FHE and a promise

Yesterday I had a feeling that I needed to be better at documenting our everyday life. So here it goes again.

This last weekend I made a game for part of my sharing time. It was called Punch it out. The kids in primary loved it and I was glad it worked out. Ty had been asking to play it ever since I made it. Last night I decided I would incorporate it into our FHE. I finally got screaming Ashlan fed and got the boys settled into a movie so that I could get it ready. I got everything done with the game and found my scripture and pictures I would use and we got started. Kip was at school during this time and wasn't able to help so it took a little more time on my own. It's times like this that I am grateful for his help.

We had McKay help me say the prayer, Ty helped with the song and we played the game. Then we read the scripture story and looked at the pictures. It turned out great and they seemed to love it. It amazes me how much their little minds know already. Even though it took some time to prepare it, I am glad we did it and they learned a little more about the creation. Ty even answered the questions right about who created the world and what things were created.

This might sound like we had a smooth night but I want to remember just how crazy it was last night. Kip left for school about 5:00. Our last babysitting kid left at 5:30. Even though it had only been 1 hour and a half since Ashlan ate by this time she was screaming to eat. So I sat down and turned on a movie for the boys. While they were watching I quickly fed Ashlan. During my feeding time with Ashlan Ty pulled McKay off of the couch and he bonked his head. I had to hurry and put Ashlan down, grab Ty and put him on a time out and pick up and console McKay. Then I had to discuss what happened with Ty. You could say this was 15 minutes or so of pure chaos. After that I was able to calm everyone down and finish feeding Ashlan. Then I had dinner to get on the table. Then we fed everyone and started FHE. Once FHE was done we had bath time with prayer and scripture. Then it was bed time. I was ready for bedtime and so were the boys. Ty was asleep in less than a minute. McKay played quietly in his bed for a half hour or so before he finally went down.

I got them down and it was time to feed Ashlan again. Then I was able to talk to her for a few minutes then clean up the kitchen and dinner mess. At this time Kip came home. He brought 2 balloons home for the boys from his class. Each of the balloons had something written on them. One said Joker and the other said Husband. I asked what it was about and he explained his assignment. He said they each had to write out 4 titles they hold in their daily life. They got to juggle them after. Then they were asked to choose the most important. He chose Husband and I was surprised. Then he ate dinner while telling me about his day and we finished with a movie and ice cream.

It was a good day. There were moments of craziness and moments of happiness but it was a good day.

It passes all my understanding...

I think this world that we live in is amazing. I think being a mommy is something so special and I feel so blessed to get to be one. I love being a wife and I am certain heavenly father knew what he was doing when he put us in families. I feel so lucky to be a stay at home mom and to have the gospel. I marvel at the beauty of the earth and I think spring really makes me remember this. Everything always seems so new, so clean, so fresh and almost like it has a clean start again. It amazes me!

Those are just things that have been on my mind lately. On a completely different note I had a thought the other day that I wanted to share. I am often worried about what others think. I don't know why but I care what others think of me. I want them to think of me as organized, prepared, happy, honest, kind, thoughtful...you get the idea. Sometimes I think of others. I have been blessed with an interesting perspective of others. I can often find the good in someone when others can't or I easily find the positive in anything. I love that I see something in people that others sometimes miss. I love that I can find the positive in almost everything. Sometimes however I find myself being critical of others and while I was having one of those moments I had a thought. The thought came to me that they are doing their best and they are just being themselves. Don't be so critical of them! Who are you to judge.

It really made me think and immediately I found myself seeing that person that I was thinking about differently. I am blessed that I had that thought and I have told myself that whenever I have had a negative thought run through my head since then.

This is a completely random post. So be prepared. Kip found out he isn't getting the job at SLCPD. They are revamping the hiring process and although he is currently 11th on the list they are throwing out the list. They are requiring everyone to reapply and since he had been in the current hiring process for 2 years we decided not to pursue it longer. So Kip got a second job. He works Friday night to Saturday late afternoon evening. He is a driver for Bountiful baskets. It has been a tough transition. I hate seeing him work so much and with his other job requiring him to work about 50-60 hours, it seems he is never here. He is such a hard worker and I am proud of how hard he works for our family however I miss him and hate seeing him so tired. Now days the only time we have together is evenings and Sunday. In the meantime we are trying to find him other work. If any of you know anywhere that is hiring let us know.

The boys. The boys are getting so big. Time seriously goes by way to fast. Ty is showing us he is a 2 year old. He loves to copy everything we do or his uncles do. He is a tantrum thrower and he is getting more and more interested in getting potty trained. Some of his new things as of lately are things like, I can't believe this mom!, What a day and he is loving any kind of animal or anything outside. McKay is growing up way to fast. He is rice and baby food twice a day, he loves every kind of baby food and loves to drink water out of a regular cup. He is sitting up pretty well and gets into the crawling position. He does know how to scoot backward on his tummy but doesn't know how to go forward. It's funny! He just started learning how to clap his hands. He can say dada and mama but says dada more. He loves anything outside and loves his brother. He has his two bottom teeth and his top two have been coming in the last 2 weeks, which has made for one cranky boy.

This summer I think we will be living outside at the park or the pool and visiting people. It should be a busy summer. We are all looking forward to our trip to California in June for Kip's family reunion. We can't wait to see all his family and get away from life as we know it for awhile and just spent time together.

Ty and McKay's doctor visit

Today we had a doctor visit with our new doctor. When I quit working Kip picked up the insurance and his insurance would no longer cover Dr.Gabrielson. I have loved him and I will miss having him as my boy's doctor however I found a new doctor that I love. Her name is Dr.Barrera. She was referred to us and today was really the first time we got to get to know her. They were able to schedule Ty's 2 year check up and McKay's 6 mo check up today all in the same appointment. The office was so friendly to kids. They let Ty stand up at the table and help check McKay with a mini doctor play set. They had a new story book for Ty and McKay that they could each take home. They had a sucker and stickers when the shots were through. Dr.Barrera gave me time to ask my questions and didn't rush me. She is a lot like Dr.Gabrielson in that manner. She is so good with the boys and seems very knowledgeable. I really liked her!

Ty's stats for this appointment:
Weight: 27 lb. -34%
Height:  39 IN -77%

Basically we have a tall, skinny kid. He is still recovering from being sick and needs to get back onto his good eating habits.

McKay's stats for this appointment:
Weight: 16.9 lb -25%
Height: 27 in -50%

Basically we have a little 6 month old boy. He started out small and has been trying to catch up ever since. The doctor isn't worried about him since he has gained weight since his 4 mo appointment. He was only in the 16th percentile at that appointment. I'm glad we are moving up.

I have to say it was hard taking both boys to the doctor and having both of them get shots. It worked out okay since the nurses and doctor was so great. Ty is getting easier as he is getting older but he still has those moments that remind me he is a 2 year old. I am so glad I get to be home and I am able to take my little guys to their doctors appointment and not worry about getting back to work. I also love cuddling them the rest of the day once they've had their shots as well. They are both such cute little guys and I am glad they are mine.

The nice surprise for the day was Kip calling me during his lunch hour to check on the boys and their appointments. He is such a good, hardworking dad!

On a completely different note I have a few random thoughts that I don't want to forget about the last week.

I fixed Crystal's hair since she had let a friend dye it a crazy color.
We are spending the next 2 weeks at Kip's Grandma Beus' house since Kip's parents are on vacation in California. We have loved spending time with Grandma Beus!
We celebrated Caleb, Grandpa Barker and Asher's birthday's Saturday at G & G Barker's
We took Ty to Toad's for his first try at miniature golfing for Asher's birthday. Ty tried but just couldn't figure out the golfing thing yet. He made a good effort and Kip tried a few times to show him but he was content with just taking the ball and running up to the bigger cousins who were ahead of him.
Cassie (a.k.a the sweetest sister/person/friend anyone could ask for) Kyle and Noah took the boys for us from Friday to Saturday so that we could celebrate our 4th anniversary. We went to dinner and a $3 movie on Friday and I actually got ready. We slept in until 8 AM on Saturday which was awesome and we did nothing all Saturday well until about 1:30 PM when we went to pick up the boys. It was a nice little treat and I can't tell you how nice it was to just get to spend time with Kip. We both missed the boys and we were so glad to have them home with us again.
I am loving Instagram and playing around with it almost everyday. It's fun to document all the little things I see all day long.

Kip's birthday

Kip on his birthday with his beloved red velvet cake

Kip is now 28 years old. He is kind of a pain when it comes to birthday's or christmas because he doesn't want anything. He is not a big money spender, he loves movies but doesn't like to buy them, he doesn't like clothes and the only things I could think about getting him were way to expensive for our budget these days. So I went with a movie that I got for a really good deal (Thanks to Cassie for pointing it out), an Ipod holder for when he runs (Thanks to Cassie for finding such a good deal on one) and treats that he loves (Mint Oreo's, Kit-Kat candybar and Sangria (a mexican soda). He seemed happy enough but I wish I could find some other stuff he would enjoy. I had to beg him to tell me what he wanted me to make him for his birthday dinner and I just made him a cake I know he loves. It worked out to be a pretty lame day for him though. I had to work until 7 and luckily I was able to make him his cake and lasagna the night before but he had to put his birthday dinner in the oven. We ate at 7:30 PM. I invited his Dad, Mom and Grandma over to have cake and we sang to him as well. He isn't big on attention so I didn't do anything to big for him. He seemed to have a pretty good birthday but I wish it could have been better. I am really thankful for him and all he does for us! He is such a good husband and dad and I am the luckiest to have him in my life!

Ty and Kip on his birthday. Ty is a spitting image of his dad. 

Ty thinking is he oh so big and can walk. If we would let him he would do a face plant because he will just let go.

Ty is getting so big. I can't believe how fast time is going and how fast he is growing up. Before we know it we will be celebrating his 1st birthday. He is so ready to just go, go, go. He wants everything and he is not afraid to fall. He will scream when we are holding him now because he just wants to stand up next to the couch and be big. He has started to scoot a little and is so close to crawling but hasn't figured it out just yet. We will have our hands full when he starts crawling.

We have really had a hard month with Ty as he has been getting his 2 top teeth. He got the one and was a happy boy for 2 days then started getting the other one and he is a grouch. I can't say I blame him as they look like they really hurt. Poor kid! I am excited for him to continue to grow and develop but it's sad at the same time because he is really getting out of the baby stage and growing into a little toddler.

Last Friday we went to the state fair. We had a lot of fun! Well I had fun. It was really hot and my hubby hates hot. He gets sunburned really easily. He was a really good sport though. We also went to Ikea. I really love that store! We picked up a little present for Ty for Christmas and we also got a pizza cutter for really cheap. I could spend a long time in that store and a lot of money.

Noah got to ride the ponies. So cute!

Ty hated his stroller and wanted to be out looking at everything

This bull was huge. That is a regular size bull next to it. Crazy huh?

Ty's blessing

So before you freak out because you weren't invited to his blessing let me explain. We decided to bless Ty at home because at our last doctors appointment we had to wait for our doctor for over 45 minutes. When he came in he said that the reason he took so long is because he has been crazy busy with RSV this year. He then suggested that we not bless Ty until April or May because of this and that we not take him out unless it is in controlled environments. I wanted to get him blessed as soon as possible because I think that blessings are so special and wanted to take advantage of it before he got to big. I had heard of people blessing their babies at home and talked to Kip about it. We decided to do it and discussed it with our bishop. He gave us the okay and that is why we had it yesterday and why you were not invited.

There were a couple of benefits to us doing it at home. Kip's mom and dad who are serving a mission in Mexico City got to enjoy via Skype with our Webcam, very exciting! My Grandma who just had brain surgery was also able to come because it wasn't at church, I was so glad! Lastly, Ty was able to blessed before he got to big.

The blessing was so special and the spirit was so strong! I almost liked it better than at church because it felt more intimate and personal. Kip did such a good job blessing Ty and Ty was such a good baby during the blessing. I feel that we have a very special baby and that he was saved for this time because of his strong little spirit. We had a lot of our family there and lots of yummy food! We also had a member of our bishopric come and we were thankful for him taking time out of his busy life to be a witness to this. We were able to do it at my brother in law Burke's home because our house is a little small and it wouldn't have worked with everyone we invited. All in all the blessing was beautiful and it turned out so nice! I feel very blessed to have this little baby boy in our home and I am thankful he is in our lives!

Our second anniversary

Our anniversary was on February 22nd and Kip took me to see Dear John and then we went to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. Cass watched Ty for us and I was so grateful because I knew he was in good hands and didn't have to worry about him all night. Kip and I had so much fun and it was nice just being with him and spending time together alone. Over the past 2 years since being married we have had so many big things in our lives and I am so thankful for them all! As I think back to when I was dating I can't help but be thankful for my cousin and him setting us up on a blind date. I am so thankful Kip chose me and that I have him in my life! He is an amazing man and I am so grateful for all he does for me!

When we got home from going out on our anniversary Cass had Ty all wrapped up in the Mobywrap and he looked so cute I just had to post the pic.

Happy 27th birthday Kip!

Today is my hubby's 27th birthday and I just wanted him to know how much I love him!

Here are 27 things I LOVE about him:

1. He is the most amazing husband!
2. He will be the cutest dad to our new little one!
3. He loves, loves, loves basketball!
4. He is very helpful!
5. He is such a hard worker!
6. He loves movies!
7. He can remember almost every movie and can quote it word for word!
8. He honors his priesthood
9. He is very giving with his time
10. He loves hunting and is a very good shot!
11. He is so sweet to me
12. He is very handsome and so sexy!
13. He has recently started loving Coke but loves Mountain Dew
14. He loves a good steak
15. He LOVES chocolate and peanut butter!
16. He is very knowledgeable about the gospel
17. Loves the office
18. Loves 24
19. Loves the Utah Jazz
20. Loves spending his time at home just hanging out
21. He is so funny and makes me laugh so hard
22. He loves being a little bit cold because that's when it feels the best to him
23. He hates being the center of attention and loves being one on one with people
24. He always has his hair buzzed down to the shortest length
25. He is a good cook when he does it
26. He has a contagious laugh
27. He loves me so much and I am so thankful for him!

I hope you have an awesome birthday honey! I love you so much!

Shhh..don't tell

I finally found out what we are going to have but Kip wants to be surprised so I now know and Kip is going to hold out until delivery day. It's kind of fun but I have found myself slipping more than a few times. I also can't show him anything I buy unless it's unisex which isn't very many items. That kind of takes the fun out of it a little but it's still fun! So if you want to know what I am having then please text me or call me and I will gladly tell you. I love being planned and prepared so that is why I found out. I am thinking that once I have one of each then I will be better able to go without finding out but for our first I wanted to know.

Camping and family fun

Kip's sister Sue and her family came to visit from California this past couple of weeks. They were so much fun to see and hang out with! They stayed at Burke's who is just a couple houses down so we were able to see them a little. Kip and I were both really busy with work but we still managed to see them some and spend time with them.

This past weekend we went camping to the Uintah's and it was really nice! I loved getting away, spending time with Kip and doing nothing! Here are some pic's.

While we were gone we missed my grandpa and grandma Jones' 50th wedding anniversary picnic. We were so sad to miss it but we knew they were surrounded with lots of loved ones. Congrats Grandpa and Grandma! I hope Kip and I will be as cute as you when we get older.

Kip's shoulder

For those of you who know Kip, you know he loves playing basketball. He usually plays every Saturday with a few guys at the church and loves it! Yesterday he played and hurt his shoulder. He was in so much pain yesterday and today. I got him some Tylenol to take and an ICYHOT thing to wear so the pain would go away but he's still in a ton of pain. I feel terrible because there's not a lot I can do but hopefully he get's better. We had Kevin's birthday party yesterday at Chili's and then went to Kev and Cass's afterward, Kip was great to endure the pain and have fun. But we had to get home early so that he could lie down and get feeling better. Today he is a little better but not doing great. I'll keep you updated.