What a Week!

On our way to the doctor yesterday Seth and I were discussing the adjustment to three kids, three and under. It seems fine now while Granny and Papa are here and us heading to Arizona this weekend with lots of family around but overwhelmed is a word that is going to quickly become more common in our vocabulary!

We have however not only been blessed with two great bigger kids (I don't know if bigger is even really appropriate in this case) and an awesome baby. We can count on one hand how many times he has cried and he eats and sleeps great! He has changed so much since those first pictures we posted. The question of the day....who does he look like?


Not sure. Seth thinks he looks like my dad (he is named after him) which reminds me I need to get a picture of them! Duh. We aren't sure but we think he is so stinkin' cute! So do the kids!
Logan has really surprised me. He will sit and hold his "baby brudder" all day if we'd let him. He talks to him, shows him things, brings him toys, tells him stories, and on and on. It is so cute it has brought tears to my eyes a few times (surprise surprise)!

Chloe likes him and wants to pay attention when Logan is. Her "soft" touch is getting softer and I haven't seen her hand over his face yet today so that is a plus and I think he only got one snotty kiss to the face so far. She's a pretty good helper and seems so big now.

Seth took boards and is at an interview today. I am trying to get caught up with my class all while trying to get packed and ready for Arizona and Christmas. I'm kind of teary today thinking about what the next few months are going to be like, especially when my parents aren't here but I'm blaming that on hormones! It has been quite a week and while "overwhelmed" is slowly creeping up on us we are also feeling so blessed to have healthy kids, a sweet little family, wonderful, understanding extended family and friends that call to just check in. I don't know if we'll have any more posts before Christmas so if not, Merry Christmas everyone! We have a ton to be grateful for this season as I hope you do!

He's Here!!!!!

Mason Christopher born 9:00am on 12/2/09. He weighs 6lb 7ozs (Seth says that's easy calving) and was 19.5 inches long. So far he doesn't cry and likes to eat. Logan did ask if he could hammer him softly so we'll see how long the doesn't cry part lasts. More to come. . . . . . . .

The Final Count Down

For those of you wondering (okay, actually for documentation purposes) this is the final technical 3 weeks. Cute huh?! I've gained a total of ______ lbs this time around and am feeling every ounce of all the junk I have been eating. Does it stop me? No. By the way, the blank lbs (did you really think I'd tell you) is NOT an invitation to guess. I'm highly sensitive these days and will cry or be way grumpy at you at the drop of a hat! ;) Just kidding but really, don't guess! We are hoping this is the week (I have an appointment on Tuesday and she said she'd strip my membranes) or in two weeks. Seth has boards next week and that would be bad. If it is in two weeks we may not get to go to Arizona. So please pray for this week!


So, we are all hanging in there. Seth just got home from his last out of town interview and I am so excited to have him around. Actually, he isn't around, he leaves about 6ish most mornings to study for boards next week. At least it is single parenting just for the day. He waits until after bedtime to jump into studying at night and I know he is close enough to make it if I do go into labor!

The kids are so funny these past few days. Logan is coming up with the funniest things these days. Yesterday he shot a fly on the window with his dart gun. He was so excited and proud! Don't worry, we lysol wiped everything down but it was hilarious! He walked around with the little grin like he was super pumped about it but wanted to play it cool. Chloe's new thing is when she has to go potty she stands at the top of the stairs, strips her clothes off and then runs in and says, "Mom, I naked. Go potty now." At first it was cute and pretty funny. Now she does it just to be naked! So, if any of you show up at my door, don't be surprised at what you might see at the top of the stairs!

Welp, I think that will be it for now. Hopefully our next post will be baby news! We are so excited to have this little guy here! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Shout Hooray!

As always, these pictures are backwards because I never remember to upload them backwards and am too lazy to delete and start over. That being said............

We celebrated Chloe's 2nd birthday last night and it was a blast! Her actual birthday isn't until the 28th but we figured with everything going on these next few weeks we might want to get it out of the way. Now, some of you may be wondering why she needed a party anyway if she is only 2. Remember that cake decorating class I took? Yep, you guessed it....this party was all about the cake for me. I really wanted to try my hand at something different so I'm going to brag a bit and say that it was SO STINKIN' CUTE!

Now to the pictures....This is the kitchen we found on Craigslist (love Craigslist) that sat in our garage for weeks with a moving blanket over it and the kids never noticed. I know, totally spoiled and a huge birthday present but our logic was A) we weren't hauling it to Arizona for Christmas if that is where we are going and B) with a new baby it would be something great for both of them to be entertained with. We so scored. Logan LOVES it just as much as she does (an so did all of the kids at the party for that matter)!

She really did unveil it before the kids were allowed to cram in.
Lots of help opening presents. I don't think she got to open even one by herself. However that is a good thing....she tends to move in extremely slow motion so we would have been there all night!
I found some little aprons from Oriental Trading and we let the kids paint them. It was a huge hit with the kids and mine are excited to use them with their kitchen.

And now for the big event. This cake took me an entire day to bake (two layers each making each cake about 4 inches tall), fill with the vanilla/cheesecake pudding, frost, and cover in the homemade marshmallow fondant (yes it is a process). I made the big bow a few days ahead so it could dry (that bow was almost the death of me but Seth to the rescue)! And then I finished it off in a few hours the morning of. SO MUCH FUN! Time consuming yes, worth it, for me and I'm so glad she won't remember so I don't have to top this every year (Logan is already making requests though). So, here it is!!!



It was so much fun and thanks again everyone for coming to help us celebrate our little sugar and spice! Chloe is so much fun and keeps us all going. She lives life by the moment, takes things in stride and is and knows she is the boss of all of us! She is talking up a storm in complete sentences, pottty trained, sleeps all night in her own bed and can be the sweetest girl in the world! She is such a tease and we wouldn't trade her for the world! We love you Chloe!

New Hair

Okay, Logan doesn' have new hair (although he did get a haircut last week) but he's so stinkin' cute and he wanted his picture taken.
As you all know, I am really bad at hair. As you can tell by my own, I don't know any cool tricks or styles and I'm just really bad. However, I have been blessed with a daughter with curls (I do have to add some product) so she always looks pretty cute (except for when I try to trim the mullet and butch it instead). Anyway, it has grown back and I saw on someone else's blog that they did their little girl's hair like this. Turned out kind of fun and now I'm a little braver to try things. Isn't she super cute?!

Halloween Fun

Seth and I are kind of lame. We don't really get into Halloween. I remember my mom making costumes and the works and maybe when my kids get a little older and I'm not 8 months pregnant and my husband is home I might enjoy it more. But, this year I kept a grin on my face and despite being totally wiped out from having sick kids for a week and a half and we went to the trunk-or-treat.

Logan said in September he wanted to be Spiderman. His only knowledge of Spiderman that comes to mind is his little scooter. Other than that, I have no idea how he really knows too much. I looked at the Wal-Mart costumes but could not bring myself to pay $20 for some cheapy fabric costume. So, Seth, the creative genius that he is suggested pajamas. HELLO! What an awesome thought! He needed new winter ones anyway so I got online and found these for half the price of the costume! SCORE! Logan loved them and yes I let him sleep in them Halloween night. The next morning at breakfast he said, "Mom, you can just call me Spiderman okay!" I love this kid!

Chloe's costume was easy. Since she didn't have an opinion about it (she does about everything else though) I pulled out the tutu I made back in the spring, a onezie and some church tights and like magic created a balerina! Poor girl was freezing at the trunk-or-treat though. But, they both loved it and made out super huge with candy! I have been somewhat of a good mom and haven't given them much except for the bribe to be good in church and it totally worked! I've probably had more than both of them put together though! One of the many benefits of being a parent.

What's Goin' On!

So we have had some snow. Okay, like 12-18 inches (I never heard the final numbers) but the kids were wanting to play so while Seth shoveled the driveway they went out to play. Chloe's poor little nose and cheeks were as red as her jacket!




This boy is getting so big! He didn't want to play, he just wanted a shovel to help his dad. Seth even tried to convince him to just play and it wasn't happening. It was so cute to watch him try and maneuver that big shovel. He did get a few scoops up before deciding it was time for some hot chocolate!

She just wanted to eat the snow. Her little gloves were soaking wet but she just kept going at it!

This is was our back yard. It is starting to melt now but there was no step down from the garden to the yard. It looked like one big yard with random tomatoes poking out!

Since the kids were sick on Monday we didn't get to carve our pumpkins for FHE so while Seth had to call some patients, I did it with the kids.

Logan loved it. He loved the gooey stuff inside and was going to town.

When I asked Chloe if she wanted to stick her hands in it to clean it out she looked at me and said, "No mom, its yucky!" I busted up laughing! She used her scooper in the pumpkins seeds bowl to stir.



So this was my final project for my fondant cake class. Not perfect by any means but it was really fun to do. I already know what Chloe's cake is going to be! I love fondant and am having a blast trying new things. Now.... if we could only get somebody to eat all this cake. Any takers?

Lovin' the Seasons!

Yet another reason to LOVE Colorado! We are lovin' fall with the beautiful colors, snow, sunshine, crisp days, and the pumpkin patch! In all the years we've been here we have never been (lame I know) but conveniently found some friends going and thought we'd tag along! The weather was great except for the wind that picked up shortly after we got there.



This picture cracks me up. They both look so grown up and like they like each other! Just kidding. They really do like each other most of the time and are really starting to become little kids instead of toddlers. Logan is so smart and wants in every way to be like his daddy.
This was the only reason Logan was interested in the pumpkins at all. Daddy told him he could pet the horse (which we didn't even know if they'd have one or not) so that is all he wanted to do. We tried to explain that we had to pick our pumpkin first but he wasn't buying it. So, we told him he could cut the pumpkin and that bought us some time! It was pretty funny!

The rows were a little big for Chloe to navigate alone but being miss independent she insisted on doing most of it herself (until it got too windy). So, this was the common sight. All of us in front waiting only to turn around and see this face.

The kids love dirt. They love to play in it. At home (especially now that that garden area is fair game) this is all they do outside. So, when I tried to get a cute picture in front of the big pumpkin this is the best I got.

Finally, the horse! Logan was so excited! Seth swiped some hay from the goats and told Logan to go feed the horse. It was great. He acted so big about it!


The three amigos! These kiddos had a blast with the entire experience! It was really fun and even the dads enjoyed themselves! Gotta love the seasons!

Why I LOVE being a mom

So this time of year is usually busy for us but is even more so this year. I was looking through our pictures from this summer and came across this video of the kids. I know it is kind of lame but it made me smile and reminded me of why I love these two kiddos so much and why I love being a mom. Those of you that really know me know these reminders are needed at times! I can't wait to add another spinning firefighter to this crew!

This is only for documentation purposes

So I've been taking this cake decorating class just for fun. I've always wanted to and found a friend to do it with me. I figured that now is really the only time in the next few years I will be able to do this. Anyway, this was our final project from last night. The last two cakes were totally not my style and therefore VERY ugly so no pictures. Next month we are doing fondant which I am really excited about. Anyway, nothing big but there it is. It was fun to do even if we have thrown every cake away (I did tell Seth since this one was the most non-ugly he had to have a slice, we'll see).

I Know a REALLY Good Doctor

Anyone interested?

Good Reminders

Just a few good reminders of what good, sweet kids I have. Anyone who knows me knows that not everyday is a walk in the park but looking at these pictures reminds me how fast they are growing up. This morning we were looking at some short home videos from just last year. I cannot believe how big they have gotten in just a year. It makes me excited for what is to come with them but sad that time seems to be going by so quickly. I love these kiddos and while somedays I wonder why, I wouldn't trade any of this for the world.

The Big Cheese

So last Sunday was Stake Conference and the kids looked super cute and to buy us some "keep our hair combed" time I snapped a few pictures. They love to have their picture taken and when I ask for big smiles this is what I get....the big cheese! Kind of retarded but so stinkin' cute. I just love these kiddos.



Time is moving rather fast these days. We have about 11 weeks left until my due date (hopefully less of being pregnant), boards coming up, holidays, birthdays and the list goes on and on. I've almost got all of my Christmas figured out (for the kids anyway) and am starting to do some shopping. Nuts, I know. Seth thinks so too but I HAVE to be done before this little boy gets here! After diarrhea with potty training and washing clothes constantly I think we almost have it all down. She is doing awesome and we are just grateful how quick she caught on for being so young! Logan is such a sweetie, sometimes! He has his typical 3-year-old days but other times he is just so sweet. Today he took all of his animals out of closet and gave them pillows and put them to sleep in Chloe's tunnels we set up. Then he'd go check on them and if they 'got out' he put them in the crib. Hmmm, sounds familiar! Anyway, life is great and we are loving most minutes of it! Hope you all have a great day!

Moving On...

So I had the opportunity to do this beautiful girl's Senior pictures this past week. It was so much fun! It was a blast to hang out with her and her mom and capture her charm! I remember my Senior year like it was yesterday and loved every minute of it! Hope you enjoy them Raye and have a blast this year! To view more click here.

A Week of Milestones

So our first big event to report is potty training! With no successes and plenty of accidents the first two days I was ready to throw in the towel. However, so time alone with daddy and without extra "helpers" in the bathroom proved to be just what she needed! We aren't completely out of the woodworks but she is telling us, holding it and has not had an accident for 3 night and 3 naps! Hooray for Chloe and hooray for not having to buy diapers for 3 months!

Funny story about this girl. When we took her to pick out her big girl pants I held up two packages one with puppies and one with princesses. I asked her what she wanted and very clearly and excitedly "puppies"! It was so super cute. Not too much girly in this girl!

Success # 2 is Logan's progress! For a boy that has a hard emotional time doing anything by himself he has been getting himself dressed everyday this week including picking out his own clothes! For some you may think this is long over due but for this kid a huge deal! He's so smart and is really starting to compromise everything he can! He's kind of had a hard time lately but has come leaps and bounds this week including staying in HIS bed all night!
The kids are growing so fast and as we prepare for our baby brother to come it makes us realize that time doesn't stop and we need to enjoy even the little moments. Hope you all have a great weekend with time to relax and enjoy all of the blessings we've been given.

Going Private......Again

So I know we've done this once already but we have decided to do it again and for good this time. Seth likes to watch Nightline, 20/20 and those shows that show us some real life psychos. Last night's was about the guy they just caught that kidnapped a little girl 18 years ago. Anyway, it scared me for me and my kids so we are back to a private blog. If you were on my list before you are still there but if not, leave me your email address and I'll sign you up. You don't want to miss any part of our exciting lives do you?! We will be private in a few days so don't wait around!

Sneaking Out

So we moved Chloe to her "big girl bed" (the spare room and full sized bed) last night. She hasn't been interested at all but after they played for 45 minutes last night in bed and Seth and I being so tired, we told them both it was time. She did so good (i.e. didn't fall off) and seemed pretty excited about it this morning. So today we bought another set of sheets and a waterproof mattress pad (potty training starts next week).

After lunch and Word World I told her to get her stool and climb in and sent Logan to his room. Ahh, silence at nap time! Woohoo! In two minutes Logan came in and said he needed to go potty (funny, he didn't need to go before nap time when I asked him). He did his thing and while I sat at the computer checking email I sent him back (I know, great parenting technique). About 45 minutes later (again, motivated, on-top-of-it mom) I decided to go check on them before my nap! ;) I walked into Logan's room to find this:

That's right an empty bed. I was only slightly concerned as I search in the closest, on and behind the couch and in the other bathroom when it clicked. I opened Chloe's door to find this:
Okay I know she totally looks like she is wearing a sumo diaper but seriously, I started (and still am being that this was only 10 minutes ago) to tear up. We knew seperating them would be hard on them both but this I did not anticipate. Is it okay to be okay with sneaking out when they are only 3 1/2? I thought it was sweet and am just glad they love each other. This baby brother coming soon is going to fit right in! Then what am I going to do?

Work = Fun!

I had a chance to do a few photo shoots while in Arizona. The first was my sister's in-laws. I grew up down the road from this family and it was a BLAST! They are so funny and were a fun group to shoot! I finally finished editing their pictures and have them up and going. The second family was the Merrill family. Can I just tell you that their little girl is the CUTEST thing I've ever seen! I don't have their pictures quite done yet but check back often to see them!

Click here for more!

A Barrel of Monkies!

We've wanted to do something fun with the kids while Seth is on break. So we went to this place called Monkey Bizness. It was SO STINKIN' COOL! A huge warehouse type building full of jumping castles, big slides, jungle gyms and toddler areas with little climber and toys! Adults are FREE and it was like $10 total for both our kids for ALL DAY! You can bring your lunch and just stay and play! We went with the Mackeys (Logan is in love with their little girl Hallie) and had a blast! Highly recommended for anyone wanting to come and visit us! Great for all ages (hint hint)!