One of those days...

Monday mornings are always bright -- except for when they start like today. Garrett woke up at 6:00 AM, which is great considering he has been getting up at 5:20 AM lately, so I considered it sleeping in. Russ left at 7:30 AM and when I went to make his lunch I realized that I only had one slice of bread. So, I slapped one new piece of bread on the sandwich that Russ didn't eat on Friday and had been in the fridge all weekend and called it good (he did also get chips and grapes - maybe it will balance out the sandwich!). Around 8:00 AM Cole woke up and I started getting breakfast ready. We made a berry smoothie, one of Cole's favorites! We sat down to eat our smoothie and oatmeal when Cole jumped from the table and exclaimed, "I just need to go potty really bad!" So he ran to the bathroom. He had his pants off and was trying to get on the potty when I tried to help and said, "Why don't you get your step-stool?" So, he grabbed the step stool and by the time he was back to the potty he just couldn't hold it any more. He attempted to climb onto the potty, but the fountain works had already began. He finally made it up and ended up sitting backwards on the potty to finish the job, but there was a puddle at the bottom of the toilet, on his step stool and on his little feet. So, while I was preoccupied with Cole and cleaning up the mess, Garrett picked at his breakfast (bananas and cherrios) and threw it on the floor. I forgot that I had left a little smoothie in Garrett's cup when I ran off to the bathroom and while I was mopping up pee, he dumped it all down the front of himself and all over his tray (lucky none of it landed on the white carpet...). Once both messes were cleaned up, I made Garrett a large bowl of oatmeal mixed with whip cream for extra calories (the doctors are worried about his weight again...) and he wouldn't touch it. I basically had to force it down his throat. Cole chowed his oatmeal and smoothie - at least one of my boys will eat!! Amidst all of the chaos, we still managed to read one chapter in the Book of Mormon -- an Isaiah chapter in 2nd Nephi to top it all off!

After breakfast was cleaned up, I decided that I should make bread since I just used the last slice and wasn't planning on going to the grocery store any time soon. I love the Bosch that I got for Christmas last year and vowed to make bread more often once I had it. I wanted to try making wheat bread (my mom showed me when Garrett was born -- yes, it's been a year since then, but better late than never!!). I had just started mixing and Garrett was playing with his animal train when he slipped and hit his face on the train, bloodying his upper lip. I grabbed a clean wash cloth from the bathroom and put it under cold water and had him suck on it (he loved it since his favorite thing to do in the tub is to suck on the wet washcloth). Once the bleeding stopped I returned to the bread making. I was almost done mixing the bread when I ran out of flour. Ughh! The bread was a little doughy, but I thought it would be alright anyway. I was dumping flour (before I ran out) into the Bosch and Garrett crawled over to me, pulled at my legs and cried until I picked him up. Garrett decided to stick his fingers into the mixer while it was on. Aaahh! Luckily he didn't loose any fingers, but I managed to throw flour everywhere to save his hand from the mixer. Another reason why you shouldn't hold a toddler while using rotating mixers!! Anyway, I finally got the bread mixed and in the bowl to rise and started on the sink full of dishes. By this time Garrett had flour all over him, wet pants from sitting on the dishwasher while I loaded it (I can't keep that kid off of the dishwasher when it's open!) and a wet diaper. I not only had to change his diaper, but his whole outfit as well. By this time it was getting close to his nap time, so I put him down for his nap.

While Garrett takes his morning nap I have been doing preschool with Cole. Cole absolutely loves it and asks if he can do preschool all day. We started a new Jungle theme - we sang songs with jungle animal puppets, sang "In the Jungle" and watched a funny clip off of YouTube, collected green items from the house, and read a beginning reading book called "See Sam". At least preschool went on without a hitch!

When Garrett woke up from his nap we decided to make Rice Crispie nests (topped with Peeps - my mom used to make these when I was a kid) for our Family Home Evening treat. Cole managed to burn his finger on the side of the pan. He stood with his finger under cold water until it stopped hurting. The treats turned out okay considering that rice crispies were a little stale (from December), there were too many marshmallows and not enough rice crispies, and their shape didn't really take!

So, that takes us to lunch time. Without bread I had to be creative because making a PBJ was not an option. Each boy had a completely different meal and I ate whatever leftovers I could find in the fridge. After lunch came naps - Cole goes down around 1:30 PM and Garrett goes down an hour later. Not that Cole is actually asleep by the time Garrett takes his nap... today he was singing at the top of his lungs, reading books, jumping off of his bed. The time when they both sleep I usually use to read my scriptures, but today I was preparing our FHE lesson on Easter. I wasn't exactly as spiritually minded as I would have liked to have been because Cole's noises were also making me crazy! While I was reading the Easter account in Matthew, Cole came out of his room needing to use the bathroom (which was legitimate, but it still takes him forever to get the job done, get his clothes back on, and get back to bed). After finally going back to bed the noises continued, so it was no surprise that Garrett up after just forty-five minutes due to the commotion.

Cole finally fell asleep around 4:00 PM, (but I had to wake him up at 4:30 PM so he wasn't up all night), so Garrett and I retired to the basement and I turned on Oprah. I was hoping for a good show and did I ever luck out! The show was on "In the Motherhood" and it was a show where mothers told their "dirty little secrets" about motherhood. For example, one woman said she hadn't bathed her twins in three weeks; another used a disposable diaper to pee into in the car so she didn't have to stop and risk waking her sleeping kids; another wished that someone would have told her what she was really getting into when she decided to have a baby. It was the perfect show for the day I had been having. I laughed and almost cried at times, enjoying hearing that not all women have it together like I sometimes think they do.

Russ called in the middle of the show and could tell it was "one of those days" and I think he prepared himself to see the worst when he walked through the front door after work. I had actually been quite calm for most of the day, but I hit the wall about the time Oprah came on and wasn't sure if I was awake or asleep (the boys haven't been sleeping well at night -- Cole was up four times the previous night and Garrett was up once). Russ stepped right in and finished making dinner (I had a recipe, chicken thawed, and potatoes cut... not too bad considering the day!) and took the boys downstairs after dinner so I could wash the dishes in peace. He is so fantastic at picking up where I am lacking. He's so good to me!!

We started Family Home Evening a little later than usual, but it actually went really well. We started by reenacting Christ's Triumphal Entry - we made palm leaves out of construction paper and popcicle sticks, Russ acted as the colt, Cole was Jesus, and Garrett and I spread out clothing on the floor and fanned them shouting, "Hosanna" when they came into the room. It sounds silly, but Cole really understood. We also went through the 12 Easter eggs with scriptures from the New Testament and something in them that represents the scripture. It was fun to explain to Cole about Christ's resurrection and the true reason for Easter. When we first asked him what Easter was he told us about the bunny that was going to take his eggs and fill them with candy--not that I blame him for focusing on the candy part, but there is a bigger meaning!!. So, after a crazy day, it ended with the focus being on the Savior, which couldn't have been any better.

After the boys were finally in bed and asleep (Garrett had a really hard time getting to sleep - of course he couldn't slip into an easy slumber), Russ watched the NCAA championship game while I made preparations for an upcoming service project (Free Lunch that feeds homeless and needy). After the game, which wasn't much of a game(go TarHeels!), Russ got all of my "stuff" out that I needed to get ready for bed (tooth brush, contact container, retainers, face wash and moisturizer). I fell into bed glad that the day was over, knowing sleep would come quickly and would hopefully be deep. What a day!!

Stats

Just a quick update on the boys' progress (mostly for grandparents and family who haven't seen them in a while!)

Garrett (1 year) - weight: 19.80 lbs (10%), height: 30.31" (67%)

Cole (3 years) - weight: 36.30 lbs (88%), height: 37.64" (54%)

Spring Break

For Spring Break Russ was on his way to Kalispell, Montana, to look at practice opportunities. He had buddy passes to fly standby (thanks Clark and Jaime!) but couldn't get to Denver, let alone Kalispell. So he called me from the airport and asked if it was okay that we had a family vacation instead. Are you kidding - a family vacation instead of being a single mother for the week -- I was thrilled!

The boys both had a doctor's appointment (Cole's 3 yr and Garrett's 1 yr immunization), so after the were done with shots, having their blood drawn, and a few tears (Cole tried to stop the nurses when they gave Garrett his shots), we tossed the boys in the car and headed for Nebraska. It happened to be St. Patrick's Day, so we went to Old Market Place in downtown Omaha and celebrated with the other green wearing, fiddle playing, drinking (our drinks were Sprite and Dr. Pepper) people. Cole even got a clover hat at the restaurant.

The next day we went to the zoo in Omaha. The weather turned cold, so we bundled up the boys and went anyway. The zoo was fantastic and had great animals. We were even able to watch them feeding the sharks in the largest tunnel aquarium in the world. Cole loved the gorilla that swung from the trees and did somersaults, but his favorite animal was the armadillo that kept scurrying along the ground. It made three loops while we watched it and Cole giggled the entire time. Garrett loved the fish in the aquarium - he is fascinated by fish. We had a great day and saw a lot of fun, amazing animals.

It was a great get away, and it was extra special to have Russ with us!

8 Blissful Years!

Russ and I just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. I am the luckiest girl in the world to be married to such an amazing guy! It wasn't long after our first date that I knew I was falling for him -- his good looks, his charm, and the way he treated me like I was the only girl that existed. In eight years we have moved from Utah to Virginia to Iowa, completed dental school and began orthodontic residency, had two darling boys, and have had one adventure after another. I can't imagine life without Russ and thank Heavenly Father every day that he is my eternal companion.

Here are a few things I love about Russ: he is the world's biggest dreamer and he loves to day dream when he is driving - I love riding along side him as he dreams; he is a "Super Dad" and cherishes his little boys; he can make me smile, even when I am grouchy and don't want to; he loves watching Western movies (which I absolutely hate!) and reading Louis L'amour novels; he is a handy man and can fix or repair anything; his dream vehicle is a Chevy Silverado - he frequently drives through dealerships just dreaming of the day he can have a truck; we stay awake having "pillow talk", just like a couple of teenage girls, giggling too much to fall asleep; he loves horses and would be a full time cowboy if he could; he cannot sleep with his knees touching - he uses a body pillow that I have nicknamed "The Great Wall" because I can't even touch him when it's around; his weakness is Dr. Pepper (and he is usually drinking one while he is day dreaming in the car); he loves me despite all of my weaknesses and quirks.

Happy Anniversary, Russ! Here is to many, many more years together and many, many more adventures! I love you!

Through the years...

Happy 3rd Birthday, Cole!!

Cole had a fantastic birthday -- a "Thomas and Friends" birthday (imagine that!). The night before his birthday when Cole was supposed to be in bed sleeping, Russ and I started decorating with balloons, making a train track on the floor, etc. Cole kept peeking his head out of his door to see what was going on. He got so excited that he was up until almost 10:00 PM singing to himself in his room. Once he did fall asleep he was restless -- he was up four times because he was too excited to sleep. It was almost as exciting as Christmas Eve! One of Russ' classmates, Maura, also came the night before his birthday and brought him some Thomas tub toys, so he was revved up extra early for his birthday.

So, we weren't surprised when Cole was awake at just after 6:00 AM and ready to party. We opened presents at 6:40 AM -- not exactly prime party time, but he was thrilled and couldn't wait another minute. Cole was spoiled and is absolutely in love with all of his presents. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Guymon for all of the fun Thomas toys -- they are a huge hit and he absolutely loves them! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Jacobson for the aquarium light -- he sleeps with it on (for bedtime and naptime) and Garrett is fascinated by it when it is on. Thanks to Great-Grandpa Stockman for the money (that will be going right into his savings account). Thanks to Daxton for the special birthday card (and $3 that we are also putting in his savings account).

Cole had a little birthday party with his friends Will and Gib. He kept asking for Ryker and Daxton to come too -- birthdays aren't the same without them! We did fingerpaints, watched the new Thomas movie (The Great Discovery), made an Island of Sodor with track and train stickers, played in trains that I made out of diaper boxes, and had cake and ice cream, and opened presents from Will and Gib ("Cars" mini-cars and a Thomas book). It was a lot of fun and Cole was thrilled! I hope he had a special day and felt how special he is. I can't believe he is already three!!



Here are a few fun things about Cole: he loves Thomas (obviously), but seriously thinks he lives on the Island of Sodor - it is all he talks about; when singing "I am a Child of God" he says, "has given me a nursery home" instead of "...an earthly home" and we can't convince him otherwise because he sings the song in nursery (and is in love with his nursery leader); he sleeps with every stuffed animal he owns on his bed in a "tower" and knows if one of them are missing; he tells Russ and I that we are his best friends (can we save that for the teenage years?!), he loves to go to Russ' school and have his teeth "counted" and checked; he makes up songs about everything, especially at dinner time when he is supposed to be eating but is trying to get out of it; instead of cheering, "let's go Aggies" he cheers, "let's go grapes" when he wants some for lunch; he will run up to an ATM and push buttons exclaiming, "I am checking my email!"; he has a tender heart and when he gets in trouble during the day he has a hard time sleeping at night. He is such a great boy and we absolutely love having him in our home! We love you, Coley!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Garrett!!

Happy Birthday, Garrett!

For Garrett's birthday we had to celebrate the night before because Russ was out of town (Florida) for an orthodontic conference on his actual birthday (not that Garrett knew the difference or even understood what was going on!). We blew up balloons and let he craw after them, try to lay on them and watch in amazement as they floated around the room. We opened presents, which he didn't really get, but what he did understood were the cool new toys that he could play with after they were out of that silly wrapping. We had some friends, the Johnsons, over for cake and ice cream. Garrett wasn't really into his cake -- he put his fingers in it and them smashed his sippy cup of milk into it (which ended up on the floor and all over the carpet!). But, all in all it was a great birthday.

Here are some fun things about Garrett: He loves to suck on wash clothes in the tub; the only word he can say is, "Quack", and especially loves to say it when he is in his duck towel after his bath; he can take steps (giant steps where he picks his feet up quite high) while holding onto my fingers; he loves books and gets so excited when I open them; he loves fruit - especially pears, strawberries and grapes; he loves to do 'Patty Cake' and as soon as I start singing he starts rolling and throwing it in the oven (the shortened version, I guess!); he has five teeth (one on top, four on bottom) and one on top about to break through; he loves to chase balls around the room (especially tennis balls that have a little bounce); he is a tease and loves to do silly things to make Cole laugh (like banging his head against the high chair at lunch); he gives slobbery kisses that are wet, yet precious; he is so much fun and a delight to have in our home. We love you, Garrett!

New toys -- sweet!


Why don't those silly balloons stay in one place?


Presents -- what am I supposed to do with these silly things?


Unwrapping and looking for what is inside... Cole was a big helper!


Birthday cake -- don't touch it, it might be good! What a handsome little guy!!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Saturday morning the boys woke up to a bunch of hearts that lead from their bedroom to the kitchen table where their valentines were waiting for them. Each boy (Russ included) had a small valentine as a place mat for breakfast and little gift. Cole got a pair of sunglasses (that he has been asking for) and a pez (his favorite treat right now). Garrett got a Tonka garbage truck. Russ got a bunch of treats. Grandpa and Grandma Guymon sent a zebra and tiger cup full of animals, a small beach ball, and lady bugs that do tricks for the boys and a platter that says, "Home - where you are always loved" for Russell and I. Grandpa and Grandma Jacobson sent the traditional valentine with money for each of the boys and money for Russ and I, along with an "UnValentine" book. All of the valentines were on the table and the boys were thrilled to open them. Russ made pink waffles and even made a heart waffle for me!

After Garrett went down for his morning nap, Cole and Russ went to play in the snow and even made a small snowman (the snow here isn't great packing snow, so they did great with what they had to work with). Cole was decked out in all of his snowgear (thanks, Aunt Teresa!), complete with sunglasses. When Garrett woke from his nap he watched them play from the glass door, with his nose pressed against it. It was just a little too cold for him to go out. While the boys played outside and before Garrett woke from his nap, I was able to play with my new digital scrapbooking program (thanks again, Karen!!). I think I am addicted to digital -- there is no mess, I can do it while the boys are around (and don't have to worry about who has grabbed the scissors off of the table), and the pages turn out far better than I could have made them look. Plus, you can manipulate the pictures and get exactly what you want. It's fantastic! Too bad that I printed two years worth of pictures before we moved that I will have to do the "old way"! I love traditional scrapbooking, so it will be fun to do both!

All in all, it was a great day for Cupid at our house!