Blue Lightening

The soccer season is half way through & Parker is loving it!

He refused to play in the first game but after a small bribery for icecream to play in game #2, he has been chasing that ball ever since.

I have no shame in bribing my kids and find that it almost always works when chocolate is involved.

His self-proclaimed trademark thus far is apparently his speed. He likes to show us how he is so "super fast".

And super fast this 4-year-old is.

To my surprise he got a bit aggressive last game (note left pic above)...yikes. It was all friendly aggression - he was trying to hold his own against a couple of pushy opposing teammates. The "no arms" in soccer rule hasn't quite sunk in yet I guess.

Note his "keep your arms straight out" tactic below.

Well, whatever. It was working successfully for him anyways. :)

Some of P-Man's favorite things to do are run around and play with friends, so so far soccer is suiting him great!

I am just happy for any extracurricular activity that involves my kids having fun and good old- fashioned excercise.

I would call this little cutie the team cheerleader but honestly she is just more interested in having fun, swinging (of course), looking cute and giggling with her darling friend Brynn.

A typical girl at a sporting event, right?

Well, typical for some of us anyways. :)

GGGGoooooooooooooooooo SOCCER!!!

Older and wiser

Last Wednesday...I turned... are you ready? Hold onto your seats!

The Big 31!

Nah, I'm not afraid to admit my age. My 30th year was a great one and truthfully I wasn't sad to leave my 20's behind last year. At all. But then, 30's are the new 20's, right? Er so I've heard anyways. On Oprah maybe...?

I used to think thirties were so old. But in my world perpetually looking 18 seems to be my reality, so I guess I embrace the whole aging process thing (minus the post child bearing belly pooch and wrinkles of course). The fact that I am 5'2 (okay 5'1 & 1/2)and weigh what I did when I was 13 doesn't exactly help my cause for looking like a legal adult with 2 kids. But hey - for the record, I like being short. Okay, except for maybe when I have to climb on the counters like my four-year-old to reach things ...oh and when all the pants I try on are 6 inches too long...& maybe when when we get a new Beehive in our class at church and they think that I am their classmate rather than their teacher...yeah that's an awesome one...but that's a whole other blog post.

Well, on with my birthday extravaganza...I wanted to do something fun as a fam of four that day and Chris didn't go into work until that afternoon, so off we went to the Farm at Thanksgiving Point. I love that place & so do the kiddos - as you can see:

Emmie got such a kick out of the animals! She did a lot of giggling. Parker loved riding the horses like a cowboy. He must get that from his Dad, who won't admit it but I'm pretty sure his secret dream is to be a cowboy. For real. (& a cute cowbay he'd make in them cowboy boots and tight jeans if I do say so myself!;)

From the pic below can you guess what Chris gave me for my birthday?

No, not a bunch of stinky animals. Although I do think it'd be fun to live on a farm. Minus the stinky animals. Hey maybe that would fulfill Mr. Cowboy's fantasy...

ANYWAYS, Cowboy Chris gave me a new lens for the sweet camera he gave me last Christmas. It makes a huuuge difference in the pics. Can you tell? Or is it just me? I still haven't read my 500 page manual for this camera. But no worries, it's on that running list of things to do that I never have time to do but when I do, I'm sure I'll knock your socks off with my fantabulous images! LOVE that gift and I'm so excited for it!

After the farm we went over to the cafe at the Emporium for some lunch. This little girl made my day watching her eat her first ice cream cone. What a mess! Oh how I love her.

Fun times!

Just so you know...

These cookies.are.AMAZING!

It's highly unfortunate that they magically find their way into my cart at the grocery store almost every visit.

Because I will eat them.

All of them.

I usually have great self control when it comes to food.

NOT with cookies.

Especially these cookies.

Parker loves them too.

It's a problem.

I'm just sayin'.

A Good Friday

My sweet Dad treated us to a day at the zoo last Friday!

The crowds were nonexistent, the weather was perfect, the animals entertaining....what a great outing!

The elephants, beautiful giraffes, and the silly monkeys (who kept the kids giggling) were the top favorites. As well as the carousel and train rides of course!

On the way home, we stopped by my cute Grandma's house whose birthday present for Miss Em had come late in the mail, but was now ready and waiting. Isn't it a darling suitcase? It was well worth the wait! :) It was even filled will all kinds of cute knick knacks for a future vacation. My Grandma is TALENTED at giving unique, thoughtful, & FUN presents!

Thanks Mimi! Emmie loves pulling around her new stylin' suitcase-on-wheels!

& thanks Grandpa T for such a fun, relaxing morning at the zoo!

An act of kindness that won't be forgotten

Dear Cute & Thoughtful Arizona Friend:

I was intrigued last week when a package showed up on my doorstep brought by the UPS man. I wasn't expecting anything & wondered what in the world it could be.

My curiousity had the best of me and I immediately ripped open the box.

Inside unveiled another big box from Bath & Body Works that said, "Happy Birthday" with an attached heart-touching, anonymous card.

A huge smile enveloped my face & a few flattered tears welled up in my eyes.

WHAT?! How could someone be that nice? To ME? Really?!

Inside I found a box full of my favorite Bath & Body Works foamy handsoaps. This sweet friend went above and beyond by taking my wishful sarcasm seriously from the bottom of this post a few weeks back. The truth is, my birthday isn't until next week, but what a wonderful early birthday present! Your kindness really boosted my spirits on a day that I really needed it! ...& oh how I love to be stocked up on my Island Nectar and Caribbean Escape handsoaps! It might be an illness but the thought makes me giddy inside... :)

I am so undeserving but so very grateful. Thank you for making my day. And for making me feel so special. You have reminded me to actually act upon acts of kindness, and not just think about them.

What a gift! I promise I will pay this forward!

The world is undoubtedly a better place with people like YOU in it!

Thank you for your genuine friendship & example!!!

I am definitely a lucky girl.

Thank you again!!! I sure miss my Arizona friends! (In fact, I have been richly blessed with great friends in all stages of my life & I wish I could see all of you much more often!!)

xoxo

~Michelle

More on Miss Emmie

Our cute little grown-up two year old!

24 ThInGs I wAnT tO rEmEmBeR aBoUt EmMiE at 24 MoNtHs:

1. This cute girl loves to sing. In the mornings I often hear her singing in her bed when she wakes up. She loves to sing the ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle & Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam. I hope you have your Dad's singing genes Em, and not mine so that you can continue this love in the future without offending anyone. :)

2. Your high-pitched giggle always brings a smile to my face.

3. That crazy swirl calic planted right in the front of your head continues to dominate but we think you're adorable regardless!

4. You still loooove to suck your right thumb!! I'm just glad it's attached and not something else that I have to worry about keeping track of.

5. Your purple blankie is the love of your life & we never leave home without it in fear of catastrophic outcomes. .

6. You LOVE to read stories and your favorites are the Critter books by Mercer Mayer. You love to find the mouse, grasshopper or spider hidden on each page.

7. You have recently turned into a chatter box and are saying lots of little sentences.

8. You are a total climber and much to my dismay you enjoy maneuvering chairs around the kitchen so that you can climb on the countertops.

9. Swinging outside on our swingset has been one of your top favorite activities this summer. You are even tricky enough to stand while you swing like your big brother.

10. Your H20 obsession...You are constantly finding ways to play with water and therefore I am constantly fishing you out of bathroom sinks...

11. You seem to have a poor little immune system thus far as you have been sick in your little lifetime probably 4 times that of your brother in his four years. We are hoping that you are just getting it out of your system early and have many healthy years ahead!

12. You have recently decided that you are potty training and you take the initiative to take off your diaper and go sit on the toilet all by yourself. Just for the record - we're not going there. Yet. As determined as you are, I am holding my ground on this one! Maybe after Christmas we can think about it...

13. You love to eat! Just not your fruit and vegetables. The only veggies you eat are corn on the cob and you love carrots and potatoes. The only fruit you'll have are peaches, mandarin oranges and apple sauce so P wins in the fruit and veggie eating department - but you win with eating everything else well! You often times steal food off his plate. He is a SLOW eater and you are lightning fast in the eating department. Some of your faves are homemade mac, chicken taquitos, tacos, chicken & rice, refried beans, eggs, waffles, peanut butter and honey, CHEESE, yogurt... the list goes on! & lets not forget that sweet tooth. You and your brother can't concentrate on anything else if there is unveiled sugar in the room...

14. You love Roxy. & you're nice to her. So she loves you back.

In fact, you love animals in general and give out a high pitched shriek of delight when you catch sight of them... especially dogs or cats.

15. You have a head start in anatomy as you can point out 19 different body parts with 100% accuracy .

16. You love Abby Cadabby! I don't know how in the world Sesame Street made it's way into our home, but a few months back it did and you've been hooked ever since! It is hands down your favorite show.

17. You love your baby dolls! You take such good care of them and are such a cute mommy!

18. You are a great sleeper! You will sleep from 7 p.m. to 7 or 8 a.m. THANK YOU!

19. You like to be held but at that same time you are very self sufficient.

20. You have had two haircuts thus far in your two years. We did our best to get rid of your mullet this summer.

21. You love your grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and go to them willingly.

22. You have given your brother some pretty colorful battle wounds with your hitting and scratching. We are working on finding better defense mechanisms for you & are still baffled at where this originated from.

Despite your occasional lashing out however, you adore your brother! You follow after him and want to be doing what he is doing.

23. You are so cute when a prayer is being said. You are good to bow your head and fold your arms and say "Amen". I have caught you many times sitting up to the table all by yourself mumbling your own little impromtu prayer to "Heeey Faaar"...

24. You are such a sweet and loving little girl! I love to rock you at night and look into your big bright eyes and have little conversations about our day.

We are tremendously blessed by the joy you have brought into our lives, Emmie!

We love you!!!

The Celebration

The BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!

We sure adore this sweet girl!!!

The PaRtY GoErS:

(sorry, I missed pics of a few!)

The ThOuGhTfUl GiFtS:

The CoRnY DeCoRaTiOnS:

(If you need something ultra cheesy, I just might be your girl. :))

The YuMmY pArT:

(I know, out of control on the cupcake pictures but what can I say, there were too many that made me smile that I want included in my blog book!)

If you're ready to throw up at the all the excessive orange and pink in this post - it's cool. So am I. :)

HaPpY BiRtHdAy SwEeT eMmIe!

Thanks to everyone who came and made her day so special!

Happy Birthday Emmie

Emmie turned TWO today!!!

We had her birthday party on the 23rd but wanted to make sure to do something fun as a fam on her actual big day... So where else do you take a water-loving two year old?

COWABUNGA BAY of course!

We've driven by this place a hundred times on the freeway & I'm always thinking how cornball it looks, but it was actually really fun! The kids had such a great time and I'm so glad we decided to go! I not only got in free with a coupon, but we scored by having it be the first day back to school, so it wasn't crowded at all!

The kids loved floating down the lazy river and there were even a few slides that Emmie could go down.

But first we woke up and opened the Birthday Girl's presents awaiting her downstairs. Between what she got today and on Monday at her party, this girl is in baby doll HEAVEN! I snagged that cute little crib, swing, and stroller set on an after Christmas clearance at Target for $14.99! Talk about a steal. Chris thought I was a nut to buy it 8 months prior to her b-day but I'm so glad I did. I think it's going to be a hit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMMIE!

More b-day festivities to come.

...Once I recover from the craziness of this week... !:)

PRESCHOOL

It's official!

Parker started his first real day of preschool yesterday!

He was a little hesitant to go into his class but once he jumped in there it seemed to go well. We feel super lucky for him to have two of his cute little friends going to the same school. It was a bit of a process to decide on this place as it is a bit of a drive, but we think it's going to be worth it with all the fun programs they offer there, and we're really excited for what lies ahead!

I can't believe that he's old enough to have started his long road of education!

I'm so excited for him but a little sad to see him grow up so fast.

He also starts soccor practice tonight...

I feel like I'm already so busy - but I have a feeling life gets really hectic when the little people reach elementary school and you add in the responsiblities of helping keep up on homework & timelines and then you throw in all the extracurricular stuff... sounds CRAZY! But that's what it's all about, right? It's so fun to watch these little ones as they learn new things, develop their talents and grow into the little people they were sent here to become! I feel so blessed to be a mom and to be able to experience all these fun avenues of life with my kiddos, while doing my best to steer them in the right direction. :)

Check out some cute products!

One of the darling Beehives in my ward has started her own business at barely 13 years old! She hasn't had the easiest life and I am so proud of her for having such big goals for herself and for putting them into action at such a young age.

She told me that she wants to use her time and energy on something good and worthwhile because she doesn't want to get into the bad stuff that surrounds her!

SMART GIRL!

She is amazing and could use all the encouragement she can get with her new business venture! If you have a sec, please check out her website. Even if you don't want to make a purchase - no problem - leaving her an encouraging comment I KNOW would make her day!

(Most of her products are $5 and under and she sewed them herself!)

{Have you done any good in the world today? If not, here's your chance!!! :) -I know it's a cheap shot but seriously!}

Click HERE to view her super cute, affordable products and to (please) leave her a comment that will bring a smile to her face! :) :)

Thanks!!!

http://www.simple-cherry.blogspot.com/

Color on the walls

About a month ago we had to put the crayons on lockdown after

Little Missy Mischief had 5 too many incidences like this one:

The face says it all.

(What you don't see is the couch that she colored all over as well. No big deal. It's just smeared in there with the peanut butter and oreo hands that didn't get damage control before the couch diving portion of the afternoon began...one too many times...)

It's amazing what ravage these little ones can manage in a matter of seconds!

It's times like these that I remind myself that this is why (okay maybe not WHY, but why it's GOOD that) 80% of our furniture are old hand me downs, and a good reminder of why there is no rush to move into our "dream home" any time soon. With brand new furniture and a museum for a home I would lose it when these inevitable instances were to occur.

Which would be often.

Which means I would be in the looney bin....

Which wouldn't be pretty.

Therefore, I do love my humble little abode which can stand a little rough housing from the kiddos now and then without me completely pulling my hair out. (I said completely..)

We're going to be strolling this walk of life for a while so we may as well enjoy it in stride and try not to sweat the small stuff, right?

That's what I keep trying to tell myself anyways. :)

& as a handy tip of the day and to maintain sanity in cleaning up after the munchkins, keeping these pups on hand is a must:

-Just when I thought I couldn't love Lysol/Clorox wipes any more...

THEY GET BETTER!!!

Have you used these little gems? One side is scratchy (perfect for cleaning toilet seats used by 4 year old boys) and one side smooth. It was the only thing that took the crayon off the walls. & no, it didn't scratch them up.

BLESS THEM!

My birthday is coming. Some containers of these, a Shark steamer mop and some Bath and Body Works Island Nectar and Caribbean Escape hand soap (foamy) would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and a gift certificate to Pier 1 Imports(have you been in there lately?!), a shopping spree at the outlets in Park City, family pictures, and a night out with my husband would be awesome. In case you were wondering. ;) Yes, the list goes on, but I wouldn't want to overwhelm anyone. ;)

xoxo

Skirts, shoes & puppy love

My Mom made some darling little skirts for Emmie. Emmie loves all things girly so she of course thinks they are divine!

Don't let all the pictures confuse you -- she isn't modeling all the skirts here- just the one she wore last Sunday. As usual, I am indecisive as to what pictures to post, so heck -- why not continue to overuse the collage feature and post SEVEN?!

Sounds good to me! :)
NOTE: She is holding up her foot so that you don't miss her shoes. She is a shoe girl through and through. She is so funny.

& funny is what I think of the face she is making below:

(she looked at me and exclaimed, "Ughh, HEV HE!")

While the subject is up....Emmie loves to boss around Roxy. She goes around the house yelling, "ROX!", followed by a stream of love-filled air-kisses. My favorite interaction E has with Rox is when Emmie bumps into her (which is often since Roxy follows us from room to room) and says "Sar, Dog!" (Sorry dog), while giving her a little love pat. I am just thanking my lucky stars that she is gentle with the poor dog. Her brother on the other hand got such thrills out of dog torture at this age that I was considering getting rid of poor Roxy. I was afraid he was learning self-taught aggressive behavior through his dog torture practices. Good thing he outgrew that one! Roxy is a good, loyal little dog and has been through a lot with our fam. She is deserving of some love...truth be told with two other very needy little beings in my life I don't always have the time to give it to her. I am just glad that Emmie is willing to give out the kisses to the deserving (?) pup....even though it makes me shudder. Bleh. (No worries - despite the inuendo in that pic, Roxy kept her tongue in her snout, thank goodness. :))

Back to the fun skirts. We love them, Mom! Thanks again!

Into the mind of a little sister...

...& a glimpse at how our attempts at getting a "happy family" photo of the twosome always fails me...:

(Above picture)
Eh eh. Too close!

I meeeeaan it!! Back OFF buddy!

That's IT.

You're gonna get it!

A nice chomp out of your leg oughtta do it...

Eghh...I give up. What is that, a smirk?! Seriously, are all boys this annoying?!

Quite possibly, Em. You just keep that guard up for the next twenty years or so and you'll be just fine!

*I know, I shouldn't condone biting but somehow it makes me smile to see my little girl stand up for herself... even when it means another failed picture attempt. :)

FOUR

Dear Parker,

This picture I took of you today pretty much sums up how I feel about my cute little guy turning FOUR!:

Where has the time gone?! As I think back over the last four years, it's hard to remember life without you, but at the same time I didn't expect my baby boy to grow up so fast on me! I often wonder what in the world we did to deserve such a wonderful, handsome, spunky, FUN little boy in our lives! You are such a bright, warm and kind spirit, full of love for everyone around you. You are the life of the party & your quest in life is to have FUN. Your sparkling blue eyes, big smile and darling dimples make my heart sing. I love it when you are happy & the countenance you carry is usually a cheerful one!

I love that you are so inquisitive. You are a very quick learner - I admire that in you as I am not! You are a constant chatterbox. Literally. That is why mommy can't survive without your "quiet time" these days in replace of your naptime. Nevertheless, I love (most of the time) that you have so much to say. We still aren't sure where that came from, but let's just say that it has been a change for me to have a boy in the house who can talk my ear off. :)

You are an extremely affectionate little guy, always quick to give a hug & you continue to give genuine compliments out in a way that I didn't know was possible for someone your age. That is an outstanding quality that I hope you will continue throughout your life - to be quick to notice the good in others. The contrary -- withholding compliments, is not an attractive feature in a person. I believe there is always something good to be said about others & I am in awe that at such a young age you already look for those shining characteristics in those you come in contact with, & are quick to share them.

You LOVE FRIENDS & you are quick to accept anyone as such! You have made some great friends on our street this last year & it's been so exciting to watch you be so thrilled about those relationships.

You started playing a little soccor this year! At first you were a little hesitant to join the group, but by month 2 you were loving it! You even made a goal during a game. I don't know if it was on purpose, but you made it! Once again, you just love to be around other kids. I don't think it matters what you are playing. You are just there to have FUN!

You started Primary this year as a Sunbeam! The first few months were an adjustment to be out of nursery and in classes, but you have made big strides in going willingly (most of the time) in the last several months & we are so proud of you! You are blessed with WONDERFUL teachers, Brother and Sister Smith, who adore you. You love to sing "Do As I'm Doing" and "I am a Child of God". You said your first prayer in Sharing Time on the 4th of July of this year. You have gotten really good at praying and I am amazed by the thought and sincereity you put in them for your age. You have a special light inside of you & we hope that you will always stay close to your Heavenly Father & keep that light shining in your beautiful blue eyes.

You love to swing, go on walks, go to the park, ride your scooter... you just love to be outside!!! You love to play with Daddy's Iphone, & play the Wii. You are amazing at doing puzzles! You love reading stories. "How I Became a Pirate" and "I Love You Stinky Face" are a few of your many favorites from this year. Many of your books you can recite to me without me even reading them. You have an amazing memory!! Your favorite color is RED. You can point out Utah, Arizona, Texas, California and NY on a map. You always amuse me by yelling out President Obama's name when you see him on TV. You love to color and paint & you've gotten good at writing your name - although you prefer to simply sign your masterpieces with a "P". A few of your favorite foods are strawberries (this has by far been your #1 choice in food for the last 3 years!), corn on the cob, avacado, pizza, "chips and dip" (tortilla chips and refried beans), noodles, and "orange" cheese. You have come to appreciate and like chicken this year, much to my happiness. You eat the majority of fruits and veggies which is awesome. And you've decided that you love chicken nuggets and french fries. And of course, you have your Daddy's unquenchable sweet tooth. You looove any treats but especially chocolate!

Like any good man, you take pride in your battle wounds. You are obsessed with bandaids and are under the firm impression that each little knick needs to be covered by a Toy Story bandaid.

You saw your first movie this year, "Princess and the Frog". It was loud and a bit scary for you. Even Mom thought it was scary. You covered your ears for most of it when your hands weren't digging into your popcorn, but you seemed in awe at your first movie theater experience. You also saw "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Toy Story 3". You love Toy Story and have decided that you must be Buzz for Halloween. We will have to see if we can conjure up an affordable costume.

You love to play with your sister. You love to make her laugh at you and play hide and seek with you. She looks up to you and follows after whatever you do. You also like to tease her but you look after her as well. She adores you!!!

You are such a GOOD little boy, but a few things that you struggle with are focusing and keeping your hands to yourself. You are also already a great procrastinator when you are told to do something, but these are things we are looking forward to working on in preschool this next year!

If I only I had one word to describe you, it would be JOY! That is what you have brought to us this last four years. You are such a wonderful, unique little spirit and it is obvious that you have great things to accomplish in this life. We are tremendously blessed by you and love you more than we knew was possible. We are forever grateful to have you as a part of our family!

Love,

Mom

Parker's first friend party

Months back when asked about what kind of birthday party he wanted, Parker replied with no hesitation that he wanted a Mickey water party. Okay! A strange combination, but whatever the little guy wants, right? Somehow I had to marry the two, which just turned out to be Mickey decor mixed with some water fun ... so I present you with

Parker's Mickey Splash Party! :)

The BiRtHdAy BoY!!!

The silly minor details that the Mom obsesses over...

The FUN!

I stole this water bottle idea (above) from one of my favorite blogs....they work out great because they last so much longer than squirt guns and I put their names on with vinyl lettering so as to not mix them up. I had to swallow my pride on these as I went to at least five stores trying to find ones that matched the red, yellow and black decor with NO LUCK! Oh well. I kept having to tell myself, "4 year olds aren't going to care if they match, Michelle". Well, I DID care - but ah well. They were fun anyways. :)

The party-goers who made the magic happen! (minus darling Addi who wanted a few more minutes at the table inside:))

Parker LOVES his friends! He is quite the social butterfly and is a friend to anyone and everyone. I hope that he will always show love, kindness & acceptance to those around him. He wanted to invite even more kids but I had to draw the line somewhere... these cute kids are all from our street! We are lucky to live in a place where Parker can be surrounded by so many great kids! We sure love our neighborhood.

Thanks to everyone for coming and for all the fun gifts! You all make Parker feel so loved! :)