Time to Face the Music

***Disclaimer*** This is an "uber-post". I am playing catch-up, so it's quite the long one. I'm not going to even try to cram the whole summer into this post...I think I'll start with the present and work backwards... Nonetheless, you have been warned. So, grab your favorite drink, relax and have a read. :)

After being terribly neglectful in my posting, I have decided to face the music and dive right in. To say this summer has been hectic and crazy is an understatement. Starting the beginning of July, I had family come to Oklahoma to help me de-junk and go through three (+) years of stuff. I can never tell them thank-you enough for that. It helped putting my things away sooo much nicer. Then it was packing time. As I went along, I realized that I was comparing my move to having a baby in a lot of ways. When I was knee-deep packing my kitchen at midnight and crying because I hated it so much, I had a thought. Packing is a lot like going through labor. You almost look past it because you are looking forward to the move (or the baby, in my comparison). You also don't ever remember how painful it really is until you are in the thick of it.

Making it to Amarillo was a feat in itself. We had to rent a trailer to haul the rest of our stuff that didn't fit in the largest truck...yep, we didn't fit. Such a nightmare. On the way we nearly ran out of gas because of the large stretch between OKC and Amarillo. We also had quite the car problem three miles from our home in a torrential rain and lightning storm at midnight. Oh! And the locks were crazy switched with our home and the one next door (fixed now) so we weren't sure if we were going to get in once we got here (we did). Just one thing after another... All in all we feel extremely blessed to have everything eventually work out.

Once we moved in, I have been feeling similar to the way I feel after I've had a baby. You are so excited to have this new, sweet life in your home but the upheaval is huge. Nothing is the same and you feel all out of whack...but you wouldn't have it any other way....because it's the way it's supposed to be. It just takes adjusting.

Our home

Yep, it's that flat here. Now before you start judging...the sky is enormous and so beautiful. You can see forever. It is truly amazing. A couple of shots from the inside. Don't judge my by the mess...I seriously just grabbed the camera and took a couple. It can give you a rough idea...
Anyway, we are settling in (a large thank-you to my sweet mother who followed us here and helped set up most of my home). The boys have started school after another bump in the road. They are loving it and I am loving the one-on-one time with my sweet Ella. It has been a fun couple of days knocking around the house and today I went to Phillip's office to help him decorate. Very fun.

First day of kindergarten for Grey and second grade for Cooper.

We recently visited Lubbock, TX for the first time. It was neat to be able to see a part of the country that we had never seen. We are part of the Lubbock Temple District, so we thought we would give it a look. It is beautiful. Cooper kept saying, "I wish I could go inside....". I re-explained to him that you can't go in until you are 12 and even then you have to be a good boy. He said he knew...but that didn't stop him from vocally wishing aloud...a lot and often. It actually does my heart good to hear him long to enter the sacred doors of the temple. Here are a few pictures of us on temple grounds.

We also had a good time just looking around and getting a feel for the area. It has been fun exploring new places and we look forward to getting to see more.

I also wanted to throw in a last picture of my little Ell-Bell. We sure love her and are joyfully watching her grow. It has been a treat. I realized I often post pictures of her look all mowgli and decided I would show her looking all dolled up.

Whew!! You made it!!! I am impressed. Thanks for sticking with me...I know it was long. You get a gold star (and if it is up to Greyson, he would put it right in the middle of your forehead). ;)

Attention, Attention

To all my loyal and not so loyal readers out there:
I have not abandoned my blog, I repeat, I have not abandoned my blog. I will be posting soon as there has been a huge upheaval in my life (moving to Amarillo). I promise to have an updated blog soon. After all, there is always more to post then there is time, right?? ;)

Love,
Steph

Gunner's Apprentice

I have come to the conclusion that Ella has been taking tutorials from Gunner. Maybe she sneaks on the computer at night while we are all asleep...

Don't 'ya just luuuv her crazy hair, diaper clad and in the boys' mismatched flipflops. Now that's livin'.

Pics

This is for Lib (and Whitty). Just some pics I wanted to share and my email was taking for.ev.er!!

Sisters

I've been thinking about families lately, especially because schools out and I have all three kiddos home with me all. day. long., I also got to spend a week w/ my sis and her family (a post to come on that), and I have been able (and will) see both sides of my family recently.
I often talk about how much I adore my sisters (and I do...for real!) but I don't often talk about the sisters I didn't grow up with (no...my dad didn't have an illegitimate family ;). I'm talking about my sisters-in-law. All three of them are very special women whom I admire a great deal. I believe that it is very important for my sons to see women who are strong and independent. It gives them the perspective that women can be tender, loving, supportive nurturers and are equal to men...not superior, but hand in hand they can raise a family in righteousness. I am grateful that Cooper and Greyson have the opportunity to see that on my side of the family and on Phillip's. My sisters-in-law are successful women in and out of the home. They strive to do the right thing and are strong in the gospel. They are very talented and I admire all that they have accomplished. I feel that I often fall short when I compare myself to them, but remind myself that we all have our own strengths and weaknesses (I'd just like more of their strengths ;). They are beautiful women inside and out. They have grown through adversity and I admire their strength and courage. I feel blessed to have married into such a wonderful family and get to call Emily, Julie and April "sister".

Say What?

Cooper: I want to be a scientist.
Me: Really? That's neat.
Cooper: Yea, so I can discover the mysteries of the Giant Squid.
Me: Wow! (suppressing giggles)

Reeeallly?

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

I had come up with a whole laundry list of reasons why I have been the self named Blogger Looser...the weather (what?! it totally affects me), my sis & fam visiting, visiting my Auntie in Nebraska, dirty house and car...just life. While all if these reasons are true, I must admit I have just been in a "funk". Once I wait too long to blog then it hangs on me and then I dread it. Crazy I know, but true. And, I must admit I get my quick fixes from FaceBook. I'm a bit addicted and it allows me to log on for a second (which is about all the time I have) connect with friends and then get off. Nice. Anyway, thank you for allowing me to have "confession" for my blogging neglect. Well, the sun is shining (hooray!!) my house and car are under control and I am ready to blog.

I have been a sewing fiend as of late. A lady in my sister's ward has a wonderful book of apron patterns that she let me and my sis borrow. We whipped out one for Whit, Lib (mostly, that's a story for

another day), and myself. I must say I was pretty proud of the results.

Easter happened also during my hiatus. My kids were able to wear their matching outfits, which is always a highlight for me. We had a wonderful time at my mom and dad's house. Whit and her family were able to celebrate with us. Ella really didn't understand the whole egg hunting thing...I am sure it will come by next year. Cooper was ready and willing to scoop up the "easy" eggs that Ella missed. Let's just say I was worried his basket was going to break under the weight of the eggs.

All the kids ready to egg hunt. We made them sit on the steps before we let them loose. Cooper thought we were just cruel. ;)

Ella has this adorable (at least to me) scrunchy face. I think it is hilarious...and I got it on camera! All the kids and their loot. Cooper couldn't contain all his eggs, Greyson couldn't resit making the plastic eggs his eyes and Ella is just all around confused. Ahhh, don't 'ya just love holidays?

After Easter Cooper, Ella, my mom and I were able to spend a short little time with my Aunt Tracy and her family. She was so gracious to let me bring a couple of my crazies. We came up to help, as much as we could, to decorate and organize their new home. Their home is beautiful and I loved spending time organizing and decorating it. But, the very best part was being able to be with her. She is one of my heroes and just being with her makes me want to be better. I love her and am inspired by her. She makes everything brighter, funnier and...just better by being around her. I am blessed to have her in my life.

When we returned we were greeted by my sweet sister Liberty and her family. What a joy!! It is so much fun being around her. I truly am blessed to have wonderful, fun, spirited, awesome women in my life. To say that I love having her family around is a true understatement. We were able to spend a week with her and her family. While they were here we were able to go to the Tulsa Zoo (a first for me and my family), visit Pops and have a fabulous Girl's Night (ahhhhh, shopping and dinner...who could ask for more?!!).

Here is Ella at Pops. It isn't that great of a picture, but I wanted to document her first (and hopefully only) black eye. She got it at my Aunt's when she fell on the tile floor. Poor baby.
Cutie-patootie Gavin at Pops. What a smile!

Here are our "monkeys". Naturally I cut Greyson's head out. Nice. Other than that they were all looking...a small miracle in itself. :)

Here are Lib's oldest boys and mine. (l-r) Gavin, Cooper, Greyson and Josiah

Some of the boys on a statue of an elephant. It is Cooper's favorite animal so we made sure to take a few pictures with him with them. (if you know me much i turn into a picture taking freak at the zoo...i don't know what it is, but it's like i'm a bit possessed ;)

Some of the kids on the penguin wall. The Applegates go geocaching and they took a picture at the zoo w/ the penguins for their travel bug. Such a fun family!

The week after Lib left Cooper had the opportunity to go back to the Tulsa Zoo with the first graders at his school. It was such a treat for him! He loved it. Phillip was able to go with him and they had a blast. They were able to split off and visit the zoo at their own pace. Phillip was great with him and took as long...or as little time as Cooper wanted. It was a great chance for them to spend some one-one-one time together.Phillip let Coop ride the carousel. So fun!

Another big accomplishment that occurred was Spencer's graduation from Oklahoma State University with his Master's. We couldn't be prouder of him. I was able to attend (thanks to my fab hubby who watched all of my kiddos and Whit's two oldest). He's a superstar. Spencer is such an awesome father, husband and brother-in-law. We are grateful he is on our family. Spencer got a job in Kansas City and will be moving in June. They are lucky to be having Whit and her family up there. Truly they will be a blessing where ever they go and Spencer will be successful anywhere he is.

Spencer walking down the ramp.

Whitty, Spence and me after graduation.

I'm looking forward to the next OSU grad in the fam....ahhh, that will be a glorious day!

Thank you for sticking with me this far. You are a trooper!! Give yourself a gold star (if you're Grey it will go right up on your forehead ;).

Hair Don'ts and My Little Brainiacs

As the last few months have unfolded I have begun to notice a very distinct trend. At first, I thought it was a fluke, then maybe a couple of accidents...but much to my dismay...it is a definite trend. Ella has been delightfully rubbing, smearing, and slathering (i could go on) many products into her hair. I really should blame myself because from a very early age I have put gel, etc into her hair. I guess I have been preening this "catastrophe". But...I don't (not really). I thought that she would "get" that only mommies, aunties and MiMi's do Ella's hair...*sigh*...nope, that's not the case in her book. Ella has decided that Eucerin (a very heavy lotion) and all other types of lotion...good smelly (she isn't picky) belongs in hair, gobs and gobs of her very own hair cream goes in there too, not to mention toilet bowl cleaner mixed with a good helping of toilet water belongs up there too. The other day Whitney (my sis) found our two daughters slathering themselves in toilet water and toilet paper combo...Georgia (my niece) decided to bathe, brush her teeth and drink it (I'm sure Ella took part in that, too) but mostly Ella wanted to do her hair with the soppy combo. To say I am tired of this filthy and annoying habit is an understatement...but then I stop and think for a second and realize my daughter is just emulating what she sees. She sees my family trying to care for ourselves. We take pride in how we look and present ourselves and why wouldn't my daughter (who has caught on very quickly on the whole dressing and getting ready thing) not want to do the same? I have to say I'm not a huge fan of trying to get greasy Eucerin out of her hair, but then again I'm raising a daughter that cares how she looks and I guess I can take some pride in that. Ella wearing her hair smeared. She usually styles it the same way...slathered form back to front. Very cute (insert eyeroll). ;) Note she didn't leave out her eyebrows, either.
On an entirely different note, I wanted to mention that we were able to go see Monsters vs. Aliens. (Cooper calls it Monsters vee ess Aliens...comical) It was a cute movie. They did show a animated hinney. I really could have done without that. But, other than that it was worth it. The best part, I thought, was the 3D. Very fun. They don't give you the red and blue cardboard glasses, but real Elvis Costello glasses. The kids looked hilarious in them. They looked like little genius Elvis Costello's. I haven't been to a 3D movie since I was little and it was quite amazing. One of the highlights of the movie, for me, was watching Grey "karate chop" the aliens while the monsters were doing it on the movie. I looked over to see my son swooping and hi-ya-ing the screen. Loved it. Greyson also said "these glasses make it real!". Not only did we have a fun time, but we get to have Elvis Costello glasses in our dress-up box. Very cool.

My little brainiacs looking very "book smart". I guess the most ironic part is that they got the glasses to watch a movie...not for reading or anything that helps grow their mind.

Amarillo by Mornin'

My sister has been a little reminder on my shoulder that I haven't posted. She doesn't actually say anything...but I feel her checking my blog to see if I've updated and it's high time I stop disappointing her. I love you, Sis. Thanks for helping me out even when you didn't know you had. ;)

Recently we had a opportunity (called Spring Break!) to travel the SHORT! trip to Amarillo, Texas. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we can get there in 4 1/2 hours and on one tank of gas...that is when we take no breaks. When we got there it was our intention to orient ourselves with the city, do a little bit of sight seeing, and try to figure out the best place to live so we can move forward with trying to find a home. In the short time that we were there we were able to accomplish all of out goals (yippee!). We fell in love (all over again) with Amarillo. Phillip and I have really felt that the Lord has guided us to Amarillo. I have told my family that the job and location feels like a glove that "just fits". We don't know why, the landscape there isn't one I would've ever really have chosen, and we aren't familiar with the area--but we feel like it's home already--in a way. We really are excited to see what's in store for us.

Just a cute pic of Coop in our first hotel room.

We first looked at homes and are trying to decide what's best for us...to rent or not to rent. The jury's still out. By the end of the trip, to say that I have decided where I want to live is an understatement. There are a couple of developments right outside of Amarillo and Canyon (the actual town that West Texas A&M University is located). It is a quick drive to either Phillip's job or Amarillo. I hesitate to write this-as I may be judged (and I have been called picky...you know who you are) but I have figured out exactly what I want. I want to be in between Amarillo and Canyon (for the reasons listed above) and because if you live close enough to Amarillo you can still get to shopping and etc. and if you live close enough to Canyon you can be in the Canyon school district...and they are the best. I also want to live in these developments because they are newer, if we rent and don't buy I still want to be in this area because then my kids aren't pulled from their school and we stay in the same ward. I am not looking forward to moving there and then re-moving all over again when we decide it's time to buy. Ahhh I know...picky, picky, picky. Can you blame a girl for knowing what she wants?

We also drove around town and (especially Phillip) oriented himself to where things are. We checked out the local Target (they have one...not a super center...but still!!) and ate at a few fun places in Amarillo. We also went to one of the biggest attractions in Amarillo and Route 66...Cadillac Ranch. For those of you who are not familiar with what it is, don't feel bad...neither did I. I had heard of it, but that was all. I was shocked and amused when I found out. There is a eccentric millionaire that own a large ranch on the outskirts of Amarillo. He thought that it was a fab idea to stick 10 Cadillacs into the ground-nose first-and call it "art". I suppose to some, it may be...all I could think of was, "how much did that cost?!" and "he could have done so much more with that money". Oh well, I'm not an eccentric millionaire and I obviously didn't have a say. ;) Eccentric and odd as it was it was a great little adventure for our family. I mean, where else can you go color and paint on cars that are sticking out of the ground??!! I would dare to say nowhere else.

I was too afraid to let them loose w/ spray paint, so we bought permanent markers. Next time, I think I'll let them use the paint and dress them to "have at it".Cutie little Grey.Our sweet Elle Bell.
We also had to go (just for the sake of going) to the Big Texan. If you are at all familiar with the area, you have heard of the place that will serve you a 72 oz. steak and if you can eat it in an hour they will give it to you free. Now that I have gone, I can say the "free part" is the best part.

It is a total tourist trap, but nonetheless we have gone, experienced it and somehow felt it was a "right of passage" in an odd way. They are very proud of their state. They actually sell suckers in the shape of Texas and when we were at one of the motels they have waffles in the state's shape....comical.

Yep, they advertise on a HUGE bull. What can I say, they take their livestock seriously. ;)

If you look verrrry closely you can see a plethora of stuffed animals on the wall, or standing....ohhh, just about anywhere. My brother, Mack, would've loved it. ;)

Me and the kiddos. If you can catch the prices on the menu, I think it said, "your child's college fund". No joke. ;)

We had a good time being together and looking forward to the adventure that lies ahead for our little family.