another mobile upload

It seems like I am taking more and more pictures with my phone these days. I guess that is because I always have my phone, and don't always have my camera! My sis, niece, mom, and I, enjoyed ice cream and Italian soda's at the old fashioned soda counter at Bluebird in Logan (above), while we were up visiting for spring break. MMmmm, yummy.
We had a fantastic birthday party for Will. Sadly, I was running around playing hostess and wasn't able to take many pictures of our decorations and stuff. Here's one picture I took, our taffy "light sabers" that we gave to everyone as favors.
Yep, I'm a geek. No surprise there. This was the day I got my hair cut. I like it, but I like it so much better now that I can fix it myself. It seems like they always play around with it and put product in it and by the time I get home it's really flat..... you know us Utah girls can not have flat hair! ;) But you get the idea of what it looks like. PS - I sent this pic to Scott, that's why I'm smooching the camera!
Our Tree Room date. We're still ranting about it, we loved it so much!! This was the most decadent and delicious dessert I've ever had. It was fresh, steamy, goey- in- the- middle chocolate cake, with pistachio ice cream and pistachio brittle. Oh and cherries on the side. It was awesome.
This picture (above) has a funny story. This was also at the Tree Room. We thought our phone was ready for a picture, but it was video taping! Hahaha, it is pretty hilarious to watch our reaction, and watch us sit there waiting for it to take the picture. We were laughing to the point of tears. It would make a good YouTube flick.
Another really odd picture of me.... but I guess that is all I know how to take? Scott and I went with some friends (neighbor kids who are still in high school actually!) to a REAL soccer game. It was really fun. It made me miss watching Scott out there playing!! Our highschool buddies were awesome too, good kids, we had a fun time. Felt really old, and wise.... but we felt good that we were still able to relate and laugh and have fun at the same time! Thanks Packer for the tickets!!
Will and I had matching shirts on Sunday! After church we decided to take a drive. We ended up at the trail head to hike the Y in Provo. Even though we were in flip flops, we decided to just give it a go. The boys loved it, and it was a really nice day. We made it about 1/4 of the way. It's steep!! We are planning on going back when we are a little more prepared for it.... in better shoes, and with water. ;)
Will loves to climb out the sunroof. Two thumbs up, what a handsome little devil he's growing up to be. Will is ALWAYS up for a good time, especially if it involves nature of any kind. He loved our mini-hike.
At our resting point. It was pretty windy, but it was still a great day to be outside. It was warm, and mostly sunny. I love this picture. We are all smiling!!

That's us for now! We are looking forward to the summer plans we have. Lots of running around, but it'll be great. We head up to Glenn and Martha's cabin next weekend, can't wait!!

our anniversary

On May 8th, Scott and I had our 8th anniversary! I can't believe it has been eight years. I guess it suprises me, only because the years get better and better, and Scott and I grow more and more as friends, as partners, and as a couple every year. Scott is my best friend, my most beloved companion, and my constant support and steady devotion. He is an amazing father, and who could ask for more? He works hard for us, cherishes us, and does nothing if it doesn't benefit his family. I am amazed at his strength, and character, what a good man I married. I couldn't have chosen a better marriage partner. He's got a wonderful family that I'm so happy to be married into. Plus he makes me laugh constantly, and what relationship is complete without laughter? None.

For our anniversary, we got a babysitter for all six kids (we were still babysitting!), and we went to Sundance to have dinner at the Tree Room. It was beautiful, and romantic, and the food was SO INCREDIBLE. We loved it. We are more than ready to make this our anniversary tradition. The best part is that you feel like you completely "got away" without really going away, or going very far. The view and the drive is wonderful, the atmosphere is just really nice and lovely.

Thanks Scott for everything, and most of all for an amazing night, full of laughter, great food, and wonderful conversation. Here's to 8 more years.... and many more dinners at the Tree Room.
PS - in case you are wondering, we sat right behind the "Tree." It was awesome. My favorite part was that we got to sit close together, on a very comfy, cozy, leather bench. It was great.

mother's day, and a hair cut

Right before my sister left for her trip, I took the plunge and chopped off my hair! It has been long for a couple years now and I was ready for a change. It is always sad to say good-bye to long hair, but I just love my short hair. It's always changing, always evolving, always growing back, and ALWAYS looked like I took time to fix it. Best part, that time it takes to fix it is only about 10 minutes. I'm loving it. It is also fun because it feels like sometimes the hair on your head is pretty much the only thing in life you have control over, so it feels nice, and is a fresh change to chop it off for a new "do." Scroll down for the after shot.... :) It was a lot of hair though, about 8 inches from the base of my neck. Now it's only about 1 inch in the back, but I'm loving it.
Have you ever had days where you are completely enamored and in love with your kids? Well, I have those days almost every day, but this day in particular with Eli. He just looked so grown up and was being so funny. He is growing so fast and getting so big, I'm amazed everyday at how he is growing and learning.

Aren't they handsome little devils. Charming too! And they look innocent, but they can make mischief like nothing else. I love having boys and I love being their mom. What is it about a mother and her sons? Something special, that's what it is.
Mother's Day was wonderful. I was happily greeted with breakfast in bed, and had a wonderful relaxing day. I got great little notes and gifts from Will and really enjoyed my day. What a blessing it is to be a mother, I wish I could take the time to remember and cherish every moment before it is gone. It is difficult not to get caught up in the daily "to-do's." I'm constantly trying to remind myself of that and to remember that these days are fleeting.

two weeks, six kids, and i'm still alive

Well I did it. My sister left me in charge of her four little hoodlums for two weeks (while they toured the Holy Land.... SO jealous!). Her four, plus my two, equals six kids to be in charge of all day, every day for two weeks. I'm proud to say that she has returned safe and sound, and that we survived. We had our moments, but all in all, the kids did great and the house stayed intact. I was pretty proud of myself. :) Last Saturday, it was a beautiful day, so we took advantage and took all six kids up the canyon for a "hike" and picnic. We ended up at Bridal Veil falls. It was a gorgeous day and felt great to be outside and get a little sunshine. The kids had a blast too. All I did the whole time was count bodies in my head "one, two, three, four, five, six.... ok, they are all here" and then a few minutes later, all over again. It helps that two of the kids are mine, but still no easy feat.
The two older hoodlums - Matt and Kayla. By the way, ages of the six kids were 10, 6, 5, 4, 2, 18 mo. C-R-A-Z-Y.
my cute hoodlum.
The falls. A beautiful place, and extra special to me, this where my dad proposed to my mama.
The feast.

We had a great time and it was nice to get out an enjoy the weather. I am loving that Summer is coming!!! This whole babysitting adventure was good for me. Sometimes I wonder why I can't have babies, and I think it is a blessing because if I could whenever I wanted, I'd probably have six of my own right now, and I'd probably have gone crazy. :) I think I'm a better mother of my two boys, and maybe one more someday. Hehe.

five

I can't believe it. Will is FIVE!! He had several birthday celebrations this year, lucky boy. On the day of his actual birthday, my sister and husband left for a two week vacation. So, we kept the day simple and all about him. Special plate at each meal, pizza for dinner, cupcakes with green frosting (for Yoda, of course), and presents from Mom and Dad, and a great package from Grandma Martha. Although it was the first day of our babysitting adventure, things were exciting for him and I think he had a good day and felt special.
Eli especially loved the cupcakes and all the "hoop-la!" He is always up for a good time, and a good laugh. He is crazy and full of energy and we love it.

Will is five and showing all sorts of signs of being "grown-up." He reminds everyone at least once a day that he is now five and can do all sorts of things for himself. Here's a run down:

Will can get dressed and pick out his own clothes. His outfit of choice is his BYU shirt and bball shorts. He's all about comfort. He can brush his own teeth, and even put the toothpaste on his brush himself. Will likes his hair short and does a great job letting Dad cut it. He can make his bed and clean his own room, and keeps his things very organized and tidy. He pretty much knows where every toy and tiny piece of lego is at all times. Will loves to laugh, he especially loves it when Daddy gets home so they can wrestle. He is sensitive and always has to hug and kiss me on the cheek before he goes anywhere. He loves to be outside and is looking forward to hiking the "Y" this summer. Will is learning to read and does a great job at preschool, he really likes to go and be with his new friends and teacher, Ms. Jenny. His favorite toys at the moment are his legos (which he plays with for HOURS), and anything Star Wars related...... he has always been an avid learner of things he is interested in and learns every aspect of something when he's interested. We read books and learn all sorts of interesting facts about the galaxy far, far, away. His favorite character is Yoda, then Anakin Skywalker. I usually get to play the part of Padme, or Leia. Will is very patient. He puts up with a lot, especially from baby bro Eli. Yet, I've hardly ever seen him get upset or be mean to him in return.

Will, we love having you a part of our family. You are so lucky to have such wonderful cousins, aunt, uncles, and a baby brother who love you so much. Eli loves Will, just like brothers do. They play, fight, and wrestle, and at the end of the day, they are best buds. They can't (and if they have to, they cry) go to bed unless the other is there too. They have shared a room since we brought Eli home and I think that has helped them to form a special bond. I couldn't be happier for my sweet boys to have each other to call "Brother." Thank you Will for making a mother and helping me to learn and grow every day. I love you so much!!