Grayson's blessing

Dear Grayson,

Today was your baby blessing and I thought it would be fun to tell you about the day and its preparation. Such an important and fun occasion. One of your first big days in our family with many to come.

Let's start by talking about Saturday, which also happened to be the day before the Super Bowl. I went to Costco and took your older brother Carter with me to load up on all the goods for the day. It was a mad house and I may want to mention here that not only was it your going to be your blessing day with brunch following after, but we were also gearing up for the traditional "Super Bill" party for your Aunt Amy to follow after (her nickname is Bill and it's her birthday too). So yes, I loaded up that oversized grocery cart and made my way through the crowds, but not without a trip to the potty for Carter who really was such a good and patient boy. Then headed home and began the task of actually sorting and storing that huge amount of food I had just purchased. The list included, but was not limited to, an insane amount of fruit, several dozen eggs, a huge box of hash browns, 10 or so dozen donut holes and 8 cartons of OJ. Are you starting to catch the vision of next 24-36 hours ahead? All for you Grayson, all for you.

Once home I cleaned up and started the food prep which also includes my amazing idea for a donut hole tree (insert amazing photo here at a later date). How long does a donut hole tree take to make you may ask? Well, when you sit down and have your willing Oma and Aunt to giggle and chat it up with, not that long. And really, how much fun are rainbow sprinkle donut holes. Bright and cheery for your special day, because after all, you are such a sweet and cheery spirit to have in our home. Once we accomplished the fruit prep eventually the egg and hash brown casserole prep takes shape, but now we're edging up on around midnight. The house is smoky from bacon frying and hash browning with Dad and me as the lone persons awake. You nodded off a few hours ago, sweet boy. To bed, to bed, must sleep a little before our 9 o-clock church call.

The morning goes smoothly, Grandpa arrives safe and sound and extra early to make sure he doesn't miss your big day. Other family follows suit, uncles, close friends and even a cousin-in-law to hold you in that special circle at church. They bless you with all the strength and blessings that you deserve as a dear child of God. Oh, you are loved and adored with your brown curly hair and bright blue eyes. I'm a little tearful and thankful for the opportunity to raise you up in our little family. Your blessing mentions that you will have the desire to honor me but, I am already so honored to be your mother. I stand before the congregation and give a brief and tearful testimony of gratitude and faith, so grateful. I mustn't forget your brothers, they were so good today. Carter kept wanting to be by you, because he knew this was your special day. He would whisper to you how you were going to get a blessing by Dad and he folded his arms so reverently while the blessing was being said, such a good boy today. Harrison sat next to Oma and soaked up all her attention, he loves his Oma and sat quietly through the meeting. I remember looking at him and thinking how he wasn't a baby that long ago either. Time is a fleeting thing.

Afterwards, I head off to finish up the preparations for the brunch with a crowd of people following closely behind. It's a blur, but long story short you nap eventually and soon I am napping alongside you and have a slight headache from all the commotion and not remembering to eat a plate of food myself. Your Dad cleans up for the next round of guests and food prep, pretty sure the rainbow sprinkle donut holes were not his favorite item of the day. He says he spent much of the time vacuuming up sprinkles from all sorts of nooks and crannies in the house. Oh Dad, what a good guy. Bright and cheery though, would not have it any other way.

Next round, Super Bowl 2012. Your Dad thought it was a good omen to bless you on Super Bowl Sunday. What? Joking, no pressure, just grow up healthy and strong and we'll be thrilled. Now this production involved some pretty amazing food from the Thomas ladies. I pretty much shuffle around the kitchen offering a helping hand here and there and tasting whatever strikes my fancy. The island bar is covered in food and people are coming and going as they please, which is nice and casual. Talk is light and comfortable, very nice. Someday when your older you'll enjoy the occasion a little more, but for this one you were a little cranky from a full day. I soothed you and rocked you too sleep and eventually you were down again and peaceful.

What a wonderful and full day, something to remember when you are grown and big. You are a blessing and a joy. Thank you for being my beautiful baby boy.

Love,

Mom

Giving Thanks

Finally, our new little man has arrived safe and sound.

Grayson Christopher was born on October 17, 2011 at around 1 p.m.

Everything went smoothly...especially after I got my epideral and my sanity was restored. He was a rocking 8lb 15oz and 21 1/2 inches long. He was so cute and chubby when he arrived and we snuggled right up to each other. The payoff of 40 long weeks of pregnancy was worth it and I fell in love immediately. It's been an easy bond ever since. This Thanksgiving season I am grateful for my boys, especially this new man in my life.

The hospital was so great and I got my newborn pictures right there, no problem. Which for a new mom is heaven sent. They use to do these lame little newborn photos that were pretty much the equivelent of a driver's license picture, but this time a real photographer came in the room and took great photos. I bought the whole lot of them. Yay!

The nurses loved his curls. He really does have a lot of hair and it is very curly. When he had his first bath they put a little curl on the top of his hair and it stayed in place. My night nurse was so cute and had to show him off in the hall to the other nurses which I loved. Funny the things your so proud of when they are just newborn. Ha!

End of Summer

Harrison had the stomach flu last night. so today was a very slow day of hanging out here at home. We started the day with the boys watching Star Wars. Ate lots of Otter Pops. Homemade smoothies for lunch. A walk down the street and back a couple times to keep me moving in my very pregnant state and the boys moving with me. A little nap in front of the TV with the boys before our official naptime. Official naptime. End of the day adventure in Otter Pop selling to the passing cars for 10 cents with the boys shouting and waving at the cars while I tried to stay hidden next to our tree. A little flirting and playing with the cute little girls next door. Dinner was light with chicken noodle soup and rolls for those tender tummies that are still on the mend. A trip to PetCo for some cat food for our kitties and off to bed for the boys.

Such a low key day that I actually quite enjoyed. I have to remember that next week is the official start of school and both boys will be away from me much more. I'm excited for them to go have fun and a little break for me, but today I remembered that their childhoods are only here with me for a little while.

Happy 3

This cute little guy turned three and had a blast. It was over a month ago, but better late than never.

We started the day off with breakfast in bed. I got some

video of this and he was so thrilled to be

treated to such a special occasion.

He's still in his crib because with all the hoop-lah around moving

we decided to just put it off until we got into the new house.

And now, he's potty trained so now it's a big reward.

If only Mom could figure out the decor details...

Any ideas on where to get fun bedding? I'm not finding

anything I love these days.

Doesn't three look so big on this kiddo.

This is the money shot of the day. I mean look at that hair and the slightly crazed look on his face.

Again, the move took precedence over haircuts even. I'm

happy to report we did finally make it out to get

a hair cut and he's looking a little less savage

these days. But, don't you love that his

hat says, "Party Animal."

We love our little guy and can't believe it's been three years. He makes me laugh everyday and boy, he knows how to give a great hug. He's still very attached to his blanket (be-be) even through now at three it is threadbare and I keep finding little pieces of it around the house. He's my little adventurer and we're constantly amazed at how nothing seems to scare him and phase him. I constantly hear after he takes a little tumble or spill, "I'm okay!" Cracks me up.

Love him. Happy 3.

To remember

I need to remember that....

Carter loves his music and is very particular about what music you subject him too. Today in the car he stopped mid-tantrum because one of his favorite songs came on and instead sang softly to himself and even did a little gig. What a character at 3.

Harrison is OBSESSED with golfing. He went a whole 18 holes with Chris the other day and wasn't tired in the slightest. And he pretty much beat up a 10 year old with his game. Impressive.

Carter still is accident prone and the other day did a superman stunt on the swing and landed face first in the gravel. We went to insta-care and he and I were both traumatized by the cleaning of the wound.

Swimming is a summer favorite and you'll see us at the pool pretty much every day for at least the next two weeks.

A new playground in the backyard was a worth doing since we are still a month long without TVs in the house. Cross your fingers we figure this out soon. At least my fear of our summer being sat in front of the TV is not happening.

After 6 months the boys finally got their return visit to Midway and it did not disappoint. The day after we moved into our new house they asked when we were leaving for Midway. Lucky boys. Midway = bike rides, golf, swimming, games, boating with friends and the "train restaurant."

My boys are becoming little buddies. They play together and even protect each other. Little Carter at the pool the other day didn't like the way another kid was treating Harrison and he shouted, "Don't do that to my brother!" Priceless.

Harrison may have finally overcome his fear of fireworks! This is huge. We went to the Oakley rodeo with friends and both boys loved the fireworks show. The whole walk back to the car was about how, "I guess when you're five you're just not afraid of fireworks anymore." I was personally pleased since it met we were also able to stay for my brother's 4th of July fireworks extravaganza this year.

Otter pops are a constant request and I don't mind because I get to send them outside.

Anyways, I thought I should try and remember a great summer with my two boys....soon to be three boys in October.

Feeling...

Today I am feeling a little sentimental and tender. Why? Well, the countdown is on in the big move. In three short weeks we will have packed up all our little belongings and head over to the "new house" (as Carter and Harrison refer to it). Excited about it, yes. Nervous about it, yes. Tender about it, yes. Today at the end of church I could have just sat down in the lobby and cried. Let's remember I'm pregnant and may have some extra hormones floating around that help with the crying factor, but I'm definitely going to miss this little neighborhood. We're been here for ten years, that's since the beginning of our marriage. Basically the beginning of my family. So, while I'm excited about the "new house" I know this "old house" is going to be missed.

But let's try to focus on lighter items, shall we? Harrison and Carter are almost done with pre-school for the year. So in honor of a great year of growing and learning below are the pictures from their little classes.

Cheese.

Oh dear, grumpy.

Cheese.

Did they say "pucker up?"

My Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day.

I mean Chris was so attentive I'm a little worried

that I may not be able to live up to the attention

on Father's Day. And then there were the boys.

So excited for the day and soooo

excited to give me,

pretty sure, the most important

gift of my life.......

BYU flip flops.

I was laughing so hard. I mean just

look at their faces, so proud.

So totally excited about the prospect of me

finally having a pair of Y

flip flops to wear everywhere.

Harrison started listing off all the

places I could wear them...

the pool, outside on walks, going to pre-school.

The look of pride and just

total excitement kills me.

I guess Harrison was really

behind the whole idea.

When wandering around Shopko

with Dad one day

he spotted these

babies and it was over.

Mom had to have them. Love it.

When I asked him to take a picture

of my flip flops he got really

close up, zoomed in and this was the result.

It's pretty obvious what is the really

important part of these little

slippers.

A great day and so blessed.

A Wedding

A couple weekends ago we went to my nieces wedding. Loved it! Had a great time and so happy for her. Now remember I'm not a professional photographer, like, not at all. With that in mind these pictures don't do the event justice, but here are some of the highlights:

The happy couple.

Goofing off.

In awe of the bride.

Hanging out with Aunt Helen.

Harrison trying to join in with his cousins at Grandpa's table.

Brother and sister.

Cute Carter.

Not so great picture of Grandpa and Harrison.

Grandpa and his boys. I know Grandpa loved hanging

with his grandsons for a good portion of the

evening. Probably one of my favorite scenes.

Okay, this one was pretty tender too. Daddy-daughter dance.

Ahhhh.

One more.

And yes, Chris was there too.

Why is it that Chris and I never seem to

get pictures of us together? I need to be better at that.

But I do love seeing a picture of him

with my Dad and brother.

Pretty important men in my life.

The End.

Big things

I've been terribly absent from my blog. I think part of it is just the survival instinct of keeping my head down and pushing forward, we been busy around here. All good things, but all big things too. I can at least give you a list of a few of the haps that have kept me tied up.

1. I'm pregnant - yep, 12 weeks officially. Thrilled and excited, but isn't it funny how you forget how tired and sick you get. My little world has been tossed around a bit, but we're doing very well. Had a 12 week ultrasound yesterday (because evidently I'm old, rude!) and I got to see our little addition up close and personal and I have to say that every expectant mother should have this. I mean, you're sick and tired, but sometimes wonder if it may just be a figment of your imagination. I mean, I really only peed on a stick once, how for sure is that? Well, after the ultrasound I have to admit I felt quite vindicated. I'm not just losing my edge and it's all worth it. All is well and I'm totally busy making a little person. What a miracle.

2. Selling our house - Walk throughs and cleaning are a constant around here, but not sure how things will shake out in this area....I'll keep you posted.

3. Parties - 2 baby showers, Harrison's birthday parties, and a bridal shower coming up. I've been a busy planner, no time to be sick and tired. Oh wait, I still seem to find time for that. Shoot. But, I do love the distractions and they are a welcome opportunity and luckily I have an awesome family that has pitched in to help out. Bring it on.

4. Trips - Made our traditional spring trip to Laguna Beach with the boys. It's the best with nothing planned but playing in the sand and the occasional trip to the best candy shop you've ever seen. The boys were in paradise. And don't forget we managed to hang out with our good friends the Every family and Harrison continues to talk about his "California friends" with the hope of seeing them again sometime soon.

5. Holidays - Looking forward to Easter coming up and starting to put things together for the boys and also enjoyed St. Patty's day this year even though Harrison cried when a sneaky leprechaun died his mac and cheese green. Can't say I blame him, it was a little gross. But hopefully the sugar cookies and bubbles made up for that fiasco. Carter loved it all though.

6. Chris is a busy body - The first quarter of the year is a busy one for this guy. You can count on seeing some 60-70 hour work weeks, but I'm happy to say that we're working on getting it back to a more "balanced" work week as 2nd quarter approaches. And don't forget that he somehow managed to show up and coach little Harrison's "biddy ball" basketball team and take care of a sick wife without skipping a beat. Amazing man, I promise.

Whew - Well, looking forward to a couple of friend outings coming up and hopefully feeling the pick-up of entering my second trimester of pregnancy. I starting to put my head up and look around a bit hoping to get a better view of things. But, we may be packing up and moving soon, so maybe I better just keep my head down and push ahead...Keep calm and carry on. I lived and blessed and wonderful life!

A day in the life

I thought this day in my life required documenting.

Picture this, children playing contently, mother doing a little of this and that, nothing terribly important. Now picture one very cute two year old playing airplane around the living room and running in circles. Crashing. Flying. Crashing again. Giggles. All is well and good.

Until, this same little two year old starts to tell Mom that he's going on a trip. "Okay, " Mom says, "Just a pretend trip in the backyard? Okay?" You see where this is heading already I bet. Carter says, "Ya. I give you a kiss, Mom. I give Harrison a kiss." I should mention a favorite Thomas the Tank backpack was involved with the packing of a set of toy keys. Still, I'm thinking it's all the good pretend play of a two-yr old. Naive, I know. I tell him, "Go play in your toy car in the backyard and take a trip around the yard, stay in the backyard."

Well, as you can guess, he didn't stay in the backyard. I am hanging out in the dining room with Harrison for a bit and decide to check on him. I go to the back door and look outside......no Carter. I run to the garage and open the door.....no Carter. I run inside and look downstairs and upstairs......no Carter. I run out the front door......trying not to panic, but panicking.....CARTER!! Too the end of the block.....looking both ways.....CARTER!!!!

I run inside grab my keys. Bolt to the car and get into my car and start driving out of driveway, reach the end of the block.....Now, I realize I have no idea which way he went or what to think. I'm starting to cry, shake, oh dear, what should I do?

When to my surprise I see my neighbor and friend driving in her car headed toward me. I'm in full panic mode. She rolls down her window and I roll down my window, "Carter." She has him in her backseat. She tells me he was about 3 blocks away headed toward a very busy street. Gasp.

She then tells me that our other neighbor had been driving down the street and actually seen him walking very confidently down our driveway from the backyard and turned the corner and just kept walking. She thought it seemed a bit odd and rolled down her window and said, "Carter, hi." He said, "Hi."

He kept walking, "Carter, where are you going?"

"I'm going to daycamp."

Huh? At this point he's almost two blocks away.

"Where are you going?"

"I going to the airport."

She pulls over.

"Ummm, Carter do you want to get in my car?"

"Ya." He hops in.

Well, my good neighbor was good enough to grab him and is now running late to her appointment, but knows this situation was not headed to a good outcome. Meanwhile, my other neighbor was driving by and they transferred little Carter into her car and she headed over to my house and that's where we left me....remember, crying and panicking in the car.

Whew. She lets Carter out of her car, backpack still in hands. She tells me the story. Little stinker. More tears.

Moral of the story: Your two year may really be headed on a trip when he says so....regardless of what you think was fully explained and understood. Wishful thinking Mom.

He had a good little talking too. I told him I was scared and thought he was lost and a number of other things. He shuddered, literally. I think he got it. But, believe me I won't be taking any chances on "pretend trips" in the future.

Thank goodness for good friends and neighbors who are there to rescue your babies when you need them.

Oh ya, one more thing about that day. Harrison dropped my iPhone in the toilet. End of story. Some days are ones that just need to be recorded. Don't you think?

Holiday season jumble

I realize I'm not doing a great job on the blog front. So, in an attempt to blog before I turn on the latest episode of American Idol (priorities, I know) here are random pictures from the holiday season in no particular order (translation, extremely out of order pictures).

We somehow made it to NYC with literally a

day's notice. I tagged along with Chris

while he did press stuff with Ed Smart.

So hectic, but I would never

pass up NYC at Christmas.

The boys had an awesome visit with Santa

before Christmas. Harrison rattled his

list off and didn't skip a beat.

Carter took notes on how to do

it for next year. Actually,

I should note that when we saw

Santa at The Gateway

Carter had to be torn away from

Santa because he wouldn't stop

repeating, "choo, choo" over

and over. I guess he figured

he should give Harrison a turn

this time. Santa was a hit this year!

The traditional gingerbread house

breaking on New Year's Day.

Stale candy and cookies anyone?

Our New Year's celebration, kid shot.

My friend Christine and I, we grew up

together and still see each other often.

She headed up a gourmet New Year's Eve

dinner. I don't think I would have

attempted it without her.

Traditional Christmas Eve jammies shot.

Oma and Uncle Chum cooking up an

amazing traditional Christmas

Italian dinner. If you haven't

noticed we like to eat around

here and we don't mess around.

A better shot of Harrison giving

Santa the download on

the swag list.

Preschool holiday program. Lots of

mumbling and the occasional glance up,

he's more of a sports guy anyways.

One final shot of the Christmas Tree at

Rockefeller Center.

Now on with 2011, it's already in full swing!