Hanging Out With The Holms

Playing in the Lobby

2012-01-27T20:16:00.002-07:00

This is the lobby and we had a lot of fun playing with the fish and relaxing before we went out exploring!

A Trip to the Pool

2012-01-27T19:51:00.002-07:00

Let me take you on a little walk around the resort. First we come out of our room, walk along the beach....

Down a beautiful path....

Towards the Balinese Pool....

We jump in snorkels at the ready...

Jump off the staircase waterfall...

Practice swimming

Take a little break cause swimming can be hard work...

Come back to the room and relax on the balcony....

And look at all the fish right outside our room!

Taking it all in...

2012-01-27T15:48:00.002-07:00

Oh man did we love the breakfast buffet! You could go to all 3 restaurants and have an all you can eat breakfast!

The River restaurant was my favorite, because you got to go on a bridge to get in and you were surrounded by the fish pond! The kids LOVED it, and the food was AMAZING!

They had Chinese, Indonesian and American breakfasts. Tons of fruit and pastries and an omelet station where you could have an omelet made with what you wanted in it!

We spent the whole trip looking and searching for the Komodo Dragons. Because of the time of year we only saw 2 baby dragons! But the boys still loved the search and of course seeing the dragon up close and personal!

BJ and I did a snorkeling trip just the two of us! It was a lot of fun to get out together and experience all the tropical fish around the reef. We took a glass bottom boat out and spent an hour snorkeling around! It was one of my favorite activities and I am so glad I got to do it with my hunny!

Flying To Bali and Checking in at the A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Resort

2012-01-27T15:00:00.002-07:00

On the last leg of the flight from Hong Kong to Bali we flew on a small airline where we got to take the stairs on and off the plane and then walk across the runway to the terminal! IT WAS INSANE! they had 1 caution cone next to the Jets, to keep us safe of course! Talk about high security :)

After a long day of flights my little Coop was pretty tired...

He held on as long as he could but he crashed before we even made it to the taxi!

The first morning we woke up early and started exploring this amazing resort!

The Grand Hyatt Bali has its own personal beach that is RIGHT your door! It is so relaxing and picture perfect!

All through the hotel they have fish ponds full of LARGE koi fish that are always ready and waiting for treats!

As you walk into the resort you see this view... look at that ocean view

Fish Massage?

2012-01-27T11:26:00.001-07:00

While out and about we had seen these Fish Massages but not thought too much about it! But we all decided to be brave and give it a try!

It was pretty scary at first, and it was a totally new sensation!

The fish nibble off the dead skin and suck on your legs and feet...

IT WAS CRAZY

But the end result was VERY soft feet and I kinda liked it! After the initial getting used to the feelng of all the little fish all over you it was pretty relaxing!

We spent a lot of time at the beach and at the 3 different pools on the resort!

The kids loved the beach and the sand, and once they got used to the waves they loved playing on the shore!

Graham never really warmed up to the waves but he ABSOLUTELY loved playing on the beach

The boys favorite pool was the river pool, because they could go down the two water slides and jump off the rocks!

Christmas in Bali

2012-01-27T11:13:00.002-07:00

Santa in Bali

Going on a the Christmas parade...

Christmas Eve dinner was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G

Christmas under the Bali Orchid..

It rained for about 30 minutes to every day but it was a warm down poor!

Bali continued...

2012-01-27T10:56:00.002-07:00

I loved the markets in Bali, the people are so willing to barter and there are so many unique things to see! OOooo I just loved it!

One of my favorite dinners was when we ate Japanese on the grill! It was so much better then here in the states, he was an amazing chef all the food was full of flavor! And we got to watch him prepare all the fish! It was one of my favorites!

Spencer and the other boys fell asleep!

LOBSTER...hmmm

Dessert

For our big family trip we went to ride the elephants! Sommer brought bananas and pineapple to feed the elephants! Feeding them was so crazy! They grabbed with their trunks and then put in their mouths! It was just so serial!

Riding on these amazing creatures was everybody's favorite activity!

The Bali Experience

2012-01-26T22:21:00.001-07:00

These are rice patties, the terraces are AMAZING! We were bombarded by this gang of little girls selling post card! They were very cute and VERY persistent! So I caved and bought some post cards! They were so hungry I wanted to help in some way!

At every dinner, no matter how early we ate all the kids fell asleep! The time change was just too much for them! It was so funny! The waitress and water would always bring extra chairs to help make them comfortable! You couldn't help just laugh it off it was so funny!

Very persitent sales people! Too bad we cant chase people down in the states for a sale!

While all the grown up kids went surfing Gramzie and Grandad played with the boys on the beach!

Our surfing lesson was so much fun! We all stood up, some faster and more frequently then other...ahumm yea I stood up twice! It was really tricky and we all know I am not coordinated! But Bj stood up right away it was a pro by the end of the lesson!

We took a little walk down to this breathtaking blow hole right off the ocean...

Check out this crazy traffic! There were 5 scooters for every 1 car! It was amazing! My favorite is when they would pack a whole family on one scooter!

Christmas Vacation Teaser

2012-01-26T21:50:00.002-07:00

Spencer Starts 1st Grade

2011-10-03T09:14:00.003-06:00

Spencer started 1st Grade this year! Its hard to even say it! I cant believe he is 6 years old and starting 1st Grade! When I think about my baby being old enough to be gone all day at school its hard to believe! But once you talk to him and spend time with him you KNOW HE IS READY! I am so excited for him to start this journey!

His first lunch! Ham and Chees silly face bagel sandwich, Watermellon and crackers! Along with a box of crackerjacks and a canteen of apple juice!

Look at my big boy in his special uniform and new shoes he picked out! He also got a new ARMY camo backpack full of all his school supplies! :) He also wante dto have his hair in a mohalkso he looked really cool!

Its funny I think he is staring to hate pictures.... but I dont know why? hehehe

Me and my big boy Spenc

Brothers got to come with us to school, they were so excited! And very helpful... here they are helping Spenc find his hook!

Please notice the sweek pencil case that Spencer decorated with all his favorite thinged o my crafty side happy to say I think I passed on my crafty side !

Every time I look at this picture it makes me teer up! He is just getting so big! HE looks like he is ready to take on the world, with all his supples and that sweet but strong smile! I just love this boy!

At his desk reading a book before class starts!

Smiling at me and hoping I will get going! He is all ready and doesnt need me bugging him ... sniff sniff

His class...

Can you spot his drawing?

Math Board

Back to School Feast and Coops First Day

2011-10-02T22:45:00.002-06:00

We had a our yearly "Back to School Feast"

We made crowns, and played games. All the adults ate homeade Cafe A Rio salad!

I made a few School themed cupcakes with a chalkboard, chalk and fruit!

Little Coop was excited about starting Preschool, oh and his cupcake !!!

Look at his sweet little smile! Gosh I love my lovey dovey! He is getting so SO BIG!

Coopers First day of Preschool and he is VERY VERY excited cant you tell by his silly goof ball face!

Coop and his friend Maurice outside of school

He was starting to get nervous and kep asking me to stay with him...

Turning around to make sure I hadnt left!

Writing his name....

His is the name that wrote under the square in a corner..... hehehe I am sure he will get better and better!

Summer Adventures

2011-10-02T21:49:00.001-06:00

We did as much hiking as a family as we could this Summer!

The boys could not get enough of all the scenery! They kept commiting on the rocks, the mountians, and the leaves!

Before we made it all the way up the mountian we Cooper sat down and said "I am done, I want to go home" He wouldnt get up until we turned around! :)

When we didnt have enough time to go up the canyon we got out in the backyard and made smores! It was a free fun way to spend time together!

I love spending time just cuddling with the boys! I am lucky that all my boys are active and are not afraid to get dirty but that they like to take a break and cuddle up and relax with their mama!

We realized this summer that there are so many spots up the canyon you can just stop and roast hot dogs, get dirty and have a great evening! I like that we dont have to plan it, we can just go with a pack of hot dogs and some plates! The boys love exploring, digging and finding bugs!

We went with different friends through out the Summer and had a great time each time!

We were also able to go do St George this summer! It is such a special thing to watch all the cousins play together! We are up to 9 grandkids in the Holm family now and they are all such a great friends!

I was SUPER lucky to have Abby stay for a month this Summer! We meat up with Jenise this in Salt Lake City for her Birthday weekend!

We took Abby to the Zoo and Lagoon! It was a FANTASTIC weekend!

The newest member of our family

2011-05-29T19:47:00.006-06:00

We want to introduce you to our newest addition. His name is Ty. We adopted him from our neighbors across the street. They were moving and couldn't bring Ty with them.

We have been thinking about getting a dog for quite a while, and just couldn't take the leap! But Ty is already 5 years old house broken and is very calm and fun to have around.

The boys LOVE having another boy in the family... hahaha

They follow him everywhere, are always saying hi to him and asking him to come play. Graham loves to give him hugs and kisses and the big boys like to cuddle with him and run around with him in the back yard.

I was worried it would be a big adjustment but he fits RIGHT into the family!

Joy School Graduation

2011-05-29T17:11:00.000-06:00

Cooper has spent the last year in Joy School. It has been such a fun Preschool. All through school Cooper has been working on his speech and his natural shyness. He has grown leaps and bounds when it comes to his speech! He is getting so big! But he is still, oh so shy!

All through graduation he was hiding his face. He sang along with all the other kids but very quietly. It was so sweet!

He kept looking at his teacher, and tryed to avoid eye contact with anyone in the audience!

I really sympathized with him, BJ and I could tell it was just tearing him up inside to be in front of all the parents and family!

When he did dare to look out he would look right up at me, I would smile and give him a thumbs up and he would look down and smile! I just love my tender little Coop!

The kids did a graduation march as we hummed the the grad song.

He was so proud that Daddy and all his brothers could come!

His teacher, Miss Susanne was so wonderful with him. Every day he come into class and cover his eyes and hide behind me. And Miss Susanne would take him by the hand and bring him over to the opening activity. She made a caring effort to help him feel comfortable and included.

It meant a lot to Cooper! I think her compassion and patience really contributed to his growth!

We are so proud of the sweet, sensitive and caring boy Cooper is becoming! WE love you so much Coop!

Hiking in the Rain

2011-05-22T21:33:00.007-06:00

So we went on a hike today. We were all so excited to get outside. It has been raining and even hailing here all week! When we woke up there was sunshine outside and after a yummy breakfast we decided to get our butts outside and enjoy the sun!

We got ready pretty fast and got out the door. But by the time we got in the car we could see the rain clouds starting to roll in... we decided to just go for it anyway and have fun no matter what the weather was going to do! We threw in some sweatshirts and hit to road!

By the time we got there it was sprinkling and we could see the storm clouds coming towards the mountain! But it was such a pretty spot and we were all excited so we decided to just make the best of it and hike a long for as long as we could!

Its amazing how much fun you can have if you just have a positive attitude and go with it! I have been amazed at how happy we have all been this last year! We have had so many stressers! But instead of focusing on them and how awful it all is we have stuck together and just had fun together!

After the rain started to really come down we ate our sandwiches in the car and went for an amazing drive up the canyon!

Its such a good lesson to me to just enjoy the small good things around you or you will miss out on so much happiness!

Fixing Up the House

2011-05-21T21:17:00.020-06:00

We are still working on the front yard.... I need to get it together and decide what flowers I want out here!! But today we weeded (again) and ripped out a bunch of the plants that were there that we really hated!

This big shrub was a really stubborn one so we gave it a few more days! But its gonna go too! I am hoping to plant, peonies, hydrangea, hostas, and a few others... I just have to figure out WHAT!

It looks SO much better without all the weeds and nasty plants!

So many possibilities....

Here is the view of our garden in the back yard.. and the one remaining shrub we still need to pull out!

Here is our little island full of corn! Hmm I am SO excited!!!!

Our long row of tomatoes, and peppers and peas! We went with 4 different varieties of tomatoes so our salsa would be super flavorful!

In the corner in rows we have onions, carrots and the two long rows are lettuce.

Strawberries, blueberries and just outside the pic our zucchini plant.

Here are the 2 large and very stubborn tall shrubs BJ (THE MANLY MAN) tore out!

These are the shrubs and bushes we ripped out of the front and back!

I have added a few things to the living room! I have searched and searched for end tables on KSL, and finally found two! Adding things to the house is a slow process because I need to be VERY thrifty! But I have to tell you when I do find what I am looking for its SO worth the wait!

This black one came all re-finished and was on $20! I found the lamp at the D I for $3 and the plant on sale!

I wanted tables that were a little more vintage and eclectic then just the popular square chunky furniture I see everywhere!

I wanted two different tables to add to that eclectic feeling I want! This one needed to be refinished but it was only $8 so I was happy to add the needed TLC!

I also added the curtains and the large plant! Both of which I found on sale!!!

I am still looking for accessories for these tables but the ones I have so far I found around at yard sales for a couple bucks or less! YEA!!!!!

I added drapes in the Kitchen! I also added a matching curtian and rod on the back door! We really needed I think the neighbors know us a little TOO well! The big window in the door was not good for late night strolls when you are naked!! wink wink

I love making our house a little more like a home, and doing it all on a budget!!

Dad Had a Birthday Shout.... Hurray

2011-05-17T08:06:00.005-06:00

Bj had his birthday the week of finals this year so we kept is simple! But the boys and I wanted to make him a little something special!

SO each boy drew a picture of their favorite thing to do with Dad and then got him a small gift to go with their picture!

Spencer drew a picture of Him and BJ playing with Legos! And was very set on getting him a few lego figures! They all had a blast opening them to see which guys he got!

Cooper said his favorite thing to do with Dad was go camping! So he drew a very detailed picture with a campfire, tent and even a baby cheetah hiding in the tent! :) His gift was a new pair of hiking socks (BJ loves those nice socks!!)

Grahamy was a bit more of a challenge but we remembered he always asks Dad to make his pancakes! BJ and the boys LOVE to have pancakes on the weekends! So we got him a new skillet so he could make them in style! (I helped Graham with his drawing :)

I forgot to get pictures of his two other gifts but we got him a HUGE Nerf gun because he loves to have wars with boys and a few new work out things!

Overall I think the best gift was finishing the semester! :)

Shiny and Spiffy for Easter

2011-05-15T21:27:00.017-06:00

Look at these SNAZY looking Studs! They are so dang cute!

Even Spencer and his "too cool for this"loook make me goosh with pride! I gotta love the energy, Cooper! That is a classic stylish pose!
Check out the close up... Dressing up on Easter isnt a big deal to these manly men but I sure love seeing them all shiny and spiffy!
And for this one I even got a smile!
Arent they just the best...

Our Ward Easter Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt!

Spencer and that Pouty Elephant Lip! If Grandad were here he would PINCH that lip off!

And the Spencer translation.. "Come on mom not ANOTHER picture!"
"Look what I found mom.."
Searching....
Searching and Jumping...
Climbing and Searching...
Is this where I put the eggs?....
I found one I found one....
Some of the eggs were too special not to show off...
Lets take inventory....
Oh wow thats a lot...

There is that sweet smiley little boy! I sure love that face!
Happy Easter and Happy Easter Bunny Day!!

Growing Up

2011-05-15T16:14:00.000-06:00

Seems like we have been here in Logan forever. When I think about life before we moved here it seems like years and years ago. I think I am really starting to find my place here.

Since moving so much has changed. So much more then just our address and the people we knew before.

I feel like I have grown up in a lot of ways. And maybe its just that I am finally in a place where I can look at myself and say... "Gosh why do I do that? I think I should change that a little so I can be happier!"

Or something kinda like that anyway!

My babies are bigger and bigger every day! They are starting to understand things and think for themselves! It means that I need to understand each of them, their needs their personalities and how they feel loved and important!

My relationship with them needs to grow and evolve! Its kind of tricky but I WANT to be the kind of mom that KNOWS her child. Not just barks orders and expects obedience and compliance!

I feel like Heavenly Father KNOWS me and I want to KNOW and understand Spencer, Cooper and Grahamy individually!

I am a wife to a wonderful man! But for a long time now I dont think I really understood what being a wife really meant.

I am learning to be a helpmate to my sweet man! To give more then I expect back! To be grateful to be on this journey with him. I am learning its not just about what he does for me that makes me happy but what we are for each other that make Both of us feel fulfilled and in love!

He has needed me this last year. Needed me to be strong and supportive while he pushes through this intense grad program! And it feels SO good to be strong and take care of lots of things on my own. It feels good to rely on myself and show myself I CAN do so many things!

And it feels amazing to have my hottie hubby come home and love and cuddle me.

I have had some dissapointments in the last year. I have felt so sad and low. I have felt betrayed and unimportant. But from that place I have grown and thrived! I am so proud of myself for not falling apart under pressure. I am grateful that I can look back and know that I was true to who I want to be.

I know that my Savior helped me through that time, I know He is happy with the efforts I make each day and that He will help me along my path!

Earlier today BJ was teasing me and in jest asked me what my Bliss was? I laughed back and said a constant vacation in Hawaii where all we had to do was play and play.

Well I've been thinking and MY TRUE BLISS looks a lot like this....

Soccer Stats?

2011-05-15T15:17:00.017-06:00

This year Spencer and Cooper did indoor soccer at the Rec Center! It was 5 weeks long twice a week and they had such a great time!

(My Picasa was acting up so none of these pics are edited! SORRY)

Spencer was very proud of his certificate at the end of the season!

I loved watching him progress and practice. As he got better be became more and more confident and it was so special to watch him recognize practice makes perfect... or better anyway :)

He was very involved with his team! He made lots of little friends and would spend time afterwards telling us all about the different kids and what he liked about them!

It was pretty hard to get a good picture of them in action because they all swarmed around the ball! But Spencer was really good at staying right in the middle of it all and really gave it all he had!

Check out that team... TEAM REAL

Ahh... Coopers team!

Well we coached his team, as a last resort when no one else could do it we said "of course we will!" Even though we had no clue what we were doing!

hehehe

But looking back it went really well! The kids had fun and I think they even learned a few things about soccer!

It was really special for Cooper and BJ to get to spend that time together! And for Cooper to be able to have that unique opportunity it really made him feel important and that meant the most to me!

His little team was made of 3 and 4 year olds so it was really funny to watch them because some of them just were NOT interested in playing!!!

But Cooper was a really good player, he stayed involved in the game and practice the WHOLE time(which is more then most of the kids hahaha) He was pretty fast and had a really strong kick!

Most of all he was proud of himself and his team! He loved going and was such a good participant!

Doing these games for 3 1/2 hours twice a weeks was such an eye opener to the future! With 3 boys and lots of games and sports and different schedules its going to be crazy ride!

I sure enjoyed watching my boys out there, they are getting so big and growing up so fast!

GOSH... I just love it!

Spring in Logan

2011-05-07T22:19:00.019-06:00

Spring in Logan is a bit chilly and very unreliable! One day its warm and sunny and the next day it rains or SNOWS! I have come to expect this crazy weather and just enjoy ti while its warm!

We went to Baby Animal days with the kids and unfortunately it was raining and cold! But I gotta tell you the mud made it so much more fun for the boys!

We painted faces (Cooper was not huge fan, the paint on his face:)
Graham fell in love with the baby animals! He loved petting and touching them! He just couldn't get enough! I think he has a real soft spot for animals!

These bunnies were so cuddly!
They sat down out of the cold and just had some quality time with these little bunnies!
This bud was deep and mushy and perfect for them! We came prepared with rain boots and grubby pants! BJ and I tried to navigate around but the boys just tromped on through!

My dirty little sillies! I love when they can just get dirty and play and have fun! Its something in them that just thrives on exploring! I want to be able to encourage and nurture that, and not always be worried about the mess! :)

My little mud trooper! He wants so bad to be big like his brothers and do EVERYTHING they can! He is always a few steps behind but he is catching up!!!!
Cooper could survive on suckers if we let him! He has such a sweet tooth! :)

We also got a few pictures at the Children's Museum! The boys LOVE it there! This section is the cowboy area! Graham loves it because of the Moo-Cows!
In each section they have dress ups so you can play pretend! Oh man they LOVE dressing up! Look at that face! My Spencer is such a ham!

We also went to a play where the kids get to participate as the actors! These costumes are a Bunny and a Goose!
Next time we go to the museum I will try to take more pictures! It is SO much fun!

Cooper turns 4!

2011-05-07T21:28:00.025-06:00

Look at these brothers! Its a rare moment when they all sit and cuddle together quietly! Cooper had a birthday on March 29th and I love this photo because it show his sweetness! He really loves his brothers and is growing up to be such a sweet boy!
On his birthday we went to A and W. His favorite food is Hot Dogs, so grose, but he just loves them!

Check out that foot long birthday dog! :) He LOVED it!
He is really into Wolverine right now! And so we got him these claws so he could really be a proper Wolverine!

Cooper had a Lego Party and so here we go...

Lego rice crispies...
Cooke sandwiches....

Lego Coloring Pages...
Who can build the tallest tower game...

Cooper picked out this silly Spongebob piñata! He just wanted it SO bad and was VERY protective over it! Until we brought the bat at! And then all tried to knock off his legs :)

His birthday cake was a lego tower! it was super cute!

He had a great party, thanks to everyone who came and to my Little Coop you are so special to me I LOVE YOU oodles!

Little Daddy

2011-03-07T14:17:00.007-07:00

Graham has been so spunky lately, really standing up for himself! But he has also been so caring and sweet with HIS baby! He likes to carry his baby around with him, and dress him up.
He likes to take care of him when he gets hurt. And Graham is usually the one to bump him into things. But as soon as the doll hits his head Graham says "Uh oh baby owee, kiss him better" And then he rocks him and rubs his back and head.

It is just the sweetest thing!

He likes to try to feed him and put him down when he is tired. "He says night night baby!" And gives him a big kiss.
Sometimes they play hide and seek and he takes him to the store! He is a new staple at the house!
Now we REALLY DONT need another baby, cause Graham brought a new baby in for us!

Making the Best of ALL this SNOW

2011-03-07T12:24:00.015-07:00

It is COLD outside! We get little breaks in between storms but the storms just keep coming! BJ hates it! He keeps trying to get out his shorts! :) Just look at that cute face....
But in an effort to be positive about all this snow we decided to go play in it! Spencer got to use his new "snowmobile!" We found this amazing sled at the DI last year and this was his first chance to test it out!

It was a huge hit and he was really good at it! And when he fell off (even though it was scary for me, he laughed it off and climbed right back up the hill!)

I on the other had was totally freaked out about going down the hill! Cooper went with me and kept telling me if I didnt just go he would go with out me :)

This is my FAVORITE PICTURE! The big boys just loved it!!!!

Graham on the other hand did not like it! The snow made him really nervous and even though he tried to follow the big boys it really freaked him out! :) So next year will be his year to explore in the snow!

My Heleman's Warriors

2011-03-05T10:32:00.004-07:00

What do you do at dinner? Well when BJ is studying and the boys and I are home alone we... SING! Last week we had a Family Home Evening on Heleman's Warriors and there was this FUN chant that went a long with the story. We have been singing our chant in the car, cleaning up, playing with toys and especially at dinner!

Its a little hard to hear what they are saying (especially when Spencer does his silly embarrassed voice)

I dont know what I've been told

Heleman's warriors are very Bold

They love their Moms

And Choose the Right

Full of faith they'll win the fight

Sound of

One two

Bring it on down

One two Thousand

WARRIORS!

I think my little warriors are so darling!

Family pictures...in THIS family?

2011-03-05T09:41:00.019-07:00

Its been a long LONG time since we had family pictures taken and my visiting teacher was kind enough to do a session for us as a Birthday present!

They turned out so SO great... take a look at my favorites

I love how we captured Spencer's "million dollar smile!" When really is happy he smiles with his whole face and you FEEL how happy he really is!

My sweet little Cooper is growing up so fast. He is becoming more and more playful but his sweet soft heart still shines through!

Baby Graham.... wow he hated pictures! We were able to distract him with birds or planes flying by! And luckily we caught a few happy faces!

Graham was just NOT having it! And it turned out to be cute in the end, Cooper trying to help him feel better! I can already look back and love this moment!

I am so glad we captured our family at this stage! Now we just need to try to stay on top of it and continue getting regular family pictures!! i hope i hope!

Wow Super Six

2011-03-02T11:30:00.027-07:00

Spencer just turned 6 and its been so amazing to watch him grow up! This year Spencer wanted an ARMY party! Look at our Little Solider! HE is sporting his army uniform and camo face paint, camo bandanna and dog tags.

We did some low key decorating. The Army recruiting office was AMAZING and lent us these Army Solider Cut-outs. We made a little Barracks tent with army uniforms to try on!

We did a few streamers and signs.

Got out some patriotic flags and starts. And everybody's favorite SNIPER guy!

I made some army brownies, star PB and J sandwiches, purple and green popcorn, green and yellow rice cripsie stars and fruits and veggies!

Everbody got face paint, bandannas and dog tags when they got to the party. Then we colored army pages and played dress up in the barracks.

Look at our cute Army soldiers getting ready for boot camp!

BJ was our Staff Sargent and did a boot camp with the kids....

ATTEN-TION

Up-Downs

Jumping Jacks

Marching in Place

After Boot Camp The Staff Sargent brought the kids to Target Practice

(Look at the SWEET gun we borrowed from my Visiting Teacher)

Ready.. Aim... Fire

Everyone made army paper airplanes and we had contests to see whose plane would fly the farthest. Then it was time for strength training with the Piñata!

After the Piñata we had our last game (no PICS sorry) That we called No man left behind. I hid about a 100 little army guys upstairs and the kids had to go find them. IT was amazing how thorough and fast they were! In less then 3 minutes all the army guys were found! Now if we could only get the kids to clean up that fast! :)

Birthday cake....

Spencer really helped me with his cake this year! He helped me with the dirt and grass and told me JUST where to put all the guys and tanks!

He showed all the kids which guys were shooting guys and who was gonna win! He loves playing army and being creative with where to put all the figure! :)

He told me a few times, "Mom I just really love my cake!" This year he really appreciated the party and enjoyed all the games and new friends that came!

I cant believe my baby is 6 years old. He is getting so smart, and creative. His witty attitude and insightful comments always catch me by surprise! I just love learning with him as he grows up!

Happy Birthday Spencer Boy! We all love you SO MUCH!

A Little Christmas Cheer

2011-01-15T14:49:00.010-07:00

We really didnt get any pics of Christmas this year! The camera is still broken, its sad but luckily BJ got a few pics from his phone! We spent Christmas with Bj's parents in St George and had a great time playing outside and being around all our family.

We had a simple Christmas this year. I was worried the boys would feel sad that they didnt get any BIG impressive gifts. But they didnt even notice! Cooper got a few puzzles and of course some Star Wars action figures. And he played and played with those puzzles!

Spencer was so excited because he got a set of Army guys and Star Wars action figures. I loved watching him put those different army men all over the trees and under rocks. He set up so many detailed "battles!"

There wasnt crazy present mania because they got just enough to play and enjoy each toy.

Graham would have been happy with one thing. He just wanted to sit with Papa and hold his fire truck!!

I really learned something this year. It truly doesn't matter whether you spend 50 (that what we spent on each kid this year) or 500. They are so excited that Santa came and that they have a few new things. I want to remember this in the years to come When we arent in school and (hopefully) have a little more to spend.

When you over do it Christmas becomes about the THINGS and the AMOUNT. And gosh thats so fun to get things but I want my boys to remember moments like this....

And find joy in simple things. Be grateful for each gift and appreciate what really matters.

Merry Christmas!

Our First House

2011-01-12T20:58:00.025-07:00

SO here it is! Our first house! Itsnt it just the cutest place you've EVER seen? (I love it, can you tell?) If you look close the boys are smiling at the door!

Here is our front door and the new amazing storm door we just had put on! Its also good to note our shout out to our stay in Hong Kong with our Chinese Lions!

Step inside please! Here is the entry way and a very excited Spencer to greet you! He is standing on the stairs and looking into the living room!

Here is what he is looking at! Our living room! And some cute little guys watching Backyardigans!

The living room doubles as the place I do consultations for weddings so we wanted it to look professional and comfortable!

I just found some end tables on KSL so I am excited to refinish them and get them next to the coach! It will help finish it off! The kids do love to hide behind the chairs though so that will put a damper on their Star Wars battles :)

Here is Bjs favorite thing in the whole house... our dying house plant! hahaha

Not the TV silly! He is in love with it! And my Dad and BJ did a beautiful job of taking all the wires and hiding them through the wall into the closet under the stairs!

The walk way there goes into the kitchen and dinning room

I had to take a shot of the TV turned because while my dad was visiting he worked so hard on the TV mount! But it is SO nice to have the kids keep the food in the kitchen and still get to watch TV!

We use our island SO much! I LOVE LOVE LOVE having one! The boys always eat here, color and do homework here and help me cook and make cookies here!

The door back by the coats goes to the garage and the door framed by the wreath and picture is the downstairs bathroom!

And these lovely bar stools I need to recognize because yours truly refinished them! It was my first big refinish job and I kinda love them!

A couple views of the kitchen and dining room! I painted in here one day when BJ was a school and surprised him when he got home! It was a lot of work but I like the way it turned out! And I love that I did it myself!

This window and back door go out to the backyard. Its covered in snow so I didn't get any pics for you!

I made these wall hangings! I needed something big and I had some fabric I wanted to use in the kitchen! It was a fun project because I got to use some big power tools and it makes a big splash in the room!

We inherited this piano from my parents when we moved, its the piano I played as kid! And I hope we can have the boys all learn on it too!

Now lets head upstairs to the toy room!

Graham is still in the crib, he loves it still, I love that he takes great naps and goes right to bed! For now its sill a win- win! (and all the frames on the dresser are evidence I havent hung up all the pics and shelves in here yet...

Toy room closet and our new toy shelves! We are still missing he biggest bin because they were out of stock.. but those 2 bins will hold all the duplo legos! YIPPIE

These organizers are amazing! The boys actually play with one to two bins at a time and are motiviated to help me pick up and put things a way in the right place! ITS A LIFE SAVER!

Thank you Gramzie and Grandad its the best Christmas present EVER!

Graham just didnt want to get dressed .... silly droopy diaper!

Now into the big boys room! The only toys we have inhere are the geo trax and their books!

Here are their bunk beds, dresser, and the foot ball holds all their dress up costumes!

And those two boards are there picture boards! They have close pins on them and they hold all their pictures! It works so much nicer then smiling at them and then throwing them away!

SO I didnt get pics of my room because I am still organizing it! (its a never ending battle!) I also didnt get pics of the bathrooms , backyard or garage... so maybe we can have a round 2 of the home tour!

We love our new house and I am glad I got to show it off a little bit!

Now we just need some visitors......

Counting My Many Blessing

2011-01-12T16:33:00.004-07:00

The little boys reading together on my bed! Enjoying the time while Spencer is at school!!

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

We had a warm spell between snow storms and the boys got out in the backyard to play together!

Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.

This is a tradition we started last year with Gramzie and the kids love it! Its our Christmas Candy train!

So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

This year it was almost 100% mom free design! The boys took turns and designed it together!

Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Some days amid the messes and the fights I feel overwhelmed. But I love this song, because I tryley do feel the storm tossing me around. And sometimes my mind and my heart have a hurt that they carry around.. and its hard to shake it!

But all I have to do is look around me and see all the many many blessing all around me! I have a little board in the living room that says

"Give me the patience to appreciate my Blessings"

My beautiful boys, my hard working husband and the family we created are such a blessing! Not to mention yummy treats, fun notes from friends, crafty ideas, laughing and playing with the kids...

the list goes on and on!

But this song helps me remember to look up and see whats all around me and let the sad feelings go!

Graham is 2 Already!

2011-01-12T13:54:00.001-07:00

Christmas time also means its Birthday time at our house! Graham turned 2 this December! We had his little Birthday party in St George with all the cousins!

He LOVES dogs right now so we made some Doggy hats for all the kids and played a few games!

I made a few doggy cupcakes! And Nana and Papa helped blow out the candles!

We played "Doggy Says" and then hunted for bones on our hands and knees!

Graham wasnt a huge fan of his Doggy hat! :)

But he sure loved being a dog!

And playing with Coltons dog!

We opened presents and had cupcakes at our house with Grandad!

And Graham and the big boys LOVE their Cars Geo Trax! THANK YOU Grandad and Gramzie

I am in shock that Graham is 2 already! When he wakes up in the morning I look forward to that ear to ear grin as I walk into the room and hear "Hi mama, wheres dada" EVERY MORNING! He is so funny! Its hard to except he isnt a baby anymore! He loves trucks, "Moo Cows" (and cows are anything with 4 legs), Dogs he wants one SO bad, and action figures! He calls them "that guy" and he wants EVERY guy! His favorites are the ones with hats, he loves to put hats on guys!

He is a big helper, he loves to take his diaper to the garbage and just started putting his bowl in the sink! He is always excited to go on trips so when he sees me getting ready to go he runs and grabs his shoes and coat and hat!

He defiantly wants to be a big boy! He wrestles and plays with his brothers like he is just as big as they are! Which leads to lots of bumps and falls, and usually he hops right back up and is back in the game!

I have to say my favorite thing about Graham is how affectionate he is! He LOVES to cuddle! When he needs a break he walks right up to me and jumps in my lap, nestles his head into my arms and rests! It is one of the best parts of my day! He is such a tender little boy! I am so glad he is here in our family... he completes us!

I am having a world of trouble because there are way too many cute pictures of Graham!

A Thanksgiving Slideshow....

2010-11-29T15:19:00.015-07:00

We had a great time! It was so fun to host it at our new house and to have some family together! I am so excited to have many many more holidays at our house!

Coopers Big Boy School

2010-11-04T15:33:00.014-06:00

Cooper had his first day of Preschool today! We found him a joy school right up the street that only has 10 kids and that Cooper is IN LOVE WITH!

He is so excited to be a "Big" boy like Spencer. And truth be told I think he is excited to have something that is his very own! Because this preschool is all about him!

He got his backpack this morning and his coat and was so ready to go all morning, even before he got dressed!

Look at my little goof ball, he is growing up and it doesn't even feel real!

As soon as we got to school he hung up his coat and found the puzzles. He didnt care about any of the other toys or games he sat there and put all the puzzles together!

When we picked him up he talked the whole way home about all the things he did and the new friends he is going to make!

The boys jumped on the tramp... and yes Graham wore that helmet all morning :)

I wanted to get some shots of the fence to show Mom and Daddy! I finished staining the WHOLE thing yesterday so its all ready for winter! Its silly but I stained it all by myself (BJ got me the stain at the store thanks babe!) but it feels so good to look at it all finished and to know that I DID THAT!

I am a super woman and yes I can get stuff done! GO ME!

I cant wait to see what Cooper learns next week and to hear all his fun stories! I love you my little Toopy!

Halloween

2010-10-31T16:03:00.009-06:00

Spencer's class asked me to come in and help with his class Halloween party! And you know me I jumped all over it! I put together a fun game and the kids had a great time! It was SO fun to get to see him at school and be involved!

These are some cheesy boys! Don't you love them? We hit up the ward trunk or treat! Spencer and Coop loved picking the EXACT candy they wanted out of everyones bowl! They KNOW what they want! And Graham couldn't get candy fast enough! He would bight through the wrapper just for a taste! Silly boy!

Isn't he the cutest Ewok EVER!!!!!

Their costumes turned out GREAT! Graham was an Ewok, Cooper was Captain Rex and Spencer was Commander Cody! They have been excited about these costumes for months and it was funny once I finished them they wore them around for days! I think we washed them 3 times before Halloween! :)

There helmets were so big Cooper only wore it for these pics! Spencer was a true Storm Trooper and wore it pretty faithfully!

Main Street in Logan does this really fun activity for trick or treaters. A lot of the shops along main have candy and decorations out and families can come in the afternoon and trick or treat!

We had a great time, it sprinkled (BJ would say rained:) but the kids loved it and it was fun to just hang out and get some candy! WAHOO

We had a great time this Halloween! Next year I am going to get sewing early so I don't run out of steam before I finish the costumes for me and Beej! :)

Life is Changing

2010-10-28T21:36:00.001-06:00

It seems like latley our lives are about adapting to all the new bends in the road. All the pictures today are from Spencer Preschool Graduation and his very first field trip and bus ride in Kindergarten.

I have loved watching the boys these last few months as they each creep into new stages of thier childhood. Spencer is doing homework everyday! He loves math, he is very good with his patterns. And even though he doesnt love it he is SO good at his letters and sight words! I cant believe that all of a sudden he is no longer a toddler but a big kid on his way to reading! I am so proud of him!!

Cooper is getting better and better at expressing himself. I love to hear him work out sounds and words and so he can communicate so much clearer. He is my little "feeler" he is so tender hearted. So much like his mom he doesnt just hear things he FEELS them! Even though he is getting so much more independent I cherish the moments when he comes up and wants to cuddle and give me kisses!

And my Baby Grahamy! Gosh I just cant believe he is almost 2! He has so much personality. He is the smallest little 2 year old but he knows how to make himself known! :) He is still very sweet and cuddly he loves to be held and read to. But he has developed the case of the "mines" even before his 2nd Birthday! And boy, if he wants it he will LET YOU KNOW!

All these little developments and changes are so exciting and rewarding and a little scary. I know for me so many things are changing. Life never ends up like you dream of as a 15 year old! (which in my case is MOSTLY A HUGE BLESSING:)

But when things change and I realize I have NO control over it, it means I am faced with a decision.

Option A: Cry, Cry a lot and refuse to accept whats coming.

But shoot that option doesnt get me anywhere but with a chapped nose, puffy eyes and an even more confused heart and family.

So Option B: Roll with it. Find out how to make this new path fulfill a new dream. Its so easy to get off of Heavenly Fathers path. And so my number one concern with all these changes is making sure that:

I AM STILL on the path that leads to Heavenly Father and his ever so fulfilling tree of life!

I know I cant be stubborn, life isn't always Black and White! But there is a BEST way a BETTER path and I want to make sure I dont let the feelings of disappointment for those lost dreams get in the way of me making the best choice.

I feel like this path is not as easy to find as life gets more and more complicated but I guess being able to discern and put my faith in the Lord is what I NEED to learn right now!

I truly believe Heavenly Father is out there watching over me and wants to HELP me make the best choice for each day! I know that I can make it through all of these changes with a smile and a prayer!

And darn-it that is so easy to type but so much harder to do!

So here I come path, here I come changes

LETS DO THIS

Cause I am not alone and I am looking forward to it!

When Lifes Got You Down

2010-09-29T08:44:00.008-06:00

Wow things are so busy over here!

(Pictures from our trip up to Bear Lake)

BJ's in school and work all day from about 8am-7pm. But this was expected! And he is doing so fabulously well with staying on track and getting all of his homework done and going the extra mile at work!

I am so proud of him.

I am holding down the fort at the house! We are almost all the way moved in, still waiting on some new furniture for the living room!

HURRAY!!!!

If you knew what my furniture looked like before, you will be excited too!

It seems my list of things to do each day just gets longer not shorter! I keep telling myself once we get moved in things will slow down....

But I think I need to adjust my expectations so that I am good with busy! Busy can be fun, busy can be fufilling!

We have already made some new friends in the neighborhood AND my visiting teachers are coming today so there is a few other new friends! The boys have found LOTS of little boys across the street to play with! And our yard is like a magnet because of the trampoline! I LOOOVE it!

When we have 4 or 5 kids over my boys are so nice! All the kids play together and just get creative and explore and pretend! ITS SO GREAT!

I am busy at work on my website for Beautiful Blooms! I have been doing some tutorials on home decor! Its been super fun! I am still learning the art of doing a tutorial!

But it seems that among all this craziness the simple moments when the kids and I go hunting for leaves or all of us go for a drive up the canyon and go exploring are the MOST REWARDING! I love how this new crazy life is teaching me to appreicate the small things we get to do together. And to say to myself and others I CAN DO WHAT I CAN DO!

I have had lots of opportunities to serve in this new ward and ...

It feels so good! It helps me get outside my to-do list and remember relationships, serving the Lord and helping his children, THATS what counts!

I am so grateful for this new chapter!

Some BIG Changes

2010-09-21T09:20:00.009-06:00

So onto brighter changes!

Pictures are just from the last few months and have nothing to do with the post.... hehehe

This is Spenc, Coop and my sis Jenise playing on Easter Sunday

WE MOVED!

BJ was accepted to University of Utah's Masters of Social Work program. It was a hefty decision but in the end BJ decided he was ready to get his masters. SO far he is loving it! He actually enjoys going to class!!!! and has TONS and TONS of reading... and a great practium at an alternitive high school

Spencer at his Preschool Graduation!

We BOUGHT a home!!

This was another big decision but we are so excited! I am still moving in and so once things get settled I will get some pictures up! But ITS BEAUTIFUL! I am in love with it!

Here we are in Zion after hiking the river walk! We were able to go up to Zion a handful of times before the move, it is the best way to spend time together!

I am starting my own business!!

Because BJ is so busy with school and his practicum we decided now would be a great time for me to finally start my own flower studio! I am getting it started out of the house to save on costs and be closer to the kids!

I am calling it Beautiful Blooms Floral Event Studio. (very official I know) I have a website up and running and am getting all the fun things going like business cards, signs and adds up! SO take a look at the website and become a follower!

Beautifulbloomsfloral.blogspot.com

The camera is in the repair shop so pics will be slim for a while! BUT I AM BACK!

The boys are getting so big and are having more and more fun playing together (about 2 minutes later those drum sticks turned into weapons :)

We spent lots of time in St George before the move with BJ's fam this was a trip we took where we found this great stream around some red rocks! We all loved cooling off and relaxing!

I am excited to get back to blogging! I really love having a place to express myself and share with friends!

All Rain NO Mud

2010-09-20T12:10:00.001-06:00

I have been afraid of this... afraid of how to sum up the feelings and experiences I have been going through over the last few months! Afraid of how to express it on this blog I have grown to love!

BUT ENOUGH OF THAT, I DONT NEED TO BE AFRAID!
Because over the last few months I have been hurt, I have seen how I have hurt others I care about and I have CHOSEN to learn from the BOMB that has gone off in my life instead of lay down and go off with it!

I feel so much! I feel pain, an ache deep inside me some days I can be distracted but other days the aching it grows and swells and the memories and questions and anger fester and TRY to take over
BUT
the joy of what I have learned is that I dont have to fight off this hurt all by myself!

I have known for so long that Jesus Christ, my loving Brother, is there to help carry my burden! I have relied on his help before, but facing this catastrophe challenged me to either cling to his help or suffer alone!

During my sleepless nights and hours of consuming sadness HE showed me how to not only survive but flourish!

I have NEVER understood the people who would get up on fast sunday and and say they were THANKFUL for their trials! BUT I understand it now! HEavenly Father allows us to experience these life changing storms so that we can learn to be better, we can gain the strength to change ourselves and become the person HE knows we can be! We can, if we choose, grow closer to Him then we could if we had not experienced that deep sadness!

I have learned NO ONE and I mean NO ONE can make me happy! I have the power to effect my day, my attitude and to DO the things that make me happy! The choices others make dont decide my happiness! I dont have to REACT to the others around me I act in a way that will make me happy and that way it doesnt matter what the people around me choose to do!

I have simplified my life and everyday if I all I do is read a book or my scriptures, pray and listen to hymns when the waves of doubt and sadness come and play with my kids; I WILL BE HAPPY!

I have learned to be grateful and positive about the small things in my life I can influence! To look for the delightful in the everyday!

I have learned that it is FAMILY, even with all their flaws and crazy quirks, that is TRULEY there for you when the storm hits! THEY LOVE ME and truley have my happiness as thier priority!

Its because of these things that I can say I am grateful for this trial. I am grateful to be growing and changing and unbelievably grateful to have My Savior as a companion to walk this road with me!

PAAaaaarta Time!

2010-02-28T16:55:00.028-07:00

Spencer recently turned 5! Its so hard to believe but my baby boy is NO LONGER a toddler he is a...... KID! a Big KID! I working on another post about my terrific BIG boy!
This post....
Is ALL about the PARTY to celebrate his 5th year as a part of our family!
So sit back , RELAX and ENJOY the show!

( My disclaimer is that I am 100% in love with Birthdays, and this year BJ made me promise to keep the party budget UNDER 50$ so here it is..... homemade and DINO-MITE!)

This year I made a fondant cake, my 1st one! Here is the play by play! It was surprisingly easy AND YUMMY!
Step 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5The Finished Dino! Kind of like a fat Barney but I the kids thought he was perfect so all the little imperfections didn't matter! We had snacks for all the kids and parents that were there....
Pudding cups with Dino fruit snacks hiding in the different layers!

Dinosaur Nests with different "eggs" There were veggie nests and fruit nests and a few sweet nests too! We also had some salty snacks- DINO CLAWS also known as Buggles!!I had such a fun time turning the house into a Dinosaur Jungle! I pick and choose through these pictures so you get to see them ALL! It was t
We played a bunch of Dino-Tastic games:

We dug for (homemade) fossils! They had a blast and got so excited when they found one buried in the sand! (we did this in the garage so don't mind the sick cludder everywhere:)
When they all came in we played a game called the Stego Stomp! Everyone a balloon around each ankle and they had to try to STOMP each others balloons! The boys got way into it and i was pleasantly surprised because no one was scared!!!

We also played "Pin the Tooth on the T-Rex" I was a little hesitant to play this game because I thought it was kind of lame but the kids laughed and laughed they thought it was so funny when they put a tooth on his eye or arm! IT WAS A HIT!
I got a little crafty and tried to make a volcano so we could have a science experiment unfortunately my volcano dough didn't think it was such a good idea! so it looks REALLY shabby! We had Roar contests to see who could help add the LAVA ingredients, so get ready for some loud ROARING in the video!

After our science project we had one last activity... THE PINATA! I tried to make it again! I figured anything would be better then last year! :) SO I tried a pull the string style and ..... well just watch....

I am hoping all the kids care about is whether or not candy comes out!!! Maybe next time I will finally make a pinata that works!!!!:)

It was time for cake and the big surprise came out smoking! I really love Spencer eyes in these 2 pictures! He looks so amazed, and THAT is what I was hoping for!
Look at that HANDSOME boy! I am so excited to see how he grows this year! Kindergarten starts in the fall and he will be with me less and less, my heart beats and my eyes water to think that he will need me less but I look forward to all the new ways I can be there to help him! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my big boy I LOVE you more then I know how to say!

Our NEW Fishy Friends

2010-02-15T09:52:00.007-07:00

We decided to get the kids a pet! Unfortunately we cant have cats or dogs so we decided we would try out a few fish! Each of the boys picked out a fish and got really excited to get them home and "play" with them! We had to break the news that fish don't like to be touched and so they can watch them and feed them and help take care of them but picking them up and PLAYING with them wasn't really an option! When we got home they each named their fish...
Spencer's is the HULK
Cooper's is IRON MAN or BATMAN (depending on the day)
AND
Graham's WAS SUPERMAN .... but he died the first night!
:(

SO far its been a lot of fun! The kids love to feed them and they even had their first vacation! We took them down to St George this weekend when we went to work for the weekend!

More on Valentines day.... Spencer's 5th BDAY and Work at the flower shop!

My Loves

2010-02-07T11:30:00.014-07:00

As Valentines Day gets closer and closer it helps me think about who I love and how lucky I am to have people who love me back!I love my family for the way that we are growing up together and for the way they believe in BJ and I!
I love BJ's family! It has been a fun ride getting to know and love another family and becoming part of their family has made me a better person!
Pictures from our bowling date night! We played the skittle game and the boys beat us and then the next match we walked away the WINNERS!!! ooooooo
I love the GREAT friends I have in my life! They help me laugh when I feel like breaking down, they help me appreciate my blessing and remember who sent them! I know they are part of my life for a reason!
I love my 3 little boys! They show me that love can be silly AND crazy AND cuddly! But most of all they show me that love is unconditional! They see me when I am trying my hardest and when I have dropped the ball and need to try again.... and they STILL LOVE ME!
Most of all I love my MAN! He has been beside me for almost 8 years! He inspires me to the best me I can! He laughs with me, supports me in whatever hobby I am immersed in, he ALWAYS puts me and our family first! I have never met someone more understanding and compassionate he sets such a good example for me! Not to mention he is a major STUD!I think its kinda special that a simple call from him in the middle of the day or smile when I have accomplished something can light me up and get my heart racing! It makes me feel all giddy and girly... like I did when we were dating!

This year we are making a special effort to keep the giddy feeling alive! I made us a special "Love is" mail box! Each week we are going to write each other a little love note about why we love each other that week! I am SO SO SO excited! I really think this is going to help us look for the best in each other and I know I am filled with anticipation to see what my love letter will say each week!

So to all of you out there who care about me... THANK YOU! I am thinking about you! HUGS and KISSES ! I SURE LOVE YOU!

No No Baby

2010-02-01T14:13:00.003-07:00

Graham has officially declared his spot as the BABY in the family. This last week he has made it clear that we are NOT allowed to say "NO" to him! Last night at dinner he kept trying to drop his bowl on the floor so I told him "No no baby boy" and the shadow of despair just fell over him and
HE ......
......LET.....
......IT.......
OUT! I ran to grab the camera (just like any mother would as her child cries in anguish) because this had to be documented! As the baby boy he is above being told No and should always be catered to and given what he wants! ..... at least thats what he told me!!!!

Oh I wish life was that way my little one! It all starts with being told you cant throw food on the floor and then it jumps to you cant beat up your brothers and then it escalates to no ice cream for breakfast!

But DONT WORRY

Life has so many moments where the light does shine through the clouds and you can be free! I promise to say "YES" LOTS more then I say "NO" I promise to love you and laugh with you and life's little "uh oh no no"moments! Keep crawling and I am sure you will find something new and fun to get into!

A Stub Your Toe Kind of Day

2010-01-26T21:35:00.009-07:00

This last week has been a little tipsy! I don't know how to describe it other then....
that crazy frustration and pain you feel when you really REALLY stub your toe...
you aren't mad, or sad or upset you are just CRAZZY UUUaagghhhh!
Graham and BJ after BJ told him NO while he was dropping rice all over... he was SO sad and need a love! He had some crocodile tears... it was sad!

Well this week has been a mix of stub your toe then laugh and then stub your toe again... until all you can do is curl up and laugh or cry!

One of the greatest women I wish I knew said...
"The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
Thanks Sister Hinckley
Amber and I have SO much fun together just goofing off! We were making these Chocolate Dipped Oreo's and just decided to get silly! I LOVED IT!

SO to all you Stub your toe kind of moments......
I give you a big huge fall on the floor giggle!

One of my biggest faults is that I jump to conclusions and see the absolute worst in situations when I am sad or offended! SO I am working so hard to look for the absolute best or silly in those situations! I might have to do a little "fake it till you make it" but LAUGHING is so much better for the spirit! And who wants to be a Sour Sally? I DON'T!
Amber and I decided to dance it out! IT WAS A BLAST!

A few moments that have got my heart racing and my mind working this week...

I got a calling! !! YIPPIE!
What could it be.....
I know your dying to know.....
WELL....
Its NOT NURSERY! whew....
I am team teaching the
10-11-12 year olds in the Valiants class!

I am SO excited! I am teaching this coming week! I have been reading and studying the scriptures for this lesson and I am stoked!

I have also been baking and dreaming up all the yummy things I can make with my mixer! I am going to take a few pics tomorrow!

Another little something is that dinner tonight was WONDERFUL! Over and Sister Stuff they have weekly menus! Everything I've made of theirs has been SPECTACULAR you have to try this Orange Chicken! OOOOOoooooo we all loved it!

And to counter act all of that I have been going to Work Out Group.. it hurts SO good! Today as I was walking to the car my legs were so tired and sore I couldn't walk straight! But if feels so good to be getting out and exercising!

I am working on a "Live List!" One of my favorite blogs is The Polished Pickle and she challenged everyone to make a list of all the things they want to do! SO I am going to get mine together! It gets me all bubbling inside!

Whew... I am excited..
Try and catch me now Stub My Toe Moments!

I DARE YOU!

What do you do when all the little things make you want to AAAaaagggghhhhh?

A Good Day

2010-01-23T15:51:00.011-07:00

Friday was my first day back to work since before Graham was born! I was unsure and unesasy about how I would do after so long but I am HAPPY to report it was GREAT! Cristy teased me about jumping back into it, that you never forget cause its like riding a bike! I STILL dont know if its that easy but I sincerely enjoyed being creative and getting back into what I LOVE!
the arrangements I worked on..This is what the cooler looked like at the end of the day...
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L right?

Its easy to forget the simple little things!
I LOVED:
how your fingers get a soft tint of green after arranging for a while AND
creating a "vision" for the order and price you have before you AND
the RUSH you feel as you go into the cooler and "shop" around for what will make THIS arrangement extra special!
AND
how I love adding lots of dimension to my arrangements... its kind of like a game, how much texture and space can I create in this AND
the contentment I feel when I get to spend the day creating, expressing and pushing myself!
Other arrangments for the Bloomers booth at the Bridal fair

THANKS to all the Bloomers girls, I had a great time, I am anxiously awaiting my next chance to come back!

I have to share these pics... When we woke up Friday morning the snow had DUMPED in Cedar and so 3 of my helpful sweet boys went out to scoop the driveway for mom! They were having WAY too much fun so I caught it on the camera........Thanks boys for helping get me ready for my big day! I sure looked forward to coming home to you!

ahhh.... lovely

2010-01-21T17:43:00.008-07:00

For Christmas my big gift was a Kitchenaid mixer! I have wanted one for SO long and was shocked and thrilled when I ripped the wrapping paper off to see it! I picked a silver color and am in LOVE with it! Today I made some cookies and really recognized how much easier it is then a hand mixer! NO MORE standing around beating... I am a multi tasker now! Except when I get caught up in how amazing it is and just sit and WATCH it go!

THANK YOU MOM AND DAD I LOVE MY MIXER!

I have a some other news that I am batting around in my head! Tomorrow I go back to work... just for the day.... I dont know how I feel! Its been SO SO long since I've gone to work!

I am excited to see the girls at the Flower Shop

I am excited to play around with some flowers, the Bridal Fair is this weekend and that means we get to be CREATIVE!

I am excited to get away.. NO KIDS.. NO FIGHTING... NO WHINING

And Yet.....

I feel a little unsure! I dont know what I am unsure about! I know once I get there I will be on cloud 9 but until then I feel a little nervous and overwhelmed! I know this will help me to get out and use some of my talents with out little hands and needs but I am unsure if I were to go back to work a few times a month if I could balance everything? I am sure I am over-thinking it.... Ill be sure to take some pictures of my day tomorrow to share and reflect after!!!!

One WONDERFUL Year With Graham

2010-01-19T22:39:00.022-07:00

Over the holidays Graham turned 1! Its hard to believe its been a year but he is getting so big and trying so hard be be as grown up as the big boys its hard toaccept he isnt a baby anymore!I made him a bath tub cake for his birthday and I think he loved the Jello (water inside the cake:) as much as the cake itself!
I found a few pics of our little Grahamy to show how much he has grown and to remind me of how little he was!
All dressed and going home...
First bath...loving those bubbles!Looking ruggedly handsome for his Blessing! I have to say those are the best kiss me cheeks EVER! Exploring and lifting up his head, trying to figure out where all the noise is coming from!He has always had a sweet still calming personality and that has added a important element to our family! I love just kissing those chubby cheeks and resting with him for even just a minute!
I love this picture you can see how his curiosity is growing and his ability to play and get all dirty is getting better and better!
All ready for the wedding! Gotta love that bow tie!Playing with the family can be memorable and slightly traumatic We went out hiking and he loved being outside and was getting used to playing with the big boys!His first bath where he splashed and played with the big boys! Spencer and I have started calling him Grahamy Pants... I dont know why but its our go-to nick name! Dont worry Graham by the time you can read this I am sure it will have worn off! :)For his 1st Halloween he was an itsy bitsy spider
And now at a year old he is still a sweet little boy with lots of opinions a big appetite and a hunger to be on the move! He can crawl so fast and is taking 5-7 steps at a time, soon we will have 3 big boys running around our house!Your Dad and I love you so much Baby Grahamy thank you for being a part of our family!!! I cant wait to see what you will grow into and the wonderful boy you will become!
x0x0
Love Mom!

Wii are having fun!!!!

2010-01-18T14:10:00.007-07:00

Wii have been getting together with friends playing, dancing and battling on the Wii! This year for New Years Even we went to Amber and Dangs house and had our first taste of how deliciously fun it is to play the Wii!Amber made up some scrumptious drinks that we had at the non alcoholic mini bar! My favorite was Citrus Splash! It had a lime slice, orange slice and lemon slice along with ginger ale, bitters and a cherry hmmm YUMMY! We also had virgin Pina Coladas! We came back over a few days later because we just couldn't get enough of the Wii! This time we took a few videos! LAUGH ALONG WITH US! Amber and Dang are SO SO GOOD at it! They stay right with each other!

BJ and I were not as ... lets call it.... polished in our dancing skills! But we had fun!

I AM WORKING ON THIS VIDEO... IT WILL BE ADDED SOON!

The kids had a great time boxing each other! I think they had fun beating each other up! By that point in the night I was pretty worn out! All that dancing and boxing is a fun workout!

BJ JUST used his Christmas Gift Card and bought a Wii for us! I am sure there will be many more videos and funny stories as we practice and play on our very own Wii!

Looking back on Christmas

2010-01-11T16:14:00.016-07:00

BJ has figured out how to get pictures off our almost broken camera.... he is a miracle worker! SO I have quite a lot to show you, I love looking back at Christmas!

We continued our tradition of reading Christmas stories and having hot Coco on Sundays! I really look forward to the Sundays in December! I hope as the years go the boys will start to look forward to this tradition too!!!

This year was a year to spend with my family so we had our Christmas exchange with BJ's family a little early! All the cousins pick a name and exchange a gift! And all the siblings and their spouses exchange so we got to give our gifts and see the excitement on their faces! ( I made most of the gifts this year so it was extra special to give them out!!!!!) We all had a great time!!
For Christmas we meet my fam in Logan! They found a GREAT vacation house so we could all hang out together! Dad took all the big kids to the BYU game down in Vegas and so Mom and I stayed with the kids and "relaxed!" Mom helped the boys make thier first candy Santa train! The boys had a ball I cant wait to make it next year! The next day we went to the Dinosaur park in North Ogden ! WOW it was PERFECT for the kids! The dinosaurs were HUGE and looked so scary and real! They had a blast! We meet everyone in Heber City and Grandad and Gramzie took the boys on the Polar Express!

Christmas Eve came way to fast and Spencer and I made some treats for Santa and wrote him a thank you note before bedtime! Then we read my favorite Nativity story and headed to bed .... KIND OF ...the kids had the hardest time falling asleep.... I wonder why?
In the morning the kids went around and woke up EVERYONE and waited patiently to open their stalkings! They just sat and stared... giggling and wiggling!!!
The boys were so spoiled this year! Santa brought them each their own Star Wars Rex Helmet and Mom and Dad got them a few toys too! Gramzie and Grandad gave them two big bins of legos and the boys got each other a few Star Wars action figures!

Even Graham got in on the action and got a super fun BUCKET of VEHICLES! (which he found with a little help from Coop!)
I wish I had more pics of what everyone got from Santa! We were all spoiled this year! THANK YOU SANTA!

Later Christmas day Sommer and Chris and BJ and I took the big boys sledding! It was a great sledding hill, even if it was crazy steep! Spencer couldn't get enough, Cooper unfortunately got the bum deal because Mom and Dad fell on him! So he didn't love it as much as the rest of us.. Poor COOPER!

Back in the Groove

2010-01-09T09:27:00.010-07:00

I have finally defeated the mountain of laundry that has been waging war all over our house! Thanks to B.J.'s help we are gaining control. I am very relieved to report that all but one load is folded and put away! VICTORY!

I have started making dinner again! It feels SO good! BJ's schedule seems like it is a constant state of change but I have decided whether or not he is here the kids and I need to eat! SO ..... we are having "Picnic Dinners in the Car" with Dad! Ill make dinner and then the kids and I will drive over to his work and he will eat dinner with us in the car! (since we cant go inside.... for obvious reasons) Its been really nice to see him even for just a few minutes and to eat a real dinner on top of that!

The kids are having fun with all their new toys! So far their favorite new pastime is LEGO's! They both got LOTS of legos from Gramzie and Grandad , which they love, THANK YOU! The boys have been making lego houses, and fire stations, and airports and castles! They are getting so creative and are actually sharing.... BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!

They are also having fun with their Craft boxes Amber made them! It is so nice to see them use their imagination and make something all on their own! And of course all their new Star Wars gear and action figures are all over the house! The kids like to have epic battles between their action figures! Its really fun to watch them play! Even if I am constantly picking up little toy light sabers and blasters!
BJ has been working what feels like non stop since we got back trying to make up for the time off during Christmas! I am trying SO SO hard to be grateful he can pick up the hours and not be sad he is gone.... its tough!! But I am looking for the silver lining! He turns in his application for Grad school next week! SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray for us! We wont know until March if he is accepted but we would appreciate all the help we can get!
Graham is ON THE GO! He is crawling so fast on his knees now, he has ditched the army crawl all together now! And he is taking a couple steps....when he is encouraged, bribed, and begged! :)

Life is getting back to normal! We had a great vacation.... which i hope to blog about once I get pics from my parents....pressure pressure pressure!!! I am SO glad to be home and back to my version of "NORMAL!"

HAPPY

2010-01-05T15:29:00.003-07:00

My new favorite song is Happy by Leona Lewis.. if you havent heard it... check it out here!

In her song the chorus just really hits me when she says

So what if it hurts me?

So what if I break down?

So what if this world just throws me off the edge

My feet run out of ground?

I Gotta find my place, I wanna hear my sound

Dont care about all the pain in front of me

I just wanna be happy

My mom called last night and told me a VERY sad story about a family with 3 little boys and thier baby died on Sunday after falling off a chair and hitting his head! That night BJ and I talked about how blessed we are!

Life hurts sometimes, I break down, I feel like the world throws me off the edge every now and then

BUT

I am blessed and I can CHOOSE to be

HAPPY

SAD

I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Here are a few of my reasons for happiness TODAY:

The boys and I danced and danced around the kitchen during lunch time

GRAHAM gave me that million dollar smile when I was twirling around that made my heart jump

BJ called to say hi

I drank a DDP for lunch (my drug of choice Diet Dr Pepper)

BJ will be here for dinner YIPPY

Girls Night TONIGHT! I am looking forward to some quality girly time

And #1 I have a beautiful family who is messy and grouchy and imperfect but we are safe, happy (75% of the time which is a GOOD percentage) and we LOVE each other!

Christmas post.... its on its way, sort of! The camera came back to us for a few days during vacation but it died again and I think its gone for good! My parents are sending me the pics...HOPEFULLY.... this is BLOG pressure! MOM... DAD.... email me PLEEEEAAASE

Darn Camera

2009-12-17T16:33:00.002-07:00

SO I think the time has finally come... my trusty camera is finally calling it quits! For some reason it wont charge or upload the pics and until I figure it out I am at a standstill with my blogging!

BE PATIENT!

I have my BEST man on it... BEEJ is trying a few different things out to try and revive it! I'll be in touch! HOPEFULLY SOON!

Ups and Downs

2009-12-11T13:56:00.003-07:00

I feel like I write some version of this post about once a month! But I am always coming back to this feeling....
That life is always up and down I feel like I am just riding this never ending roller coaster! One minute the kids are playing super Hero's and Jedi's and the next one is balling because he got stabbed in the eye with a light saber and they start beating one each other until I break it up and Spencer breaks out with a " you are such a mean mommy , I don't like you!" SO I either send them to time out, yell until I feel better or on the rare occasion where I stop to THINK about it I try to change the situation and calm them down! (THIS ALWAYS works, I just never think of in the moment...ahhhh)

This constant roller coaster has been making me unusually sick lately
until at church (GREAT I KNOW) I kinda snapped! Getting ready for church was rocky but as SOON as we got in the doors to church the boys BOLTED and started running until they RAN right into the chappel where they continued to run around.... I WAS MORTIFIED!

I need to just throw in there that this is NOT the first time they have been told not to run in church! We have had multiple FHE lessons on reverence....its just not sticking!

I got them to come out in the hall where I REMINDED them we dont run at church and Spencer started arguing with me about WHY he HAD to run! And at that point I had had it! AND THEN they took off again! BJ FINALLY found us and I was about to cry I told him I had to leave! We went home and talked and talked about this rollercoaster!

It was then that I realized I needed some help! Its been a long time since I really SAT DOWN AND STUDIED my scriptures or had a truly meaningful PERSONAL prayer! I wasn't taking any of my "medicine for the MOTION SICKNESS." I was just riding the roller coaster and complaining without going to the ONE THING that could really help me feel better!

I sat on my bed and read and read! I said a meaningful prayer and really TALKED to my Father and Friend and told them I wouldn't forget where the real lasting medicine comes from!

I have been feeling better.... A LOT BETTER! I am STILL on the roller coaster! I have 3 kids under 5 I think it WILL be a series of ups and downs for a long time! BUT I have rediscovered (yet again) where real peace comes from!

I dont mean to sound all preachy or corny this part of my journey and it really helps me to write it down and hopefully get feedback from friends about what works for them!
If any of you out there have some ideas to help with this motion sickness please share!!!

Childrens Parade.. and a little something extra!!!

2009-12-09T13:27:00.009-07:00

Every year in Cedar they have a Children's Parade! It was SO awesome! Here are the highlights... they had so many characters that this just a glimpse!

BJ had to work but I got to meet up with Am-Dawg and Dangsta!
Spencer and Cooper LOVED getting right up close to the characters! AJ was a little nervous at first but Spencer and Cooper were very good friends and encouraged AJ to come and see! And after a bit he warmed up and they all enjoyed it together! They had lots of creative floats and almost every childrens character you can think of
Cooper loved the Little Engine that Could and Elmo! My favorite was the Where the Wild Things Are!The BEST part of the parade was when the Star Wars group of came walking down the street! The kids hit the roof! We yelled and yelled for Darth to come over but he didn't hear us through his big helmet!

We also got a up close and personal visit from Spiderman!
The whole parade was a blast! I hope we can come and see it next year!

And then on Sunday Spencer gave another talk in Primary! This time the topic was "When My family thinks about Jesus we are a happy" hope you enjoy it.... he did a fantastic job!

Messy Messy Messy

2009-12-03T22:13:00.008-07:00

Graham is really starting to be more independent! He wont let us feed him anymore he HAS to feed himself! It makes a HUGE mess but who cares right?
ahmmmThis stage only lasts so long and I remember HATING it with the other kids and this time I just want to roll with the spilled spaghetti, crunched up cheerios and love his messiness!
Enjoy it with me Cause when those big eyes look up and smile at you all you can do is smile back!!

And yes a lot of these look similar but I just couldn't pick they were all so darling!

TWI-HARD

2009-12-02T15:07:00.012-07:00

SO I have a confession... I am a TWI-HARD Twilight MOM! And I love every minute of it!

I LOVE making Twilight accessories declaring that I am TEAM EDWARD all the way!
I LOVE standing in line for hours on opening night with 200 other 15 year old girls! It makes me remember what it was like when I was young (AND HOW GLAD I AM TO HAVE GROWN UP...A LITTLE BIT ANYWAY)I LOVE spending time with my BESTEST FRIEND, laughing giggling and having some good old fashion girl time! I LOVE the excitement and tension between a girl, a vampire and a werewolf!
So I am anxiously awaiting Eclipse I love the relationship between 3 of them! And the next one is going to be the best! Let me know if you are a Twilight Mom too!!!