31

31 reasons we love Daddy on his 31st birthday:

Trent said:

1. I asked him, "Do you love your daddy?" he replied with a huge grin and giggle.

2. He continued his response with gooing and cooing...

Seth said:

3. Daddy likes to play with Seth.

4. He likes to take me on walks.

5. He helps me take a bath (they had just gotten out of the bath)

Wade said:

6. I like to play the Wii with him (of course ;).)

7. I like to wrestle with him.

8. play basketball with him

9. play golf with him

10. play baseball with him

11. play football with him

12. I like to go to Disneyland with him.

13. I like to ride Pirates of the Caribbean with Daddy.

I say I love Matt because:

14. He is a wonderful father.

15. He is a wonderful husband.

16. He loves my family.

17. He loves his family.

18. He loves and respects his parents.

19. Little kids like him.

20. He respects me.

21. He loves the Gospel.

22. He fulfills his calling.

23. He is ALWAYS nice to others.

24. He is a hard worker.

25. He says his prayers.

26. He tells me thank you.

27. He KNOWS me (and still loves me :).)

28. He is a good friend.

29. He is fiercely loyal.

30. He is very giving, especially to his family.

31. He is a wonderful man whom I am blessed to be married to!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WE LOVE YOU!

3

My little, Seth is 3. Time has gone by so fast. He still feels like my baby. I know he isn't, he reminds me anytime I say anything like, "Come here, my baby boy," by replying, "I AM NOT A BABY, MOM!" I know he will be grown before I know it. :(

It is pretty incredible how different each of your children can be from each other, yet they are all raised in the same home and have the same mom and dad. My boys are no exception to this rule--they are very different. Seth has been his own little guy right from the start. Such an angel baby, yet stubborn to his core. A mama's boy through and through, his sweet is oh, so sweet, yet his sour is VERY sour. :) A free spirit who can wander on his own, but loves to be around others--especially other children. Confident, but shy, excited and lovable all in one. I look forward to what is to come in our journey...

Here are a few more things about Seth right now (grouped in 3's :)!):

Favorite Food:

1. peanut butter

2. any fruit

3. pizza

Favorite Songs (Seth LOVES music):

1. I am a Child of God (SOOO cute when he sings this!)

2. Hey Now, You're an Allstar (Shrek theme song)

3. Puppet song

Favorite Shows:

1. Curious George

2. Max and Ruby

3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Favorite Movie:

1. CARS

2. Madagascar

3. Wiggles Western

Favorite Playtime Activities:

1. anything outside

2. cars

3. swords

Favorite playdates:

1. joy school

2. anyone's house who has "Lightning McQueen" (he asks on the way to ANYONE'S house)

3. the park

Dislikes:

1. anything I make him do--It has to be his way or the highway

2. holding still and being quiet

3. ice cream (I know, kinda weird, he tries to like it but never finishes it when we get it for him)

All around loves to:

1. run "errands" with Mom

2. wear his Crocs

3. scream (He has been a screamer since birth. He doesn't necessarily scream when he is angry, it is the first reaction he has to anything!)

Seth is a joy in our lives. If you follow our blog regularly, you know I have done several posts on Seth and his quirks and mischief. He, definitely, keeps us on our toes, but I don't know what I would do without him. Happy Birthday to the sweetest, most mischievous little boy I know--I love you more then I could ever say!

27 on 27 while 27

Today, my little, sis, Jess is 27 on the 27th of October while being 27 weeks along in her pregnancy--talk about a SUPER birthday! It is no secret to anyone that Jess is my very best friend in the world (after Matt.) She knows me better then almost anyone and we have been through so much together. I love Jess with all my heart and feel so blessed to have her in my life.


While keeping with the "27" theme, I thought I would mention 27 then and now's about Jess:
1. Then: daughter and sister Now: wife and mother
2. Then: the smartest kid in her class (especially in Miss Sprague's class!) Now: Pharmacist
3. Then: Dancing Now: elliptical at the gym
4. Then: PB&J Now: Uncrustables
5. Then: Barbie's Now: Learning to cook/ bake :)
6. Then: Sammy Now: NO PETS ALLOWED (allergic :)!)
7. Then: Alta Canyon Pool Now: Church
8. Then: Red's Now: Cold Stone
9. Then: Suzy Now: Suzy (and Ben and me :)!)
10. Then: Paula Abdul Now: Coldplay
11: Then: Melrose Place Now: Grey's Anatomy
12. Then: Lucky's Now: Seven's
13. Then: Snowbird Now: Attempting Beaver Mountain and Snow Basin
14. Then: LONG hair with bangs Now: Short hair without bangs
15. Then: dreamed of a Land Rover Now: dreams of a mini van
16. Then: played house in the front yard with all the neighbors Now: the BEST mommy and wife with a darling house
17. Then: danced to Tom Petty as a joke Now: listens to Tom Petty by choice
18. Then: asthma Now: hardly ever has it anymore (no pets makes a difference!)
19. Then: vacationing in Logan Now: married to a boy from Logan and continues to visit often
20. Then: 10 kids Now: 6 or 7 kids
21. Then: Kidsmart and Fashion Gal Now: Nordstrom and Forever 21
22. Then: Fred Meyer Now: Target
23. Then: Classic Rollerskating Now: the park with Logan
24. Then: wouldn't answer the door unless wearing makeup Now: will (most of the time :)!)
25. Then: enjoyed potato chips in a special way :) Now: will only drink bottled water
26. Then: attended church sporadically Now: Never misses and her Young Women ADORE her
27. Then: the best friend a girl could ever have Now: still is!

I love you, Jess! Happy Birthday!

Fall Break

In the past I have complained about the LENGTHY "school breaks" we take here in AZ, but this year is different. I guess since I, actually, have a child in school (kindersteps counts ;)!), the break was welcomed with open arms. It was a chance to relax from, not only the daily routine of school, but also soccer, music and joy school for Seth.

If you know me, you are probably wondering why I was excited to stray from my beloved routine--I am obsessed with routines. The answer is pretty simple, I needed a break from things too. I knew the exact length of the break and when school (and routine) would start again, therefore allowing me to comfortably stray just a bit and RELAX.

During this break, Wade and Seth became closer friends then ever, which has been wonderful. There were hours of imaginative play and hours of playing games they invented themselves. I am so excited that they discovered each other.

It may sound weird for me to say they "discovered" each other, but up until this break they played together but didn't play together (does that make sense?) Most of their past playing was Seth following Wade around--mostly pushing trucks, riding bikes or throwing pillows around, etc. Now, they play all sorts of games they just invent. I couldn't even describe or name how they play.

For example, when they were playing yesterday, they each had a stuffed animal. They were running around throwing them up in the air and catching them or not. Then they ran over to the stairs and used the railing as a jail. The stuffed animals had names and were apparently doing something bad (hence going to jail) and that is about it. Sounds kinda silly, huh? Well, they are 4 and 2 and all I can say is, "whatever keeps them entertained and happy is fine by me!" I LOVE to see them play. I hope their friendship grows as they do into a lifetime of fun memories of silly games and adventures!

No, we didn't spend our entire break playing "jail" with stuffed animals. Here is a summary of the rest:

DISNEYLAND!
I can hardly believe it has been almost a whole year since we have been to Disneyland (I was barely pregnant with Trent last time!) Now that we are a little older and a little wiser and not pregnant (yippee--loved the "Tower of Terror!), we got to go back. Wade is definitely a little wiser and more reluctant to go on the "scary" rides. He did, however, go on them, but was a lot more nervous about it this time around.



We went with Jess, Ben and Logan. It was a lot of fun! Both Trent and Logan really enjoyed their first Disneyland experience. Trent was a dream. He is such a good baby. He loved riding in the stroller, in the moby wrap or riding on the rides he could go on. Whatever we did, he was happy.

[sidenote: do any of you moms know about baby house on main street at Disneyland? It is the COOLEST place ever. The "cast members" are dressed like Mary Poppins and the house they work in is decorated like an old fashioned nursery. There is an area for nursing--4 rocking chairs behind a curtained area, pumping, several changing tables, high chairs, mini toilets and a microwave to warm baby food or formula. They also have diapers, bottles, etc available for purchase if you forgot your own. This place was the best! ]

San Diego
On our way to Disneyland we spent a night in San Diego. I found a hotel on Expedia that is usually $545 a night--yes, you read that right--$545 a night, but I got it for $110 after all the fee's, etc were paid (score!) It was the NICEST hotel I have ever stayed in. It was fun to feel rich for a night :)!

When we woke up the next morning, I ran on the boardwalk while Matt had breakfast with the kids. We, then, went down to the beach. Keep in mind it was about 70 degrees. To my kids, 70 degrees is below freezing. They were troopers though. We, obviously, did not get in the water, but played at the shore. Trent LOVED the sand.
Seth was scared to death of the water, he would not let it touch him--it is kinda funny when Seth meets his match (translation: something or someone that HE doesn't get to torture with is mischievousness!)
Wade enjoyed running along the shore letting the water run over his feet.

Friends

The boys were able to have lots of playgroups over the break. A young woman in our ward even put on a little day camp for the kids so she could earn some extra money. Wade had a blast! He made a cute halloween bag, played games and ate treats--perfect! We also helped one of Seth's little friends celebrate her 3rd b-day (Happy Birthday Payton!)

5 months

Trent turned 5 months over the break. I can't believe how fast time is going. I just did his 4 month post! Not much has changed in a month's time except that, in addition to rice cereal, he has ventured out to baby food. He has been working on green beans and doesn't like them a whole lot, we will see if he has a different opinion on peas in a couple of days :).

I am also in the beginning stages of weaning him. I only want to nurse for 6 months so I have started the process. He is okay with formula (hopefully he starts liking it better real soon.)

Another noteworthy subject: I get these weekly emails that tell me where my baby should be milestone wise, etc and it said he should be sitting on his own. Well he isn't and it made me feel so bad I am about to unsubscribe from the list--silly emails, what do they know anyway? :) So, I have been working with him on this. I sit him up and let go and he IS able to balance (that is until he moves at all.) :) We will keep trying. In the end, I am so thankful he is such a good baby. He lets me be crazy and doesn't even mind a bit.

Cleaning/ Redecorating

I took advantage of the downtime to reorganize my guest room closet. I feel so relieved it is done, but it took me a bit to accomplish it. It took so long, my sweet baby, really, fell asleep on the floor like this. He is so cute!

I am still working on some projects for Trent's room (note to self: FINISH the nursery BEFORE baby is born next time or you will never get it done!) A couple of my friends and I worked/ are working together on some memory boards and magnet boards. Pictures to come when they are done.

So that about sums it up. Wade started back at school this past Wednesday and was thrilled to do so. It was a good break--perfect amount of time. The week back was short, so it went by really fast. We also got a visit from Gary and Shirley this weekend. It is always so fun to see them, they are wonderful!! (These pics are at Wade's soccer game)

Ju and John Are Home

That's right, they are REALLY back from their European sabbatical. Not only are they back, but they flew into Arizona so we were able to spend a few days with them before they packed up and headed back to Vegas to get organized and start their American lives again.

We had a wonderful time with them! John jumped right back into his "manny" duties which reminded me how thankful I am for him! Ju got to meet Trent, in person, for the first time and was so sweet with him. They played lots and even took a little nappy together :). The weekend was spent as our get-togethers usually go: out to eat, movies and (of course) Guitar Hero!

This time, we also got to go to the gym and attempted to run together outside (which didn't pan out because it was a little harder than some--who shall remain nameless-- expected.) The best part, though, was watching Conference together.

Wasn't conference amazing? I feel so blessed to be able to sit in the comfort of my own home with my family and hear the words our Heavenly Father would like us to hear from our church leaders for 8 hours twice a year (10 for the guys!) How amazing!

My favorite talk this time was President Monson's. The hair stands up on my arms just thinking about it. He is such an incredible Prophet. I loved how he counseled us to "live in the moment" and not take these times for granted for they will soon be gone. I also loved how he talked of not worrying about the fingerprints on a newly cleaned surface or the toys strewn about the house--I swear that was just to me (or do all of you have those too ;)!)--I need to listen and stop worrying about those things.

I KNOW I spend too much of my time cleaning up after my boys and making sure the house is just so. It makes me sad to think I spend that precious time straightening up, working on my to-do list, etc instead of playing with my boys who are growing so fast. Our Father in Heaven knows I spend too much time worrying about those things too. I feel as if my eyes have been opened a little more and I want to change.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family whom I get to see often. It was a great weekend and I look forward to the next time we are all together again.

VOTE YES!

There is an EXTREMELY important issue on the ballot this year. Don't panic if you don't already know what I am talking about because this issue is only in the ballot in Arizona, Florida and California. Those of you who live in other states will only have to hear about it, but I encourage you to educate yourselves in case it comes up on your ballots in the the future.

The issue or proposition I am talking about is Proposition 102. It is a simple proposition that states "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."

The church has taken a SERIOUS interest in this issue counseling its members (who reside in the above mentioned states) to spend our time educating our friends and neighbors on the issue with the hope that they will vote YES this upcoming election.

A friend of mine sent out the following information explaining the magnitude of this issue and how it could affect us:

It is stated on the Church’s website that if this Proposition does not pass and same-sex marriage is legalized in our state, it could lead Arizona to have to declare same-sex marriages as a civil right. This would protect those in a same-sex marriage under the same discrimination laws as those defined by race, age, religious preference and so on. Here are some examples of what this could mean:
1. Churches, including OUR church, would be required to allow marriages of any kind to be performed in our chapels. If a same-sex couple wanted to be married in an LDS church, the Church would be unable to stop this due to discrimination laws.
2. Churches, including OUR church, could lose its tax exemptions and benefits if they do not embrace same sex unions.
3. Schools would be required to teach both heterosexual and homosexual relations as morally neutral and further erode our ability to teach our children traditional standards of marriage.
4. The LDS adoption agency would have to allow adoptions to both heterosexual and homosexual couples. This happened to the Catholic adoption agency in Boston and, as a result, rather than be forced to allow adoption to homosexual couples, Catholic Charities stopped offering adoption services in that city!
5. Married housing for same sex couples would be required at universities, including religious schools and universities.

Pretty serious, huh? My family and I have been spending our time educating our area about this information. Both Matt and I have been to a calling center where we called over 100 people in Arizona telling them about this proposition. On Monday, with our ward, we went to almost every house in our neighborhood (which spans about a 6 mile radius) knocking on doors and handing out flyers.

If you live in another state and are still reading this, there is something you can do. You can make sure you are registered to vote and vote. I am sure there are other important propositions in your areas and, most importantly, your vote for President is needed this year. We are so blessed to live in a free country where we can exercise our right to vote for whatever we want or feel is correct.

I am not blogging about this to offend anyone. I have many friends and even family members who have chosen to live their lifestyles in a way that does not coincide with this proposition. I love them and wish no harm for them, but do feel that I must stand up for what I believe in which is this proposition.

If you don't get anything else from this post, please get this: VOTE! You only have until October 6th to register, so take the minute and do it, you will be glad you did.