Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Holiday Hello!

I just wanted to get a post on here incase I don't get another done until after Christmas. I'm a slacker...I know. I still haven't gone private either. Today, James was working on clearing the driveway and sidewalks and then off to the backyard to snowblow. He started this great tradition last year by making a snow hill in the backyard that Braxton could play on. He took most of the snow from our backyard and snowblowed in all to the center of the yard. Last year, it was so big Braxton had to have help to even climb up, but this year he should have a blast.
I also had to show off one of my favorite pictures I took today with my new Christmas present. Braxton sends his love with a holiday hello wave. James gave my camera to me early so I could learn how to work things. I'll probably never know all that it can do, but I'm excited to learn lots of new stuff.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Busy Times

We've been SOoooo busy lately, but we're having a lot of fun. We had taken all our Christmas stuff down before Thanksgiving to get the lights up outside. In doing this, I had a huge mess of totes to clear out before we had Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year. I refused to take down any Fall decorations until the day was over...so we had mixture of holidays going on for about a week. It's felt a little strange this year still not having snow outside.The day after Thanksgiving we did our annual shopping around. We didn't have much that we 'REALLY' wanted so we didn't go out until about 7:00 a.m. and still found what we were after. It was nice to get a little longer to sleep and we took Braxton with us. He's my 'Super Shopper'! I love taking him places with me...he has so much fun.
Every year since we've been married (James proposed the night of this production), we've gone to the 'Forgotten Carols'. This year it was Friday night...so we took Braxton to Nana's and Papa's to spend the night. We went to dinner and on to see the show. We've loved watching how it's changed over the years. I like that he adds something new to make it just a little different each year.
Saturday morning we were up and running again. We picked James' mom up and headed to SLC temple to see some friends get sealed. It was amazing...they lost their little boy a couple days after he was born and were able to be sealed to him and their daughter (who was one of my young women a couple years ago). We were happy to be there for them. After this, we jumped in the truck and headed down to IKEA. This was our first time there. It was a long day...a long weekend...but I have to say Braxton was an angel all weekend. He loved temple square and I can't wait to take him back so we can see the lights.

We had these little turkeys for a treat after YW the week of Thanksgiving. They were so cute we made them for everyone in my family. They turned out cute, but next time I'll use double stuffed Oreo's. Braxton had eaten three of them before I decided 'no more'.

Our little family...

Nana, Papa, and my baby sister Ashley...or as Braxton would say 'Ashee'.

Nikki, Jeremy, and our favorite niece 'Kambry'.

Braxton loves it when his Nana and Papa come to visit.

Braxton is always up for a picture. Here he is with his Nana.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Going Private

I've been thinking about going to a private blog lately. I've heard some pretty strange things and I just watched a special on it on the news. People are taking pictures off of people's blogs and creating their own families...scary! Well...today I checked in on a friend and her baby's pics have been posted on some strange website. I don't know all the details, but I'm going to attempt to keep my family safe...so please send me your e-mail addresses over the next week so I don't lose track of any of you and can add you to my private blog... threegales@hotmail.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Halloween Night

Here are two handsome boys. If you asked Braxton what he was going to be for Halloween, he would say "A policeman like Daddy." Braxton loved everything about this night. He was excited to see all of he grandparents. His Nana and Papa even came up to visit and followed us around the block to 'trick-or-treat'. I keep waiting for Braxton to go to the neighbors and try it again on his own. He also got to see his cousin Kambry. They love chasing each other...and will never sit still for a picture.













Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween

I can't seem to catch up on everything, but thought I'd make a special effort...since it is one of my favorite holidays. I'm in charge of our Super Saturday tomorrow and I'm excited to do a couple of fun things...probably won't get to do them there...and I'll be having a Super Sunday when I can say it's done. It will be fun to get some sisters together in our ward and eat a little. :-D

For Family Home Evening a couple of weeks ago, we took Braxton to the Pumpkin Walk. He was fascinated with the lit up jack-o-lanterns. He would walk up to each one and examine it, and then he figured out he could blow the candles out. James had to stop him, but we thought it was very cute and funny.
I took a couple of pictures, but I loved the one of Brent...for any of you that know him. He's the one on his bike all the time honking and waving to everyone. When I looked to see who had created this master piece, 2 of the 3 families used to live in our ward. Very creative bunch. His arm really waved.

The next week, I took Braxton back during the day with some friends. We had enough holes in Clifford for all the kids we had with us. He ran up to the entrance, turned around and said "Mom, take my picture!" People were laughing at us...do you think he knows Mom will be taking a picture of his every move. I think overall, he liked it better during the day because he could see more colors. But that night at bedtime, he had a very interesting conversation with his dad. He told his dad he was sad because someone had blown all the candles out in the pumpkins. I had watched him looking in the pumpkins during the day, but we really didn't talk about it afterward...and that never even crossed my mind. Oh how a little mind works.

Sorry for all the pics...I should have done a slide show. For Family Home Evening this week, Braxton carved his first pumpkin. We videoed him trying to get the seeds out and he would shutter and tell us he didn't like it...and it was cold...and slimy. He wanted to wash his hands.



Hope you all have a Safe and Happy Halloween. I can't wait to see all the costumes and stories to go with your Spooky night.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Lucky SevensTag

One of my friends tagged me. So I'm going to do my best to get all of these answered...this is a lot harder than it looks. Thanks Cindy...for making me use my brain to think about me. I don't do that much anymore.

Seven Things I Plan To Do Before I Die.

1. Put a book together about my Grandmother's life.
2. Go on a mission.
3. Run a 5K.
4. Catch up on scrapbooking...I'm not 'terribly' behind.
5. Be a Grandma...don't know why...always something I've looked forward to.
6. Have family pictures taken on a train engine.
7. Travel...Hawaii is on my list.

Seven Things I Can Do.

1. Scrapbook/Digital Scrapbooking
2. Organize anything
3. Talk your ear off
4. Make good dessert
5. Crosstitch
6. plan a party
7. Make my husband mad

Seven Things I Can't Do.

1. Sew a straight line
2. Jump out of an airplane...don't like anything with heights
3. Draw very well
4. Grow a garden...but I'm not stopping until I get it down.
5. Change my brakes. However, James had me help while he did it. :-)I have pictures to prove it.
6. James also informed me I can't change the oil either.
7. I don't like to fly airplanes either...not that I couldn't learn...it just scares me when James tells me "your controls". YIKES!!!

Seven Things That Attract Me To James.

1. He knows how to make me laugh.
2. He is a VERY hard worker...most of the time too hard.
3. He has great eye lashes.
4. He stands up for himself and VERY independent.
5. How he plays with Braxton.
6. The way he looks at me.
7. His loyalty.

Seven Things I Say Most Often.

1. Seriously!
2. You amaze me. (sarcastically)
3. Go potty! Run...Run...Run...
4. Good job!
5. Do you know your Mommy loves you?
6. What time are you going to be home?
7. Braxton??? What are you doing???

Seven Celebrity Admirations

1. President/Sister Hinckley
2. Oprah
3. Angelina Jolee
4. Brad Pitt
(These two are very service oriented and I admire the fact they try to stay out of the public eye.)
This is about all I can come up with. I'm not into the celebrity thing much. The only ones I can think of are the ones that are always in trouble.

Seven Favorite Foods
1. Mexican
2. Pretty much any bread
3. Velveeta Rotel w/chips
4. Chips and Salsa
5. Mom’s Chicken Noodle Soup
6. Dutch oven potatoes with Mt. Dew instead of Sprite (yummy!)
7. Anything I don’t have to fix

Seven People I Think Should Do This.

I think here are only about 7 of you on my list that would do this. Whoever is up for the challenge. Good Luck!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Through the eyes of a 2 year old


When it gets really quiet at our house, we know Braxton is up to something and start our frantic search. Often times, he won't even answer us when he knows his newly found treasure will be snatched away. As I just went through the pictures on our camera, I found numerous videos of my kitchen counter...excuse the mess...but this one was the best by far. Braxton has a love for the camera...thanks to Papa Leavitt, who lets him play with his. As James would say, no wonder we can't have nice things. He'll be 'REAL' happy when he discovers this post...and I'll be in the 'dog house' for leaving the camera out.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Huge Savings

I just put my groceries away and remembered I was going to take a picture like Lisa did of all the fun deals. Anyway...I've spent ALL of our money this month stocking up for the year with all of the food sales and thought I'd share my excitement with all of you. Last week was the 'BIG' Quaker sale. I found myself with two friends collecting a couple of coupons from Lee's and Macey's so we could hit the sale at Albertson's. Crazy I know...but I have friends who drive to Ogden and Salt Lake for the coupons. I bought 60 boxes of oatmeal, granola bars, granola bites, pancake mix, syrup...and a few other things for about $50. Yipee!!!
I went into Albertson's today for the soup sale and a few other things. If you bought Powerade, then you got a catalina coupon for free cereal. I ended up with 8 bags of free cereal and 1 free apple juice. The 'good' soup was only .63 or cheaper and my lysol was only $1.50.
I spent 27.80 and saved 74.27. One other trip was 43.97 and I saved 60.17...if I don't save more than 1/2 on my groceries...I usually wait for the next sale. I still try to see what Walmart has...but the sales usually beat their prices with the coupons for the name brand.
Does anyone know if Smith's in Brigham is still doubling coupons?

2nd Place

Last Wednesday, Braxton was in the newspaper for winning 2nd place in the summer library program. I found out about it two weeks into the program and he still did a fantastic job. Braxton loves books and has always been really good...and gentle...with them. We read every day before nap time and bedtime. I figured this was the only way for me to establish the habit early on...or I'd find myself too busy to read to him. He won some FUN prizes throughout the month and I still don't think he really understands why. He's just excited to go to the library every week.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Little Homemaker


Hey everyone...it's been busy! On top of life, I've been learning to can a little more. I've helped people, but when I only do it once a year...I forget. My goal this year was to learn to can beans, but my beans didn't do well at all. I have a wonderful friend who tried to teach me how to can pickles a couple of years ago, but I was pregnant and wasn't going there. I was too sick! She called a couple of weeks ago and I canned pickles. Yey!
I helped my step-mom last week get all the stuff ready for salsa, but had to leave before we could bottle it...so she finished...thanks Mary. And...I got a 1/2 bushel of peaches this year. I bottled this load all on my own. Everyone of them sealed, I was pretty excited. I wasn't going for the blue ribbon at the fair...I just packed as many bite sized pieces in the bottle as I could. I told James 'there's no reason to cut them twice' for Braxton.
This tomato is the first one this year to turn red. It is the ONLY red tomato I have. All the others are GREEN...GREEN...GREEN! We plan to use the tomato on hamburgers this Sunday.
Some of you may laugh, but I got my wheat grinder out today and started grinding wheat. I told my mom I got a bigger workout (burning calories) grinding the wheat than I will eating the calories from whatever I make from it. I'm going to start baking bread...so if any of you have a great recipe, let me know. I think I'm crazy, but I'm having fun trying some new things.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Pool Party

Friday, my cousin, Amber came down from Idaho to visit. We used to work together at the school district and both of us quit when we had our babies. Amber just had her second little baby this spring. We set up the pool in the back yard and let Braxton and Maddison play for a while. Both of them walked through the water, played with toys, and dumped water out, but didn't want much more to do with it. I don't think either of them was even towel worthy when they were finished. We fixed lunch and the two of them scarfed everything down and I even had to get them more. We couldn't believe how well they ate. Thanks Amber for a fun day and some adult conversation.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

My month to shine...

What a crazy month it has been. I'm currently in Young Women as the Beehive Advisor and had the opportunity to go to girl's camp in Heber. This is a picture of my friend Carma on the ropes course. You climb the tree and then walk along the rope. When you get to the other side, you repel down. Did I do it...NOPE! OR there would be pictures to prove it. I hate heights! They made every girl at least try. It literally made me cry to watch some of those girls so scared up there. It was really cool to see some of them accomplish such a scary task. There are so many applications to life from this experience that I plan to continue to use.
During this time, James was having a super hard time being with Braxton, which made it hard for me to be away. He decided to regress a little in potty training. James typically only has to entertain Braxton for very short periods of time...all you mom's know...the fun play time. James was very happy to have 'mom' home again.
After coming home I helped get things together for my second calling, the ward camp out. I'm really sad we missed this. The ward learned how to retire a flag and the scouts did an amazing job in helping. We also had the vets from our ward recognized. We were at Cherry Hill camping with my family. It was a quick trip, but we had a great time. A big thank you to Nana and Papa. They took Braxton for about an hour so James and I could go down the water slides.
It must be my month to shine... I still have a lesson to teach, a sacrament talk to prepare, AND yes one more camp out...oh and that darn visiting teaching that always creeps up on us...sorry Melissa. I'm also on Enrichment committee. I'm really excited about our get-a-way this year. Our theme is Faith, Hope, Charity...it's going to be awesome. I can't wait!
I'm SO grateful to have the church in my life, without it there really is no purpose to life. I love my ward family and the support they are to me and my family. Our neighborhood really takes care of each other. I have a testimony of service and believe that when we do service for those around us we are serving the Lord. My service in the church has blessed my life and family in amazing ways and I've learned so much. It really has made me the person I am today. Thank you to all of you who have allowed me to serve you.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Elmo Live

We got it! That's right...this little creature will soon enter our little home in real life form on Christmas morning. Pre-orders started today and are projected to be one of the top selling toys this holiday season. Now we (parents) have to wait until he comes out in October to play with him. Braxton is obsessed with Elmo movies and Grandma has an Elmo at her house he likes...he does the 'hokey pokey'. Mom and Dad have now until Christmas to get over that high pitched voice that will soon be following us from room to room. YIKES! You can check him out at this site. He really is cute: http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=8002&e=media&id=tf

Monday, August 4, 2008

New Grill

We splurged and got a new grill. Actually, we really needed one. The old one we had was given to us and has been well used. It was spitting fire where there isn't supposed to be fire. We have been shopping around for what we wanted and found this one at Sears. It has a tiny ding in the metal, so we got a great deal on it. James said it'll look a lot worse after Braxton gets through with it in a few years anyway...nobody would notice...unless of course we now invite one of you bloggers over for a BBQ. We tried it out Sunday with stuffed hamburgers. Delish....

Bear Lake

We were able to take another small camping trip. This time with some friends James works with. There were 14 of us total and meals were always a lot of fun. We got over to Bear Lake Wednesday evening and Thursday went to the beach for the day. That evening we had the opportunity to go to Pickleville Playhouse for a play. We were a little nervous taking Braxton, but he LOVed it. At intermission he kept asking for more movie...it was great!

These three were always playing with Braxton. I didn't know it took three to push a toddler on the swings...I always thought us girls did things in twos. He's a big flirt, just like his daddy.


Braxton isn't too sure about the water most of the time, but he's always ready for a picture.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Potty Time

Braxton has been acting like he is ready for the potty...so needless to say that's where I've been the last couple of weeks. It was a spur of the moment thing for us. James had Wednesday night off so we went to the store for underpants and 'night night pants'. We told Braxton all the diapers were going in the garbage. We started Thursday, July 17th by putting all the diapers in the garbage bag and out to the garbage can, which I took and hid in the basement later. (I've had to hide spare diapers I keep finding in strange places, so Braxton won't see them.) Braxton had seen the garbage truck on Monday morning, and has always helped throw his diapers in the garbage can. He's the one that told us the garbage truck was taking his diapers bye-bye down the road.
Later that day, I wondered what I had done to myself. I changed my clothes 3 times and I'm not sure how many times I changed his...I lost count. We probably made it to the potty 50% this day. Friday, we only had 2 accidents. This I can handle. Saturday, 3 accidents...we were wondering if we were starting to go back down hill. Good thing is, he will tell me every time if he is wet.
Sunday, I was terrified to go to church. I had made sure Braxton was in bed on time so he would be well rested. This didn't work so well. My wonderful son wakes me up in the middle of the night to go potty, and it was a lot this night. I complain now, but I'll appreciate it later. I'm thinking he's my little over achiever. We went to church early to see the potty. I think I was more traumatized by the size of the potty than he was. He would tell me "Mommy, fall in" but he still was alright with the whole concept even though he never did go potty at church. We had 'NO' accidents Sunday.
Monday was our first venture out of the house to start adding distractions. We took him to the park with some friends. First, it rained on us, which made everything wet. His pants were wet from sitting on the playground stuff. Second, there was a water wall that he just loved. This is where the accident took place. We won't tell you which park. :-) I really haven't counted this venture as a true accident.
Tuesday was wonderful, he had no accidents again. Wednesday, our only accident was...well ummmm...poop. What a wonderful experience this is. This is something that truly makes you admire your mother for all that they have put up with for you.
He's been doing absolutely wonderful. I can't believe it really only took him one day...with a whole bunch of reminders still from mom and dad. I can handle one accident a day.
This last Saturday-Sunday night was a crazy one for me. Braxton started at 2 am waking up to go potty. We did this 6-7 times until 6 am. This just about killed me. I had called my pediatrician's office to see what the nurse thought about this, because he's been getting up a couple times at night. She told me to put him back in diapers. That WAS NOT the answer I wanted. He was going potty...isn't this a sign of being potty trained. Not one person I've talked to has had their children, or known of other children, who get up in the middle of the night to go potty. They either wet or stay dry. Oh, the different challenges each of us are given with our children. For now, I'm just getting up with him and cutting back on fluids before bed time. Maybe it'll last, maybe it won't. Time will only tell.

Pioneer Day

Happy 24th a little late. We went to my dad's house this year for dinner and fireworks. Braxton LOVES the fireworks...but their not fireworks unless there's lots of noise and sparks. He's our little pyro, but so is his daddy. This is his cousin, Kambry, giving him kisses.
These two were so cute, giving each other hugs and kisses, until we got the camera out. Then we were trying to get them to do it again...so here's a little bit of a forced shot. Braxton is our little ham always ready for his picture to be taken. Kambry is very strong willed and does what she wants when she wants...just like her mom.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Memory Game

1. As you comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Too much fun...


We've been busy!!! Lots of fun things we've been doing this summer. The picture is of Braxton at the annual 'Cruise In' parade. We always meet my parents at Carl's Jr. for the parade and then get something to eat afterward. This year I ran across the street for slurpees. This is Braxton's first slurpee...and he loved it. Mom had the big debate as I stood in line...red...or blue slurpee. Which one will come out of he clothes easier. In the end, I think he ended up spilling on grandma but nothing on him. Go figure...
Our internet has been acting funny on this computer so I haven't posted for a little bit. I'll be better. We've also been on a couple of camping trips the last two weeks and are planning another one for the end of the month at Bear Lake.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Camping

After the city celebration, and I do mean seconds after it was all over...James and I headed up to Wyoming to meet family for a little camping trip. We sent Braxton with Nana, Papa, and Ashley that morning. I was totally exhausted. The trip was a hard one for our little family, but we enjoyed being with everyone. All of my dad's family was there...his brothers and sister and their spouses and a couple of cousins. It was a great time hanging out with everyone and we really enjoyed the camp fires at night with everyone. We wish we all had the time to be together more often.


James and my Dad were our lifesavers. They kept our firewood stocked and the fire blazing in the evenings so we didn't get cold. This is my favorite part of the day...just hanging out and telling stories around the fire. Please notice the white Ashley is wearing. We always get numerous comments on the white pants. She wears these every time we go camping...I can't believe they are still this white. This last time it was Braxton that kept spilling things on her.


S'more night!! Here is Braxton with a big marshmallow in his mouth. Here comes the sugar high.
Curious George has managed to make himself more of a permanent fixture in our little family. There is not a lot we don't do without him and 'elephant' (I'll introduce him to you soon). George really enjoyed this trip and followed Braxton everywhere.

City Celebration

Here are a couple of pictures from my crazy week. I was the chair over the city celebrations this year and it literally wore me out, but it was a lot of fun.
Me and Braxton are at the Sidewalk Chalk Contest. He was hot and only wanted mom to keep drawing triangles for him. The theme this year was "Round Up". I found this cute hat and he loves wearing it around the house.

We had a family swim night for the city. This year Dad was able to come play in the water with us. The last week Braxton keeps talking about going bye-bye in the car to the pool with daddy.


There was a dinner with entertainment. One of James' co-workers was our singer. He is an amazing country singer. We thought we'd make Braxton the star for a minute and take a couple of pictures. He's our photogenic poser.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

New Bike Trailer

Today I had to go to the city offices to pick up some things. I'm the chair for our city celebration this week, and I'm finishing up some last minute things.

We bought the trailer a couple of weeks ago, but just got it out to take for a trial run last night when dad got home. I need something to get me a little exercise.

This morning I told Braxton we were 'going for a ride' he got so excited he grabbed Curious George and headed for the garage.

I love how excited our children get over the smallest things. It makes me grateful to be a mom. I'm so happy to have Braxton to help me put things into perspective...and take time to smell the flowers. Which is exactly what we did when we got to the end of the neighborhood...mom had to catch her breath.

Lunch


Trista and Samantha came to visit last week. My friend, Lauretta, took a walk to our house and we let the kids play for a bit. Before we knew it...the kids let us know it was lunch time. So, we had sandwiches with grapes and cheetos. We put sunscreen on all the kids, but mom got a little crispy.

Why is it, we as moms tend to neglect ourselves. We should be taking better care of ourselves so we can serve our families better.

Memorial Day Weekend

Braxton made a new friend on our 1st camping trip of the year. He learned how to blow bubbles...and the two of them had a blast. We stayed the first night at Lava Hot Springs. We camped with some of James' friends (and their families) from work. We all got up there late, but had fun eating dinner in the dark. The next day we headed out to camp with my family in Wyoming. I had gone into the trailer to change a diaper and our trailer was filling up with water. Needless to say it was an easy fix (cap never got put on after we de-winterized), but made a nice scene of kaos for a few minutes.


Braxton loves to help his daddy with EVERYTHING! Sometimes dad doesn't think it's so helpful. Dad just needs to be thankful that someone thinks he's SO cool. One day that coolness may wear off. :-)


Thursday, June 12, 2008

New Haircut


Yeah!! Braxton finally got a haircut. We took him in for his new summer look and he did great. Mom has been cutting his hair since he was born, and she really doesn't know what she's doing. Now his friends won't make fun of him.

Ride Daddy...Please!



Wow! What a crazy week! We have been attempting to get some yard work done. I thought I would share with you what all this entails at our house. It's all about the 'ride' for a little two year old in a wheel barrow...and doing it in style. It's been pretty cold and rainy the last couple of days, but come rain or shine James has limited time to help us out at home...as he typically works 12-14 hour days. Doesn't matter the season, if you need yard work done, James is your man.