Johnson Jubilee

QUIET

2011-04-14T22:53:00.004-05:00

Today's assignment is QUIET. This picture represents my most favorite time of the week! My sweet sweet husband always takes Toby outside so I can have some personal "quiet" time. Today he let Toby run around in our attic. Such a cute face! and the boots are super cute!!!

iso/800 f/3.3 no flash

OUT

2011-04-12T23:22:00.005-05:00

Today's assignment is OUT (OUTside) Love Love Love these!!!!

iso/80 f/3.0 no flash

IN

2011-04-11T18:00:00.006-05:00

Today the assignment is IN (inside).

I tried really hard today to use all the settings the right way. I like how the pictures turned out. Here is my favorite!!

iso/800 f/3.3 no flash

NEW

2011-04-08T20:42:00.008-05:00

Today the photo assignment is NEW. Of course I wanted to take a picture of sweet little baby hands, but I don't really have that option lying around the house....

One of my religious beliefs, that I TRULY live by, is that we should always bribe our children. Miracles do happen when we bribe. Like getting your so crazy active kid to sit still during pre-school. So I bribed him with these toys. They are NEW and very loved!

Since I am taking this class to take better pictures of my moving Toby, I thought I should have him in the pictures and not just the toys. Plus he's stinkin' cute and really helps the pictures look good.

Also, today I just played with the settings. I didn't go by any rules I just wanted to try them all out. I didn't really care for the way these settings. I do love how cute my kid looks though!

ISO/200 f/3.5 flash on

OLD

2011-04-07T22:02:00.005-05:00

I am taking an online photo class from the super talented Beth Vermillion! The FIRST assignment is OLD. Ethen and I kind of collect hymnals. Old and new, different religious ones, anything we can find really. So these are pages from a Methodist Church Hymnal. It was published around the 1940's. Each copy was only 30 cents. I love this hymnal and the stage of life that it is in. A little torn, taped, bent, and falling apart, yet still beautiful.

Here is a link to the photo class:

beth V photography

http://bethvphotography.blogspot.com/2011/04/opposites-photo-class.html

Valley man to compete on USA equestrain team at Special Olympics

2010-10-15T22:12:00.000-05:00

Matthew is my little brother. He has Autism and has the opportunity to be in the World Special Olympics this summer. He was on the ABC 15 news last night. Here is a link! Please share and repost! We need all the help we can get!! Here is a link to the news report.
We are so proud of you Matthew and we love you so much!
XOXO

Valley man to compete on USA equestrain team at Special Olympics

Time Goes By Oh So Fast....

2010-09-08T19:58:00.001-05:00

So we just finished our 2ND move. It was not really planned but needed. We love our new place. It is a cute little home with cute little neighbors! So much has happened since I last posted.

2 moves

4Th Anniversary

Toby turned 3!

Me and Toby went to Wyoming with Grandma Bea

Ethen started school

Toby Started PRESCHOOL

Toby hated preschool...

Went to Bear Lake

Went Fishing twice

Went to a demo derby

Worked out all summer

Lost 15lbs

So many things! I wish I had pictures for all of them! I can't believe how time has gone by. My little man is such a boy. He has grown on me. I feel like I have missed so much, yet I have been here the whole time. He changed out of no where.

This is his first day of school. He is SO big I can't believe it!!!

Adventure

2010-09-08T19:49:00.001-05:00

Sliding Down the mountain

All the way DOWN!

Toby Butt trail

Mountain Butt

Fishing Fun

2010-09-08T19:38:00.004-05:00

Toby's favorite thing to do is go fishing. We went for his birthday and again this weekend. We didn't catch anything... but it was WAY fun!

This would be how Toby hooks a worm... not exactly the right way... but it works, right?

I think he only likes fishing because he gets to play with worms.

He played for a bit in the water and got all wet....

I really like this guy...

Move #1

2010-09-08T19:23:00.004-05:00

Back in May.... we moved to a basement apartment. We found out we had to move out of the university housing so with in a week, we were packed and moved into a new place. The backyard was AMAZING!! The house.... not so amazing.
There were a lot of issues with it so we decided it would be best for us to move. Here is some of the fun we had!

On moving day... in May.... it snowed! Tons! It was freezing and a little miserable!

Dads BBQ chicken... YUM!!! Ethen got a grill for fathers day and he is already a pro!
He loves to grill. Toby loves to eat anything cooked on the grill. The other day he told us that he wanted to cook a cheese crisp on the grill.

These are the kids that lived on the floor above us. Toby LOVED these girls! We miss them so much!

Super Big Kid!!

This was the backyard. It was SO fun! Toby had his own little world back there. Climbing trees and playing with water, plus ALL the room to run around!

Monsters

2010-03-12T21:46:00.003-06:00

I have been looking for monsters to buy for Toby but every thing I found was way to much. So I made some to look like the ones I wanted to buy. They were so much fun to make and really easy. Toby loves them!!

Rrrrr!!!

2010-03-12T21:36:00.003-06:00

Pipe Organ

2010-02-18T09:53:00.010-06:00

Have you ever thought much about a pipe organ? Yeah, I never really had either..... until I meet my dear Ethen. When we were dating he casually says to me, " Have you ever listened to organ music?"...... "Hahaha!! You're kidding right? No, I have NEVER listened to organ music!"...... "Well, I like it. Do you want to listen to one of my Cd's?" (What!!! He has an organ CD? Do they even make those?) So, me trying to be excepting of this gorgeous man in front of me, I 'excitedly' said that I would love too..... CRAP! Big mistake!!! So driving in my truck, he puts in this random CD, that he so happened to have with him, into the CD player. After about 30 seconds of this weird sound I said, "interesting" and from then on I tried to avoid all conversation on the organ.

I knew that he played the Organ in church, which is one of the reasons that I first noticed him. I loved handsome guys that had musical talents, and he was full of musical talent... a gorgeous deep voice, piano, organ, clarinet, and just an over all love for music him self. I never really thought of the word..... obsession.....

So after we got married he told me that when we were dating, he would leave my house, and would go play the organ until like 1 in the morning. Usually about 3 hour.... What!!! 3 hours!!!! That is a long time!

Then he would occasionally put on some organ music and I never really thought anything of it, until one day I realized that he was randomly buying these organ Cd's. I find him listening to it ALL DAY LONG. He couldn't even walk past a piano or an organ with out sitting at it and playing FOREVER.

I started getting really annoyed. Every time he would play the piano, young little immature me would get furious!!! I hated that something would distract this gorgeous man from paying attention to me! After all..... he was the only thing EVER on my mind. Wasn't I supposed to be all he was thinking about?

Now, I realize that is lame.... but it's true. I noticed that he was obsessed when he bought an mp3 player and had enough organ songs and symphonies to fill it. I then decided that it was only fair to compromise. So I told him he could listen to organ music on his stereo as much as he wanted, as long as he gave me a back rub.

I found myself loving this. It is so relaxing. Organ music blaring and my body feeling fabulous from these back rubs. Then out of no where I am humming these songs.... ALL THE FLIPPING TIME!! I am enjoying these songs! I like humming them.....

About a year ago for his birthday I took him to a local Tabernacle so he could play on it..... that is when it went all down hill.... for me! I started to.... like the music that I had hated so much! I loved the rumbling feeling right in your seat, from this ONE instrument. I loved that this one instrument could have SO MANY different sounds.

Ethen and I started going to all the performances we could attend. I started giving Ethen 2 hours a day to play the organ. Then I said, "okay" when he tells me he wants to go into organ performance and teaching for school!!! ( Insane) He wants to travel around the world performing and be a professor. All the sudden I am okay with this?! I must be losing my mind.

Then to top it all off, I start encouraging him to practice more and me.... buying him more organ music and more this and more that. I started going crazy with it! I still don't know what is wrong with me. I.... like.... organ music. My husband..... is going to be a pro. organist.

Just look at this pipe organ!

It is unreal!! And the sound that comes from it is even better!!

Beautiful right?

Now here is the unreal thing, this instrument was made for worship. There is one in almost every chapel and almost every religion has one. This is one of the oldest instruments. The organ used to be the most listened to and the most played. The organ is said to be the King of all instruments.

No other instrument is near as large. Nothing has quiet the volume. No other, uses both hands and both feet, 2,3,4,5, and 6 keyboards, pedals, stops, a volume pedal, and so much more. The performer is practically dancing on the organ with his feet. The music is both demanding for the performer and the listener.

So many different sounds, and so much effort from just on person and one instrument. It is unreal!! Then to think that we have all forgotten about how beautiful it is. We are suddenly all more interested in listening to people rhyme and rap about sex, drugs, and killing. We are all more involved in the things that drag us down and corrupt our minds with things so crude and disgusting. We are forgetting about this one instrument created to remind us of our beautiful Savior. The sounds are so triumphant and so moving. What a unique and unreal instrument!
Why is it so hard to listen to it though. Even I am guilty of cringing in the beginning, until I come to understand just what the composers are trying to convey. How can we not give recognition to the talented composers that put their entire bodies into the one instrument they are performing on.

Can you believe that the sounds made come from wind bursting through the pipes. Some as large as 32 feet and as small as 1/4". They can have thousands of pipes. So many different colors, sizes and sounds. I am amazed!

Now to conclude..... Here is a video of just how unbelievable the organ is and how talented the performers are!

Mr. Adorable

2010-02-07T21:54:00.005-06:00

Toby the amazing jumper

Indoor built miniture snowman family

Loves building snowman blocks

Grumpy-adorable

I can't believe how big Tobers is getting. I just love talking to him and hearing everything he has to say!!! He is a super awesome kid!! He can jump over Ethen and land perfectly on two feet. Sadly that is something I can't even do. He can do unreal sumersalts and just about anything else. Not only is he adorable but he so talented. I really enjoy him!!!

Tom Cat and Tinker Bell

2010-02-07T21:38:00.004-06:00

So I have never really cared for cats.... but, I love having pets!!! So since we can't have a dog at the moment we have cats. Yes there is an S on the end of cat. We have 5 of them.... TOTALLY KIDDING! We only have two! Tom Cat (he is orange and like almost a year old) he is our newest. We got him in October. He was a stray in our Trailer Court.... Yes I said trailer.... we live in one and it is SO COLD during the winter!!! ANyWay, he is the coolest cat. He loves to play with Toby and all of his toys. When we build blocks he always knocks them down and he loves when we build train tracks. He looks like he is CATzilla or something it is may favorite!! He his so good with Toby, he lets him chase him and pull his tail and do everything that a little boy wants to do to a little cat. Tinker Bell on the other hand is lazy and doesn't like Toby. We have had her for about 3 1/2 years now. She hibernates all day and at night she comes out and wrestles with Tom Cat. She would prefer not to, but Tom Cat refuses to let it go and torchers her until she tackles him. We love to watch this!! They also cuddle!! There is nothing better in this world then animals that cuddle. Needless to say I now love cats... well.. at least Tom and Tinker!!!! Meow

Lion King

2010-02-07T21:13:00.009-06:00

Toby LOVES to siNg!!!! He sInGs all DaY LonG and I love it!!! His most recent songs come from Lion King. He is so funny!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I totally love this kiD!!!

Hakuna Matata

Cute Little Pictures

2010-01-17T14:52:00.002-06:00

He loves to play with his trains while I cook dinner! He is such a cute kid!!!

I have been dreaming of warmer weather and camping... so I made us a little treat!!! It wasn't the real thing but it will hold me over until this crazy cold goes away!!

He loves his dad's organ music. This is the only way to please us both. I get the quiet no organ music and he get it LOUD and in his ears!!!

Cooking

2010-01-17T14:45:00.002-06:00

Grandma Bea got Toby a cooking set. So I gave Toby some ingrediants and cooked up whatever it was that he made. It looked really REALLY gross but he wanted to try it so badly. I fugured since there was nothing bad in it.... so he ate it and loved it!! I couldn't bring myself to try it though! It was so fun to watch him trying so hard to cook something up!

Christmas

2010-01-17T14:32:00.003-06:00

So this year was a bit different for Christmas. I have spent every Christmas of my life with my parents. I was sad to be away from them this year :( but.... it was so fun to have our very own family Christmas with just us!!! Toby got spoiled. ( I love to buy presents!) I only posted his favorites. Ethen bought him a trampoline to get us through the winter!! Toby has so much energy and we thought this would be perfect for him. He love to jump on it while he listens to Lion King music.

Toby is always so worried about ouies and bunks. Usually when he gets hurt be brings me a hammer and tells me to fix it. I thought that a doctor kit would be great. He loves to fix his bear and mom and dad and the cats and anything he can fix!!! We love pretending!!

For Christmas dinner I went all out. I wanted to make everything that my mom usually makes plus what Ethen's parents usually make. Ethen kept saying that we didn't need to cook that much. I had to though!!!! It was my first holiday dinner ever! It had to be AMAZING! Here is Toby and his sneaky fingers!! He loved all the food.

Ethen wanted a picture of ALL the food so here it is!! It was so fun baking and cooking! I loved every minute of it!

Goals 8-11 and 28

2010-01-06T14:37:00.005-06:00

(8) So... I am feeling really great about this diet. I am doing Weight Watchers and I love the program. It is easy and I am really enjoying it. No, I haven't lost any weight... I just barely started. I am just so excited about it!

(11) Exercise seems to be the hardest. Yesterday I really didn't want to, but I reminded myself that this is for me.... a new life.... change... I have to do it!!! So I did it! It felt great to work out.

(8 and 9) Switching unhealthy foods with fruits and vegetables has been great! I love the challenge of trying to replace things I love with things that taste great, and they are HEALTHY!!!

(28) I also wrote a letter to some one dear to my heart!!!! It felt good putting it in the mail. So if you have received a letter.... I love you!!! It has been so fun working on all these goals. I know it has only been a few days but I am learning a lot about my self!!!

New Year... New life!

2009-12-30T20:36:00.005-06:00

So normally when a new year starts I don't really care. I don't set goals, I don't try new things, I don't change anything. Maybe I'm afraid of change. Well, I am ready to put that all behind me and start new this year. I have to change! There are things in my life that I just can't put off any longer. So I am going to share them with you... all my goals... some hopes and wants... but mostly things that I have to do. I want to become a better person. When I die... I want people to think that I was the nicest, funniest best wife, mom, and friend. Not that all that can happen in a year, and I'm hoping I don't die this year.So hear it goes!!! Hopefully I will remember to keep updating about my goals. Whether it is by complaints, accomplishments, or pleas of HELP! So I don't know how many It will be, I am just going to type. Don't read it if you don't want to, this is mostly for me, and oh how it helps to share it!!!

1. Read the Book of Mormon all the way through
2. Pray more earnestly
3. Read the Ensign each month (all the way through)
4. Do something nice for someone every day
5. Sing in church at least 3 times this year
6. Learn 5 songs on the piano
7. Learn LOTS more about PCOS
8. Lose 60 Ibs or more (about 1 Ib a week)
9. Replace one unhealthy food in my diet for a daily cup of vegetables
10. Replace another unhealthy food in my diet for a daily cup of fruit
11. Exercise for more than 30 min. daily
12. Apologize to Ethen when I am wrong (even if I don't want too)
13. Serve Ethen when I am mad at him
14. Read 5 books this year
15. Organize my craft room (and keep it organized)
16. Gain a new talent
17. Strengthen and old talent
18. Shave my legs at least every other week (instead of once every month)
19. Make a new friend or two
20. Double my temple attendance
21. Play more with Toby
22. Help Toby to strengthen his talents
23. Get to know my sister-in-law better
24. Blog more
25. Be more positive about my appearance
26. Magnify my calling
27. Call my dad more just to bug him
28. Write a letter every month to some one that has been on my mind
29. Read scripture stories with Toby every day
30. Teach Toby the importance of prayer
31. Learn to sew
32. Learn to knit
33. Share my testimony more
34. Write in a daily journal
35. Write more in Toby's life journal
36. Show more love for my family
37. Keep up with the dishes
38. Keep up with the laundry
39. Overcome my fear of driving during the snowy winter

So that is all that I can think of for now. I know that I will be adding to the list through out the year. I know it's a lot but I hope I can knock them all down. Wish me luck. This year is going to be a great one. I am so excited to change and become better!!! Happy New Year!!! Good luck with all of your goals!

Toby Toby Toby

2009-12-24T11:32:00.001-06:00

Read the post below for the update!

Mommys boots

Playin' the piano with daddy!!!

Cheese

Livin' Life

2009-12-24T10:03:00.005-06:00

Life has been full of its ups and downs lately. Things are always changing and sometimes I can't keep up. Blogging has been one of those thinks that I have been bad at keeping up with. So here is a little update of the last year and all the things I didn't want to tell and all the things forgot. So.... in January I went to the doctors after a HUGE 60lbs+ weight gain. It happened all in three months and I had no idea why I was gaining or that I had, until a few months later. I hadn't changed my diet or activity. Nothing was different but the weight gain. Through some convincing from my family, I went to the doctors. After blood tests and more blood test and more doctors visits we found out that I had PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. So long story short, it has caused weight gain, infertility, achene, and a whole bunch of other really un fun stuff. The good news is that is that it can most likely be fix with weight loss, that bad news is that my body is working against my efforts to lose and making it seem at times, impossible to lose it. Every time I have lost 10lbs I have gained it back in a week. It has been a battle that at times I feel that I have lost. Then I realize, no battle is lost unless I give up. I know that I can lose it and I know that I will. I also know that it could take a REALLY long time. So...... Enough about my problems from the last year and the years to come.

I have a really cute kid that I just adore.

Sure he spits,

hits,

screams,

pushes,

pees his pants,

throws his food,

wont clean up his toys,

wakes up at 6:45,

eats all the food in the house,

colors on the couch,

touches ALL the WRONG buttons,

ALWAYS wants to watch the damn TV

caN't Stop JuMpinG,

Only breaks the things that actually mean something to me,

puts his tooth brush down the drain,

plays in the toilet water.

plays the piano WAY to lOuD,

but then when I am about to reach my BReaKing point, you know... pull out my hair, hide in the closet and cry kind of thing, he always says something like, "I'm so glad your here" and "Mom come play with me". Sometimes just hearing his sweet little, (kind of Innocent) voice just softens my heart. He is such a sweet boy.

He LovEs to do the dishes. He could wash them all day!!

He loves trains!! (unfortunately only when mom plays with him)

He loves tractors (yeah!!)

He loves the Organ

He only listens to organ music

When you ask him where dad is, he says, "playin' the organ"

He is ExtRemEly athletic

He can jump of the arm of the couch and land perfect on both feet

He can salsa dance

He LovEs his Daddy

He loves ME!

He loves life

He always says "yeah mom, forever" (I'm still not sure why)

I love when he says, " Ah, I can't get outta dare!"

I love that he loves his Papa Bear as much as I do.

I love those moments after a really hard two year old day, after I've put him to bed and sang him a song. I sit down on the couch to think about my day and just smile. That's the moment when I think how much I love this two year old boy that twists my world around. The moment that I think of his little curious brain that is working all day long to learn and discover everything he possible can. I think of all the things he did during the day that tore me apart for the moment, and I realize that he is so excited for life. He loves living it, he could eat, drink, and breath life. He is excited to go shopping, to go out in the FREEZING snow, to eat the same cereal that he has aways eaten. He is so excited to take a bath, do the dishes, sweep, do laundry, dance and sing. Every thing that has become such a chore for us all, everything that we do every day and don't even give it a thought. I love that moment that I get each night to remind my self of my love for Toby and Ethen, and to remind my self, to love life, every step, every chore, every boo boo , every trial, and every blessing. Maybe I really just like the quiet... I love my little Toblerone! He is definitely my piece of chocolate every day!

Since this is already WAY to long. I will update more later. Hopefully sooner then later!

Merry Christmas!

WOW

2009-11-02T10:38:00.003-06:00

He Loves bugs!!!!

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post!! Yikes I really stink at blogging!! A few months ago Ethen's grandparents came for a visit. It was so great to have family in town. I LOVE FAMILY!! Erica Lopez (Ethen's cousins wife and my friend!) Came as well. It was fun to watch Trevin and Toby play together even though they had a hard time getting along! Here are some pictures. I have more to blog about later!

First sewing project

2009-08-21T23:43:00.002-05:00

So this is called a flip-flop skirt. It is so adorable and the first thing I have ever made.
It is reversible and easy to make. Check it out here!

Here is Toby and baby Cole (the little guy I am watching) Toby loves him so much. He loves to help out with everything. He is going to be such a great big brother one day!!

I loves to watch bugs bunny on the puter. I love this picture of him!

Birthday!!!

2009-08-21T23:38:00.001-05:00

Toby turned 2 on Tuesday!! I can't believe that 2 years can go bye so fast! This is the train cake I made him and the train set that his Grandma got him!!! He loves it!

He also got a hair cut! (again) I love his sweet face!

This is before and after.

For his birthday we threw a surprise party for him. It was so fun to have lots of little ones running around. Lots of dancing and screaming and SO much energy!!

Giveaway

2009-08-10T16:26:00.000-05:00

coolest giveaway! Every mom needs one! Check it out!

Potty Training

2009-06-29T17:24:00.000-05:00

We started Prepotty trainng about 6 months ago. So when we finally had time to do the real thing he did amazing. He has gone about 5 days now with only 1 accident a day. I am so proud of him!! His favorite outfit is underwear and boots. I must say... if I could ware that and get away with it I would!

I'm not sure what he is thinking here but it makes me laugh!

Hiking

2009-06-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

We went on a 3.6 mile hike (practically in our backyard) and they had some way cool plants.
Toby couldn't believe that there were leaves his size!

ETHEN?!

2009-06-29T17:14:00.001-05:00

So I can't trust Ethen.... EVER!! At least not with a marker and Toby.

So Adorable

2009-06-29T16:48:00.002-05:00

So I totally love these pictures that Claire Waite took of Toby. We had a really hard time getting him to be happy in the Arizona heat, but happy or not, he is still WAY cute! Once we got him near water he was so excited... kind of...

Jake and Alison Dull Family

2009-05-02T14:32:00.003-05:00

Beautiful girl!!!

I just wish I could kiss him!!!

xoxo

Jake and Alison had a little baby boy a while back. His name is Jonah. He is so so cute. Little Charlie Bear is a hot momma!! hope you enjoyed the pictures!! They are coming for a visit in November and I am so excited to see them!! I miss them tons and totally adore the whole crew!! Love you guys!!

Dull Girls

2009-05-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

Beautiful Sadie almost 3 now!!

(LOVE her hair!)
Isabella

Jocelyn and Isabella

Sophia

The triplets are all home and have been for a while. The word out is that it is a lot of work as we all thought it would be. They are trying to get a schedule down and it is slowly coming. I am so excited to go and visit them in a week. Val just went to the hospital last night with a gallstone attack. I just remember mine and I hope that she get it out soon!! Poor thing. Love you and miss you all!!!

Papa Bear

2009-05-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

I got to see some pictures of my dad when he was a teenager. For some reason, this picture looks a lot like him. I totally hope Toby looks like my dad when he is older cause he is a pretty cute guy!

Fun Times

2009-05-02T14:10:00.001-05:00

We have been having so much fun with the little bud. He is starting to talk so much.
Some of the funniest things come out of his mouth. Like "crap"... I don't know what to say about that one.
The other day he says to me... "bull sh**" I wanted to scream! That's not a word we use or listen too.
So I thought, calm down and listen. So he says it again, same thing, like 4 times.
Then I looked at what he was playing with on the floor. He had built a tower with blocks.
So he says "mom look I bull sh**" THAT'S when it connected. He wanted to push is blocks. "Push it".
Any way I can't fix it, he still says it and it's still funny.

I guess you can recycle crayons by melting them into a muffin pan in the oven at 200.
For like 5 to 10 min. They come out like this. The cool thing about then is that they are to big to eat.
So now Toby can color with out always taking a bite out of the green crayon!

Toby loves to paint. I make homemade finger paints and they are a lot of fun. I even paint with him.
When the paper drys is looks like wax. So those are our fun little crafts!

Enjoy

2009-03-19T21:02:00.001-05:00

Tons of new posts! I hope you enjoy them!!!!

In celebration of St. Patricks Day

2009-03-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

I know it looks pretty gross but it tasted wonderful!!!! In celebration of St. Patrick's day.... Green eggs, green sausage, and green pancakes!!! Toby loved it too.

I love this man

2009-03-19T20:56:00.001-05:00

We were so lucky to be able to go to AZ to see family and friends over spring break (and the triplets!!!!) We had a blast! Anyway the day before we left I was so stressed and I was feeling sick. I had work and packing and cleaning and toddler stuff to do. I had been telling Ethen that I was worried I wouldn't be able to get it all done. When I got home from work. He had this laying on the floor. He had cleaned the whole house. Done the dishes, swept the floor, cleaned the bathrooms, bedrooms, and all the toys. The note says...
" I love you so much! I am sorry you don't feel well. Hopefully a clean home will help. Love your Hunny bunny! -Ethen"
So then I walk in to our office which also had been cleaned, and there was another note that said..."I love you Katie, You mean everything to me. -Ethen" I love him so much! He is such a sweetheart.

Logan Snowman

2009-03-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

We have been dying all winter to make a snowman but we have never had time. So a few weeks ago we built Johnson. We had so much fun! Well, mostly Ethen and I. Toby just played in the mud. Sadly Johnson has completely melted. We look forward to building him again next year!!!

Scenic view

Our humble trailer

Fun with Dado

2009-03-19T20:44:00.001-05:00

So as so of you may know... Toby has called Ethen Dado since he could talk. Ethen LOVES it. He want's to be called Dado for the rest of his life. I love watching them together. Some times they scare me a bit, but there has only ever been minor accidents.

Pay it Forward

2009-02-24T11:37:00.000-06:00

Here's the game.The first three people to comment on this post get a prize from me. Maybe it will be handmade, maybe it will be a treat, but you will receive a package in the mail from me very soon.Now, here's the catch!You must to be willing to "Pay it Forward." You will also need to send a treat to three people who comment on your blog.So comment away!!

Potty TIme

2009-02-21T19:01:00.002-06:00

Today we started the officail potty training!
It has been so much fun. Every 15 min. We start the potty clock.
We run down the hall singing "Chocolate potty time!! Chocolate potty time!!"
Once he sits on the potty he gets a chocolate chip.

Here is Mr. Potty in is whitey tighties.
I love squeezing his little butt cheeks when he wears them.

And today at about 5:30.... He went pee on the potty!!!!
We are so excited he is doing so well!!

2009-01-24T15:20:00.003-06:00

So I was going through some of Toby's clothes that he no longer fits in. I found some that he wore in Tennessee, some that he wore at his 1st birthday, things that he started walking in and clothes from our big move to Utah. I was so sad as i folded them all and put them into storage. My little bud is getting so big. I don't like that at all. I can't believe that he could come from my 9lb 6oz little baby, to a toddler that can't stop jumping and climbing on EVERYTHING. I don't know how I will handle it when I have to send him off to school, and a MISSION... MARRIAGE. No way!!! For now I will just have to cherish my small moment of time with him. I never knew that I could have so much love for a little baby.

i loVe BaTh tiMe!!

2009-01-14T15:20:00.003-06:00

So These pictures were taken in AZ. Sadie kept asking if she could take a bath with Toby. So we threw Breydon in there with them. This picture totally describes how it went. Sadie started splashing, making Breydon upset and Toby just looked cute!! They are all so adorable. I can't belive that Breydon is nine months old. Sadie is about 2 1/2 and Toby is 17 months. I loved having them all together!!! xoxo

And I so love this picture of Toby and Sadie!!!!

E-mail from Dad about the triplets

2009-01-13T00:33:00.000-06:00

Just got back from the hospital. We went there tonight so Zach and I could anoint and bless the triplets. All three are doing remarkably well, though that does not necessarily mean we are free from challenges ahead. The girls full names are as follows:
· Sophia Doris, the oldest and largest at 820 grams (1 lb. 13 oz.), now weighs 10 grams more than her birth weight, has very long arms like an ape, and very long feet like Ian Thorpe, the Australian swimmer. We think she will swim the butterfly.
· Jocelyn May, now 1 lb. 7 oz. the largest of the twins, does not like laying on her side, but does like sucking on a micro pacifier. The nurses cannot believe how loud she can cry. Jo is very comfortable on her tummy with her arms and hands tucked-in under her chin. We think she will swim the breaststroke.
· Isabella Maria (such a tiny little thing, weighing in this evening at one pound six ounces, up one ounce from yesterday and now taking-in one cc (cubic centimeter) of milk every three hours. Izzy spends all her time facing up and likes to kick her left leg. We think she will swim the backstroke.

Will do out best to get you some pictures soon. Go Cardinals!

With love,

James Edward

Finally an update

2009-01-13T00:15:00.003-06:00

I have a ton of updates read them and enjoy them!!!!
So for Christmas we went to AZ and worked and hung out with family. It was so great to be there. I have missed everyone so much. We are back to our regular schedule now. Ethen is loving school and Toby is loving the Snow. His favorite words are snow, no, color, and OK. He has picked up so many words it is so crazy. So this picture is of my hunk after his first choir practice. As you can tell he didn't really want his picture taken.

All I can do is laugh when I see this picture... Poor kid!!

Yes another Hair Cut... Shave

2009-01-12T23:57:00.008-06:00

I know I know.... Toby has beautiful hair.... blah blah blah. Well you try trimming it every week. He is 18 months, he wont even sit still for Elmo. Truthfully I was just going to cut his hair so that it would have little spikes. So I did and it was really cute. Then I wanted to blend it all to make it look good. SO being the professional hair clipper that I am I got the hair shaver clipper things and started.... WOW WAY TO SHORT... STOP!!! PLEASE SOME ONE REWIND THIS DAMN THING. Unfortunately you can't cut hair long and I was screwed. Thankfully he looks cute no matter what. I am sure that when you look at these pictures you will be shocked just like I was. But if you stare long enough it is way way cute!!!

So this is before....

And now after with marker on face and all.

Oh yes... the days when it was fun to color on our hands

cute little girlfriend!

Oh how we love the snow!

New Job

2009-01-12T23:45:00.003-06:00

So a few months ago I got this yellow flier on my door... It was about a position that needed to be filled for this lady that runs a daycare. Anyway, she runs it out of here home in the basement. I checked it out a few months back and fell in love with her and the kids that she watches. Can you say HIRED!! I started last week. I decided to do it because I can take Toby and still be the wonderful mother that I am. I also get breakfast, snacks, lunch, and a diaper a day!!! Plus I bring in a little extra money each month. It is such a huge blessing to have this job!!! I have been so depressed being away from my family and friends and my sweet Candice. It is nice to be able to meet people and get out of the house!!!

BABIES

2009-01-12T23:42:00.001-06:00

So update really fast on the babies... the girls are doing so great!!! It's a miracle. Val has improved 100% and I am STILL dying to see pictures!! It is so great to know that every one is well.

LOVE YOU ALL

Baby Names

2009-01-06T21:17:00.004-06:00

So the names of the girls are Sophia, Jocelyn, and Isabella. The triplets are doing so good! They seem to be just perfect. I truly wish I could be there to see their sweet faces. Valerie has had two blood transfusions and is in the ICU. She has been having some problems. I don' know with what but we are praying for her and waiting for more news.

Weight of the babies!

2009-01-05T16:32:00.003-06:00

So I don't know which name goes with what weight but here is what I know

Baby 1: 1lb 13oz

Baby 2: 1lb 11oz

Baby 3: 1lb 8oz

Valerie is hanging in there. She looking forward to meeting her girls soon. She is sleeping now and we hope that she continues to get good rest. The babies are doing well and we continue to pray for the best!!

Babies

2009-01-05T12:48:00.003-06:00

For those of you wondering about the triplets....

They are here! Born at 26 weeks.

Three beautiful little girls.

I don't know of their size or how they are doing

but I do know that they need prayers.

Updates and hopefully pictures soon!!!

Congratulations!! We love you Val and Zach!

You are wonderful parents! You are all in our thoughts!

Bath Time With Ty Ty

2008-12-12T14:23:00.003-06:00

During Thanksgiving I got to spend time with my cousin Rachel and her son Tyler. The boys had so much fun together playing and dancing. Rachel was giving Tyler a bath and Toby was watching with longing eyes so she through him in the tub too. They loved it!! Toby loves to take baths with friends and I love it too, it makes it so much easier. It was great hanging out with you and the family Rachel! Can't wait to do it again soon!

Chef Kater-Kins

2008-12-12T14:22:00.003-06:00

I love to cook!! It has become on of my favorite things to do. The other night I wanted to make a stake and pineapple pizza. It was incredible!!! I loved it. Of course I had to make bread sticks with it. Everything turned out wonderful and Ethen Loved it. The Best part is that it lasted us three meals and it was really cheap to make!!

Potty Training

2008-12-12T14:21:00.002-06:00

So we have decided that it is time to get Toby familiar with the potty training lingo. Every time that I run to go pee pee on the potty, Toby runs after me saying "Potty?... Potty?" So he sits on his that is usually on the floor and I have a seat on mine. So before baths we usually try to get him to sit on it for a while and get used to the feeling of it. He loves it so much!!! I know he is only 16 months and we have a while before the official potty training starts but I just want him excited and I want him to understand what it means. Obviously he loves his potty. He didn't know what to do with it at first!

Giveaway

2008-12-08T22:18:00.007-06:00

So I saw this giveaway on a friends blog. They are so cute and you get to chose what you would like. So if you win the giveaway you get what you like. So here is the link. Check it out!! You have until Friday to be entered into the drawing. Good luck!!!

Anyway this girl (Bethany) has a great blog. She always has cool giveaways, great tips and awesome links.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-26T21:40:00.003-06:00

I am so grateful for family and friends and for a Father in Heaven how loves me so much. We have been so blessed in our family with so many things! I am grateful to be a mother and a wife to the most amazing boys in the world. Ethen is a wonderful husband who loves and supports me. I am so thankful for that, and for his desire to serve his family and to be the worlds greatest dad... He truly is that!! Toby showers me with kisses and shares all his snacks with me, I am so grateful for ALL of his messy kisses... Especially when I am about ready to scream with frustration and he runs up to me to give me his kisses. I can't help but smile at those moments. I am so grateful for all of my friends who have guided me in my life, who have shared so many special moments with me.

Happy Thanksgiving

I love you all!!

Finally a hair cut!!!

2008-11-23T12:13:00.003-06:00

Yes I will admit he has beautiful hair. Shinny, wavy, cute hair. Maintaining it is another story. His eyes have been red and itchy from his hair hanging in them. So I have been jokingly but truthfully telling Ethen that I was going to cut it. He loves Toby's hair and refused to let me. So when he left for work yesterday he told me the have "fun" with the bud... so that's exactly what I did!!! Here are the before pictures....

This is what he looks like now. Yes I miss his beautiful hair... but now he looks like a real boy, and I did a pretty damn good job!! I just wish he would've let me take a better picture.

Now I am sure you are all wondering what Ethen thought about this when he walked through the door form work... He was definitely surprised, but he just looks so dang cute he couldn't help but love it

Cute Faces

2008-11-23T12:04:00.003-06:00

So this face that he make is so funny!! He just gets really excited and then stops in the middle of everything and looks at me with this face. He stares at me like this until I do it back. It just makes me laugh so hard!!! Notice his puffy hair...

Every time I say to Toby "You're so Cute!" this is that face he makes. I think it is so adorable!

Yes... this is Ethen... in the crib... the crib that was to expensive to buy... but not to expensive to put 100lb over the weight limit in it!!

I just love him!

2008-11-19T08:50:00.004-06:00

So the last few days with Ethen have been really hard. He's been really stressed and grumpy and it has been miserable. Yesterday I had a feeling that I should apologize to him. At first I thought why should I do that I have done NOTHING wrong. Put the feeling kept pushing. So after us not really talking all day I went up to him and said that I was sorry for not being patient with him and for not being more understanding. I told him that whatever is going on, that he needs to talk with me about it. After all that's one of the reasons why Heavenly Father created marriage, so that we can strengthen each other. So after a good chat, everything seemed tons better. He usually goes into work early but he went in on time and then at 8:30 (instead of 10:30) here comes my sweetheart through the front door with dinner and ice cream!!! (I LOVE ICE CREAM!!) All through dinner he told me how sorry he was and how much he loves and adores me! Although he had a ton of homework, he refused to do any. He said that I need a night to have all his attention since I had had no of it lately. So we sat on the coach for 2 hours and talked. It was amazing and just what I need! So I guess what I learned through it all, is that in order to get what I want and need, I need to give in and give him what he needs.... even if it make no sense to apologize for something that I didn't do! I am so in love with Ethen. Even though times are tough with him gone all the time and no money, those sweet and tender mercies make it all worth while.

HELP!!

2008-11-15T17:52:00.003-06:00

I am in need of some ideas for my wonderful husband for Christmas. We don't have much money and I want to make it a great Christmas for him. He has worked so hard with school and trying to provide for us. Through all the stress and crazy moments he has always shown his love for me. He deserves something great!! Any suggestions?

I'm so excited...

2008-11-15T17:47:00.001-06:00

I know, I should just keep the excitement to myself, but I CAN'T WAIT to see this movie!!

Triplets

2008-11-12T18:01:00.000-06:00

Triple the Joy

and

Triple the fun

Imagine the happiness

that's just begun!!

Many of you know that my sister-in-law Val is having triplets! For those of you who didn't know this.... SURPRISE! We are so excited for her and we are cheering her on every step of the way. Today they just found out that the babies are ALL girls!

We love you Val!!!

Cute Pictures

2008-11-08T20:17:00.000-06:00

He is learning how to take his shirt off.

I think he likes being naked.

This is his new winter hat. He looks so funny/ cute in it!!

I just love his little face!

Halloween

2008-11-08T20:08:00.000-06:00

I know I'm a little late... but here is Toby in his little giraffe outfit!

He loved wearing it at first.

He would stand in front of the mirror and kiss himself and say "ah ah ah!!"

But towards the end he didn't like it. We found him later climbing out of it.

He is such a funny little bud!

Big Words

2008-11-08T19:53:00.000-06:00

So out of now where the other day Toby said.... "That's a DOG" It's a phrase we say about 100 times a day but I had no idea that he was catching on so quickly!!! He says a new thing everyday. It just amazes me how smart these little ones really are!

Climbing

2008-10-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

Toby has just discovered climbing!! He loves our piano and the other day I found him like this turning the piano on to play it. As much as I hate having him climb on it...I just have to take pictures of him doing. He is so cute!!

Fun at the Park

2008-10-17T18:17:00.000-05:00

Toby had so much fun climbing on the bench at the park.

Sweet boy!

I just love our family!

Fun with Mom

2008-10-17T18:15:00.000-05:00

Cutie Pie

2008-10-17T18:11:00.000-05:00

"You can't catch me dad!"

Pickin' up sticks

Yes he is in a grocery cart. Ethen calls it a child of Gods stolen cart.
Call it whatever you like... it's a hobos cart!

Fun with Dad

2008-10-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

We had the funnest time at the park today with dad!!
He had fall break so we went and had a picnic.
The park is so beautiful!!

Ethen loves to throw Toby. It scares me to death but Toby just giggles!

They are both so dang cute!

Kisses for Toby

Stolen Tag from Amy D

2008-10-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

What is your husbands name? Ethen Daniel Johnson
How long have you been married? 2 years and 4 months
How long did you date? umm... 3 weeks until we got engaged
How old is he? 25 1/2
Who eats more sweets? Me!
Who said I love you first? We actually talked about it and came to the conclusion together that we were in love.
Who is taller? Ethen by a few inches
Who is the better singer? We sing the best together
Who is smarter? Totally Ethen
Who does the laundry? Ethen but I help
Who pays the bills? It depends on the day, we both do it
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do right now, we tend to switch
Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn to mow, but if we did we would make Toby do it!
Who cooks the dinner? Definitely me, Ethen cooks really good Mac and Cheese though.
Who drives? Ethen for sure!
Who is the first to say they are wrong? It used to be Ethen but then it was me and now.... well we just get over it!
Who kissed who first? Ethen tried to kiss me but I told him "no! not until we are engaged" so he kissed me when he proposed
Who asked who out? I totally asked him as a joke but he said yes. We haven't been apart yet.
Who wears the pants? That would be me. He says he likes it that way

More Crafts!

2008-10-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

We had a Trailer Park Get Together for some fun Halloween crafts. Here is a pumpkin bat.

These are ghosts made out of Toby's foot prints. They had some pretty cute ideas. Here is a website that has other awesome ideas!

http://familyfun.go.com/

Papa Bear

2008-10-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

My dad had a business trip about and hour and a half from where we are living. So he decided to stop by and hang out for a day!!! It was so great to see him. It's amazing when you are younger how you can't wait to grow up and get away from you parents. I'm not quite sure why I ever felt that way. My parents are the greatest. They have always loved us and taken care of us. I miss them and love them dearly. I was starting to get home sick so I am really glad that my dad got to come. Hopefully we will be able to see them at Thanksgiving. -dad don't forget that Toby really wants to see you again. So clear your schedule with work- Well we miss you and love you all!! Dave and Trudy we love you and can't wait to see you at Christmas. Love you little Tiersa, start practicing your babysitting skills you are going to need them soon!!!

Bath Time!

2008-09-26T12:05:00.001-05:00

As you can see Toby was in need of a bath for sure. He loves spaghetti and he will only eat it all if he feeds it to himself. He loves to get messy!!

Fun Hair!!

Super Baby!

He loves to play with the whisk in the bath. He has so much fun in the water. Toby always tries to stand up in the bath. He learned how to say "down" the other day because I am always telling him "sit down!" I love when he learns a new word even if he does say it 100 times a day.

Our Neighbors the Johnson's

2008-09-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

So we have a cute couple across the street from us. Kathy and Paul Johnson. They are so great. They also have alittle boy about 8 months old. I just love Kathy. We go on walks together everyday and switch babysitting. It is so nice to have a girlfriend!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-09-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the best things about The Bud...

When he says Thank you

His really big hugs that he randomly gives

When he pulls all the pots out of the cabinet and bangs on them

When he begs you to play baseball

When we sing Pop Corn Popping

When he says DADA!!

Who am I kidding I love everything about him. He is the cutest happiest bud that I know!!!

Crafts

2008-09-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

Last night I got to go to enrichment. We made these picture blocks. It was so nice to get to know some of the sisters. We have such a great ward. I made one for you Anna I am going to try and get it in the mail soon!! When I came home last night the house was spotless and the dishes were done. Dinner was made and The Bud was happy as every. Ethen always has Toby clean with him. So when he did the dishes, he rolled up Toby's jeans and sat him on the edge of the sink with a scrub brush in his hands. I really wish I had a picture of it!!!! I am so grateful for Ethen he helps me out so much!!!!

Mom here are the flowers that you bought me. I panted them and they are already to be hung up!! Thanks for getting them for me. It was a fun little project. Love you and miss you!!!!

Twins?

2008-09-26T10:29:00.000-05:00

So this is Toby's cousin Charlize. (Jake and Alison's daughter in Australia)

Now this is Toby... anyone else think they look like twins?

Congratulations Jake and Alison on your pregnancy!!!

Little Friends

2008-09-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

So the little guys are Toby little buddies. He can't sleep with out them. He usually goes to bed with the biggest one but some times he needs both. He also nurses with them. He calls them

"ah, ah , ah"

I'm not sure what it means but it is way cute! He chews on their ears while he falls asleep. I love our little bud he is the best thing that has every happened to us!!

Handyman

2008-09-04T17:29:00.000-05:00

David and Trudy (my in laws) are SOOOOO WONDERFUL!!! They gave us they're washer and dryer to take to Logan with us. When we got here we found out that the dryer cord plug thing and the outlet didn't match up. So, on Monday we went to Home Depot and and got the correct dryer cord plug thing and Ethen put it in and connected all the wires. First time was a charm. Nothing blew up, or broke, and no one got hurt. I have to say, he looks so hot when we fixes things! Of course he couldn't have done it with out the bud!

Hair Cut?

2008-09-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

So I am not sure what to do. Toby 's hair is so beautiful, but some days it is awful. I don't know if I should trim it, cut it, or just leave it. Here is my example. The other day Toby woke up and this is what his hair looked like.

No matter what I did, spit, lotion, water, nothing worked.
That side of his hair just stood still. This isn't the only day that is has done this either.

Here is a back view

and a side view

This one was just cute

My Ethie!!

2008-08-29T23:23:00.000-05:00

I am so proud of my Ethie. He works so hard and sacrifices so much for our family. He is currently working full time and going to school full time. He always says how much he misses being around Toby. He swears that he gets bigger every time he comes home. I am so grateful to have such a loving eternal companion. I am hoping o get a nanny job to bring in some money so that Ethen wont have to work so hard. Wish me luck!!! Hope you enjoy the rest of the posts!!

Our Little Home

2008-08-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

I know that you have all been dying to see my John Deere kitchen. I am so in love it. It's not fully decorated the way that I would like, but here is it!!!

This is Toby's play area. Candice thanks for the basketball hoop. I think Ethen plays with is more than any one else.

Here is the part of the house that has been neglected. It hurts just looking at it. Hopefully we will get some time to do some good work on it this weekend!!

ouch... that's really bad!!

Big Shoes

2008-08-29T23:11:00.000-05:00

He loves his dad so much!! What a big bud!!

Arizona

2008-08-29T22:57:00.000-05:00

Here are the grand kids that live in the USA. Toby, Sadie, and Breydon. This was just a week before we left for Logan. We are going to miss everyone so much!!

Baby Breydon( little Aaron) is 4months now. What a fatty!!!

Yeah, I am pretty sure he was pooping here.

I know I shouldn't have taken the picture... but he always gets himself into the tight little situations. I guess that's what happens when you are a big boy.

Oh my... what a butt.

Logan, Utah

2008-08-29T22:48:00.000-05:00

Yay!! We are here! We love it here. Logan is beautiful. The people are so nice. Even the drivers are different. Rarely do we hear people honking at anyone. As many of you know we are living on campus in a trailer park. Every one is so friendly. Of course we still have a lot to do to finish unpacking. Toby is enjoying playing with every thing that is still laying around. Here he is playing for a lamp shade.

I know... he is so adorable!!

I am still waiting to get pictures from his birthday. I can't believe that he is one!!! He is talking more and more each day. He has learned how to say thank you and book. I am so pleased by how happy and busy he is!!!

Just for Dad

2008-08-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

Dad here is the picture you asked me

to take of your beautiful

Tuna salad that you made while we were in Wyoming.

Memories

2008-07-16T21:28:00.000-05:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Two Years

2008-06-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

Ethen got me this beautiful jewlery box for our anniversery. It was just what I needed.

He also got me these matching earings and neclace from our friend Whitney Goodwin. She makes beautiful jewlery, check out her site and buy some stuff!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876940

Toby

2008-06-28T19:25:00.000-05:00

All I can say is he is so BEAUTIFUL!!

2008-06-28T19:16:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, I have the cutest husband in the world. This is his uniform. He is now sporting his new shoes. They look so good!!

Because the office he works in was doing so well they got $2500. They all decided that they wanted some good shoes. So this is what they got. I think they are fancy!!

Toilet Paper

2008-06-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

Toby loves toilet paper so much. We have to keep is on the sink or else he will unroll it and tear it up.

Last Sunday we had some friends over for dessert and games, so to be courtious we put the toilet paper on the holder.

As you can see Toby got to it quickly!

2008-06-25T23:05:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of our apartment that we are staying in. It is so beautiful. I just love our little home!!!!!!

Tennessee

2008-06-19T18:53:00.000-05:00

As many of you know Toby is very sensitive. Everytime you make a high pitch sound he gives a pouty face that is so sad. Lately he has been giving this face all the time. He knows he's cute!

Toby is getting so handsome!! I just love his dang face!! Ethen likes to part his hair missionary style. I guess it's good to start preparing now. We only have 18 more years until Toby puts his papers in.

Toby loves his daddy!! Every time he leaves the house Toby will sit by the door and pout. They love chasing each other around and wrestling. I love watching my to little boys play together.

We try not to let uncle Jake influence Toby to much. Unfortunately we aren't always watching.

Ethen and I will be married for two years on the 24th of this month. I am still so in love. Along with my dad he is one of the greatest men that I know. Yeah for two years!!!!

Little Dues

2008-05-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

He's walking and it is soooo cute!!! He gets better and better each day! He gets so excited that he's walking, so he trys to go faster and just crashes it is adorable!!!

Clean

2008-05-19T23:10:00.000-05:00

I've discovered that you truly can only clean your kitchen so many times before you loose your mind. With a great amount of time an nothing to fill it with I have picked up the habbit of wiping down my counter tops and wash any dishes in the sink about 3 or more times a day. Today however I found a new love... laundry. For the first time every I managed to wash three loads, fold and put them all away just before Ethen walked in the door. This may seem like a small thing but for me, I am just glad to be doing something!!

Grandpas and their grandsons

2008-05-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

As you all know, Toby and Papa Bear had a very close connection. Toby adores Papa Bear, the second he would get home, Tobs would crawl as fast as he could to get to him. They are truely best friends. The love they have for one another is so great you can see it by just watching them together.

We all knew that saying goodbye would be very dificult. I never thought it would be as hard as it was though. I let Papa Bear give Toby a bottle before bed, so he could feed him one last time. He sat in the rocking chair and as he held him in his arms and gave him the bottle, tears began to fall down his face. You could tell that the emotions were uncontrolible. It was hard for Ethen and I to seperate Toby and his best friend. Now that we are here you can tell that Toby misses everyone. He is very clingy (which is rare for him). So from Toby to Papa Bear... He loves you endlessly!

Tennessee

2008-05-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

We are finally here! We made it to Tennessee. It was about a two and a half day drive between all the stops we had to take for the Tobs. It was a blast though. It is nice to be out on our own. We love our apartment here. It is so big. Two bedrooms and two bath, plus a wonderful kitchen. I do miss having a microwave. I am learning to do without though. I love cooking for my husband too. So far I haven't burned anything. It is hard to be here though. I miss my family and friends greatly. I have yet to make any here. Thankfully we got a TV yesterday so I am not as bored as I was the first few days. Hooray for Ethen! He has been working so hard and he finally made his first sale, after being out for only 2 1/2 days. He's pretty hot stuff and he looks great in his uniform. The Tobs is coming up on nine months pretty soon. He is getting the walking thing down pretty good. He falls every 5 steps but he loves cruisin. As for me, I am just grateful for my beautiful family. I will try to get more pictures up soon. Love you all and miss you heaps!!

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands

2008-05-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

So most babies clap when they are happy or when they are copying you. Well Toby started to clap for the first time about a week ago and he will only do it when he is mad! It is so funny to see a fussy face with happy hands. He cracks me up!