The Wilder Family

My Boys

2012-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

It has been some time since I have updated and am long over due. I want to talk about my boys and all the joys that come with them. I may seem selfish to some since all of my post have been about running and the races we have done lately. But to that I say, whatever. Running has completely changed me and if anything made me a better person since I am healthier and happier.

I am blessed with two beautiful boys and number 3 due the first part of April.

Andy who's legal name is Andrew, but wants to be called Andy now. He is 5 and growing strong. He is extremely tall and smart. He is always telling us something new and comes up with the funniest, wittiest things. He is very out going and yet can have such a shy quietness to him at times. He is very helpful around the house and especially with his little brother. He always wants to be playing with friends or his cousins which is such a change from just a year or so when he rather be by himself. It has been so cute watching him come out of his shell. Andy will always be such a help with his younger sibling and I could not ask for a better kid.

Evan James, who is usually needing his full name called since he likes to get into mischief. He is always into something and his favorite word is "No". He is by far the instigator and has everyone wrapped around his finger so he gets exactly what he wants, especially Grandma Mecham, he plays her like a fiddle and she loves it. She is so good to him and the minute he sees her he runs up with a big smile. He is very smart and knows how everyone works and uses it to his advantage. He is very sweet and yet can throw a fit that would put any monster to shame. He talks so well and uses the correct words on most things. If we tell him no he finds his brother to get it for him. He plays well with Andy and loves toys of all sorts. He likes to look through books and jabber as if he is reading them to us. He is a little spit fire and adds so much spunk to the family. He has been difficult at times, but all kids are. He just wants everyone to remember how much he was wanted.

I love being a mother and all the joys, trials and all that comes with it. I am so lucky to have my boys and thankful for their charming, different personalities.

My lifestyle and body have changed over the last 14 months and it has been quite the time. I am so excited to see where the next months take me and am so lucky to have my boys along for the ride.

TOU half marathon!

2011-09-07T15:27:00.001-07:00

Yes people, I DID IT!

I could not be prouder of myself and everyone that did it with me. Kamee, Nicki, Natty and Chris. I love you all and we will forever remember this experience.

I think I can say I am a runner, not a speed runner, but a runner and I love every minute of it. The freedom and energy are the greatest rush and I also am looking quite HOTT! It is life changing and I will not go back. I have a few more runs coming up so I will post more as they come. Watch out world, "were a runnin."

PS Jess thank you for all you have showed me I had and for helping uncover this strength. I love you.

Evan's First Birthday

2011-07-12T18:36:00.001-07:00

I know that I am quite behind on the blogging, but late is better than never.

Evan turned ONE on the 19Th of March. At his year mark he was 20lbs and 30 inches long. He was saying "ma and dad". He stared walking but refused to when anyone was watching. I think is is safe to say he was 14 months when he officially was walking cause he just took off with it and has not slowed down.

Evan is so opposite of Andrew at all ages and stages. They get along perfect and Evan wants to be where ever Andrew is, but they are definitely polar differences.

Both boys are doing well and growing so strong and healthy, and most of all so fast.

Happy (late) Birthday Evy Roo!

Running

2011-07-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am running to prepare for the TOU half on August 27Th. My life has changed dramatically in the last year. I lost a dear friend in September, Jessica Wilson was struck by a car and killed. Jess was an avid runner, she did many marathons and relays. She was just starting to get into Triathlons. I decided that I wanted to do TOU in her honor and memory. She was the greatest person and has now changed my life more than anyone will ever know.
I started watching what I was eating and running and exercising early part of this year. I wanted to be in great shape and conquer this half marathon. I started to loose weight and have watched my body change dramatically in the last months. I run very frequently and some weeks every day. I have lost 66 lbs and not only look awesome, I feel incredible. I have so much energy and strength and am constantly going with out stopping and have the stamina to do so. I have found a love and freedom with running that I never would of thought I could or would have. I am a totally different person inside and out and just glow with confidence.
I could not and maybe never would not if it was not for Jess's inspiration and love. I owe so much to her. I am so incredibly blessed and lucky enough to of had her to be a part of my life. Jess this is for you and thank you for showing me who I really am and have become.

Temple Square and the lights

2011-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

So the last three years we have held strong on one tradition for sure. That is going to Temple Square and seeing the lights. We have taken our friend Kamee with us each time also, so now that is a tradition, she is a great help with the boys and we love her so much.

It was not as cold this year as in the past and my favorite part is listening to them tell of Christ's birth as they light up the nativity scene.

This year we wanted Andrew to learn more of the meaning of Christmas so we let him pick a little boy and girl off the Angel Tree so we could get gifts for them. We also let him pick all the items that we got for them. We explained that not everyone gets as much as others and that helping is the greatest gift we can give. I think he really understood and it also taught me and Chris something. The greatest part was doing this as a family. I could not be prouder. I hope we continue the angel tree for all the years to come. If nothing else the warmth it filled our hearts with is priceless.

The boys and Santa

2011-01-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

So obviously since Evan is only 9 months this was his first time with Santa. He saw one at my work and we put him on his lap and he immediately started to cry and held out his arms for us. So knowing this experience already when we went to the ward Christmas party we were prepared to try and get a good picture of the boys together on Santa's lap. So we did a "one. two, three" and put him on his lap, well you can judge the picture for yourself. I think they are adorable no matter what.

Andrew enjoyed the Santa experience this year because he figured he would get whatever he asked for. I love kids and Christmas.

Happy 4TH Birthday Andrew

2011-01-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

So my baby is growing so fast these days. He turned 4 on November 30. I can hardly believe it.

He is very smart and also tall, 42 inches to be exact. He is in the 85 centile . I believe he will be taller than me in a few years.

We had a Toy Story themed party with the family and as always he was spoiled. We took him to Tangled and let him pick the restaurant he wanted to eat at. It was such a great time with my little man.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBAS'

Evan 7 months

2010-11-13T22:12:00.001-08:00

So baby Evan is continuing to grow and advance, at an astonishing rate if you ask me. :-)

He took a couple crawls around 6 months, but days after he was 7 months he was off and has been unstoppable ever since. He has been sitting up for many months now and loves to climb over you when you lay on the floor to play with him.

He has his two bottom teeth and babbles all the time. He loves to have you reach your arms out for him so he can come to you. He was 17lbs and almost 29 inches at his 6 month appointment. He is growing well and I am quite certain he will be walking in just a few months. He is such a happy baby and I love the kindness and love Andrew shows for him, he is always wanting to hold him and he helps me with him so much.

I just wanted to update every one on how he is growing and changing. Also Evan just had his fourth hair cut in the last 7 months, I think his hair has grown the most. It still does the mowhawk thing and I love it.

Happy Hallowenn

2010-11-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween Andrew was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Evan was a Monkey, which I find appropriate since we call him monkey.

Andrew had many opportunities to wear his costume before hand with Halloween parties and preschool. So pretty much from Wednesday on Andrew was in his costume and he enjoyed Halloween so much more than he has in the past. Evan was fine in his costume as long as the hood did not fall over and cover his eyes.

We did a lot of trick or treating and Andrew had so much fun at that, I just loved it.

Pumpkin Walk

2010-11-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

We have made the pumpkin walk at Elk Ridge park a tradition for years. We have always enjoyed it and taking the boys makes it that much more fun. Andrew loves to go and see all the characters he knows and I can not wait for Evan to be older and enjoy all that is has to offer.

Soccer

2010-11-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

Andrew did indoor soccer these last couple months. He rocked at it! I do not mean to brag but he really was so awesome. He was always after the ball and scored quite a few goals. He was so proud of himself and we were even prouder. He had so much fun and can not wait to do outside this spring. He had his aunts and grandma and friend Kamee come watch him through out many games and he loved all the attention. I am so proud of this little guy. He not only tried with all his passion, he succeeded.

Jessica

2010-10-05T19:13:00.001-07:00

I lost a very dear friend last week and I wanted to put up something to help us all remember her by. She taught me so much and makes me strive to be a better person.

I love you Jess and I know that I will continue to learn so much from you.

Preschool

2010-09-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Bubbas started preschool this last week. It is all making me realize that he is growing up so fast. He goes a couple days a week for a couple hours. He is so excited and loves going. He likes his class and says "Miss Hilary gives me good snacks". I guess he is learning all we will ever need to know at this age :-)

The social interaction and everything he gets from being with others his age is so good for him. He is very interested in friends at this stage and I think the more the merrier. He used to be very shy around others so he has come such a long way.

He is growing and maturing every day and is such a help with Evan. He loves to watch Evan eat his cereal because Evan gets it every where and Andrew loves to help clean him and the Bumbo up. I think he just likes to clean with the wipes but so be it, I could not ask for better help than my son. He loves to wipe anything off these days. I really do not get his obsession with the wipes but it does help me.

The picture with his back pack on makes him look so big.

Andrew

2010-08-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you about Andrew. He is 3 and a half going on 13. He has his own personality and is such a delight. I think one minute I have him figured out and then the next he changes anything I thought I knew. He has enough energy for all of us and then wants to "take a sleep" as he says the next. He has mastered manipulation and would be a great interrogator for the CIA. He can get anyone to tell him anything and also buy him anything.

Andrew is my cuddle bug. He his going to start preschool this September and is super excited. He got a Frisbee at a parade and is excellent at throwing it, he even has the stance down to help with the placement of where it should land. He is a very smart boy. He loves "play dates" with his cousins and a we have done a few with my friends kids. He is learning sharing and patience since Brighton and Brody are littler than him. He is really good at helping with Evan when I am doing yard work to make sure that he is in the shade as the sun moves and he sits with him as I mow the lawn so the noise does not scare him.

I wanted to post about him since a lot has been about Evan were he is a newborn. I love my children so much, but I have to be honest and let you know that it is hard at times,and my patience is pushed, and I am searching google for disciplining a 3 year old. But then again at the end of the day as I put the boys to bed and we cuddle and read and sing I know that it is more gratifying than I could ever express and I am so lucky to have it this way.

So in closing I want you all to know that my Andrew is such a great child and has his own way of doing things and I couldn't ask for it any other way. Because together with our issues we teach each other something new each day. Bubbas I love you so.

Chris's Birthday

2010-07-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

We went to Lagoon for Chris's birthday and had a blast. His family came and our good friend Kamee came also. The kids loved it, well except Evan, he did OK. He does not like to be so hot, so he was a bit fussy and had a hard time eating but once we all got soaked on the Rattle Snake Rapids he loved to be held on our chests because of the cool from the wet. We were so good about "sunscream" as Andrew calls it, so the kids came out with no burn at all.

I have not been in years so I got to ride a ton of rides that were "new" to me. It was no nice to ride some with my hunny also. It was hard for everyone to ride all at once with all the kids that were there and Andrew was so upset when he was too short to ride but all in all it was a great day. Happy Birthday Baby!

Evan's 4 months and growing!

2010-07-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

We have had a big month this July with all the stuff going on. Evan had his 4 month check up and all is well. He is 25 and a quarter inches long and weighed in at 15 lbs 13 oz. He is still on the reflux meds and doing so well with no eating issues like we had in the beginning. I think it is safe to say the colic is gone also. He has turned into such a happy smiley child. He brings such joy to our family.

On Sunday the 4Th Evan rolled over for the first time and has been a "Rolley Polley Olley" ever since. Andrew loves to tell us when he rolls, he is so proud of his little brother.

Evan also got his first hair cut on the 24Th. His hair was so long it just stuck straight up. She took a inch off and he still has a inch that sticks straight up. It is so cute. Andrew got a hair cut the same day, Bubbas' loves having his hair cut. He is so good with Evan and helps to take care of him. I am so lucky.

Hoggle Zoo

2010-06-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo a little bit back and I wanted to get the pictures posted.

Andrew loved all the animals but especially the "little elephant". He got to see them spray it with water and he loved it.

It was a very HOT day so I tried to stay in the shade with Evan as much as possible but he was very cranky because of the heat so Andrew and Chris just played at the play area for a while at the end and I think that was the best part to Andrew.

Swim lessons!

2010-06-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Andrew was in swim lessons last week and had so much fun! He did two weeks of the beginner preschool level and he will to another two weeks of the next level later this summer because he loved it so much.

He learned to float and put his face under water and he did "monster arms" which is the big swim arms "like this" and he shows you. He even ended the class with swimming under water for a bit to the wall with out anyone holding him .

We are so proud. We have the pool set up in back and have been in every day since and Chris bought him a slip and slide that he just loves. Evan seems to enjoy the water also, I put his legs in and he was upset when I took him out. I guess the boys get this from their dad, I like to have fun in the water I am just not a fan of the swim suit. Oh, well the smiles on their faces take away all the fears of what someone might think.

Time fly's when your having fun!

2010-06-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

So I need to update everyone on the growth of my boys and all the fun we have been having.

Evan is 2 and a half months and going strong. He weighs just over 12 lbs and is 25 inches long. The height he obviously does not get from me. His colic is getting better all the time, although he now has reflux which we are treating with medicine and seems to make a huge difference with his feeding issues. I thought I had it all figured out with Andrew and figured the second time would be a cinch, I was wrong. Evan has come with his own issues and trials and although it has been hard, and trust me it has been hard, I would not go back and change any of it. Everyday and every new problem has been a test of my patience and confidence but in the end I know I have truly grown so much stronger and better with each one. I love my baby so much and I am so blessed to have him, I may not be as religious as others but I can say that I know that God has been here with us every step of the way and I thank my faith for that.

As for Andrew, how can I put this without sounding conceded, HE IS FABULOUS! He is such a smart child and excels at so much, I am also blessed in so many ways with him, a big part is because of his patience and understanding that Evan needs more attention and how he helps with him is awesome. When I get in the shower if Evan starts crying Andrew makes sure to give him the binky and let me know he will "take care of the baby so you can get clean". He is not perfect but no one is, he does have his jealous time and does throw fits when he does not get his way, but I just remember he is three. He starts swim lessons next week and is so excited. I know he will be great cause anything he puts his mind to, as long as it is his idea, he comes out with flying colors. That has been my biggest test with Andrew, letting him do it at his own pace. Potty training, riding a bike(with training wheels), learning numbers and letters, once he decides that is what he wants to do he takes off with it.

To end I just want to say that I am no where near perfect and I do let my children eat junk food sometimes, watch TV, stay up past bed time and even have root beer for breakfast, and I love it, but the point is that we are all different in our parenting and somethings that work for one may not work for others, I am no one to judge any other and therefore think no one should have the right to judge me. I love my boys and am so truly blessed to have them, no matter what the trials are. "that that does not kill us only makes us stronger". I have always liked this quote for so many reasons mostly because just when I think I am at the limit something wonderful happens and reminds me why it is all worth it.

A wonderful friend always reminds me that motherhood is the hardest most rewarding time of our lives, I love her for that because she is also not perfect and lets me know so I do not feel so bad.

I have some wonderful pictures of the boys. The ones on the blanket are when it rained on our pick nick so we had one in the family room. Andrew thought it was so cool. It is such a great memory I hope to never forget. Also you will notice that Andrew loves to hold Evan's hand.

First profesional pictures

2010-05-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

We had baby Evan's first professional pictures taken on Monday May 3RD. We also did brother pictures. They all turned out so cute. I got a picture of Andrew holding Evan in their outfits before we left.

Evan sat up in the Bumbo all by his self. He is almost 7 weeks and growing so fast.

Evan's blessing

2010-05-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 2ND we had baby Evan blessed. It was such a beautiful day and event. My brother Sean was the one who blessed him. We just enjoyed the whole day as a family and will never forget it.

Everyone came over to the house after and had lunch. It was so great to have everyone involved and we are lucky to have such great family and friends.

Andrew was so excited to have all the younger kids to play with. He is still adjusting to a new baby and everything but mostly he is a THREE year old and that should explain it all.

Baby Animal days!

2010-04-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

So it was the beloved time of year when the baby animals were out at the American West Heritage Center.

We have gone the last couple of years with Andrew and he always loves it.

My mom watched Evan and me and Chris took Andrew. It was so much fun and the baby animals were so dang cute.

Andrew rode the train and got a two balloons and I believe that was the highlight of all of it.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Me and Andrew went to two Easter egg hunts this weekend and had a blast. Chris stayed with baby Evan and it was lonely without him but way to soon to take the new one out.

We went to one at the Coppermill on Saturday and they had the firetruck there and Andrew thought that was cool.

On Easter Sunday we went to another hunt at Aunt Nicki's house with all the cousins on my side. We have not had all the cousins together in a long time.

Andrew was so good at finding eggs and he had so much fun with all the kids.

I threw in a picture of baby Evan also with his arms in the air, he loves to lay like that after he gets out of the burrito bundle we out him in.

Happy Easter!

Evan James Wilder

2010-03-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Our new arrival is here!

Evan James Wilder, born March 19, 2010 at 2:08 PM. Weighing in at 7lbs, 13oz, and a whole 20 inches long. He has a nice little mow hawk that his brown hair does naturally, and beautiful blue eyes.

He was Breech and stubborn because the doctor tried to flip him twice and he was not having it, definitely has my cheerful disposition in that sense.

He is a great baby and his older brother is adjusting to him so well.

Since I am kind of out of commission wiht the C Section Chris has been doing all the day to day stuff around the house and I could not ask for a greater man. He is a perfect husband, father and just the greatest. I love him so much and am so lucky to have him in my life.

Disney on Ice!

2010-03-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

My mother (who is the greatest) took all the girls and their kids to Disney on Ice the 12Th of March. Andrew was so excited when he saw Cars, Mickey and Goofy and Donald. I was a week away from having the baby so a little uncomfortable but it was so much fun and we all enjoyed it.

Nicole and Jack drove down with us and the boys had fun together. I am so glad I got that experience with Bubbas' before the baby came so we have those memories.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

Andrew had a great Christmas this year and I believe that it is safe to say got everything and then some that he wanted.
We went and got his 3 year pictures done on Christmas eve and I have a pic of what he was wearing when he got them done. He is getting so big and has grown so fast in just a short amount of time.
Andrew is potty training great now and we are close to saying that he is almost officially potty trained.
He says he is excited for his brother and is always telling me things that his brother wants or likes. I hope he transitions well when the baby comes. It has only been us and Andrew for so long that I am nervous as to how he will react. I want him to understand that he will always be my baby and that no one will ever take his place.

Andrew's 3rd Birthday!

2009-12-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to put up some pictures of Bubbas' Birthday.

He was absolutely spoiled and we had a great day.

My baby is growing up.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch tonight. It was so much fun and Andrew did so well. We were there for ever because it was so busy. He had to have his picture taken in the Micky Mouse figure, because he loves Mickey and anything related to Mickey Mouse.

He is becoming such a big boy and he held our hands the whole time and never complained about being cold or tired. He did awesome. Chris did hold him a couple of times, but mostly I think Chris wanted Bubbas' cuddles.

I remember going to the Pumpkin Patch for many years when I was younger and I am so glad to share it with my husband and child.

Yellowstone and Bearworld.

2009-09-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

We went to Yellowstone in August. we saw a ton more animals this year compared to last year. Andrew loved the outdoors. He is such a little boy and sometimes I need to remember that.

Bear world was great. It was cold and raining but of course my boys did not mind. Andrew was only upset cause they did not have the rides going cause of the weather. We saw them feed an bear cub and that was awesome, and of course we went and fed the animals in the petting zoo.

My camera died half way through bear world so I missed some shots but I think we did good.

Summer time FUN!

2009-09-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Just some pictures of Bubbas and the parade. He got so much candy. We even split it with Brighton and Brody and they all still had a ton. It was a blast!

He loved the fireworks and still asks if we can do them all time.

He had a swim party with the aunts, uncle Aaron and cousins. It was fun and aunt Nicki kind of looks like a kid in the pool.

It has been a great summer.

My little watter baby!

2009-09-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

I have been a slacker and I know it. I just thought I would try to catch up on some summer time activities.

Our little Andrew is quite the swimmer (in the sense that he loves the water). He has been in the water almost all summer and he could not be happier about it.

Vegas Vacation!

2009-05-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

We went to Vegas last week. We took the twins and their babies with us. We had a whole SUV full. It was a blast! The kids loved the fountain show at Belagio. We loved all the shopping. We had a big bunch of us, and I think that is what made it that much more fun.

Andrew made a Kung Fu Panda at the build-a-bear, and he loves it. We had such a great time and did a lot of shopping. The kids did good in the car and we stopped and let them play at this park thing by the maverick in Filmore, so that helped get some wiggles out.

Such a Great Man.

2009-03-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

My father in law passed away on Saturday March 14Th.

Gary James Wilder passed away in his sleep early Saturday morning. He was an awesome coach in many sports such as basketball and football. He was a great influence in the lives of the kids he taught in school and also his own children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Julie, his son Chris and Lindsay, daughter Bonnie and Bryan and three grandchildren, Hunter, Andrew and Lily.

We love you Dad, Grandpa and friend.

The Rodeo has been retired!

2009-03-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

So I have some news, as of February 14Th night the rodeo is no longer with us. Chris was in an accident late that night on his way home from work. He hit black ice and was 360 all over the freeway hitting many guard rails in the ordeal. Luckily he was not hurt and that is all that matters. So this has had a lot to do with the craziness around our house. Chris's parents were nice enough to lend us the truck till we could find another vehicle and again I can replace the rodeo I am so thankful that Chris was not hurt. The insurance company found the damage to be to extensive to fix the 10 year old car.

Bahamas

2009-03-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

So we had an excellent time on our trip and I thought that I would post some pictures to show you. It has been crazy since we got back and we have hardly had time to breathe but life should get back to normal in time.

I added the last pic to show how cute Andrew is and how we missed him. (Please ignore the heaping pile of laundry in the back, like I said it has been crazy.)

Oliver Ezekial Wilder

2009-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

We have a new addition to our ever so already crazy household (that I love). He is a Pom-a-Nauze. He is a Pomeranian, Schnauzer mix. He is about 8 weeks old and so much of a puppy. We have had him for a couple of weeks and he is growing. He was a pound and a half last week at the vet and he thinks that he will be no more than 7 pounds. He is adjusting to the new family but most importantly the fam is adjusting to him. Doozer still is a little confused cause he is so small and Talli can not figure out why he chases her, but Mylli had the hardest time I think cause she has not had anything new in the house since she came a year and a half ago. I never thought I would have two dogs and two cats but I love the chaos and Andrew enjoys all of the fun.

I have also posted a picture of Bubbas in the drier cause he loves to help with laundry, but also so everyone can see how he is growing.

Lily

2009-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

My sister in law, Bonnie had a beautiful baby girl on Superbowl Sunday. They named her Lily. She is a doll. Bonnie is Chris's little and only sister for those of you that may not know.

Andrew was sick so me and him stayed in the waiting area and finished watching the game.

Lily is a gorgeous little girl with so much love from a great family. I think Chris liked his sister having a girl cause now he has a nephew and niece on his side. CONGRATS Bonnie and Bryan.

Lights!!!

2009-01-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Andrew loves lights and anything that has to do with lights. He had a great Christmas and all the days following because of the lights. He would say "cool lights". He could never get enough.

Just a little bit before Christmas we got to take him down to temple square to see the lights. He had a blast. He just walked around saying "lights, cool lights". We had a ton of fun and my friend Kamee (who has helped out with watching Andrew when needed) "Thank you Kamee" was able to go with us and we just had a very relaxing fun time with all the lights.
Don't worry Nicki and Natty I love you guys and appreciate how much you help with Andrew also I just don't always show or tell you. Maybe it was thinking back about how seeing the lights made me feel or maybe I am just all emotional cause I am cold cause this inversion seems to be sticking around but either way I am lucky to have great family and friends that help me with my wonderful son and add so much to him growing up right and becoming a great person. Anyways I just want you all to know how much we appreciate you and also Andrew enjoys you.

Enjoy the pictures of us seeing the lights. Also it looks colder than it was.

Andrew's 2nd Birthday!

2008-12-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

Andrew loves Elmo right now so we had to have a cake!

Andrew and Jack playing air hockey.

Andrew is opening his sled. He wants to be pulled around the house in it all the time.

We blew up a ton of balloons and put them in his room after he fell asleep so when he woke up he would know it his birthday.

Andrew is smiling and telling us he turned "two". He is such a charmer.

Andrew and more presents, he had to make sure to get all the wrapping paper off the items before he would open another. I wonder who he got that from = )

Andrew had his birthday on Sunday. We took him to Chuckie Cheese Saturday evening. My family joined us and we all had a blast. Andrew and Jack played some air hockey and all sorts of other games. We were there for a couple of hours and then a couple of people came to our house for presents, cake and ice cream. It was late when we got back so everyone was tired except for the birthday boy.

On Sunday he woke up to a ton of balloons in his bedroom and had a blast with them. Also Chris woke up with the flu so me and Andrew went to my parents to share the rest of his cake with the uncles and aunts and cousins. I would say he had a pretty fabulous birthday.

Andrew's Second Halloween

2008-11-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has taken so long to post Andrew's Halloween pictures. We have been way busy and over indulged in many aspects of life. Anyways he was a bat and the cutest bat ever. We went to the trunk-or-treat at the mall with my sisters and mom. Brighton was a kitty cat and Brody was a bumble bee. We then had to take him into work to show him off. He even said Trick-or-Treat a couple of times. We had a lot of fun.

He is saying so may words and even a few sentences that are crystal clear. The other day Nicki had him and he said to her "Kiki I want to eat". Nicki said she was shocked he says it all the time now and many other things. Oh I guess I should explain he calls Nicki Kiki. I think it is cute.

So all is well and great and I will post later I just wanted everyone to see our cute little bat.

Andrew carving his first pumpkin

2008-10-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Chris carved their first pumpkin last night. Well is was Andrew's first pumpkin carving, Chris has done some in the past. It is to ucky and gooey for me so I took pictures. Andrew was way cute whenever Chris would show him the insides he would say eew. He learned it from me. I was also good cause I let them make a mess and then we cleaned up after. I am trying to not be so OCD now that I am a mother.

Andrew is going to be a Bat for Halloween, I will post pictures after he goes trick-or-treating. Natty had him on Saturday and they had a Halloween party at their church so he got to wear his costume then, he was adorable. They dropped him off to me at work when it was done and everyone at work said how cute he was. I am pretty dang fond of my little Bat.

Pumpkin Walk

2008-10-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was the last night of the Pumpkin Walk so we rounded up the family, except Sean and Wendy they went the night before, and we had a blast. Niki and Natty said the best part was taking the bus from the school to the park. It was a great time for all of us. Andrew and Brighton had fun in the wagon and Jack was great just walking along Aaron and Nicole. I wish Andrew would walk with us but he usually wants to be carried by no one other than his mother. I love when he is a mama's boy, he is just getting big. I hope everyone has a great Halloween and enjoy our Pumpkin Pictures.

The bean bag is a huge hit!

2008-10-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

I got Chris and Andrew a Broncos bean bag a couple a weeks ago and all the kids have loved it. Andrew loved holding Brody and feeding him in it. Brighton liked to sit in it and watch the Price is Right. And Andrew loves to cuddle up in it with a blanket when ever he can. Also it holds the babies nice and snug so I think they like it because of that. Jack liked to run and jump into it, but I did not get any pictures of that. I just wanted to put some pictures of my gorgeous child and my siblings little ones.

I am 25 now and forever!

2008-10-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

So I turned 25 yesterday and will continue to be 25. I tried 21 but I guess I do look a little over the legal age. I am not wanting to get older. I remember when I turned 21 and I was so excited, and every year since I have just wanted to count backwards. Chris got me Sex and the City. The new movie and all the seasons. They are my favorite.

I do want to say thank you to my fabulous husband and great family for the surprise party at my parents house. It was wonderful and the gifts were great and very appreciated.

I said last night that I was twenty something and had not really done anything with my life and my siblings and their spouses were great enough to interrupt and explain some of the great things I have done. I was then thinking later how I do not have to have my PHD to be successful. I have many things to be proud of and many great accomplishments. For instance my husband, he is truly the greatest for so many things. He works very hard and has a great career so that I only have to work part time and can be home with our son. He is also great in the fact that he has given me a very nice big house and we have two nice cars. He is my better half and makes me be a better person daily. I love him so and I am truly blessed with him in my life. There is also my son Andy. He is fun, energetic, rambunctious and even a terror at times but when he cuddles me it makes life all make sense. No child is perfect and I definitely do not get the best mother award, but he is the sweetest baby boy when he wants and that is enough for me. I also have great parents that raised me well and taught we right from wrong and I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them. As for my siblings we are all close and have a great time together. We can drive each other crazy on vacation but we come home we remember why we went. Some may think I am bragging, and go ahead and think so, I just wanted everyone to know I may not be the richest person in the world, but I think my life is FABULOUS!

Just the cousins

2008-09-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

I had Jack and Brighton the other day and they were being cute about pictures so I thought I would share them. We are just missing Brody and Jaylee and Olivia and we would have them all. Hopefully next time the girls are in town we will get them all together for pics.

Vet Day!

2008-09-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the 24th all the pets had to go to the vet for their yearly check ups and shots. I borrowed my sister Nicki's carrier and loaded Talli May and Mylli Jo into that and put Doozer on her leash and of course the Bubas in his car seat and away we went. Getting them all in the car to get there was not to hard cause Andy held Doozie's leash and I also have a garage that helped to keep them closed in. As for when we arrived at the office of the doctor that my lovely pets now hate because of the shots, now that is a whole new story. I first got Andy and Doozer out and had Andy up on the sidewalk holding the dog, I then went to get the carrier containing the cats and when carrying them in and holding the baby's hand Doozer kept wraping her leash all around my legs and Andy would not let go so I was tangled and trying to get the 5 of us in the door safely. Luckily the vet tec's came to the rescue and all was well except Andy would not let go of the leash so getting untangeld every few moments was difficult. The moral of the story is next year Chris will not be working the day I decide to take all three animals or I will take them individually. So much for wanting to save gas and limit my errand list. I enclosed some pictures of the three animals so you can see they are all well and continuing to run the house just like Andy.

Andy and Brighton in the wagon

2008-09-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

I watch my sister Natalie's 5 month old little girl and today we took her and Andrew to the park. On the way home I decided to see if she sould sit in the wagon with him and they turned out so cute. We also put her in Andy's little dump truck when we got back she looks a little freaked but she was laughing as we pushed her around.

2008-09-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Andy's first dentist visit!

2008-09-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Andy went to the dentist today for the first time and we can happily say it was an excellent visit. He was a great patient and showed great patience. The dentist said we were doing everything awesome and was very impressed with his teeth. Andy you are becoming such a big boy.

Andrew!

2008-09-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Look at me!!!

I have become a blogger!

2008-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have officially started bloggin. I will not be the greatest at it but I will do some instead of mass emails that I usually do.