We are Faamiiily (as in the song...)

So. I decided that when I start having dreams (anxious crazy ones...not the good, fluffy ones) about my blog it is seriously time to update. So, without further adue, here is some major summer catch-up!!

We started off the summer in the best way, I can personally think of--with family!! Lib, Kit and her kiddos were able to stop by in Oklahoma before they moved to Virginia. Whit and her munchkins were also able to visit Mom and Dad's while we were there. We had such a great time. It always seems, that the visits are never long enough, though.
My parents were sweet enough to indulge their grand kids with a few summer playthings. One of them happened to be a large inflatable pool. {my camera ran out of batteries while I was uploading picture...shocker as the huge amount there are on this post... So, there are a few of the pool fun that I didn't get to. Hopefully I will add them on as soon as I get my new battery charger.} The pool was so much fun, especially for the older kids--and lots of fun for the littler ones when the big kids were out of the pool. :)

Here's a sweet picture of my beautiful sister, Whitney, and darling little niecie Emme. They are out enjoying the day while the kids are cooling off in the pool.

MiMi and my adorable niece, Scarlett. How beautiful are these girls?!

We tried to keep the kids busy--or else they make their own kind of fun. So, we packed up the troops and headed to a favorite destination--The OKC Zoo.

Here is a pic of my Coop. He is so great for posing for his mom. He is giving me a 5 star cheeser in front of the flamingos--one of his favorite things at the zoo.I personally get a kick out of the "stand in front of ...and look like a... In this case I believe it was a centipede. I know, I know they are supposed to bring great joy to the little tots...but it just looks so darn funny to see a kid sprout imaginary insect legs. Thank you Greyson for appeasing your mom.Here is my sweet, sweet nephew Jos. He was such a sport for posing on the bronze turtle. Most of my nieces and nephews look at me like I'm a crazy. :)My boys in front of the flamingos.They have an adorable butterfly exhibit. You and go into a netted "room" and there are butterflies that are flying free. It is really fun. The little girls especially enjoyed it. Ella loved pretending that she was a butterfly (something that she does often).I was able to catch a sweet picture of my adorable niece, Georgia.Who could resist this face?!! She is so sweet I could just squeeze the stuffing out of her!!Here is a picture that has been eluding me for a long time. He's cute, cuddly and fun to play with...nope, I'm not referring to the bear but my oh-so elusive nephew, Gavin! That little guy is a hard one to catch in front of the camera. I guess he decided to appease his Auntie to get a shot with a bear that appears to be nuzzling him. I believe that this picture happens to be one of my favorites. I took another one that doesn't have my water-bibber nephew {Gunner} in it, but then it just isn't nearly as fun. Thanks for the fun memories at the zoo, kids. {not pictured--Georgia and Emme} (I believe that G. was on a much needed potty break and Emme was well, being a little one ;)Another hot spot by our clan is the Cushing Aquatic Center. Now that I have moved away I realize what a gem that place really is. We had such a fun time there and got some great pictures.

Here is Miss G playing with one of our many inflatable toys.Ella decided that one of the inflatable rings was really hat. I guess she figured it has somehow been mislabeled. Also, on the left is my cutie-patootie nephew Ezra, enjoying the sprinklers.BFF's--oh, and cousins too, Cooper and Jos. I absolutely love this picture.Little Gun Gun had such a great time. It was so much fun watching Gunner, Ella and Georgia all playing together. They are so close in age they have built-in playmates. I was even able to get Gunner to go down the "froggie slide" a couple times. Small victories folks, small victories!Mmmm, I'd say she's adorable...but then again, I might be biased. ;)Here's my ever beautiful sister, Whit. I think I thought at the time that Scarli was smiling. I'm having my doubts now that I am getting a better look at the picture...There is always so much to do when you're at MiMi and Grandad's and there is a built in forest in their backyard. It is ready-made for imaginative play. Evidently the fairies/butterflies came out to play this evening.Also one of my favs. Ella just threw her head back and laughed at something her Auntie Whit said. These are the moments, to me, that make it all worth it. {Note: Dad in the background doing his ever present work ;)}While all the cousins were here Greyson celebrated his 6th birthday. If you were to ask me what would've been the very best thing about his birthday, he would've said being able to spend it with his cousins. I'm thinkin' he has a bit of a "boy crush" on 'em. He was so excited that they were able to help him celebrate his special day. We started off the day opening his presents. The kids were all pretty willing to indulge me in all my snap-happy picture taking. I currently have this picture in my house in a frame titled "The Boys". I would have to say this is a pretty priceless pic.
Now we couldn't leave Little Ell-Bell out...Greyson was in luu-uuuv with these sandals. He had showed them to Phillip and me quite a bit earlier and we decided to indulge him for his birthday. Parenthood makes you do crazy things, like buying unattractive, light-up sandals. He was thrilled, and I guess that's what counts.Grey with all his "loot".After the presents and the always favorite lunch at CiCi's we decided to take a small jont down to Pop's. I think that the adults love this place as much as the kids do. Greyson chose his favorite pop--orange creamcicle. I'd say any orange drink would've done it, though.My beautiful niece, Emme. Look at that sweet smile!!There is rarely a picture that is taken that doesn't involve some sort of child. While, I am a great proponent of picture taking (especially when it involves kids because they generally crack me up) but it is nice sometimes to get a picture of me with...gasp...other adults. This one just happens to be with some of my very favorite people ever.I don't think that Greyson would've accepted any other type of cake than one that said "OSU". That kid seriously bleeds orange (you should see his room...but that's another post for another day). Happy birthday, Little Man, happy birthday.

Ahh, it feels nice to get this post under my belt. Thanks for sticking with me, and if you didn't a really don't blame you. :) But, nonetheless we had a great visit with my sister and their kiddos. I can't wait for the next time this happens.

Super-Duper Spring Catch-Up

I vowed that I wouldn't let my son's 6th birthday get lost in all the hub-bub of the summer. So. This year I thought that I would actually play a bit of catch-up and not the annual skip-over that usually happens. Because I am doing that, I thought to myself, why not go even a bit farther back then that and post some of the other memorable events?? Then I thought, yep, why not indeed. So, without further adue... Here is the Catch-Up's of all Catch-Up's (well, sort of ;)...

Cooper's Spring Presentation

About every season Cooper and Greyson's school puts on a little presentation. Mrs. Casso, their music teacher, is brilliant with her little subjects. From 1st through 4th grade they each put on their own little shows. Their "concerts", if you will, are adorable, well thought out and very well executed. I am sure, though, that the parents get the most enjoyment out of it. I absolutely beam with pride watching Cooper, and eventually Greyson, perform. For the spring performance the 2nd graders were given the opportunity to try out for soloist parts. Cooper gathered up all of his courage and tried out. It ended up being pretty rigorous tryouts and I was quite proud of Cooper for his courage and his determination. He ended up being one of the soloists and I couldn't have been more proud of him.

Here he is before the performance. He was able to help post the colors, along with some other boys from his grade."Do you hear what I hear"?? Naw, just kidding... They were actually singing patriotic songs. Which just happened to be adorable (go figure a mother would say that...).Here is Cooper right before he sang with the other 5 soloists. He was quite nervous, but ended up doing great. And, in all of his "Cooper-ness" he was trying to direct and instruct the girl next to him about what to do and where to look right up until they were singing. His uber tendencies to direct is going to be of good use later, right??? Here is Cooper and his good friend, Keaton. They are in the same ward, school, scouts and their birthdays are only a few days apart. We've been able to meet a lot of wonderful people like the Vests here in Amarillo.

Me and Cooper. Cooper was starting to get the "I've smiled for too many pictures" smile. I tried to get him to relax...but as you can see, to no avail.

My mom, the kids' MiMi, was able to be with us. My kids, naturally, were thrilled. You'd think that my mom was their mom over how excited she gets over these performances. I guess that comes with the territory of grandparent.

Now, these next set of pictures are when 1.) Mom's still asleep 2.) the kids are very much awake and, 3.) they find the camera and decide to document their waaaay-too-early activities.

Yep, that'd be Cooper and I'm supposing that Greyson is the photographer. The real problem is, I'm not exactly sure and therein lies the real problem.Now, we have Greyson. I'm darn sure that the photographer this time is Cooper as he is taller than a sitting Grey and I know that Ella would be eye-to-eye in that scenario...but that's all I'm going on, folks. The other problem that I see is, that it is still so early that Grey has "morning crinkle face". That is, in my opinion, way. too. early.
And finally, last but never least, is Ella. Yes, that would be a whole box of cereal in her lap and her arm in it. Something tells me that I need to either get up earlier or get locks on the outside of their bedroom doors...as for me, I'm leaning towards the locks.

While my mom was here we were able to take her to one of my favorite parks in Amarillo, (they have tons!...they have the land to do it, so why not). The kids had a good time and it was wonderful to feel the sun on our faces after such a chilly and unpredictable spring.

A few days after Cooper's singing performance, Greyson our kindergartner, graduated!! It was quite a big deal and the school ordered little caps and gown for all the kids. It was adorable. Mrs. Casso helped prepare a few musical numbers that the kids did (with actions) and they were also supposed to say their name and what they wanted to be when they grew up for the graduation. About a week to two weeks before the actual graduation Greyson let me know that he in fact did not want to go to his graduation. Up until this point he was aaallll about his graduation. In fact, anytime we saw anything that said "Happy Graduation" or anything of the like he thought I needed to get it for him. After all, he was going to be a graduate. So, I talked to him about the total 180 degree shift. He let me know that he was scared to death to say his name and what he wanted to be when he grew up in front of all. those. people. He just knew there would be masses of people and they might just laugh at his name. I assured him that indeed they would not laugh at his name and helped him try to figure out what he wanted to say about his future career. He told me a scientist, no wait, a veterinarian, and then settled a few days later on the Navy. I was perplexed at this sudden career change and asked why the changes. He let me know that when they had a run-through at school that he said Navy and then everyone copied him. I asked why he had changed and he said that is what he had allllwaaaays wanted to do. Um, okay... Finally the day of Grey's graduation came and he was still a massive ball of nerves. I tried and tried to reassure him that it would be okay. I let him know that we would all be in the front cheering him on. When the graduation started and they sang a couple of songs I could tell he was nervous, still. He wasn't singing at all, but did the hand motions. Then it was time for his class to announce their names and future careers. The first classmate showed up, did their thing and then another. Then, there was a little shuffle going on behind the curtain, that incidentally I couldn't see, but my mom could, and it was Greyson so terrified he couldn't come out. He was comforted by a helper and finally, made it out after all his classmates had gone. I was so proud of him!! No one laughed, naturally, and he ended up saying Navy like ohhhh, half of the boy's in his class did. I'm thinkin' that Greyson's career choice wasn't exactly his unique idea...Here's Greyson before he goes up to say his name. He is so nervous, poor little man!

Greyson "facing his fears" like Cooper loves to say.Yay, our little Graduate!!Cooper was so proud of Greyson , he especially knew of Greyson's fears...they talk a lot (too much) at night.The three kiddos.

Momma and Daddy proud of our Kindergartner Graduate!!

Here's MiMi super proud of Greyson. She was able to see Greyson unravel behind the curtain, so she was so proud of him-for not only facing his fears, but for getting through kindergarten!!

Wow!! We both made it!! It's been long enough since I posted. It kinda feels like airing out the carpets...is that even a term any more??? I have another uber-Oklahoma post nipping at this post's heels. We've had a busy couple months and I can't wait to share out adventures. Until then, this'll have to do. Thanks for making it through!!

Happy Mother's Day

Today I was able to go to my boys' school in celebration of Mother's Day. Greyson, who's in kindergarten, presented me this list. I loved it. I love seeing how his mind works. Peeking into kids' thinking process, to me is insightful...and sometimes hilarious. I hope you enjoy it half as much as I did. Happy Mother's Day

~How old is your mother? Ugh...I think 29

~What is your mother's name? Stephanie Humphrey, but I call her Mom :)

~What does your mother look like? She has blonde hair, brown eyes, and she gots kinda blonde skin on her face

~What is your favorite food for your mother to cook? Ramen Noodles-they are pretty good

~What does your mother cook that you don't like? Green beans-they are juicy inside and green. It looks like poison to me.

~What special thing does your mother do for you? She plays tickle with me

~What does your mother do around your house? Cleans up and she sometimes makes my bed for me. She also looks pretty.

~What is your mother's favorite color? Pink-because it is kind of a girlish color

~If you could take your mother anywhere, where would you go? Alabama-her sister lives there and she can see baby Emme

~If you could buy your mother anything, what would you buy? A new necklace. She loves necklaces and dresses

Love,

Greyson

Race You

I heard this song and thought of my sisters. They are always sharing happy songs that make me smile. So, I thought that I'd return the favor and hope that this song brings a smile to your lips.

Bad Hair Day??

This is the combination of too small of curlers rolled too tightly. Something tells me she wasn't thrilled with the outcome...

Seriously...Me??

Alrighty folks, to say I've been a slacker is an enormous understatement. So...I won't even go there. I do need to post some of the happenings that have been going on as of late. BUT this post is a fun little one to get me back in the swing of things, and though it is about me (sorry!!) I feel it is, in a way, a "thank you" to one of my very favorite people in this whole universe...my sis, Whitty --who nominated me for this most gracious award. I woefully don't deserve it (especially as of late), I feel there are bloggers out there who inspire, evoke thought, humor and creativity far better than I. But, that is the beauty of this award--you get to pass it on and honor those who bring a smile to your day through their words! So, thank you Whit for this. You, to me are a a beautiful blogger and a beautiful person.

Well, now down to business. As the recipient of said award there are 7 steps that I get to follow.

1. Thank the person giving you this award (um a bit silly, as I would have done it anyway...but whatev)
2. Copy the award to your blog
3. Place a link to their blog
4. Name 7 tidbits people don't know about you from reading your blog
5. Nominate 7 bloggers
6. Place a link to those bloggers
7. Leave a comment letting those bloggers know about the award

Alrighty...here goes nothin'!

1. I helped deliver my sweet sister Whitney, when I was nearly 5 yrs. old, in our front room on the couch. I don't remember a ton about it...but enough. I remember my mom was in pain, my dad needed me to get me the bulb syringe to help get the gunk outta Whit's lungs...I couldn't find it easily, it was early, when Lib finally woke up she had a new sister, we did a "Baby Dance" the night before and magically my mom went into labor that morning, Whit didn't breath right off the bat and so my dad swatted her bottom and then she began to cry and I was wearing an Oscar the Grouch nightgown.
2. I wish that my life had a soundtrack playing in the background...always. Wouldn't life be better if the moments were punctuated with song that magically made funny moments funnier, touching moments sweeter...and even could make the mundane of life seem like "the good old days"--ones to never forget?? Well, I do.
3. I remember dates that are related to my family quite easily and outfits I wore like, seriously years ago. Ask me when my aunt's anniversary is, my great Grandma's birthday, any of my niece's and nephew's birthdays...it's a bit odd, I guess. At least that's what I'm told. Also, I remember what I wore to check into 9th grade. I don't really know why, I just do. Just odd things like that. Really, I am not sure why I can't put my brain to better use than remembering what I wore when I was 14, like scriptures, or say...Math (eek!) It really would serve me better, I guess that's something I really should work on.
4. I'm a "mother hen". I think it comes with the territory of being the oldest and feeling responsible for my siblings. I feel like I am tut-tutting over them (maybe when they would rather I take my "tutting" elsewhere). I love them dearly and they bring enormous joy in my life. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who has the wisdom to create the family unit. It is very precious to me. When my whole family is all together I sit back and savor it. My family is one with strong personalities and when we get together our fun ranges from heated debates to love and laughter. I love our times together and eagerly await for the next time we can all be together again---there goes my "mother henning" again...
5. I still bite my nails. It is a horrible dirty habit and I know it! I try, try and try to stop...but to no avail. I wear fake nails and I won't bite them--I will pick at them a bit though. I chalk it up to my anxious nature. (I think that sounds better than not being able to control myself...right?)
6. When I was a little girl I wanted to be an author. I think I still have that ambition deep inside. I guess I need a topic that will hold my interest and well...grammar school (hee, hee). I also wanted to be a nurse, a pharmacist, do interior design and an elementary school teacher peppered in there occasionally. And, I always, always wanted to be a mother. I am knee deep in that one right now, maybe another one of those will come to fruition later...who knows??
7. I wish that the styles were those of the fifties with the dresses that flatter the shape of women with a rear like mine. Ahhh, wouldn't that be great?!! Better yet...dresses that come with bustles??!! I have one naturally built in!! As I type this I even get all a-buzz over it. I know it's crazy...but is it really?? Don't get me wrong, I love my jeans and capris...but a style that shouts "your shape is super-duper and come-on and slip into this figure flattering dress!!". Mmmm, sounds like a little bit of heaven to me. ;)

Made it through? Wow...that's a lot of "Steph"! Well, now for my fabulous nominees... (drum roll please...)--

Holly

Kylene

Mere

Annie

Carrie

Julie

Melissa

Thank you guys for bringing a bit of sunshine to my days. Here's to being beautiful bloggers!

" I hope 'ya know, we've had a hard time"

I have ohhh, so much catching up to do...it makes me dizzy thinking about it. I have got to figure out my computer+pictures+blogger. I will. I promise. But, right now I am too tired and I wanted to give a shout out to my fabulous sister Whitney. She has been so wonderful helping me update my blog backgrounds. I get so befuddled and confused and verrry nervous messing with my blog and she steps in like my princess in shining armour (sure! why not??). She helps me and *wa-lah* beautiful background. Thank you, Whitty. I'm a lucky girl to have a sis like you.
On another note... I wanted to relate my horrible, no-good, awful happenings this week. I guess just for venting purposes. On Monday Philip had accidentally left his flash-drive at home and called up and asked if I could bring it by that afternoon. I climbed into the car later that day and low and behold the van isn't working. Fabulous. (*history* we have had our fair share of car troubles this past half year and they seem to keep on comin') I call up Phillip and let him know the situation. He comes to my rescue and tries to jump-start the car. Not working so well...but finally gets it figured out. I was so grateful. I asked Phillip after all was said and done if he had grabbed his flash-drive off of the counter where I had left it. He said that he had and so we left to go drive the van around a bit to keep the battery charging. We ran an errand and then picked up the boys. After that, Phillip left and went back to work. He calls me later that afternoon and asks me if I have seen his flash-drive. As it turns out, Phillip can't find it. Normally, I would feel bad about the lost flash-drive, but not loose too much sleep over it. Not this time. Phillip has been working very diligently on his dissertation (esp. over the Christmas break, which is invaluable no-work and no-students or classes time), which also means I sacrificed not having him around over the holidays. He had saved all of his recent work on this flash drive that he had done since the middle of Dec. on this flash-drive and had yet to back it up. Needless to say, Phillip and I are quite sick over the missing item. *heavy sigh*
On another no-good, horrible incident... Today while I was on the phone with Whit (we were figuring out said blog background together) I realized my youngest was awfully quiet...stress on the awfully. I should've known better right then and there. But, I had put in Dora (her absolute fav) and tucked her into my bed (she luuuvs that) and put my mind at ease that she was comfortably watching her favorite show and maybe even could've dozed off (I can hear the chuckles and feel the eye rolls from here). I send Greyson in after a while to check on her and he yells at me that she has "finger-painted" all over the t.v. Now, I know that there isn't any finger paints to be had in her reach...but there is fingernail polish within her grasp. I dart in there and quickly get off the phone with my sister to find that she has painted our t.v., part of the stand it sits on, herself (part of her hair, too), her outfit, my bed, the carpet, the carpet, the carpet (you get the picture??). I have a dark beige carpet and the polish of choice was a fast drying pinky-tangerine. A bright color that I love on my toes in the summer. I've scrubbed, blotted, googled remedies, snipped at, cried over...but to no avail. As I type this, I figure we'll have to eventually replace the carpet. The splotches are in a highly visible traffic area (thankfully in the bedroom, though) so I don't think that we could patch the spots... We'll see what Phillip and I figure out, though. Boo to ugly, bright spots in our new carpet.
On a pretty personal note... another no-good, awful thing that I've dealt with this week is the fact that I'm not pregnant. This may come as a shocker that we're trying to add to our family, but we don't feel we're complete yet. We were lucky enough to get pregnant with Cooper and Greyson the month we wanted, but Ella was a different story. It took over a year for Ella to start her appearance. It was a hard, painful and very emotional thing for me. I can say this, though. I never wanted a baby as bad as I wanted her and every day I was grateful she was mine and in my arms. I would just sit and hold her reflecting on all the tears that I had cried waiting for her and in awe that she was finally here. I wasn't terribly excited to start the whole "trying to have a baby" process again after Ella, as it wasn't exactly a picnic. But, Phillip and I felt that it was okay to start trying again after we moved. We quickly got pregnant after just a month and we were ecstatic. But, after about seven or eight weeks, things started going wrong and I miscarried. It was (and is) a really tough thing. There are a lot of questions and not a lot of answers. But, Phillip and I do understand that Heavenly Father knows what he is doing and all trials are for our growth. We were told that we needed to wait three month before starting the whole process again and we were hopeful that we would get pregnant quickly. It's only been a month, but I already feel so behind. I hear of women that got pregnant around the same time as I had and know the genders of their unborn bundles of joy and it's rough. That being said, I would never wish this for anyone and am really happy that they are having their babies...I just wish I was too. I'm really alright and I know I'll have another baby...it just doesn't happen to be on my time table. So. I wait and understand that the Lord's timing isn't necessarily mine and figure that at some point (hopefully in the near future) that I will be planning on welcoming another baby into this world.
I hope I haven't been too much of a downer...but I just had to get the crummy happenings off of my chest. Last week Phillip gave a talk on how our trials become blessings, and I guess we're being able to figure it out first hand. He related a story one of the apostles talked about in a recent Conference talk about himself and one of his sons (who was three at the time) . The son had called his mom after he and his dad had been stuck in the Sierra Nevadas in a freak June blizzard and said "I hope 'ya know, we've had a hard time". That's kinda how we're feeling right now. That being said, we're trying not to wallow in it and are picking ourselves up by our boot straps and walking forward.
Thank you for your ear. I promise I'll be more upbeat next post. Here's to tomorrow and the beginning of another day.

Happy December To All!!

I love, love, love this time of the year. It is my favorite beyond compare. All of it...the world taking time to pause and reflect on the birth of our Savior, the trees, the lights, family and friends coming together...oh, I could go on and on.
My family and I just returned from our Thanksgiving travels yesterday so I am spread a little thin with getting unpacked and trying to put up our tree. I have a post a brewin' upstairs in my head. I'll make sure and post that a.s.a.p. so I can get on with the Christmas festivites...and update that blog background!!
Happy December to all and Merry Christmas!! I hope this month unfolds all that you hope it to be.

Love,
~Me