Chasing Dreams

UPDATE... (ya can you believe it?)

2010-06-22T22:21:00.016-06:00

What's happening in our lives?

Things have been going really well for us.

Our kids are growing like {WEEDS}.

Seriously- Carter, Brooklyn, Boston are getting so BIG.

A little about Carter James

Carter cracks us up as he likes to talk like a "Grown Up".

The other day he said to our friend Russell:

"So Russell, how is your iPad doing? I hear that you

have 3 iPads now..." Russell thought it was so funny.

He likes to talk in a deep voice when speaking to our

friends, or when he is working out in the yard with me

(Brent).

Carter loves playing our iPod touch and playing

with his friends.

He loved going on the "Father's and Sons" camp, and

is a big help when he wants to be. :)

Carter "Graduating from "Pre-School" this year

We celebrated his graduation at the Boise Zoo

Carter and his cousin Ivy

Brooklyn Rae A.K.A "Little Mom"

So Brooklyn is excited to turn 3 in Aug. and is secretly

hoping for her own "Princess" Bike. She loves to copy

everything that Carter does and says, and likes to torment him

with playing the iPod when he wants to.

Brooklyn loves to take care of her {babies}. She is a busy

little mom, who goes to work, school, and the grocery

store all in a "Days work". You must also be careful

not to trip on Ambers "high heel" shoes that are all

over the house due to Brooklyn's infatuation with being

a "MOM".

Brooklyn is our little helper, as she will get us diapers

and watch Boston for us.

Brooklyn making a face

Brooklyn and Carter

Brooklyn and Carter with cousins Ivy and Zack

Carter and Brooklyn at the Circus riding the Ponies

Boston Donald- No longer a baby

It's hard to believe that we have had this little guy in our lives
for a year. He has been such a fun baby/toddler.
When he has his mind on something- there is
no changing it. He is one determined little guy.
We love his happy and fun personality.
So glad that he is a part of our family.

Boston's {Simba} Cake

loving the balloons!!!

Grandma Tami, Brooklyn and Boston

Boston Chilling before church

Amber Rae

I don't know how she does everything she does. She is an

AMAZING wife and mom. I love and appreciate all that

she does for our family. She is a great example to our

family.

Me (Brent)

I have been staying really busy at work. So far this

year work has taken me to: Las Vegas, Alberta (Provincials-short vacation. It was so fun to see family and friends),

Dallas, & Baltimore. I am grateful for my continued employment

at DotcomSecrets.com, INC.

CONGRATULATIONS - Terry graduating with his MBA

We are looking forward to our family vacation/reunion to Raymond

Alberta Canada in a few days. We are also excited to a return

trip to {Pirates Cove} in Boulder City Nevada in September. It sounds like my sister Sonia will Cater again this year. She did a great job last year.

Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove at night. Really AMAZING

Well that's all I have right now. We will try and update this after our trip to Canada.

-Love,

The coppieters gang

Birthday

2010-02-15T15:12:00.005-07:00

SO these posts aren't in order....oh well. The day before we went to Hawaii we celebrated Carter's birthday. I can't believe that he is now 4 years old. He is now in CTR4 in primary and just yesterday he gave his first talk in primary! He did a great job and wasn't shy and said everything. He came home with a CTR ring. I remember that day when I got my first ring and it doesn't seem that long ago and here I am seeing my own child so excited to wear this ring. He has told me and his sister to choose the right and to make the right choice. I love my little Carter man and am thrilled to see him grow but it is sad too... it all goes by so fast!!! I wish I could just stop time for a few months and go back and relive certain days :)

WAY TOO LONG

2010-02-15T11:01:00.006-07:00

Okay so I am going to do a ton of "catch up" posts. I know its been like 5 months. TONS has happened and I need to write it down. I think I will start with HAWAII!!! We were really blessed this last year to be able to go on a family vacation to Hawaii. I was extremely nervous to take all 3 kids all the way over there.....but we did and we had a great time. It is so beautiful and right now I am just dreaming I am over there. Oh how nice the weather was and the sand and water and SUN!!!! I love the sun as long as it doesn't get too hot and it was perfect! I can't wait to go back again sometime!!!

Brooklyn went on stage with Tiana and Andrea to

learn how to hula

Our sugar cane train ride.....

kids loved it and still talk about going on a train.

Some major waves back there.

They would crash on these rocks that we were standing on....

I thought we were going to be plowed over

Brooklyn at the Luau...

the show was starting and it really was that amazing!!!

We hiked back into "Twin Falls"

Carter and Brent's "hang loose"
Brent and Me getting ready to go on our zipline adventure

SO FUN!!!

Our condo's pool

kids all cuddled up.....had to move Boston asap or they would've smashed him

Brooklyn and the waves. She loved them and wasn't scared!!!

Carter and his cousin running from the waves. Carter

was a little timid of the waves but soon warmed up to them.

Pirates Cove part 2

2009-09-13T20:45:00.000-06:00

We had the greatest time at Pirates Cove!!!! Brent worked for most of the week during the day and so many of the wives got to play together and take care of our kids of course. Thanks girls for making it such an enjoyable week....I say we do it again but leave the guys with the kids :)

Carter and Brooklyn turned into little fishes. Seriously, the first day they (Carter) were leached on to me and were quite nervous (even with life jackets) but by day 2 they were champs and didn't need me at all. Carter told me multiple times every day just how awesome this place was. It was a great little family vacation.

On the airplane....so excited!!

The kids pool/beach

This is the house that we were in. There was a projector

above the pool and we watched movies at night outside.

Boston hanging out on the bed.

Carter and Brooklyn

Getting ready for the day

Carter and Ellie giving hugs

Carter and Haylin hanging out with the pirate

Gambling at a young age

Brookie and Ellie getting ready for bed

Carter and Dallin trying on the pirate boots

Having fun in the water

Taking a snooze...playing in the water all day is tiring :)

In the hot tub with daddy

Getting ready to go down the kid slide

Just getting off the slide

Happy Birthday UNCLE PAT!!!!

2009-09-10T22:47:00.004-06:00

Happy Happy birthday!!!!

We love you and hope that you have a great day! We can't wait until you get to come home!

XOXOXOX coming to you from us!

Okay I have been trying to upload pictures and videos for you pat but its not working. So I will keep trying....... the kids want to wish you a happy birthday!

PIRATES COVE

2009-08-24T17:12:00.001-06:00

We had the wonderful opportunity to go to Pirates Cove, just outside of Las Vegas in Boulder City. Here is a little video on You Tube.

Brent had an event for work here and and we got to tag-a-long. So crazy to think that this is a house not a resort/motel!!! Stay tuned for more pics from our SUPER FUN vacation!

Hiding places

2009-08-16T20:28:00.002-06:00

Brooklyn and Carter have been such great friends lately. Due to some very creative, independent minds I've got in the habit of wherever I am the kids need to be. If I am upstairs the kids have to be upstairs and downstairs they have to be downstairs. I was doing laundry upstairs and the kids were in Carter's room reading books and playing "school" and I could hear them playing so nice.....music to my ears. I dove into the big pile of laundry and then ran to clean my bathroom and when I went to listen for the kids again I noticed that it was silent. Silent kids usually means trouble with Carter and Brooklyn. I went into Carter's room to find them not there and so I ran downstairs and searched...no kids. I called out for them.....silence filled the room! I ran back upstairs a little panicked. I looked in Brooklyn's room again and heard a "shhhhhh....she's here." In the closet is where I found them...doing nothing wrong just making a hiding place.

Enjoying our new addition

2009-07-20T23:31:00.005-06:00

We all have been loving on Boston so much and are so happy he is such a good little guy! He is starting to give us lots of smiles when we talk to him and has even given us a few coos. Brook and Carter are very protective over him and constantly need to know where he is and what he's doing. They love showing him their toys or telling him what they're doing. They also think it is absolutely hilarious when he toots. (and let me tell you the boy can toot :) Brooklyn and Carter are so proud of him and we are proud of all 3 little kiddos!!!

Happy 4th of JULY

2009-07-20T23:10:00.004-06:00

Before the fireworks

Grandma and Boston

Carter going on the slip 'n' slide

Picking cherry's off the cherry tree in the

early morning

Okay so I am almost a month late but better late than never!!!

We went to Twin to celebrate the lovely 4th of July with my family. We enjoyed a nice big barbeque and getting to see everyone. Of course we always go to my mom's band concert at the college there in Twin (she plays in the city band) and after that we walk over to the grassy area to see the firework show. I was a little nervous to take Boston out, but he did so well and the weather was perfect! Brent and Carter bought fireworks but the kids didn't make it out of the parking lot after the firework show awake so we let them sleep and we lit the ones they bought the next night. The kids had a great time and got to experience sparklers for the first time. Boy did those sparklers bring back my childhood days.

Lots to catch up on!!!

2009-06-29T23:21:00.007-06:00

Okay so I am going to try and re-claim this blog as Brent has kindly taken over since I just never get time to update. So thanks sweety for updating everyone! My sweet mother dear was able to come up and be with me for most of the week after the baby was born. Thank goodness because Brent was so extremely busy with work and he could not take time off during this busy time. So thank you mom for keeping us all afloat! My dad and mom then decided to venture out on a Motorcycle ride and ended up at our house for the day. Carter and Brooklyn both couldn't get enough of the motorcycle...it is so special at our house the motorcycle even ends up in our prayers. I even got to go for a ride on the motorcycle and screamed the whole time, I haven't really ever been on one. It was lots of fun!

Adjusting to the 3 kiddos has been fun and quite interesting. Brooklyn and Carter both seem to be doing really well. Brooklyn ended up getting a nasty cold when we brought Boston home so I have been the "mother hen" and tried to keep her completely away from the baby.....not a good idea. It seems that by doing that it has made her transition way harder. So yesterday I gave in and let her hold the baby. She would NOT let go. She loved that baby so much and made sure his head was held and did so good. I seriously could not believe how motherly she was to him. After quite a while I asked if I could have a turn....her reply : "I not done yet, in a few min-ets" I finally did have to take him away and she continued to ask if I was done, and if it was her turn. She did so much better when I wasn't constantly telling her to step away from the baby.

Carter seems to have grown up TONS!!! He really is such a good big brother to Brook and Boston! He sure has had his moments but the last few days he has been so good! I'm so proud of him! He thinks Boston is "so adorable"! The first day we brought him home. Carter got to hold him and he said, "Mom, I love him, I want to keep him forever!!!" I said WE WILL keep him forever!

Boston is AMAZING! He smells delicious! I wish I could hold him all day!!! We all

google over him! He is smothered with kisses all day long. Last night he slept from 11:30 to 6 am. I woke up to have the light coming in through the windows and couldn't believe he slept that long. I immediately freaked thinking is he okay. He is PERFECT! It's amazing at how a newborn seriously brings a STRONG SPIRIT into our home. I feel like we have a little bit of heaven right here in our home. Although I've heard #3 is the killer.....I have yet to feel it. Of course it has only been over a week. But it seems as though I've become more patient and feel an overwhelming love for all 3 of my kids!!! It's not easy or a breeze by no means, but it seems like I am just a little more relaxed and just know that the most important thing I can do each day is take care of my kids and play with them and let them know I LOVE THEM. I try not to put too many chores on my list for the day and stick with just a few. I thank Boston for bringing in such a sweet spirit and I'm so GLAD he is here.

Miracles

2009-06-19T17:50:00.005-06:00

I know that it isn't Mother's Day- but after witnessing a true Miracle today, I wanted to give a "Shout Out" to Moms.

Mom = Strength

Thanks to all of you mom's who not only give birth but do so many other things. You all deserve to be loved and appreciated as the Miracle Makers you are!

This morning I saw a true Miracle. I saw my beautiful wife Amber exhibit amazing strength and give birth to our son Boston (born 06/19/09 at 4:57 am. 8 lbs and 21 inches). We are all so excited to have him finally here. Happy Birthday Boston!

Amber is doing really well. After having ZERO pain medication with Brooklyn- she opted to try a full epidural for Boston. It was AWESOME!

The Labor progressed great, and before long it was time to push him out. She only pushed for about 15 minutes. Once his head came out he started to turn blue. I was getting scared as it was obvious that he was kind of stuck.

We were all telling Amber to really push hard. The dr. was pulling on him trying to free his shoulder, as it was caught and preventing him from coming out. It seemed like forever but finally he came out and was fine. It really was scary for me, as I had a thought that if he didn't get out ASAP- he wasn't going to make it.

My heart goes out to parents of stillbirths. I couldn't imagine going through that.

Sorry to depress you- this really is supposed to be a happy post.. :)

Amber and Boston are doing great- his blood sugar was fluctuating a little but I think is getting more regulated the more he nurses.

Thanks for the prayers on our behalf. Carter and Brooklyn are super excited to have him here. They are great kids.

A special Thank You to our good friend Barb who came over at 1 am to care for Carter and Brooklyn. She has 2 of her own little girls and was great with our kids.

Thanks to Ami who took Carter and Brooklyn for a few hours today so that I could spend time with her and Boston.

We'll post more soon.

Brent

Random Pics.

2009-06-12T21:49:00.007-06:00

Well in the last blog post I told you that I had some pictures coming- so here they are. We had fun having Grandpa Jim and Grandma Helen visit, along with Ryan and Sonia Wynder and family. Feeding the geese and going to the Water Park were alot of fun.

Carter and I joined some friends on an overnight camping trip to Oregon. The moment that Amber told him about going camping he went nuts. Amber was great to go and get us sleeping bags and pack us food.

We hope that you enjoy the pictures and feel free to comment. :)

Brooklyn 21 months and Carter

Our Front room

New picture of the Cardston Alberta LDS temple- where we were married

Grandpa Jim, Carter, Amber and Grandma Tami

Canada Geese in the Park

Grandpa Jim & Carter

Brent & Carter

Brent & Carter w/ Canadian Geese

Grandpa Jim, Brent, Carter & Grandma Tami

Carter excited to sleep in a tent- 1st camping trip

Camping in Oregon

Carter Camping

Brent & Carter getting in some more- Marshmallow roasting

Holy Smokes

2009-06-08T22:31:00.002-06:00

Wow- Where has time gone?

Sorry for not posting. Life has been pretty crazy for us.

Where to start... (Amber can add some pics later).

My friend Russell invited Carter and I to go with him, his boys and his brother and his kids to his "Fathers and Sons" ward campout. Carter had his first trip into Oregon. It was pretty fun. Carter and I borrowed a tent from Russell and had a great time.

We got back Saturday- then Russell and I took off to Florida on Sunday. Russell was cohosting a one day workshop. tuesday morning Russell and I flew from Ft. Lauderdale to Raleigh N.C.

We went to present some of our students with a brand new CORVETTE. This car was beautiful. It was really fun surprising the couple. They were finalists in our $100 Million Dollar Challenge. Later that day we flew back home. It was great to get back.

This past weekend I was called by our ward exec. secretary asking me to meet with the Bishop early sunday morning. I showed up right on time- and the Bishop asked me to serve as 1st counselor in the Young Men's. Wow- not really prepared for that one. YIKES

Now we are waiting for this little guy to decide to come out and play. He has been playing inside Amber (literally) I think he has mastered "Back flips" inside of her...

She has been super uncomfortable so I think it could be any time.

We are really appreciate of so many great friends who have taken our kids so that Amber has been able to get a little break. We also have so many people who have offered to help with our kids when Amber has the baby. We really are so grateful for such good friends. It is hard not having family around especially at times like this- but good friends can definitely help fill the void.

We hope that you are doing well. We are enjoying the beautiful weather here in Boise.

I better get back to counting contractions... :)

Hopefully next post has some baby news..

Brent

Story Time

2009-05-08T08:50:00.002-06:00

Okay so I have wanted to write this story down for a really long time but haven't found the time to do so. But since my goal is to put all my blog posts into a book every year I really feel that this story needs to be in there. So read on if you like but don't feel like you need to as this post is really for my family.

Some of you may know that this pregnancy was a complete surprise and a major lesson learned. My "family" plan was to have 2 kids close together, wait a few years and then have 2 more close together. I had Brooklyn and well the delivery was quite tramatic for me making my "plan" that much more appealing and I really felt good about it. I really didn't want to get pregnant for a LONG time! I was starting to get a good schedule down for my kiddos. I kept thinking of going on family trips just the four of us and enjoying a family of four. Then one day I remember it all so well, I got Brooklyn up from her nap and went and sat down in the TV room with Carter and fed Brooklyn and as I was feeding her, Carter was playing so nice with his toys and all of the sudden an OVERWHELMING feeling came over me of leaving my 3rd baby in the room. Just as quickly as I thought that, I thought I was CRAZY! But it hit me in the pit of my stomach causing tears to come to my eyes that I really was forgetting my 3rd baby. I told Brent of this and we laughed, because we both were in NO WAY ready for another baby....I still had one. Well every day for about 2 weeks that feeling would come to me so strongly! I ignored it and told myself it was hormones causing me to be crazy. It went away for a few days and then I started taking a parenting class and every night that I went I would drive home, with the radio off and just enjoy the quietness... to only have those feelings come back ever so strongly. I remember one night driving home and that feeling coming so strong of "just pray about it, or go to the temple of WHEN to have another baby" I quickly told myself, I have two babies and I love them and want to enjoy them, plus my body needed a few years to itself and to get back to being normal before I throw in another baby. I wasn't done having babies, I would have more kids just not now!!!! I turned on the radio and tried to think of something else. Looking back on it I realize how stubborn I was being! Well the feelings continued and of course, I couldn't pray about it because I already knew the answer and if I got that confirmation than I'd really have to obey.... so I just went about every day disregarding any feelings I got about having another baby. We moved into our new house and I remember looking at houses and walking, feeling so empty and incomplete because I truly was missing our 3rd baby. I went to Twin one weekend with the kids and I went to church with my parents and it just so happened that a little baby boy was being blessed that day and as the new Father took his little baby boy up to the front tears immediately came to my face as I really was forgetting my 3rd baby boy. After the blessing, I quickly took Brook out acting as if she needed a diaper change and I had something in my eye getting out of there as fast as I could so no one would question. Well those feelings subsided for a little bit and I actually wasn't feeling very well at all so I went to the doctor, they did an ultrasound and found a fairly large cyst on one of my ovaries. I was told to wean Brooklyn and start birth control right away to see if we could break down the cyst or else they would need to do surgery. So Brooklyn was now 13 months old and I did wean her and I did start birth control. Well it just so turned out that I got pregnant right around that time. A month later I was deathly ill, couldn't get out of bed and was so sick. I remember talking to my mom and seriously worried thinking something was so wrong with me and she kept telling me it's probably the pill making me so sick and to talk to my doctor about switching. One evening Brent said well, did you ever take a pregnancy test before you started the pill ( you are supposed to, but I was pretty sure that I wasn't! ) Anyway I did take one and it ever so lightly appeared. WE were in disbelief and didn't tell a soul. Waited a couple more weeks and I took another one, and well sure enough it was big bright positive!

I learned a huge lesson that although we may think we are in control of our lives and we make the decisions in our lives, we don't. I thought of course I always include Heavenly Father in my decisions and up until this point, I have never disagreed with him so strongly, but I learned that there is a higher power involved and he will always win. Throughout this pregnancy I at times have felt stressed but overall have felt an overwhelming feeling of this is exactly where Heavenly Father wants my life to be. There truly isn't any greater feeling than knowing that even though life is stressful and I may not have all the answers or know how everything is going to go, I do know full well that my Heavenly Father is well aware of me and my family and this is what our family needs right now. I'm so thankful for the blessings of the gospel and for the knowledge it provides. I know that this little spirit needs to, for some reason, come into our lives now and not in a few years. I'm so thankful that even though I was so hard-headed to listen that it still happened and in just over a month he will be here. I am overwhelmed with love for this little boy and have learned that "my plan" may not be what "HIS" plan is. And to always have an OPEN heart and mind so that when I get any sort of feeling I can truly pray and listen. It's so easy to dismiss quiet feelings as being just in your head, but the spirit works so quietly and we really do need to listen. Many times a thought really is the spirit guiding us. I have learned to never doubt yourself because with Heavenly Father you are capable of anything.

Just like Daddy!!!

2009-04-22T16:28:00.005-06:00

Carter has become obsessed with his "underwear shirts"! He thinks that he has to have one on all the time, to be just like his daddy. He freaks out if we forget his undershirt. This morning he told me again as I was getting him dressed that he needs to always have his "underwear shirt" on. Yesterday we went to the park and it was so hot and I felt so bad for the poor little guy since he's got 2 shirts on. For bed, he refuses to wear his pajama top he only wants to wear his underwear shirt and his pajama bottoms. So thanks to Daddy for setting such a great example we now have a little boy who has really no idea why his daddy always has white "underwear shirts" but he wants to be just like him!

Dog-sitting

2009-04-16T09:14:00.003-06:00

Ok so it has been a few weeks since we dog sat for our friends, but I have do a post on it because seriously Carter reminds me VERY OFTEN that he would like a dog like Red and really wants to "baby sit" him again. Thanks Barb and Mike for trusting us with your cute little dog and for letting my kids get a little glimpse of how fun little dogs are. Carter wanted the dog to sleep with him and would beg Red to follow him everywhere. They would go outside and I'd tell them to have races so they would run from one fence to the next.....great way to get them both tired. They kids were so good at dinner time the first night with not giving Red a thing even though he was right there begging for them to drop something. But soon they gave in and Brooklyn was the main one to be so very sneaky and slowly grab some of her food and put it under the table. When we'd catch her, her reply "feed doggy."Carter was so good he even scooped up his poop... I held the plastic sack and he scooped....the first scoop accidently went over the fence in our neighbors yard. (Carter didn't know that the plastic sack I was holding was actually for the poop :) )

Dr. Time

2009-04-16T08:45:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago I was upstairs doing some laundry and the kids came downstairs without me...which usually is never good news. I always have to run downstairs to check on them and within a few minutes they usually conquer painting on the wall with Vaseline or move a chair to the counter to climb into the "treat cupboard" and get into gum or get into my tums or vitamins. So I never can let them go down there without me chasing after them. Well this day I hurried to finish folding the last of the load of laundry and then I ran downstairs thinking I wonder what it is going to be today. Well I found them like this.......

Carter managed to get his car pillow and a towel for a blanket and

was Dr. Carter...his diagnosis: an ear infection

For once they surprised me and were actually playing. I was so proud of them and gave them both lots of praise and they have continued to earn my trust for a few minutes of alone time together. I love it when the play so good together. It's quite funny what the two of them come up with.

Shooting in Twin Falls

2009-04-05T14:38:00.004-06:00

Pat Teaching me how to shoot

Brent With the MNP AR15 .223 Cal.

Brent and Pat shooting FNH FS2000 .223 cal.

Brent shooting his new handgun
Amber and Pat shooting our handgun

Carter with Uncle Pat and .22 handgun

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to give a little update, and show off my new gun...

We have been in Twin Falls hanging out with Amber's family this conference weekend.

Amber's sister April with her kids: Ashlyn and Collin are here from California, and her sister Meagon with her kids: Caleb, Trever, and Joseph are here from Utah.

Her brother Pat is still here on his 2 week vacation from Iraq. It has been nice spending time with him and his wife Jan. They live in Kimberly (just south of Twin Falls).

On Saturday we went out to do a little target practice. It was the first time that I have been able to shoot my new gun. It's a Smith/Walther .40 cal. handgun. WOW.. it is awesome. You should have seen me. :)

After shooting my gun for about an hour, and having Pat show me some police/military tactical moves I felt like "Jack Bauer" from 24. :) Okay maybe not quite like Jack, but it was cool.

Amber and Carter even got in on the action. I wanted Amber to shoot the gun so that she was somewhat comfortable with it just in case... Carter was curious about the guns and I wanted him to know that they are not toys. Pat and grandpa both helped teach Carter the importance in always being safe.

Pat helped Carter shoot Grandpa's .22 cal. handgun. He was such a trooper. I couldn't believe that he wasn't afraid. I was worried that he might be a little young, but he did awesome.

I also shot Pat's FNH FS2000 .223 cal. and MNP AR15 .223 cal. These guns all had really cool scopes. They placed a red dot on the target.. I felt like a Sniper.. :)

Amber's dad showed me how to clean my gun after and how to properly care for it.

Thanks to Pat and Amber's dad for taking us out and showing us some cool weapons. Ammunition is not cheap, and I appreciate their willing to share with all of us.

In other news...

Amber is now on her 28th week of pregnancy. YA!

She is due June 28th, so things are starting to get fun. (fun for me, but uncomfortable for her) We can feel our baby moving all over and wonder what he is going to look like.

Brooklyn and Carter are doing really good. Carter seems to be getting taller and smarter everyday. He enjoys his time at Pre-school with his teachers and friends. Brooklyn hates it when they drop Carter off. She cries for (Ca Ca) the whole time he is gone. She loves her brother so much. Carter loves to say "What the..." and Brooklyn finishes saying "heck". They say it over and over again.

Brooklyn is getting so independent and is now beginning to talk in some sentences. She is learning her colors and knows her shapes.

I have been staying busy at work. I have a trip to Chicago coming up at the end of April. I have been busy lately working on a side business with my bro. in-law Ryan. I'll share more with you when it's ready to go.

Feel free to drop us a note and say hi. We love to read your comments.

Also, we invite anyone to share with us their favorite "boy" names. Maybe we will make this into a little contest. If you submit a name and we choose it, you may get a cool surprise. :)

FYI so far we like: Boston, Drake, Dawson, Crew and Bridger.

until next time.. Stay Fit and have Fun.

Brent

Girl or Boy?????

2009-03-03T13:12:00.004-07:00

So that is the lovely question is it a girl or boy??? I am working on scanning pics of the ultrasound but for now I'll just give everyone an update. So we went to the dr's undecided but leaning more towards finding out. So when we got in to the room she asked and we told her we weren't sure. Well pretty soon the ultrasound started and flash I saw that it was a.......BOY!!! For sure a boy! I couldn't believe how fast that I could tell and so it was confirmed by the kind lady and everything else went great. The baby looks good and healthy and right on target for June 28th.

I am now starting to feel good and energetic and want so many things done! I just realized that most of Carter's clothes although super cute, it is the wrong season. Carter was born in the middle of winter and this baby will be born in the middle of Summer. So I must go shopping!!! I am already HUGE and feeling the weight all out front. I so wish I had more room between my ribs and hips so I wouldn't poke out so extremely far. It still is crazy to me to get it in my head that we will soon have 3 little ones! I am so excited to meet this little guy and for Brooklyn and Carter to have a little baby to help with. Carter was extremely upset at first that it was a boy. He kept telling us that it was a "gwirl" baby. So when announced during the ultrasound he said he was upset. I kept wondering why he wanted a girl baby so bad. But after thinking I realize that he has really only seen girl babies and his favorite is our friends Annie and John's baby girl Libby. He thinks she is so cute and fun and he wanted one like her. After telling him that he can teach the baby how to play cars and play ball and run fast, he is way excited. He has his mind set on a name already. It is a name that we discussed a couple of times in the very beginning but never decided on .....so I'm not quite sure how he'll deal with it if we choose something else. The name is Boston....We thought about this name when I was pregnant with Carter but decided it didn't fit Carter and we'd save it for a later time if it ever fit. And now Carter calls the baby Boston and gets quite upset if we try other names. So we shall see if it fits.

Brooklyn could care less on a name or that it is a boy or girl but she is so excited and kisses and hugs my tummy all the time. I'm not sure she grasps that there really is a baby in there but she sure acts like it and is getting lots of practice with her baby dolls. She has also really started talking full sentences!!!! She copies everything we all say and it is so funny. She keeps us laughing with the new things she says and comes up with.

Trip North

2009-03-02T22:43:00.009-07:00

Brooklyn finally warming up to Bryce.

Grandpa Jim took us on a tour of the Firehall.

They are checking out the ambulance.

Riley and Carter eating some icecream.

Grandma and Grandpa.....we LOVE YOU!!!

Brooklyn and Bree eating breakfast.

Visiting grandmas and grandpas

Carter and Braxton eating breakfast.

So it has been way too long!!! Carter was sick with croup and then Brooklyn got it, of course it came with an ear infection for her. So my days were filled with doing nothing but laundry and holding sick fussy kids. We packed up on the Thursday before Valentines Day and drove to Twin for the night. Then on Friday we made our trek up North. The roads were great until it started getting dark and we hit Great Falls. Then it was blowing and snowing, but nothing extreme!!! Thank goodness! We were able to stay up there for a week and we all had lots of fun even though it was FREEZING!!! Brent and I kept looking at our car thermometer and couldn't believe how cold it would get. No we don't live in California or Vegas but Meridian/Boise doesn't get too cold considering when we got back it was 60F/15C. We all enjoyed our time up in Canada. We went swimming indoors at such a fun place. They had the best kiddie pool, slides, lifejackets, and then all these floatable boats and things that the kids could play on. It was great to get them out and do something. We had fun visiting with lots of family! We stayed at Brent's brother's house and the kids all had tons of fun playing with eachother. Thanks Bryce and Lyndsi for letting us stay with you....You guys are great! We missed Brent's cousin's wedding and were bummed that we missed seeing all the family that was coming up!!! Brent had to get back because of a business trip. So he stayed way busy. We drove home and then he was off to Vegas for a business trip. It was way harder on the kids than I imagined. A week off with their dad to him being gone completely was heartbreaking to both of them. The first night Carter cried big huge alligator tears and wanted me to get out his framed picture of his Daddy. So I did and boy was that the wrong thing. Brooklyn and him both just sobbed at the photo. Carter put the picture on his dresser and climbed in his bed sobbing such a sad cry. So I asked him if he wanted to sleep with me.....he grabbed the picture and brought it into my room and brook and him both had to look at the picture and finally they were out cold.

We enjoyed the warm weather and were able to play outside. We are all feeling spring FEVER!!! This week it has gone down to the 50's and is rainy, and I love the rain. It smells so fresh and yummy and I can just feel spring!

To find out or NOT TO

2009-02-09T15:51:00.003-07:00

So tomorrow is the big day.....the big ultrasound day. I am now 20 weeks and Brent and I have been debating whether or not we are going to find out. Brent thinks it would be so fun to keep it a surprise because we already have boy and girl stuff. Me on the other hand, well I have lost all spontaneity and find it hard to not know. I just feel like I connect more and so does Brent if we know what we are having, but I've never not known so I can't compare. So I thought I'd post on here and get your opinion. What have you all done and what have you liked????? Should we find out or not?

GOOD FOOD!

2009-01-26T15:20:00.003-07:00

Okay so I have been trying to eat really healthy due to the fact that I've had some gall bladder issues with this pregnancy and I get sick when I eat certain things. But I do have to indulge myself every now and then. I crave pancakes all the time and wish I could eat them every day but I can't so on Saturday I used my cousin Carrian's recipe for banana pancakes and this AMAZING buttermilk syrup. Seriously so good!!! I wish I could eat them again right now! I only ate a little to maybe reduce the chance of getting sick and I didn't do too bad. Everyone needs to visit Carrian's cooking blog....Oh sweet basil it's the greatest!!! There are so many days when food sounds nasty and nothing sounds good and all I have to do is go to her blog and I always find something good to feed my family! So thank you Carrian my family would starve if you weren't so kind and kept your recipes a secret. Brent always asks where did you come up with this good recipe and the answer is always you.

2009-01-16T10:51:00.005-07:00

SO it is now 2009 and I think I have caught up with my posts. January is already flying by and soon it will be Valentines Day. It's great that the time is going by as I am already counting down for this pregnancy to be at the end. I know that is terrible but I have been so sick and just plain out of energy that I feel like I have some disease. I am now almost 17 weeks....YEAH and can feel the baby move and so it makes it all worth it. Makes it all seem so much more real that there is a reason as to why I am sick and I will soon meet this little baby. It's amazing to me that this is my third baby and I am still so EXCITED and can't wait to meet this baby the same way I was with the first. I can't wait to see how we will all mesh together, what kind of personality this little one will add to our family. Of course I am scared to death as to how I will be able to handle 3 kids. I know it will all work out and on my crazy bad days I'll just re-read this post.

Carter has been great during this pregnancy with really starting to understand what is going on. He will get very mad at Brook if she kicks my stomach or jumps on me and tell her to "be soft the baby is in there" He also asks me if I want certain foods to which most the time I say no. No thank you, and his reply.... "well, does the baby want a taste" so I politely say sure. The other day it was a grape and when I said sure, he bit it in half and gave it to me "so the baby doesn't choke". Along with him understanding I think it has brought on a new challenge for him, he doesn't want to "grow up". We have this conversation lots:

me: "Carter what do you want to be when you grow up"

Carter: "I want to be little"

me: "don't you want to be a fireman or policeman, or play the guitar"

Carter: "no, I don't want to grow up"

So we end with you will be little for a long time. But of course he loves being bigger than Brook and is excited to take care of the baby because "he's big". I think he's having a hard time deciding if he wants to be big or small.

Carter has also really grasped the concept of the difference of boys and "gwrils" This was our conversation the other day:

Carter: "you are a gwril and you don't have a pee pee."

Me: "you are right, you are so smart."

Carter: "well, can you go buy one from Target"

Me: "no they don't sell pee pee's at target."

Carter: "oh, We better go to Fred Meyer's, they sell them there."

Me: "we can't buy pee pees, Heavenly Father made me a girl and you a boy"

Carter: "oh" still pondering on how I can get a pee pee.

He seriously comes up with the funniest things and makes us laugh.

Brooklyn is talking more and more and actually putting sentences together. She loves books and loves to be silly. She is obsessed with shoes and girly things and of course anything that Carter plays with too. She is really loving phones and pretend play. It's so fun to see what is going on in her little mind. She learns so much from Carter, good and bad. They are starting to play so good with eachother and at the same time when they don't want to be around each other it's tears and tackling. She's got the attitude down, and I wonder where she learned such a big attitude but maybe it comes with being a girl.

We recently got family pics and I thought I'd post a few. I can't decide what ones I like to blow up for my house...So what do you think?

Michaela's Sealing!!!

2009-01-16T10:09:00.003-07:00

So Christmas weekend on Saturday my niece Michaela was sealed to my brother! It was seriously one of the best days EVER! I tear up just thinking about it. We waited so long for that day to come and looking back it went all too quickly for as long as we waited. It was the greatest experience to be in the temple and see all of Terry's kids all in white and there for the sealing. I of course was bawling (we'll just blame it on me being pregnant) but seeing their whole family together just testifies that families can be together FOREVER! It definitely is up to us! It was a perfect thing to do before the new year. It made me really ponder and re-evaluate how my life is. It is so easy to become stagnant in this life, but this was a great boost for me to start the new year with goals of focusing on the most important things working together as a family to make it on our way on the eternal road. To make sure we are having family home evening even if it is just 10 minutes, making sure we read our scriptures every night and pray as a family. Kids understand so much more than we give them credit for. And it's great, once they get in the habit they keep us on track with reminding us what we need to do.

I thank Terry's family for being such a great example to us! And for Michaela we are all so glad that you are now a Thueson forever and ever! We love you so much and are so proud of you! I can't believe our little Micky is going to be 15 Feb. 2nd!!! The time goes by so fast! Over the weekend we went through tons of pics of when Michaela was little and it seems like just yesterday she was that little girl and I was the teenager and now she is that beautiful teenager with a lot of spunk and personality that we all can't get enough of!

CHRISTMAS

2009-01-05T09:10:00.006-07:00

Sharing with her brother, how sweet!!!

We all must have been good this year because Santa was sure nice! Especially to 2 little kiddos! Carter was so excited and had a hard time falling asleep! He kept thinking he could hear Santa. We decided that now with all of our "stuff" that it would be more relaxing to just stay home with our own little family and start our own traditions. We had some friends over for a few hours on Christmas Eve and enjoyed their company. They went home around 8 so the plan was that we would get the kids in bed on TIME. Not happening! We had to talk about the real meaning of Christmas and I was totally shocked at how well Carter got it! We then watched a little movie on Christ and watched some of the Forgotton Carols which Carter loves! They were in bed and asleep by 9:30 so not too bad and it gave us an early start so Santa wasn't up to late!!! In the middle of the night Brent caught Carter running down the stairs half asleep. He made it to the middle landing and Brent brought him back to our bed. Then pretty soon we heard the sound of tiny footsteps running headed for the stairs. Brook was on her way down too. Brent hurried and got her and brought her back to bed too. So we all cuddled and slept with each other. And of course I was the first one awake at 8:00 and couldn't go back to sleep!!! The one morning the kids decide to really sleep in....I'm awake and can't go back to sleep, too darn excited I guess :) Brook finally awoke at 9:00 and we played and talked with her for a bit while she tried waking up "Ca Ca"! She was finally successful and Carter woke up to ask us if Santa had really come last night. When we told him we thought so and thought we all better go check you could see his eyes light up. Santa left a candy/snow trail from the top of the stairs to their presents. Brooklyn was way more into the candy than her own presents. She couldn't believe candy was all over the stairs and as she kept walking she could get more. Carter couldn't believe how nice Santa was and told us "I really love Santa"! I didn't take as many pictures as I thought. And pretty much after Christmas I never touched the camera again. Makes me so mad but somehow when I don't feel the greatest and I'm surrounded by family I just space the whole camera.

Christmas day we drove to Twin and spent time with all the family. We were going to try and brave the roads and get up to Canada but with a bad feeling and looking at the road report that had been closed off and on we decided to stay...and although we missed seeing family, we know that we made the best decision. A guy who Brent works with lives in Calgary and traveled down the same time we would have been traveling said the roads were TERRIBLE and said it took him 3 times as long. So we will hopefully get up there in the spring, before I get too big and can't travel for too long. We love you all and hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Thanksgiving/birthdays

2008-12-11T19:14:00.006-07:00

Well it has been a while since I last posted and it seems like everything has gotten way to BUSY! So I will back up to Thanksgiving.......

We went to Twin for the great Turkey Day and got to enjoy some great delicious food!!! Thanks to my mom and Dad for making the day so yummy and fun! We enjoyed getting to see all the family that was there and had a nice time with everyone. The day after Thanksgiving my poor sister Meagon woke up with the flu....not fun for her, I'm so sorry Meagon. Then that night Brooklyn got the flu too. I have never seen a little girl that turns into an angel when she is sick. She was caressing my face and talking ever so sweetly right after she would puke. She would give me tons of kisses pulling my face so close to hers. I kept wanting to pull away as I didn't want to get it too...but I couldn't possibly turn down sweet hugs and kissing from such a cute sick girl. She kept throwing up stomach bial and it was so hard on her little body, my heart just ached for her. The only thing she wanted to do was to give kisses to Brent and I and even Carter. Brent and I couldn't believe how sweet she was while she was so sick. By the next day she was feeling lots better just no appetite. With all the craziness we decided to even make it more crazy and on Saturday we celebrated Carter's birthday with all his cousins. We took all the kids to "Hop 2 It" in Twin. It used to be Sage Gym when I lived there. It has now changed into a big place full of big blow up slides and jumping things. It's a great way to let the kids have fun and to get them worn out.

After hop-2-it we went home and had birthday cake and presents. Carter enjoyed having all his friends (cousins) with him to celebrate his birthday. Thanks to everyone for the great gifts! They have been keeping him busy! I owe you all lots!

So that pretty much sums up the Thanksgiving weekend. And I want all of you to know that I am thankful for you all!!! I seem to always get so sappy around this time of year (and it doesn't help that I am pregnant...yes you heard right) as I look at my life and realize how much I have and am so thankful for everything. We went to the Forgotten Carols before Thanksgiving and it always puts things in perspective for the Holiday Season! So I am finally letting you all know that I am pregnant with baby #3 and have been extremely sick for the past 11 weeks. And that is how far along I am. Seems like I have been sick from DAY 1. This is going to be a long pregnancy, but oh so fun! :) So more to come! Love to all!

I can see clearly now... :)

2008-11-27T22:53:00.012-07:00

Hey Everyone- It's Brent.

Ok, so I am taking over the blog... How is everyone?

First I need to give a shout out to a few people:

First to my cousin Jeff Coppieters on his recent engagement to Kim Romeril. We are excited for you guys!
Second Congrats to the Raymond Comets on their recent Tier 1 Alberta Provincial Championship win.
Third Congrats to Brett Ralph and the Calgary Stampeders 2008 Canadian Grey Cup Champs.

We are in Twin Falls right now celebrating Thanksgiving. We had a great meal with Amber's family- Thanks!!!

Now for those of you who might be wondering what my subject means... I just had Lasik eye surgery.... It is AWESOME. I would encourage any of who who have "defective" eyes to check it out. It really is pretty affordable, and it is so easy. I went to Clearly Lasik in Boise. No more contacts or glasses for me.

Things have been really exciting for us. Work is going great for me, and we are getting ready to celebrate Mine, Amber and Carter's Birthdays this next week.. Dec 3rd, and 4th. Holy smokes I am going to be 29, Amber 25, and Carter 3. Yikes. Where has the time gone?

Thanks for visiting our blog. We always enjoy reading your comments and hearing from you. Amber really does a fantastic job with this blog. Thanks babes!! :)

Some of you may not know, but our Hard Drive died this summer, and we lost hundreds of pictures from the past 3 years. We were willing to pay whatever it cost to get them back. (one estimate was $3 K) How do you put a price on 3 years???

After testing and trying to replace the missing data, we were out of luck. The only pictures we have from that time were the ones that Amber had posted on our blog. Please don't let this happen to you. We lost Brooklyn's baby pictures etc..

Sorry- this has seemed to be a hodgepodge of ideas and thoughts. Just wanting to get my 2 cents in. :)

Take Care-

brent

Sharp shooter

2008-11-19T09:07:00.003-07:00

Ok well I have no pics and I hate posting with no pics but oh well. We all have been sick with colds. Carter and Brook keep passing it back and forth and now Brent and I have it. There is nothing worse then a head cold. I keep debating whether or not to take the kids in or just let them keep fighting it off back and forth.

Among being sick I have started working on a major task. Although Carter is fully potty trained Brent or I still wipe his bum and push his peter down so it doesn't shoot all over. Well this poses a great problem when we leave him because whoever is watching him has to take over the tasks and it is uncomfortable for Carter so he just won't go. So I thought I better try and let him take over the bathroom duties.....yesterday was day 1.....it didn't go very well. Carter saw just how powerful he can be. I had to completely wash down my walls and even the ceiling upstairs and the bathroom floors. NOT FUN. Now you all may be thinking this is too much info. But I tell you this because I need some tips. Putting targets in the toilet do not work...it really is just so much more fun to pee on the walls and see it shoot far!!! He is not tall enough to stand and reach the top of the toilet and so he needs a stool but then he's way too high. So we have him sit but that only works when I help him! During potty training I thought oh I love boys because if he has to go he can pretty much go anywhere.....but in this case i really wish his shooter was easier to manage. So I know many of you have boys and you all went through it so what was your trick to get the pee in the potty (or for the most part) without you helping them. How nice it would be if he could just go in there by himself and do it on his own....I am so looking forward to that day!

Weekend FULL OF SURPRISES

2008-11-11T14:55:00.007-07:00

OK so I have the best husband....no really I DO! For the last couple of months Brent has been planning a "surprise" for me. I had no idea and when he first told me that he was planning a surprise I laughed telling him that he has yet to keep a surprise from me. He just can't keep it from me. He is always so excited and spills the beans. So I should have kept my mouth shut because he didn't breath a word. He didn't even give a hint. NOTHING...and it drove me CRAZY! I was very nervous because he led me to believe we were leaving the kids with someone and so that really was the hard part. I NEEDED TO KNOW! But he kept telling me to TRUST him....so I had no choice but to do just that. Through talking to my friend Collette I found out that Russell (her hubby) had a surprise for her too..... so together we tried to get clues, only to confuse me more.

Well, long story short... Friday afternoon a knock came on our door and a nice car was awaiting for me to hop in with Collette in there. I was struck speechless as I didn't quite understand what was going on. All of the sudden I was taken away and Brent wasn't coming as I thought he was (he even packed his bag to throw me off). So at first I thought we were maybe just taking a joy ride but then we opened an envelope with a flight itinerary.

WE WERE OFF TO VEGAS! I then thought for sure that my sister-in-law Sonia would somewhere fit into our weekend....How could I go to Vegas and not see her!!! But still got no answers, was only told that there would be someone there with a sign to pick us up. Well it was Sonia but not only was it Sonia it was my other two sister-in-laws. I wanted to pee my pants, I was so excited and shocked! So we stayed the night at Sonia's and then Saturday spent the day shopping and was told that we would be going to dinner and we all wanted to dress up! Then it was revealed that we were going to be staying the night in the Belagio....nice! 24th floor with a perfect view of the water show. We all got ready and were running out the door to meet Sonia's friend for dinner, which we just ate and I didn't feel like eating again. So I was kind of slow. Which only made us all have to run, run, run, so we didn't loose our reservations. As we are running around the corner in the casino we hit the MAMMA MIA entrance and it all clicked. We really were going to MAMMA MIA! For those of you who don't know, I LOVE MAMMA MIA! It was absolutely the greatest. Anyone who hasn't seen the play is missing out! I got a couple of pictures before the security guy came and tackled me.... (just kidding but he really did come and point his finger at me). We then went out to eat at a great yummy place and went back to our room. Stayed up late talking and then passed out. Collette and I pushed our time to the max to get to the airport and were again running like crazy to get to check in. All that running and knocking people out of our way to find out that our plane was delayed we had lots of time.

When I got home the house was spotless, smelled divine, and there were roses on the table for me. Just when I thought it the weekend was at an end it got better! Brent had Merry maids come in and totally deep clean the house...hello, did I say I love this brilliant man!

Anyway, it was a great weekend that will be remembered forever! Thanks to the love of my life for being so sweet! I want to just eat him up right now! I love you babe!

Thanks Collette for being my partner in crime for the weekend...(too bad the guys don't know what we have up our sleeves this time...they forget who they are dealing with!)

And THANK YOU THANK YOU to my sister-in-laws for making such a perfect weekend. It was so good to see you gals and makes me miss you guys that much more and wish we didn't live so far away. I think this needs to become a tradition that we do each year. A getaway from our kids and hubbies and some much needed girl talk, shopping, and FUN!

Halloween in Twin

2008-11-10T09:05:00.007-07:00

We decided to celebrate Halloween in Twin. It was lots of fun we all got together and went to my brother Terry's trunk or treat, which was perfect for the kids! Especially because it was rainy and cold. Carter and Brook both had fun and enjoyed getting candy. Carter by the end of the long row of cars he told me that it was all over and he was ready to go to grandma's. He then told everyone to go home that it is "OVER!" Carter had a great time with his cousins. He was super excited to them all and wouldn't leave them alone.

The rest of the weekend was nice and relaxing. We were able to help my parents rake up all their leaves....we also jumped in them and threw them. Seeing my kids jump and get burried in the leaves brought me back to my childhood, which went by all to quickly. I never could have imagined how quickly time would fly by.

Our Halloween weekend was lots of fun and we enjoyed seeing everyone. We missed everyone else of course and hope to see some of you through the holidays.

Loves to all.

Pumpkin patch

2008-11-04T17:34:00.007-07:00

Well a few weeks ago we got together with some friends and went to the pumpkin patch. We all had lots of fun and the weather was so nice! Of course my mind was a little scrambled before we left so I forgot my camera and made Collette and Russell official photographers of my family. Thanks guys! The pumpkin patch had a great petting zoo with camels and zebras and little ponies that the kids could ride. Carter was so scared at first and I made him get on that pony and enjoy it. I was so proud of him within a couple of seconds he couldn't stop smiling. There are some things that you just have to force your kids to do and later they will thank you for it.

GOING PRIVATE

2008-10-07T11:04:00.003-06:00

Well I have decided to make our blog private! I've thought lots about this and I think it is the best thing. Also, if anyone has our last names on their blog.....please take the last name off. Thanks! I know some of you might think I'm being way overprotective, but I've had some weird experiences the last couple of weeks that has really creeped me out and made me loose some ZZZZ's. It is way to easy to find out where we live and all of our info, so crazy or not, I'd rather be on the safe side! So, please leave your e-mail so I can add you to our blog!!!

Thanks everyone~

Love to all!

Amber

CHANGES

2008-09-30T13:27:00.007-06:00

Well it seems like we always have something going on. Lately we have experienced a lot of changes. All good of course, but for me I don't like change. I always have a bit of a hard time adjusting to change. Our first big change is of course our move into our new house. Which was a little tough on Carter, before we moved, when we were packing he would cry and tell us he didn't want to go to the new house......now today he tells me "mommy, I like this house, it's boo-tiful" so he has come to approve and really like it. I have too, I just hate the packing and re-arranging, and feeling so cluttered. But it is much better now and starting to feel more like our home. We are so happy and thankful that we could move into a bigger house to accommodate our growing family and "stuff"....now I better not be moving for a long time!
The next change is well, CARTER is fully and completely potty-trained. He is even going on a long streak of "keeping his undies dry" through the night. We are super proud of him and amazed at how "BIG" he now seems. I'm so thrilled that he goes in the potty but it also brings on a whole new thinking process for me. When I travel long distances, I have to make sure he's gone before and I try not to give him lots to drink on the road. But this last weekend I went to Twin and on the way back Carter kept telling me "my pee hurts" so I'm in the middle of no where and starting to look to see where the next stop is, I ask him if he wanted to pee in his empty cup or if I could pull over and he could pee outside on the side of the road....to which his reply was "MOM I NEED A TOILET!!!" So I "went fast like a race car" and we made it to the TOILET!
Our next big change is weaning Brooklyn from breast feeding! While I love breast feeding....it can be such a pain too. Carter was super easy to wean and it was right before he turned 1 and it was all done within 1 weekend and he never screamed, begged or whined......total complete opposite of Brook. She is quite obsessed with nursing and loves it. Last night we were up for a couple of hours with her screaming at the top of her lungs.....she has a very LOUD MAD cry! It broke my heart and I always usually give in but Brent and I worked together and got her to sleep without nursing. (thanks Brent for staying up with me even though you really need sleep...I'm still in my pj's because the night was so rough) This is probably the hardest change for me. I don't know why but it just seems like Brook didn't stay a baby long enough! When I'm holding her and I pass by a mirror and see her in my arms, the tears start to well up....she has grown so fast and just a year ago she was an itty bitty baby, I thought my life was crazy, trying to get a handle on a newborn and an almost 2 year old little boy, now it has mellowed from that stress to many others.
So all the changes have left me to think and ponder lots on everything. Change is such a bittersweet thing for me. I love a new house but sad to see the old one go. Love potty trained Carter, but sad that he is actually old enough to be potty trained and understands so much... (that means the years are starting to add up for me), so happy to have my body back and now can lose some extra pounds that keep haunting me, but sad to know that my little baby is now a walking talking little toddler. Love the new but the old is so hard to let go. SO I try to just enjoy the tough days, because I know one day I'll look back and think they weren't that bad and I'll wish I had those days of young young kiddos in my house. I love each new stage in my kids' lives....it's so fun to see them grow into such cute little people, who teach me to enjoy the moment.
I better get going, love to all.

DREAMS

2008-09-17T19:31:00.003-06:00

Carter has been dreaming lots and talking in his sleep. He always makes us laugh at the things he says. A few nights ago he woke up crying a real sad cry. Brent went into his room to try to soothe him and then brought him into our room with Carter still crying. I tried to ask him questions and finally I got him to answer telling me that he dropped his treats in the dirt and they are "dwerty". He says, "I really want my treats" and then continues to cry. Then a couple nights ago, Carter starts screaming.....Brent runs in (Brent is so good to get Carter in the night) when Brent gets to him he is still asleep but very upset. He tells Brent "my bed is too LOUD... I need to sleep in your QUIET bed!!!" So of course at 5 in the morning Carter ended up in our bed with lots of snuggles and kisses from Mom and Dad and Brooklyn. This morning, Carter was telling me that he dreams about "another car" I asked him what the car looked like.....His reply, "It is Red and it crashed into me, I had to go to the hospital, I was sick" Ok so that freaked me out!!!! I asked him if he got better and he said he did. Dreams can be so real and good but yet so scary too. I am so glad that Carter can actually talk and tell us what he is experiencing. I love the communication with him as he gets older. In the mornings he usually is in our bed or will come get in our bed to wake us up. He wraps his little arms around me or Brent and gives us kisses and tells us he loves us. I've been waiting FOREVER to hear those words come out all on his own when he feels that lovey feeling. I've always known he loves us but to hear him recognize that he feels that for us is so AWESOME! Carter is so busy and at times we think oh I think 2 is the worst stage....then Carter says or does something and quickly change our minds to thinking awe, this is the BEST stage. I love you CARTER JAMES and am so thankful that you make my day busy and exciting and keep me laughing!

A weekend to REMEMBER

2008-08-26T18:31:00.015-06:00

This past weekend we were able to go to Twin for the temple dedication. Brent's parents were in Utah and were going to be heading back so we thought we'd all meet in Twin and celebrate Brook's birthday again. It was great to see them and spend some time with them. Thanks Jim and Helen for meeting us in Twin! Brooklyn was so excited to get more presents and loved them all! She really is such a girly girl! She gets so excited when she sees clothes, babies, shoes or anything really cute! She is obsessed with shoes and always wants me to put them on her. She even raids Carter's closet and brings me his shoes to put on her and then gets mad when they come off or when Carter needs to wear them.

On Sunday morning we went to the dedication and it was so amazing! My dad and brother Terry have been doing the security for the temple open house. My dad had the opportunity to be the driver for President Monson's daughter and husband and Terry got to drive Elder Costa and his wife. They got to be really close with the Presidents Security crew and got to be right close to President Monson all weekend. After the dedication we went to the temple to take my dad some lunch and he told us to make sure to come back at 5:30. We were able to be right up front and watch as the prophet came out of the temple and got into his car. When he came out he immediately went to to opposite side as we were on and my dad was talking to Brother Dibbs (President Monson's son-in-law) and let him know where his family was, he went right up to President Monson and made sure he came right to us. So he did, he immediately came right over to us and gave Steven a high five and shook Tiana and Ana's hands. He tried to give Carter and Brook both fives, but they decided they were going to be shy and just looked at him. He told me that it was better for them to be shy. He kept talking to everyone and would go to get in and then turn and come back to talk more. It was great! He really is such a great man! Such a funny down to earth man! I felt the spirit so strong and I know that he is a Prophet of God and I am so thankful for him and his family!

I'm so grateful for my parents' example and their testimony. They never cease to learn and to teach. Although their teaching is not the same as I was growing up its more of a friendship and through lots of conversations and late night visits I learn so much from my parents. I'm so thankful for the way they raised our family. The way they love each and every one of their children and how they trust in their children to do what is right. I hope so much that as my children grow I can let each one of them know how much they are loved and teach them theprinciples of the gospel so they can make righteous choices.

Here are some videos and pics of our weekend!

President Monson's car from Utah!

Elder Eyring

President Monson...my dad standing in the back

Waiting for the prophet to come out.

My kids were so hungry and tired and HOT!!!

Brooklyn giving Carter her wide open mouth kisses!

Carter giving us his "cheese" smile

My dad next to President Monson's car.

He was in the temple for the first session

and then watched the cars for the other sessions.

At the cornerstone

Now this is at Brook's party............

Mommy and Brook at the canyon!

Both kids with both grandma's!

She decided to sit and do the splits.

Finally a shot of our Carter James

(He is so hard to catch and get a picture of)

A love/HATE relationship with her new baby that's going back to the store

A glimpse of my weekend

2008-08-25T12:34:00.003-06:00

So this isn't going to be a long post as I don't have much time but I wanted to so badly just put a few pics of our AMAZING weekend. We had the opportunity to get right next to the prophet....the story will come in the next post. We went to Twin for the temple dedication and to celebrate Brook's birthday with family. We enjoyed ourselves so much and I am so thankful that amongst all the craziness with moving, we made sure we went this weekend. STAY TUNED FOR A LONGER POST AND A GREAT VIDEO!!!! LOVE TO ALL!

Happy Birthday Brook!!!

2008-08-21T22:58:00.007-06:00

Brooklyn was so concerned that stuff got in her bellybutton

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRINCESS! Brook's birthday was on the 19 and we had a little birthday party for her. I made a ducky cake and I think I had more fun making the cake than Brook had eating it. I still can't believe she is 1!!! I know with Carter that first year just went so fast but it seems like it went even faster with Brook. I still want to baby her and when I look at her I realize just how much of a toddler she is. I remember looking at Carter at this age and thinking he was so big and so independent and here is brook that I still consider my baby! It is all how you look at it. We love and adore our little Brook and don't know what we'd do with out her. On her birthday Carter and I were awake and Brook was still sleeping, Carter kept begging me to go get Brooklyn, to wake her up.....they are becoming the greatest little buddies! I will post more tomorrow, it is late and I need sleep. Love to all.

It's been TOO LONG!!!

2008-08-17T20:16:00.012-06:00

Carter and his "trimmer" He loves trimming the trees.

Brook so tired ready for a nap

Carter found the Nesquik bunny milk.

He loves that stuff and was eating handfuls of it. YUMMY!

So happy swinging at Grandma's

Well it has been way too long since my last miserable post. So much has gone on and we are staying so busy but I need to blog blog blog about all of it. Since our computer crashed and they couldn't recover any data from it I realized just how important this blog is to me. It has so many pictures of Brook and Carter that I treasure them all now and I am taking them from the blog and uploading them to get developed. I had quite a few already uploaded into Costco and tons of Carter on our other computer so although it's not all my pictures it is better than NONE. I also am becoming a big fan of getting my blog made into a book just for our family, then brook and Carter can read about their crazy little daily life with mom wanting to some days pull her hair out!!!

We finally bought a house. YAY!!! WE close August 27th and are moving labor day weekend. So we are packing like crazy and of course de-junking! I think we will need to continue to move every 2 years just so that I can go through all of our stuff and de-junk ourselves. It's amazing how I save everything for my kids thinking one day they will want to see this or I might need this again sometime and so why get rid of it. We are all super excited to move into our new house and I can't wait to not be living out of a box.

We also enjoyed some great company. Sonia and Ryan (brent's sister and brother-in-law's family) came to visit and Brent's parents came too. We all met in Twin and went to the temple open house. It was so much fun to be able to all be together and go through. I know I am biased but I think the Twin Falls Temple is absolutely PERFECT! I love it! It is still so crazy to go and see the temple when we are driving in. My dad does the security for the temple and so were able to go the first night that the temple was turned over to the church and walk around the temple grounds, the spirit was so strong and I am so happy to know that I truly do belong to the one and only true church.

After we went through the temple we headed to the falls and ate lunch then went back to Boise. We enjoyed the water park and had a great time going down the slides. I was so happy that I could actually go on the slides this year because last year I was pregnant and it totally ruined my fun sitting in the kiddie pool the whole time. Even Grandpa Jim and Grandma Helen went on the slides. We all had fun and no one got sun burned.

Then my sister April and her two kids were able to make a trip out to see everyone. I finally got to see Collin for the first time. He is such a cute little guy that is a dang good sleeper. I wish the distance wasn't so far....but I am so glad that she was able to make a visit.

Then the next week Brent went on a business trip to Boston. I went back to Twin for the weekend to hang out and to break up my time of being alone. I am also trying to pack and trying to get finished with the last book (breaking dawn). It's taking me so long to read this one because I can't just sit and read during a quiet time....I have to pack and make phone calls, and do so many other things. So I am hoping to finish the book this week. Everyone is talking about it and I hate not being able to listen.

Brent got back from Boston on Wednesday and then had a seminar that his work was hosting. He was gone for long days on Thursday, Friday and some of Saturday. It made for some long nights of staying up late watching the olympics together and early mornings for him. I'm so glad that Brent is such a great worker and I truly am grateful that he has such a great job! (who wouldn't love to go to Boston and go to work everyday to hang out with your friends.... just kidding) Thanks for working so hard Brenty!

Since Brent has been working a lot lately he managed to let me have a few 'girls night out' nights....thanks for staying with the kids. On one of the nights we went to Mama Mia......ok I don't know if any of you have seen it but I LOVE IT! It's my new favorite. Completely over the top and fantastic. So if any of you need a good laugh and some good music go see it. I haven't been able to drag Brent to it to go see it again, I really do think he would like it too!?!?

And now I am getting ready for Brook to turn ONE on Tuesday. I can't believe that she is almost one. I seriously don't know where the time went. I keep thinking she's my baby but she's walking and going like crazy....where did that little baby go????? I guess I need another one!?!? HAHAH I'm totally kidding, right BRENT?

OK well that is all for now. I will be more faithful to this blog and not neglect it! Love to all.

Broken Computer and BIG CHUNKS

2008-07-23T07:58:00.005-06:00

So our laptop is fried. Saturday something happened and in a moment nothing would work. We took it into the shop on Monday praying that they could retrieve stuff off the hard drive. No luck.....they have sent it away and now will have a nice pricey bill and hopefully they can get stuff off the hard drive. I am killing myself because all my pictures......all my kids' pictures that I stupidly did not upload to another source are all on that computer. Brent and I realized just how priceless these pictures are and so we're willing to pay an arm and a leg just to see if they can retrieve the pics. I'm praying so hard to have this guy know what to look for and that he can actually do it.
Amongst all this mess Brooklyn woke up Monday morning puking. Poor girl she was throwing up so hard and it broke my heart. I would cry with her as she was throwing up so hard. I remember all to well what throwing up like that feels like and to see my little baby go through that broke my heart. After 7 hours of hard painful throwing up my Brookie finally got relief and bounced back to being normal so quick! Then last night what do you think happened.....Yep, Carter was throwing up. Luckily he was tossing and turning in bed moaning and I knew it was coming so I got the bowl and some towels. Carter woke up....this was like 1:30 in the morning. Brent I were still awake......reading someone's blog and crying our eyes out (thanks Sonia)..........so we gladly cuddled carter.....he thought he was hungry so we into the kitchen and spew it was all over. Up and down the walls chunks everywhere and Poor Brent got to be the lucky one holding him. Thank goodness it was in the kitchen. We hung out in the kitchen a while, while i cleaned and bleached the kitchen just enough time for carter to do it again, thankfully he got it all in the bowl. We all decided to try to get some sleep and it is now early morning and we didn't wake once with Carter the rest of the night. He is still asleep and I'm praying he feels lots better. We've got to go to Twin tonight. We are going to the Temple open house on Thursday and Brent's parents and sister's family is coming into town. YEAH hopefully we are well enough to enjoy a great visit and no more bugs in this house. I better get going as I want to disinfect everything to get rid of this bug for good! If you all want a good read, a good cry and to change your perspective on life/parenthood/son-daughter of god then go get your Daily Scoop.
You will have to read back into the may and June posts to find out what happened. My sister-in-law referred us to the blog and we read for hours and I look at parenthood so differently now. Anyway we hope all is well with everyone. And soon there will be pictures to post on here. Love to all!

Memories!!!!!

2008-07-16T12:30:00.002-06:00

MEMORY TAG!!!
1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. I can't wait to see what people remember.***Isn't this cute? I tag EVERYONE!!!

Happy 4th of JULY

2008-07-08T18:05:00.003-06:00

We made it back on Twin on the 3rd of July to celebrate the 4th with my family!. We had tons of fun and the fireworks were great! Carter and Brook both fell asleep half way through. Carter tried so hard to keep his eyes open but failed. Kids totally make the fireworks so much more exciting. Carter was so amazed, and he kept saying oh WOW at each one and would tell me what it looked like. I remember doing that as a kid and picking my favorite one. Brooklyn was just struck by silence when the fireworks started and didn't move until she fell asleep. It was such a gorgeous night and so relaxing!
I am so bummed because I thought we took lots of pictures on the first but it turns out we didn't take a single one. We only did video. So I'm trying to figure out how to get still shots from video. So stay tuned for some video footage and hopefully some pics.

Happy Canada DAY for all those canadians

2008-07-07T20:55:00.005-06:00

Ok so I am late on posting but oh well. We were in Canada for a week and celebrated Brent's 10 year high school reunion......great fun. We were also there for the 1st which for those of you who don't know it is Canada's birthday and Raymond's (the town where Brent is from) birthday. We got to enjoy a nice parade and we watched the fireworks from the window. The kids were asleep since they can't start the fireworks until it's completely dark which is around 11:00...too late for my kids. Carter had so much fun with his cousins and with Grandma Helen and Grandpa Jim. Thanks for making it such a great visit!
!

2008-06-04T10:29:00.004-06:00

This is why we need a king size bed

Carter giving Brook a piggy back ride

Ok so it has been forever since I posted last. I swear the time flies and since I work on the computer doing customer support for the company Brent works for I hardly ever want to, and don't have time to, just get on for leisure.

We have been staying busy busy busy. Ever since we got back from our cruise Brooklyn has been fighting an ear infection. It first started as a double and now we are just down to the left ear that will not drain. So we have had many sleepness nights! And since she has pretty much decided our bed is better than hers so has Carter. He starts in his bed and by 5 or 6 he decides to come join the party and sleep with the rest of us. I keep telling myself "let them be little this won't last and one day I'll wish I would have enjoyed Carter's body in-between my legs or on my head, and Brooklyn snuggled right next to me." WE SERIOUSLY NEED A KING SIZE BED!!!

On top of Brook's ear infections she is getting two more teeth so she has been one "up and down" baby. Brook's pediatrician has referred us to a ears, nose and throat doctor who we see on the 12 of this month. They can determine if she needs tubes. So since I'm terrified of brooklyn getting tubes I've been taking her to a chiropractor to see if we can get her ears to drain before I go to the specialist. I'm praying this works.

Then it seems as though I needed something else to worry about.......on Saturday night I noticed I had 2 bug bites on my leg in the calf area and one was itching and burning on Sunday I didn't really seem to notice it but by monday one of the marks was swollen, hard and causing me TONS of PAIN! I was ready to jump out of my skin as it hurt so bad. It hurts to walk on the leg feeling like I've done some damage to my calf muscle. I decided to go to the doctor and he looked and looked at it coming to the conclusion that he didn't really think it was a bug bite......he was leaning more towards blood clot.......but he wasn't sure. So he went over a list of signs I need to watch for and kept repeating them so I wouldn't forget and then gave me an antibiotic in case of any infection, told me to ice and keep my leg up. Hmmm.......that's just a tad bit impossible as I have two very active kids and a house to maintain. He told me to call in 2 days if the pain hasn't completely gone. He also thought it would be wise to give me a tetanus shot, ya know just in case. I'm thinking I was quite a sucker for that one. A doctor once told me that flu shots are just a major sale and they are told to push them like crazy. I think this was the same thing and I fell for it. Oh well. But I must say I haven't had a shot hurt like this, the nurse gave it to me in the top part of my shoulder and it hurts all the way up to my neck. CRAZY!

Ok so I'll stop complaining......life really isn't that bad.

We are also starting to look at houses to take advantage of all the low prices of homes and low interest rate. We are debating whether or not to keep the house we have as a rental or sale it. Not sure if I want to deal with the headache of rental property, but there are some good benefits too. So We shall see what we decide.

Anyway, we hope you all are doing well and I'm going to try to be better at posting! Love to all!

6 YEARS!!!!!!!

2008-05-18T14:27:00.005-06:00

Today is our 6 year anniversary! I can't believe that 6 years has past by us so quickly. When I look back I see all the things we've gone through and see how much we've changed and grown individually and together. I love my hubby so much! He is such a great guy and a great father!

We spent the weekend in Twin. We went to our neighbor's wedding reception and then let my nieces watch Brooklyn and Carter and we went out with my parents to a great place to eat...Sakura Steak House! Oh so yummy, healthy and FRESH! It was a very nice relaxing evening! Anyway, Babe, I love you and am so glad we are experiencing this life and all it's ups and downs together.

CRUISE!!!!

2008-04-23T23:43:00.001-06:00

every morning and night we would have our room cleaned. At night when we'd return from dinner we would find a towel animal and mints with our bed turned down...Very NICE!

Ok this is going to be a huge huge post of pictures and of videos of our cruise in the Mexican Riviera. We left last Sunday and had 2 "Fun Days at Sea" and then we were in Puerto Vallerta for a day, and cruised for a night and were in Mazatlan and cruised for another night and were in Cabo San Lucas.
It was a great experience and we had tons of FUN! I must say although we were gone for a week in the warm sun on the beach the ocean, and relaxing, I was extremely ready to get home to my little boy. It was so weird not having him.....like I was missing a piece of me, seriously a weird feeling. But it was definitely nice to get away. We enjoyed high 80, low 90 degree weather. Brooklyn did extremely well on the cruise and got treated like a celebrity. We couldn't go anywhere or sit anywhere without people coming and stopping to see her and to take pictures of her. It was so funny, she craved the attention. She'd be screaming in our room just so we'd take her out and then she was so happy. The workers were so astonished as to how she was so happy all of the time....they just couldn't see the screams she was giving me in the room. She ate up all the attention and gave everyone smiles and she even learned her first word "Da Da" and "Uh oh"............now I'm just waiting for the "Ma Ma" word to come out.
I'm so thankful that the people Brent works with are some of our closest friends so it was such a great vacation!!!!
I guess I'll stop writing even though I have so much to tell about the trip, instead I'll just put the pics up and let them tell the story.

And I've been trying for hours to get videos to upload......with no luck so stay tuned for some video footage.

Puerto Vallerta

2008-04-23T22:33:00.005-06:00

We loved Puerto Vallerta!!! The water was so warm like bath water!!! We went to a resort and enjoyed the food, the swimming and the beach! I went out on a boogie board and actually got stung by a jelly fish. I thought it was a bubble so I went to swish it away and it stung me. I looked closer and there it was a real jelly fish. I completely freaked and came back to shore. We heard that there were quite a few jelly fish out but it was the non-piousness kind. So no, I didn't pee on the sting, I put lime juice on it and it was fine within 20 minutes.

Mazatlan

2008-04-23T21:52:00.005-06:00

This is what our taxi looked like. The nice white building in the back is a night club!

the show

We enjoyed a great authentic native show. They danced on a 80 foot pole and it was quite interesting. We enjoyed a nice resort with pools and of course.......the beach! On our way to the show we got to experience a taxi...........I thought we were going to die or kill someone. We were in a little car that was kind of like a covertable bug but a ghetto bug and we went so fast in and out of cars. We were kind of racing with our friends in the other taxi so I have to give our driver some credit. Most of the time our driver just created his own lane and would cut everyone off! We almost hit a guy. Seems they don't quite have the pedestrian laws that we have here. It's almost like a showdown of who owns the road. Thank goodness the guy wanting to jet out in the road backed down and moved. The driver didn't even slow down or hit the brakes just kept going full speed!!!! CRAZY!!! We kind of felt like we were on the amazing race.

Cabo San Lucas

2008-04-22T21:21:00.007-06:00

Brent getting ready to go parasailing

The amazing coconut shrimp....YUMMY

on the boat tender taking us to the marina

Our boat looking as we were zooming away in our small boat.

This was my third time in Cabo and I still love it! The water was so clear and beautiful. Brent got to go parasailing for the first time and loved it. Since I've already been and Brooklyn was too small to go on the little taxi boat I stayed and watched Brent from the beach.

Bits of Carter

2008-03-26T21:39:00.008-06:00

So lately Carter has just seemed to get so big! He talks in full sentences now and never stops talking! Not even while he's sleeping. He talks like crazy in his sleep it's so funny. He'll talk about spiders or grandma or mommy or just mumble, or he's even "quak"ed like a duck. Brent and I get a good chuckle out of him!
I have been needing to write down some of the things he says because I use my blog not only to keep in contact with everyone but as a journal too. It's so nice to look back and read and see how far we've come and what all we did!
So anyway, we have started a nightly routine of reading scriptures with Carter and Brook and then having family prayer every night no matter what. And we try our hardest to make reading scriptures exciting. We were talking about Nephi and obeying his daddy and going into the wilderness and telling the story, recapping the chapter we read when carter says......then santa claus came. Ya, just when we thought we were explaining things well... He has really come to love praying. Last night as we were blessing all the people we love he starts to name them and name my mom's kids that she babysits. The list went on and on and even went into blessing us to share. Everyday he has something new. Right now he is definitely into telling me "I don't like that" or "I like this one" All day I hear the things he likes and doesn't like. Depends on his mood on how many things he likes. I often wonder exactly what is going on in his little mind. It never stops and I love how he learns so quickly on SOME things! He's my little cutie pie who has a great sense of humor. While the girls were here, he loved teasing them. He loved calling them george or cutie or sweety. Here are a few videos of our "big boy Carter"

carter "pretending" to play his guitar

Carter's first bowl

Bath time with the kids

EASTER!!!!

2008-03-26T21:19:00.003-06:00

Well we had a great Easter. We spent it in Twin with my family. We have been going to Twin so much lately to help Carter get really used to being there to kind of prepare him for our cruise in April when we will leave him for a week with Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks so much to them for watching him while we go on the cruise that I am scared to death to go on.
Anyway, Carter woke up to a little bunny trail that the Easter bunny left and he thought it was quite "awesome" it lead to a basket full of little goodies. We then went to church and had a great day. My dad cooked a great Easter dinner with ham, company potatoes, asparagus, salad, yummy rolls, and strawberry shortcake for dinner. All the kids had a easter egg hunt that they all tons of fun with. I hope you all had a great Easter.
I am so bummed because I didn't take hardly any pictures not even pictures of the egg hunt! It seems that whenever I really want my camera I can't find it. Oh well, there will be many more Easters to come!

Week before Easter

2008-03-26T20:49:00.003-06:00

I did the girls' hair and they did Brook's

Brooklyn hanging out while we bowled.

The girls helping Carter bowl.

Ok so I have so much to post about.....this last week was Twin Falls' spring break so I had my nieces Tiana and Andrea come visit us for the week. We kept extremely ready and had fun getting ready for Easter. We had lots of easter egg hunts, went bowling, and went to Boondocks to ride go-karts and play all the fun games there. The girls remind me so much of my sister April and me about 15 years ago. It's like a flashback. I couldn't help but laugh so much this last week because I kept going back to my childhood. When life was so simple and I didn't have a care in the world!
Carter absolutely loved bowling. He loved that he could go and throw a ball (couldn't quite grasp that you had to roll it). After "his turn" he could go and play right behind us with games. It was nice to just kind of let him go and be able to watch him the whole time.
Brooklyn also got her first burn to a flat iron. Tiana was holding her and decided to come into the bathroom where I was getting ready and she sat Brooke on the counter and right when I said don't sit her there.......she grabbed it. Oh, I felt so terrible!!!!! She didn't even cry at first, maybe because I immediately had it in freezing cold water, but after it was out she screamed and screamed and wouldn't let me see her hand. So I held it under the water FOREVER and let her play with ice and she continued to cry off and on for 2 hours. I called her doctor and took her in just to make sure it was ok. And of course it was, she said that it happens so much, she's seen way worse and that it would be completely better by the next day. WOWSERS we were lucky!!! Those things are SO STINKIN' HOT! I cringe when I do my hair to make sure that I don't let my hair touch my face right after because my hair gets so hot I couldn't imagine how bad it would hurt if I touched it. So anyway it was quite a busy week and now everything has calmed down. Thank goodness!

Brooklyn's First tooth

2008-03-19T23:22:00.003-06:00

Ok so our little Brooke got her first tooth last week. Amongst all the crazy puppy business Brooklyn was cutting her first tooth. Wednesday it finally broke the surface, YEA!!! She is so cute with feeling it with her tongue and is getting so big! She still seems to be cutting teeth isn't the greatest sleeper yet! Brooke has also discovered army crawling. She hasn't quite mastered it yet but she sure gets going when she's determined to get something real close. She also has become quite sassy. If we take something away from her that she really wants she will let us know with a squeel of madness and if she wants something we're eating she'll try to charm us and then get frustrated and just yell, not cry just yell. Oh I'm sure Carter and her are going to be great buddies! They already are completely loving each other. It's so funny if Carter is sleeping when Brook wakes up she'll be looking for him and yes squeeling making noise to get him to wake up even pulling hair. And if Brook is still sleeping when Carter wakes up Carter is right there telling her "Ooklyn wake up......WAKE UP" and she does and is so happy to wake up to seeing him. Brooklyn is also very sensitive. She gets in these moods where all she wants is me and if anybody thinks differently she'll put the lip out and just sob a quiet cry. I can just see the girl in her.

I'm torn.......

2008-03-15T17:41:00.007-06:00

So last week we had a long, fun, exciting, and tiring week. It all started Tuesday afternoon when I got a text message from Brent asking if I would like to go for a drive in the evening. I texted back asking where and why? And he wrote back.....to look at "Cookie puppies" for any of you who don't know I grew up with a dog that was named Cookie a boston bull terrier. We loved her!!! She was so fun and gave our family tons of great memories despite all the hassell a dog brings. Totally worth all the fun memories! So we went and saw these adorable puppies and we were humming and hawing wondering if we really wanted a puppy and Brent finally made the decision to take our little puppy home! We were all so excited and couldn't wait to get home. We stopped by Petco and got a kennel, food, shampoo, brush, toys, and even a book.
We got home and weren't quite ready to hear our new little bundle cry and whimper. She just wanted to be held and cuddled, which unfortunately Brooklyn did too. So after not getting any sleep for a few nights the little puppy is back with it's mommy and daddy. We had a ton of fun for the days we had her but we weren't quite ready to have the whole house awake at 1 in the morning and be playing for a few hours. Carter just couldn't settle down to sleep and then when he did wake he'd hear the puppy and want to play with her and lucky for him we would need to take her out to go potty and of course Carter wouldn't stay in bed so he really thought it was play time. One morning we woke up to Carter trying to name the cute little puppy. He said you like "pop-tart?" "Ok come mer pop-tart" then a few minutes later asked "you like Carter James?" "Ok come mer Carter James" that whole day he was coming up with names all over the place. We laughed so hard!!!!
I do have to say though that during the puppy's stay we only had one small accident and that was on the kitchen floor close to the door. So I think that was extremely good for starting the potty training. Too bad I couldn't be that good and get Carter to learn that quickly.
So anyway, we all decided as a family that pop-tart, suzie Q, Carter James, Jack, Sally.....(the list goes on) would be better off in another home. Thankfully the owner was so understanding and let us take her back. We all decided (Brent included) that we would get a dog when we have a bigger house and when Carter is a little older and can actually help. So for all of you who aren't the dog lovers you better come visit now because once we move it's guaranteed that we will one day have a puppy that belongs to our family!

Our Vegas Trip

2008-03-11T09:02:00.004-06:00

Well it's taken me a while to get to posting about our trip to Vegas. We had a great time relaxing and hanging out with Sonia and Ryan and all our kids! Even though Carter and Brooklyn decided they wanted to both start teething and get sick!!! Carter got one of his 2 year molars while we were there and we're still waiting for Brooky's teeth to break the surface. It feels like she's trying to get three. 2 on bottom and one on top. The bottom is so super close to breaking but not yet. Teething for my kids is pure HELL!!!! I took both kids in to the doctor when we got back because their noses were just draining all the time and Brooklyn did indeed have an ear infection and Carter just had tons of yucky mucous so they both got antibiotics. So thankful it didn't turn into anything more. So sorry to Sonia and Ryan for having some major whiny kids while we were there.
We still enjoyed it tons though! We got to sing and jam out on the PS2. And Ryan got guitar Hero for his birthday. Carter loves guitar hero. He now has a little helicopter that fits perfectly like a guitar to him so he pretends it's his guitar. I'm trying to get footage of him playing his "guitar" to music that is on the TV. It cracks me up every time.
Since my Brooklyn and Carter both got so sick I sadly made the decision to cancel my ticket to go to April's to see the new baby. That was the last thing I wanted to bring into her house....some sickness to a new baby means major major STRESS!!!! So I haven't gotten to see Collin and I am killing myself because when I talk to April on the phone and hear that new little baby cry....oh it is just so darn CUTE! So I will have to make it to see them soon.
I have to hurry and get to bed to sleep.....We all have had an extremely hard time with the time change and it doesn't help that I started the book "Twilight". Yes, I started and soon will be done! Seriously anyone who hasn't read this book needs to get it and READ IT! It's a great one! SO, Love to all and to all a good night!

Tagged AGAIN!

2008-03-04T22:20:00.005-07:00

Ok so this tag is an interesting one......

What is in my purse??????

Well considering my purse is my diaper bag you find almost anything you'd ever need in it. And I did this right before I started packing for Vegas which was extremely good so I could take out some things and actually organize it.

Diapers
Wipes
kids books
Brooklyn and Carter's immunization records
Wallet
Little Tummies (in case anyone has gas)
A bib (in case you're a messy eater)
A Booger sucker (don't we all need a little suctioning of mucus)
Hair bows/flowers/head bands
Markers (in case we get bored)
gum
pencils/pens
a rock (yes Carter made sure that I had a rock in my bag He loves to find cool rocks)
A smashed nutrigrain bar
fruitsnacks
marshmallows
drawing paper
a lots of little toys for Brook
finger nail clippers
hand sanitizer
3 or 4 different lip glosses ( you never know, I might run out of one)

Ok well that about does it. I took out the booger sucker thinking I never use this gross thing so I put it away and what do you know I actually needed it in Vegas. Brooklyn got so stuffy and sick there Sonia had to search high and low for hers. So I guess it's better to always overpack than not have something. Ok Now I tag everyone who wants to clean out their purse and let us all in on what you have inside!

TAGGED

2008-02-28T00:36:00.003-07:00

Ok so I've been tagged a couple of times so I'll start with the first tag.....

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?????

Well I would have been 14 years old and in the 8th grade probably so excited that I could finally go to school dances and was way too boy crazy and into cheerleading (GO CUBS ha ha!), hair (at that time I had the hamster tube for bangs anyone who knew me then can remember my perfect bangs!) gossip. Passing around notebooks with friends instead of notes. 10 years ago I was completely care free when my whole world was crashing in around me if I couldn't get my dang bangs to go perfect!

2. 5 things on my "to-do" list today

Well it's 10:00 at night so tomorrow's to-do list includes a whole bunch of cleaning up. Doing laundry, going and actually finding the book Twilight. I went to 3 different places in Vegas and they only had the 2nd and 3rd book.....so I am going to hopefully find it tomorrow, I'm craving to read something good!

3. Bad habits I have

A. I have a tendency to leave on lights. This annoys Brent but somehow I just forget and I like light! So I am trying to save more energy and remember to turn off lights especially when I leave.

B. I misplace my cell phone or keys....seriously it's terrible! I can never find my keys or cell phone when I need them and I almost lose my mind every time. Sometimes they can be right in front of my face and I start the whole panic searching tearing things apart and there they are right in front of me in a simple ordinary place like the counter.

4. Places I've lived

I am kind of a boring person when it comes to this one. Twin Falls, Boise and Raymond Alberta Canada. That's it! I've always wanted to live out East like in Illinois or Massachusetts but I don't quite think that will ever happen. And I've always wanted to live in Hawaii. So Angie and Brandi you're living one of my many dreams!

5. Things people don't know about me

A. I have to sleep with my feet hanging out of the covers! I hate my feet to be hot and I love wearing flip-flops all year round! My feet are my temperature gage. If I'm cold I just have to go put on socks and I warm right up.....if I'm hot just take off the socks and I level right out. I love a room being cold and getting all snugly under a blanket with my bare feet out in the breeze. Yes, I'm weird I know. I don't think I've ever been able to really sleep with my feet inside the blankets!!! Even when I was a teenager and at girls camp in a sleeping bag I had to have my feet out! And now I have 2 little kid who are just like me so now I'm not the only weird one out there.

B. I am a chocolate-a-holic! I love it! I have only once hated chocolate and that was when I was pregnant with Carter. Too bad that yucky taste couldn't stay with me longer! Chocolate can seriously make a long stressful day worth enduring and turn it into a pleasant one. So everyone go indulge and enjoy the Easter candy!

So now I tag anyone and everyone who is reading this and hasn't done this yet!

Home Alone

2008-02-22T11:13:00.004-07:00

So Brent has gone to another seminar and the kids and I have just been hanging out. We are getting ready to meet Brent in Las Vegas on Saturday and he'll be at another seminar for a few days and I'll get to hang out with my sister-in-laws family (be prepared to sing your hearts out and play some cards!!!) By Wednesday Brent will be done and can actually hang out with us for a couple of days and then i will be off to California to see April and our new little baby Collin!
Can I just say I hate staying home by myself! I'm great during the day....I can keep busy with seeing people and going places but once night comes....it changes. I know I'm crazy but I seriously get so spooked and hate the fact that I get spooked. Carter's imagination is so huge that at night he's been telling me that he sees scary masks outside and the monsters will get you. I then start thinking did he really catch a glimpse of someone outside wearing a mask??? and then I calm myself down and get busy doing things. But I have to admit I take my shoes to my bedside with my purse, keys and cell phone on my nightstand and I let Carter and Brooklyn sleep with me. Crazy i know and I know nothing is going to happen but I always think but what if and I know i'd feel better with my kids right by me even if there happened to be a fire or something. I got together with a friend from our ward and her husband happens to be out of town also and I asked her if she ever got spooked at night and she confessed that she has to pull the top of her mattress out to the front living room and sleep with Clair (her little girl) in the living room. So I was so happy to hear that I wasn't the only paranoid one! And now I've given away my little secrets to a stalker who could be reading this........Just kidding.
So I thought I'd post some pics of the last few days and also post some pics of Valentines Day since I was so late in posting about it. But I do love Valentines Day!!! I'm such a hopeless romantic and I don't think that will ever change. Brent was great to me waking up to him bringing us breakfast.....pancakes and some Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (lemon filled my favorite!) some great balloons to keep Carter and Brooklyn busy.
Later that day I got a great delivery from some flower place that brought me beautiful fresh tulips! It was a nice change from roses and they made me so excited for spring! I absolutely love flowers....any kind even carnations! I know they soon die but aren't they just so nice to have and smell and they just brighten up a room so much for the days that they are alive! I just love Valentines Day another day specialized to let everyone know just how much you love them and how important they are. We all need a little boost from our everyday ordinary lives to give it some spunk and LOVE!
Well I better be going, I've got to finish laundry and getting packed.....hopefully the airplane ride won't be too crazy with me alone with 2 crazy little kids! Yes, I'm a little nervous as I'm not the greatest flyer plus with 2 kids......lets just pray they sleep! I don't know what happened to me I used to love flying and loved the tickle in my stomach during take off and landing but once I got kids I hate it I want to make sure everything is safe and goes smoothly and I worry way too much! Well I hope everyone is doing well.....
Love to all!

I bought Brooklyn some swimming suits at Old Navy(40% off YAY) to get ready for our cruise in April.....I wish I looked as cute as she does in a swimming suit!

The pretty flowers from Valentines Day

I found Carter all snuggled up with Brooky's blanket so cute. Thank goodness I didn't have to fight him to go to sleep!

Busy Week

2008-02-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

This week has been a busy one. Brent got back from his nice trip to California. He got to see April, Chris and Ashlyn for a night and I'm so jealous!!! And April I must say that Brent said you looked so good for being so close to your delivery date......he said you didn't look "HUGE" at all. (really he did)
We all went to pick Brent up at the airport and Carter was so excited!!! He missed Brent so much while he was gone so we all were so happy to have Brent home! Carter's new phrases are "good idea, mom" and "nice work." I was cleaning up and he was so nice to tell me "nice work." And anytime that he is getting cranky or bored I say oh let's go get a snack or color or play playdough and the next thing he always says is "great idea, mom" He can be in the middle of a melt down and the moment I suggest something he stops crying and tells me great idea. So cute. I'm not quite sure where he comes up with these things but everyday he has something new. I've been trying harder to potty-train him and it's a little tiring. I think it may be too early. I was talking to my mom on the phone while carter was playing cars and telling her that I didn't really like this whole potty-training thing and realize it's a LONG process. When that afternoon I sit Carter on the potty and he tells me "done potty train'n' mom." I get him off and then he proceeds to tell me....."don't like potty train'n'." I swear he hears everything I say even when I think he's in the other room playing he somehow is able to play and listen so well to what I am talking about.
I am happy to say that while Brent was gone I went to church and for the first time Carter actually stayed in nursery the whole time. The leaders did say he tried escaping once.....but they caught him and he didn't even cry. So YEAH for CARTER!!!! Church was actually nice and I was able to listen to the lessons.
We are getting ready to go to Vegas in a couple of weeks and we are hoping to be able to get to California to see my new little nephew who will hopefully be here soon! So February while it seems like it just started is going to be over way to fast.
Anyway I better get going both kids are sleeping which is a great thing and I might go take advantage of it. Love to all!!!

Some pictures

2008-01-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been really good at taking a lot of pictures lately......but here are a few.

We asked Carter to go get a diaper for Brooklyn....when it was quiet we searched all over for him and found him in Brooklyn's crib pretending to sleep with her suckie and everything.

Brooklyn's first ponytail! She hates me to mess with her hair but I finally got it in with out her screaming to much!

Brooklyn in her jumper-roo.

So this week Brent gets to travel to California for a big seminar. Too bad I can't go with him and see my sister April who is ready to have her baby....Hang in there girl and post some pics of the wicked rash.

Carter has been pretending that he is Dr. Schaeffer. He's been pretending all week to check our ears and our throat and hear our heart. I guess we've been to the doctor a little much. Brooklyn went this week for her shots and she weighed in at 16 pounds!!!! She is rolling over like crazy! I lay her down and immediately she flips making it hard to change her. Carter thinks it's so funny that she can "roll" so when she actually is laying still he tries to help her roll. Well I better go and try and get some sleep. Carter had a 5 hour nap today so he might be awake extra early tomorrow. Love to all.

Happy Days

2008-01-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

We are all doing much better!!! Brooklyn's rash and diarrhea completely cleared up by Saturday and she is such a happy girl. Her pediatrician completely disagreed with the other doctor. She told me that throughout our lives we will always find that doctors do have different opinions even though both doctors are good doctors just see things differently and to always go with your maternal instincts. She did think she was allergic and charted it and did not want her on any other antibiotic until her system was completely flushed, and she didn't think she had an ear infection at all. So I felt completely better after my visit with her.

Carter gets funnier everyday. His big new phrase is "NOT FAIR!" One evening we all went shopping and Brent took Carter out to the car to change his diaper and he thought for some odd reason he was going to get to drive and when Brent told him no you get to ride in your nice chair.....he replied "Not fair". I'm not quite sure where he picked it up but he now tells me this often when he can't do something. I try to hide my little laughs as I can't believe he is already trying to reason with me. He also is growing up so much he has finally gone potty on the big potty. He's gone the big #1 and #2. Now the problem is just sticking with it. Potty training is way more in depth than I imagined. Right now I'm kind of just going with the flow, not pushing it at all...I'm just thinking it is a little easier to just change the diaper. Carter has been calling Brooklyn "gorgeous" and is making sure she has plenty of toys. He'll even share with her for a few minutes and then when she drops the toy he'll say "Thank you Brook it's my turn" Last night we were in the car and Brooklyn started fussing and Carter quickly said " Brooklyn, U Or Words, top crying" (use your words stop crying). Yes this is what I tell him when he is in the middle of a melt down and it seems to work quite well. He soon can get a hold of himself and usually will tell me what is wrong so we can work together to make things better. I now know what I must sound like when I'm talking to him. Brooklyn has really found her voice and loves to squeel and talk. She gets so excited the moment she sees Carter and without him doing anything she'll start laughing so hard at him. She constantly watches him and I can just see in her eyes she's waiting for him to notice her and she wishes so bad that she could get down and play with him. I know that day will come too soon! Brooklyn is getting so big and it is so bittersweet. I'm just trying to make the most of my days and enjoy Carter and Brooklyn as they are now, although life is CRAZY I love it, and I certainly know that it will only get crazier in the years to come. I better get going...I'm in Twin and so I don't have my camera but I'll post pics as soon as I get back. Love to all!!!!

Sleep Deprived!!!

2008-01-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of the rash

Pictures don't even do it justice....it's so sad and looks terrible

I was nursing Brooklyn and Carter came and sat on my feet and next thing I know he's asleep

Carter making a snow angel

Brooklyn laying with Carter in his bed. This was the morning we woke up to just some spots on her.

So our little Brook has become quite the trooper. Last Monday I took her in to the Dr.'s because she had become fussy and having trouble sleeping and scratching the heck out of her ear. It was an ear infection so they prescribed Amoxicillin. After being on the amoxicillin for 7 days, Sunday morning Brooklyn had broke out in a rash. At first it was just a whole bunch of spots on her body and as the day progressed so did her rash. She is now covered in welts and it has broke my heart that she has to go through this. Today I took her to the Dr. to not find out anything. The Dr. was a new doctor that they stuck me with since Brooklyn's normal pediatrician is not in the office on Mondays. This Dr. looked at her ears 5 to 6 times and then asked me well which ear was the infected one. Once I told him he looked and looked and then said well I think it is a little red and so I think it's still infected. Then he said I don't think her rash is bothering her. She's too little to swipe at her rash and want to itch. And he also doesn't think she is allergic to Amoxicillin he just thought it was one of the side effects. Allergic or not I'm never giving it to her again!!!! He wants to put her on a different antibiotic, and not document that she is allergic to it.
Well I completely DISAGREE with this dr. so I'm going tomorrow to her regular dr. for another opinion!!!! She has not been this uncomfortable EVER! She is swiping at her forehead and her eyes where the rash is the worst. Before the rash she was still sleeping really well and only waking up 2 times in the night rather than just waking up at 5. But last night she was awake and just whimpering and getting so frustrated! Brent was so great to wake up with me (I was becoming FRANTIC) and helped me give her a bath and then I ran to the store to get Aveno Oatmeal baths. This all occurred at 3 in the morning. Brent gave her a blessing and she soon calmed down and slept for a good few hours.
I'm so grateful for the Priesthood and to have it in our home. Thanks to my honey for being such a good daddy and being so calm!!! I don't know what I'd do without him.
Amongst all the craziness in taking care of Brooklyn.... it has finally snowed and left us with some snow on the ground. I was able to take Carter out and play with him in it and he loved it! We had tons of fun making snow angels and throwing snowballs at each other. He is such a fun smart little kid. He loves to make us laugh and make himself laugh. He definitely keeps the spirit in our home happy as long as we remember to laugh and not worry about the messes he makes or the curiosity in him. This past week he has thrown my phone in the bathtub (now I have a newer nicer phone...thanks carter), given the floors tons of baths, thrown tons of rice down the heat vent, taken keys off our keyboard, tried drinking a bottle of ibuprofen thank goodness I was close by to catch him right before doing so. You may now think I never watch this kid but seriously I DO constantly and that's when he plays so good and we play together and the moment I go to the bathroom for 2 minutes or go to lay Brooklyn down or just sit to nurse her he takes these opportunities to become curious. Okay well I better go get some sleep.... I now have just been informed that our dryer isn't working (it's only 1 year old)....AUGH now I have wet clothes and have to call customer service be on hold forever and probably won't be able to understand the person I'm talking to. Oh my it really does pour when it rains!!!! I just have to laugh and say tomorrow is a new day. Love to all!

2008-01-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while! So much to tell but where to start. First.....in regards to my last post. I figured out who Grandma Bessy is. Grandma Bessy is in the book "Five Little Monkeys With Nothing to Do". She is coming to visit and the monkeys are trying to clean to get ready for Grandma Bessy. The five little monkeys books are so cute! They even have little finger puppets of all the monkeys! I guess Carter isn't thinking up imaginary grandmas.
Now for Christmas....We spent Christmas at my parents house in Twin Falls. Carter understood a lot more than I thought he would. He couldn't wait for Santa to come and for the reindeer. His favorite song is Santa Claus is Coming to Town. We still have to sing this song as one of our bedtime songs. We had lots of fun Christmas morning! Carter was so happy with his presents. I think Carter and Brook got spoiled!!! The best part was that Brent was able to take some time off and we were able to spend some great time with family. We were over at Terry and Ana's almost every night rocking out to Guitar Hero and Singstar on the Play Station. I think Brent will be the next American Idol ( love ya babe)! We had so much fun with everyone we went and bought a Play Station for us.
Of course with Christmas comes great food! Thanks to my dad and mom for the good food and to Ana who cooks some great authentic Mexican food for our Christmas Eve party!!!
We then came home to ring in the new YEAR! We went over to our friends house and of course brought over our Guitar Hero and Singstar and had a great time! Again the food was GREAT (thanks Collette, I now have 10 more pounds to lose on top of what I already need to lose!)
And now it is 2008. I can not believe it! The time just seems to slip away and it seems to go faster each year. I hope to be able to make the best and most out of it no matter what! Oh the list could go on forever for my new years resolution. I have so much to be thankful for and am loving being a mother of 2 beautiful healthy kids. I better get going, it's late and I'm in need of some major sleep. To all of you that we were not able to see this Christmas Season you all have been in our thoughts! WE miss you all. We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Grandma Bessy

2007-12-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today Carter has stumped me on what he is talking about. He's been sitting in front of our big front window telling me "Grandma Bessy comin'. When I ask who is grandma Bessy. He gets quite flustered and states again....."grandma Bessy comin, Carter's house." I say you mean Grandma Helen? Reply: NO, Grandma Bessy! So I say you mean Grandma Tami/Thueson? Reply: No Grandma Bessy. I have no clue who Grandma Bessy is but he is quite sure she is coming to our house. His imagination grows everyday! Last night he pretended his frozen peas were HOT and he had to blow on them. He kept laughing and laughing that he was actually blowing on cold peas. (Just so you don't think I've lost my mind feeding him frozen peas.....thats the only way he'll eat them!) He is loving to hold Brook. She loves this too. She smiles and talks to him and he eats it up trying to click his tongue or shhhh. her or sing to her.
Brook is getting so big. She is such a happy content baby as long as she is held out so she can see or be put on the floor. If I hold her to much she reminds me to put her down. Then of course if I don't hold her enough she'll let me know too. When she starts to get fussy I know she's tired and I try to rock her or cuddle her to sleep and she only fusses more so I go to lay her down and she immediately begins to coo and talk and is happy and then in just a couple of minutes she's out. I am still getting used to having a baby that would rather be put in a crib than be held.
We are all staying busy this Christmas season. I have to say I haven't even done a whole lot of Christmas shopping. Every time I go I go crazy but then I end up putting things back and think that's not what Christmas is about. Which is somewhat frustrating as I love Christmas shopping and love to give gifts. But Overall I just want to enjoy what I have and teach Carter from the start it's not about gifts it's about Christ and what we are going to do to keep Christ in our lives and become more Christlike. Ok so this post is becoming more in-depth than I thought or wanted......
So anyway, I hope you all are having a great holiday season and enjoying the great food that comes with it. This is my favorite season for sure. I love the music and the hot chocolate and decorating! It's so fun. I better get going!!! Love to all!

photo shoot

2007-12-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

So we had some pictures taken around Brooklyn's blessing. We are just getting them so I thought I'd post a few. It was soo CRAZY!! Carter hated getting his picture the moment we stepped foot in the room. He didn't want to sit by us didn't want Cristi the photogragher taking pictures, he screamed bloody murder when we tried to change his shirt. He seriously was so difficult. But in his defense he was extremely tired and wanted to be with grandmas and grandpas. So if you are wondering why Carter isn't really in the photos, it's because he jumped ship and went into the other room to watch Nemo. For it being a crazy day of kids Cristi managed to capture some good shots. Thank goodness it wasn't all a waste!

Happy Happy Birthday

2007-12-04T10:55:00.001-07:00

SO I haven't posted in a long long time!!! WE have been extremely busy and going a little crazy! First I'd like to say Happy birthday to Brent. His birthday was yesterday the 3rd and today is my sweet little Carter's birthday and mine. December is the craziest month and we are staying busy. We celebrated Carter's birthday on Saturday with some friends. I attempted making a lightning McQueen and Mater. They turned out pretty cute thanks to my amazing dad for carving the loaf cakes into the shape of cars. I made marshmallow fondant and it was a lot better than trying to frost the cake. Carter loved the cakes and was surprised when we "broke McQueen and ate it". We still have some left and he is constantly asking "eat lightning McQueen please.....bite mater now please!" I can't believe he is already 2 and I am 24. Time has really gone fast. Carter has really hit the terrible 2's and is becoming quite independent. For Carter's birthday we got him some big boy underwear and an Elmo book about going to the potty, I thought I'd just introduce the idea to him.....well last night he asked to sit on the potty and we read the book and he kept pushing and pushing.....but nothing. We went through the motions though of wiping and flushing. This morning again he asked. We'll see how long this lasts. I'm not pushing at all because half of me still thinks diapers are so much easier. But when I get those real stinky diapers I think it would sure be nice if he started going in the toilet!!!! We know many of you have birthdays in December so we are wishing you a Happy Birthday!!! I am trying to upload pictures but it's not working so check back!!!

WE ARE MARSHALL

2007-11-13T01:25:00.000-07:00

Okay so I normally don't do movie reviews, but I have to say that "We are Marshall" was a great show!!! I am awake at 2 in the morning thinking about it, and yes still getting teary eyed. After a really good or scary movie I can never sleep because my mind just thinks. I cried throughout the whole thing but don't let that stop you from watching I must say I am quite emotional still. You know I just had a baby and I think I can still use the excuse of hormones being the cause of tears. Brent didn't even tear up (which is a sign that I'm really being sensitive because he usually tears up if it is really sad. Sorry Brent, but you do.) It was the kind of show that gives you goosebumps and makes you really enjoy your own life and realize how much we have to be grateful for. And it makes you laugh, cry, jump off the edge of your seat your so excited! So if you haven't seen it yet, go rent it. It is great! For now, I must try and get some sleep. Tomorrow comes.... oh it is tomorrow.....morning comes oh so quick!!! Love to all.

2007-11-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

Brotherly sister love

The lovely artwork

Our sweet Brook

Just thought I'd share some recent photos of the kids. One day when Brent was supposed to be watching and playing with Carter he seemed to somehow escape Brent's eyes and got a hold of a pen. A pen and one little boy can create masterpieces which Carter created one heck of a masterpiece on himself. Carter is really learning his manners like "cuse me, thank you, peese, and sorry." He definately knows when I start to get frustrated and immediately bursts out "sorry mom....sorry" Every time he says this with out fail it brings a huge smile to my face and immediately I am not frustrated anymore. I'm so grateful for the word sorry and and thank you! When a crazy almost 2 year old uses them it helps me put in perspective that he's still so small and is learning. He is way to smart for his age, if I have to take something away from him that he shouldn't have like scissors or a pen or some adult thing that isnt a toy he tells me "share mom". He is becoming a big help to me with brooklyn, like getting diapers, throwing them away, or finding blankets, finding her binki when she starts to squak and trying so hard to help her not to cry. She loves him! Brooklyn watches him like crazy. She smiles and talks to him and he loves it. She gets so excited when she sees him she kicks her legs and flails her arms and Carter comes to give her hugs and kisses. When it's diaper changing time they love to lay by eachother and Carter tells her "no cry ookn." He tries to do patty cake with her and itsy bitsy spider. So fun that he actually now really enjoys her and she enjoys him. I hope that when Brooklyn gets bigger they'll become great play mates, since they're so close in age!!!
Brooklyn is talking and cooing like crazy. She sleeps really well for me, so far. She still isn't much of a cuddler at all. I'm glad I'm nursing as that's the only time I get to hold her real close and cuddle. Other than that she has to be held out to see what's going on and when she's tired she'll either fall asleep with me holding her out or she'll fuss until i put her down. Weirdo....I still can't totally grasp that a baby doesn't really like to be snuggled and cuddled. When she starts to fuss my natural instinct is to bring her in and snuggle her but she quickly lets me know that is not what she wants. She is really starting to fill out and get those chubby cheeks that you just want to pinch.
We are having lots of fun with our little family and are excited for the upcoming holidays. We are hoping to get to see some family and eat lots of good food. We hope all is going well and love to all.

PUMP IT UP!!!

2007-11-03T23:31:00.000-06:00

Dallin giving Carter a push....What a nice friend

Carter and Daddy after a slide ride

Russell & Brent getting ready to take the ring!

The slide!

The obstacle Course

Getting ready to come down

On Thursday we got to go to Brent's work party at "Pump it Up". For those of you who don't know what that is the pictures can explain it. IT was a ton of fun! What a great job he has. I'm so thankful that Brent did his home teaching and this job opportunity presented itself. It has been a big blessing in our lives. He has a great boss to work for and Brent loves what he's doing. Don't ask me to explain exactly what he does or else I'd confuse you and myself in trying to do so, we'll just leave it at affiliate manager with a great internet marketing company...Sublime Net.
Anyway back to the party. It was great fun. Carter was a little bit scared at first and immediately started screaming. I was bound and determined that he was going to have fun because really I wanted to go down the big slide and needed an excuse!!! I quickly carried him up the stairs with him telling me "Mom I fall" and I reply, "no Carter you won't" his reply: "NOOOOO, I FALL" I continue to go up and reach the top and just like that we were down the big slide. He actually did enjoy it. We went again and again. Brent and Russell decided to box eachother I couldn't stop laughing! They really went at it. Great entertainment! So a big thanks to Russell for letting us all have a great afternoon with eachother.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2007-11-02T11:06:00.000-06:00

Well Carter did get dressed up and he was a great dinosaur. We went over to our friends house and let all the boys go trick-or-treating together. Carter's little friends (Bowen and Dallin) were Larry and Bob from the veggie tales and were so cute. Then Carter's future little girl-friend (Ellie) was the cutest little pea pod. The weather was actually great! It wasn't very cold at all. Brooklyn was a little reindeer and fell asleep while we were trick-or-treating. The first house we went to was a pretty creepy one. It had a HUGE blow up spider coming down in the entrance of the door. Then inside were a ton of furry spiders, rats and a mechanical man and skeletons and seriously it kind of freaked me out. Carter kept saying "spiders coming" or monsters scared. But he willingly went to the door and got candy. We didn't go to a ton of houses as the boys are still quite small! Plus Carter wouldn't take a nap during the day so a handful of houses was all they could handle. They all had fun and enjoyed the candy! Thank goodness we stopped when we did or else I would have a ton of candy on my hands that I DO NOT need!!!
Oh and I'll post some pics of us finally getting around to carving our pumpkins. We carved them the night before Halloween. It was a lot of fun. I can't remember the last time I actually carved a pumpkin myself. It's great having kids it brings out the kid again in ourselves.
I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween. For those of you who haven't posted yet get posting some pics. And thanks to those who have!
Love to all

2007-10-29T19:04:00.001-06:00

Pictures!!!

2007-10-29T11:46:00.000-06:00

Here are some recent pics of the kids. Yesterday I put Brooklyn in the cutest little dress that my sister Meagon made for her. Even the little booties to go with it were so adorable!!! So many people stopped me to look at it and couldn't believe how pretty it was and that someone made it. So thank you to my sis!!! Carter is keeping us busy and never stops talking. I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween and it's not too freezing cold!!! All of you bloggers make sure to take tons of pics so we can see. Love to all.

The end to "NO POOP"

2007-10-29T10:55:00.000-06:00

OK.....so Brooklyn is pooping all on her own multiple times during the day, every day!!!!! YEAH!!!! I'm pretty sure the cause was gripe water. I feel like such a terrible mom! When Carter was a few months old we gave him some and he did fine and it helped him lots when he got a belly ache so I didn't think twice when I gave it to Brook. But I should have done some research. We never gave her more than recommended and actually only dipped her suckie in it and if she was screaming for hours on end we'd give her a couple of mls. The ingredients are oil of fennel and sodium bicarbonate. Which there's tons of gripe waters out there and they are actually good if they don't have the sodium bicarbonate! I was reading about sod. bicarobonate and it can cause intestinal problems in young children. It is supposed to balance the PH in the stomach but it can over balance it and cause problems. So caution to EVERYONE!!! I don't want to cause a panic to those of you who have or are using it. Every baby is different and the acidity in every baby's tummy is different, so some can tolerate it and it does no harm while in others it causes problems. SO just know that there is that possibility. As for me we will not be using anymore gripe water ever!!! I wish I would have been more proactive and looked up all ingredients before using them. At least we know now and brook is now back to her normal self. I'm so glad it was something simple like stopping gripe water rather than a kink in her intestine or something else. I'm thankful for the prayers and the holy ghost and for people listening to those promptings. So now that she is pooping I've had to become more prepared like making sure I've got plenty of diapers and an extraset of clothes that fit!!! No more trying to pack light!

Carter playing around

2007-10-23T01:26:00.000-06:00

SO here's a clip of Carter. Don't mind me in the background singing.......Just listen to Carter as this gives you a little taste of what I get all day long. He then began to get more hyper as I tried getting more clips of him. When he sees the camera he automatically wants to put on a show and goes CRAZY!!! Here are some pics of Carter from the weekend I drove to Twin for Saturday since I was getting quite bored and lonely. My mom and I pulled out some Halloween masks and some scary hands. Carter was a little scared at first but then amazingly he decided they were fun and put them on with the help of Grandpa. So maybe Halloween won't be so so scary for him. He also let me put on his dinosaur costume. I originally bought him a Nemo costume but he would never let me put it on him. He just liked to feed it and kiss it but hated the idea of it going on him.....so I took it back. I probably should have given him a little bit more time to warm up to it. Oh well, this year he can be a roaring dinosaur!

update

2007-10-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

Where to start....Brent just got back from a nice business trip of 5 days in Anaheim California. We all missed him like crazy and are so glad he's home! Brooklyn is still battling with pooping. It seems to make her quite upset when she needs to go. So she screams!!! Other than that she's a charm! She doesn't like to be cuddled or held too close when she's tired she likes to be put down. NICE. but of course that is when she doesn't have a belly ache. I've even tried sleeping with her but if I try cuddling her she'll keep fidgeting until I put her in her own space. At least we won't have another Carter on our hands. I must say though the last few nights he's stayed in his bed until 6 am. so yeah for now. Brook is loving to talk to us. She smiles oh so big and lets out some squeels. She's still trying to find that voice of hers and I think sometimes it shocks her when she actually makes sound. I am of course loving dressing her up. It's so fun although she'd tell you different if she could talk. She hates being messed with and hates anytime I go for the hair. I just keep telling her she's a girl and that's what we do....we play dress up.
We took her to the Dr. last Wednesday to just make sure everything is ok. and she weighed in at 11 pounds and is almost 23 inches long. I broke out Carter's charts of when he was 2 months and he weighed 13 lbs. and 5 ounces so she is smaller than Carter. She fell in the 50th percentile for height and weight and her head circum. just under 50%. So I guess you could say I have a perfectly normal average size baby. The dr. did another rectal to make sure things felt good and did a complete exam and Dr. Schaeffer said she looked and felt so good. She did refer me to a special pediatric gastroenterologist to get a second opinion. I am debating whether or not to take her right away or to just wait a few weeks and see how she does. I've been praying about this little girl since she was inside of me and I truely feel that she is really ok and normal so for now I think I will just wait a couple of weeks.
Carter, oh my sweet Carter! He is getting so big!!!! These past few nights he's been pretending to be a little dog. I pretend with him and give him orders like bark and sit and touch your toes and your nose. I almost had him as I went through the list I then added OK little doggie go get in bed! He started going and smiling and then soon came right back looking at me like MOM you tricked me. I guess he's smarter than that. Brent and I have really had to start watching what we talk about around him because he listens so well. If we are talking about a car accident or something serious he can tell by our tones and he starts saying no no car! STOP! And if we are talking about treats or ice cream or anything yummy he begs and begs for it right then. So now the spelling to eachother has started. Of course Carter thinks he can spell too, he says A, E, I , C. and repeats it thinking he's spelled something. Much to our amazement he actually does know how to spell his name. "C, A, R, E, R, CARTER" he says. (so he forgets the T but I think that's pretty good) His vocabulary is growing everyday. I don't know where he learns everything. He also has stunned Brent and I by counting to 10. I'm trying so hard to get him to do these things on Camera but once I pull out the camera he starts acting and gets hyper and can't focus. He keeps saying "Chees" waiting for it to click. He definately loves Brooklyn he makes sure we don't forget her any time we're getting ready to leave.
His new favorite word right now is "Awesome" He says it so cute with lots of excitement. I'll post some random pics of the kids. I better go, this is quite long. Sorry!!!! Love to all.

Ashlyn, Tiana, and Brook on Conference weekend

Ashlyn loved taking care of Brookie.....she'll be a great big sister!

Alyssa and Brook conference weekend

Family photo at the pumkin patch. Brook is in the sling...I'm not just wearing something weird.

Bath time

Grandma Thueson and Little Brook

"Monsters.....scared"

2007-10-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

Last night we woke up to Carter screaming at the top if his lungs. Brent went in to check on him and Carter was so upset and not all the way awake we didn't know what to do. So after lots of screaming and kicking carter finally woke up and looked at me and said "monsters.......scared." So I had to go into his room turn on the lights show him there were no monsters and that he was okay and Brent and I gave him loves. He then cuddled up to Brent and went to sleep. I think our little shopping trips to Target and to Fred Meyers with going through the halloween section and trying on masks might be effecting him. Poor little guy, I can still remember some of my bad dreams when I was little and they seemed so real and so extremely scary. I'm glad that he can now tell us what he's thinking and feeling. It's so nice he can say "light on" or I'm scared, or mad! He's learned real well the scared and mad emotions.