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!

Photographing Friends

I love my hobby!! I am so grateful we could afford to get a nice camera this year. I want to still learn to use it better but I'm so happy with what my ammature self produces. :) Here is my good friend Linda and her family who recently added some more estrogen to the mix with their first baby girl. Congratulations and thank you for letting me invade your space to capture some memories. :)

A very California Thanksgiving (part 5 and FINAL!)

When the kids and I returned from our great trip to Sacramento, they were finally feeling a little better from their initial allergic reaction to Southern California. Humidifiers were doing wonders so coughing was to a minimum - thank goodness! It was so very pitiful, day and night. The weather turned AWESOME when we came home from the beautiful Fall Wonderland we experienced Sacramento. So... after being cooped up inside quite a bit, we finally got to go in town to let them have a little fun. What's more fun than looking at Mall fountains and playing in another Malls water display (as featured in a previous visit to CA). After that, we did, what else? Photo shoots for a couple of my siblings! :)

My mom and I went to our old/new mall when we got back from Sacramento. It was like 86 degrees out at the end of November! I just HAD to put CG in this super cute outfit, one more time. A funny thing about it is, before having her, I would never think I would put my child in something I think is so 'fru fru' but it is one of my absolute favorites! ugh! I love it.

The ever lover of water. He has influenced his sister in kind. :)

And the real fun begins!

This just makes me so happy!

Grandma Putsie came along to help round up these wackos. :)

I just love seeing their athleticism in this picture, besides the cuteness. :)

My absolute favorite photo. We bought these crocks. The baby's are the most adorable and I had a fit about choosing  pink or yellow cause they were equally so cute. Evan of course choose green but recently has been naming yellow as his 'other' favorite color. Interesting since it was the first color he ever said or could identify. I hope he keeps adding favorite colors. :) and p.s. I LOVE Cora's bathing suit! It was bought for next summer but she's already filling it out!

This is my beautiful sister Jenalyn and her family. She is #9 of the kids in our family. Funny to call her a 'kid' but when I'm ninety, I'll still be calling her 'my little sister'. lol. As a note, when we were growing up, she was always a mom. She was 8 when my youngest brother Isaac was born and that kid lived on HER hip, not my moms (OK, my moms too but seriously, he called for "Jenny" equally). I always knew she would be a mom and a great one. Not only that, she's a great wife too.

Side story: (I looked up this date:) At about 430am on January 17, 1994 (Northridge Earthquake), I was sleeping in a water bed in the basement of my parents house (3 1/2 stories) when I was jolted awake, sloshing in my bed. It was and Earthquake... a BIG one. I had been through many Earthquakes in my life but this was the strongest and in the middle of the night so I was scared. Only adding to that was the fact that my four year old brother shared a room with my sister, up a full flight of stairs and was crying out for her "Jenny!? Jenny!? What's happening!?" I was too panicked to cry but re thinking about it gets me emotional. I was still trying to get out of the bed cause the tremor was still rocking and finally I could hear her reacting and running with him up a 1/2 flight of stairs and out the door. I don't know what she remembers of that morning but I am so grateful she was there to comfort him and react quickly. Many more things happened because of that Earthquake, damage at my dad's gas station, my then 17yr old brother Bennett was un-like him, NOT home and we were worried about him (he was home minutes later, had been playing foot ball in the street with friends or something?). It's interesting to think back at your feelings at such a traumatic time with your current experiences and knowledge. I guess this is where sentiment starts. :) Ok, back to the subject, sorry about that....

These are my very favorites that I took of the family...

Jenalyn, Liam (almost 4), Darren and Reese (almost a year!)

I've just gotta tell you about this. Poor little Liam needed to go potty but we made him stay to finish the shoot. I just love little Piece's face! He's all concerned about his big brother like, "hey big brudda, it'll be ok, just smile a couple more times." lol. :) (I have a vivid imagination. he he he). Also, this set up is one of many tires on our property that once surrounded and protecting the water system for our Avocado Orchard. I'm sure the tires were from my dad's gas stations. Speaking of 'sentiment', I like this one. :)

The best.

Spoke too soon?

Some mama pictures.

Real life mommy challenges: getting your child to behave during pictures. lol. :)

Daddy's turn.

Now, my brother Bennett (#6) and his family. He is such a good man and I hate it cause he was always 'perfect' and born under some amazing star or something. lol Well, I'm happy to report that he's still awesome. He works so hard for his family and has a wonderful wife that is smart and talented and hard working as well. They just make me sick ;) he he he. And here are their crazy kids. Let me say, sorry there aren't more pictures but it is next to impossible to photograph this big of a rambuncious family. Now I know why my parents never got our pictures taken. lol

Noah (6 1/2), Jen, Olivia (4), Bennett, Juliet (18 mo) & Luke (3)

I rest my case. You only need one good one. :)

What do you do when the 18 month old is tired of cooperating? Make them the center of attention. :) (worked for about 7 seconds lol)

This one is either my favorite or second favorite. It's hard to choose. :)

My kids have Olivia for the children's gift exchange. She is a girly girl so I had the idea as her gift, to take her picture and display it a few different ways then frame 3 for her room. I thought of a take on Andy Warhol famous picture. It came out great. Here are a couple of my efforts to immortalize her 4 year old self. ;)

Future heart breaker for sure. xo

Finally at the end of our trip! On the plane home they were great. Getting ON the plane was a whole different story!! Evan had a major meltdown while I was talking to a nice French gentleman the kids were pestering who coincidentally turned out to be 1. Adopted and 2. LDS! I wish I could have talked to him longer to hear more of his story but as I mentioned, the meltdown happened AS they were calling us to board and on a full flight like that for Southwest, if I didn't get on board when my group was going, I could be separated from the kids... hmmm... maybe I should have done that.... food for thought for next time. A perfect stranger can try to change their poopy diaper in the forward lavatory (you know, the one you can't assemble in front of to save your place? The only one with a changing table!? What the poop is that about?!). Anyway, once on the plane their Allergy med I gave them for the cough they still have, must have kicked in (i also believe the med contributed to Evan's melt down, he seems to react that irrational way often when giving the allergy med. Yes I will be researching a more holistic option asap) cause those babies were OUT within 20min for about 30minutes but I was able to have some time to myself that was needed and welcomed (including going potty by myself with out them in a teeny bathroom!). There were 3 very helpful and nice people (none of them were the flight attendants fyi) and wherever you are, thank you. So here we are all pooped out and ready to be home with DADDY!

This is my, "I survived traveling alone with 2 kids and all I have is this kooky smile, no make up and horrible braids to show for it", look. :) It's good to be home. Mike worked hard monetarily and physically fixing up our garage with new shelves before he himself went down for the count for a few days with a bad illness. Knock on wood, we are all currently healthy and Happy! Talk about 'Thankful". I'm thankful for our visit to California, sane/safe travel, good health and this season where we can go out and show others love and service. God Bless everyone.