FIND JOY IN OUR JOURNEY...

kids…kids…kids…

2012-02-15T10:12:00.001-06:00

Valentines was a little bit of a crazy day…

5:45-Jason leaves for work

6:45- Bridger wakes up

7:00-Cooper wakes up

7:15-Bridger gets on bus

8:00-Hendrix arrives

8:15-Abigail arrives

9:00- Bennett, Deegan, Logan, Nikkya, Sayla, Kaden, Evelyn, arrive for preschool

9:00-11:30, Hendrix, Addisyn, Cooper, Bennett, Abigail, Deegan, Logan, Nikkya, Sayla, Kaden, Evelyn… all have preschool.

11:30- Preschool kids leave

11:40- Make lunch for Hendrix, Addisyn, Bennett, Abigail, Cooper and Nikkya.

12:10-Put Hendrix, Bennett and Abigail down for a nap.

3:00- Abigail’s dad picks her up.

3:15- Load Bennett, Hendrix, Addisyn and Cooper in the car.

3:25- Drop Bennett off at the Community School

3:30- pick up Bridger at school

3:35- Run into Driggs. Bridger broke the zipper on his coat, so I had to buy another coat.

4:05-Get gas because gas light just had to come on when I was in such a big hurry.

4:10- Run out to Jessica’s to deliver and pick up dinner {details to come…}

4:40- Drop off Hendrix to Lindsay

4:45- Pick up Kaden and Brooklyn so Alisha could go to the county meeting regarding the Stake Center.

6:00- Cook pizza and breadsticks, feed Jason, Addisyn, Bridger, Cooper, Kaden, and Brooklyn

7:15- Alisha comes to pick up Brooklyn and Kaden

7:40- Alisha, Brooklyn and Kaden leave.

7:45- Brush teeth, and get Pj’s on.

7:50- Addi and Jason dance

8:00- Prayers, B of M scripture story, and BED!!!

Aughhhhhh….. It was a crazy day.

I took a shower, and cuddled up on the couch next to my sweetheart and watched Top Gear. Very romantic I know, but it was soooooooooooo nice.

My saving grace for the day was a dinner exchange that Jessica and I have been doing for over a year now! I LOVE IT!!!!! On Mondays and Wednesdays when we make dinner we make double what we would use for our little families. Then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays we meet each other, and exchange dinner for that night! It really is awesome. So last night, with no thought whatsoever, with no preparation, … we had this!

Oh… how thankful I am for the brilliant idea we had! THANKS JES for the pizza and breadsticks! It really hit the spot, and really made my Valentine’s Day night that much more enjoyable.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

2012-02-14T18:34:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone gets to spread a little love this Valentine’s Day!

This year I won’t be celebrating by a candle light dinner in some fancy restaurant, all dressed up, or a bubble bath full of rose peddles, a moon light walk on the beach… or any other romantic occasions! This year I will be snuggled up on the couch, in my pj’s, with my 3 little ones, reading books and hearing the stories from their day. Then when the kiddos go to bed, Jason will wrap his arms around me, and I’m sure we will watch Pawn Stars, Storage Wars, or something equally romantic together… BUT I WILL LOVE EVERY MOMENT OF IT!

It was fun to watch the kids make Valentines this year. They were all so excited about taking them to class. Even Cooper…

I made some sugar cookies Sunday afternoon. I can’t stay out of them!!! They were suppose to get devoured at a friendly game of Dodge Ball… but, sadly we weren’t able to make it, so they keep staring at me.

I love this recipe. They are so soft and delicious. I would even go as far as to say they are my favorite sugar cookie…

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

1 C. butter

2 C. sugar

3 eggs

1 C. sour cream

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla

4 C. flour {I always add more like 5 cups}

Mix butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, soda, and vanilla. Add flour; use as little flour as necessary, but add a little more if it makes the dough easier to handle. {*see my remarks} Roll dough out on lightly floured board, cut and bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees until lightly browned. {I bake for 9 minuets}

* I always add more like 5 cups of flour. It is a VERY sticky dough. Before I try to roll them out, I put the dough in the freezer for about 15min. This will just make it not so sticky, but keep them light, and not more dense by adding extra flour. I have found in my oven that 9 minuets is the perfect cooking time. I topped them with a cream cheese frosting, and they really are so so dang good!!! Enjoy

HAPPY VALENTINE”S DAY TO ALL THE PEOPLE I LOVE!!!!

Race #4 of the year…

2012-02-12T21:33:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning we hit the road again. Destination… Island Park! Bridger had his 4th snowmobile race of the year. He took 1st place at the other three. {I’m a little behind on blogging about those. I am still going to do it, but they will be back dated.} We are so proud of him. I just love that he loves it. He is passionate about it. He looks forward to a race all week long. It is so cute to see.

I was excited to hear that Grandpa Kenny was able to make it to this race. Grandpa raced for 16 years. He rulled the races. He has trophy after trophy. He was telling me that they would do cross country races, and ride 101miles. It would take 6+ hours, but his real passion was for the oval races. I love listening to my dad talk about stuff like this.

Grandpa stopped and grab Logan for the races. I think he had a great time. He was super shy the whole day, and just took it all in! Love him so much!!!

I video tape and try to get pictures of all the races, but with Cooper always hanging on me, it gets a little difficult. Here are some pictures from the day.
They do 2 heats, then a final race.

Making the final corner of the first lap…

Headed up the hill…

Jumping the top… it is so cute, he actually gets air sometimes. He is a very good little rider. He has it running through his blood I think, just like Grandpa Kenny.

Look, the ski’s are off the ground… GO BUDDY!!!

A proud dad ushering him on… Go! Go! Go!!!

I like this picture. You can completely see the determination in his eyes.

What a STUD!!!!!

Waiting for the trophy presentation. I just think this is cute. Cooper would love nothing more then to be doing it to. Next year we will have two racers on our hands I think.

At the end of the day Bridger took 2nd this race. We were so happy for him. I hate to be that person, but Bridge would have took 1st this time again, but there was a dad who snuck a mod sled into the speed limited class, and stomped Bridge in the final race. He cheated, and he knew it. Right after the race he loaded his sleds {a stock sled, and a mod sled} grabbed his trophy and was out of there. He knew he was wrong, and wouldn't even wait until the presentation! Just sucks that people have to do that. BUT… we are so happy with the way Bridger raced. It is good not to win them all. It keeps you trying your best!!!

Way to go Boog. I love you so much! We are so proud of you. THANKS so much to Grandpa Kenny and Logan for coming and supporting us today. We know it was a sacrifice, and we appreciate it.

“Will You Marry Me?”

2012-02-12T19:27:00.001-06:00

12 years ago, with a rose in hand, sitting on a bench in the Rexburg park, Jason said those words to me! I can remember it like it was only a year ago. It really doesn’t seem like it has been 12 years. That is a long time. Crazy how the years have come and gone. Oh how I am grateful for each of them. The trials and tribulations of each year, and the monumental moments that have taken place. The times we laughed together, and the times we cried together! I am so luck to be married to him. He is truly my Best Friend. I love him with my whole heart.

He is not the romantic kind. He just isn’t! BUT…

when they came home today the kids rang the doorbell, and said

“Will you Marry Dad again?”

Bridger was holding a card, Cooper a bag of candy, and Addi a dozen roses.

It made my heart skip a beat!

He walks in and says “You thought I forgot, didn’t you?” I laughed out loud. Not because he said that, but because yesterday I had my planner on the counter, and had wrote “Jas proposed 12 years ago” on February 12. Last night I saw him glancing at it, then taking a double take… he was totally caught! He laughed when I told him that.

It doesn’t really matter how he remembered, what does is that we still like each other, we have fun together, and we love each other so much!

Thanks for choosing me to be your Eternal Companion!!! I love you Jas

I should care…

2012-02-11T20:13:00.001-06:00

… but I don’t!!! As long as it helps potty train him, then I am okay with it!

About 2 weeks ago, I decided I would start potty training Cooper. We watched the Signing Time, Potty Time movie, and put on the potty watch! The first day was awesome! He had very few accidents… BUT this is where he decided to pee…

Laughing… he would just open the door. Pee. Then come a running to me in complete excitement! Honestly, I couldn’t crush his enthusiasm. Could I??? So, I have continued to let him pee outside. I have tried to encourage it in the snow, not in the garage. He has done awesome though! I am so proud of him. He is wearing his underwear for naps, and hasn’t had an accident yet. He wore them to church, and no accidents! Yeah!!! In the last week, he has even woke up with a dry diaper every night!!!!! You are awesome Coop! Mom loves you so much. Keep up the good work Bud.

{Burr}

2012-02-11T19:58:00.001-06:00

Come rain or shine, it doesn’t matter, my boys LOVE to ride the snow machine! They would stay out there all day long. After about 1 1/2 hours of riding, this is what they looked like when they came in! BURRRRRRR

Tender

2012-02-11T19:55:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it is just the smallest little acts of love that melt a moms heart! This was one for me…

This might look silly to some, but to me it was pretty precious! There was no fighting, no crying, no whining… all 3 of them were enjoying each others company! They were playing together. Oh… how refreshing it was to me! They just don’t happen often enough!

Banana Muffins

2012-02-11T19:46:00.001-06:00

I had some bananas that needed either used, or thrown away… so I decided to make some banana muffins! Like everything that I do, I always have a few extra hands. Well, normally I like the opportunity to cook with the kids, and enjoy doing something fun with them. WELL… {can you just guess what comes next}… THIS WAS NOT ONE OF THEM!!!!! A simple task of making muffins turned into this…

I was NOT happy!!! I turned my back to grab baking soda, and cooper turned on the kitchen aid to #9!!! A HUGE cloud of flour went everywhere. I will admit I didn’t exactly act like an adult! Not my proudest moment, that is for sure.

But… after it was all said and done. We all sat an enjoyed a very delicious Banana Muffin.

Here is the recipe. They were really good. Even if it was a very frustrating 30 minuets

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Every night I pray for more patience with my kids. I pray that I can be a better example to them. I pray that I will be the person I expect them to be… I have got to stop praying for patience. I think Heavenly Father is only giving me more opportunities to be patient with them, and all of the above! Laughing… Someday I will be grateful for the moments I am given to make me more patient, BUT, right now I wish I didn’t have so many of them!!!

Nose against the wall…

2012-01-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

Gosh… I don’t remember why the kids were in trouble!!! BUT, I do remember being at my breaking point with them. I know that Cooper {for a change} wasn’t the one causing mischief. I told the other kids to…

“Put your nose against that wall, and do not move until I tell you to!!!'” I was serious to, but guess what…

THEY LAUGHED THE WHOLE TIME!!!!!!! Grrrrrr…

Geez… you try and teach them a lesson, and they laugh!!! So much for that! Even if they did stay there for 6 minuets.

“Joy is in the Journey…” I guess at least I can look back and laugh at it, because I was so irritated in that moment!!!

Gave me a {S.M.I.L.E}…

2012-01-24T09:20:00.001-06:00

Mom: “Cooper did you poop in your diaper?”

Cooper: “No, Addi!”

Mom: “Addi didn’t poop, Cooper did!”

Cooper: “No, Idger!”

Mom: “Bridger doesn’t stink, Cooper does!”

Cooper: “No, Paige Poo!”

Mom: {laughing} “The puppy pooped?”

Cooper: “No, mommy!”

January 1, 2012

2012-01-20T08:26:00.001-06:00

January 1st this year was a Sunday. The first Sunday of my new Calling. The first Sunday of Jason’s new calling, and the first Sunday for new classes for these 3 (at least 2 of them).

{Bridger 6, Addisyn 4, Cooper 2}

Cooper should be in Nursery, but he refuses. It gives him an extreme amount of anxiety, so I have quit trying. He will just run around with me and the Primary I guess! Enjoying cereal from Kelly…

Addisyn is in the CTR 4 class this year!

Bridger is a CTR 6 this year. It is crazy to think that in 1 1/2 years he will be Baptized.

Here is to a New Year! I think it is going to be a great one!!!

Trio

2012-01-20T08:14:00.001-06:00

My parents got this great Trio set for Cooper for his birthday. He just loves it. It is so much fun to play with.

THANKS MOM for the great gift. It is played with almost every day by all of us!

Cute little stinker!

Sleep where you can

2012-01-20T08:10:00.001-06:00

Mr. Cooper has been horrible about taking a nap this last month. It makes me sad… that was my time to rejuvenate and get through the rest of the day! Laughing… not happening lately. But, that doesn’t mean he isn’t sleeping at all…

They were riding, and it didn’t take but a few laps to fall to sleep on Bridger. What a good Big Brother he is! I just love this kid so much. He is a big help when he wants to be. Coop loves the snow machine, and even though it isn’t the most thrilling way to ride Bridger is always willing to take him. Thanks Boog!!!

Little SH**!!!

2012-01-20T07:49:00.001-06:00

Cooper is a little SHIT! There is just no other way to describe him. He can be so sweet, loveable, and fun… but when he decides to, he can be nasty.

The boys were rough housing, and Bridge and Coop bonked heads. Well, I guess it pissed Cooper off because he decided to plant his teeth into Bridger’s side.

Cooper was sent immediately to time out. Sorry about the messy face this happened right after dinner. There he sat for 3 minuets…He really could care less though. He cried for 10seconds. Then just sat there like he always does. I need to make up some vinyl that says “Coopers Corner.” He seems to sit there a lot.

Sometimes though, “I sawwy” makes everything better! Doesn’t take the sting away, but makes it all better! Little fart. Good thing Bridge is a tough little guy.

The bite reminded me of a time when I was little. (Don’t be mad Shan) I was playing the piano, and Shannon decided that she wanted to play, and that my turn was over… I wasn’t ready to be done yet. So, she decided to bite my butt. I can still picture the mark on my right cheek in my head. It hurt so bad…so bad! I couldn’t sit on my bum for a week. Laughing… funny what we remember!

“So cute”

2012-01-20T07:36:00.001-06:00

Grandpa Gary stopped by the other night. The kids are always so excited to see him. Bridger especially was when Grandpa found Addi’s headband and put it on him teasing him how cute he was! I just think these pictures are so cute. Don’t you just love Coopers face in the background. Made me laugh. Grandpa held Bridger’s hands tight for the pictures then the minuet he let go the headband was on the ground in an instant!

Snow…Snow…Snow…

2012-01-19T07:18:00.000-06:00

We have been pounded with snow in the last 2 days. It is really crazy how much has accumulated. Jason was in this loader from 3am to 9pm today moving snow.

The kids loved it though. Bridger especially since school was cancelled!

I will say it was quite nice to have all 3 of them playing outside while I folded lots of laundry. It is amazing what 10 min of quiet can do for this mom.

Some pictures of the snow.

This accumulation was in about 4 hours.

All the new snow slid off the roof and left us with a 7ft barricade out the back door! Boy am I glad it waiting tell my kids were in the house before it decided to slide!!!!! The above picture of Cooper, he was playing right there.

It doesn’t seem to be letting up at all either. Don’t know that we will be going anywhere tomorrow either. I bet Parent Teacher Conference and my Primary Meeting are cancelled! I guess we will see…

A new year…

2012-01-17T15:36:00.001-06:00

I can’t believe it is January 17, 2012 and I am yet to make a post! I will be making the time to do some catch up posts. It really makes me sick that I am two months behind! I just pray nothing happens to my computer before I get my pictures on the blog!!! They will be back dated because I want to order blog books! I just can’t seem to figure out the best program… all a matter of time to figure it all out, and time seems lacking around here lately for me!

In the end of December I was called to be the 2nd Counselor in the Primary Presidency. I am beyond excited for this calling. I am working with some amazing women whom I hope to get to know better. I have been busily working on getting my first teacher training in order. Hopefully it goes smoothly this Sunday. Wish me luck!

Jason was called to be a teacher in the Primary. I am very proud of him for accepting this calling. It is definitely not in his comfort zone. He will be incredibly amazing though. I have loved it, and so has Bridger since he is teaching his CTR 6 class.

The last 2 weeks we have had a HUGE PINK EYE OUTBREAK in our house!!! It is a lingering little devil. Bridger caught it at school. He had it the most mild out of all 3 of them though. Cooper and Addisyn have had it terrible. I thought we were all cleared up, but Miss Addi woke up goopy, and bright red again this morning. I am just waiting for Jas and I to get it… hopeful we don’t, but not feeling so lucky! It spreads like wildfire, and is just as brutal I think!!!

More to come….

Poor kiddos…

2012-01-10T18:21:00.000-06:00

I mentioned that we had Pink Eye in our house… It was awful. Bridger brought it home from school. He passed it to Cooper and Addisyn. Bridger never got the puffy, goopy eyes. His were just bright red. I actually thought at one point they were just sunburned.

This is Cooper. I know it isn’t the best picture, but it is one of the only ones I took.

I had to cancel preschool a few times, and haven't had Hendrix, Bennett, or Abby much in the last 2 weeks. It was brutal.

This is miss Addisyn…

Doesn’t look much like her huh?!! Isn’t that just so sad. I am just so happy that Jason and I got lucky enough that it didn’t seem to catch us! I was completely shocked!!! I figured with as many times as I was washing, cleaning, and touching their eyes I was for sure going to get it! It was NASTY!!!!

New Years {EVE}

2012-01-01T10:48:00.000-06:00

What better way to spend the last day of the year then by Blessing little Tan Man. He looked so handsome dressed all in white!

The little guy stole my heart from the minuet I new he was coming. I just love him so much. It was so nice to spend some time with him, and of course Brian and Dani.

Brian gave him a wonderful and very special blessing, even if Tanner wasn’t very happy.

Pictures from the luncheon…

Lots of love in these 3 Aunties for this little Special Guy.

They were so excited to be with Tanner. They said over and over again, “He is so cute.”

I LOVE this picture of all of them… Oakleigh, Logan, Boston, Hudson, Cooper, Addisyn, Tanner and Bridger

It doesn’t happen enough that we all get together. I am so grateful for such wonderful Sisters. How incredible it is to have a true loving friends in each of them. They are all incredible, and such examples to me. I feel so very blessed that they are my friends, and most importantly my Eternal Sisters! They are all just amazing.
Brandi, Shannon, Danielle and Chantri

Warnke’s

Hone’s

What a great family they are. I have loved getting to know all of Brian’s family. They are such great people. So loving, friendly, and caring, you can’t help but love them too!!!

Not only did we get to hear 1 amazing Blessing that day, but 2. Brian’s brother was blessing his sweet little daughter that day to.

I am so grateful for the Priesthood. It is always such a special thing to hear a Fathers heart felt blessing to the newborn child. Although the day was just perfect, it was also very bitter sweet for me. I had to say Goodbye to all of them. They were headed back to VA. I couldn’t help but get teary eyed when I kissed Tanner for the last time {for quite a few months}. Just broke my heart!!!

LOVE & MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!! Thanks for letting us be a part of such a special day.

Christmas Day {Part 2… }

2011-12-31T19:10:00.000-06:00

After we had our Christmas Morning as just a family of 5, we headed over to Jackson in our PJ’s. The kids are always so excited to spend time with Grandpa & Grandma, and all the fun exciting cousins we have!!!! I will admit it excites me just as much if not more then it does my kids!!!

After we got there, it was right in to presents… Grandpa and Grandma got each of the grandkids these adorable hats. With the exception of Kenna and Tay.

More pictures from the festivities…

The kids were all so anxious to get in the hot tub… Thanks Jason for sitting in there with all the kids! Your awesome, I love you so much!!! How you convinced each of the kids to do this… I do not know!

Addisyn…

McKenna…

Bridger…

Teegan…

Carter…

Kaybree…

Cooper…

Can’t you just feel the tingling sensation you get when your cold then hot… pins and needles! These kids are crazy!!! I love it. They were all just a giggling and screaming. It was to cute. While they were doing that… I was cuddling with this cute little thing- Miss Trinity

It was such a wonderful Christmas Day!

Christmas Day {Part 1…}

2011-12-31T19:07:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas! I love the excitement in the kids eyes when they walk up the stairs. I love the smells of Christmas. I love that we get to spend time as a family, and with all of the people we love! Ohhh… I just look forward to Christmas all year long.

The kids were all nestled snug in their beds between 8 and 8:30.

We weren’t so lucky that next morning… it was 5:20am when we were all up and going!! We did have a little incident with Miss Addi at 11:10 {notice the time the picture was taken below}. She walked upstairs, so sneakily and quiet, and we didn’t hear her until it was too late… Jason ushered her downstairs, and then ushered her right back up because she said “I saw something Dad!” We told her that we woke up because Santa was making to much noise, and was surprised to see that he had already come and gone. She just missed him. She was sad about that, but happy to see what he left for her. After a few minuets of excitement she was back asleep in her bed!

I think Santa got them everything on their list this year…

Santa left the kids this letter, with the half eaten cookies, and the drank milk…

Even Christopher left the kids a note, and said he hopes he gets to come back next year. We weren’t expecting him to be here. We had all said our goodbyes the night before. He wanted to watch the kiddos open presents, and see what Santa brought them. He even left us a box of Orange stick, and Raspberry sticks to replace the ones he ate! Miss you Christopher!!!

Opening presents…

Then it was time for the last two presents! Every time we asked Addi what she wanted for Christmas she said “A little puppy!” She was so excited when she saw this little 1 pound pup…

They were all speechless. It was so cute.

Meet Paige. She is our little Yorkie. WE LOVE HER!!!!! She is so cute, and so much fun. It was such a fun surprise for Jason and I.

I was trying to take a picture of just how tiny she is… She can barley reach the top of this pop can.

Then it was Bridger’s turn. When we asked him what he wanted he said “A mod snowmachine!” Not asking much is he? Well, this is what he opened. A throttle cable. Jason told him that it would help him go faster, and to go try it on his sled in the garage…

This was waiting for him… He was so excited! He couldn’t believe it.

I can’t tell Jason THANKS enough for working so hard to provide for our family, and give them the Christmas of their dreams!!! I love you so much Honey. You amaze me daily. Merry Christmas!!!

Now we are off to Jackson to spend the day with our family…

{J.I.N.G.L.E} Bells

2011-12-31T16:48:00.000-06:00

Addisyn has been taking Dance for a few months. She has LOVED every moment of it. She gets so excited to dress up in her dance clothes, and go to class. I have been very impressed with the rhythm and movement she has. She is pretty dang good!

In December they had a Christmas Dance Concert. Didn’t she just look stunning! I just think she is incredibly beautiful, but I am just a wee bit biased!

We were blessed that Grandma & Grandpa could come to her little concert. THANKS so much for driving all the way up here to watch a dance that lasted less then 2 minuets. It is such a HUGE jester for me. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you guys. I love this picture of the 3 of them. So special to me…

Addi and her Proud Mom…

Addi and her Proud Dad…

Our cute little dancer…

Cooper had to get his picture taken…

Let the show begin…

They danced to Frank Sinatra, “Jingle Bells”…

Shake those hips… She really can move, and she does it right! It isn’t the stiff little soldier, she knows how to move those little hips of hers. It was so cute. The people behind us said “Look how good that little girl is…” it was cute! But most importantly look at how much FUN she is having!!!

You go girl…

Right on cue for the next step…

A bow to finish the show…and a look at Mom… {smile}

Oh, I just loved it. She was so adorable, and had a complete blast on that stage. I know there will be many more Dance Concerts in our future, and I look forward to everyone of them!

GREAT JOB ADDISYN!!! We are just so proud of you! You put your heart into your dance, and it showed.

100%

2011-12-31T16:21:00.000-06:00

Bridger received his first perfect score on a paper… MADE ME SO PROUD!

Way to go Bridger. You are doing such a great job in Kindergarten. I am so proud of you. You make your Mom & Dad very happy. You are learning a lot, and making a lot of friends. LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!

WARNING: Nude pictures of Cooper

2011-12-31T15:38:00.000-06:00

I was doing Addisyn’s hair one morning, after her and Cooper had taken a bath. Well, I walked out of the bathroom to see this…

Let’s see if I can balance this plastic bracelet on my tallywaker…

So much concentration, but I think I got it…

You caught me!…

A little wiggle tell it falls off, then start back at step #1…

I Laughed and Laughed and Laughed! So inappropriate, yet so DANG funny!!! He would stand completely still, try and balance it on his tallywaker, and then after he got it for a few seconds he would do this complete body wiggle till it fell off, then start over again! Oh my gosh… seriously the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Love this crazy boy of mine!!!

Grandma Kaye’s Christmas Party

2011-12-29T16:51:00.000-06:00

Every year Grandma Kaye tries to get everyone together, and every year it gets harder and harder, but it always seems to happen. She spoils us each with a Christmas Gift, but it is the time we get to spend with everyone that is so much fun! We had such a fun afternoon together. The kids played, we laughed, we ate, we talked and loved each others company.

Some pictures from that day…

Tuckered us all right out… Kays couldn’t take it any longer!

We had such a great time. I say it all the time… I love to spend time with my family! There is just nothing that makes me happier! Love them all!!!

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

2011-12-24T21:00:00.001-06:00

We wish you a Very Merry Christmas! Hope your holiday is amazing. We feel very thankful for the blessings we have in our lives.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T18:39:00.000-06:00

I REALLY REALLY hate that it is February, and I am just getting to do my Christmas Eve day post… I hope I can remember some of the details of the day, but I am sure this will be a post full of pictures! BUT, I guess they do say “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday. It was nice to not have to worry about certain things, and just get to enjoy the day together. As we have done for the last few years, we decorated gingerbread houses. The kids love it so much… especially my 32 year old kid {at heart}.

We also decorated cookies for Santa, and made a special plate for our neighbors!

Then it was time to clean up, and open our Christmas Eve present! It was a tradition in our home, as far back as I can remember, that we opened our Christmas PJ’s Christmas Eve. I have carried that on with my kiddos. I added a Christmas book with them that we can read Christmas Eve. They love it, and I have loved it just as much!

Cooper…

Addisyn…

Bridger…

We all had a good laugh when Bridger put on his pj’s and pulled them as far up as he could. They were a little big, but I didn’t think he needed to “Urcle” them. Laughing… but soon they all were!

Right before bed, the kids went outside to scatter the Reindeer food!

It was a wonderful Christmas Eve! I was so excited to see what Santa brought for these little stinkers.

It amazes me how much I love these 3!!!

Warnke Christmas Party

2011-12-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

I was especially excited this year for our Warnke Family Christmas party. Not just because of the delicious prime rib…

which my Dad generously saves me the most tender, delicious, juicy, scrumptious, well you get the point… piece of meat…

Not just because of the countless hours my moms spends cooking and baking to make everything just perfect…

Not just because of the incredibly selfless, and generous way my parents STILL SPOIL US ALL ROTTEN…

Okay…Okay… I won’t keep you waiting any longer! A HUGE excitement for me this year was because I got to meet, snuggle, hold, and love on…

This handsome little guy, Tanner…

Seriously, it was so good to hold him. He is just such a cute little guy. I fell completely in love with him when he was born… but I was smitten when I got to meet him. I love him, and loved kissing him.

Another plus, was that all 4 of us sisters were together under one roof. It has been a while since Dani is living in Richmond. It is just refreshing to me to spend time with everyone. It might sound silly, but it is almost rejuvenating! I just love them all so much.

We really did have such a wonderful day. I enjoyed every last second of it. My Mom always goes above and beyond to make everything spectacular. The food, company, gifts and hospitality are top notch. I can’t tell her THANKS ENOUGH for EVERYTHING! I just think she is amazing. My Dad usually just shows up after mom has it prepared, purchased, wrapped and ready… but without his heart of gold, undying love for his girls, and complete generosity none of it could be as it is.

It is always fun to get the kids together…

Cooper, Tanner, Bridger, Logan, Hudson, Boston, Oakleigh, Addisyn

What a great group of 8… Grandkids my Parents have!

Here are some pictures from this great day! I couldn’t just pick a few…

For as long as I can remember my Dad has stuffed money in our stockings. We always looked forward to it… not expecting it, but excited that it was there. This year in the kids’ stockings they each received $5.00. Crisp, untouched $1.00 bills. They were all elated to see them. Especially Bridger. He counts his money everyday, and was very excited to add to his savings.

Love this picture of Oakleigh. She can be the sweetest little Angel every, but she certainly has a little feisty side to her! Love all these beautiful Girls.

Opening the gifts…

My dad only had one present to open… we all pitched in and got him a nice pair of riding boots! Man did he have a lot of help opening that one present!

I could add so many… but, I will stop there! My parents got the kids Leap Pads this year, and they have been such a hit! It was an incredible Christmas Day, celebrated on December 18, 2011!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!! Love you all so much, and miss you even more!

Christopher Pop-In-Kins

2011-12-06T22:27:00.001-06:00

On November 23 Bridger spent the night at Jessica’s for Deegan’s birthday. He came home wishing and praying that we had an Elf show up at our house like their Elf, Charlie. Unfortunately, I hadn’t made it to Rexburg or Idaho Falls to mail the letter requesting one, because there wasn’t one anywhere in the Valley to “mail the letter requesting an Elf”… (wink…wink). Thankfully, my sweet sister Chantri “mailed the letter” laughing… geez… and we were able to have an Elf be a part of our family for some of November & December.

When our Elf arrived he left a book under the tree, and was nestled snug and cozy in our Christmas tree.

The 3 kids were so dang excited! Cooper has been one of the funniest to watch interact with Christopher.

That next morning Chris moved here…

Cooper was seriously so cute… he spotted him, then looked at the tree, and looked back at him, then back at the tree, and just smiled from ear to ear! Bridger is always saying “I found the Elf first.” Addi has shed a few tears because she didn’t find him first… hard to when Bridger wakes up at 6am, just because he does, and she doesn’t usually wake up till 7-7:30.

Here are a few more spots he has been found…

We couldn’t believe that he spent so much time in the candy jar eating peppermint taffy.

We left Friday for Rexburg, and spent the night at Britts. Jason’s cousin Landen was getting married. It was a beautiful ceremony, and a fun yet very busy day. We also had Grandma Kayes Christmas party… more to come later! Anyway when we got home late Saturday night, this is where we found him…

When we got home from Church he was here…

Sunday was a VERY LONG day. The kids were at each others throats all day long. It seemed like it was one thing or another… We learned that our Elf is naughty when our kids are being naughty. We were invited to a friends house for dessert Sunday night, and when we got home LOOK WHAT HE DID…

Yes our sweet little Christopher toilet papered our Christmas Tree. He was in trouble. He knew he was. The next morning we found him in Bridger’s stocking with his hands covering his eyes. By the middle of the day, he was back to normal, smiling and spreading his magic throughout our home. I didn’t get a picture of all of his hiding places, but it sure has been fun having him in our home! I just hope the kids keep being good, so he stops being naughty to. Hopefully he is using his magic to get to the North Pole and give a good report to Santa Clause.

Believe in the Magic!!! We are loving it!!!

Cooper Turns 2…

2011-12-06T16:33:00.001-06:00

On November 28th my baby turned 2! I am so glad that he is a part of our family. He gives us so much happiness on a daily basis.

It was a pretty low-key birthday, there was so much going on in the 2 week period surrounding his birthday, that there just wasn’t a day to have a big family party. So it ended up just being us, and Grandpa Gary. That is okay though, it ended up being the perfect day.

The birthday boy…

The cake…

The presents…

From Mom, Dad, Bridger & Addisyn:

Cabela’s Truck and Trailer with 4 wheeler and dirt bike
Color wonder Finger Paints
Underwear, and Potty Time movie and watch

From Grandpa & Grandma:

Mega Blocks stand

The LOVES…

The playing…

The candles…

The good part… eating the cake…

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY COOPER!!!

About you, Cooper at 2 years old:

You are such a little mamas boy. I am your favorite person right now, no one in the world makes you more confortable and happy then me! You are starting to get better about it, and are wanting Dad more and more. Someday I know that others will start to occupy your heart, but for now it is so nice to know that you love me so much!
You go down for a nap everyday. You are easy to put down. You want your binky, blanket and you go right to sleep. It is so nice.
You like to cuddle to go to bed at night. When you decide you are tired, you can fall to sleep in a few seconds, but it has to be your decision.
You only get your binky when you are sleeping. You only get it if you just lay down in your crib and go to sleep. If you want mom, you have to choose between mom or your binky. It is actually pretty cute. When I lay you down at night, and if you don’t just go to sleep, and start crying, when I go in there you have to put your binky on your pillow before I will pick you up. It has been a pretty easy decision for you, and you love your binky… that is how much you love me right now! Always remember that…
You are a horrible eater… I seriously don’t know what to do about it. I think right now you weigh a whopping 25 pounds dripping wet!!! Thank goodness you like Pedia-sure (THANKS Halley) because then I know you at least get some vitamins and minerals everyday.
You have a very fun personality. You are mischievous though, and I am pretty sure you will be a handful when you’re older! Laughing… hopefully in a good way though!!!
You don’t sleep though the night. You will fall to sleep either in your crip, or on my lap. I will put you in your bed, and around 1-2am you will wake up and spend the rest of the night between dad and I. I don’t mind though, because I know it won’t last forever!
You aren’t really showing any interest in potty training… soon I hope!
You are mean to Addi. You pinch, or scratch her or pull her hair daily. I don’t know why you pick on her, but you are mean. You end up in time out because of it. It really doesn’t seem to faze you though.
You respond well when I count down from 5… If you are doing something you shouldn’t, or I ask you to clean up a mess, or whatever the circumstance be, when I count down 5…4…3… I get a fast response most of the time, and you start doing what was asked before I can even say 4.
You are talking in syllables. I can understand and communicate with you, but others that aren’t with you all the time think you talk jibberish! You will say “Where are you?” but it sounds like eerrrrrr aaaarrr uuuuuu. It is a little frustrating at times. If it doesn’t start improving in the next couple months, then I think I will have your ears tested to make sure your hearing all of the sounds that you need to.
You HATE NURSERY!!! When I say HATE, I mean HATE!!!!!!!!!! I have tried leaving you and letting you fuss it out. But you’re a stubborn little thing, and cry and cry and cry. When they finally bring you down to me you do the sniff-sniff-sniff…pause…sniff-sniff-sniff…pause thing for about 30min before you finally calm down. It has even gotten to the point that last Sunday you bawled, not cried, but bawled sitting ON my lap in the nursery room.
You love to “fight” with Bridger, Addi and Dad. You get the big red boxing gloves and have at it. You are going to be SO COMPETITIVE I think. I thought Bridger was, but your with competitive edge, and Bridger’s example, I think your going to be a monster. I just hope you apply it in your studies, and not just sports and extra curricular activities.
You love to be outside. Anything outdoors you love, just like Bridger and Daddy.
You say the cutest prayers every night. I just love it. You bless each of us, and some of us more then once, then say Amen and clap. It makes us all smile every night!
You LOVE your trucks, trailers, motorbikes and 4 wheelers. You motor around the house all day long. You are continually hooking a trailer to a truck. You make a motor sound all day long. It is the cutest thing, and you are very good at it!
You can still fit into a size 3 diaper, but I buy 4’s. You can wear a size 5 shoes, but they are getting snug. You can wear 18 month clothes still, but can wear a 2t as long as they have an adjustable waist. Otherwise they slide right off of you skinny little butt!!!
You love candy, chips, or any type of junk food. I am certain you get this from me. I am really trying to get you to eat better. Veggies are almost no existent in your diet. You do love bananas, apples (but you spit the skin out all over), and mandarin oranges are your favorite. You love your meat, and will eat that almost first every time.
“Mine” is becoming a much overused word in your vocabulary. You don’t share well. If you want it, you will punch, push, scream, or throw a fit until you get it. This will usually always end you up in time out, which you actually sit in very well.
You are one LOVED little boy! We love everything about you. The good, the bad, the spunky, the sassy and everything in between. WE LOVE YOU COOPER!!!

Playing Catch-up…

2011-11-26T10:47:00.001-06:00

I have done something like 15 posts today… I wanted to get caught up! So if your interested in seeing them all, you have to go to older posts to see them all.

Why did I spend the last 3 hours blogging??? Because over a month ago my computer crashed. I took it in, and he did everything he could to say my documents, programs, and most importantly pictures… but he couldn’t! They were GONE. Yes, I cried… I was so so so sad. So… I am even more grateful for my blog then I was. More grateful for the time that I took to write down the simple little moments that happen in our life. More grateful that I put lots of pictures on my blog. They are all I have of Cooper… all his baby pictures, all the pictures from the last 2 years… there all gone! The only ones I have are the ones on my blog. So, YES… I spent over 3 hours today blogging because it is so important to me, and will someday be so important to these 3!!!

Enjoy catching up!!!

Popcorn Popping

2011-11-26T10:38:00.001-06:00

Oakleigh is so dang cute… I just can’t get enough of her! On Thanksgiving, Shan had her sing Popcorn Popping for us, and I had the camera and got these…

“I looked out the window, and what did I see?…”

“Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!…”

“Spring has brought me such a nice surprise,

Blossoms popping right before my eyes.”

“I can take an arm full…”

“and make a treat…”

“a popcorn ball that would smell so sweet…”

“it wasn’t really so…”

“but it seemed to be. Popcorn popping on the apricot tree”

Best Friends

2011-11-26T10:26:00.001-06:00

These two couldn’t get enough of each other during Thanksgiving! They played and played and played! I only saw them slow down once, while they were watching Wizards of Waverly Place.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T10:23:00.001-06:00

I have said it many times before, but I LOVE spending time with family. So, I love the holidays. This year we were with my family for Thanksgiving. I didn’t take very many pictures, which is completely unlike me… and makes me a little sad. But, what do you do…

As always my mom made thee most INCREDIBLE, DELISHIS, and SCRUMPTIOUS meal ever! She is such a wonderful cook. We got there around 10, and the first thing I put in my mouth was pie crust… then I had a piece of Apple Pie for “Breakfast.” It was even better then it looks if you can imagine!

Everything was so good. THANKS SO MUCH MOM for all of your efforts… your days of cooking for an hour of eating! It was perfect. Every last bite!

I think one of my favorite parts of the day, if I had to name favorites, was getting to talk to Dani and Tanner on Face Time (I think that is what it is called). I can’t wait to meet this little guy in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!

He was tired, and ready for a nap… so we didn’t get a lot of excitement from him, but I didn’t care. It was just good to see him and Dani. Miss them so much!

I also loved playing with little Miss Oakie Poky…

She is only 3 months older then Cooper, but she can count to 20, sing her ABC’s and so much more… you would think she was 3 years older then him. She is such a cute little stinker. She can certainly be a little mischievous monster… but I love it!!!

Another highlight was this little guy…

He is growing up just way to fast! But, I love the big personality that is coming out in him. He is so cute! I am going to call him LJ from now on… Logan Junior! He looks just like his big brother! So cute.

It was so nice that there was no snow. We were able to ride 4-wheelers, and motorbikes… the kids loved it!

We had such a great Thanksgiving. I have so much to be grateful for. I am one very blessed person.

A (pre) Birthday Celebration

2011-11-26T10:02:00.001-06:00

Cooper turns 2 on Monday!!! I can’t believe it. There are days that he seems so small still, and there are others that he seems so big. He is full of personality… if he lets you see it!

Because his birthday is so close to Thanksgiving, I decided that we would do a small, celebration with my family on Thanksgiving day.

Grandma let him open this early that morning… He was excited! Look at that tongue…

Later we sang Happy Birthday, and he really didn’t know what to think. It was quite funny… He just looked at all of us with this small smile. It was cute.

Say Thank you…

Thanks everyone! We just appreciate you so much…

Happy {pre} Birthday Cooper!

Dear Santa…

2011-11-26T09:37:00.001-06:00

Dear Santa…

Cooper glued this on all by himself…

Bridger wants this snowboard that he is in love with. I love the picture he drew. He also wanted Santa to know that he could write is ABC’s… too cute!

Addi found these, and couldn’t decide which one she wanted more. Hopefully Santa picks the right one.

Love the innocence of this time of year. It is my favorite! Hopefully our Elf shows up sometime this weekend!!!

I am thankful for…

2011-11-26T09:30:00.001-06:00

(Bridger made this…I just love it)

Family…Deer…Addi…Cooper

Putting up the tree…

2011-11-26T09:28:00.001-06:00

I just didn’t want to wait any longer to put up the Christmas tree this year… so on Sunday the 20th we put it up. That is one good thing about having a fake tree… it’s not going to die on me. Jason and I had talked about how fun it would be fun to go with the family and cut down a tree, but I was just too excited this year… maybe next!

Addi wanted to be the first person to put a star on the tree…

Then it was Bridger…

Last but not least… Cooper

The kids were just as excited as me, so I had to remind myself over and over again that it didn’t need to be perfect! And it isn’t… but I LOVE IT!!! The bottom half is definitely more decorated then the top half.

More pictures of the fun…

I just love when we get to “Deck the Halls,” and doing it with the people I love the most makes it that much better.

Silly Girl

2011-11-26T09:13:00.001-06:00

We were having french bread the other night with our dinner, and I always cut the ends off, pull out the soft center. Well, Addi picked it up, and put it on her hand and said “Look my, I lost my hand.” I don’t know why it struck me as so funny, but it did. Just that she even thought of that! Silly Girl….

The “Fort”

2011-11-26T09:10:00.001-06:00

This has been what you get to see when you walk in the front door quite frequently lately… THE FORT!!! Addi and Cooper play for hours in this thing. Usually it is pilled high with blankets, pillows and toys!

All smiles and giggles…

2011-11-26T09:00:00.001-06:00

The first thing Bridger said when he saw that the ground was covered in snow was “Can I ride my snow machine?” So when there was enough, I started the sled, made a little track, and let him go. Addi wanted to ride to, and was so excited. The wind was blowing, the snow was falling, and I thought it was freezing… but that didn’t stop them from having a BLAST!!! They rode for over and hour together…

Then Addi came in, and Bridger continued to play outside…

He was just a laughing… throwing the snowballs at me behind the window!

Later that afternoon we started both sleds, and Addi rode all by herself! She just loved it. She was laughing, and giggling, and having such a great time… they all were, but this was the first time Addi has really shown interest in snowmobiling, and especially driving it by herself. I think she has even decided that she wants to race with Bridger this year. How fun is that? Makes me excited!!!

She must have it running through her blood too, because she loved the powder, and was always making new tracks.

We all know Bridger has it running through his blood…

Cooper isn’t going to be any different… actually I think he will be worse! If that is even possible.

I had to laugh at Bridger… He rode up to me and said “Can I ride without Cooper for a minuet?” I said yes, and he went full throttle down the field. Then, I’m watching him and he stands up and puts both legs on one side of the sled and is pulling with all of his might… he was trying to curve in the powder like he has seen his Grandpa and Dad do so many times. It was hilarious. I got it on video instead of taking pictures… I couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm, drive, and determination!

They are spoiled little farts, but it makes me so happy to see them having fun! It makes the hard work, and the side jobs, worth it so they can have these “play toys.” Thanks Jason!!!! We love you so much.

Lots of snow…

2011-11-26T08:30:00.001-06:00

It snowed and snowed and snowed one day… I took these because it was just so pretty outside, and untouched.

Then the ducks decided to play…

A very tiny tooth…

2011-11-26T08:24:00.001-06:00

Before…

During…

After…

Bridge was so excited to loose his first tooth! Both of the bottom teeth were loose at the same time, and the others were rapidly coming in… so finally one day when his right bottom tooth was just barely hanging on, I had him work and work at pulling it out! He was so excited, and has loved having his tooth gone. I did finally pull this one out with the pliers, because it is so tiny that we just couldn’t get it. He was so brave. A few days later he lost the other one. Now I keep teasing him that he really can sing “All I want for Christmas is my two from teeth…”

The Tooth Fairy came that night, and he was so excited that he came into my bedroom with the envelope at 6am and asked if he could open it… I told him to grab the camera, and of course he could. What a good kid to even ask.

A little crafting…

2011-11-26T08:11:00.001-06:00

I do have to admit that it is so nice when Cooper goes down for his nap, and I get to spend time with Addi Girl. She is so much fun, and so sweet that it is refreshing when it is just the two of us. Cooper isn’t picking on her, and Bridger isn’t causing fights… it is just nice!

I decided that I would get a head start on some gifts this year, and Miss Addi was happy to help. She was such a great little assistant!!! Other then using way to much paint at time, she really was a great little helper.

And, she LOVED every minuet of it!!!!

First Snow…

2011-11-26T08:03:00.001-06:00

When I had all of the little ones at my house, it happened to snow one night, and they were all excited when they woke up! I thought it was so funny all of them just ooohhhing and aauuughhing over the snow!

There were 6 in the bed…

2011-11-26T07:59:00.001-06:00

During Spud Harvest I had promised some of my nephews and niece that they could come and stay at my house for a few days. It was so much fun to have them here. They played and played and played. There really were very little fights, and only a few time outs! I had moved a queen mattress into the kids’ room, and they all decided to sleep in it.

Teegan Cooper Logan Bridger Addisyn Boston. WOW!!! Cooper didn’t last more then a few seconds, but he felt pretty big for those few seconds!

Here are a few more pictures from the week!

Love it when my house is filled with Laughter, and Giggles from the innocent people I love (although, so of them aren’t so innocent anymore… )

Another Miracle

2011-11-17T21:36:00.001-06:00

If I had to chose my most favorite thing in the world without a doubt it would be a newborn Baby. There is just something so miraculous about them. Something so precious, humble, and amazing about the first few hours a baby joins this crazy world. I can’t wait to meet the newest member of the Luthy family…

Miss Trinity Marie Luthy

Born today weighing in at 6lbs 7oz and 19inches long. Congratulations to Bryce & Brittany, McKenna, Teegan and Kaybree! I can’t wait to meet this little Miracle. I love her so much already. I am so glad she is here. Love you all!!!

A Fairy Tale Halloween

2011-11-07T17:50:00.001-06:00

This year for Halloween we had a Viking… A Dragon… and A Princess! My Viking did a great job of saving the beautiful Princess from the mean little Dragon! They were all very excited to go to the school Carnival on Friday. They couldn’t stop talking about it for days! They had fun playing games likes: Angry Birds, Fishing, Pop Bottle Ring Toss, Plinko, and a few more. It was fun to see them participate. Bridger did awesome at the pop bottle ring toss, and got 3 of the 5 rings on pops. He was very proud of himself, and wanted to “help” Addi when it was her turn.

I dressed up for Preschool this year, and wore the comfy costume again on Monday!

It was the Halloween that never ended. Did anyone else feel that way? It started on Thursday for me (with Preschool), and ended Monday. On Monday we tried to do Trick or Treating the “old fashioned way” and ended up getting 3 out of 10 houses home, so we bagged that and headed to the Trunk of Treat. What a good idea someone came up with! Halloween is not one of my favorite holidays, but we did have a good Halloween this year! Hope you all did to.

Bake sale cooking…

2011-11-07T17:43:00.001-06:00

So the Kindergarteners were given rice crispy treats to make for the bake sale. I found these cute Candy Corns to make, and Addi and Cooper helped me make a few (not the ones we took to the sale).

I think they turned out pretty dang cute! If you ended up with one, I sure hope it was good!

Fall Colors

2011-11-07T17:37:00.001-06:00

I love Fall. It is my favorite Season. I love the colors, the smell, the jacket weather, everything about it. Here are a few pictures I took around our house.

Naked Bum…

2011-11-07T17:25:00.001-06:00

I have been trying to introduce my stubborn (almost) 2 year old to the toilet. I think it is going to be quite the chore with him. But… one day when we were “trying” I captured these cute pictures of his scrawny little bum.

After he decided he was done, I was going in to check on him and captured these pictures…

These made me laugh so hard! He was so proud of himself after flushing the toilet paper. Wish he had done something, so we could have flushed that. Lol

Wish us luck! I think it is going to be a challenge. Any suggestions?

Little Buck Hunters

2011-11-07T17:00:00.001-06:00

Bridger & Addi were VERY excited to go hunting with Dad when he got home from work. It was something they both were looking forward to. I think they were in camo about 2 hours before Jas was even going to leave Jackson for home.

They all loaded up on the 4 wheeler. I was excited for a few minuets of peace and quiet (or whatever Cooper would allow me to do). BUT… it wasn’t 10min after they left that I got a call from Jason. “Bring the jeep, we got one.”

Had to get Cooper in a picture!

The kids were ELATED to be a part of this hunt. Bridger is the one who spotted the buck, and Addi actually found the blood trail. It was so cute to see how excited they were. Jas was equally excited, that he got to share the experience with them. He is such a great Dad. We are all so lucky to have him. It is nice to know we have him all packaged up and in the freezer ready to eat!

They all watched as Jason skinned the buck, and do what needed to get done. It was a huge fight to make them go to bed that night. They didn’t want to miss out on any of the action!

Way to go Little Buck Hunters!!!

Dessert of Choice

2011-11-07T16:52:00.001-06:00

I walked into the kitchen to see this… he obviously didn’t care that I was there, or that I was taking pictures. He didn’t miss a beat!

Enough said!

Parent Teacher Conference

2011-11-07T12:15:00.001-06:00

On Friday I got to go to my first of many Parent Teacher Conferences. If they all turn out this great then I will be elated. I really am not surprised by the great conference I had with Mrs. C. Bridger is a good kid. I am not naive to the fact that he can be a little shit, but for the most part he is great, and I consider myself very luck to have him.

Here is his report card: Final Score: 3 At/above grade level

I am so proud of him. He is doing wonderful. Makes me so excited. Look at all of those site words he knows. She was incredibly impressed with that. I will be honest for a minuet, that made me so thrilled…I did that… I did that in preschool. Granted he deserves the recognition, because he had to learn them, but I was so excited!!! Way to go Boog. I am so proud of you!

He also got his Kindergarten pictures…

Didn’t they just turn out so cute!

Bridger I just love you so much. I am so proud of the person that you are becoming. You have so much ambition for life, and live with so much enthusiasm. I am lucky to have you for a son. I am lucky to have your for a friend, and lucky that you are such a good example for Addisyn and Cooper, and especially for your Mom and Dad. I love you Bridger.

Dirt Bike

2011-10-31T15:40:00.001-05:00

There is no doubting that Cooper is ALL BOY! He got this Dirt Bike Magazine out of the bathroom, and went and climbed on Jason’s lap to look at it with him. He just keep making the “vroom vroom” dirt bike sound, and would smile and laugh! It was just to cute. He is going to be just like his Daddy and brother Bridger.

Wish up Luck!

Goose Hunting

2011-10-31T09:05:00.001-05:00

October 1, 2011

Jason and Bridger woke up bright and early on this morning and went Goose Hunting with some of our good neighbors. Oh my heck-Bridger was grinning from ear to ear. He was beyond excited. You can’t tell this kid anything in advance because if it doesn’t happen he is very very disappointed, and will not let you live it down. So I told Jason that it would probably be best not to mention this opportunity until the morning they were leaving. So Jason woke him up and asked if he wanted to go hunting, and I think he sat up, wiped his eye, and got off of his bunk bed all in one motion. He is so passionate about spending time with his dad. It doesn’t really matter what he is doing, as long as he can do it with Dad he is thrilled.

They came home with 2 Geese

Bridge wants to make a fan out of the wing… oh my!

Addi & Coop had to get in on the excitement as well. Look at Coopers face! He will be right by there with them next year! He is just as passionate as Bridge is. And, look at Bridger’s ears with the Pioneer camo hat Grandpa Kenny gave him. He just loves it!

We try to eat everything we kill… but I don’t know about eating these geese!!! Any recommendations? It was fun watching the kids breast them out though.

I am so lucky that Jason will make the time and effort to take Bridger hunting. We are very lucky. Addi was invited, but didn’t want to go. Next year, Cooper will get to go, and I think maybe Addi and I will make it a tradition to get pedicures, or get our nails done while the boys are hunting-that is if, we aren’t right there next to them!

Stop to Enjoy it…

2011-09-30T16:51:00.001-05:00

Journaling for myself… Just so you know!

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness.

Not because they never found it,

but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it!

-W. Feathers

As I was laying in bed a few nights ago…in the bottom right hand corner of my bed-in the fetal position… because my pillows and 3/4 of the bed had been occupied by Cooper, and Addisyn (Coop ends up in there almost every night around 3, and Addi is only on a very rare occasion), with my sweet husband on the other 1/4 of the bed… I wanted to get so frustrated. I wanted to make Addi go back to her bed, and try and move Coop into his crib, so I could sleep comfortably before the alarm went off in 2 short hours. I wanted to, but, I couldn’t. I sat up, and by the light of the moon, looked at Addi cuddled up next to her Daddy, and Coop completely sprawled with both arms above his head, laying horizontal in my bed with his little toes in Addisyn’s back… and I knew that someday, sooner then I want to admit, or sooner then I am willing to let it happen, I won’t have these moments anymore. They will be replaced with late night phone calls full of excuses. Laying in bed worried about my “babies” until I hear, “Mom, I’m home. Goodnight! I love you!” Eyes that don’t light up when they see me, but eyes that roll when I try to give advise. Legs that don’t run and jump in my arms when I get home, but legs that are always walking in the opposite direction. Toys will be replaced with cell phones. “Will you play with me” will be replaced with “Can I take the car?” “Can I have $20 bucks.” And so much more…

I am not ready for any of that! I have a few years, I know that, but if the next 6 go by as fast as the last 6 have, then it will be here before I know it.

It is just crazy how much they consume my life. How much love I have for them, and how much they are everything to me! I don’t live for me at all. I live for them. I know there will come a day that will change a little. Well, not really change, but be different on a daily basis! Just different then what I know now.

Lately I have struggled with Bridger. Not because he is a “bad” kid, but because he is just such a busy little boy. He gets home from school, and says “Mom, you haven’t played with me all day, what do you want to do?” He isn’t content just playing with Addi and Coop, he wants me. Awesome-right! I try to remind myself that it is so special that he wants me to play catch, kick the ball, read a book, play a game, or do a puzzle. It doesn’t matter the activity, as long as I take the time to do it with him. Why does it seem so hard some days? Why do I let things like laundry take those moments away from me. I really don’t want to look back and think, I didn’t stop, or wouldn't stop long enough to make him feel special, to make him feel like he is a priority in my life, or that I didn’t fill my heart with these tender moments because, I let pass me by.

With Addisyn, I kind of feel like she gets lost some days. That while Bridger is at school, I work so hard on getting laundry done, the toilets scrubbed, the house cleaned, and dinner prepared, preschool preparations completed, that I don’t take the time to teach her, love on her, and make her feel special. She isn’t “hard” like Bridger is. Actually she is just the opposite. She doesn’t ask of my time very often. She doesn’t make me feel like I am disappointing because I don’t play with her. On occasion she will ask to cuddle, or have me paint her fingernails and toenails. But rarely is she requiring of my undivided attention. She is perfectly content watching a movie, or playing with Cooper. I actually have to monitor t.v. time with her. But, the other day, I put everything aside. Cooper was a sleep and it was just us! We colored and did word searches for almost 2 hours. We laughed, and giggled, she sat on my lap, and had the best time ever. If only, I took the time to do it more often. Again, why, is it so hard some days?

Cooper is just a handful right now. He is a good kid, but he is my most challenging-most days. He isn’t really talking yet, and that within itself causes me stress. He know EXACTLY what he wants, when he wants it, but his little grunts and syllables just don’t tell me what it is. I find it easily frustrates me, which I do not like at all. Today, he wanted “something” up on a shelf. I thought it was a taffy, so I was trying to get him to say treat. He said “eeeeet” so I tried to hand him a treat. Well, that was not what he wanted. He just keep pointing and grunting. So I lifted him up (annoyed) and asked him what he wanted. He grunted the same grunt as before and reached for a hair tie that he was shooting around the house, that got stuck up there. I just wish he would talk, so I didn’t have to feel frustrated at him, for something that really he can’t control. BUT, at the end of every day when we sit and have Family Prayer, and I listen to Bridger say his, then Addi say hers, and we listen to Cooper give the most heartfelt prayer of all, “uggg uggg ugg “Mommy,” uggg ugg ugg “Daddy,” ugg uggggg uggg “Idger,” uggg uggg uggg “Aiee” uggg uggg uggggg (and Mommy a few more times {smiling}...the uggs are an assortment of different sounding grunts, but you get the idea) “Ahen” and he claps… it makes it so I can do it all over again the next day.

I saw this on someone’s blog the other day, and just love it. ..

When I read that I couldn’t help but think of how lucky I am to have Jason in my life. He is far from perfect, and so am I. But, he does make me laugh, and it drives me crazy that he can when I want nothing more then to be completely pissed off. But, he always can without fail. He does make me think twice before I do something. Sometimes I do them anyway, and regret it later. He is not to stubborn to say “I’m Sorry” if given the time to realize the situation, and think about what has happened. I always try to hold on to him, but somehow when I do, he is the one holding me up. He does not have a romantic bone in his body. He would never never never quote poetry to me… but when he writes “I Love You Bran” at the bottom of a card, it is all I need! He has my heart, and has completely given me his. We both try not to hurt each other, and hate it when we let emotions get the best of us and we say something we don’t mean. But, these moments bring us closer, and we are better because of them. I can’t change him, I have tried. {smiling} He expects way more from himself, then I ever could. He tries so hard to make all of us happy, and anyone one else in his life! I smile with him a lot, and am not afraid to yell when I am mad, and sometimes he makes me so mad I could just scream {and usually do}. But, I miss him so much when he is not there. I look forward to him coming home every day. Even if I only see him for 5 minuets, and the quality of time we have isn’t the best. But, at least I got to give him a little kiss on his lips and tell him I love him. “Love hard when there is love to be had.” I fell hard for Jason when I fell. No one, and I mean NO ONE understood why! But he held my heart in his hands, and I have never gotten it back! He is my perfect man! I love him so much!

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness.

Not because they never found it,

but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it!

-W. Feathers

I don’t want to look back in a few years and think- I had everything to make me happy. I had it, and didn’t stop to enjoy it. I think that would be devastating. So devastating. So, it is my goal to

Stop And Enjoy It Everyday!

To find the good in every moment. To find the time to make the people I love feel special. To tell them I Love them daily, and show them that they are far more important then a perfectly clean house. More important then a white sparkling toilet, an empty sink, and a clean laundry room. To make them feel like I have time for them. I want to try. I am not saying that it will happen everyday, or that I will exceed my own expectation, but I WILL TRY! I am sure I will fail horribly on multiple occasions, but if I have this post to come an read often, then maybe, the moments I succeed will start to out weight the moments I fail. That really is all I can ask for of myself. I want to be a better Daughter of God. I need to find the time to improve on the things that are lacking in my life. I know without a shadow of a doubt that when I do this, my days will run smoother, and my time will be well spent. Some days I just feel so worn thin. That I have nothing more to give. That I just couldn’t do more then I try and do now. But, I think if I try and make the time for the little things, then the bigger things will fall into place somehow, and I don’t have to climb into bed knowing that I didn’t make the people I love feel special! I don’t have to climb into bed feeling like I failed as a mother, as a wife, or any role I play, that day. That is my goal!

D.A.N.C.E

2011-09-30T12:08:00.001-05:00

Addi started Dance last week! Yesterday, I took my camera… She is completely loving it! Get’s so excited, and anticipates it all week long! I LOVE the new little studio she is attending, and think the instructor is just wonderful. They are learning a Jazz Dance, a Lyrical, and a cute Ballet Dance where they are little ballerina music boxes. It is adorable.

What am I going to do with her tongue! It isn’t like it is just the tip of it out… it is the whole dang thing! Oh my!!!!

Touch your head with your toes. Good Job Add!!!!!

Doing her little Music Box dance! I just think this one is so cute.

Addisyn, I am so blessed to have you as my daughter! I hope and pray daily that we will be best friends. That even when you are older you still want to talk to me. Ask questions, and get advise. You make my heart so happy. I hope you always…

Love you Addi!

181 Semi-Annual General Conference

2011-09-28T22:43:00.001-05:00

I found this and it touched me, and thought it might do the same for some of you with General Conference in just a few short days. I have to admit, I am afraid I would be like the gentleman in the story… Not because I don’t have the desire to know and remember everything that is taught by our Amazing Prophet of God, but because I don’t take the time to really learn, know, understand, and remember it. Isn’t that just so sad, and utterly disgusting. I let my kids become an excuse for me. It is very hard to watch and really listen with so many distractions around, it really is. I however, am making it a goal of mine to listen, study, and ponder the words that are spoken in General Conference this year (I might have to DVR it and watch it when kids are in bed, or read it in the Ensign, but I need to do it for me and for my family). I have a lot of areas in my life that need improving, and becoming a better Daughter of God is one of them. I know with my whole heart that when I improve on this area of my life, that so many other areas will improve as well.

What are your personal challenges and opportunities? President Uchtdorf teaches that “there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.”

To help us receive these heaven-sent gifts and blessings from conference, he suggests three basic concepts. Find out what they are by reading “General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing.”

General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing

A fine member of the Church was talking with a neighbor who was not of our faith. When the topic of discussion turned to general conference, the neighbor asked, “You say you have prophets and apostles? And twice a year in a worldwide conference they reveal the word of God?”

“Absolutely,” the member replied with confidence.

The neighbor thought about that for a moment. He seemed genuinely interested and then asked, “What did they say in the last general conference?”

At this point the good member of the Church went from feeling excited about sharing the gospel to feeling embarrassed. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of the details of a single talk.

His friend found this troubling and said, “You mean to tell me that God speaks to man in our day and you can’t remember what He said?”

The brother felt humbled by this exchange. He vowed that he would do better to remember the words spoken by the Lord’s servants in general conference.

We all know how hard it is to remember every message of general conference, and I’m confident that we need not be embarrassed if we don’t remember everything. Nevertheless, there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.

In preparation for general conference, let me suggest three basic concepts that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants.

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.

3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

If we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).

Since the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.

Our merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.

What a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.

For this is no ordinary blessing.

Teaching from This Message

Read the article together. Encourage the family to identify things to listen for during general conference.
To help young children apply the counsel given by President Uchtdorf, show them a General Authority chart (found in the conference issue of the Liahona and Ensign). Let them know that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be speaking in general conference. Encourage children to listen to conference and draw a picture to help them remember what they learned. Parents can visit conferencegames.lds.org for more conference activities for children.

Good, Better, Best

By Mary-Celeste Lewis

In his October 2007 general conference talk, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about activities that are “good, better, and best.” When he got to the part about “the overscheduling of children,” I squirmed guiltily in my seat.

I knew I was doing too much. I was in school plays, taking challenging classes in school, and was involved in several other activities. I hadn’t been attending Young Women activities faithfully, and my Sundays were filled with the stress of trying to complete last-minute homework. Practicing music and editing the school newspaper had lost their element of fun and had become work.

Elder Oaks’s talk made me take a good look at my schedule. My activities were good, but there were too many of them. I had to choose the best ones. As I tried to decide which activities to forsake, I realized that the gospel of Jesus Christ was the best priority anyone can have. I put prayer and scripture study at the top of my list, and since then, my life has run more smoothly.

Elder Oaks taught me that when we do what the Lord wants us to do first, everything else will fall neatly into place. If I study my scriptures before I play games or even before I do my homework, everything important will get done. When I base my life around the Lord, instead of adding Him in as an afterthought, my life has an added measure of peace and success.

Now I’m very careful to listen to the counsel given at general conference!

I Can Find Answers through General Conference

President Uchtdorf teaches that if you think of some questions before general conference, the Lord can speak to you through His prophets and apostles during conference.

As a family or class, discuss what you need to learn, either individually or together. (For example: How do I strengthen my testimony? How should I deal with a problem at school?) On a piece of paper or in your journal, write down your questions.
In the weeks leading up to conference, you could think and pray about these questions.
Listen carefully during conference (it may help to take notes). Then write how the Lord—through Church leaders—answered your questions.
On another piece of paper, you could draw a picture of yourself doing what you learned.

September 2011 Liahona and Ensign.

I found these links to these great conference kits. Check them out…

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8010

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3101

http://www.therhouse.com/general-conference-ideas-for-kids/

What a week… (September 11, 2011…)

2011-09-27T15:18:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago my Sis-in-law Halley had to have surgery on Sunday (September 11, 2011) in a bit of an emergency situation. Nothing life threatening, but something very painful. Anyway, I offered to help watch my nieces while she was recovering! It was definitely a busy busy week, but I am so glad I was able to watch them. Honestly I was. I also had Hendrix that week, so it felt like I had triplets! Halley is very lucky, because these girls are incredibly good girls. Most of the time they are very happy, and so smiley! I think the only time they were mad (other then when they were tired or hungry) was when they were on top of each other. If it wasn’t Alli on Emmi, it was Emmi on Alli!

When they smile, it is very contagious! You just can’t help but smile back.

Little Miss Alli…

Little Miss Emmi…

One night I was just done… you know the done when you just don’t feel like you have been able to breath all day! Well, I was there. It just seemed like the minuet Bridger got home from school all him and Addi and Coop did was scream and fight. It was non-stop. Emmi hadn’t sleep well that day during nap time, and was getting grumpy because she was so tired. Alli was “starving” and it wasn’t time for a bottle again for another hour! Hendrix had cried all day-he was way constipated, and so uncomfortable. Anyway… I was at my top, and it was another hour before bed! Dinner was over, and it was time for bath. I put Bridge, Addi and Coop in the tub… and I put Alli and Emmi in the sink! I was going to get all 5 of them ready for bed! My 3 continued to fight… BUT, Alli and Emmi LOVED every minuet of bath time.

Seriously…isn’t that just thee cutest thing ever! I would highly suggest bath time in the sink for anyone that has twins! That was so easy and nice, and they were able to sit and splash and love every minuet of it!

It was a crazy busy week with triplets, preschool, 3 kids, Hendrix, and everything else that has to get done… but I am so glad I was able to spend some time with these 2 little cuties. I was sad to see them go on Thursday afternoon. I just love them to pieces!!!

Thanks Halley for trusting me with them. I know it isn’t easy for you to let them go. I am so glad that your feeling better! I just think your amazing with what you do everyday.