Farewell Wilson's

I hate Pullman. (ok, I really don't.) Why does everyone have to move, especially those whom we have come to adore. I have made numerous amounts of posts about the Wilson's, but they needed a farewell post. They are moving to Arizona to continue Dave's phd program. We had them over for dinner on Monday and while Megan and I were out with the girls for dessert, the boys took a bath.

After ice cream, we came back and played games until 11pm. Of course the tears were shed when we had to say the official goodbye and I am still crying now. We have promised them a trip to Arizona, especially in January or February when it's perfect down there and crummy here. Thanks for being such great friends and gamers.
Throughout our whole 8 months of playing games we've always had a boy vs. girls tournament in Sequence. The boys have been strong competitors, but Megan and I DOMINATED in our Winner Takes All Tournament. We took all and then some. I am already sad for the first time Braden asks for Tyler to come over and we will have to say no. I guess I will cross that bridge when it comes. Until then, Wilson's, we are extremely mad at you. Why did you have to be so cool and why did you have to move? We sure love you guys.

Easter Sunday

We are still creating our Easter Traditions. Braden is just now old enough to have some fun. This year we decided on this approach. We dyed eggs earlier in the week (6 of them). We had the boys hide them and told them that the Easter bunny would come and get the eggs and then leave a present in its place. This is how they got their Easter Basket. There were only 6 eggs, so 6 little presents. (2 chocolate bunnies, a story about Easter, Hi-Ho Cherry-O, kite and some peeps) Blake and I liked this, as well as the boys, but ideally we would like to keep Easter Sunday truly centered around Christ and his Resurrection. We will see what we end up doing next year.

Our good friends, The Bell's, invited us over for a HUGE Easter Egg hunt and dinner. There were other friends there too (Lionetti's, Bischoff and Wilson's). The food was great, a little too great. I seriously wanted to make myself throw up when I was done because I ate WAY TOO much. The Bell's live in the middle of no where and have a huge yard, so we hid eggs everywhere. The kids loved finding them. And then we attempted a picture of all the kids. You can see how well that turned out.
And to top it off, I have pictures of my little cheeseball. He loves to pose for the camera. I mean, don't you just LOVE the pictures of him on the scooter? Brody ate the whole night. He ate food from mom and dad and pretty much whoever would feed him. Maybe that's why he feels like a brick.

Overall, this was a great Easter. We did have Stake Conference that was broadcast from Salt Lake. I don't know if it's because we were in and out of the chapel the whole 2 hours with the kids, but I didn't really find a theme to the broadcast. Fellow Idahoans, what do you think? The best news of the day is the HE LIVES! If there's one thing I want my children to gain a testimony of, it's this. Jesus Christ Lives and Loves us. He made the ultimate sacrifice so we can be reunited as families forever.

City Easter Egg Hunt

I hope the collages are ok. Remember, click on picture to enlarge. It's just easier to do it this way versus uploading 20 pictures. Our city has a fun Easter Egg Hunt. The past 2 years has been freezing, but this day couldn't have been better. I am only wearing a beanie because I just got done running and it covered up my short, sweaty hair. Like always, they had sections for each age group. The 1 and 3 year olds were split up, so we decided to let Brody into the 3 year old area. He only grabbed like 2 eggs and that's because Blake held them out for him to grab.

After the 1, maybe 2 minutes of excitement, we walked around and watched the other age groups go. We took pictures with the Easter bunny and even got to play on the playground. If it wasn't for my run and the fact that I needed to get home quickly, we would have stayed longer and enjoyed the sunshine.
I am so impressed with our city. I am sure it takes them a lot of effort to stuff the candy and get everything ready for literally 2 minutes of fun, but I sure appreciate it. The boys did too. Can I just say that Brody LOVES his sweets? There was a stamp in the very first egg Brody picked up. You can see that he held the stamp throughout the rest of our visit. So cute!

Dying Easter Eggs

Would it be Easter without dying eggs? Well technically, yes, because Easter is about our Saviors resurrection. But on the worldly side of things, no, it wouldn't be. This is the first year we have done this and the boys LOVED IT. Click on picture to enlarge. Blake did the dying with Braden and I helped with the decorating. We put stickers on them and used markers to color. Brody even got in on the action. And if you look at the bottom left picture, that´s Brody dancing. He was being so silly.

Braden liked decorating the eggs. Don´t worry, he can touch eggs, he just can´t eat them. There was no allergic reaction and no epi pens were needed. I can say that we will not be having egg salad sandwiches, boo. I actually like them, but I know Braden would insist on having one too if I made them. It would be a double whammy because of the actual eggs and then the mayo.

We do plan to hide the eggs tomorrow night for the Easter Bunny to find. He will leave a little treat in the eggs place. More posts on that to come, once it actually happens.

Family Haircuts

Our Relief Society had a service night last month (everyone bring some service and you do an elephant exchange type thing) and I won a free haircut session from my favorite hairstylist, Aubree. She used to cut hair, but recently quit so she could spend all her time with her adorable son. I have missed her, so when I saw that on the table I coaxed my friend Camille into helping me get it.

On Wednesday I received the fruits of my deception. Not only did she cut my hair, but she taught me the proper way to cut the boys and Blake's hair. I didn't get a before shot of Brody, but here's how handsome he is now. He is looking more like a little boy and less like a baby.

Braden before. He was talking all day about Aubree coming to cut his hair.

I did most the cutting, with Aubree looking over my shoulder. You can tell how happy Braden was about that. But he does look handsome.
And I know most of you have seen this on my facebook page, but I chopped my hair off. Everyone was so sweet with their comments, thank you! I am still getting used to styling short hair again, it's been a long time. I like it though.

Blake wouldn't let me take a before or after shot. But he was really excited because I did all the big cutting and then Aubree made it look amazing. He hasn't had his hair professionally cut since we got married (almost 6 years ago). We all needed a new fresh look and I could be happier. Thanks for spending the evening with us Aubree. You are welcome back anytime, haircuts or not.

Brothers from another Mother

I know I have made tons of posts about these 2 boys, but honestly we LOVE them. Tyler and Dallin. Tyler is 2 weeks older than Braden and Dallin is 1 day younger than Brody. So pretty much they are the exact same. It's fun to talk with Dave and Meg because the boys are going through the exact same things at the same time. Tyler and Braden are great buds because they are too much alike.

I watched them yesterday while Megan got her boot off (yay!) and they had a blast. The boys were being Swipers (from Dora) and swiping all the toys from the toy box. Brody and Dallin were content to just hang out. Notice the picture of Braden in the top right, that's his new pocket watch. He attached a beaded necklace to the huge alarm clock. He's worn it for 2 days now. What a little nerd! We love him though. We wish these 2 boys weren't moving, but until then we will get our fix on the Wilson's.

Playgroup: Easter Party

I love Easter. Not just all the fun stuff that comes along with Easter, like Playgroup Easter Egg Hunts, but the knowledge that I have that Jesus Christ lives. In just fun news though, our playgroup had a super fun Easter party. It included an Easter Egg Hunt, which Braden finally understands, food and crafts.

Click picture to enlarge Rachel hosted the party and had some cute chicks that the kids made. Braden loved it. Brody enjoyed eating all the delicious food and playing with all the toys.
I love my playgroup. It makes me even more excited because it looks like we will still have playgroup next year when all the kiddos are in pre-school. It just so happens to work out that we can maintain our Monday play days. Not only will this make the kids happy, but this makes for some happy mommies too. Thanks Rach for hosting a great morning!

A Parents Love

I can't say enough that I love my children and I know Blake feels the same way. We have adorable boys. We have been taking the Parent and Family Relations class at church taught by my good friend Merilee. I couldn't imagine anyone better (except maybe my mom) to teach this class. We discussed the importance of spending one on one time with each of our children. That's our goal.

Brody loves to color. This is the opposite of Braden.

He also loves eating the crayons.

Blake and I love that Brody is wearing 'bigger boy' clothes. My favorite is his jammies. I could pinch his little tush all day long. I love him. And this little one. He honestly keeps us laughing all day long. I know I made the post the other day and several quotes on facebook, but seriously, who is this kid? Oh yeah, he's mine!

How can you not love 2 little boys like this? They are a blessing in our family and we thank God everyday for sending them to us, even if we do have many challenging moments.

The Sun

When the sun is out, the day goes by much smoother. On Tuesday we had one of these days. The sun was shining and the neighbors were out.

We let the boys eat lunch outside and then play and hour into their nap time (Brody and Isaiah). Brody is loving the outdoors. He really doesn't know what he has to look forward too. It's gonna get better little man.

After I put Brody down for a nap, I went to the garage to vacuum this... Please tell me this is what your car typically looks like. I needed to get tires and they typically vacuum, but I was too embarrassed so I did some pre-cleaning while Braden continued to play outside.

I had to take the car down to Lewiston and get new tires (Wal-mart in Lewiston is the cheapest place) so we were talking to Braden about this. He decided to get a lot of his cars out and park them in the kitchen. This isn't annoying when you try and open the door.

I did make it down to get the tires changed. They needed it so bad. Braden was at school, so I just had Brody. It was fun to spend an hour with just him doing random things at Wal-mart. He enjoyed the tires.See, the sun really does make everything better. I now have a clean car, 2 happy boys, new tires and the beginnings of what I like to think will be a great tan by the end of summer.

Trees are good for...

This is the question that Braden's pre-school asked each kid. He sent us home with all the kids cute responses. Here they are.

Kid #1 apples and leaves.

Kid #2 Growing stuff like apples and pine cones

Kid #3 having apples

Kid #4 apples and branches for the tree

Kid #5 apples and pears

Kid #6 Climbing on

Kid #7 growing apples and pears

Kid #8 apples and leaves

Kid #9 everything

and finally, my kid: Chip & Dale because they hit the elephants with a branch.

Yes folks, that's what Braden thinks trees are good for. I may have just failed as a parent. The thing is, I can't stop laughing.

Braden at the dentist

Braden has his semi-annual dentist appointment. We had a family night before and discussed being brave at the dentist. Last time he wouldn't let them get close to doing x-rays or giving him a good clean. All morning he kept telling everyone, "I am going to be brave at the dentist." And he was. The x-rays went well, however, he kept chocking when they tried to put those things in the back of his mouth (and I even think they hurt), so they ended up having him do the bigger machine that take a full head shot. He did great.

He thought he was so cool sitting in the chair with sunglasses.

I love specialty offices. This is a pediatric dentist, so the office is so cute and has tv's on the ceiling. Braden enjoyed watching tv while he was worked on.

Brody enjoyed crawling around and checking things out. Little does he know, he will be here in another year for himself.

Some final cleaning.

He's all done. The dentist was pleased with his teeth. No cavities and minimal tartar. Thank goodness! He does have a little overbite, so he will probably need braces, but it seems like most people will wear braces. We better start saving though.

Brag Post #4: Maren

I chose to use and old photo too. I will keep this short too, as it is very awkward to brag about yourself.

• 
  
  I was a lifeguard for many years and as a result rescued many people from drowning (many more than I would have ever wanted)


• 
  
  I graduated in Management and Human Resources


• 
  
  I was born on Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA


• 
  
  Blake first said he loved me under the Hollywood sign and proposed to me under a pretend Hollywood sign


• 
  
  I studied abroad in Leicester, England


• 
  
  I have had 2 children (yes with some medication to help with the pain, but I still had them)


• 
  
  According to my friend/old boss Justin, I was the best Assistant Manager a boss could have


• 
  
  I was the Traditions Director my senior year in college (I was in charge of Homecoming and all the USU traditions)


• 
  
  I am one organized person (some call me a little anal)


• 
  
  I have good friends from around the world


• 
  
  I am a spinning instructor


• 
  
  I have run 3 half marathons


• 
  
  I have done a sprint triathlon and duathlon


• 
  
  In 3 months I hope to say I have completed a marathon


• 
  
  I chose my man wisely

Getting Dressed

This morning Braden came in because "I'm awake!" He said he wanted to go downstairs with dad. Yay for me! He grabbed Blake's shorts off the bottom of the bed and said, "Dad, give me your legs. I will get you dressed." It was so cute. Blake swung his legs over the side of his bed and said, "The shorts are backwards, turn them around." To which Braden responded, "Thanks for letting me know dad.

He then grabbed Blake's shirt. "Dad, bend down so I get put it on your head." Which he did. Then there was a gasp, where were his socks? After choosing some socks, he asked Blake to sit down. He tried so hard to put them on but then angry yelled, "Come on, get over the heel!" Blake finally had to finish the process. It was so cute and Braden was so proud.

On a side note. He has been into wearing shorts lately, even though it's too cold outside. I haven't washed the shorts in awhile, so he can't wear them, but today he came in wearing his swim shorts. Oh well! Also, both boys have a double ear and eye infection. I would like to think it wasn't related to wearing the shorts (even sometimes outside), but I'll never know. All I know is we have 2 sick kids at our house.

Brag Post #3: Blake

I know the pictures from a while ago, but he's still as good looking as ever. I promised him I would not go on forever. Just a couple of brag points for the man in my life.

• He is an excellent soccer player.


• He is an eagle scout (hence this whole brag post)


• He served a mission in Maracaibo, Venezuela


• Because of this he fluently speaks Spanish


• He has a bachelor's degree in BIS


• He has great taste in women, or a certain woman


• He is the most supportive husband and wonderful father


• He is so handy (thanks Alan for teaching him this)


• He's built a desk (which I am sitting at right now), grandfather clock, retaining wall, deck, mud room and 3 houses. Well, he helped his dad build their 3 houses.


• He's a hard worker


• He's great with computers


• He's pretty kick butt at sequence and other games (as long as they don't involve luck)


• He's lived in Utah, Milwaukee, Chicago, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico


• He's never been to Disneyland (ok, this is NOT a brag point, I really need to change this as Disneyland IS the happiest place on earth)


• He's been to many of the states, Mexico and Hong Kong

Mainly, I love this man. He is just the type of guy I want my boys to grow up and be. Of course they won't marry anyone as cool or good looking, but I am sure they will try as they get their good looks from their dad.

Brag Post #2: Braden

Oh Braden Blake. What can I say about him? A whole lot actually. I will make these bullet points.

• 
  
  This boy can get ear infections at the drop of a hat.


• He can whine like none other (except maybe his mama)


• 
  
  He speaks really well. I mean, really well. Most people are surprised to find out he's just turned 3.


• 
  

  His thought process is so fun to watch. He asks a lot of questions that make Blake and I laugh.

  


• He knows his ABC's and is starting to become familiar with the letter recognition.


• 
  
  He knows how to count to 20 and do basic addition and subtraction (anything involving 5 or less)


• He's potty trained (except at night)


• 
  
  He is a great jumper. He can jump off things or just on the ground. I feel a long or high jumper career.


• 
  
  He's very opinionated and stubborn. (Which I am praying will benefit him and us in the future.)


• 
  
  He's had surgery at 11 months (ear tubes, not that big of a deal)


• 
  
  He's a great little singer and knows how to move his little body.


• 
  
  I can already see his testimony starting to grow. He can relate to most emotions if we talk about Jesus Christ. I hope this continues to grow throughout his life.I am so thankful for my son. He keeps me on my toes. There's no doubt in my mind Heavenly Father sent him to our home for a reason. I look forward to seeing what his future accomplishments will be.

Brag Post #1: Brody

Obviously I only have a year to brag about, but I will do my best. I knew from the moment I went into labor (2 weeks early) that I loved this little boy. He knows exactly what he wants and will do anything to get it. He was ready to enter the world and so he did. I can't help but just loved Brody. God has blessed him with a smile to melt any ones heart (especially his parents).

He's a very curious little one. He wants to explore and see how things work. He wants you to know that he's in charge and you can give him advice, but he won't always take it. When he is done eating food or drinking, he will just throw the food or drink down on the ground. This drives us crazy, but he's just making a point. In a firm voice I will say, "NO!" He will stare me down for a good minute and without breaking eye contact grab another piece of food and throw it to the ground. I try not to smile, but I can't help it. He's showing me who's boss. He has recently started walking (14 months) and although he could have done this at 12 months, he didn't want to and so, he didn't. He loves to be around the guys. I think it's because he loved to wrestle and throw and do everything little boys should do.

Quick life stats: His delivery was 45 minutes, he has already endured 2 surgeries, he sleeps through the night (now), he knows how to say mama and dada, he knows how to roar like a lion, sound like an elephant and vroom like a car. If you are ever laying on the ground, expect a tackle from a little 26 pound toddler. If you have any skin showing (especially your tummy), expect little raspberries and then uncontrollable laughs. He loves certain foods (mostly sweets) and will get it from anyone. Overall, I have been given a wonderful son. We look forward to seeing how his personality grows.

Boy Scouts of America

I attended my first (and hopefully NOT last) Eagle Board of Review last night for an amazing young man in our ward. While I was in the primary presidency, I had the opportunity of sitting on our Troop's committee. This means I am BSA trained. I grew up with my brothers and dad being full participants of the BSA program, but didn't really get the full significance of why the church supports this program.

The Eagle is the highest award a young man can get. He has to earn at least 21 merit badges, perform a leadership project (spending over 100 hours of time), participate in the troop and live the principles of the Scout Oath (On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.) If everyone strive to live this oath, I think our country would be a lot better.

There were a couple of things that struck me last night during this review. #1 If you profess to be an atheist, you cannot become an Eagle Scout. You have to believe in a higher power (God, Buddha, etc). #2 The BSA really do help shape each young man. #3 Each young man is required to write a full page about themselves. It is supposed to outline their accomplishments. The head person at the review said it is so hard for young men to brag about themselves. I think this is true for anyone. Who wants to stand up and toot their own horn.

Not only did I find the importance of this last night, I find the importance of it for each individual. God has given us our own talents, strengths and abilities that make us unique and important. It is good from time to time to brag about ourselves (giving God full credit) to remind us that we are children of God and with Him, we can do anything. So, with this in mind, I would like to brag about my family this week, myself included. I hope you indulge me.

Silver Mountain Resort

My friend Maureen stopped me at the gym on Tuesday and asked if I wanted to use her condo up at Silver Mtn. this weekend. We had nothing (but conference) going on, so I quickly accepted. The weather was beautiful on Friday, so Braden played in his sandbox while I finished packing.

We arrived to colder weather, but a nice room. (Click on the pictures to enlarge) The condo was really nice. On Saturday we woke up, ate breakfast and decided to ride with Blake up to the mountain. There is a beautiful 20 minute gondola ride up to the lodge. We even got to use some free ski passes, so Blake got to ski for the day without paying anything (he has his own skis). Minus the slushy snow in the morning, he said it was perfect weather. By the time he got home, I could tell he was exhausted.

While Blake was skiing, I took the boys to the water park. Yes, they have a water park (indoors of course). Right when we got there, Braden ran to this slide (bottom pic) and went right down. We haven't been to a water park since he was 18 months, so this surprised us. From there, he went down all the big and scary ones. He LOVED it. Brody loved hanging out in the water. He loved the kids slide. Blake joined us that evening. The hot tub was a huge hit too. Braden was either there or on the slides.

This was our first official family trip. Usually we have gone to visit family or gone with family on trips. This time was solo and we loved it. It was so relaxing and it was virtually free. We just brought up a bunch of food and we even got Tangled the night before we left, so we had a family night. We hope to have more of these little getaways. By Saturday night, we were all so tired. Brody was in bed by 7:15, Braden by 8 and the parents by 9pm. Thanks Maureen for being so generous.