Ben's Preschool "Grad"

This picture makes me smile, it about sums up most of my life right now! As Ben's soccer coach put it so well: "Hurry up and take the picture, we're making memories here"
Of course Noah had to come celebrate the day with us.

So my sweet little Ben finished yet another year of preschool at the end of May. I guess starting him at 2 1/2 yrs was a little early, but he has loved every minute. He is however, acutely aware that he is not in real school yet and reminds me weekly! He will have one more year at a larger preschool before starting Kindergarten. I think it will be great for him to finally be the oldest in the class. His teacher was adorable and made them all little hats and T-Shirts, they sang and did the "months of the year" macarena. Jeffey can't wait until it is his turn next year. What a fun day to be a proud Mommy. (Although, does anyone else think this whole graduation thing is a bit overdone, I mean he is only four!)

Happy Belated, Belated Mother's Day

Me and my handsome little men!
Me getting some much needed recharge with the girls! Thanks Leah.

Well I've taken a little hiadas from blogging and had a busy May so its time to catch up! Brian and I finally sat down together (novel idea I know!) and watched the season finale of Lost this weekend. Bri had been traveling and we have been on several mini vacations. So here goes the first of a few catch up posts.

First, I had a wonderful Mothers Day. It started with such a fun night out with the girls on Saturday night and then I had breakfast in bed with my boys and watched my husband give a wonderful talk in church, while wrangling all my kids and then had a wonderful dinner with my family and Brian's. I couldn't be more grateful for my mother and my mother-in-law.

I also love my little men so much and love being a mother.

"It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the...women of the world, in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and that is purifying to the children of men."

Joseph F. Smith

Halfway There!

Congrats Babe! Yesterday Brian finished his first year of his MBA. I am elated and so proud of him. He did fantastic in all his classes and best of all we are all still standing and in relatively fair condition. We are so excited to have our daddy home every night and can't wait to get to know him again. (okay it wasn't that bad...all the time). Year one down only one more to go...I can't believe it. Go Devils!

A Little Insight Into My Crazy Life

Apparently the higher you can get without being attached to anything, the better! Pray for me.

A Crime Scene or My Bathroom?

My bathroom splattered with an entire bottle of hot pink nailpolish.



This week while my sis and I were playing a game with the older boys, Jeffey and Av used my makeup brushes to paint her and my baseboards, floor, carpet with nailpolish. They unscrewed my mascara and used the wand to decorate the cupboards. Av managed to get one finger and one toenail painted (I think their original intent) All Jeffey could do was say "I'm sorry, Mama, we clean it up?" Needless to say they spent the next hour in the tub while my sister and I scoured everything with acetone. My throw rug didn't make it, and Av will look like she had a severe sunburn for the next week, but the babies are alive and at least we had the presence of mind to take some pics, thanks d!

Birthday Week for Jeffers and Ava-Lou

Some of Mom's friends at the Doggy/Kitty splash park party.


Some of the kids, why I didn't bring a camera I don't know, thanks Kim!

Our traditional trip to Toy R' Us

Family party at Auntie's, Av took a little more time with her outfit for the event.

The reason I love parties...so I can make cakes! Anyone want to start a bakery?

The fam enjoying treats.

Well, here's how the story goes. So I was due with Jefferson in June and my sis was due in April. We were so excited to be having a baby together. I called Denia from my hospital room on April 27th and told her I had my baby. She was schedueled to be induced and the hospital didn't have room, a little upset that I had Jeffey first, she had Ava two days later. Ever since the two twin cousins have been known as the "babies", and love to play together. They can make a mess in record time and are about the most mischevious two you will ever find. Its definately a "love hate" relationship and poor Av has to play with boy toys and Jeffey is occasionally found wearing a necklace and princess gloves, but for the most part they are inseparable. So it is only fitting that we had to have two parties and both of them blew out the candles at each party. We had a blast hanging out with friends and family and celebrating that "the babies" are now three. Look out world...here they come!

A huge thanks to my parents who came, dressed kids, slathered on sunscreen, and kept tabs on Lukey the entire time. Also, thanks to Aunt Cletty who rarely misses helping with her nephew's parties. And lastly, thanks to everyone who celebrated with us this year, and helped us get Jeff this far. Oh, and to my great sister who let me have Jeffey first! Love ya D. Where would I be without my amazing friends and family. Lo

From Small Beginnings Come Great Things!

Baby Ben visiting you in the Hospital. He was four months younger than Luke is now! Wow!


Catching some rays in the NICU (4lbs. 11oz)


You could fit in daddy's hand!

Happy 3rd Birthday today to my sweet Jeffers. My eyes still well up when I think of everything, and everyone, it took to bring you home with us, three years ago. I remain overwhelmed at the help we recieved through bedrest, Jeff's NICU stay and the countless dotors apointments, eye surgery, broken arm, oh, and who could forget the helmet. We know that you are supposed to be part of our family Jeffey and love to have you in our "home".

My Jefferson Top 10:

1. You can make me smile, no matter how frustrated I am with your behavior.
2. You can make me laugh so hard I cry, no matter how frustrated...
3. You make faces only you and you alone can make, your just a little bit crazy, just the way we like it!
4. You get so excited about anything!
5. You love doggies and are so gentle and kind to animals.
6. I truely think that if everyone in the world could spend just one day with you, no one could be sad.
7. You will eat almost anything I cook and call it "yummy".
8. You love to cuddle and still ask me to "hold me".
9. You make friends so easily, love to tease and have the best imagination.
10. You make our home (as you like to call it) a much better place to be.

We love you Jeffer-babies and can't wait to see what this year will bring :) Happy Birthday!