever asked me on a second date I would say YES!!!

Kisses

Before the dance
At sonic! Jackson was so excited because he got to sit in the front seat with me and eat his dinner.
At the dance looking at the scenery

And he gave me a rose at the end of the night, he was such a great sport and we really enjoyed ourselves.. Love you buddy!

random ramblings

2011-01-30T12:46:00.001-08:00

still keeping busy.... I just wanted you all to see the amazing pictures that my friend Shannon took and our other friend Jared surprised us with the pics! we love them and they make us smile every day!

Some other funny/really cute things that the boys have said are to cute to not write so bear with me as I be a bragging mommy for a minute.

-Jackson came in bright and early in the morning dressed completely for school down to his shoes and his jacket Ben had already left for work and Jackson said to me "mom I am ready for school," I said thank you so much for getting ready and not complaining this morning, he said "no I am ALL ready for school I ate breakfast

packed my lunch and my snack brushed my teeth and got dressed I wanted to do it for you so we didn't have to rush to school and to make you happy, now would it be alright if I watched some tv before we go to school?" I about died what a sweet sweet boy!!!!

-I met Jackson at his school for lunch with the other two boys (there are two mean kids in his class, don't worry they aren't mean to my baby) and at some point while we were eating Grant said "hey Jackson where are the two mean boys?" Jackson answered so maturely he said " Grant I don't think that is a question I should answer." I was so proud of him that he was big enough to know that, that is not something we should point fingers at.

-Lincoln has been very generous with his new found talent of giving kisses! He is also now old enough to go to nursery and does great!!!! way to go Lincy pie!!!!!

-I went to the salvation army with the relief society president and the two boys to do some thrift shopping... yes I am an addict) At some point Grant shouts

"mom this store is really boring!" that made everyone in the entire store laugh.

This is my work in progress, we got this for free off craigslist it is missing one of the spindle things but I have it don't worry it will be fixed, when we got this it was a really dirty looking light oak color so I sanded it down and now am ready to fix it and make a really cute pillow to go on it... stay tuned for the finished product I think its going to be great!!!!!

The big pic on the shelves is one that Shannon took! and also the one to the far right but I will show you a better pic of that in a minute.

I just made this beautiful pillow it sits in my entry way, it makes me happy everytime I see it!

and this little Gem (the dresser) I found at my sister in laws house while she was doing some house cleaning and I said Rachel you need to paint that (it was an awful green color chipping everywhere) she said do you want it I will never have time to fix it up... voila here it is in its amazingness (i spray painted it with ocean breeze spray paint and then glazed aroung the edges, I also sprayed the handles a with oil rubbed bronze paint) I love it so much!!!! I found the perfect lamp at the salvation army for it but didn't get it now I am kicking myself! and last but not least the beautiful pic above it, this pic was suppose to be for above the fireplace but I wanted it in the entry way so everyone can enjoy it as much as we do!!!!

School closed, for a week!

2011-01-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday night it started snowing and within an hour we had 4-5 inches of snow on the ground... I thought hmm no big deal, but a week later we are still stuck (Literally stuck for a week which by the way is a record for me)in our house. I have been working on projects that have been waiting on me for quite some time and I finished them I am so proud I thought I would share with you. And of course there are some cute pics of what the boys have been doing in their spare time as well.

This flower is something I was working on forever! It is really big probaly 10" round it is on a large canvas picture frame

I repainted these stools I think they turned out great!!! they use to be red green and cream
I didn't really do anything in here I just really love my dining room so I though you should all see it!
I found these glass votives and candle sticks on super duper clearance at target don't they look great! Yes I realize they need candles in them... remember I am home bound.
this glass vase with the crystals and blue candle I created at michaels out of their christmas leftovers, isn't is great I thought it looked so pretty and wintery!
I repainted this it use to be green and these super cute spoons my friend gave me from anthropology for my birthday, love this!
we made pumpkin chocolate chips muffins they are delicious!
I finished my wall of frames for my family pics you can't see the pics but believe me they look amazing!
I just finished with this beautiful frame- got it at michaels for 8 bucks! and put the most gorgeous fabric in it!
we love to see the wildlife from our big windows! sometimes there are big rabbits to!
Jackson wanted to learn how to make a hat
and then they sewed buttons onto fabric (now its hanging on their wall)
Lincoln in a pot (bens doing)
Isn't he yummy!
watching the big boys play outside in the fresh snow!

Its been so fun being cooped up in the house for so many days, we have really enjoyed hanging out and being lazy seriously lazy we have been in our jammies everyday and made yummy treats and watched tons of movies. We went sledding down the hill had hot chocolate and even I was able to sneak in a few naps. Ben was also home for 3 days they shut down the airport and his office so no traveling for him:)

The backyard

2010-12-30T07:31:00.001-08:00

There are tons trees everywhere it makes for lots of raking! and lots of good leaf jumping piles.

The boys helping dad
having fun in the piles

running in the backyard! so fun!!!! When the boys go out they never want to come back in even when it gets dark.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2010-12-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!!!!! We had a wonderful Christmas this year in our new home:)

We started out with our traditional decorating christmas cars (we do that instead of gingerbread houses because of the house full of boys:)

The boys opening their Christmas Eve jammies!!!

Linky pie loves his!

Jackson... the model, loves his robe.
and Grant in his santa jammies, so snuggly!
Christmas morning!!!! Lincolns loot!!!!!!!

Santa brought bean bags,
with their names!!!!!!!

PILLOW PETS! thanks Grammy!! we love them!

It snowed!!! we were so excited!! aparently it was the most snow in 100 years. (according to the news)

Linky pie loves the bean bags.

We hope you all had a wonderful day, we miss all of you and you were all in our thoughts!!! we love you and miss you all!

ok here we go, life in a nutshell (lately)

2010-12-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well the last couple of months have been a whirlwind so here we are in our new life! lots of things have happened but here are a few pictures

I had a birthday, yep 28! Jackson was brave enought to remind me ON MY BIRTHDAY that in only 2 years I will be 30! (don't tell him but seems like I should be 30 already, seems like having 3 kids moved probably 10 times living in 3 different states should take up more than just 8 years) But I am happy to have 2 more years in my 20's

It snowed one day last week and the boys thought it was Christmas, no really they were ready to open all the presents they really thought it was Christmas (poor kids need snow! They loved every second of it even though it didn't stick)

This is one of my favorite rooms the ceiling is so high and I love how spacious it is compared to our tiny house in California.

Yep thats me! I was so excited that I get to buy cute winter hats with fun braids! don't mind the wrinkles of this really close photo... you get those with age don't worry:)

My second favorite part of the house my closet!!!!! these pics don't do it justice this is only half of the closet I LOVE IT SO MUCH !!!!!! i can actually SEE my clothes!!!!

And this is the new place we call home, it really is like waking up in a dream, the boys love it here so much and have adapted quickly, it feels safe and happy just like all Homes should feel. Its nice to be HOME!

Tiny Blankey

2010-09-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Grant woke up this morning and threw "Tiny Blankey" in the garbage. Ben and I thought he was joking but when he never went back and got it or talked about it we knew he was being serious. He told us that he wanted to be big and that tiny blankey was to stinky for him so he wanted it to be in the garbage, and never made mention of it again.

To Grant: I am so proud of you, that was such a big boy decision made all on your own, you are growing up so fast.

To tiny blankey: you will not be missed you were always so smelly. Thanks for helping Grant grow up!

(of course I did have some tears in my eyes)

blue whales

2010-09-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

one of the most amazing things about living here is that we get to see some of the most incredible things! Its a good reminder of why it costs so much to live here because there really isn't anything like it!

Ben and I took the boys out to see the blue whales... Technically it isn't whale season but since it has been such a cold summer the Blue Whales have migrated to our coast because of the amount of fish that are here. The boat captain said that they haven't seen this many whales in this coast for 50 years they said they have spotted up to 50-60 just on our coast alone. It really is an amazing once in a lifetime things to see!

Labor day hiking trip

2010-09-05T20:59:00.001-07:00

We went hiking up Malibu Creek canyon, it was so nice to be outdoors and getting some good exercise. It was really really hot there as you will see in the progression of the pictures everyones faces get redder and redder as the trip goes on. The boys were troopers and we had a great time!!!

I was there.... no one ever takes my picture so I thought I better throw this one in there in case any of you were wondering where I was.

Getting hot... and maybe a little delirious

Really hot now
And REALLY DELIRIOUS!!! thanks boys for being such great sports! We love you!

1st GRader

2010-09-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

This is my baby Jackson... who isn't a baby any longer:( He went off to first grade and never looked back. I told him once you go to first grade you may as well be married with kids and be well into your career because thats how fast time goes. He just laughed and thought I was saying one of those crazy things that mom's say, he's probably right, but that doesn't mean I don't miss him like crazy while he is gone.

yes I cried. Ben got proof.

It's official... Linc is walking!!!

2010-08-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well Lincoln finally got those long chicken legs to get up and move!!! Seriously his legs are at least 3 inches taller than the other boys at this age. I try to put pants on that fit the other two boys at his age and they are way to short on him. What am I suppose to do? He is so skinny if I buy a bigger size for the length the waist looks totally rediculous all sinched up!

Melissa's moving party:(

2010-08-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

One of our best friends Melissa is moving away to the great state of Texas... for a last hoorah we threw her a party at my house it turned out great thanks to the help of all the other diva's.

This is Katie, Cambria, Andrea, Melissa and me!
Cambria (holding baby Preslee) Andrea, Melissa, Terra, and Katie!!!!
We had so much fun decorating outside when everything was finished it looked like we were throwing a reception.

The fruit thingy Jackson and I made.
The cupcake stand that took me forever to make and Katie......Those orange cream filled cupcakes were to die for!!!
Of course I had to throw in a pic of the these cute things!

(You should be able to click on the pictures to see them close up)

2010-06-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

I left on a short trip to Utah and came home to little Grant who just turned 3 2 months ago riding his bike without training wheels! He is such a quick learner, Ben said he took off on the 2nd try! I am so amazed and so proud of him, Way to go Grant!!!!

alright.... fine I will do a post

2010-05-26T13:11:00.001-07:00

There has been war in my head regarding blogs.... One side it says do it for the Grandmas who seem to live a million miles away (THEY NEED TO SEE PICTURES OF YOUR SWEET SWEET BOYS) The other side says you have a bagillion things to do and some really cute boys that need your attention... they are only young for so long and laundry to be done and dishes that are sitting in the sink and beds that need sheets washed and vacuuming and bathroom that always smells because I have 4 boys that use 1 bathroom and windows that need the spider webs cleaned out for the summer time and baking to be done so these sweet boys who seem as though they are hungry ALL DAY LONG! and then of course it starts all over the next day.. man I am exhausted even thinking about all this........................ BUT...............Today .................The update won!!!!! ok so there are only two pics but hopefully this is a start to my weekly goal to update, we'll see!

This one is of the boys eating delicious blueberries & I was talking to Grammy on the phone!

This is one of our night out on the town, I love this man he makes my world spin!

my sweet 6 year old baby

2010-03-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Well my little baby turned 6! wow oh wow I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around that. I decided with each one of their birthdays it ages me. Seriously. I looked in the mirror the morning of Jackson's birthday and I swear I have a new wrinkle!

Anyway here is my sweet Jackson after he got home from school he was decked out in birthday gear ready for his big day!

He really wanted a birthday party at chuck-e-cheese's, I must say it was so nice to not have to plan anything , entertain, feed or clean up... Thanks to chuck e cheese (Whom I must say is a very frightening rat)

All the friends

Jackson and the scary rat.
Afterword we had a pinata lying around so we thought we would end the night with a bang!

Lincoln was exhausted!

Happy birthday Little Jackson I can't believe your 6! I hope you have a wonderful year!

A sunday in the park

2010-03-14T17:14:00.001-07:00

Isn't this boy just dreamy? I seriously can't control myself this boy is just so much fun and so full of smiles! I love this sweet sweet face.

Grammy's house (Texas)

2010-03-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Grandpa came to our rescue when they insisted we come to Texas over our winter break. So we went so scared to take 3 boys on a 3 our plane ride. (they were fine we were just overly worried parents) When we got to Texas so many things happened... Including miracles.

Lincoln ate his first waffle fry from chic-fil-a and loved every minute of it!

Grammy got us new snuggly jammies! ( it was so so cold there we weren't really prepared for the half foot of snow that was there when we got there)
Lots of snuggles from Grammy.........The boys loved this!

We went on carousel rides and then watched the ice skaters.... they boys were so amazed, (We were in a very olympic mood)

We got to be silly
Lincoln learned to crawl............. I am telling you miracles happened (if you want to know more you'll have to ask me personally)
laid by bucking horses.... These are pretty frequent in the state of Texas.
Played with very fun very energetic cousins!

Lincoln even had a spot at the museum just for him!!!
Grant had so much fun grocery shopping, and then paying for his grocery's

riding in an ambulance
seeing Jackson's famous face on TV
Getting eaten by crocodiles.
Smiling smiling and more smiling (lincoln has two very cute teeth on the bottom)
Playing at the park

I hope Grammy doesn't want to hurt me by putting this picture but she is a hero in our eyes... She fell in this very mossy very slippery stream of water trying to find a boat for the boys to put down the stream. Like I said OUR HERO!

Jackson running to get his "boat" (a leaf) that was floating down stream.

Grammy and her buddies

Lincoln really grew up while we were in Texas. He is officially weaned from nursing and is eating so many things. He is such a sweet baby and is sleeping through the night after our miracle trip to texas.

Then came Valentines day...Grammy spoiled us of course. The boys got gum mustaches that were absolutely histerical!!

Like I said when we arrived to Texas there was snow everywhere it was the craziest thing, But the boys were sure happy!
Thanks so much Grammy and Grandpa, this trip truly was amazing in so many ways! We had such a fun two weeks and it was really really hard to leave. We love you!

overload!

2010-03-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here is what little Linc is up to these days, eating solids !! Hoorray for linc.

Grant In his super cute super stylish ice skates. He had so much fun ice skating.
Jackson and I in our super stylish ice skated.... Jackson wore them for about 5 min. and demanded to take them off he said they hurt way to much... oh well I guess ice skating is not his thing.

Oh my sweet sweet boys! How cute are they?

Snow trip

2010-01-17T19:11:00.001-08:00

We took a trip to see the snow, Jackson was cracking me up because he was so worried when we would talk about going up in the mountain. His poor little brain could not figure out what that meant... could it be that we really have cit boys on our hands? that thought made me cry since i am such a country girl. anyway here are our pics from our fun trip.

My new Pre-schooler

2010-01-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

Grant started preschool he is doing so well, loves it and follows directions so well! We are so proud of him!

Our Christmas!

2010-01-17T18:56:00.001-08:00

Linc got a new ball
Jackson with his new friend Buggo.

Grant on his scooter (forgive me for the sideways pic I am on limited time doing these posts)
The boys in their new jammies.

We started a new tradition this year decorating rice crispy treat cars instead of gingerbread houses (since we are in house full of boys) We had so much fun!

We had a wonderful quiet Christmas but missed having family around.

Ornament Party!

2010-01-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Cambria had an ornament party, with yummy yummy food and great company! we had a great time!

Catching up...Again

2010-01-17T18:53:00.001-08:00

First things first... I had a birthday! I know it was a little over a month ago, but you'll have to forgive me.

I had a wonderful birthday and a very yummy cake!

Happy Birthday to ...

2009-12-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

ME!

This picture says it all.... down to the black and white. Oh what a year this has been and I am happy to say goodbye to the past year and am welcoming the next year with open arms! Thanks to all who have stood bye me in patience.. especially my sweet sweet husband he is my rock and I don't know if I could have done it without him. Thanks to my friends who have given me priceless advice, and those wonderful GNO's (they were much much needed) And thanks to my mom.... mom thanks for coming when I needed you most and saving my life (or my childrens) HERE'S TO A NEW YEAR! hopefully it will be colorful and happy!

The Grove

2009-12-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

This is Lincoln enjoying some Martinelli's on Thanksgiving

The Grove is a really pretty mall in Beverly Hills that is so amazing at Christmas time, they have a Santa, a trolley, a big huge Christmas Tree and Snow.... yes you read right Snow! Well.... California snow, which is bubbles made by a machine, but if you looked up in the sky as the bubbles were falling it really felt like snow! the kids loved it and we got some pretty cute pictures!

Our Fun

2009-12-06T11:38:00.001-08:00

First of all I want so say thanks to my viewers (if I even have any still) for looking at my blog....since I apparently only get to posting once a month or once every other month.

Ok so for thanksgiving this year we stayed here in sunny California, Jared and his sister came along with some friends from our ward. The next day we set out to see the Griffith Observatory, WOW was it amazing I was so amazed at the view and this amazing building!

Ben and Jared

Jackson and Jared

This was Jackson's favorite part (he called it the treasure part) it was really part of the "big bang Theory"

Kirks wedding and the pumpkin patch

2009-11-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

My cute older brother Kirk got married in October to Amber they are so so adorable and I am lucky enough to go there with just little lincoln.. Such good bonding time!

My Mom and Linc

Me and Jenny
My Dad and his sweet grand-daughters
Me and Khara
The bride and Groom

of course.. a sister picture ( I love these girls)
Me Cortney, Linc and Max (we are holding each others babies )
Cousins meeting cousins
Lincoln got to meet his great- grandma and Grandpa while we were in Utah, we had such a great trip and are so happy for Kirk and Amber!

Bens big surprise

2009-11-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

Ben turned 30 this year and I planned a big surprise party for him... It was so fun and really.. I can't believe I actually pulled it off! Happy Birthday! My sweet old man, I love you !

cute random pictures

2009-11-01T20:39:00.001-08:00

Soccer

2009-11-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

There comes a time in a mothers life that she needs to start ruling out sports for her children (especially when your family involves 3 boys) So we put Jackson in Soccer, he is so so good at it but I don't think he is really into it himself. So do I keep pushing it or just let it be? I have no idea.

The blessing

2009-11-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

Lincoln was blessed in September which feels like forever ago. He is now 3 1/2 months old and is so so much fun. Ben's family came down and we had one of the funnest weekends I have had in a long time. Thanks everyone for coming!

catching up

2009-11-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

These pictures are going to be way out of order but at least you'll be caught up on our crazy lives!

The kids
Lincoln the Frog.
Jackson as Venom.
Grant as a lion.
This is one of my most favorite times of year around here because every year I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming that we actually get to see the ocean and have 70 degree weather as we trick or treat! There really is nothing better.

Me Jackson and Grant in a scary pirates house!
Jackson and his loot!

Soccer

2009-09-28T10:37:00.001-07:00

Jackson started his first year of soccer! He was a little timid and shy and there were even a few tears shed, but by the end he was loving it! I thought he did so well and he has a very strong kick!

cute Lincoln and Daddy

2009-09-28T10:36:00.001-07:00

OUr little Lincoln is already 10 weeks! I wish pregnancy time would go by that fast! He is such a sweet little thing and is getting very strong.

The beach

2009-09-28T10:34:00.001-07:00

Ben's mom took this picture i thought it was so much fun that i would share it with all of you!

G.N.O

2009-09-23T12:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks girlies, it was sooo much fun.... and much needed!!!

First day of Kindergarten!

2009-09-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

The whole family dropped Jackson off at school, we are so lucky to have the school across the street.

How can this little boy,

Turn into this handsome little man!!!

Jackson is my rock, he is always there when I need him, always helping point out the obvious when sometimes I just don't see it, he is such a good big brother and is always telling his brothers how much he loves them and how cute they are. He loves to take things a part and loves to ride his bike, he is such a boy, but man is he sweet as pie! I can't believe how fast these past 5 years went I am so proud of my Jackson and I love him so very much! Way to go Dice!

Grant was so sad that we left "his Dice" at school and that he couldn't stay with him so he buried his head in the neighbors fence and wouldn't leave.

Fun beach pictures

2009-08-18T22:23:00.001-07:00

2009-08-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 7TH ANNIVERSARY!

Ben and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on Sunday, it was very low key but so nice! One thing that we love to do is reflect upon our previous years of being married and look back on things that we can laugh at now but couldn't then. So one thing we like to do is name our favorite year of marriage, our least favorite year of marriage and anything in between, how we have grown and changed and how fun it is to have grown up together. We have such a great marriage and we truly are each others best friends.

On my own

2009-08-11T13:50:00.001-07:00

As of today all of my help has gone back home, I was so so lucky to have had almost 4 weeks of help with these crazy boys and now I guess its time I become the Presidents only mommy. I love this picture it explains each of the boys personality. Grant the crazy one Jackson so sweet (normally) and lincoln just as patient as can be. Can you believe I am the mom of 3 boys!

Photo shoot

2009-08-11T13:48:00.001-07:00

This is really the only one that turned out that I love. Hopefully later when Linc is happy enough we will try again.

Gettin' Crafty

2009-08-11T13:45:00.001-07:00

I heard that these covers are the newest rage in Utah, so of course I had to get in on it to! I debated whether or not to make a girly one or a boyish one so I decided to go with brown for a boy and a girlish design and of course I had to sneak a girly color somewhere so the underneath is purple polka dots... so so cute!!!!

pictures of The Presidents

2009-08-11T13:43:00.001-07:00

2009-08-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ok so i didn't realize how big Lincoln had gotten until I put him in this bowl. This is his first bath. Laugh. I know it looks a bit silly but I thought he looked absolutely adorable. He is 2 1/2 weeks old here.

New Salon!

2009-08-06T15:08:00.001-07:00

While Ben had two weeks we decided to give ourselves some projects, We totally redid the salon! Painted everything the same color, new decorations and extended out the floor! I am absolutely in love.

Jackson

2009-08-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this sweet boy is starting Kindergarten in just a few weeks, he is the sweetest big brother and has been so very helpful.

The beach.

2009-08-06T15:03:00.001-07:00

This is Lincoln's first time at the beach, he was in heaven (of course he slept the entire time)

My heart is full

2009-07-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Ben is at work for a couple of hours... Grant is in bed, Jackson is at the neighbors, and Lincoln is also in bed.

I am not sure what to do with this quiet house except reflect ba

ck on the last 9 months. With tear filled eyes and my brain about 50 % returned to normal I can actually think to express myself. I wouldn't normally use my blog as a source to let my feelings out but there are so many people that have been so so helpful that I feel I need to say it here. So here it goes. This pregnancy was the longest, most emotional, and guilt filled that I

have ever experienced, I will say that I tried really hard to make it not known to most people but along the way I think I hurt some peoples feelings because I was really whats the word.... tried to hide, I am not sure why, but all I wanted to do was turn off my phone and hide. I have some really wonderful friends here in Cali who are so awesome! I truly do think of all of you as my family since we don't have any around. I want all of my friends and family know that I so much appreciated your phone calls of concern and words of encouragement. Although in the end I have the most beautiful and precious baby, I owe all of you a Great Big THANK YOU!

We are in Love......

with this sweet guy. He is such a good sleeper and only wakes up once in the middle of the night. He has had his days and night figured out since the minute he was born. He is very patient and rarely cries. And he loves to snuggle!

Boys, boys, boys

2009-07-24T15:45:00.001-07:00

We are having the time of our life!!!! We love this little guy so so much!

He's here!!!

2009-07-19T14:51:00.001-07:00

We are so so happy and excited to announce that our sweet little Lincoln is finally here!!! He was born on July 18th at 12:25 am he weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. and is 20 inches long. Jackson and Grant can't get enough of him and are the sweetest big brothers. We are home and enjoying our family time together.

Lincoln's corner

2009-07-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you live in a 2 bedroom house and there are going to be 5 people living in it.

The baby gets a corner in your bedroom.

(thanks to Katie and Melissa for the decorations, I think it turned out adorable)

What do you do when...

2009-07-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Your feet look like elephant feet and it is really hot in your house???

You sit in a nice cool pool, and hope then swelling goes down.

Pamper the mommy shower

2009-07-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friends Katie and Melissa threw me a "Pamper the Mommy Shower" and man O man was it fun!!!! I think everyone should have one of these, I got so spoiled by all of my cute friends everyone was so thoughtful and it was so nice to finally have a second to focus on our new addition little Lincoln. (Katie I am so that I didn't get a picture of us:( Thanks again you lovely girls I had a blast!

Fathers day

2009-06-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

We had such a nice relaxing Fathers day, I think it should have actually been Mothers day by how relaxing it was. Ben was such a great help keeping the kids entertained, feeding them and letting me take naps, he has been such a great dad especially with this long long pregnancy. We took the kids to the park later on to get out their wiggles and got some great pictures! I hope all of you had a wonderful day to!

Activities of the week

2009-06-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some of these are out of order but at least you all get to see what we did this week...

We went on a double date with our friends Melissa and Q to Benihanas and then made our way up to Hollywood to see Melissa's brothers band preform we had so much fun!

Jackson had a week long celebration for preschool graduation, this picture was on Graduation day, we are so very proud of him he is such a sweet boy and he learned so much over the past 2 years thanks to his wonderful teachers Ms. Gina and Ms. Laurie.

Ben's mom came to help for the week since I feel like I am going to explode, she was so sweet and helped me redo to boys room, we made our way to Ikea and found this cute tent for the boys, they love it so much and I am so happy their room is finally organized.
This is Grant on the last day of celebration our pizza and pool party, he was little timid to go and play with all the big kids, but he was sure happy just to watch and see what was going on.

Jackson's cute little drawing
Jackson and Grammy went to the beach while I relaxed and Grant had a nap.

Jackson at Graduation, walking to get his diploma.... so so cute!!!!

Jackson and his buddy Mason.
Jackson and Ms. Gina
Jackson Kayla and Sascha

We went bowling one day with school, it was so cute to see all the kids act like adults playing their own game of bowling.
Then we headed to the Sea Side Lagoon, we had so much fun I never wanted to leave it was so relaxing and the boys played for hours.

What a crazy week!!!! I am so tired so I think I will sleep all weekend.

not up to much, just havin some fun!

2009-06-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

enjoy!!!

This is for you mom

2009-05-29T16:38:00.001-07:00

Here you go mom, make sure you click on the picture to see the details.

What did you do for Memorial weekend?

2009-05-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well we had a blast!!!

The boys started off the weekend spraying each other with the hose.

Then Saturday Morning we went to the Hermosa Pier where they were having a Memorial day Fair.

We had to hop on a bus to get down to the Pier because all the streets were blocked off ( this was the highlight for the boys they loved loved loved the bus!)

Of course we had to pick up some cotton candy our favorite....YUM!

Later that night Ben and I went on a double date with our friends Melissa and Q to PF Changs and then we went to the golf course. We had so much fun but sorry no pictures.

Monday Morning we went to Breakfast with the kids they loved the food and Jackson couldn't believe someone would cook French Toast, bacon, waffles, and pancakes and hot cocoa just for one family!

Then we headed to the Aquarium where we saw all sorts of fun things, the boys had smiles on their faces the entire time.

Happy Memorial Day!!!!!!!!!! I hope all of you had a wonderful day.

Everyone loves flowers!

2009-05-20T18:51:00.001-07:00

So this was my gift this year to my mom and mother-in-law this year, I wanted to send them flowers but I feel sad when I receive real flowers and they die. So I made these button flowers that are bright all year long. They were so so fun to make and I am so happy how they turned out.

Traditions

2009-05-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

I guess when Ben and I put this cereal box on Jackson's head we would have no idea it would become a tradition. So I guess now we will have to get a picture of each of our kids with cereal box heads.

This is Jackson with his cereal box head
This is Grant after Jackson decided to give Grant his new hat!

Pretty funny boys!!!!

jackson with a little extra around the belly

2009-05-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ben took the boys to the beach while I was in San Jose doing hair at my sisters. I thought this picture was so funny because he filled his shirt up with sand and made it look like he had some extra rolls around his belly.

this is for the requested

2009-05-06T14:32:00.001-07:00

most of you know I hate my picture taken when I am prego, but since I live away from everyone some of you have requested to see what I look like. Here I am at 28 weeks. Enjoy!

Potty Training Time!!!

2009-04-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Yep that's right my little baby Grant is ready for undies...

Day 1: Was crazy to start off with I began losing hope. We started around 7 am and of course had accidents until 10 ish. and then he was very scheduled. I was very hopeful!

Day 2: Amazing in the morning no accidents, thats right not one! Went down for a 2 hour nap and woke up dry!!! wooooo hooooo. Downhill from the time he woke up but did let us know that he had to go, late afternoon then back on track:)

Day 3: Today no accidents going every hour and can hold pee if he feels it coming. I would say this will be a success!!!

Stay tuned.

Easter egg hunt hunt on Easter Morning

2009-04-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've been busy!

2009-04-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

I had a ton of fun with my mom and Jenny, We went to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, went on walks went to the beach and did our favorite things made new recipes ( which none of them turned out) and sewing aprons and bags we had a blast! I love these two! Thanks so much Mom and Jenny I had so much fun Love you!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T16:35:00.001-07:00

The kids started the Easter Holiday with a cute easter egg hunt in the park with all of their friends, Grant was so cute! Everytime he would find an egg he would open it up to see what was inside then put it in his basket and move on to the next one. Jackson had a blast and was very fast he says it was because he said a little prayer to ask Jesus if he would help him run fast, How cute!

My two sweet boys.

This is Grant easter morning I apparently am taking the year off of holidays I have felt not very motivated when it comes to holidays this year, luckily the boys have amazing Grandma's and Grandpa's Thanks everyone!
The easter bunny did take time to make Jackson this turtle blanket because his mom was having a hard time getting to it. He was so excited and was very proud that the easter bunny knows how to sew!

Grant turns two, Grandma and Jenny come to visit... it was fun!

2009-04-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

Opening presents, Grants new stroller he is so so sweet with his baby.
Opening Jenny's present

The Giraffe, he loves his Raff.
Enjoying his Birthday soaking up some rays. I guess it doesn't matter what age you are, its nice to just relax
Mom enjoying the rays
and Jenny... What more can I say I love ya!
Grant's new wagon.

Blowing out the candles

Ben, Jackson, and Jenny eating yummy cake and ice cream.
Grant insisted Jenny and I put curlers in his hair, he looked adorable.

Decisions

2009-03-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

So for the past little while I feel like I have an infant, Grant has been waking up every 2-3 hours every night, I am not sure what to do so I thought maybe he was not really needing a nap during the day so he would sleep better at night, the last 2 days I have purposefully not put him down for a nap, by 3 o'clock both days this is what happened.

Apparently I was wrong with this decision, any ideas?

some funny things

2009-03-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

1. Today I worked out for the first time in a while, I didn't have time to eat breakfast because it was a pre-school morning, and when I decide to work out on a preschool morning there is never time. When I walk in the door from the gym, Grant and Jackson need breakfast, they need to get dressed, they need their hair combed and Ben and Jackson need a lunch, which leaves little time for me to get in the shower throw on something that usually isn't very attractive (last minute outfits I never like!) get my hair done, and makeup on (these two things a must) before I have to throw the kids in the car and race to school. So as I said I went to the gym this morning and didn't have time to eat so the only thing I consumed from the time I woke up until 1:00 in the afternoon, was some robin eggs that were sitting on the counter, a bottle of water, half of Grants granola bar, a coke that I grabbed from the dollar store along with a tootsie roll. Now why am I telling you this. Because I want to know why I even bothered working out for the measly 35 minutes? I should have just eaten when I woke up, why because I was hungry from about 3 am on:) Oh how I love pregnancy.

2. Thing #2 Ben and I finally got to go on a date, we haven't been out for a while mainly because babysitters are very expensive here, seriously they charge any where from $8-10 an hour. We really wanted to go to the point that we thought who cares about the money lets just go and have fun, and fun we did have. So this cute little girl that we hired is so so sweet. Oh wait let me back up. You know when your trying to teach your child things and you just never know if it is entering their brain or not until they get put in that situation well this is one that made us proud. So I asked our babysitter to put the kids in bed at 8:30 I told her the drill and assured her everything would be fine, well everything was fine it went well, she had fun with the kids. But she is not our same religion so when she put the kids down to bed Jackson said "what about our prayers?" She was so cute and said oh OK she knelt down and said "Dear Lord" Jackson stopped her and said "that's not what you say, it's Dear Heavenly Father." So she said OK Dear Heavenly Father.... Pause. She said Jackson do you know how to say the prayer? By this time he was tired and said oh well let's just go to bed I am tired. So he never finished so what! I was just ecstatic that our nightly prayers are now habit to him and Grant.

I am sure you will all be surprised when I say....

2009-03-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

We are having a baby boy

Jackson's 5th Birthday

2009-03-13T13:09:00.001-07:00

Jackson had a wonderful Birthday from getting a new black bike in the morning, having a play date with Mason and then going to lunch at Carl's Jr with him, Getting money in the mail and buying himself a new toy, Playing with Jolie and Lucy on their trampoline, to his favorite dinner ( especially the mashed potatoes) and having all his closest friends come over to share cupcakes and ice cream with him. He went to bed exhausted but he had enough energy to say "mom that was so fun!"