The Wimmer Family

Here is a small sample of what we have been doing the last six months, in no paticular order.....

2011-08-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Jacob and Carter love to snuggle Natalie. She doesn't let them do it very often, she insists on always being in charge and doesn't give in to anything others want her to do. We need to work on that. When she does snuggle them, they are oh so very happy!

Natalie and Mason

Jacob has started wearing his helmet while watching TV, trying to get used to it. The helmet is usually the most uncomfortable part of the uniform for him! We got him all signed up for PG football and he started last week.

This is how Natalie likes to swing. Brett holds his legs out straight and she lies down on them. He had to draw the line when the neighbor girls asked to try spider swing with him.

St. George with the Wimmers

Easter

Natalie's Birthday

We spent a lot of time at Christie and Ryan's playing football in their nice, big back yard.

Sam's Fifth Birthday!

Jacob's Tenth Birthday!

Christmas

Our best friend Adam turned 12 this year and came for his first Priesthood session. We loved having him here! We didn't want him to go back!

Rex Lee Run

Jacob got to shoot the cannon this year

The boys placed second and third and got ribbons! No nepotism involved!

Natalie and Sam hanging out in our new back yard.

I'm not dead....

2011-08-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

No I am not dead. I lost my cord that connects my camera to my computer, it's silly but I thought, "what's the point of blogging if I can't post pictures?" I was just reading through my blog and thinking about how much I love having this journal of sorts. I need to start again! I need to find my camera cord, but for now, this will have to do.
Things have sure changed for us in the past six months! We moved to Utah, bought a house and are expecting our fifth child! Crazy! We lived with my sister and her family while we were looking for a house. It made me realize it's awesome having a sister wife around all the time and as long as we both have our own husbands! It's the whole husband sharing thing I couldn't handle. It was great having someone to run errands with, shuttle kids around, make dinner and just hang out with. The kids loved it too, there was always a friend around. My sister and her husband were awesome, super welcoming and great to live with. It's nice to be in our own house, but there are things I will always miss!
Now for the baby thing, apparently IUD's are only 99% effective, and I was one of those 1%. I was totally shocked since I just don't get pregnant without medical help, yet here I am pregnant with an IUD. After the initial shock of it all, I must admit I am super excited. I wanted another baby, and it was nice to have it come so easily for once. It was weird looking at that pregnancy test in complete shock, I've usually planned for so long and tested so many times, but this time there it was unexpected and dark as can be. A very strange feeling. We are having a boy. I really didn't care what it was because I felt this was my bonus baby. I would have loved a sister for Natalie, and since I am a little obsessed over her right now, another girl would have been fun.....but what's not to love about another boy?! This pregnancy has been rough, I feel a little handicapped from my legs and sciatic, but it will all be worth it in the end.
We bought our house in Pleasant Grove. I never in a million years would have thought I would end up living in Pleasant Grove, but I love it! I love feeling like I live in a small town. I love driving around and seeing silos, horses, cows and farms mixed in with neighborhoods. We weren't necessarily looking in Pleasant Grove, we looked everywhere. If I never look at another house it will be too soon, I was seriously so sick of looking at houses. We had almost decided to go ahead and build when we found this house. An added bonus of PG is having two of Brett's brothers and their families here in PG, another brother in Orem, my brothers in Lindon and Alpine, and my sister in Orem. We LOVE living close to them! I just need to get my sister in Bountiful down here!
The kids are happy and are starting to make friends. That is my number one priority, if they are happy I will be too. I just want to enjoy the rest of the summer and then figure out the rest! I love living around family, but miss my friends and my life in San Diego.

Family Pictures

2010-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

I like to think of myself as a pretty easy going mom in most ways, but I am a family picture nightmare mom. At least I am willing to admit it. I tell my kids it's because I am going to miss these days so much, and I want to document their cute little faces while they are in this phase of life. I tell them some day many years from now when they are all grown and gone I will sit and look at these pictures and cry because I miss them and want them to be little again. They laugh at me and tell me I won't miss all of it, I won't miss how Sam screams at me or when they wrestle and hurt each other. I tell them I most certainly will, I will miss all of it. Family pictures are very important to me, I just want everything to be perfect. I want everyone to smile and be happy, and if it means I have to bribe and scream in some cases to get it, I will do it!

The day of family pictures this year came, the clothes were ironed and hanging in the closet, we were all ready, and I was ready to have them over with. When Carter woke up his entire face was swollen, another side effect from the terrible baseball accident that knocked his front tooth out in May. The tooth was infected, and he looked like one of the characters from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I wanted to cry, I really wanted to get these pictures over with. I wanted to stop stressing about them and just be done with it! We got Carter on an antibiotic, loaded him up with Motrin, and got the swelling down enough to do the pictures. If you look you can tell he doesn't quite look like Carter, but it was good enough. We did the pictures, they are over, and everyone is happy!

The Never Ending Birthday Celebration!

2010-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

What could be better than a birthday spent at Disneyland? It seems to us that Carter has been celebrating his birthday now for about a month. He had a birthday party at the park, two sleep overs with friends, a birthday dinner, family party, and we spent his actual birthday at Disneyland with the Paulsons and Burrs. What could be better! We love you Carter! I would say we can't believe you are seven, but you have acted seven for almost a year now so it seems about right. We love your craziness, we love your zest for life, and we love your sense of humor. We hope you never outgrow it!

Camping

2010-09-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Oh how we love a good camping trip. We don't get much sleep, but the kids absolutely love it. I'm so glad Laura brought her 95 pound baby to sit on her lap around the camp fire.

Sam's Sleeping Habits

2010-09-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

After we put Sam to bed at night he often roams around. It may be because he takes a three hour nap pretty much every afternoon, and he's not quit ready for bed when Jacob and Carter are. He usually heads down to the kitchen for an apple, goes to the bathroom, gets a drink....he usually goes back to his bed but sometimes we find him the next morning in an unusual spot. These are two of my favorites.

2010-09-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

First day of school

2010-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

I am totally anti-character clothing, so why do I love this Batman shirt? I love it, and so does Sam. I took him to Target to pick some clothes out that he would actually wear. I am so sick of seeing that BYU shirt I could scream. He tried to talk me into a Toy Story shirt which I quickly shot down, but when he asked for the Batman shirt I went for it. We ended up with a Superman one just like it.

We take this picture every year, I wasn't sure we would be here to take it this year. Hooray! We are still around!

Fourth Grade-Mrs. Spiking

First Grade-Mrs. Gretlein

We fought for these four to be together in the same preschool class this year. They better behave! I love these crazy best buds!

The next generation. Typical that Natalie is standing in her stroller. What a bad mom.

I'm going to miss this.....

2010-08-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

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How can I leave this? How can I leave any of it? My friend said it was sad that I was taking so many pictures at the beach today, she knew it was because I know this may be one of our last beach days. School starts on Wednesday and this summer is the last for me in San Diego. Going to the beach with these good friends of mine and their kids has become such a regular occurrence that we rarely think to take pictures anymore. Today, however, I was a little camera happy. I need to record these precious memories (you should have been there Sunshine, I of course didn't have my camera on Tuesday. We'll have to go back). I love the beach, I really love the beach. It's such a perfect place where all my kids are happy, I get to enjoy the beauty of the beach, watch my kids have fun, and talk with my friends. What could be better?

I think I am still in denial over moving. At first I cried a lot, I thought of all the things I would miss, the people I would miss, now I am just in denial. I thought my house would sell quickly, which it didn't. We are going to start school here, we put the boys in soccer, we are going on with life as normal, but things aren't normal. We are moving. I know we are making the right decision to move back to Utah, but that doesn't make it any easier. I will miss the weather, oh how I will miss the weather. I am used to taking my kids to the park in July or December, it doesn't make a difference, we are used to taking family walks after dinner year round. I will miss Disneyland, the beach, my school, my house, my neighborhood, living a short drive away from the Paulsons, the list goes on and on.

When we moved here we didn't have any kids. I have become a mom here. All my life I couldn't wait to grow up and be a mom. I know it sounds corny, but it's true. You know that song "When I grow up I want to be a mother, and have a family....." that was always my favorite. I began that part of my life here, and I have loved it so very much. Now I have to leave. I know most of what I will miss are the wonderful friends who have truly become my family. We have watched each others kids grow up. When we all met we had one or two little kids. These kids are now getting braces, starting middle school, and growing taller than their mothers (almost). I have seen babies born who are now getting baptized. I have watched families with one child turn into families with three, four and five kids. We spend our summers together, spend holidays together, Sunday dinners. We go camping, we swap kids. We know each others history. They know me. They know all my faults and quirks, and they still love me. When we've had enough kid time we go to book club, Women's conference, or go out to lunch or dinner. We throw a party. We support each other in every possible way. I can't imagine living without these people in my life. I don't know how I'll do it. I know I should be happy. We are moving back home, back to our families. We love Utah. I know I will love living in Utah. For now though, I am just sad.

My New Maid

2010-08-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Selling a house means cleaning. A lot. I feel like I am always cleaning my house. Natalie has caught on and since she's at the stage where she wants to do everything we do, she is now helping out. She loves stealing my rags and wiping things down. She's pretty cheap, but I must admit she's not very good! I especially love it when I clean the windows and then she follows with a nice wet rag. Very helpful Natalie!

Arizona in August

2010-08-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

Adam, Mitch and Jacob using the pee bush. We do have toilets, they just don't like to use them. Fine by me, it keeps the pee off my bathroom floor and all around the toilet.
Right before we left I told the boys to go to the bathroom, this is where they go. They call it the pee bush. Lovely. It is interesting though that it has grown better than anything else I have planted in my yard.

This is so classic Sam. I love it!

Who wouldn't want to go to Arizona in August when the temperatures don't dip below 110? Honestly, it was such a great get away, and Saturday was even cool, for Arizona. We got some nice rain and the temp went below 100!! The kids didn't mind the heat because my sister has a pool and they spent most of their time swimming with the cousins. Natalie loved her floaties and we are pretty sure the girl thinks she can swim. Thanks for a great trip Jacobson family!

The Ranch, The Election and Utah

2010-06-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

THE RANCH

The fishing gang. It's amazing how many hours these guys could spend at the lake!

Carter stuck by Dad for fishing, he learned he caught more when he stayed just with Dad!

There is no place like the ranch! It's a kids paradise filled with swimming, fishing, cliff jumping, shooting, snake/frog catching, canoeing, and playing with cousins all day and night. The parents have a pretty great time too talking late into the night, eating, sitting out at the pool and watching the kids have fun. These memories will last forever!

THE ELECTION

The Tuesday after returning to Utah from the ranch, my brother Michael had his Senate election. It was honestly one of the most fun nights of my entire life! During the day we went and held signs at 106th South. Jacob and Carter loved it, and got very excited and involved yelling at every car to vote for Mike Lee. Sam, however, did not have such a great time. I know the pictures are small, but if you look close you can see that Sam cried the entire time. He was hot, then he was hungry, then he was thirsty....it was rough for our Sam.
That night we went to the election party, luckily we were ahead the whole night, but just barely which made it so exciting and fun. We danced, screamed, cheered and celebrated with my brother. I am so proud of him, so happy for him, I know he will represent Utah well. He of course has to win in November, but Utah has not elected a democrat senator since 1970, so his chances are very good. I only wish my dad could have been there, I hope he was able to have a glimpse.
The next day my oldest brother, Tom, was put in as a justice in the Utah Supreme Court. It was once again a very proud day, and once again I wish my dad could have been there. I missed him so very much over these two days. He would be so proud of his sons, and they would have loved to have him there with them. I know he knows what they are doing, and he is happy for them!
We stayed nearly the whole night right by the big screens which published the election results!

Brett, Steve and Ryan tried to calculate stats all night and predict what would happen next

I was a looser with my camera this trip. I didn't take any pictures of our time in Utah. We had a wonderful time with our Wimmer side too. Grandpa took the kids out to the desert to look for rocks, which is always so fun for them. Eric and Laurie were fabulous hosts letting us take over their house and showing us such a great time. It's so nice to have cousins our kids love so much, and a brother and sister in law that we love so much! Natalie still wants to know where Mollie dog is and Jacob, Carter and Sam want their friends back!

It was a wonderful two weeks!

VOTE MIKE LEE FOR UNITED STATES SENATOR FOR UTAH

2010-06-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl I remember my brother Michael talking about how he would one day run for the US Senate and make a difference in our world. As a child I enjoyed listening to all the things he wanted to do to make a better world for us, for our children. Now he really is doing it, he is running for the Senate. My brother Michael is truly the most honest, hard working, and genuine person I know. I believe that politics will not ruin him, he will not fall victim to the smut that sometimes goes on in congress. Michael will work tirelessly to keep the promises he has made, he will remain honest in all he does. I know I am biased because I am his sister, but it really is true!

SO-to anyone out there who is a registered republican in Utah, PLEASE go cast the vote that I cannot for my brother. I wish I was a Utah voter right now, instead I am stuck voting in California where we elect people like Nancy Pelosi. PLEASE PLEASE go vote for Mike Lee on Tuesday, June 22. Get your family and friends to get out and vote too, the more the merrier! Thank you!

Moms and Muffins

2010-05-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

I got a double dose of Moms and Muffins on Friday. Sammy's preschool had it at 9:00 and Carter's kindergarten class at 9:30. I raced from Sam's to Carter's and was only a few minutes late. There is nothing better than sitting with my boys, sharing a muffin and hearing them sing to me. I just love it!

Natalie is ONE!

2010-04-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

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I can't believe she is one, I really can't. I am a little too sad about this baby turning one. With Jacob I was so excited for him to get bigger and do the next thing, but it seems that with each subsequent child I am less and less ready for them to grow up. Perhaps it's because Natalie might be our last, but I am so sad about her turning one. Brett thinks it's great, he is exited for her to get bigger, to play with her and see what kind of little girl she's going to be. I will like that too, but I wish I could keep her a baby just a little bit longer. I have three older kids, I want one who just lets me hold her!
We squeezed in a family party for her after school and baseball. I think she would have rather just gone to bed, but her brothers were so excited for her birthday. They decorated the house with pink balloons and signs. They loved helping her open her presents and watching her dig into her cake. We love you Natalie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Two Wheeling Sam!

2010-04-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

All it takes for Sam is a little competition, and a little of him thinking we don't want him to do something. Sam's good buddy, Shane, learned to ride a two wheeler the other day. As soon as Sam saw him riding down the street he decided he wanted his training wheels off too. Brett quickly got them off, hoping Sam wouldn't change his mind. Of course as soon as Sam realized how excited we were about him learning to ride a two wheeler, he wanted the training wheels back on. So we cleverly told him we thought he was probably too young to learn to ride a big boy bike anyway, and I told Brett to put the training wheels back on. That's all it took and Sam was back on the bike asking Brett to help him. It took about 15 minutes of Brett running behind him holding on and Sam was off by himself! We were so proud of him, and he was so pleased with himself. He kept telling me all night, "I'm just so happy mommy, I am so happy I can ride a big bike!"
We all think there is a good chance we have got ourselves into a little trouble here. Sam is the kind of kid we might find riding down a busy road five miles away as soon as we turn our backs. Now that he can ride a bike, this kid might be out of here! I am still proud of him, I'll just have to keep a close watch and listen for the garage door opening!

CRAZY!

2010-04-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

When my sister Christie came to town when Sam was a baby, we dressed him up in her little girls dress. We thought it was hilarious and took pictures of him. Now that dress belongs to Natalie, and we took a picture of her when she had it on the other day. I think I really haven't realized how much they look alike. It's hard to tell them apart! Can you tell?

Happy Easter

2010-04-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Next to Christmas Easter is my favorite holiday. We had a great day hunting eggs, watching conference, eating lots of Easter candy, and having dinner with wonderful friends. It was a fabulous day!

In case you are wondering, no I did not make my kids dress up to watch conference, that picture is from last Sunday. We stayed in our pajamas until 4:00 when we went to our Easter dinner, oh how I love conference Sunday!

It's Tough being Batman

2010-04-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ever since Sam got his new Batman costume, he is rarely not wearing it, even to sleep in. I love it!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

We made the pilgrimage to Utah for Christmas once again. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Memories were made, relationships were strengthened. It was a complete success!

Our good friends the Parmley's came to Utah this year to experience a little winter time fun. We took the opportunity to begin the indoctrination to BYU. Our nephew Rhett took us on a wonderful tour around campus. It's never to early for a little BYU brainwashing!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-11T15:27:00.000-08:00

Oh how we LOVE LOVE LOVE having Eric, Laurie, Cameron, Luke and Adam come to our house for Thanksgiving. We spent a night up in Anaheim and had a great, though very crowded, day at Disneyland. We also did the beach, a movie, the park, and loved just hanging out and having fun together. Our kids adore each other and so do we! Thanks for coming guys!

Halloween

2009-11-20T16:58:00.001-08:00

Brett told me Natalie didn't need a Halloween costume this year, she could just wear any of her church dresses and be some sort of princess. Silly, silly man. Instead he was sent downtown to Horton Plaza to get the last 6-12 month sparkle fairy flower from Gymboree. Thanks Brett, it was well worth it!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2009-11-20T16:54:00.000-08:00

Natalie is forming a love for her mothers favorite condiment at a young age. I think people assume I am over exaggerating when I say I go through an entire bottle of butter spray a week, thank goodness for the new larger bottle! I still remember when butter spray came into my life, I was a freshman in college, my sister and I bought a bottle and put it on just about everything we could imagine when we got it home. Rice, bread, cereal, pasta, veggies, we were hooked right away. I love the stuff!

Cousins at Disneyland

2009-10-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than cousins at Disneyland, so when our Arizona cousins got a week off and headed to Disneyland, we had no choice but to go too! Luckily all our California cousins met us there as well and a party was had by all.
The one down side of the day was Sam getting lost for nearly a half hour. He must have nine lives this year, first he almost drown and now this. I went on Screamin with Jacob and sent the three other kids with Brett to the animation drawing. AFTER the drawing session was over my niece asked Brett where Sam was and Brett realized he never brought him into the drawing session. A very unconcerned Brett went and asked where they take lost children, and sure enough found Sam waiting for him at the tortilla factory. I found all this out after Sam was found safe and sound. I was a little freaked, but Brett told me Disneyland is the safest place to loose a kid. I beg to differ Brett, but he is sticking with it. On the drive home we always ask the kids there favorite part of the day, Sam told us his worst part was when he couldn't find his daddy. Poor Sam!
We did have a fabulous time and love nothing more than spending time with our cousins, and when it includes Disneyland-even better!

My Day wih Sammy the Wimmer

2009-10-10T15:29:00.001-07:00

Sunshine and I decided to take Jack and Sam to Disneyland for the day while the older kids were in school. There was a little backlash, mostly from Carter, but I explained that I got to do fun things with them all the time when they were little. I took Jacob and Carter to Sea World and the Zoo all the time when they were Sam's age and there were no older kids to worry about getting to school. It was Sam's turn, and Sam's day. I love spending time with this kid when he's nice and in a good mood. So my Sammy the Wimmer, as his best buddy Jack calls him, or Sammy the Sloth, Sammy the Snake or Sammy the Seal as we like to call him, thanks for a great day! Let's do it again sometime!

As a side note while we are talking about Sam, it still shocks me how sweet he is to Natalie. It's so opposite of his personality. Here is this person taking time and attention away from him without giving anything back to him, and he is absolutely crazy about her. He has never in her life said or done one unkind thing to her. In fact, it's the opposite. He kisses her and calls her his princess. He can't stand for her to be sad and he tries to make it better. Maybe there is hope for him after all!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-10T15:22:00.001-07:00

Going to Bates Nut Farm with the Birds is one of our favorite fall traditions. It hasn't worked out for us the past two years due to fires and football, but this year we were determined to make it work. We found a Saturday when our games would end by noon and we headed up as soon as we got home. I love fall and even though it was hot and didn't feel very "fallish," we got in the spirit of fall being at our favorite pumpkin patch with some of our favorite people!

Game Ball!

2009-10-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Carter got the aggressive player game ball today for an important flag pull-good job Carter!

Jacob got the game ball two weeks ago for making a touchdown saving tackle-way to go Jacob!

Time to Celebrate!!

2009-09-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

Some people celebrate getting a job, we celebrate quitting one. Brett and his business partner sold their business about five months ago, and Brett stayed on to work for the new owner. We were warned that the transition often proves too difficult, this turned out to be the case. Brett quit last week, and we headed to Disneyland for a day of family celebration. It was a wonderful day as always, oh how we love Disneyland!

My Tower of Terror buddy, no one, including Brett, will join me on Tower of Terror except for Jacob. Thank you Jacob! Now we just have to get him on Screamin!

We call it the Magical Thumb, and it really is.. I don't think Natalie cried all day long thanks to the Magical Thumb!

Sunday

2009-09-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have a live doll. I never had this much fun dressing my boys for church-I love it!

Super Glue?

2009-09-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

I knew it would happen eventually, I just thought she'd be a little older. Natalie has learned to pull her bow off. She figured out how to do it accidentally, now I think she's doing it on purpose. I don't like this game, she pulls it off, I put it back on, she pulls it off, I put it back on.....this can go on for quite some time. She likes to suck on it, I am not amused. Do you think it would be wrong to try super glue?

I do, however, like that she has learned to push herself on her swing. See how she has her foot on the bottom bar? She rocks herself back and forth, who needs batteries?

Bitter Sweet

2009-09-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's the first day of school today

All the kids are on their way
with smiling faces, they're ready to go
It's the first day of school today!

This is the song we sing to the kids every year on the first day of school, they prefer the version where "first day" is replaced by "last day", but we sing it anyway. It's the best Brett can remember of a song his mom used to sing to them on the first day of school. Seeing as Brett's mom was in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and I am well known in my family to be tone deaf, I am sure it sounded mildly better when she sang it. My poor kids, I sing anyway!

Carter is in his second year of PEPP, a two year kindergarten program for fall birthdays. He was happy and comfortable as can be back in his same classroom, same teacher, same friends. It will be a great year for Carter!

Jacob was a little sad to start school, ok a lot sad. He doesn't do well with summer ending. The pain was made a little lighter by having two of his best friends in his third grade class this year. Bryce and Christian will make the year much brighter!

So I am a little late, just pretend I am writing this on August 20th. The first day of school is always a little bitter sweet for me. Summer is over, I no longer get to be fun mom, doing fun things with my kids everyday. My kids are now one grade older, one grade closer to leaving me. I love summer, I love hanging out with my kids all day long, I love being fun mom. Goodbye summer.

I am not saying there will not be bonuses to school starting. One in particular will be the start of preschool for my Sam August 26th. I love this kid dearly, but he drives my nerves crazy all day long. I cannot say it won't be good for us to have a few hours apart three days a week. I love you Sam, I will love you more by having a little break from you!

Sam was the most excited about the playground! Gotta love preschool!

It's Finally Here!

2009-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

I cheered through basketball, soccer, T-ball and Rookie baseball....all waiting for this.....football season is finally here!! Jacob is in tackle this year, he has 2/12 hour practices every night in August, when games start he drops down to three practices a week. Carter finally gets to play flag, he has three practices a week for an hour and a half until games start and then he drops down to two practices. Brett is the head coach this year for Carter's flag team, the Poway Chargers. After countless hours of Pop Warner coach interviews, meetings and trainings he is happy to finally get on with the season. So this will be our lives for the next three and a half months, bring it on!! We love football!!

Natalie loves sitting through football practice, this girl will learn to know and love this game! Thank goodness for that thumb!

Sammy wants his own cleats and mouthgaurd, poor kid just wants to play football. Luckily he has Abby to help him enjoy practices, they can just play with their pretend baby and make pretend cookies!

Kiddie Kandids

2009-08-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

The last picture shows how most of the Kiddie Kandids photo shoot went for Natalie. She was not a happy girl, we didn't get any pictures of her smiling, but I did get a nice shot of all four kids with Natalie in her blessing dress. I guess I accomplished my purpose. I have a total love/hate relationship with Kiddie Kandids. They are not the best photographers, but I can walk in and leave less than an hour later with pictures in hand for under $100. It is what it is.

The Paulsons

2009-08-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

We love getting to go up to the Paulson's house! This was a great trip, as always, we love spending time with our Paulson cousins.

The kids had a great time at the beach, they found tons of crabs and called this area "Crab Kingdom". They caught several crabs and loved playing with them.

Snow cones on the beach made the day complete!

They have this great park with a man made river for the kids to play in. They had so much fun no one wanted to leave!

It's always hard when it's time to go home. Jacob gets teary each time we leave our cousins. Luckily our Paulson cousins live close enough to see often, we can't wait for next time! Thanks for the fun!

2009-07-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

This post consists of totally random things, I don't even know what to title it, so I'll just leave it at that.
The Paulson's came for a short, but fun visit. I can't say enough how much I love having them live fairly close by. We had a great weekend going to the beach, pool, out to dinner and hanging out.

Sam really does love Natalie. After his nap today he lied down next to her and asked her if she wanted to rub the tag on his kiki. That is true love coming from Sam, only those he loves the most are welcome to rub his tag.

Look what Natalie found! About two and a half weeks ago I went into her room to wake her up and she was sucking away on her thumb. This girl sleeps from about 9:00 at night until I wake her up to feed her at 6:15. then she goes back to sleep until 9:30 or 10:00. It is a dream, I have never had a baby sleep like this before. I have also never had a thumb sucker. Jacob and Carter both took a binky, but a binky gets lost in the middle of the night and I have to stagger in their room and find it in the dark. A binky is hard to get into a babies mouth while driving, though I have attempted it many times, much more dangerous than talking on phone. I won't ever admit that I have tried talking on the phone AND putting a binky in a babies mouth while driving. A thumb is always there, easily accessible at all times day and night, while sleeping, riding in the car seat or playing at home. Let's face it, it's also extremely cute, until they are six and still sucking. I know I may hate it some day when we are trying to get her to quit, but for now I LOVE IT!

Three months old. It really does go by too fast. I love this baby!

Girl Language

2009-07-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

I am learning to speak a new language. For the first several weeks (or longer) of Natalie's life I constantly referred to her as "he." In my mind I always thought, I wonder if he needs his diaper changed, maybe he is hungry, I thing he needs to go to bed. I called her names like "buddy" instead of "sweetheart". To me a baby is a boy, I am slowly but surely learning that this baby of mine is a girl. I must admit I am still a little taken back when I change her diaper, and I maintain that changing girls is much harder than changing boys.

All that said, I am LOVING having a baby girl. I love it even more than I knew I would. I am learning to call her a she, I am learning to say sweetheart, princess, sweet baby girl etc..I am learning to speak baby girl language instead of baby boy.

I love getting her dressed every day, just the other day when I was getting her ready Sam said, "mom the princess needs a bow, which bow should we put on her today?" What a good boy, he is learning well. I love when Sam will look over at her and say in his sweetest voice, "hello princess!" I love that my boys all call her princess, even though that is not a name I planned on calling her, it has become a common name for her in our house. When she was less than a week old my mom was getting her dressed and saying, "hello pretty princess," Natalie started screaming and Sam said, "Nana don't call her that she doesn't like it!" After that we started calling her princess, my friend Sunshine got us a book called Princess Baby that we read to her often, and the name has stuck. I hope they always treat her like their princess, and she will teach them how to treat girls. I love the balance she will bring to our house. We are a crazy house of boys, I am sure she will be crazy too, but will add a certain sweetness to the mix. I love knowing that I will have a daughter who will hopefully forever be my friend. A girl always wants her mom, I hope that will be true for Natalie. I love this baby girl!

Utah....The Ranch.....The Blessing....The Fourth

2009-07-08T16:21:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, lazy Utah summer days. There really are no rules in Utah, apparently you can ride in the street without a helmut, have couches in the front yard, ride out of your car seat, eat whatever you want etc.....I know it's not really true, but I am convinced my kids think it is. Whenever we are in Utah it's pretty much anything goes!

THE RANCH

We spent four days and five night this year at the ranch. Oh what an amazing place! I am so grateful that we get to go here every summer, I just hope it will contintue for many years to come. My kids are finally reaching ages where they will have memories and I want one of the strong ones to be going to the ranch every summer. It's every kids dream, we are the only ones there so they really can run wild. There is no end to the activities and they take full advantage of everything. I can't imagine a better vacation spot for our loud and large family. The lodge is settled at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains contatining a large gathering area, 17 motel like rooms, a comercial kitchen and two large bonus rooms. Where else would we fit 16 adults, two couples of married grandchildren, and 30 kids? They have a pool, tennis court, golf put, lake, stream, river, endless hiking, volleyball net, the fun truly never ends. The kids wake up early to go fishing and drop dead in bed around 11:00 at night. It is truly the most amazing vacation!

These four were never seen apart the whole time we were at the ranch. They fished, caught frogs and snakes, did the paddle boats, swam, went shooting, rock jumping, they even slept together. If you saw one you saw them all.

Natalie's first time in the pool!

Everyone loves jumping into the river from this jumping rock. The water is freezing but I think I need to try it next year!

Brett took the boys fishing every morning and sometimes again in the afternoon. They loved fishing this year, along with playing in the boats and catching snakes at the lake.

The Cousin Olympics! My brothers split the cousins into three equal teams, each led by an older cousin. They had to make up a skit, eat fear factor food (ex. chip with mustard, marshmallow cream and an olive), do a team building activity where the whole team must cross the stream holding onto each other, build and hold a human pyramid, run relays, and a swim/run relay at the lake. It went pretty well and all the kids were having fun until the human pyramid. The poor younger kids on top were scared to fall because there older cousins and parents were yelling the whole time to hold the pyramid. I don't think we are a competitive bunch until we hold cousin Olympics. We all laughed at ourselves at one point because we were all screaming at our kids to hold it at all costs!

Sammy and his Nana

Paddle boats on the lake

Natalie had plenty of little babysitters

Dinner is the one time during the day that everyone gets together in the same place. There is so much to do everyone is running in ten directions at once all day long, but at night we all sit down and eat together.

Jacob and Carter shooting

Natalie and my sister's baby Mason were born exactly one month apart. We know they will be best friends for life!

We were able to bless Natalie at my mom's house while in Utah. It was nice to be able to have so much of our family there for this special occasion.

Sam was a stinker the whole evening, not much of a surprise. He even tried to squeeze his way into the circle during the blessing with his cousins Luke and Adam. It was hilarious to watch Eric kick them away with his legs while standing in the circle.

My sisters minus Stephanie who had to head back to California before the blessing day.

Nana showing Natalie's shoes that were given to Brett's mom for her baby girl who never was. Brett's mom had five boys, I am glad someone got to use these shoes!

My mom's husband Wayne is the king of overindulgence. If my mom asks him to buy candy for the kids, he'll buy out the store, she put him in charge of getting fireworks for the kids and he went crazy. I am glad he did because the kids had a blast doing fireworks. I forget how late it stays light on Utah summer night, the fireworks didn't start until 10:00. In North Salt Lake where my mom lives they do fireworks on July 3rd, so we got to do the blessing and fireworks all on the same night. I have never seen a better fireworks show in my life. My mom lives right on the golf course and they were shooting the fireworks off right below her back yard, it was amazing!

Fourth of July

Sam's latest obsession

2009-06-18T18:38:00.001-07:00

Each time I have a new baby the next oldest child has displayed some type of interesting behavior. I have never had problems with them trying to harm the baby or act out towards the baby, they have always loved the new baby. I have simply noticed a strange change in behavior not necessarily directed toward the baby. Jacob needed to be held everytime he drank his milk after Carter was born, Carter started pooping his pants after being potty trained for three month once Sam was born. Sam's new obsession has been the most intersting of all, but what else would I expect from Sam. He has his own baby, his baby Lola. He calls her his baby, carries her around everywhere with him, and cuddles and kisses her. When Brett is holding Natalie he says, "oh Daddy you are holding your baby and I am holding my baby." When I was giving Natalie a bath the other day he went and got Lola and gave her a bath too. He told me, "Mommy you gave your baby a bath and I gave my baby a bath." Poor Lola, she is so patient with him when he sqeezes her a little too tight or lies on top of her while snuggling her a little too much. I just hope she makes it through the summer.

It has been declared....

2009-06-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Today was declared as the best day of summer so far. I am not sure that is saying much since school just got out on Thursday, but I do believe this will stay as one of their favorite days of summer. What could be better than Disneyland with Ashley and Eli, their best buddy Adam, and the Mendenhalls? Nothing I say.

Natalie was such a trooper, she spent her day split between the stroller and Baby Bjorn. I think her first trip to Disneyland was a success!

Sam and Eli can cause some serious trouble together!

Abby is going to marry Carson.....or Dallin......maybe she can at least save a date for Sam.

Memorial Day

2009-06-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else feel like I am about two weeks late on my blog posts lately? Hmmmm. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love having the Paulsons live close enough for a weekend trip together. We had a blast hanging out with them over memorial day. We enjoyed lots of DS playing, swimming, BBQing, and having fun together. Having four girls fighting over whose turn it was to hold Natalie was an added bonus for me. Thanks Paulson's, we love you!

This picture of Jacob and Natalie is sure to be a favorite forever. So sweet, he just loves his little sister so much.

St. George

2009-05-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

We took a weekend trip to St. George with the Wimmer family last weekend. It was fun to be together with everyone and for Natalie to get to meet her Wimmer side of the family. I love St. George so much, I love that my kids get to go rock climbing and hiking in Snow Canyon, things I never did as a kid. When I went to St. George growing up it was all about the pool, the kids do love to swim, but they get a lot more out of St. George than just the pool.

Most of all, I love watching my kids interact with their cousins, uncles and aunts, and grandparents. It was a fabulous trip for us all!

Jacob climbing

Carter climbing

Papa and Natalie

Thank goodness I brought my Nanny along. Everytime Natalie made a peep Laurie would pick her up, it made the trip a lot easier on me. Not only was she my Nanny, but also my partner for shopping, watching movies, Diet Coke runs (beetles and all), scouting out new frozen yogurt stores, good chats etc...I am so glad this chick is in my family, she makes it all more fun! When we first got there she announced she had brought some adult movies for us to watch, of course meaning non-kid movies, but we all got a laugh out of thinking she brought "Adult Movies."

It was a fun filled trip for us all!

Life with Four Kids

2009-05-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

So this is what I have resorted to. Jacob had baseball from 4:30-7:00 and Scouts from 6:45-8:00, I know the time doesn't quite work out. We were at the baseball park from 4-7 where Sam completely ripped up his toe, maybe the kid should wear shoes? We had to race to Scouts to make the last half and Brett is in Anaheim watching the Red Sox. So, a delicious chicken dinosaur dinner with apples and peanut butter served in the bath while Natalie is attached to me in the Baby Bjorn so she doesn't scream her head off was my solution. It was a fabulous idea if I do say so myself, everyone is happy and we might even get to bed at a decent hour.

Natalie Louise

2009-05-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sam always wants to be right by Natalie

Carter was so proud to show Natalie off at the Kindergarten Mothers Day Tea

Natalie's first Sunday at church

Natalie is growing everyday, and it's killing me. I remember with Jacob I wanted him to get bigger, I wanted him to sit up, roll over, crawl, walk, talk etc.....I was so excited for each new stage. With each baby I want them to stay little longer, this time I just want her to stay little forever.
Brett has taken to calling her Mary Poppins (practically perfect in every way), which is usually a term of endearment he saves for himself, so he must really like her. He does, however, refuse to call her this while she's crying, because he thinks she has the worst cry ever. It is very high pitched and shrilly, but she is a girl after all! Jacob thinks having a baby is like having a pet, the highest compliment coming from Jacob. Carter can't stand for her to cry and he runs to pick her up the moment she makes a peep. Sam loves "his" baby as he calls her, especially while she's sleeping and he can climb on top of her. I don't think he's trying to suffocate her, but one can never be sure when it comes to Sam. We are all enjoying our baby Natalie, I just wish she could stay this way forever!
I do realize I need to change my blog name now that we are no longer Three Wimmer Boys, I just haven't gotten around to it. Someday, I am sure I will. Does anyone know how to do that?

The Paulsons and Nana

2009-05-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Stephanie, Emily and Sydney drove down the weekend before last to see Natalie. I am so grateful to have them close enough for a quick trip. They got to overlap with my mom for a few hours and we were able to have Sunday dinner together. It was a short but sweet visit!

I am lucky to have a sister with talents I don't have. She made these cute letters for Natalie's room. Thank you Steph!

The hardest part for me about having a baby is the day my mom leaves. I thought it was difficult when she left after Jacob was born, but it only seems to get harder with each child. Now not only am I crying on the way home from dropping her off at the airport, but all my kids are crying too. They all want to know why Nana had to go home, we all wish she could stay. Three days later Sam is still asking me every five minutes why Nana had to leave. Brett thinks she is the most helpful mother in law in the world, I agree. He says he wishes she could stay for a month, I wish it too. She did my laundry, bathed my baby, took me shopping, ordered take out (that's how my mom cooks best), talked and talked with me, took my kids to and from school, told bedtime stories, got my kids ready, let me sleep in. She played baseball with Carter, Blokus with Jacob and did puzzles with Sam. She got home at 8:00 Monday night and had to be at the temple by 4:00 the next morning. I wish she were still here, I wish she never had to go home, I miss my mom!

My niece Ashley came to see us this past Sunday. It was nice to have them down to spend a few hours and have Sunday dinner. I forgot to ever get my camera out for a picture, luckily they are coming back this weekend. Thanks for coming down Ash, Adam and Eli- I love having you guys close enough to get together from time to time!

She's Here

2009-04-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

The boys can't get enough of her, there aren't enough waking hours in the day for them to hold and kiss her. I am loving dressing her in cute clothes and bows. We are happy to finally have our baby girl here!

The end

2009-04-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am always torn with emotions at this point in my pregnancy. I am so uncomfortable, I can't sleep, bend over, roll over, and my legs are KILLING me. In so many ways I hate being pregnant. I hate the way I feel, I hate the way I look, I hate my vericose veins. Still, there is something I so love about being pregnant. I love feeling the baby move, I love that even when I am doing nothing at all I am doing something amazing and truly miraculous. There is just something special about being pregnant, I know that sounds corny, but it's true. Brett is convinced this is our last, but he has said that before, so we will see. If this is our last I can't believe I will never do this again, I can't believe I will never have a baby inside me again, never give birth again, never have a new baby again. It's like closing a very imporant chapter of my life.

I may have a love/hate relationship with being pregnant, but one thing is for sure, I only have a LOVE for giving birth. Some may laugh at me or call me crazy, but my favorite day of my whole life is the day I give birth. It is the most fullfilling, amazing, miraculous day ever, and I absolutely love it with all my heart. As long as I have that good epideral, all is well. It's so amazing to me that you go to the hospital one day and come home with a new person, a new member of your family who will be a part of you forever. It's amazing.

So I have mixed feelings right now. I am so excited to meet this new little person, to see what she looks like, to hold her. At the same time I am a little sad that she's not just mine anymore, I am not the only one who gets to feel her and be a part of her. It may sound strange, but it's always how I feel right before I have a baby.

I am a little nervous to have four kids. Everyone says once you have three adding more isn't too much harder. I think it just depends on what kind of baby she is. I thought Carter was a hard kid until I had Sam, so you just never know.

I am excited and sad, but I can't wait to hold and see her!

Baby Shower

2009-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

I love baby showers, I love getting together with friends, eating good food and seeing all the cute baby presents. I must admit, though I love all the cute things my friends gave me and I am truly grateful, I always feel a little weird when the shower is for me. It's a little uncomfortable being the center of attention, the one opening all the gifts instead of watching. It was well worth it though, boy did I get some cute things. If this baby comes out a boy I am in trouble!

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends here in San Diego. It was such a scary, "experimental" thing when Brett and I moved away from Utah and all our friends and family. I really didn't know how we would like it. Luckily for us we moved to the most beautiful place in the world with undoubtedly the most wonderful people. We couldn't be any more blessed with the friends we have made here, they are truly our second family. THANK YOU, I couldn't do it without all of you!

My friend Heather pointed out I don't put any pictures of myself on my blog. I have a great reason for that, I HATE the way I look in pictures when I am pregnant. I know I need to stop being so vain. So here you go Heather, taken with your camera, a picture of me greasy faced and all!

She looks so cute in my comfy new boppy!!

Spring Break

2009-04-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

I love spring break, it's like a little taste of summer in the spring. We needed to stay close to home this year with the baby coming soon, but we had plenty of fun things planned. Luckily we made it to the beach, park, movies, and a visit to Brett at work, but a bad fever put Jacob out for two days and Carter out for one.

Oh how I love the beach! I don't know if there is anywhere I would rather be. Luckily for me the kids feel the same way!

I feel so bad for Jacob that he had to spend part of his spring break on the couch instead of out playing, but having his friend Adam sick too helped soften the blow.

Pizza night at the Birds. Sunshine made delicious pizzas and even let the kids make their own. Unfortunately Jacob and Adam were sick in bed, but the rest of us had fun!

The boys love going to visit Dad at work. He only works at the office two days a week so it's a little hard to make it there very often. Rocky always has fun things for them to do like pop the shipping wrap and play football in the warehouse. Sam is especially fond of the packing peanut machine, I am sure you can imaging what kind of mess he can make with that!

I tired.....I failed

2009-03-25T15:19:00.001-07:00

!Getting ready for my new favorite ride: Toy Story

Gotta love the dye they use for cupcake frosting!

Happy Birthday Caroline!

I can admit when I fail at something, and apparently staying away from Disneyland is something I just cannot do. How could I resist two sisters and a niece meeting at Disneyland with their kids for the day? Not me. I thought I would wait until after the baby was a little bit older before I renewed my passes again and headed back up to Disneyland, I guess I was wrong. My oldest sister Diana came to visit her daughter Ashley and son Eli, Stephanie decided this would make a perfect birthday party for Caroline, and I wanted to see them all! I am glad I decided not to wait. Though I wouldn't suggest walking around Disneyland for 10 hours in 80 degree weather when you are eight months pregnant, if it involves my kids enjoying time with their cousins, and me with my sisters and nieces, it's well worth it!

Papa and Jacob

2009-03-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Jacob and Brett's dad, Papa, have always had a very special relationship. One thing they share is their love for rocks. This year the second grade studied rocks, and Papa and Grandma were able to go on Jacob's field trip with him and do a rock presentation for his class. Papa was a geology major, but then switched to Economics. He may not have pursued a career in geology, but it is still his passion. We were so glad he could do this for Jacob.

(I just got these pictures back from Jacob's teacher, I of course forgot my camera. The field trip and presentation actually took place the week of Jacob's baptism.)

i

Girl Scout Cookie Time!!

2009-03-16T11:23:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am one of those pathetic pregnant women who gains 50 pounds during pregnancy. I do it every time, and with a year and a lot of work I take it off. I am sure I could keep the weight down a bit, but what would be the fun in that? I love being pregnant during all the important food seasons; Thanksgiving, Christmas, girl trip, Easter, and of course girl scout cookie time. Besides the disappointment of them not selling All Abouts this year, it has been a good girl scout cookie March. I remember selling the cookies as a little girl, I never went door to door around the neighborhood, just door to door around my house. Each of my siblings chose a box or two, my parents did the same, I collected a check from my mom, and I was finished. I'm not much of a sales girl, but I do love these cookies!

Dad

2009-03-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Not a single day goes by that I don't think about and miss my dad. Thirteen years ago on March 11 he passed away, for me March 11 is always a very emotional day.

My dad was truly one of a kind. He was smart and witty, unassuming and funny. He was the perfect match for my mom, and the greatest dad a girl could have. I remember countless hours in our basement with him playing Annie with my little sister and me. He was always Sandy the dog, and he gave the best performance panting and barking away. We would sing and dance around him as he sat there playing dog. He also loved to turn music on and dance around with us. Our favorite game was "run around daddy". I think he played this one on nights he was tired, he would lie on the floor and we would run around him. From time to time he would grab us and tickle us until we had tears running down our faces. Every night after a long day at work I remember him asking my mom what he could do to help, she usually replied, "play with the kids," and that's what he did.

My mom used to make me go to his supreme court cases when we lived in Virginia. I remember thinking they were terribly boring, but how happy I am now that she made us go. I have memories of my dad arguing important cases at the United States Supreme Court, and from time to time even making the Justices laugh. He could always make people laugh. They called him Huck Finn in a morning coat, he was always just a small town boy at heart.

My dad got cancer for the first time when I was in sixth grade. My parents went to Maryland for what they thought would be a few weeks of treatments, but ended up staying for almost five months. During this time my dad argued another case at the supreme court with a wig on his head, oxygen tank on hand, and a nurse close by. My mom would read his briefs to him sitting on the foot of his hospital bead. Many times she thought he had fallen asleep and would stop reading. As soon as she would stop he would tell her to go back to paragraph five second sentence over and re read that part. His body was failing him, but his mind was as sharp as ever. We knew our prayers had been answered when my dad's cancer went into remission, the doctors didn't think he would make it. We feel lucky that we had an extra 8 years with him. Heavenly Father still had more for him to do on this earth.

Not long after his remission, my dad was asked to be the President of BYU. For the remainder of his life BYU was his passion, he still argued a few cases, and did a little work for his law firm, but for the most part he was committed to BYU. It became a family affair, all of us spending time going to various BYU sporting events and activities. My parents were extremely involved traveling, hosting visitors, giving devotionals and participating in all BYU events. My dad stepped down as President just 2 1/2 months before he passed away.

My dad expected a lot of his kids, and we hated to disappoint him. In our family we always knew the two most important things were the Gospel and school. He was always ready to help us with school in any way he could. We all knew not going to college was not an option, and though sometimes I didn't want to finish, I am grateful to him for setting that expectation and for making it possible.

Though it breaks my heart that my dad was never here to be a part of my kids lives, I am grateful he got to know Brett. My dad and Brett's dad went to Boy's State together as small town Arizona high school students, lived in the dorms together, and double dated together. After their missions and getting married our parents lived in the same apartment building in Chicago while my dad was in Law School and Brett's dad was getting his PhD in economics. My mom cried the first time Brett came over to the house, he looked just like his mother, her good friend Louise, who had passed away about 10 years before I met Brett. Every time Brett was over my dad would yell from wherever he was in the house, "who invited Larry Wimmer over?" Brett and his dad do sound just alike. When we would all get together our dad's acted like kids, talking about girls they dated, things they used to do. We loved it. My dad loved Brett, and though I was young he told me he knew Brett was the right one for me. He told me it was the person who mattered, not the age. It means a lot to me to know how much my dad loved Brett.

On March 11, 1996, all seven children and my mom stood around his hospital bed as he passed from this life to the next. We all took a turn telling him what we loved the most about him, and then he left us. The pain of that day is different, but still present today. It is not as sharp, but just as painful. I think often of all the things my kids are missing by not having him here, of how different our lives are because he is not here to be a part of them. I didn't have kids yet when he died, and he was such a fun grandpa to the ones who were here. It saddens me to know my kids will never get to know his humor, his love, and that he doesn't know me as a mom. I like to think he gets to look in every now and then. Every time right before I have a baby I turn to Brett and ask him if his mom and my dad are saying their goodbyes, I believe they are.

I miss my dad every day. I miss him for the grandpa my kids will never know on this earth, I miss him for my mom, I miss him for by siblings, and I miss him for myself. He gave me my love for roller coasters, good food, ice cream, laughing, BYU and running. He loved my mom more than anything in the world, and taught me by example how to be a good spouse and parent. I am grateful I had such a wonderful Dad, I only wish we could have kept him around longer, but those things aren't up to us. I love you Dad!

Jacob's Baptism

2009-03-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Jacob has been so excited to get baptized, and this day turned out to be everything he had hoped for. Papa and Grandma came from Utah, the Paulson's drove down from Newbury Park, and many friends came to be a part of this special day. Nana couldn't work out her temple schedule to be here, which killed her, but we understand. When it was Jacob's turn to get baptized he literally jumped out of his seat he was so excited. Dad babptized him and then Papa Wimmer confirmed him. He and Papa have always had a very special relationship, so it was very nice that he was able to confirm him. I can't help but think that my dad and Brett's mom are allowed a peak down on imporant days like this. I believe it, and no one can tell me otherwise.

Carter had a really hard time at the baptism. He started crying right before because he wanted to get baptized. He has such a hard time being the younger brother! I kept assuring him he was the next one in the family, but it didn't seem to help lessen the pain.

Sam was his typical self during the baptism. It's hard enough making it through a church meeting with him, but being in the chapel while nothing is going on is particularly rough for him. He kept running up to the pulpit trying to talk in the microphone. Gotta love this kid!

It was great having our Paulson cousins with us for Jacob's baptism. I just love the relationship Emily and Jacob have, there is something so sweet about a girl and boy cousin who love eachother so much.

Papa and Grandma were able to be with us for a few days before the baptism too. They got to attend baseball games, plant flowers in our yard, go on a field trip with Jacob, and do a rock presentation in Jacob's class. I think they will need a vacation after this one, but it was nice for us to have them here.

Tooth Fairy Time!

2009-03-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

It's been rough for Carter ever since Jacob lost his first tooth about two years ago. The anticipation of when the tooth fairy might come for him has just been too much. Finally after wiggling and eventually a very tough pull by Dad, the tooth came out. He couldn't have been any happier. It came out first thing in the morning and all he could talk about all day long was going to bed. For the first time in his life the kid showered, brushed his teeth, said his prayers, and got into bed before I even asked him to. Typically it takes about 100 times of my asking before any of these things happen. That's one happy kid!
It's been rough for Carter ever since Jacob lost his first tooth, finally it's Carter's turn!

Baseball and Birthdays

2009-03-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

The season has started and so far so good for everyone. Jacob was reluctant to play baseball this year, but Brett wanted him to have one "real" year of baseball. He has played three seasons of T-ball, which apparently isn't "real" baseball. So, we told him he has to play this year, and then next year he gets to decide if he continues on. So far he is loving it, so good call by Dad. Once again, despite Brett's efforts, neither boy is on the Red Sox. One of these years Brett.

From February 4-March 1 we are filled with birthdays. Jacob, Brett and Sam all have their birthdays during this time. Jacob chose a crazy sleep over this year. They stayed up until 1:30 am and were awake again by 5:00. Why do we do it? Because my parents did it for me. It was the best birthday party he ever had, and he wants the exact same party next year. Oh boy.

Sam's birthday. His two favorite presents were his talking Lighning Mcqeen and the reversable Superman/Batman cape Sunshine made him. The only hard part is deciding weather or not you are in a Superman or Batman mood. I have never had a boy into wearing a cape before so I am loving it. I think it is the cutest thing ever, even when he wore it to Target the other day.

Soccer

2009-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

I love it when we can get the boys on the same team, they enjoy playing together, and it makes it so much easier. This was a fun season at NCSP, Jacob and Carter got to play together, with friends, and they won the division. The last game of the season we were behind by one goal with a team we had beat once and lost to once. Jacob scored a goal with 11 seconds left to tie the game up. We all agreed that a tie was as good as a win! It was nice to squeeze in a quick soccer season before baseball starts.

February Break

2009-02-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love that our school district takes a week off in February. It's a special treat to have a vacation in the middle of February. We spent the first part of the week at my sister's house in Thousand Oaks. It is so great to have her only 2 1/2 hours away, an easy get away for myself and my kids. Jacob and Carter cried when we drove away, it's always so hard to leave cousins!

It was cold and rainy for the first few days, so the Paulsons heated up the hot tub for the kids to play in. After playing in the hot tub for awhile all the kids came inside and I went to take a shower. Sam realized he had left his squirt gun in the hot tub and headed back outside to get it. Sam, thinking he can swim, got right in and was sinking and thrashing in the middle of the hot tub. Meanwhile, Stephanie was arguing with Jacob and Emily telling them they needed to go back out to the pool and get the plates of food they left. They wanted to take a shower first and then go get them, but she insisted they go right then because it had started raining. When they got out there Emily spotted Sam and Jacob jumped in and saved him. This whole time I was in the shower assuming everyone was saftely inside. Thank goodness for Stephanie feeling they must go get the plates right then, thank goodness they listened and saved Sam. I was left feeling off the rest of the week. I had such a hard time sleeping, just imagining what if things had turned out differently, what if I didn't have Sam anymore. I know I complain about the trouble he is, but I love that kid so much it kills me. What if I didn't have Sam to boss me around anymore, to sing me songs, and to snuggle with me. I thought of all the moms who situations like this have turned out for the worse. I don't know why I get to keep Sam, but I know I am forever grateful. I have tried to appreciate him more, and not be so bothered by the frusterating things he does. I love him more than anything, I am just grateful he is still here.

Gril Trip 2009

2009-01-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

I look forward to it all year long, I grieve it being over for weeks after. The highlight of each year for me is getting to spend five days with my five favorite ladies. Actually all of us with the exception of my mom are anything but ladies, especially on girl trip, but my mom appreciates it when we refer to ourselves as "ladies." Oh how I love staying up late talking with my mom and sisters, going out for delicious dinners each night, taking long walks in the morning, and talking, talking, talking anytime in between. It keeps me sane to have time away with them every year, we all solve each others problems, hear about one anothers lives and enjoy each other in a way we can't over the phone or the other times we get together when all the kids are around. How grateful I am to my mom for giving me four best friends. How grateful I am we do this each year.
Thanks to Wendy we have this beautiful home in the mountains of Arizona to escape away to. The only downer this year will be the absence of my oldest sister, Diana, who had an unexpected conflict and a trip to Hawaii this same week. It won't be the same without her.

These are all pictures from last year, which I never posted because Wendy is TERRIBLE about getting pictures to people, so I just got them. We still love her anyway!

One night we had a chef come in to the house and make us dinner. It was amazing, complete with appetizers and all. They did a cooking demonstration just like on the Cooking Network, I loved it!

On the back patio, a beautiful view!

At our favorite restaurant Lucille's.

I can't wait ladies!

A Year of Disney Comes to an End

2009-01-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

I think everyone knows how I feel about Disneyland. The Happiest Place on Earth describes it perfectly. We have loved having our Disney passes this past year, and we have used them well. We love going to Disneyland with cousins, friends, or just our little family. I am sure we will get passes again soon, after the baby, but for now I will miss it!

We call this roller coaster in Toon Town Carter's Coaster because it was the first roller coaster we could get him to go on. Now he loves roller coasters of all kinds, but he still likes to go on this one. The boys went over and over thanks to no lines.

GO CHARGERS!

2009-01-10T12:38:00.001-08:00

For the past two years I have thought about buying the boys Chargers jersey's at the beginning of the season when they can be found everywhere. I think about it, but of course don't do it, then they make the playoffs, no jerseys can be found in San Diego, and my kids are out of luck on Chargers day at school. Sunshine and I even headed out to Wal-Mart at 10 pm after the game last Saturday night in search of them, do you know who goes to Wal-Mart at 10 pm? It's an interesting crowd, worth checking out sometime. Plenty of pink jerseys were there, but no blue. Thus began the Great Chargers Attire search, not unlike the Great Pumpkin search of 2007. Thanks to Sunshine t-shirts were finally tracked down and Chargers day at school was saved. Hooray! Next year I am getting jerseys early, of course then they probably won't make the play offs. Oh well, better to be prepared as I have learned. GO CHARGERS! We'll be rooting loud!

Why do we do it?

2009-01-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

Year after year we load up the kids, presents and all and head to Utah for Christmas. Some think we are crazy, but our kids wouldn't have Christmas any other way. If you wonder why we do it, here are our reasons; Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles all spending time together, making memories, and enjoying every minute of it.

Fuss ball at Nana's is always a hit

The kids loved playing in the snow, even Sam joined in this year. Our biggest snow lover was Carter, he wanted to stay out even when all the others came in for hot chocolate. Sunday was a rough day for Carter, he could not understand why he couldn't go sled.

Kangaroo Zoo with Lee cousins

Nana and her babies, Sam loves his Nana so much, as he tells me often.

Nativity with the Lee cousins. It was an off Christmas year for the Lee's which meant we spent the first few days at my moms before everyone headed to their in-laws for Christmas. My mom didn't want to miss out on the Nativity, so we did it on Sunday night with the cousins who were staying there.

Tackling Uncle Greg

Uncle Kendall showing Sam the Reindeer at Thanksgiving Point

Hot Chocolate and dinner at Thanksgiving Point

Wimmer cousin Nativity

Wimmer cousins in their Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve

Rhett and Tyler took Jacob and Carter up in the mountains to sled behind the four wheeler, this was one of their favorite activities of the trip.

Papa and Grandma reading to the boys

Eric and Laurie got a new dog, Mollie, a few months ago. The poor thing was attacked by Sam the whole time we stayed there. He carried her around by her neck and told us Mollie really liked him. We aren't so sure about her liking him, but she sure was patient with him.

Christmas morning at Eric and Laurie's

Christmas sledding at Greg and Michelle's

Jacob's snowman

Carter's snowman

Hot tubbing in the snow at our good friends Dean and Kathy's

Dean and Kathy had a dog for each of them, so thoughtful!

So there it is, the reasons we do it every year. It makes me so happy to see my kids with their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. It makes me feel ok about living away from them if we can strengthen these important relationships a couple times a year. We can't overlook that I love it too. Dinners out with my siblings and Brett's, lunch with friends from high school, talking with my sisters, staying at Eric and Laurie's. It wouldn't be Christmas for me without all these things either!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that Santa takes the time to come to our ward Christmas party so that I don't have to fight the crowds with the mall Santa. Sam is very into Santa this year, and sadly Jacob is doing some doubting. He keeps asking how it's possible for reindeer to fly, and how Santa could make it all around the world in just one night. We try our best, telling him it's not actually one night because different parts of the world are on different times, so he actually has two nights. He's not sure Santa could even do it in two nights, but he is not willing to declare his unbelief completely because he does want that DS he asked for. Maybe we can get another year out of it. We love going to Bethlehem Village every year at the Presbyterian Preschool. The kids love the petting zoo, Llama rides and Hot Chocolate. They even do a live nativity and sing Christmas carols.

Jacob looks like he's taking a nap on the Llama, I hate when they close their eyes just as I snap the picture!

Sam loved chasing the sheep and goats, poor guys.

Bound to happen....

2008-12-08T12:23:00.001-08:00

A good black eye is bound to happen in a house with three boys, in fact I am surprised it hasn't happened sooner. We are lucky to not have any broken bones, yet. The boys were jumping on our bed on Saturday morning, hitting each other with pillows and trying to knock each other off. Brett told them this wasn't going to end well, and we left the room. Minutes later we heard a loud scream from Jacob, and sure enough, it didn't end well. Carter's head ended up on Jacob's eye leaving a huge goose egg, and now a pretty bad black eye. Poor Jacob is pretty embarrassed by it, he thinks it looks like he's wearing make up.

It's a Girl????

2008-12-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

So we went in for our ultrasound today. We decided it would be fun to let Jacob and Carter come because they are so excited about the baby and have been betting on the sex. Jacob was betting boy, Carter wanted a boy, but thought it was a girl. Our ever so obliging (sarcasm) ultrasound tech is 90% sure that it's a girl. She doesn't see any boy parts and she is pretty sure she sees girl parts. I asked if I could move around to get a better picture, no luck, it was probably almost her lunch time. She had no patience for me. I told her I had to know 100%, I have three boys and if I am going to paint the baby room and buy clothes, I need to know. With Sam they couldn't tell for sure so they had me walk around, and then there it was plain as day. She was not willing to do that.

So, we are thinking girl, but with a little caution. I am going to ask my doctor to double check next week when I go in. I am thrilled about having a girl, but honestly I would have been happy with a boy too. In some ways I am sad to think Sam may be my last little boy, I absolutely love little boys. I must admit, however, when Sunshine gave me two darling dresses, I was pretty excited about a baby girl. I love raising little boys, I could raise all boys, but I do want to have a girl when she's grown. A girl always needs her mom, (but then again so do many boys).

We are all pretty excited. Brett wanted a girl, but now he says he's a little scared, the boys think it's going to be pretty cool to have a baby sister. I won't mention that part of the reason Carter was excited about a girl is because he says there will be another girl to shoot with his Nerf guns, he terrorizes the neighborhood girls by shooting them. We'll try to hold him off until she can fight back. Looks like pink is coming to the Wimmer home, I hope we can handle it.

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

This year we headed to Arizona to spend Thanksgiving with my sister in her new house. I always feel better when one of my siblings moves after I see their house and new surroundings. I like to be able to picture where they are when I think about them. She has such a great house, neighborhood, and area. We had fun swimming in her pool, going out to dinner, playing with cousins and just being together. I've said it before, I just love the cousin relationships. I grew up going to Mesa every summer to visit my cousins, it was truly the highlight of my year. I looked forward to my two weeks in Arizona every year so much, I love seeing my kids get as excited as I did when I was younger. My sister even took us to drive by my cousins old house and see all the fun places we used to go together. I wonder if my kids will someday do the same......

It was pretty cold in Arizona, but that didn't stop the kids from swimming!

Brett getting some sun while Sam throws rocks in the pool.

Cousin bath time

Huddled around an intense DS game

The cousins together on Thanksgiving morning

My sister is an out to eat Thanksgiving girl. We went up to Payson and ate at The Rim Golf Club. They had a big buffet and the kids thought it was fun picking out their food, they especially liked the Shirley Temples they kept ordering.

They were smart to put our group in a private room, we can be a bit noisy.

Sam liked the free toothbrushes in the bathrooms

Golf cart rides around the neighborhood were fun morning and night! Just remember it's not a good idea to send a two year old on a golf cart with a 13 year old driver!

The Mesa Temple does an unbelievable Christmas lights display. The kids loved seeing the lights, watching the Luke II movie, and seeing the Chirstus.
My parents were married in this temple almost 50 years ago. We loved taking our kids there and telling them about when Nana and Grandpa Rex were married.

We truly had a great week, my sister and her husband are the perfect hosts. Our husbands even decided we needed a sister day on Saturday, so they planned a day with the kids and sent us out to lunch and shopping. I am grateful for my wonderful family this and every Thanksgiving!

Chicken is 40!!

2008-11-19T19:06:00.001-08:00

One of my dearest friends in the world has hit the big 4-0. She looks fabulous, so I say be proud! I met her 7 1/2 years ago and I have been laughing, eating, and partying it up with her ever since. This is a girl to love, she threw an unbelievable party, filled with friends, food, dancing and singing (thanks to Rock Band).

Many years ago Brett gave her the nick name of Chicken. It started as Chicken Parmigiana, but was soon shortened to Chicken. We all call her Chicken, or The Chicken, even our kids. It was quite funny, or maybe a little inappropriate when she was the Primary President and several of the primary kids called her "Sister Chicken." At least they had the respect to add Sister to it.

We all love The Chicken. Brett loves to tease her because she always falls for it. I like to party with her because she makes everything more fun. I love that she is always willing to help me solve all my problems. My kids love to play at her HUGE house. We are all grateful to have Elizabeth in our lives!

Gotta love the candy bar!

Yes, we made her blow out all 40 candles!

Some of the girls-I think the guys are all singing away! (Except Brett who is chatting it up in the back yard.)

HALLOWEEN!!

2008-11-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

Jacob wants to be an animal every year, last year we lucked out with a size 5/6 monkey we were able to squeeze him into. Hard to imagine, but they really only make animal costumes in toddler sizes...hmmm...maybe this should tell us something, most seven year olds don't want to dress up like a chicken, penguin or pig. We settled on a banana this year, at least it's the food of an animal, we'll deal with next year when it comes.

Classic Sam face, how can he be grumpy on Halloween, don't worry he cheered up as soon as people starting filling his bag with candy

Luckily Halloween was on a Friday this year, allowing us to have a fun sleepover with lots of candy eating!

As a side note, my little sister is having a boy. As soon as she told me I thought, oh good now we will have the same thing. I am still pretty sure I am having a boy, it will be great to have a close cousin!

Party it Up!

2008-10-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

It was Halloween Party time at the Elementary School yesterday. We started the day off with a parade around the field, followed by Jacob's class party, and then Carter's class party. Sam is absolutely convinced that he is as much a part of his brothers' classes as they are. He is mad if they don't have an extra craft for him, enough treats for him, or a party bag for him. I try to explain he is not a part of the class, but he will hear none of it. Luckily Carter's class only has 15 kids, so there was plenty of everything to go around. I just don't want him to be known as the annoying little brother who tags along and expects everything. Maybe it's already to late for that?

See, Sam even expects a place at the table.

The sack races were a very fun activity for any of you room moms out there!

As a total side note for anyone who is interested, I will know what I am having after tomorrow. No, I don't have my ultra sound tomorrow, but my little sister does, and we are convinced we are having the opposite sex. It would just be to good to be true for us to have a baby at the same time AND have it be the same sex. So, tomorrow afternoon I will know what I am having, whatever Christie is not having.

2008-10-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

**The rule for this little game is your response to each question can only be one-word.

1. Where is your cell phone? car
2. Where is your significant other? football
3. Your hair color? hmmmmm
4. Your mother? amazing
5. Your father? greatest
6. Your favorite thing? kids
7. Your dream last night? lots
8. Your dream/goal? kids
9. The room you're in? office
10. Your hobby? kids
11. Your fear? cancer
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
13. Where were you last night?home
14. What you're not? musical
15. One of your wish-list items? basement
16. Where you grew up? Mclean/Provo
17. The last thing you did? phone
18. What are you wearing? pants
19. Your TV?Disney
20. Your pet? Lola
21. Your computer? on
22. Your mood? happy
23. Missing someone? Dad
24. Your car? white
25. Something you're not wearing? coat
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? Family
28. Love someone? Absolutely
29. Your favorite color?Pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? weeks

I tag...whoever has the time.

Bad Seed

2008-10-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

If any of you think a kid can't be a bad seed, you obviously haven't met Sam Wimmer. I should have known I was in for trouble when he cracked my rib during pregnancy. This kid is always up to trouble, it's amazing. All my boys came from the same genes, have been raised the same, and loved the same. So why is it that Sam is such a trouble maker? I was enjoying a rare quiet moment downstairs while Sam was quietly playing with his friend Jack upstairs, or so I thought. I decided to take the opportunity to clean my kitchen, forgetting for a minute that with Sam quiet=disaster. By the time I went upstairs I found Sam and Jack, hands full of markers, busily coloring the bunk beds. I screamed, these were not washable markers, and started looking around. I soon realized they had colored the entire computer screen and keyboard, the upstairs banister, the entire bunk bed, two dressers (including my new one), and the train table. I know Jack was a fairly innocent partner in crime, I am sure he was just following Sam.

Look at his face, does he look sorry? No! When I was telling him he was never allowed to use markers for the rest of his life, he just looked at Jack, laughed and said, " I in trouble Jackie!" That kid. We always say, it's a good thing he's so cute.

After cleaning up the best I could, I found the two little trouble makers reading together. They go do something sweet like this, making it impossible for me to stay mad.
As long as I am giving grievances about Sam, he is also the worlds biggest complainer. Brett and I always say if there was a complaining contest, Sam would win! I am always doing something wrong, putting the wrong clothes on him, giving him the wrong color cereal bowl, not giving him the correct treat, not putting his covers on correctly, putting away a toy that he suddenly wants...the list goes on and on. So if anyone knows of a contest, let me know, Sam could win some money.

Better go, he just found the paper plates and has decided to throw them all over the place........

UTAH!

2008-10-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

There are a few things I really miss about living in Utah. The first, of course, is family. The second would have to be fall and spring, we just don't get seasons in San Diego the way we do in Utah. I love the leaves, the colors on the mountains, the crisp feel of the air, and BYU football. All these things say fall to me, and this year I am glad I got to be a part of autumn in Utah. My dad was the honored founder at BYU Homecoming week, which is what brought us to Utah. Sam and I flew up on Sunday and celebrated an early 70th birthday for my mom. All seven of us, plus in town spouses, took her out to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for dinner on Monday night. My mom hates when I say she's almost 70, but I think she should be proud. She looks awesome, if I look half that good when I am 70 I will be one happy woman. It was really nice going out to dinner with all of us to celebrate my mom. We all went around the table and told her what we love most about her. It was a bit emotional, I must say. The first of a very emotional week.

At the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Tuesday we headed down to Provo for the devotional honoring my dad. I don't know what I expected, but I am sure I didn't expect it to be as difficult and emotional as it was. We walked into the Marriot Center through the tunnels we used so many times with my dad. We walked down on to the floor just as we had so many times with my dad. Only this time, he wasn't there with us. When we walked in the band was playing, I could picture my dad standing up there leading the band pretending he knew what he was doing. He loved to lead the band at games, he got a real kick out of it. I started crying pretty much right away and didn't stop. BYU was such a part of my life growing up, especially from sixth grade through my sophomore year at BYU while my dad was the President. I can't even count how many devotionals, firesides, luncheons, performances, games etc...I went to at BYU. It was our second home. I even had my 16th birthday party at the President's room and my wedding reception at the Art Museum. My dad loved BYU with a passion, and he passed that on to us. He is a part of BYU, and it's hard to be there and not have him there. They did an amazing film about him at the end of the devotional, we were all crying so hard. In part of it they even played his voice as part of a talk he gave at BYU, it was so hard to hear. I just miss him so much.

You can't see this very well, but it says Honoring the Life of President Rex E. Lee

The seven of us with Mom at the Marriot Center,we all look a little thrashed-there was a lot of crying going on

Wednesday Brett drove up with Jacob and Carter. We spent the night on Wednesday at Eric and Laurie's and entertained the kids at Kangaroo Zoo on Thursday. It was great to be able to talk to Laurie while the kids had fun. I am reminded all the time how lucky I am to have a sister in law who is also one of my best friends (plus she likes good teen trash TV, that's not easy to find!) I just love her! The kids have so much fun together, I love watching them.

Thursday night was the BYU spectacular. I remember being forced to go to these when I was younger. Watching all the BYU performing groups was not really my idea of a fun Friday night at 14. I appreciated it more this time, especially when they showed a movie clip of my dad singing some Spanish song with the Lamanite Generation in Germany. It was just so his personality. That is one of the things I loved most about my dad, he was a serious lawyer, arguing cases in the Supreme Court, but he was really just a small town boy with a good sense of humor who liked to have fun. The spectacular was hosted by Lavell Edwards, a good friend of my dads, and he added a lot of good commentary and memories of my dad. They showed the movie of my dad at the spectacular, bringing tears again. Brett opted out of the spectacular to attend a Timpview/Orem High football game with his brothers (imagine that). He sat on the Orem side (traitor) to support his nephew Morgan. He cheered for Morgan, but was still secretly glad when Timpview won (at least we know his loyalties are in the right place)!

Friday Nana took the kids to Cornbellies, a fall carnival at Thanksgiving Point, and then she took the whole family to Boondocks. It was a long day, but one of the kids favorite. What could be better than playing all day and night with cousins?

There is something so sweet to me about a seventeen year old boy playing with his five year old cousin. The older cousins had to drive the younger ones in the go carts at Boondocks. I just love cousins so much! We are lucky to have great ones on both sides!

Saturday morning we headed down to Provo again for the parade and game. I think it's every kids dream to get to be in a parade, my kids thought it was pretty cool. We weren't sure why anyone would want to get up early on a freezing cold Saturday to watch random people in floats, but apparently people did.

After the parade we had a few hours to spend with the Wimmers before the game. We hung out at Brett's dad's house, even though he and Pat are in London, and had pizza with everyone. Suzanne made cupcakes so we could celebrate Brian and Cameron's birthdays. Eric of course took the opportunity to put Jacob's face in the cake. It never ceases to be funny. Carter called Papa to tell him what Eric had done, and Papa said Eric would definitely be grounded. We love hanging with the Wimmer family, it's always all kinds of fun. Laurie took Sam for us so that we could enjoy the game with the older boys.

It was supposed to snow or rain and be freezing at the game, so we bundled the boys up in their snow clothes, and Brett and I wore thermals and big coats. We lucked out big time on the weather, it was perfect. It felt just how a football game should feel, cold but not unbearable. BYU won, which was great. Jacob was totally into the game, discussing plays with Brett and asking tons of questions. Our friend Jon asked if Brett had to wipe a tear of joy from his eyes as he enjoyed the game with Jacob. I would have to say yes, it brought Brett all kinds of joy. It was great to be at Lavell Edwards stadium with the boys to enjoy a football game. Oh how I miss going to the games, I wish we could make it to Provo more often during football season.

Here is what we woke up to at Eric and Laurie's on Sunday morning. Gratefully the snow decided to wait and come late Saturday night instead of during the game. The kids loved getting to see the snow before we headed home.

Sorry for the marathon post. It was such a fun, emotional and nostalgic week for me. It is one I will never forget, and I hope my kids will remember it too.

TOUCHDOWN!!

2008-10-04T17:07:00.001-07:00

We didn't know if this day would ever come, but it has, Jacob scored his first touchdown! I was screaming so loud I almost dropped the camera, my heart was racing, I didn't know I would be that excited. It was a great feeling to see how happy he was. As he ran through the end zone he held the ball up high and jumped, such joy! Brett is on cloud nine, he might have enjoyed it even more than me. I think we've watched it on video about 47 times, in slow motion, fast motion, slow again.....Jacob keeps telling us he liked that touchdown. Way to go Jacob!

What could it be?

2008-10-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Something in my kitchen smells like sausage (and you know how I feel about sausage), I have lovely purple veins covering my legs and causing much pain, my first love, food, is now the enemy, Brett (and good friends) are doing the cooking, and I want to go to bed at 7:00 each night. It could only mean one thing...Wimmer baby #4 is on it's way! We couldn't be happier, Sam asks everyday if I can take the baby out of my tummy so he can hold it. Let's just hope he likes this baby in April as much as he does now. Based on statistics, we are expecting this one to be Wimmer boy #4, but we will be thrilled either way.

Nana Comes to Visit!

2008-09-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Everyone is happy when Nana is here. I am happy because I have my mom here to talk to, go walking with, take me shopping, take us out to lunch and dinner, play with my kids etc....The kids are happy because she caters to their every desire. She plays endless games with them, tells the best bedtime stories, gives the best baths (seriously for weeks after she leaves the boys ask us to do the bath like Nana does, we can never get it right, we are not quite sure what kind of magic she puts in the bath), take them on walks and buy them toys. Sam loves bossing Nana around because she will do whatever he asks. He always bosses me around, but I am not always as obliging as she is. She seriously does whatever he tells her too. Brett is happy because the rest of us are! She is so easy to have around, we all love her so much. When I watch my mom with my kids I am reminded of what a great mom she was. She had seven children and still always had time to build a fort, play dolls, listen, talk, tell stories, take us places and spend time with us. I always knew my mom loved being a mom, I always knew she loved us, I always knew she was doing exactly what she wanted to be doing by being with us. I hope my kids feel that from me. Anyway-here are pictures of some of the fun things we did while she was here.

The carousel at Sea Port Village. Sea Port Village holds special significance for my mom and me because growing up we used to come to San Diego every year when BYU played in the Holiday Bowl. We always stayed in the Marriot right on the harbor and walked over to Sea Port Village every day. I feel a little piece of my dad when we are there and a little bit like a kid again.

View of Coronado and the boats

Carter loved the Parrot Man at Sea Port Village. Sam was a little leery of him, but Carter was loving it!

This is how my boys fell asleep every night while Nana was here. She would climb in the bottom bunk with both of them, tell stories and let them smother her. They were in heaven! The last night she was here she even slept down there with them. I am sure she had a fabulous night sleep!

It was so hard to let Nana leave. Sam screamed for at least twenty minutes that he needed his Nana. Jacob told me he had a hard time at his football game because he knew Nana was leaving and he wouldn't be able to play with her anymore. Carter told me we need to go to Nana's house soon, he missed her too much. Sam woke up this morning still asking for her. Maybe we can get her to move in! She is starting her three year calling as "Matron" (she hates that title, she thinks it makes her sound old) of the Jordan River Temple next month. She and her husband are going to be President and Matron of the temple. I am sure it will be a great experience, but she is going to be busy, and that is hard for us. She promises she can still come visit and will be available some of the time when we go there, but it will still be hard. I am very selfish with my mom, I know it's not a good quality, but I can't help it. Maybe if she weren't so wonderful I wouldn't feel that way. It's her fault I like her so much! I am grateful for this trip we had and I know my kids will always remember it. Thanks Mom, we love you!

Bowling Ball Aspirations

2008-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is the conversation Carter and I had when I was tucking him in bed on Saturday night:

Carter: Mom I would make a really great bowling ball.
Me: Really why is that Carter?
Carter: Because I could just roll up in a ball and you could roll me down and I could move around so I would be sure to knock down all the pins.
Me: Carter you are right, you would be a great bowling ball!

What a weird kid!

Let the Games Begin!

2008-09-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

With three boys, I knew the day would come when we would have conflicting games and Brett and I would have to split up. Well today it began. Carter's soccer season started today at 11:30, and Jacob had football at 12:00. I was sad to miss Jacob's game, but I know this is only the beginning for us. Carter prayed last night that he would score at least one goal in every game. I tried to tell him it doesn't really matter if he scores a goal, it's all about playing your best and working as a team...blah, blah blah....but prayers are answered and he scored a goal. Way to go Carter! Brett said Jacob's game was one of the best yet. He got the game ball for most valuable player (so sad I missed that!) Brett has labeled this day as a good day for the Wimmers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIE!

2008-09-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today my little sister Christie turns 30. She's been a part of my life since I can remember, and I am better off because of it. She is not only my sister, she is my best friend. We played constantly when we were little, we loved being in high school and cheering together, she was a very fun third wheel for Brett and me when we were dating and first married, and now we get to share raising our kids together. She is one of the kindest most selfless people I know, always thinking of other people, and she is so much fun! It's weird when the youngest child in your family turns 30, we are all getting so old! I love you Christie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Wedding Bells!

2008-09-01T17:30:00.001-07:00

Last weekend my niece Chelsea got married in the Salt Lake Temple, and I was lucky enough to attend. Might I add that I went without my kids, as did my other sisters, so we had a wedding and a bit of a sister party too. It was weird being at my mom's house without all of our kids, it seemed so quiet and we were actually able to get ready and go somewhere without managing what seems like hundreds of kids. Anyway, it was such a wonderful experience to go to a wedding for a niece who has been part of your life since you were little. I remember well the morning of March 31, 1987, I was in the sixth grade and my sister Diana called to tell me I had another niece. I was so excited and could hardly make it through the day at school until I got to go see her at the hospital. There is nothing better for a twelve year old girl than having a live baby doll around to hold and play with. My very unprotective sister let me carry her around the mall when she was only 48 hours old (hmmm, I wonder where I get it from). Chelsea gave us hours of entertainment; the kitty on the hanger, Ikers eating the butterfly, Rella pretty, had many nicknames, Mogli, baby lotion, baby Shamu, Man Cub....I loved her like crazy...man was she a cutie. My two other sisters and I fought over who got to babysit her, I didn't know how good Diana had it. I can't believe she's all grown up and married.
It was a beautiful day from the ceremony performed by Brittan's mission president, to the reception in my brothers amazing back yard. My very talented sister made Chelsea's wedding dress, her own wedding suit for the ceremony, and all the bridesmaid skirts. How I wish I could sew like her! The day was perfect, a perfect beginning.
I love you Chelsea and we are so happy for you! (By the way Ash, I totally stole this picture from your blog, I forgot to bring my camera to the wedding and Wendy doesn't know how to send the pictures to me.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER!!

2008-08-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

Our crazy, spunky, accident prone, goof ball is five. For some reason Carter always seems his next age months before he actually turns it. Maybe it's because he refuses to be left behind in anything Jacob is doing so he just naturally makes himself seem older. I don't know why, but I have thought of Carter as being five for a few months and now he really is. He chose Chuck-E-Cheeses this year for his party and it was as fun as ever. We did have a moment with Sam when Chucky came out and Sam darted under the table crying. Can you blame him, wouldn't you think a large stuffed mouse walking around giving kids five was a little creepy too? Besides that everyone had a blast. We love you Carter Brett!

We had a crazy busy day starting out with popeye pancakes for breakfast, Jacob's first football game, birthday party and the season opening BYU football game. Thankfully the Poway Jet's (Jacob's team), and BYU won so everyone was happy (especially Brett). Of course my camera ran out of battery at Jacob's game so I don't have any great pictures, but the game was a blast. I don't think Brett slept much the night before, he said he was running plays in his head all night. He just wanted to make sure they scored so the kids wouldn't be disappointed. Well they scored four times and almost had a fifth so all was well. I'll make sure to have fresh batteries next week.

First Day of School

2008-08-25T11:21:00.001-07:00

I can't believe Carter is starting his career at the "big school." After two years of preschool he is finally ready to be at Jacob's school. He is so excited to start PEPP, the two year kindergarten program for kids with birthdays in the summer through fall. We thought it would be best for Carter to be old for his grade, because as Brett's brothers put it, "Wimmer boys mature late." We all know Brett is a 37 year old going on 15 so I figured this was best! Thank goodness for PEPP, I don't think Carter could handle one more year of not getting to go to the big school. Jacob is in second grade this year, and thankfully he was excited to go back to school (we'll see how long that lasts!) Here's to a great year!

It's Over!

2008-08-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's officially the end of summer. We tried to make the last week count by going to the beach, bowling, swimming and taking a camping trip. I am sad for tomorrow, I can't deny it. I LOVE summer. I love getting to do fun things with my kids everyday. I love getting to be the nice mom who gets to say yes all the time. Yes, you can stay up late and watch a movie, Yes, we can go to the beach, go swimming, play with friends all day, go to the zoo, take trips etc... There is nothing I love more than getting to see my kids have fun, in fact if you ask them what mom's favorite thing is they will chorus that line, "getting to watch your kids have fun," and in the summer I get to do it everyday. I remember what summer was like as a kid, and now I get to be a part of my kids enjoying their summers. It will be good to get back into a routine, but you know going back to school just means they are getting one year older, and one year closer to leaving me. Carter is still back and forth between marrying Sunny and never getting married so he can stay with me forever. As long as Sunshine ponies up for that big cake at Vons he might go for it! I might have to bribe him a little harder.

Jack and Sam play well,
and they fight well, though I know it's always Sam's fault!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL????

2008-08-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Wimmers sure are! It's official, the season has begun. Practice started today and we are stoked! Football has always been my favorite sport to watch. From a young age I attended all the BYU football games, it was always on TV at my house, it was my favorite sport to cheer for in high school, and once I met Brett the deal was sealed; I will be a football fan for life! We were a little worried about Jacob last year, his first season of football, because he is our timid, sweet little boy (unlike our aggressive Carter who we can't wait to get out their next season), but he loved it and did just fine. This season will be even better, he knows what he's doing and most importantly he is SO EXCITED! I still don't know who is more excited, Brett or Jacob. Brett will be the offensive coordinator this year, he is living his dream, I think this is why he wanted kids! I am sure it would be fun to have a girl, but during a good football game as I am screaming on the sidelines I can't imagine a ballet recital being this exciting. I love it! (Laura did this help get you pumped??)

Utah and The Ranch

2008-07-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with cousins at Christie's house

I feel like we have been gone forever! Well, we almost have, after three fun filled weeks with cousins, grandparents, and aunts and uncles on both sides we are back in San Diego. Our trip started with a great week at my moms house in Salt Lake with my sisters and their kids. We were able to hang out while the kids ran wild, what could be better? Then we headed up to Idaho to the ranch, which is always wonderful. There is no better place for a kid, they are able to roam all day catching frogs and snakes in the stream, fishing in the lake, swimming, jumping into the river, and playing with cousins all day and night. I love it too because I get to run every morning with my siblings, lay at the pool talking to family all day, eat way too much good food, and enjoy time with Brett and the kids. I love reminiscing with my family, laughing at old stories, and remembering my dad. I only wish Dad could be with us, that is the one thing that would make it truly perfect. It is really the best family reunion spot I could imagine. We love going to the ranch so much! Thanks Mom for a wonderful family vacation!

Playing in the stream with Dad

Carter was so proud of the fish he caught, he wanted us all to eat it for dinner. We were having hamburgers that night so we put in on the grill and ate some. Carter ate more of it than anyone, he was so pleased with himself!

We had a hard time getting the kids to bed at a decent hour because we didn't want to make them stop playing with their cousins. Each night at about 11:00 we would go put them to bed and then the adults would go back out to talk. We put Sam in his port a crib right next to Jacob and Carter's bed each night. When Brett and I would come in later to go to bed Sam was always out of his crib and in bed right between Jacob and Carter. We thought it was super funny, apparently Sammy didn't want to be in his crib when he could sleep with his brothers! He must have climbed out after we left and snuck in with them.

Seriously, I can't think of anything my boys would love more than catching frogs and snakes in a stream

My camera battery died after our first day at the ranch, so I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked. After the ranch we got to go stay with Eric and Laurie for a day, which we always love. The kids have so much fun playing together, it's so great to watch them. Cameron, Jacob and Carter make a great little threesome, as do Lukie, Adam and Sam. Brett and I had fun playing the Wii with Eric and Laurie, talking, watching baseball (Eric and Brett), and meeting Penny and Sally. They claim Penny is a guinea pig, but we know she's a groundhog, and a retarded one at that. I just love hanging out with them, Laurie is the best sister in law ever, I am super lucky to have her. She's such great friend, and I love talking with her, we stayed up way too late chatting, but it was totally worth it. I just wish we lived closer to them. We also got to have a few days at Brett's dad's house and we were able to see the rest of the Wimmer clan. We had a BBQ with the fam, hung out at Greg and Michelle's, and went up to the cabin to spend some time with Brian, Suzanne, Blue and her puppy Oscar. My kids were very excited to meet their newest dog cousin, child to Blue the fastest dog in the world! Thanks Brian and Suzanne we had a blast!
That about sums up our trip. Now it's back to summer here. We are going to try to take full advantage of the next few weeks by going to the beach and swimming tons! It was sad to say goodbye to our families as always, but we are happy to be home!

The Brooks Visit Us!

2008-06-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave Alexa and Sam alone together!

Riding bikes was a favorite activity for the three boys all week

The boys made cupcakes (with our help,) Christie is a nicer mom than me and lets the kids crack the eggs. I don't think I'll ever be able to make anything again without my boys wanting to crack the eggs. Thanks a lot Christie!

We had such a great visit with Christie, Isaac and Alexa. Isaac is the perfect age distance between Jacob and Carter so they make a great threesome. Aside from a little bit of Jacob worship they all get along pretty well. It works out ok because if Jacob wants to do something, they all think it's a great idea! We hit the Zoo, the beach, the pool, the creek, the pet store; the fun for the kids never ended. Christie and I also managed to have fun ourselves going to Golden Spoon every night and even taking a day to go shopping and out to the Cheesecake Factory. We actually got to go to the Cheesecake Factory twice because the first night she got in we got a babysitter and Brett, Christie and I all went out. It was just like old times. When Brett and I were dating Christie was always our very welcome third wheel. Once we were engaged we thought it was a good idea to always have her around, and she hung out at our condo all the time when we were first married. We love you Christie! It was just more fun having someone around all the time to talk to, take the kids places with, do laundry together, make dinner together etc.... I will go through withdrawal all week!

Sam's Buddies

2008-06-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

I love these boys! Sam doesn't even realize how lucky he is to have two best buddies at such a young age. Jack, Luke and Sam were born within three months of each other, one coming about every four to six weeks. I like to think they had that planned long ago....to arrive close together. It helps that I love their moms too, but I just love these boys. This age is so cute to me. Every new thing they say is just so darling!
The other day in the car we pulled up next to a big truck and here is the conversation that followed:
Sam: Mom I wanna buy that (pointing to truck)
Me: You want to buy what?
Sam: I wanna buy that truck, stop the car (he often asks me to stop driving, usually when he is mad at me for some reason)
Me: You want to buy that truck?
Sam: Yes I wanna buy that truck, stop the car.
Me: Ok Sam I will stop the car so you can buy that truck
Sam: HA HA! I just teasing Mommy!

What a crack up, I swear! How does a two year old think of that. Maybe it's just me being a mom, but I thought it was cute and clever. My brother in law Eric thinks Sam is going to be the biggest ham of all our boys. I think he's right. He is trouble, but funny too!

Mount Laguna

2008-06-02T19:52:00.001-07:00

We love camping at Mount Laguna, or as Jacob used to call it Mountain Galluna. We missed our fair weather campers, not to mention any names, (Birds, Parmleys and Mendenhalls), but the Wimmers and Tylers had a blast! It's amazing how much the kids get out of a night of getting dirty, climbing rocks, shooting the girls with nerf guns, cooking their own dinner, making (not eating) s'mores, and sleeping in a tent. It's a lot of work, but the payoff is totally worth it. Camping is something I never did growing up, and it's something I totally want my kids to grow up doing. Brett's family camped a lot, and I think it's such a great thing to do as a family(and with friends!)

Sam watched closely as Brett and I set up our tent, referring to it as Daddy's boat. When I put the port a crib inside he looked at me and informed me that he would NOT be sleepiong in there. "I not sweeping in ere," he kept telling me. I guess he doesn't remember the last time we camped, it was almost a year ago. We knew we were in for a rough night with Sam. He did fine once we put him in our sleeping bag, and I think he actually liked sleeping in Daddy's "boat".Hiking to the meadow and playing on the rocks is a big hit at Mount Laguna!

Fun at the Paulsons

2008-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend at Bret and Steph's in Thousand Oaks. I just love hanging out with my sister and watching our kids play. As an added bonus Brett's college room mate Matt happens to be in my sisters ward. What a small world! They came over on Monday to swim with us, it was great fun! Brett has taken to growing out his scruffy face every once in a while which I actually love. Saturday morning he decided it was time to shave, but stopped when he had a mustache left. It grossed me out and he left it for the whole day just to bug us all. The kids thought it was hilarious and made themselves mustaches to go along with his. He named it Terry and was he was sad to see it go, I threatened him to shave before we went out to dinner Saturday night. Thank goodness Terry is now gone! Stephanie and I seriously couldn't even look at him without busting up laughing!

More St. George Pics

2008-05-18T16:27:00.001-07:00

Luke, Adam and Sam spent almost an hour in the bath after a long day of hiking and playing in the sand.

Luke and Sam

Kendall, Sam and Daddy

Running down the sand

Sam gnawing on beef jerky after a hike

Jacob taking it easy at the lake

There is just something I love so much about the way Brett and his brothers interact with each other and all the kids. I love seeing Brett's brothers with my kids, my kids adore them, and think they are so funny and so much fun (which they are!) It makes me so happy that Brett is close with his brothers and that they all enjoy being together so much. I wish this relationship for my boys when they are grown. What a great trip!

St. George

2008-05-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

I look forward to the Wimmer St. George vacation all year long. It's a dream trip for my kids filled with climbing, hiking, swimming, going to the lake, sand dunes, and all day long playing with their cousins. Nothing could be better. I absolutely LOVE my in-law family. I love being with them and I always know I am in for a good laugh and a great time. It's always hard to leave, but we know we will see them again in the summer.

Playing at the sand dunes

Sam and Adam in their Wally the Green Monster Red Sox shirts. I wonder if there is a family anywhere that has more Red Sox attire than the Wimmers.

Jacob, Cameron and Sadie

Carter, Jacob and Cam at the lake

The first and last matters of business for me included Neilson's Frozen Custard. As we pulled into town we went straight to Cafe Rio and on to Nielson's and last night we finished off the great trip with another visit to Neilson's. Oh how I love that place!

We've had enough!

2008-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

We are throwing the kids away! Do you think the garbage man will take them or will we get one of those friendly notes on our can explaining why they can't accept what we've put in our can?
The kids love getting in the garbage can when we do yard work to stomp down the branches and weeds. It helps us fit more in! I know someday they will get old enough that they won't think yard work is fun, but for now it's a treat to get to help with yard work. If you've ever seen our yard you know yard work doesn't happen very often at the Wimmer home, but when it does the kids are up for it!

Found it!

2008-05-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

I promise, we looked EVERYWHERE this morning. It just turned up it Brett's office, I guess we are really bad lookers!

Brett and the boys had a blast at Fathers and Sons on friday night. I think this is the last year they will get away with leaving Sam at home. Brett said it was great, the boys ran wild and the Dad's had fun too!

Carter got the game ball this weekend at baseball. He hit two doubles and after telling me a few weeks ago that he would NEVER get the game ball, he got it. It was hard having Jacob win it first, but this week was Carter's turn! Brett is growing the beard out for me because it's Mothers Day weekend so I get to call all the shots. Now his hair just needs to grow back a little faster.

Where oh where did Sam put it.....

2008-05-11T21:23:00.001-07:00

So I sat down today to blog some pictures of the father/son outing and baseball this weekend, but could not find the memory card adapter that downloads the pictures to the computer. After some unsuccessful looking Brett informed me that he found two other computer adapters that were in the same drawer with the camera adapter in the back yard behind the lawn mower. I wonder who could have put them there????What is it about a mischievous two year old and stealing things? This kid is killing me! I remember one time when Jacob was this age we lost the keys to my car. After hours of searching we found them in Brett's recycling bin....I hope the picture adapter hasn't found the same fate by the hand of Sam. It may be in the land fill by now and long gone. SAM!!!! As John Parmley put it, It's a good thing he's so cute or we would have hit him with a bat by now! We wouldn't have blamed John for hitting him either, Sam was wondering around their house with a bat hitting various objects and people along the way. He is so much trouble!

I'm Back!

2008-04-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while, and I don't have any pictures to post because I forgot my camera over spring break. I considered giving up blogging all together for various reasons; it takes a lot of time, it's a little superfluous to my scrap booking, I don't know if I want random people looking in on my life etc...But my friend Michelle told me she found a way to save my blog to my desktop so I'll have it forever, so I figured it was worth continuing. I want my blog to have as a journal of sort and now I see it can be that. Hooray!
We had a great spring break in Vegas with my sister Wendy and her kids and then at Disneyland with my sister Stephanie and her kids. The kids ran wild, played hard, stayed up late and enjoyed every moment of their week off school. I enjoyed myself as well and it made me excited for summer. I discovered Red Mango while in Vegas and my sister and I went everyday. We managed to make it to Golden Spoon or Red Mango at least once a day (yes there were days when we went more than once). For those of you who haven't tried Red Mango it's a delicious tart frozen yogurt with many topping choices. My favorite was granola, coconut, strawberry, almond. But be ware, I spent $18 one afternoon on yogurt for my sister and me. Ouch! Grantid we got larges with four toppings, but still! Lucky for me my sister has kids of babysitting age so we were able to take some time to go to the mall, out to lunch etc... It was a great trip! Disneyland was as fun as ever too. Thanks for the fun week everyone!
Last night for family home evening we went to the park and played baseball. It was seriously SO MUCH FUN! I wish I had brought my camera. Brett is coaching Jacob and Carter in T-ball this season, it is so great to have them on the same team. I told Brett last night that is exactly why I want one more boy, we were having the best time playing with the boys. We do boys, we have fun with boys, what would I do with a girl? He thinks it would be great to have a girl, either way is great, but I am totally set on a fourth boy. (Just so everyone knows, this is not an announcement, I just know we are going to have a fourth, I am not pregnant or anything.) I know I'll be perfectly happy if we were to have a girl, but I am glad that I know I would be thrilled to have another boy too. Growing up I never would have thought I would become a boy mom, but that's what I am a total boy mom!
I'll get more pictures soon, hopefully I'll remember my camera for our baseball game on Saturday. I love the boys in their uniforms!

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T11:03:00.001-07:00

Everything was going great with Easter until it was time to take a family picture. Suddenly Carter was mad because the sun was too bright, Sam was running away from us (as always), and our neighbors cat wouldn't leave us alone. All I wanted for Easter was one picture with my family in our Easter clothes-is that so much to ask? I don't think so.
The kids had fun as always coloring eggs and hunting for the ones the bunny hid. I don't know how many more years Jacob will believe in the Easter Bunny, but I am savoring every moment. They are so serious about it as they leave carrots and lettuce for him, write him a note of thanks and Easter wishes, and go to sleep early as to not disrupt the bunny. I wish I could freeze Jacob and Carter and not let them get any older. Notice I didn't mention I want to freeze Sam? I love the kid but he's killing me! I want him to hurry and be four!
Happy Easter everyone! Next to Christmas this has got to be my favorite holiday. Maybe it's the robin eggs and peanut butter eggs or maybe it's the fact that we celebrate our Savior on these two holidays. Let's go with the latter, it makes me seem like a deeper person!