Anybody Need A Runny Nose?-I've Got Two of 'Em.

Both boys have colds and have the worst runny noses I've ever seen! We are constantly wiping noses, every two seconds, all day long! NOT JOKING! Ben's little nose is all dried out and cracky from the roughness of the tissue, and Kade is getting use to the sucky ball thing constantly sucking everything out. (Ben doesn't mind that too much.) Fun stuff -let me tell ya. I thought about posting pics....but then thought, "Nah -I don't think people need a literal visual of what our latest "boogie nose"entails. "

I know things could be worse, and I'm really not even complaining. A little cold is nothing compared to the flu, or tubes in ears, and other things you all have been dealin' with lately, and I feel dumb for even mentioning these colds, but I still hate seeing the boys uncomfortable, feverish, not sleeping well and just not being themselves. Sicknesses always seem to come on fast and furious, and all we can do is buy tons of tissue, keep on top of the fevers and wait it out.

Well, that's what my life's consisted of for the last couple days --runny noses and an all around sleep deprived, grouchy family. Fun, Fun, Fun. Fingers crossed that it won't be too much longer.

Easter Fun-Fun-Fun!

What a fun Easter! This was the first year I did anything, really, for Ben. I figured now he could really grasp the idea of an Easter egg hunt and the Easter bunny. So, Saturday he woke up to me and Joe waiting with an empty basket and tons of enthusiasm. We told him the Easter bunny came and hid eggs, and that he had to find them all. So, he did. Granted, I "hid" the eggs in pretty obvious spots around the house, and he looked and hurried and had the best time. He found them all...with all little help...and, then at the end of the hunt, we told him the Easter bunny had hidden a basket of presents. I hid it behind his "big boy chair", and we "helped" (meaning we told) him where to find it, and he did.

We dyed eggs a little later, and he LOVED it. I love seeing all of his "firsts". It was totally fun and Ben enjoyed it. I have always wanted to be the Easter bunny, or tooth fairy, or Santa, and now I have a kid old enough to anticipate, and get excited, and remember what's gonna "happen tomorrow", ie...the Easter bunny's coming tomorrow.

Sunday, we watched shows about Jesus, and he learned about the Resurrection in nursery. I am grateful for our Savior and that fact that we can live again because of his sacrifice. What a blessing to have the knowledge of the atonement in our lives. I hope everyone had a great Easter holiday!

Kade's Blessing Weekend --Lots of Family Fun!

This past weekend Kade was blessed and a lot of our family came into town to be there. It is fun to get together with everybody. No one had met Kade yet, except my mom and older sister, so he was passed around a lot and was the star of the show, for sure.

Kade's blessing was wonderful. Joe repeatedly blessed Kade to be social. I'm thinkin' he'll be a little more reserved like Joe and need to put himself out there. We'll see. I am grateful for Joe's priesthood and this opportunity to bless our son, and the future opportunities to bless our family.

I love my family! They are all just awesome people, and I miss them all the time. I couldn't ask for better. And, to top it off, I married into an incredible family, where they are all close, kind and hilarious. We are so blessed -no doubt. It was a great weekend.

We're so Glad When Dadda Comes Home!!!

Joe is home we are all happy about it! Ben is back to being attached to Joe --at all times, which is cute to see, but also gives me a break. Joe has been taken over some diaper and bath-time duties. Whoohoo for me! Also, Kade hasn't forgotten who Dada is. He's smilin' and talking to Joe all the time.

Also, I've included some cute pics of Kade in some new church clothes. He's getting so big, but loosing some of his hair. (I'm betting it will grow in lighter.) He's two months! Crazy!

Anyway, we are all happy for Joe to be home! Fire season......don't come too quickly.

Change is Coming.

Today was our family's last full Sunday in our fabulous 18th ward. This is the ward that we moved to just awhile before we had Ben and now, over two years later, we have Kade and are on our way to a "family" ward. Yet this ward has been our family! We have loved being with all the amazing people there! We have made great friends and have grown a lot.

It's a hard move --especially for me, but I know its time and good things are ahead. I will miss seeing the beautiful faces of the amazing women I've come to look forward to seeing every Sunday. I have been blessed to get to meet the "cream of the crop", the "best of the best" and I won't ever forget all I've gained by rubbing shoulders with them.

Change can be good...and I'm crossin' my fingers for a similar experience in our new ward.
We will be missing our wonderful 18th ward, come March 23, when we're not there. :(

Whoohoo!

Joe is coming home this evening! I can't tell ya how happy I am that he'll be home for awhile. It's easy to forget --when I see him everyday-- just how wonderful he is, as a dad and a husband.

I know I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate him for all his hard work, for the freedoms and luxuries he gives me, and for his encouragement and love for me. He is the best guy I know and I am truly a lucky girl!

The boys adore him and they are lucky to have him as their example and dad. I hope they grow up to be just as great of men as Joe. I Love My Husband!

Keepin' Dad Updated -Having Fun at the Park.

While Joe's away, he can see what the boys have been upto. Just chillin'.

For those of you who live in Cedar, don't forget the fun of Discovery Park. I hadn't been there in awhile and forgot all that there was to offer our little ones. Ben had the best time ever, exploring everything, cruisin' down the "big kid" slides, and swinging. Kade -as you can see- had a great time too! :b He's such a good baby. When the weather gets nice again, I'm takin' the boys back.

He's Really Smilin' Now!!

Kade is smiling more than ever! Even in his sleep! He is such a happy, wonderful little guy. Coudld he get any cuter?! He is getting so big. Time flies, my friends! Especially once you have kids!

I've Just Gotta Brag for a Second!

Ben has proved to be his father's son when it comes to intelligence. He's known his alphabet since 18 months, he knows his shapes, and colors, and how to count to ten....but, now the kid is amazing me with his art. (He actually got something from me.)

Ben drew this picture, and when I asked him what it was, he said, "It's Ben-Ben." It atually looks like a person! It has legs, hair, and a face -kinda-. It's amazing what comes out of this kid. He likes to draw, and this just impressed me. Kids are awesome creatures!

Viva Las Vegas!

I really do love going home to Vegas. Every road reminds me of something from growing up, even though it's changed so much. There are lots of good memories of Vegas.
This past week, the boys and I went to visit my mom while Joe's in TX. We had a blast! Ben loves Grandma and all the undivided attention she gives him...(as well as all the unlimited suckers she gives him.) Kade did really well with all the running around we did -he is such a good baby!
Just one more week till Joe's home! Whoohoo! We sure have missed Dada!

Highlights from Vegas!

Ben had the best time at the amusement park! They let him ride the rides even though he was a little too short. Ben and Grandma Lana are the back cart of the rollercoatser.