The Other Grad

Kody had his preschool "gradutaion" on the same night as Brett, so we were lucky that some good friends who have a daughter in the same class took him along with them. Thanks "G" family! Here are some pictures they took that night for us.

Kody has really enjoyed preschool this year, and he has learned so much! He can write his first and last names, and he is starting to read a little. What a little smarty pants! Thanks Marifran and Desiree, you have been great teachers, we will really miss you.

Dr. Papa Bear DDS, MS

It's over! Brett is finally done with school and we are so proud of him. We had his graduation last Thursday night,

and all 4 of our parents were able to be with us.He and his classmates have been such a tight-knit group, everyone was commenting on how special this year was. I do wish I had been able to spend more time with the class over these past three years, but that's hard to do when you have 3 kids. It will be fun to stay in touch though, and see what life brings to each of these 7 families!

We are now traveling across the country, visiting some of our church historical sites along the way. I feel like a pioneer! Where are we going, you ask? We are headed (if all works out) to Monterey, CA where Brett is going to join a practice as an associate and work up to a partner/buy out situation. They haven't gotten the contract settled yet, so we will most likely stay with his parents in Madera for a week or two until the papers are signed. If it takes longer, we may move on to Utah and stay with my parents for a while as well. Who would have thought, at 30-something, with 3 kids, that I would be moving back in with parents again! Oh well, hopefully it will be a quick transistion and we can be in our own (rented) home by the time Kody starts kindergarten.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again, but when I do it will be full of information and pictures. Wish us luck, I hope we survive this trek!

We'll Pick You Up?

Here's my rant for the day. We are in the Seattle area today, looking at a few practices (and visiting our good friends who just moved) and needed a rental car. I made a reservation with Enterprise because they say in their advertising that they will pick you up. I called this morning to have them come get us and they said "I'm sorry, you are out of our area and won't be able to pick you up." Maybe I should add that we are staying a mere 5 miles away from that particular Enterprise location. And they wouldn't pick us up. He suggested I call another location, which I did, and they didn't have any cars available. Brett calls next and argues for about a half hour with the original location and gets them to call around and find a car for us at a closer location. They call back 15 minutes later and say they weren't able to find anything closer and they will, in fact, pick us up. I couldn't believe it! We decided they need to change their slogan to "Enterprise: we'll pick you up, but only if you are within walking distance."

Giveaway

Okay, I'm not giving anything away. Unless you want my couches! But go here for a great flatiron giveaway (but really don't because I want it)! Happy Saturday!

Easter, Potty Fun, an Anniversary and a Birthday!

Whew, we've been busy! Not to mention Brett getting ready to take his boards and still looking for a job. So, where do I start? How about Easter! Auntie B came to spend the holiday with us, and she went with Brett and the kids to a spring scrimmage game at the Big House.

Here are the kids on Easter morning in their new fancy clothesYes, Mollie has finally decided to start using the potty (I'll spare you all the gory details)

Our little darlings at the community Easter egg hunt

Here's the birthday girl with her cake (another Auntie B original)

she's just too dainty to really dive in, but she did enjoy her very own cupcake

and then went around scrounging for everyone's leftovers

love that toothless grin! (she does have 2 tiny teeth on the bottom, though)

On top of all this, Brett and I celebrated 9 adventurous years of marriage! I love him more each year, and am so grateful for all that he puts up with! I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the years to come. We'll keep you posted as our plans come together for graduation and beyond.

Happy Birthday to Me!

It's my birthday today! I think I might actually turn 30 (ahem) this year, I could feel like a 30-year-old. Do I look it? Wait, don't answer that! So far the day started out pretty good. Madi woke up very early, but so far nobody has thrown up. In my book, that makes for a great day! We've had the stomach flu around here the past week or so, and I just knew I'd get it for my special day. So far so good. Maybe my prayers have been answered!

How do you like the fabulous birthday banner I made?! I'd like to say I came up with the idea all on my own, but there was a group of us who did it (and we copied a group before us who copied a group before them) all together. Pretty cute though, right?Kody made me the sweetest birthday card this morning, I just had to show you. I love that he is learning how to spell (Daddy helped him a bit) and write. The picture is some people getting a stream of water on them, and they are trying to get away. Or something like that. You should see all the Jedi knights that he's been drawing lately. If I can get my act together, I might scan some in and show you!

Anyway, I just wanted to publicly wish myself a happy birthday. Feel free to do the same in the comment section below! I mean, after all you only turn 30 once, right? *snicker*

Not a Baby

My baby is not such a baby anymore. What a fun little girl she's turning out to be!

Where is the Love People?

Okay, I think I am going to take this personal since nobody is wanting to sign up for a handmade gift from me! Come on, it will be fun. So far I only have 2, and I have lots of fun ideas for the gifts I will make. Keep in mind, it's quite possible that I won't even check up on you to see that you do the same thing on your blog, so don't stress about it. So, what do you say, do I have any takers?

I'm a Winner! (or, What Goes Around Comes Around)

My friend Amy did this contest (?) on her blog, and I was one of the lucky 5! I know I probably shouldn't start a new project (much less 5) this close to our move, but it will be fun. I've seen a few of these and have always missed it by one or two so I was super happy when Amy told me I was number 3! Here are the rules, copied straight from her blog:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make for you!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a song. It may be a self portrait or maybe even some creation I haven't yet dreamed up. I may draw. I may bake you something and mail it to you. It may not be big or impressive. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure! But lets be honest here. This is me and I will likely do something amazing. =) So come on, sign up!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to post this same information on their blog and leave a comment telling me they did will win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Let's keep the chain of love going around!!

I know, you can hardly contain your excitement. So, let's see those comments! I will work really hard to find the right gift, just for you!


PS I have quite a bit of catching up to do, with lots of pictures and videos. For example, our trip to a giant indoor waterpark, Madi climbing and WALKING, Kody writing and trying to read, Mollie being a great help at home. I'll try to update you soon.

Happy Valentine's Day

The photo shoot didn't go as well as I had planned, but we had fun anyway. Hope you have a great Valentine's Day. We love you!

You Know It's Cold When...

Katie and I were walking home from Megan's house tonight, discussing how cold it has been and I thought I'd share a few things with you. As I type, in fact, I am looking at my weather center desktop icon and it's a cool -9 (then I click on it to get more info and it tells me that it actually feels like -19) and that is just too much! Last Friday, they canceled school because it was just too cold! So here it is. You know it's cold when....

your nose (or what's inside) freezes shut the second you walk outside.
the frost INSIDE your car needs to be scraped off!
the sludge that collects in your wheel wells (you know, that stuff you can just kick off) is SOLID ICE
they cancel school because it's colder than -20.
your kids have absolutely no desire to play in the snow.
you actually drive to the bus stop that is only 100 yards away.
the icicles at the church go all the way to the ground.
you pray for snow, just to warm things up a little.

...and finally you know it's cold when it's 30 degrees warmer in ANCHORAGE, ALASKA!!!

Already Behind in 2009...

I hope this isn't going to be my theme for the year! I feel good about this being the year that I catch up on all scrapbooking/finish all projects/lose 1000 pounds/eat less chocolate (who am I kidding?)/become the most perfect mom there ever was. At the very least, this will be the year we leave our college life behind and become grown-ups. Brett is currently looking for work in the West, so if you hear of any orthodontists who are looking to sell their fabulous practice for a teeny tiny price, send them our way! I know I promised you some pictures of our fun little Christmas at home, and I'm sorry I haven't done that yet. So, here you go:

Mollie was so cute, she wanted to wear Kody's pajamas on Christmas Eve. And yes, Madi actually did pull the tree down. Twice!

Merry Christmas!

We're busy with all our Christmas fun, but I'm sure Mommy will post pictures a little later!

Still Here

I know, it's been too long. Did you miss me? I don't really have any excuses, and actually you won't get any pictures out of me tonight. I'm babysitting at a friend's house and just thought I'd say a quick hello to let you know I'm still here and I promise I'll blog something this week. Maybe tomorrow.

Oh, and check this out. Wouldn't Miss Mollie look so cute in this little frock? Oh, I hope I win! If not, maybe my next project needs to be making aprons for my kids?

Is it Too Late?

Yesterday is over, today's shopping has come and gone (I was very successful I might add) and the kids are nestled all snug in their beds. Is it too late to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving? We had a great day, but it was over waaay too fast.

Brett fried our turkey again this year, with much success. He improved upon last year's bird that was a little extra cripsy. He did 2 and they were both quite yummy (that's saying a lot coming from someone who doesn't love turkey). Brooke returned with Mollie, after spending the week together in Maryland, and then we also had the missionaries, our neighbor from across the courtyard and some good friends from the ward. After the meal was finished, and we'd rested a bit before tearing into the yummy pies and dutch oven apple cobbler (thank you Brett) we all realized that we did not take one picture of the meal or the people involved. Just take my word for it, we witnessed a small miracle with all those people crammed into our tiny apartment. Brooke and I got up super early (like 4:30) this morning to hit the sales and it definitely paid off.

And now.

The moment you've all been waiting for.........



I finally finished the turkey headbands I started for last Thanksgiving!!! I know, aren't you so impressed with my raw talent and lightning speed?! I'm going to go watch a movie with B & B now. Good night!

PS Please excuse the spooky red eyes, I was too lazy to fix it I guess!

Nine Dancing Princesses and One Handsome Prince

We had Mollie's birthday party over the weekend and it was fantastic! It was a princess themed party, complete with tu-tu's for everyone. (I don't want to tu-tute my own horn, but they turned out so cute!) We were a little nervous that the party wouldn't happen, because Mollie was quite sick all week with a high fever and absolutely no energy. I took her to the doc on Monday and everything looked great (ears, nose, throat) but she just wasn't getting any better. Finally on Thursday I took her in again and sure enough - double ear infection! The good thing was, we pumped her full of antibiotics and she was good to go for the party on Saturday.Of course, Auntie B came up and made a fabulous princess cake! She even took Mollie home with her for a few days. Check her blog here to see what crazy things have been happening to them.We had so much fun, and as a bonus all the little girls got along perfectly! Kody took a spill and split open his lip, but Dr. Daddy took care of him and he was running around again in no time! We made crowns,played "Kiss the Frog"

and "Duck, Duck, Goose", listened to a cute story,and ended the festivities with cakeand presents. I went a little overboard, making all those tu-tu's plus little purses for goody bags with hairclips inside (and ring pops and candy necklaces). I've been preparing for weeks, and she's only 3! I think I'm gong to have to tone the birthday excitement down a little or I'll go crazy!

PS Did you notice the cute crown Mollie was wearing? I found the pattern and instructions here, it was so easy!

3 Years Ago Today...

Miss Mollie is three years old today!

Feliz Cumpleanos

Today is Brett's birthday! We went shopping the other day for his presents, and I think I spent a little too much time encouraging the kids to keep it a secret. As soon as he walked in the door, Mollie ran up to him and told him what we got! Last Sunday, Brett was conducting in sacrament meeting, and it really hit me how much he has "grown up" since I first met him. I look back at all we've been through together, and I am so thankful to have him in my life forever!

Here are just a few of the reasons I am so in love with this guy:

HE is such a great father, I love watching him with the kids and they absolutely adore him. Kody told me one day that Daddy is his best friend and I believe it. They can be so silly together, it makes me giggle.
HE is an awesome husband, too. There was a day not too long ago, Brett came home from school and could tell that the kids had been less than good all day. He took both Kody and Mollie with him and headed off to the store to get a couple of things we needed. When they returned, the kids ran up to me with my favorite chocolates and apologized for being mean to me. I know they didn't come up with that on their own!
HE has worked so hard in school, and now that it is coming to a close I just want him to know how proud I am to be his wife.


Happy birthday Babe, I hope we can help you to have the best birthday ever - you deserve it!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Okay, I didn't win a chicken dinner, but I did win something equally wonderful! I will post some pictures of the kids from Halloween when I get around to uploading them from the camera, but for now I'll just tell you about my fabulous prize. A few weeks ago, I found this blog and she just happened to be having a giveaway at the time for these darling wrist warmers. I entered the drawing of course, thinking there was no way I would win. It's a good thing I subscribed on my google reader, I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when her next post was this one! I even wrote a comment asking if it really was me, since I never win any of these. Sure enough, they came in the mail yesterday and they are so warm and cozy! Of course, we are currently having a bit of a heat wave these past few days, but they will definitely get used this winter! Yay me, I feel so special right now!

Who Takes Care of Mama?

The answer is: Kody does! I was lucky enough to come down with the stomach flu last night (I know, aren't you so happy for me) and was quite sick all day today. Kody and Mollie had the pleasure of watching me throw up in the toilet, which I think could be pretty terrifying for small children. I mean really, mommies aren't supposed to get sick, right? The kids were all sick over the weekend, so I knew this moment was coming. This morning, while I was getting breakfast for the kids and setting them up in front of Nick Jr. (don't judge, I was sick!) I made the comment that I felt like I was going to have to throw up again. Next thing I know, Kody is running into the kitchen and rummaging around for a bowl. He said, "it's okay Mama, I'll get you a bowl." Isn't that the sweetest thing? I really do have great kids! Mollie just played on and around me all afternoon while I snuggled under a blanket on the couch. They both chose their own clothes and got dressed with minimal help from me, and hardly complained when I told them I was too sick to do much today. I should also give a big shout out to Papa Bear, because he took care of Madi all last night while I was sick, she had gotten shots and was very sad and had a hard time sleeping. He wasn't able to stay home and take care of me, but he was able to come home just in time to pick the Kodester up from the bus and clean up the house (I can't believe how much mess can happen when I let the kids do whatever they want!), make dinner, feed the kids and then bathe them and get them in bed. What an awesome husband I have!

Tomorrow will be a better day, I'm sure.