friends in need

Our friends from BYU, Matt and Angenette Imbler, just lost a baby- the third in a row. They are heartbroken and devastated. Their first child drowned (2 years ago), the second was stillborn (a few months ago) and the third, was stillborn yesterday at 19 weeks- due to an umbilical cord injury.

I can not comprehend what they are going through. Please remember them in your prayers and leave a comment on their blog, if you feel inclined.

Here is their blog: http://theincredibleimblers.blogspot.com/

i'm engaged

We surprised my parents last Sunday and showed up at their ward. My Dad was talking in Sacrament and my mom was teaching Young Womens. One of the YW was singing during Sacrament meeting. A few minutes into her song, Aaron leaned over and whispered to Jake, "You need to marry a girl that can sing, Jake."

Then, Jake leaned over to me and whispered in my ear, "You can sing, right Mom?"

I love that boy.

He really thinks were getting married.

a break in spring...summer plans

Spring break was wonderful! It makes me EXCITED for summer. A few more weeks- and then no school, no waking up early, no homework, no carpools, no flashcards and NO SCHEDULES! Well, I do like my schedule, but I like it to be my own- not from someone else! Here's our spring break in pictures...

I took the big boys to the skate park for a couple hours of fun and then we ended at Golden Spoon for some yummy yogurt, to help us cool off. We had fun making silly faces and making each other laugh.



I took the kids to see Monsters vs Aliens in 3D, while Aaron was in Utah. It was a cute movie and the kids had fun using the super cool glasses.

Yeah- Daddy's home!

We spent an evening at the park- way more fun when Daddy comes, too!






Of course, we had to end the night at Golden Spoon- an after park tradition??

Once again- the pipe broke in our front yard. What a mess! Our whole front yard was dug up and we had no water. Ugh, I hate broken things!! This time Jose (our amazing fix-it guy) replaced the whole pipe so they had to dig through our plants and our beautiful hedge now has a large hole in it. I keep reminding myself it's like a bad haircut, eventually it will grow back, right??

I loved the time off and just being able to enjoy my cute kids. We had a fun week together. 7 more weeks until summer. So far our plans include Edmonds family reunion at Bear Lake, swimming lessons for the 3 oldest kids, family vacation to Big Bear, trip to visit Nana, many, many trips to the beach, lots of sleeping in, the brand new, clean, HUGE, amazing 24 hour fitness that is opening in 2 months and whatever else sounds like fun! Can't wait!

a day in the mountains

After the Sunday morning session of conference, we set the DVR and headed north to the S.B. National Forest. We have a little tradition of doing something fun outdoors between sessions. We found a fun little place to set up "camp" for a few hours and had ourselves a ball playing in the water, picnic-ing on a little island, catching dragon flies and soaking up the sun. What a glorious day! I could've stayed there all day- enjoying my little family and the beauty of the mountains. In fact, I was just thinking those things to myself... when a large family came up over a little hill and settled down RIGHT NEXT TO US. Seriously?? We have a whole forest around us, miles and miles of river and not a person in sight- and this family chooses to park it not 10 feet away from us. And this is not the kind of family you want to chat with and let the kids play together- if you know what I mean. Luckily, it was time to head home, so that seemed to be a good time to pack up and head home. What a wonderful family day- beautiful nature, amazing conference session and a whole day together. Can't wait until next conference!




This little guy played the WHOLE 2 hours without making a peep. He found himself a cozy spot in the shade and kept himself busy banging rocks together, watching the big kids play and digging in the dirt. Can't get enough of this 1 year old!

addie beth

Happy Birthday Miss Addison!

(photo by my super talented sister, Ani)

Yes, we have had another birthday in our family. Addie turned 3 a couple weeks ago and party, we did!

At her request, we had a tea party with the ladies in the family. My mom, Ani, Megan, Debbie, Kate, Addie and I all had a lovely tea party on Sunday. We excused the boys and had apple juice, Cheez-It's (her favorite) and apples. We dressed up and were very fancy. Then we all had dinner together- celebrating Carter and Addie's special days. We opened presents and enjoyed some yummy birthday cake. On Monday, we snuck out for a couple hours and went to Build-A-Bear. She had fun creating her first bear- named Brittany. At times like these- I am SO thankful to have a girl!!!
The princess.

The princess getting instructions from the" queen tea-partyer."





I love my little lady. She is a fireball- and definitely knows her place in the family- the only girl with three brothers! Addie loves tea parties, dressing up, playdough, helping me in the kitchen, taking care of Carter, reading books, her grandparents, jumping on the trampoline and of course, her monkey (her white blanket.) She is a great sleeper, still taking a 3+ hour nap every afternoon. She is doing great in nursery and is looking forward her graduation to Primary and also to preschool next year. Her hair is still as curly as ever and her eyes are a beautiful blue. I get stopped constantly when we are out- with people asking me/commenting about her hair. People also say that she looks "just like Shirley Temple!" Well, I AM her mom- but I think she is pretty darn cute!

I love you Goose. Happy 3rd birthday. You are my sunshine. I prayed so hard for you and I am thankful every day to have a daughter just like you- I am blessed to be your mommy!

couch advice

We are in the market for a new couch.

I know the layout I want, but am lost as to the kind of fabric. I don't want leather, but I do want something that is durable and easy to clean. These couches of ours are old and worked over. They've been through a lot these last 6 1/2 years. I want something really comfy and that seats a lot of bottoms! Here is one that I am interested in. But, I'm not sold on chenille. I do like the layout, though, and I'm digging the ottoman- for extra seating.

What kind of fabric do you have? What do you like/dislike? How does it stand up to kids, spills, dirty feet, throw-up, etc.? Please tell me. This is a big investment and I really want to get something that we will be happy with for a long time!

carter

My baby is turning one tomorrow!

Seriously, where did the time go???

It seemed like just a couple months ago, this little guy joined our family. But it hasn't been a couple months, it's been 12!

I continue to be in awe of this little man, who has so perfectly found his spot in our family. He started walking well over a month ago. He has 8 perfect little white teeth. His hair has finally come in, soft, sweet and very blonde. He sleeps like a champ and is a great eater. He HATES the stroller and is not happy to be restrained. He would much rather be free to walk and explore.

He LOVES to be outside, with the big kids. All he wants to do is sit in the dirt and bang rocks together. After his nap, he'll walk straight to the back door and if it's closed he'll cry until we let him out. He'll be happy as a bug out there for hours- not making a peep, just walking around and exploring. Tonight after dinner, we were sitting around the table chatting with the missionaries and we looked outside and Carter was attempting to climb the ladder that goes to the top of the jungle gym in our yard. Aaron ran out there and just stood behind him to see what would happen and sure enough- he made it to the top! Not good- because has no idea what to do once he gets up there.

I love this little boy so much. I could just stare at him all day. I love his sweet baby lips, warm, round head, his bow-legged walk and his big, clear blue eyes. I really feel like I am able to enjoy him more as a "baby" than I have with the other 3, because I know how fast time goes and that if I blink my eyes, he'll be off to kindergarten. He has such a sweet personality and he's so laid back and easy to please. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the blessing of being his mommy. Everyone in our family adores him and we all are so thankful that he's ours!

We love you Carter-man,
Happy Birthday big boy!