My Cute little Josh

I just thought I would do a post about Josh today. He was sitting on that chair watching Cars for the third time today. I kept looking over at him and he would make that cute face in the above picture. He is to me, one of the cutest little boys and has such a great personality.

Over Christmas break Mark decided to put Josh in a big boy bed and get the crib put away. I was unsure about it because I knew that would mess up nap schedules and sleeping schedules. The first night I had to lay in bed with him until he fell asleep. He got up about three times that night and was so loud opening doors and crying I about had a heart attack. After about a week of me laying with him for over an hour to get him to sleep I had had enough. Mark took over and in one night he did not get out of bed or get up looking for me in the middle of the night.

Now when he wakes up in the moring he goes downstairs gets his milk from the fridge in the bottom shelf, brings it up and lays in bed with me while I slowly wake up. It is so nice. I get to stay in my warm bed while he does all of the work.

Josh has turned into quite the cutie lately. He says some funny things that just crack us up. I will quote and explain a few. The other day Josh was petting the puppy and Mark told him don't touch the dogs weiner. Well now every time we pet the dog Josh will say "don't touch dog's weiner" One morning Ashlyn came down in bright pink pj's and josh started calling her pinky dinky doo. She gets really angry when he calls her that so he constantly calls her it to make her mad. I haven't had a pepsi in a few weeks and the other day Josh said "Mommy need Pepsi please" apparently he was having withdrawls like me. When he plays with his toys and there is a action figure or man that goes with the toy he calls it man. He will say "hello man, get in car man, man you are my buddy".

Anyhow Josh has grown into such a cute little boy and I am enjoying most every second I get with him. He has a great imagination and and loves to play with toys. He and Ashlyn fight constantly but they also love to play and be together. He suprised me with how smart he is. Now I just need to work on getting him unattached at the hip. Anyhow I just wanted to share a little about Josh.

Happy Birthday Mark!

I figured I better to a blog about your Birthday because I did one for my dad and sister! I Just want you to know how much I love you. You are a great husband and dad. Through our ten years of marriage you have taught me so much and become a great person to.

I thought I would list ten things that I love about you and embarrass you at the same time.

1. You are giving. If anyone you know is in need of anything you are the first to want to help them out.
2.You are a great dad! I watch the kids when you get home from work and they get so excited to see you. You take the time to play with them and it is nice that you put Josh to bed now.
3. You watch good shows. I love sitting down at night together and watching our favorite shows and getting excited for the next episode after seeing the previews.
4. You are a good husband. Mostly because you spoil me rotten. I think anything I want within reason you have gotten it for me. You even get me what I want when you know I am being manipulative. You also take good care of me and are always looking out and worrying about me.
5. You are a hard worker. You amaze me because you work full time, go to school, and on the side you do book editing and write white papers for my company and still have time to spend with me and the kids.
6. You are smart. Whenever I need to know how to do something or just need to know something, I know I can call you and you will know the answer. If you don't know the answer you act like it so I will think you know everything.
7. You are clean. I don't think I know anyone that showers as much as you do.
8. You are a great example. Every week you go to church and get us there on time. Before I married you, I went to church but if I missed it was not a big deal. You have been strong in the church and it has been an example to me.
9. You are a good son and brother. Whenever your parents or family needs you to do something for them or be there for them you are always there. You are always supportive of all of your siblings.
10. You love me. I have never had to worry if you love me. You treat me good and I know we will be together for eternity. I know it is not easy to put up with me, but you do and I know you always will.

I hope you have a good Birthday. You are a great person and I probably don't tell you that enough. I am glad I married you and have a family with you. Also try and not get to big of a head from this blog. Happy Birthday Mark. I love you!

Happy Birthday Big Sister!

Today is my sister Michelle's birthday and I wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday publicly. I have to make up for what I did earlier today. I had called her to see why she was not working and she said she was taking the day off and I said well fine you slacker. I continued on talking and then got off the phone with her. It is not that I forgot what day her Birthday was, but I forgot what day it was all together. It did not even click with me as to why she had today off even though on Saturday she told me she might take it off for her Birthday. I am an idiot.

So I was on the phone setting up a DNS for one of our employees phone line and he said okay it will be ready to go on January 7th, which is today. My stomach sunk and I wanted off the phone with him immediately. Once off, I called my sister and wished her a Happy Birthday and apologized for being such and idiot.

Well Michelle I just want you to know how much I love you and appreciate you. We never got a long growing up, but you are my best friend now. I love that we talk everyday on IM and phone pretty much all day. Even if it is about nothing. I love that we like to watch the same lame shows. I love that you look after me and I look after you. I love that it is just you and me as sisters so we don't have to fight with other siblings. I honestly don't know what I would do without you. Your are the best sister ever! I know mom would be proud of the life you have made for yourself. You are a great cook, mom, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Happy Birthday!

Christmas 2008

I just wanted to post some pictures of the kids from Christmas. We had a great Christmas. The kids got way more than they needed but it was sure fun. On Christmas Eve Ashlyn was confused because she came in and climbed in bed with us and said when can we go down stairs. She was pretty upset when I explained it was not Christmas until tomorrow. We had to go down stairs and open one present each. More disappointment came when she opened up her present and it was a shirt. We then explained that mom and dad do the clothes and boring stuff while Santa will bring her the toys that night.

On Christmas eve we went to Marks mom for a yummy meal. I made every one's favorite, twice baked potatoes. We had more food than I could even think about eating. After dinner we went to my nephew Mikey's grave and sang Christmas songs to him. We do this every year and it really is so special. I can feel the spirit so strong there and I never can sing. I get choked up and that is it for me. Mikey was a special boy and I love and miss him so much. No matter how hard it is for Mark and I, we know it is nothing that his parents feel each year as they miss him so much. I am thankful to get to go every Christmas Eve and spend a little part of Christmas with him and his memories.

After that we opened presents at Marks Parents house. Marks mom made the kids all blankets this year. They were so cute and nice. Ahslyn also got a doll that looks a lot like her and she sure loves it. Josh got a pirate ship that he loves as well. Well it was a long day for the kids so we went home and put them to bed. We had a lot of work ahead of us. Did I say a lot of work? What were we thinking. We bought the kids a play kitchen from Costco and it took us until 2:00 AM to put together. The other toys were easy thank goodness but never again. Everything will be put together next year.

On Christmas morning, Mark and I woke up before the kids because we were so excited. We waited for them to wake up and then took them downstairs. Their faces were priceless. We went to my dads on Christmas and they were equally spoiled there to. Josh got a Tool table with all sorts of fun things to build with. Ashlyn got her Easy Bake Oven that she has wanted forever. All together the kids had a great Christmas and mom and dad have entertained kids for a few months until they are bored of the toys. To spare all of you a longer blog than it already is I will just post pictures.

Pictures

New Things and Updates

Just an update on the new things in out lives. First and foremost we got a new camera. Not the nicest one we have ever owned but it works so we will take it. It will be nice to be able to take pictures of the kids again.

We also got a new puppy last week. It is a White pure bred Lab. His dad and Grandad have champion lines in them and they are really good looking dogs. Mark did not want to get another black one because it would remind him of Boston so we went with the white one. He is really cute and very mellow for a puppy. He mostly sleeps right now and when he is awake he is not too hyper. We almost have him potty trained. He is really smart. He just goes to the sliding door when he needs to go. His name is Gauge. Anyhow the kids love him and have been taking good care of him.

Ashlyn got new bedding and decorations for her room. My aunt Brenda gave us her my cousin Morgan's old stuff from Pottery Barn. It is really cute. Ashlyn just adores it. When she first got it she took it all out of the box and laid it all out to look at it and admire it. She is pretty happy about it because she had been asking for new bedding. Ashlyn is also doing well in school. We got her report card and she scored above average in almost every subject. I know it's only Kindergarten but as a mom I am still proud. She also sometimes tries to fake sick from school but I am catching on to that one and still making her go. Mark and I are just amazed at how funny she is. She really does say some of the funniest things I have heard. I can't think of them right now but she sure is funny.

Josh is definitely in his terrible two's. He has stopped taking naps which I am not happy about because I like my quiet hour. Ash still takes a nap after school everyday do its hard when the one that needs the nap won't take it. Josh is a total boy. He loves playing with his "yucks" He pushes his two big trucks around all day long. He can entertain himself quite well with toys. He also loves the dog. This dog is a lot more patient with him then the last. Gauge just hides under something if he is sick of Josh. Josh also does not know the meaning of no. I have told him in so many ways and he just ignores me and keeps on doing what he wants. He is one extreme and Ashlyn is the most behaved kid ever. He still loves a bottle and I am not sure how to wean him off that but I plan on it by the end of the year.

Mark and I are doing good. Mark keeps busy with working, school, and working some more. He is currently gong to BYU, getting his MBA. He also works full time and works part time for my company. He is editing a training manual for them and making it look nice and snazzy. I am just being a mom and working from home. I love being able to be home with the kids and also to be able to provide some income as well. I am excited to start playing Basketball this January. I need the exercise badly. Anyhow I think that is all for now. Hope all is well with all our friends and family.

Happy Birthday Dad, Grumpy, and Bumpy!

I just wanted to do a posting for my dad and tell him Happy Birthday! I know its late but I was out of town last week. I want to thank my dad for all that he has done for me in the past and present. He has always been there for me and my sister as a great dad and he has often times had to be the mom to. Not many dads would go to the store and buy things for their daughters that he had to go and buy. I am so glad that I got you as my dad and that my kids have you as their Grumpy and Bumpy. They both love you so much and get so excited to come and see you. Here are 10 things we love about you!

1. You are always Happy
2. You are always supportive of the kids, Mark, and I.
3. You are an awesome cook
4. You are thoughtful
5. You are forgiving and loving
6. You taught me to be good at sports
7. You make my kids happy
8. You always call me on Mondays
9. You dress good
10. You are very thoughtful

Dad I love you and I appreciate all you have done and do for me. You are the best dad and mom ever! (I hope you don't take that the wrong way)