7th Place....We'll Take It!

Our spelling experience is over for now.....although Brittany's already talking about next year! The district spelling bee was tonight and Brittany did really well. There were 21 kids from 4th, 5th and 6th grades. There were a few that had been there before and the boy who won was there for his 3rd time. We think he deserved it; he knew that spelling list backwards and forwards. The runner-up was the spelling champ from last year and those last 3 boys were amazing. Brittany got out on the word "pinioned" after 3 rounds. We had counted down from the list the moderator was using and we thought she'd get the word pigment which was great, but they ended up throwing out a word because of a pronunciation problem right before her turn and she ended up with pinioned. I can't even remember going over that word and she was so close, but close doesn't really count. Her principal was so cute. He came up to her after she got her trophy and said, "I didn't even know that was a word." I'm pretty sure she'll remember how to spell that word from now on. :)

We're really proud of her and she had a great experience and I actually think she's relieved. I know she was getting tired of dragging that list with her everywhere and trying to fit in a little studying here and there. I know she wants to get back to studying for the Battle of the Books because I'm sure she has missed her reading time. Thanks for your sweet messages and for wishing her luck! She did her best and that's what she wanted to do. We're so proud of her and it was a fun thing for all of us. Bailey is thinking she might give it a try next year too and we think that will be great. They can study together because they can both participate. That'll work out good for us because Cody and I were having to look up how to pronunciate some of the words on the list. You should see some of the words on that list! It was fun spending time studying with her and today I surprised her and took her to lunch and we used the extra time to study a little more. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of quality time and it's great to have extra time like that every once in a while. It's fun to have opportunities like this and it's great to see your children try new things and succeed. We know there are many more exciting and wonderful things to come....

All in Good Fun!

I just thought I'd post some cute pictures from today! Avery is such a girl! She's been carrying a purse around for a couple of months and she acts like it's the most natural thing she's ever done. She loves her babies, almost too much because after she gets done kissing them, they need a serious wipe-down. I'm not sure whether to be worried or think it's the cutest thing in the world. Of course, I think it's the cutest thing in the world. If she continues to do it past the age of 8 or 9, I'll start to get worried. :) I think her and Bailey will have a lot in common.....they can be girly-girls together and play dolls and wear make-up and walk around in my shoes all they want. I love it! Girl Power!!!



Don't be alarmed because the bottle is sparkling apple cider. It looks bad but I thought it was so funny! I guess forget about the whole "avoid the appearance of evil". She grabbed the bottle this morning after I dumped it out and walked around with it. It was especially funny because, you'll just have to picture this in your head because I don't know how to do the video thing yet, but she was kind of staggering around because the bottle was kind of heavy so she really looked the part of an inebriated toddler. Again, kind of sad, but I almost dropped my camera because I was following her around trying to take her picture and laughing the whole time. I guess that might mean I need to get out more. I'm sure I'll get lots of votes for "Mother of the Year."


This picture was cracking me up because Avery got this little bike from Grandma Vera and Jack for her birthday and Carson loves it. He looks like this great big kid riding a little teeny bike and it's especially funny because he gets on it and just tears around the island in the middle of the kitchen. It bucks him off periodically, but we just crack up because the whole time his knees are hitting the handle bars but it doesn't slow him down at all. He's pretty easy to entertain so I think if this keeps him happy, more power to him. I'll just keep taking pictures and thinking he's adorable because pretty soon he's not going to fit on this little bike and he's going to be consumed by other boyish things so I'll enjoy these moments while I can! One thing about it, our house is never boring!

What a Great Way to Spend a Sunday

Do you ever have one of those days that everything seems right with the world? I've been wondering how that can happen with everything that is actually going on in our lives, but today was one of those days. We woke up and got moving and were actually on time to church today. YEAH! Do you know they play music before church starts? (just kidding, I've heard it a couple of times before) :) We had one of those meetings that you're so glad you made it because you walk out of sacrament meeting with a smile and a determination to do better. Cody taught our primary class and I'm always amazed at those kids...we have to stay on our toes because I think they know as much as we do. I love their personalities and I love how much we learn from them and I love that I get to hang out with my husband at church. I taught the lesson in Relief Society and had the opportunity to meet Sister Bonnie Parkin, who is the General Relief Society President for the church who was recently released, and she was so sweet and kind, that I really came home with a renewed energy and spirit and could only think positive thoughts today.

We actually got a nap, which was wonderful and we woke up and helped Brittany study for the spelling bee. We got dinner ready and I just sat and watched the kids play and laugh together and then Cody got involved and I watched him knock them down and make them laugh and tease them and I watched them with so much love in my heart that I thought it would burst. I know that it may be a stressful time and we have a lot to think about and a lot of decisions to make, but I also know that we have all that is important right in front of us. I love my husband and I have 4 kids that make me want to be a better mom every day. I get stressed out and start to get a little high strung and they do something that brings me back around. It's funny how kids can do that. They definitely keep it real! I love their sense of humor and I love how much we laugh together. If we didn't make each other laugh, I think I'd be in a corner, sucking my thumb and banging my head against the wall. I'm just feeling like things are going to work out and even if they don't, as long as we have each other, it's going to be okay. We may have to pitch a tent on someone's lawn but if we're together, we'll work it out. :)

We were sad to learn this evening about President Hinckley and Brittany was so emotional which broke all of our hearts. We learned so much from him and one of the best things about him was his positive attitude and his love for other people. I think that is one thing that is keeping us going is the thought that if we just keep getting up and taking on another day, there might be something really great out there for us. That's what we're hoping for and I know that the gospel is such a bright spot for us and we're grateful for the lessons learned from President Hinckley. We will definitely miss him but we know he's in a wonderful place with his sweet wife. Kind of sweet thought at the end of a really wonderful day!

Avery's 1st Birthday

Well, it seems like it's been Christmas again at our house. Carson had his birthday last Monday and Avery had her 1st birthday yesterday! I can't believe it's been one year since she was born. People used to tell me all the time, "Enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast." I used to think, "yeah, I know" but I'm starting to appreciate that even more as I'm watching my kids grow up and wondering if I'm enjoying everything that I'm supposed to and if I'm appreciating all of the little things and am I missing anything. It seems like every time we go somewhere that I should have a camera, I don't, so I miss those opportunities but I always think, "How could I forget something like this? I'll remember it!" When I get around to writing anything down, I think to myself, "Now what did they say? When was that? How did that go?" Somehow, it's never quite as clear as I think it will be. There are so many things that I never want to forget and I'm really looking forward to making a book from our blog at the end of the year so I can keep all of these fun memories and relive them over and over.

Avery's first year has been very eventful and it's been hard too so I'm really hoping I've been able to enjoy a lot of the little things. Avery is definitely the baby and she has been a total "mama's girl." Cody thinks it's so funny when I'm holding her and he puts his hand on my shoulder or touches my arm or something and she looks up at him, smiles and very sweetly, removes his hand. It's kind of a game now. I've loved having her want me at night (not really in the middle of the night, but at bedtime:) ) and play with my hair when I'm feeding her. I love when she says "mom, mom, mom" and I love watching her light up when the kids come in the room. I love watching her clap when Cody comes home from work and giving him those big, wet kisses. I love how she has always had a sweet bond with Carson and how he can get her to smile like no one else. I've loved watching Brittany & Bailey fight over who gets to hold her (well, not loving the fighting, just them loving Avery so much they can't stand it) and take her when I need a minute to finish something up or make dinner. Cody thought we were good with 3 kids and I still wasn't sure and now I know why. I'm glad she snuck in there because she definitely completes our family and was meant to be with us. It's funny how some of life's surprises end up being the greatest blessings. She has the sweetest smile and that dimple just melts my heart. She's such a happy baby and I can't imagine life without her. I said it's been a hard year, but I also know that it's made me appreciate all of our blessings even more. We can get through anything as long as we're together! I can't believe she's 1 already, but I know things are just going to get better and better from here. We're looking forward to great things for all the kids and hopefully for our family! Happy Birthday, Avery!!

Count Our Blessings!

I was in such a funk yesterday that I was determined to change my attitude and get back into life today! I laid in bed last night and thought about all of the things that get us down. It seems like one thing happens and the spiral begins and I had my pity party yesterday but I realized that when you're a little down, the things that pull you up must be pretty wonderful! I just wanted to tell you all how grateful we are for all of you and thanks for everything you do for us and for our family. We have such great friends here and we really appreciate all of the help that you've been as Cody and I look for new jobs. It's such a stressful time, but what would we do without all of you? We have so many things to be grateful for.....thanks for helping me realize it! I just needed a day to process and regroup and now I'm back in business. It did help to eat a sleeve of Oreos though, thanks Denice. :) What great friends and family we have! Thanks for loving us and supporting us and for getting us through tough times.

I was also thinking how great it will be to have all of these events and activities to look back on next year. I'm not very good at keeping a journal, but when I found out you can make a book out of all of the posts from your blog, I was in. I'm hoping these are some of the moments that I'm going to look back on 6 months or a year from now and think, "Wow, that was a hard time but we learned so much and now here we are on the other side." Okay, so I'm actually hoping to do that in 3 months, but I'm also realistic. :) I'm so grateful for wonderful friends, our loving family, our sweet kids who understand when it gets stressful and for an awesome husband who I know loves us and will do anything for us! I just wanted to tell you all "thanks" for adding so much to our lives!

Happy Birthday, Carson!!

Carson turned "4" on January 14th. It was such a fun day for him and he had been looking forward to it since Christmas. He loved moving up to Sunbeams and feels like he can do anything, because he's 4 now. He can't hold down his thumb, so he holds up his 4 fingers and holds down his thumb with his other hand. He was such a fun addition to our family and we waited a while for him. It's amazing how he can just fit right in with the girls and still be such a boy. He plays Barbies and Polly Pockets one minute and then he's racing through the house with his Superman cape on the next. We love the little boy moments though; I'm thinking of his bare little butt sticking out of the bushes at Boot Camp a few weeks ago because "when you have to go, you have to go". He adds so much to our lives and we wouldn't know what to do without him. What a blessing!

He had a really fun day! We all wished him a Happy Birthday when he woke up and he wished us all Happy Birthday back. :) He has a fun birthday because he shares it with his friend, Tanner and his cousin, Braden. He called Tanner to wish him Happy Birthday and Tanner invited him over for a little while so that was a treat for him and it saved us because Cody and I needed one more thing for his birthday so while he played, we ran to the store. He wanted Tacos and applesauce for dinner and then we had cake and ice cream with Grandma Vera and Jack, Bryce, Lisa and Beau and Brooklyn. We tried hard to make him a cute cake, but it didn't turn out the way we wanted. We got that store bought decorator frosting and it came out all weird so the writing on his cake looked like Carson did it himself when I actually did. I told Brittany that I was going to tell people that she'd done most of the writing....she didn't think that was very funny. It was good though and I guess that's all that matters. He got a lot of fun things for his birthday and he loves them all. We got him a bike and it was a little too big so we're going to take him along so he can pick one out that he likes. He got robots, a fire truck, some clothes and cool boxers ;), some binoculars that he loves and takes everywhere with him, a puzzle and some fun coloring things. He had a great birthday and thanks for the calls and gifts and for making it extra special for him. He has such a fun sense of humor and he makes us all laugh so much! What would we do without him? Happy Birthday!!

We Think She's Cute, but She Can Spell Too

We're excited that Brittany was chosen to take part in the Ronald Reagan Spelling Bee and after cramming quite a bit, she is the Spelling Bee Champ! We're so proud of her and it was sooo fun to watch her, but I have to admit, I was really nervous too. It's pretty nervewracking watching your children do things like that and knowing there's nothing you can do to help them. Every word I just stood and watched her and hoped that she wasn't too nervous to remember what she'd practiced. 5 kids got out in the first round and I'm sure they knew how to spell their words but I thought about how scared they must have been standing up there on that stage in front of the microphone. Anyway, it was a really exciting day and we're so proud of her. She goes to the district competition on January 29th so we'll be studying for that next.

Her class was so cute with her and when the principal announced her as the winner, all of the kids stood up and cheered. It was a lot of fun for her to have Grandpa Mark and Grandma Leslie there too. They flew in on Thursday night so it was great that they could be here for that. It was fun to watch Carson and Bailey get so excited for her too. I think those are paydays for parents; we were all there together, loving and supporting each other and genuinely excited and wanting the best for Brit. Carson and Bailey were so happy for her, hugging her and especially wanting to hold her trophy. That was the funniest thing because Brittany wanted to go back to class but Bailey and Carson took turns standing on the stage at the microphone and accepting the trophy and giving speeches. I love them! What a fun day!

Princess Room

I thought I'd post some pictures of our latest project that we finished over the Christmas break. We wanted to do something cute and fancy for Avery's room so Cody started researching and pricing out wainscoat for her room and we tore into it a couple of months ago. We started out strong, but our progress slowed down considerably after that. Cody worked on it as he could but he finally put the finishing touches on it right after Christmas. I absolutely love it and it's one of my favorite rooms in the house. The pictures don't really do it justice, but at least you get an idea. It took a lot of time but Cody did a wonderful job. I think Avery is getting reacquainted with her room because she hadn't seen it without the drop cloths, tools and the ladder in it for a couple of months. We still need to do a little decorating, but it's done for now. She now officially has the cutest room in the house. The only thing is, now we want to go room-to-room and start new projects....AAHH!! I guess we'll see what happens. We did finally get Carson's room painted and he has Diego stickers on the walls that he got for Christmas. I don't have a picture of that because I want to make window coverings so it's not all the way done but it's definitely a good start. Everything just takes time and money.....the story of our life. I'm very grateful that I have a handy husband and I thought I'd share the end result with you. I got a good tip from a friend who is an avid blogger so I'm giving the pictures another try. Hopefully I can learn from those who have gone before me. Have a great rest of the day!!

Christmas

We had a really fun and wonderful Christmas and I thought I'd include some pictures since I just downloaded them all today. Cody's birthday is the day after Christmas and he got Guitar Hero III and we've been playing it every time we get the chance. It's so much fun and Carson and Cody created a band; the C-Dogs. We've definitely hit the big time! Cody and I stayed up until 2:00 am one night playing it and laughing! We've had such a fun break and I can't believe the kids will have to go back to school next Monday. I love being able to stay home and hang out a little bit. Cody had the whole week of Christmas off so we were able to get so much done: Avery's room is done and Carson's room is painted and we were able to get to a few of the medium songs on Guitar Hero. We've accomplished a lot. :) We've had so much fun with our friends and family and wish we had a couple more weeks. I guess we have to get back to the real world life so we don't starting thinking this is normal, but it sure has been great! I'm going to try some pictures now.....wish me luck!

New Year / New Adventure

I've been wanting to try this whole blogging thing for a while now, but I've never taken the time to figure it all out. It's going great so far.....(which anyone who knows me will be shaking their head after they read this next part because it's so me) I already started one on New Year's Day because I figured it was a great thing to do for the New Year and I want to keep in better touch with our family and friends......well, I already deleted that one and now I'm starting over. I'm not sure how it's going to go, but at least I'm giving it a valiant effort. :) I hope this will be a fun way to keep our family and friends up to date with what we're doing and hopefully I'll figure out how to put pictures with it so you can watch the kids grow because I feel like that's all I've done this year. So, I'm hoping this will be fun for all of us! Wish me luck!!