MUD.....FUN?

So it was really nice on Friday so we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather! Unfortunately I didn't anticipate the MUD! within 5 minutes the boys were over in the MUD, HAVING A BALL!
They had so much fun that they didn't want to go! So I changed Coopers pants and TRIED to get the mud off his shoes, and they played and played until the sun went down!

AS SOON as we got home we stripped down and ran for the TUB! I was amazed at how dirty they got, and all they thought about was the super duper dirty time they had! BOYS WILL BE BOYS!

Valentines Photo Journal

It snowed on Tuesday and we went over to Amber's and played in the snow and made Valentines.I made the boys some Valentines Bears! My mom made bears for us when we were little and every year she filled them with treats! I always looked forward to seeing what was in my bear! So I am excited to carry on the tradition! We had a Valentines Party at Ambers on Thursday! We had a great lunch and a pink strawberry heart cake to celebrate Aubrey's 1st Birthday!We made heart cookies and the kid decorated their own cookie box and then they frosted and decorated their own cookie! The boys made a special one for BJ!
Then we had a heart scavenger hunt! The kids had a great time and then they exchanged the valentines they made for one another!
We went to St George so BJ and I could work at the flower shop, we meet Tippy and Noah for lunch. Who doesn't love playing at MC Donald's?
Kritie took Spencer to the Dinosaur Park for his Birthday! He got a new friend, MAX the dino that he has been taking everywhere! THANKS NANA!
We also got to go to the Barnes and Noble for a special story time to see Curious George! Everyone at story time sang Spencer Happy Birthday, and afterwards Cooper was all about going up to check out the big monkey! NOT scared at all, my brave little guy! Spencer was excited to see him too (even though he wouldn't smile for the picture!) He lingered and lingered in the front, he didn't want to leave!! It took A LOT of pleading to get him to say goodbye to Curios George!

BJ, Caleb, Ephriam, and Cade took all of us girls out to dinner at Benja! I had some GREAT sushi and BJ had a really tasty curry!After dinner we went home and had such a relaxing time cuddling and talking! I really treasure the quiet time we have to talk just US! So thanks for making time for me this Valentines Beej! Life is crazy and wonderful and I wouldnt want to be here with anyone but you! HAPPY VALENTINES little family!

We Were Nabbed

Last week one of the Bishopric grabbed BJ and asked him if we would speak this Sunday! SO I thought it might be good for Spencer to do a little talk (and it would help shave at least 1 minute off our time too!!) Together Spencer and I wrote up a little PICTURE talk, so he can follow the pictures and know what to say...HOPEFULLY! We spent all evening practising with different pretend microphones! He is really excited, I hope he doesn't get too nervous on Sunday! But I am already nervous so if he does I'll understand! Here is a video of one of our practise runs!!!!

Cooper is SUCH a Good Helper!!!!!!

Cooper spilled some cheerios this morning, I asked him to pick them up so he ran away! GRRR But he came back and he brought his vacuum with him! He wanted to help! 

Too bad his vacuum crunches and smashes food instead of sucking it up! Oh well he's got the right idea! One day he can run the BIG vacuum and actually pick up all by himself!!! Way to go Coop, I hope your enthusiasm for vacuuming sticks!

Graham's Blessing

On Sunday February 1st we Blessed Graham! It turned out to be to Superbowl Sunday as well but we didn't realize that until we had already set everything in motion! I guess it just shows how much we pay attention to football! We had a busy morning getting all the food prepared and the house all ready! But as soon as we got to church we were able to calm down and enjoy the moment! This is the first time we have had a blessing on a fast Sunday so I was excited to be able to bear my testimony (silly I know!!!) and enjoy the spirit of the meeting! It meant a lot to us to have so many friends and family there to support us! BJ's parents and brothers and sisters came, His Aunt Liz and Uncle Jess, my brother and sister came and lots of friends made the drive to Cedar City to be there! We wish we could have had all of our family there and missed my parents and little sister but we understand why they couldn't make it! And look forward to seeing them soon!

Church went so smoothly! With all the friends and family 11 kids at church but they all shared and played so quietly! Graham even cooperated and sat really quietly while he was being blessed!! He is such a great baby!

The Blessing was very sincere and meaningful! I always write down what is said! I hope its not inappropriate but I want to write it down here so we can make sure to have a record of it! 

BJ Blessed Graham with the help of Chris King, Jess Holm, Ephraim Hanks, Caleb Steele and our Bishopric! The blessing said;

I bless you to: 

Learn and grow in patience, love and understanding.

Seek out the Right and to Look for ways to Serve others.

Be Steadfast and Immovable.

Be Thankful.

Know that WE are Thankful for you, that you are a blessing in our home and to your brothers.

Be patient with your family and to know that you are loved by them.

Graham I do hope that you know all your life how much we love you! How grateful we are that you are a part of our family! I know your calm sweet spirit it so needed in our home and I hope that we can give you as much love and support as we have already felt from you in the short time you have been with us! I am sure great things are coming for you my little Teddy Graham!

Afterwards we went back to our apartment and had lunch! I made 8 different Stromboli pizzas and everyone was kind enough to bring something to share! It was really filling and SUPER yummy!

Cooper enjoyed the Kol-aid! 

BJ's Mom and Dad and Colton all made it. His sister Brisit and her boyfriend Matt and Mindy and here family all came up too!

My Brother Chris came down from Rexburg with his girlfriend Sommer, and Jenise came up from St George!

We had SO many friends come to support us! Megan and Ephraim brought up their 2 boys. Caleb and Steph drove up from Hurricane with Tippy and Gage and Dang and Amber came over before their big Superbowl party! THANKS so much for coming everyone it meant a lot to both of us!

I tried to get a picture of all the kids (we missed AJ, Aubrey and Andy:(  But we did get: Cooper, Shay, Kaly, Gage, Tippy, Graham, Spencer and Noah!

I managed to get a few family pictures after everyone went home! I don't think its possible to get one with everyone looking but I still think they turned out great! 

In the evening BJ had to sleep to get ready for work that night so the boys and I got CREATIVE! We decided to make a fort so we could watch football (for about 10 minutes) and then one of our all time favorites The Backyardigins!! We had lots of snacks but all the boys wanted was Baloney! YUCKY but they love it! 

We got lots of blankets and pillows so we could all cuddle (and of course take a few pictures!!!) It was such a great day! It was one of those days when just being together was like vacation! So much fun and something you will always remember! 

Coke Anyone?

So I just found a coupon for 2 dollars of 3 12 packs of Coke! And at Albersons this week when you spend 20 dollars on Coke products you get 5 dollars back instantly! SO ....

buy 6 12 packs of coke 20.40$

minus 5$ instantly= 15.4o$

Then use 2 2 dollare off coupons -4$ = 11.40 TOTAL

So that makes each case 1.90!

The best part is you can print the coupon as many times as you want! SO if you love Cherry Coke as much as me you can STOCK up! I think I've said it before but YEA COUPONS! 

Hurry the Coupon expires TOMORROW 2-3-09

Cherry Coke HERE I COME! 

Lions and Tigers and Hair CUTS OH MY

SO my kids had the scare of a life time today! A friend of ours came over to cut all the boys (including my hunky hubby's) hair today! We wanted to look spiffy for the blessing tomorrow! Unfortunately the boys were not as excited as I was! I am sure the people above us, next to us and the poor people down the STREET thought the kids were being attacked by wild animals! You see BJ left right after his cut to play racket ball with some new friends so I was on my own to rally the boys!! :)

Spencer went on and on about how much he hated hair cuts (hate is his new naughty word he love to use to get a rise out of MOMMY!!!:( He said he liked his hair messy and didn't want to cut it! So we decided Cooper would go first to SHOW Spencer that it ISN'T sad or scary! 

(The first change I had for picture was after the kids were up after nap!! I wish I could have captured the ciaos but I would have just been TOO much:)

Unfortunately Cooper just SCREAMED AND SCREAMED! I tried to appease him with binkies, sippy cups even a fruit snack! NO LUCK! WE took 3 breaks to let him calm down because the whole time I had to hold him in what wrestling fans would likely call the "spider DEATH grip!!" The scene got even better as Spencer got out of time out to stand next to me and Coop and say "Stop hurting my brother, let him go, you're a meany!!" With all the commotion Graham started to cry! OH can you feel the energy jump of the screen and smother you?

(This band aid is not covering a REAL wound! Spencer found his first little zit and FREAKED out! He had to have a Scooby Doo Band aid)

I am glad to say that as soon as it was Spencer's turn we were able to calm him down as I read a few stories with the 2 little boys on my lap and Spencer sitting (almost still) while Natalie cut his hair! The whole experience was a bit terrifying for ME and the kids! But it ended well, I hope Natalie will still speak to us! 

As soon as she left Spencer ran into the bathroom to check out his hair! He asked me if I liked it and said he hoped his friends would like it too! Funny kid! I told him I loved and as long as he liked it that I am sure his friends would too!

(Cooper didn't feel much like coloring!)

We finished our busy day coloring and crying! Jenise stopped over for dinner with her new puppy and the kids were in bed by 8:00! And once BJ got home at 9:00 we relaxed and caught up on our American Idol! I just love the tryouts! I thought Salt Lake totally represented! And it was SO SO funny how after the kids got rejected they would ALL say THANK YOU! 

So if you got to the end of this LONG rambling post THANK YOU!! 

OH and if you are anywhere near Cedar City and want to come to the blessing CALL ME for directions its at 11:00! And I am making Stromboli for lunch afterwards!!!!

COUPONS COUPONS COUPONS

SO I just had to take a picture of my Albertsons deals this week! 

(and my cute little helper here had LOTS of fun knocking over my little display AS SOON as the picture was taken!!!!:)

*Del Monte Fruit Cups were only 50 cents after the coupon

*I got ALL 4 pizzas for for 8 .60 and the 4 Dr Peppers were FREE!!!

*All 4 boxes of popcorn for 2 dollars

*The crackers were 1.50 a box and then I got the velveeta and the deli cheese for FREE!!!

*All 6 craft dressings and Mayo came out to be just over 5 dollars and I got 6 dollars in chicken FREE!!

*OOOH and I found a pork tenderloin and a pork roast with coupons right on them for 2 and 3 dollars off so I was able to get both for 7.50 TOTAL!!

It was a great trip to Albertsons this week! My grand total for everything was 41 dollars and I saved 90 dollars!! YEA COUPONS! It really is WORTH IT! 

Oh and I BEGAN organizing my Coupons in a new binder! I just couldn't fit all of them in my little flip photo album anymore! I'll post a picture when I am all done! 

Snuggle Blankies and Promises

While my Mom was here over Christmas she had the great idea to make a special soft blanket for Cooper to use when I nursed Graham! The idea was that he could go get his special blanket and pillow and come snuggle with me and the baby so he didn't feel left out and sad! So while she was here we made a Mickey blanket, because he is fascinated with the Mickey! He LOVED it and after reminding him a few times to go get it while Graham was eating he started to go get it himself! 

HURRAY every ones happy....

Well everyone except Spencer! We thought he would rather color or play with play dough? But instead he wanted a special blanket that he can use to snuggle with Mom and the baby!! It all went down in a ball of noise and crying that turned into screaming that sounded something like, "Why cant I have special snuggle blankie, don't you want to snuggle with me too? I love you and Baby too!" I felt so bad! And I was tired of them fighting over the one blanket! SO.... we went looking for a special blanket for Spencer!

He had a fabulous time running around the fabric store and loved EVERY fabric they had! He really was like a kid in a candy store, everything looked yummy!!! But we decided on a CARS fabric and super soft back! He helped me pin it ( sort of, he was terrified of the pins but liked to pock them into the fabric!) 

Here are my two boys all snuggled up watching Kung Fo Panda waiting for their silly mom to put the camera down and come and cuddle on the couch! 

Since having Graham I have noticed my patience in dealing with the 2 "BIG" boys is so much shorter! I justify it by saying that there are SO many things going on at once that I don't have the time to stop and think of how best to react in the situation! But the reality  is I don't MAKE the time and I ALLOW myself to get upset! 

While making these blankets I realized I can look at these SMALL situations in a positive way or a negative way! The kids crawl all over me while I nurse, they almost squish Graham and FIGHT with each other about who sits where! I HAVE been getting frustrated and eventually kick them off the couch! BUT I WANT to look at them kindly and in a sweet  voice tell them I am so glad they both want to sit with me and that they can each have a side to sit on! I can either join in on the frusteration or step back and show them how to react!! I know what kind of Mom I want to be... I just have to rise up to the challenge and MAKE IT HAPPEN! I have lots of chances every day! 

I AM grateful for all 3 of my boys! And I PROMISE to TRY MY BEST to look at them through excited and GRATEFUL eyes! 

Instead of getting mad that they are crying I am going to ask them why they are crying and what I can do to help them feel better! I AM going to MAKE the time to be patient again! Because I don't want to be a Mom who worries about getting THINGS done I want to be the Mom who MAKES the time to PLAY and READ and have FUN with her kids, and worry about CLEAN up after!

BOYS I want you to know Mommy LOVES SNUGGLING and I PROMISE to make MORE time to BE with you! I am grateful for your bear hugs and slobbery kisses! You mean SO VERY much more then clean rooms and vacuumed floors! And I am going to start showing you! 

I LOVE YOU!  

What did you learn in class today, Spencer?

I always ask Spencer what he learned in class after we get home from church. His answer is usually something vague like "I learned about Jesus!" Which is better than nothing so I go about my business but this time I got a very different answer! SO I ran and got the camera and asked him to tell me again what he learned in Sunbeams!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!! I am so grateful to his teachers and to Heavenly Father for helping him learn a little! I am also so proud of my little boy for listening and for being a himself because at the end of it all he learned "That he should beat up Lions!!!" I LOVE YOU SPENCER!!! 

50 Years And Counting!

This Saturday was Brent's 50th Birthday party! We had it at Matt and Bristie's house they had just moved out of so there was lots of room! We invited all of Dads brothers and friends, so we were expecting LOTS of people :) Originally it was a surprise party and we all did a great job of keeping it a secret (even the little kids) until one of his brothers slipped the secret only a couple of hours beforehand! :( He still had a great time! Secrets are made to be broken I guess!!!! 

Krisiti had a great cake made with a picture of Brent at the lake with his Jeep! That said "Still the Man!"  He was a bit embarrassed but he loved it!

There was tons of food, Cadie Mom and I made the dips and Mindy made ALL the food for diner! We had a 20 pound roast that was OH SO TENDER, funeral potatoes (a must for any large gathering) a lot of steamed veggies and a large salad! 

Mindy and Bristie did a great job of decorating and setting everything up! The house looked so festive and fun! There were lots of balloons and streamers! 

There was lots of music and visiting! Mindy and Brock even started dancing! Lots and LOTS of people came to wish Brent a Happy Birthday! It was so great to see all the people that love and respect Dad come to see him! 

Sick Day

This week ALL of passed around a 24 hour bug! Both the boys threw up and felt real yucky for a day and then the next day were up and running around! It was especially sad to sit with Coop because he doesn't understand whats happening so he gets really nervous and scared when he is sick! This time I REALLY tried to help him throw up in a bowl or in the bathroom, but he just doesn't grasp that idea yet! DARNIT!

Look at that sad face, poor guy!

We stayed in our jammies all week, which SPENCER loved! He asks to have PJ parties everyday, he really hates getting dressed! And because we all felt a little down and out all we did was play games, read stories and watch TOO much TV! 

Spencer loves Candy land! He talks to the people on the board and loves to jump past the licorice spots! He says he is beating up the BAD Candy Man!I think our record number of times we played in one day was 4! HE LOVED it, but by the last time I was stacking the deck to finish up! :)

Even though Cooper wasn't 100% he still had enough energy to get into EVERYTHING! What is it with WIPES? My boys love them more then toys! Its like they have a radar and know when I leave them out!!!!! :)

  My Mom gave them a great book for Christmas and they have been asking to read it ALL the time, THANKS MOM! It has about a dozen different stories! The kids love all of them but there favorite is Baby Says! Its about 2 brothers, the baby throws his teddy bear and the big brother teaches him new words like  Uh oh and No No and Ok! Cooper laughs and laughs and Spencer says the new words to Cooper and then Cooper repeats them! THEY EAT IT UP! Each time Spencer pulls out the book Cooper says "UH OH!" and sits down waits to read it with him! 

Each night this week bedtime couldn't come soon enough! And each night I PRAYED they would sleep all night and not wake up sick! 

I am so glad we are all on the rebound and feeling better!