The Engstrom Spot

Giving Credit

2012-01-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Andrew loves playing with balls, cars and his brothers. His favorite books are "Brown Bear" "Mr. Brown Goes Moo Can You" and a fire truck book. I think that he says book "da" and Adam "a-da" he loves to sing and likes music. He wants to eat anything that I am and that is everything. One of his top teeth has just broke the surface. When he plays with cars he makes car noises and he just turned 10months old yesterday the 21st of Jan. He hasn't stopped smiling and he brings so much joy to our family. One of my favorites is that he loves looking at the family pictures on the wall and his favorite is the Disney cruise family photo with Minni and Mickey.

Snow Monkey

2012-01-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed this weekend and Adam couldn't be happier. I think that he has been waiting for it to snow for a long time. the boys got snowball maker/thrower things for Christmas and Adam has been so excited to use those things on Daddy. He has been scheming about who is going to be on his team and what kind of fort he will have. The second time that everyone went out yesterday he stayed out for a really long time just making snowballs and having a good time.

This evening right about the time it was getting dark he decided that he wanted to go outside. I almost told them "no" but why, because they would be cold? So they hopped into their snow gear and played way past dark and had a blast on their swing set/fort. That thing get used even during the winter...great investment. Love it.

things they say

2012-01-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Zachary:

The other day Zach and I were playing on the couch, he poked my belly and asked "Do you still have a baby in your belly?" I explained "No, do you remember how big mommy's belly was before Andrew came? Well, my skin got stretched out. Do you want to see my stretched skin?" Well, yea!" So i let him see and touch my stretched out skin. I totally thought that he would have been repulsed by it but instead he said "ooo, I like your ripply skin mom."

what a cutie! All mom's need to hear that.

Saturday morning was a slow start for me since it was a snow day. Upon arriving down stairs I was welcomed by a topless Zach. I asked "Zach, why don't you have a shirt on it is cold." He explained "Mom, I'm Patrick Star and I don't ware a shirt."
Like it was obvious that he was Patrick Star and I should have known. It made me laugh. He is such a cutie.

Andrew Andrew Andrew

2012-01-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Andrew is now 9 months old and is making a lot of changes! Time really does go by so quickly. I feel like he should still be 4 months old. While Grandma Grandpa Engstrom were here Andrew just really took off. He was getting up on all fours and able to scoot around and sit himself back up before they got here. But this last week he crawled across the room. Jo saw that and said to me "Oh, Jenalyn you life will never be the same." So true. I have friends that have given me all of their safety gates because now it is time to baby proof. Some other big mile stones; he cut his 2ND tooth, pulls up on everything, and has stood by himself for a few seconds.

He has had his first Christmas, first New Year, first statue of liberty trip. Now that he has teeth his face is changing. He is looking more like a toddler. I recently introduced some lil'crunchies and he LOVES being able to pick up his own food and put it in his own mouth. Although he still eats his baby jar food I can tell that he wants everything that we have on our plates. He has learned that if he screams and waves his hands then I will find something from the table for him to eat.

Because Andrew has been our baby that has spit-up and drooled the most Josh has pegged him with this nick name of Goobs. I really don't like it but I have to admit that it does fit him. From the time that he was born until recently he was always throwing up. There have been many lil outfits that have not survived his goo. While Grandpa was here the nick name evolved into Sargent Goobs. Zach got the name Heavy Z (i think because he enjoyed jumping on Grandpa) and Adam remained A-Bomb.

Oh yeah, another change that has come about it he just LOVES books. His favoriet is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See" He has to read it every time I put him down to sleep. He has his cute little smile on his face the whole time we are reading. LOVE it!

(I finally figured out that if I ate dark chocolate then that would upset him.) I'm sure that I've missed some thing

Christmas is a Come'in

2012-01-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

I feel like the Christmas season snuck up on me this year. I have felt like I've been running behind the holiday rush. With is staying here for Christmas and Grandma and Grandpa coming here I felt like we could really enjoy the decorations and other traditions. We kicked off the festivities with a Santa Clause visit. No tears this year and we even got a good picture. When I asked the boys what they wanted for Christmas they told me that they both wanted the clawzord and spiderman web shooter and Zach added a puppy. (well, I told them that a puppy couldn't happen) We had a good time and even got to write the troops a Christmas card.

One of my favorite traditions is getting out the Christmas tree decorations. I love doing it as a family and I love seeing each ornament and remembering the special meaning each one holds. I feel like when the tree is up then Christmas celebrations can begin.

For a special treat I took the boys to the clay pot to make some ornaments with some friends. What they picked out really speaks for them. Adam loves candy canes and red so he painted a red candy cane and Zachary loves anything that is green and space so what better than a Christmas tree with a big star on top.

To help us remember that Christmas is the season of giving we ran a 5K as a family and the entry fee is a unwrapped new toy. Adam saw that one of the toys that we were giving was the clawzord the toy that he most desired. It didn't leave his hands with out some tears. We explained what we were doing and that there are more clawzords out there. He calmed down. We figured that this most defiantly made this even memorable. Andrew looked adorable in his snow suit and hat. I had lots of people taking pictures and even video of our little guy. We had a really good time as a family and I think that we will make this a new family tradition.

What is Christmas with out sugar cookies?! Adam and Zachary had been asking to make some so we got our aprons on and got to work. Our cookies turned out pretty good. Adam and Zach were really proud of them and every time they finished decorating a cookie its picture was taken before they ate it. I absolutely love spending time with those guys.

Another tradition that I had growing up was getting a new Sunday dress for Christmas and my family is the same. I got the boys some new Sunday clothes and I just couldn't pass on those hats. My boys looked so dapper and they loved putting them on.

The most boring Christmas party non-kid friendly event of all time. First of all it starts 7:00pm Sunday night. So not only is it a school night but also we just got home for church at 4:30. So all my kids want to do is to run around with friends and eat some yummy cookies that are on display. they have the kids dress up which only makes them think that they are going to have some part in this program. Instead they have the seminary kids read for a scripture script and sing a hymn after each of the 13 readers. After that was over they played a 20+min video and then a closing speaker. All the while my kids are looking at the cookies and asking to have some. I couldn't torture them any longer during the video (8:00) we grabbed some cookies and came home. I hope that doesn't become a Christmas tradition.

Fire Friday 10-2011

2011-11-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

Daddy had been out of town all week long so to celebrate his return home we had a fire in the back yard. Also another reason to celebrate is because it is Andrew's 7mo b-day. Zachary and I raked up the pine needles and on our walk home we gathered up pine cones. We were geared up to burn! Boys, fire, fuel....priceless fun

Josh had to stand guard with the water hose in the ready. We had pine needles spilling over the edge of the pit and pine cones hopping out as they missed their targets. After all of the pine cones were put into the fire they played in the needles. Their imagination knew now bounds with what those needles became.

Enjoying Every Moment

2011-11-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

Zachary likes to start off his day with a snuggle on the couch with all of his friends. The most recent addition to his live stock is his custom "Z" pillow.

It was a georgous day so we got out side to soak it up. I'm so grateful that we have a yard and to show my thanks we use it.

Dancing Babe

2011-11-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

Andrew has been playing with a new toy that plays music. I walked in the room to catch him bobbing his head to the music. It was the cutest thing. I couldn't help myself I took this video. I am so glad that I get to have these moments.

Grandad Holiday

2011-11-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

My dad had some business in New Jersey and was able to spend Tuesday night and surprisingly most of the following day. I took the boys out of school so that they could have the rare opportunity to have one-on-one with their Grandad. They played games and snap circuits. Adam loved showing off his new toy and Zachary enjoyed laying on his Grandad. I think that those two really connected this visit. We took Grandad to one of our favorite parks. We got to feed animals, play on slides and throw rocks into the lake (always a favorite). Grandad treated us to a trip to our favorite bakery, Mendoker's.

Shortly after lunch we had to pack up and take Grandaddy to the airport. During the drive my dad told me his memories of his Grandad Renfroe. He said that he always smelled of lucky strike cigarettes and motor oil and that when he hugged him he was scratchy because he wore plaid wool shirts. He mentioned that he doesn't remember ever spending a day like the one we just had with his grandad. I feel really fortunate that we had and took the opportunity to be with each other. We don't live close so the time that we do get to have together is very sweet. Thanks Dad for stopping by.

Fall Break

2011-11-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

This week the boys have school off. It has been a week full of fun. It started on Sunday night with a stay late with Adam's friend Sam. We played, ate cake, watched a movie and finally they shot me with a million Nerf darts (that was of course their part).

Monday we played at the park with friends the a special trip to the grocery store. They were so excited to get a sugar cereal and try a new frozen food. Oh, yeah we bought a lot of diet coke and mentos. I love that they get so excited about the little things.

Tuesday: I woke up to Adam smiling at me about 6in away from my face. As soon as I opened my eyes he said can we do some science? So that morning we biked to the empty lots down the street and dropped mentos into coke bottles. They LOVED it. We ended our day of fun at one of our favorite parks where I over heard Adam one upping a new found friend by saying "well, my dad is a science dr." It made me smile that he is so proud of his dad that way.

Wednesday: We traveled down to south Jersey with some friends to visit the popcorn zoo. It was a cute animal rescue. They had geese, peacocks, and other birds roaming around the grounds you can feed them popcorn while you look at the other more exh0tic animals. Adam and Zachary were enjoying feeding the geese when one goose got really aggressive with Zach. I marched over there and when that goose took another swipe at him I kicked it square in the chest. As I was in the moment I forgot I was at an animal rescue surrounded by a bunch of fanatic animal lovers (I love them too but hey my kid comes way above a stupid bird). Fortunately nobody of influence saw me and we went on our merry way.

The way that Adam and Zachary distributed their popcorn amongst the animals was very telling. Zachary's was gone after about fifteen minutes of being there when an excited goat ripped the box out of Zach's hands. This act was followed with squeals and excited laughter. Adam stayed a good distance away from the group and dulled out his corn one corneal at a time. He especially enjoyed watching the peacocks eat. He patiently watched each piece be eaten. He savored every last gobble.

The outing ended with a visit to the adoption shelter. We walked into the kennel and the smell about knocked me over. If these people want it to be even be tempting for me to adopt an animal then the smell better not bring tears to my eyes. I had no problem telling the boys no when they picked out a puppy that they wanted. Call me hard but I'm not ready for another baby in my house. I've got enough poop and pee to clean up.

Thursday: Very relaxing morning. We ended up going over to a neighbor's house and they played all day. She made the boys treasure boxes and had a treasure hunt for the boys. They LOVED that. I could barely get them to come home.

Friday: Play Play Play. Then we built a camp fire in the back yard with Daddy when he got home. Andrew enjoyed relaxing with Dad and some toys.

Halloween 2011!

2011-10-31T19:48:00.001-07:00

It was a great day. I decided to make the traditional Halloween pot of gumbo and worked all day to do that and I jumped through hoops to coordinate attending parade, cooking, shoping, and those precious naps. I felt like a champion because everything worked out.

We had friends over to go trick-or-treating and Adam had a blast! He and his friends were running from house to house and getting as much as he could. Zachary really enjoyed making foot prints in the snow. Yes, I said snow. We had a very unsually early snow on Saturday alot has melted off but there is still a lot on the ground.

Andrew enjoyed the action, all of the people, and of course a ride in the stroller.

What made the night really fun was that Kerri and Drew Heart came over to share in the night with us. They made the night a lot of fun for the boys and me too. They play with Zachary (he just soaked it up) and Adam. With them here it was almost like having family over. I really loved it.

Family Day

2011-10-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

We went to Spotswood Family Day and they had a car show. So each of us picked out our favorite car and took our picture by it. It took Zachary no time to find a green car and peg that one his favorite. Mine was a old truck, Adam the first red car that he saw and Josh picked the oldest car that he could find. It was fun to spend time together and our neighbors.

So Cute

2011-10-31T19:06:00.000-07:00

I can't stand it. I really need to be taking more pictures of this little guy. Every where Andrew goes people comment on how happy he is. As soon as he catches someone's eye he breaks into a smile and just lights up. When we are at church I love stanking him up on my lap and he gets a look at the congragation and just lights up with a super happy expression.

First Day

2011-10-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Zachary, Miriam & Shawn

Mrs. Kaslanski

Zachary's first day of pre-school. He was really excited to be there and to be with his friends.

Fall Traditions

2011-10-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Every year we go and pick apples and this year was no different. We had a good time. I really enjoyed watching my boys experience the orchard. It was Andrew's first time to go and I think he really enjoyed looking at all of the trees and touching the leaves. He also really liked as always watching his brothers. Adam and Zachary are entertaining: hopping, running, chasing, throwing, climbing, scratching in the dirt.....Andrew wants to be apart of it. The favorite for Josh was the claw and watching Andrew hold and gew on an apple for the first time.

The claw really is fun. We like to find the best apple at the very top of the tree and grab it with the claw.

Jelly Fish

2011-09-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Zachary came in from playing outside, sat down to dinner, and promptly fell asleep at the table. He does this often. I have a series of pictures of him asleep in odd places. Any way, when he woke up he had a great hairdo. He went and checked it out. He came up to me and said "Look mom I have jellyfish hair"

Tooth fairy Time

2011-09-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Adam's tooth finally came out. Oooo, he was so proud. He was hoping that the tooth fairy would leave him $10 but we explained that the return rate on his tooth wasn't that good. As you can see the tooth already came in and is already in behind the tooth next to the one he lost. I'm afraid that we are going to make an orthodontist very rich.

Mile Stones

2011-09-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

With the third child time really does seem to fly faster than with the others. I feel like I'm always running from one thing to the next and before I know it Andrew is huge! He is sitting up now and doing a really good job of it. He loves his exersaucer and plays in that like a champ. He was so into it one morning that when I came down stairs he didn't even notice me. Adam and Zachary like to play with the toys on the exersaucer too. They all seem to get into it.

Last birthday of the Year

2011-09-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Josh turned 33! As tradition we started his birthday with presents in the morning before work. We gave him a giant bag of his favorite candy, M&M peanuts. He is really hard to buy for because he really doesn't want any THING. He just wants a nice dinner with the family and a nice cake. So that is what he got until we went out for our birthday date and bought costum fit running shoes.

Boy's at Play

2011-09-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

Adam's favorite thing to do is to play tag with Matt after school. He comes out of his class and the first thing that he wants to do is go find his friends to play. I don't blame him for wanting to run and play for a little bit. they hardly get a break during the school day. 20min for recess is not enough for a 6 yr old boy. Zachary get real tired of playing tag with the older boys so he climbs to the top of this sculpture an dis king of the world for a little bit.

We were at the party gym and Andrew looked very interested in this car his big brother was in so he hopped in for a ride. Zachary was so good about protecting his baby brother and even let Andrew take the wheel. Andrew was a live with excitement. He really enjoyed the steering wheel.

Climb It!

2011-09-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Adam and Zachary have been asking to go to the rock gym. That is all they talked about this week. So When Saturday cam around Josh took them rock climbing. In the past Adam has been a little hisitant about going high but this time he wient straight to the top and touched the ceiling. Zachary oinly being four still harnessed up and climbed up about mid way.

Zachary does his best to be brave and keep up with his brother but sometimes I wonder if he really enjoys it.

Refrigerator

2011-09-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Zachary watched me show Andrew where we put the milk away and came up wth a nice comparison. He said "Mom, you are like a fridge." I thought is it because I'm as big as a fridge or surper white? To cure my curriosity I asked "oh yeah, why's that?" "Because you are where Andrew gets his milk." Yep, I guess I am like a refrigerator.

Park Play Time

2011-09-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Labor Day we went to a park to play for a while. Andrew got to go in the swing for the first time. He loved it. He was laughing as he went back and forth. He of course caught the attention of the people around us and we got lots of comments of how cute he is.
Zachary and I played in a little tunnel and we saw a spider. Zach expressed his love for this cute spider. "Oh, I love him" he said. The next thing I know I hear a loud thud and Zach says with a smile "I smashed the spider."
We went on a little hike down to the lake and looked at the ducks. Andrew really loved seeing everything. I love showing him this great earth.

before and afters

2011-09-25T17:49:00.001-07:00

Before After

Before

After

People keep on asking me what I've been up to and I kind of just look at my kids and then I look back at them and I think "really?" I then reply "oh, just my boys." But to answer some questions this is what I've been up to in my "spare time".

Sesame Place!

2011-09-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

We wanted to end this summer with a bang so we got season passes to Sesame Place (just 40min from here). Josh took off a couple of day of work so we could have a little mini vacation. Adam and Zachary were really excited that Daddy wasn't going into work.

In all honesty when we got there and I thought "this is it?" It was a small park but a good size for little ones. That's just what was there, "lil ones". When the nap time hour came around that place was a live with tantrums. It was kind of funny to walk around there and see all of the desperate parents trying to make their kids happy.

The boys were anxious to ride some water slides so they hopped in line with daddy. I got to watch them come down they looked like they had a great time then they went to the next ride and to the next. I asked Adam what his favorite ride was and he told me it was the rope monster climb. With the anticipation of the parade coming and people trying to get their place. So the lines for the rides were super short and they got in a lot of rounds on their favorite rides.

Zachary went on his first roller coster ride. He didn't know what he was in for. He was all smiles when we were making the climb but when we went down and around that first cornner he was surprised. He was brave and said he liked it but....

We stayed for the parade of all the Sesame characters and went back for mre the next day. The is time with out lil Andrew. It was a little hard on him so some friends took car of him and I got to go on rides with the boys. It might be a small park but it is a lot of fun for our family.

So stinking cute!!!

2011-09-14T18:09:00.001-07:00

Man these kids are so great. I really enjoy my time with them and I'm not looking forward to school starting. Adam and Zachary take care of, and entertain each other so well. There have been mornings where I come down stairs to Adam and Zachary have gotten their won breakfast and gotten dressed and were playing with toys.

Saying Good-Bye to good friends :(

2011-09-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

The Barlows our long time friends from Texas moved away from here to Chicago. Our kids got a long really well and have known each other since birth. So it wasn't fun saying our good-byes.
We are going to miss them a lot.

Making it FUN

2011-09-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Being a little limited with scheduals this summer I wanted to make sure that Adam and Zachary had a good summer vacation. So we did a number of things like get a pool in the yard, have friends over as often as we could, and going on outings (when mom chose to sacrifice Andrew's nap). One of our outings was to Bounce U. the boys had a great time. It was a busy place so I told Adam that he needs to protect and stay with Zachary. He did just that. It was a lot of fun for me to see them play with each other and just be best friends. Love my boys!

Andrew had a good time watching the boys. His favorite part was when they turnn on the black lights and had strobs on. He loved looking at the different colored lights.

Holmdale Park

2011-09-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

We decided to check out a new park that we read about. Holmdale park. This place had a lot to see and do. We wanted to go on a hike but the park was so big that we just explored. first we went to the living farm. The boys got to see the way people used to eek out a living in the 1800's. There were animals, people dressed in period clothing and lots of different buildings. The highlight for the big boys was the swing. They got a kick out of pushing eachother.

Then we went up a ways to the playground. Check out this rope dome. Adam was in heaven. He climbed up tot he top and that is where he resided for the length that we were there. Zachare made a new friend (of course) and had a good time. Andrew really enjoyed being in the front pack and just being outside. I think that he just takes it all in.

More First

2011-09-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Some more of Andrew's firsts. I think that Andrew is the most smiley baby that I have ever had. He will give anyone a big grin. He loves his brothers so much. Where Andrew sits he can see Adam and when big bro gives him attention he will just laugh. Those are my favorite sounds. Love my boys!

Andrew's Firsts

2011-09-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here a some of Andrew's firsts...
Sitting in the bumbo

reaching for things

Really focusing on things

His first taste of solid food...... watermelon....he really liked it. I think that he really liked being included.

vacation part 2

2011-08-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday was nice. Kevin bore his testimony in sacrament meeting. I was really glad that they boys got to see their Uncle Kevin bare his testimony. I know that they won’t remember what he said (I’ve already forgotten) but I hope that they remember how they felt because the spirit was strong. After sacrament meeting it was time to separate into our different meetings and Adam got in his head that we weren’t going to stay for primary. He really put up a fight and after feeling his heart racing like an anxiety attack was coming on I backed off. Great Grandmother came over after church for the big Sunday meal. I think that this is what it is like every Sunday for my family here. It makes me want to live closer. My favorite moment that day was getting to drive Grandmother back to her apartment and visiting with her with out my children there to distract me.
Monday was a great start to our week in Arkansas. There’s nothing more Arkansas than the Ammon’s farm. To get there you turn off the main dirt road about 7 mi into the Ozarks and when you get to the end of the dirt road you have made it. Before I knew it Adam and Zachary were off chasing chickens and kittens. They pulled out all of the stops for us. They took all of the kids to see the baby chicks, the baby goats, they saddled up a pony and let every one have a ride. They brought in some of their other horses for them to see. Then sister Ammons made us a big lunch and we ate it in their pavilion by their pond. Adam got to go fishing and throw rocks into their pond. We saw a cat catch a mouse and everyone played on the see-saw and swing set. I thought that we would only be there for 45 min to an hour but three and a half hours later we left. Andrew was in the front pack for most of the time and loved seeing everything. He took a great nap that after noon. We came back to the house launched a rocket off with granddad. Adam got to lead the count-down for the launch. That night When I asked him what his favorite thing that he got to do that day was he told me “counting down at the rocket launch.” We swam for the rest of the day. Adam went down the slide and jumped off the diving board. It was the most fun that he has ever had in a pool. After Andrew got up I put his little bathing suit on and he went for a swim too.
Tuesday we went to chucky cheese with all of the cousins. Hadley and Zachary were two little peas in a pod. She took him around and they went on rides together and took pictures together. Adam blazed through his tokens and got a bunch of tickets which made him happy. We came home, watched a movie, and played again in the pool That evening after we put the children to bed us Adult kids went to see the Harry Potter movie together. It was nice to get out as adults.
Wednesday was another lake day. My favorite thing was that I got to go surfing. I did pretty good in fact I guess I did too good because I rode the surf board right up onto the boat. Opps. The real highlights for me is seeing my kids have a good time with their cousins.
Thursday we visited Great grandparents (which I know is boring for the kids but it is important) then that afternoon I took the older boys to the Wagstaff’s house. Adam and Chad had a nice time playing with each other. It make his week. That evening Adam went to the store with his cousins and uncle Kevin. The report that we heard was that Adam was the best behaved one. Adam stayed close and just laughed in the back as Chad was getting a beating from Austin for farting and smelling up the car. Josh enjoyed being with my dad in his shop.
Friday was just a hang out day. I had one request of my mom and that was that we would craft together. We took the time to do that. We made these lil crayon holders. I really enjoyed crafting with my mom. It is something that I don’t get to do because I live so far away.

summer Vacation

2011-07-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Summer vacations for me growing up meant either long car trips to see family out west or boating at fair field bay Arkansas. My children get to have two for one. We take long car trips to see family and go boating.
We started out Friday morning early and after seeing how stressful the drive was on Andrew we decided to get as many miles behind us while they were sleeping and ended up driving straight through. Shortly after we got there Nana & Grandaddy were taking off to the lake and they took Adam and Zachary with them. After some sleep and food we joined the rest of the crew at the lake. It was so great to see everyone. We went to the rope swing and swam. Andrew took his first swim. I was supper worried about him getting too hot and getting sunburned. He took the crazy boat ride like a champ. He is such a good baby. Zachary being exhausted from our long drive and waking up at 4:30am crashed. Everyone was amazed at how deep he could sleep. When he did wake up he played in the water with his cousins and with a family friend Brian Holmen. Something that I really like about Zach is that he gets along with everybody: boy, girl, old, young…it doesn’t matter he just goes with it. Adam mustered up the courage to jump off one of the cliffs which was a first for him. He also followed daddy around to the rope swing Adam saw a girl having trouble going off of the rope swing and announced his observation “Girls aren’t very good at this, are they dad.” That got a chuckle out of everybody. It was Josh’s favorite moment.
While we ate at the dock I laid Andrew down in a little baby thing and Harper and Chase were right there to love on their little cousin. I’ve never seen another little girl love babies like Harper loves Andrew. At every opportunity she was right by his side. She wanted to hold him, help him, love on him. It was the sweetest thing. Chase also wanted to help and love on Andrew but every time he got near Harper turned on him and hit him, and pushed him away. There were a couple of times that she even bit him but Chase never fought back. He told me several times that he loved her. Chase is quite the fearless handful but he is not a fighter.
My favorite moment was getting to see Kevin. One of the evenings I pulled him away from a movie and made him show me his mission pictures and tell me stories of his mission. Listening to his stories brought back a lot of good memories from my own mission to Japan. It was really fun getting to speak Japanese with him. It reminded me how much I used to know and how bad my Japanese has gotten. We stayed up till 3am talking and sharing stories. I loved it.
Hadley, Ben & Zachary quickly became inseparable and had a blast together. Most of the time when you hang out with someone for days on end you get a little agitated with them. I remember Kathryn and cousin Kristin at grandmother and granddad’s house, it wasn't long until they were bickering about something. But not our little ones they were pleasant to each other the whole time.

4th + Friends + Food = Fun

2011-07-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

We had are friends the Barlows over for an after noon of bar BQ and fun. When I told Zachary that Weimea was coming over he said "oh, she is so pretty and beautiful." Those two were like two peas in a pod. they really enjoyed playing with toys in Zach's room and playing outside. Adam was in video game heaven because he had Spencer to play with. They took turns being batman and playing outside with their star wars gear.

It was so nice to have friends to spend the holiday with. We grased all afternoon on watermelon, salads, and burgers. We lit sparkelers and lit some fire crackers and then went to a fireworks show. Andrew LOVED the bright lights of the fireworks. He was a happy baby until the fireworks were over and he was ready to go to sleep as were the rest of the boys. They all fell asleep on our way back home.

born on the 3rd of July

2011-07-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Zachary. It has been 4 very happy years. We love you for being happy, calm, easy going, and a fantastic brother and son.

This is Zachary opening his tiger zord he was super excited.

Zachary's Birthday Party

2011-07-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that we have been in town for Zachary's birthday so I had the oppertunity to throw him a birthday party. We had his party at a spray park. Poor little guy got sunblock in his eyes at the very beginning of his party. After a good cry we dicided to go t the dry park and play and he hit his head and cried some more. By this time we got out the cupcakes and this saved the party for Zachary. He got his own special lil chocolate cake and sat there with several of his girlfriends and enjoyed his cake.

Backyard Fun

2011-07-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Andrew has been getting in on the back yard fun too. He layed out in the shade and played on a blanket. He is so cute I just had to take a few pictures.

We have been loving the pool this summer. The boys have been having a great time playing in it. There are some days that i can't keep them out of it. This day we were out side from 10am to 6pm. I have so many good memories of summer being a time where you play till you drop. I think that is what my boys did this day.

Summer Hike

2011-07-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

Our Saturday adventure we explored a trail at a near by park. We stopped along the way and looked at wild strawberries, and different plants. Adam and Zachary picked up rocks for their collection and threw a couple in the stream. Andrew loved it and had a nice time in the front pack, which is his most favorite way to travel. I believe Andrew really likes being a part of the action.

Baby Man

2011-06-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just because he is so cute. That is the reason for this post. Every time I see Andrew I want to squeel and squish his chuncks. I love holding and loving on him. I really love seeing Adam and Zacary love on their little brother.

Power Ranger Party

2011-06-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

So Adam and Zachary have really been into Power Ranger Samurai show. So it was only fitting that we have a PR party! It truned out great. As guest arrived they hoped in the pool and played for a little bit and then they entered into Power Ranger Samurai training. They each got a bag of weapons that a PR needs and they got to practice with them. We had sword fighting practice on the trampoline and archary practice at the windows. Then (14 year old Ben Newton) a nailoc came out and they got to beat on him. Then there was a water balloon fight, food, cake, and home. Ben was the best part of the party for the boys. He really made it fun for them. The best part for me was seeing the smile on Adam's face as every one sang Happy Birthday to him. Success!

Coming to a Close

2011-06-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

As the school came to a close there were lots of little events. Adam had his track and field day. which was more like chaos day. I flet like all three of my children were pulling me in several different directions at the same time and I was on display for all of Spotswood to watch. Any way, besides my personal craziness Adam had a good time running to different events. I learned that Adam is not just a little bit competitive he is extreamly competitive and if he loses he doesn't take it well. He is still learning.

Zachary had a little show at his school where they sang a bunch of songs with movements. Usually my children walk in the room see me and don't want to perform and cry the whole time. Zachary game me a nice surprise and performed this whole show. He was a champ. I absolutly loved watching him get into his moves and wiggle his little body to the music. Andrew attended and was very entertained. He couldn't take his eyes off of the color decorations up on the wall and I think that he was really entertained by the music. He was a really good baby for the show.
Adam had a moving up ceremony and I got an education at how pushy and crazy parents can be to get that video and picture. I think that there were several people that got ther 45 min early to get the front row seat. They had grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.... there to watch this ceremony and then go out to eat after wards. WHAT! This is kindergarten folks, not high school graduation!

Adam really enjoyed himself and soaked up his moment. Mr. Cochran (the principal) commented on what a good, firm hand shake Adam gave. He didn't say anything about anyone else. I finnally got to see who Adam has had a crush on this whole year. Alison in Mrs. Silver's class, I think that he has an eye for beauty because she really is the cutiest girl. I would aften ask about her and he would tell me how he loved her and he smiled at her.

Mrs. Vespoli, said some really nice words about the year and her class and choaked up several times as she talked about her students. I'm so glad that Adam had her as a teacher. She really loved him and taught him to love reading. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher for Adam.

Historic Adventure

2011-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

We took the crew to Allire Historic village for a fun family outting. They have a old train there that we got to ride. Zachary was jumping up and down to get on this train. He was really excited to get on and pick out our seats (an old 1902 train car, very cool). Zachary layed his head on the open window seal of the train to enjoy his ride. He looked like he was in his happy place. It was Andrew's first train ride and I think that he enjoyed himself and the change of setting.

After our train ride we took a walk around the historic village. Zachary saw us looking at a map and he quickly became our navigator (he carried that map around for days after). the main attraction for me and josh was a bakery and for the boys it was a pond with lot of fish that were easily spotted.

It was a pretty tame family outting but a good discovery.

To the Beach!

2011-06-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

We packed up the crew and went to the beach. I think that everyone else had the same idea as we did because it was packed. Even though it wasn't even that warm everyone was parading their flesh up and down the beach. Yikes! It was kind of stressfull getting our bodies there on the sand but once we were set up I really loved it. The boys found a place to dig and they coudn't have been more happy. They were in their own heaven. I about had a panic attack when I look over at the place that they were digging and I didn't see them anywhere...then I saw Adam's head pop up. They had dug so deep that they were hidden! We had planned on going on the board walk and let the boys go on some rides but we didn't even bother to take them away from the fun that they were having.

Adam and Zachary found their way into the cold water. Adam loved it! Zachary got pushed down by a wave and that was it for him. Andrew enjoyed himself too. It was his first time to the shore. It was a nice day for him to go because the weather was so pleasant. I think that he enjoyed the sounds of the waves and over all just getting out of the house.

Heat Wave

2011-06-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

We had a May heat wave here in NJ so we decided to give Adam and Zachary their big b-day gift early. They got a ......POOL

It is like the murphy bed of pools. You set it up in the summer and put it away in the fall. It is the perfect size for the boys deep enough to swim but not over their heads. As a Mom I love it. Evidently they love it too because even when the weather has changed back to spring temps (75/80) they still want to get in and swim. There's no stopping Adam. He gets his suit on , takes off the cover, and gets right in. Oh, to be young again when water temps don't stop you from having your fun.

The pool was getting filled up but they couldn't wait to get in and play.

Father Son Campout

2011-05-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Josh took the older boys on the annual stake father/son camp out. Adam and Zachary were really looking forward to going camping they were really excited about sleeping in the sleeping bags, thee fire building, and of course bring their double barrel shot guns. They were the invy of the campout. Adam needed someone to shoot so he found some teenager boys and got them.

Poor Josh had the worst night of not sleeping ever. However the boys slept like a couple of rocks. I remember when camping ment sleeping deep and waking early. Those were the day.....

While they guys were away I got together with a friend and we got pedicures. I really enjoyed getting pampered a little bit.

Birthday Time

2011-05-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

It is the beginning of May which means it is me time. My birthday, anniversary, and mother's day all happen with in a week of each other. It is great. Josh and I usually go out for a nice dinner and enjoy some adtult time. This year we got a baby sitter (that is great with infants) and we went to P.F. Changs, a very safe main stream resturant that wouldn't cause food poison. After our last experience we weren't taking any chances. My actuall biftheay was very nice we had a little family celebration. Josh brought home flowers and a card for the boys to give to me, a friend brought over boston market, we had cookie cake for desert and I got to open a few gifts. The boys were very excited to help me unwrap the boxes.

For mother's day Josh came with me to Mormon Prom a huge event that several stakes put on. This really wasn't what Josh would pick to do to spend his time so when another couple invited us to go with them to dinner we ditched the dance and with them. We had a very nice time visiting with them and getting to know another couple in our stake better. It was really nice to have some adult time and relax a little bit.

First Hike

2011-05-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday was absolutly georgious sunny and about 70 degrees so we gathered up (it took a while to finnally get out) and went to our favorite stae park. We got down to the river where Adam and Zachary had a great time putting sticks into the water and hopping from rock to rock. Zachary found a little pool of water and proceeded stiring it with his special stick and put leaves and seed in it. then I looked over to see him lick his stick. I asked him what he was doing and he told me "I'm tasting my soup mom". Of course that is what you are doing. andrew did great on his first hike. Daddy worked his magic and got Andrew asleep in the front pack. We really enjoyed our hike as a family.

When we got home we had a cook out and built a fire in our new fire pit, roasted marshmellows, played soccer with daddy and jumped on the trampoline. I love the Spring.

Easter Morning

2011-04-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny was up late the night before so when Zachary and Adam got up at their usual early. I forgot that it was Easter monring and the boys found their baskets before I got down stairs. Opps. They loved their baskets and so did Andrew.

Andrew's 1st Family Adventure

2011-04-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

We took a Spring Break family outing to Hershey park in PA. I have fallen in love with Marriot Residence Inn. It was a perfect place to take the family. Adam and Zachary absolutly loved the hotel. They rode on the luggage cart, swam in the pool, ate popcorn while watching a late night movie, then finnaly slept on the pull out bed. They La La Loved it!

Friday we went to Hershey Park. It was the first day that Hershey was open and they were full. after we got throught the gates and got on our first ride the fun started for the kids. Adam really got into it. by lunch he decided that he wanted to ride a rollercoster. Josh took Adam to ride the "Comet" and I took Zachary to go on the some rides. By then there weren't any lines for the kiddie rides so Zachary got his fill. Just as we met up it started to rain and the 50 degree weather turned colder. So we took our crew to the family van (we love that car) loaded up and went back to Jersey.

Weekend with Grandpa

2011-04-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Adam and Zachary were so excited to have another guy to wrestel with. Grandpa walks in the door and the first thing that they want to do to him is tackel him. Saturday Grandma and Pa took the boys to build a bear, McDonalds, and a train ride. They really got a good grandparent spoiling. We only get to see grandparents maybe twice a year if we are lucky so I'm glad that they got the oppertunity to have some time together. The rest of the weekend was spent with Adam and Zachary playing with their new pets that they got. They currently sleep with them every night. I think that they boys really enjoyed having their grandpaernts here. Adam talked about Grandpa coming for days before he got here.

Sunday was Andrew's blessing which was the big reason why Grandpa was here. I'm so glad that we got to have family here for that. It was a very simple and nice day. We had a nice relaxing evening after church and Monday was spent with Jo and Kevin getting our house in order before they left. Jo did the laundry, etc. and Kevin repaired our screan door! I've been wanting to do that for over a year. Thanks Kevin! I didn't think that I was going to cry when they left just because I thought that I could handle it but I was wrong. I got emotional when I hugged Jo and I just couldn't hold back the tears. I'm so gratful for all of the help that I recieved from Jo and my mom as well. I'm so glad to have family.s

Grandad's Turn

2011-04-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Our family's most frequent visitor is Grandaddy Renfroe. He was traveling through from India and had a long lay over here in New Jersey. While he was in India the cricket world cup was going on and so he brought the boys cricket jerseys. They love them just because it is something form their grandad. He got to play with the boys a little bit snooze with Andrew and have a nice lunch with us and then it was time for him so hop on a plane and return to Arkansas. Although his visit was short it was very nice that it happened and that Grandaddy got to meet his grandson that is named after him. Andrew DAVID. I can only hope that our little guy will turn out to be like his grandaddy.

Grandma E

2011-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Just as nana left Grandma came. I'm such a lucky girl not only did I marry the best guy ever but I got a Mother-in-law to match. Jo is incredible! I she took care of all of us: cooking, cleaning, laudry, carting the boys to all of their activities, baking, and she even put in the garden. The boys really loved having their grandma here.

I think that Jo and Andrew bonded while she was here. We had a period of colic whie she was here and she helped us learn some coping stradigies including some magic drops that helped Andrew relax and pass gas. Jo helped me accept help. I think that I was trying to do everything on my own and I totally cracked but between Josh and Jo we got some things figured out.

Nana Time

2011-04-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to have Nana here while I was in the hospital. She made her time with the boys a blast for them. Each day she had a new little present for Adam and Zachary to open which entertained them for hours. They loved it. Cookie making was also part of the fun activities that they got to do with Nana. Fozen cookie balls are Zachary's most favorite treat so he was in his own littel heaven. It mad me feel so good to know that while I was down for the count my older boys were happy.

Bath time with nana became a spray festival. Nana gave the boys spray guns and they had a blast spraying eachother with them. Nana sat out side of the bath tub and squeeled every time the boys sprayed the door. They LOVED it!

Andrew David Engstrom

2011-03-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome Andrew David Engstrom to our family.

Born: March 21st, 2011

7lbs. 5oz. 20"

with a full head of hair

Contractions started Sunday morning as I was getting ready for church. The plan for that day was that I would take the boys to church while Josh went to the airport to pick up my mom. Josh convienced me not to go to church and it wasn't too hard to convience me because I was very uncomfortable. We ended up not going to church at all, Adam told me how he was so disappointed that he didn't get to go and that he missed primary. I never thought that I would hear those words pass the lips of Adam's mouth but he never fails to surprise me.

The contractions kept on coming but my mom told me that it was probably just braxton hicks contractions. They kept me up all night long and they were getting closer there wer about 3-5min apart. It was about then that I thought I should call the dr. and ask what is the protocall. He told me that he would meet me at the hospital. So we went and when the nurse the checked me I was diolated 7cm. After that things went pretty fast. I asked if I could continue and have a vagital birth but after 2 sections they told me that it was too risky. So I signed all of the paper work and went to the operating room around 6:00am and by 6:46 am Andrew David Engstrom was born. After I came out of recovery they brought Andrew to me and he latched right on and snuggeled. He is so sweet and perfect.

Adam's first one-on-one date

2011-03-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Back in January we started a responsibility chart with Adam. We came up with a way for him to do some daily tasks and by the end of the week if he performed then he would get a reward. One of the rewards is a night out with mom and that is the one that he picked first.

It made me feel really good that out of all of the rewards he would pick he wanted one on one time with me. We ended up taking a Saturday afternoon to go get lunch as our favorite bagel shop. We had a nice time together. I feel like his confidence is growing and he delights in the praise from his mom. He is such a good boy. He really wants to please.

I am now a MVM

2011-03-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am now a MVM (mini van mom). After searching on the internet, calling, going to several dealers, and a couple of date nights I found the one. In our search we had been burned by some people scooping up the cars that we had appointments for. One time we drove a long way to see a couple of vans just to be told that they had sold them the saturday before. So when I saw this odyssey '05 EX-L with only 75k on it I decided not to wait until the weekend. I forced the whole family out there on a Thursday evening. Everything was right about it: the automatic doors, leather interior, over all cleanliness and the warranty. I really liked it but I was hesitant to fall in love. After Josh talked with the salesman and saw all of the records etc..... he made the deal! I'm really REALLY glad that I forced my family out the door that night because on Saturday when we went to go pick it up the salesman told us that he had three other people come in and ask to see that odyssey.

What a relief to have this big chore done. Now I feel like this little guy can come. All of the big stuff is out of the way.

The boys were so excited. We had been talking about getting a big car for a long time and Saturday the boys finnally got one. They call the auto doors magic. Zachary wanted to stop by his friend's house to show off his big car. I love that they are so happy...I'm really happy too.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:25:00.001-08:00

It was a tiring day. I started laundry, went to the store, & grabbed juice boxes for Adam's class. then dragged Zachary to Adam's school where I was carring in a heavy load and having contractions the whole way into the school and to his class. I discovered that Adam had forgotten to tell his teacher everything that we talked about this morning including his lunch money.

From there I ran home to put groceries away and then ran out to regiester the boys for swim classes, came back scarffed some lame food, and went to the Dr. I found out that everyone is healthy and that I lost a pound since the last visit. That was a bonus!

This whole time I'm having braxton hicks and just getting really worn out. I had a few minuets before I had to go and pick up Adam so I turned on the TV for Zachary and I layed down. Ahhhh.

I'm picking up Adam and I see him coming out upset and crying. He didn't want to leave his star student items in the class and I of course wanted him too. We had a little friction and he won but it took everything out of me. From that point on I saw all of the hurtels that I had to get through (ie: homework, dinner making, serving, and trying to get the boys to eat, clean up, FHE, video games, bedtime, etc.) and just caused me to get emotional. Feeling that I needed a break I excused my self to my room where I was followed. Thanks Kathryn for talking with me and listening to all of my complaints.

I got some really nice v-day surprises. Adam did his homework with out giving my any guff, I just warmed up some leftovers and gave the boys some hot dogs, and Josh came home with all of the v-day things. He came in with a dozen roses, chocolate, & a card that made me cry. I've never considered myself a sucker for these goodies but after the day that I had it made me melt. No matter what day it is I really do feel loved and my boys genuienly think that I'm pretty. Just tonight Adam was telling me that he loves my eyes and my beautiful eye lashes. I'm a very lucky mom and even luckier wife. Even though I had a tiring day in the end it was a very nice v-day.

Moments to be remembered

2011-02-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning Zachary came into our bedroom with his filghty hair wagging and sassy kitty under his arm. I knelt down to greet him with a good morning hug and sweet kiss. Then after I got my greetings he went to my belly and gave it a hug and a kiss too and declared "I love babies." I know that he will be a very attentive older brother.

As I was getting ready for church and putting my make-up on Adam was on our bed. He called out "let me see you mom" I peeked around the corner and Adam said "you look pretty mom."

What a sweetie!

Ok, here is a belly picture. I can see why I haven't handed Josh the camera and made him take my picture lately. Oh well, it is what it is.

Pregnancy

2011-02-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

So yeah, I'm about 33 weeks pregnant. We are having another little boy and we are expecting him to come into our family March 24th, 2011. We plan on naming him Andrew David Engstrom. We are really excited for him to be a part of our family.

For the past couple of Sundays I've been away at other meetings for the stake and so no one at church has seen me. So today I guess I surprised everyone at how big my body has gotten. The comments were many. I can't believe what comes out of people's mouths to a pregnant woman. The best comment that was said to me today was "Wow, you look more uncomfortable than someone who has swallowed a whole elephant."

What do I say to that? I think just smiled and said "yep." and laughed uncomfortably.

Christmas #2

2011-02-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

After we got home from our Christmas vacation to our snowed in house Josh had an unexpected day off of work. We used this snow day to recover and to open the rest of the gifts that we couldn't fit inthe car. Josh recieved his little gifts and then we opened the wii. Blessing or curse? The Faldmos knew what the boys were getting and so they sent a couple of games...Lego Batman and Lego Star Wars. Those games have been a source of joy, contentions, excitment, tears, and laughter. She gets the award for the best/most used gift for our family this year.

We learned that daddy can hold one the nunchuck and Zachary holds the controller and can beat up the bad guys. It is so cute the way that he gets into the game and fights. I love the way his little body shakes and hair bounces.

Munchkins

2011-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Working with the youth I know that someday that my sweet boys will be teenagers that will be embarrised to even achknowledge our excistance. Josh and I will go form super heros to weirdos. So in effort to remember these blissfull moments I'm making more of an effort to write these moments down. This is one of those moments that you just want to bottel up and relive when ever you are having a challenge.

I got to go to a meeting tonight and I was givin munchkins (doughnut holes) to bring home. I announced to the boys that I had treats and they came running. The favorities for the boys were the chocolate ones. Those quickly got grabed up. Adam got the last one and I guess he noticed that I didn't take any of the chocolate munchkins. He came around the table to me and said " mom, I'll break off a piece for you." I figured out that he wanted to share the last one with me. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I don't like those and to take the whole thing for himself because he was so excited to give me some. He split it in half and with a sweet smile gave me my share. He just melts my heart.
Zachary had one in his hand too and followed the example of his older brother. He tore off a small morsel and said with his fun smile, "this is for you daddy."

I just love my boys.

More Snow

2011-02-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

I feel like I'm experiencing a winter like what George Washington did during the winter of 1779-1780. However I have the great comforts of heat electrisity, super markets with really good grapes, phones and all of the other luxeries that we enjoy in this time.

We have had more snow than I can ever remember seeing except when i worked on the mountain but that was an elevation of about 9,000-10,000 ft. I know that people complaine about all fo the snow and yes it is expensive to salt and plow the roads but it is really pretty. I feel like I'm living in one of the cards of Currier & Ives.

The best part of the snow are the snow days. I get to have the boys with me and take a break from our usual routine. It is tradition that when we have a snow day that we go out and play in the snow and I make chocolate chip cookies. We have had so many snow days that I just make a large batch of cookies, freeze several dozen cookies dough balls and pull a couple dozen out to bake each snow day. One of Zachary's favorite treats now is "a cookie ball".

Another adventure that this weather has offered our family this year is great sleding conditions. For the past couple of Saturdays Josh has taken the boys to a park with a little bunny hill and a nice path to walk up it. The boys and Josh have had a good time riding down the hill. I am a spectator. I hope that next winter is as good as this one because we have big plans to go snow skiing in the Pocono Mt. I know that it will not be what I have been spoiled with in Utah but it is better than doing nothing. Plus I really want to introduce my boys the the sport. It is my favorite activity to do on this earth and I really hope that they love it or grow to love it. I am thinking that if they like sleding the they will love snow boarding etc. Right?

Blizzard

2011-02-02T12:31:00.001-08:00

I can't believe this winter. We have had a snow or ice storm every week since we got back on the Dec. 26th. That first storm was pretty crazy since we drove through the whole thing from Charleston, SC to Spotswood, NJ. I think that Josh was white knuckeling it for 700 miles. It was slow going. We counted about 35 cars that had spun off of the road and 4 wrecks. I kept on thinking that we should stop and get a hotel but Josh persisted. I really thought that we were going to have to stay at a hotel when we got to NJ. They had the worst roads out of any state that we drove through. We later learned that the unions decided to do a bad job on purpose. What is wrong with these people?

My eyes really got big when we got off of the NJ turnpike and onto the the roads less traveled. Places that I had been several times before even our neighborhood were unrecognizable because of the amount of snow that blanketed everything. I'm glad that we had GPS. The snow finnally won when we arrived at our house. We were fotunate to break the bank of snow onto our street but when we got to our house we were stopped.

The snow level that is seen in this picture is up to my car door window. If you look closely you can see Josh's foot prints going up the driveway.

It was 1:00am, I'm pregnant, the boys are asleep in the backseat, and we just have little over 50ft between us and our house. Before I could ask Josh what we should do he was bounding up the driveway in over two feet of snow. He opened the garage door, grabbed the snow shovel and started to make a path to the car. A few moments later another figure showed up and started to help Josh shovel the snow enough to get our car in. It was our neighbor Romero 22yr. old marine that was home for Christmas. One of the best highlights to our vacation happened at the last 50ft on our trip home.

funny things that you say

2010-12-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

Adam you saya the funnist things. A while back when we were on vacation you and zachary were taking a bath and found my razor. ya'll were curious and wanted to play with it and I wanting to protect you took it away and explained what it was for. I told you that girls had hair on their legs and shave it off with this tool.
Weeks pass and at random you ask to feel the hair on my legs. So I let you feel the less than smooth surface of my calf and you with a discusseded look on your face exclaimed "mom you need to cut that off!" Thanks Adam I'll be sure to do that.

You are a gentelman. You hold the door for me and tell me that I smell like flowers. You work hard to please me and do what is right.

Today you sat for a while and helped me make santa sandwiches by spreading peanut butter on crackers. You really did a good job too. I love those simple moments with you and your brother.

This morning you were looking incredibly handsome in your new suit and blue shirt. I was exploding with pride as I was doing your hair. It made me so happy when you told me that you thought you looked like a missionary. We talked about your uncle Kevin who is a missionary right now and then we talked about what missionaries teach. You were so shocked to hear that people don't know about Jesus Christ and about Heavenly Father. You were openly concerned for these people. On the way to church we continued our talke about what missionaries teach. I told you about the plan of salvation. How Heavenly father made a plan for us to return to him and to become clean that Christ was like the soap and that by having faith in Jesus we can clean off our mistakes. You and Zachary were listening and taking it all in. Your comments were..."yeah and I'll be like a hero and fight the bad guys." Then I told you that there is a bad guy and his name is Saten. You guys got into this and related it to the Teenage Mutant Nija Turtles. "We are a team and we are brothers." were the words that you said a couple of times. I told you that there is a way to get special powers to fight Saten and that is by praying, and reading the scriptures.
I never thought that TMNT would be a teaching tool for the plan of Salvation but I'm glad that you were able to liken the gospel of Jesus Christ unto your self.

Adam you are good boy and a really good leader. I see you taking care of your little brother and I see that you are making ready to take on the added responsibility of your brother that is on his way.

xoxo,

Love your Mom

Halloweenorific

2010-11-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

I thought for a long time that it was just up here in the northeast that Halloween celebrations were over the top but I now think that it is every where it just is a bigger deal than what it was growing up. From what I remember for me Halloween was a fun fair at the school and then trick-or-treating from dusk till you just couldn't carrie your body any further or 8:00pm what ever comes first. I remember being a witch, cat, cow, and my favorite was when i was an alien. My amazing mom made this costume out of one of my gymnastic leotards and different colored tights that were stuffed and made to look like arms and legs. Halloween was a parade of mom's creativity. Almost everyone that I knew had a homemade costume that was original and a work of art. This very well might not have been true but it is how I remember things to be.

With me just going a long with the flow of things up here my kids experience three different pumpkin pickings: one with our play group, another with our family, and lastly each had one with their school.

We had a great time on the pumpkin picking with the play group. We had a huge hay ride all to our small group. Zachary spent a lot of the duration of the ride putting hay down his shirt or burring him self with it. After the picking of the pumkins we sat down for some apple cider doughnuts (which were delectable). Then Adam and Zachary played freeze tag, hide-n-seek, and just plan old ran around. I just loved seeing Adam play with his friends in the non choreographed setting. I felt like all of the those kids needed the break from school.

Then We went as a family with the McCains when they come up for the holiday weekend. kristin brought her fancy camera and took photos for our family. A lot of the pictures came out really good and I'm very excited to used them as our christmas photos. We also caught the tail end of the apple picking season. We got to use these apple pickers they are long sticks with fingered baskets at the end. They were perfect for grabbing the apples way up at the top of the trees. We got some of the best apples that I have ever had. The day that were were there they had some pony rides and Zachary pulled daddy's purse strings and so with a little asking from Zachary and Adam they got a pony ride. They loved it! That weekend with the McCains was great. We really didn't have to do much to entertain the kids. They were very happy and content to play in the back yard. So most of Saturday afternoon that is were they were just having raw boy fun.

The other trips to the farms were done at school so i don't know much about what happened. But from what little my boys told me I gathered that they were most impressed with the cool bus ride to and from the farm.

Party! Let's have a party at school, at church, and at friend's houses! I didn't feel too bad about spending the amount of money that I did on costumes because they really got a lot of use out of them. Adam months ago fell in love with being spidermonkey (one of his favorite character's from his favorite cartoon) I was releaved when I found it for sell and very lucky to find it in his size. Zachary's costume was a struggle to find as well. I found his Batman costume for only $5. i felt like a champion and Zachary looked adorable! Seeing my boys proudly ware their costumes makes my frantic searches worth it.

Zachary had is school party where they had a parade around the parking lot. I got to go and be the proud parent. Adam also had a parade at his school I boundeled Zachary up in hsi costume and he was a hit with another little batman that he played with as we waited for Adam's class to come by. I absolutly loved that Adam's teacher was dressed as Spongebob.

Next we had the church party. Lots of chilli, cornbread, friends, games and cute costumes. Zachary's favorite game was the mummy wrapping game. He loved spinning around and getting wrapped in toilet paper and then riping it off of himself as he graweled and threw the pieces everywhere.

Finnally Hollween and time for trick or treating. We didn't even get around the block. Zachary wanted to go back home after about 8 houses but Adam continued with daddy. Adam brought back Zachary's share from the houses that Zachary didn't go to. So sweet.

Day of the Dudes

2010-10-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

If I had daughters I would have been somewhere like the princess party at Toys R Us. Rather I was experiencing the joys of entertaining boys. We started our day by going to the rock gym where Adam and Zachary got to get roped in and try their climbing ablilties on a wall. Adam and Zachary had a good time on the ropes however I think they were a little intimidated by the harness and ropes. They are used to free style. Before we left Steve our belay guy took the boys up to a beginner boulder room. This was a freestyle climb and they bost climbed higher on these walls than they did when they were waring the ropes. They had an awesome time and I'm sure that we will be back.

From there we went to our favorite pizzeria and then we went on a hike where we pick up some colorful leaves. Adam really loved being the lead on the hike and he kept us all in line. I really enjoyed Adam's enthusiasm. Zachary had an eye for the colorful leaves for collection and that resulted in him getting behind Adam's lead speed. We ended our hike at a playground where they got to play chase with dad and climb some more.

We spent the rest of the evening feeding the blazing fire that dad built int he back yard. After we burned our way through little more than half the fire wood that I bought and our neighbor's sticks that he gave us I went for a little search for some more food for the fire. I found some leafy branches that had fallen from a huge oak tree near by and brought them back for the Adam and Zachary's "burn it" appitite. We ended by cooking dinner over the fire. Adam and Zachary wouldn't hear of daddy cooking their hot dogs so they both got their own sticks and roasted themselves up some winnies.

It was a perfect boy day climbing, hiking, burning stuff, & cooking with sticks. I think that we covered it all.

Arkansas Vacation

2010-07-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

We figured out how to do a long car trip with kids. If the trip has to be longer than one day of driving then the frist day start as early as possible (we started at 5:30am) drive stop for a picnic lunch at a nice rest stop where the kids and get some wiggles out, drive, stop for a nice dinner (we stoped at the Cracker Barrel) and then drive till you just can't drive no more. We found us a place to lay our bodies down around 11:00pm. We drove 1,000 miles in one day. You might ask why even stop when you only have 300 miles left to go? Hanging out with my family you need to be fresh and ready to go because the Renfroes can burn the candel at both ends. By the time we are finnished with our vacation we are ragged.

We arrived at 1:00pm at the Renfroe estate where we were greated by a nice conversation around the new tree house and a hope in the pool with all of the Renfroe and Wagstaff cousins. I loved being around all of the fun personalities of the kids. Adam and Zachary were absorbing all that they could. One of the most entertaining boys to watch was Braden. He never stoped. While we were at the tree house he was trying to figure out how to use a pully and a rope to pull himself up to the top. Even after slipping through the rope and falling from about 6ft up and hurting himself he kept on trying new things. Then he moved on to the cannon. He and Grandad worked on perfecting the right combination of chemicals to optimise the explosion that gave them the best result. Then they gathered an audience of cousins and shot the cannon off several times. Adam really liked it but Zachary not as much.

Saturday July 3rd, Zachary's 3rd birthday. Everyone did a good job of making his day special. In the morning as everyone was packing up to go to the cabin cousins gathered sang happy birthday to him and shot off the cannon at the end for a big bang. When we got to the lake he got to open his gifts and we had a little party for him. The day at the lake was the best! Adam went tubing and got up on the ski simmer. Unfortunatly the rope was attached on the lower hitch and water got in Adam's face and that did him in he wouldn't go after that. Boo. Josh performed great. He got up on two skis and then dropped one. He really progressed. I wake boarded and that is always fun. Then after dark we went and watched fireworks on the lake. We threw in the anchor, hitched up Grandaddy and Mark's boat ate suckers and watched the sky light up. I told Zachary that the fireworks were for him. We had a good time naming all of the different colors of the explotions. Zachary's favorite were the green ones. Adam's favorite were the red and blue ones.

The cabin that we stayed in was fabulous. It look like this couple from Texas built their dream cabin and then decided to rent it out. Everything was top of the line, the place was decked out to the nines. When I asked Boyd what he thought of the cabin he said "If heaven isn't like this then I don't want to go." My favorite feature was the stairs case. They were made of cedar logs cut in half. It was very comfortable for our big family of 22 people. What was nice too was that we were the first people to rent it out. Thanks Mark and Heather for finding such a nice place for all of us to stay.

Sunday July 4th, We packed up our families and went to church. It was a bit frustrating getting there. Our GPS took us to Berryville middle school. We called Heather and we eventually found it. It was really nice to go to church and feel of the spirit. The testimony meeting was really nice but did not disappoint in delivering some weird moments: prostate problems, and the meeting ended on a high note. Becca reported that on both occations that she looked over at us and Heather and I just were looking down. It's ture if i'm in an unconfortable situation I just look down and away because my face cant not hide what I'm thinking.

After church we went and saw Jesus of the Ozarks statue, then stopped at some mirical spring, drove through the beautiful town of Eureka Springs, and finnally the Thorn Crown Chapel. the rest of the day was spend hanging out at the cabin and playing with cousins. Althougth Adam and Brigham really liked eachother they both being the same age and like minded they tended to clash a bit. At one time Josh had to step in and correct Brigham and he came back at Josh and told him "You can't tell me what to do I'm from Soda Springs!"

After dinner Nana gave a little devotional to the grandkids about the Holy Ghost. As part of the lesson she asked the grandkids "have you ever made a mistake?" Hadley answered "Not me."

Monday July 5th, we got to the lake went out on Grandad's boat for some skiing and wake boarding. Josh got up on one and then skied for ever. I think he was falling in love (I hope). Nana (my 59year old mom) skied. She was told that she woudn't be able to hold her grand children and boating was not likely. Whe do MD's know. She is a fighter and a conquerer. I was really impresssed that she was out there. I waked boarded and knee boarded. Near the end of the day I went out on the ski. I had one of the worst falls of my life. I caught the tip of my ski, poped out, faceplanted and felt the back of my legs hit the back of my head. My back was toast. That was pretty much it for me for the rest of the lake time. I'm glad that I have been doing yoga and flexable because other wise I don't think that I would have recoved so easily.

Adam and Zachary had a blast swimming in the water around the dock. Adam's favorite thing to do was push Daddy (and anybody else he could) in the water. Zachary played with Ben and Hadley. We took the three of them to the marina bought them ice cream and fish food to feed the fish. I bought him a fishing pole which became a huge source of entertainment for him and Ben. Braden showed us all how fishing was done. He shummed the water and dropped in his bated hook and first time he caught himself a pertch. He let Adam reel it in.

Tuesday July 6th, rain set in for the morning. We ate some scrumptous deliumptious french toast caserol and played the card game scum. Josh and Grandad did P90X out on the front deck, the boys watched a movie and played toys. Eventually the rain cleard up and we went boating. It felt like we had the lake all to ourselves. The water was glass smooth and we were the only ones to really enjoy it. After a trip to the marina for ice cream and feeding fish we made our way to a place with beautiful bluffs, a waterfall, and a rope swing. It was like we had arrived in shang-ra-la. We finnally got Zachary to get in the water. He clung on to Josh's back like a pilot fish on a shark. We made it over to the waterfall where the water was really shallow and there was a little island of rocks to sit on. Zachary and Adam were in boy heaven. If we would have let them they whould have sat there and threw rocks all day. Eventually we swam back to the boats and ate lunch. Zach, Adam and I sat on the back of the boat and fed some fish the crusts of our sandwiches. They were going crazy over it. They were so close that Zachary reached out and tried to grab them. Josh and I took turns climbing up the bluffs and swinging off of the rope swing. That was a good thrill. The day ended with getting Zachary and Ben to go and a tube ride with their dads. The times that I had the most fun wasn't riding the waves or jumping off of the rope swing but when I saw my kids have a good time. I'm finding more that I'm starting to find the best thrills through my children.

Wednesday July 7th, We got a late start because of the rain. It was nice to be able to relax and not feel like we have to hurry our herd along. Josh and I tried our stuff at wake surfing. It is pretty challenging but a lot of fun! Austin and Mark showed us all how it was done and then Josh took a stab at it. He did pretty good especially for his first time. He never fails to impress me. Then I was up. I was able to feel the grove and find that sweet spot for a little bit. Nana went. Then Kathryn and Heather showed us all what blue crush was all about. I really want to try this out on the Jersey shore. Back at the dock Braden busied himself sinking himself to the bottom of the lake and bringing up all sorts of treasure: sunglasses (I lost them 4 yrs ago), a CD, Zachary's casting plug that snaped off of the line, Kathryn's cover up that she couldn't find... Braden is a crack up. Adam, Zachary, and cousin Ben were like three peas in a pod on the dock they ate, swam, played, and pushed people in together. I LOVE THE LAKE!
Thursday July 8th, Our last day at the cabin. We packed up and checked out of the beautiful cabin and headed down to the lake. Josh and got some runs in and then we forced the boys on the tube. Finnally! I hate to force my children to have fun but I'm the parent and I know what is best right? Well, this time the forced fun payed off because they really did have a good time. The Harris family departed to go see Boyd's family and then head back to South Carolina. I'm so happy that they moved down there. It is one of the places that I've been wanting to see and now I have a huge reason to go down there. Yeah! The rest of the day was recovery.
Friday July 9th, A few moments were taken by us moms to have pedicures. It is something that I really like doing with my Mom and sisters and is something that I really miss. So once a year if we can fit it in we have a girlie moment together. While I was gone Grandad took the boys for a ride in his overfield. Then we all shot beebee guns and took the boys to see "Toy Story 3." After that the Wagstaffs came over for the evening. Adam and Zachary were in boys heaven.

Saturday July 10th, One of my favorite days. We went on a hike with the Wagstaff cousins and Grandad. We drove out in the middle of the Ozark mountins near the Buffalo River to a place called "Lost Valley." This hike had it all: water falls, swimming holes, caves. At the first water hole we stopped and caught crawfish, threw rocks, splashed, and explored. We saw a water mockesen snake, climed inside a tunnel of rocks etc... I thhought that we had arrived at eden falls but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was just a little way down the trail. We found our way and picnicked at the falls. It was georgious! NJ doen't have anything on the Ozarks. When we made our way upto the cave where we went splunking. Josh and I managed to get our family in the slippary cave but not wanting to get anyone hurt Zachayr and i stayed behind as Josh and Adam made their way back to a small opening in the rocks and if you go through (on all fours) you are birthed into a big room with another waterfall. Adam got a big kick out of going caving and using his flashlight. Zachary was tickeled pink to use the head lamp. We got our dirty selves back to the Renfroe estate and built a fire and roasted hot dogs, went swimming, and ate smores. I love Arkansas!
Sunday July 11th, We went to church and then after we visited Great Grandaddy. Adam and Zachary got all of the folks really excited. GGrandaddy was the envy of the place because he was the one getting hugs and kisses from our cute boys. Man, they were sharp looking with their church outfit on and their hair combed. I think that we would have had more compy if they could have walked. Adam was a good boy and gave G Grandad hugs but Zach kept his distance. It really is hard to see my beloved Grandad in such a state of being. I pray for him. Our visit with Great Grandmother was really nice and the boys were really excited to see dutches. G Grandmother had little keepsakes for the boys and me. I recieved my dad's golden baby cup and the boys recieved collector's coins. I felt like it was too short of a visit but she was getting over being sick.

Dad took me for a joy ride in his fancy BMW. getting a ride in that car was the most adrenline that I felt the whole trip. It really got my hear racing. LOVED IT. That eveing we had a very nice dinner with the family and enjoyed eachother's company.

Monday July 12th, It was time to start the ascent to reality; laundry, gathering stuff, packing bags, goodie run, etc... I got to go and visit Heather's cute house and see all that she has been doing. Adam and Zachary got to play with with cousins which they loved. While we were there at Heather's house Josh met up with a professor of Chemical Engineering and UofA. He toured some of the labs and was invited to be a guest speaker in the fall. I thought that was really great!
Back at the house Grandaddy took the boys for a ride on the tracktor he even let the steer it. Then we threw ourselves in the pool for one last good soak. We said our good-buys to the Wagstaff family and packed up our car. We made ready to leave before the first light.

Tuesday July 13th, 5:30 A.M. wheels are rolling and we didn't stop except for gas, bathroom, and food. We totally broke our 1,000 mile record with 1,300 miles in one day. We pulled in at 4:30 A.M Wednesday July 14th and surfaced back into reality.

Babysitter Lessons

2010-06-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

After coming home from our date we were getting the report from our babysitter on the boy's behavior. I was asking details about the bed time routine and she said "yeah, after I read a couple of books to them that they wanted me to read the "Book of Mormon" to them I didn't really know what to do and then they wanted to pray so I knelt down by them. After that they wanted hugs and I gave them hugs. LOL"
I was so proud of my little ones. I'm so glad that even though we weren't here they wanted to read scriptures and pray. I didn't think to tell the babysitter about scripture and paryer part because I really didnt' think that the boys would do it unprompted. It is just a testimony to me that consistency will turn into good habits for our little ones later on. Also I wonder if that was the first experience that our sitter has had with pray in a long time.
I went in to check on Adam and he was still awake and told me about what happened. He told me that she didn't give him a squawg so I got to give him one. Just so you know a squawg is: a combination of a hug and a squeeze and as you are giving one you have to say "Squawg!" in a loud way. This is a little ritual that Adam made up and has become one of his favorite wrestling moves.

It must be summer

2010-06-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't take too many pictures this week (like none) but I should have. We went with our friends the Nells to one of the beaches at Sandy Hook. I must have looked like a pack mule walking out to the ocean side. I had the unbrella, picnic, chair, toys, and bags all straped to my body and my kids not far behind me. We set up our site and before I knew it Adam was in the water having a blast. Zachary didn't go too far from our blankets because all he needed was right there; sand and toys. I hurried and got sunblock on the best i could by myself. My bathing suit was a little lower than I remember it being and I didn't ask our friends to help since they were in the water with Adam so i just did my best to spray and thought that I would be ok.......Wrong! It is obviously the beginning of summer because I thought I would be burnt and I would stay in the shade of my umbrella. I'll just say I have the weirdest tan lines ever! Oh well, Josh is the only one that will see that anyway.
Adam was in heaven playing in the ocean. That makes me so happy to see my kid having a good time doing somthing a little dangerous. There were times that I was out in the water with him and a wave would come up and wash over him. I could see this big eyes and face under the water and I thhought that "ugh-oh, this is it Adam is going to be scared and want to leave." But every time I was wrong. He would come up and shake it off and we would celebrate how cool that was.
Zachary on the other hand was more than content to not touch the water. I tried to get him to at least touch his toe to the water and he wanted nothing to do with it. Being the stubbern mom that I am I held him on my lap and touched his toes to the wet sand where the water had just receided and that got him really upset. It is funny to me how kids come from the same parents, have the same of a lot of things but they are as oppisite as can be. I know that God makes each one of us and we are all special to Him. Because it was so hot that day I would fill a bucket up and get Zachary wet to cool him off and he didn't mind it. But just don't try to get him into a body of water.
We went swimming at a friends house on friday. It was an inground pool and had different levels of depth. He was fine with the shallow end but he would have nothing to do with me holding him and going into deeper waters. I worrie about our trip to the lake and him having a good time. I know that I'm going to have a hard time with him not being adventerous and fearful. I just don't understand that kind of thing. I need to be patient with this and that is not my forte. I pray that he'll have a good time.
Summer really is the greatest time of the year for any age. I love being a mom during this time. It is so much fun. I really feel like I get to soak up my kids. I even don't mind if we stay home and just relax. Between playing in the yard, looking at bugs, playing with toys, picnicing at our fort, jumping on the tramp, picking the day's harvest from the garden, and reading library books we are occupied. LOVE the summer.

Birthday Weekend!

2010-06-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

We kicked off this weekend with Adam's b-day party. He wanted a big party and after last year's rain out I decided to go for the do nothing your self (except invite your friends) route. I really got to enjoy Adam having the time of his life. During this past school year Adam went to the Teens & Tots program at the high school. He got to be really close to one of the Sr. boys named Jacob and naturally we invited him to Adam's b-day party. He came with an invited friend (Dan) and these two were the life of the party. They were like the biggest kids there. They went through thte tubes, played int he balls, wresteled in the jumpie and most of all made Adam feel like he was #1. I credit Jacob for helping Adam get over a few of his obsticals this year and really mature.

After coming home from the party the McCains came. Adam was thrilled to see his cousin Jacob and they had a great time being bunk mates.

Saturday morning the party continued. We took the McCains to see the Statue of Liberity. It couldn't have been a better day. The weather was perfect, there wasn't any wait, and our kids had a blast. We even got a bonus because there was an Air show getting ready to start and we saw a ton of helicopters, coast guard & NYPD boats and for Zachary that is a thrill. At Liberity island we had a bite to eat and walked around. Adam and Jaconb had a great time, eating together, playing games, playing chase at the base of the satue. Those two are like french fries and ketsup. I really got a kick out of watching them enjoy each other. The best part for me was that Kristin was there with her camera and she took family photos of us. There is nothing I want more that a good family photo (which I seem to never get, my kids hate taking pictures and so does Josh). The other part that I really like is walking passed the super long line of people waiting to get on the boat for NYC and us walking right on aboard the boat bound for New Jersey. Yes, that was pleasurable.

Finally the day that Adam has been counting down on his count down calendar for 27 days has come. Adam's 5th birthday was today June 20th. He has been wanting Ben 10 alien toys for such a long time that it was a real pleasure to give him his presents. Ben 10 everything! He has been in heaven. Adam and Zachary have been pretending to change into different aliens all day and waring their watches. After we ate his special b-day cake we snuggeled on the couch and watched a ben 10 show. When it was time for bed he fought it (which he doen't normally) we went out side and cought lightning bugs. He expressed the desire to catch them and squish them but i expalined that you just catch them and make friends with them and the next night they will be there to greet you. Man, he really like the idea of making friends with the bugs and so that is waht he did. He was so excited to catch them. He would say "look now we are friends. Bye friends." Zachary didn't get the idea of catch and release. He caught and squished and with a big grin on his face would bring to you his "new friend" like a dog brings in the snake that it killed for you. Such a sweet heart. Our vegitarian neighbor/baby sitter Courtney didn't find it as funny as I did. Especialy because he gave to her his catch.

Busted!

2010-06-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Adam came home from church on Sunday with a couple of pictures. One that was titled "blessed are the peacemakers" and the picture that he had below was our family. The other hand out that he had was a frowny face that you could turn upside down and make a smile face. he showed me the face and sang the song "turn that frown upside down."

I asked him about his pictures and as he explained to me I thought this would make a great lesson. We found Matt 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." I marked the scripture with one of his bakugan cards.

We took our oppertunity to have Family Home Eevening. Adam had the floor to teach us about peacemakers. I handed him the scripture to read, he went to reach for the distracting bakugan card and I seezed it. That made him a little upset but he let it pass.

During the lesson I gave Adam and Zachary examples of peacemaker/not peacemaker. So I would say "is biting being a peacemaker?" Everyone would respond "Noooo". "Is sharing toys being a peacemaker?" "Yessss." Then Adam took a turn at this little game. Starting off with some easy ones he said "Mom, is biting, kicking, hitting, being a peacemaker? Mom, is taking bakugan card being a peacemaker?"

It took me a second to relized what he had just devised. I was impressed with his cleverness. Definatly his father's son. I was busted. I smiled and gave him back his card. What a smart boy.

Dandelion Sweethearts

2010-06-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have got the sweetest boys. I can't tell you how many bouquets of flower weeds that I've recieved this Spring. I've never loved dandylions and clover flowers this much in my life. I am often spoted with a bright yellow flower tucked behing my ear and wearing it with pride. Whenever we are out, weather it be at a park or just walking to the car Adam and Zach (following his footsteps) will stop to pick me a flower. It is the sweetest thing.

Adam knows that I like flowers and will often state while we are in the car, "Mom, you love flowers. Don't you?" If he finds himself in a tense moment with me he'll go outside and pick me the biggest dandelion that he can find and bring it back to me with a wide grin. I'll recieve his token of affection always the same. I exclaim how much I love it and how beautiful it is, and how good it makes me feel. I love watching his little spirit sore as I dote over his gift.

It is not only Adam that doesn this now it is also Zachary. He has been following his big borther's example and will bring me little plucked blossoms. This past Friday as we were hurring into Adam's schooling screening Adam took the time to pick me a flower (which at this time irritated me a little bit because we were in a hurry). Then Zachary felt inclinded to join in on the show of love and pick me a flower. As he was trying to catch up he tripped and scrapped both knees. Oh, I felt so bad for my little guy. He is such a sensitive sweet heart and I love that I get to recieve such sacrifices.

This past Saturday Adam was "playing" in his soccer game. He actually kicked the ball this time. As he was running up the field I saw him slow his pase and start looking at the grass. He bent down and plucked up a clover flower. He took the next few moments trying to find a way to stick in his clothes so that he could give it to me at a later time. He found me in the crowd, walked off the frield, and presented me with his flower. Who needs a soccer star when they have a sweetheart.

We're a little crazy

2010-06-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

This last wekend we adventured to Niagara Falls. Our plans were to leave on Saturday early morning, do the falls, spend the night, on the return stop in at Palmyra, NY and return home. However, as life goes with kids our plans changed because Adam and Zachary got violently sick. It seems like whenever we go on vacation one of our boys gets REALLY sick. Last year Zachary ended up in the Hospital twice during our two week vacation. Anyway, we knew that Adam wasn't geeling well but he sait that he really wanted to go and see the big waterfall. So we went along with the plan. We got 30min into our 7hr drive and Zachary threw up. I wanted to turn around and go home and just do this trip another time. That was not going to fly with Adam. He protested to us turning around and that got Josh to make the decision to press forward. We got there, rode on the boat ride "Maid of the Mist". This ride takes you right up to the falls. It was awesome! After we acomplished that Adam was spent. He asked to go back to our roomand we got there just in time for him to toss his cookies. He had such a good attitude. Better than mine and I wasn't the one that was feeling gross. Adam wanted to go back out and so we did. Adam was exhausted and fell asleep in the stroller on our walk. We went to a restuarant that over looks the falls. We ate dinner sa we over looked the falls. It was incredible. Best view I've ever had while eating.

I was areally impressed with Adam and his will to not let anything get in his way of having a good time and seeing the falls. If he gets an idea in his head there is lettle that can stop him. Trying to hone that strength had been challenging but Adam has strong desires to be good.

Fun Times

2010-05-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend. Josh took the boys on a father son campout and had a blast and then we took off to spend our Sat. evening on the shore. The Jersey Shore dispite what you hear on TV is a wonderful place.

The ME Time

2010-05-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Every year at the beginning of May is "ME" time. During that first two weeks of May I was: born (2), Left on my Mission (3), Baptized (4), Married (8), and now that I have had children Mother's day (9). This year for my "me" time Josh took me on an adventure of shooting hand guns at a shooting range. We had some instuction by the range master and got to learn on a 38 caliber revolver. We did pretty good and the really nice guy beside us let us shoot his 45 automatic, and 22 simi-automatic guns. We had some more time so we rented another gun that was a 9 caliber simi-automatic gun. We both got bull's eye at 15 yrds. It was a lot of fun and a good experience. I'm really glad that we got to go and do that. It has made me want to get my licence for a gun. As always Josh amazed me with his natural talent. I'm telling you what he is a sharp shooter. I'm so glad that he is mine!

Josh then wisked me away to the other end of New Jersey to eat really good sushi with some friends from church. It was fancier than any place that I ever patroned while I was in Japan. There were a lot of things on the menu that I hadn't ever heard of. So I just ordered the bento box (the chef's selections). That thing contained some off the wall crazy stuff. The sashimi was so good that it just melted in your mouth. It was an exotic experience. I know that Josh really loves me when he does stuff like....socializing and sushi. Neither one of those are even close to being his forte.

Our traditional trip to the beach and dinner at Kline's Fish Market was the way we spent our 7th anniversary. One of my favorite resteraunts that we have found around here. Their menu is contempary and has a very strong asian influence. I had a scottish organic salmon with a butternut squash ricsotto, in a walnut and canberry sauce. I wouldn't have ever put that combination of food together myself but everything blended so well and the textures of the food played off of each other so nicely. It is a dinning experience that keeps Josh and I coming back year after year.

The next morning I was treated to a german pancake breakfast, flowers, and very nice cards that all of my boys made. I love Mother's day it is the day that I don't have to cook. Josh fixed pork tenderloin with all of the fix'ins (that I bought him). It was a nice day that concluded the "me" time of the year.

Big Snowsss

2010-03-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of snow storms during this winter. Here are a couple of images of us enjoying the fun snow.

2010 The New Year

2010-01-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

I usually think that celebrating the New year is a real let down in comparison to Christmas. Josh and I not being the drinking types usually bring in the new year quietly and a lone. However this year we didn't have to celebrate it a lone, we threw our selves in the car and made the treck to the D.C. area to Brandon and Kristin's house. YEAH! The struggel to get the kids in the car was minimized when I told Adam that we were going to Jacob's house.

Even thougth we got Adam and Jacob in bed around the same time as usual they still stayed up super late talking and playing games, as did the Adults. Around the midnight hour we busted out the sparkeling cider and did a little cheers. I love parent party time.

We loaded up the families and took our fun into our Nation's Capital. We went to the natural history museum. We only got through one floor and really we just skimed through it. Adam's favorite exhibit was a toss up between the fish and the dinosaur bones. Zach's favorite sight was the back of his eyelids. He decided that it was a good time to take a nap.

I was really empressed with my awesome cousin's ability to keep her baby asleep during our whole outting. She makes having three small children look easy. Way to go Kristin!

The following day we had another adventure with an old college frind of mine. She too just recently had another child and she made city travel with two in tow look like a dance. She had a bit tougher challenge because the elements were mounted aginst us this day. It was cold 23 F but with the wind it felt like 7 F. As we made our way to the botanical gardens from the metro station the wind blew so hard that I had to brace myself and sholder it into the wind. It was a short walk but so miserable. The gradens were nice I especially liked the humid jungle room. We called in the rescue squads and had Josh go and get the car and Paul came to get us too. It is on days like that, that I'm so greatful for modern conviences like central heat and cars. Thanks Dana for showing us a good time and having a fun adventure with us. I love good memories.

Josh got a new hat. Jacob loves to climb on uncle Josh.

Sunday was one of the big reasons why we sent down to Kristin's house. It was baby payton's blessing day and Brandon asked Josh to be in the prayer circle with him. It was a very nice blessing.

Nana & Grandaddy stay and play

2010-01-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

After being super lazy on Christmas day we decided no matter what we better to get out. We went to Princeton and walked around the campus. All of the buildings are stone, old and beautiful. It is the kind of place that makes you feel like learning. After walking around in the near freezing rain and wind for a little bit we all thought we had enough. We warmed up in the car for a driving tour of the town, old neighborhoods and Princeton Battlefield. I love looking at the old colonial homes and thinking of history of the area.

Our next big adventure was going into the city to see the Rocketts christmas Spectacular show. Josh hadn't ever been to China Town and Nana and I wanted to buy some knock-off bags & jewlery. The show was the ultimate NYC christmas experience. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Christmas Day

2010-01-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas day was great! Adam squeeled when he opened his gun, Zachary could hardly be pulled away from his train table and Josh and Grandaddy spent the day setting up his new TV and sound system. It was the most lazy that I have been in years. We stayed in our jammies all day long and just played. We even ate our ham dinner in our jammies.

I love being surrounded by my family and watching my boys excitment while they opened their gifts.

What a wonderful time of the year.

Christmas Eve

2010-01-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

The boys woke up to Grandaddy and Nana being here. They were so excited! They spent a good amount of time familiarizing their Grandparents with their things. They formed a pile of presented toys and costumes in the hall way where Grandaddy sat with his full attention on them. Adam and Zachary ate up their Nana's praises and Grandaddy's intrest and excitement. It was so nice to have those simple moments with my parents being with my children. I don't get many of those and so I thought it was worth remembering.

Those first moments really set the tone for the whole visit: relaxing, pleasant, & fun. We took the morning slow. When Josh got home from work we all went to a Christmas Eve matene movie. We saw "The princess and the frog" not my favorite disney movie. It was one of those that anything good in the movie you already saw it in the previews. Both Josh and Grandaddy fell asleep during the film. However the boys seemed to enjoy it and it did make the day go by quickly.

We came home to a clam cowder meal. It used to be tradition in my family but I don't think that I'm going to keep it any more. On account that you gain 1/2 of the Holiday weight in that meal alone! Wow, that stuff is fatting and not worth it. Now, on the other hand a steak dinner......that is worth it!

We went on to having another lesson about baby Jesus, and we opened up our jammies (that I made). We slipped the boys in their jammies and read "T'was the Night Before Christmas". It was pretty picture perfect for my family. Zachary payed no attention to anything. He just ran around being hiped up on sugar and lack of sleep. Adam behaved pretty good. He really didnt' want to stop at the jammies present. He kept on saying "umm, I want to open five presents." It was cute. When we told him that if he didn't go to bed Santa wouldn't be able to bring him his presents (nerf vulcan gun) he quickly went upstairs.

Because Nana and Grandaddy were here they called Kevin in Tokyo and I got to be in on the conversation. SO SO nice to be able to talk with him and hear how the mission experience is for him. I can tell that he is just blazing through that Japanese. I'm so proud of him.

Grandma comes to town

2010-01-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

Family is what the Holiday's are about and since we weren't going to be able to go to Grandma's house this year she came to us. while she was here we kept busy. While she was here she cooked, cleaned and crafted. She never stoped! I would turn around to do a chore and there she was already doing it or it was done. What a treat during one of the most stressfull times of the year. Not only I enjoyed Grandma but the boys did too.

She made them little aprons and they jumped in to be her helpers. Adam was very interested in her ability to make pies, bread, rolls etc. as am I. As we watched a baking instructual dvd Adam states, "Grandma makes that. Grandma can to that." I am so glad that Grandma does do that. We ate so good while she was here. Her grand finale was her cinimon rolls. Oh, yeah! The way to an Engstrom Man's heart is through Grandma's Cinimon Rolls. She left extra frosting and Adam and Zachary had to have that over every square millimeter of their roll.

Jo really didn't waste time while she was here day two of her visit Josh took off of work and we all went into the big city. We got tickets to "West Side Story" and ate lunch at a really nice deli tootled around, saw "the tree" etc.... After our show was over we were done with the big city. I always enjoy my time in NYC and I always love coming home to quite NJ.

We dicided that it was too cold for the boys to go to the "the Big Chill 5k run" So it was just Grandma and Josh that went. I'm glad that Jo got her new running shirt.

Visiting Santa Clause

2010-01-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

This year is the first year that Adam has really been into the Santa and gift thing. Around Thanksgiving time we got those wish catalogs. Adam scanned through those and even had a growing list, but then he found the Nerf Vulcan Gun. His list was wiped clean except for that gun. That was his only wish that Santa bring him the automatic Nerf machine gun. I told Adam that in order to get his wish that he needed to ask Santa Claus.

Now in the past taking Adam to see Santa was a torture session for our family. We would try to get that annual photo of our children on Father Chirstmas' lap while Adam, being totally freaked out by this strange old guy, would cry the whole time. We would try to calm him and he would resist even more. We were quite the scene. I'm sure that we got looks from passing empty-nesters that have long since forgotten what it is like to have a 2yr old.

Now that Adam had a mission and a purpose to accomplish he seemed to swallow his fears and do that which was necessary in order to accomplish his Christmas wish. After all he really wanted that gun. I took the boys to see our local Santa Claus at the mall. The BEST Santa that I have ever come across and I have even been to Macy's on 34th in NYC. He called Adam by name and they just had a nice conversation. Adam didn't sit on his lap but I didn't expect him to, that is just not Adam's style. When Santa asked "So, what would you like for Christmas?" Adam respectfully gave his rehearsed answer "I would like a NERF Vulcan Gun, please." Then Santa asked something that Adam wasn't prepared for, "Would you like anything else?" Adam just looked at him confused at the question. His reply "no."

After their exchange was over he gave Santa a hug and got a toy for Zachary and himself. Zachary really wasn't interested in sitting on this strange man's lap and wanted nothing to do with it. Being a smart person and learning from my past mistakes I didn't push it.

The Tree

2010-01-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great time this Christmas. After our expensive fix-it summer we decided to change our travel plans to staying home. I got really excited and awoke all of those family holiday traditions of: chocolate dipping, klejner cookies, matching jammies, and going to cut down our own Christmas tree.
That was an adventure. We went to go cut down a tree at a local farm. We packed the boys in our little Saturn car, sang carols on the way, got to the farm, bundled up, plopped the boys in the wagon and were ready to start our search for the perfect tree. Then we learned the prices of these Jersey Fresh trees....$60! We got back in the car, went to the tree lot in front of the mall and bought a tree for $24 instead. It is cheaper to buy a cut tree that has been shipped from North Carolina than it is to cut your own in New Jersey. That is New Jersey property taxes for you.
The tree lot had some advantages over the farm. Adam and Zachary were greeted by a nice man that gave them candy canes, and they loved watching the tree go through the tree bailer. Shoot I liked it too. I mention the nice man becuase here in Jersey a pleasant person is a bonus.

It was our first year to have a real tree and it definitely set the "Christmas" mood with its charm and lovely smell. Our tree was worth it!

1st Movie Theater Experience

2009-11-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

We took Zachary and Adam to see Astro Boy in the theater. It was Zach's first time to go to the thearer and we were a little bit nervous about the way he would behave. He did great! Josh got the boys a big popcorn (that is a big deal to me because that was never allowed for me growing up) and Zachary held it the whole time. He just sat in my lap ate popcorn, watched the movie and snuggeled me. It was a nice family outting.

Halloween PARTIESSSS

2009-11-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

The parties started Wed. We attended a party at a Library with some of our friends. They boys were very proud to be in their costumes. Adam pretended to fight all of the older boys as Zach wooed a couple of the girls with his charms and cool cowboy hat.
Next the boys had their parties at the schools. As I was trying to get Zachary in his Woody costume he was resistant and didn't seem excited to ware it. Thanks to a cute friend from pre-school I had a dinosaur costume on hand and offered that to Zach. He got really excited about that. It was smooth sailing from there. When we got to Adam's school to drop him off there were several adults that had gathered to see the pre-school kids in the costumes. Man, Adam and Zachary were so excited to strut their stuff. They ripped off the jackets Adam threw on his wings and pretended to fly while Zachary stomped around like a T-rex. They soaked up the attention. I loved it too.

The next day we got to ware our costumes again at our Church party. It was a perfect party. Lots of people, food, games, and of course trick-or-treat candy. For Adam and Zachary the party was a little slow with the chili eating, and the socializing. They enjoyed the games but the best was when they went down the hallway trick-or-treating. As we left Adam exclaimed "that was awesome!"

The day finnally arrived. Halloween was upon us. I made gumbo and we gathered a group of friends over to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. Our neighbors give out quality stuff! We just did our little loop and the boys came home happy, tired, hungry, and with a huge bag of candy. Near the end Adam didn't want to carrie his bag. He said it was "too heavy". We came back to our house with our little herd ate gumbo, played games and had a very nice evening. "Thanks" to every one that came.

I think that my favorite thing about Halloween this year wasn't the costumes (although my boys were SUPER cute) but it has been Adam's desire to share his candy with his little brother. Adam had me get out the sissors to cut his star burst in half so that he could give some to Zachary. He was excited that he had four of something to give on to everyone in the family. Adam is a challenge but then he can be so sweet and tender. I love being a mom and experiencing the joy that comes from seeing my child being kind to others.

Pumpkin Picking

2009-10-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

The boys are doing well. Here are some pictures from yesterday. We went to Adam's soccer game and then we went pumpkin picking. Adam's game was as always a good time. I really enjoy watching Adam kick the ball during practice and run with the crowd during the game. This week was one to be remembered because he actually kicked the ball during the game. WooHoo! Zach wants to join his brother out on the field so we keep him entertained with a little one-on-one with daddy.
Our annual pumpkin picking was a little different this year b/c we went to a different farm. It wasn't as authentic as the other place that we have gone to in the past. But the boys don't care one way or the other. Zachary had a great time. The first thing that he did when we got there was plop down in the dirt and made tracks with this fingers and found some good rocks to put in this pockets. For the past few nights I have had to empty his pockets of rocks. We have a good collection going on right now. Adam and I had a good time looking for the perfect pumpkin. I made the mistake of pointing out some rotten places on some of the pumpkins and dirt. Well after that every pumkin with a little dirt on it (with is every pumpkin) wasn't good enough. He would find one that he liked and then inspect it only to find a little dirt. The pumpkin was then declared "gross" or "not perfect". We ended up going with the one that daddy picked and carted around the whole time we were there.

Zoo Adventure

2009-10-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Julie and I packed up our kids and went to the Turtle Back Zoo. One of the best Zoos that I have been to. We got to go on a train ride and warmed up in the reptile house. After that we hopped around to the other exhibits.

(Sara, Sam, Shandra, Miriam, & Adam)

(Zachary, Miriam, & Sara)

Adam and Zach weren't really into looking at the animals as much as they were running around with their friends. At the cougar exhibit they jumped from bench to bench. I think that Adam could have done that all day long. Sam was pretty frusterated that he couldn't jump like Adam but Adam has had many years experience since I let him jump on and off of the furniture. At the horse barn they had a better time just running around. I'm so glad that Adam and Zach have good friends that they love spending time with and play good with. It is such a blessing to have friends.

(Adam & Sam best buddies)

Good Mommy Moments

2009-09-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Adam got in his head that he wanted spider cookies. So that is what we did. We spent the afternoon making cookie dough, rolling the dough out, and cutting the cookies. We cut out our family and the round cookies I thought that I would put webs & spiders on them with frosting. But Adam got uninterested in cutting out the cookies and really wanted to see the SPIDERS so I sculpted the dough into spiders. I think they turned out pretty good.

Let me explain the cookie picture. No that is not a naked cookie man. Josh put the frosting on his cookie and he choose to highlight his pecks, belly button, and side burns. He was really proud at his accurate depiction of his self. I Love him so much.

The cookies didn't really taste that great though. Does anyone have a favorite sugar cookie recipie that they love? I would love to have a better one on hand.

Daddy's Flamming Cake

2009-09-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

31 Yes, that is how old Josh is this year. Since Josh doesn't like anyTHING I made him a special dinner and cake. When I went to put the candles on I thought that I would have enough but.... oh well. Had we had all 31 candels on the cake I think the fire department would have been knocking on our door.

I thought this was funny. The day before Josh's b-day Adam I wraped daddy's borning gifts (items that he needed) just before he came home. When Josh walked in the door Adam announced "Daddy we have surprises for you! A shirt and a belt!" Adam hasn't gotten the concept of surprises yet. Oh well, the surprise isn't the fun part of the gifts anymore it is watching the boys help their dad unwrap them.

First Day of School!

2009-09-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

Zachary gets to go to pre-school this year and he is LOVING it! He runs into the class room, finds a toy, and thats it. When class is over he runs out, takes my hand and whooshes me back to the car.

First day of school he was so proud of his backpack that he did not want to take it off. His cute teacher tried to teach him where it goes by trying to take it off and hanging it on his hook. He was going to havae none of that. The staff told me that he walked around the whole day with that on.

Adam also started school, kind-of. Sam (Adam's best friend) are going to be in the tots and teens program at the High School but it doesn't start until October so we are doing a mini pre-school program for the month of Sept. in our homes. So far I think it has been really good.

My Litter Reader

2009-09-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Zachary is really into books. I absolutly LOVE it when he brings me a book that he wants to read. He looks up at me with his deep brown eyes and I just melt. He will stay up till all hours of the night reading. After he and Adam have a good wrestel Zach likes to tone it down by picking out a few books and sitting down in the hall way and read. What he should be doing is going to sleep! He knows that he's not suppose to be doing this and so therefore works his deeds very quietly. Josh and I go up stairs for bed and have found Zach asleep on the floor with his books. It is really cute but a little bit naughty.

Soccer Saturdays

2009-09-24T10:50:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a while. My boys are doing great. The latest in Adam's life is Saturday Soccer. So far we have had two soccer games. Adam's first go at the game was not so good. He did alright at the practice but when it come time for everyone to be out on the field and kick just one ball he wasn't too sure about it. Adam turned to us and asked us for his ball and when we didn't give it to him he was upset. So he sat and watched. As a parent I didn't understand why he wasn't out there with all of the other kids.

Next Saturday we tried again. Adam was hesitant at first but after he made some buddies at practice he got into it. He played in the game and even got a little aggressive. After a while Adam noticed how cool his shadow was. As he ran the field he watched his shadow and had his hands out like web shooters. I would love to know what was going on in his head.

Fruits Of My Labors

2009-07-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

These are some veggies that I picked out of my garden. I was really excited to finnally be able to eat from our labors.

I hope that it is still there when we get back from our vacation.

Engstrom's January Back Bloging

2009-06-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Since I was MIA for the first half of the year I decided to post my recent pages. These are my scrapbook pages for January '09.

B-day Party

2009-06-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

So for the last three weeks it has been raining and still is. I didn't think that when we were moving to New Jersey we were coming to a tropical state. I thought that for sure that since it was raining so much before Adam & Zachary's party that it would dry up by last Saturday. Well, I was wrong. The guest arrived and it started to sprinkle. Everyone got to play outside for a little while but the rain became increasing heavier. So, our party went from backyard fun to inside sprawl. I didn't think that I invited that many people until they were all inside our home.

My inventive cousin Kristin came up with the game "pin the mask on Spiderman". She got a few of the kids to play that game while Josh cooked hotdogs, and I was trying to find Adam who locked himself in his room. I got him to come out by asking him "do you want to go open your presents?"

We got everyone eating, then we did cake, the pinata (which was great! Elder Glead played Scott Joplin as the kids took a wack. It was so worthy of film. After everyone got a turn We let the b-day boys take another wack and as Adam was in the process of hitting it I pulled the rip cord. Candy was everywhere and the brawl was on.) Then we opened presents.

Thanks to everyone for helping making Adam's b-day a happy.

De-Georgeing our house

2009-06-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

So about the title. The previouse owner's name was George. He concidered himseld to be a handy-man. Well, Josh and I both agree that he really shouldn't have picked a hammer. We have had to redo or undo almost everything that he did to this house. Unfortunatly it is done usually in an emergancy situation because everything that he did breaks. This week's break was the water heater.

Josh walked down stairs to a river in our kitchen. It looked like it started at the fridge, then we traced it to the pantry, we poked some holes in the dry wall.......and found that it was the water heater. I was releaved because I thought that is was a broken pipe or somthing. I was having visions of our house being gutted out and money flying out of our pockets. We were able to call our handyman and he took care of the rest. He really like us and I'm so greatful to him. He went and bought our new water heater, removed our old one, and put in our new heater all by 12:00 this afternoon. LOVE HIM! I really LOVE Josh for adjusting his work schedual to make sure that things were taken care of before he left. He almost had everything moped up before he came and told me about it.

The New One

It stinks that this happened but it could have been SOOOOO much worse: we could have been out of town, it could have happened a day eariler when we had company, we could have had to wait a lot longer to get it replaced........
My sister says that these things come in threes. We had our lawn mower die, the ball barrings replaced in my car, the fridge, and now the hot water heater. That makes four. I hope that big pocketbook surprises are over for a littly while so we can prepare for the next ding.

Bunkmates

2009-06-16T11:20:00.001-07:00

It is time for my little baby to move to a big boy bed. We got this great trundel bed from some of our friends at church (thanks Glads). For the last couple of nights Zachary has been sleeping in this new bed. Adam LOVES having a bunk mate. The first night Zach wouldn't stay in bed so we started to put him in his crib in the other room. Adam would not have it. He protested this by getting in front of Zachary's crib with arms extended yelling "NO! You can't put him in his crib. He needs to be in my crib! Put HIM BACK!"

I was afraid of Adam not liking Zachary being in his room and feel like it was an intrusion. To my heart's delight it was just the oppisite.

The brothers have been having a great time. Adam chatters to Zach, and then we can hear the little patter of little feet exicuting their plans. Their 8:00 p.m. bed time hasn't been obeayed at all but they are having a great time being brothers. I absolutly LOVE it.

Prayers & Toots

2009-06-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

I had a stake youth activity to go to this last Saturday. Josh, Adam, & Zachary also came to get out of the house and to be with me. It was suppose to be at the beach but it got rained out, so we all ended up at the church building. The youth had a good time playing vollyball, watching movies, and playing "signs". I was asked to join in and so naturally my boys were there having a good time getting attention from the youth.

It was time to say a blessing on the food and just as it got quite to start the prayer Adam launched a very loud "T-O-O-T!"

The whole loby of youth tried their best to be reverent for the prayer but it was filled with snickers muffeled laughs. As soon as everyone said "amen" there was a release of laughter.

Why is flufing so funny? I don't know.....but it is.

Working Late

2009-06-13T20:54:00.001-07:00

Poor Josh has been working super long hours for the last month. He goes in early and comes home late (6am -12am). So he goes a couple of days without seeing the boys. I know the boys miss him.

When Josh comes home the poor guy crashes with the boys in fron to of the TV. I've been catching Zachary curling up to his daddy on the couch when ever hs gets the chance. We have such cute boys!

Green Thumb

2009-06-13T20:51:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my green thumb. Check out my potato plants! They have only gotten bigger with all of the rain that we have been getting daily. I just Love the garden state!