That and This

For Christmas Evan got a guitar from Grandma Jennie! Usually Evan is the possessive, jealous one of everything Cora Grace touches but the closer she approaches "2" (yikes), that curly blond haired blue eyed charmer is transforming... for the worse. ;) She kept grabbing at Evan's guitar and he's not always excited about sharing, especially something so special so what's a mom to do but go to World market and pick her up her very own one (to destroy). Little Lady is in heaven and siblings have great JAM sessions in Evan's room. I  try to get them to respect the instruments even though they aren't "Martin" guitars or anything. It's the principle. They have to sit down with them to play or I put them back up. They have been pretty good about following the rules until CG gets bored and gets up. Then all heck breaks loose and there's mass pandemonium. he he he. aka, Evan's good at follow the leader and is right on her coat tails so not to miss out on anything she is doing. :) Oh well. I said I "try" to get them to respect the guitars.

Next crop of pictures is around the house. I got some fairy wings on clearance from Target and both kids wore them for fun. Cora really kinda liked them. Evan loved them too... for a minute. :)

Entertaining the children with a few chips. Mean mommy only lets them have a few. My attempt to teach them it's a  treat and not an option as a 'side or meal'. lol.

Oh my goodness. I must discuss the computers. Evan has had his computer for at least a year. He has always loved it and even learned on it. My sister in law Nanci asked about getting this computer for Evan for Christmas and after I explained he had it, I quickly assured her it would actually be perfect for Cora so now we have two and the kids LOVE them!!! They could play for hours and do. Evan is the boss (for reals) and sets up their computers across from each other like battle ship. Next he presses the same buttons at the same time on each computer to give himself surround sound or something. :) We just love this gift too. So much that I got jealous and one time got my computer out to play with them. Now they can pretend to be mommy, editing all these photos and I can be them, enjoying each other and learning their abc's, 123's, item/animal etc sounds and music. Love it.

I made Betty Crockers Strawberry Pretzel Salad for Christmas dinner. Mmmm. I was inspired because even though I'd had it before, it had been YEARS till this Thanksgiving when my sister in law Jennifer made a raspberry one. YUM! I'd never made one but went to my cookbook and there it was. easy as pie. So here it is for you to look and drool over it's yummy goodness. xo

In the past couple months we've experimented with underwear. Just a note cause we're definitely still in diapers up in 'her.

Who's got 2 thumbs and a Neeeew couch/thing? I do! I have wanted something convertible like a futon since the kids were born, to put in their room. There is no adult seating and I'm getting way to old to get up and down from the floor. lol. Anyway, I found this at World Market on clearance. Whoo hoo! Evan posed in the store with it when we were trying to convince daddy and both kids demonstrated their cute siblingness when you put both arms down for overnight guests (from California?!). Just sayin'. :)

EDITING

My favorite editing site, www.picnik.com is closing it's doors in April! :( boooo. BUT all their advanced editing features are FREE till then so go use it and create beautiful effects and improvements like: 

It's possible the tools will be available somewhere else? Google+? I don't know if it's for free or not like Picnik but regardless, go edit your favorite pictures till April! I'm slowly editing pictures from the last few months but will have to work double time if I could only get the time. :/. I think I've had the winter blues or something. Luckily I don't have any of my mother in laws, yummy frosted sugar cookies, laying around or I'm positive I'd be eating at LEAST a dozen of them while watching the Bachelor or something. Any who... go edit, it's so fun! xo :)

Funnies

Lately Evan has been 'a little' contrary. He says "NO" when I ask him to do something.... I just put him to bed since he didn't take a nap today. After not much protest, and reading him a few books, we were set for an uneventful departure from his room. On my way out, I said 

"now, please go right to sleep". He quickly retorted "no, left."

 :)

Earlier tonight we were at Dollar General. I turned down an isle that had a really tall man on it. Evan said, "Whoa, that's a GIANT daddy, mommy. That daddy is Giant." 

I hope if he heard him, he was smirking inside. :)

Sad to report that Evan has tried to or succeeded in, biting 3 people in a weeks time (he's never attempted this before). First at church, then tried to bite me then his new teacher at school. The bookends are brand new for him and I suspect is what got him so riled up and trying something new himself. ANYWAY, we've had lots of talks about it and that it's very naughty. I have stopped play biting both kids (it's killing me). So... after one of our first talks, I told Evan, we do not bite people, it is very naughty. He volunteered:

"we bite food, not people." ha ha ha ha. great.

...And on her farm she had a Horse... and a Dog...

e- i, e-i, ooooooooooooooo

hehehe. This is my friend Jodi who lives in Nashville but was down this weekend at her parents farm. They have some horses that I hoped the kids would like. I did not get a picture of Cora Grace's reaction but let's use our imagination of what, she did NOT like the horses, looked like. :) Evan trusted Jodi so he pet them but they were pretty big animals and both kids had an ingrained respect that they could be squashed if they didn't behave. :) Both horses we met were sweet hearts and very patient with 2 toddlers near by. Jodi's dog Gizmo was a gem. Poor thing was constantly trying to escape the kids but in a way, I think he enjoyed their youth and energy. he he he. At least that's what I tell myself. ENJOY! xo

Story of Evan's life these days: A shadow of cuteness behind CG's gorgeous curls! :)

What? No pictures? Just talking? Pshh.

he he he. I just wanted to check in. Life isn't as busy as I think it is cause lets face it, I have time to blog! :) "But", it does feel slightly overwhelming these days - I'm unmotivated in general. I have felt lazy yet motivated to clean? I don't know what it's about. I definitely have a desire to make LOTS of changes right now and it just so happens to be at resolution time. To start things off with a bang, I was just given a new calling at church: Compassionate Service coordinator. Wish me luck :). Mike and I have both expressed our desire to, what else, LOSE WEIGHT! I want to meet many spiritual goals as well as much needed relationship goals. I still haven't finished my book that I blogged about "Marriage Maintenance" but I will. I am not good to myself and therefore, don't feel I'm being what Michael deserves. He doesn't complain but that's his nature. Trust me, there is something to complain about. I'm just grateful he is patient with me. I have goals also for my babies and how we spend our precious time together.

Being back at the 'big' salon again gives me new things to think about and contemplate. I definitely enjoy having the creativity around me again. That is the number 2 perk (#1 is using AVEDA again, of course!). I still long to be at home full time with the babies. Until then, I just have to dedicate myself to the fullest when I am at the salon. I believe as I dedicate myself to the spiritual goals I have and relationship goals I am making, I will get to stay at home, sooner, rather than later. I have never felt so strong about wanting something in a long time. It doesn't mean we get what we want right away but I know I will get it when the time is right. I am looking SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO forward to living on a budget again. It can't happen fast enough. For me, I find I don't spend ANY money and just feel trapped. Then when I need to spend money, I spend a lot. :/ So, I enjoy a budget and it's been a few years since we've been on one. Deciding to go on vacation will be a lot less stressful, whoo hoo!

This year, I'm looking forward to going on dates with Mike, we really need to stop depriving ourselves of that. My bffff Amber and I are going to go on an overnight sometime, somewhere close by and I just LOVE being with her. She's like my wife/sister/mom/counselor. I really need her. There is a lot to say about having a really good girl friend in life (especially since my other girlfriends/sisters/in laws in California are so far away) and I feel fortunate to have found a friend-mate here in Tennessee. I can't wait to see my brother Isaac who just came home today from his mission. If I'm lucky I can go home this summer. Coincidentally, it's my 20 year high school reunion year! YIKES. :) I can't say I'm looking forward to that but if I go, it will be 'interesting'. lol. I can't wait for the summer again where I can let the kids loose on the back yard again. I want to put Cora Grace in Swim lessons at some point. SHE WILL EAT IT UP! I subsequently need to find a way to duplicate myself so one of me can hold Evan while I do lessons with CG. It will be once a week. Maybe Mike can come help on a lunch break if I do it at Sports Com. That's it! We can trade off on who's in the water too. Ahh, so cute and now I can take pictures. Mike will find out my plans for him when he reads this :). Sometime this year, I'd like to go overnight somewhere with Mike too, so Sam... get your guest room ready for two cuties!! :) I can't get past the summer plans quite yet but fall and winter will be full of plans as well. I know, I'd really like to go house hunting to expand our space! I'm seriously entertaining the idea of putting the kids in the same room and transforming the extra room to play room and craft space. We'll see.

I'm not feel in a hurry but I am very behind in blogging the holidays etc. I still have an old group of photos I want to have documented from Sept? Oct? that I want to get on here before I print this past year to a book again. I just love our first book and it's a great blessing to have that available to us. I have been busy making a few mini books lately so when that is over I will back post. One of the things that was special I did recently that I can't wait to blog is my good friend Linda and her husband had a baby girl (has 2 boys) a few weeks ago and they let me take pictures at the hospital of them and the next week, in their home. I just love photography. It a wonderful creative outlet for me. One day, I hope to take a class on using my camera to it's fullest potential and to understand better the 'theory' behind it.

Anyway, lastly, I hope to get on a schedule of sleeping better, eating better - soon. I am wearing myself out with my current schedule. I need more energy to do fun things with Evan and Cora Grace. They are so sweet and loving each other so much right now, budding best friends I hope. They have the best time all day together. Evan won't leave Cora alone for that she might get attention for something and she is devoted to him so won't leave him alone. What a beautiful little family I have been given, I am loving it. If we all pray really hard, maybe Mike will be ready for a third baby to add to the love. :) xoxo Signing off for now, Hope to get some blogging momentum soon to back post end of 2011 festivities. Looking forward to what 2012 has to offer!

Returned with Honor

This is my youngest brother Isaac (pictured with my youngest sister Ashley). He just returned today from serving a 2 year (proselyting) mission for our church in the Fort Worth, Texas Mission and Mike and I haven't seen or talked to him but through letters/care packages in that time. While serving his mission, Isaac missed his niece (1 year older than him. lol) get married, 2 nephews be born and 2 nieces (Cora). He will at least meet baby Reese today and maybe Juliet (CG's birthday twin) for the weekend he is home before leaving right away for school at BYU-Idaho. No rest for the weary!! :) I can't wait to see him again, whenever that is. He loves the little kids and I'm sure can't wait to meet them all. For now, he has other things to focus on. We are so proud of him. He was excited about teaching the gospel to those he met in Texas, through even his travels home today. He is such a great young man and has a wonderful, exciting life ahead of him. I can't wait to see and hear what he does and where he goes next. I'm sure he'll be great at it.

Welcome home Isaac! We love you.

Jesus wants Evan for a Sunbeam!

Jesus wants me for a Sun BEAM

to shine for Him each day.

In every way try to please HIM

at home, at school, at play.

A Sun BEAM

a Sun BEAM

Jesus wants me for a Sun BEAM

A Sun BEAM

A Sun BEAM,

I'll be a Sun BEAM for Him.

 :)

Can you believe it? Do you know what this means? My BABY is getting too old. :( I really do believe it but I don't want to. On the other hand, I'm looking forward to him growing up of course. I'm just in sort of denial about Evan being a Sunbeam and in Primary now at church. :/ Doesn't he look so big sitting there? I checked on him during 'Sharing Time' where the kids were singing "Once there was a Snow Man". Evan was on his feet, jumping as usual, and watching my friend Stacey direct the music. He was copying her hand movements with giant smile on his face while he bounce, bounce, bounced. :) Warms a mommies heart. Later I checked on him in his new class with Sharelle as his teacher. She's babysat him before and likes him so I thought she would like him. We'll see. He's not the sit down the whole time kind of kid, it may be a test for her till he learns to do what everyone else is doing. Luckily he's had a lot of practice in day care. Primary will be great for him cause his bestest friend ever, Hayden is now in the CTR 4 class so he see's him and his other friend Dallin for that section of time. Lucky guy. I'll wait for a report that he keeps getting up to hug and play with them. ;) Lastly, this years Primary theme is "Choose The Right" so all the kids got CTR rings. That was really brave to give to my cray 3 year old but he loves it and didn't want to take it off for bed. I'll try to keep it safe for him to wear every Sunday because it is very important to him. I will also try to take a special picture of him wearing it since as I type, I realize I haven't done that. Bad mommy! Anyway...

Dear Evan,

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you for growing up into such a nice young man. We love when you sing to us, say please, thank you and show patience, even though you are only 3. You are a good example to us when you show us and Cora Grace, how to be reverent at church by sitting still, being quiet and folding your arms. It is very exciting that you are in the Sunbeam class and in Primary now. You will get to learn all about Jesus and Heavenly Father's love for us and how you can be more like them. You are so lucky to have a smart teacher and great leaders in Primary so we hope you love it. We love you and can't wait to hear about all that you are learning.

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Next year, his feet will probably touch the ground. :/. Sitting on his row with a few of his classmates. There are about 6-8 kids in his class I believe. Including Annabelle who was Evans Pebbles to his Bam Bam for Halloween a couple Halloweens ago.

Can you stand it? He's sitting there all sweet (this is before all the bouncing) and listening intently to the welcome song for visitors.

Amanda is the current Primary president and is introducing each of the new class of Sunbeams. I wasn't quite fast enough to get this without it blurring. oops. :) Do you see his red bulging eyes? Yes, it's because it's NAP time, 1pm for church. "Ay caramba!" as Bart Simpson would say. That's all I have to say about that. But if you see me with patches with baldness come Monday's, know it's because church is at 1pm this year (again... nap time.) and I have two children between 19mo-3 years that need some sleep at that time. I am however devising a plan to wake them up early at maybe 730a (they don't get up before 830) so I can at least convince CG for a 1030 or 11am nap. Wish me luck.

After church I got a sweet text from my brother Bennett who's son Luke is a month older than Evan. (They are in California). He asked how Evan's first day as a Sunbeam was. Awe. It was so nice that he thought about us. With 4 young kids, I'm glad he has time to know anyone else exists. I had completely forgot that I had 3 nephews start Sunbeams today too! I was actually happy to hear that he said Luke also had a hard time sitting the whole time of sharing and singing time. It confirms my son is a normal boy as I suspect. lol. I texted Jesse and Jenalyn to see how it was for them. Lucky Jenalyn got to sub for Liams class so she got to see it all. He's 9 mo older than Evan so he's way more mature but still 3 of course. Lucky for the permanent teacher to have varying levels of maturity in the class. Evan's energy may be a balance to  Liams type of reverence. lol. ;) Anyway, it's fun to have cousins the same age, having milestones together (if I only could remember this in advance). They will share so many as the years go by. Yay!