gunderson

2012

2012-01-01T04:36:00.002-07:00

Well, it is that resolution time. I have actually been thinking about what I am going to do better this year. For as long as I can remember my goal is always to lose weight. And, considering that is my goal every time Monday morning rolls around, I have decided to go out on a limb and change it up.

My 2012 New Year's Resolution is:

BE HAPPY.

That is it. Sounds simple, but if you really think about it - it's not. So, that is what I am going to focus on this year - being happy. It is a HUGE goal. So many areas of life to be happy about. So many trials and crap thrown in my life that I have to try and be happy about.

I am ready for a new year. I am ready for a new outlook. 2011 isn't a year that I would ever want to relive. Parts of 2011 make me want to cry just thinking about them.

But, here is to a new year. A better year.

Here's to being happy.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T00:59:00.004-07:00

This is going to be the ultimate worst Christmas post ever. I left my camera at my aunt's house (that is 40 minutes away) 2 days before Christmas. I was sooooo sad. So, I have just stolen a few pictures from my family that contain my kids. Sorry Jax and Ben, but not a single picture of you guys opening gifts this year.

The annual grandkid Christmas pajama photo.

Where is the world are all the girls??? Katie is pregnant so, perhaps she will bring the first granddaughter to the family. As you can see, Jax was so not wanting to have to stand still for a picture. Or, put on the sweats. When has he ever cooperated? Why start now?

So, I have to post some pictures of my cute nieces (Gunderson side - girls are only found there). I made Char and Stella these adorable Christmas outfits.

This mop bucket was the coveted toy at Grandma Gunderson's house on both Christmas Eve and Christmas. The kids wanted to cart it around and push each other in it. Ben and Char in action.

The only photo that proves that Chase and I experienced Christmas 2011. Why am I so NOT surprised that Chase isn't looking at the camera and is checking sports scores at the dinner table. I HATE Internet on phones!!!!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

BTW, my Christmas decor was 100% down and put away by noon on December 26th. My house was starting to look like it was next in line on "Hoarders" with all the toys AND decorations everywhere. Bring on Spring!

Ugly Sweaters Take Two

2011-12-21T03:24:00.002-07:00

We had a second night of ugly sweaters with the Gunderson clan. Sadly, I wasn't up for recreating our ugly sweater look so, Chase and I repeated. So sorry.

But, before we get into the ugliness, let's look at how cute my niece Stella is. That baby girl is ONE! As you can tell by my nephew Chance in the background, the boys all broke into the cupcakes early!

Annnnddddd, the ugly sweaters!!!

Drum roll please....

Drew (tied with Chase, who would not pose for a solo shot) won UGLIEST!!!

Drew's lit up. Amazing. However, he was attached to the wall and could only travel as far as his extension cord would reach. hahahahaha

Santa, Santa HO HO HO

2011-12-14T04:44:00.005-07:00

Every year Chase's Grandpa Carlson dresses up like Santa for the kids. Last year Jax was scared. This year Ben was traumatized.

This photo shows Ben's reaction perfectly. It is a little deceiving for Jax though. Jax wanted to sit on Santa's lap and would just stare at his face. It was so funny. This picture is after he had to sit still for like 2 minutes. He needed to be freed!!

It is probably rude that we kept trying to put Ben on Santa's lap, but it was a must. He kept saying,"Where's Santa? Santa is home," through his tears after he left. He woke up 6 times that night crying. Poor baby. Enjoy.

Skye, Paul and Chance

Chance didn't like Santa either.

Ugly Sweater Night

2011-12-14T04:30:00.003-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T02:36:00.003-07:00

This year we had Thanksgiving at my parents' house. I hadn't eaten one single thing the entire day before dinner. Some people say that is a bad idea, but I beg to differ. My dinner tasted AMAZING! I am kind of thinking the food was the best ever for Thanksgiving. And no, I will not tell you how many rolls I ate...Mind your own business!! :)

Our little family.

I can't believe how fast time flies. Chase and I are getting into the adult/parent group and my kids are not babies.

Jax and Ben couldn't have cared less about dinner - Jax ate a peanut butter sandwich and Ben insisted on some nuggets. They did, however, really care about the tramp.

My nephews Roen and Milo had to take a break from the tramp to play some Angry Birds on the iPad. What? You don't have an iPad for your 5 and 3 year old??

This Thanksgiving was wonderful. Like I said before, my food was seriously de-lish. However, I am proud to say I didn't make myself sick. That's not to say I didn't eat much - I just spaced it out over 5 hours. :) Chase, on the other hand, was laying on the floor by about 7pm claiming that there was no way he could move a single inch. I guess that means his dinner was a success.

I felt so blessed and thankful this Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for my little family. After having a family of my own my testimony of the importance of the family has really grown. I am so thankful for my two little boys. They are my best buds. And, I can't even describe how thankful I am for Chase. I'll spare you all from listening to me go on and on about him, but really he is the best.

Such a wonderful thing - a holiday to remember all of my blessings.

crazy kiddies

2011-11-24T02:44:00.006-07:00

I was just looking through my camera pictures and realized that my little boys are crazy animals. They are at the cutest ages right now - 2 and 3. They have turned into little people.

Ben has seriously been so happy about all the toy ads that have been coming out. The huge ToysRUs book really got him. He LOVES looking through the toy ads that come in the mail.

My crazy Jax...I love this boy so much. There is NEVER a dull moment with this guy. This is the HUGE grin that comes from jumping from couch to couch.

Ben has turned into a parrot. He repeats everything. He was trying to feed mickey some cheese in this picture. He was saying, "Mickey, have a bite!!!" He got so frustrated that Mickey wouldn't take a bite that he started crying. Hilarious.

Ben has found true love with his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stuffed animals.

Jax had the brilliant idea of bringing a tube with him into the tub. Ben, of course, immediately needed one too. These two have quickly taught me that I have to buy two of EVERYTHING.

Once again Ben with his Disney buddies.

Last Saturday was a treat. I undressed my boys to put them in the tub. After I undressed Jax, he sprinted away. I couldn't find him to put him in the tub. To my surprise, I found him streaking in the backyard.

I was yelling for him to come in because it was freezing, but he had no idea that snow was cold. He was grinning ear to ear.

End of November and he is still rocking his summer tan line.

Jax and I then fought for about 30 minutes about him going outside. I told him he couldn't go outside without pants and shoes. His coat was as far as we got. Needless to say, he didn't get to go play in the snow.

Ben, on the other hand, gladly geared up for the backyard.

Having two boys 16 months apart almost put me in the hospital for the first year of Ben's life. It has recently gotten much more fun. However, if you see me in a public place with these crazies you may beg to differ. They are running and I am PERMANENTLY sprinting to make sure that I don't lose someone. But, I promise the insanity you see now when I take these two anywhere is nothing compared to a year ago! :)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T01:30:00.004-06:00

Halloween never disppoints. Although my belly still hurts from the 3 bowls of chili, pumpkin cheesecake, ice cream, candy, and 2 rolls I ate, it was fun.

This picture is out of order, but I am not a blogger expert so deal with it. My little Jax on Halloween morning wearing his skeleton costume. I made this costume because Jax is so particular about his clothes. I knew that he wasn't going to allow me to put some crazy costume on him. So, I had to figure out a way to have him still wear "normal" clothes. And, STRETCH PANTS, obviously - his personal fave.

He was way too busy getting in his share of Disney Junior before school to look at me, but he is one handsome skeleton.

Our Halloween started with a party at Jimmy and Linzi's. They have our friends' Halloween party every year. And, every year I am anxious to see their costumes because they are always so cute.

Chase was asked if he was "THE MASK" from last season of the Bachelorette. So funny! I wish we would have been that witty. But, he is zorro.

After school we went for a little Halloween fun at my parents' house. (Where I ate 3 bowls of chili...it was in a 5 hour span. Does that make it any better?)

My boys are going to be devastated when it gets too cold to go outside. They can play on the tramp and swing set for hours.

Ben makes me smile. He is my one and only sidekick while Jax is at school. Cutest little guy.

And sadly, he isn't so little anymore. By the looks of his size I think it is time for baby number three. (I am dying for baby #3, but not only does Chase say no - he says hell no.)

Jax thought getting tickled on these monkey bars was cooler than Disneyland. And check out Ben's moves in the background. :)

Happy Halloween 2011!!!

Back in Business

2011-10-28T03:40:00.004-06:00

It is no surprise that no one is checking up on my blog. Why in the world would you? There is nothing new ever. But, it is time to get back in business. However, with such a long gap in posting comes a random update.

In regular fall fashion we went to HeeHaw Farms. We went the first day they were open, at the exact opening time. We were the only ones there!! Amazing! The kiddies got all the train riding, horse riding, corn digging, and chicken chasing they could handle.

Katie and Timmy were in town so Zac got to chill with the cousins. Roen and Milo were also in on the fun.

Lucky for Chase he got the job of entering the animal area with Ben. I was not interested. I was scared a chicken was going to peck me!

Pretty much all the time we are just parents. Our kids are young and wild. We are always chasing one or dragging the other. Pictures like these remind me that we are still a couple. I hate that it is easy to forget that and just be in parent mode. But, Chase is pretty cute so I'll take it.

Luckily there was no one at HeeHaw Farms because Ben refused to get off the horse. Literally. He threw the biggest fit if you tried to take him off. So, he took quite a few extra laps.

Jax LOVES animals but DOES NOT want to touch them. I was sure there was no chance that he was going to get on the horse. But, he jumped right on!

The corn "sandbox" was a dream come true for Jax.

With Jax gone all day at school Ben has started a loving relationship with his trains. All day long. Choo choo. How many times does he say that a day?? A million! Cutie!!

And, with Jax gone Ben has become attached to me. I think I now have an extra limb. I took this picture to show what my view is at all times of the day. This little guy is clinging to my leg. No we aren't out in public and he is trying not to get lost. We are just in the kitchen. He is a mother boy!

This month Chase turned 28. For some reason, he hates his birthday. He doesn't like all attention to be focused on him, and I think the quick approach to 30 has him shakin' in his boots. But alas, we celebrated.

Happy Birthday to my best bud and the love of my life!!

school

2011-08-31T02:43:00.005-06:00

Today was the first day of school for Jax. Such a bitter-sweet day. I know kids need to go to school, and I know this will be so good for Jax, but it makes me so sad. I am so sad that he has entered into the schooling world. He will never be home all day long with me again...never.

This morning I had to pack this little man a lunch. You better believe I was choked up as I was doing it.

His little backpack and lunch sack.

Such a handsome boy! I know I am biased, but this little dude has got some good looks. He is the cutest.

After we dropped Jax off, Ben freaked out. Seriously. FREAKED! He was so sad that we were dropping Jax off at school and that he wasn't staying too. This little guy has never been without Jax. They are best buds. His face describes exactly how I felt.

When I FINALLY got to go pick up Jax, he was so excited to see me. He ran right over and hugged me. His teachers said he did awesome and even sat in his seat! Sitting is a bit of an issue for this little man... I was so happy!!

I opened up his lunch box to find his entire sandwich, minus one little bite. He saw a PopTart in my car when I picked him up and INHALED it. Little dude must have been hungry. It looks like I won't be packing a peanut butter sandwich for him tomorrow.

And, his first little project. Such a cute little handprint. My baby is growing up.

Hazel Gunderson

2011-08-31T01:59:00.006-06:00

Last week Chase's grandma, Hazel, passed away. She was the cat's meow!! Seriously, when she was called the brown bomber because she was that beautiful. Chase has a special relationship with his grandma and was so sad to have her go. But, at the same time we are so happy for her to finally meet back up with her husband who she hasn't seen for 20 years!!

She has been sick for a little while and knew that her time was coming - she was 92. She planned her whole funeral. :) She wanted everyone to write her a message, stick it on a balloon, and send it to her in heaven. She promised to read every single one. :)

Chase's extended family on his dad's side doesn't get together too often. Everyone lives in different states so, funerals are actually a time we all get to see each other. And, some of my favorite people in the world are there.

My fashionable, beautiful mother-in-lay Jana, me, my sexy Chase

I couldn't love all of Chase's girl cousins any more. They are one wild bunch.

I am sure that some of you might think this picture of Drew and Hazel is a little strange, but as strange as a picture of a dead body may be, I had to capture this moment. It is so sweet of Drew looking at her.

Chase and I posing with the Brown fam (and Jana).

If you are wondering if my strikingly gorgeous sister-in-law Skye seriously has that beautiful of hair, she does. And, she is 4 months pregnant. And, her baby Chance is a heartbreaker.

*Seriously, Chase struggles to understand 1-2-3 smile! Every picture he is not quite ready! ha ha

Hazel's daughters and daughters-in-law...(and one stranger in the middle that I don't know:)

Jay, Dan, Chase

Grandma Gunderson was one of then most loved people on the earth. I honestly don't believe there is a single person who could say a bad word about her. Although she was blind she told you how beautiful you were every time she saw you. She smiled through every single day - literally all day.

5 Year Anniversary

2011-07-15T02:30:00.007-06:00

July 8th marked 5 years since Chase and I got married.

That seems so long and so short at the same time....

We took a trip to Phoenix WITHOUT KIDS to celebrate.

Who's bag is who's?????

Don't be shocked that CHASE'S bag is the gigantic body bag on the left and mine is the reasonably sized one on the right.

We spent one day boating with our favorite cousins. SOOO fun!!!

You better believe that I got up on the wakeboard.

Chase didn't have ANY luck on the wakeboard so, he had to stick to the kneeboard.

The greatest part, however, was tubing. Seriously AMAZING!!!!

We all laughed harder than we have in a looooong time. My muscles and neck were aching the next day.

This picture is evidence of how sweet my husband is. I wanted to get a pedicure so he was so sweet and came with me and got a manicure. He was the only guy in there with like 12 girls....minus the freaky man who was getting is 2 inch long acrylic nails replaced.

Although most people would think planning a trip to Phoenix in July is sheer madness, we just might make this a yearly event. We had so much fun with the Dewitt clan. Janelle and Scott took us to the famous Pizza Bianco (PS Go there next time you are in Phoenix.). I am pretty sure we each at at least 6 slices of pizza. But, not to worry. We went to Cold Stone after to top it off. :)

I know that preschools go to Fire Stations for field trips, but I must say that we LOVED our tour of the Phoenix fire department from Scott. He works there and gave us a celebrity tour. First thing I did was put on the helmet!

Scott said we had to take a photo that indicated to everyone that we were at the super cool PHOENIX fire department.

K1 Racing. So fun!! We drove race cars, and I left with full on injuries. I had to ice my hand between races. Seriously.

So So fun!! I was the official loser, and Janelle was the official winner. Scott and Chase talked about their driving form for a good 30 minutes after we left.

HAPPY FIVE YEARS TO US!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENNY BOO!!!!

2011-06-30T05:21:00.004-06:00

This little guy turned 2 last week.

I can't believe it.

How are we already here?

We celebrated three times for this little man - with my family, with Chase's family, and with our little family of four.

Chase's family came over for a little swim/slip'n slide party.

Chance got the award for the dirtiest attendee. He was in HEAVEN!!

Ben and Char probably took turns going down this little slide about 50 time.

(This is the only photo of Chase in all of our birthday celebrations. He is very small and sitting at the table in the background. But, for the record he didn't miss a minute of the celebrating.)

The cake went over well.

Ben thought it was the coolest thing ever, and Jax is obsessed with frosting.

Perfect combination.

Ohh...my little birthday boy.

He is the cutest little boy ever.

He is FULL of personality.

Whenever ANYTHING happens he yell, "HEYYYYYYY!!!!!!"

So cute.

Brothers....

Besties....

I didn't find out I was pregnant with Ben until I was 18 weeks along. I was feeling terrible about myself. I was gaining weigh at a pretty consistent rate and had no idea what the ------ was going on. Jax was, after all, only 8 months old when I got pregnant. The possibility of being pregnant wasn't even on my mind.

So, I decided that I needed to take matters into my own hands and stop gaining weight. I decided that I needed to do the HCG diet stat. So, I got everything rolling and was ready to start my first injection the next morning. I laid in bed that night and the spirit told me so clearly to take a pregnancy test. Strange. But, as soon as I woke up the next morning it was the first thing I did.

Positive.

HOLY FREAK!!!!!!!!!

I was shocked.

SHOCKED!!!!!

HCG is a big NO NO when you are pregnant so, I am so happy that Heavenly Father quickly told me to take a pregnancy test the night before I started. Needless to say, I didn't start the diet. :)

I feel like this situation is a perfect description of how life has been with Ben. Heavenly Father has been so mindful of my little family in regards to Ben. For starters, at my 6 week appointment after having Jax I was planning to get an IUD. At the doctor's office my doctor told me that my insurance didn't cover an IUD. I couldn't believe it. At the time we had Educator's Mutual, which usually covers EVERYTHING under the sun. My doctor told me they were a messily $800. Needless to say, I decided not to get an IUD.

I have had very strong confirmation regarding Ben and his social personality coming to our family so quickly. It has been so great for Jax to have little Benny around.

On Jax's first birthday I sat in a rocking chair rocking Jax with my 4 month pregnant belly poking out sobbing. I kept telling Jax how sorry I was that I was pregnant - that I was having another baby when he was still a baby. That there was going to be another baby to come take away our precious time together.

After I had Ben I even suffered from Postpartum Depression for a little bit. I felt mad that I already had another baby. I wanted to just worry about my first baby.

As I look back on that, I see how wrong I was. We needed Ben.

Ben was sent to us. We didn't consciously choose to have baby #2 so soon. Starting with the IUD not being covered by my insurance. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father is in charge. I am so grateful that His plan prevails because His plan is better than ours.

We love our little Benny Boo so much. He is the best little snuggler. He has even been named "Mother Boy" by the Arrested Development fans in Chase's family. He and I have a special bond. We are buds.

Happy Birthday Benny Boo!!!

summer begins

2011-06-12T03:57:00.004-06:00

I figured since about 3 people read this blog that I better get updating or all three of you are going to be very disappointed.

Summer has begun!! Sure it has yet to hit 80 degrees, but we have been playing outside all day long. My kids love splashing around in their little plastic pool. Jax has only been out of school for 2 weeks, and he and Ben are already rocking farmer's tans. :)

My sister, Amber, got a new dog last week. Pugzy was over at my house and my kids LOVED his. Jax has taken about the whole week to warm up enough to be sharing the couch with him.

For Ben, on the other hand, it was love at first sight.

Ben + Pugzy = BFFs

This photo is a better description of what Jax was really like. While Ben was chasing Pugzy and kissing him, Jax wanted to keep at least one other body between him and the dog.

And, last but not least me and my Chaser. I am loving this warm weather. It is so nice to not feel like you are on house arrest.

graduation

2011-06-03T02:11:00.004-06:00

Today my baby sis graduated from high school. I seriously can't even believe it!

She is such a sweet girl. I feeling kinda proud of her.

Amber and Lynn were the only ones who brought their whole family. Katie and I were flying solo. Chase stayed home with our kids because my kids are terrors and would have been sprinting up and down the aisles and stairs the entire time.

Me and Chey.

I can't believe she will be entering the college world this year. I feel old...

SISTERS!!

This group is probably my favorite group in the world (Minus the fact that my mom is missing). My sisters are the best EVER. For sure my best friends in the whole world. And, pretty much the only people, other than Chase, who use my cell phone number frequently.

My cute mom and dad and grandma and grandpa.

Class of 2011

"THIS IS IT"

The graduate herself!!! :)

Way to go Chey!! Love you!!!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-05-29T02:49:00.002-06:00

This week while Jax was at school Ben and I went to the State Championship baseball game with my fam. Honestly, I was SHOCKED at his behavior. He was a little angel. I just always figured he was a hellian because everywhere I go he and Jax are just sprinting from place to place and I nearly lose them both.

But, when this little guy is alone, he is a dream come true.

Who knew?? :)

I Like What I Like

2011-05-19T01:31:00.002-06:00

First off, how adorable are these summer buzzes?

Amazing!!

These two little boys were cracking me up today. It is so funny how such little kids have preferences. After all the money and new technology being put into new Disney and Pixar movies, what is my kids' favorite movie?

Old school The Fox and the Hound

And, what is the snack of choice?

Mustard Pretzels

It is hilarious to me that at 2 yrs. and 3 yrs. these little guys already like specific things.

Night Out

2011-05-07T03:40:00.002-06:00

I already know that my sis, Amber, is going to mock me for this post, BUT I am still doing it.

Sadly, a wedding dinner counts as a night out these days. The number of nights Chase and I are without our little peeps are very few. So, you better believe I busted out my camera to document our "date".

My little bro Nick and my Chaser.

Me, my beautiful cousin Kylee (the bride-to-be), and my sis Amber

Nick, Matt, B, Bobby

These guys all wanted a copy of this photo :)

Amber and Lynn

Well, that is it. ha ha

But, I just want everyone to know that Chase and I did do something without kids. It really needs to be documented when that happens.

PS Thanks Amber for letting me eat my dinner AND yours :)

Easter

2011-04-25T01:22:00.002-06:00

Every year we go to Price the Saturday before Easter for the annual Carlson family Easter party with Chase's family. This year did not disappoint. My kids had so much fun!!!

So precious....

Craftin'

Ummm...Ryan, are you in an apron?!!

NUMBERS!!!! Jax's heaven!

My little Benny-Boo had so much fun having free reign at the church. He is the most handsome little dude.

I am laughing my head off just looking at this picture. Chase's poor grandma. I made her wear one of the headbands we were making. So funny. She is such a good sport! :)

a GOOD day

2011-04-22T22:58:00.002-06:00

I have been a complainer.

And, I don't want to be a complainer.

Days like today make me realize that the rough days are totally worth it.

My kids were so good and cute all day long.

They were loving the warm weather and playing in the backyard.

Ben is in love with this swing. I would give Jax a turn and the whole time Ben would be standing right in front of the swing crying and saying, "All done. All done." So cute.

And, excuse me Jax. Pants and shoes? What in the $%&@!!!!!!!

Yes, it truly has been a good day.

Seriously, how could you not want to hangout with these two all day?

And, teh most miraculous thing that happened all day was that both of my boys sat up to the table and ate lunch. Isn't it pathetic that this is monumental? Honestly, this NEVER happens. I can't even think of the last time. Usually I am chasing them around shoving food in their mouths. I just sat back in awe. I HAD to get my camera to document. If there wasn't proof there is no way Chase would have believed the good news!!

Ah Springtime, please stay.

And then hurry and leave so that it can be summer! :)

New FlowerBomb Spring Wool Felt Collection

2011-04-17T15:33:00.000-06:00

So, I kinda think you should go take a look at my accessory blog.

http://flower-bombdesigns.blogspot.com/

The new Spring Wool Felt Collection has just been posted.

Headbands $7

Clips $4

A little taste....(Over 50 items to look at on my FlowerBomb Blog!!)

blessed

2011-04-15T02:29:00.004-06:00

If you read my post from yesterday, you know that I have been struggling.

To be honest, yesterday was the day from hell that ended the week from hell.

I ended the day in tears while sitting at the kitchen counter with Chase. These kids of mine are really testing my patience.

But, today has been a new day. A day that has shown me that I truly am blessed.

Let's just start with my wonderful mom. After listening to me beg for help with Jax's refusal to wear pants, my mom came up with this little concoction:

Yes, it is what you think. Homemade leiderhosen!! SO funny looking, but was a miracle worker today. My mom sewed on grosgrain ribbon "leiderhosen" to a few of Jax's shorts and pants. He then let her put them on. He kept these bad boys on for like 5 hours today!!!!! (Please bless this wasn't a one time thing and that he wears them again tomorrow.)

Today has definitely been the rainbow after the storm. I was seriously about to pack my bags and move to Tahiti yesterday. I couldn't do it. I literally was a failure as a mother. My kids are unruly. I am impatient, and we were all miserable.

Two nights ago my prayers consisted of begging for help with Jax. Period. No other topics were even approached because figuring this little guy out literally takes over my every thought. I begged Heavenly Father for help. How can I make him wear pants? How can I reason with him? What do I do? Is this seriously what my life is? Does anyone even care that my kids are the hardest kids in the world? Does anyone care that I really don't think I can ever have a third child because I really feel like I am failing?

Well, today was a true testimony that prayers are answered. He really does care about my current issue with Jax and his pants. He really does care about my minor day-to-day struggles. After posting last night about Jax, I got so many people calling me, texting me, and even two letters that just so happened to show up today in regards to my struggles. How amazing is that?

Today I truly have felt that Heavenly Father knows that I haven't been dealt the easiest hand, and that He is going to help me with it. When I got one particular letter in the mail today I couldn't help but cry through the entire thing. It had been sent to me a week ago. It was like Heavenly Father knew that in a week I was going to pray BEGGING Him to rescue me and that this letter needed to be ready and in my mailbox the next morning to tell me that I haven't been sent the issues I have without help. Honestly, I have never felt so clearly that He was there. It was like He was telling me, "Goldie, relax. I know what I have given you to deal with. And, I know you can do it. I am not going to leave you hanging in your trials. We can be a team. I am going to help you AND I have given you so many people in your life that are going to help with this."

I can't even remember the wonderful experiences I have had today without tears rolling down my cheeks. For those of you who called, texted, sent mail (days ago), or even commented THANK YOU. You have no idea, but you have been the answer to my desperate prayers this week.

And, my mother-in-law and mom have also come running to the rescue. My mom has been busily working up crazy things on the sewing machine and bringing me a million supplies to try. My mother-in-law has seriously spent hours online reading articles and getting information for me. How is it possible that I have been given all of this when only 2 days ago I prayed with a broken heart for any type of help.

I could preach to you all day long that someone is listening when we pray, but it is days like today that teach me that all of the "stuff" I have been taught my whole life is true. We all have trials. And, they suck. I am not going to sugar coat it one little bit. And, I know that my trials are not any harder than anyone else's, but when the trial is yours, it seems larger than life. We all have crap, just different shovels.

Today has been a good day.

Well, it seems that this blog has turned into "Chronicles of a Mom With Hard Kids That Just Can't Hack It", but I think I need to post a few pictures to prove that everything is okay. I am going to survive (I think). And, as hard as my kids are, they are the cutest little dudes!!!

house arrest

2011-04-14T05:05:00.003-06:00

I have been on house arrest. Literally.

Last week Jax decided that he no longer will wear pants. Period. No exceptions. He throws the BIGGEST fit you have ever seen if you have the nerve to try and get him in pants. It doesn’t matter what I try – jeans, corduroys, shorts, athletic pants, pajama pants, sweats, sweatshorts. I have tried them all.

Needless to say, we haven’t been going anywhere. It is just weird to go out into public with a 3 year old who isn’t wearing bottoms.

In November of last year Jax decided that he wasn’t going to wear shoes anymore. Pretty awesome decision right as winter is starting. We did, however, find one pair of Vans that he would wear on very rare occasions. But, I moved from, “He has to wear shoes,” to, “If he ever wears shoes – even for 2 minutes – we are moving in the right direction.” Not wearing shoes was annoying. We didn’t play in the snow at all last winter. We didn’t really go outside at all to avoid frostbite. And no, putting him outside in socks when it was freezing didn’t make him want shoes. He just happily ran through the snow in wet socks.

Well, I thought that was bad. Little did I know it was going to get a lot worse. This pants thing is KILLING me. I seriously feel like someone put an ankle bracelet tracker on me and told me I couldn’t leave my house. Thank goodness it is warm enough to play in the backyard without pants (sorta).

Did I mention that when Jax went to school on Friday he showed up without pants on. Sweet. And, by some miracle we got pants on him Sunday to go to church. But, he quickly realized that he had them on and freaked. He ripped them off as I was wrestling him to the ground. Let’s just say we immediately got in the car and left. We can go nowhere. Not even church.

I am not sure how much more of this I can take.

So, I am needing some serious help. What in the world do I do? Nothing works. He won’t put them on if I do the, “You can’t do this until you put your pants on.” Timeout doesn’t do it. A wrestling match that leaves me sweating and crying has failed to. So, who is the occupational therapist out there who can solve this one?

A Bonk and Some Underwear

2011-04-10T01:48:00.001-06:00

Today was a ROUGH day. For everyone.

The day started out with some tears. Ben was jumping from the arm of the couch onto the cushion. He landed on the cushion, bounced forward, and landed forehead first on the corner of my coffee table.

He WAILED. I freaked. I was sure I needed to be at the Emergency Room stat. I called my mom to come over to my house to see if he needed stiches. But, after about ten minutes, I called my mom off and settled down a bit.

I am still not sure if I should have got it stiched. But, I didn't. So, hopefully he doesn't have a gigantic scar that I am responsible for.

Ben kept saying, "Ought oh. Ought oh."

Soooo mangled.

-----------------

Jax, oh Jax. This little kid sure knows how to push me over the edge. He is hitting a bit of a rough spot right now. He is so dang cute, but can make me want to climb in a ball and cry sometimes.

Currently, he refuses to wear pants and prefers to have a bare bum. Sweet. I took him to Walmart today (in the snow) without pants. I got some TERRIBLE looks.

Anyway, I thought you needed to see how cute his little body is in his underwear...that he never wears. Just wore them long enough for me to take a picture. I had to take 2 because he wasn't really interested in posing in his skivvies for the world wide web.

He seriously looks like a seven year old in this photo.

Roen's Birthday Party

2011-04-08T02:03:00.005-06:00

My nephew, Roen, turns 5 this week. He had a killer birthday party to celebrate.

He has been so excited about it and really concerned about making sure Jax and Ben got him a gift. And, I feel very proud to say that the Iron Hide (Transformer jargon) we got him was basically his favorite gift!!!!

*Last year when he opened my gift for him - Ironman paraphernalia - he started crying and told me that the gift was a garbage gift. So this year I took special care when getting his present. :)

So, all 100 kids that Mr. Roen knows showed up ready to party.

And, of course Jax and Ben were on the VIP guest list.

"A baby!!! A baby!!" Ben couldn't resist. He had to make his way into Holden's car seat for a little love.

These two little cousins are only 3 months apart and could probably pass as twins.

PS I am so grateful they aren't twins. Not because I don't love Char, but I am pretty sure I would be in a mental hospital by now if I had three kids ages 2 and 3!!!

Piniata!!!!!! Nothing makes a party like scrounging through the piniata candy. Jax wasn't the best at this. He couldn't wait to eat the candy so he'd have to eat each piece before he would pick up another. Which, left him with a small pile since all the other greedy kids grabbed it all!!

Milo is seriously amazing. He makes me laugh just looking at him. He is so cute.

And, the birthday boy himself. Of course his party was all things Transformer. He wouldn't have it any other way.

The sun is obviously a little too bright for Benny-boo. This was probably his fifth or sixth cupcake..

Jax on the other hand wanted nothing to do with the cupcakes. He just kept refilling his one cupcake with more frosting. A boy after my own heart!

All the peeps at the cupcake decorating table.

Ben and Char diggin'

Jax thought this gigantic sandbox was the best thing ever!!

Happy Birthday to the dude that made me an aunt.

PSS We missed you Katie!!!!!! (And Zac) :(

not my best day

2011-03-25T03:24:00.004-06:00

Today has probably been my worst day ever as a mom. Hands down. Honestly, if you feel the need to call DCFS after reading this post, more power to ya.

It all started with me working last night. I work the graveyard shift a mere 3 nights a week. Just enough to feel like a real person who is contributing to society, but small enough to still be a full-time stay-at-home momma to my babies. I got home from work and got to sleep for 2 hours before Chase left to work. Then, I got up and started my daily mom duties. Fed everyone breakfast. Got my kids clean and dressed for the day. Well, kinda. It took like 2 hours to convince Jax that he needed to wear pants. After I cleaned up the crazy messes that happen in my family room in just a few short hours of playing, I fed my kids lunch and got Jax ready to hit the road for school.

Jax just started to ride the bus this week. I have been taking him, but decided to give the bus a try. So, the bus arrived and we ran out and off he went. I went back inside and got Ben a dry, clean little bum and put him down for a nap. Since I had only slept 2 hours in the last 24, I, too, had to use Jax's preschool time to sleep. I set my alarm for 2:45pm so I had time to get Ben up and ready, get to Jax's school to get him and meet my mom and Amber. I even set my alarm a few minutes early because today was going to be the first day Jax rode the bus home. But, I needed to get somewhere quickly after school so, I had to be there before the little guy hopped on the bus.

I jumped in my bed and was no doubt asleep in 30 seconds flat. Staying up all night long will do that to ya. Next thing I know, I hear a loud knock at my door. I jump up, and the first thing I see is the clock. 5:00 pm! HOLY $%^@!!!!!!!!! I sprint to the door and there is Jax's afternoon Bus driver. He then went on to tell me that he got lost trying to find my place and kept calling me, but I didn't answer. (....I was totally sleeping instead of being at the police station wondering why in the world my 3 year old wasn't home an hour and a half after school got out!!!!) Really, I should have been at the police station trying to get an Amber Alert rolling.

I probably apologized to the bus driver 1,000 times as we walked out to the bus to get poor little Jax, who had been harnessed into the bus for over an hour!! The poor little dude was sooooo excited to see me and be freed from the bus. I have never felt so bad in my life! The bus driver had seriously been driving around for an hour trying to find where to drop Jax off. And, what was I doing? Snoozing! Seriously?

Everything just worked out as terribly as it could have today. My phone was still on silent from work and all the way out in the kitchen. My mom and Amber had both called me like 20 times. The bus driver had been calling. Chase had called. My alarm was set correctly and didn't go off. Ben, who usually takes a 2 or so hour nap and could be considered a back-up alarm, slept for 5 HOURS and never woke me up. He's never done that in his entire life. Oh. My. Gosh!!!!!!!

So, needless to say my day was pretty out of control. I just couldn't really get control the rest of the day. I seriously couldn't calm down from the panic attack I felt when I woke up to the bus driver banging down my door and seeing 5pm on my clock. I had a visiting teaching appointment at 6:30pm that I totally forgot to show up to. I am actually back at work right now and haven't brushed my hair, changed my shirt, or put on an ounce of makeup since yesterday. Would you please find me a life coach?!

Anyway, I am so relieved to say that my kids are still alive. Jax made it home from school safe and sound. I, on the other hand, just might get fired from my job as a mom.

kiddies

2011-03-24T01:49:00.004-06:00

Honestly, if you are not laughing a little inside by the sight of this photo, I am just not sure what else I can do for you.

So funny! Jax has this little tramp in his room and thinks that the best way to jump is butt naked. Duh!

{You are so welcome for the edit.}

These two brothers are the best. It is so crazy how babies grow so fast and then slow down a little. These two besties are 16 months apart and are starting to look like the same size.

...wait, doesn that have something to do with my 3 year old chugging away at a bottle? don't judge...

Ben is a pro at feeding himself (on the days he decides to eat). He doesn't want help.

He can do it all by his self - so back off!!!

FlowerBomb Designs

2011-03-16T02:04:00.003-06:00

So, rumor has it that YOU have been really sad that FlowerBomb Designs took a little leave of absence. My apologies.

BUT, we are back in business...literally. So, be sure to visit my blog

http://flower-bombdesigns.blogspot.com

and get buying!!!!!!

obsessed

2011-03-11T03:12:00.002-07:00

I hate to admit it, but I LOVE The Bachelor.

Obsessed.

Never miss an episode.

And, I hope Emily wins.

So, quick question.

Anyone have any tips on how I can morph my face and body into hers.

Shouldn't be too hard...right...

st. george

2011-03-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago we packed our bags and headed toward some outside weather. Jax and Ben couldn't have been happier to take the road trip. Sadly, Chase couldn't miss work to join us. My whole family went to St. George for Stockton's baseball tourney.

Two ear aches can really put a damper on a vacation. My poor little Benny Boo had a rough few days on this trip. His fever was unreal. It was the saddest thing ever.

Best bud brothers. I couldn't be happier that these two little dudes have each other. I am so happy that Heavenly Father is smarter than me. I would have never planned these little guys so close together. But, He knew how much they needed each other.

I LOVE that Jax is now aware when the camera is taking a picture of him. SO dang cute!!

ALright, this next picture might make you wonder about my parenting skills. Jax loved nothing more than climbing on top of my car. He would run out of our house and head straight for the car.

These little boys seriously thought they had found heaven on earth with weather nice enough to play outside and all the shovels they could handle. After hours of this sand digging I called Chase and told him I thought we should move to St. George. And, I was serious. These long winter months are seriously hard for my kids. They are so sick of being cooped up inside. This was a much needed trip. Spring better hurry, hurry, hurry!!!

night owl

2011-03-07T04:35:00.001-07:00

I am sooooo glad the last two weeks are over. I have gained a whole new respect for working moms. I started a new job at a residential treatment center and have been working non kid-friendly hours. My kids have been thrown around to their grandmas way too much.

But, I am happy to say those 2 weeks are over, and I will be able to be a mom again. My schedule will be much more kid friendly. And, when I say that I mean that I will be working when they sleep. Crazy. It is even crazier than you think. While you are catching a good night’s rest, I will be working away. But, treatment for mental illness and addiction works around the clock. J

I am at work right now….4:27am. I am freaking tired!! I sure hope that I can get use to this craziness. But, I will say that, for me, it is better than having people watch my kids every single day.

I have so much respect for working moms. I am not quite sure how they do it. You should see my kitchen. I am pretty sure there is not a clean dish to be seen. And, if you want something for dinner my kitchen is the WRONG place for you these last 2 weeks. And, let’s not even talk about clean clothes. My laundry room is a war zone.

How in the blankity blank do moms work all day, take care of their kids, and keep things together at home? Poor Chase. I am sure he is wondering how we are even living in such conditions!!! I have seriously felt like an absentee mother these last two weeks. Perhaps other working moms can hack it, but man it has been rough for me.

Those 2 weeks have come to a blessed end. I couldn’t be happier. And, I can only imagine how Chase is feeling. :) Now I just need to figure out this whole sleeping business. I sure hope I don’t start hallucinating with this lack of sleep….

Nordstrom Knock-off

2011-02-10T23:13:00.006-07:00

I immediately thought, I can totally make that. I hate that I think like that. Usually when I make something it doesn't work out quite as planned and pretty much looks like a craft. But, I decided to give it a try.

Now, I will admit that it is nowhere near as cute as the Nordstrom necklace. BUT, I didn't buy anything to make it. I saw the magazine and thought, I am going to try and make that tonight. So, I just used whatever I already had to see if it worked out at all. If I did it again, I would buy some super cute embellishments two-toned ribbon, and I am sure that it would would be a little closer to Nordstrom caliber. But, for just using whatever random stuff I had on hand, it isn't too bad.

computing

2011-02-09T13:54:00.004-07:00

My boys have a new love. The computer. Because both of them are o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d. with Mickey Mouse I have found some online Mickey Mouse games and they are SOLD!!

Jax jumps up and down, is a pro at knowing when to click the mouse, and laughs so hard when he does it right.

Ben is trying to be part of it which is amazing. He yells out the characters names when they show up on the screen and tries to click. It is so cute!!

Here is the URL if you have a little Mickey lover:

http://disney.go.com/preschool/games/html/index?id=1607281

The two favorites in Ben's life: Mickey Mouse and suckers!! Perfect morning.

Preschool

2011-02-08T13:02:00.005-07:00

Today was that day. The day every mom dreads.

The first day of school. The day your baby is no longer a baby.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I can't believe it. And, I am so sad.

But, he did look adorable for his first day. This little cutie is bound to make a friend, right?

Ben wasn't sad that Jax was going to school. He was just sad that his mom wanted to take pictures instead of letting him go outside. Poor little Ben HATES winter.

Jax wouldn't put his shoes on, naturally. However, when we got to his school he let me put them on him. Yahoo!!!

We walked in and every kid was obediently sitting on the carpet squares looking bright eyed at the teacher. Jax, on the other hand, wouldn't sit down and was happily playing in the toy corner.

I put his backpack and jacket in his cubby and left. He didn't cry. He was fine. Duh, it was a room full of new toys!! However, I got back in my car and bawled. I hate today! I sure hope the little guy does alright.

celebrating three

2011-02-05T22:19:00.005-07:00

We did a lot of celebrating today for Jax's third birthday.

Here is the photo recap.

The day started with presents. Due to his love for Mickey Mouse all gifts were related to Mickey in one way or another. And, Jax couldn't have been more pleased. Ben was in heaven, too. He thought it was his birthday too.

Then, we were off to Kangaroo Zoo - Jax's favorite place on the planet. I actually love it too. My kids can run wild, and I am not worried about losing someone. We all win! After Kangaroo Zoo we went to lunch at Jax's favorite place...McDonalds. Please don't hate me for letting my children eat McDonald. Don't worry we try to go the the very least amount possible.

Now, prepare yourself for what comes next. Chase just couldn't resist the special they had going on and we left with this PAIL of 50 NUGGETS!!!! Oh boy....

After Kangaroo Zoo we came home for Ben to take a nap. Since Jax hates nothing more than a nap, he played some computer games (Mickey Mouse obviously) with Chase. He LOVES the games on the Disney website. He is a pro at clicking the mouse.

When Ben woke up from his nap our day of partying convinced him that he could do whatever he wanted....

Next, it was off to celebrate with some family and cake.

While I hope I'm not enabling a pyromaniac, Jax LOVES these lighters!!

He had a crowd of people facing him and singing. It was a little much at first, but he came around. :)

Have your cake, and eat it too!

Gifts!! This car launcher was probably the highlight of the night. The only negative on this one is that I am pretty sure we have to go buy another one because Ben flips out that he can't have it. Two kids = two of everything.

Happy Birthday Jax - you BIG three year old!!!!

three

2011-02-05T09:23:00.003-07:00

THREE years ago today this little baby came to our family.

He was the most beautiful little dude with a full head of white hair.

The months and years have flown by. Really, I can't believe we are already here. Starting school in just THREE days.

This squishy little guy has changed my life forever. He has taught me so much more in these last THREE years than I would have ever guessed. This parenting thing isn't for the faint of heart. He has also brought so much life and happiness into our family.

I never knew that one could love Mickey Mouse so much. And, I am pretty sure that on his death bed Jax is going to ask for a nice order of chicken nuggets. There is not a THREE year old on the planet who is better with numbers, counting, colors, organizing or collecting than my little Jax.

I hate that my little baby is growing up so fast. Time really does fly. I honestly can't believe that I am here. That I have a THREE year old. I love this crazy little guy more than he knows. Happy Birthday baby boy.

We've Adopted!!!

2011-01-26T09:26:00.002-07:00

We have THREE new family members!

Mickey, Donald and Goofy!!!

I went into the Disney store this week with Jax and Ben. Oh boy, that was a mistake. I was there for one hour and went to the cash register 4 different times. Jax just couldn't decide what he wanted. So, I bought stuff then he would change his mind, and I would have to go back to the register to return the previous thing and buy the newest toy he wanted.

After 4 trips to the register we left with Mickey, Donald and Goofy stuffed animals. In the store I handed him him Daisy, Minnie and Pluto, but he chucked them. He only wanted Mickey, Donald, and Pluto. He hugged them the whole rest of the day, and they have been traveling with us wherever we go.

Here Ben is admiring the new friends...Jax was alseep. That is the only reason Ben got to even touch these guys. :)

Seriously, these guys go everywhere with Jax. So cute!!!

Crafting - Starburst Mirror

2011-01-26T09:18:00.002-07:00

In case you weren't aware, I have joined the world of crafting. I never thought I could hang there, but I am stuck! I spend WAYYYYY too much time looking at craft blogs. Really. But, I thought I would share my latest endeavor.

My $6 version of the starburst mirror.

Check out the tutorial here.

Super easy! :)

Hansen Family Christmas Party

2010-12-24T12:24:00.002-07:00

Last night was the annual Hansen Family Shindig. Thanks to I-15 we were an hour late, but other than that it was a par-tay.

Me, my momma, my grandma and my sisters:)

My mom, me, Katie, Chey, Amber, and Grandma Hansen

These two little cousins are best buds. They just follow each other around. AMAZING.

Milo and Ben.

And here Ben and Milo are again. Chase is keeping the playing from escalating to fighting.

Man did my little boys love Cyd and Dave's unfinished basement. Room to fun wild!!! And yes, Jax found every tool or dangerous item down there.

Some of my fam.

Lynn, Kurt, Chey, Stock, Tim, Zac, Katie, Maren, B

My cousin Colter dressed-up as Santa, and it was amazing!!

I showed this picture to Chase and told him that I was sending this solo shot of me and Santa out for our family Christmas card. ha ha :)

Chase tried to force Jax on Santa's lap. Jax was NOT having it. I am not even sure his little bum touched that red velvet.

Sadly, I think this is the most priceless photo with Santa. I'm pretty sure every kid is terrified of the man!!

(Especially when you have a hunchback Santa like Colter! ha ha ha)

Our little family.

SMILE :):)

2010-12-16T18:12:00.003-07:00

Okay, so I know this post is a bit creepy. And, I am also sure that Chase and I are the only ones who will enjoy these pictures. AND, I already know you are going to think I am a weirdo for taking pictures of myself

BUT...

Jax has just learned how to smile on command for the camera and it has brought me some serious entertainment.

So, don't mind me in the photos, but pah-lease appreciate his new smiles for the camera.

Priceless!!!!

FIve GrandSONS

2010-12-10T16:40:00.002-07:00

My mom and dad have 5 grandSONS.

Yep, all boys.

Here are two of the cuties.

While my kids and my sister Amber's kids frequent my parents' house, our little Californian Zac is pretty rare. So, when ALL of the little grandbabies were together we obviously had to get it on record.

Here is what it looks like when you are trying to get 5 BOYS under 4 to take a picture:

Well, it was worth a try. Thank you Lynn for all your hard work! :)

Chevaliers

2010-12-01T22:38:00.002-07:00

Although our Chevalier days together started ELEVEN YEARS AGO, these girls are still my besties. We had a little get together, and I couldn't have loved it more. We laughed at our old dance pictures and videos and talked about some funny memories. Some of my best and funniest high school memories involve these girls! :)

Lacey, Me, Janelle, Nikki, Keri Jo, Jolie, Summer Jessica

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-27T13:34:00.002-07:00

Like most, we alternate between spending Thanksgiving Day with Chase's family and with my family. This year belonged to the Gunderson's. We ate at Chase's parents house. Chase's dad got a knee replacement just last week so, he wasn't really up for much traveling. :)

My little family. I can't believe that this 4-some is my little family. Man, time has gone so fast! My little family is kinda getting big.

All the Gunderson boys minus Drew and Kent. Drew was busy with his girlfriend, Nancy, and Kent was busy with a knee replacement! :)

Beau, Tigh, Chase, Paul, Baby Chance

Most of the cooking duties fell on the one and only Jana. She is the most marvelous cook!! And, Skye of course, too. Her pumpkin dessert was my favorite.

Jacque. Char and Tigh's little family.

The whole crew.

Jax

2010-11-24T20:07:00.003-07:00

Oh, Jax. This little 2 1/2 year of mine is quite the little dude. I am still trying to figure him out. He laughs when you tell him no or say anything to him in a stern voice. He is not interested in following any directions. But, he does have a new nose squinching smile that lets him get away with most of it.

This last week Jax has boycotted shoes. Literally. Two Sundays ago he decided that he was no longer gong to wear shoes. He didn't care that he was going in public or that winter has approached. So, that Sunday he went to church without shoes. I thought it was just a fit he was throwing before church. But, I was wrong. Eight days later, he still hadn't worn a pair of shoes. He even went to "school" shoeless.

He kept bringing me a pair of Ben's Vans and sticking out his feel for me to put them on. Obviously, they wouldn't fit. When I try to put shoes on him he literally freaks. Then, if I do get them on, he literally takes them on within 5 seconds. So, we went to the mall today to experiment in the Vans store.

We got him a pair just like Ben's - only a different color because they didn't have the same one, which made me a little nervous. Chase tried 3 different pairs on him checking for the right size. He sat through all three and allowed them all to go on his feet!!! Holy smokes! We were shocked. We had no choice but to buy them, and he wore them out of the store.

So, I am pretty sure he will soon be the poster child for Vans. I am not sure why he is so into Vans, but if it means he wears shoes he will be rockin' these babies every day!

If you asked me what Jax's favorite thing to do right now I would hands down say playing in the washer. I am not sure how this even started, but it is his favorite place. He pushes the garbage can over and climbs up with screwdriver in hand. Then, he sits in there and "fixes" it with his screwdriver. Pretty sure he could be entertained for hours in the washer.

Let's talk a little about Jax's personality. Let's just say that I would not let him walk around in William Sonoma alone. He is quite the destructive little guy. He really isn't malicious about it (and that is not just his mother speaking). He just likes to grab things, take them apart, and fix everything with his screwdriver. That being said, there are times when he goes a little too far.

Him and the rip in my couch would be one of those moments. He thought it was so awesome to climb inside the couch.

Wow...doesn't he look sooooo remoseful?

I sure do love this little guy. He is the epitome of an active boy. He can't sit still for anyone but Mickey Mouse. He is one cute little dude. He makes me pretty dang tired, but I just want to squish him all day.

Choo Choo

2010-11-19T22:31:00.002-07:00

I am feeling pretty proud of myself right about now. Due to my lack of artistic talent, this project turned out way better than I was expecting.

We wanted to buy Jax and Ben a train table, but were a little weary because we didn't want to spend $200 on something we weren't sure they would play with. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make a cheaper version so that I wouldn't be mad if they didn't play with it every day. So, after a google search, I found the perfect tutorial to follow. It was SOOO easy!! And, it cost me a total of $42 (I did make 3 trips to Hobby Lobby and used the 40% off coupon 3 different times)!

Before:

I bought this table for $15 at DI. It is the sturdiest rock you have ever seen. So, Jax and Ben can climb all over it without breaking any bones.

After:

And, here she is!!!!!

Now, get yourself to Hobby Lobby STAT and make your own!

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

2010-11-09T16:43:00.002-07:00

There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby. Nothing.

Jax found these blocks and literally wouldn't put them down for about 4 hours. As he was getting put in bed he refused to put them down. So, they went to bed with him. Amazing.

Ahhh..this is so sweet! Ben is not really loving his life off of a bottle. He is so sad when it is time to go to bed, and he is left empty handed. It is pretty sad. So, Chase just snuggled Ben to sleep one night.

This picture is so cute!!! First off, if you haven't met Sniffy, Ben's dog, yet, you are missing out. They are best buds. And, Ben's front teeth are amazing. You get a little glimpse of them here!! :)

Halloween School Day

2010-10-29T16:00:00.004-06:00

Twice a week Jax goes to "school". Now, when I say "school" I really mean a class that I attend with him that is meant to prepare him for when he is actually old enough to go to school. They work on transitions, sitting still for learning time, snack time, book time, and music time. It started as a nightmare, but now I don't dread it. It is hard work for BOTH of us!

He was suppose to come in costume to class this week for Halloween. Since we discovered that his actual Halloween costume was way too small and made him look like the poor kid who couldn't afford a costume that actually fit, I had to rummage up something the day of.

Count on Jax to already own a BYU jersey and actual football pants. So, he graduated from the lion to the football player.

Jax during learning time actually LEARNING!!! The first time he did this learning time he lasted a whopping 3 MINUTES. And, he was mad the whole time. But, I am happy to say that this little football man can now do the full 15 minutes of learning time.

He must be a genius or something! :)

Learning time continued. Putting these sticks into this wooden block have proved to be one of his all-time faves. I think it is the cutest thing how serious he is about this. As soon as all five are in, he looks up at me with a smile waiting for me to get excited and congratulate him.

Today was the best he has ever done at "school". He has a tendency to run away from the assigned activity to climb on something or grab any visible toy. But, not today. He was pretty into the pudding/shaving cream painting.

This is one risque school! They had the kids take their shirts off to paint to avoid getting too dirty. Jax thought the foam shapes were off the hizzle!!

Because he is so little, I attend "school" with him. We painted a tree. And, he even decorated it with some feathers.

The fact that he is attending to this activity and even did it by himself (for a few minutes) honestly almost brings me to tears. This little guy has been a handful, to say the least. I hated this class when we started. I left sweating and crying for the whole first month. But, I am so proud of him now. No, he doesn't sing the songs during music time, but he sits there and listens now. And no, he doesn't try every new snack during snack time, but he sits there (most of the time). This little guy just might make it in the big, bad world of real school!!! :)

TRUNK-or-Treat

2010-10-28T07:52:00.003-06:00

Last night Chase and I had a monumental parenting moment.

We attended our first TRUNK-or-Treat.

And let me tell you what, our kids hated it! :)

(Perhaps it was because they were feeling sleep deprived.)

They were not interested in me drawing whiskers on them AT ALL.

Jax has one set of whiskers a bit higher than his nose and one set of whiskers quite a bit lower than his nose. But, he was getting whiskers DANGIT!!!!

And, Ben thought it would be fun to rub the black from his face all over our carpet before we left and all over my clothes when we got there.

This is the brief moment Jax actually stayed in the cultural hall.

He must have thought it was Sunday and appropriately sprinted through the church halls.

And, of course, Ben was quick to follow.

This face pretty much shows his excitement about trick-or-treating.

About 5 minutes after leaving, we realized Jax's costume was WAY too small. ha ha

Let's just say that he won't be wearing this costume at any of the other Halloween celebrations this week. :)

**Go ahead and look at Jax's right arm and tell me that the sleeves were long enough!! :)

And, if this isn't the cutest little doggy you have ever seen I would like to meet the competitor!!

Even with tired kids who weren't all that into trick-or-treating, I had fun at the Trunk-or-Treat. And, I felt like an old parent who actually had children old enough to participate. With Halloween on a Sunday this year, it seems that everyone is a bit confused. So, celebrations are strung-out all week. So, stay tuned for more!!!

Happy Birthday Chaser

2010-10-22T12:01:00.003-06:00

This week Chase celebrated the big 2-7.

Holy OLD!!!!

He actually wasn't all that excited to turn 27.

But, we celebrated anyway. :)

Chase's family came over to our place for dinner and our very own version on Minute to Win It!!

Most of the group trying to see who really knows Chase best.

Ben was partying, too....shirtless!

Happy Birthday to my baby.

I know you want a slice of that cake.

Nancy and Drew.

Cute couple!!!

Ben in trying to get in on the dating scene.

There is the birthday boy himself.

What a stud.

Jax thought this was the coolest party ever. He got to play with balloons and rolls of toilet paper. What more could a 2 year old ask for?

Skye dominating (I mean cheating) while winning fishing pumpkins out of noodles with her toes.

I would like to personally thank Jax for ruining this cute photo. He was obsessed with pouring water everywhere and got a little on my camera lens.

With only one minute who can pull ALL the Kleenexes out of the box one by one fastest??

Jacque? Nope..

Drew? Wrong again...

Nancy? Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!

Who was the winner of the toilet paper unrolling?

Not sure...sorry winner. :) You are not getting the recognition you deserve.

We had such a fun night. These stupid games really turned out to be quite entertaining.

Happy Birthday Chase!!

I love you soooo much. You are my bestest bud.

Hee Haw Farms

2010-10-18T23:16:00.003-06:00

This weekend our little family went to Hee Haw Farms.

Ben was excited to be out on the town.

Our boys were pretty excited about this place.

Jax about died over all the tractors that he could freely climb.

Literally, he almost died from excitement.

In the petting area of the farm they had a little bunny to hold.

Ben immediately grabbed it and gave it a hug.

I am not sure if we a good parents for taking our kids to fun places or terrible parents for taking our kids out to play when they are soooooooooo ready for bed.

Hard to say.

Jax, unlike Ben, takes after both Chase and I.

He doesn't want anything to do with touching animals.

He was not about to touch this pig.

Hilarious.

Jax and Ben were really into this place.

Honestly, I thought it was just okay.

It wsa $8/person, and I sorta thought that was a little steep for this little farm.

But, with that in mind, I am sure I will be back again with my $16 ready.

My Babies

2010-10-16T09:30:00.004-06:00

There is something that I am not proud of.

And, this is it.

I am sure that there are a few of you out there who can't breath right now. Yes, that is my 2 year old with a bottle still. I know. I know. BUT, you have to admit that this picture is so dang cute. Ben can't get enough of his big brother. Ben always wakes up earlier than Jax. When I hear Jax waking up I tell Ben that we need to go get him. This is probably Ben's most exciting part of the day.

Jax got a new bike. He looks sooo big on it. Sure he doesn't like to ride it on his own yet, but he does love checking out the grips and being pushed on it.

Oh, those grips have changed Jax's life!!!

While this isn't the best picture ever, it IS the best picture ever!!!! I love both Ben and Jax's faces. I always think about how grateful I am that I have both of these guys. Ben was definitely a 'surprise'. However, knowing what I know now I might have even planned my kids this crazy close in age. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father is the one in charge!!!

Amazing. That is quite the stink eye from Jax.

Please tell me that I am not the only one who can't keep a straight face looking at this photo. These weird glasses were in one of the boxes of Little Swimmers I bought this summer. Ben thinks these are the coolest thing EVER!

(Please notice two things in the background. 1- Jax is doing the perfect picture pose in the background. 2- Check out my blinds. My kids sure know how to leave their mark on a place.)

Let's Talk

2010-10-15T18:06:00.002-06:00

Man have I disappeared from the blogging world. I kinda disappeared because I needed to. My life really had nothing exciting to blog about. And, I just couldn't do it any more. But, I am feeling ready to reunite with this blog of mine. No, my life hasn't really gotten too much more exciting, but I guess there are still things to document. :)

There are a few reasons I ditched this blog of mine:

1 - I really just couldn't find time to commit to one more thing. I use to listen to moms say they were just "soooo busy" and kinda roll my eyes. I didn't get it. But, now I do. No, I am not busy making business deals or meeting up with friends nightly to paint the town, but I am busy playing with blocks, going to the park, grocery shopping, cleaning up toys, cleaning up throw-up, and trying to teach animal sounds. Sure I could have snuck in some blogging time, but I have just been exhausted from this mommy business. I honestly couldn't do it.

2 - I don't want to sound terrible, but the blogging world had kinda started to bug me. Because of everything I am currently dealing with in my life I couldn't face checking one more blog. I wasn't excited that someone's child said something amazing. Instead, I was kinda pissed and jealous. I wasn't happy about the events I was reading about, I was kinda mad. So, instead of being pissed at the cyber world, I just ditched it. My issues needed to be faced without other lives to compare to.

But, this post is not a downer. Really, it's not. I have decided that I want to post on this blog. And, even better - I can. I am not going to be pissed at the cyber world anymore. I am not going to be mad about other people's posts. How lame is that, anyway? Lame. You are going to want to check this blog a lot more often because it is soon going to be off the hook!!!!!!!! Why?

1 - Because even if it is just one of my kids sneaking into the bath fully clothed, I have things to document.

2 - As sad and virtual as it may seem, it kinda makes me feel like I am actually part of the world even if there are days I never leave the house and just sing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse songs for entertainment.

So, you can add this blog back on to your daily read list. I have been raised from the dead!!!!!

8 Weeks to a Better You

2010-09-29T10:28:00.002-06:00

So, I have joined a new health challenge.

It started Monday, but I didn't sign-up until yesterday.

So, if you are really interested, I am sure they will still let you join today.

Check out the blog:

www.8weekstoabetteryou.blogspot.com

Here is a little of the info.

Wish me luck with no sugar!!!!

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to earn points every day by following a list of requirements. At the end of every week, you will total your points then record them to the "8 Weeks to a Better You Points Bracket". All the participants will receive access to this online spreadsheet, and we trust will be truthful when recording their points. On you honor people!

Here's how you earn points...

Physically Better Yourself

1. Exercise at least 45 minutes a day!

2. Get AT LEAST 7 hours of sleep a night (if you are short a little just squeeze a nap in to make up for it).

3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day

4. No Sugar-there are different ways to do this. We prefer eliminating sugars and white flours (which turn into sugars) to get the most bang for your buck. But if you would like to just do without sugars than you can make that call.

5. No Soda or Junk Food Yes that means no Diet Coke ladies or fast food! Ya we know that will not be an easy point to earn...but you will love yourself and how you feel if you do it.

6. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables

7. No eating after 8 p.m.

Emotionally/Spiritually Better Yourself

8. Write in your journal EVERY DAY.

9. Complete at least 15 minutes of uplifting reading or scripture study.

10. Complete an act of service or random act of kindness. Whether it be a small one or a big one, do something kind for someone else that is out of your normal routine.

You receive 1 point per item per day, so that's 10 points a day you can earn. There will also be 1 bonus challenge every week worth extra points. It could be anything from cleaning out your fridge to donating your time or money to a charity or worthy cause.

Now we know this is not easy so to help out you get a FREE DAY where you get the full 10 points whether or not you complete all the requirements! You can choose which day of each week is your free day each week, but you cannot choose different days for different points. The only exception to this rule is exercise. Your free day from exercise can be different if you choose. For example - you may choose Saturday as your free day but choose to workout that day and take Sunday off from exercise.

what makes YOU happy?

2010-09-12T13:09:00.004-06:00

My kids are pretty dang cute.

What makes Jax happy?

A full-size Three Musketeer's Bar...

(or any full-size candy bar for that matter).

What makes Ben happy?

His new dog, Sniffy.

Amazing.

cruisin

2010-09-06T18:45:00.005-06:00

This last week Chase and I went on a cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Oh, it was wonderful.

My parents watched Jax and Ben for the first 4 days, and Chase's parents watched them for the last 4 days. This was the first time that we really left our kids for more than one night. It was probably harder for me than for them!

But, Chase and I had the best week ever!!

In Grand Cayman we went to Sting Ray City.

I was freaked at first. But, I soon came to love that smooth skin.

Our tour guide, Mark, took this photo. He was pretty dang funny.

Chase holding the sting ray. :)

And again.

Mark told him that he needed a different shot for facebook and for twitter. :)

So funny!

And, here we are! This was probably after I had to warm up to them for 30 minutes.

Wow! Obviously this huge, cheesy smile shows that I did, in fact, warm up to them.

They are SO heavy. They can't support their own body weight when lifter so it is dead weight.

Our dinner group was so fun. I am pretty sure that I wish we could meet up once a week with this group. We laughed pretty hard every night!!!

And here we are...eating...AGAIN.

Oh my gosh. Have you ever been on a cruise? It is pretty much an eating marathon.

I am sure that I had at least 30 ice cream cones.

Don't worry, I am NOT proud of that.

It was so fun being out on the ocean. And, it was beautiful!

Formal Night

The wind was obviously raging this night. Chase's hair is proof of that!!

Pretty sure that all of our photos are us eating.

We need to now do a week long cleanse.

It was so wonderful to just be me and Chase.

We never get to do that! And, it was so nice to just take care of myself.

I usually am packing a huge bag with diapers, snacks, a change of clothes for two people, two sippy cups, a bottle, toys, and anything else you can imagine. I was wonderful to wake up only 20 minutes before we wanted to get off the ship and change, brush my teeth, and go.

However, it was so nice to come home. We missed our little boys so much. Being away made us realize how much we really do love our life!

This trip did not disappoint. However, I will be on a very strict diet for like 6 months to undo the damage done in these 8 days. :)

Kangaroo Zoo

2010-08-27T09:10:00.005-06:00

Kangaroo Zoo is one of those places that really, really does it for Jax and Ben.

If you haven't been, you really should.

I love that both of my kids are old enough to play now.

It makes it so much more fun.

Poor little Ben's black eye. Jax dropped a picture frame right on Ben's face.

Poor guy...

Amazing.

We accidentally brought two pairs of Jax's socks....

Ben, however, looked kinda cute in his huge tube socks! :)

Chase is a pretty cute dad.

This picture is so wonderful!

It totally captures Ben's train of thought.

He thinks he is so old and coordinated because he watches Jax do everything.

This little 13 month old thinks he is pretty old!!

So, this slide really is pretty big.

I'll admit that I even went down a few times and liked it.

Jax LOVES it.

He gets so excited as he is climbing up.

But, when he goes down his face looks terrified!!

Then, he gets off an sprints over to do it again.

So funny.

Like I said, Ben doesn't know he isn't old. So, he tries everything.

An action shot of Chase and Ben going down the big slide.

Ben wasn't totally sure about this slide. :)

When it starts to get too cold to go outside you better believe we will be frequenting this place!

Sewing Adventure

2010-08-18T20:42:00.002-06:00

Don't judge me, but I am about to tell you about something amazing that I did.

I just might be bragging a little bit.

But, if you understand that I was not blessed with a single artistic bone in my body, you will see how amazing this truely is.

I have been needing some new pillows for my family room couches.

So, I decided that I was going to make some.

Yep, MAKE them.

I am no sewer. At all.

So, this is quite the accomplishment!!

I am so proud of myself.

I think it is pretty cute.

The black and white pillows are just an easy envelope pillow.

The flower pillows, however, took a little longer.

But, even a non sewer would say this pillow is pretty dang easy.

I think you should make one for your house, too.

We could be TWINERS!!!!!!!!!!

Just visit the tutorial from Cluck. Cluck. Sew.

Let me know how it goes!! :)

Thanksgiving Point Farm

2010-08-06T15:00:00.002-06:00

First of all, I am so sad that this little man has left back to his San Deigo home...

(and I guess I am sad about his mom leaving too :)

Katie was here for almost 3 WEEKS, and now that she is gone we don't know what to do with ourselves. Katie and I took our boys to the Thanksgiving Point Farm. Jax enjoyed him some cow mooing, Ben enjoyed the carriage ride, Zac enjoyed his first ice cream cone and Katie and I ...sweat to death.

Okay, so maybe Zac wasn't the only one who enjoyed the ice cream cones.

DId you know that if you are under three the Soda Fountain will give you a free ice cream cone!!

However, they are little kiddie cones and if you are like Jax, you need a second. Seconds cost 25 cents. :)

This carriage ride was surprisingly a hit for my kids. I thought for sure Jax would be trying to pull the horses mane and attempting to jump out of the moving vehicle, but I was dead wrong. Ben REALLY enjoyed himself.

Jax's first horse ride!!

I was feeling brave and put Jax on the horse. He really liked it! He did, of course, try to pull the horse's mane here, but other than that he just might be a cowboy deep down.

Yes, this is my child running through a horse run...

Me, my babes, and the cow...moooo

Katie and little Zac

They need to move back.

Zac and Ben became best friends while he was here.

Speaking of Ben, did I mention he is walking.

I want to squish him all day long!!!

My sister, Amber, told me that she has no idea how Ben has enough muscle tone to walk since he is sooooo squishy! :)

I love these two.

This photo of Jax riding the cow is so perfect for him right now.

He is really, and I mean really, into animal sounds right now. Particularly the cow.

He will be babbling off some conversation to himself and every so often he throws in, "A cow...moooo." I love it!

I highly recommend the Thanksgiving Point Farm. Sure Jax desperately tried to climb into the pig pen, but it was still wonderful. It is perfect for him. Horses to ride, cows to moo at, and ice cream cones to eat.

Ben, also loved it. He, too, is into animal sounds. He prefers the dog...woo woo. Every animal we would pass Ben would yell, "A DOG!!!!!!!!"

Bridal Veil Falls

2010-07-29T21:19:00.002-06:00

I have been begging Chase to walk up to Bridal Veil Falls forever. Seriously. Every time we are like, "What should we do today?" I always answer with, "Let's walk up to Bridal Veil Falls."

After suggesting it like 9 million times, Chase finally caved!!

And, on the 24th of July, we loaded our kids in the car for some Pioneer Day fun.

How cute are these buds? I love it.

Of course Jax has a stick in hand. He is really serious about gathering sticks these days.

These two little cuties were not about to touch the ice cold water. I tried to put Jax's feet in and he immediately walked away. And Ben isn't much of a water fan. But, it was a great path to gather sticks on so, Jax thought it was a success!

This picture makes me so happy. I love to see Jax playing with Chase. I think it is the cutest thing. Chase had to make sure Jax didn't fall into the raging river while he was digging through the wilderness collecting sticks.

So cute.

Summertime Catch-up

2010-07-27T16:12:00.004-06:00

My blogging has really been quite slow this month. And, even though my last post was telling you all how bored I have been :), turns out we have actually done quite a bit of fun stuff.

The 4th of July was quite the par-tay. We started off our morning at the Hidden Oaks Parade.

This little cutie pretty much sums up the fun day.

I am not afraid to admit that I sorta love my boys to be in matching outfits. I think it is seriously cute. I don't do it every day. Just sometimes. There is no way Chase would let me get away with it on a daily basis. But, when a holiday rolls around you better believe they are twinners.

We sure did love us some parade watching. And, Jax is fighting taking a picture...like always.

--------

Now, on to the next event.

My sister, Katie, and her little baby Zac are here visiting. They are staying for a whopping 3 weeks - well almost. We have been trying to do as much as we can with them since we only see them like 2 or 3 times a year.

Many days have been spent in my parents yard where all the cousins can play and we can try to get as much time in with Katie as possible.

There are 5 grandSONS. Not a girl to speak of. (That's okay though because all the rest of my kids are going to be girls. :)) We tried desperately to get a picture of all five of them on the tramp. This is the best we could do! ha ha Even with Chey trying to hold some of them down we still had escapees!

These two have become best buds.

On July 8th Chase and I celebrated our 4th anniversary! Holy smokes!! I seriously can't believe that. I am one lucky girl. I kinda really love this guy! This is us on our night out. We had such a fun time. I LITERALLY jump for joy when we leave for a date with no kids.

---------------

We've also spent quite a few summer days at Chase's parents' house swimming. Jax is basically a fish and Ben is quickly learning to love the water.

Here are all the boys (minus Tigh) hanging out at the pool.

Top: Beau, Drew

Bottom: Chase, Paul

This day at the pool was so funny!! The pool cover got a little wrip in it and as the pool was filling up it flooded through the wrip. We were all planning on swimming, and the flood put a bit of a damper on our plans. Jax, however, decided that he was just going to play on top of the cover anyway. And, after seeing how much fun Jax was having, my father-in-law decided to join him!

-----------

We have also been having some fun in my oldest sister, Amber's, backyard. We set up a few blow-up pools, a slip-n-slide, and the party is started!!

I think it is pretty safe to say that Jax is enjoying himslef.

And, Ben likes it too.

being a mom...

2010-07-22T16:51:00.002-06:00

I am a mom. All day and all night long. I really do love it. I have wanted to be a mom ever since I could remember. I think a lot of little girls dream of the day when they get to aspire to be a mom. Oh, that blessed day. I played house for hours and hours and hours. Honestly, I might have played for a little too long. My bestest childhood friend, Brooke, and I had made-up full blown families along with husbands who went to work all day and babies to take care of. Now I am here. But, this time it is real. And, I am struggling just a bit...

When I had Jax I had to go back to work for about 6 weeks to finish out the school year. I thought my life was over. I seriously couldn't imagine how I would make it through the day without my little baby. I just knew that he was going to remember me leaving him and hate me forever. After my second year teaching, I quit and was officially a full-time mom.

I am so grateful that Chase works hard enough to make it possible for me to stay home and take care of our kids. I love that I get to see them grow and watch all the funny, cute, sweet things they do. BUT, I am kinda starting to feel strange about my life.

Honestly, most days we don't have a single thing that we have to do. Those days are nice every now and again, but every day? It can get old. And boring. I try to do something fun with these two little boys of mine every day, but I must say I am feeling bored. I am kind of feeling like I, Goldie, am ceasing to exist and being 'a mom' is taking over. It is a really strange feeling.

While it is sometimes nice, I feel strange about the fact that I could go the entire day without showering and changing out of my pajamas and no one would ever know. And, it wouldn't really matter because we don't have anywhere to go anyway. And, to make it worse my 2 1/2 year old, Jax, isn't the easiest to take places. Better put, he is the hardest to take anywhere. He is a wild man.

So, this post is not just a big complaint. Really. Things for me aren't that bad. Just getting a little boring and redundant. So, I need some help. This may sound ridiculous, but what do you do all day with your kids? :) I am going to write down a list of things that we do fairly often to share a few of my ideas, but that means in return you share yours - activities that are free and places to go that cost money are both welcome. I am getting desperate!!!

go to the park

go the the splash park

go to the pool

go on a walk

go the my parents'

go to my sister's

let Jax run through the isles of Target (I'm sure the employee's love this.)

jump on it

walk around the mall (both my kids love the stroller) and play at the mall play place

And, yeah...can't think of anything else. Maybe that is why I am getting so bored.

accessory sale

2010-07-14T16:09:00.007-06:00

Mark your calendars and clear your schedules because

THIS SATURDAY (july 17th)

I am having an accessory sale hosted in highland.

I am selling handmade necklaces, headbands, hair/clothing clips and pins, bracelets, children's accessories, and clothing - all under $20.

You really need to come. Everything is new so, if you came to my last sale no need to fear. There is a brand new collection to love.

sale location info:

saturday, july 17th

11am - 1pm

10239 Hidden Oak Drive

Highland, UT

(this is not my residence for all you scary blog lookers trying to locate me:)

If you aren't interested in buying anything you are still invited to come, hangout, and have a treat!!

weekend getaway

2010-07-13T16:35:00.003-06:00

We spent this last weekend up in Park City for Tigh's (my brother-in-law) birthday.

It is so nice to get away sometimes.

Although the night was M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E due to my two babies who refused to sleep like normal human beings, we had a blast!

The pool was by far the highlight for Jax and Ben. We pretty much just hungout in the hot tub because it was so amazing. It was the hugest thing ever.

In this picture my cute little niece (whom I LOVE) is only pretending to want to get in. She is such a girly girl, and I love it. She is so cautious and freaked to get in the water.

Jax, on the other hand, is a fish. If he could move into the pool, I'm pretty sure he would.....as long as we could figure out a way to get Mickey Mouse playing in there.

Seriously, I love this little girl. I think she and Jax look like they could be twins. She is just 3 months older than him. I would take her in a heartbeat!

After we put Jax and Ben to sleep, the fun began. We all got in costume, don't you worry, and had a murder mystery dinner. I'm pretty sure that Paul and Beau think they are really their actual characters...really.

We don't mess around when discussing clues.

And here is the whole group. Watch out!!

happy birthday

2010-06-29T10:19:00.002-06:00

This week we went down to Mt. Pleasant to celebrate Chase's Grandma Gunderson's 91st birthday!!

She is the sweetest lady alive. Ever since Chase and I started dating, he made it clear that this lady had a special place in his heart. He loves her so much.

She is also so beautiful. When she was younger she looked like a movie star. No exaggeration.

Our kids had such a fun time playing outside in the yard and on the swings.

Happy Birthday Grandma Gunderson!

birthday celebrations

2010-06-28T09:51:00.003-06:00

Birthday Celebrations started bright and early for little Ben.

Chase and I both just had to have our picture taken with the birthday boy.

We were up early getting ready because Ben had a bright and early doctor's appointment.

What mom makes the birthday boy get shots?! Terrible, I know.

But, he is a healthy birthday boy!!

Weight 23 lbs (75th percentile)

Height 32 inches (90th percentile)

I love these three boys!!

Ben really enjoyed his new toys.

So did Jax.

For the first time they started fighting over toys. It is actually kind of funny.

After they both try to grab it, Jax will just pick it up and walk away while Ben melts.

It is so sad!!

We spent the day celebrating with nannie, Amber, Roen, Milo and Chey.

Everyone enjoyed the pizza party!

How amazing is this picture of Jax and Milo?

The birthday boy himself.

These toypedos were a hit!

Later that night we went swimming.

I had seen super cute pictures of cupcakes baked in ice cream cones and wanted to try it.

Mine turned out to be the ugliest things ever.

Sorry Ben.

This toy has caused the most 'fighting' between Jax and Ben.

They both want to play with it and do not want the other touching it while they are playing with it. :)

We hope you had a fun birthday Ben.

Love, love, love you!!

birthday boy

2010-06-25T00:05:00.000-06:00

today this baby is ONE.

He is amazing.

He is the happiest baby in the world.

I can't believe that a whole year has passed.

Waaaay too fast.

But, my love for this little boy has grown every.single.day.

When Ben was born, I was nervous that I wasn't going to love his as much as I loved Jax. How could I? I already had a baby who owned my heart. I was nervous that Jax would always hold a special place in my heart because he was my first baby. And, Jax does have a special place in my heart. But, just as true is the special place Ben holds in my heart. It is amazing how much you learn that you can love once you become a mom. I now know that there was no reason for me to worry about having enough love to share with Jax and Ben. My love grew instantly the second I saw him. He is so happy. He is precious. I love him so much.

Let's take a little trip back in time over the last year..

Swimming. Oh how he hates these water wings! But, they are forced on him. It makes me sane at the pool. But, one thing he does love is his ba ba.

Merry Christmas 2009! Having two little boys so close in age hasn't been easy. :) But, I am so so happy that they are both here and so close in age. If I knew how wonderful it would be for them, I maybe would have even planned it this way. :) I am happy for them to always have a friend. They are best buds. Ben adores Jax and wants to play with him all day long.

I think since Jax was only 16 months old and not old enough to really know better, he didn't have a hard time having a new baby in the house at all. He just acted like it was normal. It was like Ben belonged here, and he knew it.

Bringing this little man home from the hospital was pretty crazy. Jax was staying at his grandma's, and I was a little scared to pick Jax up and have two babies to take home. The first two months were for sure the hardest. I felt guilty the entire two months. I felt like I had two babies who were dependent on me for everything. I felt like no matter what I was doing someone was always getting neglected. It was hard. But, I love Ben as a one year old and Jax as a two year old. It is so much easier to play with them both at the same time and not feel like someone is being neglected.

His entrance into this scary world. This is literally seconds after he took his first breath. He is still covered in that weird creamy stuff, whatever it is. But, this is a special moment for me.

This is the first time we looked into each other's eyes. This is the moment that my life changed for a second time. This is the moment I fell in love with Ben.

Oh my birthday boy, how I love you. I haven't cried yet. But, that doesn't mean I will make it through the whole day with dry eyes. I am so sad you aren't my tiny, little baby anymore. But, I am so happy that you are my big boy who I can play and interact with. Every single age I say, "Oh, this is the BEST!" And, right now I can honestly say, "Oh, this is the BEST!" Heavenly Father has made it clear to me that you were sent to our family for a special reason. I know that our family needs you. I know that Jax needs you. I am so grateful that although we weren't planning on you coming to our family quite so soon, that Heavenly Father knew better. He was right. In retrospect I know this. I know how important it is for you and your brother to be so close. You have helped my testimony to grow by teaching me how much Heavenly Father knows what life has in store for us, and how He knows what we are going to need down the road. I feel like you were a little angel sent to our family. We love you so much baby boy.

(Well, I just started to cry. Forget that no crying business.)

I love this little birthday man!!!!

Some of the things my little one year old Benny does:

-walks in downward dog on any surface that isn't soft on the knees

-crawls to the bathroom when I say, "Do you want to get in the tub?"

-l.o.v.e.s yogurt

-smiles on command for a photo

-is totally social. he wants everyone to be his bud.

-is OBSESSED with his mom. literally.

-thinks everyone's name is da da.

-says, "hi da." when Chase walks in the door from work.

-waves "bye, bye" like a champ.

-knows when you are eating candy and demands that you share.

-follows Jax around.

-does the funniest squinched nose smile.

-walks along things (but hasn't quite dared to walk on his own yet)

-flails his arms with excitement when I say, "Let's go outside."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!

big day just around the corner...

2010-06-22T17:07:00.003-06:00

This week Ben turns ONE.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I can't believe it.

How in the world has a whole year passed?

We are buds.

And, I am sad.

Although his birthday isn't until Friday, I need to start thinking about it early.

That way, I will be a little more prepared.

I remember rocking Jax in the rocking chair the night before his first birthday totally bawling.

And, I have a feeling those tears just might be repeating themselves on Friday.

I don't know what it is, but the first birthday is sad to me.

The 'baby' days are coming to an end.

The little toddler (which is so so cute) is coming out.

My little Benny is almost one....

And, yes, I am sad...

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-19T09:53:00.005-06:00

Happy Father's Day to the best dad (and husband) ever!!!

You are the best snuggler.

You are the funnest friend these two boys have.

And, you are my favorite friend too.

Your arms are the most comfortable and comforting.

Hanging out with you is what these two boys would choose to do over anything.

You are such a proud daddy!

To the best dad in the world!!

Happy Father's Day babe.

Carnie Time

2010-06-19T09:37:00.003-06:00

We spent last night at the Strawberry Days Carnival.

It did not disappoint.

Jax thought he was in heaven and Chase and I just laughed the whole time watching how excited Jax was.

Ben thought watching these two come around on the ride was the coolest thing e.v.e.r.

He laughed and frantically waved!

So cute!!!

Ben had a great time...if he was being held and not sitting in the stroller.

Shocker.

Although Ben wasn't quite big enough for the giant slide, he sure did enjoy watching other people go down.

When he would spot Chase and Jax on a ride he was SO excited.

This was one of the three rides Jax would go on. If it wasn't something he was totally strapped in he would climb out before the ride started. We had to exit a few rides before they even started. But, once it started he thought it was pretty cool.

He is the cutest.

This is what a family photo looks like when you have two baby boys 16 months apart.

Ben: "This is lame."

Me: "Fake a smile until holding these kids with a vice grip is over!"

Jax: "Get me down!!! I can see the slide!!!"

Chase: "So ridiculous that we keep trying to take a picture with the whole family."

Oh well.....

Jax and I on the slide.

This was his FAVORITE!! He seriously giggled the whole way down.

He did, however, have the hardest time ever waiting in line.

His patience is pretty much non-existent.

We sure did love us some carnie!!!

ETSY

2010-06-17T11:00:00.000-06:00

I finally have an Etsy shop. So, if you are just DYING (which I know you are) to wear some of my accessories, check it out.

New items will be listed often. Keep checking back!!

flower.bomb.designs Etsy Shop

To Grandma's House We Go

2010-06-14T15:46:00.002-06:00

We spend some serious time hanging out at Grandma's - either my parent's house or Chase's parents. For some reason everything is just more fun over there!!

Ben, Me, Jax

Okay, this picture really IS NOT a good documentation of what was going on. We were watching Goofy Movie and Ben seriously only cried for the 5 seconds we took a picture. He really was having a good time. I promise.

Jax and his beautiful cousin Char.

These two are buds. Jax hasn't quite perfected the art of actually playing with another kid, but once he does these two are going to be besties.

Here we are at my parent's house. Jax is just enjoying himself an ice cream cone. Ben is probably just on the other side of the camera with a creamie in hand.

It is not an exaggeration that I owe my mom and dad some SERIOUS money for the amount of groceries these two little boys of mine eat at their house.

Everything really is more fun at Grandma and Grandpa's.

happy birthday mom

2010-06-13T21:22:00.004-06:00

Today was my sweet mom's birthday!

Even when I was little there was one thing I wanted to be (other than an MLB umpire), and that was EXACTLY like my mom.

As a child, I was referred to as a "mother lover". Ever since I can remember the one person who was dearest to me was my mom. I honestly can't think of a single bad thing about her. I remember how devastated I was when I was little and she and my dad would go out of town.

She is caring. She is thoughtful. She is BEYOND selfless. She never (and I mean NEVER) says a bad thing about anyone. She is obedient. She is loving.

She is the greatest. Perfect in every way. She is my best friend.

She is the perfect example of how to be a good mom.

And, she is the best grandma ever!!

Hope you had a good day mom.

Love you!!!

The Summer Buzz

2010-06-11T21:56:00.002-06:00

I did it.

Today I gave both of my boys a summer buzz.

I think they are probably the most handsome boys in the whole world.

Jax isn't one for posing for pictures.

And, his new lizard, Blue, was occupying him.

But, he is still the cutest thing ever (even if he did cry through his whole buzz).

Ben, on the other hand, is a little too excited for the camera.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

How could you not want to snuggle him and rub his head with his new buzz??!!!!

I love these two more than I ever thought possible.

You know you are a school teacher when...

2010-06-11T11:13:00.003-06:00

You notice yourself laying in bed thinking about ADVERBS!!

Yes. It is true.

Last night I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep.

After laying there for a little while I caught myself thinking about none other than adverbs.

I was thinking of the best way to explain to a 6th grader what an adverb is.

The worst part about this whole thing....

I haven't been teaching school for 2 years!!

So, I came to a pretty sad conclusion.

It is time I get some more interesting things going on in my life to occupy my thoughts!!!!

Summer Fun Day 2

2010-06-04T14:35:00.003-06:00

We have been having quite the week full of summer activities.

My boys are in heaven playing outside. Chase had the day off today, and we went to the splash park. This place is always going off!! Luckily, I got to see a few friends while I was there. :)

It took Jax a good 20 minutes to warm up to touching the freezing cold water. So, until then he and Chase were climbing on the cement.

Don't you think for one minute that Ben is too little to be going to the splash park. Sure he was pretty much begging for a nap the whole time we were there, but he definitely made his appearance.

I just want everyone to know that, yes, I did buy Jax watersocks.

I am aware that they are hideous. However, running around at this splash park Jax has had some serious falls due to slipping. So, there you go. I am the mother of a watersocks man.

(But, he does look a little bit cute in them.)

There are a few things that must go to any outing with us. Diapers, bottles, snacks, and MUSTARD PRETZELS. They really are pretty dang good. Jax usually has to have a few in his hands at all times.

Jax is really excited to take this picture with me. He is not much of a picture poser.

Ain't nothin' like some family fun!!!

First Summer Swim

2010-06-03T15:48:00.002-06:00

There are a lot of firsts that I love. But, I have to admit the first swim of the summer tops A LOT of the others. Today we went to the pool for the first time this summer, and it did not disappoint.

Obviously there is nothing like getting ready for the pool and eating a frozen gogurt.

This lovely little lady, Holland, and her mom and dad (Heather and Steve) joined us. Par-tay!!

This picture pretty much is Jax's day in a nutshell. Last year the pool was pretty fun with him. This year, he is in love. He was jumping, well more like scooting, off the edge of the big pool and going in. He loved every second of it!

These two brothers are the best of friends. I keep telling them that every day so that it gets ingrained in their minds. :)

Just wondering, do you think Ben enjoyed himself at all?

Those legs are amazing. They are just asking to be squished.

This little boy had the best day he's had all year.

Such a fun day!! But, when Ben started nodding off while sitting in the kiddie pool I figured it was time to go home for naps. I am so happy swimming season is here!!

SUMMER TIME!!!

2010-06-03T00:58:00.003-06:00

Summer is finally here, and I know two little boys who are really excited about it.

First of all, this little guy is amazing. Let's not even talk about how old he is and how he turns one this month. That topic just might make me start to cry. Instead, let's focus on how happy I am that it is warm outside and he is in shorts to show off his amazing thighs and short sleeve shirts to show off his squishy arms. Love it.

Jax now believes life is complete. This little man has to go outside to play every single day. He is such a boy. He doesn't walk around outside. No, he RUNS. He always finds something to climb on, swing on, or jump off. I love this wild man.

As for me, I couldn't be happier about this weather. I think that being a mom gets about six million times more fun in the summer. I am so excited for all the fun things Jax, Ben, and I are going to do in the next few months!! Bring on the Banana Boat!!!!!

How Did I Get Here?

2010-05-29T21:50:00.002-06:00

For about the last week or so I feel like I have been having an out of body experience. I look at my life, where I am, and what I am doing and can't believe I am where I am. How did it happen? And, how did it happen so fast?

Tonight Chase and I went to a movie at the same theatre that we went to on one of our very first dates. As we sat in the movie and he held my hand and rubbed my arm, I couldn't help but think that it felt the exact same as one of our very first dates that was almost 5 years ago. FIVE YEARS AGO? I can't believe that. How in the world has this much time passed?

Honestly, if you would have asked me ten years ago what I would be doing when I was 25, I am doing exactly what I imagined and planned on doing. I would be married, have kids, and be a mom. I have planned on doing exactly what I am doing for as long as I can remember. But, I just can't believe it is here. I felt like I spent so many years planning on getting married and having a family and once it actually happened, time just began to FLY.

The last few days every time I load my two kids into the car, cook macaroni, spend my time cleaning up blocks, or make bottles I just can't believe that I have two kids. I am a mom. Sure, I came to terms with the fact that I was a mom over two years ago. But, now I am like a mom. I spend my days cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, playing with magformers, driving miniature cars, and going to the park. I don't know why, but lately I just am baffled by this. I can't believe I am already here. I can't believe that I am already at this stage of life.

I think about ELEVEN years ago when I started high school how I felt so old with so many plans. Looking back, although that seems like a total different lifetime it feels like yesterday. I look at myself now and can't believe that was eleven years ago. Oh my gosh! Eleven years flys. I seriously can't even think about it going the other way. Jax will be a teenager, and Ben will be passing the sacrament!!!

Not quite sure where this is going, but this is all I have been able to think about for some reason. Perhaps it is my prompting to enjoy my phase of life because it will be over soon. I really just can't believe I am already here. I am already in the phase of life of having my own family that continues to grow. I am already an adult with my own responsibilities. How did I get here? How did Chase and I get here so fast? Tonight when we were at the movie, it felt like just last weekend we were on our second date, and I was just praying he'd get up the guts to hold my hand or kiss me.

Time is an interesting thing. Sometimes it feels like it couldn't move any faster and other times you want it to move faster. But, I guess in all this jibberish of thought I am grateful for where I am and know that no matter if you are in sunny times or stormy times, you can't wish time away.

I'm kind of excited...

2010-05-27T20:39:00.003-06:00

I am not going to lie. I am kind of excited.

flower.bomb.designs (my accessories) can now be found at Sexy Modest Boutique in American Fork, UT.

Go check it out!!!

a night in

2010-05-21T08:04:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it is so wonderful to just stay at home.

I love nights where Chase and I have nothing we need to do and can just play with our two cute, little kids.

This guy LOVES and I mean LOVES the tub. My favorite thing to do is to say, "Ben, do you want to go get in the tub?" He looks at me and crawls as fast as he can to my bathroom door and just sits and waits in front of it. Then, when I turn on the water to the tub he starts to dance. So cute!

Doesn't he look cute all nice and clean? He is the happiest baby on the planet.

As for this little guy, he is getting so old! I kind of hate it. If you look in the bottom right corner of this picture you will see Jax's newest love - magformers. Jax has an obsession with magnets. Oh man. If you have any in your house, he will find them. The other day my mom stopped by and gave Jax this new toy. He carries these things around with him. The cutest part is he tries to find all the things the magnets will stick to.

This picture is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. This is obviously right as Ben got out of the tub. That bum!!! So cute. As you can tell by his face, he is totally proud of it.

See how wonderful it is to have a night at home and just snuggle? These two are buds.

We're buds too.

I love this picture! It is so cute that my two little boys are having so much fun with their daddy.

Ain't nothin' like hanging out in your Mickey Mouse pajama pants. The only thing that could have made this night any better for Jax would to have Mickey himself join us.

I gave Ben a cookie, and this is his reaction as the frosting touched his lips. MMMM...

I kinda like my family!

flower.bomb.designs

2010-05-18T14:52:00.003-06:00

I started a blog with all my handmade accessories.

I am obviously technically challenged because it is kind of (totally) amateur.

However, my accessories are the cutest.

And, they are totally affordable.

Check it out!!

flowerbombdesigns.blogspot.com

Want to order something?

Email flowerbombdesigns@gmail.com

Arrested Development Party

2010-05-17T22:04:00.003-06:00

Today was my brother-in-law Paul's 25th birthday.

We all dressed up as characters from the TV series Arrested Development.

It was amazing.

Skye (as Lindsey) and the birthday boy Paul (as Tabias)

Paul looked a little too much like Tibias.

Beau (as Buster) and Chase (as Gob) preparing for their magic show.

This magic show made the night.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G

Paul (as Tabias) was seriously straight off the set of the show.

Happy Birthday Tabias!!!

The whole "Blooth" clan.

Jana at the top (as Lucielle)

L to R: Beau (as Buster), Paul (as Tabias), Kent (as George Sr.), Skye (as Lindsey), Chase (as Gob), Goldie (as Mr. F), Drew (as George Michael)

Beau (as Buster) getting ready to go off to war and my adorable little niece Char.

What a cute couple!

Skye (Lindsey) and Paul (Tabias)

Skye made an amazing ice cream cake. I kept staring at it hoping some of the oreo crust would sink into my bloodstream.

Kent (as George Sr.) and Jana (as Lucielle)

And of course Lucielle has her wine glass in hand.

Drew (as George Michael)

He is totally more muscular than George Michael in his muscle suit!!

Beau (as Buster)

He made his hook! Gotta love it.

p.s. Hi Ben!!

Chase (as Gob) and me (as Mr. F)

Seriously, we are quite the duo!!!

Happy Birthday Paul.

Thanks for the par-tay!!!!

Best Brother Buds

2010-05-09T17:53:00.000-06:00

Jax and Ben are best friends.

Ben laughs his head off when Jax plays with him. It is the cutest.

Jax pats Ben on the head when he passes by him.

It really makes me happy.

Here's Ben climbing in for a snack.

When you're hungry, you're hungry!!

Bath time together.

Kind of a freaky picture, but they are still amazing.

I kept telling Jax to look at me and smile.

Finally, he looked up and gave me this courtesy smile.

Ben, on the other hand, was flashing this grin!

Ben is obsessed with feeding himself.

Ain't nothing better than peas!!