D is for Dinosaur

For school the other day we went to the dinosaur museum at BYU. We brought the neighbors along with us and the kids had so much fun! The museum was really cool and it is totally free which is a huge plus.

Riley thought this was a snake but it is really a shell. They had lots of things that the kids could touch which is really cool.

This was a common expression from Carter throughout the day.

Outside the museum

C is for Cow

We learned about cows the other day. Cows have four stomachs and eat grass and hay. We already know lots about them so the lesson was rather "relaxed". We did make these awesome cow masks and I even made one for myself. Riley's favorite color is yellow...hence, the yellow cow and Carter went for the more "traditional" look. This was really fun and Riley "scared" Dusty when he came home from work by standing at the door with his mask on. I need to get more prepared for school though...trying to get things ready with the boys trying to help doesn't work out well especially since we had such a rough day that day. (By that I mean constant fighting, crying, and time outs)

They aren't wearing pants because we had been outside and they were soaking wet. I can't bring myself to go through two pairs of pants in one day...

This is the best group portrait using the timer on my camera.

P.S. Thanks to those of you who responded to my last post. I re-read my post and it sounds like a really lame threat so sorry if it came off really rude. I do appreciate the comments and I am glad that you guys read since I read your blogs too! Oh, and you don't really have to comment. I read all of your blogs and rarely comment myself. It is enough for me just knowing that someone reads this thing! Hope you are all having a great holiday season!

Just wondering...

Does anyone actually read my blog? I know that my mom does (thanks mom) but does anyone else? If you don't, that is fine but I don't want to waste my time updating this thing if nobody is reading it. So if you read these updates, please leave a comment because I am might stop blogging.

Riley wouldn't hold still for a picture.

Carter. He sat like this for a good 15 min while eating his donut...not sure what that is about.

B is for Bird

If I don't post this now, it will take me a week like the last one. School again today. The letter B. Riley did another worksheet and Carter drew a picture. Then we painted bird houses. This was an experience and now I know that we won't be painting again until we have some kind of apron or smock to protect our clothes and a mask for me. Anyway, despite the frustration on my part it was pretty fun and they are proud of their masterpieces.

The masterpieces drying. It might take a while. There was a lot of paint on there.

Carter painted my face. I know I look like a mess...don't judge.

And yes, Carter did try to eat the paint.

As a side note, after Riley ate a whole pint of peaches he told me that he was so full and if Carter pushes on him too hard he would throw up on him. At least he warned us...he didn't throw up. I just thought it was hilarious because he was so serious. It makes me laugh anyway!

A is for Airplane

The second day of preschool was fun but a little more tricky. We concentrated on the letter A. For lunch we had apples, animal crackers, and apple shaped grilled cheese sandwiches. We learned about airplanes...the various parts and made a craft out of gum, smarties, and lifesavers. Note to self: don't do candy craft projects with Carter around. Riley also practiced writing by copying lines that I made on a piece of paper. That was a bit challenging. He didn't want to do it and I almost lost my patience. I soon realized that he had never done anything like this before and so I sat down and worked with him until the "worksheet" was done. SUCCESS! He did well and was very proud of himself. So far, this has been a great experience...now I need to be more consistent.

First Day of Preschool

So, I have decided to start doing pre-school with Riley. Preschools around here are so expensive so we will be doing activities and things here at home. I am getting really excited to start because I think that he will love to learn about new things. Today, we learned about fall but we will be doing a letter theme each day. For example, for the letter A we will be learning about airplanes, make an airplane, and for the snack/lunch we will be eating apple shaped grilled cheese sandwiches with apples and animal crackers. (Maybe we will drive out the a small airport as well and look at the planes with our binoculars.) That just came to me. Anyway, here are pictures of our first day of preschool...Fall.

Home-made binoculars from toilet paper rolls.

Felt trees with leaves we gathered from outside glued on. This one is Carters.

This one is Riley's.

I thought this was kind of a cool picture.

We walked around the neighborhood looking and Fall things through the binoculars. They really enjoyed it.

It was a pretty fun day!

So, I have been feeling sorry for myself all day today. Dusty has been working a lot lately. It feels like I haven't seen him all month. While rushing around this morning to get to our primary program practice, Carter threw up on me. Riley doesn't like to listen to me; even on the simplest things. There is always too much to do around the house and money is tight.

But then I start thinking about the funny things that happen throughout the day.

Like when I was once again yelling at Riley for something, and I look over at Carter who is plugging his ears.

Or Riley telling me one of his dramatic stories.

Or Riley holding a pig race in the backyard with an armful of old grass clippings as his pig. All the while running after Carter yelling "Kiss the pig! Kiss the pig!"

Or Carter and all his funny facial expressions-I am pretty sure he only makes them to get out of trouble.

Or Dusty sending me a funny text about fat husbands and tough wives.

Or Dusty staying up and talking to me even though he is too tired to concentrate.

Or Riley asking if we could go to the store to get me some make-up because I didn't put any on that day and I apparently looked really bad.

Or Riley cheating on a game that he was already beating me at even though I wasn't trying to let him win.

Or Carter waking himself up just so he can stick his finger up my nose or make another one of his funny faces and talk to me.

Or Carter giving me multiple kisses before he goes to bed without even being asked.

Or Riley being so proud of himself for opening my car door.

Or Riley putting away his bath toys without being asked-and alway making sure I notice.

Or Dusty sending me a text saying that he misses us.

I think about all these things and suddenly life isn't so bad anymore.

When we went to Cornbelly's Riley discovered the water which was his favorite part. He was completely soaked except for a little spot on his back and in the picture he is trying to get his boot back on.

Playing on the cow train...Carter's favorite part. He has already figured out that if he doesn't want his picture taken he just has to hide. Gee! I wonder where he gets that from.

The Blue Jawbreaker

The following pictures are what happens when you give a twenty-month old a jawbreaker the size of his fist.

For the record, he was completely happy, but I did throw the rest of the jawbreaker away.

Brothers

Carter tries to wake Riley up in the morning by climbing on his head and poking his eyes.

When Riley finally does wake up, Carter runs up to Riley with open arms for a big bear hug.

Riley tries so hard to hold Carter's hand but, Carter isn't into that unless they are playing Ring-around-the-rosies.

Riley is practicing his tackling skills on Carter(thank you Sunday football). Carter doesn't like that.

Carter thinks that he is three and can do everything Riley can.

Despite the fights, they love each other and I am so grateful that they are good to each other (most of the time)!

This is what being brothers is all about.

You push me...

And I will push you!

Riley putting on Dad's work shoes. Every dad's dream and too cute to leave out.

So, here is to brothers!

Riley

Riley is three years old.

I can't believe he is already three.

What a fun and trying couple of years. We have always said that we were just making it(being parents) up as we went. Once I think I have it figured out, I find out that I don't really know what I am doing. I am still trying to figure it all out. Riley is great and I am so grateful for him. He is so sweet and loving and keeps me on my toes. I wish he sometimes didn't make me feel like such a bad person though. It is kind of sad when your kids are better people than you are. I hope he knows that I am still learning and growing and that someday I will be as good as he is! I love my boys! I hope he had a great birthday and that we continue to grow together everyday!

I feel bad not posting a picture of Carter so here he is!

Riley is proud of his gray truck with the gun on the back.

Riley and Grandpa blowing out their candles. Their birthdays are 10 days apart.

My Husband

So, I really miss my husband today. Church is harder without him. Riley and Carter wouldn't sit still for a minute during sacrament meeting which included the finale of Riley opening a pack of fruit snacks that exploded all over the chapel. I did however laugh really hard so I guess it was okay.

We miss him so much. The boys miss having someone to jump on and terrorize. They miss someone to play ball with and chase them around the house. They miss someone who tells the best stories every night while they lay in bed. They miss someone who always seems to be happy and bring the best out in us all.

I miss him. I miss staying up late with him watching a show or laying in bed and talking about whatever comes to mind. I miss the feeling of anticipation every night for the moment when he comes home as we all watch out the window for his car. I miss the laughter and joy he brings me everyday as he teases and laughs with me. I miss snuggling with him at night.

I really miss him and hope he knows how much I love him and am grateful that he works so hard to take care of us. I miss everything about him. He is so good for me in so many ways and I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without him.

My Boys

My boys sometimes drive me crazy and sometimes the only thing that get me through the day is the fact that I know they will be going to bed soon. However, I want to brag about my two little boys.

Riley is so sweet. He tries constantly to make me smile or "happy" as he calls it and has a figured out things to accomplish that task. He opens my car door for me, he laughs in my face until I start laughing, and he gives me his killer smile until I can't possibly be mad at him any more. The other night I left their room for a minute while putting them to bed, I came back upstairs and heard Carter crying because I had left and Riley singing "I Am A Child of God" and "Old McDonald" in order to make Carter feel better. And he sometimes comforts Carter after Carter has just gotten into trouble by telling him that everything is okay.

Carter is crazy! (and I mean that in the best possible way.) That kid never stops moving, not even for naps. He loves his older brother and copies practically everything Riley does. He also has a killer smile but usually only shows is off when he is doing something he isn't supposed to, which , lets face it, is most of the time. He loves to tease and is always looking for a chance to tease someone. He has the best laugh and I sometimes do anything I can think of to make him laugh just so I can hear it.

Both my boys play with other children really well and have lots of friends in the neighborhood. They are always dirty and sometimes go through a couple of pairs of clothes a day. In fact, I am pretty sure that dirt is why they have survived this long; it must do them more good than I realize. They are curious about everything and love their dad more than words can describe. All in all, I am pretty lucky. I have good kids who are happy and healthy and at the end of the day, that is all that matters.

This picture is just for fun because it is so funny. They love watermelon!

While writing the post I heard them laughing so I went to see what they were doing. This is what I found...an entire box of crackers dumped on the mattress and floor. They thought it was really funny. I don't.

Our Fourth of July celebration

We didn't do much for the 4th. We went to the park for the concert in the park that our city puts on every Sunday night and came home to do some sparklers. Riley was scared of the sparklers and wouldn't even hold one. Carter on the other hand was nervous at first but by the end was waving the sparkler like a sparkler should be waved. He also attempted to eat it. (Good thing I was right there) The 4th of July is a wonderful holiday and we are so blessed and honored to be Americans and live in the beautiful place. I am so grateful to live in a place free of war and full of the freedoms that we enjoy every day. Though it is not perfect, I love my country and am honored to be here. Here are a few pictures of our celebration.

I hope that you all had a wonderful celebration as well!

Carter's mosquito bite

We just went up to Dusty's parents house a few days ago. The mosquitos are really bad at their house and we discovered that Carter is allergic to mosquito bites. The pictures will show better that I can explain.

Carter on Saturday night.

Carter on Sunday morning. And yes, he is eating breakfast...it's the only way I could get him to hold still for a picture.

Sunday night.

Sunday night or Monday morning...can't really remember.

He is such the trooper. Even when he couldn't see he didn't let it bother him. So from now on we will be packing the bug spray everywhere we go.

I know I haven't posted for quite some time now. I am simply writing to say that I plan on posting something very soon. That is all and thanks for reading.

So the last few weeks have been a little crazy as I am sure that everyone else knows. Rather than bore you all with a lot of writing I am going to show you all what we have been up to with little explanations along the way. These pictures are not in the order that I wanted them to be in but someday I will figure out this whole thing better. Until then, here it goes!



These are pictures of our peach tree. Dusty requested some pictures of it and they are totally awesome! I am so excited for our peaches!



Carter outside while we flew kites. He thinks they are lame.



We have been working in our yard like crazy; digging up the garden and working on the flower beds. Riley and Carter both enjoy it except when they have to come inside and take a bath and leave a layer of dirt in the tub. Now that I think about it that might be why the tub is clogged! (and yes, Carter is in his PJ's)




Riley flying his kite.

On our way to fly the kite. The idea was to have them ride in the wagon while I pulled it...obviously it didn't work out.

We went to the Dodge National Circuit Rodeo in Pocatello. This was my first rodeo and it was really fun. Riley was glued to the show; the bull riding was his favorite. My nephew Cache rode in the mutton bustin and had a great time doing it.

Dusty and Riley watching the rodeo!

Carter and I watching the rodeo.

Carter has figured out that he can climb...everything. I thought this was really funny.

My sister-in-law and her family came and spent a few days over Easter weekend. This is Derek, Riley, and Carter just loving life.

My neighbor has a huge Easter egg hunt for all the neighborhood kids and her grand kids. We are talking 100+ kids in a really small yard but it was really fun. Crazy but fun!

Riley at the Easter egg hunt was mad at me for some reason. Awesome.

Well, that has been our last month in a nutshell. Someday I will get the order right so things make more sense but until then...hope you enjoy our pictures. I know I do!