Memory Game

Memory Game:

Here is a fun little game... leave a comment (or a few) on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time or a long time, anything that you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is pretty funny to read the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. On your mark... get set... blog those memories

Pioneer Parade

Today Rachel and Benjamin enjoyed their very first parade ever! Marc and I like parades but it was more fun with the kids. To see how much Rachel enjoyed EVERYTHING and how well Benjamin slept through everything was a neat first for us too. When my mom was driving out here she bought Rachel a cowgirl hat which gave us the inspiration for her Halloween costume...a cowgirl! We also thought it would be fun for her to wear it to the parade so we made it earlier this week (there are still a few finishing touches to do). Rachel loves it and had fun wearing it to the parade. Several people commented on how cute she was, maybe next year she can wear it in the kids pioneer parade.
We got there about 30 min early to find a good spot...and we did! It was under a tree, on the corner, across from the Temple and right next to the port-a-potty (no it wasn't stinky). Mom got Rachel some bubbles for pre-parade entertainment.
Here is Rachel with her cheesy grin and in the back ground is our Stake's float. Rachel loved the horses and the drums in all of the bands. Maybe she will be a horse riding, drum playing gal in parades to come.
And this is how Benjamin took in the whole thing. Isn't he so cute!?

Dinosaur Park

When Rachel started talking about dinosaurs this morning we knew exactly where we should go today...the Dinosaur Park of course! We all had a great time and were pleasantly surprised at how nice the park was, how much was there and how much shade there was. Here is Rachel and Grandma in front of the Utah Raptor.
While we were there we saw a cave person who looked an awful lot like Rachel with their pet dinosaur.
We found a new home with a very open floor plan (though it can be a bit drafty at times) and a great view! The neighbors are large and noisy so I think we will stay where we are now for a while longer.We also saw the 'Worlds most Dangerous Creature' to little brothers named Benjamin. Ahh! Run Benjamin RUN!!!
We left the park during lunch time and Marc almost didn't make it out. Luckily he is a fast runner!

"New swing"

My mom decided that Rachel just needed a swing set for her birthday (which is like in a month) so she went out and bought one for her the first Saturday she was here. Marc and Mom started putting it together Saturday evening and let me tell you they are not the easiest things to put together! Though that could partly be because it was after 10 pm that night when they stopped after only getting the frame together and one swing up entirely. So Monday for our FHE activity we decided to tackle the project again. Rachel as awake this time and just had to help or play all over the swing set which didn't help much but she sure looked cute working along side her dad. At 8 pm that night they finally finished and Rachel was able to swing a few times (safely this time - because the bolts were finally tight) before going in to bed. She loves her new swing set so much! Even though it was hard to put together, some 'swing set' words were used in the building process and I can see what I'm going to be doing everyday now until 'Benjin' can play with her, seeing the huge grin on her face and hearing her laugh makes it all worth it.
While we were putting the swing together, Benjamin was a patient little guy. Laying there contemplating how he could get in on the action. I'm so lucky that he is a calm baby.

"So Cute!"

Rachel can't get over her "so cute brother Benjin" and has to be there to help me do everything for him. She constantly goes up to him and says "so cute, ah, I love you baby Benjin!" I have lost count how many times she has "mauled" him, hugged him, kissed him, bonked him etc. It's comforting to know that the 2nd child survives so he has a good fighting chance against his over zealous sister.

Huka Luka Shirt

Here is our little man in his first 'Huka Luka' Shirt. Grandpa is so proud!

Weekend Warriors

Since my mom is out we decided to use some of her labor in helping us organize the garage. A few hours and lots of sweat later this was the end result. No more tools strewn around for little hands to grab, chemicals up high and (what seems like) more square footage we have a 'custom' garage suited for our needs.

For those of you who don't know what it looked like before, here is a little glimpse of the past.

First Pickins

We got our first pickins of the season...green beans, my favorite! We decided to put some in the freezer, so we taught Rachel how to snap the beans. My big girl sure had a fun time and did a really good job at it. Most of the beans got snapped by her hands but there were the occasional ones that got a little bite taken out of them before they were spit into the bowl. A well, you have to wash and cook them first right?

Tag ur it!

So my darling friend Mandy tagged me, wanting to know 10 interesting things about me. Hmmm intersting....

1. I hate to get in trouble, or be late for anything because I 'just know' that people are mad at me, think I'm irresponsible and don't like me. A totally irrational thought I know and if people really do feel that way about me I shouldn't worry about it...but I do.
2. I sucked my thumb, in public, until the 3rd grade when during a movie at school a boy pointed it out to the kids around us and they all laughed at me. What a traumatic experience for a kid!! But it broke me of the habit so I guess I should say thanks?
3. I was pretend boxing with a boy when I was in grade school and ended up breaking his nose because my depth perception was a wee bit off. We didn't pretend to box ever again after that, I wonder why?
4. I'm double jointed in both of my thumbs. When I was younger I would show everyone because I loved seeing their reaction. For some reason most everyone thought it was disgusting and I got a kick out of it.
5. I'm super competitive at games, especially card games. I HATE losing! If Marc and I are playing card games and I lose, I make him play again and again until I win...even if it takes a while to happen. You just better not LET me win though, because if you do I get mad.
6. I love anything to do with home making stuff. (ie: cooking, cleaning, canning, gardening etc.) though I don't profess to be the best at decorating. If it looks good to me and can be done cheaply I'll do it.
7. I can fix a lot of things around the house, I'm the handy mommy! If I don't know how to fix something I'll figure out how by taking it apart and putting it back together. If that doesn't work than I find a book that will tell me how to fix it.
8. I will try something new, with in reason. If it has the possibility of making me throw up or die you can't make me do it for anything in the world.
9. I LOVE my children so much I forget about what I like or want and do everything for them. For instance Marc will ask me if I heard this new song on the radio and I remind him that I don't listen to the radio anymore...it's always Raffi, or some other kid C.D.
10. I hate dirty floors, especially when you walk across the floor and little bits of who knows what stick to the bottom of your feet! I seriously sweep the floors in our house like 6 times a day, if not more. It's hard to keep up with Rachel and all of her crumbs now, what will be like with 2! AHHHH!!!!

Benjamin David's Beginning

It all started Monday after my doctors appointment...well maybe we should start AT the doctors appointment. After finding out I was at a 4 and still only 60% effaced the doctor decided to 'sweep' my membranes. Let's just say OUCH - but it sure moved thing along. At noon I started noticing that I was having contractions 8 minutes apart. They weren't getting closer or stronger so I went about my business. After a few phone calls to family members about what was going on (because I couldn't get in touch with my doctor) we decided to have dinner and see what things were like later. Well it wasn't but shortly after dinner that things were getting more painful so we loaded up the car with our stuff and headed to the hospital. I was admitted into the hospital after learning that I was at a 6 and 90% effaced...this was really happening! I was given the epidural around 8:30, my bag was broken at 10 and after 4 pushes our little boy was born at 12:47 am July 1 2008. Weighing in at a whopping 7 lbs. 12 oz, 20.5 inches long; much bigger than any one was anticipating - and with a head 'chuck full' of hair (in grandpa's words).

Grandma and Grandpa Anson were wonderful enough to drive up Monday night to take care of Rachel. She had so much fun with them she didn't miss me...which is good right? Tuesday morning they brought her up to meet her new brother "Benjin". She was so excited to see him and even got upset when someone else was holding him because she wanted him all to her self.
Marc had the privilege of cutting the cord and putting on Benjamin's first diaper...hopefully the first of many. Here is one of the first daddy and son pictures, what a cute pair.
While we were waiting to get the OK to leave Rachel zonked out on the couch in the room. While both our children were sleeping we looked at each other and had a similar thought, this is for real.