party time

Poor Cohen has never had a real birthday party. This year we were in McKinleyville so I called all of our close friends and had a little party Monday night. We blew up my parents jumpy house and ate cake and ice cream. Nothing too exciting but perfect for Cohen.

Cohen loved opening presents. Ammon was trying to open them for him the whole time and kept trying to bargain with him. "Cohen you can have this and I can have that." Cohen's too smart and wasn't falling for it. "No it's my birthday Ammo. These are my presents!" They got into a few fights over the course of the night.

For his birthday he got:

• 4 movies (Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Diego, Jungle Book)
• Indian Jones whip (very soft and actually plays the music)
• Ninja Turtle gear (Raphael)
• Superman bat and ball
• Tools
• money
• Big blue bouncy ball

He got really embarrassed when everyone sang happy birthday to him. And was actually spitting when he was trying to blow out the candles.

Before the party I took Ammon and Cohen to McDonald's and to the movie Wall-E.

I think he had a good day. When he woke up Tuesday morning he looked at me and said, "Is my birthday over now?"

My grandpa was also at my parents this weekend. It was fun seeing the kids get to know him. As a child Grandpa used to always play pop goes the weasel with us. Cohen obviously enjoyed it as well. It's fun to see my kids doing things with my Grandpa that I used to do. He lives in Mesa Arizona and we don't get to see him enough! On Cohen's birthday Grandpa put his hands behind his back and told Cohen to pick a hand. He had ten dollars in the hand Cohen picked. Being the smart boy he is Cohen said, "I want to pick the other hand now!" That 10 dollars is burning a whole in his pocket. He can't wait to go buy something with his money at Target.

Cohen's 3rd birthday

4 months old

21 months

2 1/2 years

This crazy boy turned three today. He is one of a kind. Loves his brother "Ammo' and sister "Roo Girl." Cohen is quite the arguer. He will find anything to disagree with you on. This morning I told him happy birthday and he said, "No today is not my birthday. Tomorrow is my birthday." When I asked him if he wanted pancakes, waffles or eggs for breakfast he said that he wanted cereal. He just likes to be different. Cohen is such a smart little boy. But for some reason could care less about being potty trained. And he does not want to talk about it. Whenever I bring it up he acts really silly and pays no attention to me. He can be so frustrating but so adorable and loving. If Jody or I leave the house without giving a hug and kiss to him he cries.

At tHReE:

Has to eat breakfast the minute he wakes up.

Loves to jump on his trampoline.

Starts most sentences off with "well....."

Enjoys reading books everyday before he takes a nap.

If he sleeps with you he will want to hold your hand until he falls asleep.

Loves to go to the park.

His favorite foods are mac & cheese, quesadillas and cereal.

Inherited my sweet tooth, which I got from my mom. If he sees cookies, candy or rice cream he literally shakes until he gets some.

He always knows when I'm trying to hide something from him. He'll say, "What you eating?" I can't hid anything from him!

He's a great traveler.

Loves airplanes and going to the airport.

Favorite movies are Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, and Jungle Book.

Sings the Indiana Jones song very well.

Loves to act like he is the karate kid.

He makes a friend wherever we go. Big or small.

Talks a lot and thinks he is the same age as everyone else.

But sometimes still says, "I can't do it. I'm too little." If he wants help with something.

Has to have water every night by his bed. If he doesn't he will get up three or four times needing a drink.

Loves to do anything Ammon is doing

We've said over and over that Cohen is such a different boy! But love him because he is so different. Such a stinker but then the next minute a total sweetheart. Most of the time he could care less if I'm getting after him about something. The other day a miracle happened. I got mad at him and he actually got his feelings hurt and started crying. It made me so happy! He's human! J/K. I love my little Co-Boy and couldn't imagine a life without him!

Grandma's Girl

We spent Monday through Sunday of last week with my mom. She came down to have her sun fix. It was great because I was sad to see Jody's parents go and knowing she was coming made it easier. She stayed in a hotel and took Ammon the first night and Cohen plus Ammon the second. We had yummy dinners both Monday and Tuesday and on Wednesday she watched the kids so Jody and I could have a much needed date to the temple together.

Rylee has gotten more comfortable with both of my parents and recently started giving her grandma kisses (something she only gives me and Jody). The kids and I are driving back to McKinleyville on Sunday to spend a few more days with my parents and Alex, who is coming home, before Ammon starts Kindergarten next Thursday!

10 year

This guy, Craig, said he wanted to look like he was good friends with the hot girls in high school.

Me and some of my best friends from high school.

Okay so the comment I made about people still having the high school mentality at my reunion came off the wrong way. Actually everyone at the reunion was really easy to talk to and genuinely seemed like they cared about being there and seeing everyone. The people who were still stuck in those days were the ones who didn't even show up! So lame. Half of them still live in Humboldt County. Some didn't want to pay the money, some had gained weight and didn't want to see people, and others wanted to have a keg out on the beach. Anyway I really enjoyed spending time with the thirty or so people that did show up. But really missed not getting to see those who didn't come. I was a little bummed. I enjoyed putting the slide show together and really wanted to see those people. Oh well. Those of us who showed up talked about doing something again in five years just because in ten we will be almost fourty! For all of you out there debating whether to go to your reunion I say, GO! The people who put the work into it deserve a good turnout and really it is so good to see people again.

I'm Alive....

We miss you!

I've been such the slacker with blogging lately. Do you ever feel like you have a million things you want to get done and instead accomplish nothing? That's how my life feels with three little ones and extra kids a couple days a week. I can't stand to live in chaos. It makes me a crazy woman. So there you have it. I've been a crazy woman lately. Oh well. Good thing my husband loves me, a lot. It doesn't help that we've had ourselves a little scare this month. Which actually would have turned into a big one. At ten o'clock last night Jody decided to end all the suspense of this scare and buy a pregnancy test. It was negative. Now let's just pray I start my dang period! I am so not ready for another child at this point in my life. At least the result of the test did help me to sleep peacefully for one night.

I got home from Mckinleyville to find this lovely little package on my doorstep! Thanks Aubree. It was so much fun to get a package in the mail of your favorite things. Aubree sent me:

1. A tote from paperchase
2. Heathbar bits for her favorite apple brickle dip. It is soooo good
3. Peanut butter/chocolate covered pretzels from Trader Joe's. Yum
4. Cute notepad.
5. Equally cute post it notes.
6. Some of her favorite recipes. Can't wait to try.
7. Bath and Body Works lip gloss
8. Crystal Light water bottle packets. One of my own fav's.
9. magnet's from IKEA that I was so desperately needing for my YW's lessons at church!

So much fun! Aubree, did you really stay under $20? I got so much stuff.

I had my ten year reunion on Saturday. I had a great time with my friends but was really surprised at how many lame people are still stuck in the High School mentality. Pics and more tomorrow. Now for some me time.....

more

Cohen's freaky face

Cute girl.

ah.

Having a jam session.

After Six Flags on Saturday. Everyone was beat. Notice the boys sleeping on the couch in the background. Rylee on the other hand was ready to go. She had been pushed around in a stroller all afternoon.

Six Flags. On Herald the Helicopter in Thomas the Train town.

We took the kids to Six Flags on Saturday. It was warm and overcrowded but we had a good time. I lost my phone while we were there. Miraculously someone picked it up and turned into Lost and Found. Later that night Jody set up his projector from work and we watched Penelope in our "movie theater." Friday night Megan and I went to Mama Mia. It was hilarious. Pierce Brosnan has a horrible voice! Collin Firth should have had the main male character part. His voice was pretty good. Good times.

Grandad, Grandmom and Cousin Megan

We've been busy having a fabulous time with Jody's parents and our niece Megan. They came to visit last Tuesday and I haven't had any time to blog or even get on my computer because we've been having fun. I have lots of pictures (thanks Megan!) and so I think I'll do a few posts.

We were sad to see them leave today. It always goes by way too fast. The boys played, played and played some more with their Grandad. Megan was a huge help with the kids. Feeding Rylee. Pushing the stroller around the mall and six flags and staying downstairs with the kids so that I could actually take a shower and get ready for the day with no interruptions. So nice. Cindy and I talked and talked about crafts, food and girl stuff. We always love having Jody's family come to visit. They are great company. We laughed, played, shopped, ate and watched movies together.

On Wednesday we took them to the coast to see the ocean. Bodega Bay is about 45 minutes from us. I let Rylee down on the sand and she was in heaven. She crawled around and put everything in her mouth. The boys went up and down the sand dunes. Megan took loads of pictures and Cindy and I just sat and relaxed on the beach.

More pictures to come!

a good start

Today the kids slept in until 8:30! I actually woke up before them which was a welcome change. Rylee was still asleep and I was nervous that something was wrong because she never sleeps so late in the morning. I ended up waking her up because I couldn't stand to wait any longer. I guess she just needed the extra sleep.

Cohen has been running around naked all morning and has gone potty around thirty times in the last 3 hours. Is this normal? Each time he goes he pees a drop and poops a tiny bit. It's been a while since I've potty trained. I'm not sure what to do when we go out. Do I put underwear on him? I'm almost positive he will have an accident. If he has a diaper or pull-up on he will just go to the bathroom in them. Any help here will be very appreciated! He starts preschool in 5 weeks and he HAS to be potty trained by then. The pressure is on.

I made my favorite lunch today. I bought a basil plant at Safeway yesterday. A loaf of pugliese bread, also at Safeway, which is perfectly baked. A fresh log of mozzarella cheese, vine ripened tomatoes and some salami. Cut two slices of bread off, brush each piece with olive oil. Cut a few slices of cheese, slice a few pieces of tomato, add two pieces of salami and tear a basil leaf into pieces. Stack all of this on one piece of the bread and top with second piece. Then put in a panini, george foreman, or in a pan and smash it with a spatula. Cook until light brown on both sides. Enjoy!

We are heading to the lake tomorrow. Finally. It's almost August and we are just finally going for the first time this summer! Life with two kids has been much quieter. Mainly because there isn't any fighting. But we sure do miss Ammo and can't wait to see him tomorrow.

walking rylee

She's been trying to walk for the last few weeks but now she's really moving. Rylee is loving the park because she actually gets to play!

Good news. I noticed today that our Safeway is opening a Jamba Juice inside their store!

reunion

I have my ten year reunion next month and was asked to put a slide show together for it. I'm not very computer savvy but it's McKinleyville High and I don't think people will be expecting too much. I know I could do one on PowerPoint but does anyone have any other suggestions or programs I could use?

I can't believe it's already July 15th! Ammon starts kindergarten in one month. Today he left with my mom to spend the week with them. I always worry when I'm apart from my kids. So paranoid that something will happen to me or to them. But I know Ammon will have a wonderful time and a break from three kids will be nice. Poor Cohen really wanted to go. He kept saying, "I go poop in the potty now, I can go too." He is doing okay with the potty training. Basically he runs around naked all day. My mom actually did offer to take him but he can be a hand full and she is going to have jet lag this week.

As they were leaving Ammon said goodbye to the kids I'm babysitting. Then he told them, "I'm going to where my girlfriend lives, " with a little smirk on his face. My mom and I died laughing. He is so girl crazy. Not like other boys his age who hate girls and think they have cooties.

The last time I made rice krispy treats I measured my ingredients.

Rice Krispy Treats

1 16 oz bag mini marshmallows
1 cube of butter
8 cups rice krispies

Melt the butter. Throw in the marshmallow. When all melted pour rice krispies in. Yummy but fattening deliciousness.

This next recipe is from Becky Higgins (the scrapbooker) blog. It is to die for. PLEASE try it!

CORN & AVOCADO SALSA

1 can white corn, drained (used fresh corn off the cob)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 bunch green onion, chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
4 med. tomatoes, chopped
3 avocados, chopped
1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
Mix together all ingredients and chill overnight.

hair

Loving my new haircut. My neighbor has a sister who does hair. She works in a salon but likes to do hair outside of it because she can make more money. Last week she cut and colored my hair for $55! That is such a good deal. The last time I got my hair cut and colored here it cost me $155. Better yet she will come to my house anytime to trim and color it again.

catch up

These first pics are from a few weeks ago. For FHE one night we took the kids on a hike. The boys loved it. Ammon took his bug catcher to catch a lizard but unfortunately didn't see any. After each little hill Cohen would yell, "We did it guys! We made it to the top!" Although I was paranoid that a mountain lion would jump out and eat our little family it was nice to get out.

We had a great 4th of July weekend. Sadly our trip to Trinity Lake was canceled do to the fires. My dad came Thursday evening and was kicked, punched and wrestled with until Saturday night. He and I took the boys to the Windsor firework show Thursday night. Friday he and Jody went golfing for about 4 hours and then we had a BBQ and let off fireworks in our driveway. We were a little nervous at first because they are against the law here and a CHP lives right behind us but soon realized that a lot of other people in the neighborhood were doing them as well. At the end we actually braved to the street and let some fireworks off on it! Crazy I know. Cohen was hilarious at first. He was afraid of them and watched from the window. Eventually he made his way out. Ammon loved the "sprinklers" and kept yelling "the police are here, put your hands up!"

Ammon was trying to catch the fireworks.

Saturday we went to Home Depot and then swimming at Morton's Warm Spring Resort. The kids and I had a great time but I think my dad and Jody were ready to leave soon after we arrived. The pools were perfect sizes for the kids. Even Rylee was able to go in a wading pool. She LOVED the water. Sadly my camera was dead so I didn't get any cute pics of her. It was a great weekend. Thanks for coming down dad!

random kindness

With all the hate and wickedness going on in the world it is so nice to see that there is still a lot of goodness out there. We went to the Home Depot kids clinic on Saturday. I was busy helping Cohen and my dad was busy helping Ammon build a bird house. A woman came up with her husband and said we had to get a picture of the moment because it was so wonderful. Unfortunately my battery was dead. So she offered to take the pictures and then email them to me. I was caught off guard by her kindness. Today I received the pictures with a kind email.

"Hi there, Here are the photos I took yesterday of your budding physical engineers! The image of your family sitting on the floor together patiently building those little houses stayed with my husband and me all day. The older we get, the more we've learned to appreciate a loving family when we see one! :) Thanks for letting us invade your space for a few moments. :)" Linda

This was just a wonderful week for me. We did a lot of fun things with the kids, my dad came down and we of course had great weather. But what made it such a great week were moments like the one above or when a friend of Lindsey's in London sent me one of the kindest emails. Another wonderful moment happened at church today. A very young mom of a one year old daughter in our ward asked me to go to the park with her last week. I hesitated at first because it wasn't going to be convenient for me but for some reason said yes. We went to the park and then to Costco and I enjoyed spending time with her. Most of the conversation was light and easy but we did talk for a few moments about her life and struggles she was having. Then today in sacrament meeting she bore her testimony. I know this isn't something she normally does. She was giving a wonderful testimony when all of the sudden she looked at me and personally thanked me for going to the park with her that week and how it was so good to talk to me about trials in her life. I had no idea how much that had meant to her. It was a great moment.

Today I am grateful for my life. I'm grateful for my kids, husband, and home. I am grateful for parents who taught me right and wrong. Right now I am especially grateful for my testimony. Sometimes I have a hard time describing it in words. More than anything it's a feeling. And I love that feeling. I love that I know where to turn when I am having a difficult time and that sometimes I feel Christ's love in my heart so strongly that it brings me to tears and makes me want to be a better everything.

swap

I will return the email with the name of the person you will need to send your item/items to. The package will need to be sent by July 20th. The limit is $20.

kellyiorg@gmail.com or just post a comment with your address.

Happy Swapping!!!

Memory Lane...

I got this from a friend's blog. I thought it would be fun! I hope you will play along.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.