Fall Pics!!

Practically every year (except maybe last year- things were a bit crazy)- I have made an effort to get some type of Fall pictures of my kids. I love the colors- the leaves- yes I am one who goes out of my way to hear the crunch of the leaves. Anyway this year was no exception- the only problem is we went from 2 kids to try to get a good picture to 4- with two of them having no interest what so ever- well I can't say the others had an interest- but they are easier to bribe or threaten. I will also mention that the trees behind my house turned beautiful colors- it made me so happy each day to look out the windows and see them- I planned to get my kids out there to try for more pics- but.... again.... my plan never went further than a plan. Oh well- next year. So... I will enjoy these this time- I think I got some good ones!!!

Christmas is upon us.....

Our favorite time of year!!! (I often times have songs go through my head when I write titles- are any of you like this- or do you clue in to my songs???) I love this time of year- the holidays. Tyler was saying the other day that he wished it was Christmas- I told him that if it was then we would miss some of the best parts of Christmas- the lights, decor, tree, shopping, treats, etc. So now he is constantly asking me to get out the decor. So... I pose a few ???- how do I make more of Thanksgiving- make it more meaningful? And then... I love to hear what people are getting their kids- I'll be honest and say that one of my downfalls is in trying so hard to have/get everything perfect that I lose perspective of what really matters. But.... I still like to get ideas from others- so... what are you doing for your children/parents/etc?

I must end this by also stating that I do know the gifts are not the true meaning of Christmas and every year I want to try really hard to shift the focus to why we really celebrate Christmas (which I was so sad to hear that Tyler didn't know/or remember)- so... if you have/do things that help you with this- let me know.

I will get something done!!!!

Before

After

I am crazy!! I was getting so tired of thinking of all the things that I wanted/should get done, and not getting anything done.... so one day I decided I would paint the trim on my house. Trim shouldn't be that hard right??? So.. I started, and then I had to finish. I do like the finish product- I painted trim white and shutters/screen door black. And even Jeremy who was less than impressed to start with says it looks good now. It isn't a huge change- just something. Yes it took longer than I thought and it was dumb to start. The boys were so ornery by the time I was done- about 2-3 weeks later. OH well. What do you think?

Inspiring, Humbling,.....

I love to read, listen to, or talk to others about things that inspire me. Inspire me to be better, do better, feel better, or just recognize how truly blessed my life really is (let's be honest- it's not one of my natural abilities- unfortunately). I have a great friend who first told me this story- but I just got this article and it is... read for yourself. http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/10/26/20081026sisters1026a1.html
warning- be prepared with tissues.
Along with that, I wanted to share the 2 blogs that go with the article- that I have heard of anyway... there may be more-
http://nieniedialogues.com/
http://blog.cjanerun.com/

When I have read these or some of the posts, I walk away feeling truly humbled for the beautiful life that I enjoy. Today after reading the article I just couldn't get enough of giving my sweet babies kisses on their chubby cheeks. I love being a mother. It brings me my greatest joy in life, and I am sad that so often I get caught up in how hard it is- instead of just enjoying and appreciating. These sites leave me wanting to take control of the happiness in my life, and embracing all that I have and enjoying it (even as I write this Zach- who has just fallen into a box, and Andrew are screaming at eachother fighting over an empty can- but... I love it.) I am grateful, inspired, and humbled.

Jessie's special day!

We had a beautiful day on Saturday. Jessie was baptized. She has been talking about this for a year, and has been so excited recently. It has been so fun to see. She was the only one in our ward and so we got to plan the whole program. It was so nice. She enjoyed the day very much, and we are so thankful for all the love and support that was given on her behalf. Congratulations Jessie!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween could not come soon enough for Tyler. He has been waiting all month long. He wore his costume quite regularly when he first got it (one day he was out in full ninja gear waving at the passing cars- love that kid). Grandma Oxborrow was here for a week with us and we LOVED it!! We hit the famous pumpkin patch in Logan, carved pumpkins and ended the week with trick or treating with cousins- it was GREAT!!! and the kids looked FABULOUS!!!

Eight is GREAT!

Jessie is getting baptized Nov 1. She is so excited! She has been talking about this for almost a year. We went to her bishops interview today! The baptism will be at 10am ( I think). I just love this picture of her- love the smile and pure joy!

Happy Birthday Jessie!!!

There are way too many pics to chooose from. Jessie- you are beautiful- inside and out. You are such a good person. You want others to be happy. You are the best big sister and helper to me and Dad. Thank you!! We love you so much!

PARTY!!! Things I learned- I hope!

So, Jessie wanted a birthday party. I thought that taking a bunch of kids to the family fun center would be too much for my budget (right- I need to set up a budget first.). Turns out- after thinking I needed a bunch of stuff (which I didn't)- we would have been able to pay for that- and not even had to worry about the preparation, set -up, entertaining, wild and crazy kids, and clean up. Jessie wanted a Halloween party, and it was fun. We had the kids see if they could figure out what parts of our friend had fallen out after his car crash (EWWW!), we played musical chairs, pin the nose on the witch, spun a cobweb of story telling, and had a CRAZY treasure hunt through the house. It was LOUD!! but fun for everyone. Jessie was so good at saying thank you to everyone and especially to me- thanks J. I am glad you had fun (and I am so glad that we didn't end up painting pumpkins).

Look who just turned ONE!!

We made it- a whole year has gone by. Do we remember much of it? No- but.... I have a few (ha ha) pics to share about our year. Enjoy if you want to stick around that long.
This is the first couple of days in the hospital.
This is Andrew

This is Zachary.

.

Just got home from the hospital, we had trouble finding car seats with small enough straps.

The worst was the 3 months of colic - no sleep- non stop screaming- doubled- horrible!

We did venture out- once in a while- it was overwhelming for me. I know one can do it, I just.....

The babies have endured.... all of us. But don't be fooled, they are also ADORED, by all of us too!

I love the pic of them holding hands- I love capturing moments of them together, and as they get older- I love watching them interact. Whether it is fighting over a toy, or laughing in their cribs, or trying to give eachother a love. These moments are so precious, and make it all worth it- don't they!

I know I should have celebrated in much higher fashion, but.... as I have said... I am/ feel like I am in a state of confusion- most of the time. The boys have had a touch of the stomach junk- that has kept us in constant laundry mode for about 5 days. It is no exscue, but- we just kept it simple- gave them a cupcake- and let them dig in. I finally tried to take them in for their 1st professional pics ( I know- that is horrible!!!) and Andrew had a huge blowout, so... I tried again- and they are too mobile- or the lady just wasn't too good. But... we'll try again another time. For now- I'll just have to keep trying to grab my camera when I can. Oh yeah- Andrew is in blue, and Zacharyis in green. Thanks for enduring....

Happy Anniversary to Us!

We made it- 10 years. That is crazy- and from what I see around me sometimes- I feel very lucky. We have come a long way- I think I might actually be starting to adjust to marriage. ÜÜ I owe my sister big for coming to watch our kids for one whole day. It was amazing to be all alone for that long. Every time we got out of the car- we'd revel in our freedom. The only down side is that it makes me want more. Thanks Shawna, Haley, and Stacey for your help.

Double the Trouble??? or just Doubly Cute!!

This year has been... nothing short of crazy! But... it has almost been a year and I can't even remember it. Sad! The boys are getting into everything and unfortunately I only have one of me, so... it makes for lots of.... chaos. They are so fun!

He's One in a Million

Tyler- started Kindergarten this year, and so far loves it. Just today we were playing school and he was teaching me through song how to write my numbers. He loves the bus- and is anxious each day to head to the bus stop. He is so busy, and energetic, and always keeps us laughing!

Isn't she lovely.... Isn't she wonderful!!!

Ok- so... I am still trying to figure all of this out, but... Jessie started 2nd grade this year, and is enjoying it so far. She still enjoys jump roping each day at recess and is getting so excited for her baptism coming up. She is a beauty isn't she!

What's in a Name??

I have blogged- everyone else's blogs... and spent countless time trying to think of the perfect name for such a site that would "Show Case" the wonderful life that we enjoy. I love to look at all the creativity around and covet the idea of being able to do the same. Ha Ha. But with that thought, and the fact that my family brings me such joy, and sharing the great things they do and their simple beauty brings me joy. I thought I'd give it a go. So.... Here we go.