Birthday celebrations and some other stuff

We had great birthdays this past week. I think we made Brads day great. Ayden and I made Brad breakfast in bed, brought lunch to him at work, went to dinner with our friends the Pillings, then had tres leches cake and gifts at our house.

I had a wonderful day. If I ever feel sorry for myself someone needs to slap me in the face. It was a day that made me realize how blessed I really am because I have the most amazing people in my life. That is truly what is important and I am certainly lucky to have so many people who love me. Brad made me an omelet and served it in my bed. It was one dang yummy omelet. Have I ever mentioned how good the omelets Brad makes are. Seriously, they are so good! Then my friends took me out to lunch. We went to the cheesecake factory and celebrated my birthday and my friend Kim's birthday which is this wednesday. It was great to get together. Brad came home early (1:00) from work to be with the kids and I know that was a sacrifice because he is really busy but it allowed me to have a worry free lunch. I then went shopping and had fun buying some clothes because it has sure been a while since I have allowed myself to do that. Brad had a little family party for me when I got back. I feel like I really scored some awesome gifts this year. Brad and the girls got me some shoes and ski boots (along with the clothes I bought myself), my friend Kim took a picture of my girls and surprised me with that (more below), my friend Elizabeth gave me a Goldtouch nonstick loaf pan from Williams- Somoma that she knew I really wanted, my friend Brittney gave me a set of thank you notes, a list pad and pen, my friends Lyric and Julia gave me a cake stand and a yellow belt that Lyric knew I needed to finish up an outfit I have. A whole bunch more celebrated lunch with me which was more then enough. Seriously I have THE MOST thoughtful friends. It was a wonderful day and I seriously feel like I didn't deserve it. It is kind of humbling. It just makes me want to be a better wife, mom and friend. I have to be the kind of person all these great people in my life deserve. Thanks!!!

Ayden carrying the french toast to Brad. She made most of it I just told her what to do. She was pretty proud of herself.

Yikes!!! I know you all don't want to see what I look like first thing in the morning. It isn't a very lovely thing. My poor carpool friends and neighbors at the bus stop have to see it more then they would like I am sure. Still I had to include the picture of my breakfast in bed that my wonderful husband made me.

Not only are they all wonderful, I think I must have the most gorgeous friends ever too!

My loot. Look how cute my ski boots are. I also got to go skiing this week with some friends. I can't even tell you how long it has been since that has happened. It was a blast and brought me back to the carefree days of thinking nothing but skiing.

Isn't this adorable. When Kim brought it over to me I just started crying. I couldn't believe what a thoughtful gift it was. I had no idea how she did it without me having a clue either. It turns out that when she watched my girls last week so Brad and I could go to our ward party because we were part of the newlywed game, which we won by the way, she took their picture. First of all it was super sweet of her to watch my girls for us since she wasn't going to go to the party anyway because her husband was working and then to surprise me with this was just so great. I love it.

Some catch up-

A couple weeks ago Laela and I drove down town to have breakfast with Brad at a fun place called Goldy's while Alex and Ayden were at school. It was fun to just have a little date with us and Laela. I feel like it is the kind of thing we should do more often. Breakfast was great and Laela sure loved their blueberry pancakes!

~The story behind our new family picture~
So you know I asked Kim to take a quick family picture and you have all seen the great outcome but what you don't know is that it wasn't our first try. First we just stopped by her house after church and tried to snap one in front of her house. For some reason Ayden got all emotional and couldn't stop crying. It was ridiculous really but she was screaming pretty hard and every time she would try and stop it only lasted a second and then she would let out a huge BAAA! Brad and I were pretty good faking it in the picture, Laela had an uneasy look in all of them because I don't think she had any idea what was going on and why Ayden was screaming. Alex was a good sport and gave a good smile in some of them but I think she couldn't understand what Ayden's problem was either. After trying to calm her down a second we just said thanks to kim for trying and went home. Ayden then felt awful for being so silly and cried even harder at home because she ruined our picture. She then calmed down, apologized and asked if we could try again so Kim was sweet enough to come over for take two. Luckily that one turned out great. Thanks again Kim!!!

Happy Birthday Bradly!

Little Brad on the left.

Brad is on the right side of his brother Travis. His face in the picture cracks me up!

Look at that little punk on his first day of school. Oh don't worry it all goes downhill from here...

Told ya! HAHAHA

Senior picture

Brad turns 33 today! This is supposed to be a happy day but Brad told me once that he has always thought he is going to die at 35 so every year when his birthday comes around I get a little bit sad that we are getting closer to the infamous 35. Haha, what a way to start a birthday post! I am kidding. That is the bad thing about writing, sometimes it is hard to write things they way you want them to sound. So to make it clear that was supposed to be funny. I guess if I have to clarify that then it isn't very funny. Anyway, he has since told me he was kidding so we can once again celebrate those great milestones that Brad has accomplished one more wonderful year of his life. I often think about Brad and how he really is a great example of someone who truly just becomes better and better. That is what life is supposed to be all about, right? Improving yourself all the time and working to become the best you can be. Brad has done that and continues to strive to be better. He is a really great person who expects a lot out of himself. He is such a great dad and husband. When we were dating I knew that he would be someone who would always work through the hard times. I knew marriage wasn't going to be easy and really wanted to find someone who would truly be committed to me and work with me through my faults, our faults, the rough patches and trials that were sure to come. I am so grateful for that. The other thing that was important to me was to find someone who could enjoy life and laugh at life and play when it was time to play. Someone who made life exciting and fun. That is Brad also. He has so much energy and can live off of little sleep is and ALWAYS up for an adventure. He hates sitting around doing nothing which can be exhausting at times but it has created so many fun opportunities for our family. Brad is also really funny. I love that he tries really hard to get me to laugh and I love seeing the joy in his eyes when he accomplishes it. I love watching our daughters love him. They really look up to him so much and he can honestly do no wrong in their eyes. I think that is the way it is supposed to be and I know for a fact that Brad has three daughters because he has the ability to love them and give them attention they need.

Brad I really could go on and on about why I love you and why you should celebrate this day.
I hope we help make it great! Happy Birthday!

I also wanted to post this picture of our family that my wonderful, talented friend Kim took of us last Sunday. We didn't have a recent family picture so she came over after church and quickly snapped this of us. I changed my header and put it there so you have all probably seen it but I wanted to get in in a post for when I print the blog. Thanks Kim!

Just the weekend I needed!

I was in a bit of a funk lately. A lot of my time was spent in the house with sick kids and a husband out of town on business. I was ready for some fun. And that is exactly what we had!

Brad took Friday off since Ayden was home from school and we decided to go skiing as a family. I was hesitant because I didn't know if all the work of getting us all ready and then driving 45 minutes to the ski hill would be worth it. (Yes, 45 minutes to go skiing is a long way away to me. People here think that is crazy but I am used to a 5 minute bus ride to three different resorts and 45 minutes away are 4 more!) I worried that Laela wouldn't do well in the backpack all day missing both naps (except what she managed to take in the car) and I wondered if the whole day would be spent with grumpy whiny kids. We have actually never taken Alex skiing so I really didn't know what she would be like and Ayden is definitely hit or miss. The drive up didn't ease my concern as Ayden screamed most of the way because her ears were popping but when we arrived and started our ski adventure everyone did so well! It couldn't have been a better day. I was so impressed with everyone and I had a blast spending the day with my family.

Brad had Laela in the backpack and she was so cute all bundled up just hanging out. She was happy and content just looking around and hanging on for a ride. She smiled and cooed and was just adorable. Something clicked with Ayden and the fear that would hold her back on previous ski adventures disappeared. She was confident and happy. No complaining! Anyone who knows Ayden knows that is pretty incredible. She was skiing so well and having fun in the process. Alex did wonderful too. Her first time skiing was above and beyond my expectations. After a couple runs she was loving it and had a blast. She was skiing down on her own and did a great job. I do think a little healthy competition between the two older girls helped out. Before we knew it 4 hours had passed by and everyone was still happy so we figured we would leave on a good note. It was a great family day. The only bummer of the day was that we forgot the camera. Brad thought he put it in the backpack but I couldn't find it... that is until we got home and realized it was there the whole time. Oh well, it helped us focus on the kids and not worry about taking pictures. Before we left we got one shot of Laela in the backpack as we were trying it on and making sure it was adjusted properly. So this picture can help you with your mental image.

Saturday we were invited by some friends to go to some hot springs near Donnely, ID about 1-1/2 north of Boise. We had all had a great time and the hot springs were a blast. The water was actually really nice and felt pretty clean and when we got out I didn't even feel dry. It was about 34 degrees outside but it felt great as long as we were in the water.

The second we got there Ayden put her life jacket on and jumped right on in. It was just a moment where I was reminded that she is growing up. There was a time not too long ago she would have been afraid and would wait for me.

The only shot I have of everyone. As I was putting this blog together I was bummed we didn't get a good one of everyone but oh well. The Terry's, Blake's and England's. Thanks guys!

Saturday night Brad's sister, Emily, and her family came over and spent the night with us. It was a perfect way to finish off the weekend and get to spend Valentines day with them. We started the morning off with heart shaped, blueberry, whole wheat, flax pancakes.

Laela sure loved hers. She had a purple tongue and I noticed she also had blue finger nails when we were at church.

Jeremiah holding Miabella and Laela.

It was fun to watch Laela have a blast playing with her older cousins. They would build a tower with these blocks and then Laela would knock it down and then clap. Ayden is covering her eyes in the picture so she won't knock it down until they are all the way finished.

For dinner I made some shrimp linguine, homemade rolls, salad, and artichokes and for desert I made a chocolate torte. I think it all turned out good if I say so myself. Valentines day was a free day with my wellness challenge so I got to eat some of the torte. It was good but it did help me realize I am fine without sugar.

Ayden, Brad, Alex, Chase and Caleb with the heart shaped torte.
Happy Valentines day!

My date with Ayden

I felt like Ayden and I needed some one-on-one time together. Things have been a little tough with her lately. She is very testy and doesn't want to obey and she seems to feel pretty sorry for herself a lot. I have been contemplating what I can do to try and get through to her and last night I had a strong impression that I needed to spend some good quality time with her. We both really enjoyed it and I feel like it was the perfect thing to get us on the road to some behavior improvement. She was so talkative and happy. I heard a lot about school and music time. She sang a bunch of songs she is learning to me and she told me about her computer class. We colored together at the restaurant and talked about animals and all sorts of things. It is true that sometimes she doesn't get the attention she needs since my time is divided between three kids and I am still busy with Laela and so I was really happy to be able to give her my undivided attention. We went to lunch at the Willow Creek Grill in Eagle and then went bowling together. She loved bowling and she even beat me. I guess when you see my score you will realize that that isn't too hard to do but still. Anyway, it was great. I love Ayden so much. I think she is such a sweet girl that really wants to do her best. She is so smart and she is a wonderful big sister. Thanks for such a great date Ayden!

oh... hello there

Not a place I would expect to see an eye staring up at me...

I spy quinoa, blueberries, black beans and a GOOGLY EYE. What the? I guess I need to keep a better eye on what Laela is putting in her mouth.
In reality, what Lalea is putting in her mouth takes a lot of my time and attention as I have vowed to not buy any baby food with her. Okay, I bought two jars of organic stuff because it was on clearance and I thought for those times I need something quick it would be okay but she wouldn't touch either one of them. Everything else she eats really well. Her favs are acorn squash, butternut squash, yams, yogurt and blueberries. Some other things she eats are green beans, peas, apple sauce, cheese, whole wheat bread, cherios, waffles, melon, mango, the stuff you see in her diaper and what ever we are eating for dinner. It has been fun feeding her good food and knowing the source of what she is eating. I am surprised at how rewarding it actually is. I wish I did this for my other girls too. My true hope for this is that it will create a child who is not be a picky eater. Ayden and Alex are both so picky and it makes it hard to assure they are eating a good diet. We shall see.