Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Pumpkin Patch

For our weekly playdate, Lanae and I, along with our little munchkins and Aunt Ambie headed to a little Pumpkin Patch.  
These boys  liked goofing around....
They wasted NO time finding the biggest pumpkin.  It turned out to be a little heavier than they thought!!
This one was still heavy...but Corb showed me that he could do it ONE HANDED!!  He's a tough one!!
Jaden just liked climbing up the haystacks.  Aunt Ambie was there to catch him...just in case!!
Here's me and my Little!

 Always a treat to get out and do something new with the kids.  We were loving the sunshine despite the chilly wind.  I'm SO not looking forward to the REALLY cold days I know are just around the corner!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Lunch in the Dryer

I LOVE this little boy!!  Today I made him a grilled cheese sandwich.  He thought the best place for such a lunch was in the dryer.  He just sat in there eating it til it was all gone.  When he was finished he said, "Gank you Momma" handed me the plate and said, "All gone."  Closed the door (not all the way) and said in the dryer, "Sheeya layder."  He's original!!  That's for sure!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Boise with Amy

A few months ago my cute friend (former roommate) Amy decided to have a little girls trip.  We figured Boise was about the biggest city 1/2 way and each drove the distance.  We wished our cute friend Kirsten could have come...but she was busy having a cute little baby boy. 
We thought we'd sleep in...but even though 9 am is usually sleeping in....after staying up after 2 am...9 hardly feels like enough sleep!  But that didn't deter us from going on a little hike Amy had found.
It was an AWESOME hike.  The top lead us to a GREAT view of Boise.  Then it was off to lunch.  We both had a hankering for some good Thai food.  We tried the "Pad Thai House"  It was SO GOOD!


And we KNEW it was a sign when the restaurant was located right next to a thrift store. Then it was off to finding every thrift store.  A love of us both!

 Are you LOVING the fun Boostias purse!  I think Amy was!! Haaaa haaaaa!

We went into a Savers and Amy found a "friend."

I had to take a picture of him because as we were walking through a crowded area in Savers Amy leans over to me and says, "That kid just breathed on me." I laughed so hard at the way she told me I thought I may pee my pants a little.  (I didn't...but it was funny)  Then she showed me how he "breathed" on her.  He literally breathed on her shoulder like you breathe into your hand to see if you had bad breath.  Ewwww....Creepy!  Only in Savers!!  We hit so many GREAT thrift stores.  It was AWESOME! 
I have been listening to the book, "The Help"  SUCH a great book!  Later that night we decided to go see the movie "The Help".  I loved it!  I won't lie...it was a little hard to watch at times.  I just don't know how anyone could treat another human being like that.  I grew up in New Orleans, LA and distinctly remember being in 3rd grade at Woodland Elementary and seeing bathroom signs that said, "Boys", "Girls" and "Colored".  They were never used...but still I can clearly remember seeing the signs.  That was in 1986...not that long ago. 
 The next day we went to the Anne Frank Memorial.  It was beautiful.
By turning the little crank, a recorded message would sound.  Amy must have turned that crank for about 3 minutes before it would work! 

Boise was BEAUTIFUL.  The weather was PERFECT!  The people of Boise were so nice! To say that it was a PERFECT weekend can't say it well enough! I had such a BALL with Amy this weekend.  I am so happy that we have remained such good friends over the years.  She's one in a million. 

Friday, October 21, 2011

A note from Corb

At 5am this morning Corbin thought he needed to crawl in bed with Coby and I.  Since it was so early and Coby and I weren't thinking too clearly we told him he could.  Then a few minutes later the other little nugget decided that he also need to join us. To say that we were a little squished in a queen sized bed was an understatement.  Coby left for the gym a little later leaving the rest of us snug as a bug.  About 7 am Corbin decided that it was "Good Morning Time" and wanted Jaden and I to wake up.  He tried everything from tickling Jaden to turning the TV on.  Corbin is pretty self sufficient.  He knows how to get his own breakfast and turn on Curious George downstairs.  Jaden on the other hand....i's a handful!!  I knew that if Jaden woke up...that was the end of that warm cozy bed.  SO...I snapped at Corbin to get out of our room, go downstairs and that he had just sealed the fate of getting NO allowance.  Apparently he was not terribly happy with me:
He wrote me this sticky note and left it on our door:  "I do not like you Mom.  
Dear Mom"
Coby came home from the gym and found it.  He thought it said, "I do not like you mom.  Die Mom."
Coby went downstairs and ask Corbin about his little "love" note.  
Corb corrected by saying, "What?  It says, "Dear Mom,  I do not like you mom."" And with that crumbled up the note.  I came downstairs after Coby had told me about it told Corbin that I got his little "note."
To my amusement he said, "Um...that was a different mom."
 
"Lick in the box.  I love you mom.  Dr. Mom"  

Translation:  "Dear Mom, Look in the box.  I love you Mom."

After I got home from my girl's trip to Boise I found this little note on top of a little present he had put together for me.  

OH how I love this little boy!!  He truly is a sweet little boy.  Even when he's mad at me.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Jadesy Boy


He still folds his hands under his neck when he prays
Jaden loves to watch Rio or "Kim-ma-mal Me" (Despicable Me)
He can watch them both about 12 times each per day! 
He loves to tell you, "I DID it!!"
He likes to tell us to "Lay down" when we're putting him to bed
He likes to jump on the ottoman and say, "Jump, Jump Jump."
He likes soda...sadly...I know....
He thinks that all dark colored soda is "Diet Coke."
He loves to say "ah-ee-oh-oh, ah-ee-oh-oh"
He finishes my song, "I love Jaden..." with "Jaden is my baby." with a HUGE grin.
He calls his dad: Daddy, DaDa, TOBY, and my favorite...HUN!
He calls me: Mommy or Tiffffff
He calls Corbin: Bobbil
He loves to give hugs and kisses especially when he's saying goodbye.
He doesn't like to go to bed and typically says, "No nigh nigh"
He no longer sleeps in a crib and has moved to the bottom bunk in Corb's room.
His favorite book is "Goodnight Moon."  
He makes me tell it too him at least 2 times every single night as he's going to bed.
He likes to tell you that he's sleeping in "Bobbil's bed" at night.
He wants "protein" for breakfast...lunch and dinner.  (Carnation Instant Breakfast)
He lights up when he's with his Nana, Poochie, Honey or Poppy.
He loves girls.
He loves cheese.
He loves to brush his teeth.
He loves Jesus and says his name like this: "Geedis"
He loves to go to church and asks everyday, "Go church?"
He still LOVES his blankets and calls them "blankies"
He is quick to pick up on things we're talking about and often repeats the "key" word of the sentence.
He can let pup out and will do it if we ask him.
He likes to tell us "I Tinky" (I'm stinky) even if he's not just to get us to check...then laughs about it.
He thinks farting is funny and tries to do it as often as possible, followed by "Ewwwww."
He always says, "Gank you."
He says "Daddy fixed it?" every time we try to skype or watch the apple tv.
I loves "Chockit"(chocolate)
He loves to pick his nose and grossly enough give it to you.
Loves Corbin to death, but is easily irritated by him.
He likes wearing his shoes and will often bring them to you and say, "Shoes on?"
He sings the song, "popular" from wicked every time my phone rings.
He also sings the song "Hello...Hello" from Primary...courtesy of my mom.
My dad taught him to say, "OH YAAA" every time he gives someone a big kiss.
If you get an owie he says, "Owie?  I kiss it."
He likes to eat "zuna" tuna salad for lunch with me.
He can count to ten.
He knows when we're on our way to Nana's or Honey's house.
When we're heading home he says, "No home."
He can point out most pictures and tell you who they are.
He's still a snuggler.
He says, "He ya go." (Here ya go)
He loves to help me make and drink my smoothies every morning.
He loves to say "Gym" and then freaks out when we actually get there.
He doesn't sit through movies at the theater.
He loves to throw things.
He says, "Hode jew" (hold you) when he wants us to pick him up and hold him.
After he gets done drinking he says "ahhhhh"
He loves to sing...randomness...hmmm...he IS my son!
He loves balls still.
He loves jumping on trampolines.
He eats out the frosting in Oreo cookies.
He loves pushing his lawnmower still.
He has a short fuse.
He's a pretty good sleeper still.  
On average he sleeps 2-3 hours during the day and 10 hours at night.
He loves to help me clean.  
He still loves cleaning the toilet.
He thinks we need to take turns while I'm vacuuming by saying, "My turn..."
When he's mad he'll deliberately hit you with this stone cold face as if saying..."That's right and I'll do it again!"
He loves to play with older girls (like Corbin or Jack's would be age...6 and 4)
He loves to eat cinnamon toast
He can point out my Grandma Burton and tell you who she is.
He knows exactly who Jack is.
He knows "Gampaw Birden" (Grandpa Burton)
He is clean and will pick up after himself without having to be told...occasionally!
He's very sensitive if you discipline or give a little spank.  He'll cry like you've just beat him!
He loves to tell you "Iz broken." (anything that's not working that second.)
He loves to "Wing" (Swing)
If he sees you eating something he says, "I won summ."(I want some)
 But my favorite thing that he does reminds me MOST of my little Jack.  When I was nursing Jack, he used to look up at me and gently take his hand and place it on my face.  The picture above is as close as I could find.  He was always so thoughtful, loving and sweet.  I lay down with Jaden most nights and during his naps.  As he's getting tired, I'll catch him staring so sweetly as he's watching me "sleep" and he'll put his little hand on my face and almost pet my cheek.  He doesn't know I can see him and that's what makes it all the more sweet  and  Jack-like.  
Oh, I love my boys!!  All three of them!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

New YORK and Atantic City

Coby was kind enough to take me on a little trip to New York.  He had business, so decided to kill two birds with one stone...have a little adventure with me.  I know...I'm pretty lucky!!  Tiana Secore would even say SPOILED!!
After a long flight and a CRAZY taxi ride into the city we finally had dinner at Bubba Gump's.  SO good!  The Maui Maui was to die for!!  I highly recommend it!
After dinner we did a little sight seeing.  The Toys R Us store was practically calling our names.
And then Coby noticed the Barbie Dream house...and how could I pass up a "barbie" pose inside it??!!  Funny thing...Coby was the one who had to coach me on how a barbie poses.  After a few shots...I think I nailed it!
Back to the room to freshen up and back out on the town to have dessert with our friends Geoff and Rose Hemmingway.
I love this city!!
Here is Coby, Me, Rose and Geoff.  I know it's not the best picture of us...but when someone else takes your picture...you get what you get and you don't pitch a fit right?!!  Geoff had just given us a tour of the Hirschfeld Theater.  Rose is staring in the broadway play, "How to Succeed at Business Without Really Trying." Rose plays the leading lady Rosemary, opposite Daniel Radcliffe.  We got to see her dressing room and hang out for a few minutes before getting dessert.  It was REALLY fun!  Wish we could have met Daniel...but he wasn't out by the time we were leaving. 
The next morning Coby and I got to the Hirschfeld Theater early to get rush tickets to the show "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."  There she is in the pink!
We tried to take pictures inside the theater...but camera phones don't seem to be the best type of camera for the job.
The play was AMAZING!  It was so fun and lively.  The music was jazzy (my favorite) and the cast was AWESOME to say the least! 
Then had to hit the road to Atlantic City for another conference for Coby for work.  This is the best picture we could get.  I don't want to sound ungrateful...because it was way fun...but Atlantic City is sort of bad remake of Vegas.  It's sort of like the Armpit of Vegas!  Kind of dirty...they nickle and dime you for everything and was pretty empty.  I guess I'm just used to the excitement of Vegas!  They know what they are doing in that town!   And while there is a lot of bad things going on all over the place...it's certainly a "bright" adventure to be had! 

Thanks for taking me babe!  You are the BEST husband in the world!!  I love ya more than anything!  Thanks mom for watching our little nuggies.  You are so amazing and I thank Heavenly Father every single day that I have you in my life! 

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Fall General Conference 2011

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I am VERY privileged to hear a living Prophet, Apostles and other leaders of the church speak words of wisdom and divine revelation twice a year. 
 Here is a shot of our sweet Prophet, President Monson and his 1st Counselor, Elder Uchtdorf.  I absolutely adore these men for their integrity, the love of the Lord and our brother Jesus Christ and for their incredible testimonies.
 Every Sunday morning session of General Conference we head over to Coby's parent's house for a little Conference breakfast.  Momma Jo did NOT dissapoint!  She made the BEST french toast with all the fixin's!  The french toast tasted like a yummy churro.  To quote Ben, "It was Churrrrific"!
We all eat then watch our sweet prophet and other leaders of the church speak.  The kids start off pretty good.  I.E. Livvy is nicely sitting with her Poppy.
 Honey provides Conference "bingo" for the older kids.
Corbin, Sammi and Mason were GREAT at listening to Conference and even greater at putting their candy corns down on the paper...and in their mouths too!
 The smaller kids were AWESOME at finding things to do....
 I'm not sure...but I think she may be up to something....!
While the rest of us watched and were humbled at the messages received. 
Chance tried his best to stay awake...but he was way too cozy on his beautiful momma to keep his eyes open.
 Pat had a hard previous night with his little Amelia...so I think he was listening with his eyes closed....
 And poor Poppy...he was plum tuckered out!

I have really loved General Conference!  I have loved every talk and every speaker.  Each one wispered words of inspiration to my hungry soul.  I have not always loved General Conference, sadly.  There was a time that I thought of it as a vacation from church twice a year that I got to lounge around in my jammies and sleep in between speakers...and if I'm being honest...during MOST of the speakers. 

But now General Conference means more to me than anything.  Jack died almost 2 weeks before General Conference in the fall of 2008.  I have never longed to hear the words of our Prophet and others more than I did that painful fall.  I felt like the speakers were so inspired by the things they said that entire session.  My heart longed more than anything to hold my sweet baby boy.  My heart was so heavy and I was so weak.  But by the end of the Conference, I felt renewed hope and faith.  I KNEW that I would see my sweet baby again.  I WILL hold him again.  I knew of a surety that we were an eternal family.  And that more than anything I could survive.  I knew it wouldn't be easy and it would be NOTHING I'd choose...but I knew there was purpose in the Lord calling our beautiful, sweet blue eyed baby boy home earlier than Coby and I had planned.

This year I leave humbled at the messages of true and divine inspiration spoken.  I know God lives.  I know He loves me.  I know I'll be with Jack again.  I love this gospel.  I love the spirit that is in my home.  I am thankful and in awe every single day that I have Coby to kiss goodnight each night.  I love my family.  I love the testimony I have gained through going (still going through) such a horrendous trial.  I love Him for loving me enough to cut me back.  The Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true.  I know it.  I feel it with every breath that I take. I know Jack visits often and I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel because of that. I may not have the life I planned on initially, but I am happy with the life He has entrusted to me.  I know that through Him, all things are possible.  And that as I try my best, and although I'm FAR from perfect, I know that through HIM I can be made perfect.  And all I have to do is give it my all.   I love Him.  I know He lives and loves me perfectly, is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.