loved.

I just had to write this down before I forgot. I got really sick for a couple days this week with tonsillitis. Jer had the boys over at his Mom's, while I was at home in bed with a high fever. When they got home Brayden asked me how I was feeling. A few minutes later, he came in my room with a huge sweet smile and a bowl of Raisin Bran. "I made a bowl of cereal just for you..... Would you like a drink of water?" Tears came to my eyes at that moment because there is something so special about the way a boy cares for his Mama.

not your typical day!

Last Thursday was such a strange day! I loved the stormy weather, and was so excited to see some hail! Brayden was amazed by it, Kosty didn't care too much. I would have never stressed about the beautiful weather...except that we were suppose to go to graduation for Jer's lil sister Cede. They set it up kinda similar to Stake Conference,it was broadcasted on tv's & you could watch it in any classroom, hall, gym. Blah.

We got a pretty quiet classroom & Bray was thrilled to sit in high school desks! I just couldn't help myself as I stared at him across the row, could this be a sneak peek into his future as a high school student?

excited at first... starting to get bored...










turning around & chatting with his neighbors

playing cell phone games or texting!

Hmmmm...maybe Kosty will surprise us all and be the obedient academic one!

After the "ceremony" we all waited for Cede, packed in like wet sardines underneath a 2ft wide awning, trying to escape the pouring down rain & freezing winds. We finally spotted her & then we all ran to our cars & got completely SOAKED feet & legs on the way. We just did some pictures at the Figgins home, so not your typical graduation. Then we went to Applebees, where my kids were way past bedtime & were falling asleep at the table.

kosty enjoyed "stuptifying" everyone with his straw wand...

...and finding his favorite spot on Grandpa's lap & stealing some french fries!

We need more "Archies" in this world!

How could anyone resist that face? He has been my favorite since day one. His voice is stunning, gives me the chills every time. I really think he will win tonight, and I am so excited. Not only does he deserve it for his voice, but for standing out with his adorable personality. America needs a role model like David right now!

he's always loved the rain

18 months old

2 1/2 years old

5 years old Sweet Brayden. I had to document this. From day one, this boy has always LOVED the rain. I've always been so amazed at the pure joy I see in his face when we get a little rain. Today, we were driving in the car, the boys both had their windows down and it started sprinkling. The next thing I heard was,

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Grateful for this day.

We are so grateful for this beautiful rain today."

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Mama's Day Weekend

This weekend was so busy! Friday morning I went to "Muffins with Mom" at Brayden's school. I worked at weddings on Friday and Saturday, and had lunch with my step mom and a trip to the mall with my Mom in between. Too hectic, but fun anyway. Sunday morning it was up at 6:45 to make it to church on time, which we were not. Big surprise there! I was feeling jipped that I didn't get my usual 'breakfast in bed' that Jer and the boys had done for me in the past ...but it's not the first time I have blamed 8:00 church for ruining all my plans!! :) BUT... when we came home the boys gave me their cards & gifts and Jer made me lunch, followed by a 2.5 hour nap! That's all I really wanted.

I told Jer my favorite gift on Mother's Day is actually those little interviews that Brayden gets to answer about me...I always love to hear what he comes up with. Since his teacher didn't do one of those this year, Jer just improvised & did it on his own!

My Mom's name is: "Chelsea"

I call her: "Mama"

She loves to eat: "burritos"

My favorite thing to do with my mom is: play cars, not "Cars" cars, just Cars.

My mom cooks the best: "My favoritest chicken of all"

Her favorite place to be is: "Taco Bell"

I make her laugh when: "I do the Buxton Expandable Organizer commercial" (its the funniest thing EVER...he has this whole infomercial memorized!!)

She makes me laugh when she says: "call 1800 make my milkshake" (my own made up infomercial)

She does not like it when: "I disturb her on quiet time" (that sure makes me sound mean!)

My mom loves to: "do chores"

My Mom looks the prettiest when she wears: "her pink dress"

I love her because: "She loves me"

She loves me because: "She's my mom"

I am so blessed by our 2 amazing boys. They are challenging, loving, funny, stubborn, demanding... and give me so much joy all at the same time. I remember a quote in church one time I heard,"Do your eyes light up when your husband or your children walk into a room?" It has always stuck with me, and I am so happy that I really do think it would be impossible for my eyes not to light up. I am so grateful for them.

We have a READER! and other stuff...

One of Brayden's homework assignments this week was to 'read a book to your mom or dad'. I have to admit, I thought it was a little much to ask since he's not in Kindergarten quite yet. But I asked him to pick out a book and give it a try. He chose "Green Eggs and Ham." I know those are easy words but it is a really long book, so I was nervous he would get frustrated... but he read the entire book!! He has been sounding words out for a while but I wasn't expecting him to read it all, that's for sure. He kept trying to "take a break," but I pushed him along, telling him, "one more page," and sure enough he was done! The look on his face was priceless, I have never seen him so proud and amazed at himself before. After he was done he thought he could just do anything. He started reading every logo, brand, and word around the house, and saying, "I CAN READ!!"

Here we are again! We went to a bbq at my sister Brittney's new house last weekend. It was fun to hang with my crazy family again, but of course, as we are leaving someone calls out that we need a picture. So right there in front of the beautiful backdrop which is my car, we stood and waited for an unsuspecting dog walker that was headed for us, little did he know. My dad asks him to take a picture of the 40 of us, and then he says, "Don't worry, We only want 2-3 shots of each of us!!" He is so embarrassing sometimes, but hilarious. At least there will be no shortage of family pictures if we ever need them, because they sure act like each time we get together could be the last!

Poor Kosty. We have all had bad allergies lately, but Kosty's asthma acts up when he gets his. So when he is struggling to breathe, he will say, "I need a breav-een treet-mint." Then he sets his breathing machine all up and helps me put the medicine in, and he holds the mask all by himself. What a sweetie. I think he looks so adorable doing it. Sorry Kosty, you can blame Mama for those bad lungs buddy!

my brain has run dry...

I don't know what is wrong with me lately but as far as blogging goes, I feel like I am suffering writer's block. I used to feel totally overwhelmed by all of the stories and memories I wanted to record. I guess my kids need to step it up around here! They are slackin in blogworthiness :) but so am I. I try to throw something non-kid related in the mix every now & then just to prove to myself that perhaps I do have other thoughts than those about children, to see if there is anything else in that brain of mine... not really, I guess.

I also have been terrible about checking everyone else's blog. I promise I still love you all, even if I am not the best at commenting anymore! I know I need to sign up for that Google Reader everyone has told me about. It was a little confusing to me & I do believe you have to enter every single blog address that you want to check in on...bla. I will do it one of these days...

Today I took Kosty to the Dewper (Kid's show) at the mall. We had to hurry fast because I have to pick Brayden up at 11. The show started at 10. I know, I am terrible at time management, and for that, I blame my parents. Anyway, usually he is done with the show by 10:30 so we go on a Carousel ride & go pick up Bray. I have been so excited to take him since I heard that its a brand new 2 level Carousel. So we head up at the usual time to take our ride, and the lady told me they don't turn it on until 11. I pleaded. No luck. And anyway, where was the sweet old man that always works the Carousel!? Everything was changed. The worker, the Carousel itself, and the pricing! I couldn't believe my eyes that the token price has gone from $1 to $3! For one measly ride! Although the Carousel is free on Thursdays for kids from 11-1, but still!! We are talking tripling the price! Inflation is out of control these days. And who said anything was wrong with the last Carousel?! No one! it was perfect enough and so was $1 per token. What are they thinking?

Next, I have been totally obsessed with Food Blogs lately...I love them! I love good pictures of the food too, I wish I had one of those fancy cameras. For food and for kids of course.

Next, I have been working on my Blurb book but it is taking FOREVER..so my suggestion to you all is start NOW! Don't let it catch up to you!

Next, what were the rumors Ryan Seacrest said were flying around about Paula Abdul? She is a loopy one, but she has sort of grown on me & I like her anyway.

Next, I just finished "A New Earth" by Eckahart Tolle. Unless you've been hiding under a rock you have heard Oprah ranting and raving about it for way too long. A little overkill. I have to admit I have never read any of her Book Club books, but this time I was intrigued by everyone saying it will change your life & you will feel like you are waking from a dream, etc... I wouldn't say it has completely changed my life, but I did think it was great info and anyone WILL benefit from reading it. My overall take on the book is overcoming your own ego, being present, not holding grudges, not being offended, forgiving, being kind... generally living a more Christlike life. Did anyone else read this?

Next, I really want a Dyson for Mother's Day. Not gonna happen, but I'm just saying that I am really done with vacuums that just don't work that great. I hate going over the same spot 55 times before its clean. Grrr!

Next, this morning our neighbor came over at 6 am and rang our doorbell 3 times in a row. I jumped out of bed & was freaking out in my head about what could be wrong. I was thinking the worst. A crime, something happened to Brayden, somebody got hurt, etc. I opened the door and she starts going crazy about how our yard flooded over into theirs. I check out back & sure enough half the sprinklers were on. DANG!! Brayden had turned them on, and we totally forgot. Well we do have the most conservative, corporate, no kids, older neighbors on this street. They are usually really nice, but not today. I apologized & then Jer came out and apologized. The water was only like 3 feet into their side, just in their rocks. It was completely dry by this afternoon. Nevertheless, I want to avoid them for the next 10-50 years.

That's all for now, sorry if you were bored to tears! I'll work on livening things up!