Post Falls Dam

It was a nice day on Sunday, so Matt and I went over the Post Falls Dam along the Spokane river. It's wide open this time of year so it's always fun to see.

Ava's Bike Video

Vinyl!

Matt's sister, Lacey, did some vinyl projects for me and I am so pleased in the way they turned out!  The orange one and the Zirker family rules one will go in the kitchen...

This one will go in Riley's room

This one will go in our bedroom.  The blue matches our bed spread and I am in love with the color!

Update on Ava!

Fair warning...this is a long post!

  So Ava has been up to a lot in the last week!  She has recently been asking and asking to take dance lessons.  So a friend of mine, who teaches ballet and tap in Nampa, invited us to come to her studio and sit-in on a few classes.  Needless to say, Ava was in HEAVEN!  Even Brycen got in on the action.  Now I just have to find a program that is affordable and closer to where we live.  (I still think Nampa is too far away.)

Such good form!

I love all the PINK!  

Then on Sunday - Ava decided that she wanted Daddy to put her pedals back on her bike.  (Note: we took them off about 3 weeks ago to help her learn balance without training wheels.  Worked like a charm!) So he did, and it only took about 10 minutes of practice and she was riding on her own.  Then she rode all night, and all afternoon the next day, then rode it to school today... you get the idea!

I am so proud of her!  She was so brave and listened to everything Drew said, and it paid off.  She looks like she has been riding her bike forever!  She's outside riding it right now actually!  A huge thanks to the Rowley's for the idea to take her pedals off!  It made ALL the difference!
Brycen was VERY helpful and encouraging!

That brings us to today.  Like I said before, Ava and Brycen are playing outside right now.  We had all just finished dinner, and Drew and I were relaxing in an unusual amount of "quiet" in the house, when all of a sudden CRAASHH!  Yep...Ava said she was trying to "throw a rock in the bushes" but she missed.  Our 1st rock through a window!

Ava instantly knew she was in trouble and just started bawling uncontrollably!  But she told the truth right away, she apologized and then continued to sob!  Poor thing.  I honestly felt bad for her, but she knew she had made a mistake!  Drew was a rock star and just held her and talked to her about it.  Now we have to come up with a punishment and a way for her to "help" fix the window.  So I am open to suggestions!

This is the window to the playroom - it only broke the outside pane, thank goodness!

It's times like these that make me so thankful to be a Mom.  Even in the bad times...I am so blessed with wonderful kids who challenge me each day, but also fill me up with so many hugs and kisses and laughter that I can't help but love-em to pieces!  They are my joy everyday!  I am truly blessed!

Happy Birthday Kimbre!!

Our fair, dear Kimbre has turned 27 today and I would like to extend some well wishes and lovins' to her and say ..... Happy Birthday Hottie!

Kimbre is the coolest!
I'm lucky to have her as my sister!
Man, she is a hot mama!
Beautiful in and out!
Really awesome in every way!
Everyone knows she's the greatest!!!

Love you tons, Kimbre, and I hope you've had a Happy Birthday!  xo  ;)

Anything for Jellybeans!

I just know I'm gonna jinx myself by posting this, but. . . Bray is starting to potty train!!  I'm so excited!  He finally seems to have decided he wants to do it, and every time Jacob goes, or he feels the urge, or . . . he just wants another jellybean. . . he takes off his own diaper and does it all by himself!  Here's hoping it continues!

Surprise!  It's a BOY!

We had our appointment today and the ultrasound was very clear... we will be adding another boy to the family in August!  No idea what to name it yet - but I have all kinds of ideas for a boy room and a girl room!  

WHHHACK!!!

So, we were at Shannon's baby shower, and Mary Huntington metioned that a girl in her ward was doing a service project involving Locks of Love.  Anyone who had hair long enough to donate would get a FREE haircut!   So I decided to GO FOR IT!! 

 I love it! (and Jason says it makes my neck more kissable!)

 

Cherrios--somebody get the milk!

So this week, I decided to let Ethan and Brooklynn try cheerios.  Even though he still doesn't have any teeth, Ethan has been putting EVERYTHING into his mouth lately, and hasn't been gagging like he used to.  Brooklynn, too is exercising her fine motor skills with varied success!

As you can see it's been a big hit. . .  I feel like adding some milk to the scene and telling the boys , "Get out your spoons! We'll be eating breakfast off the floor this morning!"  haha!  Oh well, its my lake of cheerios!.:)

 This slimey hair-do, by the way, is completely cheerios--no teether-feeder or other goopy food required.  Ethan is such a slimer!  Like his brother before him (Jacob) Ethan doesn't seem to like having messy hands and is constantly wiping them off in-- yes you guessed it-- his HAIR!  Ew.

Like my facial mom?

This thing that looks like a green ice cream cone is called a teether-feeder--and it is MESSY! Unfortunately, Ethan refuses to eat from a spoon-- he is the most stubborn "do it myself" baby!  The teether-feeder is basically a cheesecloth bag that he can chew and suck soft foods through.  So, for the time being his diet consists of bananas, pears, and of course, avocados. 

Nice!

8 Months - Teeth, Feet, and a Superhero! Oh my!

Guess who is the proud owner of two sharp little teeth!  That's my girl!  It was interesting though-- Ethan had the same symptoms as Brooke, but no teeth as of yet.  Guess he's just a sympathetic soul!  As a side note, Brooke has also been discovering her voice lately-- and she is LOUD!  She growls, babbles, smacks her lips, and blows raspberries.  It's so cute. . . but most of all, Brooklynn can squeal!  That girl squeals with delight at her brothers' antics (esp. Jacob's) and it turns into a contest, she is the undisputed winner!

 Look who's crawling on all fours and NOW pulling himself up on two feet-- already starting to get into everything!  He especially enjoys playing with paper and has already eaten a page out of my hymnbook :)  Brooklynn is still just a happy lump, although, I can tell she is getting jealous of her brother's ability to get things and is starting to move more and more.  She's starting to rock on all fours and will be mobile soon!   Most of the time though, she is Ethan's "speed bump."  He crawls right over the top of her and she's not much bothered-- unless he steals her toy or accidentally pinches her.  Since the toy she is playing with is usually moving in her hand, of course it's the most interesting thing in the room!  Whatcha gonna do.:)

He is sooo proud of himself-- love it!  Just wait, he'll be walking soon!

 Introducing our newest superhero-- Ethan borrowed Bray's goggles! haha!

Bray-Bray Talk

After breakfast this morning, Braden was just chatting...

"I take a shower like Daddy.  I turn it on and get in, and close the...bushes.  And turn it on and get in... and get naked!"

That kid cracks me up!

Happy Birthday to Jayson and Dallas!!!

Being the Sabbath I missed posting yesterday, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAYSON!!!!! You're an incredible man and I love every minute I get to be with you. I hope you know how much I appreciate you and all you do for our family. I am so in love with you and I hope you had a happy birthday!
As for the Dallas man - Today is his special day! We love our little 3 year old and even though he's loud and a bit of a stinker, he's SO much fun and I love every day with him! Happy birthday to our little man!!

Bray-Bray Talk & Jacobisms

BRAY-BRAY TALK

Braden: Darf Daver
Translation: Darth Vador

Braden: (after waking up from a nap) I'm not scared!
Translation: I didn't have any bad dreams!

Braden: Daddy, talk at me!
Translation: Tell me what to do

Braden: A hell come
Translation: You're welcome

(during FHE)
Mom: Why do we say to eat your food?
Jacob: So we can be healthy!
Mom: And why do we say to sit still?
Braden: I like presents!

(after playing with a toy together)
Jacob: I'm all done playing.
Braden: Do it some more?
Jacob: No, I'm all done.
Braden: DOO IT!!!!

Dad: Did you eat your fruit snacks?
Braden: Yeah.
Dad: Were they pretty yucky?
Braden: No they were pretty nummy!



JACOBISMS

Jacob: I can do it faster!
Dad: I win!
Jacob: It's not a race.

Jacob: I broke my bones!
Translation: I cracked my knuckles!

Dad: Why is Braden scared?
Jacob: Because we're scaring him.

Jacob: I want to marry Brynlee
Dad: Why Brynlee?
Jacob: Because she's cuter.
Dad: Cuter than who?
Jacob: Braden

Happy Birthday Matt!

You're a wonderful husband and even greater daddy!! Hope your day is a good one!

Happy Birthday Brycen - 3 Years Old!

Happy birthday to my big boy! These days, Brycen is a very busy boy - trading between polly's and power rangers, and making new friends. He is so much fun! I love this big cheese-face! Can you tell he is excited about his birthday?

For dinner we made home made pizza. Brycen had fun making his very own.

So as I mentioned before, Brycen is totally into Power Rangers, so for his birthday he received a red ranger mask and sword. The sword folds in half and makes lots of sounds - however, with the push of a button, it also un-folds and resembles more of a switch-blade! Oops! Oh well, he loves it!

Here he is showing off his 'moves' at the dinner table - this looks serious!

I must explain - He LOVES Power Rangers, but insisted on a Spiderman birthday! He barely knows who spider man is - but for months now, he has been looking forward to a spiderman cake. So thanks to Drew's handy work - Brycen received his birthday wish!

...and a bike!

Brycen is a happy, energetic 3 year old boy who has completely stolen my heart! He loves to play with Ava, but has recently discovered "friends" and looks forward to playing with them as often as possible. His favorites include Power Rangers, playing outside, going to the park, cheese, rapunzel, and giving Mommy loves! I love this boy so much - I just have to squeeze him everyday! Happy Birthday Buddy!

Really...He's 3 Already?

He is so handsome - and the best "little-big boy" I could ask for! I am so proud of my little man!

(More birthday party pictures to come!)

Happy Easter!

It's a glorious 70-degree day in Portland! I sang in a trio today for Sacrament Meeting, and wanted to share the lyrics with you. Hope you have had a great day with your families.

"Because He Lives"

Because He lives,
Because He rose in mighty triumph from the grave,
I put my trust in Him, and seek to follow Him in faith,
Because He lives.

Because He lives,
I shall find strength to stand against the tempter's power.
He is my refuge and defense in ev'ry troubled hour,
Because He lives.

Because He lives,
I can bear whatever burden may be mine.
I am encircled in the arms of love divine,
Because He lives.

Because He lives,
He will banish ev'ry shadow of my pain.
Ev'ry sorrow will be swallowed up in Him.
For in His hand is healing for the weary soul.
This I know, because He lives.

Because He lives, I will fear no darkness.
Because He lives, I will walk in light.
Because He lives, I will praise His kindness.
Because He lives, hope shines ever bright.

Because He lives, I will seek His righteousness.
Because He lives, I'll follow where He leads.
Because He lives, I shall conquer even death.
And I will live, because He lives.

Because He lives,
I will rejoice in Christ, and glorify His name.
And with a willing voice of gratitude proclaim:
My Savior lives!

Because He lives,
My heart is filled with peace amid a world of fear.
There is no trial so great that I cannot endure.
I bear no heartache that His tender mercy cannot cure.

This I know,
Because He lives!


p.s. Love to all!