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!!

Holy giveaway Batman!

Who doesn't love free stuff?? Check this out if you love bows as much as I do.

http://wifetoado.blogspot.com/2009/02/holy-giveaway-batman.html

Bonnie and Bonnie...or is it Thelma and Louise??

That's right folks, we have two little thieves in our midst. Thelma and Louise (a.k.a Georgia and Ella) can't keep out of my sister and my diaper bags! They not only can't keep their little paws out of all the goodies that they hold...their stealing is premeditated. They always go for the lipstick, lotion or hand sanitizer and wallet. Yep, I said wallet. Who feels comfortable with a 15 and 20 mos. old toddlers with their wallet??? Not me. They have put their heads together and they have come up with a plan to expedite their heist. Louise will start with taking said lipstick out and applying it and then digging her finger in (very important step...Mother will never want it after that), Thelma will then take the lotion and/or hand sanitizer and apply profusely. Next, Louise will take the wallet out of the diaper bag and remove all debit, library etc. cards. Thelma will then take the wallet and whatever remnants are left and then they bolt together with said contra ban (by then Mom has clued in on the heist). Did I mention they laugh in the face of Danger (a.k.a. Mom)???

Video of their last heist. Be forewarned...it's long....but who doesn't love a bit of mischief??

My Girl

My little Elle-Bell has been growing up so quickly. I can't believe that she is turning 15 months. She has been doing the cutest things and I can totally tell she's a girl. As a mother of both boys and a girl I can attest that they are hard-wired differently. Ella just seems more maternal--not to say that my boys don't have very tender places in their hearts for babies and such, they do, but Ella just came differently. She loves her stuffed animals, Dog-Dog and Rabbit (creative, I know), and all dolls. She will rock and love on them--so cute. And she looooves her shoes. She'll walk around and say "shoe-shoe" and she wants me to put her socks and shoes on. She loves clothes. When we are out shopping, she'll pick up clothes and hold them close to her face and did I mention she loves shoes!! We recently went to Target to birthday shop for Cooper and we went to the shoe section. Oh, did she fuss and fuss to try on the shoes. When we finally put some spring sandals on her she wanted down and she wanted to run around in them. She also let us know (loudly, I might add) that she did not want us to take them off. She wanted them left on her little toesies. Ella also loves my makeup. She wants to play in it and put it on her face. I can't believe that she knows what it's for...but she does. She also loves jewelry. In fact, today she put on a necklace and wouldn't take it off. She didn't eat it or pull on it...she just wanted to wear the costume necklace. Ella also got a purse from her fun Auntie Lib. It is the cutest thing. Ella loves it. Ell will put it on and walk around with it. It is so funny to me that she knows just what to do with it. I love my sweet, little doll. She is so precious to me and I am so grateful she is in my family. I really couldn't imagine our home without her. It has been so much fun watching her grow and develop, and I am super-excited to see what is to come. That's right Sweetie...your "my girl". It's just Ell and Me time in the morning while the boys are at school. Here is a picture of her in the morning while we are just around the house.

After Phillip and I got back from Utah it took us a couple of days to put our suitcase away. Ella decided to crawl right in and make herself comfy.

Ella is wearing a hairband for the first time...love it!! She loves my hairbands and if she sees it and I don't put it in her hair, she'll throw a little spunky. So, it was fun to get her one of her own. She is also showing off her new shirt...super-cute!!

Ella loves her Uncle Mackie...oh, and my makeup brush!

I loooove this new outfit...thanks, Mom!! I just had to take a picture of her in it. Greyson is looking on and he thinks she is pretty darn cute, too. After I took the picture I was a bit amazed...is she actually posing??

My sweet girl. I love you!!

Goin' to the Temple and We're Gonna get Married

"We're" being my brother-in-law and new sister-in-law, Ben and April. I am sure there are plenty of people out there that could say the same thing, but I couldn't be happier for them. They are seriously (as far as I can tell) one of the best made couple for each other. I told April's parents, that if I could of conjured up a wife for Ben, I think I would have thought up April. They are perfect for each other and it so fun seeing him with his new wife. She is just darling and I am so glad she can now call herself a Humphrey.

Ben and April right outside of the temple doors.
The Siblings. (l-r) Emily, Ben, Phillip and John

The Humphrey clan (minus the kiddos). This picture was important to my in-laws because all of their children are now married. So, this was a picture with their family and all the spouses.
Me and Phillip taking the pic ourselves...there is only so much you can do when you are holding the camera at arms length...
Phillip and I were able to fly to Utah, with Ella in tow, and make it to their wedding on January 2, 2009. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was so much fun for me to be able to go inside the Salt Lake Temple for the first time. It is such an amazing temple! It is absolutely beautiful. I can not believe what the early Saints had to go through to build something so breathtaking. I was truly amazed.

The Salt Lake Temple

I was super lucky 'cause Whit and her family were visiting Spence's family for the holiday's so they could watch little Ell-Bell while we were at the temple and taking pictures afterward. Thank you Whit and Spence!! You are lifesavers...and speaking about lifesavers...I have to thank my parents publicly for watching my boys while we were away. Not only is that a huge feat in itself, but they were both quite ill the whole time. Really we couldn't have planned it worse for them. I am so grateful that they were willing to take them even though they both felt like crawling into bed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We wouldn't have been able to make the trip without your help.
After the ceremony we were able to go to the Lion's House for the wedding breakfast. It was so much fun! I had never been able to eat at the Lion's House before and boy was I in for a treat. The food was amazing and so yummy! We were a bit late walking in because we had to travel to get Ella, so we were saved a couple of seats with Ben, April, April's parents and my in-laws. It was so fun to get to know April's parents. They are such sweet, good people.

A picture of the mountains. Aren't they breathtaking?

After the luncheon we were able to visit one of my best friends from high school. I don't get to see her very often and so I was super excited. We decided to hang out at her house and eat some pizza for dinner. I was able to meet her little Brixton and see her oldest daughter, Ashlyn. They are both amazing little people. Her little guy is only about 6 weeks younger than Ella. He is such a mover!! I couldn't believe how quick he is. You can tell he is all boy. Her Ashlyn is such a doll, as well. Her hair is so long and beautiful and she was so sweet to Ella. We had a great time and I just wish that we lived closer. The whole while we were chatting big beautiful flakes of snow were falling. It was so beautiful. It really hasn't snowed here in Stillwater this season so I was excited to see it...little did I know that snow, a little rental don't mix...oh, and I super-steep drive. We were all ready to go home and had my verrrry tired Ella packed into the car and we couldn't get out...seriously. Phillip tried and tried. Finally after many failed attempts we called for Michelle's wonderful husband, David, to bail us out. He even had to try upwards of about 6 times. Finally, we were on our way...slowly but surely.

Me and Michelle in the snow right before we left.
A picture of Ella in our hotel room. She insisted I put on her hat and gloves. She thought she was so funny.

Our next and final stop was my grandparents home...after a tiny bit of Utah shopping (for those of you who live out of Utah but love the shopping know what I mean). It was so much fun to be able to visit my grandparents...even for a tiny bit. My Grandpa and Grandma B (as they are affectionately called by my sister's and my kids) were so welcoming and we hadn't been to their house for a few years so it was such a treat. My Grandma was able to show us parts of her newly renovated kitchen (it looks beautiful Uncle Nate!), watch a movie (of course!!...but I think Whit and I were the unfortunate two who blew out her infamous popcorn maker), and just visit. We also were there to go to church with them and see my Grandma in action in the Nursery. She went from the RS pres to the Nursery leader with my Grandpa and they are both fantastic. My Grandpa couldn't make it due to a cold that won't leave him alone. It was so much fun and they were so hospitable. I just wish that we could have stayed longer and could visit more often.

A picture of our little Ella. She loves the camera and will walk around holding it saying "cheese".

We were able to caravan down to my grandparents with Whit and Spence. We invited Ez into our car and he was super excited...this was his cheesy grin.
Grandpa B and Ella playing on the floor (isn't he a good Grandpa?!)Georgia, Ella and Ezra taking a bath at Grandma's. Mmm-mmm they love to drink dirty bath water.My Grandpa and Grandma Blanchard and Ella. I decided I had to have a picture with them and Ella...even if Ella was so tired and angry.
We then flew out bright and early the next morning (a 6:00 a.m. flight...eek) and were able to pick up our boys who we missed dearly.
The next Saturday Ben and April had an open house at the Noble Library. My mother-in-law had it decorated beautiful and can I tell you about the food?!! It was amazing!! My mother-in-law really outdid herself. There were the yummiest appetizers and desserts. Mmmm-mmmm!! My mom was able to ride down with me and my family as well, and that was fun. She is always so great to support my other family. Again, I was able to visit with April's parents and it was such a treat to be able to introduce my mom and boys to them. We had a fun night and it was great to be able to celebrate a beautiful marriage. Congrats Ben and April!! We love you!!

Cooper at Ben and April's open house

Greyson and Phillip at the Open House

Miss Ella on the run. She decided that she didn't want her picture taken that night and was being a bit of a pill. :)

My family with Ben and April after we were all ready to go home.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!

I hope that everyone had a safe and happy New Year. I know, I know I am seriously behind...I am just getting to my Christmas post, but at least I am getting there. Right?
We had a great Christmas. We were able to celebrate it at my parent's home. They live only about 10 mins. away from me, so it was quite convenient. I am not sure how we are going to be celebrating next year, as we will be in Amarillo. So, it was nice to have the ease of celebrating with family and not the hassle of travel.

We decided that we would spend the night over at Mimi'and Grandad's house. Earlier Greyson started to cry in the car trying to figure out how Santa was going to come and visit us. How would he know where we were??? How we he get into our home w/o a fireplace (my parent's have one, so there wasn't a huge concern about Mimi's home...just ours). I helped Greyson squelch his fears about Santa w/ the proverbial "Santa always knows where we are--he's watching us, right?". It seemed to help. My poor boys (especially Greyson) seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. They are always concerned about something.
We started the night with our traditional Christmas Eve FHE. My dad read part of a talk about the first Christmas, we played the chimes (love that), Cooper was able to sing a few Christmas songs along with the actions and we watched Joy to the World accompanied by Celine Dion's Oh Holy Night. It's fantastic. I love it. Here are some pics of our FHE.

Mimi lovin' on Ella

Cooper holding his mallet for the chimes.

Greyson and Phillip. We have been sick w/ oh...everything. Greyson has pink eye in his right eye.

Cutie-patootie Ella

My boys playing their chimes.

Phillip and Cooper.

Phillip helping Cooper sing some of his Christmas songs.

The Christmas Elf always comes and visits our home after FHE. He has left the kids PJ's that they can wear for Christmas morning. When we heard the doorbell ring Cooper looked at me and he was off like a bullet. I have never seen Cooper run that fast. He was out the door like that. He heard the jingling of the elf's bell and we ran into Unle Mack outside with Daisy, their dog...but no elf. Drat. Uncle Mack did get close, though.

The boys opening their Elf presents.

The kiddos in their Christmas pj's.

Here are the kids first thing Christmas morning. (note: Ella is playing with Greyson's gift...not hers)
Here are the boys with their Santa presents.

Here is Ella placed in front of her Santa gift. Poor girl didn't know what was going on. She did warm up and figured out her Santa gift. She loved it.I picked up a CTR tie in Nauvoo and gave each of the boys one and a Stripling Warrior tie tack. Cooper wanted to show us how handsome he was in his tie.Greyson is a huge OSU fan. So, we got him a couple of OSU things (this hat and an umbrella...they love umbrellas).Ella playing with her Santa toy.

Mimi helping Ella figure out a present. She didn't really get the whole open and not play with the just opened toy.

We got our family a Wii. The boys (especially Cooper) was super surprised. We were able to play with the Wii in Nauvoo and they really enjoyed it. I was for the Wii because it is interactive. I am kinda a stickler about not sitting in front of a video game and rotting away... Ella abandoned opening gifts and decided to eat a pear.Phillip was able to receive his dream phone...an iphone. He loves it. Lets just say it was a huge improvement from the previous one.

One of the morning's highlights was watching my mom open a Liz Lemon Swindle painting that she got from my dad. The painting is beautiful! She was super excited.

Ella playing with her Little People home. It was so much fun buying a "girly" gift like that.

The boys playing the Wii.

Ella playing with her toys on Christmas day in her new outfit.

Mack and Cooper setting up his Coast Guard Lego set from Santa.

Just a cute picture of Greyson on Christmas. I am actually taking a random picture trying to figure out the new camera (hot pink!) I got from Christmas!! Thanks, Honey!!

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was filled with fun, family, laughter and love and I really don't think I could've asked for anything better. It was great to be able to take a day to remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His birth and share it with the people I love. I hope that you were able to have as blessed of a day that we had..