Green Bay Packer Lady

For those of you that assumed the rather strong girl in a Green Bay Packer Santa hat pushing our van out of the snow was Audrey, shame on you. She is way more classy she would be wearing an Indianapolis Colts hat or something.
One more Christmas memory for you and I will be done posting for a while. We had our Christmas presents under the tree in our formal living room, but because of limited space Santa moved everything to our living room by the fireplace. Dawson woke up way early in the morning and ran to the tree only to return to our room with his head down to go back to sleep. Then when they woke up again at 7:30, Cole ran to the tree and just looked around like, not only did Santa not come, but somebody took all of the presents that we had before? Then Dawson says to Cole, "I already know Cole, Santa didn't bring us any presents", assuming that he must of been naughty. Any ways it was hilarious and it made it the best Christmas ever for us, well at least us parents.

Lane

Are you kidding me?

So last night as Lane was being a fantastic husband and posting since I have been telling him I have just been in the biggest blog bog ever, I head into the kitchen to get some tums for my HORRIBLE heart burn that I experience every single day multiple times but esp. when I lay down for the evening.
I had just used the last of the big bottle in my bedroom and was bummed when I had to walk ALL the way to the kitchen to get my next bottle. NONE! That is right, GONE! What the freak am I to do?? There is a hole being burned into my throat/chest/back area and I don't even have a rescue. I live in a small town that has no grocery store possibilities after 11pm. Fear no more my friends, I picked up a el grande bottle today cuz I never want to experience a night like last night again-ever!

Merry Christmas!

Well we had as Dawson said, "the best Christmas yet!" Unfortunately, the only pictures to document that are on Cole's new Fisher Price digital camera and trust me none of those are worth posting, unless you're interested in the kitchen floor or the ceiling fan in the living room. Maybe some day he will be true to his roots!
We had a good time with family even though I believe that we got stuck in the snow at least 3 times just on Christmas day. When we were dreaming of a white Christmas we had no idea. I think I'll be fine without one from now on. Nothing says holiday cheer like a girl with more know how and strength pushing our mini van out of the snow with a Green Bay Packers hat (I guess it did make us nostalgic for Wisconsin) by the way it wasn't Audrey just in case that was what you were thinking.
Any ways we wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and hope that the new year brings you some exciting adventures!

Lane

p.s. this is part of my present to Audrey for next year, so remind me if I think to buy her anything that I already blogged.

I am grateful...

for so many things....
but today, i am most grateful for these little fellas.

(thanks geri for taking fun pics of my boys in the freezing cold!)

Welcome Home....

.....from the Land of the Rising Sun!
As many of you know my in laws have been serving an LDS mission in Japan. It blows my mind that their 18months has come to an end already! When people say to them WOW did you serve the whole 18 months, that went FAST? They say, maybe for you but it seemed like a year and a half to us!
It was sure fun to go down this last weekend plus a few days to see them. When we pulled up to the house and Nobby came out to greet us it really felt like good ol times and they had never been gone.
When they left Cole was 18months and so when we were giving hugs and saying hello he quickly hid behind Lane and I's legs. It was kinda surprising since he and my father in law were the best of friends before they left. (he would bring him a balloon from Macy's almost everyday.... Cole thought that was pretty swell) When he saw Kitty at the top of the stairs he did give her a hug and quickly warmed up after that.

Opening their mission call and obviously pleased to be going back to Japan!I think they are about the cutest couple ever!

It was so fantastic to get frequent updates on how life was and all about the interesting food they were enjoying!Some looked real tasty to me, and some didn't.....I couldn't find one of the pictures of Nobby getting his drivers license there dang it! (he said that it was the hardest part of their mission for him....tough test!)
Also they sent me some AMAZING pictures of hairstyles of young people there. I can't find them either but when I do.... it is worth sharing! Quite edgy and somewhat frightening! I am sure they think the same of some of us here too.

Here is the Missionary couple at the airport...
I am sure the people of Nagoya are sure missing you and sad you are gone... but we are sure glad you are back!
You are such an amazing example to everyone around you. I have never met a single person that didn't just rant and rave about you both! You guys did such a great job raising your children which I am so grateful for cuz it makes being married to Lane such a joy! He is the best dad and husband I know and I would like to thank you for that!
Thanks for all you do and the light that beams from you both....
Kitty, now that you are back, would you teach me to hem my jeans? I have never seen such amazing work. (no offense mom, i appreciate your hemming too. Hers is just...different) hehe
Also, thanks for the happy coat, the dvd's (the boys watch them daily), the authentic dolls etc. It was like Christmas!
WELCOME HOME!
(oh yeah, if you are interested or wondering, their "mission report" will be this coming Sunday at 1pm at their church house.)

Coley is 3...

Even though he usually tells people he is 5. He wants to be bigger like his brother so bad. And to be honest I think he is going to be bigger than his older brother pretty darn soon! Whenever anyone asked Cole what he wanted for his birthday, his response would go something like this... a football helmet, a treasure chest, a shark, a guy, a crocodile, money, a movie, a transformer, and so on. Although, he did tell Bobbi that he wanted "nothing, I will get it myself"

Well, it started out WAY too early (again). Dawson can not handle his excitement in situations like this, and it wasn't even his birthday! He woke up about 5am and I told him to go back to his bed til 7am. Well, he waited an hour and at 6am he had woke up Cole and they were ready to roll!

We didn't do anything all that special today to celebrate. Tuesday's are a busy day around here so the poor kid is gonna have to wait til we are down in Utah to hit up Boondocks or Chuckee Cheese.

So as most of you know Lane is the birthday cake "designer" in our home. We asked Cole for days and each time he would say a baseball game cake. We tried to give him more exciting ideas but nope, baseball game trumped. (lane wasn't too impressed with himself but the boys and I thought he did GREAT!)

Daws begged to miss school today so he could "spend time with his favorite brother" and since I wasn't feeling so hot I said SURE! I took them to McDonald's and let them go nuts for a bit. We came home played a whole lot of Wii and then I made Cole a birthday dinner and off to my Primary meeting I went.

I must say I dig this age. He is so funny, and he is so quick to apologize, he admires Daws so much, he asks sooo many questions, he tries to show off for girls by telling them he farted (we need to teach him that that is not cool to us girls, must be a boy thing), he begs for mac and cheese for breakfast, he actually listens to me (something his brother stopped doing recently), he is just a good kid with a big heart and I just love him!

He said he had a great day and loved all his presents. The biggest hit was the 4dollar bowling set Lane bought him last minute at the dollar store.... so much for the $$football helmet!! ah well.and here is a little birthday kiss for everyone!

"Haka"

Ever since Dawson went to the BYU football game with Lane he has been obsessed with the Haka. He thought it was the coolest thing EVER!
(for those of you who haven't been or heard, some of the players do the haka before the game) It is actually really cool I must admit.
My sister in law works at BYU and is usually over or has to overlook the multi cultural activities, including the Luau. It is my all time favorite activity to attend because I think the culture seems so passionate and the Samoan Slap dance and the Haka are just sooo fun to watch! (it almost chokes me up every time for some reason!)
Anyways, as we were searching for a good video of the BYU football players doing the Haka for Dawson's pleasure we came across the "Missionary Haka" which I found very entertaining! (lane thinks that they may have a bit too much time on their hands to tape this...)

Our Halloween

What do ya do when you can't decide what to wear or be on halloween?OR
OR
OR

Ya wear them all!

Neener Neener Neener!

We had a real hard time this year deciding which costumes to wear and to which function. So they all got worn a little the day before at our trunk or treat, and the day of.
We combined their candy together cuz Cole does NOT like candy and Daws does NOT like chocolate so it makes it quite nice for both of them to combine.... and their is no fighting over one or the other!!
(p.s. if anyone needs to borrow a dragon costume next year, give me a call!)

Big Day and BIg News

What a day!
Not that it was full of ah ha moments or just jam packed but, we did have 2 big things happen that we have been looking forward to!

I have only ever bought 2 other cars in my life. A Honda Accord, a Mitsubishi Diamante, and today we bought a freaking mini fan! And guess what, I couldn't be more excited! Who would have thought, me wanting a mini van.... but let me tell you, I was pumped! Ever since I rode in my sisters (cassie) about 6 years ago I thought to myself.... well, maybe I could do a van someday, and that day has come! We went with the Honda Odyssey. Seems so big to me right now but I am sure once we put another kid or two in there it will feel just perfect!

Our other big news is that today we found out if we were going to be picking out boy names or girl names in the next few months....... I had very mixed emotions on this. I know that everyone expected me to just want a little girl so badly. Part of me did and the other part wanted a boy. Why couldn't it have been twins....one of each?? (cuz Heavenly Father knew I couldn't handle it I am sure) I think my head wanted another boy and my heart wanted a little girl (weird i know, mom no making fun!) and here is why. First off, I love boys! They are so fun and busy, and goofy, and silly, and I just know how to have boys. I have all the clothes I could possibly need (those of you who know me know how true this is) and I have trains, dinosaurs, transformers, dragons, swords, Lego's, airplanes, cars, and all the things to keep a little boy company! So having another boy would be a piece of cake! On the other hand, I have always wanted a little girl (what mom doesn't?) I always imagined doing little pigtails and little bobs and all the fun (time consuming) stuff that comes along with dolling her up! OH the clothes (since the selection is twice the size of boys) the shoes, the bows and bands, the bracelets, and all the pink you can stand! (i loved it when my friend ashlee said that her laundry went from darks and lights to darks lights and pinks)hehe
BUT I have never had a girl so it all seems so unknown and scary to me, so I opt'd to "think" I'll take a boy, it sounds easier to me so I will hope for that route.
Well, I will stop rambling and share with you the news that we found out today...... can you believe it?

Lane said he knew it all along but I must admit I am a bit shocked....but VERY excited! No wonder this pregnancy seemed to be a little different than my other two. No wonder I have zits like a teenage boy with a squeaky voice! No wonder I can't focus on much or finish a sentence with out saying, "what were we talking about?" (not sure why that would happen cuz i am pregnant with a girl, but that is how this whole 4.5 months has been.)

I am very excited and am feeling better so no more complaining from me! Except about the gas pains, heart burn, zit attack, chubbiness, food cravings, tiredness, and the emotional state I am in.
Just joking... I really am grateful to be in the situation I am in. If it means going through all that and more... BRING IT ON!

T T T T TAGGED!

OK I am about 3 tags behind so I will try to get going on them! This one is from my sister Cassie. (thanks Cass)

8 shows I love to watch:
1- Grey's Anatomy
2- Ugly Betty
3- Private Practice
4- Dr. Phil
5- Oprah
6- American Idol
7- So You Think You Can Dance
8- The Bachelor

8 favorite restaurants:
1- Cafe Rio
2- California Pizza Kitchen
3- Noodles
4- Ruth's Chris (only been there once)
5- Carino's
6- PF Chang
7- Formosa Grill
8- Quizno's

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1- Did 3 cut/colors and 3 cuts
2- Went to Sam's Club to load up on Nursery snacks
3- Called 7 people to ask them to sub in for Primary teachers
4- Ate dinner at Taco Bell
5- Stayed up WAY too late watching the dvr
6- Pulled up my jeans about 90 times cuz my stomach is starting to grow and push them down!
7- Waited up til 12:30am waiting for Lane to get home from NYC!
8- Enjoyed the late evening with my 3 fellows!

8 Things I am looking forward to:
1- Actually look pregnant instead of just looking chubby!
2- My in laws getting home in 3 weeks from their 18 month mission to Japan!
3- Getting a bigger car for our growing family. (this weekend)
4- Brushing my teeth (in a few minutes) they feel a bit fuzzy.
5- Having a full day of feeling ok. I shouldn't complain, cuz I do feel much better than I did the first 4 months!
6- Finding out (this weekend) if this little bundle is a boy or girl?!?!
7- Keeping a more strict schedule of my hair days. This week was brutal! 6 days straight with no husband at nights to tag team!
8- A date with the Mr.

8 Things on my wish list:
1- I could do better about going to bed at a decent time!
2- I had more time to do play groups and activities with my boys.
3- I wasn't nervous to do Sharing Time this coming week!
4- I didn't have to wear glasses every single day! (my eyes can't deal with contacts)
5- I was about 5 inches taller.
6- A maternity massage
7- My little Gma could feel back to normal!
8- That this Country wasn't in such a huge financial mess!

8 People I tag:
1- Anyone that hasn't posted for a week or more! Come on, it will give you something to write about!
2- Anyone that likes doing these things, they are actually quite fun!
3- Kim T.
4- Kellie F.
5- Ashlee
6- Karen
7- Katie M.
8- Becky S.