The Coates Family

If at first you don't succeed, TRY, TRY AGAIN.

2012-01-27T16:09:00.003-07:00

14 days later... he is still trying.

We don't give up easily around here. ;)

Spiderman Potion

2012-01-13T09:55:00.008-07:00

Lately Noah has been obsessed with Spiderman. He was Spidy for Halloween, and he has most recently discovered that Netflix has 5 seasons of Spiderman cartoon episodes. After watching an episode this morning he said, "Mom, I'm turning into spiderman. I just need to make some sticky goo for my hands". So, I sat back and watched. Watched as he grabbed water, his spiderman shaving gel, spiderman shampoo, and spiderman hair gel. He mixed it all together. He then announced, "I just need an egg." An EGG?! Oh boy. I about ended the science experiment right then and there, but I decided to let him create.

After cracking and mixing in the final ingredient, he took a deep breath, sighed, and said, "Gosh, I hope this works".

Yes, he tried sticking to the walls. {I can't believe I let him}.

---

He concluded that, "It just needs another egg".

Why does this make me melt my heart so much? I made me laugh, shake my head, and get a little choked up somewhere along the way... These are the memories I will treasure forever.

I just wish that I could somehow magically make it work for him.

Cute boy.

Christmas Card 2011

2012-01-10T14:48:00.003-07:00

Here is our Christmas Card for those of you who once again were not cool enough to receive them. {Don't feel bad. We really don't send very many out.} ;)

Noah's Bi-lingual Prayer

2011-12-07T17:09:00.003-07:00

I'm sorry if this is any way, shape, or form sacrilegious to repeat, but I couldn't help but document.

Also, let me prefice this by saying that occasionally when we pray as a family, Brad speaks in Tagalog. Tagalog is the native language from his mission in the Philippines.

Noah: "Mommy can we say a prayer as a family".
Me: Thinking he must be super inspired or something,.... "Sure Buddy, Why?"
Noah: Because I speak in Spanish.
Me: "Uh. Ha. Okay. Sure Bud."

Brad is at school studying. Noah, Chloe, Sophie and I kneel.

Noah: " Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for “BuurrrRRRRR(rolling tounge) BURRRrrRRito. And urbrrugugugurrrl burrrreeeeto. Burrito. UlugulululrrrrrRRrr. BurrRRRrrito. Amen.

I am still laughing out loud. Where does he come up with this stuff? These are the moments that I will cherish forever. Forever and ever...

Spiderman and 2 Hot Chicks

2011-11-09T20:37:00.004-07:00

In years past I have tried to make the whole family one big coordinating theme. This is the first year I have let go of all creative control over my kids' costumes. Noah's specifically. No four year old wants his mommy telling him what to be for Halloween. He wanted to be Spiderman, so SPIDERMAN it was. He loved it and that's all that matters. Who cares that every other boy on the street was the exact same thing. ;)

I love this big brother hug that ONLY a big brother can give. Makes me smile...

And thanks to NeeNee for sending the most adorable fluffy chick costumes. These just made me smile. NeeNee insisted they were "TWO HOT CHICKS". I'd have to agree...

Chloe Mae

Sophie June

Get ready for a heart melter...

Say it with me.... AWWWW.

and a few more randoms {Yes, Brad and I grabbed last minute costumes out of our basement "dress-up box" lame.}

We found out the hard way that in South Bend, IN you don't try to trick-or-treat after 7 pm. I guess there was an announcement on the news that stated the "official" trick-or-treat time was 5-7 pm. Sadly, we started heading out the door at 6:30. We thought it would be PRIME trick-or-treating time. Uh... nope. Most people had turned off their lights and the few that did answer their doors were out of candy. Brad was miffed. When we were kids, trick-or-treating started at dark, and went until about 10 pm. Not these days...

I think Noah got 4 or 5 pieces of candy. Poor little guy. He was soooo disappointed UNTIL his daddy made him trick-or-treat at our front door 5 times. Every time, Brad would drop handfuls of falling candy into his little bag and Noah would laugh with delight. REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT.

Don't you feel sorry for him. ;) He made out just fine.

Poor Poor Chloe

2011-11-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm seriously so upset about this I don't even want to write it. But if she has TWO scars on her head as an adult, she will probably want to know why. Her 1st cut (toothbrush holder) is slowly healing. In the meantime, she fell and hit her forehead on the baseboard creating a second cut, possibly worse than the first. Both on the forehead, both big cuts. AGGGHHHH. I tried to Dr. it up myself as I wasn't very happy with the glue job the ER did on her first cut. I'm praying for no scarring. :( Sorry my sweet girl. You've had a rough few weeks. :(

First Trip to the Emergency Room

2011-10-26T21:23:00.002-06:00

I knew the day would come, but I honestly thought it would be Noah. Sweet Chloe had the metal toothbrush holder fall down on her forehead in the bathtub last night. It was a big cut, so I decided to bring her to the ER at 8:30. Now, I am TOTALLY confused why the hospital calls the Emergency Room an "EMERGENCY" Room. She wasn't even looked at for 4 1/2 hours. Sheesh!!

I found the 5 hours at the hospital surprisingly sweet. I didn't realize how little time I get to adore my girls one on one. Their whole lives they have always been. well,...together. My alone time made me realize that we (both Brad and I) need to take the time to love on them alone. --They both asked about each other several times while they were apart though. In the five hours they were separated ( 8:30 pm - 1:30 am) Chloe asked me "Sophie Sleepin Mommy? Sophie Sleepin?" And when Daddy told Sophie she needed to go to bed, she ran to the front door and cried, "Sophie, Sophie" {She is confused and calls Chloe, Sophie} --When I brought Chloe in her bedroom at 2 am, Sophie woke up to give Chloe a hug and kiss. Ha. Sweet, sweet girls.

Good news is Chloe just needed some glue and steri strips on her little forehead. I wanted to make sure it got proper care so it wouldn't scar her beautiful little face. It's pretty small, so I am hoping for the best.

My girls have learned to be tough. Between Noah, Chloe, & Sophie at the ages they are, they all get pushed around quite a bit. We don't raise sissys around here. ;) Chloe is proudly showing her "owie" or "bonk-on-dee-head" to everyone.

Speaking of "BONK-ON-DEE-HEADS" we had to cancel our family pictures last week because Sophie flew down our inclined driveway on her tricycle last week...

Yes, our twins have owies in the exact same spot. Must be a twin thing. Gosh I love these tough girls.

I promise we don't beat our kids. PINKY PROMISE.

"Is the Prophet talking to ME?!"

2011-10-02T21:46:00.000-06:00

I love watching conference from the comfy cozy of our own home. Snuggled on the sofa with blankets, the sound of General Authorities voices lulliing you in and out of sleep {Don't lie. You totally do it too}. ;) Anyways,...This is the first year our little family hasn't lived in the WEST, so conference isn't televised here. We pushed our sofa in front of our computer and streamed it online. Noah is used to i-chatting with grandma and grandpa, so when the prophet started speaking, in full size through our computer, Noah thought he was talking straight to him. He popped his head in the view of the webcam and say "Hi Prophet". Then he said to me, "Mommy, is the Prophet talking to ME?" Ha. Cute boy.

We got talking about temples. {Noah recently decided him and Adalie were going to get married. They decided this on the playground. He assured me they were just pretending}. So today I asked Noah, are you going to get married in the temple someday? Or at the playground? Or in a zoo? He responded immediately, "No silly. I am going to get married at Old McDonalds". {hee, hee,... he calls McDonalds "Old McDonalds" every time we drive by.} Gosh I love the things he says.

I have always wanted to make some conference traditions. Conference is an opportunity to cozy up with your family, hear amazing spiritual talks, AND make sweet memories. I love it. The past few years I have attempted the tradition of making cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning. Gosh they are good. Ya, ya,... my diet starts tomorrow,... on MONDAY,.. again... ;)

Fall Family Bike Rides

2011-09-27T14:55:00.003-06:00

Since Noah learned how to ride his big boy bike earlier this summer, he wants to go every. single. day. And I'm not talking about a little wee ride here. He would go for miles and miles if we would let him.
I haven't enjoyed a good long bike ride since I was a kid. I'm glad I have children that make me take the time to enjoy the beautiful things in this life, like a simple bike ride. It's surprisingly refreshing to hop on a bike, breathe in the cool fall air, take in the beauty of nature, and ride. Sweet moments like this are ones wish I could package up in a little box and open again and again. I caught myself taking many 'mental pictures' of our most recent family bike ride.

The neighborhoods around our home are old and charming. We have fun looking for our "dream home" while we are out riding. I snapped a few for future reference... ;)

Yes. Those will do just fine. ;) I love the white, the pillars, the brick, the two side sunrooms... It's so fun to dream. Looking forward to our next family fall bike ride already.

P.S. Brad, I need a bike. The one we found in our garage makes my bum hurt. ;)

Someone is excited for Halloween...

2011-08-21T20:31:00.000-06:00

Noah won these DRACULA teeth from Chucky Cheese a few days ago. He asked for them before he went to bed. When we went to tuck him in later that night, this is what we found.

This couldn't have been very comfortable...

Little Cutie. We get excited for Holidays a little prematurely around here.

Noah's 1st Drawing. Pretty. Darn. Cute.

2011-07-22T00:08:00.004-06:00

Noah drew this picture for Father's Day, all by his lil ole self. He explained to me that it was a picture of him on Daddy's shoulders. Gosh I love him.

Time Outs are tough around here

2011-07-19T09:26:00.003-06:00

It can't be easy being reprimanded by TWO...
I'd bet he learned his lesson. ;)

Daddy Horse

2011-06-30T19:36:00.004-06:00

And this is why I will NEVER be as cool as Daddy...

Daddy has been SUPER DUPER busy studying lately, but in the short moments we do see him, we sure have fun.

He makes the best horse.

This game is NOT easy.

2011-06-27T12:33:00.004-06:00

Noah has endearingly referred to the twins as "Baby Sisters" since before birth. Most recently he has been addressing one, or the other as "GIRLIE". Basically, he can't tell them apart. Now we can't completely blame him. Even though they are fraternal twins, they look a lot alike. Especially since I dress them EXACTLY the same. Mommy and daddy are even guilty of calling them 'baby sisters' occasionally,... bad habit. {Yes, we can TOTALLY tell them apart} ;) -Well, yesterday we decided it is time to quit generically calling them "baby sister" or "girlie".

Brad told Noah we were going to be playing a fun game. He lined the twins up on the wall and said, "Alright Buddy, who is Chloe and who is Sophie?" He guessed. Strike one. Brad switched them around again. "Okay Noah, you can do this. Guess again". Strike two. One last time Brad switched them around. "Well, buddy? Who is who?" Third time he got it right. DING DING DING! He looked up at us and let out a sigh, "This game is NOT easy". Gosh I love the things he says.

Can you get it right?

Double Trouble in the Terrible Twos

2011-06-23T20:06:00.001-06:00

Don't fear for me. I am one tough tough woman. I can handle it. {I think}. ;) I can't lie, even in their 'naughty' moments, it usually just makes me smile. I love seeing them be mischievous together. I can't believe they TWO! Where did the time go?

And there you have it. Two Walmart cakes surrounded by mounds of unpacked boxes. HA! A drastic change from their first party. I know, I know. The HowDoesShe audience would be so disappointed, but let's be real here: sometimes a $5 cake and a scoop of ice cream, is just what the Dr. ordered. Especially for me, while moving across the country.

Chloe Mae, Sophie June, we love you more than you will ever know. I am going to do seperate milestone posts for both of you in the near future (pinky promise). I just can't seem to find a lot of time these days. You two (and Noah) keep me crazy busy. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I know I have lots of catching up to do on our family blog. I have the best of intentions... Stay tuned.

Ode to Boise {sniffle}

2011-05-21T01:19:00.002-06:00

Moving is emotional. {Sniffle. Sniffle.} We are moving tomorrow and I am becoming an emotional blubbering mess. Sleepless nights packing, purging, and reminicing. The reminicing part is really starting to swell up in my heart. What was I thinking MOVING to support my husband's dream of graduate school. Sheesh! I have so many memories in Boise, in our little home. Our life is here. {i know, poor me,.... cry me a river}. I know change is good, and most likely we will be back in Boise in the near future, but I just need a moment to 'boo hoo'. Here is goes....

The things I will miss:

The fact that this was the first house Brad and I bought and made it a home. We were so excited to move in, make it cozy, and start a family....

The floor plan. Small, yet perfectly perfect for our first home.

The fact that we brought Noah home to this house.

Noah's Nursery and the memories in it.

Noah's Big Boy Bedroom and the memories in it.

The fact that we brought our twin baby girl's home to this house.

Their Nursery and the memories in it.

The backyard...

The sandbox my kids spent hours in (handmade with love by Brad, My Dad, and Brad's Dad)

The swingset Brad just assembled...

The flowers I planted that bloom every spring

Boise in general

Roaring Springs

The Desert Ward

and of course all of my dear friends and family

The redeeming fact: I get to take ALL my memories with me, AND the things that matter VERY most: Him, Him, Her, & Her...

Here's to a new adventure and to making new memories... Here we come Indiana.

Easter in Georgia

2011-05-11T18:29:00.000-06:00

The twins are almost two. Craziness. The worst part about them turning two is the fact that we will have to pay for 5 airline tickets to see Brad's family. FIVE! So, in true Coates fashion, we took advantage of their 23 month age, and hopped on an airplane just in time for Easter in Georgia. We hate that we live so far away from Brad's family. It does my heart good to see him in his element, and I love seeing my crazy kids interact with their Aunt, Uncles, Cousins, and of course Nee Nee & Pops.

Viva Las Vegas... Part One: 5,000 calories

2011-05-11T18:01:00.000-06:00

"Calories only matter if you count them" ~someone wise

On this day, I was not counting. Sheesh, I was on vacation. What's a measly 5,000 calories in one sitting?! {yikes}. Well, you can't go to Vegas without hitting up a buffet. We chose the Wynn buffet brunch and it was heavenly. A bit spendy, but don't you worry, I consumed every last calorie I could {and you KNOW Brad made sure I did}.

Have you ever seen two happier men?

I think not...

Do yourself a favor, and don't count calories in vegas. DO, however, set aside a little money (and appetite) to hit up a fabulous buffet. My pick: The Wynn. Ask to be seated by the 'oh so gorgeous' flowers. -I'm ready for round two...

Dandies

2011-05-04T23:43:00.004-06:00

The first year Brad and I moved into our home, our grass looked STELLAR. Each year it got a tad bit worse. Once we added kids to the mix, well let's just say it went down hill. We've had a few dandelions.

I've always hated the darn things in my yard, but not this year. THIS YEAR, I LOVE THEM. Wanna know why? Because every. single. day. I see this!

All for ME.

And it melts my heart and makes me smile. And then because he sees it makes me happy, he runs out to get more....

which makes him happy...

Yes dandelions, this year, I love you. And this year Brad, you're off the hook. ;)

The Trouble with Naps around here...

2011-04-15T18:04:00.003-06:00

They don't happen. WHY you ask? Because THIS happens. every. single. time.

This is why having twins is the worst and the BEST all at the same time. They can't help but PLAY in their bedroom. Today I heard {giggle, giggle, giggle}. Ooooo. They were in trouble. I swing open the door and my angry heart melts. How can you be mad at these cute faces? They had both crawled into the hamper and couldn't get out. Stinkers. Frustrating, yet adorable.

I'm so glad you two have eachother. Makes my heart happy.

Kiss Brad, He's Irish!

2011-03-14T17:01:00.009-06:00

That's right. BRAD IS OFFICIALLY IRISH!

Brad has always wanted to get his MBA, and has always dreamt of getting it from Notre Dame. We have been praying extra hard that Brad would be accepted there. {It's no cake walk to get in to} ;).

Let me go back to the beginning. It all started about 3 years ago when Brad decided he definitely wanted to go back and get his MBA. Brad had been studying for the gmat and we had just found out we were expecting our second child (which was actually our second AND third). Because there were TWO additions, Brad's dream was put on hold while we focused on our new babies.

Flash forward 2 years. Brad and I decided it was time to fulfill his dream of getting his MBA. After submitting his application, Brad flew out to Indiana to visit the campus. He was almost certain he would be disappointed because he had put 'Notre Dame' on a pedestal his whole life. He wasn't. It was all he ever dreamt it would be. Doubtful of his acceptance, he came home wanting nothing more than to be offered admission. Brad came home with a bag of memoribilia he was given while visiting. Noah found it and Brad said, "NO WAY. You can't drink out of that. NOT YET. I might be throwing it away." ;)

After countless hours of studying, applications, interviews and lots of praying,...all we could do was WAIT. and WAIT. and WAIT. {brad thinks they should make a reality series out of waiting candidates and the torture they go through} :)

I of course, knew he was a shoe-in. ;) For whatever reason, I felt it was right,... so that meant he HAD to 'get in'. RIGHT? Well, because I am so "in-tune' I decided I should have everything ready for a celebration, 'just in case'. I saved all my receipts and hid the goods 'just in case'.

The morning of Feb 25th, 2011 was a long one. It was judgement day. Brad knew he would be receiving a call either way. Eight O'clock went by, Nine, Ten, Eleven, NOON! After pacing the house Brad suggested I take Noah out for a little Mommy-Noah date. I made Brad promise he would call, no matter what. I kept my phone GLUED to my hand. We headed to the library, then to the bank. Just as I was sitting down with the banker to set up a savings account my phone rang. It was him.

Brad: {casual} "Hey Shell"

Me: {nervous} "Soooooo!"

Brad: {growing excitement} "You can tell by my tone".

Me: {screaming} "YOU GOT IN!!!!"

Brad: {choking up a little} "Yep."

Me: {bawling in the bank cubical} "I KNEW you would. I KNEW IT all along".

Brad: {still a little choked up} "They offered me a scholarship too".

Me: {almost unable to speak, feeling so completely blessed} We were supposed to go.

Brad: {sweetly} "I know."

Me: {party planning mode} "We are having a celebration tonight!"

Brad: {relieved} "Ya. I know Shell. You've got to do better with hiding stuff. I found your little celebration and I was so stressed out that I wouldn't get in."

Me: {reminding myself to hide things better}. "Well, I KNEW you would get in" {whew, I don't have to return anything}. ;)

The poor banker didn't know what to do with me,...except to step out of the cubical and give me a little time. ;) It was such a sweet sweet moment between Brad and I, that I will NEVER ever forget.

So. Brad is Irish. We are Irish I guess. This St. Patrick's Day has a fun new meaning to our family this year. As we head off on our new adventure, we will miss so so so much about our Boise life, but we know this is the right decision for us. And did I mention it's ONLY a year?! May to May. We will be back before we know it. {Hopefully back, gosh I want to come back, BRAD I WANT TO COME BACK!}

Noah is now drinking out of the Notre Dame Cup. Every. Single. Day.
---
(If you know someone interested in renting our little Boise house for a year, here is the link).

All for a Shower...

2011-03-06T20:29:00.002-07:00

Usually I shower at night. After the kids are in bed, for obvious reasons. Well the other day, I had to take a shower in the morning. With Brad at work, and all three kids awake, this can be an ordeal. I thought to myself "I can so do this, it's a 5 minute shower". After preoccupying the kids, I snuck back to my bathroom, and hopped in. About 30 seconds later, Noah comes walking back and casually announces "someone's at the door". I totally thought he was lying. Then he said it again. Ugh. Okay, I hop out, throw on a robe, and see Noah standing at the window by the door yelling to someone "Mommy is NAKED, she is NAKED. My mommy is NAKED". AHhhhh! Whew, good thing it's one of my closest friends Jen. After she left I hopped back in. 30 seconds later, one naked little boy decides he is joining my shower. (He is 3,...a little old,..um...all well...what the heck. Hopefully I don't scar him for life). He climbs in. Of course 'baby sisters' follow him and are trying to undress themselves. Argh. Fine. I stick my wet hands out of the shower and unzip the twins from their PJ's and let them hop in too. 4 bodies in one shower. All of a sudden Chloe starts arching her back, throwing and tantrum and points at something. That something she is throwing a tantrum about is her blanket, on the floor, OUTSIDE the shower. Should I? Or Shouldn't I? To avoid a total catastrophe, I give in. I grab the blasted blanket, wrap it around my naked child, while the water falls down on her. Whatever. She is content in her soaking wet blanket, and I am finally clean. All for a shower.

-Moral of the story, shower at night.

They Should be Sleeping...

2011-01-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

They SHOULD be sleeping at this time of night. But they usually aren't. I've caught some funny bedtime moments lately.

Get ready for some MAD 'cut and paste' video skills.

Give me a break! It was my first attempt!

The first time Sophie escaped, it was cute. But then she kept fighting with Chloe in CHLOE's crib. Then she started coming out of her room wandering the house aimlessly. After constantly putting Sophie BACK in her crib, we had to lock her in. :( 30 minutes later, we usually find her like this...

Oh,...but what about Chloe? Lately Chloe has discovered she likes sleeping in the nude. Stinker!!! She unzips her pajamas and just last week, I found her like this...

and the result...

And Noah. Oh sweet Noah. We often think he is off in dreamland, when instead he is in playland. Last week I tucked him in, in a spotless bedroom. Before I went to bed (2 hours later) I found him like this...

Seriously?! Who does that?! ;)

Gosh I hope they are sleeping right now. I'd better go check on them.

'Oh Much Fun'

2010-12-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I had a blog. And I was good at it! Then life got away from me, and I meant to blog one event, then another, and then 25 others, until it was simply too big of task for me to accomplish. So I've been avoiding it for FAR too long. I'm not quite sure where to start, but I know that I want to keep writing my precious memories down. So here I am. Unsure of where to begin. So, I guess I will start with today (and hopefully work back)...

For the first time in years I feel like I am truly living the magic of Christmas. The past few years Christmas has come and gone so quickly, I've hardly enjoyed it. This year is different. I am not sure exactly why, probably a combination of things, but this year, I am feeling the magic.

The magic may have a lot to do with a certain 3 year old. Gosh he makes me feel like a kid again! Last night we were all singing at the top of our lungs "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! OH MUCH FUN it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh,...HEY!" :) Living Christmas through the eyes of a child is truly "Oh Much Fun" {and yes, I LOVE the fact that he has the words all wrong}.

Early December a sweet friend of mine sent 'Santa Letters' for Noah to fill out. I adore his little Christmas list. Melts my heart looking over it. I love the upside down "A". His wish list is VERY specific and oh so cute...

Santa must have known that the Coates family desperately needed an elf in their home to monitor behavior, because look who arrived at our house... SCAMPER the ELF.

One night last week, after the twins went to bed Noah, Brad, and I gathered around the tree and opened Santa's early present (provided by Nee Nee, thank you Nee Nee!) Noah was beaming with excitement. He listened very closely to the story of 'The Elf on a Shelf". Noah proudly named the elf 'Scamper'.
He knows not to touch him, but he has been getting as close as he possibly can without physically touching him. That night he tried to give Scamper a drink and he drew him a picture to bring back to the 'shoe makers' (he's confused) when he flies home at night. He quickly 'fake' fell asleep so that Scamper could fly home to the North Pole and report. Noah also tried to sing him a goodnight song. I am pretty sure I saw Brad tear up a few times.

{I've caught him talking to Scamper a few times too,...hee hee,... ;)}

We have had to remind Noah on several occasions that Scamper is watching and reporting. We also have Santa on speed-dial and there have been many-a-days that we have called the North Pole a dozen times to report behavior (sometime good, usually naughty). ;)

Is it bad? Because Brad and I have had the conversation a few times that we feel like big fat liars! But it is 'Oh Much Fun!' :)
---

While we were putting up our Christmas tree we explained to Noah that the tree was 'thirsty' so it needed to be watered. The next day, while Noah was eating his lunch, he announced the tree was 'hungry' and threw his ham sandwich under the tree. :) How can he be such a stinker one minute and so incredibly adorable the next? Gosh I love that boy.

Here is a little Christmas meltdown moment. Makes me smile...

Besides the magic of having a 3 year old, every year I learn a little more about the true meaning of Christmas. I want less, I enjoying giving more. {Now don't get me wrong, Santa, please don't forget about ME} ;) ---I am just starting to realize how incredibly blessed I am. In this economy I have witnessed so many loved ones struggle through difficult trials. I want Christmas for them, not for me. We may not have all we dream of, but Brad has a good job, my little business is starting to take off, we have a beautiful little family, and well,... there isn't much more I can ask for right now. I am truly grateful.

Of course the most beautiful message of the Christmas season is remembering our Savior Jesus Christ. It's in moments of singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night, making Gingerbread houses, and putting up the Christmas tree that I am suddenly overwhelmed by the spirit. I am living in the magic this year and I am loving every last second.

"Oh Much Fun" it is...

Noah's Golf Party - 3 Years Old

2010-09-03T10:34:00.000-06:00

Ya, ya, ya. I know I haven't posted in over a month. What happened to Summer?! I all of a sudden looked at the calendar, and it's SEPTEMBER! Seriously, how did that happen? The reality that I haven't blogged about the summer is making me feel GUILTY, so I am vowing to post about the Coates Family Summer this week.

First up, Noah's 3rd Birthday.
Let's PAR-TEE!
{you can see all the details HowDoesShe.com}

What a little stud muffin. I can't believe he is already three (see previous post). My mother-in-law Dianne was in Boise on B's 3rd birthday, so she helped out in a MAJOR way. {Thank you, Thank you!}. Speaking of which,...my next Summer post is all about NeeNee and Pops visit. :) I'd better get working on that...

3 years old?!

2010-07-14T02:27:00.000-06:00

How could this possibly happen? I swear I just brought him home from the hospital yesterday. I can't believe how fast they grow. I know, it sounds so 'cliche' but it's the truth. And I'm NOT HAPPY about it. I was having a pitty party thinking about how time flies by too fast. Then I remembered, I have this blog. THIS blog to write these cherished memories down. To make time stand still. To look back in 10 years from now and remember the things my kids were doing and saying today. -No excuses, this blog need a little more attention. So here I am. Midnight. Blogging. And all that is on my mind is my sweet Noah B.

Now anyone who knows Noah, knows that he can be a handful at times. While every day there are crazy moments, meltdowns, and frustrations, EVERY day there are heart melting, don't grow up, why can't I stop time moments too. He can be a little stinker, but he's my little stinker, and I love that little stinker with every ounce in me.

I was making a quick list of some of the cute things he does/says right now. In 20 years, I hope to read this and imagine hearing them from my sweetest 3 year old boy. {sniffle, sniffle}.

-A few days ago he started digging around in his toy box and grabbed two balls. He looked at me with the biggest smile and said, 'Mommy Mommy look at me! I'm going to Juggles!' Then he threw the two balls in the air. Little cutie.

-We going to the 'piggy bank' mommy? {he asks me this anytime we are running errands and thinks we are headed to the bank}

-'just nothin'' {when he is obviously up to somethin'}. Noah,...why are your hands behind your back? -Just nothin'. Or he'll come out of a room and we aren't suspecting a thing and he'll say 'just nothin'. We immediately go check! ;)

-Everything is 'buuuuuut' 'but......but......he uses it as as a filler while he thinks.

-The other day I walked into the kitchen to see the counter full of 20 plastic glasses filled half way up with water. :) He wanted to make sure daddy had a drink.

-Every morning since December he has woke up and ran to the window to say 'I have a great idea,....lets go to 'roaring springs'! ---We always had to crush his idea and tell him we will as soon as it warms up. It finally has! So now he has 'a great idea' to go to roaring springs every day. EVERYTHING he wants to do he starts with 'I have a great idea....'. Pretty hard to tell him no when he puts it that way! :)

-Every night before bed, we sing to Noah. He asks for specific songs 'Daddy' {bye oh baby bunting, daddy's gone a hunting}, 'Temple' {I love to see the temple}, 'Families' {Families can be together forever}, 'Prophet' {Follow the Prophet},....but my very favorite request is 'Noah's Song' which is lullaby I made up for him before he was born. It melts me when I hear him singing along with me to his special song.

-He proudly announced the other day, "Mom, I'm a to be a hocky pucker". Oh boy. That sounds all wrong.

-Noah literally stopped in his tracks the other day, inpsected his legs, and said, "Dad, I think some whiskers are growing on my legs".

-Recently Noah was digging around in his toy box and said, "Mom, can you help me find me 'America' I want to play some music. It took me a few minutes to realize he was looking for his Harmonica."

Gosh I love that boy. I hope he continues to say and do silly things forever.

Happy Birthday my sweetest Noah B.

I love you so much and hope you know it.

I am so glad you are mine.

The Twins Sweet Shoppe Birthday Party

2010-07-07T07:49:00.000-06:00

- Monday, Wednesday : TOMAto, TAmato.

I finally got around to getting these pictures up. Quit frankly, I've been a bit burnt out lately. I think throwing this little party had something to do with it. Their party was a bit over the top, but lets be honest, how often do twin girls turn one?! My point exactly. Brad learned a lot from this experience, mostly that he will be giving me 'cash in an envelope' for the girls' weddings. ;) The party was super fun to plan, but I will probably never go to this extreme again. {At least that is what I told Brad}. ;)

Warning. Below is an overload of pictures.
{For more detailed info on the party visit HowDoesShe.com}

The invites

The details

The experience

And yesterday...was Noah's Birthday party. He is 3 TODAY! Craziness. Gosh I love my kids. Why must they grow? Here's to enjoying each and every year.

Red, White, and Cute!

2010-07-03T23:26:00.000-06:00

So technically I haven't been the best blogger lately. Technically, I only get to wash my hair every so often, and technically I don't get near enough sleep. So there. Give. Me. A. Break.

Having said that, I have about 5 'drafts' that are ALMOST ready to be published. Pinky Promise I will post the girls 1st Birthday on Monday. In the meantime we are getting ready to celebrate the 4th with NeeNee & Pops! :) --We LOVE the 4th of July around here and it seems like every year we are lucky enough to spend it with Brad's parents. {I should be cleaning the house, they fly in tomorrow}.

Happy Fourth of July. I am truly proud to be an American. Here is a little Red, White, and Cute as a filler post until I get my others up. {I may or may not be slightly obsessed with Red, White, and Blue}

And one more time, because this is the only picture of Noah I could get on this blasted day! {little stinker}

Monday....Promise.

Birthday Girls

2010-06-14T20:16:00.000-06:00

I know I know,...I STILL haven't posted all the pictures of their party. Here are a few more...I'll do a whole big post soon....Promise.

A teaser picture...

2010-06-01T23:09:00.001-06:00

I still can't believe they are one.

More Party Pics to come {after I beg Kara to edit more}...

A Year Ago Today...

2010-05-27T16:21:00.000-06:00

Today I woke up a sound that has become very very familiar to me. Two squealing giggling babies. This sound makes my motherly heart almost leap from my chest. It's never crying that comes from their nursery in the morning. Just talking, squealing, and laughing.

I love that they are sisters. They are so lucky to have eachother. I am so lucky to have them.

{1 hour later} ---Yes I am a dork and was getting choked up so I had to step away and come back. Then my visiting teacher came by and just happened to give a little message about the joys of raising daughters. Seriously?! Today? I am a wreck. I am ridiculously ridiculous.

Why does it go so fast? Was it really a year ago? Really?! A year ago today my family of three became my family of five. I never thought in a million years that it would jump from three to five. I wouldn't change it for the world. A year ago today, I was bigger, and more miserable

than I had ever been. A year ago today was one of the best days of my life. I still can't believe there were TWO babies in there! We were so lucky to have two beautiful baby girls arrive in our family. Two perfectly HEALTHY baby girls {sigh of relief}.

When I was pregnant, people would always tell me that 'twins are easy', that they come out just being 'better' because they know they have to. I didn't believe them. I do now.

Chloe and Sophie are the sweetest blessing. They have eachother and it is the most adorably sacred thing to witness. Sleeping through the night at 3 months, waking up jabbering, and following eachother around. They make parenting easy.

Chloe Mae is playful. She is always pulling on my legs wanting to be held. She thinks Noah B is

the funniest guy in the world. Chloe is full of spunk and fun. She will often mimmick us and is full of personality. She started walking this week!

Sophie June is incredibly sweet. She is content. You can often see a little smirk and smile behind her big blue eyes. It's almost a little fliratious little look. {We are in for trouble}. She gets sweetly shy and buries her face in to me when she is embarrassed. She will

cuddle up to just about anyone.

While there are differences the two of them are very much alike. They both love to be held by anyone who will pick them up. They both are easy going. They often fall over on eachother. Instead of getting frustrated, they giggle at eachother. They talk back and forth in their cribs. They follow eachother around EVERYWHERE. They steal eachother's binkies and food. They both fall asleep the second their head hits the crib and cuddle their faces up to their soft blankets. When out in public, they could stop traffic a mile a way. They are pretty adorable if you ask me. Devlopmentally they have done things literally hours within each other. They watch and learn from eachother. They are so stinkin' easy to love. After I had Noah, I was convinced I wanted a herd of boys. A herd of little 'boyfriends'. I had no idea the special bond I would have with my girls. I love seeing the two of them together.

And I especially love seeing the THREE of them together.

And you want to know what really REALLY melts my heart?

Seeing the FOUR of them together.

I am lucky and I know it.

Chloe, Sophie,...do you know you are my everything? It's so fun watching you grow. But why does it happen all so fast? Before I know it you will be adorable little girls instead of babies, and eventually the most beautiful women instead of girls. Sometimes I wish I could make time stand still.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girls.

Do you think you could make this next year go by a bit slower?

We love you so incredibly much.

Chloe's First Steps

2010-05-25T10:18:00.000-06:00

It all happens much too fast. The girls turn one this week... craziness. I'll have a post dedicated to them turning one. But this post,..this one is for my Chloe girl. Look at you go! :)

Love you sweet girl.

It's so rough being two...

2010-05-21T14:04:00.000-06:00

What?! You don't remember?! ;)

A bunch of excuses...

2010-04-30T09:32:00.000-06:00

Okay, I technically meant I'd update my blog THIS weekend? ;) Hey! -I've been busy! -I have 3 kids ages 2 and under! -I have been on vacation! -I have this other blog I contribute to. The list could go on and on... I know, a bunch of lame excuses. I've got a lot of catching up to do here. I'd better start with the current and work back! ;)

So, most recently, my mom and I took the twins on a trip to Tennessee to visit my sister Kara. I so wish we lived closer. Someday soon hopefully. {fingers crossed}. Of course we took some adorable photos of the girls...

{could this yellow field be any more gorgeous?!}

Chloe Mae

Sophie June

Chloe

Sophie {I think,...ha!} ;)

Chloe

Sophie

A few of my favorite things ever...

While in Tennesse, I helped throw Kara a little 'Car Themed' Baby Shower with some of her girlfriends. I can't wait to meet the lil guy! You can see the whole party here.

{yes I made those cookies! I would tell you that it took 3 failed batches to master them, I was covered in blue icing, that I would never make them again, that I wanted to swear the whole time I was icing, and that I ate my weight in cookie dough,...BUT,... I am way classier than that! ;) So I'll just tell you I proudly made them.}

From Tennessee I flew on to Florida to met up with Brad for his sister April's wedding. Joe and April are the cutest couple. We are so happy for the two of them. The reception,...oh the reception,.. it was sooo gorgeous! The reception center was an old plantation house, the food was deliciously SOUTHERN, the bride looked stunning, and we had the funnest time Square DANCING! It basically looked like a staged wedding out of a magazine! Not to mention she had an incredibly talented photographer Kim from KimBe Photography .

The only thing that was missing was 'B'! :( I left Noah in Boise for almost 10 days {gasp,...I know,...I am a horrible mom}. He was with Brad for the first 5 days while I was in TN, and then stayed he with friends while Brad met up with me in Florida. A few things justified us leaving him,... 1. Traveling with a 2 year old and twin babies is NOT fun. See here {remember?!} UGH! 2. $400 for him to come. 3. He wouldn't enjoy it and quite frankly, we probably wouldn't enjoy the wedding as much either. -But my heart ACHED for him by about day 6.

I am so glad to be home. As fun as traveling is, home is truly the best place to be.

Here is my oath to be a better blogger. "I Shelley, promise not to google random things, chat on facebook, or online shop unless my blog is up to date." Whew. Those are some pretty hefty words. I'll do my best! ;)

I'm participating in I heart faces this week with the flower photos!

Just a teaser picture...

2010-04-23T01:25:00.000-06:00

I swear I am updating my blog this weekend. PINKY PROMISE! ;) But in the meantime, I had to post my girls this past week in while in Tennessee...

The combo of 2 incredibly adorable girls, a perfect yellow flowered field, and an amazing photographer {my sister Kara} made for a one gorgeous photo shoot! More to come, along with April's {Brad's sister's} southern wedding! :)

Pretty Boy.

2010-03-26T19:14:00.000-06:00

Brad has some amazing qualities, he's handsome, dresses well, is the sweetest husband alive, the cutest father, and he even cleans! But well,...doing manly dirty work isn't exactly his 'thing'.

The other night about Midnight we hopped in to bed. We were dozing off to sleep when we heard some of my plastic crafting bags in the corner of our bedroom 'crinkle, crinkle, crinkle'. And then again 'Crinkle, Crinkle, Crinkle!' Both of our eyes popped open and we looked at each other. Again CRINKLE, CRINKLE, CRINKLE! We flipped on the light and both agreed there must be a mouse in the corner!! EWW! {We came to this conclusion because Brad had brought his big mission storage container from the garage in our bedroom to 'reminece' just the day before. I said 'Get it! Catch Him! I'm Staying on the Bed!' After 'pep talking' him for a good 5 minutes, Brad decided he needed protection just in case the mouse attacked him {or something}. So he put on snow pants, shoes, gloves, and a foam bat! HA! He was READY! The 'mouse' wasn't making any sound now, but we just knew he was hiding. Brad wasn't sure how to 'attack' and he was,...well,...a bit nervous...

and because this one is even better,...

After all was said and done, there wasn't even a mouse in the room. It was just some of my craft stuff falling into place in the plastic bags. Good Memory,...Good Footage.

I love you Sissy.

Coates Resort Part II

2010-03-24T10:06:00.001-06:00

Are you kidding me?! I went to check the mail today and noticed the trash had been put out to be picked up. I was caught of guard when I saw our Christmas Tree waiting to be picked up...

I had NO idea that Brad stashed on the side of our house from December!! Note, today is March 23rd. Wow. Even little Noah had to come out and see this spectacle! {yes he is running around in his undies}

We are soo going to get kicked out of our neighborhood. ;)

Coates 'Resort'

2010-03-07T22:54:00.001-07:00

Notice anything not right about this picture?

Yes, this was taken yesterday,...March 6th, 2010. The neighbors must hate us. I have to beg to get Brad to put them up in time for Christmas, and then I have to SUPER BEG for him to take them down! -He told me last week "Shell, we are going for a resort-like feel. Just like Sun Valley or Park City." -Little stinker.

Pansy had to wait for a day when he could get a tan while taking them down. ;) Thanks for working on your 'honey do' list this weekend LoverBoy.

The Coates Kids

2010-03-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Kara (my little sister) told me my blog is being neglected. Well, if I'd receive some more 'comment love' maybe I'd step it up. Okay, that's it. I need some comments to let me know there are people out there! If you are reading this, you are required to leave a comment. -Come on,...make my day! :) {Kara thanks for editing these pictures of my hooligans}

So my crazy life is zooming past and I need to take a quick second to slow down and document how sweet my kids at their current stage. So here is an update on the cutest kids in the world {of course} the 'Coates Kids'.

The Girls - 9 Months Old {craziness}

Pretty sure they are the sweetest things ever!

*They are both crawling like crazy! They are fast little stinkers! Consequently I am always on my toes making sure they don't stick foreign objects in their mouths. I often find them sneaking into rooms together. The cuties follow each other everywhere! If they go missing, 99% of the time they are found together. --Oh the mischief to come! ;)

*They like to pull themselves up and usually use each other to do so. They are always crawling on top of each other making the 'bottom prop' usually a bit cranky.

*They are truly best friends and it is precious. You can tell they have this connection that is indescribable. The other morning I went to get them out of bed. They weren't crying,

but laughing when I approached their door. I peeked in to find them both peeking over their cribs (which face each other) and they were giggling like crazy at their 'sister'.

*They both are 'binkie' thieves are are constantly stealing them from each other.

*They are both exactly the same developmentally. Both crawled at the same time, both have 6 teeth (working on the 4 tops, 2 bottoms)

*They are still being 'swaddled' at night {and sleep like rocks}. We are, however, worried that we are going to have to swaddle them when they are in highschool. ;)

Chloe Mae ~ 9 Months

*Chloe loves food {takes after her mom}! :) I often give both of the girls a graham cracker and Chloe always eats hers first,...and then tries to steal Sophie's. Of course! {Sophie doesn't like that}. --Chloe is the one I have to watch extra close about sticking random things in her mouth. A little paper never hurt anyone, right?

*Chloe is a daddy's girl. She cries whenever he leaves the room.

*Chloe is rumored to look more like Noah and Brad?

Sophie June ~ 9 Months

*Sophie is a little quirky. Adorably quirky. She makes high pitched little squeals and giggles at herself often.

*Sophie is sweetly content. It doesn't take a lot to keep this sweetie happy.

*Sophie is rumored to look more like me?

They BOTH think Noah is the funnest guy alive. {Noah is 80% sweet with them, 20% naughty brother}

Building Forts in the latest 'thing' in the Coates home. Which is usually fun for all. However, lately Noah has been randomly throwing blankets over his sisters and walks away. He innocently looks at me saying 'I make a fort Mommy, just makin' a fort'. T-R-O-U-B-L-E! {Pretty sure he was about to make a fort over 'baby sisters' in the picture above}

Noah B ~ 2 1/2 Years

Nothing could melt my heart more than seeing how smitten the two men in my life are with EACH OTHER. Noah couldn't possibly love Brad more, and I'm pretty sure Brad only comes home from work to play with Noah. They are truly BFF's. Brad is worried for the day when Noah won't adore him and want to do everything with him! -Don't worry honey,...I'm pretty sure that day isn't coming anytime soon!

A few quick Noah'isms' and cherished Noah Moments....

*Brad was watching Noah while I ran a quick errand. I walked in and saw Noah 'fake sleeping' on the family room floor. He was cuddled up with a pillow, blanket, and horsey. He said, "I sick Mommy. My feelings are hurt,..see {as he is pointing at his ear}. See, I sick."

*The other night Daddy, Mommy, and Noah B were having a cuddle session on the coach while watching 'cloudy with meatballs'. In the middle of the movie I leaned over to B and said, "Give me a Kiss". And he planted me with one. Then daddy was a little jealous and said, "Noah, give me a kiss too". Noah shook his head, "No daddy,...you have too much WHISKERS on your face". :)

*Noah has never really liked Doughnuts. Weird Kid. What kid, WHAT PERSON, doesn't like doughnuts? Yesterday one of his buddies brought him a doughnut over. When I asked him why he wasn't eating it, he held his hand in the air and kept opening and closing them and finally said, "Doughnuts are squishy". Ha. Cute Boy. He obviously doesn't like the texture. Great! More for me! ;)

*We always give Noah coins to put in his pocket. The other day he kept yelling "Daddy, Daddy, can I have some Money? Give me some Money!" So Brad buckled and gave him a dollar bill. Noah looked at him frustrated "That's not Money Daddy,...That's a Dollar!" -Cute kid.

*Noah kinda stutters a little. Especially when he is trying to procrastinate ending a conversation (especially on the phone) or when he can't think of what to say next. Or sometimes he just stutters. It's super cute. The most common one is BabyBabyBaby Sisters.

*We stay at home a lot under our current circumstances. {Going out during weekdays without Brad is near impossible}. So Noah loves being comfortable and running around in his undies. Whenever I dress him properly, he takes it all off. Stinker. Today I dressed him and he said he wanted short pants. Short pants? I thought he meant comfy pants,....then I figured it out. He just wants to wear shorts. Cute boy thinks shorts are called 'short pants'.

*Lately he has been saying "I have A Great Idea" before saying something he wants to do. It usually is "I have a great idea mommy. I'll get some pop" Or I have a great Idea Daddy, lets pull snuggle on the coach and watch cartoons". Everything is a 'great idea'. Love it.

___

Life it the Coates Family is good. We are feeling a little 'cooped up' and are ready for Spring! {Yay March}! Maybe it's time to take those Christmas lights down hon?! Please?

Remember your comment promise. I need a comment 'pick me up'! That includes you sweetheart {I know you read every post}! :)

P.S. If I get less than 3 comments,...I quit! ;)

Vintage

2010-02-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Vintage is in. Vintage is hot. Basically if you own anything vintage,...you are 'cool'. Except when someone is using the word vintage to describe your computer. It's the one NOT COOL thing to own that is vintage. Yes, 'vintage' is what someone most recently described my computer as. OUCH!

{Okay, so that seriously isn't my computer, but a close runner up,....}!

Pretty sure it was the first flat screen ever made (a whopping 15 incher).

Mom, Dad, thank you for my highschool graduation gift back in 2002,...but it is time to put that puppy to rest. Honey, thank you for my upgrade. I can now search the web, download documents, and blog about 20 bjillion times faster. I love you for it.

GoodBye Vintage. {Nevermind the fact that my new monitor is too large for me to focus in on one area, and that my face is going to freeze from me sitting too close to it} Hello Sleek.

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-13T17:34:00.001-07:00

One of the best thing about being a mom, is getting to be a kid again. I had so much fun making Noah's Valentines! :)

{I saw this adorable idea here and just had to copy}.

We love you! :) Happy Valentines Day!

Wendy Wendy Wendy

2010-02-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

You know that amazing feeling when you are TRULY surprised? Not like 'oh my gosh I peeked at that present in the closet last month and now I am acting surprised,...but like 'oh my freakin' heck! This is the BEST!?' Well, my husband and BFF Wendy pulled it off. {Which is hard to do with me. I am rarely surprised}. Brad told me, "Don't plan anything on Thursday night because I am planning a little something. Make sure the house is decent because there are two other couples coming over". Oh,..Sweet,...I thought. He's planning a fun date night with some friends. They were supposed to arrive at 7, and neither couple had. HUM,..interesting. Then about 7:30 Brad comes in. I can tell something is fishy. About 5 minutes later 'Knock, Knock, Knock' And...

I was shocked, floored, even a bit emotional. REAL SURPRISES ARE THE BEST! I didn't see it coming. Wendy had flown in to stay with me for the weekend.

We played {like little kids}...

We ate {Brad has to tag along with us everywhere,...probably to keep us from flirting like in olden days ;)}

and spent time with my little family.

SHELLEY + WENDY = BFF 4 EVER :) Ha.

I love you to pieces! -Why can't you live by me?

{Wend,..we NEED to find George}

One year older...

2010-01-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yep. I turned the big 26 this month. A lot of people have been asking me, "Isn't it crazy,...you're 26?! Time flies". Well,...the truth is,...I FEEL 26. I guess is a small way I still feel 16,...but my body {especially my boobs and butt} definitely feel 26. With 3 kiddos, being 26 feels normal. I think the '30' year mark will hit me hard,...but I am quite fine being 26. Life is an adventure right now. Noah is a quirky adorable 2, the girls are the sweetest, motherhood is good. 26 is good.

Brad knows I like to feel special on my big day (or I act like I am 10 and my feelings get hurt),...so he tried extra hard to make my 26th special. I woke up to Breakfast, followed by a scheduled hair appt,...followed by a much needed massage. Then he whipped out my cupcake book, grabbed Noah, and my boys made me Birthday Panda Bear Cupcakes. I did feel special! Props babe! ;)

Speaking of 30,...Brad's 30th is this year! {Old Man}! Any great ideas? I'm kind of stressin' about it. I need to do it up right!

{Wendy,...your post is next,...promise}

Candid Camera?

2010-01-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Does anyone still check this thing? Seriously? I'm curious to know.

Well, whether I am writing to someone, or just to my 'vintage' computer,...I'm back. I promise. I know, I know,....I've been M.I.A., but I have a totally legit excuse. I have been recooperating. So. THERE.

I am fairly positive that there is a candid camera that follows my little family around whenever we go out in public. If there isn't,...there should be. I'm convinced someone could make good money by making a reality show of how ridiculous we look,...especially in airports.

Which leads me to my story. Picture this: We park our car in a hurry to fly from Jackson Hole WY to Atlanta. {Why Jackson Hole? Cheapest airline tickets and sorta close to Blackfoot} Long term parking in Jackson Hole isn't exactly covered, so we make due as we start unpacking our car in a slick snowpacked parking lot. I grab the both of the twins, and both their carseats. Then I pick up the overflowing diaper bag. {Thinking, 'WOW,...I've got my hands full'}. Brad throws Noah's honking huge carseat on his back, Grabs his laptop, our Four overflowing Carry-Ons, and Noah. We look at eachother! We still have THREE 50 lb bags to roll to the airport and check. By some miracle we rearrange and start dragging it all to the terminal. {Noah is incharge of one large rolling carryon}. 'WAIT! Unlock the Car, we need everyone's Coats!' -People are laughing {nicely} and offering help as they see our mess. Somehow we make it to Atlanta in one piece.

Fast Forward 9 Days. This is when the story really gets good. On our way home. {I can't help but sit here and shake my head as I type this}...We arrive at the Atlanta airport having a better 'game plan'. (By the way,...the Atlanta Airport is HUGE!) I wait in the car while Brad checks our big bags curbside. Flawless. Whew! Then it happens. We start checking in. Again, I have two babies {one in each arm} and my overflowing diaper bag (with extra Christmas presents shuved in). Brad has the honking car seat on his back, Noah, his laptop, and 4 large carry-ons. We get our tickets that we all must individually hold. We get in the security line that is a good 20 minutes long. We are slowly moving forward and dropping our armfuls every 30 seconds to grab our 2 year old that is darting under the stretchy elastic line barriers. Again, drop our heavy bags, catch our escaping two year old. REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT. We finally arrive at security and I start removing everyones shoes, coats, etc and notice my ticket stub has been detached from my ticket and Chloe has sucked on it 'til soggy and barely legible. We get through. We glance down and see our tickets say GATE B-1! WHOOHOO! It's a flippin' Miracle! We always get B-79 or something! Never B-1! Excited we drag our Entrouge to Concorse B only to find out the Atlanta airport seems to be the only airport in America that has their gates in decending order. {UGH!} Running quite behind we try to dash down 79 gates to make our flight. Some nice couple assist us out of pure sympathy. Sweating, shaking from carrying so much weight, and almost in tears, we finally sit down in our assigned seats. Brad has the twins in one row. I have my whining two year old in my row. Brad and I glance at each other. We read eachothers minds. NEVER AGAIN. We think its over. {Mwahh ha ha ha ha,....that was a scary evil laugh}. -I take a deep breath and hand my cranky whiny two year old a full canister of those baby edible puff things. Ya. The ones with a count of 400 pieces. You know which ones I'm talking about. 3 seconds later, Noah errupts. Every last puff is flying through the air landing on him, me, and everyone else around us. I close my eyes knowing this isn't really happening. We taxi for close to an hour. Looking at the mess around me I decide I should try to clean it up. I walk to the back of the plane to ask the stewardess for a bag to clean up the 400 puffs. She looks at me annoyed. {Yes we had one of "those" stewardess. Like a Robot she starts her speech,"PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEAT WITH YOUR SEATBELT SECURILY FASTENED. IT IS NOT SAFE TO WALK AROUND THE AIRCRAFT...BLAH BLAH BLAH". {Seriously, we haven't moved for like 15 minutes}. Noah is whining non-stop. We finally are airborne. The beep goes off that approves electronic devices! Whew! I whip out the laptop to set up a movie for Noah to entertain him.

-"Whats that you say?!" Oh, funny you should ask! That is a picture of Noah's disassembled headphones. 3 minutes into his Movie, Noah decided to bite his headphones in two. Lovely. We no longer have entertainment for the rest of our 4 hour flight. LO-VE-LY.

Frustrated I look over to Brad who is holding both babies. He hands me Sophie and says, "Chloe has been poopy for a while, I need to go try to change her in the bathroom". {YES THE AIRPORT BATHROOM THAT IS 2'x2'} He stands up. {GASP}. She has had a poo blowout all the way up her back. {Of course in my overflowing diaper bag I do NOT have an extra onesie}. My eyes get bigger! Brad's white shirt is covered in yellow poo! It had leaked through her back and all over his stomach! {No this story is not made up}. Brad manages to somehow sit on a bathroom toilet, use his legs as a changing table, changes Chloe, and attemps to clean up the both of them the best possible. The flight continues this way...Noah never falls asleep. We arrive in JacksonHole.

NOT OVER YET! {Mwah, ha ha ha,...evil scary laugh again}. We wait until every last person gets off the plane before attempting to move our family. I stand up and look at the onces cereal puffs, now turned smooshed into the carpet crumbs and decided I should ask for a hand vaccuum to help clean up. The same mean stewardess fake smiles, "We do not carry VACCUUMS on airplanes". Whatever. I leave the crumbs and step on a few extra pieces just for her. ;) We get off the plane on the slippery steps that lead to an icy path that leads to the airport. I stay with the girls and all of our carry-ons while Brad and Noah go to retrieve the car in longterm parking. I wait, and wait, and wait. Brad isn't answering his cell phone. I notice our checked baggage going round and round the luggage belt. Another airplane arrives and more luggage is coming. With 40 people standing around waiting for their bags I decide I must act. But How. I look around and see and industrial luggage mover. The ones made especially for airport staff. It's mine. I somehow manage to get all of our carryons on it, grab one baby in each arm, and use my elbows to move the airports cart forward. A path clears and people notice me. I push it up to the belt, set my twins on it, and start grabbing our checked bags. Two kind women realize how embarrassed I am and help me get things situated. "Let us help you get where you need to go. Do you have anyone here to help?" {BRAD! WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU}. They help push my stuff to the front gate of the airport. FINALLY I see Brad. A little miffed, I ask, "where have you been?" "Oh" he replies,.."Let me just tell you"! He goes on to tell me what happened to him. He had headed toward longterm parking with Noah and his carseat in freezing temperatures to find our car covered in mega snow. Noah is whining, "I cold Daddy, I cold!" Brad is quickly trying to install Noah's carseat and he looks up. He thinks "What in the world is this sticky stuff all over the ceiling of our car?!" He looks down to the cupholders. Two 24 ounce RockStar Sodas, Unopened, had frozen and exploded all over our car. -UGH! This couldn't get any worse. He hops in the car to start it up and warm up our freezing 2 year old. DEAD BATTERY. Of course. Our 2 year old is crying of coldness. A creepy taxi driver notices Brad's circumstances and offers to let Noah sit in his warm taxi. Brad thinks 'Creepy Taxi Driver, Warm Car'....SURE, WHAT THE HECK. Brad gets the car jumped, grabs Noah who is sadder than sad, tears rolling down his face (thinking his dad has abandoned him). He finally picks me up. Noah fell asleep immediately.

The. End.

{Not embellished}.

So, that is what I have been recooperating from. -Other than the days we traveled, we had a wonderful time with Brad's family in GA. Being away from home came with its challenges, but we created some memories we will cherish forever. We spent 4 days in Blackfoot with my family, followed by 9 days in Georgia with Brad's family. From sledding behind the truck to jumping in a oversized bouncy house in Don' backyard,...Christmas was just the way it should be. Spent with family. I took a bijillion pictures. Here are just a few quick highlights.

Celebrating in Idaho...

Harmony {my cousin at The Photography Boutique} took this gorgeous McKinlay family picture.

Celebrating in Georgia....
The Whole Coates Family!

Yes that is me playing the flute. AND BRAD playing the trumpet. Coates family tradition! It's pretty hilarious (and I admit, kinda fun). Yep,..that is a bouncy house! Rented for the kids (or was it the adults). Thanks Don! :)

And again,...I'm back. I promise! :)

It's the Most Wondeful Time of the Year...

2009-12-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

Truly, the most wonderful.

Merry Christmas from our Family to yours! :)

BlackOUT in Blackfoot!

2009-12-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

There are two days a year in my little mind that I dream up to be 'picture perfect'. Thankgiving is one of them. In my mind the food tastes amazing, the family is laughing making memories, and there is a glow surrounding the home.

I picture it something like this... Instead,...it looked something like this... 'CRICKETS CRICKETS CRICKETS' {yes that means to imagine chirping in the background }

Seriously,...could there possibly be a worse time for a power outage? Now don't get me wrong. I was thankful that day, but slightly frustrated! About 45 minutes before the feast was to begin, the final crucial sides {rolls, casseroles, etc} were about ready to be popped in to the oven. The power went out and the weather was definetly NOT to blame. We thought,...surely it will pop back on in NO time. 8 hours later my family was gathered around the coffee table silently looking at an oil latern. We had learned that a car had hit an electrical pole close by. As long as the driver is okay,...I was annoyed.

We packed up our Thanskgiving feast {cold turkey, rolls that had risen and fallen 6 times, and all accessories} and headed to my Uncle Kirt's home where they kindly let us reheat and attempt our feast there. Ha. Kinda halarious now looking back. It's super fickle to complain about something so small when I truly have so very much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving dinner didn't taste quite the same as in Memories past, but alas I am grateful. Especially when the electricity is on. -At least it will be one to remember?!? ;)

On a lighter note, the McKinlay clan headed to Lava Hot Springs for some much needed soak time. A grand family tradition! :)

Maybe I'll host Thanksgiving next year? And get one of those solar ovens as backup?! ;)

Thankful.

2009-11-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am thankful. I am thankful for so many things. I am thankful that I have two beautiful healthy baby girls. I am thankful for my sweetest little boy. I am thankful for my best friend, my husband. I am thankful I get to stay at home and cherish the small moments with my children. I am thankful for my brothers, my sisters, my parents, my in-laws and my friends. With all of the hardships surrounding us with the struggling economy, it makes me cherish the sweet things in life that much more. I truly have beautiful, beautiful blessings. I am thankful.

This sweet message hits the nail on the head. What are you thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving.

Spying

2009-11-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Yes I Spy. On my little boy in his bedroom. Makes me smile. Does anyone else have one of these?

It was my best purchase ever! It gave me peace of mind when Noah was a baby. But NOW,..NOW it is really worth it! We watch him do the cutest silliest things in his room.

It's great when he hops out of bed to sneak out of his bedroom, and we say "Noah,..get back in bed". He looks around confused and hops back in bed. Ha. Silly boy. --Recently Brad and I were adoring him on the monitor after we had tucked him in. He kept getting out up and would and grab things and throw them into his bed. We could tell exactly what he was grabbing. He finally curled up in his bed and then I heard it. My heart melted instantly and I teared up. His primary song book! It was a gift from Grandma Leishman that he loves. It has 5 buttons which plays the sweetest primary songs. He went through each one letting them play all the way through. After he had played all 5 songs, he tucked the book under the blanket next to him and drifted off to sleep. Now how. cute. is. that?

You'd better believe we will be plugging that puppy back up in 14 years and will sneakily set it up in the Family Room when he starts dating. NO HANKY PANKY! We will be shouting from the other room "Noah B, scoot over!" ;)

Suess Family {Halloween '09}

2009-11-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I must dress the twins as some kind of Pair
I’ll show them off, their cuteness I’ll share.
But there are so many costumes to try, try, try.
What should I, What should I, What should I buy?
So many options, oh what should I do?
I Know, Ill dress them like “Thing One & Thing Two”!
Now how could Noah dress to match with that?
Yes, Noah B. could be Cat in the Hat!
I hop on ebay and with a click it was bought.
But Wait, should Brad and I dress up or not?
Well Brad would make the perfect Green Grinch
I could make his costume in a fast pinch.
But what else would go with “Thing One & Thing Two”?
Of course! I will be the blonde Cindy Lou Who!
It’s Brilliant I thought! Yes, Perfect I say!
We’ll be a “Suess Family” on Halloween Day!
The twins will be such an adorable pair
With silly, crazy, flying wild blue hair!
For that I will use a fuzzy blue boa
They will look so cute next to big brother Noah.
Now that grich costume, hum, I’m a seamstress at heart
I could surely make it so it won’t fall apart!?
Six hours later, green fur flying everywhere
Brad looks and me with a puzzled Blank Stare!
“Don’t Even” I say, “I spent hours on this!”
“Now be grateful and give me a great big kiss!”
So the Grinch with a heart three sizes too small,
Really didn’t look much like the Grinch now at all!
Oh well we had fun and the kids stole the show
We were the Suess Family, We gave it a go! :)

Chloe Mae {Thing One}

Sophie June {Thing 2}Noah B {Cat in the Hat}

{Missy, Thank You Thank You for taking these adorable pictures!}

Udder Covers

2009-11-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

So some of you may have noticed the text link to Udder Covers on my sidebar. First off, I want to let you know they are TOTALLY legit. I've done my research. It's a great deal {its free, you just have to pay shipping,..great gift!} Having said that, my little sister ordered hers 3 weeks ago and still hasn't received it. I called Udder Covers today and they said are having major issues with Paypal. Paypal is having a problem connecting payment from their site to Udder Covers site (if you don't wait 5 seconds for processing before closing the window) and it doesn't show up in their system as a paid order. If you used paypal or are questioning where your order is,..CALL!! They have great customer service, but you need to call if you are concerned. Talk to Jenny at (801)766-8441. If you place an order soon, I would call immediately after payment to make sure everything processed right. Has anyone else had this problem?!

HowDoesShe.com

2009-11-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

In all the spare time I do not have, two of my girlfriends and I managed to start a website! {Yes, We are Crazy, and Yes most of it was created in the middle of the night}!

I am awe struck by all the things amazing women around me do. From balancing a healthy lifestyle, to throwing the perfect party, to implementing creative ideas with her family. I am always asking myself (and others) "How does she do this, or How does she do that"? While none of us are perfect, we all seem to be striving to become better. Better mothers, better wives, better women. HowDoesShe.com {snazzy name huh?!} ;)

There are so many good sites out there on the internet, but after you 'google' for two hours, you are lucky if you have found what you've been looking for! For the last 2 months we've been working on a site that will cut down on all your time consuming searching. We created and organized a site to gather and share inspirational ideas and inform you about other great sites that are available. We are so excited about the concept of gathering inspirational women together.

Hop on the site HowDoesShe.com and check it out! Please leave comments or email us your thoughts on how we can improve! Also, PLEASE share your ideas and great sites so we can add them to our database!

Check back everyday (or sign up on our mailing list) to because each day in November we are going to share one of our top 30 Christmas neighbor gift ideas! Why in November? Because then you will have plenty of time to plan in case you need to watch for things on sale. Just think, you could have all of your gifts wrapped by December so you could relax and enjoy the holidays with your family {wishful thinking?} We will also be posting gift ideas for kids, spouses, grandparents, teachers and friends. The rest of our categories are a bit bare at the moment, but if you like what you are seeing, come back often and watch them fill up!

Please let your family and friends know about HowDoesShe.com The more people we gather, the more ideas we have to share!

Hope you love it! :) Enjoy!

"I want some Apple Juice too!"

2009-10-29T18:18:00.000-06:00

We love a good hockey game! My parents joined us for the Boise Steelheads season opener! The game wasn't the best {no good hockey fights}, but the atmosphere was fun nonetheless. Noah LOVED being apart of the "pumped up" crowd.

Only one problem,...Noah kept looking around at everyone and then say "Mom, I want some Apple Juice TOO!"

Ha {i love two year olds}. In his defense, there WAS a lot of "apple juice"! ;)

{CHEERS} to a good Hockey Season! :)

Fall Family Pics

2009-10-19T17:20:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you,...but I am pretty sure I could look at this picture all day long. {Seriously,..ALL DAY LONG!}

Aren't they just the most adorable babies ever?! I love pictures.....Have you noticed? Time flies by so fast, so it is extra important to me to capture my little family in photos often. Pictures are truly are priceless to me.

Well, it took us THREE sessions. Yes THREE session to get it right. {*note to self.....Getting three babies to look at the camera at the same time, while looking somewhat happy is near impossible} Luckily we had the most patient photographer ever. My little sister is so incredibly talented. Kara wanted to get it right,...SHE even suggested having a 2nd, and then a 3rd session. It was a difficult undertaking, but fortunately {in my oh so humble opinion} I have the cutest kids in the world. I have decided that twins make any picture look better. They just make me smile. They are definitely a nice addition to our family photos! :)Noah B {handsome little stinker} Chloe Mae

Sophie June

Love Birds {We were totally in a fight in this picture}HA! We are always in a fight during family pictures! Trying to coordinate outfits,..getting out of the door before the light is gone, screaming kids.....So worth the fight though! ;)

Thanks Kara. We love them. We love you.

Brad, don't worry babe,...I won't make you do this again until next year! ;)

You've got Mail!

2009-10-15T00:16:00.000-06:00

We all have those DAYS right? Well, the other day was one of them for me. I was feeling like this.....

Wait,...scratch that,...THIS....
Then I walked out to my mailbox and opened this card from my mother-in-law.......

Made me smile. Made me laugh. Made me realize a 2 year old and newborn twins aren't so hard afterall.

{Isn't mail the BEST?!}

Thanks Dianne, for making my day. I love you for it.

Why didn't I think of that?

2009-10-10T00:39:00.000-06:00

Tonight our little family was together in the car when we pulled up to a stoplight. Noah immediately said, "High Five! High Five!"...I looked around and saw this.....

I couldn't help but smile at his thought, "Yep buddy that IS a high five". He thought for a second longer and said, "Nope Mommy, that's Daddy's Glove".

Smarty pants. Now why didn't I think of that?

Noah's Cute Talk

2009-10-03T14:59:00.000-06:00

This is an on going post that I started about 3 months ago to document the cute things Noah has been saying lately. I decided I'd better publish it and start a new list. The things he says melts my heart. I wish he'd talk like this forever....

"Big Boys have Big Boogers" {while I am trying to distract him from picking his nose}

"Football coming on Daddy! Don't Worry. Don't Worry Daddy, Don't Worry." {ESPN}

-"for a minute" {everything is for a minute....go on scooter for a minute...outside for a minute...daddy at work for a minute...etc}

..."be right back" {he always tells us with a finger in the air}

.."DOO-GIN" or DUGAN = {Do it again!}

..."Bless you Baby Shister" {after a sneeze}

..."Stay home daddy" {he tried to say it again and stumbled on his words before spitting out} "be house"

...(SICK) "Oweee Hurt,..Right here" {point to his belly} :(

..."Can't grab it...too hard" {trying to touch an airplane in the sky}

... "Let's go to golf port" {he loves golfing with daddy at the golf port}

..."Lazzzzzy Rararariver!" {Lazy River at the Water Park}

..."Look Daddy, airplanedoctor" {helicoptor}

..."Mommy! PooPoo STUCK!" {trying to go potty}

-Mommy you Beautiful!! {Love Love it!}

-Dads Cool Dude! {Too cute}

..."WaybyYou, Noah, Mommy, Waybyyou" {Lay By You Noah} (I ask him if he wants me to lay by him, so now he always says waybyyou noah, mommy) Tugs on my heart strings! :)

..."Give me Noah a love" When he wants a hug or to be held. He especially says it to my mom.

Notice that he talks in 3rd person? :) Always. Love it. Don't want him to change it. It's too dang cute. "That's Noah's Ball, Noah jumping on the bed, etc. etc." :)

I'll add more as I remember. Noahs personality right now is so stinkin' cute. I would describe it as a little quirky, but it is the most adorable, loveable, squeezable quirky ever. Love you Buddy. Keep talking cute.

Survival Mode

2009-09-28T22:37:00.000-06:00

Many of my friends have asked why I haven't blogged as often lately? How the twin thing is going? How I am doing? The honest truth of it is that I just haven't had time to blog. I am consumed by motherhood. It is the best and worst all at the same time. I have truly fallen in love with my baby girls. Between them and Noah every ounce of love I have in my heart is given to them in the form of every second of my day. It is the best and the worst all at the same time because by giving them all of me, I neglect myself and yes sometimes even my husband. I find myself snappy, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Right now our lives are simply in SURVIVAL MODE. There are days I feel like I have done absolutely nothing, yet I know I am doing the most important thing ever, being a mother. I feel spiritually stagnant, physically exhausted, irritable, and completely blessed all at the same time. In other words, I am getting a hang of things, but I haven't quite yet found a balance between everything that is important to me. Tell me I am not the only mother to ever feel a bit overwhelmed?! ;)

It's time to get into a routine. I need it, I yearn for it. I feel frazzled after a crazy summer full of fun yet exhausting events. I love nothing more than the relief that Autumn brings. Routine, Change,...It's in the air. See here for all of my reasons.

It's Fall. It's time to re-evaluate priorities. Get in a routine.

Time to make some Autumn Resolutions {I was never good at those "New Year" ones,...guess this approach is worth a try}.....

-Music in our home {Brad and I love music way too much to have so little of it in our home}
-Getting to the gym {dang baby weight}
-Earlier Bedtimes for the kids so we can spend more time together {we are way too in love to spend so little time adoring each other}
-Family Home Evening {its time. no more putting it off}
-Healthy Dinners, Menu plan
-Save Moola $ {why do I love to spend money}
-Decide on whether to pursue Graduate School or Entrepreneurship and act {its soo easy not to do anything}

Why does having that in writing lift a huge weight off my shoulders? Blogging is therapeutic. I feel better now. :)

Coates Family Weekend

2009-09-22T12:03:00.000-06:00

As I left Blackfoot to travel to Utah I thought to myself {this should be easy, its Noah's nap time, the girls always fall asleep in the car, I soooo have things under control}. Glance 1 hour into our trip. Brad is verging on missing his flight because I had to overnight his license to him FedEx. FedEx hadn't delivered! I am on the phone trying to figure out what the heck happened to "overnight guarantee". I have already stopped on 4 exit ramps to replace binkies that have fallen out, Noah is definitely NOT taking his nap. Instead he is screaming "I STUCK" {obviously he is "stuck" in his car seat}, both babies are crying uncontrollably and there is nothing I can do about it. So I just drive. I blare church music to tune them out (and to hopefully calm them). I start singing along to the music. I never get spiritual time, so by the time I am to track 2 I am tearing up, singing, feeling ultra spiritual. Great now all 4 of us are crying. Oh Boy. What I would have given to be an innocent bystander watching our car full. It would have been hilarious. We were so the stereotypical young LDS family. Probably could have made a movie out of it. Anyways, we all made it. Somehow.

The reason for our big adventurous trip to SLC was Brad's cousin Chris' wedding. NeeNee and Pops flew out for the weekend too! I LOVE IT when there is a good reason to all get together! :)

Get ready for a picture overload {thanks TeeTee}....

At the Temple...Congratulations Chris & Marissa!

Partying at the Reception

Celebrating NeeNee's Birthday! We love you NeeNee! Hope it was a good one!

{Oh Cheesecake Factory,...why must you tempt me?}

hanging out...

It was so great to have a Coates' Family Weekend. We love spending time with Brad's family and his extended family {Jen & Chris,..we so wish we lived closer. Chase and Noah would be bestest buds}. We wish these get-togethers could happen more often!

Blackfoot

2009-09-21T00:02:00.000-06:00

Every TRUE "Blackfootian" has to head home to Blackfoot one time EVERY year for the SouthEastern Idaho State Fair. It truly puts B-town on the map. The ambiance, the thrashiness, the greasy food,...I love it all! :) I must admit, I feel like I am getting ready for flippin' prom when I go though! I know I will INEVITABLY run into 90% of my graduating class. Consiquently I have to make sure I look like a super hot mom! Not like one that has totally "fallen apart" from having twins, can't fit in her old clothes, never has time to shower or brush her teeth, pasty white from lack of sun mom! Nope, that's not me! ;)

{Oh Blackfoot, I love you and hate you all at the same time}.

Highlights of our Fair weekend include the parade {Noah collected enough candy from it that I am pretty sure we have enough candy for a thousand Halloween trick-or-treaters}, the petting zoo, and of course the food!

We love spending time at my parents home! Noah feels especially comfortable (hence potty in front yard).

After our fair weekend we stayed in Blackfoot to celebrate my Mom's 50th Birthday! Toot Toot! She had juror duty ALL DAY {LAME-O! What LUCK!} but we had a surprise 5oth Birthday Party that night celebrating her oldness! ;) {Love you Mom} Hope you had an awesome Birthday Mom. Know that you are my very best friend.

Brad headed back home to Boise to work for 2 days before flying down to Utah to meet up with us for a "Coates Family weekend" {see next post}. Yes, I drove all 3 kids from Blackfoot to SLC alone! ....it was an interesting drive...

And the Winner is....

2009-09-03T11:33:00.000-06:00

Brad. Lame. Brad, Brad, Brad. I love you dear,...but seriously,...I did not want you to win this year {sorry babe, but you won it last year}! I was pulling for my dad! ;)----Anyways, Brad would be heart broken if I didn't blog about his "big win" at the annual family golf tournament "The McKinlay Open". Oh boy. I'm not even joking. My family takes it way too seriously. The practicing, the trophy,..the scoreboard,..ya,..it's extreme. Brad even wears his Papa's "Lucky Golf Shirt" for the last round every year. Funny, funny. Anyways,..nice job honey! Woo flippin' hoo! ;)

The "McKinlay Open" was held in the Park City area so we stayed at my Grandparents cabin. My Gma and Gpa Leishman built every last detail with their own hands. This year I found it extra special to be there because my grandpa recently passed. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for giving us such a beautiful place to get-a-away to! We love it!

This little stud will undoubtedly take the "McKinlay Open Title" in the near future!

Until next year,...get practicing family. I'd love to see Brad's smug little smirk wiped off his face! ;) (Love you hon).

It's My Blog and I'll Brag if I want to!

2009-08-28T02:00:00.000-06:00

Seriously....Is there anything sweeter in the whole wide world?! I think not....

Middle Class

2009-08-13T09:03:00.000-06:00

So Brad and I usually try to go out to a fancy shmancy restaurant two or three times a year. Last night was such the occasion in celebration of our 6th anniversary. Every time we go to a super nice place,...we are reminded that we are simply not "high class". To start off the evening we casually walked in with not one, but two infant car seats in our hands {pretty sure you shouldn't bring any sort or children in a place like this, but I am too protective to leave them yet}. We sit and start glancing at the menu. What's up with the menu?! Can't even pronounce a word on it! Where are the bright colorful pictures that make us salivate? The entertaining graphics? Where is a menu like,..like,...Red Robin's?! Instead, its a plain linen menu, black and white, in a boring font, with words we don't understand, and usually without prices! LAME-O! The waiter starts to explain the specials of the night. I smile and nod acting like they sound delicious {in reality I have no idea what "crispy polenta Prosciutto" is}. Anyways, we start by ordering water {which I really prefer, but it immediately make the waiter roll his eyes}, then he offers wine {well we don't drink alcohol so it's always no to that too}. He walks off to let us look it over. We talk about sharing {Nah, that wouldn't fly in a place like this}. He returns..... Appetizer? {We look at each other in question to make it look as if we are indifferent before mumbling....Nah.} Starter Salad {for 8.00?,...Nah!} By this time the waiter has totally figured us out....his table is shot! Finally, we take a stab at ordering our main dish, usually by just pointing to it on the menu so we don't slaughter the pronunciation. We have NO idea what we've just ordered. Only the basic part,...like chicken, or pasta. The rest of the words are foreign so we never can envision what the dish will actually look like until it is brought to us. Then we wait, with fingers crossed. Meanwhile we ease drop on "high class" conversations and talk about their conversations as we inhale the complimentary bread placed in the middle of the table {only 4-5 measly pieces}. Finally our mystery meal arrives. Before the waiter leaves he asks if we would like more bread {again we look at each other in question to act like we are indifferent before spouting out, "YES PLEASE!"}. We grab any one of the 7 utensils set before us and start eating suspiciously. Whew {sigh of relief}! We got lucky,..it is divine,..and portioned bigger than the usual 1/4 of a cup. We eat every last bite, and manage to soak up any extra sauce with our extra bread we just asked for. The waiter comes back in shock as he looks at our cleaned plates and asks "Dessert?" Well,...just so the waiter doesn't think we are pathetic, I quickly say
"of course" {while ignoring Brad's pinches under the table}. After the spendy dessert is devoured we get the bill. $75.00?! No worries,....I reach into my purse with pride and pull out my coupon {tada}. Oh boy!---Maybe we should just stick with Cracker Barell? Happy Anniversary Hon. Here's to being Middle Class! ;)

Let me Count the Ways

2009-08-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

*6 years
*72 months
*312 weeks
*2190 Days

*52,560 hours
*5 Homes
*3 Cities
*6 Jobs
*4 Cars
*2 Internships
*2 Bachelors Degrees
*40 (?) Fickle Arguments
*Just as many Makeups
*6 Wards
*14 Callings
*25 Hard Months Trying To Get Pregnant
*2 Pregnancys
*3 Beautiful Children
*85 lbs gained { holy schmoly 3 babies)
*70 lbs lost {I'm so000 losing the rest}
*150 (?) Sleepless nights up with babies
*0 Pets
*100 (?) Late night walks and talks
*3 Mckinlay Open Titles {you like that one huh hon!? ;)}
*2 knee surgeries {3 if you count when we were dating}
*2,190 Good Night Kisses {Okay, we were apart a few nights and there were a couple of nights you ticked me off right before bed so,... minus a few! ;)}
*12 (?) Flights to Georgia/Florida and back
*2 Babymoons
*2 wonderful grandparents funerals
*4 Syblings' weddings
*30 (?) Brought home bouqets of flowers
*Many Tears
*Way More Smiles
*Lots and Lots of romantical Date nights
*Millions of Hugs and Kisses
*Countless Memories

Wow. We've been through a lot together. And I cherish every last 3,153,600 minute of it (see honey,..I'm good at math! Check me on it! (Okay, I googled it {i love google} ,..but still....)
I am so grateful for the life we have together. The day I married you was truly the happiest day of my life. The coventants, blessings, and spiritual significance that surround that moment truly makes it my #1 happiest day ever. Every good thing that has come, and that will come, in my life is a direct reflection of that day. In a way it feels like it was just yesterday, but in a way it's hard to remember my life without you. I am one lucky girl to have you as mine. Happy 6th Anniversay! I love you. -Shell

I want to be like you

2009-08-10T05:15:00.000-06:00

Noah wants to be just like his daddy. Brad feels like Noah's Superhero and he loves every second of it. I hope Noah always looks up to him. It's so sweet.

Well, Noah has picked up on just about everything the two of us do,..the good things,...and well,..the not so good things. Makes us realize how important it is to be good examples to him.

Here are a few examples of how Noah is watching, learning, and following our every move......

*Daddy (Brad) loves to golf. Noah has picked up on this and has to have his golf club set with him EVERYWHERE he goes. In the bathtub, shower, nap time, you name it! The second Brad walks in the door from work, B says "Play golf, Daddy" and heads for the backyard. Brad put a few of his golf clubs under one of the sofas so he could just grab them anytime and play with Noah. The other day I saw a little blue fabric sticking out from under the sofa,..so I got down and looked underneath. There was Noah's WHOLE golf bag shuved under the sofa...just like daddy's. :) Daddy also puts his clubs in the back of the car for when he plays a round. Now when we go anywhere Noah grabs his little golf bag and brings it to the back of the SUV and makes us put it in before he gets in his car seat. Cute little stinker.

*Noah has little basketball hoop in the house. Whenever he wants to play with it he grabs daddy's basketball shoes and says, "Basketball Shoes On Daddy". Then he runs to his bedroom and grabs his Basketball Shorts and Basketball shoes (Nike Shoes). After they are both completely outfitted according to Noah,...then they can start playing.

*If he isn't saying "Play Golf, Daddy" or "Basketball Shoot", then he is saying "Mow Lawn Daddy". Noah has his own lawn mower that he follows right behind daddy while he mows. If it were up to B our lawn would be mowed everyday! I'm sure the neighbors would be happy. Sometimes Ill find Noah in the backyard all by himself "mowing" the lawn,...just waiting for daddy to come home. There are "track" marks all over the place! Kinda sad,..mostly cute! :)

*I recently had two babies and have had to take care of some "peronsonal womanly business lately" (I KNOW,....TMI). Well, recently I found Noah in my bathroom and he had had unwrapped a maxipad and shoved it down his shorts. Oh boy. I laughed so hard. Good thing I caught it before we went into a public place.

*I have never paid much attention to the words that come out of Brad and my mouth. It has been brought to my attention that I say "Gosh Dang it" alot and Brad says, "Frick". When you hear your baby saying "Frick" and "Gosh Dang" you don't exactly feel like Parent of the Year. We are trying to get him to say "Gosh Dangerous" to distract him. Oh boy. I Hope he doesn't bring his new learned vocabulary to church.

So ya,...some it is good,..some of it is bad. It is the sweetest most humbling experience to see him growing up and growing up to be "just like us". It's making us realize how important it is to be good examples to him. Are we having family prayer? Are we going to the temple? Are we loving eachother enough? What are we truly teaching him?

---We are still learning a lot about parenthood and hope we are doing okay. Hopefully a few speedbumps on our part won't mess him up too much! ;)

Confession

2009-08-05T01:19:00.001-06:00

I am a bad mom. Noah B has been has been sick today with the stomach flu and well....I feel bad for the little guy...but deep down I love it! I know,..I told you,..I'm a bad mom. But he is the sweetest most cuddly boy when he is sick. I can't get enough of him. All day long he says, "Daddy stay House, No Work" and "Howld You Mommy, Howld You". I gladly HOWLD him and I love every last second of it. Does anyone else have this guilty pleasure?! --Get feeling better soon buddy.

July at a glance

2009-08-03T10:41:00.000-06:00

August?! AUGUST?! Whew! Where did July go? We have been so busy around here that I am just now summarizing our crazy month. Its been in my draft box for weeks? Does anyone else ever do that?! Anyways,..the highlight of July was when Brad's parents and Nana came to visit. This is when all the excitement happened...Noah's Party...4th of July...and the girls' Blessing. (See previous posts) I would have never been able to pull off three parties THREE days in a row without some MEGA help. Dianne (Nee Nee) basically took over B's birthday. She made up the theme, decorated the cakes, and pulled it all together! I just showed up and took the credit! ;)

It was so nice to get help from everyone (Come Back,..PLEASE!) My home has never been so clean, Brad has never had so many shirts ironed, I've never been so well feed, and we caught up on some much needed sleep. I almost felt like I wasn't a new mom! The girls were adored the whole time while I got some ME time! :) I was even sent to get a pedicure and my hair done! Toot Toot! Currently,..my house is a wreck, my toes are in shambles, and my hair,...I think I washed it a few days ago?! AGAIN,...COME BACK PLEASE!?! :)

Some of the highlights of their visit included eating...A LOT! I think its a known fact that when we all get together, we SPLURGE,...and it is heaven! :) So much for that baby weight! Pops did magic tricks with peanuts and pulled them out of some "interesting" places! ;) Noah spent some much needed time with his BOY cousins John and Ty! I don't think I've ever seen a little boy admire anyone so much! He especially thinks John is one "Cool Dude"! We played outside in the swimming pool, at the park, and in Noah's new sandbox! B's sandbox was a birthday gift from Brad. It is extra special because my dad helped Brad construct it, and Brad's dad helped fill it with sand! I know it sounds silly, but that sandbox is sentimental! It was truly made with love from 3 of B's favorite men! :) Makes me smile to see him playing in it every day.

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are a few (okay a ton) of my favorites of when Nee Nee, Pops, & Nana came!

4 generations! :)

The Sandbox!

This picture of John and Pops melts my heart..... Yes we are rednecks,...sledding in the summer! :)I'll give you ONE Guess who decorated our son !?! ;)
Peanut "tricks" with Pops... Pops getting ready to shoot the marshmellow gun!

Bestest buddies! :)Pictures of us stuffing our faces,..why are there so many of these?! ;)

...and even more pictures of us laying around with the babies!?

It seriously JUST ISN'T FAIR that we all can't live closer! :( Having grandparents and cousins all over the United States just plain stinks. :( Thanks for coming out and spoiling us rotten. Noah can't stop talking about NeeNee and Pops and his scooter! :) We had so much fun (especially that crazy parade!) We love you all so much.

The rest of the month was pretty lame (except for my lover's 29th Birthday...I'll get around to posting that hon,...hopefully)! ;)

Blessing Day

2009-07-30T18:00:00.000-06:00

So after the firework show on Saturday night (July 4th) Brad and I took off for a much needed WHOLE night sleep at a hotel. Right before we left we were playing with sparklers with Noah. A little ash flew off one of the sparklers and landed right under my eye. No biggie. Didn't really even hurt. I simply brushed it away and went on with the celebration. When I arrived an the hotel I noticed a little red spot where the ash had landed. Again, no biggie. We had an amazing nights sleep and woke up the next morning to get ready for a very special Sunday. Our baby girls blessing day. I went to "freshen up" and looked in the mirror and saw QUASIMODO (Yes I had to google how to spell that). Great! The day when tons of family pictures are suppose to be taken and I am supposed to trick people into thinking I've totally "bounced back"! That stupid ash had firework chemicals in it that caused an allergic reaction and turned me into Quasimodo! Just my luck!Okay, well enough about my misfortune (I only mention it to explain the halariously horrific pictures of me).

This real focus of this special day were my beautiful baby girls, and oh were they beautiful! My heart was so full as I saw both of them dressed in white together. Brad gave them each the sweetest blessings. These girls melt my heart....

Chloe MaeSophie June

Yes I am trying to hide in this picture....You know you were trying SOO hard to see it! Admit it! Fine,...here is Quasimodo...

ha, ha,...laugh it up.

Happy Blessing Day Chloe and Sophie. We are so glad you are in our family.

We celebrated after by having a lunch with family and friends at our home. Thankyou to everyone who came to support us! We love you all so much!

God Bless America

2009-07-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

Now if that doesn't put a big 'ole smile on your face,..I don't know what will! :)

I know the 4th was a few weeks ago, but I couldn't not blog about it. The 4th of July is possibly one of my top favorite holidays. Family, food, water, fireworks, cute outfits to put the kids in,...it's just a dang fun holiday not to mention the significance of celebrating our freedom. This year's 4th probably tops all of the memories of 4ths in the past......

We had a lot of family in town which made the 4th extra fun! (MawMaw, Bapa, Kirt, Dana, Kara, Elle, Mike, Kristi, John, Tyler, NeeNee, Pops, Nana, & TeeTee!) Aunt Kristi helped apply "4th of July" Tatoos in all sorts of places! ;) The kiddos (and adults) played in the water most of the day!Our water day wouldn't be complete without a white trash, homemade tarp "slip and slide". The big boys learned the hard way that dish soap + water + slip and slide = OUCH!Then we had a traditional 4th of July BBQ and made delicious homemade icecream! But the HIGHLIGHT of the day was the 4th of July PARADE!Yes the Parade! :) Dianne (Brad's mom) bought all sorts of decorations for the kids to decorate their bikes and scooters for the family parade. I am not sure who had more fun designing, the kids or the parents! In my humble opinion Noah's totally kicked booty! They then proceeded to line up on the sidelwalk. BRAD was the "drum major" parade leader (geek looked way too comfortable). Uncle Mike hopped in the car, opened the doors, and drove slowly by the kids BLARRING patriotic music. It didn't take long until our neighbors started opening their doors, other kids started following, and people started clapping. Halarious! The kids felt so special and thought it was a SERIOUS PARADE. What a priceless memory! (VIDEO COMING...PROMISE DIANNE).

We finished up with fireworks in the front driveway. I've decided the cheap 'ole home fireworks are sometimes the best way to go. The kids think they are amazing, and the dads feel ultra cool lighting them and running off as fast as they can. It's a man thing.

Everything looks perfectly wonderful in the firework pictures above, right?!! Oh boy...
*WARNING* Sparklers can be dangerous....see next post (to come)! ;)

HAPPY 4th of July!

Hotdogs, Peanuts, & CrackerJacks...Happy 2nd Birthday Noah!

2009-07-18T17:00:00.000-06:00

The invitationThe party

Happy Birthday Noah B!

Don't grow up too fast on me buddy! You truly are my joy.

I must say..."Two" looks pretty dang cute on you....

*Note* All of these "GLAMOROUS" looking photos were taken by my little sister Kara. She is amazing. I assure you,..this little party truly wasn't as FABULOUS as it looks! ;) Thanks Kara. I love ya.

Chloe Mae & Sophie June

2009-07-15T01:05:00.000-06:00

Many of you have recently received the twins birth announcement,...but I had to officially post it to welcome our sweet baby girls.

(FRONT)

(BACK)(PHOTO STAMP)

Thanks to Missy for taking their pictures when they were only 4 days old (birth announcement pics) and to Harmony for taking their 3 week photos (which turned into the CUTEST stamps)!

Here is a little collage of a few of my favorite pictures of when they were just 4 days old....aww! :)

Our family is finally complete,....for now. :)

It Popped!

2009-07-12T22:00:00.000-06:00

Noah recently came up to my mom with these two flowers from our garden ...

he told her,....

"It Popped,...FIX IT!"

Gosh I love that boy. :)