Fun Times

Anytime dad isn't busy at work, we hang out as a family. And even when he is at work, we'll sneak out to see him wherever he may be. We can't believe how fast this summer is racing by, but we've had fun with the things we've been able to do so far.

Preschool Graduation

Braxton has been going to Teacher Kareen's for the last two years and is very sad he's done with school. He loved going to her preschool. We are super excited for him to start Kindergarten in the Fall. He's going to LOVE it! Our baby is growing up so fast.

Our Butterfly Chaser

We weren't going to put Braxton in soccer this year, but he said he wanted to try it out. He's not the aggressive type so we weren't sure how he would do. When all was said and done...he said his favorite part was being able to run. We like to call it 'chasing butterflies'. He's not always following the ball and we would find him running the lines on the field. It drives James crazy to watch. I just laugh! I love watching Braxton discover and learn more about this big world. We found that Braxton enjoys playing goalie. He understands they are a team and tells us if a team member scores a goal...the WHOLE team gets a point. Smart little guy!

Running the lines on the field!

Big Cheese

Happy Belated Easter Greetings!

I seem to run on a better late than never schedule anymore...
Just thought I'd post our kiddos on Easter day.

The Hunt

A couple years ago I started doing an Easter Egg Hunt at my house. Every child brings ten filled eggs with them and then we combine them all. This way all of the kids get to hunt down ten eggs and go home with different treats. This year we did it with some of our cousins. Everyone came over for lunch and decorated cookies while we hid the eggs in the backyard. They had a blast! I don't think Braxton even notices he's the only boy.

Cause I'm the 'cool' mom! And...it's so worth it!

SO! Our Uncle Wally gave Braxton a tent for his birthday. Well, mom had this GREAT idea to have a campout in the living room. Braxton has been begging to do this all week and we've had things come up that haven't allowed us to do it 'til now. The night before, we watched the movie 'Despicable Me' on the laptop in the tent. Let's just say, I've been dated! The ground is hard, and I'm exhausted!  Braxton thought it was pretty cool, but next time I think we'll include an air mattress and ear plugs. I had put a blanket under us to muffle the noise but by wee early hours, Braxton had managed to wiggle it out from under him. Every time he moved, it made this wonderful crackling sound that woke me up. When he woke up this morning, he asked why my pillow was outside the tent...that I was laying on. I thought it was funny he didn't ask why I was outside the tent. Needless to say, both of us had a very wrestless night. Even though I didn't get much sleep, Braxton was SO excited to have a campout with me. I'm so grateful to have the opportunities I do with my kids. They are my world and it makes the little sacrifices so worth the time that I get to spend with them. I'm going to blink and they'll be grown and off doing their own thing...or maybe think mom isn't so cool anymore...so I'm going cherish what I have with them now.

Waking up to this happy little face every morning is irresistible!

Snow Much Fun!

Yesterday I said to James excitedly, "I have a great idea!" 

His slow reply, "Oh great! What is it?" 

Me, "Let's put Brianna down for her nap and go outside and play in the snow with Braxton." 

To which he said, "You and I have different ideas of what's fun."

"Come on! Come on! It'll be fun!"

James, "Ya think?" 

Mom pulling Braxton in for backup, " Braxton you wanna go outside and play in the snow?" 

Braxton's face lights up, "With both of you guys at the same time!?"

Mom, "Ya! Does that sound fun?"

Why, of course it did! So we ended up playing in the snow for a couple of hours and guess who had more fun than Mom and Braxton combined...Dad! James is very creative. Our huge snowman idea quickly became a snow tunnel for Braxton, while Braxton and I worked on a smaller snowman and started a little snow fort.

The beginning of our very wet adventure!

Braxton calls his new friend, "Wooden Arms".

Too much fun!

One happy little guy!

Hmmm...Maybe it's time to cancel!

            Here's our stash! Braxton insists on piling them higher and higher and loves getting the paper each morning. He wants to see how tall we can build these bad boys. I've even had him line up the rolled papers to create a finish line so we can have races against each other.

   When we first subscribed to the paper it was mainly for the coupons. Since Albertson's left us, I just haven't been as motivated in using the coupons. I think it's because they were the easiest and nicest to do business with. I'm really trying to have a better attitude, but it's not worth it to fight for a deal while hauling two kiddos with me, only to find out they are out of what I went after. 

   James thought I was crazy when I told him I wouldn't buy pepper without a coupon. He didn't want to use the twisty one we have. His newest addiction is Zesty Dill Pickles...strange coming from a guy that would down an entire cake I'd bake, leaving me one piece. I know I'm weird, but it's killing me to buy pickles every other week at full price. When I got home from the store the other night, we both laughed when I told him...'You need to find a cheaper hobby!' Bargain shopping is addicting and an adrenalin rush in finding the best deal.

   When it comes down to it, I guess I gotta figure it out soon...are the papers piling up actually saving  us money (coupons) or would we be better off saving some $$$ and trees. I'll keep you posted!

Back To The Blogging World!

  I've been a tad behind in all I've done for the last year...but then James would tease I've always been a little slow! I've been wanting to catch up on here forever. The thought becomes so overwhelming that I just kept getting further behind. SO! I'll just start from where we are! 

  We're excited that James has less than two years left before he can retire from one of his many jobs.  He's now working 12 hour shifts. I've switched places with him as far as church callings. He now has the three callings and I only have one. It's been a nice change of pace. 

  Last summer was spent PLAYING! We spent a lot of time at the pool and different parks. We camped closer to home. James spent a lot of his time off finishing the rest of our basement and we are all excited that he's finished. It took its toll on all of us!

  Two more eye surgeries for Braxton and one baby later, we are finally starting to get back into the swing of things. Since my last post, Braxton had two additional eye surgeries, but we think we've finally got it. YAY! I hate seeing my little man suffer. We'll go for a follow up again in June.

  Brianna joined our little family with a BANG! I was induced  in October . Two and a half hours later she came barreling into this crazy world. Our little acrobat had the cord wrapped around her neck three times, causing a glucose problem, and five days in the NICU. She finally came home, but with oxygen for an additional week. She's our little fighter and an absolute sweetheart. She's been a very easy baby.