{A first on his 5th.}

For the first time we let T
make out his very own guest list for his
5th birthday party.
We have always invited our friend's children.
But this year T wanted his school friends to come.
& come they did!


My guys make me smile!
















T blew out the candles mid song.
gave us moms & dads a good laugh!

The children from T's class were gems!
such pleasures.
You would have never known
there were so many playing together!


Craig stoped by to show the T-man some love
& eat some Robot treats.
We appreciate him.


T's friends must really know him well--
the gifts all fit T to a ...
well...Tee.

The big hit was a WowWee Robot.
& WOW!
It talks, moves in any& all directions, plays games, has lights,
maneuvers around objects, has alarms & changes its
facial expressions.
It is fancy Schmancy!
Omah & Opah are so WONDERFUL!
Britt likes to talk to this little guy, while Mads likes to chase him.....



It was nice to meet the parents & children.
They played, we chatted.

T went to bed with a big smile on his face!

*****
we had our first snow last night & today.
I was so excited I woke T up to let him look st 3:30am.
He & I were smiles ear to ear!

{Feeling pretty darn lucky tonight.}

I have this husband.
& I think he is pretty great.

When we first met we were little teenagers.
the first thing I noticed about him
was not what he was wearing
or his eye color
or even that heart melting smile.
It was this special, unique, sort-a weird feeling I got when around him.

It took me two years to figure out that
the special, unique, sort-a weird feeling I was feeling when I was around him
was in fact the holy spirit.
The man exudes it!
His heart is so warm & sweet natured & it shows.

I know our heavenly father sees Rod as one of his most treasured sons.
& I know I go to bed every night with a prayer of thanks that he is mine.

I have this husband &
I am aching to hug him!

Sweet dreams boyfriend!
just a few more days
& you are stuck with me for a whole month!

***
The picture above is nearly a year old.
Maddox was snuggled in the sling just 3 weeks old.
we all went to Disney World for christmas
with my parents, brother & cute sister in law.
remembering it made me smile...

{Building a house}

& in some cases...
eating it.

{who are these kids?}

aside from the occasional growl & tatal telling moments
the big boys have decided they like each other.
I feel like some alien life form has
taken over T & Britt's little bodies.
We are on day 3 of brotherly love!
I am sure the moment I post this I will hear screams of protest from their bed room.

T & Britt have been busy:
Being chased by pretend ghosts.
playing trains
Building car ramps
making hats out of play-doh
reading Christmas books
marching like soldiers to the hymn "Called to Serve"
eating M&Ms & Rice crispy treats (which Britt pronounces as "Christmas trees.")
playing eye spy

Please...heaven above...let it continue!!!

***
Thanksgiving was relaxing.
Wednesday, Rod's Mother arrived.
Thursday could not have been more relaxing.
We stayed in our jammies till 11
the parade was on.
the turkey was cooking.
we had a breakfast of stuffed pancakes & apple crisp.

Rod helped out in the kitchen.
(he makes a mean brussel sprout!!)
Together we cooked up this menu:

Apple cider & spiced Turkey
Apple & Cranberry stuffing
Gravy
fresh pan fried brussel sprouts
Peanut & spicy green beans
Fresh rolls
Fully loaded mashed potatoes
Roasted maple sweet potatoes
cranberry jam
chocolate pecan pie
mini pumpkin & chocolate tarts
chocolate cream pie

We ate &
then the whitings joined us for dessert.
Tamsyn made a yummy pie that I wish she had forgotten here.
We crashed at the end of the day.

It really was just so very relaxing!

Maggi had to take off to
pick up her two puppies on Saturday.
She spoiled the kids with treats & more treats.
they loved it.
We were glad she came.

Beacuse I was in the kitchen & with my family
my camera made it out for one early morning shot
before Maggi made her way back to the beach.


Hope your thanksgiving was just as beautiful!

{November 24th}

T's class is having the first dinner today.
( & then break starts!)
All the children climbed out of the minivans & SUV s this morning dressed as
Pilgrims & Indians.
Tre opted to be an Indian.
My trusty needle & thread kept me company last night.
---------
also
---------
Today is Mads actual 1st birthday.
1 year ago this little soul blessed our lives.
He is currently growing 4 more teeth &
taking a few steps at a time. He is not in a rush.
He thinks he is supposed to make noise all the time
...because his brothers do.
He hums when he eats something he likes &
loves nap time.
He attacks everyone's food &
has already mastered the art of destruction.
He scrunches up his nose when he smiles.
We still haven't heard a belly laugh from him.
He needs his mommy all the time.
He enjoys books.

We learn something new about him everyday!
We thank heaven for him!


-----
&
-----
Im starting the baking tonight
& taking my turkey from the freezer.
Have I ever mentioned Thanksgiving is my favorite of holidays?
LOVE the parade, the food, the family!

{Secrets out...}

I subscribe to all the Twilight Saga hub-bub!

I had wanted to throw a Pre-New Moon party.

But with T's birthday coming & Mad's birthday just wrapping up...
I was swamped.

& totaly dropped the ball!

LUCKILY Cute Miss. Amy took it & ran with it!

Between her & her also very cute sister, Mandy
they threw the very best Twilight themed party.
The decorations were amazing
& the food was yummy.
Katie makes this amazing Chex Mix!
Amy even got her hands on Edward & Jacob.

My mom watched the sleeping boys
while I went out for GNO with some ladies from the ward.
I appreciate her a lot!

Top (L-R) Kelsey, nicola, Taralyn, Sister
Osborne, Aspen, Jacob, Millie, Laura, Edward,
Mandy, Kima,Katie, Sandy.
Bottom (L-R) Anna, Audrey, Sarah, Amy & Me.

Amy's birthday was this week also.
We just couldnt let it go by without a chocolate cake!
I thought it would be funny to have a vampire bite out of it.

There were alot of great shirts & flare at the pre show party...
these kept me laughing.


Amy & Mandy sure know how to throw a party!!!
It was way above & beyond!

Im skipping the 12:01 showing that the girls are all going to....
Rod bought tickets to take me tomorrow night.

He loves me.

But I love him more!

{Who knew?}

After 2 years of living here,
& after 100 Google searches for children museums in the area...
Who knew that there was a hidden gem in Oak Ridge Tennessee?

My mom & I packed up the boys for a fun afternoon out.
It took us 2 & 1/2 hours to get through this super fun museum!




















(I cant wait to go back with my local girl friends!
I just know they & the kids will LOVE this place!)

& that is not all the fun we have been having
since Omah has come to town...

we also went to Bristol & drove all around the speedway park
& race track while enjoying lights & music!

We sure miss you Rod & Dad!
Dad, Britt asks to wake up Opah in the mornings.
I think he is under the impression that you have been sleeping
the whole visit & are hiding somewhere!
We love you!

{Maddox has a party}

Maddox turns 1 on the 24th.
we celebrated on the 14th.
We partied with a Dr. Seuss theme.
It was just too fun.





























I still remember when he was born...

I am so glad he is here with us.

{Mad's first birthday party}

More to come.
I am just a bit busy having fun.


My Mom flew in & Rod is home this weekend....
which means I am feeling lots of love.


can you guess Mad's party theme?
It was pretty fun to plan...
& eat.

{Tonight I...}

Here are my justifications as to why I felt the need to decorate for Christmas on November 8th.

1) Because I wanted to.
2) Because Rods not here to talk some sense into me.
3) we will be gone for the holidays so why not enjoy our Christmas decor longer?
4) I like twinkle lights...a lot.
5) It will make the boys smile in the morning. & possibly confuse them. I am willing to take that risk.

{Saturday}

Our father in heaven is a loving God.
He sent his beloved son,
He sent us a savior;
One who would atone for my sins.
For all mans sins.
I belive That Jesus Christ is the living son of God.
I believe he lived amongst men
& healed the sick,
taught the children
& loved the least.
He was betrayed & hung on a cross.
his hands were pierced,
his body battered.
He bled.
He died.


Tre viewed images of Christ's life today at an art exhibit.

I watched his face carefully.
So did Rod.

Was it too much for him?

But as he looked at the 3 pictures depicting Jesus Christ
He said.

"But he lives again.
Heavenly Father healed him."

He did.
I believe that.

The 5 of us stood in front of
an image of angels announcing the birth of our savior.
It was bright, the angels smiled.

I looked at Britt.
He was smiling too.

I feel very blessed.
I have much to smile about.

Tonight being one of them...
we went to see Rod who has been gone too long.
We felt the spirit.
We held hands.

My heart is full.

{In case he forgets someday...}

See T,
You do love me!

So when you are 14
& when I am overbearing,
or too strict...

just remember

when you were 4 & 3/4th

you loved me

a lot!



you wrote notes from the kitchen to the hallway to my room, to my computer directing me to...



& I love you too Tre-Tre!

{& yet another update!}

Okay, so ignore the last post about Teri-ryan!
The birth mother had ANOTHER change of heart.
She surrendered custody earlier this week
& now Momma Teri & Pap Butch are learning the ropes!
Thrilled is the understatement of the year!
I am beyond words for them.
What a miracle!
Meet Christian...

What a sweet heart!
(Great shot Diana! )

Christian is going to have 1 wonderful life!

****

& I am wimping out on tonight adventure.
Britt's got some kind of Hip inflammation
& I am some kind-a yucky...sooo,
tonight the boys & I are sticking together & will go see Rod tomorrow.
We are okay with that
because When my ever so generous Mom is here
she has already insisted we have a date night.
So we will make up for it then.

see you tomotrrow night Hot Stuff!

{Omah}

Omah is the name my boys use for my mother.

I happen to think hearing her name come from their little mouths is heart warming.

We talked a lot about Omah Today.

Because it is her Birthday!

I happen to love November 5th.
Maybe because growing up we never turned on the heat until November 5th.
November 5th marked no more wearing winter coats inside.
But I am pretty sure that more then that, I love this particular day because
my mom is in fact my dearest friend .
She gives everything to everyone...& on this particular day its her turn.
I love to see her given something in return.
She deserves so much love!

These little faces love you Mom.
& so do I.
& Rod too.






(I am really loving these bottle pictures, mostly because he is almost done with bottles.
& Mads just looks too sweet holding his own bottle while wobbling to keep balance.)

(Growing pains are the worst!)

(Now that Mads is no longer in a baby career & sits up in the shopping cart,
I cannot even tell you how many times I get comments on my twins.)


Can NOT even wait another second to see you!
less then a week mom!


Love you
Love you
Love you
Love you
Love you

______

(& to Allegra, whom I just love. Thank you for the tip.
Changed my life! haha.
you are so sweet to share your secrets!)

{All here & accounted for.}

listned to some sweet music.
read from The Friend to the boys.
Talked about missionary work with T.
Wrestled (the boys. not me.)
Thumbed through piles of Christmas catalogs
(its begun.)
Ate egg rolls.
Enjoyed cookies T & I made earlier in the day
(before we even knew Rod was going to get off early.)

It was a great treat to have Rod home.

Now we are planning something special for Friday.
If only I don't whimp out...
because I do that sometimes.

{& it happened}

I am surprised it took this long to begin with.

He has been in a bed for months & months.

He must have decided he was tired after
moving all the furniture in the boy's room.

Because he put his sweet little head right down
next to his anywhere chair
that he obviously had been using as a slide.



That Britton makes his momma smile.

sweetdreams!

{update}

As an update on that sweet baby Teri-Ryan & Butch were hoping to take home.
The birth mother decided to parent him.
Heart breaking for my sweet friend.
They named him.
They already loved him so much.
They had pictures & videos & bonding moments.
& in one day the future turned
& butch & Teri-Ryan went home.
I cannot even imagine the tears that were shed
as they left Providence RI to make the long trip home.
Empty car seat.
empty hands.
full hearts.

Lots of prayers for our sweet friends from Maine.

But the sunshine through this is that our Heavenly Father has a beautiful plan.
Sometimes life hurts in ways you never expected.
But in the end all has its place & it all fits for the greater good.

Now we just wait for that beautiful baby Teri-Ryan & Butch can call their own.
Because I have faith that they will get that opportunity.

{dirty fingernails}

I brought the 3 outside to watch the sun set behind the trees on our street.
They played in the mud, collected leaves, wrestled.
& then I put them to bed with dirt still under their nails.

{Does he have any idea?}

This Monday is not much different from last Monday

or the one before that

or before that.

So whats my deal?!

Maybe it was the long weekend
or all the work he did for us.
or all the laughs he provoked.
or the moments I found him snuggling sick Britt.
or his willingness to watch a romantic comedy with me.

But I am missing Rod more then usual today.

Im going through a severe case of Husband withdrawal.

Ive tried chocolate.

Ive tried busying myself.
(Im making blinds for the boys room today.
& homemade bread. because I have a craving for it.)

Ive even tried to just not think of him.

which I failed at horribly.

I miss my husband.
He is on call this weekend.
Its a double week for us.

I wonder if he has any Idea how different the house feels when he is gone.
Or how the boys are more mellow & quiet.
I wonder if he knows how even my heating pad cant warm my cold feet like he does at night.
I wonder if he knows how much I miss the smell of his soap in our bathroom.
Or how I don't make big meals because hes not home.
I wonder if he has any idea how much We miss him.

I miss you Rod.
You are Wonderful.

Now go help deliver those sweet babies!

{31 & counting}

October 31st 2009

31 friends.

15 little trick-or-treaters.

1 machete for cutting 6 pizzas.

6 itty-bitty babies.

2 snugglers.

1 of 2 cheerleaders +1 duke fan +1 referee= the Jones' family!

1 cow girl + 1 cow boy + 1 pumpkin= the sweet Shawvers

1 BYU nerd (with BOM) + 1 shunned cougarette= good laughs.

31 people marching through the rain.

2 trick-or-treaters.

1 adorable family that I LOVE.
(Ps: Rod totaly got into his roll. Tre & I were dying!)

1 harmless lion.

1 great thinking momma.

2 beautiful girlies!

1 daddy + 1 katie= a sweet pair.

1 little girl on her first halloween!


1 sugar filled fun night with friends!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

{Teri-Ryan}

(stole this image from facebook. pardon me.)

This is Theresa Ryan Lacadie,
But to me she is Teri-Ryan.
One name.

She is my mother's dearest friend.
& as I have grown up, she has become my friend too.

She was that friend that I would happily give up my day bed for when she visited.
She did my prom makeup & played with us when we were itty bitty.
Shes been in my life since I could walk.


My mom called to chat on tuesday. (like we do everyday.)
& she told me Teri-Ryan & Butch were getting a baby...
& on Friday!

THIS FRIDAY?!

this is what its about.
happiness, looking for good, seeing sunshine,
being happy for others, sharing joy.

Now she is running around getting diapers, onsies, bottles & blankets.
Im certain shes nervous as final papers are still unsigned... but not enough to deter her from preparing for this new little baby. Shes getting ready to be a mommy.

While Im sitting here crying...

Because if you knew Teri-Ryan you would know her heart in & out.
Because shes that type of person who gives it to you immediately.
so loving, with a contagious laugh that you can hear through the house.

She will be this little boys sweetest blessing.
She will be a wonderful Mommy!

shes waited a long time for this little boy!

Congratulations Teri-Ryan & Butch!
We just love you to pieces!

{When I am 83}

When Mads wakes up from his naps
his eyes are always dewy,
his lips extra pink,
& his face full of expression.

I want to remember this baby face when I am 83.






When I came down stairs with Mads in arms
after taking these pictures
Tre came running to me saying someone was here.
I asked who.
He said Daddy.

To my surprise he was sitting on the playroom couch
with a big grin & treats.

I screamed in delight. Really. I did.

It has been fun having him home.
He has been a big help tonight
as all 3 boys are beginning to feel a bit icky.

poor Britt is just feeling sadder then sad about being sick.

Nothing a little extra love & vitamin C wont fix.

{when I think of Rod...}

I think of Charles Dickens

just thought he should know!
Rod...not Charles.
Im a pretty lucky girl to have a guy who is this.

{Chairs that fly}

Rod was on call this weekend.
(& there were a happy bunch of babies born!)
since he could not come to us...
we went to him.

The foliage is nearing the end of its run, I think.
We chose to spend the afternoon enjoying the leaves
before they all fall.




(I even took one.--but if you know me, that is no surprise. I am a car sleeper.)



after some naps in the car were had,
& colorful leaves were seen through the sunroof
we picked a destination.













& then we rode the chairlift back up.
The boys were in awe.
a chair that flies?

Beautiful Day.
Beautiful Boys.
Beautiful Husband.


I miss him....

{Sugar Rush}

We had been anxious all 3 weeks for
Tamsyn's Halloween Party.
She really knows how to throw a party.
Ghost hunts, pin the nose on the pumpkin,
crafts, a fantastic lunch, treats,
prizes & costumes!
oh my!


















can we say...
Sugar Rush?!

{Thursday}

I was able to sit Suede & Ellis for a few minuets today too.
boy were the toddlers out of it.
That late night yesterday really must have warn them out!

{My adoptive family}

These are my boys with me.



This is the Sowby family...



they have adopted us.
Ever Since Rod has needed to be gone all week,
every week
the Sowby Family has
mowed our lawn, brought me dinners, watched my boys,
kept me company, invited me out, & do drive bys when I hear things that go bump in the night.


These are true friends. the real deal.

We went out with them tonight...















corn mazes, obstacle courses, tractor tires, hayrides...



Goodnight!


******Post update:*******
Ronald was in my inbox today.
we had taken the kids to McDonalds before visiting the pumpkin patch.
Craig Snapped this moment.
T was hammin' it up.

{Tuesday}

****Teething torture...
for little Mads
& all in ears shot.****




****Finding the Stairs
& keeping up with the big brothers,
all while scaring Momma****






****Mr. Pumpkin Head & being crazy****



T, upon completion
announced that his pumpkin's
name was David.
Okay. David it is.

David turned out to be a sour sport when the boy's attention
turned to a happy pale filled
with treats delivered by Tamsyn & Laura.
David, get over it!

then things got out of hand.....




Who is up for a big Smooch?

Now onto Wednesday...

{Dear Rod,}

& we all miss you.
We are already counting down the days until the weekend.
(& counting down the months until all these rotations are over & we can live together all the time!)

{birthday party for...}

Jeremy!
The Finkleas & Whitings
came over to celebrate Jeremy's Birthday!
The kids played.
The adults sat down for a minuet.

we had chili & rice....


then sang & ate cakes...




& then the party poopers arrived...
But they are so cute, & it had been a long day
with church & friends...so you cant blame the little boys!


thanks for a great reason to get together Whitings!
******
another happy weekend complete.

{Costume party}

T was invited to a costume party
at the home of a sweet little girl from school.

Emma is her name.

Its been said she has a little crush on T.
I think that is just sweeter then sweet!

Her mother is just as darling as she is!
We feel very lucky to have been invited.

Emma & T cute as can be!
& all the cute party kidd0s!













Erin, Emma's Mother,
is so fun.
She was animated & had lots of
games, treats, crafts for the kids.

I am thinking we may have to have Ms. Emma
& her family over sometime!


(whats up with me forgetting to rid these photos of dreaded red eye?!
there already up...so pretend those red eyes are lovely instead!)

{the big reveal}

Here it is...
the first glimpse at Halloween costumes 2009.

The big boys dressed up for Boo at the Zoo
& we trucked along with all the other darling costume clad kiddos,
collecting donuts, candy, coloring books, & toys.





















so there you have it...
T: BYU football player.
Britt: BYU basketball player
Mads: Costume under construction
you'll just have to stay tuned to see what Mads, Rod & I are going to dress as!

lots of Halloween events to come.
this was just the start!

{preparing}

Im preparing.

to let Maddox turn 1 in a bit over a month.
& for his first big bash.

I couldn't help but look at him at 1 day old.
So new, & sweet.

I loved him.


We all loved him.

We couldn't keep our eyes off of him.
(& in the boy's case...hands.)


He is heavy on my heart right now,
as his tiny little self is feverish & miserable.

my world is off balance when one of the boys is ill.

He has made sure to offer me a smile now & again
in the last 2 days to let me know
that he is going to be okay.


& I thought I loved him then...

{Sleepover Party}

With the husbands always gone overnight for rotations
us ladies get llooonnneellyy.

Tamsyn suggested a sleepover.
I didn't hesitate.

Sleeping bags. pizza. brownies. popcorn.
movies. dance parties. more dance parties. pancakes. bacon.
Too much fun.












& then they went to bed.


leaving Tamsyn & I to some girl time sans kids.
I love that Tamsyn Whiting.

(want these frames? I saw them here.)

"rough nights call for..."

Sweet hymns.(& some eternal perspective.)

"....hither by thy help I'm come."

{flippant--the weather, not me.}

the afternoon weather was flippant.
was it going to rain? was it not going to rain?

I gave up & resolved to keep the boys inside.
we set up camp.



Staying inside was the right way to go.


rain, wind, sleet, yuck!

{on justifying}

As a Mom I am forever Justifying.






Today was no different.
I can justify giving ice cream cones to my kids...
for lunch.

It has dairy & carbohydrates, & chocolate is an antioxidant.

& hey, it was T's stolen day.
He said he wanted ice cream cones for lunch.
I thought....
now that is a good idea!

& we all chowed down.

while Mads had mashed green beans & applesauce.

sorry Mads.
maybe next time.

{where love reigns}

{T}

Its not just me.
T's incredibly cute & trendy teacher thinks so too.

****

"He is brilliant!"
I hadn't asked,
but my heart did a little happy dance when I heard that word....

Brilliant.

Brilliant.

Brilliant.

****

& Then I remembered...
I knew that all along.

****

Tomorrow T's Fall break starts!
Im excited for hot cocoa in jammies, no rushing around, cartoon watching,
toy playing, car racing mornings for a whole week!

{Kailyn & Jovie}

I got to spend some time with the sweet Whiting girlies yesterday.
I drove Kailyn bananas with my camera. But they are too cute.
How was I supposed to help myself?
I just had to take (like 300) pictures of their sweet faces!

















See. I told you they were cute!
Now if only I knew how to use this camera properly...

*****
on a totally different note...
the car shopping has begun.
the $$ damage was $14,000 on the Denali.
CRAZY!!
The guy at the dealership holding the car said
he was shocked everyone walked away.
I agree.
But we are moving on...
& into a new (but probably used) car.
Thank heaven for car insurance!