Homework!

You know how sometimes your kids get homework that is really something for mom or dad to do with some assistance from your child - Well Tyler and I just finished one such assignment and it is so cute that I had to post it. He is starting to work on a Middle Ages Unit at school and was asked to create his own Coat of Arms. I found a great website that helped us out with some of the pictures we used and I drew the footballs. Tyler came up with almost all the ideas and I think it turned out great, let us know what you all think!

Hopefully you can read his description with out to many problems. And although you can't tell very well the bottom part is silver!

Happy Anniversary To ME!

Yep, today is the day! Steve and I have been married for a whole 9 years. Wow, does time ever fly! In 9 years we have live in Rexburg, Ephraim, Springville (O The Cat Pee Apartment), Logan, Midvale, Lehi and now finally here, we'll just call it good old Frestucky! We have our 3 most adorable and cutest kids. We are just really blessed and I am so grateful for my handsome hubby. Thanks for 9 fantastic years honey and most of all thanks for putting up with me! I love you!

I've Been on Strike!

I'm not sure why, but I have been on blogging strike. Just not in the mood for it I guess. I do have some updates though. We will start with Kite Flying. A few weeks ago I was walking through Costco and saw some kites and thought it would be fun to take the kids to fly a kite. I do not ever remember having or flying a kite as a child. When I mentioned it to Steve, he was appalled that I had never flown a kite so a few days later we hit Walgreens for some$1.99 specials and then went to the park. Ty and Brooks each picked a kite, Brooklynn's was a fairy kite, Ty's was the Fire kite and then Daddy picked one with a skull and cross bones which we affectionately called 'BONES'. The kids had a blast! Especially Brooklynn, she loved it. It was so much fun! Enjoy the pictures!

Who Do They Look Like?

Marilee posted these on her site and I thought it was super cute, so here it goes with our 3.
I knew there was much more of me in there than people thought.

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Family history

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family websites - Historical pictures

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Mommy Tag!

For all you mommies out there, Tag you ARE IT!

1. Typically what time do you wake up? I think that depends on your definition of wake up. Josh is usually hollering for me at 6:45, so I get him some milk stick him in bed with me and turn on Elmo or something. I am officially out of bed no later than 7:45 so everyone, including me is out the door on time.
2. On a good night what time are your kids in bed? I always aim for 8 pm, any later and this mom gets irritated
3. How long have you been a mommy? 7 1/2 years.
4. How old were you when you became a mommy? I was 23.
5. What is your favorite kids tv show? The've totally been diggin American Gladiators
6. What is your least favorite kids tv show? I'm not a fan of Sponge Bob and I hate the Doodlebobs, and Yo Gabba Gabba
7. What is your favorite chore? People have a favorite chore? Not me, I dislike them all, but I do have a creepy satisfaction when my house is clean so I do them all.
8. What is your favorite meal to cook? I LOVE to cook Chicken Chili in the winter and in the summer I have a great Chili Lime Chicken Marinade with Strawberry Avocado Salsa - YUMMY!
9. What is the meal you cook most often? Taco Salad or Soft Tacos
10. What is your kids favorite meal? Tyler - Spaghetti, Brooklynn, I'm not sure, but she loves Steak
11. What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? He loves to wrestle and play with them a night and I love watching them all laughing and having fun together. He is just an all 'round fantastic dad and I love him.
12. What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom? When Josh says mom with his arms out wide for a snuggle. When Brookie says, "Mom I have not had a snuggle from you today yet!" With all the drama she can. When Tyler laughs a really good laugh, it is contagious. When I listen to Tyler read. When I see that they are all happy!
13. If you could take your kids anywhere where would it be? To Disney world!
14. When was the last time you went out without your kids? I don't remember, oh that is sad. It has been a few weeks, except for a couple of small errands.
15. What is your favorite past time/activity to do with your kids? We like to go out and eat at Red Robin and since I got a bike seat for Josh it is fun to take them on bike rides!
16. Name 1 thing you said you'd never do as a mom: I honestly can't think of any right now although I know there are some. I'm sure Marilee and Julie can help me with this one!
17. Name 1 thing you do that your own mom did: I have cleaning day and my kids are forbidden to make messes on cleaning day. I do the spring/summer shopping and the fall/winter shopping for clothes. You get it all done at once and don't have to worry about it anymore.
18. What is your favorite quality that your mom has? She was always patient, I never really saw her loose her cool and I never remember her yelling and boy I wish I could master that one
19. What is your favorite kids book? Oh the Places You'll Go.
20. What is your advice for new moms? Enjoy every dang second because before you know it they are big! And of course Sleep every minute possible because being able to do that doesn't last long either
21. What is the scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom? For me it is seeing them struggle with something. Whatever it is, if they are hurting I am hurting. I've also had a few moments of panic when they have disapeared from sight and I couldn't find them. Watching Brooklynn cry after one of her good bonks is also super sad.
22. What is your most joyful moment of being a mom? I don't think there is one most joyful moment. There are so many small ones that make it all worth it, even though sometimes it is all so frustrating and stressful that those moments of joy are clouded. Joy is in every smile, every hug, every finished homework assignment, every time you hear them having a cute conversation together, every time you realize how blessed you are to be a mom.
23. When was the last time you were told 'I Love You' by one of your kids? Brooklynn tells me at least a million times a day. So, it was just a few minutes ago.
24. When was the last time you told one of your kids 'I Love You'? Just now when I told my fussy 2 year old who is making it very hard to finish typing this!

A Weekend Away!

For the weekend we headed down to the 'OC' for a few days. Ty didn't have school on Monday, Steve had to catch a flight on Sunday, our friends Talli and Jeremy were going to be down there, we hadn't seen baby Grace yet and really we just all needed to get outta town for a little while. We are so grateful for Nana's house and were able to crash there.

Here is how the weekend went.

We left Friday, saw Grace for the first time and picked up the key to moms. Grace is super cute and Josh loved holding her. He is way into babies right now!

Saturday we headed down toward Newport, went to fashion Island, bought a few new spring items for Josh and Brooks and found some flip flops. Ate lunch with Talli and Jeremy and all the kids. Went back to their place to swim. The kids had a blast swimming and it was one of the most beautiful days ever. Perfect temperature, beautiful sunshine. It was great. Then we headed over to see a friend of Steve's that I had never met. All was going well, the kids were playing and having fun, the adults were visiting and then Whamo! Brookie fell and in her words it was a 'I'm not ok' fall. She tripped over a foot or a leg on her way into the kitchen. I guess she didn't have time to catch herself because she hit face first right on her mouth and of course instant blood. And lots and lots and lots of it. She wacked her tooth, split her lip on the inside and really did a number on herself. It was very traumatic and so sad. So the five of us headed off to spend a couple hours in the emergency room thinking for sure it would need to be stitched, but thankfully it didn't. She just has a turbo fat lip and some really sore spots on the inside of her mouth. (See pictures) This morning she is looking much better. I am so grateful it wasn't any worse. Steve and I decided it was great intro to us because what would it be like to not have something like that happen. HaHa, it never fails, just ask Kendra!

On Sunday, Steve left and then we picked up Nana at the airport. We went to church, we went to dinner at Greg and MJ's and it was just fun. Then yesterday I drove home with the kids and we picked Steve up when he got home.

It has been a busy week with Valentines Day and all that fun! So to all those I love, have a great day!

This is after our ER visit, it was very late, she was very tired and hungry and was trying to eat something despite the size of that lip!

She even managed a smile after all way said and done! Today she is still slightly swollen and very bruised. She also has some mean canker sores on the inside!!!

Life Thru the Eyes of Brooklynn

Minutes ago, Brooks and I were cleaning up her room and making sure all her doll house furniture was put together. Here is a snipit of our conversation.

Brooklynn: 'I don't really play with the boys.' (Meaning the dad and the brother to her dollhouse)

Mom: 'You don't?'

Brooklynn: 'No, but I can speak boy!'

Mom: Really!

Brooklynn: 'Yep, Hello (said in a really deep voice!)'

I of course giggled and she said, 'I can mom, I really can speak boy, I really can!'

Where does she get this stuff from? She is so funny!

Another funny story happened a few days ago - Steve and Tyler were doing something and Steve was getting slightly frustrated with whatever Ty wasn't doing.

Brooklynn, simply because she can't keep her nose out of anyone's business and is always right in the middle asking obnoxious questions and trying to get her 2 cents worth into any and all conversations, says to Steve, 'Calm Daddy, Calm Daddy' and the to me 'Mom, Daddy needs to CALM!' While trying to tell Daddy to be calm, she was inhaling and exhaling very dramatically!

She also informed me the other day she was going to have a daughter when she is a mommy and her name is going to be Asey. And then later that day she told Steve and I that she was going to marry Duncan and that she looooooooooved him. Duncan is our good friends little boy and is super cute and we always tease her about him. So Steve asked her, 'What if Duncan doesn't want to marry you.' For once we heard nothing, silence coming from Brooklynn because she wasn't sure how to respond to that one.

She is a character and makes us smile and just by the way I can't figure out why she always, and I REALLY mean always has to have the last word. Where in the world does she get that from?

Cake #2

Well, in about 1 hour and 36 minutes my house will be filled with a large and very crazy group of five/four year olds for Brooklynn's Birthday Party. I am not now nor have I ever been much for parties and kid Birthday parties are my least favorite. But because I am such a Rock Star Mom (HaHa) I am having one. We are going to decorate Bobble Head Monkey's, play a Shrek version of Pin The Tale on the Donkey, eat cake and ice cream, open presents and just basically have total chaos for 2 hours. What fun!

So what does all this mean to all of you, I am sure you are all wondering. Well, I want you to weigh in on my 2nd attempt at a 'Fancy' cake. I also spotted this one on family fun and I totally recommend it. They had a princess castle cake that was to die for, but a little above my skill set, so maybe when I get a little better I will attempt it.

Enjoy the pics and let me know what you all think!

The Joshua Post

My baby is 2 - yep, my little tiny 4 lbs 11 oz baby is a big two year old. His birthday was on Saturday and we had a nice little family party.

I decided at some point that I needed to make him a good cake. Kari inspired me with her Mickey Mouse cake for Jake and so the other day while on http://www.familyfun.com/ I decided to check out cakes and found one that I thought I could pull off. I even went and bought a cake decorating set from Target so I could do it right. I'm not the most patient cook and I don't even really like cake, but for my baby I needed to make a cake. (Now I am going to have to do another one for Brookie's party on Monday) So check out the pictures and tell me what you think. It was a lot of work and it was pretty fun, but I ended up throwing most of it away because there are only 5 of us.

Not a bad effort at a cake - right? Tater thought it was pretty cool!

Josh thought it was so great to get presents. He was so much fun because he had to have everything out of the package immediately. He would play with it and then we would convince him to tear into another one. The first thing he opened were some Spider-man jammies from Grandma, he loves Spider Man and he had to immediately put them on, it was super cute. He also got more cars, of course, a little video game thing you plug into the TV that you get to drive, a bike helmet so he can head out with me in his new bike seat and a DVD from Grandma. (By the way Grandma, he likes numbers more than colors!) The bike helmet was a hit and he wore it constantly for 2 or 3 days. He would just wander around the house with it on. Sadly it has been chilly and rainy so we haven't been able to go for a ride.

This is right before we opened presents, he was so sad because big Sister had bowled him over running down the hall.

My boys having a laugh together!

Josh with his helmet - I love the look on his face.

Driving his new ride - the look on his face says it all!

He is slowly saying more words and this week I asked him where Tyler was and then told him 'at school' he replied back, 'a cool' He is definitely trying and it is fun to hear him saying some understandable words. Well at least they are understood by me. With him I have most certainly learned a second language.

I think that is mostly all. We did go to the good ol' Chaffee Zoo here in Fresno on Monday with the kids, they had a great time. Josh is mostly freaked out by all the big animals and shakes his head, but he thinks, birds and turtles and snakes and frogs are ok. Go figure.







Sadly I didn't get any good pictures of Joshua because he will not sit still and he won't look at the camera, he is such a two year old.

And then she turned 5!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Brooklynn. Here is my yearly tribute to my girl. I will take this opportunity to brag a little. She has grown up so much this year. She loves preschool and is my little social butterfly. She is caring and kind and very polite. She is a wonderful helper and adores both of her brothers even if they do drive her crazy sometimes. You just can't help but smile when she does. She is definitely a chatter box and will talk and talk and talk and talk, until she gets on the phone. She loves to dance and is a wiggle worm. We love her and are so blessed to have her in our home. Time goes so fast, I can't believe that she is 5 and will start Kindergarten in the fall. Enjoy the pictures of her, the song may be a lot premature, but it is such a cute song. Here are the things that Brookie loves:

Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Toy: Dollhouse
Favorite Primary Song: I Love to See The Temple
Favorite Movie: Cinderella
Why do you love Daddy? Because he gives me kisses and snuggles me
Why do you love Mommy? Because she likes to play with me
Why do you love Tyler? Because he plays with me and makes me laugh
Why do you love Joshua? Because he always likes to run around with me
What do you want to be when you grow up? Remember I want to be a Ballerina

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The Confrontation!

Why, may I ask, are some OLD people so completely grumpy? Does getting old give you the right to rudely interject yourself into some unsuspecting persons life? Why do old people feel as though giving unwanted advice or comments is OK and necessary? These are the questions I am left to ponder after my confrontation with an old man at the ATM today. So I shall give you the situation.

I was frantically running around this morning after my gym class and a quick shower to get a few things for Brooklynn for her birthday. (Happy Birthday post to follow sometime) I went and got her a balloon, I rented a Barbie movie she's wanted to watch, I picked up a little cake for a surprise (we aren't really celebrating until tomorrow and then the party is next week sometime!), and then I had to run by the ATM all in about 45 minutes before she was dropped off from pre-school. The ATM is located around the corner from my house, it is a walk up ATM and it sits in the corner of the parking lot on a angle, so there is parking on either side. As I drove up, there was a truck also pulling up to the ATM so as I watched where he was going to park, I cruised around to the other side, pulled in and got to the ATM before him. He's old remember and so slow getting out of his big truck. Now, the spot I pulled into was a 'handicap' spot. I have parked there a number of times to get cash and I have never in my life seen any one with a permit park there to use the ATM. Mind you this spot is also 20 yards from the closest shops. So I finish with my transaction and head back over to my car and this man says to me, "If you do that again, I am going to give you a ticket." Now imagine just a crusty ornery voice. I stood there, just like WHAT? Are you kidding me that he just said that. Mind your own damn business first of all and second of all, who are you to give me a ticket. I couldn't just let it slide because it bugged me so bad. So, I turned around and said, "Are you kidding me, for what? For parking in the closest spot because I have my kids in the car?" "For that, your parked in that spot." he replied. I was stunned, first of all I really just wanted to swear at him and I almost did. I stood there for a minute and then said back, "You are retarded!!!" I may have added a frickin in there as well, I don't remember. And then I got in my car and drove away.

I was fuming and of course I thought of a thousand other things I could have said to the OLD jerk, but I am glad I kept it PG and didn't throw any swears out at him because I was really close! Why do old people have to interfere, it wasn't like he was in need of that spot, he didn't choose to park there and he parked before me, and it wasn't like there were any other cars in the parking lot in need of that spot. I parked there knowing full well it was a designated spot and I was going to be about 1 minute. So all I have to say to all the Senior Citizens (and I don't mean you mom - HaHa!) out there who want to medal in someone else's business is KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!

And that is all.

Christmas Idaho Style!

WARNING - LONG POST AND LONG MONTAGE AHEAD - BEWARE


I know that you all have been impatiently awaiting my Christmas post. I apologize to all of my faithful readers for my slacking. I have been minus the motivation to blog and really in the post Chirstmas slums. So, I have now emerged from my cocoon and am ready to blog.

As many of you know, Steve and I decided rather last minute to head to Idaho for Christmas. This was due to the fact that Grandpa Nelson, who is 99, has been ill and his sister Kayla was home from Germany. After swearing last year that we never would do it again, we packed up the car on Thursday night (before Christmas) and hit the road. Steve was the coolest husband ever and on Thursday we left our house at about 8 pm and stopped in St. George at 4 am, Utah time. Me and the kids slept most of the way and Steve drove on, he gets all the props in the world because I was totally like Lighting McQueen and said I would stay up with him all night, but then crashed. Luckily he didn't dump me on the side of the road. Anyway, on Friday we got up and had horrible roads from just before Cedar City to around Nephi, to make matters worse because we live in good old Cali, they didn't put the de-ice washer fluid in the car and so we kept having to stop to clean off the windows because the whole thing froze up on us.

We stopped at Mike and Stephanie's for a couple of nights and Kari and Jason and Jakey came too. It was great, the boys got their shopping done, Kari and I finished up what we needed to and we had a fun time with all the kids. On Saturday afternoon us girls went to a little production of the Nutcracker, it was cute and Brooklynn loved it. On Sunday, we went to Church to hear MacKenzie, Savanna and Haven sing - it was Beautiful - and then we headed for Idaho.

Let's just say that mom and dad Empey's new kitchen is fabulous, it really makes having everyone around so much nicer. There is so much space, although we did find at times that more space means bigger messes, but it was so fun to be there. We had a great Christmas Eve, with good food a fun little nativity and then a lot of wrapping of gifts. We had quite a crew at the house with Mike and Steph, Steve and me, Kari and Jason and Kayla. Kelly and Katrina and Kris and Andy were there on Christmas eve and then headed out.

Christmas morning was so fun and Josh really enjoyed it, but was overwhelmed. The other two of course had a wonderful time. Santa wrote them each a letter telling them that he left their gift at home since there was no room in our car to bring it home. They were so excited to have something waiting for them at home.

The rest of the week was spent sledding. Josh was a riot and we made him go down the hill with us a number of times. I think he had fun because he didn't cry. Brooklynn and Ty both had a blast. Brooklynn and Kenzie are pals. Brooklynn adores her and Kenzie takes good care of Brooklynn, so they went down the hill together. We also went up to Idaho Falls to see Dave and Trista, but then when we got there they were at the hospital with some false labor. So, we didn't get to spend to much time with them. We are excited for their little one to arrive still and Trista we love you, hang in there. We took the kids over to the go cart place there and Brooklynn had a blast driving a go cart all by herself. She was so fun to watch as she was trying to pass Tyler. Jake and Josh had fun on the bounce house things. It was a fun day.

Steve and I also went over and spent a few hours one afternoon with Grandpa. He never ceases to amaze us and is doing so well after his surgery and all he has been through. He is back in his own home and has an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, meals on wheels and then Dad Empey coming over regularly. We were there when the physical therapist came and gave him a good work out. He is trooper and determined to get as much strength back as he possibly can. We are so grateful that he is doing so well. Dad Empey is amazing and we are grateful that is there to take care of him.

The last major event of the week was a birthday party for Jake. Thanks Kari for having it early so we could all enjoy it with you. Kari made the cutest Mickey Mouse cake (she is so talented), the kids smashed a pinata, and everyone had fun. I think the highlight of the party was singing happy birthday - Jakey LOVED it! He was trying to sing along and asked for 2 encores. So, we lit the candle and sang to him 3 times. It was so cute.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time and are so glad we were able to see everyone! Thanks for a fun Christmas everyone - we love you and miss you and hopefully we will be able to see you all soon!!!!

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Tag Your Are it!!! With a little Christmas Flava!

Thanks to Julie I am at it again!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I know bags are easier, but I don't buy very many. I mostly do paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial? What is with this artificial stuff, let's just say fake. I am all about my fake tree. I do love real, but the convenience of my pre-lit tree just makes me happy!

3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime after Thanksgiving, depending on my mood, but no later then December 1st or 2nd.

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon after Christmas as I can justify, I start to feel a little confined by all the decor after awhile.

5. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't really remember any, no that is not true - I do remember getting a stereo one year, but I am not sure it was my favorite and I was 16 or 17.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. I have an Olive Wood one that I bought in Jerusalem and of course my Fisher Price one. Watching Josh dance to the song is the best!

7. Hardest person to buy for? The Dad's. My Dad and Doug. Steve is also difficult.

8. Easiest to buy for? I'll go with my mother -in-law, she loves everything.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, but I may start the whole email thing, it is much less expensive, those stamps are getting really pricey

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of any!

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story, Elf, Polar Express, there are so many good ones.

12. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can think of.

13. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom Empey's Spiced Pecans!!! Oh my gosh I am so excited, I hope she makes some this year.

14. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear, but I remember as I kid I always wished my mom would use colored. Maybe I'll change it up one of these years.

15. Favorite Christmas song? Give me a little Hallelujah Corus by the MoTab. I also am loving Little Drummer boy by Josh Groban this year. At church my Christmas season is never complete without singing Once in Royal Davids City.

16. Travel at Christmas or stay home? You have to see your family don't you and if they don't come to you, hit the road!

17. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Is there anyone who can't?

18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open PJ's Christmas Eve...and then the rest Christmas morning.

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year? 'Winter Break,' 'Happy Holidays' anything that makes me feel like some one is infringing on my rights to celebrate Christmas the way I want too!

20. Favorite ornament theme or color? This year it is an ornament that I got at Enrichment. It is a green present with a gold bow, but it is the size of a large glass ball. It is so stinking cute - thanks Emily.

22. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my kids to have a wonderful time, anything else is a bonus.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Sleepy Boy!

We have had a great week this week. Nana decided to drive up for a few days since we uninvited her for Christmas. Steve was gone for the week for work meetings so it turned out super well. I didn't have to be the lone mommy all week and I got to spend some time with my mom. We had a great time running errands, getting the last minute Christmas stuff all done and enjoying my crazy kids. She has been a wonderful help and the kids love having Nana around.

Steve got home late on Friday or early on Saturday depending on how you look at it. Yesterday we took the kids to tell Santa what they wanted, but the stupid place wouldn't let me take any pictures, you could only buy a package. Josh was not a fan of Santa, the minute he saw him he started freaking out, oh well, maybe next year right.

Josh has been having some sleeping issues since we took his soother away. He wakes up by 6:30 and won't go back to sleep. It has been driving me crazy and I just keep getting more and more exhausted. So, this week on Wednesday he slept until almost 7:30 and I thought, wow finally, maybe we are on a roll. Well I was wrong because on Thursday he was up at 5:30 and would not go back to sleep. Since Nana was here and Steve was gone Brookie was tucked in with me, so I had no choice but to try and lay on the couch with him. It was a lost cause and I finally just turned on 'Cars' for him to watch. Friday he slept in again until 7:30 and then Saturday up at 5:30. What the heck is wrong with this kid? Today because church is in the afternoon, that means no nap. I brought him and Nana home from Church and then went back over for Tithing Settlement. Nana put him in his highchair to have something to eat and started getting some things ready for dinner. As she was working she finally realized Josh was being really, really quiet and turned around to find this......

So cute, I love it and I think he is my only child to ever fall asleep in his highchair. After taking the pictures, for which I am so grateful she thought too, she cleaned him up and got him in his PJ's. They then enjoyed some snuggles on the couch until the rest of us got home!

Thanks for a great week Nana! We love you!

A Little Update!

I think I have an update. I feel really boring lately and have had no real motivation to blog. I'm not really sure what we have been up to lately.

I guess I will start with Thanksgiving - We drove down to the 'OC' to hang out with Nana and Granddad, Ryan and Nicole and the rest of Christofferson crew. We also were able to see the Pat and Peri crew. It was a nice relaxing weeked full of food and fun. We took the kids Mini Golfing and they had a blast. It was really nice.

Marin and Brooklynn Mini Golfing

Joshua was completely angry because everyone kept bugging him and he just wanted to be left alone to golf!

Justin, Aunti Nicole, Brooks and Marin at Fashion Island after we saw the big tree.

Since Thanksgiving I have been busy getting Christmas presents bought and just trying to keep all my lists organized. I have activity days next week and I am heading up Tyler's 'Winter' Party at school. I don't know how I got recruited for the party, but it should be fun. If I can just get all the stuff I need purchased. Actually, I won't lie, I really don't like to plan these kinds of things, I just can't handle the pressure. I am not now, nor have I ever been the party planning person. It just really gives un-needed stress so I try to avoid it, but his teacher asked me to help out and so here I am planning the party. Hopefully it all goes well and I make it through next week without too much stress.


We have also been busy worrying about Steve's Grandpa. After having major surgery at age 99 he is finally home and hopefully on the mend. We had been planning to have Christmas at home with Nana and Granddad, but because we are concerned about Grandpa, we are making the long, long, long drive to Idaho for a second year in a row. After last year we swore we would never do it again, hauling all the gifts, keeping track of them, it is just getting really difficult to pack it all up and go some where, but we feel like it is really important to go and see Grandpa, so off we will go! We were so sad to uninvite Nana and Granddad (we love you lots!), but are grateful they understand the need to see Grandpa. Brooklynn was most concerned that Nana and Granddad would come and we wouldn't be here. We assured her that they would be okay and they were going to stay at their house. Although the drive will be no fun, it will be fun to see everyone!


One of the most major events of the last couple of weeks has been getting rid of Joshua's soother (Binki for you American folks). Josh called it his "thisth" spimds kind of like fish with a 'th' instead of an 'f'. For months he was only allowed to have it at night or nap times or maybe when he was really really just oh so very sad. Then all of a sudden he needed it all the time and started climbing on things to get them off the dresser. I'm not sure why, but that made me turn the corner and I decided it was time to get rid of it. So, Steve cut one in half and gave it to Josh - talk about total and utter devastation. He was so upset and looked at us like, "Are you kidding? This is seriously not something to joke about! Fix it, fix it." And thus it began. After we convinced him it was totally broken and he threw it away, it was gone forever. Daddy being the nice guy let him stay up and we rocked him to sleep. It was a rough couple of days, but not as bad as I anticipated. He still comes up to me at least once a day shrudding his shoulders and putting his hands up says, "A thisth?" Then he says, "aaa gan" (all gone) and then I say, "It's broken, bye bye." And that is that. The really sad part of it all, is after those rough couple of days, I realized not only had I taken away his comfort, but he had all four, yes all four of his eye teeth come in the same week. Oops, maybe not the best timing. Getting rid of them has definitely made bed time more truamatic, we had a great routine where would snuggle, sing songs, say prayers and then off to bed. Now, it is Josh screaming for "Da Da Da," because apparently now Dad is going to rescue him from the horrible torture I am putting him through. Oh well, we survived it and for all you out there who just can't seem to get rid of them, I say just go for it and DON'T turn back!!!!


I think that is about all for our update. I really don't have too many photos, but this one is from the Thanksgiving Feast at Ty's school. Although I came to eat lunch with him, we feasted on Taco Bell! I opted out of the Shredded Turkey in gravy and mashed potatoes.

The Proposal

Alright, I have had many a request for the story of me and Steve's Engagement, so I will delight you all with this wonderful story.

How shall I begin - I will give a little background first I guess. My parents were on their mission in Haiti and for Christmas I was going to fly to Haiti and spend about a week. So, Steve drove with me down to Ryan and Nicole's in Southern California, there is a reason for this so hang with me for a minute. We spent a few days there, then Steve flew back home to Utah/Idaho and I left for Haiti. I had a great time in Haiti and then my mom and I flew together with Seba and Mikael to California. Seba and Mikael were Haitians who were going to start school at Rick's, so Steve and I were driving them back with us. My mom came back for my brother Devaughn's wedding in San Diego. I know, it is all very confusing.

So, after we got back, Steve flew back to California to go to the wedding with us. We had a great time and on New Year's Eve Steve, Seba, Mikael and I loaded up into my little Sunfire and headed out for Idaho. There of course was a hitch with this. The latch in my trunk broke and we had to climb through the back seat to open it. We had so much stuff loaded into that car because people had donated some winter clothes to our Haitians and they were bringing it all with them. They were jam packed into the back seat and I felt so bad for them.

We ended up leaving Irvine much later than we planned and although our plan was to get to Provo that night, it took us like 8 hours or something crazy to get to Vegas due to all of the New Year's Eve traffic, it was bumper to bumper the whole way. Once we got to Vegas we were all exhausted so, we started to try and find a place to stay. Of course we didn't have much luck until we found a little Days Inn or something on the outskirts of Vegas. They had one room left and since there were two boys and two girls, my mom kindly gave us permission to stay as long as the girls shared a bed and the boys shared a bed.

Steve insisted on getting in the hot tub, I couldn't figure out why he was so insisted and finally said ok. The trouble was we couldn't really get to our suitcases because of the trunk latch being broken. So after digging around in my bag I finally found mine, picture me in the back of my sunfire (it was white) with the seat folded down and my body half way into the trunk trying to find my swimming suit. Steve couldn't find his, but he did find his spandex shorts, so he figured they would have to work. Off we went to the hot tub leaving the Haitians watching Dick Clark's Rockin New Year's Eve on TV. So we got in the hot tub and had a great time chatting and things. Then, if I remember correctly Steve made me close my eyes and when I opened them he was holding the ring and asked me to marry him. I of course said yes and that was that. Really it was most uneventful, but kinda of funny!

I guess while I was in Haiti, Steve had gone in to pick a ring and his plan was to wait until we got to Utah and then propose, but he couldn't stand carrying the ring around anymore and so he proposed in Vegas! It was very memorable and it fit because for much of our dating time he was living/working in Vegas and I would come and see him on the weekends. One funny side note is that while we were in California everyone kept bugging Steve asking him when he was going to propose and all that, he didn't want to take anything away from Dev and Kelly and so he just kept blowing them off. Then we went to Del Taco or something for lunch one day and I started going through his wallet and found a receipt from Sierra West (a jewelry store), I didn't get a good look before he scolded me for being snoopy and so while I was hopeful that maybe he had purchased a ring I wasn't sure.

Alright all you blog readers that is the story. I hope you were all entertained! I'm not even sure it really made sense, but at least you get the picture!

I guess it is my Turn!

Julie tagged me, so here it is. A little info about me and Steve.

About my Husband
What is his name? Steve, Steven, Emp, I'm sure there are more out there
How long have you been married? Almost 9 years
How long did you date? If you add it all together about a year, but I knew him for 3 1/2 years before we got hitched
How old is he? 31
Who eats more? Definitely him, but give me the right moment and I will try to keep up.
Who said I love you first? ME.
Who is taller? Everyone in Steve's family is taller than me, including my oldest neice.
Who sings better? I don't know, I guess me, but Steve never sings unless he is joking around.
Who is smarter? I'll go with me. Well, I guess it depends on the topic, we balance each other, but I am always right.
Whose temper is worse? Steve's temper is maybe slightly worse, but not by much. We both are challenged in this area
Who does the laundry? Me.
Who does the dishes? Me.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me, if you are lying in it.
Who pays the bills? Me.
Who mows the lawn? Joel Avendano
Who cooks dinner? Me, most of the time, but Steve is a great cook!
Who drives when you are together? Steve, I have to deal with the kids you know.
Who is more stubborn? This is a tough call, I'll go with Steve.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine
Who proposed? Steve did, in hot tub at a Days Inn or something in Vegas on New Year's Eve - Don't ask it is a long funny story.
Who has more friends? I don't know, it is probably Steve
Who has more siblings? Steve
Who wears the pants in the family? We swap them back and forth

Tag: Only if you wanna....

All in a Day!

You know how some days you just wake up and feel off. Who knows why (although usually the culprit is PMS), but some days are just doomed from the get go. That was yesterday for me.

It all began when Josh woke up at 3:30 AM hollering for me to come and get him. Now that he is in the same room with Tyler I had to go in and see what was up. What was up was that he thought it was morning. No, really he tried to give me his soother and everything and was ready to rock-n-roll. I brought him into bed with me for 45 minutes and then tucked him back into his crib. Luckily he went back to sleep - that is until 6 am. Once again I brought him to bed, tucked a pillow next to him and went back to sleep. Once we were up and going all seemed to be going well, with all the changes Steve's company is making we thankfully were not affected in any major ways, the kids were all in good moods, I was fine despite the lack of sleep. Then it happened, something I have feared for a while. My flat iron broke! Suck, that is so crappy, how am I supposed to be hot like Posh with no flat iron. So, I thought I would head to Target and get a cheepy one to get by until I can find the one I want. I got Brooks and Josh all ready shoes on hair done and went into the garage pressed the button and NOTHING! Okay not totally nothing but it only went up an inch stopped and slipped back down. This my friends is a problem because yep, the car is stuck in the garage. Steve couldn't come home and rescue me, so we just hung out at home. After I had a little temper tantrum I partied with the fact that we were home bound for most of the day.

Wednesday at Ty's school is Early Release and it makes the day hard. Ty is done school at 1:45. With Steve unavailable and the car trapped I had no choice but to pull out the stroller grab Brookies bike and get moving. Of course, it wasn't that easy. Brookie's bike tire needed some air, so out comes the pump. I start going to work, but the pump is broken and not working so well. I did my best but the tire was still mostly flat! Oh well, we were out of time and so off we went for our walk to school. All was well, except poor Brooklynn was working double time, because of the tire, the training wheel was super loose and trying to fall off and it was quite warm and humid yesterday. When we get to the school Tyler's friend invited him over to play and so he didn't even walk home with us. Oh well, exercise did us some good.

By the time Steve got home I had figured out that the garage door wasn't working because of the Torsion spring, it had snapped in half. According to the internet it is not uncommon for this to happen. He opened the door up and we left it up and then noticed that there is a screw imbedded in one of the tires on my car. Lovely, just lovely, just pile it up!

So, lets recap shall we!

1. Joshy was up in the middle of the night
2. My flat iron broke
3. The garage door broke
4. Brookie had a flat bike tire
5. I had to walk to school to pick up Ty who went home with a friend
6. There is a screw imbedded in my tire.

There in nothing like a day full of events such as these. Fortunately except for me getting extremely upset with Brooklynn because she would not eat her dinner - again. The rest of the night was uneventful and the kids were all asleep by 8!

If there is something positive to pull out of this - I learned yesterday to put a smile on and just party with those things that are totally out of your control. Somedays you just have to play with the hand your dealt, even if it is totally crappy!

Our Weekend in Denver

Tyler and I had a fun filled weekend in Denver at Marilee and Adam's house. It was so fantastic to get away and be almost kid free. I enjoyed being with my sister's and mom and the rest of the family. The reason we went you ask? Annie and Jackson were baptised and little adorable Reecey was blessed!

We left on Thursday afternoon and got to Denver around 9 pm. Granddad had landed earlier than us and then gone to rent a car, so he waited around to pick us up. After we landed I kept calling him and calling him, but his phone kept going right to voice mail. I was quite worried about how he would find us, but he eventually did and we figured out that something was wrong with his phone and that is why I couldn't reach him. He of course had turned on his phone and was waiting for my call.

Friday Marilee made me get up and go work out with her and her Trainer (she is so mean and cruel :)). It was 4:30 am in my time zone. What was I thinking? Anyway, we had a good work out and by the time we left I was already sore and it only got worse. By Saturday afternoon I could barely walk down the stairs. All in the name of fitness! I guess it was all worth it. The rest of the day we ran a few errands. Tyler went to Annie's School with Nana for lunch and the kids played. Then once Julie and TJ arrived we went to dinner with all the adults. Saturday was more errands and then the baptism. It was a wonderful baptism and we were all so proud of Jack and Annie! Sunday was Reecey's blessing which was also really nice!

Tyler and I arrived home very late on Sunday and although I have been very tired the last couple of days I really enjoyed seeing everyone. I was really feeling home sick for my family! Now we just need to figure out when we will next see the Empey Clan!

Thanks for a great weekend everyone! I love you all.

Marilee and I being fools! Greg and Mar Jane bought these silly glasses for Marilee's kids.

More pictures of Brady, Natalie, Reecey, Me and Tyler, Me and Julie and then I threw in the last one of Josh in his new suit. Nana found this on Sale at JCPenny's and it is so cute on him! The best thing is that it is washable - no joke.

So there you have it, a quick summary of my weekend away. I hope you all enjoyed it so much.