Who Died?!

So yesterday, I had a little fender bender in a parking lot when leaving from Kate's dance. Ughhh....yes, it was my fault as I'm the one who backed into the other car. Never mind the fact that she was in a tiny little car and in my blind spot. I'm glad no one was hurt, but still, my big Expedition took quite the chunk out of her little Jetta's fender. Boo!!!

Anyway, Halle and I were having a conversation in the front sear as we were driving home, and Kate was trying to listen from the back seat. Her mind was already on overdrive because "she just crashed in the car" (she told ANYONE who would listen that she got in a car crash, funny kid), and I don't know what she heard Halle and I saying, but she piped up, "Who died?!"
Halle said, "No one died."
Then Kate, in a panicked voice, "Owen died?!!"

This, my friends is how gossip is started. LOL!! Reminded me of that telephone game I used to play as a kid where one person would whisper something in another's ear and it'd get passed on down the line until the last kid said what he had heard. It was NEVER the same as what was started by the first kid.

Oh little Kate Kate, she always keeps us laughing.

Carter's Baptism

Carter was baptized yesterday, March 3. What a beautiful day it was for him.

He looked so handsome and grown up in his new suit!

We showed up to the church early to get ready and take some before pictures. Carter and Dad all ready to go.





I wanted a couple of pictures with him too. (I'm kicking myself that I didn't think to get some pictures of me with my girls on their baptism days.)Oh I just adore this boy!

He's such a skinny lengthy thing. He looked adorable in his white baptism clothes.

His baptism was lovely. We had speakers from the stake and a beautiful piano solo of "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" by a Brother Reese from the stake. Then we went as wards to the font. Carter was the only one from our ward being baptized so it was special just for him.

While we waited for he and Jarom to change back into dry clothes before Carter's confirmation, Alyssa, Halle, and Kate sang "Through a Still Small Voice" and Alyssa and I played a cello/piano duet of "Baptism" (my all time favorite primary song). It was lovely and so nice to have his sisters be able to participate at his baptism.

Carter was overcome with emotion as he was confirmed. I think it was a combination of his sensitive nature being touched by the Spirit and seeing his dad tear up (that gets him every time). The bishop stood and gave a few remarks and welcomed Carter to the club of "babies" (man criers) to which Jarom, Jarom's dad, and Jarom's grandfather are all a part of. Carter seems to be following right along. It is darling to me and I love that he is such a tender hearted little soul.

I have to laugh at this "family" photo because I went right ahead and ruined it by blinking. I have only one "family" shot from Alyssa's baptism and I ruined that one too, by moving and poking her in the eye right before the shot. Boy I have bad luck.

After the baptism service, we all headed back to our house for lunch of sandwiches and excellent sides. Cousins played around and the real fun happened when the remote control helicopter got to come out. (In case anyone is wondering, yes it is already broken -two trips to the hobby store on Saturday alone- as is the brand new remote control car which rammed into a door frame and ripped its back wheel off, as well as the air hog stryofoam flyer plane which got its wings busted right in half. Good GRIEF!! But Carter is a good kid and is trying hard not to be too sad about the broken toys.)

I'm so proud of Carter and his baptism. It truly was such a special event, one that I will never forget. I'm excited for my little boy to learn and grow and progress in this world the way his Heavenly Father wants him too. I am so blessed to be his mother.

Carter turns 8!

I can't believe my baby boy is 8! The day started off with THREE Ego waffles for breakfast. He normally eats 2, but lately he's been saying, "For my birthday can I have 3 waffles?" Such a birthday wish, but he was so excited when he saw the stack and ate every bite. I guess he's a growing boy.

We ended up having his party at the aquatic center.

It was a double party for he and his pal Jaxon. Their birthdays are only one day apart, so we decided that since we'd basically be inviting the same kids, we'd just do it all in one whack. We ended up inviting all the boys from their school class and basketball team.

We had pizza, presents and cake the hour before the pool opened. It was A LOT of boys in a little room. And they were fit to be tied to have to wait to go swimming.

But they did find some fun in the present opening. Here's Carter getting a remote controlled helicopter. He's wanted one for a very long time. He saved some chore money and bought one before, but Alyssa took it for it's maiden voyage and wrecked it before Carter even had a chance to fly it. So he was super excited about getting a new one.

And then it was time for the pool!

There was a rousing game of basketball.

Halle and her friend Taylor wanted an action shot of them jumping into the pool.

Alyssa did a great job entertaining Kate and Jaxon's little sister Ava. Which meant I didn't even have to get in the pool. (And this picture sort of freaks me out, I can't tell if that kid in the front is underwater or if my camera blurred weird.)

And one of my favorite pictures of the night, Carter's friend Wynter jumping off the high dive. I love his perfect form and laugh every time I see this picture.

Everyone had a great time, and Carter wore himself right out. He came home and promptly fell asleep on the couch. It was a birthday success!

Golden Tooth

Just a quick note today about Kate.

Yesterday I took her to the dentist to get some cavities filled. I honestly didn't realize one of the cavities was as bad as it was; I'd been paying more attention to a smaller one on the bottom teeth. So because the cavity was so deep, she ended up getting a baby root canal and cap on the tooth. She was ultra brave and had no idea shots had been involved whatsoever. I told her that she was getting a "robot tooth" and she said, "Yes! I ALWAYS wanted a 'golden' tooth!" LOL!! I'm so glad I could make her dream come true. I'm also so glad that there are enough bad moms out there (right along side myself), that 'golden teeth' are a fad these days.

Puppet Show $1

Kate has been into performing "puppet shows" for us lately. The other morning this funny little incident occurred: (In Jarom's words.)

This morning Kate asked me for $1 because she cleaned her room. I took a look and told her it needed a little more work before it deserved a $1. She gave me a disappointed look, disappeared for about ten minutes, coming back to ask if I would watch her puppet show. Of course I would. When I got to the door of her room/theater there was a sign: Puppet show, ticket $1!

Kate and her cast of characters, Alyssa, Halle, Carter, Kate. For some reason "Kate" is always the main character. LOL!

R.I.P. Mimzy, March 2007-January 2012

It was a good, long run for our silly little guinea pig (5 years), but it all came to an end about 3 weeks ago. Poor little Mimzy; I knew she was sick, but I also knew she was old as far as guinea pigs go. I didn't want to spend a million dollars on an elderly rodent, as much as I loved her. I got myself all geared up to have her put down so she wouldn't suffer, got the kids all worked up over it too, then when I took her in I chickened out and opted for antibiotics, which the vet seemed to think would work. But it was too little too late and she died a few days later.

I had some sad kids for about 24 hours and then they acted like it was no big deal. Honestly I think they were the most upset about the fact that we didn't bury her in the back yard. They had all envisioned a shoe box grave, complete with a painted rock headstone. (She was discreetly disposed of in the one and only "Garbage Dump Cemetery".) When Carter asked why we didn't bury her, we told him, "Do you want Johnny to dig her up and you see him chewing on her dead body?" Carter said, "But they were friends! Why would he do that?" Nature can be a cruel, cruel world little man.

I'll be honest, I loved that stupid little guinea pig and yes, shed a few tears over her. I'm sure the vet thought I was a nut job, a 36 year old grown woman crying over her guinea pig. (Okay, I didn't really cry per se, just teared up and got a big ol' lump in my throat.) I still miss her little squeaks, but I can honestly say, I do not miss smelling a dirty cage. Not one bit. Rest in peace little Mimzy. I hope you're popcorn jumping all over heaven.

And no.... no more guinea pigs for this house. We got her because Jarom and Kate have cat allergies and I wanted a fluffy pet in the house. Turns out Alyssa, Kate, and me are super allergic to guinea pigs. Who knew?

Happy Birthday to Me

This month I turned 36! Man, I'm starting to get old. My sweet family took great care of me. Jarom made a yummy dinner of tri-tip roast, rosemary rolls, glazed carrots, and twice baked potatoes. He even made a cake and let the girls decorate it. They made sure to put all 36 candles on top.

I got some fun gifts including this new kindle case for my fire. Also on the gift list: new candles, medicine spoons (since all of mine have been chewed up in the garbage disposal), a new Vera scripture bag, some new clothes, and a new Vera wallet. Yes, I was very spoiled.

Some of the party guests. My son has turned into the naughty little boy who must goof off in every picture. But I don't mind. He melts my heart still the same.

Two of my pretty little ladies. These two are so funny. They very much are like oil and water when together (except for the fact that they are very much alike) so a picture of them hugging and smiling is a treasure.

I love my beautiful little family. Thank you to them for making me feel special and oh so loved!

2012! Happy New Year!

We kept it low key this year for New Years. Our church started at 9am the next morning, so we didn't want to be out late. Instead we took the kids to dinner at Olive Garden, then to laser tag (which truly was a riot!), and then home for a game of Monopoly and watching the ball drop in New York at 10 pm, then off the bed early. And yes, Kate is frowning in this picture b/c she had just been sent to jail in the game. Dad and Carter creamed us all, no surprises there.

We got out the blowers, poppers, and sparkling cider in anticipation on the New York count down. And then.......NOTHING! The STUPID t.v. channels did NOT show the count down or ball drop at 10. They got right up to it, with 1 minute left, and then.....credits. Apparently they delayed the drop for midnight Idaho time, which was SUPER annoying to me. I still mean to complain. Show it twice for heavens sake if you really want to wait until Idaho's midnight, don't just cut out and show credits. Such a let down.

So we did our own little count down and let the poppers fly and clinked our glasses together.

Here's to a GREAT 2012. We will celebrate 15 years together this year! Hopefully this will be the best year yet.

Bye Bye Baby

In mid-December we learned that my brother-in-law Bryon got a new job offer in Washington and that they would be moving in just a few short weeks. That meant that we would no longer be babysitting my cute niece Josie. It was a sad sad day when we had to say goodbye. We (me in particular) had grown quite attached to little miss Josie Pants.

She had finally stopped frowning at me when I babysat, and was talking and smiling at me.

We had figured out some likes and dislikes. He biggest like, sitting up in the saucer and watching t.v. I've only known one other baby that liked t.v. as much, and that was my Alyssa.

I miss kissing on that little bald head. I wish my sister and her family the very best of luck in their new endeavor and can't wait to squeeze this little cutie again soon.

Christmas 2011

I don't know what it was this year, but the magic of Christmas with it's glitter and gold, never did hit me. Decorations were more of an obligation this year than a joy, but I did find one little corner in my house that made my heart happy every time I glanced at it. All those sweet little homemade crafts and school projects were so cute clumped together. I know I won't have "corners" like this for too much longer, so I just had to capture a picture to keep forever.

On Christmas Eve, my dad loaded us up on the bus, aka "the Roller Express", and we went around town light looking. It was an adventure and a memory for sure.

The Roller Express Conductor and his trusty side kick Cameron.

Grandma Ruby, Cameron, and me on the bus. It was fun to have my nephew Cameron with us this year. He's getting so big and talkative. We loved hearing him say, "Hanna Caus bring me juice!"

My girls on the bus.

When the bus ride was over, we came home and opened our Christmas Eve gifts. New jammies and ornaments.

The scene Santa left on Christmas morning!

New bikes for Christmas! Then time to open the rest of the gifts.

Halle got a triple barrel and she has loved doing her hair with it.

Alyssa excited about her Monopoly game. She has wanted this one for a while.

This kid is Trouble with a capital T. :)


New lipsticks for Kate!

Santa was super tricky and left another present hidden under the Christmas Tree. Kindle Fires for all!

This was pretty much the scene for the rest of the morning.

Love this picture.
I have to say this was the quietest Christmas we've ever experienced.

Not to worry, we did take advantage of this no snow year and took an exercise break on our new bikes.
Seriously, this is the most snow we've had this winter. I'm glad we got it for Christmas day. And I'm also glad that the sidewalks were still clear so the kids could play on their bikes.

The little trickster.

In the evening, after church, we went out to my mom's for a nice dinner and the annual Christmas Nativity. My friend Katie and her kids joined us and we made them dress up and participate too. I'm sure this was a Christmas she'll never forget.