jason-mindi-porter-ellery-grayer

It really is time!

2011-10-07T19:08:00.002-05:00

K folks....time to go private!!!! Sad to say instead of getting comments from people I know...I am getting comments from complete strangers who tell me how cute my kids are. FREAKS me out, so I am done! If you care to view my blog any longer leave your name and email. I will leave this up for a week and then I am going private and putting up CRAZY cute pictures up of my 5 MONTH OLD!!!!

It's been a while

2011-09-13T16:16:00.002-05:00

Not sure where the last 2 months have gone. But I am BACK to blogging (maybe ;) I don't know what it is but hopefully I am over it. I don't plan on back tracking so lets get on to what is going on as of lately. Porter started another year of Pre-School in the middle of August. He is going to a new school but is still in the speech program. He is doing great and LOVES school.
Ellery also started Pre-School this year...crazy to have two kids in school!

I was not planning on putting Ellery in Pre-School this year. But when my two sisters-in-law told me they were going to put there kids in Miss. Feather's (Heather's) class and that she is the cutest teacher ever...I was sold! Here are the three cousins on their first day of school.

(Livi, Zach & Elle)

They are all such cute cousin friends and Livi and Elle are becoming the best friends LOVE it!!

Ellery also started her first ever dance class last week. She is in LOVE (so am I!) She is in a class with two of her little friends in our ward and it was so fun to watch her in class. She loved being right next to the teacher the entire time.

That's all for now. Some time I will get around to my not so little 4 month old who has quickly become the family favorite. We ALL can't get enough of him and his sweet, funny, happy personality. He is a perfect fit!

2 months

2011-07-06T08:47:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday was Grayer's blessing. All of my children's blessings were special, Jason has done a wonderful job. But there was something about Gray's blessing that was so sweet, specific and loving. I loved every moment of it.

Gray had his 2 month check up and is a whooping 12lbs. 11oz. Living up to his sisters legacy of chuncktasticness!!!! Love it!!!! He is a happy content baby sleeping a whooping 10 hours or more at night. Everyone who meets him says he has a very serious, contemplative look about him. Like he is constantly thinking and taking in what is going on around him. Just like Ellery we have to work for the smiles, but when we get them it is WELL worth it. We love our baby Gray to pieces and think he is the cutest!

5 weeks

2011-06-10T11:09:00.003-05:00

Really Grayer...REALLY?? How in the world is my baby already 5 weeks old. He is such a good baby we love him to pieces. He is so content and only fusses when its eatin' time. And for the past week he has been giving us a good 5 hour period at night of good old sleepin' time. We love our Grayer man!

And how sad is this his reign of cute baby newness is already over. But we are happy to share our newness with sweet baby Annie. My brother and his wife had little miss Annie last Friday and she is so STINKING cute!

Look at the difference 4 weeks makes, and Annie has a bigger birth weight!

Cute babies all around I have 2 sisters-in-law that are having babies in the coming months as well. LOVE IT! Now Grayer STOP growing up, LOVE Mom!

Little man

2011-05-20T16:49:00.002-05:00

Today he has become "real" to my other littles. For the first 2 weeks of life Grayer was left in peace. But everything changed yesterday when P&E decided he's pretty fun! They love to touch, hold and kiss this little man (ME TOO!)

I love the progression of the next 3 pictures.

Life is good:)

I'm THREE!!!!

2011-05-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

Ok....so before we go any further into this little ones birthday we have a story to tell!

I came home from from the hospital on Saturday afternoon and had not been home for more than 3 hours when this little lady comes running to me...trips...falls...and hit her mouth on my bed frame. I pick her up to find blood gushing from her mouth only to find out she KNOCKED HER FRONT TOOTH OUT!!!!! I was SICK!!!! Obviously I have just had a baby and my hormones were not quite in check and I was freaking out my Mother-in-law thought I was going to pass out.

Good thing my brother-in-law is a dentist and came straight over. And to sum it up she will be our little Hillbilly for a good 3 years and either tooth on each side could possibly go grey as well. Lovely, call me vain but I still think it is just a bad dream and I am going to wake up one day and my little girl will have her perfect smile back.

So a huge swollen lip, black and blue gums and a diet of scrambled eggs, yogurt, and apple sauce (only things she dares to eat) is what we have been dealing with. Oh and did I mention I had a baby 6 days ago. Just today (Tues.) she is starting to look back to her NEW normal. The fat lip has gone away she is letting me brush her top teeth again, and she getting a little braver to try and eat some of her favorite things as long as mom cuts them up.

Good thing she is so DANG ADORABLE toothless and all! So enjoy some pictures of my new and improved little Elle!

P.S. Don't ask her to show you her mouth she will give you the stink eye!!
Smiling is a little rough with such a fat lip. Pictures do not do it justice!

Wanting dad to give her her cake, ate one bite and was done.

She was begging to open presents from the moment we opened her door that morning.

Just what she asked for. A Cinderella doll to play with her Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.

Her new LOVE LalaLoopsy's!!!

There is not much in the world this girl loves more than snuggling up with anything and everything. A new cuddly blanket made her day!

And today her grandma took her to Build a Bear to get a new Bunny and to go out to lunch! It was such a fun day just Ellery and Grandma.(And mom and baby, there was no way I was going to miss out on this trip!)

She loved giving the bunny a bath.

Love!

Happy birthday baby girl. Love you MUCH!

Peek-a-Boo!!!!

2011-05-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

Hands haven't left his face since he came out!

Sometime is it hard to find our little Grayer with those hands all up in his grill 24/7! These pictures all happen to be from the hospital but as we speak, little man is sleeping away with hands covering his face. Loving him to pieces, don't ever grow up baby Gray!

He's....

2011-05-06T21:06:00.002-05:00

Perfect.....

Welcome baby Grayer!

Grayer Christian

May 5, 2011

7 lbs. 15 oz.

22 in.

Perfect in every way!

Easter party Saturday and Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T13:02:00.006-05:00

Porter was not having it with the picture taking.
But I did end up with a pretty good shot!

Porter was really good at finding all the hidden eggs. He would pass up the ones just laying on the grass.

With 9:00 church we are lucky to make it out on time. So After church we took a few pictures outside while the "Easter Bunny" was doing his thing inside.

My kids are definitely going through a rough picture taking stage. No natural smiles, just forced ones with Ellery not willing to open her mouth. And Porter squinting saying "I am smiling" it's a little sad because they were looking so darn cute!

Good thing they love each other so much and give me moments like this without me having to ask.

Ellery got her new love Flynn Rider in her Easter basket. She could not have been any more excited. She is in love with him and tells me she is going to marry him.

And Porter got a new "Hot Wheels" (I actually think this is Matchbox, but that's what he calls them) he loves these little fold up car scenes and thinks the firetruck one is pretty cool.

We had a really great Easter this year having a yummy lunch and Easter egg hunt with Jason's side of the family on Saturday and going to church and getting together with my family on Sunday. I love my kids and I LOVE Easter, to ponder all that my Savior has done for me and my forever family!

I knew it.....

2011-04-18T19:10:00.003-05:00

I knew once we put up the pack n play for baby boy this would happen. We put it up when Ellery was asleep and first thing the next morning she was playing. I wonder who will get more use out of it Ellery and her babies or her baby brother? Next on the list is washing the swing, bouncer and car seat, CRAZY! Baby boy will be here in 2 and a half weeks and I just can't believe it! We are all so excited to cuddle and love on this baby boy!

DONE AND kinda DONE

2011-04-12T15:37:00.006-05:00

So I am confessing to the world how lame a mother I am. POTTY TRAINING......the most daunting task to date as a mother. I DID NOT want to do it. I was much happier changing diapers and being an awful mother not wanting to help my kids be accomplished and be in under ware at a socially acceptable age. Yes me, the woman who behind people's backs thought it was time for them to start potty training their kids, the woman who judged others unaware of her own HUGE faults. THAT'S ME!

To keep up the pathetic train I WAS on. Guess what got me to do it.....MAJOR compensation and bribery from my FATHER...pathetic...I KNOW . I KNEW that by the time this baby boy gets here both of my kids needed to be in under ware. YES, you heard right my 4 yr. old was not potty trained!! I blamed a lot of it on his inability to communicate easily with us...GARBAGE MINDI....I was lazy, uninterested, scared, and critical of others when it was ME who I should have been hard and judgemental to!

Enough with the self bashing. Because to tell you the truth I'm not sure I would have been able to handle it or would have wanted it to happen any other way. We started potty training on a Tuesday and by Wednesday evening Porter had it DOWN....DONE he was fully potty trained in what I would call a day! NO accidents, stays dry through the night DONE! He is a pro...I don't have to bother asking or reminding him he just goes and does it accident free for over a month.

Ellery on the other hand....I do consider her potty trained. She actually got it just as fast as Porter did. BUT we can't seem to do the deed (#2) on the toilet yet. She just cries and says she is scared and that she can't. I feel for her and I'm not sure how to help her. She has had her accidents here and there but is doing fantastic. She is after all what I would consider an appropriate age(2) to be trained. I am so proud of my BIG kids, no thanks to myself. They are the best kids EVER and I am so proud of them. They are the coolest kids in the world and I love them to the moon and back 1,o00,000,000 times!

Hello!

2011-03-31T19:06:00.010-05:00

Yes, we are alive! And no, I have no good reason why I have ignored my blog....just 'cause. It was such a beautiful day today so we took advantage and spent our whole afternoon in the backyard. My kids love to play on this little slide and pretend to be Jake and the Neverland Pirates, they could play for hours.

I love how Porter writes his name and his cute rainbow.

(Hiding from Porter thinking she is so funny!)

I haven't picked up my camera in almost an entire month. Pretty funny the last time I picked up my camera was totally opposite from today's outing in the backyard! (Snow on March 8th/Sunshine and T-shirts on March 31st!)

I will try and be better about getting out my camera and posting before this baby comes. If not I am certain I will have lots of yummy babe pics to look forward to!

I am so lucky, proud, happy, BLESSED!

2011-02-25T20:01:00.005-06:00

BF's F....can't wait to add another one to the mix!

"I want to be a POTATO!"

2011-02-09T17:42:00.003-06:00

P: "Mom, I want to be a potato!"
Me: "A what"
P: "A potato with my blanket." (Lays his blanket flat on the floor and lays on the far right edge.)
Me: " OH...You want to be wrapped up like a BURRITO!"
P: "Ya, I want to be a POTATO!"

K, Port....a "potato" you shall be!

If it's cool enough for P it's cool enough for Elle!

I love my sillys!!!!

26 WEEKS FOLKS!

2011-02-02T13:00:00.002-06:00

I am no photographer, my mirror isn't clean, the top of my dresser is a mess, whatev'! Be happy I'm posting a picture of myself!

What a week!!!

2011-01-28T17:02:00.003-06:00

It all started last Sunday when we were at my parents house and Porter all of a sudden was just laying there, and before we knew it he was throwing up. We find out on Monday that he has Strep...YUCK. Along with the strep one of the side effects was a NASTY eye infection that had us up at Primary Children's on Tuesday in a blizzard. Follow up visit to the pediatrician on Wednesday. An ok day on Thursday. A wonderful Thursday night with Jason' s parents coming home from there 3 year mission. And then as I go and wake Ellery up today (Friday) at 10:00 in the morning to see that she has thrown up all over herself. Back to the pediatrician to find out NO strep...thank goodness. Too bad she isn't keeping much liquid down and now we have to make sure she does not get dehydrated...... OH and all of this without having my own car and relying on my WONDERFUL family to get me everywhere!!!

Long story short Jason is coming home early tonight and I am running AWAY.....I think the mall is calling. Cross your fingers for us that we can have an OK weekend!

Happy Birthday

2011-01-19T22:47:00.003-06:00

Jason wasn't planning on being home until super late(as usual) on his birthday. But surprisingly he got home at an okay time. I kept the kids up until he got home. They were so excited to see Daddy on his birthday (hide and say surprise!) and give him his card. We were planning on celebrating his birthday on Sunday since who knows how late he gets home these days. So when he got home the kids insisted they sing and Jason blow out some candles. Good thing I just finished baking some banana bread.
For his birthday Jason talked me into getting him an Xbox...that he has already been using since he got it this weekend. So since there was nothing really to open. I made him this candy bar poster with all his favorite treats!

(I had to fudge on some of the treats, if you look closely it DOES make sense, I had to circle some words!)
Once we sang to Jason we put the kids to bed. We ordered some yummy Chinese take out and afterward we enjoyed this...

The aftermath. This cookie skillet has been one of the best purchases EVER! YUMMO!

Happy birthday babe, you are my FAVORITE!!

"Showers are WAY cooler than tubs!!!"

2011-01-10T12:46:00.003-06:00

Pregnancy

2010-12-30T12:33:00.002-06:00

Well folks, I suppose it's time to talk more about this pregnancy. It is going by SOOOOO SLOW!!! We all know the first pregnancy goes by super slow, but when you have two kids so close together (17 months, got preggers when Porter was only 8 months old) it seems like my first two pregnancies went by so fast. I feel like I am starting over. I have to go to baby center each week to keep up on what is happening inside my body. I count down to every Tuesday when I am one week closer to holding this yummy baby in my arms. I was making myself sick around 17-18 weeks waiting for any sign of movement in my belly. You get the point.

Well I am finally 21 weeks and went to my official ultrasound appointment yesterday to see my sweet baby BOY (yep, I was worried it changed.) And it NEVER gets old, I love ultrasounds. Seeing your itty bitty baby stick his tongue out, stretch out his LONG legs and arms, (the ultrasound tech said he had super long limbs) and at the end to see him get camera shy and turn his bum to us and face away saying I'm done! I am so smitten!

After the ultrasound I had a quick check up with the coolest OB around. BEST news ever for me (don't read if you don't want to hear prideful Mindi) I have not gained a single pound thus far in this pregnancy. I lost 3-4 lbs. in the beginning and have gained those back but that is it. NO extra poundage YAY! The doctor also measured me and in his words said "This boy is no wimp" already measuring big???!!! AAAAHHHHH....if we can remember back Ellery was a whopping 9.4lbs. At least this time around I am prepared for a big baby (my dumb Chicago Dr. told me he was thinking she would be 7lbs. even, YAH RIGHT!) Whatever way he comes out, no matter how big, or bald he may be, as long as he is healthy it's all that matters.

For any name questions that come my way. My lips are sealed. There is no definite name, however there is one that we love! Names have been ruined for us in the past especially with boy names. I simply don't want any ones opinion! Because once we name him, as long as Jason and I love it, you have no choice but to tell me "What a cute name!" or simply keep your mouth shut. Because once that is his name what kind of decent person would do or say anything but! (Off my soap box now.)

To sum up....I am super excited to squeeze and hold this new sweet, perfect, yummy baby of ours. It's all down hill from here!

1..2..3..

2010-12-17T12:03:00.006-06:00

My little man is 4 years old! I can not believe it! He is so big and grown up. Yesterday (on his birthday) Jason had the day off so we took the kids to Discovery Gateway. We had never been there before and had a BLAST! Porter was in heaven! The ball area was a huge hit. We played there probably 1/3 of the time, which says a lot since there are so many things to do there.

Porter's favorite part was putting the ball in the tubes that blow the balls up into the taller tubes. Look closely to see his hair flying up and his eyes barley open, the air was quite strong! Miss wasn't as big of a fan of that part.

But she sure loved the house, making dinner and doing the ironing!
Porter was just checking to see if Warehouse Mouse lived in this house. (He hates Imagination Movers, but loves Warehouse Mouse in between shows!)

We probably spent another 1/3 of the time at the Construction Site, I have about a million pictures here. Porter loved to play with the cranes, wear the vest and hat, build with big blocks, etc.

The helicopter was a blast Dad loved it too!

Later that night we took him to McDonalds with my family to have his favorite cheeseburger and fries. And to play in the playplace. Then my whole family came over for presents, cake and ice cream.
I love the look on cousin Easton's face in this picture. Porter got the movie How to Train your Dragon and we were able to find a Night Furry dragon (super hard to find!)

And of course the big anticipated Leapster! He was so excited to play and is currently cuddled up next to me playing his train game, he LOVES IT!

And his cousins also got him his staples in life!

Now Porter does not eat much, this we all know. But he also KNOWS that with a birthday comes birthday cake and ice cream. Porter does not eat cake and ice cream but INSISTED on having one. I tried to tell him that I would make him a BIG cookie cake and he would not have it. So we went to the store and he picked out a CHOCOLATE cake, CHOCOLATE frosting, and CHOCOLATE ice cream, I could not sway him any other way! So after all is said and done how could I not let him have what he KNOWS you get for birthday parties. So I made his cake, and so he could really enjoy a treat COOKIES too! (Porter is a cookie monster!)

Last but not least Porter shares his birthday with his cousin Addie! Addie is exactly 7 years older than Porter. In my family we share A LOT of birthdays.

This May when I am due to have my baby we have 4 other birthdays in the same WEEK! So that means 5 of my parents 10 grand babies all have birthdays within 6 days. Two of the grand kids were born on the same day 7 hours apart, we call them twin cousins! May is the magic month or should I say August is the MAGIC month! Happy birthday P we love you to the moon and back!

Fun weekend!

2010-12-13T15:30:00.003-06:00

On Friday we went to the mall and sat on Santa's lap. Too bad they wouldn't let me use my camera and wanted me to pay $30.00 for a picture. So we opted for a picture in line right before we saw Santa! (I know Ellery looks bald in this pic, but she really had cute pig tails, oh well!)

The next day we hopped on Trax with Grammy and Grandpa. These happy pictures don't do justice to the joy Porter felt about riding the train!!

This is what Porter did the entire ride there and back!

We went to Temple Square with the crazy crowds. So sad I didn't get a good picture of the grounds and just how many pretty lights there are.

I haven't been to Temple Square to enjoy the lights for a VERY long time. It was so much fun to take Grammy and Grandpa along with us. After the lights we stopped at Little America for a yummy snack. Jumped back on a full train and were amazed to find seats to enjoy the ride home. What a perfect Holiday day!

We are looking for Blue's Clues......

2010-12-02T10:59:00.004-06:00

Porter found a few old VHS Blue's Clues videos and has been HOOKED!! But today he decided to play Blue's Clues! I remember my little brother loving this show and had his own handy dandy notebook! (You're welcome Landon)
Porter asked me for a notebook and has been playing non stop for the last hour running around saying "A CLUE, A CLUE!" coloring in his notebook and then running to his thinking chair! All while humming the shows theme song!

I have loved seeing Porters imagination come alive this last month or so. He loves to pretend, he does not need any new toys, he just turns what he has into fire hose and Ellery's doll stroller into his firetruck, or one of Ellery's necklaces all of a sudden becomes a scary snake! LOVE this boy to death!

Here comes.....

2010-11-15T20:20:00.006-06:00

Number 3! I am 15 weeks along and due in May (one day after Ellery's 3rd birthday!) Yes, we already know that we are having another BOY!!! I went to my doctor visit today. The Doctor was down doing a delivery, and since I used to work at the office, and have the best nurse ever..... we decided to check and see what we are having!! We were guessing it was a boy since I was sick with Porter and not at all sick with Ellery. This pregnancy has been the hardest on me by far. We are so excited and can't wait for this little man to join our family!!

Whatcha' doin'?

2010-11-05T12:32:00.003-05:00

Seems like it has been a while since I have posted about the simple cute things my kids do every day. (This post is for me, because it simply makes ME happy!)

Here is Ellery fresh out of the shower (her new favorite.) Playing tea party with her "friends."

Porter has been all about MONSTERS lately. Here he is the other day walking Ellery through the dark with a flash light so she won't be afraid of the monsters!

Ellery and Porter both love to play "kitchen" and make dinner for everyone in the house!

Happy Friday!

Halloween

2010-10-31T23:27:00.002-05:00

Can I just say how happy I am to be living in Utah on a Sunday Halloween! We got to go trick-or-treating on Saturday and it was totally acceptable! Saturday night we had friends over for "Mummy hotdogs" and "Witches brew" Porter was fascinated!!
The kids were so excited to go and get some candy! Yes, Porter would not stop jumping he was so excited!
(Minnie=Kaitlyn, Little Lamb=Hailey, Butterfly with tu-tu and leotard=Ellery, Spider=Porter)

(Whenever we asked Elle what she was going to be for Halloween she had to tell us every part of her outfit, so Elle!)

When we started it was hardly raining, super windy, and chilly! We thought we weren't going to last too long. But after 5-10 min. the rain went away and the wind stopped it was perfect! Not much later our cute little Kaitlyn was done and Porter was content to be done as well. But NOT Ellery, she was begging to go to "Just one more house!" So the others went home while Ellery and I went to "Just one more house" for the next half hour. She loved it and everyone who answered the door just LOVED her!

We finished of the holiday today at my parents house for the traditional homemade chili and donuts! Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Pickin!

2010-10-21T22:18:00.005-05:00

We started the night with a pumpkin pizza! (I think this should be a new tradition!)

We got together with our cousins...
And went a PUMPKIN PICKIN'!
I think the sky looks pretty cool in these pictures. And notice how fast it got dark! And a big Ellery warning...I could not get her to smile for the life of me... instead... she purposely gave me all her sassy looks...enjoy!

They could have cared less about the large pumpkins. They loved the little ones!

Porter loved running around and kicking up the dirt.

We ended our night with a bath, warm cookies from the oven and in to bed with our cute new Halloween jammies!

He thinks it's HIS!

2010-09-30T22:32:00.002-05:00

Porter has found a new favorite toy....the iPod!!! Oh my word he loves it. Jason has downloaded a few aps for him to play. And with Netflix on it forget it, he won't put the thing down! (Is it bad I want to use this in church? :P)

Since he loves it so much, and with his birthday and Christmas just around the corner...We are looking into getting him a Leapster, V-tech, Nintendo DS, Jason wants to get him an iPod touch :)! What would you get your kid?

The CIRCUS is in town!

2010-09-22T14:17:00.005-05:00

This morning I was lounging around watching Good Things Utah when we heard the circus was having a parade. We stopped laying around quickly got dressed and headed out the door.

Waiting with anticipation, they gave us signs to hold, stickers, and clown noses!

We even happened to have circus animal crackers in our cupboard that we brought along.

The Ring Master

We were told there was someone riding an elephant and got all excited..... to see this (sigh.)

It was still super fun to see all the fun people!

But in the end....Of course they didn't disappoint us 6 elephants in all, including a baby elephant. It was so cool, these pictures don't do it justice they were honestly feet away from us! And if you look closely they were all holding each others tails, so cute! What a fun FREE way to see the circus!

ONE AWESOME DUDE!!

2010-09-18T19:39:00.004-05:00

He DID IT! He PASSED!

My AWESOME husband PASSED the BAR!!

We love you more than words can say!

-Mindi, Porter and Elle

The magic 50 cent garage sale find!

2010-09-15T11:39:00.005-05:00

This little game has made a world of difference in our home. Some may call it bribing, I see it as teaching my kids to do the things that are good for them.
This game gets:
-Porter to eat his dinner (impossible task at times!)
-Ellery to mind her mom
-Both kids cleaning up their toys
-much, much more!!
My kids know that if they do these things that, after dinner when jammies are on. We get to sit down as a family and play this game. It makes us ALL so happy!

P.S. It has finally happened, this last month or so my kids have been the BEST of friends. Playing and wanting to do EVERYTHING together with no fighting or getting bugged by one another. LIFE IS GOOD!

"I came back Mommy, Porter's home!"

2010-09-07T15:22:00.006-05:00

After a short and busy summer, it was back to pre-school for Porter.

But this year he gets to ride the BUS!!! AAAHH a little scary for mom and SO much fun for Porter. It pulled right up to our driveway and without hesitation Porter hopped right on, SO EXCITED!

Sitting on the bus (yes, I realize he is in 2 different outfits, it was 2 different days) Such a good boy!

And yes my protective mom side came out as I followed him to school for the first time.

And when he returned home, so proud of himself he proclaimed "I came back Mommy, Porter's home!" Love you bubba. I'm so proud of you!

Little Chef....I wish!

2010-08-24T19:44:00.005-05:00

Porter was playing "kitchen" the other day and found this round box thingy and decided to become a "Chef" such a cute little imagination.
Too bad that can't translate into his food habits. He has the worst eating habits EVER! Look at my two opposites: Cold cereal for one. And a plate of tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese for the other. (Please don't mind our dinner in jammies, they just bathed after being outside!)

St. George Wedding

2010-08-18T22:58:00.005-05:00

The happy BEAUTIFUL couple!

This last weekend we went to St. George for my little brother Landon's wedding. It was bunches of fun and we are SO happy to have Kara as part of our family.

So much swimming......we were pooped!

Here are some pictures at the reception. The wedding colors were black and white with YELLOW accents. Porter's accent was my FAVORITE!!

My AWESOME mom made all the girls black and white skirts.
And my two little darlings actually sat next to each other, with somewhat of a smile on their faces for longer than 2 seconds. I'm a happy mom!

It was a FUN weekend that wasn't nearly long enough! But sure was HOT enough!

(P.S. As you can see Ellery's leg is FINE, no idea what happened but are grateful she is all better!)

Poor Baby!

2010-08-09T21:34:00.003-05:00

Poor STINKING CUTE FACE baby!

( She looks like such a big girl in this pic:( )

Ellery woke up this morning (much earlier than normal) complaining her leg hurt. I didn't think much about it, we hopped in my bed and watched some cartoons. She kept complaining and I kept putting it off until she finally told me she was hungry for breakfast. When I carried her in the kitchen and tried to set her down she would not put any weight on her right leg and cried and cried and cried. I called her pediatrician and they had us come in right away. They then sent us to get X-Rays and things came up normal. When we finally headed back to the pediatrician Ellery would cry if we held her the wrong way (pretty much couldn't touch her leg at ALL!) Even though nothing came up on X-Ray the doctor and the radiologist say it is very common in children to not have fractures show up until they actually start to heal. With Ellery not wanting to put any weight on her leg we know something is wrong for sure.

She will have this splint on for 4 days, we then can take it off and see if she limps, refuses to walk, etc.. If so.....we put it back on and get more X-Rays in 10 days. We still have no idea what happened. As far as we know we put Ellery to bed perfectly happy last night, and woke up to this. Our poor baby!!! She is not mobile and is so sad about it!

Oh ya, and to add to the sadness, we head to St. George for my brother's wedding on Wednesday. And if you have asked Ellery what she is going to do in St. George for the last 2 weeks, you would all get the answer "Swimmin!" Poor girl no swimming for her in the 108 degree weather :(

Random....

2010-08-05T11:20:00.003-05:00

Silly girl...holding her fork in one hand and eating with the other!
Jason has been going stir crazy at home. And has been filling up too many sippy cups. So much that when HE was thirsty he got himself one, lid and all and didn't realize until he had a sippy lid to his mouth!
And here is the marble sized hale that woke my kids from their naps yesterday Grrrrr!

HELLO!

2010-07-28T09:16:00.011-05:00

Well....Here it goes! Back in May Jason and I got to go back to Chicago to play with all our friends, see Jason's parents, and OH YA.....JASON GRADUATED!!!! I am so proud of my handsome man. He has worked so hard and is such a STUD we LOVE him!
When we got back from Chicago we took our kiddlets to Day out with Thomas. Porter loved the IDEA of it. But it was a lot of waiting around in long lines to get a little tattoo of Thomas on your hand. (That Porter hated, he wanted it cleaned off right away!)

Porter was so excited to see Sir. Thopam Hat, but when it came down to it my kids were TERRIFIED!! (I'm a bad mom and thought it was funny, so did everyone around us!)

Of course the best part was the ride! This picture is just too cute to not post!

Porter was in HEAVEN!

Ellery HATED all the loud train whistles that were sounding!

By the time it was our turn to take a picture with Thomas, Porter was SOOOOO done.

My favorite was the awesome steam engine that was there (trust me I have way to many pictures to prove it. With steam coming from the wheels and the puffing smoke, whats not to love!)

So far this summer.... There has been a lot of outside playing....

Parade watching......

water playing.....

and cousin bonding!

This summer I have been helping my oldest sister out, watching her three girls a few times a week. One day Jason was out working in the backyard trimming a tree and the girls found some "tails." They were playing like they were animals, too cute.

Last summer I tried to take Porter to a dollar movie and he lasted a whole 15 min. including previews. We thought we would try it again so he and I headed for a Mommy and Son date. We went to Toy Story 3 and LOVED it!

On the 4th of July my kids looked so cute all ready for church. Someone wasn't cooperating, and someone looks CRAZY CUTE!!

After church we went to my parents house for one of Porter's favorite activities. Giving Grammy's flowers a drink!

And finally to this last weekend. We headed of to the Days of 47 Parade. It is a tradition every year with Jason's family. We head to the parade, Chuck-A-Rama for lunch, and then to the Gateway fountain!

Ellery LOVED finding the "princesses"!

My favorite that day was when Porter was showing up the ladies with his flag dancing skills. If you look at the top of the picture you can see the girls and their flags.

And last but not least. This may not look like a significant picture, but to me....It is so darn sweet. Ellery and Porter have missed their daddy SO much the last month or so. He has been studying for the BAR from 7a.m.-10p.m. and any moment they could squeeze in with daddy...they did!!!

Today is the 2nd of two days of the BAR. We love Jason and all the hard work he puts in for our family's sake. We love you BABE!!!

No desire....

2010-06-29T11:45:00.002-05:00

Yep....I have no desire to blog. I LOVE looking at all of yours, but could care less about my own! I am so behind on posting events that have happened in our lives it's not even funny. And sadly I just don't care. I could post pictures about how stinking ADORABLE my kids are. About how sassy and naughty Ellery has been today(she told me today she WANTS to be a STINKER!) I could tell you how Porter is becoming my taking machine, and is the sweetest boy on earth. But not today, tomorrow, and probably not next week.

I will get in the groove again, and you will be seeing pictures from months past. But I guess I'm okay with that! Until then enjoy your summer....go outside and have fun with your kids!!!!

If you give Elle a cookie...or let her see, smell, or hear about one.

2010-06-13T11:52:00.005-05:00

So by now....EVERYONE knows how much Ellery likes to eat! Now try to sit and have a meal with her. Anything you have she wants, even if the same thing is on her plate.

Sunday morning breakfast: Blueberry pancakes and eggs
(Dad is the lucky one to sit by Elle)

Ellery: I want eggs! (Her's are already gone.)
Dad: Ok (gives some off his plate)
Ellery: I need some more eggs
Dad: Finish the ones I gave you first.
(Done and done! Then Ellery tries to take dads fork away from him.)
Ellery: I want some more.
(Mom gives her another pancake, while dad tries to steal away to the counter to finish his breakfast in peace!)
Ellery: Dad, what you doing?
Dad: Minding my own business. (Trying to eat MY food)
Ellery: I want your business!

Are you kidding me ELLE!! You are the cutest girl in the world, and I wouldn't trade you in for anything! Even though you are a mama's girl I am pretty sure you would trade me in for a Cafe Rio burrito some days! LOVE YOU BABY CAKES!!!!

Pre-School

2010-06-04T00:25:00.002-05:00

Yep it's true. I still can't believe my baby went to his first day of school yesterday. Porter is behind in his speech, and was accepted into the special education pre-school to help him out. I understand school is in for only 3 more weeks. And with the Jordan School District cuts, we have no idea what is in store for the next school year. But we are so excited to get him this help.

He was not interested in getting his picture taken!

There's my cute boy!

As soon as I told him it was time to go, he RAN!

He was so sad when we dropped him off. But when he came out he was so excited and could not stop telling me "School is SO fun!" I love you buddy boy!

I PITY THE FOOL!!

2010-05-30T19:32:00.001-05:00

I love my white trash baby!

"Happy Birthday Dear......."

2010-05-25T11:25:00.006-05:00

For Ellery's birthday we took her to the mall for lunch and to ride the carousel!

The kids love the carousel SO much we rode it once before lunch and once after!

Later that night we had some family over for presents and on Ellery's request PINK cupcakes!

And if anyone has been around Ellery the last Oh....5 months before her birthday you would ALL know that ALL she wanted for for her birthday is for Grammy to get her a PINK bike!! We waited until the very end to bring it out. She was so excited she jumped up, couldn't get any words out and hopped on the bike for the rest of the night!
My WONDERFUL little eater miss Ellery did NOT care for her cupcakes. My kids just do not eat birthday cake. I need to figure out our own birthday tradition treat!

Probably one of the funniest and best presents of the night came from my brother Jordan. A few months ago we were all hanging out at my mom's house late at night past bedtime, when Uncle Jordan decided to ask Ellery if she wanted a cheeseburger. And OF COURSE my little lunch munch wanted food as ALWAYS. And since it was way too late, and I think even a Sunday there was no way a McDonald's cheeseburger was going to happen. And Ellery just cried and cried (literally) and asked for a cheeseburger for the rest of the night!!! So...for her birthday Uncle Jordan came through and brought her a happy meal!!! (She dropped everything!)

And last but not least, this morning a few weeks after 3 cousin birthdays and his own sisters birthday, Porter has decided that TODAY is his birthday (real B-day is in Dec!) During breakfast he sang Happy Birthday to himself and blew out is pretend candles in his bowl of cheerios! And has been repeating over and over "Happy Birthday Porter!" Poor boy, I feel so bad for him. He just does not understand why it seems that everyone in his little world is having a birthday except for him. So for today Happy Birthday Porter lets make some cookies!!!

SMARTY PANTS

2010-05-19T13:22:00.003-05:00

As I was running to stop the microwave so it wouldn't overcook lunch. I was being silly running and making a noise "ffff......ffff....ffff....." I didn't even notice until Porter started giggling and saying "Mommy's being an F!!" I love my little smarty pants who knows all his alphabet sounds and so much more. Thanks for being the cutest boy EVER Porter pants!

Wheeler Farm

2010-05-19T12:21:00.006-05:00

With so many birthdays in one week, one of the adventures we enjoyed was Wheeler Farm. We love this place! We loved.....

Climbing trees!

Playing in the houses

The tractors

Being with our cousins!

And of course THE ANIMALS!!

Ellery and Grandpa

We ALL loved the baby goats

The ducks and geese were so much fun. Porter is not at all afraid of animals. I was afraid most of the time that Porter would end up in the little stream behind him. He loved being so close!

Surprise, surprise... Ellery just at the bread that we brought the ducks! She was not a big fan of the duck just wandering around and wanted to stay in the stroller.

But the best part of ALL was the pony rides. Porter was the last to take his turn and was SO excited. He ran up every time someone got off wanting his turn sooooo bad. It was all worth the wait when it was finally his turn he jumped up on that horse and said "YEE HAW!!"

LOOK WHO'S 2!!

2010-05-10T16:43:00.005-05:00

OH how I LOVE my......Spunky, Sweet, Sassy, Silly, Sensitive, Sassafras little GIRL!!!
I can not believe my baby is 2 years old!
Ellery has so much personality, and sweetness I just love every bit of her!

At 2 Ellery LOVES:
-to talk
-to EAT!
-to be silly (And knows when she is acting so.)
-the color PINK
-Porter
-shoes
-"underwares" (Even though she does NOT wear them!)
-bows (It's a good thing :)
-ALL stuffed animals
-Mom
-Dad
-yellow flowers (dandy lions!)
-tomatoes
-cheese
-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
-Grandma's house
-Target
-YELLOW cars (Finds them everywhere we go!)
-jewelry
-singing (Some favs: "I Love to See The Temple", "Patty Cake", "Daisy, Daisy", and "Little Mermaid")

I could go on for days. Ellery is such a fun, happy, spunky little girl and we LOVE her OH SO MUCH!

P.S. Ellery's birthday is the fourth birthday in just a one week period for 4 out of almost 9 of my parents grand babies! It has been a busy week of FUN, lots more to post later of all the PARTIES!

New Trick!

2010-05-05T21:32:00.004-05:00

Remember the days of BlOwINg bUBbleS in your MiLK!!!!

We were at lunch today and Porter thought it was so fun to blow bubbles in his chocolate milk. Which by the way, he ordered ALL by himself today! Oh he is growing up too fast, love you bubs!

Long day!

2010-04-21T22:30:00.003-05:00

Last spring/summer there was a flood in Jason's parents basement. Jason's parents are on a mission. And at the time of the flood no one lived in the house. Jason's siblings would come every month or more to check up on the house, mow the lawn, dust, etc. Well who knows how long the water sat in the basement when they found the mess. They had to rip up mildew carpet and baseboards. The water came down the stairs and in through the back entrance. If you look at the picture below you will see in the top left hand corner the back door, then the tile floor, the rugs that cover where carpet used to be, and then the beautiful white tape and where the carpet starts.
Today during naps/Porter's quite time it was raining cats and dogs for a good 40 min. Porter came and asked for some crackers. When I went to get them....there it was...water seeping through the back door. Lots of water! I have no pictures to document as I was a little preoccupied. But it was such a big mess, running through the grout lines of the tile. I was trying to hold it in with every towel in sight, and it kept coming until it hit the rugs. My sister-in-law came and helped out and we finally got it under control and cleaned up. Thanks Tiff!

Just when we thought everything was under control and Jason got home from school. We packed up the kids and headed to Home Depot to find something to take care of our water problem since the forecast says we will be getting rain for a few more days. While we were at Home Depot finishing up, we had Ellery in the front of the cart and Porter in the back. Porter decided to stand up and take a step back to find himself falling out of the cart right on his head. I picked him up and he started crying immediately. Still crying I felt him get heavy. He never lost conscience but was a little woozy. I didn't feel good about the situation so we decided to head to his pediatrician right down the road. From there the nurse practitioner who saw him said she couldn't see anything wrong but didn't like a fall on the back of the head right on the cement. So... off to Primary Children's. We quickly dropped Ellery off with my mom. Got him in, they evaluated him looked at everything. And with the HIGH dose of radiation that CT gives off, we with the doctor's high recommendation decided not to go that route. Porter is functioning VERY much like Porter, and is just fine. I am still so grateful that I took him in and made all the right precautions. We love our little Porter SO SO much, and glad he is safe, home, and tucked tightly into bed!!!

(Only thing we have to document of Porter's visit to Primarys.)

First...

2010-04-19T22:27:00.002-05:00

Popsicles of the season!

Please ignore the messy faces and grubby clothes. We were playing to hard to care! I love having a big backyard to play in, and a park just a short walking distance away!

I was nervous offering one to Porter as he usually refuses anything new (last year he wouldn't touch one!) But he loved it, that is until it started dripping and getting him messy. Then he was done.

No comment needed for this one OR the next. It's sure hard to learn that popsicles don't last forever!

MAJOR....

2010-04-13T10:56:00.003-05:00

GLEEK!!!

I am so excited for tonight!!

Sue Sylvester is my hero, and the music rocks my world!!

Twinners!

2010-04-10T01:15:00.003-05:00

On March 31st we went to celebrate my cute nephew Sawyer's 1st birthday!

And when my sister showed up with her kids, we had a good laugh! Porter and Easton were little twinners! The same exact t-shirt underneath the same Gap cardigan just different colors!
No matter how much Easton loves to pester and push Porter's buttons. Porter sure loves him!!

BEST BUDS!

If that's not coincidence enough...on Easter Sunday, my sister (Easton's mom) and I showed up in the same exact skirt!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T23:52:00.005-05:00

It has been an eventful weekend. It started on Friday when we had our friends over to make and decorate sugar cookies.Elle just ate anything that was given to her!
On Saturday we got together with Jason's side of the family for lunch and an Easter egg hunt in the back yard in between conference.

Saturday night we had a girls night out (and Porter) with my mom and sisters at The Old Spaghetti Factory, YUMMMM! And Kari and I running to Taipan to get super cute new purses!

Here are the kids this morning finding eggs and their Easter baskets. In the morning we went to my parents house for the traditional conference cinnamon rolls.

Ellery cracks me up with her silly faces that she makes all day long. (I could do a whole post of these goof ball faces!) She loved her new Hello Kitty and Minnie Mouse sippy cups!
This is the only thing in Porter's basket that he cared about. It has been quite the search finding Toby!

The evening ended with dinner at my sisters house. Such a fun weekend. And we were so grateful that the weather KIND OF cooperated with us, at least for the egg hunt on Saturday! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and conference weekend! I know we did!

Holy CUTENESS!!

2010-03-30T22:49:00.002-05:00

(Warning: Picture overload, she is just too dang cute!)

We will definitely be doing this again!

Spring Break??

2010-03-23T09:08:00.004-05:00

Jason has spring break this week. Too bad everyone but me has an ugly cold! It started with Porter and he is feeling much better. I just needed to blog that it is currently 8:14 A.M. And everyone has been up, had breakfast, and asked to go BACK TO BED!

Sweet dreams family!!

CLASSIC!!!

2010-03-16T12:54:00.006-05:00

Remember this...

Ellery has never watched Toy Story, she's just super AWESOME!!

She loves playing "Tea Party" she knew Mrs. Nesbit loves it too!!!

A girl named boy!

2010-03-07T22:24:00.003-06:00

Mom: "Hey Ellery. What is your baby's name?"
Ellery: "BOYS"
Mom: "Oh, is it a boy or a girl?"
Ellery: "A gurl"
Dad: "Ellery, Do you love Boys?"
Ellery: (lauging) "YA!!"

P.S. We get this answer every time we ask her!

What in the WORLD????

2010-03-04T22:39:00.004-06:00

Beautiful warm sunshine at 11:00 A.M.

To SNOW....at 5:00 P.M.

Life is good!

2010-03-02T21:47:00.003-06:00

Oh Ellery, It's a good thing I love ya!!

2010-02-24T23:16:00.003-06:00

Ellery's favorite words: eat, breakfast, eat, dinner, hungry, lunch, breakfast, eat, eat, eat......
This morning however, this little lady was off her game. She woke up and first word out of her mouth as usual "breakfast!" I sat her up in her seat, and since she wakes up 2 hours after Porter (9:30ish) I ask her what she would like for breakfast and she asked for eggs. ELLERY LOVES EGGS! Great so, while I started making her eggs I gave her a drinkable yogurt (My kids go through these things like candy!) She screams no at me pushes it over spilling it all over the table. I got upset at her for purposely spilling it, she bawls (I have never seen a sadder cry than when I hurt Ellery's feelings.) I get her eggs made put them in her favorite Hello Kitty bowl. She cries and tells me they are too hot, I blow on them and promise her they are ready to be eaten.
Ellery: "NO EGGS!!"
Me: "Okay what would you like?"
Ellery: "Applesauce!"
Me: "Fine, applesauce it is"
(I hand her the apple sauce)
Ellery: "NO APPLESAUCE!!"
At this point I was done. I do not normally put up with offering and making a million things. So I told her she was done and we headed for the tub.

So if you have made it this far. Kids are bathed and ready for the day. Porter is watching Chuggington. I hear Ellery from the other room.
"MMMMMMM....yummy eggs!"
Yep I left the eggs sitting on the table. And Ellery had made herself comfortable on the ottoman, eating COLD EGGS. YUCK, I can't think of many foods I normally like, that can turn absolutely DISGUSTING when cold!

Silly girl. Good thing she is better than me and cleaned up after herself!

"Pock-Pocks"

2010-02-14T20:04:00.002-06:00

This girl loves "pock-pocks" a.k.a. POCKETS!

She gets so mad when her clothes don't have any pockets to put her hands in. She will put her hands in my pockets, her pockets, daddy's pockets....She loves em'!

SILLY FACE! Ellery is seriously one of the funniest girls I know. Not many people get to see this side of her, she is pretty reserved around others. She loves to make faces. Say and do silly things, all while knowing how silly she is being!! LOVE HER!

Only problem with her loving pockets so much is that once her hands are in, she has no desire to take them out. She struggles to sit down, trying to hold things while hands are in pockets, WALKING! (She's going to fall on her face one of these days.) We love our Ellery and her "pock-pocks"

Cookie Monster!!

2010-02-09T18:30:00.002-06:00

Sunday before church I made some cookies. (The best cookies EVER! Thanks Erin :)While they were baking I hear my little man jumping up and down doing a happy dance with a huge grin! Porter LOVES cookies, he only eats about 10 things and cookies might just be his number 1!
I told him to go ahead and have one.

Little did I know...He was hearing " Go ahead, have as many as you would like." I was busy getting ready not paying much attention, but noticed he always had a cookie in his hand. He kept going back for another, and another, and another...... I'm not sure how many he had, but boy was he happy! (Running away with another cookie!)

(*** Please don't mind the undershirt and diaper. I don't bother dressing my kids for 1:00 church until the last minute.)

Funny thing is, I do believe it WAS his.....

2010-02-02T23:15:00.005-06:00

Hanging around the house with a sick Ellery today when Porter found this.

He looked at me and said "Porter's?" stuck it in his mouth and ran into his bedroom to tuck himself in. I'm pretty sure it is his from back in the day. I don't remember buying Ellery any orange binky's. It must have been one we didn't catch and became Ellery's.He couldn't even talk with the silly thing, but was so HAPPY it was in his mouth. It has been over a year since he gave them up, but he still remembers how happy they make him. It actually made me a little sad that he went and tucked himself into bed. Because I can tell it is still hard for Porter to sooth himself to sleep and I catch him sucking on phantom binkys in his sleep all the time. (When it's Ellery's turn to give them up, she still has her favorite stuffed animals to comfort her to sleep.)

Best part is how he kept telling me "Sweet Dreams Monny, Sweet Dreams!"

He must be 3

2010-01-28T08:45:00.003-06:00

I don't know if it's the fact that Porter is now 3 or that he has been hanging around boy cousins lots. But Porter has turned into an energetic running around, climbing, jumping, ruff housing boy. Porter has always been fun and energetic. But he just seems to be turning into my little "Big Boy". We were playing around the other night after we put Ellery to bed. (Rare occasion that they don't go down at the same time. He thinks it's pretty cool when he sees his little sister head to bed and he gets to stay up! Now that I think about it, we should let it happen more often. Sometimes we forget he is the big brother now that Ellery can do and SAY just about everything he can.) Porter was loving running around having his own Mom and especially Dad time! (I think his Pj's are very appropriate for the night "Mommy's WILD Child")

Running non stop....Jumping off the couch!
The couch wasn't high enough, so dad launched him from his knees!

We love our cute little man!

Not many people know but Porter has a pause button! As soon as you start tickling Porters neck or back he freezes and goes into a trance until you stop. This has come in handy many times, especially church. We love it, he loves it, we love him, LIFE IS GOOD!

Tu-Tu CUTE!!

2010-01-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

Getting dizzy and holding moms hand for balance!

I made this tu-tu for Ellery for Christmas and she LOVES IT!!

Back 2 blogging!!

2010-01-11T23:32:00.007-06:00

And back to a somewhat normal life. Life has been CRAZY the last month. We found out on Thursday Dec. 17 that Jason was accepted to finish his last semester of law school at the University of Utah. We had told ourselves that if we found out before THAT weekend we were going to try and make it home for Christmas. So Sunday the 20th of December we were off, and arrived in Utah on Monday! Yep we drove the 20 hours in about a day and a half! So here is our last month...all blurred together!!

CHRISTMAS MORNING!

Ellery had to model everything that EVERYONE got!

On Christmas morning and EVER since our silly, cute, spunky Ellery has to show EVERYONE in the room what she got, what she can do, how much fun she is having, or how yummy grammy and grandpas diet coke tastes!

Here is our good "little mommy" in action with her favorite gift!

We have been hanging out with family like crazy and are loving every second! One day we thought it would be fun to take the kiddos to Cabellas, I just love this picture of Molly and Porter!

COUSINS!!!

Just hanging out looking at the animals.

Porters favorite part of the trip was feeding the fish. Here he is with Grandpa!

And our good little Ellers who was dying to get out of the stroller with the big kids, but was a pretty good sport.

One of our favorite things to do is just hang out at Grammy's! here the kids are all pretending to be asleep!

Oh Ellery....Ellery has always been pretty independent. But OH MY GOODNESS does she have a determined mind of her own!!!! If she wants it she will find a way to get it. Whether it be pushing her plate to the side and reaching across the table to get the chips she wants, going and taking Grammys coke out of her hand, or running off with uncle Landons cookie. (I realize all these examples are food, but we all know how much this girl likes to eat, no one should be surprised!)

The kids love there new BIG bedroom!

And last but not least...(for some reason this post is mostly about Miss. Sass) Ellery got a new haircut that I can not get enough of! Check it out SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!

PHEWWWW, I can't believe almost a month has past since leaving Chicago we MISS EVERYONE like crazy. I wanted to cry after church on Sunday, I LOVED my Chicago ward SO SO SO SO much!!! I wanted Porter to go to Sunbeams with his friends and not strangers. I wanted Ellery to go to nursery with all her buddy's, but instead Jason sat in with crying Porter and I was in nursery with screaming Elle :( We are slowly getting used to this new life of ours. And we wouldn't want to be anywhere but HOME!

Look who turned 3!!

2009-12-18T10:50:00.006-06:00

Porter had a birthday this week. I can't believe I have a three year old. These past three years have been the best three years of my life. My kids bring me so much joy!
We started the day off with having a few friends over for a playdate. Porter loves his friends and loves when they come to play at his house! (Here are just some of his buddies that came.)

Ellery favorite spot was the treat table!

For dinner we took Porter to his own little heaven. We went to a place called Choo-Choo Johnny's. They bring your food out on a train, the whole placed is covered in train stuff. Porter barely gave himself time to eat, he was having way too much fun!

Here he is chasing the modle train around the track. He spent most of his time here!

He didn't touch his cake, I have learned to accept the fact that Porter dosen't eat his birthday cake or ice cream. He would rather eat cookies! But the candles are sure fun!

Roll call with all of his new trains.

I wrapped up his favorite snacks: Nutri-Grain bars and drinkable yogurts!

After opening each gift he would shout "Yeah, I like this!" It was soo cute, but when he opened the food he would say it and then say, "Share with Ellery?" and went back to the trains, and his new track!
And last but certanialy not least. We are packing our bags!!!!

Jason has been accepted to the University of Utah to finish his final semester of Law school as a visiting student. We could not be more excited to be moving HOME!!! We will miss our friends here dearly and have loved every minute we have spent here in Chicago, but we are even more excited to go HOME to UTAH!!

2..4..6..8..Tis the time to.....How cute are these boots? How cute are these boots?

2009-12-15T13:43:00.003-06:00

I just love those GAP commercials! A few Saturdays ago we were taking an evening stroll through the mall and were just heading for the door. When all of a sudden we hear some drums start to play. We didn't think much until we heard the noise getting closer so we stopped a moment, and before we knew it there was a drum line and some cute boys and girls heading for an opening in the mall. As we got closer and there became a crowd we saw the drums had big GAP signs on them. The group got together and started cheering "2..4..6..8.. Tis the time to liberate....I got a full on LIVE GAP commercial!!! It was so much fun!

In the middle of all there cheering they started throwing out GAP sweaters to the crowd. This post would have been even better if I actually got a sweater, and I would have if some people wouldn't have taken my spot!! We had a front row spot until my kids started crying from the LOUD drums, as we were moving the double stroller some poo faces took my spot!!!

Lets just say my little man was SO sad to have to get off and leave this ride on train at the mall!!

Hmmm, this looks familiar

2009-12-09T19:23:00.003-06:00

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2009

Just a new obsession, cute boy!

P.S. Have you ever seen SNOW FALL HORIZONTALLY? If not you have never been in Chicago in the winter. (Crazy wind literally blowing the snow sideways!)

P.P. S. Happy 200th post to me!!

Let them be little....

2009-12-05T19:36:00.004-06:00

Is it just me or do your kids follow you wherever you are and bring their toys along just to be near you? Most times I get frustrated and annoyed when I am busy and I have Ellery following me all around the house. But it's nice to just stop and soak in the sweetness of my babies just wanting to be near me! Like when Ellery is down for her nap and I run and get in the shower while Porter watches a show, and before I know it.....I hear my little man playing on the bathroom floor just to be with me. I need to stop more often and enjoy my babies WANTING to be near me all the time before they go and get big on me!

Thanks Walmart!

2009-11-30T21:08:00.006-06:00

While visiting my local Walmart today I noticed they got some new carts. I love them. Now we have all seen the carts that can hold young kids up front facing each other making MY kids fight over leg, hand and toy holding space (You know we all do it, give them a toy and put it away in front of the check out isle.) It is also a lot easier to maneuver. Anywho this is awesome and it even leaves space for a child in the front. (Lindsay and Kerri all your kiddos can go in this cart!!!!!)
One of my kids favorite things was thinking they were both pushing the cart!

Our weekend in Kirtland was fabulous! We love having nothing to do in the little town and love every second we get with G&G. Here is Grandpa helping Ellery put on his shoes, she was so HAPPY!!This picture isn't the greatest but the moment was priceless. We were watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Rockettes came on....Here comes Ellery. "Kick...kick...kick..." so funny!

Late nights staying up finishing moms Coke. (I don't even like Coke that much but man it tasted good this weekend.)
And for all you Gillmore Girls fans out there. There is a charming little street in Willoughby, OH that has it's own Lukes!!!!

A hardware store turned into a coffee shop (yes, I know his is a diner, but it is where Lorelei gets her coffee fix). It's on a corner and everything. I imagine Luke's apartment up above, and how I wish the ice cream parlor across the street was Taylor's Soda Shoppe!

Nothing new....

2009-11-25T21:18:00.003-06:00

Nothing new with us. Other than the boy who decides to tear apart his room and play rather than go to bed. (This is fine with us for now, it is so much better than having him come out of his room every 2 min.)

Happy THANKSGIVING from these cuties!!!! We are in Kirtland, OH enjoying EVERY second with Grandpa and Grandma!!!!!!
(I was just happy to get Porter looking my way in the above picture and then below you can always get a cheeser from her!)

P.S. Happy shopping on Friday, anyone crazy like me and will be at Old Navy at 3am? Or Toys R Us at midnight?

YUM!

2009-11-11T19:09:00.002-06:00

My favorite soup in the whole world is....CREAMY CHICKEN and WILD RICE SOUP!!!!

My sister gave me this recipe a while ago and this is my first time making it....SO GOOD! So here you go give it a try.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

you will need:

3 cooked chicken breasts

1 box Uncle Bens wild rice

2 carrots

1/2 onion

2 cans chicken broth

3/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

1 stick of butter

salt and pepper

olive oil

*Cook and shred your chicken. Finely chop your carrots and onion.

*In skillet saute your carrots and onion in a little olive oil.

*In separate pot bring to boil your chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Once it comes to a boil add your rice (not the seasoning pkg.) and your sauteed veggies. SIMMER ON LOW.

*In another pot melt your butter and add Uncle Bens seasoning pkg. Slowly add flour, salt, and pepper. Once your flour is combined slowly add your milk to mixture.

*Now add your white sauce to the broth and rice pot along with your shredded chicken and let cook and thicken up for another 1/2 hour and ENJOY!!!!!!

To bad this boy prefers to eat this all day every day!!! Cut in triangles NOT squares, and each piece of food, cup, etc. on a different number on the place mat. Such a silly boy!

Snuggie

2009-11-07T20:24:00.004-06:00

A while back I posted about how much Ellery loves her babies and getting them all wrapped up!
Well.... Looks like Porter enjoys it too. He loves getting a blanket and wrapping up his baby!

Only difference is THIS is his baby!

Goofy boy! He loves to "Snuggie Thonas" (the "n" in Thomas is not a typo, that's how he says it!)Speaking of babies, check out Ellery's baby dolls. Every morning when I ask Ellery if she wants to do her hair she says "YA, YA, BOW!!!!!" I have trained her well!

HALLOween.....

2009-11-01T19:58:00.008-06:00

Call me a "Witch" but I HATE Halloween! Well lets just say I hate what most of the world enjoys about Halloween. I love little kids dressed up in CUTE little outfits and my family tradition of eating chili, bread, witches brew, and doughnuts!! But that's as far as I go. I HATE, HATE, HATE horror movies, haunted houses, running around in the cold, anything spooky!

Now that I have said my peace, enjoy some super cuteness!! (Sorry Porter doesn't' "DO" pictures these days!)
We have all been sick this week and just getting over illnesses enough to justify going to our wards quick trunk-or-treat. We were all Cowboys this year!
This picture alone was worth the whole outing...I love my COWBOYS!!!!!

Well to sum up our lame day. We were all sick, pulled ourselves out of our sweats, Porter ran around while Jason trunk-or-treated and the kids fell asleep on the couch watching a movie at 6:00p.m. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Pumpkins in the Patch!

2009-10-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

(Warning, picture overload!)

One of the funniest parts of the trip was watching Ellery try and pick up the pumpkins and her cute little grunting noises!

Porter loved the animals!

My silly boy kept picking up little pebbles and balancing them on the pumpkin stems! It's a rare treat to get a picture of these two together. And holding hands WOW!
By the end of the trip they were so dirty and shoes caked with mud, that the had to get stripped down to get in the car! I LOVE MY PUMPKINS!

Troy and Tink

2009-10-24T13:16:00.002-05:00

The Disney Store at our mall was having a little parade and prize party, as long as you were dressed up as a Disney character. And since our friend Mary's mom made Madelyn every princess dress ever.... we decided to go!

"TINK"
Ellery is in LOVE with princesses! Thanks to my mom for teaching her to say Cinderella. It also helps that her little girl friends who are a little older, love them too!

Here she is pointing at a picture of princesses saying "Rella, Rella!!"

I had no idea what Disney character I was going to pull Porter off as. Then I remembered that he had this grey and red sweat outfit, so I cut out the letters EHS and put it on the leg of the pants and put a T on the hoodie. The shirt underneath is actually MINE...hahaha. It is a Wildcats t-shirt that I got at Disney Land. (I love HSM)

Belle (Madelyn) Troy (Porter) Sleeping Beauty (Leah)

Forget the Carousel!

2009-10-19T23:07:00.005-05:00

There is a mall close by our house that has a train ride. Yep my little train lover, loves that place! So sad that this is the first time I was able to get pictures. When ever we go to this mall I am always without a camera.
Here are the little bugs in line...so excited (This is Ellery's first time!)

He could not wait, he ran past the gate lady as soon as the gate opened!

So happy on the train.

That cute smile didn't last long. As soon as they locked the door....

This is what happened!

Poor girl. Maybe next time :(

Jumping!

2009-10-13T22:38:00.003-05:00

This little man is all about jumping lately. Jumping UP...jumping DOWN.....jumping OVER!

Love you P MAN!!

Who could resist THIS.....

2009-10-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

Ellery has been giving us kisses forever but just recently she has caught on to the "pucker" and when you ask for kisses she comes a runnin'........

Really who could resist?

It's Autumn time...

2009-10-02T17:16:00.003-05:00

I love FALL!! (I love Utah Falls even more, there is nothing better than watching the mountains turn bright colors!)

Goodbye......swim suits, shorts, summer dresses, flip flops(for the kids at least.) Today I put away all these things including the swim diapers!
Hello.......cute jeans, layers, sweaters, hoodies, jackets and boots! It felt so good organizing the kids closets. Putting away things that will hopefully fit next summer, stashing away the things I could never let go, and giving the rest to friends who have kids that can wear them.

The most bitter-sweet part of the day was getting out Ellery's FRESH, BRAND NEW (Not something my kids get often.) WHITE CARTERS onsies (the only REAL onsies in my opinion!) size 24 MONTH. Once she is out of these she is out of them forever, my baby is growing up :(

P.S. Can you believe that when Porter was the age Ellery is RIGHT NOW....Ellery was days away from being born? CRAZY!

HAPPY FALL ALL!!!!!!

2 Little MONKEYS.....

2009-09-30T20:32:00.002-05:00

JUMPING ON THE BED!

This afternoon my kids ASKED to get in the crib. They had so much fun playing and goofing off in there! I think Ellery was the happiest girl IN THE WORLD that her brother was playing so nicely with her.

I LOVE this picture of Ellery playing peek-a-boo! Look at that little eye peeking out!

Happy girl!

The day Ellery met the sidewalk!

2009-09-30T20:20:00.002-05:00

Our church is undergoing some construction and in order to get to the other side of the building you have to walk outside. Well on the way Ellery took a tumble, and got a big ugly bruise and scratch on her face. Here she is telling me all about it and pointing out her owie!

Not the greatest picture of her, but shows the damage done to her sweet little face. (Looks worse in person, she got lots of people feeling bad for her!)

But it was nothing a Strawberry Shortcake band-aid and lots of hugs and kisses couldn't fix!!

Cookie Monster

2009-09-30T20:08:00.002-05:00

Ellery's 1st OREO! (At almost 1 1/2, what a mean mom to hold out on her!)
She was a natural too! She twisted and turned and ate the frosting off the cookies!

My little Mommy

2009-09-22T23:41:00.002-05:00

Ellery loves her baby dolls, she loves to give them kisses and have me wrap them up over and over and over again!

She loves to point to their eyes, nose, hair, ears, mouth, toes, etc.....

Trying to wrap baby up all by herself. And then proceeds to "rock-rock" her.

Baby loves! I love my little Miss Ellery!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

2009-09-19T17:14:00.003-05:00

Jason and I were enjoying the nice long 4 hour nap our children were taking when at 5:00 Ellery was the first one we heard from. I walked into the room to find my baby with poop covered hands. I called for Jason to start running a tub. We get Ellery all cleaned up and a load of laundry going when Porter woke up from the long nap soaking wet. (Thinking at this moment how much I hate Walmart diapers!) I hurry and get him undressed and without thinking I unlock and open the washing machine.......

This is one of those days you wish you weren't the parents of THAT mess! Talk about POO hitting the fan!!!

Play Date

2009-09-10T14:26:00.005-05:00

A few of my friends and I got together yesterday to let kids play, and have some girl talk! I forgot my camera so it was a good thing my awesome pro friend Erin brought hers along.
Speaking of my friend Erin here is her beautiful daughter Ella who Porter is absolutely smitten with!!! He would rather sit and play with her instead of the fun activity that was planned.

The fun activity you ask... Well just check out this little one! She LOVED finger painting with pudding!
The true side of Ellery!

Madelyn and Addy loved it too. Mary was smart to buy PINK pudding for the girls!

Thanks for the fun day girls, lets do it again soon!

Silly Socks

2009-09-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

One Sunday morning before church Ellery found this pair of my socks and asked Dada to put them on. The have been inseparable ever since!

(Showing me her socks!)

Weather they have just been washed, or she slept in them the night before and she finds them on the side of her bed, it doesn't matter she will find them and insist that they be put on. No other sock will do, only this special pair!

The best part is they are women's ankle socks, so they look fine in the front but EXTRA awesome in the back!

The boy who eats NOTHING!

2009-08-27T09:15:00.005-05:00

OH my little Porter, how I wish you would eat SOMETHING other than PB&J's!!!! Truly my little man only eats about a handful of things. I don't know how to get him to try anything new. There is no reasoning with the boy, I've all but force feed him JUST TASTE IT, bribes don't work (not a fan of treats either!) Most of my problems are with dinner. About 80% of the time I set what everyone else is having for dinner in front of him and he tells us to STOP then continues to push the plate as far away from him as possible. Other times I don't want to fight and bring out the PB&J's. OH what is a mom to do!!!

Well last night he went hungry....this has happened many times before! But for some reason Jason and I felt extra bad about it last night. So this morning after his pancakes I gave Porter his favorite thing to eat in the ENTIRE world!! In fact I gave him 2!!

He was a happy boy to say the least!!
OH and this little lady was getting jealous of the picture taking. LOOK at that FACE! That tells you pretty much all you need to know about this little girl. She's got SPUNK!!! Everyone who knows her has been telling me lately how much her personality is growing. More to come on her soon!!!

I LOVE my life!

2009-08-21T19:52:00.001-05:00

Thanks Haylee!!!

He hasn't done this in ages!

2009-08-20T11:11:00.002-05:00

Today Porter got out the bag of cars we put away for him. We knew he would want to play with them later on, since these ones weren't good enough when he was obsessed with "Cars" cars and now trains. But it is fun to see them out again and him playing with them just like he did before.. lines and lines of cars. Love you buddy!

BABY BLESSING, BROTHERS and COUSINS

2009-08-18T09:26:00.009-05:00

This weekend we were able to go to Kirtland, OH to visit Jason's parents on their mission, and to see Jason's brother Britton and his family. The reason for going (as if we really need a reason) was to go and be a part of Miles' baby blessing!

(Sue, Stephanie, Miles, Britton, Jack, Roger)

I love that they were all wearing red and black. (Not planned!)

Cute Miles

Brothers.......Cousins!

(Britton is older than Jason by 2 1/2 years although those who don't know always think Jason is the older brother! Porter is older than Jack by only 2 months.)

The boys were best friends the whole trip (minus a few rumbles)

Sorry no pics of Ellery, I promise she was there!! Thanks for the fun weekend family!

Big Kid

2009-08-09T21:44:00.003-05:00

Porter returned home from Utah to a BIG BOY BED! A friend of ours let us have it for a steal of a deal. Porter has done so well sleeping in it. There was only one day at nap time when he kept coming out of his room with blanket and stuffed animal in hand wanting to hang out with mom. Other than that he stays in bed, if he isn't quite ready to fall asleep he will read books or take a toy to bed with him.

One of my favorite things is waking up hearing him playing in his room. He stays in his room and plays each morning until I come and get him. This morning I loved hearing him singing his ABC's! (That's all he does these days!)

Well like I said he does pretty good until tonight....I walked into his room to find this!!!!!

His room torn apart and keeping his poor sister up late! Hope this will not be a reoccurring thing, we'll see!

We miss UTAH!!

2009-08-03T21:47:00.006-05:00

We had such a blast in Utah and already miss it. Tomorrow will only be a week since we have left and I am ready to go back Husband in tow! Get ready for picture overload!!!
These three were together most of the trip. And they were best buds. Any time Easton would say he is doing something with Porter, Molly loved to chime in that she was going to do the same thing but with Ellery.

We went to the Herriman splash park with both my family and Jason's. So much fun!

The beach at Daybreak is SOOOO much fun!!! The sand was so soft and the water was nice and shallow. We just sat there on the blanket with our big umbrella while the kids sat at the waters edge.

I was so glad that Ellery didn't enjoy the sand and was happy to sit on the blanket!

I love that you can see Easton's sand clod in the air.Love the action shot!

BEST french toast in the WORLD. Kneaders all you can eat french toast is the best. The toast is amazing along with the yummy syrup and homemade whip cream. YUMMO!!

Porter my boy who doesn't eat anything ate two massive pieces and was in heaven!

And then there was the Gateway water fountain. I get almost as excited as the kids when they turn the music on and the water goes crazy!!

(Emma, Olivia, Porter)

Bathing beauties!!!!

(Emma, Makenna, Hailey, Kate)

Last but not least. This random picture of my little girly girl. Ellery has turned into such a girl, carrying around her purse and wearing her beads. LOVE IT!!

Don't worry family I am already counting down the days until Christmas so we can return to the BEST place on earth!

Utah!

2009-07-29T22:34:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa...Cousins...Cafe Rio...Dunford chocolate chocolate donuts...Mexican food...Saylor's Baptizim...BBQs...Family Dinners...Lime Rickys...Friends...Late night run to Sonic...Snow Shack...Ellery Walking...Porter singing his ABC's...the beach...Splash Park...Iceberg...Grandma's water hose...Grandma Sycamore bread...Chocolate milk...Max(the dog)...Parade...Naartjie...New DownEast shirts...Kneader's all you can eat french toast...Glitter toes...Homemade dresses...Playing in the stream...Park City...Pace's Dairy Ann...Gateway...Creamies...fry sauce...24th Parade traditions...Oquirrh Mountain Temple...Olive Garden with old friends...FAMILY...FAMILY...FAMILY!!!

Utah bummers: MISSING OUR HUSBAND AND DAD!!!!

I am happy to say we are home now and there many more posts to come, details of all of this fun stuff!!

Who are those CUTE KIDS!!!

2009-07-22T15:18:00.001-05:00

My sister is such a FABULOUS photographer, Thanks Haylee!!!!

Could this Pizza...BE...any bigger?

2009-07-19T22:14:00.001-05:00

IT WOULDN'T FIT THROUGH THE DOOR. THE GUY HAD TO TURN IT SIDEWAYS.

Utah...Part one!

2009-07-13T14:30:00.006-05:00

Does it get any better than this!!

I love being here in Utah with FAMILY! So do my kids, Porter loves hanging out with "Steston and "Waddy" (Easton and Molly.) Even though Porter and Easton are the same height we sometimes forget that Easton is a year and a half older than Porter, and that Molly and him are only 6 months apart. So lots of times we think Porter and Easton should get along better than they do. Last time Porter and Easton were together it was a mostly fighting with some good times. And this time it is just the opposite, they are loving hanging out together! Porter is old enough to be able to tell Easton that he doesn't like what he is doing rather than crying and screaming every minute.

The first full day in Utah we went to lunch with my 2 sisters and their kids at Iceberg! So YUMMY! the rest of the week was full of family outings. On the 4th of July we went to the Murray parade and then went to a BBQ with Jason's family. (Sorry no pictures, having too much fun!)

Here we are at my brother Jordan's new house helping...no just watching him put in his new trees!

(Porter, Ellery, and Breck!)

I am not a very fun mom because I can't STAND letting my kids get dirty. I know I need to let them just be kids and get messy, but it drives me crazy. Porter doesn't like getting messy so I haven't had much problem until Miss Ellery decided she doesn't mind getting dirty at all. So here are some dirty Elle pictures!

Oh mom was so happy when she came home and got to give her little girl a bath. (Look at her with a sippy of chocolate milk, Grammy loves to spoil these kids!)
Porter's favorite thing to do in Utah....Playing in the water!! Any water will do he just loves it! A few nights ago I found my Mom and Porter had snuck outside at 9:30 mind you.. and she was letting him get wet in his jammies! Then just last night she did it again....in his jammies! Spoiled KID!

There is not much luck getting this boy to sleep much here. He is having too much fun!!! He has had many late nights and few naps in between. Here he is hanging out on the couch eating fresh popped popcorn!
All of that sleep deprivation leads to this....falling asleep on Grandpas chair at 5:30 P.M.

We have had so much fun, and the fun is still happening! I have so many more pictures and stories to tell and we haven't even stayed half of our visit!! And please don't ask how many Dunford Chocolate Chocolate donuts I have already had!

Randomness!

2009-06-30T17:57:00.006-05:00

Ellery's favorite place to play lately. She will get some toys out set them on the basket with her then throw them down and insist that I pick them up for her, just so she can do it all over again.It's all fun and games until she tries to do this...

I love Porter's imagination! He is obsessed with trains and will find a way to turn all toys into a train something or other! Here he is turning his blocks into a train track!DOWN...SET...
My little girl is finally walking. But only if she wants to, and only if we remind her that she can. I love watching her stand up. She looks like a football player every time.

So proud of herself!! Sorry my kids look like orphans in the last few pictures as they were taken yesterday while I was packing ALL DAY long to head to UTAH TODAY!! I am so excited to go and visit with family and friends and enjoy Utah weather (I hate humidity!!) I will be in Utah the entire month of July and my husband will stay here in Chicago. We are going to miss him like crazy! LOOK OUT UTAH HERE WE COME!!

Tired laundry girl

2009-06-26T16:24:00.004-05:00

This is what you get when you are TOO LAZY to fold your laundry and your baby doesn't take a good nap!
She pulled the laundry off the couch and was telling me "nie-nite." What a cute face!!

SuN SHiNe

2009-06-21T15:39:00.004-05:00

It was such a nice day yesterday and we had nothing better to do so....we went SWIMMING!!
Ellery loves chillaxin' in her crab! Porter loves the stairs where he can hang out and do it all by himself! He also loves jumping to daddy off the side of the pool.

Our cute friend Benson was there too! Ellery and Benson love to hang out with each other at church keeping each other busy, while we try and get something out of sunday school!

******And a HAPPY FATHERS DAY to the best daddy in the WHOLE WORLD! Porter and Ellery just ADORE you. You are such a good and loving father we LOVE you!******

Hair DO!

2009-06-16T10:17:00.005-05:00

Elle gets her bangs cut. BEFORE.....

AFTER!! I know it doesn't look like much in the pictures. But it really does make a huge difference!

Today I put her hair in PIG-TAILS!!!
OH she looks SOOOOO big :(

She love this baby doll more than all the others! (She was giving it a huge hug seconds before this picture!)
Better picture of the piggys!!

OOOOOHHH I love this girl. She makes me so HAPPY! She is learning and growing more and more each day. She is so much farther advanced than Porter was at this age. Love you Miss Elle!!!

One TRACK mind

2009-06-12T11:51:00.004-05:00

To many of you this just looks like a normal shirt.

But to a two year old train obsessed boy the ribbed collar becomes.....

...a train track!