Friday, March 23, 2012

Funny Brooke

The comment I get most from people who have been around Brooke for any period of time is "she is so funny!"

It is true my daughter says the most hilarious things. She is the perfect mixture of smart, funny, and uncensored. Here are a few of the latest things she has said that had rolling with laughter -

A few weeks ago we took the kids swimming. When I got Preston out I took everything off of him and just had him wrapped in a towel naked. When we got home I put him on the stairs to climb up himself so I could carry everything else up. Brooke was going up the stairs behind him and looks up at his naked body and says "Oh awesome penis bubby!" She repeated this several times and was really being serious as she was looking at his baby parts. Jason was cracking up!!

Lana just told me this story - She took Brooke and Ava to Ferrell's to celebrate both of their birthday's together. As they went to the bathroom Brooke looked at Lana (who is 9 months pregnant) and says "Did you know babies come out of your private parts! How can that happen?"

Jason took Brooke out the other night and he was telling her that she was a very humble girl and went on to explain why. She asked him after if she could go home and he would "induce" her as a humble girl. Jason said do you mean "introduce" you and she said no "induce." - I guess we have had a bit too much birth talk going on lately.




Monday, March 19, 2012

Hello my old friend

My morning sickness is now in full swing. My toilet and I have been hugging all morning long and there isn't a food in the world that sounds appetizing. It is amazing to me what a tiny baby can make me feel like!

I am out of suggestions of how to feel better. Anybody have any helpful tips? I will try anything:) If not please pray that my poor neglected children can handle watching TV while there mother lays on the bathroom floor all day for the next 8 weeks!:)

 
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Love this video

Brooke's 4th Birthday

We decorated our house while Brookie was asleep so she woke up to lots of fun! She was most excited about the cinnamon rolls she had requested for breakfast and the princess cups and plates.


We let her open one present before Daddy went off to work. It was an art kit and she got right down to business creating away.

Preston played for about an hour just running under the big balloons we hung in the hallway.

Brooke had preschool that morning. She wanted to share a treat for her birthday and decided on Krispy Kreme donuts. After school we had her friends Jillian and Ava over to play. Then the Felton's came over for dinner and we had what the birthday girl requested. Ravioli and celery with peanut butter.

The loot. She basically just got lots of princess stuff. Nothing can make her happier. :)


Brookie you amaze me with your enthusiasm and zeal for life. You are up for just about anything and you have learned so much in the short time you have been in the world. You have learned to be kind and gentle to your brother. You are always wanting to help and take care of people. You are silly and goofy and still super duper loud. You feel bad if you choose the wrong and you are so great at asking for forgiveness. You have a testimony and you love Jesus and Heavenly father and you understand who they are and you know you can pray to them anytime you want. You love Primary and were very ready for that step up.
You love preschool and you do so good at all the activities that are given to you. You love anything Disney Princess and are somewhat obsessed. You are wonderful and so good at just about everything. You amaze us everyday and we couldn't be more thankful that you are our little girl. We love you Brookie Boo!
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Brooke's 4th Birthday Celebration

For Brooke's 4th Birthday we took her to Disneyland to Ariel's Grotto where she got to dine with the princesses. She loved it and the princesses were so great and interactive.

Before we left I got her all fancy in her Sleeping Beauty dress. She actually let me do her hair and then modeled so great for these shots. I cannot believe she is 4. Well I can because she acts like she is 16 sometimes but I can't believe how big and mature she has gotten in such a short period of time.


Here she is meeting each of the princesses. They have horns go off and then a man comes and introduces the Princess.
We got lucky and we were the very first table that the Princesses came to say hi to. I liked Belle the best. She did such a great job. As you can tell Sleeping Beauty was the highlight of Brooke's day.

The HUGE dessert tray after we had already eaten half of it. Brooke was loving this part!!
Preston enjoyed himself by eating more spaghetti and meatballs than an adult could! Seriously he chowed down.

Fun times at Disneyland!
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Friday, February 17, 2012

Valentine's Day

Let me just say that I have the 3 best Valentine's in the world!! We had a nice Valentine's day this year. We actually celebrated 2 days. On Saturday we had our Valentine's family breakfast and the kids got to open their candy. We had a special valentine's dinner and dance fundraiser for the Young Women in our ward and so we went to that too. It was a lot of fun.
On Monday the kids made lots of heart valentine's for FHE. Tuesday they woke up to hearts leading from their room to the table with heart shaped Krispy Kreme donuts. Afterwards I took the kids to Pump it up and then out to Chick Fil A. It was a nice day! Jason brought home roses and In-n-Out. So yummy. I then conned him into watching the latest Twilight movie with me. Yes he really does love me! It was a very nice holiday to remember how lucky we are to experience love in our lives.
For Jason't gift I got him a whole year of prepaid, pre thought out dates. One per month. See the look he is giving me in the second pic. That is my favorite you shouldn't have done all of this for me but I love you so much look. It is worth all the effort everytime! ( I will try to post the dates as we do them.)
Brooke made her valentines this year with the help of my Silhouette machine. I had a ton of leftover popcorn from a baby shower and I was happy I could talk her into giving it for her Valentine's. She had a fun party at school that day. When I picked her up she said "Mom we didn't do any work today just all play." It pretty much cracked me up! Love this sweet fun girl!!
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Visit from Great Grandpa Leatherman

My Grandpa came to visit this past week. It had been a whole year since I saw him last so it was so nice to get to be with him. He is such a fun guy to be with. He will get down and play with the kids and is just so young still!
Brady Joe and my Dad came too. I love the way Brady plays with Brooke. Older kids really are the best babysitters!!
My favorite part of his visit was introducing him to the Wii. He golfed pretty well and he bowled a 150! I was pretty amazed. He actually beat my Dad's score in bowling:).
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Lots of old things I never posted

Some memories we have made in the past few months. I thought I would throw them all together to make it easy.
Brooke fell asleep on the couch (this has never happened before unless she is sick so I had to document it), building with new blocks, watching Little Einsteins (a daily occurrence), going to Victoria Gardens and playing in the water and eating at Lucille's, our giant Gingerbread men.
Alec and Kayla came and stayed with us the day before Thanksgiving. Alec and Jason woke up Thanksgiving morning to play in the turkey bowl. Alec fractured his ankle and both of them ended up having to stay with us for Thanksgiving instead of going to Knott's Berry Farm with the rest of the family. I know they were disappointed but i was so happy I got to keep them a while longer. I love these awesome kids!!
Brooke, Kayla and I got to see The Wizard of Oz play. It was Brooke's first play and she loved it. She wasn't bored even though it was 2.5 hours long. She said it was just so much more real then the movie. :) I loved watching her as she experienced it for the first time. It was fun getting to have Kayla be with us. She is not only an awesome niece but a great friend as well.
I got to take Alec out on a date for sushi. He is the only one who likes it with me. We ordered like 6 dishes and pigged out. It was delicious and it was fun going on a date with a younger man:) No really he is such a good boy!!
The kids have been put to work in our house! The funny thing is that they actually do a great job. Brooke dusts my baseboards for me every week and she does it perfectly. I hope her enthusiasm for cleaning can last at least for a few more years.
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A Christmas Post!

I have been seriously slacking on blogging. I have had all these collages ready for quite some time but just haven't wanted to take the time to post. So here is our Christmas! We had the Senior Sister Missionaries over for dinner on Christmas Eve. We were so fortunate to have there sweet spirits in our home adding to the special Christmas spirit we were feeling.
On Christmas morning we opened Santa gifts and then headed to church. After church we came home and opened the presents. It was such a nice and relaxing Christmas. My Dad and Brother also came and hung out with us and we just talked, played and had a great time.
We also did lots of family Christmas activities leading up to Christmas. We went to The Living Nativity where they act out the night Baby Jesus was born. We went to our ward Christmas party, made gingerbread men, watched Brooke's Preschool Christmas program (I am going to have to post the video later) we went to Disneyland and enjoyed the Christmas Parade, and lots of other small Christmas fun at home.





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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Some thoughts on Christmas

This time of year is my favorite for so many reasons. The lights, the joyfulness, the treats, the special feeling in the air,the giving and receiving of gifts, the way kids get so excited (and adults), the awesome sales, the love, the sharing and compassion, getting to have your family a little bit more, the "pricks" that we get that make us want to help others more, the way we can remember Christ more often and be able to see symbols of him everywhere we go. It is all so magical!
The last few days I have noticed I have been a little to into the "worldly" part of Christmas. This is always a struggle for me because I love giving gifts and I love shopping so it is easy to get wrapped up in the details of that. So to refocus myself I watched a few christmas messages and boy am I recharged! I am truly grateful for the wonderful miracle of the Saviors birth! Even more so, I am grateful for the the example he was and is and that he gave his life for all of us! It really is the most amazing gift that we will ever receive.

I thought I would post some of the things that have really helped me and my kiddies to feel the true spirit of Christmas, which is the Spirit of Christ.









This morning I read this beautiful article and I loved it so much I knew I wanted to post it so I could always remember it. For the whole post go to 71toes

"For Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. We love the excitement, the giving spirit, the special awareness of and appreciation for family and friends, the feelings of love and brotherhood that bless our gatherings at Christmastime.

In all the joyousness, it is well to reflect that Christmas comes in three levels:

Let’s call the first the 'Santa Claus level.' It’s the level of Christmas trees and holly, of whispered secrets and colorful packages, of candlelight and rich food and warm open houses. It’s carolers in the shopping malls, excited children, and weary but loving parents. It’s a lovely time of special warmth and caring and giving. It’s the level at which we eat too much and spend too much and do too much–and enjoy every minute of it. We love the Santa Claus level of Christmas.

But there’s a higher, more beautiful level. Let’s call it the 'Silent Night level.' It’s the level of all our glorious Christmas carols, of that beloved, familiar story: 'Now in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus…' It’s the level of the crowded inn, and the silent holy moment in a dark stable when the Son of Man came to earth. It’s shepherds on a steep, bare hill near Bethlehem, angels with their glad tidings, a new star in the East, wise men traveling far in search of the Holy One. How beautiful and meaningful it is; how infinitely poorer we would be without this sacred second level of Christmas.

The trouble is, these two levels don’t last. They can’t. Twelve days of Christmas, at the first level, is about all most of us can stand. It’s too intense, too extravagant. The tree dries out and the needles fall. The candles burn down. The beautiful wrappings go out with he trash, the carolers are up on the ski slopes, the toys break, and the biggest day the stores in the entire year is exchange day, December 26.

The feast is over and the dieting begins. But the lonely and the hungry are with us still perhaps lonelier and hungrier than before.

Lovely and joyous as the first level of Christmas is, there will come a day, very soon, when Mother will put away the decorations and vacuum the living room and think, 'Thank goodness that’s over for another year.'

Even the second level, the level of the Baby Jesus, can’t last. How many times this season can you sing 'Silent Night'? The angels and the star and the shepherd, even the silent, sacred mystery of that holy night itself, can’t long satisfy humanity’s basic need. The man who keeps Christ in the manger will, in the end, be disappointed and empty.

No, for Christmas to last all year long, for it to grow in beauty and meaning and purpose, for it to have the power to change lives, we must celebrate it at the third level, that of the adult Christ. It is at this level–not as an infant–that our Savior brings His gifts of lasting joy, lasting peace, lasting hope. It was the adult Christ who reached out and touched the untouchable, who loved the unlovable, who so loved us all that even in His agony on the cross He prayed forgiveness for His enemies.

This is the Christ, creator of worlds without number, who wept, Enoch tell us, because so many of us lack affection and hate each other–and then who willingly gave His life for all of us, including those for whom He wept.

This is the Christ, the adult Christ, who gave us the perfect example, and asked us to follow Him.

Accepting that invitation is the way–the only way–to celebrate Christmas all year and all life long."



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Family Pics 2011

My amazing friend Elise took our family pics back in Nov. As soon as we got to the spot it started raining. You can't really tell in the pics because Elise is so great but we are soaking wet and it was raining a lot. After about 30 Min's of shooting we called it quits because Preston was shivering so bad. Luckily we still got a lot of shots that I like. Here are the results - (Thanks Elise!)




I am sad Brooke and I didn't take any together but we will be taking them again soon to remedy that:)
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Fieldtrip to the Sawdust Factory

I got to on my first Field trip with Brooke. It was such a cute place to go called Sawdust Factory. They made a special Christmas project for the parents. It was so cute. I love Brooke's teacher Mrs. Sara she is so calm, fun and easy going yet very organized. The perfect combination.
I had a great time seeing how Brooke interacted with the other kids. It was sad and interesting at the same time. I think Brooke is a little left out because of her age and her loudness. Every time she would talk to one of her classmates she would yell or be so loud that they would turn and go away. It's hard to see your kid struggle already with social situations. I think most of it is her age because she is younger than most of the class.
I also saw where she has picked up some of her bad behavioral problems. The teasing and pushing I saw it all from other kids doing it to Brooke and had my aw ha moment. I know Brooke isn't totally innocent either (she does it right back) but now it all makes sense. My first reaction was to take her out of pre school so she doesn't pick up on all the bad. Then I realized that it is only the tip of the ice berg and I need to teach her now to do what is right regardless of what others are doing.
Anyways. I am so grateful that she has pre school to learn and grow from.
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Disneyland with Grandpa

My Dad recently got a pass to Disneyland. It has been so much fun getting to go with him and show him around. Of course the kids love having him around and I love the company and help. Now I just need to take him alone so we can go on all the big rides together.
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Monday, November 21, 2011

Homemade laundry detergent


I made my own laundry detergent about a month ago and I am in LOVE with the results. I am very picky about cleaning supplies and how things work so you can trust me on this one. This recipe will probably last about 9 months and it costs around $20 to make. Here is what you need -

1 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (I had a huge one that I bought from Costco that is like 20lbs.)

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (I searched all over for this but only found it at Wal-Mart)

1 4 lb 12 oz box 20 Mule Team Borax (they have this at Target and Wal-Mart)

2 bars Pink Zote Laundry Soap 14.1 oz each (This is only at Home Depot in the cleaning Isle) - A lot of homemade detergent recipes call for Fels-naptha as the laundry soap but it won't make your whites as bright and won't be as good for delicate clothing. It also is not very good for you. The Pink Zote is delicate, has brighteners and is gentle on your skin. (I was worried it would dull my darks but it has not)

2 small containers of oxyclean or generic brand (I used 32 oz for the whole batch)

Buy a big 5 gallon bucket and lid and line with a garbage bag. Add all ingredients except the pink zote bar. Put the lid on and shake. Grate (or just stick it in your food processor) the Pink Zote bars until they are super small bits. Add to the detergent and mix again. You are all ready! This works in HE machines as well as regular. It smells good (not as great as tide though) You only use 1 Tbs per load. It is super concentrated.

You can even make it look cute by putting it in a big glass gar with a cute scoop. I am going to be doing that soon.
I spent $20 total on everything for about a year which is what I spend in one month of store bought detergent. Try it I promise you will LOVE it!!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Dear Brooke

Brooke I am writing this to you now for the day you call and tell me that your toddler is driving you crazy.

My little Brookie. Lately you have been one hard little girl to live with. You are grumpy and sad and like to hang your head low all the time if something is not going your way. You like to yell at your mom very loud and ugly and have learned to use a voice and tone that scares me. Where did you learn this dear daughter? (You just told me today that a little girl at preschool taught you how to talk this way.) You think it's fine to take a toy away from somebody as long as you touched it first, which means it is now yours. You tell me "No" every time I ask you to do something. You complain about how hungry you are and then when I make you what you requested you sit and tell me that you don't want it and you are not hungry. You tell me how tired you are when I ask you to help with your chores and tell me that you "just need a little rest." Where do you learn this from? I do not do that.

You are really into teasing people, especially your best friend. You want to do everything your brother is doing but you don't want him to do it anymore which makes playtime difficult. You do not like your hair brushed at all and I am considering shaving your head. You do not like the bubble gum toothpaste you picked out and there for only want to brush your teeth with water.

Everything is a battle at this age. Luckily I love you so much that the good times overshadow the bad. You are teaching me so many things. I am starting to understand what the word patience really means. You are the sweetest girl when you choose to be and you are starting to understand what kindness and love really mean. You have a sweet spirit that recognizes truth so easily. You have a love and a testimony in the Savior at such a young age. You are super inquisitive and smart and want to know why everything is the way it is.

So even though you make me want to pull my hair out a lot of the time, you sure bring more happiness and love into my life then I could have ever hoped for. How grateful I am for you Brookie. Thank you for teaching me what it really is to be a mother. I love you so very much!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Time Out For Women 2011

I got to go to Time Out For Women with my Sister April and 2 of my nieces this past weekend in Phoenix. I had such a great time and it was great to refocus on what is most important to me and how to be a better mom, wife, sister, friend and daughter of God.

I got to meet Mary Ellen Edmunds who is a total crack up. I also met my "mommy hero's" Linda Eyre and Shawni Pothier. I was totally embarrassing and cried to them as I told them how much there books/blog have helped me in my life. It was so weird to meet someone for the first time after reading there blog for so long and them being a friend who helps you through hard times and yet they don't know you at all.
I loved getting to be with my sister and nieces and just love them and miss them so much already.

Who wants to do it next year with me? I also just got caught up on a bunch of posts so keep scrolling down if you are interested.
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Getting Big

Preston turned 18 months old last week. He goes to nursery and likes it but sometimes he is to tired and just cries when he is in there. (Church is right when his nap time is.) He is such a funny little boy and his personality is really starting to come out. He is in love with Elmo and will sing the Elmo's world theme song. He also loves Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse. He can say a lot of words now and will even put them together sometimes like "down peas." He is so nice to his sister but he also screams when she comes near because he has learned to be afraid that she will take his toys or do something to him. They are either great friends or worst enemies. I figure this is just how life is when you have kids close together in age. Preston has started to be picky with food and even though I am sad about it I am much better equipped to handle it since this is picky eater #2. I am hoping it is just a phase. Preston is still such a sweet baby and he will come up and give me a hug or snuggle just to let me know he is there and thinking about me. He loves "bapples" (apples) and he is pretty much always walking around the house munching on one. He loves playing with cars, little Disney figurines and his airplane. He is such a fun little boy and I wouldn't trade him for anything.
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