Volcanic Fun with the Kids

I just had to post this picture of the kids! We went to eat at the Rainforest Cafe while out with the kids tonight. They never disappoint us with their excitment over the "firework cake". I love Caden's face the most! What a chunk of love! I think he pee'd his pants when he saw this dessert! Once the sparkler died we had to pull Caden down from pulling himself up the table!Here's a really short video of when our waitress brought out the dessert. After I started the video I realized that there was too little light and stopped. You really only see the dessert and hear the kids.

This resturant always brings out the wild monkey in my children.

Of course Caden was too cute with the large aquariums all around the joint. I need to get him to the Dallas Aquarium soon!

Tonight Reese made it through dinner without complaining of food touching each other on her plate. The other night when her green beans were touching her macaroni she declared with much conviction: "MOMMY, Jesus doesn't like it when beans touch my macaroni! It makes him sad." We had a good laugh with that one.

Mama's Boy

A conversation I had in the car with Gavin today:

Me: I know Gavin, you surprise me everyday with how smart you are getting. Pretty soon, before I know it, you'll be moving out of the house and into college with your friends!
Gavin: (thinking for a short minute) No, you're wrong about one thing mom.
Me: What's that?
Gavin: I wont ever move out of the house away from you. Not even when I have a baby and get married. I'm gonna live with you forever.
Me: OK, as long as things don't happen in that order (have a baby, then get married, etc.). You might want to check with Daddy about that too.
Gavin: Daddy already knows that I'm your number one baby!

Yep, my mama's boy! I'm sure there will come a time when I want him outta my house, but for now, I'll relish in the fact that I'm the only woman that rules his world. Oh, and he will always be my "number one baby" which Gavin interprets as, he was the first child born to me.

As a token of his mommy worship and love, I woke up to this as we were getting in the car to take the kids to school and dance:

Yes, that would be 4 different pictures placed strategically around my dash. Can you find them all? They were from Gavin's school pictures. And don't feel bad if you didn't get one (family) b.c they turned out really bad. We didn't pay for them and we let Gavin do as he wished with them. We are getting professional ones done in March.
Just when I thought he was done. I go for the garage door opener and find another big one! This kid knows how much I can't bare to take my eyes of of him!
This is the same kid that while he was away at school today left these surprises in his laundry. Yes, they messed up my piece of junk washer, but I got it fixed. This is nothing in comparison to other surprises I have found in the past. Love you my 'little G'.

Reunited

Gordon B. Hinckley (with wife Marjorie P.)

1910 - 2008

"We are dedicated ... to teaching the gospel of peace, to the promotion of civility and mutual respect among people everywhere, to bearing witness to the living reality of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the practice of his teachings in our daily lives." -President Hinckley

Gavin shed a tear upon hearing the news of his death. I loved this man! He will be missed!

***G-L-A-M-OR-OUS***

Reese and I had a little fun killing off a Sunday afternoon! She did a glorious job on my hair and makeup! Whatcha think? I especially love the waterproof mascara on my face! Watch out Hollywood, here she comes!

Gosh, my heart just oozes with gushy love for this girl! I'm so very blessed that she's all mine!! Spitfire and sass...I love it all!

The Truth Shall Set You Free

OK, so here it is. Being that January is a lifeless month and I needed something to do to pass my time while couped up in the house with sick kids, I got caught up in the hype of the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I had heard about these books on a few blogs of some friends and friends from my church (the author is Mormon). The thought of this book being a Young Adult book about vampires and a girl in a 'coming of age', just didn't interest me. I didn't think I was "that girl" who read these types of books. Needless to say, when I heard my good friend Marni was "that girl" and she was re-reading these books right after she finished them...well, I thought, what the hell heck. Nothing better to do or blog about this month. I finished Twilight in 3 days.
I then called Marni up and went right over to her house to pick up the second book, New Moon. Finished this book in 4 days. I didn't like it as much as the first, but now, I'm starting to like it more. It was still really entertaining.
Eclipse was by far my favorite and I finished this book in 2 days. I couldn't put it down nor can I stop talking about vampires and werewolves. Christopher is being to think I've jumped on the book geek wagon. So, there you have it. I AM "that girl" and I love it! I love that this best seller is also being made into a movie that will be released this Christmas! Oh, and Amazon has already recieved my book order for my own personal copies of the Series. The 4th book of the series, Breaking Dawn is scheduled for release this fall and I can not wait!!

I purposely didn't write a book type review b.c well, I suck at writing and expression through written word. Go to Stephenie Meyer's Website to read all about it or Google it. Or give me a call and we'll talk about it! I bet Marni would like a break from me talking about these books every chance we get together! Any other Twilight fans out there? Any other books someone would like to recommend?

Oh, no he didn't!

January is my least favorite month of the year. Mostly b.c it's in the dead of winter (my least favorite season), it's the coldest month of the year and I'm always trying to pull myself out of the lull that the holiday highs leave me once they are through. January is only bearable thanks to my wedding anniversary.

I put up a warmer background template to my blog in hopes of cheering things up around here. While dinkin' around in my papers putting together this layout, things got reeeally quiet around the house. And we ladies with children know that is never a good thing. However, upon investigation, I found my biggest terror doing the following:

I saw him like this on his little chair and thought he might be playing peek-a-boo.

I then noticed that he was balancing himself on a blow up world map globe, upside down no less. Impressive.
Then I said "boo" and found him asleep! Silly kid. Of course, Gavin and Reese were doing the same thing, only in their beds. So, I suppose January does have it's magic. My kids voluntarily take extra naps during the day. Thanks to the omnipresent blah feeling of the month that even my kids want to sleep away the month. Anyone want to share something that makes January not such a bad month? Please!

Which Desperate Housewife are you?

Thanks for the laughs, Cherie! I loved this!

"7th Heaven"

Yesterday was our 7th Anniversary! Christopher surprised me with his gift this year. That's a first! I knew he was getting my wedding ring re-sized (it hasn't fit my ever expanding body since Gavin's pregnancy) and I pretty much assumed that would be it. Of course dinner somewhere nice and a movie. The usual. However, I woke up Saturday morning feeling like Annie and Jack on The Family Man when it was their anniversary morning. All excited I couldn't contain my excitement. Not like I had a great gift for Christopher. I just got him a new running shirt and card. It just felt fun and I knew he was on his way out for a run. Christopher however ran out to the garage and brought out this HUGE wrapped gift. I opened it and look what I got: A HUGE framed photo of Christopher and I on our wedding day! I was so surprised and so excited that he actually did something! Very thoughtful of him and now I just need to find somewhere to put this gargantuan picture! Gee, I love this man! Here's to eternity, baby!

So they say...

Gavin has started to open the car door for Reese anytime we need to leave in the car. It's so cute. One day, he was upset with Reese and I b.c we were making him leave the house and his Lego's for a bit. Out of habit, he went to Reese's door to open it. I thanked him and said the was very kind of him to open the door. Especially considering his mood. He then looks at me and says with his pouty face, "I did that on an accident kindness. I didn't mean to be kind to her." So apparently there is a thing called accidental kindness and it happened with Gavin. I love it!
This kid does make me laugh often! "Naaaaachooooooo!"

Reese being her emotional self! I just wanted a picture in her new "kitty" dance outfit to show Granna. Too much to ask that early in the morning I suppose. I don't think there is enough room for anymore estrogen in this house!! Just look at that furious face!
Reese informed me the other day that I was the Cinderella Princess of all the Princesses. I asked why is that and this was her reply: "Because your the Cinderella Princess that does all the cleaning and has to stay home." How true and how sad were her words! I think I need to be taken out by Prince Charming to the Ball!

Little by Little...

It's like this every year after Christmas. I always try to plan ahead and survey needs before the big day, however, without fail, I'm left defeated. Me vs. THE TOYS!! They have over run my house and my patience, but alas, I made it to IKEA this past weekend and now I'm making ahead way!

Caden doing his best "Nacho" impression while at IKEA!
Daddy's little helper with the power tools. His plastic tool set wasn't good enough. He wanted the real deal!
Are little boys just born ready for tools? Caden couldn't have been more estatic about Daddy allowing him to help with new toy storage. Now we just need a little paint!

Ah, I'm just about ready to declare victory! Of course, now I just need to buy more storage bins for the clothes this little boy has already outgrown! Caden is growing like a weed! He is only 3 inches shorter than his older sister!

Tyler and Amanda 01.05.08

Well, Tyler (Christopher's brother) finally got married to Amanda in Nauvoo, Illinois on the 5th of this month. We had planned to go up there for a little tour and to attend his wedding. However, between Christopher's work commitments, kids sickness and me not wanting the kids to miss too much school and dance, we opted out. However, we did make it to their reception this past weekend (well, most of us, Caden and I stayed home...sick). Here are a few pictures and video: (remember Christopher took them and he for some reason can't take a decent picture on my camera!) Tyler and Amanda in wait for the receiving line to begin. The clubs and reception halls were all booked for this date so Cristi (my mother in law) transformed an entire church gym into a grand ballroom. It was amazing! Couldn't really tell where you actually were. Pictures don't do it justice...so I'm told, of course!

Cake in the face time?

What a sham! No cake all over the face or cake fight....bummer!
The happy couple! Love this shot b.c if you look closely you can see Clark (my sis in law's son) totally in the middle of a fall (to the right)! Priceless!

The first dance!

The first dance on video...just a few seconds worth anyway.

Ahhh, Tyler's dance with the newly former 'first lady' of his life. Mommy.
Reese getting in a dance with Uncle Tyler.
Reese and Uncle Tyler. She may not look like she was having a good time in this picture, but this video below proves otherwise. Where there is a dance floor and music...there will always be Reese dancing her heart away!

Congratulations, Tyler and Amanda! We love you!

He Loves Me!

It will be 7 years this Saturday we said "I do" in San Diego! I still get giddy every time he surprises me with flowers! I love them, Christopher! And I love you too!

Guitar Hero 3 Party

Have you grown exhausted from listening about GH3 from us in just about every post since Christmas yet?!? Well, it's not quite over! Christopher flew back into town last Friday afternoon, finished up some work, practiced a little GH3 (had to refreshen his skills) and then we headed over to our friends the Crosby's for a little GH3 battle jam party! Needless to say, Christopher and Dave did the majority of the battling. It was a lot of fun to watch them battle it out for the chance to say they are a rock legend! They were pretty equal so that made it even more fun! Even little Sawyer (8) was able to keep up (on Easy) with his dad! Anna and I played a little (of course no pictures) but mostly had a good time catchin' up on our girlie talk.
Gavin, of course, headed straight for Asher's lego's.
Reese and Macey (7) had fun playing dress up and making forts. They play so cute together despite their ages.
Reese also hung out in the kitchen a lot. Why not, that's where all the pizza and soda drinks were! Caden basically slept in the guest room the entire night! It was heaven not to have a baby around!

I added this last video just for the sake of it! I thought I was going to record them with my camera while they were at it. I didn't. I got too preoccupied. This video is tame as well, it was at the beginning. By the end of the night (LATE), they were just inches from the TV and loud!! After this night, I think both Dave and Christopher are going out for another guitar! We had a lot of fun!

To Daddy

We missed you today as the Ice Cream Truck came down our street. Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

-Love,
Gavin, Reese and Caden

P.S. Mommy beat GH3 on Medium today.

Quickie

OK, sorry I've been MIA for the past few days. It's just been soo nice outside (high 70's) that I've really tried to be outside with the kids as much as possible (despite Caden's teething and Reese's freak puke-a-thon this morning). I'll just hit a few highlights b.c I'm too lazy to blog about it all.

Reese became a Sunbeam this past Sunday at Church. She is now a big girl and attending Primary. She calls it her "singing class". In her "Moonbeam's" nursery class they went in for singing time with the junior primary kids, hence her name for the class. Of course, she loves it.

First day of Primary pics. The dress turned out lovely mom. Thanks!

Gavin finally worked his way up to the whopper 840 piece Aqua Raider Lego's: Aquabase Invasion. This was the last set of the series he has been collecting. Thanks to Granna and Pa's Christmas gift...he was in Lego heaven.

That night Christopher and I went to bed to only wake up and find Gavin up and doing his Lego's by flashlight. Yes, he is crazy for his Lego's. I'll have to take a picture of the completed set. He finished it the next day. He's pretty dang good at putting these together by himself. Although, the other day Christopher was having some bonding time with Gavin and playing Lego's and Gavin says, "Daddy, this is the best day I ever had. I'll remember this day forever."
Caden likes to find Christopher's glasses and wear them. We call him our Chicken Little when he does this.
And I've become too much of a Rock Star on Easy with Guitar Hero 3. I've had to step it up a bit and move on to Medium.
All in preparation for our Battle Jam party with some friends of ours this weekend! Oh yes, we are still crazy GH3 freaks...when will the madness stop? NEVERRRRR. - Reese

(We have nothing to report for Christopher, as he's "on vacation" ...(he says it's a business trip).)

This post was supposed to be a quickie...but it's taken me about 2 hours b.c my computer keeps shutting down on me. AGH! Must get my Mac before it dies completely!

Our 2007 Farewell

Having made plans to spend New Year's Eve with friends, we came to the realization that our favorite sitter for the kids was still out of town. Agh! Sooooo, we tore ourselves away from Guitar Hero 3 and got showered up and outta the house. We took the kids to the Discovery Science Place for children in Tyler. This museum is one of our more favorite local children's places. Much of the same stuff from our early summer trip were there, but a few new exhibits were open. Here are a few pictures:

With rubber bands, Gavin spelled his name. In the end, he thought it looked pretty cool and very rock starish. Too much Guitar Hero in our house!

All hands on deck! Captain Reese took us on an adventure voyage!

Caden helping his velocity golf ball into the hole. He thought it was much more fun to help them into the hole than to watch them do it themselves. He kept babbling...ball, ball, ball, ball, baaaaaall. Silly cute boy!

Reese all suited up, ready for hot action!

The sand box is always the biggest hit with the kids where ever we go! They will always spend the most time at the box!

Gavin gave his last news cast of 2007!


Then it was off to Granna and Pa Lloyd's house to play with the cousins for a bit.

Here's Christopher with his dad, Scott. Scott was recently diagnosed with Leukemia but that doesn't keep him from planting over 1500 new trees on his property this past weekend!

Tyler, Christopher's brother, the groom to be this coming Saturday in Nauvoo.

Bouncy house bliss at Granna's. The kids have their very own bounce house and they don't ever tire of it! Reese with her cousins Russell and Carter.

Gavin and Reese boucin'. Reese loves her cousin Russell. She is always following him around and holding his hand. It's kinda cute. It would be cuter if she actually had a female cousin...on either side! She's a lone star only girl Texas cutie!

Gavin and the beloved candy jar!

And you KNOW we got Granna rockin'! "The Barn" (what we call Christopher's parents house) has its own Guitar Hero 3 for the xBox 360. It was well played!





Here's a cool shot of Russell and Reese out playing in the dirt. Favorite past time for the kids! Behind the trees in the back is a beautiful lake. One of two on their property. It is so lovely out there! I'll have to make a post with picture you can actually see during the day.

Caden enjoying a leisurely rock on the wooden swan.

Reese managed to find some girlie toys at Granna's this trip. Her house is full of boy toys, and Reese has been fine with that, however, her great grandma "Mom" brought over some little Strawberry Shortcake dolls. Reese loved them!

There was also lots of reading from Russell's astronomy book and Carter's locomotive books! I love it when I see the kids doing something like reading a book without prompting!




Finally, we headed back home around 7pm -ish and found what Gavin has been waiting for weeks in the mailbox...

Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix. Special thanks to his Aunt Julia Bean for the gift! You know how he loves his Harry Potter! Thanks to you!

So, we made up some root beer floats and watched Harry Potter as a family, minus Caden. The movie ended at the perfect time, 11:59 pm. We ALL made it to 2008 awake to ring in the new year!

A new year = a fresh start! Now I need to start making some goals. I never can finish a year having met a new years resolution, but goals, I can do goals. So here's to making some attainable goals this year! Happy New Year to all!