Time flies when you are having fun!

We have has some exciting times over the last few weeks. Between birthdays and Jake's spring break, we have had almost non-stop fun. A picture says 1,000 words so lets begin. This is Grace after my dad sent her and Isaac teddy bears from Kuwait. Grace is dressed to meet the tooth fairy with her bears Stacy and Rainbow(the new gray one). Isaac loves to have his picture taken and even though he can't say much, he does know how to say cheese. Last Thursday was Isaac's birthday and he was so cute. When he woke up we all went in and sang him Happy Birthday and he clapped after we sang it. Then we got him out of bed (I can't believe he hasn't learned to climb out of his crib.) and I pulled out some special birthday clothes. Isaac knew it was a special day so he went to the closet and wanted to wear Grace's Christmas dress! Finally I convinced him to where a shirt with a soccer ball on it. Then he opened a few presents. After that Grandma took him to Krispy Kreme for his birthday breakfast and then took him to Walmart and bought him a present. He loves doughnuts and had a wonderful time by himself with Grandma. For lunch Isaac and I went to UVU and ate lunch with Daddy which was also a special treat. He had a nap and then I went to class and Jake took them to Mc Donalds to play and have dinner. As the night ended, we did cupcakes as fast as we cound because it takes alot of energy to enjoy such a fun day and melt downs were fast approaching. Then Isaac got to sit with Grandpa for a moment before his special birthday ended. I think he had a good day. Since then Isaac has developed a pimple of sorts on his lower eyelid. Poor guy! We took him to the doctors on Friday and at first the doctor said it need to be cut open to drain and that we need to hurry to the optimologist. So we ran over there to sit and wait. We finally got into a room and the nurse came to show him some pictures to check his vision. Since he can't talk, I tryed to ask him questions that he could answer and indicate he could see the picture clearly. One picture was a birthday cake and he pretended to blow out the candles. He said car for the car picture, but the funniest was the chicken picture. Earlier in the week we ate dinner with our friends in Payson and after dinner Jake took Grace and Isaac to see their chickens. Isaac got his finger pecked and after then event came back and showed me his finger and said, "Owww." So at the eye doctor's I said what does this animal say and Isaac shows me his finger and says "Owww." The nurse and I laughed. It turns out after five hours and two doctors, there is nothing to be done about the eye pimple. If it doesn't go away in two months then it will have to be lanced in the OR. Back to more exciting things, Jake has had spring break this week and on Tuesday night, Grace, Jake and Isaac camped in the backyard. Isaac only lasted until 12:45 am and then Jake brought him back in. They even roasted marshmellows over the grill. Isaac wanted to eat them on the stick but not roasted. I was the only one who ate them roasted. I love camping! Then on Thursday Jake and Grandma took Grace and Isaac to the golden spike in Ogden. I was sad I couldn't go because of school work. Isaac loved it! Trains are one of his favorite things. Jake and Isaac started on one side of the tracks and Grace on the other and they reinacted the meeting of the trains at the golden spike. It has been a fun week for all. Except for Sam who is sick and has lost his voice. Sam and I had about 4 non-consectutive hours of sleep last night. I hope he doesn't get RSV. I hate to have to go back to the doctors, but if things don't improve we will have to. I guess I should be glad we have made it till March without getting sick. Officially only a month left in the semester and I hope I have enough steam to pull through. I am glad for things to be back to "normal" for a few weeks. I am party-ed out! Last few pictures, Jake , Grace, Isaac and I did the Rex Lee Run. I did it years ago, the first time I was at BYU and so it was fun to try it again. It was not fun to realize how out of shape I am and so I am now motivated to put down some of the chocolate. Last picture is Isaac "walking Grace." No animals were harmed in making this picture. Grace wanted to be a dog so she put on her dog mask and walked her around the block on a leash. We are still waiting for Child Services which I am sure our neighbors called. This Blog is already too long so wait for the next installment to hear about Grace and the scarves at the ward auction. I can't believe it is almost April. Sam is calling me so I'll say Good bye for now!

Its my party!

Yesterday we had a birthday party for Grace and Isaac. I normally am in some stage of planning for a few months. This year Grace said she wanted to go bowling. This would have been so easy. Two weeks ago she changed her mind and decided on a pinata party. With school and everything, I put off planning and so it was a little jumbled, but I think everyone had fun. I am still baffled on the correct way to stuff a pinata. I have done it wrong two years in a row! I know that it seems easy but it is harder than it looks. It broke on the second swing! I had planned on playing a few other games but it just didn't happen. Anyway, this is the first party I actually sat down and ate. Normally, I am chasing after Grace or Isaac or doing some party stuff. Jake made some awesome hamburgers and Grace loved the veggie tray. Speaking of things Jake made... We decided that Isaac would love a cornhole game so at about 11 on Friday night, Jake started making it. It was very well recieved. It did require everyone to pitch in to make things happen. Ruth painted on the boards and helped me with the bean bags and Jesses and Kebly made the fruit dip for me because I was so behind and ran out of time to get everything done. (Does that sound like me?) I owe them big time. The only really sad thing was that it was really too cold to be outside. James sent a package that arrived just in time for the party and our friends from Payson were able to make it even with their new baby. Thanks to all who came and made Grace and Isaac's day more special. After the party, Allison, Isaac, and I went to the last BYU home basketball game for the season. It was sold out, but do to some fabulous hats we were wearing (so we think) we were let in the game. Isaac was such a big boy. He sat next to my brother, Justin, and watched the game, ate popcorn, and cheered. It has been a fun weekend and it went by too quickly. I didn't get a good picture of the corn hole game. I'll have to take some more on Isaac's actual birthday! Side note on the picture of Grace holding ALL of her presents from James, she dressed herself in her "party dress" and wanted to be barefoot playing outside on the swingset in the cold. Isaac had to be brought inside against his will occasionally and Sam slept the whole time. Once again thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us. We had a crazy fun time.

Happy Birthday Grace!

Today Grace turned four years old! At times, it seems like a feat that we have actually made it another year, but mostly it just reminds me to enjoy every moment of the rollercoaster ride because before I know it the chaos will be a little more orderly. Grace LOVES a party so Jake and I decorated the living room and kitchen with streamers and balloons. She woke to the happy birthday song and Jake would spontaneously break out into song all day. Grace loved it and was just beaming. Being four, Grace took off her pajamas and got dressed in her new birthday shoes and birthday sweater curtesy of Marmee and then Grandma took her to breakfast for doughnuts. Grace came home with not only doughnuts but a Barbie tea set and a Beta fish. She was so happy! I told her I was sorry that I had to go to school on her birthday and she told me not to worry, she wouldn't have her birthday without me. It was very sweet. We did have a sad event today. Isaac stepped on something and Jake had to take him to the health center where he recieved ten stitches. Poor Isaac! I got home from school and I just felt so bad for him. He was numbed up untill this evening and now he is starting to limp. It didn't even break Grace's birthday stride. When I came home from school I wanted to make sure that Grace still wanted to go bowling for dinner, but she had changed her mind. I could almost quote it; she wanted to go to Ikea and get a hotdog, but first go to Walmart and get a cake. Not Chuckie Cheese, McDonald's playland, or bowling. So we went to Ikea and Grace played in the play place and had hotdogs. She told me all of her birthday dreams came true! It was a good day aside from the trip to the hospital. School is going well. One of my classmates actually stopped me in the hall to help explain something from class, and it felt really good. It has been busy and hard to leave my kids, but school is really fun (for the most part). Tis the birthday season, one kid's dreams came true, now it is time to plan Isaac's birthday!

Spring is in the air

I know it is February, but spring is teasing me as it does every year. Every year I think maybe this will be the year spring really will come early! Yes, I am an optimist. Grace and Isaac recieved their birthday present early this year. Thank you, Grandparents! We LOVE it. There are monkey bars on the back side. Grace is quick to point out that it is a three hump slide. There is a bench underneath from which Grace has already sold lemonade. Jake was so proud, he called me at the library just to inform me of Grace: the budding saleswoman. School is busy, and it seems Jake is normally at home. I am running from library to testing center to group something or other. It is certainly a switch. We had a fun weekend while Jake was in New York. On Saturday, we went to the Draper Temple open house. Grace was a little overwhelmed and I wasn't exactly spiritual when I was dragging her, chasing her, and finally handing her over to my saintly sister. It took Grandma, Grandpa, and my brother and sister to make it through, but it was beautiful, worth it and I am so glad that we were able to go. Plus they had the best cookies... The other fun thing was that we were able to hang out with James, my brother, who was in town. I really could live in a big compound with all of my family... helping me take care of my children! Now that Grace and Isaac are getting to be managable, everyone is allowed to get married. Grace is still rather emotional, I wonder where she gets it? I didn't get a picture of her with my brother because she was crying on her bed. She was extremely distraught that my brother was leaving and she didn't have any friends. It is hard to be three years old. It is not hard to be three months old, though. Sam is the sweetest baby ever. He is so easy going and still really expressive. The other day I was making dinner and we were chatting and then I looked over and he was asleep. So I moved him to his swing and I caught him sucking his thumb. Maybe that's why I think he is so cute, we are kindred spirits. I was glad to have a great weekend because so far this week is giving me a run for my money and it is only Monday night!!!

Life is a Highway

Once again, things have been busy and life just seems to be racing by. It is already February and the second week at that! Everyone is growing, including me, or at least I am not shrinking. I'd like to blame it on the vending machine. Who can resist a cookie called "Cravers"? We are all getting into the groove of craziness. We still aren't completely moved over from the big house and aren't completely moved into the new house. Things have gotten worse after the arrival of ALL of Grace and Isaac's toys (Sam is swinging, at this moment, behind a few rubbermaids). Jake and I put up bunk beds for Grace and Isaac earlier today. Grace and Isaac are really excited, but I worry about the near death experiences that may result. While I am at school, with the car, Jake has been taking the kids for rides in front of the house on the scooter. I am suppose to drive it but that would require me learning how to drive it and not being deathly afraid... It is red! I can do it. Anyway, Isaac will probably know how to drive it before I do. He is a BOY! He loves anything with wheels, engines or balls. During the pleasent weather last week, we pulled out the bikes, and we can't wait for spring. This has put us on the hut for a swing set. Thank you, Amy, I am now addicted to KLS classifieds. Today, I bought a stroller for Sam. (We didn't have one I could put his car seat on and take him to campus.) I think I check it like twice a day! We have alittle bit of time because spring is not here quite yet. I knew it was coming, but I wasn't crazy about the snow today. The thing I am crazy about are my kids! They are so cute. Sam turned three months yesterday and he is the best. I can't believe it has been three months. I was so worried about having him in the winter because of all the sickness, but with the holidays, time has flown by.

I never posted a picture of cute little Sam on his blessing day in January so I wanted to show off his cuteness in his little suit. We blessed him last minute because my dad was driving through before his 6 month deployment to Kuwait. Everything worked out great, and it couldn't have been better if we had spent more time planning.

I have to show off my lastest creation. These cupcakes are from the Hello, Cupcake book and a break from studying. Grace and I made them on Sunday for a family dinner celebrating my niece's brithday. At first the icing was melting everywhere, but in the end they turned out pretty cute. The middle of the flower is an oreo cookie and the ladybug is an m&m with black frosting. Having NO time makes me want to be crafty. I have so many projects I plan to do when I graduate. August really isn't that far, especially with the way time has been speeding by. I guess I'll just try and hang on for the ride!

Leaving the Big House

We are moved... kind of. Last night was the first night in our cozy new abode. I was worried about Grace and Isaac sharing a room, but last night they did great. I am still waiting to see what happens when they get comfortable in there. Isaac has a cold and that was a nightmare last night. He only gets really upset when he has an ear infection so I took him in today. No ear infection! I was really pleased with the student health center. The doctor was fabulous with Grace who accompanied us and had to ask him about EVERYTHING. He was also really great at explaining what he was going to do to Isaac and Isaac listened and did everything the doctor told him like when to open his mouth (although Isaac found no point in saying "Ahhh". Now that I have used the word "everything" about 15 times I can move on. The move is not over but now the beds are so we must say good bye to the big house. I will miss the space, the me time, the ward, the park and the dream of what might have been. The "small" house I know is a huge blessing. Without it, it would not have been possible to go back to school as smoothly as it is now. I like the small space to clean and I also am excited to feel semi-permenant for a little while. Jake was impressed that I was able to fit all of my dishes into the kitchen. I might have a bit of an obsession. I have missed them. I also have missed cooking. It is ironic that I didn't need to cook when I had time, but now I have no time and need to cook. I tried a few recipes from The Biggest Loser Cookbook that I recieved for Christmas, and I think they were great. Jake didn't like the Sloppy Joe Meatloaf, but I loved it! (Second time I have ever made meatloaf in my life.) Jake has a few new dietary restrictions and I am excited for the challenge. As for school, which I have mixed emotions about, I am reading a book by Wendell Berry and I really like it. I want to read another book he has written... after this semester is over. He writes alot about agriculture and living a simple life. It is certainly easier said than done.... I am surrounded by boxes to be unpacked.... With that said, I am excited for tomorrow! I hope you are too!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Birthday to me!

It is truly amazing how time flies, especially with so many fun and exciting things happening. I am sorry about my seista from the blogging world... I like to use it as a journal for me, too, and I am sad I have missed capturing the memories of the last few month. We left for Ohio on December 12 and after a 9 hr + layover (completely my fault) we were excited to see Marmee, Papa, Jessica and ISAAC! He grew up while he was away and now he is such a big boy. He loved going to the my sister's basketball games with Papa and Marmee. His vocabulary is improving. Now he can say many variations of the word "ball" such as football, basketball and sausage ball. He is also very cute when he says "cheese" to have his picture taken. We loved all of the festivities with my family, and I was sad to leave, but anxious to begin the next big phase. School started on Monday, and I am excited to learn, but not to leave Grace, Isaac, and Sam. I am already swamped and as a birthday present to myself I am taking the time to update my blog. So I won't say too much because I have a TON of things to do. It is great having Jake around the past few days, but, as usual, things are crazy. Half of our furniture is moved into the apartment and piles of junk, that I don't have time to go through, are laying everywhere. I will be adding a few pictures and commentary. Friends and Family, those who I haven't been communicating with.... I'll be getting in touch!

Grace and Isaac were so sweet reinacting the Nativity. Sam, as always, was very sweet. Grace did tell me when I laid baby Sam in her lap that she was not the manger. We also had fun at the Christmas tree farm with Jess and Marmee. Isaac really loved the tractor that came to pick up the tree and they both loved chasing the cat. It was freezing cold, (I have never experienced freezing rain before and I think it is the worst stuff ever!) so it is good that we were only there for about thirty minutes. Grace told everyone at the airport that for Christmas she wanted a Christmas tree. It was nice to make that little dream come true. My brother, "Father Christmas", as we like to call him, gave Grace Hannah Montana clothes for Christmas and she all of her Christmas dreams came true. Sam, who is the best baby ever!, spend most of the time with his favorite Aunt Jessica, but also was able to meet his Great-Grandmas. It was wonderful to be able to go to Kentucky and then have my Grandparents fly up from Florida. Since my parents are in the military, it is a special treat to be able to everyone on one trip. Last but not least, I had to include a picture of Isaac at the Air Force musuem. He went there three times on this trip, but we could have taken him thirty more times and he would have loved it still! If you are wondering what Grace is doing she is playing her most accomplished instrument, the music stand. She is also wearing the super cute outfit Marmee gave her for Christmas. Alas, we have already lost one of the hair bows! Welp, I better get back to studying.