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.

Things Could Be Worse...

I read this on a friend's blog and thought that I would share. It makes me grateful that a.) my children are still young and don't pull stunts of this magnitude b.) they are pretty good kids. Read on and enjoy...
P.S. I have a blog to come of our trip to Amarillo... I know if I put it down in writing I will be more apt to post. So, I'll keep my word... more to come soon.

A Mother passing by her son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then she saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Mom'. With the worst premonition she opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter. Dear Mom: It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it's not only the passion...Mom, she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very, happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don't worry Mom. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren. Love, Your Son Paul P.S. Mom, none of the above is true. I'm over at Dustin's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that's in my center desk drawer. I love you. Call me when its safe to come home.......

Pigs Must Be Flying...

'cause I am finally posting! I know, I know I have been such a slacker. Between going to my sis' and the winter blah's my blogging has suffered. So...here's a post and to say it's late is a huge understatement.

During my hiatus a couple of my very favorite people had birthdays. Phillip and Cooper both celebrated another year. Cooper is now a big seven year old. He is growing so much. I can't hardly believe it. I look at him with his wrist watch, chapter books and toothless smile and I can't help but feel so proud to be his mother. He is such a special boy and I am so lucky to be his mom. Because it's been sooooo long I decided to shake things up. Instead of a travel log I wanted to tell everyone 10 reasons I think they are special.

Cooper is special because:

1. He is a wonderful son. He loves to help out. He'll ask me if he can carry the diaper bag while I carry Ella. He is such a helper and I couldn't get around without him.

2. He loves music. He sings beautifully. I love to hear him sing Primary songs. He is like a ray of light when he sings and it often chokes me up. Cooper is so pure when he is singing and it is one of my very favorite sounds in the world.

3. He is an excellent reader. Cooper was one of the very earliest readers in his class and he reads very well. It has been a joy to watch him develop and grow. This has been one of my favorite things to watch bloom.

4. Cooper loves to learn. He strives to do more and be more. He is excited to memorize The Articles of Faith in Primary. He has an excellent memory and so he loves the challenge to memorize them all.

5. He likes to be creative. Cooper enjoys doing "crafts" and creating. He loves to build tents and then "decorate" the inside with all sorts of pictures and toys. Fun for him... a bit of a clean-up job for me and Phillip. ;)

6. Cooper loves the scriptures. He is eager to have them read to him every night and has been enjoying reading them himself. Phillip and I planned on giving him a set of scriptures for his 8th birthday but decided he was ready for him this birthday. He loves to read them and look at the pictures.

7. Cooper is a wonderful brother. He enjoys playing with Greyson. They enjoy riding bikes together and he'll read Grey books. Cooper is very sweet to Ella. He will watch over her and make sure that she isn't getting into any trouble. He is always very excited at the thought of more children to come into our family, as well.

8. He has a sense of style. This may sound a but funny, but it is something that is just "Cooper". It was something that just came with him. He loves to look nice and he has a sense of what goes well together. It is fun to watch him pick out his own clothes...and they generally match quite well.

9. Cooper is very sweet. He loves to pick flowers...well flowering weeds that are in our yard and give them to me. He is never embarrassed to tell me he loves me and hold my hand in public. This all may change in the future...but I think that he will still be as loving. He often will tell me that he loves me and gives me a hug without my initiation.

10. He sleeps very well. Another thing that may sound a bit silly, but is innately Cooper. He has been a very excellent sleeper since he was little. He liked his naps when he was young and would reach for his crib when it was nap time. He doesn't overly complain about bedtime even now and when it's "lights out" he will be asleep soon after. It has always been a relief and a blessing to me to know that I don't have to struggle with him at bedtime.

I love you, my sweet boy!!

Cooper and his Mimi...aren't they beautiful?!

Everyone at Cooper's birthday celebration. We gathered at Incredible Pizza in OKC

Cooper on the bumper cars at Incredible Pizza.

Cooper ready to open his presents on his birthday morning.

Me, Uncle Mack and Cooper at Incredible Pizza.

Cooper and Grandma...so sweet.
Phillip had a birthday that followed a few days later. Ten reasons that Phillip is special.

Phillip is special because:

1. Phillip always wants to help. He would do anything that I asked him. He wants to make my life easier any way that he can. He hasn't just done this just for me either. When his mom was the apple of his eye he was there to help her, too. She was the Stake YW pres for 10 years and he would go up to Girl's Camp and help set up and then come back after it was over and help take down. He would come early and stay late for church dances as well to helo set up and take down. He loves to serve, especially his loved ones.

2. Phillip is a worthy priesthood holder. He is always very willing to give a blessing or pass the sacrament whenever needed. I am grateful for the priesthood in my home and I couldn't have it without my husband.

3. Phillip also has a sense of style...and I love it. I rarely have to "help" my husband pick out an outfit. He is a very smart dresser. He enjoys looking nice.

4. I have never met another person that loves a good deal...and can find them like my husband. He will rival any other early morning garage seller out there. He is soooo sweet and will usually take the kids (yes, all three of them) on Saturday mornings and go hunt for a good deal. He loves the steals and deals out there and the chance to give his wife...me *beam* a chance to sleep in...I know!! What a guy!!

5. Phillip is an excellent teacher. I love watching him teach. It has been a treat for me to be able to sit in on his Sunday School lessons. He truly cares about his students, whether they be at church or at a university. He wants them to succeed and his teaching reflects that.

6. Phillip is great with children. He will get up with the kids in the middle of the night and help them. He has taken it upon himself to put the boys to bed while I put Ella to bed. He will get up with Greyson (countless times, sometimes) and take him potty or with Cooper and rub his legs if he gets leg cramps. There is also no one that can swaddle a newborn like he can.

7. He is always very supportive of me. Phillip lets me be me. If I wanted to dye my hair blue and work a 40 hour week out of the home he would let me. I choose to have blond hair and stay at home because that what I want...not because my husband has ever pressured me. He also lets me flourish in my home. He supports my love of decorating my home. He understand it's my castle and lets me reflect who we are through the decorations.

8. Phillip loves to be with me....and I love being with him. We are happiest when we are together. It's been that way since we met. We spend as much time together as we can.

9. Phillip and I are very in sync with our taste. We generally enjoy the same music, food, style, etc. It is fun to know that when I choose something, my husband will like it too.

10. He wants to support me and our family. It is very important to him that we have a home, food and clothing. He tries very hard to not only meet our needs but let us enjoy life as well. I am very grateful for Phillip's education and his sacrifice to earn it.

Phillip blowing out his candle on his "itty-bitty" cake.

I love my boys and am so very blessed to have them in my life. I hope they had wonderful birthdays. I love you Phillip and Cooper!!