Stepping Stones to Now...

It may seem that we've just been having a lazy spring/summer - bumming around watching the tele... NOT UPDATING THE BLOG - which I desperately apologize for - but we really have been quite busy. So, here's a play by play of our lives since April.

In order to prepare for the move the Beloved Spouse finally gave in and kissed his big screen goodbye - but of course it first had to be replaced by a flat screen. (which you can see in a box to the left)


Regrettably, we also sold our piano. The move would have been just too hard - not that I play this instrument beautifully - but it was from my parents and definitely held some sentimental value -so farewell beautiful orange carpet that was strangely adorned across the front.


In preparation to sell our home we had to replace the floors. Little C did his fair share of hard work and came in handy when we needed help in those hard to fit spaces.

The Beloved Spouse and his father tore up almost all of the flooring on the main level. They had to work hard for almost fifty hours straight to get the job done.

Little C graduated from Kindergarten in May and I have to admit I got a little emotional.

He is such a sweet and smart little kiddo. He scored a three on his reading level indicator test which is the highest you can get - Way to go buddy!

Little C with his Kindergarten teacher.

Here are a few more pictures from the sealing:

How neat to have a picture with four generations!

Gadashio (formally known as "the baby") was busy as usual at the temple. Here's Uncle Jake feeding him in order to get him to do what we needed.

I know you are all thinking - Gadashio??- but this is what he has named himself. We call it his french alter ego.

Aren't my siblings beautiful?!

Two of my sisters were able to make it to the sealing. But we really missed the third - love ya Shaggy!

Some of the fam hung out at our mostly packed up home after the baby's blessing.

This is the Beloved Spouse's sister Rachael.

And his sister Ruth - who is so nicely catering to his silly personality.

The Beloved with Grandpa Patton.

Our last week in town my sister and my mother seriously helped me finish packing and cleaning. Little C thought this was wonderful because he got in some last minute fun with the cousins.

This is the bug that tried to take my life our first week here. Well, that's how I felt anyway.

On our way to pick up the Beloved Spouse from the airport we got stuck in a flash flood and had to pull to the side of the road.

Here we are biding our time -

Since the Beloved was gone for the first couple weeks after our move my wonderful mother journeyed to this great state to be an awesome help.

Now that is a nose if I have ever seen one! I am pretty sure that looks bigger than usual. ... at least I hope :)

Our new house doesn't have a 220 hook up for an electric dryer so I found myself searching for a gas one. There happened to be one advertised in the local paper so I set up an appointment to check it out - when my mom and I pulled up to the house I was a little leery about walking to the door. Wouldn't you feel the same?

Don't worry - we are all safe and sound - and conveniently enough - now have a gas dryer.

Happy Birthday to the Beloved!

Little C likes to walk around with the camera telling everyone to make a funny face. My mother-in-law, who also flew out to help me, was kind enough to oblige to Little C's wishes. She may kill me for posting this picture but I simply love it! She really is a beautiful woman inside and out - and I appreciate her humoring our little family :)... please don't kill me... my children and my husband need me very much - I am sure of it:)

We had to celebrate the Beloved's birthday early since he would be out of town for his big day. We had a combo Father's Day/Birthday extravaganza.

The Beloved with his boys -

Grandma with her newest grand baby.

Little C and Gadashio riding around in the garage.

He insisted on wearing this helmet almost all day. I loved it!

We'll throw one of the baby in there for you.

The Beloved taking Little C down to bed.

Little C taking charge during a hot game of memory.

Little C would rather sleep in a moving box than his own bed.

We went to a 3-d movie the other day and now Gadashio insists on everybody wearing their glasses.

He's a very persistent little fellow and would not take a bath unless he could take his blanky in with him.

What is this you say?

It's when you know that there's a lot a bit too much grease on your hashbrown and your one year old can't taste the difference between the food and the wrapper.Yummy!

H to the izzo B to the izane -

- Lately the Beloved Spouse has been cutting off the bottom of his sweats to make himself more comfortable... don't worry, I don't get, but it's kind of funny, so bring it on right?

But the even funnier part is - HE MAKES YOU WEAR THE CUT OFF PORTIONS ON YOUR HEAD!

Introducing:

BONE THUGS N'HARMONY

Now we jump to my birthday. Yes! I love my birthday!

The Beloved Spouse made me scones from scratch that I immediately fell in love with!

He wouldn't let me steal one early - the nerve -

I was spoiled beyond belief! Below are the flowers Little C gave me -

and these are the ones the Beloved had delivered to our house.

I discovered that I love Burger King and have a hard time saying no when my kids ask to go there.

Here are a few pictures of my little princes -

and last but not least -

THIS IS HOW WE ROLL...

So - sorry there aren't a lot of words and mostly pictures - there are some pretty hilarious stories that could go along with these photos but that would take an eternity to blog about.

No new news.... I am still trying to avoid the mothers lounge, but that's kind of hard when your babies nourishment is attached to you - and frankly I've been too lazy to pump. My sister and I decided that I should glue a comic strip to my stomach. It is kind of like going to the dentist and there's a poster on the ceiling - well here's our logic. People in the mothers lounge get glimpses of you whether you like it or not - so why not add a little entertainment to their day... Let me know your thoughts.

FYI - our whole family has been working out to the Oompa Loompa dances on the Willy Wonka DVD every night.

SO SO SO SO Funny! We're pretty amazing at it - so if any of you would like to challenge us to a duel -your on!



Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsGMYIzjv6k

For Kami -The Challenge

From a friend's blog : .....I challenge EVERY blogger that reads my posts to write with no pictures, about something that is going on in their lives.

So here are my thoughts as of today - or the occurrences thus far.
*My husband and I are in love with Jimmy Falon. Have you watched his show? Pretty much he's the most hilarious guy alive and I am pretty sure we'll be best friends with him soon -since the Beloved Spouse and I are tied for second in being the most hilarious people alive. And do you know why we're so outstandingly funny? Because we lead ridiculously humorous lives. For example - yesterday at the car wash all three of my children start screaming simultaneously. What could the cause be you say? Well, we have this lovely new golden van - but I, being too old school, couldn't figure out how to close the back windows. I don't even know how they were opened in the first place... so that thought being very far away from my mind when entering the car wash... resulted in my children receiving the $6 premium soak. Really, after the screaming stopped it wasn't that bad - think about the multi tasking involved - you wash the car, kid #1,2,and 3 - plus their clothes look good as new - it may be the best thing that ever happened to us.
Example #2 -On our first Sunday in this new great state we were 20 minutes late to church - which is so unusual for us...right right... - so having the tiny ward that we do, there was no over flow available - (I am still fasting and praying for that to change) - so we headed for the very front row. I think one day I'll do the cat walk as we're making our entrance - we already have everybodys attention, I might as well make it entertaining. Anyway - so as we meander to our seats we can feel the other attendees eyes checking out the "new family" - and right as we sit down our curly headed little fro boy lets out the loudest belch possible. Nobody laughs or makes a noise... except for my family. - Myself included. I am always hoping that one day I'll be mature enough not to laugh at body humor - but I feel that day is a long way off. Sorry mom.
Example #3 - The Beloved Spouse accidentally flushed his glasses down the toilet while going the bathroom - no further explanation should be needed. That's just funny.
Example #4 - After our new little addition was born the hospital baby photo place came in to take his newborn pictures. The photographer enters the room and starts talking. The Beloved Spouse and I glance at each other quickly - Photographer has the physique of a man, scruffy face like a man, women's clothing, long hair done up in a bow, makeup, and, if I may be blunt, a voice like a man whose pretending to be a woman. - I KNOW YOU HAVE ALL HAD EXPERIENCES LIKE THIS, SO DON'T PRETEND YOU HAVEN'T - "Her" name was Raven. She kept talking to the baby in the most peculiar voice that I am sure took a ton of effort. We call it MAN VOICE PRETENDING TO BE A WOMAN VOICE PRETENDING TO KNOW BABY TALK. And she kept saying, "Hey little fella, smile at Raven, do you have a little smile in there for Raven?" The wise Beloved Spouse avoided eye contact with me after that so we could kindly maintain our composure. But the bad part was...
A few minutes later the nurse came in to see if I had recently fed the baby and I said, "No, the photographer was here and HE just barely left." The nurse looked at me kind of funny - and then The Beloved Spouse said, "...You mean SHE...." long awkward pause throughout the room... and then the nurse exited- I didn't even know what to say - it honestly was such an accident... Open foot insert mouth Domestic Goddess in Training!
Those are all the examples for today... but just one other thought...

MICHAEL JACKSON -

Great musician, outstanding dancer.... very sad and odd that this pop icon has passed... - but I got excited when Entertainment Tonight said they were going to answer the question that was on every body's mind - but instead of telling me how to close my van windows they thought I cared about the true biological identity of Michael Jackson's children - ... quite frankly I am rather claustrophobic and feel a little relief that his children will be rid of the veils and disturbing feathery masks that are always adorned about them.

I am thankful for what he contributed to the music industry but as far as his personal life is concerned... one word comes to mind... weirdo. He was in the media lime light for over four decades - that has an affect on a man. No further research need be done.

Next post will be on avoiding the Mother's Lounge at church. There is nothing worse then meeting someone for the first time while your boob is hanging out... not a fan. :)

It's a Wonderful Life -

June 6, 2009

Little C,

Watching my handsome eldest son enter those temple doors, all dressed in white, was a dream that always seemed beyond my grasp - Something that would happen in the far distant future - always too far away to reach. But today YOU DID walk through those temple doors and my heart soared. My three sons - dressed so beautifully in white! My husband gripping my hand next to me - both of us knowing that for now, our family was complete. We were meant to be together forever! What a loving Heavenly Father we have! He knows you and He knows me, and today a miracle has occurred due to the tender mercies of the Lord.

What an out pour of love we had from our family and friends.. The sealer said he usually only sees this big of turnout when a couple is being married and sealed for the first time. Remember that love - remember to return that love. I am so proud to be your mother. I love you my sweet little child!

Love,

Mom

The After Party

The Beloved Spouse's Mom graduated this past fall with her Masters.

Since the Beloved Spouse just finished his as well we had to have a combined celebration.

We made them "walk the walk" and had them "hooded" as well.

Way to go Beloved Spouse! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments! Thank you for all that you do to better yourself and support our family.

It was a terrifically busy day -my parents and siblings took charge and made everything flow so smoothly. Thank you for your hard work. I admire your willingness to serve. You made this day perfect for me -for my family - and all of those attending. You amaze me - I love you.

We had family fly in and travel from WA, AZ, UT, OR and CA. Thanks for your effort and desire to be here. The Beloved Spouse's siblings made an awesome video honoring Little C and all of the graduates. What a treasure! Thank you so much!

By the end of June 6, 2009

We were all tuckered out.

Thanks For the Help -

Little C and his side kick (formally known as The Baby) are delightfully entertaining but at times can be a handful - especially after a C-Section.

I just wanted to recognize my wonderful family - who are also entertaining -

for all of the amazing help you've provided me with.

Below:

The Beloved Spouse.

He can be found here modeling a handbag - on his head...

The Mama and Sister #3

The Papa

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Sister #3 has secretly flown in and surprised me on my last two deliveries.

The Beloved Spouse and I have been so overwhelmed with service from our families and friends.

Thanks again! You are all so wonderful!

It's a Fact - I'm surrounded -

Before:

Can we say, "HOLY COW! - LET THIS DEAR WOMAN HAVE A BABY":)

Gosh - it is always amazing to me that there is truly a little human in there - how in the world do they fit? This new addition was 7 lbs 8 ounces.
During:
Unfortunately the Beloved Spouse didn't witness the birth of his new son. He was too busy passing out and regaining his composure in the corner :)
We love you dear -

After:
Introducing this new little one to his family.

It's a fact - I'm surrounded!

Welcome to Four Boys and a Little Lady -

(Please don't crack any jokes re: the title Little Lady when looking back at the first picture displayed. That's just not funny folks :))

Crazy Beautiful...

Let's address CRAZY:

Two weeks ago we received the news - the news that was a blessing, but didn't quite feel like one. The Beloved Spouse was offered and accepted a management position in the "great state" of Illinois. He was to report to work the following Monday and would be flown home on the weekends. Great.... I was really excited - right...

You don't realize how much you love the place you live until you're faced with the prospect of moving. And gosh, I am a ridiculous sucker for Idaho. Once, after a vacation to Mexico, I remember stepping off the airplane into the Boise airport -riding down the escalator I spotted the state seal and was overcome with such patriotism that I started humming the state song. I know that puts me in a whole new realm of loser status - but let the truth be told my friends- I won't be ashamed :)

So the Beloved Spouse and the Domestic Goddess in Training have been feeling a little overwhelmed - constantly trying to remember that this is a blessing - and unfortunately, despite our despair (so dramatic, I know), we feel truly good about it.

Beautiful:

3 days after this delightful news I sat down with Little C's father to discuss visitation arrangements. To make a long story short - nothing was determined - but the most wonderful thing occurred.

We received permission for Little C to be sealed to the Beloved and I for time and all eternity.

The biggest blessing alive has already taken place due to our scheduled move and we couldn't be more grateful.

So here are my boys :)! In a few weeks we'll add another to the bunch. But the great news is, they'll be all mine... FOREVER!

Photo Shoot is a Success!

Adorable, aren't they?

Kuna Moms - Check it out :)

Sorry our last three posts have been about play dates, but there are just a few more things -Kendra is so cool and volunteered to organize the weekly gatherings. She put together a blog to help with the flow of things - it is http://www.hotmomsclubkuna.blogspot.com/ . Please pass the good word along to any mother needing to "get out" - the more the merrier!

Monday Play Date is ON!!!

Monday at 11:30 at Tiffany G's house - she will supply sandwich stuff - feel free to bring potluck items if you love. Please get the word out. I've been in Utah so I haven't really been able to contact anyone. See you there! Everybody had great comments - let's talk about them tomorrow! :)

Yo Mothers! Monday Play Date anyone?

Our Monday Play Dates kind of fizzled out... is anyone wanting to continue? I know Tiffany in our ward offered to have one at her house this next Monday. Call me or leave a comment so we can plan something :)