1Brown+1Blonde=2Red

Just Plain Funny

2012-01-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

I was laughing so hard when we were driving home today...might of been just one of those days and being overly tired but my kids are so funny. The past couple days:

Tavin: MOM LOOK! They fixed the moon!! We were on our way home from running errands and the moon was full. None of the parts were missing:)

Tavin: At church on Sunday we were sitting in front of a family whose little girl was slumped down in her seat crying and throwing a fit. Tavin stared at her for a minute and then turned to her dad: "Why is she crying like that?" The dad: "She is just having a bad day today." I reminded Tavin that we all have bad days sometimes even him. Then Tavin said "Yeah I have bad days sometimes, like the day I was born...I had a bad day that day:)" And after saying that-he randomly adds that he is now 35 pounds.

Katie: We were in Walmart and we were getting ready to leave-getting our bags out of the cart/ putting the kids' coats back on- we happened to stop in front of the Subway store located in Walmart-they were closing up and they have one of those gates that comes together in the front and locks....a bunch of bars... ya know. Anyway, after the the guy locked the gate, he threw the key that was attached to an old stuffed baby doll back inside. Katie watched the whole thing while I put on her jacket, then she walked over to the lemons, picked up a lemon-confidently walked over to the subway locked gate and chucked that sucker right through one of the slats:) Monkey see Monkey do I guess.

Stomach Flu=Trip to Dentist.......

2012-01-04T22:09:00.000-08:00

Tavin had a bought of the stomach flu earlier this week and after throwing up-he turned to my mom and stated:

"Grandma we need to go to the dentist tomorrow so that we can get my stomach taken out!" -Poor little guy-but such a cutie:)

Katie Lady running a "MUCK"

2012-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

Katie is definitely or mischievous child and my sister describes her shady activities as "Running a Muck" :) I love this little girl though just as much-despite all the quite moments-when you search for her cause you know-if it is quiet-she is probably doing something you don't want her to be doing. For example: she was supposed to be painting on PAPER-but when we found her-she had found a mirror and painted her Face instead.

She has an obsession lately with rolling up rugs-EVERYWHERE! We are in a store-I look over-and Katie has found a rug to roll up. The rug above is the one in my parents' living room-she entertains herself for long periods of time, rolling and unrolling this particular rug.

My mom will open the blinds in the morning-and Katie will be right behind her-shutting each slat. They go through this process multiple time a day -my mom opening, Katie shutting:) My mom often finds her box of tissues all pulled and thrown all over the floor, and while we were playing games one night, Katie disappeared for a while-only to return with a pack of 6 dial soap bars my dad had just bought all completely unwrapped. Those things are hard to unwrap too-but somehow she figured it out:) She then distributed each bar to each member of the family-what a good example of sharing-she has become:) !

New Years Eve

2012-01-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

It was my turn to plan New Years Eve and I chose to go with a sub, chips, and dip dinner. Then, I got this good idea off Pinterest to have a kid drive-in movie. We got each of the kids a box to decorate how they wanted their car to look-then we played a bunch of games to win tickets for their movie entrance, snacks, and drinks (bowling, duck duck goose, musical chairs, freeze dance, etc.) After everyone got their tickets, everyone parked their cars downstairs and got comfortable with pillows and blankets. While Dan got the movie set up( Smurfs from Red Box) we had the kids go up to the kitchen where Grandma Fluffy Hairs had their popcorn bags, M&M bags, and drinks ready. They each paid for their treats with the tickets they won.

While they ate and watched movies from the cars, the adults played games: Mad Gab, Scategories, and Skip Bo. After the movie was over, the kiddies got to see some fireworks, we watched the ball drop and ring in the new year-and then hit the sack-those of us still up anyway:) Some bailed out early and some were put to bed cause they are still too young for the 12 am thing. All in all-I thoroughly enjoyed all the celebrating and can say it was a great start of our life here in UT and a great Start to the New Year. We are currently working on getting settled into our new apartment here close to my parents' house. Pictures of that to come, and Dan has started his new job-so far so good:)

Christmas Celebration: Day After Christmas

2012-01-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

My sister Krisha is a nurse and had to work Christmas this year-so we had an extended Christmas. The day after Christmas we got together again to do a present swap as well as an appetizer bar dinner, and a hardy game of minute to win it!

And, it wouldn't be Christmas without re-enacting the Christmas story to remind us all of what Christmas is all about! What a cute bunch of actors and actresses we had! I have seen and heard the Christmas story a million times-this one was my most favorite!

Our Christmas Celebration: Christmas

2012-01-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

Wow Santa was very generous this year bringing Tavin his "Christmas train" and a bike! Katie got a play kitchen with dishes and a tea set. Thanks to Aunt Karey, Katie even had fruit to boot. She sends hours at a time serving us fruit from her kitchen. She is a very good cook and waitress:) Tavin has already been out practicing on his bike thanks to the nice UT weather! We went to church for an hour music service and back for more playing/ flank steak for Christmas dinner-yum yum!
P.S. Santa ate all his cookies and left a notes saying how delicious they were. He commented on how good the kids had been last year and reminded them to share the toys he had given them:) Good job Santa! At the end of the day, let's just say, we were all pooped.

Our Christmas Celebration: Christmas Eve

2012-01-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

This year we spent all of Christmas in UT-our new home-with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. It was nothing short of a three day party! We made Santa some awesome sugar cookies, ate a Christmas eve dinner of waffles and ham with all the fixings(whip cream on top or just sprayed into your mouth). The night ended with a kid sleepover upstairs while the adults took care of some business downstairs.

True Love Is.....

2011-12-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.

Louis De Bernieres

I think this is so true and so beautiful! I love you Daniel with this kind of love-and this kind of love will carry us through anything and everything for eternity.

Just Dance Winner

2011-12-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I took the Kids to Library Night (one of the priveledges of a small town and we love it) There were all sorts of games such as : library bingo, a book walk, and crafts. The most popular game of the night though had to be the Just Dance Wii game. Tavin insisted he needed to have a turn. And guess what-he won! I have to say, this kid has the moves. Katie got in on the action as well and could hold her own. Just in case you were wondering, the songs are "who let the dogs out" and "womanizer" :)

Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer

2011-12-11T20:40:00.001-08:00

Tavin did such a great job in the primary presentation that the Relief Society just had to have him make an appearance at their Christmas party. The first counselor called me a week before and asked if he would be willing to sing a Christmas song. He picked Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and we practiced it every night for a week. As you can see, he did great and everyone loved him. He is so confident and sure of himself-not scared at all to stand up there and do his thing. I hope he never loses that as he grows older.

The next day, the same lady called to thank us for having him perform and asked if he would be willing to do it one more time at a concert held every year in our community by a singing group called the Melodaires. They are a very popular singing group-traveling and performing all over. He eagerly agreed and tonight he performed a solo again in front of hundreds of people. He did an exceptional job and even went up on stage all by himself.

Tavin has a gift of bringing so much happiness and joy into other peoples' lives-we are happy that he has found another way to share of his spirit through his love for singing and stealing the spotlight. GOOD JOB TAVIN! Mom and Dad and Grandma are so proud of you!

Our New Addition Is A...

2011-12-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

BABY GIRL! The news that it was a baby girl came a bit as a surprise because Dan and I were "sure" it was a baby boy. Tavin has even been calling it Tie (Short for Tyler)-so sorry girly:) The Ultra sound tech. said-well there isn't anything boy about this baby-it definitely is a girl! Of course we are ecstatic to add another princess to our family (the girls will soon out number the boys). It was rough telling tavin that he isn't getting his brother just yet. He had a little melt down at first but then came to the conclusion that it will be OK to have a baby girl THIS TIME. No pressure on making the next one a boy or anything:)

We have a couple names up in the air for a baby girl so we will be trying to feel them out for the next couple months. Keep her in your prayers though cause the ultra sound showed that she has some cysts on her kidneys. Nothing to really worry about yet...at 28 weeks they will do another ultra sound to make sure they are gone. Usually they disappear by then but if not....who knows what will need to happen. I would rather them just disappear so there isn't any complications thank you:)

The other news that we got yesterday is that Daniel got the job in UT and we will soon be relocating. Of course I have many stressful concerns but I just have to put my faith in Heavenly Father to make it alright. I will miss our little town and first home very much but guess what-I get to be with my sisters and mom and dad now instead of 4 hours away! Here is to the next big adventure.

Tavin Turned The Big Four!

2011-12-01T21:15:00.001-08:00

Guess who is four! Yes our little boy is growing up-our love for him grows along with him. His personality almost seems to burst out of his tiny body and it affects everyone that he meets-for the better. Just his smile brightens my worst days. He is such a loving and feeling little boy and he knows when a hug is needed. He is sooooo social and loves to make friends anywhere.

He is the type of kid that wins dance party at a community library family night against kids older than him, the type who memorized his 5 lines for the primary presentation and totally rocked it when it is his turn at the mic., the type that is going to sing a solo to Rudolph The Red Nose Raindeer at the Relief Society Christmas party this coming thursday, the type that loves getting his hair cut, the type that points me out to the girl who is cutting his hair and tells her: "that's my mom, isn't she so beautiful", the type that comes to the basketball games my young women are in and cheers his little guts out for them-repeating everything I say-just louder, and the type that made friends with the window cleaners today while I was in a boutique returning a shirt:)

Tavin started off his day by taking popcorn to share with his classmates at preschool. Then we went out for pizza and played at play place before heading home. We wrapped his presents and hid them for him to find.

Then it was time for cake. I have started a tradition where I make their birthday cakes-I made him a Buzz light year spaceship cake, then Katie a barbie princess cake, and as you can see from the above pictures-this year tavin asked for a lightening Mcqueen cake. He enjoyed every part of the celebration and loved each present-saying he always wanted it. He got a Lightening Mcqueen movie play, Cars 2 DVD, Rio DVD, and a Leap Frog Reader with books, Grandma Fluffy Hairs and Grandpa came to join in the celebration as well.

To help Katie feel included, I got her a snow white dress up gown-which she wouldn't take off for the rest of the weekend! She is truly a princess:) She has started to speak in small sentences and has developed quite the attitude. She calls my dad "boppa" and is taking after her brother in being extremely social. When we are out, she says hi to everyone she passes.

Dragons, And Skeletons, And Lady Bugs Ohhhhh My!

2011-11-14T08:10:00.001-08:00

We always love the excitement and fun of Halloween-as our kids get older and understand what is going on a little more (FREE CANDY) it gets better and better! Tradition holds strong in our family as we traveled to UT to spend the holiday with cousins and family. We had witches brew(root beer provided by great grandma Smith-whom Katie has taken quite a liking too) and eye balls floating in our drinks( thanks grandma fluffy!) with lots of yummy chili and jello cake to eat. Who could ask for a better time:)

Katie wasn't sure how she felt about everything-half the time she was giddy with the sight of candy-so excited when they put the bowl down for her to choose what she wanted(often she would just grab an arm full) and then worried about strangers and spooky costumes! She had plenty of people around to hold her and take her by the hand. Tavin was all smiles and full of fire in his tummy (being a dragon and all). What cute kids we have-seriously!

We Have A Two Year Old In The House!

2011-10-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

On October 10th Katie Lynn entered the world of being two. We celebrated with UT cousins by playing freeze dance, duck duck goose, drinking with swirly straws, and eating a barbie princess cake in her honor. Katie loves all the new toys especially her lip gloss, and baby dolls! She got a baby crib for her babies to sleep in from Grandma Fluffy and she seems to think it is made for her! I often find her curled up in it:)

The barbie cake was a challenge but proved to be worth all the work when Katie got so excited as it was brought out. She was all smiles.

What to say about this little girl....she is getting so big already and I try to cherish every moment. Her speech has improved quite a bit over the last month and she now can make small sentences. She calls Dan, Daniel and still refers to her blanky as 'Mam'. A new love of wrestling with her brother has developed and I can't help but smile as she runs head strong after him-determined to bring him to the ground. She loves toddler lab and tells me "go, go !" when I get her ready in the mornings. My favorite moments are when she randomly comes in search of me-just to hug my leg or cuddle with me. And of course she is still our dancer.

We are so thankful for our Katie girl and all the joy she brings to our family! Here is to another year gone by and many more to come.

Apples Coming Out Our Ears!

2011-10-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

After the first frost it was apple picking time in our backyard. We had some friends come over and pick some while we were away in UT so we expected to only have a bag or two. Oh no, the top half of the tree was very plentiful this year and it rained apples as Daniel shook the tree to get them down. We had fun collecting them all. Now for what to do with them....my family does not eat apple sauce so I have decided to try some other apple based treats: apple pie filling, caramel apples, caramel dipping sauce, apple cider, and apple juice. I will report back on how it all goes!

Pickin' Time

2011-10-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful wonderful Fall time once again and I am especially thankful for it this year. It has lifted my mood and given me hope for the future. Most people think that it is a dreary time but I see it as a time for preparing for a new growth and renewal. With the new baby on the way, Fall seems to fit the new life that is growing inside me.

General Conference weekend we had some very welcomed visitors at our house. Daniel's mom, sister, and brother came to participate in some of the best parts of fall. We went pumpkin picking at The Red Barn. We enjoyed finding our way through the straw maze, and the kids got rides in the pumpkin wagons. Of course we found our prized pumpkins for this year. Everyone did their share of looking and I am proud to report that the Bauman clan is now experts and the art of pumpkin picking:)

The Peculiar Ways of Pregnancy

2011-09-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

We traced Tavin on a day I was feeling much better and wanted to be in the sun. He did all the art work-hair and coloring of the clothes. He wanted his guy to have stripes.

My happy boy and his chalk masterpiece

A rose Daniel Brought home for me one day-It made me so happy and smelt so good! More on Dan to come in a different post...

I promise that this post will be a lot lighter that the last:)
I wonder what makes pregnant women crave certain things? And why does our sense of smell heighten during these nine months? What makes some things absolutely repulsive to us and other things so comforting? How strange are the ways of pregnancy!

Mystery baby #3 makes me crave:

EGGS: Scrambled, hard boiled, fryed, on a sandwich, as a burrito-I love eggs right now McDonald's sausage and egg McMuffins are Heaven to me on Saturday mornings....I won't tell you how many I ate last Saturday:) I remember craving eggs when pregnant with Katie as well.
PIZZA: It is like Ive never had it before! Pizza has a whole new wonderful flavor that I can't get enough of. We eat it at least 2 times a week.
NACHOS: Has to have cheddar cheese on them with salsa, and olives-yum yum
CHEDDAR CHEESE: Speaking of cheddar cheese, I love it-I eat apple slices wrapped up in a slice of cheddar cheese all the time. And I eat it on Tuna Sandwiches
TUNA: I know prego's aren't supposed to have tuna-well I think we aren't so I try and space out when I have a tuna sandwich-but oh I like it a lot-even more than usual.
SOFT PRETZELS: Luckily we have a shop that sells these close to our house-I just took the kids there for lunch today actually-after I picked them up from preschool. Tavin after we finished eating and were back in the car: "Mom, that was a really yummy lunch!" Yes Tavin, yes it was:)
PEANUT BUTTER AND HONEY/JELLY SANDWICHES: And of course with all of my children thus far, I eat a lot of peanut butter and honey or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!

I know these things don't sound so healthy....but don't worry! We order our bountiful basket that comes with fruit and veggies in it-yeah I ate 90% of the fruit that came with it last time all by my good old self:) This baby is going to love fruit.

Smells:
Everything smells to me- I can even smell myself-and for this reason-I take 2 showers a day:) One in the morning and one at night. OK so it isn't always because I smell bad, it also helps with the sickness to have the water running on my belly. I just sit and pretend it is warm rain....seems like a good thing to picture right!

I also change deodorant quite frequently as well because after using one for a certain amount of time( couple of days) it smells really bad to me. Same thing with gum-I have to change the brand I chew every few days cause the flavor goes from good and helpful to yucky and nasty.

Even my toilet paper has a smell to it--I know -weird observation-but when I was blowing my nose the other day, I smelt a slight hint of fragrance to it-not bad though. Later on I said: "Dan did you know our toilet paper has a fragrance to it? I didn't know they did that until I smelt it today." Dan-takes a square and sniffs it....."Kendra-I don't smell a thing." Next time you blow your nose-smell your toilet paper and see if you smell any kind of fragrance-I KNOW I smell something:)

Repulsive/Comforting:
I find the look and smell of certain meats very repulsive and usually end up gagging....my dad took us to this nice restaurant the last time we visited and they serve all different kinds of meat on skewers to your table-Dan loved it! I felt so bad-but had a hard time every time the meat came anywhere near me:) I stuck with my role and salad which were very delicious.

Car rides make me want to gag as well-I just don't like them right now-it makes me sick to drive and I avoid long trips to places as much as possible.

Things that I used to love with a passion make me want to puke....I have no idea what this is all about -but I haven't couponed or shopped ever since I got pregnant...Dan had a cow the other day when he realized I haven't spent any of my own money. I have over 200 something dollars now-this is VERY rare for me-first time ever since we have been married that I haven't spent all my allotted money in the first week of having it:) He keeps asking me-what are you going to do with all that?

But things are looking us-I started to get the urge this week to go out and shop-even cut coupons for the first time in three months-These are really good signs that my sickness is coming to an end! :)

The thought of fall is very comforting and makes me really happy. I saw a bag of fall colored M&M's the other day at the store and bought them because just the look of fall on the bag made me so excited! I know a little strange-but the thought of colorful leaves, and cool breezes, sweats and hoodies,hot chocolate, and Halloween-just make me feel good.

The sun also is very comforting to me-I spend a lot of afternoons sitting in the shade of our apple tree-it makes me feel better.

I told you my Pregnancies are strange!

Working On: Being Thankful For My Sickness

2011-09-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you that haven't heard the latest news in our family yet, I am pregnant and child(ren) #3 is in route-am I loving pregnancy? Not so much-there are some women-I happen to be friends with a few of them-who love everything about being pregnant-who might experience nausea maybe one time in their pregnancy and don't gain weightt anywhere other than their belly.....well that is definitely not me.

Pregnancy makes my skin oily and acne prone, I can't seem to poop right(sorry I know probably a little too much info.) and sleep is a nice thought. I did not expect to feel so upset about my body....I was diligent for 2 years in getting my body healthy and in shape and now I struggle as I feel my muscles deteriorate and slowly turn to flab. Feeling pretty-a thing of the past. I stated to Daniel the other day that it would be very convenient if I could just be put to sleep until the 9 months is at an end-just wake me up when it is time to push:)

Sickness and depression have been my constant and faithful companions these past couple weeks and still threaten to linger a little longer. I have come to the conclusion that I am a wimp-whose weakness is long term sickness-I envy those who do it without complaints-please forgive me for mine.

Yet amongst my struggling-I can't help put be amazed at the love my God has for me. He has blessed me so much in the last three months and has opened my eyes to things I would have never realized without his help. I have met and talked to NUMEROUS women-some with whom I associate with on a weekly basis, and others whom I have never talked to before who would give anything to trade me for my pain and sickness just to have the opportunity to have a child.

One woman can get pregnant but has not been able to carry it past three months. Another woman has kidney problems and high blood pressure-the two kids she was able to have lead to preclampsia, weeks of being bed ridden, and time in the NICU for both babies. Her doctor has told her that she cannot have anymore children without it being a serious risk to her life.

Another woman cannot have children at all and the baby her and her husband were able to adopt, shortly died of sickness.I have talked to women who take one to two years to get pregnant when it has taken only 2 months each time to get pregnant with each of my children.My heart aches for these women who want so badly to fulfill their maternal role in life-to nurture and love children of their own. I know that these women were sent to tell me their stories to open my eyes to the fact that I am extremely blessed for the gift I have been given to have risk free and uncomplicated pregnancies that have resulted in some of the greatest blessings I could have ever asked for-my children. For this, I can be thankful in my sickness.

Look What I Found in The Fridge!

2011-08-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, we have been working non-stop on our house for the last month-day and night-to get things in good enough condition to try and sell it. Dan came to me one day and just said-I think it is time for us to sell our house-and as usual-things were set into motion quite quickly. We met with the Realtor and he gave us some advise on how to get our house sold-which meant a lot of work on our part. I never knew it took so much preparation to sell a house. I just figured you said "yeah let's sell it" and put it on the market-if you really want to sell a house in a bad market though, that isn't how it goes. We have spent the time and money to put in new hard wood flooring, new counter tops, re-did the walls in our second bathroom, and had the outside painted from baby blue to a brown and cream color. I guess if we don't sell it, we have a much nicer house to live in right!

We are looking to move to make room for our growing family-we have pretty much grown out of this house, and Dan is feeling out the waters for a new job. Our new home might be in Rexburg, Salt Lake, or Boise-depending on job offers and how we feel. It went on the market officially today.

Now for the picture explanation above....while we were redoing things in our kitchen, our fridge was temporarily located in our living room:) When it was time to move it again, it was too heavy with all the food in it, so we had to unload everything. When empty, the kids found it to be a great place to play in. I gave them a flash light and let them have their fun-there has been way too much stress around the house lately and not enough of play and fun.....hopefully this will change now that things have calmed down for the time being. I just have to keep the house clean 24/7 in case someone wants to buy our house.....yeah this is no small task with kids:) Just shows you can find and make fun in most any place-such as a fridge!

While taking on this project of remodeling and selling our house, I had the privilege of stepping on a nail while trying to get the lawn mowed for the Realtor to come take pictures. We didn't want to mow on Sunday so Saturday night I was out there mowing away at dusk trying to get it done while my dad and Dan were finishing up the kitchen base boards. I was bare foot-I know I know, stupid of me. I just hate ruining shoes with grass stains-so i do it in my bare feet and then take a shower. In all the years that I have mowed the lawn bare foot, not once have I had a problem. So, I didn't expect this time to be any different. Well when the people were painting the house, they knocked an old board off our fence and when I was backing up to turn the lawn mower, I found the old rusty nails in the board. Yeah it was really a sickening feeling and I almost fainted. So at 10:30 at night, Mason drove me to the hospital to get a Tetanus. At least the shot is good for 10 years right!

My arm still feels like someone punched me about 100 times but I am thankful that no infection has broke out in my foot and I am now able to walk normally again. The bed I got to hang out in while waiting for the doctor was really comfy though and the nurse was nice enough to give me the remote to the TV while I was waiting:) Oh and the doctor said it was actually a good thing that I wasn't wearing shoes....if the rubber from the soul of a shoe were to get up into my foot when the nail punctured, it could lead into much worse problems.

Now to just cross our fingers and pray for someone to like our house-your prayers are much appreciated:) The Realtor called tonight and said there are already 2 potential buyers to come look at it...that is good right considering it is only the first day!

A very special thanks to family who have taken the time to come out and help with this overwhelming project-both in watching my children and keeping me sane, and helping with projects that went until 1 in the morning some nights! I am so very thankful! We couldn't have completed all we needed to in such a short amount of time with out you.

What We Do When Our Kids Don't Listen

2011-08-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is what we do to Katie and Tavin when they don't listen to us:) Not really-I don't think it would be very effective anyway, because they liked being wrapped up in Painters Tape! Dan was taking the tape off the wall he had painted and decided to make a game of it with the kids. It kept them busy for quite some time-trying to get out of it-if nothing else it taught them team work-they helped each other figure it out:) Such cute kids-even when they are wrapped in tape!

Tatphus Park Zoo Day

2011-08-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

My mom came and visited for a couple days and we took the kids to a local zoo. I have to say I was pretty impressed with some of the bigger animals they had-we didn't think that it would be much other than birds and things like that.

But, there were lions and tigers, and bears:) (oh my!)-my mom and I really did say "OH MY!" at the size of the lions and tigers actually-it just didn't seem right to be up so close to something that big:) Tavin loved it though. Other animals we liked were: Monkeys, sea lions, penguins, and the 500 pound Tortoise. The flamingos were surprisingly smelly-they like to stand in mud.

Katie's Favorite part was feeding the goats in the kids petting zoo. They really liked her a lot too!

Fact that I learned: did you know that turtles can come out of their shells like on cartoons-the shell actually grows with the turtle and is connected to its spine.

I like watching and learning about animals so much-I could probably bring a lounge chair and sit it outside their cages to watch what they do all day:) My favorite is still the giraffe house though at the zoo in UT.

Toe Pickin'

2011-08-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

"Toe Picking"-is a daily occurrence in Katie's life....sometimes multiple times a day. She likes to sit somewhere and intently check between her toes. I guess we all have our little quirks right!

Tavin's First Talk In Primary

2011-07-31T22:47:00.000-07:00

I have a family here on earth
My family is made up of Mom, Dad, Katie, and Tavin (hold up picture and have him tell who is in it)
Heavenly Father gave me a family so that I could learn to love, to be kind, to share, and learn about him
They are so good to me-I love to read books with mommy, and play marbles with daddy, and run races with Katie....
We also do things like have family home evening
Say prayers together, read scriptures
Give good night kisses, and try to help others.
These things help us stay close to our Heavenly Father so one day we can return to him
I want to share my life with them through all eternity and we can do this through Heavenly Father 's plan for us.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

He did a great job! And wasn't even scared or anything-he seems to like being in the spotlight-he must have gotten that from Dan cause it certainly isn't from me:)

Sadly Soccer Has Come To An End

2011-07-27T21:20:00.001-07:00

We are sad that last Thursday marked the last game of the soccer season. Tavin has loved every minute of playing in every game. I am so proud of him! We will definitely be putting him on a team again next year. The girl standing in back of him is Leah and he absolutely adores her! They are the same height, age, and similar in personality. He asks me all the time if she can come and play with him...we will have to have her over to play. They always have their arm around each other or are hugging or laughing at one another:) It is very cute.

Pioneer Day Fun!

2011-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

So the best thing about living in a little town is all the activities and events that are family oriented...this past weekend we had cousins, grandma fluffies, and grandpa Bob here to visit and take part in the Famous Saint Anthony Pioneer Day celebration. People come from all over to attend the events held every year during this weekend in July.

We all had a blast at the play-this year it was Tom Sawyer (Madison and Aidan were glued to the stage-other than the lovey dovey scene-Aidan hid his face for that part) They came away singing songs from it:) We all attended the Rodeo. My Favorite part has to be watching the kids ride the calves-Tavin wanted to do it but he isn't old enough yet...in a few years.

The cousins also slept in a tent in the back yard with Uncle Dan, got to go to the new water park close to our house, and watched a matinee showing of Kung Fu Panda 2. One of the Highlights was the parade on Saturday Morning. The kids had fun watching all the floats and catching candy. They came away with quite the stash. If I let them, Katie and Tavin would eat the candy they collected every meal!

Katie sat safely in Grandma Fluffies lap-I was just so happy she didn't throw a fit from all the noise-lately she has been quite skiddish about loud noises and big trucks. There were plenty of both-but she made it through as long as someone was holding her. The best was the free chocolate milk they give out every year:)

Tavin is already asking for his cousins and when they will come and visit again-hint hint hint sisters:) We love our family. Thanks for coming to visit!

Dog Days Of Summer

2011-07-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Tavin has become a water baby and as long as he has his "jacket on" he is good to go! It doesn't matter how cold the water is-he is in it. Katie on the other hand-won't touch it with her pinky toe if it is anything colder than bath water! She will literally climb up your body when you are trying to help her get in:) So on this particular day, she opted to just watch and eat some licorice of course! But oh she is such a cute little sun bather in this swim suit.....

Enjoying the New Space

2011-07-18T21:33:00.001-07:00

I wondered where my kids had gone to when things got quiet around the house-they had decided to try out the new shower-break it in for Dan and me:) Actually I thought it was pretty cute-Tavin was reading books to Katie and Dora. We read three books every afternoon before nap time and 3 books before bed time at night so he has most of our books memorized. He even does it in the same kind of voices that I do it in:)

Tavin has been saying the cutest things lately-always when I need a good laugh. The other day he did poop and pointed out that it was an ice cream poop....when I asked him what that meant-he told me to look in the toilet-I did and-my gosh- it was an ice cream poop-shaped just like a soft serve ice cream swirled to the top:) (Sorry if this is a little graphic for some!)

Since we have been potty training lately-we have spent lots of time in the bathroom-another instance-he wasn't able to get his pee to come out: "mom why isn't my pee coming out?" Mom: "It just isn't ready yet I guess..." Tavin:Oh does it still have to get dress?" I busted up laughing at this point because he put two and two together...when i say lets get ready to go out-I usually mean -let's get dressed and brush our hair and teeth so we can go run errands or go to the park, etc. So he applied this meaning to his pee as well:)

We were in Subway and there was a table full of police officers-while Dan and I waited in line-Tavin decided to go and talk to them-I heard bits and pieces of the conversation: "Hi my name is Tavin....are you police men? .....I am going to go swimming with my grandma today......OK well bye... make sure and go catch the bad guys so they won't hurt anyone!" :)

We were attending a family reunion on Dan's side of the family and one of the uncles there had a bit of a belly, I saw Tavin staring at him for a while and then all of the sudden he went up to him and pointed at his stomach..."Are you going to have a baby??" I almost died! Kids can be a little too honest sometimes. Luckily the Uncle just laughed and said "nope I am just fat"and they both laughed together. Maybe I should have a talk with Tavin about who has babies and who doesn't....as well as things we should ask and things we should keep to ourselves:)

New Master Bath

2011-07-18T20:55:00.001-07:00

It is kind of hard to picture all these separate photos all together as one-but if you can-you will imagine something really cute and updated-a much needed improvement from what we started with. I am so excited to finally have use of the second bathroom in our home now. Three years ago we ripped out the original pieces-we thought we would get right on the remodeling-silly us! Maybe I should have a "bathroom warming" party anyone want to join me-might be a tight squeeze though:) Our house is one step closer to being done. Only 2 more rooms to go-Kitchen, here we come. The best part: when we have guests over-there won't be a waiting line for the bathroom!

Proud To Be An American!

2011-07-13T21:30:00.001-07:00

Hiking to a waterfall in the canyon-my wonderful sisters and Katie and I...Katie not happy to be close to the waterfall!

Katie opted to stay in the house once the fireworks started-she still isn't a fan of all the noise. But for this picture she was sitting so pretty with Aunt Kimberly.

Check out where Tavin's sparkler is in the picture above:)

We spent fourth of July Weekend in UT with my family. Our trip consisted of hiking, eating yummy hot dogs and marshmallows-Kimberly is the best at roasting them! Katie did not like the waterfall that we hiked too-the noise scared her( thus the unhappy girls' picture at the top) but she LOVED the marshmallows and got it all over her hands and face. Right after, she wanted to be like the boy cousins and play in the woods-picking leaves and rocks up with her marshmallow hands....hmmm that didn't work so well-when she wanted to let go of those rocks and leaves, they stuck! It was really funny watching her try to shake them off!

I was so happy when Tavin actually enjoyed the fireworks this year. In the past he was less than enthusiastic about the loud popping noises, whistling sounds, and colors that shot in the air. This year he was all for it! Once one finished-he was up clapping his hands and asking for the next one! He was so excited for the explosions that he could hardly contain himself and sit in his little chair.....such a boy:)

Dan almost gave my mom a heart attack with bottle rockets-but miraculously no one got hurt! And uncle Kenny splurged a little to get the big guns-the aerials-for us! My favorite was the one that went off high in the sky and dropped a parachute man! How cool is that! Well I thought it was pretty cool. And of course we had to do sparklers and dance around!

The highlight of the weekend was baby Eli's blessing-he is such a sweet little guy and I know he has a giant spirit in that tiny little body of his. It was a fight to get him here but he is such a blessing to our family. I know he will do amazing things in this life-and Seth gave a beautiful blessing stating just that.

And last of all, I am proud to be an American! When Dan and I got married-the sealer wanted us to recognize how lucky we were to both be born in this choice land-not everyone has the opportunity to be in a place of freedom-some die trying to gain that freedom that I was handed when I was born. I am grateful for those who fought and are still fighting for me to have that freedom-especially the freedom of Religion.

"We claim the privilege of worshipping the All Mighty God and allow all men the same privilege-let them worship how, where, and what they may."

More Soccer Fun!

2011-07-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

Katie watching the intense soccer game:)

Tavin Sharing his drink with his team Getting in on the action!

Hanging out with the flower picking girls!

A Side Note: Tavin is now pretty much potty trained. My advise to those who have boys yet to be potty trained-WAIT! We tried to potty train Tavin a couple months back and he just was not into it. So we decided to wait a couple months and give it a try-the second time around he was ready. If you try to potty train too early all you end up doing is pulling your hair out and cleaning a lot of underwear and carpet!!

There are times when I wish he still had a diaper on so I could just tell him to pee his pants-such a time would be at his soccer game when all there is-is a stinky porta potty to go in!

He was very excited when he came home from watching college kids launch rockets they had made-the launch site was in a nice grassy field-what wasn't so nice was there wasnt any bathrooms around. He told Dan he had to go potty and Dan said-well-there are some weeds over there-that will have to do as your potty right now. He told Deedra's roommates all about it! "Daddy let me pee in the weeds!"

Soccer Mania!

2011-07-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Tavin Celebrating after he made his second goal

Tavin doing his best kicking:)

Our handsome soccer player

We signed Tavin up for soccer this year-I know he is only three but we figured he could try it out and see if he really likes it. If anything he would learn the rules of the game-at least the gist of how soccer is played-and make some friends while doing it. I have to admit I also wanted to sign him up for the comical aspect of it-3 to 4 year old kids running around-it is going to be funny!

Don't worry they didn't let me down: The teams consist of both boys and girls-when the girls get bored they will go sit in a little circle and pick grass or flowers, some of them are talented acrobats that preform somersaults and cartwheels for their audience. The boys with try and climb the goal posts or lay down in front of the ball if worst comes to worst. Most are just there for the treats they get after the game is over. The referee spends most of his time running after the kids that continue to run out of bounds and on to the other fields after he blows his whistle.

The first game we played-the only goal we scored was in the other team's goal-but the kid who scored it was so excited that we cheered him on anyway! Tavin actually surprised me-I didn't think that he would have it in him/or have the attention span-to run for the full hour long game-but he does! He runs his heart out and bed time has become easier since he comes home exhausted:) He has actually been asking me lately if he can lay down and go to sleep-hmmm that is a nice change for once.

He also has proven that he can stick up for himself-a kid pushed him down the other day and he got right back up and bopped him on the head saying: "Don't you push me down!" He is proud to have his dad as the coach of his team-and Dan does a good job helping the less aggressive team players get a chance by holding their hands and running/sometimes dragging them along:)

I am proud to announce that so far Tavin has made 2 goals! The first time he scored he stood in the middle of the field and raised his hands in the air screaming to me: "Mom I won, I won!" I was so happy that he wanted to tell me first-not his team or the spectators but me-his mom:) I felt important and very proud. He is also very loving to his team members-a lot of his teammates and the other team members are from story time at our library or in his Sun Beam Class at church. He makes sure to hug them and help them if they fall down. What a handsome and courteous young man he is:) The thing that I love most about him is his energy and excitement-it is contagious to all those he is around. A person can't but help to smile when watching him.

He also shares with his teammates: when one of this team members stated that his mommy forgot to bring him a drink-Tavin was more than willing to share-they just passed the drink around-building team togetherness and camaraderie I guess:)

Just a funny statement I heard from one of the girls today: So where is the dungeon? she asked her coach-the coach points to the opposite team's goal. And where is my castle she says....the coach points to their teams goal- OK I will bring my ball to my castle! the girl says determined! A good way to teach little girls the basics of soccer:)

Hwaiian Adventures Continued

2011-06-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

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So Dan and I tried paddle boarding one day-you stand on a surf board and use a paddle to get around. It is actually a pretty popular sport in Hawaii and a really good work out-the next day-we were sore in places we didn't know could be sore:) Eventually, when you get good enough, you can actually ride the waves-keeping yourself in the wave by paddling in front of it. We both were able to get the hang of standing up and paddling around-it just took time and practice to catch on. Daniel was able to ride the waves a handful of times before the wind picked up and we had to go in. I almost was able to...did a lot of face plants:)

On our trip along the road to Hana-we both had to take dramamin cause the road was so windy! there is like 720 hair pin turns on the 3 hour road-we met a family who we saw often through out the trip. Along the roads there were place you could stop and get out-usually hike and see stuff. The family came along with us on many of the stops including the one you see above-where daniel is getting pounded by the waterfall-one of the little boys was swimming with him:) They wre quite funny and enjoyable to be around-especially the two boys. I opted to take the pictures at this waterfall after feeling the water-man it was cold! The mom of the other family got in and her face looked like she might go into shock...that was when i knew i had made the right decision. Daniel was a trooper though:)

On one of the hikes we walked through a field of pinnaple plants and Daniel posed for a picture-he didn't that pinapples just grow right out of the center of the plant-could you tell by his face!

The Adventures We Had

2011-06-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

HUGE Pine Tree on our 7 Mile Hike
Dan Boogy Boarding-we had to get him a rash guard to protect his chest cause he did this for hours and hours at a time! His poor nipples scabbed over!:)
Huge Banyan Tree on Our 7 Mile Hike the branches grow roots that grow down wards until they finally plant themselves into the ground-one tree can have many trunks
IAO Valley State Park-was were the Hawaiian people held many of their battles. The point you see in the background was used to spot warriors coming to attack. King Kamahama finally won the battles and united all the islands ruling over all of them.

Oh the adventures we had:) Snorkeling, swimming with sea turtles and in waterfalls, boogy boarding (Dan's favorite thing to do at the beach), wade pool watching, hiking, paddle boarding, caving, driving the road to Hana, exploring lush rain forests, and eating a lot of good food!

We really hit the ground running-there was so much we wanted to see and do-at night we would literally crash because we were so exhausted-but it was a good, happy, fun exhausted:) If we were going to spend the money to be there-we were gonna get our money's worth-and man it was worth every penny!

Tavin's favorite story-that he tells everyone we see when they ask how Hawaii was: On our snorkeling cruise-the water got a little choppy towards the end-choppy water and putting your face in that water for long periods of time-just didn't sit well with me. I didn't want to go back on board-even though i started to feel a little queasy- cause the sea turtles were just too fascinating to me!

Every time i would turn to go back to the boat-someone would shout that there was a turtle coming up for air. When I finally made it to the boat-I wasn't doing so good-as indiscreetly as I possibly could-I "fed" the fish my BBQ chicken sandwich that i had for lunch -over the side of the boat-after the boy who was swimming by passed of course:) After that, I was feeling just fine-and we went on our way-enjoying the rest of the cruise.

Tavin's version: Mommy got sick on the boat cause the water was going wow woooow wow-and then she threw up on the fishes!" Close enough i guess.

Hiking with Dan was probably my favorite-we just took our time and had fun messing around-taking pictures and talking. One day we got a late start on one of the hikes and the shuttle driver that drove us out to the trail head stated that this was his last round so if we wanted to do the trail-we would have to walk the seven miles back-well guess what-we did:) And it was a blast!

Oh and I got these cool flip flops that are made out of yoga mat material-sooo soft and cushy to walk on. Did you know that in order to harvest the sugar cane fields-they burn them and the sugar drops to the ground? Then the machines go and pick it up to bring it to the factories....just a cool fact we learned from one of the locals:)

Maui And Back Again

2011-06-21T23:01:00.000-07:00

The past couple nights I have fallen asleep while replaying my newly formed memories of our week long trip to Hawaii....I feel the warmth, the cool breeze, the soft sand between my toes, and hear the rolling waves as they crash on the shore. I see clearly the beautiful cascading waterfalls, the effortless movement of the sea turtle as it glides in the clear blue water, the vibrant flowers of all sorts and shapes, the lush green surreal bamboo forests that surrounded us, the picturesque sunsets; and tasted the fresh fruits and delicious mouth watering food.

Truly our vacation was wonderful and everything that I hoped it would be. Each day i awoke excited for the new adventures I would get to experience with my sweet Daniel. It was a time to relax and enjoy reconnecting with each other, a time to rejuvenate and have fun doing whatever we pleased whenever we want to do it- the Hawaiian way of life-mellow, low key, and carefree. Many people asked if we were honey mooning-and I just had to smile to myself-after 5 years of marriage-we are able to re-spark that glow of newly weds-we must not be doing too bad:)

I did have one emotion that I didn't expect to experience a deep sense of longing for my 2 babies that we left safely in the hands of Daniel's mom 2 airplane rides, and a time difference of 4 hours away. It took about a day and a half for me to start missing their presence-I needed my sweet smiles, and monster hugs, my mushy kisses and bed time stories. Many times during the trip something would remind us of them and one of us would make a reference to something that Katie and Tavin do or did.

By the end of the week-I could have cried, I missed them so much. I looked forward to getting on the plane to come home just so I could be with them again. With out my kids, there is a hollowness inside me-they fill me up-and there is no place on earth that I could go-no matter how beautiful it was-if it meant not being with my Tavin and Katie. That is why I am happy that they are mine forever.

When we returned-Katie and Tavin met us at the airport. Even before we got off the escalator-Katie had spotted us and was pointing and shrieking as she ran in our direction. She wanted us to hold her for the rest of the day, and that was OK with me:) The next couple of days, she wouldn't let us out of her site. Where we went, she went. And each morning that she woke up and saw that we were there, she had a big smile on her face. It broke my heart as I realized that to her-we had mysteriously disappeared and she didn't know where we had gone or even for how long. Tavin-we could explain things to and talk to on the phone with him able to comprehend that we would be back soon. To Katie-everything was unsure and unknown and I hug her extra tight for that.

Tavin on the other hand welcomed us back and wanted to see all the pictures and ride on the plane-he wanted to tell us all that happened and sit on our lap to read books and play games. The next day at church-he stood up and sang a song with the primary kids to Dan for father's Day-and jumped up and down the hole time from all the excitement. He exclaimed: "I have a dad!" How good it is to be missed and to be needed. How lucky we are to have them as our own.

Hiking R Mountain

2011-06-05T21:34:00.001-07:00

Dan and I took the YW Mia Maids that I am in charge of on a hike up Rexburg's R mountain-kind of the "BYU" mountain of this area. You have to either hike it early spring or fall because of rattle snakes. Ended up being really fun and a good way to start the summer. Only saw one snake (just a guarder snake though) wasn't poisonous.

The more I spend time with these girls, the more I love them and want the best for them-hope in some way that I can influence them for the better-help them make good choices and figure out what's truly important in this crazy world. Although I am probably guessing they think I am a little nerdy and quirky:) But who isn't right!

Weather Perfect for Kite Flying

2011-06-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tavin taking a self portrait while waiting for mom and dad
to get the kite set up

This flower kite was my favorite!

Our Pirate Kite and 2 really excited kids!

There was a "Kite Flying Day" about 20 minutes from where we live and so we loaded up our pirate kite and hit the road for a Saturday afternoon activity. Idaho weather might not be good for much other than kite flying.

Lots of pretty awesome kites! Tavin and Katie each took a turn helping Dan fly our kite and we enjoyed some free hot dogs too:)

I think kite flying is something that will become a favorite family pass time-Dan and I both find it fun (Is that a nerdy hobby? Oh well if it is:) We saw ones that have 2 strings attached to the kite-allowing you to control the speed and direction of it-might just have to try one of those out next year! ( I smell a family tradition in the making) It was a fun day.

More Easter Fun!

2011-04-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

The excitment continued as we colored eggs with the cousins, ate LOTS of very SUGARY treats, and had a less crowded easter egg hunt with the cousins.

We also had a little talk with Tavin and Katie about what Easter really celebrates-Jesus died on the cross for all of us so that we can live again as families forever-just like he did 3 days after his death. I am so thankful for this act of deep love and compassion for all of us. Because of his sacrifice, I get to have my family for eternity and that is everything to me.

Just Hop Hop Hopin' Along!

2011-04-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

We had quite an eventful Easter celebration this year. First, we went to the community egg hunt and got some yummy candy there....there was a million kids and their parents at the ball field and the whistle blew-Katie picked up about 4 eggs-then it was over. BUT boy did she have fun picking up those 4 eggs:) Tavin did a lot better with the help of his Aunt Deedra. I just loved how excited they both were-Tavin for the Easter eggs- Katie because Tavin was excited so she wanted to be excited too! They finished all the candy they got on the way home-Aunt Deedra helped them open it-no wonder they love her:) Next, we were off to Aunt Dessie's house for some more fun...

This year we had

The New Baby In Town

2011-04-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

There is just something about new babies-their smell, their soft skin, their tiny fingers and toes, the peace they bring, and the love they unknowingly give us-they make us want to be better-something more pure and they give us a special kind of joy we have been missing in our lives. They are clean and innocent and the closest thing to heaven we have.

Our family has basked in our new baby Eli's bright spirit and have been blessed in so many ways to have him in our family. It took a lot to get him here and keep him here with us, but it was all worth it. As you can see, Tavin and Katie took to their cousin Eli immediately. And Tavin is showing signs of wanting another brother or sister....or maybe it is me starting to get baby hungry:) Tavin informed me that his baby is coming and the baby is going to be named Tyrone. We will have to see about that one-maybe as a nickname:)

Tavin and Daniel Playing with the New Mac

2011-04-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

My Kids Can Dance!

2011-04-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

This video is just so sweet. I LOVE it when my kids are getting along and having fun together. Dan made the comment-"Our kid's are picking up on my awesome dance moves!" I just laughed-not knowing if this is a good thing or not:) Both my kids can't help but move when music starts to play.

March Comes In Like A LION....Oh wait....it's April!

2011-04-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided that Saint Anthony is about a month behind on the weather-so we are just now getting the windy weather that should have happened last month. Maybe next month will be the start of rainy weather-like April is supposed to be. Oh well-the kids were getting a little stir crazy so I took them out side to be blown to death-they thought it was hilarious and got a big kick out of the pinwheel I found while organizing Tavin's room today. Both of them would stand laughing and screaming as the wind tried its hardest to whisk them away. Good thing Tavin is solid rock!:) I loved watching the joy on their faces over such a simple thing.

It does a body good:)

2011-04-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

The kids cleaning the bowl for mom!

Tavin has been asking to make cookies for the past couple days so, we finally did-I think it is more for the cookie dough than the actual cookies. They get this from their dad:) And well I don't mind a good spoonful or two of cookie dough either. I have heard that eating cookie dough can give a person worms-but it is so yummy and hard to resist that we will take our chances. 28 years of eating cookie dough and I am still worm free!

The Daddy Bear and His Bear Cubs

2011-03-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Dan is such a good "Daddy Bear" :) This is the new hot thing to play in our house. On some days he is a dinosour that Tavin rides as a cowboy-but today they were bears.

Piggy Tails and Purple Nails

2011-03-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl-my mom would do our hair in pig tails and it was one of my dad's favorite things about his 5 little girls. Well the tradition can now be carried on by the next generation. Katie's hair is barely long enough now to put into tiny piggies....she love it too! Aunt Deedra did Katie's hair and nails while she was babysitting. Katie was very pleased:) The smile says everything.

A Friday Morning Surprise!

2011-03-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Daniel Left our camera sitting on the table for me to find this morning with a note to look at what he found outside-to my surprise-it was this MOOSE!! I couldn't believe that he was just hanging out at the end of our driveway. Dan said he was going to pull out and caught a glimpse of something big and hairy in his mirror-good thing he looked back or else our car might have a BIG dent in it right now:) This is the second moose we have seen in our neighborhood since living in Idaho. Glad he was able to get a picture this time. He is kinda cute!

Tavin in Concert

2011-03-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tavin singing "I am a child of God" and "Follow the Prophet"

Packing Peanuts

2011-03-13T20:17:00.001-07:00

Funny picture huh! She looks grossed out but actually she loves giving her night time kisses:)

We got a package of party supplies in the mail for a party that I hosted this past weekend (I will tell you more about that in another post) and Katie had such a good time with the packing peanuts! Simple things are the best toys! She has become my shadow recently and likes to imitate me, Dan, and Tavin. Today I was getting ready for church and she wanted to be apart of everything I did-mimiking my motions-even down to the way I stood when I was looking in the mirror at my outfit:)

She folds her arms for prayer now at night and even has started to say her own-in her own Katie language:) One of my favorite parts of the day is putting her to bed at night because she gives kisses to each of us- puckering her lips and making a humming sound as she gently places a sweet kiss on your cheek or lips!

Marshmallow "Ladies"

2011-03-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Are any of you fans of the cereal Marshmallow Matys (off brand of Lucky Charms)? Well Tavin has recently become quite a fan of the marshmallowy goodness and often asks to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When he first asked for them I had no clue what he was talking about because he calls them Marshmallow Ladies:) Dan and I got a good laugh at this and have now changed the cereal name to "Marshmallow Ladies" instead of Marshmallow Matys!

We also have good news-Tavin got accepted to attend the BYUI preschool program this spring and will start school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in May. We are so excited and he already asks me daily if it is time for him to go to his school yet. I know he will love it!

Pictured Above: We got Tavin some child sizzors and he has been practicing cutting lately (every day for at least an hour each time!) He is becoming quite the expert and is very proud of what he now can do. And him making one of his many animated faces-he is such a ham!

We are so happy with his progress and interest in Primary/Sunbeams! He is such a good singer and picks up on the songs really fast. He marches around the house and sings "Follow the Prophet"-telling me to come with him and follow the prophet too:) "He can sing I am a Child of God" all by himself as well. And we have been learning the song "I lived in heaven a long time ago...." I don't think that is the name of the song but that is how it starts.

"A Gummie Situation"

2011-02-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

Tavin's latest favorite thing is gum...all kids are eager to try it out sometime or another so we thought we would let him try it out

Here's How It Went:

Gum Chewing Experience #1: Dan gave him half of his piece
about 10 minutes after he put it in his mouth
Me: "Tavin where's your gum?
Tavin: "In my tummy!"

*So we had a discussion about how we aren't supposed to chew gum and swallow it like we do food-we chew it until we are done with it, but then we spit it in the garbage.

Gum Chewing Experience #2: Dan gives Tavin his own piece of gum-not thinking anything of it-hmmm daddy-is that such a good idea? I guess we will find out

About a half hour after he got his gum I notice he isn't chewing anymore
Mom: "Tavin where is your gum? Is it in your tummy again?
Tavin: "No"
Mom: "Oh did you remember to spit it in the garbage when you didn't want it anymore?" -pleased that he caught on so fast
Tavin: "No-it got lost"
Mom: a little nervous now- "What do you mean?"
Tavin: "It fell out of my mouth and it got lost"-stated matter of factly
Both Dan and I started looking for the wad of gum in the carpet of our living room but to no avail....But don't worry we found it.

About an hour later-I was sitting on the floor talking to Dan's mom (they were visiting for President's weekend and had just arrived) and went to get up to get something-guess what I just happened to sit on-yep that wad of gum!

It was a long string from my butt to the carpet. Thankfully we were able to get it off my pants and out of the carpet with no real problems!

Gum Chewing Experience #3: I know, I know-you would think that by now we would have realized that maybe Tavin isn't ready for gum chewing-but for some reason he ended up with another piece. Three Strikes and your out right?

Again the gum chewing rules were reviewed and Tavin agreed shaking his head in reply that he definitely understood this time!

I looked over after an hour and he was still chewing it-phew no swallowing or losing the gum-when dinner time came I helped him throw his gum in the garbage (making sure I saw that it actually made it there this time)

Dinner time was over and we were playing a game in the living room when I happened to notice that he was making a chewing motion with his mouth again....hmmm that is odd-so I asked him
Mom: "Tavin what are you chewing on?"
Tavin: "My gum"

I looked at Dan to see if he had given him another piece-he shook his head- not knowing where the new piece had come from.
Mom: "How did you get that piece of gum Tavin? We threw your gum in the garbage before dinner."
Tavin: "I know mom-I got it out of the garbage cause I wanted it back for a while!" (he said this in a "Duhhh mom!" manner:)

I guess we didn't think to tell him that he shouldn't take it back out of the garbage once he throws it away when we were discussing the "gum chewing rules" How silly of us!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

2011-02-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

I am so loving the stage that Katie is in right now-well I don't know if you would call it a stage since she is a girl-it will probably last the rest of her life:) I will put it this way-she is a "fashionista"! Really she is!

At 15 months I open her closet and show her the outfits she has hanging in there and she tells me yes or no on which one she wants to wear for the day. And that isn't all-we spent at least 20 minutes trying on shoes -I would put a pair on her and she would walk around for a while-then she would come back and want me to take those ones off and put another pair on and so on.

I also made her this bracelet the other night that she loves wearing-she makes sure to show me how pretty she looks with it on whenever she walks in a room where I am:) And from the picture above you can see that she has inherited her brother's love for hats. When she sees one, she wants to put it on. I love that she loves being a girl!

It is funny how they just come with that sense of girl or boyness. She already has the tendency to nurture and love things-above-loving a baby doll-she does this daily now with all the stuffed animals we have in the house.

Dating After You Are Married...

2011-02-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

I came across this site the other day and found it encouraging and creative-Daniel and I are always looking for new ideas for dating and this is a great place to find them! And a good place for him to find romantic ideas! I thought I would share my new find with anyone interested... Happy exploring! Let me know what you think-you can add your email to their mailing list and they will send you a once a week update on their posts.

thedatingdivas.com

And I will have to keep you posted on how things go with trying out some of their fun ideas!

Good One Dad:)

2011-02-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but smile as I overheard the conversation that was taking place in our bathroom between Daniel and Tavin tonight....It went something like this:

Dan: Are you ready to brush your teeth

Tavin: I don't want to brush my teeth dad!

Dan: If you don't brush your teeth Tavin they will fall out!

Tavin: They will fall out if I don't brush them???

Dan: Yep!

Tavin: You teeth fall out daddy?

Dan: No-because I brush my teeth

Tavin: OK I will brush my teeth so they will stay in

I guess you gotta do what ya gotta do to get your kid to brush his teeth but I have a feeling I will be hearing from Tavin about "his teeth falling out" for years after this conversation:)

While on the subject of Tavin he has been sick with a fever among other things including lots of snott and congestion-I read recently about helping to stop caughing and congestion in the night by putting Vicks Vapor Rub for Kids on the bottom of their feet. So at night, I put Vicks on his feet-telling him that I am putting "magic on his feet" he loved this concept and when Daniel went to do it for him-he said: "U putting magic on my feet dad?" Dan looked up at me and I quickly explained-he just smiled and nodded yes:)

"We Love to See The Temple..."

2011-01-31T22:26:00.001-08:00

To finish off the Christmas pictures from this year-as part of our visit in UT we were able to go and visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City. This is the first time the kids have been there and both Tavin and Katie were in awww of the beauty of the lights. My sister Karey pointed out as we were walking that it was special to be there almost 5 years after Dan and I got married at the Salt Lake Temple-with our children.

One of my favorite parts of our visit was seeing the Statue of Christ in the visitors center...Tavin knew exactly who it was and stood and just took it all in for a few minutes. I know that Jesus Christ knows and loves my children and they know him.

One other thing that touched my heart while we were walking through the visitors center was a picture of Mary outside the tomb when Jesus was first resurrected....I can only imagine the feelings she must have had at seeing her son-just days before hanging on a cross in agony- now resurrected and well. As a mother, I feel for her and the life she led. She was an amazing person.

My "TRUE JOY" Moment and 2011 Goal

2011-01-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

Playing Bingo at Christmas Time With Our Cousins and Aunts

Seeing what fun things Santa Brought Us!

Loving the new Tonka Remote Control Car From Grandma and Grandpa Bauman

Making Cookies and Eating the Dough in the Process

Working Together:)

So I am a little late on a couple of these posts-including a little comment about my birthday-which was in November:) I usually would just skip the post this late in the game but this year, my birthday was so great.....why was it better than birthdays past? There wasn't anything huge or surprising about it-I think what made it so great was the simpleness of it actually. We went to eat at one of our favorite places to eat: Leatherby's (if you live here and haven't been there-you are missing out!) They serve the BEST ice cream ever-and my absolute favorite to get when we go is the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Sunday-vanilla ice cream drenched in peanut butter and chocolate sauce-YUMMMMM!

It was just Dan, Katie, Tavin and I sitting around one of the circular tables-all enjoying the deliciousness of the ice cream-Tavin and Katie had faces smeared with ice cream-and we were all smiling as we ate. I just got this sensation-my heart was sooo full-because I felt like at 28 years old (yes I am that old now) I have everything that is truely good and important-I am completely content in where I am in life and what I have-I have been given such great children-who bring me so much joy in every day. And although I haven't done anything earth moving or significant in the world's eyes-I am proud of what I have become, who I am and what I have. At that very moment-in that restaurant surrounded by the 3 most important people in the world-I was truly and fully happy and that was the greatest present of all.

So with all the sentimental stuff said-one of my goals in 2011-to do more with my family-Often times we get set in a rut-thinking that work, and cleaning house, laundry, and appointments are the important things-but they aren't. Family and those we love are the important things-and if we don't take the time to soak it all in-one day it will all be gone and you will wonder what happened to time and people that passed you by. I find that I am most happy when we are sledding or making cookies, playing pretend super heroes or blowing bubbles in the house (since it is sooo cold out!) Dan has started to say to me-what fun thing are we going to do today (he seems to say this right when I start to get bogged down with everything:) And that is my favorite part of the day!

NOTE: By the way I fully support and believe in the idea of goal making and encourage all those who read this to sit down and make some of their own. You are either moving one of two ways in life-forward-working towards becoming better-or backward-becoming less that you once were-there is no being stagnant or still in life. And who wants to be less instead of more??

Do You Do The Potty Dance? Tavin Does:)

2011-01-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

Katie waiting patiently while we are working at potty training. Just a side note-aren't those leggings absolutely adorable! This is why having girls is so fun-don't get me wrong-I love my little boy-but girls have so much more versatility when it comes to clothes and cuteness:)

Potty watch

Underwear Styles

Thomas Seat

Monday of this week we started the dreaded Potty Training. We geared up before hand with a potty watch( a pretty cool little training tool that goes of every 30, 60, or 90 minutes and sings a song-letting tavin know that he needs to try again-it automatically resets itself after it is done singing-so no hastle to it either! He loves to wear it-even when it is turned off for the night time...makes him feel like a top dog I guess:), Lots of variety in underwear styles-we have the Thomas the Train underwear, Elmo underwear, Diego underwear, and Zoo animals underwear-don't worry no one feels left out because Tavin likes to switch styles at least 5 times a day, and then we got the Thomas potty seat so that we won't have any falling in if we lose our grip...

The first day we had a couple pee pee accidents in his underwear-until finally he got one in the toilet and then it was smooth sailing from there! I it almost seems like he just needed to see that it was easy and not scary. Then, Tuesday-we had to deal with the whole doing number 2....lets just say that it didn't go very well the first time. He "messed" on Elmo-and then we had to have a talk about the fact that poop goes the same place as pee-IN THE TOILET not in the underwear and that his underwear friends (Thomas, Diego, and Elmo) did not want to be pooped or peed on...I know sounds kind of silly but it worked!! He didn't like the feeling of pooping in his underwear and came running as soon as he did it begging me to change him:)

Wednesday-no accidents yet to speak of and it is 5:11 pm! We even went to story time at the Library without anything happening-I had an extra pair of undies and clothes in the bag and we didn't even have to use them.

The next step-a sticker chart to continue to encourage him on the potty training process. As soon as he fills up all the spaces on the chart-we will give him a prize-maybe a trip to play place or a dollar theater movie....he suggested a rocket ship-we will have to see about that one-that is a pretty tall order:)

How is Katie doing in all the potty training madness?:She doesn't really seem to notice much accept she has taken an interest in some of the potty training "tools". She attempted to put the potty seat on her head-don't worry I told her ICKY ICKY and she repeated and dropped the seat on the floor:) And she tries to open and shut the toilet lid-but every once and a while gets her fingers stuck.

Christmas: Christ and Santa Clause

2011-01-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Katie was more interested in playing in the fake Christmas trees than talking to Santa:)Tavin was very interested in how the reindeer were doing and if Santa could come to our house

Tavin waiting in line to see Santa-VERY excited to meet him!

Tavin playing with our Christmas train once we got everything all set up

He loved that the train made noise/ said "all aboard" as it went around. Next year we will have to get him the "Polar Express" movie to add to our Christmas collection-I am sure he will absolutely love it-since it has a train in it:)

This year Tavin was a lot more aware about what was going on and I really really wanted to help him understand what Christmas was truly about. This involved doing a lot of explaining/talking about Christ and Santa Clause and the rolls they each played. It was hard to find a way to do this without taking away all the "magic of Christmas" so I just tried to make sure that Tavin was involved in the present wrapping and the gift giving, the scripture reading about Jesus and his birth.....but I never really new if he got it.

I shouldn't have ever doubted that my little boy understood during all our discussions...when we were coloring a picture of a Christmas tree and presents Tavin had me draw all sorts of different shaped ornaments on the tree (we are working on learning his shapes) and then he said: "Mommy-what about Jesus, he isn't in the picture." So he directed me as to what to do- Jesus was to go under the tree in his "bed" (a manger). My baby Jesus wasn't very pretty but my heart was glad with the knowledge that Tavin understood that among all the presents and excitement of Santa-there is also a place for Baby Jesus and the importance of his birth. What an appropriate place for him to be-under the tree- as the best gift there could be to all of us!

Burrrrr It's COLD OUTSIDE!

2011-01-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have been truly cold-I don't think that it should be aloud to get this cold outside! Right now it is 5 degrees out and snowing. I walk out the door and my body just screams "what the heck are you doing-get back inside"....so to say the least-we don't spend much time out doors right now.

These pictures are of us taking a little sled ride around the neighborhood when delivering our neighbor goodies for Christmas. It wasn't as cold out then:) Dan got a good work out pulling the three of us around. I tried to take a turn pulling him and the kids but they booed me-I couldn't make it go as fast as he could.

And then there are some pictures of Tavin and Dan making an interesting but friendly looking snowman in our front yard. Tavin wanted to make one after watching "Frosty the Snowman" on TV. For a week after watching that show-he would go around saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to everyone-cause that is what Frosty says when he first comes alive (I had to explain it to everyone he decided to say it to:)

Tavin's Horse On A Stick

2010-12-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

I found one of those horse heads on a stick that kids can ride on for Tavin-he loved it and has been pretend riding it for the last half hour. But the best part is what he named his horse. Without any prompt from Dan or I he decided to name the horse CHARLEY....so he refers to it as his "CHARLEY HORSE:)" -get it! Dan and I thought it was so funny....maybe we are just really tired from a long day or maybe it is funny-either way-it brightened up our night and I wanted to share.

And I am back-Brains just a little jiggled is all:)

2010-12-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well I finished my blog book and it is supposed to get here next week-very excited about that. I also finished by children's book and that is ordered and being shipped in the near future as well-very pleased with the results from that too...and we are gearing up for the holiday trip to see our families for Christmas! We will be heading out on Thursday.

I have had a little bit of a rough couple weeks due to the ICY weather here-fell on my way out the door...my foot COMPLETELY slipped from out from underneath me and I fell right on my head. Never experienced such a hard fall before and was unable to work my arms for about 3 minutes. Once they started working again-I immediately picked Katie up-I was carrying her and luckily she just fell to the side in the snow. Called Dan-and he came home. The next day-I was having really bad head pain, nausea, and tunnel vision-so we were off to the doctors where he diagnosed me with a severe concussion and sent me to get Xrays to make sure no fracture or internal bleeding was going on. Results came back fine thank goodness and he just told Dan to stay home and keep a close watch on me-along with pain pills and nausea meds that knocked me cold. Dan woke me up the first night cause he said I was making really strange noise and it was "freaking him out" :) He made me let him prop my head up with pillows (the doctor said I shouldn't lay flat).

I think he was freaked out cause the nurse told him that they had another guy come in a couple days before I did with the same accident and he died 2 days later! The doctor also put things into perspective for us when he told Dan that when he (Dan has gotten a few concussions from football before) got his concussions he had a helmet, I fell flat on my head without any protection. Pretty scary all in all and now we heavily salt our stairs. I still get pretty heavy migraines-which is normal-but am steadily feeling better. THANKS to all for your concerned calls and thoughtful acts. ESPECIALLY to my sweet husband who dropped everything for me.

ANYWAY-On to better things-LOTS of new and exciting projects in the works-and back to blogging-here are a few posts before I got to bed. I will post some of our Christmas activities in a few days-including our Santa clause visit and chat:) Tavin was soooo excited this year and personally invited him to our home along with Rudolph of course:)

And now for Tavin....

2010-12-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

We can't forget our Tavin boy-he has a new obsession with flushing the toilet. Whenever Dan and I head into the bathroom-he is right behind us-and stands next to the toilet to flush it for us! He keeps on asking-"now can I flush-now can I flush"-until we are done! We plan on potty training after the holidays-I feel he is ready! And we got him a Thomas the Train potty seat that he loves too.

He has been absolutely loving playschool-sadly it is over next week-it was just a month long thing-but it has been so good for him-he goes 3 times a week for an hour and a half. They make a craft and play games-etc. Our babysitter asked if he could come to it as part of her child development class lab. There are about 25 kids that go. He is so friendly and has no problem getting right in there! He even blows me and Katie a kiss and says: by mom I love you! see you in a while! ALL the teenagers in the class LOVE him and know him by name-Dan went to pick him up one day last week and one of the guys in the class said-you have such a stud for a son!

(Whatever that means-Dan thought it was funny)

The picture above is of his "bug glasses" that he made on bug day:)

Oh and just as a side note-he told me out of the blue the other day that I am his bestest mommy! Who knows where he gets this stuff but I sure do love it. He also now tells Dan and I to sleep tight and don't let bed bugs bight:)

Where is Katie....

2010-12-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

Our house is like a "Where's Waldo" book when it comes to Katie:) She can be found in the most interesting places these days! Dan calls her his monkey cause she literally climbs ALL over the place! I walk into a room and do a quick scan to try and find where she might be "hanging" next"! She is so funny and taking more and more steps each day. We are so taken by her cute personality....and believe me she is fullllll of spunk and personality.

Just recently-she has started to pick up a little girly flair to her-she loves to get dressed up-brings me her socks and shoes to put on-and gets really excited when I get my make-up out -she is right there next to me putting on everything! She also LOVES lotion-and associates it with girlie-prettiness-whenever I put some on-she has to have some too! I have to admit-I really like this new stage-and enjoy that she likes imitating me:) So interesting that the innate "girl" instinct is just inside us!

Here are some of the spots we have found her lately:

*Sitting on the dishwasher door-she loves to help mommy take the dishes out!

*Sitting on the tray of her walker-she now can get in and out of her walker-very talented little missy I must say-so when she is hungry-she gets in and lets you know by making noises-"uh uh uh" and then she lets you know when she has had enough by just upright getting out and abandoning you:)

*On top of the the kid table in her green seat-this seems to be her "princess thrown" and she is often found sitting high and mighty! Usually-again-telling us she is ready to eat!

*Another favorite spot is the rocking chair in her room-she can get herself up into it and manages to get herself rocking back and forth!

Where I Have Been...

2010-12-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

This seems to be a common question lately about my blogging status:) Where have you been? So I decided to tell you all where I have been-that is-anyone who still checks this:)
I am currently in the process of trying to complete a number of big projects:

1. I found a program and a good deal to make my book into a blog-it is in the finishing stages and includes my blog posts since I began blogging-I am super excited to have all of it in hard copy for my family to enjoy for years to come! It has 165 pages at the moment-so I have been tied up-editing and designing pages for it. I hope to send it in to be published this week!

2. I am also in the process of finishing a children's book:) That is all I will say for now-The writing has been done-and I am waiting on the artist who is finishing the pictures for me....more on this later.

3. I am excited to share that I have been chosen to blog for a Rexburg website on one of my favorite subjects...COUPONING and deals in Rexburg and Idaho Falls. I posted my first entry this weekend and will continue to do so daily or every other day-hoping to help those wanting to learn to save in Rexburg. I am absolutely phyced about this! You can check out my posts at www.rexburgsocial.com

4. We just finished pictures for our Christmas cards and I will be getting them ready to send out-if you would like one-please leave me your address in a comment or on facebook or email me:) You will be interested to know that I am sporting light brownish red hair in this years picture-it is quite interesting and I am still getting used to it.

5. Tavin is involved in Playschool-a program that some of the girls I teach at class are in for high school-it runs a month and he goes 3 times a week! So far he is loving it! And all the kids love him:)

6. Getting ready for the holidays! Putting up the tree and the christmas train and wrapping presents!
I promise to post soon and include video of Katie taking a couple steps!

Marshmallow Fondant

2010-11-19T20:17:00.001-08:00

Buzz LightYear Spaceship

This is my very first attempt at making a birthday cake that was more than a square boxed cake with frosting from a can....and I have to say I am very happy with how it came out. In Daniel's words : " Wow this came out really good-usually things we try to make don't turn out looking anything like what we planned" :) Tavin Loved his cake and when he saw it he yelled: "MY SPECIAL CAKE!" His smile and joy made all the work of making the cake worth it.

My good friend Catherine showed me how to make marshmallow fondant-a lot easier than I thought it would be-and a lot of fun-kind of like edible play-doh-very sugary play-doh-the recipe consists of a whole bag of mini marshmallows and a 2 lb bag of confectionery sugar.

Lets just say it is very yummy cake! More on Tavin's Birthday fun to come...

At It Again!

2010-11-16T22:04:00.001-08:00

My little photographer was at it again-he got a hold of my camera and took about 30 pictures of random objects and mystery items:) I was surprised at how good some of the pictures actually came out! And I like the angle on some of these shots-we can get a feel for how things look through his eyes and at his height. To me-a proud mommy-this is art at its finest:)

P.S. We are thinking of getting him a LeapFrog Camera-so he can take his very own pictures-then I won't have to go through and sort/delete a million on mine. I could here him in the living room trying to get Katie to pose for him:) The one of her that I posted was about as posed as she got. Evidently she wanted a try at the camera too.

Deep Sense Of Joy

2010-11-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

My children bring me such a deep sense of joy that I cannot find in or through any other thing or person on this earth. Just watching the smile on Katie's face as she slid down the slide was priceless to me. And like children, we need to find happiness in the simple things-even something as small and insignificant as a slide....

Look What I Found in My Cupboard!

2010-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

You never know where you might find Katie these days-she gets around that is for sure. This particular instance I had just finished cleaning and organizing the bathroom-including under the sink. About 10 minutes later, we could hear noises coming from the bathroom but when we went to see what was going on, all we found was a pile of all our cleaning supplies spread out all over the bathroom floor. No Katie...well at least until we saw her poke her head out from the cupboard:) Time to child proof I guess!

P.S. The very next day I found her in one of the kitchen cabinets-the one with all the Tupperware-the Tupperware was in a pile on the floor and she was squeaking from inside the cupboard. She didn't like this one as much though because she couldn't sit up straight!

P.P.S. Side note: Katie was playing in the bath tub the other day and I went to get her diaper from the bedroom...when I got back, she had one leg up on the side of the tub like she was trying to get out-I wondered why she didn't want to play anymore until I happened to glance in the water to see little floaties-yep she had pooped big time! It took an extra 40 minutes to get the bath tub cleaned out, disinfected, and then refilled and Katie washed! At least she was smart enough to know that she wanted to get out fast after pooping-she wanted nothing to do with it!

Quote of the Week

2010-11-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

Tavin: Mom my tummy hurts!
Mom:It does! What is wrong?
Tavin: It needs some....cookies (said this very non-chalantly)
Mom: (getting it now-relieved that it wasn't a stomache ache) Oh you think it needs cookies do you! :)
Dan-laughing goes and gets a pack from the back and we all eat some oreo cakesters
About 30 min. later...
Tavin: mom...my tummy hurts again
Mom: (a little hesitant) it does?
Tavin: yes it needs....another cookie:)

This kid is smart! Don't worry I didn't give in the second time-but it sure made our night:)

Buzz and a Bee

2010-11-01T10:41:00.001-07:00

We loved Celebrating Halloween this year-despite the yucky weather. Tavin is finally getting the idea of trick or treating and Candy-it was so fun taking him to the doors and hearing him say trick or treat. He loved all the attention he got from admiring candy-hander-outers and jumping in the rain puddles. He actually held out a lot longer than I expected-every time I asked him if he wanted to go in, he would say: "No I want to get more Candy!"

At one house he even went back for more candy-asking the Lady if he could get one for his mommy-He looks out for me:)

Katie girl liked the candy part and would bring anyone who was sitting around her a bag or bar to open-as you can imagine-the diapers were such a joy to clean the next day!

Carving Flames and A Monsterous Fellow!

2010-11-01T10:29:00.001-07:00

Tavin's Pumpkin

Dan and Kendra's Pumpkin

Another one of out Halloween Activities was carving pumpkins! We got Tavin a "Mr. potato head" Halloween kit so he could actually make a face-he is a little to young for the carving part-although he wanted to help mommy and daddy carve theirs! Dan and I decided on a flame jacko-lantern face. I have to say, both came out very Halloweeny:)

Practice Run

2010-11-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Monster Eyes-cute and easy idea to store away for a future year

Buzz Light Year, The Easter Bunny, and a horse-WOW what a crowd

Buzz Light Year Meets Ms. Horse

This is one of my girls that I teach on Sundays-her name is Katie and she was a bee too!

The picture outside our house!

We had our church Trunk or Treat on Tuesday night-inside due to SNOW (yes I did say snow) the kids had a blast and practiced for the big Halloween night....getting the candy and EATING it!

Halloween Festivities

2010-11-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tavin's cookies

Mckenna's cookies

We started off Halloween week by making LOTS (And I mean LOTS!) of yummy sugar cookies with our neighbors and Dan's sister Deedra (she came to visit us while she was getting things set to go to school here in January-we are very excited to have her close!) The kids got to decorate a few cookies on their own-note the sugar sprinkles piled as high as it could go! Can we say "Sugar High" but they had fun.

Have You Ever Seen Such Dirty Faces??

2010-10-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

This is Tavin's best bud Mckenna-or Penna as he calls her. Their family joined us on our most recent hike to bechler falls during General Conference weekend and it was tons of fun! Guess what their favorite part of the hike was? Playing in the dirt in the parking lot after we were finished:)

Pumpkins In The Patch

2010-10-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

This patch was just a few minutes drive from our home-there were tons to pick from-and every pumpkin Tavin came across was the "perfect one" so I spent a lot of time hauling pumpkins to our pile to be inspected:) Katie just really liked playing in the dirt! In the end-we found each of us a great pumpkin to carve-don't u love the little mini one we found for Katie! I thought it matched her size just right. And Tavin was proud that he could carry that one to the checkout stand for her:)

Fall Is My Favorite!

2010-10-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Family Trip to Corn Belly's-Katie in the Corn Pit

Finding the "perfect one" for Katie

Tavin Amid all the pumpkins and a few of these stalk like things....he liked this one for some reason and wanted a picture with it-I am sure it made the stalk feel good to be noticed:)

The colors turning on the trees-one of our recent hikes near our house

I Love Fall the best out of all the seasons....the smell of the cooling of the air, the changing of the colors, spices, pumpkins, looming holiday season, coziness, beautiful sunsets, smell of fireplaces....I could go on and on-I just like it a lot. Too bad that here in Idaho it only really lasts for a couple of weeks before the snow shows up.... speaking of which the forecast for Monday is 45 degrees and snow.

We went pumpkin picking yesterday and carried on the Smith tradition of starting a pile of all the pumpkins we think are good ones-after searching high and low for them-then lining them up-and choosing the bestest from the pile. When we were younger, my dad would take us out to a real pumpkin patch-on a wagon ride-then allow us to go through this process until we found our perfect one...as long as we could carry it all the way back to the wagon-hold it for the wagon ride-and haul it to the checkout stand, it was ours:) I remember hefting some pretty big pumpkins! Had to take breaks as I was walking back to the wagon. I hope that my children will grow up having fond memories of this tradition like I have!

Katie Is One!

2010-10-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Katie had a blast celebrating turning one year old! Time has flown by so fast and I am so proud of the little person she has become. We blew bubbles, opened presents, played with balloons, and best of all-got messy eating cupcakes! She LOVED it when we sang to her-clapped her hands and jumped up and down in her chair. At first she was very timid about eating her own cupcake-wondering if it was ok....but she didn't need much encouraging to dive right in! We put her in the tub when she was finished-there wasn't a place that the cupcake didn't get into-nose, diaper, hair, and all!

She is such a fun little girl-and so independent/adventurous-she wants to be a part of everything and isn't affraid to give something a try.

She is our drama queen, our stunt man, our loving little princess. We absolutely enjoy every minute of watching her grow up...just as long as it isn't too fast!

She is now standing up on her own-and will randomly decide to do this-she can use things to walk around the room-and we suspect that walking is not far off. She has also started to say mom and dad....well more like ma and da. And is just as smart as her brother.

Things Katie Loves:

Her green Turtle blanket! I have tried to replace this thing with a ton of other blankets-even ones that are the same size, and fabric-and she still doesn't like/won't go to sleep-with anything but her green blankie! I guess I better learn how to sew so I can sew up the holes this sucker is getting from all the love she gives it.

To eat! Especially bannana-she is such a tiny thing that you couldn't tell that she eats whenever she can.

To play peekaboo

To go down slides-she tries to do this on her own-despite me trying to make sure she gets down safe.

Fliping through books-following in her mom and brother's footsteps

Baths-usually will stay entertained for about 20 minutes

Outside-swinging and playing in the dirt/sand/woodchips-going on walks/rides in the wagon

Being walked around

Thanks to my family for helping us celebrate and for ALL your help in raising her!

Last Museum Post Part 3

2010-10-22T09:58:00.001-07:00

Few...last post....So there was an eating area out on a deck on the second floor that had a huge helicopter the kids could get in and pretend to drive-had sound effects to go along with it.

We ate snack at the picnic tables and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

The second floor is more geared toward older kids-a lot more "building activities" and there was a stage to put on your own shows, as well as a TV studio to pretend you were a weather man, etc. I enjoyed watching Aidan especially-he really liked to build his own stuff. Check out the tower he made.

All in all-it was a GREAT day.

Museum Part 2

2010-10-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

OK I lied...there is going to be three parts to this post. Mainly because I want my sister Krisha to be able to see these pictures and download them for her own use.

This was the next room of the Museum...filled with things to prompt kids to use there imagination....a huge play house, a construction workers zone, town store, farm, gas station, water play, and outfits to wear/cars to drive in. Real life for tiny people:)

I was amazed at how detailed this place was....the store had fake food that filled the shelves for kids to shop for, and the house had a tiny mouse whole that the kids could look into (Tavin found this and pointed it out to me). The farm even had fake chickens that clucked when they laid fake eggs, as well as a horse that you could get up on and pretend to ride.

Can you tell that I had just as much fun as the kids!

Discovery Museum...Where Imagination Goes Wild!

2010-10-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am going to have to do this post in 2 parts because I took so many pictures...that is just what I do as a mom....and the other reason being that this place was one of the COOLEST places I have been to with the kids! I highly recommend it if you are ever in the Salt Lake City Area (and if you are reading this-there is a very good chance that I like you-so you should invite us to come with you:). We spent about 4 hours here one day while I was babysitting my nephews for a few days.

The kids LOVED it and I wasn't kidding when I said that this place lets your imagination run wild. There was a whole room devoted to balls-of course this was the favorite of all the rooms for the boys. You could put these balls into tubes that would shoot them all over the room....there was also a game you could play like Plinko on "Price is Right" that Ethan particularly enjoyed. Even Katie loved it. Each Kid got a bin to fill up with balls and carry with them to all the different hands on activities.

More to come...

Over The Rainbow

2010-10-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

There was a really pretty rainbow over Walmart the other day-Tavin actually pointed it out to me-and stated that he "painted it for me with his paint brushes:)" I don't know where he got that from-but it was cute- and I made sure to say thank you for my beautiful picture!

Caramel Apples

2010-10-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Check these Caramel Apples out!

We had a good amount of apples on our tree this year and we wanted to try something different. So, I invited our very good friends over to attempt making some yummy treats. I am happy to report that they came out delicious!

We thought that the kids would like to help decorate the apples with the different toppings-well we thought wrong! The minute we put them up to the table, the only thing they were interested in was eating the toppings! Tavin consumed most of the Hershey bar we chopped up! They could care less about the apples-Mckenna just kept saying "I hungry, I hungry"-as she pushed the apple away and went for more sprinkles:) Needless to say they got a big sugar rush from it all. We had a great time!

P.S. Tavin is in love with Mckenna-they are getting so big! Both will be three in a month. It puts a smile on my face to watch them-the other day-Mckenna was determined to push Tavin on the swing at the park....it would come back and hit her-but she just kept right on pushing:) Both were giggling the whole time.

Small Things Will Make Great Things Come To Pass...

2010-10-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

How can these small little people/babies of mine bring me such great joy. No one can touch me straight to the heart as they can-and with just one word, just one touch, just one smile or hug.

Today wasn't one of my greatest days to date-but there was one special moment that made everything I did today worth it...Tavin likes to make up songs and sing them at the top of his lungs-it really doesn't matter where he is-or who is around-he has no reserve or shame. Today was like any other day-he found his pedestal to sing on-the treadmill-and began bellowing out his latest song-I could only pick out bits and pieces of his masterpiece....mommy...daddy....I'm getting bigger....once there was a snowman....and then the line that brought me back to life-"my mommy is so beautiful...."

I was watching him-as he insists I always do-trying to make animated expressions to encourage him and show him I liked the song-but when he said those simple words....I started to cry (I know, I know I am a dork!). Thank you Heavenly Father for giving me these little people-my little babies-to remind me that I am beautiful and loved. I needed that to today.....from small things-great things come to pass.

P.S. Tavin immediately stopped singing to ask if mommy was ok.... "mommy, u ok? It's ok sweetheart:)" I reassured him I loved his song and that I was just fine....so he continued on as before.

Duck Duck Goose

2010-10-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

(More pictures that Tavin took with our camera...the one of Katie was actually pretty good!)

Tavin asked us to play Duck, Duck, Goose with him tonight and so we sat in a circle in the living room-Dan, Katie, our dog Tuff and I-as he went around-this is his version of the game: "Duck, Hen, Hen, Duck, Goose!" Who knew my almost 3 year old son could be so diverse in his "birds"! He sure made the game more interesting though-if it were up to me-I would change the game to his version officially:)

The Utah Hoggle Zoo

2010-10-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Another trip we took while in UT was to the zoo to see all the animals.Tavin was a little scared of how open and close the animals were but with a little support from his auntie, grandpa, and mommy, he got used to it and was very animated about seeing all the animals! He reminded me every once and a while that he was having fun!:) At the giraffe house (my personal favorite!) He walked in-saw the giraffes-and came giggling out clapping his hands and saying, "common guys! come see! come see!" Tavin's favorite of all time was the train though. We went around on it 2 times and he laughed and smiled along side his cousin Ethan the whole time. Katie was very curious about the animals-she was very taken by the monkeys and intently watched them for a long time. There is nothing like experiencing the joy of things through your kids'!

My First 5K

2010-10-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

Also during my visit to UT, my sister Krisha and I ran a 5K race for Autism...nothing too strenuous but I am proud of myself for running the whole thing and getting my average time. It was fun and I am already thinking about the next one. I might just aim a little higher and try my luck at a 10k...ambitious huh:) There is something about accomplishment that made me want more.

My Dad and Nephew were also with us-taking care of the kiddies (thanks guys!) they walked the 5k with strollers. All in all-it was a beautiful day and Tavin celebrated afterward with a plunge in the water shoots! I was so surprised at his spontaneity-usually he isn't so Gun Ho about trying stuff like that-but this time, one try, and he was addicted....well until his pants started to fall down and his lips were turning blue:)

P.S. who knows what was up with my flat hair! Oh well

Adventures While Dog Sitting

2010-10-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Tavin, Katie, and I went to UT recently for a week to help out my little sister. Her and her husband went on a carnival cruise and needed a puppy sitter-me:) Saddie is a typical German Shepard puppy and by the end of the week, I think we had each other pretty much figured out. She liked to eat my hair while I was sitting next to her and she enjoyed a game of Frisbee or catch.... she attacked the hose water-and lost every time.

I used some of the tricks I learned from the "Dog whisperer"...he he he...(really good show-if you haven't ever watched it-and own or like dogs-I recommend it:) All went well except one occurrence where she threw up everything she had in her stomach during the night-the next morning wasn't so pleasant. Thankfully I had help-while I cleaned up the floor-the outdoor hose and my dad had a date with her cage and dog bed:)

Happy Hour

2010-09-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

These are pictures Tavin took of himself:) What the Photographer!

We all need some humor in our life right-and that is why I am so thankful for Tavin-he is full of funniness:)

So here is one for ya:

I was taking my morning medicine-which includes my birth control pill...

Tavin: Mom I want some candy too! (thinking my pills were candy)

Mommy: no Tavin this isn't kid candy...it is medicine for mommy...

Daniel teasing: Yeah Tavin-you want some birth control-that would be really effective and good for you!

Tavin : mommy! I want birth control, I want some birth control-as he follows me around the house.

Mommy: Thank u Daniel for teaching our child that-so when we are in public places- he can start saying that out loud for all to hear-and all the people can look at me like I am a weirdo mom that gives her kid birth control like candy!:)

Here is another one for ya:

We were getting ready to go play catch on the baseball field-Dan got out our mitts, balls, and bats-including Tavin's little mini-mitt....

Tavin in a VERY Excited voice: YAY YOU FOUND MY CATCHER! that is what he calls his mitt-makes sense-it catches the ball for him:)

Cave Falls-Ashton Idaho

2010-09-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

It was a day of finding new places! After our hike, we took a little detour on our way home to find Cave falls-it was a great little place for the kids to play and throw rocks into the shallow water. The falls were amazing and a beautiful back drop for play time. We spent about an hour just relaxing. We found out that there are other falls along the route that you can hike to. An adventure for another day (we were already pooped by then). We plan on coming back here next summer, that way the kids can play in the water. It was only in the 60s on Labor Day so swimming wasn't in the plans:)

I am so happy that hiking has become something that our whole family enjoys! A fun way to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors.

Herriman State Park

2010-09-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

We found a new place to go hiking about a half hour from our house- called Herriman State Park-and on Labor day we went to explore. We hiked around this beautiful lake-and through these fields of hay....saw swans, and geese, chipmunks, and butterflies galore. There are also elk, moose, and bear that live in this area-but Tavin sang most of the time he was awake and I am sure that kept those animals away:) We saw tons of beautiful flowers, and berries. And, while Katie and Tavin were sleeping, it was the quietest peaceful place I have been-in a long time. It was just so fun. I love the smell of Autumn in the air and the cool breeze made it easier for Dan and I to carry the two little ones on our backs. We will definitely be visiting this place again!

Total miles Hiked:9

Lets Go Fly A Kite...

2010-09-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Mom got in on the action too-I'm in serious kit flying contemplation:)

Katie girl getting to see her first Kite

The Pirate Ship in flight

Tavin the littLe man helping to get the Kite of the ground

Boys at play

Sunday afternoon and the wind was blowing...perfect to fly our new kite-a pirate ship! Tavin was so excited and ran around like a crazy man chasing the ship where ever it went. And Katie was mesmerized by it-trying to figure out what it was. A good afternoon-wind and all.

P.S. If you live close by and want to come join us-we have a dragon one too!

My Hubby and Me...

2010-09-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

This is my most favorite picture of all our wedding pictures-it shows such passion-plus it looks like one of those perfume adds in a magazine-and that is kinda cool too:)

I thought I would take a minutes and say something about my handsome husband. I always rave about my kids on here but don't mention him as much as I should-he is part of the behind the show works when it comes to our family but definitely one of the most needed and important people to me and my kids. When he comes through the door, both kids literally light up-and Tavin personally announces (in an almost shouting- so excited- type of voice) to the house and me that "Daddy is home!"

Last night after the kids were in bed, we cuddled together and watched a movie-first time in a while-and I realized that we need to do it more often. We do work around the house most days after he gets home-and we need to do more fun things-more "making of family memories" time. So on Labor Day we plan to go on a hike to Wind Caves with the kids in their packs:)

The movie got over at 1 am and instead of going to bed right away we laid in the dark and talked-the kind of talk like when I was younger and used to have sleepovers with best friends-we would lay really close and whisper giddily about our deepest secrets-that is what Dan and I did and I loved it. I loved knowing that he cared and that what I had to say was important enough to stay up a whole other hour just to talk and listen. Most of all I am grateful that he loves me and is mine, all mine-forever!

My First Teeth

2010-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

I attempted to get a picture of Katie's three new teeth to show everyone-these are the best of what we were able to get. She got frustrated at me after a while cause she wanted to hold/play with the camera-not pose for it:)

She is so cute with her toothy grin!

Brownie Kabobs

2010-08-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

So here are the brownie Kabobs I told you about-made them for my YW girls...and had a few for myself-good thing there wasn't very many extra ones! They are really good-easy to make too. And they didn't come out looking too bad:)

Try it this weekend if you get a chance:

Strawberries-one of the plastic containers that you get at the store

Bananas-4 or 5 bananas cut in 1/4 inch pieces

Pineapple chunks-from a can-just need one can-unless you really like pineapple

Brownie box mix-make the brownies according to the box and cool completely

Skewers-wood ones-get at any grocery store or Wal-mart-in kitchen gadget isle

Chocolate chips(semi-sweet)-one cup

Butter-1/4 cup

-Alternate the brownies and fruit on the stick

-Put the chips and butter in a bowl together-in microwave for 1 and 1/2 minutes-stir until well blended and then drizzle over the kabobs

Tip: To keep the bananas from going brown-brush with lemon juice

Look What She Can Do

2010-08-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is Katie's newest trick-it seems like she learns one everyday. Yesterday I opened the door to her standing eager for me to see her:) I wouldn't be surprised if she was walking by one years old. She is such a determined little girl.

Update on the " kids eating healthy" goal: I am happy to report another great and successful day! Mommy scores again-I could get used to this-but I am sure the rebellion is coming:) I am up making brownie kabobs for my young women group-a back to school treat. It consists of brownies, strawberries, bananas, and pineapple on a stick with chocolate drizzled over all of it-hope it comes out like its supposed to. Sometimes my creations just don't look like the pictures:)

Oh Little Wormy Worm

2010-08-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is Tavin's little wormy friend-I was surprised at how eager he was to pick the worm up. Once he did, that worm never left his side until we convinced him that the worm's mommy and daddy would be worried if he didn't go home. He asked me if the worm could come into Tavin's home with him:) What a friendly little boy. I told him we would take pictures so that he could remember his little wormy friend but no-he couldn't come into our house.

P.S. The gravel bed picture is to show our newest addition to our yard. We decided to plant bushes along that strip. When we seeded for grass we didn't get that strip seeded (thought we might pour concrete to add to the driveway but that didn't happen) So this was our creation and way to prevent weeds from growing. It looks a lot nicer in person-and we are happy with it. When the bushes grow a little taller it will look even better:)

Just To Tell You About My Day...

2010-08-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Note: I am trying to be better about blogging-counting it as my way of journaling-so you might get sick of all the posts.

Just wanted to tell you about my day today. It was a good one-I felt really productive for the first time in a week:) And I am almost done with my huge mound of laundry. That in itself is something to be proud of. But the biggest thing that happened today was I started Tavin on a "healthier eating" schedule. I was fretting that it wouldn't work and my efforts would just blow out the window but surprisingly he did great! I have found that if I eat with him when he eats, he does better and is more willing to try new things. I think I just need to give the kid more credit.... ME ME down and good eating habits started....potty training....hmmm I am not sure I am just ready for that one yet.

Here is what he ate today: honey bunches of oats with a banana, yogurt and grapes for a snack, sandwich and crackers for lunch, and he ate a quesadilla that we made him for dinner! To drink he had water and milk.

That beats: poptarts, crackers, peanut butter toast, occasional banana, chocolate muffins, chocolate milk, neutra grain bar, chicken nuggets repeated over and over again all day long and all week long! (I am really not a bad mom I promise!)

Score: 1 point for mommy

Did You Know?

2010-08-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

My Tavin Boy the week before we took the Binks away:) Little did he know! But he has done so good-how cute is this picture. My dad picked him these flowers and he wouldn't let go of them-even to sleep!

Did you know that I am a princess? Yep that's right-I am a princess according to Tavin:) After I was all done getting ready for church on a Sunday morning, Tavin came around the corner, saw me, and covered his mouth with is hand as he gasped...."MOM-U ARE BOOTIFUL! YOU ARE A PRINCESS!" I almost cried-he was so cute and so sincere-you can't beat being a princess and being bootiful!

P.S. He is now sleeping through the night without his ME ME! Well other than the occasional rendition of Jingle Bells at 3 in the morning-while he was still asleep:) Not having a pacifier can do weird things to a person I guess.

Second Night of the Pacifier Purging and Katie

2010-08-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Being busy with the boys

Face after eating cherries

Her new sippy cup

The second night was quite a bit harder than the first but that was because I was puking about every hour to hour and a half until there was nothing left in my stomach. How lovely right! So not only did I have a kiddo that wanted his mommy to comfort him, but I was trying to run to the bathroom and get it in the toilet in between. Today I am feeling much better and no throwing up to report as of yet-cross my fingers! I just ate my first bit of food for the day.

And lets do a little shpeal on Katie girl: Whom I have nicknamed "Biggy Bee" yes I know-a weird nickname-I don't know why this has stuck but that is what comes to mind when I am talking to her:) She is now crawling regularly (for a while she was' army crawling) and can pull herself up on things. She LOVES to walk while holding our hands. Katie can drink from sippy cup with a straw (skipped the whole bottle stage completely) LOVES fruit....and has decided she is done breastfeeding...sad in a way but also slightly liberating. The only time she takes milk from me anymore is in the morning when she first wakes up. She is VERY busy-always wanting to move and explore-so interesting how different she is from Tavin in that aspect.

Farewell....

2010-08-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well we did it...I know most of you are saying FINALLY! but I have been dreading the repercussions of getting rid of Tavin's ME ME-otherwise known as a pacifier. We explained that ME ME has been a good friend but now Tavin is a big boy and ME ME needs to go home. (while he wasn't looking, ME ME found the garbage can.) So how did the first night go you ask? Well-not as bad as I expected. He did end up sleeping by our bed on the floor but we can work on that one later. And he did wake up wanting ME ME this morning-had a fit for about 45 minutes, but settled down and cuddled with mom. We will make it! I have to say, I am all for how we did it with Katie-no pacifier to begin with. No more searching all over the house to find where the Me Me is. No making sure it is packed when we go out, no more having to put it in the dishwasher when it starts to smell....But thank you ME ME for all the comfort you've provided for my son, now Farewell and good ridden:)

The Beauty of Idaho

2010-08-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

When I first came to Idaho to go to BYU-Idaho, it seemed like I drove through endless fields and barren land with NO beautiful and lush trees to be seen. But, after living here for 9 years now, I am convinced of its beauty and marvel at the farmers' fields of green, and gold, the mountain peeks, and overflowing waterfalls. This past week I got to explore some of the well known sites of Idaho while my dad and Sister-Karey-visited us. We spent some of our time-exploring warm river-and the fishermen there, mesa falls, and even found out what a huckleberry looks like/tastes like! Lesson Learned: Every place and every person has a beauty of its own.