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

My Boos and Little Ghoul

Naturally, I'm slow on the uptake regarding my Halloween post...but then again I wouldn't want to break tradition and actually post on time, would I??

I had been trrrying to do Halloween crafts off and on during the month and was semi-successful. (i am in constant awe of the mommies that are crafty and all put-together with festive meals and crafts to fill the season...i only aspire to be like you) I was able to swing a few things, though and carving pumpkins was one of them. I have many a memory of carving pumpkins the Sunday afternoon before Halloween as a family and then eating the roasted pumpkin seeds. Good times, good times (well, at least for me...evidently the festive tradition left Liberty scarred) ;). I wanted to make sure that I continued the tradition with my family, so carving was a must.Here is a cute picture of Daddy and Cooper. We all contributed with the de-gunking and carving.My kids this year only got to go trick-or-treating on actual Halloween compared to the two to three times they normally do (tough, huh ;). We were out of town for the ward's Trunk-or-Treat and we have in the past also participated in the city's Halloween celebration when we lived in Stillwater. So, they were pretty excited the night of because of the lack of normal festivities. *disclaimer* I have always envisioned my children to have the "perfect" costume. It may or may not be handmade, but it would never, ever be the Wal-Mart type, polyester costumes that are plastic and flimsy. That being said (I hope I haven't offended anyone, because if there is anything motherhood has taught me is never, ever say "never") I obviously had something in mind for my kids and they generally had an entirely different one. *sigh* Greyson originally had chosen to be a pirate. "Great!", I thought. We have a fantastic costume already that complied to all of my "Halloween specifications". So, I wouldn't have to buy one and he would look oh-so-cute. Cooper had a bit harder time deciding on his costume, but finally decided that he wanted to be Anakin Skywalker. Now, it's quite ironic that Cooper wants to be Anakin because 1.) he really hasn't ever seen Star Wars 2.) the only real exposure he's had is on our Star Wars Lego Wii game and that hardly carries the story line and well, c'mon people, it's Legos and 3.) Cooper hates, hates, hates any type of villain or disgusting Halloween-y type character. I found it highly ironic that Anakin turns into Darth Vader one of the most notorious villains ever. I told Cooper who Anakin turns out to be and he flat out refused to believe me....c'est la vie. Oh well. He wouldn't be swayed. I had a hard time figuring out how I was going to make Anikan work and hadn't really figured it out until "the" garage sale happened. Phillip happened upon a garage sale on a Saturday morning with the boys (shocker, I know *insert eye roll * ;). And they just happened upon a Obi Wan Kenobi costume that looked amazingly like an Anikan Skywalker costume...complete with polyester and velcro. How could Phillip say no?? Well, he didn't AND he didn't say no to his other puppy-dog eyed son when he found a Batman costume complete with a plastic (albeit a thick plastic) cape, talking (you can imagine how thrilled I am with that) belt and a super-safe mask (insert sarcasm). Ahhh, the joy of motherhood when your picture-perfect idealism goes swimming down the drain. Oh well. I told myself to suck it up and said alright, it's their Halloween--not mine and if that's what makes them happy then deal with it, and I did.

We decided to take them around our neighborhood and it was great. The neighbors were kind and my kids made a haul. So much, in fact, that the next day the missionaries stopped by and we had them take a huge, bulging gallon ziplock bag home and we are still eating away on the loot.Here is Grey with his mask off...and with it on... Ironically, he had it off most of the night "because it made him all sweaty...even when it's not cold and when it is, too!"

Here's Cooper as Darth, ahem... Anakin, without his hood....and with.Annnnnddddd, this would be me dressing and taking a picture of my daughter w/o her costume on the correct way. That right folks, I put my daughter in her little witch's costume backwards. I'm an idiot. Oh well. I finally realized what I did about 3 houses into trick-or-treating and switched it around. Poor little girl. We weren't even sure we were going to take her because she was feeling so crummy... we finally realized it was probably with the Swine Flu. I guess we may have been giving away a little Swine Flu with our candy (oops!!).Here is the costume on the correct way. I couldn't get her to even humor me with a look at the camera. She had had it, but she thought she was well enough to eat candy {insert eye roll}.

My little boos and ghoul.

Here are the boys with their own custom carved pumpkins.

We hope you all had a Happy Halloween! We sure did and are anxiously looking forward to Thanksgiving day and Christmas season!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!!

While there are sooo many posts that I need to catch up on right now, I didn't want this one to fall through the cracks. With Ella's birthday being so close to Halloween I could see it happen. So, first things first.
My baby girl turned two. Can you believe it?!! In some ways I can...seeing that she has two cousins, that she adores, that have already turned the "big 2" so, she wasn't too far behind, but then again it's odd because I feel like she is still my baby in some ways. I can still remember wanting her in our family for so long and then being blessed to carry her for 9 months. We were all so excited to welcome Ella into our family. We ached for her. There was so much anticipation for Ella's birth...not only because she was our first girl, and all the fun things that come with that, but she was another blessing to join our family. She has been a joy and a learning experience for all of us since she was born. She is naturally a nurturer, a mother. She loves her babies and will dote on them. She also loves the fun and frills of being a girl. It is fun to have a daughter who gets excited over shoes and bows as much as I do. Ella also is an opinionated little one. She knows what she wants. I am learning Ella also has a "strength of spirit". Hopefully, she will be a pillar of strength for the right. That being said, she is quite shy and will hang back to be with Momma. I usually don't mind too much, as we have become quite good pals. :) Once someone has gained Ella's trust she is generally pretty loyal...it just takes her a while to warm up. :)

I can't imagine my existence with out my sweet Ella-Bell. She makes my heart sing and I thank my Heavenly Father every day for my sweet daughter. Happy birthday my beautiful little one.Here is Ella before she opens all of her presents.Hmmm, could this be what I think it is??

Ella is feeding her baby doll in her brand new sling (thank you Auntie Libby and Auntie Whitty!!) while properly adorned in her tiara. Hmmm, maybe she has something there... If I walked around in a crown while parenting maybe I would get the proper respect I deserve...;) Tiara (check), tu-tu (check), favorite toys (check), cell phone (check)...one satisfied little girl. The boys on Ella's birthday...they wanted some TLC, too. ;)We were also surprised with snow on Ella's birthday. Crazy weather, I tell 'ya, crazy!! Per birthday tradition we went out to eat on Ella's birthday. We went "high class" and went to Burger King. She did enjoy the play gym and yummo...the mac n' cheese!!

Poor little girl hasn't been feeling well...so, she hasn't exactly been in the mood to smile at the camera. Thus, the pictures have suffered a bit. *sigh* Oh well. :)

Phillip helping Ella blow out her candles, as she hasn't quiet mastered her extinguishing skills.

Yummo...chocolate cake (no shame in that bite, either! ;)!

Happy birthday sweet girl...and here's to many more!!

Playing Catch-Up

***Disclaimer*** Some major catch-up going on *** ;)

Life has just been truckin' by. I kept on meaning to post, but "life" has gotten in the way. So. I decided that enough was enough and I would get down to business and post.
Before the weather turned too cold Phillip wanted to take the boys camping. We realized it would be impossible to take the boys camping on Friday and get to their 9:00 am soccer games. So, we decided backyard camping would have to do. They loved it. Ella was especially in luuuv. The boys gathered pillows and sleeping bags and Ella just layed there, sucking on her much beloved binkie and looking into the sky. It was pretty darn cute. Ella did sleep inside with me, but the boys and Phillip slept in the tent...and they made it the whole night!!

Boys in the Hood...errr, tent

My three cuties

Since the boys have been in school Ella and I have a had a little bit more time to do things just the two of us. Every Wednesday my ward has playgroup. On one such Wednesday we all went to the free (!) zoo. Ohhh, does Ella love the animals. She loves saying what noise they make. She especially loves the bears, lions and tigers because they growl. I must say it is a bit comical to hear such a girly-girl making such a "growly" noise and getting such a kick out of it.

Ella in front of the lions
I did want to clear up one little thing, though. Just in case you were under any pretense that it is all roses and puppy dog tails with just me and Ella around, I wanted to set the record straight. *disclaimer* I love my daughter verrrry much and am grateful for her everyday. But, that said she is a little girly terror. She gets into my makeup, cleaners and "cleans" everything she shouldn't, loves my nail polishes (thankfully, she hasn't done irreparable damage with this one) and she simply can't get enough of lotion. I only mention this because I found this particular mess ironic beyond belief. She had gotten into some lotion that I have and she loves to squirt it everywhere and slather it on her body. It is quite the mess. As I was cleaning up the mess I noticed that the label on the lotion states it is for "Stress Relief". Ha!! I don't think they had this in mind when they were creating it. Hmmm, now that I think about it, maybe the scent filtrated through my senses and I found this ironic instead of maddening. Maybe they do have something there...When I moved to Amarillo I was afraid that my beloved annual tradition of going to a pumpkin patch and picking out pumpkins had been a thing of the past. I was thrilled to learn that Amarillo has a couple (!) pumpkin patches and I was ecstatic to learn that they were oh-so much more than that! The school that my boys attend takes the kindergartners and the next week the 2nd graders to the pumpkin patch. They not only get to pick out their very own pumpkin but there are rides, hay towers and so much more. Phillip was able to go with Greyson and his class last Friday and I'll be going with Cooper this Friday. Phillip did a stellar job of taking pictures; I won't bore you to death with all of them, though. ;)Greyson showing off his much loved pumpkin (or punkin as Greyson calls it). He was pretty upset that he couldn't carry off a ginormous one (and so was Phillip as he carried it around all afternoon for Grey). So, we promised him that we would go to another pumpkin patch and let him pick out a huge one for home...he held up on his end. The one he chose last weekend was huge!Grey wearing his "Kindergarten Rocks" t-shirt. He loves it as it is not only blue (his 2nd favorite color next to orange (Go Pokes!), it is "comfy" clothes and it says "kindergarten rocks"! What kid wouldn't love it??

I also hear that Grey is a corn shuckin' fool. He let me know that he was "the second winner". I'll make sure and call him into the kitchen to help when we're having corn for dinner. ;)

Greyson and his good friend, Brian

This past weekend we were so excited to have MiMi and Grandad come down from Stillwater. My mom asked us forever ago if they could come down for the boys' Primary Program and we were thrilled to have them. The boys did such a great job and it always makes my heart skip a beat to see them sing. For the occasion (and because I would've been sending Cooper in church shorts and sandals) we got Cooper a suit. He looked so handsome. I need to get a couple of pictures of him in it. We also thought that it was a good idea because his baptism is right around the corner. Crazy, huh!! For fun on Saturday we went to the other pumpkin patch that the boys don't go to for school. It was so much fun!! It was great having the boys have a grand time playing in the dirt hill that has a slide inside (!) of it. A dream of many a boy, I think. Play in the corn sandbox, run around in the bay bail tunnel, climb the hay bail tower and so much more while I chatted with my mom and dad. We snacked on carmel and kettle corn, traveled the large corn maze, rode on the tractor ride and picked my pumpkins to decorate my home. I think that I had as much fun as my boys did. It was also a treat to have my parents here while Phillip was set apart as a counselor in the bishopric. Needless to say, I have really felt my parents absence as I have been a single mother this week. I'm thinking it might slow down a bit as the new bishopric gets their feet under them. Thanks Mom and Dad!! I love you so much and am so grateful for the sacrifice it was to come and support us!!

Cooper showing us his maze punch card. We went to every single stop...all 12!! Cooper was quite determined to get to all of them as you get to enter a drawing for a handheld ipod thingie if you got them all punched.

Mom taking Ella for a cow ride. She loved it!!

Cooper and Greyson on the top of the haybail tower. It was really quite high. There was bluegrass folk music playing and Cooper had no qualms tap dancing and doing a jig on top. It was hilarious.

Well, that about wraps it up for now. Thanks for sticking with me this far, guys. Really, you're a trooper. :)