a very buie story

Are you seeing a pattern here?

2012-01-25T23:49:00.001-07:00

This little boy is into EVERYTHING!!!

the proper application of lip gloss...

2012-01-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

...includes the lips and all surrounding areas!

Didn't she do such a lovely job?

1st day of preschool - 1/17

2012-01-24T20:52:00.003-07:00

Avie started preschool up on campus a week ago.
Of course, she loves it.

I think it's been good for everyone.

I forgot how quiet/easy/nice/calm things are with one child.
I've been loving the time I get with just Jack.

I love picking her up and seeing what project she did that day and hearing about (sometimes she tells me) what school was like for the day. She always seems like such a big girl when she comes walking out of the door. (A nice perk about campus preschool - they do curbside drop-off/pick-up so I don't even have to take Jack out. Nice!)

Oh, and the other day she was talking about dropping her off/picking her up for some reason, but it was cute - instead of saying "pick up," she said un-drop-off.

The first day as we left the house to pick her up, Jack started walking through the house saying, "Addy, c'mon. C'mon Addy." He got confused when she wasn't with us and we were leaving. She is so sweet. When she hops in the van after pick up, she gives him a hug before getting into her car seat. They're little sidekicks, those two. I love it!

I'm so glad we have this to look forward to a couple days a week this winter!!

fhe 1/23

2012-01-24T14:53:00.001-07:00

Family night at our place is pretty basic.

This week I seriously thought of a lesson two minutes after asking, "Time for family night?"
I keep thinking I'm going to get tons of ideas/lessons all planned, printed out and ready to go for moments like this, but I haven't done that.

I've been thinking of The Family: A proclamation to the world a lot lately so that's exactly what we did.
Of course, with a 3-year-old and 1-year-old we are not going to read it word-for-word and discuss it thoroughly.

Instead, I shared the first paragraph:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . .

and a part of one near the end:

. . . Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

In talking about these, I was able to testify of truths I know to my children. I am grateful for opportunities to do this so casually without having to start out with "I know..." and to keep it from getting too formal. When truths are shared, they can feel it and gain simple testimonies as well.

I've read a talk recently that talks about the importance of this as well. I can't remember who/what the talk is called right now, but when I do, I'll link to it.

I really emphasized prayer and wholesome recreational activities because I think those are two things we do well that Avie could really recognize.
Afterward, we had our own bit of wholesome recreational activity with a family dance party.
(I'm sure we are so loud sometimes to our neighbors!)

Spencer caught the kids completely off guard when he pulled out the silly string in the middle of dancing!

Then Avie decided she wanted to get me!

It was just a really fun night.

It would be very easy to not do family nights (and sometimes we do let that happen!) and go on day-to-day how we always do. But I am grateful for inspired Church leaders who counsel us to make this a priority and to do it regularly.

I think it's such a neat thing to have everyone in the family take a break or cancel other commitments one evening a week, completely focused on building relationships with one another (even if that isn't what's blatantly happening). It is happening, and it's making a difference.

And I will be reminding myself of this post in 10-15 years when our kids are kicking and screaming about having to be at family night rather than what they would choose... :)

snow + salt

2012-01-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe it last week when all our family and friends back home had more snow than we had in Idaho!! I'm not going to lie though, I wasn't the least bit sad about that.

But... Looks like we finally got all that snow sent our way!

Yesterday we woke up to a winter wonderland (which by the way Summer, all I can think of is your "Walken in a winter wonderland" picture whenever that song goes through my head... which is pretty often when it's white outside!)

Av and I went out during Jack's nap and made a snowman, then came inside for some cocoa. When he woke up, we went out for round two and played tag, threw snowballs at each other and I showed Avie how I could use my feet to write her name in the snow.

Then we came inside, and they each had a mini meltdown for five minutes while they're fingers warmed up.

When that was all over with, we went to Alyssa's to make some play dough.

(Thank you, Em, for that AWESOME recipe!)

While Alyssa and I had our backs turned for seriously two seconds, Jack dumped half the container of salt out onto the counter... They were going CRAZY with it and having so much fun spreading it as fast as they could all over the counter... and then onto the floor! We just let them go at it for a bit. We had salt everywhere, and no matter how many times we swept, there still seemed to be more and more. She told me next time we're making play dough at my place. :)

This boy...

2012-01-24T12:49:00.001-07:00

Needs a brother!!!
(No, this is not an announcement.)

January's projects -

2012-01-21T13:53:00.003-07:00

I posted a couple weeks ago that I had a goal of completing 1-2 projects every month this year.
I'm happy to say that January has been pretty productive so far.
I was able to get some shelves with a Christmas gift card to help organize the toys in the kids' closet. Now the toys are out and visible and PLAYED with a lot more often since they are easy to see, and cleaning up is easy to do because we have baskets to help sort things.

I was going to make some peek-a-boo toy bags (with a vinyl window on front) using this tutorial, but opted out since the baskets were cheaper (Thank you, Dollar Tree) and are easier for the kids. I might end up making a couple down the road still for Avie's little princesses and Barbies that her little brother can't get into as easy. But for now, I'm happy with what we have in there.

Also, I've been working on sorting/organizing my recipes. My main recipe book was a MESS. No wonder I haven't enjoyed cooking anything. I can't even find half of anything I'm looking for. I've been taking a little bit of time here and there to type up my recipes. I decided full pages with the protective sheets in a three-ring binder, which I already have all of it from a cooking class I took on campus years ago, will be best for me so I'm hoping to get that all finished here in the next couple weeks and have my recipes/meal plans easy to find once and for all.

Lastly, today I made this:

finally! a grocery sack holder!

This has been on my list for probably two years.

I had everything already so it was quick and easy.

Took less than an hour during the first half of Jack's nap.

(probably would have even been much less time but I had a couple hang ups - remember I haven't sewn in like a year?) I started with this tutorial but in the end just went on my own.

Feels good to be getting things crossed off the list!

"pockey"

2012-01-16T09:14:00.001-07:00

Jack discovered his pockets a bit ago, and now whenever I put a pair of jeans on him, he starts asking for his "pockey," and walks around for a few moments with both hands in both "pockies."

He is looking like such a big boy in his outfit today. Can't believe my little boy is going to be TWO in just three more months!

Spencer, the photographer

2012-01-11T00:23:00.001-07:00

He really hates when I call him that. He's not a photographer, he tells me. He just wants to learn to take good pictures. Either way, he's been spending a lot of the free time he has now with his nose in a book and when it's not, he's studying and trying out his new camera he (we) got thanks to generous graduation/Christmas gifts of money. I think photography is in his blood thanks to his mom. He's always been interested in it and always took the opportunity to grab his mom's whenever he could. Now, he's got his own to play with.

He's doing a photo blog kind of Julie & Julia style. Our wedding photographer actually recommended the book Understanding Exposure to us when he took our pictures. Spencer has really been enjoying it. Anyway, the author goes through different points and lessons in photography, and Spencer plans to follow along and practice each one and keep a record of it on his blog. You can follow along with him here. He's also got a link on the side bar over there. ---------------------------------------->

The time has come...

2012-01-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Before Spencer graduated we decided we'd start going to a family ward after he graduated instead of our married student ward that we've been in for the past 5.5 (in February) years. We'd no longer be in school, and Avie would be old enough to be in Primary. We knew we needed to make that change.

Spencer didn't want to change wards until he was released from his calling, which he thought might be a couple more months, but when Bishop told us about a month ago that it was time for him to be released, I knew it was an inspired decision on his end so that we could start going to the family ward without Spencer feeling like he needed to stay.

Coming to this decision was a lot harder for Spencer than it was for me. For the past 2.5 years, he's had a very involved church calling. He's been working with our Bishop closely, made great friendships with the other guys he's served with and gotten to know so many people in the ward. He's had great examples and experiences because of this calling.

I, on the other hand, have been serving in our ward's Primary presidency (Nursery) for the past nine months or so. I do enjoy the other gals I get to be with each week in Nursery and have made wonderful friendships there, and my calling has been anything but dull, but as far as getting to know new people in the ward, it just doesn't happen so easily when you're serving in with the children each week. Needless to say, I thought this change would be no big deal for me. We aren't moving right now, and I'd still see all my friends and neighbors around.

Today, however, when Spencer got released, I lost it. We knew it was coming, and I was really hoping it was going to be today just so we could move on and get Avie into Primary. But still, when it finally happened, I was unable to hold back the tears. That was our last, final official attachment in this ward (well, I'll still need to be released, but we're still going to the new ward next week). We had no more reason to stay in the ward that we've always known with our little family. It was a lot harder on me than I thought it would be.

Today was also fast and testimony meeting in our ward. I knew I wanted to get up and bear my testimony one final time in this ward, and so I stood up immediately, knowing the longer I waited, the more of a wreck I'd be ... which is hard to imagine because I was already a wreck when I got up there.

I hate how I cry almost every time I stand up to bear my testimony. But this time was definitely the one that takes the cake. I couldn't speak for a few seconds (a few different times) because I was so choked back with tears. I don't know if anything I said made sense. I'm never too good with my words in front of a crowd, let alone when I'm full of emotion.

Being a part of this ward has truly been a blessing in our lives. We've had amazing opportunities to serve and both be able to work side-by-side with Bishop George. It has been such a testimony builder for me to be able to watch him grow as a Bishop. He got called as our Bishop when I was about five months into my calling as Relief Society president. I served there with him almost another two years, and shortly after I was released, Spencer was called as his executive secretary, and that's where he's been serving until today. It's been so neat to watch him (Bishop) grow in this calling between then and now. I have no doubt that he was called by God, and that he was put into this calling to teach and be an example of specific things that Spencer and I have needed to learn from him. I'm sure he has no idea how much of an example he's been to us over the past few years or how much we've watched him, from how he handles his church calling to how he and his dear wife treat each other. We will always hold them both dear in our hearts.

We've also met some of our closest and dearest friends in this ward, who we hope (and so far have, for those who've moved already) we always can stay in touch with. There's nothing like the college life, when you live right next door or down the street from your best friends and can walk over any time, day or night, to hang out with them. That, gratefully, will not be ending for us quite yet.

I am grateful for this church. I know that it is the same everywhere we go, and that brings me great comfort when thinking of us moving wherever we go next. I know, no matter what, I will have friends in the church and be a part of a great organization (the Relief Society). I know our family is happy because we put the Lord first and base our lives on sound principles of truth and righteousness.

I am sad to leave our old ward. It's always sad when you leave something that has made such an impact on your life, but I also am looking forward to the change - to meeting new people who will touch our lives and having new opportunities to serve.

This was the new member sheet we filled out when we first moved into the 75th ward, Aug. 17, 2006. Nate (the ward clerk) gave it to Spencer today. We've had three different ward boundaries, went from going to church on campus in the Hinckley building to in our beautiful new stake center and even went from being the BYU-I 75th student-married ward to the Rexburg Married Student 13th ward... which I never got used to saying.

my 2012 goals

2012-01-05T22:07:00.004-07:00

I have two this year:

Goal #1:

photo credit

I think it was the extra busy-ness of last month that really pushed this to be a goal for me.
But besides just busy plans and days, I am a very anxious person anyway. When I'm up and about, I'm doing 20 things at once, and moving and fluttering around the house. I need to slow down.

I've already had two lessons this week.

1st lesson --- Yesterday I went to IF with the kids. Jack is getting near impossible to take shopping because he wants to walk, just like Avie... but that just doesn't work for me because he doesn't stay close by. So I put him in the cart, and he FIGHTS and SCREAMS and makes it so, so fun!
Anyway, I had my day planned, we'd go here and there, call it a day and be home in 3ish hours.

I feel like I'm usually pretty easy-going with things, let me re-phrase that... I feel like I used to be pretty easy-going with things, but I think I've become even more anxious about things over the last year. I think it's the fact that I have not two but now four extra little hands that grab, touch, yank, pull, need held, washed, etc....

Anyway, as we were going about things, taking more time than I would have liked (but why would I think it would be any less with two kids in tow?) I could feel that edge, my anxiety I guess getting the best of me... wow, this is making me sound like I really have a serious issue, maybe I do?

I finally took a breath and stopped for a moment.
That's when I decided this was a time I needed to slow down.
There was no rush. I had nothing I needed to get back home in time for. If the kids were going to be hooligans, oh well. If they fell asleep in the car, we'd just pull over and rest in a parking lot. It didn't matter how long we'd be there.

So I took the kids to McD's. We all split a 10-piece nugget meal (I know, Lisa, gross...) and they played in the play place to their little heart's content. After that we took our time and finished our shopping. Because I slowed down, the day was longer but also funner, for all involved, than I had originally planned.

---

2nd lesson --- This isn't so much a story about anything, but more just a shift in my thinking.
First I will preface it with this, I feel like I used to be really good at doing things with Avie- fun activities, having her be involved with everything I did in the kitchen, etc. Then Jackson came along and got bigger too. It was hard for me to have an extra two hands wanting to be involved too. So activities/extra helpers were limited either to hardly ever or none at all or when he was napping (it sounds so bad). I think this is why part of me was in a funk for a few months last year. I felt a lot of guilt over the mom I used to be but wasn't being anymore.)

I don't want this to sound like I never did anything fun with my boy because he still was my helper with a lot of things, but when I compared it to what I did with Avie, it was very minimal... I've had to talk myself into thinking things will and do change from one kid to two kids to three or five... I can't expect to be the same mom I was with just one child, and that doesn't mean I am being any less of a mother than I was before. My attention is needed elsewhere and with different things the more our family grows.

Anyway, what I'm getting to is that today we made cookies. My first thought was to wait and do them during Jack's nap. But I quickly pushed that thought aside so he could be in on it too.

Yes, they were both up on the counter like little animals.

Yes, there was flour and oatmeal spattered all around.

Yes, it took a couple mini-fights before realizing they could take turns putting ingredients in.

But they had fun, and it wasn't even a big deal to have four extra hands up there stirring, mixing, measuring and dumping.
Because I slowed down, I wasn't so uptight about making simple cookies (that just sounds ridiculous that it's something I even get uptight about! see? entirely different mom than I was two years ago!) and both kids had fun joining in.

"We would do well to slow down a little,

focus on the significant and

truly see the things that matter most."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Funny how I'm reading from the same talk I based my goal off of last year, but it's striking an entirely different note with me this time around. Did not plan that.

my goal's theme song

Goal #2:

Do.

I have committed myself to doing 1-2 projects a month this year.
This sounds petty, but for one who did not take her sewing machine out once last year, OK maybe once, this is a big commitment.

My close friends know about my list. You know, the ever-growing list - of projects, ideas, crafts - I want to do and try but never do. Well, this year, I'm going to do them.
Some projects may be crafts. Some may be getting better organized.
But whatever they are, I am committing to following through and DOING them.

What are your goals?

I'll probably be kicking myself in a year or so...

2012-01-05T22:07:00.002-07:00

Jack was potty-trained.

My biggest mistake was putting him in a diaper the day I went to go get Bonnie from the airport before Spencer's graduation.

I hadn't gone to Idaho Falls since he had been potty trained, and I was going by myself, so I did it for the convenience and to not have to be stressed while driving and having to stop somewhere. It was actually a good thing too because I ended up taking a wrong turn and going way out a different direction than where I should've gone. We were in the car for much longer than planned.

Anyway, after that day, I thought maybe it would be best to put him in one for graduation too, just so I wouldn't have to worry about wet pants... and I'd still ask him and take him, but I didn't... ask him and take him that is.

That weekend was crazy busy and the week before Christmas was crazy busy (still in-and-out of diapers because we were here and there and everywhere, and hadn't been home enough to get him used to it again).

Bottom line. I got lazy. Spencer got lazy. Diapers are more convenient.

For the past two weeks, I've been trying to start him every day in his underwear, but by the afternoon/evening, we went to diapers because he FOUGHT every single time, he had ACCIDENTS every single time, and it was EXHAUSTING.

Now he knows I'll cave and he's got control of the situation... unlike before when he was younger and more naive... and so willing to work with me.

So I bought a big box of diapers yesterday so we can all go back to enjoying life and not being stressed.

favorite posts in 2011

2011-12-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

1. The day we played with ice cubes for most of the afternoon. Jack was a little guy. Avie wasn't that big either. It was one of my more cleaver mom tricks, and it turned out to be fun.

2. Truly writing how I feel - Even if no one will read it, saying exactly what I'm thinking can be so liberating and empowering. When I really stopped worrying so much and started enjoying the here and now, life became that much sweeter. And I am really glad I wrote this post. I think I just needed to get it out of me, and it wasn't soon after that my attitude started turning around and I was slowly getting back to my old, happy self again.

3. On why I chose to simplify this year. It really has been a successful year in that department when I look back. Of course, this will be something I'm working on all my life, but I've made so much progress, thanks to friends too, and simplified a lot in a few different areas of my life.

4. A short post about our marriage. I am so grateful to be married to my man. He is perfect for me in every way.

5. I wrote a letter to Avie. She is the child who made me a mom, and I am so grateful for her sweet, sassy personality and the ways she's helping me to really learn what matters most. She's also learned a bit this year too, and there's nothing more rewarding as a parent to see your child do that.

6. Posts about our outings out and simple days here, here, here and here. I love being at home with my children every day and being able to do things on a whim, if we choose, and letting my house go when we're doing whatever we choose. My life is not perfect in any way, but I am grateful for the simplicity of it right now.

7. I'm amazed at how much my little boy has grown in the last year. He seriously is my little heart throb. I never knew having a son would do this to me, but I just love my little boy. I can watch these two videos over and over, and they make me laugh every time. And it's nothing fancy, but I was pretty proud of the little cake I made him for his birthday.

8. Spencer's grandparents (and his uncle and family) came to visit us this summer. It was such a fun time, and it was the first time I really got to experience Spencer's grandparents as just that, grandparents, with nothing else to worry about or do. They are wonderful grandparents and love their grandchildren. I was just really grateful for this time with them.

9. I re-did my table this year. It took some hours but was very rewarding. I hope someday, when I have an actual workspace, I can do more projects like this.

10. When I wrote about having some flour fun one day, I had a lot of friends say, "I can't believe you let them do that!" It was messy, but the kids had A LOT of fun, so in my book, that's OK every once in awhile.

11. And this list just wouldn't be complete without GRADUATION. Such a big accomplishment for Spencer! I was a little nervous how it would all go with Bonnie and Todd both here, but once again, it proved to me that most of the things we worry about never even happen. It was a wonderful time all together, and I am so glad they were both able to make it here for their son.

2011 was a great year for us!
We had ups and downs.
We all learned a lot of lessons.
We're better people because of this year.
And even though I don't have a spiritual post linked on this list,
the gospel is intertwined in every single thing we do.
Knowing who our Savior is and living gospel principles is what
keeps us happy and helps us through when things get hard.
Here's to a new year and new adventures!

Our Christmas

2011-12-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Our tree fell over twice.

We acted out the Nativity for the first time.

We did not do a single doorbell-ditch or treat giveaway.

We didn't send out Christmas cards, a newsletter or anything of the sort.

We were spoiled by family.

We didn't put up a single strand of lights outside, one of the big things I was excited about doing when we moved downstairs.

Christmas was on a Sunday so we went to church.

Jack would have been happy with a rock in his stocking and that's all. So easy to please.

Avie asked for a pink shopping cart. Santa delivered. And now it is covered in Princess stickers...

Jack wasn't even interested in a couple gifts due to the fact that he was interested in the first ones, so I grabbed them when he wasn't looking and am storing them for his birthday. Yes, I did.

We had a yummy ham for dinner (thanks to Melaleuca), and everything else that accompanied the ham was either boxed, frozen or packaged. I was that lazy. And you know? It still tasted amazing!

Yes. Our December/Christmas was super busy!
We didn't do a lot of things; we did do other things.

I am looking forward to slowing down a little in the next week.

Graduation Pictures!

2011-12-27T00:27:00.005-07:00

Graduation was wonderful.
Spencer's mom came from Washington.

Spencer's dad came from Utah.
We were all together.
It was fun.

I was so proud.

So was Avie.
Jack was cute.

He did it!

He's done!
(for a little while)

THIS IS IT!

2011-12-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

GRADUATION IS TONIGHT!!

Today is the end of our beginning.
After 5+ years, life as we've always known it, is over ... ... ... deep breaths ... ... ...

I am so proud of Spencer for what he's accomplished. Not just for the fact that he is graduating with a degree in Biology, but also because of the person he has become while getting his education. This probably sounds cheesy, but I 100% mean it.

Being beside him and watching his struggles and successes, triumphs and setbacks and the ways in which those experiences have helped shape him into a better man/husband/father has truly been one of the highlights of me being his wife thus far.

He has worked so hard for this.
It's not easy...

STUDYING BIOLOGY - those classes are difficult and time-consuming
BEING A FATHER OF TWO - juggling between family-life and school is hard on a dad, not to mention the times set aside to study being interrupted from tantrums, teething, sickness, etc. causing extreme exhaustion extremely often
WORKING- sometimes two jobs, sometimes just two days a week, but always, he has worked while in school
BEING A HUSBAND - going to school without honey-do lists, nagging and a live-in micro-manager would have been much, much easier and less stressful
SERVING IN CHURCH - for the past two years, he's had a very time-consuming calling that he's always been on top of
GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN - this makes him the first college graduate in his family, not only is he getting a Bachelors degree, but along the way he's had to really teach himself how to study and work hard

This is such a big moment for him! For our family!

Avie's first big lesson in honesty

2011-12-14T23:40:00.001-07:00

This picture has nothing to do with the post, but just that it was taken today.

As mentioned previously, our ward Christmas party was this past weekend. It was in the Pinnacle building, a local business, here in town. Anyway, when we got home from the party, Avie showed me the ping pong ball she acquired while at the party. I asked her where she got it, and she said she was playing with it with Benny (a little buddy of hers). I told her it wasn't ours, and we needed to find out who it belonged to and return it. I explained how she needed to ask Benny's mom if it was his, and if it wasn't, then we would need to go back to the building and return it to the lady at the front desk. Sunday came around, and during crazy pick-up time in Nursery, I just asked Benny's mom about the ball, and she did tell me that it wasn't Benny's, and they had found the balls there.

I probably should have taken Avie Monday, but I kept forgetting until today. But maybe this way made her think about it a little more. Either way, I think she learned a lesson.

I took her to the Pinnacle building tonight (before we went to see Santa of course). We talked about what she needed to say to the lady and how she needed to make eye contact. When we got there, and I took her out of the van, I gave her the ball and asked if she wanted to hold my hand. She was being very confidant told me "no" while walking with her head high.

As we got closer to the door, she started to walk a little slower and her head started to get a little lower. We walked in, and I told the ladies there (one I knew, Summer), that Avie needed to talk to them. So Avie went around the corner so she could see them better, and she didn't say anything. They didn't know what was going on, but I asked Avie to say what she needed to say. She gave the gal the ball to Summer and said, "Here." Summer thought she was being a sweet girl, but after another reminder, Avie, with all the bravery her little body could muster then, said, "I'm sorry for taking the ball." They kinda laughed at her (in a cute way, not a making fun of way), and I explained how she took it at the party (which Summer was at too). Avie just stood there looking so sad/nervous. They told her thank you very much for returning it and for being so honest. Immediately, she beamed the biggest smile. I whispered "thank you," and Avie and I walked out the door. I asked her how she felt, and she said, "HAPPY!"

I explained the reason she felt happy was because she did the right thing, and she said, "Just like my bracelet!" (She has a little CTR bracelet.)

I am so glad that she got to have this little experience. Yes, it was only a ping pong ball, but I knew it would be a great teaching moment, and it was.

Our 'ugly sweater' ward Christmas party

2011-12-14T23:15:00.001-07:00

Thank you, N&N, for the pictures!

Holiday cheer!

2011-12-14T19:18:00.001-07:00

Went to the school tonight for some holiday cheer. Avie had no problem sitting on Santa's lap tonight, and Jack wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. (I'm glad to see at least Avie warned up to him since the ward party Saturday.) By the way, Avie asked Santa for a pink shopping cart, and said Jack would like a little table...

It was a fun night spent while Spencer is madly studying for his LAST final ever at BYU-I!!

We had a ward Christmas party on Saturday (ugly sweaters) but forgot our cameras so we relied on friends and are hoping to have some sometime. We also had my Melaleuca party and the Broulim's party last week. It was very busy but lots of fun.

For B's, we had all you can eat pizza, bowling, mini golf, pool at the local theater. Spencer even won a fleece blanket and some m&m's.

For Mela this year, we had comedian Ryan Hamilton, who was hilarious, got a free ham that we'll save for Christmas and a way nice 3-in-1 shell jacket. We got sized after the party, and it should be here in the next couple weeks. I seriously have the best job in the world for my situation. I love it and am treated so well for only being a 3-day-a-month employee!

Expect a big, possibly mushy, post in the next couple days in honor of Spencer graduating!

And if you couldn't tell already (and maybe you really can't because of the beard), but this Santa was NOT the most energetic I've seen. I don't even think he was smiling under that beard! Oh well. Avie didn't seem to mind.

I have a holiday 'bucket list.'

2011-12-09T19:34:00.001-07:00

All things I want to do this season. Some planned and scheduled. Others just for fun and traditions.

What things do you like to do this time of year?

The tree is up.

2011-12-09T14:25:00.001-07:00

It finally feels like Christmas at our place! We got our tree this week. The garland and lights are up in the kitchen, and Christmas music has been on nearly all day, every day. I love it!

This week has been filled with three Christmas parties (well, by tomorrow night it will be three) and lots of final school exams and presentations for Spencer. He is one week away from graduation! It's just starting to hit me. This is big! I am so proud of him! Of us! (I can do that right?) ... But that's another post for another time.

Hope all is merry and bright with you!

White hairs

2011-12-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

This morning we were all lying in our bed, when Avie decided to turn on the light. Spencer asked her to turn it off, and she said she wanted it on.

He told her she was going to give him white hairs and that he already had a couple on his chin.

She replied, "No, Dad, you're going to stay perfect, just like you are!"

How is it that children can always say the best things at the best moments?

Had some flour fun the other day...

2011-11-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

The kitchen was already a mess so I thought, "Hey! Why not?"
We put rice, oatmeal and course salt in it to feel the textures.

It turned into quite the little party!

Playing catch-up

2011-11-23T12:49:00.001-07:00

Some from my phone, some from the camera ... all a bit late. Maybe I've posted some, maybe I haven't? I don't remember but here's a giant plethora of pictures from our activities this Fall.

Picking our pumpkins at Broulim's

Some randoms from October

Still more to come...

Cornstarch & Water

2011-11-23T00:47:00.001-07:00

My little Sassparella

2011-11-21T21:44:00.001-07:00

Avie has always been a sassy little thing, and it's only getting more pronounced as she's getting older. But with her sass and defiance, she also is a very sweet and thoughtful little girl.

Probably about a month ago, I was talking with my visiting teachers about how lazy she was. I was embarrassed to even say it, but she was so lazy. Making any kind of excuse to get out of any kind of work. (I've later learned that this may be a trend for 3-year-olds so maybe it wasn't entirely just her).

Anyway, it bothered me. I want my children to be hard workers and eager to help others. I knew it needed to start with me. I got better at doing chores together and more regularly, with her and Jack. I gave her more responsibility for things she's in charge of in our home.

I am so pleased with the difference it has made in my little girl. Of course, she still has her moments, but typically, she is quick to help when I ask, and when we have a chore to do, she jumps right in and works at it with me.

To see her willingly offer to pick something up or get something without me even asking brings a smile to my face. Though they are simple things, I see her learning and growing and developing in these loving ways, and I am humbled to be the mother of such a sweet child.

I am so grateful that SHE made me a mom. I have learned so much from my sweet little Avie and am continually amazed at her genuine kindness and love toward others. She teaches me every day and is a wonderful example to me, to be happy and embrace life and to love everyone.

End of day 5

2011-11-21T21:21:00.001-07:00

Jack is doing great in the potty business! He's always been a determined and eager little boy, a go-getter. I think the fact that he's potty training at 19 months only solidifies that part of his personality.

We've left the house twice even, and he's done so well (minus one accident, which I take full responsibility for because I was chatting).

Today HE even told ME he needed to go a couple times. Hooray for no more diapers during the day!

Change of plans

2011-11-21T04:53:00.001-07:00

We're all in our bed now. Yes, Jack too. iPhone's are a magical thing. Here's hoping we get some rest!

Bless his little heart.

2011-11-21T04:34:00.001-07:00

Jack is getting in at least five teeth right now, from what he lets me see.

I already couldn't sleep tonight so at least I had a reason to be up. After awhile, it was enough to wake Spencer up too so he joined us.

Jack's 2nd dose of Tylenol should be kicked in by now though, and since Avie woke up too, he is now throwing quite the tizzy in his crib (one of the main reasons I hate apartments - I am feeling so sorry for our neighbors' boy who shares a wall with my kids).

But Jack has never been a cuddlier at night when he's up so this is the only
way to get him to fall asleep again.

Avie has all the energy in the world right now but with the bribe of a vitamin C drop she is going to come lay in our bed with us so we can hopefully get a couple more hours of sleep before we have to get up.

Who needs a bunk bed?

2011-11-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

Avie and Jack

2011-11-19T23:34:00.001-07:00

Jack's potty training boot camp : day 3

2011-11-19T20:11:00.001-07:00

Day 3 went like this: (Don't worry this is the last day I will be keeping a detailed rundown).

6:20 am - After some convincing, he willingly sat for about 15 minutes but didn't go.

6:52 - He's standing in the kitchen and grabs himself, we rush to the toilet and he makes it! Hooray!

This morning is off to a great start!

7:45 - Time to try again but NOT interested in more than a couple minutes.

8:05 - I have him sit again. I'm worried he'll have an accident because yesterday it was almost every hour that he seemed to go. But maybe he's getting better at this and will know when he needs to go in.

8:15 - We try again, but he yells, "DONE! DONE! DONE!" (Who wouldn't be after having to sit on the toilet 3 times in 30 minutes?) He gets off, switches to the big toilet and POOPS. (Which, by the way, he is afraid of... His face/gestures/"words"/expressions seemed to say something along the lines of, "What the heck is that? THAT just came out of me? Oh. Oh. Oh." But we flushed it down and said, "bye-bye poop!"

9:27 - He peed in his undies. He was on the potty a couple minutes before.

9:55 - He wet his pants again! BUT this time he actually stood there and yelled at me saying, "Poh! Poh! Poh!" This is good. He is recognizing.

10:21 - I asked Jack to sit on the potty. He fought it and just stood next to me, started to pee but sat down and got the majority of it in his potty seat.

10:50 - I was just asking him again when he crouched down. We rushed to the toilet, he made it! Yeah!

11:15 - He peed in the potty!

11:45 - I see a spot in his undies. He holds it. And pees in the potty! Yes! He's getting this!

(Spencer and I stayed up and watched HP 7:2 last night so we made a compromise for today - he sleeps in, I'd get a nap... so now is when I leave to take my nap. I was super nervous because Jack was doing so well, and I was afraid he'd get fouled up somehow if I wasn't around - not because Spencer couldn't do it, just because he was more familiar doing it with me - BUT much to my surprise, he did great even without me!)

12:07 pm - He went a tiny bit in his undies, but was asked to sit and went in the potty.

12:35 - Went in undies a bit, but not a lot and never in the potty.

1:00 - Pre-nap time, went a ton in the potty. None in his undies.

3:45 - Woke up dry from his nap!!!

3:59 - Time to sit, runs away, starts to pee but holds it and goes in the potty!

5 - Tries. Nothing.

5:13 - He makes it!

6:55 - He makes it again! (I had him try a couple times in between because it's been every 30-60 minutes that he's usually gone... so this being over 90 minutes I thought he might have an accident, but he didn't!)

He tried one more time right before bed but nothing happen!

Day 3 Tally:

Accidents: 2
Hits: 11

My sweet little boy, in his training pants, driving his fire truck across the floor.

I AM SO PROUD OF MY LITTLE JACK MAN!! He's really getting the hang of this!

Jack's potty training boot camp : day 2

2011-11-18T14:51:00.001-07:00

I was keeping regular notes about today's progress (or rather, lack of), but a certain little lady, whom I shall not name, got a hold of of my phone, and it's all gone. Darn.

Let's just say the first half of the day was a bit discouraging. Before his nap, he went once in the toilet and probably about five times in his undies or on the floor, including a poo.

Just before our lunch time, within about a 10 minute span, he peed three times, pooped once, Avie decided she needed to poop too, then changed her mind, then resisted getting dressed again... it was complete chaos. But soon we were all settled and eating, and all was well. Whew!

Jack woke from his nap about 2:30, his diaper dry. I took him to the toilet, which is where he did NOT want to go. But after some talking to and settling down, he finally went on without a problem, wanting to read a book. Not even a page in, he peed in the toilet! Whoo! So glad to have another success for the day.

3:40 pm - Eager to sit on the potty again, stayed a good 20 mins but didn't go.

4:10 - He wants my phone. I bribe him and say he can play with it on the potty. (Hey, you do what you've gotta do!) He pees! Wahoo!

5:12 - I ask Jack if he wants to go, we run in there, he trips... and pees in his pants. Darn. We were so close!

6 - I take him to go potty but he's already peed. How am I missing these? Had to of been in just the last couple minutes because he was dry when he got down from dinner.

6:20 - In the bath, he stands up, looks at me and pees, which he's never intentionally done before. This is good, right? Awareness.

6:40 - He poops... in his underwear.

7:20 - Wet his pants. Again.

8 - Tried for awhile to go again on the potty. No luck.

Day 2 tally: 9 misses (not counting in the bath... eh), 3 hits

Hoping tomorrow will be a GREAT day in our potty world.

What I learned today:
From my experience (you know, from potty training one other kid and all), I think it's actually going to be better potty training Jack sooner than later. I'm not saying for all kids, or that even my next kids will be potty trained this young, but where he was interested in it and initiated it, I think it's going to be easier for two reasons.
1. He is younger so he isn't at that defiant, wanting control age that they get to as they get older.
2. Potty training is hard no matter what. And really, I don't think these first two days doing Jack have been any different from when Avie was doing it at age 2. I'm glad we'll be able to get this over with sooner than later, and *hopefully* not have as many battles. It will already be something so familiar to him. That's the plan anyway.

Jack's potty training boot camp : day 1

2011-11-17T20:48:00.001-07:00

Two days ago I brought THE potty chair out from storage. (Ya know, the one Avie peed in at the consignment store...) Anyway, Jack was real interested in and the first day, he went pee in it THREE times all on his very own.

Yesterday I had some errands I had to do.

So today we officially started. He will be 19 months on Monday. Some people think I'm crazy (and sometimes I wonder myself), but I feel like he's really capable and with a little patience and time, he'll have it down. This being my second go around, I have a little better understanding of what I'm up against and think it will be a smoother ride. (Thank goodness those firstborns are so flexible and forgiving!)

We're just doing the underwear/timer method. So the play-by-play today went like this...

7:50 am - Jack sat on the potty and peed right away.

8:20 - Tried again, no luck but was happy to put his undies back on

9:11 - Accident número uno on the bathroom floor

9:48 - His undies are wet. Take him into the bathroom, and he POOPED in the potty!!! (How does it feel not having to change a dirty diaper? Awesome!)

10:21 - Tried again. Resistance. Resistance. Resistance.

10:41 - Timer went off, time to try again. Sat without a fight. Undies still dry. Set the timer for 15 mins later since hasn't gone for a bit.

(I should note that all this attention on brother has been a little hard on sister.)

10:49 - I turn around from dealing with Avie to see Jack standing with legs together, peeing. I'm too late to get him to the potty to make any of it in there. Oh well, a new pair of undies on. We'll try again. I set the timer for 40 mins later.

(Case in point - Avie has spent the last 20 minutes in her room bawling over this and that; she's got a rough life)

11:35 - Timer went off. He had wanted to sit on it a few minutes prior so I don't push him to go right now.

11:55 - He wants to read a book so I say let's go read it on the potty. He's really excited! He sits down with his book, and not even a minute later, he's peeing!!!! So exciting!

1 pm - about 20 mins before the timer was to go off again, I asked and he shook his head and ran to the toilet (the big one) climbed on by himself and peed!! For reward, he'd much rather play with a cup at the bathroom sink so that is what he does (but I still give him an m&m too when he's done. We gotta keep this fun, remember?)

3:34 - Jack sits on the big potty right after his nap. I think it's too late because his diaper was a little wet and warm, but much to my surprise, he pees!! What a big boy!

4:15 - about 3 mins before the timer, I ask if he needs to go. He runs to the bathroom and pees in the toilet again! Amazing!

5:36 - Peed his underwear
6:40 - Did it again (wet his undies, not in the toilet)

I had to leave for a party at 7, but Spencer said he (Jack, not Spencer) never went again, and never had an accident either before he was put in a diaper for the night.

So let's tally that up....
Day 1 Misses: 5 (I love those thick training underpants that don't leave puddles on my floor.)
Day 1 Hits: 6 (and one of those was POO!)

Definitely a successful day in my book!

I think Day 2 we might run into some rough patches (that's what I'm expecting anyway), with the novelty of it fading away, but we'll keep pushing on!

What I learned today:
40 minutes was a good amount for the timer for us. I asked him about halfway into it, and he would go sometimes then, but 20-30 minutes just seemed too often and it became more of a battle than enjoyable for him.

(Oh, and it's crazy how just one day wearing underwear, and I feel like I've watched him go from baby to child in a matter of hours. He's saying two-syllable words, like cookbook and tooter (thank you, Lisa) and jabbering with more sounds than he has before and even getting better at throwing and catching balls. He's just turning into such a big boy lately! I can't handle it! Also, he's still up tonight. Having a hard time getting to sleep. Maybe teething? But I kind of enjoy the sound his little diaper makes when he runs about. Can't believe we are saying goodbye to those for him (during the day anyway). My baby boy is getting so big!)

A new do!

2011-11-12T00:41:00.001-07:00

I decided I needed a little change up since I was turning 25 and all. A lot shorter... Spencer was asking that I don't cut off more than two, three inches max. He likes it long... But when it came down to it, I think it was more like eight!

I can't decide if this do and the shorter bangs make me look more like I'm 35 or 12?? Either way, it's fun to have something different and faster to do each day. Oh, who am I kidding? I don't do my hair every day!

Anyway, here's a before and after.

Birthday Eve

2011-11-10T19:42:00.001-07:00

Nothing like a birthday eve face mask to get my day of indulgence started. :)

Baking the cake

2011-11-10T19:00:00.001-07:00

I walked in from my work meeting and Avie exclaimed, "Mom! We're making your birthday cake!" Lemon Cheesecake. Yum!

Funny girl

2011-11-10T17:45:00.001-07:00

Avie in the bag my popcorn popper came in. It was her 'sleeping bag.'

This morning I am thankful for:

2011-11-09T08:50:00.001-07:00

• a mother-in-law who raised her son in a house of order
• cheap packs of knives - we used to run out all the time; it's amazing how much of a difference 4 knives can make
• the library, especially on cold days
• a working toilet with running water
• healthy, happy children (relatively speaking)
• thoughtful friends

May you have...

2011-11-07T04:05:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite blogs, 320 Sycamore, does 'courage for the week' every Sunday. I always enjoy them. Here's yesterdays.

Tonight I am grateful for:

2011-11-05T22:53:00.001-06:00

• lots of blankets to pile on me every night
• conference talks in the new Ensign
• my lip balm from Melaleuca, which I put on every night before bed
• my husband and all he does
• the hugs jack randomly comes running at me with during the day
• Avie and her reminders to smile (even if I'm just cleaning or writing, she wants to see a big smile)
• warm boots
• my crock-pot to make Sunday (and everyday) dinners a little easier
• being able to take pics on my iPhone and send them to family immediately
• a roof over my head to be out of the cold. truly.

We woke up to snow!

2011-11-05T22:41:00.001-06:00

It was freezing out there, but when it's the first real snow of the year, you can't NOT play in it!

That's the great part about being a kid, you can be freezing, but you don't care because it's fun!

When we came inside and waited for our fingers to warm up, we enjoyed some yummy hot chocolate with marshmallows.

(Thanks for the pics, Nicole!)

meal planning

2011-11-04T23:48:00.002-06:00

I'm bound and determined to figure out my meal planning once and for all (at least for this stage in our lives). This week I went through and weeded out recipe books and compiled tried-and-true recipes into one place. I've also been trying to figure out a list of our favorite/comfortable meals that we know we like, our go-to meals.

I'm definitely no expert in the kitchen. Like, if it's not on the recipe, I don't think to add, change or do anything differently. I just do what I'm told (regarding cooking, anyway!) I hate having things in my cupboards, knowing I could probably make something but not knowing exactly what, and when I go grocery shopping, I always seem to forget at least one important ingredient for more than one of my meals. So then I get home frustrated because I can't make a meal, and I don't want to spend more money after I just had a big shopping trip.

But thanks to this blog, I think I've found the perfect solution for me. It just seems to fit my ways and seems easy, less complicated than some other methods, for me anyway... and that's when you know it will really work, right? Right!

So here's a little snip of what I've been working on tonight... (it's a whole spreadsheet in Excel)

My 30 meals are down the left-hand side and all the ingredients for those 30 meals are along the top. Then it's a visual of what I need for the meals, or if I have something in my fridge that I need to use, I can go along the top and see what I could make with it.

I still am deciding what to do with the 'master list.' I might print it out and laminate to keep right on my fridge so I can use a dry-erase marker. Then I could either take it with me to the store, make a quick handwritten list or even take a picture with my iPhone and have it that way. Or I might just leave it on the computer. Or I might even put the doc on my iPhone.

I'm also planning on typing out all my recipes so they all fit in my recipe box, and I can pull out the cards for the meals I'll be making each week. And sometimes deciding what to make and when is hard too, so thanks to the help of my mom and some ideas she's heard, I made a 'master calendar' with general categories for each day of the month - chicken, beef, soup, beans, etc. - so I can have ideas of what type of meal to make, and also so it's changing, and our family doesn't get in a rut, expecting the same thing on the same day of the week all month long. I have about eight or nine, so they do repeat but never on the same day.

I'm just getting started with it all so I'm sure I'll tweak some things here and there as I get it figured out more, but I am really excited to feel like I'm getting a little more organized in the cooking department!

I got hit by a car. (Not recently)

2011-11-01T23:37:00.006-06:00

I'm cleaning up some old files on the iMac tonight and came across my 'hit by a car' story... I don't think I've ever posted anything about that on my blog so here's what I wrote when it happened:

November 17, 2005, Thursday

What a crazy week it’s been. I am on the plane right now flying from Salt Lake to Seattle. I was supposed to come home Tuesday, but things changed. On Tuesday morning of this week I was walking to school for my eight o’clock math class. I was walking down the street and remember seeing my friend, Jeff, across the street and wanting to catch up with him so we could walk together. That is the last thing I remember until waking up with my head on the pavement and puddles of blood around it. I remember seeing a guy’s legs off in the distance, but never saw his face. I was hit by a car while trying to cross the street. Waking up, I was unsure what was going on, but somehow in the back of my mind I knew I was hit by a car. I remember the paramedics there strapping me to the stiff board and on to the cart bed to go in the ambulance. I remember the ambulance trip vaguely as the paramedics poked at me and seemed like I was never left untouched. I remember getting to the hospital and being wheeled into some room. There wasn’t much stuff in it and the whole time I was crying hysterically and I remember I was always holding my hands up kind of tight by my chest. In that room, they again, poked and prodded at me and put an IV in my arm also. From there I was wheeled into another room where I was moved from the wheel-bed to a table to be scanned all over to make sure I had no broken bones or unseen injuries. After that was finished they moved me back to the wheel bed and rolled me down the halls of the hospital. I remember vaguely seeing people standing around and staring at me as I was pushed down the hall, helpless. I was taken into another room where a doctor and nurse came in to check everything. I had some bleeding on my head so they decided to put staples in it. I remember the doctor telling me I’d have to have a couple and seeing the nurse get the numbing shot ready to the right of me. I felt a little pain as the needle went in my head, but don’t remember feeling anything after that. I just laid there in that room for a little bit while the people left. One nurse came in to clarify all my personal information, which she had gotten from my wallet which was in my backpack. Everything was good to go. A few minutes later a nurse came in talking about how I could call home or roommates or someone to come pick me up. She asked for my apartment phone number and said, “Hold On…” She handed me the phone. I was still crying hard so finding the words to talk was hard to do. I managed to get out “Who is this?” “Anna,” she said, followed by, “Gena? What’s wrong? Where are you?” I couldn’t answer any of her questions, as I was crying too hard. The nurse asked if I’d like her to speak and I nodded my head. She got on the phone, told Anna I had been hit by a car and would she come pick me up. Anna got there a few minutes later and sat in there a couple minutes while the nurse explained everything to her about what had happened. After that the cop, from the scene of the accident, came in and tried to explain to me what had happened. Although as shaken up as I was, I was hardly able to listen, let alone ask him the questions which he had hoped I might ask. He told me the guy who had hit me did stick around and was given two citations, one for not yielding to me and the other for not having his windshield cleaned off completely. He also said I was jay walking so that would have to be reported but I wouldn’t be given a citation. He told me I broke the guy’s windshield. He asked if I had any questions, and I said no. He said I could call at the end of the week to get a police report. After they gave me my shoes at the end of the bed, which I had to put on myself, and a few more minutes of explanation to Anna, we were ready to go. They put me in a wheelchair, handed me my backpack and the nurse wheeled me outside. We waited inside the doors as Anna got her car and pulled up. The nurse put me in the car and that was that at the hospital. From there we went to the student health center on campus. As we were driving there I asked Anna to call Kyler, my home teacher, to have him come to the apartment and give me a blessing. She used my phone and he said he and someone else would be there when we got home from getting my prescriptions. I had to go into the health center with Anna because they needed my signature. I signed and then went to sit down, but could hardly stand it. I laid across two chairs with my feet over the armrest. It was so miserable. When Anna got done at the counter she came to sit by me, but was worried she might get a ticket because her car was parked up close. She went to check on it, and I moved to the floor to lie on my stomach. As I tried to get as comfortable as I could I kept moving and turning, I saw a guy sitting in the chair to my right side… He looked frightened. I couldn’t say anything. Although, I wanted to say, “What’s wrong with you? I just got hit by a car.” Finally, my prescriptions were ready. Anna got them from the counter and we went back to her car. She opened the door for me and I climbed inside. We got to the apartment and as we walked in Kyler and Luke were waiting in the hallway.

If you did make it all the way through, congratulations. That was long.

I kind of talk about this jokingly now and don't really think of it as a big deal, but I guess at the time it really was. I didn't remember how shaken up I was about it. I am so grateful for those faithful young men, who were my home teachers at the time, who were there waiting and willing to give me a Priesthood blessing to heal. The effects from that accident could have been much, much worse, and I know I definitely had some guardian angels around me that day! The only visible scar I have from this is a real light one at the top of my shoulder. There's probably one on my head from the staples, but I'll never know.

In a funk

2011-11-01T22:32:00.005-06:00

I'm blaming it on the cold weather... which kinda makes me nervous because we haven't even had snow yet!

But that's how I feel lately. Just blah. Like tired of the same old day-to-day things. And I know that sounds terrible because my day-to-day is mostly all about my kids, so am I saying I am tired of my kids? Well, not entirely... but somewhere, somehow I've lost that SPARK that I feel like I used to have for being a mom.

Instead of relishing the little moments like I used to, I find I am impatient, harsh, quick to call out and just. plain. tired.

It really sounds awful. The worst part is, is I'm completely aware, but I can't seem to shake myself from this thinking and get that motivation back.

I'm not writing this to get sympathy and have people tell me good things, but just to get it written down. Finally.

I feel like I've gone to post on my blog every time the last couple months and can't seem to get it out in words how I am feeling, and I guess tonight I finally could. I want to have it written down so I know there were hard times, along with the good, to help me see how I've grown as a person.

I know this is something I just have to work through, and in the process I hope to figure out a little more about myself and my role as a mother and hopefully develop new strengths to help me in the future when I might get in these ruts again.

A favorite lately...

"Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities
have crept in; forget them as
soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;
you shall begin it serenely and
with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Went on a bike ride today!

2011-10-25T14:46:00.001-06:00

Finally got around to fixing my bike tire today and got out for a ride with the kids in the trailer, along with Alyssa and her boys. Glad we'll be able to get out a few more times (hopefully) before the super cold weather and snow set in.

Pumpkins. Done.

2011-10-24T20:17:00.001-06:00

Jack

2011-10-22T08:43:00.001-06:00

The boy is now 18-months-old.
He's about 95% (34 in.) in height, 20-25% (23 lbs.) in weight and his head is right around the 50th.

He's trying to say whatever words we do, loves to dance and 'sing' along with us and 'whistle.' He knows some animal sounds and some body parts.

I thought he was leaving the bully stage for a bit, but it seems to have come back lately... Just in time to start in Nursery.

He's still just a content and pleasant little guy and happy to be driving his cars all around the floor, looking at books or playing with some stuffed animals.

He's grown very fond of a certain little squirrel in the last few months and his green fuzzy, soft blanket.

He's growing right on track. We love our little Jack man!

Reading together

2011-10-22T05:50:00.001-06:00

Carving time

2011-10-15T21:54:00.001-06:00

Tonight we found our pumpkins. When we'll carve them, I don't know. One of these days. We skipped the pumpkin patch this year and hit up Broulim's, but we were still able to get a cute non-grocery store picture thanks to the hay bales they had around. As you can see Jack was very happy to be sitting on that haystack.

We also had another successful apple carving night to get our shrunken apple heads by Halloween. Spencer even added some crazy hair to his this year so now we really look like some voodoo-practicing family. Actually, it reminded us both of the head that hangs in the invisible night bus on Harry Potter.

It was fun to have some friends over to join in the fun. I think we counted a total of eight couples and the children, which made for a full little home, and that is always fun!

Can you believe we started this little tradition SIX years ago with the Mowers, when we were first married? We've done it every year since and will continue to do so. We think it's great!

Today was good.

2011-10-07T13:02:00.008-06:00

Morning chores
ABCs
Cars
Blocks
Airplane legs
Bicycle kicks
Raspberries on tummies and necks
Fly hunting (we take it very seriously)
Painting
Cuddling
Reading
TV
Puddle jumping
Snow playing (barely - thank goodness!)
Cocoa
Bathtime
...and I still have a clean home at the end of the day!

Then, enter bedtime. The happy day is over.

An exceptional outfit

2011-10-07T02:48:00.002-06:00

Most days I let Avie choose her outfits. Unless we're going somewhere that really matters, she just wears whatever she fancies. On this particular day we were just going to the park, and I thought her outfit was rather exceptional. I just had to get a picture. I'm sure she'll really love it (or rather, me) when she's older and sees I let her go out like that.

No desire to blog

2011-10-07T02:39:00.003-06:00

Does it feel like I'm non-existent these days?

I kinda am.

Sometimes I think of things I want to post, but by the time I get around to maybe doing it, I've lost the thought.

Or I do have thoughts but have a hard time putting those thoughts into words once I start thinking about it more.

Even now, I don't know what else to say. Maybe one of these days I'll get the blogging bug again... until then, enjoy my moderate posting of pictures, with very little words.

a family photo

2011-10-07T02:27:00.000-06:00

2 videos!

2011-09-25T22:05:00.004-06:00

I feel like I hardly get to enjoy these little moments with Jack, like I did with Avie, and if I do recognize them during the day I have to be cautious of how much I do, for fear of Avie wanting to be a baby again. It's a delicate situation right now regarding the two.

Anyway, in an effort to capture my little Jack boy growing up, I'm trying to get more videos of him when I can. Here's a couple from the last few days.

He really does a lot better with sayings things back to me. We had already gone through a lot before I decided to grab the camera, so at this point he was like, "Mom, enough already!!"

It's amazing how one little son can melt your heart so much! He makes me smile every time I look at him (and it helps that he's not in the huge fit-throwing stage yet either)... This is making it sound like I love one child more than the other. Of course, that is not the case. Avie is my little sweetheart girl, and I love how they both fill completely different parts of my heart.

Happy Autumn First!!

2011-09-23T22:52:00.004-06:00

Today was actually a much better day compared to the rest of the week.

We spent the day exercising, visiting daddy on campus, running errands, cleaning and then playing outside. Tonight the kids and I ran up and down the street twice. It was a lot of fun. I was hoping to wear them out, and they were tired, but didn't conk out like I imagined.

Oh, and Avie managed to get some silly faces in too.

My perfect life

2011-09-23T21:57:00.009-06:00

While making dinner tonight, I turned around from the stove and found this scene:

My two perfect children sitting perfectly still and quiet each in their own perfect little chair, reading books to themselves, in a perfectly clean room (minus that outrageous shoe pile!)

I just stood and watched for a few seconds and took it all in.

Because... this week has been far, far from perfect.
I am grateful for an encouraging and understanding husband, my own mom who has 'been-there-done-that' with none other than ME! and gives support and advice (Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but I once was a strong-willed, stubborn little wild child too), a Heavenly Father who is there to listen when I need to pray (ALL DAY) and who somehow knows when a moment of peace is needed most so I can hear answers to my prayers for how to deal with what's in my face at the moment.

Sometimes as a mom, it's a miracle to get through one day,
let alone one CRAZY DIFFICULT WEEK.
I'm trying to enforce the power of positive thinking:
I just keep having to remind myself that this is only a phase, and she really is a sweet little girl. And I have had sweet moments with her too this week despite all the angry ones. She's only three for just a little while, and she is teaching me lessons I wouldn't learn otherwise. I might even miss this one day?

I had a little helper with my table. :)

2011-09-13T23:08:00.000-06:00

Walls

2011-09-13T22:46:00.002-06:00

I got this frame at DI and painted it for a picture holder. I'm pretty happy with it. Now I have a place to hang pictures and keep them more up-to-date. I have a plan for something I want to put in the green frame. The blue shelf used to be the red one in our bathroom. It's nice to feel like I'm finally starting to get something on our walls. I haven't been too good at it. But now with my green chairs, I'm finally starting to get a color scheme going on, and it's starting to look a little more homey. Add my new slipcover that I just won on a blog giveaway, and it will be looking real good!

Another project

2011-09-13T22:34:00.002-06:00

We got this table for free from one of our Spanish professors when we were first married. Spencer has wanted to re-do it since the beginning, and I finally agreed last week. So without further ado, here is our table...

Before:
(obviously a very old picture... Avie's so little)

After:

I told Spencer my table looked so nice it needed flowers. He put together this arrangement for me one night at work, and I woke up to a beautiful bouquet on my lovely table.

Little buddies

2011-09-05T21:54:00.000-06:00

They made little beds in the TV stand yesterday before church. This picture is of Jack laughing, and Avie is shushing him because it was time to 'sleep.'

After the park tonight they crawled up on the couch here together for a few minutes before bedtime. Jack is chewing on his shirt. He gets that from his daddy....

Labor Day Bike Ride

2011-09-05T21:33:00.000-06:00

We took a bike ride this afternoon. We ended up being out a lot longer than we planned due to a flat tire (which I planned for... but then the bike pump broke), until Spencer got off work and could come save the day. The kids had fun though, getting to play extra, and by the time they got home and had a late dinner they were ready for bed! I love when bedtimes work out like that!

Oh yeah, the blog...

2011-09-04T21:25:00.007-06:00

Seems I've been neglecting my blog lately. I've been posting to Facebook more because it's a little quicker, and I don't have to write so much when my brain is tired, tired, tired...

Anyway, about a week ago we went on a little adventure and drove in and hiked down to Packsaddle Lake. It was beautiful.

I worked a long day shift once last week, and Spencer took the kids fishing with 'Uncle Curt' at Rigby Lake. They came home filthy and exhausted so I think that means they had a blast.

- - -

Mostly we've just been enjoying the last days of summer, being lazy watching movies, playing outside and eating too many Otter Pops. Gotta live it up right? September 1st came, and with it, Fall weather. I can't believe how quickly it got cool. I've been freezing (yes, we are still in the 70s) often have an extra jacket or blanket around me during the day. I know, Spencer says I'm crazy. I am not ready for winter weather... but I'm trying not to think about that and instead remember all the fun things that are going to happen between now and the snow.

I got a hair cut yesterday!

Yep, I did it. I went with the swoop bangs AND layers. Whoa!
I love having something new and fresh. I feel so much more hip. Haha! Now if I only I had some money for a new, hip wardrobe!!

While Jack was sleeping yesterday, I let Avie come do her makeup with me. Afterward, she wanted me to take pictures of her too.

You could get a new slipcover... for free!!

2011-08-26T22:51:00.001-06:00

Head on over to 320 * Sycamore and enter the giveaway for a (quality) slipcover.

Least favorite chore

2011-08-26T08:56:00.003-06:00

Mine lately? Dishes. Emptying the dishwasher to be exact.
I don't know why I detest it so, but I do. And I would rather have a sink full of dishes and use every clean dish out of my dishwasher before wanting to actually put them away. Just is.

So we have worked out a little agreement - Spencer unloads, I load. It works out great, until the days when he's super busy and they pile up, and I don't feel like doing housework (like yesterday).

What's your least favorite chore to do around the house??

Just one of those days...

2011-08-25T21:05:00.006-06:00

I love him.

2011-08-25T20:48:00.001-06:00

Prevailed.

2011-08-24T21:28:00.005-06:00

When I graduated three years ago, my goal was to start reading a book a month. To encourage me in this goal, my doting husband gifted me with a copy of Pride and Prejudice.

However, after three years of reading textbooks, it was the last book I wanted to read. That formal, old, English it was written in was so hard for me to understand, and my mind was not ready for that daunting of a book.

I did get into reading other books, though, and I was enjoying reading again very much. Still, I wanted to read Pride and Prejudice. Every so often I would pick it up but not be able to get past the first few pages before putting it down again.

I figured it just wasn't for me - no matter how much of a classic it was.

I love the movie (the 2005 version with Kiera Knightly) and had seen it recently on TV, so the story was on my mind. Saturday I decided to try it again, and this time I could not put it down. I finally enjoyed it and the story was fresh enough in my mind, that if the language started to get to me, I just slowed down and read the paragraph again, soaking up up every detail and description of those characters and events.

I finished it last night. I loved it. I am so excited to watch the movie again (this time to longer version) to have the story replayed another time in my mind. It just makes me so happy. Call me cheesy, but I come off reading books like these thinking, "I love LOVE!" and secretly wishing I could have lived back in the day to experience circumstances such as those.

Can't wait to get my hands on another Jane Austen novel! (But first I think I am going to read The Help since it's all the rage right now.)

Jack, lately

2011-08-24T20:58:00.007-06:00

It has been a long time since I've done a single post just about Jack, and I'm realizing lately just how much he is growing and learning these days.

Can you believe he is 16 months old? Two more months and he'll be in Nursery. It's crazy how fast they grow. My little baby boy already a full-fledged toddler!

Just in the last two weeks alone, I feel like he has picked up on so much. He is imitating and talking and running and feeding himself almost entirely.

Today I was brushing my teeth, and I heard little footsteps running across the kitchen floor, assuming it was Avie because of their quickness, but no. In came my big boy eager to get on the stool and put his hands in the water.

Words he's starting to say -
cah (car), mama, DADA (how he loves his dada!), Aaaaa (Avie), dah! dah! (dog), and dogs say "rrrrfff rrrrfff." Cows say, "mmmmmmmmmmmm," and birds (sometimes) say, "teh teh."

He points one finger at his other palm when he sometimes wants more of something, and goes right to the fridge when he's ready for some milk. He nods his head 'yes' and shakes his head 'no' (like a little turtle the way he stretches his neck so much) for things he does or does not want.

Last night he was crying the most pitiful cry. In the dark I felt my way into his crib and found him sitting up so sad. I silently picked him up and held him. He just put his head on my shoulder and snuggled with me. After a few minutes I went and sat down with him, still he snuggled. A couple more minutes he turned himself around and just sat in the chair with me. I covered him with the blanket since the fan was on, and then he'd throw it off. Then he'd realize he was cold and want it back again. This went on for a couple minutes, then I asked him if he was ready to go back to his bed. He shook his head so we stood up, snuggled and down he went back to sleep without another peep.

I am always grateful for those sweet little moments that remind me he's still my baby boy, and no matter how big he gets, he'll always need his mama. And though, I often tease and say Jack is that kid - you know, the one who you hope is not in your own child's class, the bully... he is a sweet child and a perfect fit for our family.

Day 3

2011-08-24T20:55:00.003-06:00

Day 3 of my meal plan, and I couldn't even stick to it. Geesh! It was waaaaaaaayyyy to hot today to feel like making anything, and when Avie eagerly asked for cereal for dinner, I readily obliged. Tomorrow I'll do better.

2011-08-23T20:27:00.000-06:00

Our new favorite Pandora station - - - > Kidz Bop Kids!!
It has some great dancing tunes, and we rocked it tonight. It's been awhile since I've actually set aside some dance time, and it was fun.

MPM - August 22

2011-08-22T09:03:00.004-06:00

I've been a dinner dud lately. Like big time. I think I've made dinner maybe five times in the last three weeks since I've been back home. My sister spoiled me every night at mom's, always having something good to eat. She loves to cook. I'm trying to acquire the same love.

To start, I'm doing 'Menu-Plan Monday' again through this blog. Maybe it will help me feel accountable to someone or something.

My menu for the week is this:

Monday - Lasagna
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Tacos
Thursday - Pulled pork (crock-pot)
Friday - Leftovers/Corn dogs for kids
Saturday - Bow-tie pesto chicken pasta
Sunday - Chicken tacos (crock-pot)

Fair & Parade, Spray Park and Rio.

2011-08-19T15:34:00.006-06:00

Yesterday we went to the county fair. It was all free. Awesome. Always nice to have something different to do here. We had fun looking at the animals and wandering through the few booths there.

The 'heritage parade' was later that night so we got all ready for it, and tagged along with a couple other friends. It was supposed to stat at 6 p.m. but when we all headed downtown no streets were closed off like they normally are here for parades. After some questioning we figured out it still was going on, and they were going to close the street off soon. So we grabbed all our gear and headed down the street to find a spot and wait. We probably waited for a good 20-30 minutes when finally the parade started, and lasted about 10 minutes (maybe). It was pretty funny. We did get to see lots of horses in those few minutes though so still fun. Next time we'll know the 'heritage parade' isn't like the others. :)

Today the kids and I drove the van in to get repaired (we're having some electrical issue, main issue = NO A/C.) We took off from there in the stroller to walk a bit before finally stopping at the spray park where we stayed for a couple hours.

Now after some naps and more time outside, the kids are inside here watching Rio, while I'm trying to figure out what to make for dinner (at 3:45). I think it's cute Avie asks to watch 'the dog movie with the birds.' I think it should be the other way around. :)

Routines and a little boy on a big bike

2011-08-16T20:11:00.005-06:00

I haven't really been sticking to much of a routine this summer, being gone for almost a whole month and all, and when it's nice outside (at least in the beginning), I hate having to come in at seven to start getting ready for bed when we're all having so much fun outside.

However, as of last week, we're back at it. Routines, I mean. Jack is down to one nap a day now, and goes down every day at 1:30 and sleeps about two, two and a half hours. Avie is starting to realize that time is hers - no little brother to pester her, no mama to tell her what to do or how to do things. She can do whatever she wants. Sometimes we're outside, sometimes she's playing ABCs, sometimes we're playing cards, sometimes it's just watching a show and eventually taking a nap herself. It's made more time for myself as well - always nice.

At night we start getting ready for bed at seven, and the kiddos are in their beds (yes, both at the same time -four days in a row now with that - by eight, and it has worked out so nicely. Before we'd put Jack down first and Avie later. But either he'd be sleeping so lightly, he'd wake up when she came in, or she'd go in like a tornado and wake him up anyway. So, I decided enough with that. Avie has actually been staying in her bed now and not trying to come out (mostly). Hurray!

I guess all I'm really getting at is I really think routines make a difference. For the better.

In other news, this little guy can get up on this big bike all.by.himself.
He climbs up, starting with the training wheels, then the back wheel spokes, then the tire, and voila! He's on the seat after that. I couldn't believe it. Just like I said, he does everything his sister does.

little copycat

2011-08-16T19:56:00.005-06:00

Today I asked Avie if I could take a picture of her in her awesome outfit with her 'special' headband and bracelet on. Soon after Jack was standing in the exact same spot waiting for his picture together. He's doing everything she does these days. I love the third picture over of him looking at her. :)

Oh, and those stars on the fridge are for Avie keeping her panties dry. When she gets five in a row (she added two extras so she's really at two right now), she gets to sleep in her panties! I think we're finally getting there, for reals, this time.

A welcomed change of plans

2011-08-13T22:43:00.005-06:00

The kids and I went to the International Dance Festival parade at the beginning of the month. I had completely forgotten about it and was going into town to get a Redbox movie to hold us over for a Daddy-less evening and realized what was going on when certain streets were blocked off, so we changed our plans. We went home, grabbed our chairs, made some pbj sandwiches and headed back to watch the parade.

I kept telling Avie we'd get to see dancers, but I think we were just in a bad spot because we didn't get to see much dancing where we were at. It all seemed to happened just a little bit past us. We still had fun noticing all their different outfits, and we all loved seeing the camel that came along with the India group. Avie's favorite group was from China because they wore pink, of course!

Near the end it started to sprinkle so I started to pack us up to head back to the van. Unfortunately, I didn't do it soon enough. It suddenly started POURING down on us. The kids had light jackets, but that was it. It was hitting our faces like tiny little nails. They were NOT happy, but we weren't too far away, and after having a worried lady ask if I had anything for my baby, we made it just fine.

We were parked in the Broulim's parking lot so Daddy came and rescued us with an umbrella to go into the store. Avie was ecstatic about that - the umbrella. She's always a reminder to me that it's about the simple things.

A special bond

2011-08-13T22:19:00.003-06:00

Today when I got Jack up from his nap, he was so excited to see his sister, and she immediately asked if she could hold him. She hasn't asked to hold her little brother in quite awhile, so I told her, "Sure, but I don't know if he'll want to sit there long," seeing as he's not much smaller than she is now.

But I was wrong. He went right to her and just stayed on her lap for a few minutes, loving it.
He really loves her.

They have such a sweet little bond most of the time (and the other times it's quite the opposite).
When Jack and I went in to Avie's bed this morning when we heard her wake up, he was so cute leaning against her bed and looking at her little lamp on her nightstand. She was saying, "Mom, Jack's being such a good boy. What a good boy Jack!" because he was looking only and not trying to touch the lamp.

She is always telling me lately that she wants to be a mommy, and I think she enjoys getting to love on her little brother and take care of him. He is starting to say her name, "Aaaaa," and makes it a point to give her kisses and hugs before he goes down for his nap or bedtime. The other night he even went into his room without doing so, then kept saying her name over and over so I brought him back out. He just gave her a kiss and then was ready to go to bed again.

I hope this is the beginning of a great sister/brother relationship between the two of them that will last for years and continue on with the rest of our family.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

2011-08-12T22:09:00.007-06:00

5 years of marriage // 8.4.2011
Spencer surprised me with an overnight get-a-way near Jackson, Wyoming.

I know my hair looks really awesome on top :/

We stayed in Teton Village (about 10 mins from Jackson) where we took a tram ride up the mountain, had a picnic lunch and hiked around a bit. It was so nice to get away together and so fun to do something new too.

In the evening we went into Jackson to walk around the square, eat dinner and have some ice cream.

I am grateful that even after five years, my husband still wants to surprise me and keep me smiling.

Of course it all hasn't been easy, and we've had to work at it and figure things out just like everyone else, but I can honestly say this last year has been our best (and Spencer agrees).

* * * * *

For you Spencer,
In the last five years - -
We've had 2 children , earned 1 Bacehlor's degree
(and only 1 semester away from the 2nd B.S.)
We've moved to 3 different apartments, had a total of 5 jobs between us and 4 cars (not all at once). In our church service, we've had 7 callings, and you've given our children two beautiful baby blessings. You've had approximately 569,458 hobbies and interests come up, and I love you all the more for that . You've probably had to ask me if I've washed your clothes 373 more times than you should have had to, and yet you still love me unconditionally, as a poor housewife and all.
I love you Mr. Buie.
I can't wait to see where the next five years takes us!

A perfect summer day...

2011-08-12T20:36:00.005-06:00

consists of:

-taking a morning walk with your homegirl

-playing at the park with your besties,

-specifically sliding down head first, on your belly

-eating Otter Pops and then whatever you want for lunch

-doing ABCs on the computer (Avie), getting a great nap (Jack) and having time to read and catch up on some journal-ing (me)

-playing outside in the water

-riding your bike

-eating more Otter Pops

-soaking up the sunshine

-talking to friends and staying outside until it's time for dinner

-then bath time, reading stories together on the couch, brushing teeth, reading scriptures and saying prayers and going to bed in a timely manner all without any argument or complaints.

Poop in the bathtub didn't even phase me tonight!
(Though, I did say, "Jack, yucky..." thinking I was just lightly teasing him, and he burst out crying like he'd done something awful. Poor kid. He's such a tender-heart.

Washington in July

2011-08-09T08:33:00.007-06:00

I think I was three days short of seeing my mom the entire month of July this summer.

She and my niece, Kylie, came out the 1st to celebrate Avie's birthday with us and stay a few days before the kids and I got in her van for the long trek back to Washington with them, where we stayed for three weeks.

We made a lot of great memories and spent a lot of time seeing family. We had a great time!!

Some of the highlights:
- playing at the Walla Walla cousins' house
- eating ice cream with Grandpa and Grandma Rogerson
- Staying at the hotel with 'Damma' and having awesome breakfasts
- beach combing with Reionna
- a warm and sunny day at Long Beach
- riding the pony and Sugar
- lots of time with (lots of) cousins
- Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Matt's hous, where we played and swung and ate ice cream
- Meeting baby Jimber
- Damma's 'secret place'
- Swimming at the campground
- Tolmie State Park with all the cousins
- Sleeping in =]
- Lots of sister-time
- Isla!! (I miss her!)

Though, three weeks away from home. (Funny how I now refer to Rexburg as my home. Two years ago, 'home' was still Washington - but now I say, "Home is where your husband is :]). Never again (by myself that is. I'd gladly go that long when we're all together!!). Spencer was right. It was a long time, and by the end both the kids and I were ready to get back to a routine and familiarity again.

Thanks, Mom (and Ty and Lisa) for letting us bombard your home and space for three l-o-n-g weeks so we could have plenty of time to see everyone and do so many fun things. We definitely are missing being around you all every day!!

3!

2011-08-05T18:33:00.006-06:00

This year Avie turned three on the third (in July).
(Yes, that's how far behind I am...)

Mac & Cheese! Pink cake! Dora! Ladybug gear! Pillow pet! Princess fruit snacks! Books! Earrings (The stick-on kind)! Money for the horsies! Grammy and Kylie! Kelcie (and her brother... haha, Avie's not really sure what to think of Chandler)! Annie! (And Annie's family!)
It was a good day for her!

We love our little Avie girl, even when she's feisty.
(Just seeing those rosy cheeks again makes me all hot like we were that day. We tried to do the cake outside, but it was too windy and the candles wouldn't stay lit, so we headed back up the stairs (if only we'd been in our bottom apartment then!), so yes, 10+ bodies in our little apartment and 80+ degree day was not a good mix. Thanks to everyone who hung around to celebrate our little girl's birthday!)

Riding the pony

2011-08-02T06:42:00.007-06:00

When we visited Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Matt once, they took us to the Farmer's Market nearby so Avie could ride on a pony.

Back at it!

2011-07-30T22:29:00.008-06:00

The kids and I are back in Idaho after our three-week vacation to Washington (though putting kids to bed by the end of week two couldn't have been further from a vacation)!

We had a great time, but it is wonderful to be back at our own place again.

Well, about that, we've also moved! Just downstairs, but it has been very much worth the hassle. We have access to the crawl space and an extra closet so it's nice to feel like we have a little more room to store stuff now and not feel so cramped.

We only got everything moved down last night so we still have a lot to put away (and clean upstairs), but I love being able to open the door and just let my kids go out and play. I also got to experience bringing groceries into my home tonight without going up any stairs! You can imagine my excitement! I am so, so happy our wonderful landlady was willing to work with us and allowed this to happen!

A huge thanks to Nathan and Nicole for all your help with everything. We owe and will owe you forever and ever. Especially after Thursday. :)

Pictures and stories of our trip to come soon!

So glad when daddy comes home

2011-06-28T20:40:00.002-06:00

As soon as the kids knew he was home tonight,
they were ready to jump out of the tub and into his arms.

Jack quickly stole the coveted lap seat and mauled his daddy's face.

Just writing - Something I'm looking forward to this year

2011-06-27T21:44:00.007-06:00

I love to write.
However, the longer I've been graduated, the more I see it becoming less a part of my life. I write still, of course, but it's mostly just about my children and life as wife and mom.

So, in an effort to develop my writing skills again and give me something else to write about, I've looked up some prompts/writing challenges to help me start thinking and writing again.

It's kind of like in school, when the teacher would give you a few minutes to just write. So here's me, just writing.

The first one?
Something I'm looking forward to this year.

Spencer graduating! At least that's the plan, there's always the option to hold out another semester while he does an internship with the dental office again, but most likely, he will at least be walking this December.

Three years ago, he earned his dental assisting certificate (and another for being top of the class)

On the surface, I am very happy and very proud of him. It's not easy being a dad and going to school, and yet, he does it. He (and I) have learned a lot about himself, and he's grown in a lot more ways than just scholastically. His college of choice (Biology) is difficult and time consuming and full of details and data that shouldn't even have to be known. But he loves it, and he works at it. This will be a huge accomplishment for him and our family. He's starting a legacy for our children, and I hope, in time, they will come to recognize his hard work and want to do the same.

Now, digging deeper, I am nervous. This, being students in SE Idaho, is all we've known since we've been married. Yes, we will have been here for 5+ years by the time he finishes, so it's no surprise that it's become our home. It's where our first two children were born. It's where family has come to visit us and lifelong friends have been made. It's where we've accepted church callings and served. It's where we've celebrated birthdays and had our first apartments. It's home to our favorite pizza place - Craigo's (now known as Pizza Pie Cafe) and has the best snow cones you could ask for. It's where I gained a greater testimony of The Book of Mormon and where we got engaged. It's familiar and comfortable and safe, and I really am going to miss it.

But... change has to happened, and I am grateful it does because without change we wouldn't grow. I don't know where our next step will take us after graduation (and maybe we'll still be here awhile), but I know we'll have each other and new favorite places will be found and more friends will be made and family can visit us wherever we go. Just as long as we're together.

Just be still.

2011-06-24T23:10:00.005-06:00

This evening we took ourselves to the little park nearby.
It's one of our favorites because it's secluded and quiet and mostly, because we can roam around like we own the place.

We raced, slid, swung, climbed and chased birds (Jack's favorite).

I needed this, I think, as much as the kids today.
We've been keeping busy and doing lots of fun things, but it's been awhile since we've just had some calm time together to be still (even if we weren't really still), if that makes any sense.

While the kids played, I was able to just watch and listen,
instead of worrying about where they may or may not be if I can't see them, or falling off toys, or walking in front of someone on the swings.
(I never thought a playground would cause me such anxiety!)

I guess I mean I was able to really just focus on my children with no other distractions, and it made me realize how little I've done that lately.

My babies are growing up so quickly.

My little girl got her acceptance letter for preschool in the fall this week. She also mastered buckling up her car seat and no longer wants my help (of course, I check it!) She rides her bike with very little trouble and doesn't want me to keep my hand ready at any moment anymore, and her conversations are sounding more and more grown-up all the time.

AND

My little boy climbs the stairs up to the slide like he's three already.
(Thankfully, he still doesn't mind when I swoop him up and have him go down on my lap). He feeds himself unbelievably well with a spoon, and he feels completely comfortable walking really far away from me (for being one) in public areas.

Please, can time just slow down a little?
They are growing up way too fast.

- - -

Once at home, we made homemade barbeque chicken pizza, bathed the kids and watched Cars.
All tuckered out, they went to bed like little angels.

Then, moments after Spencer got home for lunch break, Avie puked and came crying out of her room. We cleaned everything up, and then she just laid in my arms until eventually she crawled to the floor and fell asleep. I set up a little bed for her at the side of my bed where she is sleeping soundly now.

"yellow park" pictures

2011-06-23T07:49:00.003-06:00

I never have my camera, and Nicole always has her phone.
So, she's become my children's personal photographer this summer.

These are from a couple weeks ago, but I don't think I ever got them posted.
This was the day Jack mastered the slide on his own.

Silly Jack

2011-06-23T07:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we spent our afternoon outside, playing in the sprinkler and in Annie's little pool without a care in the world. It's so fun to have friends so close and be able to have all our kids play and chat it up as moms while they do. I know I will definitely miss these days when they're over.

By the end of the day, we were all tuckered out, even though Avie tried to tell me otherwise and resist going to bed, as has been her practice lately. I think even I was in bed and sleeping by 8:30, and even with waking up around 1:30 by a certain spouse who may or may not have been snoring, I still got about eight hours of sleep last night. When was the last time that happened?!

I love summer! And sunshine!

Check out the weather! Our hot summer days have finally arrived! Wahoo!

(Mom and Kylie be prepared for trips to the spray park and Rexburg Rapids and probably a couple stops at Snoasis too!!!)

ps - Has anyone ever used these? I got an e-mail this morning saying they are back in stock and on sale til mid July. They might be kind of fun to use since I have long hair now, but I'm not sure I'm totally sold yet. Would they be as easy as they look to use?

pss- that weather chart says 57 degrees right now. it's 7 a.m. yep, it's going to be a hot one!!

Another walk on a sunny day!

2011-06-21T17:24:00.000-06:00

Today we (I guess I could point out that we went with Nicole & her girls but that's a given) walked a different route and found all kinds of fun things we don't normally see - lots of water, a cool bridge, with some fluffy animal scurrying away at the sight of us (maybe a baby beaver?), the backside of the new water park that's opening soon, the school bus yard, the fire trucks. Unfortunately (for them), the kids were asleep for most of it, but we're glad they got their naps in!

We were gone about four hours. Some of that was eating lunch and playing at Smith Park though. When we got home we stayed outside and visited with neighbors for another two hours. Now we're inside and the kids are watching The Backyardigans, completely exhausted. Even little Jack who doesn't just sit and chill for shows is lounged out in one of the green chairs, completely still.

They're going to sleep great tonight!

I did not put sunscreen on soon enough, and am therefore, toasted. My back anyway. I wore a shirt with a different cut today!

7.6 miles

Now if only I could jog that far!

I said I'd post some pictures.

2011-06-20T22:59:00.003-06:00

A few randoms from the last two weeks-

Our garage sale finds - Cookie Monster play dough set and matching green chairs.
I love the color. Spencer doesn't.
What do you think?

This little boy l.o.v.e.s spaghetti!

Number magnet with a hole + a straw = problem solving for a 1-year-old

He was actually interested in this for most of the morning one day.

Wow. Is she like such a girl or what? Her swimsuit always reminds me of the Shag. I don't know why or if there is even an Americana swimsuit in the movie, but it does.

Fishing at the Nature Park with the cousins-

Grandma Brooks, Alden, Avie, Madi and Rylee throwing Wheat Thins and wafer cookies at the ducks. (Yep, we forgot the bread!) p.s. Ducks aren't huge fans of wafer cookies. Save them for the kiddies.

The lucky ducks

I need to look up what kind of bird this is. Not only did it have this amazingly bright yellow head, but when it spread its wings, there were these broad white stripes across them.

Waiting for a turn to fish

We're both very classy ladies. I'm pretty sure Avie is the best matched child. Ever. :) She was rockin' all colors of the rainbow for this outing. And check out her awesome new 'dance pants.' Grandma Brooks made her three new pair!!

While all the other kids fished, this little guy snoozed and stayed cozy in stroller.

It's her turn!! Avie was a big fan of that fishing pole, and consequently, Grandma and Grandpa Brooks got her one from DI.

Rylee and Avie. He's about a year and a half older.

Alli, Rylee, Grandma Brooks, Cody, Jack, Alden, Madi and Avie

Ward campout-

The three amigos.

This was the only picture I took while camping.

A year ago, I probably would've had 20.

A gal in our ward, who has a popular style blog I just found out today, posted a picture of Spencer and Avie roasting a marshmallow that you can see here. And another friend, and great photographer, has a couple pictures of Avie posted on her blog.

This happened today-

Yes. That is gum in the hair.

Thankfully, a little peanut butter did the trick and no tears were shed.

a little update!

2011-06-20T06:55:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday!

I think Spencer had a good Father's Day.

Eventful, but good.

He is a great daddy, and our children adore him.
I think it will be hard on all three of them when we (the kids and I) go to Washington in July for three weeks.

We've been busy, and I've been a poor blogger lately.

Last week we had Spencer's grandparents come visit us, and his Uncle Jason and Aunt Christy and family (I still can't get used to thinking Jason and Christy as my uncle and aunt, so, I usually don't) were able to stop and stay a night on their ways to and from Yellowstone.

It was so fun to have family around and have a little change in routine.
Avie already wants her cousins to come back and loved watching her grandma and grandpa do whatever. Like literally watch - she would sit outside her bedroom door, and tell me, "I just wanna watch my grandma and grandpa," as they would get ready for bed or after they woke up in the morning.

Guess she isn't used to having grandparents around!

Spencer only has five weeks of school left! This semester is flying by!

The kids and I usually get out for a walk most days with Nicole, Annie and Shae.

This week's looking like it might be our first real hot week so far so maybe even Avie will brave the spray park. We went one morning last week, and she and Jack had fun splashing around in the fountains, but that's about all we did because it was still a little windy.

We had a ward camp out Friday night at Green Canyon.
Other than the fact that Avie was a little cold after sundown (four layers were not enough), she had a lot of fun and slept great at night. In fact, I think she was the last kid to wake the next morning, she was sleeping so soundly. Jack eventually fell asleep but an hour later started crying and was SO upset. I think he was probably too cold because he wouldn't stay under covers or in a sleeping bag. Spencer took him to the van, and they slept there in the back for the rest of the night.

Eventually I'll get around to posting some pictures of all this.

In the meantime, enjoy these ones:

Checking out the new stroller. This has been the best purchase!

Can you tell he really, really enjoyed that green smoothie?

This stroller has provided hours of entertainment. Thank you, Martins, for getting this for Avie's 1st Bday!


I told Avie to get her sun hat one day, and she came out like this. :)

What matters most

2011-06-19T06:19:00.001-06:00

Just a good message to remember as a new week begins
...when cottage cheese is thrown onto the carpeted floor OR folding clothes seems more important than helping a little girl ride her bike OR watching TV at the end of the day is easier than reading yet another book to a sweet little boy OR staying in bed longer is more appealing than making my husband a lunch with a love note...

Relationships. It's what it's all about.

my latest project

2011-06-09T23:07:00.004-06:00

you've probably seen this chair in pictures before.

(don't worry - Jackson didn't fall even though it looks like he is about to)

i scored this vintage (cosco 1950's) high chair at DI awhile back, for free, when i dropped some goods off to donate.

i knew immediately that i wanted to re-do it, but it's taken me a few months to actually get around to it. (surprising, i know!)

but the time has come.
and here is the finished project:

i do have the tray for it too, which i'll eventually re-paint white but since we don't use it regularly, and it sits underneath our bed, it's not a priority at the moment.

spencer was my right-hand man giving me suggestions on painting and helping me get it back together.

we're excited to see avie's reaction in the morning!

and ps, i have no idea why i chose not to use any uppercase letters in this post.

Family Fun Day = Family Sick Day. Boo.

2011-06-04T13:34:00.002-06:00

Our hike was a no-go this morning due to Jack waking in the middle of the night, screaming, with a 101 temperature and nose running like a faucet. He had a runny nose yesterday, but I just thought teething maybe? Guess not.

Spencer and Avie were still able to get out and enjoy the sunshine a little though, going to the park to ride her bike and play. She even got to push the button to start the spray park and play in that a little bit!

Just a bit ago she told Spencer her tummy hurts, put on her jammies and curled up next to the couch and fell asleep.

I hope this doesn't last long!

The week is winding down.

2011-06-03T18:04:00.004-06:00

Today we took a 7-mile walk to the park and around town. After we got home, I was rubbing my feet with lotion, telling Avie my feet were tired, and she told me, "My feet are so tired. I had a long, long nap!"
She cracks me up.

We've had a busy week between our work schedules and Spencer's tests. I think Memorial Day threw me off because I cannot believe it is already Saturday again tomorrow. Spencer and I somehow both have tomorrow off, without even requesting it so we're planning to have a "family fun day." He even took his test today so we don't have anything to worry about tomorrow. That will be nice!

Spencer may not appreciate me posting this picture, but I just love it. One night last week when Spencer got home, he and Avie made up a game of going places. They flew airplanes, rode in rocket ships, drove cars, rode bikes... and all these things to go to the moon, the jungle, the playground, the store, etc. They probably went on with this for about 45 minutes. I think this picture was taken when they were taking off to the moon one time.

This is Avie's "cool trick" lately. She hasn't laid down in the bathtub in a long time, until recently, and now she thinks it's pretty fun.

2011-06-01T10:03:00.001-06:00

Good day!

10 am and 71 degrees!

The face

2011-05-25T22:12:00.003-06:00

Remember Avie's signature scrunch face?
Well, I think this is Jackson's face.
He knows it makes us laugh too so sometimes he does it just to get a reaction.
We're turning him into quite the little showoff I'm afraid.

He still shows this face off plenty though.
He thinks he is big stuff climbing up the stool to see over the counter.
Jackson has always been a happy boy - always ready to smile and laugh.
I love that about him!
Such a sweet little personality to have in our family.

Just like her mama,

2011-05-25T22:04:00.004-06:00

Avie loves riding her bike!
I really don't think there is anything more fun in the summer time.
She's getting so good at pedaling too.

Rain, rain, go away!

2011-05-24T14:08:00.004-06:00

If I didn't know any better, I'd think that for the past week or so we've been living in Washington again. It's not supposed to be this rainy here in SE Idaho (and at the end of May especially)! Isn't six months cooped up inside due to freezing snow long enough?

Funny how my last post, over a week ago, was praising the sunshine, but it went away soon after.

I am a born-and-raised Washingtonian though, so the rain can't keep us inside all day. During Jack's nap this afternoon, Avie and I went out for her to ride her bike. She loves it and asks first thing every morning if she can go out and ride her bike. She has already improved so much in the last few days since we've had it. I'm sure by the end of the summer she'll be whizzing all over the place.

I have lots of pictures to post from the last few weeks, but they'll have to come later. They are taking awhile to load, and I have been trying to get to bed earlier. Maybe tomorrow!

Oh, ya know...

2011-05-13T11:01:00.006-06:00

We're just soaking up as much of this wonderful weather as we can!
We're talking 2-a-day park trips here!
It's been awesome, and the kids are in heaven!